SATURDAY 2ND JULY 2022 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

First Ship Docks at $2bn Lekki Deep Sea Port Larger vessels to start berthing in Nigeria, NPA promises 60% reduction in waiting time Gilbert Ekugbe Efforts to decongest Apapa Ports and attract larger vessels to Nigeria received a major boost yesterday as the first ship docked at Lekki Deep

Sea Port in Lagos. Managing Director, Nigeria Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko, who received the marine vessel “Zhen Hua 28,” a heavy lift carrier, stated that the Lekki Deep Seaport, when

operational, would reduce ship waiting time by 50 to 60 per cent. The Lekki Deep Seaport, designed to be a significant game-changer in Nigeria's maritime economy and

constructed by China Habour Engineering firm, is a $2 billion investment in the Lagos Free Trade Zone initiated by the Tolaram Group. According to Koko, the cargo dwell time will also reduce by

much more than 60 per cent when operations start before the end of the year. He said the port has the capacity to handle and evacuate more cargoes, adding that the cargo clearing process would

be faster courtesy of automation of the port. "The successful delivery today (yesterday) at the Lekki Deep Seaport of three Super Continued on page 5

Contrary to Joe Igbokwe, Tinubu did not Meet with Wike in Paris... Page 6 Saturday 2 July, 2022 Vol 27. No 9944

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Nigeria, Germany Sign Historic Joint Declaration on Return of Benin Bronzes It is morally impermissible to take the Benin bronzes, it is wrong to keep them, says German minister Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Nigeria and Germany have signed a historic joint declaration that will formally pave the way for the return of

1,130 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, 125 years after they were looted from the ancient Benin Kingdom during the Benin Expedition of 1897. The landmark proclamation

was signed in Berlin, Germany yesterday. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs,

Ambassador Zubairu Dada, signed for Nigeria, while the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, Ms. Annalena Baerbock, and the Minister of State for Culture and the

Media, Ms. Claudia Roth, signed for Germany. Mohammed thanked the German Government for what he described as the “single largest repatriation of artefacts

anywhere in the world.” He said, “We also want to most sincerely thank the authorities of the various Continued on page 5

US Senators Demand Relisting of Nigeria on Religious Freedom Concern List forViolence Against Christians ‘We remain concerned that the Nigerian government is failing to protect the religious freedom and basic safety of its Christian citizens’ Bennett Oghifo Five United State Senators Josh Hawley, Marco Rubio, Mike Braun, James M. Inhofe and Tom Cotton - have jointly sent a letter to the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken urging him to immediately redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under the US International Religious Freedom Act. They alleged that recent acts of violence targeting Nigerian Christians have underscored the deteriorating state of religious freedom in the country. In their letter, copied to Honourable Rashad Hussain, Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, United States Department of State, the

lawmakers stated, “As you are well aware, horrific acts of deadly violence have been committed against Nigerian Christians in recent weeks, including the massacre of churchgoers on Pentecost Sunday and the stoning of a Christian college student. Sadly, such violence has become all too familiar for Christians in Africa’s most populous country. “Last year, however, you inexplicably removed Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) despite no demonstrable improvement in the country’s religious freedom conditions. On the contrary, the situation in Nigeria has grown worse. We previously urged you to Continued on page 5

NIGERIA, PORTUGAL COLLABORATING… L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; President of Portugal, Marcelo Robelo de Sousa; Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo, and Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) Mele Kyari, when the two presidents visited the NNPC stand at the Portugal and Nigeria Economic Forum holding in Lisbon...yesterday

Appeal Court Jails Senator Nwaoboshi 7 Years for Money Laundering... Page 8

SATURDAY JULY 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022

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Ekweremadu: Court Orders Immigration, NIMC, Others to Release Bio-data of 'Organ Donor' Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday ordered the Nigerian Immigration Service, National Identity Management Commission, United Bank of Africa (UBA), and Stanbic IBTC to release a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the biodata information of David Nwamini Ukpo. The order was sequel to an application by Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife to enable them defend themselves in an alleged modern slavery and organ harvesting charge leveled against them at a Magistrate Court in the United Kingdom. The Metropolitan Police had last week arrested Ekweremadu and his wife Beatrice for allegedly trafficking a minor to the UK for exploitation and organ harvesting, an offence punishable by prison terms in the UK. But, Ekweremadu and his wife had denied any wrongdoing, claiming that contrary to the position of the UK police, the said donor, is not a minor and was neither tricked nor induced to donate his organ for the ailing daughter of Ekweremadu, who is currently in a London hospital. Ekweremadu and his wife accordingly approached a Federal High Court for an order compelling NIMC, Nigeria Immigration Service, UBA, Stanbic IBTC Bank, and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc., to

release a Certified True Copy of the bio-data information of Ukpo to the defendants to aid their defense in the London Court. In an originating summon marked: FHC/ABJ/ CS/984/2022, dated and filed June 27 by their counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, the couple said the information were for the purposes of facilitating the criminal investigation and tendering same to establish their innocence with respect to Ukpo’s age in the charges against them. Awomolo had told the court that the respondents would not respond to their request on the bio-data of Ukpo unless directed by the court. However, the applicants had asked the court to strike out the name of the 5th respondent (Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc) due to their inability to serve the 5th defendant with the motion. In a short ruling, Justice Ekwo held that evidence showed that the respondents have been served with the applicants' motion and since they did not dispute the facts of the motion, the application is granted in terms. The Metropolitan Police, in a statement last week said, “A woman and a man were charged today with conspiring to arrange the travel of a child into the UK in order to harvest organs." However, upon their arraignment last week, the London Court had denied

them bail on grounds that they are high profile persons and therefore flight risk. The judge subsequently ordered their remand pending the commencement of trial on July 7. However, following

interventions for the case to be given accelerated hearing, they were on Thursday brought to court where the judge denied them bail on the grounds that no bail application was before the court. The judge also revealed

that the case on the next adjourned date would be heard by a Westminster Magistrate Court because the UK Attorney General, Suella Braverman, would have to take a decision on whether to continue the trial in the UK or transfer it

to Nigeria, where the alleged crime originated. Recall that prosecutors had claimed that David Ukpo, who alleged that he was coerced to the UK to donate his kidney to the Senator’s daughter, is 15 years old.

Buhari: Killing of 30 Soldiers, 7 Policemen By Terrorists in Shiroro, a Direct Assault on Nigeria Deji Elumoye, Kingsley Nweze and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja, Laleye Dipo in Minna President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday described the killing of 30 soldiers, seven mobile policemen and two civilians in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State last Wednesday by terrorists as a direct assault on Nigeria, vowing that the attackers would not go unpunished. The security agents were ambushed by the terrorists on their way to a mining site in Shiroro, in response to a distress call. Several Chinese and Nigerian nationals were also abducted at the site. President Buhari also said his government would do everything possible to ensure the return of those abducted. Buhari in a statement by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, titled, “President Buhari: Attack on Shiroro is an attack on Nigeria herself. It will not go unpunished,” declared that wherever the perpetrators of the dastardly act may be, the

long hands of the law would catch up with them. He said: “And to the sadists, I say this: we are coming. No matter what rock you crawl under, what hole you sink into, what lie you hide behind, we are coming and we will find you. Shiroro will see justice. Nigeria will know peace." President Buhari paid tributes to the gallant men of the security forces who lost their lives in the process of defending the attack. He said: “We honour our security forces, and particularly those brave souls who have given their lives fighting against the evil that is terrorism. They constitute the best that Nigeria has to offer and we remember each of them. “Sadly, Nigeria’s fight against terrorism continues. It is a battle that is taking its toll on all of us. But we shall not relent, nor shall we surrender. “We say it again that we have reduced Boko Haram to a shell of its former self. But terrorists are parasites. They thrive when the world is suffering.

“This atrocity only serves to further strengthen us against them. Nigeria is united in obliterating these demons. Each day we grow closer to that goal. When they lash out during times of global suffering it is the act of a cornered animal, an act of desperation. “As always, their goal is the same: to sow fear and division amongst us. We will not let them. “Instead let us pray for the families and loved ones of those who sacrificed their lives in the fight against evil, and let us pray for the safe and speedy return of those abducted. We will do everything possible to ensure their return."

Army spokesperson, Onyema Nwachuckwu, confirmed the attack in Shiroro in a statement last Thursday. He said: “On Wednesday 29 of June 2022, troops of the Nigerian Army deployed in Shiroro general area responded

to a distress call about bandits’ attack on people operating in a mining site. Enroute the location, the troops ran into an ambush tagged by the criminal elements. Sadly, a number of personnel paid the supreme price in the fierce firefight that ensued. “Subsequently, the location has been reinforced and troops are on the trail of the criminals with some already neutralised. The GOC 1 Division has moved to the location to take charge of the follow up operations. “The NA notes that some clips of the incident have surfaced online and wish to encourage well-meaning Nigerians to exercise some restraint in posting images of such occurrence, mindful that our brothers and sisters who may have lost their breadwinners deserve to be properly notified and not to get such information via the media. We mention this, mindful of the inalienable rights of citizens to use the social media which is respected.”

and the Federal Ministry of Transportation who have over the time played a key role from the initial construction stage and also granted fast tracked approval for this historic exercise. “For us at the NPA, the coming on stream of Lekki symbolises a lot of positives. Apart from being Nigeria’s first Deep Seaport, Lekki Port will also be the first fully automated port at take-off. This provides an insight into the path we are already toeing as a management team to govern the operationalisation of not just the forthcoming Badagry, Ibom and Bonny Deep Seaports, but also of the reconstruction of the aged Tin-Can Port, where work is set to commence once we secure the necessary approvals from the Federal Ministry of Transportation and FEC, respectively." He stated that “automation remains the most veritable tool for assuring port efficiency, and

as most of us are aware, the NPA is working assiduously under the technical guidance of the International Maritime Organization to deploy the Port Community System (PCS), which will enable us respond squarely to the dictates of global trade facilitation and optimise the opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement to which Nigeria is signatory." The port has a natural depth of 16.5 metres, Quay Length of 680 metres, Breakwater of 1.909 metres, two Container Berths and Marine Services Jetty to handle containers, as well as liquid and dry bulk. Lekki Deep Seaport is indeed equipped to improve Nigeria’s fortunes, as far as maritime trade is concerned. The Board Chairman, Lekki Port Lagos Free Trade Zones (LFTZ), Biodun Dabiri, said the Lekki port would begin to deliver Nigeria as a regional hub for maritime business.

"Now the vessel we just received is carrying some major cranes and those cranes will enhance the transformation business of the deep sea port. Now, the draft depth of this sea is about 16.5 meters and the vessel itself can only take about 14.5 meters, the implication of this is that there is nowhere in this country that this vessel can berth and that is what makes it historic. "So, in terms of efficiency, when you talk of STS cranes, it means ship to shore which is devoid of manhandling, will just be automated. It is going to be fully automated. It is going to be really an efficient port and we believe it will transform the maritime business and make Nigeria a regional hub," he vouched. Dabiri commended the federal government through NPA, adding that they had been very supportive in the company's quest to achieve the feat.

Army Conﬁrms Attack

FIRST SHIP DOCKS AT $2BN LEKKI DEEP SEA PORT Post Panamax state-of-the art Ship to Shore (STS) Cranes and 10 Rubber Tyred Gantries (RTG) is a testament to the unflinching commitment of NPA to providing the support necessary for placing Nigeria

on the global list of countries with Deep Seaports. Koko said: “The successful delivery of these very important equipment which are critical for the Lekki Deep Seaport to commence operations before

the end of the year 2022 is a demonstration of our readiness to take trade facilitation a notch higher. This has been made possible by the tremendous backing of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari

US SENATORS DEMAND RELISTING OF NIGERIA ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM CONCERN LIST FOR VIOLENCE AGAINST CHRISTIANS immediately reverse your misguided decision, and we write today to renew our call. “Recent high-profile acts of violence underscore the intense religious persecution that is regularly experienced by Nigerian Christians. On Pentecost Sunday, gunmen attacked St. Francis Catholic Church in Nigeria’s Ondo state, reportedly killing at least 50 churchgoers. Last month, a violent mob brutally stoned to death Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu, a student at Shehu Shagari College of Education in northwest Nigeria. According to reports, some Islamist students were enraged by a “blasphemous” message Deborah had posted in a WhatsApp group, in which she said that ‘Jesus Christ is the greatest. He helped me pass my exams.’ Merely expressing one’s Christian faith has apparently become tantamount to a death sentence in many parts of Nigeria.” They stated that religious violence and intolerance directed toward Nigerian Christians had worsened in recent years and that one report documented more than 4,650 cases of Nigerian Christians who were killed for their faith in 2021. The lawmakers continued: Accordingly, Nigeria earns the dubious honour—for the

second consecutive year—of being the deadliest country on earth for Christians. “We wrote last year that not only has the government of Nigeria failed to take meaningful steps to mitigate such violence, but Nigerian authorities restrict and crack down on religious minorities and detain individuals indefinitely on blasphemy-related charges. We remain concerned that the Nigerian government is failing to protect the religious freedom and basic safety of its Christian citizens. “Furthermore, as this year’s annual reports from the bipartisan U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and from your own Department make clear, Nigerian government authorities directly participate in the persecution of Christians, Muslims, and even non-theists, most notoriously through arrests and convictions under blasphemy laws. Make no mistake: continued enforcement of state-sanctioned blasphemy laws enables the type of deadly violence that killed Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu and so many others. “When we previously wrote you, we were met with a response which failed to answer our questions about

why the State Department views Nigeria as not having engaged in or tolerated ‘systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom’ or even ‘severe violations of religious freedom.’ This is unacceptable, especially because you are required by federal law to consider the recommendation of USCIRF—which, since 2009, has been to designate Nigeria as a CPC. In fact, USCIRF reiterated in its 2022 Annual Report that it was “appalled” at the removal of Nigeria’s CPC designation. “Despite public statements from you and other State Department officials condemning the recent bloodshed in Nigeria, the fact remains that the Department still does not officially regard Nigeria as a severe violator of religious freedom. “The State Department released its 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom on June 2, which starts the 90-day timeline for the Department to make its religious freedom designations. Given the abysmal state of religious freedom in Nigeria, it is incumbent upon you to reverse last year’s decision and redesignate the country as a CPC. The moment demands that you do so without delay.”

NIGERIA, GERMANY SIGN HISTORIC JOINT DECLARATION ON RETURN OF BENIN BRONZES German regions, cities, museums and institutions that have been working in concert to ensure the manifestation of the history-making event that we are witnessing today. By this singular action, Germany has taken the lead in correcting the wrongs of the past.” He said Germany did not colonize Nigeria and was not part of the looting of its artefacts, stating that many of the Benin Bronzes in German public institutions got there via trade and donations. “Yet, Germany and the great people of this nation decided it is better to shape the future by correcting the ills of the past. I have no doubt in my mind

that this pace-setting action by the Federal Government of Germany will become a harbinger of more repatriation of cultural property to their place of origin, as other museums and institutions are expected to take a cue from what Germany has done. “Germany has gained more friends in Nigeria and all over the world by returning to Nigeria what rightfully belongs to it,” Mohammed said. On his part, Ambassador Dada called Germany the “champion of justice and fairness.” In her remarks, the German Minister of Foreign Affairs,

Ms. Baerbock, said it was “morally impermissible” to take the Benin bronzes. “It was wrong to keep them for 125 years. This is the beginning to right the wrong.” At the signing ceremony and in a symbolic gesture signifying the impending return of the artefacts, two of the Benin Bronzes were handed over to Nigeria. The signing was witnessed by top Nigerian and German government officials, including the Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Mr. Yusuf Tuggar, and the Director-General of Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Prof. Abba Tijani.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 2, 2022

NEWS

News Editor Charles Ajunwa 09157401421 (sms only) Email charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

Buhari: My Govt’s Priority is to Tackle Insecurity in Nigeria, Sahel Region, West Africa Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that his administration has made it a top priority to tackle the issue

of insecurity in Nigeria, the West African sub-region and the Sahel. Speaking Thursday at a State Dinner in National Palace Ajuda, Lisbon, the Portuguese capital,

Contrary to Joe Igbokwe, Tinubu did not Meet with Wike in Paris The Tinubu Media Office yesterday debunked reports that the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) Presidential Standard-bearer, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, met with Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State in Paris last Thursday. A frontline APC member in Lagos State, Joe Igbokwe had in a social media post on Thursday evening said that Wike met with Tinubu in France. But the statement signed by Tunde Rahman denied this. The declaration reads: “We have seen a viral social media post made by one of the chieftains of All Progressives Congress in Lagos State and media reports emanating from same about a supposed meeting in France between APC Presidential Standardbearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.

“It has become imperative to set the record straight. Although Asiwaju Tinubu is presently in France, he didn’t have any meeting with Governor Wike whether in that country or anywhere whatsoever. “This, however, does not detract from the fact that the APC presidential candidate holds Governor Wike in high esteem. And given the national and across-party lines appeal of Asiwaju Tinubu’s candidature, he will not hesitate to meet any important national leader when desirable. “As made public earlier, Asiwaju Tinubu is in France for some important engagements. He will return to the country shortly. We would like, once again, to advice journalists to always crosscheck their information with appropriate officers before rushing to press to avoid unintended errors.”

Akire, Apomu Reaffirm Support for Oyetola Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo As the 2022 Osun governorship election draws nearer, traditional rulers in Irewole Federal Constituency of the state have passed a vote of confidence in the administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, saying he had successfully delivered on the people’s mandate. The monarchs comprising the Akire of Ikire, Oba Olatunde Falabi; Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi and high chiefs in Irewole and Isokan local government areas, also expressed their support towards the actualisation of the re-election of the governor in the July 16 gubernatorial poll. This is even as Governor Oyetola reaffirmed his determination to continue to build a virile economy and maintain the existing peaceful atmosphere in the state, declaring that “under my watch, Osun will continue to be safe.” Speaking at his palace yesterday while receiving Oyetola and members of his re-election Campaign Council, Akire of Ikire,

Oba Falabi said the governor had performed creditably well, noting that his outstanding achievements were visible across all sectors. The monarch particularly lauded Oyetola for repositioning and redefining the socioeconomic fortunes of the state through the introduction and implementation of masses-oriented policies and programmes. He said: “Your campaign here is just to fulfill all righteousness because your track records and monumental strides across sectors are living testimony to earn you a return to office. To us as traditional rulers, you have done excellently well. We have seen your trademark of good governance as reflected in the competent way you’ve been running the affairs of the state. “There is nothing to say other than for us to continue to pray and support you as a way of reciprocating your good intent for Osun and its people. You have indeed convinced us to continue to support you and we profess loud and clear that you are eminently qualified to steer the affairs of the state for another four years,” Oba Falabi said.

Ango Abdullahi’s Son Dies After Brief Illness Isah, the eldest son of the Chairman of the Northern Elders’ Forum, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, died in Abuja on Thursday, after a brief illness. The body of the late Isah, who was a staff of the National Intelligence Agency,

was buried in Zaria, after funeral prayers yesterday at the Haruna Danja Juma’at Mosque at about 1.30p.m., family sources told journalists yesterday. The late Isah was survived by a wife and children.

the President said this would not have been possible without the regional as well as global partners of Nigeria. According to him, ‘‘The Boko Haram insurgency in the North-eastern part of Nigeria is being tackled through the efforts of government, as well as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) of member countries.” President Buhari also appreciated Portugal for the deployment of weapons and training of military personnel in ensuring peace in the sub-region. He commended President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa for deploying troops for peacekeeping in the Central African Republic, monitoring political developments and providing assistance to some countries in Africa, including Equatorial Guinea, Cape Verde and Mozambique.

President Buhari at the dinner attended by the President of the Portuguese National Assembly, Augusto Santos Silva, and Prime Minister Antonio Costa, expressed optimism that his State Visit would further strengthen the goodwill and collaboration between the two countries. He noted that the establishment of a Joint Commission, which is one of the main priorities of the visit, would further promote the full realisation of the objectives of bilateral relations, achieving concrete, specific and viable projects and programmes for the benefit of citizens of the two countries. He said: ‘‘Today, Portugal imports about 60 per cent of its gas from Nigeria which makes it our second-largest market in Europe.

‘‘There is still more that can be achieved between the two countries, especially with the current Russia-Ukraine war which has disrupted steady gas supplies to Europe. ‘‘Furthermore, Nigeria wants to see trade diversified to non-oil products such as agriculture, power projects, renewable energy and pharmaceuticals where a lot could be achieved.” He emphasised the need to revive the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and finalise all pending bilateral agreements so as to boost economic activities and movement of people between the two countries. President Buhari described Nigeria as one of the most attractive destinations for investment

in Africa, adding that his Government was prioritising building a business-friendly environment. ‘‘Nigeria is part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) - the largest free trade area in the world. With a population of over 200 million mainly young men and women, Nigeria is a natural and attractive hub for foreign investment and one-stop market access to over 50 countries.’’ The Nigerian leader welcomed the Business Forum organised during the visit and the signing of many Memoranda of Understanding between the two countries’ investment promotion agencies and chambers of commerce. He described the signing of the agreements ‘‘as excellent foundations for increased bilateral trade.’’

FOR ENHANCED SECURITY… L-R: The Training Oﬃcer, 81 Division, Nigerian Army Brigadier General Shuaib Nuhu; General Oﬃcer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Major General Umar Musa; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Brigade Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala , Brigadier General Ismail Abdullahi and the Military Intelligence Commander, 81 Division, Brigadier General Kinsley Nwoko after the Governor received the new GOC and his team at the State Secretariat, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

APC Chieftain Rallies Support for Abiodun’s Victory in 2023 James Sowole in Abeokuta A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Adekunle Ayoola, has said that the case of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s reelection, was that of ‘one good turn deserves another which must be realised in 2023. Ayoola stated this at Ijebu Ode Club, when he hosted the executives of Odogbolu Local Government Area led by its Chairman, Hon Ladejobi Shuaib Adebayo. The chieftain said the success of the ruling party at all levels in the forthcoming 2023 general election, should be of paramount concern to those who loved good things.

Ayoola, who is the founder of Omooba Obaruwa Foundation from Odogbolu Ward 1 disclosed that the essence of the gathering, was to identify with the grassroots development of the present administration in the local government and to declare his support for the continued success of APC at the polls even beyond 2023. The political scientist and strategist lauded Ladejobi and his team for their commitment to make life a lot easier for the rural dwellers pledging that he was ready to join forces with them in the area of education and poverty alleviation to further support the good works of Governor Abiodun in the state.

Ayoola called for concerted efforts to ensure the return of Abiodun come 2023 saying that “what is also uppermost in my mind is the success of the second term bid of our hardworking governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun. “This is a case of one good term deserves another. I am also pledging my unshakeable support for the landslide victory for our party presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, likewise all our party flag bearers across the state. I therefore seek for the hands of fellowship and support of everyone to further make our party the party to beat of all times.” He thereafter pledged to

donate a thousand torchlights to the local government to further entrench the philosophy of “Atupa Iye’’ as fondly promoted by the LG boss, Hon. Ladejobi Shuaib Adebayo. Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the local government, Ladejobi lauded Prince Adekunle Ayoola for being a young man with a favourable disposition to adding value to his people back home despite staying outside the country. The chairman said he had heard of his interventions across the local government and that he had been doing it with no air of pride but with all humility and sense of service to humanity.

