SATURDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2023

FAAC Disburses N1.1tn to FG, States, LGAs As August Revenue

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) yesterday shared a total sum of N1.1 trillion as Federation Account revenue for the month

of August to the federal, state and local governments, indicating a N133.991 billion rise over the N966.110 billion shared in the preceding month of July. This was contained in a

statement from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), citing a communique issued by the FAAC at the end of its September meeting. According to the statement,

the N1,100.101 trillion total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N357.398 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N321.941 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL)

revenue of N14.102 billion, Exchange Difference revenue of N229.568 billion and Augmentation of N177.092 billion.

The statement revealed that a total revenue of N1,483.902

trillion was available in the month of August, with total deductions for cost of collection being N58.755 billion; total transfers and refunds stood at

Continued on page 5

N133bn more than N966bn shared in July Balance in the Excess Crude Account now $473m Tinubu Returns to Abuja from Paris... Page 9

N250

Shettima: FG Committed to Creating Inclusive Economy, Prosperous Nigeria

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday reaffirmed federal government’s commitment to creating an inclusive economy and

Continued on page 5

Shelve Planned Indefinite Strike, Tinubu, Sultan Beg NLC, TUC

Olawale Ajimotokan and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar have urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to shelve their planned indefinite strike over the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government.

The organised labour has fixed Tuesday, October 3, for the commencement of an indefinite strike aimed at paralysing the

Continued on page 5

GLO UNVEILS NEW BRAND AMBASSADORS: KISS DANIEL, ASHAKE, CHIKE…

L-R:

L-R: The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, and the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, at the public lecture and special Juma'at prayer to mark Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary at the National Mosque, Abuja…yesterday.

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

‘I don't believe they should embark on this strike in the next couple of days because the common man will suffer more than the leaders they are targeting’ - Sultan

Ugo Nwachukwu, Head of Creative, Globacom; musician, Daniel Anidugbe (Kizz Daniel); Chuka Obi, Director of Creativity, Globacom; musician, Ahmed Ololade (Ashake); Adeboye Adeniji, Head, Enterprise Business Group, Globacom; musician, Chike Ezekpeazu Osebuka (Chike); and Demola Elutilo, Coordinator, COO Secretariat, Globacom, at the unveiling of the music stars as Glo Brand Ambassadors at Mike Adenuga Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos…yesterday

Oyetola: Ports Set to Begin Full Automation, Cargo Tracking

Bennett Oghifo

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega

Oyetola, yesterday disclosed that the Nigerian Ports Authority would soon commence the implementation of full automation and cargo tracking to promote ease of doing business across various ports in Nigeria.

Oyetola, who was speaking in Abuja when he received entrepreneur and sustainability expert, Professor Gunter Pauli,

who is on a three-day visit to Nigeria, noted: “Again, we are going to be talking of automation of ports to make them more efficient. I would like to tell you that in another two years, it will all change. We are bringing in automation and cargo tracking as we are working on that for implementation.”

The minister said the federal government is interested in partnering with relevant stakeholders to maximise and explore the resources

of the ocean sector for rapid economic development, improve the livelihood of its people and create jobs, as well as preserving the health of the ecosystem.

He said, “Seventy per cent of the resources that are available actually come from the ocean, and we have it in abundance here. I believe in the Public Private Partnership arrangement. The government will create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and our concept in

dealing with these is purely in PPP, and I see quite a lot of opportunities there.”

In addition, the minister noted that the Nigerian waterways are enjoying adequate security with no single incidence of piracy in the past two years. He, therefore, called on investors to take advantage of the opportunities and partner with the newly created ministry to drive development.

“We have sufficient control of our ocean in terms of security and there has been nothing

SHELVE PLANNED INDEFINITE STRIKE, TINUBU, SULTAN BEG NLC, TUC

entire country in protest against the harsh economic condition brought by the removal of fuel subsidy.

Speaking at a public lecture in Abuja to mark the nation’s 63rd independence anniversary, the President, represented by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, appealed to the unions to give the government more time to address all the issues raised by them.

Jibrin stated that the federal government “is determined” to address the socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria.

He reiterated the commitment of the Tinubu administration to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.

The Deputy Senate President said: "The Sultan has talked about the issue of strike by NLC. I also call on behalf of His Excellency, the President, and the entire government that the labour leaders should shelve the strike.

"Let's dialogue, let's sit together, let's understand ourselves and let's look at the prevailing situation in the country. How do we meet the needs of this country, the challenges ahead and the current challenges? It is through dialogue that we can be able to solve our problems collectively.

"This government is new and it is working hard to bring succour to the entire people of this country. It has set aside N500 billion and other packages are being unveiled to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal. Therefore, we need to support and pray for the government. "

Earlier, the Sultan appealed to the organised labour to shelve the strike, saying they should give the federal government another chance.

"For God's sake, for Allah's sake, anybody planning to go on strike, should please give the government another chance. Please rethink and give the government another chance," he said, emphasizing the need for the labour leaders to embrace dialogue.

He continued: “I don't believe they should embark on this strike in the next couple of days because the common man will suffer more than the leaders they are targeting. President Tinubu will not know because he is in the Villa where everything is at his comfort.

“I think I am the only one who would feel that there is a strike because people will come to me. My house must open. I can't ask anybody to go out. The common man will suffer more and that is why we are against anything strike by anybody,” Sultan said. He also pleaded with unionists to give the government a couple of months to turn things around and wait if the government is indeed sincere with their promises.

The Sultan said: “People are impatient and we have every reason to be impatient because our lives matter. The government must find every way and means in ensuring that there is food on the table of the common man

and that is why they are elected as the leaders. Like I have said and I have this fervent belief that the president is a listening president and when issues are taking place, he will look at such issues. And that is why I am an advocate of dialogue.

“Give the government the chance to see what they can do. Give them a couple of months and see if they are honest enough. If they are not, we are the ones who will even come out and say ‘look, this government has failed’. You cannot assess a government within the first three months. It is not possible because there is no government in the first place. They are just settling down.

“They are still in the court and there are distractions here and there. So, for God's sake, for Allah's sake, for peace to reign in our great country, anybody that wants to go on strike should have a rethink and allow the government to call these people at state level, at the national level, at every level to discuss some of these issues.

“But if we see things going

wrong, we will even be the ones to say ‘go on strike’. Strike adds woes on the common man. There will be no electricity, there will be no transport and there will be no fuel. If you shut everything down, how will there be development? We are talking about socio-economic challenges. How will you face these challenges when you don't have anything?”

The spiritual leader of the Islamic faith, who said he had been involved in dialogues with NLC and ASUU since 2007, said the country would be worse off in the next couple of months than it is now if the strike goes ahead as planned.

“And that is the fact. But if you feel you don't love this country and you want the country down, then you can do what you think is right for you, but for us, it is not right and I will keep on saying it,” he said.

The Sultan urged the unions to sheathe their swords “in the interest of the masses.

“I am an advocate of dialogue because strikes don’t solve problems; they make them

worse. Our leaders must tighten their belts, the common man is suffering.

“I don’t think this government will just decide to make life bad for the people; as leaders and elders, we will always call on stakeholders not to embark on journeys that will make life worse for the common man.

“I don’t think the government can take it upon itself to make life unbearable for the common man, let’s give them a chance and see what they can do. Please, let’s reach out to our brothers and sisters who are clamouring to go on strike. They should have a rethink,” the Sultan appealed.

On the 63rd Independence Anniversary of the country, the Sultan, who is also the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), said hope was not lost and urged all to have hope.

"Let us have hope, we must have hope, and let us not give up. We will get it right," he said.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume anchored his pleas to the labour union not to

like piracy in our ocean. So, the fear of investors about the safety of their investments is out of it now,” the minister said.

He also said the federal government is keen on the diversification of the Nigerian economy away from the oil industry, hence, it was intentional when it created the new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

A statement by the ministry’s Director, Press and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike, noted that Pauli’s visit was

embark on strike on the grounds that the nation’s economy is fragile at the moment and efforts are being put in place to revamp and reactivate it.

“We need to be tolerant and make more sacrifices to better tomorrow. If you do not sacrifice today, tomorrow may never come. Like the president has stated himself, these are pains of the birth of a baby. Better days are still ahead of us. We should always place the interest of the common man above other interests,” Akume said.

The guest speaker at the public lecture was Prof Luqman Zakariyah of the University of Abuja.

The theme of his lecture was Renewed Hope in a Face of Socio- Economic Challenges in Nigeria: Islamic Model.

NLC, TUC Shun Meeting with FG

Meanwhile, a scheduled meeting between the federal government and organised labour to prevent the nationwide

facilitated by his partners in Nigeria, Premium Blue Economy Innovation and Investment.

Speaking earlier during the visit, Pauli said his team was in Nigeria to partner with the ministry on commercial and technological innovations and job creation in the sector. He said his partnership with the ministry would attract foreign and local investments that would create a lot of opportunities for Nigerian youths.

strike by workers proposed for next Tuesday failed to hold yesterday.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, were to meet with labour leaders at the State House, Abuja, from about 3pm, but the meeting failed to hold because the Labour leaders including the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, and his TUC counterpart, refused to show up.

Lalong was sighted in the office of Gbajabiamila in preparation for the meeting, but as at about 5:30pm, the expected labour leaders had not shown up. Sources in the office of the Chief of Staff, however, informed that the meeting had been rescheduled for the weekend, saying he could not ascertain the particular day.

The organised Labour settled for an all-out strike after accusing government of unseriousness, premising its reason for its strike on the economic downturn.

SHETTIMA: FG COMMITTED TO CREATING INCLUSIVE ECONOMY, PROSPEROUS NIGERIA

prosperous Nigeria, using the empowerment of youth, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) as one of its strategies.

The Vice President was speaking in Abuja when Wema Bank’s ALAT, in conjunction with the federal government launched Skillnovation, a programme aimed at supporting information technology revolution that would, in turn, extend the reach of economic and social interactions, as well as enhance productivity in Nigeria.

The initiative will provide over three million Nigerians with essential digital skills required to succeed in the global economy.

Shettima described Skillnovation as a transformative initiative that will usher in a new era of digital empowerment for Nigerians.

He said: "We are compelled to tread this path by the direction in which the world has headed, a world of disruptive technologies redefined by the fourth Industrial Revolution.

"This initiative is a response to the evolution of the modern

business environment, an acknowledgment that digital skills have become the cornerstone of economic ease and expansion."

Shettima hinted that the gathering was one of the many to come and an occasion to reassure the nation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to supporting small businesses across Nigeria. Giving an insight into how the country would benefit from the programme, the Vice President said, "Nigeria, with its expanding MSME sector of close to 40 million, has the potential to lead business innovation beyond Africa. The Skillnovation Programme, therefore, aims to unlock this immense potential. The initiative is designed to provide the necessary tools and skills for our MSMEs to thrive and compete on the global stage.

"As you have witnessed, ladies and gentlemen, the Skillnovation Programme is not a mere promise; it is a resounding commitment to the Nigerian people.

"It’s in pursuit of this

administration’s resolve to empower our youth and MSMEs and to create a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. Today, we are translating that commitment into action, and we intend to be your allies in your race to take over the world through your enhanced skills."

Shetimma also assured that nobody would be left out of the Skillnovation, regardless of age, gender, or disability.

"There will be no disadvantaged demographic in accessing this opportunity. Our youth, women, and persons with disabilities have found friends and allies and will be favored in our proposed single-digit loan schemes for our valued MSMEs, for which talks are already ongoing with the Bank of Industry and other critical stakeholders and partners.

“The Skillnovation is a significant step towards achieving the federal government's vision of a digitally empowered and economically prosperous Nigeria. By providing MSMEs with the essential digital skills and support they need

to succeed, the programme will help to create jobs, boost economic growth, and improve the lives of millions of Nigerians,” he said. The Skillnovation will establish 15 state-of-the-art ICT centres, strategically placed across Nigeria, to provide individuals and businesses alike with access to cutting-edge digital training, resources, and support.

The first phase of the programme will focus on Katsina, Anambra, Borno, Lagos, Oyo, and Kano states, while the second phase will include Delta, Kaduna, Ogun, Bauchi, Kwara, and Ekiti states.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, emphasised the significance of partnership, noting that the government alone cannot address the challenges confronting Nigerians.

On his part, the Managing Director of Wema Bank, Mr Moruf Oseni, commended the passion of the President and the

FAAC DISBURSES N1.1TN TO FG, STATES, LGAS AS AUGUST REVENUE

N254.046 billion while savings was N71.000 billion.

Gross statutory revenue of N891.934 billion was received for the month of August 2023. This was lower than the N1150.424 billion received in the month of July 2023 by N258.490 billion.

"The gross revenue available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) was N345.727 billion. This was higher than the N298.789 billion available in the month of July 2023 by N46.938 billion.

“The communique stated that from the N1100.101 billion total distributable revenue, the federal government received a

total of N431.245 billion, the state governments received N361.188 billion and the local government councils received N266.538 billion.

"A total sum of N26.473 billion (13% of mineral revenue) and N14.657 billion (13% of savings from NNPCL), were shared to the relevant states as derivation revenue." the statement said.

From the N357.398 billion distributable statutory revenue, the federal government received N173.102 billion, state governments received N87.800 billion and the local government

councils received N67.690 billion, the statement said.

The federal government received N48.291 billion, state governments got N160.971 billion and the local government councils received N112.679 billion from the N321.941 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue. The N14.102 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) was also shared with the federal government receiving N2.115 billion, the state governments receiving N7.051 billion and the local government councils receiving

N4.936 billion.

In the same vein, the federal government received N114.445 billion from the N229.568 billion Exchange Difference revenue.

"The state governments received N58.048 billion, and the local government councils received N44.752 billion. The sum of N12.027 billion (13% of mineral revenue) and N0.296 billion (13 % of savings from NNPCL) went to the relevant states as derivation revenue.

"From the N177.092 billion Augmentation, the federal government received N93.292

Vice President for empowering young Nigerians, even as he announced the establishment of skills training centres across 17 states, beginning with Lagos and Borno.

He said the programme will directly impact two million youths and one million small businesses across the benefitting states.

Oseni expressed optimism that the scheme will be impactful, particularly empowering young Nigerians and preparing them for the challenges of the future.

In his goodwill message, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijjani, said President Tinubu's administration will leverage the enthusiasm of youths in the technology space to launch Nigeria as a global power in the sector.

He called on other private sectors to collaborate more with the government to actualise the objectives of job creation.

Also speaking, Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State pledged the state government's support for the success of the programme.

billion, the state governments received N47.319 billion and the local Government councils received N36.481 billion.

"In the month of August 2023, Value Added Tax (VAT), Import and Excise Duties and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) increased considerably while Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Companies Income Tax (CIT), Oil and Gas Royalties recorded significant decreases," the statement indicated, adding that the balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) stood at $473,754.57 million as at September 27, 2023.

Tribunal Upholds Oborevwori’s Election

Sylvester Idowu in Warri and Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Delta State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Asaba yesterday upheld the victory of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in the March 18, 2023 governorship election in the state.

The three-man tribunal that gave the ruling was led by Justice C. H. Ahuchaogu (Chairman), Justice E. Enenche and Justice Hadiza L. Musa. The tribunal in its ruling held that the petitioners have failed to prove the non-compliance with Electoral Act alleged by

them in 1,333 polling units.

“The recognisable evidence in proof of over voting are BVAS ,voters register and form EC8A. The petitioners did not only fail to plead the above, they were also not tendered, voters register was not pleaded with regularity.

“Their allegation of non filling of forms EC25 and EC40 Series, was not proved, they failed to demonstrate the non-compliance by evidence rather, PW1 admitted under cross-examination that the form was filled.

“On corrupt practices, the petitioners have failed to prove with cogent evidence the alleged corrupt practices and inflation

Renew Importation Licences to Crash Cement Prices, Delta Monarch Urges Tinubu

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Monday Obukohwo Whiskey, Udurhie 1, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently renew import licenses to Cement New Entrants Forum of Nigeria (CNEFN) as part of measures to bring down the price and make the commodity available to Nigerians.

He attributed the spiraling prices of cement across the country to the nonrenewal of licenses for the importation of the product since 2008, 2009, to complement the local production of the commodity.

The monarch made the appeal yesterday while conducting journalists round abandoned multi-billion naira Madewell Portland Cement located in his kingdom after huge investment by an indigene, Prince David Iweta, the President of CNEFN.

Late President Umaru Yar’Adua had issued six companies representing each of the six geopolitical zones, three licences each, to bring the prices of cement down but had their licences revoked when immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan came into power after the sudden death of his boss.

He lamented that if the importation of cement had been sustained as espoused by previous governments most of the members of Cement New Entrants Forum of Nigeria would have been engaged in local production of cement by now and would have helped in lowering the prices as being experienced now.

He was particularly saddened that Madewell Portland Cement company which provided over 2,000 direct jobs for his subjects and 10,000 indirect jobs for Nigerians, when it was established is now lying fallow because of inconsistent policy of the previous administrations.

“You can see the massive plants put in place by Prince David Iweta, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Madewell Portland Cement company in Jesse wasting away. Is it the giant generating sets, the jetty built at the bank of River Ethiope and others we should talk about. The roofs of the plants are already being removed by vandals. It’s so annoying and despicable that previous governments abandoned the policy in favour of a few cabal in the industry.

Niger State College of Education Now A University

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has upgraded the Niger State College of Education to a University of Education thereby completing a process started almost 10 years ago by former Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu.

The certificate confirming the upgrade was given to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago by the acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Mr. Chris Maiyaki.

Governor Bago who expressed delight at the upgrade, observe that “there is a deficit in educational facilities”, hence, his administration is desirous of making Niger State “the Massachusetts of Nigeria” before assuring that “funding the university will not be

of votes.”

The tribunal further held that the petitioners failed to prove and/or demonstrate that the inflation of votes in Ibusa Ward 8 or other polling units substantially affected the final result of the election considering the margin of winning votes.

Meanwhile, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has directed his legal team to immediately proceed with an appeal against the judgement of the governorship election tribunal that upheld the election of Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as governor of Delta State.

He said the tribunal failed to reckon with the fundamental flaws in the March 18, 2023

USEFUL COLLABORATION. . .

governorship election that mortally rendered the declaration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner untenable.

“It is a no-brainer that the Tribunal operated under a very challenging environment. It therefore ignored the unassailable evidence adduced to question the validity of lawful votes as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“I respect the decision of the tribunal, but it is flawed. I have no doubt that these flaws which the tribunal failed to address will be dispassionately evaluated at the Court of Appeal. I have, therefore, directed my legal team to immediately proceed to the Court of Appeal and continue with the fight to restore the sanctity of the people’s vote,” Omo-Agege stated.

Solid Minerals Catalyst for Revitalising Nigeria’s Economy, Says Alake

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has emphasised that Nigeria’s abundant solid mineral resources can serve as a vital catalyst for revitalising the nation’s economy.

The minister further affirmed that the current administration is redirecting its focus away from hydrocarbon resources.

Alake made this declaration when the Association of Licensed

Small Scale Miners led by its President, Dr. Olugbenga Ajala, paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The minister said that the ministry has initiated several deliberate policies and programmes which are geared towards achieving set objectives for economic prosperity as outlined in the roadmap that was recently released to the public.

He affirmed that the establishment of the Solid Minerals Corporation and promotion of public private ventures is crucial to these objectives, adding, “it will ensure sustainability, increase revenue accruable to government, with a significant contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”

Alake acknowledged the importance of security for investors which according to

him, is crucial to achieving the ministry’s vision of repositioning and sanitising the minerals sector for maximum contribution to the nation’s socio-economic development under the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the ministry is committed to establishing a multi-agency task force that will put a stop to the activities of illegal miners and their collaborators.

Obi to South-east Leaders: ‘No Economic Activity Can Flourish with Insecurity’

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

a problem” because “an Education Trust Fund law is already in place mandating one per cent of every state government contract to go into the Trust Fund.

He expressed hope that the upgrade of the Federal College of Education Kontagora to a University of Education already signed by former President Mohammadu Buhari will soon come to fruition.

Bago lamented the huge number of graduates without vocational skills but said his administration will address the situation speedily.

In his remarks, the acting Executive Secretary of the NUC, Mr. Mayaki, congratulated the Niger State Governor for the revalidation and completion of the process of establishing the State University of Education.

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has told leaders of the South-east region that security is key to any economic activity, saying all hands must be on deck to stem the rising insecurity in the area.

Obi in a message he sent to the South East Summit on Economy and Security in Owerri, Imo State capital, noted that the summit is coming at the auspicious time given the disturbing

insecurity in the region which has far-reaching implications to the socio-economic and political development in the geopolitical zone. He commended the South-east governors for being thoughtful in organising the summit and apologised for his absence due to an inevitable earlier scheduled engagement outside the country despite being duly invited.

The former governor of Anambra State urged the leaders to come together and speak up on the ways to end the embarrassing insecurity in

the region.

“This summit which is focusing merely on security and its economic impact on the South-east has come at the most auspicious time. It’s very necessary that as a people we come together, and put our heads together to find a lasting solution to this problem of insecurity in our homeland.

“Our mainstay as a people is business, no business and indeed any other economic activity would thrive amid insecurity.

“If we put our minds to it

and work in unity and mutual trust, we will find a way out of this problem that is alien to us.

“Let me therefore commend Your Excellencies, the governors of the South-east for initiating the idea of the summit and working together to make this a reality.

“Let me urge everyone at this summit and those of us who are unable to attend in person to speak up, contribute ideas, and be part of the initiatives or actions that would be agreed upon at this summit to bring an end to the problem of insecurity in our region.”

Call Daniel to Order, CSOs Petition Senate

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Twenty-one pro-democracy organisations have petitioned the Nigerian Senate, accusing a former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, of plotting to destabilise the state.

The groups said Daniel, who is the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, is creating tension in the Gateway State by

his incessant attacks on the state government and Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Speaking on behalf of the groups after submitting the petition in Abuja yesterday, Comrade Johnson Okuwatobi said the Senate must call Daniel to order. He noted that Ogun State has been peaceful, devoid of any political gangsterism until recently.

The groups, in their petition, said: “We wish to bring to the attention of

the Nigerian Senate and the general public the worrisome actions and statements being made by Senator Gbenga Daniel, which have now contributed to the creation of tension and division within Ogun State.

“Over recent months, Senator Gbenga Daniel has engaged in a series of public attacks on Governor Dapo Abiodun, resorting to inflammatory rhetoric and actions that are detrimental to the peace and

progress of Ogun State. These actions have created an environment of unnecessary tension and conflict within the state.

“As advocates for peace, unity, and responsible governance, we firmly believe that political disagreements should be addressed through lawful and democratic means, rather than through the incitement of discord and public acrimony. “

L-R: Secretary to Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia and President, Nigerian Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI), Ishmael Balogun, at the Nigerian Indonesian Investment and Trade Forum (NIITF) 2023 unveiling press conference in Lagos...yesterday.

