SATURDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2022

UNICEF Kicks over Abduction of 21 Children in Katsina State Says kidnap reprehensible, children should never be target of violence

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the abduction of 21 children on a farm in Mairuwa, Faskari

Local Government Area of Katsina State last Sunday, and charged the federal government to ensure their immediate rescue.

The UNICEF Representative

in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, in a statement in Bauchi yesterday, described the abduction as worrisome.

Munduate said the abduction of children whether at home,

at school or anywhere, is “reprehensible” and expressed worry that the children were victims of attacks by people who should be protecting them.

Munduate called on the

government to immediately rescue them unhurt, so that they can be reunited with their families.

“UNICEF is concerned about the report of the abduction of

the 21 children at a farm in Mairuwa community, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, North-west Continued on page 5

Afreximbank, Silverbird Sign Deal for World Class Film Complex in Lagos... Page 6 Saturday 5 November, 2022 Vol 27. No 10070

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ASUU Prepares for Fresh War with FG as Lecturers Get Half Pay Summons emergency NEC meeting Ngige: No Work No Pay law applied in computing their October salaries Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is set for a fresh war with the federal government over the

government’s decision to pay lecturers half salaries for the month of October, 2022.

On the same day, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige

said the federal government cannot go against the “No Work, No Pay” rule as it affects members of ASUU, and that their October salaries were computed on this basis.

Already, the ASUU leadership is said to have summoned an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council in Abuja, to decide its response to the

half October salaries paid by the federal government.

The National President of ASUU, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, remarked: “Half salaries were paid, no reasons

were given whatsoever. We learnt that Ngige wrote to the office of the Accountant General and Integrated Payroll Continued on page 5

More Trouble for Ekweremadu, Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of His 40 Properties Globally HURIWA: Forfeiture, trial and timing, plot to sabotage ex-deputy senate president’s bail application in UK Alex Enumah in Abuja While the former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice are on trial at a London Court for alleged trafficking of a minor to the UK with the intention to harvest his organ, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday secured a court order for the interim forfeiture of 40 landed properties of the beleaguered Senator in different parts of the world.

In a swift reaction, civil rights advocacy group, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), faulted the timing of the case and order, saying it was aimed at sabotaging Ekweremadu’s bail application in London.

Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja Continued on page 5

UNITING FOR AGRO-INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT… L-R: President, African Finance Corporation, Samaila Zubairu; CEO, Arise Integrated Industrial Platform, Gagan Gupta; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and President, African Export-Import Bank, Prof. Benedict Oramah displaying signed Memorandum of Understanding between Ogun State and Arise IIP at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) at the Gateway International Agro Cargo Airport, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State...yesterday.

Gov Abiodun Breaks Ground for $400m Agro Processing Zone... Page 6

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WALE ADEBAJO@50…

L-R: Industrialist and Aare of Lagos, Chief Rasak Okoya; founder of The Love of Christ Generation Church, Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi; the Senior Political Adviser, British Deputy High Commission, Wale Adebajo, his wife, Aanuoluwapo; and MD/CEO Eleganza Group, Mrs Sade Okoya, when Adebajo marked his 50th birthday in Lagos...recently.

ASUU PREPARES FOR FRESH WAR WITH FG AS LECTURERS GET HALF PAY and Personnel Information System and told them to only pay us for the period when we called off the strike. We heard there was a letter to that effect but we haven’t gotten it yet. We are going to summon a meeting.”

Anger erupted across the

federal universities when members of the union received half salaries in their accounts early this week.

ASUU members at the University of Jos yesterday ordered its members to stay at home indefinitely, pending the payment of salaries withheld

by the federal government.

The ASUU branch made this known in a statement signed by the branch chairman, Professor Lazarus Maigoro.

The statement reads, “One of the issues agreed at the meeting was that 50 per cent of the backlog of eight months

arrears of our withheld salaries will be paid to our members immediately but as at the time of writing this press release, only 17 days prorated October salary was paid to our members by the office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

“Having stayed for about

MORE TROUBLE FOR EKWEREMADU, COURT ORDERS INTERIM FORFEITURE OF HIS 40 PROPERTIES GLOBALLY gave the forfeiture order following an ex-parte motion filed and moved by Ibrahim Buba on behalf of the EFCC. In his ruling, the Judge ordered the anti-graft agency to publish the interim forfeiture order of the properties in a national daily within seven days from the date the order was given.

Justice Ekwo specifically asked anybody interested in the properties covered by the interim forfeiture order to indicate within 14 days of the publication of the interim forfeiture order of the court.

Justice Ekwo adjourned till December 5, 2022 for a report, if there is any objection from any member of the public regarding the properties.

The interim forfeiture order covers 10 Ekweremadu’s properties in Enugu, three in the United States of America (USA), two in the United Kingdom, one in Lagos, nine in Dubai and 15 located in Abuja.

By the ruling, members of the public interested in the properties covered by the interim forfeiture order should, within 14 days of the newspaper publication, inform the court why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the federal government.

The former Deputy Senate President and his wife are currently standing trial in the United Kingdom over alleged

organ harvest.

Ekweremadu and wife had pleaded not guilty to the charge claiming that the alleged victim was not a minor and voluntarily offered to donate his organ for Ekweremadu's daughter who is currently sick in a London hospital.

Although, the court had granted Beatrice bail, it however refused to admit Ekweremadu to bail.

HURIWA: Trial, Plot to Sabotage Ekweremadu’s Bail Application in UK Civil rights advocacy group, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has faulted the interim assets forfeiture order against Ekweremadu, saying it was a concerted effort between the anti-graft agency and the London Metropolitan Police to botch Ekweremadu’s bail and keep him perpetually in detention.

Reacting to the development in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said the asset forfeiture lawsuit at a time Ekweremadu was in custody, facing trial in the United Kingdom, and unable to defend himself or properly brief his lawyers, was malicious, immoral, in bad faith, and tantamount to a country

throwing her citizen under the bus.

HURIWA stated: “We are in shock over the news of the interim assets forfeiture order against Senator Ike Ekweremadu following an application by the EFCC. “We are particularly shocked because it is coming at a time when the Senator is fighting for his freedom, reputation, and the life of his daughter in a foreign land.

“We equally recall that the petition against Senator Ekweremadu, which he claimed was politically motivated, was lodged against him at the EFCC in 2016, but the Senator’s first brush with the anti-graft agency only came in the early hours of July 24, 2018, when operatives of the agency and a retinue of security agents laid siege to his Apo Legislative Quarters official residence without any previous invitation.

“It is instructive that security agencies also laid siege to the Maitama residence of the President of the Senate at the time, Dr. Bukola Saraki, in a simultaneous move that HURIWA and other civil society organisations rightly described as an attempt to muscle the legislature by preventing both presiding officers from plenary in order to remove them illegally from office.

However, Saraki’s sudden appearance at the National

UNICEF KICKS OVER ABDUCTION OF 21 CHILDREN IN KATSINA STATE Nigeria.

“Confirmed reports indicate the 21 children – 17 girls and four boys – aged between 15 and 18, were abducted last Sunday at about 12:30 p.m by ‘bandits.’

“Children should never be the target of violence, especially by anyone who should be protecting them.

“We call on the authorities to take necessary action to rescue the abducted children and reunite them with their families unhurt, and without delay.

“UNICEF also calls on the authorities to rescue other

persons reported to have been kidnapped on the farm at the same time the children were abducted,” she said.

The UNICEF Country Chief concluded that the “tragic” incident is yet an indication of the danger children face by acts perpetrated by people who should protect them.

No fewer than 19 adults were abducted along with the children during the attack on the farm in Mairuwa village.

They are demanding ransom for their release.

Dozens of gunmen on motorcycles stormed the farm while harvesting of crops was

on.

The farm manager had previously struck a deal with the terrorists, who demanded protection money to let the harvest go ahead and were given a down payment, a Faskari Local Government Source said.

“It is obvious the bandits were angry that work began on the farm without being paid the balance,” the source said.

Residents of Faskari, which lies on the border with Zamfara State, faces recurrent threats of kidnapping by terrorists crossing into the area from their forest camps, said the official.

Assembly botched their plan.

“We, therefore, find it discomfiting that although Ekweremadu was in Nigeria for the past six years, the EFCC suddenly found it auspicious to file assets forfeiture suits against him in July 2022 following the agency’s July 18, 2022 written assurances to the London Metropolitan Police ahead of the Senator’s bail hearing in July. That letter was tendered by the Metropolitan Police to scuttle Ekweremadu’s bail application.

“It is also instructive that this interim asset forfeiture order is again coming a few days to the pre-trial hearing of the Senator’s alleged organ harvest case in the UK rescheduled for Monday, November 7, 2022, and during which the Senator could reapply for bail.

"It is clearer why the court hearing was rescheduled from October 31 to November 7, 2022 after which the indefensible order must have been granted exparte against a man in detention contrary to cardinal principle in law that both sides should be heard.

“This development, coupled with the fact that Ekweremadu’s real trial would only begin in May 2023, leaves HURIWA with no other choice than to suspect that there is a collaborative effort between EFCC, Metropolitan Police, and UK prosecutors to scuttle Ekweremadu’s bail prospects, once again, and keep him perpetually in detention over a clearly bailable offence.

“Besides, HURIWA is also aware that the Senator had earlier won the two asset-related lawsuits between him and the Special Presidential Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property (SPIP).

“We, therefore, reiterate that the EFCC’s move is malicious, immoral, ill-timed, political in appearance, and a typical case of a country throwing her citizen under the bus.

"If a country cannot help its citizen get a fair trial, why inject itself into his matter and add to his woes as the EFCC has done?"

nine months running now, our members in the University of Jos considered this an insult to them by the Accountant General of the Federation. Is the Accountant General of the Federation actually answerable to the Minister of Labour?

“We are also aware that the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, wrote a memo to the Accountant General asking him to pay our members only from the day we suspended the strike.

“This further creates doubts on our minds as to whether the understanding reached with the leadership of the House of Representatives on some of the issues will be implemented at all by those who are saddled with the responsibility of doing so in order to avoid further needless strikes.

“From all indications, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has personalised the matter between him and our union and is on a mission for vendetta.

“It has become crystal clear now that he wasn’t happy that the House of Representatives brokered a truce on some of the issues we went on strike for and has gone behind to undermine it.

“It is also very clear to us now why he shamelessly walked out on the leadership of the House of Representatives at one of the meetings with all stakeholders to the glare of all Nigerians because he never wanted any form of resolution to be reached on the issues being discussed.

“In view of the bottleneck placed by Ngige towards paying our members the backlog of our salaries, the congress of ASUU University of Jos met today (yesterday November 4, 2022) and resolved to stay at home, though not on strike, until the backlog of the withheld salaries are paid.”

A University teacher in Lagos remarked: “I was shocked when I received an alert from my bank and I noticed that I got half salary; they didn’t even talk about the backlog of the eight months of the strike.”

ASUU had embarked on strike on February 14 to press home the demand for improved funding for universities, review of salaries for lecturers, among other issues.

Amid the back-and-forth over the union’s demands, the federal government had threatened not to pay the

lecturers for the strike period, but a review of the decision was said to have been made.

On October 14, the union suspended its strike and directed members to resume work immediately.

Ngige: Salaries Paid Based on No Work, No Pay Rule The Minister of Labour and Employment has said that the federal government is barred from doing anything about the No Work, No Pay rule as it affects members of ASUU. Against the background of the half salaries the federal government paid the university teachers for the month of October, Ngige said there was nothing unusual about it since the lecturers were paid according to work done.

He said the issue of "No Work, No Pay" as it affects ASUU members is before the National Industrial Court and cannot be reversed for now unless the court says so.

"The court will have to pronounce whether a worker in Nigeria can be on strike and receive pay, vis-a-vis the ASUU strike now. Can they be paid?" asked the minister.

Meanwhile, arising from the decision of medical lecturers to disassociate themselves from the last prolonged ASUU strike, the Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto chapter said it took the action in the interest of the medical students and to ensure that they concluded their ongoing examination.

A statement signed by the branch Chairman, Dr. B. Jibirin said the association avoided a disruption of medical training that will further worsen the already acute shortage of medical doctors in the country.

"Realising this emergency situation in the sub-region, worsened by emerging public health threats, the medical lecturers in UDUS decided to continue the academic activities during the ASUU strike to save our health care from total collapse.

"To this end, the UDUS medical lecturers agreed to conduct lectures and examinations during the period of the strike. In line with the provisions of the Labour Act we wrote and sought the intervention of the Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity to ensure payment of our salaries."

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 5, 2022

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NEWS

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

Afreximbank, Silverbird Sign Deal for World Class Film Complex in Lagos Ugo Aliogo in Abidjan African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Silverbird Group yesterday signed a partnership agreement on the side-lines of the Africa Investment Forum holding in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, to build West Africa’s largest and most

modern educational and film studio complex in Lagos.

The partnership was signed

by Mrs. Helen Brume, Director, Project and Asset-Based Finance, Afreximbank and Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce, Founder of Silverbird Group.

The ground-breaking project, the Ben Murray-Bruce Studios

NIS Dismisses 8 Personnel, Sanctions 18 0thers for Racketeering, Indiscipline The Comptroller General of Immigration, Isah Jere Idris, has announced the summary dismissal of eight personnel from the Service and a wide range of sanctions for 18 others found to have committed offences.

In a statement signed by Chief Superintendent of Immigration, Kenneth Kure, the announcement followed the approval granted by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) to the effect that the conducts of the personnel have remained grossly unbecoming and unacceptable as members of the Service.

It stated that 35 personnel were in the cause of the year, presented before both the Senior Disciplinary Committee (SDC) and Orderly Room Trial (ORT) processes to ascertain their level of culpability in the various allegations of offences against discipline ranging from employment racketeering, sharp practices, dishonest conducts, absence from duty without official leave (AWOL) among others, preferred against them.

The statement reads: “After exhaustive deliberations by the committees, eight personnel comprising one Chief Superintendent of Immigration (CSI), two Deputy Superintendents of Immigration (DSI), two Assistant Superintendents of Immigration II (ASI2) and three rank and file were summarily dismissed from the Service.

“Furthermore, one other Chief

Superintendent of Immigration was ordered to proceed on compulsory retirement while nine other personnel were demoted in rank. They include one Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI2) who has been demoted to the rank of Inspector of Immigration, two Inspectors who have been reduced in rank to Assistant Inspectors and six other junior personnel who have been ordered to lose their current ranks.

“Meanwhile, nine other personnel comprising one Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI2) and eight junior personnel were issued warning letters just as six Personnel were discharged and acquitted from all the allegations brought against them.

“In a related development, the Comptroller General has approved the redeployment of 100 Officers and Men from the Lagos Airport with immediate effect while some others have been ordered to face disciplinary procedures to ascertain their level of involvements in some unprofessional conducts and practices reported at the airport recently.”

It further stated that the Comptroller General wishes to restate the management’s commitment to zero tolerance for any unprofessional conducts by any personnel and so enjoins the public to feel free to report any such conducts by any member of the Service for necessary actions.

Domestic Service Gains more Seats as Dana Air Resumes Operations Chinedu Eze Four months after it was grounded by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigeria’s carrier, Dana Air has announced that it would resume flight operations on November 9, 2022, after a successful conclusion of the audit organised by the regulatory authority.

The airline in a statement said: ‘’ We are pleased to announce that we will resume flights operations on November 9, 2022, having successfully concluded an audit organised by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.”

The Accountable Manager/ Chief Operating Officer of Dana Air, Ememobong Ettete said, “The audit for us was a re-engineering and restructuring process and having successfully concluded the audit and an extensive one at that for the second time, and with a new management team fully in charge, we are now well positioned despite the current challenges and hostile economic environment, and concentrating fully on strengthening

our operations efficiently for sustainable growth while still offering safe, reliable and exciting flying experience to our loyal guests.’’

He continued, ‘’As a proudly Nigerian brand with Nigerians at the helm of affairs and with over 14 years service to the Nigerian flying public, we remain eternally grateful to our customers, travel partners, clients and vendors for keeping faith with us while the audit lasted and we would never take your loyalty and support for granted as it means a lot to us.

“We wish to also express our profound gratitude to the NCAA for the painstaking Audit process and the professionalism exhibited by the team of inspectors and also the management personnel who stayed sometimes beyond their official closing times to see that we do what is needed to be done properly and in good time during the course of the Audit process.”

He said the audit has repositioned them as a vibrant and resilient brand and it’s turned out really good for us and for the industry at large.

and Film Academy (BMB Studios and Film Academy), will transform the 32,725 square meter land area in Eko Atlantic City into two purpose-built sound stages, a Digital Hub with music and broadcast studios, editing bays, screening rooms, Studio backlot, Production Offices and a Film Academy designed to meet the aspirations of today’s and tomorrow’s content creators.

According to the partners, the project seeks to accelerate Africa’s lucrative film and television industries, attract large scale international productions to Africa, and establish a creativity cluster, which will draw in companies and talents working in similar and related sectors.

Afreximbank adds: “The project will also increase local employment, stimulate business growth, and equip African talents with world class technical skills and experience in film and television production through the establishment of a Film Academy.

“The development of the BMB Studios and Film Academy is in

line with Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Initiative, a programme established by the Bank to support Africa’s creative and cultural industry.

“Recognising the bankability of Africa’s creative industry, the CANEX programme is designed for African creatives and digital innovators and experts. CANEX also supports fashion, film, musicians and actors who aim to monetise their content across the digital landscape. The construction of the studios will accelerate the development of talent, enhance content creation, while supporting and encouraging African creatives to use world class technology to increase their remuneration and thrive in their careers.

“The Film Academy will offer domestic and international students the opportunity to achieve world-class, digital-first, future-forward experiential learning in a wide range of film production disciplines such as cinematography, directing, filmmaking, gaming, music, post- production techniques,

producing, screenwriting, VFX and animation.”

Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President – Intra African Trade Bank at Afreximbank commented: “The deal we are signing today is of the utmost importance, not only for the significant support it provides to Africa’s burgeoning film industry, but especially because of the studio’s multipurpose potential to serve a range of sectors in the creative industries, from music and film to gaming and virtual reality.

At Afreximbank, we recognise the power of Africa’s youth and creative talents to catalyse Africa’s trade, create millions of jobs and promote the emergence of national and regional value chains.

This industry is bankable, and we aim to support its growth, expansion, and sustainability.

Afreximbank is proud to support this project.”

Murray-Bruce said: “The BMB Studios and Film Academy is a response to Africa’s need for world-class technical skills and facilities that will accelerate the growth of its

creative industries sector.

“From Netflix to Madison Square Gardens in New York, audiences are revelling in the magic of African storytelling.

Now more than ever does the African continent need the world-class technical skills and facilities that will propel our creative industries to the next level. The BMB Studios and Film Academy is a response to this need and one that I believe will be a catalyst to driving agility, expertise and innovation in the African film and television industries.”

According to Murray-Bruce, the complex will deliver a differentiated business model across the film industry value chain.

“The Studio will be an environment where content can be produced, managed, and distributed digitally. The Technical Infrastructure will be the most advanced in West Africa designed to handle the large bandwidth demands of media businesses; future-proofed to manage the expansion in new media content.

WORLD CLASS FILM COMPLEX FOR NIGERIA… Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce, Founder, Silverbird Group and Mrs. Helen Brume, Director Project and Asset-Based Finance, Afreximbank, after the bank signed a deal with Silverbird Entertainment for the construction of a world class film and studio complex in Nigeria, at the Africa Finance Forum concluded in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire…yesterday

Kema Chikwe Wants Mbazulike Amechi Immortalised The former Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Kema Chikwe, has appealed to the federal government to immortalise the First Aviation Minister in the First Republic, the late Chief Mbazulike Amechi by naming an agency or institution in the Aviation Ministry after him.

Chikwe described the late Amechi who died

last Monday as a great patriot and nationalist who, along with others, fought gallantly for Nigerian independence from British Colonial rule in the 1950s.

She recalled his exploits as a leader of the Zikist National Vanguard and in the Youth Wing of the National Convention of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC)

during the independence struggle.

She further noted that Amechi hosted the late South African leader Nelson Mandela for some months in his Lagos residence during the Anti-Apartheid struggle.

She stated that as the pioneer Minister of Aviation, Chief Amechi

established policies and programmes for the country’s Aviation industry during the operations of the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) before the establishment of the Nigeria Airways. “Indeed, the last of the Nigerian First Republic political titans has passed on. May his noble soul rest in peace,’’ she ended.

PPP: Abiodun Breaks Ground for $400m Agro Processing Zone James Sowole in Abeokuta In pursuance of the Public Private Partnership (PPP), initiative of the administration, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, yesterday turned the sword on the development of the Ogun State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) at the Agro Cargo International Airport, located in Ilisan-Remo.

The project with its first phase worth $400m is a collaboration between Arise Integrated Indus-

trial Platforms and Ogun State, according to the governor, would be completed in the record time of 18 months.

Abiodun said that the special industrial park for agro-processing and allied products, is the first of its kind that the platform will engage with a sub-government.

He added that the project would generate over 20,000 jobs and individual prosperity when completed.

The governor also noted that the agro cargo airport, when

completed, would probably be the fastest constructed international airport on the continent.

He expressed his delight that the location of the airport that was till March 2021 a forest and dump site has now become the airport city.

Abiodun disclosed that apart from the SAPZ, the Nigeria Customs Service has decided to locate one of its biggest facilities in the country and made full payment of N3.2bn for the first 100 hectares of

land last week.

While noting that the ground breaking was a further testament to the re-established trust between government and the private sector, he assured that his administration would continue to work assiduously to earn the trust of private investors.

The governor added that the incumbent administration in the state would continue to engender policies and programmes that will remain people-oriented and enable the private sector to thrive.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 5, 2022

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NEWS Suspected Herdsmen Kill 18 Residents in Benue George Okoh in Makurdi Suspected Fulani terrorist on Thursday in Ukohol community of Guma Local Area of Benue State gunned down 18 members of the community including women and children.

According to a resident of the

community and also a security adviser of the local government, Christopher Waku, the incident happened about 5p.m. on Thursday.

He said the attackers came to the market and started shooting sporadically, adding that they later left for another village with about

Dickson Condemns Humanitarian Affairs Minister Over Assessment of Bayelsa Flood Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa The Senator representing Bayelsa West in the National Assembly, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has condemned in strong terms the unscientific assessment of the devastating effect of the 2022 flood in Bayelsa State.

Senator Dickson, a two-term governor of the state, was reacting to recent comments attributed to the Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu and his counterpart in the Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouk.

The Water Resources Minister, Adamu had said that the federal government would not declare a state of emergency in parts of the country ravaged by flooding because it has not been overwhelmed by the incident.

The minister had said that the flood had not wreaked

enough devastation to warrant a declaration of emergency.

On her part, the Minister of Humanitarian Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Safiya Farouk said on Thursday that Bayelsa was not among the most affected 10 states by the flood in the federation while Jigawa is the most affected.

However, Senator Dickson described the assessments attributed to the ministers as insensitive, disrespectful and offensive not only to Bayelsa or the Ijaw nation but the people of all states affected by the flood.

He noted that while communities and indeed the entire state in the case of Bayelsa are submerged with critical infrastructure and people’s sources of livelihood destroyed, the federal government has not organised any meaningful relief exercise for the people.

Finance Minister: NSIA Now Has $4bn in Total Assets Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja Total assets under the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) now stand at $4 billion, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, has stated.

Ahmed made the disclosure in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire in her opening remarks during plenary on Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) at the ongoing Africa Investment Forum (AIF - 2022), in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

A statement issued by the minister’s Special Adviser, Media and Communications, Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi,

quoted Ahmed as saying that the NSIA had proven to be the partner of choice for the federal government in the execution and successful delivery of major infrastructure projects and transformational initiatives with national impact.

She said Nigeria’s SWF, managed by the NSIA, commenced operations in 2012 with $1 billion seed capital.

Ahmed stated: “But since its inception, the fund did not receive any additional capital till 2016/2017 when the Buhari administration came in. We were very quick to identify the importance of the NSIA in Nigeria’s development.

Hushpuppi to Spend 9 Years in US Prison Bennett Oghifo The United States Central District Court in California yesterday sentenced Nigerian-born, Ramon Abbas, also known as Hushpuppi, to 11 years in a U.S. prison for international Internet fraud, but will spend nine years, having spent two years there already.

The Judge Oits Wright said the sentencing would be concluded on November 7, 2022 and that all parties have been informed of this development. The court’s statement shifting the sentencing said, “counsel are notified, the Sentencing is continued to November 7, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. as to Defendant Ramon Olorunwa Abbas.”

The sentence hearing was

initially moved by Judge Wright from February 14, 2022 to July 11, then to September 21 and now November 7.

The United States Attorney’s Office for Central District of California, Los Angeles had said it would sentence Hushpuppi, for alleged international Internet fraud, on September 21, 2022 and was expected to face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

Hushpuppi appealed and pleaded for leniency and reduced jail time.

A statement issued in July 2020 by the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California titled “Nigerian National Brought to U.S. to Face Charges of Conspiring to Launder Hundreds of Millions of Dollars from Cybercrime Schemes”, said Abbas.

10 people lying in a pool of blood.

In his own account, the Guma Council Chairman, Mike Ubah, confirmed to journalists in Makurdi that 18 people were killed.

Ubah said the attackers appeared in black attires and opened gunfire on people in the market, killing 10 on the spot after which they also attacked other three nearby villages and killed eight others.

“My people at Ukohol were attacked by armed herders. They killed 10 people in the market.

The worst of it all is that they even killed children below the age of two years.

“They went to three villages neighbouring Ukohol and killed another eight people making it a total of 18.

“The security operatives were

prompt and that was what saved the day. If they had delayed, the casualties would have been more than what we now have on the ground.

“It was a market day, they (attackers) went there and started shooting. What is happening now is that they are trying to destabilise people from their villages

and settlements for them to occupy those areas and be grazing in the night. No village is spared and the whole 10 council wards in Guma are affected,” the council chairman said.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident but said she did not have the details yet.

