SATURDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2023

Tuggar: Impending Joint Statement will Clarify Issues on Nigeria’s Visa, Flights Engagement with UAE

Chinedu Eze

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, yesterday stated that discussions between Nigeria

and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on visa and flights issues are still on-going and yet to reach the level of lifting visa restrictions and that when both countries

complete discussions, they would issue a joint statement.

This is contrary to earlier report that the UAE had lifted the visa ban after President Tinubu met

with UAE’s President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi

The CNN also reported yesterday that a UAE official

who asked not to be named said: "There are no changes on the Nigeria/UAE travel status so far.”

Last October, the UAE banned

visa issuance to citizens from Nigeria and 19 other African countries. Flights between both

Continued on page 5

With N996.44bn Obligation, Lagos Tops List of States with High Domestic Debts...

Page 8

Defeat Terrorists Swiftly, Army Chief Orders Commanders...

Page 8

Record High Inflation Rate of 25.80% Welcomes New Team at CBN

James Emejo in Abuja

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measures the rate of change in prices of goods

and commodities has revealed that Nigeria’s inflation rose to 25.80% in August 2023, 1.72% points higher than the 24.08% recorded in the previous month.

This is coming as a new leadership of the Central Bank of Nigeria under Olayemi Cardoso takes off, with combating inflation as one of its mandates.

According to the CPI report released yesterday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the significant inflation increase in August was largely caused by

the removal of petrol subsidy and liquidity challenges in the foreign exchange market on consumer prices.

Month-on-month inflation rose

to 3.18% in the review month from 2.89% recorded in the previous month.

Continued on page 5

Olayemi Cardoso, Ex-CitiBanker, Steps in As New Governor of Troubled CBN

Emem Usoro, Muhammad Dattijo, Philip Ikeazor and Bala Bello are deputy governors Tinubu seeks senate confirmation of nominees

Ahamefula Ogbu in Lagos and Deji Elumoye in Abuja

With the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under investigation and ‘house cleaning’, exchange rate at record high of over N950/$, arbitrage at over N200/$, runaway inflation at 25.8%, President Bola Tinubu yesterday tapped experienced former CitiBanker, Olayemi Cardoso, as new Governor at uncertain times.

He surrounded Cardoso with the experienced banker Philip Ikeazor; development economist, Muhammad Dattij; renowned accountant Bala Bello; and the young/daring Emen Usoro, as deputy governors.

Cardoso was at various times Chairman of CITIBANK and also served as Commissioner for Budget and National Planning when Tinubu was Governor of Lagos

State,1999 to 2007.

He takes over from Godwin Emefiele, who has been on suspension as CBN Governor since June 9, 2023.

According to a press release issued yesterday by presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, Cardoso’s nomination will be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation in line with the provisions of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended).

“Cardoso's appointment is in conformity with Section 8 (1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which vests in the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the authority to appoint the Governor and four Deputy Governors for the CBN, subject to confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic

Continued on page 5

Tinubu Heads to New York

Tinubu Heads to New York Tomorrow for UNGA

To hold bilateral talks with President Biden, meet with CEOs of Exxon Mobil, Microsoft, Meta, General Electric

Deji

Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu will tomorrow depart Abuja for New York, the United States, to attend the 78th edition of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Briefing newsmen on the President’s itinerary ahead of the trip at the State House, Abuja yesterday, presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, said President Tinubu is set to attend UNGA with a focus on strengthening Nigeria's economic ties.

According to him, the President plans to meet with CEOs of major multinationals, including Microsoft's Brad Smith, Meta's Nick Clegg, General Electric's CEO, and Exxon Mobil's CEO to discuss digital transformation, innovation, energy, and petroleum sector opportunities.

He added that the President will also participate in various summits, including those on

Sustainable Development Goals and climate ambition, as well as bilateral meetings with world leaders - US President Joe Biden and counterparts from Spain, Netherlands, South Africa, Brazil, Comoros and Algeria.

He said: "President Bola Tinubu is going to continue advancing very aggressively on his economic development, diplomatic drive, to aggressively attract foreign direct investment into the country. So, with that, I would like to inform you that Mr. President will be having the following meetings with major chief executives and leaders of multinational firms cutting across multiple sectors of the economy.

"The President will be meeting with the President of the Microsoft company worldwide, Brad Smith, with respect to how we can deepen digital transformation in the country, and how we can expand the digital

economic footprint in the country to ensure that our micro and small enterprises will have access to the internet and have access to other smart technologies that will facilitate their ability to transact business quickly and efficiently.

"Mr. President will also be meeting with Sir Nick Clegg who is the president of Global Affairs for Meta Technologies, which is expected to be a wide-ranging conversation with respect to how we can leverage on new innovations such as artificial intelligence and certain other applications to impact the way we do business in Nigeria.

"Mr. President, will also be meeting with the global CEO of General Electric. Of course, General Electric is a very wellknown international organisation that cuts across multiple sectors, they have very deep involvement in the energy sector, electric power

generation, aviation, you know, engine production for multiple modes of transportation, amongst many other inputs. So, we expect that to be a very important interaction.

"Furthermore, Mr. President will be meeting with the global CEO of Exxon Mobil Oil and Gas Company. We see this as a major opportunity to once again lay out in detail what Nigeria has on offer with respect to the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act and the fiscal and tax incentives that are being put forward by President Bola Tinubu to further advance investment in the oil and gas sector, not just in terms of oil, but more in terms of gas.

"The President will also be presiding over an event, that is the Nigeria Small and Medium Scale Business Summit. And this is really a very strategic one. The President is determined to

ensure that we don't just look at large industry, that we key in on opportunities that are being presented by Nigerian-owned small and medium scale enterprises, putting our own MSMEs in a position to make an impact in foreign markets.

"In addition to that, the President will be speaking at the UN High Level reform of the global financial architecture. This is a sequel to the engagement Mr. President had in Paris. It will essentially allow our president to lay out his vision for a fairer international financial system that does not any longer leave out developing countries from the decision-making table.

"He's very determined to drive this and he's leading it from the front and that's a very important engagement on his schedule. Aside from that, there will be two major summits at the UN. Aside from, of course, general debate at the

OLAYEMI CARDOSO, EX-CITIBANKER, STEPS IN AS NEW GOVERNOR OF TROUBLED CBN

of Nigeria,” said the statement.

In line with this, President Tinubu also nominated four new Deputy Governors for the CBN for a term of five years at the first instance, subject to the confirmation of their appointment by the Senate.

The new CBN deputy governors are Mrs. Emem Nnana Usoro, Mr. Muhammad Abdullahi Dattijo, Mr. Philip Ikeazor and Dr. Bala M. Bello.

“In line with his government's Renewed Hope agenda, the President expects the new appointees to successfully implement critical reforms at the Central Bank of Nigeria, which will enhance the confidence of Nigerians and international partners in the restructuring of the Nigerian economy toward sustainable growth and prosperity for all,” said the statement from

the Presidency.

Cardoso studied managerial and administrative studies at Aston University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree.

He holds a Master's degree from the Harvard Kennedy School in public administration.

He is a member of the Cities Alliance's Africa Think Tank Group, a group created to solve urban development challenges.

Cardoso has served as a board member of MRS Oil and was the chairman of the board of EFinA.

He is a member of the advisory board of Lagos Business School and chairman of the board of African Venture Philanthropy Alliance.

The new CBN governor is the founding chairman and co-chair of Ehingbeti Summit, the Lagos State economic summit. He is also a former executive lead at

RECORD HIGH INFLATION RATE OF 25.80% WELCOMES NEW TEAM AT CBN

In terms of contribution to the year-on-year inflation, food and non-alcoholic beverages (13.36%) contributed the most, followed by housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel (4.32%), clothing and footwear (1.97%).

According to the report, food inflation increased to 29.34 per cent year on year in August, which was 6.22 per cent higher compared to 23.12 per cent in August 2022.

Year-on-year, the rise in food inflation was attributed to increases in prices of oil and fat, bread and cereals, fish, fruit, meat, vegetables and potatoes, yam and other tubers, vegetables, milk, cheese and eggs.

Month-on-month, the food index rose to 3.87 per cent, or 0.41 per cent higher than 3.45 per cent in July, occasioned by increases in prices of bread and cereals, potatoes, yam and other tubers, fish, oil and fat, coffee, tea, and cocoa.

On the other hand, the all items less farm produce and energy or core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce and energy rose to 21.15 per cent year on year in August, up by 4.03 per cent compared to 17.12 per cent in August 2022.

The highest increases were recorded in prices of passenger transport by air, passenger transport by road, medical services, vehicle spare parts, maintenance, and repair of personal transport equipment, among others.

Month-on-month, the core index increased to 2.18 per cent in August from 2.11 per cent in July.

Meanwhile, on an annual basis,

urban inflation rose to 27.69 per cent, up by 6.73 per cent from 20.95 per cent in August 2022.

On a month-on-month basis, the urban inflation rate was 3.29 per cent in August, up from 0.24 per cent in July.

Rural inflation was 24.10 per cent year-on-year, which was 3.98 per cent higher compared to 20.12 per cent in August 2022.

Month-on-month, the rural index was 3.08 per cent, up by 0.34 per cent compared to 2.74 per cent in July.

At states level, general inflation, year on year, was highest in Kogi 31.50 per cent; Lagos (29.17 per cent); and Rivers (29.06 per cent), while Sokoto (20.91 per cent); Borno (21.77 per cent); and Nasarawa (22.25 per cent) recorded the slowest rise in inflation.

On a month-on-month, however, inflation was highest in Kwara (6.07 per cent); Osun (4.36 per cent); and Kogi (4.35 per cent); while Sokoto (1.38 per cent); Borno (1.73 per cent) and Ogun (1.89 per cent) recorded the slowest rise.

Also, year-on-year, food inflation was highest in Kogi (38.84 per cent), Lagos (36.04 per cent), and Kwara (35.33 per cent), while Sokoto (20.09 per cent), Nasarawa (24.35 per cent) and Jigawa (24.53 per cent) recorded the slowest rise in food inflation.

On a month-on-month basis, however, food inflation was highest in Rivers (7.12 per cent), Kwara (5.89 per cent), and Kogi (5.80 per cent), while Sokoto (0.50 per cent), Abuja (1.30 per cent) and Niger (1.40 per cent) recorded the slowest rise.

Harvard Kennedy School alumni association.

Emem Usoro

An alumna of Harvard Business School and Lagos Business School, Usoro’s banking career spans over 20 years with experience in Operations, Credit and Marketing, Branch Management, Relationship Management, Corporate and Commercial Banking. Until her appointment, she was UBA’s Group General Manager and the Strategic Business Group (SBG) Head, in Abuja. She was also the Regional Head, Lagos Bank 2. Usoro has won multiple awards at the annual UBA CEO Awards.

Philip Ikeazor

Philip Ikeazor has over 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry. He holds a BSc. Economics from the University of Buckingham, UK. He is also an Alumnus of Wharton-CEIBSIESE Business School Global CEO Programme and attended executive programmes at Harvard Business School and Wharton School of Business.

Ikeazor has held various board positions, notably as the CEO of Keystone Bank Limited, CEO of Ecobank Kenya Limited, Executive Director, Union Bank Nigeria, Director of Union Bank UK PLC, and Director of the Orient Bank Uganda. Philip also served as a member of the governing board of ICRISAT –International Crop Research Institute for the SemiArid Tropics, India (a member of the World Bank-led Consultative Group on International Agric. Research).

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Fellow Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

Bala Bello

A native of Taraba State, Dr. Bala

Mohammed Bello is an industry leader, whose career has spanned Banking, Capital Markets, and Pension Fund Management: Bello is a well-respected public official and a renowned accountant. In April 2017, Bello was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari as the Executive Director of Corporate Services at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank Bello has an excellent performance record brimming with excellence. He is well known for surpassing his competition to achieve the greatest level of success in his field.

Muhammad Dattijo

Abdullahi is an international development expert who served as a policy adviser at the Executive

Office of United Nations SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-Moon in New York and also as Commissioner for Budget and Planning in Kaduna State.

He obtained his Master’s degree in Development Economics and Policy from the University of Manchester and obtained a second Master’s from Ahmadu Bello University where he studied International Affairs and Diplomacy. Abdullahi obtained certificates including in Public Finance at the London School of Economics; Sustainable Development at Columbia University and Advanced Project Management at Oxford University.

Emefiele’s Departure Emefiele was suspended from

General Assembly, which is one the UN 2023 summit on SDGs (the sustainable development goals) at which Mr. President will be very actively participating.

"The last point I want to make is on His Excellency Mr. President's schedule of bilateral meetings. The President, again, focusing on his economic development diplomacy, will be having investment at the front and center of his conversations with his counterparts around the world.

"And these engagements include bilateral meetings on the sidelines, with the President of the United States, with the President of Comoros, with the president of South Africa, with the President of the European Union Commission, with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, with the King of Jordan, with the Algerian President, with the Brazilian president and with the Spanish Prime Minister.”

office on June 9, 2023 by President Bola Tinubu.

Few days later he was arrested by men of the Department of State Services (DSS) and taken from Lagos to Abuja.

The DSS on July 13 filed a twocount charge of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition against the suspended CBN governor.

On July 25, a Lagos court admitted Emefiele to N20 million bail on the two-count charge of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and ordered his remand at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, pending when he is able to perfect his bail conditions.

But the DSS operatives rearrested the embattled bank chief after fighting off NCoS

officials on the court’s premises.

The DSS eventually withdrew the case of illegal possession of firearms against Emefiele. It said this was informed by “emerging facts and circumstances that need further investigations.”

A fresh 20 charges of alleged procurement fraud, conspiracy and conferring corrupt advantages on his associates was later filed against Emefiele by the DSS. Emefiele was charged alongside a female CBN employee, Sa’adatu Yaro and her company, April1616 Investment Limited.

The expected arraignment of the suspended CBN governor has since been stalled. The case was first stalled on August 17 following the absence Yaro, the second defendant in the case.

TUGGAR: IMPENDING JOINT STATEMENT WILL CLARIFY ISSUES ON NIGERIA’S VISA, FLIGHTS ENGAGEMENT WITH UAE

countries were also stopped last year after Dubai’s Emirates airline suspended its operations in Nigeria citing trapped revenues.

Air Peace that was using the Nigerian BASA slot to UAE also pulled out of the route because of the visa ban.

Tuggar in exclusive interview with Arise TV yesterday, described the on-going discussions between the two countries as partnership aimed at calming frayed nerves” that will be followed by a decision and “joint statement at the end of the day.”

Tuggar said moves to lift the visa ban is still a work in progress:

“It’s still an ongoing process, it’s a partnership, it’s repairing otherwise frayed nerves, if you will, for lack of a better phrase, and it’s better that whatever we do, we do in partnership with the UAE, so, I will not want to dwell too much on what is going on there or from our own side. So, there will be, I’m sure, joint statements that will clarify everything that has transpired and is unfolding, but it is positive.”

Tuggar then spoke on President Tinubu’s visit to the United Nations General Assembly, where he will be addressing the 78th Session of the high-level

UNGA General Debate at the UN headquarters in New York. The minister said: “It’s going to be President Tinubu’s maiden address at the United Nations. So, it’s quite significant. He’s going to set the tone of his administration.

“I will expect that he will introduce his 8-Point agenda, which actually corresponds for the most part with the goal of the United Nations. Tinubu’s agenda includes food security, poverty eradication, access to capital, inclusivity, fighting corruption, and others, overlap with the UNs Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

Dattijo

Ikeazor

Usoro

Bello

S’Court Throws Out APC Candidate’s Case against Governor Mbah

The Supreme Court, yesterday, threw out the appeal filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Uche Nnaji, challenging the victory of Governor Peter Mbah of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 18 governorship election in Enugu State.

In the lead judgement of the five-man panel read by Justice Tijani Abubakar, the country’s apex court held that the appellants’ legal team filed an invalid brief

of argument and equally failed to convince the court with lucid and good reasons why the appeal should be granted.

It would be recalled that Nnaji, who polled 14,575 votes against Mbah’s 160,895 votes to come a distant fourth in the 2023 gubernatorial election, had sought to leapfrog to the number one position and be declared governor

He prayed the Enugu State Governorship Election Petition to disqualify for various reasons,

Court Suspends Proceedings in Shareholders’ Suit against FBN Holdings

Wale Igbintade

Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered stay of proceedings in the suit filed by three aggrieved FBN Holdings Plc shareholders over the Annual General Meeting of the company held on August 15, 2023.

Justice Aluko had earlier directed counsel in the matter to address him on whether the court can proceed with the case in view of the appeal pending before the Court of Appeal and another application seeking a stay of proceedings.

Ruling on the written addresses filed by parties, Justice Aluko stated that in the instance case, what is pending before the Appellate court was not just an application to stay proceedings, but that the substantive relief of the appeal is also asking for stay of proceedings.

Justice Aluko held that “The ruling of the court is now a subject before the court of appeal. It is settled by a long line of decisions of

Supreme Court that the lower court should avoid judicial engagement in proceedings pending before it.

“It is my view that it is better to avoid any judicial engagement in proceedings before this court that is capable of defying the judicial authority of the court of appeal, whose decision may impact on the proceedings before this court.

“Going by the tone of event and the level of controversy the matter has generated it’s better to give the senior brothers at the Court of Appeal opportunity to look into the case and enforce their wise decision. The pending ruling of the court is kept in abeyance in sacred obedience to judicial authorities of the Court of Appeal, I hereby order maintenance of status quo.

“The learned senior counsel for the petitioner should be assured that when the coast is clear, this court will be much ready to enforce its undoubted authority and apply its judicial teeth and bite hard on any erring party who has engaged in contemptuous act.”

I Will Not Resign As Ondo Deputy Governor, Says Aiyedatiwa

Fidelis David in Akure

Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, yesterday debunked rumour that he has resign from office, declaring that his tenure will end on February 23, 2025.

This comes three days after his boss and Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) disbanded the media crew attached to the Office, amidst allegation of rift between the deputy governor and his boss, Akeredolu who just returned from Germany where he went for medical leave.

However, the Deputy Governor in a statement he personally signed and made available to Journalists in Akure, dispelled the resignation letter, noting that he would finish the tenure with Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

The statement titled: “Re Purpoted Pre-signed Resignation Letter read: “My attention has been drawn to a rumour of a purported pre-signed resignation letter, signed by me, being circulated in the public domain.

including alleged assets declaration breaches, the PDP candidate, Dr. Mbah; Labour Party Candidate, Chijioke Edeoga; and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Frank Nweke Junior, who polled 160,895 , 157,552 votes, and 17,983 votes, respectively to place ahead of him.

Nnaji maintained that he was the only one among the four

leading candidates qualified to run for the election and should therefore be declared winner.

But in June, the tribunal, chaired by Justice Kudurat M. Akano, dismissed his petition as incompetent, frivolous and not filed in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022. The tribunal also awarded a cost of N200,000 each against Nnaji and the APC.

The petitioners proceeded to the Court of Appeal seeking the leave of the court to regularise their petition, an appeal rejected by the appellate court in a lead judgement by Justice J.O.K Oyewole in July, which upheld the decision of the tribunal.

Delivering judgement in the appeal to the Supreme Court yesterday, the apex

HI-TECH BORDER SECURITY. . .

L-R: Consul General, Nigeria Consulate Guangzhou, His Excellency,

working visit to China... recently

“I wish to state that I, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State have not, do not intend and will not sign/ author any letter resigning my position as the duly elected Deputy Governor in a joint ticket with my principal the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON.

“I took an oath the day I was sworn in along with Mr. Governor on February 24th, 2021 to protect the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on a four (4) year mandate which terminates in February 23rd, 2025”, he stressed.

Besides, Aiyedatiwa who reiterated his loyalty to Akeredolu added that he remains calm and committed to the duties of his office and unruffled by the lies of desperate politicians and their agents.

“I remain loyal to my Principal and stand by the oath took with the Bible to run the full cycle of the four year tenure with Mr. Governor. To this end, I urge the people of Ondo State, the State Assembly and the general public to disregard such letter now and in the future”, Aiyedatiwa said.

court upheld the decisions of the tribunal and the Court of Appeal, maintaining that since the appellants’ brief was found to be invalid, the invalidity also naturally affected the appeal in respect of which the appeal was filed.

The Supreme Court proceeded to dismiss the brief and appeal filed by the appellants.

NNPP Crisis: S’West Leaders Pass Vote of Confidence on Kwankwaso

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Leaders of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the South-west, yesterday, passed a vote of confidence on the presidential candidate of the party during the 2023 elections, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The leaders in a communique at the end of a statutory zonal executive meeting held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, also pledged their support and loyalty to the former governor of Kano State against a factional leader, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam.

They called on Aniebonam and his group to retrace their step, rejecting his leadership outrightly while urging all suspended former members of the party to toe the

line of honour.

It would be recalled that Kwankwaso, who was the presidential candidate of the party in the February 25 poll was recently suspended from the party by the faction loyal to Aniebonam over alleged anti-party activities.

However the suspension was later quashed by Justice Usman Mallam Na’abba of the Kano State High Court, last Tuesday.