Special Military Forces to Extend Operations to Parts of Kaduna

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Chris Musa, has

said that the special military security outfit, ‘Operation Safe Haven’ will be extended to parts of Kaduna State to check

Mohbad: Coroner Holds Inaugural Sitting, Adjourns to Oct 13

Wale Igbintade

Inaugural sitting of the Coroner inquiring into the cause of death of 27-year-old musician, IleriOluwa Oladimeji Aloba, also known as Mohbad, was held yesterday at the Candide Johnson Courthouse, Ikorodu, Lagos.

However, journalists were barred from covering the proceedings, as court officials said that the order was from the Chief Registrar, Tajideed Elias.

It was also gathered that this move was taken as a crowd control measure.

After the hearing, the deceased’s family counsel, Funmi Falana, told journalists that the Magistrate, Adetayo Shotobi discussed the modalities of the inquest with all counsel, including the format that witnesses will take to testify.

She added that the legal team will present their witnesses at the next hearing fixed for October 13.

“The essence of the coroner is to inquire as to the cause of death. It is an inquisitorial sitting, so what we had today was to decide on the modalities as to how and when and regarding the witnesses that will testify.”

Other interested parties that attended the sitting include the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and a record label, TNKAY Music.

The inquest is pursuant to the extant provisions of sections 14&15 of the Coroner’s System Law of Lagos State, cap C15, laws of Lagos State 2015.

This is in response to a letter written by the chambers of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana to the office of the Chief Coroner over the controversial death.

Mohbad died on Tuesday, September 12 in a manner that led to great outcry and several protests, amidst calls by many for a thorough investigation into the musician’s sudden demise.

Water View Hotel MD Dies in Ilorin as Police Commence Investigation

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Managing Director of Water View Guest House, Ilorin, Kwara State capital, Adeniyi Ojo, has reportedly died in cloudy circumstances in one of the rooms of the hotel.

This was contained in a statement issued by the state police command yesterday, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Ilorin.

The statement which was signed by the state Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Ajayi Okasanmi, read: “A suspected culpable homicide case was reported at A Division Ilorin yesterday, September 28, 2023, at about 1000 hours by one Kehinde Olaseinde ‘m’ the supervisor of Water View Hotel, GRA Ilorin.

the activities of bandits.

The CDS disclosed this during a courtesy call to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State.

He also said that the Nigerian military is set to change its mode of operation to involve both kinetic and non kinetic, as it intensifies efforts to tackle insecurity and terrorism acts across the country.

According to him, “Operation Safe Haven will be expanded to cover Birnin Gwari, Zangon Kataf, Sanga, Kaura and Giwa local government areas of Kaduna State as requested by the governor.

“We are going to expand Operation Safe Haven in Southern Kaduna and Birnin Gwari areas, what we are doing is that we had a meeting with

task force leaders and theatre commanders to get more robust and more result oriented approach.

“We are changing the mode of operation from what it used to be, it would now be both kinetic and non kinetic,” Musa said.

He added that some gaps have been observed and they would soon be closed to stop terrorists from operating freely.

“So we are going to close them down to make it difficult for the terrorists to move around and operate freely.”

According to him, “Everyone needs to come together and take ownership as we take the fight to the terrorists.

“Those who are smart among them will realise that

it is time for them to surrender but for others who want to be stubborn, we would flush them out of Nigeria.

“We don’t want to flush them from one state to the other, we want to send them out of our country.

“We are going through challenging times economically and security wise, but if you don’t go through challenges you may not discover who you are.

“I know we are going to come out stronger with your leadership and the support of your team.

“What we are going through is momentary, we will soon find peace.

Responding, Governor Sani extolled the virtues of the CDS,

noting that he is a man of valour who has thrived and succeeded on all the assignments given to him.

“We are excited about your appointment. Your outstanding career is a source of pride and inspiration to us.

“You are one of the most successful theatre commanders and you left an indelible mark in the North-east.

“We want to appeal for a prolonged stay of the Special Forces and for the expansion of Operation Safe Haven in Southern Kaduna to Kafanchan, Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Sanga, Birnin Gwari, Giwa areas to restrict bandits from using our state as a refuge,” the governor requested.

“A team of detectives dispatched to the scene were later joined by the Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, psc (+).

“The deceased, one Adeniyi Ojo ‘m’ the managing director of the hotel was found lying motionless on the bed in one of the rooms in the hotel.

“The examination of the body shows no sign of physical violence. The body was taken to a hospital where he was confirmed dead, and was deposited at the General Hospital Mortuary Surulere for an autopsy.

“Meanwhile a discreet investigation of the case has been ordered by the Commissioner of Police.

“Details of the investigation will be made public as soon as possible.”

Music Industry Glamourises Drugs, Say Police

Rebecca Ejiforma

The Lagos State Police Command has alleged that the music industry in Nigeria glamorises drug use, making policing more difficult.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin stated this at the 2023 Press Week Lecture/Symposium, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Lagos Chapel, recently.

According to Hundeyin, “The music industry is not helping us in any way. They glamorise drugs. Not all that glitters is gold,” saying that

DIGITAL SKILLNOVATION…

PDP to Appeal Tribunal Judgement Affirming Election Kaduna Governor

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has rejected the judgement of the governorship election petition tribunal affirming Uba Sani of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of March 18 poll.

The tribunal in its judgement delivered on Thursday, via Zoom, upheld the election of Uba Sani as governor of the state.

In a two against one dissenting verdict, the panel ruled against the PDP and its candidate, Isah Ashiru, for not filing a pre-hearing application at the stipulated time.

The tribunal led by Victor Oviawie said the petition was considered abandoned as argued by the APC lawyers.

On the merit of the case, the tribunal held that if the petition had not been dismissed on technical grounds, it would have ordered a supplementary election in 22 polling units within 90 days.

However, reacting to the judgement in a statement yesterday in Kaduna, spokesperson of the PDP in the state, Alberah Catoh, said the party will seek redress at the Court of Appeal.

According to him, a review of

the verdict by the party’s lawyer indicated that the judgement did not meet the requirements of substantive justice.

Catoh maintained that the verdict was not in alignment with extant electoral laws, guidelines and regulations.

He said “the party has accordingly directed its lawyers to appeal the judgement at the Court of Appeal, within the timeframe specified by law.”

He called on teeming members of PDP supporters across the state to be calm and of good cheer, in the belief that though the walk to justice

is slow, they would reach their destination.

Meanwhile the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has asked the defeated PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 elections, Isah Ashiru, to stop “misleading the public” on the outcome of the judgement of the tribunal.

In a statement yesterday the state Secretary, Yahaya Baba Pate, alleged that Ashiru issued a statement after the tribunal judgement, “mischievously” informing his supporters that the tribunal nullified Governor Sani’s election.

many superstars are involved in drug abuse.

He added that “behind most crimes in the society, there is substance abuse or drug addictions among youths.”

He said the command regularly arrests criminals in the state and 90 per cent of the cases, the criminals blame their actions on drugs.

“Drugs and their attendant problems are things that manifest in society. We all know that there is a direct connection between drugs and crime.

“For us in the Lagos State Police Command, we have come to realise that the more there is drug use in the society, the higher the crime rate is.

Gov Eno Wins Bassey Akpan at Election Tribunal

Okon Bassey in Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Governorship Elections Petitions Tribunal has upheld the election of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Umo Eno of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the validly elected governor of the state.

The tribunal in ìts ruling yesterday dismissed the suit instituted by Senator Bassey Albert Akpan and his party, Young Progressives Party, that had challenged the election of Governor Eno.

This was the summary of a two and half hour judgement by the tribunal in suit Number EPT/AKW/GOV/01/2023, which sought to nullify the election.

The tribunal upheld the preliminary objections bothering on jurisdiction and non-qualification of the 2nd respondent, saying that Governor Eno was eminently qualified.

The tribunal maintained that the earlier judgement of the Supreme Court in the case filed against Governor Umo Eno by Mr. Akan Ekpe Okon was binding to all human beings, in the world, including the petitioners.

The unanimous judgement read by the panel chairman, Justice Adekunle Adeleye, fumed at the petitioners for abuse of judicial process in resurrecting the matter already buried by the Apex Court.

The tribunal also decided that the petitioners lacked the locus to challenge how the 3rd respondent, PDP conducted its primaries to produce a candidate.

Striking out the accusations of electoral infractions levelled against Hon. Iniobong Robson Nnamso, the tribunal ruled that the said person was not joined as a respondent in the case by

the petitioners and any decision taken under such circumstances would amount to lack of a fair hearing.

On another WAEC certificate of 1998, which the petitioners purported to belong to the 2nd respondent, the tribunal upheld the objection of the 2nd respondents, that it was a fresh allegation that was not in the main petition and that since the time for amendment of petitions had long elapsed, the petitioners were merely attempting to spring surprises, which run contrary to the provisions of the law.

L-R: Vice President Kashim Shettima; Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong and MD/CEO Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, at the inauguration of FGN/ALAT Digital SkillNovation Programme in Abuja…yesterday. GODWIN OMOIGUI.

TAKING STOCK…

Tinubu Returns to Abuja from Paris

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu arrived Abuja yesterday night from Paris, France, where, sources say, he had been observing a short break.

The President, who landed at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, was received by Gbajabiamila and other top

United States where he attended the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, and summit.

Tinubu’s convoy was seen in the Aso Rock Villa at 09:47

pm yesterday.

to Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day anniversary and four days to the planned nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.

Tinubu is expected to address the nations in a televised broadcast at 7:00am on Sunday.

At UNGA, Tinubu condemned the spate of military coups in Africa describing them as wrong aspirations of Africans. does not imply Africa’s support for unconstitutional change of government but “a demand for solutions to perennial problems.” governance as the best guarantor

of the sovereign will and wellbeing of the people. Military coups are wrong, as is any tilted civilian political arrangement that perpetuates injustice,” Tinubu said in his maiden address to his counterparts during the general debate.

The Nigerian leader argued, “the wave crossing parts of Africa does not demonstrate favour towards coups. It is a demand for solutions to perennial problems.”tary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Corporation (OIC), sidelines of UNGA, discussing the role that the Islamic world would need to play in Africa’s development and sustenance of peace.

President Tinubu also met with the global leadership of the ExxonMobil, led by its President of Global Upstream Operations, Liam Mallon, telling company that Nigeria is primed for the best business deals at the moment.

On Wednesday, September 20, he met with the SecretaryGeneral of the UN, Antonio Guterres, to ask for the global body’s support in the African continent’s struggle to preserve its natural resources for its own development, against pillaging by agents of the developed economies.

Also, on Wednesday, September 20, the President met with the Diaspora Nigerians in the United States, urging them to bring their investments home.

Court Grants Deputy Governor Leave to Serve Ondo Assembly

Wale Igbintade

Justice O. Akintan-Osadebay

Ondo State has granted leave to the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, of Assembly of Ondo State, Assembly and the Clerk. The court directed that allsembly by posting on the front side wall/fence or entrance gate or any conspicuous area of the

Complex, Alagbaka, Akure and also on the notice board of the Ondo State.

Aiyedatiwa, had approached

Assembly from proceeding with the impeachment proceedings against him pending the hearing and determination of the

of Ondo State claimed to have commenced impeachment proceedings against the deputy

governor instead of serving the deputy governor with the purported notice of acts of gross misconduct.

convened a plenary session on September 20, 2023 to deliberate on the notice which had not been served, thus allegedly violating the process of removal constitution and also infringing upon the constitutional and fundamental rights of the deputy governor.

Aggrieved with the antics deputy governor approached

September 25, 2023, to stop illegal actions.

allegedly prevented the Court from gaining entrance into the premises of the Assembly to serve the court on September 25, 2023, but would later in the evening of the same day claimed to have served the notice of acts of gross misconduct, after the

PDP : Lawyers Plea Inconsistent with Tinubu’s Academic Assertions

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday charged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to come clean on the desperation by its lawyers in the United States to conceal certain vital details regarding the academic records of President Bola Tinubu at the Chicago State University (CSU) from the public.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP stated that the application by the lawyers urging the US District Court of Illinois

not to release the said academic details are in direct conflict with the public declarations by President Tinubu that his academic records are impeccable.

The PDP recalled that President Tinubu had in a public function openly asserted to Nigerians that “I was one of those most recruited graduates of my university, multiple honours, First Class Degree and I have the reference point.”

According to the spokesperson of the PDP, “In view of the above assertion, the PDP therefore holds that the plea by the lawyers that the details of his academic record

should not be released is a great disservice to President Tinubu in particular and Nigeria in general.

“This desperation to conceal vital information is consistent with APC’s penchant for trickery and underhand dealings in their transactions with Nigerians which has heightened under the Abdullahi Ganduje leadership,” the PDP spokesman said.

Ologunagba stressed further, “By appointing Dr. Ganduje as its National Chairman, despite the malodorous corruption and bribery allegations against him in the public domain, the APC further

confirms itself as not only being a cesspit of corruption but also as irredeemably given to concealment and condonement of depravity, sleaze and mendacious acts.”

According to him, “it is curious that the APC has remained silent on allegations and public apprehension of sabotage in the Monday, September 25, 2023 fire outbreak at the Supreme Court, which is suspected to have been an arsonist attack with the intent to cripple and frustrate the Supreme Court in the handling of the Presidential Election Appeals pending before it.”

China’s

Economic Partnership with Nigeria Boosting Industrialisation, Says Deputy Speaker, Kalu

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The Deputy Speaker of the has hailed China’s diplomatic and trade relationships with Nigeria, saying that the cultural exchanges between them have fostered a deep understanding and appreciation of each other’s heritage.

In a statement issued yesterday by his Chief press Secretary, while delivering his goodwill message at the China’s 74th National Day celebrations in Abuja said that the ties between both countries has fast-tracked the industrial development of Nigeria with projects such as the

Project standing as a testament to the enduring collaboration.

The Deputy Speaker further remarked that Chinese products have become a staple in Nigerian households and that Nigeria’s agricultural exports to China have continued to grow. relationship has created jobs,

boosted local industries, and increased the welfare of the people, adding that currently, Nigeria is China’s second largest trading partner in Africa.

“The decades-long relationship between our two great nations, Nigeria and China particularly in recent times. The rich tapestry of our partnership has woven threads of cooperation in various sectors, from infrastructure development to trade, technology exchange, and cultural engagement. China’s have contributed immensely to the growth and development of our nation, fostering economic prosperity and stability.

“China has been a steadfast partner in Nigeria’s infrastructural development, with projects Railway and the Zungeru standing as a testament to our enduring collaboration. These initiatives have not only improved connectivity within Nigeria but have also laid the foundation for sustainable economic growth.

Plateau Partners UNDP to Strengthen Security, Build Capacity for Development

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has initiated a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to enhance rural security, technical education, data processing, and strategic development planning.

Disclosing this in a press statement, the governor’s Director of Press, Mr. Gyang Bere, said that the governor met with the UNDP team led by Resident Representative, Mr. UNDP’s assistance in human capacity development, mineral exploration, and e-governance

in the state.

Explaining his administration’s vision, Mutfwang said that the UNDP has a role in service delivery.

challenges, including the approval for the construction of two Mobile Police barracks in volatile areas which are yet to

The governor disclosed that some diligent youths have been recruited across local government areas of the state to reinforce the Rainbow and safeguard communities, adding that their training is expected to begin next week.

Nwogwugwu, Shuaib, Arogundade, Abdulaziz, Others to Discuss Media Independence

The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) will host a special edition of its Journalism and Society Conversations event on X (Twitter) tomorrow from 5p.m. to 6.30p.m.

The event with the theme, for Media Independence?’ is organised to mark Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary.

The panelists include the former Managing Director of Arise Television, Ijeoma Nwogwugwu; the Publisher and the Executive Director of International Press Centre (IPC), Lanre Arogundade. Others are the Director of ProMbamalu; Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Print

Media, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz.

moderate the panel, it will assess the current trends within the Nigerian media landscape. The session will delve into the pressing issues of press freedom challenges.

It will also highlight regulatory frameworks and the pivotal role of investigative journalism in holding the government accountable and contributing to nation-building.

possible solutions for an improved synergy between the government, its agencies, non-state actors and the media to promote press freedom in Nigeria,” it added. The WSCIJ’s Journalism and Society Conversations is a forum for online discussions about the place of the media in society –nationally and globally.

Rebecca Ejifoma

L-R: Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc, Geoff Amaghereonu; Chairman, Board of Directors, Mazi Emmanuel Kanu Ivi; Managing Director/CEO, Mobolaji Adewumi; Executive Director Treasury and Business Growth, Oladipupo Adeoye, during the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Mortgage Bank in Lagos... yesterday.

PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

FOR SAFER BORDERS…

L-R: Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Adeleke Adewolu; Director, Public Policy, Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), Caroline Mbugua; Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta; Head, Sub-Sahara Africa, GSMA, Angela Wamola; Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, Ubale Maska and Director, Spectrum and Industry Services, GSMA, Kamal Tamawa, during a courtesy visit by the GSMA delegation to the Commission’s Head Office in Abuja on… Thursday.

Cardoso Assigns Portfolios to 4 Deputy Governors

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, has assigned portfolios to the apex bank’s four deputy governors - Emem Nnana Usoro, Muhammad Sani Dattijo, Philip Ikeazor and Dr. Bala Bello.

THISDAY learnt last night that Usoro heads the Operations Directorate while Dattijo will take charge of Economic Policy Directorate. Ikeazor is in charge of Financial System Stability (FSS) Directorate, while Bello takes charge of Corporate Services Directorate. The appointments of Cardoso and the four deputy the Senate on Tuesday.

The deputy governors resumed at the CBN headquarters in Abuja yesterday .

Cardoso was nominated by President Bola Tinubu to

take over from Mr. Godwin appointment.

He was at various times Chairman of CITIBANK and also served as Commissioner for Budget and National Planning when Tinubu was Governor of Lagos State,1999 to 2007.

The new CBN governor is the founding chairman and cochair of Ehingbeti Summit, the Lagos State Economic Summit. He is also a former executive lead at Harvard Kennedy School alumni association.

Usoro is an alumna of Harvard Business School and Lagos Business School, Usoro’s banking career spans over 20 years with experience in Operations, Credit and Marketing, Branch Management, Relationship Management, Corporate and Commercial Banking. Until her

appointment, she was UBA’s Group General Manager and the Strategic Business Group (SBG) Head, in Abuja.

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

He has held various board positions, notably as the CEO of Keystone Bank Limited, CEO of Ecobank Kenya Limited, Executive Director, Union Bank Nigeria, Director of Union Bank UK PLC, and Director of the Orient Bank Uganda.

Bello is an industry leader, whose career has spanned

Gov Inuwa Charges Muslims to Intensify Prayers for Peace, Prosperity of Nigeria

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, yesterday, charged Muslims to intensify prayers for peace, prosperity of Nigeria.

Governor Inuwa gave the charge a special Juma’at prayer, at Modibbo Bubayero Jumu’at Mosque, Emir’s Palace Gombe, in commemoration of the 63rd anniversary of Nigeria’s independence which also coincides with the 27th anniversary of the creation of Gombe State.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the Gombe State Government (SSG), Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, said the prayers are part of a series

of activities preceding this year’s twin celebrations in Gombe State.

He charged Muslims to pray for the state and the country for more blessings to the country and to invoke Allah’s interventions against the myriads of problems bedeviling the country.

“The essence of this is for the entire religious groups to be involved. It started with Juma’at Prayers today where special prayers were conducted in mosques all over the state; and on Sunday God’s willing, which coincides with Independence Day, special prayers will be conducted in various churches for peace, security, and development of Gombe State and Nigeria,” he said.

Fidson Reaffirms Leadership in the Pharmaceutical Sector

Banking, Capital Markets, and Pension Fund Management. He is a well-respected accountant. In April 2017, Bello was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari as the Executive Director of Corporate Services at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank. Dattijo is an international development expert who served as a policy adviser at Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in New York and also as Commissioner for Budget and Planning in Kaduna State. He holds a Master’s degree in Development Economics and Policy from the University of Manchester and a second Master’s from Ahmadu Bello University where he studied Diplomacy.

Election Tribunal Sacks Speaker of Plateau House of Assembly

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The National and State Houses of Assembly Elections Petitions

Tribunal sitting in Jos, yesterday, sacked the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Moses Sule who is also the lawmaker representing the Mikang State constituency.

The speaker, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was

sacked alongside Danjuma Azi, the member representing Jos North-West constituency in the Assembly.

In their place, the tribunal declared Hon. Naanlong Daniel and Hon. Mark Na’ah, both of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winners of March 18 elections in Mikang and Jos North-West constituencies respectively.

The petitioners had challenged the sponsorship of Sule and Azi

on the grounds that the PDP in the election for lack of party structure.

Nullifying the speaker’s election yesterday, the tribunal ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to earlier issued to Sule and give the same to the candidate of the APC, Nanlong, who scored the second-highest number of votes

cast in the election.

The tribunal held that the PDP disobeyed the order of Justice S P Gang of Plateau State High Court delivered on November 26, 2020 which ordered the party to conduct ward congresses.

Justice Muhammad Tukur said that INEC failed to tender any authentic document to show that there was repeated congress by the party in 2021, as claimed by the respondents.

Benue Commissioner’ s Abductors Demand N60m Ransom Foundation Offers Scholarship to 6 Indigent Students

The gunmen who kidnapped Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mathew Abo, last Sunday in ZakiBiam, have demanded a ransom of N60 million.

The abductors made the demand yesterday in a phone call to a member of the family.

The recipient of the call who pleaded anonymity for security reasons, stated that the kidnap-

pers have resorted to torturing the commissioner to press home their demand.

The source said they called and placed their phone on loud so that their beating of the commissioner and his cries for help could be heard.

It would be recalled that the kidnappers came on four motorcycles, ordered everyone in the house including the commissioner’s wife and children to lie face down and took him away to an unknown destination on one of the motorcycles.

A foundation, Ezennia Rosemary Azuka (ERA), has awarded scholarships from secondary school to university levels to students across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

In a statement issued by the Managing Director of ERA Foundation, Mrs. Atakulu Chidilim, stated that the foundation is known for its commitment for providing educational opportuni-

The Founder and Managing Director of Fidson Healthcare Plc., Dr. Fidelis Ayebae, has reaffirmed the company’s intention to retain its position as the leading pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Nigeria despite the very challenging business environment presently.

Speaking during the Annual General Meeting held in Lagos recently, Ayebae attributed the impressive performance of the company to the sustained support, trust, and interest of the company’s stakeholders and loyal customers.

