SATURDAY 22TH AUGUST 2020

Mamman Daura is Hale and Hearty, Says Son He neither has a history of renal problems nor does he have any breathing difficulties Bennett Oghifo Mohammed, son of elder statesman, Mamman Daura, has said his father is hale and hearty, contrary to stories about

his demise, describing it as wicked and reminded those behind the story of their own mortality.

There were reports early in the week that, Daura, a

nephew and confidant of President Muhammadu Buhari was allegedly flown abroad for urgent medical treatment.

But his son, in an exclusive engagement with THISDAY

yesterday, dismissed this, saying the stories were fabricated.

In a statement sent to THISDAY, Mohammed said: “Today is the 21st of August,

2020 and for the past couple of days, we have been forced to deny, numerous times, a completely fabricated story about our father’s wellbeing.

Alhamdulillah Baba is

perfectly fine. He neither has a history of renal problems nor does he have any breathing difficulties like was suggested Continued on page 5

NBA to El-Rufai: Withdrawal of Invite Has No Religious, Ethnic Colouration… Page 5 Saturday 22 August, 2020 Vol 25. No 9266

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UNILAG: FG Suspends Babalakin, Ogundipe, Sets up Special Visitation Panel Bennett Oghifo in Lagos and Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The federal government yesterday directed the ProChancellor/Chairman of Council, University of Lagos, Dr. Wale Babalakin and the

sacked Vice Chancellor, Prof.

Oluwatoyin Ogundipe to step aside from their official duties pending the outcome of a Special Visitation Panel set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to resolve the crisis rocking the institution.

The President, as visitor to the University also removed Prof. Theophilus Soyombo,

the Acting Vice Chancellor appointed by Babalakin and tasked the panel to come up with workable solutions and peaceful resolutions.

The spokesman of the Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Goong, who made this known in a press statement, said the President also directed that the panel set up yesterday submits its findings and reports within two weeks.

The UNILAG Special Visitation Panel has Prof.

Tukur Sa’ad, as Chairman; and the members are Victor Onuoha; Prof. Ikenna Oyindo; Prof. Ekanem Braide; Prof.

Adamu K. Usman; Chief Jimoh Bankole; and Grace

Ekanem, who is the Secretary.

The President also directed that the Senate of the University should meet immediately to appoint an Acting Vice Chancellor.

The establishment of the Continued on page 5

In Fresh Bid for Deal, Jonathan Leads West African Leaders to Mali ECOWAS insists on release of President Keita, restoration of constitutional government UN gains access to deposed president; junta denies him TV, radio, phone Ahamefula Ogbu Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, will lead other West African leaders to coup-torn Mali today in fresh attempt for solution to the political crisis in the West African country.

Mali’s elected President, Ibrahim Keita, was overthrown on Tuesday by mutinying soldiers, who took him, and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse, as well as other senior officials into custody.

In a related development, the United Nations said yesterday that it had gained access to ousted President Keita while rebel troops said they had released two other detained leaders, in developments that followed mounting international

pressure on the new junta.

The coup sent shockwaves around West Africa, sparking fears that one of the region’s most volatile states, and a frontline in the fight against jihadism, could collapse.

Diplomatic sources confirmed that the new ECOWAS delegation, led by Jonathan, is expected to arrive in Bamako today (Saturday) with plans “to negotiate the immediate release of Keita and to also ensure the restoration of constitutional government.”

Jonathan, who is ECOWAS Special Envoy to Mali, alongside 14 other leaders in the region, will meet with the junta leaders, including Assimi Goita who had declared himself the head.

Continued on page 5

NNPC Records 44% Drop in June Crude Oil Production... Page 15

WITH LOVE FROM INDONESIA… L-R: Ambassador of Indonesia to Nigeria, Dr. Usra Harahap and the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, during the visit of the ambassador to the minister in Abuja... Yesterday kingsley adeboye

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NBA to El-Rufai: Withdrawal of Invite Has No Religious, Ethnic Colouration Tobi Soniyi ÓØ ËÑÙÝ, Alex Enumah ÓØ ÌßÔË ËØÎ John Shiklam ÓØ ËÎßØË President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Paul Usoro yesterday stated that the decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NBA to withdraw its invite to Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai was not based on ethnic or religious considerations.

Governor el-Rufai was billed as a guest speaker in the firstever virtual Annual General Conference of the NBA slated for August 26 to 29, 2020.

The inclusion of el-Rufai among other speakers at the event drew the ire of some members of the association, who threatened to boycott the conference if he was not dropped.

The pressure was said to have compelled the leadership of the NBA to announce the withdrawal of governor el-Rufai's invite on Thursday, but this move seems to be dividing the association.

Explaining the rationale for the NEC's action yesterday, Usoro, urged members to remain united as the decision was taken in the interest of the association.

The president of NBA has, on behalf of members, tendered an unreserved apology to Governor el-Rufai and other governors in the country, stressing that the dis-invite was never intended to embarrass el-Rufai or the governors as a whole.

Usoro, in a statement, noted that his explanation and apology had been conveyed to the governors through a letter to the Director General of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Mr Asishana Okauru.

In the letter dated August 21, the NBA President clarified: "NEC’s decision yesterday had no ethnic or religious coloration or connotation howsoever and whatsoever. In discussing the issue at NEC, nobody talked about religion or ethnicity.

"As I recall, there were no more than 3 (three) advocates for retaining the invitation of the NBA to HE Nasir el-Rufai (not including me) and two of these three gentlemen are from the South of Nigeria and one is a reverend gentleman. Conversely, some of those who spoke against his attendance share the same faith with Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and some others come from the Northern part of Nigeria," he said.

Usoro further pointed out that,

NBA NEC, by its decision, was not passing any judgment on the governor, as the body is not in a position to pass such judgments without having all the facts and hearing from all the parties, adding that the NEC did not set out to pass any such judgment.

"NEC merely made a judgment that it was not in the best interest of the association to be engulfed in the controversy that trailed the invitation of Mallam el-Rufai for the conference and that it was best if the safety-valve of dis-inviting the governor was applied. Indeed, NEC did not howsoever or at all discuss the substance of the issues that have been raised against the Governor by the different groups and persons who clamored for his being dis-invited – and there was very considerable clamor in that regard.

"I perhaps need to mention that, prior to the NEC meeting I had personally taken urgent and strident steps, working with the TCCP, to douse the clamor, but we had no success," Usoro explained.

He stated that the explanation was necessary to douse the ethnic and religious passions

that seem to have been inflamed among members by the NEC’s decision.

He disclosed that he had received several messages from members that have attributed ethnic and religious considerations to the decision, “which is not correct and is very far from the truth.”

He said, "Neither the NBA nor NEC belong to any religious or ethnic group. We are lawyers and professionals dedicated to the ideals and the promotion and preservation of the Rule of Law and we belong to one indivisible family of the NBA." On the issue of fair hearing, Usoro stated that none of the persons or parties opposed to the invitation of Mallam el-Rufai to the conference had been offered the NBA or AGC platform to advocate or propogate their viewpoints and positions. So, the principle of not hearing the other side does not arise.

"I am hoping that this release would assist in clarifying issues for our members and placing the NEC decision in its correct perspective. I implore all our members to please not view this issue howsoever from an ethnic or religious perspective.

Those two were not the issues

considered by NEC yesterday.

We are one united Nigerian Bar Association with no religious or ethnic bias or predisposition and shall ever so remain," he added.

Dutse Branch Threatens to Boycott Virtual Conference Meanwhile, the Dutse branch of the Nigerian Bar Association in Jigawa State has asked the NEC of the NBA to re-invite el-Rufai, to the conference or it would boycott it.

The threat was contained in a statement by the Chairman of the Dutse branch, Garba Abubakar, which said the governor should have been given the right to respond to the allegations against him.

The Dutse branch said it was strange that the NBA could exclude el-Rufai and retain Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State who has also been accused of several human rights infractions.

The branch said it would not allow a section of the country to take the organisation for a ride as they all had a fair understanding of the law.

The statement read in part, “If complaints are to be judged on their face value and without due process, similar treatment is to be given to the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, who has serious allegations of abuse of human rights against him to the extent of demolition of residential houses and place of worship without observing due process.

“A section of the country cannot, therefore, take us for a ride as we all have a fair understanding of the law. On the strength of this, therefore, we call on the national body under President Usoro, to reverse the decision with immediate effect else the Nigerian Bar Association, Dutse branch, will boycott the virtual Annual General Conference taking place in a few days.”

IMN Commends NBA for Withdrawal of Invite Regardless, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has commended the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for withdrawing its invitation to el-Rufai.

IN FRESH BID FOR DEAL, JONATHAN LEADS WEST AFRICAN LEADERS TO MALI Reacting to the request for a meeting with the leaders, a junta official told AFP: “We will receive the ECOWAS delegation with pleasure… it is important to talk to our brothers.”

Earlier on Tuesday before the coup, Jonathan while briefing President Muhammadu Buhari, said Mali’s main opposition group, M5, was adamant on its call for the resignation of Keita.

Keita, who later appeared in a state television broadcast on Wednesday, declared the dissolution of the government and National Assembly and said he had no choice but to resign with immediate effect.

“If it pleased certain elements of our military to decide this should end with their intervention, do I really have a choice? (I must) submit to it, because I don’t want any

bloodshed,” the 75-year-old said.

The United Nations, African Union, Economic Community of West African States, amongst others, had since condemned the coup.

ECOWAS had on Thursday announced that it would dispatch a high-level delegation “to ensure the immediate return of constitutional order.”

It also demanded that Keita be restored as president and warned the junta that it bore “responsibility for the safety and security” of the detainees.

UN Gains Access to President Keita The United Nations said yesterday that it had gained access to Mali’s ousted president, while rebel troops said they had released two other detained leaders, in developments that

followed mounting international pressure on the new junta.

“Last night, a team from UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) #HumanRights went to #Kati in the framework of its mandate to protect human rights and was able to gain access to President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and other detainees,” the UN peacekeeping mission said.

Kati is a military base near the capital Bamako where the detainees were taken during Tuesday’s coup in the troubled West African country.

According to Radio France International, the 75-year-old ousted leader, who “looked tired but relaxed” has no access to TV, radio or phone.

The other detainees are reportedly being held at a training centre, where they

are sleeping on mattresses and watching television, according to witnesses.

Separately, a member of the junta, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it had authoritised a “UN human rights mission” to visit all 19 prisoners in Kati, including Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse.

The source said the junta had released former economy minister Abdoulaye Daffe and Sabane Mahalmoudou, Keita’s private secretary.

“Two prisoners have been released. There are still 17 in Kati. This is the proof that we respect human rights,” the junta member said.

Rebel soldiers seized Keita and other leaders after staging a mutiny at Kati, a base about 15 kilometres (nine miles) from Bamako.

They named their organisation

the National Committee for the Salvation of the People, under the leadership of a colonel named Assimi Goita, and vowed to stage elections “within a reasonable time.”

The coup is Mali’s second in eight years, and deals a bloody blow to a country struggling with a jihadist insurgency, moribund economy and deep public resentment over its government.

A putsch in 2012 was followed by an insurrection in the north of the country which developed into a jihadist insurgency that now threatens neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso.

Thousands of UN and French troops, along with soldiers from five Sahel countries, have been deployed to try to stem the bloodshed.

The junta’s spokesman, Ismael Wague, said on Thursday that

“a transitional council, with a transitional president who is going to be either military or civilian” would be appointed.

The transition “will be the shortest possible,” he told France 24 television.

Those detained, according to various sources, include Defence Minister Ibrahima Dahirou Dembele; Security Minister M’Bemba Moussa Keita; and the president of the National Assembly, Moussa Timbine, according to various sources.

Others are Army Chief of Staff, General Abdoulaye Coulibaly; the president’s personal chief of staff, General Oumar Dao; Air Force Chief, General Souleymane Doucoure; and the head of the National Guard, Ouahoun Kone.

and that it was purportedly confirmed by Daura’s aide and close friend, Aminu Balele Kurfi, who said the nephew of President Mohammadu Buhari travelled to London for routine medical check-up, stating that news of serious illness was inaccurate.

Reports said Kurfi acknowledged that 80-year old Daura was at the funeral prayer for late journalist, Wada Maida on Tuesday and did not show any sign of illness, saying he saw him off at the airport on Wednesday and received notice of his arrival in the UK.

According to one of the reports, Kurfi said, “At 80 years it is natural that he will from time to time undertake medical checks.

“If he were sick and the sickness is COVID-19, do you think UK authorities will allow him to travel there at this time?”

because they don’t know him within the context of laws establishing Universities,” said Prof. Ochefu.

He said the ugly situation in UNILAG would not augur well for the administration of Nigerian universities, saying the issues presently favoured the institution’s Senate which is demanding that due process be followed in the removal of the Vice Chancellor, saying “It is a funny situation.”

However, in withdrawing his suit yesterday, Ogundipe’s lawyers, Messrs Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) approached the court with an application to discontinue the case. The Notice of Discontinuance, filed pursuant to Order 61(1)(1) of the National Industrial Court

of Nigeria (Civil Procedure) 2017, said, “Take Notice that the claimant doth hereby wholly discontinue this suit against the 1st-6th defendants.”

Ogundipe had gone to the Industrial Court after his removal in circumstances deemed unfair by people within and outside the university, because they claimed he was denied fair hearing by the Governing Council, particularly its Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Babalakin (SAN).

The embattled Vice Chancellor’s suit NICN/ LA/278/2020, had as defendants: UNILAG; the Governing Council; its Senate; Pro-Chancellor, Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN); Registrar, Oladejo Azeez; and the acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Theophilus Soyombo.

Continued on page 15

MAMMAN DAURA IS HALE AND HEARTY, SAYS SON in the concocted news story,” Mohammed said in a statement he issued to THISDAY. He reminded those who may derive awkward pleasure from this negative story of their impermanence, saying, “Those that happily shared and even rejoiced over this fake news story

should know one thing about life is that no one makes it out alive. We should collectively be humbled by our own mortality.

“We would like to extend our gratitude to the many well-wishers who have called or sent messages to pray for our father. We thank you for

the prayers and well wishes.”

Mohammed did not comment on whether his father was indeed flown out, where he was taken to, and for what reason, however, some reports early in the week alleged said he was flown to the United Kingdom on Wednesday,

UNILAG: FG SUSPENDS BABALAKIN, OGUNDIPE, SETS UP SPECIAL VISITATION PANEL Visitation Panel was announced on the day the embattled ViceChancellor, Prof. Ogundipe withdrew from the National Industrial Court where he had gone to challenge his controversial removal by the Governing Council of the university.

The University of Lagos has been embroiled in crisis, following disagreement between the Chairman of the Governing Council/Pro-Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor, on the administration of the institution, which led to the purported removal of the Vice Chancellor last week.

Obviously determined to resolve the issues, the President, as visitor to the University of Lagos, constituted the Special Visitation Panel to look into

the crisis and come up with workable solution and peaceful resolution.

Other decisions taken by the President are that: "The Pro-Chancellor, Dr Wale Babalakin, SAN and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, have been suspended from office as they are both to recuse themselves from performing their functions in office during the period of the visitation.

"The Senate is to convene urgently and appoint an Acting Vice-Chancellor for the university."

Prof. Ogundipe was removed last week at a meeting of the Governing Council at the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Abuja, chaired by Babalakin, and

attended by 12 council members, the VC included, majority of whom voted for Ogundipe’s removal. The Council appointed Prof. Theophilus Soyombo, as acting Vice Chancellor.

The Committee of Vice Chancellors of Universities in Nigeria (CVCUN) condemned the removal of Ogundipe, “because it was done without due process”, but Babalakin refuted this, saying due process was followed.

The Committee, which said Prof. Ogundipe should have been given an opportunity to defend himself, added that the appointment of an acting Vice Chancellor outside the three deputy Vice Chancellors of the institution, goes against the laws establishing Nigerian universities.

The Secretary-General of CVCUN, Prof. Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, told journalists that UNILAG has three Deputy Vice Chancellors and that the appointment of an acting Vice Chancellor, outside the three deputies was another problem for the university.

“The council has gone ahead to announce a new (acting) Vice Chancellor; the extant laws state that one of his Deputies should be appointed to act.

UNILAG has three Deputy Vice Chancellors, none of them was appointed as the acting Vice Chancellor and somebody else entirely was appointed.

“This is going to pose another problem because the Senate will not allow such a person to chair their meeting

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 22, 2020

NEWS

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

DSS Operatives Storm Mailafia’s Residence, Invite Him to Abuja for Questioning Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Again, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Obadiah Mailafia, has been invited by

the Department of State Security Services (DSS), but this time, to the DSS headquarters in Abuja

by Monday next week.

This invitation becomes the third after he had honoured two

Borno, Diffa in Alliance to Seal Borders against Boko Haram Michael Olugbode inMaiduguri Governments of Borno State and Diffa region in Niger Republic have entered a strategic alliance on securing their borders against Boko Haram.

Both have continually come under Boko Haram attacks that have left their indigenes displaced and several properties destroyed.

The Governor of Diffa region, Isa Liman who was in Maiduguri yesterday to find solution to the menace of the terrorist group, said: “We will continue to collaborate in our strategies to secure the border area communities to defeat our enemies, the Boko Haram insurgents.”

He emphasised that anything that had a beginning must have an end, noting that the time was over for Boko Haram and it is now the time to resettle IDPs in Diffa, Bosso, Damasak and Guzamala towns.

He said he felt at home in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital since it was a brotherhood visitation.

He said he was in town to encourage Governor Babagana Zulum to continue with what he had been doing to secure people’s lives in border communities of the state and region.

He said: “Continue with what you’re doing to secure border communities and their members,” noting that the Borno State Governor had been doing this is irrespective of nationalities and boundaries.

In his response, Zulum noted that Borno State and Nigerien region, shared the same culture, religion, and have had intermarriages among the various ethnic groups.

He assured Diffa Governor that they would continue to keep this relationship in good faith.

On returning the IDPs, he said: “Despite the economic problems you’re facing in your region, we are going to support Nigerien IDPs,” even as he promised that Borno State government would support Diffa region, with the completion of houses under construction.

previous ones in the Jos office of the DSS. Mailafia’s residence in Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, where he is currently engaged by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) as a Directing Staff, was yesterday allegedly besieged by the DSS officers who had come to invite him.

Scared that a troop had to visit his residence for mere invitation, Mailafia sent a text message to all the national newspapers in Jos thus: “The police have come

to my house in NIPSS, Kuru.

They may want to bundle me to Abuja. Urgent help.”

Though Mailafia did not pick a call put across to him, his Counsel, Barrister Yakubu Bawa, who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Plateau State, confirmed that his client, Mailafia, had been invited by the DSS, adding that this time around, he was asked to show up in Abuja headquarters of the DSS. According to Bawa, “It is true, but this time around, he is to appear before the Force

Headquarters in Abuja on Monday (August 24, 2020). I will get back to you as events unfold.”

Mailafia was first invited by the operatives of the DSS in Jos for his weighty allegation that a serving Northern Governor is the Commander of the Boko Haram insurgents that have been hundreds of their victims in the North-east.

He was again invited by the DSS to its Jos headquarters on Monday, August 17, 2020 where he was left off the hook in less than hour.

But when he was released for the second time by DSS in Jos on Monday, Mailafia told journalists that he did not run the controversial interview with Nigeria Info FM. Bawa had told journalists that his client had never failed to honour DSS invitation, adding that Mailafia was a man of peace who loves the country with passion.

He said, “My client told them that he did not run that interview, that he is a man of peace who is averse to crisis situations. No cause for alarm.”

Air Peace Boss, Onyema Lauds Sirika on FG’s Flight Reciprocity Policy Airline dispatches two Boeing 777 to China for national assignment Chinedu Eze The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has commended the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, for the decision of the federal government to enforce the principle of reciprocity in granting permission to airlines to resume operations in the country as it opens its airspace.

Onyema said this decision would elevate the image of Nigeria in the comity of nations and send signal to international airlines that it is no more business as usual.

In a letter the Air Peace boss wrote to the minister to commend him on the decision of the federal government, he said, “You are causing a positive revolution in the aviation world.

You have, by this action, brought so much respect to our people and our nation. Nigerians all over the world are walking tall with enormous pride since the last few hours when the news broke out. This is the beginning of the end of the stigmatisation of Nigeria and everything Nigerian.

God bless you always. From my sincere heart, I have come to appreciate your nationalistic tendencies.”

Onyema said the minister by his conduct and commitment, had ensured that the aviation industry was unencumbered, noting that Sirika facilitated the customs duty waiver on aircraft and spares and currently working on the unification of charges paid by domestic airlines.