The party leaders then called on all Nigerians, especially in the South-west geo-political zone to support the NNPP for good governance and quality leadership

The zonal leaders in the communiqué read by the National Vice Chairman (South-west), Prince Ademola Ayoade, at the end of the meeting which lasted for about four

hours, appreciated the performance of the various states during the 2023 general elections and agreed to do all that is necessary to reposition the party for better performance in the future.

The communique read in part, “We hereby agree and support the various activities of the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC) after assessing and appraising the various activities of our party during the last general elections, agree to do everything necessary to reposition the party for better performance in the future.

“Also the entire committee passed a vote of confidence on the NWC, the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the leadership of the party, Senator Musa Rabiu

Kwankwaso and totally reject the charade by a group of former members of the NNPP led by Dr. Boniface Aniebunam.

“We will work with the people to present the NNPP as an alternative party for the governance of the country.”

Present at the meeting included the National Auditor, Ladipo Johnson; Chairman of all Chairmen in the country and Osun State chairman, Dr. Tosin Odeyemi; Chairman of Chairmen, South West Forum, Pastor Peter Olagookun; Lagos State Chairperson, Mrs. Veronica Dikko Kila; Ekiti State Caretaker Chairman, Dr. Oluyinka Gabriel Folahan and Ogun State Caretaker Chairman, Prince Kunle Ibrahim, among other zonal officers.

Scrap Law School Now, Sam Amadi Tells FG

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi, has stated that the current realities in the country have shown that the Nigerian Law School has outlived its usefulness and as such should be scrapped.

According to Amadi, the Nigerian Law School is no longer serving its purpose, which was to provide practical knowledge for young lawyers in the country.

He spoke at the 2023 Endowment Launch of the Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme, ‘IgbaBoyi’, by Igbo lawyers under the umbrella of Otu Oka-iwu, Abuja.

While pointing out that, “the

Law School is failing”, the former NERC boss, who is also the Director, Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, urged for a rethink of the whole framework of Nigeria.

“In my view, it is no longer serving its purpose. The Law School is designed to provide technical practical education. So the question I ask is, what are they providing? My view is, that purpose is best served at a law firm,” he said.

Amadi also observed that many lawyers who go to Law School do not practice, with some of them going into journalism, broadcasting, or teaching in the university.

He therefore urged for the

strengthening of the university education for lawyers in order for them to have a broad analytical competency.

“In the United States, when you finish your legal education in the university, you do a quick exam to be called as a lawyer. Here, we can license our universities to take three to six months special rush course for our law students to qualify to practice. After that, they go to the chambers where they learn real practice. The only way one can get tutelage is in a law firm,” he said.

Meanwhile, he commended the replication of the Igbo apprenticeship model where young lawyers will be able to gain

valuable internship experience at reputable law firms.

According to him, the model which he said is now studied at Harvard is a unique way of knowledge transfer and it is needed to save the law profession from moral disaster.

He said: “The idea is that lawyers will seek knowledge from the established ones and also, the established lawyers will also be generous enough to support our young people, not just knowledge but in paying them. So what the Igbo lawyers are trying to do is to provide funding to encourage young people so that with the help of the senior lawyers, the junior ones will acquire not just knowledge, but also virtue.”

Shattima Ahmed with the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration, Wuraola Adepoju, during her

Defeat Terrorists Swiftly, Army Chief Orders Commanders

Kingsley Nweze

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, yesterday directed commanders to renew their

strength and ensure that terrorists and other criminal elements in the country are defeated swiftly.

He ordered the commanders to work with

With N996.44bn Debt, Lagos Tops List of States with High Domestic Debt

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

Lagos State, Nigeria’s economic nerve-centre has continued to retain its status as the state with the highest domestic debt profile, chalking up a total of N996.44 billion (N996,440,044,235.35) as at June 30, 2023.

According to the latest figures published by the Debt Management Office (DMO), Lagos’ debt grew from N812,383 billion (N812,383,923,050.01) as at March 31, 2023 followed by Delta State with N465.404 billion (N465,404,504,431.59), from N421.776 billion (N421,776,084,974.72).

Ogun State is third on the list with N293.2billion (N293,204,959,775.19) and Rivers State fourth with N225.5 billion (N225,505,011,357). Imo is next on the list with N220.83 billion

(N220,838,595,301.38).

On the surface, while Rivers State stands on the fourth position among the states with the highest domestic debt profile, the DMO reported that it has not updated its debt status for about two years.

The last updated figure for Rivers was N225.5 billion as at September 30, 2021.

In the latest debt figures released by the DMO, only Domestic 31 states had their debt profiles updated as at June 30, 2023.

The states are Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta and Ebonyi.

Others are Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.

COREN Declares Engineering Courses in UniAbuja, AAU, UniCal, Others Illegal

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) yesterday declared engineering courses rendered by the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma and the University of Calabar (UniCal) as illegal.

Also included in the list by the statutory body responsible for the regulation, control, training and practice of engineering in the country were the Modibbo Adama University (MAU) in Yola as well as the Technical University, Ibadan (TUI) in Oyo State.

Speaking in Abuja, during an event to intimate the public on the development, the President and Chairman of Council, COREN, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, explained that the resolution was reached at the body’s 179th Ordinary Council Meeting held on September 7.

Abubakar grouped the infractions by the affected universities into three groups, namely: the ones with expired accreditation, those that failed outright to get pre-accreditation before running the courses and the institutions that failed to renew their accreditation after expiry.

For UniAbuja, the COREN president stated that the accreditation for Chemical Engineering and Civil Engineering expired since March 26, 2020, while for Electronics Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, it expired on April 20, 2022.

COREN explained that AAU, Ekpoma has had the renewal of its accreditation for Mechanical Engineering and elect/elect due since November 12, 2020 while

other security agencies to ensure that the environment is safe and secure for citizens.

A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Onyema Nwachukwu indicated that the COAS spoke at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Combined Second and Third Quarters Conference 2023, at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1, Asokoro Abuja.

The statement reads: “The COAS expressed the commitment and capability of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to ensuring a safe and secure environment for good governance and socio-economic development, in collaboration with sister services and other security agencies.

“The COAS averred that the briefs and presentations made during the conference have reinforced the tasks and clearly

depicted the challenges ahead of the NA.

“He charged all formation commanders to calibrate their strength to deal a decisive blow to the nation’s adversaries. He added that the far-reaching decisions made during the conference will propel the NA to redefine its training and operational activities in order to actualise desirable outcomes.”

Nwachukwu said the COAS also presented cheques to 10 maiden

beneficiaries of the Army Personal Insurance Scheme in an effort to provide financial security and support to families of personnel who died in active service.

“The gesture by the COAS is an expression of the Nigerian Army’s appreciation of the service and sacrifices of its personnel in defence of the soverei gnty and territorial integrity of the nation,” the statement added.

the MAU, Yola, failed accreditation for its Agricultural Engineering course.

It added that civil, elect/ elect, chemical and mechanical engineering accreditation for MAU had also expired since October 11, 2020 and March 10, 2022 respectively.

According to Abubakar, UniCal is currently running engineering programmes up to 300 level without resource verification/ pre-accreditation by COREN, while Technical University, Ibadan was offering engineering courses up to 500 level with the same infraction.

“All five universities have been written officially to call for accreditation of their programmes, as presently their programmes are illegal and they need to rectify the abnormalities, but there has not been any positive response from any of them,” the engineering regulatory body stated.

Quoting Section 12 of the Federal Government Gazette No.113 of March 3, 2023 on Regulations and Accreditation of Engineering Programmes in Nigeria, COREN said it possesses the powers to impose sanctions on erring institutions.

It listed the sanctions as withdrawal of accreditation and non-recognition of graduates of such programmes for registration as engineering practitioners.

It added: “The general public is also being notified that COREN is hereby notifying the affected universities to rectify the abnormalities and get the programmes accredited before the commencement of the next academic session.

BRAND

.

Defence Chief: Intelligence Sharing, Synergy Among Armed Forces, Key to Ending Insurgency

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, yesterday, declared that intelligence sharing and collaboration of the joint task forces of the armed forces remained key to confronting security challenges facing the country.

Musa spoke at the opening of the Joint Task Force Commanders Conference 2023 in Abuja.

He said the conference themed: ‘Rejigging Defence Headquarters led Operations’ underscored the vital importance of collaboration

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari has said that NNPC Retail made N18.4 billion in the first quarter of 2023, after acquiring OVH Energy in 2022.

Kyari said this while addressing the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on the OVH Acquisition by the NNPCL yesterday in Abuja.

This information was shared

and synergy among the various branches of the armed forces.

He noted that “at a time where the security landscape is constantly evolving, it has become imperative for them to adapt their strategies and tactics to effectively counter emerging threats by fostering a spirit of jointness, where they can capitalise on their collective strengths and capabilities to safeguard our nation.”

The defence chief said the conference provided a unique opportunity for them to share experiences, exchange ideas,

by the company via its official Twitter account.

NNPCL had in October 2022, acquired the Oando retail brand, OVH Energy Marketing. The acquisition added 380 filling stations to what the NNPC had, which amounted to almost 1,500 retail stations at the time.

“We are happy with the acquisition of OVH. For instance, in 2021 before the acquisition, NNPC Retail made N6.93bn profit. But in one quarter after the acquisition (1st Qtr 2023), we

and learn from one another by engaging in open and honest dialogue, identify best practices, address operational challenges, and forge a common vision that will guide their joint efforts going forward. He affirmed that in the pursuit of national security, it was essential that they remained mindful of the dynamic security environment they operate in the face of a multitude of threats, ranging from insurgency, terrorism, and cybercrime to transnational organised crime, separatist movements, and

made a profit of N18.4bn. This is all as a result of the acquisition.

“NNPCL is a creation of the federation with over 200 million Nigerians as shareholders. The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) also grants us the mandate to guarantee national energy security. On this basis, it is duty-bound on us to increase our market share,” Kyari said. He, however, expressed his pain over allegations against the acquisition saying they were not true.

inter-communal conflicts.

According to him, the challenges demanded comprehensive and multifaceted response that encompassed not only military action but also political, economic, and social dimensions. He said the exchange of timely and accurate information was the lifeblood of successful operations.

“As we delve into the various sessions and workshops planned for this conference, I encourage you all to actively participate, ask questions, and contribute your perspectives.

“We believe that the only way we can grow our market share is by expanding our business. Since the acquisition of OVH, the profit margin of NNPC Retail has jumped.

“In every merger and acquisition, there is a transition period. We are rising to those challenges brought about by the transition. We are also ensuring that none of our staff at NNPC Retail is victimized. Staff are placed where they are best fit towards optimum performance,” he added

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

TellsthemtocalibratestrengthanddealadecisiveblowagainstNigeria’sadversaries

LAYING SOLID FOUNDATION…

L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers Smart Innovation Hub Unveiling Committee, Dr. Halimat Adeniran; Managing Director/CEO, Wema Bank, Mr. Moruf Oseni; President and Chairman in Council, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Tasiu Saad Gidari-Wudil; Managing Director, North-East Development Commission, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali; and Member, Fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineers, Mrs. Magaret Oguntala, at the unveiling of the Nigerian Society of Engineers Smart Innovation Hub, in Abuja yesterday

HURIWA Condemns Escalating School Fees, Advocates Affordable Education for All

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) yesterday expressed worries over the recent surge in tuition fees at public tertiary institutions including the alarming increase at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and the University of Lagos (UniLag).

The civil society group described the rising school fees as harsh, intolerable, wicked and abominable development not only as anti-poor and anti-people but also as an oppressive measure that threatens the fundamental right to quality education.

In the same manner, the civil society group condemned the police brutality especially in Lagos State for using water cannons and forceful means to muzzle students’ rights to

peaceful protests in a manner that suggest that Nigeria has snowballed and cascaded into the abyss of dictatorship and tyranny even as it said that Chapter 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria recognise the right to freedom of speech and association. In a statement by the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwuniko, explained that in a shocking move, authorities at OAU announced an exorbitant 300 per cent increase in school fees, placing an immense their families.

For instance, the group said, “For the Faculties of Arts, Law, and Humanities, new students are now required to pay N151,200, while returning students face a staggering hike from N23,000 to N89,200. Similarly, students in

Minister

Begins Consultations

with

Govs, Monarchs on Poor State of East-West Road

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, has begun consultations with state governors in the region on the deplorable state of the East-West Road, to ensure that the road which connects virtually all the states of the South-south region receives the best of attention under his leadership.

Momoh began the consultation with a courtesy call on the Governor of Akwa Ibom Uyo in continuation of his tour of states under the Ministry

of Niger Delta Development.

Head (Press & PR) in the Ministry, Chindaya Ahmadu, stated that at the meeting, Momoh called for the understanding of all the governors in the region for him to succeed particularly if the contract of the East-West Road was brought under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development from Federal Ministry of Works.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari had last year returned the road to the Ministry of Works, 13 years after it was moved to the Niger Delta Ministry, from Works.

Momoh reiterated the commitment of the federal government towards rapid development of the Niger Delta region, insisting that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration will infrastructure, human capacity and promote economic growth of the region.

Lamenting the security and infrastructure challenges in the region, he said, “Niger Delta region has continuous problems of security and poor infrastructural development.

“It is unfortunate that Niger Delta which is the economic

FCTA, Nasarawa to Collaborate on Road, Rail Development

Olawale

Ajimotokan in Abuja

nerve-centre of Nigeria has not accomplished roads in the South-South region uptill date.”

Responding, Governor Eno lamented that while the South-south region lays the golden eggs, they were not feeling the impact in terms of development in the region, environmental degradation of one type or the other.

He regretted that after all the years of establishing the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the region was yet to feel the real impact and dividend of establishing the interventionist agency.

Abia Embraces Due Process Compliance, Project Regulation to Prevent Financial Wastages

Abia State Government has set in motion the needed machinery to ensure that project execution in the state comply with due regulations.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Due Process, Dr. Oluebube Chukwu, made this known yesterday when he received the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, and members of the Management team of the ministry.

He said that in embarking on

capital projects, all government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) must strictly adhere to their annual budgets as approved by the state legislature.

Chukwu told the Environment Commissioner and his team, who

at Government House Umuahia, that adherence to budgetary provisions remains sacrosanct.

“Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s administration has jettisoned any form of shortcuts and practices that have impeded development in the state, and has made it mandatory for all contracts to be executed by all ministries and agencies to pass the due

process tests,” he said.

The SSA on Due Process commended the Environment Commissioner and his team for their commitment in making sure that every project undertaken by their ministry was done within regulations of the state. soon embark on a performance review of all government projects in the state in order to ensure compliance to quality standards.

The Due Process man emphasised that the era of MDAs engaging in unregulated projects exceeding their thresholds and bypassing the necessary due process procedures, was gone

for good.

According to him, such practices wastages and misappropriation of government funds, orchestrated by individuals with fraudulent intentions against the state.

Chukwu, who is Abia’s due process czar, outlined the stringent procedures which every project must pass through in order to have Due Process stamp of approval.

He said that the process normally starts with the Ministry’s Tenders Board conducting preliminary checks on projects and contractors, followed by the Objection to successful contractors.

NSIB: Efficient Investigations, Release of Safety Reports on Incidents Contributed to in Air Safety

Chinedu Eze

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has said that air accidents, serious incidents, subsequent recommendations and timely release of safety reports have contributed immensely in the improvement of air safety in the country.

The bureau said that in the last 10 years, Nigeria’s airspace

had only recorded two fatal civil air crashes, leading to the unfortunate loss of nine souls within the period.

The Director General, NSIB, Akin Olateru, stated this at the weekend in Abuja during his paper presentation at the Aviation Africa Summit 2023.

Speaking on the topic: ‘Nigeria Evolving Approach to Aviation Safety and Learning from Occurrence Investigation’, Olateru

said that Nigeria has one of the highest safety records in the world, stressing that the country was now a force to reckon with in the sector.

He also pointed out that there was a downward trend from fatal accidents and improved civil occurrences currently in Nigeria, saying: “In the last four years, Nigeria had only one accident per

He mentioned Bristow Helicop-

ters crash of 2015 and Quorum Helicopters accident of 2019 as the only two civil occurrences in which fatalities were so far recorded within the period.

Olateru, who maintained that Nigeria witnesses more incidents than accidents in the civil air mishaps these days, added that through the enhancement of soft systems being deployed in the conduct of probes into civil aviation occurrences and timely

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Nasarawa State have agreed to cooperate on road and the development of a metro train to connect the nation’s capital from the Nasarawa State axis.

This collaboration was explored yesterday when the Governor of Nasarawa State Abdullahi Sule, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Wike said the FCTA would initiate discussion with Nasarawa on the development of the metro line from Apo to Keffi and ensure the completion of the road network from AYA Bridge to Masaka.

He described the Metro line as vital, adding that President Bola Tinubu had given instructions which he said would be completed in the next seven months.

The minister said that Abuja would not grow if he did not do anything that would impact positively on Nasarawa State.

“The role of Nasarawa State regarding the development of the FCT cannot be overemphasised.

For everybody who understands

that FCT is at the centre; we have boundaries with Niger, Kogi, Kaduna and Nasarawa states. But of all the states, Nasarawa is the biggest and the closest to us. So, if we want to talk about development, we must work together, which is very key,” Wike said.

He also stressed the need for stronger partnership with Nasarawa to address raging insecurity.

On his part, Sule stressed the need for partnership and development.

He noted that over 40 per cent of people working in Abuja were residing in Nasarawa State. According to him, Nasarawa would also want to reap from the FCT additional metro line development.

“We discussed with the previous minister that whatever it is, we don’t want free meals, Nasarawa State will bring its own part of the bargain for the rail line development from Apo going all the way to Keffi.

“We have even initiated a discussion with CCECC Nig. Ltd and a Russian company that are willing to construct.

FG Partners with States to Harness Opportunities in Solid Mineral Resources

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has announced its intention to collaborate closely with state governors to tap into the potential of mineral resources for the nation’s socio-economic advancement.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, affirmed this commitment during a courtesy visit by the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja yesterday.

Alake emphasised the ministry’s unwavering determination to leverage the abundant mineral resources across the country with a special focus on states like Nasarawa.

He conveyed a sense of optimism that these efforts would translate into substantial and rapid

development, ultimately improving the standard of living for citizens in line with the administration’s renewed hope agenda.

According to him, “Nasarawa State is very significant in terms of the development of the mineral sector and we are meticulously planning to ensure that Nigeria maximises the benefits from its abundant mineral wealth.

“We are poised to harness and utilise these resources efficiently, effectively and proficiently, making solid minerals the next economic powerhouse of Nigeria.”

Recognising the importance of Nasarawa State as a key player in the mineral sector’s development, Alake stressed the necessity of cooperation and coordination among all stakeholders involved in mineral exploration, exploitation, and responsible resource allocation.

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

SYNERGISING FOR CULTURE…

Kano Sacks Commissioner, Adviser Over Hate Speech Against Vice President

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has sacked Commissioner for Land, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya and Special Adviser on Youth and Sports, Alhaji Yusuf Imam, over their unguarded statements against Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The statement-making the rounds on social media platforms condemning and threatening Vice President Kassim Shettima and Kano Election Tribunal Judges.

Speaking during an emergency House late yesterday night, the State Commissioner for Information Baba Halilu Dantiye, dissociated the state government from such statement, saying that the views expressed do not represent government under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

“The attention of the Kano State Government has been drawn to videos trending on social media platforms featuring

the State Commissioner of Land and Physical Planning, Alhaji Adamu Aliyu Kibiya making threatening statements on judges of the tribunal.

“While that of the Special Adviser on Youth and Sport, Alhaji Yusuf Imam making unguarded and disrespectful statements on His Excellency Alhaji Kashim Shettima GCON the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“While condemning the unfortunate threat to the judges and

Kano-Maradi Rail Line for Completion in 2025 , Says FG

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Minister of Transport, Senator Saidu Alkali has said that the Kano-Maradi Niger Republic International Rail line project will be completed by the year 2025.

Senator Alkali disclosed this yesterday while inspecting the project from Kano through Jigawa and Katsina states.

He said the earthwork of the project has reached the 80 percent completion stage while the real rail line work would soon commence after the earthworks.

“I am in Kano-Maradi now, in continuation of the inspection of all the railway projects across the country. I intend to be in Port Harcourt next week.

“I am impressed with what I have seen. We came from

the disrespect shown to the VP, we wish to make it categorically clear that the views expressed do of the State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.

“It is important to emphasise has any clearance to speak on behalf of the government and none of them serves as the government,” the statement added

Sanwo-Olu Redploys Finnih-Awokoya, Olowu As Special Advisers

Segun James

Barely 72 hours after they were appointed, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has redeployed his Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih Awokoya from the Ministry

the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Governor also redeployed Abiola Olowu from the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources as

Remain Committed to Tenets of Democracy, Senator Kingibe Urges Nigerians

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the platform of Labour Party (LP), has urged Nigerians to remain committed to the ideals of democracy as it remained the best form of government.

Senator Kingibe, whose victory in the February 25, 2023 Senatorial election wastions Court on Tuesday, made this call in a statement issued to mark the International Democracy Day.

