SATURDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 2021 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

PTA/BTA: CBN Set to Unleash EFCC on Cheats Promises to deal with illegal forex trader, retains MPR at 11.5%

James Emejo and Sonia Mayomi in Abuja The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, yesterday vowed to send

the Economic and Finance Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security agencies after Nigerians fraudulently acquiring foreign exchange in the form of Personal Travel Allowance (PTA)/Business

Travel Allowance (BTA) from banks. The CBN, in a recent circular, said defaulters of its forex policy were customers that obtain PTA/BTA from banks, using fake visas,

and others who cancel their flights and fail to return the purchased PTA/BTA within two weeks as stipulated in the customer declaration form signed. The CBN governor, while

answering questions from journalists at the end of a two-day meeting of Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), in Abuja said there were evidences that people had deceitfully bought forex from

banks using fake visas, and under the pretext of traveling, only to cancel their tickets afterwards. He said a particular study Continued on page 5

NJC Sets Up Special Panel to Probe 3 Judges Over Exparte Orders… Page 5 Saturday 18 September, 2021 Vol 26. No 9658

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Court Orders Striking Doctors Back to Work Immediately Strike continues, insists NARD; to appeal ruling Alex Enumah and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Justice Bashar Alkali of the

National Industrial Court, Abuja Division, came down hard on striking doctors yesterday, ordering them to

halt their seven weeks old industrial action and return to work immediately. The doctors, under the

platform of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), have been on strike since August 1, 2021,

in protest against alleged poor condition of work and “some unfair government policies.” They had vowed never

to return to work until the federal government met their Continued on page 5

Umahi Challenges PDP Govs on Zoning of Presidency to the South Accuses them of dishonesty, says their body language shows party not interested in power shift Bennett Oghifo Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State yesterday mocked governors of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southern Governors’ Forum who joined in adopting the resolution for power shift to the South, saying their body language shows the party won’t zone the Presidency to the South. The Southern governors, led by Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, had in a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting in Enugu State on Thursday insisted on power shift to the South. Umahi, who spoke on a television programme yesterday, alleged the PDP governors at the meeting in Enugu were being dishonest with their claim that they are keen about the 2023 presidency going to the South. He said: “One or two governors that own PDP, their body language suggests that Continued on page 5

THE DEFENDER OF FAITH... L-R: Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare; wife of the General Superintendent, Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Mrs. Esther Kumuyi; Pastor William Kumuyi; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; during the public presentation of “Kumuyi The Defender of Faith” in Lagos...yesterday abiodun ajala

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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NJC Sets Up Special Panel to Probe 3 Judges Over Exparte Orders Alex Enumah ÓØ ÌßÔË The National Judicial Council (NJC) has constituted a Special Investigation Committee to handle the issue of three judges of courts of coordinate jurisdiction over their granting of exparte orders, resulting into conflicting orders of courts. Consequently, the affected judges have been directed by the NJC to appear before the panel and show cause why disciplinary actions should not be taking against them. A statement by the Director of Information, NJC, Mr. Soji Oye, announcing the Special Investigation, after NJC's 95th meeting in Abuja, did not reveal the names of the three judges that would appear before the panel. Oye said besides those referred to the special panel, the NJC also looked into and took decisions on issues regarding some other judges. "The National Judicial Council under the Chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice I. T. Muhammad, at its 95th Meeting held on September 15 and 16, 2021, in line with the principles of fair hearing, has directed the three Judges of coordinate jurisdiction who granted Exparte Orders over the case with the same subject matter to appear before a special Investigation Committee constituted by the Council in order to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against them for such act," he said.

He added that the Council resolved to set up a Medical Board in order to ascertain the health status of Justice Amina Yaroson of Kaduna State Customary Court

of Appeal. "Council also considered the Reports of its Investigation Committee and decided to issue a warning letter to Hon. Justice

Sobere Biambo of High Court of Rivers State for descending into the Arena of conflict in a matrimonial Suit No: OHC/ IMC/2018.

"Council at its Plenary considered the Reports of the two Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees (PCAC) on the petitions written against

18 Judicial Officers and on the recommendation of the Committee, issued a letter of advice to Hon," the statement read in part.

"A few questions: Has Nigerians ever asked how exactly AbokiFx collects his data that he publishes on his website? How many BDCs can claim that they have either seen a staff of AbokiFx coming to ask for daily rates or how many BDCs send daily returns on exchange rate to AbokiFx. How then do they determine what the rate is and they post them illegally on their website. "In which other country will unlicensed single person be the one that sets exchange rate in that country? How come he sets exchange rate of our own country, and why is he not setting exchange rate of the Pound and Dollar or Pound and South African Rands? Why target Nigeria, and yet you are a Nigerian? "You chose to live in London, enjoy all the spoils in London at the expense of the blood of Nigerians. You will pay for it. "The CBN Act Section 2, does make it clear that only the Central Bank can determine the value of the Naira, and yet a single unscrupulous individual who lives in London continues to manipulate the exchange for Nigerians, continues to make huge profits, continues to collect these profits in cash ATMs in

London while ordinary Nigerians suffer the consequences of these actions. We will not allow this to continue again." The apex bank also yesterday resolved to retain Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), otherwise known as interest rate, at 11.5 per cent and the asymmetric corridor of +100/-700 basis points around the MPR. It retained the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 27.5 per cent and Liquidity Ratio at 30 per cent. The MPR is the rate at which the CBN lends to commercial banks and often determines the cost of borrowing in the economy.

PTA/BTA: CBN SET TO UNLEASH EFCC ON CHEATS had shown that one of the banks sold forex to 52 people who said they wanted to travel. Emefiele said, “After two weeks, they went to check, and 40 out of the 52 had canceled their tickets. How could you have a situation where about 70 per cent or 80 per cent of people who went to a bank to buy BTA on the excuse that they wanted to travel cancel the trip? "Bank sold to them but they turned back and then went and sold it to black market because they wanted to enjoy the arbitrage." Emefiele said such fraudulent means of acquiring foreign exchange would no longer go unpunished, adding that the CBN was committed to meeting all legitimate Fx demands in the country. He said: "However, if you go to a bank with fake ticket, fake visa, fake passport, we have told them not to sell to you. If they sell to you mistakenly because you hoodwinked them to sell to you and after two weeks, they checked and found that you canceled your ticket or your visa is fake, they will call you because you are their customer; they have your BVN, they have your number - they will call you to return the dollars.

"If you do not return it, they will place your name on their website, your BVN on their website and we will pick those details and we will send them to EFCC and other crime agencies and they will pursue you, you must return the dollars because you cannot acquire it illegally. That is our position." The CBN Governor also announced that the bank would track down and bring the founder of AbokiFx, Mr. Oniwinde Adedotun to book for alleged speculative activities on the foreign exchange “which amounted to economic sabotage.” Emefiele said Adedotun had been conducting nefarious and criminal activity on the Nigerian economy by indulging in forex speculation in contravention of the CBN Act which vested the apex bank with the sole responsibility for determining the rate of the Naira. The CBN governor said: "We found him as a Nigerian who lives in England, and conducts this nefarious and criminal activity on our economy. It is an economic sabotage and we will pursue him wherever he is. We will report him to international security agencies. "We'll track him, Mr.

Oniwinde, we will find you, because we cannot allow you to continue to conduct an illegal activity that kills our economy." He described Oniwinde as an illegal Fx dealer who started the AbokiFx operation in 2015, adding that he had since milked the economy by taking position and manipulating the exchange rate to the detriment of the economy. Emefiele said the CBN had investigated the activities of AbokiFx for the last two and a half years, adding that since inception of business in 2015, the company had continued to file the same account balance sheet of £1,000 to the UK Government for four consecutive years. He alleged that in Nigeria, the company had over 25 bank accounts with about eight banks in both naira and dollar with significant turnover which indicated that he had been milking the system through speculative information activities on the Naira and collecting his proceeds in cash through a particular ATM in London." Nevertheless, the CBN governor said the bank would continue to do its job of safeguarding the financial system for the betterment of everyone.

Aboki FX Speaks Meanwhile, Online foreign exchange update platform, Aboki FX, responded to allegations against it last night, saying it would no longer provide daily updates on foreign exchange rates following complaints by the CBN that it is responsible for the current crisis in the Forex market which has brought the naira to its knees. Aboki FX said in a statement that it would no longer publish exchange rates for now and hoped that the naira would stabilise.

COURT ORDERS STRIKING DOCTORS BACK TO WORK IMMEDIATELY demands. Plea by President Muhammadu Buhari for them to return to work was also turned down. However, Justice Alkali, while ruling on an interlocutory injunction brought against the striking doctors by the federal government yesterday, held that their action, at this time of COVID-19 pandemic, was not in the interest of the country and Nigerians. He accordingly ordered NARD to suspend its strike with immediate effect and that its members should resume at their duty post immediately. The order is coming barely few days after the striking workers and the federal government appeared to have been working towards an amicable resolution of the issues surrounding the industrial action. After it failed to pacify the striking workers not to embark on the industrial action, the federal government through the Federal Ministry of Health had instituted a court action against NARD and in the process urged the court to compel the doctors to return to work pending the hearing and determination of the main suit. Delivering ruling in the interlocutory injunction last month, the court had restrained parties to cease hostilities pending the hearing of the federal government's suit against the doctors. At Wednesday's proceedings, lawyer to the federal government, Mr. Tochukwu Maduka, had informed the court that he had filed a case of contempt against NARD. He said, "Despite the order of this court that all hostilities be suspended, the defendants who render essential services have refused to call off the strike." Responding, lawyer to the striking doctors, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, had told the court that he has filed a further affidavit in support of notice for stay of execution. Falana further stated that he was challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter. He, however, stated that

parties should go back to the negotiation table, adding that it was in line with the order to suspend hostility. "We can resume today or even tomorrow if a decision is reached," he said then. With this understanding, Justice Alkali consequently adjourned to yesterday for parties to report to the court whatever understanding or agreement reached towards resolution of the crisis. But it appeared this was not the case yesterday, as Mr. Maduka urged the court for an order directing the defendant to suspend the strike pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit. This request was however opposed by lawyer representing NARD, Mr. Robinson Ariyo, who claimed that granting such an order, would infringe upon the right to life of members of his client, especially under the conditions of the pandemic. Ariyo further claimed that members of the NARD were persons entitled to emergency rights under the Corona Virus

Disease COVID-19 Protection Regulations and other related best practices in connection with the mental and physical health of its members. But in its ruling, the court agreed with the federal government that continuation of the strike would cost the country and accordingly ordered NARD to suspend the strike and call back its members to work. According to him, the applicants were “able to show that unless this application is granted, so many Nigerians will lose their lives, most especially, as the country is experiencing an upsurge in this third wave of COVID-19 with increasing fatality arising from the absence of the defendants from hospitals." The judge further expressed strong belief that "If the court does not intervene at this stage, there is no amount of money that can compensate the lives of Nigerians who would lose their lives if the members of the defendants continue with their strike.” While he observed that parties ought to have suspended all

hostilities since the matter was brought to court, he said he found merit in the application of the federal government and accordingly resolved the lone issue for determination in its favour. “I grant all the prayers as contained in the face of the motion paper and in effect, I hereby grant an order of interlocutory injunction that members of the defendant/respondent in all the states of the federation are hereby restrained from continuing with the industrial action embarked on since on the second day of August 2021 pending the determination of the substantive suit. “Also, I hereby order all members of the defendants/ respondents in all the states of the federation to suspend the said industrial action commenced on the second day of August 2021 with immediate effect and to resume work immediately pending the determination of the substantive suit," Justice Alkali held.

Doctors Appeal Ruling

The leadership of NARD yesterday said it had asked their lawyers to appeal the ruling of the Industrial Court ordering them back to work, and to also file application for stay of execution. In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, NARD said they were not satisfied with the ruling of the industrial court. "As we are all aware, especially those that were present in court today, the NIC has given a ruling on the application for interlocutory injunction filed by the federal government. We are not satisfied with the ruling. "After consultations with our lawyers, we have instructed them to appeal the ruling and file application for stay of execution," NARD said. It said its lawyers had argued at the last hearing that the court ought to hear and determine its notice of preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court before taking the application for interlocutory injunction or any other application.

"Today, (Friday), the court ruled that it would take government's Application for interlocutory injunction first and our Notice of Preliminary Objection would be taken and determined along with the substantive suit. "Also, our lawyers drew the attention of the court to our application for stay of execution of the exparte order and that the court should take that application first. The court insisted that the government application would be taken first. "By the refusal of the court to hear and determine our Notice of Preliminary Objection before taking government's application for interlocutory injunction, we believe we have been denied fair hearing, which is a fundamental right. In the circumstances, we have instructed our lawyers to file necessary processes. "We urge all members to remain calm and resolute. Everything depends on our firm resolve. We are committed to protecting your rights within the confines of the law. We believe Justice shall be ours ultimately," NARD said.

UMAHI CHALLENGES PDP GOVS ON ZONING OF PRESIDENCY TO THE SOUTH are against zoning and I can tell you from reliable source that they are thinking just for their own interest. “The truth remains that a number of us – the Southern Governors – that were in that meeting; that did say that Presidency must come to South, especially PDP, are not being honest. Let’s see what they (PDP) come up with in their zoning in the next few weeks. “There are a couple of decisions taken at the Southern Governors’ meeting that I know that together, there is sincerity of purpose in them. But when it comes to politics, I see the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob.” The Ebonyi State Governor warned that the alleged dishonesty of the PDP governors in the Forum might threaten the unity of the Southern governors. Umahi also opposed the resolution of the Southern Governors’ Forum supporting

the collection of the Value Added Tax by states. He knocked his colleagues on the platform for being “selfish”, adding that he won’t pursue VAT collection or implement the decision of the Forum on the issue. Umahi said the resolution of the Forum on VAT did not reflect his stand. The Ebonyi State Governor, who was represented at the Enugu Southern governors’ meeting by his deputy, Kelechi Igwe, said: “In any gathering, the minority will have their say and the majority will have their way. For example, there was an issue that came up on VAT; I’m not sure it is clear to some of our colleagues but it is very clear to me. “We (Ebonyi) took a stand as a state with our leaders on the issue of the VAT war that is ongoing and so my deputy carried it on to say that this is

what my governor is saying and this is what the state is saying and he went ahead to explain with some other deputies that represented their governors. “But together, they were in the minority and it didn’t stop the majority from coming up with their communiqué. When it comes up to implementation and voicing out, I will continue to say ‘this is where I stand’, if it is a choice, I will choose what would benefit my state.” Umahi continues: “There is no state in the country that is not enjoying the help of other states. When they (Southern governors) said this VAT collection is part of true restructuring, I said I never believe in total restructuring; I believe in administrative restructuring.” Umahi said a number of states would collapse should VAT collection move from the federal to the sub-nationals. He said it was not right that

some states would “eat and have so much surplus and then some other states don’t have much to eat.” Umahi said: “We have to be our brother’s keeper; we have to see how we can grow the economies of the weakest states, otherwise, we will breed insecurity in those states. There is no way in a relationship that you will get 100 per cent of what you put in, it doesn’t work that way.” When asked whether Ebonyi State would be viable for VAT collection, should the court rule that sub-nationals have the power to collect VAT within their domains, Umahi said: “I have said that my state would not be viable and I will continue to say that more than 30 other states would not be viable; we should not break the states. “Whatever thing we are doing, we have to think about the nation first. Let’s tarry a while and see

how we can pass this river and then we can come to the fact of who is right and who is wrong. “True federalism is not done in a day. If we want to do a restructuring, we have to have a gradual process to do that.” VAT is a consumption tax paid when goods are purchased and services are rendered. It is charged at a rate of 7.5 per cent. Although Rivers and Lagos states have started the process of collecting VAT within their territories, the Court of Appeal in a ruling on September 10 stopped the collection pending the determination of an appeal filed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service against the judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, which favoured collection of VAT by states. Apart from Lagos and Rivers states, Ogun State has also started the process of passing a bill on VAT in its House of Assembly.

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Igboho Floors AGF, DSS as Court Awards N20bn in His Favour Malami: FG will appeal judgement Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Igboho yesterday floored the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) and the Department

of State Security Services (DSS), as all reliefs sought against them were granted by Justice Ladiran Akintola of an Ibadan High Court in a suit seeking for N500 billion damages. This is as the Attorney General

Abiodun Celebrates Alani Bankole at 80 James Sowole in Abeokuta The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has felicitated with the Seriki Jagunmolu of Egbaland and Oluwo Iporo Ake, Chief Suarau Alani Bankole, as he clocked 80. Abiodun, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, congratulated the former National Chairman of the defunct All Peoples Party (APP) on his new age, describing him as a phenomenon whose sunshine beams brightly across the political spectrum of Nigeria and its traditional institutions. The governor added that history will remember Chief Bankole’s role in deepening the rich cultural heritage of his people, stressing history pages were already replete with his role as a statesman and an iconic politician whoearnedgreataccomplishmentsasa bridge builder with networks across the various divides of the countryAbiodun, who noted Ogun was very proud of the elder statesman popularly known as ‘Caterpillar’ pivotal role in the development of Nigeria’s democracy which has become a reference point, pointing out his life is indeed an inspiring narrative of uncommon courage, dedication, hard work and

commitment to service. “Baba, we are proud to have you as one of our own in Ogun State. You are a phenomenon whose sunshine beams brightly across the political spectrum of our dear nation and her traditional institutions. As a kingmaker in your native Egbaland with traditional titles of Seriki Jagunmolu and Oluwo Iporo, Abeokuta, history will remember your role in deepening the rich cultural heritage of your people. “History pages are already replete with your role as a statesman and an iconic politician who earned great accomplishments as a bridge builder with networks across the various divides of our country. In social circles, S.O.A is not just an initial of an enigmatic individual, it is an evergreen brand. “As you age gracefully on, your home state is very proud of your pivotal role in the development of our democracy which has become a reference point. Your life is indeed an inspiring narrative of uncommon courage, dedication, hard work and commitment to service. We are particularly grateful for your support to our administration.

Anambra Airport Begins Commercial Flights in November, Says SSG David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Anambra State Government has said that commercial flights would begin at the Anambra State International Passenger and Cargo Airport, Umueri, in November this year. The Secretary to Anambra State Government (SSG), Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, disclosed this in Awka yesterday, during the Anambra PFN Day; a celebration of all members of Pentecostal churches in the state, under the auspices of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria. Chukwulobelu said: “In the next two months, the National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria will not have to fly to Anambra through Asaba or Enugu, he will have to fly down to Anambra directly, through the Umueri International Passenger and Cargo Airport. “This is courtesy of Governor Willie Obiano, and we will be looking forward to receiving him during that visit. “We are very happy with what the PFN is doing today, and we are happy with the prayers offered so far by Bishop Wale Oke. I heard him offer prayers for Anambra State and the forthcoming elec-

tion, and we are happy that you people have been supporting us with prayers. “The governor is very happy about this gathering, and that is why he waived the N2 million payment for this venue and also rescheduled a government function that was to be held here today. The governor also asked that Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, our candidate (All Progressives Grand Alliance) accompany me to this event.” While praying for the state, the National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Oke, decreed that anyone who would be the next governor of the state must be godly, tolerant of Christians and ready to accommodate God’s people. “The people of God must feel the impact of governance. No one who is not a believer will be allowed to take governance in Anambra State. The next governor must be a builder, a restorer and a believer.” Reacting much later, the candidate of APGA, Prof. Soludo said: “I have known Wale Oke from the time I was in government, during the Obasanjo era. He always comes around at the Villa to officiate service then.

of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Malami, has announced that the judgment would be appealed while speaking on the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja yesterday. NAN quoted Malami as saying that “efforts are already being made to commence the process of appealing the judgment.” The court also dismissed an application filed by the counsel to Malami, Abdullahi Abubakar, challenging its jurisdiction to hear allegations against federal government agencies. Justice Akintola while condemning in entirety, the action of DSS in invading Igboho’s house on July 1st, 2021, ordered the federal government and Department of Security Services

to pay N20 billion exceptional and aggravated damages to him. Counsel to Igboho, Chief Yomi Aliyu, SAN, had approached the court on the illegal invasion of residence of his client on July 1st seeking order of injunction restraining the respondents, their agents, privies, and/or associates in other security forces and/or anybody acting on their behalf and/or instructions from killing, arresting, detaining, molesting, harassing, and/or in way interfere with the applicant’s fundamental rights to life, personal liberty, freedom of movement and peaceful enjoyment of his property without fear of invasion of his house by the respondents and their agents pending the hearing of the applicant’s originating motion.

Also an order restraining the respondents, their agents, privies and/or associates in other security forces and/or anybody acting on their behalf and/or instructions from blocking the accounts of the applicant in any bank and/or placing no debit thereon and directing them to lift same where they had so acted pending the hearing of the applicant’s originating summon. The three respondents in the case are the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), the DSS and the Director of DSS in Oyo State as the third respondent. But counsel to the AGF, Abdullahi, had filed an application challenging the jurisdiction of a state High Court to hear the

activities of the federal agencies. Justice Akintola in his judgement, cited several judgements by the Supreme and Appeal Courts in respect of the jurisdiction of the state High Court on such case, stating that the invasion of the house of the applicant violated his fundamental human rights as stipulated in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended. “Unfortunately, this court is not Father Christmas and cannot award the sum of N500 billion as requested by the applicant, but the court restrained the respondents from arresting or harassing the applicant. “He has right to his free movement as contained in Section 35.1 (a)(b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” he said.

PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE. . . L-R: Grand Patron, Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Princess Agnes Adeniran; Managing Director, First City Monument Bank PLC, Mrs. Yemisi Edun; President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Mrs. Comfort Eyitayo; National Chairperson, SWAN, Mrs. Nwamara Nnaji; Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu; his wife, Nkechi; and immediate past chairperson, SWAN, Mrs. Felicia Bamgbose; at the investiture of Nnaji as the 10th Chairperson of SWAN in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

‘Nigeria, 2 Others, Have Highest Weights in Emerging Bond Bennett Oghifo A new report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says Nigeria, Ghana and Egypt have the highest weights at the Emerging Bond Market (EMBIG). Emerging market bonds are debt instruments issued by developing countries, according to Investopedia, stating that, “The emerging market bond index is a benchmark index for measuring the total return performance of international government and cor-

porate bonds issued by emerging market countries that meet specific liquidity and structural requirements. Despite their increased riskiness relative to developed markets, emerging market bonds offer several potential benefits such as portfolio diversity as their returns are not closely correlated to traditional asset classes.” According to the report, “BDI strategies induce greater correlation in portfolio flows within the cross-section of EM

recipients and across EM bond yields. Analysis shows flows driven by EM benchmarks to be about three-to-five times more sensitive to common global risk factors than the balance of payments measures of portfolio flows. “Importantly, this sensitivity has been rising over time, reflecting the fact that BDIs tend to treat EMs as an asset class focusing on factors that affect them as a group rather than on country-specific developments.”

The report says, “Cross-border spillovers are also affecting frontier markets. Frontier debt issuers have benefited from index inclusion and have become an important part of the EM debt asset class. Their share of international debt outstanding increased dramatically over the past decade; they now account for almost 20 per cent of the widely used the EMBIG-Diversified index, making them a large beneficiary of benchmark-driven flows.”

Tinubu Commiserates with Ajimobi’s Wife over Mum’s Death Former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has commiserated with Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, wife of the former governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, over the passing of her mum, Mama Victoria Amudoaghan. Mama Amudoaghan, a member of the Catholic Church of Nigeria, died on Tuesday. Asiwaju Tinubu urged Mrs.

Ajimobi to accept the death of her mum as the will of God, continue to remember Mama in her prayers and work to advance her good deeds. In a condolence letter signed by Tinubu and released yesterday by his Media Office, the former Lagos governor said: “By way of this letter, please accept my deepest condolences over the recent passing of your mum, Mama Victoria Amudoaghan.

“It’s always a sad and painful thing when any of our parents, particularly our mothers, leaves us. I know how it feels because I have experienced this before. “We must, however, take solace in the lives they lived and memories of the time we shared together. “We thank God that Mama lived to a ripe age. I understand she was a devout Christian who spent her lifetime in the service of God and

humanity. She was also said to be a quintessential mother and a pillar of support for her children. “I urge you to continue to remember Mama in your prayers and to work to advance her good deeds. While praying that God Almighty grant you, your other siblings and family members the strength to continue in the absence of Mama, may Munificent God also grant Mama’s soul eternal rest.”

BHS Iwo Old Students Association Holds AGM Today Baptist High School, Iwo Old Students Association has concluded plans to hold its annual general meeting today. In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr.

Habib Aruna, the association said the meeting would commence at 12 noon in the school premises at Adeke, Iwo, Osun State. The association urged members across the country

to endeavour to attend as crucial matters tha t a f f e c t the development of the school would be discussed. While emphasising the

n e e d f o r a l l h a n d s to be on deck to lift up the school, the statement added that members should be mindful of COVID-19 protocols, which according to it, will be strictly observed.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18 , 2021

NEWS Fuel Scarcity Looms in Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra over IPMAN Secretariat’s Invasion Gideon Arinze in Enugu

FOR IGBO INTEREST. . . L-R: Deputy President General, High Chief Green Amakwe; President General, High Chief Emeka Okonkwo; Publicity Director, Chief Benito Ozigbo; Financial Director, Ozonkpu Eddie Nwokoye; and Secretary General, Dr. Dubas Agbasi, all of pan-Igbo group, Igbonine Sociocultural Organisation (ISO) during a press brieﬁng by the body in Abuja...recently

Fintiri Heads PDP National Convention Committee Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday inaugurated its October 30 and 31 National Convention Committee, charging the committee to replicate the Port Harcourt 2018 convention which was described as free and fair in the political history of the party. Also, the chairman of the convention committee, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State said that the national convention may adopt a consensus option where necessary during the convention. In the same manner, the

Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, said that the convention would mark the beginning of a strategic turnaround for Nigeria and help the party in its quest for victory in 2023. Inaugurating the convention, the acting National Chairman of PDP, Elder Yemi Akinwonmi, charged the convention committee to replicate the history of the PDP national convention in 2017 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. According to Akinwonmi, “I make bold to say, on behalf of the National Working Committee, that the critical stakeholders of

the party, are represented in the main committee, so also the geographical zones and the states of the federation are equally well represented. “By the composition of this committee, Nigerians and indeed, all PDP stakeholders expect nothing less than a successful national elective convention, which were noted for. “Our last convention in Port Harcourt was adjudged the best ever conducted, by any political party in Africa. “I therefore call on leaders and members of the organising committee to not only sustain

but also to improve upon what we experienced in Port Harcourt. “I call on the chairman, his deputy, secretary and other members of the committee to close ranks, to make sure that their watchword remains success at the end of the event,” he stated. He further said that the history of PDP previous conventions and based on the data available, the National Working Committee and indeed the National Executive Committee took time and carefully came up with the list of the highly respected party leaders to organise and conduct this noble exercise.

Osinbajo: Why Nigerians Should Pay Taxes Ugo Aliogo and Loveth Chinagorom In line with the raging controversy over Value Added Tax (VAT), the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has appealed to the Nigerians on the need to be more patriotic and tax compliant in a bid to support federal government efforts to drive economic and infrastructural growth, noting that every person, especially those who succeed in their endeavour, owe the society three taxes.

Osinbajo, who made this appeal yesterday during the public presentation of a book on the General Superintendent, Deeper Christian Life Ministry, W.F Kumuyi entitled: ‘Kumuyi: Defender of the Faith’ in Lagos, highlighted the three types of taxes as income, social and civic tax. He also stated that the first tax is known as income tax or personal income tax and if it pertains to a company, it is referred as corporation tax or company tax, adding that the second which is the social tax

MAN, NECA, NACCIMA to FG: Clear the Confusion over VAT Now Dike Onwuamaeze The leaders of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN), yesterday, spoke in one voice to the federal government urging it to make a statement that would clear the confusion trailing the proper government that should collect the Value Added Tax (VAT) in the country before or on September 21. They said that the reality and consequences of the controversy portend grave danger for the business community and by extension the fragile economic recovery the country has been witnessing in recent times. The OPSN, which is comprised the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), and the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA),

the Nigeria Association of Small Scale Industries (NASSI) and the Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASMEs), said during a press conference yesterday in Lagos that a statement from the federal government would give a clear direction to the business community that would save them the dilemma of remitting their VAT to the wrong government that would necessitate double payment; it would also save them the consequence of paying penalty fees for withholding the remittance of their VAT beyond the due date of Tuesday, September 21, 2021. The Chairman of the OPSN, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi, said: “The confusion in the public space is why we have called this press conference. It is the reason we are shouting that the government should come to our aid.”

is the obligation of the wealthy to give back to society. He noted that the third tax was a civic tax; the obligation of successful individuals to write their stories, to share the histories of the phenomenon that they have become, in order to admonish the present and the future. The Vice President further remarked that the fourth tax is known as Pentecost tax, meant for a successful preacher of the gospel of Lord Jesus to tell what they have gone through

in ministry, which he described as a huge responsibility. He hinted that through the biography, Kumuyi had begun the work of discharging the Pentecost tax. Osinbajo added: “This book tells the story of the incredible work of the Holy Spirit in the life of Pastor Kumuyi and his ministry. By the grace of God, he didn’t only preach the gospel, but continues to preach holiness to a whole generation, he is also living a life of holiness himself everyday.