The Air Peace chairman also commended the minister for his overall commitment to the aviation industry, from his efforts towards restoring infrastructure at the airports to his intervention in labour issues, adding that Sirika had done so much to protect domestic airlines by spearheading earlier the policy that only Nigerian carriers should engage in evacuation conducted by the federal government.

Meanwhile, Air Peace has dispatched two of its Boeing 777 aircraft to China on national assignments.

The airline management said that the two aircraft were dispatched to the cities of Chengdu and Beijing respectively for important national assignments on behalf of the governments of Nigeria and China.

Air Peace said the two aircraft with registration numbers 5N-BVE and 5N-BWI, departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos Thursday night, just few minutes away from each other.

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L-R: Business Development Manager, Sujimoto, Kenechukwu Umeyi; Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu and Managing Director/CEO, Sujimoto Group, Sijibomi Ogundele at the minister’s office in Abuja...recently

CAMA: No Plans to Witch-hunt Churches, Groups, Says CAC Boss James Emejo in Abuja The Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Mr. Garba Abubakar, yesterday allayed fears that the commission was determined to hunt down churches and other organisations following the recent amendment of the Companies and Allied Matters (CAMA) Act, 2020.

The new law which among other things, provided for full disclosure by registered organisations and accorded the commission powers to remove trustees had been criticised by a section of Nigerians particularly churches.

But Abubakar in reaction to the growing concerns by religious organisations said the amended CAMA was not targeted at any particular group but rather to align organisational procedures in line with global best practices.

Speaking at a two-day retreat of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) Abuja, themed:’COVID-19 Pandemic and New Reform Initiatives by

CAC’, he said registered entities had nothing to fear provided they comply and operate within laid down regulations adding that non-compliance would attract sanctions going forward.

He noted that the amended law which was assented to

by President Muhammadu Buhari was aimed at enhancing transparency in the way and manner organisations were operated, adding that the legal framework would strengthen the anti-corruption efforts of the present administration.

Alternatively, the CAC boss said organisations which may find it difficult to submit to the new regulatory framework may choose to cancel its registration with the commission.

He said even in the eventual suspension of any trustee, the law did not grant the commission absolutely and autocratic powers as aggrieved individuals reserved the right to seek legal redress up to the Supreme Court.

Abubakar further stated that contrary to insinuations, the new regulations were designed to improve the country’s rank-

ing in the World Bank’s ease of doing business ranking as well as reduce the cost of doing business in the country.

Yet, he argued that the current regulations were not as stringent as those of other climes particularly the United Kingdom.

He said the implementation of the new CAMA would likely commence by October when the National Assembly would have gazetted the legislation.

He said the new clause for full disclosure became particularly relevant given that foreign organisations often donate funds to entities in Nigeria adding that the donors were always interested in how the interventions were utilised.

According to him, some of the commendable provisions of the new regulation stipulate among other things that income of associations could only be used in the interest of the entities rather than personal interests.

He added that organisations were now required to show their income and expenditure patterns and submit audited financial statements for vetting

by the commission, stressing that Nigeria cannot afford to be different from other countries.

He said while the old law requires a legal practitioner to register a company, thereby increasing the cost of doing business which the World Bank had frowned at, the new regime on the other hand makes the engagement of a lawyer optional.

He said one individual could now form a company as opposed to two or more person under the former Act adding that the provision for a mandatory company secretary and auditors as enshrined in the old law had also been relaxed.

COVID-19 Cases Hit 51,304 with 996 Deaths 340 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Nigeria yesterday, taking the number of confirmed cases to 51,304 with 37,885 discharged and 996 deaths.

SATURDAY AUGUST 22, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 22, 2020

NEWS NDDC Contractors Support Forensic Audit Bennett Oghifo

FOR BUMPER HARVEST. . .

L-R: IMC Chairman, Owerri Municipal Council, Chief Ambrose Nkwodimma; ALGON Chairman, Hon. Willie Okolieogwo; Special Adviser to the Governor on Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Ruby Emele, representing Governor Hope Uzodimma and Perm. Sec. Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Nnamdi Agwunobi at the Flag-Off of Distribution of Fertilizer to Imo Farmers in Owerri

Catholic Bishops: Southern Kaduna Feel Abandoned by EL Rufai John Shiklam in Kaduna The Catholic Bishops of Kaduna Ecclesiastical Province, have said that “the people of Southern Kaduna feel abandoned by their governor in their grief”.

The province is made up of Kaduna, Kano, Kontagora Minna, Sokoto and Zaria dioceses of the Catholic Church.

The bishops also lamented the general insecurity across the country, saying Nigeria “is in the firm grip of the grim reaper.”

In a statement issued at the end of their meeting on Tuesday in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, the bishops urged the Governor Nasir El-Rufai to show more empathy

to the victims of the crisis.

The statement signed by the secretary of the Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Kano Diocese, Most Rev. John N. Niyiring, urged the governor to “visit the scenes of the attacks and use the opportunity of condolences to scold as well as appeal to the hearts of his people.”

Since the attacks mass killings in the southern part of the state, the governor and his deputy, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe were yet to visit the affected areas.

The bishops said they saddened by the violence in Kaduna State, especially Birnin Gwari, Kajuru and Southern Kaduna.

According to the bishops “Crises

test the will of a leader. At times like these, emotions are not enough.

“At times like this, a leader must seek out support by adopting the twin track of diplomacy, using backroom channels and keeping an eye on restoring peace.

“Like the mother of twins, a leader at times like these must not be seen to be sleeping on one side!

“As with the federal government, we believe that the state government could do more in terms of showing empathy to the victims of these crises.

“The people of Southern Kaduna feel abandoned by their Governor in their grief. “We appreciate that these times test the will of any

COVID-19: Delta Establishes Free Testing Centres Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba In a bid to ensure that the Coronavirus pandemic is brought under control and halted through increased testing of citizens and residents, the Delta State Government has established sample collection centres in

government hospitals across the state, which can be easily accessed by those desirous to know their COVID-19 status.

This is contained in a statement on FridayandsignedbythestateDirector of Information, Mr. Dona Obuseh.

It said that “sample collection and testing are free and issu-

ance of certificate of result after testing is also free,” adding that “on no account should any resident in the state pay for the above-mentioned services.”

The statement further advised residents to take the opportunity of the free testing programme to know their COVID-19 status.

leader, but there is no substitute for sobriety, calm and focus.”

The statement called on El-Rufai to “consult across the spectrum, have the patience of listening even to those who do not agree with him and focus on persuasion and consensus building across the divide.”

“We encourage him to visit the scenes of these tragedies and use the opportunity of condolences to scold as well as appeal to the hearts of his people “These gestures are a mark of good politics. Bad politics divides, good politics unites” the statement maintained.

The bishops also called on politicians across the divide in southern Kaduna to do everything possible to ensure peace and stability in the area.

“We believe that politicians across the divide in Southern Kaduna can do more than they have done so far.

“Members of the ruling party from Southern Kaduna must do more to give their party a good name while we call on opposition politicians not to exploit the pain of our people.

APC Inaugurates Reconciliation Committee for Ogun, Imo

SEC Threatens Clampdown on Ponzi Scheme Operators

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated the reconciliation committee for both Ogun and Imo states to reconcile aggrieved members.

The Chairman, APC Caretaker/ Extraordinary National Convention Planning Committee and the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, while inaugurating the committee yesterday in Abuja, said the on-going reconciliatory initiatives of APC would “soon shock Nigeria’s political space with massive return of former members” who felt aggrieved and unwillingly, went to other political parties.

He recalled that the unfortunate incidences that bedeviled the party in the recent past threatened its existence and the subsequently led to the constitution of the caretaker committee.

The committee had shortly after its inauguration initiated some peace building and reconciliation mechanisms, to give every member a sense of fairness and belonging.

Buni stated: “I am proud to say that, with the support enjoyed from members of the party, the

committee has recorded remarkable headways, reclaiming some distinguished and very valuable members with thousands of their supporters back to our fold.

“I am equally fulfilled that our exploits in reconciling our members in Edo and Ondo states have strengthened the party and further expanded our chances with assurances of winning the governorship elections in the two states with land slide victories.

“Therefore, it is in the spirit of the ongoing reconciliation that the chairman and members of the Imo and Ogun states reconciliation committee were carefully selected to reconcile aggrieved members and groups within the party.”

Buni noted that the party had great confidence in the committee members’ individual and collective capacities in executing this assignment with sense of fairness, justice and responsibility, placing party interest above personal interests.

On his part, the Chairman of the committee and Jigawa State, Governor, Abubakar Badaru, said there was sincerity of purpose on the part of the caretaker committee to reconcile aggrieved members of the party.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has expressed its resolve to ensure strict enforcement of capital market rules and regulations, and clamp down on illegal fund operators luring unsuspecting investors with various Ponzi schemes.

The Commission said it was necessary to restore investor confidence and attract retail and young investors into the market.

SEC Director General, Lamido Yuguda, who made the declaration at the first virtual capital market meeting, said the forum assured the market of the collective commitment to continue implementing the ongoing initiatives of the Nigerian Capital Market Master Plan and other related initiatives targeted at developing market.

“We further promised to continuously seek ways of improving these initiatives, while we introduce new ones, all to the benefit of market stakeholders.

“In order to increase the visibility and attractiveness of our market, we shall work towards maintaining an environment that is enabled by the appropriate regulatory framework, timely and affordable access to the market, zero tolerance for infractions, heightened investor confidence and awareness, innovative product development and good governance practices.

“We need to restore investor confidence and attract the retail and young investor into the market. Thus, we will ensure strict enforcement of our rules and regulations, strengthen our enforcement regime and clamp down on illegal operators luring unsuspecting investors with various Ponzi schemes,” he said.

According to him, the continuous operation of the capital market in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions was largely due to the existence of business continuity plans of the SEC, exchanges, the Central Securities Clearing Systems, as well as other operators in the market.

The Contractors Association of Niger Delta Development Commission (CA-NDDC) has endorsed the forensic auditing of the NDDC by the Interim Management Committee (IMC), ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari.

This is as a group, Transparency Advocacy for Development Initiative, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to dissolve the board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and also suspend the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, over alleged corruption and mismanagement rocking the commission.

The association stated this in a communique issued after an extraordinary meeting of the president and the executive members in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

The communiqué, made available to THISDAY, was signed by the National Chairman Founding Fathers/President Contractors Association of NDDC, Mr. Ebuka Sebastian Nwanyiri and the Grand Patron, Contractors Association of NDDC, Chief Jasper Jumbo.

The association also called on all contractors to go back to site and to ensure that their jobs were of top standard, urging their president to liaise with their Grand Patron and

forward a partial list of performing contractors with recognisable milestones for prioritised processing and possible payment, as soon as funds were made available to the Commission.

The association said it was able to arrive at this position after an accord was reached with the Ag. MD/CEO of the NDDC, Prof. K. Pondei, the NDDC IMC and the Commission’s top Management staff on a win-win situation.

The constructive dialogue, they said, was held during the week between the founding fathers of the defunct OMPADEC/NDDC and their president, Mr. Nwanyiri and other executive members at the new NDDC Headquarters, Eastern Bye-Pass, Port Harcourt It was generally agreed as follows: The CA-NDDC, which described itself as one of the key implementing stakeholders in the realisation of the NDDC’s mission mandate, said it “has over the years helplessly watched the deterioration and undermining of the fate of her membership.

Many contractors, especially the performing contractors have died out of thinking and penury. Some have gone insolvent and at worst, blacklisted by many banks they obtained loans from to execute NDDC contracts.

Many Injured,Vehicles Vandalised as APC, ADC Supporters Clash in Ondo James Sowole in Akure Many persons were injured and vehicles vandalised during a violent clash that ensued at the Yaba Area of Ondo town, Ondo State on Thursday evening between the supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and that of the African Democratic Congress (APC).

A source said that no fewer than was 15 vehicles were vandalised in the clash. The source said the clash paralysed social and economic activities in the area for several hours as residents ran helter skelter for safety.

The incident came few hours before the local government election in the state.

The cause of the fight was yet unknown as at the time of filing this report but it was learnt that the clash was not unconnected with the council poll coming up on Saturday.

An witness said, “ It was a serious ‘war’ between the supporters

of the two parties. They attacked each other with machetes and other dangerous weapons. Many of them are still in the hospital as at now( Friday) as a result of the injuries sustained.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Tee--Leo, confirmed the incident and said the situation had been brought under control while normalcy had returned to the area.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Bolaji Salami, has disclosed that no fewer than 7,016 security personnel will be deployed to monitor the Saturday’s local government election in the state. According to him, the number comprises 5,000 police men and 2,016 men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps Salami, who stated this while speaking with journalists on the preparedness of the command for the election, said the command would collaborate with sister security agencies to ensure that the exercise was violence-free.

Woman Dies after 3 Days Confinement by Husband in Kano Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Kano State Police Command have discovered the corpse of a woman unlawfully confined for three days by her husband.

The incident occurred at Mariri Quarters in Kumbotso local government in Kano metropolis.

The woman was discovered locked up in a solitary room by her husband for three days.

The woman was said to have lost her life due to the confinement. Neighbours said foul odour emitting from the apartment made them alert the police as the woman had started decomposing.

The woman was said to have been tied with rope by her husband

and locked in a room for many days without food and water.

The police went to the husband’s business place at Mariri Market and took him away.

A source revealed that the police after arresting the man, forced him to open the house for a search where the tied decomposing corpse was discovered.

Spokesman of the Police in Kano, Mr. Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the incident to THISDAY. Haruna, a Deputy Superintendent of Police who disclosed that the body of the woman was taken to hospital, assured that full details will be available to the public.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͺ˜ 2020

08054699539

Southern Kaduna: The Truth That Must Be Told

I

have spent quality time reviewing the presentation of the Hausa-Fulani community in Southern Kaduna, debunking claims of genocide against the Christian natives in the area. Aside, they insist they are neither minority nor settlers in Southern Kaduna as proclaimed by the Christian community. Speaking last Sunday, the Hausa-Fulani community under the umbrellas of Coalition of United Muslim Group, Kaduna State; Muslim Youth Foundation of Southern Kaduna; Nasihatu Ahlizzaman; Southern Kaduna Muslim Forum; and Zumunta Youth Development, Kasuwan Magani, assert that Muslims constituted 40 per cent of the population of Southern Kaduna, “while the Hausa-Fulani are majority of about 30 tribes that make up Southern Kaduna.”

I also spent time reading the assertion of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) that 109 communities in four Southern Kaduna local governments had been taken over by Fulani militias. SOKAPU said: “As of today, August 19th, 2020, at least 109 communities scattered in four LGAs of Southern Kaduna have been displaced and taken over by armed Fulani militias unchallenged by the state. There are at least 50,000 IDPs from these communities living in several camps in Southern Kaduna, all because their villages are either unsafe to return to or had been taken over by Fulani militias.”

The leader of the coalition of Hausa-Fulani groups, Kabir Kasim Kafanchan, proclaims further that they are the original owners of the area called Southern Kaduna. This is the crux of the matter. The unending carnage in Southern Kaduna is largely about land; it is about the ownership of this area. The Christian communities regard Hausa/Fulani as settlers who have been grabbing their land and expanding their space. The Hausa/Fulani think otherwise. The two sides have taken extreme positions. This is why Fulani and Christian militias are active in this area, spilling endless blood for years.

The bloodshed has over 40 years history; past and present governments have failed to end it because the crux of the matter land issue – is being window-dressed. Any government that wants an end to the killings must tackle the land issue once and for all.

This is the only way all the communities in Southern Kaduna can live in peace with each other. Leaders of all the parties must be brought to a round table for amicable settlement. A government capable of doing this will be glaringly impartial. This is what has been missing in the last 40 years. Previous governments at the federal and state levels have not addressed the issue dispassionately.

Another tragic hindrance is that security agents posted to the flash points in Southern Kaduna often compromise. Virtually all government officials at all levels are also guilty of this. That was why, just last Wednesday, despite the heavy deployment of soldiers, 11 persons, including a village head and his 97 year-old mother, were killed in a fresh attack in the troubled area. The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) provides the facts

El-Rufai

and figures thus: “The gunmen suspected to be Fulani militia, carried out the attacks in Zango-Kataf, Kajuru and Kachia local government areas of the state. On 18th of August, 2020, amidst a rigidly imposed 24-hour curfew that is 63 days today, armed Fulani militia invaded Unguwan Gankon village in the Zangon Kataf LGA and killed two persons and burnt seven houses. Neighbours, however, came out and the murderers fled.

“The names of the victim are Kefas Malachy Bobai, a 30-year old farmer and father of three and Miss Takama Paul, 16, a student. On the 16th August, Pastor Adalchi Usman, 39, and father of two was murdered. Usman, who was pastor of ECWA Church, Unguwan/ Madaki, in Kajuru LGA, was ambushed in a commercial vehicle. The killers came from the bush and started shooting at the car. Also killed were, Mariah Na’Allah of Unguwan Madaki; Shekari from Unguwa Ali, a native of Anchuna village, Zangon Kataf LGA and Ezekiel Maikasa a native of Gadanaji in Kajuru LGA. Then on the same night of 16th August, 2020, Bugai village near Banikanwa in Kachia LGA was attacked by armed Fulani militia.

The village Head, Dan’azumi Musa, 67 was killed. His siblings, Aniya Musa, 60 including his very aged mother, Kande Musa, 97 and junior sister Angelina Irmiya, 45 were killed.”

The Secretary General, Council of Imams and Ulama, Kaduna State, Sheikh Yusuf Arigasiyyu also asserted that despite heavy security presence, 100 Muslims were massacred during an attack on Zango-Kataf communities recently. I urge Arigasiyyu to back this assertion with specific names and locations, as SOKAPU has been doing.

The killings in Southern Kaduna assumed a frightening dimension in the last five years because the El-rufai government openly took sides with some of the parties. So, the Christian communities don’t trust him. That is why

the lawmaker representing Zagon Kataf/ Jaba Federal Constituency, Amos Magaji, persistently fingers the governor for the crisis rocking the area. Under Ahmed Makarfi as governor, the crisis went down significantly because he refused to support or favour any of the parties in the dispute. Makarfi was a neutral arbitrator and all the sides respected him for this.

I was shocked by El-rufai’s remarks on a television programme last week, alleging that the leaders of the Christian communities wanted bribe from him. Instead of showing proof that he was not partial as accused, he made bizarre accusations, saying: “Anyone that is moderate, anyone that is promoting peaceful co-existence between various ethnic groups is considered a sellout. With a governor like me, who does not appease them, because they are used to being appeased, they cause trouble. They organise these killings (when other governors were in power) and then, their leaders are invited by the governor, they wine and dine and they are given brown envelopes. That’s what they have been doing for 20 years and we came into office and we said no more, nobody who does not encourage peaceful co-existence will have access to the governor or the Government House. I have no time for them. I am using the security agents to carefully mark them and when we accumulate enough evidence, we will get them and put them before a judge.”

The Kaduna governor added: “Most of the people saying I am taking sides have no means of livelihood; they were living off the governments. The governments before us were paying them money every month, they called it peace money. We stopped it. This is why they say I am taking sides. But now, they have come up with other things because the money they got during the election is exhausted and they can say whatever they want to say. But I want everyone to know this very clear: I will not appease trouble-makers.

I will not tolerate people that incite. I will map them, we will arrest and prosecute them, that’s my style.”

Haba! How can the governor of a beleaguered state be spinning this rubbish? So, the Christian leaders are the ones organising the killings and making trouble because they want money? This is preposterous. If El-rufai is genuinely interested in peace, then, this coldblooded remarks should not be coming from him. How many killers has El-rufai brought to justice? The rate of prosecution has not been proportional to the frequency of attacks in Southern Kaduna.

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Olasupo Ayokunle, was apt when he told El-rufai to act instead of showboating: “On many occasions, when I read of ‘unknown gunmen’ it ends there and I wonder whether it is not the duty of those governing us to make sure that the ‘unknown gunmen’ are ‘known’ and brought to book! The people causing trouble are not spirits, so, it should not be too difficult to apprehend them and bring

Power Discos Still Dancing Naked One issue that attracted my attention in the latest report on power supply status on all 132/33/11kV interface substation by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) was the warning to Power Distribution Companies (Discos) against load rejection. It is appalling that many of these Discos have deliberately been isolating some sections of 33KV feeders to limit loading, thus, denying their customers electricity. Yes, NERC confirmed this.

At this period, when most homes and industries are left without power for days, generation is being deliberately hindered by Discos. At the same time,

they will tell consumers that they are not getting enough supply. This is indeed a season of anomie in the power sector and calls for radical action.