Two Killed as Suspected Herdsmen Attack Enugu Community Two people were confirmed dead and two others injured in an attack by suspected herdsmen on Mgbuji and Agu-Amede Communities in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Thursday. Also recently, suspected Fulani militias killed not less than 16 people in Eha-Amufu communities, destroying 14 farm settlements with over

3,000 people. Records show that between December 2021 and June this year, suspected militants have destroyed hundreds of houses and properties worth millions of Naira. Although the Enugu State Police Command could not be reached to confirm the incident, the spokesman of Mgbuji Community, Chijioke Ogbodo told

journalists yesterday that “They (suspected Fulani militias) killed two of our people yesterday (Thursday) between Mgbuji and Agu-Amede. The killings happened at Onu-Mgbede Mgbuji. Two that survived were in the hospital now as we speak. This is still happening after all the promises from the police, Army, and DSS (Department of State Services) that they are going to

provide adequate security. As I speak to you there is no single security man in Eha-Amufu. “Now, they have expanded their attacks to Agu-Amede Community. They are now attacking Mgbuji and Agu-Amede Communities simultaneously. We have over 6,000 internally displaced people in the Mgbuji community alone and nobody is interested in their welfare.”

SATURDAY JULY 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 2, 2022

NEWS

Appeal Court Jails Senator Nwaoboshi 7 Years for Money Laundering Upturns lower court’s judgement Wale Igbintade The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division yesterday overturned the judgment of Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, which discharged Senator Peter Nwaoboshi of the N322 million money laundering charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The Appellate court in its judgement delivered yesterday

allowed the appeal filed by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), convicted and sentenced Senator Peter Nwaoboshi to seven years imprisonment. Also, the Appellate court in its unanimous decision ordered that his two companies, Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd and Suiming Electrical Ltd, be wound up in line with the provisions of Section 22 of the Money Laundering Prohibition

Act 2021. Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos had on June 18, 2021, 2018, discharged Senator Nwaoboshi of the N322 million money laundering charge filed against him by the EFCC.

The lower court had in its judgement held that the EFCC could not prove the elements of the offences for which it charged the lawmaker. Dissatisfied, the Commission challenged the judgment and

urged the Appellate court to allow the Appeal and set aside the judgement. EFCC had arraigned the three defendants over the acquisition of a property named Guinea House, Marine Road, in Apapa,

Lagos, for N805 million. The defendants were arraigned in 2018 before Justice Mohammed Idris who was later elevated to the Court of Appeal. They were then re-arraigned before Justice Aneke on October 5, 2018.

2023: NLC Directs State, LGA Chapters to Mobilise Support for Labour Party Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Ahead of the 2023 General Elections, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked all its state structures to activate their local government political committees to sensitise workers and the general populace on the need to vote in Labour Party candidates across all elective positions in the 2023 general election. The two labour centres, NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had earlier declared their support for the Labour Party and its presidential candidate for the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi. NLC also said that it will organise a mega rally in Kebbi State in support of its Deputy President, Dr. Nasir Idris, who has emerged as a governorship candidate in Kebbi State as well as support its Chairperson in Niger State in order to ensure

victory at the polls. The Labour movement urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that all eligible voters willing to vote in the 2023 general election are registered. In a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Committee meeting held on Thursday in Abuja, NLC said that it had taken note of “the increasing adoption of the Labour Party and its candidates as the party of choice and candidates to beat by many Nigerians especially workers, youths and women.” Regarding the current excitement by Nigerians from all walks of life to participate in the 2023 general election as expressed by the commitment to register and collect Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), it urged INEC to expand its capacity to register new voters.

FG to Rake in N23bn from Onitsha River Port in 30 Years Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Minister of State for Transportation, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, has revealed that the Onitsha River Port is positioned to generate over N23 billion to the federal government in 30 years. Senator Saraki disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, during the signing of an agreement between the federal government and Universal Elysium Consortium Limited on the concession of the Onitsha River Port. According to the minister, the port will among other things ensure that the 60 per cent shipped cargoes which hitherto go through Onne Port in River State would be transported directly to Onitsha. She added that the port had lots of economic benefits to the country, noting, “There is a lot of economic growth, there is going to be creation of wealth, creation of jobs, security and greater development Saraki further hinted that “the Baro, Lokoja and Oguta ports, which are at different stages of completion, will be considered after the Onitsha Port. The most

important thing is that we already have interest from potential investors who want to actually take over these ports.” “As for the Onitsha River Port, we hope it is a catalyst for other river ports, so that it will decongest other ports and bring about growth. You know the traffic on our roads, the state of our roads as well as the tankers and freight being moved on our roads have now reduced. “And so it is a very good thing and we are exceptionally proud that at long last we have actually achieved this. It’s being signed and we look forward to the growth there to materialize,” she said. The Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Dr. George Moghalu, who signed on behalf of the federal government, disclosed that the Onitsha Port has a lot of potential in terms of revenue generation and job creation. Moghalu, while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the event said: “This is a milestone. It is a project that by the time I came into the office in 2019, they had been on it five years before trying to get this one port concession.

GRATITUDE. . . L-R: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, the Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Member representing Nkanu East Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Paul Nnajiofor and the Deputy Chairman of Nkanu East LGA, Hon. Martins Agbo, when the people of Nkanu East LGA paid a Thank-you visit to Ugwuanyi, at the Government House, Enugu, for his role in the emergence of their illustrious son, Mbah, as the party’s gubernatorial ﬂagbearer, yesterday.

Eroton Blames Cawthorn Channel Spill on Sabotage, Commences Containment Ahamefula Ogbu Eroton Exploration and Production Company Limited, an indigenous oil and gas company has blamed sabotage for the oil spill which was reported at its facility at the Cawthorn Channel 15 Well head and condemned it as reprehensible and a negative action against the environment. A statement by the company yesterday empathised with the host and impacted communities

whom they promised responsible and professional conduct in its operations which conform to global best practices. “The incident is attributed to sabotage from unknown persons, as the short string has been shut-in since 1988 due to High Gas Oil Ratio (HGOR), while the long string watered out and quit in 1991,” a statement Eroton’s Head of External Affairs and Corporate Communications, Mercy Max-Ebibai.

According to her, “a preliminary Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) found that the entire valves on the Christmas Tree, wellhead accessories (such as the control valves, tree caps, etc.) were removed. The vandals also removed the Well platform and gangway making it more complicated to intervene on the flowing well. The removal of the platform means our technicians have nothing to stand

on in attempting to control the unplanned flow as the well is standing at about 30feet above sea level. “On inspection by our team of engineers and service contractors (marred by poor visibility from crude flow and height), it was observed that the crude oil leak is most likely from three (3) points: the Well Christmas Tree Cap, Swab and Wing Valves, which were carted away by the vandals.”

Rotary District 9125 to Promote Healthcare, Blood Donation The new Governor of Rotary International District 9125, Goddy Nnadi, yesterday, unveiled his goals for the 2022/2023 Rotary Year. Nnadi who spoke at a press conference in Abuja, said promotion of healthcare, blood donation, mental health, water, sanitation and peace building would be top on his priority projects as Governor of the District in the next one year.

He said the Rotary District 9125 would be collaborating with the National Blood Service Commission in promoting the culture of blood donation in order to save accident victims and patients in dire need of blood transfusion. HeaddedthattheDistrictunderhis administration would also promote awarenessonandtreatmentofmental health issues which is fast becoming

a major issue for society and families. He said the District is finalising arrangementstobuilda24-hourservice hospital in Abuja to be manned by rotarians in the medical field within the city. According to him water and sanitation geared towards curbing open defecation in schools would be a another top priority for his administration.

He said the District would also promote and encourage peace Building efforts by collaborating with relevant authorities through its Institute of Peace Building. Rotary District 9125 is composed of 143 clubs, spread across 23 states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which makes it the largest Rotary District in the country.

Strike: Ogun Worker Slumps, Dies During Brieﬁng James Sowole in Abeokuta

Tragedy struck the Ogun State chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as one of the striking workers identified as Comrade Sunday Ogunjimi suddenly died while waiting for further directives on the ongoing indefinite strike embarked upon by the union in the state. Ogunjimi died after he slumped at the state Secre-

tariat of NLC, located along the M.K.O. Abiola Way in Abeokuta, the state capital where the striking workers had converged, waiting for the NLC leadership to give further instructions as to whether the strike should be called off or not. Source at the hospital told journalists that Ogunjimi was pronounced “dead on arrival” by the doctors on duty at the Federal Medical Center (FMC),

Idi - Aba, Abeokuta where he was rushed to for treatment after slumping at the Lemme Secretariat of NLC. Until his death, it was gathered that the deceased, a former Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Odeda Local Government was a primary school teacher, who actively took part in the 5-days old industrial action embarked upon by workers to press

home, their demands for a better condition of service from the state government. Prior to the incident, the NLC State Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Bankole had invited the striking workers and informed them that the Friday’s meeting of the union’s leadership with the state government would be deadlock and that members should by Monday the 4th of July, continue with the strike.

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SATURDAY JULY 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 2, 2022

NEW

Archbishop Decries Killing of Christians in Nigeria George Okoh in Makurdi The Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, yesterday, decried the persecution and killing of innocent Christians especially Catholic priests in the country by terrorists describing the attacks as unfortunate. Kaigama, who spoke at the installation of Most Rev. Isaac Bundepuun Dugu as the Bishop of Katsina-Ala Dioceses also called for sustained prayers to end killing and abduction of Catholic priests, lamenting the growing insecurity

situation ravaging states in the country and called for a stop to the practice. He warned Christians in the Diocese against divisive tendencies that would bring about a crisis in the church, but to work in harmony with Bishop Dugu to bring about peace and development of the church. In another development, Kaigama expressed concern that most federal roads in the state were in deplorable states. “The condition of roads in the state are very bad even the road

to this place (venue of the event) is also bad, as I was coming here I observed how bad the road is. I urge Governor Samuel Ortom to construct these roads to make them motorable, the ones he cannot do, he should take them to the federal government to come and do them and even link them to my state in Taraba State so that when I retire I will drive on them home.” Governor Samuel Ortom in a brief remark, acknowledged the deplorable condition of roads especially the Gboko-Katsina Road

and promised to take the matter to the presidency for necessary action. The governor commended the cordial working relationship that exists between his administration and the church and pledged his continued support and partnership with the church for the development of the state. Paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, HRM Prof. James Ayatse, commended Ortom for ensuring the return of peace in Sankera area which before now was a no-go area due to criminal activities.

:DEDUD 0\ :LIH·V 'HDWK 'HYDVWDWHG 0H Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Former Senate President, Chief Adolphus Wabara, has revealed that the demise of his wife, Felicia, in April at the age of 69 devastated him completely. He disclosed this inner longing when he received the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Chief Ikechi Emenike, who was at Ohambele in Ukwa East Local Government Area to condole with the former Senate President. “I had told my wife that I would like to die before her,” the former number three man in Nigeria said, adding that “women are stronger than men”, contrary to the general belief. He said that he has been devastated by the passage to

eternity of his Edo State-born soul mate, who had been part of his life for over four decades, hence it would have been better for him to have gone before her. Senator Wabara lauded Emenike for putting politics DVLGH DQG GHHPHG LW ÀW WR FRPH on a condolence visit to his Ohambele home in Ukwa East Local Government even when WKH\ EHORQJ WR GLͿHUHQW SROLWLFDO parties. According to him, the burial ceremony of his wife would EH D QRQ SDUWLVDQ DͿDLU DV he formally invited the APC governorship standard bearer and members of his party to come and join his family to pay their last respects to his wife. He said that the burial ceremony of his wife would “attract a lot of people to this place but there is no road to Ukwa.”

1R 1DWLRQ *URZV :LWKRXW $FFXUDWH &HQVXV 6D\V 2KLQR\L RI (ELUDODQG Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY… L-R:Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Oloja of Epe Kingdom, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Lawmaker representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Sen. Tokunbo Abiru; and Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, at the inauguration of the Remodeled Oluwo Fish Market, Epe, facilitated by Senator Abiru in Epe, Lagos on Thursday PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

(GR )HGHUDO /DZPDNHU -XGH ,VH ,GHKHQ LV 'HDG 2EDVHNL 0RXUQV Udora Orizu in Abuja and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Spokesperson of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, was 52 years old and a member of The lawmaker representing the Peoples Democratic Party Egor/Ikpoba Okha federal (PDP). This is as Edo State Governor, constituency of Edo State in the House of Representatives, Godwin Obaseki, has described Hon. Jude Ise-Idehen, has been his demise as shocking and painful, noting that Ise-Idehen FRQÀUPHG GHDG He was said to have passed was an illustrious Edo son who away in the early hours of worked for the upliftment of his constituents in particular yesterday. Ise-Idehen whose death and Edo citizens in general. In a statement, through his ZDV DOVR FRQÀUPHG E\ WKH

2EL &XEDQD 5HODXQFKHV 1HZ $JH 0RELOH 8QYHLOV 'RQ -D]]\ DV %UDQG $PEDVVDGRU Emma Okonji in Lagos

Chief Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, a co-partner in New Age Mobile Concepts Limited, dealer of global power bank and mobile phone accessories and electronic devices, has relaunched the brand, with the unveiling of Nigerian music artist and producer, Don Jazzy, as the brand ambassador. In a ceremony attended by several people, including celebrated artists, actors and actresses in Lekki, Lagos, recently, the CEO, New Age Mobile Concepts Ltd, Obi Cubana said the company decided to relaunch the brand because of what it represents in the

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector to satisfy the growing needs of Nigerian consumers with quality products and accessories. According to him, “The New Age Power Bank is manufactured by New Age Mobile Concepts Ltd, the makers of New Age phone charger and other phone accessories.Currently, New Age Concepts Ltd is among top leading mobile accessories merchandising companies in 1LJHULD RͿHULQJ KLJK TXDOLW\ mobile accessories.’’ The businessman and entertainment guru said his company chose Don Jazzy as its brand ambassador because of what he represents in the music industry, his great followers and his fame.

Special Advised on Media, Crusoe Osagie, Governor Obaseki, said “I received the shocking news of the passing of Hon. Jude Ise-Idehen with rude shock. It is indeed a painful and great loss for the people of Ikpoba-Okha/ Egor Federal Constituency, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, and the country at large. “A consummate politician, he was a community mobiliser;

ÀUP DQG FRQVLGHUDWH LQ WKH discharge of his duties. He was compassionate, kind and hardworking. “For the people of IkpobaOkha/Egor Constituency, he was a force to reckon with. He served diligently and promoted projects that enhanced the living standards of his people. “He will be remembered for KLV VHOÁHVV VHUYLFH DQG FRPmitment to the development of his constituency.”

The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and Vice President, Kogi State Council of Traditional Chiefs, His Royal Majesty Alhaji Ado Ibrahim, has disclosed that no nation can grow without accurate census for the national planning. He also advised Nigerians to come out en masse during the forthcoming national census and ensure they get counted for the government’s proper planning and policies. The paramount ruler disclosed this while receiving the Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission, Professor Jimoh H.Isah and State Coordinator, A. Femi Ojo who paid an advocacy visit to his Azad place in Okene, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State on Thursday. Alhaji Ibrahim explained that with the coming of the

new national census exercise, WKH H[HUFLVH ZRXOG DͿRUG WKH NPC the opportunity to right the wrongs of the past. He pledged to support the NPC and the critical stakeholders to ensure the forthcoming national census in 2023. Addressing the critical stakeholders during the advocacy and sensitisation meeting at the Palace of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland on Thursday, Professor Isah appealed to the people of Central senatorial district to get counted this time around DV QR RQH ZRXOG LQÁDWH WKH ÀJXUHV DJDLQ He pointed out that it is through accurate census that government plans for development and growth, noting that the distribution would be done on the numbers of the people of the area and therefore people must come out en masse to be counted.

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The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the National Council 0HPEHUV 3DVV 9RWH RI 1R &RQÀGHQFH RQ for Women Society (NCWS) have reached an agreement to evolve a new brand that %DXFKL $VVHPEO\ OHDGHUVKLS /HDGHUVKLS will empower vulnerable Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi moment from now. Nigerian women and create Hon. Dambam disclosed this a platform that will enable A leadership crisis has while addressing journalists at them contribute their quota engulfed Bauchi State House the end of their meeting at the to national development. This agreement was reached of Assembly as 22 members Assembly complex. He said: “After our meeting when the newly elected execuyesterday passed a vote of no FRQÀGHQFH RQ WKH SULQFLSDO held today, Friday, 1st July 2022, tive of the NCWS led by Hajia R΀FHUV RI WKH +RXVH IRU 22 members of the Bauchi State Lami Adamu paid a courtesy House of Assembly resolved visit to NCAC headquarters ineptitude. The 22 members led by the WR SDVV YRWH RI QR FRQÀGHQFH in Abuja. Hajia Adamu who comDeputy Majority Leader, Baballe on the leadership of the House mended the warm reception Abubakar Dambam represent- from today. “We consider that as it is accorded her and her team, ing Dambam/Dagauda/Jalam Constituency declared that the today, there is no leadership in said she was at the Council leadership of the House had the State House of Assembly, headquarters to introduce the failed in its responsibility to I am among the leaders but newly inaugurated executive we feel that it is the right time of the Women Society to the the members. The aggrieved members and we must do it. We have Director General, Otunba called on the leadership to therefore passed a vote of no Olusegun Runsewe who choose the honourable path FRQÀGHQFH RQ DOO WKH OHDGHUV has been a pillar of support of voluntary resignation from of the Bauchi State House of to the Women Society in areas of skills acquisition, capacity R΀FH RU EH LPSHDFKHG DQ\ Assembly.”

building and empowerment and also seek areas of further collaborations. She stated that the newly inaugurated executive of the society is proud to identify with NCAC boss who has positively projected the image of Nigeria home and abroad within the culture and tourism sector and is also working assiduously to transform Nigeria’s rich and diverse cultural heritage into a viable economy. She revealed that the new leadership of the NCWS has commenced the development of a strategic plan as a roadmap for achieving the vision of WKH FRXQFLO IRU WKH QH[W ÀYH years. These according to her include promoting women in leadership and governance, economic empowerment of women, child protection and girl-child education and buildLQJ DQ HͿHFWLYH DQG H΀FLHQW NCWS as a valued partner for promoting the gender agenda.

SATURDAY JULY 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 2, 2022

NEWS NCDMB Partners Shell, ExxonMobil, NAOC in Oil, Gas ParksDevelopment Peter Uzoho

GOOD TO HAVE YOU… L-R: President, National Council of Women Society (NCWS), Hajia Lami Adamu and Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, during her oﬃcial visit to NCAC Headquarters in Abuja...recently

FG Inaugurates C’ttee to Review Oronsaye’s Report Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The federal government has inaugurated the White Paper Committee to review the new parastatals, agencies and commissions that were created since 2014. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, yesterday, inaugurated the eight-man committee headed by Mrs. Ebele Okeke. The committee will consider the recommendations and produce a

White Paper on the report of the committee headed by Ms Ama Pepple, which the government constituted to review new agencies created from 2014 to date. Mustapha said the government was concerned about the increasing cost of governance with regard to revenue challenges in the country that needed to be addressed. He said the high cost of governance was being worsened by the creation of new agencies.

He said the inability of the federal government to implement the report of the Committee on Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies and Commission, which Steve Oronsaye headed in 2011 was costing the government highly. The SGF noted that the Oronsaye Committee which submitted its report on April 16, 2012, made various recommendations, including abolition, reduction, merger

and reversion of some of the agencies to departments in the ministries. However, a White Paper was issued on the committee report in March, 2014 followed by an implementation committee that was inaugurated in May, 2014. But the White Paper rejected most of the recommendations, and merely noted an equally greater number. The accepted recommendations were also not implemented.

Sokari-George: Nigeria’s 25m Trees Target is Possible Michael Olugbode in Abuja

A stakeholder in the environmental sector and Chairman, Wood Expo Nigeria (WEN), Arc. Danny Sokari-George, has said the federal government’s 25 million trees planting policy was achievable, expressing the willingness of his organisation to collaborate on making the dream come to reality. Sokari-George said in order

to birth the 25 million trees across the country, WEN will partner state governments and engage the youths to create jobs from the value chain of wood. He gave the commitment during the week in Abuja while speaking at the pre-event press conference for 2023 Wood Expo Nigeria to create awareness for the event schedule for Lagos in November. Sokari-George, said WEN

has a vision of partnering state governors to help the federal government realise its plan of planting 25 million trees. +H VDLG ´:H ZDQW WR FRQtribute to the president’s plan in the planting of 25 million trees by seeking partnerships with state governors.” He also said that it’s not a waste to invest in tree planting because of the huge economic EHQHÀWV ´LW LV QRW D ZDVWH RI

time to secure land and plant trees because when you plant trees today there are ready EX\HUV WR EX\ LW RͿ KHUH LQ Nigeria and abroad. And ELRORJLFDOO\ LW LV EHQHÀFLDO WR the environment. “We will engage the youths in planting of trees because it ZLOO EH EHQHÀFLDO WR ERWK SDUWLHV 7KH \RXWKV ZLOO EHQHÀW HFRnomically and it will also help us solve our forest depletion.

Airtel Africa Launches Smartcash Payment Service Bank in Nigeria Emma Okonji

Two months after Airtel Africa was granted full Payment Service Bank (PSB) licence by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the telecom company, which has operations in 14 African countries, including Nigeria, on Thursday, launched its Smartcash Payment Service Bank, to further deepen ÀQDQFLDO LQFOXVLRQ LQ 1LJHULD Airtel Africa, six months ago, got CBN’s approval-in-principle to operate a payment service bank in Nigeria, before it was

given full PSB licence two months ago. The Smartcash Payment Service Bank, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Artel Africa, will provide secure and reliable ÀQDQFLDO VHUYLFHV DFURVV 1LJHULD Headquartered in Lagos, it is accepting deposits from individuals and small businesses, carrying out payment and remittance services within Nigeria, and issuing debit and prepaid cards among other banking services. Smartcash also enables person-to-person

payment and transfers from across the world. The service is currently available at selected retail touchpoints. Plans are underway to expand the innovative, technology-driven services to all parts of the country, including the furthest and most UHPRWH LQ DQ HͿRUW WR DFFHOHUDWH ÀQDQFLDO LQFOXVLRQ IRU DOO Nigerians. Already, Smartcash targets reaching the 36.8 per cent unbanked adult population in Nigeria, as estimated by the Access to Financial Services in

Nigeria report. Speaking at the launch, Airtel Africa’s Group Chief Executive 2΀FHU 6HJXQ 2JXQVDQ\D VDLG “The launch of Smartcash Payment Service Bank gives us fresh impetus at Airtel Africa, to continue growing our footprint in the continent and delivering innovative solutions. In the bank, we have the best of both worlds – a hybrid of commercial bank and mobile ÀQDQFLDO VHUYLFHV ² RͿHULQJ ODVW PLOH FRQQHFWLRQ WR WKH ÀQDQFLDOO\ excluded.