She noted that despite the hiccups and the challenges faced by the nation since its return to democracy, Nigeria has held together and fared better under civilian democratic rule than it did under authoritarian regimes. According to her, “As we mark the International Day that we celebrate the gains achieved by our adherence

to the rule of law. While it is indubitable that we are not where we had expected to be when we commenced this democratic journey in 1999, we have certainly made progress in terms of greater respect for the rule of law, the dignity of the human person, and the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.

“We must consolidate on these gains as we press for more commitment from everyone including governments across all levels, for greater tolerance and acceptance of our ethnic and religious diversity. It is an incontrovertible fact that the things that bind us together as a people are far more resilient than the centrifugal forces threatening our unity.

together, we will defeat these forces, and only then can our destiny of being the voice of black peoples everywhere in the world,” Kingibe said.

Mineral Resources.

The changes take imto a statement signed by the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola.

According to the statement, the Special Adviser,

of the Deputy Governor.

Governor Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday swore-in 37 Commissioners and Special Advisers as members of the State Executive Council and assigned portfolios to them. The cabinet members comprised 23 commissioners and 14 Special Advisers.

FG Rebuilds Haiti Collapsed School

As part of efforts to strengthen existing bilateral relations between Nigeria and Haiti, the federal government has completed the construction of Benoit Batraville High School located in Saut-D’eau, Haiti.

The project was Nigeria’s response to calls for assistance from Haiti following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that devastated the country in 2010. The project was supported by well-meaning Nigerians and the Red Cross Society.

The project, which was earlier suspended in 2015 due to unforeseen circumstances, was rejuvenated by the Nigerian Government through its High Commission in Jamaica that is concurrently accredited to Haiti in 2022.

Upon satisfying due process requirements, the Mission awarded the contract to a Jamaican-based Benson Construction Company. Consequently, the project began in February in spite of numerous challenges including insecurity, and it was completed in August.

The building was handed over to the Haitian Authorities on August 29 amidst excitement while the handover ceremony was graced physically and virtually by top government functionaries of both countries.

In attendance was Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Jamaica with concurrent accreditation to Haiti, Dominican Republic and Belize; Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, Minister of Education Haiti; Mr. Nesmy Manigat, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Haiti, representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs Haiti; Mr. Azad Belfort, as well as senior government officials from Haiti

In her remark, Ambassador Tamuno applauded the bilateral relations between both countries and expressed delight at the delivery of the project.

She was categorically grateful to God for seeing her team through. She also used the occasion to thank the President of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his Renewed Hope Agenda and commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

Tamuno also thanked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and his Haitian counterpart, Monsieur Jean Victor Geneus. Others are Nesmy Manigat, Minister of Education, Haiti and the Municipal Council of Saut-D’eau for their support and cooperation towards the timely and successful completion of the project.

Dawanau to where we are now information of the level of the execution of the project and the of the contract,” he said.

“Hopefully, the contractors will meet the set target when you look at the project from Dawanau to where we are. The major part of the work is almost accomplished if you look at the earth clearing and bush clearing, hopefully, they will meet up with the 2025 target.”

On whether the original cost of the project will be readjusted due to the current economic realities, the Minister maintained that “the contractor himself has to make to contribute their quota to the development of this country.”

Stand to Honour Governor, President, Obasanjo Tells Royal Fathers

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday advised some traditional rulers to always stand in honour of a governor and the president whenever they arrived at a meeting or ceremony.

The former President gave the advice at the inauguration of the 34.85 km Oyo-Iseyin Road and the completed Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Iseyin Campus, which houses the College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources.

Obasanjo, who spoke in Yoruba, said in Yoruba culture, age and status are respected, stating that when he was in government, he prostrated before traditional rulers

in public, but that traditional rulers prostrated before him when they entered a room.

“I greet the kings and chiefs here sitting; I am grateful that you are here. Let me say this: wherever the President or governor is, the kings present must stand up to honour him.

“In Yoruba land, there are two things that are most respected among others: age and position. When a governor is still in power, he’s more powerful than any king.

“Even when I was President, I prostrated for kings outside, and when we went inside, the kings would prostrate for me. So, let’s always celebrate our culture.”

Ata-Mmanya of Ossamala Describes Runsewe as Detribalised Nigerian, Cultural Icon

The Ata-Mmanya of Ossamala

Ancient Kingdom in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Royal Highness, Eze Victor Awogu, has described the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, as a detribalised Nigerian who preaches unity for all regions while remaining a constant phenomenon in Nigeria’s culture and tourism sectors by dint of hard work.

Eze Awogu made this known when he paid a courtesy visit to Runsewe at the Nigeria Culture

House in Abuja

The Royal Father revealed that Runsewe has over the years proved himself to be a culture icon, administrator and enthusiast who has deepened understanding and cultural consciousness at his different levels of engagements.

He added that no one has doubted his genius in transformational administration which is why successive governments have over the years engaged his services to harness our cultural potential and deepen the business side of culture, especially tourism.

Egukawhore Hosts Oborevwori

Chairman of Dewayles Group of Companies, Chief Victor Egukawhore, on Thursday hosted the Governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, at his Okpolo/Enhwe residence in Isoko South Local Government Area.

Egukawhore, who is into oil and gas industry, thanked the governor for siting projects in Isoko nation especially the newly completed Okpolo/Enhwe/ Uwheru road constructed by Emorock Concept Limited, an indigenous company, which the governor inaugurated.

Egukawhore said, “Today is a very happy moment not just for me as an individual but for

the people of Isoko nation. We saw the road the governor just commissioned in the locality here, it’s a thing of pride for us. Under 100 days of the governor in office he chose our locality as one of the sites for one of the major projects that he came to commission today. So it’s a very happy moment for all of us.

L-R: The Ata-Mmanya of Ossamala Ancient Kingdom in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, HRH Eze Victor Awogu and Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, when the royal father led a delegation to the Nigerian Culture House in Abuja...recently

It’s no longer news that Nigerian doctors are leaving the country in droves for greener pastures. According to the Nigerian Medical Association, of the 75,000 Nigerian doctors registered with the NMA, more than 33,000 have left the country, with 42,000 to take care of more than 200 million people. It’s not only doctors that are leaving as nurses, physiotherapists, radiographers, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists, etc, are also on the move. But this piece is mainly on doctors.

Brain drain among doctors is not a new phenomenon. In Nigeria, it has been ongoing for years. But it has never jolted the Nigerian healthcare system as it has now. This is because the number of doctors leaving has risen astronomically. Doctors are voting with their feet. Specialists, medical officers, retired doctors, and fresh from medical schools are all leaving. In final-year medical school classes, migrating abroad after qualifying is what is trending. Furthermore, the number of those writing postgraduate exams to specialize is reducing and those who manage to start, abandon it along the way to start afresh abroad. Every year, at least 2,000 doctors leave Nigeria for the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, South Africa, Europe, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, South Africa, Ghana, and some obscure countries.

The doctors who are abroad constantly pressure their colleagues who have stayed back to join them. Even when those in Nigeria remain resolute, the ones abroad will not give up. Some abroad query the mental status of their colleagues still in Nigeria. They test their resolve to stay and salvage it. They remind them of the poor working conditions, low wages, insecurity, poverty in the land, and general despondency. But one question that melts those remaining in Nigeria is: “Have you thought of the future of your children?” They tell you where their children are attending good schools, all taken care of by the government. The government gives them an allowance per child. And whenever these children graduate from the universities, there are jobs. They conclude, “So, it’s not about us, it’s about the children”.

Still, some, with a heavy heart, stay back giving themselves unrealistic time for things to change.

If the endless wait for things to “change” has not nudged those doctors back home to nibble at the emigration bait, another thing has. The shortage of doctors is putting a lot of work pressure on the few doctors, with the attendant exhaustion, burnout, stress, and other deleterious effect on their health. And when they have had enough, they throw in the towel.

The effect on the healthcare system is unquantifiable. What has helped some states is private hospitals which not everyone can afford. But even now, the private hospitals are also feeling the pinch. With private hospitals, there is a high doctor turnover. Where the medical director cannot get a doctor to work for him, he works round the clock. It is taking a toll on many an MD’s health. Some have closed their private hospitals to relocate abroad. While all this is on, quacks and charlatans fill the gap. No wonder, Nigeria’s health indices have continually been abysmal.

It’s either government is playing the ostrich or it is perplexed and does not know what to do. India once experienced it but its government took the bull by the horns and today its healthcare system is not only one of the best in the world, it is also a foreign exchange earner in medical tourism. It is this same Nigeria only a few years ago where Nigerians left abroad to come back home to take up higher paying jobs in the banking sector, telecoms, human relations, oil and gas, and other great startups. Deep inside, Nigerians abroad know there is no place like home. They would readily stay back if the conditions were right.

The first thing to do is to declare a state of emergency in the health sector. Convene a summit involving stakeholders. There should be a health sector Marshall Plan. It must be said that as long as doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers are still under government health ministries like civil servants, their wages will remain low compared to those abroad. A new entity called Nigeria Healthcare Workforce Agency should be created to take care of the recruitment and remuneration of doctors and other allied healthcare workers. Each state and the Federal Capital Territory should have theirs and it should be backed by law. It will have a special budget.

In addition, the budgetary allocation to health has to increase. In the 2023 budget, it’s just 5.75% and a far cry from the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of at least 15 percent. Government at all levels must rank health as the number one priority before security.

Now, Nigerian doctors retire at 60 to go abroad to continue to work, where there is no age or sex discrimination. Government must as a matter of urgency consider increasing the retirement age of doctors to 70 years. And ditto for allied professionals. And when they retire, they should earn their full salaries until death as is done for Nigerian professors.

Children of doctors and allied workers can be sponsored from kindergarten to secondary school and possibly up to the university level.

In addition, paid overseas annual vacation for doctors and their families as it is done especially in the Middle East will not be a bad idea. This will demystify going abroad. Then make good the overseas attachment for resident doctors. Interest-free loans as India did for their doctors. Special housing and car loans where the government pays a reasonable part of it. If political officeholders in Nigeria are better paid than their counterparts in other climes, then, there is a moral justification to pay Nigerian doctors what they will get abroad. This is in addition to well-equipped hospitals with a conducive atmosphere.

Whatever it will take to heal our sickly healthcare system must be done. And must be done quickly too, while the “resolve” of doctors at home can still hold out!

Dr. Odoemena, a Consultant Family Physician and Fellow of the West African College of Physicians writes from Lagos.

Doris Ochei argues that an inclusive world is essential for harmony and peaceful coexistence

“All preconceptions when you laugh go out of the window. Laughter kills it”

–Chevy Chase

Iam not a big fan of feminism, motherism or other advocacy groups that demand for equality of the sexes, but I like the work they do. And I am fascinated by most of the things they do for many reasons. But I am particularly captivated by the fact that some of these courageous feminists, (women and men) are consciously addressing issues of prejudices and sexism in our societies. And this is satisfactory irrespective love Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s thoughts on feminism, and I strongly recommend her book: WE SHOULD ALL BE FEMINISTS because of the book’s depth, relevance and bravery. As we know, Adichie is an avowed feminist, a public intellectual and a well-known author and winner of many literary prizes across the world.

But feminism, women and their challenges are not the subject of this article, and it is important to state this from the onset. This piece is essentially about preconceptions and the threat they pose to society and our common humanity. And it should be noted that ethnicity, racism, bias and discriminations are weapons of mass destruction. Profiling people, based on race or ethnicity is dangerous, and it is an ill- wind that blows nobody any good. Therefore, humankind and the world must pay attention to this malady, and we all have a duty to rise in condemnation of this evil wherever they are found. So, how do we treat or react to persons of another tribe, race or religious group upon your first contact with them?

For instance, in Nigeria, we know where we are on issues around ethnic considerations and prejudices. But I thank God for our founding

fathers, especially somebody like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe whose children: Chukwuma, Emeka and Nwachukwu bore Yoruba names like Bamidele, Ayo and Abiodun, respectively. There are also persons like Professor (Obi) Chike Edozien, the nonagenarian Asagba of Asaba and Queen Modupe, his wife; Chief Philip Asiodu and wife Olajumoke; the Adelekes of Osun State; Engineer Vincent Maduka and his wife who is Yoruba; Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu; Chief Emeka Anyaoku and his wife Bunmi; Sherifat Fafunwa and Okey Ndibe, her husband and Gen. David Bamigboye and his wife Chinyere.

There is also the example of Gen. Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu, born of Igbo father and a Fulani mother from Katsina State, but married to a Yoruba woman; Gen. Ibrahim Babangida who married Mariam, his wife from the well-known Okogwu family in Asaba; Mrs. Tare Pauline Philomina Shagaya from Ashaka, Kwale in Delta State who was Gen. John Shagaya’s spouse; Gen. Buba Marwa’s first wife, Zainab who hailed from Imo State and Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe who is married to Amina, a Northerner.

Who remembers Prof. Adebimpe Ike who is resting in Ndikelionwu, Anambra State, with her husband, Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike or Air Marshal Paul Dike, the first four star general of Anioma extraction and Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba, a former Chief of Naval Staff, (an airman and a sailor from Aniomaland in Delta North) who married Yoruba ladies; Prof. Aaron Ola Ogundiwin and his wife from Abia State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ijeoma Jacklin Adiele-Ogundiwin and other respectable Nigerians especially in the military and the police for their cross-cultural marriages? Somebody once described the actions of these distinguished men and women as a demonstration of uncommon patriotism, and I agree with

that person completely. All of them who married across tribe are shining examples of our possibility, love and strong sense of community.

Unfortunately, many people have suffered grave persecution, injustice and even death on account of their skin colour, gender, ethnicity and faith, both during war and even peace time.

But I believe that an inclusive world is still possible. An inclusive world is also essential for harmony and peaceful coexistence among people of the world. That is the only way to avoid the chaos and hostility we see everywhere today.

But there are also other accruable benefits we get as human beings when we come together, love one another and challenge preconceptions. When we treat people equally and with dignity, irrespective of their circumstances or status, we advance human rights, social and economic justice, good neighbourliness, stability and a better society.

Those who have experienced stigma and discrimination at home and abroad, understand the issues at stake, and the urgency. That is also why many of them are in the forefront in the awareness and struggle for greater action, and to see an end of inequalities in the world. And I strongly believe that in this age of technology, a lot more could still be achieved with the information that we have, and are willing to share as individuals on any open forum. So, what are we doing with the smartphones and Android phones in our hands? Are we using these devices to better the world or to make the world more divided and disunited? A unified world is far better than a divided world that is sometimes shaped by obnoxious laws, a section of the media, misconceptions, other people’s opinion, politics, economics and conventions.

However, it is gratifying to note that even the United Nations is interested in this burning

question of racial and social disparities. And this is understandable because it is a global issue which touches everyone, small or big, white or black, male or female, poor or rich, weak or powerful. After all, all of us will be losers at the end of the day, if we fail. And the world body appreciates the danger of inequality, that is also why it observes every March 21 as International Day of Racial Discrimination. March 21 is very significant here because it was on that day in 1960, that the world witnessed the massacre of hundreds of innocent people in Sharpeville, South Africa. I am also delighted that the United Nations, like other international organizations and people of good conscience, recognizes the roles of slave trade, the scramble for Africa, colonialism and the activities of multinational corporations in bringing about today’s marginalization, segregation and human suffering all over the world. And so, we must condemn exclusion and discrimination in its entirety, whether in the Southern Hemisphere, the Caribbean, Asia, Europe or Africa. The gravity of this problem shows that time is of the essence, and the world must wake up and go.

Imagine for a moment, a world without social, economic, cultural or political restrictions and barriers on the basis of who we are. In that case, there will be equal access to resources, job opportunities will be open to everyone, career choices will be unhindered, creativity and innovation will thrive, there will be hope for the physically challenged, youngsters will dream and live their dreams, elderly people will be happy, and people generally, will live their optimum life because conditions are kind and favourable.

Dr. Ochei, a business development coach and gender advocate, writes from Lagos.

THE SHORTAGE OF DOCTORS IS PUTTING A LOT OF WORK PRESSURE ON THE FEW DOCTORS, WITH THE ATTENDANT EXHAUSTION, BURNOUT, STRESS, AND OTHER DELETERIOUS EFFECT ON THEIR HEALTH. AND WHEN THEY HAVE HAD ENOUGH, THEY THROW IN THE TOWEL

The authorities must do more to stem the costly drain, argues Cosmas Odoemena

The rage of nature...

Witchcraft Accusations and Police Protection

Studies have noted that the police in Africa cannot tackle witchcraft accusations; the police refuse to protect the and allow their personal witchcraft fears, and anxieties to determine their work and profession. Scholars have put forth this argument not only to explain the manifestation of witchcraft accusations in contemporary Africa, but also to justify the inability of modernity to diminish and neutralize allegations of witchcraft. However, some cases from Nigeria, Ghana, and Malawi indicate otherwise and show an imbalance in this argument and explanation.

These cases clearly illustrate that this understanding of the manifestations of witchcraft beliefs is one-sided and relates to the phenomenon of witchcraft accusations in post-colonial Africa. Let us take a recent case from Malawi. An online news media, Zodiak reported it. It states: “Police in Neno has been keeping an 89-year-old man at Zalewa roadblock for three weeks after an angry mob descended on the granny at Kasamba village in the area of Senior Chief Symon on allegations that he bewitched his grandson”. A news media “that the man, Binwell Chabwera, was staying with his grandson since his childhood but on the 26th of further explained that “soon after the death of the grandson, an angry mob wanted to kill Chabwera accusing him of having a hand in the death of his grandson”. The police are appealing to the institutions that take care of the elderly to come to their rescue because

hostile.

As this case shows, the police protect the accused and try to address cases of witchcraft accusation. The police take measures to ensure that accusers do not harm alleged witches. But, as this case from Malawi has illustrated, the police are limited in their powers and abilities. Police powers vary from rural to urban areas. The police have and exercise more powers in the capital Lilongwe or in the city of Blantyre than in other places. There is more police presence in urban than in rural communities. In urban centers, the police posts have more resources, rural communities, they are constrained. Police

the city centers than in villages. The police respond to witchcraft accusations based on their ability and capacity. The police use their facilities to ensure that

police provided the accused some refuge at a checkpoint. weeks, the police are appealing for help because they could overstretched. Hence, the police asked those institutions that take care of the elderly to come to their help.

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches commends the police in Malawi for protecting the accused. Such an instance indicates Alleged witches are innocent and need police protection. The laws of Malawi guarantee their rights, safety and protection. However, the AfAW has noted the importance of institutional Institutional energy is necessary because no one institution can do it alone. African governments and people need to existing facilities to end witch persecutions in the region. As the case from Malawi has demonstrated, the police need to work with homes for the elderly, orphanage centers, and other agencies to address the problem. The police, courts, other governmental and nongovernmental institutions should collaborate in combating and ending witchcraft accusations and witch persecutions in the region.

Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches

THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

Nigeria and its Wasting Wealth

Recently a friend of mine and I calculated the potential dead capital in Lagos (abandoned and locked up buildings that could have been generating income) and we discovered they are worth billions. Further shocking is the fact that the number of houses that are abandoned are almost at par with the new real estate being built. This enunciates conversations about the viability of the real estate market and the bubble it represents. I don’t see why home prices are perpetually high in Ikoyi when most of the homes are empty. but yet we are so poor. Wealth truly is about becoming a pioneer, unlocking the things that nobody hither realized existed. It was Henry Ford that unlocked the possibility of a retinue of sectors that have not been unlocked in Nigeria. The so- called un-governed spaces where bandits roam can be solar generation farms and with the right investment we can put 2GW of solar power on the national grid. Yet by burning fossil fuel. In Morocco, Ouarzazate Solar Power Station (OSPS), also called Noor Power Station (Arabic for solar power plant. With an additional 72 MW photovoltaic system the entire project is planned to produce 582 MW at peak when completed. It is being built in three phases and in four parts. The total project’s estimated cost is around $2.5 billion. The Moroccan agency for sustainable energy

Just imagine if we can turn Sambisa forest into a solar power station and pay good wage. I bet the criminals will like to work there. The problem with Nigeria is that we have so much, but we don’t see far politicians that steal are oblivious of the fact that if we develop the country there would be enough wealth to go round. It is only in Nigeria and Africa people make money from government. In other climes, they make money from the private sector because they allow enterprise. We need to develop this economy because it is too small and it starts by thinking.

Rufai Oseni, rufaioseni@gmail.com

Rasheed Abassi INTERVIEW

Why Male Infertility is on the Rise

Rasheed Abassi, a United States trained Doctor and Medical Director of Heritage Men’s Clinic, in an interview with Adedayo Adejobi, explains why male infertility is on the rise. He also speaks on the key nutrients and supplements needed to enhance reproduction, and the role of government in stemming the tide of male infertility occasioned by drinking water not containing zinc

What is this quality of drinking water and male reproductive system scientific discovery all about?

What the research reveals is that access to safe and fortified clean public water is critical to male reproductive system. Around 17.5% of the adult population – roughly 1 in 6 worldwide – experience infertility. The presence of trace elements and minerals like zinc, fluoride, selenide and calcium in the public water system is essential in the production of viable and healthy sperm production in men. Zinc as a matter of fact, is key to a man’s sperm motility. Without adequate motile sperms, the chance of fertilizing a woman’s egg is drastically reduced.