Some power generation companies had to shut production last week due to low load demand by the Discos. According to data obtained from the Nigerian Electricity System Operator, as at 6am on August 15, Ibom Power’s GT3, Alaoji’s GT1 and 2, Sapele’s GT2 and 4, Geregu II’s GT21 and Afam’s GT17 and 18 were all idle due to low load demand by the Discos. NERC cautioned the Discos further for deliberate refusal

to clear faults on some 33kV feeders within the timeline of eight hours as stipulated in the Reporting Compliance Regulations. This also limits loading on the feeders.

Discos are rejecting load, while they go about terrorizing consumers with estimated bills and collecting money for services not rendered.

They care less about our nation being enveloped in darkness. NERC must rise from its slumber and save Nigerian consumers whose rights must also be protected. It is not enough to caution Discos for rejecting load. They must be punished.

them to book. If there are people sponsoring them, a thorough investigation should be able to fish them out and cause them to face the wrath of the law.

“Let there be a round table discussion and a pledge of cooperation rather than confrontation in finding a solution to this wicked and embarrassing development.

Everybody is looking at the governor as a father of the state and this is the understanding with which he should handle every accusing finger pointed at him. No bandit, gunman or cattle rustler should be allowed to strike and disappear into thin air any longer without being pursued to his or her base for arrest and prosecution.

“The guns in the hands of criminals should be recovered. Bushes should be combed with surveillance. Technology should be deployed extensively by the security agents to apprehend the criminals in their hideouts, including the mercenaries. All sources of ammunition the bandits and killers are using should be investigated and blocked. Community healing, forgiveness and reconciliatory meetings should be held, bringing different ethnic groups in communities together to chart the way forward for peace.”

For me, the key words here are roundtable negotiation over land, neutrality of government, community healing, forgiveness and reconciliation. That’s how to end killings in Southern Kaduna.

The diverse communities here must learn to live together. A government and security agencies that are neutral at all levels are essential to promote all these. Unfortunately, these are lacking now.

We have compromised governments and security agencies mismanaging the crisis. My submission: Elders like Olusegun Obasanjo, Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar must move in and try to seal a deal to end the butchery in Southern Kaduna.

Ahmed

N1.57tn for Debt Servicing in Six Months The federal government spent a scandalous N1.57 trillion on debt servicing in the first six months of this year. This is according to the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba. It was part of his recent presentation to the House of Representatives Committee on Finance at an interactive session on the 2021-2023 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper. In this same country, as at the end of June 2020, only N444.75 billion had been released to MDAs for capital expenditure by the federal government.

Personnel cost, including pensions, gulped N1.61 trillion in the first six months of this year.

It is apparent that debt servicing and recurrent expenditure will gulp the bulk of federal budget 2020. So, how will this country attain development with an expenditure pattern like this? Yet, binge borrowing continues. Soon, debt servicing will start taking 60 per cent of federal budget. Nigeria we hail thee.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ AUGUST 22, 2020

SUPER SATURDAY

Burna Boy’s ‘Twice As Tall’ Lights Global Billboards Burna Boy’s y latest album, ‘Twice As Tall’, continues to gain g worldwide recognition g on billboards, popular p p download and streaming gp platforms, making g it the first Afrobeats album to enjoy such top spots of recent, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

N

igerian Afro-fusion artiste, Burna Boy y continues to plod p towards global domination g following g the release of his new album which has taken over billboards in major j cities in the USA and UK. The album is featuring g on billboards in New York, LA and London, courtesy y of YouTube Music, Amazon and Spotify. p y Burna Boy y recently yp posted the exciting g videos on his Instagram g page p g accompanied p by y various captions. p “Twice As Tall”, Burna Boy’s y fifth studio work, released on August g 14, 2020, is also already doing g well on g global charts.

The album ticked success box as it p peaked at number 1 on Apple Music last week. It g got over five million streams in jjust an hour after it dropped. pp Upon p release, the album was number one in 31 countries. Asides from Nigeria g and UK, ‘Twice As Tall’ also reached number 1 in South Africa, Ghana, Botswana, Gambia, Kenya, y Namibia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, g Guinea-Bissau, Mauritius, Mozambique, q Oman. US rapper pp and legendary g yp producer, P. Diddy y said it deserves to win album of the y year.

According g to a p post by y ChartsAfrica, the album is Number One Worldwide on popular p p download and streaming platform Apple p pp p Music, making g it the first Afrobeats album to enjoy j y the top p spot. p While speakp ing g about the album, Burna Boy said: “It is a jjourney y through g a bunch of emotions and energies g at different p points in time. It has now morphed p into something g bigger gg than me. It serves as a bridge g for mankind to show that we’re all different but still very much the same.”

Executive Produced by y Bosede Ogulu g and Burna Boy, y the “Twice As Tall” album boasts of ap plenitude of producers; p from Sean Combs a.k.a. Diddy, y to Telz, P2J, Timbaland, Leriq, q Rexxie, Skread, Andre Harris, Jae5, Mike Dean and many y more.

The confluence of songs g on the album holds g guest appear pp ances from Naughty g y by y Nature, the Kenyan y band Sauti Sol, Senegal’s g music titan, Youssou N’Dour and Chris Martin of Coldplay. p y Whilst he p pointedly y addressed Nigeria’s g colonial history y and inveterate corruption p in his last album ‘African Giant’, the “Twice as Tall” album sees Burna y make music as a citizen of Boy the world, lashing g out at racism, exploitation p and the g general widespread p fallacies about Africa.

Most of the songs on this album

Burna Boy Boy’ss Billboard in New York

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ AUGUST 22, 2020

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SUPER SATURDAY Burna Boy’s ‘Twice As Tall’ Lights Global Billboards

Burn na Bo B y could be heard loud. ‘Level Up’, p is the broodingg to-triumphant p song g that opens p the “Twice as Tall’’ album. Not only y does it celebrate Burna Boy’s y own achievements, it also notes life’s harsh realities in the lyrics: y “Some of my y guys g y might g never see the sun/some of them still p peddle drugs.” g ‘Time Flies’ featuring g Sauti Sol is a heavenly y reminder of simpler p times. The melodic arrange g ment of the Nigerian g vernacular and Swahili in this song, g appended pp to the beautiful vocal variety y of the Kenyan y g group p Sauti Sol, gives g this track a guileless g intimacy, y fervency, y soul and depth. p In the p poignant g song g ‘The Monsters You Made’, Burna exposes p an indictment of miss-education, historical injustice j and systemic y racism, delivered in clear English g with mounting g fury. y He addresses the ruling g classes, arguing g g that it is they y who have fomented any y black anger, even crime, through colonial oppression.

‘Monsters You Made’ also has an in-song g pairing p g never likely y to be seen again: g 78-year-old y Ghanaian feminist, p political activist and p playwright y g Ama Ata Aidoo and Coldplay’s p y Chris Martin. The former is in the shape p of a snatch of TV interview about the damage g done to Africa by y colonialism, in which she rinses the host and hangs g him out to dry; y the latter finds Gwyneth Paltrow’s ex-husband singing a

chorus warning ‘there is only so much people are going g to take.’

Burna says: y “That song g comes from a lot of anger g and p pain and me having g to witness firsthand what my yp people p g go through g and how my y people p p see themselves. I see how many y people p p are deceived and confused. I jjust try y to blend all of that in and make it understood that we’re all going g g through g the same problems. We just speak different languages.” g g Other tracks to look out for on the ‘Twice As Tall’ album are ‘Onyeka’ y p produced by y Telz, ‘Bebo’ p produced by y Rexxie, ‘Comma’ p produced by y Rexxie, ‘23’ p produced by y Skread, ‘Bank on It’ produced by p y Jae5, ‘No fit vex’ produced p by y LeriQ and ‘Way y too big’ produced by LeriQ, Mike Dean and Diddy. y The 15-track album is a follow up p to his critically y acclaimed 2019 album “African Giant”.

Burna Boy y started out making gp party y songs. g But his focus shifted to music with inspirational p messages. g “Music is a spiritual p thing. g I’ve never picked up p pap pen and p paper p and written down a song g in my y life,” he said in an interview with The New York Times. “It all jjust comes, like someone is standing g there and telling g me what to say. y It’s all according to the spirits. Some of us are put on

this earth to do what we do.”

Success has brought g him “a very y huge g responsibilp ity y that I didn’t think I would have,” he added.

Although g critics are divided as to the strength g of his lyrical y poignancy p g y in ‘Twice As Tall’ compared p to his last album, African Giant for which he got a Grammy yg gesture.

For his new album, he speaks p pensively, p y saying y g it’s “basically y continuing g the mission I started, which is building g a bridge g that leads every y Black person p in the world to come together, and to make y g you understand that without you having a home base, you can’t be as strong as y you are.”

It is clear that the Afrofusion pioneer p Burna Boy y is on a mission to engage g g the spirits, p pro p voke insight g into his music and inspire p us to a full tank in a delirium of musical savour, but most importantly, p y Burna Boy’s y fifth studio album is an evolution, an adhesive which makes the Afro-fusion star’s music a touchstone to everything g he believes and stands for.

“Twice As Tall is the album about a p period of time in my y life. It’s the album about the struggle gg for freedom. It’s the album about life in g general, real life, good g times, bad times, happy ppy times, sad times, (and) great times,” Burna Boy avowed.

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ͺͺ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

FROM MALI WITH LOVE

Ayo Oyoze Baje writes that the coup in Mali holds lessons for African leaders

T

he recent removal of the president of Mali by the military should send a strong warning to other African leaders - Prof. Patrick Lumumba From the United Nations Organization (UNO), the European Union (EU), through the African Union (AU), the ECOWAS to several countries across the globe, it is a groundswell of condemnation for the recent coup d’etat in Mali. Some of the countries that have spoken against it include Nigeria, Kenya, Angola, South Africa, Germany, United States and China.

To democrats, pseudo-democrats and even former military dictators that have metamorphosed into overnight democrats in Africa’s volatile political sphere, truncating any democratically elected government constitutes an aberration that must be quashed.

The tragedy and the pain however, is that such condemnations always come late in the day. They were not offered in good time, to nip the bud of the simmering crises. And they are hardly focused on the root causes or the fundamental issues that triggered the military takeover.

As severally reported, Colonel-Major Ismael Wague - spokesman for the coup-makers who called themselves the National Committee for the Salvation of the People - said they acted to prevent Mali from falling further into chaos. “The social and political tension has undermined the proper functioning of the country for quite a while”, they said.

That was after detaining the 75- year- old President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita at gunpoint and forcing him to resign. The President and the Prime Minister were later moved out of their official residences to a military base near Bamako. The president later announced that he had resigned and dissolved the government and national assembly. Wague has pledged to restore stability and oversee a transition to elections within a “reasonable” period.

Mali has been in crisis for some four months following the annulment of the election results of some parliamentary seats in favour of some people loyal to the president. The rebel groups demanded that the president should resign for peace to reign in the troubled nation.

In a bid to resolve the crisis, former President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria was appointed as a special peace envoy by the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS). But sadly, the noble efforts could not stop the military from striking at the time they did. It is curious that the same issues of insecurity, corruption and bad governance which he promised the good people of Mali, to tackle when he mounted the pedestal of political power back in 2013 were at play.

As recently reinforced by Princess Halliday, a professor of leadership ethics, a leadership ambassador and the founder of the Empower Africa Initiative, based in Virginia, United States(US), not a few African leaders give way to the political disconnect between them and their people as soon as they get into positions of plum political offices. She said this while speaking recently on Silverbird television’s News Hub. In fact, I had severally highlighted the persisting challenges of African political helmsmen personalizing power, foisting their self-serving agenda with empirical evidences of overt nepotism, swinging their body languages in favour of certain religious and ethnic principles and persuasions at the expense of and to the detriment of seeking the

AFRICA NEEDS TO REDEFINE THE CONCEPT OF GOOD LEADERSHIP. THE LEADERS SHOULD DO SELFEVALUATION AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS OF WHY THEY ARE IN POSITIONS OF AUTHORITY

common good.

Devoid of moral scruples, they use state apparatus, including the military and the police to instill fear in the minds of the people they are supposed to lead, castrating and containing their freedom of expression and choice at the polls. Furthermore, they go to great lengths to create cracks in the rank and file of the civil society, muzzling the press, while some once-vocal social and human rights activists lose their voices in the face of several social injustices and acts of impunity. All this leads to the people’s pent–up anger, culminating in series of protests against the government of the day, as in Mali.

That explains the valid position of the popular Kenyan nationalist and an icon of leadership voice in Africa, Professor P.L.O. Lumumba.

Though he condemned the military takeover of government in Mali, he has however, advised African leaders to understand that soldiers too are citizens. He said Keita’s removal should send a warning to other African leaders.

In a similar vein, Senator Shehu Sani, a known voice of opposition to bad governance has thrown his support for the people of Mali.

“Whenever we say coup is outdated then we see it updated.” He described the Mali coup as a bad omen for other African democracies.

“The coup in Mali is a serious setback to democracy in Africa and a bad omen for other democracies in the sub-region. But the people of Mali who have been through tragic experiences of intractable political crisis appear to be fully in support of it. We should respect their wishes,” he wrote.

On his part, Cyril Ramaphosa, the chairman of the African Union (AU) and President of South Africa, condemned the “unconstitutional change of government” in Mali and demanded the release of Keita and other top government officials. The AU also said that it was suspending Mali’s membership until constitutional order is restored. In a statement, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expressed “great concern” over the “seizure of power by Malian military putschists”. The 15-nation bloc, said its members would close land and air borders to Mali and demand sanctions against “all the putschists and their partners and collaborators”.

Similarly, the United Nations Security Council has urged mutineers in Mali to immediately release detained officials, including the country’s president, and “return to their barracks without delay.”

The lessons to learn from what has transpired in Mali are profound.

According to Halliday, Africa needs to redefine the concept of good leadership. The leaders should do self-evaluation and answer the questions of why they are in positions of authority. “Who am I and why am I venturing to lead my people? Am I doing so to satisfy my whims and caprices or for the common good? Am I sufficiently educated on the essence and principles of good leadership and am I creating space for the younger generation of leaders?”

It is a worrisome scenario that as at early 2019 the presidents of Equatorial Guinea, Cameroun and Angola had spent 30 years in power!

That of Angola was there for 38 years and until death came calling, Zimbabwe’s late Robert Mugabe had spent 37 years. In the Nigeria old leaders keep recycling themselves in power. This is not good enough.

ABUJA’S GROWING CHARM

The FCT, Abuja, is gradually living up to its billing, writes Thomson Ndukwe

J

onas Onoja resided in one of the satellite towns of Abuja until four years ago when he and his family immigrated to Canada upon winning the Canadian Visa Lottery. He was all too glad to leave Abuja which was then a forest of rusty cranes stemming from the numerous uncompleted projects that littered the nooks and crannies of the city coupled with inadequate infrastructure. The situation was even made worse by traffic snarls at various junctions and intersections, insecurity and the bedlam created by the swarm of rickshaws (Kekenapep) and passenger motorcycles. Leaving for Canada was an answered prayer.

It has been four years since he left by which time he had begun to experience some homesickness. He decided to touch base to reconnect with family and friends. Arriving the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport aboard the KLM, he was first fascinated by the new international wing of the airport. The running maze of cranes and raw concrete had yielded space to a splendid architecture. While in Montreal, he had followed the controversy that trailed the closure and the upgrade of the airport runway. The Ministry of Aviation had kept its word to deliver within the promised timeframe. This is a plus any day, he thought. The airport had taken a new shape and Abuja, he thought, could unarguably be the aviation hub of West Africa.

Upon emerging from the arrival hall he spotted Bolaji Ifelodun, his friend, who had come to pick him up from the airport. Hugs and banters exchanged, Jonas scanned the airport once more to soak in reminiscences of his homecoming. Looking ahead, his saw a magnificent complex emblazoned with the sign, “Airport Terminal, Abuja Railway.”

“A modern railway station?” Jonas declared in utter surprise. “Enter car make we go?” Bolaji jibed. “You think na only oyibo land de get train?” Just for the couple of years he was out of town, Abuja had recorded dramatic changes.

As they made their way to the city, Jonas began to count infrastructure projects that were either commenced, completed or coasting home to final delivery. First in line was the erstwhile collapsing airport driveway – a.k.a Bill Clinton Drive along with its bridge and interchange. Turning to his friend, he recalled how that spot had been a major traffic snarl and made travelling out of the city a very challenging journey. Similarly, on both sides of the road, he noticed a growing allure of the city which was not there at the time he played “Andrew.” The Gateway Mall, the Legislative Institute, Nigerian Korean International School, Dunamis Dome and an array of modern housing estates.

“Haba,” Bolaji quipped “Na wao.” How come I have not quite taken note of these things and you are just noticing them upon your arrival, just like that?”

“That is human nature,” Jonas countered. “What do they call it in Nigeria? Errrm, yes, ‘See finish.’

Familiarity, you know, breeds contempt.”

Bolaji is not alone in his dilemma. The humdrum of daily life always shades residents from the progress around them. Jonas, on his own, was fascinated with the expansive vista of alluring cityscape, growing magnificence of elegant skylines and a diadem of beautiful parks and gardens laced together by modern infrastructure.

There is no diminishing the fact that Abuja is Nigeria’s success story. A modern city harvested from an erstwhile motley of pristine villages and a mosaic of aboriginal huts. He was elated to see the Independence and Constitution Avenues – the twin driveways bestriding the MKO Abiola National Stadium ending at the Three Arms Zone, as good as complete and how they have enhanced the radiance of the city. Vehicles can now ply both roads on dual mode.

On a drive around the city in the course of his stay, he observed other skillful touches which

have spiced up Abuja’s mega city character. These include the east-end of the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Expressway leading to A.Y.A. It is the proverbial stitch in time that has saved nine. The completion of the road facilitated easy drive to and from the heart of federal government business. Viewed from its eastern cardinal point, the city is a photographer’s delight. Also close by, he observed the Aso Villa interchange and roundabout which has made for an easy detour onto the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) leading to Kubwa and Suleja Areas. It was not as easy as this in the past, he reminded himself.

Jonas had bought a parcel of land while in Abuja then. He decided to visit the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) to process his C of O. He could not navigate his way easily as a new network of infrastructure had been constructed which now connected the various government agencies and secretariats on this major government business hub, literarily the Abuja Government House. They comprise the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Abuja Geographical Information System (AGIS), Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Council (ICRC) and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), among others.

The excellent network is further complemented by the construction of the interchanges across the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Expressway which connects the Southern Parkway to Abuja’s Cultural Spine. This is the driveway which circles such critical centres as the National Mosque, Central Bank, Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Silverbird Entertainment Centre and the Yar-Adua Centre across the Jaiz Bank and Federal Ministry of Finance, among others.

One afternoon, after a particularly rainy day, Bolaji invited Jonas out for coffee at the Silverbird shopping mall. Jonas had hesitated a bit. He knew that area was rife with traffic congestion. He needed to free up time in order to keep up with another

appointment. Pressured by his friend he gave in and was surprised that the place had become a one-way drive as a result of the completion of the Southern Parkway roads, bridges and interchanges.

As they sipped the Ethiopian coffee, from up the Silverbird high-rise, Bolaji used the opportunity to seize control of the conversation. He observed Jonas scanning the city from that lookout promontory. He was identifying new structures that had graced the Central Business District Skyline after the last time he saw it four years ago. The new entrants were the AFDB and the PPPRA towers, the new FIRS and World Trade Centre skyscrapers.

When Bolaji regained his attention, Bolaji cleared up his throat, and began telling him how residents await in confident anticipation the progress being recorded on the project for the dualization of the Apo Road – a strip of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) linking the district with Wasa junction and connecting another road coming from Karshi which was already over 85 percent complete.

Jonas also was excited to know that the arterial road S.30 behind Apo, passing through where his plot laid in Okanji District, has reached an advanced stage.

Construction work just stopped short at the precincts of Kabusa Village. According to Bolaji, “the delay now is the last chunk of funding for work and for compensation of villagers whose houses have been caught up with the project.”

Jonas was now thinking about developing his property rather than selling it. He enquired on the regulations for housing development. Bolaji, informed him that the current administration, unlike previous ones, emphasized building vertically and encourages use of primary mortgages in line with modern housing development standards. Jonas nodded approvingly as this is consistent with the practice in the civilized world. rNdukwe wrote from Durumi, Abuja

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ͺͺ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

p

Between Your Hands and Your Health

O

ne of the most enduring lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic is the relationship between our hands and our health. It is simply amazing how an act as simple as hand washing could be a panacea to such a dare-devil pandemic.

Prior to now, many don’t really care what they do with their hands. In our society, while it is not unusual for people to engage in hand washing before eating and after visiting the toilet, it is not really a tradition to do same with soap.

Ironically, it has been scientifically proven that filthy hands remain one of the easiest channels of spreading life infectious diseases.