NIGCOMSAT to Replace NigComSat 1-R Satellite with Two New Satellites Emma Okonji The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) has said it would launch two new satellites, NigComSat-2 and NigComSat-3 in 2023 and 2025 respectively to replace the current NigComSat 1-R, which is expected to expire in 2026. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIGCOMSAT, Dr. Abimbola Alale, made the disclosure at a stakeholders’ forum in Lagos, organised recently by NIGCOMSAT. The forum, with the theme: ‘NIGCOMSAT Ltd, The PresentAnd The Future’, which was hosted by Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, was attended by industry stakeholders, civil society organisations, and the military. NigComSat-2 and NigComSat-3, when launched as scheduled, would replace NigComSat 1-R, which was launched in 2011.

NigComSat 1-R, which has a life span of 15 years, is expected to expire in 2026, hence the need for a replacement. Alale, in her opening remarks, said: “l am pleased to inform stakeholders of our desire to acquire more satellites between now and 2025 with the NigComSat-2 (High Throughput Satellite) due for launch in 2023 while NigComSat-3 will be launched in 2025. This will not only inspire confidence in our customers and channel partners but will also place NIGCOMSAT Ltd in the front line of communication satellite operators with fleet of satellites in the orbit.” Legal Adviser and Company Secretary of NIGCOMSAT, Alma Okpalefe, said the planned launch of the two satellites in 2023 and 2025, would help NIGCOMSAT meet up with its mandate to commercialise satellite resources in the country, and provide quality and cheap satellite services to Nigerians.

The leadership of the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has asked its members in Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra states to withdraw their services after an alleged and unwarranted invasion of the union’s Enugu Secretariat by the police in the early hours of Thursday. President of IPMAN, Alhaji Sanusi Fari, in a statement made available to journalists, said the National Executive Council of IPMAN gave the directive to its members following the Nigeria Police Force invasion of its Secretariat in Enugu Depot against court orders/judgements. “Sequel to this ugly development, the NEC of IPMAN resolved and directed the withdrawal of our services at Enugu loading depot immediately, and

stoppage of servicing the public in Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi from today, (yesterday) Friday, 17th September until the police illegality is reversed,” the group stated. When THISDAY visited some fuel stations within the Enugu metropolis, it was discovered that they were under lock and key even as many transporters packed their vehicles hoping to be attended to. The situation has since increased transport fares within the state as commuters are having to pay double the price to get to their destinations. Prior to the shutting down of their services in Enugu State, the price for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) increased as one litre which was formerly sold for N162 was sold between N250 and N300 in most stations.

AIG Zone 6 Orders Probe into A’Ibom Senator, Medical Doctor’s Abduction Okon Bassey in Uyo The Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police Zone 6, Usman Sule Gomna, has ordered the Akwa Ibom State Police Command to investigate the abduction of two prominent sons of the state. The kidnapped citizens of the state still with their abductors are a former federal lawmaker, Senator Nelson Effiong and a medical doctor, Nsidibe Umana, all from Akwa Ibom State. The AIG issued the instruction yesterday at a meeting with security stakeholders during his visit to the state. At the meeting, the chairman of the state chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Ime Sylvester Udoh, had raised

the alarm over the abduction of the medical doctor. Effiong, a former senator representingAkwa Ibom South Senatorial district was abducted on Sunday September 5, 2021 while relaxing in his sit-out, along Oron Road. The medical doctor was abducted in his compound in Oruk Anan Local Government Area of the state Tuesday, September 14, 2021 “Before I came here I directed the CP of the command, Andrew Amiengheme, to intensify efforts to see how he can be rescued,” the AIG stressed. He said the zone was committed to tackling crime and criminality and called on stakeholders to cooperate with the police by revealing useful information that could help in tackling the crime rates in the state.

HURIWA Commends Malami for Dropping Charges against Enugu Commissioner A rights body and advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has applauded the dropping of charges against the Enugu State Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Chukwuemeka Nnam, by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN) relating to land allocations. According to the group, withdrawing the charges from the Federal High Court was commendable given their appeal earlier in that direction more so as it was more of a political witch-hunt than quest for justice. HURIWA had in a letter dated December 10, 2020, appealed to Malami to discontinue the case which investigation had revealed was a frame up and politically motivated. They recalled that sometime in September 2019, Chukwuemeka Nnam was appointed by the governor as the Commissioner for Lands and considering the overwhelming land-related crisis within the state, he was given a stern mandate by the governor to sanitise the Ministry of Lands. “It was in discharge of the

duties of his office as the Commissioner for Lands, Enugu State Ministry of Lands that he discovered to his dismay an alleged land-related dispute over a large expanse of land with contentious ownership status. We urge your good offices to please activate investigative mechanisms to verify this information. Again, the commissioner being in the know that the allocation of such a large expanse of land within Enugu State must be approved by the State Executive Council and having discovered allegedly that no such approval was obtained prior to the allocation of the said land allegedly and in appreciation of the lingering crisis between the Amechi Awkunanaw and Obeagu communities on one side and a company on the other side, vis-a-vis the deluge of petitions forwarded by the concerned communities to the office of the governor including various Newspaper publications over the said land which covers almost the entirely of the two Communities, attention of the State Governor was drawn to the details of the said land,” they explained.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 • T H I S D AY

SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

RIDDING LAGOS OF STREET BEGGARS AND HAWKERS Lagos State government has set up a special task force to help curb the menace, writes Tayo Ogunbiyi

ike most cosmopolitan cities, Lagos is also confronted with the menace of street begging and hawking. Begging is an age-long activity prominent in urban centers where it is common to see the physically challenged, visually impaired, deaf and even supposedly stranded visitors (famously referred to as corporate beggars) throng walkways, street corners, religious centers, etc., begging for alms. While some of these beggars are genuinely in need, others simply want to catch on the legendary generosity of Lagosians to eke out a living. The increasing popu lation of beggars and street hawkers in Lagos has become an eyesore as they now constitute environmental hazards as well as security threats. There have been instances when a few of these so-called beggars and hawkers were discovered to be agents of daredevil criminals. No doubt, the menace of beggars and hawkers in Lagos had reached an alarming dimension. This is in spite of regular rescue operations carried out by the rescue team of the State’s Rehabilitation Department. Beggars and hawkers of different categories have continued to be common sights across the state with resultant negative effects on traffic management and security. Investigation has shown that both menaces have become big business to some groups of people, as beggars and hawkers (children and adults) are transported regularly from other parts of the country to Lagos with the sole aim of engaging in the demeaning venture. Armed with a fake Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) prescription paper, 56-year-old Kehinde Olatubosun, a drug addict and an indigene of Oyo State, once confessed to making about N300, 000 monthly from unsuspecting Lagos residents through begging. To drug addicts such as Mr. Olatubosun, it is a means of gratifying appetite for hard drugs. This is just to mention a few examples of how criminals now take advantage of Lagosians’ magnanimity to swindle them of their hard-earned money. Street begging has, thus, been identified as a means of defrauding as well as a source of insecurity in the state. Compared to highbrow areas like Ikoyi and Victoria Island where residents would rather prefer to alert the police rather than give alms to beggars, people living in densely populated suburbs of the metropolis are typically friendlier to beggars. In fact, there is a particular street on the Mainland mostly inhabited by visually impaired beggars. It is also not uncommon to notice groups of people in branded T-shirts, soliciting for alms in major bus stops and markets, to treat patients with various health challenges by displaying the latter’s pictures. While it is not inappropriate to give alms to beggars, their activities have, however, suggested otherwise as people now hide under the pretext of begging to dispossess members of the public of their valuables, either on the road or in their residences. A report had it that a beggar that was given alms during the day led his group of armed robbers to attack his benefactor at night. Also, some beggars have been discovered to be accomplices to various forms of crimes. In order to tackle the nuisance of street begging and hawking in the state, the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Administration has indicated its readiness to tackle the menace head-on. The government has set up a Special Task Force to curb the illicit ventures under which many criminals have hidden to attack motorists

RATHER THAN OFFER ALMS TO STREET BEGGARS, LAGOSIANS HAVE BEEN ENJOINED TO TAKE SUCH GIFTS TO RECOGNISED REGISTERED HOMES, ORPHANAGES, REHABILITATION AND FAITH-BASED ORGANISATIONS WHERE SUCH DONATIONS WOULD BE JUDICIOUSLY UTILISED IN AMELIORATING THE CONDITIONS OF THE VULNERABLE

and other residents. At a press conference that had the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development Mr. Olusegun Dawodu, his Information and Strategy counterpart Mr. Gbenga Omotoso and Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu in attendance at Alausa, Dawodu said setting up the task force has become necessary to sanitise the society and restore the dignity of those who have been sent into the streets for begging and hawking. The special team has since commenced operations. According to Dawodu, the plan to stop street begging was based on intelligence reports that some of the “so-called” beggars go about with dangerous weapons, assault and rob innocent Lagosians. Consequently, the government has deployed a lot of human and material resources towards enlightenment and sensitisation via different media platforms. As they say, enlightenment becomes entertainment without enforcement. That is why the way to go now is to enforce compliance with the laws of the state for sanity to reign in the society. Rather than offer alms to street beggars, Lagosians have been enjoined to take such gifts to recognised registered homes, orphanages, rehabilitation and faith-based organisations where such donations would be judiciously utilised in ameliorating the conditions of the vulnerable. Religious, traditional and political leaders at various levels as well as the media are also urged to support the governments for advocacy against hawking and begging. All Lagosians should join forces to discourage the inhuman culture, which has the capacity to adversely affect the well-being of residents. As part of the measures being put in place to tackle the nuisance, the government has maintained a Rescue Unit saddled with the responsibility of rescuing and protecting the destitute and the vulnerable. The destitute taken off the streets will be rehabilitated in government correctional centres. Treatment, psychosocial therapy and vocational training among others will be provided to make those taken off the streets useful to themselves and the society. According to Section 157{1(b)and(e) of the Criminal Law, 2015, nuisance is described as any person who prevents the public from having access to any part of a highway by an excessive and unreasonable use of it or does any unlawful act which causes inconveniences or damage to the public. Therefore, those involved in the illicit business of street hawking and alms begging are urged to desist in their own interest as appropriate penalties would be applied on anyone caught flouting the law. As much as Lagos is home to various people for diverse reasons, it should not accommodate the nuisance of all. Street begging is a social vice that the society cannot afford to watch until it attains an uncontrollable level. Otherwise, all the good plans and programmes to transform the state would be adversely affected. The same goes for street hawking. On a final note, emphasis must be placed on the dignity of labour. In a financial and commercial hub like Lagos, there will always be something legitimate and decent for everyone to engage in to earn a reasonable living. Street begging and hawking are not good for our image as a people. It must be condemned and discouraged by all and sundry. Ogunbiyi is Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

LIKE HEALTH, SECURITY NEEDS INCLUSIVE ACTION COMMITTEE Yusuph Olaniyonu argues that the authorities could do more to secure the nation

hen the announcement was made on Monday (September 6) of the constitution of a presidential committee on Health Sector Reform which would develop and implement a reform programme, what ﬁrst hit me was the membership. The people nominated to serve on a body most times indicate how serious the nominator is about the task at hand. Apart from Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) who chairs the committee, the choice of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar of the University College, London’s Institute for Global Health, and many other professionals in the sector, including a traditional ruler, indicated that the government means business. Okowa, a leader of the opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is a medical doctor and hospital administrator before he came into public service as commissioner for health, later Secretary to Delta State Government, Senator, and now a second-term governor. His inclusion in this committee and that of other professionals as well as administrators means that President Muhammadu Buhari is determined to seek a solution to the intractable problems besetting the sector and preventing Nigerians from enjoying access to efficient healthcare delivery. It is expected that the recommendations from this committee will proffer long-time solutions to the dearth of necessary facilities and the collapse of the existing ones in public hospitals, frequent and prolonged strikes by doctors protesting poor welfare and inadequate equipment, medical tourism by privileged Nigerians, the President inclusive, brain drain syndrome which is seeing the best Nigerians

relocating abroad and increasing unethical practices by health workers at home. However, while one commends this initiative by the President, it is hoped that the recommendations or report of the committee will not be allowed to join similar reports on the shelves, gathering dust. This committee has been given six months to complete its work. What this means is that its report will be ready in early March 2022, 14 months to the end of the tenure of the present administration. To make an impact, the administration will have to commence immediate implementation of the recommendations. However, the crux of this write-up is that a similar bi-partisan, all-inclusive committee of knowledgeable people across the board needs to be constituted immediately to help the government tackle the growing security crisis threatening to tear the nation apart. One will be saying the obvious to note that the greatest problem that confronts Nigeria, her government, and people today is insecurity. The security crises seem to be getting worse by the day. The gallant men of the military, police and other agencies have been stretched thin, overwhelmed, and overburdened. One must at this point praise those officers and men on the various frontlines and they sure deserve the regular prayers of all Nigerians. Yet, with all the determined efforts of the security agents, the criminals have become ubiquitous, undeterred, and determined as they continued to assail the homes, farms, workplaces, social centres as well as worship places. They have even become so bold that they recently invaded a military institution. From the insurgents who concentrated in the North-east, they have mutated into kidnappers that ravage the whole of the North and other parts of

the country demanding and collecting ransom with gusto, bandits, cattle rustlers, highway robbers, drug traffickers, and other obnoxious actors. In other parts of the country, ritual killing and cultism are the forms of security menace that confront the people. Yes, some of these crimes are indeed fall-outs of the southward trend of the economy. After all, it is true that while government economists work data and dish out statistics that show some marginal growth, the standard of living of the people have continued to deteriorate and many more millions of people lose their job or fall below the global acceptable condition of living every year. Still, if the government does not decisively deal with the security problems and restore peace, sanity, and stability, the economy cannot grow. It is trite to say that new investment flow into an environment that it considers safe enough to thrive and yield good dividends. The security problem is creating famine and aiding unplanned rural-urban migration. This is because farmers cannot go to farms without being kidnapped and ridiculous ransom being demanded. In some parts of the North, according to a recent report published by the Daily Trust newspaper, bandits effectively control the villages and towns, setting out barbaric rules and enforcing them. With the return to the Hobbesian state of nature in these areas of the country, those farmers who could afford relocation to the cities like Abuja, Lagos, and some parts of the South that are considered relatively safe have moved. Such relatively ‘safe cities’ now receive thousands of new residents daily. This unplanned migration on its own has implications and potentials

for future disaster. What is needed is that the government must also devise means of sourcing strategies, advice, and solutions to these security problems from within and outside its ranks. It is still believed that, like the health committee where knowledgeable people in government, the opposition, traditional institutions, professionals, academia, labour leaders, and the private sector have been brought together to develop an actionable plan for immediate implementation by the government, the security crisis deserves a similar move ‘Now, Now and Now’. I am convinced that if President Buhari discards personal considerations and sets up a committee consisting of individuals who have governed the country either as elected president or heads of state, present and serving security chiefs, present and servicing heads of the parliament, traditional rulers with security experience, Nigerians with international experience in security issues, IT experts of Nigerian origin and even, experienced serving and retired judicial officers, we can have workable solutions that will end the security crises without delay. Incidentally, this is not the first time this suggestion is being made to President Buhari. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, among others have canvassed the same ideas. The body of experts and experienced individuals need not have more than a month or two to develop a multi-dimensional plan that the government can actualise in ending the security problems. This is a measure that ought to have been adopted two or more years ago. Olaniyonu wrote from Abuja

SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

We stand by ﬁscal federalism...

Plateau’s Painful Peace Process

t was sometime at the turn of the millennium that Nigeria`s Plateau State reached tipping point when Jos, its capital city and crown, erupted in a conﬂagration of religious crisis. Hundreds were slaughtered and innumerable buildings razed to the ground. Many livelihoods were shattered and the memories of children indelibly scarred by a senseless crisis. It has been decades now but what happened in Jos in the early 2000s continues to breach the veil of time to keep the state on edge. The 2001 Jos Crisis ended decades ago but Plateau State has found out the hard way that once peace takes flight, bringing it back is a herculean task. Almost on a weekly basis, entire families are slaughtered while they sleep; reprisal attacks have also become the norm in a state once renowned for its limitless hospitality amidst nature`s bountiful generosity. The sparks which effortlessly kindle the flames that surge across the state scalding and scarring children and their families were once entirely religious, but they have since taken on an economic intensity. The friction between those who must till the soil to feed their children and those who must herd cattle to do the same is palpable in the state. This friction has turned forceful many times shearing in the middle the state`s fragile ethnic and religious harmony. Plateau State is but a microcosm of Nigeria. Events in the state spectacularly show how ethnic, economic and religious tension can convulse a multi-ethnic and multi-religious entity. Like Nigeria, the state has a bevy of ethnic groups as well as a good number of Nigerians who adhere to different religions. People of different ethnic groups and religions used to live together with little conflicts until things took a violent turn years ago. Perhaps, Nigeria can examine how events in Plateau State have turned out, and take preventive measures to preclude the possibility of the country sliding into chaos. Thanks to bad leadership, religion and ethnicity have become bold issues in Nigeria today. Many mischief makers now masquerade as politicians in Nigeria. They take it upon themselves to forment trouble and cause chaos. Because they have painstakingly studied the patterns, they ruthlessly exploit the sore points that are more likely to drive Nigerians apart than bring them together. Unfortunately, the country has been falling for their tricks. The factors which conduce to

make Nigeria so vulnerable to the antics of these mischief makers are many. There is the lack of economic opportunities many people have to contend with. There is the half-baked education many people receive. There is the lack of exposure many people grapple with. Then there is government inaction, contributed to in no small measure by a lack of political will to tackle the myriad problems facing the country. The good people of Plateau State have lived this situation first-hand. Successive Plateau State governments have failed to take the bull by the horn. Tacitly citing high-level politics they always push the buck to the table of the federal government which in recent years has appeared more reluctant than ever to conclusively address the volatile situation in Plateau State. The hope is that someday, something will be done. A comprehensive peace plan for Plateau State and other volatile Nigerian states must begin from apprehending and prosecuting perpetrators who profit from spilling innocent blood. Because they deserve no place in the society, they have to be put behind bars for peace to be possible. Kene Obiezu, Abuja

The Broom Revolution in Cross River

n May 20, 2021, Governor Ben Ayade took the pragmatic decision to “socket” Cross River State to the central government by switching allegiance from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). That decision did not bring down heaven but it raised dust, reconfigured for good the political firmament of Cross River, provoked mass movement and signposted permanent retirement of politicians who hitherto determined the tenor of politics in the state. Ayade is a refined politician who is not given to political fisticuffs. His political creed, ‘Politics with Ethics’ does not allow for pettiness in the name of politics. Therefore, whether in Cross River or in the larger national polity, the state governor has no enemies to fight, to borrow from former President Goodluck Jonathan. Truth is, Ayade and the APC are not in competition with any party or political figure in Cross River, real or imagined, because verifiable evidence on the ground clearly shows that such party or politicians now only exist on the pages of newspapers, social media platforms and electronic media news bulletins having been retired by the current political realities. Ayade and the APC are now the main embodiment of politics and political leadership in Cross River. This is an indisputable fact. Ayade’s exit from the PDP has narrowed the party to the confinement of a few yesterday’s men.

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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

For the records, the taunted political wizardry of the so-called three wise men has been severely eviscerated. It will be difficult if not outrightly impossible for them to further influence the future direction of politics in the state. Keen followers of Cross River politics can check this out: Former Governor Donald Duke’s political relevance has since dwindled. In 2019, he contested the presidential election and got only six votes in the polling unit in front of his house, he was roundly defeated. In 2019, the only federal constituency that PDP lost to the APC even when Ayade was in PDP was the Abi Federal Constituency, the home constituency of former governor, Liyel Imoke. So, Imoke’s political strength which earned him the name, Avatar, in the opinion of many, is now questionable. In the southern senatorial district of the state, Prince Bassey Otu, popularly known as Sweet Prince, is more popular than Gershom Bassey, the incumbent senator and one of the tripods of the troika. In the central senatorial district of the state, APC boasts of heavyweights like Senator Owan Enoh, former Senate Majority leader, Victor Ndoma Egba, Obon Obla, former Niger-Delta Minister, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, Alex Egbona of the House of Reps, Bolaji Anani, Barrister Chris Agara, among others. And in the North, Ayade’s home senatorial district which he once represented in the Senate, the governor is in absolute control. The Jarigbe-Odey debacle which ended in the former’s favour and which some people have been citing as evidence of PDP’s resurgence was a product of unimaginable dark litigation. It cannot be a barometer to measure a political party’s popularity or relevance. In today’s Cross River, Ayade has brought to bear on it an unprecedented mass movement, a broom revolution that has planted APC in every nook and cranny of the state. His policy of food on the table appointment also means he has an army of followers. There is no family in Cross River, no kindred and no village that does not have at least one of their sons or daughters as an appointee in the Ayade government. Under such circumstances, no one expects such appointees and those who depend on them for survival, not to key into the political direction of the man who puts food on their table. His superlative achievements, especially in the areas of industrialisation and infrastructure as well as youth empowerment and job creation, also speak loudly for him, prompting thousands of youths to willingly register as APC members in solidarity and appreciation. Chidi Onyemaizu, Senior Special Assistant on Print Media to Gov. Ayade

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

NEWS Police Parade 61 Suspects Nigeria Demands Immediate in Nasarawa Return to Civil Rule in Guinea Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

Deji Elumoye in Abuja Nigeria has asked the 16-nation Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to ensure immediate return of democratic rule to Guinea after the recent military coup. It stressed the need for a short transition programme that would usher in a new civilian government in the country. This position taken by Nigeria was made known by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who stood in for President Muhammadu Buhari, at the

Extraordinary Summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS member-states on the political situation in the Republics of Guinea and Mali, which held in Accra, Ghana At the last summit of ECOWAS leaders, held virtually on September 8, Nigeria, had condemned the recent coup de‘tat in Guinea, calling for an unconditional release of President Alpha Conde, and for stringent measures on Guinea’s military junta. Speaking at the Accra summit, Osinbajo restated Nigeria’s posi-

tion, urging for the unconditional release of President Condé and calling for more pressure on the country’s military leaders to return the nation to democratic rule. “It is also important that ECOWAS should simply insist that there should be an immediate return to civil rule.” Calling for more stringent measures to be taken by the sub-regional body, the Vice President said, “We must make sure that sanctions by ECOWAS achieve the intended objectives.” He restated the call to engage global bodies and Africa’s devel-

opment partners in taking steps to prevent such unconstitutional change of government in countries on the continent. “In this connection, I think we should engage all well-meaning stakeholders including the Africa Union, European Union, United Nations, developmental partners, and Ànancial institutions to join in taking more stringent measures by imposing travel bans and freezing of oͿshore Ànancial assets of the coupists and their collaborators to ensure that they do return the country to democracy immediately,” Osinbajo said.

The Nasarawa State Police Command yesterday paraded 61 criminal suspects arrested in the state in the past one month. The state Police Commissioner, Mr. Adesina Soyemi, who paraded the suspected criminals at the state Police Command headquarters in Lafia, said that the police recovered the sum of N423,950 during the operation. Addressing journalists when parading the 61 criminal suspects, CP Soyemi gave a breakdown of the suspects arrested by the command to include 13 armed robbers, 16 kidnappers, seven rail track vandals and internet

fraudsters, as well as 18 cultists. The police commissioner said that the command, during the operations, arrested a fake military officer and recovered an Ak-47 rifle, two magazines and a vehicle suspected to be stolen. Soyemi said: “On 12/09/2021 at about 1900hrs, one Timothy Emmanuel (M) of Bakin Chiyawa village, Quanpan LGA of Plateau State was intercepted along B.A.D road, LaÀa wearing military uniform in possession of AK-49 riÁe with two magazines and driving a black Toyota Corolla vehicle with registration number: ABUJA BWR 973 CD, suspected to be a stolen vehicle.

JOHESU Steps Down Strike Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

WISHING YOU QUICK RECOVERY… L-R: Kano State Governor, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu, during Ganduje’s visit to Tinubu in London ...Thursday.

Kabba Jailbreak: Kogi Govt Accuses Political Saboteurs, Terrorists Chiemelie Ezeobi Following Monday’s jailbreak at Kabba Medium Custodial Facility and the subsequent release of high profile criminals, the Kogi State Government has blamed political saboteurs and terrorists for the security breach. This is just as it said plans had already begun to review and rejig the security architecture of the state to plug all loopholes, especially in the light of intelligence reports about possible attacks across the

state to cause unrest and whittle down the state’s record of security safety. The Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, who made this disclosure during an interaction with security reporters in Lagos yesterday, said the terrorists broke in to free top Boko Haram Commanders and other high profile suspects who were brought to the centre. Confirming that the government received an intelligence report of planned attacks on facilities in the

state, Fanwo said action was immediately taken and that 20 soldiers were deployed to beef up security at the correctional centre but something went wrong at the execution. He said: “There was intelligence before that attack and we worked on it quickly by informing the necessary agencies who assured that security would be tightened there. “At the time of the attack, there were supposed to be more than 20 military personnel at that point.

The other factor that led to that attack was because there are high profile criminals held there. “Our security agencies will have to do more in dealing with these issues. When you keep Boko Haram suspects or those that have been convicted in such a place, you should know that their collaborators will want to do everything possible to set them free not only for the sake of solidarity, but they know that the more the inmates are with you, the more information you are going to have about their activities.

DPR Shuts 11 Illegal Gas Plants, Ondo Govt Fixes Akure-Owo Petrol Stations in Abuja Expressway Amidst Gridlock Fidelis David in Akure

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has sealed 11 illegal gas plants as well as seven filling stations over various sharp practices in Abuja, Nigeria’s seat of government. The raided plants selling mainly Liquefied Petroleum Gas(LPG) also known as cooking gas and the filling stations visited were located in Karimo, Gwagwa, Games Village, Kuje and Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The petroleum industry regulator stated that the LPG plant owners were operating illegally while the affected petrol stations were carrying out their businesses without valid licences. Some of the illegal gas plants affected were: Macco Synergy, Mr T&M cooking gas, Trinity cooking

gas, Meter Smile Gas ltd, Sunny Sun cooking gas, among others. In her remarks, during the operation, the DPR Abuja Zonal Operations Controller, Mrs. Roselyn Wilkie, said that previous efforts to get the illegal operators to regularise their businesses failed to yield the needed results. She said: “During today’s exercise, 11 illegal LPG plants were raided in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Some personnel of these illegal facilities were arrested and they have been handed over to security operatives for prosecution. “All our efforts to get the attention of the illegal facility operators with the view to regularising their businesses failed to yield the desired result.”

Ondo State Goverment says Motorists and other road users plying the Ogbese-Owo highway now have a relief following its quick intervention to fix the deplorable condition of the federal road. The collapsed portions of the only major road which connects the Southern part of the country to the Northern part had been giving motorists tough time for a long time. Until state government intervention, motorists, passengers and other road users were groaning over the deplorable state of the road as it had become a death trap amidst gridlock. The state Commissioner for Lands and Infrastructure, Mr. Raimi Aminu, who led a team

of engineers and other staff to the Ayede-Ogbese in Akure North Local Government explained that the federal government road had become impassable before the state government intervened to fix the road. The commissioner said the ministry started work on the road two days ago and had since carried out major repairs with the fixing of big gulls, destilting of blocked bridge and drainages as well as other engineering works currently going on. He said, “our Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, doesn’t believe in the principle that one road belongs to the federal government. He believes that it is our people that are using the road and he doesn’t want the people to suffer.”

Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has resolved to stand down the strike threat it gave the federal government over outstanding salaries and allowances owed its members. JOHESU had on September 2, issued a 15-day strike ultimatum to the federal government to resolve the dispute with the health workers. This is as the health union berated the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) for working against the interest of other professional health unions. However, at the expiration of the 15 days yesterday, JOHESU held an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) where it resolved to shelve the strike in deference to President Muhammadu Buhari’s appeal for understanding with the administration.In a communiqué issued at the

end of the meeting Friday night, JOHESU “unanimously adopted a resolution to step down the notice of strike action due to expire mid-night 17th September, 2021 and issue a fresh notice of Àfteen days.” The communiqué signed by the Acting National Secretary of JOHESU, Comrade, M.O, Ajorutu, said the union received and examined reports of congresses held at various health facilities across the country on the mobilisation for the strike action due to commence 00hrs 18th September, 2021. “NEC-in-Session after long hours of exhaustive of deliberations on issues surrounding the planned strike action resolved as follows: “The Federal Ministry of Health should ensure speedy circularisation of all establishment and welfare matters as agreed during negotiation meetings.

Abia APC Flay Apugo for Inciting Party Members against National Leadership Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia Stakeholders of Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have risen in condemnation of an elder of the party, Prince Benedict Benjamin Apugo for inciting party members against the national leadership of the ruling party. Apugo drew the ire of concerned party stakeholders following his utterances at his Nkata Ibeku Umuahia country home during which he reportedly disparaged the Secretary of the APC National Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Senator John

Akpanudoedehe, accusing him of causing crisis in Abia APC and promoting anti-party activities. The party elder, popularly called ‘BB’ by his supporters, also supported the group in Abia APC led by Hon. Donatus Nwankpa for taking the party to court over the outcome of the ward congress which did not favour them. Apugo, who was visibly angry over the humiliation that the group he supported suffered after losing out in the ward and local government congresses of APC, insisted that it was proper to take the party to court, even though the national leadership of the party had seriously warned members against such action.

Innocent Abu Becomes 26th President of Rotary Club Gowon Estate Omolabake Fasogbon Rotarian Innocent Abu has emerged the 26th President of Rotary Club of Gowon Estate, District 9110 Lagos Nigeria. Abu is the Managing Director of Innostar Ventures, a logistics service company in Lagos afÀliated with some international logistics organisations such as WIFFA, Olofamily and Jctrans. The Àrm is also a member of the Global Shipping and Logistics

network. Abu alongside other executives of the club will be inducted October 2, 2021, where his programmes and agenda will be unveiled. The Rotary Club of Gowon Estate District 9110 Lagos is a member of Rotary International, a global organisation for professional, business men and women who are committed to practical application of the ideal of service both individually and collectively in communities .

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18 , 2021

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Foreign Loans Have Not Abridged Poverty, Unemployment

ne area requiring critical analysis in President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent note to the Senate requesting for the approval of $4.054 billion, €710 million and $125 million external borrowings, is the assertion that the projects to be funded with the new loans, spread across the six geo-political zones of the country, would bring about employment generation and poverty reduction, as well as protection of the most vulnerable and very poor segments of the Nigerian society. But the big question is: The previous loans, have they impacted positively on unemployment and poverty across the country? The answer is definitely No! We have to be honest with ourselves. Maybe few new jobs here and there; but if we are talking about creating huge number of jobs for our youths with these loans, there is nothing like this. The facts and figures are there. Let’s even use government statistics to analyse the job crisis issue. The last time the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), picked up courage to release figures on unemployment was Q4 of 2020 and it reported that Nigeria’s unemployment rate rose from 27.1 per cent in the second quarter of 2020 to 33.3 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2020, translating to 23.19 million unemployed people. These NBS figures aside, in practical terms, let’s all look around us; in our homes and those of our neighbours. Of course, we will see an army of unemployed youths. Things have deteriorated in the last six years of the Buhari government, the huge foreign loans notwithstanding. Promising that poverty will be reduced in this country with foreign loans is preposterous. Can Buhari, in all honesty, say that poverty and unemployment have reduced in Nigeria following the huge foreign loans obtained in the last six years? Can he say that these loans have positively impacted on the lives of the masses of this country in the last six years? The frank answers would be negative. There is nothing to show in this direction in the last six years. Despite the huge loans amassed, this country’s economy is still in shreds and continues to suffer, with no hope in sight. At a point, inflation was

Promising that poverty will be reduced in this country with foreign loans is preposterous. Can Buhari, in all honesty, say that poverty and unemployment have reduced in Nigeria following the huge foreign loans obtained in the last six years? Can he say that these loans have positively impacted on the lives of the masses of this country in the last six years? The frank answers would be negative. Despite the huge loans amassed, this country’s economy is still in shreds and continues to suﬀer, with no hope in sight almost at an unparalleled 18.72%. Note that Buhari, in 2015, inherited an inflation rate that oscillated between 7.7 per cent and 8.7 per cent. Daily, the waning economy pushes thousands of Nigerians below the poverty line. The gloomy news is that under Buhari, and with all the foreign loans, Nigeria surpassed India as the country with the largest number of people living in life-threatening poverty in the world. This is an insignia of disgrace that should task Buhari. Regrettably, he is untroubled and still talking about “capturing” more foreign loans. I can safely say that Buhari’s letter to the Senate this week, promising employment generation and poverty reduction with new foreign loans is pure deceit. The federal and state governments have been reckless with borrowings for over six years, without result. It is painful that Nigeria’s total public debt, comprising states and federal government debt obligations, rose by 7.75 per cent, from N32.916 trillion in December 31, 2020, to N35.465 trillion by June 30, 2021. The FG is responsible for 83.07 per cent of the debt burden while the states and Abuja account for 16.93 per cent. Domestic debt increased from N20.210 trillion as at December 2020, to N21.754 trillion by June

30, 2021. The FG accumulated N17.632 trillion of this, while N4.122 trillion is for the states and the FCT. Nigeria’s total external debt which stood at N12.706 trillion as at December 31, 2020, rose to N13.711 trillion by June 30, 2021. Of the N13.711 trillion external debt, the FG alone accounts for N11.828 trillion while the states and the FCT make up the balance of N1.883 trillion. The Central Bank of Nigeria has also extended over N10 trillion overdrafts to the FG. When added to the current debt profile of the FG, it would increase its debt to almost N40 trillion. The Buhari government is clearly in a mess with debt with little to show for it. Even the Chairman of Buhari’s Economic Advisory Council, Dr. Doyin Salami, agrees that the borrowings of the Buhari government is not sustainable. Salami, in a presentation on “The State of the Economy,” pointed out that the federal government’s expenditure had been on the increase, and at a faster pace than its revenue. He added that public debt had continued to expand on the back of growing fiscal deficit. The sad fact is that most of this country’s debts were incurred by the federal government within the last six years. When Nigeria’s debt

VAT War: The Way Forward is Forward The recent judgement of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, affirming the right of the Rivers State Government, and by extension, all other states, to collect Value Added Tax (VAT) within their territories is difficult to fault. I can’t see the Appeal or Supreme Court upturning it. It is obvious from the constitutional provisions that VAT is excluded from items 58 and 59 of the Exclusive Legislative List and item 7 of the Concurrent Legislative List, and therefore, does not come under federal government’s control. Simply put, VAT is a Residual matter, falling squarely under the purview of the states alone. Anything outside this is a violation of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. Honestly, I believe the federal government should withdraw all appeals on VAT and let this country move forward. Those talking about a “political solution” are just wasting precious time. It’s a settled Constitutional issue; no sentiment here.

Again, this talk that 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states will suffer greatly if VAT collection moves to where it legally belongs, is not completely true. In the long run, everybody will benefit. Some argue that because the industries are largely in Lagos, Ogun, Kano and Rivers, they will get the bulk of VAT revenue and others will suffer. To some extent, this is true because these industrial states will get all the first leg VAT. But then, other states will also benefit at their consumption legs. Let me break it down properly. Defined as a “goods and services tax,” VAT is a consumption tax levied at every stage of a transaction, but ultimately borne by the final consumer of goods and services. So, if a manufacturer in Lagos sells to its distributor from Borno State, (VAT inclusive and paid to Lagos State), the distributor returns to Borno with the goods

and also adds VAT before selling in Borno State. This 2nd leg of the VAT is for Borno State Government. But clearly, it will not be as huge as what states in the first leg collect. VAT on airline tickets sold in each state will remain there. Of course, these states lamenting will also still collect VAT from service providers in their states – hotels, parks, restaurants, event centres and the rest. Yes, it might not be big as what Lagos, Kano, Ogun and Rivers rake in, but it simply means that these 30 states, currently poorly positioned for VAT, should start working to create an enabling environment for manufacturing and other businesses. This is the challenge for governors of the affected states. Ordinarily, there should be no controversy over VAT revenues getting to the likes of Lagos, Kano, Ogun and Rivers in large amount. All other states must work very hard to expand and improve VAT collections.

COVID-19: Obaseki Should Stop Insulting Court

Governor Obaseki

The way Edo State Government is going about this war against COVID-19 is becoming irrational. It had in August announced that by September 5, 2021, access to public places would be determined by the COVID-19 vaccination status of individuals. Governor Godwin Obaseki wants everybody in the state vaccinated. He knows this is impossible except all vaccines coming into Nigeria are diverted to his state. A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State had on August 30 also restrained his government from forcing people in the state to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Obaseki has decided to ignore this court Court order. Last Wednesday, he began the enforcement of his “no vaccination proof, no entry” into public places in the state.

There was chaos as civil servants and other people who could not present their proof of vaccination were refused entry into the state secretariat and other government establishments. The enforcement exercise saw the state Head of COVID-19 Enforcement Team, Yusuf Haruna, manning the main gate of the secretariat, while other members of the team took charge of other entry points. My dear Obaseki, you cannot force people to take COVID-19 vaccine. As a product of democracy, you must respect fundamental human rights of people. You must also learn to respect court orders. This is how we can sustain our democracy. Your insistence on COVID-19 vaccination before entry into public places must end today.

portfolio was N32.92 trillion in December, 2020, the federal government’s share was a total of N26.91 trillion, leaving a balance of N6.01 trillion to our sub-national governments. The implication of this is that 83.78 per cent of the nation’s debt stock, as at December, 2020, belongs to the federal government, with the sub-national governments accounting for 16.22 per cent. This comes with huge repayment commitments for the federal government and our sub-national governments. That was why the federal government expended N3.10 trillion on debt servicing within 11 months (January-November) 2020, out of its N3.48 trillion retained revenue for the same period. Meaning that for every N100 generated during the period, N89 was expended on debt servicing. This puts Nigeria’s debt-to-revenue ratio, a key measure of debt sustainability, at 89 per cent for those 11 months; a far cry from the World Bank’s suggested 22.5 per cent for low-income countries like Nigeria. The Buhari government spent N1.8 trillion on debt servicing from its N1.84 trillion revenues in the first five months of 2021 – January to May. This puts the federal government’s debt-to-revenue ratio at 97.8 per cent for this reviewed period. Is this not scandalous? In 2016, the federal government’s debt service to revenue was only 44.6 per cent. But by 2020, debt service to revenue had grown to around 84.8 per cent. This is why 33 per cent of this current budget 2021 is set aside for debt servicing. What the Buhari government has been doing in the last six years, with its incompetent economists, is reckless borrowing, and has evidently borrowed beyond its repayment convenience. This is why the government is in a mess with debt servicing. As more debts mature for payments, the pressure on revenue rises. In the 2019 budget, over N2.1 trillion was set aside for debt servicing. In the 2020 budget, N2.45 trillion was set aside for debt servicing. That was almost 25 per cent of the budget size. No country can attain development with this kind of humongous debt settlements.

Isa Pantami Now a Professor?

Isa Pantami

Anything can happen in Nigeria. The more you look, the less you see. Suddenly, Isa Pantami, our comical Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, is a Professor of Cyber Security. That’s what the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) told bewildered Nigerians last week. FUTO is no longer satisfied with selling honorary degrees. The university said Pantami was “promoted professor”, as if he is a teaching staff or on the faculty of this university. Pantami has been going around celebrating this garbage. Some even placed newspaper adverts congratulating him. The party is still on. This university is unperturbed by the need to adhere to ethics and procedures when making such appointments. Extant due process was plainly thrown into the trash can. What a country! This illegal “promotion” of Pantami must be reversed. I’m expecting the National Universities Commission to step in.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

NEWSXTRA Two Police Officers Dismissed Over Assault, Illegal Duty in Delta Sylvester Idowu in Warri

MARITAL BLISS… L-R: Mr. Aramide Tola Noibi, bride, Mrs. Folakemi Adelusi, General Overseer Christ Healing Evangelical Church, Pastor Babatunde Ogunfowokan, groom, Mr. Oluwadamilola Adelusi and Mrs. Grace Oluwakandi, at the wedding ceremony in Ketu, Lagos...recently

Bandits Kill Council Chairman of Miyetti Allah John Shiklam in Kaduna The Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Lere Local Government chapter Kaduna State Abubakar Abdullahi, has been killed by gunmen. Ibrahim Bayero, spokesman of the Kaduna State chapter of the association conÀrmed the incident in a telephone interview yesterday in Kaduna.

He said the assailants invaded Abdullahi’s house in Lere, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State in the incident early hours of yesterday. According to him, the bandits demanded N20 million from the deceased who told them that he doesn’t have that kind of money. Bayero said the gunmen took the MACBAN chairman round to butchers to raise some

money and he was able to raise N250, 000. He said after they collected the money, they took him to the highway and killed him and dumped his corpse by the roadside. Bayero added that the dastardly act might have been committed by hired assassins. “Yes, our chairman was killed in the early hours of today (Friday). He was killed at his residence in Lere town,

Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State. “They came and picked him up in his house. They demanded N20 million, he told them that he doesn’t have it. “They took him round to the butchers to borrow money and give them.” He raised up to N250,000 and gave them. They collected the money and took him to the Saminaka- Marere - Zango highway.

Aggrieved Members of APC in Kwara Olamide, Motha Star won’t be Shut Out, Says Appeal Committee on African Voices Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Appeal Committee on Local Government Congress of All Progressives Congress (APC) from the national secretariat yesterday assured members of the party in Kwara State that no aggrieved member of the party would be shut out from the ruling party. Thus, the appeal committee advised members with genuine petitions not to hesitate to present them for proper attention. The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Taminu Adabson gave the assurance in Ilorin during the APC stakeholders’ committee meeting held at the Banquet Hall, Government House. He said the commitee was in the state to attend to all petitions that arose after the local government congress of the party held two weeks ago. Adabson added that, “the commitee is in Ilorin to receive genuine petitions from the ag-

grieved members in order to enable the committee to address to them and take reports to the national secretariat of APC in Abuja for proper attention. “We are one family and there is no way we cannot be having some issues bothering on this kind of congress and it behoves on us as one united family to Ànd way out to resolve the issues without taking it outside for adjudication. “The members that feel otherwise with the last local government congress should not hesitate to come out with their petitions, duly addressed and signed for proper attention by the committee. “The APC is a gender sensitive party and it has resolved that those women that have petitions would be attended to by one of the committee members who is a woman while others would be attended to by men that are in the committee.

Nigerian music sensation, Olamide Adedeji, will be a guest on this week’s edition of Globacom-sponsored African Voices Changemakers on Cable News Network (CNN). Popularly called Olamide, Baddo or Baddosneh, the musical idol who was born in Bariga, Lagos, in March, 1989, will be joined on the 30-minute programme by South African dancer and choreographer, Musa Motha. Olamide released his first album, Rapsodi in 2011 and soon established his own record label, YBNL Nation, which serves as a platform for himself as well as the next generation of musically talented youths to ply their trade. He was adjudged Best Indigenous Artiste at the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards, and has won other awards including Most Gifted Rap Artiste from West Africa in the Channel O Music Video Awards in 2014. His Baddest Guy Ever Liveth was the Album of The

Year at the 2014 Headies Awards, while The Nigerian Entertainment Awards named him Rap Act of the Year in 2016. Johannesburg-based Motha had his left leg amputated below the knee 12 years ago, owing to his struggle against osteosarcoma; a cancer that attacks the bones of the arms and legs and tends to occur in children and young adults. He was mentored by the Reach For A Dream Foundation which encourages children to use their dreams to fight life-threatening illnesses. He has become a role model for others by rising above his disability to become a celebrated professional dancer. African Voices Changemakers will be on DSTV channel 401 on Saturday at 9.30 a.m., with repeats on Sunday at 4.30 a.m., 7.30 a.m., 12.30 p.m., and 7.30 p.m. Another repeat comes up on Monday at 4.00 a.m., while a two-part, 15-minute rebroadcast runs on Tuesday and Wednesday at 6.45 p.m.

Lagos Needs N70bn to Sustain Feeding of Pregnant Indigent Women Segun James Lagos State Government will require about N70bn annually to take care of the over 300,000 pregnant Indigent women in need of nutritional assistance in the state. The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Civic Engagement, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, who disclosed this

during a press briefing at Alausa Ikeja, said the government had spent over 500m on food packs for mothers and their unborn children since the scheme began. According to her, the initiative surrounding the Maternal and Infant Child Health (MICH) programme was aimed at taking care of indigent pregnant women in order to develop the brain and physical wellbeing

of the unborn child. As part of the third phase of the programme which is slated to be launched on September 22, weekly provision of food packs will be made available to 1,140 pregnant women comprising 20 beneficiaries in all the 57 council areas of the state. Adebowale hinted that the food packs are specifically meant

for pregnant women, adding that her office had put measures in place to monitor the beneficiaries through the office and community approach. While appealing to the federal government and the private sector to key into the programme, Adebowale explained that if a child is properly developed through nutritious foods, it would affect the larger society positively.

Two policemen have been dismissed from service for allegedly beating a tricycle rider, Brodrick Onesan, to stupor while on illegal duty. The dismissed policemen, Felix Ebikanowei and Ndubuisi Abazie, until their disengagement, were attached to ‘B’ Division, Warri in Delta State. Announcing the dismissal of the culprits in a statement signed by Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bright Edafe, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the culprits would soon be charged to court. “On 12/8/2021 after close of work, Felix Ebikanowei and Ndubuisi Abaze, conspired among themselves and engaged in illegal duty along estate roundabout Warri. “They accosted a tricycle rider, one Brodrick Omesan, age 36 years of Oviri Street Agbarho. An argument ensued between the policemen and the victim during which they allegedly pushed and beat him up which led to serious

injuries on his head. “The victim was rushed to the hospital where he is currently receiving treatment. The Commissioner of Police upon receiving the complaint immediately directed that the case be transferred to SCID for discreet and unbiased investigation,” he said. In concluding the investigation, Bright disclosed, it was revealed that the two officers had a case to answer on the serious assault on the victim who was still in critical condition which prompted the Commissioner of Police, Ari Muhammed Ali, to again order that they should face the internal disciplinary action. “The two officers who were tried for the offence of incivility to members of the public, disobedience to lawful order contrary to paragraph E (iii) first schedule of the Police Act and regulations 370 paragraph F of Police Act and regulations CAP P.9 laws of the federal republic of Nigeria 2004 were found guilty on both counts and have been dismissed from the force W.E.F 14/9/2021,” he added.

Unknown Gunmen Kidnap Nursing Mother, Lock Up 3 Children Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Unknown gunmen in the early hours of yesterday stormed Birshin Fulani, a suburb of Bauchi metropolis and kidnapped a nursing mother of three children, Mrs. Rukayyat Odedoyin. THISDAY checks revealed that, the kidnappers who were about 10 stormed the area at about 12a.m. and forced themselves into the building, broke the main door before gaining entrance into the house and went away with the woman whose husband had just been transferred to Kaduna. According to one of the neighbours who pleaded anonymity, “at about 12 midnight, we started hearing sporadic gunshots from diͿerent directions around our house. We woke up and thought of having cover.” She added that, “we then heard people jumping the fence trying to gain entrance into the

house of our neighbour. They were there from 12 midnight to 1.30a.m. By the time we came out, they had left with the woman leaving behind her three children as you can see.” Another neighbour, Usman Baba told THISDAY that, “We just heard movement of people on motorbikes and thereafter gunshots from diͿerent directions then later towards the house of the woman who was kidnapped.” A colleague of the husband, Ade Aremu said that, “I was called by my colleague who is in Kaduna that his family was in danger, that I should go and see what the situation was. When I got there, I discovered that she had been kidnapped leaving behind the 3 kids.” The State Police Command was yet to conÀrm the kidnapping as the PPRO did not pick up the phone when his line was called by our Correspondent as at 9a.m. yesterday.

Ajibero for Burial September 25 The family of the Professor Matthew Idowu Ajibero, former Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic who died on August 25 at aged 71 has announced the burial ceremonies from September 21 to 25. Ajibero, was at different times professor of Library and Information Science at Bayero University, Kano and later also University Librarian and pioneer head of the Department of Library Science at University of Ilorin. He served two terms (2006 to 2014) as Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic and subsequently as Special Adviser on Higher Education, Kogi State Government. The academic giant was a member of several professional bodies, a recipient of numerous awards from academic, professional and community groups. He was also a prominent personality in the Catholic Church until his death, the Metropolitan Grand Knight, Ibadan Metropolitan Council and chairman of the Forum of Metropolitan Grand Knights. The burial events begin with a Commendation Mass on September 21 at the University of Ilorin (Main Campus) and continues with a Procession Service in Kabba, on September 22. The Christian Wake holds on September 24 at his Kabba GRA residence, the Funeral Mass on September 25 at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church (SHJ), and Reception at the Kabba Township Late Ajibero Stadium.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Illbliss Teams up with Illgod on ‘Fortem’ EP Ferdinand Ekechukwu

llbliss, one of Nigeria’s cool rappers, who made Igbo rap hip and cool way before the Phynos’ and co, has of late consistently dropped albums almost yearly and this year is no diͿerent except that he has teamed up with talented beat-maker, Illgod to please our ears with a new EP titled ‘Fortem’. The 5-track Extended Play also has guest features from Timi Kei, Dr Barz, and Spaceman. On Fortem, Illbliss is at home with the Port Harcourt based Illgod’s beats. Both artistes chain a chemistry that brings out the best in each other, and the songs are jam. Illgod’s blend of soul samples and boom-bap production makes the ‘Fortem’ EP a must listen. Illbliss rides each track with a renewed energy and commendable display of lyricism that is grounded, passionate and produces a head-nodding experience. His laidback, boss-style Áow which aptly melds English with Igbo plays to his strengths and fan base on tracks like “Kachimsideh” and “Lyrikal.” On the track “36 States” he delves into social commentary, comparing the 36 states to a criminal corporation with 36 branches; and on “Anymore” where Oga Boss’ rhyming and lyricism is on display, that are the undoubted gems and highlights of Fortem. “Port Harcourt” is a bar-fest with Dr Barz, Timi Kei, Spaceman and Illgod himself trading bars as an ode to the city of Port Harcourt. The Enugu maestro Illbliss took to his Instagram to post this: “@illgod is a Port Harcourt based hiphop producer, known for his distinct raw boombap and

sampling sound. I met him some years back and we were introduced by my late homie B-Elect. He said to me “illy this kid is diͿerent. Keep an eye on his work and see if you can create with him someday” This convo was in 2017 I think. “In 2021, Illgod and I reconnected to create one song and ended up creating 5 incredible songs. We started with “KachimSideh” then he went on to lace the remaining 4. We achieved this in less than 24 hours. Shout out to my PH connects @thisisspaceman of @ thebeat999ph @dr_barz @timi_kei for lending us your scorching verses and blessing the project. You dudes are royalty and the future is bright. Support The “Fortem Tape”. Its Illgod’s moment and a good day for Nigerian hiphop.” Illgod rocked headphones with his earlier beat tapes of Fela samples but got critical acclaim and recognition for his 2019 tape ‘Soulsoup’ with rapper/vocalist, Timi Kei. He doubled down again, with his 2020 album ‘Incipit Vita Nova’ partnering with razor-sharp lyricist, Xplain D Don, for a high concept offering that was one of the most streamed hip hop tapes in Africa. This year, Illgod linked up with Black Intelligence to get ears tickling with his mellow beat tape, ‘The Chop Shop Vol 1’. Illbliss is a respected veteran rapper with over 15 years in the music industry and has an enviable discography; Dat Ibo Boy (2009), Oga Boss (2012), Powerful (2015), Illygaty: 7057 (2016), Illy Bomaye (2017), and Illosophy (2019). Now with the backdrop of his largely successful Illy Chapo X of 2020, Illbliss is riding that momentum to emit Àre raps that refreshes the Nigerian rap game.

Illbliss

‘Castle & Castle’ Series Season 2 Premieres Ferdinand Ekechukwu

First, a Àrst look at “Castle & Castle” cast poster released days earlier had acknowledged the second season of the legal drama series’ which premiered exclusively on NetÁix last Thursday, September 15, is set as scheduled. This comes three years after the Àrst season lit up TV screens in 2018. All of season 1 of ‘Castle and Castle’ was later moved to NetÁix. Set in a successful law Àrm run by a married couple, Remi and Tega Castle (Dakore Ebuson-Akande and Richard Mofe-Damijo respectively). Their marriage comes under strain when both Remi and Tega decide to represent diͿerent sides of the law, and viewers returned every week to see if the marriage would survive the business or vice versa and season two is no diͿerent as it chronicles the aftermath of Remi and Tega Castle’s Àrst appearance before a court of law. Will the couple be able to forgive each other for choosing diͿerent sides of the law or will their resentment towards each other destroy that which they built on love? The second season of the EbonyLife Studios’ production will feature a mix of new and returning cast members. Richard Mofe-Damijo (Tega Castle), Dakore Egbuson-Akande (Remi Castle), Denola Grey (Ben Castle), Blossom Chukwujekwu (Malik Mustapha), and Eku Edewor (Nneka), Bimbo Manuel (Duke Castle), Dorcas Shola-Fapson (Doshima), Daniel Etim E΀ong (Mike Amenechi), among others reprise their roles from the Àrst season. While new additions to the cast list include Bisola Aiyeola, Bimbo Ademoye, Kenneth Okoli and Mimi Chaka. Speaking on the return of Castle & Castle, EbonyLife studio boss, Mo Abudu said: “We are tremendously excited about bringing audiences the sequel to Africa’s Àrst legal drama series, Castle & Castle, along with our partners, NetÁix. Fans were riveted by Season 1, with a lot of talkability on social

Richard Mofe-Damijo and Dakore Egbuson-Akande...

media, and we responded to their desire to see more. Castle & Castle Season 2 is a very sexy series and promises to deliver on high drama and some very unexpected twists and turns. NetÁix really supports the African content industry, and I am absolutely delighted to be partnering with the streaming giant on another release.”

