SATURDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2021 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Billionaire Businessman, Idahosa Okunbo Buried Amid Eulogies Obaseki: He was an uncommon Nigerian genius, breaker of glass ceilings, bridge builder Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City It was a gathering of who is who across Nigeria as the remains of Edo State-born business mogul, Captain

Idahosa Wells Okunbo were laid to rest after a funeral service at the Nigerian Airforce Base in Benin City, yesterday. Among dignitaries present were serving governors, including the Governor of

Edo State, Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu; Lagos State Governor, Babajide SanwoOlu; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; and Kebbi State Governor, Atiku

Bagudu. Others included two daughters of President Muhammadu Buhari - Halima and Zara - and their husbands; former governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole;

former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori; former governor of Gombe State, Hassan Dakwambo; and former governor of Borno State, Alli Modu Sheriff. Also, the Oba of Benin

and the Olu of Warri sent prominent palace chiefs to the event. Delivering his homily, Pastor Godheart Ekweme said there Continued on page 5

With N200bn Capitalisation, President Tells NNPC to Compete with Global Best… Page 5 Saturday 9 October, 2021 Vol 26. No 9679

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Obasanjo: Despite Current Challenges, My Faith in Nigeria Unshakable Says there is hope in the determination, resilience, indomitable spirit of the people James Sowole in Abeokuta Former president Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday declared

that his faith in Nigeria remained unshakable despite the myriads of challenges confronting it.

The former president, who was speaking during the opening of “Abeokuta Window on America,” held

at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Abeokuta, Ogun State, insisted that the country would not

be destroyed by the myriads of challenges The “Abeokuta Window on America” is a type of

American Space located in over 150 countries worldwide Continued on page 5

After 15 Years Hiatus, Population Census Conﬁrmed for Next Year Buhari set to make proclamation as exercise gets N178bn in Budget 2022 Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja A national population and housing census, which was last held in Nigeria 15 years ago, will hold in the country next year, thanks to the N178.09 billion approved for the exercise in the 2022 Appropriation Bill. The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, who made the disclosure during the public presentation and breakdown of Budget 2022 in Abuja, yesterday, stated that President Muhammadu Buhari would make a proclamation on the planned 2022 headcount soon. Ahmed explained that the recent review of the 2022-2024 Continued on page 5

Tinubu Returns after 90-Day Medicals in OKUNBO GOES HOME IN A BLAZE OF GLORY… Children of late Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo - Nosa Okunbo; Osahon Okunbo; Adesuwa Okunbo; and Olori Ivie Emiko (wife of Olu of Warri, Atuwase London... Page 6 L-R: 111) - during the burial of the businessman and philanthropist in Benin, Edo State... yesterday

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SATURDAY OCTOBER 9, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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With N200bn Capitalisation, President Tells NNPC to Compete with Global Best Charges firm to deliver value to Nigerian shareholders Deji Elumoye ÓØ ÌßÔË The newly incorporated Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has a capitalisation of N200 billion. This emerged yesterday in Abuja when President

Muhammadu Buhari received the certificate of incorporation of the firm. Under the recently signed Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was expected to transform to

a limited liability company, a dream that has now been accomplished. Apparently impressed with its new structure, the President charged the management of NNPC to work towards the realisation of a global national

oil company that could compete favourably with its counterparts across the world. Buhari said the country “expects nothing less” from the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, and the Chief Finance Officer of the company

than the realisation of a global national oil company that Nigeria desires and deserves. The President described the incorporation as “a significant milestone in our quest to create an enduring National Energy Company that can compete with its global peers and deliver value to its shareholders, the Nigerian people.” According to him, his expectation was for a speedy transition through taking all steps required to transfer assets, human and material, and without wasting time to capitalise the company as required by the PIA. President Buhari said he was happy to note that the National Assembly had confirmed his nominations for the Board and Management of the two regulatory institutions, and expects immediate take-off to facilitate effective implementation of the provisions of the PIA on accelerated gas development and

optimisation of oil production and support for energy transition. Earlier in his remarks, Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, Mele Kolo Kyari, said: “NNPC is history made again; a massive transformation from what we know, to where we are going, under the leadership of President Buhari.” He added that lots of values had been delivered in the past six years, “and we still have further accountability and values to deliver.” Also speaking, Registrar/ Chief Executive Officer of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Alhaji Garba Abubakar, said the NNPC registration, accomplished within 24 hours, had complied with all requirements of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), and the PIA. He added that the registration in the short time, underscored strong collaborations among agencies of government.

BILLIONAIRE BUSINESSMAN, IDAHOSA OKUNBO BURIED AMID EULOGIES

BACK AT LAST... L-R: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, when Tinubu arrived in Lagos from London, United Kingdom, last night, after spending almost three months on medicals

AFTER 15 YEARS HIATUS, POPULATION CENSUS CONFIRMED FOR NEXT YEAR Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) was motivated by a number of factors, including the need to provide the funds for the headcount. The last population census held in 2006, puts the nation’s population at 140 million people, but was plagued by political interference, from design through to implementation. Since then, Nigeria has not conducted a population census, relying on estimates from Worldometre, an arm of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. In December 2020, the National Population Commission (NPC) announced that an estimated 206 million people were living in Nigeria, an increase of eight million people in two years, against the 198 million it announced in 2018. The finance minister also revealed an additional N100 billion in the 2022 Budget estimates to enable the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepare for the conduct of the 2023 general elections. Giving further insight into why the MTEF was reviewed, the minister said the increase in the expenditure side was also motivated by the need to provide for additional critical expenditures, as well as the need to present a more comprehensive FGN Budget. Other critical expenditures in the 2022 budget estimates include N400 billion for National Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy; N50 billion Police Operations Fund; and N37 billion additional provision for debts accruing from the electricity bills of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). The minister further disclosed that N517.5 billion was proposed as additional Multi-lateral/Bilateral Project-tied Loans; N54 billion for the National Agency for Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), which represents 1% FGN Share of Federation

Account; and N305.99 billion for TETFUND (funded by the Education Tax). Ahmed said the fiscal numbers were preliminary and would be updated “as the reconciliation process is concluded. She disclosed further that N2.88 trillion went into debt servicing between January and August this year, out of a total expenditure of N8.14 trillion recorded in the first seven months out of 2021. The sum of N2.75 trillion was for overhead cost, while N1.75 trillion was expended on capital projects. According to her report, government generated N3.9 trillion so far this year, comprising Company Income Tax (CIT) of N547.5 billion; Value Added Tax collections of N235.7 billion, Customs collections of N338.6 billion and other revenues which amounted to N1.7 trillion. She disclosed that with a debt servicing cost of N2.88 trillion and total revenue of N3.9 trillion, the federal government spent about 73 per cent of its revenue on debt servicing within the past eight months. She said, “For the 2021 performance, between January and August, revenue generated was N3.93 trillion which was 73 per cent of the prorated target. Out of this amount, CIT and VAT collections were N547.5 billion and N235.7 billion respectively, representing 121 per cent in the case of CIT and 148 per cent in the case of VAT of the prorated target. “On the expenditure side, N8.14 trillion representing 84 per cent of the N9.71 trillion prorated expenditure from January to August had been spent. “This performance includes expenditure estimates of Government Owned Enterprises (GOEs), but doesn’t include project tied loans “Of the expenditure, N2.89 trillion was utilised for debt servicing, while N2.57 trillion

was utilised for personnel cost, including pension and gratuities. As at the end of August 2021, N1.75 trillion had been expended on capital projects, of this amount, N1.723 trillion represents 81 per cent of the aggregate provision for Ministries Department Agencies’ capital prorated, while N36.01 billion is expenditure from GOEs. “So the story here is that the revenue performance aggregate is 73 per cent but the fact is that the non-oil revenue is performing very well above the target, while the oil and gas revenue are lagging." The finance minister also revealed that the federal government borrowed a total of N3.65 trillion between January and August to finance its N4.3 trillion fiscal deficit, stressing that the balance was covered by privatisation proceeds and drawdown of bilateral and multilateral-tied loans. On the proposed N16.39 trillion 2022 aggregate budget proposal, with N10.132 trillion revenue projection and N6.26 trillion fiscal deficit, the minister said N3.60 trillion was for debt service, N6.829 trillion for nondebt recurrent expenditure, and N4.892 trillion for capital expenditure. Ahmed said: "To promote

fiscal transparency, accountability and comprehensiveness, allocations to TETFUND and the budgets of 63 GOEs are integrated in the FGN’s 2022 Budget proposal. "In aggregate, 34.9% of projected revenue is to come from oil-related sources while 65.1% is to be earned from non-oil sources." According to her, N3.331 is projected for oil-related revenue, N1.816 trillion, independent revenue, N924.31 billion from other revenue sources, and N1.728 trillion retained GOE revenue. The minister also disclosed that N23 billion “is proposed for Sinking Funds, N768 billion for Statutory Transfer.” On the sectors with the highest allocation in 2022, the sum of N2.41 trillion was proposed for Defence, comprising the military, police, intelligence and paramilitary agencies. Infrastructure (including Works and Housing, Power, among others) comes next with N1.45 trillion, followed by Youth, Women and Social Development with N921 billion. A sum of N873.93 billion is proposed for the education sector with another N108 billion for the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

was time for everything and that Okunbo had spent the better part of the last one year in “deeper relationship with his creator.” Speaking on behalf of all the dignitaries present, Obaseki described Okunbo as an uncommon Nigerian who “could be described as a genius, a breaker of glass ceilings, a bridge builder, a business tycoon, a philanthropist extraordinaire. Obaseki adds: “Captain Hosa, as we fondly called him, was a man with a big heart. Although, he had humble beginnings, he was armed with unyielding resolve as his children had said and he was determined to surmount life’s challenges and he did. “He pushed himself to the limits to attain greatness, building an impressive business empire and transforming the lives of numerous people, many of them of Edo origin. “A trained pilot, he mastered the air quite early in life and searched for the land in the maritime sectors prevailing in all spheres. “He embodied hard work, perseverance, dexterity and acumen which espoused his Edo heritage. Captain was a philanthropist who gave lavishly of himself and his resources. “He will be remembered for his undying love for Edo people. His desire for the progress and development of our dear state, the Niger Delta region and Nigeria, as well as his invaluable contributions to building bridges across the country will never be forgotten. “In building a vast business empire that spanned maritime, logistics, security, transportation, agriculture and hospitality, he

displayed rare business acumen, providing employment for thousands of Nigerians and contributing immensely to our nation’s development and progress. He was a devout family man. Undoubtedly, his exit will leave a gaping hole in the hearts of the people he imparted so dearly.” On his part, late Okunbo’s first son, Osahon said his father’s life was guided by two principles which he said were love and mercy. According to Osahon, “His life is a lesson and every chance you have to spend with him; he tells you a story from his experience and from the Bible. I once asked him, ‘why do you forgive so easily’? There are so many people around him that hurt him very deeply but still he had them around him and he said ‘my son, do you know the reason God will always deliver my enemies at my feet? It is because God knows I will have mercy upon them.’ He said his two guiding principles were love and mercy; those were the two principles he lived his life by. “He told me something in the heat of this cancer problem. He said, ‘my son, everybody is not supposed to live long. It is not the length of your life, it is about the impact you leave behind. I have always told you people when you were growing up.’ And all of us, from the first to last will testify to this. He will say, ‘once I have paid your school fees, everything else is jara. I will sell everything I have to enjoy myself.’ That was what he told us growing up. He said ‘God sent me here to do something’ and for the past four days, people have spoken about it.”

OBASANJO: DESPITE CURRENT CHALLENGES, MY FAITH IN NIGERIA UNSHAKABLE to engage Nigerian youths in learning about American culture and politics. The Space is set up in the youth centre of the OOPL in partnership with the US Consulate in Nigeria. Delivering his keynote address at the event, Obasanjo expressed optimism that no matter what the country is currently going through, evil would not triumph over good. The former President, who was represented by the Deputy Coordinator of OOPL, Mr. Ayodele Aderinwale said: “Whatever may be the problem or challenges currently confronting Nigeria, I assure you

that they are not problems on the attack, they are actually problems on the retreat. “My faith in Nigeria remains unshakable. My optimism about the future is resounding. Some may wonder how the future will be rescued. “I see hope in the determination, resilience and the indomitable spirit of Nigerians. I see hope in their resistance when they are pushed to the wall. “I see hope in the zeal, commitment and courage in the face of adversity. I see hope in the boundless and incurable optimism of young Nigerians. “I see hope in the willingness of Nigerian young, who

are resisting with all their might the evil that are being perpetrated. “I see hope in the unwavering conduct and uncompromising drive of Nigerians in demanding a democratic process. I see hope, in the ingenuity and infinite creativity of Nigerians. I see hope in the youth and young, for our tomorrow lies in them. “I see hope in the great potentials of the Nigerian, empowered, motivated and well led. I see hope in the blending of experience, energy and dynamism of the old and the new. “I see hope in the dynamism, vibrancy and richness of our

culture. And I see hope in the commonality of humanity.” Speaking on the importance of the “Abeokuta Window on America,” the U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer, Stephen Ibelli, disclosed that the space would offer a calendar of programmes on topics of interest designed to bring Americans and Nigerians closer. He noted that the space would further deepen the US - Nigerian relationship, saying no fewer than 100 youths would be engaged on weekly basis, in learning about the culture, history and politics of America through books and over 300 online publications.

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News Editor Charles Ajunwa 09157401421 (sms only) Email charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

Hausa Vigilantes Kill 11 in Sokoto Reprisal Attack Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

No fewer than 11 Fulanis were killed by Yan Sakai, Hausa local vigilantes, who raided a weekly

market in Mamande Village in Gwadabawa Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Four others who sustained gunshot injuries are currently

Buni Says APC Delighted to Attract Olawepo-Hashim A former Presidential candidate and a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has urged leaders elected on the party platforms to desist from using ethno-religious platforms to ventilate their concerns on policy matters. In a statement released by his media office in Abuja yesterday, he advised political leaders to utilise the internal machinery of the party to ventilate their opinions and resolve their differences instead of retreating to ethnic and religious conclaves to inflame passion and division. Olawepo-Hashim who was speaking while being received by the APC Caretaker Committee

Chairman and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, in his residence in Abuja on Thursday, recalled that it had never been the tradition in the politics of the country for leaders to be aggregating as Southern leaders or Northern leaders. According to him, the second Republic leaders spoke as UPN or NPN, PRP or NPP, GNPP or NAP or at best Progressives versus Conservatives. “The divides were ideological, healthy and consistent with modern democratic practice. Now we need to put a stop to politicking along regional lines which is widening the gulf of divisions in the country,” he said.

Your Role Crucial to 2023 Election Success, Gbagi Charges Delta Youths Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Youths in Delta State have been charged to take active and positive part in activities towards the 2023 general election in Nigeria as they are stakeholders who have a crucial role to play in determining the success of the critical electoral exercise in the country. Former Education Minister and prominent 2023 governorship aspirant in Delta State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, gave the charge while addressing youths at separate fora in Ethiope West and Ughelli South, both in Delta Central senatorial district of the state. The lawyer and entrepreneur urged youths while speaking at Idjere Grammar School ground, Jesse in Ethiope West and at his Oginigbo country home in Ughelli South to ensure that they obtain their permanent voter’s card (PVC), saying it would be

the real proof of their readiness to exercise their franchise in 2023. The criminologist also urged youths who were yet to do so to register for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC), to enable them exercise their franchise and constitutional rights. He said that unless they registered for their PVC, they would not be able to cast their votes for him during the 2023 governorship election. Gbagi also urged them to continue to support the incumbent Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, in prayer and action to enable his administration to finish his second term in office on high note. While noting that Governor Okowa has done well in Delta Central, including the Idjerhe (Jesse) kingdom, considering the numerous construction of roads and other infrastructure, he added that only the state government could not do it alone without the support of the people.

Tinubu Returns After 90-day Medicals in London Bennett Oghifo The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu returned to Nigeria yesterday after 90 days of medicals in London, United Kingdom. The APC chieftain had a knee surgery, after which he spent weeks recuperating and during the period was visited by dignitaries from Nigeria, including President Muhammadu Buhari and some governors. Tinubu was received on arrival at the Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. A statement last night signed

by his Media Adviser, Tunde Rahman, confirmed Tinubu’s return, saying during his trip abroad, he underwent surgery on his right knee, as well as rigorous post-surgery physiotherapy on the said knee. The statement adds: “Contrary to unfounded rumour, he underwent no other surgical procedures and contemplates none in the future. His recuperation has been without complication and ahead of the schedule by the attending surgeon. “He has returned fully healed from the knee surgery and fully committed to doing his modest part to advancing the cause of progressive democratic good governance throughout our beloved nation.

receiving treatment at the Orthopaedic Hospital, Wamakko. No reason was given for the attack but it could not be unconnected to the recent killings and abduction in the eastern parts of Sokoto State by bandits, believed to be Fulanis. The chairman of the local government council, Aminu Aya, who confirmed the incident, said the Yan Sakai came from the neighbouring Goronyo Local Government Area but he could not ascertain

whether they were residents of that area or not. According to him, the Fulanis were from the neighbouring communities and came to the market to buy food items, among other things. He said the incident occurred around 3p.m. on Thursday when the market was full to capacity with business owners and buyers. Aya described the incident as “unfortunate”, saying that Yan Sakai identified and shot

15 Fulanis on the spot with dane guns. “Eleven of their victims died instantly while four sustained fractures in their hands as a result of gun shots they sustained. “As I am speaking to you, we are taking the injured ones to Orthopaedic Hospital in Wamakko while the 11 bodies were deposited in the mortuary, at the state-owned specialist hospital, Sokoto,” he said. A Fulani, who spoke to

THISDAY at the hospital, said the killing was barbaric and an act of brutality. The chairman said the attackers could not be arrested because they were well armed. It would be recalled that the state government had outlawed Yan Sakai because of their alleged excessiveness. The spokesman of the Sokoto Police Command, ASP Sanusi Abubakar, could not be reached as at the time of filing this report.

POWER ON THEIR MINDS. . . L-R: Abdullahi Yusuf Gashua, Chief of Staﬀ to Yobe State Governor; Ibrahim Abaji; Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim; Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State; Abdulmalik Ahmed Usman, APC Chairman, FCT; and Zakari Angulu, former member, House of Representatives, when the APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, Buni, hosted Olawepo-Hashim at his residence in Abuja ..recently

Marwa: Why Cannabis Cannot be Legalised in Nigeria

Michael Olugbode

Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA,) Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has explained why proponents of the legalisation of Cannabis Sativa cannot have their way under the prevailing security situation in Nigeria today. Gen. Marwa spoke as guest speaker at the 2021 Ulefunta annual public lecture organised by the Deji of Akure kingdom, the Ondo State capital, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi and chaired by the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae. Laying the basis for his argument, the NDLEA Chief Executive said, “the proliferation of illicit drugs often engenders

a pattern of crime, chaos and conflict. In the advanced world, it is the driver of high crime rate and violent killings in the inner cities. In developing or Third World countries, it is the escalator of strife, pogroms and civil war, and has played a big role in countries torn to pieces by tribal war, such as it is playing out in Syria, which has become the hotbed of Captagon, and Afghanistan, which controls the opium trade. “We have seen narcoterrorism in countries like Colombia and Mexico where drug cartels are law unto themselves and are as powerful, if not more powerful, than the State. So, there are real cases, not scenarios, of where and how illicit substances played a role in a society’s rapid descent into chaos and teetering on the

brink of a failed state. “So the pertinent question for us today is: Has drugs played any role in the festering insecurity in Nigeria? The answer is yes. Of this we have ample evidence.” Represented by his Special Adviser on National Drug Control Master Plan, NDCMP, Otunba Lanre Ipinmisho, Marwa stated that considering the intractable burden of insecurity facing the country, “we do not have the luxury of allowing a narcotic economy to take root and thrive in our society. Africa, nay, Nigeria has enough problems without adding the burden of narco-terrorism “Of all the known illicit substances, Cannabis Sativa is the only one that is native to Nigeria and it is the most abused of all illicit drugs, and from the

findings of the National Drug Survey of 2018, Cannabis is becoming a national albatross.” Warning that the population of Nigerians hooked on Cannabis alone is more than the population of countries like Portugal, Greece or the Republic of Benin, he said as such the nation cannot afford to toy with the grim reality of the danger of legalising Cannabis when all the needed infrastructure to monitor and control that were still far from being in place. “Where Cannabis is concerned, we should not by any argument allow ourselves to become the proverbial fool that rushed in where angels fear to tread. Countries like Canada, that are pro-Cannabis have strong and efficient institutions that are way ahead of ours by long mileages.

Minister Charges NBET Staff to Raise Bar of Performance The Minister of State, Power, Dr. Goddy Jedy Agba, has charged management and staff of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc not to relent on their oars but continue to work to raise their bar of performance. Jedy-Agba who stated this while interacting with staff during a visit to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, lauded them for their commitments and dedication to improving electricity supply in the country. The minister who observed that although the agency had been moved from his ministry to the Ministry of Finance, however, maintained that it remained a key player in the power sector hence, the need to work closely with all stakeholders with the

view to delivering on President Muhammadu Buhari’s power agenda. According to him, “I like the work you are doing here but Nigerians expect more because until the country achieves stable and sustainable power supply, we can’t rest. In the Ministry of Power, we’re happy with what you have achieved but we expect you to do more because there’s still a lot to do for Nigeria to achieve the power agenda of Mr. President.” While reiterating the importance of power supply to the development of the country, he noted that “you remain a key player in our industry and regardless where you are, the objective of this administration is one as Mr.. President wants

to leave an indelible mark in every sector of the economy. We must work together to achieve this aim because if we fail, the President and Nigerians will hold us all responsible.” Earlier, the Managing Director of NBET, Dr. Nnaemeka Eweluka, reassured the minister of the agency’s readiness to continue work in synergy with the Ministry of Power and other stakeholders to improve their services. On his part, the General Manager, Corporate Services, Abba Aliyu who reacted to the minister’s address assured that the staff and management of NBET remained passionate and committed to delivering on their mandate. Aliyu maintained that the

agency which has an average age of 26 in its labour force parades the best brains in the commercial electricity value chain in the country. He said that “we’re grateful for having you here and appreciate you for all your support. The average age of our staff here is 26; this means that we have young people who are motivated and committed because they’re just starting their careers. The energy is still there and I can assure you that we have the best brains here. “There’s also another unique thing about us, as you heard from the introduction, we’ve people from every part of the country here so, we’re working as a team to ensure that we improve electricity in every part of this country.”

SATURDAY OCTOBER 9, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9, 2021

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Dangote Commends Military for Restoring Peace at Flash Points John Shiklam in Kaduna The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has commended the military for

the “significant progress made in restoring peace and normalcy in many of the flash points across the country.” Dangote spoke at the 31st

Court Sacks TIC Chairmen, Members in 16 LGAs in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin yesterday sacked the composition of the Transitional Implementation Committee (TIC) chairmen and members in the 16 Local Government Areas of the state. This is as the Kwara State Government has said that it would appeal against the judgement of the state High Court that sacked the composition of the Transitional Implementation Committee in the 16 local councils of the state. The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hailed the judgment of a state High Court, sitting in Ilorin, which declared the appointment of caretaker chairmen for the 16 local government councils in the state as illegal, null and void. Delivering his ruling yesterday, the trial judge, Justice Hassan .A. Gegele, described the action of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as executive rascality and an abuse of power. Justice Gegele described the composition of TIC officials in

the local government councils as illegal and unconstitutional, noting that the suspension of the democratically-elected councils officials in the state who were replaced with the illegal TIC was not known to any law. The judge said that the suspension of a democratically-elected Local Government Council and their replacement with an illegal TIC by the state government was not known to any law. The judge who ruled in favour of an Ilorin-based Elites Network for Sustainable Development (ENetSuD), admitted that the anti-corruption civil society organisation in Kwara State was a juristic person with a legal personality that could sue and be sued. According to him, ENetSuD had the locus standi to pursue this case in court of competent jurisdiction. The affected officials were put in place by Governor AbdulRazaq in June this year after the suspension of the democratically-elected council chairmen and councillors from office.

PDP Chairmanship: Gov Fintiri Heads Screening Committee for Northern Aspirants Chuks Okocha in Abuja Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State will head the 20-Member Committee to screen aspirants from the Northern region interested in the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). All the 19 states in the North including Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are expected to nominate one person each to the Fintiri Committee. These were the outcome of the Caucus meeting held behind closed doors at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, on

Thursday night. The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP had met earlier and zoned the position of the National Chairman to the North particularly; North-central. The enlarged NEC had zeroed in on former Senate President David Mark as the best candidate to lead the party out of the woods. But the camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and immediate past President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki both initially opposed to the number one party seat to the North protested that the Northern Caucus be allowed to micro zone the office by themselves.