Bacteria and viruses spread easily and quickly through touch.

For instance, if someone with the flu covers his mouth when sneezing and simply wipes his hands afterwards, rather than washing them, germs would still be present. These germs would likely spread to any surfaces he touches and could transmit to anyone who has contact with the surface.

This explains why health educators often advocate for simple behavioural changes, such as hand washing with soap and water.

Medical experts refer to hand washing with soap as a do- it – yourself vaccine that averts infections and save lives.

Unknown to many, soaps remain one of the most expedient and essential hygiene tools for mankind. Most soaps have two main components - animal oils or fats and alkaline solution that enable the process of saponification. In contemporary time, technological and scientific breakthroughs have made soaps become more valuable, especially in terms of its medicinal uses.

According to data, many children below five years die from diarrheal diseases and pneumonia, considered as the two top killers of children in the world. The two account for almost 3.5 million child death annually. But then, it has been established that hand washing with soap could prevent about one out of every three cases of diarrheal infections and almost one out of six episodes of respiratory infections like pneumonia.

Furthermore, this modest, cheap, handy action can, according to research, reduce the rate of mortality from these diseases by almost 25 and 50 percent, respectively and can dramatically cut the number of young children

Travails of Nigerian Youths

N

that more stakeholders come on board the who get sick. igerian youths who are supposed to be extolled for their campaign for hand washing and related Also, water plays a very important role relentless efforts to make a living are perennially criticised matters. Though the targets of such campaign in the maintenance of personal and physical and cursed by some persons at the helms of power. They’re should be all segments of the society, but hygiene, such as hand washing and envicalled demeaning names such as lazy youths, indomie children should be given utmost priority. The ronmental sanitation. According to UNICEF, generation, inter alia. reason for this is quite simple. Children are the hand washing with soap, alone, has the highI see this name-calling as an excuse by these persons for not doing most potent agents of change. They are eager est impact on reducing disease transmission, the needful. They compare them with their counterparts in other to learn; they retain what they learn and are including diarrhea, lowering the condition by countries who are performing well. But one thing they are failing to veritable instruments of instilling and promotabout 47 percent. Sadly, awareness about the understand is that the leaders of these countries are the forces behind ing positive behavioural changes among their importance of this is abysmally low. why their youths are doing well. Apology to Mr Macaroni. peers, in families and communities.

Currently, as the world battles the monThere are enough jobs for all the citizens and enabling environments Children are the most vulnerable and fragile for those who show interest in businesses. Sometimes, they’re even strous COVID-19 pandemic, frequent hand of human beings. Right from birth they need washing has become the in-thing. This further provided with the capital to start up. Barely will you see the youths of the care and guidance of adults, and because attests to the medicinal effectiveness of hand these countries searching for jobs after graduation. of their fragile nature they are most vulnerable washing.

Whereas here in Nigeria, millions of unemployed youths jostle for a to infections and diseases, hence the need for Ironically, as simple as it is, and with job that can’t absorb more than a thousand persons. As a matter of fact, them to grow in a safe, healthy and hygienic all its health benefits, many rarely practice Nigerian youths are industrious, audacious and resilient. environment. hand washing. This could be largely due to If Nigerian youths are lazy as they used to say, over four million Hence, it is important for all health stakeignorance and carelessness. With the current of them who applied for the just concluded Batch C of the federal holders to give more considerations to children government’s N-Power programme which is expected to enroll just global pandemic situation, it has, however, while planning their health outreaches. This is become imperative for all and sundry to fully 400,000, wouldn’t have applied. Similarly, the 441 First Class graduates a major way forward towards ensuring and embrace this simple but necessary habit. who are majorly youths wouldn’t have showed interest to teach in Oyo enhancing a virile health culture.

The truth, according to health experts, is State secondary schools. How else do Nigerian governments want the that regular hand washing with soap will save youths to show that they’re not lazy? r5BZP 0HVOCJZJ %FQVUZ %JSFDUPS 1VCMJD more lives than any single vaccine or medical That some Nigerian youths are into cybercrime and have proclivity "GGBJST -BHPT 4UBUF .JOJTUSZ PG *OGPSNBUJPO intervention. for ‘sharp money’ shouldn’t be a yardstick for concluding that Nigerian According to the World Health Organisation BOE 4USBUFHZ "MBVTB *LFKB youths are lazy. In addition, condemning the whole for the wrong of its (WHO), there are two part isn’t proper. methods to ensure However, instead of accusing Nigerian youths of being good hand hygiene. lazy, governments should provide more jobs that will These are ‘Hand curtail sprouting unemployment. If there are enough jobs Rubbing’ and ‘Hand for the citizens, it will reduce cybercrime and the problem Washing’. of insecurity as it is believed that those who pollute the Hand rubbing peace of the country and blemish its image are the jobless method should individuals.

T H E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R be used if you EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO do not have any r"SFNV -VLNBO 6NPS -BHPT DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE visible bodily or other CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI infectious fluids or EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN matter on your hands MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE and does not include listened to the news item of Kamala Harris speaking the use of water. For about how her passed mother would look down on T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D this, hand sanitizers her from above with pride whereas here we have EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA are recommended. many people looking down on President Donald GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, Hand washing is to Trump but not with such love and respect but scorn.

ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI be used if you have President Barack Obama said “I did hope, for the sake DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE visible bodily or other of our country, that Donald Trump might show some DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI infectious fluids or interest in taking the job seriously. But he never did.”

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO matter on your hands.

What the world needs now is a new and better CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI Using either one of President and the better part will be easy to achieve, DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO these methods will surely.

HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA ensure you are free of TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com germs. r%FOOJT 'JU[HFSBME It is important .FMCPVSOF "VTUSBMJB

Look for the Best

I

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾AUGUST 22, 2020

NEWS

IG Unveils Community Policing Structure FG to resuscitate CCTVs to curb insecurity Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, yesterday unveiled the structure of community policing launched by government to involve local communities in crime fighting.

Federal government had Thursday announced that N13 billion was voted for the take-off of the community policing project.

Rising from a virtual meeting, the National Economic Council (NEC) presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja, mandated the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and two other governors to meet

with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed; and the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, to coordinate the proper utilisation of the fund.

This comes as federal government in a bid to contain spiraling insecurity in the country, said it had commenced plans to revive the abandoned Close Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) projects across the country captured under the $470 million National Public Security System.

Speaking at a briefing in Abuja, the Inspector-General of Police said

community policing was designed to allow communities take responsibility for the project by setting up advisory committees made up of “traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, traders, women and youths.”

The IG stated that at the local government level, the same strategy would be applied.

“At the local government level, the community policing committees will help us identify them through their wards while we select and train them. Now we are at the stage of recruiting for training.”

He said the “community advisory committee is also expected to work with the local government chairman.

At the state level, the committee

Edo Guber: DSS Invites ‘Kabaka, RTEAN Chair, APC Leaders Chuks Okocha in Abuja

reports to the governor.

“Lawyers and teachers also wanted to be included in the committees, being community residents and we agreed with them.”

The IG said the N13 billion voted for the project was for the entire programme “not just for one year.

It is a process.”

Meanwhile, speaking at a media briefing to commemorate his one year in office, Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Dingiyadi, said government had already carried out a comprehensive inspection of vandalised CCTV installations in Abuja and Lagos with a view to presenting a memo to the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

The Department for State Services (DSS), Edo State Command has invited chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tony Adun, popularly known as Kabaka, for a meeting in its office in Benin.

Also invited include National Chairman of Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Osakpanwan Eriyo, APC leader in Oredo local government, Ehin Adam, and his counterparts in Ekpoba Okha and Ovia South West, Osaro Idahosa and Okunbor Rounts respectively.

Five other APC members were also invited to the meeting, which is scheduled for August 22, 2020 by 11 hours.

THISDAY gathered that the invitation was outcome of the private meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and the former National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole.

A top source said that the main

reason of the President’s private meeting with Oshiomhole was to caution the former APC chairman against utterances that could overheat the polity, especially as the Edo State governorship election was fast approaching.

The invitation of Kabaka and other APC leaders, it was gathered may be extended to other political parties participating at the election.

According to the source, “government will not allow anyone under the guise of politics to undermine the security well-being of the country. This invitation is to alert all the government is equal to all action and can match action for action.”

Also, the source said that DSS was in receipt of the video clips that went viral where the said Kabaka was urging people in the video on how to rig the September 19 governorship election, even urging them to go from polling stations to polling stations to ensure the rigging of the election.

Appeal Court Quashes Death Sentence on 3 over Murder Amby Uneze in Owerri

PROVIDING SHELTER ...

L - R: Executive Chairman, Greenfield Estate, High Chief Nnana Achugo; Road Committee Chairman, Chief Ukwa Achinaka; and the immediate past chairman of the estate, Prince Nixon Okwara, at formal visit of Senator Ifeanyi Uba to Greenfield Estate in Lagos

‘Rahamaniyya Committed to Service FG, Angolan Govt in Talks for Release of Grounded Aircraft Agreement with Sahara Energy’ Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Group Managing Director of Rahamaniyya Oil & Gas, Abdulrahman Bahsar, has assured that he was committed to the service agreement between his firm and Sahara Energy over the buying and selling of 15,000MT Gas oil deal between the two firms in 2018.

In a statement issued Friday by his Legal Adviser, Mr. Dada Awosika, Bahsar explained that as part of the agreement, Sahara would relinquish claim over cargo return while Rahamaniyya would withdraw proceedings against Sahara in Nigerian court.

The oil magnate while responding to a report that he had defaulted in the agreement and sentenced by a London Court, clarified that an agreement was reached between Ultimate Oil & Gas, Sahara

Energy & Rahamaniyya Oil & Gas on a payment plan for balance of cargo dues owed to Sahara Energy to be effected between December 2019 and 31 June 2020.

He stressed that on June 5, 2020 a revised payment agreement was concluded by all parties and is expected to be completed latest by February 2021.

Bahsar stated: “In the above mentioned case, we wish to clarify that such claims are false, harmful and misleading, as both firms met today (Thursday) at Sahara Energy Corporate office in Abuja to strengthen their mutual business relationships as attached photographs.

“Finally, we wish to state that the relationship between the firms remain cordial and we are up to date with our contractual business agreement.”

Chinedu Eze

The federal government and the government of Angola have started talks over the release of its aircraft grounded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, for flying illegally into the country.

Inside sources disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) may have received a letter from the National Security Adviser clearing the aircraft for departure but as at press time, the aircraft was still parked at the E Wing of the Lagos airport.

The aircraft, a Boeing 777 jet with registration number, D2TEH belongs to TAAG Angola, the country’s national carrier.

Reports indicated that the plane flew into the country without the requisite and mandatory approvals from concerned Nigerian authorities, but the crew of the aircraft claimed

Gunmen Attack Police Station in Ibadan, Kill Corporal Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Gunmen yesterday evening attacked Ikolaba Police Station in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital and killed one of the officers on duty.

THISDAY learnt from residents of the area that the dare-devil marauders during the attack caught the officers unware as

they shot sporadically into the station and gained unfettered access to the facilities there.

It was gathered that while the attack lasted, an officer fell to the firepower of the men of the underworld.

The mission of the attackers could not be ascertained as at the time of filing this report.

The state Police Public

Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Gbenga Fadeyi, confirmed the attack last night.

According to him, “Yes, we just got information that our police station was attacked but I haven’t got details of the officer allegedly killed. We have deployed men to the area and as soon as more details are available, we will get back to you.”

that it landed in the country to evacuate Angolan citizens in Nigeria even without prior authorisation to do so.

Although NCAA and the Ministry of Aviation are mum about the incident, air traffic control of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) told THISDAY that aircraft without necessary approvals could be allowed to land in Nigeria if the pilot claims that he had been permitted to land or in the case of emergency.

The TAAG Angola flight crew may have believed that it had been permitted to land, as THISDAY learned that the agency that facilitated the flight assured the pilot that it would have secured approval before the aircraft would arrive Nigeria’s airspace.

“We allow flights that may not have the approval to land for two instances. One, Air Traffic Controllers do not have Ministerial or NCAA approvals; so what controllers do is to ask the pilot whether he has the approval to land and if he says, affirm, you have to allow him to land by giving him the support to do so. Further questions may distract him, but you can also ask him to give you the registration number of the aircraft and you cross-check it with registration department, if time permits; otherwise, you have to allow him to land but you explain to him that if he lands without approval he would pay the penalty, which is about $20, 000.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri, Imo Sate has discharged and acquitted three accused persons charged for murder of one Chidi Nwosu who was murdered in his house at Amaeke Abam Village in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State by unknown gunmen on the night of December 29, 2010.

The Appellants, Oti Uka Awo, Chimezie Awa and Samson Ngozi Atum had in a judgment of the High Court of Abia State in Charge No. HAR/2c/2012 delivered on September 22, 2014 by Justice C.U. Okoroafor been convicted (along with other accused persons) for murder and sentenced to death by hanging.

The Appellants through their counsel, J.C. Uwandu, urged the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgment of the lower court by quashing the conviction, acquit and discharge his clients, stating that the prosecution never proved the guilt by confessional statement;

circumstantial evidence or evidence of an eye witness as required by law.

Uwandu also contended that the ingredients of murder were not proved by the prosecution against the Appellants; the evidence of the prosecution against the Appellants did not meet the standard of proof in a criminal proceeding; the evidence surrounding the circumstances were not cogent, compelling and did not in any way however pin down the Appellants as the persons who caused the death of the deceased.

He, however, appealed to the court to discharge and acquit his clients for lack of merit to the judgment of the lower court, stating that there was no cogent, positive, and credible evidence in the case upon which the conviction was based.

According to Uwandu, the evidence led by the prosecution in the cases were contradictory, conflicting and inconsistent and did not point irresistibly to the accused persons.

Post COVID-19 Initiative: Runsewe, Ali Baba, Others Inaugurated by Lai Mohammed Charles Ajunwa

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has inaugurated the Implementation Committee of the Creative Industry Post COVID-19 Initiative.

The minister in his virtual inaugural speech reminded the five-man members of the Implementation Committee that the well-researched report of the initiative committee was submitted to him in July this year and the next phase of that report is the full implementation of that same report.

The minister commended the initiative committee for going beyond their call of duty to do a complete mapping of the creative industry like it has never been done before.

To the newly inaugurated Implementation Committee, the minister said their terms of reference were to design an implementation plan on immediate and short term relief for

the creative industry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, design a policy framework for tax relief for various sectors in the creative industry and work out a detailed implementation plan for a long term intervention for the overall development of the creative industry in Nigeria.

He added that the development and growth of the creative industry which is the second biggest job creator after agriculture rest squarely on their shoulders.

Responding, the Chairman of the Implementation Committee for the Post COVID-19 Initiative on the Creative Industry, Otunba Segun Runsewe, thanked the minister for giving them the opportunity to serve in the committee.

He said that the assignment had awakened the consciousness of the members to see what the creative industry could contribute to the economy of Nigeria.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍşËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

15

NEWSXTRA

NNPC Records 44% Drop in June Crude Oil Production Emmanuel Addeh Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË TheNigerianNationalPetroleum Corporation (NNPC) recorded a 44 per cent drop in the total amount of crude oil lifted in June, 2020 as a result of the production output cut announced by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in April,THISDAYlearntyesterday.

Also contributing to the

decrease to the loss were a number of shut-ins due to various reasons, mainly emergency repairs, facilities' leakages, fire outbreaks, system failure as well as protests in parts of the Niger Delta.

A copy of the NNPC's presentation to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting this week, which detailed the corporation’s June 2020 crude oil and gas sales and

proceeds received in July, obtained

by THISDAY showed that the NNPC lost almost 50 per cent of the crude lifted in June compared to May this year.

An OPEC deal to reduce daily crude oil production by about 9.7 million barrels per day was reached in April, following the drastic fall in prices due to shortage in demand in the international oil market as a

result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although Nigeria is yet to fully compensate for its over-production in the early months, the report showed that over 3 million barrels were lost to its decision to partially comply with the deal in June. “The overall NNPC crude oil lifting of 7.61 mbbls (export and domestic crude) in June 2020 recorded 44 per cent decrease relative to the 13.53 mbbls in

Senate Queries DPR for Remitting N44.5bn out of N2.4trn Generated in 2019 Deji Elumoye Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Senate yesterday queried the management team of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) for remitting a meagre N44.5 billion into the ConsolidatedRevenueFundout of the N2.4 trillion it generated in 2019.

This is just as heads of some revenue generating agencies invited yesterday by the Senate Joint Committee on Finance and Planning for interactive sessions on their 2021 revenues projections, refused to appear on alleged grounds of indisposition and hospitalisation The DPR ran into troubled waters during the interactive

session when the joint committee led by Senator Olamilekan Adeola demanded for records of the agency's internally generated revenues in 2019 and projections for 2021.

DPR's Head of Planning, Mr. Johnson Ajewole who stood in for the Director, Sarki Auwalu, said a total of N2.4 trillion was generated by DPR in 2019 but N44.5 billion was remitted into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Worried by the wide gap in what was realised and remitted, the committee members described his submission as unacceptable.

Further explanation by the Head of Finance and Accounts of the Petroleum agency, Mrs. Lilian

Ufondu, about the wide gap in revenues and remittance, further angered the committee members.

According to her, out of the N2.4 trillion generated by DPR in 2019, N88 billion was removed as 4% collection fee out of which N5.72 billion was also remitted while the balance was used for overhead.

Questions fired at her by the committee Chairman and members on what happened to the over N2 trillion balance, could not be satisfactorily answered as she was only able to mention overhead and operational costs without specific figures tied to them.

She added that as at July this year, DPR had generated N1.13 trillion and projecting N3.4 trillion

as revenues for 2021 out of which N139 billion will be taken out as 4% collection fee.

Concerned by the alleged disjointed records presentations, the committee ordered the agency to reappear before it unfailingly next Tuesday and must be led by its Director, Sarki Auwalu, who was said to have travelled abroad.

Senator Adeola said : "Information and records presented to us by both Directors or heads of departments that have spoken are not clear and insufficient as regards budget performance of DPR within the last three years and revenue projection for 2021.

Ajulo Insists NBA Should’ve Allowed El-Rufai’s Invitation to Conference As controversy continues to trail the invitation of Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as one of the speakers at the 60th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian BarAssociation, NBAKayodeAjulo, has said the legal body should have allowed him to address the body in the conference.

According to him, over the perceived ‘exodus’ and selfderegistration on the part of some members of the association from the upcoming Conference was

avoidable, moreso when the views on El-Rufai were “presumptive�

Speaking further, he said ‘’in deference to individual idiosyncrasies and perspectives, I am not in the position to cast a stone on the rightfulness or otherwise of Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s attendance at the 60th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association. “However, having consulted with the leaders of this great institution, I am constrained to

dispassionately analyse the issues at hand and weigh in on this burning issue matter as a concerned member of the bar. “Before proceeding further, I must confess to a subjective opposition to the inclusion of some personalities designated as speakers at the conference but I cannot say I was tempted to deregister myself from participating in the conference thereby. “Further and without prejudice to the various allegations levelled

against Governor Nasir El-Rufai which includes, among others, the sentiment that he is opposed to the rule of law, I am of the view that it is pertinent to accord him the right of hearing at the conference whereat opportunity will be presented to all to prod, question and appraise at close range, the genuineness or otherwise of the man's democratic credentials especially as ours is a learned and sophisticated body of people who are expected to be custodians of the law,� he said.

In Fresh Bid for Deal, Jonathan Leads West African Leaders to Mali

Soldiers Attend Rally, Thank Malians Meanwhile, Opposition supporters flooded into Bamako’s central square yesterday to celebrate the overthrow of Keita, where they were warmly praised by the country’s new military rulers.

Thousands gathered in the capital’s Independence Square, the birthplace of a month-long protest, many of them draped in Mali’s national flag and blasting vuvuzela horns.

They rallied three days after mutinying troops seized the country’s unpopular 75-year-old president, forced him to announce his resignation and unveiled a junta that would rule until a “transitional president� takes over.

In contrast to fierce condemnation abroad at the overthrow of an elected leader, many in the square were jubilant and shouted their approval when the junta came to pay tribute for the public’s part in the drama. “We have come here to thank you, to thank the Malian public for its support,� the junta’s spokesman, Ismael Wague, told the crowd.

“We merely completed the work that you began and we recognise ourselves in your fight.�

Keita’s downfall came after months of protests, staged by a loose coalition called the June 5 Movement, that were fuelled by anger at failures to stem a bloody jihadist insurgency, revive the economy and tackle corruption. “I am overjoyed! We won. We came here to thank all the people of Mali because this is the victory of the people,� said opposition supporter Mariam Cisse, 38.

