SATURDAY 7TH OCTOBER 2023

Boost for Tinubu’s Reforms As 12 U.S. Executives Managing Over $1trn in Assets Storm Nigeria for Investment Talks

‘With commitment to economic transformation, Nigeria presents compelling investment destination’

In an apparent boost for the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration, the United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for

International Development (USAID) Mission in Nigeria and U.S. Prosper Africa and Power Africa initiative,

is hosting a roadshow from October 9 to 13, to expose U.S. investors to opportunities and the investment

ecosystem in Nigeria. A statement yesterday by the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, Public Affairs Section,

Continued on page 5

NBS: Capital Importation Declined by 9.04% to $1.03bn in Q2 2023...

www.thisdaylive.com

Atiku Heads to Supreme Court...

In Big Push against Terrorists, Army Rolls Out Massive Offensive Plan

To tackle peculiar challenges in four geo-political zones

Seven abducted NYSC members spend day 52 with abductors in Zamfara

Eight students of Federal University Gusau, five of Federal University Dutsinma also with kidnappers

Bennett Oghifo in Lagos and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Army yesterday announced a massive offensive plan against terrorists in the Southeast, Middle Belt, South-south and South-west.

This is coming as seven graduates from Akwa Ibom State, abducted in Zamfara State on August 17, on their way to the Sokoto State NYSC orientation camp, clocked 52 days in the dungeons of terrorists.

Also, eight of the 30 students abducted at Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State on September 29 and four female students abducted last Wednesday at Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina State are still with terrorists in the two states.

At a media briefing in Abuja, Spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, said the special offensive against terrorists would start from October to December 2023.

The Army code-named the

Continued on page 5

Police: How MohBad

BRAINSTORMING ON DIGITAL AND CREATIVE ENTERPRISES…

L-R: Minister of Industry,Trade and Investment, Doris Anite; Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Vice President Kashim Shettima; Minister of Innovation, Science andTechnology, Uche Nnaji and Minister of Communication, Bosun Tijjani during the inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee on Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (I-DICE) programme at the Presidential Villa…yesterday. GODWIN

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Atiku Heads to Supreme Court

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential elections, Atiku Abubakar, yesterday filed new documents against President Bola Tinubu before the Supreme Court in which he accused the President of forgery and lying under oath, and should therefore be disqualified and removed from office.

Sources told THISDAY last night that the evidence filed by Atiku was

the academic records of Tinubu, which were handed over to him by the Chicago State University last Monday following the order of a court in the United States instructing the university to release the academic records as requested by Atiku.

“We have filed the fresh evidence. Tinubu’s academic records have been submitted to the apex court. You can approach the Supreme Court for a copy of the process,” one of Atiku’s

lawyers told THISDAY last night.

A media to Atiku, Paul Ibe, said: “Our lawyers will file the new evidence today (Friday) to complement the grounds of appeal filed earlier. I am yet to get any briefing from the legal team, but fresh evidence will be filed on or before 12 midnight of today (Friday), which is the deadline.

“The extra evidence or the new evidence, which has to do with the

certificate that Tinubu submitted to INEC, based on the petition, the discovery and deposition, which is what we have been waiting for, will help. And that is not the only ground; the initial filing we made to the Supreme Court was on 35 grounds. The Chicago evidence is just extra evidence in support of the application.”

Atiku had requested the documents for use in the Supreme

NBS: Capital Importation Declined by 9.04% to $1.03bn in Q2 2023

James Emejo in Abuja

Nigeria’s total capital importation dropped by 9.04 per cent to $1.03 billion in the second quarter of this year (Q2 2023) compared to $1.13 billion in the preceding quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said yesterday.

Capital importation also fell short of the $1.53 billion recorded in Q2 2022 by 32.90 per cent.

Other Investment types accounted for 81.28 per cent or $837.34 million of total capital importation in the review period followed by portfolio investment which accounted for

$106.85 million or 10.37 per cent of capital inflows.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) represented $86.03 million or 8.35 per cent of the total receipt.

According to the Nigeria Capital Importation Q2 2023 report, which was released by the statistical agency, the production sector recorded the highest inflow with $605.04 million, representing 58.73 per cent of total capital imported.

This was followed by the banking sector, which recorded $194.58 million or 18.89 per cent, as well as shares which accounted for $68.63 million or 6.66 per cent.

Also, the United States accounted for the largest source of inflows with $271.92 million, accounting for 26.39 per cent, followed by Singapore and the Republic of South Africa with $177.44 million or 17.22 per cent and $136.95 million or 13.29 per cent respectively.

However, Lagos State remained the top destination for capital inflows in Q2 with $778.06 million, accounting for 75.52 per cent followed by Abuja (FCT), $194.28 million or 18.86 per cent.

First Bank of Nigeria Limited received the highest capital into the country accounting for $323.13 million or 18.23 per cent followed

by Citibank Nigeria Limited $187.77 million or 12.23 per cent and Rand Merchant Bank which accounted for $126.03 or 6.47 per cent.

In the previous quarter, total capital importation had increased by 6.78 per cent to $1.13 billion compared to $1.06 billion in Q4 2022.

This, however, represented a 28 per cent decline when compared with the $1.57 billion recorded in Q1 2022.

The largest capital importation during the period was received from portfolio investment, which accounted for $649.28 million, representing 57.32 per cent of total capital imported.

Courts to support his argument that Tinubu forged a certificate he claimed to have obtained from the Chicago University in 1979 and submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2023 presidential election.

In addition to filing an election petition appeal at the Supreme Court to challenge the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal which upheld Tinubu’s victory, the PDP standard bearer had sought the academic records of the President from the Chicago State University to prove his allegation of forgery against the former Lagos State governor.

Magistrate Jeffrey Gilbert had on September 19 granted Atiku’s request for the release of Tinubu’s academic records but the President challenged the ruling, but his objection that the documents would not be relevant in Atiku’s appeal at the Supreme Court was overruled by federal judge Nancy Maldonado, who directed the CSU to release the president’s academic records.

Justifying his demand for Tinubu’s CSU records at a press briefing on Thursday,, Atiku explained, “We undertook this journey at great cost and for important reasons. The ground rules for legitimate governance in our country need to be upheld, and the reputation of our country is at stake. That affects

IN BIG PUSH AGAINST TERRORISTS, ARMY ROLLS OUT MASSIVE OFFENSIVE PLAN

mission in the South-east as Exercise

Golden Dawn III, which it said is aimed at restoring peace in the area during the yuletide celebration.

He said the army would also launch Exercise Enduring Peace III in the North-central and Exercise Still Waters III in the South-south and South-west.

He said Exercise Golden Dawn III would address terrorism, kidnapping for ransom and killings in the South-east.

Nwachukwu maintained that the exercises were in line with the Nigerian Army Training Directive for the year 2023 in collaboration with other security agencies.

"These exercises are designed to improve individual and collective professional competence and would dovetail into real time operations to tackle various peculiar security challenges in the geo-political zones", Nwachukwu said.

He maintained that the exercise is aimed at tackling security challenges such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, communal clashes and sundry crimes which become more pronounced in the build up to the yuletide when many citizens return home to celebrate Christmas.

“The exercise will focus on enhancing the capabilities of our troops in intelligence gathering and effective, proactive response to criminalities. With the exercise, we aim to improve the security in the South-east and ensure safety of the populace during the period that will culminate in the yuletide,” he said.

Giving further details on other exercises, Nwachukwu said Exercise Enduring Peace III is focused on North-Central to address farmerheader conflicts, cattle rustling, banditry, kidnapping, ethno-religious conflicts and terrorism among others.

“The exercise will equip our troops with the necessary skills to combat banditry, including hostage rescue operations, intelligence-driven raids and effective coordination with other sister services and security agencies.

“Exercise Still Waters III, taking place in the South-South and South- West will target the menace of cultism, robbery and kidnapping. It will equally seek to address the challenges of pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage", he said.

He affirmed that the exercise will also focus on securing critical infrastructure.

“Our troops would be trained on advanced surveillance techniques,

rapid response tactics and the use of technology to effectively counter pipeline vandalism.

“By conducting this exercise, we aim to curb economic sabotage, protect national assets and ensure a stable environment for economic growth”, he said.

Nwachukwu noted that the Nigerian Army recognised the importance of collaboration and synergy among various security agencies in boldly confronting these security challenges.

“Accordingly, the Nigerian Army have been working closely with sister services and other agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Customs Service among others, to ensure well-coordinated and effective responses to these threats.

“Joint training exercises and intelligence sharing will be key components of our approach”, he said.

The Director of Public Relations reiterated that the Nigerian Army was resolute and committed to surmounting emerging security challenges in troubled parts of the country.

“Through the upcoming training Exercise Still Waters III, Exercise Golden Dawn III and Exercise Enduring Peace III, we project to enhance the capabilities of our troops, improve synergy with sister services and other security agencies and ultimately ensure the safety and security of the populace,” he said.

said 12 executives from leading U.S. pension funds and financial service providers, managing over $1 trillion in assets, will meet with Nigerian companies and fund managers during the investor trip.

Some of the American Executives expected in Nigeria are Daniel Miller, Deputy Executive Director, New York City Board of Education Retirement System; Kola Aina, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Operations North America, MasterCard; Elizabeth GuzmanGeneral Counsel/NYCERS Trustee; Mohamed Balla, Chief Financial Officer, City of Atlanta Department of Finance; Donna Sims Wilson, Chief Operating Officers of Kah Capital Management and Mark Feasal, Executive Vice President/ Chief Commercial Officer, FuelCell

On the likelihood of a hijack of the exercises by fake soldiers, who might take advantage of the exercises or troop members in uniform who could use their position to intimidate civilians and eventually abuse the exercises, Nwachukwu said the Nigerian Army has a mechanism for checkmating abuse of projects.

Abducted NYSC Members Spend Day 52 with Abductors

Seven graduates from Akwa Ibom State, abducted in Zamfara State on August 17, on their way to the Sokoto State NYSC orientation camp, clocked 52 days today in the dungeons of terrorists.

Also, eight of the 30 students abducted at Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State on September 29 and four female students abducted last Wednesday at Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina State are still with terrorists in the two states.

The traumatised parents of the NYSC members have so far paid N13 million to the terrorists, yet, they have refused to release them.

As at press time, the terrorists were demanding an additional N200 million ransom.

A family member of one of the abductees remarked: “We don’t know how we are going to raise that kind of money. Everybody was shocked when two parents told us that after they paid the

Energy.

The roadshow is expected to raise awareness around investment opportunities in Nigeria, particularly in infrastructure, and build relationships among U.S. and African investors and fund managers.

The statement said, “With a strategic geographic location, a diverse population, and a commitment to economic transformation, Nigeria presents a compelling investment destination. Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of USD $477 billion as at 2022, and a diverse range of industries, including oil and gas, agriculture, and telecommunications.

A research report published by Goldman Sachs highlighted that

final N8 million (to make up the N13 million ransom negotiated), the terrorists suddenly refused to release our children.

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

Another of the affected parents remarked: “Terrorists are molesting our children and the government can’t rescue them. They are communicating with us, parents and relatives, on the phone and we have given the numbers to security agents, yet, they have failed to do anything positive. This is horrific.”

Two weeks ago, the Director General of the NYSC, Brig. Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, said the agency was working with security agencies to secure the release of the abducted NYSC members.

Speaking at an interactive session with members of the House of Representatives Committee on Youth Development, Ahmed said: “We have full synergy among the agencies.”

Nigeria has the potential to be one of the top five global economies by 2075.

“The roadshow comes at an opportune time, given the significant reforms instituted by the Nigerian government under a new administration. A key objective of the trip is to break down information gaps on the country’s business environment and real and perceived risks, so that investors can accurately assess business and project opportunities.”

The U.S. Consul General to Lagos, Will Stevens, noted: “Beyond advancing specific investment opportunities, this trip is about building enduring trade and investment relationships between America and our Nigerian partners. I would like to thank the U.S. Agency

everyone, Nigerians everywhere.’’ He added, “I am a democrat by conviction and a citizen of a country that I love. The issues at stake in this case require us once more to re-dedicate ourselves to both the country and our constitution.

Calling for mass support for his crusade, the PDP candidate said, ‘’In line with this, therefore, I am calling on all well-meaning Nigerians, leaders of thought, our religious leaders, our traditional leaders, our community leaders, our political leaders, and in particular, (ex) Governor Peter Obi of the Labour Party and (ex) Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP and the leaders of every political party in Nigeria and, indeed, every single person who loves this country, as I do, and who wishes nothing but the best for the country, as I do, to join me in this campaign to enshrine probity, accountability and the basic principles of justice, morality and uprightness in our country and our government.”

Atiku’s lawyer, Kalu Kalu alleged that the CSU confirmed that Tinubu forged the certificate he presented to INEC.

“Also, the qualifying certificates from Southwest College to Chicago bear a female indicating that the document does not belong to Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

But an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, who is also a journalist, Ibanga Isine, in a piece titled, “Free Kidnapped Corps Members: An Open letter”, addressed to the NYSC Director-General, and copied to President Bola Tinubu; President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and Minister of State, Defence, Bello Matawalle, alleged that the NYSC DG was not doing enough to free the abductees.

Ibanga said: “With due respect, General, how do you sleep in the night knowing that peoples’ children who simply answered the call to serve their country are languishing in the camp of brigands who can take their lives at any time?

“If your child or that of President Tinubu was captured in this way, would you act as if nothing had happened or that you were not responsible for them just because they did not make it to the camp?”

The terrorists that abducted the Federal University Gusau students invaded three private hostels in Sabon Gida village, near the university around 4am, shooting indiscriminately, before kidnapping them.

Another nine construction workers engaged within the university were abducted on the same day.

No fewer than 22 of the abducted students have so far regained freedom, with eight others still with the terrorists.

The Zamfara State Governor,

for International Development for supporting this inaugural delegation of U.S. investors, in partnership with Chapel Hill Denham and International Investor Network.”

According to the statement by the U.S. Embassy, throughout the week, the investors are scheduled to participate in site visits, events, and investor pitch sessions in Abuja and Lagos, Africa’s commercial capital and the sub-Saharan Africa region’s fourth largest economy. They will also engage with U.S. Government representatives to understand U.S. trade and investment priorities in the region and learn more about U.S. Government resources available to support investors.

“This roadshow advances USAID’s efforts to mobilise greater private sector investment into infrastructure

Dauda Lawal, summoned an emergency security meeting following the abduction of the university students.

The governor directed the Deputy Governor, Mani Mallam Mummuni, to provide all the necessary support to the security agencies to restore normalcy in all affected areas. At Federal University Dutsinma, the five female students were kidnapped in their residence located behind Mariamoh Ajiri Memorial International School along Tsaskiya Road.

Meanwhile, the Senate this week summoned the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, over raging terror attacks in the country.

Also invited were the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The senators asked security agencies to be more proactive and ensure the rescue of the abducted female students of Federal University, Dutsinma, as well as the NYSC members kidnapped in Zamfara State.

They also urged the armed forces to conduct special operations to dislodge bandits in the North-west and in other parts of the country and also called on the federal government to address the manpower deficit in the armed forces and police.

projects in priority sectors, including agriculture; water, sanitation, and hygiene; and renewable energy.

In addition, it advances Prosper Africa’s mandate as a presidential initiative to transform the economic relationship between Africa and the United States and drive large scale investment to the continent.

“The visit follows the “Investing in Development” conference, held earlier this year in Nigeria, which highlighted that greater private sector investment in infrastructure is a key pathway to achieving Nigeria’s development objectives. The trip is part of a series of U.S. institutional investor trips to Africa in 2023, organised under the Prosper Africa initiative, to South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, and Botswana,” the statement said.

BOOST FOR TINUBU’S REFORMS AS 12 U.S. EXECUTIVES MANAGING OVER $1TRN IN ASSETS STORM NIGERIA FOR INVESTMENT TALKS

Minimum Wage Bill: Senate Pledges Expeditious Consideration

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate has pledged to give the new Minimum Wage Bill being expected from the executive arm of government expeditious consideration whenever it is submitted for legislative actions.

The red chamber said it was for the improved welfare of workers and industrial harmony in the country.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Employment , Labour and Productivity, Senator Diket Plang (APC Plateau Central), gave the assurance in a statement.

Plang assured Nigerians that the 10th Senate and by extension, 10th National Assembly of its

commitment to improving the living conditions of workers in the country in tackling the high level of poverty at hand .

Part of the statement read, “Efforts of the federal government and the organised labour for agreeing, to set in motion, necessary machinery to review the current minimum wage in Nigeria as contained in the memorandum of understanding signed by the negotiating parties, are commendable.

“The Senate Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity under my chairmanship, is prepared to give expeditious attention to the passage of a new Act, once negotiation on the mat-

Danbatta Canvasses Stable Financing for Telecoms Sustainability

industry growth.

ter is concluded and such bill transmitted to the National Assembly for enactment.”

He commended the federal government on the proactive actions taken to avert nationwide strike by workers last week Tuesday, warning parties involved not to renege on

agreements reached.

“Nigerians and particularly members of this committee are happy that the then looming industrial unrest was averted by memorandum of understanding entered into by the federal government, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade

Union Congress (TUC).

“However, all the parties involved, should avoid reneging on any of the agreements reached,” he said.

According to him, “the committee is committed to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) principle

of decent work and will take necessary legislative action to support efforts that will take necessary legislative action to support efforts that will improve the working conditions of Nigerian including payment of living wage as enshrined in the decent work agenda.”

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has canvassed the need for stable financing to guarantee sustainability in the telecoms sector.

Danbatta spoke at the ongoing 18th Abuja International Trade Fair organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) with the theme: ‘Sustainable Financing and Taxation’.

Represented by the NCC Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB), Alkasim Umar, he said “sustainable financing in telecommunication involves sourcing the necessary capital to build and maintain robust telecommunications networks. As regulators, we understand that this financing should be stable, accessible and conducive for industry growth.”

On the issue of taxation, he said there must be a balance between taxation and revenue generation.

“Taxation while essential for funding of government initiatives must strike a delicate balance between revenue generation and

“Our role as regulator is to advocate for fair taxation practices that do not stifle innovation or place undue burden on consumers.

“We acknowledge the intricacies of tax policies but emphasise the importance of creating an environment where telecommunications companies can thrive.

“To address these challenges, the commission continuously engages both the federal and state governments on the need to harmonise taxation in the telecommunications sector,” he said.

Danbatta stressed that the Commission recognised the fact that the telecommunications sector has been a strategic driver of the digital economy agenda of the federal government,

“As it continues to provide the needed digital stamina to support the economy, especially through technology. It is no longer news that telecommunications empowers individuals, connects businesses, strengthens industries and enables governments to provide essential services efficiently thereby driving development and prosperity.

Tribunal Affirms Gov Otti’s Mandate

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Mr. Alex Otti, yesterday emerged victorious from the stiff challenge of his mandate by the two main opposition parties that filed petitions at Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

The three-man tribunal headed by Justice H.T.D Gwadah dismissed the two petitions from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) for lacking merit and affirmed Otti as the duly elected governor of Abia on the platform of Labour Party.

Both APC and its governorship candidate, High Chief Ikechi Emenike, and the PDP and its candidate, Chief Ambrose Ahiwe had in their respective petitions challenged the outcome of the March 18, 2023 governorship poll.

In their judgement that cumulatively lasted seven hours

N…

Wife of Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly and Member, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Mrs. Falilat Obasa; Wife of deputy governor and Vice Chairman, COWLSO, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; First Lady and Chairman, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; and Chairperson, 2023 National Women’s Conference, Prof. Olufunke Adeyeye, during a media briefing on the forthcoming COWLSO’s 23rd National Women’s Conference, with the theme: “Unleash Your Potential”, held at the Lagos House…Thursday.

Marwa: Keeping Modern Societies Safe from Illicit Drugs Demands Global Commitment

Michael Olugbode in Abuja Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) has said that the task to keep modern societies safe from the scourge of illicit drugs demands global commitment, even as he assured that Nigeria is doing everything possible to fulfil its own end of the bargain.

Marwa said this yesterday while addressing a gathering of academics, students, mental health professionals and Nigerians in diaspora at the Jayhawk Welcome Centre, University of

Kansas, United States, where he delivered a lecture on ‘War Against Substance Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking: The Nigerian Story’ during the 2023 edition of the Marwa Africana Lecture Series established and organised annually since 2003 by the Department of African and African-American Studies of the University of Kansas.

Marwa, while reliving the Nigerian experience in the fight against the global drug scourge, said “we have been able to keep huge cache of drugs from getting into our streets by seizing them at the border or before distribution courtesy of intelligence sharing

with our counterparts in source countries or along the transnational routes.”

According to him, “For some 33 months now, Nigeria has run an unflagging anti-illicit drug campaign based on global best practices for drug law enforcement and guided by UNODC’s Whole-of-Society approach to the drug conundrum.

“While we have achieved remarkable mileage, the Nigerian anti-drug campaign is nonetheless a work in progress. Be that as it may, our achievements of the past 30 months, relative to the past 30 years, have bolstered our

hope of greater accomplishments going forward. The support from international partners, governments of friendly countries, the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Nigerian people has strengthened our conviction that the objective we pursue is not unrealistic. Now we have before us an open vista where the objective of a drug-free society is a possibility.

“The task of keeping modern society safe from the scourge of illicit drugs requires a global commitment, and in NDLEA and Nigeria, we are doing everything possible to fulfil our end of the bargain.”

Lalong: FG to Unbundle NSITF to Achieve Better Service Delivery

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

41minutes, the panel members unanimously agreed that the petitioners failed to prove their cases beyond reasonable doubt.

Ahiwe, who came second in the poll had claimed in his petition that Otti did not score the highest lawful votes cast and that the poll was characterised by malpractices, alleging that votes of Obingwa local government was taken to Abuja “doctored and brought back”.

He asked the tribunal to declare him the rightful winner of the March 18 poll and order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to retrieve the Certificate of Return issued to Otti.

On his part, Emenike joined LP, PDP, Young Progressives Party (YPP) and their respective candidates as well INEC, contended that none of the rival candidates was duly nominated and therefore unqualified to have participated in the poll.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, has said that he intends to unbundle the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) to make it more for efficient.

The minister who made the remark while flagging off this year’s Customer Service Week at the Fund’s Headquarters in Abuja, charged the staff of the fund to continue to put in their best to actualise the goal of the

Court

Fixes

Wale Igbintade

Employee Compensation Scheme. He also assured the management and staff of the support and cooperation of the ministry towards ensuring that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President and his vision for Nigerian workers is actualised in the agency.