Having been in the practice of men’s health for over 19 years, focusing on how a man’s body works has been my life’s work. In Africa, we think infertility is usually a woman’s problem. But now, the data tells that about 40-45% men are infertile. Research shows that one of the trace elements, zinc is only gotten from the public water. All the bottled water are all pure, but they do not have any supplement in them. No fluoride, zinc or calcium. And all these are needed for the full development of any man. To be a father, you need all these supplements, and you will not get them from bottled water.

Zinc is essential in our immune development and critical in enhancing a man’s sperm motility. During the analysis of a man’s Seminal Fluid Analysis (SFA), We look at three major indices: the amount of sperm produced, the percentage that is well formed and the percentage that is actively moving (motility factor): Zinc is critical to all the three indices, but crucially to the motility factor.

The prostate will add fructose and zinc which is essential for the sperm’s motility. If you make enough sperm and your sperm is not moving, it will not find the woman’s egg, and there will be no pregnancy. Zinc is extremely vital in male fertility. Worthy of note, semen is produced from the testicle where the testosterone is. As a man, to make a lot of sperm, you must be well-hydrated.

How come most bottled water in Nigeria doesn’t have zinc?

That is the big gorilla in the room and a question the government and healthcare professionals should be asking producers of bottled water. The producers of bottled water are business people. They do the bare minimum which is to produce just clean, pure water. That is the task our government gave them. From the public health angle, we should be able to do better: We need more than just purity, we need the essential trace minerals to be included: zinc, calcium and fluoride. It is a public health issue and we deserve better.

Is it that all bottled waters don’t have zinc, or some have and others don’t?

I have yet to see any bottled water in Nigeria with any form of supplement. They are all pure, but there’s none containing supplements, no fluoride, no zinc, none in their bottled water.

Do you have data on this and what does the data say in figures?

Yes, I do. 25 million bottles of water are sold daily in Nigeria, and that tells us water manufacturers are making a kill. The appropri-

ate regulatory bodies need to come up with guidelines and enforce the mandatory addition of zinc, calcium, and fluoride for consumption in our water.

Can the government insist producers of bottled water must have zinc in the water? Does it cost much to have zinc in bottled water? It doesn’t require new research, as the information is abundant and in the public domain. They just need to adopt a copy-and-paste approach, but they will want to spend the bare minimum to maximise profit. The Federal Government and National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration (NAFDAC) need to make zinc and fluoride, a compulsory requirement in sachet and bottled water Nigerians consume. This would come at a cost

to water producers, but there has to be a corporate social responsibility from these businessmen. Multivitamins are an alternative to getting zinc from bottled water. Crucially, Nigerians need to be educated consumers.

This seems a cash-intensive venture for water producers, what policy action do you recommend the federal government take?

It is at a great cost and that’s also a big infrastructure development. The federal government, health Minister, lawmakers, and educated consumers need to make water a priority. It’s either we invest now or we pay a higher price later in terms of a healthy newborn and strong family structure.

In the Western world, does their water contain zinc?

Yes, it is absolutely mandatory to have zinc and fluoride in the water, and it’s regulated by the Food and Drug Association (FDA). So, when you go to the store and ones without zinc and fluoride, its slightly cheaper and there’s a disclaimer. The decision is yours to make.

Let’s talk making babies. Does the presence of these nutrients impact the health of the babies?

When we talk about semen which is the spermatogenesis, when we analyse them at the Heritage Men’s Clinic, we look at three modalities; how much is a man making in each ejaculation, and how much of that is well-formed? When you don’t have enough of these supplements, your body just will not make enough healthy semen. The amount of Sperm a man makes during each ejaculation is key to fertility. Men need all the support: A good level of hydration, an adequate amount of these essential trace minerals and elements along with good blood flow. A healthy newborn is a result of healthy sperm production.

Women also drink water, so why does the man have to bear the brunt?

Firstly, I am a men’s doctor, and so I only see men in my clinic. These are the issues we deal with every day. There might be research about women because for decades we’ve all thought infertility was a women’s issue, but now we know better. Men account for roughly 45% of infertility cases. Traditionally, men don’t go to the doctor because the subject of erectile dysfunction and getting a woman pregnant is very personal and it affects who we are and our self-esteem.

-

Besides, stigma is a big factor.

Do all the men you meet and examine drink bottled water? and what do you recommend?

For men who have a problem, they want the solution. And so, we offer them treatments because there are zinc supplements besides the tablets. There are zinc injections that you can give them and you let them see the importance of that, and you’ll be amazed when they come back to you a few weeks later. When you repeat the semen analysis, you see the changes.

What kind of relationship should young aspiring fathers have with their bottled water?

Be educated consumers. We are what we eat and if you permit me, we are what we drink. Water is key and very essential in the reproductive cycle of any man. Let’s be wise and do the needful.

Aside infertility, what other risks do men face by drinking bottled water without zinc, calcium etc.?

Data says the zinc, fructose, calcium and fluoride, are not only essential for semen production but also for prostate gland health. When the prostate doesn’t get enough nutrients, there will be the emergence of an enlarged prostate. Whether you want to make babies or not, the prostate needs to be a healthy organ. And it needs fructose, zinc, and calcium abundantly from our diet. This can be supplemented by the water.

What kind of meals would you recommend aspiring fathers to consume?

Future fathers should avoid eating swallows like Eba, Amala and pounded yam late at night because these foods divert blood flow away from the brain which releases chemicals to the testicles. There’s nothing wrong with them, but there has to be portion control because most of these foods have heavy carbohydrates. We need portion and calorie control. And the timing of these heavy meals is also key.

What about rice?

Yes, rice is fine. Eat lots of wheat especially if its unprocessed. Eat lots of your pap. Oatmeal is excellent for you. Cloves are also good for men’s health.

For a bottled water drinker, if one is to be deliberate about zinc, fluoride, calcium, and other supplements intake, how soon before it gets to that optimal level?

In six weeks you get that adequate amount that sips into your semen. Beca use it has minimal blood flow, you have to consume your bottled water daily and then get your multivitamins, and appropriate organic balanced diet. Your bottled water has to either be lukewarm or room temperature. But if you are active, let it be a little warmer. Cold water is not good for you because of your temperate. The hormones and enzymes work better when the temperature is lukewarm or a little warmer. Keeping bottled water in the car, and exposing it to sunlight is unsafe for drinking. Constituents of the plastic have heavy bad chemicals that will melt into the water, and so it makes it unsafe.

Men need to be aware and make conscious decisions to check their health. There is nothing stigmatising about men’s infertility. and that it’s not only a woman’s problem. Infertility affects both Gender.

Abassi

ride, are not only essential for semen production but also for prostate gland health. When the prostate doesn’t get enough nutrients, there will be the emergence of an enlarged prostate. Whether you want to make babies or not, the prostate needs to be a healthy organ. And it needs fructose, zinc, and calcium abundantly from our diet. This can be supplemented by the water

Celebrating UAE’s Insult, Impunity

Iwas left depressed by the news that President Tinubu was heading to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from the G-20 summit in India, to lobby President Mohamed Al Nahyan for the removal of a Visa ban placed on Nigerian travellers by the UAE authorities. Unfortunately, it happened. Tinubu landed in the UAE. The Arab country had in October 2022 banned nationals of 20 African countries, including Nigeria, from entrance. In that notice issued to trade partners, including travel agents, the UAE authorities directed that all Visa applications should be rejected from Nigeria and the aforementioned countries.

In February 2023, former President Muhammadu Buhari appealed to Al Nahyan via telephone to lift the Visa ban but he rejected the request. This is a clear case of racism and aspersion casting on an entire continent. What nonsense! What an insult! Who the hell is Al Nahyan and his UAE?

Regrettably, Nigeria is no longer the great country we used to be, no thanks to years of failed leadership and policies. We are no longer the leader of Africa. This UAE rubbish could not have happened to this country during the golden era of our foreign policy. It could not have happened during the superb era of our foreign relations. I’m talking about the 1976-1979 Murtala-Obasanjo era; an era during which the Nigerian government and people enjoyed global respect. If this UAE garbage had happened then, Nigeria would have retaliated with a reciprocal suspension of Visa issuance to UAE citizens.

So, racist UAE suspended Visa issuance to Nigerians and the Nigerian government went begging this disrespectful President Al Nahyan. Yes, it occurred. President Tinubu landed on September 11 in UAE to lobby President Al Nahyan after insulting our entire country with his Visa ban. The Nigerian government went begging instead of retaliating. UAE showed so much disrespect for us as a country and our leader went pleading. So, what has happened to Nigeria’s dignity? This is

not the Nigerian leadership of my dream. Leadership has clearly collapsed in this country and it is now affecting Nigeria’s international relations.

Our President came out of the meeting with insolent Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi celebrating; that he had sealed a historic agreement, resulting in an immediate cessation of a Visa ban placed on Nigerians by the UAE authorities; that by the agreement, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines

are to resume flights into and out of Nigeria without delay.

Those leading Nigeria should be ashamed that the UAE authorities did not even acknowledge these so-called agreements announced by our President. In a statement the same day on its website on the outcome of the diplomatic meeting, Emirates News Agency, UAE’s official news agency, did not mention anything about the lifting of the Visa ban on Nigerians as well as flight resumption. The agency only noted that UAE’s president and Tinubu explored opportunities for further bilateral collaboration in areas that served both countries’ sustainable economic growth, including the economic, development, energy, and climate action fields.

Emirates News Agency added, “The two sides also exchanged views on a number of regional and international developments of interest. The meeting discussed the upcoming COP28 climate conference set to take place in the UAE later this year, with both parties stressing the vital importance of encouraging and enabling international cooperation to tackle global issues, including climate change.”

Evidently, there is nothing like “an immediate cessation of a Visa ban placed on Nigerians by the UAE authorities.” There is nothing like “both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are to resume flights into and out of Nigeria without delay.” The word, “immediate” is an exaggeration by the Nigerian authorities. The arrogant authorities in the UAE have not agreed and will still have to hold further meetings on the issues. That is the meaning of that report released by Emirates News Agency which did not acknowledge any immediate resumption of Visa and flights.

In any case, I don’t think resumption of Visa issuance to Nigerian travellers is of interest to traum atised masses of this country. How would this put food on their table? How will this improve our health, education and roads? This Tinubu Visa drive should not be a priority of a people-oriented

Naja’atu Abdulahi’s Murder and Abducted NYSC Members

For those not following the story, Hajia Naja’atu Abdulahi was the pregnant woman murdered by terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State last Sunday. The innocent woman was declared missing by her husband on Thursday, September 7, 2023. She left home to braid her hair in Tsafe town but did not return. Naja’atu was abducted by terrorists on her way home. These bastards roam unhindered in Tsafe in a country supposedly with a government. Her husband and relatives waited patiently for a call from her abductors, who would, as usual, demand ransom.

The demand for ransom did not come. What her husband found was her dead body dumped in a farm behind the College of Health Technology in Tsafe, with many cuts and injuries on her body. The bastards murdered Naja’atu with her unborn baby. This is the tragedy of this country called Nigeria. Daily, scores of people are killed by terrorists in communities across Zamfara State. They control territories, collect taxes and terrify citizens. Those who fail to cooperate with them are summarily murdered. So sad that Nigeria can no longer protect its citizens.

Asking the Nigerian state to ensure that Naja’atu gets justice is a waste of time. As usual, the terrorists will get away with this latest murder. Security agents will pretend as if the murder did not happen. However, one thing is certain: Those who murdered Naja’atu have murdered sleep. They will never sleep again. Naja’atu will get justice in the court of Allah.

On the flip side, the eight young graduates from Akwa Ibom State who were abducted in Zamfara on their way to the Sokoto State National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp are 31 days old in the dungeons of terrorists today. The traumatised parents of the abductees have paid N13 million to the terrorists, yet, they have refused to release these young Nigerians who were on the way to serve their father’s land. As at press time, the terrorists were demanding an additional N200 million ransom to free these young Nigerians.

A family member of one of the abductees remarked: “We don’t know how we are going to raise that kind of money. Everybody was shocked when two parents, who have been in Sokoto State since the incident happened, told us that after they paid the final N8 million (to make up the N13 million ransom negotiated), the terrorists suddenly refused to release our children.”

“They said instead, the kidnappers contacted them to demand an additional N200 million ransom. We have paid N13 million already. First, we paid N5 million, later N8 million. Some parents sold their lands, and some even collected loans to raise the N13 million. We have not received any help from the government. So, how are we going to raise this fresh ransom of N200 million? We have deliberately kept this development from my mother. I don’t think that poor widow will survive if she hears this. We are suffering and helpless.”

The health conditions of the abductees are deteriorating due to the nature of the place they are being held captive, so says another parent. Terrorists molesting our children with impunity! This is heart-wrenching. The terrorists are communicating with the parents and relations of the abductees on phone, yet, security agents can’t tap into this to rescue these young graduates. What a country!

I’m challenging Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State to raise his game and lead the mission to rescue these young graduates. They must not die.

government. A good government should improve security and encourage domestic tourism in order to develop our country and reduce pressure on forex.

Government should be involved in an aggressive drive to encourage more Nigerians to spend their holidays at home and motivate them to visit our tourists’ resorts. This idea of promoting UAE Visa is preposterous. It amounts to promoting UAE tourism and trade. Nigerians have been going there to bring in all sorts of useless goods at the expense of our local industries. This also puts pressure on forex.

Those in support of Tinubu’s “begging mission” to the UAE argue that it would help thousands of Nigerians working in that country who urgently need to have the Visa ban lifted. But they forget that Nigerians are trooping to the UAE and jostling for Visas because our beloved country failed to meet their hopes in life. These Nigerians are victims of failed leadership and policies of our country. The rush abroad was not happening in the 60s, 70s and 80s because we had a government, a country and good leadership with good policies. We also had a good economy with strong Naira. This is the path Tinubu should return this country to, so that Nigerians won’t be trooping abroad to become second class citizens. The nature and character of the leadership is pertinent here. Tinubu must be proactive, effective, pro-people, courageous and lead by example. Enough of “begging missions.”

What has this country lost since Emirates and Etihad stopped flying to Nigeria over a year ago? Nothing! These two airlines are only interested in taking away forex from Nigeria. Emirates suspended flight operations to Nigeria over its inability to repatriate $85 million at government subsidised forex rate. Major players like British Airways, Qatar Airways, Air Maroc, Virgin Atlantic, Air France did not suspend flights to Nigeria despite the forex challenges. It was just the avaricious and selfish Emirates and Etihad that pulled out. These shameless exploiters want to be enjoying Nigeria’s subsidised forex while selling tickets to Nigerians at prices far higher than they do in other countries.

Before the crisis, the racist UAE authorities also did everything possible to frustrate the Nigerian airline, Air Peace, that was flying to Dubai using the BASA slots. At a point, it reduced Air Peace’s three weekly flights to one. At another point, it cancelled Air Peace’s approval to land in Dubai and moved the airline to the unattractive Emirate of Sharjah. The Nigerian government did very well then by also withdrawing the approval to Emirates to operate 21 flights to Nigeria following the refusal of the General Civil Aviation Authority of UAE to grant equal rights to Air Peace. The flight allocation crisis was eventually resolved. However, Air Peace was eventually forced out of the UAE by the Visa ban on Nigerians.

Nigerian flag carriers like Air Peace should be protected by a good government. Government should be concerned about our strategic interest in the aviation sector. The return of Emirates and Etihad will not do any good to this interest. The interest of Nigeria’s aviation sector and flag carriers must be served first. The Nigerian state has an obligation to protect our interest, not begging Emirates and Etihad to return. Foreign airlines should not enjoy any special treatment. No serious-minded country does that. Air Peace did not enjoy full BASA rights in the UAE before the crisis. Besides, a country struggling with forex liquidity issues should not be talking about doing business with Emirates and Etihad. They are simply extreme capitalism firms interested only in capital repatriation.

My message to Nigerians today is very simple: Embargo racist and insolent UAE’s tourism, goods, education, hospitals and everything about this country. We must preserve our dignity.

Al Nahyan Lawal

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394

Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Genevieve Nnaji Returns to the Spotlight with New Movie

‘IDo Not Come To You By

Chance’, the much talked about movie which credits Genevieve Nnaji as executive producer, has premiered at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as part of the features for the festival’s Centrepiece programme, which included 47 titles from 45 countries.

Genevieve Nnaji who was at the premiere was joined by some of her colleagues at the festival which closes tomorrow September 17, 2023. The revered actress thereafter posted photos taken at the film showcase on her Instagram page, marking official return on social media, using the movie title “I Do Not Come To You By Chance, #tiff23” as caption.

Photos of Genevieve Nnaji and friends on vacation in Italy trended a couple of weeks back and got her fans excited. Genevieve Nnaji’s return to the spotlight as an executive

producer with her latest cinematic venture comes after a five-year hiatus since her acclaimed Netflix original, “Lionheart” in 2018.

She serves as co-executive producer on the new movie with Chioma Onyenwe and Chinny Carter, while scripting was done by Chika Anadu and Ishaya Bako. The film is an adaptation of Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani’s debut novel (2009), which shares the same title as the movie, starring Paul Nnadiekwe, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, Jennifer Eliogu, Sambasa Nberibe, and Beverly Osu.

The film presents its narrative in both English and Igbo. It follows a struggling Nigerian graduate, whose seemingly sole option involves assisting his dubious uncle’s fraudulent email scam, unraveling the poignant tale of a young man grappling with the immense responsibility of liberating his family from the clutches of poverty.

Chike Narrates a Beautiful Story in ‘Ego Oyinbo’

Still getting aired on music channels, Chike’s uplifting love ballad ‘Ego Oyibo’: a depar- ture from The Brother’s Keeper era and a joyous inception of something refreshing and new, has captivated listeners with his latest release, reminds one of the good old fashion of love. Ego Oyibo showcases the Boo of the Booless at his best, embracing the essence of highlife while serenading his beloved.

In this captivating track, Chike beautifully expresses the journey of love, from meeting her parents to paying her bride price and starting a family. With a seamless blend of Igbo, English, and Pidgin, his honeyed vocals and irresistible lyrics create a heartfelt and enchanting soundtrack is a spectacle of delight.

Showcasing Chike and his love interest in ways only love-bugged minds can watch and relate. The melody which has a fusion of highlife and RnB sounds, is a

must-listen-to anyone who appreciates good music and meaningful lyrics. Ego Oyibo, which is Chike’s debut single for the year 2023, showcases the singer’s vocal prowess and ability to connect to the audience. Chike’s dedication to old-fashioned romance shines through in “Ego Oyibo,” which translates to “Foreign Currency.” Through his velvety vocals and heartfelt notes, Chike narrates a beautiful story of meeting and proposing to his lover, capturing the essence of timeless love in a contemporary musical style.

As an artiste, Chike prioritises creating music that connects with his audience. He understands the power of music to uplift and inspire, and he uses his platform to spread positivity and joy.

“Ego Oyibo” is just one example of the impact he’s making in the music scene.

Produced by the talented DeeYasso, the song’s delightful 3-minute ride reminds us why we fell in love with Chike’s audacious musical styling and

Rema Makes History at the 2023 MVAs Empraiz Da Bishop of Praise Aims High

It’s another win for Mavin youngster Rema and American singer, Selena Gomez as their smash hit single ‘Calm Down’ again broke another international record. ‘the chart topping song won the inaugural Best Afrobeats category at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), which took place last Tuesday at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Rema and Selena Gomez’s ‘Calm Down’ had already made waves by earning three nominations in the award categories of Best Collaboration, Song of the Year, and Best Afrobeats. However, it was in the Best Afrobeats category that this remarkable duo left an indelible mark, making history as the first winners in this newly established category.

Recall that Rema, born Divine Ikubor, at the 16th Headies Awards ceremony held on September 4, 2023, in Atlanta, won the Male Artiste of the Year ahead of strong contenders— Asake, Kizz Daniel, Ruger, Omah Lay, and Burna Boy. He also won the Digital Artist of the Year Award and left the audience talking about his speech on the need to support Afrobeats and the Nigerian music industry.

‘Calm Down,’ at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), was nominated alongside Burna Boy’s ‘It’s Plenty,’ Davido feat Musa Key’s ‘Unavailable,’ Ayra Starr’s ‘Rush,’ Libianca’s ‘People,’ Wizkid feat Ayrra Starr’s ‘2 Sugar,’ and Fireboy DML’s ‘Bandana. The song which

was originally released on August 25, 2022, garnered attention for its unique fusion of Afrobeats and pop elements.

The remix of the song achieved incredible success, becoming the first-ever track to maintain a position on the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart for an entire year. Additionally, it secured the coveted spot of being the First No.1 Hit on The Official MENA Chart. Meanwhile, “Calm Down” also recorded one billion streams on Spotify, a global online streaming platform.

Prior, ‘Calm Down’ reached the Top 10 Hot 100 chart and eventually peaked at an impressive No. 3 in June 2023, making it the highest-peaking Nigerian song on the Billboard Hot 100. Similarly, the video of the remix has garnered over 619 million views on Youtube.

