SATURDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 2020

Sanusi Lists Benefits of Petrol Subsidy Removal, Canvasses Structural Reforms Government should attract investments to productive sectors Dike Onwuamaeze and Nume Ekeghe Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and ex-Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi

yesterday listed the benefits of removing subsidy on petrol and further advised the federal government to implement structural reforms that would remove every vestige of subsidy in the system in

order to attract productive investments.

Sanusi gave this advice during an interview on ARISE TV that dwelt on the Nigerian economy and his activities in helping less privileged

children and women to have access to better education and healthcare in furtherance of the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He stated that the subsidies on petroleum products made

Nigeria the only oil exporting country that does not enjoy the benefits of increase in the price of crude oil in the international market.

“First of all, we fix the price for petroleum products

even though we do not refine petroleum products. How can you fix the price of a product that you do not produce? We produce crude oil but the price Continued on page 5

Nigeria, Russia Sign MoU on COVID-19 Vaccine… Page 5 Saturday 5 September, 2020 Vol 25. No 9279

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N250

N

Ghanaian President to Review $1m Capital Obligation for Nigerian Traders Udora Orizu in Abuja The President of Ghana, Prof. Nana Akufo-Addo has assured the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila that the Ghanaian government would

consider amending their law that makes it compulsory for foreigners (including Nigerian traders) to have $1million as capital base to enable them operate retail businesses in the country.

Several foreign businesses,

many Nigerian-owned, in Ghana have been facing challenges with the nation’s demand for $1 million capital base, as enshrined in the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC) Act (2013).

The need to review this law

was one of the resolutions reached at the “Legislative Diplomacy Bilateral Meeting” between Nigeria and Ghana’s senior legislators to resolve the trade dispute between the two countries.

The House of

Representatives, in a statement issued yesterday by its Spokesman, Benjamin Kalu, said Akufo-Addo gave the assurance to amend the law when the Speaker of Ghana’s parliament, Prof. Mike Oquaye, upon completion of the two-

day extensive dialogue, led Gbajabiamila on a courtesy visit to the President at the Jubilee House, Accra, Ghana on Thursday.

The legislative diplomacy Continued on page 5

Buhari Deals Fatal Blow to P&ID, Court Says Case of Fraud Proven President: Ruling will protect national assets from criminally-minded group Substantive application to set aside award now to be heard Omololu Ogunmade and Alex Enumah in Abuja A court in the United Kingdom has delivered an unprecedented judgment, permitting Nigeria to proceed with its challenge of an arbitral award (now over $10 billion) made against it over three years ago, and also agreed that the country had established a prima facie case of fraud against the benefiting firm, Process and Industrial Development (P&ID).

The arbitration decision was over a failed Gas Supply and Processing Agreement (GSPA) between P&ID, an Irish firm, and the federal government of Nigeria.

In a swift reaction, President Muhammadu Buhari said the judgment had given Nigeria the lead to protect its national Continued on page 5

ENDORSED FOR 2ND TERM...

L-R: Governor Babajide Sanwu-Olu of Lagos State; Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress/Governor of Yobe State, Mai-Mala Buni; President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, during the presentation of the party’s flag to Akeredolu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja …yesterday godwin omoigui

Resident Doctors to Begin Indefinite Strike Monday… Page 6

2

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5, 2020 •T H I S D AY

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5, 2020 • T H I S D AY

3

4

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5, 2020 •T H I S D AY

5

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž Ëœ Í˝Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸

PAGE FIVE

Nigeria, Russia Sign MoU on COVID-19 Vaccine 156 New Cases recorded Onyebuchi Ezigbo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË THISDAY has confirmed that Russia has not supplied the COVID-19 vaccine it developed to Nigeria, contrary to reports that emanated yesterday.

Rather, what happened was the signing of a memorandum of Understanding by Nigeria with Russia, which will give the country access to the developed vaccine as soon as it is available for export.

A source at the meeting said it was decided that as soon as the vaccine is sent to Nigeria, it would be forwarded to the National Agency for Drug and Food Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Nigeria Institute for Pharmaceutical Development (NIPRD) for evaluation.

In a related development, Nigeria recorded156 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, taking the number of confirmed cases to 54,743 with 42,816 discharged

and 1051 deaths.

Health Minister, Dr. Osagie Ehanire signed the vaccine MoU with the Russian Federation’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Alexey.

Shebarshin.

Ehanire said a ministerial team would be raised to continue further engagement with the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria on the vaccine, as well as other areas of interests highlighted at the meeting.

Ehanire had with him at the MoU signing, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora, top management staff of the Health Ministry and other Nigerian scientists, researchers who participated at a virtual meeting.

A statement issued by the Director, Information, Media and Public Relations, Mr. Olujimi Oyetomi, said the meeting between the minister and the

Russian team centred on the Russian-made Vaccine against COVID-19.

Ehanire stated that Nigeria has been participating in series of knowledge-exchange and contacts with different research bodies and countries to find solutions to the COVID-19 challenge and has contacted the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria for right of access immediately the Russian COVID-19 Vaccine was

announced.

Shebarshin said that countries such as U.A.E, Saudi Arabia, Mexico have expressed interest in the Russian COVID-19 Vaccine and requested that Nigeria puts together a team to interface with his Embassy to drive the process of human trials not just for the Russian COVID-19 Vaccine but also to explore further disease and health areas where the Russian Federation has expertise to manage with vaccines.

spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, said the president commended Nigeria's legal team which achieved the feat.

It also said the court ruling had established a prima facie case that the gas contract was fraudulent and only an attempt to defraud Nigeria of its hard earned resources.

According to the statement, the president is satisfied by the UK court's pronouncement that, “Nigeria has established a strong prima facie case that the Gas Supply and Processing (GSPA) was procured by bribes paid to insiders as part of a larger scheme to defraud Nigeria."

The statement read in part: "The presidency welcomes the judgment by the UK Court granting Nigeria’s application for an extension of time and relief from sanctions in a $10 billion arbitration case with P&ID in Nigeria.

"In our view, the judgment is right, just and provides a strong prima facie case that the fraudulent gas deal with P&ID and the subsequent judgment debt of $10 billion against Nigeria was a clear attempt to cheat the country of billions of dollars by a company that had not invested one Naira in our country."

The statement quoted a part of the judgment that "there is also a strong prima facie case that P&ID’s main witness in the arbitration, Mr. Quinn, gave a perjured evidence to the Tribunal, and that contrary

to that evidence, P&ID was not in the position to perform the contract," adding that the presidency was excited by the different processes that led to the judgment.

It further said the judgment had provided a relief for the federal government to protect its assets from individuals and groups it described as fraudulent.

According to the statement, the court's submission has given Nigeria the lead to challenge the alleged fraud and overturn the award, and that Buhari remained committed to the fight against corruption.

The statement added: "The Presidency expresses delight with the processes that led to this outcome in the English Court, noting that it has given relief to the Nigerian government to further protect our national assets from criminally-minded organisations and individuals.

"The views of the UK court thus provide sufficient grounds for the Federal Government to go ahead and challenge the frauds perpetrated by the company and overturn the arbitration award.

"President Buhari therefore commends the team of lawyers who represented Nigeria in the matter with P&ID, and reassures all wellmeaning Nigerians and the international community of his unwavering commitment to fight corruption in all its forms and manifestation."

BUHARI DEALS FATAL BLOW TO P&ID, COURT SAYS CASE OF FRAUD PROVEN assets from a criminally-minded group, adding, “the gas contract was fraudulent and only an attempt to defraud Nigeria of its hard earned resources.�

Last year, a commercial court in London upheld the earlier arbitration award to P&ID, which had then accumulated to about $9.6 billion, threatening to seize the nation's foreign assets, which Nigeria is currently challenging.

The country had in July filed an application for extension of time to enable it submit necessary evidence to prove that the said P&ID contract was a scam abinitio.

The British court in its ruling on Thursday allowed Nigeria to file necessary documents outside the normal time limits permitted by law, "due to the exceptional circumstances where Nigeria has uncovered evidence of a massive fraud in procuring the award.�

Justice Ross Cranston of the United Kingdom’s Royal Court of Justice ruled that Nigeria has established a prima facie case of fraud against P&ID in the country’s bid to upturn the arbitration penalty awarded to the shadowy company.

Sir Cranston, in his judgment, which also granted Nigeria’s application for an extension of time and relief from sanctions, noted the unethical and dishonest conduct of Mr. Supo Shasore, SAN, a former Attorney-

General of Lagos State and former partner at Ajumogobia and Okeke in the fraudulent deal. â€œâ€Ś That Nigeria’s counsel in the arbitration, Mr. Shasore dishonestly failed to challenge Mr. Quinn’s perjured evidence or to seek disclosure from P&ID such that Tribunal had no choice but to find favour‌ “However, what persuades me of a prima facie case of dishonesty in Mr. Shashore’s conduct of the arbitration, are his payments of $100,000 each to Mrs. Adelore and Mr. Oguine. Mrs. Adelore occupied Ms. Taiga’s position at the Ministry as the senior lawyer and Mr Oguine was her counterpart at the NNPC. Their salaries as public servants, according to the AttorneyGeneral, Mr. Malami, were about $5,000 per annum,â€? Sir Cranston said in his judgment.

A statement yesterday

by Dr. Umar Gwandu, the Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, said during the hearing, new evidence was presented to further support Nigeria’s challenge.

The statement said the Buhari administration, having inherited this dispute from the previous administration, only recently uncovered evidence that the GSPA was a sham commercial deal designed to fail from the start, and that its subsequent arbitral award was

based on fraud and corruption.

It added that Nigeria “is relying on a number of ongoing investigations� across multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S, to build its case. “The FRN will now proceed to a full trial of the issues, where the FRN's substantive application to finally set aside the award will be heard, thereby recording a major success considering the fact that the Federal Government’s exceptional circumstances application to have its challenge taken well outside the normal time limits is upheld on account of uncovered evidence of massive fraud in procuring the award," Gwandu said.

The media aide, who noted that the government “is pleased� with the outcome from the High Court hearing yesterday, said it was a major victory in the country's ongoing fight against the vulture-fund-backed P&ID, to overturn the injustice of the multi-billion dollar arbitral award.

"In light of the new and substantive evidence presented regarding P&ID’s fraudulent and corrupt activities, the Court has granted our application for an extension of time to hear our challenge out of normal time limits.

"The Federal Government will now proceed to a full hearing of our fraud challenge in the coming

months. Investigations into the GSPA are ongoing, and we are firmly committed to overturning the award – no matter how long it takes – to ensure that this money goes towards Nigeria's future, not into the pockets of millionaires trying to exploit our country," the statement added.

In its application for extension of time, Nigeria had disclosed that it has uncovered alleged bribes to government officials and their family members dating back to 2009.

Malami in his court filing on March 24, submitted that “There is good reason to believe that ministers at the highest level were involved in a corrupt scheme to steal money from Nigeria.�

Buhari: Judgment Has Given Nigeria Lead to Protect National Assets Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja said the judgment by the United Kingdom court had given Nigeria the lead to protect its national assets from a criminally minded group.

The president hailed the judgment which granted reliefs sought by the country for extension of time to challenge the fine imposed on Nigeria over alleged breach of contract awarded to P&ID. A statement by presidential

SANUSI LISTS BENEFITS OF PETROL SUBSIDY REMOVAL, CANVASSES STRUCTURAL REFORMS we fix is for refined products.

So, if crude oil price goes up, the price of refined petroleum also goes up internationally from where we are importing.

We will get the benefit of high crude oil and then we lose it immediately because we have to pay more as subsidy for importing petroleum products.

So, we are the only oil producing country that does not see the benefit of rising oil prices. The bulk of whatever we get whenever the price of crude oil goes up also goes out immediately on importing petroleum product and the so called subsidy payment,�

Sanusi said, adding that the

“central bank can only give us single exchange rate only if the central bank has a steady flow of foreign exchange.�

He proposed that the structural reforms should also aim at bringing transparency into the activities of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and deal with pre-existing conditions set up to fail at every unanticipated crisis. Sanusi noted that these pre-existing conditions include the multiple exchange rates regime of the Central Bank. “The recently announced conditions, such as the IMF’s recommendations on removal of fuel subsidy, though painful,

are the necessary structural adjustments we need to make in order to improve the revenue profile of the government. “I think it is about fundamentally thinking on how we will re-structure our economy in terms of development as opposed to rent seeking,� he said.

The former governor of the CBN said that the only outlet for the government to earn revenue under the current circumstances, if it failed to implement reforms conclusively, would be to hope that oil prices would go up or borrow and impose taxes on the private sector.

“But again, how many people will suffer? Are we ready for that at the moment?

The government cannot at this time start increasing taxes on people when they are suffering. So let us have the structural changes that can attract investments. All we need is foreign investments into productive sectors.�

He also warned that retrenchment of workers in order to cut government expenses would be counterproductive because it would deprive households of income and plunge many families into poverty. “Retrenchment can reduce

budget deficit but will throw more people into poverty,� he said, adding that “what that means for them as citizens and families could very well be the difference between law abiding poor but contented neighbour and a criminal.�

He also said the more than six per cent drop in the countries $250 billion GDP recorded in the second quarter would have a massive telling impact on the people. “Look at the Nigerian economy as one with $250 billion. One per cent of it is $2.5 billion then multiply that by the exchange rate, and divide that by say the minimum wage of

say N30,000. You will probably find that the income of between five to 10 million people have been wiped out. “For every one per cent drop in the GDP, that is $2.5 billion of goods and services taken out from income. That income could be profit, it could be rent or it could be wages. In Nigeria, it is wages most likely.

So, you can easily see how many more people have been pushed into extreme poverty with this six per cent drop in GDP. It is massive that a poor country’s GDP dropped by six per cent,� Sanusi said.

by the alleged closure of the retail stores, in view of the ravaging impact of Covid-19 pandemic on businesses and families in both countries."

They acknowledged that many stakeholders in the retail sector have limited appreciation of the trade laws of Ghana, in particular, Section 28 of the GIPC Act, which provides for the conditions under which non-Ghanaians can engage in trading activities and urged the relevant regulatory authorities,

including the GIPC and Trade Attaches of foreign missions, to educate their citizens on the trade laws.

They equally emphasised the need to respect the sovereignty of Member States of ECOWAS and their laws but, in doing so, efforts must be made to ensure that the ECOWAS Agenda for free movement of people and goods in furtherance of a shared and prosperous future of citizens of the sub-region is not compromised.

Continued on page 8

GHANAIAN PRESIDENT TO REVIEW $1M CAPITAL OBLIGATION FOR NIGERIAN TRADERS dialogue became imperative as the parliaments of the two countries sought ways to resolve challenges and provide an enabling business environment for foreign traders, including Nigerians, in Ghana.

During the visit, Gbajabiamila also sought an amendment of Ghana’s GIPC Act to make certain concessions, and suggested establishment of GhanaNigeria Business Council, backed by legislation on both sides.

Responding to the Speaker's request, Akufo-Ado while expressing satisfaction with Gbajabiamila's visit, endorsed his proposal for the establishment of a 'NigeriaGhana Business Council' and backed by law in both countries.

He additionally suggested the setting up of a joint ministerial committee that would "shepherd" issues between Ghana and Nigeria.

The Ghanaian President told Gbajabiamila he would also

raise the issue with President Muhammadu Buhari when they meet at the ECOWAS Summit on Monday.

Akufo-Ado said: "I am hoping when I see him (Buhari) on Monday for the ECOWAS summit, we can advance these discussions and come to a final conclusion.

The way you yourselves have come about this matter is very satisfactory, and it requires our support. The review that you are asking for, why not?

If it works in our mutual

perspectives, we can take it for granted that your request will be taken seriously. We will have a look at it. So, the request for the review makes a lot of sense.''

Meanwhile, in a communique issued jointly at the end of the bilateral meeting between members of the two Parliaments, it was resolved that "measures will be adopted to support law-abiding traders to properly regularise their business operations to alleviate the trade challenges occasioned

6

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž 5, 2020

Ă?ĂĄĂ? ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (Ă?Ă—Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁĚš Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

Protests Rock Osogbo over Petrol Price Increase Revert to old prices or risk prolonged strike

John Shiklam Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă‹Ëœ Peter Uzoho Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Yinka Kolawole Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ă‘ĂŒĂ™ Angry protesters, mainly youths, yesterday took to the streets in Osogbo, the Osun State capital to protest increment in

Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and electricity tariff which they alleged spiked the prices of essential commodities, thereby making life difficult for them. They handed the federal government a five-day ultimatum to rescind the decision or risk prolonged protest.

Resident Doctors to Begin IndeďŹ nite Strike on Monday as JOHESU Threatens Onyebuchi Ezigbo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given notice of commencement of indefinite strike with Monday as commencement date.

Also, for allegedly being adamant to their demands and threats to down tool, Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) are poised to embark on strike over outstanding welfare packages of their members.

The doctors said they were demanding payment of the medical residency training to all its members as approved in the revised 2020 budget.

They are also seeking the provision of genuine group life insurance and death in service benefits for all health workers; payment of the outstanding April/May and June COVID-19 inducement allowance to all health workers and determination of the revised hazard allowance for all health workers as agreed in previous meetings with relevant stakeholders.

Other demands of NARD are immediate payment of the salary shortfalls of 2014, 2015 and 2016 and payment of all arrears owed our members in

federal and states tertiary health institutions, arising from the consequential adjustment of the national minimum wage.

According to a communiquĂŠ signed by its President, Dr. Aliyu Sokomba and Publicity Secretary, Dr. Stanley Egbogu.

NARD said doctors working under the various tertiary health institutions should be placed on appropriate salary grade level and universal implementation of the Medical Residency Training Act of 2017 in all state tertiary health institutions.

NARD said despite the inclusion of the residency funding in the revised 2020 budget the government had not made plans to implement the payment despite several promises by several stakeholders.

While accusing the federal government of failing to procure group life insurance and death in service benefits for all health workers, NEC said that though an agreement had been reached between the government and stakeholders in the health sector to pay COVID-19 inducement allowance for six months (April – September), payment was only commenced for April, May and June in some institution and the process abandoned.

In a related development, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has asked the federal government to “immediately suspend� the recent increase in pump price of petrol and electricity tariff or face nationwide protest.

This is as a non-governmental organisation, Emergency and Risk Alert Initiative (ERAI) lent its voice in opposing the hike of petrol price and electricity tariff approved by the federal government.

The protesting youths who were armed with placards bearing different inscriptions that read: “Revert fuel price now�, “Enough is Enough�, “ We want a better life�, “Electricity tariff hike is evil� among others chanted anti-government slogans while marching round major streets in Osogbo.

The aggrieved youths decried the decision of the federal government on the increment which they adjudged insensitive and threatened not to relent in fighting against what they described as unpopular decision of the government.

They also described the present administration under the leadership of Muhammadu Buhari as

wicked, callous and inconsiderate and insisted on reversal of the hike in the petroleum product and that of the electricity tariff.

Prices of the commodities skyrocketed last Wednesday when the government fixed the new prices of petroleum product at N151.56 per liter as against the former price of N138 per liter.

However survey conducted round by THISDAY yesterday in the state revealed that, the petroleum product is now being sold for N162/per liter in many filling stations in the state.

Addressing a news conference in Kaduna at the end of its meeting, spokesman of the Northern group, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, threatened that it would mobilise its members for a prolonged nation-wide protest if the federal government failed to revert to the old pump price of fuel and electricity tariff.

The group lamented that unfolding events around the national economy, security and high cost of living had raised serious concerns over the direction the country was heading.

It noted that the decision by

the federal government to hike the prices of petroleum products and electricity tariff had ignited widespread discontent and anger across every segment of the Nigerian society.

Suleiman said, at the meeting, the CNG reviewed the alarming rise in the cost of living in the face of pervasive poverty and fast spreading general insecurity of lives and property across the country.

According to him, the country was pregnant with unforeseen circumstances following development and the unfolding scenario.

The group maintained that: “whereas the present administration had upon inception identified economic revival and security as major components of the three pillars of its change agenda, its entire national economy and law and order assets appear incapable of arresting an imminent drift towards poverty and the likelihood of the setting in of anarchy. “That the government’s mismanagement of an economy already adjudged in a second recession, is characterised by significant loss of output, massive youth unemployment, a rising

level of poverty, instability, and irregular migration of skilled and unskilled labour. “That despite the administration’s claims to fighting a war against corruption, the entrenchment of mediocrity has left the country worse than it was five years ago in the global corruption perception index. “That the present administration had been tolerated for too long even with its level of impunity in the dispatch of goods and services which gravely endanger the peace, unity and development of the country. “That the administration’s audacious impunity climaxed with hikes in fuel pump prices from an initial N87 to N151.50k per liter; electricity tariff from N22 to N66; and Value Added Tax (VAT) to 7.5% from 5%. “That these unjustified and unjustifiably indiscriminate increases with concomitant effects on life sustaining essentials like foodstuff and foreign exchange rates have resulted in exponential escalation of inflation, despair, crime and criminality.�

National Assembly Will Reject Water Bill, Says Suswam George Okoh Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă•Ă&#x;ĂœĂŽĂ“

Former governor of Benue State and Senator representing Benue North East Senatorial District, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has kicked against the executive Water Resources Bill saying it would be dead on arrival.

Senator Suswam who described the bill as anti-people said it was capable of causing confusion in the country and as such the National Assembly would reject the bill in totality.

Suswam spoke yesterday at Katsina-Ala Town, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state, during the official inauguration and inspection of projects by Governor Samuel Ortom.

Suswam told the Benue people that the bill was still a rumour in the National Assembly assuring that it would not see the light of the day when presented to them. “The National Assembly will reject the Water Resources Bill in totality and in whatever form it comes. It is anti-people, it is unacceptable and we will not accept it because it is not in the

interest of the people. “You have no reason to be afraid. There is no bill like that and as far as I am concerned, it is still a rumour. So let us not worry about what does not exist.�

Suswam further vowed that “they cannot sit down as representatives of the people and accept that the federal government should come and take over the waters of our state.�

He argued that the Land Use Act of 1978 mainly states that all land belongs to the state government alone saying to introduce such a bill would require an amendment of the constitution. “The constitution has not been amended so the bill is dead on arrival.�

He urged the Benue people to remain resolute in support of the Governor Samuel Ortom-led government saying they must not repeat the fundamental mistake they made in 2015 but that they support him and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state in 2023 and beyond.

WE SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF. . .

L-R: Chief Jim Nwobodo’s wife, Pat; former Governor of old Anambra State and Senator who represented Enugu East Senatorial District, Senator Jim Nwobodo and Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State during the funeral ceremony of the three-term Senator, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District, late Senator Fidelis Okoro, held at Nru Nsukka...yesterday

Prioritise Poverty Alleviation, Kaigama Tells Buhari Onyebuchi Ezigbo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius. Kaigama, has asked the federal government to give more attention to policies and programmes that would reduce poverty and hardship in the land.

Also the Archbishop Emeritus of the Abuja Archdiocese, Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan has advised that Christian and Muslim leaders need to join hands in seeking for the disputed portions of the new law on Corporate Affairs Commission, CAMA Act to be corrected and expunged.

Onaiyekan said that he had taken the advice by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo

that anyone aggrieved by the content of the CAMA law should approach the National Assembly for amendment as valid and wise.

Speaking at the maiden General Assembly, Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Kaigama, said that government should pity the poor in the country who were presently going through severe sufferings and deprivation and find ways to alleviate their plight. “We call on the government to give priority to alleviating poverty and improving life situations among Nigerians,� he said.

Kaigama advised Nigerians against selfishness and tribal sentiments. “Nigerians to shun the mental-

ity where everyone is for himself or herself and cares only for those who are friends, family or from the same tribe, region, religion or political party, to the extent that we subordinate the common good to selfish interests, and even consider others as “outsiders�, thus triggering the feelings in certain quarters of being neglected, abandoned or marginalised. With the current economic crisis occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a huge increase in poverty levels.�

Kaigama said that the church in its evangelistion effort, would continue to encourage families and parishes to take care of the young ones.

