SATURDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2022

Mele Kyari to International Community: Treat Stolen Nigerian Crude Oil as Blood Diamonds Bennett Oghifo The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, Mele Kyari, yesterday called on the

international community to join Nigeria in its battle against crude oil theft.

Of recent, almost 50 per cent of crude oil produced in Nigeria is lost to thieves. This

has greatly reduced oil revenue due to the country.

Speaking at the Nigeria International Economic Partnership Forum in New York on Thursday, Kyari said

investors should treat any Nigerian oil from unofficial channels the same way blood diamonds were treated in the recent past.

Kyari said: “Oil theft is not

very unique to Nigeria, many countries have dealt with it even in the very recent past but also required concerted international efforts, just like the world did for blood diamonds.

“I think this is a very good opportunity to request that at the level of diplomats, that the honourable minister of foreign Continued on page 5

APC, PDP Unveil Final Lists of Presidential Campaign Councils... Page 14 Saturday 24 September, 2022 Vol 27. No 10028

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ASUU Begs A’Court to Stay Judgement Ordering End of Strike Obey ruling, return to the classrooms, FG tells university teachers Deji Elumoye, Alex Enumah and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The striking members of the Academic Staff Union of

Universities (ASUU), yesterday approached the Court of Appeal, Abuja for an order to stay the execution of a court judgement ordering it to end its ongoing

nationwide strike.

The university teachers have been on strike since February 14, to press home their demands for improved funding for universities

and a review of salaries for lecturers, among other issues.

Justice Polycarp Hamman of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division, had

on Wednesday, while delivering ruling in an interlocutory injunction application by the federal government, restrained ASUU from continuing with the

strike.

The judge had predicated his decision on Section 18 of Continued on page 5

Suspend Me If You Can, Gov Wike Taunts PDP

Accuses Ayu of corruption, manipulation of presidential primary for Atiku Party still retains Wike, loyalists in final PCC

Charles Ajunwa in Lagos, Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja; Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State yesterday openly mocked the leadership of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and similarly waved aside speculations that he could be sanctioned for his alleged recalcitrant behaviour and anti-party activities.

Wike, who spoke at a media parley in Port Harcourt, opened up on events that led to the emergence of Atiku and his insistence that the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, must step aside, adding that he would continue to oppose the party until the right thing was done.

The governor, who lost the presidential ticket to Atiku in the primary last May, has so far refused to be swayed by entreaties to work with Atiku and Ayu, and Continued on page 5

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS… L-R: Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State; Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed; President Muhammadu Buhari and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Adejoke Adefulire; at the presentation of Nigeria’s Integrated National Financing framework for the SDGs in New York... yesterday

PenCom Okays Use of Retirement Savings Balance for Mortgage... Page 10

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2022 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

PAGE FIVE ASUU BEGS A’COURT TO STAY JUDGEMENT ORDERING END OF STRIKE the Trade Dispute Act, that empowers him to make such decisions in the interest of the nation.

Dissatisfied, the university lecturers yesterday filed a Notice of Appeal to challenge the order of the Industrial Court.

ASUU through its lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, had in a motion sought the leave of the court "to appeal against the interlocutory ruling of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria per Honourable Justice P.1. Hamman.”

The appellant also prayed the court for another order, "staying execution of the order of Justice Hamman ... pending the hearing and determination of the interlocutory Appeal."

ASUU is claiming that the ruling of Justice Hamman affects its fundamental rights to fair hearing, adding that it would be in the interest of justice to stay the execution of same pending the hearing and determination of the Appeal arising thereto.

In the 14 grounds of proposed notice of appeal, ASUU is claiming that the trial Judge "erred in law and thereby occasioned a miscarriage of justice when he decided to hear and determine the Respondents' motion for interlocutory injunction when he knew or ought to have known that the substantive suit filed by the Claimant was not initiated by due process of law."

ASUU in grounds two of the appeal also claimed that Justice Hamman misdirected himself in law and occasioned a miscarriage of justice when he decided to hear other motions before the motion challenging court's jurisdiction on the matter.

The appellant further submitted that the learned trial judge erred in law when he held that “pursuant to Section 17 of the Trade Dispute Act, Section 18(1) E mandates the members of the Defendants/Respondents not to take part in any strike pending the determination of the suit.”

After several failed attempts to get the striking lecturers back to work while negotiations continue, the government opted for the current court action and prayed the court to compel ASUU to end the nearly seven months old strike in the interest of the nation and the Nigerian students who are suffering the most from the strike.

The Ministry of Labour had approached the industrial court to challenge the refusal of the striking lecturers to end the nearly seven months old strike, claiming that millions of students have been out of school since February 14, 2022 when they went on strike.

FG to ASUU: Obey Court Ruling, Go Back to Classrooms The federal government yesterday urged the public university lecturers to heed the ruling of the National Industrial Court by calling off the sevenmonth old strike and returning to the classrooms.

Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, who made the government position known, advised ASUU to obey the court ruling and call off its

ongoing nationwide strike, while negotiations are ongoing.

He gave the advice while speaking with newsmen in New York on the sideline of the United Nations General Assembly.

Ngige said: “I’m not ASUU but the maximum in law is that when there is a court judgement or ruling or order you must first obey and then we can apply for an appeal if you so desire or apply for stay, that is stay of execution.

“So, the maximum in law, jurisprudence and everything about the law, is that you obey the court’s ruling, judgement or order, no matter how bad.

“So, we expect them to get back to the classrooms but that doesn't foreclose negotiations, the negotiations should be on as a matter of fact, it will be on officially and non-officially.

For example, the House of Representatives had invited us to come and brief them. And together, they are stakeholders.

"You heard Mr. President said to the committee of Pro-Chancellors, when they visited him, that he would do consultation as per the two request on putting an icing on the cake, on the government’s offer to ASUU members and the issue of resettlement fund to cushion the effect of the ‘no work no pay’ situation they found themselves.”

Law Infraction: NLC Intervenes for ASUU Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has waded into the brewing conflict between the Federal Ministry of Labour and ASUU over alleged non-rendition of annual financial returns and audited accounts by the union.

Ngige had accused the leadership of ASUU of failing to submit the annual audited account of its finances as required by law for the past five years.

Owing to this, he said the union was in violation of the relevant section of the Trade Union Act requiring unions to submit their audited account to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment at the office of the Registrar of Trade Unions.

Ngige disclosed this in Abuja during a meeting with the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), a new group seeking registration, stating that ASUU risks losing its certificate of registration.

He said the law requires that the union and other registered trade unions to audit their account at least once every year and to indicate how they utilise the funds accruing from check off dues paid by their members.

Ngige said that by not submitting the audited accounts for five years running, the union has violated the provisions of Section 37(1) of the Trade Union Act (CAP TILFN 2004).

He said ASUU’s registration as a trade union may be withdrawn because of this.

However, NLC has written to the Registrar of Trade Unions, pleading that it should accept and file the annual financial returns and audited accounts, presented by ASUU on September 9.

In a letter signed by NLC

President, Ayuba Wabba, addressed to the Registrar of Trade Unions and copied to the Minister of Labour and Employment yesterday in Abuja, Wabba said: "We understand that ASUU has responded to your query to submit its Annual Financial Reports and Audited Accounts within 72 hours

“ASUU responded to the query through their letter dated Sept. 9. In the letter, the union posited that it had submitted the Annual Financial Returns and Audited Accounts for 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

"ASUU also averred that the union has now rendered the account for 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 as at 9th September 2022.

but out there and the international community needs to support us to contend with this because oil has traces, oil has signatures.”

The NNPCL boss said international buyers can tell where the oil they are buying is from, and they can compare that with the NNPCL sales record, and identify if the crude they are buying is stolen.

“Stolen oil can be known, we have put up structures to make

by your staff who insisted that they were under instructions not to accept any document from ASUU. “ASUU subsequently sent the requested financial documents through courier services but again the staff in your office refused to receive the Annual Financial Returns and the Audited Accounts from ASUU.”

“I didn’t contest so I can become a vice presidential candidate. I am not like others who were not serious and bought senatorial form alongside presidential form and that’s why when Tinubu offered me senate slot, I didn’t go for it.’’

Wike maintained that he would not defect to any other party but he would ensure that justice was done and the chairmanship position moved to the South.

“If I want power or want to be in power, I would have gone ahead to take the senatorial ticket (offer).

But I said no. That is a man who believes in equity, fairness, and justice. So, the analysis does not rhyme at all,” the governor said.

Wike’s camp announced their plan not to participate in the Atiku campaign council scheduled for inauguration next Wednesday after a meeting at Wike’s private residence in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday this week.

Reacting to the withdrawal from his campaign council, Atiku in a statement he personally signed reiterated his decision not to interfere in the demands for Ayu’s removal.

inclusivity.

“The former Vice President created the crisis for himself, by pushing the fallacy that only a Northern candidate can win the presidency for his party, despite the open record that Southerners, when they network with their Northern compatriots, can also win the election.

“Former leaders, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan demonstrated this in 1999, 2003 and 2011.”

SUSPEND ME IF YOU CAN, GOV WIKE TAUNTS PDP has been hobnobbing with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

When asked about his possible suspension for alleged anti-party activities, Wike asked, “Who will suspend me? The party? Which party? PDP? No problem. Look at the wahala (problem) you (PDP) are already carrying. They (PDP) can go ahead.

“I am not saying I am bigger than the party. But those who ran away from the party cannot suspend me from the party. I beg them (PDP) today and they shouldn’t waste time to tell the Governor of Rivers State you are hereby suspended from the party. Then, anything you see, you take! They (PDP members) know what I can do.

“What I am saying is that if we misuse this opportunity Nigerians are giving us, we will pay dearly for it. For me, everything must be done to make sure the right thing is done for us to get the support of Nigeria. But if we continue this way, we are going for a shocker, and that I can tell you.

“I believe justice, fairness, and equity should be allowed for our party to progress. That is when our party can stand as a party that wants to take over the reign of affairs of this country.”

Speaking on the party’s National Convention that produced Atiku, the Rivers governor said if not for the love he and others in his camp had for the main opposition party, they could have prevented the convention from holding.

He alleged that Ayu played a vital role that was detrimental to other aspirants in the emergence of Atiku as PDP’s flag bearer.

The governor alleged that Ayu called several presidential aspirants to step down for the former vice president during the convention.

“He was calling aspirants to withdraw for Atiku. I was there, Saraki and others were there. He manipulated the delegates. There was nothing Ayu did not do to ensure Wike didn’t emerge.

“A whole national chairman told some aspirants that if Wike wins that he was going to resign.

As chairman of the convention, he allowed Aminu Tambuwal to speak a second time. Look, integrity matters.

“Meetings upon meetings were going on. Pressures were being mounted on people to step down. Even on the night of the convention, meetings were going on. That is why we started our convention late.

“Some of the retired generals were involved. Some of the meetings were held in their houses.

There is nothing they didn’t do for me to step down. Those who know me, know that I would have stopped the convention, even if heaven falls.”

Wike also alleged that Ayu received N1 billion from one of the presidential hopefuls in the party.

He alleged that Ayu is corrupt, and that the chairman cannot deny that he received the money but refused to remit it to the party’s account.

“Ayu is very corrupt. I’m totally informed. Ayu has the opportunity to challenge me. Some of the governors can tell you. Will he deny the fact that he didn’t collect N1 billion from Lagos? Let him deny it, I will tell him who gave him the money; not from the Lagos State Government, the money was given to him in Lagos.

“He met one of the presidential candidates and told him that he’s not sure these governors want to sponsor the party. The money did not enter into the account of PDP, but we are not attacking Ayu on that basis.”

Wike alleged further that Ayu was eying the position of Secretary to Government of the Federation should the party win the 2023 presidential election.

This, he alleged, may be contributing to his hold on the chairmanship position and his insistence not to resign from office to ensure equity and justice, “If Nigerians hear a lot of things going on now in the party that wants to take over the reign of power, they will shake their heads.

You see, when we talk about Ayu, it seems people don’t know what is involved. Ayu wants to be in power so that he will be there, and if we (PDP) win the presidential election, he wants the Secretary to the Government of the Federation’s position. You know these positions have been shared and then they are talking to ‘small boys’ like us to play along like we don’t know what is going on.

“I can tell you that, because most of you don’t know what is going on in the party. Somebody has been given the senate president position. And do you think I will sit here on national television to tell you things I don’t know? It is just because of confidentiality and certain things that we cannot say them here.

“Nigerians should even thank us that we are pushing our party to let the world not think that some of the people (PDP members) behaving around are the people to lead them but to know that there are people who still believe in equity, justice, and fairness in the PDP.” The Rivers State Governor also said the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, wooed him to join the ruling party with a senatorial ticket.

He said Tinubu offered him the ticket after Atiku failed to fulfill his promise when he emerged PDP’s presidential flag bearer.

He, however, said he turned down the offer and insisted that he would remain in the main opposition party despite his grievances, adding that he never contested the primary to settle for a vice-presidential or senatorial ticket.

MELE KYARI TO INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY: TREAT STOLEN NIGERIAN CRUDE OIL AS BLOOD DIAMONDS affairs take this to that level, for countries to label any theft of oil from Nigeria coming to the market as blood oil.

“That’s surely a short-term issue: we know that many things are going wrong in our country today concerning this situation. But despite this, we would continue selling to the international community. The utilisation of stolen oil is not in our country, not even in Africa,

"All these submissions were made in less than 72 hours in compliance with your query as conveyed in your letter.

“We also understand that ASUU sent one of their staff and their external auditor to personally deliver the requested financial documents on Sept. 9.

“But their efforts to submit the documents were rebuffed

sure that it can be identified clearly on the webpages that we have created, you can always validate the product and sales that are from us.

“More than anything else, you know, we are also implementing the advanced goods declaration process which is a requirement anywhere in the world, and once that works out, the rest is support from the international community.”

At the event, the NNPCL and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with international investors to build modular refineries in Nigeria, with each one capable of refining 10,000 barrels of oil per day.

Kyari assured investors that Nigeria is safe and open for business in oil, and particularly gas.

Party still retains Wike, others in Final PCC Despite the announcement by members of Wike’s camp that they will not participate in Atiku’s Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) scheduled for inauguration next Wednesday, they were still included in the “updated and final list” of PCC members released last night.

Aside from Wike, others still listed as PCC members are Ayodele Fayose, Jonah Jang, Donald Duke, Okezie Ikpeazu, Olusegun Mimiko, Samuel Ortom and Seyi Makinde.

APC Plays Down Atiku’s Chances The ruling APC yesterday played down the chances of Atiku, ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

According to the campaign council, with the internal crisis rocking the main opposition party, another shot at the presidency by Atiku was slipping away.

In a statement, the campaign council’s Director, Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, said Atiku’s bid to win Nigeria’s oval office through election was again beyond his grasp.

The statement reads, “Once again, another bid for the presidency of our country by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar is slipping away. This is unraveling before our very eyes even before INEC blows the whistle for electioneering campaign. His party, the PDP is in disarray. The signs are just too ominous for the Waziri with the report by the Economic Intelligence Unit predicting another trashing for him in the forthcoming polls.

“After violating his party’s code for power rotation between the North and South and grabbing the PDP ticket without a modicum of sensibilities about our national ethos, Atiku is now faced with the karma of his inordinate ambition.

“A pillar of Atiku’s campaign is the claim of being a unifier and nationalist. That bogus claim has now been discredited, even within his party as the disaffected members cry for justice and

APC Should Focus on its Frailties Atiku, in a reaction by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe castigated the APC for issuing a “disingenuous press release” on issues pertaining to developments within the PDP, describing it as “a laughable work of an interloper.”

The statement reads: “The release is disingenuous because it lacks any merit of a reasonable, intellectual riposte.

Rather, it exposes the APC and its presidential candidate as a bunch of busy bodies who, rather than focus on the burden of credibility that continues to dog their campaign, are poking their nose into minor internal issues of the PDP. “Well, since the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation seems to have woken up from their state of hibernation, it is good to remind them that there are pending questions about the social and educational history of their candidate that Nigerians want answers to.

“We shall be kind enough to remind the APC that when, in the next few days, campaigns begin in earnest, Nigerians will require answers to some weighty character questions about their candidate and, rather than expend precious time on what is never their business, should use the remaining few days judiciously.

“Indeed, the presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar has established credibility before the masses of this country that he is one patriot who can be counted on to stand by the side of the people – even when the times are hard.

“Atiku is a democrat to the core and that is evident in the way that he continues to carry on with the responsibility of ensuring that the PDP rescues Nigeria from the stranglehold of the APC in next year’s general election.”

Atiku's Presidential Campaign: We are Moving on The presidential spokesmen of Atiku, Senator Dino Melaye and Daniel Bwala yesterday said the PDP would not be distracted by the comments of Wike as they have moved on.

Melaye, in a Facebook post said, “Accordingly, we must forge on with the task and the mandate that we have been bestowed with.

It is time, therefore, to move on with the formidable tasks of nation building ahead of us.”

Also, Bwala commenting on his Facebook page said, "Our election destiny is in the hands of God who gives power and the voters whom He uses. There is a reason for the amended Electoral Act and the upsurge of voter registration.

Power now is in their hands, make no mistake.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

6

NEWS

News Editor Charles Ajunwa Email charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

Supreme Court: Atiku’s Emergence as PDP’s Candidate Valid Alex Enumah inAbuja The Supreme Court yesterday struck out a suit seeking to compel the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) to zone its nomination of presidential candidate to the South-east geo-political zone of the country, thus validating the candidature of Atiku Abubakar.

Ogun 2023: Adebutu, Akinlade’s Pact Exposed James Sowole in Abeokuta The Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 election, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu and his running mate, Hon. Adekunle Akinlade, have entered into a written agreement on sharing formula for both elective and appointment into political positions should the party wins the governorship election of the state.

While Adebutu signed the agreement on behalf of himself and the PDP, Akinlade signed for himself and his own camp of the All Progressives Congress (APC)/All People’s Movement (APM).

Akinlade, who was the APM governorship candidate in 2019, lost the APC gubernatorial ticket to the incumbent, Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Part of the agreement was already being implemented, as Akinlade is already the deputy governorship candidate of the PDP. The agreement, which had the seal of a Lagos-based Legal Practitioner, Festus Ogun and endorsed by the Commissioner for Oath in the High Court of Ogun State, contained other components, concerning running of government machinery should PDP win the Ogun State

governorship election.

It was also agreed that in line with the agreement, Adebutu and the PDP shall concede the Ogun West Senatorial ticket, two state House of Assembly tickets in Ogun Central.

It stated, “Furthermore, upon emergence as the winner of the Ogun State gubernatorial election in 2023, Hon. Oladipupo Olatunde Adebutu and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shall concede the following positions to Hon. Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade and his APC/APM Group: seven (7) Substantive Commissioner slots; fifteen (15) Special Adviser slots and twenty (20) Senior Special Assistant slots.

Twenty (20) Special Assistant slots; five (5) Statutory Board Chairman slots; five (5) Local Government Executive Chairman slots.”

It was also agreed “That Hon. Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade, besides his constitutional role as the Deputy Governor, shall be appointed as the Honourable. Commissioner for Trade and Investment in a ministry that shall be created to drive new investments, improved revenue growth, and development of the state.

The court, in a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Adamu Jauro, struck out the suit on the grounds that it lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

A presidential aspirant of the PDP and former deputy Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Cosmos Ndukwe, filed the suit against his party.

He had prayed for an order to compel the PDP to uphold its zoning and rotatory policy.

However, Justice Jauro held that the suit was not justiciable on the ground that the nomination of candidates for election is internal affairs of political parties.

The ruling of the Supreme Court is expected to lay to rest the legality of the action of the party

in throwing open its presidential contest following the ratification of the Governor Samuel Ortom Committee by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.

Following the outcome of the presidential primary that produced Atiku and later, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as Vice Presidential candidate, Governor Wike, the runners up and who was passed over in the vice presidential search, has been up in arms against the party.

The highpoint of the grievances was Tuesday’s pull out by the Governor Nyesom Wike’s camp from the Presidential Campaign Council.

However, Atiku had appealed to Wike and members of his

aggrieved camp to rethink their withdrawal in the interest of the PDP and Nigerians who are looking up to the party to rescue it from the current socio-economic and political quagmire the country is facing.

But speaking yesterday in a lengthy interview on television, Wike continued his unabated attacks on Atiku and the National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu. A source in the PDP Presidential Campaign Council who pleaded anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issues at play said: “We are of the strong view that this is an uncharitable comment by a supposedly top member of the party, and obviously an elevated falsehood raised to

put the presidential candidate in bad light.

“In all his political life, there is no evidence so far that Atiku, a former Vice President, has in his actions or pronouncements, portrayed himself as an unworthy and unreliable political leader. He distances himself from disreputable actions and embraces the noble values that could propel our country to decency and greatness.

“This is what is responsible for his political activities: to be given an opportunity to contribute to the greatness of the nation and help advance the potentials of the country and its teeming youthful population. The Waziri Adamawa remains a man of deep conviction, honesty and integrity.

OIL AT 60…

L- R: Group Chief Finance Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited), Umar Ajiya; Acting Permanent Secretary, Fed Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr Kamoru Musari; Vice President, Prof.Yemi Osinbajo, and Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), Mr. Osagie Okunbor, at the 60th anniversary celebration of the Oil Producers’ Trade Section, held in Lagos… recently

Late Akunyili’s Children to Celebrate Dad’s N’Assembly Plans Property Tax on Unoccupied Abuja Mansions Anniversary with Free Medical Outreach Sunday Aborisade inAbuja In commemoration of the first year anniversary, the children of late Dr. Chike and Prof.

Dora Akunyili are sponsoring a free medical outreach through their parents’ hospital, St. Leo’s Specialist Hospital, Trans-Ekulu, in Enugu State in honour of their late father, Dr. Chike Akunyili.

The management of the hospital, through a press release, said that the free medical outreach is in keeping with the late former Medical Director’s legacy of treating patients in a most compassionate manner and in line with acceptable best practices.

“He was a philanthropist par excellence. And he offered free medical treatment to many too numerous to count. Our Chief Medical Director founded the hospital in the year 200. We are inviting the general public for a one-year memorial service of his unfortunate death on Wednesday 28th of September 2022. The service will be marked chiefly by a Holy Mass which will be presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese Most Rev. Prof. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah by 10a.m. and followed immediately by a free medical consultation and counselling for the public from noon till dusk.

According to the hospital, the free medical outreach, which is

going to commemorate the deceased’s demise, Wednesday, 28 September, will include free blood pressure checks, Body mass index (BMI), Random glucose measurement, Diabetes screening, medical consultations, counselling and dispensing of some medications to those who need it.

On his part, the last born of the deceased and the Director General of Procurements and Projects Monitoring Office, Anambra State, Mr. Obumneme Akunyili, said that the “free medical outreach” is important to the children, because it was my father’s biggest dream to be able to help people due to the financial constraints. In his situation, he couldn’t help everybody. But we will like to honour his legacy, he has always treated people for free, helped those in need, he treated kids for free. So he can’t do that at his level back then so this is our little way of remembering him positively.

“Yes, we would like to run it every year but this is the first time we are doing it on our own but hopefully of we have better funding in future and it’s something we are trying, yet it will be a lovely way to honour every year to say this was Doctor Chike’s legacy; helping those in need, treating them for free and he became a people’s knight because of helping the needy,” Obum said.

The Chairman for Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Smart Adeyemi, yesterday hinted that the National Assembly would soon come up with a bill to stop the alarming rate of unoccupied mansions within the highbrow areas of Abuja.

Towards this end, the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, pledged to initiate a legislation that would impose property tax on all unoccupied buildings, which according to him were outrageously expensive.

Adeyemi disclosed this during an interactive session between

members of his committee and the secretariat team led by the Clerk to the panel.

He noted with concern that there were too many unoccupied buildings in the city.

According to him, putting legislation in place remained a reasonable way to stop the menace.

He also said doing so would make the issue of accommodation less burdensome for residents of the nation’s capital.

Adeyemi said, “As a committee, we would compliment all the executive arm of government has been doing and see how we can help accelerate the socio-economic

development of the city.

“We would see how we can improve the security of the city.

“We want this city to be a place where everyone will be proud of as the capital of the country and even that of West Africa, because we have the ECOWAS secretariat here.”

Adeyemi noted the need to call the attention of the executive to certain areas of the needs.

“One of such, according to him, was to solve the issue of accommodation and housing deficit in the state.

He said, “We have found that in this city, many houses are not inhabited. There are a lot of man-

sions with no one living in them and no one is asking questions.

“If those houses were built with loans from banks, then the banks should be asking for interest.

“Having abandoned houses all over the place, even poses more risks to the residents because they serve as abodes for kidnappers, hooligans and criminals.

“If you have built houses and they are unoccupied, we would find out the reasons and tell the government to lock them up, so that criminals will not take charge.

“We would propel legislation that will cause them to start paying taxes, so that we would use the money to develop the city.

Coalition Backs Akeredolu’s Decision to Buy AK-47 for Amotekun Fidelis David in Akure The Coalition of Southern and Middle Belt Youth Leaders Assembly (COSMBYLA), the umbrella body of all the youth groups in the South-east, South-west, South-south and Middle Belt region, yesterday, commended Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) who said the state under the doctrine of necessity have decided to fulfil its legal, constitutional and moral duty to the citizens of the state by acquiring sophisticated

weapons to protect them.

Akeredolu had on Thursday through a statement titled: ‘We Believe In One Nigeria, But We Cannot Have One Country, Two Systems’, wondered why Amotekun, a South-west regional security outfit, could not bear sophisticated weapons despite continuous call for such, but her counterpart in Katsina State, established to tame bandits and terrorists, are bearing AK-47.

The youths, reacting through a statement jointly signed and made available to journalists in

Akure by Mr. Goodluck Ibem, President General, Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) and Leader of COSMBYLA, Mr. Terrence Kuanum, Coordinator, Forum of Middle Belt Youth Presidents; Shittu Waheed, Coordinator, South West Youth Leaders Forum (SWYLF) and Tito Zokumor, President South South Youth Forum (SSYF), lampooned the federal government for allegedly playing double standard with the nation’s security

The statement reads: “We commend the federal government for approving AK-47 riffles for Katsina State security outfit faced with serious security challenges of terrorism by ISWAP, Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen and bandits. The approval for Katsina State to carry AK-47 rifles to fight insecurity in their state is a tacit approval by the federal government to other states that applied for AK-47 as Katsina State which are having similar serious security challenges.