Kano Police Free 47 Inmates at Illegal Rehabilitation Centre Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Kano State Police Command raided an illegal rehabilitation centre located at Na’ibawa quarters in Tarauni Local Government Area of the state and freed 47 inmates. Police Spokesman in the state, Mr. Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said in a statement made available to THISDAY in Kano yesterday, that the victims suffered various degrees of injury due to torture and abuse. According to him, the victims were rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital Kano for treatment before they were handed over to the Kano State Government. The statement recalled that “On the 07/10/2021 at about 1100hrs, a report was received from a credible source that, one

Aminu Rabiu, ‘m’, of Yar Akwa, Naibawa Quarters, Tarauni LGA, Kano State is running an illegal rehabilitation centre with chained and tortured inmates. “On receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, Commissioner of police, Mr. Sama’ila Shu’aibu Dikko, immediately raised and instructed a team of detectives to proceed to the scene, rescue the victims and arrest the culprits. “The team immediately arrived the scene and discovered 47 inmates confined in a house, with four of the victims leg chained and some with various degrees of injuries resulting from torture. They were rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital Kano for treatment and handed over to the Kano State Government.”

convocation ceremony of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna, where he, alongside some prominent Nigerians were awarded honorary doctorate degrees. In an acceptance on behalf of the awardees, he said Nigeria remains a great nation blessed with people of remarkable entrepreneurial and indomitable spirit to survive and overcome adversity. He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to continue to perform her role as a leading light in Africa. “I am humbled and greatly honoured to make this acceptance speech on behalf of

these most illustrious sons of our country; two of whom have served our country with dedication and commitment through their lifetimes. “Alhaji Ahmed Joda an eminent statesman, and General Attahiru, a great soldier, are both being honoured posthumously. May Allah bless their souls and reward them with Aljannat Fidau. “These awards conferred on us at the 31st Convocation Ceremony of the cadets and post-graduates delights us all because it is coming from the Nigerian Defence Academy; an iconic institution that has produced gallant officers and

gentlemen who have defended our dear country Nigeria from all forms of aggression - internal and external, whose courage and valour has been applauded across our continent and beyond. “Even as we speak, our gallant soldiers are at various fronts defending the lives and properties of our citizens. “We must commend the military leaders for the significant progress that has been made in restoring the peace and normalcy in many of the flash points across the country,” Dangote said. According to the business mogul, Nigeria’s future is bright “and it is only a matter

of time before everything falls into place. This is a worthy goal for all of us gathered here today.” He applauded the Armed Forces for their consistent efforts in keeping the peace and ensuring adequate security in Nigeria. While thanking the military for doing the best for the country, Dangote said, “without peace and security, there would be chaos and development would be inhibited.” “Your efforts have equally encouraged some of us in the private sector to invest in the country’s economy, in a bid to ensure growth, employment generation and development.

TAKING BROADCASTING STOCK… L-R: John Ugbe, CEO, MultiChoice Nigeria and the newly elected Chairman, Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria; Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, at the 75th General Assembly and 20th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria in Kano State...recently.

N2.65tn Unremitted Funds: Buhari Approves NEITI, Others’ Plan to Go After 77 Defaulting Oil Firms Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has given the go-ahead to a coalition of anti-graft agencies, including the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

(EFCC) to recover about N2.65 trillion unremitted funds by 77 oil companies operating in the country. Barely two weeks ago, NEITI disclosed that 77 oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria were indebted to the federation to the tune of N2.659 trillion, arising from failure to remit petroleum profit tax, company income tax, education tax, value added tax, withholding tax, royalty and concession on

rentals. Speaking in Abuja on the status of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) implementation in Nigeria, Executive Secretary of the organisation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, stated that when converted to forex, government was being owed $6.48 billion at today’s official exchange rate of N410.35. He noted that a breakdown of the figures showed that a total

of $143.99 million was owed as petroleum profit taxes, $1.089 billion as company income taxes and $201.69 million as education tax. According to him, others include $18.46 million and £972,000 as VAT, $23.91 million and £997,000 as withholding tax, $4.357 billion as royalty oil, $292.44 million as royalty gas, while $270.187 million and $41.86 million were unremitted gas flare penalties and concession rentals respectively.

Moghalu Joins ADC to Further His Presidential Ambition Bennett Oghifo Former presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Kingsley Moghalu, yesterday said he had joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a platform on which he intends to relaunch his

presidential ambition. Moghalu told journalists that he resolved to associate with ADC because he feels ideologically aligned and restated that he would make himself available to contest the presidency and to emerge as a competent 21st Century president.

The former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria said, “I am pleased to announce to you today (yesterday) that I have joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which I feel ideologically aligned with. I am honoured to become a card-carrying member of the

party. “In doing so, I restate my public announcement on June 1, 2021, making myself available to lead our country as a competent 21st century president, and my intention to contest in the 2023 presidential election.

Okowa Hails Enabulele on Election as WMA President Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, yesterday, congratulated the President-elect of the World Medical Association (WMA), Dr. Osahon Enabulele. The Edo State-born physician was elected WMA President at the end of nearly one week of voting by participating medical

associations worldwide. He is the first person from the West African Sub-region to attain the height in 74 years of formation of the global medical body. A Consultant Surgeon and Associate Professor at University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Enabulele is President of Commonwealth Medical Association (CMA).

By the election, Enabulele became the first Nigerian and West African physician to be elected president of the world medical body since it was established in 1947. Governor Okowa, who spoke in Asaba through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, commended Enabulele for the feat of becoming the first Nigerian and first West African to be elected

President of WMA. He said that the former President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) from 2012 to 2014, collaborated with the federal government in the introduction of reforms in the health sector, and courageously contributed to the enactment of the National Health Act in 2014, when Okowa was the Chairman Senate Committee on Health.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 9, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9, 2021

NEWS Lauds ITF in Employment Baptist Church Confirms Release FG Drive, Poverty Alleviation of 6 Abducted Bethel Students SerikiAdinoyiinJos

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The The President, Nigerian Baptist Convention Rev. Israel Adelani Akanji, \esterda\ FonÀrPed the

Ireeing oI Pore si[ Bethel College students kidnapped by bandits in Kaduna State. In a short statePent, Akanji said Àve oI the students and 0atron Zere released to theP

yesterday evening while four were still with their captors. “Glory be to God. Five of our Bethel Baptist High School students and the Matron (Making 6) have

just been released to us this evening, October 8. “We thank God and trust that the rePaining four students will also be released.”

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has received accolades froP the federal governPent which described the Fund as a key agency involved in the drive against poverty and unePployPent in Nigeria. Speaking on the occasion of ITF Golden Jubilee, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and InvestPent, APbassador MariaP <alwaji KataguP, who gave the accolades at ITF Golden Jubilee, described it as one of the key agencies of governPent that has accounted for the nuPerous successes and achievePents that the Pinistry has recorded over the years. KataguP, who was represented

by her Special Assistant, Mr. AhPed Maikurudi, said that “It is in appreciation of its vital role that in 2018, the ITF was naPed as Star Partner for Micro, SPall and MediuP (nterprises (MSM(s) DevelopPent in Nigeria and again recognised in 2019 with the Award of ([cellence as Outstanding MSM(s Clinic Partner. “The ITF was also included as a PePber of the federal governPent’s Steering CoPPittee to drive the iPplePentation of the various support schePes for MSM(s in the country as part of the National response to COVID-19, an initiative, which has brought to the doorsteps of Nigerians Àve stiPulus prograPPes under the Survival Fund.

Nigeria Receives 501, 600 Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine from France

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

CLIMATE CHANGE 01… L-R: Vice Chairman, The Society of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, Ayoola Omovo; Group Head, Oil, Gas, Power and Renewable Energy, Sterling Bank plc, Dele Faseemo; Founder, Creative Youth Community Development Initiative, Solution 17, Mrs. Foluke Michael; National Information Oﬃcer, United Nations Information Centre, Nigeria, Oluseyi Soremekun and Creative Director, Cycdi-Solution 17 for Climate Action, Ayodeji Oluwadare, during a press conference on climate change in Lagos... Yesterday

INEC: We’re Confident Anambra Governorship Will Hold Nov. 6 Onyebuchi Ezigbo inAbuja Independent National (lectoral CoPPission (IN(C) has e[pressed confidence that the NovePber 6 AnaPbra State governorship election would be successfully conducted as scheduled. It dispelled fears over the security situation in the state, saying that things were not yet out of control. Also IN(C said it had approached the AnaPbra State GovernPent to approve the closure of schools for soPe days to enable the CoPPission to use the facilities for training of adhoc staff recruited for the election. Speaking at the Dialogue Session on the upcoPing AnaPbra State Governorship (lection organised by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation RooP in Abuja yesterday, the IN(C AnaPbra Resident (lectoral

CoPPissioner, Dr. Nwachukwu Orji, said there was nothing in the IN(C’s tiPelines for the AnaPbra State governorship election that it was running behind schedule. He said: “If the election is to coPe up ne[t week, we will be able to deliver. We have all the Paterials we need and we are working within the tiPe schedule. We hope that the environPent will be conducive to deliver on the election.” Also speaking on the fears over the level of insecurity in AnaPbra State and concern that it Pight derail the election, the R(C said the security situation was not out of control as is being painted. “I have confidence in the election security. We have been Peeting freTuently at the level of the Inter Agency CoPPittee on election security and we have assurances

froP the security agencies that the situation in AnaPbra State is not out of control. The situation is under control and political parties and politicians have interest in having the elections conducted,” he said. On the preparations for the governorship election, Orji said that the coPPission was working hard to avoid a repeat of the flaws in logistics witnessed during the last AnaPbra State governorship election in 2017. He said that IN(C was seeking collaboration with Pajor transport organisations in the state to provide vehicles to convey election officials. Regarding the controversy over the location of sensitive Paterials for the governorship election, the R(C said that the issue was Pisunderstood, adding that what soPe people thought were sensitive

election Paterials stored at IN(C office in Owerri, IPo State is not the case. He said that because the IN(C office in AnaPbra housing its store was daPaged during recent attacks, the coPPission had to Pake alternative arrangePents for storing the itePs. “People coPplaining are not getting it right. What we are keeping in our Owerri store are non-sensitive Paterials and not sensitive Paterials. These are facePasks, hand sanitiser, papers, ink, pen cello tape and other writing Paterials. We decided that since our contractors are not likely to coPplete the repair work at the daPaged facility in Awka, we should Pake use of the store in Owerri to start distributing the non sensitive Paterials,” he said.

Why Lagos Partnered Goge Africa for Independence Cruise

INEC Cautions Parties in Anambra against Violent Campaigns

Justina Uzo

Chuks Okocha inAbuja

Lagos State Ministry of TourisP, Arts and Culture has said it worked closely with soPe private sector operators to organise a boat cruise during the nation’s Independence anniversary, last week to showcase the viability of Lagos tourisP. Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on TourisP Arts and Culture, Mr. SoloPon Bonu, said the cruise was arranged in a couple of days by Goge Africa in collaboration with Tarzan Jetty, Tour2Nigeria, SaP Adeleke - Travel With SaP, ([plore Travel Magazine, Angel Style World Travels and Tours and others.

He said “We used the opportunity to tell Lagosians and the whole world that boat cruise is safe and enjoyable in Lagos.” While calling on everyone to Ànd tiPe to e[perience Lagos through the waterways, Bonu e[plained the beneÀts of waterway in the proPotion of tourisP in Lagos State. Lagos State CoPPissioner of TourisP, Arts and Culture, PharP. Mrs. 8zaPat Akinbile-<usuf said, “using the waterways would Pake it easier for Lagosians to Pove froP one destination to another.” Adding: “So we want to encourage the public to continue to use our waterways.”

The ChairPan of the Independent National (lectoral CoPPission (IN(C), Prof. Manhood <akubu, yesterday warned leaders of the political parties participating in the NovePber 6 AnaPbra State governorship election against violent caPpaigns and unguarded utterances that could affect a peaceful conduct of the election. Prof. <akubu who gave the warning in his address during a Peeting held at the IN(C headTuarters Abuja, also announced 2,525,471 as eligible voters for the AnaPbra governorship polls. He said: “I wish to appeal to all political parties and candidates not to e[acerbate the feeling of insecurity in

AnaPbra State through unguarded utterances and actions. This could coPpound the security situation and Pake the work of the coPPission, political parties and security agencies even Pore difficult.” The IN(C chairPan said that such violent caPpaigns and unguarded utterances Pay also lead to voter apathy, e[plaining that “This PoPent calls for statesPanship and Paturity hence the decision to convene this ePergency Peeting. “We are confident that the outcoPe of this engagePent will be productive and helpful to the CoPPission and political parties as we continue to prepare for the AnaPbra Governorship holding on Saturday 6th NovePber 2021,” the IN(C chairPan stated.

The Nigerian GovernPent yesterday forPally took delivery of 501,600 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines donated by the GovernPent of France to Nigeria through the COVAX facility. With the receipt of the French donation, Nigeria said it has now taken delivery of over 10 Pillion doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Also France yesterday said it recognised the vaccination certiÀcation by Nigeria and is fully open to Nigerians that were vaccinated whenever they visit the country. The ([ecutive Director of National PriPary Health

Care DevelopPent Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, who disclosed this during a brief cerePony to Park the reception of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines donated by France to Nigeria yesterday in Abuja, said Nigeria was aPong the African countries to receive vaccines froP the GovernPent of France to Nigeria. Shauib said: “With profound appreciation to the GovernPent and people of France, I aP glad to inforP you that we have taken delivery of 501,600 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines donated by the GovernPent of France to Nigeria through the COVAX facility.

Journalists Renew Isiguzo’s Mandate as NUJ President EmmanuelUgwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Journalists in Nigeria have renewed the Pandate of the National President of the Nigeria 8nion of Journalists(N8J), CoPrade Christopher Isiguzo, as he ePerged victorious at the 7th triennial conference of the 8nion held in 8Puahia, Abia State capital, during which other PePbers of the National Working CoPPittee were also elected. Deputy National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), CoPrade Joe Ajaero, who was the returning o΀cer announced the results of the poll Thursday night, saying Isiguzo

polled 665 votes to beat his only opponent, <usuf Idris who got 15 votes. Isiguzo, who is the (nugu State Correspondent of THISDA< Newspaper, was Àrst elected N8J president in 2018 and successfully coPpleted his tenure before his reelection despite litigations Pounted by his opponents to stop his reelection. Addressing a crowd of cheering supporters after ePerging victorious, Isiguzo said that his victory was a vote of conÀdence on his leadership by journalists across the nation, adding that with the support of PePbers he was now poised to take the journalisP profession to greater heights.

Obasanjo Lauds BSTAN Group over National House Fair ForPer President Olusegun Obasanjo has lauded the Group Managing Director of BSTAN Group, Dr. Becky Olubukola, over her initiative to Ànd a lasting solution to the housing challenge in the country. He encouraged the real estate businesswoPan to work hand in hand with other property developers in the country to provide adeTuate accoPPodation for Nigerians. The e[-President while

speaking through a recorded video which was transPitted to the audience at the second-day of the National Housing Fair 5.0 organised by the BSTAN Group in Abuja yesterday , said that the issue of housing deÀcit should be a thing of the past in the country. Speaking further, Obasanjo also advised Dr. Olubukola to work with other organisations around the continent for house problePs and solutions.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 9, 2021 • T H I S D AY

OCTOBER 9, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

WHY I CELEBRATE THEYORUBA Daniel C. Uwaezuoke, 96, pays a heartfelt tribute to the Yoruba

s a policeman’s son, who experienced life in the barracks with the members of other ethnic groups, I had an early acquaintance with the Yoruba. I ﬁrst recall my parents mentioning the name of one sergeantmajor of Yoruba ethnic stock, whose name was Adegbite. With my father’s death in 1944 – a year after his retirement – the wish had awakened in me to join the police force. This was how I started a six-month training course at the Southern Police Training School, where I met a Yoruba man, called Johnson Olaniyan. Through this versatile, cheerful young man, I was able to learn all I needed to know about the keeping and updating of the recruit book. Two years later found me in Lagos on August 22, 1947, after I was transferred from Forcados, an outpost in the old Warri/Benin Police Province to CID Lagos, the only CID in the country then. In Lagos, I lived, worked and interacted with many people of the Yoruba ethnic stock. Over the years of my close interaction, I came to hear about and admire such prominent Yoruba personalities as Olusegun Obasanjo, Professor Wole Soyinka, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Lt. Col Adekunle Fajuyi, Adeniran Ogunsanya (whom Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe nicknamed “Pocket Battleship”); Tai Solarin, Adeleke Adedoyin, Mrs Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Kolawole Balogun. A few words about Obasanjo. The allusion, in an Igbo aphorism, to a head according to whose measurement a cap was sown, fits him. Pencilled down by Fate for leadership, he has twice been privileged to rule this country. I would wish to list among his landmark achievements the abolition of all colonial allowances that drained the economy; the pardon and the payment of gratuity as well as pension arrears of all dismissed military, police and prisons personnel, who served on the secessionist side during the Nigeria Civil War; and the revolutionising the telecommunications industry through the introduction of mobile phones, among others. Then, there is Wole Soyinka, the first and only Nobel laureate from Nigeria, whose appeal for a cease-fire during the Civil War led to his arrest and imprisonment for 22 months by the then Federal Military Government. He will also be remembered as the founding Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Corps. Of course, I won’t forget Lt. Col Fajuyi, who as the first military governor of the defunct Western Region, had refused to surrender his guest General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, the then

AS A 96-YEAR-OLD IGBO MAN, WHO HAS SEEN BOTH THE PRE-AND POST-INDEPENDENCE NIGERIA, I STILL DEEM THE YORUBA A PEOPLE WORTHY OF EMULATION

head of state and the supreme commander of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the revengeseeking counter-coup plotters. This led to his assassination alongside General Aguiyi-Ironsi, who was in Ibadan to address a conference of natural leaders of Western Nigeria. As for Chief Awolowo, his introduction of free education at all levels while he was the premier of the Western Region remains one of his most enduring legacies to date. This is besides his many infrastructural legacies like the Cocoa House in Ibadan, which was once the tallest building in Nigeria, Africa’s first television station WNTV and the Liberty Stadium, among others. Other Yoruba leading lights like Adeniran Ogunsanya, Adeleke Adedoyin, Tai Solarin and Mrs Ransome-Kuti earned their places as shining examples in the nation’s collective consciousness. But, beyond these personalities, the Yoruba people have remained the model for religious tolerance in Nigeria. For it is not uncommon to see Christians and Muslims not only coexisting peacefully but also marrying each other. Throughout my two decades of sojourn in Lagos, during which I enjoyed the people’s hospitality, I witnessed adherents of both religions exchange gifts and visits during their religious festivals. Also, the Igbo who owned landed properties in Yoruba land got them back soon after the Civil War. There were even reports of Yoruba neighbours, who collected rent on behalf of the absentee Igbo landlords and gave them back after their return. Could this be why Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe had, upon his return from the former Gold Coast (now Ghana), chosen to live among the Yoruba people? It made sense therefore that some of his most dependable allies were from among these most educated and most cultured people in Nigeria. As a 96-year-old Igbo man, who has seen both the pre-and post-independence Nigeria, I still deem the Yoruba a people worthy of emulation. Of course, my people were also blessed with such leaders as Dr Azikiwe, Dr Akanu Ibiam, Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara, Sir Philip Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Alvan Ikoku, Professor Kenneth Dike, Mbonu Ojike, Professor Chinua Achebe, Pius Okigbo, Professor Chike Obi and Professor Eni Njoku, among others. But they would do well to build on their legacy by emulating the tolerance of the Yoruba. Sir Daniel C. Uwaezuoke wrote from Enugu

A SHARED JOURNEY WITH INUWAYAHAYA Ismaila Uba Misilli pays tribute to the Gombe State governor at age 60

t is plausible if we interrogate the life of Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya with the enviable view of Laura Catherine Schlessinger on the essential quality of integrity. In her noble words, “people with integrity do what they say they are going to do. Others give excuses”. In this course of introspection, we particularly follow His Excellency from the private sector to politics and public service and as he clocks 60 years today, he has remained so attached to the basic principle of excellence wherein his leadership and vision have come to deﬁne his tenure as Governor of Gombe State in the last couple of years. Both in private and public life, we have also seen a marked distinction of a man of honour, dignity and civility, who believes in our common humanity in spite of his privileged background. And from his days at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria to his civil service era and till date, he has devoted more time to the cause of the people, exemplifying the core idea about ‘ubuntu’, an African philosophy which simply means an expression of our common humanity. Of course, these are important issues especially in the political arena where the consuming idea about interest holds sway. Governor Inuwa has definitely been above board so far, contextualizing what “interest” should be as our essential humanity derived from government’s service to the people and premised on his manifesto. The integrity question! Thus it is this element of service as a public figure that will necessarily make this tribute to lean more on his stewardship as Governor of Gombe State and we can hardly fault such narrative as we celebrate with him on this auspicious occasion. Needless to say that expectations were very high when he was elected governor in 2019, primarily on the strength of his antecedents as a tested leader and performer, dating back most prominently when he served as Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development during the Goje administration. Today, major

indicators suggest that the optimism which heralded his administration into office has continued to blossom on account of his exemplary stewardship. The remarkable successes recorded by the government obviously reflect a determination to create a new Gombe with limitless opportunities, thereby remaking the socio-economic and in fact the political fabric of the people towards a shared journey of good governance, prosperity and possibilities. Everything has worked as planned even when we have to factor in the very hard economic situation, required work and sacrifices. Yes, I think the political will is also important without which nothing much could have been achieved even as we relate with the challenge from some entrenched interests especially on the other side of the political divide in the state. I acknowledge that change is never easy anywhere but with openness and sincerity of purpose the people themselves have come to realize that governor Inuwa Yahaya means well for the basic public interest and as exemplified in his “Gombe First” philosophy. Today, on account of his dexterity, Gombe is now the best state in the ease of doing business in Nigeria and adjudged the safest and most peaceful state in the North East sub-region. Moving forward in the years ahead, Governor Yahaya and his team are working hard to broaden the scope of development across the state as government intensifies its strategic development goals and consolidates on previous achievements in infrastructure, education, health, agriculture and security of lives and property in line with his NEEDS assessment document. This distinguished man of history wants to see a new Gombe that is competitive, fair, just and share greater partnerships at home and abroad, truly functional and devoid of inherited systemic failure. At the centre of this consciousness are the people, who as beneficiaries would have their welfare as a

priority. It’s obviously about the governor’s compassionate disposition to governance, a pro-people inclination and enthusiastic response to ensure deprivation is reduced as basis for a new lease of life. Of course, power goes beyond the title, it resides in the substance. The governor’s sterling leadership and stewardship have changed our collective story, even in so short a time, making what may have been deemed impossible in the past now possible. The pervading optimism is now giving our people a shared hope for a brighter tomorrow. The power of leadership and vision have reshaped our collective being, now dwelling more on the big picture of what Gombe State can be if we believe in ourselves and do the right things in a focused manner as we follow resolutely the development trajectory carefully drawn and being executed to fully harness our potential. In the true spirit of our renaissance, therefore, I am sure everyone who has followed the enviable turnaround in education, healthcare delivery, infrastructural development, agriculture and empowerment in the state will agree with the realities of a new era of excellence. I think we can better relate with our developmental strides and rejoice with the governor in this wise when we reckon with the import of the huge investment in the key sectors on the future socio-economic growth in Gombe State. From all indications, the next foreseeable years will come with so much improvement in the quality of life for the people. This is a major point of considerable effect on why government exists and what should really matter in our evaluation of leadership as harbinger of change. From this standpoint, it is clear that the Inuwa Yahaya administration is strategically building a new Gombe State that is innovative, competitive and prosperous. Our people are already appreciating the true meaning of the mopping up of children from the streets and the dropouts to continue their education just as the importance attached to

the girl-child education, all free of charge. They are equally appreciating the massive building of schools, upgrade of boarding schools and equipping them, enhanced investment in constructing many roads through his flagship project, the network 11-100 and economic sense of boosting agriculture, building and equipping various hospitals, revitalization of healthcare centres statewide, providing water for all, solid empowerment to unleash the creative energy of our people in business and such ground breaking idea of establishing the Gombe industrial park which ultimately will attract a cluster of multiple industries that will create thousands of good jobs. The future of Gombe State is very positive and one is inclined to believe convincingly that the Inuwa Yahaya-led administration is doing a good job in the state. Gombe State is truly being reformed to its pride of place as the heart of the North East and a beacon of hope for the entire country looking at its strategic position in galvanizing a strong economic revival and greater prosperity for the people of the region and Nigeria as a whole. In all of this, we have our indomitable governor to thank for his leadership and vision. Rather than giving excuses, he’s a promise keeper. He has led by example. He has also made a distinct success of his mission in government and there is more to come. Without doubt, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has made us all proud of the new era of possibilities. And we cannot but also notice the way and manner through which he’s achieving his quiet revolution in the state. It is a lesson in effective leadership: liberal, focused, determined and responsible. His leadership style and understanding of governance have helped to facilitate this trend of success after success and I believe he deserves accolades from all of us especially on this propitious occasion which indeed reflects our shared journey to greatness. Happy Birthday to the renaissance leader, the Dan Majen Gombe! Misilli is the Director-General (Press Affairs) Government House, Gombe

OCTOBER 9, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Will this make any diﬀerence?