FOR STABLE POWER… L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FIPL, Sahara Group, Dr. Kenechukwu Nwangwu; Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED), Dr. Benson Uwheru, and Chairman, FIPL, Sahara Group, Dr. Anthony Youdeowei after a meeting at PHED’s Corporate Headquarters, Port Harcourt on collaboration strategies to improve power supply to end users

Buhari: Over N785bn Disbursed to Encourage Local Production, Export in 3 Years Gilbert Ekugbe President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that N785 billion funding support has been disbursed over the past three years to encourage domestic production and exports.

The President who was represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Lagos International Trade Fair, explained that some of the programmes include the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), the Federal Government of Nigeria Special Intervention Fund for

Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the N150bn targeted credit facility.

Hesaidthepublicsectorwillcontinue to drive investment into infrastructure development, encourage access to low-cost financing and provide fiscal incentives to companies wishing to manufacture products for sale, adding that these incentives include: three to five-year tax holidays for enterprises; tax-free operations and capital allowances for agriculture, manufacturing and engineering within our free trade zones.

He added that Nigeria’s international trade was currently doing well with a trade surplus between January andJuneof2022inexcessofN3.2trillion, pointing out thatAfCFTAwould give the nation a better opportunity to do so much better.

“As you are aware, Nigeria has signed and ratified the agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This agreement will dramatically boost intra-African trade and is expected to deliver an integrated continental market, consisting of 1.3

billion consumers. This is a great opportunity for Nigeria,” he said.

He stated that to achieve economic development, the public and private sectors must work together.

“The private sector can help boost the demand for Nigerian products by aggressively pursuing value addition and increasing the quality of exported goods originating from our country. This trade fair is a great opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s capacity to produce to international standards and also to export,” he added.

Runway Incursion Causes Flight Delay at Abuja Airport Chinedu Eze Nigerian carrier, Air Peace has explained that it may have some of its flights delayed due to runway incursion caused by the closure of runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The airline in a statement said, “We wish to bring to the notice

of the flying public, especially our esteemed customers, that the Abuja Airport runway was temporarily closed consequent upon a runway incursion that happened this morning.

“As a result of this unexpected occurrence, flights scheduled to operate into and out of Abuja will experience some delays and this

will disrupt our flight programme for the day. While we regret the effect of this development on your travel plans today, we are doing all we can to reduce the resulting disruptions,” the airline said.

But the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation

Authority and other concerned agencies have kept mum about the incident.

Runway incursion is any occurrence at an aerodrome involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle or person on the protected area of a surface designated for the landing and take-off of aircraft.

NLC Writes Ikpeazu over Unpaid Salaries of Abia Workers Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has petitioned the Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, complaining of the plight of the workers in the state being owed arrears of salaries.

In the letter dated November 1, 2022 and addressed to the state governor, the labour movement said that it was unfortunate that Abia State was turning out to

become one of Nigeria’s most worker-unfriendly sub-national governments on account of huge salary debt it owed workers.

The letter signed by NLC President, Ayuba Wabba said: “It is on record that the Abia State Government owes workers and pensioners in the following establishments: Local Government Employees – three months’

salaries. Staff of Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) – 23 months’ salary arrears, Secondary School Teachers – (11 months) of salaries, Primary School Teachers - (3 months) salaries, Pensioners in Abia State (30 months’ pension benefits), and Pensioners in the Judiciary sector owed pension benefits from February 2021 to date).”

NLC also said that workers

in Abia State Polytechnic were being owed 30 months’ salary arrears, while workers in Abia State College of Education have 29 months’ salary left unpaid and workers in Abia State College of Health Sciences (five months).

While chronicling infractions committed by the state government against the workers, NLC said the approved CONHESS was yet to be implemented in Abia State from May 2021 till date.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2022 • T H I S D AY

9

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2022 • T H I S D AY

11

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 5, 2022

10

NEWS 2023 Budget: Senate Appropriation Panel Submits Report Nov 30 Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

ASSISTING BUSINESSES… L-R: Imaginative President, Rotary Club of Ikeja, Sola Akinsiku; Iyaloja of Isolo Obada Market Men and Women, Alhaja Wosilat Yusuf Saka and Past Assistant Governor; Dipo Onabanjo at the presentation of N500,000 interest-free loan to Isolo Obada Market Men and Women at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja... recently.

Kogi Governor Responsible for Owo Massacre, Kuje Bombing, Alleges Akpoti-Uduaghan Chuks Okocha in Abuja A former governorship candidate in Kogi State, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has accused Governor Yahaya Bello of being responsible for the Owo Church massacre in Ondo State and the Kuje Prison break in Abuja.

Governor Bello has been at loggerhead with ApkotiUduaghan for some time now.

The state governor had last week declared her wanted.

Apkoti-Uduaghan had alleged

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed worry over what it described as apparent state of uncertainty and heightened insecurity caused by recent rumours of terror attack on the Federal Capital Territory.

The concern of the apex Christian body was echoed by Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, who said that there has been pervasive deep frustration at the apparent inability of the federal government to restore peace

for Kogi Central, said: “I was in California because I left a day after my primary election and I only returned to Nigeria on the 20th of August.

“And at the time of these attacks (Kuje Prison and Owo PDVVDFUH 6DÀ\X ZDV ZLWK Yahaya Bello. He was in the Government House every day.

“He was living in the house of WKH &KLHI RI 6WDͿ 6R LI DQ\ERG\ should be held responsible for the Owo massacre and Kuje Prison break, it should

be Yahaya Bello that should have questions to answer in conjunction with the Chief RI 6WDͿ KLPVHOI EHFDXVH WKH\ released him from prison for God knows what.

“I even got to know that 6DÀ\X ZDV RQ GHDWK URZ , happened to know he was a hardened criminal on death row but Bello freed him just before the 2019 election. Why he was freed and the nature of his freedom is left for Yahaya Bello to explain.”

and normalcy, despite frequent assurances.

Speaking to journalists yesterday shortly after prayers for Nigeria at National Christian Centre in Abuja, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed worry that insecurity in the country appeared to be increasing every day, with all kinds of rumours of terror attacks.

“This is a very difficult time for our nation, particularly when we talk about insecurity. You know, it appears that it increases every day, with all kinds of rumours, you know, causing all kinds of uncertainty in the

minds of people.

“And even here, you know, when you hear rumours that even the elections we are preparing for may be a truncated by some elements in the society but we may not know where they are, but God who is the spirits, and the owner of the world and its fullness, knows where they are, and where they’re preparing their weapons of war. He only is able according to what He tells us in the Book of Isaiah, that He is able to disable all the weapons of war, and all the weapons of destruction,” he said.

Regarding the 2023 general

election, Oko said there is the need for everybody to be committed to having a very peaceful election.

He said that what Nigerians want is for the election to be credible, “not only in the eyes of politicians, not only in the eyes of Nigerians are in the eyes of the world.”

“Let our testimony come out. At this time, the point of history of Nigeria is that we had a peaceful and credible election that produced people of integrity, people with capacity, people with competence to turn around the fortunes of this nation.

Sirika: 4.2km Second Runway of PANDEF Berates Humanitarian Minister, Abuja Airport Ready in May 2023 Sadiya Farouq, Over Flood Comment Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sitrika, on Thursday hinted that the 4.2km second runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja, will be ready for inauguration in May 2023, approximately six months time.

Sirka noted that with increased funding, the project will be ready before the expiry of the current administration.

The minister, who disclosed this during an inspection tour of the Abuja Airport by the National Assembly Joint Committee on Aviation maintained that the federal government was committed

Gov Masari Inaugurates White Paper Committee on Katsina Varsity Crisis Francis Sardauna in Katsina

that the governor went around GLͿHUHQW SULVRQV LQ WKH FRXQWU\ releasing hardened criminals, especially those of them from Ebira.

She claimed one of such SULVRQHUV LV NQRZQ DV 6DÀ\X who she alleged Governor Bello deployed to carry out the Kuje Prison break and Owo massacre.

Appearing on Arise Television’s Morning Show yesterday, Apkoti-Uduaghan, who is the Senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

CAN, Onaiyekan: Fear of Terror Attack Causing Panic Nationwide Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

expected from all the committees. According to him, while Reports on N20.5trn 2023 budget hearings/engagements budgetary proposals pre- with heads of Ministries, sented to the joint session Departments and Agencies of the National Assembly (MDAs), by Appropriations

by President Muhammadu sub-committees, are expected Buhari last month would be to take place from 13th October ODLG RQ WKH ÁRRU RI WKH 6HQDWH to 3rd November.

He said submission and on Wednesday, November 30, defence of budget reports by 2022.

The Chairman, Senate the sub-committees, had been Committee on Appropriations, À[HG IRU WK WR WK 1RYHPEHU Senator Jibrin Barau ( APC 2022.

He added that Collation/ Kano North), stated this in Harmonisation of Reports by Abuja yesterday.

He urged Chairmen of the Appropriations Committee various committees to adhere under his leadership, will strictly to time table drawn for take place from Friday, 11th consideration of the budget. November to Friday, 25th Barau briefed the press yes- November , 2022.

“Laying / Presentation of terday on planned programme for budget consideration at the report by Appropriations committee level and report Committee to the Senate in SOHQDU\ LV À[HG IRU :HGQHVGD\ presentation in plenary.

He said strict adherence was 30th November, 2022,” he said.

to delivering on the project through the provision of the needed funding.

While taking the legislators on a tour of the ongoing projects at the airport including the cargo terminal and the car park station which are about 90 and 95 per cent completed respectively, Sirika reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all the line items mentioned in the aviation roadmap are GHOLYHUHG EHIRUH OHDYLQJ R΀FH He however commended the National Assembly for supporting the ministry to overcome some of the challenges that bedevilled the aviation industry in the last seven years.

Deji Elumoye and Udora Orizu in Abuja The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has berated the Minister RI +XPDQLWDULDQ $ͿDLUV 'LVDVWHU Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, for her recent comments on the 2022 ÁRRG VLWXDWLRQ LQ WKH FRXQWU\ Farouq had during the weekly 0LQLVWHULDO %ULHÀQJ RQ 7KXUVGD\ said Jigawa State is ranked as the PRVW DͿHFWHG VWDWH LQ WKH FRXQWU\ while Bayelsa State is not even DPRQJ WKH WHQ ZRUVW DͿHFWHG VWDWHV The Forum in a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon Ken Robinson, described the Minister’s statement as a brazen assault on the

sensibilities of Nigerians and an attack on logic.

According to PANDEF, the assertions by Farouq further UHÁHFWHG WKH XQFRXWK DUURJDQFH and callous disregard being accorded to issues about the Niger Delta region and its people, by the federal government.

The Forum wondered why President Muhammadu Buhari abandoned the victims of the ÁRRGV HVSHFLDOO\ LQ WKH 1LJHU Delta?

PANDEF therefore said the crass irrationality displayed by )DURXT PDNHV KHU XQÀW IRU WKH R΀FH RI 0LQLVWHU RI WKH )HGHUDO Republic of Nigeria and should, therefore, resign immediately or be sacked.

Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has inaugurated a white paper committee to tackle the crisis rocking the state-owned Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University few weeks after receiving the report of the visitation panel.

Masari, while inaugurating the committee at the Government House, urged its members to condense the recommendations made by the visitation panel into a white paper format that would enable the government to implement them.

He said the state government was committed and determined

to take all necessary actions to restore the honour and dignity of the university, its certificate and students.

“We can’t afford Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to fall into the trap of a continuous crisis that is likely and definitely interfere with the academic performance of the university and quality of education that the university is supposed to give.

“For that reason, your work is simple and forward but I want you to make sure that you are ready with this report within this month. It is not that you are going to have a tea party, this is a work party.

Pharmacists Tackle NMA President over Disparaging Remarks Pharmacists under the aegis of Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) have cautioned the President of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Mr. Uche Ojinmah, against denigrating the pharmacy profession for inordinate goals.

Chairman of ACPN, Mr. Adewale Oladigbolu, who made a reference to a recent press statement credited to Mr. Ojinmah, where he remarked that “some people even say they are Community Pharmacists and so they must prescribe”, said the remark was a “political tirade and

an unfortunate exhibition of ignorance.’’

He said: “The attention of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has once again been drawn to the unending political tirades directed at the profession of Pharmacy and Community Pharmacists by Mr. Uche Ojinmah, who is portrayed as the President of the NMA.’’ According to him, Ojinmah also gave the impression that everything all other health workers do, the physicians are able to do, as he claimed he studied Pharmacology “which is an aspect of Pharmacy”.

Ondo Communities Threaten BEDC with Mass Protest over 10 Months Blackout Fidelis David in Akure

the communities forcing many business owners in the three Residents of Irese, Aaye and DͿHFWHG WRZQV WR VKXW GRZQ Ikota towns in Ifedore Local their shops while artisans who Government Area of Ondo State depend on electricity to ply their yesterday threatened to shut trades had continued to relocate GRZQ WKH R΀FH RI WKH %HQLQ from the communities.

Electricity Distribution Company In a protest letter addressed (BEDC) in Akure over alleged to the Regional Manager of the 10-month-old blackout in the BEDC, Akure, the residents communities. complained that the power The three towns claimed outage had heightened insecurity they had been in total blackout in the three towns and, several since February 2022, paralysing HͿRUWV WR HQVXUH WKH HOHFWULFLW\ economic, commercial, and company addressed their plight social activities of residents in have been without luck.

12

NOVEMBER 5 2022 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

U.S. consul general, Will Stevens, is impressed with what is on ground in Akwa Ibom State, writes Banke Ogunleye

W

e might not be happy with the terror alert from the United States. It has caused bad blood between it and the government of Muhammadu Buhari. The Buhari government has not been in romance with the US embassy of late over discomfort of Nigerians living in Abuja and its environs.

But as the tensions persist, something else is happening in Akwa Ibom State. It is not terror but embrace. Not just embrace, but medals. The U.S. consul general, Will Stevens, has all the warm words for the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel. And or good reasons.

He said it was the first state he has visited, and had not been at peace with travelling outside Lagos State. Listen: “It is a real honour for me to visit Akwa Ibom,” he purrs. “This is my first trip outside Lagos and I’m truly impressed.”

He did not just fly to Uyo. His choice of transportation was a tribute to the shepherd of the oil-rich state. “I flew in on Ibom Air and I’m looking forward to another flight in it.”

But Ibom air, the state’s aviation pride and one of the marvels of Emmanuel’s stewardship, was just one of the beauties that the consul general has given thumps up. He was more focused on the governor’s style and substance of governance. He was referring to the way Emmanuel has handled finance and accountability, as a flagship for his peers. “The state leads all other states in Nigeria in creating its public finance plan,” he said. “We are particularly proud of this and hope that your government is also very proud of it,” Consul General Stevens affirmed.

He found this a breath of fresh air. It is poignant for a nation and at a time when corruption rules while the country is bellyaching over the loss of a chunk of its oil revenue to organized crime and a country where one civil servant has not accounted for over N80 billion. Emmanuel, who is known to privilege Christian ethics over mundane morality, has shown the way.

With such credits, it is understandable why Stevens chose Akwa Ibom as his first port of call in all the 36 states in the federation. The state did not have to be large. It did not have to be rich or poor. It did not have to have the large mountain to catch the eye, or the roaring seas to capture the ears. It had to do well, to account to the people, and even as small a state as it is, the United States does not need a big, rumbling giant on the map to notice the work Emmanuel has done as he turns to the last phase of his mandate. Hence the United States prioritises work with Emmanuel and his state.

“Akwa Ibom State is one of the first partners in Africa that has improved on fiscal transparency,” he noted.

He identified health, public accountability and fiscal transparency. What he implied is that there is no opaque accounting in the work of his capital projects, nothing to hide in the earth or in the sky about Ibom Air, nothing in

EMMANUEL DID NOT WASTE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS ONE MAJOR COMPLAINT AGAINST THE U.S. HE URGED STEVENS TO USE HIS INFLUENCE TO INFLUENCE THE GIANT EXXON MOBIL TO PUT AN END TO THE ENDLESS GAS FLARING IN THE STATE. IT IS PROSPERITY FRITTERED AWAY. IT ALSO DAMAGES THE ATMOSPHERE

the shadows or in the sky with the Dakkada Tower, perhaps the only building that can sniff the clouds in the region. No fear of crime in the sprawling infrastructure work changing the landscape from the city of Uyo to the borders of Abia State or the shoulders of Cross River into the entrails of the rural areas.

Public accountability could look good without fiscal transparency. One can becloud the other. One can upstage the other. You can make your public accounting spick and span, give the people figures, calculate for them the numbers with benumbing charm of apparent accuracy. But if there is no fiscal transparency, the public would not know that some amount of subterfuge is at work. Fiscal transparency is the root, and if one does not know how the root works, it is problematic. We do not know the soil composition and nourishment. One can be deceived with the shoots and flowers. But if we know the fiscal facts, we can compare them with the public record, then reconciliation can be effected.

What Stevens said is that both fiscal material and process and public record cohere. It is the mark of integrity. Hence, he scored Emmanuel as the first among his peers.

One of the areas that interests Stevens is health care, of course, partly because it is a project his government has worked with Akwa Ibom. He picked out the stride in the approach to HIV/AIDS. Here is what he says. “I wish to note some of the wonderful things that have happened under the governor’s leadership and the leadership of my predecessors. Some of the work have been in the health arena where we have worked hand- in- hand to combat HIV aids.

“This state has moved from just 12% of people who were on treatment to about 95% which surpasses the UN goal for control of epidemic. This truly has been recognized as something to be celebrated.”

Health and education, noted the Roman Historian Tacitus, are two markers of a great citizenry. Stevens noted that Udom has made the country proud.

Emmanuel did not waste the opportunity to express one major complaint against the U.S. He urged Stevens to use his influence to influence the giant Exxon Mobil to put an end to the endless gas flaring in the state. It is not only a great waste of resources, especially in an era where Europe is smarting from the lack of gas supply because Russia turned off its pipeline. It is prosperity frittered away. It also damages the atmosphere.

It is an issue that is sure to attract the attention of the COP27 meeting in the next few days. This is the sort of cooperation we need between the US and Nigeria, where information is shared. No public rancor can solve an issue when private dialogue is necessary. Emmanuel made that possible without noise but with competence and vision.

Ogunleye writes from Uyo

AIR PEACE’S SPIRIT OF PATRIOTISM

Chidiebere Nwobodo celebrates Air Peace airline for its remarkable services

O

ne of the greatest inspirational speakers of all times, Earl Nightingale, postulated that everything begins with an idea. Scott Belsky took it further with his famous quote that it is not about ideas alone but the grit and wit to make the ideas happen. All men desire to walk on the water of greatness but only those whose faith have conquered the fear of failure will dare step out of the boat. Like Martin Luther King, Jr., affirmed, faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the entire staircase. Allen Onyema comes to mind.

Having seen and heard the pathetic stories of failures and calamity that had befallen airlines in Nigeria’s aviation sector in the last few decades, it must have taken the faith of walking on water for Onyema to step out of the boat of imaginations to make the idea of Air Peace a reality.

Starting a business in an environment where only few have succeeded can be quite challenging. But floating an airline in a nation where most young airlines in the past either went bankrupt or got grounded as a result of one problem or another can be terrifyingly difficult. The psychological trauma, the fear and anxiety that you are about to enter the dreaded terrain where stories of failures far-outweighed records of success, can be discouraging. This must have been the dilemma Allen Onyema faced when the idea of heralding the biggest airline in the country first raced through his mind. Something happened. He got possessed by the spirit of patriotism—a spirit that make leaders to sacrifice for the sole gain of their nation. A spirit that makes

soldiers willing to lay down their lives for the love of country.

In 2014, Air Peace was born with main goal of creating jobs for Nigerians and putting the nation on the global aviation map. It began operation with seven aircraft; the first airline in the history of the nation’s aviation sector to start commercial flight with such huge numbers. A new airline is required by law to start operation with not less than three functional aircraft, but Air Peace began with more than twice the number—that is, entering a challenging business environment with the heart of a lion. Before the advent of Air Peace, lifespan of airline in the country used to be very short, marred by stunted growth. Eight years down the road, Air Peace has been a tremendous success story that has come out of Nigeria’s aviation industry in more than three decades. It has leapfrogged from operating seven aircraft in few local routes to having over 40 aircraft in its fleet, connecting not only states in Nigeria but becoming the nation’s gateway to the world via its international routes—Dubai, China, Johannesburg, Israel, etc.

It made history as the first indigenous airline, in a single transaction, to have purchased 13 brand new airplanes with its acquisition of Embraer 195 aircraft. As of today, Air Peace has over 4,000 direct workforce and 9,000 indirect jobs, thereby fulfilling one of the cardinal objectives of floating the airline of which was to create jobs for Nigerians. In the middle of Covid-19 pandemic when most of the airlines retrenched their staff, Air Peace was the only airline that did not sack any of its

employees—thanks to empathic leadership of its chairman, Allen Onyema. The aviation services the Airline is offering Nigerian flying public could not have come at a better time in the nation’s chequered history than now. With unprecedented level of heightened insecurity on our roads, increasing demand for air transportation, it could have been a double jeopardy for Nigerians to have been constricted to few airlines with limited capacities, if Air Peace were not in the picture today.

In my quiet moments of meditation I have thought of what could have been the fate of the nation’s aviation sector today without Air Peace, together with the exemplary leadership Onyema is providing in the industry, under the umbrella of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON). When the aviation sector was at the verge of total collapse, airlines were contemplating closing shop as a result of excruciating difficulties posed by high cost of aviation fuel, scarcity of forex for spare parts, burdensome taxation, and crippling poor infrastructure, Allen Onyema took it upon himself, acting on behalf of AON, to resolve some of the logjams and quagmires that would have put the industry in reverse gear. His sleepless nights, unending meetings with government officials and National Assembly members, etc., saw the aviation industry remaining afloat today. When exploitation of Nigerians by foreign airlines became insufferably worrisome, Allen Onyema rose to the occasion to defend the interests of Nigerians and Nigeria.

I can still remember vividly the unfor-

tunate xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa in 2019. At the heat of the crisis, several nations of the world sent rescue teams and aircraft to go and evacuate their citizens from the then troubled nation.

Nigerians over there were abandoned like chickens without a mother hen. Allen Onyema through Air Peace took it upon himself to rescue stranded Nigerians in South Africa, free of charge—at his own expense. He was not prompted to do it. He did not do it because of any political ambition, he did it for the sole love of the country. Nigerians will not forget such a patriotic gesture.

Air Peace, via its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has also rendered a lot of support to the nation, especially in the area of education and sports development.

Last year it entered into a N300m sponsored deal with Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), of which made it the official airline of the national team. Allen Onyema, as a paragon of patriotism who understood the potent force of sports in uniting the nation, has been supporting the national teams immensely in most of their recent outings.

As Air Peace celebrates its 8th Anniversary, Nigeria celebrates an airline that has become an embodiment of nationalism and patriotism. Imagine the world without anyone.

Imagine the ocean without water. Imagine forests without trees. Imagine Nigeria’s aviation industry without Air Peace.

Thank you Allen Onyema for daring to walk on water. Like Scott Belsky said: it is not only about an idea alone but making it happen.

Nwobodo writes from Abuja

13

NOVEMBER 5, 2022 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Still waiting for the relief materials...

Is This Their Finest Hour?

Terror Alerts, Election and Matters Arising

H

orrible, worrisome, distressing are some adjectives that aptly describe the security situation in the country.

The sad tale that started this year with the ambush of passengers in a train that left the nation’s capital to the nearby city of Kaduna in March was heightened with the prison break at Kuje Correctional Facility in July which, according to reports, led to the escape of scores of terrorists and Boko Haram members.

That the prison break happened few months to the 2023 general elections raised eyebrows. That four months after the attack, 546 escapees are still at large and no one has been fired for the breach of security is breeding the speculation that the operation was carried out with the imprimatur of well-placed, connected and influential persons. That there have been recent reports by our international neighbours of a possible spate in terrorist attacks in the country, especially the Federal Capital Territory makes one wonder what the next tragic story on the news might be.

Undeniably, our leaders are insouciance about the lives and safety of Nigerians as they have thrown caution to the wind and dismissed the security alerts, saying that “as far as insecurity is concerned, the worst is over for Nigeria” when, clearly, it is only an excuse to ward off the ‘distraction’ and focus on the forthcoming general elections, especially as campaigns have commenced.

Though it has been adjudged that next year’s elections will be fair, there are palpable fears about whether it will be free, not only in the sense of being devoid of electoral violence, but also devoid of any security breach that might likely result in the loss of lives. And these fears are valid, given the rampant reports of potential intensified terrorist attacks in the country three months to the presidential election.

The need for a free and fair election cannot be overemphasised. Apart from making citizens trust the electoral process, a free and fair election guarantees the emergence of a legitimate government, thereby preventing the electoral process from being skewed towards a particular political party or candidate.

Given the foregoing, the government’s lackadaisical approach to the infiltration of the nation’s security apparatus by terrorists beggars belief how they

expect Nigerians to believe that they are committed to ensuring that the general elections will be free and fair in all ramifications. The presidential rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna last month was reported to have been disrupted by ‘sponsored thugs’. Though the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleged that the attack occurred because the PDP reneged on its promise with the crowd it rented for the rally, the fact that no culprit was arrested and it was easily dismissed as a normal political brouhaha shows that the nation’s security has been politicised.

Isn’t it baffling that our crop of leaders are only concerned about the electioneering with little or no care about the state of security in the country? About the safety of Nigerians when they go to the polls to cast their votes? About making sure that political rallies and the elections are held in a free and fair atmosphere?

Ezinwanne Onwuka, ezinwanne.dominion@ gmail.com

T

here exists a consensus of a sort on the state of the Nigerian State. A specter is haunting Nigeria — the specter of parasitic leadership. And perhaps that of connivance of the masses.

Nigerian populace, at will, takes delight in hurling swipes at their political elites while turning a blind eye to their contribution to the rot in the Augean stable.

Nonetheless, the complicity of the masses in the poverty of leadership rocking the Nigerian state is traceable to the crisis of unsustainable livelihood ravaging the rank and file. Talk about the stomach infrastructure.