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NEWS Military Arrests 210 Suspects for Oil Theft, Discovers 838 Excavated Pits in Niger Delta NNPCL opens crude sale documents validation portal Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Intelligence gathering and military operations have resulted in the arrest of 210 suspects in the Niger Delta for crude oil theft.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated this yesterday in Abuja at a meeting with officers of the

Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) at the end of his tour some hydrocarbon installations on the Trans-Niger Pipeline, Nembe Creek Trunk Line and Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal that have been under force majeure since March 2022. He said 365 illegal refining sites were destroyed, with about

Buhari Greets Pastor Aromolaran at 53 President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Pastor Olaitan Aromolaran, Senior Pastor of Joy Cometh Ministries and members of the church on 53rd birthday of the spiritual leader, September 24, 2022, noting the good works of the cleric in supporting underprivileged people.

A statement signed by the President’s Media Adviser, Femi Adesina reads: “President Buhari celebrates Pastor Aromolaran for heeding the call to service in God’s vineyard for many years, and committing himself, through sacrifice and selflessness, to alleviating the situations of

others through investments in health, education, sports, scholarship, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition.

“The President notes the focus of Joy Cometh Ministries on prayers, evangelism and counseling, commending the church’s scriptural adherence to praying for the nation and its leaders.

“President Buhari rejoices with families, friends and associates of the Senior Pastor on the auspicious occasion, praying that Almighty God will continually increase the spiritual leader in wisdom, knowledge and understanding for greater works.”

1,054 refining ovens, 1,210 metal storage tanks, 838 dugout pits, and 346 reservoirs destroyed.

The minister added that the continued campaign by the military has also led to the confiscation of 20.2 million litres of AGO, 461.8 thousand litres of petrol, 843.6 thousand litres of DPK, and 383.5 thousand barrels of crude oil.

Classifying the estimated loss of 700,000 barrels of oil per day in the Niger Delta from theft and production shut in as an existential threat to the country, Mohammed

reiterated the determination of federal government to put an end to oil theft from the activities of vandals and economic saboteurs which have severely impacted Nigeria’s crude oil and natural gas production.

“We have witnessed firsthand a number of illegal refineries destroyed by our military in the course of our aerial surveillance.

“Several vehicles, crude mining and bunkering equipment like speed boats, wooden boats, market boats, trucks and

tankers have been confiscated by the government security agencies,” Mohammed said.

Meanwhile the NNPC has set up a central command and control centre to enable it effectively carry out a real time monitoring of petroleum activities including movement of all vessels within the Nigerian Exclusive Economic Zone.

The General Manager National Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), a subsidiary of NNPCL, Bala Wunti, stated this while briefing the minister.

He said the control centre has also launched the Crude Sales Document Validation Portal to enable the public to validate all crude sales, particularly those illegally exported.

“The thinking is that a lot is being exported. If it is exported it is illegal crude. Yesterday the GCO in New York asked the international community to declare that kind of crude as blood oil.

And for us to be able to make sure we do that we have to set up what we call crude validation portal,” Wunti said.

Court Fixes Sept 28 to Hear Suit Seeking to Stop Obidatti23 Lagos Rally Wale Igbintade Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday adjourned till September 28 hearing of a motion seeking to stop the Labour Party (LP), its candidates and supporters from conducting the “#Obidatti23 Forward Ever Rally” on October 1, 2022, or any other date, in Lagos State.

Justice Osiagor fixed the date after hearing arguments from the parties on the mode of service of court processes, among others.

In the suit, 10 plaintiffs, including nine lawyers, are asking the court to, among others, restrain the LP, its presidential candidate Peter Obi, his vice, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, one Julius Abure and their loyalists from holding the rally, until the hearing and determination of their MotionOn-Notice of September 12, 2022.

The plaintiffs are Adedotun

Ajulo Esq., Salamatu Suleiman Lewi Esq., Hakeem Ijaduola, Esq., Ogunbona Akinpelu Esq., Owolabi K. Oluwasegun, Esq., Mogbojuri Kayode Esq., Wuyep Mantim Nadom Esq., Dimimu Mabel, Esq., Kolawole Salami, Esq. and Mr. Wale Abe Lawrence.

The 1st to 10th defendants in the suit marked FHC/L/CS/1729/2022 are Obi, LP, Baba-Ahmed, Abure, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Commissioner of Police (Lagos State Command), Director General (Department of State Services), Lekki Concession Company (LCC) Limited, Attorney General of Lagos State and the Governor of Lagos State.

When the matter first came up on September 15, Justice Osiagor directed the plaintiffs to put all the defendants on notice and adjourned the hearing of the substantive motion till Friday, September 23, 2022.

Abia Royal Fathers to Meet Buhari as IPOB Leader’s Health Deteriorates Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia As concerns grow over the health condition of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, traditional rulers in Abia State have said they would embark on a fresh move to seek a political solution in resolving the issue.

To this end, the royal fathers have concluded plans to send a high powered delegation to Aso Rock to plead with President Muhammadu Buhari to seriously consider a political solution to Kanu’s release.

President Buhari has all along ignored every suggestion and plea for a political solution to the IPOB leader’s detention and trial, insisting that the judicial process should run its full course.

But the National Chairman, Royal Fathers of Nigeria, HRM, Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, told journalists yesterday in Umuahia that a political solution was necessary to stave off the ugly scenario that could be created should Kanu die in custody.

Ofoegbu, who is also the Chairman, Ikwuano/Umuahia Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, fielded questions from journalists after the royal fathers visited the family of the detained activist at Afaraukwu in Umuahia North Local Government Area.

He said that the deteriorating health condition of the IPOB leader was worrisome hence Abia royal fathers would visit Buhari as soon as he returns from attending the United Nations General Assembly in United States

PROVIDING INFRASTRUCTURE… L-R: Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Enugu State, Hon. Jideofor Ebeh; Chairman, PDP Enugu State, Hon. Augustine Nnamani; Executive Chairman, Isi-Uzo LGA, Hon. Obiora Obeagu; and Engr. Henry Ugwueze during the foundation laying for Hon. Augustine Nnamani Administrative Building by Isi-Uzo LGA at the Council Headquarters, Ikem, on Thursday.

Afeniferi Flays FG’s Double Standard, Says ‘We Stand by Akeredolu’ Emameh Gabriel inAbuja The Pan Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has expressed dismay over what it described as “double standards being displayed by the federal government in its dealings with states in the Southern and Northern parts of the country.

This is just as it said it stands behind Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in securing the South-west with the States Security Network.

This was contained in a

statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi.

Afenifere stated that although there were many instances to be cited, the organisation wanted to restrict itself to “the most recent one for now because of the serious implications it holds for our security, political and socio-economic well-being.”

According to Ajayi, the recent disclosure that the Katsina State Government has been granted permission

to equip its security outfit with sophisticated arms including AK-47 while denying the same for other states is unacceptable.

He said, “News have it that earlier this month, September, Katsina State Government announced its plan to recruit 3,000 individuals into its Special Vigilante Corps to combat terrorism in the state. 600 have been trained in the usage of sophisticated weapons including AK-47.

“It would be recalled that governors in the South-west,

about two years ago, established States Security Network which they codenamed Amotekun. It was to combat the festering insecurity in the region.

The states’ security network, Amotekun, was however hamstrung by the federal government in two major areas that were critical.

“Amotekun is denied the licence to be equipped with sophisticated weapons that would be capable of confronting the terrorists and bandits.”

Tinubu/Shetima will Win Presidential Election, Says Lalong Chinedu Eze The Director General, All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Governor Simon Bako Lalong, has assured that the Tinubu/ Shetima APC presidential ticket would emerge victorious at the 2023 presidential elections based on the popularity and acceptability of the party and

its candidates.

Lalong expressed his optimism at the national convention of one of its ardent support groups, Nigeria-for-BAT, held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Yakubu Dati, Lalong said the Campaign Council is fine-tuning its strategies to ensure members of the APC

in all parts of the country are mobilised to come out en masse from the polling unit, ward and local government levels to participate in the elections.

He said this time, all members of the party would be carried along in the campaign irrespective of age or gender as “the Presidential Campaign Council has engaged the National Working Commit-

tee (NWC) of the party, and is clearly spelling out roles for women and youths in the forthcoming campaigns.”

Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Secretary, Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Christopher Tarka, assured that based on the vision they have for the country, the Tinubu/ Shetima ticket would transform Nigeria.

US Announces $22 Million Project to Improve Cocoa Value Chain in Nigeria Segun James The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food for Progress programme has entered into a cooperative agreement with Lutheran World Relief to strengthen the cocoa value chain in Nigeria.

The project, which is worth approximately $22 million and will be implemented over the next five years. The primary objective

of the Food for Progress project is to increase cocoa productivity by leveraging climate-smart agricultural measures.

In addition, the project will support improved access to inputs, technical resources, capacity, post-harvest processing, and export markets.

Counsellor for Agricultural Affairs, U.S. Mission Nigeria, Gerald Smith, explained that the project will

employ an approach that enables farmers to not only produce more cocoa and preserve the land’s fertility and biodiversity, but also realise an important triple bottom line of people, profit, and the planet.

“Food for Progress programme is the cornerstone of United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service international capacity-building efforts with

the principal objectives of improving agricultural productivity and expanding trade of agricultural products,” Smith said.

Over the years, Food for Progress projects have trained farmers in animal and plant health, improved farming methods, developed road and utility systems, established producer cooperatives, provided microcredit, and developed agricultural value chains.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

NEWS Buhari: Nigeria Committed to Inclusive, Sustainable Development Goals Deji Elumoye in Abuja

HELPING HUMANITY… L-R: Immediate Past President, Rotary Club of Accra Airport, Rosa Kudoadzi; Imaginative President, Rotary Club of Accra Airport, Cleland Bruce; Lawrence Nii Bartey Borquaye; Imaginative President, Rotary Club of Ikeja, Sola Akinsiku; Service Project Director, Rotary Club of Ikeja, Rotarian Ronke Akanni and Service Project Director, Rotary Club of Accra Airport, Rotarian Helga Boadi at the donation of medical equipment to the Cleantown Health Center, Nungua, Accra ...recently.

PenCom Okays Use of RSA Balance for Mortgage James Emejo in Abuja The National Pension Commission (PenCom) yesterday said it has approved the issuance and immediate implementation of the Guidelines on Accessing Retirement Savings Account (RSA) balance towards payment of equity contribution for residential mortgages by RSA holders.

The commission said the approval is in line with Section 89 (2) of the Pension Reform Act 2014 (PRA 2014), which allows RSA holders to use a portion of their RSA balance

towards payment of equity for residential mortgages.

PenCom, in a statement, therefore, urged interested RSA holders to contact their PFAs for more information and guidance.

The guidelines cover pension contributors in active employment, either as a salaried employee or as a self-employed person.

According to the commission, interested RSA holders (applicants) must among RWKHU WKLQJV KDYH DQ RͿHU Letter for the property duly

signed by the property owner DQG YHULÀHG E\ WKH PRUWJDJH lender.

The RSA of the applicant shall have both employer and employee’s mandatory contributions for a cumulative minimum period of 60 months ÀYH \HDUV It further stipulated that a contributor under the Micro Pension Plan (MPP) is also eligible, provided he/she has made contributions for at least PRQWKV ÀYH \HDUV SULRU WR the date of his/her application.

RSA holders that have less

than three years to retirement are not eligible, according to the guidelines.

Also, married couples, who are RSA holders, are eligible to make a joint application, subject to individually satisfying the eligibility requirements.

In addition, RSA holders, if registered before 1 July 2019, must have their records updated through the RSA data recapture exercise while application for equity contribution for residential mortgage shall be in person and not by proxy.

Buhari Approves Dredging of Orashi River Linking Oguta to Atlantic Ocean Ahamefula Ogbu President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the dredging of Orashi River in Oguta to the Atlantic Ocean through Rivers State for bigger vessels to berth in the state.

Following the approval, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State yesterday met with R΀FLDOV RI WKH 1LJHULDQ 1DY\ at the Government House, Owerri, where talks on factors standing in the way of achieving the project were discussed and

solutions preferred.

This was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Oguwike Nwachuku who explained that the approval was conveyed WKURXJK WKH 2΀FH RI &KLHI RI 1DYDO 6WDͿ 5HDU $GPLUDO Awwal Zubairu Gambo, given the case made by Uzodinma on the economic potentials of the project if the Orashi River in Oguta was drained and linked to the Atlantic Ocean.

Rear Admiral Silyranda

Lassa represented the Chief RI 1DYDO 6WDͿ DW WKH PHHWLQJ where Uzodimma said it was in furtherance of the discussions and proposals by the Imo State Government to the federal government to pursue her Gas Industrialisation Policy on the Oguta Lake and Orashi River axis.

He further explained that the naval delegation would visit the site to assess the main obstacles hindering the programme as proposed by the state government.

“The Government of Imo State has considered it expedient to

propose to Nigerian Navy for a partnership to open the access of Oguta Lake and Orashi River up to the Sea in River State to enable bigger vessels come into Imo State.

“When realised, the project will help manage the security situation in the area, eliminate cases of crude oil stealing, pipeline vandalism and enhance security. The project will stimulate economic activities, create more jobs for our people and then boost the economy of the State,” he explained.

Nigeria Air: FG Declares Ethiopian Airlines As Preferred Bidder Chinedu Eze and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The federal government yesterday declared Ethiopian Airlines Consortium as preferred bidder of the proposed Nigeria Air Limited with a combined score (Technical and Financial Bid) of 86.7 per cent.

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, noted that all preparations for the establishment of the national carrier, Nigeria Air are concluded and the airline ZLOO NLFN RͿ ZLWKLQ VL[ WR HLJKW weeks.

Sirika said the airline has commenced recruitment of pilots,

cabin crew and the aircraft will be coming into the country in a week’s time.

7KH PLQLVWHU ZKLOH EULHÀQJ the press on the status of the project, said the full business case for the establishment of the airline will be expected to be approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

According to him, “After a careful, detailed and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) governed selection process, Ethiopian Airlines (ET) consortium has been selected as preferred ELGGHU RͿHULQJ DQ RZQHU consortium of three Nigerian

investors MRS, SAHCO and the Nigerian Sovereign Fund SHU FHQW )*1 RZQLQJ ÀYH per cent and ET 49 per cent.

“The consortium has been subject to a due diligence process, after which the contract will be negotiated between the consortium and the FGN, leading to a Full Business Case, which will be expected to be approved Federal Executive Council (FEC).

We expect this process to take 6-8 weeks.”

On the money spent so far, the minister said “the money spent for the launch of Nigeria Air, (about N400 million) for all the requirements to establish an Air

2SHUDWRU &HUWLÀFDWH $2& DQG be admitted starting an airline RSHUDWLRQ LV ZHOO ZLWKLQ WKH ÀYH per cent capital investment of the Federal Government of Nigeria, that will be overall needed to establish the national carrier initially for the AOC approval and everything else required by stringent national aviation regulations, as prescribed in the FEC approved Outline Business Case (OBC).

“No further FGN funding will be provided above the ÀYH SHU FHQW VKDUH FDSLWDO RI the next national carrier of Nigeria, which was provided to launch Nigeria Air.”

“It is for this purpose that the Federal Government of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari established a number of ambihas expressed the readiness of tious programmes in an attempt Nigeria towards the realisation to accelerate the achievement of of inclusive and sustainable the SDGs in Nigeria. ´7KH 2΀FH RI WKH 6HQLRU development goals for the Special Assistant to the Presicountry.

The President spoke yesterday dent on SDGs has continued in New York at the Strategic High to provide technical leadership /HYHO (YHQW WR PDUN WKH 2΀FLDO in the operations of the SDGs Launch of the Nigeria Integrated at all levels of governance in National Financing Framework Nigeria.”

He expressed delight that Report on Sustainable Development (NIFF), on the sidelines of the process leading to the the 77th United Nations General NIFF which started in 2020 Assembly. ÀQDOO\ FU\VWDOOLVHG LQWR )ULGD\·V Emphasising the importance memorable activity. placed by the present admin“Today’s event marks the end istration towards achieving the of a long process which began goal, President Buhari said, “It is in 2020, when the Steering Compertinent to state that achieving mittee and the Core Working inclusive, broad-based and sus- Group on Nigeria’s Integrated tainable development is a cardinal National Financing Framework objective of our administration. were inaugurated.”

Fear Grips Benue Residents over Rising River Benue George Okoh in Makurdi Residents of Makurdi, the Benue state capital, are apprehensive over the continuous rise of River Benue following several days of torrential rainfall.

Over 500 households have EHHQ DͿHFWHG E\ WKH UHFHQW ÁRRG that hit parts of the state capital .

The river which has overÁRZHG LWV EDQN KDV VXEPHUJHG houses and swept away properties and valuables also left many displaced.

Many residents living close to the river banks have started ÁHHLQJ HQ PDVVH Giving an update on the situation in Makurdi, the Executive Secretary of Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Emmanuel Shior who had led his team on on-the-spot assessment of the development said the Benue State Standing Committee on Flood was already working to PLWLJDWH WKH HͿHFW RI WKH GLVDVWHU Shior said, “so far we have

recorded over households that ZHUH DͿHFWHG E\ WKH ÁRRG RQ Naka Road, Achussa, Utu Phase One, Kucha Utebe, Rice Mill DQG RWKHUV EXW WKH ÁRRGLQJ LV not as bad as it used to be. The water that came over a week ago receded, so we are monitoring the situation.

“Benue State Government has a Standing Committee on Flood.

It is made up of Benue SEMA, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Lands, Urban Development Board, Benue State Environmental and Sanitation Agency, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Agriculture, academics from Benue State University and consultants from the private sector; and we are all working together to provide mitigation.

Also speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, Dr. Godwin Oyiwona, said the water level of the river is increasing because of the increase in water level from the dam in Cameroon.

Conduct Researches to Mitigate Security Challenges, Gov Fintiri Tells Chemical Society of Nigeria Daji Sani in Yola Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has challenged members of the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN) to conduct comprehensive research that will assist in mitigating the security challenges in Nigeria.

Governor Fintiri gave the charge while declaring open the 45th Annual International Conference of the Chemical Society of Nigeria at the Banquet Hall, in Yola, yesterday.

The Governor, who was repUHVHQWHG E\ WKH &KLHI RI 6WDͿ WR the Governor, Professor Maxwell Gidado, charged them to ensure that solutions are provided to avert the use of the nation’s fertiliser in manufacturing weapons and Improvised Explosive devices (IED).

According to him, “the same manner in which the fertiliser is produced through chemical, another chemical could also be PDQXIDFWXUHG WR GLVDEOH LWV HͿHFW so that the bandits terrorising the citizens be caught like rats.”

Also speaking the President, Chemical Society of Nigeria, Professor Moses Nkem Chendo, said the theme of this year’s conference ‘The role of chemistry in solving the present economic and security challenges in Nigeria is timely’.

According to Chendo, “economic and security challenges are not only peculiar to Nigeria as a nation, but a global concern, saying the threats can either be social or natural.

“National security therefore, involves not only protection against military attack, includes non military dimensions such as security from terrorism, minimisation of crime, economic security, energy security, food security and environmental security among others.”

Chemistry, he stressed, is essential in meeting our basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, energy and clean air, water and soil, adding that no meaningful industrial development can take place without the deployment of chemical principles of the production chain.

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SEPTEMBER 24, 2022 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

WHY LAGOS MUST NOT LEGALISE ABORTION Jerry Okwuosa argues that a baby once conceived has a right to be born

I

read with keen interest the advocacy of Dr. Abiola AkinyodeAfolabi writing on behalf of Women Advocates Research & Documentation Centre (WARDC) requesting for the legalization of abortion in Lagos. Her reason for this request is as follows: “It gives women improved health-care services; sets guidelines on safe termination of pregnancies for legal indications; women have a right to their bodily integrity and to life; the guidelines are pushing to save women from preventable deaths and It will reduce maternal mortality”.

It is important to recall here that before the European Union (EU) forced Ireland to legalize abortion a few years ago, Ireland and Chile have been two of the safest places in the World for pregnant mothers and their unborn children as they achieve lower maternal mortality rates (mmr) than even the United States, UK, France, Germany, etc. W H O reports on mmr confirm a trend: countries with restricted abortion laws or who prohibit abortion out rightly have the lowest mmr in their regions. The WHO 2009 report informs that the nation with the lowest mmr in African is Mauritius whose laws are among the Continent’s most protective of the unborn. The report further shows how countries like Ethiopia that have decriminalized abortion in recent years in response to pressure have failed to lower their maternal death rates. Ethiopia’s mmr is 48 times higher than Mauritius’. Similarly, the WHO statistics for the South East Asia region show that Nepal, where there is no restriction on abortion, has the region’s highest mmr.

The lowest in the region is Sri Lanka, which has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world, with a rate 14 times lower than Nepal. It is not surprising therefore that Chile, which protects unborn life in its constitution is the country with the lowest mmr in South America and that the country with the highest mmr there is Guyana, with an mmr 30 times higher than Chile. Ironically, one of the two main justifications used in liberalizing Guyana’s law was to enhance the “attainment of safe motherhood” by eliminating deaths and complications associated with abortion. This is one of the arguments WARDC is using in Lagos. Evidence therefore abound that legalization of abortion in any country worsens its mmr. Check out the mmr of Ghana and Republic of South Africa before and after the legalization of abortion in those two African countries to confirm the evidence.

The Dublin Declaration (DD): Unveiled at the International Symposium on Maternal Healthcare in Dublin Ireland in 2012, and has since been signed by over 2,000 medical experts, the Dublin Declaration (DD) Dublin Declaration | Committee for Excellence in Maternal Healthcare states: “As experienced practitioners and researchers in obstetrics and gynaecology, we affirm that direct abortion – the purposeful destruction of the unborn child – is not medically necessary to save the life of a woman. We uphold that there is a fundamental difference between abortion and necessary medical treatments that are carried out to save the life of the mother, even if such treatment results in the loss of life of her unborn child. We confirm that the prohibition of abortion does not affect, in any way, the availability of optimal care to pregnant women.”

In the light of the above declaration, what then is the basis of WARDC’s claim that the STPG give women improved health-care services whereas the medical experts through DD “confirm that the prohibition of abortion does not affect, in any way, the availability of optimal care to pregnant women”.

As for WARDC’s assertion that the document in question sets guidelines on safe termination of pregnancies for legal indications,

IT IS ONLY WHEN THEY ARE NOT PREGNANT THAT WOMEN HAVE A RIGHT TO THEIR BODILY INTEGRITY. ONCE A WOMAN BECOMES PREGNANT EITHER BY CHOICE, ACCIDENT, RAPE OR INCEST, SHE CAN NO LONGER LAY CLAIM TO THE INTEGRITY OF HER BODY BECAUSE SHE NO LONGER MAINTAINS ONE BODY BUT TWO BODIES

we argue that the so-called “safe” termination (abortion) of any pregnancy is an illusion because every abortion kills a baby and harms the mother, so how can such a procedure be declared safe AND that there are no legal indications for abortion in Nigeria because abortion remains illegal here.

Yes, it is only when they are not pregnant that women have a right to their bodily integrity. Once a woman becomes pregnant either by choice, accident, rape or incest, she can no longer lay claim to the integrity of her body because she no longer maintains one body but two bodies. As regards the right to life, this is always taken care of - whether or not a woman is pregnant - by doctors being trained (especially in countries where abortion is not legal) to see two patients and two lives (mother and child) in every pregnant woman that needs medical care.

WARDC’s claim that the guidelines are pushing to save women from preventable deaths is a false claim and a misrepresentation of facts because pregnancy is not a disease which if not treated may result in the death of the mother and fertility is not a curse but a blessing most African women desire. As the DD makes abundantly clear, “there is a fundamental difference between the lifesaving treatment a woman may need during pregnancy, and abortion, which is the direct and intentional taking of the life of the unborn child”.

Finally, WARDC claims that the STPG will reduce maternal mortality. Even if this claim were to be true, its immediate effect will be to increase infant mortality – abortions kill babies -. But this is unacceptable because human life has equal value; the mother’s life is not more valuable than the baby’s. If this claim is true it leaves the wrong impression that God blesses women with childbearing only to let them die of a disease called pregnancy. The claim is actually false because statistics show that abortion contributes 11% of maternal deaths in Nigeria i.e. if our women do not attempt abortion, 11% more of them will be alive to cuddle their new born babies. As a nation, we should, while enforcing the ban on abortion, focus attention on the other causes of death (89%) of our pregnant mothers as these include Haemorrhage (23%); Infection (17%); Obstructed labour, Eclampsia, Sepsis and Anemia (11% each) and Others (5%). Through the Dublin Declaration, obstetricians, gynecologists, neonatologists, pediatricians and other doctors from across the specialties of medicine and surgery confidently testify that “a country does not need legalized abortion in order to preserve maternal health and reduce maternal mortality” but here is WARDC misleading us to believe that legalized abortion will reduce maternal mortality. A principal signatory to the DD, Dr. Eoghan de Faoite, advises that “The first step towards turning today’s society against abortion, is to show it that legal abortion is not needed in maternal healthcare, that it is not needed to save women’s lives and that banning abortion does not bring about a rise in maternal mortality”.

WARDC and its culture of death co-promoters should listen to the voice of reason – pregnancy is not a disease and fertility is not a curse – and to the medical experts who took the time and trouble to educate the world by issuing the Dublin Declaration and see abortion for what it really is – a killer of innocent unborn babies and does enormous damage to their mothers – and work to restore the culture of life for which Africans are well known. If it is any consolation, their arguments are sound only if what is inside a pregnant mother is not a baby. It is only fair to state that a baby once conceived has a right to be born because the right to light is fundamental and inalienable.

Engr. Okwuosa is Director-General, Project for Human Development (PHD)

REMINISCENCE OF A FREEDOM-FIGHTER The forth coming elections will present us with contrary indications, writes William Eleje-Abili

T

he up-coming general elections should fill us with a sense of fore-boding and will certainly present us with contrary indications. At a point it began to look as if we’re trying to stage-manage state failure and derail the electoral process by subterfuge…

After the general elections, the biggest decision facing the country is how to re-structure the federation, devolve power to federating states, depolarize energy and economic opportunities and de-agglomerate the federal capital territory, but we are still talking about re-structuring as if it’s balkanization…

Solomon and Queen Sheba had a sweet heart to heart chat. Solomon was a Master, no King like David his father. Solomon was Master-judge, Poet and Philosopher. David was a Musician and Commander- in- Chief.

