SATURDAY 27TH NOVEMMBER 2021 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Emirates to Resume Nigerian Routes as FG Lifts Ban UAE drops Rapid Antigen Test requirement Chinedu Eze in Lagos and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The United Arab Emirates, in its latest Coronavirus protocol released yesterday, dropped the Rapid Antigen Test (RDT) for

COVID-19 as prerequisite for travelling to the Middle East country for Nigerians and some other countries. The Nigerian government also responded swiftly by lifting the ban it previously placed

on UAE's Emirates Airline's flights into Nigeria. Emirates stopped flights to Nigeria in February this year, when its operation was put on-hold by the federal government following its

demand for Nigerian travellers to take the RDT four hours before their flight, as stipulated in the COVID-19 protocols of the UAE. When Emirates began its demand for the test, Minister of

Aviation, Hadi Sirika, described the RDT requirement as “discriminatory profiling” of Nigerian travellers. A statement seen by THISDAY and dated November 26, 2021, issued by the Aviation

Business Management TeamDubai Airports, indicated that RDT would no longer be required for all flights effective from Saturday November Continued on page 5

Obasanjo: Nigeria Must Commit to Renewable Energy to Build a Future… Page 5 Saturday 27 November, 2021 Vol 26. No 9728

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11 Killed, 30 Houses Burnt in Fresh Plateau Terror Attacks Kidnappers demand N99m ransom for 66 abducted Kaduna Baptist Church members

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos and John Shiklam in Kaduna No fewer than 11 persons,

including children, were killed yesterday and 30 houses burnt when terrorists attacked Te'egbe community in Bassa Local

Government Area of Plateau State. In a swift reaction, Governor Simon Lalong expressed anger

over the attack, describing it as “another sad incident” aimed at destabilising the state. On the same day, it emerged

that the abductors of 66 members of Baptist Church, Kakau Daji, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, finally contacted

families of the victims after 27 days, with a demand for N99 Continued on page 5

Finally, Court Declares Bandits Terrorists, FG to Gazette Ruling Malami: Judgement will embolden Nigerian government to crush bandits Alex Enumah in Abuja A Federal High Court in Abuja under trial Justice Taiwo Taiwo has ruled that activities of bandits, as well as other similar groups, by whatever names they are called, in any part of the country, amounted to acts of terrorism and subsequently declared them terrorists. Justice Taiwo further held that the federal government must publish the order in the official Gazette and two national dailies in the country. Reacting to the ruling, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami said it would now embolden the federal government to go all out to crush all forms of banditry in the country. The order declaring bandits terrorists was sequel to an application filed on behalf of the federal government by the Director of Public Prosecution, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mohammed Abubakar, regarding the activities of Yan Bindiga, Yan Ta’adda and

other groups of bandits in the country. In the exparte application, the federal government had prayed the court to outlaw the Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda groups, as well as other terrorist groups in the country. The request, according to the federal government in a supporting affidavit, was to checkmate the activities of the group, which the government claimed were responsible for killings, abductions, rapes, kidnappings, and other criminal acts in the North-east, Northcentral, and other parts of the country. The federal government blamed the groups for “banditry, incessant kidnappings for ransom, kidnapping for marriage, mass abductions of school children and other citizens, cattle rustling, enslavement, imprisonment, severe deprivation of physical liberty, torture, rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced Continued on page 5

VALEDICTORY VISIT… The ED/CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Segun Awolowo (l), with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, when Awolowo paid a valedictory visit to the vice president at the State House, Abuja…yesterday

Fashola Promises More Road Completions, Handovers in Next Few Weeks... Page 8

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2021 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2021

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Obasanjo: Nigeria Must Commit to Renewable Energy to Build a Future Celebrates Presidential Library’s 2MW solar power project Our Correspondents Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday demanded that Nigeria must commit to generating power from renewable energy and clean

carbon-free sources, in order to build a future for the country. He stated this during the inauguration of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library’s 2MW solar power project in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Obasanjo said renewable energy “is cheaper and good for the environment.” He said, “Today, I am speaking to you in a facility powered by the sun – solar energy. It is the way of a future

(Jimmy) Carter envisioned all those years ago. It will help build the future we want. The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library solar power project is a reflection of our commitment to clean and renewable energy and

is the single largest investment this not-for-profit organisation has made. “As large an investment as it is, it is remarkably cost effective. It costs less than two and half years supply of diesel to power

our generators. So, in diesel terms, it pays for itself in less than three years. So in effect, the electricity it produces after three years is almost at no cost.

led to a ban on Emirates flights in Nigeria. The ban was later lifted after the airline agreed to stop the rapid antigen tests. The federal government reintroduced the ban in March, explaining that Emirates had continued to conduct rapid antigen tests for passengers before departure from Nigeria.

on Emirates Airline

gesture by lifting the ban on Emirates. The Minister assured that the relationship between Nigeria and UAE remained strong. Similarly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema, noted that the Nigerian government recognised that the UAE “has a responsibility” to protect the lives of her citizens and "whatever measures that they had taken were in the interest of her citizens."

Continued on page 39

EMIRATES TO RESUME NIGERIAN ROUTES AS FG LIFTS BAN 27, 2021 at 00.0 hours, for passengers travelling to Dubai from the following countries: the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Republic of Uganda, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Republic of Zambia. The statement said inbound passengers, who are eligible to travel to Dubai from the aforementioned countries, should comply with the following conditions: “The passenger(s) shall present a valid negative COVID-19 test certificate that is issued within the valid time frame, namely, (72) hours from the time of collecting the sample and from the approved health service that uses QR code system. “Passenger(s) shall undergo a PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) upon arrival at Dubai Airports. “No approval is required from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) or from General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for the passengers from the aforesaid countries, to enter Dubai. No rapid PCR test report is required. “The airlines shall ensure and/or verify the compliance of the above requirement(s) prior to passenger(s) boarding the aircraft and shall not accept any passenger(s) who does not fulfill the aforesaid condition(s) and/or requirements,” the statement said. It also directed that if the airline carries any passenger(s) who fails to meet the aforesaid requirements, the airline would be held responsible to return such passenger to the point of embarkation and also any other matters that may arise therefrom. It stated that air carriers that fail and or neglect to comply with the measures set out in this decision would be subjected to the fines and measures stipulated in Clause 37 of Schedule No (7) the Executive Council Resolution No. (4) of the 2017 Approving Fees and Fines of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), considering that adherence to the provision of DCAA circular No. (1) of 2021, is strictly required for airlines to continue practicing air transport activity arriving to or transiting through Dubai.