2023 and Nigerian Youths

ecently, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo asked Nigerian youths to contest for elective positions in the 2023 elections if they want to assume power. Equally, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki also asked Nigerian youths to participate in the 2023 general election. Saraki said the youths have the numbers. These are timely calls. However, is the Nigerian political leadership ready to share power with young Nigerians? There are over 84 million registered voters in Nigeria. Nigerian youths aged 18-40 constitute more than 60 percent of the registered voters. This is an indication that the Nigerian youth have the power to change the direction of Nigeria, even if the political leadership is not ready to share power with them. Nevertheless, the youths still need the political leaders, as Osinbajo said, power is never given on a platter. In his New Year address to Nigerians on January 1, 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari said his government had heard, listened, and is committed to fulfilling the demands of Nigerian youth following the nationwide #ENDSARS protests. Although, the government has fulfilled most of the initial demands of the #ENDSARS protest, the most important demand is providing productive employment for the youth and creating easy access for them to participate in governance, politics, and decision-making. Although, political power is not given freely, but the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said both formal and informal engagement of youth can be understood as political participation, and both are beneficial for a vivid and resilient democracy and should be supported. President Buhari has acknowledged that young Nigerians are the most valuable natural resource the country has. But, sadly, most young Nigerians feel under-represented in Buhari’s government, in terms of political participation and engagement in governance. The youths are indeed ready to assume power looking at the current political and social moves by many young Nigerians. During the October 1, 2021, Independence Day Celebration in Jos, Plateau State, organized by young people, Northern Youth Ambassador and Northern Peace Ambassador Hussein Bagwanje mobilized the youth: it was a strong message to the political class.

The youths are indeed ready to participate and takeover power. However, the political class must also be the ladder for youth participation in governance. For example, President Buhari should appoint 12 young people, not above 40, two from each of the six geo-political zones, as Senior Special Assistants with full cabinet status. Consider them for appointments into the board of agencies and parastatals; including nominations for ministerial position. As for the all active political parties - the APC and the PDP in particular, 2023 will greatly be an opportunity for the parties to give young people the chances to actively participate in the decision and policymaking in Nigeria, especially in the House of Representatives and the Senate, at least 40 senatorial seats and 100 members should be allocated to the young people. This will greatly impact the youths’ perception of the government and the polity and give the government the ‘strength’ to boast that the youths are adequately represented in the government. This will also create a strong link between the government and the youth, who form more than half of Nigerian voters. Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja

Wanted: A Commissioner for Culture in Edo State

e write to request the governor to appoint a commissioner for culture in Edo State. To that effect, we want to quickly say that our request is not predicated on, or are we unnecessarily interested in the appointment of a commissioner just for the sake of fulﬁlling a constitutional mandate. Our request is predicated on the very far-reaching role that culture plays in the politics and economies of our lives. Recall that in 2019, Edo hosted the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), not just because it had to be hosted in Edo, but that Edo is the undisputed home of culture, what with its very rich cultural antecedents, and its strong links to many tribes and cultures in the Niger Delta. That event had centripetal and centrifugal ramifications for Edo and Nigeria like it or not. And in recent times, the state is the cynosure of all eyes, and centre of attention worldwide over stolen cultural artefacts from the Palace of the Oba of Benin in 1897. But WADONOR has noted with dismay that in spite of this lofty position that Edo State has, the state government sometimes just gives that sector of the economy some sort of perfunctory attention. On the recent appointment of commissioners in Edo, none was assigned to the culture sector. We ask, how can an administration seeking to build

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

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

a museum aka Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA) not have a commissioner to provide interface between the administration and the people? If we want information on the progress or lack of it with that project, who do we interact with? Prior to the hosting of NAFEST in 2019, the state government often used the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre just opposite the Palace of Oba Ewuare II as a motor park. Its adjoining street, the Ezoti was hurriedly tarred apparently because of the embarrassment its deplorable state would bring Edo State. And just after NAFEST 2019, cultural activities seem abandoned, as if culture is just a coincidence, and an incidence of inconsequence. It should not be so. WADONOR encourages Governor Godwin Obaseki to appoint a culture commissioner. Arts and culture, not politics and economics, is what Edo is known for. Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku, majirioghene@ protonmail.com

PDP And Oredo Suspensions

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State is constrained to react to the undemocratic, unconstitutional, unacceptable and regrettable behavior of some of its members. We wish to state without equivocation that PDP being an organized and democratic party is governed by a constitution and all its members are encouraged to get a copy and get acquainted with its content. Our party views very seriously the issues of suspensions of its members and elected officials. The method used in the removal of party officials and members is also clearly spelt out. Consequently, the events that purportedly occurred in Oredo Local government whereby a group of people without the backing of the constitution and therefore unknown to the party’s constitution reportedly suspended or removed the Oredo Local Government party Chairman, Mr Oduwa Igbinosun, and the party Ward 4 Chairman Mr Friday Enaruna Ihama is null and void. Consequently, Mr Oduwa Igbinosun and Mr Friday Enaruna Ihama remain the Chairman of Oredo and Chairman of ward 4 respectively. There is no gainsaying that the purported suspension of the member representing Oredo federal constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama is also null, void and of no consequence. Chris Osa Nehikhare, SPS PDP Edo State

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9, 2021

NEWS Dunamis Church Debunks Armed Men Attack on Worshippers Kasim Sumaina in Abuja Dunamis International Gospel Center Abuja has debunked an alleged attack on its worshippers by armed men. The Senior Pastor of the church, Pastor Paul Eneche, said that the reported attack on the church was not true, insisting “it’s fake news.” According to him, “there is a demonic news that someone drew my attention to, that the devil’s church, not this church, was attacked and worshippers were attacked by armed men. “What they said, there is no truth in it. In a particular location, petty thieves tried to come and steal something in the night, were resisted, the alarm was raised and

RECOGNISED FOR SERVICE… L-R: Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, receiving a letter of recognition as winner of the Sun Public Service Award 2020 from the Managing Director, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, at the Assembly complex, Umuahia...recently

Emergency Rule: Anambra Monarchs Urge Malami to Desist from Meddlesomeness David-ChyddyElekeinAwka

Anambra State traditional rulers have asked the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami,to stop meddling in the state aͿairs. The monarchs who expressed displeasure over Malami’s recent call for a state of emergency in Anambra

State, said the State remained one of the most peaceful states in the country. The monarchs led by the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, in a communique after a meeting condemned Malami’s opinion, describing it as uncalled for. “It cannot be right in any stretch of imagination to contemplate emergency

rule on the strength of the 12 violent deaths in the last two weeks or three weeks. “States like Zamfara, Yobe, Katsina, Plateau, Niger, Benue and Kaduna have lost thousands of people in recent times, yet successful elections have been held there. “Life is normal in Anambra, businesses, schools, markets are open. A lot of petrol sta-

tions operate on a 24 hours basis and social events such as marriages, burials, title taking and others happen everyday,” the traditional rulers said. Malami had on Wednesday said the federal government might impose a state of emergency in Anambra State to have the desired peace to conduct the November 6 governorship poll in the state.

Ghanaian Entrepreneur Launches €100m Jonathan’s Cousin Raises the Alarm Over Impact Fund for Africa’s Creative Industry Indiscriminate Wood Logging in Forest Reserves Ghanaian businesswoman and entrepreneur, Roberta Annan, this week, launched a €100 million fund, to channel investment into small and medium African creative and fashion enterprises. According to a statement by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Impact Fund for African Creative (IFFAC), will award grants of up to €50,000 to selected projects to accelerate development of the continent’s creative sector. The fund was launched at a ceremony held during Paris Fashion week, and attended by fashion experts and Chinelo Anohu, Senior Director of the Africa Investment Forum, a Áagship initiative of the AfDB, which aims to channel investment into Africa. Annan, who also founded the African Fashion Foundation, said that, in addition to grants, IFFAC would make a further €250,000- €2 million in venture

capital available to African entrepreneurs who complete its skills-building program. “I have encountered so much incredible talent all over the continent, such originality and innovation. “But I have also noticed a lack of management skills, infrastructure, and start-up capital necessary to scale these creative businesses. This is the motivation behind IFFAC”, said Annan. Anohu, on her part, said the Africa Investment Forum had been in talks with IFFAC as it curates projects that would feature at its upcoming Africa Investment Forum 2021 Market Days to be held in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, from December 1-3. “I applaud IFFAC for its plans to bring early-stage capital deployment, along with a structured program of training and mentorship to artists and entrepreneurs like Nigerian designer Kenneth Ize.

Olusegun SamuelinYenagoa A Niger Delta lawyer and businessman now turned explorer, Azibaola Robert, has raised the alarm over what he described as indiscriminate logging in the region’s rainforests and other forest reserves in Nigeria. Robert, who is a cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan, called on both federal and state governments to stop and criminalise the indiscriminate cutting down of economic trees in the forest reserves across the country. According to him, the business of felling trees and cutting them for timbers was depleting the thick rainforests around communities in the region. Robert, who is championing a new cause of action for forest preservation with the launch of a 14-day ‘expedition into the deep forest’, said the indiscriminate cutting down of economic trees

and other forms of exploitation of the forest reserves posed a great danger not only to Nigeria in particular but the world at large. According to him, the unregulated practice of logging had impacted the ecosystem and the quantity of oxygen released into the environment for breathing by the people of the region. He said most of the oxygen consumed comes from natural environments like the forest which he accused the government of failing to protect or educate the people on the consequences and effects on the environment and their livelihood, health and the economy. Speaking with selected journalists who he took along to the deep forest of Otukeme Forest Reserve in Ogbia Local Government of Bayelsa State, Robert said the purpose of the journey in the deep forest was to create awareness on the urgent need to preserve the environment.

Experts Canvass Effective Mental Health for Adolescents Funmi Ogundare Experts in the health sector yesterday stressed the need for parents, teachers and caregivers to ensure an eͿective mental health of the adolescent. They made this call at the fourth edition of the annual mental wellness conference tagged ‘Adolescent Mental Wellness and

Resilience in an Unequal World’, organised virtually and physically by the OISA Foundation. The conference, planned to commemorate the World Mental Health Day, celebrated globally on October 10, is aimed at heightening the conversation on the critical role that mental wellness plays in the well-being of adolescents and young adults

in Nigeria. They emphasised the importance of having a supportive environment in the family, school and in the wider community so that adolescents could live and work fruitfully, contribute to society and realise their potential. In his remarks, the President, Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), Prof. Taiwo Lateef

Sheikh, described the adolescence period as very crucial for developing and maintaining social and emotional habits important for mental well-being. He expressed concern that an estimated 10 to 20 per cent of adolescents globally experience mental health conditions, yet they remain undiagnosed and untreated.

they ran oͿ, over the fence.” Eneche added: “Then some demonic agent picked a hint of such an unsuccessful misadventure of petty criminals and called it ‘armed men attacks worshippers’. “That devil is a bastard. Nothing like that ever happened, nothing like that has happened or will ever happen in the Name of Jesus! Let it be made very clear that rumour, untruth, fallacy and fabrications are being pushed in the air. And everybody pushing such should be ashamed of themselves for pushing stories that are not true.” He further said: “You know we live in a world that is thriving on lies. We also live in a world where people anticipate evil for others. “

Abia Speaker, Chinedum Orji, Wins SUN’s Public Service Award 2020 The Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, has emerged winner of The Sun Public Service Award 2020. The Managing Director of The Sun Publishing Ltd, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, who came with his team of editors to notify Speaker of the award in his office at the Assembly Complex, Umuahia, said the number one lawmaker had shown through politics that lives could be touched since his entry into politics. He said: “Under your leadership, the State Assembly has also passed these laws, among others: The Abia State House of Assembly Service Commission Law, the Abia State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, and the Abia State Donor Agency Trust Fund Law, the Abia State Security Fund Law, the Abians in Diaspora Commission Law, and the Abia State Water and Sewage Development Law, all meant to enhance governance and bring out egalitarian society. “To give Abia Lawmakers (an) excellent environment, you engineered the remodelling of the House of Assembly Complex into a world class structure. You have put in place an excellent and harmonious teamwork spirit among lawmakers, regardless of their party affiliations. “In order to discover talents among youths, you have embarked on the construction of nine ministadia across your constituency and beyond. The stadia which are at different levels of construction are located in Isieke community, St. Stephen’s Primary School, Umuahia, Ezeleke Community Primary School, Umuopara, Ubakala community, Ikwuano community, Olokoro, Ohuhu and two other

communities in view. “It is for these reasons and many others that the Board of Editors of The Sun Publishing Limited has chosen you as winner of The Sun Public Service Award 2020. “The Public Service Award is given to that man or woman who has made exceptional giant strides in public service and thereby giving hope for a greater Nigeria,” he concluded. Responding, the Speaker thanked The Sun Publishing Ltd team for the honour and for recognising the works he and his colleagues are doing in the Assembly in service to the people of the state.

Abducted Harrison Aronu The family of Mr. Harrison Aronu, the Youth President of Umuezeakwa, Ifite Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, who was abducted by unknown persons on 31st July, 2021, is begging security agencies to help rescue him. A police report of the incident, attached, indicates that on the fateful day, as he was supervising the Community Road Maintenance being done by the youths, unknown gunmen came with a Lexus and another Venza car, shot sporadically, seized the young man and took him away. The family reported that they had since then not heard from the abductors for payment of ransom or received any other information. They requested the police authorities to intensify efforts to ensure Aronu the safe return of their breadwinner.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9, 2021

08054699539

Bandits are Terrorists, Enough of Useless Proposals

ast week, the Senate upheld a motion by Ibrahim Gobir, urging President Muhammadu Buhari to declare the bandits ravaging the North-west as terrorists. This is the most recent of the series of silly contributions of our senators to the war against terrorism. Are the bandits not already terrorists? It is a big shame that these senators don’t even know that bandits are also terrorists because they are involved in killing, violence, intimidation, bombing and kidnapping. They are outlaws, crooks gangsters, brigands, robbers, thieves, thugs that strike fear into others with their activities. So, telling the President to declare them “terrorists’ is preposterous. They are already terrorists. They do not require any special labeling. Perhaps, the senators want the President to formally declare the bandits “terrorists.” I still can’t understand. What will that change? The indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was declared a terror organisation a long time ago; yet, IPOB’s murderous activities have not been contained. Boko Haram was declared a terror organisation too, but they still go about killing and maiming. I often wonder if these senators have anything to offer this country. The only positive thing in their stupid motion was the call on Buhari to declare “a total war” on the felons “and as a matter of urgency, order the military to eliminate the bandits by bombing their hideouts.” They simply confirmed what most of us know; that Buhari, has not in the real sense of it, declared “a total war” on terrorists and that the military lacks clear instruction to bomb their hideouts. This is why terrorists are enjoying a free rein in the North-west, North-east, North-central and South-east. For me, the Buhari government has to do the needful and end the agony inflicted by terrorists across the country. We have had enough of this nomenclature debate. Bandits are terrorists. The Senate should hold the President accountable for all the killings by the terrorists and put pressure on him to perform his constitutional duties of protecting lives and

Lawan

property. A combination of foreign military contractors, and a properly rejigged gallant Nigerian soldiers, can end the killings across our country in a matter of weeks, if the Buhari government so desires. If Senator Gobir is genuinely concerned about ending terrorism, he should be pushing for what I have highlighted. This senator should be pushing for improved military approach with help from abroad. Gobir should be pushing for practical actions against terrorists, not cosmetic ones like “declaring bandits terrorists.” At present, terrorists are rampaging in Gobir’s Sokoto South constituency. Sabon Bimini and Isa local government areas are in a mess. Two weeks ago, about 21 security men - 15 soldiers, three mobile policemen, and three Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps members - were killed in Dama and Gangara villages by the rampaging terrorists. In addition, scores of civilians in neighbouring

villages were slaughtered on the same day. Do you need to formally declare the killers terrorists to bring them to book? Because the Buhari government has abysmally failed to tame terrorists, the killings have persisted. Last Tuesday, Fulani militias entered Yasore village in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State and slaughtered 10 people. The terrorists also looted several houses, rustled animals and set ablaze scores of houses and food barns. They were in Yasore village for almost 24 hours. The telecommunication shutdown in the LGA prevented residents from seeking any form of assistance from security agencies. Also last Tuesday, the Fulani militias entered Kurya Madaro community in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State and killed scores of people, including women and children. Vehicles, houses, food banks and shops were also set ablaze. A resident of Kurya Madaro, Malam Mohammed Lawali, said: “Immediately they started the attack, our district head informed the military and other security personnel but we didn’t see them until the following day.” Eight days back, medical charity, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, lost a staff nurse, Hassan Mohammad, to the terrorists in Zamfara State. Hassan, 37, and two other passengers were killed when the guerrillas opened fire on a commercial bus along Shinkafi-Kaura Namoda Road. The MSF nurse was returning to his work station in Shinkafi town when the terrorists attacked the vehicle. Hapless Hassan lived a life of service to humanity and God, as a life-saving professional, providing medical humanitarian assistance to the people of Shinkafi. In this LG, MSF teams run a 33-bed therapeutic feeding centre and an in-patient paediatric department at the local general hospital. MSF said: “Mohammad’s tragic death is an example of the rising violence in North-West Nigeria that is deeply affecting the lives of

Bauchi Governor and Bogoro Secondary School Weeks after public outcry about the wretched state of Government Secondary School, Bogoro, Bauchi State, the college is still in a big mess. Governor Bala Mohammed has failed to respond appropriately to the plight of this school not fit for even goats. The Chairman, Bogoro Local Government Area, Iliya Habila, recently lamented: “The whole school needs urgent and total renovation. Apart from the administrative block, all structures, including staff quarters, are in a sorry state not befitting of even animal habitation. Its dilapidation symbolises the injustice meted to our people in the past.” Governor Mohammed has to truly rescue

the only Government boarding school in Bogoro from total collapse. This school is on the long list of dilapidated primary and secondary schools in Bauchi State begging for attention. This talk about Bala Mohammed performing is a ruse. In this state, so many pupils still study under trees. The other day, this governor said he was shocked by the fact that there were pupils still learning under trees in his state. Bala, who was on his way to Bogoro, to distribute empowerment materials, saw pupils of Dajin Community Primary School located along Dawaki - Pankshin road in Tafawa Balewa LGA, learning under trees and stopped to speak to them. Bala should stop being shocked and face reality. His government has

A Word for IG Baba

Baba

My dear IG Usman Alkali Baba, I’m sure you must have seen Abuja-based clergyman, Daniel Wiseman, recently pictured riding his bicycle with six policemen and a patrol van following him. Yes, six policemen protecting

him during his workout. You know that this clergyman is not in the category of people constitutionally entitled to such privilege. Policemen that were withdrawn from politicians, clerics, businessmen and others not entitled to such, are being returned. They are being posted to carry hand bags for all manner of people. That is what the Nigerian Police Force under your command is fast turning into. Men withdrawn by your predecessor, Mohammed Adamu, are being returned to these big men amid surging crime and shortage of personnel in numerous commands. Emphasis is now on protecting rich private citizens. Combat policemen are so many in private residential buildings and offices across our country, providing security for the big men. I recently saw a senator at a social function in Lagos with eight policemen. Wonders will never end in Nigeria. The Force headquarters is sorting out these big men. This must not continue. IG Baba, you must urgently reverse this ugly trend. Policemen must be withdrawn from these Nigerians not constitutionally entitled to them.

the population and has driven thousands of people from their homes.” The Speaker of Zamfara State House of Assembly, Nasiru Magarya and his family are still in tears. I doubt if the tears will ever dry. The terrorists attacked his country home at Magarya on September 16, burnt it and abducted his father alongside five other members of his family. Last week, after a hefty ransom was paid, they released the five family members and sent a message to the speaker that his father, Muazu Magarya, had died of a heart attack in their den. Just like that! Efforts to have his body released proved abortive. It’s so difficult talking about getting the killers of Pa Muazu Magarya, when security agencies that should do this hardly respond appropriately when their colleagues are killed by these outlaws. My heart often bleeds whenever I remember attacks on military personnel and facilities. Few weeks back, when the terrorists attacked Forward Operation Base (FOB) at Burkusuma, in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, the nation was promised that the attackers would be apprehended. The promise is now looking like a mirage. Fifteen security agents were killed in the Burkusuma attack. Honestly, the military needs complete overhauling in order to respond appropriately to attacks by terrorists. It’s shocking that after the Burkusuma attack, they told a bewildered country that “the attackers came in large numbers, using telecom network provided from neighbouring country, capitalised on the lean rear area protection force, when the main troops were out conducting offensive operations within their area of responsibility.” This statement from the Nigerian military is horrendous. With this, they have also admitted that the tactics of disconnecting telecom facilities in the troubled areas is useless. I often struggle to understand how amid all these killings across the country, Buhari is confortable sitting in the Villa as President. It is befuddling. Our President must be prodded to raise his game. Buhari must be nudged. This is where federal lawmakers should come in. Not telling him the President to “declare bandits as terrorists.”

Usman Bugaje on Point

Mohammed

done very little to address this problem. Weeks after he directed the Ministry of Education to immediately begin the construction of classroom blocks for Dajin Community, very little has happened. The pupils are still under the trees. The major problem with Bala is that he is spending too much time fighting perceived enemies, instead of focusing on governance. For example, I still can’t understand why he pulled down the house of the member representing Bauchi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Yakubu Abdullahi, located in Old GRA. Can you imagine Bala saying the law maker was using his house as hideout for criminals to terrorise residents of the area. This is ludicrous. The Bauchi governor just wanted to punish him. The fact that Abdullahi is politically opposed to Bala should not result in his house being demolished. Bala’s action was for political reasons. This garbage in Bauchi must end.

The current Nigerian leadership lacks the experience, knowledge and character needed to lead and rescue the country from the present challenges, so says a former federal law maker, Usman Bugaje, while speaking at the Maitama Sule Leadership Lecture series in Minna, Niger State last Thursday. Bugaje believes competent leadership will address the many challenges facing the country and that 20 years into democracy, the trust between the government and the citizens had died. He adds: “Twenty years into democracy, the scale of corruption and poverty is flabbergasting. We ask ourselves, why is democracy not working, why is it not delivering what we want? Something needs to be done urgently and that is not about restructuring but a change in leadership. “In Nigeria today, politics is not stable. The APC and PDP are the same; that is why one would defect from one party to another and be comfortable there. Don’t go into the 2023 elections blindly. We cannot continue with this type of politics, we can’t continue with this kind of democracy. “Our leaders have not solved insecurity, poverty, corruption and unemployment; so, it is time for a change. We will not allow political parties to bring the same type of people to rule us. Political parties have to ensure that there are criteria for leadership recruitment. If any party does not have any criteria, they should be forgotten.” What more can I add? Bugaje has said it all. The current leadership of this country is a disgrace. This is the truth that must be told.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 9, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9, 2021

Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

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D’banj

D’banj’s ‘Stress Free’ Magic Ferdinand Ekechukwu

’banj continues to win and thrive as a legend of Afrobeats. His ability to create exciting sounds and popularize motivational words/phrase purely on the strength of his music lend credence to his credibility and status as an artiste. His latest body of work titled “Stress Free (Chapter One)” embodies such motivational inÁuence of words/phrase

beÀtting every “hustling” Nigerians’ vocabulary in a country where survival depends on inspiring themes and views. In high-calibre fashion, it contains themes that co-opt minimalistic enjoyment of life; money, attractive egotistical self-adulation and women….which in ones’ opinion aligns with the title of his new record. Announcing the album release on his Instagram page, the ‘Oliver Twist’ crooner wrote: “I’ve been told that you can’t live a #Stressfree life without going through stress and that if only you hang in there you would move from the #Stress into the free part and that’s why with joy in my

heart. I’m Grateful to God and to everyone that made this album come to life. I can’t thank you all enough. It took us more than two years or more to put this together and I know how hard and di΀cult it is because I already planned the release of Stressfree for my birthday last year but the most stressful season in my life came unexpectedly but thank God for the grace to scale through and today Ànally it’s out. “#Stressfree chapter One is now out and I pray for all that despite the Stress in the world, everyone will get to live a #Stressfree life. Please enjoy the album …. #Stressfree ChapterOne.” This 8-track

album comes with a visual for his ‘Stress Free’ track, in collaboration with Seun Kuti and The Egypt 80 band. While embodying a successful career, “Stress Free” shows a polished artiste, who is not only experimenting but having fun, along with slick production values featuring the spectacular skills of music producer Rexxie. ‘Stress Free’ track list includes songs such as Banga, Welcome To Lagos, Avocado, Zombie, Open The Roof, and the album track Stress Free. Speaking on the new album, the selfacclaimed Kokomaster explained why he collaborated with Seun Kuti on the project: “I went back to legacy – which is why I got Egypt 80 (led by Seun Kuti) on all seven tracks – and then eased into a realm of zero anxiety after the turbulent period that the world had been through. We had a lot of fun in the studio and hopefully, this all shows up on the record! I’m very happy to have Seun Kuti on this track #stressfree, this is actually the Àrst time we are working on a song together and we made this magic over a year ago. “He strikes me as the earthly lineage of the source of Afrobeat and I had to go to the very source to bring out this masterpiece. You really cannot separate the name Kuti from Afrobeats and Seun Kuti is known for his unapologetic approach to his craft bringing out the very best at every pitch. As you can see, the horns are very striking. The track was designed to ease everyone into a realm of zero anxiety after the turbulent period that the world has been through. We had a lot of fun in the studio and hopefully, this all shows up on the record!” With the album, Stress Free, D’banj slips into Afrobeats innovation mode, visible in the multi-layered fusion of horns, saxophones and futuristic synths across tracks. The Egypt 80 brings the horns on the Afrobeat fusion, “Zombie”, and the Afro-meringue mix of “Welcome To Lagos” as well as the free-wheeling “Stress Free” and “Banga”. “Ikebe”, meanwhile, is a gentle, uplifting prayer while “Big Vibe” incorporates the Amapiano sound into a pan-continental dance special and “Avocado” – featuring Burna Boy – leads you into a glorious sense of Afrobeats utopia. D’banj (born Oladapo Oyebanjo) had, in 2017, released an album titled, “King Don Come”, which was his last album.