Whether King the Ruler or Master the Sage God has made them so… They’re two fascinating characters on the political turf today, one sounds a servant the other, a master… We are behind that kind of Obi talk but Tinubu speaks and is ahead…

Obi sounds sweet motherly talking smart, Tinubu sounds family fatherly narrating dreams… I use to listen to Tinubu a lot and it’s not often he speaks until I heard Obi. I began to wonder if indeed a mathematician

is smarter than a philosopher.…To establish the truth if any in the above assertion, we must hold Atiku constant but the acronym SMART would have to be the defining leit motif of the hypothesis and having studied for the test, I found that though Obi is feasible, Tinubu is viable. Obi is what we need, Tinubu is what we lack. When it comes to mobilization, Obi more than even Nnamdi Kanu is a man to watch but Tinubu has a country-wide super-structure. Obi is a mathematician with figures he figures out things, Tinubu is a Philosopher with word he figures outer things. Mathematicians solve problem defined by philosophers. The philosopher with words like Adolf Hitler voiced magical spell on the world, Albert Einstein the mathematician figured out how to dispel it. John F Kennedy the philosopher said go to the moon so he built, but it is mathematicians at NASA that constructed the ivory-tower; philosophers built Dubai and Singapore, mathematicians constructed them…

Solomon the philosopher built the house of God, Bezaleel the mathematician constructed it…

Obi was not favored by geo-politics but it would have been fascinating to watch

him perform with Tinubu, for while Obi as an obedient servant will be stringent with details of good governance standards and rule of law, Tinubu will not be given to micro-management…. Obi is specific, he is seeing what many are seeing, Tinubu is vague he is seeing what many cannot see.

Obi performance can be measured, Tinubu is not subject to quantitative analysis.

Tinubu is saying what doesn’t look readily achievable Obi is talking what looks achievable. Obi is sounding realistic, Tinubu is surreal. Obi’s ideas look like those whose time has come, Tinubu looks ahead of his time. Tinubu is looking at the roof, Obi is looking at the foundation.

Obi looks an immediate task, Tinubu looks a distance assignment both of them are dramatis personae, constituted personalities that handed over to clones of sophisticated vision and formidable system. Tinubu had a great dream for Lagos, Obi put a formidable system in Awka. Vision is a plastic lens, easy to change or at best a glass of broken promise, but very difficult to change is any vision, it is a value window.

Tinubu is unfolding like a sagacious politician trying to share a powerful vision but it would appear that many will rather

have the value of a choice window. I would have liked to see Tinubu rub shoulders with the President of Kenya, President of Ghana, President of South Africa, President of Rwanda but it is looking more like Kwankwaso and Wike who I see as honey for they’re both neutralizer and catalyst, will be the ones to probably decide which of them will emerge, the philosopher and teacher, the mathematician and evangelist, or the factor held constant but never…

Tinubu has a fascinating dream that can capture the imagination of the discerning but is un-likely to clash with his benefactor and his incumbent, he’s not talking smart.

Obi must find a way to work with political infrastructure, he has no structure. Tinubu can work hands down, Obi has to be up on his feet. None of the three key actors can show good reason to be optimistic, meanwhile Kwankwaso, who meticulously balance his ticket has been more or less mute, Atiku whom we held constant not only moves, he has a movement and don’t forget that the Hausa-man will leave you with ninety-nine if he can keep number one, while the Yoruba woman is more Yoruba in London than in Lagos…

Eleje-Abili writes from Lagos

13

SEPTEMBER 24, 2022 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

The rage of Heavens...

Cocaine Bust: Marwa Rewriting History in NDLEA

S

ave for the fact that the news came from the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency itself, Nigerians would have found it hard to believe that there is a prodigious amount of cocaine sequestered somewhere in the southwestern part of Nigeria that could weigh up to 1.8 tonnes and be worth N194bn.

Since the assumption of office by Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) as the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, the NDLEA has been recording feats upon feats in the war against drug abuse. There’s seldom a day that passes without the news that the agency has made a significant seizure of illicit substances or has made arrests of drug traffickers. It almost looks like the traffickers are now competing for fame through making headlines.

Murphy’s law should have simply been enough to stop the cartel that stashed cosmic cocaine in Nigeria’s centre of excellence. But they doused themselves in ashes and blocked their vision of the impending peril. Lo and behold, the NDLEA, which had been on their trail since 2018, caught up with them, and this time, with a massive score that Nigeria had never witnessed before.

According to the NDLEA, this is the largest single cocaine seizure in the agency’s history. The press release, which was signed by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, reads in part: “In what appears to be the biggest singular cocaine seizure in the history of Nigeria’s premier anti-narcotic agency, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, have busted a major warehouse in the Ikorodu area of Lagos where 1.8 tonnes (1,855 kilograms) of the illicit drug worth more than Two Hundred and Seventy Eight Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($278, 250,000) equivalent of about One Hundred and Ninety-Fifty) Naira in street value were seized.”

According to the agency, at least four drug barons, including a Jamaican and the warehouse manager, were apprehended over the course of two days in various places around Lagos State. Soji Jibril, 69, an indigene of Ibadan, Oyo State; Emmanuel Chukwu, 65, an indigene of Ekwulobia, Anambra State; Wasiu Akinade, 53, an indigene of Ibadan, Oyo State; Sunday Oguntelure, 53, an indigene of Okitipupa, Ondo State; and Kelvin Smith, 42, a native of Kingston, Jamaica. The arrested individuals are part of an international narcotics ring that the NDLEA has been investigating since 2018.

The warehouse, located at 6 Olukuola Crescent, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, was raided on Sunday, September 18, 2022, while the barons were picked up from hotels and hideouts around Lagos between Sunday night and Monday morning.

The class A narcotics, according to preliminary findings, were cached in the residential estate, from which the cartel

attempted to sell them to buyers in Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world.

Although NDLEA’s press release indicated that the busted drugs were meant for distribution to Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world, there is no guarantee that the drugs won’t be peddled internally in Nigeria. However the cartel intended to merchandise the illicit drug, this arrest and seizure deal a historical blow to illicit drug traffickers in Nigeria and a strong warning to international cartels that Nigeria is certainly not a trading ground.

This is the second time in less than two months that Marwa is rewriting history in Nigeria’s war against illicit drugs. Recall that the agency on the 4th of August 2022 destroyed 560,068.31414 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs in Badagry, Lagos State. The destruction broke history because it was the highest quantity of drugs to have been destroyed by the agency.

Leading other top officials of NDLEA, other security agencies and members of the public in the burning of heaps of illicit drugs in Lagos, Marwa, said the exercise is a strong message to drug barons and cartels that they’ll continue to lose their huge investments in the criminal trade if they fail to back out and look for other legitimate businesses.

Mahmud Isa Yola is Special Assistant to the Chairman of NDLEA,

The Tinubu/Shettima Ticket is the Best

T

he Tinubu/Shettima for good governance support group (TS4GG), a campaign organisation formed solely for the propagation of the leadership qualities inherent in the presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Sen Kashim Shettima is billed to be inaugurated on Saturday, the 24th of September, 2023 at the National Women Center, Central Business Area, Abuja. The group which is a vehicle for the grassroot campaigns of the Tinubu/ Shettima group has the driving force to make this project a success.

Tinubu has transversed the political landscape of this country like a collosus and in the process touched the lives of many through his visionary, transformative, experienced qualities as a leader. The group, having been convinced that at this juncture of our leadership recruitment drive for a president for our country, the Tinubu/Shettima ticket is the best product to sell to the electorate as the best team to move Nigeria forward.

The qualities that makes the ticket the best for the job are; vision, inspiration, strategic and critical thinking, inter-personal communications, authenticity and self awareness, open-mindedness and creativity, responsibility and dependability, patience and tenacity, and above all, the qualities of having the potential of continuous improvement. The group is considered one of the most equipped support groups to the Tinubu/Shettima ticket because of its strengths and its strengths lies on its nation-wide spread as it is visible all over the country through its states branches. Recognised and registered by the APC national secretariat and the TSO, the group has as its patron the former governor of Nasarawa T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE State, Senator Umaru Tanko Almakura as its DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU grand patron and Chief Steven Lawani, the former MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO Deputy Governor of Benue State as patron.

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU *Many of the creme de la cremes of the Nigerian CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN political class as its advisers and supporters. Its MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI executives are made up of men and women of THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE proven integrity. An amazing strength of membership that cuts across the states, local governments areas, the council areas and across the broad spectrum of the Nigerian society. Finally, the T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D group is therefore committed to its mandate of the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA propagation of this lofty leadership ideal of the GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, Tinubu/Shettima ticket through the instrumentality ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI of its door- to- door campaign strategy and the DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI usage of the mass media; organising of talk shows, SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH drama series, usage of town cries in villages and ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI hamlets to propagate messages. The group shall CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI not rest until the Tinubu/Shettima dream becomes DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO a reality.

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com Prince Dayo Ogunsola, National publicity secretary, Abuja

14

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

NEWS Responders Recover 4 Bodies, Rescue 3 PDP Releases List of 520 Member Presidential Campaign Council in Lagos’ Collapsed Building Ahamefula Ogbu JRYHUQRU RI &URVV 5LYHU 6WDWH Bennett Oghifo

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Olufemi Oke-osanyintolu, said last night that four bodies, two males and two females, had been recovered and three people rescued from the rubbles of a three storey building on Sonuga Street, at Palm Avenue, in Mushin that collapsed yesterday.

Oke-osanyintolu, in a

WhatsApp message sent to THISDAY last night said, “As at 19:15hrs, four bodies were recovered and they have been handed over to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) for onward deposit in Mortuary.

One of the two females missing in the collapsed building was also rescued.”

He said, “Two people who were trapped inside the building have been rescued and treated. One of the two females that are occupants

of the building was rescued last night. Search and rescue operation is ongoing.

“Following intensive search and rescue, as well as painstaking procedure, we have been able to rescue one of the two missing females alive from under the rubbles.

The total rescued from under the rubbles is three alive. The victims have been administered First Aid and moved to the Hospital,” adding that rescue operations are still ongoing.”

According to him, LRT, /$6* ÀUH /16& /$%6&$ DQG 13) DUH DOO UHVSRQGHUV at the scene.

“Further investigation revealed that the collapsed building was an adjoining building to another three storey building.

“However, there are visible cracks on the remaining standing building that need XUJHQW DWWHQWLRQ %XLOGLQJ KDV EHHQ FRUGRQHG RͿ DQG evacuated. Operation ongoing,” he said.

The lead opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday released a comprehensive OLVW RI LWV 3UHVLGHQWLDO &DPSDLJQ &RXQFLO 3&& ZLWK PHPEHUV including those on Governor of 5LYHUV 6WDWH 1\HVRP :LNH·V FDPS that had said they were not going to be part of the effort.

7KH 3&& LV OHG E\ *RYHUQRU of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom (PPDQXHO DV WKH &KDLUPDQ ZKLOH Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State that belongs to the Wike FDPS LV WKH 9LFH &KDLUPDQ RI WKH &DPSDLJQ 2UJDQLVDWLRQ LQ WKH VRXWK DQG *RYHUQRU RI %DXFKL 6WDWH %DOD 0RKDPPHG LV WKH 9LFH &KDLUPDQ 1RUWK DQG WKH 1DWLRQDO &KDLUPDQ ,\RUFKLD $\X LV WKH 9LFH &KDLUPDQ 1RUWK &HQWUDO Others are the Standard bearer of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his Deputy, Governor Ifeanyi 2NRZD DV ZHOO DV WKH %RDUG RI 7UXVWHHV &KDLUPDQ 6HQDWRU Adolphus Wabara.

Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal is the Director General of the campaign while former

Lyel Imoke is the Deputy Director General Operations and Professor Adewale Oladipo is the Deputy Director General Administration DQG &KDLUPDQ RI '$$5 &RPmunication, Raymond Dokpesi is the Deputy Director General Technical and Systems. Former 1DWLRQDO &KDLUPDQ RI WKH SDUW\ 'U 2NZHVLOLH]H 1ZRGR LV WKH Deputy Director General Research and Strategy.

The document which was signed by Umar Mohammed %DWXUH WKH 1DWLRQDO 2UJDQLVLQJ Secretary listed every other person on the list as members including the feuding Wike who had nearly brought the party to its knees over his demand for the sack of Ayu who he has alleged to be partisan, corrupt and working against him during the convention of the party.

Although Wike said they would not participate in the campaign organization of the party and the Atiku camp saying they had moved on, the names of the Wike group members were not dropped from the list for the campaign starting next week.

Acumen Impacts 380m Lives Through Investment Programmes Rebecca Ejifoma

FURTHERING PARTNERSHIP… L-R: Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva; Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari; President Honeywell UOP, Mr. Bryan Glover and Chairman, NNPCL, Senator Margery Okadigbo, at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NNPCL and UOP Limited, for the production of condensates, in New York…Thursday.

APC Unveils Final List of Presidential Campaign Council Ahamefula Ogbu in Lagos and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

7KH $OO 3URJUHVVLYHV &RQJUHVV ODVW QLJKW UHOHDVHG WKH ÀQDO OLVW RI LWV 3UHVLGHQWLDO &DPSDLJQ &RXQFLO 3&& ZLWK 'LUHFWRUates and President Muhammadu %XKDUL DV WKH &KDLUPDQ DQG the Presidential standard bearer DV WKH 'HSXW\ 7KH 1DWLRQDO &KDLUPDQ RI WKH SDUW\ 6HQDWRU Abdullahi Adamu is the Deputy &KDLUPDQ DQG .DVKHHP Shettima, the Vice-Presidential FDQGLGDWH DV 9LFH &KDLUPDQ Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong still retained his position as the Director General of the campaign while former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshinomhole is the Deputy Director General 2SHUDWLRQV DQG +DGL]D %DOD Usman as Deputy Director General (Admin). James Faleke

LV 6HFUHWDU\ ZKLOH &KULVWRSKHU Tarka is the Deputy Secretary. $WLNX %DJXGX DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH OLVW RI LV WKH 9LFH &KDLUPDQ DQG .HEEL 6WDWH &RRUGLQDWRU MXVW like all Governors in the party are their various state coordinators. %D\R 2QDQXJD UHWDLQHG 'LUHFWRU of Media and Publicity, Alhaji Ali M. Ali as his Deputy, Felix 0RUND DV &R 'HSXW\ 'LUHFWRU and Ibim Semenitari as the Secretary.

Mohammed Idris heads WKH 6WUDWHJLF &RPPXQLFDWLRQV 'LUHFWRUDWH ZLWK 'DQODGL %DNR DV &R 'LUHFWRU /DQUH ,VVD 2QLOX as Deputy Director and Dilli Ezuaha as Secretary. Minister of State Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo heads WKH 3XEOLF $ͿDLUV 'LUHFWRUDWH as Spokesperson while Aminu 6DQL -DML KHDGV WKH &RQWDFW DQG Mobilisation Directorate.

Former Aviation Minister, Femi

)DQL .D\RGH KHDGV WKH 1HZ 0HGLD 'LUHFWRUDWH ZLWK %DVKLU Ahmed as Deputy while Seun Olufemi White is the secretary.

Senator Godswill Akpabio PDGH WKH OLVW DV WKH 9LFH &KDLUman (South-south) and Uju .HQQHG\ LV WKH 9LFH &KDLUPDQ (South-east).

The Governor of Jigawa State, $EXEDNDU %DGDUX LV WKH 5HJLRQDO &RRUGLQDWRU IRU 1RUWK ZKLOH Abubakar Kyari is the Deputy 5HJLRQDO &RRUGLQDWRU 1RUWK The governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi is the Regional &RRUGLQDWRU IRU 6RXWK DQG &KLHI Emma Eneukwu was appointed as his Deputy.

Other directorates are: Support *URXSV &RRUGLQDWLRQ 1DWLRQDO <RXWK 0RELOLVDWLRQ 3DUOLDPHQWDULDQ 7UDGH DQG (FRQRPLF $JULFXOWXULVW &RPPRGLWLHV &DPSDLJQ 3ODQQLQJ &LYLO 6RFLHWLHV 'LDVSRUD 'LUHFWRUDWH

Also included are: Election 3ODQQLQJ DQG 0RQLWRULQJ )LQDQFH )XQG 5DLVLQJ +XPDQLWDULDQ 6RFLDO ,&7 'DWD 0DQDJHPHQW ,QWHOOLJHQFH DQG 6HFXULW\ /DERXU /HJDO /RJLVWLFV DQG 6XSSRUW 6HUYLFH 0HGLFDOV 3ROLF\ 5HVHDUFK DQG 6WUDWHJ\ 3URWRFRO DQG (YHQWV 3:' 0RELOLVDWLRQ 6XVWDLQDEOH 'HYHORSPHQW *RDOV 6WDNHKROGHUV 5HODWLRQV 6SHFLDO 'XWLHV /RFDO government directorate and Performing arts directorate.

The delay in the release of the full list was due to the disagreement that the initial list was not all inclusive and that some interests were not accommodated in the initial list.

It was against this background that the list was delayed while more directorates were created in order to make it an all-inclusive one, accommodate more interests in the party to reduce bickering.

Buhari, Others Mourns UNILORIN Council Chairman, Abidu Rafindadi Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

administrator and loyal public servant.”

According to him, the late 3UHVLGHQW 0XKDPPDGX %XKDUL Rafindadi was an experienced has joined the government leader who made rich contribuand people of Katsina State in WLRQV WR WKH QDWLRQ·V GHYHORSPHQW mourning a former Secretary before his demise. Every moment to the State Government and of his life was dedicated to the &KDLUPDQ 3UR &KDQFHOORU RI service of his community and the University of Ilorin, Alhaji the nation.

Abidu Yazid Rafindadi.

“May Allah repose his soul and Reacting to the news of the grant the family he left behind death, the President, in a release the fortitude to bear the loss,” issued yesterday by his spokes- the President said.

6LPLODUO\ WKH 9LFH &KDQFHOORU man, Mallam Garba Shehu, said the “nation has lost a skillful designate of the University of

Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo (JEHZROH 6$1 KDV H[SUHVVHG shock over the sudden death of WKH XQLYHUVLW\·V 3UR &KDQFHOORU DQG *RYHUQLQJ &RXQFLO &KDLUPDQ Mallam Abidu Yazid Rafindadi.

Also, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has described the sudden demise of Mallam Rafindadi as a rude shock to him and the entire Ilorin Emirate.

Mallam Rafindadi died in Abuja on Thursday after a brief illness and has been buried according to Islamic rites.

In a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday signed by the LQVWLWXWLRQ·V 'LUHFWRU RI &RUSRUDWH Affairs, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Kunle Akogun, Prof. Egbewole said “The news was confounding, confusing and totally unbelievable.”

He said that his shock stemmed from the fact that only a day to 0DOODP <D]LG·V GHPLVH WKH\ KDG a prolonged phone chat in which they “discussed extensively on the need to organise a befitting valedictory programme in honour RI WKH RXWJRLQJ 9LFH &KDQFHOORU Prof. Sulyman Age Abdulkareem.

With a mission to change the narratives of people across the world, a not-forSURÀW RUJDQLVDWLRQ $FXPHQ KDV LPSDFWHG RYHU PLOlion lives through investment programmes.

This was stated at the Acumen West Africa Fellows Gathering with the theme: ‘Harnessing The Power of 8V· KHOG LQ /DJRV 6WDWH The President of AcuPHQ &DUO\OH 6LQJHU VDLG the organisation has posiWLYHO\ DͿHFWHG OLYHV WKURXJK investment programmes in building capacity that would solve poverty in the West African region. :LWK IHOORZV IURP 1LJHULD Ghana, The Gambia, Liberia

and Sierra Leone participating, she noted that they are investing in social enterprises because they are innovative companies that have built models capable of providing service and impacting lives.

On her part, the Programme Manager, Acumen West Africa Fellowship, Oghenekome Oruade, acknowledged that the academy exists to tackle poverty.

The focus of the academy, she emphasised, is to equip participants by raising their self-awareness and leadership capacity to make a change.

“Our focus is to support the entrepreneurs and leaders doing the hard work of creating change.

Real Estate Expert Laments Increased Operating Costs Mary Nnah ,Q WKH ZDNH RI 1LJHULD·V economic realities and the evident imbalance and performance of WKH 1LJHULDQ QDLUD DJDLQVW RWKHU FXUUHQFLHV ZKLFK LV IXUWKHU VWLÁLQJ investments in real estate and RWKHU VHFWRUV WKH IRXQGHU RI 1LJHULD·V OHDGLQJ SURYLGHU DQG SLRQHHU of short-let apartments, Digital Landlords and ShortletHomes, Keji Giwa, has said that more landlords will turn into tenants.

This is just as he stressed that the hope for high-yield rental income from short-let revenue has now been wiped out by the uncontrollable increase in operating costs.

He noted that the current realities have led to extortionate electricity bills by service management companies which are in most cases owned by the same property developers who sold the property to them.

“A lot of property developers came to the realisation a few years ago that they could easily turn landlords into tenants by charging

XS WR SHU FHQW SUHPLXP RQ HOHFWULFLW\ ELOOV DQG FORVH WR SHU FHQW SURÀW PDUJLQV RQ VHUYLFH charges. While a landlord may JHQHUDWH 1 P IURP D VKRUW OHW SURSHUW\ DV UHQWDO LQFRPH 1 P of that money goes towards paying electricity bills. When you consider the cost of maintaining a short-let home, cleaning, facility management and replacing GDPDJHG LWHPV LW·V QR ORQJHU SURÀWDEOH µ KH VDLG

15

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

RingTrue 08054699539

yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Yemi

Adebowale

Tears for Birnin Yauri Schoolgirls

H

eart-wrenching! This aptly describes the story of the 13 schoolgirls still with notorious terror leader, Dogo Gide, who roams confidently in the forests of Kebbi, Niger, Zamfara and Sokoto states. These hapless girls were among the 90 pupils abducted by Dogo and his boys at Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri, Kebbi State on June 17, 2021.

So sad to note that it is precisely 15 months and seven days today. How can this be happening in a country with a government?

No fewer than 70 of the abductees and their teachers were freed by Dogo over a period of 12 months, after collecting huge ransoms, but deliberately kept these 13 girls for his pleasure and that of his gang.

I’m talking about other people’s children, young girls, in the dungeon of terrorists for over 15 months, without being rescued.

Nigeria is indeed broken.

The news coming out of Dogo’s enclave is that he has given out 11 of the girls to his gang members as wives. I was shattered when one of the affected parents released the sad news last Tuesday. It was one of the most traumatic days of my life. I was about to retire to bed when I heard the news. As I sat down on the edge of my bed to reflect on it, I suddenly started shedding tears; tears for a country that can no longer protect citizens; a country where deceit has been elevated to a way of life. It is a shame that these girls are being violated and those in the government are looking the other way. So depressing.

Government has collapsed at all levels in beloved Nigeria. I eventually dozed off at about midnight and woke up with my pillow drenched with tears.

The notorious Fulani militia leader, Gide, regularly calls parents of the Birnin Yauri girls to mock them; yet, our security agencies can’t nab him. Gide does this with so much effrontery. He even called to tell the parents when he illegally gave out their daughters to members of his gang.

The account of Sani Kaoje, the father of Farida, one of the pupils with Gide is unsettling. Farida is now 16 years old. She was 15, in JSS 3, when she was abducted.

Kaoje lamented: “He is the one (Gide) who said it to me directly that he married Farida himself, though he was not very direct about it. But he used some techniques to tell me that he has also married 10 other girls to his gang members. I can’t count the number of times I spoke with Gide since the abduction.

He calls other parents too.

“Gide pretends that he is sympathetic to us but he kept our children, innocent girls, with him. If he has such sympathy, as he keeps saying, he should release our

The news coming out of Dogo’s enclave is that he has given out 11 of the girls to his gang members as wives. I was shattered when one of the affected parents released the sad news last Tuesday. It was one of the most traumatic days of my life. I was about to retire to bed when I heard the news. As I sat down on the edge of my bed to reflect on it, I suddenly started shedding tears children to us. I’m in pain. Everyone in my house is in pain because Farida is like a light in the house. I know several parents who have fallen ill because of this issue.

We’re talking of children, all teenage girls.

Innocent children for that matter.

“Farida’s mother has been sick. There was a day she fell and had to be taken to the hospital. Some parents have lost their lives. Others are now battling high blood pressure and other related illnesses.

We speak to Farida a lot. It breaks my heart to even remember her voice. And I cry every day he (Gide) called to let us speak to her. In one of such calls, she said ‘Baba, there is a problem because some of my friends have been married off’. After that, Dogo Gide himself confirmed to us that they had been married off since the government refused to pay him.”

That was the traumatic message from Farida. Who will save the 13 schoolgirls with Gide? The situation looks hopeless.

This criminal is roaming freely amid curious stories of bombardments of terrorists’ enclaves by the Military. Whenever the military pushes out stories of bombardments, I get depressed, because it does not tally with the situation on ground. The truth is that terrorists are still moving around and committing atrocities. When will they bomb Gide and his boys?

As at yesterday, those in Zamfara State also reported that terror kingpin, Muhammad ‘Turji’ Bello was still moving freely around Fakai community in the state. He is the leader of the group that incinerated 23 innocent people in Sokoto State, last year. Turji is active in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states. This outlaw, who is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of others in the North-west, has not been

killed in all the stories of bombardments by the military. Security agents know his whereabouts. They can take this killer out but have failed to do so.

Is Turji enjoying official protection?

Nigerians urgently need an answer. I still remember Turji (last year) giving conditions to be met by the government before he would end his attacks. The blood sucker wrote an open letter to President Buhari; Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle and the Emir of Shinkafi, listing the five conditions. It can only happen in Nigeria.

In the same Zamfara State, early this September, notwithstanding the bombardments, terrorists invaded a mosque in Zugu, Gummi Local Government and abducted dozens of worshippers during Jumaat.

Despite the stories of bombardments, the terrorists are still active in Niger State. Last Sunday, the terrorists killed four persons, injured eight, while 15 others were abducted, in Fapo, a village in Lapai Local Government of Niger State.

In Kaduna State, it is still business as usual for the terrorists. Nine days back, they attacked Kurgin Gabas in Birnin-Gwari Local Government and also abducted scores of travellers along the Birnin-Gwari-Funtua road. Kurgin Gabas borders Kamuku Forest Reserve, a known hideout of the terrorists. They come out from this hideout to carry out attacks in Birnin-Gwari and in the neighbouring Rafi LGA of Niger State.

Bombardment (in the real sense of it) is required at Kamuku forest, to flush out the terrorists.