The statement also said that these conditions are imposed in addition to the guidelines, protocols and conditions issued from time to time. With this new protocol, UAE has dropped the RDT test, which stirred the diplomatic imbroglio between Nigeria and the country and which forced Emirates Airlines to stop operating to Nigeria when the federal government insisted that it must not conduct RDT on Nigerian passengers four

hours before their flight, insisting that the 72 hours PCR test must be accepted by the airline. So since February 2021, Emirates has stopped flights from Nigeria but with the new protocol, Nigerian passengers can now travel directly to Dubai. In February, Emirates directed Nigerian travellers at the Lagos and Abuja airports to conduct rapid COVID-19 tests before departure, which

FG Lifts Suspension

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika said the ban on Emirates was lifted as a result of communications received from UAE removing travel conditions the Nigerian government had opposed. Briefing journalists late evening yesterday, Sirika said UAE had removed the restrictions without conditions, hence Nigeria reciprocated the

11 KILLED, 30 HOUSES BURNT IN FRESH PLATEAU TERROR ATTACKS million ransom. THISDAY gathered that the assailants raided Te'egbe village in the early hours of yesterday while the villagers were still asleep, killing 11 persons and injuring several others, and also setting ablaze several houses. Spokesman for the Miango Youth Development Association, Mr. Nuhu Bitrus, while confirming the attack said, “Last night was very horrible for the Irigwe nation as Fulani militia attacked Te'egbe village, killed so many persons and injured many others. They also set their houses on fire. “Right now, we have just counted the bodies of 10 persons who were shot dead by the attackers. They are being taken to the mortuary. Our people are still searching for more victims. We will let you know when we are done with the search and rescue operation.” Also lamenting, the Secretary of Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Mr. Danjuma Auta said, “Just last week, we read on social media the threat chats sent by Fulani herders to the military stationed at Ancha, a neighbouring community, asking them to allow free grazing in and around all communities in Irigwe land or be made to face their wrath. “Although the military dismissed the threat, Fulani have carried out their plans as they attacked Ancha village on Tuesday, 23th November, 2021 and killed two persons. “Again, these same Fulani herders attacked the village of Ta'agbe and, as of now, we have already confirmed the death of 11 people, while the search is still ongoing. We

are worried because times without number, we have met at different fora with the Fulani community that we know and have promised to embrace peace, but with the renewed attacks on our innocent citizens we wonder if the peace accord entered is anything to hold to. “If those who're saddled with the constitutional responsibility of protecting us feel overwhelmed and can no longer guarantee our safety, they should come out publicly and tell Nigerians. Our people are beginning to lose confidence in any security agent since their presence could not stop, arrest, or neutralise the attackers.”

Lalong Mourns Meanwhile, Lalong said the attack yesterday remained condemnable and unacceptable to the government. In a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Macham Makut, the governor described the attack as “another sad incident which is clearly the handiwork of criminals that are bent on instilling fear, pain and sorrow among the people with a view to destabilising the state and making fortune from their criminality, as well as rupturing the substantial peace attained.” The statement partly read, “The Governor totally condemns the attack and says there is no explanation that can justify it. He therefore directs security agencies to take immediate and drastic steps to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure that they pay for their crimes.” It further quoted the Governor as saying “The

persistent attacks in this general area remain condemnable and unacceptable to Government. As such, no resources and efforts will be spared in painstakingly following up on the trail of those who derive joy in attacking and killing innocent citizens and destroying their homes and means of livelihoods. “I expect the security agencies to deploy everything at their disposal to arrest those who carried out the crime no matter how long it takes. Government will not take any excuse for failure to achieve this directive.” Lalong while commiserating with the victims and families of those killed, assured that they would get justice as Government will stop at nothing to unravel those behind this ugly incidences that continue to disrupt the livelihoods of the people of the local government. Lalong also directed the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency and the Peace Building Agency to immediately visit the area and assess the level of damage with a view to carrying out immediate intervention and bringing succour to people who are in need as a result of the barbaric attack. He also called on the people to assist the security agencies with relevant information that would enable them crack the identity of the attackers and know their motives.

Plateau State Police Conﬁrm Killings The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the attack at Te’egbe Community.

In a statement issued by its Spokesman, Ubah Ogaba, the Police Command said, “On 26/11/2021 at about 0130hrs, the Command received a report of an attack by yet to be identified gunmen at Te’egbe Village of Bassa LGA of the state. “Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, Bartholomew Onyeka, immediately drafted a tactical team of the Command to the scene to avert further attack. “The Commissioner of Police further led other Senior Officers of the Command to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and to console the victims of the attack. “The CP has directed that discreet investigation be carried out and assured the community of his readiness to fish out the perpetrators of this barbaric act.” Meanwhile, indigenous natives of the attacked community, the Irigwe ethnic nationality, have expressed disappointment with the security agents who they accused of failing to protect the people despite having prior knowledge of the attack. The statement further pleaded with the President Muhammadu Buhari to come to their rescue before it is too late, adding that security operatives “must be made to quickly investigate Fulani settlements fingered to be hosting and training these attackers.”

for Release of 66 Abducted Baptist Church Members

Demand Ransom

Abductors of 66 members of Baptist Church, Kakau Daji, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State are demanding N99 million ransom for their release. The Vice Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and Abuja, Rev. John Hayab, disclosed this yesterday in an interview with journalists in Kaduna. This is the first time the abductors will be making contact with the families of victims, 27 days after the abduction. The worshipers were abducted on October 31, 2021, when the terrorists invaded the church during Sunday service. The terrorists were said to have taken five of the victims close to the community and shot three dead while two others had gunshots wounds and were taken to the hospital. Hayab also said one of the remaining four students of Bethel Baptist High School, Damishi, Kaduna, who were abducted on July 5, 2021, had been released, while three were still being held by the bandits. He said N5 million was paid to the terrorists for the release of the student. The bandits had on July 5, invaded the school and abducted 121 students. A total of 117 of the students were later released while others escaped. Sources said over N200 million was paid to the bandits for the freedom of the students who were released in four batches. Ransom was said to have been paid for each batch.