Olamide in ‘O Nana’ by Jamopyper Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Aside from a catalogue that racks up millions of streams and views, Olamide is well known to have given springboard to several fellow music stars in the Nigeria music industry to shine. Such gesture has seen him at work with promising acts like Bella Shmurda, Jayboi, Cheque and of late Zanku record label artiste, Jamopyper. The latter dropped his latest single, “O Nana” last Saturday. The new song features Olamide who contributed greatly to the instrumental. Interestingly, the YBNL boss was recently featured on a song “Entertainer” with Jamopyper few days ago. ‘O Nana’ follows Jamopyper’s Àrst 2021 single titled ‘Better Better’ (Remix), which has Davido spice up the track. ‘O Nana’ comes with a danceable beat and would also remind you of the early days of Olamide in the music industry. Olamide in ‘O Nana’ gave some street rap lines that many of his early fans would love to hear from him again. Produced by Eskeez, the song is perfect blend of Afrobeat, Pop-Dancehall, Amapiano and Rap. This is the Àrst song Jamopyper will be releasing in a while now. Some of his previous songs are; Necessary, Of Lala, Unripe Pawpaw, If No Be You, among others. For many who don’t know,

Jamopyper

Olamide

Jamiu Damilare Tajudeen stage name Jamopyper, is a singer, songwriter and dancer signed to Zanku Records owned by Zlatan ibile. In 2020 he was nominated as Rookie of Year at The Headies Awards. After being signed to Zanku

Records, Jamopyper debuted on Zlatan’s hit song “Unripe Pawpaw” with other artistes and his melody was noticed by listeners. To push his talent and vibe further, he featured on another 2020 street hit

song – ‘Of Lala’ released for Rahman Jago alongside Zlatan and boom he was all over the place. Of Lala video topped charts for weeks, crossing over a million views on YouTube within weeks of release. Also with his contribution on the buzzing Zlatan joint ‘Shomo’. Jamopyper continues to impress before he Ànally served his hit debut on Zanku Record ‘If No Be You’, featuring DMW star, Mayorkun. Having featured in songs with Olamide, Zlatan, among others, the Oyo State-born singer is rated as one of the most promising acts and he seems to be justifying that, registering his name on the minds of Nigerians by virtue of his unique style to music. Olamide, an inÁuencer of the culture, has a career that speaks for itself. He touched down at Empire Music Company in San Francisco recently to take what he has done to new global heights. There at the Empire’s headquarters with his team, including Fireboy DML, he spoke with CNN African Voices Change Makers. In February of 2020, Olamide agreed to a partnership between his record label YBNL Nation and San Francisco based music company, Empire. The joint venture gives Olamide and any other artiste he signs a global platform and access to Empire resources and expertise.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9, 2021

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Banky W Reveals His ‘Bank Statements’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

&B artiste, Banky W has not retired from making music yet. This he wants music lovers and fans to know. In fact, the E.M.E boss is set with his new album titled “The Bank Statements”, years after he took some time oͿ. Though the music star had released three albums and an EP before his last body of work titled R&BW (2013), which was considered a cult classic. His prior albums include Back in the Building (2006), Mr. Capable (2008), The W Experience (2009), and Undeniable (2003) EP. Within his time oͿ, he dropped a good number of singles like Jasi, Jaiye Orimi, All I want Is You, and Made for You, which video featured his then lover turned wife, Adesuwa Etomi. Speaking about the forthcoming ‘Bank Statements’ during a conversation on the YouTube channel of pastor and certiÀed relationship coach, Kingsley Okonkwo, the singer revealed he had Ànished recording the album which is about love, relationship, about God, about country, about life: “I’ve taken some years oͿ. I heard somebody once said that artistes never retire; they just stop when they no longer have any stories to tell. And I’ve just lived a lot of lives in the last few years that I have been quiet in the music scene. I have a lot of stories to tell, about love, relationship, about God, about country, about life. I have recorded what I feel life about; it’s called ‘The Bank Statements’. “If you think about your bank statement from January to December, it’s kind of a snapshot of your life. What is important to you, what you are spending on. If you look back to your bank statement of last year, it will just give you what your life is.” Banky explained the concept behind the album, which has a song for every month of the year: “So the album is called the

Banky W

Bank’s Statement because it’s Banky’s statement and also conceptually, there is a song for every month of the year. So, there is a January and December song because you have to start and end the year with God. There is a February song, which is Valentine’s Day so it is a love song to my baby. My birthday is March, so there is a turn-up kind of song for my birthday. “The ninth song of the album is for our son because pregnancy takes

nine months and it’s called ‘Champ Song’. It’s a very intentional, thoughtful, creative and powerful album. It’s actually my favourite record because now I can sing about love from a place of currently experiencing it.” During the YouTube show, Banky W (Real name Olubankole Wellington) also discussed fame, family and faith in God as Christian. The 40-yearold businessman cum politician and former record label owner also

spoke about the evolution of his former record label Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E. Music) from a record label to a media agency. “E.M.E. stopped the record label business in 2017. We actually pivoted into a media and marketing agency. We work with corporates, inÁuencers and advertisers. What people don’t know is that we are worth so much more as an agency than we ever were as a record label, even at the height of our success,” he said.

AMAA 2021 Comes to Lagos Ferdinand Ekechukwu

The 17th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards will take place in Lagos on November 28, 2021. According to a statement by the Africa Film Academy, organisers of the awards, the list of nominees for this year’s award ceremony will be made public on October 21. This was disclosed at a media parley where members of the AMA team were introduced. The new members of the team include Abiola Durodola and Oyinkan Talabi. Durodola and Talabi join AMAA director Babajide Fadoju and Steve Ayorinde, who is the president of the jury for the 2nd consecutive year. A former commissioner for Tourism Lagos State, Ayorinde is also the Chairman of the Governing Council of AMAA, a position he has held for over ten years and a pioneering member of the 17-year-old Africa Movie Academy Awards. Founder of AMAA and veteran filmmaker, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, also outlined planned activities marking the annual film ceremony. She

however noted that for safety reasons and travel restrictions occasioned by Covid-19, many will not be able to attend the event. Anyiam-Osigwe added that this year’s award ceremony will be a hybrid of both physical and virtual participation, while nominees were advised to be fully vaccinated to facilitate their travel to Nigeria. The academy also said it would launch a new initiative, “100 film project”, which is aimed at training and supporting African creatives. On it plans to make a total of 100 films in 18 months, the project manager, Abiola Durodola, said AFA will be training new talent for the film industry which is all-encompassing of the wider creative community and skilled labor like carpenters, tailors, and hairdressers. Durodola, who is the project manager, said: “Over the years, we have seen the many gaps in the filmmaking process in Nigeria and Africa at large and we have always tailored our initiatives, conversations, and trainings to breach this gap. One of such gaps that we are breaching is the near-isolation

in which the filmmakers work in Africa. “To support this process, we have created the 100-film project which we have been crafting for a few years now and it is a culmination of a lot of what we have done and still doing. The 100 film project is a platform that uses films to create value for brands, particularly African brands. This is a way for brands to leverage the continued growth of Nigerian films while supporting the creative industry.” The Africa Movie Academy Awards, popularly known as AMAA and The AMA Awards, are presented annually to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry. The awards are aimed at honouring and promoting excellence in the African movie industry and Africans in the diaspora as well as uniting the Africans from across the globe through arts and culture. The award presentation is attended by numerous media representatives, celebrities, politicians, journalists, actresses and actors from all across the world.

Anyiam-Osigwe

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9, 2021

SHOWBIZFLAIR

19 Tosin Clegg

07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

Phyno Releases ‘Stacks’

ward-winning rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer, Phyno is back with a bang. It’s a new single titled ‘Stacks’. Known for his free-flowing verses, catchy rhythms and lilting melodies, Phyno has set himself apart with these elements which make his music borderless. Produced by Eli De Great, ‘Stacks’ is a truly evocative story pieced together by lyrics that set fire to a rhythm so catchy, it’s easy to love. In easy melodies and an unforgettable hook, this infinitely talented musician shows how much he’s grown on his musical journey. Phyno’s latest release, ‘Stacks’, paints a picture of lazy sounds with litters of drums, twirled around in an intricate play on

words. It’s a pleasure to listen to the erudite rapper on this track. With multiple awards to his name, always partial to the culture that allows him to be himself in his music and known for making magic through crafting melodic songs that weave together elements of Afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, and highlife, Phyno has become one of the biggest music exports in Africa. Since his debut studio album “No Guts No Glory” released in 2014, there has been no turning back for this superstar racking up an intimidating repertoire of his works. Phyno’s musical journey to date has been incredible and now, with ‘Stacks’, the brilliant singer, songwriter is yet again, prepared to conquer new musical grounds in Nigeria, Africa and the world.

Phyno

Priceless Voice of Salle Akwa Amaka Digital Studio Singer and songwriter, Salle born Kosisochukwu Gospel Peters sprung to limelight after a post by Blogger, Tundednut in September 2021 where she was seen singing with a tray on her way back from her daily routine from her mother ’s shop on the street of Owerri. She took over the internet with her angelic voice after her video went viral on Instagram and has gone from 986 followers on Instagram to 265,000 in less than two weeks. Indeed, her voice is priceless, touches every one’s heart and her sounds are unique. The young afro pop artiste makes conscious music with deep lyrics for the soul and attesting to this she stated: “My aim is to make good music at the end of the day and live forever in people’s souls. I have a lot of amazing projects am working on and so far so good I can promise the world good music. Be it single or an EP the goal is to satisfy your soul. “I literally make conscious music and I believe in my sound as I am

Salle

exceptional because my sound always comes through for me and it’s evergreen. Good music is conscious and honest music. I believe in honesty and clarity in whatever I spit out. I grew to understand that

you don’t need much to make music and I strongly made music a priority.” Salle has had passion for songs from childhood starting her own girl group at the age of 10 with friends from primary school and wrote all their songs for competitions and as a way of relief from depression and hardship. From there, she discovered talent of song writing but never took it serious because of lack of confidence. On what inspires her she said, “I get inspired by life itself which basically includes my everyday activities and people around me. I’m very creative and while am sitting I get work done in my head especially in my own space and time. I’d love to work with Wande Coal because he makes conscious music and he sings beautifully. I practically grew up learning and listening to him. Another artiste who taught me that I am not too young to achieve whatever I want is Wizkid. I’d love to work with him because he’s indeed a star.”

The official commissioning of the Akwa Amaka Live and Digital Studio, which is a top-notch musical and movie production studio, with high quality and standard equipment, held recently in Lagos marking a new dawn in the media and entertainment industry in Nigeria and Africa at large. The production outfit major objective is nurturing and promoting young talents, content development, innovations and ideas. They are also geared as a visual channel with presences online, with further talks on launching its television channel for the sole purpose of providing first-class entertainment and information. At the moment, the ongoing construction of the Akwa Amaka TV and Radio Station in Akwaezikenyi, Ihiala in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State is set to be completed this year.

Audition Commences for Face of AdCademy: Henley Business School to Induct 153 Alumni Topklass Beauty Pageant VIP Industries Limited has kicked oͿ auditioning for the maiden edition of Topklass Beauty Pageant and is inviting entries across the country. According to the company, winners of the pageant will serve as global and African brand ambassadors for it Áagship products from the stable of Topklass cosmetics. “All young women between ages 18 and 28 years, who have passion for modelling, pageant, tv screen and desire strongly with the wherewithal to grace the stage for the coveted crown, are eligible to sign up and participate. “This edition of Face Of Topklass Reality TV Pageant themed ‘The Golden Search’ is in line with objective of ‘promoting beauty and values’ as toolbox for raising strong and exceptional young women who will not only represent the brand across Africa and the world, but also use their conferred inÁuence to drive social impact in the society, whilst Ànding self purpose and fulÀlment through

the platform. The show will be aired on TV across Dstv, Gotv and Startimes platforms”, the organisation stated further. The overall winner will walk home with a multi-millionaire naira global brand endorsement prize, including a car, N1 million cash, International business vacation, one year supply of Topklass haircare products and face on the brand’s label, amongst others. The Àrst and second runner ups will walk home with African brand endorsement prizes, including N500,000 and N350,000 cash prize respectively, one year supply of Topklass haircare products, business vacation in one African country, amongst others. The host city and broadcast channel will be unveiled soon via the show’s o΀cial websites and social media pages as the registration and audition progress. Face Of Topklass Reality TV Pageant is powered VIP Industries Limited; Owners of Topklass Cosmetics and packaged by her brand and media agency.

Henley Business School (HBS) has announced plans to hold an induction ceremony for 153 participants of the AdCademy Masterclass programmes. The induction ceremony is billed to hold on 12 October A total of 91 inductees were received from the Àrst masterclass tagged, “The Future of Advertising” which held in March, while 61 were recorded from the second edition tagged, “The Winning Strategy’’ which held in August. Following the successful completion of the training, the participants will become HBS alumni and granted access to diverse professionals ranging from business leaders, entrepreneurs, coaches and educators. They will also gain access to beneÀts ranging from peer-to-peer mentoring, online library access, career support, regular curated insights from Henley academics and alumni, event invitations, professional

webinars , access to past recordings and over 30 international alumni groups and discounts on further courses with HBS. The AdCademy Masterclass was organized by the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), in partnership with University of Reading’s Henley Business School. The Masterclass programmes, anchored by the Henley Business school team alongside accomplished Nigerian faculty members from diverse backgrounds, were aimed at educating and empowering young graduates, advertising enthusiasts, mid-level management staͿ of advertising agencies and other communication professionals. The participants are enlightened and educated on various aspects of the advertising industry with trainings on leadership competencies and eͿective work and practice management.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9, 2021

FAIRGROUND with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

World Tourism Day at Nike Arts Gallery

he World Tourism Day 2021 was this week celebrated amid pomp and pageantry at the Nike Arts Gallery in Lagos, in collaboration with Sterling Bank. The bank says it is committed to developing and promoting sustainable tourism business by harnessing the unique, natural attractions and cultural heritage of the country. That was the reason it partnered with the CEO of one of the leading gallery in Africa, Chief Nike Okundaye, for the Tourism Day celebration. The theme of this year’s celebration is, “Tourism for Inclusive Growth.” The event saw dignitaries from all walks of life at the Nike Arts Gallery with displays from cultural troupes like Adunni (Nefertiti), Uche Dancers, Ewi (Adelere Ojediwura), Modela fashion, and Tayo Conga. Nike Art Gallery is arguably the largest of its kind in West Africa. Housed in a Àve-storey building, it boasts a collection of about 8,000 diverse artworks from various Nigerian artists. The CEO popularly called Mama Nike was excited about the event.

L-R: Managing Director Sterling Bank, Mr Abubakar Suleiman; CEO, Nike Art Gallery, Chief Dr Nike Okundaye; and Shina Atilola of Sterling Bank

L-R: Okundaye, Chief Oscar; and Aro Oba of Ikate Kingdom, Chief Lekan Bakare

L-R: Abiola Adelana, Tourism Business Head and Mr Tunde Adeola , Executive Director both of Sterling bank

Nefretiti cultural group

L-R: Joke Silva, Art Connoisseur Yemisi Shyllon, Okundaye; and Aduke Gomez

L-R: Princess Adenike Adedoyin-Ajayi; Akinbile Uzamat; Abiola Adelana; and Ali Baba

L-R: Funmi Olotu , Chief Okundaye; and Chief Dele Momodu

Ali Baba and Abi lkomi

Lanre DaSilva

Chike Ogeah

Olanrewaju Olalusi

L-R: Abiola Adelana , Kike Atanda- Owo , Yousef of BBNAIJA and Funmi Olotu

SATURDAY OCTOBER 9, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9, 2021

PEOPLE

Dynamic Sisters

Dynamic Sisters Touching Lives Seven unique friend based in Ogun State are impacting lives across the Gateway State in unique ways. They are the Dynamic Diamond Sisters. These “girls” are already changing the economic and political landscape of Ogun State, writes Segun Adebowale

n the fervent and unbridled desire to impact lives by serving humanity, seven unique friends, who share similar passions, ideas and a desire to positively affect the lives of people, especially at the grass-roots, decided that the effect of a collective humane drive will foster a better society. These sisters, joined by years of mutual cooperation, also believe collective humane drive is likely to have a bigger effect than individual effort. This believes birthed the charity called The Dynamic Diamond Sisters. A Non-Governmental Organisation and political interest group, the Dynamic Diamond Sisters was formed in 2017, to share, galvanize and promote ideas for the socio-economic, educational, cultural and political development of Ogun State. Led by businesswoman and beauty entrepreneur Mrs Adebisi Olaotan, the Dynamic Diamond Sisters has within the four years of its existence remarkably etched footprints in the sands of the state that accentuate the very essence of its vision; identifying the enormous potentials, opportunities and possibilities within the great state and unflinchingly determined to contribute to transforming these into tangible social and economic benefits to people of the state. The achievements so far by the DDS are quite impressive for the short number of years of its operation, with each success serving as a springboard for delving into yet another area of service. These milestones include a consistent medical outreach programme tagged “Ilera Loro”, meaning health is wealth, an initiative that has provided free diagnosis and treatment of medical ailments to people across five local government areas; vocational trainings for women especially widows and their children; financial empowerment to establish skills acquired during training and empowering market women with start-up funds or additional capital for their businesses and Covid-19 pandemic palliatives such as cooked meals, raw foods, clothing and cash aid. At a time when the global economy is trying

Dynamic Sisters to rise from the doldrums visited it by the Covid-19 pandemic, it must be said that the DDS is one entity that is responding well in that direction, helping to fill the gaps created by the crisis. By its programmes and initiatives, the group is a model of the kind of collective undertaking that could be embraced by people of like minds and passion across virtually every field of interest or endeavour which has the potential of acting as a catalyst for enhancing political participation, employment, economic growth and development, thereby fulfilling the federal government’s development goals and by extension, the MDG’s. Committed to its vision, which stands in tandem with the mandate of the present government in the state to turn

its economic fortunes, the group will soon embark on new projects with the indigent masses at the core: Another phase of its medical outreach in at least five more local governments before the end of the year; poverty alleviation programmes in all local government areas of Ogun state; pipe borne water in the rural areas; renovation of schools in selected local governments and renovation of the wings of some hospitals in five local governments. In the next five years, the DDS has projections to build upon its achievement over the years that would focus on more medical outreach; youth empowerment; poverty alleviation programme for widows; sinking boreholes in more rural areas;

scholarship programmes for orphans Currently with a membership strength of seven members and 125 support members, the Dynamic Diamond Sisters, as its name infers, is propped and guided by integrity and sound moral values, which informs its dynamism and the basis upon which its membership criteria are hinged. These are being emphatic, an indigene of or married to an indigene of Ogun State, gainfully employed, must not have been convicted of any crime, must not be a bankrupt, must be of good repute, must be ready and willing to give compassionately and must be willing to serve even at the expense of their comfort. The Dynamic Diamond Sisters is an NGO with a clear focus and direction and to buttress its credibility, has as its Grand Patron no other than the very visionary and people-oriented governor Dapo Abiodun. Doubling up in that position is Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola-Yayi, while the First Lady of the state, Bamidele Abiodun and Temitope Adeola, wife of Senator Adeola are the Grand matrons of the Group. The patrons of the DDS are Honorable Babatunde Olaotan(HBO) and Hon. Owolabi Kola-Balogun(OKB) with Deputy Governor of the state Engr Noimot Salako Oyedele as Matron. The Dynamic Diamond Sisters are Adebisi Olubukola Olaotan, well known for her Arewa line of beauty products; Emiola Yetunde Juliana, a fashion and beauty expert of repute; Fagbote Titilope Oreoluwa, a legal icon passionately creating value and uplifting humanity; Bukola Falade-Akinyan, a name synonymous with the unique ability to translate plain event venues into scintillating sights; Adesola Okunseinde, an entrepreneur with a keen eye for investment opportunities; Akinroye Bolanle Muibat, a businesswoman and CEO of Mimi Mother and Child Wardrobe; and Kazeem Khadijat Oritoke of 3Gs Events & Parties.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 9, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

‘Unknown Gunmen’ Ridiculous

OU are welcome this weekend. “Afenifere, M’Belt Forum, Ohaneze, Sani, hit northern govs, leaders” Nobody has any right or licence to break the interconnectedness between a subject and the accompanying verb. Therefore, delete the comma after ‘Sani’. “The explanation by the minister notwithstanding, government should not shy away from telling Nigerians those sponsoring terrorism in the country as the UAE has done recently.” Either ‘the UAE had done’ or simply ‘the UAE did recently’. (Editorial, September 29)An aside: are the suspects sponsoring ‘terrorism’ or ‘terrorists’? Is it a thin line? I do not think so. Join the conversation with a meaningful narrative. “Terrorism ﬁnancing is (has been) a major issue of concern in Nigeria in the last few years” (Source: as above) “A close watch at what the Chinese has (had) done in the past 43 years….” (OPINION, September 29) Alternatively in ABC form: what the Chinese did in the past 43 years. “ANAMBRA GUBER: Uba Campaign Organization tasks APGA on issue based (issue-based) campaigns” “The Board, Management and Staﬀ of Juhel Nigeria Ltd. join millions of Nigerians especially our numerous customers and distributors on (in) the celebration of….” “We, therefore (another comma) implore Nigerians to be conscious of their health by having regular health check (checks or check-ups) to avoid sudden heart failure.” “The doctors, under (on) the platform of the….” “On behalf of myself, my family, the government and good people of Ogun State, I celebrate….” A rewrite: On behalf of my

family, the government and good people of Ogun State, I celebrate the impactful life of….” This civil service language culture where a secretary signs on behalf of the minister must stop! When a man talks about his family, it inseparably includes him—he cannot be a distinct entity in a congratulatory advertorial and in all other circumstances. “Abia APC flay (flays) Apugo for inciting party members against national leadership” “Ondo govt. fixes Akure-Owo expressway amidst (amid) gridlock” “Unknown gunmen kidnap nursing mother, lock up 3 children” ‘Unknown gunmen’ smacks of thoughtlessness in collocation! How do you know the gunmen? Why not safely, correctly and soundly write ‘Gunmen kidnap….’ The excerpted blunder is simply ridiculous! How do you know or unmask gunmen? Apart from members of the armed forces, which other gunmen do we formally know? “Osimhen, Benzema finish neck to neck in September” Sports at its best: neck and neck “…CP Ali said the command has (had) zero tolerance for human rights abuse.” “Rivers jetty collapse: 2 dead bodies recovered” This way: 2 corpses recovered “I call on IPOB leaders to reassert its (their) authority and control of the organisation.” “Doing so will go a long way in restoring normalcy in (to) the troubled region.” “Police Sergeant, others arrested in Benin over (for) killing of police constable” “… there should be an aggressive enlightenment campaign given that the deadline for replacement of all licences and plate numbers is one year.” Truth & Reason: number plates. “Onitsha-Enugu Highway rehabilitation ready soon—Minister” It is the road, not the

rehabilitation, that would be ready soon, hopefully! “It should also move a step forward by calling the aggressor to order and sanctioning same (the same).” (THISDAY COMMENT, September 2) “The Nigeria Police is (are) now peopled with criminals….” “…no effort should be spared in finding out who was responsible for it and sanctioning them accordingly.” (THE NATION COMMENT, September 20) My view: No effort should be spared in finding out those who were responsible for it and sanctioning them accordingly. “Kebbi govt to extend amenities to boarder communities” (DAILY CHAMPION Online, September 19) Of course, there is a distinction between ‘boarder’ and ‘border’ (which applies here). Do we need to return to kindergarten classes? “Get 5% discount on any of the LAPTOPS purchase @ any SLOT retail store….” All about image: laptops purchased. A demonstration of loose thinking: “I’m not a man eater” A rewrite: I’m not a cannibal. A headline should be as firm as possible. “Fear, anxiety grips Jos, as crisis ridden city await CDS arrival” The correct version: Fear, anxiety grip Jos, as crises-ridden city awaits CDS’ arrival! “Four policemen arrested in Lagos over (for) N5m debt” “NLC mobilise for mass protest next week” Get it right: NLC mobilizes “Live luxuriously…@ the heart of Abuja” NIC From whatever perspective: in the heart of Abuja. “She always demand for sex” This way: she always demands sex. As a verb, ‘demand’ does not take ‘for’—except as a noun. “…the billionaire is taking the affair very serious (seriously).”