Likewise, last week, terrorists strolled into Bayan Kasuwa Quarters, in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State and abducted no fewer than 40 people. This is the same Kaduna State the military claims

Makinde As Wike’s Errand Boy

T Makinde

he Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) rightfully submitted that Governor Seyi Makinde had been following his Rivers State counterpart, Nyesom Wike, about like his personal aide and thereby “desecrating the status of Oyo as a pacesetter state.” Honestly, describing Makinde as Wike’s aide is even an understatement.

The right word to describe the Oyo governor is “Wike’s errand boy.” That is the role the imprudent Makinde has been playing for Wike ever since the Rivers State governor lost the Presidential ticket of the PDP to Atiku Abubakar. The Oyo state governor has been running ludicrous errands for Wike for months, instead of spending quality time at home, tackling the challenges of his people. How can a governor of a state reduce himself to this level?

Makinde is an embarrassment to the

good people of Oyo State. He has not shown finesse and tact in this war against Atiku.

My take away from the bullet fired at Makinde last week by the APC is: “The song on the lips of conscious and discerning indigenes and residents of Oyo State is that Makinde should endeavour to stop further desecration of the pacesetter status of the state. Even if he cannot pick any good thing from Wike, who is obviously his godfather, he should desist from acting like an aide to his Rivers State colleague henceforth.

We also like to put it on record that Makinde’s quest to be relevant at the level of national politics is ill-advised and a clear indication that he does not have any serious thing to do with governance again in the state.”

This is food for thought for the Oyo State governor. He must end his silly behaviour immediately, else, it would cost him a second term.

it has been “bombarding” the enclaves of terrorists for weeks.

According to the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), those abducted in Bayan Kasuwa are largely members of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church Movement.

The terrorists have already reached out to affected families and are demanding N200 million ransom. There is still no respite for communities in Southern Kaduna despite the so-called bombardments of terrorists by the military.

I have listed these killings and abductions to show that there is no correlation between the stories of military bombardments of the terrorists’ territories and the reality on ground in the North-west. The extremists are still killing and abducting innocent Nigerians unhindered.

Malami

The Shame of Abubakar Malami

T

he consultants aiming to grab US$418 million from states and local governments, supposedly for facilitating refunds of the over-deductions on their accounts by the federal government in obligations to Paris Club, suffered a big setback last Tuesday when a court declared the so-called consent judgement they were backing their demands with as a nullity. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, had also relied on the dubious consent judgment to recommend that the claims be paid to the company.

The 36 governors, through the Nigeria Governors Forum, instructed their lawyers to challenge the consent judgement and Justice John Tsoho of an Abuja High Court held this week that the said judgment was entered without jurisdiction.

The court also agreed that the reliefs claimed by the firms against NGF were premised on a simple contract, which by Section 251 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), strips the court ab initio of the required jurisdiction to entertain such matters.

This judgement voids all approvals by the AGF, the President, Minister of Finance, Accountant-General of the Federation, and Debt Management Office arising from, related to or concerning the claims of the six consultants.

It also voids all promissory notes, cheques or any financial instrument issued by the federal government in favour of the firms.

So, where will Malami hide his ugly head now? This minister was helping the consultants to execute their unlawful scheme aimed at feasting on public funds. Malami suddenly became the Attorney General of the consultants and was backing them with all his might for selfish reasons. This minister’s consultants are simply rent seekers. They are trying to gain wealth without any reciprocal contribution of productivity. The services they claim to have offered are contained in a FAAC Reconciliation Committee Report constituted in 2005 and submitted in 2007, with recommendations on how states and LGAs should be refunded the excess deductions from the Paris Club repayments.

I’m earnestly waiting for Malami’s response to this latest judgement on the dubious US$418 million claims.

16

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

L-R: Board Member, Toyin Oghre; Board Member, Lateef Bakare; Investiture Planning Committee Chairman, Sylvia Abdalla; President, Ayodeji Paul Odeleye; Wife of President, Adebisi Odeleye; President-elect, Adesina Adeyemi; Member, Marie Awolaja; Immediate Past President, Abinibi Olawuyi and Service Projects Chairman,Dr. Perpetua Mbanefo all of Rotary Club of Ikeja GRA, Lagos at a fund raising event and Investiture of Odeleye as the 11th President of the club in Lagos... recently

Members of Conference and AGM Committee of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), led by Vice President of ICSAN and Chairperson of the Committee, Mrs Funmi Ekundayo with staff and students of Oregun Senior High School, during a courtesy visit to the school by ICSAN as part of activities marking the institute’s 2022 Annual Conference , Dinner and Awards in Lagos...recently

Dangote, MTN, Globacom Adjudged Olam Agri Bags Exceptional Human Resource Award Leading Brands in Nigeria Dangote Industries has been announced the 2022 “Most Valuable Brand” in Nigeria for a record 5th year in a row by leading EUDQG DQG PDUNHWLQJ UHVHDUFK ÀUP 7RS %UDQGV LQ 1LJHULD Dangote emerged top with an aggregate VFRUH RI %UDQG 6WUHQJWK 0HDVXUHPHQW %60 ,QGH[ VFRUH 7KLV LV IROORZHG E\ 071 *OREDFRP DQG $FFHVV %DQN LQ IRXUWK SODFH Others among the top 10 are Airtel Nigeria, Coca-Cola, Zenith Bank, GTCO, )LUVW %DQN DQG 8%$ DW ÀIWK WR WHQWK SRVLWLRQV UHVSHFWLYHO\ The annual top brands evaluation report enables top corporate brands have an independent opinion about their brand SHUIRUPDQFH ,W KDV EHFRPH D VRXUFH RI pride for the brands that made the top 50 league table, particularly, those that took

WKH OHDG $FFRUGLQJ WR WKH UDWLQJ ÀUP WKH DQQXDO top brand evaluation is a qualitative, nonÀQDQFLDO HVWLPDWLRQ RI YDOXH RI WRS FRUSRUDWH EUDQGV LQ WKH FRXQWU\ It added, “A measure of consumers’ perceptions and how positive or otherwise WRZDUGV D EUDQG DQG KRZ WKLV DͿHFWV LWV overall strength, using the Brand Strength Measurement (BSM) index, a model that tests a brand’s ability to deliver on its promise to the consumers from the consumers’ points RI YLHZ µ In his address to the brands, Chief ([HFXWLYH 2΀FHU RI 7RS %UDQGV LQ Nigeria, Taiwo Oluboyede likened the task of building formidable and continuously VWURQJ EUDQG WR D ÁRZHU +H VDLG ´:KHQ \RX SODQW D ÁRZHU \RX

keep watering and pruning it to grow and until it blossoms, and this you do for its lifetime” If you omit or forget to prune or water, regardless of how beautiful it is at the EHJLQQLQJ LW GLHV 7KH VDPH LV DSSOLFDEOH WR EUDQGV 7KDW LV ZK\ ZH KDYH VHHQ EUDQGV that dropped from the 50-league table in UHFHQW WLPHV ZKLOH QHZ RQHV HPHUJH µ )RU WKH HYDOXDWLRQ ÀYH EUDQGV DPRQJ WKH WRS WHQ DUH EDQNV ZKLOH DUH WHOHFRPV Nine of the top ten were among the top 10 last year, with Access Bank making a GUDPDWLF OHDS WR IRXUWK SODFH HͿHFWLYHO\ topping the Banking and Financial Services &DWHJRULHV Four brands, maintained their previous year’s position among the top 10, while six of the top 10 had maintained top 10 position for 7 years consecutively

Experts Chart a Way out of Nigeria’s Debt Burden An urgent implementation of the Steve Oronsaye report towards cutting cost of governance has been highlighted as a workable SDQDFHD IRU 1LJHULD·V ULVLQJ GHEW SURÀOH 'LUHFWRU *HQHUDO RI %XGJHW 2΀FH RI WKH Federation, Ben Akabueze emphasized this at the 46th yearly conference of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators RI 1LJHULD ,&6$1 KHOG LQ /DJRV UHFHQWO\ According to him, Nigeria is battling revenue challenge, even as there is need WR HQVXUH WKH VXVWDLQDELOLW\ RI SXEOLF GHEWV Speaking on theme of the conference, “The 1DWLRQDO 'HEW %XUGHQ &DXVHV (ͿHFWV DQG Realistic Economic Solutions”, Akabueze

recommended discontinuation of fuel subsidy

by June 2023, and suspension of new salary LQFUHPHQW IRU JRYHUQPHQW DJHQFLHV He also stressed the need to rationalise expenditure to minimise further increases of debt as well as a quick implementation of e-customs project to boost revenue collection, ZKLOH KH XUJHG VWUHQJWKHQHG ÀJKW DJDLQVW YDQGDOV DQG FUXGH RLO WKHIW Akabueze stated that Nigeria’s escalating GHEW SURÀOH KDG VSXUUHG LQFUHDVLQJ GHEW VHUYLFH REOLJDWLRQ ORZHU ÀVFDO VSDFH IRU development spending, suspension of capital projects and constraint in the provisions of VRFLDO DPHQLWLHV

He said: “To check this challenge, it is important to ensure that public debt is sustainable and for this to be, urgent decisive measures are required in order to avert public debt crisis and these steps are critically around enhancing revenue and then improving expenditure and blocking OHDNDJHV µ Earlier, President and Chairman of Council, ,&6$1 7DLZR *EHQJD 2ZRNDODGH MXVWLÀHG GHEW DV DQ LPSRUWDQW DVSHFW RI WKH ÀVFDO economy, but that the size of the debt vis-à-vis the national income as well as the nature of the projects to which the obtained loans DUH DSSOLHG DUH LVVXHV RI FRQFHUQ

knowledge sharing session holding September 27, 2022 would also examine the important insights around customer intelligence (CX) strategies, SAS global case studies, and success stories; including updates on available VROXWLRQV According to the organisers, the programme which will take place at Four Points by Sheraton, Lagos draws on a recent report from a leading FRQVXOWLQJ ÀUP RQ WKH 1LJHULD EDQNLQJ LQGXVWU\ The report asserted that due to COVID-19, corporate organisations must learn to build a richer understanding of consumers’ changing attitudes, needs and behaviours to be able manage the complexity RI FRQVXPHUV GHFLVLRQ PDNLQJ

The 17th edition of the Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) tagged ‘All ideas are welcome’ will hold on 26th 1RYHPEHU 7KLV ZDV announced at a press conference held at the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) secretariat LQ /DJRV In his opening remark, the President, AAAN, and CEO, X3M Ideas, Steve Babaeko, stated that the LAIF Awards is a major milestone, each year, for AAAN, aimed at recognizing creative talents and challenging RWKHUV WR GR EHWWHU “The frontier of creativity is LQ D VWDWH RI FRQVWDQW HYROXWLRQ This year, the LAIF awards will UHÁHFW WKH DZDUG·V FRPPLWPHQW to advocating and rewarding creativity and its commitment

ing, developing, and retaining a SRRO RI WDOHQW 7KH +5 3HRSOH Magazine’s Employer of Choice $ZDUG XQGHUOLQHV WKH ÀQH KXPDQ development structure we keep putting in place as part of our RSHUDWLQJ PRGHO :H ZRQ·W UHVW RQ RXU RDUV 7KLV UHFRJQLWLRQ LV a motivation to do more and be HYHQ EHWWHU µ In his remark, General Manager, Human Resources of Olam Agri Nigeria, Lucky Nwadei pledged that the organisation would continue to promote innovative personal and professional career GHYHORSPHQW RSSRUWXQLWLHV “We have an impressive HPSOR\HH HQJDJHPHQW VXUYH\ We also ensure our employees participate in the decision-making processes while putting in place a work arrangement as well as an environment that engenders work-life balance, career growth DQG XOWLPDWH IXOÀOPHQW µ Responding, Executive Director, HR People Magazine Awards, Dapo Saheed emphasized the purpose of the award as a way to encourage organisations to adopt DQG VXVWDLQ EHVW +5 SUDFWLFHV

Group Pledges Enhanced Support for Less Privileged

The Rotary Club of Ikeja, GRA, Lagos, District 9110 has pledged to continue to support JRYHUQPHQW·V HͿRUWV WRZDUGV ameliorating economic hardship to becoming a top-recognized RQ 1LJHULDQV DZDUGV SODWIRUP LQ $IULFD This was restated at a fund“We are improving the skills raising event put together by the and craftsmanship of creatives FOXE LQ /DJRV UHFHQWO\ LQ WKH LQGXVWU\ ZLWK WKLV DZDUG Speaking at the event, the Those who do not emerge newly installed President for winners are challenged to the 2022-2023, Ayodeji Odeleye WU\ DJDLQ QH[W \HDU µ KH VDLG urged support from well-meaning The Chairman, LAIF Awards, Nigerians to support the cause and CEO, Noah’s Ark Com- for a better Nigeria by reaching munications Limited, Lanre RXW WR WKH QHHG\ Adisa, reiterated the focus He explained that the club is behind the awards initiative, contributing its quota by way of which is in its 17th edition, donation to the Rotary Foundaas one that encompasses all tion to reach as many needy as creativity which is the reason SRVVLEOH DFURVV WKH JOREH for this year’s theme, ‘All Ideas At the community level, he are welcome’ and applauded LGHQWLÀHG WKH DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ·V FRUH the growth and reputation the area of intervention as environDZDUGV KDV HQMR\HG VR IDU ment, education, public image “This year’s LAIF Awards DQG SHDFH FRQÁLFW UHVROXWLRQ will be focused on diverse and amongst others, in line with inclusive creativity welcoming JOREDO URWDU\ IRFXV SHRSOH IURP DOO ZDONV RI OLIH He said, “Our service project

Summit to Explore Analytics AAAN Announces 17th Role in Business Decision Edition of LAIF Awards The import of data and analytics in shaping consumers’ decisions will be the focus of discussion at the SAS -Global Leaders in Analytics Summit KROGLQJ LQ /DJRV Expected at the summit are NH\ SOD\HUV LQÁXHQFHUV DQG VWDNHKROGHUV DFURVV WKH ÀQDQFLDO service and telecommunication sector who will have the opportunity to dialogue and exchange ideas on the subject RI GLVFRXUVH The summit being put together by SAS and its Nigeria partner, Avante Consulting 6ROXWLRQV SURPLVHG WR RͿHU deep- seated insights into managing customer journeys LQ D KROLVWLF IDVKLRQ Themed, “The Role Analytics Play in Decisioning for Better Customer Experience”, the

)RUHPRVW DJULFXOWXUDO ÀUP Olam Agri Nigeria has emerged 2022 ‘Employer of Choice’ at the +5 3HRSOH 0DJD]LQH $ZDUGV Olam was nominated in the award category alongside other top organisations including International Breweries Limited, Jumia Nigeria, LaFarge Nigeria PLC and Nestle Nigeria plc, DPRQJ RWKHUV The HR People Awards was initiated to recognise and celebrate organisations that have implemented innovative people-centred HR initiatives that engender employees’ productivity, career and organizational growth DQG IXOÀOPHQW LQ WKH SURFHVV 7KH award also emphasized how businesses are contributing to growth LQ WKHLU RSHUDWLQJ HQYLURQPHQWV Commenting, Senior Vice President, Regional Head of Human Resources at Olam Agri, Jaideep Biswas stated that prioritising human capital growth remained a major corporate DNA of Olam across its operating PDUNHWV He said, “This overall focus has helped us succeed in engag-

will dwell more on child and maternal care, welfare of the girl -child, support for basic education and literacy as well as sponsoring initiatives that will promote peace in the society as a way of tackling LQVHFXULW\ µ As a form of empowerment too, Odeleye said that the club will prioritise building the capacity of members along their career path, while ensuring that loans are made available at a single digit rate for community members to VXSSRUW WKHLU EXVLQHVV The Chairman of the occasion and former Executive Director of Afribank, Olayinka Sadiku stressed the need for individuals to imbibe the ideals of rotary to achieve a Nigeria of everyone’s GUHDP According to him, If 20 percent of Nigerians can follow the ideal of rotary, the issue of theft, fund mismanagement and all manner of crimes will be minimal and Nigeria will be a choice destinaWLRQ RI DOO

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

17

Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Iyanya Bounces Back with ‘One Side’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

A

fropop star Iyanya Mbuk simply known by his stage name Iyanya is back and buzzing with spanking new single titled, ‘One Side.’ On this song, the ‘Kukere’ crooner sings beautifully to his love interest while maintaining a groovy beat. Admirably, the spanking new song has enticing singing voices and rhythms that add flavor to the theme. The song produced by Shugavybz is fast trending alongside a dance competition he dubs #OneSide Challenge.

He must have really taken so much time to compose and align this feel good song which fans of good music are already vibing to. More so, this brand-new hit fills in as a recent development to his previously released track “Like”, featuring Davido and Kizz Daniel ahead of his forthcoming studio project. ‘One Side’ is produced

by talented beatmaker cum singer, Shugavybz. Watch out the video drops soon. Iyanya is not done yet and he is not the only one who still believes in him including his fans.

He has had several nationwide smash hits to his name at some point and all Nigerian performers were willing to work with him until he had a little setback in his career. Iyanya’s inception into the music industry in the first half of the 2010s decade was a heavy one. He released his debut studio album My Story in 2011. It was supported by the singles “No Time” and “Love Truly”. Desire, his second studio album, contained five singles: “Kukere”, “Ur Waist”, “Flavour”, “Sexy Mama”, and “Jombolo”.

With hits like ‘Kukere’ and ‘Your Waist’ (featuring ex label mate Emma Nyra), he flourished alongside the likes of Wizkid and Davido. Although he’s been met with some challenges in the last few years, he hasn’t stopped grinding. This year alone, Iyanya has offered three impressive records including the popular Davido and Kizz Daniel assisted ‘Like’, and has managed to win back the hearts of many fans. In a bid to maintain his impressive run, Iyanya comes through with ‘One Side’ via Made Men Music Group he co-founded.

Iyanya

RMD the Rockstar in ‘Palava!’ The Movie Ferdinand Ekechukwu

N

ot a few know popular actor Richard Mofe Damijo as a model aside acting. Well, get set to see the ace Nigerian actor bring to the fore his PXVLFDO VLGH LQ D QHZ IHDWXUH ÀOP WLWOHG Palava! As the title (a slang which means confusion or trouble) suggests, viewers are expected to be thrilled with all the scenic ‘troubles’, some of which are captured in the behind the scene footages shared in an Instagram post.

The Inkblot Studios production recently WHDVHG ZLWK ÀUVW SKRWRV IURP WKH PRYLH project, showing RMD play the role of a URFNVWDU 7KH XSFRPLQJ ÀOP GLUHFWHG E\ Niyi Akinmolayan is slated for release Christmas 2022. According to the studio, RMD will play the role of Osage Idehen, a UHQRZQHG PXVLFDO DUWLVW ZLWK ÀYH EHDXWLIXO

RMD as Idehen in a scene from the movie. . .

daughters and a big love for women in the drama.

The BTS footages show the beautiful daughters’ characters are played by Linda Ejiofor, Bisola Aiyeola, Jemima Osunde, Beverly Naya and Beverly Osu. “Mofe Damijo is one of Africa’s ÀQHVW PXVLFLDQV LQ 3DODYD7KH0RYLH You’re not ready to see the Rockstar he becomes in this December Release. In RXU XSFRPLQJ ÀOP 3DODYD7KH0RYLH he plays Osage Idehen, a renowned musical artist with 5 beautiful daughters and a big love for women…

“Get ready to see RMD like you’ve never seen him before this Christmas,” the studio announced via Instagram.

News of the highly anticipated ‘Palava!’ comes in the wake of Inkblot’s August release ‘The Set Up 2’. ‘Palava!’ packs sterling cast of actors including Chinedu Ikedieze, Iyabo Ojo, Omawumi Megbele, Gideon Okeke, Neo Akpofure amongst other stars.

Native Records, Def Jam Set to Discover Talents

N

ative Records, the music subsidiary of Native Networks, and Def Jam Recordings last Tuesday signed exclusive joint venture agreement to develop musical talents in Africa and the diaspora. The agreement will enable both companies to use their contacts in the creative community to engage and develop young African artists.

Speaking at the signing, Tunji Balogun,

Native Records, the music subsidiary of Native Networks, and Def Jam Recordings last Tuesday signed exclusive joint venture agreement to develop musical talents in Africa and the diaspora. The agreement will enable both companies to use their contacts in the creative community to engage and develop young African artists.

Speaking at the signing, Tunji Balogun, chairman/CEO of Def Jam Recordings, said the deal will lead to the discovery and development of some amazing

talents. Balogun said as a company, Def Jam is building a culture that connects the best in the global black music diaspora from hip-hop, R&B, reggae and afrobeats, adding that some of the best artists, and sounds in music today come from Africa.

On their part, Seni Saraki and Teni Zaccheaus, co-presidents and co-founders of Native Networks, said they were GHOLJKWHG WR EH WKH ÀUVW $IULFDQ FRPSDQ\ to sign a joint venture with Def Jam in its history. Saraki noted that Native

Records has amassed a track record of breaking boundaries and popularising new sounds through the discovery and development of home-grown artists from the community, with special attention to the burgeoning Afrobeats movement.

“We want Native Records to be about artistic freedom.

As a company, we have always been passionate about discovering and working with artists that do not quite colour within the lines, and helping them to express themselves,” Saraki said.

Sir IB’s ‘Fire in Nigeria’ Tells Stories Ferdinand Ekechukwu

N

ew York based Nigerian artiste and music executive, Ibezim Okehi has ÀQDOO\ UHOHDVHG KLV much-talked about single titled, ‘Fire in Nigeria.’ Excited about his work, the artiste who goes by the stage name ‘Sir IB’ shares his inspiration for his choice of songs and why he chose the title. “I am a complete homeboy,” Okehi said.

“Though I live in New York right now, my love for Nigeria is inborn.”

He further added that, “It is just natural that my heart is here. And because my heart is here, I keep abreast with happenings here in Nigeria.” For the title ‘Fire in Nigeria’ it captures what is happening all around Nigeria; the everyday issues that ordinary Nigerians talk about, complain about and seek solutions to.

The artiste, who is currently in Nigeria, believes that in spite of

the challenges, which he thinks are not totally peculiar to Nigeria, wants people as well as government to be positive and become more about creating solutions WKURXJK HͿRUWV ´<RX VHH VRPHWKLQJ LV FHUWDLQ \RX ZLOO ÀQG FKDOOHQJHV LQ every society. But it is important that the people should begin to seek out ways RI ÀQGLQJ VROXWLRQV WR WKRVH SUREOHPV µ In all, Sir IB believes in Nigeria and hopes to give his voice to issues, with the hope that Nigeria would be that beautiful, after all. “I love Nigeria and I will see it work and work well,” he said.

Sir IB

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Asake Makes Billboard with Debut Album Ferdinand Ekechukwu

N

igerian superstars have done the unthinkable that not many artistes have done globally.

These superstars managed to peak at the Billboard album chat, with some of them getting multiple entries.

The artistes such as King Sunny Ade, Burna Boy and Wizkid have registered multiple entries, while rave of the moment, Asake joins the list of Nigerian artistes who have debuted on the chart.

Billboard last Monday, September 19, 2022, shared a statement noting that the singer had made his debut on the chart DW QXPEHU ZLWK KLV YHU\ ÀUVW DOEXP The album contains 12 tracks, including previously released singles like Sungba (feat. Burna Boy), Peace Be Unto You and Terminator. One of the tracks, titled “Reason,” features American rapper Russ.

This makes it the fourth ever highest charting Nigerian album after Burna Boy’s ‘Love, Damini’ which debuted at NO.18, Wizkid’s ‘Made In Lagos’ which debuted at No. 28, and Burna Boy’s Grammy-winning ‘Twice As Tall’ which debuted at No. 54.

Asake singer snagged a spot on the Billboard 200 album chart with his debut album titled ‘Mr. Money With The Vibe’.

Asake

7KH SURMHFW KDG RFFXSLHG WKH ÀUVW spots on Apple Music’s top 100 chart in Nigeria. And at No. 96 Canadian Albums Chart. Asake’s project takes the number 66th spot on the chart, which examines the 200 most popular music albums and extended plays (EPs) in the United States.

Other artistes such as They include Fireboy and Ckay have also made the list.

It is understood that the development PDNHV $VDNH WKH ÀUVW $IUREHDWV DUWLVWH WR

crack the chart with a debut album. Asake, born Ahmed Ololade, had earlier in February released a critically acclaimed eponymous four-track EP. He ventured into music at a young age. He also showcased his talent through freestyle videos on social media.

His big break came with the release of his hit ‘Lady’ which became popular among music lovers and celebrities. The ‘Organize’ singer is set to go on tour on the 22nd of September 2022, and he would be

visiting cities like Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Washington DC, and Baltimore.

Asake has got quite a good discography with songs such as: Payin, Gbale Lo, Mr Money, Gegeti, Palazzo, Star and his hit ‘Omo Ope’ featuring Olamide.

Asake, who is dominating the airwaves, had revealed how he got signed to Olamide’s RXWÀW 6SHDNLQJ LQ DQ LQWHUYLHZ KH VWDWHG that a friend had sent the smash tune ‘Omo Ope’ to Olamide, and after the rapper & music executive jumped on it, he invited him over. The singer said a deal was the last thing he expected after he was told Olamide had decided to feature on his song.

He said he had been begging the rapper since 2020, hence, the reason he clutched at the opportunity. “It occurred to me that 2022 was sealed [as a stellar career year for me] with the collaboration alone. A week after I dropped the song, Olamide called, asking that we meet. I tried out PXOWLSOH RXWÀWV ORRNLQJ IRU VRPHWKLQJ KH would like to see on me. This was because Olamide was someone I respected.

“Before he signed me, I’d been begging Baddo since 2020 to do so. I got to his head and he asked if I would like to join YBNL. I said I’m ready but he asked me to go look for a lawyer and think about it. I asked him to sign me immediately. I didn’t need a lawyer because I so much loved the family.”

Naija Star Search: Contestants Reenact Afrobeats Hits

T

he main show of Naija Star Search kicked RͿ ODVW 6XQGD\ with contestants drawing emotions from the audience as they played blasts from the past.

Even the judges were not left out as they enjoyed the nostalgia brought on by the show.

Seventeen contestants from across the country with diverse backgrounds and orientations will be groomed and slug it out to produce the next Afrobeats star.

Kenny Ogungbe (2nd from left) with other judges

Grouped under Team Kenny, Team ID Cabasa and Team Asha, each team mesmerised viewers with sweet serenades as they took the audience back in memory lane.