The federal government has welcomed the declaration of Justice Taiwo and said it would go ahead to gazette the proscription order in line with the ruling of the court. Reacting to the ruling, Malami said it would now embolden the federal government to go all out to crush all forms of banditry in the country. Malami said the declaration “is a demonstration of this administration's determination to do things in accordance with the rule of law.” He adds: "The development is a pointer to the commitment of the federal government to adhere to the international standards in respecting the rules of engagement in the fight against terrorism,

separatist organisations, insurgency and banditry in the country." He said by this declaration, the Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a bold step to deal ruthlessly with all terrorists groups and their sponsors in efforts to bring lasting solution to the myriad of security challenges in the country. "The office of the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice in collaboration with relevant government agencies, including security operatives are working assiduously to do the needful to take full advantage of this declaration. "The government will gazette, publish the proscription order," Malami said.

Terrorists N99m

FINALLY, COURT DECLARES BANDITS TERRORISTS, FG TO GAZETTE RULING pregnancy, and other forms of sexual violence, attacks and killings in communities and commuters, and wanton destruction of lives and proper property.” It went on to say that the Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda groups, as well as other similar groups, were responsible for the deaths of soldiers, police officers, and other security agents across the country. Commercial, educational, and farming activities in the North-west and North-central have been disrupted as a result of the groups’ activities, the federal government said. “The activities of the Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda groups, as well as other similar groups, constitute acts of terrorism that can lead to a

breakdown of public order and safety, as well as a threat to Nigeria’s national security and corporate existence,” the FG said in the supporting affidavit. The DPP said President Muhammadu Buhari gave approval for his action, which objective is the proscription of Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda groups and other terrorist groups in the country.

The Ruling Specifically, the court declared the activities of the “Yan Bindiga Group” and the “Yan Ta’adda Group,” as well as other similar groups, in any part of the country, particularly in the North-west and Northcentral geopolitical zones, to be “acts of terrorism and

illegality.” The judge ruled that “similar groups, either in groups or as individuals by whatever names they are called, in any part of Nigeria, particularly in the North-west and North-central geopolitical zones” are terrorists and banned.” Justice Taiwo said in the light of the nefarious activities of bandits and their effects on the people and the nation’s economy, he was convinced that such orders were required. He extended the proscription order to all other groups in the country, regardless of their names, whose activities and goals are similar to those of the Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda groups. According to the ruling, terror activities “include,

but not limited to banditry, kidnappings for ransom, kidnapping for marriage, mass abductions of school children and other citizens, cattle rustling, enslavement, imprisonment, severe deprivation of physical liberty, torture, rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, other forms of sexual violence, attacks and killings in communities and commuters and wanton destruction of lives and properties in Nigeria.” The judge held further that the federal government must publish the prosecution order in the official Gazette and two national dailies in the country.

FG Welcomes Ruling

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 27, 2021

NEWS

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

Keyamo: N40bn Spent on Public Works Programme Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has denied

the allegation that the federal government’s Public Works Scheme has failed. Under the scheme, the government planned to engage 774,000

Insecurity: Kaduna Restores Telecoms Services John Shiklam in Kaduna The Kaduna State Government has announced the restoration of telecommunication services in areas that were shutdown to fight banditry and kidnappings. The government had on September 30, 2021, shut down telecom services in Kajuru, Chikun, Igabi, Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Zaria and Zango-Kataf local government areas to tackle bandits and kidnappers terrorising the state. However, addressing journalists yesterday in Kaduna, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, said the state government had contacted relevant federal agencies to effect the immediate restoration of the telecommunication services to the affected areas. The commissioner added however that other measures put in place to fight insecurity,

such as prohibition of movement of motorcycles, sale of fuel in jerry cans, weekly markets as well as the felling of trees, still remained in force. He said the telecom shutdown and other measures in “the security containment order,” had helped the security agencies to achieve some results which will soon be reeled out. “I am here to inform you that the Kaduna State Government has contacted the relevant federal agencies to effect the immediate restoration of telecommunication services which were suspended in some local government areas. “Security agencies had requested the shutdown in October 2021, among other measures, to assist ongoing operations against armed bandits and other criminals. The security agencies have now notified the government that telecom services can be restored.

Alleged Falsiﬁcation of Court Documents: Police Arraign Co-Accused of FFK’s Estranged Wife Alex Enumah in Abuja One Osakwe Azubuke, one of the six persons accused alongside Precious Chikwendu, the estranged wife of former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, was yesterday arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Karu area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. In the information sheet read to Azubuke, specifically accused him of conspiring with five others to make defamatory publication against the person of Fani-Kayode. He however pleaded not guilty to the charge and was admitted to bail in the sum of N2 million with one surety in like sum. Shortly after his not guilty plea, Azubuke’s lawyer, Mr.

Emeka Uchegbulum had moved an oral application for his bail stressing that as a law abiding person, the defendant will make himself available throughout the trial. Although police lawyer, Mr. John Ijagbemi, had opposed the bail application claiming that the defendant may jump bail, Magistrate Elizabeth Woni agreed with the defendant’s lawyer that there was nothing before the court to prove the police claim. She subsequently admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N2 million. Part of the bail conditions are that the surety must be resident within the FCT and shall be a reasonable person, who must bring proof of payment of utility bill or rent, and proof of gainful employment.