He said that Holy Childhood

Association should be formed in schools and parishes and children taught early how to share with others and to sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. “Today marks our maiden General Assembly of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja. To God we give honour, glory and adoration and we trust that He will continue to inspire us to be one family on mission.�

The Archbishop who recently created 30 new pastoral areas and also created or expanded eleven Archdiocesan commissions expressed the hope that the pastoral areas with the cooperation of the faithful will grow to quasi parishes and then to full parishes.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5, 2020 • T H I S D AY

7

8

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 29, 2020

NEWS

Katsina Spent N158m for Testing of 10,000 COVID-19 Cases Francis Sardauna in Katsina The Katsina State Government said it had paid N157,750,000 to a private laboratory, Sahel Medicare Centre, for testing of 10,000 COVID-19 cases across the state.

The state Chairman, Public enlightenment Committee on COVID-19, Mr. Abdulkareem Sirika, revealed this to journalists at a press conference at the Government House.

Sahel Medicare Centre, located within Katsina metropolis, was accredited by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for testing of L-R: Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Alexey Shebarshin and the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, COVID-19 cases in the state.

Abdulazeez Abdullahi, during the presentation of Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine to Nigeria by the envoy in Abuja…yesterday.

Sirika, who is also the state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Home Affairs, explained that a total of 11, 314 samples had so far been collected cumulatively, with Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja (Akwa Ibom), and Alliance of the present administration’s development problems after 675 repeats and follow ups.

According to him, “The Consulting--- Lot 4B (Bayelsa). policy agenda to check corrup- many failed attempts.

Regrettably, he noted that 10,000 cases were registered Others are Sada Idris & tion but a determined effort to The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Co-- Lot 6A (Delta); Skillfield reposition the agency to change most of the problems that from 31st May, 2020 to date led to the failure of previous Akpabio, has inaugurated the Associates Services-- Lot 6B the narrative in the region.

According to him, the eight development institutions, Cycle first batch of forensic auditors (Delta); Discovery to scrutinise the operations of Professionals-- Lot 7B (Edo), forensic auditors were cleared including the Niger Delta the Niger Delta Development and BBC Professionals --Lot by the Bureau of Public Procure- Development Board (NDDB) ment (BPP) based on individual created in 1958 and Oil Commission (NDDC), which 8 ( Imo) Inaugurating the audit teams firms’ technical competencies Mineral Producing Areas has been mired in allegations Development Commission David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka of mind-boggling corruption. in his office in Abuja, yesterday, and financial compliance.

The minister recalled that (OMPADEC) in 1992, all The auditors made up of Akpabio, whose ministry overeight groups include Ernest sees the interventionist agency, government’s effort at repo- failed because their operations Oba Community in Idemili & Young, which is in charge said the presidential directive sitioning the Niger Delta region were marred by lack of focus, South Local Government Area of Lot 1 (NDDC headquarters for the holistic examination of led to the formation of NDDC excessive corruption, political of Anambra State has called in Port Harcourt); G.E. Osagie activities of the NDDC from in 2000 by an Act of parliament, interference and high overhead for the intervention of the & Co-- Lot 2 (Abia); Abuchi inception in 2000 to August mainly to address the issues of cost, which are still prominent federal government through E.D, Ogbuju & Co-- Lot 3B 2019, was not just in furtherance ecological and socio-economic in the present NDDC. the Minister of Environment, Sharon Ikeazor, to resolve lingering problem of erosion in the community.

Regent of Oba, Prince Noel Ezenwa who addressed Francis Sardauna in Katsina the Sokoto zonal coordinator of and university-based trade the developmental challenges journalists yesterday in the ASUU, Jamilu Shehu, said UTAS unions as well as did not bedeviling university system community said the leadership of the community had The Academic Staff Union of as the only credible alternative to ensure simultaneous payment in the country.

He, however, lamented that written to the Minister of Universities (ASUU) has urged IPPIS would tackle the prevailing of employees’ salaries and third five months salaries of his Environment, Ikeazor and party deductions. the federal government, to as salaries irregularities.

The ASUU zonal coordinator members were being withheld by to the member representing He said the IPPIS, unveiled a matter of urgency, adopt the University Transparency Account- by the federal government, had said: “We therefore implore that the federal government because the area in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obinna ability Solution (UTAS) over the failed to address major issues UTAS is far more than just an they rejected the IPPIS. “As we speak, five months Chidoka, both of who hail Integrated Payroll and Personnel that border around personnel alternative to IPPIS which Information System (IPPIS) to information and payroll system does not respect university salaries of our members at UNI- from Obosi, a neighbouring MAID, MOUAU in particular community to Oba. end the issue of irregularity that necessitated face-off between peculiarities.”

He said the development of and others across the universities “We have written to the of salary payments among government and the union.

He affirmed that IPPIS did not UTAS was attestation to the are still be withheld by AGF on Minister of Environment, university staff.

Speaking at the Umaru Musa recognise agreements entered capacity of Nigerian scholars account of non-registration on Mrs. Sharon Ikeazor and Member Representing Idemili Yar’Adua University, Katsina, into between the government and researchers to addressing IPPIS,” he added.

North and South Federal Constituency, in the House (CON’T FROM PAGE 5) SANUSI LISTS BENEFITS OF PETROL SUBSIDY REMOVAL, CANVASSES STRUCTURAL REFORMS of Representatives, Hon. The former Emir of Kano said shoes? We have factories in Aba something that is for me as an underdevelopment in Northern Obinna Chidioka. that the federal government must where you can produce shoes. objective. I think there are many Nigeria. be determined in its insistence So why can’t we have that too ways of being of service to the “And in the process I am that anything the country could in Kano so we can produce all nation. If you look at my CV, I thinking that maybe I could get a produce locally, with some level the shoes and bags we need started off as an academic. I was Ph.D and maybe go back to my of comparative advantage, should in Nigeria and have the entire teaching economics at Ahmadu first career that I never concluded not be imported in order to boost West Africa market closed to Bello University and after just two and just be a professor in different the economy, create employment foreign shoes and bags and if years before I could complete my universities abroad. And the great Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja and reduce poverty. the international brands want this Master’s thesis I decided to go thing with the life I have led is President Muhammadu He advised the federal govern- market, they can set up locally, use into banking for just no reason. that if I complete that Ph.D, how ment to mobilise West African the same leathers we export to And I have made a success of my many universities would have Buhari yesterday in Abuja said countries to have a uniform high Italy and Spain to employ labour career as a banker, as a regulator someone with a PhD who has victims of flooding in various tariff that would discourage here to produce.” and as an Emir. been a bank CEO, Governor of communities in Jigawa State importation of products like The former Emir of Kano said “Maybe it is time to publish Central bank and Emir? So, it is would receive timely support rice and textiles. that his eyes are not on political some collections of my articles a kind of CV that would give from the federal government.

Senior Special Assistant This, according to him, would appointments or electoral office that have no relationship with you any university in the world, be more reliable than the current because they are not the only economics at all. They are about whether it is Harvard, Oxford or to the President on Media border closure the federal govern- ways of rendering public service. Sharia, identity etc. I had written Cambridge and anywhere you and Publicity, Malam Garba ment imposed since August 2019.

He said: “People have been some of them between 1999 and want because it is now about Shehu, said the president commiserated with families “The closure of the borders can talking to me about politics 2005. It may come out in a few my entire life experience. only be a temporary solution. We even when I was at the CBN months. Then the book on central “I am going to take life as it who lost their loved ones, need to engage our neighbours in 2011; that they wanted me to banking will come out. goes. I am in no hurry. I have farmlands, means of liveliand agree that all of us in West be presidential candidate. I have “I still will like to write a book enough on my plate and I see hood and property in the Africa need to create a situation never had an interest in partisan on the impact of certain interpreta- my life as life of service and I floods which ravaged the where we do not import that politics. The nature of my family tions of Moslem family laws on don’t think that public service state.

He said consequently, the which we can produce locally. So is that we consider ourselves as the development of Nigeria. It is limited to elected office. Any that our farmers are not wiped leaders of all people and politics will deal on the interpretation opportunity I have to serve, I president asked the National out by farmers in Thailand and can be very divisive. You can join of the law and certain cultural would take it if it is something I Emergency Management India and our textiles are not one political party and then alienate practices around child marriage, think I am capable of delivering. Agency (NEMA) and other wiped out by textiles from China. yourself from others. child rights and how they have I have no immediate plans to relevant government agencies to urgently assess the situation “Why do we need to import “All I can say is that this is not contributed to poverty and go into politics.”

LIFELINE FROM RUSSIA…

Akpabio Inaugurates Forensic Auditors for NDDC

and the amount paid to Sahel Medicare was in addition to other costs on patients’ care and staff allowances.”

He reiterated that 800 positive cases had been recorded with 24 deaths, while 9,601 were recorded as negative since the outbreak of the global health crisis in the state.

The commissioner affirmed that state government had established three sample collection centres in the state that included Maternal and Child Health Clinic in kofar Guga, Federal Medical Centre, Katsina and General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital to effectively tackle the pandemic.

While assuring that his committee would not relent in creating awareness to the public on COVID-19 safety measures, Sirika said the committee is working with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), traditional and religious institutions in the 34 local governments in the state.

Anambra Community Begs FG to Intervene in Erosion Menace

Adopt UTAS to End Salary Irregularities, ASUU Tells FG

“The two have also visited the site and were alarmed at devastation erosion caused by the sand mining activities, and promised to talk to the state government, to stop the activities of sand miners.

“We are calling on them to help resolve the problem of erosion by checkmating the activities of sand miners in the community, which has escalated erosion in the area.”

The community said the activities of a certain sand mining company in the area was responsible for the erosion and called on the ministry to prevail on Anambra Governor, Chief Willie Obiano to stop sand mining in the area.

“We petitioned the Anambra State House of Assembly and they discussed the matter at the floor of the House, invited the sand miners several times and they ignored them, the lawmakers ordered the Anambra State Commissioner of Police to arrest him and produce them to the House.

Buhari Pledges FG’s Support for Jigawa Flood Victims in the affected areas with the overall intention of providing the needed humanitarian supplies.

The statement said the president commended the prompt response of Jigawa State Government to the disaster and pledged his solidarity with the state in this challenging moment.

It also assured the state of the federal government’s preparedness to offer it the assistance it needs.

“The President would continue to follow very closely reports of flood situation across the country, and ensure that relevant Federal agencies are well prepared to respond to such disasters and mitigate associated risks,”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž 5, 2020

9

08054699539

Nyesom Wike and His Five Flyovers

ill Gates’ submission on factors capable of motivating development, at a special expanded National Economic Council meeting on investing in people in Abuja (2018), remains indelible in my memory. The philanthropist and founder of Microsoft Corporation dwelt extensively on issues that can motivate development in third world countries like ours. His comments were penetrating. Gates submitted: “The most important choice Nigerian leaders can make is to maximise the country’s greatest resource, which is the people. Nigeria will thrive when every Nigerian is able to thrive.

If you invest in their health, education, and opportunities - the human capital we are talking about today - then they will lay the foundation for sustained prosperity. If you don’t, however, then it is very important to recognise that there will be a sharp limit on how much the country can grow.�

Gates tried to redirect this country to the path of sustainable progress by urging our governments to spend more on human capital development instead of splendor projects.

For Gates, the present economic templates in Nigeria lack the ability to address the unique needs of Nigerians. This applies to governments at all levels in this country. Gates believes Nigeria has the ability to attain upper middle-income status like Brazil, China and Mexico, but achieving this status depends on the choice Nigerian leaders make.

I had to properly situate what constitutes growth with the Gates epistle, to elucidate the misnomer going on in Rivers State.

Gates’ words are words of wisdom. To attain development, projects must be inclusive and people-oriented. Government must touch the lives of the masses of the people directly with quality healthcare, education, water supply and passable inner roads.

Unfortunately, governments in this part of the world do not listen to such words of wisdom. This is the scenario playing out in Wike’s Rivers State. This governor has largely concentrated on splendor projects.

This is why he is spending over N53 billion on flyovers. Wike is building very expensive flyovers and multi-lane city roads while public hospitals and schools are in tatters.

The citizens lack access to things as basic as public water supply and drivable inner streets, while billions are sunk into these flyovers. How many homes have access to public water supply in the whole of Rivers State? Perhaps, less than one per cent. Please, visit some public hospitals in Rivers State and you will weep for this state. Communities in Tai, Ogu/Bolo, Oyigbo and many other local government areas are gasping for breath.

Call him Governor Port Harcourt and you would be right. Wike spends a huge chunk of the state’s resources on the Port Harcourt /Obio Akpor axis. This is why roads in other parts of Rivers State have been ignored. When will he start constructing the road to Okehi in Etche Local Government that leads to Okpala in Imo State? When will Wike start constructing the road from Woji town, connecting Aleto-Alesa up to Port Harcourt Refinery junction? When will he start dualising the Igwurita-Etche Road down to the state’s boundary with Imo State at Igbodo? When will he start the construction of Tran-Kalabari Road? When will he dualise the Elele-Omoku Road? These are pertinent questions waiting for answers from Wike.

My dear Wike, I have a long list of dilapidated public schools across the state begging for attention. Please, renovate these three swiftly: Okrika Grammar School, Okrika LGA; Government Comprehensive Secondary School Nkoro, Opobo Nkoro LGA and Community Secondary School, Kalibiama, Opobo Nkoro LGA. Some institutions are dead and begging for revival like Joinkrama Grammar School, Ahoada West LGA; Kalabari Girls High School, Buguma, Asari Toru LGA and the Sports Institute of Rivers State (former Sea School) in Isaka, Okrika LGA. Just do something in these places listed.

I wonder why the rest of the state is just looking at Wike. Well, five contentious

Wike

flyover contracts have been awarded at Wike’s favoured axis and over N50 billion will go into them. These are the Port Harcourt GRA Junction flyover (N15.8 billion), Rumuogba flyover, Okoro-nu-Odo flyover, Rebisi flyover (the three will cost N21 billion) and Rumuola flyover, all at different levels of completion.

Wike is celebrating but honestly, in the real sense of it, these do not constitute developmental strides. I am concerned about the

opportunity cost. As lovely as the flyovers are, the opportunity cost is huge.

Wike can’t be building stupendous flyovers, multi-lane roads in Port Harcourt while the masses of the people in Rivers lack access to things as basic as public water supply, quality healthcare and drivable inner streets. Lovers of this state must be persistently blunt with Wike and demand for people-oriented projects. The oppressed masses of Rivers State must insist that Wike should do the needful.

In this same Rivers State, where flyovers will gulp over N50 billion, the state’s pensioners are struggling to survive due to huge unpaid annuities. Four weeks ago, they appealed to this governor to pay their four years arrears and gratuities to help them change their “pitiable living conditions�. Nothing has changed since then. The pensioners, in a statement by their spokesman, Lucky Ati, said some of them had not received one kobo from the state government since 2015. “We have written several letters to Governor Nyesom Wike to no avail,� said the pensioners. Yes, four years of unpaid pension and gratuities. That’s the situation in Wike’s Rivers State. It has been four years of pummeling hapless pensioners. This is man’s inhumanity to man. This garbage must not be happening in a state that has been spending billions of Naira on flyovers. Governor Port Harcourt should show some respect to these senior citizens. “This wicked act has become the living nightmare of senior citizens who are being punished for serving the state. These pensioners are dying in droves as a result of neglect,� remarked NLC President, Ayuba Wabba. He adds that Wike owes some workers up to seven months’ salaries.

It is also depressing to note that Wike has not paid promotion arrears to civil servants since 2015. February and March 2016 salaries of teachers in Rivers State have not been paid due to one garbage biometric

test this governor ordered. Health workers in Rivers State are still waiting for their October 2017 salary that Wike withheld due to their participation in the national strike by the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU).

Equally sad is the fact that thousands of youths in Rivers State are roaming the streets unemployed. Many have become touts due to joblessness. Wike should be working to harness these resources by motivating the creation of jobs instead of building flyovers.

Human capacity development is vital. This governor seems to have forgotten that he promised to employ 10,000 teachers during his campaigns in 2019. So, when is Wike engaging them? All his talks now are about building flyovers. He is even talking about building 10 of such before his tenure ends in his beloved Port Harcourt/Obio Akpor axis.

If flyovers can end traffic jams, then, Lagos State dotted with dozens of flyovers will be free from traffic jams. But the reverse is the case in Lagos. Wike can’t claim to be unaware of this. His flyovers will only ease traffic jam in Port Harcourt but cannot end it. He is not even thinking about how to complete the Port Harcourt mono rail project started by his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, for which billions of Naira has been committed.

Building new cities in Rivers State looks more like the most pragmatic way to reduce the pressure on Port Harcourt.

This governor should be using Rivers State’s huge funds to decongest Port Harcourt by improving infrastructure in places like Ahoada, Bonny, Etche, Ogoni and Degema, to create new cities.

Governor Port Harcourt must be forced to spread development in this state.

In the last five years, Wike’s projects outside the Port Harcourt/Obio Akpor axis are insignificant. Development of new cities will extend development to other parts of the state. Forces of good must join hands to stop Wike’s obsession with flyovers in the interest of the state.

Metering Should Precede Power Tari Increase Putting electricity meters in homes, offices and factories is a big deal in Nigeria because the power distribution companies (Discos) are enjoying the loot from estimated billings. They are unwilling to meter all consumers so that the exploitation can continue. I have always insisted that no electricity tariff increase should be approved for Discos until all consumers are metered. This is the only way supply would improve in Nigeria. By so doing, there will be no free money for Discos. They will have to provide the service to make money.

If all consumers are metered, Discos will desperately look for power from anywhere in order to earn their pay.

The truth is that all consumers in this country can be metered within six months by a single Chinese firm if they want it to happen. When Discos signed the purchase agreement in 2014, the pact was for them to meter all consumers within a year. But Discos want to continue exploiting majority of the people with estimated billings.

So, they tactically make it impossible for total metering to happen.

Discos have an ally in top politicians and the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) that approved an increase in electricity tariff for them across the country, effective last Tuesday, without first metering all consumers.

No forward-looking government will approve this without the universal metering of consumers. Unfortunately, the government at the centre that regulates electricity has compromised.

This government is more on the side

of the Discos than the consumers.

Our NERC is simply dancing in this direction. What a country! Electricity tariffs, through the Multi-Year Tariff Order, had been increased a number of times without improvement in services.

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba was apt when he said each hike in electricity tariff in Nigeria “is trailed by huge leap in the hours of darkness, de-metering of more Nigerians, exponential rise in incidences of estimated billings, and increased burden on citizens for the procurement of equipment and facilities for public electricity supply amidst other devious methods by DISCOs to cheat, exploit and despoil poor Nigerians.�

Another confusing dispatch from NERC states that consumers not enjoying quality supply will not be affected by the new tariff until January next year.

It said: “Following consultations and directions on tariff policy, the commission hereby approves a deferment of the applicable tariffs for customers in service bands D and E (that is customers with a service commitment of less than an average of 12 hours supply per day over a period of one month) for the period September 1, 2020 to January 1, 2021. Discos would only be allowed to charge those customers the new tariffs upon investments that improve the quality of service experience, thus migrating customers to higher service bands or another order of the commission.�

Our NERC is apparently unreasonable and muddled with their conclusion that the new tariff will

Power Minister, Mamman Saleh

be based on the hours of electricity available to customers. How will that work? Do they have the capacity to monitor this? Are they saying some areas will perpetually get low supply?

The Discos that I know will never bring down tariff when supply fails.

The fastest way to ensure stable electricity supply in Nigeria is to ensure all consumers are metered. Then, once power is not supplied, there will be no money to be paid to Discos. Once there is no free money, Discos will sit up. This is the way forward.

10

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾SEPTEMBER 5, 2020

NEWS

Police Nab Nollywood Actor, Gateman over Death of Female Co-tenant in Delta Exhume corpse inside compound Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba The police in Delta State have arrested a security man and an artiste believed to be a Nollywood personality in connection with the alleged murder of a 35-year-old Asaba-based businesswoman.

The two suspects allegedly conspired to murder the woman, identified as Miss Joy Obiageli Onekansi, alias Ada Jesus, who was a co-tenant with the artiste at 4, Anene Basua See, opposite the Cenotaph GRA in Asaba.

The duo allegedly buried the deceased face-down in a shallow

pit inside the compound about two weeks ago.

She was allegedly stabbed severally on the body and her throat slit before her remains which were packed into a bag and buried in the shallow grave.

THISDAY further gathered that the Nollywood actor, identified as Nonso Ekene, and the woman, who hailed from Okunzu in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, were the only tenants in the two-storey four flat apartment while the Niger State-born security man resided with his family at the gate house

within the premises.

Wailing family members of the deceased who besieged the house after the corpse was exhumed yesteray claimed that the late lady had reported twice at the Asaba GRA Police Station about unwarranted threat to her life by the co-tenant.

One of the victim’s sisters, who gave her name simply as Uche, said that the deceased was making her marriage plans, scheduled for December 2020, before she was declared missing.

According to Uche, “We all became worried after repeated

calls to get update of her proposed marriage plans as her telephone was switched off all these days.”

Nevertheless, luck ran out on the gateman when on August 26, 2020, he was caught while trying to escape with his family members using the late Ada Jesus’ Toyota Avalon car.

THISDAY learnt that the police intercepted him along Summit Road in the metropolis after the car ran out of fuel and the suspect was unable to produce the documents of the vehicle when the police demanded them.

Obiano Presents Car Gift to 130 Anambra Monarchs David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, yesterday, presented 130 brand new Ikenga IVM SUV vehicles made by Nigerian vehicle manufacturer, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) to 130 traditional rulers in the state.

The presentation is coming weeks after billionaire oil mogul, Prince Arthur Eze allegedly presented 12 Lexus 570 SUVs to 12 traditional rulers who were suspended for joining him to Abuja to see President Muhammadu Buhari.

Eze had also accused Obiano of ill treatment to traditional rulers in the state by refusing to give five per cent of the state’s revenue to the traditional institution as had been agreed by the federal government.

But Obiano while handing over the vehicle at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, the state capital, said it was to appreciate their efforts in en-

trenching development including security of lives and property at the grassroots.

He also commended them for overseeing the successful execution of the N20 million community infrastructure (choose-your-project) at their respective communities, assuring that his administration would continue to provide for the traditional institution.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Greg Obi, said the traditional rulers were the bedrock and foundation for government achievement in all areas of the economy.

Responding on behalf of the monarchs, the Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council and Obi of Onitsha, HRH Alfred Achebe tasked colleagues on unity and loyalty to constituted authority, while pledging unalloyed support of the traditional rulers to the government.

NIDCOM Denies Working with Foreign Countries to Deport MASSOB Members Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

CONTROVERSIAL CANDIDATURE...

L-R: Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; winner of the Bye-Election for Okigwe North Senatorial APC Primaries, Chief Frank Ibezim; and Imo APC Chairman, Prince Marcon Nlemigbo, who presented Ibezim to the Governor at Sam Mbakwe Exco Chambers, Owerri ... Yesterday

Man Saved from Suicide over Buhari’s Daughter

Buhari Endorses Akeredolu’s Re-election as APC Flags-off Campaign

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

The quick intervention of police yesterday, saved Abba Ahmed from committing suicide for losing his Social Media “love” for Hanan Buhari, daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Abba Ahmed (22 years old), final-year student of Accounting at Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano, was rescued by the intelligence officer of the Nigeria Police whose wise counselling made Abba to turn from committing suicide.

Ahmed who also deals in fabrics and textile materials at the popular Kantin Kwari Textile Market, said he was now ready to begin a new life with a woman she can call his own.

Hanan, on Friday, wedded Muhammad Turad Sha’aban, son of Damburan Zazzau and a former lawmaker, Honourable Sani

Sha’aban, in a low-key ceremony.

Abba’s posting had gone viral on his Facebook and Instagram handles, where he vowed to commit suicide if he failed to marry Hanan.

Spokesman of the Nigeria Police Force, Mr. Frank Mba, on getting wind of Abba’s posting, signaled Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Habu Sani, for the immediate invitation of Abba who resides in Kano.

Frank Mba spoke with Abba on phone for about seven minutes, advising him on the need to face better goals in future, than to commit suicide over a phantom marriage, borne out of infatuation, triggered by Social Media blues.