To achieve political ends, politicians manipulate the socioeconomic dynamics of society to create conditions that engender poverty. This is what social scientists now dubbed the “weaponization of poverty.”

Still wonder why vote-buying and crowd-renting still remain integral parts of our electoral system despite the everyday cries of inept leadership? Claude Ake famously wrote — “Man must eat before he can do anything else.” He termed it the primacy of material conditions.

Presumably, the spring of political awakening among the Nigerian youths under the aegis of the Obidient Movement has provided a laboratory for social scientists to experiment upon.

The first question to ask is: How did the country’s traditionally, politically, docile younger demographics, suddenly wake up, in the manner of Arab Spring, to demand good governance?

The fealty of Nigerian youths of diverse ethnic and religious hues to the Obidient movement comes from their latter-day understanding of their folly in Nigerian politics. “Each generation must, out of relative obscurity,” Frantz Fanon noted in ‘Wretched of the Earth,’ “discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it.”

Whether you see it as the residue of the EndSAR protest — as many have argued, or the birth of Neo-Nigerianism. Never in our chequered history have young people shown this great interest in the political process.

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R From PVC registration to the formation of EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE Political Action Committees, Nigerian youths DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU have sent a strong message to the establishMANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO ment, it’s no longer business as usual. The DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI roles of youths in elections have changed from EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN ballot box snatchers and uninterested voters to MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI informed voters and polling booth vanguards.

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE Make no mistake about it, the 2023 Elections will be a bout between the change campaigners and the proponents of the status quo.

The emergence of Peter Obi as the President T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D of Nigeria will inaugurate the much-needed EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA transformation in the country. Apart from the GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, economy which will be brought to its feet, the ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE would-be administration will ensure National DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI healing of the wounds of January 15th, give SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH Southeast a sense of belonging, permanently ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI extinguish the Biafran Nationalism, and finally, CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI cement the faiths of the youths in the country’s DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO electoral system.

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com Jonathan Asikason, Enugwu-Ukwu, Anambra State

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 5, 2022

NEWS

Sanwo-Olu Congratulates Femi Otedola at 60 Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has congratulated business magnate, philanthropist and Chairman, Geregu Power Plc, Mr. Femi Otedola on his 60th birthday.

He said the renowned businessman and seasoned administrator has contributed immensely to the economy and livelihood of many Nigerians, particularly in Lagos State, where some of his companies are situated.

Governor Sanwo-Olu in a congratulatory message

issued yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said Otedola, through his investments in key sectors of the economy, like oil and gas, shipping, real estate, banking and energy, among others has contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s economy by providing jobs for millions of Nigerians, HVSHFLDOO\ \RXWKV LQ GLͿHUHQW parts of the country.

He said: “On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, the Lagos State Government, and the good people of Lagos State, I join

family, friends and business associates to congratulate one of Nigeria’s business magnates and philanthropists, Mr. Femi Otedola on his 60th birthday celebration.

“Mr. Femi Otedola is a good ambassador of Lagos State. He is worthy of celebration because of his many contributions to the economy of Nigeria and Lagos State in particular. As an employer of labour and a respected businessman, he has put smiles on the faces of many working Nigerians.

“As a Lagosian and the son of our former governor, Sir Michael Otedola, Lagos State Government is happy to associate with Mr. Femi Otedola especially because of his philanthropic gestures towards many individuals and institutions within and outside the State.

“I wish Mr. Femi Otedola the best on his 60th birthday as he joins the Diamond Jubilee Group today. I pray that God will grant him long life and sound health to continue to render more service to humanity.”

FolaDavid Foundation Visits Ikate Community with Free Medical Care The Fola David Care Foundation and the TAC Dermatology Clinic Lagos have officially announced their first ever dermatological charity outreach scheduled to hold at the Ikate Primary Health Center on November 5, 2022.

The initiative supported by the CMACGM group, Pharmasolutions, PEM Foundation and Comedian Alibaba aims to increase awareness about proper skin health care and host special skin diseases educational sessions among other activities.

Dr. Fola David, founder of the FolaDavid Care Foundation, renowned Visual Artist and Medical doctor with a special interest in dermatology who is the team lead has confirmed all hands are on deck to ensure all attendees present that day are well attended to.

According to Dr. Ifeoma Abajue, CEO of The Dermatology Clinic Lagos, “It is proven that prevention is the first line of management of any health condition but it is given lowest priority.

PHED MD Urges Employees to be Innovative The Managing Director and &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2΀FHU RI the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) Plc, Dr. Benson Uwheru, has urged employees of the company to be solution driven and hunger for innovative and more creative ways of performing their assignments.

He gave the charge at a strategic session with his executive team following the recent orders marshalled out to power distribution companies in Nigeria by the sector regulator, Nigeria Electricity Regulatory

Commission (NERC).

Uwheru pointed out that as many as 70,000 customers of the company have not vended in the last six months, yet they are connected to the company’s network.

He wondered how the company could continue to provide stable and quality power supply to its customers if the company is not being paid for services provided. He implored the team to deploy every available resource to collect monies owed the company by customers.

DavoDanni Exceeds Required Shareholders Funds in Quarter 3 COLLABORATION THATWORKS… Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe (left) when he paid a courtesy visit to Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor in Abuja recently on collaboration between NCAC and Nigerian military in the 2022 Eko NAFEST

Nigerian Army to Partake in Eko NAFEST )RU WKH ÀUVW WLPH LQ WKH history of National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), the Nigerian army will make a strategic presence at the iconic cultural tourism festival slated for Lagos on Monday, November 7, 2022, signalling a change of policy in the strained civilian and military relationship.

The unprecedented military response to Nigerian cultural

tourism narrative came after the Director General of the National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, paid a visit to Chief of Defence 6WDͿ *HQHUDO /XFN\ ,UDERU LQ Abuja as part of creating windows for wider participation of Nigerian development ecosystem where he requested for the presence of the military architecture to support NAFEST and use same to build

a strong relationship with civilian population.

“Nigerian military is a strong partner in the quest to have a peaceful, united Nigeria and it is same message which NAFEST through our rich diverse culture wish to sustain and you will agree with me, that security is a strong pillar for cultural preservation and promotion. So, we are happy the CDS, General Lucky Irabor will

deploy the three sister military architecture of the Army, Navy and Air Force, to showcase their social responsibility platforms and other sundry activities which civilian population can leverage on for a greater Nigerian nation,” Runsewe explained, adding that no one should panic at full military presence and deployment during the one-week festival, dubbed Eko NAFEST.

2023: Yoruba Has Struck Gold With Pa Ayo UNN Committed to Training Professionals for National Devt, Says VC Adebanjo Leadership, Says Udeogaranya The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant in 2019 general election, Chief Charles Udeogaranya, has congratulated the Yoruba people for the superior OHDGHUVKLS VNLOOV SHUVRQLÀHG and strongly disseminated by Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the current leader of the Afenifere group, saying “ the Yoruba nation has struck gold with Pa Ayo Adebanjo leadership.”

Udeogaranya said that Pa Adebanjo has recently UHFRQÀUPHG KLV WDFLW VXSSRUW to justice, equity and fairness and with his uncommon leadership quality, built the historic bridge of good neighbourliness across the Niger and has since emerged DV WKH JUHDWHVW XQLÀHU EULGJH builder, and a colossus on the order of Niger.

The warm approval is coming after Pa Ayo Ade-

banjo, leader of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural JURXS \HVWHUGD\ UHD΀UPHG the group endorsement of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, citing justice, equity, and fairness.

The former All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant, Udeogaranya, concluded by urging the Arewa group to follow where Pa Adebanjo leads and openly endorse Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party on justice, equity, and fairness.

Udeogaranya who ran the presidential slogan, “Better Nigeria 2019” said that such open support will attract all-inclusiveness and bury agitations of separatism and spur national commitment toward building a better Nigeria for all Nigerians.

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The VC, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof Johnson The management of the Urama, stated that the School University of Nigeria Nsukka was birthed few years back (UNN) has expressed its for the purpose of providing commitment to the training professional education at RI SURIHVVLRQDOV LQ YDULRXV ÀHOGV Masters and Doctorate levels in of study to equip them with various areas of specialisation.

He added that the School requisite skills to contribute to DOVR DZDUGV FHUWLÀFDWHV LQ national development.

Vice Chancellor of short term programmes, UNN, Professor Charles conducts research and provides Arinzechukwu Igwe, stated this consultancy services.

According to him, the formal at the formal presentation of the UNN Business School at presentation of the Business Enugu, noting that the school School became necessary as was already achieving its the management has deemed mandate of producing high LW ÀW WR WHOO WKH VWRU\ RI WKH School to the public. level professionals.

The Director of the UNN Prof. Igwe, who is also the Chairman, Board of the Business School, Professor UNN Business School, charged Josaphant Onwumere had the graduates to be good earlier in his address stated ambassadors of the School that the vision of the School by contributing to national was to become an undisputed world-class business school. development.

Leading state Microfinance Bank, DavoDanni, has stated that as at September 30, 2022 its shareholder fund was N1.6 billion, which is in excess of the required minimum capital requirement of N1 billion.

Managing Director, DavoDani Microfinance Bank, John Ologe, disclosed this at the unveiling of new logo and brand identity held recently in Lagos.

He noted that the firm has also grown its risk assets portfolio to over N 3 billion, with a balance sheet size of N3.8 billion.

He said that in a bid to improve their services DavoDani has designed a new career path to enable staff build a formidable career with the Bank, reviewed the

Akwa Ibom Indigenes in Lagos Declare Support for Umo Eno Mary Nnah Akwa Ibom indigenes in Lagos have formally declared support for the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, with a promise to stand solidly by him and work for the enthronement of his governorship in 2023.

President of Akwa Ibom Community (AKISCOM), Lagos, Prince Felix Udoh, made the declaration in his goodwill message during the formal presentation of the governorship candidate to Akwa Ibom indigenes in Lagos by the Director-General of Umo Eno/Akon Eyakenyi Campaign Organisation, Chief Assam Assam at an event jointly organised by the Lagos chapter of Maintain Peace Movement (MPM) and Akwa Ibom Community (AKISCOM), Lagos, through the office of the Akwa Ibom Governor’s Representative in Lagos, held at NAF Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, last Sunday.

bank’s salary structure in order to be competitive among our peers.

15

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 5, 2022

TRIBUTE Iconic Adeeyo Lives Forever in Our Hearts Olumide Lawal

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any are still in utter shock and disbelief; others are yet to come to the reality of the devastating transition to glory of a great man of the people, an intellectual icon and a boardroom guru, known as Dr. Adewale Adesoji Adeeyo (OON). On October 14, 2021, he bade the world goodbye in far-away Dubai in a blaze of glory. Adewale Adesoji Adeeyo went back to his creator and was interred at Eternal Home Cemetry, Km. 35, Oyo Road, Ibadan, having rekindled hope in many people. An exceptional and gifted human being. We were all deeply distressed at the funeral service. A sober gathering it was. Strain etched on the faces of mourners.

And as well-wishers and associates gathered at his 76 Oduduwa Crescent, G.R.A. Ikeja residence, on October 14, 2022 to mark the first-year anniversary of his glorious transition and cherish his fond memories, the magnetism of Dr. Adeeyo was yet to wane. It was clear, that Sir Eyo, as he was fondly called by his admirers, pursued and delivered his earthly ambitions with diligence and rare wisdom. Sir Adeeyo was one heart full of love – May God bless his heart of love and meekness. He was a most sparkling and dynamic personality.

The outpouring of affection and respect for him at the occasion was an evidence, that he fulfilled his pledge of unassailable service to mankind. Adeeyo used his high public profile to draw attention to the plight of the underprivileged. The great son of Olodooba and Alusekere Compound in Ede, Osun State, came, saw and was impactful on so many aspects of human endeavours. He traversed the universe like a colossus and excellently too. Sir Eyo, in good and bad times never lost his capacity to smile and laugh; nor to inspire others with his warmth and humility.

Dr. Adeeyo’s kindness and love for all that crossed his path remain our solace. And for that we thank you. Adeeyo’s unalloyed loyalty to causes he believed in, together with his sharpness of mind and high cerebral quality, continue to propel us to be of immense service

Adeeyo

to humanity, just as he was during his lifetime.

Sir Adeeyo did a good work by sermonizing, that parents should do a good job of giving their children the affection, which nature demands to help them tremendously to be good citizens of the world. Adeeyo was an encyclopedia of raw knowledge and native intelligence in all ramifications. He was unique in all his undertakings, measured in styles and strides. His trouble-shooting skills that brought peace to many troubled homes, endeavours and relationships were exemplary and legendary.

Mankind miss seeing his sartorial and elegant appearances in whatever apparels he chose to appear in. We miss your velvet and rich voice, from where intellectualism was dispensed with confidence at different fora. All he cared about was life more abundant for all, though he did not suffer fools gladly. Very readily forgiving.

From Adeeyo good heart and beautiful soul, there was no malice. No ill-feeling.

And here we come to another truth about ’Wale Adeeyo. For all the status, the glamour and applause he garnered, he was almost ‘childlike’ in his desire to do good to the genuinely down-trodden of the earth and release them from deep feelings of unworthiness.

Dr. Adeeyo’s unique, dignified, irreplaceable, extra-ordinary and urbane personality, will never be extinguished from our minds. We give thanks to Almighty God, for those qualities and strength that endeared Adeeyo to us during his lifetime. Guide Adeeyo family, oh thou great Redeemer. May flights of Angels continue to sing your soul in your rest.

He was a man who did not tolerate half-measures in getting things done in orderly manner and transparently Sir Adeeyo was extremely sympathetic to the cause of promoting the educational advancement of indigent but brilliant students. His refrain was; “give education to many and you build a solid nation”. He was very lively and humorous to a fault.

This world has very few people like Dr. Adeeyo, who work devotedly for the well-being of the poor, the deprived and down-trodden.

All of which he ventured into within his limited resources. Sir Eyo was an amazing and remarkable personality. A loyal person to his friends, associates, family members and a genuine crusader, who did a great deal for others without expecting anything in return.

Dr.Adeeyo,offeredhiswideshouldersformany people to lean on, and in the process, provided succor to them; wiping off their tears. The world is incensed by his courage and persistence in getting up and going on whenever life knocked him and brings low time.

He was never unrelenting. His midas touch was an invaluable asset that kept him at the loftier side of life. Sir Adeeyo manifested a total family man as he dotted over his four adorable children – Aminu, Bashir, Aisha and Faridah. He was a lovable husband of his darling wife and soulmate, Awwa, who by the grace of God, has been holding the home front well with grace and candour. She continues to display that rare prowess of the status of a jewel of inestimable value, that Sir Eyo rightly conferred on her and she still remains so.

An incurable nationalist that he was, writing in

Ariyo Dare-Atoye, 1981 to 2022 Jude Ndukwe “The righteous perishes, and no man takes it to heart; merciful men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous is taken away from evil” (Isaiah 57:1)

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r Ariyo Dare-Atoye was one man that not only his family, friendsandassociateswould miss, he was someone the entire country and every person of goodwill would.

This is because in his short sojourn here on earth, Comrade Dare-Atoye traversed the space as an unwavering carrier of truth who was ready to speak it to kings and emperors, whether gentle or rough, reasonable or dictatorial, and always in defence of the common man, the oppressed, and for the promotion of a just, fair and egalitarian society where the rights of every citizen is not only guaranteed but seen to be protected and promoted. He had suffered incarceration and brutalisation in the course of his activism but such inhuman actions against him only fuelled his desire to fight for the oppressed and defend the defenceless; he was a voice of the voiceless!

When the Shiites were undergoing persecution, Ariyo stood firmly by them alongside Comrade Deji Adeyanju.

WhenAdeyanjuhimselfbecameasubjectofofficial intimidation, harassment and incarceration based on trumped up charges as a result of his opposition toofficialoppressionandmaladministration,Ariyo stood by him to the end. Even when many could not visitDejiinKanoprisonwherehewasunlawfullyheld,

Dare-Atoye

for fear of being roped in by association and or for fear of the dreaded Abuja - Kaduna highway, Ariyo ignored the consequencesand led other Comrades like Demola Rewaju, Kamen Chuks, Jude Ndukwe et al to pay a solidarity visit to Deji in Kano prison.

The Convener of Concerned Nigerians was freed shortly after.

Ariyowasalsoinvolvedneckdeepintheprocesses that have shaped our modern democracy and country despite threats to his life and discomfort to family. He was a man who would not back down on any issue he believed was just to fight for no matter the threat. In fact, Ariyo was an epitome of a warrior who walked on coals of fire just so oppressive regimes and policies are reversed and people-oriented regulations are put in place.

I recall with nostalgic sadness, how Ariyo had led his Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy and Constitution (CDNDC), to join that led by Comrade Deji Adeyanju of Concerned Nigerians and one led by this writer, Movement for the Advancement of NationalTransformation(MANTRA)inamarchtothe National Assembly in April 2017 to raise the alarm about what was then the undue interference of the executive arm of government in the legislature.

Because the emergence of the leadership of the legislature then had not gone according to the plans of certain elements in the executive who wanted to teleguide the election process to favour their anointed candidates, leadership of the national assembly particularly the senate started suffering high level harassment and intimidation with the recklessdeploymentoflawenforcementagencies, and other shenanigans to aggressively disrupt proceedings of the legislature to the detriment of national interest.

At its height, and when those who should speak were either quiet or siding with the aggressors, or already incarcerated over one trumped up charge or the other, Comrades Ariyo Dare-Atoye, Deji Adeyanju and Jude Ndukwe, took the bull by the horn and organized a rally which was tagged #IStandWithNass and marched with a mammoth crowd to the premises of the National Assembly wheretheiraddresswhereintheydeclaredthat“Any attempttointimidatelawmakersandunderminethe independence of the legislature will spell doom for democracy”, was handed over to Senator Samuel AnyanwuandtwootherSenatorswhohadreceived the marching crowd.

“Nooneshouldattempttokillthenationalassembly simply because they do not like the faces of one or two persons there or simply because of the

major national newspapers, under the heading; “Buhari, Gambari Signpost a new direction”, to commemorate the 60th Independence anniversary of our great country on October 1, 2020, Dr. Adewale Adeeyo displayed his intellectual iconism. He wrote and I quote: “may the sublime combinations of the President’s inner strength and crucial obstinacy, that sustained him in five presidential electoral campaigns, with 3 harsh defeats and 2 splendid and triumphant victories,minglewithsubtlety,caution,imagination, emphaty and God’s mercy to fill our Mr. president with sturdy encouragement and his collaborator, the Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, with sound wellness and zealous wit as they calmly and astutely serve our dear nation”. That was vintage Sir Adewale Adeeyo, A patriot to the core.

He ended up his earthy sojourn as the Chairman of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and made a very good outing of it. He sown like a star. The media industry, where he was the Publisher of the defunct highly successful Anchor Newspaper, the academic and corporate environment; the Islamic community and humanity generally, miss his sweet company and resilience.

Dr. Adeeyo, showed this writer true love and guidance. I drank from his wealth of invaluable experience and fountain of wisdom. Dr. Adeeyo taught me like many others, lessons in resilience, never-say-die spirit; endurance and perseverance, even at the height of extreme hardship. He imbued in some of us, the reality, that we should venture into difficult terrains of various human endeavours and score in a grand style. We are holding high, these lofty, deals. We miss your wise counsels.

I implore all of Dr. Adeeyo’s well-wishers, to strive to establish a Foundation in his honour to enable his worthy legacies thrive forever.

Dr. Adeeyo is simply irreplaceable.

Sir Adewale Adeeyo as our rose, may you ever grow in our hearts. You were the grace that placed itself where lives were torn apart.

Now you belong to heaven and the starts spell out your name. Aljanat Fridau, grant him oh Allah SWT Olumide Lawal wrote from Ailaka Compound, Ede, Osun State. fact that they are doing their job. Doing so would just be like asking to kill the judiciary for freeing, discharging and acquitting Chief Mike Ozekhome, Elder Godsday Orubebe, Justice Adeniyi Ademola and others in quick succession”, they had declared.

Also, on March 27, 2017, Comrade Dare-Atoye, Comrade Abdul Mahmud who is the President of PublicInterestLawyersLeague(PILL)andComrade JudeChijiokeNdukweledanothermammothcrowd to Amnesty International (AI) to show support to the international human rights organisation over the threat it suffered the previous week when an obviouslysponsoredgroup,GlobalPeaceandRescue Initiative (GOPRI) barricaded the organisation’s officeinAbujafordayswarningittoleavethecountry as “there will be no interval of respite if AI failed to leave Nigeria at the end of the five days as we will activate other more profound options to make them leave Nigeria”, the group had threatened.

GOPRI had carried out the action because of AI’s report indicting security agencies on human rights abuses.

Irked by such effrontery, Dare-Atoye in collaboration with Mr Jude Ndukwe and Mr Abdul Mahmud mobilised thousands of Nigerians to AI’s office, assured it of the support of Nigerians and urged it not to vacate the country in compliance with the warped directive of GOPRI. “AmnestyInternationalhascometostay.Amnesty International is going nowhere. You have our full support.Keepthefocusanddonotbeintimidatedor deterred,forthosewhoareforyouaregreaterthan those who are against you”, the group had declared.

And in place of the coffin carried by the anti-AI protesters to the organisation’s office, Mr DareAtoye, on behalf of the group presented a palm frond signifying peace and victory, and a torchlight signifying light in place of darkness.

Perhaps the most important of Comrade Ariyo’s interventions in the polity was his dogged and audacious pursuit of electoral reforms.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 5, 2022

PEOPLE Femi Otedola @ 60: Celebrating a Life of Impact Darlington Nwobodo

“The importance of a life is directly proportional to the impact it has on other lives.” - Jackie Robinson

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he ultimate measure of a life is not in its longevity but the positive effect every strata of it has on the world inhibiting it. Likewise, the real value of wealth is not in the humongous figures displayed in our financial statements but the amount of light we generate and transmit to lighten up darkness in others, and by extention, make our society a better place to live.

All men were born equally but will not be remembered equally when we must have lived our lives and exited the stage for up-and-coming performers in life’s stage to take over. In the bracket of life, time is used as a unit of destiny to remind us that we are on transit—the reason why we should thrive to live a life of impact while it is day because the inevitable night of death cometh.

Examining 60 years of Femi Otedola’s voyage on the ocean of life and the attendant impact his examplary lifestyle has had on his generation so far, shows that he understood this philosophy early on in life and began to set his life’s trajectory on the path that led to greatness. He was born into the family of Sir Michael Otedola on 4th November, 1962, two years after Nigeria’s independence. Despite coming from a privileged background he never allowed it create a mindset of complacency in him. The then young Femi fixed his eyes on the olympian height with a firm zeal to getting to the top. Sixty years down the road of a purposeful life journey, Femi Otedola has become a colossus whose footprints have been engraved on almost every strategic sector of Nigeria’s economy and beyond via his entrepreneurial exploits.

From oil, gas, maritime, power, banking, real estate, etc., Femi Otedola has displayed his midas touch in these industries and successfully built a formidable business empire that will outlast him up to third generations. As a billionaire businessman, shrewd investor and an astute entrepreneur, he has not only created wealth for himself but for Nigeria as a nation. Tens of thousands of Nigerians are gainfully employed today as a result of his entrepreneurial ingenuity. His investment has helped to drive growth of our economy.

He is one of the lifewires of the nation’s private sector. Currently as chairman of Geregu Power PLC, Otedola’s uncanny mastery of businessworld makes him a subject of study by our business schools, because he is a walking encyclopedia on how-to-run-succecessful-businesses.

His passion for mentoring young entrepreneurs is another exceptional quality of humanity service that stands him out. He believes in the school of thought that true wealth is in teaching others how to create wealth—turning stones to diamonds. As a great manager of material and human resources, Femi Otedola always remind young entrepreneurs that businessworld is like a turbulent sea that you can’t predict where the next storm might come—you have to be prepared for the good, the bad and ugly, in order to not be caught off guard. He uses every opportunity he has with young entrepreneurs to remind them not to see any setback as dead-end but to strive to come out stronger, better with more experience on how to stem unforseen circumstances in the world of entrepreneurship. He has had his fare share of set back as well.

In an explosive article published in Forbes Magazine in 2016, Femi Otedola told an inspiring story of how his business suddenly nosedived. In 2008, he had one million tons of diesel shipment on the sea en route Nigeria’s shores, when the unexpected happened—oil prices crashed as a result of economic crisis. “I had about 93 percent of the (Nigeria’s) diesel market on my fingertips. All of a sudden oil prices collapsed

Otted Otedola dol ola la

and I had over one million tons of diesel on the high seas and the price dropped from $146 to $34”. As the then chairman of Forte Oil, with over 500 gas stations across the country, Femi Otedola was in for the biggest shock of his life. He found himself in between the devil and the deep sea. Plunge in oil prices, the crash of stocks, devaluation of the naira and accrued interests, collectively

pushed a dollar-dominated billionaire to a seabed of debt, to the tune of $1.2 billion.

Instead of giving up, he remembered that it is only in our darkest hours that we may discover the true strength of the brilliant light within ourselves that can never, ever, be dimmed, apology to Doe Zantamata. Femi Otedola stemmed the tide—staged a comeback from the downfall, to reclaim his place as one of the richest men in Africa. Only a few billionaire

His passion for mentoring young entrepreneurs is another exceptional quality of humanity service that stands him out. He believes in the school of thought that true wealth is in teaching others how to create wealth, turning stones to diamonds. As a great manager of material and human resources, Femi Otedola always remind young entrepreneurs that businessworld is like a turbulent sea that you can’t predict where the next storm might come from

businessmen would have survived such a severe crash and still bounced back stronger within a short period of time. It speaks of a man who is not being propelled by sheer entrepreneurial grit alone but invincible hand of God which espouses grace.