Anointed Psalmist and a vocal powerhouse, Empraiz is a contemporary gospel artiste who readily comes to mind when one needs to relish the dynamic and exhilarating fusions of a spirited songster. Empraiz, whose real name is Emmanuel Olowoyeye, is with undeniable local and global appeal owing to his unique genre of music and his passionate renditions of songs.

As a joyful praise and an intense worshipper of Yahweh, his style of music promptly strikes a chord with any listener who hears him minister in songs. His genre of music which cuts across gospel, contemporary gospel, and worship, highlife, Naija gospel and African melodies are nothing but music to one’s ears.

His style of music promptly strikes a chord with any listener who hears him minister in songs.

The Lagos-based gospel crooner is outstanding for his peculiar flavours and embellishments of music and is altogether distinct in his deeplyaccentuated and truly-rich indigenous NigerDelta and lgbo influences in his songs.

But for his South-Western name, it may somewhat be hard for anyone to pin this debonair and anointed gospel musician to a particular tribe as he constantly elevates his craft and as he consistently expresses himself musically beyond his ethnicity with unpredictable versatility and true Africanness.

Undoubtedly, Empraiz‘s relentless pursuit of

his musical career clearly reveals that he is no joker neither is he a charlatan in the world of gospel music. With a musical career which spans over twenty years, it is noteworthy that Empraiz has garnered notable appellations and recognitions for his contributions to gospel music especially in Nigeria.

With three albums in his professional journey and in his continual pursuit of his calling as a gospel musician and also as a result of his unflinching involvement in the gospel scene, Empraiz has confidently shared the stage on different occasions with renowned international artistes such as Tye Tribbett, Micah Stampley, Ron Kenoly, Bob Fitts, Alvin Slaughter and Byron Cage just to mention a few.

On the local scene as well, Empraiz has also performed alongside some of Nigeria’s finest musicians including Sammy Okposo, Samsong, Eben, Frank Edwards, Sinach, Midnight Crew amongst others. Empraiz is also known as Da Bishop of Praise.

Genevieve Nnaji

Rema and Selena Gomez during the 2023 MVAs awards ceremony

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Empraiz

Who Killed Mohbad?

That seems to be the question bugging the minds of many concerned citizens as the Nigerian Police swings into investigation following the death of singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. The force in a statement promised to carry out diligent investigation following outcry over the death of the afrobeats artiste.

The promising singer, songwriter sadly passed on Tuesday September 12, 2023, aged 27. In the statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, it averred that the force is committed to a comprehensive investigation into the matter as the Lagos State Commissioner of Police has been tasked to unravel the circumstance surrounding his death.

The force stated that it understands the concerns regarding his untimely demise. “Rest assured, updates will be provided as investigations unfold,” the statement partly reads,” while encouraging members or close associates with valuable information to approach the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to assist in the process.

“In the meantime, we kindly request that individuals refrain from making statements or engaging in activities that could jeopardize the ongoing investigation,” it added. The Lagos State Police command in a separate forum said the corpse of the late singer would be exhumed for autopsy to aid investigation into the cause of his death, if it is necessary.

The cause of his death has been a subject of controversy since the tragic incident. Speaking during an Instagram live session on Thursday night, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the police would probe to know the cause of Mohbad’s death. A couple of names had allegedly been mentioned relating to the death of the Ikorodu born Mohbad.

Among whom are his estranged record label lead, Afeez Fashola, aka Naira Marly and a music promoter, Samson Balogun, popular as Sam Larry.

Meanwhile, amid the controversies surrounding the death of Mohbad, the Elegushi Royal Family of Eti-Osa, Lagos State, distanced their family from the

embattled Sam Larry.

The Elegushi family last Thursday made their stance known in a statement released by the Palace, in which the Royal Family denounced any alliance with the music promoter.

“The Elegushi Royal Family of EtiOsa wishes to put on record the misinformation on the media space involving Samson Erinfolami Balogun (AKA Sam Larry). Samson Balogun is not a member of the royal family and does not work for the royal family or king in any capacity.

“Like other celebrities, politicians, religious and community leaders, he visits the palace to pay homage to the king and seek royal blessings just like other members of the public. While expressing our condolences to the family and friends of late Ilerioluwa Aloba (known as MohBad) we would like to add our voices to the calls for a thorough investigation into circumstances surrounding his death, with a view to unravel any foul play.

We ask our friends in the media to be mindful of the sensitivity of the

issue and desist from spreading falsehood that may jeopardise the investigation.” This is coming after a petition by the late singer surfaced online, where the deceased alleged threat to life, malicious damage, assault, and oppression, among others, against Sam Larry and others, in a petition to the FCID Annex, Alagbon, Lagos State.

Also in a video circulating online, Mohbad, whose remains were hurriedly laid to rest last Wednesday, was seen being assaulted by some people allegedly led by Sam Larry during a video shoot. In the video, Mohbad and another afrobeats artiste, Omoniyi Temidayo aka Zlatan Ibile, were on set of a music video when the said Sam Larry stormed the scene with some boys targeting the late singer who was heard talking. The video left many Nigerians on social media furious as they stormed Larry’s Instagram page to attack him for bullying and threatening the late singer.

However, in the petition, dated June 27, 2023, the late singer had urged the Nigeria Police Force to protect him from Sam Larry and his team, comprising 15 others. The petition, titled, ‘Petition of threat to life, malicious damage of properties valued at the sum of Five Million Naira, assault occasioning harm, oppression and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace against Sam Larry Elegushi, Elele, Obele and others’, was addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon in Ikoyi, Lagos.

In the petition, Mohbad alleged that Sam Larry and others all armed stormed the venue of a video shoot where him and Zlatan Ibile, were working; and threatened to wreak havoc. He added that they eventually destroyed equipment worth over N5 million at the scene, and assaulted him (Mohbad) before he narrowly escaped after sustaining injuries. The outpouring of emotion since his death was confirmed has been overwhelming. A dream cut short. Allegedly bullied by his former label mates, Naira Marley, Zinoleski and others, and attacked a number of times. That was enough to make him depressed. But the afro-pop star always responded the only way he knew with music, troubled at many turns. He waxed lyrically about his challenge. One can tell he had premonition of his death.

Contrary to speculations in the music industry, Mohbad’s wife Wunmi had opened up

on the late singer’s lifestyle as she revealed he lived in fear till the end.

Wunmi, who has a baby boy with Mohbad, said upon the birth of their son, the singer was constantly worried for their lives and wanted them to leave the country. The late 27 years old singer’s wife revealed he wanted to face his fight alone as she suggested some individuals were behind Mohbad’s death. “He struggled till death, too many pains, threatening, he has always lived with fear, continuous fights everywhere he goes too, he has never been happy for a whole day,” she revealed in a post.

She also debunked the reports of him battling mental issues. “He was called a junkie, a mad person, mental issue so the public would have another view about him. He’s dead at least you all won, take your trophy. Y’all made me a widow at 24 years,” Mohbad’s wife sadly wrote. The death of the famous Nigerian singer continues to stir emotions and reactions online as more details about his passing emerge. Good the Nigerian Police Force has commenced investigation.

As someone rightly noted, “The public outpouring of grief in reaction to his passing speaks to the recognizable beam of light that the singer and rapper projected to the world during a memorable 27-year stint on earth. For the last five years, street-pop, a sub-genre of Afropop defined by its existential lyricism and hard-knock tales of beating the odds has been on a propulsive rise. Mohbad was at the very center of that wave.

“Thanks to a recognizable baritone-tinged voice, his raspy delivery style, and a stellar grasp of language, Mohbad was among a group of Ikorodu-born stars who constituted street-pop’s second generation and brought the angst and insecurities of inner-city kids to the wider world via music. What truly set Mohbad apart from his peers, even at the beginning was an utter conviction that he had a message to share with the world.”

In between dropping street hits like ‘Ronaldo’ and ‘Mi O Foh’ in 2019, he released ‘Imole,’ a soul-tinged rap-sung declaration of intent that contained the line, “Imole ni mi/ mo de fe tan kari aye” which translates to ‘I’m the light and I want to shine all over the world.’

A deal signed with Naira Marley’s Marlian Records later same year was supposed to facilitate those global aspirations and set the stage for Mohbad’s light to touch the universe.

Unmasking the Depths of Damola Ademola’s Directorial Debut

Inkblot Productions, a powerhouse in the Nigerian film industry, had recently unveiled the trailer for its highly anticipated psychological thriller, “A Weekend to Forget.” Set to make its grand premiere on September 19, 2023, and hit cinemas nationwide on September 22, this film promises an unforgettable cinematic experience beyond conventional storytelling.

In this fresh perspective, Showbiz delves into the details of “A Weekend to Forget” and explore how it transcends the boundaries of typical thrillers, offering viewers a firsthand glimpse into the enigmatic facets of the human psyche. “A Weekend to Forget” not only marks Inkblot’s first psychological thriller, but also the directorial debut of its co-founder, Damola Ademola.

This audacious step into directing demonstrates Ademola’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of Nigerian cinema, promising an innovative and unique approach to filmmaking. The concept behind this gripping thriller was born in the imaginative minds of Damola Ademola and Chiemeka Osagwu, who worked tirelessly to craft a story that challenges the norms of psychological thrillers.

Their collaboration sets the stage for

‘A

a narrative that intrigues, captivates, and leaves audiences in awe. The film boasts a star-studded ensemble cast, including Daniel Etim-Effiong, Ini Dima-Okojie, Stan Nze, Erica Nlewedim, Elozonam Ogbolu, Uche Montana, Neo Akpofure, and Akin Lewis. Each member of these actors brings their A-game to the

screen, ensuring that “A Weekend to Forget” is a true showcase of the Nollywood industry’s acting prowess. The captivating screenplay for “A Weekend to Forget” was penned by the talented Joy Isi Bewaji. Her ability to weave intricate plots and compelling dialogues is set to be

a highlight of the film, promising an engaging and thought-provoking experience for viewers. “A Weekend to Forget” doesn’t merely entertain; it delves deep into the dark recesses of human psychology.

It explores the consequences of succumbing to one’s darkest desires and the complex web of emotions that arise. As the characters grapple with their inner demons, the audience is held spellbound in a never-ending suspense and entertainment rollercoaster, even as they are invited to reflect on their own motivations and choices.

Inkblot Productions’ longtime partnership with FilmOne Studios further solidifies its commitment to delivering top-notch entertainment to Nigerian audiences. While the duo have continued to collaborate in films since the days of The Wedding Party I and II, this new collaboration ensures that “A Weekend to Forget” is not just a film; it’s an experience that brings together the best of Nigerian cinema.

From early reviews, it’s safe to say that “A Weekend to Forget” is not your typical thriller; it’s a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, an ambitious directorial debut, and a testament to the power of collaboration in filmmaking. As the release date draws near, audiences can anticipate an unforgettable cinematic journey that will leave a lasting imprint on their minds.

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Mohbad

A scene from

Weekend to Forget’

Promoting Nigeria’s Rich Culture at Arts Expo

Charles Ajunwa writes that apart from the diplomatic community, state governments and nongovernmental organisations that participated in this year’s International Arts and Crafts Expo, the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, used the three-day event to promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage

The 16th International Arts and Crafts (INAC) 2023 Expo with the theme: ‘Networking Nigerian Crafts to The World’ organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) lived up to expectationsasover30countries, 16 states and 21 non-governmental organisations participated in the three-day event held at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Intercontinental Hotel.

INAC Expo was initiated in 2008 as an annual event of the Council with the aim of showcasing Nigeria’s rich and unique collection of African arts and crafts and an avenue to promote the country’s rural economy. It focuses on the Director General’s six-point agenda namely: To make culture Nigeria’s new oil; to develop the creative industries to serve as a resource for job creation and economic empowerment; to empower Nigerians through free skills acquisition; to promote corporate social responsibility through free medical services at Council’s major events; to use culture as a panacea for promoting peace, social integration and national unity through National Festival (NAFEST), sports and all cultural activities; and to promote international cultural diplomacy through appropriate liaison and synergy with members of the diplomatic community in Nigeria.

Runsewe’s Welcome Address

NCAC boss, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe who was dressed in a native attire, received thunderous applause from the excited audience as he mounted the podium to give his welcome address for the 16th INAC Expo.

Runsewe, whose address was titled ‘Economic Impact of INAC Expo’ described arts and crafts as key drivers of Nigeria’s unity and economic prosperity.

The NCAC boss, who is also President of the World Crafts Council for the African Region, said “This sector is key to uniting our country, and we must continue to put Nigeria in front together. This is a secret that most African countries have not tapped into.

“The international community is the biggest informant to the whole world. Once they see that we have activities like these, it tells them that Nigeria is good for investment.

“INAC is a platform consciously designed to network Nigerian arts, crafts, and culture to the world. It’s a deliberate platform to promote Nigeria’s arts and crafts. It’s a unique platform, and it’s getting bigger and better everyday.” He added: “Despite the economic importance of the Expo, it is important to keep an eye on the cultural exchange which fosters unity, social cohesion and promotes diversity and mutual understanding amongst states, countries, participants and visitors alike.

“We have 29 countries, 16 states, and 21 nongovernmental organisations already at the opening, and this is for everyone regardless of their country to network, collaborate, and make a fortune from the platform.”

According to him, over 50 Nigerians had been helped to travel out of the country, adding that countries keep inviting Nigerians for different business deals through contacts developed on the platform.

“A cultural troupe that performed last year was invited by the Indian embassy to perform in New Delhi, and similar opportunities abound,” he said.

In his remark, the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, Masudur Rahman, described Nigeria as the hub of arts, crafts and culture in Africa.

“It is a big opportunity for Bangladesh to partner you since 2016 when we started our mission here. It is time to celebrate the strength of the world through Nigerian culture,” he said.

Runsewe, who declared open the Investment Forum with the theme: ‘Culture, Economic Development and National security’ on the second day, described it as the intellectual component

of INAC Expo.

As part of its empowerment agenda, Runsewe announced that the NCAC had concluded plans to send 3,000 youths to China for training on skills acquisition.

“The 16th edition of the International Arts and Crafts expo is a wonderful platform of energising and opening Nigeria’s arts and crafts to whole world. The Investment Forum, is the intellectual component of the INAC Expo. The whole idea of our interacting here, is to take something back home and put them to use.”

He added: “We are also sending 3,000 youths from Nigeria to China for training on skills acquisition. Each state will be sending 100 youths.”

To boost the morale of youths who came out tops in the three-day skills acquisition training put together by NCAC, Runsewe presented start ups to the deserving winners.

The Keynote Speaker, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, started by commending the Runsewe for initiating the idea to take 3,000 Nigerian youths to China for skills acquisition.

Prof. Uwaleke, who is a lecturer at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, described culture as a healthy vehicle of national development when put into good use.

Uwaleke, said the way forward for the sector is to among others, involve local communities when developing cultural products, adding, “This will help to ensure that the products are relevant and meaningful to the people who create and consume them.”

Tour of Abuja Cultural Market

The NCAC boss, who took diplomats and

stakeholders to the Abuja Cultural Market, which is tucked between the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre and Abuja Continental Hotel (formerly Sheraton Hotel), said his agency plans to replicate the Cultural Market in all the 36 states. He disclosed that the block of halls was built in 2003 during the CHOGOM. “God has a reason for everything. I was the one that God made to handle CHOGOM for Nigeria in 2003. That was when we built these halls. I never knew I will come back to be part of it. The Queen of England first came to Nigeria in 1965. She came back in 2003 and she said, ‘this is truly Nigerian’. And this is the testimony.”

Runsewe took his visitors to a mini-amphitheatre built within the cultural village complex.

“We can organise shows, plays, others here. Like today you saw Nigerians performing the Malaysian dance – Malaysian dance, Japanese dance, Indonesian dance, Ghanaian, every country. So, it can be like a weekly event.

“So, we want to encourage all the foreign embassies to come and enjoy Nigerian cuisine, culture as every state in Nigeria has a zone here.

“We can create in one day 145 direct and indirect employments, it can go to about 300!

If you do that in every state, this country will be better for it. So, this is the sector that can save this country. You had better tap into it before it is too late.

On how he intends to ensure that after investing so much resources into the cultural market, the facilities will be put into full use, and not allowed to lie fallow and rot away, Runsewe said, “That takes the grace of the Almighty God who owns life and who gives destiny to everyone. We pray

He will give us a direction.”

“I have three officers I am training. Even without me being here, they know what to do.

“You should remember that this place was where armed robbers were staying before. In fact, they attempted to lock me up – some powerful people who had interests in taking over and selling this government land. I said to them, if this is the only thing I will do for this country, I will recover this property. Some of you may not know the story. So, I succeeded in recovering the property. They threatened me with court cases. I said I will be happy to be the first Nigerian to be locked up for protecting the interest and integrity of Nigeria. They didn’t succeed. That means the grace of God is still working. In two weeks time, this place will be functional. Many countries have their own, we should also have our own.”

Ogun Emerges Overall Winner of 16th INAC Expo

At the closing ceremony, Runsewe announced Ogun State as the overall winner at the 16th INAC Expo. He commended the efforts of all the participants from16 states that participated in the expo, saying everyone was considered winner. “But the outstanding performance of Ogun State delegates could not go unnoticed.” “While the exhibition was going on, and we were taking stock of the best exhibitors in terms colours and different quality materials, I received calls from three governors - Ogun, Borno and Rivers who expressed satisfaction on the quality of this year’s expo. Honestly, I was surprised when the calls came in. They told me, they were monitoring all activities happening here,” Runsewe said.

On his part, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, Masudur Rahman, said: “We have seen the electrifying performances from Ogun with colourful attires all through, they deserve it. I say congratulations to them.”

The Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Li Xuda, who couldn’t hide his excitement said, “I am excited to see how the expo has been over the past days with the display of beautiful culture across nations and states. We need to work together to create a better future.”

INAC Expo was initiated in 2008 as an annual event of the Council with the aim of showcasing Nigeria’s rich and unique collection of African arts and crafts and an avenue to promote the country’s rural economy. It focuses on the Director General’s six-point agenda namely: To make culture Nigeria’s new oil; to develop the creative industries to serve as a resource for job creation and economic empowerment; to empower Nigerians through free skills acquisition Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Runsewe (3rd from right) explaining the vision behind the Abuja Cultural Market to diplomsts and stakeholders during the just concluded International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo in Abuja

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Water Leaking Into Your Car When It Rains? (4 Causes)

Your car should shield you from the rain, not pour it inside! Leaky cars can damage interiors and leave you soaked, so what should you do?

Every time it rains, it will cause more frustration of water intrusion is key, but that’s easier said than done. Let’s look at all the potential leak

Why Diagnosing the Leak Isn’t Easy

In many cases, diagnosing the root cause of a vehicle’s leaking interior is anything but simple. This stems from the fact that the point of entry for any incoming water is often concealed by a host of interior trim or paneling. Therefore, a leak of this kind is not actually discovered overlayment.

L-R: Chairman/CEO, Kojo

Soludo Performs Groundbreaking for Kojo Motors’ Yutong, OMAA Vehicles Assembly, CNG Plant Construction

Anambra State is fast becoming a renewed investors destination for different types of money bags rushing to the state to capitalise on the pledged ease of doing business to set up businesses. This time around, one of such massive investments is being undertaken by John Ikenna Oguegbu, an indigene Motors Limited.

Barely 24 hours after the Anambra State Investment Summit which ended last week, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo performed auto assembly plant for the local assembly of OMAA range of gas-powered mini passenger and commercial buses as well as Chinese range of Yutong passenger and commercial buses located

While congratulating John Ikenna Oguegbu, Limited for bringing his wealth to his home state to invest, Governor Soludo also commended the Yutong buses manufacturers from China for the smart move of coming to Anambra State to set up the auto assembly plant in collaboration with the local franchisee.

The governor stated that the decision to allow prospective investors to come and invest in the state was not out of philanthropy or charity, but rather a business decision model that will take Anambra State to the world and bring the outside world to the state.

While congratulating John Ikenna Oguegbu, for investing in the state, Governor Soludo pledged the state government’s commitment and patronage

of the vehicles that will be rolling out of the Yutong Assembly plant, he also commended the planned Electric Vehicle charging station within the same facility, adding that, the Anambra state government under his administration is on course towards massive industrial development, employment generation and prosperity for all its citizens. commissioners for transportation, industry and investment, energy, including his special sides, other political office holders in the state, the transitional chairman of Oyi local government as well as some traditional rulers to the historic event, John Ikenna his own state to set up the assembly plant for both OMAA buses with Chinedu Oguegbu as the brain behind the OMAA brand, the Yutong buses, as well as CNG facility.

Additionally, leaking water will always follow gravity to the lowest possible spot within a vehicle’s interior, which typically includes the leak of this type will appear as little more than your car, or driving through a downpour. diagnosed by isolating its origins to a certain portion of a vehicle’s interior. This involves carefully studying a vehicle’s windows, doors, to a sure diagnosis often takes a fair amount of time.

What Damage Can a Water Leak Cause?

A vehicle’s interior can be damaged considLikewise, even minor unresolved leaks can cause a number of issues with time.

On the most minor end of the spectrum, water leaks can leave behind unsightly stains on a vehicle’s interior as well as a constant growth of mold and mildew can also become a rather aggravating issue.