They didn’t not only sing hit Naija songs but also remixed them with a touch of street credibility and originality.

Team Kennis performed Baby I Got It by Capital FEMI featuring Eedris Abdulkareem. Team Asha Gangali performed You is the One

by Azadus. While Team ID Cabasa performed live in Yankee by Eedris Abdulkareem. The band also plays a vital role in interpreting the

contestants’ performances.

“That’s just a warm-up to the show,” lead judge, Kenny Ogungbe said as the stage promises to be hotter this Sunday at 8 pm on ST Nollywood channels and StarTimes-ON app.

Naija Star Search is a partnership between Kennis Music and StarTimes. It is fashioned as an H[FOXVLYH $IUREHDWV VKRZ WKH ÀUVW of its kind in the country. With guidance and criticism from the judges, the contestants will be schooled in the art and business of Afrobeats music for the next three months.

Cassandra Obiefune

My Talk Show is a Safe Space Cassandra Obiefune popularly known as “petite talker” is a media entrepreneur and artiste with dreams so big. Starting her career as a rapper, then venturing into acting, gave her the needed drive to build her career to what it is today. In this interview with Tosin Clegg, Cassandra talks about her journey into Showbiz, her earlier challenges, becoming a major face on television and future plans Journey into show business My journey into show business wasn’t planned.

I just wanted to be famous and make money.

Growing up, I was somewhat a studio rat and would hang around music producers and artistes.

So, at one point in my life, I became a rapper and was also featured in a couple of movies.

Moving on, my first step was to audition at Magnus Film Academy, Enugu where I was given the scholarship for acting and media studies because I thrilled the judges with an amazing music performance. I didn’t stop there because I’m insatiable.

The journey hasn’t been an easy one. But seeing how far I have come, I’m entirely grateful for the sleepless nights and the hustle as they created this personality the world would never forget as Petite Talker. I had earlier worked with Views Channel on StarTimes, picked up side gigs, interviewed people on the streets of Lagos and Hennessy artistry as long as the bills get

paid. Shuffling school, work and trying to grow my brand, The Petite Talk Show solo with no financial backing was a lot to do then but now things are getting better.

The world is filled with so much negativity and sadness and in my little way, I would love to be a beacon of hope for people who think all is lost. Also, I want to empower women who have been constantly talked down by men and brainwashed into thinking they are irrelevant. Most especially help change the way entertainment news is being dished, with a little bit of humour.

My Show I woke up one morning and the idea of my show just hit me. Celebrities are never really given the chance to express themselves without backlashes, forgetting they are humans too. My talk show is a safe space where you get to be YOU 100% without restrictions, a chance to live

your truth, an opportunity to show the world who you are and that goes beyond social media.

This is a movement and my goal is to be on major tv platforms such as the terrestrial and digital in the next 2 to 3 years. It took me this long to get here and I don’t intend to stop now as the world is not ready for what’s coming.

Encounter with Nedu Wazobia The first time I ever had a conversation with Nedu Wazobia was in 2018. I had just started my talk show and at that point I was trying to gather shoutouts to help promote the show. Nedu made my very first shout-out for the show without knowing a thing about me. Fast forward to 2022, my make-up artist calls to inform me about an opening at Wazobia Max TV and I should try out. I got there and Nedu was conducting the audition but he didn’t recognize me. It got to my turn and I found out it’s a pidgin show as I have never done a pidgin show my entire life.

Cassandra

I auditioned and God willing I got the role to be his co-host. The night show is a 1-hour variety of gig pidgin show and it features parodies and sketches on trending political and social issues, live performances, celebrity interviews and Q&A sessions.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

EVENTS

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n Wednesday September 21, 2022, Ansar-Ud-Deen High School, Falolu, Surulere, Lagos Old Students Association (AHOSA National) held a send off bash for two remarkable principals who headed both the Senior and Junior sections of the foremost High School in persons of Mrs. Nimotalahi Folashade Moronkeji and Mrs. Afusat Abiodun Ogunbadero. It was a roll call of eminent personalities who turned out in large numbers to celebrate the retired principals who had impacted lives of their students and left their feet on the sands of time. Here are a few guests at the event.

L-R: Guests of Honour/National Chief Missioner, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdulRahaman Ahmad, Former Biology Teacher/Principal of the school, Alhaja Wosamot AdedoyinAdegoke and Member BoT/ Welfare Chairman, AHOSA, Alhaji Waliu Onibon

L-R: Celebrants/outgone Principals of the school, Mrs. Afusat Abiodun Ogunbadero (Junior School), Mrs. Nimotalahi Folashade Moronkeji (Senior School) and Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District IV, Mr. Olusegun Olawale Osinaike

L-R: Alhaji Ahmed Odusanya, BoT Chairman, AHOSA Education Trust Fund, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti and Dr. (Mrs.) Olusola Adenekan

L-R: Former President, AHOSA, Mr. Tayo Lawal and President AHOSA, Mr. Rafiu Williams

L-R: Incoming Principals (Senior School), Ansar-Ud-Deen High L-R: Pioneer General-Secretary, AHOSA, Alhaji Tajudeen Okerinde and L-R: Alhaji Ajileye Mukaram (a.k.a King of Boys’), Alhaji Morufudeen Olatunji Lawal and ANCOPSS Member, Comrade Biodun Onabanjo School, Falolu, Surulere, Lagos, Dr. (Mrs.) Sherifat Ajoke Yusuf Vice-Chairman, Pioneer Set, AHOSA, Imam Mustapha Bello and Mrs. Adijat Kubura Dalazi (Junior School)

L-R: 2nd Vice-President, AHOSA, Alhaji Dhikirulai Bashorun and Alhaji Sulaiman Adewale Shakiru (72/76 set)

L-R: Mrs. Musurat Anthony, Social Secretary, AHOSA, Mrs. April Taiwo-Jegede and Mrs. Kehinde Shitta-Bey and Legal Adviser, AHOSA, Barr. Olatunji Mrs. Ediale Toyin Sherif

L-R: Mrs. Ekemode Sururat Morayo and Mrs. Mudirat Thompson (70/74 set)

Mrs. Saidat Adejumobi and Alhaja Idiat Abisoye Fagbayi

L-R: Financial Secretary (AHOSA National), Mr. Oludare Okanrende and Sports Secretary, AHOSA, Mr. Ogidan Yinusa Ahmed

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SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2022 • T H I S D AY

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

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POLITY Gov Abiodun Setting the Pace in LG Autonomy Femi Ogbonnikan

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igeria’s democracy is evolving, through rather very slowly. As in other participatory democracies, more and more people are now becoming increasingly interested in the choice of who governs over them. They want to be part of the process where decisions that affect their lives are taken, especially at the grassroots level. And rightly so, because not only that broad participation of people in politics promotes good governance, it is also the pathway towards power devolution which is now the in-thing around the world.

It is partly in bracing for the ultimate realization of genuine restructuring of the country that the Ogun State House of Assembly passed the Local Government Autonomy Bill into law with the active support of Governor Dapo Abiodun at the vanguard of it. And by doing so, the state has opened a new vista of hope for local government administration, not only in Ogun State but Nigeria as a whole. Apart from the fact that the state is the first in the Southwest to pass the bill, the governor has also gone a step further to set up a special committee to look into the ways of releasing some sources of Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) to the local governments to make them more functional and independent.

It therefore, goes without saying that Abiodun appreciates the value of local democracy. Anyone who values democracy must value strong local governments. In the words of John Stuart Mill, one of the stout defenders of local government, “strong local governance fosters strong local democracy.”

This is the right way to achieve the goal and objectives of local government administration as a third-tier of government in Nigeria. Without financial independence, no meaningful development can take place at the grassroots level. According to the French doctrine, “one can govern better from far but can administer better when closer”.

By passing the autonomy bill into law, Ogun State government has opened up opportunities for accelerated development of the council areas. As Alexis de Tocqueville, another 19th century advocate of local governance succinctly put: “Local Governments can unlock local development better than central and state governments because of their local proximity and knowledge and the local specificity of their services.”

Putting it in the perspective of the current situation in the country, strong local governments can tackle insecurity, stimulate the local economy and reduce poverty. The World Bank once said: “Poverty is best tackled at the local government level.”

Regrettably, over the years, the politics of state/local government joint account has been largely responsible for the abysmal failure of local governments to meet the need of the people at the grassroots level. Every attempt to grant autonomy to local governments had been met with resistance from state governors who often argued over the right to exercise close oversight over them. The latest of such resistance was the recent opposition to President Buhari’s Executive Order 10 of 2020, which grants financial autonomy to local governments as well as state legislatures and judiciaries.

Evolution of local government administration in Ni-

Abiodun geria dates back to the British colonial era when ‘Native Authorities’ were used to maintain laws and order rather than provision of social services with varying system of operations in different regions of the country. However, the 1976 reform initiated by the military government which introduced a uniform system of administration throughout the country subsequently, recognised Local Government as a third-tier of government and granted them financial autonomy to facilitate sustainable grassroots development.

But unfortunately, the politics of State/Local Government Joint Account brought about by the 1999 constitution made this third-tier of government almost irrelevant in the administration of the country as it eroded away the financial independence hitherto enjoyed by the local government. Section 162, paragraph 6, of the 1999 constitution established State Local Government Joint Account thereby subordinating them to the state government. Because the provision does not allow direct funding of local governments from the federation, successive governors have always found it easy to castrate them and make them perpetual appendages of the state.

As such, they have turned local councils to conduit pipes for siphoning of the public funds meant for development.

More often than not, they (state governors) treat elected council chairmen with utter contempt, bullying and riding roughshod on the financial and administrative autonomy of local governments.

This explains the reason for the absence of essential social capital-trust and confidence that exist between the government and the government-at the grassroots level.

Due to this disconnect, the citizens at the local level have no trust for elected officers of local government

By supporting the passage of the Local Government autonomy bill in the face of vehement opposition of some governors, Abiodun has contributed his own quota to the pool of ideas about how to make the country better. He has demonstrated how executive and legislature as arms of government can work together harmoniously for the common good of the people.

Now, the State Joint Local Government Account which has accounted for low level development at the grassroots has been abrogated. With the provision contained in the bill which allows for a Special account into which all allocations due to Local Government Councils from the Federation Account and from the state government are to be paid, elected chairmen can now determine their priority projects.

It is a dawn of new era of good governance in Ogun State. The era of impunity is gone for good. Until now, there is hardly any state of the Federation of Nigeria where one form of illegality or the other is not committed with funds of Local Government through spurious state/ Local Government joint account project.

Instances even abound where some governors have had to go out of their ways to dissolve elected council officers on account of flimsy excuses and subsequently appoint administrators, most of whom are party loyalists, acolytes and relations. As a matter of fact, as soon as a new governor comes into office, one of the first actions is to dissolve the existing local councils to give way for his stooges called caretaker committee, who neither have the mandate of the people nor the moral strength to resist the excruciating control of the state government that perpetuates the rot within the system. And as such, they turn the entire process of Local Government administration into conduit pipe for siphoning money belonging to the grassroots people.

It takes a man of strong will like Governor Abiodun to change the old order of executive recklessness and impunity. The bill as passed by the state lawmakers has factored in several impediments to the growth of local government. One of the immediate benefits of the new paradigm shift is the realization of the yearning for the unlocking of the potentials of each local council to generate its revenue for the development of the grassroots. As experienced in recent past, the lack of funds had severely restricted the capacity of local governments to initiate projects on their own. The financial vulnerability of the local councils is further accentuated by corruption, undue political interference, lack of qualified professional personnel, leadership problem and general poor work attitude.

These are some of the ills the new bill seeks to address by ensuring the transfer of financial powers from the state to the local government. To this extent, the autonomy of local government is predicated on two premises. One is the capacity to initiate local development plan, including economic, social and environmental. And two, the constitutional powers to set priorities in their budget expenditure.

– Ogbonnikan wrote from Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

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We’re Happy with Your Achievements, Nwodo-led Women Group Tells Ugwuanyi

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n a most colourful and organized outing, quality women from the 17 local government areas of Enugu State under the umbrella of ‘Uzodinma PDP Women Movement’ yesterday wholeheartedly declared their unalloyed support for Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s bid to represent Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly in 2023, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The women support group, led by the State Chairperson, Dr. Mrs. Dorothy Nwodo, also declared its support for the PDP governorship candidate in Enugu State, Barr.

Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, his running mate, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai and all other candidates of the PDP for the 2023 general election.

Speaking when the jubilant women paid a solidarity visit to Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, Dr. Mrs. Nwodo, who is the wife of the former Governor of Old Enugu State and ex-National Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, told the governor that “we are beneficiaries of this administration’s achievements in education, healthcare and infrastructure and will work to see (that) these achievements are sustained and advanced.”

Dr. Mrs. Nwodo, who described Ugwuanyi as “our amiable, peaceful and visionary leader”, added that the governor has shown by his words and actions that “Enugu State is at the centre of inclusivity, diversity and good governance in Nigeria”.

She commended the governor for empowering and elevating women of Enugu State to well-deserved and respected positions, stating that “at the forefront of this is

our venerable Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Cecilia Ezeilo, along with the former Chief Judge of Enugu State and the Deputy Majority Leader, Enugu State House of Assembly, who have done the state proud and are testaments to the leadership of our Governor”.

In the area of infrastructure, Dr. Mrs. Nwodo said the women are proud of Ugwuanyi’s administration that “over 700km of roads across the state, mostly in the rural areas, were constructed and rehabilitated”.

She added that the present administration in Enugu State constructed the first flyover bridge by the state government located at T-junction, Nike Lake Road, Enugu, “rehabilitated and remodelled the ancient, historic and undulating 11km Milliken Hill-Ngwo-9th Mile Road and constructed the 12km Opi-Nsukka dual carriageway up to University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) gate. Just to mention a few!”.

Applauding Ugwuanyi for constructing ultra-modern 5,000-seat capacity Township Stadium, Nsukka, 7 units of Type 3 Primary Health Care Centres in 7 LGAs of the state which have drastically reduced maternal and child mortality in the state, among other remarkable projects, the Chairperson of Uzodinma PDP Women Movement, lauded the governor in a special way for the establishment of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State and the Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo, Igbo-Etiti LGA, which he attracted.

She went further to applaud the governor for approving “the establishment of two World Bank projects, namely IFAD and APPEALS programme (s) for woman and youth agricultural empowerment”, pointing out that he pays the state’s counterpart fund regularly.

Reiterating that maximum support for the PDP, Ug-

wuanyi’s senatorial bid, that of Barr. Mbah, Barr. Ossai and other candidates of the party, Dr. Nwodo stressed: “We are confident that with the known track record of the governorship flag-bearer, continuity, progress and prosperity as already set by you (Ugwuanyi) is assured and guaranteed.

“To this end, we have put in place structures and mobilization strategies across the 17 local government areas to deliver our great party, the PDP to victory.

“We will be focusing our work at the grassroots level by sensitizing and mobilizing voters using the CBOs, local market days, churches, households and booth canvassers.

We will also enhance visibility of our party through social media, SMS, jingles, billboards, fliers and free medical outreaches.

“We hereby reiterate our resolve to offer ourselves to work alongside the PDP statutory structure in the state to ensure our party total victory at the polls”.

In their supporting speeches, the wife of the Chairman of Igbo-Etiti LGA, Mrs. Ogechukwu Nwodo; the zonal presidents of Uzodinma PDP Women Movement in Enugu North, Enugu East and Enugu West senatorial districts, Lady Julie Enwe, Barr. Mrs. May Offiah and Mrs. Ego Ajah respectively; the President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Women Wing, Enugu State Chapter, Prof. Mrs. Dorothy Akubuilo; the President, Catholic Women Organization (CWO), Igbo-Etiti LGA, Dr. Mrs. Nkiru Okoloagu; and the President, Friends of Uzodinma PDP Women Movement from other states, Lady Uduak Eboh, all commended Ugwuanyi’s achievements and exemplary leadership qualities and reassured him of the group’s unflinching support for the PDP and its candidates in the forthcoming elections, stressing that it is PDP all the way.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

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POLITY

As the ECOWAS Court of Justice Turns 20 Olu Jacobs

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he ECOWAS Court of Justice has become one of the crown jewels of the regional body’s integration process, fielding petitions from plebeians and gentry alike, as former slaves and former presidents go there to seek judicial redress.

In the last twenty years, it has managed to overturn centuries-old tradition of slavery or ‘wahiya’ in Niger, struck a decisive blow in support of press freedom in The Gambia, awarded 10 million francs as compensation to a retired school teacher for human rights violation in Benin, and ruled against a sitting president for banning twitter in Nigeria.

Beyond these highlights, the Court, according to its Chief Registrar, Tony Anene-Maidoh, has during its first twenty years, held 1246 sessions, handed down 303 judgments and 131 rulings from 583 cases lodged before it.

Four of these cases were from former presidents Laurent Gbagbo of Côte d’Ivoire, Mamadou Tandja of Niger, Charles Taylor of Liberia, and past AU chairperson, Thomas Boni Yayi of Benin. These men, like hundreds of other litigants, had gone to ask the ECOWAS Court to secure their human rights, rights they had themselves denied citizens when they held power for a combined 40 years. Here, the vagaries of fate were compounded by irony for none of these men cared to fully enforce the rulings of the Court while in office, none of them gave it any real chance.

To be fair, the Court had shown no sign of its shimmering status in those years of humble beginnings. In the first five years, from 2001 to 2005 when the original protocol on the Court was amended, only two cases were filed with the Court, and they by individuals. For a court established expressly to provide advisory opinion on Community law and its violations by Member States, and settle dispute between ECOWAS institutions and their officials, not one Member State or institution filed a single case, or even sought for an advisory opinion, in the aforementioned period. To all intents and purposes, the Court was a white elephant in that early period of its evolution.

Everything changed on January 19, 2005 with the implementation of the now legendary Supplementary Protocol A/ SP.1/01/05 which gave the Court “jurisdiction to determine cases of violations of human rights that occur in any Member State,” and confers on the Court “the power to hear, inter-alia, cases relating to the violations of human rights.”

Suddenly, this paradigm shift in its mandate, which broadly means that the Court now has jurisdiction to act as a Community Court, an Arbitration Tribunal, an ECOWAS Public Service Court and, more critically as events would show, a Human Rights Court, catapulted it to new heights, and into new hearts.

Justice Asante There is no doubt that the centerpiece of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, it’s top draw, so to speak, is its role as a human rights court. In a region notorious for showing scant regard for individual rights and freedoms, the Court became an arbiter of repute for 300 million people who have come to distrust their state courts and rue the lack of integrity therein. In time, the Community Court’s reputation began to grow following landmark rulings on jurisdiction that has jolted Africa’s jurisprudence, an easy accessibility that allows it to consider any case of abuse perpetrated by a Member State - as long as the action is not anonymous and the same matter is not being pursued at the same time before another international court.

The Court’s credibility was further enhanced by the integrity of its judges whose fair and decorous rulings have expanded the definitions of human rights and established their competence to hear cases of abuse. In Moussa Leo Keita V. Republic of Mali, the Court ruled that “simply clothing a claim with an allegation of human rights made it necessary for the Court to act pursuant to Article 9(4) of the Supplementary

Protocol.”

According to the president of the Court, the Hon Justice Edward Amoako Asante whose tenure, which began in 2018, oversaw the largest traffic of litigants, “the human rights mandate of the court has become the dominant aspect of its judicial functions. We are proud to note that due to its bold decisions on human rights complaints, the international community has recognized the evolving ECOWAS human rights regime.…with all humility, the ECOWAS Court of Justice is a source of pride to our community.”

Several factors account for the Court’s current successes.

True, it had always been part of the original institutions planned for the Community in1975 when ECOWAS was created by the Treaty of Lagos ‘to promote cooperation in all fields of economic activity.’ However, it was a number of policies and protocols, each deepening the Court’s ability to function as an integrative but dynamic organ, which has culminated in its recent reputation as a court of first and last resort. Crucially, a 2005 amendment allows that you do not have to exhaust domestic remedies before approaching the ECOWAS Court, meaning that the fact that you didn’t first go through your local court does not preclude your case from been heard by the Community Court. Suddenly, cases that would have lagged for years in domestic courts, are been timeously seen off by the ECOWAS Court of Justice.

In no time this created a system of competing competences, giving citizens liberty to choose where to take their demands, making the Court both an alternative and a final court for millions who would have suffered to find justice in the notoriously slow courts all over Africa, due to sundry exigencies.

Moreover, in 2006 ECOWAS began to shift its focus from states to individuals and its institutions de-emphasised broad development goals for more accessible goals that directly target citizens. The whole aim was to “endow the community with greater supranational powers,” and transform it from “an ECOWAS of States to an ECOWAS of People,” for more effective integration.

One of the first beneficiaries of these new practices was the Community Court which became even more important to the realization of these goals, and more accessible. In 2007, it began to hold external sessions in Member States, outside its Abuja base, in line with Article 26(2) of the 1991 Protocol which allows that “where circumstances or facts of the case so demand, the court may decide to sit in the territory of another member state.”

Jacobs, a former newspaper editor, wrote from Abuja.

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Towards Enhanced Security in Edeland Adedayo Adeoye

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am glad that we are here today to address the passionate and burning issue of peace and security in Ede and proffer lasting solutions, toward having an enduring peace and security in our dear fatherland, Ede. My presentation requires me to speak around a chosen theme: Reimagine, Redefine and Reinvent. A New Paradigm for Edeland, with a view to highlighting the socio-cultural, political and security realities in our community, by discussing challenges and opportunities involved in a peaceful environment, that Ede was renowned for in years past.

The recurring occurrences of violence in Edeland, need not be our lot for whatever reason(s), even, if other communities are so involved. Ede is noted for positive development for a very long time, with her indigenes doing it proud in their various endeavours globally. What then snapped? Where did we get it wrong?

As far as Ede Community is concerned, we have had enough of negative publicity before the nation at large. We don’t deserve it. There is therefore the urgent need to bridge the gap between the unruly attitudes of a few bad eggs in our midst and the general well-being of patriotic citizens, who go about the pursuit of their daily bread innocently, but are sometimes, unjust victims of the wrong behaviours of the few miscreants. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.

I commend the efforts of our various security agencies in rising above the challenges posed by the activities of evilintentioned few in our midst even at great risk to their lives.

They are enjoined not to relent, but do more in the areas of intelligence gathering to nip in the bud, the activities of the so-called “joint boys” or cult boys. I also praise the efforts of the South-West governors in establishing the Amotekun outfit.

A step that has gone a long way to complement the laudable efforts of the conventional security agencies. May the good Lord, continue to put you all under the canopy of his divine protection.

The relative peace we are presently enjoying in Ede, should be strenuously preserved. Our politicians, should in this regard, discourage the untoward actions of engaging our youths in thuggery; while they protect their own children and siblings in far-away cosy environment. This in some ways,

unduly encourage the existence of youthful gangsterism, which in course of time, becomes uncontrollable to our consternation.

There are good roles waiting for the enterprising young men and women to live a clean life, that would make them worthy citizens of Edeland, nay, Nigeria. They should embrace such noble roles as a departure from the present ignoble roles as misguided few youths among us.

Community policing as practiced in the years past, through the Ode-Isona (Native Hunters Participation) should be effectively revived, to curb the activities of night marauders.

The Ode-Isona were well versed in their areas of operation and also very dedicated. They give their services very selflessly.

Efforts should be made by the local governments to encourage them with reasonable allowance as a form of encouragement.

This is not to lose sight of the commendable roles of other local vigilance groups, such as Odua People’s Congress (OPC), Yah Salam Outfit among others.

These aforementioned local security groups should complement their various roles without friction, since they are working towards the same goals of absolute peace in Edeland.

There is every need to call on parents to be alive to their responsibilities of giving sound moral education and guidance to their children, more vigorously, than ever before. All the vices now prevalent in our societies are to a larger extent, products of bad upbringing and ineffectual counselling on the parts of some parents. The youthful gangterism now the vogue in town are products of some bad homes. They are not ghosts.

May I also call on our religious bodies to use their various outlets to sermonize the gangsters in our midst, of the need to evolve better characters and desist from their evil ways, but rather emulate their fellow citizens, who are industrious and committed to their various professional skills and endeavours.

I should not fail to appraise this summit of the nefarious activities of some Bororo Cattle Herders, who of recent, have constituted themselves into nuisance, under the pretext of cattle grazing, thereby destroying farmlands along their routes, or even deliberately intruding into vast expanse of fenced farmlands of agricpreneurs along Loogun/Egbeda Axis of Ede South Local Government Area and Oke-Osun in Ede North Local Government Area. I was a victim. It was not the best of the time for the farmers involved.

Security is everybody’s. We simply cannot ignore it. Doing so is at our own peril. Let us show love to the few ‘dissidents’

creating trouble in our community and guide them to the path of sanity and take them out of rascality. The Federal Government should allocate more money to the police and other security agencies to increase their capacity to make them more confident as crime-preventing and crimebursting security agency.

This brings me to the question, what are the key areas upon which to improve the Nigeria Police? Majorly, The Nigeria Police is long over-due for decentralization, in such a way, that State Police will eventually emerge. Power should reside in the states. My position on the need for creation of state police, was further boosted by support from eminent Nigerians of different persuasions i.e. years ago. Alhaji Umaru Aliyu Shinkafi, said in The Punch edition of January 31, 2012 and I quote: “the worsening insecurity situation in parts of the country could only be effectively tackled through the creation of State Police”. The country could not continue to shy away from State Police, especially with the menace and threat posed by the militant Islamic Sect to the nation”. Shinkafi was a former Director-General of defunct Nigeria Security Organisation.

It is my strong believe, that citizens’ lives and properties would be better secured by State Police, because and obviously, the citizens are likely to be familiar with the policemen choosing from among them. And the police in turn will know their historical background, tradition and culture, leading to effective policing, with the attendant security of lives and properties of such community.

The constitutional framework in my view, which recognizes only the Federal Police and in turn empowers the Federal Government to have absolute control on policing in all the 36 States is long due for review by the National Assembly.

Notable Ede indigenes, should see this time, as one that calls for their total involvement in seeing, that we remain one indivisible and loving community. They should rise up to the occasion of the present security challenges and be on the side of history positively. Their pragmatic approach at solving all issues at hand, will not give the poor men and women among us unnecessary upheavals in our community.

––Jacobs, a former newspaper editor, wrote from Abuja.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

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POLITY

Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation Donates to Lagos Public Schools

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akasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF) has donated school bags, books and other writing materials to the pupils of three Lagos public primary schools in Mushin Local Government Area (LGA).