Mofe-Damijo said: “Remi and Tega Castle’s marriage is put to the test in Season two more so than ever. A host of disputes crop up that aͿect their work and their inter-personal relationship. This season, the series tackles a lot of issues prevalent in contemporary African society. It will dare you to judge! I am proud of this production and very excited

that it will premiere again on NetÁix.” To Dakore Akande continues: “My character ‘Remi Castle’ is a brilliant woman who loves her husband ‘Tega Castle’. However the couple has very conÁicting ideas on their legal interests, which causes incredible tension. I am happy to be working alongside RMD again, someone I consider to be a living legend.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

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Bolaji Alonge Captures ‘Greener Pastures’ in Lagos Ferdinand Ekechukwu

his is good news for Lagos, the city of aquatic splendor, going by the inspiring title ‘Greener Pastures’, iconic photographer, actor and artist, Bolaji Alonge has captured succinctly the theme of his exhibition which explores the challenges affecting remote areas of the state and its dwellers. The 10-day exhibition, which brings together photography, video documentary and painting, is to a certain extent a clarion call to address the challenges faced by people living in villages along the Lagos lagoon like in Epe. “Deep inside Epe, along the Lagos lagoon, more than 145 villages are tucked away far from the bustling city life. They have been left behind and are now held hostage by the consequences of a race to modernity. Women are giving birth depending on nature only and their children are growing up, waiting for power and education, hoping for the future. Basic sanitation is absent since the source of drinking water, the lagoon, also serves as the main conduit for waste disposal. “Although they are very close to the beating heart of the Nigerian economy, they lack access to health, water and education. Water hyacinth, a beautiful disaster, has taken over the lagoon and severely limits mobility and trade”, Alonge declared in a statement preceding the press preview/media briefing which kick-starts the show by noon of Thursday September 16. While the exhibition opens today (Saturday September 18), a workshop is scheduled on September 25, with a public debate to wrap up the show on Sunday, September 26. The event is scheduled to feature a documentary also dubbed ‘Greener Pastures’, which is available on YouTube. Speaking on the documentary, Alonge, who is the director, Eyes of a Lagos Boy, said: “This project started in January 2018 and is the result of a collective desire to contribute to a better future for these communities.” He added that the documentary aims to further amplify the challenges of affected areas with a view to change the narrative. “The challenges faced by locals are universal while being compounded by external factors,” he explains… “The documentary captures neverseen images of these settlements and gives a platform to its inhabitants. The beauty of the artworks is in sharp contrast with the stark reality of these villagers, invisible as a result of predatory seaweed and lack of political will. It is a call for help, an alarm signal that cannot be ignored.” The event initiated by Alonge alongside Sola Otori and others is billed to take place at Didi Museum in Lagos. He adds: “We were also inspired by artists such as Claude Monet and his water lilies, Venice and its water ambulances, and parallels between the water shrines and the Itsukushima Shrine in Japan.” Proceeds from sales of art and photography will contribute to buying books for local schools and other initiatives that address the urgent needs of these communities. A proud graduate of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Nigeria with more than two decades of experience in documenting history, Bolaji Alonge looks for beauty where it is least expected. He shows his beloved Lagos from

Alonge

unexpected angles, a city that inspires and captivates imagination. In May 2017, Alonge organized his “Eyes of a Lagos Boy” photo exhibition at Freedom Park in Lagos. His second solo exhibition “Urban Culture – Historical Continuity” was held at One Draw Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos, in November 2018. In February 2019, Alonge showcased his work at Baza Studio in New York. A third solo exhibition, “Black & White” was held at Quintessence, Lagos in July 2019. This ‘Greener Pastures’ is realized in collaboration with Sola Otori, a multidisciplinary artist exploring cultural diversity in Africa and the issues of religion and spiritualism, politics and power as they affect marginalized communities. Otori works in photography, painting and film. His work shows both the beauty of his land and culture as well as the need for social positive change. Otori received his training first as an apprentice at the ‘Abayomi Barber School of Thought’, University of Lagos and Art and Design at Yaba College of Technology. He established his multimedia studio, working on photography assignments and commissioned art projects, with exhibitions in Lagos, Kampala and Johannesburg. In 2014, he studied digital film making at the SAE Institute Cape Town South Africa. Driven by a strong sense of the importance of equal opportunities for every child, he initiated the “Silent Majority” project, a creative art/ photography workshop for street orphans, the socially deprived or displaced and teenagers in juvenile detention or correctional facilities.

One of Alonge’s photographs captioned ‘For the love of these angels’

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

SHOWBIZFLAIR

19 Tosin Clegg

07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

Iyabo Ojo, ST Nollywood-Plus, Take Okirika Business Online

kirika, a slang for used clothes is trending in cyberspace courtesy of popular Nigerian actress and producer, Iyabo Ojo. With Okirika being a mainstream business in Nigeria, the actress in collaboration with entertainment platform, StarTimes, is capturing that aspect of socio-economic life in a new comedy series to debut soon on ST Nollywood Plus, a StarTimes channel dedicated to premium Nollywood content. The actress and internet sensation is currently trending #okirikaseries challenge on Instagram, with several hilarious skits mimicking okirika sellers, already produced by fans. Exceptional talents who partake in the #Okirikaser-

ies challenge will be auditioned on Sunday, September 19, for a role in the series, powered by the aͿordable payTV platform, StarTimes. To be part of the ongoing audition, fans are requested to do a one-minute video selling Okirika, post and tag # okirikaseries, @startimesng and @ iyaboojofespris, @mukarayo΀cial on Instagram. Okirika is a comedy series featuring A-list actors including Toyin Abraham, Muka Ray, Binta Ayo Mogaji, Jide Kosoko, Korede Bello, Priscilla Ojo. To add spice to the comedy series, there are comedians like Real Warri Pikin, BrodaShaggi, and Debo Macaroni. Other class acts to see in this new comedy series include Olaiya Igwe, Yinka Quadri, Toro Aramide, Small Doctor, Mariam Ray and Iyabo Ojo herself. Okirika, the partnership between

StarTimes and Iyabo Ojo, will be unveiled next week. “StarTimes is demonstrating its commitment to satisfy the growing demands of viewers for local content. Recently, we partnered with Femi Adebayo, the producer of ‘Ile Alayo’, to adapt his blockbuster movie to a comedy series. We shall continue to invest and support home-grown entertainment. The demand for worldclass home-grown entertainment continues to rise. Collaborating with top Nollywood acts like Iyabo Ojo and her team is a big step to our expansion in this market. We have therefore used these partnerships to strengthen ST Nollywood Plus channel to meet the yearnings of Nollywood audience, irrespective of social class,” Ali Auta, Channel Manager, ST Nollywood, StarTimes Nigeria said.

Iyabo Ojo

Papa Ajasco & Company Reloaded Tackles Gender Violence

Wale Adenuga

ale Adenuga Productions (WAP) has partnered with KIN Production to execute a project commissioned by the United Nations Educational ScientiÀc and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for the production of a special season of Papa Ajasco & Company Reloaded which advocates against Gender-based Violence against Women and Girls. In line with European Union and United Nations Spotlight Initiative program, this upcoming special season

of Papa Ajasco & Company Reloaded would feature 13 episodes of several stories advocating against all forms of Gender-based Violence; including Rape, Battery, Child Abuse, Homicide, Early Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation, HIV, Illiteracy, etc, as well as the Culture of Silence; all aimed at bringing about positive changes in social norms, attitude, and behaviours. According to Wale Adenuga Jr., Managing Director WAP, “Over the years, we have collaborated with National Agency for the Prohibition of Tra΀c in Persons (NAPTIP), Society for Family Health (SFH), Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria

(SEC), National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Voices 4 Change, Ministry of Women AͿairs & Poverty Alleviation, and other organisations, to use our popular TV Programmes as eͿective tools for enlightening the populace and promoting societal change on speciÀc issues. We would be revealing more details about our partnership with KIN Production and UNESCO very shortly.” The multiple-award-winning Papa Ajasco & Company Reloaded is watched by millions of viewers across Nigeria and Worldwide, through a strategic combination of Terrestrial and Satellite TV Providers.

King David Plans New EP Nigerian-born UK versatile songwriter, producer and singer, King David The Great, has hinted that he is not averse to becoming a politician and as matter of fact, will be trying his luck at becoming Nigeria’s president in future. The artiste, real name David Agboola, dropped the hint while disclosing his plan to relocate to Nigeria. Making a point-blank declaration, he said, “I will go for the presidency.” King David avowed that he has a good sense of what he would do for Nigeria. “What will be done are many and among them are free health care, security, constant light, clean roads and jobs. These will be the major focus for me.” he said, pointing out that he would work to ensure that the

Naira is one of the strongest currencies in the world. The CEO, Royalty Timeless Music Group, further stated, “I am very passionate about the development of our people and the country, but for now, we must let those who are there now do their jobs and when it’s our turn go and vote and let’s Àx Nigeria together. So for now, music is my focus.” Talking about music, he also hinted about his new EP coming before the end of the year, which would be called Elisium. “It will have 6 to 7 songs. The EP will be very versatile with a lot of diͿerent sounds from the cradle of civilisation. It will be the genesis of things to be brought to light. Every song has a purpose and every sound

and instrument has a purpose, and its purpose will be reviled once it’s released. I’m perfectly happy to perform them on stage because that’s when the music really comes alive to the people as seeing is believing.” Having successfully worked with a long list of local and international artistes in the UK and US, it came as a surprise when he said being an artiste in the diaspora is meant for the strong-minded. He said: “It has its ups and downs, especially when you are an independent artiste, who is not on a major label. It costs a lot of money to do music. What goes on behind music puts a lot of people oͿ. If you are not mentally strong enough, it could be very hard over here.”

king David

PEFTI Ibadan Students Shine in Wap Programmes

Abiola Adenuga, PEFTI, Ibadan

Barely a year after resumption, students of the Ibadan campus of PEFTI Film Institute have begun the journey into stardom, as they have been featured in several Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP); including Superstory TV Drama, The Village Headmaster TV Drama (a partnership between NTA & WAP), and Papa Ajasco & Company Reloaded TV Comedy. According to Abiola Adenuga, Managing Director of PEFTI, “We are proud of the

achievements of our students in Ibadan, as their works as actors & crew members, are being watched by millions of viewers on DStv, StarTimes, GOtv, FreeTV, Play, MyTV, NTA Network, AIT Network, STV Network, and other popular TV platforms. We look forward to celebrating with them as they begin to win awards in Nigeria, and worldwide. Registration is still ongoing, but intending students are advised to hurry to our campus or visit www.pefti.

tv as there are limited slots available.” The establishment, which is approved by Federal Ministry of Education, oͿers 3 and 6-month Professional Practical Training in Acting & Presentation, Script-Writing, Costume & Makeup, Digital Photography, Cinematography, Film Editing, Music, Choreography, Producing & Production Management, and Directing; as well as a wide range of Skill Acquisition Programmes.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

Ford, MacArthur Foundations Commit $5m to Youth Development The Ford and MacArthur Foundations have announced the launch of Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF), to the tune of 5 million to support and strengthen youth leadership ecosystem in Nigeria. The Foundations in close partnership with Leadership, EͿectiveness, Accountability & Professionalism (LEAP) Africa, in charge of fund management will build on momentum in the region, inspired by the youth-led #EndSARS movement. They noted that the NYFF is a Àve-year collaborative fund seeded by 3 million from the Ford Foundation and 2 million from the MacArthur Foundation to facilitate young people’s leadership and civic engagement in Nigeria. The goal of the fund is to raise up to 15 million from additional partners and other foundations. Commenting, Programme O΀cer in the O΀ce of West Africa, Ford Foundation, Dabesaki MacIkemenjima said, “We are excited about this launch because over the last decade, several analyses have shown that there is likely to be a great return on investment in youth across the economic, social, political, and technological domains of Nigeria’s development. I believe that the fund is a critical part of eͿorts to empower youth, enhance their leadership capabilities, expand opportunities for them to be engaged in national development, and

facilitate a proactive and constructive relationship between them and governments across Nigeria.” On his part, MacArthur Foundation on Nigeria programme Co-Director and Director of the Nigeria o΀ce, Kole Shettima stated, “Today’s youth embody the hope and promise of a thriving Nigeria that will lead the African continent for generations to come. There is no better time to invest in the civic engagement and participation of our young people, and the NYFF will sustain their work locally and amplify their voices in the halls of power.” According to the sponsors, NYFF will build on the momentum of #EndSARS protests in 2020 to convene an imaginative futures working group of young people between age 35 and below at the national and state levels. They would work to explore and discuss visions, challenges, and opportunities for Nigeria in 2025, 2030, and 2050, support hubs of innovation to advance ideas development and create funds that will provide grant for activists. Executive Director of LEAP Africa, Femi Taiwo said, “We are leveraging our 19 years of experience working with Nigerian youths and our multi-sectoral convening power, to build a stronger and more resilient youth ecosystem that will decisively contribute to the long-term development plans of Nigeria.”

L-R:Member, Communications Unit, Nigerian Startup Bill (NSB) Tracy Okoro; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami; Chief of Staﬀ to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; and Senior Special Assistant to the President, Col. Felix Orevoghene Alaita (Rtd), at the two days engagement event for MDAs on the Nigerian Startup Bill held in Abuja recently

Firm Unveils Business Directory for Artisans, SMEs Integrated Marketing firm, ABT Marketing Nigeria Ltd has launched an online business directory where artisans and small and medium enterprises operators can connect and interact with their potential customers. According to the organisation, the move aligned with the Federal Government’s efforts at boosting economic development, by leveraging Information Communications Technology (ICT) resources. Managing Director of the firm, Ridwan Onitolo explained that the platform “is designed for end to end business owners and users” to connect within and outside their network, while enhancing owners visibility. “The web platform would afford artisans and any business owner an opportunity to advertise, showcase and communicate with consumers”, Onitolo pointed out. He added that the service, which comes free for the first one year, would also bridge trust gap between buyers and sellers. “Often time, we see artisans screed their names on

street walls in the name of advertisement, whereas people are scared in dealing with such business owners as they are unsure of the source. “To get onboard, all you need to do is to list yourself with the organisation’s management, get verified and your subscription will be live on the web. “All skilled workers such as bakers, plumber, tailor, screeders, painters, barbers, stylists, mechanics/ engineers, carpentry, make-ups, tie and dye and events planners, amongst others can now list themselves for easy access by users “We are offering free advertisement package for selected entrepreneurs. This will come as a giveaway on feedback we get through direct training programme we run time to time. Our media crew will do a creative advertising package and interview the business owner and sell it on media channels for clients to achieve tremendous growth”. Onitolo informed that the platform would also give subscribers more edge at ABT forthcoming annual Trade Exhibitions and fair coming up in Lagos.

LASAA Prepares for Stakeholders Conference Plans are in top gear for the 2021 Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) conference and exhibition for stakeholders The meeting would explore innovative solutions to issues affecting outdoor advertising industry since the outbreak of COVID-19. Managing Director of LASAA, Prince Adedamola Docemo stated further that the conference, themed, “Roadmap for the Growth of Signage and Out-ofHome Advertisement Post Covid-19 in Lagos” would expose sector stakeholders to trends and future of outdoor advertising. Docemo in a statement added that the conference was part of the fulfilment of Lagos’ Smart City plans. He said, “This conference opens the opportunity for all advertising stakeholders to come together in

search of a new future for outdoor advertising in line with Lagos’ Smart City plans and the THEMES Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State who is expected to be the special guest at the event. “It will also provide an opportunity for the exchange of ideas, debates and deliberations between representatives from the public and private sectors and key players in the outdoor advertising industry, both locally and internationally.” He urged participants and exhibitors to register for the programme where the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat will be delivering the key note address on “The Imperatives of Data Analytics and Automation for the Development of a Smart City Lagos.”

Guinness Nigeria Innovates with ‘Dial-A-Delivery’ Service Beverage brand, Guinness Nigeria has stepped up its game with latest ‘Dial-A-Delivery’ service to allow ease of product delivery within Lagos metropolis. According to the Marketing and Innovation Director of Guinness Nigeria, Adenike Adebola, the service would enable consumers Ànd perfect drink for each occasion.

Explaining further, Adebola said, “Our goals with Dial-A-Delivery are quite simple. Taking the stress out of getting drinks is for us a key task in keeping the memory in the moment. “Whether shaking, mixing, or drinking neat; whether relaxing alone or in the company of friends and family, every experience, each moment, should be memorable”.

Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh (right), handing a souvenir to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, during a courtesy visit to the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos, recently

Five Cowries, US Consulate Partner to Support Education Growth Five Cowries Arts Education Initiative (FCI) has joined force with the US Consulate to train 100 teachers in Oyo state. The move is in continuation of FCI’s efforts to close teachers’ skills gap in Nigeria by offering relevant training and support. The benefitting teachers would undergo a twelve-month long programme with the American Corner. The programme termed “Ibadadun” will begin with an induction exercise to prepare selected mentors for the task ahead. According to the sponsors, which also included 1 Million Teachers (1MT), the programme involved 50 primary school teachers and 50 secondary school teachers who will be supported with physical materials and resources. Explaining further, Founder of FCI, Polly Alakija said, “Each teacher will receive 100 sets of eight ’My Story of Water’ Worksheet which will be distributed on a monthly basis. Hence, WhatsApp became primary communication channels for the teachers and their mentors, with many sharing positive feedback on the

effectiveness and enjoyability of the activities and training available via the 1MT platform. “These activities on the platform are keeping with our general goal which is to enhance the quality of Nigeria’s education through the arts. They have taken several forms, including exercises that foster creative thinking amongst teachers, educate them on art materials, enable them to cultivate a culture of recycling, as well as empower them to impact the children around them.” Alakija noted that the programme goes beyond the effect on teachers, but also the output on Five Cowries’ legacy and the passing on of relevant tools for a broadreaching and enhanced teaching experience. She added, “We celebrate our educators. Often unsung, an empowered educator is key to unlocking the potential of the child. At FCI, we do this through bringing cultural based learning into the teaching experience by equipping all educators with creative tools which are culturally relevant. It is an honour and a joy to be able to work with 100 teachers in Oyo state.”

Dubai Expo: Monument Group to Participate in NigerianTrade Forum Monument Group, a top tier Nigerian conglomerate active in the Real Estate, Energy, and Fintech sectors, has announced its plans to participate in the upcoming Dubai Expo 2020. This was disclosed at a roundtable discussion hosted by the Group in collaboration with Jonomi Ventures, an emerging venture capital Àrm focused on early-stage start-ups in Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Speaking about the Group’s plans to explore opportunities provided by the Expo, an Executive Director of the Group, Mr. Faiz Imam stated that, “Monument is keen on participating at the Nigerian Trade and Investment Forum of the Dubai 2020 Expo. We recognize

the abundant opportunities oͿered by the Expo and we look forward to tapping from them.” The event, which had in attendance the Nigerian Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency, Alhaji Muhammadu Dansanta Rimi as well as renowned business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs from the Middle East, Africa and Asia regions, was held in Dubai. The discussions centered on cross-border investments, business development and opportunities across both countries. In the same vein, the Nigerian Ambassador to the UAE noted that the expo is a great opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its excellent investment opportunities, as well as abundant human and natural resources.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

PEOPLE Azibaola Robert: from Lawyer to Inventor Austin Akpokumoh

In history, there are people who create things and leave behind their marks on the sands of time and I want to create a niche behind so that in the near future when I am no more, the invention will continue to speak for me. What I am pioneering now is not about just making money but leaving a worthy legacy that others can benefit from. That is all my desire and ambition hat is Azibaola Robert describing the vision behind his venture into the world of Engineering and technology. Born in Otakeme community of Bayelsa State on 13th February, 1969, Azibaola Emmanuel Robert has always shown a burning desire for designing, craftsmanship and creativity even though he ended up reading law at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology and practised briefly before pitching his tent in human rights defence and promotion. His crave for building and creating things in order to add value to society must have been fired by his radical thinking right from his university days when he served as the vice president of the National Association of Nigeria Student, NANS, in 1993 and later plunged himself into human rights defence and promotion using the platform of the Niger Delta Human and Environmental Recue Organisation (ND-HERO) to push for development, peace and environmental justice in the oil-producing communities of the Niger Delta. From the small beginning as the leader of ND-HERO, Robert went on to establish many high-tech engineering firms such as Mangrovetech, Kakatar Engineering, Oneplus Holdings Limited, firms that handle sophisticated designs and engineering projects worth billions across Nigeria, among them the Maitama Extension District Infrastructure project at the cost of N23 billion, Kyami District Infrastructure at the cost of N60.8 billion, the dredging and sand-filling of the Bayelsa International Airport at cost of 10.4 billion and the Shore Erosion Control Works of Akepelai, Ayakoro and Otuoke communities at N7.6 billion. To stem his desire for designing and fabrication of car engines and other spare parts, Robert has been busy assembling a large number of precision engineering machines and tools and installing them in the Abuja Industrial District in Idu, and the place is now a tourist attraction of some sort, attracting hordes of visitors on a daily basis. Although he is just venturing into the machine-manufacturing arena, Robert is not an accidental inventor but a diehard planner, explorer and creator who thinks through every process he needs to surmount in order to achieve his set goal. That may explain why he chooses fabrication, cutting and joining of parts to make furniture, tools and machines over his law practice. He neither exhibits the traits of an engineer nor possesses the paper qualifications to operate as one. But, with a searing zeal and unbridled focus and determination to leave a mark as an inventor, Azibaola Emmanuel Robert is comfortably at the threshold of making history as the pioneer Nigerian lawyer to manufacture electric cars, heavy duty trucks and allied machines that the country currently imports from other countries. Encouraged by his vision to invent basic and avant-garde brands of vehicles for Nigeria, Robert remains firm and resolute in his resolve to carve a niche in the car manufacturing sector and revolutionise the system for the good of country and people. And, for this reason, Robert, who was called to the Nigerian bar in 1995, goes about the process of perfecting the car production line in Abuja as if his entire life depends on the project that has the potential to thrust him

Azibaola Robert with a global emblem as the first lawyer to produce cars in Nigeria and put his name on the sands of time. Robert is filled with brilliant and big ideas that can move mountains and create monuments. His obsession with creating things in order to add value to society must have been fired by his radical thinking right from his university days. To satisfy his desire of designing and producing cars, heavy duty trucks and machines that can move human beings, goods and services and improve the quality of lives, Robert has been busy assembling a large number of precision engineering machines and tools and installing them. Robert is aiming to produce the first set of cars, trucks and heavy duty machines under the brand name of Zeetin Engineering, which is vast becoming a tourism centre in the Abuja Industrial Zone in Abuja given the number and calibre of sophisticated equipment already assembled and the kinds of clients, who besiege the premises daily. Although he is just venturing into the machine-manufacturing arena, Robert is not an accidental inventor but a diehard planner, explorer and creator who thinks through every process he needs to surmount in order to achieve his set goal. That may explain why he chooses fabrication, cutting and joining of parts to make furniture, tools and machines over his law practice. He is so good in welding and fabrication using high-tech machines that he finds it very easy to produce any part needed for virtually any sector in Nigeria including aviation, oil and gas, marine and household. When Robert is welding or fabricating in the huge factory, not many would ever suspect that he is a lawyer who merely shows raw interest in using machine to produce sophisticated equipment. He is a wizard in handling precision engineering tools and a delight to watch when in operation. Robert routinely operates all the complex machines and is able to explain to all what each does and how it works to produce whatever type of machine or tool

is required. As at today, not many firms in Africa can boast of what Robert has assembled in Nigeria under Zeetin Engineering in his bid to roll out electric cars, heavy duty trucks and machines. A visit to the place, which looks like a huge tank farm, is always engaging because of the presence of jaw-breaking and tongue-twisting names of machines. Among the equipment already installed and working at Zeetin Engineering in Abuja, which can aid in the manufacturing of any type of machine, are: hydraulic angle rolling machine, hydraulic press brake, hydraulic steel worker machine, hydraulic swing beam shears machine, tank dish flanging machine, plate rolling/bending machine, 5-axis waterjet cutting machine, plasma cutting machine, UMC 1600 machine and Accuway Lathe machine. All of these put together can produce any component or part needed to churn out a car, truck or any other machine simply because they are essentially used in forging rings, flanges, bearings, gears, wheels and sleeve rings for use by the automobile, aerospace, oil and gas industry. All the equipment have been carefully installed in a factory that is nearing completion in terms of adding finishing touches and aesthetics although the power needed to carry all the machines may pose a challenge and cause some delay to its takeoff. But there is rising hope for the engineering firm to get its first line products out soon given the assurances of support that the company is getting from within and outside Nigeria. Apparently due to the concrete work done by Robert and his company, the Bank of Industry has visited and seen things for itself with a promise to support the production with serious financial outlay. A few months after the visit by top officials of the BoI to see the wonderful engineering work being done there, the representatives of Nigerian Export and Import Bank, NEXIM, also visited Zeetin factory and were impressed with what they saw and also promised to look into ways of working with the firm

to realise its goal of producing cars for Nigeria. In the same vein, the leadership of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, which regulates engineering practice in Nigeria, has also paid a working visit to Zeeting during which Robert and his team of engineers conducted the experts round the project and explained the functions of the complex machines in the factory to them. “I just want to use my brain and resources to invent something that can add value to Nigeria and Nigerians even though I am a trained lawyer,” Robert said when asked about the motivation for veering into engineering design and fabrication. In spite of all that Robert has achieved and what he is working on, he chooses to embellish himself in unadulterated humility while actively pressing the success button to reach his destinations. As close as he is to former President Goodluck Jonathan, who he calls ‘My Brother’, Robert never flew the presidential jet or rode in the same car with the man throughout his presidency but chose to work in the background to get things done. Robert is a gifted and talented personality especially in the areas of creative thinking with vast knowledge in computers and computing and is a wizard in the use of software applications for designs, graphics and programming applications. He also has experience in craftsmanship and carpentry, appreciable knowledge of workings of engines and other mechanical devices including fluids and fluid mechanics as well as power and power systems, which have assisted him immensely in dealing with the huge ambition of churning out cars and trucks at a time of national economic challenge. With each passing day, Robert’s dream of producing Nigeria’s first electric car, truck and machine, which he saw when he was born in 1969, is gradually becoming a reality and bringing him closer to the threshold of history and a revolutionary. Akpokumoh, a public analyst wrote from Yenogoa, Bayelsa State.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

PEOPLE Lyze Bamigbola

My Goal is to Inspire Confidence, Create Timeless Sophistication in Women Hat making is an expression of creativity which adds beauty to a fashion sense and glamour to complement a suitable dress. The ability to create hats in the most fashionable way is an art that speaks to the heart. It can be worn for sundry occasions like weddings, garden parties, the races, graduations, charity events or soiree affairs. There are many of such creatives world-over who have the ability to form beauty with their own hands and make good out of straw, fabric and felt, an electric mix and other contemporary materials. One of them is Lyze Bamigbola, the proprietress of Lyze Hats. Fascinated with the passion for hat making from a young age, she sought ways to unleash and express her desires for what she really loved. With a strong art and nonarts educational background, she is blessed with the wit to impact and teach the younger generation. Lyze is known to have learnt from some of the world’s greats in her field and has a blend of western and African experience, which is evident in her works and expression. She takes Azuka Ogujiuba through the creative process of her wonderful hat collections and reveals some personal details about her life

e learnt you have two non-art related degrees, tell us about that My two non-Art related degrees are a teaching certificate and degree - NCE, BA (Ed); Women Studies with Third World Studies - BA, MA With such a grounded educational background, why hats making and at what point did you decide to venture into hat making? I have always been an enquiring mind, a ‘out-of-the-box’ thinker, more of a creative mind and wanted to settle at that but my parents didn’t think it was a great career path. It wasn’t until I was in my first year of university that I sneakingly took the GCE O’Level (without any tutelage) in Fine Art and Design. I was awarded a high grade, A². I took the result home. My result was proof to my parents I was serious about Art in whatever form, which I finally settled down to embark on, in the form of Design, Calligraphy and Hat Making. My love of Graphics led me to my very first artistic project; and still in my first year in university; I secured this project with the help of a friend. I designed a signage for a high-end shop, of the time and, 25 years after, the ‘Stopcentre’ logo on Allen Avenue, where it was originally designed for, is still in use. Having an outlandish fashion sense, I decided to channel this into fashion, but I wanted a challenge, I didn’t want dressmaking either. I wanted to be an accessory designer. I struggled to choose between shoe making and Millinery (hat making). I knew I would need more tuition and guidance for whichever I was going to choose. I was not swayed. In 1999; I enrolled for a three-year course at the Kensington and Chelsea College to study Millinery Design. I have not looked back since. You’ve taken different courses so far in your quest to enhance your skills and be at the peak of your career, how impactful has this process been especially so that younger generations can learn to invest such in their craft? The Headwear industry is everchanging. Each course is an addition to previous knowledge and an enhancement to already acquired skills. No knowledge is lost. It is important to update one’s skills but more essential to have a firm

Bamigbola

foundation. Many “makers” of today do not have that. This is no easy feat as good courses are expensive, so are materials. With passion, focus and determination, The urge to be the best becomes a burning desire,

so does the urge to seek good institution to teach intricacies, techniques and design astethics of Millinery. One is amongst the best at what one does. It is also advisable to find one’s niche. You just don’t do

or go after something because someone else is doing it. With the availability of the internet, there are few free starter courses but an investment in good foundation courses is a must.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

PEOPLE 0\ *RDO LV WR ,QVSLUH &RQÀGHQFH &UHDWH 7LPHOHVV 6RSKLVWLFDWLRQ LQ :RPHQ You’ve got loads of competitors in your chosen career, what stands your brand, Lyze Hats, out? It is always good to have competitors. I am a “hat designer,” everything is created from start to finish. The final headpiece speaks for itself, carefully planned each step of the way. My style is a classic assertion; this reflects in vibrant, quirky and fresh creations. My passion for perfection is seen all through each headpiece, which is carefully crafted, hand blocked, hand-stitched all throughout with high grade materials. My attention to “detail, functionality and design” matched with an excellent client relationship management makes my work stand out. My clients will vouch for this. I pride myself in the originality of my work and my interest is not only in the headpiece worn, but the styling of my client’s complete outfit. My ultimate goal is to “inspire confidence, create a timeless sophistication in the wearer whilst also pleasing the observer.” I say, “a lady in one of my creations dictates her own outcome, in which she can be elusive, mysterious, seductive, wild or flamboyant.” What has been your major challenge and if you could advocate for a change in that regard, what would that be? For ‘makers’ to learn this craft properly. So suddenly; everyone is a ‘Milliner’ and everyone is tutoring. I see a lot of the ‘glue gun’ use rather than hand-stitching, use of inappropriate materials too, it seems to be a quick fix to a result. I would advocate for investment in good foundational training. Free Youtube videos will not teach the basics, techniques, processes, fashionIllustration and design of this ever changing Millinery industry. Also, for more headwear to be worn. We also learnt that you tutor others, which is by far a generational knowledge, if handled seriously. What do you want to be remembered for? Yes, I tutor privately from time to time and most recently, taken on members of Milliners Network Association of Nigeria whose 4th yearly hat exhibition is on 9th October, 2021. I saw potential in some upcoming makers; I also realised some things were not done correctly. We hold classes on Wednesdays at the Millinery Lyceum Group. I am thinking of getting adequate materials across, as well so certain projects could be carried out effectively. I would want to be remembered for one who inspired others, fostered and strengthened their vision by sharing my knowledge. That alone maximises my joy and will make me fulfilled. What’s your advice for men and women who are faced with domestic violence in their marriages? Everyone deserves to be happy in whatever ‘ship’ they are in. When one is threatened physically and one’s mental health is at stake, basically it is time to get out before it is too late. Often better than being carried out in a bodybag or maimed. Tell us about your formative years I was born in the Borough of Buckinghamshire (now Berkshire), England. I have four siblings. I had a sound education. My late father was always quick to say “Your education is your only legacy”. I hear his words reverberating. They have stayed with me and I made sure I toed that line, did what my parents wanted but also found a way to eventually follow my passion and successfully hand the baton on. Being 6ft 1’ and outlandish, I gave modelling a shot. I was called in for my first modelling job. The test shots came out beautifully and were sold. They were first printed in the Nigerian newspaper. The Vanguard. They were printed on a Sunday. My father was livid and he wrote about his

Bamigbola

displeasure to me...but I had signed a contract, and the pictures kept coming. Can we say you were born with a silver spoon? Absolutely not. My parents were educated and were both comfortable. We led s normal life. How did your background shape your life? My parents were super strict. Basic values instilled and this shaped my background and even when I started living on my own. I always remembered what was instilled in me. I really couldn’t step out of line What was the best gift you remember receiving as a child? I actually don’t remember, but no giftcould have taken the place of a sheet of paper and a pencil. I would draw and scribble for ages. No gift could take the place of novels. I read at any given time, stealing moments behind the house and late

nights to finish reading; the toilet being the safest place to escape. In one instance, I had JHC (James Hadley Chase) ‘The way the Cookie Crumbles’ in my Bible during a Bible Knowledge class. I was engrossed. The Rev Sister Joanna had asked a question and called me to answer. I didn’t hear her speak to me nor realised she had stealthily walked up to me. I was caught and I served my due punishment thereafter. What was the most difficult thing that has ever happened to you in all your years and how did you overcome it? Not being able to know where to start with my passion, as soon as I came to the UK. It will take a few visits to career advisers to know what to do and what was needed to steer me in the right direction. What do you consider the biggest mistake you have ever made? Oh dear! The biggest mistake I have made is allowing people stay

and having an undeserved frontal seat far more longer than they deserved to. It is very important to decide who gets to sit in the front row and who should be moved to the balcony in your life. What are some of the lessons life has taught you? To always remember the ‘front row’ seats are for special and deserving people and they ought to be chosen carefully. Everyone can’t be in your front row. What are your plans going forward, what are your future plans? I intend to develop the brand, have more heads wear my creations, Add More Millinery hubs over the world. At present, my headpieces can be purchased in Nigeria at Head And Shoulders, Ikoyi, whilst continuing to tutor privately. What’s your biggest fear in life? Failing! I say this to myself always....’Lyze, you have only one shot, and you have to hit the bull’s eye.’