Aretired soldier, Ousmane Diallo, 62, said, “We are here to celebrate the victory of the people; just the victory of the people.� “IBK has failed,� he said, using a common reference to the ousted president by his initials. “The people are victorious.�

But, he cautioned, “The military should not be thinking now that they can stay in power.�

Yesterday’s “victory rallies� had initially been scheduled as the latest round of protests to force out Keita by the June 5 Movement, also called the M5-RFP.

The movement – a loose alliance of parties, religious leaders and grassroots groups – has given a broad welcome to the president’s fall.

Some of the placards brandished in the rally reflected resentment at perceived foreign interference in Mali’s affairs.

One read, “ECOWAS, a union of heads of state serving personal interests,� a reference to the 15-nation regional bloc that has led the condemnation of the coup and stands by Keita.

US Suspends Military Aide The United States yesterday suspended military aid to Mali after a group of rebel military officers seized power and placed the West African country’s president under arrest.

There will be “no further training or support of the Mali armed forces — we have halted everything until we can clarify the situation,� the US special envoy for the Sahel, J. Peter Pham, told reporters. “It’s not clear which forces are involved in the mutiny, who is involved specifically, where loyalties

lie,� he said.

Pham said the US government, which is particularly concerned about Islamist jihadists carrying out attacks in the country, was in contact with the junta, which calls itself the National Committee for the Salvation of the People. “These contacts are operational.

They do not imply recognition but acknowledgment that these people are to a certain degree in control of certain things,� Pham said.

The takeover - Pham avoided the term “coup� - “is certainly not going to help,� he said, as the United States and other countries work together with the Malian military to combat Al Qaeda and Islamic State-linked groups conducting attacks in the region.

Washington currently provides surveillance and logistical support for French troops in the country conducting operations against the extremists.

He reiterated the US demand that Keita be released, noting his age and poor health. “He is the legitimately elected head of state,� Pham said.

May. The decrease is attributable to shut-ins amounting to 3.8 mbbls and production cuts in compliance with OPEC directives,� the corporation noted.

In terms of revenue for July, the NNPC noted that its crude oil export revenue received in the month amounted to $54.98 million, equivalent to N19.79 billion which represents a decrease of 75 per cent compared to June 2020. “This variance is attributable to a decreased export volume of 1.3 million bbls lifted in June compared to 8.4 mbbls in May,� it explained. It added that domestic gas revenue received in July 2020

was N4.6 billion and N482 million for domestic gas receipts in the month.

The national oil company noted that feedstock valued at $29.33m was sold to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited during the period out of which $27.72 million was received during the month of July.

According to the NNPC, the sum of $39.74 million being CNL EGTL sales receipts, miscellaneous receipts, gas and ullage fees and interest income was received in July 2020, while the actual federation entitlement for the month of July 2020 was N48.91 billion.

Ex-Gov Dickson Joins Bayelsa West Senatorial Race The immediate past Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Henry Seriake Dickson, has picked the nominationofinterestformforthe Bayelsa West Senatorial District.

The former governor opted to join the contest for the vacant Senatorial seat following overwhelming endorsements and calls on him by critical stakeholders to fill the vacant Senatorial seat.

Chief Dickson said in a statement by his Media Advisor, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, yesterday, that he would make a formal declaration when he visits Bayelsa.

The stakeholders who endorsed him cut across all the segments of the society such as women/ youth groups, top political leaders, traditional rulers, students groups and others.

The stakeholders who have sustained the pressure on the former governor to contest the

CHANGE OF NAME

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election procured the form for him to bring months of speculation involving his participation in the election to an end.

There is the prevalent view in the Ijaw nation that the former governor was the most suitable voice for the Senatorial District, Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation in the National Assembly.

They said that Chief Dickson has the experience, the capacity, and the network to take advantage of the Senate to promote the cause of his people.

Among those who endorsed Chief Dickson are Ijaw National Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, former Presidents of the Ijaw Youth Council, traditional rulers and political leaders.

The ex-governor thanked Pa Clark, youth leaders, women groups and political leaders across party divide and the traditional rulers for the overwhelming endorsement she received from them.

The former governor who has been away in Abuja for about six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic is billed to visit Bayelsa and make a formal request to kickstart his campaign.

CHANGE OF NAME

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͺ˜ 2020

AUTO Jaguar Classic to Celebrate 60 Years of E-type in 2021 withTribute Edition Jaguar Classic will create six matched pairs of E-types to celebrate the iconic sports car’s 60th anniversary in 2021: the E-type 60 Collection.

Each pair of E-type 60 Edition cars pay tribute to two of the oldest and most famous Jaguar E-types of all: ‘9600 HP’ and ‘77 RW’, which played pivotal roles in the unveiling of the car at its world debut in Geneva, Switzerland in March 1961.

An Opalescent Gunmetal Grey 3.8-litre FixedHead Coupe registered ‘9600 HP’ was one of the first two E-types unveiled to specially-invited guests at the Parc des Eaux Vives. Driven ‘flat out’ to Switzerland from Coventry the night before the launch, public relations manager Bob Berry arrived with minutes to spare for demonstration drives.

With an outstanding reaction to the E-type resulting in overwhelming demand for drives with Berry, legendary Jaguar Test and Development Engineer Norman Dewis was told to ‘drop everything’ and drive a British Racing Green 3.8-litre roadster registered ‘77 RW’ overnight from Coventry to Geneva.

Rolls-Royce Ghost

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Lagos Provides Ghost Customers Free Health Checks Stories by Bennett Oghifo

R

olls-Royce Motor Cars Lagos, the exclusive representative of the iconic luxury brand, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Nigeria, has come up with a special package designed specifically for all Rolls-Royce Ghost motor cars owners in Nigeria to get a bespoke ownership (Aftersales) service at no cost to the owners.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Lagos is owned

by Coscharis Motors Plc., and is the exclusive franchise owner for Rolls-Royce vehicles sales and services in Nigeria. It currently has showrooms and workshops located both in Lagos and Abuja.

According to the General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Abiona Babarinde, “This exclusive package is to delight all owners of the Rolls-Royce Ghost in Nigeria for them to be able to enjoy their favourite luxury

item especially during this pandemic that has restricted movements for some time. More importantly for us is that we adhere strictly to all the COVID –19 health protocols for both the home and workshop service as we put premium on our customers and staff in terms of safety.

This offering is bespoke in nature because you have an option to have this service delivered for you in the comfort of your home or we come and take the car to our workshop, all at no cost to the customer, under strict precautionary measures.”

While explaining further on this special offering, Cosmas Maduka Jnr., Executive Director, Ownership Services, Coscharis Group said, “We guarantee top-notch ownership service for all Ghost owners leveraging on the expertise of our Rolls-Royce certified technicians that will deliver the service with the right tools and original parts. This ultimately gives the customer the peace of mind for a

seamless package that resonates with the luxury brand.”

As a result, some customers that have shown interest had enjoyed this special package exclusive for Rolls-Royce Ghost Car owners which started early in the month of August while more have equally indicated their interest to be part of this, to keep their luxury car in good shape.

The special Health Check offerings will last till end of September, 2020.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a whollyowned subsidiary of the BMW Group and is a completely separate company from Rolls-Royce plc, the manufacturer of aircraft engines and propulsion systems.

Over 2,000 skilled men and women are employed at the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ head office and manufacturing plant at Goodwood, West Sussex, the only place in the world where the company’s superluxury motor cars are hand-built.

Kia Motors Unveils Sonet, an All-new Smart Urban Compact SUV

K

ia Motors Corporation, one of the world’s largest automakers, revealed the Kia Sonet to the world in a digital presentation, recently.

Manufactured at Kia’s stateof-the-art production facility at Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, the Sonet is Kia’s all-new smart urban compact SUV, and the brand’s latest made-in-India global product after the Seltos. The new Sonet marks Kia Motors’ entry into the burgeoning compact SUV segment, and sets new benchmarks with its first-in-class features, according to the automaker.

The world premiere of the production-ready model follows the global unveiling of the Sonet concept at the Delhi Auto Expo in February 2020. Sales of the new car will commence soon in India, with sales in many of Kia’s global markets due to follow.

“Kia Motors continues to be recognised globally through products which offer exquisite design and world-class quality, along with ‘The Power to Surprise’. Everything about the all-new Sonet is uniquely Kia and is sure to delight both drivers and passengers,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO at Kia Motors Corporation. “With its aggressive and modern design language, fun-to-drive dynamics, and Kia’s latest high-tech features, the Sonet puts an exclamation point on our ambition to make Kia the brand of choice, especially among millennial and Gen Z consumers. The Sonet fills a need in the growing SUV market, in India and

All-new Kia Sonet further afield, and will attract a wider number of consumers to the Kia brand.

“We are extremely excited to introduce the Sonet, which is made in India for the world.

After the success of the Seltos and Carnival, we are confident that Kia will revolutionise yet another market segment in India with the Sonet by addressing the unmet needs and aspirations of customers,” said Kookhyun Shim, MD and CEO at Kia Motors India. “The Kia Sonet is designed and developed to deliver a best-in-class experience in quality, design, technology, features and drivability to attract a

wide spectrum of customers across segments.

The Sonet will be produced at our state-of-theart Anantapur plant to Kia’s exacting global standards, and we are sure it will be received with enthusiasm by new customers and existing fans of the brand alike.”

The all-new Sonet incorporates Kia’s DNA of emotive styling along with a premium and youthful appeal to create a strong road presence.

Displaying a dynamic stance in a confident, compact body, the Sonet showcases a range of styling attributes to make it stand apart on roads around the world.

Hyundai Donates N35m PPEs to Nigeria Hyundai Motor Company has donated 27,000 personal Protection equipment (PPEs) worth N35 million to Nigeria to assist front-line medical workers and the public in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.

Nigeria is one of the 37 countries that will benefit from Hyundai’s assistance, which is part of the company’s pledge to donate medical equipment and personal protection items worth over USD $2.4 million to countries across the Middle East andAfrica in an effort to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

The contribution towards Nigeria includes 25,000 face masks and 2,000 protective suits to help the country combat the COVID-19.

The donation was made to the Lagos State Government towards its COVID Relief programme at an event presided by the Head, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Investments, Ms. Solape Hammound.

She said it was heartening to see positive stories of altruism by corporates and individuals reinstalling hope and the confidence that humanity shall overcome this situation and emerge stronger.

Present at the event, CEO Stallion Group, Mr. Anant Badjatya said the contribution was part of Hyundai’s commitment to support those in need in the region. All the protective gears will be distributed to the hospitals supporting COVID Care in Lagos. He added that the situation in Nigeria could have been very different if it was not handled with speed and in time by the governing authorities and sincerely thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his vision and the able team for efficiently handling the situation with aplomb.

Brand Manager Mr. Gaurav Vashisht added that in recent weeks, Hyundai has helped those in need around the world through donations and contributing medical equipment and personal protection items.

The Vice President, Head of Hyundai Motor Company Middle East & Africa HQs, Bang Sun Jeong said: “Caring for humanity has always been at the heart of Hyundai’s vision and having assisted those in need in countries around the world, we are proud to expand our support to countries across the Middle East andAfrica region that have been hardest hit by the pandemic.

“The contributions of personal protection items are another step forward of making a positive difference and we believe if we work together, we can overcome anything.

“We sincerely hope our efforts contribute towards making a difference in this fight. We are committed to supporting the communities in the region, and we hope this helps in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of people.

“We believe if we stay together, we can overcome anything. We hope this pandemic can soon come to an end and we can help people get back to their daily lives.”

Among Hyundai’s initiatives to tackle COVID-19 globally include delivering emergency supplies to medical facilities in China, offering free transportation for the elderly and healthcare professionals in Brazil and providing a fleet of its vehicles to volunteers and self-isolating customers in the UK.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͺ˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Charles Okpaleke Takes Osuofia to Miami Ezugwu Jonathan Netflix, Amazon Battling for Share of Nollywood Because We’ve Advanced pg. 19

Fashion Entrepreneur, Mudi Uncovers ‘UDIAG Lifestyle’ pg. 22

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͺ˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Charles Okpaleke Takes Osuofia to Miami Award winning Nollywood producer, Charles Okpaleke, is up to something new as he announces production of sequel to 2003 blockbuster movie, “Osuofia In London”. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

‘O

suofia Goes to Miami’, a sequel to a 2003 blockbuster movie ‘Osuofia in London’, has been scheduled for 2021 release. Featuring Nkem Owoh, a veteran actor, after whom the film was nicknamed, the comedy movie is one of the first Nigerian flicks to reach international fame. Charles Okpaleke, a Nigerian moviemaker, who shared the news via his Instagram page some days back, announced the production is being handled by Play Network Studios, his film production company.

“One thing I can assure you is when cinemas return, we’ve got it all lined up for the viewers’ till 2023! It’s called back to back! Let’s tell our stories the right way,” the award winning filmmaker wrote. From the release of the highly successful “Living in Bondage: Breaking Free,” to acquiring the rights to Nollywood classics, “Glamour Girls”, “Rattle Snake“, and the 1992 Nollywood blockbuster “Nneka The Pretty Serpent”, it seems Okpaleke is not stopping anytime soon.

The upcoming ‘Osuofia’ film will be directed by Agozie Ugwu and will see veteran actor, Nkem Owoh make a comeback as the film’s lead. Originally produced and directed by Kingsley Ogoro and starring Nkem Owoh (Osuofia) as the main protagonist.

The movie follows the story of a villager who visits London following the demise of his brother but his attempt to marry his brother’s fiancée (Samantha) in accordance with Nigerian customs results in a conflict.

It goes that Osuofia lives in a village in south-eastern Nigeria where he talks a lot and drinks a lot of palm wine.

His main occupation is as a hunter, at which he is spectacularly unsuccessful.

He is hounded by his creditors, and henpecked by his massive wife and five grown-up daughters. Then one day, a lawyer’s letter arrives to tell him that a long-forgotten brother (Donatus) has died in Britain. However, in his will, Donatus left Osuofia his huge estate as sole beneficiary. Osuofia has to go to London to claim his inheritance.

Osuofia makes his way to London only to find his late brother’s English fiancée Samantha (Mara Derwent) is not quite sure about following the Nigerian tradition of becoming part of the ‘inheritance’ herself. This allows the director to have a lot of fun as Osuofia comes face to face with modern plumbing, a full English breakfast, a butler called Jeeves and a park full of pigeons, which finally arouse his hunter’s instincts. Meanwhile a crooked lawyer and his glamorous accomplice Samantha are working to get him to sign away his inheritance.

Eventually the thieves fall out and Osuofia makes it back to Nigeria with his fortune intact accompanied by the predatory Samantha, her eyes still firmly on his cheque book. All of which sets things up nicely for a sequel, as Samantha battles with the challenges of life in an African village, and the implacable hostility of the first Mrs. Osuofia. The film, which was very popular in the early 2000s, became one of the highest-selling movies of its kind and was followed by a second part of the same title in 2004.

Okpaleke

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͺ˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR Ezugwu Jonathan

Netflix, Amazon Battling for Share of Nollywood Because We’ve Advanced Filmmaker, Ezugwu Okechukwu Jonathan popularly known as Oakfil is the CEO of Oakfil Productions Ltd. With several movies and series to his credit, he is a major content producer for ROK/iROKOtv. His latest works – Gifted and Blood of Enogie – will be released soon. Oakfil shares his thoughts on happenings in the industry with Chinedu Ibeabuchi

H

ow did you break into the industry?

I broke into the industry in 1996 through the legendaryKennethOkonkwo (Andy in Living in Bondage). He inspired me into the industry when he noticed my passion and skill as a storyteller from the angle of production.

In 2003, after some high-level training and apprenticeship in Film production under various film veterans and institutions, I produced my first movie which was a blockbuster at that time, titled “Rising Sun”. It gained film nominations and awards, including best three films of 2003 award by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB). Since then, Oakfil has gone on to produce over 50 feature films and series.

for us to produce, we struggle with a lot of things from production designs, finance to equipment, etc. We produce a low-budget film compared to them. However, our ideas are different from theirs and our films are more drama-based. So, we both have something to share. But despite inadequate support, Nollywood has soared to a global stage.

In what areas do you feel Nollywood needs to improve, and why?

We need to improve on production values and quality control because the world cannot be moving forward and we remain stagnant.

The characterisation is another issue. Most times when our writers write, they put the actors in a confused state because the actor doesn’t know the characteristic of the character he is playing, making it difficult to depict the life of that character.

For instance, I met a Hollywood actor. The guy told me he had to sleep in the bush for three days to fit into the role he wanted to depict. The film had a bush setting. But ours is not like. Many times, the Nollywood actor would get to the location before he gets the script, reading and acting at the same time. There is no way the outcome will be the same as that of a person that has read and learnt about the character. If you are an actor and want to act as a lawyer in a particular film, you study how a lawyer behaves.

If you want to act as an armed robber, you study armed robbers’ behave by characterising them.

ThesearedetailsthatmakeHollywoodfilmsmore realistic than ours. Finishing could be lacking some times. However, a lot of our filmmakers have been attending topflight film schools to make Nollywood production better.

How are entertainment entrepreneurs navigating the crawls of COVID-19 to sustain the business?

To be frank, government effort is not encouraging. They only appear to care, whilst citizens face the scourge of the pandemic. Regulations look nice but implementation is weak and that has frustrated several businesses including Nollywood producers. There is now hunger pandemic which is worse than COVID-19 and that has put many people on their toes to keep navigating the scourges of COVID-19. It’s just for everyone to take precautionary measures to help ourselves. We have to find ways to navigate it because the consequences of trying not to do anything will lead to hunger pandemic.

COVID-19 actually weighs heavily on film making. Ours is a business where people gather to shoot films and show films in cinemas. Every part of entertainment has actually been dealt with. There is no systematic formula to navigate this other than taking precautionary measures.

Nollywood is known for leveraging on trends. Should we expect COVID-19 movies from your production soon?

Sure, COVID-19 movies are going to be out very soon. In fact, my writer just told me that she wants to put this situation into a movie. We need to share our own local experience of the pandemic to the outside world because there are certain things that happened here that people in the diaspora don’t know. So, by sharing our Nigerian experience of the pandemic through storytelling, we will be contributing to preserving knowledge.

How has Oakfil remained relevant in the industry despite newcomers trooping in?

I won’t rate myself. Let my works do it for me. Whenever you watch an interesting movie, for example on iRoko TV platforms, check out the producer or production house. If it’s Oakfil, that’s my work. Oakfil production is a household name among players in the industry.

What spurs your story ideas?

Environment inspires me. I don’t glance at a place just for admiration sake; I look at it with an artistic point of view. I have shot two to three films that were inspired by exploring a place, and those stories came out excellently well.

I will soon visit the North to explore a place.

My friend told me that once I see the place I will be inspired to write a story about it. So, the environment inspires me. Events and trends like COVID-19 crises trigger ideas. Every situation I am in inspires me. Coincidence has been helpful

Jonathan

also as ideas can flow from it.

Which of your projects would you describe as most challenging?

My most challenging story was ‘Brother’s Keeper’ shot in 2012 because that was my crossover from doing DVD films to my first box office film. In my attempt to make sure I produce a standard movie that could compete with box office films, I faced a few challenges.

One of it is that I budgeted a particular amount for the film, but I spent thrice of the amount. I shot the movie for 42 days which should ordinarily take me 10 to 12 days. It’s a challenge I cannot forget. It was a learning curve though.

Did you recoup the money spent in the cinemas?

No, and yes. No, because after the sharing formula, my cut wasn’t up to the cost of production and marketing. Yes, because, later on, I got more than expected. The movie was so popular because it got about 50 nominations in different awards and festivals and won about twelve awards; selling it to pay-tv platforms made return-on-investment fruitful.

In your opinion, what has evolved over time in Nollywood?

The system has really evolved. They just reshot a sequel to ‘Living in Bondage.’ If you watch the two films, you will know that the system has evolved; if you watch the initial one and this ‘Breaking Free’ which is a sequel, that is a clear example of how far we have moved on. If we haven’t, Netflix and Amazon won’t be here.

They are even battling for a share of the market here because the system has moved on. Our quality has improved. We might not be there yet but we are on the right track.

What lessons do you think the Nigeria movie industry could learn from its foreign counterparts?

The lesson is two-ways; we are learning from them and they are learning from us. We are learning from them because they are developed countries and we are still developing. They produce all the equipment technically. I have been to some festivals and you see the way they handle their equipment. We lack support here. But over there, they have insurance and equipment that ease their work, and a friendly environment that helps them to achieve better picture quality. But

Nowadays, we rarely see movies tackling the ills in Nigerian politics. Why? Nollywoodwasactuallybuiltthroughcommercially made films, starting with video cassettes, VCD/DVD to pay-TV and to cinemas. Onset, movies were also a tool to bring to light social issues that many were not aware of, including corruption in government. But today, corruption is no longer news. Everyone knows we have bad leaders. People are already tired of it, unlike in those days, like during Fela Anikulapo’s days.