Astatement by the General Manager, CorporateAffairs,NwachukwuGodson, said the minister enjoined the staff to work hard and shun all negative vices that can pull the organisation down. He further urged the agency to exploit the opportunity offered

October 10 to Rule on Ondo

Justice Akintan-Osadebay of the Akure High Court has fixed October 10, 2023 to rule on two applications in the suit filed by the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa. At the resumption of proceedings, Justice Akintan-Osadebay took arguments from lawyers to the parties.

by the Customer Service Week to review its services to the Nigerian workers with a view to serving them better.

Lalong assured that “under him the agency would be unbundled for efficiency and make its operations fair to all staff members.”

He promised that no staff will be witch-hunted in the exercise.

While leading the NSITF focal officers on a roadshow to mark the event, Executive Director, Administration of the fund,

Deputy

In the first application, Mr. Aiyedatiwa is seeking the leave of court to amend the Originating Summons, by striking out the name of the governor and also amending the reliefs sought in the Originating Summons.

In the affidavit in support of the application deposed on October 3, 2023 by an aide to the deputy governor, it was stated that there is need to amend the Originating

Prof. Gabriel Okenwa, thanked the minister for being responsive to the needs of the staff and added it was the first time in the history of the agency that its supervising minister would flag off its Customer Service Week.

He assured the minister that the Fund had already keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government, ranging from transparency, efficient deployment of resources to streamlining the operations of the fund in line with global best practices.

Gov’s Impeachment Suit

Summons in order to bring the real issues in controversy between the parties before the court.

Although the defendants did not file any counter-affidavit to the said application, they however opposed it on points of law.

Whilecounseltothedeputygovernor, Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN, sought a determination of the application for an amendmentonewayortheotherbefore proceeding further in the case, the court

ruled that it will take the amendment and the applications of the House of Assembly, challenging the jurisdiction of the court

The House ofAssembly through its counsel filed a motion on notice dated 29th September 2023, challenging the competence of the substantive case of the deputy governor, relying on Section 188(10) of the Constitution which was said to oust the jurisdiction of the court.

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

ASUP: FG Policies Destroying Polytechnic Education in Nigeria

Bennett Oghifo

Some policies of the federal government are counterproduc-

NNPC: No

tive to polytechnic education in Nigeria, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has said.

National President of ASUP, Dr.

Plan to Hike Petrol Price

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

For the umpteenth time, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) yesterday said it had no plans to raise the price of petrol.

Nigerians have been apprehensive as rumours of a planned price increase continue despite several attempts by the government to debunk the insinuations.

The rumours intensified after reports that the federal government had restored some level of subsidy on the product as the twin impact of the devaluation of the naira and rising crude oil prices took their toll on diesel, kerosene and jet fuel.

In a statement posted on its

handle on X, formerly called Twitter, the national oil company urged Nigerians to ignore the unsubstantiated reports of a planned hike.

It added: “Dear esteemed customers, we at NNPC Retail value your patronage, and we do not have the intention to increase our Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) pump prices as widely speculated.

“Please buy the best quality products at the most affordable prices at our NNPC retail stations nationwide.”

Since May 29, when President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidy, the price of the product has increased by over 200 per cent nationwide.

Terrorists Abduct 9 Persons from Zamfara Community

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

Armed men suspected to be terrorists, in the wee hours of yesterday, stormed Tsohuwar Kasuwa area of Kaura Namoda, in Zamfara State, abducting nine persons and rustling five cattle.

A source, who spoke to THISDAY on telephone, said the terrorists stormed the area at about 02:00a.m. Another source said the bandits abducted the nine persons from three residences.

According to him, they abducted two wives of one Alhaji Sabitu-Umma Sabitu, Zulaihatu Sabitu; his three daughters - Jamila Sabitu, Ihsan Sabitu and Hafsat Sabitu and his son, Hussaini Sabitu.

At the residence of one Rabe

Sarkawa, the terrorists kidnapped Abdulshakur Rabe, and Mamu Rabe, while at the residence of one Sahabi Na Alaye, they abducted his daughter, Aisha Sahabi Na Alaye.

It would be recalled that the security chiefs in state briefed Governor Dauda Lawal yesterday on the progress in rescuing the abducted female students of the Federal University Gusau, before another bandits struck again.

Zamfara State has since become the epic centre of banditry in the region with no week passing without abduction or attacking of a community.

Nevertheless, Governor Lawal has assured the people of the state that his administration would do everything possible to contain the menace, stressing he will never negotiate with terrorists.

Audu: NIOMCO Will Come Alive After 40 Years

Kasim Sumaina in Lokoja

The federal government through the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, yesterday, assured Nigerians of giving life to National Iron and Ore Company, (NIOMCO) after 40 years.

The minister gave the assurance while on tour of the multi-million dollar iron ore complex in Itakpe, Kogi State.

While on inspection of the assets of the company, the minister said his ministry will ensure the declaration of industrialising Nigeria is achieved as a mandate given to him and the ministry by the President.

Audu said NIOMCO is a priority to the Tinubu-led administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and will ensure it works under his tenure.

According to him, “the President by making me a pioneer Minister of Ministry of

Anderson Ezeibe, stated this while delivering a keynote address at a three-day international conference organised by the union at the Ikot Osurua Campus of the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, recently.

The conference had the theme ‘Redefining The Mandate of Polytechnic Education for Economic Diversification and Sustainability’.

Ezeibe listed some of these unfavourable policies as HND/BSc dichotomy, inability to enhance academic continuity for HND graduates, and the disparity between HND/BSc holders in government circles, among others, adding that these had gone a long way to reduce the

worth of polytechnics education in the country.

“Negligence of polytechnics mandate has resulted in the high level of unemployment, poverty and poor entrepreneurship.

“Polytechnics education is not encouraged. In some polytechnics, the student population is less than 1,000 while some state governors change their polytechnics to universities instead of developing it.

“Government is demarketing polytechnic education through their policies. The law that established Polytechnic education must be reviewed to meet emerging realities in our nation’s technological development, he said. ”

THEIR REWARD ON EARTH. . .

BUA Targets 4

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The management of Abdul Samad Rabiu (ASR) Africa Initiative has finalised arrangement to establish four oncology centres in the country worth N10 billion as part of a move to reduce the spread of cancer diseases among the people of the country.

The four affected centres would be sited in Lagos, Sokoto, Kwara and Ogun states.

According to him, the federal government should integrate polytechnic education to meet the objective of lifting quality life in the sustainable development goals.

He said, “Government should migrate away from the monolithic economic model through diversification and promote skills education to meet the skill needs of the nation.”

All stakeholders in education, he said, should “work in synergy to mainstream Polytechnic education into the nation’s development plan.

“This will ensure that the government pays the right attention to funding polytechnics, and migrate

the tertiary level of certification to Bachelor of Technology with a National Diploma retained as a feed for Bachelor of Technology.

“Reverse the infrastructure deficits, review curriculum, and address the issue of staff remuneration to retain qualified personnel as well as restore technical colleges as feed for OND programmes across the nation.”

He stated that the mandate of polytechnic education has failed because of the failure of the federal government to integrate polytechnic education into national planning, especially in the technological development drive.

Cancer Centres to Reduce Medical Tourism

affecting health, education and social development within Africa.

Steel Development, certain things have to be done to initiate steel production in Nigeria; trying to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the Itakpe Iron Ore Mining Company. These are multi-billion dollar facilities and multi-billion dollar steel plants we have in Kogi State for the benefit of Nigerians.”

He revealed that the President promised rolling out thousands of CNG buses that would be powered by gas and distributed to Nigerian workers in both private and public sectors.

He said in the ministry’s 2024 budget, a recommendation for production of the gas cylinders will be made in order for them to be produced in Itakpe. “What I have seen clearly here in Ajaokuta particularly as well as I am here in the iron ore company, components of that gas cylinders for the CNG plant can be made here in Itakpe. Itakpe has a significant role to play in the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.

ASR Africa Initiative is the brainchild of African Industrialist, philanthropist, and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu and was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, and innovative solutions to developmental issues

Court

However, speaking in Ilorin yesterday during the official laying foundation ceremony of the ASR Africa Cancer and Diagnostic Facility at the cost of N2.5bn in Ilorin, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the ASR Africa, Dr. Ubong Udoh, said that the establishment of the centre would go a long way to reduce medical tourism and boost the healthcare delivery in the country.

According to him, “We are in Kwara State as part of our partnership with the state government and we gave them N2.5 billion grant for the tertiary health system support and the

governor in his wisdom selected an oncological centre which we just did the breaking.”

He said that, “BUA selected four states for the grant, Sokoto, Ogun, Kwara and Lagos for the total amount of N10 billion each and we are doing it on geopolitical zone to cover all of them to have a balanced geographical spread.”

Udoh added that, “We are not just targeting the health sector, we have done N13.5 billion in grants to 30 universities in the education sector, we are building 16 projects internationally in the republic of Ghana and Niger and also doing a lot of social development projects which include a N10 billion grants to the security

agencies and the armed forces which is being implemented as we speak. So we intervening in the areas of health, education and social development.”

He noted that, “In terms of what warrants our interventions, we are open to take application and so people can apply and we have some fixed grant which we do selective criteria for but we prefer to hear from states, they will tell us their needs and we will carry out a needs assessment and run it through a prioritisation filter for the most important and agreed with the state on what to implement.

“Our yearly budget is $100 million, divided equally between Nigeria and Africa at 50-50 ratio.”

Hands Down 20 Years Jail Term to Kidnappers of Ozekhome, SAN

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday sentenced Kelvin Oniarah Eziegbe and Frank Azuekor to 20 years in prison for the kidnapping of Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN. Justice Nyako handed down the jail terms shortly after finding the defendants guilty in the 13-count charge filed against them by the federal government.

The conviction and subsequent sentencing is coming 10 years after the defendants which include; Eziegbe, Azuekor, Michael Omo-

nigho and Haruna Momoh, were first arraigned before the federal High Court for kidnapping the senior lawyer and then Delta Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Hope Eghagha.

However, while Omonigho, a priest of a shrine, was discharged and acquitted, the Department of State Service (DSS) was ordered to fish out and arrest Momoh who is said to be at large.

Justice Nyako, who pointed out that some of the 13-count charge for which the convicts were arraigned carries life imprisonment, stated that she had to use

her discretion to sentence them to 20 years imprisonment which will commence from the date of their arrest.

Meanwhile, she ordered that the defendants be transferred from the custody of the DSS to the correctional centre to serve their imprisonment.

Earlier before the sentencing, the convicts prayed Justice Nyako for mercy in the sentencing saying that they have never been convicted for any offence before now.

Eziegbe specifically pleaded the court for mercy on grounds of health challenges which he had been battling with since the

past 10 years he had been in the custody of the DSS.

Their lawyer, Mr. Bala Dakum, joined the convicts in pleading for mercy in the sentencing, while the prosecution counsel, Chioma Onuegbu and Chinwe Obasi, reminded the court of the gravity of the offences for which the defendants were convicted.

Ahmed Tijani counsel to Momoh, who was said to have escaped from custody said his client, slammed with a five count charge, bordering on kidnapping and terrorism did not escape from lawful custody.

L-R: Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information, Sean Alabi; Secretary to the State Government, Habibat Adubiaro; Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye; Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State; Overall Best Teacher (Primary School), Osaranmaye Yetunde; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; and Speaker Ekiti State House of Assembly , Adeoye Aribasoye; during 2023 World Teachers’ Day at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado- Ekiti… on Thursday.

HONOURED FOR EXCELLENCE…

Police: MohBad Died from Injuries

Sustained During Fight with PrimeBoy

The Lagos State Police Command revealed yesterday that there was a physical altercation between late singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba known as Mohbad and his childhood friend, PrimeBoy, in Ikorodu, which led to Mohbad’s death

The Lagos Police Commissioner, Idowu Owohunwa, who disclosed this during a press conference also an-

nounced the names of those apprehended in connection with the singer’s sudden

According to Owohunwa, PrimeBoy, who is among the suspects, attended Mohbad’s show in Ikorodu on September 10, 2023, accompanied by the

“At the end of the show, Mohbad and Ibrahim (Primeboy) were engaged in a violent

of the injury subsequently resulted in his death, he is being treated as a suspect,”

His former label boss, Naira Marley (Abdulazeez Fashola), and his associate, Sam Larry (Samson Balogun) have been

The police commissioner said, “While Abdulazeez Fashola (Naira Marley) and Samson Balogun (Sam

We Are Continuing With Peter Obi’s Legacy in Education, Says Soludo

The Anambra State Governor, yesterday praised former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of contributions he made during The governor observed that those remarkable achievements have continued to serve as a foundation for ongoing educational development in Soludo, represented by his Ibezim, expressed these sentiments at the funeral mass for Chief Alexander Ejesieme

He highlighted the enduring value of the educational reforms initiated by Obi in the state and emphasised the importance of further advancing educational

The governor recently allocated substantial funds to

Larry) denied allegations of criminal liability in the death of Mohbad and pleaded an alibi to justify their non-being complicit in the incident that occurred between 10-12 September 2023, there are ample electronic and credible witness pieces of evidence linking them to cyberbullying, a threat to life, assault occasioning harm, and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace against

Wike Orders Probe of Olorunfemi’s Death

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated a ninemember investigative panel to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of Greatness Olorunfemi in Maitama Aminu Mohammed,

October, 2023 at the emergency Wike, who was represented at the inauguration by the Mandate Secretary, Health Adedolapo Fasawe, charged the nine-member investigative panel to be thorough, profes-

what led to this ugly incident

According to him, the panel will play a crucial role in investigating the case and

involved in addressing such incidents and promoting a culture of transparency and accountability in the Nigerian

support mission schools in his numerous legacies in the education sector, upon which we

to missionary schools in the state as part of his administration’s

transform education in the state, Obi in 2011 returned all mission schools to their original owners, the church, while guaranteeing adequate funding from the state govern-

The former governor bolstered these schools, both public and mission ones with computers, libraries, Internet connectivity, generators, andally, he made sure that each secondary school in the state received school buses and other

State Govts, Healthcare Providers Task to Domesticate Patients’ Bill of Right

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called for the entrenchment and domestication of the Patients’ Bill of Right by state governments and concerned healthcare providers with a view to increasing

-

tation of the Act hence is why the FCCPC came up with the PBoR in 2018 to simplify the rights of patients and make it

“Certainly, grassroots level engagement is very important because if the people don’t know their right, they won’t be able to assert or enforce it or come to people like us to complain when such rights are being

He said that the panel is an independent body with the power to investigate and hold accountable those involved in wrongdoing, adding that the panel should be free from any

who is also the President of the Medical

and Dental Consultants

The deceased, a victim of ‘one chance’ kidnap gang, was allegedly brought dead

He said members of the Investigative Panel were nominated to help bring to bear their wealth of experience through painstaking investigation and interaction to unravel

Kano Bans Six Textbooks in Schools Over Inappropriate Content

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Kano State Government has banned the use of six textbooks in all the Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools in the state due to the inclusion of inappropriate

In a press statement signed by the Director of Planning Research and Statistics office of the Special Adviser on Private and Voluntary Institutions in Kano, Hamisu Ibrahim, warned operators of private and voluntary schools to desist from using the books

According to him, the underlisted textbooks are prohibited for use in all Nursery Primary and

“The Kano State Government wishes to notify operators of both

private and voluntary schools in the state that the under-listed textbooks are prohibited for instruction, and use in all Nursery Primary and Secondary Schools in the state, due to observed inclusion of inappropriate and sexually explicit content that is harmful to the morale of young

The books include: The Queen Premier (All Editions) a royal school series published by Nelson Publisher company; Basic Science

Razat Publishers 2018 edition for edition by Tola Anjorin, Okochuku Mutiu, Farima Kaki, Lydia Gbagu; and Basic Science and Technology for junior secondary school 1, 2,

“We have explored the legal framework for establishing an independent and investigative panel, the process of appointing and constituting a nine-person panel, and the role and responsibilities of the panel in investigating the alleged death

According to him, the aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the steps

He urged the panel to ensure that they operate within respect the rights of all parties

Umahi Bars Contractors from Using Laterite for Constructing Nigerian

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has cancelled the use of laterite as a base in road

A statement by the ministry’s Director of Information, Blessing Lere-Adams, said Umahi also directed that henceforth, contractors should use ‘lumps, sharp sand and stone base’ before the laying of concrete

The minister spoke at the inauguration of the committee for the supervision of the reconstruction of Benin – Warri dual carriageway and the ‘dualisation’ of East – West Road, Port Harcourt – Onne Port junction

Umahi noted that laterite has a

limited load bearing capacity and that it is susceptible to erosion and weathering especially in

According to him, this could lead to degradation of the road surface over time, create maintenance challenges and

“We are giving very serious attention to the roads between between Eleme and Onne Port, we are mindful of the

“There are water conditions and there are boreholes instead of potholes on these to use lumps, sharp sand and stone base in place of laterite,”

The Technical Consultant to the Executive Vice Chairman, Morayo Adebayo, made the call at a healthcare provider training organised by Ace in collaboration with FCCPC themed, ‘Strengthening Patient-Centered Care: A Health Care Provider Training’, held in Ibadan, the According to her, the National Health Act was passed in 2014 and it included a lot of things, stating that stakeholders are not

“Our strategy is to sensitise consumers at the grassroots level As long as we continue on this sensitisation path which we started in 2018, over 20 healthcare facilities have domesticated enter such facilities, you see at the entrance or reception, a bold signage which says these are

Our Interest in Educational Advancement of Nigerian Students High, Says TotalEnergies

In commemoration of theWorld Teachers Day, TotalEnergies Exploration and Production (E&P) Nigeria Limited has stated that its interest in the educational advancement of Nigerian students

Deputy Managing Director, stated this at the 2023 book reading and Open Day event in Port

Dulout assured that the oil multinational will continue to promote reading among students and encourage youths to develop

He noted that the 2023 book reading presents an opportunity to share career trajectories and explore career requirements and opportunities to guide students

The DMD explained that

reading involves a considerable level of concentration and thus builds discipline, patience, critical thinking as well as knowledge, adding that all these virtues will help students who are engaged in reading to form good character development, necessary for living

According to him, “It is based on this conviction of reading that TotalEnergies in Nigeria became committed to the educational

He said TotalEnergies as a company, is a melting pot of STEM-driven innovations with technological expertise that has seen them play pioneering roles in deep water developments in “We have partnered with key stakeholders to improve STEM learning and provide better career opportunities for Nigerians in

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

An award of outstanding leadership and managerial skills presented to Sir Folu Olamiti by the wife of the Primate of Church of Nigeria, Mrs. Angela Ndukuba, during the 10th Anniversary of Advent Cable Network Nigeria Television (ACNNTV) in Abuja...recently

Soyinka Challenges Those Disputing His Academic Records to Show Proof in 30 Days

Bennett Oghifo

Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka has challenged those disputing his academic records to submit their proof to the nation’s investigating authorities in 30 days.

Prof. Soyinka said this in a statement, yesterday, reacting to claims by a certain Prof. James Gibbs who was quoted in an online publication alleging that he (Soyinka) did not graduate with a First Class in Literature from Leeds University, UK.

Soyinka sent the statement to journalists, as well as to the Academic Staff Union of Nigeria, Pan-African Writers Association, Accra, Nigerian Association of Authors, the Nobel Foundation, Stockholm, the University of Leeds, the alleged Bristol Primary Source and his school.

HONOURED FOR SERVICE…

FG to Launch $617m Investment in Digital, Creative Enterprises

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu’s administration is planning to launch a $617.7 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) programme in November, 2023, Vice President Kashim Shettima, has disclosed.

This, he explained, is part of government’s determination to deliver on the promise to create millions of jobs in the technology space.

To ensure this plan becomes a reality, the Vice President has given

marching orders to members of the i-DICE Steering Committee, charging them to make sure the programme starts before the end of November this year.

Shettima gave the directive yesterday when the i-DICE team gave him an update on the progress made so far during a meeting at the State House, Abuja.

At the meeting, the Vice President emphasised the importance of the initiative to Federal Government’s digital jobs drive, saying the administration is keen on delivering on its promises to Nigerians.

Abia APC Rejects Guber Tribunal Verdict as Miscarriage of Justice

Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

of the mandate of Governor Alex Otti by the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the verdict.

In a statement issued by the state chairman of APC, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, the party said that the tribunal judgement delivered yesterday was contrary to the tenets of justice.

“This verdict handed down

by the three-man panel is the mother of miscarriage of justice. It is unacceptable and we reject it,” the party said.

Abia APC and its gubernageneral election, High Chief Ikechi Emenike, had jointly nullify the candidature of Otti and other candidates.

He also asked the tribunal candidate that contested the poll and scored the highest lawful votes. But the tribunal in a unanimous verdict dismissed the petition for lacking in merit.

Lagos Govt, EbonyLife Train 123 Filmmakers

Some graduating students of EbonyLife Creative Academy have applauded Lagos State Government for partnering with the academy has offered free training for 123 youths in the state.

Their graduation in all aspects of film making took place at EbonyLife Place, Victoria Island, Lagos.

On their experiences while on training, they said they jointly participated in production of three films namely; Her Perfect Life, Iyawo Mi and Endless Loop, being

the prerequisite for graduation. The production, according to them, improved the skills in them and prepared them for the future.

Sonia Cocina who graduated in Post Production said the training would project her career. “The programme has taken me out of my comfort zone and made me better in editing and everything that has to do with it. I am glad to meet amazing people as friends, and I cannot wait to see what is awaiting us in the outside world.”

Accordingly, he urged all partners in the i-DICE programme to ensure judicious utilisation of the funds, noting that the $617.7 million scheme could be a game changer.

His words: “The peculiarity of the challenges we face in the country demands that we have to create jobs for our teeming youths to address the crises associated with youth unemployment. I want to appeal to all of us here to unite and see that this programme takes off latest by the end of November this year.

“I am interested in getting a weekly update on what is being

done to kick-start this programme. We also need to spread out to cover the whole country so that there is inclusivity. If we judiciously utilise these funds, the target impact and anticipated benefits will be immense.

“I want to assure the technical committee, all those working on this programme and our international partners, that you will get all the support that you will need. We mean business. My boss, President Bola Tinubu, is passionate about the transformation of this country. So, you have nothing to worry about the government’s support”.

Group to NJC: Transfer Post-Election Cases to Abuja, ‘Douse Political Tension’ in Delta

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

A group, the Niger Delta Comrades Assembly (NDCA), has called on the Nigerian Judicial Commission (NJC) to relocate pending election appeal cases as well as the appeal judges to Abuja in order to douse what it called observed post-election political tension in Delta State.

The group stated this at a press conference in Asaba, saying that the strategic place

The NDCA stressed that the call had become necessary in order to avert possible breakdown of law and order

prompted by agitations over post-election matters, particularly over election appeal cases.

The litany of cases often generated by elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has become worrisome, just as the last general election in the country “gave birth to several electoral litigations by the candidates across board,” it said.

The numerous post-election disputes and litigations have really set tongues wagging as to the integrity of the national electoral agency as unbiased umpire, it further noted.