Fraction of A Youth Revisited

believe the last time I deliberately engaged in some sort of self-rendition was a decade ago, almost to the same week. It was in jubilant appreciation of reaching the then epochal age of 50 years. Shorn of any veneer of modesty, an entire book (over 200 pages), titled rather cavalierly as “Lifeline: A Slice of my Life” was pressed into service...in honour of my peculiar capacity to survive the fangs and gangs that cramped the crannies and crevices of Nigeria. Ten years later, that exercise seemed narrow-minded, and its pretensions to helping others wade through the rigour and angst of living and thriving a little hollow. I hope to address that this time around by presenting four books encapsulating, to a large degree, the summary of my existence, both vicarious and tangible. Yes, four books of varying sizes and themes. First is a collection of poems (virtually locked away in hiding for almost 40 years) apart from rare sightings in one or two gracious anthologies of the 90s. Second is another collection of creative attempts at ‘faction’, but of six stories and a play, with a longing desire to resonate with the youth of this millennium. The last two are mini autobiographies, essentially memoirs of epochal moments in my ordinarily normal life. One is a graphic (both in text and artistic illustrations) documentation of my detention experience in Kirikiri Maximum Prison many years ago, and a few other memories. The last book is hopefully my most ambitious writing project yet. It’s a hard and frank recollections of the unforgettable ups and downs of birthing, sustaining and losing the FAME magazine project (between 1991

and 1997) - an exercise that has taken more than two decades of preparation and prevarication. Back to the present... As this month delivers to me - three Saturdays from today - my sixth decade in the land of the living, I choose today to scratch back to a period when fear was caged, hope was exuberant, and the future was nonchalant. In nostalgic ululation, I reflect on a fraction of a youth long vanished. Join me…: “I have always loved the media and the arts. As a young man growing up in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, it was inevitable that you were exposed to the artistic influences of the ‘70s and ‘80s. I remember “truanting” around the Noble Street (Yaba, Lagos) home of the late doyen of theatre, Hubert Ogunde...just to watch his group’s rehearsals and banters...in my childlike admiration, I was made for the theatre. Down the Brickfield Road, where I lived for more than ten of my adolescent years, also lived music maestro, Sonny Okosuns... Then, I was filled with a tremendous passion to hug a guitar, and lead a band. I even gathered some street friends to bring alive our dreams to be superstars. Somehow, the band never got off the ground. Then, the “FESTAC 77” came to town, and took the lead off my creative marbles, more or less. I wanted to perform a motley of artistic genres: Ipi Tombi and other mesmerizing dance troupes suggested I should be a dancer... At least many of them looked like me - tall, wiry and energetic. Sundry crafts and pan-African motifs revealed my deep-lying artistic gifts... Of course, I used to serenade awed adults and envious mates with my pencil and crayon drawings of American western film stars

and Indian filmic heroes...even earning a few kobos from appreciative neighbours and indulgent strangers. I actually had made up my mind to study Theatre Arts in the university - after touting the idea of reading law for a couple of years. My teenage friend, Orii (Sunday Oribamishe, now late) and I had become some sort of fixtures at the National Arts Theatre (Abe Igi) hunting for acting opportunities. It was there I met and sustained a thoroughly bohemian and interesting relationship with friends who shared my craze for the theatre and the written words (we were easily infatuated with the bombastic and the obscurantist). In between the hiatus created by seasonal tussles with almighty JAMB after secondary school and gaining admission into the university, I formed a remarkable “musketeering unit” with Wale Obadeyi, aka WaleJay (MD of MaxiMargin Communications Ltd. - he died June 30, 2018 at 56 years old) and Muyiwa Kayode (current CEO of USP Brand Mgt). Between late 1981 and early 1983, our peregrinations (one of our favourite words) usually spanned the National Arts Theatre (where UK-returning star actor, Lari Williams was struggling to knock us into some recognizable artistic shape); to the Theatre Annex where Bassey Effiong’s Anansa Playhouse was holding brutal auditions and rehearsals; to the then NTA 7 station (Tejuoso, Lagos) where young producer, Kunle Ajala was whetting our acting thirst with rehearsals for sundry TV drama series; to the Guardian, ThisWeek offices where our star writers were building their reputations in serious journalism. We virtually had crushes (the intellectual type, that is) on great journalists like Sonala Olumhense,

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“The exercise, which may see about a third of the over 200,000 strong (a hyphen between the figure and the word) Federal Civil Service loosing (losing) their jobs….” “This newspaper has consistently advocated for a comprehensive review of the cost of the machinery of government.” Let us delete ‘for’ in the interest of all stakeholders. “Hitherto entry into the service has (had) been largely based on….” “Ogungbo said the most important way to prevent epilepsy is (was) to offer early drug treatment….” “Bendel Insurance Company, (sic) registration (RC6083) once prides (prided) itself as the number one trusted….” “So long as the military and other security agencies’ presence are (is) seen on….” (THE NATION, September 16) “To mark the day, there was (were) free health tests by….” “The University of Lagos Multipurpose Hall A was filled to the brim with….” Check out the meaning of ‘fill’ in order to appreciate the redundancy of ‘to the brim’. Got the point? “…the level of political consciousness and internet have (has) risen significantly.” “The venue and time still remains unchanged.” Port Harcourt International Oil and Gas Summit & Exhibition 2021: ‘remains’ changes to ‘remain’. “We regret any inconveniences this will course (sic) our esteemed speakers, valued partners and the participants.” Public notice: cause. “Nigerian Navy pays last respect to…” For the naval gentleman: last respects. “Depoliticing the judiciary” Get it right: depoliticizing.

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

Tunji Lardner, Lanre Idowu, Taiwo Obe, Ben Tomoloju, and few others. They graciously listened to and encouraged our dreams and exertions; they sometimes tried to read and ‘edit’ our bellicose and bombastic articles, poems and pure vituperation... That was how we learnt about “stringing”, “freelancing”... running here and there to contribute to the greatest journals of the day. And when any of our articles got into print, which were far in between, we went delirious…. I still have a copy of my poems published in Times International (a news magazine publication of Daily Times) around 1982! In the frenetic search for relevance and identity, I stumbled on co-travellers like Segun Aina (now Arinze, whose voice was larger than his body); Francis Onwochie (who would never accept that since he looked the youngest, he should be running errands for us); his older sister, Josephine; Mike Odiachi (now late), and some others I cannot now recollect. However, a chat at the male restroom of the National Assembly Service Commission (Race Course, Onikan, Lagos), with a very senior colleague, the dashing and handsome Femi Oyewoh, convinced me that it would make sense to study English Language and acquire a canopy of knowledge which could also accommodate my ﬁrst love, Theatre Arts. Less than two years later, I found myself in the English Department of the University of Jos. It was love at ﬁrst sight. I met great scholars like Prof. Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike (famous novelist, died as a monarch on January 9, 2020 at 88 years old), Dr. Ayo Memudu (HOD), Mr. Francis Ngwaba, etc. That was some 38 years ago….

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9, 2021

POLITY

Birthday Bells for the STK Ukagas Amby Uneze

here is something in a name and that is why some families try hard to uplift or maintain their name for good reasons. Any family name that rings a bell in some areas must have some influential personalities. After all, it is the character of people that makes a family to be great and subsequently earn respect therein. For Chief Stanley (STK) Ukaga family of Umualum, Uratta in Owerri North Local Government of Imo State, they are full of gratitude to God for the good health of their mother, Dame Rose Ukaga and wife, Professor Chinyere Ukaga, who are both cerebrating their birthday anniversaries, simultaneously. The family is also using the occasion to rededicate the family chapel, “The Saint Gabriel Chapel”, a private place of worship, “to God and to honour the mother of our Lord.” As Chief Stanley Ukaga, son of Dame Rose Ukaga and spouse of Professor Chinyere Ukaga, put it: “We would like to give thanks to God and to these two amazing women, who have forged a deep mother/daughter, senior sister/junior sister relationship not just mother in-law/daughter in-law, which is rare and worthy of emulation in today’s world. “The event is also not only helping my mother’s Catholic ministry but also providing a much larger private place of worship for her sodality, ‘2000/3000 Hail Mary Crusade Group’, as well as the ‘Pro Life Group’ which she champions.” According to Chief Stanley Ukaga, an engineer, and the Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s foremost herbal supplements manufacturer, STK Biotech and his siblings, “We are also using this occasion to pray for our late sister, Chief (Mrs.) Olive Ibe as we plant an Olive tree brought in from Israel in her memory. As the Ukaga matriarch, Dame Rose Ukaga clocks 79 years, to the glory of God, she is remembered for her selfless services to her fatherland, having occupied several positions of authority in the land. She was married to late Dr. Gabriel C. Ukaga, a highly respected and intelligent man and a 4th degree Catholic Knight of Saint Mulumba. Dr. Ukaga was among the pioneer set of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and graduated with a degree in English. A strict disciplinarian and finely turned out gentleman, he was renowned for his meticulous nature, dress sense and polish. He obtained his master’s and doctorate degrees at the University of Calgary Canada with his young wife and raised his children there. Upon returning to Nigeria, he worked in the Ministry of Education and rose to be Director Higher Education

Chinyere Ukaga in Imo State, from which position he was appointed to midwife the newly established Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU) as its pioneer Registrar. Upon the creation of Abia State and ceding of the IMSU Uturu Okigwe campus to Abia, he was appointed once more to midwife the new IMSU at its current site in Owerri as Registrar. Upon retirement, he was appointed the Sole Administrator of the newly created Ideato South LGA and later was appointed the Chairman of the governing council of the College of Agriculture, Umuagwo. Rose is a Papal Knight of Saint Gregory The Great (one of the few women in Nigeria be so honoured by the Pope). Ukaga is a former President of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) of the old Owerri Archdiocese. Her deep faith and catholic life led to the establishment of the 2000/3000 Hail Mary Crusade Group which meets every 13th day of each month to pray

2000/3000 Hail Mary, in prayer for the intercession of Our Holy Mother Mary. This originated from her active and leading role in the Archdiocese on her Pro Life Campaigns, teaching and preaching to young ladies and men on responsible Christian lifestyles and the right to life of the unborn child. Prior to this, Rose was an educationist of note and retired from Alvan Ikoku College of Education Owerri as the Director of the Continuing Education Centre. Chinyere is an Executive Council member of the World Federation of Parasitologists (the 1st living African so honoured). She is also a Council member of the International Society of Infectious Diseases and the current National President of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPHSN). A distinguished Professor and academician; she is also the current and first female Director Academic Programmes at Imo State University Owerri, having previously served as the first female Director of the University Consultancy Unit and the first Director of Quality Assurance of the University. These two outstanding and accomplished women (mother in-law and daughter in-law) are being celebrated today, Saturday 9th October 2021. Prof Ukaga’s birthday is on the 8th October and Dame Rose’s on the 9th October. But these two amazing women come together each year and choose on who’s day they would both celebrate their birthday. Chinyere was the 1999 best graduating Ph.D student of the University of Nigeria Nsukka clinching both the Vice Chancellor’s and Faculty awards. She is a self-motivated and personable mature female, a strong academic, as well as a researcher. She has more than 16 years of teaching and research experience working with both undergraduate and postgraduate students in public health parasitology at Postgraduate diploma, Master’s and Doctoral levels. She has to her credit more than 60 publications. A good team member and believes strongly in God, fair play and justice, she excels under pressure producing good quality results even under very short notice. Chinyere is warm, very friendly and gets on well with others, including her students who see her as a mentor. She is receptive to new ideas and encourages a stable conducive environment where exchange of ideas, designing of new projects is promoted. She believes in excellence in whatever service, networking, as well as the strength of group work. Happy birthday, mama and daughter-in-law.

Ibrahim AbdulLateef: Youths Must Be Torchbearers In 2020, Mr. Ibrahim AbdulLateef, a 300 level student of Kwara State University (KWASU), started a Non- Governmental Organisation calledTorchbearers Impact Network (TIN) that focus on facilitating mentorship and opportunities for young people on education, career and leadership. He said one of the things that keep him going was his passion for state and country. AbdulLateef talks to HAMMED SHITTU on the impact of his NGO on the socio-well-being of the populace What necessitated the formation of the Torchbearers NGO and what do you plan to achieve?

s the name suggests, Torchbearers Impact Network was founded as a platform for discovering and building new world leaders. We set out to focus on facilitating mentorship and opportunities for young people in education, leadership and career. While that may sound really big, especially for a student, we have been making it a reality. Since its establishment in 2019, we have completed more than five projects with impacts on over 5,000 students across levels and institutions in Nigeria. I got the inspiration to establish TIN from a book I read, ‘It Worked For Me: In Life and Leadership,’ written by General Colin Powell, former Secretary of State of the United States. It was shared with me by one of my older friends to learn more about purposeful leadership. Instead of going away with just that lesson, I understood something more which is the power of mentorship. I realised that I have largely been privileged with access to learning from many top leaders, bearing a great influence on my carriage and activities as a youths’ leader. I can easily pick Rafiu Ajakaye, Lawal Olohungbebe, Muftau Akanbi--Oke, Akinwale Muse, Toheeb Balogun, and later Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. This access to learning shaped my view and belief. Then, it dawned on me I had to do so for many others. Why should youths take after the bad guys alone? It is not because we have fewer good guys but because we are not united in goodness. I realised my dream was to build a network of young people with talents and values, partnering on change and impact projects. Well, those who believe that names are powerful may be right. How I arrived at choosing Torchbearers is divine because it truly carries the essence of the organisation. TIN is a project to discover, partner, support and raise the next African leaders in 15-20 years.

What has been the success of the NGO since it came into existence? Among all the things we have done, something stands out for me. That is the message my life passes across to students and young Nigerians that they can be and are in fact torchbearers wherever they dwell; home, school, workplace or community.

They just need to realise and start making efforts to lighten others, and make impacts in their communities. To have been an inspiration for someone, as little as it can be, is huge for me. And that is what is playing out now. You see, for a less than two-year-old organisation founded by a student, some say we are punching above our weights. Our first project was done in January 2020, a teen workshop on career held for over 100 senior students of Government Senior Secondary School, Malete. Then, we organised training on writing opinion stories and reports, with close to 200 participants from various faculties in my university. What we did next was bigger. As students were going on their 1st semester holiday, we designed a virtual platform for learning. It was called KWASULearn. About 1000 students registered to maximise the opportunity to learn about Community Development, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Science and Technology, Leadership and Activism, and Entertainment from accomplished persons in these fields. The facilitators included Special Assistant to Vice President on Innovation, Ife Adebayo; Special Assistant, Office of the SSA to the President on SDGs, Rose Keffas; Chief Operating Officer Wootlab Innovations, Chioma Okoro; and Deputy Coordinator Centre for Community Development, KWASU, Dr Fatai Akosile. His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was the keynote speaker at the grand finale. I am of the opinion that the COVID-19 pandemic is an eye-opener. The world must come out of it stronger, especially on health, education, and technology. In partnership with University’s Centre for Community Development, I have also led the team to host peacebuilding campaign tagged #OneMalete to foster peace and harmony between students and host community, Malete. You see, peace is paramount to both students and the university community to achieve their aims. Neither academics nor businesses can thrive without it. So when there were reports of worsening relationship between students and indigenes, we floated that campaign to reorientate them. Peace has no alternative. We did it with the police, religious and community leaders, alongside the management for far-reaching effects. Now comes what many describe as our biggest project so far, TheWriteUp. It was a national essay contest we started in April and concluded in August. We received about 100 entries from universities across the country. It was a three-legged contest including interviews, graded by a four-man panel of award-winning writers and journalists. In the end, the top three winners were rewarded with

AbdulLateef N200,000, N100,000, and N50,000, respectively. The last seven contenders have also qualified for free 4-week tech training. While I can’t be a judge in my own case, I am fairly convinced that we have promoted and impacted positively creative writing and literature. Look, we marked International Youths Day 2021 with that project, the first-ever in my university. We brought together over 2,000 students to learn from the personal stories and experiences of leaders from the public and private sectors. The star-studded list included Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, Speaker KWHA Engr Yakubu Danladi, Global energy Executive Chief Gbenga OlawepoHashim, Kwara Commissioner for Tertiary Education Barr Senior Ibrahim Suleiman, amongst other dignitaries. From KWASULearn to #OneMalete, and TheWriteUp, it has been a stretch of impactful projects on over 5,000 young people. So, when you are doing such things that have earned you open commendation twice from the Governor of your state, you cannot say you are idle. You only need to know there is room for improvement. I am on track to do more on the realisation of SDGs 4, 5, and 16 in Kwara and Nigeria.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9, 2021

POLITY Globacom’s Satellite Deployment: Connecting the Far-flung Areas Chidiebere Nwobodo

ighteen years down the line since Globacom started operations, this vision has been greatly actualized. Today, GSM is no longer used as a status symbol for the rich but an indispensable communication tool that has kept family members connected and businesses flourishing. It has birthed chains of opportunities for teeming Nigeria youths who are riding on the tide of new frontier of internet to create values cum wealth for themselves and the nation. It is worth repeating that without Per Second Billing System (PBS) and cheaper SIM cards rates introduced by Globacom—when other operators deemed it impossible, mobile telecommunications services would not have reached millions of Nigerians today in the last two decades of GSM operations in the country. Through the vision of one man—Chief Mike Adenuga, Jr., as encapsulated in Glo, today, telecom industry has been revolutionised to serve yearnings and growing needs of digital-conscious Nigerians and other African countries where Glo has etched its footprints. By the time some Nigerians might be expecting the Glo founder to begin taking things slowly, especially now that he is approaching septuagenarian milestone, his vision of getting Africa connected to the rest of the world—via high-speed broadband services, is still like a flaming fire of passion renewing his strength like an eagle. Like the biblical Joshua, he is determined to take Nigeria to the promise land where remotest part of this nation will be part of that global village called Internet. The Bull; as he is fondly called is still tirelessly committed to this vision to ensure that Africa, especially Nigeria do not miss out in the new frontier of opportunities presented by the advent of internet with its attendant growing opportunities. This can be made feasible by building critical broadband infrastructure. Despite humongous investments Globacom has made in deepening telecom infrastructure across the country and beyond, it is still not resting on its laurels. The thoughts of bringing broadband connectivity to the doorsteps of Nigerians in farflung areas—difficult terrains with environmental constraints for terrestrial infrastructure, Glo believes that no one is connected to the internet until everyone is reached, especially those in rural areas. When Dr Mike Adenuga, Jr., was onboard his jet en route Paris, France, to sign satellite deployment deal with Eutelsat, he was not motivated by possibility of more revenues for Globacom—or scaling up his ranking in the Forbes rating of wealthiest people, but he had in mind what future held for that secondary student in riverine areas of Niger Delta without internet connectivity. How would that youth, caught up in mangrove swamps with humid conditions—without broadband access, be able

to compete with his contemporaries in the cities in years to come? the poor farmers residing in remote villages of the north surrounded by rocky mountains, do not need to travel several kilometers to communicate with buyers of their agricultural produce or access online banking services, for example. It can be brought to their doorsteps via internet access made possible by satellite. This is the mission of Globacom. The partnership between Globacom of Nigeria and Eutelsat of France cemented with a deal recently to deploy satellite in far-flung corners of the country and beyond, will hasten broadband penetration, especially in rural areas with difficult topographic compositions. The agreement signed at Elysee Palace in Paris; in the presence of the French President, Emmanuel Macron, is a multi-year, multi-Gbps wholesale capacity contract, empowering Globacom to expand its coverage beyond the limits of its terrestrial infrastructure, leveraging the Eutelsat Konnect satellite. The service will be used to deliver high-speed broadband via satellite to businesses and communities in unconnected and undeserved areas throughout Nigeria through deployment of 500 wi-fi relay stations in rural areas for connection to Eutelsat satellite. Eutelsat Konnect, which started service in early 2021, is a new-generation High Throughput Satellite, offering unprecedented operational flexibility. Delivering significant resources for broadband services with quasi-complete coverage of Sub-Saharan Africa, it addresses direct-to-user consumer and enterprise broadband services, with a comprehensive range of packages from bite-sized “pay as you go” vouchers through to monthly and annual contracts. Eutelsat Konnect satellite is owned by Eutelsat Communications. The company was founded in 1977. It is one of the world’s leading satellite operators with a global fleet of satellites and associated infrastructure. Eutelsat enables clients across Video, Data, Government, Fixed and Mobile Broadband markets to communicate effectively to their customers, irrespective of their location. About seven thousand television channels operated by leading media groups are broadcast by Eutelsat to one billion viewers. The choice of Eutelsat by Globacom was a strategic one, because of the company’s proven track records in satellite communications services. During the signing ceremony in Paris, Dr Mike Adenuga, Jr., Chairman of Globacom Limited—the man who incubated the vision, said: “We are delighted to add satellite services to our portfolio, leveraging the state-ofthe-art Eutelsat Konnect Satellite to extend connectivity to even far-flung areas of Nigeria, in line with our mission to build Africa’s biggest and best telecommunications network. The infrastructure will complement our Glo1

submarine cable and extensive fiber optic layout across the country”. The partnership between Globacom and Eutelsat Communications will herald a new era in Nigeria’s telecom sector. In fact, it will enable Federal Government actualize its 2030 National Broadband Plan, which targets a 90 per cent penetration rate in terms of population and a 70 per cent in terms of total landmass before the end of this decade. According to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), at August, 2021, 89.6 million Nigerians were connected to the internet; representing 47 per cent broadband penetration. Deployment of Eutelsat Konnect Satellite by Globacom will fasttrack broadband penetration in Nigeria, especially to rural areas and bring internet connectivity to the forgotten. Glo was the first—and remains only telecoms operator in the country to owned trans-Atlantic submarine cable called Glo1. It was the first network to launch a nationwide coverage of the 4G-LTE network in Nigeria, thus availing its subscribers enhanced data transfer rates, unmatched mobile broadband experience and high data speeds and reliability. From its antecedents, the leading indigenous mobile number operator has grown muscles of capacity to carry out such gigantic projects. Its market share recently grew magnificently with additional one million subscribers to its customer base of over 51 million subscribers. To mark its 18th Anniversary, it launched a new online streaming app called GloTV. It is an innovative TV streaming service on Android, IOS apps and web for watching premium contents. It is set to revolutionised the entertainment industry. With the deployment of satellite services, these wonderful packages being offered by Glo will no longer be exclusively reserved for those in the cities with internet access. Nigerians in the far-flung villages will witness a new dawn when the broadband gap between them and city people will be bridged soon via connection to Eutelsat Konnect Satellite made possible by Glo. National Assembly members who argued, albeit controversially that electronic transmission of results would not be possible in their villages because of absence of internet connectivity, and used that as an excuse to oppose that particular amendment to the then electoral bill, will have a rethink soon because Glo’s satellite deployment will erase that excuse. Nigerians yearn for credible elections where their votes will count, this innovative initiative by Glo will make it possible because most of the electoral frauds aka rigging are perpetrated in interior villages where there is no internet access to monitor developments. Commercial activities, education, health care, social life, etcetera, will also be enhanced. You can see how Globacom is killing many birds with one stroke of action powered by the vision of Chief Mike Adenuga, Jr. It is in line with Abraham Lincoln’s postulation that the best way to predict the future is to create it.

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PHOTO NEWS

L- R: Client Service Manager, Access Bank Plc., Lukman Abbas; Independence Day Splash N1m Winner; Ikpe Moses; Branch Service Manager; Access Bank, Felicia Odeleke; and Account Oﬃcer, Access Bank Plc., Abu Frederick at the cheque presentation ceremony for Diamondxtra Independence Day Splash winners held at Mile 12, Lagos recently.