U.S Senators want Nigeria Reinstated on ‘Religious Freedom Concern’ List Bennett Oghifo

United State Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to immediately redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act. Recent acts of violence targeting Nigerian Christians have underscored the deteriorating state of religious freedom in the

country, he said. Joining Senator Hawley’s letter are Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.),Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.). “Religious violence and intolerance directed toward Nigerian Christians have worsened in recent years. One report documented more than 4,650 cases of Nigerian Christians who were killed for their faith in 2021. Accordingly, Nigeria earns the

dubious honor—for the second consecutive year—of being the deadliest country on earth for Christians,” the senators wrote. They added, “Given the abysmal state of religious freedom in Nigeria, it is incumbent upon you to reverse last year’s decision and redesignate the country as a CPC. The moment demands that you do so without delay.” Senator Hawley and his FROOHDJXHV ÀUVW ZURWH WR 6HFretary Blinken on this matter

in December 2021, after the State Department inexplicably removed Nigeria from the CPC list. The Senators stated that ´KRUULÀF DFWV RI GHDGO\ YLROHQFH have been committed against Nigerian Christians,” in their lette, which copy was sent to the Honorable Rashad Hussain, Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, United States Department of State.

and gas industry. According to him, Shell funded Major international operating the provision of power and utility oil and gas companies, notably cables deployed at the oil and Shell Petroleum Development gas park located at Emeyal Company (SPDC), Exxon Mobil -1, Bayelsa State, while Exxon Nigeria, and the Nigerian Agip Mobil provided the electrical Oil Company (NAOC) have infrastructure for the park at PDGH VLJQLÀFDQW LQYHVWPHQWV Odukpani in Cross River State. He said NAOC had earlier in support of the ongoing development of the Nigerian partnered with the board to Oil and Gas Parks Scheme develop the 10-megawatts gas power plant that would supply (NOGaPS). The Executive Secretary, electricity to the Bayelsa park NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Wabote, when completed, in addition revealed this at the Nigerian to providing uninterrupted Content Sensitisation Programme electricity currently to the Nifor law enforcement agencies, gerian Content Tower and some organised by the board in strategic infrastructure owned by Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. the Bayelsa State Government. In a statement by the agency’s The executive secretary also communication department, yes- FRQÀUPHG WKDW WKH ERDUG KDG terday, Wabote gave a breakdown signed an agreement with the of the board’s achievements Gas Aggregation Company of and initiatives and hinted that Nigeria (GACN) to establish NCDMB was developing the D JDV ÀUHG SRZHU SODQW DW WKH oil and gas parks in conjunction Odukpani Park, to provide the with key operators in the oil park with constant electricity.

Ensure a United Nigeria Before 2023 Polls, Group Tells Buhari A group has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to look for a peaceful and united Nigeria before aspiring to a peaceful transition in 2023, when his two terms of office as president would elapse. The President of Advocacy Network on Religious and Cultural Coexistence (ANORACC),

Dubai Roadshow Targets More Nigerian Travellers Dike Onwuamaeze

The Nigeria Breweries Plc would be taking the next edition of the Goldberg Takeover Party, an event that celebrates the hardworking consumers of Goldberg Premium Lager Beer, to the Lugard Beach in the ancient city of Lokoja, today. Goldberg’s party would also provide a platform that enables indigenous traditional music and musical instruments to be reinvented with modernity. The event, according to the Nigeria Breweries, is billed to feature top Nigerian music artistes like Small Doctor and Bella Shmurda, and one of Nigeria’s fast rising Disc Jockeys, DJ YK. Other artistes that are billed to perform at the event include Karkarkey the Ayanwale of Goldberg while Hardvantage will be the hype man of the night.

Odimegwu Onwumere, made the call while speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after the president’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, made the quest for a “peaceful transition” known, saying that Nigeria needed peace and unity today before 2023. According to Onwumere, “President Muhammadu Buhari has spoken of his fear of a peaceful transition in 2023 while we are in 2022, like someone who is in a hurry to hand over the reins of power to the would-be succeeding government, like someone who is on a hot seat lagging what to do.” The group asked the president to do everything within his power to make sure that he calmed perceived frayed nerves across the country to a calm spirit where the citizens would be harmonious within themselves so that there would be an easy coexistence before he gave up power.

JULY 2, 2022 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Returning Benin Bronzes...

Nigeria’s Deadly Highways

Why Regular Milk Consumption Is Important “A glass of MILK a day keeps black thoughts away . . . “ - Nischita Nibedita

ORLD MILK DAY is observed every year on June 1. It was introduced in 2001 by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) to recognize the importance of milk as a global food, and to celebrate the dairy sector. Milk is the first food we consume when we are born. Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants during their first months of life. Children are encouraged to drink up their milk so that they can “grow up big and strong.” Do we, however, tend to stop drinking this nutritious beverage as we grow older? Even as adults, should we still drink milk? For decades, scientific research has continued to emphasize the importance of maintaining bone health as we age. Gradually throughout our lives, our bones are constantly changing. Hence, when our intake of Calcium-rich foods is low, our body ‘steals’ the Calcium it needs from our bones - which can cause them to become porous and weak. In Nigeria, bone diseases are quite common. Just as an example: according to data, more than 1.5 million cases of Osteoporosis are diagnosed in Nigeria every year! Osteoporosis refers to a condition in which bones become weak and brittle, and bone loss occurs without symptoms. Consequently, most people are unaware of their deteriorating bone health. However, the good news is that drinking milk regularly can help prevent Osteoporosis and bone fractures and even help you maintain a healthy weight. This delicious beverage - Milk, has always been a healthy drink because it is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and many other nutrients which are usually under-consumed by many people. However, although milk is a good choice for many, some people cannot tolerate it because they are unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products (dairy products are products containing or made from milk). It is suggested that such people stick to unsweetened varieties of milk, to limit the amount of added sugar in their diet. Some examples of non-dairy milk alternatives include: soymilk, oat milk, almond milk, and more. For those able to tolerate milk, however, consuming high-quality milk and dairy products has been proven to provide a number of health benefits. These include: One, milk is the topmost food source of Calcium and Vitamin D for children and adults. Calcium is an essential nutrient for strong bones, muscle movement

and nerve signals. Vitamin D increases the body’s ability to absorb Calcium. Sunlight is an excellent source of Vitamin D. Two, milk strengthens our teeth because it contains a high amount of Calcium. Lactose also helps prevent cavities and tooth decay. Three, drinking milk is associated with a lower risk of agerelated muscle loss. Also, several studies have demonstrated that drinking milk after a workout can decrease muscle damage, promote muscle repair, increase strength and decrease muscle soreness. Four, your body requires proteins that can help in cell repair and boosting a person’s immunity. Five, the Potassium in milk may help with heart health. Getting more Potassium while also reducing Sodium (salt) intake can lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Six, a quote by one Nischita Nibedita says: “A glass of MILK a day keeps black thoughts away.” Yes, adequate levels of Vitamin D in milk supports the production of Serotonin, a hormone people associate with mood, appetite and sleep. Manufacturers often fortify cow’s milk and plant milk with Vitamin D. So, this can help to reduce depression. Seven, milk boosts your metabolism and keeps you satisfied for a longer period. Daniel Ighakpe, FESTAC Town, Lagos

t is shocking that life doesn’t mean anything in Nigeria. People are killed randomly and kidnapped, nothing is done about it. Nigeria has now become the state Thomas Hobbes described in the Leviathan. I am very sad that the continued insecurity has not been nipped in the bud. The President has given several directives and I am sure the security authorities are tired of hearing those marching orders. Every part of Nigeria has become unsafe and you will literally have your heart in your mouth when you travel. The Prelate of the Methodist church had to pay N100 million to effect his release from kidnappers and no government ofﬁcial has uttered a word. The shocking part is that the Kaduna-Abuja highway has become an highway to hell, as people are kidnapped and killed and nothing has been done to stop them. One wonders, if the highway that leads to Abuja is under siege, isn’t Abuja under siege? Only recently more kidnappings happened on the Abuja-Kaduna highway and nothing was done about it. The politicians are only concerned about the dollarization of our electoral process for their selfish gains. It is sad that nobody ever think of the long suffering Nigerian people who suffer the weaponization of poverty every day. One of the victims of the Kaduna train attacks, after 62 days in captivity revealed that she was a classmate of the Vice-President and I got thinking: Can the leadership truly say they are proud of the Nigeria we have today? The leadership have completely abandoned the people to seek their selfish gains and now everyone lives in jeopardy. In all of the maelstrom and conflict happening, the president also recently confirmed that he will like to T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE influence the decision of who succeeds him. I DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU dare ask, will his successor solve all the problems MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO that couldn’t be solved under this administraDEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU tion? Will the successor bring hope and courage CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN back to Nigerians? Will the successor revitalize MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI the moribund sectors in Nigeria? It is obvious THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE that the politicians constantly live in a bubble and they don’t even understand the pains of Nigerians, they fail to understand that Nigerians are not voting any longer because they don’t T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D believe in elections, they fail to understand that EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA the people don’t see politicians as solutions to GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, their problems. I think the political class should ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI introspect if they truly have any modicum of DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI love for the people. They must do the needful in SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH fighting poverty and other problems bedeviling ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI Nigerians. The problem of insecurity must be CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI given priority and solutions must be found. I DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO must repeat, a stitch in time saves Nine. TO SEND EMAIL: ﬁrst name.surname@thisdaylive.com Rufai Oseni, rufaioseni@gmail.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 2, 2022

IMAGES

n Saturday, 25th June, 2022 the alumni of the Federal Government College, Sokoto, celebrated the 55th Anniversary of the College at the International Conference Centre, Abuja Here are some personalities at the occasion. PHOTOS: JULIUS ATOI L-R: HRH Sarkin Fulani of Bugudu; Zamfara State, Alh Hassan Attahiru; Senator John Azuta-Mbata; and National President FEGOCOSOSA, Air Commodore Hambali Tukur (rtd)

L-R: Sully Abu; and Justice Charles Archibong

L-R: Adebayo Funsho; and Alh. Kabir Wudil

L-R: National Sec FGCO, Farve Kwaha; and Habiba Lawal

L-R: Aisha Usman Faruk; Sherifat Agboola; and Muniran Hassan

L-R: Alh Suleman Mustafa; and DG, DMO, Patience Oliha

L-R: Amb Hakeem Balogun; Mohammed Alkaali; and Ibrahim Tizhe

L-R: Bolu Adegoke; Stephen Abolo; and Salisu Nuhu

L-R: Grace Audu Dabai; Sarah Amos Gandu; Murh Bello Musau and Florence Oguntayo

L-R: Hassan Mandi; and Dr Yazeed Kolo

L--R: Air Vice- Marshal Terry Okorodudu and Prof Rabia Salihu Saiddd

L-R: Kabir Ibrahim; Adedeji Odulesi; and Olugbenga Ogunsanya

L-R: Kwagh-Har Rebecca; Prof Rabia Salihu Said; and Egwuonwu Patricia

L-R: Leo Akpan; and Patrick Ogar

L-R: Mike Chukwu and Muhammad Hussain

L-R: Sa adu Musa Sakaba; Murtala Bello; and Yusuf Edozhigi

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 2, 2022

RingTrue 08054699539

yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Yemi

Adebowale

When the State Can No Longer Protect Citizens

he directives of Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle to residents of the state, particularly farmers, to acquire weapons for self-defence against terrorists reflect the sorry state of my beloved Nigeria today. The Nigerian state can no longer protect its citizens. The Buhari administration persistently fails the people, with thousands sent to early graves by extremists in the last seven years. According to fatality cases compiled by Beacon Consulting, no fewer than 913 Nigerians were killed by terrorists in May of this year alone. The report revealed further that there were 421 attacks across the country, with 265 abductions during the month in focus. Nigeria has never had it so bad. Matawalle’s Zamfara remains a killing field, with the terrorists enjoying a free rein in virtually all the local government areas of the state. Blood of innocent people flows daily, with an estimated 6000 killed in the last seven years in this traumatised state. It is equally more painful that security agents have been lethargic in their responses to attacks; distress calls are hardly attended to. I guess that was why a frustrated Matawalle told the state’s police command to issue authorisations to residents who are willing and qualified to obtain guns, to defend themselves against the rampaging terrorists. The unending security failings of the federal government pushed Matawalle to this extreme demand. The Zamfara State governor, in his directives last Sunday, said his government would distribute 500 forms to each of the 19 emirates in the state for those willing to obtain such self-defence weapons. This governor is planning to recruit additional 200 Community Protection Guards (CPG) in each of the 19 emirates of the state to boost their manpower and capacity to tackle terrorists. There will also be additional paramilitary units across the state in order to properly and effectively reinforce the operations of the state’s community protection guards. “Government has directed individuals to prepare and obtain guns to defend themselves against the bandits… Government is ready to facilitate people, especially our farmers, to secure basic weapons for defending themselves,” declared Matawalle. The Zamfara governor has gone further to sign into law, the bill prescribing death penalty for all terrorism offences, including kidnapping. But he had hardly finished signing when the terrorists abducted the pregnant wife of the Chairman, Zamfara State branch of the National Union of Local Government Employees, (NULGE), Sanusi Gusau. The woman, Ramatu, who is about nine months pregnant, was abducted from her home in Damba Gusau in the early hours of last Tuesday. They cared less about the fact that the woman was heavily pregnant. The NULGE Chairman said his wife was due to be delivered of the baby, lamenting, “she could give birth anytime from now”. This is the extent that Zamfara State has degenerated. As much as I admire Matawalle’s declaration that citizens must be allowed to acquire

Matawalle

guns for self-defence, I still believe it is not the way to go. Even if there is no embargo on the issuance of licence for firearms, the police evidently lack the capacity to provide guns to everybody. Besides, what about the abuse that comes with the provision of guns to everybody? The United States and many western countries with liberal policies on gun ownership are struggling with the massive abuse. They are at present battling with gun control. Matawalle should start thinking along the line of the partially successful Amotekun security network in the South-west instead of talking about arming everybody. Yes, state police is still illegal, but the Zamfara governor can set up a properly-funded, properly-motivated and well-organised security network dominated by experienced hunters. These hunters will operate largely with traditional strength. Amotekun has not been much of a success because wrong people (mostly jobless young men) were largely recruited. My position has always been that only highly skilled hunters and traditional security men should be recruited into the security network. This is the way to go for Matawalle. He should go for very strong hunters; men with capacity to outsmart terrorists holding even AK-47. In Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, hunters are at present, helping to neutralise terrorists Similarly, the issue of state police should remain on the front burner and Matawalle should also be pushing for it. I’m surprised that it did not make the list of items on the proposed fifth amendment of the 1999 Constitution. Our lawmakers should be mortified about this. Nigeria must allow

Ango Abdullahi’s Damning Conclusion on Tinubu, Atiku

either Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nor Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) can fix Nigeria. That’s the damning conclusion of the Convener, Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF), Prof Ango Abdullahi, ahead of the 2023 presidential election. He adds that there will be chaos in Nigeria if either Tinubu or Atiku emerges president “because they have nothing to offer the country.” Abdullahi is miffed that Tinubu and Atiku have

been around political circles for a long time without commensurate positives to show for it. He declared: “No, we still haven’t got the man who we think will fix Nigeria. What we have on the ground is not good enough. How can you look at Tinubu and Atiku to say they are the ones who will fix this country? They have been on the ground for the last 25, 30 years and so on. What have they done? What are we looking for? Unfortunately, we haven’t got the materials on the ground.” Honestly, I have also been terribly worried

state police in order to adequately tackle insecurity in various parts of the country. The perspective of Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu on Matawalle’s call for citizens to arm themselves is instructive. He said the call confirms the pervasive loss of confidence in the current security arrangement in the country. He remarked: “It signals a situation of near-capitulation on the part of the security agencies centrally controlled by the federal government and portends great danger for the polity. The feeling of despondency is pervasive in the land. We must, however, advise caution. “The deliberate policy of the federal government to deny exigent regional security outfits the right to bear firearms, when it is evident that the security agencies in the country are overwhelmed and distracted by centrifugal forces, is a major factor, among many, exacerbating the current security challenges in the country.” Äkeredolu argues that a federal system of government “cannot be administered as if the country is a unitary colony, controlled rigidly at the centre, while the constituent units are treated as mere outposts.” It is so depressing that security agencies controlled solely by the central government have been overwhelmed by terrorists, yet, the FG is unwilling to listen to talks about state police. For example, the security agencies should be embarrassed that 57 of the passengers abducted by terrorists on March 28 after the bombing of an Abuja-Kaduna train are today 98 days old in the prison of the terrorists, with families and relations frustrated. Another depressing angle to this raging insecurity is that even security agencies are struggling to defend their own men. For instance, in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, scores of security operatives, including soldiers and policemen were killed by terrorists early this week. In Kaduna State, a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Gyadi Gyadi, who was on the way to his new duty post in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna State, was abducted last Monday. Security agencies are still searching for him. Similarly, last Wednesday, a Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) commander was killed and 16 residents of Sabon Gero (Millennium City) in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State abducted, when terrorists struck early this week. In this same Kaduna State, a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Vitus Borogo was killed by terrorists on his farm last week. As usual, his killers may never be apprehended. Back to Matawalle, he was on the podium at a rally in Gusau last year, celebrating his voyage to the APC, saying this step would help end insecurity in Zamfara. The sight was despicable. So, Matawalle, how far now? It was all deceit. There has not been anything in his defection for the traumatised people of Zamfara State as terrorists continue to pummel them. It has not translated into better security for these people. The Zamfara governor should be ashamed of himself. about the two leading candidates because of age and corruption issues. Vibrant age is vital for the job of the President. I am also struggling to understand why the ruling APC is talking about retaining the presidency after over seven disastrous years. Looks like we are in a big mess in Nigeria. How I wish Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party can work together. By this, I mean Kwankwaso as running mate to Obi, under Labour Party’s flag. This will be a good option for Nigeria. Both are young, vibrant, with good ideas about how to move Nigeria forward. But I can’t see it happening because of Kwankwaso’s ego. Besides, Obi and Kwankwaso lack the huge resources required for presidential election in beloved Nigeria. It is very painful to know that Nigeria’s next president will either be Atiku or Tinubu.

For me, the defection was just to satisfy Matawalle’s egocentric tendencies. Joining APC states is a waste of time. The failings of the APC governors in the neighbouring states clearly testify to this. The facts and figures are there in terms of security and welfare. Matawalle compounded the problem in Zamfara State by initially heaping money on Fulani militias in the name of amnesty for the brigands. The terrorists were getting money enough to buy more than the weapons submitted. That’s what Matawalle did for the militias for almost two years; yet, the attacks persisted. This governor pumped huge money into this useless amnesty that encouraged more militias to join the flourishing “business” of killing and kidnapping. At a point, the kinked Matawalle was justifying lawlessness by the militias. Can you imagine him saying “most of the bandits take up arms due to the injustice to them by some members of the society?” This Zamfara governor was once defending terrorists. A big shame! Well, it seems his brain is experiencing a bit of reset now. Perhaps, the people of Zamfara State can hope for a better tomorrow.

Fayemi Should Settle Ekiti Workers

Fayemi

overnor Kayode Fayemi must fulfill his promise to offset all salaries and pension arrears of Ekiti State’s civil servants before the expiration of his tenure in October. Enough of apologies. He must also remit already subtracted dues such as co-operative deductions, contributory pension and NHF funds to the appropriate quarters. Non-payment of these entitlements has made life unbearable for the workers and seniors in the face of the punitive economic realities in the country. With about three months to the end of his tenure, there are signals that the outgoing Ekiti State governor is not keen about fulfilling his pledge. The workers are worried. That was why they issued Fayemi a 21-day ultimatum for payment of the backlogs or risk industrial action. The Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ekiti State Chapter Chairman, Sola Adigun lamented that most members of TUC had not benefited from the new minimum wage after almost two years of implementation in the state, and called on the government “to implement the minimum wage across the board for all workers without further delay.” While also noting that the 2018-2019 promotion exercise was selectively implemented, the union called on the government to ensure that others exempted should be immediately captured for financial remuneration. My dear Fayemi, I don’t know how you will fulfill these promises within the three months left of your tenure. Just do it! You can’t afford to leave office with these blights.

SATURDAY JULY 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 2, 2022

Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tems’ Day of Glory at BET 2022 Ferdinand Ekechukwu

emiladeOpeniyi–Tems–hasalready conquered the global charts with Wizkid and Drake, found fans in the highestpossibleplacesandcarved outanewspaceforAfrobeats.With two EPs behind her, Tems is yet to release her debut album, but the appetite for new sounds from the continent is so strong that it doesn’t matter. Within the diaspora and beyond, the UK audience has already crowned her the new it-girl of African music. Anybody listening to afrobeats over the last year or so has heard Tems’ deep, velvety voice, whether it be the chart-topping hit song, “Essence” where she featured alongside Wizkid, or her debut EP “For Broken Ears,” or even her most recent EP “If Orange Was a Place.” But there’s more to Tems. ‘Essence’ with Wizkid made history as the ﬁrst ever Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. It also made Billboard Global 100, and the record even received a Grammy nomination at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Global Music Performance. Tems told Apple music, she and Wizkid did not anticipate the outpouring of love the single has received. By the way, Tems and Wizkid were among the major winners last Sunday night as Afrobeats took centre-stage at the 2022 edition of the

BET Awards held at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles. Tems took home the Best International Act, which was sponsored by Smirnoff at the awards ceremony which honour black excellence in entertainment and sports. She also won the ‘Best Collaboration’ from Wizkid’s song “Essence” which has her and Justin Bieber. With the win, ‘Essence’ becomes the first African song to win a BET award and Wizkid becomes the first Nigerian and African to win an Award outside the Best International Acts category. For Tems the ‘Crazy Things’ crooner was nominated in three categories, however, lost the ‘Best New Artiste’ gong to Latto, the US rapper, born Alyssa Michelle Stephens. Wizkid missed the ‘Best male R&B/Pop Artist’ category to The Weeknd. Tems became the first female Nigerian artiste to win the BET Best International Act, beating Fireboy, Dave, Major League and others to clinch the award. With her win at the 2022 BET, Tems joins Ice Prince, D’banj, Tubaba, Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy as Nigerian artistes with the BET Awards. This wasn’t just a big night for Tems alone but for Nigerian artistes as well. Singer, Fireboy also took centre-stage with his incredible performance at the event. Tems had a great 2021 with her contributions on Wizkid’s ‘Essence’ earning her wide international acclaim.

Tems

Tems also appeared on Drake’s ‘Certiﬁed Lover Boy’ album which further proved her status as one of Nigeria’s biggest international exports. With her BET status, her UK fans anticipates

her comeback shows on July 19 and 28 respectively in London and in Birmingham on July 21 after taking a musical break for a few days due to health issues.