He stressed that despite the very challenging business

The Pivot Holds Conference on Harnessing South-east Potentials

Special Adviser to Anambra State Governor on Security Matters, AVM Ben Chiobi (rtd) will lead other adept resource persons including the Regional Coordinator, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Chito Onuzulike, as they dissect ‘From Challenges to Opportunities: Unveiling the Potentials in South-east Nigeria through Social Innovation’, being the theme of the flagship conference of The Pivot.

The conference which will take place at Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Secretariat of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State capital, will ‘catalyze forward-thinking and thought-provoking conversations that are aimed at harnessing the inherent potentials in the South-east geopolitical region towards optimal productivity especially among the youthful demography.

environment, the company will continue to strengthen its internal control mechanisms and invest in the next generation of leaders to sustain its excellent performance and embed its corporate culture which ensures the company’s profitability while adding value to lives.

“Given the company’s rapid expansion, penchant for strategic partnerships and workforce empowerment, we believe that this initiative will deliver the desired stability that will propel the company to its next phase of growth, relevance and dominance,” he added.

“Since inception, the success of our business has been dependent on our customers’ trust and continued patronage of our brands, most especially as an indigenous pharmaceutical company in a highly competitive market.

ties to the less-privileged and empowerment, noting that it opened the call for scholarship applications on June 5th, 2023.

She stated that the prestigious scholarship programme, granting educational opportunities to deserving students spread across all the six geopolitical zones. Chidilim said the aim is set to transform the lives of the young scholars, offering support from secondary school all the way through their university levels.

A statement by The Pivot Executive Director, Ifedi Eze, described the group as an assemblage of “progressive indigenous professionals who have decided to take the bull by the horns by way of catalysing forward-thinking and thought-provoking conversations that are aimed at harnessing the inherent potentials in the South-east geopolitical region, towards optimal productivity especially among the youthful demography.

George Okoh in Makurdi

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

Mary Nnah

Government College Ughelli Old Boys will hold their first annual general school dinner in the UK ‘to keep the ship sailing,’ writes Charles Iyore

It is with a deep sense of history that the deck of the Government annual general school dinner outside of Nigeria –October 7, 2023, England through cricket, Philip and Tacey of City Road London (est. 1826 as school suppliers), as well as, a time honoured tradition ideas), of new entrants to the ship, with a laddish shout of “brine or no brine!”, will come alive.

Government College Ughelli was founded in 1945, first as Warri College in Warri before moving to its present site in Ughelli in 1947. In the early stages of establishment, the school was run simultaneously with Edo College Benin City and Government College Ibadan by Mr. Villiers Barcham Vaughan Powell. (1904-1989). The Western regional government pre-independence, set out deliberately to train men needed for the technical and leadership workforce, that would husband the abundant natural resources and deliver growth, as well as, development for the region.

Mr V B V Powell, by all accounts, was a keen sportsman. He developed the strength and character of his students through sports. Personally training the students about competition techniques. He was firm on getting the students to acquire the right technique, character and disposition to enhance their performance in sporting competitions. That sports training and sound academic instruction delivered to the country, some of the most outstanding and notable leaders of excellence and the production line has not waned even with loss of focus as envisioned by the school leaders of yesterday.

Some of the narratives by Peter Enahoro (aka) aptly shows the deep involvement of the staff in their development.

“To celebrate the first year of our arrival the Principal Mr V.B.V. Powell declared an Open Day that gave Ughelli dignitaries as well as hoi-polloi a run of the classrooms. We were as excited as the guests were, like a free day at the zoo. They stared at us and we stared back at them”- Peter Pan (aka Peter Pan)

“Ughelli was where the essence of GCU as an institution of holistic learning really came to bloom. I was a beneficiary of the character-forming School Prefecture that prepared me to be unafraid when I began a career in journalism and was fortunate to be given a chance for incredibly rapid rise up the ladder of recognition and management, at a young age still quoted today as unbeaten record” –Peter Enahoro. All of these were enough to prepare a young 23-year-old information officer sufficiently, to understand the issues of national asset allocation, and discern that a principal officer of state was treating the matter with levity.

Not tied in idiom, some of those leaders of excellence which is only representative of a sea of trail blazers include;

Mr. Gray Longe, Mr. S B Agodo, Mr. B A. Clark, Mr Peter Enahoro, Mr Sam Amuka-Pemu, Mr Gamaliel Onosode, Professor Akinyanju, General D. A. Ejoor, Professor Itse Sagay, Professor J. P Clark, Senator Fred Brume, Professor Oyewale Tomori, Mr Moses Taiga, etc., and to today’s Mr Olisa Agbakoba, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, Mr Allen Oyeama, Mr Festus Keyamo. etc.

The task of ensuring that young minds were not wasted was due to the dedicated commitment of men and women who managed

Nobody can controvert the stark fact that there is a nexus between a country’s level of economic and technological development and the quality of education obtainable in its schools.

Education is the cornerstone of national development because it is the educated and knowledgeable citizens of a country that will harness and mobilize natural resources, skilled human capital, and money to ignite their country’s economic and technological advancement. In the first world countries, which have achieved economic prosperity and technological advancement, they have universities that are bastions of technological and scientific knowledge. And people who possess scientific and technological knowledge can push back the frontiers of knowledge in their fields of specializations, which can manifest in their invention of machines and manufacturing of tools.

More so, the schools in the first world countries are centres for artistic and humanistic researches. Since the citizens of those countries are educated and acutely aware of their civic responsibilities, they can contribute significantly to the economic, political, scientific, and technological development of their respective countries.

During the Nigeria-Biafra fratricidal war, which lasted between 1967 and 1970, Biafran engineers produced war weapons. The Biafran soldiers used the locally-produced Ogbunigwe tanks and buckets to prosecute the war, which caused the war to last longer than people imagined and anticipated. And they used their vast knowledge to build an airstrip for the landing and take-off of aeroplanes used in bringing relief materials to

SOME OF THOSE LEADERS OF EXCELLENCE WHICH IS ONLY REPRESENTATIVE OF A SEA OF TRAIL BLAZERS INCLUDE; MR. GRAY LONGE, MR. S B AGODO, MR. B A. CLARK, MR PETER ENAHORO, MR SAM AMUKA-PEMU, MR GAMALIEL ONOSODE, PROFESSOR AKINYANJU, GENERAL D. A. EJOOR, PROFESSOR ITSE SAGAY, PROFESSOR J. P. CLARK, SENATOR FRED BRUME, PROFESSOR OYEWALE TOMORI, MR MOSES TAIGA, ETC., AND TO TODAY’S MR OLISA AGBAKOBA, MR. NDUKA OBAIGBENA, MR ALLEN OYEAMA, MR FESTUS KEYAMO, ETC

starving Biafran children.

Those Biafran engineers whose ingenuity manifested during the Nigeria-Biafra civil war were university lecturers at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The extra-ordinary engineering feats they recorded are irrefutable proofs that the existence of good universities in a country are filip and forces for the technological and economic advancement of a country.

At that time, which was the first republic, the quality of education obtainable from our schools, ranging from the kindergarten level to the tertiary stage was qualitative. University lecturers who were not found wanting in character and learning taught students, then. And those students were passionate about acquiring knowledge. They did not beguile the time for the elapsing of their periods of academic programmes in order for them to receive their certificates.

Sadly, over the years, things have changed for the worse regarding our educational system. The dysfunctionality of our educational system is partly caused by the military regimes, which ruled Nigeria between 1966 and 1978; and between 1983 and 1998. Our successive military rulers, who entrenched corruption in Nigeria, had anti-intellectual posture and disposition.

In the mid-1980s, Dr. Patrick Wilmot, a lecturer at the Ahmadu Bello University, Kaduna, was deported to his home country by the Ibrahim Babangida-led military junta. And there were university lecturers who fled the country for fear of being killed during the military era. The anti-intellectual climate that pervaded Nigeria at that time stifled the growth of intellectualism among Nigerians, then.

to bring the best out of them, like Mrs Ogundipe, Mr. Christopher Kolade, Mr. J. K. Osakwe, Mr T. A. Osigbemhe and Mr R. E. Eyike, etc.

The dominance of the school in Cricket, Athletics and Soccer is very evident in the relevant period accounts of sports in Nigeria

A less than exhaustive listing of principal players in the development of the school will run thus,

One, Mr. S.O. Nwankwo was the acting principal (Head teacher) of the school from whom Mr. Powell took over in February, 1947.

Two, Mr. E.C. Halim was the first House Master of School House, then known as Beta House.

Three, Mr. Cyril Carter was the first House Master of Forcados House, and took over from VBV Powell as Principal

Four, Mr. Andrew Sagay was the first House Master of Sapele House.

Five, Mr. I. Etti was House Master of Warri House, which was initially known as Alpha House.

Six, Mr S. F. Edgal took over from Cyril Carter as Principal.

Seven, Mr Otuka -Principal.

Eight, Mr S. O. Egube -Principal

Nine, Mr J. E .Jones –Principal

These schools were not created as by the Western Regional government as elite schools, but to be standard bearers of what is attainable, in the training for the next generation.

It is revealing to understand the heritage and development history of Philip and Tacey which must have informed their choice as suppliers to Government College Ughelli.

The Phillip and Tacey Heritage

The Philip & Tacey heritage began in 1826 when John Tacey secured the appointment as Headmaster at the British School in City Road, London. He soon became a well-known figure in the community and his school a meeting place for teachers from all over the London area. Each evening a school house was the venue for a gathering and each evening, rarely did the other teachers leave without asking John Tacey to help them obtain some item or another which they had neglected to provide for themselves, for use in their own school. In those days it was no easy task to secure the necessary materials for equipping a school. Items such as slates, chalks, and sponges were obtained from the oil shop; books from the booksellers; ink and paper from the stationers; even furniture from builders. Requests for materials continued to increase and cupboards were packed with stock, a far larger amount than for the school itself, therefore a system of book-keeping became essential, and this brought about John Tacey’s decision to open a central shop, rather than simply over-stocking his own school.

The First Shop Opens

Finally in 1829 he opened one of the first school supply houses in the world, close by his school in City Road. He continued for many years in his unassuming role and, after his death, was succeeded by a nephew. Changes had already started to occur; the business was rapidly growing into an extensive enterprise and other trading houses were springing up around the country. The City Road business was experiencing serious competition for the first time. Iyore writes from the United Kingdom

Before the 1990s, when examination malpractice during such examinations as SSCE and NECO were common occurrence, we had witnessed the massive and nationwide WASCE leakage in 1977. The great novelist and university administrator, Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike, captured that sordid assault on our educational system in his great work titled Expo “77.” It limned the rot in our educational system, which caused its dysfunctionality.

Then, in the 1990s, examination special centres started mushrooming with the devastating effects their existence had on our educational system. In an examination special centre, surrogate candidates would sit such examinations as NECO, SSCE, and NABTEB for candidates for fees. The compromised examination officials and invigilators and school principals would close their eyes to the perpetration of examination fraud in their schools.

And in the universities, corrupt and randy lecturers award high grades to students in exchange for either money or sex. And the cultists on campuses would brow-beat lecturers into awarding them high grades in courses they take. So it can be seen that the SSCE, NECO, and degree certificates, which millions of Nigerians flaunt are not reflections of their possession of knowledge.

To make matters worse, the governments at different governmental strata have continued to show cavalier attitude to matters affecting education in Nigeria. The downing of tools by university lecturers to press home their demand for improvement in their welfare has become a recurring decimal in Nigeria. Add this to the

fact that most primary schools and post-primary schools’ buildings are not better than pigsties; their roofs blown off and their walls decrepit.

Against this background of rot in our educational system, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State said that education is the equalizer of opportunities between the poor and the rich in Nigeria during his declaration of free education for public primary school pupils and junior secondary school students in public schools. Is his assertion right?

Education was truly the equalizer of opportunities between the poor and the rich in Nigeria in the 1960s and early 1970s when corruption was not endemic, when teachers were highly knowledgeable and dedicated to their duties; and when brilliant students from poor homes were offered scholarships to attend universities.

At that time, great Nigerian personages like the late Professor Dora Akunyili and other beneficiaries of the Obafemi Awolowo free education policy in the western region leveraged on the free and qualitative education they acquired to reach the zenith of their careers. And they contributed greatly and significantly to the development of Nigeria.

Education can become the true equalizer of opportunities between the poor and the rich in Nigeria if our public primary and post-primary schools are raised to be at par with the best primary and post-primary schools in Nigeria; if corruption is rooted out of our body politic; and if egalitarianism is woven into the fabric of our democratic culture and practice.

Okoye writes from Uruowulu-Obosi, Anambra State

Chiedu Uche Okoye argues that education is equaliser between the poor and the rich to an extent in Nigeria

Addressing Nigeria’s Economic Hardship

Nigeria, the giant of Africa, is facing unprecedented economic hardship that has left millions of its citizens struggling to factors, including the global economic downturn, pandemic, has exacerbated an already challenging to step up and extend a helping hand to those in need.

The economic challenges faced by Nigeria are multifaceted. The nation’s heavy reliance on oil exports has made it susceptible to fluctuations in global oil prices. When oil prices plummeted, as they did during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria’s revenue stream took a massive hit. This, coupled with longstanding issues like corruption and mismanagement of resources, has led to a dire economic situation.

Unemployment rates are soaring, and inflation is making it increasingly difficult for ordinary Nigerians to afford basic necessities. Families are struggling to put food on the table, and access to healthcare and education is becoming more of a luxury than a right. The economic hardship has left vulnerable populations, such as widows, orphans, and the elderly, in dire straits.

At this critical juncture, well-to-do individuals in Nigeria have a moral obligation to extend their resources to help those in need. Philanthropic gestures from individuals and private sector entities can make a significant impact on alleviating suffering. This includes providing financial aid, donating food and essential supplies, and supporting local initiatives that aim to empower communities.

Furthermore, successful business leaders and entrepreneurs can create job opportunities through investments and expansion, thus contributing to reducing the alarming unemployment rates in the country. By doing so, they not only aid the needy but also strengthen the economy in the long run.

The Nigerian government bears a fundamental responsibility to address the economic hardships plaguing the nation. Comprehensive policies and strategies should be implemented to stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and create a more equitable society.

This may include investments in infrastructure development, diversification of the economy beyond oil, and the establishment of social safety nets to protect vulnerable citizens. Additionally, there must

be a commitment to transparency and accountability to tackle corruption and mismanagement of public funds, which have long hindered progress.

The most effective response to Nigeria’s current economic hardship is a collaborative effort between well-to-do individuals and the government. The government should create an enabling environment for philanthropic activities, offering incentives to encourage private sector support for social causes.

Moreover, well-to-do individuals and philanthropic organizations can work alongside the government to identify areas of need and develop sustainable solutions. This synergy will maximize the impact of humanitarian gestures, creating a more resilient and prosperous society.

Nigeria is facing a severe economic crisis that demands urgent attention and action. Well-to-do individuals and the government must join forces to extend humanitarian gestures to the needy during this trying moment. This not only reflects the spirit of Ubuntu, “I am because we are,” but also lays the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. Together, we can navigate these challenging times and build a brighter future for all citizens.

Usman Abdullahi Koli, mernoukoli@gmail.com.

Artificial Intelligence: Where is Man?

Arely on humans and therefore, reduces the importance of man in workspace.

What then is the state of man if AI is fully embraced? One application of artificial intelligence is a robot, which is displacing occupations and increasing unemployment (in a few cases). Therefore, some claim that there is always a chance of unemployment as a result of chatbots and robots replacing humans.

For instance, robots are frequently utilized to replace human resources in manufacturing businesses in some more technologically advanced nations like Japan. This is not always the case, though, as it creates additional opportunities for humans to work while also replacing humans in order to increase efficiency.

Embracing AI will surely increase the rate of unemployment and render man useless and ineffective. If care is not taken, man will lack what to do in the nearest future in the name of increasing efficiency through artificial intelligence.

Another effect of artificial intelligence is increasing laziness in man. Since we do not have to memorize things or solve puzzles to get the job done, we tend to use our brains less and less. This addiction to AI can cause problems to future generations.

Even as we embrace AI for more efficiency, lest also think of the position of man in the long run.

Comfort Enoch Istifanus, Dept of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri

A Childish Argument

Fdebates.

An amusing joke but it does make one wonder what other cartoon characters could apply to Donald Trump and other politicians. He could also be Daffy Duck as he seems to be angry all the time and his speech is rarely coherent.

A few further examples to consider include Wile E. Coyote who was a perpetual loser, Fred Flintstone’s whose caveman thinking would still fit in and Casper the ghost who was as insubstantial as most political promises.

There are of course some good, honest politicians but there might not be enough individuals to make up a Fantastic four and few would be called Yogi Bear as Yogi was “smarter than the average bear!”

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

Dangote, MTN, Rite Foods Lead ‘Top 50 Brands’

In the recent evaluation and rating of corporate brands in the country, carried out by Top 50 Brands, an independent firm, using top-of-mind survey, online engagement, national spread, among other factors, Dangote and MTN, consolidated on their past records while Rite Foods made a significant leap to be among the highly rated brands. Raheem Akingbolu reports

The need for brand strength has become a critical success factor for sustainability, whether indigenous or a conglomerate, as it increases customerloyalty,confidence,public perception, and ultimately market dominance. In Nigeria, there are avalanche of successful indigenous brands cutting across various sectors whose origins are deep-rooted in their wholly Nigerian heritage despite their consistent pursuit of the attainment ofinternationalstatusandglobalbestpractices.A few examples are Globacom and Dangote Group. Their efforts in building brand equity despite the challengesintheeconomicsectorhavenotremained unnoticedastheyleadinthetop50rankingofvaluable brands in Nigeria, in 2023. Conducted by Top 50 Brands Nigeria, an independent firm involved in the evaluation and rating of corporate brands in thecountry,theevaluationandratingswerecarried out using the Brand Strength Measurement tool with variables such as top-of-mind survey, online engagement,qualityelements,processinnovation, categoryleadership,nationalspread,andcorporate social responsibility.

The highlights of the brands rating have Dangote Industries Limited as the Most Valuable Brand in Nigeria in 2023, MTN Communications Nigeria as theMostValuableTelecomsandMultinationalBrand in2023,Globacom,astheMostPopularBrand;and RiteFoodsLimited,theHighestGainerYear-On-Year, for being a beacon of innovation and nourishment with quality food and beverage brand.

Dangote IndustriesLimited toppedthe listofthe top 10 organisations as the Most Valuable Brand in Nigeriain2023,withSixlocalbrandsonthegrowth ladder.ComprisingGlobacom,AccessBank,Zenith Bank,GuarantyTrustCompany(GTCO),FirstBank of Nigeria, and BUA Group, ahead of age-long multinationals.

Dangote Industries Limited is an integrated conglomeratewithoperationsinNigeriaandAfrica, in sectors such as cement, sugar, salt, condiments, packaging, energy, port operations, fertiliser, and petrochemicals, with 650,000 barrels per day refinery, and has maintained the top position for six consecutive years since 2018.

Globacomwasfourthonthetop10listasthe‘Most Popular Brand’, after MTN and Airtel which were rated second and third respectively. A Nigerian multinational telecoms brand, Globacom, with over 61 million subscribers, about 28 percent of the total mobile lines in Nigeria, had the highest number of mentions during the Top of the Mind (TOM) survey.

ZenithBankemergedsixthasthebiggestbankin thecountrybycapitalisation;whileGuarantyTrust Company(GTCO)tooktheeighthpositionasoneof theforemostfinancialinstitutionsinNigeria.Ranked ninth on the list, First Bank was rated the oldest existing, yet dynamic financial institution; while Bua Group, a leading food, infrastructure, mining, and manufacturing conglomerate was the last on the Top 10 ranking. It would also be recalled that DangoteIndustriesLimited,GlobacomZenithBank, First Bank of Nigeria, and GTCO also dominated the top 10 positions for five consecutive years. Remarkably, on the Top 50 brand ranking, 24 are Nigerian companies, while 26 are international organisations, and not left out in the Top 50 Brands 2023 Report are 10 Brands to watch this year including Opay, Fairmoney, Palmpay,

Helium Health, Piggybank, Thrive Agric, Trade Depot,ProvidusBank,SunTrustBank,andPremium Trust Bank. Interestingly, eight of the brands are indigenouslyownedandwouldbeontheTop50list as they continue to strive for market excellence.

Perhaps, the most remarkable highlight of the 2023 Top 50 Brands Nigeria Audit is Rite Foods’ performanceontheindex.Thecompanywasrated asthehighestgainerasitmovedfromits44thposition in the previous year’s rating to 30th, leaping 14 stepsuptheladderofconsumerratingaccordingto the Rating organization. For a relatively unknown indigenousbrandfiveyearsago,itisquiteastounding for a brand that didn’t appear in any top index a few years ago to have grown rapidly within such a short period. It is indeed a phenomenal feat for Rite Foods to have gained such remarkable brand traction within such a short duration.

Speakingonthebrandequitygrowthtrajectoryof the company, a marketing and product marketing analyst, Dr. Ini Asuquo attributed the company’s rapid growth to a combination of factors which includes its disruptive innovation with which Bigi Soft drinks and its Energy drink Fearless were brought into the market.

ThisvalidationonlygoestoreinforcetheRiteFoods holistic strategy which includes the disciplined implementation of offering qualitative products supportedwithaggressiveandaudaciousmarketing thatchallengedthemarketoligarchslikeCoca-Cola and Pepsi which is quite commendable.

Keen watchers of the sector would have noticed thevoiceshareandconversationdominanceofthe carbonatedfoodsectorasRiteFoodsdailyconnects with its consumers through both traditional and digitalwindows.Ifthecompanysustainsthetempo or extends the frontier of its activities in the next few years, it will hit hard on competitors.

Established in 2007, as a subsidiary of Essay Holdings, Rite Foods Limited is a world-class and proudly Nigerian Food and Beverage Company, with products comprising the 13 variants of the Bigi carbonated soft drink, the Bigi Premium Table Water, the premium Sosa Fruit Drink, as well as the Bigi and Rite Sausages.

Itsmarket-leadingFearlessEnergyDrinkhasearned highrecognitionintheenergydrinkmarketwiththe first-ever packaged polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle brand which is the preferred choice of consumers nationwide.

Onthisremarkablefeat,RiteFoods’ManagingDirector,Mr.SeleemAdegunwa,saidthecompany’sgrowth trajectoryisattributedtoitsqualityconsciousness, technologicaladvancement,andgloballycompetitive productportfolio,withlaudableactivitiesintheareas surveyed by Top 50 Nigeria in their evaluation and rating process.

The company’s marketing strategy in connecting with consumers through sponsorships of viable projects has also earned it numerous laurels, and given that, industry analysts have affirmed that it has made a positive impact in the society with its weightbehindsocial,economicandculturalactivities in the country.

For its audacious marketing approach which thrivesonconsumer-driveninitiativesandsectoral conversation dominance, analysts are wondering whether Rite Foods has the marketing stamina to sustain its growth trajectory and brand equity as indicated in the Top 50 Brands report, which rated it as one of the fastest growing food and beverage brands in Nigeria for 2023.