From my point of view, it is no longer sellable news that is why people don’t do any story about the ills of Nigerian politics. The whole system is corrupt and unending. It doesn’t shock people as much again. So it is no longer a marketable idea.

What would you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered for making good films and for bringing out a lot of new actors.

That is the legacy that I feel will be remarkable.

I have helped a lot of actors get to the limelight.

What is your greatest fear in life?

My greatest fear in my life is disappointing myself.

Do awards mean anything to you and have they been coming?

Award means a lot to me and it was coming at the time it was coming. But presently, I encourage actors to send films they feature into festivals as it’s all about glitz and glam with beam-light majorly on the actors.

How do you unwind/relax?

Aside from travelling and sightseeing, singing inmychurchchoirgivesmethehappiestmoment.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͺ˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Obama is Playing Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ongs by Nigerian superstars like Burna Boy, Davido, Tems and Wizkid have made former US president Barack Obama’s 2020 Summer Playlist. The selection was shared by Obama last Monday.

That the Obamas have a great taste in music is not new to their followers and aficionados. Sharing the list on his Instagram page, Obama explained that he and his family have spent the past few months listening to the songs curated in the playlist and he decided to give followers a feel of his summer playlist.

“Over the past few months, I’ve spent a lot of time listening to music with my family. I wanted to share some of my favorites from the summer –– including songs from some of the artistes performing at this week’s @ DemConvention. As always, it’s a mix of genres that travels through various eras. I think there’s something in here for everybody. Hope you enjoy it,” he wrote.

Ghana’s Shatta Wale made his debut on the playlist with ‘Already’, the 2019 Beyoncé record he featured on, while Burna Boy, who recently released his new album “Twice As Tall” clinched a spot for guesting on British singer Jorja Smith’s ‘Be Honest’. Wizkid’s recent single, ‘Smile’, featuring American R&B singer H.E.R, also made the selection, as did Davido and Tems for appearing on the remix of Khalid’s ‘Know Your Worth’.

This year, Obama’s favourites also included songs by UK duo Young T & Bugsey as well as reggae icon Bob Marley. The playlist also features Chika, a NigerianAmerican rapper, for ‘Crown’, her hit single. Other notable additions to the list include Rihanna and Drake‘s 2016 track “Work;” Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé‘s ‘Savage’ remix, Mac Miller‘s ‘Blue World’ Anderson Paak‘s ‘Lockdown’ and Stevie Wonder’s ‘Do I Do’.

The annual musical compilation is a routine which has become part of Obama’s social fun time memories since his time in the White House. African acts who

Obama

have previously made Obama’s favourite songs include all-female supergroup Les Amazones d’Afrique with their song ‘La Dame et Ses Valises’ in 2017, Nigerian Jidenna with ‘Classic Man’ in 2018. The ex-president’s list featured 53 songs spanning several genres including reggae, hip-hop, country, pop and rock.

Among other music stars, whose songs or collaborations featured on the list are Beyoncé, Rihanna, Bob Marley, OutKast, Nas, J. Cole, Nina Simone and Frank Ocean.

The place of Afrobeats in world

Davido

music discourse and categorisation has of late drawn wider attention from notable figures, same for its increasing likeness by international celebrities, namely Obama and his wife having Burna Boy and Rema on their playlist.

Even American Beyonce Knowles had made an entire album about afrobeats. The development further stretches what has been a remarkable run for the Nigerian music industry which has continued to gain international recognition.

The Nigerian Afro-pop acts are

not the first crop of artistes to feature on Obama’s annual playlist. Recall in August 2019, the 44th President of the US shared his summer playlist and fast rising Nigerian Afro-pop singer, Divine Ikubor aka Rema was sitting at number 42 with ‘Iron Man’.

According to Obama, at that time, it was a sampling of which him and his wife, Michelle, has been listening to, “some new, some old, some fast, some slow.

Hope you enjoy. We hope to record more wins as such in the coming year.”

StarTimes Thrills Subscribers with Action-packed Chinese Digital- TV provider, StarTimes has announced an action-packed month for Kung Fu and other Chinese movie fans with blockbuster movies featuring legends such as Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Jet Li and Donnie Yen. The famous Chinese movies will air on ST Kung Fu and ST Sino Drama Channel from August 10 to September 10.

On ST Kung Fu Channel, block-

buster movies starring the world famous Kung Fu stars will be aired daily at 9 pm. These movies will feature one Kung Fu star per week, starting with the best of Jack Chan’s movies.

Up Next is Bruce Lee movie week, where all Bruce Lee fans get to enjoy all week long action from August 18 to 24. Jet Lee & Donnie Yen fans are not left out; Jet Li’s hit movies will be shown between August 25 and 31; while Donnie

Yen’s movies air from September 1 to 7.

Also airing during the Chinese movie month are top-rated BoxOffice movies to the delight of Asian movie fans on ST Sino Drama Channel at 8:30 pm daily.

Each week is dedicated to different movie plots ranging from ancient chef oeuvre to inspirational women, monsters and gods, and romantic love.

According to Ali Auta, National

Content Marketing Manager, StarTimes, “StarTimes brings classic Kung Fu movies to take movie fans down memory lane of the best actions. Many of us while growing up craved for Kung Fu movies and we thought it wise to bring our subscribers the legends of Kung Fu movies. Viewers will not only enjoy the exciting blockbuster actions; they also stand a chance to win prizes on our social media platforms.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͺ˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Savage on set of ‘Koroba’ video shoot

Tiwa Savage Unveils Video for ‘Koroba’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

dance tune with good vibe. Earlier in the week, Tiwa took her followers s fans anticipate back behind the scenes of ‘Koroba’. the release of her “The Behind the Scenes will be up new album “Celia”, on my page soon”, Tiwa posted on which will be dropInstagram. The behind the scenes ping under Motown video, which the opening shows the Records, Tiwa Savage delectable singer as she steps out serves the official music video for her of a car in green piece. The scene latest output, “Koroba”. Produced by announces her appearance in text. It skilled beatsmith London, the song followed with shots of her in a saloon is one of the tracks on her forthcomfixing her hair and having manicures ing album which is expected to drop and pedicure. The makeup and video before the end of August. To whet production design features an ambiappetite and build anticipation ahead ence that fits. Sooner, a conversation of the music project, Tiwa had earlier ensued between her and a male dropped a single, ‘Dangerous Love’. stylist with a close up shot to that The artistic ‘Koroba’ music video effect which captures the scenery. was shot and directed by the famed Other multiple shots could be seen Clarence Peters for Capital Dream as she rehearses and strikes poses. A Pictures. The song is a fast tempo gig voice could be heard given directions

A

simultaneously.

One feature of Tiwa Savage’s music video is sex appeal. She exudes sexiness with various fashion accessories that she adorns in the visuals.

After each session, she goes back to preen up for the next scene. In one shot, she’s seen asking rhetorically “do I look like an Ibo bride?” She gets shown various dance steps by the choreographer. Each step she freestyles to complement whatever dance move she makes. The video director, Clarence Peters and some other video extras aid her on location.

The exciting five minutes forty four second behind the scene (BTS) footage captures outdoor and studio stretches done within two days. While the outdoor scenes are captured by crane movement, day two was more of

indoor shoots. A whole lot of camera activities going on the set of ‘Koroba’.

The behind the scenes further shows her in different traditional costumes as she assumes the role of a presenter for ‘Better Woman Television’. Here she misses a line and had to take it again.

The official music video is colourful and detailed. One is sure going to love this one as the ’49-99’ crooner “comes to the front page again,” she reels out.

‘Koroba’ video by Tiwa Savage with ‘Dangerous Love’, is still basking and gaining massive streams. Africa’s No.1 Bad Girl serves us another potential hit with ‘Koroba’. Part of which the lyrics go thus… “I no come this life to suffer. If I follow politician, you go hear am for paper. They go call am prostitution. Who no like enjoyment if money dey for pocket…”

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͺ˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Fashion Entrepreneur, Mudi Uncovers ‘UDIAG Lifestyle’ Mudi came into the fashion industry, saw and conquered. Now, he is venturing into architectural aesthetics. No doubt, he is on the ball to succeed. Ferdinand Ekechukwu writes

F

rom a modest beginning, staying true to his craft has elevated Clement Mudiaga Enajemo better known as Mudi into the company of global citizens. His clients reasonably occupy the top echelon of society and they cut across all walks of life.

Due to the diligence and excellence with which he approaches his work, Mudi keeps the company of global citizens like presidents, business leaders and superstars in the entertainment and sports industry.

His immense evidence of success in his chosen field of fashion is felt through his trade name, Mudi Africa. He came into the fashion industry and gave it a twist with a lot of feats to testify to the facts...as the first Nigerian fashion designer to advertise on billboards, first to advertise on TV. Also first to take his brand outside the shore of this country with personal sales outlet not franchise with branded vehicle attached to each outlet.

More so, he is the first to have a street, ‘Mudi Lane’ named after his brand. A documentary on a global television network once celebrated him as one with the most beautiful, purpose built fashion house in Africa. To many, Mudi transcends just fashion.

His outlook, his lifestyle, transcends the narrow prisms of fashion. True to time, the iconic celebrity clothier has evolved over the years into a cultural icon of some sort; like Karl Lagerfeld.

Mudi’s essence and existence reflect in his way of life. He has been able to prove it through his purpose built fashion outlet in Anthony area of Lagos State. The Mudi Africa corporate headquarters has as much a marvelous exterior as it presents an enchanting interior; same for his residential domain in Ikoyi, the masterpiece that further announces Mudi’s ingenuity. Every piece of adornment in these spaces is a work of Mudi’s creativity. Both designs (the interior and exterior decor) in these upscale places drip with aesthetics achieved through a perfect synergy of art and architecture.

A veteran entertainment and lifestyle editor once wrote of Mudi: “Long before he built

the eye-catching edifice at Anthony Village area of Lagos, Mudi found fame through his single minded pursuit of one goal – to sit on the pinnacle of the fashion industry. Planting that architectural masterpiece, strategically at a corner of town inhabited by the upper middle class only served to draw more attention. It is hard to pass by that building without doing a double take.”

Mudi may be better known for his extraordinary success in fashion, he has inspired a lot of fashion designers to add value to their work environment. He came into the fashion industry, saw and conquered and now that he is going into architectural aesthetics, no doubt he is primed to succeed. Looking at his artistic inclination, it is no surprise Mudi has brought to fruition his new craft. “At times in life we use people to mirror our life,” he says.

“Most people have been saying it several times that Mudi go to interior. I was just doing it just for the fun of it expressing myself artistically. Now I want to commercialize it full time.”

The topnotch creative entrepreneur continues.

“You know I design my house interior and exterior; my office the same thing. What I do is if you have a house, a run down, we pick it up, and then we refurbish and remodel the house to your taste. You must not move, you can create your heaven in Ajegunle, you can create your heaven in Ikorodu, create your heaven in Surulere, even in Yaba, in Ikoyi.

Anywhere you are you can create your heaven you must not move.” Apparently, his knowledge of the arts comes very handy in his new craft.

Part of the services to be handled by UDIAG Lifestyle is to help in guiding people on how to live well. He explains. “A lot of people buy beautiful and expensive items but not well put together; that is why when you get into someone’s house you see sofas clashing with rug and window blinds due to poor positioning.

They are a lot of things that stress the eyes. When you enter someone’s house for instance, it is painful when you see a Rolls-Royce parked beside a generator and diesel from the gen set dripping under such a luxurious car.

Mudi

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 22, 2020

POLITY NEDCLaunchesEducationEndowmentFundforNorth-east Raheem Akingbolu looks at the recent of launch of an Education Endowment Trust Fund by the NorthEast Development Commission, NEDC, and how this may positively impact lives in the troubled region

I

t was triumph of willpower and the indomitability of the human spirit and a unique victory for the people of the insurgency-ravaged north-eastern part of the country when the North-East Development Commission, NEDC, launched its Education Endowment Trust Fund, NEDC-EETF in Abuja.

The body, set up to improve the infrastructural development of the region and also ameliorate the effect of years of the Boko Haram insurgency, had tried to hit ground and running since it was inaugurated in May last year. After initial hiccups, mainly occasioned by non-availability of take-off funds, the Commission finally set to work and despite subtle campaign of blackmail and calumny, it seems determined to fulfill its mandate as stipulated in the Act setting it up and also meet the expectations of President Mohammadu Buhari who is said to be personally interested in the activities of the Commission.

Realising that education is key to revamping the region and also improving the minds of its teeming youths, the Commission decided to set up the Education Endowment Trust Fund and stipulated that ten percent of its entire allocations will be going into the Fund. Apart from this, the Fund would be administered by a separate Board of Trustees to ensure transparency and accountability. The Commission then chose Mr. David Sabo Kente, a tested public administrator as the Board of Trustees for the Fund.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Fund, Kente thanked the Board for the confidence it reposed on him and rest of the Board of Trustees by counting them worthy to administer such a sensitive and important assignment.

“I wish to express our profound gratitude and appreciation to the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission for finding us worthy of being appointed into this Education Endowment Fund to work towards the development of sufficient human capital in order to acquire adequate capacity for infrastructural and socio-economic development of the North East Region. The decision of the Governing Board to establish the NEDC-EEF is a timely intervention and innovation for the eradication of illiteracy and endemic poverty in the region,” Kente said.

He explained that as a strategic and specialised body, NEDC-EEF is saddled with clearly defined objectives and responsibilities to amongst others: build human capacity for the North-East zone

through scholarship endowment; offer citizens of member states equal opportunity in ICT skills acquisition and educational training at graduate and post graduate levels and also provide educational training for families at Ward, Local Government and Senatorial district levels in all the states.

“Further the education of over 2400 beneficiaries of the Safe School Initiative (SSI) beyond secondary school level; offer opportunity for training orphaned children and other vulnerable groups currently not benefitting from the safe school initiative.”

He added that mandate of the Fund also included provision of short term but impactful entrepreneurship training programmes to candidates whose primary school or secondary school education were truncated by the Boko Haram and other crisis.

According to Kente, it also included offer special scholarship opportunities to talented youths engaged in sports and also establish a North East Regional Sports Institute in the future and support the training of nurses, midwives and retraining of teachers and vocational training for women and youths.

In his own address, the Chairman of the Board of the NEDC, retired Major-General Paul Tarfa, said the dwindling human development indices of the North-East (NE) region show that the region remains the poorest in the country. He said this was lamentable. His word: “While, the overall Human Development Index for Nigeria averaged about O.521 as reported by the United Nation Development Programmes (UNDP), unfortunately all the states in the region scored far below the average with Taraba State being the best with an index of 0.428. It is a common knowledge that the North-East Region is the most backward in the country and is characterized by low literacy levels, poor healthcare delivery, wide skill gaps, high rate of unemployment, low rate of youth empowerment, dilapidated infrastructure, etc. The situation was further aggravated by the violent terrorist group- the Boko Haram insurgency which led to massive destruction of lives and property at the level that is unprecedented in the history of the region.”

He said the Commission, which has the mandate and responsibility of rebuilding the region and chart new a course for stabilisation, resilience and long-term socio-economic development considered it mandatory, expedient and timely to intervene

Mohammed Alkali, Managing Director, NEDC quickly in the education sector by establishing the NEDC Education Endowment Fund (EEF) to halt the ugly trend of human development situation in the Region.

“The NEDC Governing Board therefore took a bold decision in to address the need for Human Capital Development and the poor Human Development Index, hence the Board at its Board Meeting of 12th December 2019, set aside an initial seed capital of six billion naira (N6b) for the Endowment Fund to take-off. The Education Endowment Fund aimed at improving the human capital development for the North-East is appropriate, both in relevance and timing.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Obaseki is Most Outstanding Governor of the Year

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igerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ) has declared His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, “The Most Outstanding Governor of the Year” for its 2020 awards.

The Rewards, which come in various categories, are designed to motivate and encourage leaders who have demonstrated the spirit of patriotism, leadership excellence

and integrity.

NACJ in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Charles Okhai, said: “This year, we have three other sitting governors who are deserving recipients of different categories of our prestigious award. The categories are The Democratic Governor of the Year, The Integrity Governor of the Year, and The Most Outstanding

Politician of the Year awards.

“Notably, all our award categories are predicated on strong character of transparency, developmental projects, good sense of political ideology, patriotism and high sense of Integrity. The philosophy of the Award hinges on integrity as our core value.

This is basically because the prosperity of a people or any nation is intrinsically linked, or strongly connected to the level of the integrity of her leaders.

“In other words, a nation run by warped minded leaders cannot attain her potentials as a great nation, but a nation managed by mentally integrity conscious leaders is sure to achieve meaningful development and occupy enviable place on the world map.

The deserving recipients have achieved tremendously in various degrees in their capacities as leaders, because you just can’t help

but perform when you develop integrity and demand excellence from yourself.

“To truly fight the high level of corruption in our society, those in leadership positions must embrace the virtues of Integrity in their leadership responsibilities, hence Integrity Award. Our award recipients depict or represent the finest possibilities of gifted, God fearing Men and Women who allow the spirit of God to develop their capacities to impact the world around them.

Obaseki

MovieProducerDragsNBCtoCourtOver6thBroadcastingCode

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movie producer and director, Charles Uwagbai, has dragged the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) before a Federal High Court in Lagos over the 6th National Broadcasting Code.

In a suit filed by his lawyer, Adeyinka OlumideFusika (SAN), Uwagbai is asking the court to stop the implementation of the new code and set aside the amendment to the broadcast regulatory framework.

Uwagbai, who is famous for producing and directing movies such as Esohe, Breathless and Twisted Twins, wants the court to nullify the amendment to the code on the grounds that the NBC Act can only be amended by a legislation and not by a mere recommendation or

public presentation. He contended that the NBC went beyond its responsibilities.

Citing Section 2(1)(h) of the NBC Act, Cap N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, Uwagbai argued that the power vested on the NBC to amend a code states that it must have a meeting of a quorum of its members in Section 3 of the Act, and Rules 1, 4, 7, 8 and 11 of the First Schedule to the Act. Uwagbai asked the court to order the NBC to publish a list of members in attendance as well as proceedings of its meetings in which the amendment was approved.

On 4 August in Lagos, Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, publicly presented the code despite a flood of stakeholder

protests about the fidelity of the document.

The code was further hit by credibility deficit crisis when last week Thursday, Ikra Aliyu Bilbis, Chairman of the NBC Board, described the Code as illegal. He told journalists at a conference in Abuja that the code had been reviewed and publicly presented in 2019 and accused Mohammed of unilaterally altering the code.

Bilbis added that the minister breached due process by keeping the NBC Board in the dark about the amendment after the code had been presented last year. He noted that due process of the code review, which holds every four years, entails the participation of former directors-general, retired directors and staff of the Commission as well as broadcasting organisations and media scholars.

Jeva Store, a Solution to E-Commerce in Nigeria

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dvancements in technology have changed the way people relate and information is now accessible from virtually anywhere and the internet has continued to aid globalization. These advancements have huge potential for developing countries like Nigeria and have greatly impacted trade in terms of e-commerce. The level of ecommerce transactions conducted in Nigeria have increased

exponentially over the years, but this has not been without challenges.

These challenges majorly border on unreliable delivery processes, online payment transaction trust issues, high commission rates for retailers and wholesalers and poor customer service. E-commerce is not just about selling online but encompasses much more like building a platform that challenges the status quo. To ensure that both sellers and buyers are satisfied, there has to be a blend of effective business, technology and communication strategies.

Jeva store has effectively combined these strategies to ensure customer satisfaction.

This is why Jeva Store was created to aid the economic development of the country, as the e-commerce industry is a major catalyst for the economic development of Nigeria, while also providing solutions to consumer needs in the industry. Jeva store is a platform where retailers advertise their goods for sale at the lowest commission rates possible and buyers come to shop at the lowest prices possible.

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SATURDAY AUGUST 22, 2020 •T H I S D AY

SATURDAY AUGUST 22, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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˜ ˞ AUGUST 22, 2020

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

BY

EBERE WABARA

Take, Not ‘Pick’, Calls

O

VERHEARD for the umpteenth p time: “I called you y y yesterday—you y y did not pick p my y call‌.â€? Get it right: g you y take—not pick—calls, please!

THE NATION ON SUNDAY of August g 16 welcomes us today: y “EKSU p plans hostels for students‌reads riot acts to lecturersâ€?