Timaya Gets His Money Right in New Single Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Timaya

imaya has had a stellar year with ‘Cold Outside’ dominating global charts and his last album “Gratitude” still getting various nominations across the continent almost two years after release. He recently crowned that success with the iconic Ferrari 458 and a majestic penthouse mansion in Ikoyi. Timaya is currently all about securing the bag as he follows up all the

success with his new single fittingly titled “Get My Money Right”. The song depicts where Timaya is currently in his career, which is a square focus on his music and ‘Getting his Money Right’ while avoiding any distractions or hate from the public generally. Besides getting his money right, Timaya isn’t bothered about much else as he states on the song “Wait till I get the money right. Live My Life, I no follow you dey fight. You are gonna hate but you all go dey alright”. Timaya has recently expressed his

goal of becoming the first African Billionaire in Entertainment and his mind seems set to pursue this goal if his new single is anything to go by. The faultlessly produced record is the second official single off his upcoming album titled “ChuloVerse” which is due for release this summer. ‘Get My Money Right’ dropped June 30th on all streaming platforms. The dancehall artiste is intent on going back-to-back with smash hit singles. He had earlier release the stirring Amapiano rhythm titled ‘Charger’ and his 2022 debut inspirational single, “No Pressure”.

Author, Omojuwa Fancies Adenuga’s Story for Great Movie Ferdinand Ekechukwu

igital media expert and author, JJ Omojuwa, has stated that the grassto-grace story of a mercurial businessman, philanthropist, and one of Africa’s richest men, Dr. Mike Adeniyi Adenuga Jr, is a blockbuster movie waiting to be produced. From oil and gas to telecoms, philanthropy, and banking, Adenuga, has carved a niche for himself. He has demonstrated a superior model of doing business with his entrepreneurial grit and has become a source of inspiration to many Africans. In a series of tweets last Monday evening, Omojuwa responded to a thread of tweets by another Twitter user, Tunde Omotoye (@ TundeTASH), about how Adenuga rose from being a struggling migrant taxi driver to becoming one of Africa’s richest men.

Omotoye wrote on Twitter: “Read the story of one of the billionaires in Africa and never knew he drove a taxi in New York to pay for his tuition. There’s always this tenacity with immigrants, but loved how he looked for opportunities to add value when he returned home. And it all paid oﬀ. He was even a security guard as well? You have to give it to Mike Adenuga. Honestly, I never knew this side of him. But I knew someone who could build a telecoms giant like Globacom and other conglomerates has to be a real ‘Bull’ in nature.” Omojuwa acknowledged that while much had been written about Adenuga’s net worth, so little is really known about him and what he’s truly worth. He, therefore, suggested that the best way to celebrate him and further inspire Nigerians is a movie focusing on the businesses he built and the impact he made through them.

“Inspiring thread,” Omojuwa wrote. “Mike Adenuga’s story would make for a great movie. And whatever Forbes says he is worth, multiply by 5”. Omojuwa also noted that the Forbes Model for determining the rich list may not necessarily work for Africa because wealth is built differently. Recall that in April 2022, Forbes released its annual World’s Billionaires List for 2022. This year’s list ranks 2,668 billionaires worldwide, with Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote and Mike Adenuga ranked 1st and 2nd richest Africans respectively. According to him, “The Forbes model is overly reliant on stocks and hardly, if ever, moderate their calculations with debts, just stocks as the primary and often times only arbiter. Wealth in Africa plays differently. They need to have the prevailing culture and norms moderate their strategy.” It now behooves a Nigerian filmmaker to act on Omojuwa’s suggestion and create a movie on Adenuga’s life and career journey.

Adenuga

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 2, 2022

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Pete Edochie On His Very First Role as an Actor Ferdinand Ekechukwu

ete Edochie is no doubt one of the most revered veterans in Africa’s entertainment industry considering his trajectory in ﬁlm and television. He is renowned for the pioneering and motivating roles in Nollywood. Hitting the limelight in the NTA adaptation of Chinua Achebe’ s all-time bestselling novel, Things Fall Apart, where his superlative performance brought the spotlight to Nigeria and Africa, Edochie has endured as an icon. The legend, who recently celebrated his 75th birthday is one of the continent’s most honored thespians with an Industry Merit Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award respectively, in a recent interview recalled his very ﬁrst movie role and revealed that no production of his can be referred as failure: “First of all, Things Fall Apart is older than Nollywood. When I did it in 1985, Nollywood still slumbered in the womb of time. It had to come on board seven years later. “Most of what I did, like Ikuku for Nkem

Owoh, was the ﬁrst one I did after Things Fall Apart. When I did Things Fall Apart, it had been translated into over 53 languages, so it introduced me to the entire world. There was nothing like Nollywood. If you read the compliments the president paid me on my 75th birthday, he said that my performance in Things Fall Apart drew the world’s attention to Nigeria.” Continuing he said, “So Things Fall Apart, that’s the ﬁrst and the biggest as well. I’ve done other things. And I thank God that everything I’ve done has ended up a smashing success. No production of mine can be referred to as a failure.” Usually portrayed as king and father in movies, the seasoned broadcaster and administrator has earned commendation especially for incubating younger professionals and nurturing talents like his sons Yul and Linc Edochie, adduced reasons for being stereotyped in movies. “First of all, by the time I left broadcasting and joined Nollywood, I think I was either

in my late 50s or early 60s, so I didn’t get in as a young man to start playing lover boy and all sorts”, Edochie said. “I went in as a father. Again, outside the movie industry, I am, by marriage, the oldest father in the industry. I got married 53 years ago. There is nobody with that record in Nollywood. It’s only natural that I play the role of a father, whether a good one or diabolical; it’s a question of detail.” Interestingly, Edochie is a proud traditional title holder, such that he has replicated in movie roles. But however berates some ﬁlmmakers in the manner they script aspects of King or ‘Igwe’ characters, noting that they have in the course of that belittled the culture and tradition: “You see someone playing Igwe, and he is running after a girl and asking her to sit on his lap. When I see things like that, it makes me very angry. “That’s a desecration of our culture which should not be identiﬁed with somebody who enjoys that kind of aura. You don’t see an Igwe running around singing love songs. As a King, you are entitled to many privileges and mustn’t allow anyone to desecrate them.”

Tomi Ojo

I Love to Explore the World Tomi Ojo started her acting career in 2018 landing aYouTube comedy series by Bovi titled, ‘Back To School.’With such a warming start, she got more roles in other production and gradually grew in the ever-booming Nollywood industry. In this interview with Tosin Clegg, Tomi talks about her journey in Nollywood, her style of acting, projects she has done and a lot more I love to explore the world I’m a self-motivated actor and I have a lot of good people at my corner even thought I’m an extreme introvert who loves quiet places. My current favorite place is the beach. I love to explore the world and ﬁnd more favorite places. I’m a self-acclaimed chef as I absolutely love the kitchen, making diﬀerent and new dishes hoping to someday have my own restaurant cause my passion is to feed people.

working with a couple of my close friends and colleagues to bring my brand to life and also showing the world my growth process. The African movie industry The African movie industry has really stepped up a great deal, most especially Nollywood as our storytelling dynamics have changed for the better. We have more professional filmmakers that are rising to the international standards of film making collaborating with top movie industries aboard. We are definitely not where we used to be 6-7years ago. I tell myself It can only get better and the world knows this. Despite that fact I took a short break for a while, I’m back on my game as I’ve done a couple of short and cinema films these past few months. Some of the projects are yet to come out or be announced but the most recent one out are ‘Love Like This’ on Ndani Tv, ‘Best Friends by Uduak Isong and a film coming out to the cinema July 1st by Kayode Peters, Survivors and a couple of others.

How it all started I just woke up one day and started googling easiest way to be an actor. So I started by going for auditions at the first year of my career. I went for numerous auditions and out of maybe 3, I definitely would get 2 call backs and that’s was how I started growing little by little. I wouldn’t really say I’ve gotten my big break just yet but I have done a couple of things that a few people have seen as I’m yet to touch as much waters. I’ve been a little laidback but right now I’m awake from my slumber and I’m ready to grace more screens. Oscars is the goal Oscars is the goal for me as I want to someday go global, be recognised internationally Tomi Ojo and am not resting until that dream becomes reality. I want to someday walk into any room and not have to introduce myself and also receive different awards in different countries. I long to share my story to the world I was made to represent and not just as an actor. Also, I want to impact people’s lives, especially those who are struggling and people who think they do not have hope to help them dream.

I love Viola Davis I love Viola Davis so much and I can’t wait to share the screen with her. This would be a dream come through for me because apart from the fact that she’s simply incredible I feel strongly connected with her like we have things in common. With this in mind, I’m currently

My greatest asset My greatest asset will my vulnerability and empathy as a person. To take on different persona at different times you need to be able to feel the emotions of another person. Being able to channel my personal feelings into a different character is my unique quality. And my passion for improvement is that I always want to be better than my last job and I put my whole heart into my craft.

Pete Edochie

Zubby Michael, Alexx Ekubo, Tacha Star in ‘Tiger’s Tail’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

‘T

iger’s Tail’, a romantic thriller which happens to be the debut movie feature of Big Brother Naija star, Natacha Akide (Tacha) is set for release across cinemas nationwide on July 22. The much-anticipated movie stars actors such as Kelechi Udegbe, Eniola Badmus, Alexx Ekubo, with Zubby Michael shaking up the plot. The movie distributed by Genesis Pictures for Dope7 Media. Others on the cast roll include Etinosa Idemudia, Nosa Rex, Melvin Oduah, Anita Joseph, and Stephen Damian. Tacha and Alex Ekubo took up roles as the main cast of the movie produced and directed by Victor Okpala. Okpala raised anticipation following the release of the movie trailer. The forty seconds trailer gives a glimpse at the dramatic events to be expected. According to Okpala, Tiger’s Tail’ tells the story of Amara Nzewi, a recent UK graduate of Psychology who has no idea she is stepping on the wrong toes when she starts a foundation to rehabilitate street boys. Things get really ugly following her kidnap by a ruthless gang leader, Tombra Tiger. She soon finds out that she and Tiger may have a lot more in common than she could ever have imagined.

Victor Okpala (in white), Kelechi Udegbe, Nosa Rex, and Etinosa Idemudia on set of Tiger’s Tail

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 2, 2022

SHOWBIZFLAIR

JJC Skillz, Funke Akindele Crash Matrimony Ferdinand Ekechukwu

or a fact, a couple of their close friends in the industry knew Funke Akindele and her estranged husband, Abdulrasheed Bello - JJC Skillz - have been living apart. As it were, there was this seeming disconnect between both at the 2022 AMVCA award ceremony in May where Funke took home the award for Best Actress in a comedy role. Quite unlike the award winning actress, her acceptance speech was incomplete without a mention of JJC Skillz, her very “supportive husband” as it were. Rumours of their marital troubles and separation though remained an item on social media until it was finally confirmed that the actress and the singer have parted ways. The news of their split didn’t come as a shock to many as there had been several hints of crisis in the once admired celebrity marriage. According to Skillz who officially announced it on his Instagram page last Thursday morning (June 30, 2022), it has been tough. The music producer and filmmaker stated in his post that his marriage crashed three months ago and he decided to let the public know they are already chasing their lives separately. For six years, Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz worked and lived together, putting their strength and energy together at night and day. While it lasted, they gave Nollywood one blockbuster (‘Omo Ghetto’) and had two beautiful twin boys – Zack and Zion. But the last two years was not all it seemed for the once influential celebrity couple. “Dear Friends and family, I need to let you know that Funke and I have separated. While it lasted, we shared many things and

Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz

have created two beautiful children”, his post read. “The last two years have been tough for us. I have tried my best to ﬁx things, but I believe it is beyond repair now”. He disclosed that he moved out of the house 3 months ago and at Funke’s insistence. And that apart from the AMVCA where they met last, have not been able to get Funke to sit down amicably to discuss the future of their relationship. “I’m making this announcement, so the public knows we are both pursuing separate lives. We

Dbanj, Jackie Appiah, Tanasha Donna Feature in ‘Symphony’ Tosin Clegg

ymphony, a Nollywood musical blockbuster movie with youth and music as its central theme, is set to hit cinemas on the 9th of September, 2022.The movie is a beautiful and well-told story about life, love, dreams, success, trials, societal failure and the resultant effects. Symphony reflects the travails of a typical talented African youth, struggling to overcome all odds in order to breakthrough. Shot in exotic locations across Lagos, the film parades an array of multi-award-winning African stars such as Nigeria’s ace entertainer D’banj (Oladapo Oyebanjo); Ghanian movie legend Jackie Appiah; Kenyan superstar diva,Tanasha Donna and Nollywood legends and stars like Lanre Hassan (popularly known as Iya Awero), Bolaji Amusan

D’banj (3rd from left) and other stars of “Symphony”

(Mr. Latin), Kalu Ikeagu, Efa Iwara, Scarlet Gomez, Daniel Abua, Doris Okorie, among others. Dbanj andTanasha Donna made their acting debuts in “Symphony”, while Kaleb Iyoha (a.k.a. Mo’Kross) and Sandra Okunzuwa played Slade and Lolita, the lead roles with yet another debutant in Victor Adeshiyan who played Slade’s bosom friend. Also set to premiere with the film project is a music album comprising original soundtracks and performances from the project, written, recorded, and performed by top stars, some of who featured in the movie. According to Oraka Nvy Nnanyelu, the director of the movie, “Symphony is a beautifully crafted, priceless work of art that mirrors the everyday life of the African youth’s journey to relevance”. Symphony (The Movie) was jointly produced by EverRise Entertainment and Sulcata Entertainment.

still have issues that need to be addressed, such as the custody and wellbeing of our children, which is paramount, and business interests that need to be disentangled, but I do not doubt that these will be resolved one way or the other.” Reacting to the split shortly after it went viral, Funke’s stepson, Benito Bello took to his Instagram where he excitedly wrote “I spoke the truth mehn”. This was after he commented on a Tiktok post that ﬁrst broke the pending breakup. It would be recalled that it was Benito who hinted about the rumours of the crisis between Funke and his father.

Funke married Skillz in London in May 2016. Her pregnancy rumours were among the top searched results on Google search engine in August 2017. They welcomed twin boys in December 2018. Funke and Skillz continued to dominate celebrity news in recent times over fights with his ex-wife Mella and her outspoken step-son Benito. Mella had accused Skillz of physically assaulting his son Benito. As revenge, Mella posted a picture of her estranged husband and his new family, revealing the identity of Funke’s twin boys, whom the couple had hitherto shielded away from the public, on her Instagram page. Weeks later, Benito disclosed he was allegedly assaulted by his father. According to him, they fell out after he was expelled for bringing alcohol to the school. He alleged that he sustained bruises on his face, neck and ribs. Benito claimed his experience living with Funke and Skillz for two years was a horror. He added that the actress is not what she claims to be. As it is believed that the secret of most successful marriages is ensuring all marital issues are kept as private as possible. The same could not be said of Funke’s marriage. While they were apart, Benito was quick to inform the public that Funke was cheating on Skillz, adding that his dad was also cheating on his step mom. Despite Funke and Skillz trying to mend fences and give the public the impression that all was well in their marriage, her stepson Benito was always coming out to truncate their efforts by revealing more stunning and brash dirty details of the celebrity couples. In the wake of the father and son conflict, Benito had on several occasions dragged his controversial step mum on social media.

Dredi’s Debut Single, ‘You be Man’ is Ready Tosin Clegg

ast rising Nigerian Afro fusion artiste, Louis Chinonso Andre Favour better known as Dredi is set to make her ﬁrst appearance in the music industry with her debut single release titled ‘ You be Man’ billed for release on Thursday July 21, 2022. Speaking on the motive behind the song, Dredi said: “You be Man explains the strength of a scorned woman, woman who has been through so much for love and ended up broken from it and her only escape is making every other man reap the fruit the other men have planted. She’s still open to love but only if he’s willing to face her wrath forever. Inspired by the great works of Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Jesse J, Adele amongst others, Dredi established an early interest in music while growing up which led to joining her church choir and was exposed to the basics of music. Currently based in Lagos, the 21- year-old music infuses smooth Afro beats and R&B into contemporary reggae. Managed by Kbeeworld, Dredi has revealed that her versatility will keep her active in the music industry as she has a lot in stock.

Dredi

SATURDAY JULY 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 2, 2022

2023: It’s Back to Regional Politics

s political activities heat up in the run-up to 2023, at the conclusion of the various parties’ primary, a clear pattern is already emerging. and showing that today’s politicking has assumed a regional hue rather than one that should strengthen our unity in diversity. No thanks to President Muhammadu Buhari’s winner takes all brand of politics. As Nigeria prepared for independence in 1960, frontline negotiators for Nigeria’s independence insisted right from 1951 to 1959 that regional autonomy was to be retained. Thus, almost all the parties put together in preparation to form a new independent government were region-based. The first semblance of a pan-Nigerian party was the one formed by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe - National Council of Nigeria and the Camerouns (NCNC). It drew membership from across Nigeria, majorly in the eastern region and parts of the Camerouns. In the north, the major political party then was the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) promoted by the Sarduana of Sokoto, it was populated by the people of Fulani and Hausa extration in the north.. In the West, Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Action Group (AG) held sway drawing majority of its members from the Yoruba-speaking tribe and perhaps the midwest. With these regional fortifications, these three parties went into the 1959 general election but could not produce an outright winner to form a new government. The lesson from that election was clear: no single ethnic group or political bloc or region can win a general election in Nigeria. The reality forced the NCNC and NPC to go into an alliance to form government in 1960 with Ahmadu Bello emerging as the Prime Minister and Azikiwe as the President. Then barely six years on, the military struck bringing to an end the democratic experiment and the establishment of military rule. When the civil war broke out following the eastern region’s (Biafra) secession bid led by Col. Odimegwu Ojukwu, then Military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon dismantled the regional structure and created 12 states to replace the regions. The years that followed were dominated by military rule led by officers from the north until 1979 when General Olusegun Obasanjo returned Nigeria to civil rule. President Shehu Shagari who won the popular vote on the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) was sworn in and he began his first term in office. The 1979 democratic experiment was a remarkable departure from the early regional parties even though Azikiwe had now formed a new party, the Nigeria People’s Party (NPP) jettisoning the NCNC, Awolowo’s AG also

transformed into the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). What was apparent at this point was that the promoters of these parties were aiming at positioning their parties to gain national appeal and acceptance. It was the NPN that first got its act right by building a bridge across the Niger River. With Shagari as the flagbearer, the party looked east to pick Alex Ekwueme as his vice president. That immediately gave the party momentum in both the north and east during the election proper and success in the end after Richard Akinjide come down with 2/3 of 19 states’ argument. The military struck again in 1983 ending all political activities and was in power till 1999 when Chief Olusegun Obasanjo took the reins of power. Obasanjo was benefiting from the annulment of June 12, 1993, presidential polls widely believed to have been won by late Chief Moshood Abiola. His emergence was to placate not only the southwest but also the entire south. In 1999, only two major parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that fielded Obasanjo and the All people’s Party (APP) fielding Chief Olu Falae had candidates all from the south for the purpose of healing the wounds of June 12. Yet, their deputies were northerners for the sake of creating a balance and giving the north a sense of belonging. From 1999 to 2015, there appears to have been an unwritten agreement that power should shift between the two power blocs of north and south. Indeed, in the build-up to 1999, the G-34 which later transformed into the PDP deemed it necessary that it adopted power rotation between the north and south for equity and fairness and it never deviated from that agreement. Under Obasanjo, Atiku was his deputy; late Umaru Yar’Adua picked Goodluck Jonathan as his deputy while Jonathan picked Namadi Sambo from Kaduna as his deputy in 2011. Buhari too picked late Chuba Okadigbo, an easterner in 2003; in 2007 Buhari chose Edwin Ume-Ezoke former speaker House of Representatives and an easterner. When he ran again in 2011, he pitched his tent with Pastor Tunde Bakare, a Yoruba man and when he finally won in 2015 after three previous failed attempts, his deputy was and is still a Yoruba man, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. The essence of going down memory lane is to establish a pervading political trend that had engendered fairness and equity in the polity. What has changed? Following Buhari’s emergence in 2015, he started a gradual policy of transforming the country into a fulani dynasty. He made sure that the Fulani dominated all the important positions in the public and private sectors including the military. Under him, Nigeria has

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

never known the type of insecurity that pervades the country today. From banditry, kidnapping, territorial occupation to all sort of criminal activities perpetrated by his tribesmen with the active connivance of the military, the administration has carried out as if nothing is happening. While the Indigenous People of Biafra are a terrorist group and need to be classified so by the international community, his tribesmen who are wreaking havoc in Kaduna south, Benue, Niger state, and almost all over the country including Miyetti Allah and Sheikh Gumi are saints and victims. They are the untouchables who need to be appeased for the wrong that previous administration has done them. Now with just few months to the end of his administration and no possibility of perpetuating himself in power, Buhari sought to retain power in the north and annoint a candidate to succeed him. To succeed in his scheme, he drafted Abdullahi Adamu, a core northern hardliner as chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His mandate was to deliver Buhari’s annointed candidate through cansensus. Unfortunately for Buhari and Adamu, when Senate President Ahmed Lawan was announced as the consensus candidate, 11 northern governors rejected him. They did not stop there, they also announced their preference for power to shift to the south for fairness and equity. The pronouncement by these courageous governors was the redeeming feature and high point of the APC convention and with that pronouncement, Bola Tinubu, who was instrumental to Buhari’s electoral success in 2015 emerged the party’s flagbearer. Even with Tinubu’s emergence, those who had expected Buhari to openly support Tinubu without prompting were disappointed that the President could display such ingratitude towards a man who pulled his out of retirement and almost single handed gifted him the presidency using his resources and alliances. In the PDP, the story is the same. Even with the subsisting unwritten agreement for power rotation between the two blocs, stakeholders in the party had envisioned that after Buhari, power ought to shift to the South. In their strategic thinking, since the south was to produce the party’s presidential candidate, the north should take the chairmanship position. It was the main reason why former chairman of the party Uche Secondus was bullied out of office to pave way for the current chairman, Iyorchia Ayu from the north.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 2, 2022

POLITY

Bello Koko’s Leadership Trajectory in NPA Chuka Okoro

powerful vision defines or redefines specific objectives and accordingly realigns ideas, people and other resources. It creates the needed momentum and will to make change happen. It inspires individuals, complementary organizations and institutions to synergise, to commit, to persist and to give their best. Navigating with this enduring philosophy, Mohammed Bello Koko, the substantive Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has demonstrated impeccable professionalism, discipline and persistence to shake up the old-fashioned narratives at the nation’s premier maritime agency. And this is hardly a picnic. In effect, he came prepared. The ongoing Koko-led transformation, re-engineering and repositioning of the NPA speak to fundamental changes that are afoot at the apex maritime organization. This swathe of changes may lead to an unwitting mix up in the proper contextualization and appreciation of their scope and significance. The imperative of disambiguating the NPA Managing Director’s trajectory, over his first hundred days in the saddle, *which happened in May,* then becomes necessary. For Koko, the first order of business on ascending the saddle was to initiate fresh initiatives targeting cost minimization and value maximization by infusing greater efficiency in NPA’s diverse operations, plugging income leakages and cutting down on administrative overheads. The quick impact of this course could be felt. There are more. Connected to the foregoing adroit move was the astonishing improvement of the debt recovery and collection mechanisms, which triggered a remarkable decrease in the debt owed the agency for services rendered to stakeholders such as the NNPC, IOCs and other partners. Lacking precedents, the remittance of N45.08 billion over a four-month period and the fact that N26.83bn constitutes year 2022 operational remittance hugely testify to the effectiveness of these initiatives and there are no indications that the Koko-led NPA plans to let up momentum along this trajectory. The agency actually has its operational focus locked on surpassing stakeholders’ expectations. In sync with global standards of transparency, the NPA successfully established an Asset Register aligned with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS); a challenge that had long subsisted. Actual remittance into the Sinking Fund for the take-off of Lekki Deep Seaport also took-off in the period within Koko’s first 100 days in office. The successful fulfillment of the requirement for ISO certification of Harbours Department and some port locations also was a notable achievement. Aware that no institution can progress far without a properly-trained human resource, especially in delivering efficient port operations, NPA took a far-reaching step here. It inaugurated an ultra-modern training school and entered