Fun and Thrills as Calypso Liqueur is Relaunched

Asemblance of tropical paradise on was virtually created last weekend when Calypso, one of Nigeria’s indigenous liqueur brands, hosted an exclusive beach party to mark its relaunch. The theme of the evening: “Switch up the Fun,” set the stage for a memorable event, bringing together celebrities, influencers, artistes, and the crème de la crème of Lagos society.

Glistening waves created by the receding sunshine provided a picturesque backdrop, as the air filled with the harmonious blend of captivating melodies and the fruity scents of coconuts and sweet liqueur.

To add more colour to the evening, guests enjoyed captivating medleys from Chike, Afrohouse Queen - Niniola, Timaya, and Wandecoal, who closed the night with a mix of his best throwback singles and new EPs. Caribbean dancers, beach girls, and performances from the dance maestro, Kaffy, also got guests very excited.

The guest list read like a who’s who of Lagos’ high society, with celebrities, influencers, artistes, and prominent figures from the business, tech, and corporate worlds gracing the event. But it wasn’t just their status that turned heads; it was their impeccable fashion choices that stole the spotlight.

Socialites, like Eku Edewor, Hawa Magaji, Akin

personalities, known for their premium and lavish lifestyles, certainly brought their A-game when it came to beach fashion.

The event was hosted by the dynamic duo of Bovi and Pearl Cardy, who added their charisma and wit to the already electric atmosphere.

Together, they kept the audience entertained throughout the night, ensuring that the Calypso Relaunch Beach Party was not just a fashion extravaganza, but also a memorable experience.

The highlight of the evening was the introduction of Calypso Coconut Liqueur.

Stanley Obi, the Director of the Prime Business Unit, Grand Oak Limited, in his welcome address to the guest, said: “Tonight, we celebrate not just the relaunch of Calypso, but the essence of a brand that has always stood for beachside elegance and the joy of living in the moment. Calypso has always been about more than just fashion, it’s about embracing life with open arms, cherishing every moment, and living fully in the present.

Tonight, we’ve not only relaunched a brand, but we’ve also rekindled the spirit of beachside excitement and are helping Nigerian fun-seekers switch up the fun”.

Modupe Aremo, Brand Business Manager, Calypso, and Apperito, noted thay Calypso Coconut Liqueur is well on its way to being the most enjoyed liqueur with dual-purpose consumption. “Calypso Coconut Liqueur is more than just a drink; it’s a versatile companion to our beachside moments. Whether sipped leisurely or creatively mixed into cocktails, it’s on its way to becoming a favourite for those who appreciate quality and innovation.” Her words echoed the sentiments of many, highlighting the brand’s commitment to offering a unique and enjoyable experience.

AlikoAdegunwa

L-R: Busuyi Olofin, Director, Mainstream Strategic Business Unit, Grand Oak Limited; Willy Raoul, Director, Import and Export, Grand Oak Limited; and Stanley Obi, Director, Prime Business Unit, Grand Oak Limited, at the Calypso Coconut Liqueur Exclusive Relaunch

Faminu, Teddy A, Kaylah, and Simi Drey, along with popularguestssuchasKehindeandTaiwoBalogun, Mimi Chaka, Aduke Shitta Bey, Kemi Smallz, Tolu Oniwo, Jemima, BamBam, Aisha Ibrahim-Alfa, Amira Ibrahim-Alfa, and Daisy Handfield, graced the occasion with their presence. These famous

Yemi Adebowale

Terrorism: The Courage of Zamfara Governor

Zamfara is on the list of top five states under the servitude of terrorists in Nigeria. Daily, scores of people are sent to early graves by brigands in this state. On assumption of office on May 29, Governor Dauda Lawal made it very clear that he would not negotiate or grant amnesty to terrorists, while urging security agents to be more proactive in dealing with the problem in Zamfara. For Lawal, the only way to end terrorism is for security agents to consistently pummel them very hard. Clearly, this is the truth.

Terrorism will start slowing down in Nigeria the very day security agents begin to kill guerillas caught on the field. Negotiating or granting amnesty to terrorists will never work. Previous actions along this line never yielded any positive result. They only strengthen the terrorists. In fact, money paid to terrorists by some state governors in the name of amnesty were used to acquire more arms and ammunition. Lawal has a clear plan on how to end terrorism in his state, regrettably, he does not control soldiers. He needs his own troops to actualise his dream. The Nigerian Constitution does not even allow him to own state police. Nonetheless, he is still aiming to actualise his plans of ending terrorism in Zamfara State in conjunction with Nigerian soldiers. The governor told security agents this much in meetings held with them within his first few days in office.

Unfortunately, some agents of the federal government recently decided to negotiate with Zamfara terrorists. Governor Lawal will not take this. That was why (this week) he bluntly attacked the federal government when some of its agents allegedly opened negotiations with the terrorists that abducted 30 students at Federal University, Gusau, on September 21. It was done without

recourse to the Zamfara Government and heads of security agencies in the state. Lawal clearly has the facts and evidence on what transpired between these agents of the federal government and the terrorists during the negotiations in several places across Zamfara.

The Zamfara State Governor subsequently cried out for an urgent and comprehensive investigation by the federal government into the alleged secret negotiations. He wants the federal government to clarify the action of the “unscrupulous elements sabotaging the ongoing fight against banditry in Zamfara,” adding that the move is at variance with his administration’s adoption of a kinetic strategy in the fight against terrorism.

Lawal adds: “The Zamfara State Government has received reports of how some federal government delegation met with different bandit groups in Birnin Magaji, Maradun, Munhaye, Ajah, Bawo, and Bagege. Previous administrations in the state failed to achieve positive outcomes in their engagements with bandits. We must learn from these past mistakes and adopt a new approach to restore peace in Zamfara.

“The Zamfara State Government has taken a firm stance from the beginning – we will not negotiate with these criminals. The fight against banditry is a top priority of the Zamfara State Government, and we cannot afford to make any compromises in our efforts. We urge the federal government to take swift action by terminating the ongoing negotiations with the bandits in Zamfara, as it undermines progress so far made.”

Instead of properly addressing the issues raised by Lawal, the federal government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, opted to be flippant, warning the governor “against the politicisation of the security situation in his state.”

While on the one hand, the minister said no FG official had engaged in negotiation with Zamfara terrorists, on the other hand, he tacitly confirmed Lawal’s allegations, saying, “The government, however, maintains its resolve to explore every available avenue that can lead to the de-escalation of tension

Needless Burdens Liable for Naira’s Free Fall

When the Naira reached one of its lowest points at N995/$ on September 21 in the parallel market, the Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, admitted that Dollar demands had overwhelmed supply. What he however failed to admit is that federal and state governments and their agencies are also responsible for the overwhelming demand for Dollars. They are putting huge pressure on Nigeria’s forex through needless foreign trips with all its Dollar components. When any Presidential aircraft parks at foreign airports, daily, they pay with Dollars

A delegation, led by President Tinubu was at the Paris Summit for the New Global Financial Pact in June. Within a few weeks, a federal government delegation was at the G-20 Leaders’ Summit in Delhi, India. It was followed by a trip to the first “Stocktaking Moment Summit” in Rome, Italy. Then, the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, and the G-77 summit in Cuba followed. Nigeria was again at the BRICKS summit in South Africa and UNGA 78 in New York followed. What has this country gained from these trips? Almost nothing!

Within few days in office, the Solid Minerals Minister, Dele Alake, ran to Australia for a useless mission. The Sports Minister was in Cairo this week on a failed mission to attract AFCON hosting rights to Nigeria. At a point, the state governors travelled to Rwanda for days, for a leadership programme. All these trips consume huge forex. So, how can a government that can’t check needless Dollar-consuming foreign trips convince citizens to reduce their appetite for forex?

On the part of the citizens, the demands for foreign goods and services are frightening. Foreign education, holidays abroad, foreign medicals, pilgrimages, foreign drinks, shoes and

clothes, the list is endless. The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation once observed that Nigeria has the highest number of students studying abroad among all African countries. So, why won’t there be pressure on our limited forex?

Within just five months - January to May 2022 - Nigerians remitted more than $378.77 million to foreign academic institutions. This figure was calculated by the CBN based on the data provided on the amount spent on educational service under the sectoral utilisation for transactions valid for foreign exchange.

The high demand for dollars to pay foreign educational institutions affects Nigeria’s foreign reserves and increases pressure on forex. The insufficient supply in the I and E window has pushed many to the parallel market to get Dollars for overseas school fees. This is happening in a

country with a large number of World Class universities - public and private. Those running government in Nigeria (many of them with their children in foreign universities) evidently can’t convince citizens to send their children to Nigerian universities.

Airlines are usually filled with Nigerians when it comes to summer holiday abroad. This also consumes huge forex. Domestic tourism is dead. Besides, most of those in government in Nigeria also run abroad for holidays. A government that wants citizens to patronise Nigerian holiday destinations must provide security. This is key for domestic tourism. It is also vital to attract foreign tourists. Insecurity in beloved Nigeria is frightening.

In 2022, the then Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, during a tour of Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, disclosed that Nigerians were spending between USD1.2 billion and USD1.6 billion on medical tourism annually. This is another drain on the country’s foreign reserves. The conducts of former President Buhari and incumbent President Tinubu encourage medical tourism abroad. They ought to be leading by example.

The way out of foreign medical tourism is simple: Government must provide world class public hospitals and also create an enabling environment for state-of-the-art private hospitals. Then, to retain doctors, nurses, and all other health workers, the remunerations must be world class.

The pressure on forex will persist except there is a deliberate policy to reduce the terrifying demands for foreign goods and services by Nigerians. However, a government that wants to implement this must be ready to lead by example. This is the crux of the matter. Regrettably, we don’t have such a government in Nigeria at the moment.

and bring back peace to communities ravaged by banditry…the federal government is willing to listen and continue its ongoing engagement with all stakeholders across the country in working out a lasting solution to our security problems.”

So, Lawal was right. Federal agents were negotiating with the Zamfara terrorists as implicitly confirmed by the information minister in his reaction. What nonsense! Lawal exposed the locations where talks were held with bandits. Clearly, the federal agents leading secret negotiations with terrorists in Zamfara are the ones politicising insecurity, not Governor Lawal.

Lawal rightly stated: “Negotiating with bandits in Zamfara is a grave mistake we cannot afford to make again. It is not the solution to the problem and only encourages and emboldens the criminals. We urge the federal government to take a firm stance against such activities and investigate the motives of those who engage in them.”

Lawal’s position on tackling terrorism undoubtedly makes sense. All past negotiations and amnesty for terrorists in the North-west and North-east have failed to yield any result. The only language terrorists understand is ruthlessness. They must be dealt with brutally.

Many will not forget how Lawal’s predecessor, Mohammed Bello Matawalle compounded the problem in the state by heaping money on terrorists in the name of amnesty. One of the terrorists Matawalle empowered was late Auwal Daudawa, the man that masterminded the abduction of 300 school boys at Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State, in 2021. Daudawa and his boys were operating between Zamfara and Katsina, with Zamfara State as his headquarters.

At a point in 2021, Matawalle invited Daudawa to the Zamfara State Government House, and was cuddling him. Of course, Daudawa (who eventually died by the sword) and his gang collected hefty ransom. The bandits got enough to buy more than the weapons submitted and returned to the field to abduct and kill more people. Daudawa eventually died on the field. He was shot dead in April 2021 during a gun duel with a rival gang at Dumburum forest, located between Zurmi LGA in Zamfara State and Batsari LGA in Katsina State.

Matawalle continued with amnesty for the brigands for almost two years, yet, the attacks persisted. It was a useless venture by this former governor that encouraged more militias to join the “flourishing business” of killing and kidnapping. This is the garbage incumbent Governor Lawal says must never be encouraged. Matawalle’s predecessor, Abdulaziz Yari, was also involved in the useless amnesty to the terrorists. At a point, he was paying N1 million for each AK47 rifle turned in by “repentant terrorists”. The pact was short-lived as the terrorists often return to their game after turning in worthless weapons and collecting money.

No doubt, the situation in Zamfara State is pathetic, with terrorists roaming unhindered in many local governments. More often than not, security agents arrive after terrorists must have crushed people and departed. It is also a big shame that the Nigerian Air Force base in Zamfara, established to curtail attacks by terrorists, has performed far below expectations. The federal government must work with Governor Lawal to end the killings in Zamfara State instead of antagonising him. The primary responsibility of governments at all levels is to secure the lives and property of Nigerians. The wanton killings in Zamfara and other states in this country are a direct assault on the Nigerian constitution which guarantees rights to life and liberty.

Lawal

Edun

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394

Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Mo Abudu Thrills Guests at Premiere of Directorial Debut

Trust the CEO of EbonyLife Group, Mo Abudu when it comes to making statements off her gigs. It was the exclusive private screening of her two directorial debuts - ‘Iyawo Mi’ and ‘Her Perfect Life’ – last Sunday at EbonyLife Place and the renowned media mogul took the evening a notch up with the array of beautiful guests from across the diplomatic, corporate, and entertainment spheres.

Mo Abudu had prior promised an “unforgettable evening filled with cinematic magic” and it sure lived up to expectation as the screenings of these movies thrilled the star-studded guests and significant figures drawn from across sectors. Her latest endeavor marks a profound personal and professional milestone in her multifaceted career.

“Iyawo Mi” and “Her Perfect Life” mark Mo Abudu’s foray into directing, adding another feather to her cap, which already boasts numerous successful productions through her company, EbonyLife Media. Beginning on Friday, the 6th of October, 2023, these cinematic works will open to audiences during their scheduled release at EbonyLife Place cinema.

These two extraordinary films have already graced prestigious film festivals this summer, including the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, the Rhode Island Film Festival, and the HollyShorts Film Festival.

‘Her Perfect Life’ and ‘Iyawo Mi’ (My W), a predominantly Yoruba language film are

fictional stories that touches on societal issues of mental health challenges

In ‘Her Perfect Life’, Onajite Johnson-Ibrahim, 39, seems to have the perfect life – a flourishing career, a growing business, a loving husband and two bright, beautiful children, but appears to want to end it all. If features Pearl Thusi and Joseph Benjamin, supported by Omawunmi Dada, Uzo Osimpka, Christian Paul and Mary Lazarus.

While ‘Iyawo Mi’, Abudu follows the story of

Kunle who arrives home one night to find a horror awaiting him. His wife, Eniola, seems to have gone mad; hallucinating, screaming at their children and neighbours, and threatening to kill everyone. Kunle takes matters into his own hands, with tragic consequences. The cast of ‘Iyawo Mi’ includes Adedimeji Lateef, Bolaji Ogunmola, Segun Arinze and Jude Chukwuka. Both films boast a distinguished production team, with Mo Abudu, Bola Atta, Wale Tinubu,

and Shola Akinlade serving as executive producers. Heidi Uys, Inem King, Joshua Olaoluwa, and Sonia Nwosu take on production roles, with Temidayo Makanjuola contributing to the production design.

These two projects have received invaluable support from the British High Commission and the French Embassy in Lagos, Nigeria. The generous sponsors behind these endeavors include the UBA Foundation, Wale Tinubu, Artsplit Limited, and Sporting Lagos.

Ogugua Ajayi Set to Release Debut Movie

Filmmaker, Ogugua Ajayi is set to release her debut movie titled “Just the Two of Us”. The movie is a collaboration between Love Legacy Media Limited and Closer Pictures Limited and is produced by the internationally acclaimed producer, Uduak Isong.

Directed by Akin Tijani Balogun, the movie also features actors like Chioma Nwosu, Ego Nwosu and Kenneth Nwadike. “Just the two of Us” will be released on the Uduak Isong channel on YouTube in the coming days.

Speaking on the project, Ogugua Ajayi said,

“I have always loved intense and emotional stories that reflect the struggles of real life. Also, historically within the African context, stories are powerful tools used to trigger relevant conversations within society. I am hoping my writing can achieve that.”

The movie plot reveals Daniel Okoro, played by Kenneth Nwadike. After a heated argument, Daniel walks out on his wife and his kids, only to return and find that his wife, played by Ego Nwosu, has changed the rules of the game. As they navigate a tumultuous separation, they must confront their own flaws and embark on an emotional journey

Burna Boy, Flavour to Headline Afro Nation Concert

Weeks after announcing Afro Nation’s maiden concert will happen in Nigeria, organisers of the event has confirmed that superstars Burna Boy and Flavour will headline the event.Theorganisersmadetheannouncementlast Tuesday, September 26, 2023, revealing another headliner for the event- Gambian-British rapper, J Hus, who’s one of the biggest Hip-hop stars in the United Kingdom.

Thiswouldmarkhisfirstappearanceattheglobal festivalsinceits2019debutinPortugal.Also,wave making artistes like Seyi Vibez, and the breakout Ghanaian rapper, Black Sherif will also feature on the impressive line-up of artistes billed to perform at the concert which will take place on December 19 and December 20.

The festival is set to captivate music lovers, promisingtwounforgettabledaysofmusicalmagic, celebrating culture, music, and unity, set against the vibrant backdrop of Lagos. With Afrobeats making waves internationally, Afro Nation has taken African music and art to different parts of theworldincludingPortugal,theUK,differentcities in the United States like Miami, (in May, 2023), and Ghana.

The maiden Lagos edition sees Nigeria join Ghana asoneoftheAfricanstopsforthefestival.TheAfro Nationstagehasbeengracedbyseveralinternational acts including Usher and Chris Brown. Co-founder of Afro Nation, Adesegun Adeosun Jnr. known as SMADE, shared his sentiments about the decision to bring the festival to Lagos, Nigeria.

He stated, “Nigeria is home to numerous international superstars who have propelled Afrobeats into a globally cherished genre. As someone who grew up in Lagos and later spent years promoting African music in London and beyond, this is a fullcircle moment for me. Bringing the Afro Nation show back home to Lagos is a dream come true. We can’t wait to witness the grandest celebration of African music the world has ever seen!”

of love, forgiveness, and second chances.

Speaking on the movie, the managing director of Closer Pictures, Uduak Isong said, “At the core of every movie we produce is the quality of the script. We are thus delighted to work with an emerging writer like Ogugua. Her writing style is unique, and she is able to craft stories that are engaging. I believe this movie release on Uduak Isong TV is a great opportunity to expose Ogugua’s work to a diverse African audience.”

Also commenting on the movie, the director, Akin Tijani Balogun said, “it was an enriching experience working with Ogugua

to capture on screen what she had on her mind when she wrote the script. The film set was very lively, and the atmosphere was collaborative. Her attention to the detail of the emotions to be captured in each scene was admirable and I look forward to the audience immersing themselves in the story”.

Ajayi, CEO of Love Legacy Media, is a graduate of the Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan. She also has a master’s degree in creative writing (with distinction) from the School of English, University of Kent, United Kingdom.

Broadcasting Rights, MultiChoice Nigeria And Diaspora Nigerians

On weekend afternoons in Lagos, if youtakeawalkaroundlow-income communities, you are likely to find sheltered spaces with large television sets screening live English PremierLeagueorLaLigamatches.

Theseviewingcentresusuallychargetheircustomers between N200-N300 to gain access to these games. However, what these customers do not realize is the fact that they have more access to live matches from the English Premier League, La Liga, Italian Serie A, the UEFA Champions League, EuropaLeagueetcthantheirfellowNigeriansinthe diaspora.

ThistrendismadepossiblebyMultiChoiceNigeria, thecountry’sleadingpay-tvcompany,whichoffers itscustomersaccesstomatchesfromtheaforementionedleaguesandtournamentsinEuropethrough varioussubscriptionpackagesofferedonitscable televisionplatformsnamelyDStvandGOtvandits Video-on-Demand platform, Showmax.

However,itisnoteworthythatthecompanyisrecurrently berated for owning exclusive broadcasting rights to the Premier League, La Liga, Champions League among others. As such, it is not uncommon tofindcurrentorinactivecustomersaccusingMulti-

Choiceofusingitsmonopolytoextortitscustomers anytimethecompanyhikesitssubscriptionfeedue to macroeconomic reasons.

Some even go as far as clamouring for a pay-perview subscription model with the assumption that exclusive access to their preferred kind of content will reduce their subscription fee. This sentiment waswidelyespousedintimespast,somuchsothat it managed to find its way to the legislative desk of the 9th National Assembly.

This past weekend, while I scrolled through my X (formerly Twitter) timeline, I noticed and paid attention to a discourse by Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly those residing in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada. The consensus was that Nigerians resident in Nigeria will not value MultiChoice’s sports content offering until they emigrate.

To put their position into perspective, Premier League broadcast rights in the United Kingdom is largely split between SkySports, BT Sports and Amazon Prime Video, while broadcast rights for La Liga matches is split between Viaplay and ITV. As such, to access all the live matches for these two leagues, one would need to subscribe to all of these channels. You and I can agree that it is not the most financially savvy thing to do for a Nigerian in the diaspora.

L-R: Sonia Nwosu and Inem King (Producers at EbonyLife Media), Mo Abudu and actress Bolaji Ogunmola (Lead in Iyawo Mi)

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Olamide Jonas

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Burna Boy

Amazon Prime Video Premieres ‘She Must Be Obeyed’ in Lagos

Sunday Ehigiator

Filmhouse Imax located in Lekki, Lagos came alive on Wednesday when celebrities and Nollywood super stars trooped out in large number for the premiere of the much-awaited Prime Video five-part mini-series titled, ‘She Must Be Obeyed’, which hit the entertainment atmosphere in Nigeria and across the world on Friday September 29, 2023.

Themanagementofthecompanyhadlastweek releasedastatementannouncingthenewdrama seriesfeaturingNigeria’sNollywooddarling,Funke Akindele as lead actor and others in the drama. Stars turned heads on the blue carpet that reminds entertainment lovers of Oscar event in theirvariousattiresatthepreviewoftheAmazon PrimeVideo’slatestenchantingmini-series,while being presented to all sectors of the main media andsocialmediacommunitiesasmembersofthe viewing public were re-assured of value addition for what they are about to have as it premieres.

Wednesday’s preview event had all the actors andactressesarrivetheFilmHousevenueintheir elegant forms with each rolling high and higher with all of the excitement for the love of the job, going through necessary profiling by storms of photographersandsocialmediainfluencers,who moved to have shots of them as they stepped on the blue-carpet arena, individually or in group.

‘She Must Be Obeyed’ is a captivating five-part mini-series delving into the intriguing world of stardom and secrets, the featuring a stellar cast led by Akindele, Lateef Adedimeji, Nancy Isime, Akah Anani, Patience Ozokwo, Mike Ezuronye, Rachael Okonkwo, among others. Eachofthestarsalsogaveawordateachlevelof theprofilingmountedbybroadcasting,printand

Ofparticularcaptureamongthem was the fielding of questions from the journalists by Akindele who was asked to speak on the synopsis of whole content.