The donation was part of the Foundation’s ‘Kit-a-child’ programme held every new school year.

The schools - all on Ladipo Street, Papa Ajao - are Oduduwa Primary School, Estate Primary School and Papa Ajao Primary School.

The children - 364 of them from kindergarten to primary six - were gifted school bags, exercise books comprising 40 leaves for kids in the older classes and 2A, 2B and 2D for their juniors, pens, pencils, erasers and sharpeners as well as free snacks of doughnuts and a drink.

At Papa Ajao Primary School, Head Teacher, Mrs. Oladele Folayemi described Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation as a godsend for indigent parents and their wards.

Folayemi, who administers the school’s 174 pupils with a staff strength of only five teachers and one cleaner, lamented that most parents had been unable to afford writing materials for their wards.

“I’m very glad because they (CEF) have done a wonderful thing. The parents of some of these pupils have not been able to afford their books. But now all of them that are present today have received the writing materials and I am very glad about that.

“A child came to school with only one notebook. I

asked the mum, ‘Is it only one notebook your child will use for 12 subjects?’ She sighed and said ‘God will help me. I’m hoping that by Monday, I would have bought her more notebooks.’ That mother will be pleasantly surprised to see her child return home today with so many books. Many more parents who hear of Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation’s gesture will also be attracted to bring their children to this school. We are very grateful,” she said The delight was similar at Oduduwa Pry School, where Mrs. Akpan Sifon Godwin is Head Teacher with over 86 pupils and nine-member staff strength.

“I am so happy about today, about what I have seen Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation do for the children. They gave them bags, books and many other things. I am very happy. I pray that the Almighty God will reward them. As they have done for these children, I pray God will do for their kids too and they will continue to make progress in life,” she said Mrs Godwin noted that since she was appointed head teacher last year, “only one other non-governmental organisation has come to visit these kids, but Cakasa has done even more marvellously.”

She said the school’s challenges were many, and lamented that it seemed the pupils and staff had been abandoned by the government. Pointing at the broken ceiling of several classrooms, she said: “It seems as if they (government) dumped us here. Everywhere is dilapidated; you can see that even the walls are not painted, we are just like that.

“We are looking for help, people should come and help us; we need more help so that these children will feel at home in school, they will not feel like they’ve been abandoned.

“I have up to 86 kids here, from kindergarten to primary six. My staff strength is nine, both teaching and non-teaching.

Each class has one arm each, but because we don’t have enough teachers, we joined two levels in the same class. So, primary one and two are in the same classroom, primary three and four too, etc, because of a lack of teachers.

“I’ve complained about the problem to the authorities, even the Mushin Local Government Area Chairman promised to do something for a long time, but never came back to fulfil his promise.”

Estate Pry School, with its 104 pupils and four teachers, is administered by Mrs Orelaro Abosede who thanked CEF for fulfilling its promise to help the school meet some of its challenges.

“When EkoExcel came to tell us that they wanted to link us up with an NGO that they saw doing wonders somewhere, I said okay, if it is something that will be beneficial to our children, they are wholeheartedly welcome. So, CEF came and we told them some of our problems. They left and promised to return.

Mrs Abosede said: “They’ve now fulfilled their promise and have done welcome back to school for the children. I really appreciate Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation. They have been trying and we have seen it now, we have enjoyed it.

The donations they made have solved one of the problems we listed.”

Sam Ekpe Congratulates Obiozor on Ndigbo Finance Development Committee

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veteran Journalist and Media Consultant Mr. Sam Ekpe has congratulated the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof.

George Obiozor on his inauguration of the Group’s 57 Member Finance and Development Committee.

Mr. Ekpe who served as a media aide in the Presidency in the Second Republic (1980 – 1983) stated that with the high caliber composition of eminent and successful politicians, businessmen and women, technocrats and skilled professionals in the committte, there is no doubt that the social and economic fortunes of the South East geopolitical zone will improve tremendously in no distant time.

He was impressed with the appointment of four high flying women – Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, the D.G of World

Trade Organization (W.T.O); former minister, Dr. Kema Chikwe; Dr. Stella Okoli, an industrialist in the Pharmacy sector; and Dr. Joy Emodi into the Committee, and asserted that their appointments reflect their significance and gender sensitiveness of the Ohaneze leadership.

Ekpe stated that he was satisfied that the appointments of Dr. Chikwe and Dr. Emodi whom he had related closely with in their official assignments as Minister and Senator respectively and said they will impact positively on the works of the Committee.

He observed that Dr. Chikwe’s services to the nation as Minister of Transport, Minister of Aviation, Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland, Chairman of JAMB and National Women Leader of the PDP stand her in good stead to contribute very substantially and effectively to the progress of Ndigbo in particular and Nigerians generally.

L-R: Incoming Chairman, BookmySchool, Abdulakeem Abdulraheem; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Central School Obioma, Dr Ngozi Owoh; Group Managing Director, Afrinvest and Patron, Central School Obioma, Prince Ike Chioke; Head Teacher, Central School Obioma, Mrs Regina Aneke; Founder, BookmySchool, Abdullahi Idris; Team Lead, BookmySchool, Emmanuel Chukwu, during BookmySchool’s donation of over 400 books to Central School Obioma ÓØ ØßÑß˟ ÜÏÍÏØÞÖã

Chikwe

̋ ˝ ËÜÕÏÞÓØÑ ÓÜÏÍÞÙÜ ÏÝÞ ÐÜÓÍË ËØÎ ÜËØÍÙÚÒÙØÏ ßÌ ËÒËÜËØ ÐÜÓÍË ˾ ËÝÞÏÜÍËÜÎ˹͓ØÎ Vice President ADVAN, Yosola Atere; President, Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), ÝË×ÏÎÏ áßÌËØ×áÏ×˞ ÐÙÜ×ÏÜ ÒÓÏÐ ËÜÕÏÞÓØÑ ʩÍÏܘ ËØÑÙÞÏ ÜÙßÚ˹ ÏËÎ ÚÏËÕÏܘ ËÜÏ Ojeikere and CEO ADVAN, Ediri Ose-Ediale during the ADVAN Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) ÙÜß× ͓͓͑​͓ ËÞ ËÑÙÝ ÙØÞÓØÏØÞËÖ ÙÞÏÖ˜ ÓÍÞÙÜÓË ÝÖËØÎ ËÑÙÝ ˟˛ ÜÏÍÏØÞÖã

L-R: Discussants, Prof. Chris Ogbechie;. Dame Bridget Itsueli; Prof. Isaac Ukpokolo, Guest Speaker, Most Rev. Fr. Paschal Nwaezeapu; and Rev. Fr. Jude Mbukanma, during the 50th St.Dominic’s Cath ̋ ˝ ãÙ ÞËÞÏ ÙàÏÜØÙÜ Ü˛ ÏãÓ ËÕÓØÎϘ ÚÜÏÝÏØÞ ãÏËÜ ͓͓͑͒ ÚÏÍÓËÖ ÏÍÙÑØÓÞÓÙØ áËÜÎ ÞÙ ÞËÞÏ ͓ÓÍ ˹ ÚÏÜËÞÓÙØ ʩÍÏÜ Ð ãÙ ÞËÞÏ ÏÍßÜÓÞã ÏÞáÙÜÕ ÑÏØÍã ̙ ×ÙÞÏÕßØ ÙÙÜÚÝ̚˜ ËäÏÏ× ÕÓØÜÙ˜ ËÞ ÞÒÏ olic Charismatic Renewal Prayer Group, Upper Room Community Yaba. Pre Golden Jubilee Celebration Symposium in Yaba, Lagos recently ͓͓͑​͓˜ ãÙ ÞËÞÏ ÜÙÎßÍÞÓàÓÞã Ëã ÓØ ÌËÎËØ ãÙ ÞËÞÏ ˟˛ ÜÏÍÏØÞÖã

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

Fellow Nigerians, Obe’Dient Is Real But...

L

ast week, the first part of this article was published outlining in lucid terms the momentum building around the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi. That first article attributed his bounce in the polity to the power of his spoken words and message which so far sounds like music to his teeming followers’ ears. To them, Obi is the best thing to happen to Nigeria’s political landscape in the run-up to 2023. These foot soldiers are crazy about Obi and are ready to voluntarily follow him wherever he goes. this is the first of its kind in the polity.

So far, they are highly energized, enthused, and are volunteering their time and resources to put a President of their own in the Villa next year. Many do not think it is possible; of course, they are entitled to their opinion.

Those who dismiss the Obi momentum have failed to see the high level of anger, frustration, disappointment and discontent seething out of the youths across the country.

However, it does appear the elements are working in Obi’s favor. Why is it so?

The first reason is that with the apparent rumored gap widening between the All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Bola Tinubu, and the Presidency, Obi may emerge as the biggest benefactor. Second is the schism in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where Governor Nyesom Wike is locked in battle with the party national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, and candidate, Atiku Abubakar for Ayu to step down.

Yet, even with the wave rising in Obi’s favor and with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) set to declare 2023 campaigns open, he needs to be very careful with his messaging. In this election, messaging is key in convincing voters why you deserve their votes to become their President. Many presidential favorites have had their ambitions scuttled because their messages failed to resonate with voters. This is what we would be outlining in broad terms today.

The first step to take is for the candidate to undertake a detailed study of the diversity of the country and the comparative advantages of each geopolitical zones. If any candidate does not have this information at the tips of his fingers, how can he govern a country and people that he knows little or nothing about? Is it not an invitation to disaster?

In a video that went viral recently, Obi was seen googling figures on his phone to buttress a point in an argument.

That is not enough. What Obi needs is a secretariat with a dedicated unit for research. People in this unit must be eggheads and well-versed in research work. Obi has to commission them to go to work and assemble watertight research materials that he can rely on during the campaign trail. He must demonstrate that the figures he is reeling out are incontrovertible and verifiable. The key reason for this is that the candidate would not only demonstrate that he knows what he is saying but also it is essential that he sustains the trust reposed in him by his grassroots supporters.

So far, Obi has not outlined his blueprint for Nigeria. In the few public appearances, he has not spoken convincingly that he succinctly understands Nigeria’s problems. Obi needs to understand there is more to the presidency than merely cutting costs and championing an austere lifestyle as he did when he was governor of Anambra. The Presidency is a very Big Deal and Nigeria is currently besotted by headwinds brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and lately Ukraine - Russian ongoing war.

Apart from these, Nigeria is hemorrhaging from crude oil theft which has reduced revenue accruing to the federation account and placed the country as the only oil-producing country that could not save from the war’s oil windfall. There is also the perennial epileptic power supply, and importation of petroleum products because none of the four refineries is working. In the last seven months, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been on strike and students have been at home. The sitting government has no clue how to get them back to work.

Therefore, these are the cumulative problems that would confront Obi if he wins the presidency in 2023. How much does he understand these problems and how is he going to persuasively communicate his solutions to his followers? One of the tricks Obi must adopt to move ahead is to create a differentiation in the field. He needs to show that he not only understands Nigeria’s problems and Nigerians, but that he is better equipped with the right solutions to the problems. In other words, he is not going to follow the same path those past leaders had repeatedly taken and failed.

Let’s begin with the theme of his campaign and probably take the slogan “From Consumption to Production”. Obi has repeatedly talked about how he would transform Nigeria from a consumptive country to a productive country. Of course, Nigeria fritters its oil revenue on the importation of goods and services that can be produced locally to conserve foreign exchange, create jobs and get many industries back on their feet.

Let’s take petroleum products as an example. How would

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

Obi end importation? The solution is simple: He needs to say how he would muster the political will to remove the oil subsidy. But before doing that, he must get the four refineries back to work. He has to address the entrenched interest and corruption in the state-owned oil company as well as kick butt in the national oil company. To get the refinery back to work, Obi can sidestep the usual contract regime and either engage local engineers in the refineries who can do it but have been stopped from carrying out the repairs by vested interest. In the alternative, he may choose to broker a deal with the original builders of Nigeria’s four refineries to return and turn them around to produce optimally.

If all four refineries go full stream, they would bring about a whole lot of multiplier effects on the economy. Nigeria would save all the forex wasted in the importation of petroleum products, it would become clear that there was no subsidy ab initio and that the budgeted subsidy was being sustained because they deliberately refused to fix the refineries to sustain the subsidy fraud.

Talking about the multiplier effects of getting the refineries to work again, the four refineries would absorb all their sacked or redundant workers. In addition, the refineries would once again produce derivatives and most companies producing tyres, paints, textiles, etc that hitherto shut down for lack of raw materials would spring back to life. Airlines would also heave a great sigh of relief and market forces would now be allowed to determine prices while agencies including the Petroleum Products Regulatory Agency (PPRA) should all be scrapped because they are no longer useful.

How is Obi going to finance the infrastructure deficit?

There is an ongoing brickbat between the presidency and the opposition PDP over claims by the presidency that it has made monumental progress in this area. Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed claimed that the government had leveraged such innovative schemes as the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) (which is being used to finance the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, 2nd Niger Bridge, and the AbujaKaduna-Zaria-Kano road), Sukuk (which has delivered a total of 1,881 kilometers of roads between 2017 and 2020).

He mentioned other schemes including the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme (for the construction and rehabilitation of the Lokoja-Obajana-Kabba-Ilorin road, reconstruction of Apapa Wharf road, construction of Apapa-Oworonsoki-Ojota road, and the Bonny-Bodo road with bridge). The NNPCfunded part of the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Victory for the Vanquished Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

It is a Goal! No! – The Necessity of Biafra by Hanum Mary Chioke; ISBN: 978-978-977-670-2; 2018; 259pp

M

an’s existence on earth can be understood like a football match in which a goal must be scored for victory to be achieved. Hanum Mary Chioke in his book It Is A Goal!

No! – The Necessity of Biafra understands that a radio or television commentator almost always enthusiastically screams “It is a goal!” only to reverse himself when the ball does not eventually hit the back of the net. The players must then keep on trying until the goal of victory is scored.

Hanum Mary Chioke has lived through the gamut of the early promise of Nigeria at independence in 1960, the horrors of the Igbo genocide after the coups of 1966, and saw action as a Biafran soldier in the civil war. He now stands strong as a witness to the denial of justice and equity in post-war Nigeria, and thus bears testimony that the clear and present necessity is to let the oppressed people go.

It is remarkable that Hanum Mary Chioke in It Is A Goal!

No! – The Necessity of Biafra goes way back to the 1914 Amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates of Nigeria by Britain. His discussion of the country’s early politics is foregrounded by an unpublished paper entitled “A Quick Review of the Development of Nigerian Politics 1945-1966” written by one of the Permanent Secretaries of the era. The author adds gravitas to his thesis with Philip Asiodu’s “The Formal Structure of British Colonial Government in Nigeria.”

There is the recap of the inauguration of Indirect Rule by colonial Britain’s Lord Lugard, the introduction of the Clifford Constitution by Hugh Clifford in 1923, Sir Donald Cameron, Sir Bernard Bourdillon, Sir Arthur Richards of the Richard Constitution, Lord Milverton, Sir John McPherson (sic) of the McPherson Constitution, the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 etc.

Hanum recalls that “without proper consultations even with his own party, Anthony Enahoro moved a motion in the House of Representatives in March 1953, demanding SelfGovernment for Nigeria in 1956.”

The results of the Independence elections were quickly

followed by post-independence difficulties such as the Western Regional crisis and the concomitant declaration of State of Emergency in the Western Region.

The military of course struck first on January 15, 1966, and then on July 29, 1966. The massive killing of Easterners and Igbos in the North led to the fleeing of the Igbo people and Easterners back to the East. The Military Governor of the Eastern Region, Lt-Col. Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had the onerous task of calming down the restive people. Lt-Col. Yakubu Gowon who had assumed duties as Head of State over General JTU Aguiyi-Ironsi’s dead body did not do much to stem the killings, and Ojukwu would not accept his authority as the leader of the country.

Hanum Mary Chioke’s It Is A Goal! No! – The Necessity of Biafra is autobiographical as he gives account of his growing up years in Port Harcourt where, he writes: “We all spoke Igbo – everyone did.”

According to Hanum Mary Chioke, “In 1966, a relation of mine travelled to the United States for higher education and promised to arrange for my coming to join him. He did, but the war had started and we could not connect with the American emissary at Asaba who travelled all the way from America to take me away. This changed my chemistry.” The civil war had not actually started in 1966, but the hostilities were heavy.

Having completed his secondary school studies, he “secured employment with a motor sales and maintenance company as a clerk with a good pay.” The European Accountant literally adopted Hanum who was then 20 as his son, riding with him to work in the same car. Working on Saturdays, he surreptitiously learnt to drive a car behind his boss’s back.

Amid the threat of war, Hanum who was called “Cyril” by his boss was transferred to the Onitsha branch of the company. As opposed to living all his life in his parents’ home while in Port Harcourt, he at first lived in his Uncle Jaka’s home in Onitsha before settling into “a boy’s quarter.” He was a good footballer and a member of the company’s first eleven team. He got injured and the beautiful lady Tessy nursed him back to health and taught him love.

Meantime, Igbos and sundry Easterners were fleeing from the pogrom in the North while crowds of young men marched on the streets of Onitsha asking Ojukwu to give the

guns to fight back.

A last ditch effort to save Nigeria came in the shape of Gowon and Ojukwu meeting in Ghana where an Accord was reached.

The federal authorities reneged on the terms of the Aburi Accord, and war supervened.

Hanum’s younger brother Nick who was initially refused enlistment in the new Biafran Army for being underage eventually got enlisted with a “magic number” given to him by a tenant. Hanum’s elder brother then got enlisted. A third brother, Peter, who was barely 14 “joined the boys’ civil defence and was away every morning for training also.” The author could not enlist because he was still under employment.

As the war “started at the Biafran northern border town of Gakem”, Hanum had to travel from Onitsha to Port Harcourt, and while walking along the Garden City’s Aggrey Road he saw “someone with a bandaged heel in Biafran Army uniform” who turned out to be his brother Peter.

Hanum eventually volunteered to enlist in the army, and after the successful 21-week training session he earned the rank of 2nd lieutenant. A devout Catholic, he always fought with a rosary in his pocket.

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

24.9.2022

NEWS

FOCUS ON AFCON

Destiny Udogie Will Nigeria Cash-in After Azzurri’s Snub?

PAGE. 29

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

‘Point Accusing Fingers’ Wrong

“C

HIEF of Naval Staff advocates for increased productivity via industrialization” When used as a verb, ‘advocate’ does not admit ‘for’. Let us avoid verbiage in headline casting: Naval Chief advocates increased productivity.

“For the university to recommend that students should pay for the damages while they have….” A common mistake: except in legalese, ‘damage’ cannot be pluralized. “…rather than investigating and finding out who were involved and check against future re-occurrence: Beyond recurrence, can an event yet to take place happen in the past? “…the university is pointing its accusing fingers in the direction of the lecturers.” True idiom: point a/the finger. No inclusion of ‘accusing’ or inflection of ‘finger’.

“It is our belief that we members of the alumni association of our alma Mata (Alma Mater) have unique roles to play in the restoration of sanity on our university campus.” It is…restoration of sanity to (not on) our campus.

“Isn’t it funny that it is the beak with which a bird builds it’s (sic) nest that it uses to scatter it.”

Possessive: its “…the AU summiteers concentrated almost exclusive (sic) on the political independence and liberation of countries in (on) the continent.”

Vanguard of September 4 contained two putrid lines: “Monday’s action, which started at dawn, was as a result of the breakdown of series of negotiations…” An agendum: a series of negotiations.

“According to investigations, the deceased was said to be resting alone in his room at about 9.p.m….” Every reporter should be decisive on timing as to which description to use: either at or about 9 p.m. The two cannot co-function.

“According to the source, the institution has a very high percentage of failure in the last academic

year.” Reported speech: the institution had (not has). “…that the authorities of the institution was (were) still waiting the result of the police analysis of the bomb”.

“False rumours on currency restructuring” ‘False rumours’, connotatively and denotatively, reek of catharsis (to mitigate anger)! Do we have ‘true rumours’? A ‘rumour’ basically means ‘a piece of information, or a story, that people talk about, but may not be true’. So, what is the essence of falsehood here? We can talk of widespread or malicious rumours, among other correct qualifiers.

“Solving unemployment crises need (needs) structural approach, says Ngige” This is a clear case of subject-verb disagreement unexpected from a medium of self-acclaimed flagship status.

Let us welcome Blueprint back to this column after a long skip. Its September 10 edition showed signs of stunted growth: “CJN to flag off new legal year, swear-in new SANs on Wednesday” ‘Swear in’ does not admit hyphenation being a phrasal verb.

“As stakeholders chat (chart) new course…”

“Again, when you look at the present political situation in the state, you will see that majority (the majority) are in support of the current government, so who is going to fight?”

“Mushin crisis: Police arrest eight, recover 30 AK47; (a comma—not semi-colon) (AK47s), 13,742 ammunitions” Security News: ‘ammunition’ is uncountable.

“Monarchs, clerics, others bag make National honours list” Either bag national honours or make national honours’ list. Was the sub-editor thinking of tuition or rent? I was there decades back!

“Wave of attacks kill 44 in Iraq” Around the world: wave…kills/waves…kill.

“It was gathered that the crisis between the duo blew opened (open) again as the….”

Lastly from Blueprint: “Let’s take our progress serious” Let’s take our communication seriously.

“Such do or die attitude to power is responsible for political violence in Nigeria.” (Daily Independent,

September 6) Power configuration: Such a do-or-die attitude “The unyielding scourge of excess liquidity (excess cash) for over three decades is probably ample testimony of this failure.” (THE GUARDIAN Opinion Page, September 4) Get it right: an ample testimony to this failure.

“In a deft political move, Obasanjo sent the workers jubilating by acquiescing to (in) their age-long demand of 12.5 per cent pay rise”.

“Details of the other players were still kept under wrap (wraps) as a….”

“The governor equally advocated for the setting up of a committee….” Yank away ‘for’.

“NCP rejects polls results, demand interim govt” Why the discordant tune?

“Lawal threatens not to handover” The governor must hand over whether he likes it or not.

“LAUTECH re-opens next week” ‘Reopen’ does not admit hyphenation.

Sports retrospection: “222 wrestlers converged in Ibadan for COJA 2003” All-Africa Games history: converge on Ibadan.

“Stand off between lawyers and Benin court deepens” No news: standoff. And this: “INEC blamed for low turn out” Voter apathy: turnout.

Finally, “Ex-Airways boss in police net for fraud” No to fraudulent grammar: over fraud.

“ASUU is still closeted in the anachronistic Marxist philosophy of yesteryears….” ‘Yesteryear’ is uncountable.

“Is it not blatant hypocrisy for our society to cry out against violation of human rights and yet support and atimes…? This way: at times.

“We are about rounding up.” I am not yet rounding off this treatise. To ‘round up’ means arrest, while ‘round-up’ implies summary/conclusion/end….

“In a few campuses, such as the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)....” Right prepositional phrase: On a few campuses.

“Vigilante groups warned against extortion” Get it right: vigilance groups (committees).

Reminiscing with KSA at 76

F

our days to his 76th birth anniversary (22 September, 2022), we caused to be published a rehash of an interview this reporter had with Chief Sunday Anthony Iṣọla Adeniyi Adeg ye (more popularly known as King Sunny Ade - aka KSA) on the eve of his 53rd birthday, at the dawn of this millennium (in 1999). He was open, disarming and thoughtful - virtues he flaunts till this day. Imbued with princely debonair, it is no wonder two of his names have “Ade” (Yoruba word for crown), thereby augmenting the majesty of his musical bloodline. Well, this is how we described him in a 2011 book, “Footprints: Interventions in Nigerian Entertainment”: ‘Crowned the juju music king (45) years ago... [in a 1977 welladvertised poll by The Entertainer, a tabloid in the stable of the defunct Ibadan-based Sketch newspapers]; this royalty has refused to abdicate, be dethroned or allow himself to stroll into oblivion; even as times, seasons and stars come and go… KSA abandoned home and college at 17 in pursuit of destiny.

He joined Federal Rhythm Dandies owned by Moses Adejumo Olaiya (alias Baba Sala). Five years preceding that decision, little Sunny had jammed with two top Osogbo bands led by Sunday Ariyo and Idowu Owoeye.’

‘However, “the man” emerged at 19 when he “released” his own band. Barely two years after, in 1967, KSA debuted with “Alaanu L’Oluwa” to a heart-breaking (disastrous) record sales. But a year later, the king made a chart-breaking return with “Challenge Cup”.

‘With countless and incisive innovations, KSA has planted a gigantic tree in the forest of music, which shows to all that his fame and talent could only have come from one source: God. Today, we recognise KSA as a lodestar in a millennium of incredible music advancement.”

And now the king still reigns…at 76. This is the concluding part of what we started in the last edition…:

Just go ahead. There is no musician that has not done it in Nigeria, but I pray that the next generation from the millennium will not go into that. From the beginning, I had a rough time in my marital life… Unfortunately, I have kids who I respect a lot. Those kids had to pull me back and say we have to correct it.

So by doing that you have to swallow a lot of things and endure a lot of things until you cannot endure anymore, which your kids will sanction and say this time my mother has gone too far… they’ll say it is not me that they will be annoyed with.

Sunny Ade

“How are you coping with the embarrassment and pains of the bitter court case with your former wife, Falilat?

Well, actually I thank my God that I am getting out of that mess now which I pray that I won’t see anything like that anymore. I really don’t want to go into that now… because that is wiping out…

You see, when you are young… that is what I am telling my children and any other young musician. When you are young, you have to take your time before you get married, though you have to believe that whenever you go into the world you will see millions of women. If you rush too much you will have problems. You don’t need to be slow and you don’t need to be fast, just take your time and when you are ready just decide and believe that that particular person you are marrying is good.

What really went wrong in the Island Record deal?

You see, there is nothing that went wrong other than that I took my decision simply because I had my country in mind. If I want to be popular around the whole world, yes, they can make me. God gives me the power and ability to do that, but my music called Juju music from Nigeria will get lost. So in order to hold my juju music, that is why we parted ways.

What happened was they told me they wanted to change my music to what the Western world would like. So, I said okay.