Benue State Government Asks EFCC to Investigate Akume Over Alleged Fraud George Okoh in Makurdi The Benue State Government has asked the anti graft agencies to investigate the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, over alleged financial impropriety amounting to more than N4,556,899,632.9 billion when he served as governor. It said the financial fraud ranges from misappropriation of public funds, approvalsabovelimit,abuseofofficeand publictrustalsoincludesaleof33,440,818 unitsofsharesattheBenueInvestment and Property Company, BIPC, also valued at billions of naira without recourse to due process. A letter of complaint was sent

to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Inspector General of Police written and signed by counsels to the Benue State Government, Okeoga Darlington and made available to journalists by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Michael Gusa. According to the letter of complaint which was generated from an audit report spanning 1999 - 2007 when Senator George Akume served as governor, said he unilaterally approved the sum of N117 million which is above his approval limit without recourse to the State Executive Council meeting.

skilled and unskilled youths in executing public works projects across the country. However, apparently not satisfied with the implementation of the job creation initiative, the House of Representatives mandated its Committee on Youths, Labour, Finance and Appropriations to “carry out a probe into the operation of the scheme.” But Keyamo has described the report that the scheme was a failure as highly misleading.

In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the Minister of State said that “the National Directorate of Employment has implemented the public works programme successfully with about 90 per cent of the 774,000 participants engaged by the scheme across the nation successfully paid with over N40 billion so far.” He said that Hon. Gudaji Kazaure was said to have raised a motion calling for the investiga-

tion of the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme. However, the statement said that the scheme referred to by Hon. Kazaure was not the Special Public Works Scheme under the supervision of Keyamo but a totally different scheme called the P-Yes under the supervision of a different Ministry/Minister. Hence, the story is a misrepresentation of facts. “For the avoidance of doubt, the Extended Special Public

Works programme has been successfully implemented by the National Directorate of Employment under the supervision of the Honourable Minister of State, Labour and Employment. The Honourable Minister is not directly or remotely in charge of the P-YES programme. “The report of the alleged investigation into the Special Public Works Programme is therefore not just misleading but loaded with misinformation at the same time,” he said.

LAST RESPECTS. . . L-R: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; Deputy Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu; Chairman, Awgu Local Government Area, Hon. Pedro Nwankwo, and Senator Ike Ekweremadu, during the funeral rites for Ezinne Janet Okoye, late mother of the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Awgu, Most Rev. Dr. John Okoye, at St. John’s Catholic Church, Owelli, Awgu LGA, yesterday.

PSC to Recruit 30,000 Police Constables Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Police Service Commission (PSC) has said that it was poised to recruit 30,000 police constables in the next three years in order to boost manpower requirements for the fight against insurgency, armed banditry and kidnapping. It said as soon as the 2020 exercise, which was delayed by litigation, was concluded, the commission would embark on the recruitment of another 10,000 for 2021 and subsequently, the 2022 edition in fulfillment of the presidential directive for the recruitment of 60,000 personnel since 2018. Speaking in Abuja, Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mr. Musuliu Smith, a retired Inspector-General of Police, said the position of the

commission became necessary following repeated calls and inquiries from Nigerians on the position of the commission on the on-going exercise specifically on whether the commission was part of the process of the on-going completion of the 2020 recruitment exercise. He said aptitude tests for shortlisted applicants from the earlier suspended 2020 recruitment were held on Friday, 29 and Saturday October 30, 2021 across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. “Mr. President, had, in 2018, approved the recruitment of 10,000 Nigerians annually into the Constable cadre of the Nigeria Police Force for a period of six years. This is to inject needed additional personnel and to

bridge the manpower gap in the force, especially with the resurgence of banditry, terrorism and kidnapping in different parts of the country and regular loss of personnel through dismissal, retirement, natural death, accident and others,” he said. He said the 2020 recruitment exercise which was suspended midway was the third edition in the fulfillment of the presidential directive after a successful 2018 and 2019 exercises. “It is necessary to state that the on-going completion of the suspended 2020 edition was a joint decision of the commission and that of the Nigeria Police Force and it was meant to further fast track the injection of required personnel into the force. A Joint Com-

mittee of the commission and that of the Nigeria Police Force met severally in the commission and approved a timeline for the completion of the exercise,” he said. He noted that with the completion of the aptitude tests across the country recently, successful candidates are currently undergoing medical examinations at the 17 zonal police headquarters in the country after which fit and proper 10,000 candidates would be recruited by the commission and sent to the police colleges/ training schools for training. “The commission is aware of the manpower gaps in the Nigeria Police Force especially with rapid wastages of officers and men due to many reasons earlier highlighted.

Taraba Inaugurates Committees to Tackle Killings Wole Ayodele in Jalingo Taraba State Government has set up two committees to unravel the remote and immediate causes of recent killings of residents of the state by local and foreign attackers. The committees are to investigate the attack on Manga, a community bordering Nigeria and Cameroon by suspected Ambazonian Separatists last week Tuesday as well as the killings at Karim Lamido local

government by bandits. Briefing journalists in Jalingo yesterday, the state Commissioner of Information and Re-Orientation, Danjuma Adamu stated the setting up of the committees was part of the state government’s efforts to secure the lives and property of the people of the state. According to him, “The setting up of the committees was a demonstration of Governor Ishaku’s determination to secure lives and properties of the people

of the state. “The governor is doing his best to secure lives. His efforts and support to security agencies have led to a drastic reduction in the incidences of kidnapping and other crimes in the state.” Urging the people of the state to remain calm and law abiding, Adamu disclosed that the administration has embarked on the construction of the command headquarters of the state marshall which was set to compliment the conventional security agencies.