Abba, who regretted his actions after counselling by the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Habu Sani, also expressed his intention to join the police and serve his country, patriotically.

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja threw his weight behind the re-election of the Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, at the forthcoming Oct. 3 governorship election in the state.

The president gave his nod for Akeredolu’s re-election when the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Committee and the governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, along with some party leaders presented Akeredolu as the party’s candidate for the forthcoming poll.

Answering questions from journalists after the endorsement, Buni said the president’s blessing must be secured ahead of the take-off of APC campaign in Ondo State today.

“We are here today to present our candidate to Mr. President, being the leader of the party for his blessing.

That has always been the practice.

We cannot kick-start our campaign without his endorsement and that is what we have just done,” he said.

According to him, Buhari endorsed Akeredolu because he was aware of the level of his performance in the last four years in Ondo State.

Buni who claimed that APC was the only party that could win election in Ondo State because Akeredolu had performed, also claimed that the people of the state could trust him with their mandate for another four years.

Furthermore, he said what they looked forward to had been the president’s endorsement, support and encouragement which he said they eventually got.

“Like I have earlier said, Mr. President has endorsed him and he commended him for his efforts in the last four years as he is aware of the transformation and the development he has made in the last four years.

Okowa Swears-in 3 Judges, Advocates Speedy Justice Dispensation Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, yesterday in Asaba, swore-in three new Customary Court of Appeal judges for the state, urging the judiciary to make speedy dispensation of justice at all times its watchword.

The new judges sworn-in were Dele Okafor, Grace Abanre and

Jessica Gberevbie.

While congratulating the new judges on their elevation, Okowa underscored the point that their personal integrity and years of experience earned them the appointments and charged them to bring their wealth of experience to bear on their respective new assignment.

The governor also thanked

the Delta State Chief Judge, Justice Marshall Umukoro and President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Stella Oghene, for their commitment to ensuring speedily dispensation of justice in the state.

With the appointment of the new judges, the Customary Court of Appeal in the state can now function more efficiently, he stated,

noting that their number was few and sometimes difficult to constitute a quorum.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to partnering the judiciary to ensure speedy dispensation of justice, adding that that arm of government would soon begin to operate in autonomous capacity as the legislative arm.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has denied the allegation it was working secretly with some agents of foreign countries to arrest members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) in diaspora and deport them to Nigeria for persecution and prosecution.

MASSOB had in a statement titled, “Security agents killing our members secretly,” alleged that NIDCOM was being used to crack down its pro-Biafra groups leaders in the diaspora.

But, the Chairman of the commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement issued yesterday

by NIDCOM Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Mr.

Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the commission was not established for the deportation of Biafrans.

She added that the Commission was for all Nigerians irrespective of their tribes or religious inclinations as enshrined in the Act of the Parliament setting up the Commission.

Dabiri-Erewa said, “The attention of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), and her Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has been drawn to a malicious, mischievous and fabulous story where the leader of the proscribed Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Uchenna Madu, falsely alleged that NIDCOM is the medium being used by the Federal government to forcefully deport persecuted Biafrans.

Lai Mohammed Charges New CEOs of Govt Agencies to Justify Appointments Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has challenged the newly-appointed Chief Executive Officers of some agencies under the watch of the Ministry to consider their appointment by Mr. President as a call to national service.

He gave the charge in Abuja yesterday at his maiden meeting with the CEOs, where he tasked them to work hard to justify their appointments.

Mohammed specifically urged them to key into the nine-point agenda of the Administration, identified to guide the policy directions over the next few years and to achieve national development.

“You must consider your appointment by Mr. President as a call to national service, and you must work hard to justify it. A starting point is for you to ensure that the activities of your agencies key into the nine priority areas of government.

“Of particular relevance to your various agencies, especially those in

the culture and tourism sectors, are priorities one, which is to build a thriving and sustainable economy, and two, which is to enhance social inclusion and reduce poverty,’’ Mohammed said, adding that the Ministry of Information and Culture is already working on these areas through its reform of the Creative Industry and the efforts to put in place a standard Audience Measurement System.

Describing the new CEOs as round pegs in round holes, he said they were carefully selected based on their respective track record of achievements, competence and years of dedication to duty.

He said the CEOs are joining a government that is doing so much with so little, especially at a time of dwindling resources due to the sharp fall in the price of oil and the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on global economies.

He said in spite of the challenges, the government had remained steadfast in carrying out massive infrastructural renewal in the areas of roads, bridges, rail and power, among others.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5, 2020 • T H I S D AY

11

12

Í˝Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

ELECTRICITY TARIFF, FOOD AND PETROL PRICE HIKE Who will bankroll Nigerians? asks Fredrick Nwabufo

T

he Buhari administration has ruptured the ceiling of liberties it enjoys. Like King Solomon in his last uneventful years, the government has compounded the yoke of the people with the rocketing of the prices of essential commodities. It appears the administration has lost its sensory organ and has become insentient to the ‘’wailing’’ of citizens. And like the Israelites in the twilight of a failing Solomon rule, Nigerians are seeking another “messiah’’.

Just five years ago, President Muhammadu Buhari made overtures of blunting the economic perils Nigerians endure.

He seduced citizens with the promise of humbling the dollar and arresting the price of petrol. Buhari once famously said: “Who is subsidising who?’’ This was in reaction to the fuel subsidy controversy and the intransigent price of petrol.

Initially, the president was very unequivocal about retaining the price of petrol. On different occasions, he insisted that the price of the product will not be increased to attenuate citizens’ burden. Perhaps, he did not understand the economics of the oil industry or he was just making political statements. Also, it could be that his genuine intentions do not dovetail with the realities of the oil market – this rests solely on ignorance.

Nigerians took to the streets in January 2012 when the Jonathan administration announced a hiked petrol price. The mass action wore on for weeks. Some of the appointees of the Buhari government were the dramatis personae of that protest. The Buhari campaign seized the citizen angst and deployed it for political advantage in 2015. There were posters of Buhari promising to slice the price of petrol to N87 from N97. Today, the price of the product is about N160 per litre in the retail market.

Really, I submit to allowing market forces govern the price of commodities – in deference to the principles of a market economy. I also believe that the fuel subsidy regime deserved to be couped and banished. It was an egregiously corrupt system. However, my grudge against the current administration and I think that of many Nigerians as well is its insincerity. The government was never honest about its intentions; all its promises were just a gambit. And it has reversed itself in plethora of pledges and aborted its contract with citizens.

Also, these are perilous times for Nigerians. Citizens have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unemployment rate is at its highest – 27.1 percent -- and businesses are shutting down and furloughing workers. Who will bankroll Nigerians? It is a contradiction, that while the prices of commodities soar, there is no form of safety net for citizens.

Yes, while we allow market forces to play, it is the duty of the government to protect citizens from the crushing effects of this free-for-all – as it is the case in other market economies.

But instead of frontally addressing the economic fallout of the pandemic, the government busied itself with programmes such as -- feeding school children at the waning of the

WHILE WE ALLOW MARKET FORCES TO PLAY, IT IS THE DUTY OF THE GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT CITIZENS FROM THE CRUSHING EFFECTS OF THIS FREE-FOR-ALL – AS IT IS THE CASE IN OTHER MARKET ECONOMIES

lockdown – in which over N500 million was wolfed down.

Let us even assume that the children were even fed, have their hunger pangs ceased? Were they given the bread of life?

This is simply deodorising a problem instead of surgically attacking it. Lack of access to jobs, education, and growth opportunities foregrounds poverty and hunger.

And while the government was administering the “COVID-19 lottery�, its agencies were going after Nigerian businesses which ordinarily should be protected from the perils of the pandemic. NIPOST announced a new licensing regime for the post and delivery sector, mandating businesses to renew their licence with N20 million. The agency backed down after an outcry by citizens, but this does not obviate the general insensitivity of the government.

A thinking government will identify real businesses (especially SMEs) afflicted by the pandemic and intervene seminally; not this conjuring by the ministry of humanitarian affairs. It is even more complex when the government cannot aggregate the data of businesses needing a lifeline in the country. The economic interventions by other governments in countries in the throes of similar health crisis have been heavily on SMEs. But instead of protecting businesses, the government is over-burdening them with taxes and tariffs in the heat of a meltdown effectuated by COVID-19. Nigerians need a stimulus not asphyxiation. What has the administration done for Nigerians and their businesses this period? This is the reason for the pushback and outrage over the electricity tariff and petrol price hike. To Nigerians, the government would rather tax than help them through a rough patch.

Really, it appears the response of the government to the concerns of citizens is tax and tariffs. Even if the price hikes are natural, the question still is, what is the government doing to protect Nigerians, especially the poor? I believe Nigerians will pay whatever tax or price there is to pay, if there is an enabling system for their business to thrive and opportunities for jobs and growth.

The concomitant effect of the petrol price hike is the ballooning of the price of foodstuff and other essentials. This is why Nigerians are wailing. If there was a means to afford an adjustment in their lifestyles or living conditions, they would not be railing against it. No job, no business and no medium of survival. How do you extract a toll from a broke man? He can only pay with his blood – and that is by a revolt.

The Buhari administration has failed to “bankroll’’ Nigerians where it matters. Instead of spreading prosperity, it is promoting and perpetuating poverty. The administration will remain an asymptote of hypocrisy and deception long after it is gone.

Nwabufo is a writer and journalist

UNDER PRESSURE FROM ALL SIDES

Waheed Odusile writes that Femi Fani-Kayode was simply replicating similar attacks on journalists

I

recall series of incidents I had been involved in the course of my nearly 40 years career as a journalist, similar to the encounter between Femi Fani-Kayode, a politician and Eyo Charles, a journalist.

At the height of the apartheid regime in South Africa, the then British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, a strong supporter of the white only government in South Africa, was in Lagos on a flying visit. She had earlier been in Kano where she dodged Nigerian journalists. In Lagos we were prepared, or should I say, I was prepared for her. I was Airport Correspondent for Concord Newspapers. Her visit, which had divided opinions in Nigeria came on the heels of the removal of Prof Bolaji Akinyemi as Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister by Ibrahim Babangida. It was rumoured then that Prof Akinyemi was against her visit because of her stance on apartheid, so IBB had to remove him first for the visit to take place, we were made to believe. This prepared the ground for my encounter with Thatcher. We were warned by presidential guards not to do anything funny or step out of bounds. To me, that was rubbish!

Thatcher arrived aboard a BA flight, and had a meeting with Babangida. On her return, her convoy arrived the Presidential Lounge with IBB, who proceeded to see her off to the waiting BA aircraft, without even a pause to either acknowledge or take questions from waiting journalists. Very much unlike IBB and his other foreign visitors. I was worried that my opportunity to ask the Iron Lady some salient questions was slipping away. But I was determined not to let it slip. I bided my time waiting for the slightest chance. I followed them as they moved towards the aircraft. As a familiar face known to the presidential BG boys, they allowed me to follow few metres behind. Since it wasn’t a state visit, there was no official departure ceremony. So after exchange of pleasantries, Thatcher proceeded to the aircraft, as she was about stepping on the gangway, I jumped in front of the dignitaries, close to her, to the surprise

of everyone present, and almost shouted: “Why are you dodging Nigerian journalists?

Why are you supporting apartheid? Why are you so wicked?� Series of questions at the same time, within few seconds. Thatcher was surprised and at the same time angry.

She looked at me contemptuously, turned, climbed the gangway and entered the aircraft. She turned again and waved to IBB. And that was the end of the matter. Needless to say I was happy and felt fulfilled as I left for my office to file my story, even as I was given a stern warning by the BG boys never to attempt such again as it could be fatal. I took the advice.

At another time, another foreign visitor came to Nigeria and I had a near similar encounter. President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe was at the NIIA to give a lecture, by that time he had spent close to two decades or more in power. I was in the audience. When it was time for questions I indicated I wanted to ask a question and was recognized. “The problems of Africa are caused by sit-tight leaders like you. What are you still doing after about two decades in office?� I asked Uncle Bob. You needed to see the annoyance and irritation towards me in his face, but he gave no response. He called for the next question. At the end of the lecture, nobody rebuked me for asking the question. Lots of my colleagues and even dignitaries present commended me for my courage.

Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas is a man with a short fuse. As Minister of Aviation under Babangida, he had a running battle with the MD of Nigeria Airways (can’t remember his name now) then over fixing air fare. He addressed a press briefing at the airport to state his side of the story. During the briefing there was a heated exchange between us as I challenged some of his actions as ultra vires which he didn’t take kindly to. He abused me saying all sorts of things, including that I was being paid to ask those questions. I ignored him. I filed my story devoid of the abuses. The story made front page of National Concord the following

day. Few days later, I got a phone call from his Press Secretary, a certain Okemeri, an elderly man, that Douglas was inviting me to his office, which I declined. The elderly man was my friend and he pleaded with me to honour the invitation as his job was on the line. On a second thought, I accepted. On the appointed day, Okemeri ushered me into Douglas office and the first thing the minister said once he had sent the press secretary away was “thank you�.

He told me how my story helped his case against the MD when IBB summoned him after reading my story. He was happy that I didn’t mention the heated argument we had, and commended my sense of fairness and professionalism. I didn’t say anything.

Though he didn’t expressly apologize for his utterances at the press briefing, I could see that he was genuinely sorry.

Commander Okhai Akhigbe as he then was, when he was governor of Ondo State, was at the airport several times and on each occasion granted interviews to the correspondents especially during his crusade to get the commodity boards scrapped by IBB. He wanted the Nigerian Cocoa Board scrapped. We reported his position extensively and at the end of the day IBB scrapped the commodity boards.

He was happy. During one of his visits to Lagos after, I asked him a tough political question which I can’t remember now and he became hostile, accusing me of being sponsored by my publisher then, the late Chief MKO Abiola. I ignored him but my colleagues asked him who was sponsoring us when we were writing the Cocoa Board stories.

AVM Dominic Bello, a former Chief of Air Staff was at one time Executive Chairman, Nigeria Airways. During his tenure, the airline made a controversial purchase of a DC-10 aircraft which divided opinion in the industry. Stories were flying around about some underhand dealings in the purchase as well as the shopping spree the airline staff who went to the US to receive the aircraft were engaged in. The press corps at the

airport was ready to confirm this and other stories once the aircraft arrived. I was there with my colleagues on the D-Day and we were able to get on board before the people disembarked and truly there were all sorts of things purchased by the staff, including car tyres. As I made my way inside the aircraft to confirm the goods on board, I saw Bello’s military assistant, a certain Squadron Leader carrying two big luggage, one on each hand. On seeing me, he put down the luggage and shouted “what are you doing here�. Before I could say a word, he slapped me and I was more shocked than surprised.

My immediate thought was to react in similar fashion but I thought that would be dangerous, with the number of security men around him. I verbally protested as I disembarked from the aircraft. Of course the assault was well reported the following day and it became an issue between the Lagos NUJ and Nigeria Airways. The management of Concord Press vehemently protested.

I had gone this far to narrate few of the similar experiences I had in the past, first to restate as others have said that Charles had done nothing wrong and that FFK action was outrageous.

Second, I need to state also that Charles and our colleagues present at the event, by not challenging or responding to FFK in similar fashion had also not done anything wrong, instead, they should be applauded for showing maturity. And I would like to borrow Michelle Obama words here, “when they go low, we go higher�.

This is the time for the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) comprising the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), to reassert the powers, relevance and importance of a free media in the society, especially one that claims to be a democracy.

Odusile is former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists

13

Í˝Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Maintain the peace...

TO OUR READERS /HWWHUV LQ UHVSRQVH WR VSHFLÂżF SXEOLFDWLRQV LQ 7+,6'$< VKRXOG EH EULHI ZRUGV DQG VWUDLJKW WR WKH SRLQW ,QWHUHVWHG UHDGHUV PD\ VHQG VXFK OHWWHUV DORQJ ZLWK WKHLU FRQWDFW GHWDLOV WR saturdayeditor@thisdaylive.com :H DOVR ZHOFRPH FRPPHQWV DQG RSLQLRQV RQ WRSLFDO ORFDO QDWLRQDO DQG LQWHUQDWLRQDO LVVXHV SURYLGHG WKH\ DUH ZHOO ZULWWHQ DQG VKRXOG DOVR QRW EH ORQJHU WKDW ZRUGV 7KH\ VKRXOG EH VHQW WR saturdayeditor@thisdaylive.com DORQJ ZLWK WKH HPDLO DGGUHVV DQG SKRQH QXPEHUV RI WKH ZULWHU

Edo Poll and Campaigns of Violence

I

t is quite unfortunate that in this age and time, political analysts and stakeholders are still preaching the gospel of issue-based campaigns and citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; agenda ahead of important governorship elections. This goes a long way to question the growth of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s democracy in the last two decades.

From 1999 till date, political campaigns have been characterized by calumny, mudslinging, and name-calling amongst another needless charade that will not in any way benefit the citizens. It is even more ill-fated that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the same set of major political parties that are setting the pace for citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; agenda.

The Edo State Governorship election is barely two weeks away. Despite the fact that the two major political parties contesting the elections have led the state at different juncture, rather than reeling out their achievements to the citizens, the campaigns have been reduced to personalities.

Political analysts and election observers have continued to raise serious concerns over the nature of campaigns and vile attacks on political opponents and supporters. This has indeed heated the polity ahead of the elections that are expected to be keenly contested.

For instance, Yiaga Africa, a foremost election observer group in Nigeria recently released a pre-election survey which showed that due to physical violence, the proliferation of arms and activities of cultists, at least 13 out of the 18 local government areas in Edo State are potential hotspots. This is not in any way to raise alarm but to underscore the importance of early warning signals to prevent escalation of violence before, during, and after the elections.

While politicians continue to soil their hands in the mud of violence, voter inducement has virtually become a norm just like in previous elections. Vote-buying and selling simply depict two unpleasant messages.

First is the fact that politicians in power are simply confirming that they have not done enough to retain power or while the opposition do not have good governance agenda on offer. Secondly, it implies that citizens have resigned to the fate of democracy without dividends; as a result they see their PVC sale as the only means to feel the â&#x20AC;&#x153;impactâ&#x20AC;? of government.

Again it is unfortunate that politicians are yet to device the best ways to win the hearts of citizens despite being around for quite a while. Thus their resolve to strong-arm tactics and violence to undermine the process while going as far as manipulating state security apparatus against the will of the people as seen in previous elections. As a matter of fact, election observer report revealed that security agencies violated many peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s human rights and abused citizens in the name of enforcing curfew or government regulations on COVID-19.

Speaking of COVID-19 which seems to have become the world reality, there have been serious concerns about adherence to healthy guidelines to prevent the spread of the pandemic while others complain about knowledge of such guidelines. As all stakeholders grapple with potential violence, malpractice, and voter inducement, the entire

process is a potential threat to the general public health if effective measures arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t adopted.

If there is indeed sincerity in the call for credible elections, every stakeholder has an important responsibility and must answer to any anomaly in their sector.

For instance, a security agent, be it a commissioner or divisional police officer must not just be proactive to prevent violence but must bear the consequences of any lapses experienced. At this point in time, there is a need for curtailment of the use of firearms and other weapons and ensure appropriate sanctions for those implicated in thuggery and violence.

Similarly, the police and other security agencies must employ preventive measures to neutralize existing security threats in Edo to enable the voters to exercise their constitutional right to vote in a peaceful and a secure environment.

And just as important as every other recommendation, given the pervasive threat to safety and security in the Edo election, the federal and state governments should desist from partisan use of the police and security forces to manipulate the electoral process.

As for the politicians, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most pathetic they know what is right but desperation for power has always been the drive rather than a credible process. Political parties and candidates should subject themselves to public scrutiny on their campaigns through debates, town hall meetings, and direct public engagement. They should also at least take a step further in campaigns by conducting voter education on INECâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policy on voting amidst COVID-19 as part of their role in increasing voter turnout in elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission should by now realize that they have their work cut out for them.

Moshood Isah, Media OfďŹ cer, Yiaga Africa

A World Tending Towards Bipolarity

B

ipolarity. Duality. Parity. Antimatter. The subject matter of physics tells us that in nature the idea of symmetry or mirror image is fundamental. This fact is now much of a cinch in geopolitical relations and global politics. In the modern world, defined by the entry-period of the 20th century to the present, the emergence of a single superpower in the shape of the US after the demise of communism was a situation that could not be tenable, akin to â&#x20AC;&#x153;short-lived eventsâ&#x20AC;? in particle physics. This singular monolithic behemoth re-structuralisation was soon toppled by an assertive Russia (a component of the former USSR) and an emerging China plus other â&#x20AC;&#x153;annoying sidekicksâ&#x20AC;? that can cause real discomfort and consternation. The pattern that is now emerging on the global scene, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;scenario,â&#x20AC;? is one in which Russian heads a political and military alliance of a host of â&#x20AC;&#x153;contra-Westâ&#x20AC;? regional players like China, North Korea, Turkey, Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba.

This alliance, not rigged to the principles of true democracy and human rights, and lacking the template and models for a true free-market economy, becomes the bogeyman of the New World Order that desires to eliminate world poverty and free mankind from any kind of bondage. This Russo-centric alliance cannot be ignored because of its nuclear-armed military. Presently, Turkey is gravitating towards an emerging alliance of this nature and this Turkey is strategically-positioned to threaten pro-America Europe. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an emerging bipolar world out there right now to hold mankind down for another millennium or so. Black/white; good/bad, light/dark, etc. Now, it is clear for us to see how real â&#x20AC;&#x153;born againâ&#x20AC;? folks who suffer persecution understand their tribulation.

Matter/antimatter. Christ/Antichrist.

T H E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

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

Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State

Facing up to Facebook

I

see, in a newspaper, that Facebook is going to block Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s news feeds.

This is a result of the Australian attempt to make online sites, including Facebook, pay media companies for the content they include in their news feeds.

Oh well, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll just have to read the reliable newspapers, listen to the mostly reliable radio news or watch the semi reliable tv news.

So, no change for me and many others.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

14

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ SEPTEMBER 5, 2020

SUPER SATURDAY Ibukun Awosika Makes Movie Debut Banker, author and motivational speaker, p Ibukun Awosika as the surprise p cast of Kunle Afolayan’ y s new movie ‘Citation’, is special p as she bears her real name while playing the role of a university faculty dean, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Dr. Awosika Dr

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ SEPTEMBER 5, 2020

15

SUPER SATURDAY Ibukun Awosika Makes Movie Debut

Dr. A D Awosika ik on sett off ‘Citation’ ‘Cit ti ’ with ith Lola L l Maja, M j makeup k artist ti t

A

t the commencement of filming g for his forthcoming g movie – Citation sometime in January y this y year, famed filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan y had left not a few people p p wondering g as he held under wraps p the identity y of a top pp personality y as p part of the cast which he p promised to reveal later.

Afolayan y who then disclosed that his crew would film “Citation” with the new Canon EOS C500 MarK II camera, being g the first time anyone y will use the high-tech g device (recently y launched) in Africa, further fueled the buzz around the movie.

Well, the multiple-award p winning g filmmaker kept p true to his promise p last Monday. y He unveiled Dr. Ibukun Awosika as the surprise p cast during g an exclusive screening g of the movie. Interestingly, gy Awosika who makes her debut with ‘Citation’ is special p as she bears her real name while playing p y g the role of the dean of a university y faculty, y overseeing g the senate panel p hearing g a case of alleged g sexual harassment. “Citation special p appearance pp p – meet Prof. Ibukun Awosika, p played y by y Dr. Mrs. Ibukun Awosika,” Afolayan revealed in one of his Instagram g posts. p Afolayan y added: “While observing g the COVID-19 preventive p measures at the exclusive screening, g it was an honour to welcome both the principal p p authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University y and friends of the institution. This was the moment we unveiled our surprise p cast. Playing y g the role of the university y faculty y dean, heading g the senate p panel hearing g of Moremi (Temi Otedola) and Lucien (Jimmy-Jean y Louis), we present p Dr. Mrs. Ibukun Awosika!” Already, y the ‘sex for grade’ g ‘Citation’ is packed p with a sterling g cast of veterans and practitioners p in Africa movie industry. y Some of the cast include Joke Silvia; Haitian-

French actor and model, Jimmy y Jean-Louis; Ini Edo; UK-based Nigerian g fashion and lifestyle y blogger, gg Temi Otedola; Yomi Fash-Lanso; Ghanaian actor, Adjetey j y Anang; g Gabriel Afolayan; y man of Ivorian theater, Bienvenu Neba; veteran broadcaster and actor, Sadiq q Daba; upcoming p g Nollywood y actress, Bukunmi Oluwashina; FrenchIvorian actor and screenwriter, Raymond y Reboul; theatre educator, Toyin y Bifarin; amongst g others.