Koko into partnerships with strategic capacity-building institutions such as the World Maritime University and Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Department, among others, to thoroughly equip its staff members with relevant competencies. Beyond human resource training and upgrade, the agency also equipped the workforce with the necessary tools for excellent service delivery. The control towers in the Tincan Island and Apapa Ports were fully furnished and equipped, and work commenced for the construction of a control tower at Takwa Bay. New Pilot Cutters and Patrol Boats were also acquired and deployed in the eastern ports for improved operations. State-of-the-art radio communication equipment were procured and are being deployed in NPA’s various signal stations. Also to lift employee morale, the unconscionable issue of non-payment of promotion arrears to serving employees was addressed. The arrears of gratuity were paid to retirees accordingly. The staff members’ administrative buildings of Tincan, Warri and Rivers Ports were also rehabilitated, while a fully-equipped archives centre was procured for Rivers Port. Backing the federal government’s efforts at diversifying the national economy from oil to non-oil through the promotion of exports, the agency has certified ten (10) Export Processing Terminals, which are to serve a one-stop platform for the synchronization of all pre-shipment requirements for exports, in order to eliminate the delays that hitherto rendered Nigerian exports uncompetitive in international markets. After weighing its options, NPA sought to promote multi-modalism and scale down the singular dependence on

roads as the means of movement of cargo from the port and to assure the safety of barge operations, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to govern movement of containers through the inland waters, and a tariff regime is being introduced to boost revenue. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with the Lagos State Government to forestall breakdown of law and order along the port corridor. This move has resulted in establishment of a mobile court for prompt dispensation of justice for traffic offenders. Motor cycles were also acquired and deployed for traffic surveillance. To de-escalate pressure on the nation’s Western ports, the agency moved to reposition the Eastern ports for increased patronage. In this connection, work has commenced for the mapping and surveying of Warri-Koko-Sapele channel, Dredging of Escravos bar, technical studies on the Breakwater at Delta Ports and rehabilitation of Road “D” at the Federal Ocean Terminal Onne Port. Indeed, the Onne Port is already recording significant growth in vessel traffic. The morning clearly predicts the day. After just 100 days on the saddle, the agency’s CEO has signaled that the old way of running the nation’s premier maritime agency is gone for good. The NPA is being fundamentally repositioned and infused with the essential enablers that determine the prospects of ports to garner market share and face the future with confidence. Many may not know that the history, growth and progress of nations are closely interwoven with the degree of development of the maritime industry. Not surprisingly, maritime trade has played a key role in Nigeria’s economic development. The maritime sector accounts for about 95% of the vehicular means of Nigeria’s international trade. The maritime industry is a key sector of the nation’s economy putting into consideration the country’s status as a major oil exporting country. An adequate and efficient maritime transport system plays a vital role in the development of a country’s market especially the market of international trade by transforming local markets in to national, regional and international focus. This allows economies of great scale in areas that have promising comparative advantage with concomitant generation of huge employment opportunities. The maritime sector is capital intensive and thus requires huge amount of funding. Several challenges are also coming into play. Security is one. Risks have always been a challenge for the shipping industry, but today, they’re providing more issues to overcome. For example, pirates pose a bigger threat for shipping, especially since the number of maritime piracy and armed robberies on ships in West Africa, Southeast Asia and other maritime jurisdictions have increased. But these threats can only stop the faint hearted and Koko is certainly not one. t 0LPSP B MBXZFS BOE NBSJUJNF FYQFSU XSJUFT GSPN *LFKB Lagos Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Chrisland Schools Aiding Development with Extracurricular Activities

“A

ll work and no play doesn’t just make Jill and Jack dull, it kills the potential of discovery, mastery, and openness to change, and flexibility and it hinders innovation and invention,” Joline Godfrey, a prominent US author and educator, famously said. The truism of this statement, particularly when it comes to the training of children, is impossible to dispute. While it is imperative for children to gain cognitive education in the classroom, the impact of their learning and overall development could be severely limited if they are restricted to their classrooms solely for intellectual activities. Children need to, at various times, step away from their classes to get rejuvenated, and this can only occur when they engage in other activities that are voluntary and social in nature. Studies have shown that taking part in extracurricular activities decreases the possibility of students committing criminal offences, ensures reduction of anti-social behaviours, helps build teamwork and problem-solving skills, develops social relationships, and achieves a higher knowledge retention level and superior academic performance. By participating in these non-academic activities, children not only get to be mentally re-energised but also develop and pursue a special interest and develop skills in extramural activities, which may be of immense benefit to them later in life. One educational institution that is at the forefront of striking the right balance of study and play for its students is Chrisland Schools, an educational conglomerate providing top-notch education.

Established in 1977, Chrisland Schools is committed to child-centred education for the realisation of maximum self-discovery and development in life. According to High Chief Dr (Mrs) Winifred Awosika OON, the school’s founder, “the right step for today’s child is being given the best possible education and training as a springboard to a future of distinction”. Allowing and encouraging students to participate in extracurricular activities, a key component of the psychomotor domain of learning, speaks to the school’s objective of developing well-rounded students. For instance, the school organises the Foundation Stage Spelling Bee, a competition exclusively for its nursery pupils who, during the competition, are required to spell a selection of words, usually with varying degrees of difficulty. The

competition is organised to motivate students to learn standardised spelling, as well as sharpen their command of the English language. Through this, the pupils demonstrate their understanding of what they have learnt in their classes. In addition, the school has voluntary organisations such as Boys’ Scout, Girls’ Guide, and Red Cross, as well as gymnastics, dance, drama and cultural clubs. It also has facilities for board games. Also available in the school are subject-based clubs such as Jets Club, Press and Literary Club, Geographical Society, Arts Club and ICT Clun. These focus more on the instructional aspects and provide practical learning experiences for the students on top of academic studies and enable them to initiate social interactions in a more relaxed environment. Chrisland Schools also places great emphasis on sports as part of its extracurricular package, with the students encouraged to participate in football, basketball, volleyball, athletics, tennis, cricket, chess, handball, gymnastics, and swimming. To forge the spirit of competition, friendship and sportsmanship, the school organises the Chrisland Soccer Fiesta, an annual football competition between secondary schools in the group, as well as, the Chrisland Intra-school Volleyball Competition. Also, a larger sports festival, the Chrisland Inter-house Competition, is held annually in its primary and secondary schools located in six different locations across the country. It also registers students for intercollegiate games among private secondary schools in Lagos State, through which triumphs have come in swimming and volleyball. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 2, 2022

POLITY

Hell for IDPs in Jibia Camp For the internally displaced persons in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, it is better to go back and die in their ravaged villages than die in the camp under extreme hardship and hunger, writes Francis Sardauna Following sustained attacks by terrorists resulting in loss of innocent lives and property, residents of over seven communities in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State were forced to abandon their ancestral homes. The over 15,000 victims, who were sacked by the rampaging terrorists from their ancestral communities of Kwari, Zango, Shimfida,Tsauni, Far Faru, Tsambe and Gurbin Magariya of Jibia Local Government, are taking refuge at Government Girls’ Secondary School, Jibia, the headquarters of the LG. Predictably, the number of victims keep growing by the day as there seems to be no end to the series of attacks that the Jibia Local Government had witnessed, not to talk of those who lost their lives and the over 150 kidnapped in communities across the local government who are still languishing in different terrorists’ enclaves in the state. When THISDAY visited the nondescript camp, the IDPs were all clustered in different segments and life has not been easy for them as they clocked 100 days in the makeshift camp without seeing their homes. They looked pale, hungry, waiting for the next handouts, while children, mostly infants, were on their mothers’ chests, who could hardly eat three square meals per day, for breast milk. Snake bites, hunger and communication diseases such as diarrhea are threatening their lives. Sadly, no fewer than eight children, who were among the 80 passengers loaded in a bus while fleeing their Shimfida community, lost their lives on their way to Jibia town. Investigation further revealed that 15 persons also died as a result of hypertension and depression in the camp within four months. No fewer than 35 pregnant women were also said to have given birth in the camp within the period under review. However, the concern of the displaced persons is for the government to restore security in their ravaged communities to enable them to return to their ancestral homes. The chairman of the camp, Sa’ad Salisu, explained that it was better for them to go back and die in their homes rather than die in the camp under untold hardship, hunger and communicable diseases. Salisu, who was sacked from his Shimfida community in March, 2022, took refuge in the camp along with his two wives and nine children, said: “I cannot wait to return home. We are waiting for the government to restore security in the area. “There are no toilet facilities, no water enough for the population here, no money to seek emergency medical attention for our wives and the children when they fall sick, and our kids are not

Displaced children in the camp in school in the camp.” He added: “From the Shimfida community alone, we have 8,000 displaced persons that are in this camp. In Far Faru, we have over 7,000 and about 200 are from the Zango community but not all of us are sleeping here because of lack of mattresses, water, mats and mosquito nets. “We have over 3,000 children in this camp who left their communities with school uniforms but now they cannot go to school because the government hasn’t provided school for them in the camp. “15 people, mostly women, died when we were camping at the Central Primary School, Jibia, as a result of hypertension. Eight children died while fleeing Shimfida to Jibia town in March this year. Also, 35 women gave birth in the camp.” Salisu, who is also the Chairman of Shimfida Youth Development Association, called on the state government to restore security in their communities to enable them return and continue with their farming activities.

Another victim, Sa’adatu Ibrahim, who her husband was killed in Shimfida community during the March invasion by the terrorists and left her with 11 children, urged government to deploy more security to the affected areas to curb the activities of the hoodlums and allow the displaced persons to go back home, especially now that farming activities is commencing. Sa’adatu, who could not control her emotions while speaking with THISDAY, said: “I prefer to go back home and die there rather than what we are going through here. We can’t eat three square meals. No water and enough toilet facilities here. “Snake bite has been our major challenge here. Even last week a snake bit my neighbour and is currently in the hospital. We have killed more than 10 snakes in this camp. We are living in fear because there are no security personnel here.” However, the Chairman of Jibia Local Government Area, Bishir Sabi’u, said the state government had provided adequate relief materials including food items to the IDPs.

Akeredolu, Dangote, Shobanjo for Investiture of Akinsiku as 55th President of Ikeja Rotary Club

he Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu will be leading other eminent personalities including Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Troyka Group, Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, Founder, Elizade University, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo as well as His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Victor Ademefun Kiladejo, the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom to the investiture of Rotarian Sola Akinsiku as the 55th President of Rotary Club of Ikeja and induction of the new board of Directors for the 2022/2023 Rotary year. The investiture, which is to raise funds for the Club’s humanitarian projects, is scheduled to hold on Sunday, July 10th at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja. According to a press release signed by the club’s Director of Public Image, Rotarian Segun Adebowale, the club will be bestowing awards of recognition for commitment to humanitarian activities on Akeredolu, Shobanjo and Dangote at the event which will have pioneer Managing Director of Seplat Nigeria Limited and Executive Chairman of AA Holdings, Mr. Austin Avuru as the guest speaker. The release added that the club would also confer honorary membership on other eminent personalities like the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Esso Nigeria Limited, Dr. Smith Ezenagu, Alhaji Idris Salihu, Chief Emmanuel Ajufo and Mr. Emeka Okeke. The incoming President identified basic education and literacy, maternal and child care, peace and conflict resolution, environment, economic empowerment, and water and sanitation as some of the focus areas for the 2022/2023 Rotary year. Akinsiku added that that the club ïs committed to developing the mind of school children, insisting that there was a need to make education interesting and conducive for children across board.

He said, “At Rotary club of Ikeja, we are always committed to renovating schools, building blocks of classrooms, donating books, laboratory equipment and an ICT laboratory.’’ He added that these interventions were necessary to take out-of-school children back to school. “Do you know that some children stopped going to school because there are no classrooms? They get to school and sit under the tree to learn. So, Rotary steps into such situation, build a block of classroom and this way, keep them in school.” Akinsiku noted that the club would also promote a sustainable environment for the society. To him, the environment is the nation’s heritage, “It is our future. The way we treat our environment is how we would be treated by the same environment tomorrow. “We engage in tree planting and sanitation to ensure that the environment is properly taken care of. We also organise seminars, and workshops on climate change and how to make the environment friendly.” Born in 1958 in the prominent Erinketa Quarters of the Ondo Kingdom to Mr. Adeniyi Moses Akinsiku and Mrs. Mogbonjubola Beatrice Akinsiku, Akinsiku, a fellow of the registered practitioners in adverting in Nigeria, had both elementary and secondary education in Ondo and then proceeded to Saint Peter’s Teachers’ College Akure where he obtained Grade II Teacher’s Certification. He also attended the Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, for the National Certificate in Education (NCE) and later obtained his first degree in English Language (with Education) from the University Ife (now, Obafemi Awolowo University) Ile-Ife in 1987. In 1989, he obtained a PGD in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos; and in 1982, obtained the M.Sc. also in Mass Communication from the same university. He is currently, a Doctoral student with focus on Development Communication in the same department and university.

Akinsiku He started his advertising career in 1992 at Rock Forte Advertising Limited as a Client Service Executive and later became a Senior Client Service Executive. In 1994, he joined the Research and Public Relations Department of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, and was later moved to the highly demanding Vetting and Inspectorate Department, and as Secretary to the Advertising Standards Panel, ASP. Having had a fulfilling career in APCON, under the leadership of Dr. Josef Bel-Molokwu a thorough bred gentleman, Rotarian Akinsiku moved over to the Marketing/Customer Service Department of Optimum Exposures Limited, one of the leading Out-of-Home Advertising media firms in Nigeria, and a member of the Troyka Group. Married to Mrs. Damilola Mercy Akinsiku with children, Akinsiku started private practice in Out-of-Home media in 2001 when he co-founded KOK Visibility Edge with two of his cousins (Adegunloye Gilbert Robert and Adebayo Folasele Felix). Today, KOK is a leading member of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), and operates in six geo-political zones of the country.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 2, 2022

Accord Party as the Political 3rd Force in Osun John Ajayi

f the happenings in the political landscape of Osun are anything to go by, Accord Party and its gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi may as well be on the way to victory in the coming governorship election. This is because the first and second horses in the race are jaded and encumbered by internal squabbles, distrusted by the majority of people who felt that both the All Progressives Alliance (APC) and The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP)have taken them for a ride for one time too many. Internally, APC in Osun State is a house divided against itself. The unresolved dispute between the immediate past governor and Minister for Interiors, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his camp on one hand and the incumbent, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola is an albatross that will trail the party to the polls. The national secretariat, knowing the implication of this for its fortune in the coming governorship election in Osun, set up a reconciliation committee on the matter. An attempt to paper over the cracked wall by people described as “data boys” by the Rasaq Salinsile-led faction of the Osun State chapter of the APC has been denied and described as fake news by the youth leader of the group. Recall that it took Oyetola a wangled rerun to win in 2018. Likewise, the PDP is at its worse form in the State as prominent members of the party have been decamping since losing the election in 2018. Also, the choice of Ademola Adeleke as the Party’s governorship candidate has given impetus to the exodus as he is believed not to be a popular choice among party faithful. Justifying the angst against his candidacy, his campaigns have not been issue-based but vaunting about how deep his pocket is. Recently, a video circulated on the social media where he was seen telling his supporters that he would outspend his

Ogunbiyi

opponents in any currency. Monetary inducement of voters is one of the most debilitating ailments that have afflicted our electioneering process, especially in this fourth republic. Politics in the first and second republics were essentially politics of ideas where public office seekers were judged by their antecedence and value proposition as stated in their party manifestos. Those were the times when political campaigns were issue-based and politicians really made an effort to convince voters of the plans and programmes of their political parties for the betterment of lives and living conditions of the people. It can be recalled that the Unity Party of Nigeria, (UPN) in the second republic was noted for Free Education and Free Health while its arch-rival, the National Party of Nigeria; (NPN) had

the Green Revolution as the high point of its manifesto. Unfortunately, the situation today has degenerated into ‘cash and carry’ where political office seekers believe that the best and easiest route to office is through the financial inducement of the entire electioneering process. The recent and most disturbing instance happened in Osogbo, Osun State recently, and was captured on video. In the said 55 seconds video, PDP’s candidate in the 2022 governorship election, Ademola Adeke, boasted that he was loaded with enough money for the July 2022 Osun governorship election. He said in Yoruba, “Osun people, you are the one to decide. Don’t be scared, if it’s about money, I have brought loads of cash. The money is not only in naira, we have brought dollars, pounds sterling, and Euro. This time around, it is fire for fire”. Apparently referring to the APC candidate, and the incumbent governor, Gboyega Oyetola with whom he contested in 2018. Political analysts and the people of Osun State have expressed worry over this development. “The brazen reduction of the highest office in the State to a market of buyers and sellers is insulting. The office of the governor is not a bid, said Tajudeen Adigun, an Osogbo resident. It should be recalled that in 2018, similar money-based contests ensued between PDP and APC in both Osun and Ekiti States. Analysts have said that as it played out in Lagos in 1992 when the dispute between S.L. Edu and Jakande of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) paved the way for Sir Michael Otedola of the National Republican Party (NRC) to enter the Round House, the squabble between Oyetola and Aregbesola of APC and the unpopular choice of PDP’s candidate may be the combination, coupled with the stellar qualities of Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi that will deliver Osun to Accord Party, the third force in the political equation of Osun State.

Ugwuanyi is in Our Good Books, Says Pensioners’ National President

he National Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has expressed delight with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for his untiring commitment to the welfare of the pensioners of the state in spite of the state’s lean resources and the nation’s economic challenges. Speaking when Ugwuanyi hosted him at the Government House, Enugu, following his emergence as the new National President of NUP, Comrade Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi, who is an indigene of Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State and the first Igbo man to head the national leadership of NUP, described Ugwuanyi as “a pensioner and labour-friendly governor”. Comrade Abumisi proudly disclosed that Ugwuanyi is

not in their list of state governors who are not labour and pensioner-friendly when “the United Nation issued a circular to the Unions telling them to list the names of all politicians who are not labour and pensioner-friendly”. According to him, “We have also listed the names of governors who are not paying pension and gratuity. I am so happy to inform you that our dear Governor (Ugwuanyi) and the government of Enugu State are not on that list”. Comrade Abumisi, therefore, commended Ugwuanyi for his steadfastness, saying: “I want to say that I am very happy to associate with you. Having won the Presidency (NUP), we said it will be beautiful for us to come to Enugu and tell His Excellency that we have done so. “We are here because this is the first time in our history,

in the national history, in the history of the NUP, that it is our fortune to occupy the position of the National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners. “The beauty of it all is that I am from Enugu State, from a little town known as Obeleagu Umana in Ezeagu LGA”. On their part, the leaders of pensioners from Enugu State/ South East Zone expressed profound gratitude to Ugwuanyi “for the compassionate love, respect and honour that you have meted to our extended pensioners in Enugu State”. Speaking on their behalf, Comrade Dr. G.B Ugochukwu equally thanked the governor “for your labour/pensioner friendliness, regular payment of workers’ salaries, pension, security and infrastructural development in the state”, saying: “All these are possible because Enugu State is in the hands of God”.