L-R: Founder, Felix King Orgarnisation, Dr. Felix King; beneficiary, Mrs. Dosunmu Olayinka; and representative of Organisation of World Leaders, USA, Dee Dawkins-Haiglar at the flag off of Felix King Foundation COVID-19 recovery grant for African widows in partnership with organisation of world Leaders, USA held in Lagos…yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Area Pastor, Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of Kings, Magboro, Adeolu Matilukuro; L-R: Vice President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Leye Kupoluyi; President, Area Pastor incharge, RCCG LP21, Babatunde Aﬁlaka; Instrumentalist, Damilola Bekes; Gospel ar- LCCI, Mrs Toki Mabogunje; President, Odu’a Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agricultiste, Bukola Bekes; Pastor Incharge, Lagos province 21, Victory Chapel, Magodo, Bayo Olugbemi; ture, Prince Kayode Adeyem and Vice President, LCCI, Dr. Ismail Suleman, during a courtesy visit to Gospel Artiste, Frank Edward; and Pastor Dele Ikotun,at the 2021 Spirit of David (aka 12 Altars of LCCI by Odu’a Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture in Lagos recently Praise) Praise Concert in Lagos recentky PHOTO; ETOP UKUTT

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

9. 10.2021

Taiwo Awoniyi Finds Home at Union Berlin

NEWS

EAGLES SING REDEMPTION SONG PAGE. 29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Taiwo Awoniyi celebrates one of his goals for Union Berlin

Taiwo Awoniyi Finds Home at Union Berlin Since joining Liverpool in 2015, he had been on several loan spells at various European clubs, which includes FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen, Royal Excel Mouscron (twice), KAA Gent, FSV Mainz 05 and most recently, Union Berlin.Taiwo Awoniyi may have finally found home with The Iron Ones. In his last exploit for the club, he scored the two goals that ensured his club took all three points in the 2-1 victory over Mainz last weekend. Little wonder he was also named in the Bundesliga Player of the Week. As an icing on the cake, the former U-17 World Cup winner on Thursday achieved his long-time ambition of playing for the Super Eagles after an invite for Nigeria’s two-legged 2022 World Cup qualifier against Central African Republic

ith his dream to play for Liverpool not coming to fruition owing to work permit and failure to convince The Reds Manager Jurgen Klopp, Taiwo Awoniyi secured a permanent move to Union Berlin at the beginning of this season after seven loan spells with several European clubs and he seems to have at last found home with the Bundesliga side. The 24-year-old was the match hero for The Iron Ones in their Bundesliga clash last Sunday after his brace against former club-Mainz ensured Union Berlin ran away with all three points. That performance took his goals tally to eight in 12 matches.

His scintillating form was indeed not lost to Super Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr, as Awoniyi finally fulfilled his long-time dream of playing for Nigeria’s senior national team having represented Nigeria at every age group team aside from the senior national team. On Thursday, he completed the selection against Central African Republic after he received a call-up to the Super Eagles squad for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Les Fauves which the Eagles were defeated in Lagos. Awoniyi has been in brilliant form this season following his permanent move from Liverpool to Union Berlin in the summer. The former Gent striker has scored eight

goals in 12 games for Urs Fischer’s men this season, including a brace in the 2-1 win against his former club Mainz last Sunday. But despite his brilliant start to the season, he was not included in Nigeria’s squad for last month qualifiers, while his name was also missing in the initial squad released last week for the Central African Republic encounter. However, he was called up as a replacement for Terem Moffi, who picked up an injury in Lorient’s 1-1 draw against Clermont Foot. Awoniyi has attributed his recent national team call-up to hard work and dedication.

“It’s hard work and dedication but for me, sometimes you work hard and don’t see the result but just keep on working, be patient and God will do the rest. I’m very happy to be part of the Super Eagles. “For me, it’s every player’s dream. Every player will be happy to be part of the Super Eagles and in one of them. “It’s a privilege and honour for me to be part of the team which I’m very happy about,” Awoniyi said on Brila FM. The Super Eagles hosted Les Fauves on Thursday, October 7 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium before taking a trip to Douala for the second leg. The Nigerian forward is occupying the upper section of the Bundesliga, scoring right behind Robert Lewandowski, Erling Haaland, and Patrik Schick after his latest exploits punished one of his former suitors. FSV Mainz sporting director, Christian Heidel has voiced his frustration at missing out on the signing of Awoniyi after the 24-year-old struck twice to hand Mainz their first home defeat of the Bundesliga campaign. Awoniyi spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Mainz from Liverpool, but the 05ers sent him back to Anfield after finding the back of the net once in 12 league matches. After another loan spell at Union Berlin, Liverpool were willing to offload the former Golden Eaglets star this summer. Heidel has confessed that they were among those who negotiated with Liverpool to sign Awoniyi. Still, they could not convince the Anfield giants to reduce the asking price for the former Gent man. “I’ve always liked him, as you have seen, rightly,” Heidel said about Awoniyi, as per Rheinfalz. “He was on the market, but we couldn’t finance the deal. We talked about him, but I didn’t get a discount.” Union Berlin won the race for Awoniyi’s signature, completing a club-record €6.5 million deal for the Nigerian forward in July. The former FSV Frankfurt loanee has been in spectacular form since, scoring eight goals and notching two assists in 12 matches across all competitions. The latest two of those goals came in four second-half minutes at Mainz last Sunday, which helped Union Berlin come from a goal down to win two-one, and ensured The Iron Ones’ third victory in a row while it forced Mainz to their first home defeat in the Bundesliga in a manner that hurts the coach of the 05ers, Bo Svensson. “Everyone knows Taiwo’s strengths,” Svensson said. “The two goals we conceded were gifts from us. Unfortunately, that decided the game.” Meanwhile, Awoniyi has been named in the German Bundesliga Team of The Week for match day seven after his brace. In a 4-3-3 formation, the Nigerian was paired with Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick and Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Breel Embolo. There was no space for Bayern’s Robert Lewandowski who failed to score as his side suffered a 2-1 loss to Frankfurt at the Allianz Arena. In midfield, Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku, Cologne’s Ellyes Skhiri and Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz made the cut while Dortmund’s Raphael Guerreiro, Stuttgart’s Marc-Oliver Kempf, Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol and Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong were in defence. Mönchengladbach’s Yann Sommer is in goal after an impressive performance in their 3-1 win over Wolfsburg. Union Berlin manager Urs Fischer was full of praise for Awoniyi after the Nigerian striker delivered a man-of-the-match display to power the club to a brilliant comeback. The first of Awoniyi’s brace sent him into the Union Berlin record books as the Iron Ones’ 100th Bundesliga goal. Both goals showcased Awoniyi’s strength, poise, and finishing. Aside from his goals, Awoniyi chased and troubled the Mainz defence all game, and his boss was pleased with his overall output. “Taiwo ran a lot, was tireless and paid off today,” Fischer said after the encounter, as per Rheinpfalz. “That’s how we want to see him.” The club-record signing confessed after the match that he admires the equalising strike against Mainz.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER 2022 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

Can Super Eagles Redeem Self against CAR after First Leg Flop? After a shocking 1-0 loss to Central Africa Republic on Thursday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, the Super Eagles are in for a tricky second leg in Cameroon in an encounter they cannot afford to be complacent, writes Kunle Adewale

Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong made a frantic clearance against Central African Republic during a Group C World Cup qualiﬁer game at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos

igeria senior football team, Super Eagles were expected to make a mincemeat of Central African Republic in their group C 2022 World Cup qualifier but Les Fauves had other ideas as a late goal from Karl Namnganda ensured that the Gernot Rohr led side lost 1-0 and must at least get a draw in the return leg in Cameroon on Sunday to remain top of the group and to also stand a chance of qualifying the last knockout stage of the qualifying match. To make Super Eagles loss on Thursday more complicated, Cape Verde’s Blue Sharks won 2-1away against Liberia in Monrovia and a win in the return leg would take them to seven points, meaning Nigeria cannot afford a slip-up in Sunday’s reverse fixture. The scanty fans at the Teslim Balogun Stadium were disappointed at the lacklustre performance of the Super Eagles with many of them calling for the resignation of the team’s Franco-German Manager. Rohr indeed blamed the absence of the midfield duo of Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi as one of the reasons for his side’s loss. “We missed the creativity of Iwobi; we also missed Ndidi so much. It was not easy for Frank Onyeka and a first-timer Taiwo Awoniyi to come in this team,” the Franco-German manager told Goal. “The players are still disappointed in the dressing room and still not understanding why we could lose this match. “When we analysed it, we dominated possession of the ball, we had

several opportunities to score, but we did not score and very often in football, there was a counter, and our opponents scored.” To complicate matters for the Super Eagles, Rohr has said Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho, might not play in the reverse fixture against the Central African Republic after he picked up a knock during the game at the Teslim Balogun Stadium and is now a doubt for the trip to Douala. “There will be some changes. Already, there are some injuries and I don’t know if Iheanacho is able to play because he had a knock. “We have some players who are tired because they ran a lot and were fighting as always. This defeat will surely make their recovery more difficult. “They will not sleep well tonight but we have to recover and prepare for Sunday’s game which we must win,” Rohr said. The Nigeria Football Federation believes the much-adored Nigerian Spirit will come to the fore and ginger the Super Eagles to solidify their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying campaign when they take on the Les Fauves of Central African Republic in Douala on Sunday. Pinnick said on Thursday night that the Eagles have the character to bounce back from the shock home defeat by the central Africans and still fly very high above other contenders in Group C of the African race by taking the maximum points in Douala on Sunday. “This result has been a huge shock, especially after the NFF provided everything necessary to make the team comfortable and focused on

the task at hand, even going the extra mile in a number of areas. “This is a setback, which can be quickly reversed and the Nigerian Spirit is what we will take to Cameroon. The NFF is backing the team to retain a strong hold on the group and qualify to the knockout phase. We believe they will deliver against the same team.” Pinnick said the NFF was taking responsibility for the defeat and urged Nigerians from far and near to get behind the team at this period. “Everyone is stunned, but we do not have to be emotional or negative about things. The same team defeated Liberia here in Lagos and Cape Verde away. They still have that ability to deliver. As a Football Federation, we take responsibility for this defeat. We believe things will change positively in three days. We also believe that this loss is a massive wake-up call and could be the springboard to reset and motivate the team to keep giving their all to not only qualify for the World Cup but to perform well in Qatar.” Central African Republic Coach, Raoul Savoy has given reason for his side’s victory on Thursday in Lagos. Savoy said CAR defeated Nigeria because his players didn’t allow the Super Eagles to play quick football. Savoy disclosed CAR put in a strategy that worked against Nigeria,

adding that his players gave their best during the encounter. “We stood by them and knew that if we cut them off and don’t allow them to be quick, then we have got a chance. It’s a very great result for us. “I’m very happy because we put in a strategy and it worked. And when you put in a strategy and have young players, because we have young players in our team, who listen and put their heart in, they can beat anyone. “Nigeria is one of the best teams in Africa but sometimes in football, you don’t take the game seriously because you feel at the beginning you have already won. I feel the Eagles said ‘we are going to take the three points and focus on other things.” Savoy described the 1-0 victory over Nigeria as the best thing to have happened to the team. The Swiss-born coach said that though he had many victories in his past games, the one against Nigeria, the giants of football in Africa, was historic. “I have won against many countries such as Morocco and Kenya during my coaching career, but in the history of Central African Republic, this is the best one. “We have to respect ourselves in football and today, my players will be happy at the dinner. The victory notwithstanding, Savoy has tipped Super Eagles to qualify for the World Cup ahead of other teams in Group C. “I am not thinking about the World Cup because we are work in progress, we are a young team; the slot for the World Cup is for Nigeria. “We just want to play and qualify for the African Cup of Nations. “I said before now that if we can pick a point from the match against Nigeria, I will be the happiest man in the world, but now, we have three points. “It is not that we are a better side, but we put a plan and Nigeria also put theirs, but our plans worked very well, that is football,” he said. How far the Nigerian Spirit will carry the Super Eagles remains to be seen. Nigeria remain top of Group C with six points, two more than both Cape Verde (who defeated Liberia’s Lone Star in Monrovia) and Central African Republic, with Liberia bumped to bottom place.

FIXTURES SUNDAY

CAR Uganda Kenya Benin Zambia

v v v v v

Nigeria 03: 00 Rwanda 03: 00 Mali 03: 00 Tanzania 03: 00 E. Guinea 06:00

GROUP C TEAM

PTS

Nigeria Cape Verde CAR Liberia

3 3 3 3

2 1 1 1

0 1 1 0

1 1 1 2

4 4 2 2

2 4 2 4

+2 +0 4 +0 4 -2 3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Tysn Fury threwa shot to the face of Deontay Wilder during their second meeting

Fury Stakes WBC Title against Wilder The WBC world heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, will defend his title against Deontay Wilder Sunday morning at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It’s the third meeting between the two fighters and one of the biggest bouts in 2021, a year that has seen numerous disruptions to the boxing calendar due to COVID-19 and other factors. The pair first met in December 2018 when Wilder was the WBC champion and Fury was talking himself up as the lineal heavyweight champion after defeating then-unified champion Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 and hadn’t lost since. Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs) had struggled with mental health issues after beating Klitschko, but he got his career back on track with a goal of beating Wilder (42-1-1, 41 KOs). He nearly had the Bronze Bomber the first time around, but he suffered a pair of late knockdowns—including a very dramatic beating of the count in the 12th round and had to settle for a split draw. That led to a rematch in February 2020, one that Fury dominated. Wilder couldn’t deal with his hand speed and pressure fighting style, and the Gypsy King stunned him early and never let up,

earning a technical knockout in the seventh round. It was the first loss of the American’s career. Both fighters have been absent from the ring since that second meeting. The trilogy fight was supposed to happen sooner, but Fury tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this year, pushing the bout back from its original July date. Can Fury bully the knockout artist once again? Has Wilder done enough in training to create better opportunities for his powerful right hand? Those questions will be answered soon enough. Fury and Wilder are already trading jabs on social media with just a day to go until the fight: Considering the one-sided nature of the second meeting, most seem to think Fury is going to hand Wilder another loss today. Assuming everything’s gone well in training, Fury, who stands 6’9”, has all the physical tools to dominate Wilder again. He has quicker hands, longer arms, great footwork and enough power to keep his 35-year-old opponent on the back foot. Fury also believes he has a psychological edge. Wilder

famously blamed his ring-walk costume for being too heavy and sapping the strength in his legs before the second fight. However, the British fighter told Keith Idec of Boxing Scene: “I’ve never, ever seen a more one-sided beatdown of an undefeated world heavyweight champion than I did to Deontay Wilder in that second fight. So, I’m not sure how I would react if I got absolutely smashed to bits, like he did. But I guarantee it wouldn’t be like this, like a child. He’s like a kindergarten school child, making excuses why he didn’t get tagged. You didn’t tag me! And that’s what Deontay Wilder is, he’s an excuse-maker.” Unless he’s managed a complete overhaul of his style, Wilder will almost certainly be biding his time and looking to catch Fury with a right-handed power shot. He sent him to the canvas twice in the first fight, so he knows it’s possible to put the big man down, but he has to be careful he doesn’t get overwhelmed like he did in the rematch. Wilder is a dangerous opponent, but he’s not as skilled as Fury. Look for a similar outcome to the second meeting.

2021 HiFL: Sponsors Restate Commitment to HiFL ˾ AAUA Luminaries, UNIMAID Desert Warriors in battle for title today Ahead of today’s final of the 2021 Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL) between AAUA Luminaries of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba and the Desert Warriors of University of Maiduguri, sponsors of the competition have restated their commitment towards supporting the league for the foreseeable future. Speaking at the press conference heralding the Super Four games scheduled for today at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Pavillion, Managing Director, The LaCasera Company, Chinedum Okereke, said Bold is delighted to be associated with HiFL because the project aligns with the company’s commitment towards contributing to youth development in Nigeria. “The vision of Bold is to unleash the talent in Nigerian youths. As a brand, we relate with Nigerian because they are daring,

adventurous and they love fun. It is a great joy to be part of the HiFL initiative. We understand that when we talk about the youth in Nigeria, we should identify them with positive things such as this project. We are equally partnering with the youth on other positive things, ” Okereke said. On behalf of Nivea Men, Nathaniel Adewusi, GTM & Promotions, Beiersdorf Nigeria explained that if Nigerian youths are positively engaged, the country stands a better chance regarding crime prevention. development. “The goals of Nivea Men regarding the development of the Nigerian youth is aligned with that of the Higher Institutions Football League. All we want to achieve is to ensure that Nigerian youth positively channel their energy and this competition is affording us that opportunity. Based on what we have seen and our experiences and feedback from the various

centres, we hope to sustain this partnership with HiFL. We align with the fact that the competition is for the youth, who are the future of the country. We believe that if the youths are positively engaged, the tendency for them to be involved in criminal activities will be significantly reduced” Adewusi said. In her remark, Omotayo Abiodun, Public Relations Manager at Minimie stated that the brand is fulfilled by being associated with HiFL. “I must say that we are very delighted to be on this platform because the HiFL platform is very strategic for our brand. We share the same values and objectives which is working towards nurturing and growing young talents. Minimie will always support any youth-centric activities and that is why we are on this platform. HIFL is organised by Pace Sports and Entertainment Marketing Limited and the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA).

L-R: Brain behind the Nigeria Cup and former Captain, Soji Awogbade, Golf Captain, Innocent Okoro, 2021 Nigeria Cup winner, Idowu Oboro and Chairman, Ikoyi Golf Community Nigeria Association, Wahab Aminu Sarumi in group photograph with the newly crowned Nigeria Cup Champion

Oboro Emerges Winner of 24th Nigeria Cup The 24th edition in the series of the annual Nigeria Cup, a tournament put in place to celebrate the nation’s independence anniversary came to a thrilling end last Saturday with Idowu Oboro emerging the events overall winner. To emerge tops, Oboro netted a score of 68, beating his closest rival Emmanuel Olayiwola Ogunrinde by two-shots. Ogunrinde carded 70-net score while two-time winner of the competition, Femi Feyide, also with 70-net score came in the third position. Feyide lost on countback to the second placed Ogunrinde. 17-handicapped VictorAdogie was further down on the winners list in the fourth position after 72-net score, while Vivek Changrani completed

the top five positions in the net category for men. Changrani carded a score of 73, to beat Segun Omosehin who also shoots 73 on countback. Peter Eben-Spiff ruled in the gross category for men winning on countback after 79. Former Golf Captain Uwem Udoh came second while Osiregbemeh Egbakhumeh also with 79-gross score came in the third position. Okey Ananaba’s 81-gross placed him in the fourth position. Delighted by outcome of the weeklong competition, Chairman, Ikoyi Golf Community NigeriaAssociation, (IGCNA), Wahab Aminu-Sarumi, congratulated the winners while showing appreciation to everyone who participated in the competition.

Sarumi, who said the competition wouldn’t have been a success without the support of organisations, also commended individuals who supported the event with their money and time. While thanking the Organising Committee for a job welldone, Aminu-Sarumi urged members of the Club to look forward to another rewarding Nigeria Cup in 2022. AMNI International Petroleum Development Company Limited is the events Partner while Lord’s Gin, Sapetro, Design Union, ND Western, Birdview, Shell, and NNPC are the major sponsors. TheNigeriaCupisorganised annually by Ikoyi Golf Community Nigeria Association IGCNA.

Nationwide League One Picks TAG Football Academy as Strategic Partner In a bid to aid grassroots football development in Nigeria through the Nationwide League One, the board of the Nationwide League One has concluded plans to partner the Turkish African Group that owns the TAG Football Academy, located in Istanbul, Turkey. This was stated in a letter signed by the Chief Operating Officer of NLO, Olushola Ogunnowowhereheconveyed the approval of the board to the CEO of Turkish African Group (TAG), Orobiyi Quadri Oluwabamise. Nationwide board has

agreed to work with TAG as strategic partners; the letter also revealed the intention of NLO to work together in the areas of developmental and scouting program, screening and facilitating NLO clubs that wish to visit Turkey for football training tour. While reacting to the letter via a release issued and signed by Orobiyi, he thanked the board of NLO for founding TAG worthy as strategic partner while pledging the readiness of his outfit to work together for the betterment of grassroots football in Nigeria. However, he hinted that

TAG Football Academy will soon be flagging off its operation Istanbul, Turkey with hope to draw aspiring players fromAfrican countries to enjoy many mouthwatering opportunities the middle-east football has to offer. Orobiyi added that TAG Football Academy will offer African candidates the opportunity to build their international profile by undergoing international professional training programs, as candidates will also get the opportunity to go for trials in Turkish leagues and other European countries.

33 Export Lager Backs Eagles to Win in Douala 33 Export Lager has expressed absolute confidence in the Super Eagles; getting back on track with their qualification hopes for the FIFA 2022 World Cup when they face the Central African Republic again on Sunday in Douala. The good run of the threetime African champions in the race to Qatar 2022 was halted on Thursday with the 1-0 loss suffered against CAR at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos However, 33 Export Lager, the official beer of the Super Eagles believes the momentary setback will not deter coach Gernot Rohr’s side from following through with their quest for a seventh World Cup

appearance. To further demonstrate its unwavering support and belief in the Super Eagles, 33 Export Lager, organised a dinner for the players and officials at the Sky Lounge of the Eko Hotels & Suites. At the exquisitely organised dinner where 33 Export Lager gave some fans the chance to wine and dine with their Super Eagles stars, an actual cheque of N1million was presented to Kelechi Iheanacho for emerging Man-of-the-Match in the team’s earlier home game against Liberia in September. Iheanacho’s brace in that game handed the Eagles all three points on Day 1 of the qualifying series. The presentation was

made by Nigerian Breweries Plc Head Media, Digital PR & Sponsorship, Wasiu Ola Abiola and the Senior Brand Manager 33 Export Lager, Aisha Aniekwe. Loyal customers and passionate football fans who were part of the carefully selected audience also won for themselves prizes and gift items; including Super Eagles’ souvenirs like jerseys and branded items. Popular musician M1 entertained at the dinner with guests expressing confidence that the team can indeed firm up leadership of Group C after Sunday’s clash in Douala and go ahead to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Arnaut Danjuma Chances to Star for Super Eagles Narrowed

Arnaut Danjuma sent Elche goalkeeper KikoCasilla reeling before putting the ball into the net

Though, he had starred for Netherlands at the age-grade level, he is still eligible to play for Nigeria-his country of birth, his mother being Nigerian.The Nigeria Football Federation eggheads had been hoping to exploit these holes to extend an invitation to Arnaut Danjuma considering his form in recent times.That ambition may have however hit a brickwall after Oranje Manager, Loius van Gaal, expressed his admiration for the Lagos-born player and promised to invite him for Netherlands subsequent matches

ew Villarreal star, Arnaut Danjuma has started the season well but Nigeria is set to miss out on his talents if recent comments of Netherlands coach Louis Van Gaal is anything to go by. The former Barcelona Manager has hinted that he would invite the Villarreal winger to the Oranje squad for next month’s international break. Netherlands head coach has explained why he left in-form Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma out of his squad. The winger has been in excellent form since joining Villarreal from Bournemouth this summer and has netted five times for his new club. However, Van Gaal did not include Danjuma in his Oranje squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Latvia and Gibraltar. Speaking at his press conference on Monday, Van Gaal said of Danjuma, “He has changed clubs. He did that quite late and he didn’t play in the first phase either. He generally fell in. He’s been doing great in the last four games and can be there, but I haven’t decided on that. I don’t need you for that, to see that he’s doing well.” Van Gaal continued, “Do you think the KNVB has no scouts? I have to tell you honestly that we cleaned up the list two weeks ago. It contained 100 players and that seems a bit too much to me. But indeed, Danjuma is there.” The Oranje boss expects Danjuma to be in

his squad next time if he continues this level, “We are watching everything and I am really happy that he is doing so well. Two goals again and decisive at the highest level. I can’t imagine he won’t be there next time. He can also go into a dip, that’s also possible,” Van Gaal said. Although he has two appearances for the Dutch national team, with one goal to his name, it was in a Nations League and friendly encounter. And with the player making both appearances at 21, Danjuma is still eligible to play for the Super Eagles according to FIFA rules. However, following Van Gaal’s latest comments, it appears the three-time African champions will miss out on the 24-year-old. When Villarreal spent 20 million euros, plus 2m to 3m euros in variables, to sign Danjuma from Bournemouth, not many expected the 24-year-old winger to make an immediate impact at the Yellow Submarine. Villarreal’s second most expensive signing of all time, only after Paco Alcacer, has stood out so far this season, as he has already netted four goals in LaLiga Santander and another one in the Champions League. Unai Emery was the one to push for Danjuma’s transfer back in summer and his player has paid back his coach’s confidence by scoring a brace against Real Betis. A few days before the game against the Andalusian side, he produced a man-of-thematch display in their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at the Old Trafford. People who know him better say that

Danjuma, a practicing Muslim, is a quiet person away from the pitch. His snake gesture celebration, one which started as a joke with a friend a long time ago, has already become popular, with his teammates having already handed him the nickname of ‘Danjumagic’. Meanwhile, Danjuma has credited Emery for his awe-inspiring form at La Liga outfit Villarreal. After two seasons at Championship side Bournemouth, the 24-year-old joined the reigning Europa League kings on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee. With that move, the Nigerian prospect will remain at Estadio de la Ceramica until 2026. Since joining the Spanish top-flight side, Danjuma has proven his efficiency in front of goal – netting five times in all competitions in the 2021-22 campaign. In his last outing, he got a brace as he has pointed at the former Arsenal boss’ impact for his impressive run so far. “I feel very good here. I need to give a massive thanks to Unai Emery,” he told the club website. “The coach is really busy with me and he really helps me to perform with the team. “I’ve integrated well with the culture of the team, and my teammates trust me.” Danjuma also voiced his ‘hunger’ to ensure that Villarreal win silverware. “My stats have been good so far. I’m looking forward to performing more for the team. I’m very hungry, for me, this is only the beginning,” he continued. After the international window, the winger

would be hoping to continue with his fine run when the Submarine welcome Osasuna to the Estadio de la Ceramica. For manager Emery, his aim is to see Danjuma form a solid partnership with Spanish star Yeremi Pino. “Playing well helps you win, and winning gives you confidence,” he said. The winger has gone from the Championship to the Champions League in the space of just a few months. And in the not-too-distant future he could well be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk after Liverpool scouts were reportedly tasked to attend Manchester United’s clash with Villarreal as they look into the possibility of life after Sadio Mane. Danjuma hit 15 goals for Bournemouth last season. But how many top flight teams from abroad usually take a punt on someone who is unproven at the top level? His old boss Jonathan Woodgate said of Danjuma: “I see him as doing what he wants to do in the game. “He can go as high as he wants to, but he’s got to always want more, always try to be that best.” A £21million to Spain followed this summer but the speed at which Danjuma has adapted to his new surroundings has perhaps caught many off-guard. In five games he has already grabbed two goals. G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMIFULA OGBU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9, 2021

EVENTS

aturday October 2nd marked two years since Ede, Osun State born business magnate, religious leader and philanthropist, Alhaji (Dr.) Sakariyau Olayiwola Babalola transitioned to eternal glory. Recently, his immediate family members, Muslim Community and associates organized a memorial prayers at his Ikoyi residence for the repose of his soul. Here are a few dignitaries that graced the ceremony.