“To further complement efforts of security agencies in the fight against crime, the administration has embarked on the construction of befitting command headquarters for the Taraba State Marshall to combat criminal activities,” he said. Enumerating the various levels of work on the ongoing projects across the state, the commissioner assured the people of the state that all ongoing projects embarked upon by the administration would be completed before May, 2023.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 27, 2021

NEWS

Fashola Promises More Road Completions, Handovers in Next Few Weeks Host communities along the Sokoto-Tambuwal-JegaKontagora-Makera Road corridor, Thursday, hailed the federal government as President Muhammadu Buhari formally inaugurated and opened the road for use calling on commuters to always comply with the nation’s Highway Code in order for the road and others being built across the country to attain their design life.

The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola while corroborating the President’s call, said the 304 kilometre road represented the first of many more project completions and handovers Nigerians would experience in the next few weeks and months as the nation enters what he described as “a season of completion and impact”. The President, who was repre-

Jonathan: Why I Signed Nigerian Content Act in 2010 Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa Former President Goodluck Jonathan has explained that his vision for signing the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Development Act in 2010 to establish Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) was to ensure that at least 80 per cent of the needs in oil industry is produced in Nigeria for the citizens to benefit from oil operations as attainable in other advanced countries. Jonathan disclosed this when he led his course mates, the 1981 Class of the University of Port Harcourt Alumni to visit the oil and gas industrial park at Emayal I in Ogbia Local Government Area. The former president said by the time the same centre is built in all the states in Niger Delta, at least 50 per cent of the needs in the oil industry would

be produced in the country. He said, “When I was deputy governor in 2000, I led the Bayelsa State trade delegation to China, because we came from an oil producing area, they took us to their oil city, and if you go to the city, you will be happy with the oil operations, there are oil wells in front of the offices and houses, and their oil wells are very shallow, something like pump, and when you see the oil pumping in front of the houses with grasses green. “When they took us round oil operations from manual to hi-tech, the key thing I learned from that China movement in 2000 wathat oil was discovered in commercial quantity in Nigeria in 1956 by western companies, oil was also discovered in commercial quantity in China in 1958, two years after they discovered oil in Nigeria by the same western companies.

sented by the Attorney- General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, said as the federal government commits to delivering on its promise to give Nigerians good and quality road network, it was incumbent on the people not to abuse the roads in order to enable them service the nation through their design life. The President, who listed such abuses to include overloading of vehicles and trucks, spilling of petroleum products and converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places, explained that while overloading accelerates pavement damage, spilling of petroleum products dissolves the road components and allows water to penetrate. Converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places, he said, brings the onset of road

failure from the shoulder. “We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them”, the President said adding that the commissioned road, which links Sokoto and Kebbi State, “has been built to the highest quality of design and workmanship and if well used and not abused, should last for the designed service life”. Saluting all Nigerians who contributed in the construction of the road, Buhari declared, “This road is a story of the capacity of our people, the patriotic Nigerians who were employed directly to build this road, the scores of suppliers employed indirectly who are responsible for providing the machines utilized in the construction” describing them

as “not only nation builders to whom we offer our salutations, they are the heart of the Nigerian economy, the micro, small and medium enterprises that drive our economic growth. “This road is also a statement of economic efficiency and ease of doing business. This is because the travel time of averagely four hours before construction has now reduced to two hours since the completion of the road”, he said noting that the road also forms part of the many roads to prosperity being constructed across the country “because reduced journey times means reduced expense on travel, because time is money.” Formally declaring the road open to traffic, President Buhari reiterated, “For your safety and that of other road users, I implore

you not to exceed 100 KM. We want you alive to witness and be part of the prosperity and promise of Nigeria. I wish you safe and happy motoring.” In his remarks earlier, Fashola listed other roads that would soon be commissioned across the country to include Section II covering 142.2 x 2 (dual) Kilometers between Shuwarin and Azare, connecting Jigawa and Bauchi States; Section III covering 106.3 x 2 Kilometers between Azare and Potiskum, connecting Bauchi and Yobe States; Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road covering 24 Kilometres connecting Benue and Cross River States and Nnewe- Uduma- Uburu Road covering 26.27 Kilometers with 14 Kilometers spur to Ishiagu connecting Enugu and Ebonyi States.

LOVE OF ALMAMATER… Oil Price Tumbles Over New COVID-19 L-R: Alumni Relations, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Mr. Gbolahan Ogunajo; Awardees’ Representative, Great Ife Alumni Association 60th Anniversary Celebration, Alhaji Raﬁu Adisa Ebiti and Representative of Vice-Chancellor, OAU/ Chairman, Great Variant Fears, Loses $10 lfe 60th Anniversary Committee, Professor Charles Ukeje, during a press conference announcing the formal launching of Great Ife Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Oil prices plunged about $10 a barrel yesterday, their largest one-day drop since April 2020, as a new variant of the Coronavirus spooked investors and added to concerns that a supply surplus could swell in the first quarter. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also designated the new variant as “of concern,” according to the South African Health Minister, while Britain, Guatemala and European countries are among those to restrict travel from Southern Africa, where the variant was detected. Brent crude fell $8.62, or 10.5 per cent, to $73.60 a barrel in the afternoon, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI)

Advancement Foundation held in Lagos...yesterday.

crude was down $9.36, or 11.9 per cent, at $69.03 a barrel. Both contracts were heading for their fifth week of losses and their steepest falls in absolute terms since April 2020, when WTI turned negative for the first time. News of the variant had caused serious apprehension in a market previously caught between producer and consumer nations. The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies OPEC+ are also monitoring developments around the variant, sources said yesterday, with some expressing concern that it may worsen the oil market outlook less than a week before a meeting to set policy.

Again, Masari Urges Residents to Defend Themselves Against Bandits Francis Sardauna in Katsina The Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has again reiterated his call for residents of the state to defend themselves against bandits following attacks and killings by the hoodlums in some parts of the state. Masari spoke when he performed the groundbreaking of the N5.8 billion Kofar Kaura and Kofar Kwaya interchange projects in Katsina, the state capital. The governor, had in

September this year, called on residents to acquire weapons and defend themselves against the marauding bandits in the state. He explained that the state has a population of over eight million people with inadequate security personnel to protect them hence the need for residents to prioritise self-defence. He affirmed that the state government was ready to partner with individuals or groups that would want to assist with ideas or resources that will bring total peace to banditry prone communities in the state.