Let’s have a producer, this is my multi track, the one I did for you. Let them mix it, let them put anything into that. So, they went with that for a couple of weeks. When they came back, I couldn’t recognise my music anymore. So I said, gentlemen, it is not that it’s bad but I couldn’t continue with that. They said I didn’t want to sell and if I wanted them to sell I should allow them to change. They didn’t pick my option and I didn’t pick their option. So, we went our separate ways. But today, the same juju music has been nominated again in 1998 (Grammys). Eventually, I pray that it will win one year. That is why we are working hard now in order to win something. When we win that, we can play it back.

Can a musician be a successful business-

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“Many members of the nebulous northern power block are numbered among the nationalists” No vagueness: northern power bloc.

“The physical defects of damages that abortions can cause are now being experienced by very many women in addition to what denatured food is causing.” ‘Damage’ is non-count, except in legalese.

“This has (had) in the past led to serious communal clashes resulting in loss of lives and property” No lexical disturbances: life and property/ lives and properties.

“The picture of black Africa as savages in (on) a dark continent painted by Europeans.…”

“The congestion on our roads are (is) very unhealthy for the economic sector.”

“A further review of the performance of the major currencies of Nigeria’s trading partners also indicate (indicates) that Euro….”

“During the heydays of Christian missionary activities in the southern parts of Nigeria, communities were actively involved in building schools.”

Thoughts on education: ‘heyday’ is uncountable.

“Nigeria’s soccer house set to take the bull by the horn and change the face of the game.” Sports journalism: take the bull by the horns. “…the victim is a specie (species) from among the wretched of the earth.”

“We could do nothing against such formidable odds giving (given) the worthless tolls at our disposal.”

“The euphoria among workers over this year’s May Day find (finds) expression in the fact that they can now take their destiny in their (own) hands.”

“It was an unenviable task given the palpable hostility that rented (rent) the air.”

“The lack of adequate knowledge of the areas have (had) often made past exercises to be….” “…execute programmes and policies which they had promised the electorates (electorate) before being voted for.”

“Such a fellow should not be in the corridor (corridors) of power....”

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

man?

I would say yes. If you know what you are doing and at the same time, God directs or sends good managers to you. To become a businessman is just very simple. A manager that knows what he is doing, that can put your vision to reality… the man who knows the business you are doing or the business you are involved in. The best thing you can do is to surround yourself first with the best and when you are asking questions, they don’t ask you questions. For instance, around me I am having a recording studio, which I know about; I’m having a label to record, which I know about. within that I can distribute, which I know about. Then, I’m having a band I’m playing with, which I know about. I have a nightclub, which I know about. So, all these come with good managers.

The other time, I went to University of Lagos privately to do Business Administration. That is what I have in the organisation; when they are talking business, at least if I didn’t know 100%, I will know 75. So, when I am throwing the questions back at them... even when they are doing the accounting, the internal auditors come, my questions will be who has this, who has that, why do you do this, why that? I want to know under 24 hours. But, if care is not taken, for the love of money, you fight and then you don’t play again. Or you find if you don’t do little business you have to balance your brain because sometimes in the business world you can easily have what is called brain fatigue, under one hour. When they give you a report on the business, you won’t be yourself again. That will affect your band. Sometimes when you are on the stage you will be thinking, (and) singing something else (general laughter).

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Destiny Udogie Will Nigeria Cash-in After Azzurri’s Snub?

With Destiny Udogie snubbed for the umpteenth time by the Azzurri Manager, Roberto Mancini, the eggheads of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, can swing into action and lure the defender of Nigerian descent to pitch tent with the Super Eagles after he initially turned down an offer

Udogie kick-starts new eason on a bright note

D

espite strong links with the Nigerian senior football team-Super Eagles, 19-year-old Udinese defender, Destiny Udogie has always reiterated his desire to play for the Azzurris, most especially after playing for Italy at all age-grade competitions.

Udogie was born in Italy to Nigerian parents and even though he has represented the European country at youth level, he is still eligible to play for the Super Eagles.

He has always expressed his desire to represent Italy at senior level and is determined to keep working hard in order to achieve his objective in spite of not having been called up.

“I will do everything to make myself appreciated by the coach, it is a goal that I particularly care about,” the youngster told Tuttomercatoweb.

The 19-year-old wing-back is looking to settle his international future after he was initially snubbed by the Italian national team coach, Roberto Mancini despite his brilliant season.

Udogie has been a part of the Italian youth system from the U-16 to the U-21, giving the European nation a significant advantage over his allegiance.

But the versatile young defender remains eligible to represent three-time African champions, Nigeria, through his parents.

The fullback, Destiny Udogie is reportedly

on the radar of the Nigeria Football Federation, with a view to convincing him to play for the Super Eagles.

The Udinese wonder kid and Golden Boy nominee was snubbed by manager Roberto Mancini for Italy’s UEFA Nations League matches against England and Hungary.

Had he been invited to the Azzurri and figured in any of the two matches, he would have become cap-tied to his country of birth.

According to various reports in the Italian media, including Mondo Udinese, Nigeria failed in their first attempt to lure Udogie to the Super Eagles and it is not certain that they will not try to the end.

Udogie has been provisionally cap tied to Italy since March 2019 when he played his first competitive game for their U17 team in a European Championship qualifier against Romania.

He has had a fine start to the 2022-2023 season with two assists in six appearances for Udinese, who are third in the table after seven rounds.

Indeed, Udinese manager, Andrea Sottil expressed surprise that the defender of Nigerian descent is not in Roberto Mancini’s Italy squad for their UEFA Nations League fixtures.

Mancini invited 29 players for the clashes against England and Hungary, but snubbed left-back Udogie, picking Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan) and Emerson Palmieri(West Ham)instead.

“These decisions surprised me. I respect

Roberto Mancini’s choices, but I was still surprised. I think Udogie is one of the best full-backs in the league, he proves that all the time,” Sottil told Football Italia.

The 19-year-old played 79 minutes for Udinese on Sunday in their 3-1 home win against Inter Milan, a result which took the club to third place in Serie A. Udogie has before now said he was looking forward to being a part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar later in the year, but unfortunately both countries he is eligible to play for-Italy and Nigeria failed to qualify for Mundial in Qatar.

“Going to the World Cup is the greatest dream because it is played for the whole country. For me, it would be a great satisfaction,” Udogie had said.

By the time the last edition of the Mundial kicked off four years ago in Russia, Udogie was still a starry-eyed 15-year-old slugging it out in the Hellas Verona youth academy, unsure of what the future held for him.

Fast forward to the present times, and the 19-year-old has had his best of times in Serie A last season, where he made 29 appearances, scored against AC Milan at the San Siro, and netted the goal that shot down Sampdoria.

Udogie has been a part of the Italian youth system from the U-16 to the U-21, giving the European nation a significant advantage over his allegiance.

But the versatile young defender remains eligible to represent three-time African cham-

pions, Nigeria, through his parents.

Super Eagles boast of very good left-back options in Paderborn’s Jamilu Collins, Porto’s Zaidu Sanusi and Rangers’ Calvin Bassey.

Still, Udogie could gate-crash the party if he maintains his upward trajectory.

The young defender, however, makes it clear that he shares a relationship with his Nigerian father and still listens to his instructions, which are helping his development.

“My father always tells me to stay calm, to enjoy the moment, to play carefree and not to freak out because I’m still young,” the on-loan Hellas Verona lad said.

“I try to follow these tips. I try to enjoy Serie A and the moment because I’m still young.

“Now, as a wing-back, I feel good because it is a role in which I can express myself. I think I would feel better as a full-back than a half-winger.”

In the summer, Udogie was unveiled by Spurs after putting pen to paper on a five-year contract that will see him stay at Tottenham until the summer of 2027, in a deal that cost around £15m, with a potential extra £3m in add-ons.

Udogie began his career at Hellas Verona, coming through the youth ranks at the club and breaking into the first team. He made his debut in November 2020 and then moved on loan to Udinese in 2021.

The Serie Aside made Udogie’s temporary deal permanent in 2022 and he became a regular in the team at the Dacia Arena, helping the team finish in 12th place in the table

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

QATAR 2022

African Teams and Mundial Semifinals Hoodoo

Only three African sides have reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup before; Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and then Ghana in 2010. With all the African teams led by indigenous coaches, the continent would be hoping that one of its representatives would break the quarter finals barrier

Otto Addo (Ghana)

Rigobert Song

F

or the first time since the World Cup started in 1930, there will be an allAfrican coaching cast for teams from the continent at the global finals in Qatar.

The appointment of Walid Regragui as Morocco manager last month, to replace Vahid Halilhodzic, means all five African qualifiers will be handled by a local coach, barring any sudden change of heart by football federations.

The former Wydad Casablanca boss joins Tunisia’s Jalel Kadri and former internationals Otto Addo (Ghana), Aliou Cisse (Senegal) and Rigobert Song (Cameroon) as preparations for the tournament intensify with friendlies.

An African team will break the World Cup semi-finals barrier if the continent places more faith in its own coaches, according to Africa’s most decorated club coach Pitso Mosimane. “To have trust in African coaches is massive and shows a great sense of growth on the continent that must be sustained,” Mosimane told BBC Sport Africa.

“This is not a campaign against foreign coaches but applause to the decision-makers in our national associations.

Aliou Cisse

Jalel Kadri

“A lot of people ask why African teams have not gone beyond the last eight or contested for the World Cup title itself, and I believe this is a big step to get there.

“Africa can definitely break that semi-final barrier if we back our own coaches who truly understand the mentality, cultural challenges and methods required to perform.”

Just three African sides have reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup before; Cameroon in 1990 under Valery Nepomnyashchy (Soviet Union, now Russia), Senegal in 2002 coached by Frenchman Bruno Metsu and then Ghana in 2010 with Serbia’s Milovan Rajevac. The debate over a lack of opportunity for African coaches in their own countries has long been a passionate one, with many believing federations tend towards foreigners when appointing a national coach.

But opting for homegrown coaches this time is a significant swing in favour of locals, who have been long overshadowed by coaches from Europe and South America at the finals.

There has been a significant rise in the number of African coaches making their mark on their own continent.

Capped 45 times by Morocco, Regragui,

Walid Regragui

who turns 47 on Friday, takes over the Atlas Lions after a successful season in the Moroccan top flight where he led Wydad to the African Champions League and a domestic title.

Former Senegal captain Cisse has been in charge of the Teranga Lions since 2015 and the 46-year-old helped the West Africans to a maiden continental success early this year before qualifying them for a second successive World Cup appearance.

Kadri, 50, oversaw the defeat of Mali in the play-offs to seal Tunisia’s sixth finals appearance after taking charge following their last-16 exit at this year’s Nations Cup. After playing in four World Cups for Cameroon, Song was named the Indomitable Lions coach in February and secured their record eighth qualification for the global finals following a play-off win over Algeria.

The former centre-back, 46, is set to become the second Cameroonian, after the late Leonard Nseke in 1994, to guide the Central African nation at the global showpiece event.

Addo played for Ghana at the 2006 tournament, and the 47-year-old took charge of the Black Stars after their group-stage exit from the Nations Cup in January.

He led the side to World Cup qualification for the first time since 2014 after beating fierce rivals Nigeria on the away goals rule.

“Our coaches going to the World Cup are qualified and adequately prepared for the role because it is not beyond their ability,” said Mosimane.

“I know my brothers Aliou and Walid very well because we shared classes during our (Confederation of African Football) Pro license course. They’ve both proven themselves on the job and attained the highest coaching certificates as well.

“Rigobert needs no introduction in world football before taking over in Cameroon, while Otto has shown the managerial calmness to lead Ghana. Kadri has done well for Tunisia to get them to the tournament.

“Nothing is impossible in football and because of their foundation and local knowledge, they are more than capable to lead their respective countries at the World Cup.” One of African football’s best-known figures, ex-Super Eagles captain Stephen Keshi remains one of only two men to win the Africa Cup of Nations as a player and a coach.

He is the only African to qualify two different nations to the World Cup finals - Togo in

2006 and Nigeria in 2014 - and gained success where Europeans, often employed at great cost, had failed.

At the finals in Brazil in 2014 he led Nigeria to the second round, and Keshi remains the only African coach to appear in the knockout phase of a World Cup. Keshi, who died aged 54 in June 2016, had hit out at Africa’s reliance on foreign coaches, saying it was killing the game in Africa and that they were given more time than their native counterparts.

Overall, Africa’s premier football event - the Nations Cup - has been won by a local coach on 16 occasions, with foreign coaches triumphing 17 times.

That success rate has equipped Mosimane to dispel long-held beliefs that the status of African coaches remains low and they do not get the same respect from players as a foreign coach. “What Keshi did by beating foreign managers on his way to continental success was to break that notion of an African coach,” he added.

“He also laid the foundation for others to follow. I think his round of 16 achievement also set the tone globally.

“The last two winners of the Nations Cup are Africans, Djamel Belmadi of Algeria and Cisse of Senegal, which shows that most African coaches are as qualified as their foreign counterparts.

“It is ridiculous that people continue to hold on to the belief that only foreigners are good for African teams. These coaches also played for top teams in Europe and elsewhere - they are exposed to modern ideas and deserve the respect of our players, fans, media and other cynics.”

Mosimane, 58, led Al Ahly to back-to-back Champions League triumphs after joining in 2020, in addition to his previous success in the competition with Mamelodi Sundowns in 2016.

The former South Africa coach also secured two consecutive third-placed finishes at the Club World Cup, including the 2021 edition played in February.

Of the five national sides that represented Africa at the 2018 World Cup finals, only Senegal and Tunisia had local coaches - Cisse and Nabil Maaloul.

While no African team made it past the group stage in Russia, Mosimane believes the continent’s sides often suffer from poor preparation and avoidable distractions.

“A coach needs to focus on the tactical and technical aspect of the game and should not be burdened with transportation, hotels and bonus issues,” he added.

“At the World Cup, the national associations must do more to prepare our teams properly and help them avoid distractions and global embarrassments.

“African nations sometimes appoint coaches few months before a World Cup and expect them to perform miracles. The teams we are competing against prepare well, they invest heavily, are not distracted by little things like bonuses and that is the mentality needed to compete.”

Ghana and Tunisia will get a strong test over the international break when they both face Brazil, while Morocco take on South American opposition in Chile and Paraguay.

Cameroon travel to South Korea while Senegal will also play fellow World Cup qualifiers in Iran.

Come 20 November, when the tournament begins, all eyes will be on Africa’s quintet of coaches waiting to see if one can make history for the continent and reach the semi-finals.

They have, at the very least, been given the opportunity to succeed on international football’s biggest stage. r$VMMFE GSPN #$$ 4QPSU

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Birdview representative; Bekesuoyeibo Stephnen, Grand Oaks representative; Amar Agada, Chairman, Ikoyi Club 1938, Memola Mumuney, Golf Captain; Tony Oboh, Chairman; IGCNA, Felix Majekodunmi, 2022 Nigeria Cup Organising Committee; Peter Eben-Spiff and representative of Nova Bank; Kelvin Anyaegbunam at Nigeria Cup press briefing recently

Jose Peseiro with Super Eagles players

Peseiro Restates Ambition to Win AFCON 2023

IGCNA Promises Fun-filled 2022 Nigeria Cup

Super Eagles Manager, Jose Peseiro has reiterated his ambition to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations slated for Cote d’Ivoire.

The former FC Porto coach said his target to conquer Africa means the Super Eagles have to play strong sides and keep up when chanced.

He expressed confidence in his team and said there were many good players in the Nigerian team. The former Venezuela national team coach further explained why Wilfred Ndidi left the

The annual Nigeria Cup will tee-off today at the Golf Section of Ikoyi Club 1938 with organisers promising that the weeklong tournament to celebrate the nations Independence anniversary will be one to be remembered for a long time to come.

According to the Chairman of Ikoyi Golf Community Nigeria Association (IGCNA), Felix Majekodunmi, the annual Nigeria Cup which is the 25th in the series will tee-off with the children’s, which is expected to be filled with fun and fanfare.

Speaking at the event’s pretournament briefing on Monday, Majekodunmi said the Silver Jubilee edition of the Nigeria Cup will be one to remember in terms of fun, fanfare and quality golf game for all participants.

This, he said, has been made

Super Eagles camp amid reports suggesting he had a row with Peseiro.

“I repeat I want to win the next AFCON and for that we need to improve our national team, we need to improve our dynamics, we need to improve our organisation in and outside the field.

“You need to create connection with the players, create a relationship inside and outside the field for the players to build a great national team so that’s our goal.”

Peseiro said knowing the

players means he can rule Africa because his team has quality and they’ve been watching a lot of Nigerian players.

“We have many good players so I believe we can achieve success with our national which made me say I want to win the AFCON because I know the players.

“Me and my staff we keep watching many matches around the world concerning the performance of the players and like I said the national team is open for everybody.”

INDIA 2022

Olowookere Picks Dah-Zossu, Ajakaye, Afolabi, 18 Others for World Cup Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has selected team captain Alvine Dah-Zossu, midfield jewel Taiwo Afolabi and top scorer Opeyemi Ajakaye as part of Nigeria’s 21-girl squad for this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals.

There are also first-choice goalkeeper Faith Omilana, defenders Comfort Folorunsho, Blessing Sunday and Miracle Usani, midfielders Blessing Emmanuel and Chidera Okenwa, and forwards Omowunmi Bello and Yetunde Ayantosho.

Players and officials are scheduled to depart the shores of

Nigeria on Monday, September 26, for a 10-day training camp in Turkey, before the delegation will jet off for India from Istanbul on October 6.

Matches of this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will take place at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Pandit Jawarharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa and the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Nigeria’s first match of the campaign is against Germany in Goa on Tuesday, October 11, starting at 8pm India time (4pm Nigeria time). The Flamingos will then square up to New

Zealand on Friday, October 14, also in Goa, before flying to Bhubaneswar to take on Chile on Monday, October 17.

Since the competition was launched in New Zealand 14 years ago, Nigeria has only once been absent at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup – the 2018 finals staged in Uruguay.

GROUP A: India, USA, Morocco, Brazil GROUP B: Germany, Nigeria, Chile, New Zealand GROUP C: Spain, Colombia, Mexico, China GROUP D: Japan, Tanzania, Canada, France

Man Utd Reacts to FA Charge against Ronaldo Manchester United have reacted to the Football Association’s decision to charge Cristiano Ronaldo with “improper and/or violent” conduct.

Ronaldo appeared to knock a phone out of a fan’s hand after their 1-0 defeat at Everton last April.

Footage showed the 37-yearold appearing to smash the phone as he left the pitch and headed towards the tunnel.

United have now said they will support Ronaldo in response

to the charge.

“We note the FA announcement in relation to Cristiano Ronaldo. “We will be supporting the player in response to the charge,” United commented.

Ronaldo is currently away on international duty with Portugal.

Ronaldo was charged with ‘improper and/or violent conduct following the incident where he appeared to knock a mobile phone out of a supporter’s hand.

The incident happened at Everton’s Goodison Park after

Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat last April.

Footage shared on social media showed the Portugal international appearing to smash a phone out of a young fan’s hand as he left the pitch and headed towards the tunnel.

Ronaldo was cautioned by police regarding the incident in August and later issued an apology to 14- year-old Jacob Harding on his Instagram account, admitting his emotions after such a damaging result had got the better of him.

Protester Sets Self on Fire at Laver Cup A protester set his arm on fire after running on court and briefly stopping play during the Laver Cup at the O2 Arena in London.

The young man, wearing a T-shirt with the message ‘End UK private jets’, was quickly removed by security and detained in an internal corridor.

Laver Cup organisers said he had been arrested and police were “handling” it.

The incident happened before the second set of the match between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Diego Schwartzman.

“It came out of nowhere,” said Greek world number six Tsitsipas. “I never had an incident like this happen on court. I hope he is all right.”

It is the latest security breach at a tennis tournament following incidents at the Australian Open and French Open earlier this year.

A male protester, carrying a banner which read ‘Abolish refugee detention’, jumped on to the court during the Australian Open men’s singles final between Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev in January.

In May, a female protester interrupted the French Open semi-final between Casper Ruud and Marin Cilic. She walked on to Court Philippe Chatrier, knelt beside the net post, tied something around her neck and fastened it to the net.

In London yesterday, there was a short delay of about five minutes before the Laver Cup match resumed.

Tsitsipas, playing for Team Europe, had just won the opening set and the Greek went on to clinch a 6-2 6-1 victory.

possible with the help of sponsors; individual donors and the Organising Committee put in place to organise this year’s edition.

Also speaking, Chairman, 2022 Nigeria Cup Organising Committee, Peter Eben-Spiff said the kiddies competition will be followed by Caddies on Monday, Lady Golfers, Veteran, Invited Guests, Professional Golfers before finale on Saturday October 1.

Justifying the need to celebrate in spite of the challenges the nation is facing at the moment, Eben-Spiff said there are always challenges in life a nation, saying Nigeria is not different.

According to him, it is the oneness that Nigeria needs to progress is what the Nigeria Cup is all about.

Club Chairman, Demola Mumuney is his speech congratulated IGCNA for being able to keep the spirit of the Nigeria Cup alive since its debut.

Host Captain Tony Oboh while thanking the organising committee for a job well done urged the would-be winners and participants to always imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship is what they do.

Present at the Pre-tournament briefing were the section’s Lady Vice Captain and member of events Organising Committee Deola Banjoko, Seline Hensworth; a Committee member, Representative of Nova Bank; Kelvin Anyaegbunam, Grand Oaks representative; Amar Agada, Birdview representative; Bekesuoyeibo Stephnen among others.

LGAN Southern Zone Ladies Golf Championship Tees off Today The LGAN Southern Zone Ladies Championship tees-off today at University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Golf Club, Benin City, Edo State.

Mrs Sandra Monye-Emina, LGAN Vice-President, Southern Zone disclosed in Benin that the tournament was open to all ladies across the zone competing in different categories while men and ladies from outside the zone would play as guests.

The zonal vice-president stated that over 150 golfers from Benin Club Golf Section

(BCGS), Benin City; Ibori Golf and Country Club (IGCC), Asaba; Ogunnu Golf Resort, Warri; Sapele Athletic Club Golf Section, Sapele and host club that make up the zone.

They are expected to play at the tournament competing in hcp 29-36, hcp 19-28 play for net while hcp 0-18 would play for gross.

She added that the tournament will enable the zone to prepare for the LGAN National Open scheduled to hold at IGCC, Asaba, Delta State in November

2022.

She explained that captain of the UBTH Golf Club, Matthew Iduoriyekenwem has assured of the club readiness to host the championship as the golf course was already wearing new look ahead of the event.

Meanwhile, the cocktail and draws for the event was done yesterday evening while the ceremonial tee-off is by 8am just as presentation of trophies and other prizes hold after the last tee-off today.

Mixed Fortunes for Nigeria at World School Basketball Championships It was mixed fortunes for Nigeria at the 2022 World School Basketball Championships as the boys suffered their second defeat while the girls team bounced back from their defeat to Bulgaria with a win in their group match.

Nigerian boys lost to Turkey in their third group game 52 to 83 as the Turkish proved too much for the African side.

The boys from Turkey won the first quarter 13-23, second 17-24, third 11-22 and the final quarter 11-14.

John Wilberforce scored 23 points, two assists and four rebounds.

The boys’ team are expected to battle their counterparts from Brazil in the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian girls defeated Chile in their third group game 68 to 28

but finished third in Group D behind Bulgaria and Turkey.

The Nigerian girls won the four quarters 17-10, 23-6, 16-7 and 12-5.

Wandoo Hembam scored 18 points while Patience John scored 15.

The girls’ team will play classification match when the tournament resume on Sunday as today is observed as a competition free day.

Nigeria-eligible Winger Bags Brace for Arsenal U21 Flying Eagles-eligible winger Joel Ideho was the standout performer for Arsenal as they registered an impressive 3-1 win over Burnley in a Premier League Cup fixture at County Ground in Leyland yesterday afternoon.

Last time out, Arsenal U21s lost their unbeaten start to the 2022-2023 season as they were beaten 2-0 by Ipswich Town in the Papa John’s Trophy, but they

were quick to return to winning ways.

Ideho scored the first goal that set them on their way to victory, finding the bottom corner with a curling effort from outside the box in the eighth minute.

Mauro Bandeira slotted home from the spot to double the advantage after Lewis was fouled in the area by Dodgson in the 17th minute.

Just before the hour mark, Ideho grabbed his second goal of the game to restore Arsenal’s two-goal lead when he dribbled into the box and finished with aplomb.

The former Ajax Amsterdam starlet has now scored three goals in this season’s Premier League Cup, having opened his account against Swansea City last month.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

I

t’s been a whirlwind few days for 15-year-old Ethan Nwaneri. But Arsenal’s record-breaking debutant is used to that.

Back in February 2020 and the teenager was playing in attack for Arsenal’s Under-14s away at West Ham. Storm Ciara had hit the UK all week and the youth team players on the pitch were put in unchartered territory - but a 12-yearold Nwaneri would not be thrown about.

“He was from the Under 13s, playing in the age group above - even then he was one of the better players in that group,” a Premier League scout who was watching that game tells Sky Sports.

“The conditions were terrible - it was really windy and rainy and it’s normally difficult to assess these players in that environment. But I picked out bits like his body language, his character and the way he reacted to the conditions.

“He scored in that game and has an eye for goal, but he really wanted to be involved in the build-up play and had good ball control.”

Now Nwaneri is the most talked about teenager in English football - after his brief cameo for Arsenal in their 3-0 win over Brentford made him the youngest ever Premier League player at 15 years and 181 days.

The midfielder spent three minutes on the west London pitch, and didn’t touch the ball, but the experience of senior football was there for a player who was born after the Emirates Stadium was built - and was 12-years-old when the UK went into the first coronavirus lockdown.

Playing in an older age group has been the way of the world for the attacking midfielder so far.

Those familiar with his rise up the youth football have seen him playing above his age group since Under-13 level.

“When I saw him, he was different gravy,” the same scout adds. “I first spotted him when I was working at other Premier League clubs when he was playing for Arsenal’s Under-13s as an 11-year-old.

“But it was a few years later - when I was watching him as a Manchester United scout - that he had developed into what we call a Grade A academy player.

“I would have marked him as a signing at United if it was down to me but trying to get a player from Category One academy team to another one is difficult.

“Even when he was around 12 or 13 years old, you could see that he was the pick of the bunch, the best player on the pitch - even for the year group above. Every time he got on the ball, he looked to make things happen. He always posed a threat, took set pieces and put in good deliveries with them.” The coaches at Arsenal have continued to play him above his age group, but his rise over the past 12 months has been nothing short of dramatic. Last season, he was a regular for Arsenal’s U16s aged 14 but only made his first start for the U18s in February of this year.