L-R: Ekiti State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akin Oyebode; Chief Executive Oﬃcer, Access Global Partner, Parent company for CAVISTA, Mr. John Olajide; Ekiti State Governor-elect, Mr. Abiodun Oyebanji; and Country Director Nigeria, CAVISTA, Mr. Dele Odufuye during the Ekiti State Governor-Elect courtesy visit to the company in Lagos... yesterday PHOTO SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Group Managing Director / CEO, Interswitch, Mitchell Elegbe; DJ Kaywise; Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Communications Oﬃcer, Interswitch, Cherry Eromosele, and music producer, Sess at the talent unveiling party held at the Landmark Towers, Lagos… yesterday

L-R: Apapa Methodist Nursery and Primary School Head Teacher, Ekumatalor Augustina, Apapa Local Government Education Authority,(LGEA) HOS, Planning, Research and Statistics, Olanrewaju Oluyemisi, Dangote Sugar Refinery plc. Chief Internal Auditor, Babatunde Gbadewole, Dangote Sugar Refinery plc, Head Health Safety and Environment, Itoro Unaam, at the Dangote Sugar Refinery plc. donation of writing boards to Apapa Methodist Nursery and Primary school Apapa Lagos..... recently

L-R: General Manager of LASPARK, Mrs. Adetoun Popoola ; Chief Executive Oﬃcer, AXA Mansard Insurance, Kunle Ahmed; and Chief Customer and Marketing Oﬃcer, AXA Mansard Insurance, Jumoke Odunlami, during the ceremonial tree planting event held at Eko Atlantic road setback, Victoria Island, Lagos...... recently

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

2.7.2022

NEWS

FIBA WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS PAGE. 29

Destiny Udogie Torn between Azzurri and Super Eagles

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 2, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Destiny Udogie was on rampage against AC Milan

Destiny Udogie

Torn between Azzurri and Super Eagles After a good season with Udinese, Italian-born Nigerian defender, Destiny Udogie has been attracting interest from big European clubs with Inter Milan, Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur leading the rush. However, sorting out his international loyalty remains a concern for the defender. After playing for Italy at all grade levels, his dream is to star for the Azzurris but Roberto Mancini is yet to look at his side, while Nigeria is opening a hand of fellowship

espite strong links with the Nigerian senior football team-Super Eagles, 19-year-old Udinese defender, Destiny Udogie has always reiterated his desire to play for the Azzurris, most especially after playing for Italy at all age-grade competitions. Udogie was born in Italy to Nigerian parents andeventhoughhehasrepresentedtheEuropean country at youth level, he is still eligible to play for the Super Eagles. He has always expressed his desire to represent Italy at senior level and is determined to keep working hard in order to achieve his objective in spite of not having been called up. “I will do everything to make myself appreciated by the coach, it is a goal that I particularly care about,” the youngster told Tuttomercatoweb. Udogie has been linked to the likes of Juventus, Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur after a strong campaign for Udinese. The former Hellas Verona player admitted he is flattered by the interest from some of the European heavyweights. “It is very nice to be approached by top-level clubs. “I live it serenely and thinking about the field. My agents think about the market, they know my thoughts and have my total trust,” he said. Inter Milan have set their sights on Udogie

who has been valued by the Friuli at €20 million. Inter Milan Chairman, Steven Zhang, is believed to have met the player and his representatives last week as they look to make a move. Some of Udogie’s suitors have also been mentioned as Juventus but the club is unwilling to let him go and hope to keep him for another season. Udogie had a brilliant season last term and turned on potential suitors to possibility of his availability. The 20-year-old wing-back is looking to settle his international and club future after he was recently snubbed by the Italian national team coach, Roberto Mancini despite his brilliant season He’s highly-rated in Italian football. Udogie has before now said he was looking forward to being a part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar later in the year, but unfortunately both countries he is eligible to play for-Italy and Nigeria failed to qualify for Mundial in Qatar. “Going to the World Cup is the greatest dream because it is played for the whole country. For me, it would be a great satisfaction,” Udogie had said. By the time the last edition of the Mundial kicked off four years ago in Russia, Udogie was still a starry-eyed 15-year-old slugging it out in the Hellas Verona youth academy, unsure of what the future held for him. Fast forward to the present times, and the 19-year-old has had his best of times in Serie

A last season, where he made 29 appearances, scored against AC Milan at the San Siro, and netted the goal that shot down Sampdoria. Udogie has been a part of the Italian youth system from the U-16 to the U-21, giving the European nation a significant advantage over his allegiance. But the versatile young defender remains eligible to represent three-timeAfrican champions, Nigeria, through his parents. Super Eagles boast of very good left-back options in Paderborn’s Jamilu Collins, Porto’s Zaidu Sanusi and Rangers’ Calvin Bassey. Still, Udogie could gate-crash the party if he maintains his upward trajectory. Udogie is the rave of the moment in the Italian top-flight, with some of the country’s biggest clubs keeping a tab on him, including Juventus and Atalanta. The young defender, however, makes it clear that he shares a relationship with his Nigerian father and still listens to his instructions, which are helping his development. “My father always tells me to stay calm, to enjoy the moment, to play carefree and not to freak out because I’m still young,” the on-loan Hellas Verona lad said. enjoy Serie A and the moment because I’m still young. “Now, as a wing-back, I feel good because it is a role in which I can express myself. I think I would feel better as a full-back than a half-winger.” Udogie has a loan deal with Udinese, with

the Little Zebras retaining the rights to make his deal permanent. He is currently valued at €9 million. After scoring three goals and several assists in the last campaign, Udogie has cemented himself as one of the best revelations of last season. The young left-back is a youth product of Hellas Verona, but he currently plays for Udinese on loan. According to Calciomercato, Juventus are in the race to sign Udogie next summer, but will face competition from two other SerieAbig boys. In addition to the Bianconeri, Napoli and Atalanta are also interested in the up-and-coming fullback. In September 2021, he made his debut for the Azzurri’s U-21 side. Undoubtedly an interesting talent, the Verona youngster was always bound to attract the interest of some of the bigger names in the league. But while Juventus are hoping to reinforce their left-back department this summer, the management usually prefer to send the younger players out on loan in order to gain more experience. Therefore, even if the Bianconeri manage to secure his services, a more experienced player could end up replacing Alex Sandro instead of the young Udogie. SerieAsideAtalanta Bergamasca Calcio are also keen on signing young Italian-Nigerian wingback when the summer transfer window opens, says Italian transfer news-focused publication, Calcio Mercato.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 2, 2022

Moses Simon

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Elland Road Presents Premier League Dream After an impressive season in which he scored six goals and provided eight assists in 30 league appearances and also helped Nantes win the French Cup for the fourth time in their history, Nigerian international, Moses Simon has been in the news for the right reason with several clubs including Leeds United and Nice leading the chase to cash in on the Super Eagle

Moses SimonN

f reports in RMC Sports are anything to go by, Nantes are willing to sell Super Eagles forward, Moses Simon, who played a key role in their Coupe de France success last season with OGC Nice reportedly having agreed personal terms with the winger, ahead of a potential summer move. The Canaries president, Waldermar Kita told a press conference on Wednesday that Simon was among a group of players who would be allowed to leave should an interesting offer arrive. “We would be delighted if they stayed, but if there are interesting offers, we would have to think about them,” Kita stated. “Are there any offers? That’s part of the backstage business of the transfer market; I can’t talk too much about it. I can just say that those players are here now.” Simon scored six goals and provided eight assists in 30 league appearances for Antoine Kombouare’s side last season. He has also been linked with a move to Leeds United and Brighton & Hove Albion. Leeds United have also shown

interest in Simon with his transfer fee expected to be in the region of €15m. The former AS Trencin and Levante star had a scintillating season last term and helped the Yellow Canaries to a Europa League spot after winning the French Cup. Simon has been on the lips of several European clubs as he’s grown and established himself in France. The player has however shown a reluctance to leave the country as his family is settled and he’s still developing as a player. Many pundits had backed Simon to make a Premier League switch this season but if recent reports are anything to by, that may have hit the blocks. According to Foot Mercato, Leeds United and OGC Nice are in a direct battle for the signing of the FC Nantes attacker Moses Simon. The Whites have had a longstanding interest in the Nigerian international and see him as a possible replacement for exitbound superstar Raphinha. Simon joined the French club

from La Liga side Levante in the 2019 summer transfer window on a year-long loan before the move was made permanent a year later. The left-winger didn’t take much time to settle down in France, scoring nine goals in his debut season. The following two seasons have been quite fruitful as well for the attacker, who can play across the front-line, a quality that especially interests potential suitors. Simon, in all, has made 100 appearances for Nantes, scoring 21 and assisting 22 goals. The 26-year-old still has two years left on his contract with the club, but Nantes are reportedly ready to sell if a sizeable bid arrives for the winger. He is attracting interest from multiple clubs, including Newcastle United, but Leeds and OGC Nice are now the only two sides involved in the race. The Whites are eager to strengthen in multiple positions ahead of the new season after narrowly avoided relegation this past season and will want to stay clear of the drop zone in the 2022/23 campaign.

As far as Simon is concerned, the attacker is inclined towards staying in France and prefers Nice over Leeds. But a lucrative contract offer from Leeds could change the 26-year-old’s mind, as the Whites scour the market for a replacement for Raphinha. Simon has been one of Nantes’ best performers in the French Ligue 1, notching six goals and eight assists as well as three player-of-the-month awards, including that of April. And the 26-year-old capped it all with an eye-catching display as Nantes stunned Nice 1-0 to secure their fourth-ever French Cup triumph. According to Ligue 1 statistics, the Nigerian became the first Canaries player to be involved in more than 10 goals in three consecutive seasons in the competition since the late Emiliano Sala achieved the feat between 2016/17 and 2018/19 campaigns. Following his impressive performance for the Super Eagles at the last Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, he was proposed to Leeds and Brentford by his agent but it fell through.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 2, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Sports Minister, Sunday Dare and Jon Obi Mikel with some of the outstading athletes at the ﬁnal of Back2Base programme last Saturday

Nigeria’s basketball team, D’Tigers in action

FIBA WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

Coach Blames High Turnover for D’Tigers’ Loss to Cape Verde D’Tigers stand-in head coach, Alan Major says the team must take care of the ball when they face Mali in their next game today, after the 70-79 points loss to Cape Verde at the on-going FIBA World Cup qualifiers He highlighted the team’s turnover ratio and rebound efforts which he said was responsible for the team’s 70-79pts loss despite crediting the team for their resilience and hardwork. “They (Cape Verde) had 16 points from our turnovers, 11 second-chance points from 16 offensive rebounds. These are some things we can clean up, but I do like the effort. We

fought back and had the lead, but we gave up a big put back to Williams Tavares. “Congratulations to Cape Verde, they played well. They got a cushion on us at halftime. I thought our guys did a great job by fighting back to take the lead towards the end of the match, but you know in a game like this, you do not have much margin for error”, Major explained. He said the team got scared towards the end of the game and rushed their plays in a quest to restore their lead, giving their opponent the winning edge. “We just have to go back,

watch some films, clean up some things and be ready to play tomorrow”. After winning the first quarter, 15-14 points, Cape Verde took charge in the second quarter, 25-11 to head into halftime with a 39-26pts lead. “We wanted to go out there and try to win the game. We did that for stretches of the game but Cape Verde played together. They have been together and practicing more than we have”. He believes the team has what it takes to win their next two games and finish the first round strongly. The team has seven points from four matches and will face Mali today.

CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Live on DStv, GOtv DStv and GOtv customers can look forward to the 2022 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will be held in Morocco from July 2 to 23. The last WAFCON was played in 2018 in Ghana and saw Nigeria claim a record-extending 11th title after defeating South Africa on penalties in the final. The scheduled 2020 WAFCON was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Nigeria’s Super Falcons

start as the favourites to continue their dominance of women’s football in Africa, with coach Randy Waldrum leading a star-studded team which is determined to claim WAFCON glory once again. “We are aware of the intense competition that is going to play out there in Morocco. We have no illusions,” said Nigeria captain Onome Ebi. The WAFCON serves as a qualification tournament for next year’s FIFA

Women’s World Cup. The four semifinalists secure automatic qualification to the global tournament, while the four losing quarterfinalists will play two separate playoffs in a ‘Repechage’ round, with the two winners of those matches advancing to the inter-confederation playoffs – a mini tournament staged in Australia and New Zealand early next year which will determine the final qualifiers for the 2023 World Cup.

Igbinadolor, Iredia Win Gen. Jidda Retirement Golf Tourney The Lady Captain of UBTH Golf Club, Ehis Igbinadolor and Sam Iredia over the weekend emerged winners at General Adamu Jidda Retirement Golf Tournament held at the UBTH golf course, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State. The well attended golf event featured about 150 golfers who came across the

six geo-political zone in Nigeria. Among them were Edo State Deputy Governor; Comrade Philip Shaibu, Major General Bolaji Salami, Brigadier General Okafor and among others. The tournament sponsored by Nigeria Army Corps of Supply and Transport; Kassid Investment Nigeria Limited as well as Committee of Friends

was organised by the club management in honour of Gen. Jidda, for successfully retired from Nigerian Army. Iredia played a net score of 70 to win the men’s category ahead of Nosa Ogbevoen with 71 net to place first runner-up while second runner up trophy went to Jude Igbinadolor for playing 72 net.

Bayelsa Schools Win 2022 MILO Basketball Championship Bayelsa Schools rule the 22nd Milo Basketball Championship which ended in great excitement as the boys from Bishop Dimieari Grammar School, Obom Bayelsa State defeated Government Secondary School, Karu, FCT, 36 to 33 in a nail-biting encounter. The game was in a draw situation with each team holding 33 points and only 22 seconds left on the clock when the Bayelsa boys threw three points from the center of the court that coincided with the final buzzer, sending the spectators into a moment

of jubilation. In a different but one-sided encounter, the girls from St. Jude’s Secondary Schools Amarata, Bayelsa State outclassed their counterparts from Akpur College, Gboko, Benue State by 38 to 14 to emerge winners in the girls’ category of the Championship. Speaking at the basketball finals, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria PLC, Mr. Wassim El-Husseini said, “The MILO Basketball Championship provides a

platform to help the participants imbibe values that set the right foundation for their future. As they participate in sports, they learn grit - perseverance through hardship, courage to overcome fear, ability to work in a team, self-belief, respect, and leadership. We will therefore, continue to do our utmost to help shape a healthier and happier generation of Nigerians by encouraging participation in sporting activities through the MILO Basketball Championship.”

How Mikel Raised the Stakes with Back2Base Talent Hunt Project When former Chelsea star, John Obi Mikel showed up at the Evans Square, Ebute Metta in Lagos to play football with locals on their sandy pitch, many had wrongly suggested it was another publicity stunt common with ex-internationals. Alas, Mikel who was mediashy even during his active days had more genuine intentions as he was determined to help raise new superstars not just in football but also in basketball and tennis through his new project. And when Mikel rounded off the talent hunt program with a sudden appearance last week Wednesday at Ojo Street in the heart of the denselypopulated Obalende area of Lagos, it was an anti-climax of a loaded three-week schedule. He was greeted with wide jubilations as the fans jostled to catch a glimpse of one of Africa’s most-accomplished football stars. The Back2Base project decided to extend his goodwill to the Para-soccer players who were wowed by the kind gesture of monetary and wheelchair donations from the Chelsea legend. “I am aware there are a lot of talents out there but if we don’t come to their aid and provide them platforms to exhibit what they’ve got; they may not be able to actualise their potential.” Mikel rightly noted as he reckoned his journey as a little boy on the streets of Jos to becoming a globally-acclaimed superstar. After several months of research and combing the streets of Lagos, Mikel and his amiable team led by the CEO and Founder of Avianna & Harvey Entertainments, Ahmed Fadekemi announced the modalities for the first edition of the Back2Base talent hunt project. From the onset, the intention was crystal different from the tons of the other talent hunt programmes that would ‘rob Peter to pay Paul’ by demanding various sums of monies

from enthusiastic youngsters and only using a fraction of what is gathered for the set-out purpose. The UNILAG Sports complex ideally was chosen for the threeday talent-hunt programme and as one who had rightly predicted, the turnout was massive with many coming from far and wide wanting to be a part of the fanfare. Unfortunately, the rigorous process of selecting those to feature in the three-day programme had long been concluded and there was very little that could have been done to accommodate the ‘gate crashers’ With seasoned coaches, Judges along with Mikel himself on the ground all through the three-day exercise, outstanding athletes across the three sports were selected for what can be best described as life-changing opportunities. Even for those that ended up not being selected as the top guns, their joy knew no bounds with the inspirational presence of Mikel who took part in the action with the kids and was all over them for photo ops and all forms of support. “I have only seen him (Mikel) on the television before but now I have seen him in real life, took pictures with him and he even personally spoke with me after I lost my game” one of the elated participants declared. It was equally heart-warming to see the Minister for Youth and Sports Sunday Dare also coming over to identify with Mikel and the children. The Minister rightly acknowledged the huge investment Mikel would have made to put up a project of this magnitude and assured him of getting positive results very soon “You have chosen the path that is less travelled and I think your investment in these young ones would bear good returns. This would give Nigeria the opportunity to have younger

Mikels in football, basketball and tennis the Minister stated. Emma Jebutu and Toyin Asogba emerged as the most outstanding boys and girls in the tennis category with the duo of Mathew Abamu and Destiny Okhinye finishing as the runners-up. In the Basketball event, Ayomide Lasisi, Chika Okafor and Kunle Adesuyi were selected as the top three performers Adebayo Mubarak, Monday Pius and Samuel Adefeso were the top three players selected from the football event. After treating the youngsters to an exquisite dinner in a five-star hotel where he gladly shared some of his success secrets with the eagerly attentive teenagers, Mikel promptly fulfilled the cash promise he had also made to the outstanding athletes. In all, a total of six million Naira was given out to the athletes while another N600,000 was also given to the Ladies’ Basketball team that were unable to take part in the talent hunt programme due to the rules adopted for this first edition. Many were equally blown when Mikel also announced that he would from his own pocket invest back in the community. The original plan with the Back2Base programme is to invest three per cent of total monies made from sponsorship back into the community but with no sponsors this first edition, Mikel is taking the challenge head-on. “Well for me, there is nothing too much to do to see smiles on the faces of these children and also on their parents’ faces, the goal is to help as many people as possible with what God has given me” the country’s Youth Ambassador declared. While the assessment of the successes and few flaws from the first edition have been done, Mikel has promised something bigger in the next edition to be held at a yet-to-be-decided location soonest.

IM MC Posttpones Technicaal Officiaals Baskeetball Cliinic in Abuja The Interim Management Committee (IMC) for Nigerian basketball has postponed the coaches and technical officials clinic scheduled for July 3rd 2022 in Abuja. The postponement which is coming at the instance of the Federal Ministry of Sports may have been occasioned by the clash of programs of the Ministry. More so, following the lifting of the two-year ban

on international competitions and the reinstatement of the NBBF, the Ministry felt it w o u l d c l a s h with the prog r a m . Sources however explained that the on-going world Cup qualifiers in Kigali Rwanda may have also caused the shift of the clinic to allow for wider participation. A new date would be announced by the IMC.

I n t e restingly, the Sports Ministry is yet to take a definitive stand on the continued existence of the IMC it set up to manage grassroots basketball. The IMC members are said to be agitating for a defined role and approval of the Committee programmes in the wake of the return of the country to International Competitions.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 2, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Victor Moses Playing ‘Russian Roulette’ with Spartak He initially joined Spartak Moscow on loan in October 2020, but after impressing the egg heads of the Red-and-Whites the transfer was made permanent the following season. Victor Moses overall turnout was also impressive last season in which he played a pivotal role in the Gladiators winning the 2022 Russian Cup. However, the former Nigeria international have been playing hide and seek with the club as he had failed to resume for the team’s pre-season training, forcing the Otkrite Arena side to declare him on AWOL

ormer Nigerian international, Victor Moses, went AWOL at Russian Premier League club Spartak Moscow after his summer vacation. According to the official website of Spartak Moscow, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner with the Super Eagles is yet to resume pre-season training with the club after his holiday. The Nigerian winger last Wednesday, failed to resume for pre-season training as expected. The Russian Premier League club have set up camp in Tarasovka ahead of the new season with all the players in training camp except Moses. “Midfielder Victor Moses did not arrive at the team’s location. The club finds out the circumstances of this decision. The contract with the Nigerian player is not suspended,” reads a statement on the club’s website. The 22-time Soviet Top League and Russian Premier League champions revealed that they are investigating the circumstances

‘Express your position like a man’ – Former Everton midfielder blasts ex… “In Spartak, people are not stupid. But hiding, hiding and not getting in touch is not worthy of a professional. Especially at the level of Moses. “I’m shocked by this. It would be nice if a player of a smaller calibre did this. But Moses has to behave solidly.” Meanwhile, Spartak Moscow has stated that the outfit will soon decide on the former Super Eagles star following his recent AWOL from the club. Speaking through the head of its press service Dmitry Zelenov, it was stated that fans should expect news about Moses soon. In the last couple of days, there had been speculations in the Russian media that the former Chelsea wing-back was going to link up with the Spartak Moscow squad at its training camp. However, Moses did not participate in the Red and Whites open training session on Thursday and the press service of the club said it understands the reasons for the absence of the Nigerian at the training camp. Zelenov said Spartak Moscow will soon announce a decision on the future of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner. Moses’s teammate last season, Sweden international Jordan Larsson reportedly left Spartak after his contract was terminated by mutual consent. “As for Moses, we still have nothing to add to what we have announced. I think news about Victor Moses will appear in the near future,” Zelenov was quoted to have said to Championat.com. Moses initially joined Spartak Moscow on loan in October 2020 before the transfer was made permanent the following season. Overall, the midfielder has appeared in 53 matches across all competitions for the Red-and-Whites, scoring seven goals while registering nine assists. The Crystal Palace Academy product intended to return to the Premier League three months ago but the transfer was not allowed to happen. Moses played a pivotal role in Spartak Moscow winning the 2022 Russian Cup, starring in a 2-1 victory over city rivals Dynamo. of his decision not to report for pre-season training. Meanwhile, Moses is said to have been engaged in training alone after refusing to join the Russian club for the commencement of pre-season training. Spartak began their pre-season under manager Guillermo Abascal in Tarasovka last Thursday without the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner. The winger last Saturday posted a video of himself engaging in various rigorous exercises as he aimed to keep fit ahead of the incoming season. The club, however, revealed in a statement, according to sports. ru, that the contract of the 31-year-old had not been suspended. “…midfielder Victor Moses did not arrive at the team’s location. The contract with the Nigerian player has not been suspended,” the Moscow giants stated. Last week, world football body FIFA stated that foreign footballers and coaching staff would be allowed to unilaterally suspend their contracts at Russian clubs until the summer of 2023.

The decision is an extension of a ruling first introduced in March after the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine. FIFA said that if Russian clubs could not mutually agree contract termination with any wantaway foreign stars and staff before the end of this month, “these players and coaches will have the right to suspend their employment contracts with their clubs until 30 June 2023.” The ruling, which also applies to Ukrainian clubs, “gives players and coaches the opportunity to train, play and receive a salary, while protecting Ukrainian clubs and facilitating the departure of foreign players and coaches from Russia,” FIFA argued. Former Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has however hit out at the Nigerian for going AWOL. “Such actions are not respectable. If you want to break the contract, you need to come and express your position like a man,” the 37-year-old former Russia international told Sports24 as quoted by All Nigeria Soccer.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMIFULA OGBU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 3, 2022

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 2, 2022

AUTO WORLD

Bennett Oghifo 07052343083 Email:bennett.oghifo@thisdaylive.com

TIPS OF THE WEEK

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KH ÀUVW VHULHV SURGXFHG YHKLFOHV of the new BMW 7 Series have UROOHG RͿ WKH SURGXFWLRQ OLQHV RI %0: *URXS 3ODQW 'LQJROÀQJ ,Q IDFW WRGD\ ZDV D GRXEOH GHEXW ZLWK WKH QHZ WRS RI WKH UDQJH %0: PDQXIDFWXUHG QRW RQO\ ZLWK KLJKO\ H΀FLHQW FRPEXVWLRQ HQJLQHV EXW DOVR DV WKH IXOO\ HOHFWULF %0: L 0LODQ 1HGHOMNRYLþ %0: $* %RDUG 0HPEHU IRU 3URGXFWLRQ ´2XU QHZ %0: 6HULHV LV WKH ÀUVW OX[XU\ VHGDQ LQ WKH ZRUOG WR RͿHU FXVWRPHUV D choice between three types of drive. Whether IXOO\ HOHFWULF FRPEXVWLRQ SRZHUHG RU VRRQ SOXJ LQ K\EULG ZH KDYH WKH ÁH[LEOH SURGXFWLRQ VWUXFWXUHV DQG RXWVWDQGLQJ LQWHJUDWLRQ VNLOOV ZH QHHG WR PDQXIDFWXUH VXFK D GLYHUVH UDQJH RI GULYHV H΀FLHQWO\ µ 2YHU Е PLOOLRQ LQYHVWHG LQ 'LQJROÀQJ vehicle plant 7KH %0: *URXS LQYHVWHG RYHU И PLOOLRQ WR UHDG\ WKH 'LQJROÀQJ YHKLFOH SODQW IRU SURGXFtion of the new BMW 7 Series. As it strives consistently to implement the BMW vision of SURGXFWLRQ RI WKH IXWXUH LWV ODUJHVW (XURSHDQ plant is increasingly being transformed into a %0: L)$&725< SUDFWLVLQJ WKH ¶/HDQ *UHHQ 'LJLWDO · DSSURDFK )RU WKH ÀUVW WLPH WKH %0: *URXS LV SLORWLQJ DXWRPDWHG PDQRHXYUHV ZLWKLQ WKH SURGXFWLRQ HQYLURQPHQW E\ MXVW PDGH %0: 7 Series vehicles – and optimising assembly and RXWERXQG ORJLVWLFV SURFHVVHV DV D UHVXOW BMW i7: The latest milestone on the road to e-mobility in the luxury segment

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 2, 2022

AUTO WORLD

Formula 1 Technology Enhances Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Performance

he performance and agility of the new Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC has been enhanced using Formula 1 technology with electric exhaust gas turbocharger and 48-volt electrical system A statement by the automaker said with technology derived directly from Formula 1, the latest generation of the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC sets new standards for innovative drive solutions both as a Saloon (combined fuel consumption 9.1-8.7 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 206-196 g/km) and as an Estate (combined fuel consumption 9.2-8.8 l/100km, combined CO2 emissions 209-199 g/km). Following its premiere in the Mercedes-AMG SL 43, the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, the world’s ÀUVW VHULHV SURGXFWLRQ XQLW WR IHDWXUH DQ HOHFWULF exhaust gas turbocharger, is now also being used in the C-Class. The new form of turbocharging guarantees particularly spontaneous response across WKH HQWLUH UHY UDQJH DQG WKXV RͿHUV DQ HYHQ PRUH dynamic driving experience. The turbocharger is operated via the 48-volt electrical system, which also feeds the belt-driven starter-generator (RSG). In the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC the unit produces 300 kW (408 hp) and, in certain driving situations, is able to call upon a brief additional boost of 10 kW (14 hp) from the RSG. The standard rear-axle steering, the AMG Performance 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque distribution, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission with wet VWDUW RͿ FOXWFK DQG WKH $0* 5,'( &21752/

The new Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC

suspension with Adaptive Damping System also contribute to the dynamic driving experience. ,Q NHHSLQJ ZLWK WKLV EUDQG VSHFLÀF IHDWXUHV LQ the equipment and appointments as well as in the exterior and interior design emphasise the performance-oriented character of the new Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC.