Unveiling g Ibukun Awosika, who is the Chairman of First Bank, as the surprise p cast, Afolayan y explained p that decision to star Awosika, an author, motivational speaker p and entrepreneur, p dates back 2018. “It all began g in 2018 with the p pre-production p of Citation, then the production p in January y 2020, and now the 30th of August, g we officially y had the first private p screening g of Citation at Obafemi Awolowo University y (OAU)…

“Why y OAU? Well, not only y was Citation shot at the University, y but our surprise p cast is an alumnus of the school.” Afolayan y also added that the choice of Dr. Awosika was due to her leading impact p in women’s leadership p and advocacy. y “You may y know her as the chairman of First Bank Nigeria, g an entrepreneur, p an author, or a motivational speaker, p but we know her for what she represents p – women’s leadership, p which is the sole objective j of Citation. Her actions and initiatives for change g in Africa and women empowerment is one to be desired.”

To Awosika, “the p physical y and psychological p y g effects of sexual harassment have a considerable toll on individuals and institutions in terms of cost. The effects can hamper p g growth and the potentials and can stop p p the victims from engaging g g g fully y in life. We must, therefore, (as stakeholders, governments, institutions of learning; g g p parents; media, etc.), collectively rise against this menace

and never let the deplorable p behavior of sexual harassment to fester.”

Expressing p g her delight g in the movie, she said: “I remain upbeat p about this p project j – being gp part of a collective g goal to continually y keep p dreams and hope p alive; sacrificing g and holding g strong g to our commitment to reignite g the lost values. The casting experience p has been very y enriching g and impactful p to me. I am delighted g to be amongst g the very y amazing g cast in such an intriguing and brilliantly scripted p movie.”

Exploring p g a subject j of social decadence in the educational sector, the new movie ‘Citation’ is a university y drama about a female p postgraduate g student who has to find a way y of dealing g with the awkward situation of sexual harassment from a lecturer. Citation is not jjust about the act of sexual harassment; rather it’s centred on how to address such situation in the University. y It aims to empower p women to become successful and stand up p for themselves at every yp point.

Written by y Afolayan’s y long-standing g g business partner, Tunde Babalola, ‘Citation’ tells the story p y of Moremi Oluwa, a fun-loving g 21-year-old y student on campus p in Nigeria. g Incensed at being g ill-treated by y a trendy y university y don, Lucien N’Dyare, y she drags g him before the University y Senate. The ensuing g intrigues g define Moremi’s words against g that of the respected academic, in a male-dominated terrain.

In partnering p g with Ford Foundation and other support pp g group, p the ‘Citation’, apart p from its thematic p premise, will attempt p to p project j Cape p Verde, being g one of the movie locations, to Nigerians g and the rest of the world while also establishing g film and cultural affinity y between the two countries.

‘Citation’ will be available for private screenings in September and October, 2020.

16

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER Ëž ÍłË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

TRIBUTE

The Elevation of Skymitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Segun Naiye Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2022;ĂŁĂ&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;ËŞĂ? Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?âĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;ĂŁĂ? ĂĄĂ&#x2019;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? ĂŁ Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x2018; ĂŁ Ă&#x201D; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;ĂŁ Í&#x201C;Í&#x161; ĂŁĂ?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2122;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x161; ĂŁ ĂŁ Ă&#x2018; Ferdinand Ekechukwu Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Peter Uzoho Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E;

O

n a recent Wednesday y morning, g the p premises of one of the fi first choice automobile giants, g Skymit y Motors Limited, on the ever busy y Bank Anthony y Way, y Ikeja j Lagos, g buzzed with excitement. The large g expanse p showroom which is the head branch of the 33-year-old y auto marketing g company, p y exudes freshness of the sleek cars as well as the glory g y hovering around them, and leaves one marveling about those eyecatching whip and wheels of wonder.

The day was special, very special. It was not about striking business deals neither was it about signing and receiving checks and all that marketing demands. At the Skymit boardroom situated at the first fi floor of the offi ffice complex was a special inau uguration ceremony of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new general manager, Mr. Segun Benjamin Naiye. Ordinarily, such inauguration would go unnoticed but that was a rare type of inaugural ceremony. It was a day to celebrate the rise from grass to grace and to reward the hard work and faithfulness of a loyal employee who has been steadfast with the company and has given his all to see to the growth of the company.

For the board of the company, it was a moment to reflect fl and recount the personality of Naiye, who has consistently and diligently served the organisation since joining them some good 29 years ago as a vehicle cleaner and has been a big part of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success story. Naiyeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey at Skymit fi fits well into a story of one wrestling with destiny; one who is determined to change the status of his family by starting small and by internall ising the immortal teaching about the dignity in labour. Laced with emotion, his citation at his inauguration as the substantive general manager of the automobile dealer, revealed that Naiye in 1991 walked into the premises of Skymit Limited, then located at 35. Opebi Road, Lagos, seriously looking for a menial job fi fit for a very young school certiificate holder.

He was fully aware of the situation at home and that gave him concern. But he was not scared to face life. In his quest to assist his parent to contribute to the upkeep of his family, he gladly and thankfully accepted to work as a vehicle cleaner, as offered him by the company. At the time, he relished his new-found job and never bothered about the lowliness or otherwise of his position as a vehicle cleaner. He never minded what his peers at the time would say. He had no inkling of what fate would turn out to be for him later. He neither knew that he would one day rise through the ladder of destiny to attain the proud position of general manager in a reputable company. His concern then was to work and earn his little stipend and help his parents and

Chairman of Skymit y Motors, Mr. Tayo Ayeni (left) presenting oďŹ&#x192;cial documents to Segun Naiye

siblings.

By dint of hard work, diligence focus, determination, and self-development, Naiye has been able to conquer 29 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; life challenges and attained this lofty height, an achievement that can never be over-celebrated. In his quest to develop himself further and be better positioned to cope in a 21st century work environment, Naiye attended the prestigious University of Lagos where he bagged a Diploma in Mass Communication; he went further to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Lagos State University. His undying quest for more knowledge and exposure led him into taking several online courses and programmes. All he achieved without any loss in enthusiasm or performance for his work.

Prior to his elevation to the post of the general manager, Naiye had served the company in several capacities, moving from Supervisor to Head of Operations at Moontrends (trading as Skymit), Operations Manager of the Victoria Island branch of the company; and Senior Manager, Sales and Marketing departt ment at the head offi ffice of the company. During his time as Head of Sales and Marketing, Naiye undertook several sales and marketing courses with Daimler AG locally and in Germany.

For serving the company faithfully and diligently, the board of the automobile dealer found him worthy to be elevated to the position of general manager to oversee the total operations of the company, and take it to the next level in the automobile marketing industry. Naiye is being admired by his colleagues, customers and the board of directors of the company because of his rare inspiration, and excellent attributes. He is not relishing his achievements and rewards alone as he is happily married to his dear supportive wife, Stella, a marriage blessed with lovely children.

Recounting his excellent attributes and the desire to win, his colleague and Head of Corporate Services, Skymit, Mr. Monday Obadan, who moderated proceedings during the inauguration, hinted on the scenarios that played out in Naiyeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favour in the 33 years old company, which led to the divine elevation to his destiny. According to Obadan, Naiye is the longest serving staff in the company who has more knowledge of the vision and mission of the founder and chairman of the company, instead of head hunting from outside. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Second, he has won back to back Most Valuable Staffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; awards severally. Thirdly, he heads a strategic department of Marketing and Sales. Fourthly, he represents a new, youthful and brighter future for the company in this age of technologically-driven economic and commercial activities. Lastly, it was a very smooth succession and transition borne out of consultation and consenn sus after the last general manager left to become an Oba, leaving a vacuum since four years ago,â&#x20AC;? Obadan would testify.

The Chairman of Skymit, Mr. Tayo Ayeni, said Naiyeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s promoo tion to general manager was in line with the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan of giving youth the opportunity to lead and take the marketing giant to the next level. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The company is about 33 years old. So what we are trying to do is to give young people opportunity to actually take charge and take it to the next level. So I expect him to work with his team and take the company to the next level as expected them to,â&#x20AC;? Ayeni enthused.

He said he has confi n dence in Naiyeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to deliver, adding, that â&#x20AC;&#x153;he has been with us for a while. He started from â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;car washâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to supervisor to manager. So he is experienced enough, and with the support of the management and his team in place he will deliver. I have confi n dence in him and his team.â&#x20AC;? The chairman however noted that despite the current COVID-19 pandemic the company has remained strong owing to its solid foundation.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Wada A. Maida: Sunset at Dusk Ali M. Ali

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every soul will taste deathâ&#x20AC;? Quran (3:185)

Iff y you love and care for f me, tell me while Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m alive.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t send me flowers f and write a poem when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m dead. -Allen Lazar

L

ate Malam Wada Abdullahi Maida seemed to live all his life mindful of this Quranic verse-that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every soul will taste deathâ&#x20AC;? Quran (3:185) And he chose his flavour very well. He chose the flavour of tolerance and patient. In surah Al Baqarah, Allah (SWT) said â&#x20AC;&#x153;O you who have believed seek help through patience and prayer.

Indeed, Allah is with the patient.â&#x20AC;? [2:153] In words and in deeds, late Maida was a man of patience and prayer.https://www.pinterest.com/fidaahhakeem/ In the nearly thirty years I have known him, he came across as a man with an inelastic tolerance and patience.

Supremely mild mannered, he lived, for the years I have known him,mindful that one day he will exit and so chose to be a man of peace and mild disposition. He was an unusual media leader.

His exit is a personal loss. He wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just the chairman of the Board of Peoples Media Limited publishers of Peoples Daily where I headed management for half a dozen years; he was a mentor and a father figure. My go to genie each time I ran into a brick wall. Never a day he failed to mentor or nudge me in the right direction. A profoundly decent human being. A dye-inthe-wool journalist and media manager. He made a rebuke or a reprimand looked so tender, you would be ashamed to go before him again. Mild mannered, soft-spoken, incapable of mouthing an unkind word that would disparage your self worth. I have worked with several highflying media leaders across five newsrooms nationwide, none came close to Maida in putting a leash on his emotion no matter the provocation or disappointment. In temperament and in disposition, it was

impossible to picture the deceased hurting a fly. If ever there was an â&#x20AC;&#x153;ice kingâ&#x20AC;?, late Wada Maida was it!

I will regret, forever, not penning a tribute when late Maida turned 70 last March. I merely sent him a text and wished more years in good health to which he characteristically replied almost immediately. I did however; tell him that I was going to write one when I became more collected, to which he was neither excited nor indifferent.

At the time Covid-19 was becoming a global pandemic. At home,there was a near national hysteria. So I deferred writing a tribute wrongly assuming we both had time. I assumed wrongly.

By April, I had become gravely ill .My home state was assailed by mysterious deaths. In one fell swoop; I lost long time colleagues, childhood friends, associates and a stepfather.

Composing a tribute therefore, took a backseat as I battled to survive myself. At the back of my mind, I knew that a tribute to Maida was a self-assigned task that must be accomplished. Days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months without deliverr ing. Now he is gone. I am doubly pained by procrastinating the tribute and by his sudden exit.

And here I am, paying homage to man who was the very definition of â&#x20AC;&#x153;toleranceâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;mentorshipâ&#x20AC;?. I am sad that he is not alive to read my tribute to his 70-year life trajectory and what he represented to me and a host of others in Peoples Daily and elsewhere in the media world where he impacted profundly.

When I was hired to lead the management, there wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really a â&#x20AC;&#x153;formalâ&#x20AC;? interview. Garba Shehu, my other mentor, who persuaded me to join People Media merely, asked me to see the late Septuagenarian who I first met in 1991 at a workshop organized by the Centre of Democratic Studies (CDS) in Bwari, in conjunction with the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE). Wada had just been elected president after Onyeama Ugochukwu of Daily Times. He was about 41.He was also the editor-in-chief of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). I was among a dozen handpicked reporters drawn from several media outlets nationwide. Garba Shehu nominated me from the Kano based Triumph.Wadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lanky frame decked in a suit flawlessly

delivered opening address that arrested my attention. That marked the beginning of being his â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;menteeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; even without his knowledge.

I used to go pay occasional visits to his office as Managing Director without any appointment and would be welcomed warmly. Our discussions invariably centered around the media with occasional mention of Shehu who was then Managing Director of the Triumph while I was editor of the broadsheet SUNDAY TRIUMPH. The Board of Peoples Daily was peopled by the likes of late Abba Kyari, late Halita Aliyu, late veteran journalist Rufai Ibrahim, Garba Shehu, Bilya Bala, Abdulmumuni Bello, Ibrahim Ismail and the late Ismaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ila Isa FUNTUA. Maida chaired this group of eminent persons. Abba Kyari and Garba Shehu had to resign when they got into government in 2015.

It was this Board that hired me not just an employee but also one with stake, a condition i set before I took the job and one which Maida agreed to gladly.

I reported only to the late patriarch. Board meetings can be stormy. Peoples Daily wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t different. Most times, management would be whipped silly; Maida was ever sympathetic and understanding to the chagrin of some of the members. His approach to dealing with Management was patriarchal. One year, the ever-censorious Board was so impressed that a formal commendation letter signed by the chairman was given to Management.

Late Maida was a teacher in the Boardroom as he was in the newsroom. Effortlessly scholarly without being gaudy, he was the sort that would nudge you in the right direction impercepp tibly without claiming credit. With his death, the tribe of media vets is further depleted. With the passage of late Ismaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ila Isa Funtua, Maida was the natural choice to fill in the vacuum of a bridge builder and peacemaker. That was not to be. Exactly four weeks after Funtua sudden passage, Maida followed in almost identical situation. Both died on a Monday in the night and were buried on Tuesday afternoon in same cemetery and prayers held in the same mosque. At 70,he had lived life to the full. May Allah grant him eternal rest and Aljannah Firdausi, his final abode. Adieu my chairman, till we meet again.

17

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͽË&#x153; 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Sharon Okpamen

Silently Conquering Her Turf Oreofe Williams Anytime I Watch My Movies, I Check Out for Technical Errors pg. 19

Mohammed Babangida, Rahma Indimi Back as One? pg. 21

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Í˝Ë&#x153; 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR Sharon Okpamen

Silently Conquering Her Turf Creative entrepreneur Sharon Okpamen is one of your new breed Nollywood personalities. Sharonforquitesometimenowmaintains low profile while conquering her turf. When sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not on set shooting or acting, Sharon could be seeing shuttling far away Europe shopping for business. The talented beauty enthusiast who hails from the great kingdom of Benin shares quite some interesting time chatting with Ferdinand Ekechukwu. She talks about the impact of her acting and filmmaking, her side hustles and future plans in the industry

Y

ou recently released a movie called Night Hustlers. How was the reception and is it the kind of movie you would want to make again?

Yes of course, the reception was good; I will like to make that kind of movie again because I am keen on lecturing the girl child that prostitution is not a way to success.

have come my way but I am one person that takes life easy. So, no matter what comes my way, I try to think it out of my head and plan for a way out because I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to suffer BP in my early or old age. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a very strong woman who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be broken by anything. Instead of any situation to bring me down then I learn from it to be stronger.

What are your low and high moments in life?

My high moment in life is when am acting or making movies and receiving awards get me fulfill. And my low moments in life is when am not acting or working or when am around people that are not helping my life, that gets me so down and unhappy because I like being busy one way or the other.

Several reports put your movie credits at over a 100. At what point in your career did you start producing your own movies and how many movies have you produced so far?

I started producing when I realised that I have so many lectures to give to the society through movie making. Being an actress will not make me achieve such dreams because I will only be acting according to the mindset of others.

Hence I came into the Benin movie industry as a producer in 2013. So far I have produced 15 movies on my platform, Sharonny Production Enterprise.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s this notion that majority of the girls from the south-south, especially from Benin who enter Europe end up prostituting.

What do you have to say of this being that you shuttle Europe and must have heard and seen a lot of girls there?

My opinion in respect to this question is that girls from south-south (Benin) that are tagged as prostitutes do not mean that every girl from Benin are prostitute.Am not saying this to defend Benin or because am from Benin. Please note: this prostitution that we are looking at from one side to Benin, does that mean that it is only the Benin girls that do prostitution outside Nigeria?

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to mention tribes. Do a research on your own to go round the entire countries.

If it is only the Beninâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that are into prostitution then you can tag the Benin girls as prostitutes.

There are all kinds of tribes prostituting around the world, so I will say it is a thing of choice.

In relation to your movie credits, how many movies have you featured in?

To be frank I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say exactly how many movies I have featured in because I have worked with so many producers starting since 2010 in Asaba to date, and am still working.

Can you give a catalogue of some of your movies so far?

The Great Servant, Touch Not My Grown, Take AFall, Eshikito, Enibokun nollose, Ovbieze Odehiomwan, Olighi, Night hustlers, Ighosusu, Uvbi nollose, Efosa, The Housewife, Avbakaosa Omomebo. Just to mention but a fewâ&#x20AC;Ś

What are your plans moving forward as a ďŹ lmmaker and who in the industry are you looking forward to working with?

My plan as a thespian and a singer is to use my career as a medium to correct the ills in the society, and to stand out to the up comers as a part way to success in this industry. Thus in respect to an icon in the industry that I look up to (Omotola Jalade) I will love to work with with her, either as an antagonist or protagonist, because her acting skills is so spiffy and her reactions and body gestures to every lines she deliver why acting is so natural.

What was your Nollywood journey like in the beginning?

I started my Nollywood journey in 2010, through the help of John Okafor popularly known as Mr. Ibu. I started my acting career in Asaba where I realised there was much work to do in the Benin movie industry. One of which to let the girl child know women have responsibilities just like the men, and cub the excesses in the society.

Have you got any awards recognition from acting and movie making?

The award I have received has made me to understand that my career as an actor and a singer is highly respected. So far I have got Best Producer of The Year, Best Actress in Lead Role; just two recognition awards.

What do you keep up with when you are not on set?

When am not on set, am always busy with my businesses.

Aside ďŹ lmmaking, what other businesses are you engaged in?

I am the CEO of Sharonnyglamorworld where I deal on human hair, clothes and all kinds of beauty accessories. So, aside film making, I frequently make shopping abroad to fill my

Sharon Okpamen

beauty home. Denmark is my best country to always visit. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good I add that my mum and family live in Europe.

and happy to be secured in Europe having a house in my name in Europe is a great plus for my hustle.

It was reported recently that you quietly joined the league of homeowners in Europe.

Tell us about this and how you feel being a property owner in Europe?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a dream come through for me, and I thank almighty God for making it possible and for the opportunity too. I feel great and fulfilled, though I still want more. But for now I am satisfied

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most difďŹ cult thing that has ever happened to you and how did you overcome it?

I have had so many difficulties in life that I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really point out one particular one that was more difficult, both the challenge in the industry and in my personal life, most especially in relationships with men. So many difficulties

Now we know Sharon as a ďŹ lmmaker and all that. But on the other side who is Sharon?Tell us your likes and dislikes; your hobbies; turn on, turn offs; your favourite food, favourite colour, and things like thatâ&#x20AC;Ś Sharon is team player; someone anybody can accommodate and can also accommodate anybody, a lady that loves entrainment. In as much as I love doing my domestic work, I enjoy being quite because I love to listen and learn and I love traveling. I do love to think back of what I went through and also plan ahead of what to do for the day. I love looking good and expensively to be precise, and love being with friends that inspire. I am a vegetarian, and my favorite colour is red.

19

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Í˝Ë&#x153; 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR Oreofe Williams

Anytime I Watch My Movies, I Check Out for Technical Errors In defining his own style, Oreofe William has carved a niche for himself in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faithbased entertainment. Although he would rather he is known as a movie maker and not a gospel movie maker, but his exploits in the gospel film industry are matchless. Highly talented, rugged and blunt to a fault, the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Awo Jesuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; star has toed the unusual line to beat all odds along the path to success. He shares with Omolabake Fasogbon his grass to grace story, his biggest dream to meet Hollywood legend, Tyler Perry, whom he calls his role model and his stance on archaic human philosophies popular in gospel movies

W

hen this reporter sighted his telephone number on one of his social media platforms, what came to mind was it was either his managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or his personal assistantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, but definitely not his direct line.

The reason for this guess is not farfetched.

With this mindset, this reporter went ahead to make an interview request via a whatsapp message. The feedback was apt and came from him as the owner of the line. His response and para language corroborates the popular comment about him as an unassuming yet uncompromising creature, not different from the character he portrays in front of the camera. He speaks about the consistency in character thus, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Arts or literature is a reflection of who we are. To know a writer, study his books.

To know a filmmaker, watch his films and you would have his ideologies before you.

I am quite rigid with things I believe in. A million people may be doing something else but once I am convinced on something else, I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bother about whoever believes it or not. I am a very blunt person. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see the truth and dance around it. Not sure I would make a good politician.â&#x20AC;?

Classic, absorbing and riveting are few epithets that capture his works. His carefully crafted works have successfully created impact that thousands of sermon might not generate in a very long time.

Little wonder that during the lockdown when worship centres were shutdown, many had looked up to his films to quench their spiritual thirst. But he says he exists to touch life beyond the spiritual sphere. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let me quickly clarify that I am an actor and not a drama minister. As a matter of fact, there is nothing like drama ministry because drama is just a talent and not a gift. A lot of people call me gospel movie maker, but I chose to be simply called a movie maker. I am a Theatre Arts graduate, which I studied to Phd level. So, I should be relevant in all spheres. The fact that I do gospel more does not restrict me to that space. I have done a lot of movies that are not gospel. Once a movie is promoting moral standards and condemning social decadence, whether secular or spiritual, then count me in.â&#x20AC;?

Change is one thing that this literary figure has had to live with to boost his profile. But the change story is not a smooth one. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Overtime Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come to realise that some old- time beliefs or say practices do not match todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s realities. The belief that gospel acts canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t relate with secular artistes is still strongly held onto by some colleagues. I refuse to succumb to such belief in present time. I strongly believe in professional collaboration that works.

Besides, feedbacks have shown that the audience likes it when secular and gospel artistes are combined in movies.â&#x20AC;? While this may not necessarily be a strategy to attract more audience, he pointed out that doing business with secular artistes make interaction easy and possible, but more importantly that his steps are divinely ordered.

Continuing on why adjusting to trend is relevant in his profession, he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;There

used to be a time when female believers are not allowed to wear trousers in Christian movies, I tell you that it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sell anymore. Haa! That was then o. We are more exposed now, especially by the reason of travelling outside the country. We now have some elders who have been able to see the other side of life. You know when you live in Nigeria and have not travelled, your views are restricted. But when you get out of the country and see a white woman praising God in trousers, will you have to condemn her because of her trouser? I mean God cannot be so bad that he will judge us by our culture. We need to understand that human-made philosophy cannot last forever. That is not to say that you should ignore Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s directive and follow other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s template. My idiosyncrasies have been largely and still being criticised but the fact remains that I am a realist.â&#x20AC;?

Taking a cue from Hollywood star, Tyler Perry, whom he fondly calls his role model, Oreofe has learnt to be self-dependent in a seemingly difficult clime. Apart from the fact that he repeatedly referenced him during this encounter, he hinted, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tyler Perry was able to do extraordinary things to get extraordinary result. Funding is a major hindrance to achieving quality here, yet, we are not ready to compromise quality despite this challenge. Most businessmen donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like to sponsor gospel movie because they prefer to look at it from business perspective and not evangelical. Yet, most of the entertainment shows organised in this country are being organised and patronised

by Christians. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have sponsors and like Perry, we have also decided to go extraordinary to achieve excellence. We discovered that most marketers were not honest with returns so I devised a selling strategy. We resorted to face-to-face marketing on the street, I also came up with the ideas of going to Churches, programmes and redemption camps. We also display our films anywhere we go to perform and this has really been fruitful. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even when I produced Awo Jesu, which was widely criticized because of the title, it got to a level where marketers were told not to sell the movie. We had to devise another strategy that got marketers begging us to release our movies. Today, technology has taken over marketing and we have also upgraded. We have the Oreofe Williams Life Fire TV on YouTube and other online platforms that we explore to market our works. As a budding artiste, Perry had no one to support him but today, he is widely celebrated. He is my role model that I would love to have as a mentor. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m longing to meet him someday.â&#x20AC;?