This rough run and his miraculous recovery has deepened Otedola’s belief in giving back to society, as being expressed in his various philanthropic milestones which reflects the spirit of First Corinthians 3:6— “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow”. Femi Otedola, with his countless philanthropic gestures has shown that he does not have the heart of lion alone in business adventures but also harbor a soft spot for reaching out to humanity. In 2019 he made the single largest individual donation in Nigeria when he gave N5billion to the Save The Children Foundation, a charity platform to improve the welfare of Nigeria’s vulnerable and marginalized children.

When ex-Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, was terribly ailing, it was Femi Otedola that came to his rescue with a financial support of $50,000 for leukaemia operation. He was flown abroad where he got a good treatment and recovered from the sickness—courtesy of divine intervention via Otedola. That singular incident which I keenly monitored reminded me that God still work through people. I can remember Tinsel actor, Victor Olaotan, who was down with terminal illness, Otedola intervened with $100,000 donation. He did a similar philanthropic gestures for Majek Fashek, Sadiq Daba, etc. Otedola being a lover of football has financially supported our national teams in the past, especially Super Eagles. His uncanny philanthropy has distinguished him as someone who knows how to create wealth and the heart of gold to distribute it, especially to the needy.

Femi Otedola is very patriotic when it comes to the love of nation. Uptill this moment only few Nigerians are aware that the nefarious fuel subsidy scam haemorrhaging our scarce national resources was first exposed to the public by Femi Otedola in 2012. Seeing how portfolio companies forged and submitted fake documents to claim subsidy on petroleum products they never imported into the country got him heartbroken. He said: “I realised that some companies in Nigeria were claiming money on petroleum products they never imported. When I saw how much was being stolen, I went to the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan”. When it became obvious that President Jonathan did not act on his whistle-blowing report, Otedola reached out to Senator Bukola Saraki who raised the issue on the floor of the Senate and subsequently, the House of Representatives set up a panel to investigate the allegation.

Fuel subsidy has become notoriously regarded as an organized crime. Nigerians would not have known of this massive theft of our common wealth if Femi Otedola had not opened the proverbial can of worms.

In 2015, as then CEO of Forte Oil, Femi Otedola raised an alarm over a large scale adulterated aviation fuel (Jet A1) in the circulation which came in the form of Household Kerosene (HHK). The contaminated aviation fuel which contributed to the high cost of kerosene in the country could have led to air mishaps if not that a true patriot rose to the occasion to save Nigeria of such calamity. One special and rare attribute of Femi Otedola is that as a result of his simple lifestyle, he is not given to self-glorification. But on an auspicious moment of his 60th anniversary, the moral obligation is on every Nigerian who has keenly observed his impact on our journey towards nationhood to, not only celebrate with Femi Otedola but also wish him more fruitful years in good health and sound mind, because the importance of a life is directly proportional to the impact it has has on others, apology to Jackie Robinson.

Darlington wrote in from Abuja.

17

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 5, 2022

Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Wizkd Headlines Naomi Campbell’s ‘Emerge’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ritish-American Supermodel Naomi Campbell, and Afrobeats superstar, Wizkid are very good friends. They are known to support each other at various times. Their friendship not a few misconstrue.

Multiple times, these two great personalities serve their fans friendship goals, VSDUNLQJ UXPRXUV RI D URPDQWLF DͿDLU The two have this year met a couple of times at GLͿHUHQW JLJV DQG IDVKLRQ VKRZV WR WKH DGPLUDtion of their fans and followers. They look good together anytime they caught up. While many truly believe they have a thing for each other GHVSLWH WKHLU DJH GLͿHUHQFH The widely held notion about both superstars as item appears quite untrue. The Nigerian singer alongside one of his baby mamas, Jada with their son Zion last Sunday night turned out in Doha, Qatar at the launch of Naomi Campbell’s latest project “Emerge”, with the help of the Emerge/Art and Fashion Exhibition, created in association with Qatar Creates.

With a slew of A-list pals showing up to show their support. Jada shared the photos on Instagram and they were all shades of beautiful.

The supermodel hosted a star-studded event and

was joined by notable fashion and creative names. Model Chanel Ayan, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Arabia and Vogue Man, British fashion designer Ozwald Botang, and luxury real estate developer, Mohamed Hadid were among the ÀJXUHV DW WKH HYHQW The exhibition aims to raise awareness, and provide a platform for support, and a larger audience for the work of the upcoming generation of creative talent from emerging regions. It honours the artistic creations of African and Diaspora artistes. To run until 'HFHPEHU LW ZDV FXUDWHG E\ 1LJHULDQ %ULWLVK curator, Aindrea Emelife.

During the exhibition, Emelife, who is also an art historian and writer, said it explores ´GLͿHUHQW QDUUDWLYHV EHWZHHQ $IULFDQ DUWV and the Diaspora,” and the artistes represent portrayals on “Blackhood, Black personhood, storytelling, all inspired by African literature”.

7KH H[KLELWLRQ EURXJKW WRJHWKHU FRQtemporary creators and seven recognised and rewarded fashion designers. Among them were Kehinde Wiley, Delphine Diallo, Patrick Alston, Vania Leles, Victor Ehikhamenor, Larry Ossei-Mensah, Thebe Magugu, Abdel El Tayeb, Bianca Saunders, Artsi Ifrach, Lamine %DGLDQ .RX\DWp 1LNNL 1NZR 2QZXND DQG Kenneth Ize.

L-R: Jada, Campbell and Wizkid

Glitz of ‘Elesin Oba, The king’s Horseman’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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Omowunmi Dada and Odunlade Adekola

bonylife TV’s co-produced “Elesin Oba, The king’s Horseman” – a screen adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s acclaimed tragic play “Death And The King’s Horseman” had its exclusive screening at EbonyLife Place, Lagos, on a recent Friday night, drawing out the film’s stars, filmmakers, A-list celebrities and corporate Nigerians in an atmosphere of glam.

They all dazzled, depicting the theme – ibile – Oleku – Dashiki. The celebrities and the other guests, who turned out for the much talked about feature film, now showing on Netflix, had an amazing experience. The viewing party witnessed a gathering of the movie’s cast, crew, family and friends.

Just like most Nigerian celebrity events, the stars rocked and got social media buzzing with their statement attires. The cast - Omowunmi Dada, Deyemi Okanlawon, Odunlade Adekola, Shaffy Bello and other stars at the night - Kate Henshaw, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Genoveva Umeh and many others graced the occasion in an extravagant manner.

The red carpet was lit with their outfits made from traditional fabrics. The movie stars danced

happily and mingled with other guests as they enjoyed the attention drawn. The statement ‘gele’ (headgear) and modern styled native dress worn by Omowunmi Dada still a talking point days after the event.

After snaps of the actress’ outfit made the rounds online, it drew a series of funny comments. Some said with her outfit, a new “Madam Kofo’” is born as she stole the show with the fashion piece.

Mo Abudu, the Executive Producer of the movie, went further to share beautiful moments from the event.

The film is a riveting classic based on factual events in Nigeria’s colonial era when the horseman (Eleshin Oba) of a Yoruba King in the Oyo Kingdom was prevented from committing ritual suicide by the colonial authorities to follow his deceased master into the afterlife.

The horseman is unable to fulfill his ultimate commitment to the king, leaving his spirit to roam the earth, spelling doom for the land and its people.

The original Death and the King’s Horseman was a stage play, written by Prof. Wole Soyinka, who won Africa’s first Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986. The screen adaptation was written and directed by the late Biyi Bandele.

Seyi Vibez Consolidates with ‘Billion Dollar Baby’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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fter basking in the spotlight as one of the leading voices of Street-pop music in $IULFD SUROLÀF KLW maker, Seyi Vibez, consolidates his HQGXULQJ HͿRUWV ZLWK KLV GHEXW DOEXP dubbed, “Billion Dollar Baby”. Succeeding his earlier works including the widely acclaimed “No Seyi, No Vibes” EP, Seyi Vibez stretches the depth of his hustler’s anthem narrative with this solid 11-track album.

It is easy to see why Seyi Vibez, born Balogun Afolabi Oluwaseyi, has captured the hearts of the ‘streets’, since his induction into the industry. Within the album, the \HDU ROG VLQJHU OXFLGO\ FDSWXUHV WKH reality of every young hustler on the streets, borne by his experiences growing up in Ikorodu, a small bustling town North of

Lagos, Nigeria’s entertainment capital.

On “Billion Dollar Baby,” he goes on a pep-giving spree, encouraging every young listener on the need for grooming positive ambitions and on following them through. A teacher by example, Seyi Vibez, himself after stepping into the limelight ZLWK WKH UHOHDVH RI KLV VWUHHW bop, “God Sent,” has maintained a stealthy momentum as an upcoming artiste, releasing two bodies of work that earned him a good position in the hearts of listeners. :LWK D ÀQH OLQH XS RI VRQJV OLNH ´ µ ´%XOOLRQ 9DQ µ ´%DQN of America,” “Saro,” “Gangsta,” “Chance,” and “BD Baby,” Seyi 9LEH] JRHV RQ D ÀQH PpODQJH RI breezy lightweight party bops and introspective pop bangers. In the DOEXP KH FROOHFWLYHO\ VHOI D΀UPV his prosperity, refusing to give up on his dreams or to settle for less.

Tapping other mavericks includ-

ing Mayorkun on the track, “Ten,” and Simi on the track “Darling,” Seyi Vibez DPSOLÀHV KLV ¶JKHWWR JRVSHO· QDUUDWLYH RQ this album. Even when he sings about falling in love, which is every hustler’s reality, as he did on the songs “Darling’’ and “Ife,” he presents his experiences and thoughts in a very relatable and exciting way. He shares similar themes.

With Seyi Vibez, it’s a clear case of ‘there is something for everyone,’ irrespective of societal class, as his artistry stands out as very introspective and progressive. Seyi Vibez started pursuing his passion in singing, by making covers to his favourite African songs at the time, before abandoning a corporate career for a life behind the microphone.

His progression within the music scene as a lyrical juggernaut and a skilled vocalist continue to spotlight him among the few leading singers holding it down for indigenous-language pop music in Nigeria.

“Billion Dollar Baby” is out across all streaming platforms.

Seyi Vibez

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 5, 2022

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Darkest Moment of Davido, Chioma Ferdinand Ekechukwu

J

ust some days back, a video of superstar singer, Davido and his son Ifeanyi in a pool in his Banana Island home surfaced online. In the short video, the singer was seen bonding with him. The post elicited exciting comments. Days later, the boy is no more. The three-year-old boy drowned in the same pool. He was rushed to a hospital in the Lekki area of Lagos 6WDWH ZKHUH KH ZDV FRQÀUPHG GHDG Who could have thought this could happen with all the love and care given him? Davido and Chioma were said to have traveled for a family gathering and had left Ifeanyi with his minders. Ifeanyi was born in 2019 to Davido and his partner, Chioma.

Ifeanyi soon became a trending topic as many Nigerians hoped the news to be false.

The Monday, October 31 tragic incident followed barely a few days after his third birthday party. A birthday post from his dad had read:

“I pray with all my heart that God grants you perfect health and pure happiness for as long as humanly possible. You will grow to be greater than me. Happy Birthday, son @ davidIfeanyiAdeleke!!!”

Since the news of Ifeanyi’s death became public knowledge, Nigerians, particularly celebrities and entertainment lovers, both at home and abroad, have taken to their social media handles to commiserate with Davido and Chioma over the painful loss of their VRQ 1RWDEOH SROLWLFDO ÀJXUHV LQFOXGLQJ DOO WKH leading presidential candidates, also joined in commiserating with the superstar.

The sad incident once again brought to the fore the amount of attention babies left with minders should be given. It is not new that almost all the big entertainment stars in Nigeria live in mansions with swimming pools as features. In 2018, Nigerian music star, Daniel Oyebanjo, aka D’banj, lost his son, Daniel Jr. in similar tragic circumstance. Daniel Jr. died in a swimming pool at the singer’s home in Lagos while he was away for a musical award in Los Angeles, United States.

L-R: Davido, late Ifeanyi, Chioma

Ozioma Diji: Why I’m against Modern Slavery Tosin Clegg

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assionate about empowering her fellow women, DFWUHVV DXWKRU ÀOPPDNHU entertainer and convener of the movement, “Say No to Modern Slavery”, Faith Ozioma Diji has revealed why she shot the movie, “Battered from her book, The Secret Killer.”

She said: “This book exposes modernGD\ VODYHU\ DQG LWV HͿHFWV RQ RXU PLQGV and society. What becomes of society if the wounded decide to revenge? This is the reason I wrote the book. And we FDQ VHH WKH HͿHFWV RI PRGHUQ VODYHU\ LQ our time. If we do not take deliberate actions, beginning from our actions

at home and work and how we treat one another in secret and openly, the consequences shall be enormous. The vision is to liberate, emancipate, edify, and inform WKH SHRSOH RI WKH DGYHUVH HͿHFWV of modern slavery through my content, projects, and productions.”

She further spoke about her ÀUVWKDQG H[SHULHQFH RI PRGHUQ slavery, “That was when my cousins threw me out of their house for reasons unknown to me to date. They told me to leave the house before they returned from work the following day. This was just after I completed the three months Acting program at PEFTI, and that was the reason I came

to Lagos, to become an actor. That was how I moved house to my uncle’s at Coker in Lagos, and then I understood what verbal abuse, modern slavery in a nutshell, truly meant. I had turned 18 then.

“I lost my self-esteem for years as a result of those memorable moments in my life, and I regained my self-esteem when I began to discover my purpose and that was when I got married. My husband was instrumental to my liberation, as God empowered him. +H WDXJKW PH WR EH WKH FRQÀGHQW DQG brave woman that I am now. So, instead of becoming a victim of my experience, I am empathetic and understand life better, and I’m focused on exposing the menace and liberating mankind.”

Seyi Vibez

With #NAIJAHighlandah Challenge, William Lawson’s Excites Nigerians

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illiam Lawson’s is known for defying the norm, making its own rules and being EUD]HQO\ GLͿHUHQW MXVW OLNH RXU liquid. This is the kind of person we are looking for among Nigerians, someone with a true Highlandah attitude. We know Nigeria is full of Highlandahs, but only one person with guts will have the glory of being the William Lawson’s true-born NAIJA Highlandah. I challenge everyone to participate if they dare – we look IRUZDUG WR EXPSLQJ ÀVWV ZLWK 1$,-$ Highlandahs!”

These were the words of Customer Marketing Manager, Bacardi-Martini Nigeria Limited, Lerato Makume at the launch of the ongoing The NaijaHighlandah Challenge by William Lawson’s on Thursday, October 6, 2022.

Living up to its no-rules brand identity, the campaign has taken lounges, bars and supermarkets across Lagos by storm, and there has been no dull moments as participants aged 18 years and above competed with each other to show their guts and wits to win the VWDU SUL]H RQ RͿHU WZR PLOOLRQ QDLUD and a trip to Scotland!

But their journey had begun during WKH ÀUVW SKDVH RI WKH FKDOOHQJH ZLWK them registering on the website microsite for the competition, or scanning the QR code on any of the campaign communication assets at various retail

outlets in Lagos.

Following their successful registration, these participants then received invitations to participate in challenges staged in 30 selected outlets across Lagos from October 13 to November 5. The Top 10 participants with the best Highlandah attitude and highest number of points at the end of the challenges will move to the grand ÀQDOH ZKHUH WKH\ ZLOO EDWWOH LW RXW IRU WKH EUDJJLQJ ULJKWV DV WKH YHU\ ÀUVW Naija Highlandah, with the star prize at the back of their minds.

In these austere times, the cash SUL]H LV VLJQLÀFDQW ,W FDQ EULQJ DERXW a remarkable turnaround in the life of the eventual winner if they use it judiciously. Stories abound of people who got little seed funding and grew their businesses substantially. Aside from the cash prize, there’s also the attraction of visiting Scotland, home of approximately 790 islands and Europe’s oldest tree, a twisted 3,000-year-old yew. Again, Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, a place most Nigerians love to visit or live.

This probably then explains the #NAIJAHighlandah Challenge’s wide acceptance by Nigerians at the activation centres including bars, lounges and supermarkets where people have been participating in the games to be SDUW RI WKH JUDQG ÀQDOH 7KH JDPHV that have generated a buzz among Nigerians include good-humoured ones, such as Spin The Bottle, Animal Imitation and Balloon Games. There are also bold challenges, including the

walk-a-plank game involving men on high heels who are timed and need to walk briskly on raised thin planks.

The competition also comes with two unconventional challenges, namely the ‘Kaku Meter’, where they must guess the length of the bar counter – measured according to the length of a horizontally laid William Lawson’s bottle and ‘Pull No Spill’, where each person is allocated a :LOOLDP /DZVRQ·V EUDQGHG FXS ÀOOHG to the brim. Using tissue from a toilet roll, they must pull the glass toward themselves without wetting the tissue.

The wetter it gets, the more likely it is to tear. Contestants are judged on who gets the cup closest to them in 30 seconds.

6LQFH WKH ÀUVW ZHHN RI WKH DFWLYDWLRQ there has been a sustained interest by Nigerians because of its resonance.

While 392 people participated in the ÀUVW ZHHN GLG LQ ZHHN WZR 7KH WKLUG ZHHN VDZ PDOH DQG IHPDOH contestants taking part in games at several select outlets, with the number expected to increase by the last activation week at Fish Farm, Ogudu, Ice Age, Abule-Egba, Busy Body, Ikotun and Jendol, Abule-Egba and Ikorodu and Just Rite, also in Ikorodu, The ongoing games have again brought out the adventurous spirit of Nigerians to the fore, aligning perfectly with the bold and unconventional character of the disruptor whisky brand with Nigerians attesting to its quality.

“This whisky has been my preferred

brand since it came to Nigeria some years ago. I was wowed when this campaign started because I saw the activation train with males and females wearing kilts. This campaign is just only reinforcing my loyalty to the brand. It’s William Lawson’s for me all the way,” Adeolu Yaya said at ShopRite, Ikeja City Mall.

A fun seeker at Bamboo Lounge, Ikeja GRA, Albert Okon, commended the brand and the games. He noted, “William Lawson’s is a very nice brand. The blend is okay, and I had fun. The games were interesting, the personnel in charge were friendly, and we all laughed all through the games.

It’s a very nice experience for my friends and I. I would love more of this kind of experience.”

On her part, Toyin Kareem said, “Basically, I was able to have a taste of :LOOLDP /DZVRQ·V 7KLV LV WKH ÀUVW WLPH I’m tasting it. It tastes smooth. It’s nice, and I had about three shots. I’m not a fan of whisky, but I took three shots because it was smooth, and the blend is very okay. It has a soothing feeling, and the games were fun. I had a lot of fun and gisted with my friends too. I would rate it 95% because it is worth it. If I want to take a whisky next time, I will opt for it.”

By the time the ultimate NAIJA Highlandah emerges at the star-studGHG JUDQG ÀQDOH IHDWXULQJ PXVLF comedy and general entertainment on November 12, it would have been quite the journey of guts and daring, the William Lawson’s way.

19

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 5, 2022

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Naija Star Search: Late Sound Sultan’s SongTriggersTears

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2022 • T H I S D AY

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 5, 2022

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POLITY Agwu Okali: My Petition to British PM is to End Systemic Racism The Black History Month celebrations have just ended but the founder and Chairman Society for the Elimination of Racism in All Languages (SERIAL), Agwu Ukiwe Okali, did not let the celebration end without making his impact. The former UN Assistant Secretary General under Kofi Anan and Registrar of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda spoke with NDUKA NWOSU on the implications. Excerpts:

A

gwu Ukiwe Okali wrote a petition to the British Prime Minister duringthe celebration of the Black History Month, last October, while alerting UK Academics and some top influencers of the society, urging them to join him in the fight against systemic racism.

The black history month, which started as Negro History Week in 1926 is an event that celebrates black people in the Diaspora especially the offspring of slave trade, and black people whose names resonate with the history of black struggles. It has also gone the extra mile of persuading the people of the world to do a rethink regarding attitudinal trends towards black people in Diaspora. In the US where it is known as the African American History Month, the US Presidents use the opportunity to remind Americans the need for racial equality and justice even if the wheel is grinding slowly but surely.

President Joe Biden has a black American woman Kamala Harris as his vice while nominating a black woman to the US Supreme Court, with many black men, women, and people of other colours gaining huge presence in his administration.

During the last African American History Month, he made allusions to how much his administration values the pride and progress of blacks as US citizens, a welcome relief from the monstrous experience they had under former President Donald Trump.

Yet we know blacks in the Diaspora suffer unbelievable discrimination for being black. Our own 39-year-old Alika Ogorchukwu, was given the George Floyd treatment in July this year; he was beaten to death in Civitanova Marche Italy, by a man who claimed he touched him. The list is endless.

Said Biden: “Judge Jackson (his Supreme Court nominee) is part of an incredible group of Black women who I have nominated to the federal bench. We have nominated more Black women to the federal bench than any administration in the history of the United States of America. I am more optimistic about our chances to bring equity to this country than we ever have before now.”

While acknowledging these great strides recorded by history and good people, Okali believes there is need to fast forward the progress being made. Okali, who was a former UN Assistant Secretary General under Kofi Anan and the Registrar of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, had argued that there should be an intellectual conversation on racism. His take: “Beyond Black History Month, beyond Black Lives Matter and Taking the Knee, beyond government commissions and action plans against systemic racism, it is important to erase the foundation of racism. Language, certain aspects of the English Language in particular, need to be revisited.”

Specific aspects of the English Language that promote racism, need to be expunged, and be replaced with something that dignifies the black race. They should be re-written as a step in the right direction. In drawing his allusions, the former Harvard and London School of Economics scholar remembers the British have been at the forefront for human rights and racial equality.

Okali is impressed with this and reminds the Prime Minister that in recent times the United Kingdom through the football association sanctioned the highly regarded captain of Chelsea and England John Terry, following his racist remarks on a fellow player, the same way Luis Suarez was sanctioned when he made his own racist remarks on another player.

Britain has set a strong example for the US and other countries in this direction.

Okali said: “First, everyone would agree that this whole campaign for racial justice and racial equality have been going on for a very long time indeed and, even more worryingly, that the end of the struggle does not seem anywhere in sight! As even President Joe Biden himself acknowledged upon his election, despite the undeniable progress that has been made in this area, there remains an underlying systemic racism in society that refuses to go away and so continues to manifest itself in various ways on the ground: consider the George Floyd and George Floyd-type incidents that persist, not to mention the near-legitimization and “mainstreaming” of “white supremacy” ideologies and movements, showcased in the January 6th Capitol insurrection in the US. Where then does the problem lie? He says it has to do with the mindset of those who villify the black man for being who he is. “Racism is, in reality, a mindset issue, the outward expression of a racial bias mindset.

He stresses, “racist behavior becomes largely accidental or coincidental, as when someone unwittingly uses a racially derogatory word. Consequently, to successfully address the

Okali racism problem, one must focus, not on clamping down on acts of manifestation of the mindset, but on eradicating the racial bias mindset itself.”

Quite obviously, he insists, unless the mindset goes, its manifestations will only keep popping up continually, as the “police brutality” cases in the US have shown, despite adoption by the authorities of many post-George Floyd preventative measures.

To successfully eradicate the racial bias mindset, Okali persuades his audience to first identify those factors that create and/or sustain that mindset. Regrettably, Okali notes, looming large among such factors is, in fact, an aspect of the English Language and the thought processes deriving from it: “One refers here to the aspect of the language, also present, incidentally, in other major European languages that portray what may be described as a systemic denigration of ‘blackness,’ and corresponding glorification of whiteness, that is exemplified in such expressions as black list, black sheep, black spot, painting someone black, etc., and white knight, white magic, white lie, whiten something, such as a reputation, etc.”

In effect, anything negative is associated with the word black while the positive elements of creation are white and benevolent in content. That means we have, according to his research, which has attracted critical acclaim, with an interesting book: Of Black Servitude without Slavery, The Unspoken Politics of The English Language, among scholars of anthropology, sociology, psychology, language, and the humanities.

He summarises this as a veritable “blackness of bad/whiteness of good, badness of black/goodness of white narrative,” a narrative which, imbibed over a period, often from earliest childhood, and sustained throughout life in everyday language, must surely create “a mindset conditioned, whether consciously or not, to shun or react negatively to ‘black’ things, while embracing or favouring things categorised as ‘white.’

Okali continues: “Under this scenario, and in a process aided by the phenomenon of ‘word association’ well-known

Okali is impressed with this and reminds the Prime Minister that in recent times the United Kingdom through the football association sanctioned the highly regarded captain of Chelsea and England John Terry, following his racist remarks on a fellow player, the same way Luis Suarez was sanctioned when he made his own racist remarks on another player

to psychoanalysis, a black person easily becomes subsumed, even if subconsciously, into the general category of ‘black,’ and, therefore, ‘bad,’ things. This, in turn, triggers the preprogrammed negative reaction in the other person, regardless of intentions, prompting that person’s conscious mind, if aware and so inclined, to counter by separating the black person from the other ‘bad,’ ‘black’ things.

“It may even be that the psychological inability to make this separation accounts for much existing racist disposition.

Maybe, and incidentally too, this fear of subsumption is the reason even mainline African American organisations, such as the NAACP, decidedly themselves shun the ‘Black label!’

One further advantage enjoyed by the white person in this scenario, says Okali, can be logically surmised by the same process of ‘word association’ operating with respect to black people, white people would also get subsumed, subconsciously, or otherwise, but this time into the category of “good” things, which, in turn, implicitly ‘entitles’ them to what may be called ‘sympathetic treatment.’

“In fact, this reality is actually part of the psychological underpinning to the long-observed phenomenon of decidedly unequal treatment of black and white persons in law enforcement, not just by the police and prison authorities, but often even by judges.”

According to Okali, what is going on here, is the phenomenon American sociologists identify as ‘labeling, or stigmatisation.’