L-R: Chairman, Board of Trustees, SOBabalola Foundation, Alhaji Raﬁu Adisa Ebiti, Managing Director, Lotus Bank, Mrs. Kaﬁla Araoye and former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Musliu Smith

Son of the deceased and former Minister of Power, Dr. Lanre Babalola and daughter, Hon. Idia Babalola

L-R: Daughters of the deceased, Ms. Halima Babalola, Mrs. Fatima Babalola Braimo and widow, Mrs. Halima Sakariyau-Babalola

L-R: Members, Board of Trustees, SOBabalola Foundation, Engr. Gbajabiamila, and Engr. Jaiye Balogun

L-R: Mrs. Munirat Folasade Tinubu and Alhaja Adebisi Ebiti

L-R: Otunba Kola Adepoju, Mrs. Jemilat Ayinla and Mr. Raﬁu Williams

L-R: Alhaji Sabiru Babalola, Alhaji Tunji Babalola and Alhaji Lekan Babalola

L-R: Alhaji Abdulkabir Olagunju, Mr. Akanni Aﬁlaka and Alhaji Kasali Oyinlola Babalola

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9, 2021

EVENTS

L-R: Mr. Tajudeen Ibrahim, Alhaji Azeez Musa and Alhaji Adeyinka Liadi

L-R: Alhaja Tawakalitu Omolara Adelabu and Alhaja Memunat Bola Saani

R-L: Alhaji Abayomi Adigun and Alhaji Lateef Ola-Ayinde

R-L: Alhaji Tayo Shasanya and Mr. Adetayo Alokolaro

L-R: Mrs. Lateefat Sadoh and Mrs. s.. Adio Adio Tokunbo To ok ku un nbo nb bo

L-R: Alhaji AbdulWaheed Babalola, Dr. Waliu Ajibade Braimo and Alhaji AbdulRasheed Babalola

R-L: Imam Murtador Olowo, Imam Shakiru Gafar, Alhaji Akeem Ganiyu and Alhaji Qasim Salami

L-R: Alhaja Muinat Shopeyin (Iya Suna of Lagos) and Alhaja Morenike Epemolu

Mr. Tokunbo Babalola and wife, Mrs. Kemi Babalola and Olaoluwa Babalola

L-R Mrs. Moji Ogunrinde, Oluwatumininu Ogunrinde and Mr. Yaya Ogunrinde

L-R: Mr. Tunde Ojo, Mr. Abiye Karibi-Whyte and Henry Lamah

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9, 2021

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK

7 Tips for Keeping Your Car’s Air Conditioning in Top Shape

Maybach Limited Anniversary Edition

Mercedes-Benz Presents World premiere of Maybach Limited Anniversary Edition

“W

hat is good must also be beautiful.” This was the credo of Wilhelm and Karl Maybach at the beginning of the 20th century. Father and son were regarded as gifted designers, trailblazers of automotive luxury and pioneers in matters of style. With a simple-sounding formula, they created highly complex things: perfection and craftsmanship paired with innovation, both technically and in terms of workmanship. This is what the name Maybach stands for to this day. The Mercedes-Maybach brand continues to develop, with more models – soon also electric. At the IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich, MercedesMaybach presented the “Concept EQS” and thus gave a preview of the first fully electric series model from 2023. The SUV will be based on the modular architecture for luxury - and premium-class electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Maybach is presenting the “Edition 100” to mark its 100th anniversary. A special edition of the current S-Class

and GLS models, each limited to 100 units. The special series can be ordered from the fourth quarter of 2021. Wilhelm Maybach, born in 1846, was a close companion of Gottlieb Daimler and initially worked for Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. Among many innovations, he developed the first Mercedes, which dominated the Nice Race Week in 1901. This success earned him the honorary name “Roi des Constructeurs” – King of the Constructors. He and his eldest son Karl combined progress with form: They wanted to create “the best of the best”. “I think about it around the clock, a constant impulse: the perfection of the technology,” said Wilhelm. Maybach Motorenbau GmbH presented the first mass-produced car at the motor show in Berlin in September 1921. The W 3 model resembled a moving work of art: the first German production car with four-wheel brakes, epicyclic gear system and an interior with the finest materials. The audience was thrilled, a legend was born. The magazine “Motor” wrote: “A new star in the automotive firmament is beginning to shine.” In the 1920s and 1930s, Maybach became an expression of character and social position, and the

epitome of technical and craftsmanship refinement – in short, custom-made luxury. From then on, kings, industrialists and artists were chauffeured in the stately limousines and majestic Pullman saloons, and travelled the world in chic coupés, cabriolets and roadsters. Every Maybach model is uniquely equipped. Precision meets glamour. An Indian maharajah even had his limousine decorated with gold and rubies in 1928. After the death of Karl Maybach in 1960, Daimler-Benz AG took over Maybach Motorenbau GmbH. In 2002, MAYBACH was revived as an independent brand: until the beginning of 2013, legendary vehicles like the Maybach 57 and Maybach 62 as well as the Maybach 62 Landaulet were delivered to customers all over the world. Again, automotive excellence was the driving force for engineers, designers and customers alike. Mercedes-Maybach has been a Mercedes-Benz brand since 2014. In addition to the standard Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and GLS models, the brand is also launching the S 600 Pullman as well as limited-edition special models such as the S 650 Cabriolet or a G 650 Landaulet.

Kia Sonet Arrives Nigeria in Style

he urban and athletic Sonet has arrived Nigeria and poised to revolutionize the sub-compact SUV segment. Designed to be bold and unforgettable, the Sonet boasts of key features that place it in a league of its own within the compact SUV segment. Customers can now visit their Kia online platforms or in-person at the showrooms to learn more about the model and book a test drive. With multiple powertrain options, the new Sonet’s impressive features come encapsulated in a modern exterior, making the Sonet the latest addition to Kia’s award-winning SUV family. With a dynamic stance in a conÀdent and compact body, the Sonet includes a fresh interpretation of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, ‘heartbeat’ LED DRLs (daytime running lights), and a stylish front skid plate beneath. Kia Àrst unveiled the Sonet concept in Delhi, India, during the Auto Expo 2020. Within a year, Kia has taken a concept to reality, bringing the future closer to customers. The all-new Sonet incorporates Kia’s DNA of emotive styling along with a premium appeal, which creates a strong presence on road. Boasting multiple segment-Àrst features that oͿer the ultimate driving experience for customers, the Sonet provides comfort, convenience, and safety. Fitted with the largest and the best in class 10.25-inch (26.03 cm) HD, the Sonet also comes with other smart

Kai Sonet

features such as multi-drive & traction modes, and grip control for automatic models. Designed around the driver with a well laid-out, intuitive infotainment and cluster interface, the Sonet was built taking into consideration the end user’s experience, harbouring functional qualities in every inch of its ergonomic space.

“Kia has manufactured a vision inspired by our young, ingenious customers who crave simplicity and seamlessness in their lives. The Sonet delivers on features that are simply not found in models belonging to the same compact SUV category. Packed with Àrst-in-class, purposeful features and technologies. Our Nigeria customers will

Seven tips for keeping your air conditioning running at maximum performance. 1. Run your A/C weekly on defrost mode You should run your air conditioning weekly for 10 minutes on defrost mode on the coolest setting and at the maximum fan speed. This helps maintain gas pressure, keeps your compressor running well, cleans out moisture and prevents mildew. This includes running your air conditioning in the winter, which helps remove humidity and works well to defog the windshield. &OHDQ RU FKDQJH WKH DLU ÀOWHU Dirty cabin air Àlters prevent proper airÁow. Check your Àlter often and clean or replace it. 3. Don’t pre-cool your car Your car’s air conditioning operates at maximum e΀ciency when you’re driving. Don’t pre-cool your car. On extra hot days, put the fan on high once you start driving and open only the backseat windows for 10 to 20 seconds to force out the hot air. 4. Set A/C to the coldest setting Your car’s air conditioning is most efÀcient when set to the lowest temperature and adjusting the fan for comfort. Most air conditioning systems cool the air to 3-4 C. A higher temperature forces the system to re-heat the air, burning more fuel. 5. Keep your car clean Dirt and bacteria can negatively impact your car’s air conditioning system. Keep dirt and debris at bay by cleaning, dusting and vacuuming regularly. 6. Don’t use A/C on recirculate if you have back seat passengers The recirculation mode pulls air from the front of the vehicle and re-cools it. It works well for passengers in the front of your vehicle, but can leave air stale and hot in the back. *HW D IXOO $ & VHUYLFH DW 7KH 0X΀HUPDQ The best way to keep your car’s air conditioning functioning well is to get regular service at your local Mu΁erman location. A Mu΁erman professional can detect leaks or damage to your system and recommend the best course of action to keep your air conditioning running properly… and you cool all through the hot summer.

Ànd in the Sonet a smart companion to navigate the needs of life,” said Mr. Jacky Hathiramani, Managing Director/CEO, Kia Nigeria. Under the hood, the Sonet comes with multiple powertrain options which can be customised to suit the requirements of the driver. An e΀ciently powered gasoline engine –the Sonet also oͿers its 1.5-liter MPI engine with the six-speed automatic transmission. Kia Motors keenly prioritises customer safety. As a result, more than two-thirds of the Sonet’s body consists of high strength and advanced high strength steel, which creates a robust yet lightweight structure. Kia has ensured that every drive with the Sonet is as hassle free and safe as possible, thanks to a rigorous set of measures created in line with Kia’s pillars of safety. To match the needs of a wide array of customer preferences, the Sonet will be available in a dual trim concept that includes a sporty GT-Line trim. Enhancing the Sonet’s athletic and energetic appeal, the GT-Line models oͿer sportiness both inside and out. Customers who are looking for a sharp, dynamic road presence have the choice to opt for this trim. “Built through synthesising customer insight, Kia has formulated the Sonet, a compact SUV design built to world-leading standards, pioneering segment-leading features, and design that naturally nestles itself into the increasingly demanding urban lives of individuals” said, Olawale Jimoh, Marketing Manager, Kia Nigeria. The Sonet is now available in Nigeria at all Kia Showrooms. Customers can contact their nearest Kia outlet to know more about the Sonet.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9, 2021

AUTO WORLD

Geely Nigeria Sponsors Silverbird’s MBGN Pageant 2021

obal Auto giant- Geely Motors, proudly brought to Nigeria by Mikano International, partnered with the Silverbird Group as the o΀cial car sponsor of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant. Geely’s partnership with MBGN - Nigeria’s leading pageant platform where its Ànalists automatically become representatives at international pageants like Miss World and Miss Universe – aligns with the brand’s ethos and expertise at designing cars that embody elegance, sophistication and most importantly, reliability. In its capacity as sponsor, Geely Nigeria, with full support from Mikano International, enthralled the MBGN contestants to two days of unforgettable fun, commencing with a vibrant motorcade on the 12th of September and ending on an extra high note with some beach fun the next day. The motorcade event was aimed at showing the MBGN contestants, who were selected from across Nigeria, around the host city of Lagos, and also give the ladies, and their accompanying Silverbird crew, a Àrst-hand feel of Geely’s array of hi-tech vehicles. The twenty-one car strong convoy, embarked on a tour of Lagos’ suburbs, taking oͿ from Geely Nigeria’s Áagship showroom on Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island and passing through pertinent locations like the home of Silverbird

(MBGN’s organisers)- on Ahmadu Bello way and Eko Hotel and Suites, (the venue for the crowning event) on Adetokunbo Ademola, Victoria Island. The convoy of Geely cars, featured all three models in Geely Nigeria’s current lineup: the iconic Emgrand 7, the X7 Sport SUV and the recently launched Coolray crossover SUV. Following a successful motorcade parade, the MBGN contestants were hosted to a day of music, games and fun at Moist Beach club, Victoria Island by the Geely-Mikano team. The beach event was graced by entertainment industry favourites and friends of the Geely-Mikano family, including, Don Jazzy, rave of the moment- Ayra Starr, comedian- Sydney Talker, Cubana chief priest, Guy Murray Bruce; President Silverbird Group, amongst others. The girls were split into four teams representing features of Geely cars; Safety, Hi-Tech, Power and Design, and they engaged in various team activities including a volleyball tournament. The culmination of the two days of fun, was ultimately fulÀlled on the 18th of September at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, when Miss Abuja, Oluchi Madubuike; a certiÀed nursing practitioner was crowned the MBGN 2021 and also the holder of the title- Miss World Nigeria 2021. The MBGN queen was presented with the keys to a brand new Emgrand7 by Ralph Haidar, the National Sales and Brand Manager, Mikano

L-R: Marketing Manager, Geely Nigeria, Karima Okunola; Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, (MBGN 2021), Oluchi Madubuike; President, Silverbird Group, Guy Murray Bruce (Motors Division). Haidar reiterated Geely-Mikano’s commitment to supporting women empowerment in Nigeria, when he addressed the contestants by stating, “today you’re the most beautiful girls in Nigeria, tomorrow you will be the most beautiful entrepreneurs, artistes, politicians, mothers of Nigeria

and Africa and the world.” He also spoke about how Geely Nigeria, through Mikano international, is proud to be associated with the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria platform, a prestigious and reputable brand that has successfully groomed young Nigerian ladies into icons of beauty and intellect.

Land Rover Design Studio Releases Only 5,000 Defender Worldwide New limited-edition Defender 90 Design Icon Model is is in the auto market but restricted to 5,000 examples globally and available to buy from Land Rover retailers worldwide and online at the Land Rover Shop. Coscharis Motors is the sole authorised representative of Jaguar LandRover in Nigeria and they already have their share. New limited-edition Land Rover Defender 90 Design Icon Model captures the essence of the brand’s unmistakeable design language, according to the automaker. The Àne piece of machinery was created by the Land Rover Design Studio and it is available in three authentic colours used on Land Rover’s reborn all-terrain legend: Pangea Green, Gondwana Stone and Santorini Black. With a dynamic stance and sophisticated lines, the model represents a celebration of Land Rover’s goanywhere modern luxury, from

the Design team that brings those shapes to life. “The adventurous spirit of Land Rover is expressed through the Icon Model’s characteristic form and attention to detail, while its reductive form gives a timeless quality to the design,” said Massimo Frascella, Land Rover Design Director. The Defender 90 Design Icon Model is 17cm long, 9cm wide and 6cm high. It has a recommended retail price of £65 in the UK and is restricted to 5,000 examples globally across the three colours. Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true ‘breadth of capability’ across the model range. Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Evoque each define the world’s SUV sectors, with 80 per cent of this model range exported to over 100 countries.

L-R: British Deputy High Commissioner, Ben Llewelyn-Jones, and General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde, with the All New LandRover Defender at the reception of the James Bond film – ‘No time to die’, partnered with the Jaguar LandRover brand, which held at the British Deputy High Commissioners’ residence in Lagos… recently

Is Daydreaming While Driving Dangerous? Sometime in July 2021, an old time friend of mine was arrested by one of my patrol teams in the Federal Capital Territory for use of phone while driving infraction. Just before the patrol team could conclude the usual protocol of establishing the rationale for the arrest and the other procedures, my friend who before now had boasted that he can never fall prey quickly put a call through me, pleading for my urgent intervention. He pleaded innocence claiming that he wasn’t making any call, except that he picked his phone to quickly scan or read through an urgent message with respect to an important appointment with a very important client. All my attempts to educate him of the provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations was rebuffed by him as he insisted that he was not using his phone. I have at different times under different titles focused on the increasing spate of drivers who indulge in contravening this provisions only for them to argue that they did nothing wrong. My intention today is not to treat this again in details. Those interested can check through my write-ups on this subject under titles such as, The Black Berry Craze or The Blackberry Phobia. If you are one of the serial offenders still in the habit of phoning behind the wheels, you need to do a rethink on that habit because of the other discoveries on distracted driving. That is why today, I wish to treat a topic I am sure will shock most motorists: The topic is on Daydreaming. This piece is not about the psychology of daydreaming but the dangers behind the wheels. You may say you are a dreamer. You may equally

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. say that everybody dreams, including my humble self. However, you are advised to put your dreams on hold until you are off the road. Remember that in my earlier piece, I warned about the dangers of using your phone while driving. But a study claims that it is even more dangerous to daydream behind the wheels. Daydreaming, according to Wikipedia, is a short-term detachment from one’s immediate surroundings, during which a person’s contact with reality is blurred and partially substituted by a visionary fantasy, especially one of happy, pleasant thoughts, hopes or ambitions, imagined as coming to pass, and experienced while awake. There are of course many definitions, but that is not my focus. There are also the good and the bad side of daydreaming. My concern in this piece is on the dangers you put yourself today on the road. When I warned against driving and phoning, I told you that you are four times likely to be involved in a crashing in the case of daydreaming behind the wheels. The finding says you are five times more likely to be involved in a fatal

crash because you were lost on thought, than if you were distracted by texting or talking on the phone. A research conducted by Erie Insurance Group focused on the 65,000 fatal crashes that occurred in the US over the last two years - between 2011 and 2012 - identifying 10 per cent as the result of some form of distracted driving-in line with federal and other insurance industry estimates. The research also surprisingly identified 62 per cent of the crashes as the result of simply being lost in thought. That might mean failing to recognize a dangerous curve on the road, running into the back of another vehicle, surging through a red light or some other driver error. By compari-sokonly-12 percent of fatal accidents-- covered by the data were blamed on some form of mobile phone use. The results showed that rubbernecking accounted for 7per cent, kids or other occupants, 5 per cent, reaching for an object elsewhere in the car, 2 per cent, while eating or drinking accounted for 2 per cent. This report follows a recent state farm study by the Detroit Bureau, that nearly half of drivers under 29 uses the Internet at least once a month while behind the wheels. These findings are indeed a confirmation that driving, as postulated by the Road Society for the Prevention of Accidents, is a dangerous vocation that demands full concentration at all times, While you ponder over this new discovery, I will like to do a rehash of my previous piece on blackberry, just to refresh your mind. Some call it the new craze in town. For others, it is the vogue, the latest status symbol. It comes in all shades: blackberry-bold, blackberry-storm and blackberry-curve. Truth is that this latest invention

for freaky phone lovers is a delight to behold. For the mobile man, it provides all the tools to run your business on the move; but for us in the Federal Road Safety Corps, blackberry is a killer because of the level of abuse seen daily on the wheels. I know! wrote about the phoning phobia over a year ago, but this craze doubles by the day and scares me stiͿ. Check out the average blackberry users, especially the ones who own cart One trait among them is their mannerism on the wheels even though a good nurrilier display gross ignorance of relevant tra΀c rules and a diehard penchant for violating these rules, This trait is no respecter of sex, education, tribe or height, or even looks.’ Whether the user lives on the highbrow Lekki, lkoyi or Victoria Island, be it Banana Island or maybe Douglas Road in Owerri, Imo State, or even Nyanya in the Federal Capital Territory, the show-oͿ is the same. All blackberry users have their peculiar, swag-attitude. Daily on the road, in’ all manner and shades of vehicles, they Áout their new toy as they text, e-mail, chat, phone, browse the face-book and do all sorts in the name of displaying their new status. Some are bold enough to display this `craze” right inside the premises of the Federal Road Safety Corps and would go to any length to deny their act when caught. The major highways are not even spared by them despite the speed craze by most drivers. Even in the church during services, they do same.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9, 2021

HEALTH Lohith Reddy: How to Tame Cancerous Cells Cancer is deadly, no doubt. The reason for this is not farfetched: late detection makes it very debilitating, as such chances of anyone surviving the ordeal after the disease has literally run its full circle is very slim. Thankfully, all hope is not lost, according to Dr. Lohith Reddy, a Radiation Oncologist with India’s largest Cancer care center, Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd (HCG). He shares his thoughts with Adedayo Adejobi

hat is Cancer and Why does it kill? The human body is made up of trillions of cells that over your lifetime normally grow and divide as needed. When cells are abnormal or get old, they usually die. Cancer starts when something goes wrong in this process and your cells keep making new cells and the old or abnormal ones don’t die when they should. As the cancer cells grow out of control, they can crowd out normal cells. This makes it hard for your body to work the way it should. Cancer can develop anywhere in the body and is named for the part of the body where it started. For instance, breast cancer that starts in the breast is still called breast cancer even if it spreads to other parts of the body. Even though cancer can lead to death, it’s not necessarily cancer that causes someone to die. Causes of cancer deaths can include: organ failure due to the size and stress of a tumor, complications during surgery, organ rupture due to tumor size, and infection due to the immune system’s inability to fight off illness while on cancer treatment. Since all the organs in our body connect one way or another, all it takes is for one to begin shutting down, and the rest may start to follow suit. In the end, the person with cancer passes away. Depending on the type of cancer, the cause of death can vary. As a specialist who has dealt with many cases, you are there to give a diagnosis that, Reddy more often than not, will alter someone’s life forever. How do you deal with a patient’s reaction upon being diagnosed with cancer, knowing largest provider of cancer care is at the that an average patient sees cancer diagnosis forefront of the battle against cancer. as a death sentence, the fear of a cancer death, Through its network of 19 comprehensive of pain and the lack of dignity? cancer centers spread across India, HCG There is no formula for telling a patient that he has brought advanced cancer care to the or she has cancer. The diagnosis is still perceived, doorstep of millions of people. For years, for the most part, as a death sentence, and a HCG has been defining the future of cancer patient’s reaction is usually a combination of fear, care in India by designing, building and mandespair, and anger. How a physician delivers the aging cancer centres with a steadfast vision: news about the diagnosis, however, and his or her To transform the cancer care environment empathy for the patient’s situation has a profound by bringing core clinical services to one effect on the patient’s emotional well-being. central place. Our intent is to help patients Patients rely on their doctor to give clear and live longer, better lives - and to improve helpful information that will guide them through cancer care one centre at a time. At HCG, making decisions about their care. And the doctor each centre is a model of excellence, a place relies on the patient to be open and honest, and where physicians can achieve professional to trust them. In this way, you and your doctor are fulfillment and accomplish breakthroughs collaborators – a team working together to make in patient care. HCG has grown rapidly and sure you get the best care possible. Encouraging is now a leader in cancer care, managing a the patients to be a partner by taking the active network of 19 cancer care centres pan India. role in cancer treatment can help to get the best Each centre is provided with a business care from the team of doctors, nurses, and other system, management expertise and capital health care providers taking care of the patient. resources to bring patient-focused, state-ofThey can try to fully understand their cancer, their the art cancer care to new regions. treatments, and what they can expect. The doctor An area of such intensity requires can answer their questions, support you and your innovative treatments and methods, and family, and help you feel that you have the informathe introduction of industry-changing tion you need to make the decisions that are technologies, for the overall benefit of right for the patient. Also, the cancer care team both the medical expert and the patient. members can help them find people and places Cancer research is an area that requires near them that can give you more help, if needed. more serious work and HCG aims to rise up However, one of the most important techniques, to that challenge. In all its years of working effective listening, is often overlooked. in this field, HCG has led the march against cancer and set benchmarks in the industry, HCG is reputed to be the biggest and most by introducing many new technologies, advanced cancer hospital in India; can you give highly useful in increasing the accuracy and use insight into this? saving time. Cancer surgery is an important Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd (HCG), India’s area of medicine and we aim to lead with

cialised medical facilities, which have remained a critical challenge to Nigeria’s healthcare provision. At HCG, it has been our venture to redefine the future of healthcare through specialising in cancer care and advanced diagnosis. About 275 specialists work with HCG - The specialists in Cancer care. We have engaged in a constant endeavor to mold the future of healthcare in India by designing, building and managing healthcare centres with a steadfast vision of bringing core clinical services under one roof. Our intent is to help patients achieve a longer and better life. With a network of 20 cancer centres across India, HCG makes advanced cancer care accessible to millions of people. HCG is striving to transform the healthcare environment of the country ensuring it brings together quality, expertise and knowledge. Besides this, it is also extending its footprint to international markets. We have established cancer centers in Tanzania and Kenya as of now and hope to expand further to other countries in the near future. At HCG, we offer all modalities of Cancer treatment with the most advanced state-of- art technologies under a single roof. The concepts like Precision Oncology which is integral part of HCG practice can be one of the factors. We strive to support our patients in all the possible ways; we have started Tele consultation also for International patients amid this pandemic. According to available data, cancer leads to over 70,000 deaths per annum in Nigeria. What can be done to bring this mortality figure down? Our Mantra we follow at HCG is “The right treatment at the right time”. Tobacco use, alcohol use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and air pollution are risk factors for cancer (and other noncommunicable diseases). Some chronic infections are risk factors for cancer; this is a particular issue in low- and middle-income countries. Approximately 13% of cancers diagnosed in 2018 globally were attributed to carcinogenic infections, including Helicobacter pylori, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and Epstein-Barr virus. Hepatitis B and C viruses and some types of HPV increase the risk for liver and cervical cancer, respectively. Infection with HIV substantially increases the risk of cancers such as cervical cancer. Strategies to help people quit smoking, eat healthy, and get more physical activity can help reduce deaths from different types of cancer. Vaccines, screening procedures, and new treatments can also help reduce cancer deaths. Early detection, early diagnosis, screening and treatment are advised.