He again said asides physical challenges, sometimes, gospel actors have had to battle spiritual confrontations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Haaa! There are also a lot of spiritual confrontations.

I remember when we were on the set of Awo Jesu, we were attacked by a swarm of bees which of course wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t natural. But we overcame it. You will be surprised that these confrontations are from the so-called born again. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The battle against the brethren is from the brethren and it is the toughest battle that any Christian will fight. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you notice that General Overseers are mostly attacked by Christians?â&#x20AC;?

His well-crafted script and creatively

Oreofe Williams

interpreted roles are some of the attributes that got his fans standing by him. Appearing shy this time around, he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I give that to God. Again my background in stage play has really prepared me for today.

Anyone who started as a stage performer will definitely do better in films. I started stage performance on campus and one of the plays I staged then was Ogidiomo.

It was dedicated to the then governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel. More so, I live in a film village, a very quiet and lonely area that enable me concentrate and deliver a neat job. That has equally allowed my ideas flow undistracted. God, environment, people and location have been my source of ideas.â&#x20AC;?

As it is in secular movies, he drops that sexual harassment is not uncommon in gospel movies. Finding the question funny, he replies, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes it happens, but as for me,â&#x20AC;?...... he pauses and chuckles, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a very principled person o, you are not likely to see me as a friendly person if you are meeting me for the first time. For a lady to seduce me, haa! That is not likely to happen o, because you may not see me as a friendly person, although with time, I can be friendly but of course, I create boundaries.

But then, when a woman seduces a man and the man is not interested, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think the man should be able to fall for it. I have not had that experience before because I engage responsible ladies and women.â&#x20AC;?

Many times tempted, he recalls one of those occasions this way, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was once tempted to kill a local armed robber who came to my house in the middle of the night.

I wondered what manner of person will come to my house inside the forest to rob me. I concluded that he must be an animal and I summoned up courage to face him regardless. I eventually overpowered him and almost took life out of him before he escaped in his boxers. If I had killed him, I would have regretted.â&#x20AC;?

With over 40 films and many skits to his name already, he says his forthcoming movie â&#x20AC;&#x2122;February 30â&#x20AC;&#x2122; is his most challenging ever. The reason, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is because of the role I played. It is the role of a villain. I had to smoke so crazily and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t smoke in real life.â&#x20AC;?

For the youths mentor, his weakness is that he plays too much even with his rigid nature. He says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not working, I play a lot like a stupid man, I roll on the ground with my mentees. I also love playing chess because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a thinking game. I equally love to play football, though I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to play it. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m always at the losing end when I play with my mentees.â&#x20AC;?

Asked how he feels watching his movie, he answers, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anytime I watch my movies, I check out for technical errors and love to improve next time. I also get ministered to when I watch. I defamiliarise myself as writer to get blessedâ&#x20AC;?.

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Í˝Ë&#x153; 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR Bobby Michaels

Imo Still the Pride of Igbo Highlife Music From music to modelling to Nollywood and now Politics, Bobby Michaels could best be described as versatile. On stage, he is admired for his acting prowess; offstage, his fashion sense is adored. Recently, he was appointed as a Special Adviser on Entertainment to the Imo State Governor. In this interview with Chinedu Ibeabuchi, he shares his dreams on how he would grow the entertainment industry in the state

C

entertainment industry in the state is quite overwhelming and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be equaled. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been able to meet with the different stakeholders of the industry who have pledged their unalloyed loyalty & support to my office to enable us work tirelessly to ensure I succeed in the big task ahead. This synergy is such that we speak the same language which is the need to change the narrative in Imo Entertainment industry to enable us to create jobs and wealth and guarantee shared prosperity in line with the 3R initiative of the government.

ongrats on your appointment as Special Adviser on Entertainment to the Imo State Governor. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your plan for entertainment in Imo State?

First, I thank the most Distinguished Senator Hope Odidika Uzodinma for finding me worthy to pilot the affairs of the Entertainment Industry in the state. My plan is simply to revolutionise the entire entertainment industry in Imo state, hinging it on the 3R initiative of the government on shared prosperity.

What will Bobby Michaels like to be remembered for?

Certainly, I want to leave an indelible mark as a humble entertainer, who got on the job, used his Passion and skills to revolutionise the Imo State entertainment industry and took it to the desired level.

Imo State used to be the pride of the East in highlife music. Howâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your plan to revive this?

Of course! You can say that again. Imo is still the pride of Eastern Highlife music as we have our peculiar style of highlife music. As you know, we have our bongo music which is also peculiar to only Imo State and we are coming with a bang in the International Music Festival. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve put together to relaunch the state on the global map. The delay has just been this pandemic ravaging the whole world. We have laid out a plan that would get back to being the envy of the nation and Africa folk music.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your assessment of the cinema business in Imo? Cinema is growing in the state and needs to be encouraged. But the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the narrative and this is why the likes of Netflix is making so much profit. A lot of producers sell their films to their platforms these days as most people prefer to stay safe at home and watch the movies.

Is Bobby Michaels still acting or now fully into politics?

(Laughs) You know one can never leave his passion. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why my office would benefit so much from my passion which doubled up as my portfolio in the government.

You used to be on the other side of the game, using movies to tackle ills in govt.

How do you relax?

I relax by watching movies, especially Sanford and Son series. Those close to me would be laughing now. I also like to read biographies of great men and women who inspire me to humbly do more.

Bobby Michaels

Now that you are in government, what should the populace expect?

My office as the SA on Entertainment in the state is on a good course to bring the desired change that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always wanted to see. Besides, the plans, enabling environment and ease of doing business initiated by the governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership style, I would surpass my expec-

tations and put Imo entertainment industry and entertainers on the global stage.

Tell us your achievements so far in ofďŹ ce.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been quite an interesting time as I have been quite excited to have been given the opportunity to serve my dear state Governor Hope Uzodinma. This is a man whose vision for the

You love to look good. What drives your fashion sense?

I got my fashion sense from my dad. I think looking good is very natural for people in my family. My mum was a very fashionable woman and my dad is perhaps one of the best-dressed men I have ever known. Looking good is also very important in this business of showbiz. I take it very seriously and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why I am able to stand apart from a lot of my peers. People would sometimes say stuff like, if you want to look good and charming, go look up Bobby Michaels.

You were once into music also. Have you ďŹ nally retired from your music career?

My first call as an entertainer was my music.

Music is me and music is my world. I took a break from music to pursue my acting career not because I am done with it. I only took a break to reinforce my musical style.

NTA-StarTimes Declares N200bn not Missing, Ready for Forensic Audit Bennett Oghifo

The management of NTA-Star TV Network Ltd., a joint venture between the Nigerian Television Authority and the StarTimes Group, has said no money is missing from its coffers, contrary to claims by the Senateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Joint Committee on Finance and National Planning.

A statement signed by the PR Manager, StarTimes Nigeria, Lazarus Ibeabuchi said revenue generated by the company was used as operational cost, purchasing equipment and payment of salaries, adding that it was open to forensic audit of its finances and operations, as requested by the Senate Committee.

The statement said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also want to clarify that no revenue is missing as gross earnings have been repeatedly ploughed back into cost of production to cover cost of components, namely transmitters, equipment, generating sets and satellite; content acquisition; as well as operating costs, which include salaries and other running costs, incurred within our 10 years of operation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;NTA-Star TV Network Limited is a responsible corporate organisation, with our business activities conforming to statutory laws and regulations. Our accounts are audited by one of the big four audit firms in the world, widely known for their integrity and professionalism

in the audit field. Aside our statutory audits being carried out by external auditors, our financial activities are fully audited by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, (FIRS). â&#x20AC;&#x153;The loss in our operations over the years is as a result of the fact that our huge upfront investment is in U.S. dollars, and the longterm cost recovery has met brick-walls with successive years of naira depreciation. Pay-TV business is capital intensive and has a long gestation period.

More than 80 per cent of inputs into our operations are dollar-denominated. The naira fluctuations havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been favourable to the business, making it more and more difficult to

meet dollar-denominated obligations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We however regret the outcome of the Senate hearing, especially as it amounts to a media trial without proper due diligence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To this end, we are open to a proper investigation into our operations and financials, especially as we believe the company is run in a prudent, responsible and sustainable manner. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the support and trust of the public and business partners, StarTimes operating environment is fast improving, performance is rising, and our losses have been decreasing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe that as a going concern, we will eventually achieve profitability shortly and make greater contributions to society.â&#x20AC;?

21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Í˝Ë&#x153; 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Mohammed Babangida and Rahma Indimi

Mohammed Babangida, Rahma Indimi Back as One? It seems Mohammed Babangida and his estranged wife, Rahma Indimi, are back as husband and wife, after many years of feuding. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

T

he lingering marital faceoff between one of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s influential couples Mohammed Babangida and his estranged wife, Rahma Indimi has possibly been put to rest going by a statement credited to Rahma. For the chronicles, Rahma Indimi is the daughter of Maiduguri based billionaire and oil magnate, Mohammed Indimi, while Mohammed is the first son of former Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s military head of state, Ibrahim Babangida. It all began last Monday following a particular picture which surfaced online.

The picture which Rahma had earlier posted on her Instagram page had elicited report from a news site which insinuated that part of the images was cropped off. Throwback during the Sallah celebration in July 2020, Rahma was at the home of Ibrahim Babangida (her father in-law) where her kids and the kids of Mohammedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2nd wife, Umma, posed for a photo with their grandfather. The news site shared a report claiming she cut Ummaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children out of the photo in a way that only her own children with her ex-husband, Mohammed Babagangida, featured in the photo with the former Military ruler.

Reacting to the story, Rahama said that the story was false, that she and her ex-husband have reconciled. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How is this even news? Kaiiii, anything to make money abi? Well, first of all, there are three of my children in the picture not two; secondly I do not have my cowifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s permission to post her children and Muhammed specifically told me no social media. Muhammad and I have reconciled and we are in a good place so please stop sh**t stirring,â&#x20AC;? her post in part read.

At the height of their face-off, the duo had gone to court over who should have custody of their four children.

There are speculations that both of them are exploring the chances of coming back. But the custody battle for their kids is still ongoing. The next hearing comes up in two weeksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time. Recall that the 14-year old marriage between Mohammed, scion of the Babangida dynasty and his first wife/mother of his four children, Rahama, had crashed in 2016 as a result of myriads of problems according to multiple sources.

Back in November 2018, Rahama had taken to social media to accuse Mohammad of using money to secure full custody of their children. The billionaireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter, who had her kids taken from her since separating from hus-

band, said she would continue to fight till her last breath. She proceeded with a petition against Mohammed and sent it to President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Assembly Inspector General of Police (IGP), Director DSS, the Sultan of Sokoto, Supreme Council of Sharia in Nigeria, National Human Rights Commission and the President, Nigerian Bar Association, alleging numerous acts of arbitrary abuse of power and privileges

by Mohammed.

Growing up, Mohammedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first love was actually Umma, the daughter of Ambassador Aminu Wali. Like it is in aristocratic families, where matchmaking their children is the norm, Rahama was married to Mohammed with a view to cementing the relationship between the two influential families. But Umma was the woman who made his heart to flutter. His heart and thoughts remained with her. Thus when Mohammed announced, four years into his marriage with Rahma, that he would be taking a second wife, it was hardly surprising to his family and friends who knew he still held a torch for his first love, Umma.

Mohammedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision was duly supported by his super rich family whose wealth and contacts had earned them a pride of place among the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

privileged aristocrats. Being the heir apparent to the Babangida dynasty, the family left no stone unturned to ensure that the marriage was a grand affair. Consequently upon his second marriage in 2008, Rahama, the CEO of Deva Petals and Fashion Cafe, a luxury fashion platform in Abuja, moved out of her matrimonial home. Reason prevailed in 2010 after some months of initial grandstanding with Rahama returning after pleas from family members.

In 2016, however, the marriage broke down irretrievably, leaving Mohammed to concentrate all his energy on his childhood love, the result of which became manifest with the birth of a baby boy in 2017. Mohammed and Rahma got married in an epic wedding ceremony in the wake of an enviable and surreal courtship. As an expression of his love for her, Mohammed and his friends secretly flew ace American R&B artiste, Joe, to perform at their high octane celebrity wedding. Joe was her favourite artiste thus her groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s action meant everything to her. That love gesture left Rahma speechless, overwhelmed by Mohammedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expensive display of love; she never imagined that he would invite Joe to perform at their star-studded wedding ceremony.

22

Ë&#x153; Ëž SEPTEMBER 5, 2020

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

BY

EBERE WABARA

Poor Reading Habit

L

ET me whet (not â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;) your appetite: what will you do if approximately N600 million is credited to your bank account â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;in errorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;President Muhammadu Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administration and the National Assembly should seize (take) the auspicious momentâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? In American English, you â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;seizeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; opportunities/auspicious moments, but on British authority, you â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;takeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; such momentums. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Seizeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has a subdued element of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;forceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;! â&#x20AC;&#x153;The fresh affront on (to) Nigeria was infuriating and unprovoked.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;It could well have been avoided, (needless flow of thought) punctuation that breaks the fl had the Southern African nation acted with finesse in its constantly disturbing diplomatic fi relations with Nigeria if it actually has (had) a sense of history at all.â&#x20AC;? Still on the faulty comma, a subject and its predicate cannot be separated. There is sequence in collocation.

THE PUNCH August 24 carried two solecisms that bordered on sloppiness: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The clamour for SIM card registration by the NCC is an unnecessary detraction (sic) and should be stopped.â&#x20AC;? No distraction, please. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Among other factors, the poor reading habit of the citizen account (accounts) for the thieving attitude which pervades public life today.â&#x20AC;?

It will make sense if newspapers begin to civilize their processes by correcting gramm matical blunders in advert copies instead of running them sheepishly: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Strenghtening Stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Capacity to use Alternative Dispute Resolutionâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? You do not need a study visit to USA: strengthening, but straightening. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śhe could write in such simple term (a

simple term or simple terms) that a man on the street would understand him.â&#x20AC;? (THE NATION ON SUNDAY, August 23) My comment: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the man in the streetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is a fixed fi idiomatic expression. No writer has the poetic liberty to restructure such stock entries, except in colloquial environments. first time, soarLet us welcome, for the fi away SATURDAY TRIBUNE to this column.

Its edition of August 22 undermined the English language on just four occasions: â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the scene, police detectives recovered live and expended ammunitions including explosives yet to be detonated.â&#x20AC;? Robbers on rampage in Lagos: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ammunitionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is uncountable. I would have preferred â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;live ammunition and pellets.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;?MTN: Police probes missing moneyâ&#x20AC;?

National news: Police probe missing money. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yet, the embattled boxer did not let go fingers to someâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? as he pointed accusing fi Sport: he pointed the fi finger at someâ&#x20AC;Ś. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Edo 2023: INEC preparations in fi fits and startâ&#x20AC;? Any critical mind should know, at the drop of a hat, that something is wrong with fits and starts. the editorial headline: fi Yet another bold headline indiscretion: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Buhari, governors asked to reduce costs of governmentâ&#x20AC;? In the interest of our democc racy: cost of governance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am directed (clichĂŠ) to convey the following directives from the meeting of the Board of the National Universities Comm mission ofâ&#x20AC;Świth regards to the Lead City University, Ibadan.â&#x20AC;? (Source: NUC Full-page Advertisement from the Offi ffice of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Chairman, NUC) Closure of illegal academic programmes: with regard to or as regards!

And this: â&#x20AC;&#x153;A peerless gentleman, business leader, industrialist and philantropistâ&#x20AC;? Always spell-check: philanthropist.

Just Before You Break The Bar

U

sually, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fi find lawyers struggling to make a name for themselves on theatrical platforms. We fi find the attempt and reasons for starting another umbrella body for Nigerian lawyers both laughable, and regrettable. Recently, the Nigerian Bar Association asked one of its guest speakers, Nasir el-Rufai, the governor of Kaduna State, not to bother coming to its virtual 60th annual conference. He had earlier been scheduled to address the august body through a proper letter of invitation. Suddenly, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;disinviteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; became a fancy word.

El-Rufai, who has failed spectacularly to arrest the spiralling violence in his state, and especially what appears a premeditated campaign of communal extermination in Southern Kaduna, was rather quaintly requested to speak on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Who is a Nigerian?â&#x20AC;Ś A Debate on National Identityâ&#x20AC;?.

Frankly, it was not el-Rufaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s error of judgement in accepting the invite - we cannot say a man who loves talking, as brutally straightforward and unvarnished, and sometimes as intolerable, should not talk at one of the most visible platforms in Nigeria. Of course, the entire embarrassment of dis-inviting a sitting governor who considers himself some sort of stormy petrel of the new North, should be borne by the organising and approving bodies of NBA. How did you allow an Olusegun Obasanjo and Nyeesom Wike (River State governor) to belabour the fi fine margins of security and governance, while developing cold feet, after a storm of protest, at the â&#x20AC;&#x153;mistakeâ&#x20AC;? of having OBJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surrogate son on the same bill.

We read the hand-wringing letter by then out-going president of NBA, Paul Usoro, SAN to the forum of Nigee rian Governors...and wonder why the elaborate gratuitous explanation and appeal to el-Rufai and his governorcolleagues, if at the end, all the letter revealed was a disquiett ing disconnect in the thinking and vetting process of such a highly professional and procedure-craving assembly.

The obvious failure of the NBA hierarchy to either reverse the â&#x20AC;&#x153;disinvitationâ&#x20AC;? of the governor, or disinvite the â&#x20AC;&#x153;fatherâ&#x20AC;? of whatever the governor was accused of, a number of Muslim lawyers (or Northern lawyers) threatened a break away from NBA. This development worried to no ends the hope and desire of discerning Nigerians for one of the few emblems of genuine unity in diversity, knitted by codifi ified ethics, and documented efforts to maintain order and progressivism, for many decades.

Earlier, another group, the Muslim Lawyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association of Nigeria, MULAN, led by Ibrahim Abikan, a professor of Law from University of Ilorin, had made a quite reasonable argument: whatever dismissed el-Rufai, if anchored on unn checked killings and human rights abuses, should inevitably

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Man nabbed in hotel with under-aged girlsâ&#x20AC;? Get it right: under-age girls.

SATURDAY PUNCH of August 22 also committed the preceding disgusting blunder: â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is nothing heroic about a grown man hiding behind his wifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back to sleep with an under-aged domestic.â&#x20AC;? No medals for goofs! An aside: is there any man that is not â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;grownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;?

Interestingly, the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;under-ageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bug also bit one of the headlines on this platform last week: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Osun police investigate under aged (sic) votersâ&#x20AC;?

Apart from the foregoing headline affl fflicction, the same edition had other lexical and structural issues: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The South East Zonal Caucus of the party passed a vote of no confi nfidence on Nwodo.â&#x20AC;? Politics: vote of no confi nfidence in Nwodo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These class of people had simply got bored about staging local parties and soâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;?

Collocation glamour: either this class of people or these classes of people, depending on the confi nfiguration or grouping or contextu ualization. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śthe board awarded contracts in local currency worth N5.127 billion and dollars worth $1.863 million between January to June 2010.â&#x20AC;? Business grammar: between January and June or from January to June.

Let us return from this medium to the DAILY INDEPENDENT of August 20 under review: â&#x20AC;&#x153;However (sic) this time around he emerged as a consequence of regional vengefulnessâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s massive triumph: at the risk of repetitiveness, as long as particular errors in language usage keep occurring, we shall from this side continue to expose them as hard as possible. The good thing is, unlike advertisements, persistent dysfunctional communication cannot confer acceptability

disqualify both Obasanjo and Wike. Mercifully, Obasanjo did not show up at the virtual conference (for undisclosed reasons, winks), and Wike artfully pushed forward his SSG and former minister of sports, Tammy Danagogo (also a lawyer), to represent him.

Nevertheless, few weeks after that threat - as the goverr nor remained disinvited - a New Nigerian Bar Association was reported to have been floated by aggrieved Northern lawyers.

We were told by an August 28, 2020 letter sent to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and signed by two of the conveners, Nuhu Ibrahim and Abdulbasit Suleiman. It is no longer a threat, apparently.

The letter explained that a splinter group became inevitable because of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;activities, disposition and most recently, the decision of the Nigerian Bar Association - NEC - which apparently failed to take into consideration our national interests and particularly do not promote the unity of our indissoluble country.â&#x20AC;?

One of them even boasted that less than a week after flinging open its gates, over 5000 lawyers have jumped fl aboard! He did not provide any information to the effect that they were of one faith, or mainly from the North.

Now, to the laughable and lamentable part. In a chat with Premium Times published early this week, one of the conveners, Abdulbasit Suleiman (a young lawyer based in Kaduna) explained rather carefully that what triggered their current agitation to slice the NBA into two had nothing to do with el-Rufaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disinvitation. Hear him: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reasons for forming the new NBA are many but the fi first is that the NBA is being hijacked by some few cabals. NBA activity is just circulating between some few people. We have more than 200,000 registered members in Nigeria but I can tell you authoritatively that less than 100 people are benefiting fi from the NBA... We are not dividing the bar. We are trying to form an association to create a competition for the NBA. If we have two or more, there will be (competition). If we look at developed countries, they have more than one lawyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; associations. Why must we restrict ourselves to one.â&#x20AC;?

Now, to where the young man was being clever by half. Asked if the hoopla over el-Rufaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s botched presence was not the ignition for this latest â&#x20AC;&#x153;brainwaveâ&#x20AC;?, he affi ffirmed thus: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We, the conveners of the new NBA, are not a fan of El-Rufai. We all have our reservations on El-Rufaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s governn ment. But since you have invited this man, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hear from him - for him to answer our questions before we take any action against him. Some people wrote a petition against him without giving him fair hearing. This is against our motto, which is to uphold the rule of law. We did not do that.

El-Rufai was not given that opportunity.â&#x20AC;?

Well, for those who can see between the lines - it is

on jaundiced expressions. This way: this time round, for the umpteenth time! Columnists must read for subject depth and language currency. Both are the basic elements of public mass education, entertainment, information dissemination, holistic exchange of ideas and social engineering. Otherwise, we lose the entire essence of writing and sterility will beckon! Please note that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;this time aroundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is acceptable in American, unlike British, environments and applications. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śthey went berserk in patronage of media war to discredit the emerging administration followed by feasting legal bravado that resulted into confl nflicting suits.â&#x20AC;?

No extinction: resulted in. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A few days ago, members of the party in the State House of Assembly called it quit to join the winning ambience of the PDP.â&#x20AC;?

The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;legislative lootersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; called it quits (not quit) to join PDP as if there is any ideological difference between the APC and PDP Wrong: â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Ślast week Thursdayâ&#x20AC;? Refl eflecctions: either last Thursday or Thursday, last week. The excerpt is unacceptable. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then this politician in fl flowing robes during the recent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention approached him with that singular authority which money endows mediocre withâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? (DAILY TRUST, August 13) A summary: either mediocrity or mediocc rist (noun). â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mediocreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is an adjective. Thus: mediocre politicians, governors, ministers, commissioners, chief press secretariesâ&#x20AC;Ś.

From here a fortnight ago comes this parting entry: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The ruling party deserves conn gratulations for (on/upon) the orderly and dignifi ified manner its governorship primary in Edo State was conducted.â&#x20AC;?