Incidentally, in other major European languages - that portray what may be described as a systemic denigration of ‘blackness’ and corresponding glorification of ‘whiteness,’ that is exemplified in such expressions as black list, black sheep, black spot, painting someone black, etc., and white knight, white magic, white lie, whiten something, such as a reputation, etc. Emerging from this, then, is a veritable ‘blackness of bad/whiteness of good, badness of black/goodness of white narrative,’ a narrative conditioned, whether consciously or not, to shun or react negatively to ‘black’ things, while embracing or favouring things categorized as “ ‘white.’ By associating ‘black’ in the mind with ‘bad’ things, and ‘white’ with ‘good,’ this ‘conditioning’ process becomes profoundly consequential to racial attitudes and race relations. Under this scenario, and in a process aided by the phenomenon of “word association” well-known to psychoanalysis, a black person easily becomes subsumed, even if subconsciously, into the general category of ‘black,’ and, therefore, ‘bad,’ things.

It may even be that the psychological inability to make this separation accounts for much existing racist disposition. May be, this fear of subsumption is why even mainline African American organizations, such as the NAACP, decidedly themselves shun the “Black” label!

One further advantage enjoyed by the white person in this scenario can be logically surmised: by the same process of ‘word association’ operating with respect to black people, white people would also get subsumed, subconsciously, or otherwise, but this time into the category of ‘good’ things, which, in turn, implicitly ‘entitles’ them to what may be called ‘sympathetic’ treatment.

In fact, this reality is part of the psychological underpinning to the long-observed phenomenon of decidedly unequal treatment of black and white persons in law enforcement, not just by the police and prison authorities, but often even by judges.

Solutions Having taken us round on a voyage that explores the good and bad of blackness, and of white knights who live in an elusive world of being God’s chosen ones, Okali asks: “What then is to be done and what actually is the solution to this quandary?”

He provides the answer: “A simple and effective solution to the problem under this theory, is to find a way to delink race-designating terms like ‘black’ and ‘white’ from any value-conferring functions in the language, specifically eliminating the current figurative use of the terms ‘black’ and ‘white’ as qualitative assessment adjectives, as in the expressions cited above. “One possibility could be to simply replace those two terms with other ‘colour’ words that have no racial connotations, as, for example, ‘red’ list for “black” list, or ‘grey’ knight for ‘white’ knight, etc.

“A better, and surely sounder, option, however, would be to replace the two terms instead with two newly created words that have neither history nor ‘baggage,’ thus giving us, for example, ‘X list’ and ‘Y knight’ for ‘blacklist’ and ‘white knight,’ respectively, where X and Y represent the newly created substitute-words.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 5, 2022

POLITY

Flight 086: 26 Years After Uloma Jide-Afonja

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ast year on November 7th, my family and friends accompanied me to Ejirin/Itoikin near Lagos for the 25th memorial prayers for my husband- Jide, and the 143 victims of Flight 086. I was unsure of what their reaction would be because many of them were visiting the crash site and memorial arcade for the first time. On our way to the site, we all tried to crack jokes and discuss issues and all sorts of topics while avoiding the reason we were all going to Ejirin.

At that moment, I realized it is easier for me to visit the memorial arcade alone because I am able to manage my emotions better when I do. It was ironically particularly difficult with family and friends by my side last year. As soon as we arrived at the memorial arcade and everyone saw the epitaph with the names of the 144 victims and the Ejirin River, there was a deep sense of grief that was almost too much for most to bear. Many people broke down.

One could slice the grief in the air even after 25 years.

144 souls gone forever... I had to distract myself so as not to be uncontrollably distraught, defeating the aim of the visit which was to pray for the dead and families of the victims. I decided to focus my emotions and thoughts on other things, from the villagers and bystanders who were not COVID-19 compliant, to if a hundred packs of small chops will be enough.

I also focused on the ADC staff and families of other victims of the crash, the canopy/chair rental company which disappointed us with their service, and the fact that we were starting behind schedule and many of my friends had flights to catch after the event. I wondered why the authorities do not maintain most memorial sites and cenotaphs in Nigeria; Just anything to distract me from losing control of my emotions.

I listened to one of the priests - Father Augustine, who admonished us not to be so aggrieved after 25 years, and I wished I could tell him that people mourn in different ways and there is no right way to grieve. That losing a loved one can never be forgotten. Though people get on with their lives, they do not forget the pain. The large turnout for the memorial prayers last year brought me some form of comfort, but on our way back to Lagos felt a deep sense of sadness still. I felt the coldness of the river and the emptiness of life as if we were leaving Jide and the 143 victims there, being abandoned.

Condolence visits bring back memories of my loved ones: Jide- my husband, my parents, Obinna- my brother, Ikebobo, Elsie- my childhood best friend, and many others I have lost.

I recall when I visited a dear aunty- Mrs. Otubu, just after her husband, General Otubu died in a plane crash. It left me weeping uncontrollably for hours and I was very embarrassed but just could not stop crying to the bewilderment of other sympathizers. Fortunately, Mrs. Otubu understood where that deep grief was coming from. Just recently, I

Uloma Jide-Afonja (middle) with family and friends during a visit to the crash site in Ejirin/Itoikin, last year. attended a service of songs for the husband to a young girl I mentor. At the car park just before I left the church, I shed some tears in my car for the young widow who was extremely distraught- the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Mmmm……Grief is deep…very deep. The loss of a loved one is a nightmare. The number one most psychologically traumatizing event one can ever experience.

Do you realize that one never knows how they will handle grief until it comes knocking on the door? People live with grief every day and for the rest of their lives. Yes, we do move on over time, but everyday experiences remind us of our loved ones. People die every day, but what is most tragic about plane crashes is the helplessness in the air and the horror the victims experience moments before they meet their unfortunate end.

We learn to remember them in our hearts and appreciate what they loved when they were alive. For me, I am drawn to places, movies, literature, melody, and individuals Jide liked. I think about Jide and wonder what he would have become or how old he would have been every year. Just imagine. Jide would have been 57 years old if he was alive today. I wonder what he would have said about Netflix or the new restaurants in town.

I wonder how he would have danced to hits by current famed Nigerian and African entertainers. I still play Lagbaja’s songs because of Jide who loved them so much, but I also know he would have moved on to other entertainers if he was here today. Change, they say, is constant in taste but for now, I will continue to hold on to Lagbaja in memory of Jide since he did not live long enough to enjoy other types of

music around.

Jide would have replaced Satzenbrau beer with another and may have even stopped taking beer entirely to avoid having a pot belly or to reduce the pot belly that would have developed over the years. All to say, these are thoughts I have all in hopes of keeping his memory alive. You see, there are good days and bad days, and it may seem confusing, but even in the midst of people and the busy nature of life, grief can be isolating and it is okay to cry when one feels overwhelmed.

November 7th is never a good day for me even though I count my blessings and I am thankful to God for bringing my children and I thus far. I have been intentionally content with my life. It has enabled me to live a life of gratitude where I do not expect anything from anyone. Being intentional has helped me escape bad energy, grudges, negative vibes, and living a bitter entitled life. I thank God for his mercies and for my support system- family and friends who have been there for me.

People may wonder why I still commemorate my husband- Jide, the way I do 26 years on, Mmmmm……... If talking about Jide is how I am able to cope emotionally all these years, then I will disregard being judged or shut down, and grieve the way I wish. May Jide’s soul and the souls of the 143 victims of ADC Flight 086 through the mercy of God continue to rest in perfect peace, Amen.

Uloma Jide-Afonja is wife to First Officer Babajide Afolabi Afonja, Co-Pilot of the ADC Airlines plane that crashed in Lagos on November 7, 1996.

Gbenga Daniel: Nigeria Must Return to Agriculture

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former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has stressed the need for Nigeria to return to agriculture in order to enhance the food self-sufficiency quest of the country.

Daniel, who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Ogun East, also warned the political class against taking the electorate for granted as the country prepares for the 2023 general elections.

He spoke recently at the palace of Alaperu of Iperu, Oba Adeleke Idowu Basibo, during a courtesy visit to all the traditional rulers in Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.

The event, which was part of Daniel’s ongoing ward-toward tour across the nine local government areas in the Ogun East Senatorial District, preceded the empowerment and award of scholarships to indigent students in Ikenne Local Government. Speaking against the backdrop of global food shortages, the former governor said Nigeria urgently needs to return to agriculture as a viable way of increasing local food production and ensuring sustainable economy.

He explained that his interest in revitalizing agriculture and complementing the sector with necessary infrastructure informed why the idea of an agro-cargo airport was conceived during his tenure as governor about 15 years ago.

He added that his administration acquired the land for the airport project in Ikenne, paid compensation to affected land owners and did the airport designs before leaving office.

“There is global food shortages; there is hunger in the land.

Nigeria needs to return to agriculture as alternative means of generating revenue and foreign exchange and also increase local food sufficiency.

“Our belief in agriculture is the same reason why we started giving out Agriculture Tractors as part of our empowerment programme. It is telling the people the next way to go which is agriculture.”

Daniel commended the incumbent governor Dapo Abiodun

Gbenga Daniel for continuing with the execution of the airport project which, he noted, was already nearing completion.

The former governor, who stated that Nigerians are now increasingly becoming politically conscious, asked political leaders to always carry the people along towards ensuring inclusive governance and popular participation.

He said despite the lack of formidable opponents against him in the 2023 senatorial race, he will not desist from engaging with the people to know their yearnings and get first-hand information about their expectation from him.

Daniel further said it was a great honour for him to be nominated to represent Ogun East in the National Assembly like many illustrious indigenes of the state, including late Senator Abraham Adesanya, Senator Biyi Durojaiye, Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye and Senator Adegbenga Kaka.

He said, “We had done 31 wards in three local governments visited so far and in all these locations, we are yet to see one poster of any party for that senatorial slot. We have not seen one of opposition and people keep saying, why are you then still going around?

“First, the biggest mistake you can make is to take your people for granted. And as you know, even my best of friends, I never take them for granted. To represent Ogun East Senatorial District is a great honour, that was the position that we have many great people from this state.

“I think it is therefore very important that before you represent any people, you must go out, listen to them, even if they say 10 things, perhaps you can make use of two or three from them. And I can assure you, our ward to ward tour has been an eye-opener.”

Amidst jubilation, Daniel toured several communities in the local government, including Ogere, Iperu, Irolu, Ilishan and Ikenne where he solicited massive support for all APC candidates in the 2023 elections.

A major highlight of the ward-to-ward tour is the Gateway Front Foundation Free Medical Screening programme, where over 800 aged and babies were attended to as well as Empowerment raffle where branded Toyota saloon car, five Motorcycles, 2.5KVA generator were won as well as over 500 other items, including sewing machines and grinding machines.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 5, 2022

POLITY

With Peter Mbah, a New Enugu is Possible Charles Mba “So I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite,” Exodus 3:10.

J

ust like Moses in the bible whom God used to save the israelites out of the house of slavery from the hands of Egyptians, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah from the look of things is like the Moses of our time who is coming to transform Enugu State. He is unarguably qualified to lead to the promise land.

Mbah has carved a niche for himself in the private sector and has proven beyond reasonable doubt, that Enugu State will be safer under his watch.

He has studied the situation of the state and has solution to proffer.

Since his emergence as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer as the Enugu State governorship candidate for the 2023 general election, the state has witnessed a very different pattern of consultations and campaign. Hearing Mbah speak, you expect nothing than hope with a total conviction that Enugu is about to witness a total transformation.

When he speaks, you see sincerity, commitment, determination and a man who has volunteered himself to give Enugu people a quality leadership.

As stakeholders in the state, when we see such people, we align with them to ensure that vision is actualised.

According to John Graham “vision inspires action.

A powerful vision pulls in ideas, people and other resources. It creates the energy and will to make

Mbah change happen.”

Gone are the days when we vote people based on individual sentiments or empathy because any mistake we make could affect our children yet unborn.

Out candidate is qualified educationally. He graduated

from University of East London (UEL), obtaining a Bachelor of Laws degree in the Upper-Class Division. He was later called to the Nigerian Bar, having earned the Barrister-at-Law (BL) from the Nigerian Law School.

Since his graduation, Mbah has distinguished himself in entrepreneurship and business innovation. He founded Pinnacle Oil and Gas Ltd, which is recognised nationally and Internationally.

Pinnacle Oil and Gas Ltd shocked Nigerians after the successful completion of the $1bn Pinnacle Oil Ultramodern Petroleum Terminal located at Lekki Free Zone, Lagos.

Pennacle and Mbah, the PDP governorship candidate in Enugu State, who spearheaded the project received commendations from Nigerians all over the world.

The choice of Mbah by our amiable Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was never a mistake. Ugwuanyi saw in him a man capable of sustaining the developmental milestones achieved by his predecessors and more.

Mbah no doubt, is aware that the expectations from him are high and is determined and committed to work tirelessly to ensure he didn’t leave any stone unturned.

His business interests traverse import trade, oil and gas sales and distributions, maritime logistics and public service. Apart from founding Pinnacle Oil and Gas, he also bestrides the other numerous companies.

According to him, “I’ll make Enugu preferred destination for investment in Nigeria.” In other words, Enugu is the next destination where everyone would want to come and invest and do business like Lagos and Abuja.

I am very optimistic that Mbah is coming to replicate what he did at Pinnacle from almost zero worth to a multi-billion Naira company, in Enugu State. .Dr Charles Ndubuisi Mba, a Real Estate Developer writes from Lagos

Rotary Club of Ikeja Again Empowers Traders

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ew months after presenting a cheque of N500,000 (interest-free loan) to the Isolo Obada Market women in Lagos State, Rotary club of Ikeja has yet again presented another cheque of same amount to another set of beneficiaries from the same Isolo Obada Market men and women.

According to a press release issued by the Director, Public Image of the club, Rotarian Segun Adebowale, the cheque was presented to the Iyaloja of the Isolo Obada Market Men and Women, Alhaja Wosilat

Yusuf Saka by Past Assistant Governor, Dipo Onabanjo.

While describing the presentation as one of the traditions of the club, the Imaginative President, Sola Akinsiku commended the Iyaloja for always ensuring that the beneficiaries never renege on paying back the interest free loans.

“At Rotary Club of Ikeja, we have always been supporting indigent traders of Isolo Obada Market for many years and we can confidently say that the beneficiaries have never failed to pay back the loans.

Today, we are yet again for the second time in this

L-R: National Coordinator, Organised Private Sector in Water Sanitation and Hygiene (OPSWASH), Dr. Nicholas Igwe; Corp Member/NYSC Hypo Toilet Rescue Volunteer, Chukwu Esther Motunrayo; Senior Director, Community Development Service, National Youth Service Corp, Lagos State Camp, Mrs. Akowonlehin Victoria; Brand Manager, Hypo Bleach, Akintayo Akinseloyin during Cash Award presentation to all 11 Hypo Toilet Rescue volunteers in partnership with NYSC held in Lagos….. recently

R-L: Founder/CEO Arise Foundation and Convener, Arise Women’s Conference, Dr. Siju Iluyomade; Wife of Senator Rochas Okorocha, Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechi; Her Excellency, Mrs. Tokunbo Alabi, Wife of the Deputy Governor Kwara State; Special Assistant to the President on AFLPM & Former First Lady Nasarawa State, Her Excellency Hajia Mairo Al-Makura during Arise Women’s Conference held at the Trinity Towers, Victoria Island …recently

2022/2023 Rotary year presenting interest-free loans of N25,000 each to 20 beneficiaries of traders in Isolo Obada Market.

We must commend the leadership of the Iyaloja and we will also ensure that we do not rest on our oars in supporting these indigent traders.’’

Few days after her installation, Rotary club of Ikeja was the first Rotary club in Rotary International District 9110 to host the Imaginative District Governor, Omotunde Lawson in July during the first business meeting of the club during which the District Governor made the first cheque presentation.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, National Basketball Association (NBA) Africa, Victor Williams; NBA Africa Vice President and Country Head of Nigeria, Gbemisola Abudu; NBA Deputy Commissioner, Mark Tatum; and President, Basketball Africa League, Amadou Gallo Fall during a Media Briefing with the NBA Deputy Commissioner on his visit to Lagos for the League’s work in Nigeria, and Growing the Game of Basketball Africa League held in Lagos…..yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

R-L: Commissioner of Police Ogun State Command Mr. Lanre Bankole, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Salau Abiodun, DPO Agbara, Deputy Commissioner of Police, (DC) Operations, Ogun State Command, Salihu Abdulahi, during the decoration of Abiodun as Chief Superintendent of Police

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 5, 2022

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

‘Indisciplined’ Incorrect

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HE feeling is that many don’t want to be seen to take a position which would be interpreted as confrontational and as such they have resulted (resorted) to lobbying prominent figures outside government to….”

“The actual name of the person expected to chairman (chair/preside over) this occasion is….”

Wrong: atimes; right: at times (two words) “Those who have the power to release the suspect but are passing the bulk (buck) to the courts should be informed that it is against the national interest to refuse to release….”

“The former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, explained that it was not the first time that banks would be liquidated and that the history of bank failure in the country dated (dates) back to 1958 or 1959.” Note: dates back to or dates back from is a stock expression.

“In reaction to the leaflets being circulated, the Kano State Commissioner of Police… made a radio and television broadcast telling the people to ignore the leaflets which he described as the handiwork of mischieve (mischief) makers.” Special note: make-believe (not make-belief).

“When the storm rages, men can do nothing about the storm, but when the storm has seized (ceased), its destruction can be redressed.”

Theoretical linguists, curriculum experts and “educationalists” (educationists or educators), working together or separately, have been busy putting forward suggestions for language education reform. Note especially: “educationalist”, like “unwieldy” or “invitee” or “indisciplined”, is not in any respected dictionary. These comic words were invented by Nigerians.

“Armed robbers again jolted the commercial city of Lagos last week Friday (last Friday/Last Friday week or on Friday, last week).”

“Students write exams half naked (halfdressed/half clothed/half covered or half clad, or naked/bare to the waist).”

Still on ‘perfection’: Americans talked about building “a more perfect union” while George Orwell wrote that “some animals are more equal than others.” We all know that “perfect” and “equal” are absolute superlatives. Some writers even write or refer to “editorial comment” of a newspaper or magazine. Hence grammarians say that “the adjective is the enemy of the noun while the adverb is the enemy of the adjective”. Copy and sub–editors use words of strong impact and dramatic significance, all for special effect and strong drama. Hence journalists write about “bombshell” instead of “shocker” or “nasty shock” or “surprise packet”.

This reminds me of what Louis Turner and Jon Ash wrote in their interesting book entitled “The Golden Hordes” (on page 200): “The financial backers of Haiti’s Habitation Leclerc (a pleasure reserve) include Mick Jagger, Alain Delon, the late Aristotle Onassis and other multinational business tycoons.” Last year you also argued that “business tycoon” is tautologous. I disagreed—it is not. In strict grammar, “end” is correct. But “month–end” is not. “Weekend” is also correct. “End of the year” is allowed but “year–end” is not. Language can be fun but it is not always logical.

Another special note: “annals of history” is correct too. Example: “A great deal has been left unwritten in the annals of history.” But these phrases and words are incorrect: “I can’t remember”, “very great”, “alright”, “monies”, “Moslem”, “Quoran”, “machineries”, “very best/ level best/possible best”, etc. “Annals of history”, like a “living witness” or “consensus of opinion”, is not pleonastic. They are set-phrases.

Let me take this opportunity to restate the fact that “centre round” is incorrect. To make ourselves understood clearly, we must first make sure that each one of our words makes

the right “dictionary” sense. And, if we can think of more than one word that makes the right “dictionary” sense, then we can choose the one that we consider to be the most vivid and precise. “Centre on/upon” or “centre in” (for precision or exactness) is the correct phrase known to Standard English. We also correctly say or write: “World War I”,” World War II” (not “First World War”, “Second World War”).

You must try to read Andrew Fergus’ book entitled “What they are doing to your child at school”. It is an interesting, educative book.

Fergus made it known that all over the United Kingdom, traditionalists (trads) and trendies are fighting in classrooms over correct usage.

I am a traditionalist and “l love everything that is old”. I am very happy when you remarked: “I have found out, overtime, that you have a deep attachment to some expressions especially those of celebrated and often archival authors and speakers.” The truth of the matter is that Dr. Samuel Johnson, through his Dictionary, published in 1755, removed all improprieties and absurdities from the English language. In short, he (like a number of current priests of usage and literary sophisticates) became a linguistic legislator attempting to perform for English those offices performed for French by the French Academy.

The current generation of collegians and university graduates are just literate– literate enough to be dangerous! They are not educated in the broad sense of the word. Besides, they are killingly monolingual. It is sad and saddening.

An awful lot of them can’t write grammatical paragraphs.

“As and when”, “if and when” are tautologous or pleonastic. In these phrases, one of the words in the pairs can be omitted. However, “as at when” is a piece of journalese. Besides, it is the height of illiteracy to write “as at when”.

“Congrats” is used in spoken or informal English. “Congratulations on your success” is

2023 Interrogatories: How They’ll Revive Economy

T

hough he waxed lyrical about the poor handling of every aspect of governance by the APC-led administration, and challenged Nigerians to resist the allure of sophistry and campaign oratory, Atiku Abubakar’s public statements on how he would handle the seemingly intractable Nigerian economy do not appear to evoke confidence and hope for a better prospect if he wins the 2023 presidential election. This is what he told members of the Lagos Chambers of Commerce as reported by Daily Post of 14 September, 2022: “It is also your responsibility to interrogate those who aspire to govern the country by assessing their understanding of the environment, their policy priorities and their strategies for dealing with a plethora of local and national issues from the mundane to the most complex.”

And he insisted that Nigeria’s economy is in these doldrums “because the APC-led government indulges in a policy of blaming the opposition and external factors for Nigeria’s economic woes; hence an unprepared leadership fails to anticipate impending crisis and is always slow to react.”

In the following weeks, with campaigns officially allowed, Abubakar, a notable businessman, offered what his opponents may describe as platitudes rather than specificity: “When PDP came to power in 1999, we lifted Nigeria from poverty; we became the biggest economy in Africa but Nigeria wanted change and voted for change in 2015. But what we have seen is poverty, insecurity and lack of jobs (BusinessDay of 11 October).

“We promise to restore security in Nigeria; we promise to re-unite Nigerians. We will ensure our industries resume production and ensure jobs for the youths. We will build infrastructure, especially roads to connect this region to other parts of the country.

“The APC has destroyed our education, security, infrastructure, and economy as the nation is on the path of retrogression.”

(ThisDay of 23 October). Surely, all that sounds

fairly similar to what he berated about the ruling party. When will Atiku Abubakar come to the dock with his economic blueprints, and be seriously interrogated?

The tense and irreverent air of Kaduna provoked some of our leading presidential candidates to delve, in more detail, into their revamp plans for Nigeria from 2023 - and the APC flag bearer, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is reputed as a chartered accountant and some kind of turnover expert, didn’t disappoint his supporters. ThisDay of 17 October, 2022 captured him thus: “Our economic plan would utilize the vast natural resources we have, through strategic investment in infrastructure which will lead to the diversification of the economy and wealth creation across the entire country. We will pay attention to modern economic drivers such as the digital economy, creative industries, sports and entertainment sectors for the benefit of our young people.”

“Under my leadership, the Nigerian government will be business-friendly. We shall support private businesses in our country and attract foreign direct investment to create jobs, re-industrialise our country and accelerate economic development. Nigerian businesses in sectors like banking and cement have successfully ventured out of the country to build thriving subsidiaries. We will build a strong domestic economy, expand the capacity of our domestic market to support growth and encourage export capacity in the areas of our competitive advantage. We have the endowments to be a prosperous country.

I will lead a renewed push to move us from the status of a nation of potential into a country of actual accomplishments as an economic dynamo.”

Expectedly, his Lagos experiment was the “posterboy” of his political raison d’etre: “Using my experience of building human capital, industries, and institutions, which has led to Lagos being one of the largest economies on the continent, I will reposition our existing industries and make them a competitive source of industrialization and growth not just for the North but the entire country…”.

“I will attract investments and create the enabling environment that will ensure the resurgence of our moribund industries and continue the infrastructural revolution of this administration on the railways and highways all over the country and invest in our inland waterways for safer and efficient transportation to complement this industrialization vision.

“We will accelerate the completion of the Mambilla hydro power project in view of its significance to our power and industrialization agenda. There will be a deliberate effort to explore and construct other sources of power in line with global best practices.”

Tinubu strenuously attempts to whip up hIs support base with sound bites which, in the mouth of one blessed with the gift of the garb, would have come out as flamboyant and charismatic: “We have the confidence that we have what it takes. We have the courage, the determination, the perseverance and the foresight to identify the problems of Nigeria and take them head long and make a solution out of it for the prosperity of your children.

We will guarantee tomorrow, jobs for your grandchildren and the progress of tomorrow.”

Well, all is now in the court of the Nigerian voters who bear the brunt of the economic mishaps of the past years. Their query would be simple: can Tinubu deliver on what he seems passionate about?

Of course, Peter Obi, an unapologetic business savvy and adroit capitalist, flows endlessly when it comes to rescuing the Nigerian economy from its near parlous state.

First thing first; he fingered leadership as the major impediment to national growth at the Kaduna “confab”: “Our leaders became selfish, myopic and stopped listening and caring for the common man. Bad leadership, divisive rhetorics, and impunity became the norm.

Nigerians have suffered; they have lost jobs, and lost their farms and herds and their trust in our leaders. That narrative must change.”

(ThisDay - 18 October, 2022).

Let’s jump with Obi around the economic sticking points crying for proactive political

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

correct.

‘White elephants’ are also called ‘loop projects’: useless/senseless/crazy/silly projects.

“Kaduna bomb victims for burial in (on) church premises” “We most certainly have not heard the last about the governor’s convoy crash and the woes and blood it left in (on) its trail.” “…the huge confidence reposed on (in) them by the populace.”

“They are the products of what some people did or did not do over a period of time but whose climatic effect culminated into (in a) catastrophe.”

“But, while the former south-south governor may have been a rebel among the army of Jonathan’s political faithfuls.…” Sylva—a rebel without a strategy: political faithful (not faithfuls).

“He stuck to his gun (guns) and propped himself up as one of the candidates in the election.”