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18 , 2021

POLITY

Late M.D Yusuf’s Youth Empowerment Legacy in Katsina Francis Sardauna writes that the empowerment of 11,901 vulnerable people at the KatsinaVocationalTraining Centre will contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the state and Nigeria

worrisome exposition of Nigeria’s astronomical youth unemployment statistics, recently released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), has again triggered a nationwide anxiety over a possible social upheaval if unchecked by relevant authorities. According to the NBS data, Nigeria’s national unemployment rate rose to 33.3 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2020 from 27.1 per cent in the second quarter of the same year, while underemployment rate fell from 28.6 per cent to 22.8 per cent within the same period. With the NBS’s statistics and explanation, Nigeria’s youth population, eligible to work is about 40 million, with only 14.7 million fully employed, and an estimated 11.2 million having no identifiable means of income, despite being touted as ‘future leaders’. The unemployment record in the country clearly portrays an increase in idle hands across the length and breadth of Nigeria. More worrisome is that youths in most cases are not even given the needed platform to freely express themselves in the country, thereby turning unemployment to the greatest challenge confronting the youths today. Unfortunately, this has become a looming predicament to national security. Therefore, the NBS statistics leave no one in doubt that the government is not ready yet to take the unemployed youths off the streets. Also, the statistics are clearly a recipe for social disharmony across the country. To tackle this age-long problem, the Katsina Vocational Training Centre (KTC) in the past 20 years, has been championing its humanitarian services for the less privileged, particularly vulnerable children, women, youths and students from across the 34 local government areas of Katsina State. The nongovernmental organisation (NGO), which is operating from Katsina, located at 09, MD Yusuf Street, Kerau quarters, was established in 2000 by late Police IG, MD Yusuf to train and empower vulnerable youths, identify demoralised youths who engaged in drug abuse and political thuggery with a view to helping them out of the menace. Other paramount objectives of the organisation is to find out effective ways of assisting people in boosting their business and vocational endeavours, fish out gifted and talented youths who have nobody to sponsor them achieve academic excellence, as well as empower disabled persons to appreciate the fact that there is “ability in disability”. Despite the death of the octogenarian, the vocational training centre has been training students on tailoring, shoe making, electric wiring, welding, motor and auto mechanic, carpentry, GSM repair and logging, computer and internet management, fish farming, bakery, driving, catering and restaurant services, among other notable vocational skills. To sustain its Corporate Social Responsibility, the centre has, from inception, trained and empowered more than 11,901 vulnerable people carefully selected from across the 34 Local Government Areas of the state with a view to boosting their businesses and vocational skills that would make them self-reliant. This curbed their overdependence on government for white-collar jobs, which many have noticed are not forthcoming. Established out of the need to touch lives and enhance the socio-economic development of the needy and the country at large, the vocational training centre has also trained 2,770 inmates at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Katsina, and additional 870 others at the Katsina Correctional Centre. Aside the aforementioned unprecedented achievements, the centre has embarked on proffering solution for effective skills development, such as management and administration of skill development centres in an outsourced environment, mobilised, trained and certified candidates for employment, skill inventories; build-operate-transfer of skill development centres, as well as design of process, framework for skills instructors within and outside the state. In spite of the misgivings of the harsh economy occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Katsina Vocational Training Centre did not dash the hopes of these teeming vulnerable people, particularly the youths, women and children. The centre kept faith with them and hosted the 2021 International Youths Day where it empowered another set of 315 youths with sewing and knitting machines, fashion designing machines and take-off capital for the sustainability of their businesses. Speaking during the programme, the Coordinator of the Centre, Malam Muhammad Danjuma Katsina

Late M.D Yusuf

explained that the business kits presented to the 315 graduate trainees would serve as take-off support to enable them establish various businesses and vocations. Katsina, a seasoned journalist and Publisher of the famous Katsina City News Magazine and Taskar Labarai, urged the beneficiaries, who were mostly youths and women, to make the best use of the opportunity to develop themselves and become relevant in the nation’s economic redevelopment plans. He said: “As a proactive vocational training centre, we have lined up a lot of youths empowerment programmes, a lot of skills development initiatives that will bring out the best in our youths and give them the opportunity to use their talents and creativities to develop themselves and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the state and the country at large. “It is only through vocational trainings and empowerment programmes like this that we can reduce the unemployment burden in Katsina which will contribute to the efforts in fighting insecurity.” He explained that the empowerment programmes would help youths develop their potential, saying “This, we believed will address the issue of youth restiveness, reduce crimes and other vices capable of undermining development efforts across the country.” According to him, the Katsina Vocational Training Centre was established to, among other things, harness the energies and capacities of Nigeria’s teeming youths to propel them into the much-needed economic recovery, in line with the federal and state government’s economic diversification plans. The coordinator of the centre, who decried the alarming unemployment figures from the National Bureau of Statistics, warned that the situation should not be allowed to degenerate further, given the bright ideas and big dreams of the youths. He added that the centre would continue to assist youths and implement their business ideas, thereby providing the mechanism for stimulating growth, reducing unemployment, as well as addressing youth restiveness. In his goodwill message at the event, the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Abubakar Musa Danladi, apparently worried by the increasing spate of insecurity facing the nation, urged the youths to engage themselves in productive ventures that would better their lives and the nation. He said the time had come for the Nigerian youth to denounce their involvement in crimes and engage in skillful ventures that would make them more useful to themselves, their communities, the nation and

Muhammed Katsina

Africa at large. He said government was bringing out leadership role that would take the youths out of being used as instrument of distraction, destabiisation in the hands of some selfish politicians who never meant well for them and the country. Danladi stressed that youths must redirect their mindset towards productive ventures, bring out God’s given innovations in them through the various innovation hubs, knowledge sharing, professional development, networking, mentorships and making impact, including partnership, consistency, transparency for growth; youth empowerment and sustainable development in the society. The training and empowerment of more than 11,901 vulnerable people by the Katsina Vocational Training Centre would no doubt contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of Katsina State and Nigeria in general. Speakers at the centre harped on the urgent need for state government, philantropists, religious and traditional leaders to support the centre in its quest to take unemployed youths off the streets. The Founder of the centre, MD Yusuf, born on November 10, 1931, died in 2015 after a brief illness. He was the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) between July 30, 1975 and 1979. Yusuf was seconded to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) as an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in 1962. He obtained his elementary, middle schools and higher educational qualifications at Katsina Provincial School, Katsina, School for Arabic Studies, Kano, 1947, Institute of Administration, Zaria (1952 – 1953) and Christ Church College (Oxford University). Among his numerous honours, the former police chief held the Nigeria Police Medal, Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (COFR), Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). After his retirement from the NPF, Mr. Yusuf held various national appointments, such as the Chairman of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited in 1994, Chairman, Central Working Committee of the Arewa Consultative Forum, a northern cultural and Socio-political association (2001), and Chairman, Presidential Committee on Nigeria Police Force Reform. Yusuf died seven years ago but his memory still remains fresh in the minds of many people because of the legacies and humanitarian services he rendered during his lifetime. He was also a Presidential candidate on the platform of the Grassroots Democratic Movement, and Movement for Democracy and Justice. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

POLITY

Air Peace/NFF Partnership: A New Dawn for Sports Chidiebere Nwobodo

igeria’s sports have repeatedly suffered in the past not only as a result of inadequate funding from government but private sector seeming neglect and apathy towards investing in the nation’s sports development. Sports, especially football is the most unifying factor in Nigeria today. With the growing tendencies of polarization of the polity across ethno-religious divides, one of the avenues to pull this nation together, albeit continuously, is to ride on the Nigerians’ unalloyed love for football, to find and nurture a meeting point of unity, peace and harmony amongst the nation’s citizenry. Chief Allen Onyema, as the propelling force behind Air Peace’s meteoric rise to stardom in the aviation industry, has stroke the chord again. He has chosen to stick out his neck in his usual manner to bring hope to Nigeria’s football vis-a-vis national teams - the only umbrella that still binds us together as one people with collective destiny. Onyema via Air Peace has decided to be part of the solution not a member of choir of lamentations or hordes of vile critics. Recently, Air Peace entered into a deal with Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to be the Federation’s official airline sponsor of the national teams. It is a four-year agreement worth over N300 million per year; renewable annually. This is a milestone for the nation’s football in particular and sports in general. I can remember vividly with nostalgia that some of the challenges Super Eagles and other national teams used to have hinged on flight related issues, whenever they were going for a major tournament. Imagine what happens to the morale of players when they encounter flight difficulties: delays, cancelations, ill treatment by foreign airlines, etcetera. In some cases, as a result of non- availability of flights, the national teams used unsafe routes just to get to their destinations, thereby endangering their lives and wrecking their psyches ahead of crucial games. Whenever this shameful development occurs, it rubs off negatively on the image of Nigeria as giant of Africa in the comity of nations. Once the spirit of players is dampened, it will definitely show in their performance of which turn out, poorly. With this strategic synergy between Air Peace and Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), it is a new dawn in the nation’s sports. Nigeria’s flag will be waved proudly at international fora as a result of new steam of motivation and vigor of inspiration that Air Peace has brought through this partner-

Allen Onyema ship. National teams can now be assured best of flight services with ultramodern brand new planes - Embraer 195-E2s, in Air Peace’s fleet. There is a national pride when a country’s national team is not only airlifted to a major competition abroad, but it is done by an indigenous airline which is also one of its major sponsors. Imagine for a moment what happens to psychology of our national team members, upon landing in a foreign land for a major competition, and they are being given glorious welcome at the airport by beautiful amazons attired in Air Peace’s regalia - replica of what transpired in Lagos during Nigeria/Liberia match - when gorgeous Air Peace hostesses ushered the players into the stadium. It is like going for conquest having at the back of your mind that patriotic spirit as epitomized by Air Peace’s dazzling

hostesses is solidly behind you. This is one of the strategies of victories in sports - being treated like a victor even before the competition begins. Before now, our national teams were given denigrating treatments undeserving of any team that worth its salt. If they were not complaining of inadequacy of jerseys, they would be distraught as a result of poor allowances. Air Peace’s entry into the fray will definitely change the fortunes of our national teams. Funding for the teams will be increased by this synergy. Running cost expended in flights will be reduced. Most importantly, the morale of the team members will be boosted. As a teenager in secondary school, I can still recall how my school’s football team used to be in high spirit, especially when we were going for a competition using our school buses. We sang, shouted and rejoiced. The mood was electrifying. The euphoria was out of this world. It was not same, periodically when we hired buses to convey our teams to venues for major competitions. This is the childhood passion for sports Air Peace Airline has begun to recreate in our national teams via this partnership with Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). Having our biggest indigenous airline - the largest in West Africa, with all its paraphernalia, convey our national teams to competition is a huge morale booster. Chief Allen Onyema’s unbridled patriotism did not start today. Before emergence of Air Peace, he has been human capacity builder, lover of the youths, peace maker, conflict manager cum neutralizer, and unapologetic nationalist. He preaches unity and love of country even when it is not politically correct to do so. His courageous role in resolving militancy in the Niger Delta, is a story many Nigerians are not yet acquainted with and should be told comprehensively in a separate article, probably in the future. His rescue mission in SouthAfrica at the heat of xenophobic attacks of Nigerians living there, still resonates in the minds of Nigerians. Onyema had to abort his sleep after a busy day to be at the airport by 2am of the next day, just to make a soothing and inspiring speech to Super Eagles traveling to Cape Verde. t /XPCPEP XSJUFT GSPN "CVKB BOE DBO SFBDIFE BU DIJEJFCFSFOXPCPEP!ZBIPP DPN 3FBE GVMM BSUJDMF POMJOF XXX UIJTEBZMJWF DPN

Celebrating Otunba Odeyeyiwa at 50 Goke Ilesanmi

ariety, the maxim goes, is the spice of life. Variety indeed makes life more interesting, especially when we consider the impacts of the diversity of our mindsets on emotional counterbalance in the society. Just imagine how this world would have been if it were occupied by selfish and heartless people alone! Definitely, the rate of depression and attendant suicide would have skyrocketed. But by divine design, there are also very few selfless human beings with the strong passion of making the world a better place for everyone, thus stimulating emotional relief. One of such rare humanitarians is Otunba Odeyeyiwa Kazeem Olayemi, an astute entrepreneur, passionate philanthropist and MD/CEO of Repton Group. This naturally-golden man who attains the golden age of 50 on Thursday, September 16 therefore deserves special celebration in reciprocity. Otunba’s major passion in life is best captured by the blended personal mission and vision statement of his entrepreneurial CV, “To be an entrepreneur and productively and profitably run my own businesses, contribute to macro-economic development through massive job creation and give back to the society and the needy through wellstructured corporate social responsibility initiatives and/or community development programmes.” His strong commitment to this mission is practically confirmed by the fact that Repton Group that he owns parades profitable subsidiaries such as Kazab Heritage, Success Link, Ibile Motors, Defrost Ventures Limited and Continental Vision. Kazab Heritage, the Group’s trading arm for cement business achieved the landmark of becoming the National Largest Distributor of Lafarge Cement and National Second Largest Distributor of Dangote Cement in Nigeria in 2020. In 2017, the same subsidiary emerged the National Largest Distributor of Lafarge Cement and National Fourth Largest Distributor of Dangote Cement in Nigeria. Otunba’s commendable devotion to his passion has equally facilitated his conferment with the traditional business title of “Babalaje” (i.e. Successful Business Man) of Itori Egba Land, Ogun State in recognition of his exceptional business management acumen. This great philanthropist has also bagged the chieftaincy title of Otunba Bobagunwa of Modakeke, Osun State in appreciation of his outstanding royal support, communal commitment and massive corporate social responsibility. Therefore, for Otunba, the popular maxim that a prophet does not have honour in his hometown does not apply. His

exemplary lifestyle, religious devotion and philanthropy have equally earned him the grand religious title of “Baba Adinni” of Ewekoro Central Mosque. In significant commitment to communal development, Otunba has sunk boreholes for provision of water for the people of Araromi in Oyo, Amudooba at Modakeke and Ile Agbaje Compound, Iraye, also at Modakeke among other projects. Otunba’s Unique Selling Points are the multiplicity of his great attributes. This visionary corporate executive, versatile professional accountant and motivational human manager is a highly motivated, efficient and energetic businessman with unique financial, analytical, organisational and creative skills. He is also reputable for a high level of integrity and endowed with rare passion for constant achievement of results. The hardworking, quality-conscious Otunba is especially skilled in building effective and productive working relationships with his customers and staff alike. You need to be at the yearly staff retreat of Repton Group to better appreciate the elasticity of the corporate life of flexibility and accessibility of this great businessman. His cordial relationships with his staff always impress me whenever I am invited to speak at the yearly staff retreat. Otunba is simply an excellent model of an interactive, influential and charismatic corporate leader. It is interesting that his special trademarks have a natural explanation that confirms that he is on a divine mission on earth. On its website, Futurescope Astrology, an international organisation that specialises in the interpretation of zodiac (sun) signs and dates with associated attributes says, “For people born on September 16, the zodiac sign is Virgo. Virgos are usually helpful, they are the first to offer themselves to do favours and they are very modest people. They are hardworking, honest and reliable.” Futurescope Astrology then summarises the natural attributes of Virgos as “hardworking, helpful, patient, reliable, analytical, intelligent, honest, modest, observant and organised”. Anyone that relates with Otunba will totally agree with Futurescope Astrology on the accuracy of its interpretation regarding these special trademarks of Virgos that constitute their Unique Selling Points. These excellent natural attributes also explain Otunba’s outstanding success in paid employment at Lafarge Wapco Plc, Kimberly-Clark Nigeria, A.G. Leventis (Nigeria), etc. These Virgo attributes, especially hardwork and intelligence, naturally offer explanation about Otunba’s great thirst for multiplicity of quality academic and professional qualifications. For instance, apart from being a holder of an MBA degree from the Business School of the Netherlands and another MBA degree in General Management from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, this encyclopedic corporate pacesetter is also a Certified Information System

Odeyeyiwa Auditor. Otunba is a multiple Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria; Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria; Nigerian Institute of Management; Nigerian Institute of Marketing and Institute of Management Consultants of Nigeria. He is equally a Full Member of the Institute of Directors, Nigeria and an alumnus of the Prestigious Lagos Business School, Nigeria. What’s more, in alignment with the natural Virgo attributes of modesty and kindness, Otunba has decided to celebrate his golden birthday not by throwing a multi-million-naira party but by empowering the underprivileged in the society with sewing machines, grinding machines, motorcycles, generators, barbing kits, hairdryers, etc., at Itori, Modakeke and other places. As a Virgo, Otunba understands the importance of networking to business success and social influence and he is utilising it. His membership of Lagos Island Club, Lagos Country Club, Ikoyi Club, Ikeja Golf Club and Abeokuta Sports Club confirms this rare social attribute. Otunba is also a member of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Business Club of Ikeja and Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry as regards Business Advocacy groups.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18 , 2021

POLITY CISLAC: Beneﬁcial Ownership Register, Antidote to Corruption In a bid to ensure that corruption is drastically reduced in Nigeria, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has recommended a Beneficial Ownership Register (BOR) as an antidote, writes Sunday Ehigiator

resident Muhammadu Buhari came to power in the 2015 on the back of three key promises – better security, better economy and war against corruption. His administration has worked more closely with the US, the UK, and various Middle Eastern countries to seize and repatriate assets from public officials that are suspected to have been purchased with illicit funds. Nigeria’s leading anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has also become more active. It has launched a series of investigations into former high-ranking public officials from previous administrations, in particular former cabinet officials, state governors and senior civil servants. Various properties acquired through several corrupt means had also been retrieved from convicted public office holders, individuals and companies. CISLAC, also known as Transparency International-Nigeria (TI-N) with support from the Tax Justice Network - Africa (TJNA) has been following up. It has also been monitoring developments after the Beneficial Ownership (BO) disclosure commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria at both the 2016 London Anti-Corruption Summit and the Open Government Partnership Initiative. This informed the discussions around the importance of BOR in the war against corruption at a briefing themed ‘The Anti-Corruption Potential of The Beneficial Ownership Register’, organised by CISLAC on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at the Citi Heights Hotel, Lagos. Leading the conversation, Executive Director, CISLAC, Auwal Rafsanjani, noted that transparency of ownership and control of companies, partnerships, trusts and other legal entities that can hold assets and open bank accounts is critical to the ability to determine where illicit funds are moving to and who is moving them. According to him, “the Nigerian government has made significant progress in the implementation of the beneficial ownership transparency as indicated by the signing of the Companies and Allied Matters (Amendment) Act 2020 and ongoing process towards the establishment of a central register for disclosure of all corporate entities in the country that would subsume and complement the beneficial ownership register for extractive sector companies already established by the NEITI in December, 2019.” He said while the rapid uptake of beneficial ownership is significant, the quality, accuracy and utility of the data for its

L-R: Board Member, CISLAC, Barr. Adesina Oke; Member, Tax Justice Lagos, Elizabeth Barnard- Sowho; Executive Director/Head, Transparency International Nigeria, Mallam Auwal Musa Rafsanjani and Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Garba Abubakar, at the press briefing on the Anti- Corruption Potential of the Beneficial Ownership Register by CISLAC. PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT intended purpose of curbing Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) are dependent on the right legislative framework being in place and the data conforming to the beneficial open data standards (BODS). He said the capacity of the tax and customs authorities, policing and prosecution authorities, mandatory clause on beneficial ownership information to be provided when companies are incorporated or trusts registered, and the presence of a mandate to ensure that information provided by any entity is periodically updated and on a regular basis among others, have the capacity to hamper the effective implementation of this initiative regardless of how good it looks. He also identified enforcement ability to ensure that informa-

tion is placed on the publicly accessible platform and modalities to verify declared information and false declarations, which should result in robust penalties as other challenges. Rafsanjani said: “Let us be clear that beneficial ownership and the more general issue of money laundering is not only a Nigerian or African problem. But as long as inefficiency and the lack of political will to sanitize our systems persist, consequences in the form of terrorism financing, trans-national organized crime, tax evasion and illegal enrichment of politically exposed persons will prevail.” “We thus seek advocacy for identifying a verification process

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PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Managing Director /Chief Executive Oﬃcer, Abbey Mortgage Bank, Madu Hamman; Founder, Abbey Mortgage Bank, Mrs. Rosemary Okwechime; Chairman, Abbey Mortgage Bank, Mazi Ivi Kanu; Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor, on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye and Group Managing Director,VFD Group plc, Nonso Okpala during the unveiling of Abbey mortgage Bank new brand identity in Lagos…yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Senior Special Assistant on SDGs to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Lekan Fatodu; Head, Regulatory Aﬀairs, Reckitt, Sub-Saharan Africa, Mrs Bolanle Aladegbola; Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Hon. Wahab, Alawaye-King; and External Communications and Partnerships Lead, Reckitt, Sub-Saharan Africa, Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh, at the Stakeholders Workshop for the Dettol School Hygiene Programme held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos….yesterday ~ SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Executive Director Finance and Corporate Services, Development Bank Nigeria (DBN), Ijeoma Ozulumba; Senior Economist, Ministry of Finance Sierra Leone, Foday Kayya; Project Coordinator, Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organisation of Islamic Corporation (COMCEC), Ministry of Finance, Sierra Leone, Vandy Kamara; and DBN Chief Operating Oﬃcer, Bonaventure Okhaimo during a study tour by members of the Sierra Leone Ministry of Finance to the Bank’s Corporate Head Oﬃce recently in Abuja

L-R: Rotarian Olukemi Alake Bakare; President, Rotary Club of Ikorodu Metropolitan 2021-22, His Royal Majesty, Oba Orimadegun Kasali Emugoriade 1, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom and the District Governor 9110, Nigeria, Rotarian Remi Bello during the Governor’s visitation to Rotary club of Ikrodu metropolitan

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

18. 09.2021

Osaze Urhoghide Nigeria on His Mind

NEWS

LONDON DERBY PAGE. 29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18 , 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Osaze Urhoghide

Nigeria on His Mind Having been born in Netherlands and lived in England, Osaze Urhoghide is eligible to play for the two European nations. He has instead, opted to play for Nigeria, where both parents originated from

lasgowCelticcentre-backOsaze Urhoghide has revealed that he would be honoured to play international football for three-timeAfrican champions, Nigeria. He was born in the Netherlands to Nigerian parents 21 years ago and is also eligible for England having lived in the country for roughly 15 years. Of all the countries Urhoghide qualifies to represent, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has made the first step to cap him by inviting him to Nigeria U-23 camp before the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Libya in 2019. In a question and answer session with his fans, the centre-half was asked if he would play

for Nigeria and he replied: “Personally, it would be an honour to play for Nigeria. International football is something that I’m working towards and hopefully in the near future I can play for them. “I’ve got some options, Nigeria, Netherlands, England as well so there are some options so I’m working towards that. “It is one of my goals as well so hopefully in the near future I’ll achieve it.” Urhoghide admits to being a boyhood Chelsea fan because his Nigerian father supports the Stamford Bridge outfit. “Growing up I’ve always supported Chelsea. I lived in West London, my dad supports Chelsea. “I’m not sure why I chose to pick Chelsea but probably because my dad supported them but the teams I’ve stayed with as

well, supported them being with the highs and lows but it’s always been Chelsea.” Since his celebrated move to Celtic from Sheffield Wednesday in the summer transfer window, Urhoghide has made one competitive appearance for the Hoops and it was for their B team in a SPFL Trust TrophyclashagainstMortononSeptember4. The 20-year-old defender who was out of contract and chose to join new manager Ange Postecoglou as the first signing of the GreekAustralian’s era after he took over in June. Netherlands-born Urhoghide began his professional career with AFC Wimbledon in 2018, before he joined Sheffield Wednesday in 2019 and made 19 appearances over two seasons for the championship side. Postecoglou said of Urhoghide’s signing: “It’s great. He’s someone that the club’s been

tracking for a while and when I came on board, I managed to have a meeting with him and he’s a good young man, he’s very ambitious. “He’s just beginning his football career but he shows all the attributes on and off the field to want to become a top player, so it’s great to get him here. He can play a couple of positions at the back and, most importantly, he’s really keen to learn and develop and I think this will be a great environment for him. “He’s a modern defender. He’s good athletically, he’s mobile, he’s quick and he wants to get on the ball. He can play a couple of different positions, and from our perspective, and the way we want to play our football, there are certain things I look for in players irrespective of age, and he’s got some really good attributes to be a top defender. “The most important thing is, he’s got a real desire to reach the very top. He’s excited about joining the club, which is important to me because that’s the first thing I want to hear from players, that they’re really keen to join us.” When Urhoghide arrived at Parkhead earlier in the summer, there was a belief that he could end up playing a big part in Postecoglou’s side this season. At the time, the likes of Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Watford were also believed to have been interested in his signature. But a few months on and it does feel like Urhoghide will need some time to adjust to his new surroundings before making an impact in the first-team picture. While the 21-year-old had made several appearances for Sheffield Wednesday last season, he is yet to make his competitive debut for the Glasgow giants. Having arrived at a club somewhat limited in defensive options, particularly after the exit of Kris Ajer to Brentford, the 21-year-old centrehalf signed from Sheffield Wednesday would have been forgiven for thinking a chance for a first team shirt would come quicker than he thought. Instead Urhoghide knows chances will be limited as when they do arrive, he’ll have to hit the ground running. Carter Vickers joined the defensive ranks already supplemented by the signing of Swedish International defender Carl Starfelt and with Academy graduate Stephen Welsh developing by the game. Dane Murray has also had promising first team involvement and Nir Bitton is always thereabouts. Meanwhile, baring some pre-season exposure, Urhoghide has had to bid his time as a member of the odd matchday squad but not yet making the team. When Urhoghide signed on there were a great deal of disappointed Sheffield Wednesday fans making their views known. No-one was saying Osaze was the finished article but all seemed certain Celtic had signed a player of some potential. ‘Raw’ seemed the adjective used the most and one online scout described him as a player with a lot to work on but a lot to work with. And on early pre-season performances that description rang true. Urhoghide by his own admittance likes a tackle, and he seemed to enjoy getting up close and personal with his opponents, this approach can be beneficial of course but so is choosing when to do so. On occasions the player looked easily turned, when standing half a yard off may have made him harder to get past, meanwhile on the ball control and distribution certainly smacked of the rawness the Wednesday fans had described. Yet there is a strong physical and imposing nature to Urhoghide, there also appears a high level of confidence and an inner belief he has what it takes. In truth you can coach the passing, positioning and timing into players, and Postecoglou has a history of doing just that, but those other intangibles you don’t get from a coaching session, those are the elements a player brings naturally and once the other side of the game is up to speed you can have one hell of a player on your hands if the pieces fall into place. Urhoghide will know he has a fight on his hands at Celtic, but as a player released by AFC Wimbledon and one who not only gained a contract at a club the size of Sheffield Wednesday but forced his way into the team and the hearts of the supporters, there is a determined individual in the Celtic ranks and one it appears who is willing to put in the graft. Osaze also brings a versatility with an ability to play centrally and at full back. There is no doubting Urhoghide will be aware he has a fight on his hands to claim a first team spot and the late signing of Carter Vickers probably emphasised that very point to the youngster, but if he realises he is in the right environment to learn, doesn’t believe he simply made it in the game by getting a contract at Celtic, and allies those natural talents to improvements in his technical proficiency Urhoghide can force his way into contention. For now, however patience is likely to be required.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18 , 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

In-form Chelsea Crave for Three Points against Tottenham Having posted contrasting results in their opening European encounters, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea prepare for battle in an eye-catching London derby in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon Stuart Armstrong and Theo Walcott remain unavailable for selection through injury. William Smallbone is back in full firstteam training after eight months on the sidelines, but the midfielder is unlikely to be involved today. Shane Long, though, is available after recovering from coronavirus, and the attacker is expected to start on the bench against the Citizens, and he could be joined by Che Adams, with Nathan Redmond and Moussa Djenepo potentially supporting Adam Armstrong in the final third of the field.