“The C-Class has always been an absolute success story for Mercedes-AMG. With the innovative technology of the electric exhaust gas turbocharger, ZH DUH RQFH DJDLQ VLJQLÀFDQWO\ LQFUHDVLQJ WKH attractiveness of this latest generation. The new turbocharging system and the 48-volt on-board electrical system not only contribute to the outstand-

ing driving dynamics of the C 43 4MATIC, but DOVR LPSURYH LWV H΀FLHQF\ ,Q WKLV ZD\ ZH DUH demonstrating the tremendous potential that lies LQ HOHFWULÀHG FRPEXVWLRQ HQJLQHV 7KH VWDQGDUG all-wheel drive, the active rear-axle steering and the quick-shifting transmission all serve to enhance the Driving Performance that is the hallmark of AMG”, says Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. At the heart of the new Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC is the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which combines innovative technologies DQG KLJK SHUIRUPDQFH ZLWK H[HPSODU\ H΀FLHQF\ At the same time, it remains true to a tradition typical of the brand: not only was it developed HQWLUHO\ DW WKH FRPSDQ\·V VLWH LQ $ͿDOWHUEDFK but it is also manufactured there in accordance with the principle of “One Man, One Engine”. In this process, Mercedes-AMG combines the FUDIWVPDQVKLS RI LWV KLJKO\ TXDOLÀHG HPSOR\HHV with the latest production methods of Industry 4.0 and a high degree of digitalisation. The internally named M139l engine (l for ORQJLWXGLQDO LQVWDOODWLRQ LV WKH ZRUOG·V ÀUVW VHULHV production engine to be turbocharged with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. The innovative system is a direct derivative of the technology that the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has been using so successfully in the premier class of motorsport for many years. The new form of turbocharging guarantees particularly spontaneous response across the entire rev range. This leads to an even more dynamic driving experience, while DW WKH VDPH WLPH LQFUHDVLQJ H΀FLHQF\

Toyota, Suzuki to Deepen Collaboration in Development, Production

oyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and Suzuki Motor Corporation (Suzuki) signed a memorandum of understanding for a business alliance in 2017. Since then, the two companies have been bringing together Toyota’s strength in electrification technologies and Suzuki’s strength in technologies for compact vehicles for joint collaboration in production and in the widespread popularization of electrified vehicles. Toyota and Suzuki are promoting mutual supply of vehicles globally, which is one of the collaborations in the business partnership, and the two companies will now start production of a new SUV model developed by Suzuki at Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. (TKM) from August. Maruti Suzuki India Limited and TKM will market the new model in India as Suzuki and Toyota models, respectively. Furthermore, the two companies are planning to export the new model to markets outside India including Africa. The powertrains of the new model to be on sale in India, will be equipped with mild hybrid developed by Suzuki and strong hybrid developed by Toyota. By bringing together strengths of both Toyota and Suzuki through

the collaboration, the two companies will be able to provide a wide variety of vehicle electrification technologies to customers and contribute to the acceleration of electrification and the realization of a carbon-neutral society in India. Including investment in expansion of collaboration in India, Toyota and Suzuki will remain committed to the achievement of the “Make in India” initiative promoted by the Indian government, and contribute to sustainable economic growth and to the vision of achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2070. Toyota President Akio Toyoda said: “We are pleased to announce the new SUV with Suzuki, a company that has a long history of local involvement in the Indian business. Today, the automotive industry is facing various challenges such as electrification and carbon neutrality. By leveraging the respective strengths of Toyota and Suzuki to provide Indian customers with a variety of options, we hope to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and realize a society where ‘no-one is left behind’ and ‘everyone can move freely.’”

2023 Toyota RAV4

Why 30KM/PH in Built-up Areas I do not know if you read my rehash of the piece on the street for life theme being spearheaded by the United Nations. The focus is 30kmph speed limits in cities and built up areas. One of the arguments LV WKDW ORZ VSHHG VWUHHWV ZKHUH SHRSOH DQG WUD΀F mix makes for streets that are healthy, green and livable and therefore saves lives. Low speed streets save lives and are the heart of any community. The global plan is to engage policymakers to act for low speed streets worldwide, limiting speeds to 30 km/h for cities, towns and villages worldwide. But do you really know why the choice of 30kmph?If you have never been involved in a URDG WUD΀F FUDVK RU VHHQ RQH ZKHUH VRPHRQH died, please know that excessive speeding is the number one global killer. I have chosen this week to share with you this material from Spain which spells out the wisdom behind this drive. The material is from the 14th Conference on Transport Engineering: 6th – 8th July 2021 which is where I culled my focus for this week; it is capped: Why is it necessary to reduce the speed in urban areas to 30 Km/h by Hernán Gonzalo-Ordena, Marta Rojo Arcea among other authors. While we are still working to fully tidy up this new global drive, Spain, on November 2020, imposed a new law that changed the speed limit on single carriageway two-lane roads from 50 km/h to 30 km/h in keeping with the global drive to drive down fatalities and deaths in cities and achieve

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

the global target of reducing world fatalities by 50 per cent. Please enjoy the reading and I do hope you make sense from the well-crafted piece. The changes in the JHQHUDO UXOHV RI WUD΀F DUH D VDPSOH RI WKH HYROXWLRQ in the use of the shared space of the streets, and at the same time shows its sensitivity towards road safety. Traditionally, the objective of the regulation was to attend to the growing increase in the use of motor vehicles (mainly cars), and for this reason, it was the protagonist in most of the discourse in WUD΀F UHJXODWLRQV 7RGD\ LQ PDQ\ FLWLHV WKH FDU shares the space on the streets, with other motor vehicles such as buses or motorcycles, but also with pedestrians, bicycles, electric pedal assisted cycles (EPAC), personal mobility vehicle (PMV). Pedestrian mobility is becoming more and more important every day but the number of pedestrians that died inside Spanish urban areas

in road accidents is almost 50% of total urban areas road fatalities. In this sense, the mobility and road safety policies developed by local administrations have to focus on the objective of the reduction of accidents and their severity involving pedestrians and other vulnerable users in urban areas. 7KLV DUWLFOH VKRZV WKH HͿHFWV RI UHGXFLQJ WKH speed of motor vehicles in urban areas in order to reduce accidents and/or their severity if they occur. It also analyzes other options that reinforce this measure and that could help reduce this problem. In Spain, in November 2020, a new law imposed that the generic speed limit on single carriageway two-lane roads be reduced from 50 km/h to 30 km/h. 7KH FKDQJHV LQ WKH JHQHUDO UXOHV RI WUD΀F proposed by the Spanish government, are a sample of the evolution, in the use of the shared space of the streets, and at the same time shows its sensitivity towards road safety. Traditionally, the objective of the regulation was to attend to the growing increase in the use of motor vehicles (mainly cars), and for this reason, it was the protagonist in most of the articles of the General 7UD΀F 5HJXODWLRQV 6HYHUDO DUWLFOHV RI WKH *HQHUDO 7UD΀F 5HJXODWLRQV ZHUH PRGLÀHG LQ 6SDLQ RQ 1RYHPEHU 7KH FKDQJHV WKDW DͿHFW DUWLFOH ZKLFK GHDOV ZLWK speed limits on urban roads, stand out (BOE, 2020). The generic speed limits on urban roads/streets

now are established as follows: 20 Km/h on roads with a single-carriageway one-lane road, 30 Km/h on single-carriageway two-lane roads, 50 Km/h on carriageways with two or more lanes per direction. In this paper, we will focus on the new speed limit for urban streets with a unique carriageway and two-lanes, one per direction. Before this change in the regulation, the usual maximum speed of these VWUHHWV ZDV .P K 6SHHG KDV EHHQ LGHQWLÀHG DV D NH\ ULVN IDFWRU LQ URDG WUD΀F LQMXULHV LQÁXHQFLQJ both, the risk of a road crash as well as the severity of the injuries that result from crashes. Therefore, a reduction in the speed would improve road safety. Over the world, road safety is one of the major problems. In 2013, there were 1.25 million fatalities in collisions. Fatalities among pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are painfully high and represent more than 48% of the total. If we focus on pedestrians, the average value over the world is 22%, 26% in Europe and as high as 39% in Africa (WHO, 2015). In the European Union, during 2019, almost 23,000 people died in crashes, which is 21 hundred less than in 2018, and 135,000 were seriously injured. The yearly cost of road crashes in the EU has been estimated to be around EUR 280 billion, equivalent to about 2% of Gross domestic product (GDP).

Culled from the 14th Conference on Transport Engineering: 6th – 8th July 2021.

SATURDAY JULY 2, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 2, 2022

FAIRGROUND with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

Ade Bakare’s Costumes in ‘Ayinla’ the Film

t is no longer news that Ade Bakare designed the costumes for the film, Ayinla, by the famed director Tunde Kelani (‘TK’). The former Commissioner for Arts and Culture in Ogun State, Mrs Yewande Amusan, with whom Ade had collaborated on Adiré projects for Ogun State facilitated the introduction. According to Bakare this was some years ago: “Tunde Kelani told me he was working on a film on the late apala singer, Ayinla Omowura. Yewande felt it would be a perfect vehicle for my designs, knowing my love of African textiles, especially of Adiréand my scrupulous attention to detail,” said Bakare. Following this, Bakare went on to research the late singer, in order to gain s deeper understanding of the apala exponent. A friend who, incidentally, was also involved with the project, Jide Bello, sent Ade a biography on the late singer. He said: “Filming was to start in December 2021, but I had started designing the costumes much earlier, I felt that if I were to start in December, I would not be able to deliver on the clothes to my satisfaction. All of Ayinla’s clothes were ready before filming commenced, we didn't even have the measurements of the main actor at the time, but I had seen photos of Lateef Adedimeji who played Ayinla so decided to go ahead. “We started with mood boards since it was a period film set in the 1970/80s era. This gave us a feel for the look of the clothes worn at that time - from hairstyles to shoes and accessories. Research brought up a lot of interesting detail which we tried to capture in the film.” Bakare majored in History at the University of Lagos before he went back to study Fashion Design in Manchester, in the United Kingdom. Studying History made it easier for him to compile research details and implement them for the film, Ayinla. The biopic is suffused with detail depicting Ayinla’s rich clothing involving costly fabrics such as brocades damasks and even lace all of which signify his wealth at that time. Ade used wonyosi lace which was very popular in the 80s – a fabric which was even banned from being imported into Nigeria by government due to its exorbitant cost. In the Centenary Hall scene recreating Ayinla’s performance there, Bakare designed Lateef Adedimeji ‘s costume of wonyosi lace with loose flower petals which is how the lace got its name - "sprinkled with flowers” - like salt on food. According to Ade, designing for a film entails a lot of work: Bakare said: “I was fortunate to have a very good wardrobe team, especially my assistant, Ade Adedamola, with whom I had collaborated on the well-known Nigerian DSTV series, Battleground. It was Damola who came to see us at our Lagos boutique to get clothes for the character, Adora, played by Shaffy Bello. So, when I was looking for an assistant, I turned to Damola who immediately accepted, read the script and we came up with a plan for the clothes - those that would be made and those that would be loaned or bought.” “Most of the main characters’ clothes were made by us - Jayes and Danshiki tops, safari suits for Ajala, Ayo Vaughan and Bayowa and 70s inspired dresses for Deborah. This was how one could get an exact look of what we wanted to achieve. we undertook many trips to Abeokuta, Ibadan and Ijebu-Ode in search of vintage asò oké and adiré fabrics. We visited markets such as kparò(exchange or barter) markets where clothes are exchanged for household items”. Funmi Iyanda, the TV personality, who coincidentally was in town shooting her series, Public Eye, accompanied Bakare on one of his trips to Ijebu-Ode. “It was such great fun, we ended up visiting other parts of this huge market that sold everything from clothes to exotic reptiles.” When watching Ayinla, you will notice adiré in various forms. Bakare was given a book on adiré by the late mother of the renowned Nike Ogunlesi of Ruff ‘N Tumble, the children's wear line. She had a fashion label called Betty O, and used a lot of adiré in her collections. From this book Ade said he noticed that in those days, “adiré had a lot of symbolic designs.” Bakare explains further: “I was given a fabric book from the Italian silk house Taroni and I came across a design that looked African; the lady, Omolola Bejide, with whom I collaborated to design these modern takes on adiré, said it was called órògbó (bitter kola). “Other designs we also used in the film were inspired by the encouragement of the First Lady of Kwara State, Erelu Mrs Folake Abdul Razaq. She gave me a cocoa pod ornament and asked me to design fabric with this motif.

L-R: Abdulateef Adedimeji as Ayinla with his band members and the director/ producer of the movie Tunde Kelani

L-R: Omowunmi Dada and Abdulateef Adedimeji

Kunle Afolayan L-R: Abdulateef Adedimeji and Ade Bakare (Designer)

L-R: Kunle Afolayan, Ade Bakre ( Designer) and Debo Adebayo known as Mr Marcaroni

You can see all these designs in the film. I wanted to introduce both the old and new adirédesigns to a younger generation and they have become so popular in our collections that I had to copyright them at the Copyright Commission in Lagos. “There is a forthcoming documentary on the making of the costumes for Ayinla. A friend in the United

Kingdom, Funmi Akinyele, insisted I must do this so at to capture the process of making costumes for films, especially costumes that have rich historical detail.” This film will be available for viewing on YouTube later this year. It was put together by Bola Bello with whom Ade collaborated on the film, “A Place in The Stars,” directed by Steve Gukas. Bola was also the

Captionsss

production designer for “Ayinla.” So, what should we be expecting next from Ade Bakare in the film world? Ade said TK was very impressed with the costumes for Ayinla and has approached him to work on another film project which will be shown in America towards the end of the year. Ade says. “I am truly blessed and honoured to work on such projects in Nigeria.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 2, 2022

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

‘Armed Bandit’ Wrong

AILY Sun Editorial of June 15 almost massacred the English language: “…it is an affront on (to) the freedom of worship generally.” “Any government that cannot guarantee security (the security) of lives (life) and property has failed in its responsibility.” Road to 2023: “Today, people are beginning to believe the vigilante (vigilance) groups more than formal security officers….” From News around the City of June 29 comes the next systemic blunder: “Armed bandits operating around the….” When will most reporters stop writing ‘armed bandits’? Simply put, there is no banditry without one form of arm or another! If any such incident happens without a measure of weaponry, it means that it is not ‘banditry’, but robbery. Please vide a standard and current dictionary—not the good (relatively speaking), old ‘Michael West’! Multifarious advertorial and editorial blunders characterized the June 13 edition of The PUNCH: “The Pan African Bank” (Full-page Advert by Ecobank) Correct pay-off line: The Pan-African Bank “Career opportunities in a world class company” (Full-page Advert by Nigerian Breweries PLC) ‘World-class’ here is adjectival—qualifying ‘company’. So, a world-class company. And this correction: Nigerian Breweries PLC (which functions as a proper noun in this context). But as a descriptive phrase: one of the public limited companies in this country—in which case the ‘p’ should appropriately be in lower case. Otherwise we would awkwardly have, if not abbreviated, ‘Nigerian Breweries public limited company’ (NB plc)! Most organizations are

thoughtlessly guilty of this institutional infraction (while, for instance, Fidelity and Sterling banks got it wrong, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC knows full well what is right). Let us keep moving forward. Still on the 2022 Oyo State Education Summit: “We sincerely thank the chairman of the occassion….” Spellcheck: occasion. “…the Yoruba both at Home & Diaspora (at home and the Diaspora) as an integral part of Nigerian nation.” Appreciation: the Nigerian nation. The foregoing copious goofs from Ibadan are not pacesetting at all! Wrong: per excellence; right: par excellence “As you turn 50 years today, we (a comma) your siblings (another comma) congratulate you for (on/upon) attaining the Golden Age of 50.” Don’t forget we are still ‘Punching’: “Hanson said that (otiose!) there was no excuse for any delay in renew vehicle document….” Get it right: delay in the renewal of vehicle documents. “He urged motorist (motorists) to make it a priority to renew their documents once they became expired….” What of simply ‘once they expire’? “The Board, Management and Staﬀ of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) wishes (wish) to commiserate….” “Six arrested over death of two cattle rearers.” Six arrested for (not over). “According to the source, Shagari openly endorsed Buhari and enjoined Babangida and his supporters to do same (the same).” “…the mass exodus of members to other parties should be a source of worry to the leadership of the party.” I

am sure ‘exodus’ involves massive movement. So, ‘mass’ here indicates illiteracy. “You better get down on your knees and do what I am doing right now.” The end of illusions: you had better get down.… “Every detail of our daily life furnish (furnishes) compelling reasons for pessimism.” “…as if it were some occupation force from outer space about to mete out extraterrestrial justice on (to) an erring Iraq.” “NNPP paths way with NDP” This way: parts (not paths) company… “In fact when it is not a victim of communal clashes, it suffers fallouts of....” ‘Fall-out’ is uncountable. ‘There is the erroneous tendency to blame all the shortcomings in the electoral process at the doorstep of the Electoral Commission”. Get it right: blame on (not at). “Though recent amendments to the Electoral Act have changed some deadlines with regards to the submission of the lists of candidates….” Either as regards or with regard to…. “Four years ago, when the former governor proclaimed his presidential aspirations with palpable bravado and fanfare under (on) the platform of the PDP” “Olisa Agbakoba’s grouse with Dana Air was not.…” This way: grouse about (not with) Dana Air…. “As the governor observed during his tour of the troubled spots....” Get it right: trouble spots. “Banks restructure, sack staff from acquired financial institutions” “Arab leaders appeared not to have put their acts together to join....” Iraq: get their act (not acts) together. “Health Minister, at Belgium, canvasses global war against fake drugs” The man was

Three Hunchbacks and Their Heavy Baggage - 2

he second ‘hunchback’ of our analogy in the current Nigerian political reality is the presidential candidate of the All Progressives’ Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed AdekunleTinubu. Interestingly,hereisamanblessedwith a long line of notorious baggage which grows convoluted and mind-boggling the deeper you probe. Yet, the same unsavoury connotations have a special appeal to a huge swathe of his adoring fans. The first charge his traducers would fondly file against him, and perhaps the most recurrent, is what essentially sells him the best to his fan base: his purported patrilineal and hegemonic grip on the jugular of Lagos shadowy power and fiscal architecture. It is an allegation that his supporters reverentially tout as a testament to his “political sagacity” dating back to his 2003 exploits to outwit a rampaging incumbent president, Olusegun Obasanjo. His opponents believe that no juicy circumstance - political, transactional, or what-have-you - flows through the Lagos establishment without the know-how and go-ahead of Tinubu. His detractors often share in the social media a viral list of innumerable property and assets spread across choice areas of Lagos allegedly owned by Tinubu, or held in proxy for him. A particular list is so confoundingly long and lavish that it somehow betrays the eagerness of those against his ambition to throw any rubbish at him, even if it borders on the outrageous. His shadowy antecedents have always been the joysticks of his opponents who claim that being a manmade product of a well-constructed character sketch, many holes would ultimately expose the contraption of the Tinubu Identikit: they point to his place of birth as being more than a hundred kilometers from Lagos; his oft-adored late mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji as foster, or at best, surrogate mother; they allude to hitherto frosty contestation of his Tinubu lineage by the larger Tinubu family - today, that peculiar acrimony has vanished. They nominally dismiss his attendance of primary and secondary schools in Nigeria (prior his admission into Richard Daley College, USA) as further proof of chinks peeling of his elaborately designed persona framework. And of course his state of health - despite the valiant and vigorous rebuttals of his supporters flaunting

his last visit to Saudi Arabia to observe the rigorous dictates of the Tawaf (the arduous task of encircling the Ka’abah seven times as part of Umrah or Hajj). As well as his rollercoaster nationwide whistle-stops in pursuits of the attention and endorsements of state governors and primary delegates for what turned out for Tinubu a successful special presidential convention of APC - with hundreds of photos and videos to suffocate any doubting Thomases. Yet, the braying crowd would not be quietened. One of the major “koboko” Tinubu’s attackers have consistently soaked and used to whip his political ambition is his connection, imagined or real, to the octopal tax consultancy firm, Alpha-Beta Consulting Ltd. (ABC), which was concessioned the state’s ailing tax collection systems around 2000, during the first tenure of Tinubu as governor of Lagos. The monthly internally generated revenue (IGR) of Lagos State ballooned from the paltry ₦500 - ₦600 million bequeathed by Muhammed Buba Marwa, the last military administrator, to the excess of ₦6 billion by the time Tinubu stepped out of Alausa in 2007. Admirably, the current governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced late in 2021 that the state’s IGR was easily topping ₦45 billion monthly! Undoubtedly, Lagos showed the way, and other states have scrambled to learn from the tiniest state in Nigeria, the tricks and tonic of improved tax collection, to the incredulous advantage of ABC… and its stakeholders.Today, statisticians have announced that Lagos IGR exploded by 7,400% between 1999 and 2021! Invariably, such a humongous leap would also be to the astonishing fortune of ABC’s much touted 10% commission, and of course, to the glory of its stakeholders. No one is mystified that ABC’s 10% has been sustained and coolly respected by succeeding governors who are putatively considered as Tinubu’s vassals. While it is difficult to begrudge a thriving symbiotic and technical relationship between a state and a professional, legitimate entity, it is the disparaging immorality of a sitting governor approving a consultancy arrangement with a company which later turns out that he is one of its promoters, if not the main honcho. For many years of successful operations, and unsuccessful attempts to authenticate his umbilical cord to ABC, many critics fumed haplessly in their suspicion of

Tinubu’s culpability. And for many years he and his handlers pretended the so-called links to ABC - long after leaving office - was the figment of hopeless opponents and idlers. Until 2018, when its former managing director and founding partner, Dapo Apara (who lays claim to 30% of Alpha-Beta) filed a 40-page writ before a Lagos High Court, pointing heavily indicting fingers at his erstwhile partner and angel investor (Tinubu) and a former Lagos finance commissioner (during Tinubu’s second term), who is also ABC’s current MD, Akin Doherty.The allegations range from money laundering, to fraud, tax evasion, bribery of government officials, diversion of funds, and sundry acts of corruption. Of course, ABC lashed back at Apara with sordid counter allegations: he allegedly siphoned huge sums of company’s money, fraudulently converted $5 million for cloud-based services which, in any case, should have been a mere $300,000, amongst other robust claims. During the course of the legal fisticuffs, Tade Ipadeola, lawyer to Apara revealed, in late October, 2020, that the originating summons containing the details of Tinubu/ABC case filed at an Igbosere high court, against the former governor and ABC, had been burnt during the calamitous spillover of the #EndSARS protests. The courts were sacked, like many important edifices, and looted by miscreants in those few days of madness. However, sometime in 2021, lawyers from both parties told the court they were considering an out-of-court settlement. Puff…and the media went on a snooze over the matter. The last hearing announced was an adjournment for a report on the settlement status by Justice Aishat Opesanwo to March 24, 2022. A brief telephone chat with another of the plaintiff’s lawyers, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, confirmed to me that parties have virtually completed the settlement processes. Hot on the heels of the above as implements of havoc and stones of derision, in the hands of his harsh critics, to truncateTinubu’s lifetime ambition to preside over the affairs of this nation is the matter of who will be useful and strategic as his running mate, and possibly the vice president. Because of the peculiarity of his geographical focal point, the South West, in the contorted imperatives of our politics, his vice

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

in (not at) Belgium. “I remember once when he came to Port Harcourt we worked on a case till 5 a.m. in the morning.” No! Yank away ‘in the morning’! “In the meantime, there has been series (a series) of system checks....” “…a disagreement ensued resulting into shooting to death of one of the ‘okada’ members by the police.” This Life: resulting in. “It was sometimes (sometime) in 1993 while I was still in Abuja….” “For a NAFDAC that has in almost two years been performing creditably towards ensuring that food and drugs need of Nigerians are (is) given standard manufacturing preparations....” “….his predecessors who were on (in) seat for years without actually doing the work for which they were paid.” “It is also on record that the same government shot itself at the foot by dismissing the audit report as junks.” This way: audit report as junk. The last word in the extract is non-count. “Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural group in the South West, has ….” Would it have been elsewhere, gentlemen? Perhaps, South East! “Police warns against protests over Owo church massacre” No news: Police warn (plural verb). “Other guests expected at (on) the occasion include.…” “What about the students you don’t see who in (on) numerous Nigerian campuses swap novels or even recall the stories they read late into the night before bedtime?” “In fact, he was one of the respected brains in the heydays of Action Group....” Exit this environment: ‘heyday’ is non-count.