Responding,shesaid:“Synopsis?Iwillnotletthecat out of the bag but ‘She Must Be Obeyed’ is all about a charactercalled‘SHE’andhowshewantstoremains on the top not minding whoever is hurt, not minding who is trampled upon.

“’SHE’ the character is very condescending, a bully. In any sector, you have bully everywhere as along as there is hierarchy.

“And ‘SHE’ Must Be Obeyed’ centers on the competition in the entertainment industry, the music industry and we decided to work on Afrobeat, you know Afrobeat is from Africa, from Nigeria and we have to explore what we have.

“Soin’SHEMustBeObeyed’yougettoseecompeti-

tion, you get to see drama, you get to see fashion, you get to see music, all put into one.

“Andalsowehadtoshowcasewhatyoungtalents go through. They are very hungry to be seen. They wanttoshowcasetheirtalents,unfortunatelythey donotstudytheircontract,theydonotgetalawyer, families that are experienced to educate them.

“All these things affect them and at the end of the day, they get to sign the wrong contract and all these you get to see in ‘SHE Must Be Obeyed’. Askedfurtherhowshethinksyoungartistescanbe betterprotectedasaveteraninthefilmcommunity, Akindele,whogotmuchmoreexcited,urgedyoung and emerging artistes to be very careful.

“Like I said, that is why we joined a content that affects young artistes. That is why we came up with ‘SHE Must Be Obeyed’. When they watch it, I am sure they will be very careful. Young artistes

Pinnaclemena, Stellar International, Oxygen, Temple Team- up for ‘180 Nigeria’

TokeMakinwaisleadactor/Co-ExecutiveProducer

Omolabake Fasogbon

An exciting international movie titled,‘180Nigeria’scheduledfor release in early 2024 is billed to have popular broadcaster and mediapersonality,TokeMakinwa as a lead actor and co-executive producer.

According to the movie promoters, ‘180 Nigeria’ willbethefirstInternationalIndependentNigerian female-ledflickthatwillcapturethecountry’srich culture across board, while providing its original narratives to global audience.

“The work is on a mission to project Nigeria’s beautyandbest,andcomingatatimewhenNigeria is battling reputation challenge makes it so apt,” said the promoters.

On this project, an entertainment company, Pinnaclemena Media Nigeria is collaborating with Oxygen and the Temple Company which are presently in talks with several states and entities for support.

Introducing the movie at a press conference in Ogidi Studios Lekki, Lagos, recently, CEO of Pinnaclemena Media, Diji Shujahi hinted that the moviewillbesetintenNigeria’sstates,payingkeen attention to local details.

Aside selling the country to the world, Shujahi said the movie will highlight grassroot charities as well as actors that have selflessly served and sacrificed to nourish the world.

“180Nigeriaisaprojectwearereallyhonouredto bring to Nigeria. This is a storyline that appeals to alotofourvaluesandmissionsasanorganisation. We want to thank Stellar International for being earlysupportersandfundersoftheproject.They believeinthestoryandthemessageandaregiving us the support.

“We would also like to thank Prince Adesegun Oniru,whoissupportingthemovieinthecapacity ofCo-Executiveproducer.Heisavividpropagator

of Nigerian culture and talents across the globe, and havinghisnameassociatedwiththemoviehashelped tocreatelargeravenuesforusandthemovieinNigeria.”

AccordingtoMakinwa,themovieisanopportunityfor Nigerianstotelltheirstorytotheworldbythemselves.”

She adds: “I was particularly drawn to the script because of its message of humanity, charity and affinity for local environment. As much as I love acting, I have been thinking about the next step in my career, thismovieseemedtobetherightopportunityforme”.

Inhisremark,themovieDirector,BunmiAjakaiyesaid, “Iamespeciallypassionateabouttellingstoriesfrom thefemalegaze.TheAfricanwomanisoneofthemost intriguing, compelling, and complex characters ever to exist, and because of the unique society in which she finds herself, the issues she faces daily are endless. Therefore, capturing her triumphs, sacrifices,

need to be educated, we need to organize a lot of seminars, workshops for them to let them know that they are very important.

“Yes, you will be seen but you have to get through the place. That is how we have been able to achieve the ‘SHE’ Must Be Obey’,” Akindele said. Essentially, as witnessed at the preview of the mini-series in Lagos Wednesday night, it is certain that Amazing Prime Video continues its tradition of providing enlivening content with ‘SHE Must Be Obeyed’ as its latest offering.

Accordingtothefilmmakingorganisation,Amazon Prime Video, “The series offers a window into the lives of three successful music stars, unveiling the cut-throatrivalriesandbackstabbingactivitiesthey engage in, all in an effort to outshine one another and protect their top positions in the game.

“Trust Funke Akindele as an embodiment of poignant role interpretation, she commands the spotlight as SHE – Siyanbola Adewale, a thriving artiste whose public humility conceals a realm of avarice, hubris, and Machiavellian schemes. Apart frommoviestarsmentionedabove,Waje,whoknows all about navigating the Nigerian music industry, is among the cast along with BBNaija star, Veeiye.

Bovi Set to Thrill Fans

Talented Nigerian comedian, Bovi is set to thrill fans come Saturday, September 30th, 2023, to a night of endless laughter at Eko Hotels, Lagos. According to Bovi at a press held conference held earlier in the week, “red carpet begins at 6pm as guest will get enjoy all sort of cocktail drinks while by 11pm.” He urged fans to grab their tickets and also keep to time.

Bovi adds: “The theme this year is Identity Crisis because most of the jokes I’m going to be talking about will have its own identity. we identify with, things that are our culture, religion, race and more.”

fearlessness,andfreedomthroughthelenswillnever lose its appeal. The story of 180 Nigeria drew me in from my first conversation with the producers.” Also at the briefing, Managing Partner of Oxygen Media,Mr.PrincewillUtchaysaid,“With‘180Nigeria’ wesawanopportunitytoportrayNigeria’srichness and diversity. Beyond that is the move to beam the lightoncharityorganisations.Wetrulyidentifyand believe in charity and empowerment as seen in our investment in sport. This project is an opportunity to spread and continue with the work.”

He assures fans that they should expect to laugh, “Those who have come for my shows in the past know to a large extent template doesn’t change but we intend to have opening acts by the funniest comedians who are emerging. It is not a jamboree kind of show but a comedy show majorly and we I observe the news and pen down my take. If I’ve written about 15 jokes and 11 of them bother around a common topic, then the title emerges from there.”

Yemisi Falaye,

The Temple Company,andDr.TundeLawrenson,CEOofXmedia Communications and 180 Script Supervisor also expressedtheirexcitementabouttheirinvolvement withtheprojectsettobeshotatlocationsinNigeria and Dubai.

Speaking about uniqueness and crafting one’s work he said, “Comedy has evolved to a point where comedians now know that to grow in this business you have to have your own unique set. Over time, you will people’s jokes, it only took them to a certain level. If you really want to grow, you will have to write your own material but if you are stealing jokes you will just be hovering around a certain level. In recent years, the

L-R: Director, Prime Video Africa, Gideon Khobane; Nollywood actress and lead actor, “She Must Be Obeyed”, Funke Akindele and Head of Originals, Nigeria, Prime Video, Wangi Mba-Uzokwu at the Premiere of the film in Lagos... recently onlineJournalists.

Tosin Clegg

Bovi

who represented

L-R: Chairman, Oxygen Multimedia, Princewill Utchay; Director, Stan Mukoro; CEO X Media Communication/ Script Writer, I80 Nigeria, Tunde Lawrenson; Sally Ufuoma Ukpo; Managing Partner, Pinnaclemena Media, Diji Shujahi; Lead Actor/Co-Executive Producer, I80 Nigeria, Toke Makinwa; and representative of the Founder/GCE, Temple Management Company & Ogidi, Yemisi Falaye during a press conference announcing collaboration of the first International Independent Nigerian female-led movie titled, 180 Nigeria at Ogidi Studios, Lagos... recently

Nworah Brings the Story of a Street Hustler to Life in Slum King

Lazarus Ibeabuchi

Chichi Nworah, the producer of the critically acclaimed series Shanty Town, is back with another captivating drama that explores the life of a street hustler in Lagos.

Slum King, an Africa Magic original will premiere on October 8 on Africa Magic Showcase.

Nworah’s passion for telling stories of African cultures and experiences can also be felt in Slum King. She stands out in pulling Nollywood out of the usual drama-telling format, to a new vista of Hollywood-styled dramatic actions, fans have long yearned for this shift and Chichi Nworah having done well with Shanty Town, is not resting on her laurels.

Slum King is the second major collaboration between Chichi Nworah and prominent streaming platforms in 2023, after the success of Shanty Town, reTown was a groundbreaking series that dominated the screen for several months and received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. Shanty Town earned ten nominations at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), including Best Director, Best Cinema-

tographer, Best Actress, and Best Soundtrack.

my name to be synonymous with quality and innovation,” producer said. “I want to create stories that are relevant, engaging, and entertaining for African audiences and beyond.”

Slum King is part of the juicy entertainment newly commissioned by Africa Magic to mark its 20 years of creating magic. Over the years, Africa Magic has built a reputation for bringing entertainment loved by Africa and produced by Africans.

Slum King follows the journey of Edafe “Maje Esu” Umukoro’s gruelling life. Sad events force ambition on the undaunted Edafe, causing him to have a distaste for his lowly status and develop an appetite for power, leading him to join a drug cartel with drugs, blood, and gore.

Headlined by star Tobi Bakre, who brings his charming, bear, alongside talented actors that bring authenticity and energy to the story like legendary Bob Manuel Udokwu, Teniola Aladese, Olarotimi Fakunle, Sonia

Irabor, Bolaji Ogunmola, Idia Essien, Elvina Ibru, Philip Asaya, Greg Ojefua, Charles Inojie, Brutus Richard, Jide Kene Achufusi, Taye Aimoro, Toyin Alausa, and Hermes Iyele, amongst others.

“Tobi Bakre is a natural and talented actor who can deliver captivating and memorable performances. He can convey emotions and feelings with his facial expressions and body language. That’s why he is a perfect match for this role” Nworah said.

Chichi Nworah is undoubtedly one of Nollywood’s most talented and versatile producers today. She has shown that she can create compelling and original stories that appeal to a wide range of audiences. She has also shown that she can collaborate with other talented professionals and artists and bring out the best in them.

She has also shown that she can adapt to the changing trends and demands of the industry and deliver high-quality and innovative content. She is a visionary producer who is unafraid to take risks and challenge the status quo.

For an audience already familiar with masterpieces from Africa Magic Originals like Enakhé, Riona, and Dilemma, among others, Slum King is another series that will keep you hooked follow Edafe’s struggles and triumphs in his quest to achieve his dreams.

Africa Magic Unveils ‘Masquerades of Aniedo’ as Part of 20th Celebration

Leading entertainment channel, Africa Magic is set to premiere a new epic series, Masquerades of Aniedo on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151 and GOtvSupa+ ch 12) on October 2.

The series is directed by the talented Femi Ogunsanwo and stars, Uzor Arukwe, Chukwu Martins, Adekunle ‘Abounce’ Fawole, Ikponwosa Gold, Uche Nwoko, Imoh Eboh, Mofehintola Jebutu among others. The original Africa Magic series will broadcast Mondays to Fridays at 8pm. Speaking on the premiere of Masquer-

ades of Aniedo, the Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice West Africa, Dr. Busola Tejumola stated that Masquerade of Aniedo is a contemporary epic series which promises topnotch entertainment for the viewers on DStv and GOtv with a rich portrayal of culture and quality acting.

“Africa Magic continues to deepen our collective connection with our history and culture through great storytelling. We are excited to show these to our customers on DStv and also, our new audience on the GOtv Supa+ package, who have the

opportunity to experience more entertaining local content. The series promises to be didactic and entertaining” she added.

Dr Tejumola also disclosed that DStv Compact and GOtv Supa+ customers currently have an open window access to Africa Magic Showcase as part of the Africa Magic 20th anniversary celebrations Masquerades of Aniedo captures a searing story of revenge by a man who is unfairly disgraced by the community while asking for the hand of his love in marriage. He

vows to become the revered Masquerade, an ambition that unwittingly turns the peaceful state of Ofuobi to a chaotic community. With ambition blinding him, Muna’s journey becomes a rollercoaster of twists and turns, where the pursuit of status and justice collide in unexpected ways

Stay connected or upgrade to DStv Compact and higher packages or GOtv Supa+ to enjoy this new series and more entertaining local content, simply recon- nect by downloading the MyDStv app or MyGOtv app or dial the shortcode *288# to reconnect.

Glo Unveils Chike, Ashake, Kizz Daniel as Ambassadors

revealed.

Leading telecommunication company, Globacom, has named three stars of the Nigerian music industry as brand ambassadors. At an impres- sive and colourful ceremony held yesterday September, 29, 2023, at the company’s corporate headquarters, Mike Adenuga Towers, Lagos, the three music stars - Ashake, Kizz Daniel and Chike formally put pen to paper as brand icons of Globacom.

The total digital solutions provider, which recently marked 20 years of operation in the country, said it “is celebrating it with the appointment of these new ambassadors to project the power of youth and enterprise and how much they can achieve with the right focus, passion and dedication that can come from seeing others who have succeeded.”

“This is more important in an era where positive heroes and mentors are scarce and hard to come by. The intention is not just to promote the growth of music, Nollywood and sports where we have been very prominent, but also to encourage

our teeming youths to aspire toward realizing their dreams by looking up to these ambassadors as mentors,” it added.

Truly, the brand has since inception supported more celebrities in all spheres of entertainment than any

other company in the country. Be it in comedy, music, and in Nol- lywood. The engagement of these three ambassadors “is meant to project the best Nigerians as models for younger people who are tirelessly aspiring to succeed,” Globacom

While noting that the unveiling of these three stars as further the empowerment of Nigerians and the development of the Nigerian entertainment industry, Globacom pledged to continue to promote the sector as it held great prospects to promote Nigeria to the world and also transforming lives.

The artistes expressed excitement speaking on their endorsement. Chike said the endorsement marks a day of celebration as it stands out among the lot that has been part of his musical journey. “That I get to represent a brand I grew up watching makes me super excited. It feels like progress. I’m honoured that I get to represent Glo.”

For Asake, it’s a dream come through having seen Glo over the years celebrating stars on billboards. “I want to say thank you so much Glo for making me part of this brand. This actually means a lot to me, to my family too, so thank you so much for making me part of the family.” Kizz Daniel said “I have always wanted to be brand ambas- sador for Glo before now. I’m happy and glad this is happening now.”

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Chike, Asake and Kizz Daniel at the unveiling ceremony

Nworah

L-R: Secretary of Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON) and former Managing Director of ABC Transport Plc, Mr. Frank Nneji; Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali; Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani; and the President of ALBON, and Managing Director of Izu Chukwu Transport, Mr. Nonso Ubajaka, during a visit of the ALBON executive members to the minister in Abuja… recently

Long Distance Luxury Bus Owners Seek to Benefit from N100bn CNG Bus Fund

Long distance road transport owners and operators across the country have made a case for members’ inclusion among billion to be invested by the federal government in the roll-out of compressed natural gas (CNG)

They made the submission recently under the aegis of the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON) when the members of the executive paid a visit to the Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali

The ALBON executive was led to the

to congratulate the minister on his recent apOther ALBON executive members that met

members that run long distance passenger transportation in the country be favourably billion mass transit programme - an initiative of the present administration aimed at procuring buses that run on auto gas.

The executive members further appealed to the minister that in whatever form the whether by way of allocation of the CNG buses or grant of soft loans, that ALBON members who operate long distance mass transit buses,

The visitors also urged the ministry not to focus only on intra-city mass transit, but to also accommodate long distance transporters whio incur higher costs and face more challenges in their daily operations across the country.

Welcoming the delegation, the Minister of Transportation,Senator Alkali, lauded the important roles the ALBON members have been playing in the road transport industry in the country and the economy generally.

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Symptoms of Freon Leak in Car, Causes, Risks

Have you ever experienced warm air blowing from your car’s air conditioner on a hot day, or noticed a strange noise and smell coming from the vents? These could be signs of a freon leak in your car’s air conditioning system.

Freon is a non-combustible gas that is used as a refrigerant in your car’s AC system which is responsible for cooling, and a leak can cause warm air, damage to other AC components, and even health risks.

In this article, we’ll know the symptoms of a freon leak in a car, as well as the causes, risks, and solutions

Symptoms of Freon Leak in Car

Warm air blowing from the AC: If the air blowing from your car’s AC system is warm, it could be a sign of a freon leak. This happens because freon is responsible for cooling the air before it’s blown into the car’s cabin. If there’s not enough freon in the system, the air won’t be cooled properly.

Low Airflow: If there is low airflow from the AC vents, then it happens because of the low quantity of freon and causes the AC compressor to work harder than usual, leading to reduced airflow and low cooling.

Unusual Noises: If you hear unusual noises coming from the AC system, such as a bubbling sound, it could be a sign of a freon leakage. This happens because the freon escapes from the system and makes these noises.

Unpleasant Smell: If you smell a bad or unpleasant smell coming from the AC vents, it could be a sign of a freon leak. This happens because the freon leak can cause moisture to build up in the AC system, leading to mold and mildew growth that causes these odors.

Earlier while receiving the ALBON team in disclosed that upon the receipt of their let-

them to a meeting to discuss the issue further. This, she explained, was with a view to knowing other areas ALBON as an organisation could collaborate with the ministry to make the road transport industry better.

The transport owners had in response thankeding that ALBON is a leading organisation in the road transport industry that has been in It was formerly called LUBAN, later NLBOA, were the Director of Road & Mass Transit

Moisture or Oil Residue Around The AC Components: If you notice the presence of moisture or oil spots around the AC system components, then there is a high probability of freon leakage.

Ice Buildup on the Evaporator: Finally, if you notice ice buildup on the evaporator or refrigerant lines, it could be a sign of a freon leak. This happens because the low levels of freon cause the evaporator to freeze, leading to ice buildup.

Causes of Freon Leak in Car

There are several reasons why a freon leak might occur in a car’s AC system, including:

Age and wear and tear on AC system components: Over time, the components of the AC system can become worn and damaged, leading to freon leaks.

Damage or corrosion to AC components: Damage or corrosion to the AC system components, such as the AC compressor, refrigerant lines, stuck clutch, etc can cause freon leaks.

the Executive Secretary, Ralph Eke.

The bus owners requested that the association’s

Responding to the road transporters’ request, Senator Alkali promised he would discuss with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation ( SGF) on the issue raised and revert to them.

The ALBON executive further recalled that had announced in a broadcast the provision and help in reducing transport costs for both the transporters and the masses.

Coscharis Motors Partners Banana Island Community on Multicultural Festival

The leading automobile franchises dealer in Nigeria, Coscharis Motors, is co-sponsoring this year’s Banana Island Multicultural Festival themed: A New Season, scheduled for of bringing together the diverse families and friends within the Banana Island Community and beyond.

According to Abiona Babarinde, the General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis is to strategically provide customers and prospects an opportunity to see and feel the entire brand portfolio of Coscharis Motors, which includes Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, Ford, Renault and comfort zone.

He reiterated Coscharis commitment to this annual event given the high profile residents, customer patronage plus loyalty that Coscharis had of the community. In his words, “this is another way Coscharis delivers value for its customers by practically bringing our showrooms to their doorsteps. For this event, we will be showcasing our robust automobile iconic brands that are globally respected a week before and after the one day Festival to the delight of residents and their guest alike”. Hence, to co-commemorate a myriad of complementary packages discount on service and other Abro automobile – household care products such as insecticides, air-fresheners, carb & choke and tapes. Every visitor gets BMW at

Improper installation: If the AC system is not installed or maintained properly, it can cause freon leaks.

Environmental factors: Environmental factors, such as extreme temperatures or humidity, can also cause freon leaks in the AC system.

Risks of Freon Leak in a Car

A freon leak in a car’s AC system can lead to several risks and consequences, including: Reduced AC performance and increased fuel consumption: A freon leak can cause the AC system to work harder than usual, leading to reduced performance and increased fuel consumption.

Damage to other AC system components: A freon leak can cause damage to the AC system components, such as the AC compressor, Condenser, refrigerant lines, etc, which can be costly to repair or replace.

Environmental Impact: Freon is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) gas that can have a negative impact on the environment, including contributing to ozone depletion.

Health Risks: Freon can also pose health risks to humans if it is inhaled, including dizziness, headaches, and nausea.

How To Prevent Freon Leak in Car?

If you suspect that your car’s AC system has a freon leak, it’s important to have it diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic. Depending on the severity of the leak, the mechanic may recommend one of the following solutions:

(Source:AUTOMOVILL)

Banana Island community multicultural festival in 2022

AUTO WORLD

Isuzu President Visits Koncept Autos, Says Nigerian Economy Can Do 40,000 Trucks Yearly

President of Isuzu Motors

Mansoor Ahmed could produce 40,000 trucks annually if its huge population combined neatly with a potentially booming economy.

Ahmed stated this in Lagos during a visit of the Isuzu executives’ team to the brand’s representative in Nigeria, Koncept Autocentre Limited, a Kewalram Chanrai group company on Thursday.

enormous. It is a country with enormous resources, natural and human. It is blessed with oil and has a basket of multiple products in terms of what it has to export.

“Its huge population is also an advantage with the ensuing demographic dividend. Economic growth is based on population and consumption on the demand side. The country has a connected aspiring and entrepreneurial young population, a clear demographic advantage.” well in the light and medium duty truck segments in Nigeria, Ahmed said there was room for expansion and it could feed other nations in West Africa.

Africa and it should be steering and leading

stimulate the industry? Truck is not easy 10,000 parts. There is the OEMs (Original are Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3. for large investments. But with 200 million people and the economy starting to boom, it should be doing about 40,000 trucks, looking at what India is doing.”

support for local automakers and other investors in the automobile sector to stimulate economic growth.

According to him, automobiles play a vital role in the industrial development creation for the teeming and aspiring youth population.

For Nigeria to play well under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, he stressed that auto component tier 1, 2 and 3 producers should be encouraged to set up factories to produce various components like tyres, batteries, suspension and trims to get the required 30 per cent local content for auto assemblers to feed other West African nations.

Dana Motors Introduces CNG-Powered Vehicles, in Nigeria

ana Motors Limited, the exclusive distributor of Kia in Nigeria, is on a mission to transform transportation in Nigeria.

In response to rising fuel costs and increasing is thrilled to announce plans to bring Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles to the Nigerian market. commitment to innovation and sustainability in Nigeria’s automotive sector, addressing the

Motors Limited is now set to introduce vehicles.