“Ward chairmen pass ‘no confidence’ vote on (in) councillors” FEEDBACK “That the must-read Media Gaffes is a five-year column in this medium is unbelievable!

I join my fellow beneficiaries of the column in saluting your efforts. We await more from you.

(08062925996) “Good day and bravo for the good work you are doing. What do you make of Nigerian coinages like ‘pick my call’, ‘trafficator’, ‘forkaniser’…? (Prof. Okolie, University of Benin/070316677944)” My views: you either answer or make a call. ‘Trafficator’ and ‘vulcaniser’ (forkaniser!) do not exist.

“Please, correct the view that ‘severally’ is the adverb of ‘several’ rather than the opposite of ‘jointly’/’collectively’ (THE NATION, October 7) Kudos for your good work. (Komolafe G. O. /08037277985)”

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON fajalive1@gmail.com 08033622806- (SMS Only)

leadership: “We will bring Nigeria back to life.

All banks will be shareholders in the Bank of Agriculture where our farmers can directly assess loans…”

“Flutterwave, on its own, was recently valued at US$3 billion. We will create an enabling environment for our startups to thrive. Beyond creating access to easy funding, and enforcing the legal framework protecting foreign investors and their indigenous partners…This is the only way to improve our business environment and temper capital flight.

“We will stop borrowing for consumption.

All loans must be invested in regenerative projects. Inflation is a factor of spending on goods and services outstripping production.

Since we have not resolved the minimum wage issue, we will not use wage and price controls to fight inflation. Rather, we will pursue a contractionary monetary policy. We will mop up excess liquidity by reducing the money supply within an economy…

“The truth is that for (a) long (time) market forces have not determined the exchange rate of the Naira. The two tier foreign exchange regime is a fluke. It has to end. Let the exchange rate be determined by the forces of demand and supply. It is that simple.

“Government must continue to collaborate with the organized private sector in this regard. Creating the enabling environment for raising employment must start with expanding the SMEs cluster via unfettered access to funding. (TheNiche - (4?) September, 2022).

We have heard and received divergent but vaguely familiar panaceas for reviving our economy; however, the challenge would be this: whom do we trust to bring into reality some of those grand ideas that seem reasonable and actionable on paper and in speeches?

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

05.11.2022

NEWS

BATTLE OF LONDONERS

Victor Osimhen

PAGE. 29

An insatiable Goal Poacher

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 5, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Osimhen charging Napoli to their first Scudetto in 32 years

Victor Osimhen

An insatiable Goal Poacher Despite spending four weeks on the sidelines due to injury,Victor Osimhen still sits atop the Serie A goalscorer’s chart with seven league goals. The Super Eagles striker only last weekend joined the elite class like George Opong Weah as only five African players to have scored Serie A hat-tricks

S

uper Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen made several entries into the record books following his scintillating display for the Neapolitans as he continued his brilliant scoring form last Saturday when he smashed a stunning hat-trick in Napoli’s 4-0 demolition of Sassuolo in the Serie Aat the Diego Maradona Stadium.

It was Osimhen’s first three-goal haul at the club level, with the Nigerian failing to reach that height when playing for Wolfsburg, Sporting Charleroi, and LOSC Lille.

The goals also took Osimhen’s tally in the Italian Serie A to seven, elevating the Napoli man to the top of the league’s goalscorer chart.

Even more impressively, Osimhen has now scored 31 goals in Serie A, making him the joint-most prolific Nigerian star in the history of the Italian top flight.

It has also emerged that Osimhen’s weekend feat makes him the fifth African to net a Serie A hat-trick after Liberia’s George Weah, Cameroon’s Patrick Mboma, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, and Senegal’s Keita Balde.

Weah, the first African to score a hat-trick in Italy’s top flight, grabbed it for AC Milan in a 3-0 win over Atalanta in 1998.

A year later, former Cameroon international Mboma replicated the feat for Cagliari in a 5-1 thrashing of Empoli.

While wearing the colours of Roma, Liverpool’s Salah scored all the goals as AS Roma ran out 3-0 winners over Bologna in 2016.

Senegal’s Balde made the cut when he powered Lazio to a 6-2 win over Palermo in 2017.

After joining the elite group of Africa’s Serie A hat-trick kings, Osimhen is both delighted

and thirsty for more such feats.

“That was my first professional hat-trick so I’m really excited about it,” Osimhen told BBC Sport Africa.

“It’s been a great return after a few challenges at the start of the season and hopefully I can continue this form.

“As a striker, you always want to help your team so I want to stay hungry for more.”

Osimhen has scored six goals in his past four outings across all competitions since his return from a month-long injury layoff.

The 23-year-old is only behind the trio Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski and Kylian Mbappe.

Meanwhile, Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti has revealed his admiration for Osimhen’s first goal in the 4-0 thrashing of Sassuolo.

For the first time since turning a professional, Osimhen netted his first club hat-trick in a man-of-the-match performance.

Osimhen’s first of the afternoon, though, was jaw-dropping.

The Super Eagles striker showed good athleticism to bring a high cross under control with his first touch before reacting quickly to poke the ball into the net with his second touch.

The goal not only pleased Spalletti but it also showed the Italian manager that Osimhen possesses qualities alien to a regular striker.

“It seems to me that he is making progress, he has a lot of margins because his possibilities and his flashes are not accessible to a normal player,” Spalletti told the media after the match.

“On the goal, he hooked a ball in the area and put the ball into the goal before the

opponent intervened. He was fast and accurate. Then today he didn’t take off his shirt, because he would have wanted to take it off.

It therefore came as no surprise that the Napoli striker has been selected for Europe’s Top Five Leagues Team of the Week.

With a rating of 9.7, Osimhen is the highest rated player in the Team of the Week for Europe’s Top Five Leagues.

Since his return from injury, the 23-year-old has scored in five consecutive games against Ajax, Bologna, Roma, and Sassuolo.

Osimhen’s hat-trick is the first by a Nigerian striker in the Italian Serie A. That is no mean feat, considering that Italy’s top flight has at different times been home to some of Nigeria’s finest attackers.

That list includes former Inter Milan heroes Kanu Nwankwo, Obafemi Martins and Victor Moses, ex-Lazio man Ayodele Makinwa, and Simy Nwankwo.

Just as importantly, Osimhen, with his latest goal haul, has risen to become Nigeria’s most prolific goalscorer in Serie A history.

With 31 goals, he now shares that title with former Crotone goal-king Simy.

It has taken Osimhen 59 matches to reach that milestone when Simy needed nearly twice that (101) to get his.

Last weekend truly belonged to Osimhen, who further maintained his excellent start to the season with a one-man masterclass against Sassuolo.

The victory was Napoli’s 13th consecutive win in all competitions and takes them up to 32 points after 12 matches, five ahead of second-placed Atalanta. Osimhen was the star performer, opening the scoring in the fourth minute when he touched home at the back post.

A quarter of an hour later, the Nigeria frontman had doubled the hosts’ advantage with a close-range first-time effort, demonstrating again his intelligent movement off the ball and sharpened finishing instincts in the box.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who had provided the assist for both of Osimhen’s goals, added a third for Napoli in the first half, before the Nigerian rounded off the win with a delightful dinked goal 13 minutes from time.

Osimhen has now had a hand in six goals in his last four matches after coming back from a month out with a thigh injury in mid-October, and the player will be ruing the pause in club competition for the World Cup later this month.

There’s an utter relentlessness about this Napoli team, and their current winning streak has long since surpassed the previous club record of 11 consecutive victories - established by Diego Maradona’s Scudettowinning side 35 years ago.

In Osimhen, they boast a player who may be capable of taking them to another title, although Napoli should surely be bracing themselves for increased transfer speculation around the player’s future in January -- both Chelsea and Manchester United continue to be linked.

Next up for Osimhen’s Napoli are their nearest challengers Atalanta, who are enjoying the services of a Nigerian hotshot of their own this season in the form of Ademola Lookman.

The livewire is enjoying a new lease of life after signing from RasenBallsport Leipzig during the offseason, and added Atalanta’s second as they defeated Empoli away in Sunday’s early kick-off.

The forward has scored five goals in his

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 5, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER Premier League Table Arsenal Man City Tottenham Newcastle Man Utd Chelsea Fulham Brighton Liverpool Crystal Palace Brentford Everton West Ham Bournemouth Leeds Aston Villa Southampton Leicester Wolves Nottm Forest

12 12 13 13 12 12 13 12 12 12 13 13 13 13 12 13 13 13 13 13

19 26 10 14 1 2 0 4 8 -3 -3 -1 -2 -16 -4 -9 -9 -4 -13 -20

31 29 26 24 23 21 19 18 16 16 15 14 14 13 12 12 12 11 10 9

Premier League TODAY

Leeds Utd v Bournemouth 15:00 Man City v Fulham 15:00 Nottm Forest v Brentford 15:00 Wolves v Brighton 15:00 Everton v Leicester 17:30 SUNDAY

Chelsea Conor Gallagher sandwished between Arsenal duo of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka

Arsenal Stake Title Chase at Stamford Bridge Not since 1947/48 season had Arsenal had it so good in the English top flight. With 10 wins in 12 matches and sitting on top of the Premier League table, two points above champions, Manchester City, another big test lies in wait for the Gunners this weekend as they take a short trip to Stamford Bridge in a London Derby.Though Chelsea were pummeled last weekend by Brighton, the Blues would be hoping to put their league season back on track against Mikel Arteta’s men

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ld foes and former colleagues will reunite at Stamford Bridge on Sunday lunchtime, as Chelsea tackle Arsenal in a mouth-watering Premier League London derby.

Both sides enter the game on the back of continental successes, as the Blues got the better of Dinamo Zagreb 2-1 in the Champions League, while the Gunners advanced to the last 16 of the Europa League.

Winning in Europe is always the perfect tonic after a demoralizing domestic defeat, especially one which saw Brighton & Hove Albion teach former manager Graham Potter a footballing lesson in a 4-1 Amex romping, but Chelsea were made to work for their success over Dinamo Zagreb.

Electing to name a strong lineup despite already steering his side through as group winners, Potter witnessed Bruno Petkovic steal in and open the scoring after just seven minutes, but Raheem Sterling and debutant Denis Zakaria completed a much-needed turnaround for the Blues in the English capital.

The Blues’ stellar defensive streak under Potter may have been wiped out, but suffering just one defeat in 11 games is far from the worst start for the Englishman, although his side do have some ground to make up in the Premier League table as they lie in sixth position, three points behind Newcastle United in fourth with a game in hand.

It would take results going their way and a 12-goal swing for Chelsea

to rise into the Champions League spots this weekend, but Stamford Bridge has been kind to the Blues in recent memory, as they are unbeaten in 12 consecutive matches in all competitions in front of their own fans.

However, Arsenal were the most recent team to overcome Chelsea on their own patch, and Stamford Bridge has been a happy hunting ground for the North London club in recent memory, so taking advantage of their extra 24 hours’ worth of rest will be of paramount importance to Potter and co.

In contrast, Arsenal sought to recover from a European defeat with a Premier League win last weekend, and the Gunners certainly demonstrated a clinical edge that has been absent more often than not recently, putting five past Nottingham Forest without reply even after Bukayo Saka came off injured.

However, the Gunners’ inability to kill games off when a goal to the good reared its ugly head in the Europa League this week, as Kieran Tierney’s sweetly-struck half-volley put Arsenal ahead against FC Zurich, but they nevertheless held on for a nervy 1-0 win which sent them straight through to the last 16.

Avoiding an extra playoff tie against an eliminated Champions League club is a touch of gold for Arsenal, who enter the weekend still two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, but they could be knocked down to second by Sunday if the champions beat Fulham.

All five of the points that Arsenal have dropped in the Premier League this season have come on the road, but they nevertheless remain the division’s best-performing away side this term and have only conceded four goals on rival turf so far - the best record of its kind in the league.

Arteta has led Arsenal to two consecutive triumphs at Stamford Bridge in the last two seasons - with a 2-0 win for Chelsea at the Emirates sandwiched in between - and a new club record could also be set for the Gunners, who are aiming to win three successive Premier League London derbies away from home without conceding for the very first time.

Meanwhile, seeking to extend their winning run at the Etihad Stadium to 15 games across all competitions, Manchester City play host to Fulham in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Citizens currently sit second in the table and two points adrift of leaders Arsenal, while the Cottagers are flying high in seventh place, five points behind the top four.

After securing a slender 1-0 victory away at Leicester City last weekend, courtesy of a stunning Kevin De Bruyne free kick, Man City capped off their Champions League group-stage campaign with a 3-1 success at home against Sevilla on Wednesday.

In what was a dead rubber fixture for the Citizens, who had already qualified for the last 16 as Group A winners, Rafa Mir headed the visitors in front before half time, but 17-year-old Rico Lewis equalised on his full debut -breaking a Champions League in the process – be-

Chelsea v Arsenal 12:00 Aston Villa v Man Utd 14:00 Southampton v Newcastle 14:00 West Ham v Crystal Palace 14:00 Tottenham v Liverpool 16:30

Hot Shot PLAYERS

CLUB

Erling Haaland Harry Kane Aleksandar Mitrovic Ivan Toney Miguel Almirón Leandro Trossard Roberto Firmino Phil Foden James Maddison Rodrigo Callum Wilson

GOALS

Man City Tottenham Fulham Brentford Newcastle Brighton Liverpool Man City Leicester Leeds Utd Newcastle

17 10 9 8 7 7 6 6 6 6 6

Head to Head 22-04-20 21-08-22 21-05-12 20-12-26 20-01-21 19-12-29 19-01-19 18-08-18

Chelsea2-4 Arsenal0-2 Chelsea 0-1 Arsenal3-1 Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal 1-2 Arsenal 2-0 Chelsea3-2

Arsenal Chelsea Arsenal Chelsea Arsenal Chelsea Chelsea Arsenal

fore Julian Alvarez and Riyad Mahrez completed the comeback to keep the Sky Blues unbeaten in this season’s competition.

Indeed, City’s win over Sevilla is the first of four successive matches at the Etihad before the World Cup break, with today’s clash against Fulham followed by next Wednesday’s EFL Cup third-round tie with Chelsea and a Premier League encounter against Brentford.

Guardiola’s men have put together an impressive 14-game winning streak on home soil in all competitions – scoring at least three goals in all but one of those fixtures – and they are unbeaten in their last 18 matches at the Etihad since a 3-2 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur back in February.

City have already scored 10 goals at home against two newlypromoted teams this season, beating Bournemouth 4-0 and Nottingham Forest 6-0 in August, and they will be confident of more success against Fulham.

The Citizens have won each of their last 12 meetings in all competitions against the Cottagers, and claiming another victory would see Guardiola’s side momentarily climb to the Premier League summit before leaders Arsenal travel to Chelsea on Sunday.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 5, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Raphael Akpejiori of Nigeria ready for the title fight Super Eagles coach, José Peseiro with his coaching staff

NFF Debunk Strained Relationship with Peseiro The General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi has decried the speculations, innuendoes and outright falsehoods over the relationship between NFF and Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Mr. José Santos Peseiro.

There has been considerable media frenzy over the past few days regarding Mr. Peseiro and the NFF, with a section of the media speculating that the football –governing body had gone ahead to empanel an interim coaching crew to do the job of Mr. Peseiro in the event

of a breakdown in relationship.

“Most of these speculations and innuendoes are simply ridiculous, because we have no problem whatsoever with Mr. Peseiro. He is doing his job as Head Coach of the Super Eagles and, contrary to some of the more fictitious claims, he has not reported the NFF to FIFA with regards to his wages.

“I want to appeal to the media to make efforts to get their facts right before going to press. There is no need to speculate and engage in halftruths and outright falsehood

in these matters. Some of these speculations and innuendoes create disharmony and disenchantment in key quarters. The NFF and the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development are working on Mr. Peseiro’s wages and these will be settled shortly.”

Sanusi stated that Peseiro has been doing his work without entertaining any distractions, and has even compiled his list of players for the upcoming international friendly game with Portugal in Lisbon on November 17.

Organisers Assure Boxers of Classy Experience at Mojisola Ogunsanya Gym Boxing Clinic Organisers of Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Boxing Clinic have assured boxers of top-class training experience during their three-day camp at the ultra-modern Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Boxing Gym (MOMBG).

The clinic is organised for eight selected Nigerian boxers

by Flykite Productions, organisers of GOtv Boxing Night, and supported by Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya (SAN), Chairman, MultiChoice Nigeria and Chair-

man GOtv Boxing.

Addressing boxers and coaches at the gym, on Thursday, Jenkins Alumona, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Flykite Productions, said modalities have been put in place to ensure they have a good camping experience.

Alumona stated that this is the first edition of the clinic which opened on Thursday. He added that plans are in place to hold the clinic every quarter.

“Everything you need for the next three days will be provided

to ensure you are comfortable and focused. This gym is in a secluded environment that enables boxers to focus fully on the training. I want you to relax, train, and get fit. This is the first edition of this clinic. We will try and do this quarterly,” he said.

Alumona explained that the clinic is aimed at bridging the capacity gap among Nigerian boxers and urged the boxers to take full advantage of the opportunity.

LSJA Begins ‘Judo to School’ Project in Lagos As part of efforts to raise more awareness on judo in Lagos, the Lagos State Judo Association (LSJA) on Thursday organised a training programme for students of Babs Fafunwa School, in the state.

The training handled by top coaches in Lagos took the students through the rudiments of martial art.

The exercise tagged Judo to School, is aimed at creating more awareness of judo

across the six educational districts of the state.

For the Chairman, LSJA chairman, Sheriff Hammed stated that the ‘Judo to School project’ would assist and teach students the act of self-defense and mental alertness which is important at the formative stage of life.

“The Judo to school project is Lagos State Judo Association project to take the sport to

schools as a way of promoting Lagos State government initiative of taking sports development to schools.

“We are taking the programme to more districts and schools across the state. After the training programmes judo clubs would be opened in the schools and the association would provide facilities for training and send our coaches to train the students and it is a continuous project,” he said.

MultiChoice Extends WWE Media Rights, Broadcasts Live Matches on Supersport, Showmax WWE and MultiChoice, today, announced a major broadcast partnership that will see Showmax, the leading streaming service platform, become the new home of WWE Network in Nigeria and Africa.

The partnership incorporates all WWE Premium Live Events, including WrestleMania, as well as WWENetwork’s vast library of original and archived programming available to stream on-demand.

Additionally, SuperSport, the sport broadcasting subsidiary of video entertainment

platform, MultiChoice, will continue to broadcast live weekly episodes of Raw, SmackDown and NXT as well as all of WWE’s Premium Live Events in a multi-year extension.

The weekly programming will continue to be broadcast 52 weeks a year, captivating fans with a unique combination of edge-of-your-seat action, unpredictable drama and world-class athleticism. SuperSport recently launched a brandnew localised WWE content series called JAMBO WWE,

and the expanded WWE and MultiChoice partnership will see additional partnership initiatives leveraging WWE IP announced during the term.

“Showmax is the market leader and a perfect home for WWE content,” said Matt Drew, WWE Senior Vice President, International. “By delivering our premium live events including WrestleMania, we believe this partnership will expand our audience and deliver even more to WWE fans throughout the region.”

Akpejiori Set Eyes on World Champion Boxing fans will be treated to a true clash of punchers on December when Arslanbek Makhmudov (15-0, 14 KOs) will defend his North America Boxing Federation (NABF) and North America Boxing Association (NABA) heavyweight belts against imposing Nigerian boxer Raphael Akpejiori (14-0, 13 KOs). Ahead of the title fight, Akpejiori spoke to some Nigerian journalists It appears your main target now is how to get a fight with Tyson Fury. How far have you gone towards achieving that goal?

No, my target is not to get a fight with Tyson; I don’t actually have anybody in particular in mind. I have a goal and that is to have a fight with whoever is the world champion and take over as the world champion.

So my goal is to become the world champion as quickly as possible. I am working towards that goal and whoever is the champion when I get chance becomes the person to fight.

Yes, Tyson Fury’s name has been associated with my ambition but it is just because he has the belt. My drive is after whoever is wearing the belt. …At a point Anthony Joshua was a world champion and looked like getting back his spot.

Now Joshua is a Nigerian…how would a fight with Joshua be when you know full well his deep Nigerian lineage? Would you be keen in an all-Nigeria heavyweight fight?

Is there a big deal about that?

I don’t think so. Americans fight Americans all the time and so that wouldn’t bother me in any way. He has done well for Britain remember. He has made a huge name for himself and for Britain but that’s the much it has to be for me. Whoever stands in front of the world title and me has to give way. I have a goal and I am pursuing it with all that I have got.

Reading through your early sporting years we can see that you were a very good basketballer, indeed having gone to America via basketball. What happened? At what stage did you begin to see yourself as a boxer instead of being a basketball player?

At a point I just started going to the gym to train to become a boxer and that was how the

change began and eventually everything followed and it became a profession where I can chase my goal…

So, nobody influenced you or something like that?

It was not that way of somebody influencing me.

First basketball was no longer giving me the kind of thrill I wanted towards the end of my time in college and then I had a few injuries playing basketball, and I was not feeling the way I wanted on the court. I was not okay and this was not in any way helping my goals.

My spirit was going off and I had picked up serious interest in the boxing gym. My heart and head wanted boxing and so I decided to go for it. That was how the switch came.

And certainly, no regrets about the move No regrets in anyway. I like what I’m doing; I am exactly where I should be and that is helping my drive.

You have had 13 fights and they all ended in knock outs.

It’s like you are getting quite conditioned to shorts fights of less than four rounds…we are just looking at a situation where you meet a very rugged fighter that makes go the long distance…

It is 14 fights now and the last fight went the full distance. It was not a knockout and so I have shown I can fight well in all situations.

But know something. I have never gone into the ring with the mindset to end the fight in round two or three. I go in there with just one goal and that is to win the fight. So I go into the ring fighting aggressively to win and if the fight ends in round two it is a bonus because it was not exactly a plan.

You are a Nigerian but Nigerians have only watched your fights on TV and read about you in different places.

Any fight hopefully in Nigeria?

Have you thought about fighting big time in front of friends and relatives?

Yes, possibly in future; I’m very open to that. Venue is largely determined by many factors but I would love to have a fight back in Nigeria if it’s possible.

What’s your next fight…any fight this year?

Yes, definitely. Something is on for this December and it has practically been tied up except that I can’t say much about it until it is announced.

Certainly a fight in December and the details would soon be made public.

The NBA season just started and you certainly have basketball in your system. Are you a regular guest at the NBA games?

Not exactly, I watched but not like a super fan of the league. I live in Miami and so the Miami Heat are but the last time I was live at the arena was last season when they played their first home game of the season. But now I watch more games on the Tv than going to the centres.

You are single. Can we picture you with a Nigerian lady when you wed?

I like to keep my private life off the public but certainly I am not particular about where the person is coming in from or where she resides. All I want is a happy home; a truly happy marriage. That is the most important thing.

Boxers are paid heavily especially heavyweights like you. How do we rate you? A billionaire, a multi…

You know that I have not had hundreds of fight: it is a gradual process. But do those wealth measurements matter?

What I am sure of is that I am not hungry; I don’t really lack anything to the glory of God.

Organisers Confirm New Route for Lagos Women Run Organisers of the annual Lagos Women Run have confirmed that this year’s route for the 10km race will be different from the past editions.

The Coordinator for the Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola made this disclosure during a press briefing in Lagos.

According to Popoola, this year’s race will start from the

Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos Island, and end at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (formerly Onikan Stadium), Lagos Island.

She explained that this year’s route has been carefully mapped out to give the participants a good feel of the Centre of Excellence and also showcase the growing beauty of Lagos

State to the world at large.

“There are many people that will be coming from outside of Lagos for this race so we want to showcase the beauty of our state. This year we will be going on a loop starting from TBS, towards Awolowo Road, Falomo bridge through Olusola down and finish at Onikan”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 5, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Vicky Lopez

Still Not Ruling Out Nigeria Vicky Lopez

But for the foot-dragging of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), she would have been part of the Nigerian team at the U-17 Women’s World Cup rather than featuring for Spain. However,Vicky Lopez, born to a Nigerian mother and a Spanish father is still not ruling out playing for Nigeria at the senior level

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hen Spain beat Colombia to win the 2022 U-17 Women’s World Cup at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai last Sunday, it became the first country to defend the title successfully.

Unlike its previous spell in 2018, Los Furious Roja has had a different sort of journey in India, scoring half the number of goals (six) it did four years ago. The player who has been the architect of attacks for the team has been a 16-year-old from Barcelona – Vicky Lopez.

“Winning a World Cup was one of my dreams,” she said, after the match.

“Nigeria is still an option but no one from the federation has contacted us,” her father, Jesus Lopez-Serrano Perez, had told allnigeriasoccer.com in June last year. “It would make Vicky very excited if she receives a call-up to play for Nigeria, but it is very likely that in September she will be called up for the Women’s U17 EURO qualifiers.”

The call-up for Flamingoes never arrived and Lopez ended up playing for Spain at the U-17 women’s European Championships, where she didn’t just become an engine in attack but also scored on her debut in the EUROs.

Spain finished as the runner-up at the U-17 European Championship, but on a day when Lopez lifted the World Cup, her ‘second home’, Nigeria, also secured a win – a well-fought 3-2 win against Germany in the bronze medal match.

“When I found out that Nigeria won and after the game went into the penalty shootout, it was very encouraging for me. It helped me in my finals,” she said.

Lopez attracted attention while playing football on the beaches of Benidorm – a town where Alfredo Ulloa, the president of the football club, Madrid CFF, also happened to spend his summer. Alfredo signed her for the youth team in 2018 and she has not looked back since.

In 2019, Lopez scored a hat-trick in the final of La Liga Promises Femenina, helping her team win the title as she won the Golden Boot.

In the 2020-21 season, with 60 goals in 17 matches, Lopez became the promised youngster of Spanish football, as the U-17 Spanish national team came calling.

The Barcelona player has had four key contributions (two goals, one assist and one key pass) in Spain’s seven goals in the tournament, including two crucial goals against Japan in the quarterfinals, which saw her team make it to the semis.