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

cruel and shortsighted to allow personal vendetta, over an assumed or real hurt, to destroy a thriving and patently human contraption that is susceptible to errors and lapse of judgement... triggered by one, or vicariously infl nfluenced by one, who is neither a member nor a champion of your profession. Our advice to the young turks in law, propelled by the easy and rapidity of technology in amassing converr gence and herd-culture, is to look at the gains of the NBA over the decades, in comparison to its perceived â&#x20AC;&#x153;evilsâ&#x20AC;?, and build vigorous counterforce (within it) to effect change in conduct, and compliance with rules and regulations.

Hello, Garba Shehu, Leave â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stupidâ&#x20AC;? Matters To...

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s confounding how presidential spokesperson, a veteran journalist, who ought to be constantly vigilant about dragging the presidency into needless and unsavoury controversies, would fi find it convenient to dabble into the ruckus recently performed by Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Aviation Minister and vitriolic critic of the Buhari administraa tion. Even when President Muhammadu Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu considered it reasonable to make some sniggering twist of phrase in solidarity with his younger colleague, Charles Eyo, it is an established fact that spokespeople hardly have their own â&#x20AC;&#x153;personalâ&#x20AC;? thoughts as public comments - they cannot and should not expect to be quoted outside of the affi ffiliations with their principals. It is funny, but surely understandable; that when Shehu, or Femi Adeshina coughs, the president is flu attack... God assumed to be having, or may soon have a fl forbid the scent of covid-19!

So, by fl flipping the â&#x20AC;&#x153;stupidâ&#x20AC;? narrative in a manner that attempts to school Fani-Kayode about the foundational principles of Journalism, the spokesman projects a disturbingly fi fickle group easily distracted by every whiff of inconsequential scenario that has no signifi ificant bearing on the onerous pursuit of providing and sustaining the safety, welfare and well-being of the Nigerian people. That is a very serious matter, especially where there are gaping gaps between promises and deliverables...where fuel prices are jerking up and electricity tariffs threatening the rooftops... where foodstuffs run helter skelter from poor hungry consumers... where depression and unemployment are simply out of control...not a laughing matter.

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 5, 2020

POLITY

Salisu Mamman’s Restoring Hope in Katsina

Francis Sardauna chronicles the humanitarian interventions of the Chief Executive Officer of Continental Computers, Alhaji Salisu Mamman, in his immediate community in particular and Katsina State in general

K

atsina State-born philanthropist, Alhaji Salisu Mamman, has over the years impacted positively and transformed people’s lives, particularly the vulnerable within his immediate community of Kadandani in Rimi Local Government Area of the state. Svelte and humble Mamman is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of the famous Continental Computers in Katsina,

the state capital.

He grew up in a family where giving and humanitarian services were second nature and has continued this passion in life as he reaches out to people through empowerment, scholarships and developmental projects. Call him Mamman of our time and you will not be too far from or economical with the truth, because he had vigorously transformed his community that was hitherto neglected by successful governments, to a mini Nigerian Dubai City.

Mamman’s first project of restoring the lost glory of Kadandani community, was the construction of two-block of classrooms, including a well-equipped staff office at the community’s primary school. Miffed by lack of secondary school in the community, he single-handedly constructed a befitting 12-classroom secondary school in the area and named it Kadandani Community Day Secondary School. The school is well-furnished with administrative block, computer centre and VIP latrine.

He also laid the foundation for the construction of 350-seater capacity examination hall to enable the school meet the accreditation requirements for the writing of West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO). To enhance healthcare delivery in Kadandani, the philanthropist in partnership with Community and Social Development Project (CSDP), constructed a 16-bed comprehensive medical centre and equipped it with modern health appliances.

This, has contributed immensely in tackling cases of maternal and child mortality and other health challenges bedeviling residents of the community and its environ. He equally built a Juma’at Mosque in the community which has alleviated the difficulty residents faced in travelling to neighbouring communities for Friday prayers. Mamman, in an exclusive interview with THISDAY, said he also empowered 1,000 women with N10, 000 each and disbursed N10,000 each as scholarship to 701 indigent students of Rimi Local Government Area studying in various institutions of high learning across the country.

He said: “For the past 20 years, I have been providing scholarship to vulnerable students within the community who are studying at different institutions of higher learning. Even recently, I disbursed over N17 million to 1,701 women and students across the local government. I inaugurated assessment committee. The simple task I gave the committee is to identify any parent whose children have gotten admission and could not afford to pay and we pay for them.

“We later extended it to even those whose parents could pay the initial fees but couldn’t afford other tuition fees and that has been going on for over two decades.”

In his magnanimity to restore hope to the hopeless, Mamman in 2017 donated Solar Powered Blood Bank Refrigerators to six General Hospitals of Katsina, Dutsin-ma, Danmusa, Rimi and Tsegero to preserve blood in the hospitals. He also provided Solar Power Systems to Outpatient Department Treatment (ODP), Maternity Ward and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to 12 general hospitals across the state. He provided same to Unity

Masari and Alhaji Mamman lay foundation of a 24-bed medical ward Primary School Jibia, Women Secondary in Mani, Arabi Women Teacher’s College, Kabomo and Arabic Women School in Faskari.

In Katsina metropolis, the philanthropist has commenced the construction of a Female Comprehensive 24-bed Medical Ward at the General Hospital Katsina and ultra-modern Virtual Reality World Park located behind Katsina City Mall. The 24-bed ward, which has attained 80 per cent completion, is made up of four doctors’ rooms, (self-contained) and nursing bay, 12 toilet facilities.

Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, while performing the ceremonial foundation laying for the project, described it as a milestone that would complement the tremendous efforts of his administration in revamping the health sector. The governor applauded the CEO of Continental Computers for the decision to sacrifice his wealth on the construction of the ward, which he termed Sadaqatul Jariya in Islam.

While describing the female ward as the first of its kind in the state, Govenor Masari urged other philanthropists to emulate Mamman by supporting government with meaningful projects that will reduce the sufferings of the masses. On the Virtual Reality World Park, Masari termed it a good venture that would provide job opportunities to the teeming unemployed youths and enhance socialisation in Katsina and its environs.

In his welcome address, Mamman explained that the park was designed to contain all exotic, existing and refreshing indoor and outdoor digital adventure entertainment. He added that the park would place Katsina on the map of entertainment, tourism and hospitality in Africa and the world at large.

Also speaking during the event, the state Commissioner for Health, Mr. Yakubu Nuhu Danja, called on wealthy people in the state to also contribute by providing more medical wards in hospitals across the state for sufficient and effective service delivery to thrive.

On his part, the Emir of Katsina, Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, called on people in the emirate to assist in the development of infrastructure for enhanced living condition of the citizenry.

He observed that Katsina has since been blessed with talented and qualified persons capable of contributing to its growth and development.

Speaking on why he embarked on such humanitarian projects, Mamman said: “Philanthropy is part of my life. I grew up in a family where philanthropic activities remained the cardinal objectives. My late father who lived for 94 years and died in 2003 was a community leader, businessman and a political leader.

He was inaugurated into the council of former Katsina Local Government, consisting of six or more local governments when we have the former 12 states as far back as 1st October 1976.

“He represented the defunct Rimi District in the defunct Katsina local government as a councillor until December 1983 when there was a coup. So, I grew up to see my father as community leader and I continue from where he stopped.”

Meanwhile, the revolving developmental projects of Mamman that cut across the 10 political wards of Rimi local government and some local governments in the state, had significantly supported the giant strides of Governor Aminu Masari in critical sectors of health, works, education, water supply, agriculture and environment.

I’ll Work With Everybod y, Says NICO’s New CEO

T

he newly appointed Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Mallam Ado Mohammed Yahuza has assured Management and Staff that he would work with everybody to ensure the Institute sustain the achievements recorded over the past years.

Yahuza who made this known at the Institute’s Head Office in Abuja recently upon resumption of office, said he “is a team worker and not a Chief Executive who knows it all,” hence the need to work together to leave a legacy for the Institute.

He said:“I believe my coming to NICO is to add value to whatever has been done here before my appointment and by the grace of God, with my wealth of experience as well as with your support, we will move the Institute forward. Apart from the statutory programmes of the Institute, the welfare of staff will remain

an integral part of my policy so just give us the needed cooperation and I can assure you that we will work together”.

Ado Yahuza expressed commitment to also work closely with trade unions in the Institute, saying that no sensitive CEO will neglect unions but rather carry them along to ensure peace and harmony within the work place.

He commended the director overseeing the office before his appointment Mrs.Yerima and solicited for maximum support from Management and Staff of the institute Directors at the Institute took turns to give goodwill messages, pledging their loyalty and commitment to the new Executive Secretary. The Director, Orientation & Cultural Affairs department, Mr. Omijie said the Institute has a mandate and as the new CEO, it is the responsibility of staff to work with him to ensure no stone is left unturned towards achieving the mandate.

Mr. Ibrahim Hussaini (Director, Administration and Human Resources) and Mr. Michael

Ekoko (Director, Research and Documentation) also pledged their allegiance and expressed their readiness to work with the new ES, saying NICO over the years has been known to have a peaceful working environment which they both promised to ensure that the same gesture is accorded to him towards achieving a common goal.

While the Head of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Herbert Ogbe prayed that the same God who made his appointment possible will see him through to complete his first tenure and possibly grant him a second one, Mr. Uremu Okorodudu who is the Internal Auditor expressed delight to have him on board and assured of his maximum support. Mr. James Adediran who is Chairman, Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) said the union will continue to work together with Management to ensure there is peace, stressing that same was accorded to Mrs. Yerima whom he described as a mother who gave staff the needed attention

Hussaini during the period she was in charge of the office of the ES. Mr. Sam Agbi, a Director in National Council for Art and Culture said with the appointment of Yahuza as Executive Secretary, NICO, he is confident that the Institute is in safe hands, saying NICO and NCAC are one family.

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 5, 2020

POLITY

The Forces Behind Ogun’s Investment Initiatives Razaq Elegbede

W

hen Prince Dapo Abiodun assumed the mantle of leadership on May 29, 2019, as the fifth elected governor of Ogun State, he was greeted with a barrage of challenges ranging from non-payment of salaries and wages to workers, to demoralised workforce, unfavourable business policies, complaints over multiple taxation and academic industrial disputes, demolition of traders’ shops, among others. Written on the face of many concerned residents and indigenes was despair. The litany had all been, “they are still the same, no one is better than the other”. Forlorn hope resulting from the expression of failed leadership beclouded many people’s sense of judgement.

For years, the multiplier effects of the perfidy: deceit, pretence and lies that pervaded the air and also became customary was more pronounced in governance, with an attendant loss in trust and confidence. The March 9, 2019 governorship contest was a battle royale between the Iperu-born Prince Abiodun, and Adekunle Akinlade, the godson of the then outgoing governor.

By and large, with these giant strides, one is tempted to commend the governor for running his government to the benefit of all and sundry.

As a marked departure from the old order, Abiodun changed the narrative. Armed with his development pillars, namely infrastructure development, social welfare and well-being, education and human capital, youth empowerment and agriculture and food security, and enablers, including governance and structure, enabling business environment, security, digital transformation, and finance, investment and economic planning, the governor didn’t betray the trust and confidence reposed in him in the first 100 days in office. He instilled confidence in citizens and residents as it quickly became clear that he was and is still up to the task ahead.

His first major pre-occupation was to better the lots of both civil and public servants, the engine room of the day-to-day business of governance. He made good his electoral promises.

Workers are being paid their salaries before the last working day of the month. It is a social contract with the workforce, and with pensioners. Between January and June this year, the government paid N5.017 billion to no fewer than 12,191 pensioners under the non-contributory pension scheme. Whether anybody like his face or style of administration or not, Abiodun has left no one in doubt about his competence and capability.

He honed his skills in the private sector, a successful business-

Abiodun man versed in public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives.

Abiodun is conscious of the benefits attached to the proximity of Ogun State to Lagos, the commercial nerve centre of the country and the fifth largest economy in Africa. He believes that if Lagos can be raking in nothing less than N32 billion as Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) on a monthly basis, Ogun State, if not on the same pedestal, should rank next. Unmistakably, the state government through the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) has lived up to expectation. No doubt, considering the calibre of the new fiscal experts that have brought their expertise to bear in steering the ship, the service has risen to the occasion by employing moral suasion and blocking leakages in order to shore up the monthly revenue base of the state government.

Of late, in response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Abiodun-led administration offered tax reliefs to players in both the informal and formal sectors. For example, to lessen the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government granted the following reliefs: extension of the deadline for filing 2019 income tax returns by self-employed individuals and informal sector from March 31st to September 30th, 2020; filing a complete waiver of interest and penalty deadline; extension of filing of 2019

annual PAYE returns with a complete waiver of interest and penalty of same from January 31st to September 30th, 2020. Late remittance of monthly PAYE also enjoys this waiver; waiver of weekly tax for operators and promoters of pools and betting business from April 1st to June 30, 2020. Indeed, video conferencing has been adopted for tax audit reconciliation committee meetings.

It is a known fact that Governor Abiodun thinks outside the box, unlike some of his colleagues who are virtually dependent on the Federation Account and bank loans for survival. Abiodun believes in fostering the local economy. His major priority is in creating an enabling environment. How has he gone about that?

He rolled out enablers to drive the economy. Road infrastructure takes the centre-stage, connecting rural roads to urban centres for easy movement of people, farm produce, goods and services to other locations. I recall his Thanksgiving speech, in response to the homily of the officiating Bishop at St Peter Cathedral Church (Anglican Communion), Ake, Abeokuta, the state capital, a year ago: “I want to assure you that we will complete all the ongoing projects, because you were very emphatic that, administrations come in and each one tends to abandon projects started by the previous administration. We will complete all the ongoing projects. We have identified what was largely responsible for the gaps between the government and the governed.

We realised that what was common to our people was the decay in the rural and township road infrastructure. We have immediately commenced the enumeration of all the roads across the state that need repairs,” he had averred.

In the last 15 months in office, the administration has reconstructed and rehabilitated no fewer than 50 roads spread across the three senatorial districts in the state. A large proportion of these bad roads were inherited from the immediate past administration which initiated their construction, but subsequently abandoned them mid-way for no plausible reason. Yet, the former administration failed to complete the acclaimed “legacy projects” before leaving office on May 29, 2019, despite the much-touted mobilisation of the contractors by 100 per cent. The state government has spent a sum of N4.325 billion to reconstruct and rehabilitate 30 roads in the last six months, precisely between January and June this year. Notable among these is the 14.7-kilometre Ijebu-Ode/Epe road, which has become a veritable industrial corridor, as a result of the closeness to Lagos.

––Elegbede wrote from Igan Alade,Yewa North Local Government Area, Ogun State.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Agriculture, Mr. Gbolabo Olaniwun; Lagos State Acting Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya; Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya; and General Manager, Lagos State Coconut Development Authority (LASCODA) during commemoration of 2020 World Coconut Day in Lagos...recently

L-R: Desk Officer, Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Education Authority, Mr. Sule Akande; Project Coordinator, Champions of Life Fellowship Foundation, Kaka Marycollete; Founder, Champions of Life fellowship Foundation, Mr. Olusegun Akanji; Education Secretary, Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Education Authority, Hon. Aboluwodi Solomon Ademofe; and Head, Social Mobilisation Section, Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Education Authority, Mrs. Olufehinti Adenike, during the inauguration of water project for Ebenezer Primary School Awodiora, Apapa, by Champions of Life Fellowship Foundation in Lagos ...recently

L-R: Head of Sales, Amber Energy Drink Ltd., Mrs.Temitope Adetiba; General Manager, Ms. Lola Adedeji; and Assistant Head of Sales, Mr. Korede Omole, during the empowerment training programme organised for 400 beneficiaries in Lagos ...recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Nollywood Actors and Panelists, Chioma Akpotha; Ufuoma McDermott; Ngozi Nwosu; Assistant Brand Manager, Mamador, Fatima Lawal; and Marketing Manager, PZ Wilmar, Chioma Mbanugo, at the Mamador August Meeting Empowerment session in Lagos ...recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 5, 2020

25

POLITY

Stakeholders Brainstorm on Internally Displaced Persons On the occasion of the 2020 World Humanitarian Day, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons organised an e-conference where global humanitarian stakeholders dissected the many challenges triggered by Covid-19 and the way forward, reports Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

A

ccording to a Fijian proverb, life is like this: sometimes sunshine, sometimes rain. However, as the English would say, when it rains, it pours.

And it has been pouring on Nigeria’s internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, especially women and girls.

Beaten mercilessly by the rains of insurgency, banditry, communal clashes, herder-farmers clashes, and sometimes flooding, they have battled for survival in about 26 IDP and refugee camps across the country. Then came the Coronavirus pandemic, unannounced, and viciously.

However, when it rains on your neighbours roof, your feet also get wetted. In a highly globalised world, friends of Nigeria also share the burdens and concerns over the wellbeing of the millions of displaced in Nigeria. It was not surprising, therefore, that the international humanitarian community rallied round the country at the e-conference themed “Building the Resilience of Internally Displaced and Refugee Women and Girls in the COVID-19 Era” organised by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, Internally Displaced Persons, NCFRMI, to commemorate the 2020 World Humanitarian Day and also brainstorm on the welfare of this highly vulnerable community.

Laying the groundwork, the moderators - former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Nigel Fisher and the Deputy Director (IDPs) at the NCFRMI, Fatima Mamman-Daura - recalled that while the pandemic had continued to take tolls on all segments of humanity, the IDPs and refugees have been worse off.

Fisher, who joined from Canada, said: “While Covid-19 makes no distinction between social and economic status, there is no doubt that once again, as in any emergency, the poorest and the most disadvantaged are disproportionately affected, and among them women and girls in particular.

“Our focus today is how to support displaced women and girls to be resilient, to maintain their dignity, to be able to assert their rights, and to support their health and protection in its widest sense in this era of COVID-19.

“We have to address the risks that they face in the context of the overall security situation and exposure to abuse or violence in their immediate environments; their access to basic healthcare and

community services; their protection from communicable diseases, above all Covid-19; their access to clean water, adequate sanitation, basic food and nutrition for themselves and their children; their ability to maintain decent hygiene; and their economic roles and livelihoods without which their exposure to risks increases significantly”.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHR, which opened the floor, noted that IDP and refugee women and girls were targets of attacks and abductions while going out of the camps to perform their daily livelihood and household activities such as farming and fetching of firewood.

“In normal crisis situations, movement is restricted. But with Covid-19, restrictions have increased. IDPs and refugees cannot move freely, especially outside the camps where they have access to jobs and livelihood opportunities. Our recent study shows that family livelihoods have been impacted.

“Women also suffer a lot from destruction of properties and shelters and the risk of abuse and gender based violence also increase.

“Again, we know that with Covid-19, most of humanitarian workers have reduced their presence. We know we can no more access the refugee and IDP camps. When the presence of the protection actors is also reduced by Covid-19, the risks are high”, UNHCR Deputy Representative for Nigeria, Mr. Roger Hollo, also explained.

On the way forward, Hollo said: “The most important thing to do is to empower women and girls in IDP and refugee communities to stand for their rights. We need to empower them also in this crises era to be able to go out, to not only be able to access jobs and livelihood opportunities, but also to be part of the protection mechanisms we are setting up for them to be able to remain in those communities while we are waiting for durable solutions for their displacement situations”.

To the Public Services International, PSI, women and girls, who find themselves on the move, are already in vulnerable situation.

Additionally, those of them, who are in the North, particularly suffer socio-cultural practices such as patriarchal system, which may not promote equality. PSI’s Project Coordinator for English Speaking West Africa, Ms. Moradeke Badru, advocated for access to quality health services, as IDPs are also citizens.

“The government is trying their best to make quality healthcare

available. But we will say that they are grossly inadequate. We will say that we have women who are pregnant in the camps, but who may not have access to basic drugs given to pregnant women.

“The rates of pregnancy and giving birth are very high because of unavailability of family planning commodities and other essential commodities, which could save women at childbirth”, she said.

She equally lamented the rate of abduction or killing of frontline humanitarian workers by insurgents, pointing it out as a serious hindrance to humanitarian and healthcare services delivery.

“Government must stand up for healthcare workers and humanitarian service providers. We would like to advocate that government provides maximum security in all the healthcare facilities around camps. And in this era of durable solutions and reintegration, most of these IDPs that are going back to communities need protection and healthcare too”, Badru stressed.

She added that building girl child resilience in Covid-19 era should include improving girl child education while in the camps to reduce early child marriage, teenage pregnancies, and the complications that can arise from them.

On her part, the Coordinator, Gender Based Violence, who doubles as the Acting Coordinator of Humanitarian Sector, of the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, Ms. Sylvia Opinia, stressed that indeed the reproductive health need of women and girls increase, rather than disappear, during times of crisis. This is because access to information and supplies are greatly disrupted.

These, she said, result in lack of family planning services and lifesaving interventions like obstetrics care, which will in turn result in unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, women and girls dying or being permanently disabled because of rape or complicated delivery. She called for immediate actions to address “the alarming increase in gender-based violence”.

“In the North East States where we have about 2 million people in IDP camps, over 65 per cent of the cases of gender based violence is happening in the context of intimate partner violence. Therefore, the perpetrators are mainly people who are known to them and at times, people who are in the position where they are expected to provide protection to them.

Read full interview online - www.thisdaylive.com

CISLAC: CAMA Will Curtail Illicit Financial Flow A one-day public consultation/sensitization on the establishment of the Beneficial Ownership Register by the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 was recently held in Lagos by the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Nigeria Secretariat in partnership with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The discourse, supported by Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Oxfam in Nigeria, centered on how proper legal framework and effective implementation of the newly signed law will curb illicit financial flows and empower citizens to be part of anti-corruption, writes Sunday Ehigiator

T

he Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) recently signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari permits the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and a supervising minister to strictly supervise religious bodies and charity organizations. It also gives the commission power to suspend the trustees of an association or a religious body and appoint an interim manager to coordinate its affairs where there are lapses. It came with its controversies and counter arguments as stakeholders concerned are calling for its review.

Against the backdrop, a one-day Public Consultation/Sensitization on the Establishment of the Beneficial Ownership Register by the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 was recently held in Lagos.

The consultation was attended by representatives of various stakeholder groups including government, Civil Society and the Media.

The meeting was addressed by the Registrar-General of the CAC, Garba Abubakar; the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani); and the Civil Society Adviser of the OGP Nigeria Secretariat, Stanley Achonu. It was chaired by the immediate past Co-chair of the National Steering Committee of OGP Nigeria, Edetaen Ojo. In his welcome address, Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani) said the move for CAMA began in 2016 when the Nigerian Government made commitments to strengthen anti-corruption reforms and joined the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in a bid to deepen institutional and policy reforms. One of the commitments within the anticorruption agenda in the consolidation of existing and new reforms, was the establishment of a Public Central Register of Beneficial Owners of companies.

“Fours years after this bold commitment, we stand before Nigerian public and in the international community to say that we have crossed the first bridge which is having the CAMA amended to support Beneficial Oownership registry establish-

ment” Speaking further, CISLAC boss noted that while legitimate corporate businesses have an integral role in national development, the involvement of Politically Exposed Persons who conceal corruptly acquired wealth through the complex networks of companies deliberately created to hide their identities has further increased the risks they pose to non-fortified economies. The Siemens, Halliburton and Malabu oil scandals, to cite a few high-profile cases, had a net impact on revenue leakages that was unbearable for the country’s finances and the citizens’ economic well-being.

Calling on all and sundry to embrace the newly signed law, which he believed in the long run helps in stopping illicit financial flow and curtail corruption in the country, Rafsanjani said it is imperative to allow it to take off because as a nation, we had faced some sanctions from the European Union for the inexistence of anti-money laundering legislations; while we see and hear of prosecutions of Individuals and entities involved in the #panamapapers leaks and the #wikileaks among others.

“Without transparent ownership of Nigerian and international companies operating within the Nigerian jurisdiction, we will not be able to stop the bleeding through illicit financial outflows which is perpetually on a geometric increase year on year, which costs us annually around 17 billion US dollars, with special emphasis on the backbone of our economy, the oil and gas industry,” Rafsanjani added.

Ending his remarks, he stressed he believed that a collaborative partnership with the OGP movement and other stakeholders in the campaign will help give a voice to this simple but strategic endeavour that will help curb corruption in our financial, procurement and other strategic sectors.