Unbeknownst to many, water leaks within a vehicle’s cabin can also be the source of numerous electrical issues. The introduction of water into any electrical receptacle, such as that within your vehicle’s fuse panels or multi-function door switch can serve as a source of future corrosion.

This corrosion most commonly manifests particular circuit’s functionality.

Common Causes of Water Getting Into Your Car

Water can appear within your vehicle’s interior for a number of reasons, some of which tend to be somewhat more common than others. Nonetheless, recognizing each of these potential issues can prove helpful when attempting to remedy the situation at hand.

The following are several of the most sources of water within a vehicle’s cabin, following a rain shower.

As many Nigerian car owners with limited disposable income and corporates with depleted fleets are feeling the financial strain, the search for vehicles that strike a balance between budget-friendliness and long-term returns on investment has become more critical than ever.

Among the various automotive brands, the local dealership says Suzuki stands out as a name synonymous with quality, dependable after-sales support and industry leading fuel efficiency.

This reputation is grounded in practical engineering choices in which Suzuki’s engines incorporate low-friction oils, advanced thermal efficiency, and a higher compression ratio, resulting in industry-leading fuel efficiency.

However, it is essential to acknowledge that individual preferences and specific models may influence one’s preference for Suzuki vehicles. Yet, a few key factors historically distinguish Suzuki.

Affordability: Suzuki is known for producing catering to discerning budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable transportation without straining their finances.

Reliability and durability: Suzuki cars are generally perceived as dependable and robust, requiring minimal maintenance when properly serviced as and when due.

This quality is particularly appealing to those in search of a long-lasting vehicle that will take

them everywhere.

Fuel efficiency: Suzuki models are renowned for their impressive fuel efficiency, thereby making any of the models as an attractive option for drivers looking to save on fuel costs while reducing their environmental footprint.

On the average, Suzuki models achieve an impressive fuel consumption rate of 22 kilometers

per liter, with tank capacities ranging from 28 to 45 litres.

Over the past decade, Suzuki’s continuous enhancements to their K-Series engines have boosted fuel efficiency by nearly 30 percent. This demonstrates the brand’s commitment to adapt and innovate in response to evolving economic and environmental challenges.

#1 – Sunroof Leak

If your vehicle features a sunroof, there is no better place to begin your search for a problematic water leak. Sunroofs and moonroofs are notorious for leaking over time, causing a

Virtually all sunroof-equipped vehicles feature built-in drain tubes. These tubes reside beneath the sunroof itself. If these tubes are clogged,

Upon opening a car’s sunroof, the opening to these drain tubes should be visible. Carefully inspect these openings to see if they are allowing adequate drainage, or if rainwater is pooling instead.

A rubber tipped blow nozzle can be used down each of these above-mentioned drain tubes. This should be done until all clogs are completely cleared.

#2 – Windshield Seal

Another common cause of cabin water leaks is a damaged or dry-rotted windshield seal. These rubber seals generally prevent water intrusion around the edges of a vehicle’s windshield and typically last for years without issue.

(Source:CarTreatments.com)

Motors, John Ikenna Oguegbu, Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, Executive Director, Kojo Motors, May Oguegbu; Executive Principal, Standard Chartered Bank, Elizabeth Ukwuoma; and Managing Director, OMAA, Chinedu Oguegbu, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed Kojo Motors assembly plant and L-CNG/EV Charging Station in Anambra State… recently

The 2023 Suzuki Grand Vitara compact SUV

AfCFTA: VON Automobile Boss Suggests Affordable Vehicle Production

of astute investors.

nations.

member, Nigeria Automotive manufacturers Association;

and fostering economic cooperation among African

New MINI Countryman, Minimalist All-rounder

H

New MINI Countryman

Demons of Ember Months

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

predominant factor is human behaviour.

as motorists respond to the urge to team up with

Managing Director of VON Automobile, Dr. Harpreet Singh (4th left), at the Intra-African Trade Fair Road Show (IATF 2023) panel session held at Eko Hotels, Lagos… recently

SAFE DRIVING with

Sauce for the Gander…

DAILY Champion Online of September 3 massacred

the English language: “Desist from careless gossips, Lagos APC tells PDP” ‘Gossip’, as an informational mechanism, is non-count—but countable when it refers to purveyors: there are gossips in every workplace. Even where it is countable, it is usually singular. And this: you can have ‘latest, juicy, idle, common, office’ gossip; not ‘careless gossip’ as there is no ‘careful one’! This headline is lousy!

The Views page follows: “But he also has the right to repudiate it and seeks (seek) the protection of the laws of the land.”

“The tension in the land is palpable, sanctity of life has been violated as deaths stalk menacing (menacingly).”

Let us pause for the pluralistic damage from Daily Trust of September 3: “Had the amnesty committee been dealing with the right leadership of the group, damages (damage) to life and property….” Except in legalese, ‘damage’ is uncountable.

“Ado poly (sic) sets (set) for pageant show”

Most critical: yank off ‘show’ because of its redundancy here. A rewrite: Ado Poly set for pageant

“It is their patient (patent) right” And this insight: “One of the healing material (materials)”

Finally from the back page of Daily Champion Online under review: “The reason is not farfetched (far to seek).” ‘Far-fetched’ is strictly an adjective which means ‘extremely unlikely to be true or to happen’. Therefore, we can have something like this: The far-fetched reason he adduced was sheer make-believe.

Next comes THE NATION ON SUNDAY of September 3 with many goofs: “APC to INEC: Conduct same day (same-day) elections”

“Residents say discovery merely tip of iceberg”

Are

We

Get it right: tip of the iceberg

“Pass vote of no confidence on (in) NLC”

“Imo polls: deaf and dumb campaigns (how?) for Uzodinma”

“Soludo assures on completion of ongoing projects” Who did he assure?

“Your contributions in moving the state to greater heights has (how?) been testified to on many occasion (why?)

“…it is always a roiling (boiling) point that they are only one-third minority, dictating (calling) tunes to the two-third majority. (Editorial)”

“Ugbechie’s past time (pastime)” is reading voraciously.”

Still on THE NATION ON SUNDAY: “Though she claimed to have had some relationship that should have culminated into (in) marriage….”

“It is a sin not to use your potentials (potential)”

“…at (on) the occasion”

“Continuing, he said that he completely does (did) not agree with the idea of….”

“I was the first person who said Obasanjo is (was) the instigator.”

“Nigerians, is it good (sauce) for the gander and bad (not sauce) for the goose?” (Full-page advertisement by Alliance for Truth in Defence of Freedom)

“Access Bank unveils ‘banking in a box’ initiative” (The PUNCH Headline, September 30) Money: banking-in-a-box initiative

“The gang-up against Jonathan shall (will) fail!!!” One exclamation mark is enough! Using more than one does not make any difference—rather, it smacks of commercialese!

Daily Trust of September 5 exhibited incautiousness: “Upcoming polls: INEC warns politicians not to overheat polity” What does this trite phrase, ‘overheat polity’ mean?

“Judges, lawyers pay last respect (respects) to Justice…”

“Navy arrests 61 over (for) oil theft in Bayelsa”

(computer-based) examination”

Lastly from Leadership under review: “Niger MDGs expends N6.6bn on programmes” It is not the goals that expended the money but the office of the MDGs!

THE GUARDIAN of September 4 circulated many errors: “Monarch, others urge govt to restore telecom services in (to) Borno, Yobe, Adamawa”

“Volunteers from the Asian-community run for cover after hearing a volley of gunshots at the scene of a siege of (to) an up-market shopping mall….”

“Niger task (tasks) financial institutions on CSR”

“Nigerian players’ potential thrill (thrills) ITTF….”

THISDAY front and inside pages of September 1 did not display truth and reason on many occasions: “Borno lawmakers pass no confidence vote on (in) FG”

“Mohammed, who spoke through (how?) an interpreter on (in) his hospital bed at the….”

“We waited under (in the) scorching sun”

“I said I will (would) try.”

“But the media shy (media-shy) lawyer could only manage a smile….”

“Sex for role (Sex-for-role) is real in Nollywood”

“…the fact that both coaches will be confronting themselves (each other) for the first time will make the game even cagier”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY of September 3 follows with some diseased lines: “Discharging the order, the court said it lacks (lacked) the jurisdiction to make the orders….”

“…a man history will remember for been (being) on the side of the people.”

“We join the people of Imo State and other well meaning (well-meaning) Nigerians in wishing….”

“Those breaking even in the refinery business are those producing between 100,000 to (and) 120,000 barrels or more per day.” The Sunday interview: between 10 and 11 or from 10 to

11.“…the regime of crime with many youths taking to kidnapping and all manners of vices.”

(DAILY CHAMPION Opinion Page, August 10)

Right: all manner of vices.

“Menace of under-aged voters” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, September 6) Get it right: underage voters. Never ‘overaged’ players or ‘matured’ politicians.

“New NASS will re-open Bakassi issue” This way:“…goesreopen. to the alter” (SATURDAY Vanguard, September 2) High-heeled: altar.

“Imo: Late arrival of materials mar election in Oguta LG” A recurring case of subject-verb disagreement: Late arrival of materials mars (not mar). It has nothing to do with ‘materials’, but “late arrival”.

“In the past, such leaders have (had) plundered the common wealth and infected the environment with the demon of greed and avarice.” (NIGERIAN Tribune, September 11)

“The electorate streams (stream) out tomorrow at the beginning of a voting exercise that will ultimately ease out….” (THISDAY, September 11)

“There are two types of Persil brands in the market, apparently imported by private individuals (are there public individuals?) who thought there are (were) openings in Nigeria’s detergent market.” (VANGUARD, September 11)

“Large turn-out signpost rescheduled Imo polls” Get it right: turn-out signposts.

“No other country in (on) this continent throws up the kind of absurdities that we have in this land.” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, September 8)

“Such persons should be declared persona non grate (sic).” (Source: as above) At the crossroads: personae non grata.

“If he were still in power, the former governor would have been immuned (immune) to….”

to Follow where the World Goes?

No be today! As we say on Nigerian streets. We have, time and again, warned here about the potential dangers of what our young folks have turned the social networks to - the crippling menace called skits, pranks, blogging, and such interesting nonsense. We particularly mentioned the unsavoury antics of one of the internet chaps called “Trinity Guy” (real name Abdullahi Maruff Adisa) with his road menace disguised as “pranks” somewhere in the rustic environs of Ibadan, Oyo State. He would pour full basin of water on unsuspecting men and women, to the chagrin of the well-dressed persons unfortunate to come in contact with his sick humour…or drape an unsuspecting fellow in a huge cardboard carton…or cause people to slide into puddles of muddy water…flogging scantily dressed girls, while admonishing them to return home and change to more respectable clothes. His catalogue of nonsensical verbiage is filled with numerous mindless escapades on Facebook, unrestricted.

Of course, many of his victims suffer some mild physical harm, apart from the emotional roller coaster. Some, he appeased with monetary inducements; for others he received several slaps and blows… He spent about four weeks mid this year sipping his creative juices in detention (at Agodi Prisons) after overreaching himself by recording and showing a leering episode with a minor (10-year old girl) verging on indecent exposure, conduct unbecoming, and sexual exploitation. The girl’s parents did not escape detention either! The prankster risks spending close to 15 years in prison, if the law digs in with her real fangs.

Perhaps many of his co-travellers will take a cue, and moderate their craze for social media dollars and ‘influencer” fame and perquisites. Most likely not.

The new craving is called “Blind Dates” or Dating Game. They have modified what we knew as ‘blind date’ and refined it into an enchanting commodity that glorifies self-abuse, low self-

esteem, crass sexualisation of womanhood, promotion of promiscuity, and blatant reminder of our loose moral texture as a young nation.

“Lagos to introduce computer based fajalive1@gmail.com 08033622806-

A cursory watch of some of these short takes of popular indiscretions portends a disturbing prospect for the future generation. The potential parents of today, from their utterances, gestures and mindsets, would inevitably produce morally flexible, ethically challenged and mentally unstable offspring… a terror-filled possibility that should frighten all right-thinking people; even those who laugh at, and clap for the entertainment they seem to provide today.

Another hare-brained sweet nonsense is the “Dare…or Drink” game - an infantile obsession of the youth and like minds. It is a game of dating immorality, and abhorrent behaviours popularised, in modern times, by the inmates of the Big Brother reality TV franchise, which antics and derelict entertainment quotient have spawned several ultra-stars and starry-eyed addicts of irreverent flamboyance.

Of course, there are available wholesome pieces that spread quality, sensible and family oriented plots, behaviours and language...and some even educational! Unfortunately, they are an oasis of wellness in a vast wilderness of iniquity.

The first notorious example on Facebook, and one of the more prolific, is by a Nons_Miraj - in which the hostess often dresses provocatively as if selling some other exquisite product beyond the blind charade. The location is the streets of Lagos, Warri, Calabar, and other major urban centers where willing participants who “are looking for love” could be found.

They are either blindfolded or made to turn their backs on each other (we are not told how they get to the spot of recording, which is often a quiet road…or whether they were earlier closeted in different cubicles or vehicles - but like the classic stage theatre, let us suspend any hint of realism, for the sake of the ‘show’).

On turning to face each other, the ‘love prospects’ begin a barrage of questions - depending on if either party measures up to preferred

specifications (“specs”). Most are blind and vain. Woe betides you if your dress is not ‘hip’ in the eye of the beholder (lady) dressed as if on her way to a nightclub. Then, the hostess begins to question the value and worth of your apparel: how much is your hair? Shoes? Bag? Gown? Shirt? Even bracelets, earrings and necklaces? Nothing is spared. The other party, more often than not, does not believe the costs, or considers them as cheap, counterfeit… “something my gateman would manage!”

The man, not to be outdone, will begin a verbal laceration of the woman’s physical, mental and feminine attributes - the slur-fest goes on until the hostess, tired of laughing and smirking at the expense of the “love-haters” - asks rather mischievously: “So, what’s it for you… is it a Yes, or a No?” Whereupon the combatants go ahead to further demean and abuse each other as a simple ‘no’ or ‘yes’ would be inadequate.

That is the general flow of the riotous Blind Date “game” which attracts thousands of comments, likes, shares and other emojis - including views running into hundreds of thousands… and even a few with over a million viewership… quite a bunch in tens of millions! Of course, some dates appear to appreciate each other on a few occasions, and bile or disgust barely surface.

Apparently, fans and viewers derive some sort of relief or joy from watching people tear into one another, and seeing strangers poke crude fun, and hurtful jokes at each other.

Before we isolate few more specific instances to embellish the level of this ongoing popular depravity, let us register our amazement that a crew of young Nigerians would shoot a live spectacle of four girls and four boys (approximately in their twenties, possibly some in their early thirties), engaged

in some kind of “Truth or Dare” circus where lots are picked, and participants are expected to act out either in full view of a large sitting room, or the “privacy” of a bedroom, which scenes are also simultaneously televised. A Facebook show blithely named “Another One - 2” shows people playing out ballots with stuff like: drink garri with raw egg; kiss any opposite gender for 10 seconds with your hand going down; exchange clothes with an opposite gender until the end of the show; touch the nipple of any girl for 20 seconds; give someone a French kiss for 10 seconds; feel the size of any man’s penis, and say how long; do lap dance on any one; call your mum and tell her you’re pregnant; make foreplay without your mouths touching; make him have a hard-on under 30 seconds; call your parent and say two girls are pregnant for you; kiss someone of same gender with you… and more dross. These statements may not be exactly verbatim, but I kid you not, they are apt paraphrases.

What staggers the uninitiated is that virtually all stupefying requests were excitedly performed, though in repeat cases, or when filled with a residue of shame, they would rather resort to the alternative of taking one to three shots of spirit (whiskey, I suspect…until the bottle dried up, or they became tipsy). What would their parents think of their stewardship - watching the hand of your son deep in the breasts of his female friend, while searching for her nipples…or your girl opening the trousers of a man’s jeans, blindly inspecting the length and texture of his genitals…among many other acts most responsible people do behind closed doors, and certainly beyond the lens of a recording device. Clearly, today’s parents have failed.

(To continue)

Victor Osimhen Ripe for CAF Footballer of the Year

Last season, his 31 goals in 39 matches propelled Napoli to their first Scudetto in 33 years and unsurprisingly, he won the Serie A golden boot and was also voted the Player of the Season.Though shortlisted for the FIFA Best Men’s Player of theYear award, with a very remote chance of coming out winner, however, the award that would pleaseVictor Osimhen the most is the one he has always dreamt of winning-the CAF Player of theYear and the Super Eagles striker is indeed a hot favourite when the winner would be announced on December 11

After the Super Eagles’ 6-0 pumelling of Sao Tome and Principe in the African Cup of Nations qualifier game at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Victor Osimhen expressed how much he was looking forward to winning the 2023 CAF Player of the Year, something he stated has been his dream since 2015.

“It would mean a lot, a whole lot to me,” Osimhen said.

“I remember in 2015, when I won the (CAF) Youth Player of the Year (award), you know, I saw the winner (Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang) walk up to the podium to receive it (the CAF POTY award).

“Since then, for me, it became a dream to try to be there and win something as prestigious as that.

“I think now I have a huge opportunity to actualise this dream. I’m really looking forward to it, and hopefully, it comes home.”

Osimhen is one of the best players from the continent after the 24-year-old scored 31 goals in 39 appearances for Napoli last season.

His brilliance ensured that he broke George Weah and Samuel Eto’o’s goals record in the Serie A. He also helped the Partenopeans to their first Scudetto in 33 years and their first-ever quarterfinal finish in the UEFA Champions League.

With his achievements in the last season, the Super Eagles striker is a frontrunner to become the CAF Player of the Year, though he has serious competition from the likes of Yassine Bounou and Achraf Hakimi, but he just looks clear of the rest.

Ahead of the awards, which will hold

on December 11, Osimhen has stated that he is looking forward to wearing the crown of the best player on the continent.

On Thursday, Osimhen was nominated for the eighth edition of FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year award by the world football governing body.

The 24-year-old Super Eagles striker was named in the 12-man shortlist for the award released by FIFA yesterday. Osimhen who was just a couple of days ago similarly named amongst the five players from the continent in the 30-man shortlist for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, is the only African in the running for the FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year.

Osimhen’s exploits are not limited to Europe alone.

He scored 10 goals for the Super Eagles as Nigeria qualified for the 2023 AFCON effortlessly. His hat-trick against Sao Tome and Principe last Sunday capped his brilliant run in the qualifiers and is hoping to take the form to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers starting in November.

Super Eagles legend, Kanu Nwankwo is the last Nigerian to win the CAF Player of the Year Award in 1999, but Osimhen is hoping to put an end to that wait.

Osimhen was listed in the 30-man list of players released by FIFA for this year’s Ballon d’Or, though the former Lille of France striker is considered a dark horse for the Ballon d’Or podium.

Even after missing a sizable chunk of the season with injury, the strapping Nigerian put away 33 goals, seven of them in Europe’s elite competition. Adjudged the Best Striker of 2022-23 by Lega Serie A, Humble Victor further amplified his status as one of the most crucial components of the league’s appeal

to foreign markets.

With ambitions of winning two consecutive titles, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis rejected offers of over €140M ($154M) from Al Hilal.

France Football opened up on Osimhen’s inclusion, “He became the first African player to finish top scorer in a Serie A campaign, he propelled Napoli into the continent’s top eight for the first time and he greatly contributed to bringing back the Scudetto, expected since 1990.”

The former Lille striker has since made an impressive start to the season, scoring three goals from four games so far, with reports suggesting he is close to signing a new deal that will keep him at Naples beyond his current contract which will expire in Summer of 2025.

However, Romano has shared the latest updates that Osimhen will extend his stay with the Partenopei with a release clause valid from next summer inserted in the new deal.

Also in this negotiation which is very advanced between Napoli and Osimhen to extend the contract and sign a new deal, the current one expires in the summer of 2025, Osimhen must have a release clause included, Romano shared on his YouTube channel.

Osimhen has proven to be a reliable goal machine for club and country, and he has broken a lot of longstanding records and he is confident that he can surpass Rashidi Yekini’s goalscoring record, but he insists that he is not in a competition with the Nigeria legend.

Osimhen scored a hattrick for Nigeria in their 6-0 bashing of Sao

Tome and Principe over the weekend. However, it was not a one-off as the Napoli man has been a consistent goal poacher for the Super Eagles. His threegoal haul ensured that he now has 20 goals in 26 games for the national team, making him the fourth most prolific goalscorer in Super Eagles history.

The 24-year-old striker is only three goals shy of surpassing the records set by Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Segun Odegbami. Yekini sits atop of the charts with 37 goals, but with Osimhen’s remarkable goal scoring ability, the former’s record does not seem far away. Osimhen also has Yekini’s record in sight, but he is not allowing the pressure get to him. “I don’t think I can challenge the great, the legendary Rashidi Yekini because he’s done so well for the country, for the Super Eagles, and to be able to try to follow in his footsteps is a huge one for me,” Osimhen told an online publication. “But I th ink I have the ability to try to meet up with his numbers and to try to help the team as much as I can. I think I’m ready to go. I’m ready. “I’ve got a lot of players that can also help and support me. So, for me, I’m ready to give my all for the team. “If I surpass the goals record, I pass it; if I equal it, I equal it, but I really don’t think about that. I just want to get as many goals as I can score for the team, which is the most important thing.” Barring loss of form or injuries, the Nigerian superstar could become the highest goalscorer in the history of the national team.