ETOP UKUTT

Subsidy Removal: NANS Threatens Total Shutdown, Says N5,000 Palliative Demeaning Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened to mobilise Nigerians to resist attempts by the federal government to remove the fuel subsidy as being proposed without adequate palliatives on ground. NANS said it was rudely shocked by the statement credited to the Group Managing

Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Mele Kyari, to the effect that Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) could sell as much as N340 by February 2022 to usher in an era of full so called deregulation. A statement yesterday by the NANS President, Comrade Sunday Asefon, said it was appalling for the Minister of Finance, Hajia Zainab Ahmed to announce that N5,000 had

been proposed for 40 million vulnerable Nigerians to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal, describing the proposal as not only demeaning but petty. Asefon said, “On behalf of the millions of the frustrated students and masses of the Nigerian people who are our parents; brothers and sisters; uncles and aunts; friends and neighbours, we reject this socioeconomic evil proposal

and we shall resist it. “Nigerians are really suffering. We are in dire socio-economic straits. We are weeping in our hearts and souls. We are dying in silence. We feel the agony and anguish because we are practically involved. “Therefore, any attempt to aggravate the social woes and economic manacles that we are facing will not only be unconscionable, but reckless.”

General Zirkusu Laid to Rest at Gibson Jalo Military Cemetery

Daji Sani in Yola

The remains of Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu, killed alongside seven soldiers, have been laid to rest at the Gibson Jalo Military cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State Zirkusu and his men were killed on November 13, 2021, in a fierce battle with members of the Islamic States of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.

Speaking at the burial ceremony, held at Gibson Jalo Military cemetery yesterday, President Muhammadu Buhari said Genera Zirkusu died in the service of his father land. He lauded the contribution of the late General in the fight against insurgency and said it would not be in vain. The president, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,

Boss Mustapha, condoled with the families of the fallen heroes, stressing that it was a big loss to the nation. Meanwhile, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State described the loss as monumental, adding, “since the news of the death of these patriots who died defending our father land, l had hoped it was a dream and it is not true. “As one who grew up in

the barracks, l know what the families go through when a benefactor is lost” He announced financial support to the families of the departed heroes in the sum of “N10 million to the family of General Zrikusu and N17 million to the families of the other fallen officers.” He also named a major street, “Lagos Street” after the slain General.

Again, Fulani Herdsmen Attack Isuikwuato, Kidnap 10, Kill Woman Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State has again come under attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen who reportedly abducted 10 travellers and killed a woman after raping her. The travellers, according

to sources, had on Thursday evening boarded a vehicle at a motor park opposite the main campus of Abia State University Uturu (ABSU) and were heading towards Akara Junction when they ran into the trap set by the hoodlums. Armed with dangerous weapons the bandits were said

to have forced the vehicle to stop before they swooped on the passengers and marched them into the bush. The latest along-the road abduction is the fourth kidnap incident by suspected Fulani herdsmen since February this year. In August two lecturers of ABSU

were snatched along with other travellers by the same brand of criminals. Like in the previous kidnap incidents the presence of four security checkpoints along the stretch of road between ABSU and Akara were manned by army, police and the local vigilante.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2021 • T H I S D AY

NOVEMBER 27, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

ASUU: ANOTHER CRISIS AVERTED

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila is a stabilising force in the polity, writes Abby Nwosu

he mood of the nation is tense. Both the mighty and multitude at the bottom of the socio-economic pyramid are wailing under the pangs of insecurity, record inﬂation, looming anarchy and general state of uncertainties. A nation that is challenged on multiple fronts need no further distractions that are obviously avoidable.

Another crisis that could further compound the woes of Nigeria and her people was averted recently by the timely intervention of the Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The university’s teachers had threatened to close classrooms following the foot-dragging of the federal government on implementation of agreements reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). They issued a three-week ultimatum. At the behest of Gbajabiamila’s meeting, N22.17billion earned allowances and N30billion revitalisation fund was agreed to be paid to university lecturers. The agreement was reached on Thursday after a meeting between the representatives of ASUU, led by its President, Emmanuel Osodeke, and the government representatives led by the Minister of Finance and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, and Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba. The speaker did not speak tongue in cheek on the matter. He lampooned the federal government for stalling the implementation of the agreement and warned of dire consequences of closing public tertiary institutions. At the meeting, ASUU President, Osodeke said the union had given the federal government several opportunities to fulfil the 2009 agreement and other agreements signed. He noted that the minimum the union was willing to entertain was that the government should pay the N30 billion agreed as part of the N220bn tranche for the revitalisation of schools and the N22.17bn earned allowances. His words, “We met in August 2021, we returned to our members that they should not be agitated, that they have promised that everything will be sorted out by August. When none of it was implemented, we met again on October 14, we were assured that all these things will be resolved by the end of October”. This is yet another patriotic move by the speaker. The leader of the Green Chamber since his assumption of office, he has left no one in doubt of his capacity to lead and provide succour when the nation bleeds. He has been a stabilizing force in the polity. Many crises have been averted by his interventions. From health workers strike to electricity union imbroglio to transnational diplomatic row, Gbajabiamila has shown that he is a leader that can be trusted. When he declared at the inception of the ninth Assembly that his legislative agenda will be revolutionary, many sneered. The trajectory of his stewardship since 2019 has validated that he is indeed a man on a mission. He championed the return of the budget circle from January to December. This ostensibly opened up the system for greater productivity. Business concerns can make economic projections with a stable budget circle.