Nextier Urges States to Replicate FERMA

Researchers at Nextier, a multicompetency firm, have called on state governments to replicate the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) in their domains.

They also urged state governments to diversify their road funding sources by involving the private sector through road project concession.

The Nextier researchers further implored the state governments to involve citizens in road infrastructure management in a framework that includes Information and Communication Technology (ICT) monitoring and reporting; and road

He said, “A document of unmatchable scurrility, last

encountered during General Sani Abacha’s global campaign of calumny against opponents of his despotic, infernally venal and homicidal reign, is back in circulation. Duly modified to suit a debased internet culture, it is making its grimy rounds ironically under the auspices of a democratic political party, supposedly dedicated to an ethos of freedom of opinion and expression. The contents of that script are attributed, as before, to the scholastic industry of a Bristol school teacher.

“While awaiting a decision from my lawyers whether or not to dignify the current sponsors of this mouldy tract with legal action, I wish to state in advance that I voluntarily waive all protection under the statute of limitations, and insist that the laws that govern fraudulent academic claims be invoked and applied to these allegations to the uttermost limit.

Operators Seek FG’s Support for Hospitality Sector

The federal government has been urged to strengthen investment in the nation’s hospitality sector to allow it to fully bounce back from COVID-19 pressure.

Founder/CEO, Glitz Group of Companies, Adetola Akinola, declared this during a ‘Praise Party’ held in Lagos to commemorate the company’s seventh anniversary and the sixth anniversary of Glitz Garages.

According to her, the hospitality sector remained one of the most hit by COVID-19 spread, requiring extra support and focus to achieve impressive recovery far beyond the present 60 per cent.

Akinola commended government on some recovery steps taken so far, including the Sustainability Plan that aimed to support small and medium-sized business in the sector, she asserted more need to be done.

“Government needs to make the operating environment much more conducive, it needs to invest in infrastructure and more. By doing so, both budding and old players will thrive, while the economy will be impacted positively,” she said.

She added that the Praise Party was an annual initiative of the organisation to appreciate God for business success and sustainability since existence.

She also encouraged players to give their best and anticipate desired change in the economy with optimism.

For the founder of 700 Movement, Dr. Esther Longe, the party was apt considering the present

challenges in the country.

“It is a way of appreciating God for bringing us thus far even amid challenges and storms of life. Much more for Glitz group, seven years is no mean feat,” she enthused.

management committees that will be free from undue government interference.

Their recommendations were contained in a research report titled ‘Politics of Road Infrastructure in Nigeria’ authored by Dr. Ben Nwosu, an Associate Consultant at Nextier, and Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Development Studies, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus; as well as Dr. Ndu Nwokolo, a Partner at Nextier and an Honorary Fellow at the School of Government at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Emmanuel

L-R: Director General, National Council for Arts And Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe receiving the Nigeria-China Business Council Cultural Bridge Builders Recognition Award from Mr. Wang Guiping of the Chinese Embassy...recently

Fall former governors who are now ministers to learn a lesson or two

The workers berated the minister for his impulsiveness without due consideration to their plight. They go to work from outside Abuja metropolis, some from as far as Niger State. Without proper mass transit services which all national capitals have; and with the recent hike in fuel price, commuting to work has become a nightmare, especially for low-income workers. When Umahi realized that the workers were not joking, he called for a truce and asked their leaders to come up to meet with him. They refused, and instead, asked him to come down to meet with them at the gate. He obliged, but the workers went further to ask for his apology for his overbearingness. He did. The spokesman for the workers told the minister, ‘’This is not a state; this is the federal capital. You should respect us…’’. Umahi looked visibly shaken, humiliated. Never before in his long career in politics and public service has he been this subdued by his workers. ‘’We expect the minister to show better understanding of the situation in the country, instead of trying to run this place like Ebonyi State’’, one of the workers told the press. The revolt of the workers was a clear indication that if pushed to the wall, Nigerians will take their fate in their own hands. It is likely that if the minister had not quickly pacified the workers, something drastic would have happened. It is a lesson to the other big men of Abuja. As governor of Ebonyi for eight years, Umahi was notorious for abusing, harassing and terrorizing workers and the people of that state. In October last year, he was inspecting construction work at the Ebonyi airport, Onueke, when suddenly he realized that some workers were late to work. Umahi ordered the workers to sit on the floor while his guards (police and soldiers) started whipping them on his orders. It was a scene reminiscent of how slaves were treated in cotton farms in Europe and the Americas over 400 years ago. In October 2019, Umahi ordered the arrest of some motorists whom he claimed had blocked his motorcade on the road. They were mourners returning from a funeral.

Africa is a continent where animal stories are sometimes told just for the sheer entertainamusing antics of various animals. Such

The federal government has over the years treated ASUU so monstrously. From the regime of Babangida to Obasanjo, to that of YarA’dua, to Jonathan to Buhari and Tinubu, it has been the same drama of sham, indifference and disdain. Promises were made but not fulfilled, negotiations began and were stopped only to begin again and stop. For the past three decades, no Nigerian leader has dealt with the ASUU- FGN agreement seriously, sincerely, honestly and honorably. From 1992 to date, the rot in the University system has continued unabated; from 1992 to date the

University teachers have embarked on several warning strikes and sometimes indefinite strikes all in an attempt to press the Nigerian government to tread the path of honor by respecting its promises. Lamentably, the major stake holders in public universities namely parents and students do not understand the reasons why public universities have been the target of government animosity. The reasons are many and varied and for now they are becoming perfectly clear. One, the university is a place of intellectual workers whose primary duties are to research, teach, engage in community work, seek, find and tell the truth at all times, even at great hazard. Two, it is only the intellectual that has the capacity to put Nigeria first, to love Nigeria, to insist that education is a right and not a privilege. Three, it is only the intellectual that has faith in the capacity of the people to change their lives, to demonstrate that people are subjects and not just passive objects of development, to insist on certain minimum professional ethics and democratic principles, to reject a society based on corruption, to reject the rule of fear, to reveal that the children of ordinary peasants and workers have a right to free education, to insist that it is the primary responsibility of any responsible government to provide education for all its citizens. One can go on and on and on. But over and above all, it is the duty of the intellectual to criticize the policy of privatization of education and the whole program of looting and plundering of our commonwealth. It could easily be perceived that almost all ASUU strikes in Nigeria are connected to one, if not all, of the reasons I have enumerated.

Again, it is important for all Nigerian citizens to realize that in Nigeria, as in other parts of the world, our lives are a battlefield on which is fought a continuous battle between the forces that are

The following day at a public event in the Government House, the governor bellowed out, ‘’Next time, the ADC should order for them to be shot. It is very illegal to block a governor; and if anybody is killed in the course of that, it is allowed in the law’’. During the COVID-19 lockdown, the governor ordered security men at the state’s isolation centre to gun down anybody who tried to leave the centre. In addition, he instructed that those who do not wear mask should be arrested and flogged publicly.

I recall also the case of a journalist with The Sun newspaper, Chijioke Agwu, who wrote a report on the outbreak of Lassa fever in Ebonyi in 2020. Umahi did not like the report, and he instantly ordered for the arrest and detention of the reporter. After his release, the governor banished him, together with Peter Okutu of Vanguard newspaper, from entering Ebonyi State. There was outrage nationwide, but the governor couldn’t care less. He soon issued a fatwa against the press: ‘’If you think you have the pen, we have the koboko. Let’s leave the court alone; Ebonyi people are very angry with the press, and let me warn that I won’t be able to control them, or know when they unleash mayhem on you if you continue to write to create panic in the state’’.

David Umahi has been in politics and public service for a good part of his working life. He’s been PDP Chairman in Ebonyi; Deputy Governor; Governor and recently a senator. He has become very rich; and with his fabulous wealth, he can get away with anything. But in Abuja, he will have a tough time continuing with his authoritative and arrogant conduct. Civil servants are well protected from harassments, highhandedness and the imperiousness of their bosses by the Public Service Rules; Trade Disputes Act; ILO Conventions; ILO Declarations and Principles on the Right of Work and ILO Declaration on Safe and Healthy Working Environment. In our public service, lateness to work only attracts a query. Even then, it must be ‘’a habitual lateness’’ to attract a query; and in any case, it is not the minister that is expected to deal out any punishment to the workers. This is where the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation should come in and update the ministers on how the civil service works.

The minister’s baptism of fire is a wake-up call to other ministers, especially former governors, who are used to high-level impunity. Nigerians are facing the most excruciating living conditions since the end of the civil war. Many can no longer afford to drive their cars to work due to high fueling costs. While some make do with the unreliable public transport, others walk long distances to get to, and return from work. Some are unable to provide for their families. They are hungry and angry, and any unjustified provocation from any minister or politician may easily result in a combustible explosion. Public officials should therefore be more empathetic, sympathetic and understanding of the plight of ordinary workers and Nigerians. The FCT administration under Mr. Nyesom Wike will have to provide adequate bus service for the residents of Abuja. This was a common sight in the city during the el Rufai administration. I think Wike can repeat that. Across the states, the governors should also take steps to ameliorate the sufferings in the land by providing bus service for the low-income workers and students.

Etim is a Journalist

pledged to confirm our humanity and those forces determined to dismantle it. It is these two forces that are in conflict every day and everywhere. They are with us in schools, in offices, at the market, in the churches/ mosques and even in our homes. In simple terms, there are two classes in society: the rich and the poor, the ruler and the ruled, those who pull and those who are meant to do the pulling. On the other side of the divide is ASUU a union made up of a breed of university scholars who are bright, confident, original, honest and whose simple lifestyle is a stunning contrast to the dominant imported culture associated with Nigerian leaders who are the oppressors. In other words, ASUU is the only body in Nigeria that fits the honest, anti-imperialist intellectual who is armed and prepared to fight, in a certain measure, for the elimination of injustice and the mass participation of the people in the ordering of public affairs. But unfortunately, Nigerian students and their parents do not seem to understand ASUU and its struggle. For them, ASUU is an intransigent, strike-prone and insensitive union. It is for this reason that many stake holders in the education sector (especially students and parents) have consistently refused to show sympathy and solidarity with ASUU. When we look back, we discover that in the 1970s and 1980s Nigerian students fully identified with ASUU’s struggle because they knew that such a struggle was for the general good of the education sector. They knew that such a struggle was meant to confront tyranny, they knew that such a struggle was for the liberation of the poor in society. But today we don’t seem to have a vibrant union of Nigerian students. What we have is a group of young men and women balkanized along all the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. What we have is an association

of young men and women who are acolytes of the political class. But more painful is the fact that what we have today is a generation of young men and women without focus or vision, a group of young people given to modern vices like drug addiction, sexual abuse, cultism, examination malpractice, debauchery, hedonism and shenanigans. Who takes the take blame? As a country, Nigeria, has continued to persevere under the burden of bad governance, political charlatanism and, most painfully, the deleterious role of the political class. And the reason for this is simple: for the past three or four decades, those who are charged with the duty of guarding public patrimony have deliberately abrogated their responsibilities; those who occupy positions of power are parochial, insincere and incompetent; those who are voted, or who rig themselves, into power say one thing in order to get into office but do the opposite once they get there.

The Nigerian nation has continued to travel on reverse gear because its journey is bedeviled by untruths, deceit and thwarted dreams and desires. Honesty, honor, truth and humanistic sympathy have all but taken leave of the ruling class and the citizens have been reduced to mere playthings in the hands of the rulers. One thing is clear: there is a deliberate plan by the Nigerian ruling elite to destroy public universities and this fact is evident in the number of private universities owned by members of the ruling class or their cronies. There are more than 120 private universities competing with only about 62 public ones. How many Nigerian parents can afford tuition fees in private universities?

Doki, a writer and Professor of Comparative Literature is Head, Department of English at University of Jos

There is a deliberate plan by the ruling elite to destroy public universities, argues Jeff Godwin Doki

NIGERIANS ARE FACING THE MOST EXCRUCIATING LIVING CONDITIONS SINCE THE END OF THE CIVIL WAR. MANY CAN NO LONGER AFFORD TO DRIVE THEIR CARS TO WORK DUE TO HIGH FUELING COSTS. WHILE SOME MAKE DO WITH THE UNRELIABLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT, OTHERS WALK LONG DISTANCES TO GET TO, AND RETURN FROM WORK

Etim Etim writes that workers need sympathy because of the high cost of living

They deserve more...

Hope Uzodinma as a Miracle Worker

The gale of gullibility grinding thorough Nigeria recently gripped some residents of Imo State.With the state governorship elections billed for November, Hope Uzodinma, the current governor who is seeking a second term, told a group of his supporters that by December, four thousand Imo residents would be gainfully employed in Europe.

Many of those who were at the event loudly cheered him. By now, every Nigerian of voting age, and even those who are close to grazing the voting age know that election seasons in Nigeria bring all manner of outrageous promises, laced with lies. It Is always about candidates jostling for votes and making all manner of promises.

Usually, they prey on the impossibly difficult time Nigerians have had with their leaders and government to say that they will rectify past mistakes as well as cruise into uncharted territory. Because the poverty that presses down most Nigerians is real, they promise to eradicate it. Because the infrastructure in Nigeria is terribly broken, they promise to fix it. Because many young employable Nigerians have harrowing stories to tell about the peculiar depredations of unemployment, they always promise to create jobs. Nigerians know the sound of these lies which are repeated every so often, yet, it appears that many are powerless to prevent its hypnosis.

For the good people of Imo State, January 14 and 15 2019 will be remembered as the days the Supreme Court declared Hope Uzodinma, the duly elected governor of the state, and the day he was sworn in respectively.

That he came a distant fourth in the polls before the intervention of Nigeria’s highest court was a clear indication of where he ranked in the minds of the people of Imo State. But stranger things than that have happened in Nigeria, and he has been governor of the state ever since.

Elections have been scheduled in the state for November, and the race is tight, especially with the unexpected performance of the Labour Party in the last general elections. Uzodinma is firmly in the race despite the enduring misgivings many of his people have about his leadership. Given how he came into power, he has not been particularly keen to impress, preferring to hug the headlines in Abuja from where he uses an iron fist to govern the state.

With elections very close, he has promised that if re-elected, he will ensure that by December 2023, four thousand Imo youths will secure employment in Europe.

To hear the members of his audience loudly cheer and clap the announcement betrayed the frightening gullibility that has taken hold of many Nigerians.

In the face of mostly inept and corrupt leadership, when will the Nigerian electorate learn the noble art of constructive scrutiny even in the face of the most intimidating of

politicians?

Why do Nigerians keep swallowing what politicians who hardly mean well for them say hook, line and sinker without revealing their distrust, distaste, disgust and disappointment?

At the announcement that was clearly and insultingly a campaign gimmick, Uzodinma should have been greeted with boos not cheers.

Even if he was a miracle worker which his poor performance in Imo State has clearly shown that he is not, securing four thousand jobs in Europe by December for Imo youth would clearly be beyond him.

Usually, the deceitful politicians who make such outlandish promises don’t elaborate because they know that their gullible audience would lap up everything and render a thunderous applause to drown out all reason.

But it would have been interesting if Uzodinma went on to elaborate on the finer details of his proposal. How would he do it in Europe where many countries are themselves struggling with unemployment?

Since the Supreme Court made him governor of the State in 2020, how many jobs has he created in the state to lift people out of poverty?

It Is really disturbing how many lies Nigerians have to swallow every election year by those who will do and say anything because they want the votes of unsuspecting voters.

Ike Willie-Nwobu, Ikewilly9@gmail.com

Keep Witchcraft Accusations Out of Politics

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches urges the government of Sychelles to keep charges linked to witchcraft beliefs out of politics in the country because they make no legal and political sense. This call became necessary following a report that the country’s main opposition leader, Peter Herminie has been charged with witchcraft. Charged with witchcraft in this 21st century? He was accused along with seven other persons including a Tanzanian. According to the report, Herminie and other persons have been charged with “possessing items intended for use in witchcraft, conspiracy to perform witchcraft and procuring services related to witchcraft”. It was stated that the name of this key politician was allegedly mentioned in a WhatsApp message between a local and the person from Tanzania, who was arrested at the main international airport on September 21, 2023. The report says that “Items related to witchcraft, including stones, black wooden artefacts, small bottles of brownish liquid, a collection of powders, and documents with strange language and “demonic and satanic symbols” were found in the possession of this Tanzanian. State prosecutors are of the notion that the documents might be some vandalised materials from the local churches. Mr. Herminie has denied the charges, and dismissed the allegation that items linked to witchcraft including bones, body parts, and objects associated with Christianity” were found in his office or in his possession.

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches is asking the government of Sychelles to drop these charges, because they are absurd and constitute a show of shame and embarrassment. The prosecution of Herminie and other co accused is witch hunting in both literal and political sense. And witch hunting should have no place in 21st century politics in Sychelles. Otherwise, how does the government define witchcraft or witchcraft items? How does the government distinguish witchcraft items, whatever that means, from traditional religious objects? How did the prosecutors know that the said items were intended for use in witchcraft? Are stones, black wooden artefacts, and small bottles of brownish liquid witchcraft materials? I mean how will state prosecutors establish that some symbols are demonic and satanic?

Has the government the facility or expertise to prove beyond reasonable doubt what is witchcraft and what is not witchcraft, what is demonic or satanic and what is not? How will the government prosecute this case without flagrantly violating the right of its citizens to freedom of religion or belief?

At a time of growing cases of witch persecution in many parts of Africa, the government of Sychelles should discontinue this unfortunate and unwarranted instance of witch hunting.

Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches

RingTrue

The Mess By Customs at the Border

Iwas left depressed after listening to the acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, speaking on the smuggling of petroleum products and revenue generation at a press briefing in Abuja last week, organised to mark his first 100 days in office. I heard the man that is supposed to be leading the team protecting our borders giving needless and childish excuses for the unending smuggling of petroleum products. He said his findings showed that the quality and price of Nigeria’s petrol were the key factors causing the persistent smuggling of the product to neighbouring countries.

Adeniyi, the man saddled with the responsibility of tackling the menace of smuggling, was lamenting instead of taking action to tame the danger. It is even more painful that he was telling Nigerians the same old story. It was so annoying listening Adeniyi saying he had discovered that the low price of Nigerian petrol “is responsible” for the smuggling of the products. I’m sure he was just joking. Adeniyi is also pretending to be unaware that regardless of what the prices of petroleum products are in Nigeria, there will still be smuggling to neighbouring countries because Nigeria remains the only source of these products to many communities bordering her.

Recall that one of the factors that led to the removal of petrol subsidy last May by President Bola Tinubu was the massive smuggling of the product to neighbouring countries. An estimated 50 per cent of petrol imported into Nigeria is smuggled out. The rise in the price to between N568 and N650 per litre following the withdrawal of subsidy only reduced smuggling by an estimated 30 per cent. That’s what we were told. The temptation to smuggle out petroleum products will always be there regardless of the price or quality in Nigeria.

In any case, the job of Adeniyi and his boys is to halt the smuggling of these products; not giving us reasons why trafficking of Nigerian petrol is attractive.

Precisely 110 days after the emergence of Adeniyi as acting Comptroller-General of Customs, nothing has changed. This is the truth that must be told. It is still business as usual at Nigeria’s borders with all our neighbouring countries. Smuggling of petroleum products is still booming. This is because those we have charged with the responsibility of policing our borders continue to compromise. Their leader, Adeniyi has decided to regale Nigerians with the story of Mungo Park instead of acting fittingly. At another function a few weeks after his assumption of office, Adeniyi admitted that the smuggling of petrol was persisting, “though it had reduced when compared to what was obtained in the past.”

Stopping the smuggling of petroleum products should not be a big deal if the Nigerian Customs are really committed to

their jobs. Unfortunately, they are committed to their pockets. Adeniyi should be working on protecting Nigeria’s borders with technology. We are in an era of protecting borders with surveillance/ attack drones. That is the standard in developed societies. Nigeria should not be left behind. This is the club Adeniyi should take the Customs into.

Nigerian Customs are not just messing up with the smuggling of petroleum products to neighbouring countries; they are messing up with the smuggling of so many other things into and out of Nigeria. Take the case of Rice whose importation was banned years ago. Notwithstanding, daily, loads of foreign Rice slip into Nigeria with ease. We have more foreign Rice than local ones in our markets. The Customs guys at the border are always looking the other way. Well, for reasons known to all of us.

Allegations of sleaze in the NCS pour daily. Two years ago, I remember the then Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Customs and Excise, Francis Fadahunsi, calling for the removal of the then boss of Customs, Hammed Ali over alleged massive corruption in the agency. Fadahunsi is a retired Assistant Comptroller General of Customs and surely knew what he was saying then.

Fadahunsi remarked: “If the Buhari regime could suspend the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala-Usman, for alleged fraud, it should also be bold enough to suspend the NCS boss. Massive corruption is going on under Ali’s watch and the country is losing so much money due to this.”

Fadahunsi, who represented Osun East District in the 9th Senate and currently in the 10th Senate, also cited non-remittance of proceeds of seized goods and those auctioned to government’s purse, saying “there is the need for the NCS to be thoroughly investigated.”

He adds: “Concerning the seizure and disposal of contraband goods, Ali has not rendered any returns in the past six

Reforming Tax with N5 Billion

The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee already has N5 billion in its kitty for its operation expected to last 12 months. At parallel market exchange rate, that is around $5 million. Yes, that is what has been released to this committee by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS. I was livid when this figure emerged. N5 billion for which operation? That is what this committee will spend for its 12 months assignment. What a country!

Also, the money was released within a few weeks. If it is money meant for one health or education intervention in this country, it would still be stranded somewhere by now. But this ludicrous one came out with speed after an earlier speedy approval by the Presidency. I was further shocked when the man chairing the committee, Taiwo Oyedele, went about defending the $5 million his committee budgeted for its operations.

Oyedele boldly declared: “The Committee’s budget includes provisions for a national ‘Data for Tax’ project which the JTB has been championing for over two years. Other expenses include setting up of offices for the committee in Lagos and Abuja, payment of salaries for the full-time staff engaged by the committee, travels and other logistics for over 70 members representing more than 40

institutions and stakeholder groups mapped to six different subcommittees, more than 30 Secretariat personnel and over 40 students across the country.

“In addition, the budget covers planned stakeholder engagements with various sectors and interest groups, as well as international engagements and understudy of some leading tax regimes around the world, and so on. The budget covers a period of one year being the lifespan of the committee.”

I am still struggling to understand Oyedele’s “international engagements and understudy of some leading tax regimes around the world.” In this modern era, with technology as its core, Oyedele still needs to physically travel abroad to understudy some leading tax regimes. Haba! This is preposterous. Why is he renting offices in Lagos and Abuja for this short-term project? Oyedele should be thinking of cutting costs by seeking office space in existing government facilities. Then, the “travels and other logistics for over 70 members.” Is this all about travelling around the world?