Osimhen is primed to win the coveted CAF’s Player of the Year award when the ceremony holds later in the year in Morocco.

Osimhen scores one of his three goals

Doma United Head Coach, Onigbinde, Reveals Team’s Readiness Ahead of New Season

Doma United head coach, Akinade Onigbinde, has revealed that the team is ready for the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

Akinade was in charge of the Gombe Based club in their first season in the Nigerian top-flight league, where they narrowly missed out on the NPFL Championship playoff on goals difference to Sunshine Stars, who finished third in Group B.

While speaking in an exclusive interview with TheBSNSports.com.ng, Coach Akinade expressed that the team is still on pre-season but are ready for

the season to kickoff.

“ We’re still on pre-season preparation, “Akinade said.

“ But we have assessed the team performance from last season, and brought some new players to blend with the players we have on ground.”

The Former FRSC FC gaf fer also explained that the General manager of the club had a meeting with the team on the target for the season.

“ Yes, The General manager called a meeting with the team in general, and set-up a target which we are going to work hard, in other to achieve it.”

Akinade finally revealed that they learn a lot from last season being their first season in the Top-Flight league, but promised that the team will continue to work hard ahead of this season.

“ We learnt a lot from Last season and being our first experience in the NPFL, if we keep on working hard, I think we will be able to meet up with our target.

Doma United are currently on their Pre season preparation ahead of 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season kickoff, with the date of their away trip on Match-day 1 against Rangers International yet to be announced.

Tripple 44 Prodigy Joins Shooting Stars on 3-year Deal

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) have officially announced the signing of Mustapha Adam, a centre forward and youth product of Tripple 44 on a 3-year deal. The

left footed center and energetic forward has been training with Shooting Stars for a couple of weeks and participated in the club’s preseason where he scored a couple of goals. Mustapha Adam developed in one of the fast rising football academies in West Africa, Tripple 44 Academy started his career as a defensive midfielder before being converted by the Academy’s proprietor and Sporting Director, Samuel Olatunji Okuku. Reacting to the official announcement of the player by the Oluyole Warriors, Tripple 44 Academy on one of its social media platforms posted: “One of our dogged striker Adam Agba takes the next step with the Oluyole Warriors @Official3SC on a 3-year deal. We appreciate your grit all through your time with us, you will be greatly missed. We wish you all the best.” Shooting Stars also confirmed the signing of the young striker on its Twitter account now X with this statement; “Confirmed! From Tripple 44 FA, we have secured the services of Mustapha Adam Agba. “The energetic striker joins the Oluyole Warriors on a 3-year deal.”

Meanwhile, former Heartland FC of Owerri forward, Christian Pyagbara, is set to make a return to Nigerian football as he completes a transfer to Shooting Stars ahead of the upcoming 2023/24 NPFL season.

Pyagbara’s move to the Oluyole Warriors

Selected Players for Enyimba Youth Teams Hail Kanu

With the conclusion of the five days screening exercise for recruitment of young talents into Enyimba Int’l FC Youth teams, the successful players have continued to praise the Club Chairman, Kanu Nwankwo for his innovative plans for the People’s Elephant.

Some of the players who spoke to Enyimba media expressed their delight to have made the selection thanking the club Chairman, who approved the exercise.

comes on the heels of a successful trial with the club.

The talented forward, who previously plied his trade with Akwa United, earned his place in Gbenga Ogunbote’s squad after impressing during the team’s intensive training camp in Ijebu-Ode.

Pyagbara’s arrival adds depth and experience to the Shooting Stars roster, injecting fresh talent into the squad as they prepare for the new NPFL campaign.

Christian Pyagbara had been without a club since his departure from Latvia’s JFK Ventspils in 2020. The 2023/24 season marks his return to the NPFL, having last featured in the league with Heartland FC in 2019.

The forward’s football journey began with the defunct Sharks of Port Harcourt, now known as Rivers United, where he honed his skills and began making a name for himself in Nigerian football circles.

As Pyagbara dons the Shooting Stars jersey, fans eagerly await his contributions on the pitch. His experience and goal-scoring prowess could prove invaluable to the team’s ambitions in the upcoming NPFL season.

This signing underscores Shooting Stars’ commitment to strengthening their squad and competing at a high level in Nigerian football.

Oti Devine, a 15-year-old attacking midfielder, Emmanuel David, 17-year-old and a centre forward, Okorie Wisdom, 15-year-old and a left back, Iheze Ugo Joseph, 16-year-old centre forward as well as Alfred Paul Albert, 16-year-old centre back all eulogised the former Arsenal legend thanking him for the opportunity to showcase their talent and be picked for the Enyimba Youth team system.

“I am happy i was able to make the team and I wish to thank all who made the screening exercise possible, especially the Club Chairman, Kanu Nwankwo,” Divine said.

“I feel good about the screening because it will help talented players who do not have job in Abia state, all thanks to the Chairman for introducing this to help the young ones like us,” 16 years Okorie Wisdom stated.

For Alfed Paul, he said, “I’m happy for this opportunity to show our talents and grateful to Papilo and Enyimba management.”

The players who were successfully selected from the screening exercise at the instance of Nwankwo will be integrated into the Enyimba U-15 and U-19 teams ahead of the new season’s NPFL/LaLiga U-15 tournament as well as the nation -wide, NLO youth development league.

Remo Stars versus 3SC during last season NPFL match

Can High-flying West Ham Halt Man City’s Perfect Start?

The Premier League returns after a week of international break with many exciting fixtures on the card. One captivating of those is the visit of defending champions, Manchester City, who are yet to drop a point so far to the London Stadium against a high-flying West Ham who are yet to know what defeat tastes like

Two unbeaten Premier League teams currently sitting inside the top four lock horns at the London Stadium this afternoon as West Ham United play host to reigning champions Manchester City.

While the Hammers are seeking to win a fourth successive league match for the first time in nearly two years, the Citizens are looking to preserve their 100 per cent start in the top flight and maintain their position at the top of the table.

Still riding on a wave of elation following their Europa Conference League triumph in June, West Ham have made an impressive start to the new Premier League season, picking up 10 points from a possible 12 available in their first four matches.

An opening-weekend draw with Bournemouth has been followed by wins over Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion and Luton Town, beating the latter 2-1 away from home before the international break .

Not since the 1999-2000 campaign under Harry Redknapp have the Hammers made a better start to a Premier League season, and current boss David Moyes has been recognised for his efforts by being nominated for August’s Manager of the Month award along with this weekend’s opposite number Pep Guardiola.

Preserving their unbeaten record is the aim for West Ham, but that will certainly be put to the test against a Man City side whom they have suffered 12 defeats against in their last 15 meetings, with the other three matches all ending as draws – only against Manchester United have the Hammers endured a longer winless run against an opponent in the division’s history.

Keeping the Citizens quiet in front of goal could also prove challenging for Moyes’s men, as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven competitive games in all competitions, while they have conceded at least two goals in seven of their last eight league encounters with Guardiola’s side.

After edging past both Newcastle United and Sheffield United with wins by one-goal margins, Man City breezed to a 5-1 victory at home against Fulham before the international break, with goal machine Erling Haaland starring once again by netting his first hat-trick of the campaign.

The contest was finely poised before Haaland had made the net ripple three times in the second half, with Julian Alvarez’s opener cancelled out by Tim Ream before Nathan Ake restored City’s lead with a controversial strike on the stroke of half time – one that Professional Games Match Officials Limited, PGMOL chief, Howard Webb has since admitted should not have stood.

Nevertheless, Guardiola will have been delighted to have seen his side maintain their 100 per cent start to the new season and the Catalan boss will be chomping at the bit to return to the dugout this weekend after watching the last two matches, led by assistant coach Juanma Lillo, in Barcelona following a successful back operation.

Like West Ham, fixtures are coming thick and fast for Man City as they endeavour to manage domestic duties with the return of European football, with five matches to prepare for in 14 days before entering the month of October.

Before walking out for their first Champions League group game against Red Star Belgrade next Tuesday since winning the competition in June, the Citizens will seek to make it five wins from five in the Premier League when they take on a West Ham outfit whom they have not lost against in each of their last eight away meetings, including a 2-0 success on the opening day of last season.

Meanwhile, the dreaded trip to Goodison Park comes early for Arsenal this season, as the Gunners aim to rectify their recent Merseyside mistakes when they take on Everton in the Premier League tomorrow

Prior to the international hiatus, the Toffees claimed their first point of the season in a 2-2 draw with Sheffield United, while Mikel Arteta’s side secured a breathtaking 3-1 win over Manchester United.

When it comes to goalkeeping redemption stories, Jordan Pickford arguably did it better than anyone else during Everton’s pulsating clash with Sheffield United, where the Toffees finally opened their account for the season through Abdoulaye Doucoure before a fine Cameron Archer equaliser.

Everton belatedly got off the mark for the 2023-24 campaign following a trio of losses to Fulham, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers without making the net bulge once.

However, Sean Dyche’s men unsurprisingly remain below the dotted line in 18th spot, only above Luton Town and basement team Burnley, and their tally of two goals is also the worst offensive record in the league alongside the Hatters.

A 2-1 win over Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup did serve as a slight morale-booster for the hosts heading into the hiatus, but they welcome Arsenal to Goodison having lost five of their last six home games and will need history to be on their side should they prolong the Gunners’ Merseyside misery.

Not for the first time at the Emirates in 2023, Arsenal waited until the dying embers of the match to send their fervent supporters into unbridled ecstasy, as Arteta’s men righted the wrongs of a disappointing 2-2 home draw with Fulham to sink old foes Manchester United in North London.

With 10 points under their belt from their opening four games, Arteta’s men are in fifth spot owing to an inferior goal difference to Liverpool, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur, the latter of whom await in next weekend’s North London derby after Arsenal make their Champions League homecoming against PSV Eindhoven.

Hitherto one of the league’s most impressive teams on the road, Arsenal now have just two wins to show from their last six topflight away contests and have struggled to shake the Goodison hoodoo in recent years, losing four and drawing one of their last five matches at the ground since a 5-2 thrashing in Arsene Wenger’s farewell season.

PREMIER LEAGUE

TODAY Wolves v Liverpool 12:30

Aston Villa v Crystal Palace 15:00

Fulham v Luton Town 15:00

Man Utd v Brighton 15:00

Tottenham v Sheffield Utd 15:00

West Ham v Man City 15:00

Newcastle v Brentford 17:30

SUNDAY Bournemouth v Chelsea 14:00

Everton v Arsenal 16:30

MONDAY

Nott’m Forest v Burnley 19:45

La Liga

TODAY Bilbao v Cádiz 13:00

Madrid v Sociedad 15:15

Celta Vigo v Mallorca 17:30

Barcelona v Real Betis 20:00

SUNDAY Getafe v Osasuna 13:00

Villarreal v Almería 15:15

Sevilla v Las Palmas 17:30

Valencia v Atlético 20:00

MONDAY Granada v Girona 20:00

Erling Haaland opened his goals account with a brace against West at the London Stadium last season

Iwobi Set to Make Fulham Debut against Luton

Manager Marco Silva has confirmed that Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi is available to make his Fulham debut against Luton Town in a Premier League fixture at the Craven Cottage today.

But a hamstring injury he sustained in Everton’s 4-0 defeat away at Aston Villa, in what was his last game for the Toffees, has been delaying his maiden appearance for the Cottagers.

Silva in his pre-match conference ahead of Fulham’s league fixture against newcomers

Luton Town on Saturday gave an update on the availability of the former Arsenal player.

Alex Iwobi is going to be involved in the squad list. He came injured when he signed with us but since the start of the week he’s been involved in the squad, He was quoted by fulhamfc.com

He will aim to use his timely return to help his club get back on track after they failed to win their last three Premier League matches following an opening-

week 0-1 victory against Everton at Goodison Park.

Iwobi will also be targeting a return to the Super Eagles camp for their confirmedfriendlygameagainstSaudi Arabia in October, having missed out from the team that claimed a 6-0 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier win over Sao Tome and Principe last Sunday.

Iwobi completed a move from Everton to Fulham on the summer transfer deadline day, ending his five-year stay with Merseyside club.

Morocco 2024: Nnadozie, Oshoala, Ajibade, 21 others for Sao Tome Clash

Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade and forward Asisat Oshoala are among 24 players invited to the Super Falcons’ camp for next week’s 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations first round, first leg qualifying match against Sao Tome and Principe.

Also on the roster are captain Onome Ebi, defenders Oluwa-

tosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie and Rofiat Imuran, midfielders Rasheedat Ajibade and Toni Payne, and forwards Ifeoma Onumonu, Vivian Ikechukwu and Gift Monday.

Nine-time African champions Nigeria will host the Sao Tome and Principe girls at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Friday, 22nd September, with the return leg scheduled

AFD, NBA Africa Unveil Newly Refurbished Court in Lagos

for Tuesday, 26th September. The winner of this fixture will be eligible to confront the winner of another first round fixture between Cape Verde and Liberia, at the secondround stage slated for the period 27th November – 5th December.

Morocco, which hosted last year’s edition of the continental showpiece, will again host next year’s spectacle.

Ndidi, Iheanacho Shortlisted for Leicester Goal of the Month Award

Strikes from Super Eagles duo of Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho have been included in the shortlist for Leicester City’s Goal of the Month award for August 2023.

The Foxes have selected the top eight goals across all levels, with the Nigerian national teamers making the cut.

While Ndidi has been nomi-

nated for his effort against Burton Albion in the first round of the League Cup, Iheanacho’s opener against the same opponents on August 9 is in contentiontoreceive the monthly award.

SixminutesintothecontestatthePirelli Stadium,Iheanachoopenedhisaccount fortheseasonwithacheekybackheelflick from MarcAlbrighton’s cross.

To win the award, the Nigerian

duo have to see off competition from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Stephy Mavididi, Amani Richards, Zach Booth, Wanya Marçal and Kasey McAteer.

They were linked with departures from the King Power Stadium in the summer transfer window but are set to stay put at the club until at least January 2024.

Rivers to Partner University on Sports Education

NBA Africa and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) unveiled a newly refurbished court at the Campos Stadium, on Thursday, as part of the Jr. NBA & AFD Basketball Experience program in Lagos. The refurbishment project, which commenced in June in collaboration with the Lagos State Sports Commission, will benefit youth from Lagos and surrounding communities by providing them with more opportunities to learn and play the game of basketball. The unveiling ceremony was attended by French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann; Consul General of France in Lagos, Laurent Favier; AFD Director for Nigeria, Xavier

Muron; NBA Africa VP and Country Head of NBA Nigeria, Gbemisola Abudu; 2003 WNBA Champion, Astou Ndiaye; and Dream Sports Africa Founder & CEO, Chenfa Dombin. Following the court unveiling, NBA Africa & AFD hosted a Jr. NBA clinic for 70 boys and girls to celebrate the newly refurbished court. Jr. NBA & AFD Basketball Experience program is part of AFD and NBA Africa’s larger collaboration to support youth development through basketball across the continent and builds on the inaugural Jr. NBA & AFD Basketball Experience launched in Zenata, Morocco in 2019. In November 2021, AFD and NBA Africa initiated a pilot phase in Lagos implemented by international

non-governmental organisation Dream Sports Africa. To date, the programme has reached more than 34,000 boys and girls ages 12-17 from 55 public and private schools in Lagos State.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our collaboration with Nigeria, as we inaugurate this basketball court. Sports have the power to unite people, and this project exemplifies the strong ties between France, AFD, and Nigeria in promoting youth empowerment and skill development through sport. I am convinced that having this dedicated sharing space will enable young girls and boys to become changemakers in their local communities,” Blatmann said.

GOtv Boxing Night 29: ‘Turning Star’ Gets New Opponent

Bantamweight boxer, Arabambi ‘Power’ Ojo has taken up the challenge to fight Tunde ‘Turning Star’ Olojede at GOtv Boxing Night 29.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by Flykite Productions, organisers of the premier boxing event. Turning Star was billed to fight the late Habeeb ‘Ige’ Oladeji, who died earlier this month.

According to the statement, Power will now face Turning Star in a national bantamweight challenge bout at Molade OkoyaThomas Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos

on September 24.

“Arabambi ‘Power’ Ojo will face Tunde ‘Turning Star’ Olojede in a national bantamweight challenge bout at GOtv Boxing Night 29. The fans will find him exciting because of his explosive style,” the statement said. Flykite Productions had earlier announced a decision to donate 35 per cent of ticket proceeds at the GOtv Boxing Night 29 to the family of the late Ige.

Other bouts scheduled for the night include a welterweight national challenge bout between Taiwo ‘Gentle Boy’ Olowu and Ganiyu ‘Energy’ Kolawole; a

national lightweight challenge clash between Azeez ‘Latest’ Ayobami and Emmanuel ‘Ability’ Abimbola; and a national female cruiserweight title bout between Celina ‘Pretty Assassin’ Agwu and Bolatito ‘Black Tito’ Oluwole. Sodiq ‘Happy Boy’ Adeleke will also face Ibrahim ‘Golden Boy’ Opeyemi, while Sifon ‘Best’ Iwatt will face Yusuf ‘Omowest’ Mohammed in a super flyweight challenge bout. GOtv Boxing Night will broadcast live on SuperSport Variety 4 (DStv ch 209) and SuperSport Select 2(GOtv ch 64 Channel).

SFFL Showtime League Debuts Sept 24 in Lagos

Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Blessing

Rivers State government has commenced discussion with a Pan-African university, African School of Economics (ASE) to establish sports education in the state.

This was disclosed yesterday, during a meeting with the Ministry of Sports and representatives of the the ASE, held at the office of the Port Harcourt Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA).

Speaking with Journalists after the meeting, Mr. Chris Green, Commissioner for Sports, said the sports education if built will

attract more developments to the state.

Green said the university coming to Rivers to establish headquarters of the sport education was an evidence that the state is safe for business and also fertile for any investor who may be willing to come in for investment.

He said “this meeting coming from Chamber of Commerce, you can expect that this will attract more development to the state. It will improve the GDP of Rivers State to freedoms of US Dollars.

“It is good they are trying to get us have an arrangement with them. I think sports and

education go together, through sports you can develop the whole state, through education you can do that also.

“Again, the Governor, Siminialayi Fubara has created an enabling environment for business to thrive in Rivers state, Sports will thrive in Rivers state and everything we have here”, Green assured.

Earlier, Obinna Obiwuru, Director of Communication, ASE, explained that they are partnering with the government to drive sport education, adding that the university intend to establish the headquarters of the sports education in Rivers.

Terem Moffi’s Double Sinks PSG at Home Defeat

Super Eagles forward, Terem Moffi was on song at the Parc de Prince as his brace ensured Paris St-Germain fell to their first defeat under new boss, Luis Enrique as they were beaten by Nice despite Kylian Mbappe’s double.Moffi gave Nice the lead with a deflected shot into the bottom corner but Mbappe levelled with a first-time shot from the edge of the area.

Gaetan Laborde bundled the visitors back into the lead and Nigeria’s Moffi hit a fine strike from 18 yards.

Mbappe’s flying volley gave PSG hope but they could not level.

It was the France captain’s seventh goal in four games this season after his return to the team, which followed a disrupted pre-season in which

he was frozen out of the squad over a contract dispute.

Nice, managed by 34-year-old Italian Francesco Farioli, move above PSG in the table into second behind Monaco.

PSG had a presentation before kick-off for nine-time Ligue 1 title-winning midfielder Marco Verratti, who has just completed a move to Qatari side Al-Arabi.

SFFL League Commissioner, Adejumo Adebare has disclosed that the SFFL Showtime league will kick off on September 24, at the Meadow Hall Way, Alma Beach Estate, Lekki-Epe Express Way with lots of funfair.

Before the September 24 showdown however, an All Stars game is billed for tomorrow between Showtime All Stars against last season champions- The Outlaws, which will serve as the curtain raiser.

Interestingly, organisers of the SFFL Showtime coed Flag Football league, commenced a special pre session training programme for players, particularly, the new players who are not knowledgeable but have interest in the Flag football league.

Adebare said the pre-session training tagged ‘Showtime Sunday’ was held on three consecutive Sundays.

The programme, kicked off 30th

July and ran through 13 August with 10 teams in attendance.

Adebare said that the pre session training would assist develop more players at the grassroots and also assist to create the awareness of Flag football in the country among fans who wish to be part of the Sport.

Adebare said the season, tagged Season X, will have nine rounds of games with all 10 teams playing a round robin non-stop every Sunday.