In the finals, the forward – expected to lead

the attack – donned a different hat, that of a holding midfielder to keep the opponent guessing. Instead, Cristina Libran, Laia Martret and Paula Partido strengthened the Spanish arsenal.

“We are very fortunate because Vicky adapts very well to several positions,” Spain’s head coach Kenio Gonzalo said, talking about her presence on the pitch.

“I have talked about this with her for a long time. She’s working very hard and she knows that she needs to find the positions where she can hurt the opponent. And she’s one of those players who’s able to take a deep breath, look around and see what’s happening. Then she is also able to generate great football,” he added.

Spain saw the emergence of a star in Claudio Pina in the last edition of the U-17 Women’s World Cup, when the forward won the Golden Ball, steering her side to its first World Cup title.

Four years later, when La Furia Roja defended the title, Lopez rose to the occasion – winning the World Cup as well as the Golden Ball.

“I’m very proud of the work that they’ve done. By training with my fellow players, I have learned so much,” says Lopez, “I try to get their advice. They support me and I’m always so excited to come to the Under-17 national team and give it my all.”

The baton from Pina to Lopez happened at the club level as well.

Signing for Barcelona Femeni in July 2022, she made her senior debut at the age of 16 years, 1 month and 19 days against Granadilla Tenerife FC – replacing Pina as the youngest debutant for Barca.

Now, she plays with two of her idols there – one from Nigeria (Asisat Oshoala) and the other from Spain (Alexia Putellas) and has a contract till 2027.

The slogan of the U-17 Women’s World Cup was ‘Kick Off the Dream’.

Lopez, starring for Barcelona and winning the World Cup with Spain has made her the perfect emissary of it – settling well in a global tournament away from home, and realising her ‘dream’ as the perfect cherry on top.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMIFULA OGBU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 5, 2022

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 5, 2022

PERSPECTIVE/TRAVEL

Governor Abiodun and FG’s Industrial Revolution Award Seyi Bakare

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ecently, in recognition of his efforts to ensure rapid industrialization, enhance the ease of doing business and make Ogun State Nigeria’s top investment destination, the federal government honoured the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, with the Distinguished Award for Industrial Revolution. The award more or less coincided with the confirmation by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) that Ogun State, with its N100.9bn revenue profile in 2021, is one of the states with the highest internally generated revenue nationwide, coming only after Nigeria’s economiccapital,Lagos;theFCTandRiversState, a top oil-producing state. If anything, the award is cheering news for all and sundry in Ogun State, recognising the governor’s resolve to bring positive development to the state, especially in the area of industrialization. There is no state that can develop without industry and, contrary to the submissions of naysayers, a silent revolution has, in the last three and a half years, actually been ongoing on in the Gateway State.

In view of the fact that awards in this country often tend to be inspired largely by political patronage, it is legitimate to ask precisely what the governor did to win this exalted award, and that is actually the meat of this piece. First, Prince Abiodun was able to create an enabling environment for business to thrive in the state.

Unlike before when the state was plagued with political crisis leading to assassinations, not to talk of the hounding of the opposition by the government in power, there is now calm and tranquility in the state. And this is remarkable because Governor Abiodun’s immediate past predecessor has maligned his character, image and government to no end during rallies across the state, desperately seeking to drag him out into the arena of conflict. But the governor has not budged. Instead, he has addressed security crisis squarely, making the state safe for investment and for residency. He has unfolded the state

Abiodun

security outfit, Amotekun, and equipped the police extensively. And while there are still security concerns, security agencies in the state have the wherewithal to respond appropriately.

The Abiodun administration is noted for providing a competitive tax climate, realising that businesses must first make money before they can pay tax. This was partly why he again won the good governance award at the Nigerian 62nd Independence Anniversary and Global Award Gala held in London, the United Kingdom and why, last month, he was adjudged by the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Zone B, as the best governor in the South-West in the area of infrastructure development. The award recognized the fact that in less than three years, his administration had been able to construct, reconstruct and rehabilitate over 600km of roads across the state. For instance, in Ogun East Senatorial District, it reconstructed the Ijebu-Ode-Epe road which has opened up the

district to industrial development and in Ogun Central Senatorial, it built the 42km Sagamu Interchange-Abeokuta road while in Ogun West Senatorial, the 22km Atan-Agbara-Lusada road leading to the largest industrial estate in Nigeria has reached 80 per cent completion.

In June this year, the Federal Government recognized Governor Abiodun’s efforts to grow small businesses, honouring him with the award of Best State in Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Policy Support for the Year 2022 at the Presidential Villa. Prior to this, MSME Business Clinics had been organised in the state with more than 3,844 entrepreneurs in attendance.

Theobjectivewastocreateanavenueforrelevant enterprise development partners such as CAC, NAFDAC, SON, Financial Institutions, R&D Institutes and Entrepreneurship Development Institutions (EDIs) to provide information on services relevant to entrepreneurs. The clinics also aimed at on-the-spot services in business name registration, product registration and standardization, access to finance and markets, and registration with the business membership organisations.

Actually, the administration established the Ogun State Enterprise Development Agency to provide support and capacity building to MSMEs, the bedrock of any economy. Among other duties, the agency facilitates MSME development through business development services, access to market and access to capital.

It also assists in getting available intervention funds from the Federal Government and monitors compliance with the requirements. Besides, the OKoowo Dapo Scheme created 500 female entrepreneurs across the state, empowered 2,500 rural women through the provision of products worth N100m, and gave over 600 youth vocational training. It reorganised the Ogun State Investment Promotion Agency to provide a one-stop-shop for investors on the natural and solid minerals resources of the state, business opportunities, and the facilitation required to invest in the state. The facilitation includes land acquisition and ownership through the State Land Administration and Revenue

Management Service (OLARMS), community relations,statutorydocumentation,andlinkages with the suppliers, especially farmers through the Anchor Borrowers Scheme of the Central Bank. Over 40,000 agri-prenuers have been produced through the process. Indeed, the Ogun State E-Procurement Portal was created for contractors/vendors registration and is aimed at allowing more MSMEs to bid for government contracts, being provided with free registration for MSMEs with contracts below N20 million.

All along, the opposition kept attacking the governor, thinking that he would be distracted, buthehasremainedunruffled,focusedonproviding the dividends of democracy for the people of Ogun State. Of course, as we have already shown, it is not only the Federal Government that has acknowledged his transformation agenda: corporate organisations and Nigerians in the Diaspora have done so too. Prince Abiodun won the Vanguard Governor of the Year 2021 award, and Daily Independent gave him the ICT Governor of the Year award. Really, what is important in governance is for a governor to be able to deliver. In Ogun State, Nigerians can see a man with a clear-cut agenda and an action plan. The governor’s political adversaries had gone to Abuja to disparage him, saying he was not doing anything but when President Buhari came and saw some of the transformation going on in the state, he was shocked. He said that if the cargo airport being built in Ilishan was completed this year, then he (Buhari) was coming back to commission it. And he actually will, because the massive Agro-allied Airport City meant to cater to both cargo and passenger traffic is scheduled to begin operations in December. With the array of investors he had brought to the state, Prince Abiodun has surpassed expectations, doing in three and a half years what some governors have not done in eight years. And when his adversaries say that he has done nothing, tell them that the Olokola Free Trade Zone abandoned for many years is now a reality in Ogun State. It’s really such a beautiful moment in the Gateway State…

Bakare sent this piece through seyibakare@ naver.com

Akwaaba: Operators Urge Businesses to Develop Tourism Products Justina Uzo

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orried about the general apathybyNigeriantospend theirholidaysinthecountry, someNigeriansexpertshave advised governments at all levels in the country to develop domestic tourism.

Key figures in the tourism industry who were panelistsataprogrammeduringthejust-concluded AkwaabaAfricanTravelMarket(tourismexhibition) inLagossaidthereisabitofimprovementinthetrend.

Theysaidsomepeoplenowspendtheirleisuretime within the country, hinting that the rising cost of air fares is reducing foreign travel.

Theycautionedcitizensagainsttravellingoutside the country any time they want to unwind.

Others said what the holidaymakers are looking for outside the country is actually here, saying that if you develop it, tourists will come.

Speakingonthetopic“CanLagosBecomeaGlobal TravelDestinationofChoice?”,thetourismoperators andentrepreneurs,includingtheCEOofWakanow, AdebayoAdedejiandGeneralManagerofEkoHotels andSuites,Lagos,DannyKioupouroglo,saideverybody should have a way of unwinding.

Generally,theysaidattentionshouldbeondomestic tourism,pointingthatLagosboastshugeleisureofferings capable of changing the narrative.

One of them said the informal economy is huge and government is losing tax.

They urged investors to look in as the products need more development and that the focus should be more on creating tourist products that will be alluring.

Forthem,thereshouldbeeffortsthatwilldirectly showcasethecountryforpeopletoknowthatthere are facilities they can patronise as tourists and spend their money.

Kioupouroglo emphasised that people should develop products. “We need not go to Dubai or

London, we can do a lot of things in Lagos,” he noted.

Kioupourogloexpressedsatisfactionwiththevibrant leisure market in Lagos.

Hesaid:“WearenottryingtopreachEkoHotelsbut wecreatedaholidaypackage,EkoTropicalChristmas Wonderland, that takes place annually. We have Christmaspackagethatisselling.Itisphenomenon.”

He explained that before Eko Tropical Christmas Wonderland was created, Lagos used to be empty during Christmas, “we created the family package and it has transformed Lagos since 2018.” Adedeji agrees,saying,“There’smoneytobemadeinLagos.”

Hequicklyaddedthatbothdomesticandinternational tourism are important. “Please, don’t stop travelling out, visit Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Rwanda. When you come back take your children to visit interesting places in Lagos,” he said.

Adedeji narrated how his children said they always have fun in Lagos when they visit.

Another panelist, Dayo Adedayo said “Lagos is beautiful,” but so much that needs to be done in the tourism industry.

Adebayo Adedeji of Wakanow and Danny Kioupouroglo, GM, Eko Hotels, presenting an “Africa Travel 100 Women” award to a winner during Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos, recently.

Ikechi Uko, the moderator (left) and other panelists look on

Runsewe: Don’t Involve NAFEST in Tourism Association Unrest

Justina Uzo

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he Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe has advised that the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) should not be linked to the ongoing Nigerian tourism industry disturbances.

Runsewe, who is also Chairman, National Planning Committee for the 35th edition of iconic NAFEST, said development of such may project the entire sector in a bad light to the national and international public.

Runsewe was reacting to a statement by the

Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), the umbrella body of hotels, tour operators and travel agents, regarding its position on an upcoming event in which Nigeria, through the Ministry of Information and Culture, will be hosting a United Nations World Tourism Organisation event in Lagos.

By the way, the private operators alleged that Alhaji Lai Mohammad, who supervises the department of tourism in his ministry, is not paying attention to domestic tourism.

In a statement, the culture chief expressed shock that FTAN could seek to drag NAFEST into their misgivings.

“I never told anyone that the Minister has never attended NAFEST at any point in time.

“I should think NAFEST as a festival of national co-existence and unity should not be presented in such light. The Honourable Minister has been supportive of NAFEST programmes. He was with us in the Jos, Plateau edition, stayed all through the festival and has always sent senior officers of the ministry when each event clashes with his numerous assignments for the nation.”

Runsewe further advised that culture remains a critical vehicle for international diplomatic relations apart from holding the window of national cohesion, and should be distanced from certain irritations in this time in the life of our nation as the world is watching how we are going to keep very deep cultural diversity intact as a tool for tourism promotion.

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 5, 2022

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK How To Choose The Right Battery for Your Car Without a heart, we don’t have life. The same goes for a car battery. A car battery is like the heartbeat of a car. Without it, your vehicle won’t run. The battery also reserves electricity for the use of other components of a car. If your battery isn’t working properly, it could lead to expensive damages, and also endanger your life.

Even though a car battery normally lasts IRU D FRXSOH RI \HDUV WKHUH DUH GLͿHUHQW circumstances and conditions that could make a battery die even before its expiry date, such as temperature levels, heat, vibration, discharging, weather conditions, and driving habits. Basically, what we are saying is that getting the right battery for your car can save a lot of stress and cost in the long run.

Hyundai IONIQ 5, a fully electric midsize CUV

Hyundai IONIQ 5 Continues Stride with 10 Best Cars Selection

H

yundai Motor Company has announced that IONIQ 5, a fully electric midsize CUV, has been selected among 10 Best Cars for the 2022-2023 Japan Car of the Year (JCOTY). Along the 48 candidates, 11 models were named as the 10 Best Cars of the year to compete for the winner of Japan Car of the Year in December through a series of test drives*.

IONIQ 5 debuted in February 2021 as the first of battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup of Hyundai Motor’s brand IONIQ. Built on the Hyundai Motor’s Electric Global Modular Platform, (E-GMP) architecture, the car offers strong performance, ultra-fast charging, a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, as well as advanced connectivity and various driver assistance features that enhance the in-car experience for all.

In February 2022, Hyundai Motor entered the

Japanese passenger vehicle market pursuing smart, sustainable, and freedom in mobility under the vision of ‘progress for Humanity.’ Furthermore, ‘Hyundai Mobility Japan’ was also established to lead the ever-evolving market by providing Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), operating online platforms that connect sales to after-services and providing various mobility services to Japanese customers.

Previously, IONIQ 5 has earned many prestigious international accolades, including World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle of the Year, World Car Design of the Year, German Car of the Year, World Car of the Year, UK Car of the Year, Auto Express’ Car of the Year, Auto Bild’s Best Import Cars and many more in 2022. The model also took the top prize at the inaugural Best Cars of the Year 2021/2022 Awards.

Now celebrating its 43rd year, Japan Car of the Year was created with the aim of advancing Japan’s motorization and to inform consumers of

the latest models and technologies. The award is operated by the Japan Car of the Year Executive Committee and the selection to be made among the vehicles released in the Japanese domestic car market from November 1 of the previous year to October 31 of the current year.

The final winner of the Awards will be announced in December.

Winner of the 10 Best Cars of 2022-2023 Japan Car of the Year - IONIQ 5 (Hyundai Motor Company) - Alto (Suzuki) - X-TRAIL (Nissan) - Fairlady Z (Nissan) - CX-60 e-SKYACTIV D (Mazda) - Arkana (Renault) - Crown (Toyota) - Sakura/eK Cross EV (Nissan/Mitsubishi) - Civic e:HEV/Civic Type R (Honda) - iX (BMW) - Range Rover (Land Rover).

Toyota Previews new Grade of Trucks at SEMA Show

T

oyota announced the new Trailhunter grade of trucks with the unveiling of the Trailhunter Concept at the 2022 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show (SEMA).

According to a statement issued by the automaker, Trailhunter will strengthen Toyota’s commitment to the overlanding community and take its legendary go-anywhere credentials to the next level. Toyota is planning to offer purpose-built trucks and SUVs under the Trailhunter name to outdoor enthusiasts who long for off-the-grid expeditions. Trailhunter will serve as a flagship offering to inspire and support modifications of Toyota trucks with Toyota Genuine or Associated Accessory Products equipment across the lineup.

“Trailhunter trucks will come straight from the factory equipped to meet the needs of overlanding enthusiasts,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president – Toyota Division Marketing. “These trucks will be developed in-house by our engineering teams and will be the most capable OEM overlanding solutions designed to meet Toyota’s legendary quality, durability and reliability standards.”

Building on Toyota’s proven trucks and SUVs, Trailhunter vehicles will be highly capable, intentionally designed overlanding rigs. The all-new Trailhunter product line is designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts who love to explore with their vehicle. Designed and developed in-house at Toyota, Trailhunter vehicles will be adventure ready straight from the factory, providing a trail-ready truck with components and accessories that support a remote off-the-grid experience.

Toyota’s new Trailhunter grade concept truck The Trailhunter concept vehicle showcases Toyota’s vision of what this new grade of truck could look like right off the dealer lot including available Associated Accessory Products. The concept truck on display at the 2022 SEMA Show is equipped with a Trailhunter-specific suspension setup, skid plates, roof rack, bumpers, lighting, refrigerator, rooftop tent and more all engineered specifically for overlanding applications. Enthusiasts can expect future Trailhunter products to deliver terrain versatility and protection as well as loadbearing performance and storage functionality for their equipment, recovery gear and base camp necessities.

Year after year at the SEMA Show, Toyota has

demonstrated its commitment to performance, excitement and fun. Toyota has shown its strong devotion to outdoor enthusiasts through overlanding concepts such as the Tacozilla Tacoma Camper, the TRD Sport Trailer and the Tacoma Overlanding Concept. Trailhunter will take that commitment to the next level.

Toyota will share additional Trailhunter details next year. Every truck will be designed from the ground up to include the overlanding modifications and components enthusiasts expect. The Trailhunter badge – which resembles a compass to reinforce that the journey is the main purpose – will represent the vehicle’s bona fide credentials as a highly functional and purpose-built overlanding rig.

Car Batteries Knowing car batteries will give some ability and control over them, since knowledge is power, and you are less likely to get puzzled about car batteries.

A car battery is an energy storage device.

It provides the energy needed to power the electrical components of a vehicle and get it running. Just like a phone without a battery won’t start, a car acts just the same way. A car battery converts chemical energy into electrical energy to power your car and delivers voltage to its starter. Car batteries may be small but the power they provide is enormous. It also gives the initial cranks that start your car and stabilizes the voltage that keeps the engine running. Your battery makes the energy of your cars sustainable.

No doubt, car batteries start our cars, in all seasons, in all weathers, and keep them on the move for years.

Types And Sizes of Car Batteries Cars are becoming more intricate and power-draining by the day. There are several battery types and innovative technology that provide the support our vehicle needs.

Battery types include: Flooded cell battery (QKDQFHG ÁRRGHG EDWWHU\ Calcium battery SLI battery Deep cycle battery Gel battery Absorbent Glass Mat battery (AGM) Lithium-ion battery Lead-Acid battery eg Hankok Battery A car’s battery size is an industry-standard for car batteries. They indicate and symbolize the physical size of a car battery and its polarity. The group size is typically printed on the label of the battery. Battery sizes include: Side post batteries: Mostly of sizes 70, 74, 75 and 78.

Recessed top post batteries: Sizes 41, 42, 47, 48 and 49.

Standard top post batteries: Sizes 24, 24F, 25, 34, 35, 51, 51R, 58R, 65, to mention but a few.

How to Know What Type of Battery to Buy For Your Car Car batteries can’t run forever. Batteries KDYH EHHQ UHSRUWHG WR ODVW IRU WKUHH WR ÀYH years, therefore, there might be a need to replace your car battery because it can get old, worn out, or die.

6LQFH ZH KDYH GLͿHUHQW EDWWHU\ W\SHV sizes, and needs they can meet, there is no absolute car battery one can recommend. The use and installation of the wrong batteries can even cause huge damage to your car.

Your car is an expensive collection, and you should not endanger it because of your car battery choice. There are rules you can follow to get the best battery for your car.

Recycle old batteries: Battery recycling should be part and parcel of your battery disposal. It reduces the need for manufacturers sourcing new battery resources, and it can divert toxins like lead and acids from our immediate environment and make our environment sustainable. You can even get extra money for recycling.

(Source: Battery.com.ng)

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 5, 2022

AUTO WORLD

FRSC Warns Nigerians Not to Use Lexus NX260, NX3650h, NX400h+ Due to Faulty Programming

T

he Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised Nigerians against using Lexus NX260, Lexus NX3650h and Lexus NX400h+ manufactured between March 31, 2021 and April 26, 2022, because of the faulty programming of the Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) System.

The Commission said in a statement issued \HVWHUGD\ E\ LWV 3XEOLF (GXFDWLRQ 2΀FHU %LVL Kazeem, said the warning became necessary because of the recent recall of 14,799 “defective” Lexus vehicles.

The statement said, “The Federal Road Safety Corps wishes to draw the attention of the motoring public, particularly those who are presently using Lexus NX260, Lexus NX3650h and Lexus NX400h+ manufactured between 31 March 2021 to 26 April 2022, to a faulty programming of the Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) System, which has prompted the Company to recall the categories of the

Lexus NX260

listed vehicles.”

Some Lexus NX260 vehicles with “defective” electric parking brake (EPB) systems have been recalled, FRSC said.

“According to the report contained in D PHPR IRUZDUGHG E\ WKH 2΀FH RI the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the company is also recalling 6,491 Lexus NX260 with defective Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system which was manufactured between 19 April 2021 and 15 July 2022,” FRSC said. ´7KH ZLWKGUDZDO LV VSHFLÀFDOO\ premised on the fact that the vehicles will pose safety hazards to their users thereby leading to crashes.

“The Acting Corps Marshal, Dauda Ali Biu, is by this notice, admonishing the general public, particularly dealers and drivers of these categories of vehicles, to desist from selling or using WKH LGHQWLÀHG YHKLFOHV RQ 1LJHULDQ URDGV to avoid any mishap.”

Ford Pro Reveals new 2023 Transit Trail

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or more than six decades, Ford has provided travelers with vans, trucks DQG FKDVVLV EXLOW IRU OLIH RQ DQG RͿ the road. In fact, more motorhomes are built on Ford chassis than any other brand.

Ford Pro has announced it is continuing that tradition with Transit Trail, an XSÀW UHDG\ DGYHQWXUH YDQ WKDW OHYHUDJHV WKH VDPH capability, versatility and customisation options that helped make Ford Transit® America’s best-selling commercial van.

“No matter the task at hand – delivering packages RU HQMR\LQJ OLIH RͿ WKH JULG ² FXVWRPHUV FDQ UHO\ RQ their Transit to get the job done,” said Ted Cannis, Ford Pro CEO. “Our decades of experience in the motorhome industry and insights from the van-life community helped us design a vehicle that makes it easier for adventure seekers to start their next journey.”

Equipped to take on more of life’s adventures $YDLODEOH LQ WKUHH FDUJR YDQ FRQÀJXUDWLRQV

including medium- and high-roof models and a high-roof extended-length variant, the new Ford 7UDQVLW 7UDLO LV HTXLSSHG IRU LPSURYHG RͿ KLJKZD\ capability with the following standard features and capabilities: 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque3, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission ,QWHOOLJHQW $OO :KHHO 'ULYH ZLWK ÀYH VHOHFWDEOH drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Mud/Ruts, Tow/Haul and Slippery 3.5-inch increased ride height, a 2.75-inch wider track, 30.5-inch Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse all-terrain tires, and 16-inch black alloy wheels Black grille with integrated marker lamps and black HID headlamps, unique skid plate-style front bumper, splash guards, wheel arch cladding, front wheel arch liners, and slider-style driver- and passenger-side steps Heavy-Duty Trailer Package with up to 6,500-lb. towing capacity for hauling a boat, four-wheelers, snowmobiles or other adventure toys.

The new 2023 Ford Transit Trail

30km Speed Limits Enforcement Sometime in September 2022, I was privileged to visit Kano. The visit was not casual. It was official.

For one full week, I was in Kano leading a three man team from the Federal Road Safety Corps to attend the 28th Council of Works meeting held between 25th to 29th September .It was a great honour to be part of the 28th Meeting of the Council of Works.

It was indeed exciting that the chosen theme was ‘’Infrastructure, The Season of Completion.

Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola was there as host. Also in attendance were Commissioners of Works from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as Permanent Secretaries and Directors from the various States. It was my first since destiny brought me into the Corps and like I said earlier, it was indeed a great honour.

The assignment was simple. It was for my team and I to present for Council approval, the United Nations resolution on the enforcement of the 30km speed limit in built up areas. With little hiccups, approval was given courtesy of the Minister’s leadership style that swayed every participant to endorse this life saving submission.

It has been over a year since the United Nations decision. What then is the genesis of this novel position meant to cut down speed in urban areas as well as deaths and where exactly we are today? To address these posers, I will take you down memory lane to May 2021 when I did a piece I titled, Kill The Speed In Built Up Areas: #30km/ph. In that piece I captured the joint awareness strategies adopted by the Corps in collaboration with the office of the Country Director, the United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety to mark the 6th Global United Nations Road Safety Week.

The Week was flagged off globally on 17th May 2021 and ran till 23rd May, 2021. Dr Sydney Ibeanusi, Country Director, the United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety and my humble self on behalf of the Corps were at the forefront of media activities to raise awareness while the FRSC formations across the country held various activities to sustain the momentum up. The theme and focus

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu

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

was on cutting down speed which is identified as the number one killer globally. Excessive speed in built up areas was the sub focus with the theme, The Streets for life: #love30.

Before I continue, I need to remind you of the road traffic crash statistics for 2020 and 2021 which should worry all despite the slight improvements in checkmating crashes and deaths. The records as provided by the Corps for 2020, shows that a total of 10,522 crashes occurred claiming 4,794 lives while 28,449 people sustained various degrees of injuries. The figure for 2021 is not better either as we recorded 10,306 road traffic crashes which claimed 4,800 lives while 30,506 people sustained several degrees of injuries.

The causative factors ranged from speed violation, dangerous driving just to mention a few which as usual underscores the rationale behind the United Nations vigorous campaigns to cut speed whether on the highway of in- built up areas. The data for 2020 and 2021 equally reveals that a total of 63,581 and 66,083 people were involved in these crashes respectively for the period in question.

The picture painted with respect to speed related crashes are not peculiar to Nigeria but cuts across the globe. This was why I reminded road users of the provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 which specifies the speed limits on various roads as well as speed limit of various categories

of vehicles. For reminders, the Regulations provides that the maximum speed in Nigeria is 100km/h.

The same Regulations stipulates that 100km/h is the maximum speed for cars on the express while the limit for taxis and buses is 90km/h. The speed limit for articulated vehicles is 60km/h.

The same Regulations provide for the appropriate speed limit for built- up areas which is my focus and was also the focus for the Global road safety week in 2021. It provides a maximum speed limit of 50km/h for cars, taxis and buses as well. Tankers and trailers are to do 45km/h while tow vehicles are 45km/h while towing and 50km/h when not towing.