Francis Ogboro,

Vice Chairman of the

The Obsessed Driver

I call them the two musketeers, plus one. All three musketeers are male. Incidentally, they are all blacks. Two are English while one is New Zealand. All three are sports celebrities. The two Englishmen once played for the same club in the Premiership. One still does.

While two are footballers, the third is a Nigerian born New Zealand celebrity. Today they are not making the headlines because of their craft in an unfortunate incident. I really wish the two after we gunned them at the Emirates.

Let me start with the one nicknamed, the last style bender. I am talking about 35-year old Israel Adesanya. The Nigeria born New Zealand mixed martial artist and kick boxer. As a Nigerian, I love in him when he emerges triumphant. it happened when Sean Strickland upset Israel a unanimous decision. Although I am not that freaky about boxing unlike football, his stage legend, Mohammed Ali and that brutality of Mike Tyson, another heavyweight boxing legend. Till date, I haven’t found the courage to watch the Now before you mistake me for doing an oriki on Israel, sorry to disappoint you as I am really concerned with Israel’s recent news headlines following his breath test failure in August, 2023. I am humbled by his plea of guilty for drunk

SAFE DRIVING with

driving in his home country. I hear he also regretted his actions for which he has apologised as he was quoted as saying, “I am disappointed with my decision to drive. It was wrong. I know that people might follow me and I want them to know I do not think this behaviour is acceptable.”

The incident took place on August 19 when he was pulled over and found with 87 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood in his system. The legal limit in New Zealand is 50 milligrams.

says he will be back in court on January 10, 2024

The second musketeer is 30-year old Jesse Lingard, the former Man United star who terrorised the PremierEuropa League, FA Cup, FA Community Shield and EFL Cup. Like Adesanya, he also apologised as he admitted to drink driving in his £200k Lamborghini.

micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, more than twice over the permissible 35 micrograms.

collided with a 74-year old woman’s car at midnight after he left the training ground after returning the scene but was given the green light to leave without any further action being taken.

a bottle too many and the other for being involved in a road crash. For Israel, what happened to him could have happened to any other sportsperson, their conduct or incident but the role of policing, especially in our clime in addressing infractions irrespective of status. This I believe should provide Safety enforcement as my searchlight focuses on the obsession called drinking and driving and the right mitigation.

Sometime last year, I shared a sad story of a end of Christmas celebration. The young man, according to a tweet, took a bottle too many and

The sad crash and death reminded me of some conference on drink driving. I was privileged to be

eco-friendly, and budget-friendly automotive solutions. Introducing CNG-powered vehicles perfectly aligns with our vision to improve the quality of life for all Nigerians while addressing the rising cost of vehicle ownership.”

potential of CNG vehicles to transform public transportation, we are dedicated accessible. Through this initiative, we aim to enhance the overall quality of life for Nigerians.”

The impending launch of CNG-powered to reduce emissions, promote sustainability, the Nigerian automotive industry, forging for all.

one of the over 300 participants and discussants at the conference to reduce harmful drinking. It was an initiative of the International Centre for United States of America.

collaboration of initiatives dedicated to help reduce

address harmful drinking through a combination of global and local actions with an emphasis on low and middle income countries such as Nigeria where they are working in collaboration with the Federal These leading producers of beer, wine and spirits took on a new commitment that built on their long checking under-age drinking, strengthening and expanding marketing codes of practice, providing consumer information and responsible product innovation, as well as reducing drink-driving in addition to enlisting the support of retailers to reduce harmful drinking.

estimate of crashes caused by drink-driving vary from country to country, one point is clear, it is a leading contributor. I have chosen to discuss these initiatives in view of rising cases of drink driving as we move into the tick of increased motorisation breathalysers to check drink-driving.

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

L-R: Vice President/Sales Head for Sub-Saharan Africa for Izuzu Motors, Geoffrey Mulandi; President of Isuzu Motors International, Mansoor Ahmed; Managing Director, Kewalram Chanrai Auto/Transport Vertical, Anil Sahgal; and Izuzu Country Head, Nigeria, Jijo Thomas, during the Izuzu team’s visit to Kewalram in Lagos… recently

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen

Sunday Babalola

Tinubu, Governors Should Alleviate Hardship of Nigerians

Engineer Sunday Adebayo Babalola was governorship aspirant in Kwara State during the 2023 elections. He is a retired Director of the now-defunct Department of Petroleum Resources, (DPR) and a former acting Managing Director of Belemaoil Nigeria Limited. In this interview with THISDAY, Babalola shares his opinion on the challenges confronting Nigeria, his state (Kwara) and proposes solutions

Inflation is galloping, with many Nigerians struggling for survival. There is hunger the land. What should the federal government under President Bola Ahmed and the state governors do to alleviate this suffering?

It is the constitutional responsibility of the government to ensure the welfare and security of the citizens. They are sitting in their offices and should have more facts than I have. So, the facts they have should be able to help them take the right position. But from my vintage position, as a citizen of Nigeria, and with what I have seen around, I think, they should implement policies and programmes that will alleviate the hardship many people are going through. Honestly, things are tough in this country right now. Efforts should be geared towards boosting the economy and improving productivity, employment generation and creating a good environment for businesses to thrive.

The government in addressing the economic challenges of the people should not start by giving people fish. That is not the solution. They should teach people how to fish. Palliative here and there, N5 billion promised to state governments, N2 billion released, bags of rice and the rest. Are they really effective strategies? How long will they eat the bags of rice? Are we going to continue giving them bags of rice? How will bags of rice solve the transportation problem? How do they solve payment of school fees?

The government should sit down and design very pragmatic programmes based on the facts before them. They have the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Federal Ministry of Finance where I think there are professionals who can give good advice. They have the Ministry of National Planning. They have a lot of educated people including professors who could give sound advice. This was where the late Dr. Obafemi Awolowo was better than all of them because he used the people and asked them what do we do? This is what is on the ground, how do we do it? They had to sit down and do it.

I do not think giving palliatives and distributing money is the answer. I think they can create an environment where people can do business and where businesses can grow and create employment.

Successive governments claimed to have implemented programmes that should have alleviated poverty and transformed the national economy. So what happened?...

Since 1999 when this fourth republic started, many of the governments have failed the people, in my state, Kwara particularly. The money they expended is massive. They spent the money on things that did not benefit the citizens. There is no infrastructure, no good business environment, no good educational policies, in fact, in nothing. The government has failed. If the government had not failed the people, we would not be doing what we are doing again today.

What about infrastructure in your state? Hasn’t the government performed?

There is no infrastructure. The government has failed us in every way in my state since 1999.

But what Kwarans doing about it?

Everybody runs to the people in government in order for to get crumbs that would come to their table from the politicians instead of fighting the system. All they are doing is fighting for their belly, and fighting for what they can get in order for them to survive.

So, what should people do?

They should not vote on sentiments or party lines again. They should vote for competence. They should vote for those that can perform. They should not vote because they gave them money. They should look at what the candidates are telling them. When those politicians make promises that they would do this road and do that, ask them a simple question

of how they will get the funds for the projects. Ask them intelligent questions, evaluate him or her and see whether they can deliver before you vote for him or her. As long as we keep voting on religious, ethnic or tribal lines, we will not get results. Citizens should also come out and challenge them if they are not working. You promised to do this, you are not doing it or so much money has come into the coffers of the government, what did you do with it? Citizens should know how much has come into the government’s coffers. They should not just fold their hands.

One of the things that kill us in Africa, especially in Nigeria, is the belief in destiny. We so much believe that it is their destiny to be there and we are not ready to challenge them even when they are doing wrong. Citizens should ask questions. They should challenge people in government. Citizens should fight for their rights. They read budgets every year, and nobody goes on to say this is what they read. Let us do a comparison of what they read and what they have achieved. If they have not achieved, why have they not achieved it? An analysis of whatever budget they read should be made first. Is this a good budget? Is this what we need?

In a situation where people feel that their votes do not count, the election is just a mere formality and they have a lack of confidence in the electoral system and the electoral body. What happens?

The lack of confidence in the electoral system is

actually the fault of the people. Because their votes should count. They should stay with their votes and make sure they are counted and recorded accurately. The laws are there: You stay there, make sure you are counted and take your figure, and write it down. This is my figure and this is what they counted. The Electoral Act or guidelines did not say once you vote, go home. Electorate should stay with their votes, and make sure they are counted. When INEC officials compile the votes, the votes should be checked very well to ensure that the recorded figures tally with the actual votes. You do not need to go to another person’s side. If we all do that, things will be better. Why did the Option A4 work? It was because everybody stood there and was counted. It was not a secret ballot. But that was not what made it to work. You could still have counted people and reported something else. People stayed there for the result to be announced and they took the results home. There were no phones then. But Things worked and people jubilated. The people they are using to defraud the electoral system are also citizens of Nigeria. Why are they doing that? Because of what they will eat.

Worldwide, the things that people will eat always take precedence over the things that are right because they first consider their belly.

There are allegations that thugs and even security agencies were used to flush people out, including some party agents of the oppositions, What then should people do in a situation like this?

I am sure if there is resistance, it will not go their way. People who are carrying guns are human beings too. It will be a negotiation. Somebody should get the leadership and talk to them not to do that. That this is our country, if you get the wrong person, everybody will suffer it. In many places, security officials want to do the right thing. And if they have resistance from the people, for some that may want to err, they will say well, ‘we cannot shoot them.’ I am convinced that security officials are not just robots, obeying orders. They want to do the right thing. It is what a friend of mine called the principles of dilution. When you leave it for them because everybody is bad, then they continue to do whatever they want because they are bad. If you say every politician is bad, then they continue to do whatever they want because they are bad, but when you inject in them one good person, that good person may not be getting the desired result but he will be making some marks. Then another good person joins because he saw another good person. Before you know it, they will have a block that can speak and that can challenge and that can insist.

So, if we have a few good elected people in the legislature, it will start changing things. They will start questioning the people in the executive arm and gradually, it may not be immediate. The problem of the country today is the people. It is not all about the politicians. What we have in the country today, are many professional politicians. They have no

other jobs. Once they are not in politics, they are a failure totally.

Why are you still investing in the scholarships through Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Foundation, BBBF?

I thought about it. What am I doing this for? But when you look at it, the government at all levels have failed us. If the state government, sincerely, has been able to fulfil its obligations to its citizens, there will be no need for this. We would have channeled our resources and energies to something else. But we have to do this because there are a lot of indigent, good and brilliant students and pupils that have problems paying even for menial things such WAEC fees, NECO fees, and their final exams. So, my wife and I thought that we should help such students.There are brilliant students and pupils in lower schools too that probably will withdraw because government is not doing its part. We hear billions of naira that are rolling in but we do not see anything in the direction of education, or in the direction of infrastructure or creating a very good and enduring business environment. When you listen to the mass media, all you see are praises for the government, whereas there are things that should clearly be done by the government that are not being done even though we hear and read billions that are being expended.

It is very sad. How much does it take to do these things? Or to get all students and pupils going to school and give them conducive study environment? Unfortunately, nationwide, we have a very serious issue there. The politicians are not helping. They are just spending the money and travelling all over the world.

The followership is not helping too. When you look at it, they do not complain. They all succumb to the politicians and praise them just for the crumbs to fall from the politicians’ tables to them.

We started the scholarship in a small way just for our town, (Omu-Aran) alone. We then expanded it to the Local Government, (Irepodun) and we have now extended it to the Federal Constituency and now we are covering about 70-75% of the senatorial district. And we have been increasing it, we started with N2 million when money was money. We increased it to N10 million last year and for this year to N15 million. What that will cover depends on how much they will be giving to the senior, junior secondary school and the tertiary institutions. Things are very expensive now. The N15m is to be used directly for the scholarship. This excludes the expenditure and logistics for the organisations.

When Babalola Foundation was doing health outreach in Kwara, the state government started its own. Government should not be doing health outreach. It should make healthcare services available to everybody. The health outreach we are doing is because healthcare services are not accessible to people. The scholarship we are doing is because many people can’t afford to pay school fees, which is small to many people who are rich. But to the beneficiaries, it is big money. This is the reason we are doing the scholarship. I wish the government would do its part and we would not need or have a need to do this scholarship so that we can channel our resources to other pro-people or masses welfare concerns.

What about the general governance in Kwara State?

If education is poor or poorly done, you can imagine that it will have a ripple effect on every other thing. If you do not know how to do one thing, you do not know how to do many things. Governance is not good in Kwara. It is a big surprise that they are the ones now Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum and Chairman of Speakers. I just laugh! It is very funny to me. Those people should not be raising their heads anywhere in the comity of human beings. Governance in the state is very poor. There is no reason even for us to debate it. Nothing good is happening!

Babalola

When those politicians make promises that they would do this road and do that, ask them a simple question of how they will get the funds for the projects. Ask them intelligent questions, evaluate him or her and see whether they can deliver before you vote for him or her. As long as we keep voting on religious, ethnic or tribal lines, we will not get results. Citizens should also come out and challenge them if they are not working. You promised to do this, you are not doing it or so much money has come into the coffers of the government, what did you do with it?

Neo Akpofure

I have Always been Fashionable from Childhood

Neo Akpofure is an actor, event host, model, and lifestyle influencer. He rose to fame after emerging in the top 5 finalist of the 2020 Big Brother Naija TV show. It was then no surprise that he was selected for the recent All-Star edition of the popular reality show where he almost made it to the finals. Neo speaks to Ferdinand Ekechukwu about acting, plans in Nollywood and other ventures

Could you share how you ventured into acting and what it’s been like working with Inkblot Productions and the couple of movies you have featured?

Before 2020, professional acting was a new territory for me, but I’ve always been drawn to creative challenges. Venturing into acting was an adventure; a fresh, creative avenue I was eager to explore. I had done a few short films and another production yet to be released before the opportunity to work with Inkblot Productions came. Working with Inkblot did not just help me grow professionally; it has also expanded my horizons to grow as an individual. Being on “Palava” and “A Weekend to Forget” was a thrilling experience. Just getting to witness their professionalism firsthand and dedication to work ethics made it an enriching journey and a great learning curve for me.

‘Palava’ allowed me to work with legends like Richard Mofe Damijo. It helped me stretch my acting potential, while the latest thriller, “A Weekend to Forget” allowed me to delve into a different character that people have never seen before. I am excited that people get to see my character BEM in the movie which just arrived cinemas September.

Are there any plans or aspirations to fully move into the movie industry?

Absolutely! My experiences with Inkblot Productions have solidified my passion for acting. The dynamic nature of Nollywood industry and ability to tell diverse stories resonates with me. While I’m deeply committed to my various roles as an actor, event host, model, and influencer, I do envision a more substantial presence in Nollywood. I’m excited about the potential to contribute my creativity and energy to the industry in the future.

You have this energetic personality that often reflects in you, your acts... Why is that so?

For me, it’s about spreading positivity and sparking enthusiasm. Life is too short to approach things half-heartedly. I’ve always believed energy can be infectious and inspire others to seize the moment. I am convinced that embracing life wholeheartedly is vital. My energy has the power to be contagious, motivating others to fully embrace the present. Whether on the stage hosting an event, creating one of my skating or treadmill videos, cooking, or fashion, etcetera, knowing that my spirit can uplift people and brighten their day is incredibly rewarding. It’s this sense of purpose, the ability to impact lives joyfully, that fuels my determination to bring an electrifying vibe to everything I do.

How would you describe your style, and what inspired you to become a fashion and lifestyle influencer?

My style is an expression of my personality –bold, energetic, and unapologetically unique. It’s a fusion of classic and contemporary elements designed to make statement. While my mum tells me I have always been fashionable from childhood, I believe my main fashion journey began with the realization that style is a powerful form of self-expression. I wanted to inspire others to confidently embrace their individuality through their clothing choices. The positive feedback from people about my outfits and the impact it had on their confidence fueled my desire to not just become a fashion and lifestyle influencer but to leverage it as a message for people of all ages to embrace their own creativity and uniqueness. I look forward to doing so much

unapologetically

with fashion and encourage everyone to stay connected as it unfolds.

You are associated with various brands from different industries. What core values or personal beliefs keep you grounded and focused?

Authenticity and determination are at the core of everything I do. Remaining true to myself and my passion keeps me connected to my roots. My unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous self-improvement drives me to excel in each endeavor. Brands and their audiences want to see who you are and how it connects with what is relevant to them, and once you can bring that into the things you do, it will resonate. Regardless of whom you are working with. I believe that with hard work, dedication, and a positive mindset, I can contribute positively to every sphere I’m part of. This conviction serves as my guiding compass, steering me through the diverse paths I explore. There are some things I am working on that I cannot discuss just yet. But I know that with God and grace on my side, this is only just the beginning.

My style is an expression of my personality – bold, energetic, and

unique. It’s a fusion of classic and contemporary elements designed to make statement. While my mum tells me I have always been fashionable from childhood, I believe my main fashion journey began with the realization that style is a powerful form of selfexpression. I wanted to inspire others to their individuality through their clothing choices

13

POLITY G

Budding Businesses Receive GET Compass Awards to Catalyse Start-ups

rooming Endowment Trust (GET) has awarded 13 promising entrepreneurs GET Compass Award grants, providing them with a vital stepping stone to initiate their businesses.

The GET Compass programme, a flagship initiative of Grooming Centre, is dedicated to fostering Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) that offer products and services vital to community well-being and economic growth. This comprehensive programme includes bespoke training and mentorship events designed to equip these emerging businesses for success.

According to the Centre, amidst stiff competition, 13 exceptional entrepreneurs who were selected from hundreds of applications to join the esteemed programme, were honoured during an award ceremony held recently at the Centre in Research in Enterprise and Action in Management (CREM) office in Lagos.

At the ceremony which was graced by members of the board of trustees of the centre and some prominent industry figures, five standout business owners, namely Tipping Recycle, Replast Engineering, Smoothies Bargains and Shakes, Craft Planet and Makizi Blossoms and Enterprises

were presented with N2 million each.

The grant funding is to empower them in kick-starting their ventures, while all other participants were granted N250,000 each to support their entrepreneurial journeys.

Speaking on the profound impact GET Compass has had on its alumni since its inception, the Chief Executive Officer of Grooming Centre, Dr. Godwin Nwabunka encouraged all participants to cultivate a winner’s mindset, highlighting that success transcends financial rewards.

Nwabunka stated, “Grooming Endowment Trust began with a humble team, and today we have staff members across the nation. Our journey commenced modestly, yet with a resolute mission. While we received a multitude of applications, we are thrilled to welcome these entrepreneurs into the GET family. We eagerly anticipate sharing their progress with the world.”

The award recipients expressed their enthusiasm, networked with fellow business professionals, and reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing and expanding their businesses with the support and resources offered.

The Grooming Endowment Trust (GET) was established by Grooming Centre to provide funding for an array of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) related initiatives.

Incorporated in August 2020, the Trust offers grants and

investments in the areas of education and capacity building, healthcare, enterprise and community development, venture formation, and humanitarian relief. The governance and operational mechanisms for the Trust have been established, with activities commencing in the first quarter of 2021.

St. Dominic Yaba Catholic Charismatic Renewal Golden Jubilee

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

An atmosphere of praise and worship permeated the premises of St. Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba Lagos, on a recent Sunday as activities marking the Golden Jubilee celebration of the church Catholic Charismatic Renewal (Upper Room Community) reached its peak with a thanksgiving/jubilee mass.

It was indeed a joyful celebration, bringing to an end the 10-day programme on September 3, 2023. A major highlight of the thanksgiving mass led by the Archbishop of Lagos, Rev. Father Adewale Martins was the unveiling of the Grotto built by the St. Dominic CCR in reverence of the Holy Spirit.

The jubilee celebration of the Upper Room Community commenced on August 25, 2023. Alongside a symposium, it featured praise night and lighting of jubilee candle, among other activities. It also witnessed a family fellowship and reunion

involving husbands, wives, and children of members of the CCR. The activities of the anniversary also included leadership training by Rev. Father Anthony Nnaji all the way from Upper Room Community in Enugu State. Fr. Nnaji has been a Charismatic and

has trained Charismatics over the years. He used the occasion to train all the members of CCR in Lagos Archdiocese. There was a vocation day which offered brief words of exultation on vocation and how to be youthful and then joyful. The target was the youth and teens and the session witnessed a large number of youths from the parish. A number of Rev. Fathers and Sisters who passed through the community were available to share their personal experience. It availed many people counseling opportunities with the Rev. Fathers and Sisters. The CCR jubilee event which had as its theme, “50 years of Catholic Charismatic Renewal: The Way Forward”, was graced by bishops from other Catholic Archdiocese. It was a symposium which was targeted at 50yrs of CCR and the way forward.

“It was to set up a roadmap on the stand of CCR. It was a national programme. And there was a resolution on what to do,” a member of the organizing committee stated. In his keynote adress, Rev. Msgr. Paschal Nwaezeapu said the CCR had made enormous contributions in the Church in Nigeria in the last 50 years of its existence.

L-R: Afrobeats icon, Femi Kuti; Member, Felabration Organising Committee, Femi Odebunmi; Head, Felabration Organising Committee, Yeni Kuti; Managing Partners at The Plug, Tobi Mohammed. and Asa Asika, with the Head of Productions, Ma’on Communications and Manager, Felabration Organising Committee, Tosin Akinbami, at The Plug’s Felabration partnership agreement meeting with the Felabration Organizing Committee in Lagos... recently.

L-R: Pro-Chancellor, Osun State University, Prof. Wale Oladipo; Chancellor, Osun State University, Apostle (Dr.) Folorunso Alakija; Pioneer Vice Chancellor, Osun State University, Prof. Sola Akinrinade and Vice-Chancellor, Osun State University, Odunayo Clement Adebooye during the 12th and 13th Convocation Ceremonies of the Osun State University, Osogbo….. yesterday

L-R, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Micheal Ade Ojo; The Olowa of Igbara Oke Kingdom, HRM, Oba Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede; Wife of the Celebrant Dr. Taiwo Adejuwon; and the Celebrant /former Minister of State for Agriculture and Natural resources, Dr. Franklin Adejuwon, at the 80th birthday Anniversary Dinner of in Lagos …yesterday

L-R: Director Budget and Treasury ECOWAS, Molokwu Azikiwe; Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Access Bank, Hadiza Ambursa; Commissioner Internal Services, ECOWAS, Nazifi Abdulahi Darma; and Director, Admin and General Services, ECOWAS, Seydou Bangoura during the unveiling of Access Cash Center at ECOWAS commission in Abuja …yesterday.

Archbishop Alfred Adewale blessing the Grotto in commemoration of the golden jubilee

A winner of the GET entrepreneurs’ grant - Smoothy Bargain - receiving her cheque from Dr. Nwabunka (right) in Lagos

Error of Attraction

THE PUNCH Front Page and Editorial of September 11

welcome us today: “Boy, nine, becomes Nigeria’s youngest Microsoft certified professional” ‘The most widely read newspaper’: Microsoft-certified professional

“We question the continued relevance of the non-performing Federal Roads Maintenance Agency which has failed woefully (abysmally) to justify its existence since it was created 11 years ago.”