In his presentation titled “Key changes in provisions relating to the implementation of beneficial ownership in CAMA 2020” the Principal Manager, Compliance Department, Corporate

Affairs Commission, Abuja, Olumide Ologe, identified persons with significant in beneficial ownership in CAMA 2020. He noted that adequate provisions are contained in the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) aimed at identifying the ultimate beneficiaries of shares or interests in Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships.

According to him, these provisions are in form of obligations of disclosure on persons, Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) of information on persons with significant control (directly or indirectly) in the Companies or Limited Liability Partnerships.

“The Act obligates such persons to notify Companies and Limited Liability Partnership of such significant control within seven (7) days of attaining such control. Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships are in turn obligated to notify the Commission of such persons and the particulars of such control.”

Throwing more light on its legal framework, Ologe said Section 868 of the Act defines Person With Significant Control as any person –directly or indirectly holding at least 5% of the shares or interest in a Company or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP); directly or indirectly holding at least 5% of the voting rights in a Company or L(c) directly or indirectly holding the right to appoint or remove majority of the directors or partners in a Company or LLP or having the right to exercise or exercising significant influence or control over the activities of a trust or firm whether or not it is a legal entity but would itself satisfy any of the first four conditions if it were an individual.

On the steps taken by the commission to ensure the implementation of beneficial ownership, Ologe said the Commission has re-designed current forms as well as introducing new forms for disclosure of information on Beneficial Ownership and Persons with Significant Control in Companies and LLPs. Read full interview online - www.thisdaylive.com

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Í˝Ë&#x153; 2020

AUTO FRSC Begins Nationwide Ember Months Campaigns

The new Rolls-Royce Ghost

New Rolls-Royce Ghost, Perfect, Simple Stories by Bennett Oghifo

A

n interesting trend among the truly wealthy these days is to keep things really simple and, of course, devoid of unwanted sound considered unpleasant.

Rolls-Royce, manufacturer of premium machinery, recognises the value of their clients who are usually entrepreneurs, founders, and successful business leaders. In 2009, the automaker evolved the first Ghost in response to the desires of this new and highly influential subset of their clients, who naturally have variety of needs and desires to suit their personal lifestyles. This group said they seek a different kind of Rolls-Royce that is simple, less ostentatious which they could use as a business tool and for self-driving pleasure. That was the first Ghost.

Five years ago, Rolls-Royce had open dialogue withalayeroftheirclientsthatdesiredâ&#x20AC;&#x153;something even more refined, even less ostentatious, a car with minimal design, simple and distilled, but still, in every respect, a Rolls-Royce.â&#x20AC;? They got their desire, a truly new Ghost that whispers, eerily quiet.

According to Torsten MĂźller-Ă&#x2013;tvĂśs, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The first Goodwood Ghost was a response to a whole new generation of clients, both in age and attitude. These men and women asked us for a slightly smaller, less ostentatious means to own a Rolls-Royce. The success of the product we created for them fulfilled our most ambitious expectations. Over its ten-year lifespan, which began in 2009, Ghost has become the most suc-

cessful model in the marqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 116-year history.

To create a new product that would resonate with our Ghost clients for the next ten years meant we had to listen carefully to their demands. Today we set new standards in customer centricity by creating a completely new motor car for a unique group of Rolls-Royceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clients. These business leaders and entrepreneurs demand more of their Ghost than ever. They require a new type of super-luxury saloon that is dynamic, serenely comfortable and perfect in its minimalism. Ghost is this product.

The only components that we carried over from the first Goodwood Ghost were the Spirit of Ecstasy and umbrellas. Everything else was designed, crafted and engineered from the ground up.

The result is the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce yet. It distils the pillars of our brand into a beautiful, minimalist, yet highly complex product that is perfectly in harmony with our Ghost clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs and perfectly in tune with the times.â&#x20AC;?

Further capitalising on the marqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aluminium expertise, the metal superstructure of new Ghost is 100% made of the material. The carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outer body is rendered as one clean, expansive piece, flowing seamlessly from the A-pillar, over the roof and backwards to the rear of the car, recalling the seemingly one-piece coachbuilt Silver Dawn and Silver Cloud models.

This complete absence of shut lines allows clients to run their eye from the front to the rear of the car uninterrupted by ungainly body seams. To achieve this, four craftsmen hand weld the body together simultaneously to ensure a perfectly continuous seam. In addition, 100% aluminium,

laser-welded doors have been used. This not only offers weight benefits and remarkable 40,000Nm/ deg stiffness, but the material has a lower acoustic impedance than steel, improving cabin ambience.

6.75-Litre Twin-Turbocharged V12 Clientfeedbackaskingfornear-instanttorqueand near-silent running led the marque to further develop the Rolls-Royce 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine. Abespoke Ghost engine map was created to ensure ample performance for this dynamic motor car, delivering 563bhp/420kW and 850Nm/627lb ft of torque to the all-wheel steer, all-wheel drivetrain. Commensurate with clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; expectations, maximum torque is available from just 1600rpm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; only 600rpm above tick-over.

To further refine its already remarkable acoustic properties, the air intake system incorporated larger porting to reduce engine presence in the interior suite.

Planar Suspension System The marqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hallmark Magic Carpet Ride has evolved. For new Ghost, engineering specialists redesigned the motor carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suspension completely to deliver what is called the Planar Suspension System. Named after a geometric plane, which is completely flat and level, the system is the result of ten collective years of testing and development to create a sense of flight on land never before achieved by a motor car.

Created through physical engineering developments as well as sophisticated scanning and software technology, it incorporates a world-first Upper Wishbone Damper unit above the front suspension assembly, creating an even more stable and effortless ride.

As the Federal Road Safety Corps begins its nationwide end of the year campaigns with the theme; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Drive Safe and Stay Safeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, the Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi has called on the motoring public to make the year 2020 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;emberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; months unique and crash free by adhering strictly to road traffic regulations. He stated among others, that road traffic crashes are avoidable and road crash free society is possible when best road practices are applied.

According to Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer, the Corps Marshal strongly cautioned motorists to note that the end of the year is not naturally tragic and are not in anyway different from other months of the year, only that there seem to be an increase in vehicular movement witnessed during the season.

Debunking the myth that the last four months of the year commonly referred to as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ember monthsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; arehazardousformotorists,theCorpsMarshalsaid that it is very possible to drive without involving in a crash as long as motorists obey and adhere strictly to traffic laws and ensure constant maintenance of their vehicles.

The Corps Public Education Officer also said that in order to guide commuters on the path of safety and minimise the tendencies of crashes and gridlocks, the Corps Marshal issued out some salient travelling and safety advisories to travellers.

According to him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the rapid infrastructural development going on in the rail transportation sectorunderthepresentadministrationofPresident Muhammadu Buhari, commuters are advised to maximise that alternative means of transportation by patronising the train stations where available, as this will drastically reduce the pressure on the road transportation sectorâ&#x20AC;?

He stated that the traveling public must start thinking about transport sharing as early as possible, to reduce pressure on the road as this will further reduce incidences of road traffic crashes.

Family and friends are further admonished to plan and travel in phases, so as to avoid cluster of traffic during the ember months.

While speaking on the need to imbibe caution when choosing the vehicles to board especially for long distance trips, Oyeyemi admonished them to patronise safe and secure mass transit companies that have been duly certified to operate. This is to make room for redundancy plans in the event of vehicle breakdown.

He said that night trips are not as safe as day trips and travellers must try as much as possible to plan their trips within the hours of the day because of visibility and fatigue factors on the side of the driver.

Oyeyemi also warned that all travelling protocols for COVID-19 must be strictly adhered to. Noting that the enforcement on 50% carrying capacity for all vehicles targeted at creating adequate physical distancing is still in place, and the Corps will not spare any fleet operator caught violating this directives.

He maintained that fleet operators must religiously follow all safety precautions, observe preventive measures against the dreaded virus, and comply with every bit of travelling directives already in place.

CFAO OďŹ&#x20AC;ers N1m Discount for Suzuki Vehicles

C

FAO Motors, sole distributor of Suzuki vehicles in Nigeria, has unveiled a special COVID Business Support package for Suzuki vehicles to all corporate organisations in any part of the

country.

Suzuki is a Japanese auto brand which has been in existence for over 65 years and sold in different countries.

According to the General Manager of Suzuki

by CFAO, Mrs. Aissatou Diouf, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This package which is aimed at providing succor to corporate organisations because of the negative effect on their businesses as a result of the covid-19 pandemic, will offer N1 million discount for some models of Suzuki vehicles between August 15 and September 30.â&#x20AC;?

With this package, corporate organisations are entitled to the N1 million discount when they purchase any of these Suzuki models- Alto, Dzire or Ciaz within the given period. All three models are suitable for corporate organisations as official vehicles for executives or pool cars.

The Suzuki Ciaz is a 1.5 litre engine luxury sized sedan; the Suzuki Dzire is a medium sized sedan with a 1.2 litre engine displacement, while the

Alto is a small smart city car.

Since CFAO Motors secured the exclusive franchise for Suzuki vehicles in the country last year, it has unveiled a couple of mouth-watering packages and incentives for sales and after-sales.

Key among the packages is the trade-in option which gives owners of vehicles the opportunity to trade-in any brand of vehicle for a brand new Suzuki vehicle. CFAO Motors is also partnering with major Nigerian banks to offer finance scheme.

The company is also offering a water-tight service package which guarantees quality servicing, genuine spare parts, as well as after-sales pick-up and drop off service in Lagos.

Aside theAlto, Dzire and Ciaz, CFAO Motors also sells other reliable Suzuki models like the Jimny, Vitara, Swift, Baleno and the Ertiga. All Suzuki models are sold with 3 years /100,000 kilometer warranty, and CFAO Motors offers Test Drives to prospect customers to experience the Suzuki range.

CFAO is a key player in specialised distribution in Africa and the French overseas territories and a partner of choice for major international brands.

The Group is a market leader in automotive and pharmaceutical distribution and continues to grow in consumer goods, new technology, and

Suzuki Dzire energy solutions.

CFAO has a direct presence in 36African countries and provides a gateway to 49 of the 54 countries that make up the African continent. The Group is also active in seven French overseas territories and

in Asia. CFAO employs more than 15,000 people.

CFAO is a subsidiary of the Toyota Tsusho Group, Japan. In Nigeria, CFAO has been operating for over 118 years and is a market leader in mobility, healthcare, and consumer goods solutions.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

3

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

NEWS

OSIMHEN: A GOOD START TO LIFE IN NAPLES

5. 09.2020

Aruna Quadri

Mission To Germany

PAGE. 30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 5, 2020

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

Aruna Quadri

Mission To Germany After playing for over a decade in Portugal, Aruna Quadri attracted interest from several top teams in Germany but the Nigerian decided to settle for TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell.The Oyo Stateborn athlete who has continued to put Nigeria on the world map with his exemplary performance on and off the table and being the only African ranked among the top 20 players in the world, Quadri will begin a new life in his quest to flourish his career. Considered as a dependable leader by his new club, he has been tasked by the management of TTC to lead the club to the play-offs in the 2020/2021 season of the Table Tennis Bundesliga (TTBL), Kunle Adewale writes

A

Quadri

fter 10 years playing in Portugal, a country he described as his second home, African number one table tennis player, Aruna Quadri, has decided to ply his trade with TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell in Germany and will be making his debut tomorrow.

“After playing in Portugal for about 10 years and won virtually everything and for years I was the number one player in Portugal.

“I won several titles in Portugal and outside of it. In the last two years, I played in the Champions League and got to the semifinals. It was a very good experience but moving to Germany would be a new challenge.

“I therefore felt it was time to change the level of the league that I would be playing since the Olympic Games is not too far away, it is very important to get well prepared. More importantly, I moved to Germany to improve the standard of my game which would enhance my performance at the Olympics,” Quadri said.

He further said, “When I got the invitation to play in the German League I was so excited because it’s like a dream come true. I have been expecting the move for years and finally, I’m totally fulfilled that I’ll be playing in one of the best leagues in Europe.

“I will be the only African that will be playing in the Budesliga this season. Individually I really want to support the team; I want to give everything for the team. I am also praying for good luck because it’s very important in one’s career. Though I have been working very hard but I also need luck to match my effort.

Hopefully, I‘m going to be making my debut in the Bundesliga on Sunday and am really looking forward to the match and giving everything and see how it goes.”

Meanwhile, the organisers of the elite table tennis league in Germany, Table Tennis Bundesliga (TTBL) have said that the arrival of Quadri would ignite the interest in the European League.

The Nigerian will be making his debut tomorrow for his club - TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell away to TSV Bad Königshofen and there have been excitement in Germany over Quadri’s arrival.

According to the spokesperson of TTBL, Patrick Wichmann, Quadri’s transfer has attracted the attention of table tennis fans in Germany. “We are very happy to have Quadri in the TTBL. As a league, we have felt the national interest that the transfer has attracted, but of course also the international media response. Quadri is a worldwide

table tennis brand.

Therefore, we are very happy to have him in the TTBL and are looking forward to his debut on Sunday. In TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell he had to replace Croatia’s Tomislav Pucar, who played two seasons with the team. Now it will be exciting to see how fast Quadri gets used to the level in the strongest league in Europe,” Wichmann said.

Also in the preview of the league kick off this weekend, TTBL described Quadri as an exciting player that Germans are looking forward to watching him play against the best in the league.

“The fact that the TTBL is considered the strongest league in Europe is due to the numerous top stars who appear at the tables year after year. The fans can look forward to one or the other new face in the new season. One of the most exciting transfers was made by the TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell, which ranks 20th in the world with Quadri Aruna. The Nigerian will appear for the first time in the TTBL and should compensate for the departure of Pucar,” the statement said.

On his first thoughts when the TTC approached him, Quadri said he was very excited because a lot of good players played in Fulda. “It was a very nice moment for me to know that I’ll be playing in a team that has already had the best players. I will give my 100 per cent to the club. I want to help the team and support them as much as possible.”

Asked of his goals with FuldaMaberzell, he said, he wants to win even if it is difficult sometimes, he believes that it is always possible to win. He promised to work very hard and wait to see where it leads him.

“I have played in France before and it was very demanding, in Germany I think it will be a little more difficult.

But I am ready for this task and will work very hard,” he noted.

The Nigeria No. 1 table tennis player is conscious of his status as a role model to upcoming sportsmen and women and would therefore not want to live a life that would portend a negative influence on them.

“I am conscious of the kind of impact I can have on the lives of a lot of people across the world. So for me, I ensure I remain positive and a good ambassador of my country wherever I found myself. Even off the table, I relate with some of them and share my life experience with them because I did not get to where I am today by just dreaming about it but by the Grace of God. I worked hard to get here. You must also believe in yourself and these are some of the qualities I am hoping that people can pick from me,” he noted.

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž 29 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

FAUSTINO ANJORIN After several attempts to make it to the Chelsea first team in spite of having frequently trained with them, England-born Nigerian Faustino Anjorin has stated that he was prepared to stay at Chelsea and challenge for a spot in the first team in the 2020-2021 season

F

austino Anjorin said he would leave Stamford Bridge only on one condition - unless he gets a loan offer thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s too good to refuse.

The 18-year-old is one of the Chelsea Academy products with a huge reputation and believes he has the talent to earn first-team minutes.

However, the highly-rated teenager is aware he has a battle on his hands to force his way into manager Frank Lampardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first-team plans.

Although Anjorin frequently trains with Chelseaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first team, the last time he featured in a matchday squad was on March 8, coming off the bench for the last 19 minutes of a 4-0 win vs Everton in the Premier League.

Chelsea have bolstered the squad with the signing of Hakim Ziyech while the arrival of Bayer Leverkusenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kai Havertz is imminent, and would push Anjorin down the pecking order of attacking midfielders and wingers, but the Anglo-Nigerian is keen to prove himself despite the complicated situation.

Anjorin signed a new multi-year contract with Chelsea in June 2020, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2025.

England U-19 star is one of the most exciting prospects at the Chelsea Academy, and has already played twice for the first team this season, against Grimsby Town in the League Cup and Everton in the Premier League.

With the professional contract signed

by Anjorin in November 2018 expiring in June 2021, the Blues have offered him a new multi-year contract and everything indicates that he will commit his future to the club.

Manchester City have officially watched Anjorin the most in the 20192020 season, attending youth team

games involving the Anglo-Nigerian teenager.

Manchester United have also scouted the highly-rated youngster tipped for big things, while Liverpool, Arsenal and Norwich City are the other Premier League clubs observing him.

German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund are keeping close tabs on Anjorin too and one of their scouts ran the rule over the versatile midfielder before the Coronavirus outbreak.

He has played nonstop at Chelsea since officially joining the club at U-9 level.

Anjorin made his professional debut for Chelsea in their League Cup win versus Grimsby Town last September and was on the bench in the recent Emirates FA Cup win against Liverpool.

Chelsea midfielder, Anjorin made history for Premier League Club, Chelsea as he came on in the 7-1 thrashing of Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup. Aged 17 years, 10 months and two days, Anjorin became the youngest player of Nigerian descent to debut for Chelsea in a UK football competition, breaking the record previously held

by Fikayo Tomori (another Nigerian), who was aged 18 years, four months and 26 days when he debuted for Chelsea in the Premier League in May 2016.

Anjorin was given a chance by the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new management team, after the teenager enjoyed a blistering start to the season, scoring five goals in his first seven games for Chelseaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s U-23 - including a brace in the EFL Trophy win over Swindon last month.

He is currently, Chelseaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development group top goalscorer, opening his account in the UEFA Youth League, Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy.

Anjorin is a classic midfield powerhouse - who grew up idolising current Blues manager Frank Lampard.

Lampard, who has made it his mission to promote the youngsters this term has faith in the raw talent, as does his assistant Jody Morris - and the pair have been impressed by Anjorinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rapid rise since they arrived in the summer.

His progress within the Blues academy has seen him compared to fellow graduate Ruben Liftus-Cheek, who also impressed at youth level.

Anjorin was born in Poole to a Nigerian father and an English mum.

He was named after the Colombian legend Faustino Asprilla who famously became the first player to score a hattrick against Barcelona in the Champions League when he was playing up front for Newcastle.

By the age of seven Anjorin was scouted by Chelsea and invited to train in their youth set-up before officially joining at the age of nine.

It was a dream come true for the boy, who idolised John Obi Mikel and wanted to play for the same club.

By the age of 16, Anjorin, who stands at an impressive 6ft 1 in, lifted the FA Youth Cup. Not only was he the youngest player in the Chelsea side that beat Arsenal 7-1, his goal to end the rout was the icing on the cake.

Internationally, Anjorinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s form has been equally as impressive as it has for his club, and the FA have high hopes for him.

He has played for England at every junior level up to the U-19â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, but without a full cap to his name there could be a tussle with Nigeria for his services in the future.

Both-footed, Anjorin has a contract with Chelsea that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expire until 2021 but the club is already looking to

Anjorin

tie him down to a longer deal.

Technically heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s underrated, despite his lanky frame, runs with the ball at pace and is strong in possession.

And heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got decent vision, often able to pick out the perfect pass for a forward to run on to.

But it is his finishing that helps him stand out from the crowd.

In fact, Jody Morris once revealed he was the â&#x20AC;&#x153;best finisher at the club.â&#x20AC;?

Born in Poole on the South coast of England, Faustino Anjorin has a Nigerian father and English mom and can choose to play for either the three-time African champions or the Three Lions.

He was discovered to be very talented at a young age and it was Chelsea that beat other London clubs to the signature of the midfielder.

It can be revealed that Anjorin chose to join the Stamford Bridge outfit at the age of seven because they have the best academy in England to this day.

An England U-18 international, Anjorin has made a big impact for Chelseaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth team this season, with the highlight being a seven-game scoring run, and was rewarded with a three-year professional deal in November 2018, shortly after he turned 17.

Faustino has been utilised in the youth setup and has also debuted for Chelseaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s U-23 team as he is highly rated.

The youngster who has represented England at U-16, U-17 and the U-18 level is still eligible to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria due to his parents and he has not played for the English senior set up.

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž 5, 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

Osimhen

Awoniyi

Osimhen Scores Another Hat-trick in His Second Game for Napoli Nigeria international Victor Osimhen continued his fine start to life with Italian outfit Napoli, scoring another hat-trick for the Naples giants in their 4-0 win over Serie C club Teramo in a pre-season friendly match.

Osimhen played a starting role in Fridayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s encounter as the Serie A outfit ended their pre-season training camp in Castel di Sangro on a flying note.

Last Friday, the Super Eagles striker kicked off his career in Gennaro Gattusoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team with an eight-minute hattrick against Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Aquila - an encounter that ended 11-0.

He continued from where he left off with the opening goal for the Partenopei in the fourth minute.

Hirving Lozano doubled Napoliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lead 10 minutes later as they cruised to a 2-0 lead at the half-time break.

Osimhen made it three for Napoli a minute after the hour-mark and he completed his hat-trick in the 65th minute.

Algeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Faouzi Ghoulam and Snegalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kalidou Koulibaly were also in action for the Stadio San Paolo outfit alongside the 21-year-old.

Following the conclusion of their pre-season camp, the former Lille talisman will be aiming to intensify his preparation for the 2020-21 Serie A season before Gattusoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side visit Parma for their opening fixture on September 20.

Osimhenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goalscoring start to life at the club has caught the attention of the Archbishop of Naples, Crescenzio Sepe, and he hopes to see the Nigerian score more goals for the team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What I said to Victor Osimhen? We talked and I said to him: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; You have scored 3 goals in 7 minutes, next time you have to score 5 goals in 5 minutes, you have to score almost every minute, do you understand?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;,â&#x20AC;? Sepe said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And did he understand? No, not so much: he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t speak Italianâ&#x20AC;Ś I communicated in Neapolitan, somehow we got along. He is happy, I saw it from his face regardless of the language we spoke. I congratulated him and all the players.â&#x20AC;?

Messi Makes a U-turn, Stays at Barcelona Says his family didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to leave Spain Lionel Messi says he will remain at Barcelona next season after performing a shock U-turn on his future.

Messi says he never considered taking the matter to trial in order to force an exit from Barcelona, where he has spent the entirety of his professional career. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought and was sure that I was free to leave, the president always said that at the end of the season I could decide if I stayed or not,â&#x20AC;? Messi told Goal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now they cling to the fact that I did not say it before June 10, when it turns out that on June 10 we were competing for La Liga in the middle of this awful coronavirus and this disease altered all the season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And this is the reason why I am going to continue in the club. Now I am going to continue in the club because

the president told me that the only way to leave was to pay the â&#x201A;Ź700m (ÂŁ624m) clause, and that this is impossible.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was another way and it was to go to trial,â&#x20AC;? he added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would never go to court against Barca because it is the club that I love, which gave me everything since I arrived. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is the club of my life, I have made my life here. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Barca gave me everything and I gave it everything. I know that it never crossed my mind to take Barca to court.â&#x20AC;?

Messiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father and agent Jorge wrote to La Liga on Friday insisting the player is contractually allowed to leave Barcelona for free in the current transfer window.

La Liga responded with a statement

shortly after Messiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s declaration, reiterating its stance that the â&#x201A;Ź700m release clause needs to be paid in full if the 33-year-old is to be allowed to leave the club.

When I communicated my wish to leave to my wife and children, it was a brutal drama,â&#x20AC;? Messi told Goal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The whole family began crying, my children did not want to leave Barcelona, nor did they want to change schools. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But I looked further afield and I want to compete at the highest level, win titles, compete in the Champions League. You can win or lose in it, because it is very difficult, but you have to compete. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At least compete for it and let us not fall apart in Rome, Liverpool, Lisbon.All that led me to think about that decision that I wanted to carry out.â&#x20AC;?

AFCON Trophy Goes Missing in Cairo The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy has reportedly been stolen from the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) headquarters in Cairo.

Former EFA vice-president Ahmed Shobier has issued a remarkable claim that the most coveted title in African football has mysteriously disappeared.

The Egyptian national team achieved unprecedented success between 2006 and 2010 when they lifted the AFCON title three times, thus affording the opportunity to claim the floating trophy permanently.