While the provisions explicitly spell out these rules, there are concerns that compliance is a challenge as these signs, according to some observers, are rarely seen on some of our roads.

The absence of appropriate road furniture was my concern when I wrote on a piece I titled, Naked Roads. In fact, a good friend who heard me on air could not stop laughing when I drew a correlation between roads without appropriate road furniture and a lady without her makeup. This is why the global clamour is to rejig the speed factor and tilt the trend of road traffic crashes and deaths in keeping with the United Nations Decade of Action which seeks to cut down road fatalities by 50 per cent.

The argument by the UN is that low speed makes for healthy, green and liveable streets and therefore saves lives. Low speed should be at the heart of any community, they argue as evidence shows that at 30km/ph, lives will be saved while this will also promote walking, cycling and promote a zero-carbon mobility environment. The global plan is to engage policymakers such as we did during the Council of Works meeting to act for low speed streets, limiting speeds to 30 km/h for cities, towns and villages.

So where exactly are we right now. First, like I mentioned earlier, this position has been adopted for implementation. Secondly, I believe the low hanging fruit should be in raising massive awareness by all the necessary actors with FRSC playing the lead to get the buy-in of the populace. Meanwhile, I know

that in societies such as the United Kingdom, there is already a shift in thinking geared towards mobilising motorists to stick to the new 30mph speed limits, especially by turning from engineering solutions to technology which should also become priorities if we must achieve the essence behind this global move.

In the United Kingdom, a series of average and spot speed cameras have been installed on a network of 20 mph roads in places such as Plymouth to enable crack down on speed freaks. This strategy of choosing a camera solution addresses the concern of residents against speed humps on the narrow streets. According to experts, unlike speed humps ,the cameras are better for the environment because they reduce the number of vehicles slowing down and then speeding up, keeping drivers at a uniform speed.

During the trial period,more than a hundred offences per hour were recorded. Although the cameras are not new despite the lack of awareness and high cost in application, the latest generation of cameras being deployed are not only cost effective, but deliver a host of benefits that residents are crying out for. One of such benefits is the enforcement of speed limit without inconveniencing law-abiding motorists.

Based on this best practice, I believe that we need to enhance speed limit enforcement through the installation of speed cameras not just to check excessive speed in built-up areas but to also check general speed infraction. Meanwhile, in keeping with the World Health Organisation recommendations, we must sustain traffic-calming features as well as establish speed limits appropriate to each road in addition to installing in-vehicle technologies. We must equally take cognisance of the International Road Federation recommendations that we design roads that addresse the needs of all road users and enforce traffic speeds to enhance general road safety. These measures, it concludes, could save the 3,000 children and young people killed daily across the world because a child hit by a car at 30 km/h can still survive.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 5, 2022

36

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

Sleek Nigeria Announces Ajide Daniels as Creative Ambassador Cosmetics giant, Sleek Nigeria, makes its return to the market with new and improved SURGXFWV WKDW SURPLVH TXDOLW\ DQG DͿRUGDELOLW\ for everyone. With all products under N10, 000, Sleek Nigeria opens up the world of beauty and wellness to the masses.

In such a fast-paced world, Sleek Nigeria says “we’ve witnessed a change in every industry, particularly in the beauty sector. With the rise of the ‘new normal,’ the cosmetics industry now stretches its hand toward a wider audience. An industry that once served a mainly European audience now has eyes on everyone who has an interest in it—regardless of ethnicity, gender, or belief. In the last decade, we have seen an increased demand for gender-neutral makeup and inclusion in the industry.”

This change has created spaces for people like Ajide Daniels. Starting in 2017, the editorial beauty curator made a name for himself as a makeup artist—gradually becoming a standout name in the beauty and fashion industry. Not only does he use makeup to present his view of beauty to the world, but he also draws attention as he promotes the culture of male grooming within the African beauty industry. His trailblazing path aligns with the innovativeness and boldness of the Sleek Pro Nigeria brand, making him the LGHDO FDQGLGDWH IRU WKH EUDQG·V ÀUVW &UHDWLYH Ambassador.

Ajide’s originality and passion for beauty have taken him far during his career. He has worked with UHQRZQHG ÀJXUHV OLNH 'HQROD *UH\ 0D\RUNXQ $\UD Starr, Lupita N’yongo, and Naomi Campbell. He

has also been featured in numerous publications, LQFOXGLQJ 9RJXH 0DJD]LQH 9RJXH %UD]LO DQG Essence Magazine. As the brand’s ambassador, 'DQLHOV ZLOO VSHQG WKH QH[W IHZ PRQWKV ZRUNLQJ with Sleek Nigeria to create content across its many marketing channels, attending events on behalf of the company, and showcasing his prowess in

campaigns and master classes.

This pioneer attributes his success to his consistency, hard work, attention to detail, and prioritizing creativity when creating makeup looks. Ajide’s goal is not to create beauty through makeup but to use makeup to amplify the beauty we already all possess.

SystemSpecs Demands Patronage for Locally Manufactured Software Technology company, SystemSpecs Technology Services Limited has urged Nigerians to embrace indigenously manufactured software.

Managing Director of the organization, Mr. Demola Igbalajobi stated this at the just concluded International Conference of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

Igbalajobi, who was a guest speaker at the programme harped on how HR Technology Tools can be harnessed to sustain business performance. $FFRUGLQJ WR KLP WKH HͿHFW RI &29,' KDV brought about a new challenge of managing employees in a remote and hybrid environment, without losing productivity.

Igbalajobi noted that this challenge required human resources specialists, more than before, to adopt creative ways of recruiting and managing their respective human capital.

He noted that SystemSpecs aimed to ad-

dress this challenge with its locally designed software.

“That is why we are developing software ZKLFK XWLOLVHV DUWLÀFLDO LQWHOOLJHQFH YLUWXDO reality, and machine learning to provide HR, DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ DQG ÀQDQFLDO VHUYLFHV WKDW ERRVW SURGXFWLYLW\ DQG LQFUHDVH SURÀWDELOLW\ he remarked.

He stated further that sourcing for locally developed software would grow Nigerian economy and reduce the impact of capital ÁLJKW He said, “Indigenous software developers understand local nuances better in deploying technology that delivers bespoke solutions.

These innovative products are often designed to world class standards, and thereby able to boost local industries by retaining top talents KHUH UHGXFLQJ FDSLWDO ÁLJKW DQG WKH QHHG IRU IRUHLJQ H[FKDQJH WR SURFXUH LQWHUQDWLRQDO alternatives.”

Longrich Marks 10th Anniversary, Rewards Customers Multinational Network Company, Longrich International Nigeria has marked its ten years of doing business in Nigeria.

In marking the feat, the organisation also rewarded its customers who have stayed true to the brand in ten years.

6SHDNLQJ DW DQ HYHQW &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2΀FHU RI /RQJULFK ,QWHUQDWLRQDO $OH[ -LD DWWULEXWHG the brand’s quick growth to determination and ambition. +H LGHQWLÀHG VRPH RI WKH RUJDQLVDWLRQ·V notable feats, which included opening ten new branches, as well as generating over 150 new VWDU 'LUHFWRUV LQ WKH SDVW ÀYH \HDUV SHU FHQW of who are Nigerians.

“I believe that with the foundation of ten years, new members will move faster and higher. I implore us all to work hard to move to another level of ten years.”

Also speaking, one of the 5Star Directors, Dr. Titilope Ejimagwa disclosed that the past ten years had been challenging in the area of gaining consumers’ trust.

“We had to put in a lot of work and make a ORW RI SHUVRQDO VDFULÀFHV SUDFWLFDOO\ PDUNHWLQJ training and seminars week in week out, to KHOS XV WR VWDQG WKH FKDOOHQJHV RI WKH ÀUVW ten years.

“It is good to look back and be grateful for the success we have achieved due to our input, God was really there with us. As we ORRN LQWR WKH IXWXUH RI WKH QH[W WHQ \HDUV new members are going to write their own KLVWRU\ IRU WKH QH[W \HDUV DQG ZH KRSH WR witness greater success.”

Guests were treated to a light musical performance from popular afrobeat musicians, Francis Atela and Timi Dakolo.

L-R: Product Manager, Sterling BioPharma Limited, Olumide Oluremi; Finance Controller, Segun Olalere; and Chief Operating Officer, Bayo Adepoju, during the official media launch of Fejeron Blood Tonic by Sterling BioPharma Limited, in Lagos... recently

L-R: Chairman, Board of Directors, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited, Mr Foluso Phillips; Executive Producer of the Brotherhood Movie/Executive Director, Jade Osiberu; and the Corporate Commercial and Institutional Banking Manager, SCBN, Korede Adenowo at a private screening for clients in Lagos...recently

Ericsson Restates Commitment to Growth, Sustainability Ericsson has restated its commitment to drive sustainable growth in Africa.

The organisation stated this ahead of 2022 AfricaTech Festival, holding in November 7.

The festival sought to unite business and technology so as to create a better and more inclusive digital world.

According to Ericsson in a statement, it will see to enabling sustainable growth in Africa with the help of ICT, empowering people through digital inclusion, and industrial growth through digitalization and sustainability.

Its demos will focus on key topics to harness the full value of connectivity including 5G

XVH FDVHV H[KLELWV LPPHUVLYH H[SHULHQFHV DQG Green ICT initiatives. It will alsohighlight technology and thought leadership while VKRZFDVLQJ WKH ODWHVW SRUWIROLR RͿHULQJ WR the African market.In its latest Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Report, the ÀUP DOVR VHW D ORQJ WHUP DPELWLRQ WR EH Net Zero by 2040 across its value chain.

7R PHHW FXVWRPHU H[SHFWDWLRQV WRR WKH ÀUP UHFHQWO\ GHYHORSHG LQQRYDWLYH VROXWLRQV that enable operator networks to use as little energy as possible.

7KHVH VROXWLRQV ZRXOG DOVR PDQDJH H[SHFWHG JURZWK LQ GDWD WUD΀F DQG PHHW WKH QHHGV of both current and future 5G networks.

LEAP Africa, Technical Partners Indomie, Power Oil Extend CSR Gesture to Flood Victims Empower Over 5000 Youths Leadership Development organisation, LEAP Africa, in partnership with Dow and other technical partners have empowered over 5000 youths at the 2022 edition of Youth Day of Service (YDoS) campaign.

The week-long event had youths across 34 African countries coming out to contribute their quota to a sustainable future, through act of volunteerism and community service.

The theme for this year’s programme is ‘Youthful and Useful’. According to the organisers, the year’s edition saw to the implementation of over 64 projects that touch on the elements of Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs). The projects being led by individuals, corporations, public and social sector range from tree planting, school painting, food drives, beach

cleaning and digital sensitisation, amongst others.

Commenting, Managing Director of Dow Northern and Western Africa, Sami Mainich reiterated the importance of youth empowerment to a sustainable future.

He said, “We recognise that the future is created by what is done today through empowerment, collaboration, and deliberate investments in the communities we live and work in. As global citizens, we believe in dedicating our time and talents to challenges and opportunities that connect science, people, and community across the globe.

This is to enable us achieve our envisioned world built on human creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.

$V SDUW RI HͿRUWV WR FXVKLRQ WKH HͿHFW RI ÁRRG UDYDJLQJ WKH FRXQWU\ 3RZHU 2LO DQG Indomie have teamed up to donate relief items to displaced citizens in Kogi State.

Kogi is one of the states with the most ÁRRGLQJ GDPDJH UHVXOWLQJ LQ XQWROG KDUGVKLS for residents, with more than 10,000 persons already displaced.

While presenting the items, Brand Manager RI 3RZHU 2LO 9DOHULH $PDNXORU H[SUHVVHG V\PSDWK\ WR WKH ÁRRG YLFWLPV DGGLQJ WKDW WKH JHVWXUH ZDV WR FRPSOHPHQW HͿRUWV RI WKH state government to ensure a better life for the DͿHFWHG She said, “We grieve with everyone who has

VXͿHUHG WHUULEOH ORVVHV DV D UHVXOW RI WKLV GLVDVWHU $QG ZH KDYH WKH JUHDWHVW UHVSHFW IRU WKH HͿRUWV of the state’s government and security personnel in trying to ensure normalcy is restored which we all understand may take a while.

“It is generally understood how such sharp turn of event can leave victims disorganised with little hope of survival through the coming days, however, physiological and safety needs UHPDLQ RSHQ WR EH ÀOOHG DQG PRVW HVVHQWLDO which points clearly to the rationale behind the choice of items donated by the brands.”

Items donated range from food items, body and feminine care and other necessities such as mattresses, T-shirts, Hypo bleach.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 5, 2022

SPORTS XTRA

Iwobi Set for New Everton Contract

S

uper Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has revealed that he is willing to sign a contract extension at Everton.

Iwobi was one of the most maligned players at Everton last season. The formerArsenal man struggled to get games under his belt and when he did, he rendered stale displays.

Also, Iwobi was misfiring on the international stage. His red card against Tunisia in the quarterfinals of the last Africa Cup of Nations is considered by many as one of the reasons

for Nigeria’s ouster.

However, the Super Eagles midfielder turned a new leaf in March. Iwobi played an important role in Everton’s survival charge last season, featuring brilliantly from full-back.

This season, the 26-year-old has not rested on his oars.

Iwobi has been one of Frank Lampard’s trusted lads at Goodison Park.

The Nigeria international has featured prominently in midfield this season, and he has been involved in a whopping six of Everton’s eleven

Nigeria-eligible Makes European Debut for Freiburg Super Eagles-eligible goalkeeper Noah Atubolu made his European debut for German Bundesliga club SC Freiburg in a 1-1 draw with Qarabag FK on matchday six of the Europa League on Thursday evening.

The 19-year-old is on the fringes of the first team and finally got his chance in the Europa League with qualification to the last sixteen as Group G winners guaranteed before the trip to Azerbaijan.

Touted as the top teenage goalkeeper in European football that could potentially play for Nigeria’s senior national team, Atubolu made his

senior debut for Freiburg last month when he started against St Pauli in the second round of the DFB Pokal.

He returned to the starting lineup against Qarabag FK, with Freiburg manager Christian Streich opting to rest ten of the starters versus Schalke 04.

Atubolu made a vital intervention to prevent Qarabag from taking the lead in the fifth minute when he saved a shot from Ghana international Owusu Kwabena.

In nine appearances for SC Freiburg II in the 3.liga, he has kept five clean sheets while conceding 10 goals.

Premier League goals this season.

Following his consistent displays, Everton have opened contract talks with Iwobi to extend his stay beyond 2024

when his contract expired.

Iwobi is enjoying his stay at Goodison Park, and he insists that he is willing to commit his future to the club.

“I want to win as many things

as I can with this club. That is why I came here, the club was very ambitious and it still is. I’d like to stay.” Iwobi said as per Liverpool Echo.

The Nigerian midfielder has

been one of the best Toffees in the last eight months, and if he continues with his current trajectory, he could easily be one of the best players to grace Goodison Park.

NFF Turns to Home-based Eagles for Costa Rica Friendly The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has announced the names of 18 players that will represent the country in the international friendly with Costa Rica on November 10.

None of Nigeria’s numerous foreign stars made the list.

Instead, all 18 players are from clubs playing in

the Nigerian Professional Football League.

In the statement released on Friday, the NFF confirmed that Super Eagles assistant head coach Salisu Yusuf picked the players on the roster.

Familiar faces on the list include Super Eagles B goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Olympic Eagles first-choice

shot-stopper Nathaniel Nwosu and midfielder Afeez Nosiru.

Others are defenders Daniel Bameyi, Chidiebere Nwobodo, Evans Ogbonda, midfielders Nosiru, Qudus Akanni, and forwards Sunday Faleye and Edidiong Ezekiel.

The Eagles have been training at the Lekan Salami

Stadium in Ibadan for the past week and are scheduled to jet out of the country for Costa Rica on Saturday, November 5.

The match between Nigeria and Costa Rica – the first-ever meeting between the two former continental champions – is billed for the National Stadium in San Jose.

Eberechi Eze Wins Second Palace Award in Two Days Former Super Eagles invitee Eberechi Eze has won his second Crystal Palace award in two days.

The official website of Crystal Palace reported on Friday that Eze has won Crystal Palace’s Goal of the Month award for October 2022.

The attacking midfielder

saw off competition from 2019 Golden Eaglets invitee Malcolm Ebiowei, Wilfried Zaha, Fionn Mooney, Anna Filbey and Hindolo Mustapha to win the Goal of the Month accolade.

Eze won the award for his match-winning strike against Leeds United in a Premier

League game at Selhurst Park on October 9, 2022.

Fourteen minutes from time, the ex-England U21 international ran across the edge of the area and fired into the bottom corner.

Eze scooped 48 percent of the vote to place first, with Ebiowei coming fifth with

three percent of the vote.

The 24-year-old was named Palace’s Player of the Month for October 2022 with approximately 35 percent of the vote, his third POTM since his arrival at the Eagles from Queens Park Rangers, having previously won it in January 2021 and November 2020.

FA Appeals against Klopp’s £30,000 Fine for Red Card The Football Association has appealed against the sanction given to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp following his sending off during his side’s win over Manchester City last month.

Klopp received a £30,000 fine from an

independent regulatory commission but no touchline ban.

He was dismissed after berating a referee’s assistant when a foul was not given for a challenge on Mohamed Salah.

The German later apologised for his reac-

tion in his post-match comments.

Klopp was charged with a breach of FA rule E3, which covers “comments which are improper, which bring the game into disrepute, which are threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting”.

The FA confirmed on Friday it was appealing after it reviewed the commission’s written reasons.

Klopp’s red card was among a series of incidents which prompted a referees’ charity to call for an inquiry into the touchline behaviour of managers.

NEWS XTRA My Political Structure Intact in Kwara, Says Lai Mohammed Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Ahead of 2023 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in Kwara State and Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has reiterated that his political structure across the 16 local government councils of the state remains intact and cannot be dismantled.

AlhajiMohammedwasaformer governorship candidate of Alliance for Demoracy (AD) in 2003 and later governorship candidate under the banner of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2007 and since then he has

never lost contact with his political associates and supporters.

Also, he has remained a positive reference point in the struggle for 2019 general election and was behind the success story of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state during the period.

However, speaking in his hometown Oro in Irepodun Local Government Council Area of the state on Thursday at the traditional marriage of his grand daughter, Dr Toyosi to an Engineer, Gbolahan Sambo, Alhaji Mohammed said he had remained a major factor in the political calculations of the state all the time.

Separatists Seeking Yoruba Nation Allegedly Attack Soldiers in Ogun Some separatist agitating for a Yoruba Nation have allegedly attacked a team of soldiers yesterday on the OjuOreaxisofAdo-Odo/OtaLocal Government, Ogun State.

Sources familiar with the incident said the agitators for a Yoruba nation were on procession around that area when they saw the army vehicle and allegedly attacked its occupants, disarming a soldier in the process.

Some eyewitnesses, who do not wish to be identified, said members of the public ran from the area when they were told the army had mobilised

and were approaching the scene.

The Ogun State police command confirmed the incident, asking for calm, stating that they were handling the situation.

“We are on the matter. We heard that they (Yoruba Nation agitators) attacked some soldiers in the Ota area.

“So we are working in collaboration with the Nigerian Army to get to the root of that matter. We have not made any arrest, but we are on it. There is no casualty,”said the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi.

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Delta State Government to Omo-Agege “It will not be wise for Omo-Agege to take for granted the intelligence of Deltans…He cannot ride to the Delta Government House on the altar of lies.”

–The Delta State Government advising APC’s governorship candidate, Ovie OmoAgege to desist from trying to hoodwink Deltans into supporting his ambition.

OKEYIKECHUKWU EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS

okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

Fear and Trembling O

ur people say that there’s something to worry about when all known soothsayers maintain a pregnant silence, while wearing a scowl. Our people also say that neither the man who wants to wash his clothes in the morning, nor one who wants to set out early for a distant market with a bag of salt on his head, will know what to do for sure if the sky remains overcast for long, but brings neither rain nor strong winds. My people say that the appearance of the dragonfly is a clear sign that the dry season and the concomitant harmattan wind is near. Look around you and tremble.

Nothing has changed for the better since our Non-Partisan Roundtable on the state of the nation in May, a few months ago.

Matters have gotten worse, instead. There seems to be a brewing cocktail of unpleasant events. The greater worry is that it may all turn into a frightening and inescapable cascade of calamities. No one can give it a name as yet. Yes, no one can say for sure what it is. Insecurity, hunger, confusion, leadership illiteracy and much more are staring us in the face everywhere.

The National Assembly is doing its best to undermine the autonomy of the Central bank of Nigeria. The value of our national currency is airborne, dragged off by the terrible winds created and sustained by irresponsible politicking. Oil theft remains a thriving industry. Depravity walks the land, as politicians tumble over themselves to convince us that they should be taken seriously. Anon, it is fear and trembling everywhere!

A piece which appeared on this page on 21st May, this year, captures much of what is going on at this very hour. The article in question, titled “Productivity, the Nation and Fake News” spoke of “Some of the most important conclusions of participants at a Non-Partisan RoundTable on pressing national issues, which was organized by Development Specs Academy, and which held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja”.

The conclusions in question run thus: “(1) Increased productivity is a critical success factor for any nation that wants a strong and stable national currency, (2) Consumption patterns and product preferences have a direct impact on a nation’s Balance of trade, especially with regards to deficits, (3) The Nigerian State, and the citizenry, must consume mostly what they produce and produce mostly what they consume, or retain some of the economic debilities on the table at the moment”.

The RoundTable also pointed out that the public is “… only interested in measuring the value of every economic intervention against the background of impact, and that insecurity is one of the biggest threats to national productivity, agriculture and food security. These “… can undermine the best

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan

policy initiatives and economic intervention programmes”.

On the State of the Nation, the RoundTable pointed out that our security forces are overstretched, not well equipped and hamstrung by a largely apathetic citizenry. It linked the perceived suboptimal performance of the police, the armed forces and the security agencies to avoidable facility, operational and capacity inadequacies. The RoundTable said that “...our soldiers and security agents are not magicians; that they need supporting intelligence from locals”.

The broad Conceptual Framework for the RoundTable stemmed from a desire “… to promote solutions-based national conversations on important national issues… figure out, design and propose specific, and readily implementable, solutions to identified problems at the end of the day”. It was not “a platform for lamentations and the enumeration of problems”.

It is lamentable then, is it not? That the growing citizen apathy we see everywhere is clear evidence of the non-inclusive orientation of many state and non-state actors? As I write, our leaders are still carrying on as if expenditure on their whims is the same thing as investment in development and nation building. “Budgetary announcements, procurement contracts, arbitrary allocations” and laundered media reports are being passed off as “proof of impact on the welfare of citizens”.

Concerning national security and the fight against insurgency, the RoundTable urged the government to “…pay close attention to the actual condition of our fighting forces.

The announcements about new equipment, the cost of new war equipment, or the resolve of the Federal Government to

end insurgency, do not remove the fact that the public is largely skeptical and suspicious because of the continued activities of terrorists and insurgents in Nigeria”.

The RoundTable took a long and hard look at the presidential aspirantd of our various political parties, acknowledged their right to their aspirations, but pointed this out: “Change of headship of the Nigerian State, and replacement of persons holding various elective offices at various levels, will deliver nothing good if those involved do not have the interest of the nation and the people at heart”.

From the foregoing, the points made back then about the integrity deficit of government communication is still here with us. We are still far from the government claiming “... its right to be believed, by giving clear, timely, honest and believable communication”. The national currency is still speeding downhill, because low productivity reigns. So does low remittances from the nation’s major cash cow.

This buttresses position of the RoundTable, that “…only productivity-enhancing and economy-reflating activities, in addition to consuming what we produce and producing what we consume” will save Nigeria.

Do we see any improvement in the condition of our youths? I think not. The RoundTable under reference here “…admitted that the youths face challenges at the levels of capacity, opportunities and wrong role models. Proposed solutions to some of the foregoing include tooling and retooling our youths for a 21st Century World and … promotion of vocational skills and innovative entrepreneurship programmes, in addition to values Reorientation”.

And fake news, which also featured in the discussions? Well, it has become an even

bigger industry, today. The report about a joint operation between the DSS and the US army has turned out to be false. Yes, investigations have shown that it was a well-choreographed security engagement of the State Security Service, without the involvement of the US or any other country.

But that was not what was in the air for days, even with organizations that could have easily verified from the authorities before going public.

As everyone with a phone and a social media handle can now become media owner, broadcaster, Editor-in-Chief and even a television station, the problem of fake news is compounded in more ways than one. The official counter narratives are, unfortunately, too slow in coming, too stilted, and often hamstrung by the language of officialdom; which undermines credibility and believability.

The call by the RoundTable of last May on Nigerians “...to be wary of misinformation and disinformation”, as well as the warning against the “deliberate mischief of iconoclasts, the malevolent machinations of those who distort, misquote or misrepresent audio and video content for all manner of reasons” does not seem to have sunk in.

The more we look around us, the more we see that the issues we would all like to see disappear are mutating and not disappearing. More convoluted issues are even popping out of every street corner.

Weariness walks the land. The space is being progressively taken over by official marauders and state-decorated insurgents.

The realities of the Nigerian state, as things are today, are being denied by those who should make it better. That is why problems are getting compounded, instead of being solved; as the road to 2023 is fraught with landmines and much more.

Finally, as observed, under “The Call for Authenticity” on this page some three months ago, “Inauthenticity walks the land!

In Aso Rock, in the National Assembly, in the judiciary, in state government houses, in state Houses of Assembly, in local government headquarters, in churches and mosques, in institutions of higher and lower learning.

We walk through a maze and claim to be walking under bright lights. Debauchery has been given a new name, in the hope that the discerning will no longer keep watch over disappearing values. No, the relevant eyes are still wide open, even if fewer in number than hitherto. The call for authenticity is real”.

The grip of a growing combination of very determined negative forces is on many things that have a direct bearing on our personal and community lives. With security and productivity now under severe negative pressure, we may have a lot more to worry about in the coming days, weeks and months than just elections and the value of the Naira. The auguries are not looking good at all.

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