From MULTICHOICE Nigeria comes this anniversary slip: “10 couples will win an all-expense paid trip to….” Ideas: an all-expenses-paid trip

Daily Independent Online of September

10 consisted of many slip-ups: “…the Middle region, comprising of present day (present-day) Benue, Kogi, Plateau, Nasarawa and Kwara states.” Delete ‘of’!

“Resident doctors’ strike unnecessary, says FG…action continues, says (sic) doctors” Is there no other word or form of attribution except ‘say’?

“Few (A few) months ago….”

“Aba has immense potentials (potential or potentialities) for industrialization….”

Next is Daily Trust of September 12l: “But the way the country’s economy and politics are being handled make (makes) the citizens disbelieve the government.”

“Diplomat calls for varsities, companies collaboration” Get it right: companies’ collaboration

“We promise good result, Eagles’ coach assures” Who did he assure?

“New league season kicks-off (kicks off) Nov 22”

“…but making it happen through effective implementation is key with regards (regard)

to access and affordability to all.”

“FinaTrust mfb customers experience raises hope for enterpreneurs” Brands & Marketing: customers’ experience and entrepreneurs “Tinubu kicks off strike prevention (strike-prevention) programme”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY of September 17 indulged in language demolition: “Crash: Identification of victims’ relatives begin (begins)” This is a common error of attraction—not yet proximity!

“False prophecies bane of Nigeria’s problems—Akpabio” ‘Bane of problems’? Impossible! A rewrite: False prophecies bane of Nigeria”

“Sir, in this precious moment of your Birthday (sic) anniversary….” ‘Birthday’ and ‘anniversary’ cannot co-function.

“Top shots eulogise Obey at concert… recount artiste’s heydays (heyday)”

Still on THE NATION ON SUNDAY: “… why churches need administrators and sundry issue (issues)”

“He said APGA could not afford to loose (lose) the election….”

“Arrest operators of baby factories in Anambra, Soludo’s wife tell (how?) police”

“Godswill Akpabio tees-off (tees off) Nigeria Cup’s final”

From the front and inside pages of THISDAY of September 5 come the following infractions: “…as the remains of former governor of the state was (were) buried after a solemn ceremony (would it have been non-serious and happy?) at St. Paul (Paul’s) Anglican Church.” Funerals should be solemn events with all the sobriety possible.

“…aircraft conveying the remains of the former governor to Ondo State for burial crashed few (a few) minutes after

take-off in Lagos….”

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER, of September 17 joins the fray today: “What he therefore failed to appreciate is that decisions like this put to question….” Sunday Comment: a decision like this or decisions like these (which is appropriate here).

“…the fight against corruption should be of serious concerns (concern) to President Tinubu.”

“Low voters turn out (sic) characterized FCT council election” A rewrite: Low voter turnout characterizes FCT council election. And this: turnout (also turn-out) but never turn out (when used as a noun).

“…in view of the open declaration of (by) the supervising ministry, Ministry of Finance, to give the tribunal all the necessary backing.” Would it have given it unnecessary backing? Another perspective: in view of the…to back the tribunal.

“Sokoto APC sacks chairman for alleged anti party activities” No news: anti-party activities

“…her mission was to have a first hand (first-hand) experience of rail transportation (transport) after the federal government have (had) invested so much in turning around the real sector.”

“…artist who has made a name as a passionate bone collage specialist is that he breaths (breathes) life into bones.”

“Apart from the serenity of the envi- ronment which he said makes (made) it unique….”

“Stemming Nigeria’s overzealous spend in (on) overseas medical trips”

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“VIBRANT and robust intellectual crosspollination of ideas attended and tempered by a higher sense of maturity, nobility and humility is timely called for. Although one

Are We to Follow as the World Goes? - 2

We promised last time to dive deep into a few of our recorded shame - clips of short videos documenting the current mental and emotional, and even intellectual, status of our young folks, dubiously tagged entertainment. A thoughtful review will also indicate how they relate to one another, and how they express themselves in public… would you dare to imagine what could be going on behind the scenes?

All the following examples were published in 2023, and our first take is from 26 July, on Nons_miraj where a man of average height gives his ‘spec’: “I want my lady tall, slim, and sexy…normal, let the arse (hands demonstrating big buttocks) dey there…any colour… chocolate”. The opposite gender replies: “Actually, I’m short, so I want my man very tall, handsome, hardworking, mature…when I say mature, I mean physically mature… in character…in mindset…I don’t want any young guy. And I want a guy that can take care of me”.

On facing each other, the disappointment is instant. No wonder, he rates her three over 10 - and adds his reason: “She’s not tall, although she’s beautiful…she’s not my spec…I don’t want fat girls (hisses)... because they’re stressful… (Then he goes on to explain the ‘stress’ in a language that suggests acrobatic sexual acts would be challenging - all with a straight face): “this one fit kill me overnight”.

When she is given the chance to rate him, it is “one over zero… Actually, he’s not my spec… how can you come to a blind date with slippers…you didn’t look at yourself before coming out?” And the exchange goes southward.

“Take a look at me (she turns around for more examination)... Look at my skin…you can’t afford me… you look like one of those errand boys … like those ones that use bicycles to buy fuel (for their bosses)”.

Of course, the man will not lie low - just as caustic. Yet, after all the barrage of odious prattle, the hostess perfunctorily goes on to ask the worth of their apparel, and then…: “Is it a Yes or a No?”!

Somewhere else, on a roadside with banana plants in the background, the “blind dates” give their specs

to the sporadic Nons-miraj (6 July). She: “I love petite guy, dark-skinned, tall…”

The hostess interjects: “Petite and tall!?”

She insists: “Yes…like you’re small boy but tall… God-fearing…he should be able to take care of himself”.

And he (admittedly much older and seemingly avuncular) submits his spec: “I like her not too fat, not too thin…and she has naughty vibe. She can do the ‘Daddy…’ yes, I like that thing.”

The strange couple is a perfect set-up for defining ‘cantankerous’. The lady is svelte, in a lovely black and red long dress; while the man is in a crappy mafia-like cap, oversized grey jacket (he calls it a coat), worn over a baggy pair of pants and a black T-shirt.

Unsurprisingly, her first words on seeing him arrive with a dismissive wave of her hand: “Sorry…sorry.” The man snaps off his party-bopper white goggles, as if stunned at her looks. And she continues, amidst cheeky giggles: “He’s not what I’m expecting… what is that thing?” She points, while laughing, at his pair of well-worn grey trainers.

Our man’s retort is a dart: “Are you blind? If you’re not blind, you’ll see the quality of what I’m wearing now.” And the naughty hostess adds: “Seriously, it’s not a joke…what is this? You’re coming to a hunt game, and you’re dressed like this…”

He rebuffs both: “I don’t like someone talking to me anyhow… I came because I desire love…what I’m wearing is not anyhow dressing… See her hair… it’s even gummed…it’s not even balanced… my coat is $15,000 (to general laughter; of course, he is not laughing)... High Fashion brand… the pants $12,500… the cap, Louis Vuitton…$6,200-and-sometbing…”. The girls are now beside themselves…but he’s undaunted: “...the sunglasses, Versace 7k pounds…”. The hostess has to blurt out: “Are you really a mechanic, or you own the mechanic shop?”

“Yes, I own a mechanic shop…my shoe is emphh (indistinguishable muttering)... I don’t like the way she’s talking to me…there should be courtesy…”

But his supposed partner is unrelenting: “This is what they call Ngbeke feeling funky…and you expect me to say ‘Yes’ to you?

He comes back hard: “...is it a dog’s chain you’re putting on? You’re not even my type… I’ll not even rate her zero… how will I rate this kind of thing? Why are you turning? You don’t have back, you don’t

have front…empty barrel, making noise… This is my type (pointing at the bemused hostess oozing sexiness).”

And then the needless question: “Is it a Yes or a No”. He goes first: “God forbid! I’d rather not marry… even if I come to this earth 20 times, and still meet this Nwope, I’ll never…under my bare foot… (stamps around) I march am! Then, she counters: “C’mon, I’m above your limit…” and more expletives.

On a 14 June skit, in Abuja, the man wants a “tall, chubby, curvy and wife material”. And the lady: “fine, nice man, tall, chocolate in colour…he must have money…” The last word is well-stressed.

On sighting each other, heads start shaking. He: “She’s nothing like my spec… she’s two over 10 (rating).

And she: “He’s one over 10, please…”

He: “It’s a no-no…

She: “It’s a no…Uber official? I don’t want…

He: “Do you know how much I earn?

She: “How much is my hair? You cannot take care of me…”

He: “How much is your hair?”

She: “100k!”

Hostess: “How much do you earn?”

He: “120k” - without breaking his strides.

Hostess: “So what kind of guy do you want?”

She: “I want a sweet boy… a Yahoo boy is okay… Odogwu…”

The man smiles in awe: “I want a wife material… not a street girl…”. The noise level goes up again.

A skit by Calebnorth_official (24 August) turns violent as two strangers go up each other’s throats. But it starts calmly.

She: “He’s okay (as per her spec)... him dey ok… physically, looks, but him pocket… I don’t know if him get money…

He (stammers) tells her to turn; she does. “I like her back very well…” (unabated stammering).

She, to the host: “Why you come bring me somebody wey no sabi talk…? I no go fit…even if he get money…”

He: “I wan manage am…see what she dey talk…? You dey craze… thunder will punish your Papa…”

She: “See man wey no sabi talk they abuse me…”.

He drops his bag…to fight: “Talk again, I go slap you.”

She: “Person wey suppose beg they (para) for me.”

should not rule out occasional testy and tetchy exchanges, I implore you that they are still largely done in a manner devoid of personal brickbats and diatribes. So, our dear linguistic avatar (Ebere Wabara), let ideas exchange the fisticuffs; let ideas wrestle one another—robust intellectual contestation is the in-thing. Again, as observed earlier, most of the corrections made are hardly noticed by the people concerned. They are repeated with jarring regularity. But again, you should not be dissuaded. Some people out there are taking note. (Folorunso Babafemi/Babfranc Educational Services/ Ilesa/08133197524)”

“EBERE, please when next you publish some of your readers’ replies, exclude words like ‘witch-hunting’ and ‘upliftment’ which you have many times explained and which, I believe, should not carry ‘ing’ and ‘ment’, respectively, because their insistence on the usage of such words sets us back ages! (Elder N. E. Ijachi/ Otukpo/Benue State/08052612721)”

FINALLY, one of the readers of this column faulted my declaration of ‘very best’ as wrong, citing Longman Dictionary to buttress his assertion. I have always maintained in this column that it is not everything that is in the dictionary or other reference sources that must be swallowed dumbly. If “best” is a superlative word that achieves the peak of my application, why do I need to embellish, pad, inflect or adumbrate it? We must develop critical-mindedness and challenge some entries—that is the hallmark of scholarship and knowledge transformation. If anyone decides to remain incorrigibly gullible, blame not the gods!

fajalive1@gmail.com

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He: “Me beg…? In fact, you be Ashawo…” to which she instantly moves to deliver a high slap. He pulls off his shirt, preparing for battle. The lady goes for his throat, and like a mannequin, he falls down immediately.

Lady on top of man: “Don’t ever try call me Ashawo again…” Sad but hilarious.

How many can we capture to pass the dire message of our slide to a wildly fragmented society? And how many articles would we need? What about the familiar ‘Sugar Mummy’ called Lady B who wants to “change the life” of a much younger man, Tomiwa, if he “is well behaved and performs well”...until she finds out he has a wife and two kids. Lady B cannot stand the idea of a family-oriented gigolo, unlike her dream man, someone called Sly. She not only pays off Tomiwa for showing up, and trying to woo her with two bundles of naira cash (denomination unconfirmed)...she also doles one bundle to the anchor of the show (‘Scottlamar comedian’), encouraging him to get a better vetted and attractive ‘plaything’ for her…in the mould of Sly!

Or the girl who jumps from her “unserious” boyfriend to his uncle, both living in the same house, and no one the wiser who owns her pregnancy. Or the man who travels all the way from Malaysia for the final wedding plans with his Facebook fiancée, only to meet a disdainful girl who does not hide her amazement that her online man is much older than her (14-year difference) and “he looks as if I’m marrying my father…it cannot work!”. Or the slim guy that wants a big woman, and on meeting his spec becomes enraged for one small matter: when they are asked to hug, the big girl has the temerity to lift him up. “Why did she carry me up? I tell am make she carry me up?” And that’s the end of the ‘love game’.

Thousands of this stuff fill our daily existence, seeking to dilute the humdrum of life’s woes and trying times, as seen in the millions of followers and viewers who gobble this ‘entertaining’ morally bankrupt confetti on Facebook, Instagram, Tik-Tok, etc. A sigh.

Victor Boniface Taking Bundesliga by Storm

Averaging one goal per game since the start of the current Bundesliga campaign with Bayer Leverkusen,Victor Boniface has only failed to score on two occasions culminating in his being voted Bundesliga Player and Rookie of the Month respectively for August.The 22-year-old last Sunday, broke a 29-year-old record in the German Bundesliga for the most shots on goal after five rounds of games

Bayern Munich legend, Lothar Matthäus has said that he would have signed red-hot Nigerian striker, Victor Boniface for the Bavarians.

Boniface has been in sensational form for Bayer Leverkusen since the start of the current Bundesliga campaign, averaging at least 1 goal per game.

Across seven games in all competitions for Xabi Alonso’s side, the Super Eagles forward has only failed to score on two occasions which indicates his consistency in front of goal since the start of the season.

The 22-year-old bagged the Bundesliga Player and Rookie of the Month respectively for August which is a testament to his brilliant start to life in the German top-flight.

Matthäus has congratulated Bayer for signing the Nigeria international and disclosed that he would have signed him for Bayern Munich.

“Congratulations to Leverkusen - for the other scouting departments in the Bundesliga I say: 17 times the grade 5 that they didn’t bring this player from Belgium for this amount,” Matthäus wrote in his column Sky Germany via Spox.

“Perhaps some clubs had concerns because he had already torn his cruciate ligaments twice, “But after I saw him two or three times, I thought: ‘I’ll walk from Munich to Belgium for this player.’”

Boniface has featured in all games

involving the Black and Reds so far and has mustered 11 goal contributions.

He will have the chance to continue his impressive form when Bayern Leverkusen face Mainz O5 on matchday six of the Bundesliga today.

The Nigeria international continued his excellent start to life in Germany at the weekend to propel his side to another fine home win

Bayer Leverkusen striker, Victor Boniface had been named in the Bundesliga Team of the Week following his brilliant display against Heidenheim last Sunday.

Boniface has consistently featured in the best 11 ratings in the German top flight since he arrived at Leverkusen from Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer. The 22-year-old delivered another impressive showing for Xabi Alonso’s men at the BayerArena as they shot down newly-promoted Heidenheim. Boniface scored twice – one in each half, as the Werkself soared to a 4-1 win.

The Super Eagles forward opened the scoring for the home team in the ninth minute after he received a pass on the edge of the box before turning his marker and slotting into the net with expertise.

The former Bodo/Glimt ace then completed his brace from the penalty spot midway through the second period.

And for his troubles, Whoscored gave Boniface a 9.05 rating – the fourth best in the Bundesliga at the weekend.

In the Team of the Week, the Nigerian

forward leads the attack line alongside Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and VfB Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy.

Boniface last Sunday made history in the German Bundesliga with the most shots on goal in the league’s first five games.

In the 1994-1995 German Bundesliga season, Uwe Wegmann, who was playing for Bochum became the first player in the history of the league to register 25 shots on target in five games.

Since then, no player has been able to overtake such a feat inspite the league having witnessed some deadly attackers like Robert Lewandowski who currently plays for FC Barcelona in Spain, and Erling Haaland who currently plays for Manchester City in England.

Meanwhile, Boniface has responded to breaking a 29-year-old record in the German Bundesliga for the most s hots on goal after five rounds of games.

In his post-match comments, Boniface expressed his dissatisfaction with breaking the long-standing record, believing he could have performed even better. He was quoted as saying, “If you have 38 shots on goal as a player, you should have scored at least 25 goals. So, I don’t want to congratulate myself on that.”

Notably, Boniface has only failed to make a goal contribution for Bayer Leverkusen on one occasion this season, which occurred during their 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich on matchday four of the Bundesliga. So

far, he has scored a total of eight goals across all competitions for Leverkusen.

Meanwhile, Club Brugge coach, Ronny Deila, has admitted that he was ‘stupid’ to pass up a chance to sign Boniface during his time as Valerenga coach.

Boniface who has since enjoyed a meteoric rise in the last four years underwent trials at Valerenga and was rejected by the club when Deila was in charge.

But the 22-year-old striker joined former Norwegian giants Bodø/Glimt in 2019 and after an impressive spell at the club he moved to Belgian side Royale Union Saint Gilliose in a deal worth €6.1m.

Following an impressive debut season in Belgium, Boniface’s outstanding form saw him earn a €20m move to Bayer Leverkusen after he had scored 17 goals and 12 assists in 51 games.

Since he arrived at the club in the summer, Boniface has been on fire. His performances have been absolutely outstanding registering six goals and three assists in six appearances.

“I made a mistake once, but that had nothing to do with work ethic. Boniface was on trial with me at Valerenga,” Deila told Nieuwsblad.

“I already had a similar striker, so I didn’t really care about Boniface. He went to Bodø/Glimt afterwards. Stupid of me.”

Boniface ended his association with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer for a fee of 20 million euros.

Boniface celebrates one of his goals for Bayer Leverkusen

Late Kickstart of NPFL has Undermined Last Season’s Gain, Says Taju Disu

Kunle Adewale

Newly appointed Technical Director of the Lagos State Football Association, LASFA, Taju Disu has berated the Gbenga Elegbeleye led NPFL board for failing to kickstart the Nigeria Premier Football League on schedule saying it has lost whatever gain the league recorded last season.

“By not starting the league on time NPFL has lost all the gains it recorded during last season’s league. Those that were in charge of running the league should have cashed-in on the momentum the NPFL and most especially the Super Six generated but rather they kept on postponing the kickstart of the league and fans are beginning to lose trust on those at the helms of affairs of the NPFL board,” Disu said.

The former captain of the defunct Abiola Babes FC of Abeokuta indeed blamed the administrators of the league for the ouster of the country’s clubs representatives on the continent.

“How would our clubs not be knocked out in the first round of continental Championship when the players are match rusty because there was no league to keep them busy and in shape, unlike their opponents that are involved in the league in their home land and their players are in form and shape. Its very glaring why our two representatives in the CAF Champions League-Enyimba FC and Remo Stars crashed out in the first round. Where is the league that will prepare the clubs for such a competitive Championship.

“And until we start putting people that have passion for the game to run the league and not political appointees and stooges, early exits in the continent will the bane of our club representatives. A league that was suppose to kick off in the first week of August is now kick-starting in the

end of September, which is almost two months later than schedule, such can only happen in Nigeria,” the former Nigeria Junior international queried.

Speaking further, the captain of Lagos State in the football event of the 1981 National Sports Festival, NSF, Bendel ’81, said the only reason the league suffered postponements on three occasions was as a result of the selfish interest of the administrators.

“Instead of thinking of how to develop the league all they care for is what they would grab. That is why players are not selected for the national team from the league, so what are they playing for,” Disu expressed.

After several postponements the NPFL will kick off this weekend in several centres.

Tornadoes, Lobi to Play Home Matches Outside their States

GLOBAL SOCCER Laleye Dipo in Minna

With the National Professional Football League set to kick off this weekend the Niger State darling team, Niger Tornadoes of Minna and the Lobi Stars of Makurdi are to play their home matches away from home.

Tornadoes contrary to expectations that it will play it’s matches at the Kontagora Township Stadium will now play its home matches in Kaduna.

Lobi Stars will also travel to Lafia in Nasarawa State for it’s home matches instead of engaging it’s opponents on their home soil in Makurdi.

The NPFL was said to have given the directive after an inspection of facilities in the state capitals of the teams and their not being found suitable for the league in their present forms.

Garba Kuta, the image maker of Niger Tornadoes confirmed this in

Kano Pillars Banned from Registering New

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Kano Pillars has been banned from registering new players ahead of the season by the league organiser, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

This is because of the inability of the club to pay outstanding wages to its former goalkeeper and Super Eagles legend Bassey Akpan.

In a letter signed by the NPFL Head of Administration, Stanley Ike-Richard, sent to the Kano Pillars management and made available to sports journalists, the NPFL made it clear that given the existing ban, the club cannot sign or register new players ahead of the new season until the club pays the former player the outstanding sum of N11,800,000.00 (Eleven million, eight hundred thousand naira).

a terse statement made available to sportswriters yesterday.

Kuta said the NPFL has only given provisional approval for Kano Pillars. Bayelsa Utd, Heartland, Abia Warriors and Gombr Utd to play their matches in their resp ective state capital

Kuta in another statement quoted the Chairman of the Niger Tornadoes FC, Mr. Ibrahim Dada of charging his boys to go all out for the three maximum points when they confront the Abia Warriors this weekend

“This first match is for me, go out there and get me the maximum points and see what I can do” Kuta quotes Mr. Dada as saying.

The Clubs spokesman also said the chairman tasked the players and their officials to mai ntain discipline and portray the state in good light in all the matches they will be engaged in.

It will be recalled that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) through the Players’ Status/Arbitration Committee in a letter signed by the Secretary of the Committee, Joshua Onoja, ordered Kano Pillars to remit the outstanding sum of N11.8 million owed in arrears to their former goalkeeper Bassey Akpan within 21 days in June 2023, a decision the club is yet to comply with.

WEEK ONE FIXTURES

Remo Stars’ midfielder Segun Odegbile tries to guide the ball away from Bendel-Insurance players.during an NPFL match last season

Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool will put their unbeaten Premier League streaks on the line when they square off in this evening’s headline battle in North London. The Lilywhites took a point away from the Emirates in a 2-2 draw with bitter adversaries Arsenal last weekend, while the Reds most recently overcame Leicester City 3-1 in the EFL Cup.

Achieving a feat that none of Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho or Nuno Espirito Santo managed during their ill-fated spells in the Tottenham hotseat, Ange Postecoglou left enemy territory having navigated Tottenham to a hard-earned point against Arsenal, who twice took the lead through a Cristian Romero own goal and Bukayo Saka penalty.

Romero’s second-half handball also gifted Arsenal the early second-half penalty for Saka to convert, but his blushes were spared on both occasions by Son Heung-min, who bagged a brace from a pair of James Maddison assists to end Spurs’ three-game losing streak at the Emirates.