The same Oyedele told Nigerians that his committee’s mandate “include ensuring prudence and accountability in the management of our national resources”, adding, “it will therefore be a

contradiction for the same committee to be wasteful or reckless in its own affairs.” So, spending N5 billion for a 12-month project is not wasteful in this era of economic crisis?

Then, President Tinubu, who is always talking about this country’s bad economy and the need to cut costs, approved this kind of budget for Oyedele and his gang? Nigerians deserve an answer.

years. The amount estimated from these runs into trillions of Naira. He has also not made any public auction according to the Auction Sales Code. The CG has not audited his accounts in the past six years. If he says he has done that, let him publish the audited report. Let him also publish what he has made on the auction of seized goods since he resumed. That should be subject to a forensic audit. He has never told us what he made from overtime cargoes and containers.”

This is the Customs inherited by Adeniyi. Massive corruption is real in the NCS. This is why millions of litres of petroleum products are smuggled out daily. This is why tons of foreign Rice enter this country daily. This is why Nigeria’s borders are in the club of most porous in the world. This is why arms, ammunition, deficient pharmaceuticals, illegal drugs, and other forbidden goods that pose serious dangers to Nigerians slip into the country with ease. Adeniyi has to work very hard to reverse this ugly trend. Yes, he has been part of the filthy system for so long, I expect him to see his elevation to the position of CGC as a new beginning; an opportunity to build a new Customs where corruption and ineptitude will be drastically reduced.

Smugglers are not invincible. Adeniyi and his men know them. They can end smuggling of petroleum products if they wish to do it. Adeniyi and his men must be held accountable. This is the truth that must be told. His “100 Days” were not impressive. Enough of this mess at Nigeria’s borders. Enough of the smuggling of petroleum products abroad.

Also, at the “100 Days” briefing, Adeniyi celebrated the rise in revenue generation by the Customs “with an average monthly collection of N202 billion in the first half of the year, surging to an impressive N343 billion in the past two months - July and August.” He said the growth amounted to a remarkable 70.13 per cent increase in revenue collection. With this, Adeniyi said the service had surpassed its monthly revenue target of N307 billion. Well, there is an improvement, but this is not where the Customs should be in terms of contribution to the Federation Account.

I strongly believe that a well-managed and corruption-free NCS can generate at least N10 trillion annually for this country. Unfortunately, it has not been so because of corruption. I still remember Itse Sagay, the then Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, remarking that “it is still business as usual” at all Customs formations across the country. That was two years ago. Nothing has changed. The bulk of the revenues that should come from our ports still go into private pockets. This is why the Customs can’t amass N10 trillion in a whole year for Nigeria. In this light, I think this government should start thinking about privatising the collection of Customs and Excise duties as being done in some developed countries. This is the only way forward for our country.

This country has no business taking loans to fund its budgets if the revenuegenerating agencies are well managed. The failings of the revenue-generating agencies like the Customs have been pushing the federal government into seeking loans to finance infrastructural development. State governors should also show interest in the activities of federal revenue generating agencies like Customs because they are co-owners. These agencies belong to all the three tiers of government; not just the federal government.

Adeniyi

Oyedele

Tribute to Suleiman Baffa

My family and I were pained to learn about the passing away of Alhaji Suleiman Suleiman Baffa, an erstwhile Managing Director and Chief executive of Union Bank, and by extension my boss, even though I did not report directly to him, for I was of a much lower status at the time.

I nonetheless had a memorable encounter, with the soft spoken, gentleman banker, an administrator and a leader, who endeared himself to me, soon after he joined the Bank.

Yes, our paths crossed in Union Bank but his reputation preceded him and I was much familiar with his personality and qualities long before we met. And when we did, my experience of him matched in every respect, the picture of him as was in my sub-conscious, of a man who was as straight as a die in his dealings, constant in character as the northern star, and with rare administrative prowess, that spoke of the best of our colonial past, when the hallmark of seasoned administrators was fairness, merit and equity!

Alhaji Baffa had palpable confidence, and power, as he straddled a colossus of a Bank, in assets, Staff numbers and branch network, which at his time extended to virtually all the major towns and villages in the country. His power and social network, based on his antecedents from prior appointments, and then conjoined with the privileges of his office as

PERSPECTIVE

MD/CEO of Union Bank, was quite intimidating!

Yet Alhaji Baffa was not in any way overwhelmed by power but he tamed power and never forgot its purpose in management, as my encounter with him best illustrates.

I had, as the Union Bank’s Data processing manager at the time, taken a lone minority position in a technical committee chaired by him, while all other committee members gravitated towards his position on a technical issue, where ordinarily I should be more informed. I was however not daunted by that development, and even insisted that my minority position should be remarked in the minutes by the secretary. I least expected that the remark on the committee resolution, would result in an invitation to me by the Board when the paper came before it for final approval.

However, it did, but I couldn’t, as it were, wash our dirty linen before outsiders, as I considered the board to be, in relation to the core management of the Bank, and when asked to expound on my position, I told the board that in hindsight the MD was right, because his view was holistic, while mine focused on a much narrower aspect of the Bank’s business.

The following day Alhaji Baffa invited me to his office for a private meeting. He met me with a gentle smile and a reassuring look. These good gestures helped calm my unsteady nerves, and restored my confidence, thus dispelling my fears of an anticipated sack which was a rumour among colleagues for my having the temerity to oppose the Chief executive, and a powerful figure at that!

However, to my surprise, Alhaji Baffa told

me that I should erase all fears from what had transpired, as that incident at the committee had on the contrary, brought us together as friends! He even ended our meeting with an open invitation to visit his home and farm in Kano. That meeting heightened my respect for Alhaji Baffa and made me to develop a special liking for him, but above all, the meeting taught me a lasting lesson on power and its use in management, among others! And surprisingly, until the end of Alhaji Baffa’s tenure, he did not cause to be implemented or reference that project again, for reasons I did not know but can still only guess that he must have rechecked his facts or intuitively knewthatthecommitteemembersweremerely pandering to him as the MD, while I had spoken from the heart! Whatever the reason was, only leaders, not bosses and men of honour who are not consumed by ego or overwhelmed by power, could muster the courage to retract their decisions, given the circumstance under which the committee decision was made. And Alhaji Baffa was one of the very few of such men in this country. What a fine gentleman and leader he was!

As Baffa left his foot prints on the corporate sands of time, so has his demise created voids in several quarters - among his fans and friends to which I belong, his communities and his family, all of whom are in emotional trauma as a result. We therefore approach the throne of grace, of the Almighty Allah, with twin baskets ofThanks and Prayers.

We thank Him for the life of Alhaji Baffa, His gift to us for a time period, and also for the

good times we shared with him.

We pray You, O Merciful Almighty Allah, to grant alhaji Baffa Al-jannah.

We acknowledge that None but only You, O Allah, can fill the many voids created by his demise, and heal our pains.

We therefore seek your consolation, particularly for his family at this trying time, and your care and protection for them, in Your Mighty Name, Amin. Adieu! Adieu!!Adieu!!! Our dear S.S. Baffa.

An Airport for Achebe

There is a Chinua Achebe International Airport in Anambra State. It was a spectacular masterstroke from Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo when he renamed the Anambra Airport at Umueri after Chinua Achebe.

The ovation that Soludo got when he made the announcement in his speech at the 63rd Nigerian Independence Anniversary which took place at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, on October 1 was thunderous and long-lasting. There is no doubt whatsoever that naming the airport after Chinua Achebe will spike up tourism to the state from across the globe. When Bard College in New York built the Achebe House in the university, for instance, the place instantly turned into a tourist attraction.

In the ennobling words of Governor Soludo, “Chinua Achebe is an African and global hero, Anambra’s greatest gift to the literary world.”

Achebe’s uncommon integrity makes him the archetypal depiction of the title of his fourth novel, “A Man of the People”, in total contradistinction with the politician hero of the novel, Chief MA Nanga.

Chinua Achebe seized the human race by the jugular when he published his first novel Things Fall Apart in 1958.

The novel has never ever gone out of print since its first publication, and has been translated into more than 60 languages.

Things Fall Apart reportedly accounted for more than 80 percent of the sales of Heinemann’s African Writers Series (AWS) which Achebe served as an unpaid Editorial Adviser.

It’s remarkable that Governor Soludo who named the airport after the legendary writer was a young student in 1981 at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka when Achebe founded the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) on the grounds of the esteemed institution.

Achebe happened not to be the typical

reclusive writer because his activities in the wider society during his lifetime were equally redoubtable.

He was political in his lifetime in the truest sense of the dictum from Aristotle as per “man is by nature a political animal.”

Achebe was the Vice-Chairman of Aminu Kano’s Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in the Second Republic.

He never at any time sat on the fence over national issues, for instance, unapologetically pitching his tent with Biafra when his people faced flagitious pogrom and genocide.

Achebe was a man of many anchors, adeptly combining the roles of critic, activist, organizer, publisher, politician, and served as the PresidentGeneral (PG) of his native town union in Ogidi, Anambra State.

When he rejected the award of the high national

honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in October, 2004, from then President Olusegun Obasanjo, Achebe wrote: “I write this letter with a very heavy heart. For some time now, I have watched events in Nigeria with alarm and dismay. I have watched particularly the chaos in my own state of Anambra where a small clique of renegades, openly boasting its connection in high places, seems determined to turn my homeland into a bankrupt and lawless fiefdom. I am appalled by the brazenness of this clique and the silence, if not connivance, of the Presidency.”

True to his unwavering principle, Achebe also rejected the award when it was re-offered by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.

Achebe’s word would have resounded if he were to be alive today, seeing the dire circumstances of the country.

A man who always spoke truth to power, Achebe wrote in his 1983 book The Trouble with Nigeria: “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership. There is nothing basically wrong with the Nigerian character. There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian land or climate or water or air or anything else. The Nigerian problem is the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility, to the challenge of personal example which are the hallmarks of true leadership.”

According to Achebe, “Nigeria is what it is because its leaders are not what they should be.”

Chinua Achebe left behind an everlasting body of work: Things Fall Apart, No Longer at Ease, Arrow of God, A Man of the People, Anthills of the Savannah, Girls at War and Other Stories, Beware Soul Brother, Morning Yet on Creation Day, The Trouble with Nigeria, Chike and the River, Home and Exile, Hopes and Impediments, The Education of a British-Protected Child, There Was A Country etc.

It was one death that shook the world when Chinua Achebe died at exactly 11:51pm (US time), that is 4.51am (Nigerian time), on Thursday, March 21 at the Harvard University Teaching Hospital, Massachusetts, USA, aged 82.

Tributes poured in from all over the world such as the iconic Kenyan novelist, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, who wrote: “Achebe bestrides generations and geographies. Every country in Africa claims him as their own.”

Achebe’s legacy was lauded by the then US President Barrack Obama thus: “A revolutionary author, educator, and cultural ambassador, Chinua shattered the conventions of literature and shaped the collective identity of Nigerians throughout the world. With a dream of taking on misperceptions of his homeland, he gave voice to perspectives that cultivated understanding and drew our world closer together. His legacy will endure in the hearts of all whose lives he touched with the everlasting power of his art.”

Now that there is a Chinua Achebe International Airport in Anambra State, the whole wide world is welcome!

Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

Achebe

Michael Okonkwo

Baffa

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394

Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Davido Finally Unveils ‘N100 million’ Feel Video

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Davido has treated fans to a visual feast with the release of the music video of his chart-topping track, “Feel,” the second song off his latest album Timeless, released in March 2023. The visuals find the Nigerian artiste on a mission to locate a woman who catches his attention. They both endure their own respective journeys to finding each other.

Directed by the prolific TG Omori, the video appears to be one of the most eagerly awaited music videos of 2023. Davido released the video a couple of days after appreciating his fans last Tuesday following the suc-

cess of his tour on September 29, in Australia.

Taking to his official social media handles, the DMW music boss urged his fans to watch the new video which he called a movie. Before the release on October 3, 2023, a snippet of the video shared by the video director TG Omori had caused a stir online.

It further fueled anticipation as Davido had in an interview in March, revealed that he spent “N100 million” on the video shoot. Speaking to Beats 99.9 fm, Davido said “I’m proud to say that’s my first N100 million video”. According to TG Omori, the video holds the distinction of being the most outstanding

video of the entire decade.

In his view, “Feel” by Davido has not only met but exceeded the standards of artistic accomplishment, making it a noteworthy and exceptional work within the realm of music videos.

“Feel” is a perfect blend of Afrobeats and Amapiano elements, creating a unique and captivating sound that resonates with fans of both genres.

The song has garnered immense popularity since its debut. The track features an energetic and pulsating beat, coupled with Davido’s deep but smooth vocal delivery that effortlessly carries the song’s emotional weight. Currently, the Timeless album holds the record as the biggest African album in Apple Music history after record-breaking first-day stream.

Stella Damasus Stars in New Romance Drama

In a society where certain issues are seldom discussed, there lies a hidden menace that profoundly affects relationships, marriages, and individuals’ mental well-being — female genital mutilation (FGM). This deeply impactful age-long issue often remains in the shadows, but a new film has once again brought to the fore its effects, offering potential remedies for victims.

Starring Stella Damasus in the lead, the film - The Scar - opened in cinemas yesterday October 6. With a later date in the US. The issue of FGM is captured as a deep cut from the past that threatens and leaves a marriage in shambles. A

solution to the cut is the only way out. It tells the story of a woman whose marriage gets troubled by the effects of forceful genital mutilation done to her many years ago. Now she must overcome the past and at the same time fight to save her family.

Produced by Ella Emefiele, a US-based Nigerian filmmaker, the romance drama explores the negative effects, dangers and solutions to the gripping menace of female genital mutilation. “Female Genital Mutilation is rarely talked about, yet has a lot of impact on relationships, marriages, and one’s mental health in general.

“How much do you know about the effects of genital mutilation and how to remedy its negative effects in the lives of

victims? That’s what the movie TheScar is all about. It’s a cinema movie which is set to be released in Nigeria and in the US soon,” Ella shared in an Instagram post. Directed by Robert Peters, the movie features other actors like Joseph Benjamin, and Mercy Macjoe, International actors like Joshua L. Eady, Glenn P. Turner, join Collins John Emefiele, Ella Emefiele, and D’Angelo on the movie. Together, they deliver a compelling narrative that raises awareness about this often-overlooked subject.

The Scaris set to be distributed by Blue Pictures Film Distribution, this is to ensure that its lesson reaches a wide audience and sparks conversations about the lasting effects of this harmful practice.

Stella

Chioma Okafor

It’s Alright to Play Nude if That’s What the Story Needs

Actress Chioma Okafor has featured in a good number of Nollywood movies and soap operas, alongside modeling. She is best known for her roles in Netflix’s movie Aki and Paw Paw, Wale Adenuga’s Super Story Monica, Africa Magic’s TV shows Riona and Flatmates, and Accelerate TV “Visa on Arrival”. She featured as Uchenna in Zeb Ejiro’s Domitilla: The Rebooth. The fast-rising star shares some moments chatting with Ferdinand Ekechukwu

What was growing up like?

Growing up was pretty normal with three boys and myself a nuclear family things.

What would you say attracted you to acting? -

understood it though but gradually I started joining extracurricular group in secondary to fully understand that ‘ohhhh this is the thing’.

How would you say you have fared so far?

so far so good.

Whathasbeenyourbiggestchallenge?

So, the thing with challenges when they hit me at the time, they will be like a

Youhavefeaturedinquiteanumberof movies,whichoneofthemovieseasily comes to mind?

show to be part of!

You do both stage and screen acting, which was the opener for you?

CouldyourelatebeingChiomaOkafor to your life as an actress? people.

What are you easily engaged with when you are not on set?

Whatweresomeofthebiggestlessons your journey has taught you? time will come. I prayed for a time to be so occupied with good projects &

now I can’t complain if I’m tired

Wasthemovieindustrywhat/how youexpectedittobe,whatwerethe things that surprised you?

People pleasers, fake life, and unfair

Haveyoueverdabbledintoother aspects of showbiz like modeling and the rest of it?

So yes, modeling just came, it wasn’t planned or anything. Like I was on my own and it’s not a thing of pride people were just saying “you are so beautiful “come and model and so the pay came that’s how the journey began.

Many believe entertainment celebrities thrive on controversies. Do you agree, and is it something you can do?

if you are good at what you do then your market will make way for you

What’s your take on nudity in Nollywood? Would you play nude if presented with such script?

It’s alright if that’s what the story needs. For now I can’t say.

On a lighter note, who is Chioma Okafor? What are your hobbies, your favourite food, favourite colour?

color: black.

Davido

Chioma

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Lagos Cocktail Week Returns

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

One of Lagos most anticipated annual events - the Lagos Cocktail Week - is set to return for its 2023 fiesta, promising an extraordinary culinary journey with an all-new exciting theme and elevated experience for connoisseurs, revelers and enthusiasts alike. Discussing the ninth edition in detail, the founder of Lagos Cocktail Week, Lara Rawa, said the theme for this year’s event is “Sip, Savor and Celebrate,” starting on the 13th to 20th October, 2023.

The ultimate showdown will take place at the bustling Cocktail Village, culminating in the grand finals on October 20th at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Lagos. The distinguished CocktailVillage,auniquehighlightoftheevent,is scheduledforOctober19th-20thattheBalmoral event center. Lara explained that the theme “Sip, Savor and Celebrate,” was chosen for this year’s Lagos Cocktail Week to encapsulate the essence of the week-long event.

She emphasised that it’s about indulging in the richflavorsofcocktails,savoringtheexperience, and ultimately celebrating the art of mixology and the vibrant cocktail culture in Lagos. “This themeaimstocreateamemorableandenjoyable atmosphere for attendees, encouraging them to fully immerse themselves in the world of cocktails and appreciate the craftsmanship behind them.”

With the Lagos Cocktail Week social media

alreadybuzzingwithupdatesandticketing details. The festivities began on October 4th with Africa’s premier Bartender Competition, featuring bartenders from acclaimed Nigerian venues competing in diverse challenges to display their individual style, creativity, and panache. Following this, the event continues with lively semifinals at Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi, where top mixologists would go head-to-head.

Thehighlightoftheculinaryfestivalwillshowcase complimentary cocktail sampling, live entertainment and music, interactive games and challenges, thrilling grand finale bar battle competition, which

and

will ensure discounted cocktails at partner bars and restaurants from the October 13th to 20th. So, it’s of good offer for participants to secure a place at this epic celebration of flavor, music, and competition.

“Join us for a week of unforgettable experiences at Lagos Cocktail Week 2023. Elevate your evenings, savor exceptional cocktails, and celebrate theartofmixologyinstyle,”Laraadded.Launched in 2014, Lagos Cocktail Week was founded with the aim of highlighting the pinnacle of Nigeria’s cocktail culture. Its overarching objective is to solidify the recognition of the cocktail industry

Netflix Set to Release ‘Ijogbon’, Other Films

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Prepare for the most exciting October ever as highly anticipated titles like ‘Ijogbon’, Lupin: Part 3, Elite: Season 7, and a host of others will be available for viewing on Netflix. Expect to be captivated by a gripping story and stellar actions in ‘Ijogbon’ when it hits the streaming giant on the 13th of October.

A title from the stables of one of Nigeria’s leading filmmakers, Kunle Afolayan, ‘Ijogbon’ is coming on the trails of the highly successful Aníkúlápó. The coming of age film tells an entirely different story from its predecessor, as it follows four teenagers from a rural village in South–West Nigeria who stumble upon a pouch of uncut diamonds — but soon find themselves in a mess when others come looking for the bounty.

The cast which includes; Kayode Ojuolape,

Dorathy Bachor, Yemi Solade, Ruby Akubeze, Bimbo Manuel, Gabriel Afolayan, Sam Dede, Tana Adelana, Yemi Solade, Yemi Sodimu, Femi Branch, Adunni Ade, Funky Mallam and Fawaz Aina, a member of the famous Ikorodu Boiz, are expected to shine in this riveting story. With a cast that not only showcases an apparent diversity but also an unmatched skill

set, ‘Ijogbon’ promised to deliver a gripping tale that will set records both nationally and internationally.

You might recall that ‘Anikulápó’, Afolayan’s previous Netflix original, won Best Overall Movie and the most awards at the ninth Africa Magic Viewers Choice honors (AMVCA). Viewers assume and expect that ‘Ijogbon’ will do much more after the spectacular success of its preceding title.

Fans can watch a number of films on Netflix in October before ‘Ijogbon’ debuts, including Lupin: Part 3, Fair Play l, The Walking Dead: Season 11, and DI4RIES: Season 2 Part 1. The fun doesn’t end with the release of ‘Ijogbon’, as many other titles like Rick and Morty: Season 7, Heather McMahan: Son I Never Had, Elite: Season 7, Kandasamys: The Baby, Princess Power: Season 2 and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, will be available for viewing. Netflix also has a wide selection of local titles to choose from. Fans can watch The One for Sarah, The Rise of Igbinogun, Passport, Ijakumo and Yahoo+.

Twelve XII Out with Naked and Sublime

Olawale Ajinotokan

The latest number by Twelve XII, Naked and Sublime is immediately introduced to the audience by its great package of lyrics, fused with catchy melodies. The music is a blend of RnB and alternative pop that will definitely be a hit with the urban youth who love reflective and transcendent vibes”

The artiste, whose real name is Timilehin Oketaolegun is a graduate of Communication and Performing Arts, Bowen University, Osun State and Masters in Media and Advertising, Leicester, UK. Twelve XII nailed it with the instrumentation which is fused with lovethemed lyrics.

The latest work is a follow up to Undercover LoverreleasedbyTwelveXIIalongsideTayIwar onMay11,2023,whichearnedhimacumulative listenership fan base of over 100,000 after it was played on BBC Radio One in the UK and

Twelve XII

several other music platforms.

The song writer, who was once an intern of Abuja Digest Newspaper is a singer and a producer. He has had an interesting rise in the music scene from spotlighting features with the likes of Alternative rap Pioneers “Show Dem Camp” and Grammy nominated- genre fusing “Tay Iwar” to piquing the interest of Grammy winning superstar “Tems”

and Apple Music 1 radio host Rebecca Judd. He has clearly been doing something right and the musical cosmos appear to be aligning for him with the release of his latest double single Naked & Sublime featuring co-producer bAd entity.

Love can be complex and ever-changing and the double single Naked & Sublime by Twelve XII and bAd entity, explores this reality in a unique and heartfelt way.

The two-part musical offering tells a story of the battle we face in human relationships to be seen and loved for who we truly are.

Theeclecticduo,reminiscentofMajidJordanor Alina Baraz and Galimatias delivers a powerful message through Twelve XII’s soulful vocals, warm piano, and captivating drums by bAd entity.