However, the silverware that was achieved under the guidance of legendary coach Hassan Shehata has seemingly been stolen a decade on. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The EFA started looking for some trophies as they aim to put them in a notable museum inside the EFA,â&#x20AC;?

Shobier said.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, the EFAwas surprised to find that the AFCON trophy was lost and decided to open an investigation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They were informed by an employee inside the association that it was held by former Egypt captain Ahmed Hassan who refuted this claim. Nobody knows where is the trophy at the time being.â&#x20AC;?

It was initially claimed that former captain Ahmed Hassan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who led the team to success at the biennial tournament in 2006, 2008, and 2010 was in possession of the trophy, although hesubsequentlydenied the claim. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thecommitteesearchedforthetrophy, butthenanemployeetoldthemthatAhmed Hassan,theformercaptainoftheEgyptian nationalteam,whowonthecupthreetimes in a row, has kept it,â&#x20AC;? Shobeir added.

Later, ex-Egypt midfielder Abdelghani clarified in a press conference that the trophy had been lost in a fire seven years ago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After the burning of the Football

Association headquarters, some cups were lost, and the matter was investigated,â&#x20AC;? the former FA member began, â&#x20AC;&#x153;including the Africa Cup of Nations that we retained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some said that the cup had been with Shawky Gharib, the former general coach of the Egypt national team, and some say it had been with Hassan, the former captain of the Pharaohs.

After learning of the trophyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disappearance, Hassan took to social media to express his dismay at the loss. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wish I had kept the cup in my house instead of it being lost,â&#x20AC;? he posted on his @AhmedHassan Twitter handle, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and I am surprised that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m being questioned about the cup after nine years, despite the presence of two FA boards, and the five-year committee for a year and two monthsâ&#x20AC;Śbut theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re only now looking for the cup!

Former Eagles Defender Babalade Dies of Cadiac Arrest Former Super Eagles and Shooting Stars Sports Club defender Ajibade Babalade died yesterday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, after suffering cardiac arrest.

THISDAY learnt that Kunde, as he was popularly called in his playing days died while being rushed to the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

Babalade started his professional career at Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1990, before several stints at 3SC, helping the Oluyole Warriors reach the final of the CAF Champions in League in 1996.

In a telephone chat with former Julius Berger safe hand, Christian Obi, he regreted that another of their own who served Nigeria meritoriously had passed away. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I cannot forget in a hurry some of our confrontations while he was playing for Shooting Stars, he was always rock solid at the back,â&#x20AC;? Obi recalled. He played professionally abroad at Ivoirian side, African Sports, Anyang LG Cheetahs (Korea), SK Sturm Graz (Austria) and Indian club Mohun Bagan AC. On October 17, 2008 Babalade was named as manager of the Shooting Stars FC. He is survived by a wife and three kids, who are all based in the US.

Liverpool Set to OfďŹ&#x201A;oad Taiwo Awoniyi

Liverpool are looking to offload Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi this summer as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to trim his squad ahead of the 2020-21 campaign and let go of a number of fringe players over the summer. The 23-year-old is wanted by Bundesliga duo Mainz and Stuttgart, but Celtic also have him on their rader.

The Hoops could lose Odsonne Edouard this summer after failing to qualify for the Champions League for the third consecutive campaign, and they have identified Awoniyi as a potential replacement.

The Nigerian is expected to cost around ÂŁ9 million and Celtic couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any problems meeting his or Liverpoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demands.

He signed for the Anfield side in 2015, but work permit issues have prevented him from playing for them, and he has had to spend time on loan at Royal Excel Mouscron, Gent, NEC, Frankfurt and Mainz.

Awoniyi has scored 20 goals in 97 league games over the last five seasons and shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any issues with hitting the ground running at Parkhead.

UEFA Nations League: Denmark vs Belgium, Others Live on GOtv A series of top-flight games involving elite European teams across various football, competitions will be aired live on GOtv during this week.

The games which started on Thursday and end on Monday is broadcasted live on SuperSport Football (GOtv channel 31) to GOtv Jolli and Max customers and on SuperSport LaLiga (GOtv channel 32) exclusive to GOtv Max customers.

At the peak of the pack is the match fixture of the 2020/2021 UEFA Nations League was the game between Ukraine and Switzerland at Arena Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;viv stadium.

Today, European team Denmark, will take on Belgium in the Nations League match which airs live at 7:45pm on SuperSport LaLiga, GOtv channel 32.

Coach Oberto MartĂ­nez is hopeful his team, Belgium, will put their best foot forward and clinch a much needed victory for their home fans while Kasper Hjulmad of Denmark is looking forward to seeing Bruun Larsen prove himself worthy to be on the team.

The weekend coverage will be completed with the broadcast of the clash between Serbia and Turkey on Sunday at 7:45pm.

The encounter will be aired live on SuperSport LaLiga, channel 32.

On Monday, League B will feature the match between Czech Republic and Scotland. The game which begins at 7:45pm on SuperSport LaLiga will see Scotland seeking to recover from their loss to Czech Republic who have won four of their six meetings with the former.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍłË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

31

NEWSXTRA

Ikpeazu Links Rural Areas with Ring Road, Honours Late Works Minister Emmanuel Ugwu Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039; GovernorOkezieIkpeazuofAbia Statehasrestatedhiscommitment to link rural areas with quality road networks to enhance the economic and social development of the entire state.

He stated this during the inauguration of the first phase of the nine kilometre UmuibeUmuokereke Ngwa--NtighauzoIbeme Ring Road in Obingwa

Local Government Area of the state.

He assured that the second phase of the road project which would terminate at Akpaa would be completed on December, adding that other road projects had been slated for execution in the area.

Ikpeazu, who was on an ongoing state-wide project inspection/ inauguration tour christened "Kinetic Abia", further assured that

the contractors would deliver high quality job on all road projects.

The state Commissioner for Works, Mr. Bob Ogu, told the people of the area connected by the ring road that Governor Ikpeazu would surely complete the ring road to enhance their economic activities.

He urged the people to protect the road and assist the contractor to achieve government's objective in constructing the road.

Underscoring the importance of the ring road, the transition committee chairman, Obingwa local government, Chief Kingsley Nnaji commended the governor for initiating and executing the road project. He stressed the need to expedite action on the completion of the second phase of the road network which traverses five wards in Agalaba, Obingwa LG. At the Umuene-Obikabia road Governor Ikpeazu honoured the

Ekiti Labour Demands Metering of Buildings by Disco, Laments Extortion Victor Ogunje Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C; The Organised Labour in Ekiti State, has called on the Benin Electricity Distribution Company(BEDC) to meter all electrifiedbuildingsinthestateto avoid unwarranted extortion of consumers through outrageous estimated billing.

Aside from that, the Labour called for improved electricity to the state to justify the monthly bills being charged by BEDC and in compliance with the federal government's directive on one-house-one -metre policy.

In the same vein, the trade unions advised the Ekiti State Government to ensure quick

completion of the ongoing water projects in the state to checkmate rampancy of water borne diseases via unrestricted access to clean water.

The chairmen of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), Com. Sola Adigun and Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Com. Kolapo Olatunde spoke, yesterday, during a visit to the BEDC's office at Ajilosun area of Ado Ekiti to demand distribution of meters to all electricity consumers in the state.

The trade unions, had last month led a protest to BEDC, where they lambasted the company for shortchanging Ekiti in terms of electricity supply and

billing.

While addressing the management of the electricity company, the TUC chairman, Com. Adigun, expressed concern over the delay in the distribution of prepaid meters to consumers in the state.

According to him, "if every house is equipped with prepaid metres, it will check cases of over billing and also improve the income of the company."

Adigun lamented how some communities in Ekiti were being subjected to total darkness ranging between five and seven years, describing this as a factor contributing to poverty in the country.

"The BEDC needed to Justify

money being paid to it by consumers through stable electricity. It is sad that what are paying for was darkness, because hardly could you get a place or community in Ekiti where they enjoy 12 hours electricity daily."

Adigun's colleagues in the NLC , Com. Olatunde, frowned at the underutilisation of the 132 KVa facilities in Ekiti, saying it had not been deployed to add value to augment electricity supply in the state.

Kolapo called on the state government to ensure completion of the ongoing water projects, noting that insignificant percentage of Ekiti residents had access to potable water.

Lush Hair Partners Lagos to Promote Women Initiative Omolabake Fasogbon Indigenous hair brand, Lush Hair, has joined force with the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs

and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) to promote Lagos â&#x20AC;&#x153;Women Assembly Forum".

The forum which is an initiative of WAPA, was put together

to address socio-economic challenges of all women in the state.

Speaking at the launch of the programme in Surulere, Lagos State, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecelia Bolaji Dada stated that women across the globe were faced with myriad of challenges.

CHANGE OF NAME %-/+$/*5 ),-4, ,# ##/$00$# 0

,-4 4(0' 1- !$ ),-4, ,# ##/$00$# 0

** %-/+$/ #-"2+$,10 /$+ (, 3 *(# '$ &$,$/ * .2!*(" 0'-2*# 1 )$ ,-1$ %-/+$/*5 ),-4, ,# ##/$00$# 0

,-4 4(0' 1- !$ ),-4, ,# ##/$00$# 0

** %-/+$/ #-"2+$,10 /$+ (, 3 *(# '$ &$,$/ * .2!*(" 0'-2*# 1 )$ ,-1$ %-/+$/*5 ),-4 ,# ##/$00$# 0

,-4 4(0' 1- !$ ),-4, ,# ##/$00$# 0

,# +5 - 4 0 +(01 )(,&*5 4/(11$, 0 (,01$ # -%

** %-/+$/ #-"2+$,1 /$+ (, 3 *(# &$,$/ * .2!*(" 0'-2*# .*$ 0$ 1 )$ ,-1$

%-/+$/*5 ),-4, ,# ##/$00$# 0

,-4 4(0' 1- !$ ),-4, ,# ##/$00$# 0

** %-/+$/ #-"2+$,10 /$+ (, 3 *(# '$ &$,$/ * .2!*(" 0'-2*# 1 )$ ,-1$

This she said ranges from financial to economy, security, marital issues and gender-based violence, particularly rape .

Dada encouraged women to speak up when faced with any form of abuse and urged them to take care of their mental health and physical health.

She also commended the resilience of Nigerian women in the face of challenges, adding that they are indispensable to nation building.

Marketing representative of Lush Hair, Mrs. Toyin Iyoha, explained the brand's support for the initiative as part of its commitment to women's development.

She said, "The forum clearly highlighted challenges of women in the society and how they can seek help. Lush Hair is designed to meet the beauty needs of the African woman, which is why we will always bend towards supporting strategic womenoriented activities. The brand stands for confident, modern and trendy women.â&#x20AC;?

Public Relations Manager of Tolaram Group, Mrs. Omotayo Abiodun, stated â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are delighted to collaborate with WAPA on the initiative and we hope that this will lead to a lasting and sustainable relationship.

As a brand whose core target is women, we will always strive towards assisting the womenfolks while also encouraging them to be confident and to always stay on top of their game.

Dada also commended the brand for supporting the initiative which aimed at overall development of women in the state.

memory of the pioneer Minister of Works in the defunct Eastern Region, late Chief Paul Ururuka by unveiling the statue erected in his honour.

He said that the project, which

is an alternative route from Umuahia to Aba, was strategic as it would enhance economic activities around Aba and environs as well as Isialangwa North & South local governments.

DataPro Group Hosts CAMA 2020, AML/CFT Compliance Webinar Adedayo Adejobi In a bid to further open up discuss on the implementation of CAMA 2020 by the AML/CFT Compliance Reporting Entities and Accountable Institutions in Nigeria, DataPro Group is set to hold its annual AML/CFT lecture series via zoom due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

In a media parley on the impulse behind the focus of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s webinar series, the host and Founder DataPro Group, Abimbola Adeseyoju, disclosed that, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Since the President signed into law the Companies and Allied Matters Act (commonly referred to as (CAMA) on the 7th of August 2020, our firm, DataPro, has received a lot of enquiries from members of the compliance community on the likely effects the new law will have on the fight against money laundering, terrorist financing, proliferation financing and all other criminal activities in Nigeria. A lot of practitioners are concerned with issues such as:Implications to on-boarding of Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs), Due Diligence requirements for Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs), Impacts on compliance Policies, Programs, Processes and Procedures,Likely changes to be expected in KYC, CDD and EDD practices in Financial Institutions (FIs) and Designated Non-financial Institutions (DNFIs) in Nigeria and

many more germane issues.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Speaking on the unique essence of the webinar, Adeseyoju said it was â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Propelled by the need and desire to provide useful answers to some of these questions and enquiries as it relates to CAMA 2020, we decided to organise this platform to give all stakeholders and participants the opportunity to listen to Experts and Policy Makers within the industry to proffer the needed insights. That as accountable and reporting institutions comprising of Financial Institutions (FIs) and Designated Non-Financial Business & Professions (DNFBPs) and operating through digital and virtual platforms, we now serve a global community. It is therefore in our best interest to abide with international best practices in order to avoid being vulnerable to threats and risks both within and outside Nigeria.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; According to Oladele Adeoye CEO, DataPro Limited, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The 2020 CAMA AML/CFT Compliance webinar series was born out of the need to facilitate the culture and conduct of AML/CFT compliance in Nigeria.It would address possible challenges and proffer solutions associated with CAMA 2020 by the AML/CFT Compliance Community, whilst it would also promote the spirit of dialogue, interaction, collaborate, cooperation and coordination among stakeholders on issues pertaining to AML/CFT compliance in Nigeria.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

UBEC Supports Lagos Inclusive Units to Boost Teaching, Learning Funmi Ogundare The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), under the Y2018 FGN/UBEC Intervention for inclusive units, yesterday, presented vocational equipment and instructional materials to six inclusive units in Badagry, Eti-Osa, Ibeju- Lekki, Lagos Island and Mushin LGAs to boost teaching and learning.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Executive Chairman of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB), Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King, said the equipment is designed to improve teaching and learning outcomes for special needs pupils in the state.

Alawiye-King commended the federal and state government's efforts for their commitment towards achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs) in ensuring that special needs children have access to equitable and quality education as well as reduction in disability base.

While congratulating the beneficiaries, he said," You

must keep the equipment in good shape and ensure that the materials are efficiently used for the purposes intended. If as a state, we believe that no child should be left behind, as an establishment and agency, we must also ensure the realisation of this goal."

A permanent board member who heads the School Support Services department, Dr. Saheed Ibikunle said the presentation was a further attestation to the fact that LSUBEB remains committed to the plans and programmes of the federal and state governments.

He explained that an inclusive unit is where special needs children showcase their abilities among other regular pupils without discrimination in line with the Child Rights law.

He said the board is committed to ensuring that there exists no disparity between the special inclusive units and other regular units, while assuring that the present administration would make sure that the materials are judiciously used in line with the national curriculum.

Saturday, September 5, 2020

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N250

MISSILE

TUC to FG

“Increasing petrol prices and electricity tariffs, among others at a time people are losing jobs, businesses are not moving in the light of COVID-19, is, to say the least, wicked.”

– The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria condemning the increase in petrol price and electricity tariff in the country.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Spectacular Nuggets from the Life of Chief Bode Akindele

F

ellow Nigerians, my serialised tributes to the business colossus and The Parakoyi of Ibadanland, Chief Bode Akindele, must come to an end today, after several continuations. It is impossible to cover the full gamut of the extraordinary life of this uncommon prodigy, unless one wishes to write a voluminous biography of his own.

There is so much to write about a man who lived several lifetimes in just one. Today, I shall endeavour to barely scratch the surface of his different adventures in the world of business and pleasure.

If I can just take you on a tour de force of some of the remarkable achievements of this business titan for whom I have great respect and admiration I would have done reasonable justice to the life and times of one of the most responsible and honourable Africans that ever lived. I hope and pray his family will reproduce his autobiography, titled I DID IT GOD’S WAY, first published in 2003, and circulate it massively. As someone told me last week, he’s not sure Nigerians knew this man well enough, and if they did, he was not given the recognition and the celebration he richly deserved in his lifetime.

I agree. Baba was one of our unsung heroes.

I thank God for the Ovation Media Group that found time to unveil and present some of his activities and exploits to the world.

Chief Moshood Abiola once told me something I will never forget: “To be a polygamist, a man must be a competent polygamist.” Chief Akindele was a veritable example of that proverbial “competent polygamist.” He had two wives, Bisi and Atema, at the time of his death and he really worked hard to carry both along very well, without outsiders ever noticing cracks, if there were any. He acknowledged both in his book and thanked them: “My wives, Bisi and Atema, deserve a special place in God’s heart for the level of tolerance with which they are endowed. That they have been able to put up with my busy life and unique tastes for over forty years is a tribute to their devotion.”

Chief Akindele’s sense of humour was something else. For example, he wrote in his book: “I may not be blessed, as others are, with good looks, or charisma, or athletic prowess.

But I am blessed with loving and devoted women who have been instrumental to my success. My mother features throughout this book for her sterling qualities and positive influence on my life and chosen career.”

Do you know that Chief Bode Akindele and Professor Wole Soyinka were very close? The truth is that they were and the story of how they first met is an illuminating one. Soyinka wrote the forward to Chief’s autobiography and his account of their introduction is detailed in Soyinka’s usual powerful, pungent and poignant prose. Now, please, read from Africa’s first Nobel Laureate for Literature: “I have occasionally asked myself: where does one place Chief Bode Akindele, the Parakoyi of Ibadan? One guesses that he is no Bill Gates, but such is the scope of his many enterprises and international connections that it would be unwise to place him in the facile category. To tell the truth, he never did strike me as a ‘businessman’, not at our first meeting, which took place at the instance

Akindele

of my late friend, Femi Johnson, another businessman of outstanding refinement.

Our encounter came about because I was looking for a quiet retreat where I could compete some writing in peace, away from the usual pressures and distractions. OBJ as Femi Johnson was more commonly known, mentioned a little village called Vinaros, owned by a Nigerian businessman. The name struck an instant chord Vinaros? Didn’t that have something to do with Ernest Hemmingway, one of my eminent predecessors in the writing trade? I looked up the reference, yes indeed, I was right. Vinaros was one of the Hemmingway’s favourite watering holes whenever he found himself away from Havana. The next question was, what on earth was a Nigerian businessman in search of, that he would end up in an obscure part of Catalan, Spain?

“I was suspicious, deeply suspicious. Was this one of those flamboyant businessmen whose idea of ‘arrival’ was to buy a mansion on some exotic coastline populated by rich tourists? Nigerian businessmen are not known for their reticent lifestyle and I was not looking forward to thrusting myself in the midst of a shoal of vacationing tycoons who like to make their presence felt. Still, I decided to test the waters, very gingerly, by ‘dropping by’ in Femi Johnson’s company.

What I found was a very self-effacing, highly respected Nigerian presence in the person of this reluctant seigneur, whose nation-pride was so much in evidence that he had named his house ‘Nigerian House’ and employed Nigerian colours for decor.

It was anything but overly conspicuous or garish. Mind you, his artistic taste left much to be desired - I immediately offered to throw out his paintings and introduced him to some Nigerian artists but he remained unimpressed - even today. That flaw was however more than compensated for by the owner’s sensible choice of architectural style - and materials - a perfect integration into the village and the general Catalan landscape.

Nothing marked the house as any different from the hundreds of houses in Vinaros.

This little town, Vinaros, indeed combined the virtues of a seasonal vacationing place

whose corrida - or bullfighting arena - drew in thousands of aficionados, followed by several quiet months of the year. It was easy to sense immediately on entering Bode’s environment that this was one businessman who protected his privacy, shielded away from noise, vulgarity or ostentation.

“Gradually, I succumbed to increased curiosity about this person who was considered by his business associates, government officials, acquaintances - indeed virtually by anyone with whom he interacted with abroad - as a kind of unofficial but highly respected Ambassador for Nigeria. Subjected to scrutiny, I discovered a most disciplined individual who nevertheless enjoyed the fullness of life in all aspects Including one that immediately scored him high in my esteem - a rich sense of humour, and - yes, no denying it! - his love and knowledge of wine. More was to be revealed. Indeed, the pleasure of knowing the Parakoyi is the unpredictable revelation of his many - sidedness.

“One constant is the absolute independence of his business operations. Many, far too many, of the businessmen we know about are government contractors. Nothing wrong with that, basically, except that, for this category, government equates business. They depend on government patronage entirely and this of course creates a subservience that affects their politics, leaves them without a social conscience, since their very livelihood is based on the AGIP principle - Any Government in Power. They swear by the government, fawn on government, pray to government, prey on government, lie to and for government in all transactions and would be completely lost without government...”

Chief Akindele was indeed a phenomenal businessman. You can call him a cat with nine lives, if you wish, and you will not be wrong. He always managed to rise from any business mishaps, and these were few and far between, bigger, brighter and better.

Doing business anywhere, not to mention internationally is always littered with landmines and boobytraps. Chief Akindele’s business partners tried endlessly, and relentlessly, to get rid of him but never succeeded. Let me give another interesting example of one of such experiences, in Chief Akindele’s own words, before we close this special tribute: “One of the ways Karl Stenstron tried to blackmail me was to buy me, at company’s expense, a holiday resort apartment in CransMontana, near the Geneva mountain. At that time, one of my daughters was schooling very near that mountain and we used to go on holiday there. When Karl came up with his offer, it occurred to me that if he could do it for me at company expense, it was very likely that he was doing more for other people, also at company expense. So, I refused the offer.

“The last temptation he presented to me was also attractive. The group of match manufacturers in Latin America was going to have a seminar in California. It was to be a world-wide seminar. Karl proposed to me to deliver the keynote address at the opening plenary session of the meeting. I agreed, as the Chairman of what I considered one of the top match companies. All the others were minor manufacturers that we supplied with machinery and raw materials. Then he tried to sweeten the offer. He asked his

secretary to contact my secretary in London with a view to issue tickets for my trip to California at the company’s expense. It was well known that I usually flew first class and his secretary asked me what my itinerary was. I told Karl to let his secretary get in touch with mine regarding the itinerary. I immediately called my secretary and told her that she should only give him the itinerary to California because I was going to some other places. For instance, after California, I planned to go on a cruise before returning to London. And Karl’s secretary called my secretary who forwarded him the itinerary.

The ticket cost was about 17,000 pounds per person. Because my wife was accompanying me, we would require about 35,000 pounds for the tickets only. Not only that, Karl booked the Presidential suite in the hotel. However, I warned my Secretary that he should not allow Karl’s secretary to pay nor accept the ticket from her. So when Karl’s secretary told my secretary that she was sending the tickets, my secretary told her not to worry and when she insisted, he told her she could just order an electronic ticket so that I could collect at the airport. Apparently, Karl was confident that I had fallen into his trap.

“My secretary later obtained my ticket from my travel agent in London, and on my way to California, I bypassed the electronic ticket and used my own ticket. When we got there, I discovered that Karl had booked the hotel and told the manager at the front desk of the hotel that I was aware that the company had booked my lodging on company account, but I would not be staying in the hotel because my wife had booked a different hotel for me. Then he pleaded that the hotel would like to have my business and I told him that the condition for me to stay in the hotel was for him to accept a new booking on my credit card. He quickly cancelled the reservation made for me on the company’s account and gave me a room on my credit card...”

The whole idea was to set a trap for him, but the Ibadan man was too clever. He saw through the plot from the outset and set his own machinery in motion to evade the clutches of his adversary. The denouement came at their board meeting. Karl reported that a director had abused his position and concluded that if this proved to be the case, he would have to be removed. Karl was left shocked and embarrassed that his ploy had been rumbled and his puerile efforts at trapping a renowned and seasoned warrior son from Ibandanland, when during the crucial meeting, Chief disclosed what had transpired and escaped all charges.

There is so much to learn from Chief Bode Akindele’s life. I wish I could go on ad infinitum, but time and space won’t permit me. Definitely, history will be kind to this prodigious, talented and most extraordinary son of Ibadan and Nigeria.

I will forever miss The Parakoyi, who on a personal note, showered me with so much affection and love. The discreet manner he went about displaying his affection, generosity and philanthropy, means that there will be many like me that benefitted from his generosty, magnanimity and largesse, but who will be unable to tell their stories like I always do. May his kind and gracious soul Rest in Peace.

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085, 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com