There was certainly an element of luck to Tottenham’s draw, as a daydreaming Jorginho was robbed of the ball by Maddison for Son’s second goal, but few could argue that Postecoglou’s men deserved at least a slice of the spoils in a typically chaotic derby, one which also saw them maintain their hot streak of scoring at least twice in every Premier League game under Postecoglou.

Only three previous Premier League managers had seen their side score twice in their first six games in charge - Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola and Craig Shakespeare - but with Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion both prevailing last weekend, Spurs have slipped from second to fourth in the rankings.

Owing to their penalty-shootout disappointment at Fulham, Tottenham did not have to concern themselves with EFL Cup matters over the past few days, but while the elongated recuperation period might do them the world of good against an in-form Liverpool, conceding five goals in their last three games will not.

In quintessential 2023-24 Liverpool fashion, the Reds subjected their fans to an early sense of doom and gloom before turning the tide in their favour, prevailing 3-1 for the fourth game running when Leicester visited Anfield for the third round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

With three minutes on the clock, Kostas Tsimikas was left in a heap, but the Foxes were allowed to bomb forward and drew first blood through Kasey McAteer, before somehow getting to the break with their unforeseen one-goal lead intact.

However, Cody Gakpo’s low strike, Dominik Szoboszlai’s thunderbolt and a fancy Diogo Jota finish sealed yet another come-from-behind triumph for Liverpool, who have also beaten LASK Linz and Wolverhampton Wanderers in identical circumstances since the international break, as well as coming up trumps by the same scoreline in last weekend’s Premier League battle with West Ham United.

Revelling in a seven-game winning run across all tournaments, Liverpool have dethroned Tottenham in the runners-up spot in the Premier League table - only behind the unblemished Manchester City - and Jurgen Klopp’s side travel south with an eight-game unbeaten run to protect in Premier League away matches, as well as a 19-game streak without defeat overall.

Furthermore, Liverpool have not been bested by Spurs since a 4-1 pummelling in October 2017, navigating 12 subsequent fixtures without defeat and doing the double over the Lilywhites last term, but this will be the Reds’ first taste of the bouncing Tottenham Hotspur Stadium atmosphere with Postecoglou barking orders from the touchline.

Earlier today, two Premier League teams seeking to swiftly move on from their midweek EFL Cup exits will face off at Molineux as Wolverhampton Wanderers play host to Manchester City.

While Gary O’Neil’s side were beaten 3-2 away against Championship club Ipswich Town on Tuesday, Pep Guardiola’s men suffered a slender 1-0 loss at Newcastle United on Wednesday.

O’Neil has been left with plenty to ponder following an unwanted four-match winless run in all competitions, with back-

Spurs, Liverpool Stake

Unbeaten Streaks at Tottenham Stadium

After an unimpressive performance last season, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have been very impressive since the beginning of the new Premier League season and both sides are yet to lose a game so far. However, their unbeaten run will be put to test this evening as the Lilywhites host the Reds at the Tottenham Stadium

to-back league defeats to Crystal Palace and Liverpool followed by a controversial 1-1 draw at Luton Town last weekend and their midweek EFL Cup defeat to Ipswich.

The West Midlands outfit return to home soil this weekend where they have already lost two Premier League games against Brighton and Liverpool, and it is fair to say that the fixture generator was not kind to O’Neil’s side who have Man City, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur up next at Molineux.

Since doing the double over Man City in the 2019-20 season, winning 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium and 3-2 on home soil, Wolves have lost each of their last six meetings with the Citizens by an aggregate score of 19-3, including a 3-0 defeat last season.

Sitting 16th in the Premier League table and hovering just three points above the relegation zone, defeat for Wolves today would see them lose their opening three home games of a league season for just the third time in their history after 1986-87 and 2021-22.

For just the second time in 39 games in

Hot Shot

90 minutes across all competitions, Man City tasted defeat after they were narrowly beaten by Newcastle United in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, crashing out in the third round for the first time in a decade.

Pep Guardiola was full of praise for his players despite the defeat, and while an unprecedented quadruple is now not on the cards, City’s exit from the EFL Cup can at least remove one competition from their already hectic fixture schedule that will soon include Club World Cup matches in Saudi Arabia.

Man City, who sit top of the Premier League table after winning each of their first six games, are now preparing for three

Premier League Table

consecutive away fixtures within eight days, with today’s trip to Wolves followed by visits to RB Leipzig in the Champions League and a top-flight showdown with Arsenal.

The reigning champions have fond memories of their last three visits to Molineux, winning all three by an aggregate score of 11-2 and scoring at least three on each occasion; another victory today would see City win their opening seven games of a top-flight season for the first time in their history.

PREMIER LEAGUE

Catch me if you can...Liverpool’s Mo Salah seems to be telling Tottenham defender, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg when both sides met last season

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs

Minister, Ambassador Yussuf

Tuggar has decried the mistreatment of Victor Osimhen by his club Napoli.

The Minister insisted that Nigerian sportsmen and women in the diaspora must be treated with dignity.

He made the assertion yesterday against the background of a viral video trolling the Super Eagles striker for missing a penalty kick in a football match against Bologna last weekend.

The Minister said the matter falls under the 4Ds Strategy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also known as the Tinubu doctrine, which are Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography.

He said the Diaspora component considers the life and dignity of every Nigerian in Diaspora sacrosanct and deserving of respect and dignity in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Tuggar said: “When we go about our duties, we should always remember Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that all

human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

He further stated that by the foregoing “Napoli did not act in the spirit of brotherhood by the mocking of her star player Victor Osimhen who was instrumental to the team winning the Serie A Championship last season.”

He assured that the Nigerian government and Embassy shall continue to monitorhappeningsnot only in Napoli but around the world on how her sportsmen and women are treated and all other citizens of the Nigerian diaspora and will waste no time in seeking redress of such mistreatments.

Meanwhile, journalist Gabriele Marcotti has praised Osimhen’s attitude during the Serie A meeting between Napoli and Udinese on Wednesday evening.

In what was his first game since the TikTok saga, the Nigeria national teamer showed up pitch-side to gauge the reaction of the Napoli fans before kickoff at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Rudi Garcia, who doesn’t run Napoli’s TikTok account got booed by the fans, while

Osimhen received a standing ovation.

After going goalless in four matches on the bounce, Osimhen proved that he is still a worldclass finisher in the 39th minute when he doubled the advantage from close range.

Gabriele Marcotti highlighted that Osimhen conducted himself in a professional manner during the match against Udinese and his potential suitors would have taken notice.

Speaking on ESPN’s The Gab and Juls Show, he said: “Obviously he scores that goal and initially he doesn’t really celebrate. Mário Rui comes and jumps on top of him, and then over the course of the game you could see the adrenaline and so on.

“He became much more emotive. I think this reflects really well. If I’m a club looking at this, and then look at how did Victor Osimhen react in this moment? He reacted like an absolute professional and I think that matters.”

The timing of Napoli’s nowdeleted posts about Osimhen could not have been worse given that the Super Eagles star is negotiating a new deal with the Serie A champions.

Frankfurt Want Orban as Replacement for PSG Star

German Bundesliga club, Eintracht Frankfurt could sign Super Eagles forward Gift Orban as a replacement for Randal Kolo Muani, who left for PSG in a deal worth €95million.

Orban has been a revelation since his €3.3million from Stabaek to Gent in January this year. The 21-year-old forward has registered 26 goals and two assists in 33 appearances for the Buffalos. In fact, he has arguably been the best player at Gent since

the turn of the year.

Following his performances, he has been linked with some top clubs in Europe, albeit he has constantly iterated his desire to play in the Premier League.

Tottenham were heavily linked with Orban in the summer, but a deal failed to take place as Spurs opted for Brennan Johnson instead.

Meanwhile, the young striker could be on his way to Germany because Eintracht Frankfurt are interested in him.

Kebbi Beach Soccer Team Flying Africa’s Flag High at 2023 World Winners Cup

As the curtain draws on the 2023 World Winners Cup, in Alghero, Italy, tomorrow, Africa’s only representative at the tournament and Nigeria’s beach soccer league champions - Kebbi Beach Soccer is proud to hoist Africa’s flag high at the event courtesy of Wacot Rice Limited.

Kebbi Beach Soccer on Thursday booked their place to the round of 16 from a very tight group that consist of host country, Italy, Denmark and Slovakia.

The African representative sensationally pummelled Slovakian club BS Vion, 15 – 1 to book a Round of 16 ticket at the World Winners Cup after starting the tourney on a rather unimpressive note, losing their opening two

games to Copenhagen BSC of Denmark and ASD Napoli of Italy.

Two goals in the first period by Filipov and Ekene Obi opened the floodgate of goals for the Nigerian champions.

The second period saw them scoring six goals with a hat trick from Filipov while Hassan Muhammed scored twice and Usman Mohammed got his name on the score sheet as well.

The team wrapped up victory with emphatic seven goals in the third period, thereby qualifying as the third-best team in Group A.

The Kebbi Beach Soccer Club departed Nigeria for the 2023 Beach Soccer World Winners

Cup in Alghero, courtesy of Wacot Rice Limited.

According to the Chairman of Wacot Rice Limited, Mr. Farouk Gumel, the company has proven over the years that it is not only known for rice production but also sports development.

“We did not go to the 2023 Beach Soccer World Winners Cup in Alghero, Italy, to represent Nigeria, but Africa and we are very proud we represented the continent very well,” Gumel said.

The Kebbi Fishers was welcome by a delegation led by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Italy, Mfawa Omini Abam, when the team landed at Fiumicino International Airport in Rome.

Akpabio, Edidiong Win International Pairs, to Represent Nigeria in Portugal

The excitement that pervades the return of International Pairs Golf Championship to Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital climaxed on Sunday with the pair of Usenobong Akpabio, Edidiong Idiong emerging winners of the 2023 edition of the annual competition.

ers relished their victory, hard fighting pair of Okechukwu Igwe and Saadi Baloni of IBB International Golf and Country Club Abuja also gave a good account of themselves, coming second in the fiercely contested competition. They signed for 75-stableford points.

According to GGFN, The Bundesliga club is searching for a replacement for Kolo Muani, who left for PSG in the summer, and Orban is one of their options.

The stumbling block for the deal could be Gent’s price-tag. They may demand up to €30million for the former Stabaek man.

Eintracht Frankfurt just lost one of their prized assets, and they are looking to replace him with the Nigerian striker.

Sergio Ramos Own Goal Send Barca to Top of La Liga

Sevilla’s Sergio Ramos scored an own goal to give his old rivals Barcelona victory in La Liga.

Real Madrid legend Ramos, back in Spain with Sevilla after a two-year spell at Paris St-Germain, was playing a record 34th La Liga match against Barcelona.

And the 37-year-old settled the game when he shinned Lamine Yamal’s header across goal and past his own keeper.

Barca deserved the win and Joao Felix smas hed a shot off the underside of the crossbar

in an open first half.

Barca lost Raphinha to a first-half hamstring injury in the one downside to a result which took them top of La Liga, above neighbours Girona.

Sevilla did not have any representatives in the VIP box in protest at the corruption case surrounding Barcelona.

Barcelona face charges over payments made to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, a former vice-president of the referees’ committee, in return for favourable refereeing decisions.

Uefa is also investigating the matter.

The Spanish Civil Guard

searched the headquarters of the Spanish Technical Committee of Referees on Thursday.

A Sevilla statement read: “We express our complete outrage and condemnation of the actions carried out by the former officials of FC Barcelona who are indicted in the Negreira case, actions that are allegedly considered criminal by the Court of Instruction of Barcelona, as stated in the court order disseminated in the media.”

Barcelona - who deny any wrongdoing - issued a statement in reply, saying Sevilla’s actions were “an attack against the Catalan institution and an unacceptable offence”.

Playing like a team infused with the winning bug, the duo carded 77-stable points over 36-holes to emerge winners. They started their game with opening 38-stableford points and closed with 39-stableford points for 77-points to win the competition by two-points.

For their efforts, the pairs will be representing Nigeria at the world finals of International Pairs billed for Royal Obidos Spa & Golf Resort in Portugal in November 6-10, 2023. While the Uyo based golf-

An opening 35-point and a closing 40-point placed the duo in the second position with just two-points off the winner.

First timers; Stephen Ebaretonbofa and Benedict Oghuma ducked in the third position with a score of 72 points, five points off the winning pair and three points away from the second placed Igwe and Baloni. They won the pair of Ahmed Amate and Eddy Shok on count back, our overnight leaders.

Satisfied with the outcome of the competition, International Pairs representatives in Nigeria, Remi Olukoya said he believes the winning pairs would be worthy representative at the world finals.

Lagos Priorities Sports Development to Winning at National Youth Games– Aiyepeku

Chairman Lagos State Sports Commission, Sola Aiyepeku, has stated that winning at the ongoing 7th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State would not be placed above developing and exposing young talents to the games.

Aiyepeku revealed how the Sports Commission has integrated over 400 games masters and mistresses from educational districts in Lagos State into a modern school sports system by giving them retraining

at a recent workshop.

“It was a kind of revolution because we showed them the best sports practices. Not only have we equipped them to carry out their active-duty duties, but we have also equipped them with knowledge so that they can be useful to the society and their families after their service,” Aiyepeku said.

He also revealed what the state is doing to ensure that no sport is left behind.

“We value development,

which essentially means giving everyone a sense of belonging. We have also managed to separate and classify these sports so we can focus on the results.

“We don’t necessarily want to win at all costs like other states do, but we want to advance the development agenda. According to us at the Lagos State Sports Commission, we are not desperate as we see these youth games as a talent scouting program,” he added.

Kogi State Reappoints Olobatoke as Chairman, Sports Trust Fund

A former Federal House of Representatives aspirant in the 2023 election, Segun Olobatoke, has been reappointed as the Chairman Kogi State Sports TrustFund.

The Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, in a letter dated September 18,

2023, confirmed the appointment of the sports buff.

The letter read in part; “I’m directed by Hos Excellency, the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello to convey to you the approval of your re-absorption as Chairman, Kogi State Sports Trust Fund with effect from

September 11, 2023.

“You are therefore expected to be more committed and dedicated in the discharge of your duties to enhance the rapid growth of the State and the Nation at large as well as the overall development of Sports in n Kogi State.”

Osimhen misses a penalty against Bologna

Kebbi Beach Soccer Team player blocks a Slovakian club BS Vion at the ongoing 2023 World Winners Cup, in Alghero, Italy

Tuggar Decries Napoli’s Treatment of Osimhen over Missed Penalty

The winner of the Internal Pairs, Usenobong and partner, Edidiong

Pastor

Bakare on Mohbad

“He reaped the reward of his unpleasant lifestyle while alive. When he was drinking, smoking and associating with evil men, he did not know that the harvest would come so soon and that he would soon be cut down at the prime of youth” –General Overseer, Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, condemning the lifestyle/name of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba (Mohbad).

TUNDERAHMAN

GUEST COLUMNIST

78th UNGA: President Tinubu and his Defining Moment

The just-ended 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly was President Bola Tinubu’s first outing at that important gathering of global leaders and on that first appearance, he left behind a lasting impression.

Addressing the gathering around 8pm local time in New York which was 1am in Nigeria, on Tuesday September 19, President Tinubu was in an excellent form. Watching him as he delivered his speech in measured tones, you would be proud to be a Nigerian, nay African.

At that global stage, at the biggest congregation of Presidents and Heads of government from all over the world, President Tinubu did not only speak for Nigeria, he spoke for Africa. He delivered what many called an outstanding speech. His speech was a defining moment for Nigeria.

That speech dwelt on a number of important topics including the past failures of Nigeria and Africa, poverty in the continent, flooding and erosion, conflict and wars, extremism, climate change, military coups and the case of Niger Republic, as well as the unsavory roles played by the rich Western nations in some of these issues. The highlights of the speech are as follows: President Tinubu began by noting some of the failures of Africa to include bad governance, broken promises and weak economies, while also identifying unfair treatment and outright exploitation from abroad as contributory factors. Reminding his audience of this history, he said if the theme of that UNGA session- “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Security: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals Towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress and the Sustainability for all” was to mean anything at all, “it must mean something special and particular to Africa.”

To address the identified problems of the African continent, he identified solutions, which he said African leaders must strive to fix. He stated categorically, however, that Africa would demand the same level of political commitment and devotion of resources that described the Marshall Plan, which emerged in the aftermath of the Second World War.

Realising that the underlying conditions and causes of the economic challenges facing today’s Africa are significantly different from those of post-war Europe, President Tinubu said Africa “is not asking for identical programs and actions. What we seek is an equally firm commitment to partnership. We seek enhanced international cooperation with African nations to achieve the 2030 agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.”

The President called on global institutions, other nations and their private sector actors to see African development as a priority, “not just for Africa but in their interests as well,” pointing out that due to both internal and external factors, Nigeria’s and Africa’s economic structures had been skewed.

Speaking specifically about Nigeria, the President noted that if Nigeria is to fulfill its duty to its people and the rest of Africa, the country must create jobs, create a better economy and a better future for her people and lead by example.

On the economic reforms he instituted in

Nigeria, President Tinubu said he was mindful of the hardship that reform can cause, adding, however, that it is necessary for the country to go through this phase in order to establish a foundation for durable growth and investment to build the economy the people deserves. While welcoming partnerships with those who do not mind seeing Nigeria and Africa assume larger roles in the global community, he said “the question is not whether Nigeria is open for business. The question is how much of the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner.”

According to him, the critical aspects of the cooperation Nigeria and Africa would require are direct investment in critical industries, opening of ports in Europe and beyond to a wider range and larger quantity of African exports and meaningful debt relief.

Denouncing military coups, he warned that the wave of coups crossing parts of Africa does not demonstrate favour towards coups. “It is a demand for solutions to perennial problems.”

And speaking on the recent military coup in Niger, President Tinubu told the gathering that he was negotiating with the military leaders to help re-establish democratic governance “in a manner that addresses the political and economic challenges confronting that nation, including the violent extremists who seek to foment instability in the African region.”

On violent extremism, while stating that African nations would work to improve their economies to stem migration to other nations and also devote themselves to disbanding extremist groups on their turf, he urged the international community to strengthen its commitment to arrest the flow of arms and violent people into West Africa to fully combat the threat.

The President also sought global support and solidarity to secure the continent’s mineral rich

areas from pilfering and conflict, while mentioning countries like The Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso and Central African Republic, which have all become centres of misery and exploitation.

While noting that climate change severely impacts Nigeria and Africa, President Tinubu declared that African nations would fight climate change but would do so on their own terms. “To achieve the needed popular consensus, this campaign must accord with overall economic efforts. In Nigeria, we shall build political consensus by highlighting remedial actions, which also promote economic good,” adding, however, that continental efforts regarding climate change will register important victories if established economies were more forthcoming with public and private sector investments for Africa’s preferred initiatives. Closing his speech, President Tinubu left these parting words from Africa to the rest of the world: “I say walk with us as true friends and partners. Africa is not a problem to be avoided nor is it to be pitied. Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future.”

That fine address is not the only significant aspect of Nigeria’s participation in this year’s UNGA. There were other interesting aspects, which are no less remarkable.

On the sidelines of the General Assembly, President Tinubu met with some other presidents, global leaders, top businessmen and investors. For instance, on Wednesday September 20, he met UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, at his UN Headquarters office during which he called for international collaboration against illegal miners who pillage the resources of Africa and undermine African countries’ efforts to reform their economies.

Two days earlier, still on the sidelines of UNGA, President Tinubu had also held fruitful bilateral talks with South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, where he canvassed stronger economic ties with that country, and with President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union, President Azali Assoumani, during which he pledged Nigeria’s solidarity with AU to ensure the stability and prosperity of Africa. In another engagement, this time with the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Hissein Brahim Taha, President Tinubu noted that the OIC has a strategic role to play in the sustenance of peace and development in Africa and across the world.

On the much-talked about proposed meeting with US President Joe Biden, having met with him on the margins of the recent G20 Nations’ meeting in India, another meeting with the US President during the UNGA was no longer required and was not even on President Tinubu’s schedule, contrary to the impression in some quarters.

At the just-ended UNGA, as President Tinubu has always done at every available opportunity, he also used the New York summit to strategically promote Nigeria’s new business opportunities and canvass for foreign investments into Nigeria. He met with the global executives of ExxonMobil. Interestingly, the oil giant pledged nearly 40,000 bpd additional production in its Nigeria operation.

The President was also at the NASDAQ Stock Exchange where he told the whole world that

Nigeria is open and ready for business, while ringing the NASDAQ closing bell. At the followup US-Nigeria Executive Business Roundtable, President Tinubu assured US business leaders and investors not to be afraid of doing business in Nigeria, adding that it’s a new day for business in the country, while noting that policy somersaults and inconsistencies, corruption, inclement business climate, multiplicity of exchange rates, among others have worked to hamper business and investments in the country in the past.

Perhaps the highpoint of the President’s activities during his first UNGA appearance is his engagement with the Nigerian Community in New York at the Millennium Hilton Hotel, UN One Plaza on Wednesday September 20. That interaction was very revealing to say the least. Put together by the Chairman, Nigeria in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the event showcased the very best of us, the Nigerian professionals in New York and in the entire United States, working daily, shattering boundaries, breaking records and giving our country a good name as opposed to the bad eggs dragging our name in the mud.

The list of them at the meeting with President Tinubu is rather long. But let me mention just a few.

Colonel (Dr) Cornel Gabriel Isioye is one of them. Isioye is currently the Commander of the 818th Hospital Center in Utica, New York, overseeing over 700 soldiers and civilians. He is also the owner of Premier Family Dentistry in the Bronx, New York. There is also Oye Owolewa from Kwara State. Oye became the first Nigerian-American elected to America Federal Office in 2021. As Washington DC’s US Representative, Rep. Oye focuses on fighting for DC statehood, improving public health and safety, empowering DC’s youths and developing minority and women-owned businesses.

Ola Fadiran, a youthful Artificial Intelligence guru, was also at the event. He is the CEO of Chiplab, a firm that is on a mission to develop the semiconductor ecosystem in Africa. He and his team have already made rapid strides in forging strategic alliances with academic and industrial partners.

And of course, also at the meeting was popular Zuriel Oduwole. On January 6, 2017, the then US Secretary of State, John Kerry, honoured then 14-year-old Zuriel in Washington DC at the State Department for her tireless work advocating against child marriages and speaking for girls’ education across the globe. Zuriel has reportedly met with over 30 world leaders including presidents and prime ministers to address global social development and education challenges that children and teenagers face. Zuriel’s father was present in the hall when her daughter rose to speak. After her speech, an impressed President Tinubu called out her father to take pictures with him and Zuriel. Addressing the gathering, the President commended the Nigerian-Americans for making our country proud. Citing himself who was also previously in the US and returned home to contribute to development efforts as an example, he told them to be ready to come back home, saying “we need you back home, Nigeria is back again.”

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

President Tinubu