Through Naked and Sublime, Twelve XII encourages listeners to embrace their feelings and fears in the pursuit of authentic love, while bAd entity provides the magnificent and stimulating soundscape for the message to be passed across.

as a vital component of the Nigerian beverage sector.

This event can be aptly characterized as a convergence of cocktail enthusiasts, providing a platform for both beverage brands and devotees of exceptional cocktails and mocktails to explore a diverse range of flavors. Supported By Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Cultural, Eventi Cocktails,BalmoralEvents,EventsDesignStudio, Lagos Cocktail Week is sponsored by Sterling Bank, Pernod Ricard, Diageo, Nigerian Breweries, Jack Daniels, Barcadi Nigeria, Nestle Water, and Ekulo Group.

Seun Arowojolu is Ready with ‘The Chronicles’

In an exciting turn for television enthusiasts, ContentGram Studios Africa unveils its latest creation, ‘The Chronicles’, written, produced, and directed by the esteemed Seun Arowojolu. A family thriller, the producer of the series promised that it would captivate audiences with its intriguing plot, dynamic characters, and roller-coaster of emotions.

According to Arowojolu, “at the forefront of The Chronicles are major characters brought to life by a remarkable ensemble of talented actors. According to him, “as ContentGram Studios wraps up the production and ‘The Chronicles’ makes its way to the TV screens, audiences are in for a treat.

“The Chronicles is a tapestry of drama, suspense, and thrills, promising to keep viewers Each actor within the ensemble brings something unique and unforgettable to the table, creating a television experience that is both enthralling and memorable. Produced by the acclaimed ContentGram Studios Africa, this series is not just another addition to television; it is a testament to the storytelling, acting prowess, and landscape of today.”

The Chronicles which Premiered yesterday, can be watched on NTA Network and Wazobia Max. Chioma Jennifer graces the screen as ‘Abena’, delivering a performance steeped in strength nature of her character.

Founder, Lagos Cocktail Week, Lara Rawa (middle) surrounded by semi-finalists

Judges of Lagos Cocktail Week Bar Battle handles

Tosin Clegg

Chioma Jennifer and Shola Johnson

A scene from ‘Ijogbon’

L-R: e-Learning Officer, LEAP Africa, Sarah Olubunmi Uwaechie; Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd., Oluwasoromidayo George; Public Affairs Specialist, Nestle Nigeria, Edidiong Peters; Strategy,

Upbeat Fetes Underprivileged Children, Pledges Support

Recreational Centre has hosted less privileged children to its Lekki facility at the launch of its ‘Games Day’ Programme in Lagos, recently.

Receiving children of The Destiny Trust Centre recently, a non-governmental organisaits commitment to growth and development of children.

Executive Director at Upbeat, Moyo Ogunseinde explained that the ‘Game Day’ initiative was part of the company’s sustainability agenda to promote active fun for children.

He said, “The programme is aimed at exposing disadvantaged and underrepresenteding sport that will promote healthy lifestyle. It is design to make the children enjoy and access environment and resources they may not otherwise have accessed.”

Dufil Steps up CSR Efforts with N5M Grant

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) efforts, Dufil Prima Foods Ltd, makers of Indomie noodles has committed N5 million to children’s education in Lagos State.

The motive is to empower underprivileged students by alleviating financial burdens that may deprive them access to quality education.

By this gesture, 50 indigent students carefully selected across the Lagos were offered N100,000 grant to cover various educational expenses, including tuition fees, textbooks, and other essential school supplies.

Speaking at a cheque presentation ceremony that held in Yaba, Lagos in the presence of community leaders and stakeholders, Group Corporate Communications and Event Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr Temitope Ashiwaju reiterated the company’s commitment to education and societal development.

Ashiwaju hoped that the gesture would improve beneficiaries’ access to educational opportunities that will pave way for a brighter future.

He said, “We are committed to our mission of positively impacting society through various initiatives, and the Indomie Education Support Grant is just one of many endeavors that reflect our dedication to this cause. We will continue to impact lives through our several social investment initiatives.”

In his remark, Executive Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area, Kayode Omiyale commended the company’s act of generosity and consistent interventions to the needy.

“This gesture is highly commendable as it complements government’s efforts in the sector. It is a call for more responsibilities and a way of encouraging us to do more as a government”, he added.

Tech Firms Throw Weight behind TTSWG’s Innovation Challenge

Stakeholders in the Nigerian technology sector have lent credence to Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group, TTSWG’s sponsored Innovation Makers Nigerians to participate via the group’s website. The challenge is aimed at fostering sustainable innovations in Nigeria’s technology and telecommunication sectors by showcasing and and providing a launchpad to scale up their solutions.

At a press conference announcing IMC in Lagos, recently, Board Member, TTSWG, Chris Uwaje said, “The world is moving so fast but Nigeria is being left behind. The discovery of unless we surmount the challenge within the

realm of technology”.

The press conference was honored by several stakeholders in the telecom and technology space including Sustainability Manager at IHS Towers; John Isiekwene; Executive Secretary of ALTON, Gbolahan Awonuga and CEO of Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC), Bankole Oloruntoba, amongst others.

The challenge closing October 16, is targeted at young innovators between ages 18 – 35 who are expected to showcase their original technology-driven ideas and products. stage will get to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges that will select the winners at the November 9, 2023. Top three winners will be awarded a cash prize of N2,000,000, N1,000,000 and N500,000 respectively.

Ogunseinde added that the programme was also designed to prevent and break screen Sustainable Development Goal 3 to promote healthy lives and well-being for all ages. At Upbeat facility, the visiting children between ages two to sixteen years were treated to both breezy and educational activities. They also gained access to wide array of sporting games available in the centre which included trampoline jumps, wall climbing, relay and sack races, amongst others.

Remarking, Learning Facilitator at The that the experience at the centre was such that children need for all-round activeness. “We believe that providing all-round care for the kids helps them better focus on learning and gaining skills. We not only provide education but also food, shelter, clothes and counselling when necessary. We are excited to get the invitation from Upbeat and the day was beyond our expectations,” said Magnus-Oyewole.

Experts Stress Responsible Corporate Behavior at TSF Summit

The importance of ethical and responsible corporate practice to societal development has been further highlighted at ‘Transforming Education’ summit that held in Lagos, recently.

According to experts who gathered at the summit organised by The Special Foundation, TSF, impoverishment has persisted in the country due to some irresponsible corporate actions that have deprived communities of needed growth.

According to the organisers, the summit is aimed at redefining the trajectory of education and leadership, while also celebrating the organisation’s remarkable milestones as well as partners who have been supportive of its goals and objectives.

Noting that the less privileged society often rely on private sector for good life, CEO of Sterling Bank, Mr Abubakar Suleiman opined that unfortunately, the same private sector had caused more harm than good to their dependants through irresponsible

corporate behavior.

He asserted that privileged elites in the society are morally obliged to lift impoverished individuals, especially children, but not to aggravate their burden.

“This is not an act of benevolence but a solemn obligation. A significant issue within the corporate sector is the pursuit of success at the expense of society. Some corporate actions inadvertently contribute to the creation of impoverished communities.

“Then, after achieving success, they attempt to ameliorate the problems they have indirectly caused. This approach raises concerns, and I believe that corporations must build their enterprises responsibly, avoiding the creation of slums and societal impoverishment, “he said.

CEO of Unity Bank, Mrs. Oluwatomi Somefun encouraged collaboration among key stakeholders to achieve greater good for the society and for a wider effects.

Nigeria Firms Partner to Fund Cancer Treatment

Humanity Charity Foundation (ISOH) and Sebeccly Cancer Care have come together to raise support fund for breast cancer patients in Nigeria.

According to them, the support will alleviate costs associated with chemotherapy for burden of treatment, and ultimately improve survival rates in Nigeria.

Shedding more light on the partnership, Co-founder and Director of ISOH, Nene Bejide said the move demonstrates the change and raising the hopes of patients. helping cancer patients through essential information and facilitating support groups for patients. The grant from ISOH will

be allocated to alleviate the costs associated with chemotherapy for patients in the treatment process. We have carefully selected Pearl Oncology Clinic, Ojo, and Lagos as the partnering hospital for to manage and administer the chemotherapy treatment”, she said.

Also commenting, Media and Communications Executive at Sebeccly Cancer Care, Damilola Okegbemi averred that breast cancer remained a pressing issue amongst women, submitting that Breast Cancer Awareness Month was a critical time to raise awareness on early screening and She said, “We are joining hands with demonstrate our commitment to making a change”.

Fundraising and Philanthropy Associate, FATE Foundation, Owolabi Onamade; and Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Director, The Coca-Cola Company, Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, at 2023 Youth Empowerment Workshop hosted by the Nigerian Bottling Company in Lagos... recently

L-R: Program and Partnership Manager, Arnergy Solar, Faderera Segun; CEO, Mobile Software Solutions and Board Member, Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG), Chris Uwaje; Sustainability Consultant, TTSWG Secretariat, Isaac Emmanuel; Sustainability Manager, IHS Towers, John Isiekwene and Communications and Knowledge Officer, Nigeria Climate Innovation Center, Precious Francis at a press conference announcing 2023 Innovation Makers Challenge in Ikoyi, Lagos... recently

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Why Do Rats Make Your Car Their Home?

Rats are nocturnal creatures, which means they rest during the day and are active at night. and secure shelter to stay safe from predators with an endless supply of chewy wires and other hoses, materials which they use to gnaw down their ever-growing front teeth.

During the colder seasons, the car provides a warm environment which makes it an inviting spot for resting and nesting. The dark and intricate layout of the car engine bay is similar to the rodent’s natural habitat, making it comfortable for them to explore and nest.

Rats’ teeth grow throughout their lives, making it necessary to chew on hard materials to keep their teeth at manageable levels. They consider the array of wires and hoses at their disposal a virtual dental spa to take care of their teething troubles. Rats can also be found breeding and raising their young in cars to stay away from predators. That is why it is important to learn how to protect your car from rats.

What Damage Can a Rat Do to Your Car?

Upgraded Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé Hits Dealerships

ercedes-AMG is launching sales of the upgraded Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE 4-Door Coupé (weighted/ combined fuel consumption: 8.7 l/100 km; weighted/combined power consumption: emissions: 198 g/km)[2].

According to a statement by the automaker, the updated model, which is distinguished by many new design features, is available starting at 207,708.55 euros. The front end is particularly striking and borrows elements from the new AMG GT Coupé: The large are integrated into the outside of the front apron.

The electric sunroof and a wireless smartphone charger between the rear seats are now standard features. The intelligent, digital multimedia system MBUX (Mercedes-

Mcombination with the standard Burmester® Surround Sound System or the optional Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound System, Dolby Atmos® brings a new sound experience to the car.

Standard equipment includes the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission, AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable allwheel drive and AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension with adaptive adjustment damping. The model also features the AMG high-performance ceramic composite braking system, active rear axle steering and MULTIBEAM LED main headlights.

In terms of body colour, customers can choose Opalite White Metallic as a new option. The wheel and upholstery ranges remain unchanged.

Wide range of customisation options

The equipment details and numerous options to meet the most diverse customer requests. Here is an excerpt:

The AMG Aerodynamics package: 3,391.50

euros

The AMG Carbon package exterior:

4,403.00 euros

The AMG chrome package exterior: 1,130.50 euros

The AMG Night package exterior: 1,130.50

euros

The AMG Night package II: 654.50 euros

MANUFAKTUR Selenite Grey Magno: 7,021.00 euros

The Active Multicontour Seat package: 2,320.50 euros

AMG Performance seats: 2,320.50 euros

Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound System: 5,926.20 euros

High-Class Rear Seats package: 3,332.00 euros

With its unique powertrain, the MercedesAMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE combines superior performance and impressive driving

on the front axle and an electric motor on the rear axle generates a system output of 620 kW (843 PS) and a maximum system torque of 1,400 Nm. The electric drive’s instant response, rapid torque development and improved weight distribution make for a highly dynamic driving experience.

Toyota Unveils British-built, Hydrogen-fuelled Hilux Prototype Pick-up

Toyota has reached another milestone in its progress

the unveiling recently of a prototype hydrogen fuel cell-powered Hilux.

The automaker said in a statement that its debut is a further demonstration of the broad scope of Toyota’s multi-technology strategy for ultimately achieving carbon-freetions – hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, battery electric and fuel cell electric – to suit worldwide.

The ground-breaking pick-up was revealed at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Burnaston car plant in Derby, where it has been developed in a joint project with consortium partners, supported by UK Government funding.

Hilux is a global icon of the Toyota brand with a reputation for exceptional reliability and durability.

The development project has explored how these qualities might be maintained while Minister for Industry and Economic Security

this is a great example.

Before we get into how to protect car from rats in India, let’s look at some of the common problems of sharing your car with a rat.

Electrical Nightmares

Rodents are notorious for chewing on electrical wires in the car. They just don’t discriminate between a power cable and a tasty twig. And their sharp teeth can easily slice through the insulation material exposing the wire’s delicate connections. The result is short circuits, electrical which could total your car if you attempt to crank the engine.

Destroying Rubber and Plastic

Rats love to chew on rubber belts, tubing and gaskets. Over time these components weaken, potentially causing leaks, decreased performance and ultimately engine failure. If ruin carpets, seats and any other soft materials they can sink their teeth into.

Nesting and Resting

These small pests can make use of a variety of materials including insulation, fabrics, paper and rubber to build cosy nests within your engine compartment. These nests could obstruct system, leading to overheating and reduced

Compromised Safety

A damaged electrical wire controlling the braking system could lead to an accident or comprise road safety. Other critical components such as airbags and steering control could also

Unpleasant Odours and Contamination

Your new car smell could soon be replaced with the stench of rat droppings. This could turn into a health concern as bacteria begins to accumulate and turn your interior into a

Needless to say, all this is going to add up to big bills at the service station. Replacing components is expensive, and worse still, you may have to sell the car if the infestation has caused major damage. Understanding the impact of a rodent menace in your car is the

9 Tried

And Trusted Solutions On How To Protect Your Car From Rats Naturally

Before you set out on your rat attack mode, take the defensive stance by maintaining a clean car interior and surrounds. This means getting rid of all trash, snack wrappers, drinks, bottles of water and any other potential food sources that can attract pests.

Keep your vehicle tidy, vacuumed and place an air freshener in the cabin to get rid of musty, damp smells that rodents are attracted to. Here is a guide to the top 10 vacuum cleaners in India to help keep your interiors clean and tidy.

Let’s describe the 9 best ways to make your car rodent-free for good.

(Source:Carorbis)

Upgraded Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé

Hydrogen fuel cell-powered Toyota Hilux prototype manufacturing sector here in the

UK, and

It’s fantastic to see Toyota reach another milestone on their

congratulate the project team for their success on this cutting-edge development. This is a and its potential to deliver carbon-free vehicles to meet future targets.”

The all-new Volkswagen Tiguan

Troubled Waters, Trouble Spots

DAILY Trust of September 17 confirmed lack of grammatical memory: “President Bola Tinubu has run into trouble water over his comment that….” All the facts, all the sides: troubled waters. Perhaps, the reporter and oversight editorial functionaries were misled by ‘trouble spot’!

“Endorsement (Endorsements) galore at… third anniversary”

“ASUU is feeling comfortable because majority of them (a majority of its members) are either teaching in one private university or the other (or another)….”

“Fed Poly Ado crowns new beauty pageant” Campus News: it is a beauty queen or pageant winner that is crowned—not the pageant, which is the show!

“U-17 World Cup kicks-off next week” Delete the hyphen because phrasal verbs do not admit hyphenation.

“IOC’s (IOCs’) divestment not threat to Nigeria—FG”

Finally from Daily Trust Back Page of the edition under review: “…politicians of fortunes (fortune) who are seeking public office by hook or crook.” The Prince of Nigeria Paradigm: by hook or by crook.

“Our self service (self-service) kiosks offer you round the clock (round-the-clock) service, 7 days a week.” (Full-page advertisement)

“…plane crashes in the country have always been marred with (by) controversies….”

Glo Unlimited chipped in the next two school-boy howlers: “As you move closer to Brazil…, we say a big congratulations (a big congratulations?)….” (Full-page advertisement)

“Glo is the official sponsor of All Nigeria (AllNigeria) National Football Teams since 2003.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY of September 3 circulated a few inaccuracies beginning from its front page: “CBN reads riot act against dollarization”

Truth in defence of freedom: the riot act (fixed expression)

“State of the nation: Our country at crossroads” (Full-page advertisement byThe Code Group) Setting new standards in leadership and governance: at a/the crossroads (stock entry)

“He said the country is (was) not broke.”

“Members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly impeached their speaker in an apparent controversial circumstances (why?)....”

Still on THE NATION ON SUNDAY under review: “…occasioned by the endless lecturers’ strike action.” Insight: yank away ‘action’!

“Lamentation galore, as strike ground campus businesses” A rewrite: Lamentations galore, as strike grounds campus businesses

“Lagos assures on improvement of financial system” Who did the state government assure?

“...on the ground (grounds) that this honourable court lacks jurisdiction to make the order.” I am not rising yet!

“...respondents concealed materials (material) facts to this honourable court thereby deceived this court into making the interim orders.” (Source: as above)

“After reading the 24 paragraphs (24-paragraph) affidavit in support of the motion ex-parte deposed to....” A ‘learned’ high court judge, a gentleman with more than 25 years’ postgraduate experience, signed the document where the three preceding errors were extracted from!

From GTBank (sic) comes the next wrongdoing: “Enjoy round the clock banking!” And this: “Set-up (set up) standing instructions” (Full-page advertisement)

At your service: round-the-clock banking

THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER also fumbled in its editorial set-up (noun this time): “As agric bank hands-out (hands out) N20bn in 10yrs (10 years)

“The Fulani then started stealing the cattles belonging to theTakad people.” ‘Cattle’ is uncountable! This should be for the kindergarten class!

“I...was always involved in one activities (activity)

or the other (another).”

“Many Nigerian football fans breathe (breathed) a sigh of relief as....”

“The footballer turned singer shares his story in this chat with....”Showbiz flair: footballer-turned-singer

“When kids celebrates (how?) the nation’s cultures”

Still on THISDAY under review: “Only in her 20s … has treaded (trod) where angels feared (fear) to.”

“During her recent trip to Nigeria, this enterpreneur (entrepreneur) opened up to....”

“...their strengths and revealing their potentials.” Destiny catalyst: ‘potential’ is non-count.

“Also in the archives are pictures of all the colonial Governor Generals....” This way: Governors-General

“UNDP Sokoto coordinator killed by unknown assailants” How can a reporter or his medium know assailants or gunmen? So, leave out that bit and go straight to the point!

“His wife, Esther, laid (lay) on a three seater (three-seater) settee in the living room still asking….”

The Saturday Newspaper: lie—lay (past tense), lain (past participle), lying (present participle) and lies (third person singular). I do not know where the reporter and his editors got ‘laid’!

“…we pray the Almighty Allah will grants (what?) you many more years ahead.” Would it have been years past?

“Nigerians have discovered that these terror groups and kidnappers are birds of the same feather….” Commentary: birds of a feather

“We pray to almighty God to continue to give you strength, health and wisdom to paddle the ship of the state to the promise land.” Get it right: Promised Land

“When a foe compliments your progress, you better (you had better) check that your next step is not off the cliff.”

“Women, kids flee troubled (trouble) spots”

“…the technologies that are now available wasn’t (weren’t) available fifty years ago….”

“After the initial grief subsides, the loss is still felt through every passing years (year).”

Pat Nebo: When A Giant Falls…

Early on the fourth Saturday in September, 2023 we made some great minds to converge on air via the signals of TopRadio 90.9 FM, on our weekly radio programme, “The Vintage TalkShow…with the FAJ”. It was a special episode dedicated to honour the sudden and painful absence of a colossus of technical art and a design maestro… an intensely private individual whose works gave colour and substance to many of Nigeria’s most popular TV shows, commercials, movies, command performances, etc… - the ever charming Patrick Chike Nebo. It was simply titled “Tribute: My Impression of Pat Nebo”. We called forth Special Voices whose paths had crossed with Nebo’s, and we had more than an hour eulogising the final stumble of an adorable iconoclast. Live in the studio was ace actor, broadcaster and producer, Yemi Shodimu, with the following folks joining us remotely: foremost actor and director, Edmond Enaibe; director, producer, actor, musician and studio owner, Yinka Akanbi; university teacher and former production manager, Dayo Haastrup; and prominent multimedia entrepreneur, director and producer, Aderemi Ogunpitan.

The inimitable producer-director and former permanent secretary/general manager of Lagos Television, Jimi Odumosu was indisposed, but sent a stirring note that was read to listeners; while ace cinematographer, Jonathan Gbemuotor, sent a three-minute pre-recorded message extolling the virtues of Nebo. However, we missed the presence of the following: filmmaker and festival director, Fidelis Duker and prolific actor Francis Onwochie - with subsequent apologies explaining their inability to honour their friends. The last invitee, foremost stage coordinator and show promoter, Edi Lawani has not explained his “no-show” even as we write.

Many people responded warmly to the episode as the guests made excellent submissions, painting a lovely, charming and inspiring picture of the ways and means of Pat Nebo. Haastrup spoke about his tenacity and fastidiousness

while working with a notorious perfectionist like Tade Ogidan (major Nigerian auteur). It is hard to imagine Tade getting flustered by Pat’s aggravating attention to details! And other vignettes of filmic trivia.

The trio of Edmond, Joe and Yinka revealed interesting encounters with Pat which threw up different manifestations of an intensely creative and passionate man of ideas. Remi reminded us of their numerous trips and creative trysts from the late 1980s as they traversed the country creating vividly astounding colours and images for the benefits of clients and customers.

Let us take an excerpt from Uncle Jimi’s note: “...He in fact dragged the Producer of Sokoyokoto, and Nestlé representative to my office while I was Permanent Secretary because he insisted on me directing the Series. The programme eventually spinned off two versions in Igbo, and Hausa, after its overnight success. He even designed the LTV/LWT News Set for me for free, back then because I told him the Station didn’t have enough money to pay him. Pat was the very best. He had a thorough education in Filmmaking, not just in Production design, and Art directing. We’ve lost an industry giant, I must tell you.”

Yemi wrapped the show by drawing our attention and sustained affection towards the immediate family Pat Nebo left behind - he mentioned particularly the affable and devoted wife who stood and strove beside and on behalf of Pat Nebo until his last breath.

We also took turns to read excerpts related to Nebo from our published book, ‘Reflections: An Anthology of Thoughts on Nigerian Movie Industry’... Here are portions that reflect on the trajectory and few accomplishments of this iconic iconoclast: “Here is a strange one: you see his works and you don’t, if it’s well done. Queer? He makes the film abide by its promise; and a film fails or soars because it keeps tight to its art and production direction.