The teenager made an immediate impact, scoring two assists in a 4-2 win over Reading U18s as his stock at Arsenal grew even further.

“He’s someone very highly thought of here as there are other boys at Hale End as well,” said Under-18 coach Dan Micciche after that game.

“I trusted him to perform today and he got two assists. Knowing him, he will leave here disappointed that he has not scored a goal or he’s misplaced a few passes because he’s got that champion mentality.”

The phrase “champion mentality” often pops up when an Arsenal youth product comes through the ranks into the first-team. The same term was given to Bukayo Saka by one Arsenal scout when the winger was in the Gunners’ Under-9s team.

And one wonders whether it was that mentality that influenced Mikel Arteta’s “gut feeling”, before the Arsenal first-team manager got Nwaneri involved against Brentford, a few weeks after the player played Under-21 football for the first time.

“The first time I met him, I looked into his eyes and I had that feeling. I really liked what I saw,” said Arteta after he gave Nwaneri his debut.

“Academy manager Per Mertesacker and the academy staff are giving me really good information, sporting director Edu as well.”

The Arsenal first-team are noticing something special too - none more so than midfielder Granit Xhaka, who has coached Nwaneri’s Under-16s team recently as the Gunners vice-captain works towards his coaching badges.

“He looks old when I see him but the club can be proud of a player like him,” said Xhaka after Arsenal’s win at Brentford.

Ethan Nwaneri A New Gunner is Born?

Ethan Nwaneri became the Premier League’s youngest ever player at 15 years and 181 days when he came on for Arsenal against Brentford; the attacking midfielder was playing regular U16 football last season and has now made his senior debut Ethan Nwaneri

“You can see a big difference with him and the other guys. He is very, very special.

“Of course you have to protect him as he is very young but if he keeps going like this with his hard work he has a big, big future.”

So, what now for Nwaneri? The history books show that the path forward for the Premier League’s youngest ever players are unclear.

The Arsenal teenager has taken over the record from Harvey Elliott, who is now a regular starter at Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. Aaron Lennon is now the fourth-youngest player in Premier League history and has spent nearly two decades as a Premier League player.

But then there are the one-hit wonders like Matthew Briggs, Jose Baxter and Izzy Brown - who either retired from the game early or are stuck in non-league without making any Premier League impact. Which category Nwaneri falls into will be determined in the next few years.

There’s international recognition up for grabs too. “He’s definitely on our radar,” England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley tells Sky Sports.

“He’s a real talent and it’s a fantastic achievement. “When they get a chance in the first-team, it’s different. It’s not a sink or swim situation but

we’ve seen players who struggle to make that transition from academy football into the seniors.

They all need time and that experience so it’s great that Mikel did that.”

Meanwhile, Arteta adds: “It’s just one step and all the steps in your career are not forward and you have to know that. You can go forward then backwards and then forwards. That’s, unfortunately, this industry and the football career of any player.

“All the decisions that we take, that I take, are for the club. It’s not for me, it’s not for the player.

It’s because we believe he has a talent that has to be developed incredibly in the next few years and we’ll see how we manage that.”

“I’m sure they have a plan for him,” Arsenal academy product Folarin Balogun, currently on loan at Ligue 1 club Stade de Reims, says to Sky Sports. “There’s been a lot of players in the past who have kicked on early, such as Reiss Nelson and Bukayo, who made his debut when he was 17. I’m sure if he keeps his head down, he will see through that plan.”

Given the recent success of Saka and Emile Smith Rowe in coming through the Arsenal ranks, Nwaneri seems to be in the right place at

the right time.

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Fuel Pump Common signs include a whining noise, hard starting, engine performance issues, and an inability to start the car.

Virtually all modern vehicles with internal combustion engines come equipped with fuel pumps.

The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel from the gas tank to the engine at the appropriate pressure required for performance demands. When the key is turned on, the fuel pump is activated and pressurized, which can be heard as a quiet whine or hum in some cars. The fuel pumps on most modern vehicles are electric and mounted in the fuel tank. However, some vehicles are equipped with inline or mechanical-style fuel pumps. Because the fuel pump is the component responsible for supplying the engine with the fuel required for it to run, any issues with it can cause major drivability and performance problems. Usually, a bad or failing fuel pump will produce one or more of the following 8 symptoms that alert the driver of a potential issue.

L-R: GM, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde; Advertising Icon, Sir Steve Omojoafor; and Sales Manager, Ford, Coscharis Motors Plc., Emmanuel Azubuogu, at Marketing Edge’s award… recently

Coscharis Motors Plant Wins Outstanding Auto Assembling Company Award

I

t was another brilliant outing for one of the leading auto giants in Nigeria, Coscahris Motors Plc through its local assembly arm of the business, Coscharis Assembly Plant as it carted home the award of the Outstanding Auto Assembling Company of the Year at this years’ Marketing Edge 10th anniversary Summit and Awards held in Lagos, recently.

Coscharis Assembly Plant, which is a Semi – Knocked Down (SKD) plant located at the group KHDG R΀FH RI &RVFKDULV *URXS DW $ZR\D\D /DJRV currently assembles iconic brands like the Ford and 5HQDXOW 6SHFLÀFDOO\ WKH SODQW DVVHPEOHV WKH )RUG Ranger, Renault Duster and Logan respectively.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Company, WKH *HQHUDO 0DQDJHU 0DUNHWLQJ DQG &RUSRUDWH &RPPXQLFDWLRQV &RVFKDULV *URXS $ELRQD Babarinde dedicated the award to customers that believed in the locally assembled vehicles produced from the plant with their patronage over the years. In his words, “this award is to UHFRQÀUP WKH SHGLJUHH RI &RVFKDULV 0RWRUV DV a leading player to reckon with when it comes to setting standards in the automotive industry LQ 1LJHULD 7KLV LV DQRWKHU FRQÀUPDWLRQ DQG

endorsement by the marketing media sector as pace setter of Coscharis’ positive contribution to the growth of the automotive industry in Nigeria.

This award is dedicated to all our numerous customers for their patronage and also to our partners (Ford and Renault brands) for believing in us to deliver locally assembled vehicles in our country that meets the global standard of their various brands”.

The Coscharis Assembling Plant remains one of the surviving local assembly plants in Nigeria despite the challenging business environment. The Company has resolved to turn all the challenges to opportunities in delivering local contents by way of setting standards when it comes to local assembling of respected automobile brands in 1LJHULD IRU 1LJHULDQV DW DͿRUGDEOH SULFHV ZLWKRXW compromising the global standard and quality.

Coscharis Motors Plc started the assembly of Semi –Knocked Down (SKD) vehicles in 2015 when the Nigeria government introduced the New Automotive Policy. It started temporarily at their Ikeja facility with JoyLong buses which is an eighteen seater bus and Ford Ranger which are pickups of 4x4 double cabin, 4x2 double cabin and 4x2 single cabin respectively. It was

later moved to the ultra-modern main Plant ORFDWHG DW WKH *URXS KHDG R΀FH $ZR\D\D Lekki – Epe Expressway, Lagos in the year 2017; when they included Renault Duster 4x4, 4x2 SUV and also Renault Logan which is a saloon car. The production capacity of the main assembly plant stands at about 90 vehicles per day but the current production has painfully been reduced to about 10 vehicles per day which is due to so many factors like lack of conducive business environment, lack of infrastructure, inconsistent policy support, low patronage of locally assembled vehicles in 1LJHULD DPRQJVW RWKHUV 6WDͿ VWUHQJWK IRU WKH Assembly plant is 86 (74 Nigerians and 12 expatriates). There are aftersales facilities for the brands in all the major cities of the country where original parts from partner OEMs are stocked.

At full capacity running, the assembly plant will EH DEOH WR ÀOO LQ WKH JDS RI LPSRUWHG XVHG YHKLFOHV LQWR WKH FRXQWU\ DQG E\ H[WHQVLRQ LQÁXHQFH WKH delivery of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the automotive industry with other brands opening similar plants like we presently experience in South Africa with a better conducive business environment.

1. Whining Noise From the Fuel Tank One of the first symptoms of a problem with the fuel pump is a loud whining sound. An old or worn fuel pump may produce a noticeably loud whine or howl while running. Most fuel pumps will produce a quiet hum during their normal operation, however, an excessively loud whine coming from the fuel tank is usually a sign of a problem. There may not be enough fuel, a damaged pump, or contaminated fuel inside the system.

2. Difficulty Starting Another symptom commonly associated with a problematic fuel pump is difficulty starting. Because fuel pumps constantly run whenever the ignition is turned on, they can eventually wear out and weaken over time. A weak fuel pump may still pump fuel, but the vehicle may experience difficulty starting from the lack of pressure. A weakened fuel pump can cause the vehicle to take more cranks to start than normal, and in more serious cases may even cause the vehicle to require multiple turns of the key before it will start.

3. Engine Sputtering One of the surest indicators of a faulty fuel pump is a sputtering engine — typically at high speeds.

Should you be driving at a consistently high speed and the engine suddenly sputter before returning to normal operation, it may indicate issues within the fuel pump. In this case, the fuel pump cannot provide a constant stream of fuel to the engine at the ideal pressure.

4. Stalling at High Temperatures Stalling can happen because of multiple problems within a vehicle but pay attention when it happens frequently at high temperatures shown on the car’s thermometer. A rising temperature paired with stalling often indicates a problem with the fuel pump motor.

Source: Your Mechanic

5 Things to Know About All-New Toyota Crown

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oyota is reimagining the fullsize sedan with the all-new 2023 Toyota Crown. As the ÀUVW 7R\RWD VHGDQ WR RͿHU the Hybrid MAX System, drivers will be sure to feel the power from this powertrain.

2ͿHULQJ GULYHUV D SUHPLXP LQWXLWLYH GULYLQJ experience, the Crown blends supreme comfort, FRQÀGHQW KDQGOLQJ LQQRYDWLYH WHFKQRORJ\ DQG D sophisticated ride into one striking, bold design. $FFRUGLQJ WR WKH DXWRPDNHU ZKHQ WKH ÀUVW Toyota Crown debuted in Japan in 1955, it was ahead of its time. Known for its innovation and ability to push the limits, the Crown was a mainstay in the U.S. until the last one was sold here in 1972. Now, after 50 years and 15 model generations, the Toyota Crown returns — better than ever with an all-new design, innovative powertrain, and the quality, durability and reliability that are virtually synonymous with the Toyota brand +HUH DUH ÀYH WKLQJV WR NQRZ DERXW WKH DOO QHZ 2023 Toyota Crown: Elevated Sedan Experience Ushering in a new era for the segment, the all-new Toyota Crown breaks the mold when it comes to full-size sedans. Toyota created a

versatile vehicle that can suit various tastes and complement a myriad of lifestyles — available LQ WKUHH GLͿHUHQW JUDGHV ;/( /LPLWHG DQG Platinum, all with standard All-Wheel Drive.

Whether drivers want a car that’s sleek and classic or bold and exciting, the Toyota Crown has it.

7KH EHVW SDUW" $OO JUDGHV RͿHU SUHPLXP comfort, style and luxury for an elevated sedan experience. Assembled around the Toyota New *OREDO $UFKLWHFWXUH . 71*$ . SODWIRUP WKH Toyota Crown has raised, crossover-like ride KHLJKW RͿHULQJ GULYHUV EHWWHU URDG YLVLELOLW\ E\ allowing them to see over the vehicles that are lower to the road. Along with better visibility, it makes entry and exit from the vehicle easier.

The premium features don’t stop there. Additional features work against noise intrusion to provide drivers and passengers with a quiet, cocoon-like environment that takes the driving experience to new heights. Plus, its standard Dual Zone Climate Control gives occupants the power to control their own HVAC settings, allowing them to sit comfortably with their own air. Additional standard features include 8-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats and heated front seats that can be adjusted 2023 Toyota Crown Limited to three levels.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

AUTO WORLD

The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance

New Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E, a Real Game Changer with Formula 1 Technologies

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he new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance is a real game changer in the 55-year history of AMG. With know-how from Formula 1™, it brings state-of-theart technologies from motorsport to the road, according to a statement by the automaker.

A two-speed electric motor positioned on the rear axle supports the 2.0-litre turbo engine that is mounted longitudinally at the front. This is the most powerful production four-cylinder in the world. Power delivery and torque build-up occur very spontaneously and without delay: as in Formula 1™, the electric support of the exhaust gas turbocharger eliminates the turbo lag of the combustion engine, while at the same time the electric drive pushes powerfully from a standstill. The electric powertrain and the high-performance battery with 400 volts are AMG-exclusive, in-house developments.

They underline the high-end engineering FRPSHWHQFH RI WKH $ͿDOWHUEDFK EDVHG GHYHORS-

ers. Just like in Formula 1™, the battery is VSHFLÀFDOO\ GHVLJQHG IRU IDVW SRZHU RXWSXW and draw with innovative direct cooling of the cells. The combined system output is 500 kW (680 hp), the combined maximum system torque 1020 Nm. These are new peak values for the C-Class.

Other highlights of the new model series, which is being launched simultaneously as a 6DORRQ DQG DV DQ (VWDWH IRU WKH ÀUVW WLPH LQ D C 63, the fully variable all-wheel drive system AMG Performance 4MATIC+ is used to transfer the drive power to the road, and includes a Drift Mode for even more driving pleasure.

Added to this is active rear axle steering as standard, another unique feature in this segment.

“With the C 63 S E PERFORMANCE, we are opening a new chapter in the history of our brand. Even 55 years after our company was founded, we at AMG continue to show the boldness and the will to realise the creative, to deliver something special. The new C 63 in particular is a real game changer.

A Black Sunday Night in September Sunday 18th September, 2022 was another black Sunday. In the lexicon of the Federal Road Safety Corps, September falls within the EMBER months. The “EMBER months” is a season of heightened road safety awareness campaigns to address growing attitudinal problems compounded by increased motorisation?

It is a season we preach the highest level of safety precaution as a strategy to checkmate avoidable road traffic crashes. The September 18 crash was therefore not a surprise because of the penchant of some to travel at night. It was a sad day indeed.

On that day, residents of the Federal Capital Territory woke up to sad news. The news was the death of 19 people out of thirty-one people involved burnt beyond recognition. It occurred at about 0040 hours on Sun 18 September, 2022 around the National Agricultural Seeds Council, Pai Junction along Yangoji – Gwagwalada route in the Federal Capital Territory.

Three vehicles; a trailer and two buses were involved in the crash believed to have been caused by excessive speeding and wrongful overtaking which resulted in loss of control. The first vehicle was a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number MUB 30 LG. The second was a Citroen Trailer with registration number DWR 985 XJ while the third vehicle, a Toyota Hiace bus had the registration number melted in the inferno that ensued as a result of the crash.

According to operatives of the Corps and the Nigerian Police Force that conducted the rescue operation, the corpses were burnt beyond recognition and were mass buried while the injured were conveyed to Rhema Hospital, Kwali for treatment. When we visited the hospital, the management informed us that the injured had been discharged. I was excited to hear the leadership inform us that although theirs is a private hospital, they are open to receiving and treating all victims irrespective of whether they can afford the hospital fees.

So what really is the reason for this suicide driven travel pattern that addicts maintain is cozy, cheap and also fun. Before I dwell on the reasons adduced by night journey addicts, let me first state that as I write and reflect on the figures of the recent crashes, my heart beats faster than ever. This is not death arising

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu

amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. from terror attack nor militancy, not even from cult -gang clashes but from avoidable road traffic crashes at night.

I recall similar crashes last year especially the auto crash which occurred at about 8 p.m. at Km around the Elebolo quarry Area on the Ibadan axis of LagosIbadan highway. Deaths were recorded while some people were injured in the crash which occurred at a construction site caused by route and speed violations. These crashes underscores the Corps advice to motorists to avoid night journeys, be careful around construction sites and drive within approved speed limits.

I have written several times on this death wish yet the apostles of night travel keep canvassing reasons why they can never give up their free choice which cannot be restricted by law. This is because globally, there is no legislation anywhere in the world that prohibits night travel. However, the Corps has mounted a consistent campaign against night travel. While the Corps appreciates the rights of individuals in a democracy, the Corps in keeping with the peculiar Nigerian situation takes its stand against night travel for several reasons.

This has culminated in a series of workshops held with stakeholders to raise awareness on the dangers involved. While acknowledging the emergence of night travel due to the temporary suspension of rail services due to insecurity, prohibitive cost of air travel and inadequate inland waterways, the Corps however, takes cognisance of the inherent road crash dangers and the need for caution among travelers.

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MISSILE

Kukah on Nigeria’s President in 2023 “Nigerians don’t need a messiah this time. We can’t make the same mistake this time. Nigerians need to be given a sense of belonging, irrespective of their ethnic, political or religious beliefs” –Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Rev. Matthew Kukah, urging Nigerians to elect an unprejudiced person as president in 2023.

TUNDEOLUSUNLE GUEST COLUMNIST

Jonathan, Buhari, ASUU and High Jump A ll through the past two decades and half of following the trajectory of former President Goodluck Jonathan, I’ve come to identify him as a gentleman par excellence. He rapidly overcame his erstwhile provincial naivete, to become the national leader and global statesman he is today, with his signature bowler hat, an integral component of men’s regalia in his seaward section of the country. His widely ventilated pre-2015 presidential election statement that his election was “not worth the blood of any Nigerian,” catapulted his rating into the global sky.

This pronouncement, coming shortly after his successor, Muhammadu Buhari had threatened that “the dog and the baboon will be soaked in blood” if he didn’t win the polls, spontaneously endeared Jonathan to the international community.

Indeed, leaders like Nasir El Rufai, once promised that “foreign observers may return to their home countries in body bags,” if their reportage of the polls, stood in the way of the victory of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Buhari’s party.

Jonathan’s recent reminisces on the manner of his administration’s resolution of an industrial strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU), particularly caught my attention. Alluding to the subsisting seven-month impasse between the Buhari administration and ASUU, Jonathan recalled an experience when he was president. He sat through the night on one occasion on one side of the negotiation table with his own officials, while the ASUU team were on the opposite side, trying to resolve a similar debacle. There were agreements in some places, and dissent elsewhere; consensus here, ground-shifting there, until both sides agreed to what was a win-win situation. On that very occasion, Jonathan observed that the meeting which began the preceding evening, ended at 5.30am next day!

The former president may not have said it in plain language, but he was pointedly admonishing Buhari to dispense with outsourcing the responsibility for the settlement of the lingering ASUU debacle and take full charge, personally. As a longserving, proximal aide to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, I know for a fact that Jonathan in that instance adopted a conflict mitigation recipe, emplaced by the former president. If he were allowed, Obasanjo will work round the clock, restrained only by his minders. He travelled with his briefcase of documents, ever deploying his “green ink” on the road, ensuring there was no lacuna in the governance regimen. And this is where I have a problem with Jonathan.

Was it not the same Buhari who criticised Jonathan for initiating the “National Conference” in 2014, which aggregated Nigerians of various persuasions to discuss the national question? This same Buhari lampooned Jonathan for expending N7 Billion on remuneration for participants at the conference. Like we are experiencing today, university lecturers were on strike and Buhari opined that the N7 Billion in question should have been deployed to settling the fiscal demands of the dissenting teachers. Why should Jonathan be availing him nuggets from his own practical experiences?

The Buhari being counselled by Jonathan by the way, is in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, (UNGA). It will be Buhari’s last appearance at the annual event and he was not going to miss this opportunity for valedictory photo-ops at the largest assembly for world leaders.

He took with him his chief of staff, Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, a former Under-Secretary of the UN. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was

Buhari in England at the same time participating in the final rites of passage of Queen Elizabeth II. The presidential villa could jolly well be on holiday for one week or more, depending on how long it takes for the president to get back.

The absence of the first two citizens from the country at a time Nigerian students blockaded the international airport, re-echoed the nation’s experiences under military rulership, years gone by. Those days, martial adventurists might have been tempted to tinker with the system, in such a leadership void. The message to this effect may then be conveyed to our leaders in New York and London respectively.

That was how the July 1975 Yakubu Gowon saga was whispered to him in Kampala, Uganda, where he was attending a meeting of the Organisation of African Unity, (OAU), now African Union, (AU).

The inability of Buhari’s administration to remedy a strike action called by university teachers, the recourse of students to the streets, crippling hunger, festering insecurity, economic dysfunction, will feature in the coup speech. The speech will most probably highlight Buhari’s frequent medical tours abroad and allude to the frequency of his foreign trips, especially when there are pressing matters of state.

Buhari may not know this. But Osinbajo a distinguished professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN), who taught for decades within the university environment, fully understands the dire implications of the lingering strike.

Historically, Nigeria has been the epicentre of knowledge production for sub-saharan Africa.

We attracted some of the very best brains from across the world to our educational system. They collaborated with our own globally acclaimed academics, to nurture generations of highly literate and skilled scholars and professionals, consistent with the concept of the university as *universitas.* We also exported excess quotas from our brimming reservoir of highly groomed and grilled manpower to brother African countries, all the way to the Caribbeans. The Technical Aid Corps, (TAC) initiative of the Ibrahim Babangida administration readily comes to mind.

As we speak, however, the traffic is more outbound than inbound. Nigerian professors across specialties, medics, information technology specialists

and so on, are emigrating in droves. A very popular television advertisement in Buhari’s days as military head of state, forever admonished an imaginary character called “Andrew” not to exit Nigeria.

It was a milieu of excruciating socioeconomic anguish for the country and people spared no chance to explore greener pastures on the other side. “Andrew,” however, was implored to stay back and contribute to national reengineering.

Three decades after Buhari’s first coming, the *japa* (take flight) syndrome has replaced the “Andrew” concept. It is very real. Newspapers have serially availed us front page photographs of Nigerians queuing up at various embassies and high commissions, notably those of the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, in recent weeks. In our various families and concentric circles of friends and associates, many people have jettisoned Buhari’s Nigeria. Even amongst the students, there is now general lack of enthusiasm in education and scholarship, if all that young Nigerians are sure about after graduation, is just the one year National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC). The desire of many to pursue postgraduate studies to enhance their employability has waned tremendously. The impasse has also exposed the low perception the government has for education. A country which intends to continue the development of skilled manpower to drive its socioeconomy, will go beyond the inept handling of the ASUU strike thus far.

A government cognizant of the place of literacy and education in the achievement of national goals will not treat this all-important knowledge production industry, with the manner of levity and condescension the Buhari regime has. Jonathan is asking for too much from a president who has barely exerted himself either physically or mentally, in the business of governance and administration, since his inauguration on May 29, 2015. He wants to place the old man on “high jump,” to deploy an expression popular in military circles, which translates as imposing an unattainable task on one who is evidently incapable.

We hear the Chief of Staff, (COS) to Jonathan, invented the tradition of being the ultimate gatekeeper of all the president’s documents. He reportedly decided which correspondences should be passed on to the boss and which should not.

The late Abba Kyari ostensibly inherited and proceeded with this practice. Unfortunately, the system which subsists even till today, is a dangerous departure from the Obasanjo tradition of depth and thoroughness. We had a hands-on president in love with paperwork, who received and processed all mails addressed to him. He made comments, observations and corrections on virtually every page of documents passed to him. He offered guidance and gave directives as the case may be.

It is either we are sustaining the novel culture of the overindulgence of a president who gets virtually everything done for him, or witnessing an obvious lack of capacity. This may determine the magnitude of the application and rigour he exerts in official superintendence. Except for the recent presidential primary held in “Eagle Square,” Abuja, I cannot remember the last time Buhari sat through an event which spilled past midnight.

Retreats, workshops, and meetings with various ministries, departments and agencies, as well as engagements with the leadership and stakeholders of the ruling party at different intersections during Obasanjo’s era, were taken very seriously.

Scheduled and impromptu meetings of the AU, the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) or the Gulf of Guinea states, were ever plausible. Mediations between bickering nations or their leaders, threats of confrontations

between countries, often stretched till dawn. The askance indifference, the lack of grit with which the business of leadership has been taken in this government, however, is remarkable. Sometimes one wonders if Buhari is just on a safari cruise at our collective expense.

Buhari is very surely oblivious of the various strands of the nation’s economy, that are tied to the smooth functioning of our universities, all collectively crippled by the yet unresolved impasse.

In recent years, I’ve come to appreciate a point made by the legal luminary, Bayo Ojo, SAN, who once enlightened me that the socioeconomic transformation which a tertiary institution can bring to bear on a community or city, is immeasurable.

On that occasion, the former attorney-general and minister of justice, had requested me to compare the level of development in Offa, Kwara State, before the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, and what has become of the town in recent years.

On a trip to Ilorin the Kwara State capital in 2017, I decided to visit the permanent site of my alma mater, the University of Ilorin, (Unilorin).

My generation of students schooled at what then was the “mini-campus,” the primordial physical location of the university which has been rapidly overrun by urbanization. That was where I obtained my first two degrees in English and Literature, taught and mentored by world class intellectuals.

My good friend and brother, Segun Sobogun, took me on what was to become an extensive tour of an expansive, alluring, well-planned community.

I decided to make the school my case study. The student population in the institution today has scaled the 50,000 mark. By the requirements of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) this number qualifies to have about 100 polling units. This human population is enough to make a decisive difference in a presidential election, just in case we don’t know how huge this is.

Today’s campus of Unilorin has spawned an avalanche of service providers who live-off a functioning, operational institution. Sobogun my friend is one of many landlords who owns and leases his purpose-built hostel within the external precincts of the university. There are food vendors, operators of bars and lounges, outfits rendering a wide range of secretarial services and bookshops, among others. There are banks, shuttle services to move people around the infinite span of the campus which encompasses three local government areas in Kwara State. There are hair salons and boutiques, not forgetting tourist attractions like the man-made lake and a zoological garden, among others.

All of these have been out of operation since February 14, 2022, the date of the commencement of the continuing strike. Investors and business owners, breadwinners of their families, continue to count their losses in nail-biting despair, in a stifling Buhari economy.

I wonder why Jonathan is trying to setup a “high jump” for Buhari at a time like this. I wonder how Jonathan expects Buhari, with no known antecedents in trade union negotiation, with established handicaps as a taciturn, limitedin-horizon, stuck-in-his-ways, inflexible character, will spontaneously mutate at 80 years plus. I wonder how it will be broken down for Buhari’s comprehension, the complex, worrying web of mortally dangerous and debilitating spinoffs, arising from the persisting dysfunction of our universities. *Olusunle, PhD, poet, journalist, author and scholar, is a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, (NGE)

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