BetCorrect Unveils AI-Powered Online Betting Platform

BetCorrect, an innovative online betting company, has launched operations in Nigeria. The company’s Managing Director, Adriano Amadei, made the announcement at a press conference held Thursday. During the event,Amadei expressed the company’s commitment to revolutionising Nigeria’s online betting landscape. He added that the country’s increasing appetite for fintech solutions and its burgeoning population catalysed its intent to play a significant role in its technological evolution, through this product. BetCorrect’s launch represents a significant milestone in a country where the demand for innovative

online betting solutions and platforms continues to grow. With new players regularly entering the market and exiting after hardly moving the needle, in terms of innovation, BetCorrect’s strategy underpins its dedication to visionary-thinking and farsightedness through two core elements: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and User Experience. The AI-powered platform allows for personalised recommendations, anticipates player preferences, and ensures a safer and more responsible betting environment. Combined with an exceptional user experience, BetCorrect aims to create a platform where every

user feels special. The company acknowledges that partnerships with industry leaders are crucial to its success. By collaborating with like-minded organisations, it aims to extend its reach, leverage collective expertise, and deliver unparalleled value to its customers. Adriano Amadei further emphasised the significance of having an exceptional team behind the venture, stating, “The strength of the team determines the height of our achievements. Each member of the team contributes their unique skills, knowledge, and passion, creating a synergy that propels us to succeed.”

Chiamaka Nnadozie beats Australian striker to the ball during the 2023 Women’s World Cup

L-R: Consul General of France in Lagos, Laurent Favier; AFD Director for Nigeria, Xavier Muron; NBA Africa VP and Country Head of Nigeria, Gbemisola Abudu; French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann; 2003 WNBA Champion, Astou Ndiaye and Dream Sports Africa Founder & CEO, Chenfa Dombin during the unveiling ceremony of the newly refurbished Court as part of Jr. Nba & Afd Basketball Experience at the Campos Mini Stadium in Lagos

POLITY

80 Bishops for Catholic Church’s 50 Years Celebration of CEPACS

The President of the Pan African Episcopal Committee for Social Communications of Catholic Church (CEPACS) Bishop

Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo has announced that over 80 Bishops and distinguished communication experts across the world are expected to grace the 50 years anniversary of CEPACS scheduled to hold in Lagos in November.

CEPACS is an arm of the Catholic Church which handles all matters concerning the church’s activities in the realm of media in Africa and Madagascarpress, radio, television, video, traditional, group media, new forms of media among others

Badejo, who also doubles as the Bishop of Oyo Diocese said the 50 years celebration of CEPAC which is the Bishops’ communications committee of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SE-

CAM) would purely be devoted to re-energising the group so that it could continue to deliver on its mandate in conformity with the modern trends.

Bishop Badejo in a statement yesterday said, “CEPACS was established 50 years ago in Ibadan in 1973 by the Bishops of SECAM during their meeting, in collabora tion with what was then the Pontifical Council for Social Communications of the Vatican.

“CEPACS has had bright and not so bright moments. Re-energizing CEPACS to now respond to the current needs of the Church is the purpose of its golden jubilee assembly coming up in Lagos, especially in this period of Synodality in the catholic Church”

“The theme of the assembly will be CEPACS at 50: Towards Promoting a Synodal Church in Africa Through Social Communications. It is possible in this manner because of the providential convergence of purpose and personnel with the African Communication Committee for the ongoing Synod on Synodal-

ity. I hope that the interest and enthusiasm thus generated will be sustained long after the celebration.”

Badejo said the President of SECAM, Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo of Kinshasa and other members of the Standing Committee of SECAM would grace the occasion while the Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, Dr Paolo Ruffini will give the keynote address.

He said the Golden jubilee celebration would be virtually accessible to everyone around the world.

Others expected at golden jubilee are Chairmen from the eight regions into which the Church in Africa is configured, heads and officers of various communications and media outfits and schools in Africa, including local and expatriate media dignitaries of the digital space from the Vatican and other part of the world. The anniversary is scheduled to run between November 18 and 24.

Group Commends Oborevwori for Appointing Aides, Projects Implementation

Asocio-cultural group, Enuani Development Association, USA, has commended the Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for appointing Chief Nath Azuka lgbadi as one of his Special Advisers, just as he was lauded for endorsing the construction of Phase 1 of the Nsukwa-UmutuAdonte road.

Enuani Development Association, USA made the commendation in a statement signed by its President, Mr Jackson Chiadikobor and Provost, Mr Tony Ezedi, respectively.

The group said Governor Oborevwori, since as-

suming office on May 29, 2023, has been outstanding in choosing well-tested and core professionals as aides, to help drive his people oriented M.O.R.E agenda.

The statement added, “We members of Enuani Development Association in the United States(US) are delighted and highly appreciative to Governor Oborevwori on the appointment of one of the illustrious sons of Enuani clan, Chief Nath Azuka Igbadi,as a Special Adviser.

“We have no doubts in our minds, that given Chief lgbadi’s pedigree as an accomplished community leader,philantropist, politician,lawyer, trade unionist and administrator, he will bring to bear his robust wealth of experience in helping to actualise Governor Oborevwori -led administration M.O.R E agenda,” the statement added.

They, however, called on Igbadi to live up to his pedigree as a worthy ambassador of Nsukwa Clan, in his service to Delta State, adding” you must uphold your time-tested virtues of integrity, sincerity and tenacity of purpose which you exemplified not only as the President of Enuani Development Association of Nigeria,Secretary and President,Julius Berger Senior Staff Association, but in your daily life.”

The association also expressed gratitude and conference that Governor Oborevwori is determined to sustain former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’ legacy of giving the hitherto neglected Enuani communities a sense of belonging by connecting them with durable roads and other social amenities.

SUNDAY ADIGUN

A cross-section of children marking the International Literacy Day organised by FAMFA Oil Limited in Lagos .... recently

L-R; Chief Executive Officer, WeForGood International, Mrs. Temitayo Ade-Peters; beneficiary, Mr. Abdul-Fatai Are; Chairman, Yaba, LCDA, Hon Kayode Omiyale; Associate Director, Government Relations, IHS Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Bond Abbe; beneficiary, Opeoluwa Akowanu; and Specialist, Security Operations, IHS Towers, Mr. Clement Thomas during the graduation of trainees in Renewable/Solar Panel Installation and Catering and Hospitality Management under IHS Project Empower Lagos 2023 implemented by WeForGood International held at Yaba LCDA, Lagos on Friday......

L-R; The Newly Sworn- in Lagos State Commissioner for Basic Education, Hon. Jamiu Omotolani Alli Balogun; in a Handshake with Gov. Babajide Sanwo- Olu at the swearing- in ceremony of the new commissioners in Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos…. recently

L-R:Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labor and Employment, Mrs. Julianna Adebambo; Honorable Minister of State for Labor and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; and Managing Director NSITF, Mrs. Maureen Allagoa during a bilateral session on the Presidential Priorities, Focus Areas, Ministerial Deliverables, Key performance Indicators and Targets for 2023 - 2027 in Abuja…. recently Kingsley Adeboye

Rebecca Ejiforma

BACKPAGE CONTINUATION

100 DAYS: THE UNTOLD STORIES OF TINUBU’S LEADERSHIP ACTS

This intervention is not really about these accomplishments, which are very remarkable by all standards within just 100 days. It’s about President Tinubu’s acts of leadership. The untold stories of courage, the boldness and audacity he has brought into governance, the ability to accept mistakes and make correction, the empathy he has demonstrated, how he engaged youths in government, the vision behind it and the way and manner he carried it about. Stories abound about all of these, which are either not properly highlighted or remain largely unreported. The true test of a leader’s capabilities emerges when his actions and utterances are gauged in those moments he lets down his guards, oblivious that he is being watched. These are the stories told in this article.

The first is about the empathy President Tinubu has brought into governance. The President lived in his Asokoro, Abuja residence for around two months or so, while the Presidential Villa accommodation was being readied, before he eventually moved in. Sensing that the main residence at the Villa was going to take much longer to be fully repaired, he caused the 3-bedroom apartment, popularly called The Glass House, which will take a shorter time to be put in good shape for use, to be worked on. However, in the meantime, before that Glass House got ready, and

uncomfortable that he was causing the people around his Asokoro house some discomfort by his daily movement to and fro the Presidential Villa, he instructed his staff to print a letter of apology, circulated in and around Asokoro, appealing to the people for understanding and urging them give him a little time to sort out himself. That was awesome and humbling in my view.

Secondly, while not dwelling so much here about his boldness in removing the twin subsidies- the one on fuel and foreign exchange- even as he acknowledged that there would be some accompanying difficulties, you would recall that the President at every turn kept urging Nigerians to be patient and to know that the pains would be temporary. He even made a broadcast to the nation on this. Appealing for patience and understanding, he had said in the broadcast:

“I understand the hardship you face. I wish there were other ways. But there is not. If there were, I would have taken that route as I came here to help not hurt the people and nation that I love.”

He would say the present pains could be likened to birth pangs and that the moment the baby is born, the pains disappear and that the ultimate joy of a woman is in seeing her baby.

Thirdly, in 100 days, President Tinubu demonstrated his ability to accept mistakes

MBAH’S 100 DAYS OF PURPOSEFUL LEADERSHIP

to hit 70 million litres per day by the end of October to ensure that the administration meets the 180-day timeframe of 24-hour water supply *to* the Coal City residents by November. What sounded like a fairy tale a few months ago is now a reality unfolding before their eyes.

Furthermore, since power is key to the industrialisation and exponential economic growth, the administration has developed the Enugu State Electricity Policy and also domesticated the Electricity Act 2023 by signing into law the Enugu State Power Law. Thus, the state is now authorised to set up the Enugu State Electricity Market and bring in investors to swell up power generation and distribution in the state.

To provide the road infrastructure backbone, the government is set to construct/reconstruct 71 roads across various parts of the Enugu metropolis and 10 major roads in different parts of the state. It is also set to construct two flyovers at Abakpa Junction and Chris Chemist/Holy Ghost/Old Park Junction and dualise the GRA-Trans-Ekulu Road and Enugu-Ugwogo Nike-Opi-Nsukka road.

The Mbah administration is equally set to develop a new Enugu City to provide housing for the people and real estate investment opportunities for investors. Already, the streetlights and traffic lights are back in Enugu metropolis. The waste disposal compactors are also back, clearing the streets of Enugu, Nsukka, and other semi-urban areas of refuse heaps. Enugu city now wears a breath of fresh air and order.

To make service delivery more efficient, plug Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) leakages, and further make the state attractive to investors, the administration immediately commenced an artificial intelligence-driven automation and digitilisation of the operations of the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The result in the area of land administration, for instance, is that it takes 78 hours to from the point of online application to the issuance of certificate of occupancy. This is about the fastest in Africa and the state is heading to reducing it to 48 hours.

In the same vein, the state has banned cash payment for any state service. All these will promote transparency and accountability collection, while the state’s IGR is expected to skyrocket.

In line with Mbah’s campaign promise to hold an investment forum within his

first 100 days in office to mobilise private investment for Enugu’s economic prosperity, the administration recently organised the Enugu State Investment and Economic Growth Stakeholders Roundtable, first in a series of roundtables leading up to the first fully transactional Diaspora Investment Summit scheduled for April 2024. The Roundtable witnessed a large turn out of investors, development bankers, international development agencies, and other critical stakeholders, including the Government of the United Kingdom (UK), the World Bank, African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim Bank), African Development Bank (AfDB), United Kingdom Department for Business and Trade, among a host of others. Their presence is a stamp of recognition and endorsement of Enugu’s repositioning as the new investor’s haven, a point unequivocally made by these key players.

In the same line of seeking alternative

and make corrections, which is rare among many leaders. The President, on further reflection, dropped a ministerial nominee he felt was not up to the billing to be the minister representing conservative Kano. He also reshuffled and readjusted the portfolios of some ministers even before they took office, accepting some mistakes were made and correcting the errors. He effected changes in the composition of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission with respect to the nominations of Ondo and Cross River States representatives. In my view, it is an act of good leadership and courage to accept mistakes and to correct them.

Fourthly, appointing young persons like 37-year-old renowned surgeon and former Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu, former House of Representatives member, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and tech expert, Mr. Bosun Tijani as ministers is commendable. President Tinubu, however, upped the ante when he went ahead to pick 32-year-old entrepreneur and another tech-expert, Khalil Halilu, as Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI). As he assumed office, Halilu pledged to use STI to drive the President’s socio-economic priority areas. But the real story here is about the

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani. Visiting the Presidential Villa to thank President Tinubu for his appointment three weeks ago or so, just before the inauguration of Ministers, he met the Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, this writer, and one or two others in the President’s Office that fateful day. And then one of us in that office mentioned something about how Tijani in the heat of exasperation with the country excoriated his fatherland and upbraided the governing APC. President Tinubu promptly shut the person up, saying what Bosun did in the heat of anger was understandable and should be forgotten, adding that he too had at one point during the dark days of the military frustratingly condemned the country. That was a forgiving and fatherly leader on display in that statement. Any need to tell more stories that President Tinubu, like many people had remarked, is indeed an appropriate man for the present time given his leadership experience, temperament, unique skills, competence, international exposure and extensive contacts which are required to take Nigeria to the next level.

•Rahman, former Editor of Thisday on Sunday Newspaper is a Presidential Aide.

and Resilience Support project (L-PRES), a 6-year project that will attract up to $10 million for improving livestock productivity, resilience and commercialisation of selected value chains over a six-year period. In the same vein, the administration, in 100 days, has met the conditions for partaking of the Nigeria for Women Project, committing well over N400 million as a counterpart fund to the strategic long-term partnership between the Federal Government and the World Bank. This will trigger inflow of well over $10 million into the state for the execution of projects to boost the economic capacity of Enugu women.

Furthermore, the Mbah administration has since commenced the formation of the Enugu State Agricultural Land Bank to create up to 300,000 hectares of land in partnership with willing communities across selected local governments for agricultural use. The administration has equally begun a pilot scheme of the Cassava to Ethanol program in Aninri, Nkanu East and Uzo-Uwani in partnership with the private sector.

In 100 days, the Mbah administration has commenced the construction of model basic schools in all the 260 wards for the Cut-Off Point Programme, which will help to reposition basic education in the state. In fact, the pilot project is almost ready for commissioning. This initiative will introduce Enugu children to ICT early in life and give them the best quality basic education obtainable anywhere in the world.

funding models rather than the hitherto reliance on Abuja monthly handouts, the administration, in 100 days, has gone further to strengthen Enugu’s relationship with development partners. Consequently, the administration recently paid the N274 million counterpart fund that will entitle the state to up to N1.2 billion in the International Fund For Agricultural Development (IFAD) Value Chain Development Programme that will greatly aid the development of agricultural markets and increasing market access for smallholder farmers and small to medium-scale agro-processors.

Still in tandem with the administration’s push for alternative funding for development and emphasis on agriculture and agro-industrialisation as a very major component of its economic growth plan, it has fulfilled all obligations for joining the World Bank Livestock Productivity

Also, the Primary Healthcare Centres in all the 260 are scheduled for overhaul to ensure that people in the remotest villages have access to basic healthcare.

Meanwhile, whereas the perennial allegation nationwide is that local government areas are shortchanged by the states in remission of Federal Allocation, the Mbah administration has struck a partnership where the state government would supplement the cost of every capital development project by each of the 17 LGAs to the tune of 60 per cent. This is to escalate grassroots development and boost the rural economy.

Indeed a hundred days is too short a time in the life of a four-year administration (in the first instance), but they are enough to know a purposeful leadership. They are enough to lay the requisite foundations for unprecedented transformation. This is the story of the Dr. Peter Mbah administration at 100.

•Anichukwu writes from Enugu

Mbah

Ebonyi PDP to Umahi

“It is extremely preposterous of Umahi to come back now to offer such a ludicrous and anti-democratic assertion that he should be allowed to choose his successor in the Senate” –The Ebonyi State chapter of the PDP lambasting the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for saying he will solely choose who will succeed him at the Senate.

TUNDERAHMAN

GUEST COLUMNIST

100 Days: The Untold Stories of Tinubu’s Leadership Acts

In the last one-week since President Bola Tinubu clocked 100 days in office, commentators and analysts, political observers and politicians have busied themselves, dissecting the President’s performance in office, particularly his major decisions and policy options. Many have also commented on the achievements recorded and the areas that require improvements.

The newspapers and electronic media have been awash with many lauding the giant strides recorded within just three months and a few days in office. Some top politicians like former Zamfara State governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari representing Zamfara West, and the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for instance, bought the front pages of some newspapers to celebrate the President, his exemplary leadership and well-thought out economic policies in just 100 days. Some others, particularly the opposition, behaving like sore losers that they are, however, refuse to acknowledge the gains achieved, even amid the prevailing challenges. Assessing a President’s performance

in 100 days in office seemed to have become the norm from the days of 32nd

US President Franklin D. Roosevelt who in his inaugural address on March 4, 1933 indicated he wanted to move with unprecedented speed to address the problems facing the United States of America, yet it was acknowledged even at the time that to judge an incoming President on the accomplishments of his first 100 days in office is to hold him to an impossible standard. 100 days in the life of a nation may appear like a drop in an ocean. Yet a lot was achieved within that space of time under the Tinubu presidency such that it would be very appropriate to talk about them.

The achievements recorded, which included resetting the economy by removing the ruinous fuel subsidy, thus freeing for development activities money that would otherwise have illegally gone into a few pockets, unifying the many exchange rates that paved the grounds for arbitrage, the humongous amount now being raked in ensuring that the Federal Government and the sub-nationals now have more money to share from the Federation Accounts, the compensatory palliatives now coming from the states as

UCHEANICHUKWU

GUEST COLUMNIST

a result of the increased allocation, the gradual return of Nigeria’s preeminent status on the international stage, and many more, are worth talking about and repeating.

For instance, unwittingly drawing attention to the huge amounts states now receive from the Federation Accounts, the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, in a 2nd quarter 2023 Federation Account Statutory Revenue Allocations Report, disclosed that the 36 states of the federation received about N1.51 trillion or 34.5% of the total N4.37 trillion shared by the three tiers of the government between January and June 2023. “On a year-on-year basis, the report showed that when compared with the corresponding period in 2022, allocations to the State Governments from the Federation Account in 2023 grew by about 11.2% to N1.42 trillion from N1.26 trillion,” the report said. Not a few economic watchers would know the bulk of that money came in June 2023 alone when around N1trillion was distributed.

Continued on page 31

Mbah’s 100 Days of Purposeful Leadership

Last week, the British High Commission in Nigeria announced the establishment of a United Kingdom (UK) Visa Application Centre in Enugu. This, according to the British High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery, was sequel to requests by Governor Peter Mbah in particular and others during his visit to Enugu in June. This, it is hoped would further strengthen economic and cultural ties between the UK and the South East in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

This move, which in a way is an acknowledgement of the improved security in Enugu State under the Peter Mbah administration, came a few days after the Deputy British High Commissioner, Lagos, Jonny Baxter, had at the Investment and Economic Growth Stakeholders Roundtable, commended Mbah’s economic growth plan and investment drive is just one of the many ways the administration has made hitherto difficult things appear easy in just 100 days.

Recall that Mbah expressed a massive

vision during the campaign, unveiling a manifesto, many rightly described as ambitious. Among others, he promised to build the state’s economy seven folds from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, make the state one of the top three economies in Nigeria, ensure a zero per cent poverty headcount, restore portable water supply in the state in 180 days from his inauguration, construct 10,000km of road, and make Enugu State the preferred destination for business, investment, tourism, and living.

But how were the people supposed to easily believe these promises in a country where citizens are used to the mundane and have been left heartbroken by failed campaign promises? In fact, those who mistook some of the figures for typographical errors inundated Mbah with calls. How was that possible? How much is Enugu’s Federal Allocation to start with? Etc.

Nevertheless, one of the major things Dr. Mbah had going for him was his track record in the private sector where he took his Pinnacle Oil and Gas from ground zero as a new entrant in an already taken

petroleum downstream market as at the time it started operations in 2008 with just two staff in a small apartment in Lagos to a multi-billion dollar business without being listed on the stock market - a unicorn - a few years later. During the campaigns, he preached disruptive innovation and a paradigm shift in funding model away from Abuja monthly handouts to a private sector-funded and driven economy as the only way to attain the $30 billion GDP.

An entrepreneur himself, he understood that no investor would be ready to stake his investments without security and improving the ease of doing business in the state. Consequently, he pinpointed the illegal sit-at-home and its associated criminalities as the big elephant in the room and took the bold step to ban and escort it out of the state. Working in synergy with the security agencies, the administration literally took the war to the criminal hideouts and the successes are self-evident. No attack has been recorded since the ban of sit-at-home, forcing the anarchists to resort to propaganda.

The administration also recently launched

the pilot scheme of the Distress Response Squad (DRS). When fully launched in a few months from now, the DRS will comprise well over a hundred vehicles equipped with sophisticated technologies, including security surveillance cameras with capacity for facial and number plate recognitions. The Command and Control Centre of the project is under construction and will, when completed, enable a 24-hour surveillance of the 17 local government areas of the state. That way, response to distress will be swift and no crime will go unsolved. To make the security efforts sustainable, the state is at an advanced stage of rolling out the Enugu State Security Trust Fund.

In its first 100 days, the administration is delivering on the promise to put the perennial water scarcity behind the residents of the state capital. It has increased production from 2 million litres to 25 million litres per day, a quantity never witnessed in the last 20 years. It is expected

Continued on page 31

President Tinubu