This way: y the riot act. “AISAN commends NAMA management over (for/on) automationâ€? “‘Hit and run’ driver kills soldier in Kadunaâ€? Get it right: g Hit-and-run driver‌ â€œâ€Ślet us not deceive ourselves, let’s look at ourselves, face ourselves (one another) and tell ourselves (one another) the truth‌.â€? â€œâ€ŚIhedioha in an interview with a select journalists‌.â€? Why y the dissonance? â€œâ€Śwhat is happening pp g in Nigeria g today y and indeed Africa is not in our characters (character).â€? “Young g people p p have a role in not only demanding g for g good and better goverrnance‌.â€? Delete ‘for’. â€œâ€Śreports p on the significant g (signififi cance) of the projects.â€? p j Leadership p of August g 10 disseminated two infantile goofs: g “Unknown gunmen g kidnap p businessman in A’Ibomâ€? When will Nigerian g jjournalists desist from using g this clichĂŠ: ‘unknown gunmen’? g Just say, y ‘gun g nmen’! How do you y know the gunmen? g “Dear subscribers, we are please p to inform y you that‌.â€? Enjoy j y this: I am pleased (take note) to inform you p y that reactions to this column are welcome. “Kindly y tune in for y your viewing g pleasureâ€? Learn and relax: tune in to your p viewing g pleasure. p “Why y spend p 6 years y for a 4 year y course?â€? Electioneering: g 4-year y course.

Punctuation marks mean so much in

communication, most especially when the issue is scholarship. p Vanguard g of August g 8 deserves a query for this slipshoddiness: p “Apparently pp y disturbed by y the spate p of armed robbery y in Lagos g State, the IGP‌.â€? Yellow card: spate p of armed robberies.

The next farcical line is from DAILY INDEPENDENT of August g 8: â€œâ€Śthat over six million people p p in Nigeria g have been affected by yg glaucoma, which is the second leading g cause of blindness in the continent of Africa.â€? World Glaucoma Week: on the continent of Africa. “To diffuse tension, Cottone says, y discuss money y and expectations p up p front (everything y g from paying p y g rent to doing g chores).â€? (THE GUARDIAN, August g 2) There is a world of difference between ‘defuse’, which should apply pp y here, and ‘diffuse’ (which means another thing entirely)! y “2023 Polls: We won’t use lethal weapons, p says y Policeâ€? (Vanguard, g August g 4) Towards a better life for the people: say y Police “Antidote for Disfigured g Emotionsâ€?

(THE GUARDIAN, August g 4) Antidote to solecisms: p pursuit after p perfection “Customs seize smuggled gg vehicles with Buhari licence p platesâ€? (Leadership, August g 4) I do not understand this subject-verb j disagreement g (S-VD) which always y affects the Nigerian g Customs Service (Customs for short). Customs seizes‌and number-plates (not licence plates). “He saw no diffi f culty y in re-establishing cordial relations again.â€? g (DAILY SUN, August g 9) Millennium wisdom: delete the last word in the extract. “The corrupt p politician p was received from Kirikiri Maximum Prisons with celebration, p pomp p and pageantry.â€? p g y Get it right: pomp and ceremony, pomp and

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

circumstance or jjust pomp. p p “Yet these were the heydays y y of the Cold War but he remained fi fixed to his ideas, never intimidated by y the West nor frightened g by the East.â€? Remembering Julius Nyerere: heyday y y (uncountable) THE NATION of August g 9p played y politics with the English p g language g g on two occasions: “He says y he was merely y fulfilling fi g a p promise he made during g his electioneering g campaigns.â€? p g Zamfara of yore: get y g ag good dictionary y and thereafter take away y ‘campaigns’, p g which is encapsu ulated in ‘electioneering’. g â€œâ€Śthe fi fire can, and often does, turn into a mighty g y confl n agration g capable p of destroying y g and consuming g all that it meets on the way.â€? y You can now see why y we need standard reference books: is there a small con nflagration? g This inexplicable p abuse of words must stop. p “His reasons bordered on a p personal aversion for (to) idiocyâ€? y (Source: as above) â€œâ€Śtheir counsels and the judge j g so that people p p are not‌.â€? This way: ‘counsel’ is uncountable. “What is (are) the p police doing g to investigate the case?â€? (Vanguard, August 11) “Who is p paying y g the p piper, p dictating g (calling) g the tunes of the g grafffiti on the walls (sic)?â€? (THISDAY, August g 11) “Under normal circumstances, either of these two men can represent‌.â€? p (Vanguard, g August g 9) By y the way: y either cannot imply p y any y other thing g beyond y ‘two’. So, avoid lexical blackmail. “We need p people p of unalloyed y intergrity g in p positions of trust.â€? (BUSINESSDAY, August g 11) Spell-check: p integrity. g y “Abia State has remained one splitted p (split) p entity y that cannot move forward.â€?

(National News, May y 11) “Though g this dichotomy y has endured for quite sometime now‌.â€? (DAILY

TRUST, August g 11) Politics today: some time (distinct from sometime). “The Academic Staff Union of Universii ties (ASUU) have p persistently y called attention to‌.â€? (The Nigerian g Economist, May y 10) The union‌has (not have). “If after having being duely (duly) informed of.‌â€? “True, the treatment meted to (meted out to) detainees and ex-convicts, espep cially y politicians p like the recently y released ‘Lagos g boy’, y depends, p to a g great extent, on the fi financial or social status of the prisoner.â€? “If what the campaigners p g are doing is allowed to succeed, p precedence (a precedent) would have been set.â€? â€œâ€Śhe had always y shy y (shied) away y from p politics but always y manage g (man naged) g to fi find himself in p politics.â€? “I think us p poor Nigerians g that only y has (have) the rough g edged g (a hyphen) yp stick to hold at times like this‌.â€? Task forces as solution: a time like this or at times like these.

THE GUARDIAN of August g 9 offered two unpardonable p and extremely y vexatious g gaffes. “To round up p the visit was the trip p to the New Place, the site of the house where Shakespeare p died. “ Get it right: g round off (not round up). p â€?‌the production p was heavily y spiced p with new innovations which, however, still retained its original g flavours.â€? ‘New innovations’ sounds illogical. g An innovation cannot be old, relatively speaking.

What do y you think? “What was the p platform in which the cold war‌.â€? The platform on which the cold war.‌ “Lack of towing g vehicles hinder (hinders) FRSC operationsâ€?

Post-Fela: We Got Tired Waiting for Our Stars to Shine

COUNTERPOINT

L

FEMI

ast time here, in commemoration of the burial obsequies q of Nigeria’s g g greatest musical export, p we bemoaned the apparent pp p paucity y of figures g and forces who can stand against g rampaging p g g corrupt p elements and their cohorts who feast on our commonwealth like mindless locusts g guzzling g a lush field of maturity y crops. p Since Fela was buried on August g 12, 1997, his hapless p compatriots p have looked on perplexed p p at the seeming g absence of a stand out character to take the baton from their fallen tragic g hero. Are we truly y bereft of a vocal amplifier p of the agonies g and frustrations of the ordinary y Nigerian g folks in the face of g governmental and individual betrayals y and campaigns p g of subtle or crude devastation against g the Nigerian g means of well-being? g The following g candid submissions were an attempt p to review the canvas of our soaring g expecta p tions - to look at the shiniest crystals y (living g or dead) of the decade following g Fela’s demise, who could have desired to seize that moment (either propelled p p by y self-belief or p pressured by their fans), and create a thunder of their own.

CHARLY BOY: Then in his late 40’s (now 70), the bulky yg gentleman is not now on the high g side of strength g or tenacity. y For over seven y years, he worked tirelessly y on a media-rooted image, g “Punk� which (more often than not) p provokes amusement or dismay. y Even when his background g and groom g ing g (child of legal g p purist and former Supreme p Court jjustice); education and exposure p (well-travelled with masters degree g from an American school); Charles Oputa p should have assured us of profundity p y which his odd four or so albums have not revealed.

Ordinarily, y these values should condition creativity, y they y cannot replace p it. His carefully y “deconstructed� punk image p g depletes p any y traces of publican p ‘angst’.

We have lost him to show business, and now populism p - finis!

SUNNY ADE: For this great g performer p who will be 73 (on September p 22), a comparison p with FELA is really y unkind and unfair. Even though g he started his music training g jjust as early y (Fela was a church organist, g a music pupil p p before he was 10; Sunny y Ade ran away y from home to hang g around the Ojoge’s, j g I. K. Dairo’s before he made teenage g years)... Even though young FELA was stranded at

the beginning g g of his career, confused between jjazz and highlife, g while Sunday y Adegeye g y had chosen his focus and his masters; even when American Chris Blackwell and his Island Records were frustrated by y Fela in their dubious search for another Bob Marley y - and found a glitter g in Sunny y Ade; it will still be an ‘over-stretch’ of a fragile g elastic garment g to expect p Sunny y Ade to fill the vacuum. With age, g his robust p pseudo-social commentaries which came in irregular g outburst have given g way y to a stronger g sound-consciousness, rather than any y vague g attempt p at documenting g and approximating pp g the history y and struggles gg of Nigerian g people. p p The Way y Forward, Sunny’s y boldest experimentation p in advocacy y is a greying g y g testimony y to his dilemma in confronting g topical, p volatile, socio-political p issues of his time.

SONNY OKOSUNS: In the late 70’s, Sonny y Okosuns and his Ozziddism p philosophy p y came across as a side-pocket p of FELA’s trousers - thumping p g rhythm y of African percussion p with pronounced p panp Africanist declamation. His threshold was apartheid p and the unbridled under-development p of Africa.

It was as if Nigeria g was a textbook history y - far away y in creative imagination. g During g the other half of 1980’s, Sonny’s y sting g lost its p poison - he skirted the fringes g of social issues as they y affected Nigeria. g Sonny y was immensely y famous in the then colonized nations of the Southern Africa. He demonstrated a captivating p g affi f nity y for the liberation struggles gg and his messages g took up p the halo of the p prophetic p when nation after nation g got their independence. p Sonny’s y musical odyssey y y took drastic jjolting g with the release of Nelson Mandela and his subsequent q enthronement as South Africa’s first black president p after the collapse p of segregated g g South Africa. When he resorted to his base - churning g out Motherless Children, No More Wars, etc, it was obvious to his admirers that Sonny y Okosuns was spent. p A brief altercation with Fela on the issue of relevance at home was q quickly brushed aside by FELA’s brutal dismissive y yabis.

Sonny y retraced steps p and dug g into his nativity. y It didn’t take him long g to realise the need to suspend p his Ozzidism and hang g his future on the Cross. He died at age g 67??? in 2004; but before then he had (successfully) y sunk deep p into religiosity, g y so much so that any y hope p of using g his g great antecedents as pedestal to proclaim the voice of the people was

AKINTUN AK NDE E-JOHNSON fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)

completely p y lost.

WASIU AYINDE MARSHAL: The Fuji j star and his music are icons of economic stability. y Since 1987 (the y year of his turning gp point album, Talazo), Ay yinde Marshal (now cutely y dubbed K1) has not set a wrong g foot forward. His antecedents have revealed him as a cautious and deliberate voice of moderation, p pacifism and p providence. It will be a different portrait, very p y strange g to the singer, g to be q queried on his hassles for debate, crusade and brigade. g No doubt, his music is a very y useful vehicle capable p of transporting p g rational and p populist p themes into the consciousness in spite p of its language g g limitations. In Wasiu’s mercantile factory, y the music has turned to simplistic p “sweet nothings� g - and the long g queue q of dabblers and imitators of Wasiu’s brand has found a p panacea for economic distress and societal p pressures. Though, g we must note his solitary y excursions into provincial p political p activism towards the end of that decade; we can easily y declare that such excursions were largely g y designed g for deepening p political foothold and leveraging self--interest.

Before we g get to the more serious contenders whose efforts - up p till the end of that first decade (1997 - 2007) - might g have betrayed, y knowingly gy or unknowingly, g y traces of the master lyricist y and composer, p Fela Anikulapo p Kuti; it would have been ideal to do a “quickie� q on exceptional p artistes who could (but cannot or would not) have reduced the stress of the Nigerian g p populace p suffered in the hands of their g governments and the compromised p section of the society. y Much as one would objec j tively y suspend p one’s cynicism y and grope g p for names, even fading g faces or vanishing g voices, the stark reality y then (and much worse now) that the horizon was bleak, the hall was empty, and our hopes bleached.

So, let’s g get back to the main characters - next time. Stay safe...hold the torch high.

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

22. 08.2020

NEWS

PSG, BAYERN GO FOR BROKE PAGE. 29

Mikel Obi

Sets High Target at Potters

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 22, 2020

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Mikel Obi Sets High Target at Potters Stoke City narrowly escaped being relegated to the third tier of English football last season, having finished Championship season in 15th place and just eight points clear of the relegation zone. However, the arrival of former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, seems to have brought a renewed hope as the former Chelsea midfielder is not promising impacting a winning mentality to the Potters but a promotion to the Premier League

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ormer Super Eagles team captain, John Mikel Obi, on Monday joined Stoke City on a one year deal making it his third English club after previous spells at Chelsea and Middlesbrough and Manager Michael O’Neill has revealed that the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations gold medalist has given him his words to end his football career in England.

“Hopefully, he can do that with Stoke City.

I was really impressed with him when we met for the first time and he outlined what he wants from the next phase of his career.

We spent four hours talking,” O’Neill said.

Obi on Monday signed for Stoke City as a free agent having left Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor by mutual consent in March which is believed to be due to speaking out against the club for going on with league fixtures in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The former Chelsea midfielder has indeed stated he can impact a winning mentality onto Stoke City.

“I can bring that winning mentality into this team,” he said on the official Stoke City YouTube Channel.

“There is always a way to win, we need to find that way. That mentality needs to come into the team, it’s all about winning week in, week out, and that’s something I’ve done all my life at Chelsea and if I can bring that experience and winning mentality here, I’d

be very happy.”

“It is good when you come into a football club having won so much in the game,” he said.

“The players can look up to me and will want to listen to me so now it comes down to myself and what advice I give to the players during the game, and at training, and how I can help them at difficult times. I am really looking forward to that,” he added.

Mikel also admits he shares the same ambition as Stoke which is a return to the Premier League which they last played in during the 2017-18 season when they went down with Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion.

“I’m excited. I’ve been talking with the club for a week, talking to the manager trying to know exactly what the ambition of the club is and also my ambition what I want to do as a player. My ambition and the club’s ambition seem to be pretty much the same,” he continued.

“I’m excited to see where we can go with this partnership, I’m here to help the club, get promoted, I think this club belongs to the Premier League, that’s where it should be.

“I’ve spoken to a few clubs, but after speaking to the manager, he told me what he wants and the ambition is something I want, I still want to win, achieve something and after talking to the manager I decided this is the right place for me to continue my career.”

Stoke makes it the second Championship club Mikel would play for having been with

Middlesbrough between January and May 2019 and he believes his experience at the Riverside and his understanding of the Championship will make him prepared at Stoke.

“It was good, it was a lovely time at Middlesbrough. It was a good place for me to go and experience the Championship and that experience is what I’ll bring here. Now I know the game a little bit more, now I kind of know what to expect which is something I’m looking forward to,” Mikel said.

“I’ve always known it’s a difficult game against Championship teams it’s never an easy game, they are very physical, they never stop running and that’s something I knew before going to Boro and that’s exactly what I experienced and what I’m quite ready for.”

Despite having not played a competitive game in nearly five months, asserts he can always get his fitness up to speed.

“I’ve got like three to four weeks before the season starts, you don’t quite know where you will be, but I’ve been doing things right for the past five to six months at home trying to train, go to the gym, do bits here and there,” he said.

“It’s going to take a while but with my ambition and my goal of knowing where I want to be before the season starts, I should be there.”

The 33-year-old has never hidden his intention to continue playing football following his departure from Turkish side Trabzonspor.

“My goal is to continue playing football, and I hope I will have the opportunity, I do not reject any offers made to me, but rather study them well until I make the right decision.”

Following his departure from Stamford Bridge in January 2017, Mikel spent two seasons at Chinese side Tianjin Teda and half a season at Middlesbrough before he joined Trabzonspor last year and played a crucial role in helping the Black Sea Storm soar to the summit of the Super Lig after joining as a free agent on a two-year deal last summer.

He has been a free agent after his contract ended with Chinese side, Tianjin TEDA. Trabzonspor was Mikel’s sixth club in his professional career which started at Nigerian side Plateau United, but it was at Chelsea that the midfielder enjoyed huge success winning two Premier League titles, three FA Cup trophies, a Football League title, the Champions League and Europa League.

The midfielder made 368 appearances for Chelsea between 2006 and 2017.

Mikel won a total of 89 caps for Nigeria, playing for them in the past two World Cups and helping the Super Eagles win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, before announcing his retirement from international football last summer.

He was also one of Nigeria’s three over-age players as the African side won a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 22 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

UEFA Champions League Final

French giants, Paris Saint-Germain will be craving to win the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history in tomorrow night’s final, but standing against the Parisian is red-hot Bayern Munich who is also hoping to win the most glamorous club competition for the sixth time after last winning it in 2013

Neymar and Lewandoski…all eyes will be on them to deliver the trophy for their clubs

Gnabry and Di Maria… the unsung heroes who could make the difference on Sunday

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aris Saint-Germain secured a spot in the Champions League final for the first time in their history courtesy of a 3-0 win over RB Leipzig in the semifinals of the competition on Tuesday night, while Bayern Munich also recorded a 3-0 over Lyon in the semi-finals to set up a final with PSG. Bayern have not won the competition since 2012-13 and will therefore be determined to end what has been another hugely successful season with European silverware.

The respective dominant champions of France and Germany have fared best during the mini-tournament in Portugal that saw all ties from the last-eight onwards played as one-legged knockout clashes and will now go

head to head for the famous trophy behind closed doors at Benfica’s Estadio da Luz. French quadruple winners, PSG have never lifted the Champions League before, finally ending their semi-final exile after 25 years with a dramatic late comeback win over plucky underdogs Atalanta in the quarter-finals and a comfortable 3-0 defeat of RB Leipzig last time out.

They also eliminated Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 prior to lockdown, having topped Group A ahead of Real Madrid.

Bayern meanwhile eased past Lyon in the semis after producing a ruthless 8-2 quarter-final demolition of Barcelona - all of which came after they completed a 7-1 aggregate defeat of Chelsea and cruised to the summit of Group B without dropping

a single point.

While most will be looking out for PSG forwards Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, or Bayern counterparts Thomas Müller and Robert Lewandowski, the title could come down to the likes of Ángel Di María and Serge Gnabry.

They don´t carry the same hype as some of their teammates, but they have been crucial for their teams this season.

Both made an impact in the semifinals, with Di María leading PSG over Leipzig and Gnabry helping Bayern get past Lyon.

Di María had a goal and two assists in PSG’s 3-0 win over Leipzig on Tuesday, while Gnabry scored twice in his team´s 3-0 win over Lyon on Wednesday. Both won man-of-the-match accolades for their performances.

“We are very happy to have reached our goal of being in the final,” Di María said. “Now we want to go a step further.”

The skillful and agile Di María is among PSG´s top scorers this season and is one of the team’s assist leaders.

The sturdy and fast Gnabry is less experienced but has been just as crucial for his club this season. The 25-year-old German has nine Champions League goals from nine matches, behind only to Lewandowski’s 15.

The 24 combined goals scored by them is a record by a duo in a Champions League season.

“If you look at the way Serge developed in the last years, not only at Bayern but

also in the national team, then you have to say that he is close to world class,” Bayern coach Hansi Flick said. “He is a dynamic and dangerous goal scorer, so we are happy ... that he is in our team. He is of tremendous quality but I am sure that he is far from a finished product.”

Gnabry´s improvement is visible from a year ago, when he was scoreless in the Champions League and couldn´t help Bayern avoid elimination by Liverpool in the round of 16. This season he has scored a goal in every three shots he took, and has created nearly two chances per game on average, according to statistical analysts Driblab. He has also become one of the team’s leaders in recoveries, with almost five per game.

Di María scored three goals but was a lot more effective than Gnabry creating chances, with an average of almost three per game in his eight matches with PSG. He also thrived setting up his teammates, with an average of almost one assist per game.

Di María didn’t play in the quarterfinals against Atalanta because of a suspension.

What both players have in common is that they will be playing for the title after having their careers stalled in England - Di María while with Manchester United and Gnabry with Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion.

Di María disappointed in his season in Manchester just after he had been key for Real Madrid in the 2014 Champions League.

Gnabry could not get it going during his time with Arsenal in the early 2010s, making only a few appearances as a starter. His career was revitalised after joining German clubs Werder Bremen and Hoffenheim, eventually leading him to a place with Bayern in 2018.