If a film calls itself ‘76 (a reflection of the bloody coup intrigues of 1976 that felled a ruling military head of state) or October 1

(a throwback to issues at the sidelines of preparations for Nigeria’s Independence in 1960; you will at the very least expect the first to have military fatigues, camouflages, lifelike hardware and observance of military traditions and composure. For the latter, it is critical to have the looks, colour, fabrics, physical or architectural components and other subtleties of the late 50s.

The best man for achieving that consistency and piquancy is the man who has been at it even before the advent of the assumed industry benchmark, Nollywood: Patrick Chike Nebo. And we should know - we’ve worked with him, written about his work...on prime TV sets, major stage productions, commercial shoots, award presentations… as far back as the mid 80s.

Undoubtedly, Pat Nebo is the first name on the tongues of Nigeria’s elite filmmakers who appreciate excellence in specialisation: in most of Tunde Kelani’s works (Ti Oluwa Ni Ile trilogy - 1993, Agogo Èèwò - 2002, Arugba - 2008, etc); in virtually all of Tade Ogidan’s (Hostages - shot in 1990, Owo Blow, Diamond Ring, etc); in most of Kunle Afolayan’s (Araromire: The Figurine - 2009, October 1 - 2014, The CEO - 2016, Mokalik, and Citation - both 2019); Omoni Oboli (Being Mrs Elliot - 2014, and Okafor’s Law - 2016); and Izu Chukwu (‘76 - 2016).

Perhaps the best illustration of Nebo’s ‘illustriousity’ in Nigeria’s make-believe world is aptly captured by Ogidan’s response to our question. We asked: “Was Pat Nebo a part of Hostages in 1990?” He replied: “Yes. It was from that project that I kept encouraging him to leave NTA. I was sure that he would do well.

“He worked on turning various parts of my newly rented flat into all sorts of sets that disturbed my landlord a great deal. He made the front office in that flat (the Police Station). Turned my lovely small store to Police Cells. Built the Prison Reception in my lovely large parlour. Built the parlour of the lead boys in my passage zone. Built the Prison Visitors’ Waiting Room, and Head Warder’s bedroom from my Guest Room. Built the bedroom of the lead boys in a

Finally from the Back Page of THE NATION under review: “Like (As) I said earlier, there are really no fundamental ideological differences between the factions of….”

“Thirdly, corruption was not limited to the outgoing governor but involved his cohorts at the corridor of power.” Africa’s executive robbers: in the corridors of power.

“Even though I wanted to see him, he advised against it on the ground that I could get into trouble…. ’’ The verdict: on the grounds.

“The state Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has 36 chapels out of which seven chapel officers, all duely (duly) nominated and some of the delegates.”

“…the reduction on the external debt and investment in social infrastructures and equipments.” (The Punch, September 11) The last word in the extract is uncountable, just like these: stationery, bedding, cutlery, jewelry, gossip (as an act)….

“…abolish the federal agency and realign it into (with) mainstream government machinery.” (Nigerian Tribune, September 11)

“Thugs in Imo State lay siege on electoral materials” This way: lay siege to (not on).

“They had a second wind between 1964 to 1985, though they did not know it.” (Source: as above) A recurring error: between 1964 and 1985 or from 1964 to 1985—no mix-up.

“I must confess from the onset that I am not a protagonist of military rule.’’ Get it right: from the outset (in this context).

“The boss and his secretary will continue to have intimate official connection, in spite of gossips.” ‘Gossip’, as an act, is uncountable. But, with reference to those who talk idly and backbite, inflection of the word is allowed.

“But ours is quite different, judging by the experience with regards to the activities of the elected….” Either of these: as regards or with regard to.

2nd Bedroom. Built the Head Warder’s Office in the common area where the Parlour of the lead boys was constructed. Built the parlour of the dead corrupt Judge from my parlour; the same space where the Prison Criminals Reception was built. The only sacred room in that house was my bedroom (that didn’t have curtains at the time. The budget to buy curtains wasn’t a priority at all). We kept painting and adding dirt and stains to the walls, depending on the look needed for the set.

“The wife of the landlord was my colleague at NTA. So she believed me whenever I assured her that everything would be returned to their pristine state.

Pat eventually resigned from NTA to face a career that I assured him he would succeed in. The rest is history. He worked on several other projects with us...TV Commercials, TV drama, etc.”

Yes, after four years (from 1986), Nebo walked out of NTA, Lagos; and took the path that has now made him a reference stature for the industry in art directing and production designing.

Well, twice in over 40 years, the man who (was) 62 on June 15, 2021, broke off the design chord, to be in front of cine cameras...it must be old age (smiling). He is the cameo marriage registrar in Kunle Afolayan’s The Figurine and Colonel Aliu in the military coup film, ‘76 by Izu Ojukwu.

Some of the prime sets Nebo created in movies, include: Alero’s Symphony (2011), Phone Swap (2012), Half of a Yellow Sun (2013), The Tribunal, Omugwo (both 2017); Lionheart (2018), Crossroads (2019) and The Milkmaid (2020), the unsuccessful Nigerian entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 93rd Academy Awards (Oscars); scripted, produced and directed by Desmond Ovbiagele.”

POLITY

Abiodun’s Symphonic Victory at the Tribunal

Femi Ogbonnikan

After much anxiety and waiting, the Ogun State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has given its verdict. It has upheld and also revalidated the re-election of Prince Dapo Abiodun as the duly elected governor of the Gateway state in the March 18, 2023 gubernatorial poll.

In the suit, Oladipupo Adebutu (1st petitioner) and Peoples Democratic Party (2nd petitioner) dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (1st respondent), Prince Dapo Abiodun (2nd respondent) and the All Progressives Congress (3rd respondent) to the tribunal to challenge the declaration of Abiodun as Governor for the second term in the March 18, 2023 election.

It was an epic battle of the titans, featuring legal giants representing different parties.

In the unanimous decision of the three-man panel, Justices Hamidu.N Kuzana, J.B Egele and Sanusi Shehu, the tribunal averred that the petition brought by the PDP’s candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu and his party have failed to prove any of the grounds of the petition and thus, are not entitled to any of the reliefs sought. The petition fails and is dismissed. The return of Governor Abiodun was affirmed.

On account of the petition, the court goes further to prove “that some paragraphs of the petition are vague, nebulous, indiscernible, and imprecise.”

It will be recalled that the petitioner, Adebutu, in his petition, had alleged disruption of the election by hoodlums suspected to be political thugs in over 99 polling units, disenfranchisement of over 40,000 voters who could not participate in the March 18, 2023 governorship poll as grounds for seeking his declaration as the winner of the election. To that effect, he had called voters and party agents from Sagamu, Ikenne, Odogbolu, Remo North, Ogun Waterside, Ijebu-Ode, Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ado-Odo/Ota, Imeko-Afon and other local governments as witnesses to prove that there were disruptions in different polling units across the State.

Furthermore, the petitioner a plethora of frivolous accusations of the Electoral Act and corrupt practices perpetrated during the election, etc. The lead counsel to the petitioner,

Goddy Uche (SAN) had equally urged the Tribunal to admit all the gamut of documents tendered as evidence against Abiodun as exhibits.

These included INEC forms; BVAS reports; forms ECAs; voters’ registers and printed IREV results. This is in addition to a 99-page schedule of documents already served on the first, second, and third respondents respectively.

In fact, it’s indeed a whole range of issues compiled to substantiate the petitioner’s desire to upturn the hard-won victory of Governor Abiodun.

Ogun is one of the states in Nigeria where there is always an intriguing but continuous play of adversarial powerpolitics. Adebutu had introduced a novelty in the definition of his own home-grown politics. He introduced credit cards as inducements for vote-buying. He was thus, charged for vote-buying, disruption of the electoral process, criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and other sundry allegations of manipulation at the tribunal.

For the fear of the unknown, Adebutu is currently on self-exile in an undisclosed location abroad to escape the long arms of the law.

While his lead counsel, Uche fiercely struggled to defend his case before he eventually succumbed to the overwhelming evidence of the electoral malfeasances allegedly committed during the governorship election, declaring that “he was handicapped”.

One of the damning testimonies was made by an official of Zenith Bank Plc, Mrs Celestina Appeal, Head of Card Services who presented evidence of 200,000 pre-loaded ATM cards meant for vote-buying to the tribunal. The startling revelation of the underhand deal followed an earlier submission of two letters written by counsel to the Governor, Prof Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) to Zenith Bank in February, seeking clarification on how Adebutu opened a special account for the purpose of his action with the bank, as well as the request for the issuance of 200,000 pre-loaded Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards containing N10,000 each, some days away before the Saturday, March 18, 2023 governorship election.

At any rate, Adebutu was only merely running away from his own shadow. As a drowning man who desperately needed a straw to hold on to, the PDP governorship candidate, knowing fully well that he had no route to

First Bank Offers Financial Solutions to Cement Distributors

James Sowole in Abeokuta

First Bank Plc and Nigeria’s cement giant, Lafarge Africa have met with distributors of cement with the aim of providing them financial solutions to help them navigate through the myriad of challenges confronting the industry.

The meeting tagged, ‘Key Distributors’ Forum’ was attended by major cement distributors from the six states of the Southwest region.

The financial solutions, according to First Bank include a loan facility tagged, Temporary Over Draft (TOD), a short term credit facility designed to augment the working capital of distributors.

Speaking at the event, the Group Head, Transaction Banking, FirstBank, Mobolade Ojeahere, said the forum was not only to help the distributors sustain their business, but also to ensure availability of cement in the Nigerian building industry.

Ojeahere said the forum would help the distributors identify the various challenges in the industry and help them make the right choices that would improve their businesses.

He said, “The purpose of this event is to

bring our customers who are distributors closer together in a forum where we will engage, discuss some of the challenges we are seeing in the macro-environment in general, how we can work closer with them to identify products and proffer solutions that will enable value creation for their businesses.

“First Bank will provide the support that will help grow their sales more efficiently in a cost-effective approach, this will enable a trickle down effect and also create value further down the ecosystem and distributive chain.

“The value achieved is when we come together with our large clients like Lafarge to help them drive their sales and growth through their distributors, is that it engenders the spirit of collaboration and engagement. We ensure that we leverage our capacity as trusted financial advisers to harness the data from their ecosystem and take advantage of innovative technology to solve some of the challenges we see in the economy and to create opportunities both for Lafarge and for these distributors.”

Also speaking, the Head, Value Chain Management at First Bank, Bolatito Akiboye, noted that the bank among other things offers low interest rates with zero collateral to cement distributors.

Nathaniel Bassey Graces RCCG Choir Leader’s Solo Album Release

Ace singer, pastor, trumpeter and gospel songwriter, Nathaniel Bassey, will feature as Special Guest at the release, today in Lagos, of a solo album, ALAGBARA, composed and sang by Sola Oloore, the choir leader at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Firstborn Assembly in Alimosho, Lagos State. ALAGBARA contains five tracks, Wijade,

Gbo ohun mi, Great, Alagbara, and Madebire. The album launch holding at RCCG, Firstborn Assembly, 14/16 Taye Odunjo Street, off Mayowa Olakanye Street, Okunola-Egbeda, Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos State, takes place under the apostolic headship of the Lead Pastor at RCCG, Firstborn Assembly, Pastor Tosin Affinnih.

Oloore, a gospel artiste, multi-instrumentalist, and music producer, said regarding his debut album, “I’m super-excited to see my years of preparation and planning come to fruition in this form. I just give God all the glory.”

escape, having been charged to court, raising a counter-accusation of vote-buying against the APC and the governor without any verifiable evidence to substantiate through claims.

In the final analysis, the report presented before the tribunal expressly stated that the allegation of vote-buying levelled against the APC and the governor by the PDP was not substantiated.

The report of the findings read in part: “That contrary to the claims of some of the witnesses brought forward by the PDP, Daniel Obadamilare, Adesina Sakiru, Dauda Kamil, and Ogunleye Francis, their claims of vote buying cannot be substantiated as they were unable to mention the Point Of Sales (POS) agents that were alleged to have converted the cards to cash for them”.

Then, the clincher followed: The tribunal sitting in Abeokuta summarily dismissed the case, declaring it as an afterthought on the ground that it was not part of the original petition filed against the respondents.

Despite all storms, the governor has come out victorious, having survived the underhand plots of political buccaneers. It’s indeed a symphonic victory at the tribunal. There have been seen and unseen hands of those playing God, while attempting to undermine the popular wishes at the governorship election.

Elated and optimistic as he was, the Governor, who spoke at a reception held at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, on Saturday night, shortly after the reaffirmation of his electoral victory, dedicated his victory at the tribunal to God Almighty and the people of the Gateway state for their unalloyed support, while he pledged to rededicate himself towards serving them better the more.

The judgement, according to him, was unprecedented in the annals of the country given the length of hours spent to deliver the verdict. He, however, commended the three tribunal judges for not just ensuring justice, but doing so in a meticulous, diligent and transparent manner.

“We earned it. We deserved it. We won fair and square. You are all a testimony of our triumph, tenacity, resolve and determination.

“I want to thank all the good people of Ogun State that voted me in and all other well-wishers for your prayers, good wishes and support throughout this period.

“We were never in doubt that our hard-earned victory will be affirmed as we placed our trust in God, having worked the hardest campaign in every nook and cranny of Ogun State”, Abiodun averred, while addressing a mammoth crowd.

Ogbonnikan wrote fromAbeokuta,Ogun State capital

L-R: The bride, Toluwalase Elizabeth and Boluwatife Micheal Awoyemi, shortly after tying their nuptial knot at the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos ... recenlty

L-R: Board of Trustee Member, Navy Sailing Club; Captain Jasper Ogbuagu; Commanding Officer Navy Ship Wey/Chief Host, Commodore Mohammed Dahiru,; Commanding Officer, Nigeria Navy Ship NNS Quorra, Commodore Adamu Yahaya, and the Navy Sailing Club, Commodore Simon.O.D Mayaki, during the Independence/Commodore’s Boat Race in commemoration of NIgeria 63rd years anniversary in Lagos..Recently DAN UKANA.

James Sowole in Abeokuta

A Six-Year Presidency: To Be or Not to Be?

Mike Ozekhome

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, has a rich and diverse political landscape. Since gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1960, Nigeria has experimented with various forms of governance, including parliamentary systems and presidential systems.

From the 1922 Clifford Constitution; the 1946 Arthur Richard Constitution; the 1951 McPherson Constitution; the Federal Constitution (otherwise known as the Lyttleton Constitution) of 1954 and the 1963 Republican Constitutions, Nigeria still yearns for nationhood. One of the most debated aspects of Nigerian governance however is the duration of political tenures, particularly for Governors and Presidents.

In this writeup, I advocate for a constitutional single-term or tenure of six years for the President and governors, as well as their respective deputies. I will delve into the rationale behind this proposal, the potential benefits it could bring to Nigeria; and also address common criticisms and concerns.

A single term is a length of time a person serves in a particular elected office. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) prescribes twoterm of four years each for the President, the Governors and their Deputies. See Sections 137 (1)(b) 182(1)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. The reasons are obvious and well-documented and have engaged (and continue to engage) the attention of the academic world, public affairs commentators and public office holders alike at all levels. These include those likely to be directly affected by any changes to the status quo, i.e., Presidents and Governors. I will, in this write-up, present a broader and I believe, more convincing reasons why Nigeria should change the present status quo.

Advocates of maintaining the present tenure system are as vociferous (if not more) than its opponents. Their arguments are worth considering, even if not compelling or convincing. Among them, are the fact that, in their view, a single term is a constraint to continuity and predictability as well as a minus to presidential accountability.

They also argue that, in virtually all the countries (at least in Africa) which practice single term limits for their elected Presidents, it has become a tool of manipulation by incumbents to elongate their tenure.

This has achieved nothing but the dubious distinction of the difference between six and half-a-dozen. In other words, a difference in nothing but name: a subterfuge. Accordingly, they argue, that what Nigeria needs is good governance not, what they characterize as a sterile debate about terms of office - no matter how brilliantly some of the suggested options or models may have performed in different climes.

In their view, our problem is not how long or short the tenure of our elected President might be, but rather, who we elect; how we elect them; and the structure of the relevant institutions. In other words, the caliber of our elected representatives (leaders), the credibility or legitimacy of the process of their selection or emergence and the quality of the institutions which are responsible for producing or filtering them, respectively, are what should count.

While the proposal for single-term tenure of six years for Presidents, Governors and their Deputies offers numerous potential benefits, it is not without the above criticisms and serious concerns by its antagonists. Here are some of the common objections often raised as demerits and disadvantages of a single term tenure: Lack of Accountability: Critics argue that without the prospect of re-election, politicians may become less accountable to the people. To address this concern, strong accountability mechanisms, such as robust oversight institutions and

independent auditing, would need to be in place, which they argue, are not there.

Unfulfilled Promises: Skeptics suggest that politicians could make grandiose promises during their single term, knowing that they will not be held accountable for delivering on those promises. However, public awareness and media scrutiny can help mitigate this issue.

The Risk of Lame Duck Leaders: Concerns exist that leaders in their final year of a single term may become “lame ducks,” with diminished motivation and incentive to govern effectively. It is argued that the law of Diminishing Returns set. Strong leadership and public engagement can mitigate this risk. Implementing single-term tenure would require significant constitutional changes, which could be challenging to achieve given the complexities of Nigerian politics and legal processes, especially the labyrinthine provisions of section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

There are many reasons why a single term of six years of office lasting six years is preferable. And this is my humble submission.

The notion of non-re-electable Executive (whether President or State Governors) is often expressed as the strongest incentive for self-perpetuation, irrespective of actual performance during the first tenure of such an incumbent President or Governor. This is

not peculiar to Nigeria or even contemporary times, because in both France and the United States, the misuse has also been part of their political culture. In the former, French philosopher Alex de Tocqueville is reported to have lamented that “The desire to be re-elected is the chief aim of the President; that the whole policy of his administration, and even his most indifferent measures, to this object.”

In the US, according to Jasper Nathaniel (in an article titled ‘Make the U.S. Presidency a single 6- year term’, referenced by legendary Aare Afe Babalola, SAN), the distraction occasioned by the campaign for former President Obama’s re-election in 2012 - less than 2 years into his first term - massively distracted him from focusing on “the country’s business”. Recalling that the proposal for a single Presidential term limit of 6 years was first mooted and rejected almost two and half centuries ago (in 1787), the icon argues that, as “Head of State, Chief Diplomat and Legislator as well as Commander-In- Chief, the (U.S.) President’s plate is always over-filled. Factor in frequent unanticipated problems and demands of the job can become in sufferably large”; adding that, (as a result), the actual is-

sues that the President was elected to deal with miss out on a tremendous amount of time, energy and resources. These sentiments are shared by University of Texas Political Scholar, Bruce Buchanan, who opined that “To run for re-election in the midst (of the competing challenge for the President’s time and attention) can best be described as an unreasonable addition … and the re-election period ultimately becomes a distracting period for the President”.

Back home in Nigeria, no less a person than a distinguished President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, (the “my ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian exponent”), added his weighty voice to the debate when he noted - while still in office - that “Every four years you conduct elections, you create so much tension in the political environment. It creates series of confusion in the political environment”. To avoid being misunderstood, he quickly added that his proposal of a single presidential term of 6 years, alone – ipso facto, without more - “will not bring one hundred percent stability. There is no political system that is one hundred percent stable”.

The foregoing challenge dovetails into the serious issue of incumbency factor in Nigeria’s peculiar milieu. I believe that a single six-year presidential term has the advantage of mitigating (if not outrightly eliminating) what many regard as the damaging effect of incumbency factor in our elections. This is because, it would, in the words of Naiwu Osahon, improve access of all our ethnic groups and religions to the highest elected executive positions and foster a greater sense of belonging. This would also potentially cater for the argument in favor of zoning - another perennial big and menacing elephant in the room in our political culture.

A corollary to the foregoing is that a single term has the potential of creating a level playing field. This is because it will eliminate the unfair advantage enjoyed by an incumbent in terms of access to the levers of power - particularly economic power (which is more often than not, derived from the public till or State resources). But that is not all. It includes control (either directly or otherwise), of the notionally independent electoral umpire, INEC. Experience has shown that, under an overbearing President who seeks re-election, INEC is only independent in name. the last presidential election of 25th February, 2023, shows that INEC is anything but independent from the ruling party. In addition to the benefits of a single 6-year tenure identified above, I firmly believe that such a policy will ensure that aspirants for both the Presidency and State Governorship will know, well before hand, that they have only one chance to get it right. It is either a hit-or-miss. It will, therefore, concentrate their minds and enable them to focus on achieving the goals for which they were elected: on fulfilling their election promises. They will thus have no excuses, and no one to blame if they fail. They will not be distracted by concerns about an imminent campaign for re-election. This means that they will not consider touching the public fund (or padding budgets or contracts) to defray the everrising and humongous cost of electioneering in Nigeria. There will be less political tension and bickering. Lives and broken limbs will be spared which might otherwise be lost to political violence. And we will all be the better for it.

In 2014, former president, Goodluck Jonathan, proposed the six-year single term for President and Governors. He argued that it would ensure good governance, stem political acrimony during change of government and cut down drastically on costs of electioneering campaigns. Professor Charles Soludo was in 2018, also in support of a 6-year single term for Nigerian Presidents. These proposals, have at some point, been laid before the National Assembly in the form of a bill. However, the said bill was always rejected by the lawmakers.

Jonathan

I believe that a single six-year presidential term has the advantage of mitigating (if not outrightly eliminating) what many regard as the damaging effect of incumbency factor in our elections. This is because, it would, in the words of Naiwu Osahon, improve access of all our ethnic groups and religions to the highest elected executive positions and foster a greater sense of belonging

Paul Onuachu Has He Finally Found His Mojo?

After an uninspiring half season with Southampton where he failed to register one Premier League goal, culminating in the Saints loaning Paul Onuachu to Turkish side,Trabzonspor, the Nigerian seems to have settled quickly at the Arena Stadium, scoring in his first three games for the Bordo Mavililie-the first Trabzonspor to achieve the feat since 2007/08 season, making the club’s President, Erturul Doan to express regrets for not having signed the Nigerian much earlier

Trabzonspor President, Erturul

Doan has reportedly expressed his regret over delaying the signing of Onuachu from Southampton until the final moments of the Turkish summer transfer window after the striker’s arrival has brought about a positive change in the club’s performance.

Before Onuachu’s arrival, Trabzonspor had played four league games, winning two and suffering two losses, including a disappointing 2-3 home defeat to Rizespor.

Since the 29-year-old striker joined the team, Trabzonspor has won two out of three league games, with Onuachu notching goals in each of those matches and providing an assist.

According to reports from Fotospor, President Doan has expressed his wish that they had secured Onuachu’s signing when he was first offered to the club back in July.