Premiership Table

Chelsea duo of Cesar Aspilcueta and N’Golo Kante watches helplessly as Tottenham striker Harry Kane tries to curl the ball into the net

he hosts played out a 2-2 draw with Rennes in the Europa Conference League in midweek, whereas Chelsea started their Champions League defence with a 1-0 success over Zenit St Petersburg. With a hefty amount of expected changes in tow, Spurs kicked off their Conference League group-stage campaign against French powerhouses Rennes on Thursday night, but they only had one point and two more injury problems to show for their efforts. After Loic Bade’s own goal gave Tottenham the lead, Rennes responded through Flavien Tait and new signing Gaetan Laborde, but Tottenham lynchpin Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg came off the bench to rescue a point for his side at the Roazhon Park. It may have been all sunshine and rainbows for Nuno Espirito Santo during his three-game winning run in the Premier League - which saw Spurs briefly top the rankings - but a humbling 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace last weekend has seen them drop to seventh amid a challenging seven days. However, both of Spurs’ underwhelming results in that period have come on the road, with Santo’s side scoring five goals and conceding none in their three home victories so far this term, and they have won 11 of their last 13 games on familiar territory in all competitions. Not since the 2002-03 campaign have the North London side taken nine points from their opening three fixtures on home soil, but any chances of the injury-hit hosts ending that 19-year streak appear slim against a Chelsea side with a glint in their eyes. It may not have been a comprehensive drubbing that some fans would have hoped for, but in the end, Chelsea’s defence of their Champions League crown began with three points against Zenit St Petersburg, who were sunk by Romelu Lukaku’s 69th-minute header. The Belgian’s prolific start to life back in blue continues after he had previously broken his Stamford Bridge duck against Aston Villa last weekend in a dominant 3-0 win and Chelsea are now one of four sides sitting level on 10 points at the top of the

division. Thomas Tuchel only just managed to scrape a top-four finish with this Chelsea side last term amid their run to Porto, but the German’s well-oiled machine firmly have the look of title contenders this time around, although clashes with Juventus and Manchester City before the end of the month will truly test their mettle. The Blues travel across the capital having lost just one of their last 15 away matches in all competitions, while they have scored in each of their last six Premier League matches on the road - a streak that does not appear to be ending any time soon with Lukaku firing on all cylinders. A Jorginho penalty propelled Chelsea to a 1-0 win in this fixture last term during the earliest days of Tuchel’s reign, and the Blues are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches versus Tottenham - winning four of them and conceding just one goal in that run. Meanwhile, Manchester City will be looking to record their fifth straight win in all competitions when they welcome Southampton to the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League this afternoon. The Citizens have picked up nine points from their four league fixtures this term to occupy fifth spot in the table, while Southampton sit 14th, having collected three points from their four matches in 2021-22. Man City’s 2021-22 campaign started in a disappointing fashion, as they lost to Leicester City in the Community Shield before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in their Premier League opener, but Pep Guardiola’s side have won their last four matches in all competitions since the clash in North London. Three of those victories have arrived in the Premier League, scoring 11 times and conceding zero in their domestic fixtures with Norwich City, Arsenal and Leicester, which has seen them rise into fifth position in the table, one point behind leaders Manchester United. Guardiola’s side opened their 2021-22 Champions League group-stage campaign on Wednesday night and recorded a 6-3 win over RB Leipzig to move to the top of Group A. Man City have a busy end to the month, as they will take on Wycombe Wanderers

in the EFL Cup on September 21 before the small matter of a trip to Chelsea in the Premier League four days later. The Citizens will then end the month with an away game against Paris SaintGermain in the Champions League, and it is not as if it gets any easier, with a trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool following at the start of October. Southampton, meanwhile, opened their Premier League season with a disappointing 3-1 loss at Everton, but the Saints are unbeaten in all competitions since then, including an 8-0 victory away to Newport County in the EFL Cup towards the end of August. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side held Man United to a 1-1 draw in the Premier League and have also shared the points with Newcastle United and West Ham United in their last two fixtures; a total of three points from four matches has left the team in 14th position in the table. Southampton will also be in EFL Cup action next week, facing a trip to Sheffield United, before welcoming Wolverhampton Wanderers to St Mary’s next weekend. The Saints recorded a 1-0 victory over Man City in July 20, but they suffered a 5-2 defeat at the Etihad Stadium in the corresponding match last season and have not actually been victorious away to the Citizens in England’s top flight since April 2004. Hasenhuttl will be aware of the size of the task facing his side, as they travel to a Man City team that has scored 16 times in their three home matches in all competitions at the start of the 2021-22 campaign. Man City will again be without the services of Zack Steffen this weekend, as the number two goalkeeper is still selfisolating following a positive coronavirus test. John Stones and Aymeric Laporte both missed out against Leipzig on Wednesday through injury, but the former is being tipped to return to the squad and indeed the starting XI against the Saints. Kevin De Bruyne should again start in midfield, while Ilkay Gundogan could replace Bernardo Silva, but Phil Foden should continue on the bench following a long spell on the sidelines. Southampton boss Hasenhuttl revealed during his press conference that both

Man Utd Chelsea Liverpool Everton Man City Brighton Tottenham West Ham Leicester Brentford Crystal Palace Aston Villa Wolves Southampton Watford Arsenal Leeds Burnley Newcastle Norwich

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

8 8 8 6 10 2 0 5 -2 1 0 -2 -1 -2 -4 -8 -7 -5 -7 -10

10 10 10 10 9 9 9 8 6 5 5 4 3 3 3 3 2 1 1 0

PREMIER LEAGUE TODAY

Burnley v Arsenal 15:00 Liverpool v Crystal Palace 15:00 Man City v Southampton 15:00 Norwich City v Watford 15:00 Aston Villa v Everton 17:30 SUNDAY

Brighton West Ham Tottenham

v Leicester 14:00 v Man Utd 14:00 v Chelsea 16:30

La Liga TODAY

Vallecano Atlético Elche Alavés

v v v v

Getafe 13:00 Bilbao 15:15 Levante 17:30 Osasuna 20:00

v v v v

Villarreal 13:00 Sevilla 15:15 Espanyol 17:30 Madrid 20:00

Granada 20:00

SUNDAY

Mallorca Sociedad Real Betis Valencia MONDAY

Barcelona

Head to Head 04/02/21 Tottenham 0-1 Chelsea 29/11/20 Chelsea 0-0 Tottenham 22/02/20 Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham 22/12/19 Tottenham 0-2 Chelsea 27/02/19 Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham 24/11/18 Tottenham 3-1 Chelsea 01/04/18 Chelsea 1-3Tottenham 20/08/17 Tottenham 1-2 Chelsea 04/01/17 Tottenham 2-0 Chelsea 26/11/16 Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham 02/05/16 Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham 29/11/15 Tottenham 0-0 Chelsea 01/01/15 Tottenham 5-3 Chelsea 03/12/14 Chelsea 3-0 Tottenham 08/03/14 Chelsea 4-0 Tottenham

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18 , 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Daniel B Igali Sen. Lawrence Evrhujakpo Deputy Governor Bayelsa State, Biriyai Dambo, SAN Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Eseoghene Gagiyowve Secretary Organising Committee and Mrs Rachael Dappa Director Sports Ministry of Youth and Sports Development Yenogua Bayelsa During the MoU signing ceremony for Bayelsa Principals’Cup billed to kick oﬀ soon

Finidi Aims to Repay Enyimba’s Faith Former Nigeria international Finidi George hopes to thrive in his first managerial role at two-time African champions Enyimba and repay the faith shown by the club’s board. As part of his coaching course, the Nigerian had his internship at Dutch minnows PEC Zwolle but George’s quest for a chance to coach at the top level has been rewarded with a two-year contract at eight-time Nigerian champions Enyimba. “Enyimba is a sleeping giant and the club management is determined to take them back to the elite level - I also share in this ambition,” George told BBC Sport Africa. “They’ve entrusted me with

this project, so I am hungry for the challenge and hopefully give my best to repay the faith. “The goal is to steer the club up and do better than before. We are going to work with the players and let them understand what it takes to compete at top level, and be consistent.” Since his retirement from football in 2004, George has earned his Uefa A Coaching Licence which is one level below the highest qualification, the Pro Licence. His previous coaching roles include director of international football at former club Real Betis and managed the youth team of his erstwhile Spanish side Real Mallorca in 2013. “We all know traditionally

that Nigerian players love to go forward, show their attacking power but we must try to get the right balance and not expose the team. “We have to try to get the players focussed on discipline, tactics and freedom to enjoy their football without losing sight of our goal as a team,” said George, who won over 60 caps and featured at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups. He is determined to try and make Enyimba a force to be reckoned with on the continent once more and replicate past successes that saw the club win back-to-back African Champions League titles in 2003 and 2004.

Bayelsa to Stage Principals Cup for Secondary Schools After recent successes recorded in the national football scene, Bayelsa State is set to kick start a developmental football fiesta to catch them young. The state it will be recalled won the men’ s FA Cup courtesy of Bayelsa United while Bayelsa Queens also emerged champions in the women FA Cup competition this term. And so the government of Bayelsa has decided to start the Principals Cup football competition for all secondary schools in the state with the aim of breeding future champions for the state and the country at large.

Only on Thursday, Bayelsa State signed a Memoradium of Understanding with a sports marketing firm to stage the maiden edition of the Bayelsa Principals Cup later this year. Speaking at the signing ceremony in Government House, Yenagoa, the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, expressed delight over development aimed at identifying and grooming young talents in sports. In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr DoubaraAtasi, the Deputy Governor, noted that the development was coming at a time government is work-

ing towards raising another professional football team in state to further boost Bayelsa’s fortunes in football. Ewhrudjakpo, who said sports had contributed greatly to the overall development and unity of the country, expressed the belief that the forthcomingBayelsaPrincipals Cup will be beneficial to the state. Alsospeaking,theCommissioner for Youth and Sports Development,HonDanielIgali, said he was confident that the talents to be discovered in the Principals’ Cup competition will be groomed to form the nucleus of the nation’s future age grade teams.

8 Teams Conﬁrm National Final Ticket Eight teams have booked their tickets to the Nigeria Basketball Federation organised Men’s Premier Basketball League. Rivers Hoopers confirmed their status as the Atlantic Conference Kings after an eight-game unbeaten streak to confirm their place in the national finals which will serve as qualifiers for the 2021 Basketball African League organised by FIBA. Kwara Falcons until their last game against Hoopers won seven matches, losing narrowly to the eventual champions to close out their conference run with a 7-1 run. Police Batons of Lagos did just enough with five wins

and two losses to emerge as one of the Atlantic Conference representatives alongside Lagos Islanders who won four games. In the Savannah Conference, Kano Pillars also started their BAL qualification journey on a high note, closing their conference campaign with a commanding 83-75pts win against Gombe Bulls. Bulls coached by Mohammed AbdulRahman will also be joining Customs and Benue Braves as they continue their journey to emerge as Nigeria’s continental representatives. Meanwhile, following a request from clubs, the NBBF

has tentatively announced a shift in the commencement date of the National Final eight slated for Lagos. “The clubs knowing the importance of the National Final eight challenge asked for more time to effect the corrections noticed in their teams during the conference phase. Others also said players needed to recover from the rigours of the competition while others said they needed to source for more funds”, NBBF President, Musa Kida revealed. To this end, a new date for the National Finals earlier slated for 26th, September to 2nd, October will be announced soon.

L-R: Makerting Director Nigerian Breweries Plc, Emmanuel Oriakhi, the senior Brand Manager, “33” Export lager beer, Aishat Anaekwe; the Senior Media & Brand PR Manager Nigerian Breweries Plc, Sandra Amachree and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the ‘Best of Nigeria Corporates’ event organised by NFF in Lagos recently

NFF Celebrates Partnership with Nigeria Breweries Foremost Nigerian brands, “33” Export Lager beer and Amstel Malta Ultra were top on the list of brands celebrated Wednesday night in Lagos by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The NFF in an elaborate ceremony dubbed ‘Dinner with the Best of Nigeria Corporates’ gave special recognitions to the brands for the unwavering support it continues to give to Nigerian football and how millions of fans who had hitherto diverted their passion to foreign soccer but today have returned to follow the national teams with passion. The long-standing part-

nership award was received by the Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Emmanuel Oriakhi, who assured that the brands would not relent in the quest to take the country’s sports including football to a higher level. NFF President, Amaju Pinnick commended the brands in the presence of top dignitaries including Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, FIFA President, Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe at the event. “Nigerian youths are passionate about football and we are indeed glad to create the platform with

which they can showcase their respective talents”, he remarked. The on-going 33 Export Lager beer campaign, ‘Let’s Go Naija’ indeed captures the brands’ full support for the Super Eagles and a reminder to the millions of football fans to cheer them to victory in the on-going ‘Road to Qatar’ World Cup qualifying matches. Since the brands became the official drinks of the Super Eagles, the partnership with NFF, no doubt has been a unique one following the solid fan-base the team had attained in the last few years of the partnership.

Hosting Aisha Buhari Football Tourney Reconﬁrms Sanwo-Olu’s Love for Girl Child, Says Gafaar The Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Oluwatoyin Gafaar has stated that the hosting of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Football Tournament by the Lagos State Government was a confirmation of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s love for the girl child and youths. He disclosed this on Wednesday at the remodeled Mobolaji Johnson Sport Arena after the Match

between Nigeria’s Super Falcons and the Eagles of Mali. “This hosting by the Lagos State Government is a testimony to the fact that Lagos is ready to host any International sporting event, not only football, because of the love that Sanwo-Olu has for the girl child and youths, he decided to host this very important tournament “Thank you, Mr. Governor, for making this hap-

pen and for making this Infrastructure ready for the hosting of this tournament,” said Gafaar. The Super Falcons of Nigeria defeated the Eagles of Mali 2-0 in an entertaining match watched by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, FIFA President, Gianni Infantino and President NFF, Amaju Pinnick among other dignitaries.

Juve vs Milan, Spurs vs Chelsea Live on DStv, GOtv SuperSport viewers on DStv and GOtv can look forward to a classic Serie A rivalry, as Juventus welcome AC Milan to the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Sunday at 7:45pm live on SuperSport Football and SuperSport GOtv Select 1 (DStv channel 205 and GOtv channel 33). This match sees a meeting of two of the league’s best and most historicallysignificant teams – with the added spice of Bianconeri manager, Massimiliano Allegri, coming up against a former team of his. Milan boss Stefano Pioli, meanwhile, believes there is more to come from his team after a promising start to the Serie A campaign.

Football fans can expect fireworks from the Premier League scene as Tottenham Hotspur will play host to Chelsea in North London on Sunday at 4:30pm on SuperSport Premier League (DStv Channel 203). Football fan are aware that meetings of Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are typically fiery encounters and this one should be no different, with the hosts confident after their strong start to the season and the visitors looking to underline their title ambitions. Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo will want organisation and discipline from his team – something which they have shown plenty of so far in the 2021-

22 season. Chelsea’s Thomas Tuchel, meanwhile, will be banking on his side to be defensively sound, with Andreas Christensencoming in for special praise from the German tactician. DStv “Unbeatable Football” and GOtv “Our Home, Our Football” campaign offers for the 2021/22 football season promises a range and depth of action for customers. To view this classic rivalries, visit www.dstvafrica.com and www.gotvafrica.com to subscribe or upgrade, and download the MyDStv and MyGOtv apps for the Auto-Renewal option to stay connected without interruptions.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18 , 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Chidera Ejuke Still Soldering On with Militarians Ejuke celebrating one of his goals

Since moving to CSKA Moscow from Dutch top-flight SC Heerenveen two seasons ago, Chidera Ejuke had not looked back. With two goals in two games in the new season he had kicked off in a good note. It therefore did not come as a surprise as he was voted the Militarians best player in August

uper Eagles star, Chidera Ejuke has started the season brilliantly for CSKA Moscow and his performance has been rewarded as he has won the best player award for the month of August at Russian side. The Nigerian striker has been a revelation at the CSKA Arena since he joined from Heerenveen in August 2020. The 23-year-old scored five goals in 27 league appearances last season, and with just seven appearances this season, Ejuke has scored two goals and assisted one. Ejuke put up outstanding performances in August, scoring twice to help CSKA Moscow secure two wins in four games, albeit one of the goals was a consolation in a 2-1 defeat against Dynamo Moscow. In a statement via the club website, the former Valerenga man beat Russian internationals Alan Dzagoev and Igor Akinfeev to win the prestigious award. “The Nigerian won 44 per cent of the vote. The second was Alan Dzagoev, the third – Igor Akinfeev.” Ejuke will hope that his performances will help to propel his side to the top of the Russian league, as they currently sit eighth on the log. Dutch club Heerenveen snapped up the former Nigerian U-17 star for two million Euros from Norwegian club Valerenga last year. In just his first season in the Netherlands, Ejuke emerged Heerenveen’s best player, following several incredible displays which saw him

smash the back of the net 10 times while making another four assists in the 25 games he played. But more than the goals, though, were the youngster’s dribbles. The season before his move to Moscow Ejuke attempted and completed the most dribbles in the Eredivisie, cementing his rating as the best dribbler in the Netherlands. Turkish giants Galatasaray and Dutch champions Ajax were earlier linked with an interest in the Nigerian winger, but he wants to focus on becoming a more productive player. “I scored 10 goals last season, and I intend to score more next season,” Ejuke had told an online publication. “My desire is to improve further for the good of my team. Maybe getting into goal-scoring position more will mean dribbling less. “I want to dribble less and score more. It’s what I intend to do next season. As a player, constant improvement can’t be overruled.” Ejuke joined Heerenveen from Valerenga last summer for €2 million and has a contract tying him to the Dutch side until 2023. In spite of his recent rise, Ejuke still rued not able to impress when he went on trials at Liverpool five years ago. The former Nigerian U-20 starlet spoke of his frustration after failing to seize an opportunity to play for the Anfield outfit. The forward revealed he was scouted at the age of 18 and went on to have a trial with the Reds but

failed to impress at Anfield and had to return to Nigeria disappointed. The 23-year-old, who shone for Heerenveen during the 2019-20 campaign, revealed the incident has always inspired him to perform better. When I was just 18-years-old and still living in Nigeria, there was a scouting programme on the other side of the country,” Ejuke told Voetbal. “I was picked out together with three peers by a scout from England. We were allowed to have a trial at Liverpool. It was the first time that I left my country and then also for an internship in my dream competition. “We were warmly welcomed at Liverpool. We did an internship there for a few weeks, it went pretty well, but I probably wasn’t good enough. “Liverpool was not interested and so we had to return to Nigeria. That was just as tough. This was the opportunity I had been dreaming about all these years and if it doesn’t work out, it’s bitter. It felt like I had let down my agent and my family. “If I had taken that chance, it would have been a different story, but it was a good experience. That missed opportunity became a source of motivation for me and it helped me grow as a player. I had tasted Europe and now I wanted more.” The forward left Nigeria in 2017 after playing for Gombe United in the NPFFL to start his European career in Norway with Valerenga. Ejuke made a key impact during

his two-year stay with the Intility Arena outfit which saw a number of European clubs jostle for his signature. The winger, however, signed for Dutch club Heerenveen in the summer of 2019 after snubbing interests from Besiktas, Lazio and Roma. Ejuke is already on course to surpass the tally of five goals in 25 matches he registered in his debut Russian top flight campaign. The forward has represented Nigeria at the U-17 and U-20 levels. The left winger made his debut appearance for the three-time African champions in an international friendly match against Tunisia last October. He replaced Samuel Chukwueze in the encounter that ended in a 1-1 draw in Austria. G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMIFULA OGBU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18 , 2021

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK

How to Reduce Fuel Consumption There are many different ways to reduce fuel consumption. Some are small changes in driving habits, others involve simple maintenance tips. With the seemingly ever rising prices of diesel and gasoline, engine fuel consumption is a concern for most drivers on the road these days. Because the price at the pump is affecting more people every day, many are looking for ways to cut consumption and costs. This article will discuss tips to minimize fuel consumption.

Mercedes-Benz new model year G-Class

Mercedes-Benz Gives G-Class more Off-road Look

he ultimate dream car for four-wheeled adventurers: Mercedes-Benz is performing its world premiere of the new model year G-Class at IAA Mobility 2021 and presenting the new professional line exterior. According to the automaker, this gives the all-terrain icon a particularly striking oͿ-road identity. Standard features include stone guard grilles for the headlights, mud Áaps front and rear as well as chunky tyres and 18-inch 5-spoke wheels. The show vehicle includes numerous options such as a magno paint Ànish and selected exterior and interior elements from the G manufaktur customisation programme, which further enhance its robust and stylish appearance. Highlights of the PROFESSIONAL Exterior Line custom speciÀcations include the PROFESSIONAL roof rack and the PROFESSIONAL spare wheel holder. The G manufaktur copper orange magno paintwork makes the PROFESSIONAL Line

Exterior displayed at IAA MOBILITY particularly eye-catching, contrasting handsomely with the roof, bumpers and wheel arch extensions in G manufaktur night black magno. Other features include the PROFESSIONAL spare wheel holder on the rear door and the PROFESSIONAL roof rack on which, among other things, a roof tent can be erected, transforming the G-Class into an oͿ-road camper van. Like the wheels, these two PROFESSIONAL options are Ànished in matte black for a harmonious overall appearance. The exterior mirror housings, Mercedes star and number plate are also Ànished in black as part of the optional Night package. Inside, the black leather upholstery and open-pore ash veneer with black tinting underline the high degree of the G-Class’ opportunities for individualisation. The unveiled PROFESSIONAL Line Exterior provides an exciting Àrst impression of the revised equipment range for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class from which customers will be able to choose in 2022. In addition to dark-tinted glass for the rear side windows and the rear window, the

extended options list includes, among other things, ambient lighting with 64 colours instead of the previous eight, as well as ten colour palettes. The G-Class will also be equipped as standard with pre-equipment for rear-seat entertainment and pre-equipment for a towing hitch. New exterior and interior lines make it easier for customers to conÀgure their perfect car. As well as upgraded basic equipment for all model variants and the PROFESSIONAL Line Exterior shown at the IAA MOBILITY, two further Exterior Lines (EXCLUSIVE Line Exterior and AMG Line) and three themed interior worlds (Standard Interior, EXCLUSIVE Line Interior and SUPERIOR Line Interior) will be available. The individual packages combine the most popular equipment choices and thus emphasise the diͿerent characteristics of the G-Class. Of course, G-Class customers will also continue to be able to conÀgure their own personal dream vehicle through the wide range of customisation options oͿered by the G manufaktur.

ECO Bus Maker Targets Nigerian Market With Full Range

atural gas-powered vehicle manufacturer, Austrian Technologies Nigeria, has released details of its full range of ECO-Green buses, some of which are already in the Nigerian

market. It says the buses built with European standards for critical climate and infrastructure are targeted at private and public transport operators in Nigeria including schools and corporate organisations. According to the Chief Executive O΀cer of Austrian Technologies Nigeria Limited, Johann Rieger, the bus range is built on a single platform and comprises 8.5m length (Marcopolo size) for 60 passengers; 10.5m for 80 passengers, 12m for 100 people, 12.8m for 110 passengers and 18m accommodating 160 passengers. The standard at ECO Green Buses is a monocoque chassis-body structure with advanced frame safety technology. The core is a 3H high-strength body with front and rear buͿer beams, roll-over safety frame and absorbed energy structure. The key advantages of this technology arehigher safety for passengers through optimized distribution of impact forces through overall of body frame structure; improved life span of structure; lower operating costs (maintenance, tyres, fuel consumption); and the weight advantage over a classical chassis-body structure. The whole-vehicle runs through an 18 stage E-coating process (cathode electrophoretic coating) for corrosion protection.

ECO-Green bus

The electrophoretic paint becomes a layer of even, smooth, and strong adhesive paint Àlm on the surface of body frame after electrochemical reaction. It makes the surface of body frame and inner cavity of being strongly anticorrosive, antirust, salt fog resistant and heat moist resistant and antirust of up to 12 years. All buses come with maintenance free DANA axles and adjustable Front and rear air suspension

with FIRESTONE air bags. All wheels have disc brakes with automatic slack adjuster from KNORR in combination with WABCO ABS. This high European safety standard improves safety and reliability of buses and supports operations by high availability of buses through reduced down time and shortened time of maintenance. The life span of these components is a multiple of the normally applied low-cost components.