THE SPEAKER HAS RAISED THE STANDARDS OF LEADERSHIP IN NIGERIA. HE HAS SHOWN THAT IN THE MIDST OF A LEADERSHIP CRISIS, THERE IS STILL HOPE

Only few leaders can survive the burden of leadership in a crisis period, when the COVID-19 raged in 2020, Gbajabiamila came out frontally for the poor. In what has never been witnessed in the annals of legislative history, he forged an alliance with the Executive and other critical stakeholders to conquer a common enemy. He called on the DISCOs to show humanity in times of crisis. He railed at the health minister that was toying with the welfare of health workers who were at the forefront of the fight. He mobilized his colleagues to donate salaries for the cause of the poor. The speaker considered a strong legislation to curtail the spread of the deadly virus. The Nigeria’s Infectious Disease Bill that generated uproar was explained and frayed nerves inflamed by rumours and speculations were calmed. Explaining the motive behind the bill, the speaker said, “The current law severely constrains the ability of the federal government and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to take proactive action to prevent the entry into Nigeria of infectious diseases and the management of public health emergencies when they occur. “Even now, the government remains vulnerable to claims that some directives already being implemented to manage the present crisis do not have the backing of the law and therefore cannot withstand judicial scrutiny”. He argues further, “I disagree wholeheartedly with the suggestion that this is not the ideal time to seek reforms of the infectious diseases and public health emergency framework in the country. “The weaknesses of the present system have already manifested in the inability of the government to hold to proper account those whose refusal to adhere with NCDC guidelines led to the further spread of the coronavirus in Nigeria. “We have had people break out from isolation centres, and others, who are fully aware of their status, chose to travel across state lines on public transport. “The number of those currently infected by the coronavirus continues to rise alongside the number of those who have died. There is no timeline for when this disease will pass, and nobody can predict when the next public health crisis will occur, just as nobody predicted the present predicament. “It bears restating that we do not have in our country, a healthcare system or for that matter, a national economy that is sufficiently robust to withstand the dire consequences of a sustained infectious disease pandemic. We cannot tie our own hands in the fight against this disease”. Yet, as the speaker is performing on the national stage, he has not abandoned his constituency. Surulere Federal Constituency is not left behind. He has facilitated major roads construction, schools, health centres, among others. He has landmark projects in all tertiary institutions in Lagos State from the federal government-owned University of Lagos to the Lagos State University (LASU). No doubt, the speaker has raised the standards of leadership in Nigeria. He has shown that in the midst of a leadership crisis, there is still hope.

ATIKU ABUBAKAR AND PDP PRIMARIES Elijah Afolabi urges PDP to rally around Atiku as a consensus candidate in the forthcoming primaries

majority of Nigerians have come to terms with the unfortunate reality of bad governance and lack of leadership that has been our lot in the past six years of the misadventure called All Progressives Congress (APC). Having tested two proverbial “husbands”, Nigerians now know that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) offers a better hope for the ordinary citizens of our country. The PDP is widely perceived as the Biblical “Ark of Noah” on a rescue mission to bail our country out of despondency, despair, poverty, insecurity, and polarization along religious, tribal and primordial divisive tendencies. It is on record that since independence, Nigeria, as a nation, has never been this divided and disillusioned. It is in view of the above and much more that the PDP needs to get it right this time, in order to rise up to the high expectations of Nigerians, who are earnestly looking forward to it to present a Moses that will rescue them from slavery that this present administration has subjected them to. The first step towards getting it right is to jettison all personal, sectional and regional considerations in the national interest by looking beyond all the above sentiments in her quest to present its very best to earn the confidence of the people at the polls. If the PDP is to play the above role that destiny has bestowed on the party, then its presidential standard bearer must, among other qualities, possess a cross-cutting personality, good understanding of issues, be it economic, political or social. He must also be endowed with the ability to harness the great potential of the country’s greatness, and be a good manager of men/women and

materials. The envisaged personality must possess the prerequisite capacity to deploy his skills to properly utilize the strength of the nation’s diversities in the overall interest of the Nigerian people. He or she must also have a national perspective that would earn him/ her the trust of all Nigerians irrespective of tribal and religious persuasions. All these are unfortunately missing in the current leadership of our dear country. The politics, personality and times of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria, cannot be wished away in the history of our country. He stands positively tall among his peers. He is a man who combines the rare attributes of a heart of humility, vast network of associates across the length and breadth of Nigeria, highly cerebral, a deep thinker, a unifier and a bridge builder. He has over the years emerged as a rallying point, man who can be trusted, not bigoted, a believer in equity, justice and fairness, highly experienced in governance, and a man who is truly trusted, bold and courageous and whose love and passion for our country is undeniable. Does he fit into what the PDP and Nigeria needs at this critical juncture in our nation? The answer is unarguably Yes. Nigeria has never been this divided. Ours has become a country without citizens. We have only regional, tribal, and religious leaders, bereft of statesmen. Atiku belongs to an endangered species of statesmen who can unite our country and move us forward. His personality is cross-cutting, having built political, economic and personal relationships with many people across the length and breadth of Nigeria, irrespective of their differences. He can deploy

the same to birth a new united, diverse and progressive tribe of leaders. He commands the love of many; he is “trustable”, relatable and reliable. The former Vice President is a peacemaker. He is endowed with a divine ability to resolve issues, the latest being the great role he and others played in establishing and helping the PDP to weather the storms before and during its last convention. He is cool, calm and dependable. He commands the respect of various segments of the Nigerian society - youths, women, elders, etc. Atiku is mentally and physically sound. He is imbued with an uncommon grasp of issues, in-depth knowledge of economic matters and is a grand master in the art of politicking (a combination of attributes for good leadership). He is also blessed with sound health uncommon for his age. No one can accuse the Adamawa-born politician of tribal and religious bigotry. These twin divisive tendencies have been our bane over the years as a nation. They are the main reasons for our current stagnation, underdevelopment, lack of unity and progress. Atiku is shoulder high above his contemporaries in this regard. His circle of close associates proves this. The key appointments he made while in government and even in his private life is a pointer to his detribalized nature and personality. Truth is he perceives Nigeria as his constituency and relates with people based on merit and their humanity. Atiku Abubakar has against all odds supported a restructured Nigeria. Being a believer in justice and fairness, he has continually fought for a Nigeria where no one would be discriminated against based on gender, religion and tribe. He believes in equal opportunity for all. There’s a common saying that “you can’t give