He believes that had Onuachu joined earlier, trained with the team, and integrated into the game system, many of the points they lost could have been avoided.

Onuachu’s name first surfaced on Trabzonspor’s radar in July, and he was also offered to Galatasaray at that time.

However, Galatasaray did not pursue the Nigerian striker due to other considerations, including the presence of Icardi. Doan’s reliance on head coach Nenad Bjelica’s preference for Bruno Petkovic played a role in the delay.

Bjelica had expressed his priority for

Petkovic and believed that he could convince Dinamo Zagreb to release him.

Trabzonspor even offered the Croatian striker a substantial salary increase. However, in the end, Petkovic remained with Dinamo Zagreb, while Trabzonspor successfully completed Onuachu’s signing.

This last-minute move has proven to be a stroke of inspiration, as Onuachu has impressively scored goals in each of his first three matches wearing the claret-blue jersey.

The former KRC Genk goal-machine will look to add to his goal tally when Trabzonspor trade tackles with Adana Demirspor this weekend.

Onuachu has therefore become the first Trabzonspor player to score three goals in his first three Super Lig matches since the 2007/08 season.

The strike was his 167th club career goal, having played for KRC Genk, Midtjylland, Vejle Boldklub, Southampton and Trabzonspor.

The 29-year-old opened the scoring in Trabzonspor’s 2-1 win against Pendikspor last Saturday after finding the net on his debut for the Burgundy Blues against Besiktas and also hit the target in his second game against Hatayspor.

“Everybody here played a big role in making me settle in and I just want to give my best to the team and help them win games and make the fans happy as well.

“It was not easy at the start of the year but I’m happy to have begun my career

on a good note here at Trabzonspor and I want to keep improving in every game and prove again that I have it.”

“To be honest, I personally don’t follow history very much. But if you come to a team like Trabzonspor, of course you try to help your team, you try to make your fans happy,” Onuachu was quoted by Sozcu.

The 29-year-old, who joined the Turkish club on a season-long loan from Southampton, admitted that it was easy adjusting to football in Turkey as he was desperate to prove himself again, after an uninspiring half a season at Saint Marys.

The Nigerian failed to find the net in 12 games nor make a goal contribution for the Saints as they suffered relegation to the English Championship last season.

The former Genk striker, who was the top scorer in Belgium two seasons ago, couldn’t make it four goals from four games as Trabzonspor fell 1-0 to Adana Demirspor in a Super Lig game yesterday.

Trabzonspor have won three of their last four matches and are currently fifth with 12 points from seven games. A win will see them move above third-place Adana Dermirspor, who have 14 points from the same number of games.

Onuachu’s new found form has indeed made Danish football tactician, Jess Thorup, to question the decision of Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro to leave the Southampton loanee out of the Nigeria squad for the October internationals against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.

The striker has scored the most goals in his career working under Thorup, 61 in 135 matches combined for FC Midtjylland and Racing Genk.

Peseiro has named five players classed as center forwards on his roster for the upcoming friendlies, namely Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, Terem Moffi and Victor Boniface.

The FC Ebedei product has made just three appearances for the Super Eagles in the last two years, the last of which came against Guinea-Bissau in an Africa Cup of Nations in March 2023.

Thorup has highlighted the qualities that his former pupil Onuachu would bring to the Super Eagles if called up.

“He has and has shown that he can perform at the international level,” Thorup said to Turkish newspaper Hurriyet.

“Onuachu is a football player who is technically and physically strong, has good speed, and has the ability to score goals.”

He added: “Paul Onuachu is a special player that we don’t see much in football. Onuachu has sharp skills that are really good but not easy to compare with others.

“I am surprised that Paul Onuachu is not in the Nigeria National Team but I am sure he will be a permanent part of the team in the long run.”

In 19 appearances for the Super Eagles, six of which he started, Onuachu has scored three goals.

Onuachu scores on his debut for Trabzonspor against Besiktas

Enyimba Won’t Allow Last Season’s Victory to Get at the Team, Says Finidi

Enyimba manager, Finidi George, has shared his thoughts on his team’s prospects as they prepare to face Gombe United in their opening fixture of the 2023-24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

The Aba-based club clinched their ninth NPFL championship title in the previous 2022-23 season. As they kickstart the new season against Gombe United tomorrow, the former Ajax star expressed his confidence and stated that his team won’t be burdened by the defending champions’ tag.

In their recent encounters, Enyimba has enjoyed success against Gombe United, including a 5-0 victory in May and a 2-1 win at the Gombe Township Stadium in February.

Despite these achievements, George emphasised that his team would stick to their winning strategies from the previous season and not succumb to pressure.

“We are coming into the season as

GLOBAL

defending champions, but we won’t allow that to put us under any pressure,” George said. “This is a long season that will have good moments and difficult ones, but whatever the case, we must stick to our ideologies. That is what will give us an identity and give us a chance.”

George acknowledged the high expectations of fans but expressed confidence in his players’ abilities to deliver. He emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive approach, just as they did during their successful away games last season.

Regarding the challenge of facing Gombe United at their home ground, George recognised the difficulty of the opposition, especially with the passionate home crowd support. However, he

remained optimistic that his team would seize their opportunities and secure a favourable result.

“Gombe United have usually been a difficult opposition, especially when playing against them in Gombe. They have a good crowd of supporters behind them, making them want to give everything. But we will also have our chances,” George noted.

The upcoming match between Enyimba and Gombe United promises an exciting encounter, with both teams eager to perform well.

Enyimba aims to build on its previous successful run against Gombe Stars, while Gombe Uni ted seeks to bounce back from a loss in their opening game against Sporting Lagos.

Okocha Defends NPFL’s Poor

Administrative Quality Comment

Austin Jay-Jay Okocha says he maintains his criticism of the quality of administration in the Nigeria Premier Football League despite the public backlash.

Okocha had offered his views on the state of the NPFL and argued he would rather watch the English Premier League.

The comments stirred indignation towards the former Nigerian captain and Delta State FA Chairman, but Jay-Jay, who is a legend back home insists he won’t retract.

Speaking to Brila at a recent function in Lagos, the former Enugu Rangers midfielder argues that it’ll be a disservice to Nigerians if he couldn’t face the facts and hard truths about the current state of affairs in Nigerian football.

“Maybe this is another opportunity to say that again because I said this in Nairobi, Kenya,” the 50 year-old former footballer remarked.

NPFL Broadcast Partner Promises Improved Coverage

Nigeria Premier Football League broadcast partner, Propel Sports has promised to improve the quality of its coverage of league matches.

The streaming platform successfully oversaw five live coverage on the opening day of the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

The president of the streaming platform, Ed Simmons, said the company took “a mammoth” challenge in investing in the NPFL.

He assured that difficulties experienced on the opening day of the live broadcast streaming will be resolved in the coming match days.

“It’s been a mammoth undertaking for us at Propel Sports,” he told NPFL Media.

“At this stage in my life I think it’ll be unfair to lie to our people, for me to be covering up; if we’re talking about getting better, if we’re talking about improving, if we’re talking about meeting our expectations, I think it’s high time we start telling each other the truth.

“I said that I’d prefer to watch the Premier League on television than watching our NPFL because we’re not where we are supposed to be, because it hurts to see that the efforts we all put in, that nothing has been built on it.”

“Yes, now it seems like we’ve realised that and we’ve started creating exciting tournaments and clubs are now taking the initiatives to make sure that they’re doing the right thing.”

“And this is what we’re craving for and this is why I made that statement, so that we will wake up and realise that we need to start attracting people to our local league.

“We are working on multi-cam productions. There is an issue incorporating it and that will be resolved in due course.”

The NPFL and the broadcast partner signed a five-year contract for the broadcast streaming of the league which was signed in May this year.

WEEK TWO FIXTURES

Finidi George lifted high by Enyimba players

Fans will flock to the Emirates Stadium for today’s standout Premier League contest, as Arsenal welcome champions, Manchester City to their North London headquarters. Both sides took to the Champions League stage away from home in midweek, as the Gunners were bested 2-1 by Lens, while the Citizens left it late to overcome RB Leipzig 3-1.

From setting a new club clean sheet record away from home in the Premier League to suffering an agonising first defeat of the season in northern France, Arsenal’s unbeaten sequence deservedly came to an end against Ligue 1 runners-up Lens on Tuesday, where ex-Man City striker, Gabriel Jesus put the Gunners ahead thanks to a defensive gaffe.

However, David Raya’s poor clearance then led to Adrien Thomasson curling home a sumptuous leveller - a penny for Aaron Ramsdale’s thoughts as the Spaniard’s pass was cut out - before Elye Wahi found the far corner with aplomb to send Arsenal back to the English capital empty-handed.

Torrid weather conditions in North London - leading to the delay of their flight across the channel - slightly derailed Arsenal’s pre-match preparations, but Arteta refused to make excuses for his side’s tepid display on an evening where Bukayo Saka was also withdrawn with a first-half injury, capping off a nightmarish evening for the Gunners.

Nevertheless, Arteta’s third-placed charges are one of only two teams in the Premier League yet to lose a top-flight game this term - the other being their arch-nemesis Tottenham Hotspur - and last weekend’s 4-0 dismantling of Bournemouth has the Gunners sitting pretty in third place in the fledgling rankings.

Since the start of the 2022-23 season, Arsenal have only been put to the sword twice in Premier League home matches and have scored at least twice in all of their Emirates affairs so far this season, but for all of their steadfast defending on enemy territory, Arteta’s men are still waiting for their first Premier League home clean sheet of the new term.

Similar to their North London counterparts, Man City were also pegged back after taking the lead away from home in the Champions League this week, as Leipzig hotshot Lois Openda found the back of the net via the post to cancel out Phil Foden’s slick opener.

The champions’ efforts to wear down the Roten Bullen rearguard were met with stiff resistance from Marco Rose’s side, but the effervescent Julian Alvarez conjured up a moment of magic to restore City’s one-goal lead in the 84th minute, before the Argentine set Jeremy Doku away to finish the job in injury time.

Third time was the charm for Man City on Wednesday, as Pep Guardiola’s side travelled to Germany at risk of suffering three successive away defeats after falling short against Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the EFL Cup and Premier League respectively, with the latter

Arsenal’s Unbeaten Run Faces Man City Test

Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the Premier League will be put to test tomorrow as the Gunners welcome defending champions - Manchester City to the Emirate Stadium in what no doubt is the headline fixture for this weekend. While the Mikel Arteta’s side are still brooding over the loss to Lens in the Champions League on Tuesday, Pep Guardiola’s men will be buoyed by the 3-1 win over RB Leipzig midweek. Both sides will be depleted by notable absentees due to injuries and suspension, however the match is expected to be explosive and would go a long way in deciding where the title tilts to despite that there are still 30 more matches away after tomorrow’s encounter

defeat cutting their lead at the summit to just the one point.

By the time Sunday rolls around, City may have been knocked off their perch by Tottenham Hotspur - who need only win at Luton Town to usurp the treble winners - and while Arsenal’s defensive frailties at home are well-documented, Guardiola’s men have kept just four Premier League clean sheets on

PREMIER LEAGUE

the road in 2023.

Receiving a golden ticket into the Community Shield thanks to Man City’s FA Cup and Premier League triumphs, Arsenal ended their hoodoo against Guardiola’s team by prevailing on penalties at Wembley two months ago, but the Gunners have been defeated in each of their last 12 top-flight games against Man City - their longest-ever losing streak against a single opponent in league history.

Premier League Table

Meanwhile, fresh from gleaning their firstever point in European football, Brighton & Hove Albion resume Premier League duty at home to fellow Europa League challengers Liverpool at the Amex Stadium tomorrow.

Seagulls rallied from 2-0 down to hold Marseille to a 2-2 draw in midweek, while their Merseyside counterparts concluded a troubling period by seeing off Union SG 2-0.

As valiant as Brighton’s efforts were across the channel, De Zerbi’s side are now enduring an unsightly three-game winless run heading into the visit of Liverpool, having also been dumped out of the EFL Cup by Chelsea before their West Midlands mauling last weekend.

A sixth-placed ranking in the Premier League table - only three points behind leaders Manchester City - is still nothing to be sniffed at, but the defensive statistics are alarming for De Zerbi, whose side have already let in 20 goals in all tournaments this term, more than any other side in the English top flight.

As was the case with Brighton, Liverpool also entered the second round of Europa League fixtures reeling from a sickening Premier League result, having been on the wrong end of a horrendous officiating decision during their first defeat of the season against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

Hwang Wolves 4

Alexander Isak Newcastle 4

Bukayo Saka Arsenal 4

Two red cards, one incorrectly disallowed strike for Luis Diaz and Joel Matip’s lastgasp own goal all contributed to the Reds’ downfall in a 2-1 Lilywhites beating, and while Jurgen Klopp’s half-hearted wish for a replay owing to Darren England’s unparalleled VAR howler should not be granted, his side exorcised their domestic demons on Thursday.

A race for the faster...Arsenal duo of William Saliba and Tkehiro Tomiyasu tries to stop Erlign Haaland

LSSC Reviews Participation, Unveils Plans for Discovered Talents

The Lagos State Sports Commission has unveiled plans that will enhance the gains of the state from the just concluded National Youth Games held in Delta State.

Team Lagos finished second overall, maintaining the previous position for the fourth consecutive time.

Represented by over 300 athletes who competed in 33 individual and team sports events during the 10 days fiesta held in Asaba, Team Lagos amassed 62 medals; 21 gold, 19 Silver and 21 bronze.

At the post event review of Team Lagos participation at the National Youth Games, the management of Sports Commission, described the successful outing as a signpost of what to come in grassroots and schools sports development.

The Executive Chairman, Sola Aiyepeku alongside Directors and Heads of Departments, expressed the Sports Commission appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Government agencies and key stakeholders, for the success attained at the National Youth Games.

He said Sports Commission will organise more competitions to sustain the interest of Youth and encourage them to become successful athletes that will represent the country at international championships.

Aiyepeku also called for critical assessment of the National Youth Games, seeking the re-categorisation of age range for developmental competitions in line with international best practices.

Director Sports Development, Nunayon Travih, said the athletes will be given the platform to compete with their seniors in all the trials and where they dethroned the senior athletes they will be allowed to represent the state at the next year Gateway Games. “We will continue to give them that platform to expose and they will not be denied of that as well”.

The Director Public Affairs, Oshodi-Eko Titilayo stressed that during the NYG ,the focus was not just on the medals the state won, adding that the focus was on individual athlete performance. “Before we went

for the Games in Asaba we had a “celebration series” to celebrate each athlete and to encourage others to put up a good feat.

“Our youngest athlete, eight year old golfer, Oyero Beauty was celebrated for her heroic Performance having played 18 holes for over five hours on the course. Some Team Lagos Athletes have also been invited to the National Camp to represent Nigeria. Some outstanding Athletes who featured in the National Youth Games will also participate in the National Sports Festival which will come up in Ogun State next year”.

Director School Sports, Oluyomi Oluwasanmi highlighted that the pool of talents that represented the state was drawn from private and public schools.

“Lagos State came overall in swimming with seven gold,four silver and five bronze medals. So, moving from one gold medal in Ilorin in 2021, we can see the collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the private school proprietors is fast yielding a positive results”.

Napoli to Take Legal Action against Company for Producing Look-alike Osimhen’s Doll

Napoli football club of Italy have announced they will take legal action against a famous Italian toy store for an unlicensed doll. The doll bears an uncanny resemblance to their talismanic forward Victor Osimhen.

The doll photo went viral on social media due to obvious elements that resemble the Nigeria striker.

The doll has a protective mask with the 9 on it, a light blue jersey and a blond tuft of

curly hair.

“With reference to the news, which appeared on numerous online information sites, relating to the imminent marketing of a children’s game called “Cicciobello Bomber” – a doll that reproduces the features of the player Victor Osimhen, portrayed wearing a uniform clearly referable to the shirt from the Club’s first team – the SSCN specifies that this is an unofficial product,

Ujiri’s Giants of Africa Unveils First Basketball Court in Canada

Giants of Africa, the non-profit organisation co-founded by Toronto Raptors vice-chairman and president Masai Ujiri, is proud to announce the opening of a new basketball court at Londonderry School in Edmonton, Alberta, sponsored by Sun Life Canada, with support from the Toronto Raptors and MLSE Foundation. The first of its kind outside of the African continent, this court marks a significant milestone in Giants of Africa’s 20-year history. It underscores the organisation’s mission to empower youth and embrace the diverse African diaspora residing in Canada.

“Our commitment has always been to harness the power of basketball to empower African youth and inspire positive change,” said Ujiri. “By introducing our first Canadian court in Edmonton’s Londonderry neighbourhood, we aim to

create a space that nurtures talent, leadership, well-being and unity, in a community that serves the youth of the African diaspora and beyond, right here in our own backyard.”

An official court unveiling ceremony took place today, featuring a co-ed basketball clinic and life skills education session conducted by NBA personnel and Giants of Africa coaches. Remarks were shared by Masai Ujiri, special guests and community leaders.

“Supporting Giants of Africa to expand equitable access to community spaces helps ensure our youth can make health a priority,” said Paul Joliat, VicePresident, Global Partnerships and Marketing Planning. “At Sun Life, we are driven by our purpose to help Canadians live healthier lives. Guiding youth to be more active will have a

tremendous impact on their mental and physical health for years to come.”

Tanya Mruck, Vice President, Community Engagement & Social Impact, MLSE, remarked, “As the Toronto Raptors’ charity, MLSE Foundation works to empower the next generation to reach their full potential by delivering quality sports programming, investing in like minded organisations, and creating safe places for youth to play. As long standing community builders, we believe in the power of place to unite communities through sport and are proud to support Giants of Africa in their first court build off the continent.”

The basketball court will serve as a development hub, offering a safe space for youth to hone their skills and develop values like teamwork, leadership, and resilience.

Nkechi Obi Plans to Elevate Women’s Football through NWFL

the creation of which has not been authorised in any way by the Club,” Napoli said in a statement.

“The Company has therefore taken steps to protect its interests in the appropriate places.”

Osimhen’s contract extension is currently in doubt and his relationship with the Serie A champions remains frosty after he was involved in a TikTok video row with Napoli.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s Wife Dies at Age 84

Lady Cathy Ferguson, the wife of former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, has died aged 84.

The couple married in 1966, spending 57 years as husband and wife, and had three sons, including Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson.

“We are deeply saddened to

confirm the passing yesterday of Lady Cathy Ferguson,” a statement from the Ferguson family said. “The family asks for privacy at this time.”

Flags at Old Trafford have been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect, and the men’s and women’s teams will wear black armbands in their fixtures this weekend.

Manchester United said in a statement: “Everyone at Manchester United sends our heartfelt condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family on the passing of Lady Cathy, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a tower of strength for Sir Alex throughout his career.”

Pogba Fails Drug Test, B Sample Confirms Positive

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba’s failed drugs test has been confirmed after his B sample tested positive.

Pogba, 30, was provisionally suspended last month after his initial sample found elevated levels of testosterone in his system.

The France international was selected for random testing after Juve’s 3-0 win at Udinese on

20 August, when he had been an unused substitute.

If found guilty of doping, he could be banned for between two and four years.

After Pogba’s initial suspension in September, Nado Italia said he had violated anti-doping rules when it found the prohibited substance “non-endogenous testosterone metabolites” and the results

were “consistent with the exogenous origin of the target compounds”.

Testosterone is a hormone that increases the endurance of athletes.

Speaking at the time of the initial suspension, Pogba’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, said: “What is certain is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break a rule.”

In the heart of Nigerian sports, a revolution is brewing, one that promises to elevate women’s football to unprecedented heights. Spearheading this transformation is the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), under the dynamic leadership of Chairman Ms. Nkechi Obi. With a compelling vision and a 5-pronged execution strategy, NWFL is set to redefine women’s football in Nigeria.

The NWFL, founded in 1990, is Nigeria’s premier women’s football league. It has played a pivotal role in developing the talents of female footballers in Nigeria. Under the stewardship

of Ms. Obi, NWFL is poised to create a league that is not just competitive but also resonates with fans and garners the attention it deserves.

The league recognises the immense potential of women’s football in Nigeria. It’s not just about the game; it’s about empowerment, gender equality, and nurturing a new generation of female athletes. NWFL aims to harness this potential and propel women’s football into the national spotlight.

In a decisive move, the newly appointed Board of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has embraced FIFA’s women’s development strategy, setting in

motion a series of visionary objectives aimed at revolutionising women’s football in Nigeria.

A pivotal objective of this strategy is in enhancing competition, designed to elevate the standard of play, ensuring that fans remain engaged and thrilled by the competitive spirit exhibited on the field.

NWFL is resolutely committed to grassroots growth of the women’s game and expanding the number of clubs, particularly in the States and local government areas. This drive aims to cultivate a broader talent pool that taps into local potential, giving rise to the stars of tomorrow.

International Day of Girl Child: 10,000 to Participate in ‘Abuja All Girls Colour Run’

The African Centre for Youth Sports and Development (ACYSD) has revealed that about 10,000 girls from across the FCT and its environs are expected to participate at the All Girls Colour Run event which is meant to mark this year’s edition of the International Day of the Girl Child.

The event will be preceded by a conference on October 11 and 12 where influential figures, advocates,

and champions of girls’ rights would brainstorm on strategies for empowering girls through sports.

This was contained in a statement made available to the media by the founder and Executive Director of ACYSD, Yinka Suleiman.

She noted that the events would be held in partnership with other local and international organisations.

She said the conference will address challenges faced by

girls in sports and explore ways to increase their participation. Distinguished members from the international community, sports advocates, top athletes, and notable women will grace the occasion.

“And for the (All Girls Colour Run), which is a vibrant 5km fun run celebrating girls’ participation in sports and wellness is aimed at promoting physical activity, self-expression, and camaraderie among girls.

Zenith Bank Tennis Finals Holds at Lagos Country Club

After 13 days of top-class action, the curtains will today fall on the 2023 Zenith Bank/ Lagos Country Club Tennis Championship with four titles up for grabs.

Men’s A defending champion, Destiny Da-Silva look set to keep hold of his crown as he paired Peter Arikan to spearhead a come-

from-behind 5-7, 6-2, 7-5 doubles semifinals win over Ehi Ujiagbe and Segun Aluko on Thursday.

“It’s a very important win because our opponents gave us a good fight particularly in the first set as they never gave us any breathing space.

“I look forward to defending my singles title and I know I

have to be in good shape,” he said after the match where he recorded lots of aces owing to his booming serves.

Da Silva was scheduled to confront Bimbo Okubena in yesterday’s semifinal with the winner facing Ehi Ujiagbe or his sibling Idemudia who face off in the other semifinals.