13 Tips to Reduce Fuel Consumption Here are 13 tips concerning how you drive, what you have in your car, and maintenance issues that let you get as much bang for every buck you spend on fuel. Drive only when needed. The best way to reduce the fuel consumption is to simply drive your car less. Drive your car only when you really need to. If you only need to travel a few blocks, consider walking or even riding a bicycle. Not only will you save money at the pump, the exercise will certainly do you some good Make sure the gas cap is on tight. One reason you may not be getting the mileage you expect is because there isn’t as much gas in your tank as you think. 147 million gallons of gas were lost last year due to evaporation. Why did it evaporate? The gas cap was not on tight. So just make sure it is tight, and it will enable you to keep all the gas you pay for Avoid idling. When you do need to drive your car, make sure you avoid idling whenever possible. When your car is running, but not moving, your gas mileage is absolute zero. So if your car will remain stationary for more than a minute or so, switch the engine off. However, only do this when it is safe to do so Accelerate and break steadily. While driving, always apply steady and consistent pressure to your car’s accelerator pedal. A heavy foot will always result in reduced gas mileage and poor fuel consumption Drive the speed limit. Always try to drive at or near the speed limit. The optimal traveling speed for every make and model vehicle is different. However, the faster you drive, the worse your gas mileage and fuel consumption will be. Drive as fast as you need to in order to maintain a safe driving speed. But, save highway driving speeds for the highway and not around town Coast when possible. Constantly accelerating and braking only wastes fuel and reduces your car’s fuel consumption. So, whenever possible, coast and avoid burning excess fuel. This takes a little practice, but can be a great way to increase the fuel economy of your vehicle Use cruise control on the highways. Cruise control means that your car will be going at a constant velocity, which means there is no acceleration. No acceleration reduces the amount of work your engine does, and therefore it uses less gas. You should set your cruise control at the speed limit, because 55 miles per hour is the perfect speed for maximum fuel efficiency Make your car more aerodynamic. You can do so by removing the roof racks on top of the car, and also by decreasing the weight of the car by taking out unneeded items Keep the windows closed. The more aerodynamic your vehicle remains, the better your car’s fuel efficiency. Keeping your windows down while driving creates more drag and wind resistance for your automobile. If you are driving at speeds of less than 35 mph, it is usually okay to keep the windows down. However, at higher speeds, you should keep the windows up order to reduce drag and improve fuel consumption Minimize air conditioning. There will be times, of course, when summer heat will cause you to use the air conditioning system. However, use the AC in moderation. If you need to choose between keeping your windows rolled down or using the AC at high speeds, use the air conditioning on a low setting Replace dirty air filters. Dirty air filters cause your car’s engine to work much harder than it has to and always results in poor fuel economy. So, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for periodically changing out the air filter. A clean air filter allows your engine to perform more efficiently and also helps you save money at the pump Maintain proper tire inflation. Check your car owner’s manual and always ensure your tires are inflated to the proper air pressure level. Improperly inflated tires can reduce your car’s fuel economy by up to five percent in some cases. This is quite simply a complete waste of fuel and money. (Source: CarsDirect)

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

AUTO WORLD

Made-in-Nigeria Kia Cars Good for Nigeria’s Economy, Says Wigwe

he chairman, consultative committee of The CIBN 14th Annual Banking & Finance Conference, and GMD/ CEO, Access Bank Plc., Mr. Herbert Wigwe has said that local production of vehicles, amongst other manufacturing plants in Nigeria, would help foster the economic development of the country and serve as a springboard for growing its GDP. Wigwe stated this while on an exhibition tour with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, where he highlighted the signiÀcant role Kia Nigeria was playing in the drive towards economic diversiÀcation and Nigeria’s industrialisation through the made-in-Nigeria Kia cars. Wigwe said job creation and the end-to-end value chain car assembling bring to the fore the economic growth of Nigeria, and that Kia, like every other manufacturing company, would bolster the nation’s economic recovery. Keying into this year’s conference theme of ‘Economic Recovery, Inclusion and Transformation: The Role of Banking & Finance’, Kia Nigeria joined banks and other Ànancial institutions in the country to demonstrate that one of the sustainable ways for inclusion and economic transformation is an industrialised economy that’s perfectly poised for employment creation. This has over the years been the core of Kia business operations in Nigeria

through capacity development, local manufacturing, and a backward integrated economy. “The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo was impressed to know that Kia has the capacity to produce 27,000 units of cars per year and reemphasized that the local production of vehicles in Nigeria will further make cars aͿordable to teeming Nigerians. Wigwe added that the production of cars in Nigeria will further drive the value down the chain of production with more car component manufacturers joining in on the production of cars which will further boost the economy and create more jobs for the people,” said the company, in a statement. Jacky Hathiramani, Managing Director/CEO of Kia Nigeria remarked that the company was committed to contributing immensely to the development of the nation through the multi-billion investment in local car production. He further stated that “we have taken our growth commitment to a greater height in Nigeria and repositioned our brand by supporting the Nigeria dream.” He stressed that the local production of Kia cars will continue to foster the diversiÀcation of the economy with a value-driven supply chain and scalable backward integration for the economy. Jacky further stated that “the automobile industry across the globe has always played a major role in strengthening the global economy by contributing immensely to the growth of the GDP and the creation

L-R: Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emeﬁele; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; and President, CIBN, Bayo Olugbemi of employment to teeming youths. At Kia, we’re committed to helping the economy recover after the devastating eͿect of the COVID-19 pandemic”. He thanked Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for gracing the occasion and particularly taking a tour of the exhibition stands to interact with the brands

at the conference. In the same light, he applauded the laudable eͿorts of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin EmeÀele, and the conference’s chairman, Mr. Herbert Wigwe for their doggedness in galvanizing all stakeholders towards the nation’s economic recovery and transformation.

Innoson Disclaims 15th Anniversary Promo The Chairman of Innoson Group of Companies, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma has said that his company is not running any promo to mark their 15th anniversary. Chukwuma said, “Innoson is not running any promo; we are not giving out any vehicle free and we have no plans to organise any anniversary campaign of any kind for people to win. What you are seeing on social media is the handiwork of mischief-makers, and I want to advise social media users to totally disregard the link leading to the promo, because it is fake.” He was reacting to a faked link to a 15th anniversary promotion which has been circulating on the internet and purported to be from Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM), Nnewi, according to a statement issued by o΀cials of the company. The statement said the fake promo is wooing internet users with a chance to win the popular IVM G5 SUV after answering some questions and sharing the same link to Àve groups and 20 contacts. Describing the campaign as a hoax perpetrated by fraudulent elements, Chukwuma disclosed that his phone and those of managers and staͿ of IVM have been buzzing frequently since last week as friends, curious members of the public called to

ascertain its genuineness or otherwise. “We are shocked at how far mischievous people can go to generate false information, but we are happy that a lot of people who saw the promo knew it was fake and promptly alerted us. However, to avoid playing into the hands of the fraudsters, the fake promo should be ignored by all, because it has nothing to do with Innoson,” Chukwuma stated. In response to the numerous inquiries and concerns expressed by the public, IVM, on Thursday issued an o΀cial statement debunking the generated link, stating that the company would not be held liable in case anyone falls prey to the fraudulent activity. Signed by the Head, Corporate Communications, Cornel Osigwe, the statement said in part, “Please be advised that any of such notiÀcations is fraudulent and we have not authorised any agency to act on behalf of IVM in any capacity. “Innoson Vehicles hereby disassociates itself from this notiÀcation and activities in connection to it. IVM has no relationship whatsoever with this link or any of its agents or a΀liates. “Members of the public are hereby notiÀed that Innoson Vehicles does no,t and will not, require anybody to respond to such questionnaire in the name of winning a ra΁e.

Cars rolling out of Innoson production line

Fatigue: The Hidden Killer (I) His death a couple of months ago still lingers in my memory as one tragedy I pray to forget to release my emotions from the guilt of the circumstances that led to his death. Despite all attempts to paint the causative factors with different brushes, I still maintain that fatigue was the real cause. This is why I have today chosen to again run this piece as we sail through the first month in this year’s ember months. Please kindly permit me to share this very interesting material on the above subject. It is from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and I do hope you will find it still refreshing. Although I had done something similar on this page, I am, however, compelled to reuse this piece because of my experience, appeals by some readers and friends, as well as the tragedy that claimed the life of my friend. Some say the material is a life saver, especially because most drivers do not know the risk involved in driving fatigued. While some are lucky to survive near misses, others who ignore this high risk factor end up in the morgue or bed ridden. Although data on road crash to justify the danger of fatigue in Nigeria is scarce, globally fatigue remains a hidden killer. Many have died in the name of tyre burst, excessive speed, dangerous overtaking when, in actual fact, the real factor may have been fatigue that was ignored as nothing serious. What really is fatigue? According to the Australian material, a combination of any of the following warning signs means the driver is becoming fatigued: yawning, eyes feeling sore or heavy, vision starting to blur, daydreaming-thinking of everything else but your driving, not concentrating, becoming impatient, reactions seems

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. low, speed creeps up and down, making poor gear changes, wandering over the centre line or onto the road edge, feeling stiff or cramped, you start’seeing things’, you feel hungry or thirsty, you have difficulties keeping your head up or eyes open, you hear a droning or humming in your ears, you don’t notice a vehicle until it overtakes you. When you notice these signs like I did on my way from Dutse, please don’t ignore them. Don’t plead the blood either. Don’t even bother binding the ‘innocent devil’. Hey, not even time to blast in unknown tongues. It is not the devil. Not your in-law. Not your angry landlord. Not even your jealous colleague in the office, but you. Yes you. Once fatigue sets in, there is little you can do about it except stop as soon as possible and take a break. Take a break, sooner rather than later. Driving fatigued can be just as deadly as drink driving or excessive speeding. The problem of fatigue is that it slowly develops and drivers often don’t realise they are too tired to drive safely. Ironically; there is always a warning sign. Mine began with yawning.

Fatigue, according to research is caused by lack of sleep or broken sleep. Alcohol and some medications can also cause sleepiness. Although the need for sleep varies among individuals, sleeping eight hours in a 24-hour period is common. The effect of sleep loss builds up. Regularly losing one to two hours sleep a night can create a “sleep debt” and lead to chronic sleepiness over time. Just being in bed doesn’t mean a person has had enough sleep. Disrupted sleep has the same effect as lack of sleep. Illness, noise; activity can interrupt and reduce the amount and quality of sleep. Like every other driving habits or problems, fatigue has its fair share of myths. For those freaky about night trips or night journeys, the notion is that it is safer to make the trip at night in order to avoid day- time traffic build up. The fact, however, is that your body has a normal 24 hour rhythm pattern built into it. If you are driving when you would normally be sleeping, you will be fighting yourself to stay awake. The chances of falling asleep at the wheel after your normal bedtime, especially in the early hours of the morning, are very high. There is also the notion that it is a good idea to start the trip after work. This personally affected me during my posting to Kaduna some years ago. Of course, I don’t joke with my family. I love my two sons like heaven and would do everything to spend valuable time with them like every loving father or husband. But do you know the risk involved. Travelling after work is certainly not the ideal and this is a fact. After the mental and physician office work demands during the day, you will be too tired, though you will not realise it. The safest thing to do is to get a good

night sleep (about 7-8 hours of undisturbed sleep) and start your journey the next morning. There are those who think that loud music will keep you awake. Agreed that loud music can, however, it will help for a while. It might even distract you from the driving task or even send you to sleep. What about coffee? Gworo? What if combined with cigarette? Caffeine is only a short term solution and will have less effect the more often you use it. It might make you feel more alert but it won’t keep you going for long. Seep remains the long term solution. This reminds me of a personal experience way back at the greatest University-the University of Lagos. Although it had nothing to do with driving, it however taught me a little lesson about cheating nature. While on a post graduate programme, we went to what was then one of the bukas on campus to fill our stomach. After a good meal, my friend and classmate nick-named Folly who has since disengaged from one of the public services suggested we buy kola nut and top it up with his favourite Saint Morris. We obliged and bought kola nuts and cigarettes as suggested. We smoked plenty, topping it up with plenty of kola nut all in the name of dealing a deadly blow to sleep. To my astonishment, as soon as we got into the post graduate library, my friend who incidentally took more of the gworo and cigarette, suddenly pulled off his shirt, dragged a table and was about to do the unexpected-sleep, when I jokingly challenged him and said, ‘old boy, how can you try that after all you have consumed.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

Beehive of Activity, Not ‘Activities’

OW are you preparing for the last quarter of this year? Do not be on the wrong side of the law. “Restore confidence in judiciary, Buhari charges CJN” Always get it right please: Restore confidence to (not in) judiciary. “Police arrest prostitute over alleged attempt to burn down church” (Vanguard Headline, August 30) A rewrite: Police arrest prostitute for attempt to raze church. The next five errors are from National News of August 30: “There is no need to foster (foist) caretaker chairman (a caretaker chairman or caretaker chairmen—depending on context).” “The office, located in the popular Ikorodu Road and was a beehive of activities while….” Wabara’s campaign office for let: beehive of activity/industry, which means a place full of people who are busy. Get it right: never, never activities or industries! “Security experts advocate tougher counter terrorism measures” Community Mirror: counter-terrorism measures. “The implication to (for) the nation’s economy should be considered if….” “But developments within and outside Nigeria has (why the discord?) since made it obsolete.” (National News Energy Week, August 31) “Court of Appeal: A new man at the saddle” (THISDAY Cover Extra Banner, August 27) Highest jurisdiction: in the saddle THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, August 28, offered readers just two blunders: “… Kogi State has not benefitted Okunland and its people in any way.” Spell-check: benefited.

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“…your recent conferment of the award of Excellent by the United States Congress.” (Full-page advertorial by members of Akwa Ibom State caucus in National Assembly) Felicitations: Award of Excellence. “Celebrity travel: When the going gets tough, the tough hits (hit) Grenada” (SATURDAY INDEPENDENT, August 28) Plural: the rough; the tough; the rich; the poor…. “Our dietary patterns have totally collapsed from what it (they) used to be.” (Source: as above) The final gaffe from SATURDAY INDEPENDENT: “Next week’s question: Tall or short women, who are more sexy?” My comment on this KISS & TELL issue: who are sexier (not more sexy)? “Consequently, sources said he is (was) receiving treatment abroad.” (Weekend LIFE, August 27-29) From SATURDAY PUNCH of August 28 comes the next goof: “Post-pregnancy pain makes Victoria Beckham dumps (dump) glamour for comfort.” DAILY TRUST of August 27 disseminated seven random solecisms: “PDP to protest non conduct (sic) of LG elections in Anambra, passes vote of no confidence on (in)…” “However, Ndukwe who said he never had premonition (a premonition) of his son’s death said it’s (it was) the Lord’s doing.” “Also speaking at (on) the occasion….” The Back Page column concludes the series of improprieties: “In the process (a comma) an incoming (oncoming) bus overran them.” “The pains are better imagine (imagined).” THISDAY of August 28 offered readers

three errors: “…nor did she parted (part) ways with him because….” “According to her, driving a nail on (in) the coffin of their union was a decision….” “She said she has (had) moved on with her life….” Next on the infamous list is Sunday Leadership of August 29: “Ahead 2022 Bethel Conference: What Assemblies of God has in stock for Nigeria” Praise & Worship: replace ‘stock’ with ‘store’ for reflective clarity by idyllic mirror standard. Still on the stable of ‘all the facts, all the sides’: Its Editorial of August 26 goofed: “The farmer alerted the government of the discovery following which….” The discovery of crude oil in Kwara State: The farmer alerted the government to (not of ) the discovery. “UNN School of PG Studies 2021/2022 PG Admissions (Sanwich Programme) Education in a shambles: sandwich. This explains why a second class upper degree holder in English language could not spell a word as simple as ‘encounter’ and had to be disqualified by a former Lagos State Police Commissioner, Yakubu Alkali, in the Force recruitment. Yet another Full-page Advertisement poor copy in THISDAY of August 26: “We heartily congratulate you for (on or upon) this meritorious achievement to the Inner Bar in legal profession.” “It only remain (remains) to be seen if….” (Nigerian Tribune, August 6) “Exit of a matriach” (Full Page Obituary) This is slipshoddiness because the computer regulates itself on most spellings and grammar usage: matriarch. “The truth or otherwise of these

Revisiting Savagery As National Pastime

his month, three years ago, this column debuted on these prestigious pages with a quaint allegory of how our people had reshaped the dynamics of social communication. I was worried then, and was sufficiently alarmed, to seize the privilege of sharing perspectives on issues and personalities, to showcase examples of our negative idiosyncrasies. Many articles have since then been written, denouncing the increasing deterioration of common etiquettes in public discourse. In the last three years since my initial lamentations, we have all seen efforts to forcefully moderate the vitriol and anger that attend our social interjections, veiled as opinions and commentaries, without much success - let’s admit it. We have become more vile...more hateful...more vicious in venting our frustrations and objections. To commemorate the journey so far, we have chosen to go back to the very first step...and recast. Has anything really changed? Have we gotten worse, or have we just fallen into the trap of warped humility? Shall we simply fold our hands and watch the nation slide to the abyss where the harshest interlopers hold sway, and wise people take refuge in studious silence? We do not have any idea where this introspection is leading us, or even if it serves any useful purpose - in keeping with the current disruptive swagger. Whatever suits your fancy...we are still in a free world... supposedly. So, let’s go: “Here is a window to a typical day on WhatsApp closed group: “Ol’boy: So, Afenifere too have fallen in

EBERE WABARA

love with Atiku? They said they’re ready to join forces with Atiku so far Buhari can be removed, for restructuring to come to Nigeria! Skola: Aha! That means Pa Adesanya and cohorts have been Atikulated! (Several grinning Emojis follow) Biggie: @Skola, are you well? Abi you just woke up in that Isheri brothel again? Why do you lazy youths have no respect for elders? Do you know that Pa Adebanjo is over 90 years? Skola: Mr. Respect, don’t insult me o! So, because the man is 90, I should not breathe again, abi? Don’t I have a right to disagree with him, or anybody sef? Biggie: You have a right to be abusing someone probably older than your grandpa! Kontinue! This table you’re shaking (on-the-run emojis). But if they yab your god, Bubu, you’ll be foaming in the mouth, crying that he should be respected as an elder and c-in-c... and him never 80 o, officially! S.H.O.T.S: But why should Baba Adesanya say anybody but Buhari! Because of restructuring? No be so dem trick them for 2014...with anything but GEJ. Skola: No mind the Baba joor. Where and when did we even sit down to appoint them as Yoruba leaders - I didn’t remember voting anybody! So, nobody should use me to make money o. Biggie: When they say some people may die young, it is not a curse o pop. It is selfinflicted! So, these very old activists that have been in the forefront of struggles for egalitarian society...since even before Independence...are making all the sacrifices for monetary motives? That’s a great error

in today’s thinking, and to use yourself as a yardstick of morality is a grave disaster to the future of this country. Gaga-B: Bros, leave matter. When you say someone is Atikulated, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s compromised. It may be the fellow is now a supporter or believer of Atiku. You can be Atikulant, Atikulized, Atikurated, or even be on Atikudol - as in Tramadol. (Several hysterical emojis follow). Ol’boy: But we all know that Atiku is associated with ceaseless spending for political leveraging... Why did you think he cried when his associates supposedly bought his presidential form. He was shocked they could even return 12m naira after his several years of donations! Biggie: Jokes apart, it is rather sad that young minds who should have retired these grand old men by being in the forefront of the struggles for progressive ideals, are the same ones shamelessly mocking the old soldiers, and questioning their reputations! Mtshewwww....” Several posts of irreverent and disruptive viral links follow...and deluge of swear words, profanity, abuses and reprimands go on and on... soiling the day of delicate minds, and spiking the adrenaline of inveterate on-line warriors. Of course, the language and expletives have been moderated, and lexical errors spruced up - but the above “dialogue” is a common spectacle in many of today’s platforms on social media (particularly Whatsapp and Telegram). We are all familiar with the desperation of the moment - the seeming frustrations of the “working class” engulfed in daily broiling battles to provide for his or her family,

allegations were put on different occasions to both….” The truth was (not were). “The untimely and avoidable death (which one is timely and avoidable?) is another bloody feather on the cap of drivers of trailers and other haulage vehicles.” Another bloody feather in the cap of drivers…. Please note that it is contradictory and blasphemous to speak or write: “With gratitude to God for a life well spent, we regret to announce the death of our….” It is impossible to be grateful to my Almighty Father and in the same breath express regret, sadness, grief.... If your emotions overwhelm your spirituality and belief in eternal life, then swallow your gratitude. In that case it becomes: “With grouse about the Creator and disappointment in all He stands for, we regret to announce the timely (don’t mind me on this) demise of our breadwinner”! On a serious note: “With gratitude to God for a life well spent, we joyfully/gladly or happily/ satisfactorily announce the death of our….” Mr. Eniola Bello strongly disagrees with me on this assertion of mine. What is your own view? Join the conversation. “It must also be remembered that the party made an effort to integrate with either of the two parties….” No slovenliness: either of the parties. ‘Either of the two parties’ can lead to lexical turmoil! “They came to enjoy music, not to pay through their noses (the nose) for a few hours of fun.” (Last week’s addendum from one of my ardent readers)

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)

keep children in schools (here or there), meet sundry obligations...and still expect public authorities to fulfill the minimum requirements of their extant mandates. Frankly, the social fabric of the Nigerian society has been shredded in several portions. We can devote weeks to pointing fingers and apportioning blames, yet we’ll be no where to closure, months after. Arguments are not activated because people want some sort of resolution or clarity. No, we argue in a high and violent tone today to ventilate our frustrations, impotence, and disillusionment. On the other side of the divide, we repudiate negative depositions against our preferred personality - not because we want to sway opponents or convince doubters. It appears their mandate is to decimate any contrary opinions (often couched in disparaging, condescending or derisive cotton wool of hate and hubris). Even when our leaders fail us, and the planks of our personal and corporate economies wobble on account of the omission or commission of political actors, Nigerians must return to civility and coherence in social intercourse. Extremism in any form is a self-destructive toga that we must strive to reject. Clearly, we can’t be a great nation when most of us are fairly great in malicious messaging, inglorious petty-swapping and such kill-or-be-killed verbal and textual attrition.” By the way, what do they call those who make the same moves, time and time again, and expect a different result beyond the usual consequence?

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

PERSPECTIVE/ FEATURE

Environmental Hazards and Ogun Government’s Intervention Femi Ogbonnikan

lood displaces millions every year all over the globe and claims lives and property. Flood can arise from abnormally high precipitation, storm surges from tropical storms, dam burst or dam water release, and rapid snow belts or burst water mains. Nigeria experiences floods every year, especially flash floods and dam-related floods during the raining season. In Ogun state, the attitude of the citizens, in no small measure, has contributed to the devastating effects of the flood. Dumping of refuse in gutters, erecting illegal structures along the right of ways of water, among others, have contributed to the devastating effects. Residents of flood-prone and wetland areas, such as Isheri, Wawa, Arepo, Akute, Alagbole, etc (Ifo Local Government Area), Adigbe, Ofada, ibafo, Mowe, Magboro, etc (Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area), Gbangba, Ijaiye, Ijeun-Tuntun, Isale-Oja, Kuto, Amolaso, Ijeja, etc (Abeokuta South Local Government), Adedotun, Ago-Ika, Enugada, Totoro, Onikoko, etc (Abeokuta NorthLocalGovernment), Owa and Yemule River Courses (Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area), Obantoko, Arakanga (Odeda LocalGovernmentArea), Ado-Odo/Ota, Sagamu, Ijebu-East and Ogun Waterside who usually bear the brunts, on a yearly basis, have had bitter tastes of the flash flooding. To stem the tides, as a responsive and responsible Government that is statutorily saddled with the protection of lives and property of its citizens, Ogun State government, on June 18, 2021, a press conference held and alerted the residents of the imminent flash flood that would come in July, spoke volume of the government’s intervention. Special Adviser (SA) to the Governor on Environment, Oladimeji Oresanya, warned the residents to avoid going out on five particular dates, the days which they knew quite well that the rainfall would be torrential. This was a warning to the people, especially those who are doing fishing and other agricultural activities around the river banks to finish their harvesting in the last month of August, so that they could excuse the river banks during this period, which was for a short duration. Those who live by the river banks, except those who know how to swim, they have been advised that, children, elderly ones and physically challenged people, should move out of the areas for now. But the anti-progenic ones, the government has waded in to address that. The anti-progenic ones are the buildings that are obstructing along the right of ways of the water flow. Talking about the buildings that have been erected along that area, people are encroaching around the flood plain. The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development is already marking those houses and they may have to pull down those structures to allow the capacity of our rivers to be able to carry the water. Meanwhile, at the inception of the current dis-

Abiodun

pensation in the state on May 29, 2021, premium has been placed on a clean environment, just to lend credence to a popular maxim, “cleanliness is next to Godliness. Towards achieving the set goals, the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration made no mistake, by bringing onboard a recognised authority in waste management and environmental development, in the person of Oresanya, who was at a time Managing Director/ CEO of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) from May 2005 to August 2015, and also a Lead Consultant for UN-Habitat/UNEP Waste Management Data Collection Project in Nigeria, to man the Ogun Waste Management Authority. Success of any thriving economy is dependent on private sector participation (PSP) to drive the chain of growth and development. In this wise, the deft innovation that was brought to bear, with the use of registered private waste collectors, to carry out the assigned tasks, can’t be overemphasized. With just two compactors and a few tippers that were available to cater for the entire state, before the inception of the current administration, the journey to a reinvigorated OGWAMA began in January 2020. But till date, 138 compactors and a good number of tippers wholly owned by private investors, are doing their jobs, without let or hindrances, and they are also providing services across board, due largely to the creation of a healthy and an enabling environment for

businesses to thrive But for other services, like medical waste and hazardous special waste collections require no compactors, but other special service vans, like refrigerated vans, are used to carry out the task of those who are into hazardous waste collection. And they are doing silt and vegetal wastes on the roads and they also use tippers to do them on the streets. At presently, there are ten dump sites (Saje (Abeokuta), Oke-Diya (Sagamu), Old tollgate (Ijebu-Ode), Kurata (Ota), Ifo, Iju, Ogere, OwodeEgba, Ilaro and Ewekoro) that are spread across the state. These sites were created for the people to dump their waste, legally in the state. Because Ogun state is wide, it was decided that dump sites shouldn’t be too far away from the collection points in order to make it more efficient for vehicles to collect waste and dump easily. But these collection and dumping sites have been delineated into eight operating zones whereby officers of the Agency supervise them. They supervise waste collections, be it residential or, commercial or, industrial or, medical or, special hazardous. Parts of the responsibilities of these supervisors also include the supervision of street sweeping and vegetal control. An Enforcement and Advocacy team plays a critical role in compliance with the rules of the game. The use of sanitary inspectors in this team is significant in various zones they are assigned to operate independently of the operations

officers. They monitor the environment and also carry out the enforcement and awareness campaign. Besides, they monitor and prosecute offenders. There exists a group of a compliance department. And in that compliant what they entail is monitoring, creating awareness campaign and enforcement. A team of monitoring officers always go, check every nook and corner, send pictures, upload them into the Authority’s ‘apps’ and they are rewarded. Some of members of the team are retired civil servants, retired Permanent Secretaries (PS). They are mainly pensioners in this group. What they do everyday is to monitor for the Authority and they are paid some stipends. They sell information and also send pictures of everything on a daily basis. Some of them are Community Development Associations (CDAs) members. Then, apart from that, under that compliance group, there is a compliance strategy and also an awareness campaign team that go out with public address systems to the streets, to the markets and they campaign to the public. They try to correct them, tell them what to do and the rest of it. That is targeted campaign. Then, the last line is the enforcement. The oﬃcials look like KAI operatives in Lagos State. They are either sanitary inspectors or, volunteers or, NGOs and they are well kitted and remunerated. They go all over the state and carry out the assigned tasks in conjunction with the local government authorities. In essence, they collaborate in this joint enforcement. Those who are contravening the law are apprehended and subsequently prosecuted them. The team also reduces street trading, as much as possible, all over the state. By and large, the recent shut down of Iberekodo market, Abeokuta, was used an indicator for other markets in the state. The shutdown of the market was aimed at two reasons. One, the market traders believe that they were so traditional and they were not complying with government’s regulations. “May be, it was one of these proactive actions from the government agencies, like ours, that saved the situation. We had to shut down that market to enable us clean that market, clean it very well and to let the traders see the beauty of it. So, to clean that market, we had to shut it down to allow us access to clean the market. And that we did. We clean everywhere. If you go to that market now, it is now looking better and decent now. “And we put storage bins there. We have used it as a form of yardstick to measure traditional market and a level of cleanliness that the government desires of them. So, the traders there are very grateful that we had to do that for them. But we warned them, not to go back to the old bad practice. So, it was a corrective measure”, said Oresanya.

Ogbonnikan wrote from Abeokuta, Ogun State capital .