Di María could have a bit of an edge over Gnarby at the Stadium of Light. The Argentine used to play there during his time with Portuguese club Benfica, and it’s where he thrived in the 2014 Champions League final.

Asked how difficult it would be for Bayern in the final again s t P S G , B a y e r n l e g end Franz Beckenbaue, said: “I’ve watched PSG’s games, they’re one heck of a team. It’ll be the most d i ff i c u l t g a m e o f t h i s C h a m p i o n s League season. I can’t find any w e a k p o i n t s i n t he team and I expect them to vary their playing style. I hope that both teams don’t hold back too much, don’t show each other too much respect and play just as refreshingly and with a joie de vivre like they have done up to now. Then we can expect a wonderful final.”

“It’ll be a match played on equal terms.

I’d say it’s 50-50. Sometimes you need a bit of luck. If Bayern get that, they’ll win the game,” he added.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 22, 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

Sevilla players celebrating their Europa League final victory over Inter Milan of Italy in Cologne, Germany

Sevilla Beat Inter to Win Record Sixth Europa League Europa League kings Sevilla won the tournament for a record sixth time thanks to victory over Inter Milan in a thrilling final in Cologne.

The drama started when Sevilla defender Diego Carlos fouled Romelu Lukaku for an Inter penalty - and ended when Lukaku deflected Carlos’ bicycle kick into his own net.

It means Inter Milan’s wait for a trophy will tick over into a 10th year at least.

Lukaku gave the Italian side an early lead from the penalty spot for his 34th goal of the season, extending his record of scoring in consecutive Europa League games to 11.

Luuk de Jong scored two headers - from Jesus Navas and Ever Banega

crosses to put Sevilla into the lead.

Inter were level when Diego Godin nodded in to make it 2-2 in the 35th minute.

The game could not continue at that high tempo, but with extra-time looming, there was one final twist.

Carlos flew into the air to meet a high ball with an overhead kick which was probably going wide until Lukaku stuck out a leg and diverted it past his own goalkeeper.

It was a first trophy in the managerial career of Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui, whose side are unbeaten since February, a run of 21 games.

Sevilla’s excellent record of never losing a Uefa Cup or Europa League final continues - six finals,

six victories.

But this was a new Sevilla team with barely anybody left since their three wins in a row from 2014 to 2016.

Former Spain and Real Madrid boss Lopetegui had never won a trophy in his managerial career and there was a complete overhaul of the squad last summer.

They were cheered on by two fans, with Sevilla giving two of their 25 tickets for officials to supporters with membership numbers 2108 and 2020 (to make the date of this game).

Carlos looked as if he was going to the villain of the run as he lost Lukaku and then fouled the Belgian striker on

Twente Sign Nigeria Full-back, Ebuehi It’s not without reason he played at the World Cup, says club’s chief Dutch Eredivisie side Twente have announced the signing of Tyronne Ebuehi on a season-long loan from Portuguese club Benfica with an option of signing him permanently.

The defender joined the Estadio da Luz outfit in May 2018 after impressing for at the World Cup in Russia and penned a five-year deal with the side.

The 24-year-old, however, suffered a career-threatening injury two months after teaming up with the Eagles in a Champions Cup defeat to Juventus.

The defender subsequently missed the whole of 2018-19 season and has not made a single league appearance for the Portuguese club since joining the side.

Ebuehi has, however, featured four times for Benfica B since he returned

from injury and has teamed up with the Dutch outfit to reignite his career.

The former ADO Den Haag defender is delighted to sign for the Pride of the East and looks forward to making his contribution for the club.

“It feels great to be here at FC Twente. The conversations I had with the club were very positive and I am looking forward to playing here,” Ebuehi told the club website.

“In the past, I played against FC Twente with ADO. Twente is a big club and I want to prove myself here, but of course, also help the club.”

Benfica technical director Jan Steuer hopes the Nigeria international will add value to the team, given his experience at ADO Den Haag.

“It is great that we can add Tyronne

Balogun, Aribo Out of Rangers Week Four League Game GlasgowRangersbossSteven Gerrard has confirmed that Nigeria internationals Leon Balogun and JoeAribo are not in contention to face Kilmarnock at Ibrox Stadium this afternoon.

While the central defender suffered a quad injury on matchday three against St. Johnstone, leading to his substitution at half-time, the midfielder picked up a training ground injury last week.

The two Super Eagles stars were eventually left out of the trip to Livingston, the first time this season, in terms of domestic matches, they were omitted from the starting lineup.

Providing a fitnessupdate on his squad at yesterday’s pressconference,Gerrardtold thenationalpressinScotland: “Balogun and Aribo won’t make the weekend. I think both have a good chance for the following week.

“McGregor is back fit after training yesterday, Defoe still won’t be seen until after the International break.”

Rangers’ next match after thehomegamevsKilmarnock is a trip to the Fountain of Youth Stadium, where they faceHamiltonAcademical on August 29.

The Light Blues are the only team yet to concede a goal after four matches in the Scottish Premiership.

Ebuehi to our selection. In his time at ADO Den Haag, Tyronne has shown to be a talented player,” Steuer said.

“It is not without reason that he was selected for the national team of Nigeria and played at the 2018 World Cup. “In his first year with Benfica, Tyronne had a difficult season due to an injury, but last year he made his appearance for Benfica B. He is top fit and will hopefully be able to fully join our selection soon. ” Ebuehi has eight appearances for Nigeria since he made his debut against Togo in a friendly in June 2017.

He will hope to feature consistently for Twente to boost his chances of being recalled for national team assignment.

Born in Haarlem, Ebuehi totaled 78 appearances in the Eredivisie - all coming in the colours of ADO Den Haag - before transferring to Benfica.

UEFA Champions League Final Battle Live on DStv, GOtv DStv and GOtv continue to deliver the best to football fans, including the conclusion of the 2020 UEFA Champions League this Sunday, now extended to DStv Compact + Confam and GOtv Max customers!

Football fans are in for what promises to be an epic showdown between French and German continental heavyweights, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, this Sunday, from 7pm.

The historical final will be aired on SuperSport 5 (DStv channel 225) and SuperSport 8 (DStv channel 228) and SuperSport Select 5 (GOtv channel 36). This

means that DStv Confam and Compact customers, as well as GOtv Max customers, will also be able to catch the game live.

Leading up to the kick-off whistle, viewers can tunein for the match build-up programming, including highlights of past games involving the two finalists.

Paris Saint-Germain has earned their place in the showpiece match with a comfortable 3-0 win over RB Leipzig on Tuesday and seek to complete a quadruple of trophies in the 2019-20 season (having also claimed Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue).

Tyronne Ebuehi

FIFA’s New Rule will Relaxes Players Eligibility Criteria Football’s governing body FIFA is planning to relax the eligibility criteria for national teams and allow a player who has already played competitively for another country change nationality under some conditions.

It is still a proposal but it could be approved by 211 national federations at the next FIFA congress on September 18.

At present, a player who has played a competitive match for a senior national team, even for one second, is no longer eligible for another country. Under the new proposal, a player could request for a change of nationality if he has played less than three games for his first national team before the age of 21 but would have to wait for at least three years without being called up before requesting for a change of association.

However, the change would be impossible if the player was involved in the FIFA World Cup, European Nations Championship or Africa Cup of Nations. The likes of Chelsea’s Ross Barkley and Tottenham Hotspur’s Dele Alli remain ineligible to feature for the Super Eagles because they have World Cup appearances under their belts for their country of birth, England.

Before they became cap-tied to the Three Lions, Barkley qualified to represent the Super Eagles through his Nigerian father, Peter Effanga and Dele also has a Nigerian dad, Kehinde Alli.

Bayern Munich’s David Alaba has over 70 caps for Austria and has represented the country at the Euros so does not meet the criteria to change nationality, and the same applies to Borrussia Dortmund’s Manuel Akanji, one of the young stars of the 2018 World Cup. Based on the proposed new rule, Red Bull Salzburg’s Noah Okafor (20 years) and Southampton’s Michael Obafemi (20 years) who have one cap each for Switzerland and Republic of Ireland respectively would be allowed to switch nationalities if they are snubbed for selection in the next three years.

Nigerians Receptive of StarTimes’ Acquisition of La Liga Broadcast Rights StarTimes acquisition of the audiovisual broadcast rights of the Spanish La Liga from the 2020/21 football season to 2024, has drawn commendations from football fans who expect StarTimes entrance to help shake up the industry for the good of Nigerians.

Before now, live La Liga games were monopolised by one cable television firm who dictated the price, which at times, was beyond the reach of many football lovers, who earnestly sought a reduction in such arbitrary high price.

But all the problems they faced and the high prices they were made to pay are about to be a thing of the past, following the entrance of StarTimes to the live La Liga broadcast market, as the company has an existing flexible and affordable payment plans to fit every segment of the market.

Some respondents who spoke said they have already started purchasing StarTimes decoders to savour the live La Liga matches set to hit the screens from September 12.

According to Tunde Olawole, a Real Madrid fan, living in Orile area of Lagos, “I have already bought my StarTimes decoder and I am very excited with the convenient payment plan. It is so affordable and I know that StarTimes airing of live La Liga will be of great benefit to football fans. I don’t care that it’s in French commentary as far as it’s very affordable” Olawole added.

In his reaction, Simon Eze, a Barcelona fan, living in Egbeda, said the prospects of watching his football idol, Lionel Messi, on StarTimes is ‘’amazing because I heard that StarTimes offers both daily and weekly payment subscription. I am a football fan to the core and that is all I watch on television. All I need to do is pay on the days of the matches to watch my games. The era of being made to pay for the whole month even for days I don’t watch is over and I thank StarTimes for acquiring these rights to show the games”, he added.

Adding his voice to the issue, Babajide Oluwole, who runs a thriving viewing centre in Ikorodu, said he is opting for StarTimes decoder in order to offer lower rates for viewing matches to fans, who in the past had expressed concerns over the high prices they paid when only one cable television provider monopolised the La Liga broadcast market.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 22, 2020

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Rinsola Babajide gets past an opponent

Rinsola Babajide

Rinsola Babajide poses with her Player of the Season award

Leading Liverpool’s Promotion Charge England-born Nigeria Liverpool star, Rinsola Babajide, was last week voted Liverpool FC Women’s 2019-20 Player of the Season.The Reds forward claimed the accolade after coming tops in a combined poll of supporters and members of official former players association- Forever Reds. Beyond personal accolades, returning the team back to the FA Women’s Super League after they were relegated in an inconclusive season due to Coronavirus pandemic is Babajide’s top priority

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insola Babajide was Coach Vicky Jepson’s side’s top scorer last season with eight goals in all competitions and recently signed a new contract to remain with LFC Women as they aim to secure an immediate return to the top flight in the coming campaign.

Lawley, who joined the club last summer, finished a narrow second to Babajide in our Player of the Season poll, while Robe came third after her second year on Merseyside.

Babajide signed a fresh contract with the club to extend her stay on Merseyside for at least another season, a rare piece of good news for the Reds at the moment following a raft of other departures and relegation.

With the Women’s Super League season cancelled as a result of the challenges posed by the Coronavirus crisis, it was decided last week that Liverpool would be relegated to the Women’s Championship on a point per game basis.

Having won only one league game all season, despite rarely losing by more than a single goal, Liverpool were bottom of the table with a paltry tally of six points from 14 games. It gave them a worse average than both Birmingham and Bristol City, pushing the 2013 and 2014 back-to-back champions

through the trap door into the second tier for 2020/21.

A host of players, including both senior goalkeepers Anke Preuss and Fran Kitching, have confirmed they will be leaving.

Veteran Scotland international Christie Murray is also going, as is last season’s top scorer Courtney Sweetman-Kirk. That list could yet grow this summer.

Murray’s statement about her departure revealed plenty about the frustrations that have surrounded the club. Liverpool, have been heavily criticised for the perceived abandonment of their women’s side over the last couple of years, especially at a time when the men’s branch is flying.

Murray expressed that the next chapter of her career would be an opportunity to enter an environment that ‘challenges’ her and to be able to ‘enjoy what I love again’. Reading between the lines, she wasn’t getting that as a Liverpool player and was falling out of love with the game.

Kitching and Sweetman-Kirk both said similar things about the need to be challenged.

Experienced duo Niamh Fahey and Rhiannon Roberts have signed new contracts in recent days, but fans generally will hope that relegation will at least serve as the wake-up call the club needs.

However, Babajide committing her

immediate future to Liverpool as a Championship club is a significant boost at what is otherwise a dark time.

From a personal perspective, the 21-yearold said she feels her career with the Reds had been going well and in the right direction and she was keen for that to continue.

“I was so gutted about us getting relegated but now I’ve just washed that aside. I’ve got the emotions out of it and we just need to accept we’re now in the Championship and I’m ready to fight for the team to get promoted to the WSL,” Babajide told Liverpool’s official website.

“We have to use the frustration and anger in a positive way to help us with the fight for us to come back up. We’re all focused, we’re ready.”

Regardless of whether the club is prepared to invest in its women’s team – something that was the case in the past when many of the best players in England were lining up in the iconic red kit – Liverpool will need players with the hunger of Babajide if their stay in the second tier is to be brief.

It was clear to see from her performances before the season was cancelled that she is a talented player with plenty of potential.

Her game lacks consistency for now, but that should come with experience and Babajide has the ability to thrive in the Championship.

Liverpool fans will be praying that she can lead a promotion charge.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

Saturday, August 22, 2020

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MISSILE

Ayokunle on Southern Kaduna Killings “On many occasions, when I read of ‘unknown gunmen’ it ends there and I wonder whether it is not the duty of those governing us to make sure that the ‘unknown gunmen’ are ‘known’ and brought to book! The people causing trouble are not spirits� – President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Olasupo Ayokunle bemoaning unending killings in Southern Kaduna.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Chief Bode Akindele: The Uncommon Business Icon

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ellow Nigerians, this is the third part of my serialised tributes to The Parakoyi of Ibadanland, Chief Bode Akindele, the enigmatic businessman who departed this earth on June 29, 2020 and was buried on July 31, 2020, in Ibadan, Nigeria. I can’t remember writing such a detailed essay on anyone else except Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. Such was the respect I had for this icon whom I had studied like a recommended textbook in an MBA class. I had thought I could finish this tribute in two parts but that is impossible. His escapades in the world of business was just as daring as a kamikaze jump. I mentioned some of the business stunts in my previous articles and I’m ready to give you more sweeter ones today. Please, get your drink handy.

After Chief had gone round and invested heavily in produce, fishing, real estate, flour mills, and so on, he was not yet done with diving into high stakes businesses. The one I found interesting was how he narrated his foray into the production of matches.

Ordinarily, matches look too cheap a commodity but it became one of Chief’s most ambitious ventures.

Let me allow Chief to describe the complex scenario, as he told the crew of Ovation International magazine, about 17 years ago: “I was not interested in the match industry at first but a friend of mine, a Lebanese, who I was assisting at the time, went and put my money in matches without my knowledge. I became a forced shareholder. They were doing things I didn’t like so I tried to get out. We went to Europe to see one of the companies that supplied us with materials. They owed us money.

When we got there the people said they had used our money. I insisted that we had to get the money back.

Besides, all the Lebanese people in our own match company wanted to sell their shares. At that time I had become a 30% shareholder. I decided to buy the shares. When I got to Sweden I called one of the managers of the company and pleaded with him that his company should pay us their debts.

He told me his company could not easily pay us their debts because I did not know what my partners had been up to. That was the company that manufactured machinery for all the match companies in the world and the manager informed me that they were being put up for sale. I was surprised. He advised me to buy the company and if I bought it I could just inform him the next day to pay the Nigerian company the money that was owed them. I asked him how much the Swedish company would cost and he said it was one billion dollars. This was in 1990. I enquired

Chief Bode Akindele

about and people encouraged me to go for it. I talked to one or two of the managers to give me the papers; since it had been put up for sale and I wanted the bidding papers. I had a Swedish friend, who had left Nigeria for about 15 years at that time. He had been the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria and we kept in close contact after he left. His name is Ambassador Bjornson. I called him and told him everything that was going on. He phoned the chairman of Swedish Match, Mr Svenson, and immediately, they ordered the Managing Director to come and meet me in London with the bidding papers and to apologise to me for not giving them to me when I asked for them. So, I went to Switzerland and spoke to my financial adviser, Dr. Alfred Hartmann. I told him about Swedish Matches being for sale. He wondered why I would want to go into match production when I had everything I had. He asked for the selling price and when I said one billion dollars he said I must be joking. He said how could I invest one billion dollars in matches. He said no bank would listen to me. What he did not know was that inside the company there were subsidiaries like disposable lighters, shaving sticks and so on. They were numbet 3 in the world in disposable lighters. They had huge factories all over Europe and in Brazil. So we put in our application to buy. The MD came to Geneva to have a private meeting with me. He wondered how I would come up with the money with just three days to go.

I told him .not to worry and he told me to tell him exactly why I wanted

to buy the company. I told him I was buying it for the match division. He said the match division was only a third of the company and he advised me to allow some other buyers to buy the company so that later, I could go in and acquire the match division, which would be less than 400 million dollars. That was just before Christmas in 1990. On Christmas day, I got a telephone call telling me that Gillette had bought the company for over one billion dollars and Gillette wanted to sell off the match section. We started negotiating. They were asking for 100 million dollars. We did this for nine months when I realised that this same MD/CEO had organised some other people to compete against me.

It became an international tender. We were divided into two groups: one was led by a company in Italy and the other was the Nigerian group, led by me. My partners in those days were Chase Manhattan Bank, Rothschild Bank, Citibank and two other banks. City Bank was prepared to put 400 million dollars down for our group to buy the company. We quickly gathered capital of 50 million amongst ourselves. This MD/CEO now began to play the Italian group against the Nigerian group.

He would come to me and say he would never support the Italians because it is usual for Italians to replace the CEO of any company they bought with their own relatives. Then he would go to the Italians and tell them he would never support Nigerians since he was Italian just like them. I went straight to the Italian group to tell them what was going on. I told them we could come together to do something. And before we knew it, we had come together and we brought the price down by 50 million dollars and bought the company...�

And so how much was the company bought eventually? The next response from Chief will blow your mind: “About 400 million dollars. I brought about four banks, while the Italian group also brought four Italian banks into the deal. So, there was a plan to sell off the individual companies, which were in what was referred to as soft currency areas. These were in Zimbabwe, Philippines, India, Thailand and so on. In about 45 days I visited 42 countries. When I got to Brazil, I hired a jet for a whole week because I wanted to visit Chile and so on.

Sometimes I visited three countries in a day so as to be able to see the factories and managers. I singled out the ones I wanted to buy, which included Chile, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Botswana. I got hold of the 10th largest company in Zimbabwe, Lion Matches. It’s owned by us. I’m also in Tanzania. I then decided that Chile

was too far. I had bought the Chilean company for 25 million dollars. I then decided that Indonesia and Thailand were too far away. I later sold the Chilean company. In 1990, the UK company alone made 9 million pounds profit - just one company out of the 63 countries. If you go to the UK you’ll see Bright & May Matches. It is owned by Swedish Matches. In 1991, we were taken to the Monopoly Commission by the British government for making too much money. After they conducted a very extensive investigation for six months, they said they could not determine how we were making the money and that we had to sigh a declaration that we would not increase the price of matches in the UK. In Brazil, we were making about 48 million dollars profit. Towards the end of 1991, we went to a meeting of the board of directors in a city that’s just thirty minutes drive from Geneva, Switzerland. There was a letter on the table of every director saying that the management had almost sold the company to another group.

It only remained for us to pass the resolution agreeing to the sale. Not only that, but they had also put in a letter of comfort from a bank saying that the money was readily available.

I had a penthouse suite at the hotel where I stayed. One of my own bankers came to see me there; he was from Citi Bank. He advised me that in my shareholders agreement I had a veto power. If I didn’t want to sell I could match the offer so that the bank could match the offer so that the bank could have exit. He came to me and said , ‘Chief, we want to teach you a new trade of touching profit. You must sell this business because what you are being offered is substantial and even if you are running the business you can’t get that kind of money.’ We had something like 30% shares in the company at that time. So, that was the first holding I ever sold to touch profit....

We sold the main company, Sweedish Matches, but now we owned Associated Matches, which was a combination of all the five subsidiaries in Nigeria. We have factories in Ibadan, Ikeja, Ilorin and Port Harcourt. It became the single largest match factory in Africa. We have another in Zimbabwe which was established in 1937. They make not only matches but also blades and pens.

In Tanzania we have the only match country there. We are also in Malawi with the only match company...�

At this stage we asked Chief what his assets could be globally. His response: “I think the accountant would answer that question better. However, our annual turnover is in excess of one billion US dollars...� r5P CF DPOUJOVFE

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