L-R: Director, Sports Facilities, Deji Aladegbemi, Director, School Sports, Oluyomi Oluwasanmi, Executive Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Sola Aiyepeku, Director, Sports Development, Nunayon Travih, HoD, Technical Uthman Ola Okunnu, and Director, Public Affairs, Titilayo Oshodi - Eko

Unveiling of Ujiri’s Giants of Africa first basketball court in Canada

Respected Italian Pundit, Malfitano, Predicts Osimhen’s Napoli Days are Numbered

Italian football pundit and Gazzetta dello Sport reporter, Mimmo Malfitano has claimed that Victor Osimhen wants to leave Napoli and that he is not happy at the club.

A recent row occurred between the Nigeria international and the Italian giants due to a video posted on TikTok mocking him for a penalty miss against Bologna but he has come out to declare his commitment to the Naples-based side.

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis earlier this week also expressed his confidence that Osimhen is happy at the club and will sign a contract extension.

In contrast to De Laurentiis’ statement, Malfitano has claimed that the 24-year-old is not happy at Napoli and is interested in the club.

“Osimhen will not reach the deadline and will leave because he will still have one year left on his contract at the end of the current

football season, but it doesn’t appear to me that he is happy as Aurelio De Laurentiis recently stated,” Malfitano told Tele A via Area Napoli.

“The player doesn’t want to stay and I’ll also explain why. If he really wanted to continue his adventure in Naples he wouldn’t say anything about the clause.

“If the president wants to set it at 150 million, why does the Nigerian say no? He wants to leave, that’s the truth. Do you know what

De Laurentiis proposed to Osimhen? 10 million, a very important figure.”

Premier League duo, Manchester United and Chelsea alongside Bayern Munich and PSG were interested in his services in the just-concluded transfer window but were scared off by his huge transfer valuation.

Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal also ta bled bids for the 2022-2023 Serie A Best Striker but had their

advancements turned down by Napoli. Should he become available in the next transfer

window, it won’t be surprising that the aforementioned clubs signal interest in his services once again.

Lampard Out of Running for Rangers Job

Former Chelsea and Everton manager Frank Lampard is not in the running for the vacant Rangers managerial position.

The 45-year-old was interested in replacing Michael Beale, with reports suggesting that talks took place between the ex-England midfielder and the Ibrox board.

But Lampard will not be part of the club’s final-stage interview process, which will start next week.

Beale left Rangers last Sunday following a home defeat to Aberdeen.

Udogie Set to Dump Nigeria for Italy after Azzuri’s Invitation

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF’s attempt to convince Destiny Udogie to play for fatherland may have ended up in futility Afterall as the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio are in pole position to secure the services of the Tottenham Hotspur’s rising star at senior level ahead of their Nigerian counterparts.

The talented left-back is in the mix to make his senior debut for his country of birth, Italy this month after

receiving his first call-up to Italy’s senior national team ahead of 2024 European Championship qualifiers against Malta and England on October 14 and October 17 respectively.

Udogie became provisionally cap-tied to Italy in March 2019 when he featured in an U17 Euro qualifier against Romania.

Born in Verona to parents who originally hail from Nigeria, he has caps for Italy at U16, U17, U18, U19, U20 and U21 levels.

Luciano Spalletti, who has

been tracking Udogie since he replaced Roberto Mancini as Italy coach, has rewarded Udogie for his excellent start to the 2023-2024 Premier League season.

The Tottenham Hotspur number 38 earned plaudits for his brilliant displays against Manchester United’s Antony and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, and also performed admirably in the second half of the north London derby, where he was involved in a 1v1 duel with Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka.

Should Udogie make his

competitive debut for Italy this month, he would be following in the footsteps of Italian-born players of Nigerian descent Stefano Okaka and Angelo Ogbonna who chose to play international football for the four-time world champions.

Meanwhile, another fullback on the radar of Spalletti in Fiorentina starlet Michael Kayode could make his debut for Italy U21s as he has been named on a 26-man roster for a 2025 European Championship qualifier against Norway.

Ndidi Nominated for Championship Player of the Month Award

Super Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi has been nominated for the PFA Championship Fans’ player of the month award for September

The versatile midfielder has found himself rejuvenated in a new role under the tutelage of the new boss, Enzo Maresca, and even scored in Leicester’s 4-1 win over Southampton, securing the man of the

match award.

The 26-year-old featured in all of The Foxes’four game last month, helping his side to three wins in those four games. His in-form teammate, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was also The Englishman has scored the most goals at the King Power Stadium this season, adding a brace to his tally in their last game, as Kelechi Iheanacho also found the back of the net after he was teed

up by Ndidi.

The nominees for September’s PFA Championship Fans’ Player of the Month include Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi and Dewsbury-Hall. No one had more key passes than Dewsbury-Hall in September.

Elsewhere, Argyle’s Morgan Whittaker contributed to five league goals, including a hat-trick against Norwich City, while Nathan Broadhead scored

vital goals for high-flying Ipswich Town.

Sunderland’s Jack Clarke was the top scorer with six goals in September, and Preston’s Liam Lindsay, has been a rock at the back, with his side closing September in third place.

Maresca’s men have won nine out of ten league games and currently occupy the number one spot in the sky Bet Championships.

It was a third Scottish Premiership loss in seven games for the former Queens Park Rangers manager, whose tenure was brought to an end less than a year after his appointment.

Steven Davis and Alex Rae were immediately placed in interim charge, but their caretaker spell got off to a sobering start with a poor Europa League defeat away to Aris Limassol on Thursday.

Games Get Tighter, Tougher as Teams Battle for Final 8 Slots

The battles for the mouthwatering and ultimate prize in the maiden edition of the epochal 1XBET Football Cup Championship for Lagos based non-league sides, gets tougher and fiercer as it progresses after two rounds of matches in the DBI Conference of the championship, sponsored by leading betting company, 1XBET.

In the round two matches of groups A and B, played Thursday and yesterday respectively, at the Nitel Training ground venue of the DBI Conference, Soccer Touch FC in a group A encounter, came back from its earlier 1-3 loss to Fackson FC in match Day 1, to thrash Cheche Stars who drew its first game against Capital Avalanche, 3-0.

Fackson maintained its leadership of the group with four points, following its 1-1 draw against Capital Avalanche. Going into the final games of the group,

Soccer Touch, Capital Avalanche and Cheche Stars, have three, two and one points respectively.

Bariga FC climbed to the top spot with four points in group B, after defeating hard-fighting and youthful Emiloju FC 1-0, in its second game, after playing a pulsating 2-2 draw against G-Innovation in the group B opening game.

The game between Ifako FC and G-Innovation was another cracker in the series of top-end matches in the DBI Conference, as it ended in 2-2 draw.

From the games so far played, G-Innovation and Ifako FC trails Bariga FC with two points each and followed by Emiloju FC with a solitary point.

After eight matches played in both groups, twenty goals have been scored. And actions resume in the intense, but crowds pleasing championship on Monday, at the same venue.

Arteta Not Ruling Out Saka for City Cracker

Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka is in contention for Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City on Super Sunday despite limping off with an injury in their Champions League defeat to Lens.

Saka left the field holding his leg in the 34th minute of Tuesday’s Group B game, with Arteta saying afterwards that he had suffered a “muscular” problem and that it was a “worry”

But the 22-year-old was named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad on Thursday and, speaking at his press conference yesterday, Arteta said he is in the frame to feature against City.

“He is in contention,” he said. “Let’s see how he pro-

Rangers are next in action on Sunday lunchtime, when they face St Mirren in Paisley. gresses from here to Sunday.

“Obviously, he had to leave the pitch and that’s never good news, but let’s see how he recovers.”

Pressed for more detail, Arteta repeated: “In contention! That’s it. I’m not a doctor. That’s what they told me.”

Asked about Saka’s England call-up and whether he would ask for the forward’s minutes to be limited, Arteta said: “I have spoken to Gareth Southgate on several occasions.

“I have to do my job by giving the news and the position that everyone is at. We have good communication.

“He needs to make the best decision for the national team and I’m not going to get involved there.”

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BACKPAGE CONTINUATION

THE TRUTH TINUBU MUST BE TOLD

when some of Tinubu’s commissioners started fretting and sweating profusely. God is my witness. Many of them, out of panic, about the imminent impeachment of Tinubu, were, stylishly, dissociating themselves from their boss. We heard all kinds of gibberish, from some of them, who are even in government today: “we brought our integrity into this government, we can’t allow anyone to tarnish it...”

Let us digress a little. One of them, extremely close to Tinubu, was the first to tell us about “the falsification of Tinubu’s age, the identity of his original parents from Iragbiji, his forged academic records”, and so on. This chain-smoker claimed absolute knowledge of Tinubu’s life. He told us in my Accra home that anyone who tells Tinubu the truth is instantly marked down as an enemy, so he has stopped telling him the truth. With this kind of mindset, you can imagine what quality of advice Tinubu gets regularly.

Then, out of the blues, my very daring and loyal friend, Tokunbo Afikuyomi, decided to bite the bullet on behalf of Tinubu. What he did was reminiscent of the “lamb of God who took away the sins of the earth...” He, like a kamikaze soldier, took absolute responsibility for the errors contained in Tinubu’s files. Miraculously, Tinubu was saved, and we were all relieved. Everyone is asking me how has Tinubu compensated Afikuyomi, and my answer is I don’t know.

It is noteworthy that Festus Keyamo had jumped on the bandwagon of those seeking to impeach Tinubu at that time. This is another story for another day. I cannot wait for my memoirs to be ready in order to put names and faces to the main dramatis personae.

Let’s now fast forward to the year 2002. There was a popular magazine known as The Week. It planned a cover story on Tinubu. Somehow, the story leaked out to then Governor of Lagos State. Tinubu immediately, and with automatic alacrity, reached out to the Publisher of the magazine, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and pleaded that the scandalous story should be dropped. Out of love and respect for his friend, Atiku reached out to The Week magazine Management and got the story to be stepped down. The Editors were miffed by this development, and in the aftermath, led to the resignation and exit of the Editor, Mr Simon Kolawole.

The meat of my epistle today is that there are many didactic lessons to pick from this Tinubugate. Tinubu eventually left office in 2007. But he never really left Lagos alone. He became Nigeria’s ultimate godfather, who determined, almost to the pin, who gets what. Many of his acolytes knew he was capable of turning them into emergency Billionaires and were ready to stand ramrod on his mandate. This, I believe, is the crux of the matter.

Now, why do I blame Tinubu and his die-hard fans? Two major reasons are carelessness (or is it negligence?) and recklessness. Why would a man who left office since 2007, 16 long years ago, fail to clean up the records that nearly got him impeached in the first instance? And given the fact that he couldn’t have personally handled those documents himself, why did the hordes of minions claiming to love him till eternity fail to deliver a world-class file for his documents?

The Laws of Nigeria never insisted that a Presidential candidate must attend a university. In the last 16 years, Tinubu

should have ensured his personal documents were thoroughly checked to be squeaky clean before submitting them to INEC. If necessary, he could have easily gone back to school (Atiku still went to school recently to update and upgrade himself) and try to erase all the previous controversial details. As for his conflicting dates of birth, he should have settled for a preferred birthday date, like President Olusegun Obasanjo did. It can never be a crime that a child’s parent did not record or obtain his birth certificate. As for claiming to have worked for Deloitte and others, he should have limited himself to “I have worked for big multinationals globally and they truly enjoyed my services and valued my contributions” without mentioning specific companies and dates. As for parentage, I would have told the world about my humble background and poor parentage. It is nothing to be ashamed of, and it is not a crime to be adopted and acquire the name of one’s foster-parents. Everyone knew how Chief MKO Abiola played the role of a father figure in my life, including travelling all the way to Ijebu-Igbo and Ijebu-Ode for my wedding in 1992, but that never stopped me from celebrating my poor parents. And if there were peculiar reasons for obliterating ones original family history, that can still be easily explained. A public figure cannot afford to keep too many secrets. For far too long, Tinubu has blatantly refused to open up his private life to the members of the public. The repercussions of this stifness have been hugely calamitous to him and his immediate family. With more openness, this could have been avoided.

TINUBU’S CERTIFICATE: SETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT

Tinubu’s name, Westberg disclosed that the admission letter issued to the Nigerian President evidently proved he was a male and attended the school between 1977 and 1979.

Probed further to confirm if the Tinubu that enrolled at the school was a male or female, the registrar insisted, “Tinubu applied to the university as a male and a letter of admission was issued to a male.

“There were materials in Mr. Tinubu’s records that show he was a male in the application to CSU. Mr. Tinubu identified himself as a male. His letter of admission identified him as a male. It says: ‘Dear Mr. Tinubu’”, he said. It is relevant to point out that in the US, premium is not placed on certificates, otherwise called diplomas, as we do here. Certificates are merely ceremonial. The emphasis is on transcripts. Employers and schools offering admissions for higher education will only ask for previous transcripts.

In most cases, the certificates are also printed by third party vendors. Many certificates are left uncollected because what is important is the transcript. The CSU has diplomas that students didn’t pick up in its possession.

“I have the diploma that was made available to Mr. Enahoro-Ebah in our possession because Mr. Tinubu did not pick it up. I do not have the diploma that was submitted to INEC in our possession because he had picked it, ” Westberg clarified while responding to another question.

Other matters also came up during the over five-hour interrogation session that I do not want to bore you with in this piece. However, it is surprising that Atiku and co would claim President Tinubu forged his certificate simply because the CSU Registrar said it could not authenticate the certificate presented to him by Atiku’s lawyer as the document Tinubu presented to INEC for the 2023 Presidential Election. He said he cannot confirm because only

Tinubu

Tinubu has the certificate which he ordered and which had been picked up for him and that the school does not keep students’certificates. Nowhere in the interrogation did Westberg use the word fake or forged as Atiku’s lawyer tried to make him say so. Fact is there is no scintilla of doubt that President Tinubu

attended and graduated from CSU. As my colleague, Temitope Ajayi, pointed out in his widely-publicised tweet, “You can only forge a certificate you never earned.” President Tinubu honourably earned his degree and he had no reason to forge the certificate of a degree he had in his kitty. He graduated Summa

Let me now go to the specific handling of the Chicago scandals. For me, Tinubu and his noisy supporters have made matters far worse than it should have been. Only his blind and shameless supporters will continue to argue over a saga that started over five decades ago. All of us who knew the truth and looked the other way brought this calamity upon our country. And it is grossly unfair.

Instead of Tinubu standing up as a man to offer sincere and unreserved apologies to Nigerians, his “brood of vipers” are busy insulting the long-suffering people of Nigeria, and studiously rubbing salt and pepper on our festering wounds. This is most unfair. This can only aggravate the anger of our citizens, especially the youths.

The first thing Tinubu should do is to climb down his high horse and experience reality for once. No man, no matter how powerful, can achieve everything by force, all the time. The popular story of EFUNSETAN ANIWURA, IYALODE IBADAN is very instructive. Power is transient.

I’m certain there is a hand of God in this latest eruption about Tinubu’s record, which has refused to go away.it is no longer about Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, Sowore and others. This is about Nigeria. Atiku has played his part honorably at home and abroad. What he achieved in Chicago was a monumental victory for our democracy. Because of Atiku, many Nigerians will have their pride restored. The burden has already been transferred to all of us. Whatever the outcome of the Supreme Court case, it is obvious to me that a new era beckons for us all except for those who choose to be voluntary slaves.

Cum Laude, with distinction. He was on the Vice Chancellor’s Honour List for all his years in the school. Insinuation by anyone that he forged a certificate he worked for is sad and misleading. Indeed, attempts by some to liken the situation with those of the disgraced former House of Representatives Speaker, Salisu Buhari and former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun are disingenuous.

Former Speaker Buhari forged the certificate of Toronto University he never attended. He was removed from office for the forgery. Former President Obasanjo later pardoned him. As for former Minister Adeosun, those who brought her to limelight and sponsored her for the ministerial appointment arranged a fake NYSC exemption certificate for her to scale Senate screening. The same people did her in when disagreements broke out between them, giving her away as a certificate forger over which she eventually resigned. The cases are markedly different: President Tinubu earned his stripes.

In the final analysis, it is yet unclear how Atiku plans to benefit from whatever he claims to have brought back from the US. Certificate forgery was not pleaded in his election petition now at the Supreme Court. Without being a lawyer, this is a civil case and I understand you can’t make new pleas or present new evidence in a case that has passed the court of first instance and is at present on appeal at the Supreme Court.

What the Waziri Adamawa has demonstrated in all of his Shenanigans is that he is a sore loser. Will he gain what he failed to get at the ballot through his present indecent and unpatriotic overseas search and unfounded and hollow discovery, making a mountain where there is even no molehill, uneccesarily heating up the polity and denigrating the Justices of the Supreme Court? I don’t think so!

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

APC to Atiku

“In desperation, unbecoming of a statesman who once occupied the second highest office in the land, Atiku has thrown every decency, decorum, dignity and national respectability out of the window on his purposeless judicial voyage of discovery to the US in search of a magic wand for taking power against the will of the Nigerian electorates”

– The ruling APC chastising former vice President Atiku Abubakar.

PENDULUM

DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

The Truth Tinubu Must be Told

Fellow Nigerians, once again, this is not the best of times in our dear beloved country, Nigeria. After we had thought, gladly and gleefully, that no government could be worse than the recent Buhari administration, we are now confronted by yet another monstrosity. In less than two months in power, Tinubu’s government started collapsing whatever positive legacy Buhari left behind. Yet, we would have assumed and expected a President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be far better prepared and more visionary than Buhari and his lacklustre team was. Unfortunately, this hasn’t been the case. While I’m not about to give an overview of Tinubu’s wobbly stewardship so far, and so soon, I’m constrained to put my thoughts and unequivocal opinion on the ongoing Tinubugate on paper. I’m doing this in my personal capacity as a Nigerian citizen and as a true and truthful friend of Tinubu. I believe only a true friend can look you straight, eyeballs to eyeballs, in the face, and tell one of the world’s most powerful men, the

President Tinubu

Gospel truth.

I have no doubts in my mind that the

majority of Tinubu’s so-called friends and ubiquitous hangers-on are pretentious hypocrites. Tinubu has also not helped himself by encouraging both royals and puppets alike to worship at his feet and turning him into a demi-god. I’m convinced that they serve him no useful purpose. I will establish this fact in a minute.

The Tinubugate did not begin yesterday. It started after Tinubu returned from exile and metamorphosed into the Governor of Lagos State in 1999 and instantly became the biggest beneficiary of our epic battles in exile during the NADECO days. In all honesty, we were all happy that he was amply compensated for his salutary efforts.

But unknown to us, trouble was brewing. We didn’t know how or what led the legal luminary, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, to exhume all manner of “false declarations” contained in the forms submitted for Tinubu’s gubernatorial bid. On October 11, 1999, just months after Tinubu contested and won his election, Chief Fawehinmi’s powerful interview was published on the cover of Newswatch magazine, with

TUNDERAHMAN

GUEST COLUMNIST

the screaming headline: WHY TINUBU MUST GO - Gani Fawehinmi. The fearless Lawyer also granted another interview on the cover of The Source magazine, with an even more acerbic headline: “TINUBU IS A CRIMINAL - Gani, and a rider below: Deserves 10 years in jail! On top of the same magazine was published a worrisome story: The Tinubu Story: THE SOURCE UNDER THREAT. This was the first tell-tale sign of the new and toxic Lagos State to come, a Lagos of one man, one permanent ruler, reminiscent of the Sicilian Mafia, which we privately rechristened the “Cosa Nostra” of Nigeria. Some members of our “exile confraternity” were naturally alarmed. But we were somehow timid and, thus, carelessly dismissed Gani’s case as, at the very best, alarmist and unnecessarily meddlesome. A few of us who were very close to Gani Fawehinmi knew it would be difficult and of no effect, to approach him and try to persuade him to drop the case. The other sad revelation was

Continued on page 31

Tinubu’s Certificate: Setting the Records Straight

Former Vice President and roundly defeated presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, was a pitiful sight to behold on Thursday at the Shehu Yar ‘Adua Centre, Abuja as he sat like a wreck after addressing what he called a world press conference. He had gone on a wild goose chase to the United States in search of President Bola Tinubu’s certificate.

The former vice president however returned empty-handed after spending a fortune. Atiku himself admitted his exploratory journey was at a hefty cost.

At the press conference, the Waziri Adamawa discovered no new thing; he found nothing incriminating or untoward against the President. He is only currently engaging in political sophistry. Apparently deluding himself that he came back from the US with a smoking gun, at his press briefing, he sermonised on the important issue of leadership and responsibility.

Alhaji Atiku assaulted the memory of the late irrepressible lawyer and human

rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, claiming Fawehinmi inspired his shameful, worthless and self-seeking expedition.

Commending David Hundeyin, the rabble rouser who styles himself as an independent journalist, whose work he also said inspired him, it became apparent that both Atiku and Hundeyin were actually working together to embarrass President Tinubu.

Overwhelmed by his inordinate ambition, the failed PDP presidential candidate also shamelessly called traditional, religious, community and political leaders in the country including Labour Party’s Peter Obi and NNPP’s Senator Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso to rally round him in his political vendetta against President Tinubu.“This quest is not for or about Atiku Abubakar. It is a quest for the enthronement of truth, morality and accountability in our public affairs,” he said. And you wonder, what morality Alhaji Atiku was preaching. This is the same man who was indicted in the 2009

conviction of his accomplice, former United States Congressman William Jefferson, over bribery charges. Same man whose principal, former President Obasanjo, wrote a damaging testimonial on and whose years in Customs were signposted by corruption allegations.

If you have not read it, this is what former President Obasanjo said about Wazirin Atiku in Volume 2 Pages 31-32 of his book “My Watch”: “What I did not know, which came out glaringly later, was his parental background which was somewhat shadowy, his propensity to corruption, his tendency to disloyalty, his inability to say and stick to the truth all the time,a propensity for poor judgment, his belief and reliance on marabouts , his lack of transparency, his trust in money to buy his way out on all issues and his readiness to sacrifice morality, integrity, propriety truth and national interest for self and selfish interest.”

It is pertinent at this juncture to clarify some of the issues that emerged from the deposition by President Tinubu’s former

school, Chicago State University, in order to understand Atiku’s deliberate and malicious distortion.

Speaking on oath in the testimonies contained in a deposition made in the Office of Angela Liu, Atiku’s legal counsel, in Chicago, US, CSU Registrar, Caleb Westberg declared that President Bola Tinubu attended and graduated with honours from the institution in 1979. He in fact asserted that President Tinubu is the same person who attended the school from 1977 to 1979. “We believe Bola Tinubu who attended CSU is the same person who is the President of Nigeria today. Tinubu is an unusual name in the US. He matched the records in the file against the information provided by the student or on behalf of the student.”

On the insinuation by Atiku’s lawyers that the Bola Tinubu who attended the school was a female on account of a clerical error spotted against

Continued on page 31