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON

fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)

must have to come from any of the three northern zones. It is however not as simple as that. If the major opposition party, People’s Democratic Party, PDP had followed its own maxim, and selected a southerner as its flag-bearer, it would have been easier forTinubu’s camp to pick any northerner. Unfortunately, a wily old fox in Atiku Abubakar emerged as PDP’s candidate - a repudiation of their long-held zoning system, to the chagrin of many of their supporters and chieftains. As it stands, the headache for Tinubu is his status as a Moslem from the South West, and the rupturing potential of picking a Christian Northerner in a region where the highly indoctrinated masses are not only suspicious of southern Moslems, but to now be saddled with another vice president of the Christian faith, alongside a president in whom they are ostensibly suspicious of his devotion to Islam, is a terrifying prospect. To assuage that mindset, the Tinubu camp has flown a kite to test the waters: out came the “doctrine” of a “placeholder” running mate in Ibrahim Masari, a fairly nondescript Moslem politician from the voter-rich North West zone (Katsina to be precise). Incidentally, Masari also has issues with his credentials. He claimed to have lost all his educational certificates, among other documents, in a recent affidavit. Well, the kite is not flying well as expected. The gale of negative reactions to the tentative Moslem-Moslem ticket has not been sufficiently doused by notes of optimism, and appeals for higher emotional gravitation towards sophistication and meritorious consensus - an idyllic throwback to the epoch-making 1993 election of Chief MKO Abiola and Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe (an election irresponsibly abrogated by the arrogant ruling military merchants). But the signs are clear to any keen observers not clouded by bullish delusion and hubris, may God forbid a repeat of 1993 - in all its pristine and innocent ramifications.

(To Continue)

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R •SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022

BACKPAGE CONTINUATION THE BITTER TRUTH PDP MUST BE TOLD State to commission some of the landmark projects of Governor Wike, aka Mr Projects. While waiting downstairs for Governor Wike to come down, I was opportune to spend some quality time, and engage with the Party Chairman, on some serious conversation. I presented him three of my books and he appeared elated. He thanked me profusely because, according to him, he loves to read voraciously as a former university lecturer. By the time Governor Wike joined us, we had discussed a lot about the Nigerian polity, and we thereafter took a few pictures, and it was time to go. That meeting convinced me that PDP was a better option to APC because the Chairman seemed earnest and sincere. I kept in touch with the Chairman a couple of times via WhatsApp and developed more respect for him. Before taking a plunge, I knew I needed to speak to Governor Wike who had graciously engaged the Ovation Media Group for the rebranding of Rivers States. He was understandably a busy Governor keen on leaving a genuine legacy for his successor to build on, and for his people to enjoy. He was full of praise for our work, and I felt obliged to reciprocate his confidence in us by consulting with him and confiding in him first about my intentions. Unfortunately, once I sent a message about my intentions, it became mission impossible to speak to him. On one occasion, I spoke to our mutual friend, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, who told him I had complained about his unreachability. Wike finally called me around 1.00am and said he was shocked to hear that I said he was deliberately avoiding me. “You should know me by now that if I had anything against you, I would have told you...” I then told him I needed to let him know of my plan to join PDP. Unfortunately, even after this encounter, Governor Wike became even more incommunicado. So, I decided to go ahead with my decision, after fulfilling that righteousness. On Friday, October 29, 2021, I took a leap of faith, when I formally joined the leading opposition Party, PDP. The news came as a surprise to practically everybody, except my Wife and very close friends and associates. It went viral globally. It marked the beginning of my return to active politics since 2011. And I was truly elated and enthusiastic about using my extensive networks and public relations skills to re-energise PDP and galvanise young, first-time voters to our Political Party. One of my first self-appointed roles was to encourage online registration on the PDP membership platform for these new and young voters.

So many youths responded positively but they were soon frustrated and discouraged by the cumbersome screening process and unnecessarily tedious verification exercise required by PDP in order to join a Political Party. I forwarded many of the complaints to our Party headquarters but not much changed or improved. I soon discovered that there were several powerful and contending forces and opposing blocks in the Party. There was also the glaring North/South dichotomy. It was fashionable to hear of new and old members. You must be a Governor or a former big man for you to be recognised and respected in the party. All our education and personal achievements meant nothing to many of the staff at our national headquarters in Abuja, but my team decided to remain calm and steadfast and play the game to the very end. For us, every experience is a new lesson in the school of life. It is noteworthy that most of our politicians can never see themselves as the servants of the people who pay for all the perks they enjoy ceaselessly and endlessly. For me, this unreasonable arrogance of our politicians is the beginning and end of our problems in a country overflowing with milk and honey. Since 1993, when Chief Abiola contested on the platform of SDP, I have observed that the Governors have been inordinately powerful. They were amongst those who misled Chief Moshood Abiola and forced him to pick their candidate as his running mate. Chief Abiola had even been ready to pick a Northern Christian as runningmate but was ambushed and dissuaded by the almighty Governors. Fast forward to 2022, the same Governors have become mini-Presidents and causing untold hullabaloo and unnecessary ruckus everywhere. Only a few of them are humble enough to climb down from their high horses to engage ordinary mortals like us. I often wonder that if they can treat those of us, who in our private capacity contributed immensely to the present Democracy that they are now enjoying, at a time many of them were still in school, with such disdain, how would they see the citizens of their respective states as humans who are worthy of their services not to talk of being accountable to those them. I was not surprised when former Governor Peter Obi broke ranks with the Governors and abandoned a Political Party that made him a Vice Presidential candidate in 2019. I heard horrendous stories of how he was snubbed by some of the Governors during his visits to many PDP controlled states as a PDP Presidential aspirant. Just imagine. Let’s move forward please. The Presidential race truly divided our Party beyond imagination. I will not bore you with details

but whatever tragedy has befallen our Party today was a prophecy long seen and definitely foretold by me. I saw it clearly and tried to help my Party, PDP, but the so-called big men were not ready to listen to “featherweights! They treated us with derision and openly derided and denigrated us. I knew, as far back as early March, that Governor Wike was interested in running for the highest office, at a time many did not know it. Ovation Media Group was in the forefront of his rebranding process so I knew it could not have been for fun. The manner we suddenly became estranged merely because I had mentioned my intention to him via a phone message was also an indication of what was to come. I knew, almost from the time I joined the PDP that the Party’s zoning formula was going to be jettisoned for the sole benefit of one aspirant, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. This was not a hidden fact and therefore did not need much deduction. I knew that the United States Dollar was going to play a prominent and crucial role in who becomes our Party’s candidate. A former Governor had boasted to me that Wike was going to defeat Atiku and go on to become the next President merely because he commanded a huge war chest that nobody could even remotely match. I told this ex-Governor that I was aware that Wike has the capacity to defeat Atiku but that there was going to be a massive gang-up against him, such that his financial armoury would eventually be reduced to nothing. My brother refused to listen to me despite my genuine and palpable love for him. He said I was not a politician. I could feel the irritation in his voice and body language as he berated me for telling him an obvious, evident truth. In all honesty, Wike is probably one of the best performing Governors in Nigeria, but many people complain that he is too volatile and irascible. Naturally, this got him incredibly angry when I told him this fact which is what most of his friends couldn’t tell him. I knew there was going to be a volcanic and cataclysmic eruption against Wike at our Party Primaries, but Wike and his team did not believe it was possible. I knew Atiku could not win without some help from Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and I told my team on the morning of our Party Convention that this was likely to be the scenario that would play out. But for the sudden stepping down of Tambuwal, Wike would have beaten Atiku black and blue in that contest. Tambuwal not only persuaded his supporters to vote Atiku, but his withdrawal also meant that the votes he would have received which would have reduced Atiku’s

votes and made Wike the clear winner were residing in the Atiku camp. Once Atiku emerged as Presidential candidate, I knew he would never pick Wike as his running mate. I’m surprised that big politicians who claimed to have the power of clairvoyance could not see this coming. It would have been a slap on Tambuwal, who had stepped down, for Wike to suddenly become a Vice President, according to those in Atiku’s camp. Additionally, they claimed Wike would be too strong for Atiku to contain and an Obasanjo/Atiku scenario would occur with Atiku being on the receiving end this time. However, I believe Atiku should have made every effort to reach out to Wike by all means and make him offers he cannot resist or reject. There are positions more powerful than that of Vice President in Nigeria. Former Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, has been like a Prime Minister under the Buhari Presidency. Wike is too strong to be ignored. It is a known fact that Wike’s predecessor, Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, was a major factor in Buhari’s 2015 and 2019 victories. Wike is even much stronger today. Also, Atiku should have invited his co-contestants and carried them along in his decision, because no one is too small in politics. I doubt if the hasty decision to pick Governor Ifeanyi Okowa would not cause irreparable damage to the Party. I would have freely and gladly told His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar that PDP cannot ignite a passion in the Nigerian youths with a lukewarm team. Atiku has practically donated the entire South West, free of charge, to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the South East, a primarily PDP enclave, to the Labour Party candidate, former Governor Peter Obi and possibly even Asiwaju Tinubu, who is personally well respected there for his vision and industry, attributes which the Igbos recognise and respect. Apart from perhaps Delta State, I don’t know where else Governor Okowa has much influence in the South South. This is a sad fact and the bitter truth. Lastly, many had asked me why I contested when I had no chance of winning the PDP Presidential Primary. My simple response. I did not believe that I could not win. It was my view that if the contest were free, fair and devoid of the money politics that overshadowed the Primaries, I would win. Moreover, I needed to demonstrate how to run a decent and healthy campaign. I needed to showcase the vast and diverse array of my uncommon network and my ability to reunite and secure Nigeria instantly. I’m glad that I did so to the admiration of many normal Nigerians.

ILLICIT FLOWS: FROM GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY TO NEGOTIATION TABLE comparative advantage. This is a function of negotiation. Therefore, negotiators must understand the nitty-gritty of trade negotiation otherwise inimical agreements will lead to illicit financial flows and further capital hemorrhage. The strenuous efforts of Europe to negotiate trade agreements with Africa starting with Yaoundé Agreement to the Lome Agreement to the current Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) are based on the potential beneficial impact of trade between nation states. At the global level, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is the multilateral legal framework and more recently the longawaited African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) makes improved trade negotiation capacity more compelling for Nigeria the epithet of largest economy notwithstanding. Economic benefits and advantages are not conferred on a platter of gold they must be negotiated thus negotiators must know what to ask for and what to reject. Undoubtedly, taxation remains the surest and most dependable source of state revenue upon which development planning can be based with some level of assurance. In this regard, state tax entities must be able to assert authority over business entities operating within their jurisdiction. Unfortunately, companies that operate in more than one tax jurisdiction began to exploit gaps in tax treaties to shift profit to low tax jurisdictions to the disadvantage usually of developing countries of the global south. Ability of multinational corporations to avoid full tax liability is embedded in different aggressive tax avoidance practices

and illegal tax evasion practices that require great skill and understanding for personnel of tax authorities to unearth in order extract fair share of corporate taxes from MNCs. Furthermore, international legal hurdles erected by global north countries have to be re-negotiated or mitigated to ameliorate the negative consequences of the capital flight occasioned by exploitation of the tax regime by multi nationals. The last area of focus is the natural resource and environment sectors. Nigeria, like many African countries are generously endowed with natural resources. Maximizing the benefits of these natural resource endowments require ability to negotiate with those with the finance, technology and knowhow to exploit the resources in a way beneficial to the environment and the ultimate owners of the resources. In the Oil and Gas sector, negotiations will typically be between a national oil and gas company or other entity representing government and a foreign investor entity usually another corporation. Takeaways depend on the negotiation skills of the government representatives on all aspects of the agreement ranging from exploitation of the resource to sale of the product, sharing of profits, technology transfer, local content, environmental issues, and community rights, amongst other issues.

Plugging IFFs and Enhancing Domestic Resource Mobilization Domestic public resources are central to development planning because no country

has advanced its economy through reliance on foreign investment, official development assistance or borrowing. The trajectory of the development of advanced economies show they developed largely on domestic public resources. Leaving illicit financial flows (IFF) from Africa unattended is an existential issue because on the one hand Africa is yoked by debt burden albeit of cheap loans and other development assistance (ODA) but there is a huge leak of IFF since pre-colonial days that we are yet to plug. To end IFF, action is required at different levels viz. national level action; continental or regional action; and global international cooperation. There should be no illusion that this will come easily because there are vested interests at each of these levels of action that prefer the status quo. At the end of the day, we have to accept that tackling IFF is a governance issue and a political issue.

So what should we do? We need to improve capacity for reviewing trade documentation and preventing records falsification especially trade mispricing; evaluation of operations of multinational corporations in all sectors but most especially in the extractive sectors; reviewing contract clauses that facilitate IFFs; avoid unnecessary tax exemption clauses designed to attract foreign direct investment; and pay attention to channels of tax exemptions such as donor-funded projects, projects funded with contractor’s loans, projects funded with international development partner’s loans, contracts for projects on national security,

etc. This will improve Nigeria’s desire to reduce IFFs as many of these examples have become channels for IFF. Negotiators must desist from accepting contract splitting designed to facilitate IFFs e.g. artificially dividing a single contract into a number of smaller contracts in order to avoid tax, duties or levies. MNCs with subsidiary or associate in Africa are fond of splitting contracts into local and foreign components. The portion of the works that carries the larger value is later artificially classified as performed by the foreign company in its home country typically a low-taxed foreign jurisdiction or a tax haven. As a policy measure, Nigeria should avoid awards to shell companies incorporated in tax havens. Such companies win big contracts only to sub-contract to a local company at fraction of cost and then repatriate the huge difference (profits). We also tackle corruption perpetrated by officials who accept gratification to award contracts; accept clauses with odious obligation for the Government which is inevitably defaulted thus leading to penalty that is shared with officers that accepted such clauses in the first place. Without dealing with IFFs, Africa cannot and will not achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She will also not be able to control its development priorities. •Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, is the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)

Saturday, July 2, 2022

UT H

& RE A S O

Price: N250

MISSILE

Akeredolu to FG

“A federal system of government cannot be administered as if the country is a unitary colony, controlled rigidly at the centre while the constituent units are treated as mere outposts.” –Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu lamenting about lack of state police in Nigeria.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

The Bitter Truth PDP Must Be Told

ellow Nigerians, these are not the best of times for our dear party PDP, a party that prides itself as the largest political party in Africa, and rightly so. My romance with PDP could be traced to the pre-2019 Presidential election when I voluntarily supported its candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, free of charge, without joining the party. I have always been more of a supporter of candidates rather than Political Parties. The reason is simple and straightforward. Political Parties in our country lack marked ideological differences, the reason it is easy to wake up in APC this morning and go to bed in PDP the same evening. No principle, no philosophy and no ethics. Our Political Parties, including the smaller ones are home to rampaging, itinerant and mostly unconscionable politicians who are only in pursuit of power and vainglory without the interests of the people at heart. Thus, it has been virtually impossible, and extremely difficult, for the few exceptional leaders to find solace, succour and anchor in any of these Political Parties. It was with a similar view that in 2015, I supported Retired Major General Muhammadu

Atiku

Buhari without being a member of the APC. When I finally gave up on him later on, in his first term, I exercised my right of freedom

of association by supporting Atiku, in 2019, hoping he would at least tap into his vast business experience and cosmopolitan nature to rescue Nigeria from the doldrums and the backwardness that the APC government had unleashed on our hapless nation. Unfortunately, he lost, under controversial circumstances. Atiku was already over 70 at the time, and I thought he would retire graciously and peacefully, to enjoy the comfort of his family and friends, for several reasons. He is a Fulani man like Buhari, who by God’s grace should complete eight years in power, at the helm of Nigerian affairs, in 2023. He belongs to almost the same age bracket as Buhari. As Nigeria currently stands, I believe the country urgently requires a younger, youthful, energetic, visionary, cerebral, charismatic, decorous, humble, self-accomplished, tolerant, leader to re-unite our country and re-set it on the path of peace and prosperity. According to the zoning principle of PDP, power should move to the South, wherever the Southerners in PDP and APC decide to situate it. At that time, Peter Obi’s Labour and Kola Abiola’s PRP were not yet in the equation. I did my permutations and assumed that PDP would have recovered from the blistering defeat it suffered as a ruling Party

in government, in 2015, and learn new lessons that would help it recapture power from those who made grandiloquent promises that hoodwinked Nigerians, including myself, in 2015, but fell short on deliverables so soon after. I never imagined that PDP will studiously ignore an opportunity to rebrand itself as a refreshingly new Political Party that would open a window of fresh air and offer hope to already critically frustrated Nigerians at home and abroad. My confidence was also predicated on the emergence Dr Iyorchia Ayu, a famous scholar and distinguished politician as the PDP National Chairman. I had promptly dismissed the rumours in certain circles that he was installed to supervise and guarantee the coronation of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. I knew him as far back as the turbulent days of the June 12, 1993, Presidential election, which was won by Chief Moshood Abiola, but annulled by the military establishment. I finally decided to join the PDP after my chance meeting with Dr Ayu at the home of Governor Nyesom Wike in Port Harcourt last year. Dr Ayu was in Rivers Continued on page 39

BOLAJIOWASANOYE GUEST COLUMNIST

Illicit Flows: From Gunboat Diplomacy to Negotiation Table

nteraction with the global community is the inevitable reality of modern nation states and indeed societies. It is not a recent phenomenon. It is only more enhanced across all levels of governance and social interaction in the global North and South. More and more activities are controlled by global standards in the wake of enhanced globalization. The parameters of engagement are however not democratically or equitably designed and do not address the concerns of all state parties in equal measure. It is therefore left for each state party to see to its interests within permissible parameters. The terms of engagement present opportunities and challenges. Engagement suggests opportunity to negotiate and reject or mitigate inimical clauses and conditions against any negotiating party. Unfortunately, the proliferation of precedents, standard form clauses, capacity inadequacy, poor governance, corruption and other myriad factors continue to disempower global south countries from making the best of negotiations. Often times, it is not clear to them what to negotiate on behalf of the country. These factors and more have enhanced capital flight and undermined the growth potential of global South countries especially

in Sub-Sahara Africa with its generous nature endowed resources. To reverse this trend, Nigeria needs to improve its ability to protect its interest first on the negotiation table where the agreement for engagement with the rest of the world is reached and in sectors and areas that have positive multiplier impact on the economy and the well-being of the people. Prior to securing contemporary opportunity to negotiate presumably on fair and equitable terms, nation states were subject to gunboat diplomacy. The term Gunboat Diplomacy comes from 19th century literature and practice when European powers intimidated less powerful states into granting concessions through a demonstration of superior military capabilities, usually naval power. During negotiations of any kind, European powers would deploy a fleet of ships to the coast of the other party with great psychological impact of possible consequences should negotiations fail. Gunboat diplomacy represents “the use or threat of limited naval force, otherwise than as an act of war, in order to secure advantage or to avert loss, either in the furtherance of an international dispute or else against foreign nationals within the territory or the jurisdiction of their own state.” Ability to deploy naval power had advantages,

therefore nations with capacity strategically established military bases around the world. Gunboat was also used to establish new trade partners, create colonial outposts and expand the empire. Nations without capacity depended on imperialists for raw materials and overseas markets. Gunboat diplomacy was used to collect foreign debts until adoption of the Hague Convention (No 2) Respecting the Limitation of the Employment of Force for the Recovery of Contract Debts of 1907. Gunboat approach was followed by diplomatic protection whereby state parties exchanged notes on how their nationals especially investors were to be treated by other governments. Diplomatic protection meant that governments of investors and other negotiating parties would protest any unfair treatment of their citizens in trade and economic matters. This meant that once agreement was reached on any issue, that agreement must be respected no matter how inequitable it may be to one party. Since it was negotiated, it was binding. Suffice to say that this approach has limitations although it is still by and large applicable in international diplomatic relations despite many of the guiding principles have been incorporated into post World War 2

international multilateral treaties.

Why focus on these areas? Nigeria requires trade and investment to grow the economy. To attain this desire, we must have the potential to harness capital, technology and knowhow in a manner that is not inimical to development. The investor on the other hand requires assurance of security and return on investment in a conducive business environment with ability to repatriate profit. The negotiated agreement is designed to protect the interest and concerns of the parties. Regrettably, developing countries like Nigeria have often found themselves on the wrong side of its aspirations as negotiators consistently and persistently negotiate perennial inimical bilateral investment agreements in spite of available information about inimical clauses to avoid and existing BITs to terminate or at worst review. With trade, one of the key challenges is maximizing the benefits from trade liberalisation and this is largely dependent on scope and coverage. Each country must select sectors where it can maximize its Continued on page 39

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