Next Titan Nigeria Season 8 Kicks Oﬀ Funke Olaode

he Next Titan Nigeria Season 8, an Entrepreneurial Reality Show designed to provoke the entrepreneurial spirit of young Nigerians was last week unveiled in Lagos. Tagged Uncaged, The Next Titan is Nigeria’s foremost Business Reality TV Show. It is a 10 week competition where contestants slog it out through various tasks. Aside from the entertainment aspect of the show, its importance lies in igniting entrepreneurial spirit and showcasing the possibility of entrepreneurship in transforming lives with just an idea that can be scaled to greatness with a market and with Nigeria’s population.The Show, by scouting for young talented people who have entrepreneurial acumens, grooming them through rigorous tasks, boardroom process, mentorship, and eventually funding a winner’s idea leading to an opportunity to create jobs for themselves and others is indeed a big

contributor to the socio-economic development of Nigeria. Apart from the success stories of the previous winners of the show which have been phenomenal, the Next Titan being on national television has also positively impacted on the generality of other young people who are the viewers who have shared their testimonies regarding the programme causing a paradigm shift in their mind-sets to moving from Jobs -Seekers to Jobs-Creators Thousands of entries have been received from young aspiring entrepreneurs across Nigeria. This will give them another opportunity to showcase their business ideas and battle one another for a grand Prize of N15 million to start their dream business. The Season 8 process will start by allowing the contestants to pitch their business ideas through auditions from 6 major cities in Nigeria which are Abuja, Kano, PH, Enugu, Ibadan, and Lagos. And those who would not be able to

attend these physical auditions would also be given opportunity to audition online. After this, and for the main show aspect, the Top 50 would be selected for Top 50 Boot Camp, before the 16 ﬁnal contestants with brightest ideas are shortlisted to live together, and to compete by carrying out weekly business tasks and challenges around the city of Lagos for 10 weeks on television, and with weekly evictions in the boardroom by the judges. Season Eight promises to be more exciting and impactful as all contestants will be given opportunity to be winners from audition stages. A minimum of 500 and maximum of 1000 contestants from auditions will qualify for funding of up to N3 million funding courtesy Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. Audition will start by next week in Port Harcourt before moving to Abuja, Enugu, Lagos, Ibadan and Kano, before other Pre-show activities such as Top 50 Boot Camp which will hold in Lagos, Premiere Gala Evening and many others.

Apart from audition judges, the judges of the main show still remain the same, and these are top Nigerian business leaders such as Kyari Bukar, Ex Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group; Tonye Cole, Founder, Sahara Group; Chris Parkes, and Lilian Olubi, CEO EFG Hermes. Appreciating judges and sponsors for their unflinching support over the years, the executive producer of the programme, Mide Akinlaja expressed gratitude to Heritage Bank plc, which is the lead sponsor. The Gold Associate Sponsors, MSPORT and Sifax Group, Silver Associate Sponsor, Haven Homes, Official Supporting Sponsors such as Terra Season Cubes, Airpeace Airline, Lifemate Furniture, RC Cola, Nikky Taurus Limited, and Cummins Generators as well as Premium Box. Adelaja also thanked the Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sport Development, Mr. Sunday Dare for the iconic partnership with The Next Titan Nigeria which will cut across two different seasons, Season 8 and Season 9.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18 , 2021

NEWS EXTRA

Ex-EFCC Boss Waziri Canvasses Drug Test for National Honour Awardees Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs.

Farida Waziri, has canvassed that drug test be made part of the criteria for considering

Ex-militant Leader Accuses PAP Leadership of Insincerity, Calls for Probe Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Ex-militant leader under the Presidential Amnesty Programme, (PAP), Mr. Kingsley Muturu, has accused the leadership of the programme of insincerity in the execution of activities of the programme designed to impact positively the lives of youths in Niger Delta. Muturu, who is a peace ambassador and Delta State Chairman, Phase 2 of the amnesty programme, made the allegation on Wednesday at his country home in Bomadi. He noted that although the programme had, between the period of 2012 and 2015, trained artisans for a number of months and the beneficiaries provided starter-packs on graduation, it suffered setbacks under successive leaders amid certain scandalous allegations. He expressed concern over the fact that some of those who should benefit from the programme have been left unattended for over 10 years running, alleging some deceitful manipulations.

Muturu said, “I am pained as a leader of ex-agitators when seeing manipulations in the amnesty office, to the extent that beneficiaries since 2009 have not gone for training or to school till date. “I want the PAP leadership to respond to some salient issues: Is it proper to call beneficiaries to Lagos or elsewhere, lodge them in hotels for three days and give them peanuts as packages without any training? “PAP Phase 2 has 6,166 (six thousand one hundred and sixty-six) beneficiaries them have been trained and how many are not and from whose camps? How many of them are benefiting from the monthly stipend? “Colonel Dixion Dikio (rtd) said that out the 30,000 beneficiaries of PAP, 22,000 have been trained. We want him to publish names of trained beneficiaries and the camps they belong. Let him also publish the eight thousand untrained beneficiaries and the camps they belong. He should also publish the number of impacted community slots.

Runsewe Hosts Diplomatic Community to Herald 2021 INAC Expo In a strategic bid to ensure that the 2021 International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo meets its desired objectives, the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) played host to the diplomatic community in Nigeria to a Pre-INAC dinner in Abuja. Speaking at the occasion, the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, explained that the purpose of the dinner outing was to celebrate the diplomatic community in Nigeria for their unwavering support to NCAC

programmes and also intimate them of Council’s preparedness to host the 2021 edition of the culture, arts and crafts expo which will be held under the theme ‘Networking Nigerian Crafts to the World’. Runsewe revealed that INAC Expo which was initiated in 2018, was one of Council’s blue chip cultural tourism promotion offering aimed at recapturing, re-enacting and marketing the essence of the Nigerian crafts industry and its wealth creation potential at national and international levels.

Make Probity, Prudence your Watchword, Abiodun Charges Perm Secs Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, yesterday, swore-in six new Permanent Secretaries and a Special Adviser on Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Aderemi Ogunmefun, charging them to make probity and prudence their watchwords, as the Chief Accounting Officers and Administrative Heads of their respective agencies and ministries. At the ceremony held at the State Executive Council Chamber, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, the governor enjoined the new permanent secretaries to ensure proper management of both human and material resources under their care. Abiodun, who further charged them to consider and see all members of their ministries as important catalysts to achieving the greatness of their ministries, departments and agencies, urged them to also ensure a seamless

and robust synergy between their ministries and others. He noted that public service had played a huge role in the successes recorded by his administration in the last 28 months, pointing out that it was the responsibility of his government to maintain the stability of “the engine room that sees to the daily routine of government activities”. While observing that the task of bequeathing enduring legacies goes beyond road construction, provision of modern healthcare delivery and gamut of other ordinary things that people would wish to see in the physical, which according to him would be eroded by time, space and technology, Abiodun said his government would hold it as a duty to protect the legacy of excellence in the Public Service that the state founding fathers left behind.

deserving Nigerians for national honours awards. Waziri was recently appointed a member of the National Honours Award Committee, which was inaugurated in Abuja on Thursday by the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator George Akume. The committee members are to screen and select eminent Nigerians and friends of Nigeria, who have contributed to the development of the country. In a brief chat outside the venue of the inauguration, the former EFCC boss commended President Muhammadu Buhari for restoring honour to the

National Honours Award by picking men and women of impeccable character to handle the national assignment. She said the committee would work hard to consider people of impeccable character, focus on merit, patriotism and federal character in its consideration of people for the national honour. She said beyond these criteria, she would also seek for the inclusion of drug test as part of the vetting that must be carried out on would be awardees. According to her, “in line with the current war against drug abuse launched by President

Buhari on June 26 this year, as a member of this noble National Honours Award Committee, I will be calling for use of drug integrity test as part of the screening process for those to be considered for the honour award. That way, we will be extending deterrence frontiers of the drug war because it has to cover all age brackets and social strata.” She said there was need to emphasise patriotism in the country, adding that the security challenges the country was facing would make anybody conclude that another hostile nation has invaded Nigeria. “However, it is shocking that

majority of those behind these problems are Nigerians terrorising their fellow Nigerians. This must stop and we all must learn to be patriotic in the interest of the nation,” she added. The committee chaired by HRH, Justice Sidi Muhammad 1 (rtd), Emir of Lafia, has Mrs. Farida Waziri, (North-central), Muhammed Ja’afaru (North west), Alhaji Sali Bello (Northeast), Chief Inikio Dede (Southsouth) as members. Others are Prof. Lazarus Ekwueme (South-east), Mr. Yemisi Shyllon (South-west), Dr. Abdullahi Oyekan, and Mrs. Angela Jim-Jaja, including other co-opted members.

ALANI BANKOLE AT 80… L-R: Jigawa State Governor, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar; his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun; celebrant, Chief Alani Bankole; his son and former Speaker, House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole and governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, at the 80th birthday celebration of Chief Bankole in Abeokuta…yesterday.

Niger Not a Poor State Says Governor’s Aide Laleye Dipo in Minna Niger State government has dismissed reports that it was one of the 10 poorest states in Nigeria. Recent media reports quoting statistics from the National Bureau of Statistic NBS placed Niger state 8th on the table of the 10 poorest states in the country along with Sokoto, Taraba, Jigawa, Eboyin Adamawa Zamfara, Yobe, Gombe and Bauchi states.

The report blamed insecurity and lack of infrastructure in addition to low Internally Generated Revenue IGR in the said states for their high poverty levels. However The Special Adviser Political Matters and Strategy to Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, Alhaji Nma Kolo dismissed the report saying “ We are not a poor state our people are not poor “If you are talking about poverty I will say No we are not poor our people are not poor, our people are farmers; they are

farming very well “Niger State has been feeding the nation for a very long time, go to our markets you will understand what I am saying”. Kolo insisted that Niger State could not be said to be among the poorest states in the country “ While producing food for the country” He further argued in an interview with newsmen that the state “has improved it’s IGR, everyone can attest to

this” submitting further that “people have the erroneous impression that the state is poor because of our landmass, we have the largest landmass in this country, if you are traveling from Minna- Agwara local government you may think you are traveling to another country” He said government was however doing a lot to improve the condition of living of the people secure their lives and property and provide jobs for the youths.

Senate President Bags Chieftaincy Title in Iyin-Ekiti The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, will today be enrolled in the Iyin Traditional Hall of Fame with the conferment on him the Aare Akorewolu of Iyin Kingdom by the Oluyin of Iyin, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaiye. The event is part of the activities to mark the Oluyin of Iyin’s

first Coronation Anniversary scheduled to hold today at Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State. In a letter of appreciation earlier sent to the Senate President, the paramount ruler described Lawan as a blessing to Nigeria. “Your openness, warmth

and assurances of commitment to the growth and development of Iyin-Ekiti in particular and Nigeria as a whole further accentuates your well-known attributes as a great leader who seeks to smoothen the concerns of the governed.

“You are indeed, without mincing words, a blessing to our dear nation,” Oba Ajakaiye said. He thanked the Senate President for his “valued support to the indigenes of the town who are currently serving the nation in various capacities in the government of the Federal Republic.”

BNRE Estate Pledges Affordable Housing, Land Ferdinand Ekechukwu BNRE Estate (Bishop ND Riel Estate) has pledged to provide affordable land and homes to Nigerians. This was disclosed in Lagos recently during the official signing and endorsement of its first brand ambassador, Idowest, a music star. Officials of the company also disclosed

their special Independence Day offering to prospective clients and customers at 20% discount off all its properties at various locations in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Port Harcourt. They also stated their vision of expanding further in other locations of the country, and in Dubai. Speaking to newsmen at the event, CEO of BNRE Estate,

Kolade Adepoju said the company’s commitment was in view of efforts towards solving the housing deficit which has become a major issue in the country. “As of today, we have huge housing deficit. We are here to solve that problem. And in solving that problem, we understand you can do little without partnership. “That’s why we are partnering with our brother here Idowest. He

is one of the people that supported us and we are officially endorsing him as our ambassador. As we are speaking we have our estate in four locations in Nigeria. We have in Lagos, we have in Enugu, we have in Rivers State - Port Harcourt and we have in Abuja. Abuja is where we have the largest expanse of our land; we have over a thousand plots there.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 18 , 2021

SPORTS XTRA

Super Eagles Skipper, Musa Inspires Karagumruk’s Win in Super Lig

uper Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa was in impressive form as Faith Karagumruk and Yeni Malatyaspor kicked off the Turkish top- flight matchday five games with an entertaining clash that

will live for a while in their fans’ memories. Musa impressed from start to finish to help Fatih Karagumruk come from behind to seal a memorable 4-3 win at Yeni Malatyaspor yesterday. The Nigerian was not among the goals scorers, but he certainly was one of Fatih

Karagumruk’s better players on the night, contributing immensely in attack and in defense. Andrea Bertolacci andAleksandar Pesic grabbed a brace each to pull Francesco Farioli’s men back from 2-0 down, then 3-1 down to a 4-3 triumph over a Yeni Malatyaspor side that

paraded Nigerian midfielder Obinna Nwobodo. But Musa was constantly in the thick of the action. The Super Eagles skipper enjoyed an 84 per cent pass accuracy, completed 100 per cent of his dribbles, and won seven of his nine ground duels. The former Leicester City

ace made two key passes and had two shots blocked for the Black-Red. In defense, Musa contributed one clearance and three tackles as the visitors struggled to contain the fluid attack of Yeni before the hosts were reduced to ten men with the sending off of Jospin Nshimirimana on the hour mark. The win shoots Fatih Karagumruk (who have played a game more) to third on the

Super Lig table, levelled on 10 points with leaders Besiktas and Anthony Nwakaeme’s Trabzonspor. Musa only joined the BlackRed in July on a free transfer after a brief spell in the NPFL with former club Kano Pillars. But the 28-year-old has becomeaninfluentialmember of coach Francesco Farioli’s side, helping the team to two wins and a draw in the four matches he has played in.

Super Eagles Striker, Dessers Hits Back at Critics, Says ‘I don’t Care’

Faith Karagumruk winger, Ahmed Musa

Rodgers Showers Encomiums on Osimhen after Heroics against Leicester Leicester City coach Brendan Rodgers has heaped praises on Super Eagles and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen after the heroics he put up against the Foxes in the Europa League on Thursday. Before Thursday night, the Nigeria international was yet to score a goal for Napoli in the Europa League after three appearances. However, it all changed on Thursday night as Osimehn inspired his Napoli side with an outstanding performance, scoring two second-half goals to help Luciano Spalletti’s men stage a comeback against

the Foxes in their opening game of the 2021/22 Europa League season. Speaking after the game, Leicester’s manager Rodgers talked about the quality of the former Nigerian U-17 star. “We had some players getting their first 90 minutes of the season as well, and then obviously, their big striker (Victor Osimhen), who’s £70-odd-million, so you can see his quality, and he gets his two goals,” Rodgers told LCFC TV. Osimhen will look to build on his performance against Leicester City, and open his

SerieAaccount when Napoli take on Udinese on Monday night. Meanwhile, Osimhen has missed out on the Europa League player of the week despite delivering a brilliant individual performance in the Neapolitans draw against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. Osimhen scored a brace in his fourth appearance in the competition to help Napoli come back from two goals down against the Foxes. The Nigerian international was a thorn in the flesh of Leicester City’s defenders, who could not cope with

his speed and pressing. But despite delivering a performance for ages, it was not enough to earn him the Europa League player of the week. The former Lille star was nominated for the award but lost to 2014 World Cup winner Mario Gotze. Gotze took most of the fans votes after scoring and providing an assist in PSV’s 2-2 draw against Real Sociedad. Osimhen’s first goal against Leicester also missed out on the goal of the week, losing to Karl Toko Ekambi’s strike for Lyon against Rangers.

I Still Feel Nigerian Despite Turning Down Super Eagles for Three Lions, Says Tomiri Chelsea academy product Oluwafikayomi Tomori has not forgotten his roots even though he is cap-tied to England, where he grew up. The central defender was born in Calgary, Alberta to Nigerianparents,makinghim eligible to represent the threetime African champions and Canada prior to his competi-

tive debut for the Three Lions in a European Championship qualifier against Kosovo in November 2019. Around two months before his senior debut for England, Nigeria Football Federation bossAmajuPinnikmonitored Tomori from the stands as Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by Sheffield United

in a Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge a league gameversusSheffieldUnited. Whenaskedthemeaningof his name, Tomori told DAZN via Milanpress.it : “My name is Nigerian and it means God has filled me with joy, it is typical in Nigeria to give such names. “I feel very Nigerian, when

I was little my parents spoke to me in the local language and I ate typical Nigerian food”. When Tomori made his debut for Canada youth teams vs England U20s in 2016, he played against his good pal OlaAina, who later switched his international allegiance to the Super Eagles.

Iwobi Reveals Best Position for Everton Alex Iwobi has revealed his best position for Everton and his two ideal roles for the Nigeria national team. The Arsenal academy product has played in a variety of roles for club and country, including wing-back, left winger, right winger, left midfield, attacking midfield and center forward. Predominantly an attack-minded player, Iwobi caught the eye in a few games he was deployed as a wing-back under ex-Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti last season.

Iwobi has stressed that he is prepared to play in whatever position he is asked to by manager Rafael Benitez. “I think playing different roles has helped me to understand the game a bit more, especially those defensive roles,” Iwobi said to Everton’s official website. “I’m not going to complain - playing right wing-back, right midfield, left midfield, I’ll play anywhere and I’ll always give my best. “My aim is to get more goals and assists but if I’m asked to do it at right wing-back,

then I’ll do it and try my best! “I think, for Everton, my best position for the team is probably out wide. “For my national team, it’s completely different and I do like playing in the midfield as a number 8 or number 10. “I feel like I can play in any position. For each manager and each team it’s going to be different.” Iwobi was nominated for Everton’s Goal of the Month for August 2021 but missed out on the accolade toAbdoulaye Doucoure.

Nigerian forward Cyriel Dessers has hit back at his critics at Feyenoord, stating that he doesn’t care about fans’ opinions. The Belgium-born attacker arrived at Genk from Heracles in the summer of 2020, but he struggled to break into the starting lineup at the Cegeka Arena, playing second fiddle to compatriot Paul Onuachu. In search of more game time, Dessers opted for a loan deal to Feyenoord this summer. Dessers is not a stranger to the Dutch league, as he playedatUtrecht,NACBreda and HeraclesAlmelo during his time in Netherland. However, with just under three appearances under his belt at his new club, some of

Banyana Beat Black Queens as Aisha Buhari Cup Reaches Halfway Stage 2018 African Woman Player of the Year Thembi Kgatlana was the star of the evening as South Africa steamrolled Ghana 3-0 on Day 3 of the six-day Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament in Lagos. In an entertaining encounter at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena firmly dominated by the reigning African vice champions, Kgatlana was too much to handle for the Black Queens’ rear-guard led by Captain Portia Boakye, and she eventually accounted for one goal and one assist as the Queens were diminished. The shape of things to come was clear as early as the 7th minute, when Ellen Coleman had to stretch full length to clear the ball from the line as the Banyana launched onslaught after onslaught, the pacy Kgatlana creating most of the trouble. Victory meant the Banyana are now the team at the top in the tournament, one goal better than African champions Nigeria who defeated Mali 2-0 on the opening day. A total of six goals have been scored in the tournament, with Nigeria’s Gift Monday the leading markswoman with two goals. ]Today is rest day for all the teams, before Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses and the Femelle Aiglons of Mali tango on Sunday

the fans already feel he might not be able to deliver at De Kuip. Nevertheless, the 26-yearold is unfazed by his critics as he states his belief in his abilities. “I’m a different player than I was a few years ago.” Dessers told ESPN as per Voetbal primeur. “When people talk about my Utrecht or Heracles period, I don’t care. I’ve become a much better footballer and can’t wait to show that to everyone.” Feyenoord have played just three games this season, so the Nigerian still has 31 Eredivise games to prove to his critics that they were wrong about him.

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Salami on FG’s Borrowings

“Federal government’s expenditure has been on the increase, and at a faster pace than its revenue. Public debt has continued to expand on the back of growing ﬁscal deﬁcit” – Chairman of President Buhari’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC), Dr. Doyin Salami, lamenting unending borrowings by the federal government.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

UT H

& RE A S O

26 years

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Buhari and His Dream of A One Party State

ellow Nigerians, where and how does one begin? Whenever you think you have seen it all in our dear beloved country Nigeria, something bigger, bizarre and sometimes even more dastardly occurs. Let me be honest, I have no problem with those decamping in droves from the opposition party PDP to the ruling party APC. As far as I’m concerned, they are merely exercising their inalienable rights of freedom of association, speech and movement. However, I have serious issues with only one man, President Muhammadu Buhari who seems to be the Talisman that they all credit with their defection. It is because of him they all turn into turncoat, notwithstanding their previously avowed aversion and derision of this same personage that has been the butt of their ridicule or denigration. Before you begin to ask me why this is my position, I shall hasten to elucidate. Prior to the 2015 Presidential election, Major General Muhammadu Buhari had contested on three occasions. And what was his claim to fame and entitlement to the throne? INTEGRITY. Others added courage, frugality and simplicity. To his acolytes he was nothing short of a saint or angel. The Chosen one, the Messiah. That description was a perfect fit. He had this childlike innocence written all over his soft, delicately hewn face. His cool mien and natural taciturnity complemented his persona. He was unreachable, yet touchable. An ethereal being, a Spirit! Anyway. The Buhari I was introduced to by Dr Lanre Tejuoso in 2010 was totally calm and appeared serious and determined about changing Nigeria. Despite my reservations about his age and dictatorial past even at that time, he managed to present an image of a truly repentant, penitent and reformed born again democrat. It was hard to imagine the level of implacable and intractable obstinacy disguised, concealed and buried inside that seemingly frail figure. I later went ahead to contest against him and President Goodluck Jonathan and others. We both lost. The retired army General was devastated and blighted. I even read somewhere that he wept and vowed never to contest again. But something would happen to change his trajectory forever. By 2015, the PDP had held power for 16 solid years. And it was normal for the principle of diminishing return to set in. Apart from the assumed and acknowledged recklessness and profligacy ascribed to the party, President Jonathan faced his toughest challenge in the total collapse of security in some parts of the North East of Nigeria. The mass kidnap of young school girls at Chibok, in Borno State, further exacerbated the tense situation. The next party to consider realistically was APC. And Buhari was its candidate. It wasn’t easy to keep PDP in power given all its negative vibes and woes. On the other hand, it was obviously very risky to exchange this wobbly party which was an amalgamation of strange bed fellows. The decision to embrace the Change which APC promised to deliver through its enigmatic flagbearer would haunt us for a long time to come. I cannot in good conscience say Buhari has not done anything good in over six years since he returned to power but his lack of attention to uniting Nigeria has obliterated whatever good he might have recorded and achieved so far. It seems that the President and his men became arrogant and power drunk and could not be bothered about leaving a legacy of dynamism, development and progress. Now, as the President and his men and women inch closer and closer to the finishing line, I can see a palpable sense of desperation. It is obvious they would love to

Dele Momodu and President Buhari

rewrite the history and narrative of this terrible season and reverse the clock if possible. I believe, this is the main reason for the manner APC has been on a poaching spree of recent. To some Nigerians and other friends of our country, it may appear strange and bizarre that so many people are rushing and running to a party that deserves to be shredded, trashed and disposed off into the dustbin of history for setting Nigeria back by decades if not centuries. But to keen observers and participants like me, such is standard practice here. The rationale for the wholesale desire to forsake and renounce any remaining iota or modicum of decency and morality has been the perception that the odds of winning an election in this country doubles when you participate as a member of the ruling party. Shame and propriety are absent in our lexicon. Worse still, we lack a sense of history. Once upon a time, some politicians worshipped General Sani Abacha and plotted to make him a life President. Where are they today? Where are those who tried to stop then Vice President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, from acting as President during the incapacitation of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua? Gone with the winds! The giddiness that has taken over the bodies and souls of the APC apparatchiks is neither justifiable nor sustainable in reality and in the long run. Many leaders had tried in the past to enslave Nigerians and convert our system to a one party but they failed spectacularly. I have no doubts in my mind that this latest experiment and exploration too will fail. Someone should tell President Buhari to stop the bad habit of using state resources to play politics. I believe the APC has a party office. The next time they want to receive their decampees, they should head to the party secretariat. The seat of power in Aso Rock is too sacred and not an adjunct or appurtenance of the APC. It is an abuse of office and privilege to abandon extremely volatile matters of state and waste resources and time on frivolities. It is most unfair and unfortunate. It is even worse that the President seems not bothered about the implication of welcoming all comers on the so-called war against corruption. The President made certain promises before he was appointed or elected. Those promises are too important and sacrosanct to be discarded on the altar of political or other expediency. There are too many problems demanding and requiring the President’s immediate, focused and

undiluted attention. The President should worry less about who succeeds him and more about making a success of his tenure. The attempt to turn the Nigerian political space into one gigantic political behemoth is alarming and worrisome. However, the history of Nigerian politics has shown clearly that a one party state is virtually impossible to achieve here. Nearly every government attempted it in the past but failed. Buhari should not think that he is any different from his lofty predecessors in this regard. He should just do his job and leave in peace. He will be applauded for this gesture. Any attempt to force any candidate on Nigeria will only bring gloom and doom upon the nation. No matter how weak PDP may appear today, the party will bounce back in the next few months unless its leadership fails to think outside the box. This is because the roles have been reversed and things have turned full circle! The nadir and abyss the PDP reached after 16 years of governance in Nigeria has been reached and attained by APC in a record half of the time that it had taken the PDP. The party must therefore take advantage of the opportunity presented

by APC’s terminal malaise and find means of rebranding by bringing in fresh people, faces and truly fresher ideas. If the party allows its old and ageing politicians to hijack it as usual, and force or impose its ill-fated candidates on the nation, it means they are willing to remain in opposition ad infinitum. The party can defeat APC only if and when it reflects the mood of the nation and do the needful by seeking young, vibrant, accomplished, cosmopolitan leaders who can galvanize the youths into the party and motivate them into ensuring the party’s success at the polls. I was very excited when I got a call from Senator Shehu Sani earlier in the week intimating me of his recent move to PDP. He confirmed that he had been partly swayed by my kind of admonition that success at the national level cannot come from a small political outfit with meagre resources and bereft of national outlook. Finally, serious people are beginning to heed my advice. I’m a firm believer in the efficacy of a two party system for national government even if there are smaller parties for the local and regional governments. He said every aspiring candidate should see, read and digest my last week’s column as a veritable blueprint and key into its genuine propositions and proposals. The leading opposition party needs to free itself of unnecessary encumbrances. It should start attacking vigorously and stop the defensive game it’s been playing for some time now. It must be proactive and not reactive. It must say what it can do better and not just criticise for the sake of doing so. More importantly its ideas, pledges and promise must be well conceptualised and realistic and firmly rooted in objectivity and actualisation. It can be done and it must be done. Buhari and his cohorts must not be encouraged to think a one party state is still possible in a democracy. It is anathema to democracy, particularly a presidential system of government, no matter what else you may hear. PDP represents our only chance for a real difference and the unity and survival of a fractionalised, factionalised and fractious country. Its leaders and members must be encouraged to rise to the challenge and pick up the gauntlet. The time is now otherwise if we let the Buhari led APC and their co-conspirators continue with their onslaught, we will have no country left in a couple of years! I shudder at the thought...

Special Thanks to the Oluwo of Iwo

have the pleasure of sharing the good news with you. The dream of every soul is to work hard, achieve greatness, receive recognition and get honored. It is for this reason that I wish to thank His Imperial Majesty, OBA ABDULRASHEED ADEWALE AKANBI, for blessing me and my wife with the highest titles available in any part of Yorubaland, THE AARE OF IWOLAND. My dear beloved wife, Chief Mrs Mobolaji Momodu, will also bag the YEYE AARE as is customary. The OLUWO stool is ancient, being direct descendants of Oduduwa, and the Ooni of Ife and thus a powerful one at that, in Yorubaland. Its Rulers have been mythical and legendary. I’m very grateful for this heartwarming development and honour. Our installation ceremony comes up on Saturday, the 2nd of October, 2021, at the expansive Palace of The Oluwo of Iwo, in Osun State, at 11.00am prompt. We have

sent out letters to our families, friends and associates. We are indeed overwhelmed and grateful to all those who have sent felicitations, gifts and prayers ahead of the event and have confirmed attendance even from as far and near as Africa, Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australasia. We have sought the royal blessings of the foremost Yoruba Monarchs, His Imperial Majesty, The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and Iku Baba Yeye, The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, and are assured of their love and best wishes at all times. Highest regards always to our Guru, The Spirit of Africa, Dr Michael Adeniyi Agbolade Isola Adenuga (GCON, CSG, CLH), for his continued love and support. God has been been very kind to us that he gave us our first of four sons, Olupekan Momodu, exactly 27 years ago and we rejoice and humbly request you to do so with us...

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