our strong framework and technology infrastructure.Ultimately, our patients are the beneficiaries of these achievements every accomplishment brings us one step closer to our ultimate goal of longer, better lives for cancer patients and their families. In recent years, HCG has become a preferred destination for Nigerians seeking cancer treatment abroad, what do you think is responsible for this? The main reasons for the growing popularity of medical tourism in India include the long waiting lists in the developed countries; low cost of medical treatments in India as compared to other developed countries. According to reports, Nigerians annually spend US$200 million on medical tourism to India. The attraction of Nigerians to Indian hospitals is to seek quality and cost-effective healthcare services. India has emerged as a major health care provider because of its ability to offer ‘first-class treatment at Third World prices’. India is a major player in global medical tourism and has become the destination of choice for afflicted Nigerians who can afford to, or are compelled by fate of ill-health, to seek medical attention in that country. According to the Indian High Commission in Nigeria, 47 per cent of Nigerians that visited India in the year 2012 did so to seek medical attention. The Nigerian medical tourists to India expended N41.6 billion (US$260 million) in foreign exchange in the process (Daily Independent Newspaper, June 6, 2014, p.3). The trend resulted from the inequality in access to healthcare and dearth of spe-

The estimated incidence for the top five commonest types of cancer in Nigeria are: breast cancer (25.7%), cervix uteri (14.6%), prostate (12.8%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (5.3%) and liver (5.0). While estimated mortality rates are: breast cancer is 18.6%. What do you think is responsible for the high incidence of breast cancer and what can be done about it? Approximately half of breast cancers develop in women who have no identifiable breast cancer risk factor other than gender (female) and age (over 40 years). Certain factors increase the risk of breast cancer, including increasing age, obesity, harmful use of alcohol, family history of breast cancer, history of radiation exposure, reproductive history (such as age that menstrual periods began and age at first pregnancy), tobacco use and postmenopausal hormone therapy. Behavioural choices and related interventions that reduce the risk of breast cancer include: prolonged breastfeeding; regular physical activity; weight control; avoidance of harmful use of alcohol; avoidance of exposure to tobacco smoke; avoidance of prolonged use of hormones; and avoidance of excessive radiation exposure. Family history of breast cancer increases the risk of breast cancer, but the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a known family history of the disease. Lack of a known family history does not necessarily mean that a woman is at reduced risk. Certain inherited “high penetrance” gene mutations greatly increase breast cancer risk, the most dominant being mutations in the genes BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB-2. The three pillars toward achieving these objectives are: health promotion for early detection; timely diagnosis; and comprehensive breast cancer management.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 9, 2021

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

Kellogg’s Scholarships for Children on World Breakfast Day In commemoration of the 2021 World Breakfast Day, cereal brand, Kellogg’s has announced the 3rd edition of its annual education-support scheme - Kellogg’s Super Stars Scholarship. The Àrm made the announcement at an event in Lagos where it hosted mothers as part of the Breakfast Day celebration. World Breakfast Day is observed every 26th September to appreciate and encourage the habit of having a healthy breakfast. According to the organisation, the Kellogg’s Superstars scholarship comes as a reward from participating in an essay writing competition. It is designed for primary school pupils to sharpen their creative writing skills while also bringing out the imaginative uniqueness in them. Students who perform excellently in the essay competition will be awarded prize money to pursue their education. Declaring the scholarship open, Kellogg’s Brand Ambassador and Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele commended the brand for

nourishing the taste of Nigerian children and also supporting their dreams. Akindele urged mothers to endeavour to sustain breakfast routine and encouraged children to participate in the contest to qualify them for the scholarship scheme. Also speaking, Head of Marketing, Kellogg’s Tolaram, Neha Sharma said, “As the entry portal for Kellogg’s Superstars scholarship 3.0 has been formally declared open, we are proud to equally announce that trail on past winners revealed that they have remained motivated by the scholarship awards which is evidently reÁecting on their individual academic performance. “For this year’s edition, children between ages 5-12 years are to visit Kellogg’s website and submit essay on “how they want their perfect morning to be”. The judging criteria are the creativity, storytelling, grammar, and vocabulary. 100 winners will each be awarded scholarship worth N100, 000 as educational grant and 1,000 more winners will win Kellogg’s goodies”.

Hero Launches Empowerment Scheme for Apprentice Beverage brand, Hero Lager has announced its latest campaign tagged, ‘Igba Boi Tour’ to support apprentice in the eastern part of the country. The apprentice under the “Igba Boi scheme” and in their final year would be supported with N50 million worth of seed capital, mentorship, and business grants Announcing the campaign in Onitsha, Anambra State recently, Marketing Director of International Breweries Plc, Tolulope Adedeji explained that the Igba Boi Campaign Tour is a follow up to current brand campaign, Aha Gi Efula and Hero’s Walk documentary which tell the story of the Igbo apprenticeship system. She noted that two current campaigns have been viewed by over one million persons on YouTube. She said, “Through the Aha Gi Efula (May Your Name Never Be Lost) campaign, we inspired our consumers to aspire for success and encouraged them to strive to leave lasting legacies. The campaign also served as a reminder and boost to the courage, resilience, hard work, and persistent nature of Nigeria’s young men and women. “With the Igba Boi campaign, we are going one step further to entrench the Igbo apprenticeship culture by beaming the spotlight on the apprentices, ‘Umu Bois’ without whom the culture would cease to exist; by catalysing their

journey to independence and entrepreneurship success through mentorship, award of grants, and business advisory.” Providing more explanation, Marketing Manager of the firm, Margaret Igabali said that the firm would embark on a tour of major Igbo markets across the country to invite the apprentices known as ‘Umu Bois’ to submit their entries for consideration in conjunction with their trade masters. Some of the markets to be toured included: Ogbaru main market, Onitsha;Nkwo Nnewi Market, Awka; Coal Camp Market, Enugu; Alaba International Market, Owerri; Ariaria International Market, Aba; and Alaba International Market, Lagos. “A rigorous selection process will follow the collection of entries to ensure that only those who have a maximum of six months left to serve and have proven to be worthy trainees over the years are selected. “Over 300 apprentices across the six markets will receive a 2-day training and mentorship programme, business name registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, business account opening and also participate in a grant worth N50 million to kickstart their entrepreneurship journey,” Igabali promised. According to her,the Igba Boi campaign which is opened to 18 years and above person will run from September to December 2021.

Suave Empire Unveils Plans for NYFEW Business outÀt, Suave Empire, has unveiled plans for the 2021 Nigerian Youth Fashion and Empowerment Week (NYFEW). According to the Chairman of Suave Empire, Matthew Kehinde Ogunniyi, NYFEW is a youthfocused empowerment initiative aimed to educate, empower, and advance intellectual abilities of skilled youths in the fashion value-chain in Nigeria. He informed that this year’s edition of NYFEW, which holds between 15th -21st November 2021, will feature the o΀cial launch of #ProjectMakeMe Reality TV show in Ibadan. “Interested skilled fashion designers, hair stylists, make-up artists, photographers, models, and shoe makers between the ages of 18-30 are advised to register for the programme between 1st - 30th of October 2021. “The grand Ànale event “Showdown5.0”- the o΀cial launch of ProjectMakeMe TV Show will exhibit the talent

of all participants. Judges in relevant industries will assess the skills, team eͿort and innovative display of each group of participants during this event”, he said. Ogunniyi further expressed conÀdence in the ability of Nigerian youths to transform the economic and social landscape of Africa positively. He said, “We are conÀdent in the ability of Nigeria’s young population to enhance the cultural values as well as the political and economic credibility of Nigeria. When the youths are empowered and fully involved in the business of nation-building, the overall development of Nigeria will be astronomical, peace will be a norm, and Nigeria’s legacy as the giant of Africa will be set in stone for generations to come. “We have an unwavering commitment to our mission and also to set the pace in creating a replicable standard in the

business of empowerment for public and private stakeholders in Africa”. He explained further that the broader vision of the organisation was to help youths, especially in the fashion value-chain vocations to hone their skills and enhance their crafts.

L-R: Head, IT Services Management, 9mobile, Chima Nnorom, PR Lead, 9mobile, Chineze Amanfo; Vice Principal, Akande Dahunsi Senior High School, Mrs. Sobande Folasade; Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw; Director of Schools, Education District III, Mrs. Osobu Motunrayo and Manager, Events and Sponsorship, 9mobile, Ufuoma Dogun during 9mobile Career Counselling session for students of Akande Dahunsi Se-

L-R: Plant Manager International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), Mr. Sylvester Ameke; Osuma Afa of Onitsha, Chief Chukwudebe; Marketing Director, Tolulope Adedeji; and Corporate Aﬀairs Manager, Mr. Chuma Umunna, at the unveiling Press conference of the Hero “Igba boi Apprenticeship System” held in Onitsha… recently.

Investors Re-strategises on Tourism Opportunities in Epe Tourist investors across the globe who gathered at the grand finale of Kayokayo festival in Epe, Lagos have charted growth path for the development of the community. At the event which held at Lagos Theatre, Epe, experts urged community leaders to leverage Epe tourism potentials more than before to improve the socio-economic status of the locality. Epe, which economic strength lies in tourism and fishing, is being projected as the tourism destination for Lagos state with a high chance of boosting the Gross Domestic Product,GDP of the state. Speaking, Coordinator of Kayokayo Festival, Otunba Gbenga Abass, noted that beyond the fanfare and religious activities that characterised festival, the administrator of the community usually employed the occasion to discuss, explore and

renew business prospects. He said this in turn had helped to advance opportunities in the locale to potential investors who are always willing do business with the community. “Kayokayo festival is a culture, a tradition and our way of life that must be celebrated, but beyond showcasing our culture, it is an opportunity for us to promote the local economy. This is clear with the crowd of people coming into Epe in the last one week and pumping millions of money into the economy. “From next year, we shall be calling for corporate sponsorship for the programme. The sponsorship will not be monetary but to give employment to unemployed youths in the community. If you give us money we will not take it, we need to fill the employment gap in our community.”

Knowledge Hub Begins Operations in Nigeria Knowledge Hub 365, an Enterprise training portal and subsidiary of New Horizons Nigeria has kicked oͿ operations in Nigeria with over 80,000 eLearning courses. The organisation is reputed to be the world’s largest online learning and development portal that contains almost 100 per cent of learning and development (L&D) contents necessary for organization’s growth. Managing Director of New Horizons, Mr. Tim Akano hinted on the categories of modules on the organisation’s platform including Information technology, business skills, personal development, safety and

compliance and Ànance, amongst others. Akano noted that these programmes were sculpted to aid organisation’s growth. “We oͿer this as a white labeled solution for organizations. This can also be integrated into an existing Learning management system compatible with Docebo, Totara, SAP, Moodle, Microsoft, Oracle and lots more,” he says. “Some of the exclusive features provided by Knowledge Hub 365 include thousands of global, certiÀed, experienced instructors; availability of short courses that will take just 15 minutes on particular skill gap to

medium courses that will take 15 hours, to elaborate courses that will take days, weeks or even months to complete. “We have assembled over 220 global content providers with over 80,000 courses under one roof. This includes 61 topmost universities in the world- Harvard, Oxford, MIT, and Imperial College as well as dozens of professional content providers like Skillsoft etc. Speaking further, Akano noted that the portal allows for integration of corporate content on its LMS to ensure that learning takes place on a single portal.

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Usman Bugaje on Nigerian Politics “In Nigeria today, politics is not stable. The APC and PDP are the same; that is why one would defect from one party to another and be comfortable there. Don’t go into the 2023 elections blindly. We cannot continue with this type of politics” –Former federal law maker, Usman Bugaje, lamenting the brand of politics in Nigeria.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

UT H

& RE A S O

26 years

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

As Benin Stands Still for Captain Hosa Okunbo

ellow Nigerians, yesterday was a day of a mixture of much sadness tinged with little joy for the multitude of family and friends of Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, the former ace Nigerian pilot who had made giant strides on the Nigerian economic, social and political firmament, established a credible name, amassed great fortune for himself and performed stellar charitable works during his lifetime. He was laid to rest in his beloved Benin hometown amidst tears, wailing and celebration of a good life indeed. The death, on August 8, 2021, of one of Nigeria’s great entrepreneur, philanthropist and detribalised individual, Captain Okunbo, who was simply addressed as ‘Captain; or ‘Captain Hosa’, was like a thunderbolt out of the blues, and it hit many of us real hard. For me, it touched my very essence, and made me ask the question, why Captain? But on the other hand, I also asked, why not Captain? After all, Angels are usually ferried home on the wings of love with great and thunderous applause from those whose lives have been touched. And so it was with Captain, who was blessed with many enterprising parts and gracious acts and deeds. I had known Captain for three decades and our relationship involved the best of cordiality and conviviality, not forgetting the mutual respect that endeared me to his heart and vice versa. Our relationship was to take a dramatic turn and bring us even closer, when a few months ago, after a long time, he gave me a call, and prompted me to join him in Abuja ASAP as he needed my assistance. He understood the kind of busy person I am, and so hastily added that he would send a plane for me. I had very high respect for him, as I still have today for him even in death and assured him that I would join him in Abuja even without him sending a private jet to convey me there. Captain in his usual firm, assured but polite manner insisted, and my trip was assiduously planned. On the same day, I hurried through my previously planned itinerary, and was at Abuja as quickly as he had made the demand. Our meeting was one of the briefest I had ever done giving the amount of ground that we covered in such a short space of time. The content of our meeting was highly cerebral and prolific. My respect for him from that day assumed a higher dimension. He was a man of very few words, but each letter, each word, each expression made a kind a mark that a weeklong lecture will be jealous about. Captain was many things to many people. He was much more than a bread winner, an astute businessman, an entrepreneur of gargantuan capacity, striding the business world like a Colossus. In fact, Captain’s achievements in his short life, as many of us who loved him dearly attest, are veritable subjects of significant and interesting academic research. He was a leader’s leader; a hero’s hero and an epitome of straightforwardness. Captain’s mark of greatness is visible and physical as people point in his direction, and confirm that their lives were touched, impacted and given a new lease of hope by his ample generosity and affection. These people who felt the wind of positive change and good fortune blown their way by Captain abound and cut across the entire length and breadth of the country and beyond. From Benin to Asaba, Ife to Oyo, Lagos to Ilorin, Kogi to Abuja, Kaduna to Birnin Kebbi, Kafanchan to Katsina to Port Harcourt to Owerri, Enugu to Calabar, Yenagoa to Onitsha, Kaduna to Sokoto and unto the uttermost and innermost parts of this nation, his image loomed large, and I predict will remain for eternity as long as men still have their breath in them. Captain Hosa’s benevolence, philanthropy and graciousness spoke volumes, loud and clear, and became reference points in admonition and encouragement of other wealthy Nigerians. He was extremely tolerant, patient, humane and excessively

Okunbo accommodating. He fought several battles but still remained focused. Born on January 7, 1958, in Benin City, Captain Hosa was a business magnate, investor, philanthropist and trained commercial pilot of repute. He was a proud progeny of the Reverend Robert Amos Okunbo family, his father being himself a much respected and benevolent clergyman, teacher and community leader. Okunbo started his path to a glorious career when he was enrolled at the Government Primary School in Benin City, old Bendel State, now Edo State for his elementary education. He proceeded to Federal Government College, Warri, in 1971, where he sat for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination and came out in flying colours. Okunbo was a brilliant student but was not confused as regards the path he wished to follow. He could have been an academician but chose early in life to follow his first love and become a pilot. Consequently, he nurtured his desire by studying at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Training Centre, Zaria and became a professional commercial pilot at the age of 21. He thereafter attended ACME School of Aeronautics, Fort Worth, Texas in 1983, where he obtained his Airline Transport Pilot License. In 1983, at the age of 25, Okunbo was made a captain. He practiced his trade as a flight captain with Intercontinental Airlines for about two years, before moving over to Okada Airlines where he served with honours for another three years. In 1988, at the age of 30, he retired from commercial piloting having recorded over a whopping 7,000 hours of flight time and ventured into private business. This was the foundation from which he was launched and propelled into the cycle of philanthropy. He could not see himself as holding on tenaciously and in a miserly manner to what God had chosen to freely bestow on him with grace and mercy. With his hands in many pies, he established Hoslyn Ventures Nigeria Ltd., a company that was saddled with procurement in the Nigerian petroleum sector. Hoslyn Ventures was an indigenous oilfield service company that was responsible for the Early Production Facility (EPF) project at Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) between 1998 and 2001. A man of great intellect and capacity, who had investments in many businesses, Okunbo founded or co-founded the following companies during his lifetime including the following: Wells San-Carlos Agro Farms Ltd., which, in March 2016, unveiled a $750 million, 9,000-hectare (22,000-acre) farm intended to “create 85,000 jobs

in Edo State”. Ocean Marine Security Ltd., an offshore assetprotection company, rendering services to major oil companies in Nigeria, including NNPC. Wikipedia reported that the company recently completed the building of the 46-kilometre (29 mi) Escravos–Warri Crude Pipeline, which was inaugurated by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu. OMS Tankers Ltd., which owns Nigeria’s first marine tankers. PPP Fluid Mechanics Ltd., a marine and logistics company. Westminster Security Solutions Nigeria Ltd, a franchise of Westminster Group Plc UK, of which he is major shareholder. Wells Group of Companies, which include Wells Dredging Ltd., Wells Property Development Company Ltd., and Wells Entertainments Ltd. – through which Okunbo financed the movie Black November. Hoslyn Habitat Ltd., which is a design, construction and landscaping company. Gyro Air Ltd., operators of charter flight operations. Captain served in many capacities including chairmanship or directorial position on numerous company boards in Nigeria in various business sectors such as the agro-allied, petroleum, telecommunications, power, real estate and banking industries. He was also a director in the following companies: Joint Marine Environ Guard Ltd. (JMEG), Secure Anchorage Area Ltd. (SAA), Digisteel Integrated Services Ltd. Phil Nugent Nigeria Ltd. Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Ltd. (IEDM), which is a core investor in Ibadan and Yola Electricity Distribution Companies. Okunbo was a member of the Board of Directors of NatCom Development and Investment Ltd., which is the holding company of Nigerian telecommunications giant, NTEL. In 2012, Okunbo received the Africa Titans Award from the Congress of the United States in collaboration with the African Society Summit, in recognition of “strides on behalf of Africa in the international arena.” He was honoured for being one of those “who seek to project a new and hopeful light on Africa.” In November of the same year, the University of Benin conferred him with an honorary Doctor of Science degree. On October 2, 2014, the Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, gifted Okunbo “with the ‘Traditional Beads’ for being a worthy son of the ancient Kingdom.” He was granted the “Worthy Ambassador of Unity Award” as an old student at Federal Government College, Warri in March 2016. In 2020, he was named amongst Forbes Best of Africa awardees in recognition of his selfless service to his immediate community, and humanity in general. Hosa’s act of philanthropy was congenital, innate, expansive and without boundaries and limitations, surpassing even that of his father, Reverend Okunbo. Captain was known and reputed for having expressed and extended his benevolence and generosity to as many as came his way. He turned nobody back. Many have given testimonies to the fact that no one who comes in contact with him goes away without a big smile on his face. He was known to be nice to a fault. Captain contributed immensely to the academic development and proficiency as well as profitable entrepreneurial empowerment of hundreds of people. President Muhammadu Buhari, while visiting the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, in his palace, singled out Captain for praise, because of his ground-breaking and novel achievements at Wells Hosa Greenhouse Farm in Edo State. The establishment of this biggest and most successful farm, which has now become a benchmark in Greenhouse farming in Nigeria is one of the outstanding pillars of the Captain Hosa Okunbo legacy. The honours, accolades and plaudits he received

were a direct consequence of dint of hard work, faithfulness, honesty, consistency and magnanimity. He exuded all these attributes enviably. He made huge sacrifices to put smiles on the faces of his people, He is survived by Nosa, to whom he was happily married, and his memory is blessed with 12 children who are themselves making a mark of their own. Among them is Ivie, the Olori Atuwase III, who is married to the Olu of Warri. Captain was a very good man, and I will miss him dearly. However, we are all consoled by the enviable legacies that characterised his 63 dutiful years of existence on mother earth. Adieu Captain Hosa Okunbo!

Garlands for a Worthy Songstress, Francesca Chiejina It is the joy of parents to have children who one can be proud of and revel in highlighting their notable talents and achievements. One of such children to have put wide smiles on her parents is Nigeria-born Francesca Chiejina, a young international soprano of note and distinction. Worthy in every ramification and a distinguished songstress, Chiejina had the awesome privilege of performing at the exalted and award-winning Sinfonia of London, when it made its much-anticipated official concert debut under John Wilson, who re-established the ensemble in 2018. In company of other well-established performers, Chiejina, who has become a pride in her chosen musical craft, wowed the audience, and unleashed a talent never seen in a long time. For her, performing Alban Berg’s Seven Early Songs at the Proms was quite surreal, as she approached every step with gusto, enjoying herself to the fullest as well as deriving immense and invaluable learning experience. The artdesk.com captured her performance in glowing captivating words as follows: “But, rapturous though the Swedish singer is in this repertoire, it was impossible not to celebrate the chance that put young soprano, Francesca Chiejina, in the spotlight instead. “Emerging out of the Debussyean, whole-tone haze at the start of “Nacht”, Chiejina’s mellow, liquid flow of sound surged and rippled, easy and unforced in this huge space. This was storytelling from within, voice just another line – sometimes exposed, sometimes concealed – within a constantly shifting orchestral texture: a smudgy chalk-drawing replacing the precision of Strauss’s opening pen and ink.” The young woman was a classic to behold and listen to. It Is worthy of note that the gifted child, in her testimony, disclosed that she learned the piece in just about three weeks while finishing performances for Wagner’s Das Rheingold and preparing for rehearsals of Handel’s Amadigi di Gaula. Hers is a bundle of can-do attitude, and great appetite for quality and glory. She continued to proudly display and flaunt her stellar abilities during the intensely focused month even though the composers were so varied in style. At the end of it all, “but I’ve learned so much and I’m a better musician for it,” she owned up. Not one to rest on her oars, Francesca Chiejina has lined up several activities and performances for the coming season. And they are exalted events including eleven performances of Handel’s Amadigi all over England, a Mozart Requiem in London, and potentially some performances in Lagos and Abuja during the festive holidays. We celebrate her zeal, candour and great potential! A standing ovation for the rising Star, Francesca Chiejina.

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