what you don’t have”. The former Vice President has a pedigree of humongous success in his personal business endeavours. He presides over a group which he painstakingly built over the years. These are positive factors (patience, focus, determination, and drive) required for modern day progressive leadership. Atiku has never given up on Nigeria, little wonder he keeps aspiring to lead the country. He believes in the human and material resources that abound here and that under sound leadership such as he represents, we can be the best that God created and designed us to be. The former vice president is an unrepentant believer in the unity and progress of our country. His comments, body language, disposition to issues, business and personal investments clearly point in this direction. He keeps working tirelessly and assiduously towards building bridges of unity, understanding and trust required for a united and progressive country. In view of the above, the PDP must rise above partisanship and regional interest to rally around Atiku Abubakar as a consensus candidate in the forthcoming primaries. He is certainly our best choice (this is not to take down or diminish the quality of other aspirants.) The quality of the PDP candidate will go a long way to assist the electorate in earning the trust of the electorate at the general polls come 2023. The leading opposition party cannot afford to disappoint Nigerians. Only its best is good enough for Nigeria. This time, the PDP cannot afford the acrimony and rancour that is often generated from party primaries. Ahead of the general election, a divided house will not be in its best interest and neither will it be in the interest of a nation earnestly yearning for a rescue from socio-economic abyss. Deacon Afolabi wrote from Lagos

NOVEMBER 27, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Thinking ahead...

Adegboruwa and the Lagos Panel Report on Police Brutality

Who Will Save Abuja from AEDC?

t was with joy residents of the nation’s capital city Abuja welcomed the arrival of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). AEDC was incorporated in Nigeria on 8 November 2005 as a public liability company to take over electricity distribution activities and related businesses of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Kogi and Nasarawa States. They eventually got the license in 2013. Residents of FCT, Niger, Kogi and Nasarawa were hopeful that the success achieved in the telecommunication sector would be replicated in their states. Unfortunately, AEDC has proved to be a worse failure as they have not justified why they should have the license and monopoly to distribute electricity to the affected people. Rather, it is unfortunate that supply of power has gone worse than where AEDC met it. AEDC is more concerned with bill collection irrespective of what the people are getting. It is unfortunate that the company has not done anything to alleviate the plight of FCT residents. The malaise witnessed in the past is still there. Residents are still contributing to buy transformer, poles, wire and other gadgets, even when they are paying for supply. Recently in a neighborhood around Nyanya, the pole fell and after about three days, the residents had to contribute to get another one and other materials needed to effect repairs. In doing the repairs, AEDC officials were also given money. What a rip off of innocent Nigerians! AEDC has not taken any meaningful step to move the power

o say that the scalding 309-page report of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for victims of SARS-related abuses and other matters which also cast a critical eye on the Lekki toll gate massacre rattled many people will be to put it mildly. When the Lagos State Government empanelled the Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate reports of police brutality and particularly the horrific Lekki toll gate shootings of October 20,2020, it probably did not envisage that the panel`s report would be so lacerating of the many lies told in the aftermath of perhaps the worst national tragedy since the country returned to democracy in 1999. But with the intrepid Mrs. Doris Okuwobi, a retired judge of the Lagos State High Court, and the impregnable Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and prominent member of Nigeria`s Civil Society, on the panel, the report was always going to be rasping. Now that the report is out there, instead of remorse, repentance and realistic restitution by all those indicted in the massacre of innocent protesters, there is instead a reprehensible resort to the rusty rapiers of revenge and retribution. Lawyers have been deployed to publicly dispute the report but killers who brandish threats like a second grotesque tongue have also been commissioned to visit harm on those who worked on the panel. Already, a witness who dared appear before the panel is nursing machete cuts. Mr. Adegboruwa, one of the panel`s more prominent faces and voices, and a long-time defender of Nigeria`s trampled, has raised an alarm over threats to his life. Specifically, he has asked Nigerians to hold the government responsible should anything happen to him. Of course, having contributed to an unexpectedly searing indictment of some of Nigeria`s most powerful institutions, Mr. Adegboruwa should expect a backlash from thugs in Lagos, Africa`s capital of thuggery, where the government lauds and patronizes thugs. The Judicial Panel of Inquiry made far-reaching recommendations which included sanctions for those found culpable in the heinous crimes committed against Nigerians on October 20,2020. However, with cowardly circus now in full swing presumably at the instance of state actors, Nigerians can divine that the report and its recommendations are fated for the trash bins. An Igbo adage holds that, ‘It is a person who deliberately removes himself from a boat that turns around to say that the boat did not accommodate him’ in criticism of those who shoot themselves in the foot. For the full year that the panel sat in Lagos, invitations were extended to those mentioned in complaints before the panel to come and defend themselves. But because T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R their lockers were prodigal with skeletons, they declined EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU the invitations. Now that the panel report is out, they MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO are crying foul. Presumably, it is they who have comDEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU missioned those who now threaten those who sat on the CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI panel. EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI For all the atrocities committed against Nigerians THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE in over 60 years of a forbiddingly difficult journey to nationhood, what has become of the reports and recommendations of the various panels set up at different times? Most times, the reports and recommendations T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D of such panels die on arrival - strangled by Nigeria`s EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA institutionalized impunity. Because too much power has GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, been wielded for far too long by those who would rather ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI fete their personal empires and flex muscles than build DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE institutions, Nigeria has many weak institutions. DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH Through the yawning cracks of these institutions, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI anything goes. When those who rig themselves into CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI public office abuse public power to crush those who DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO disagree with them, they do so with no fear of reckoning TO SEND EMAIL: ﬁrst name.surname@thisdaylive.com whatsoever. Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com

supply forward. Meanwhile, government has shown itself incapacitated in coming to the aid of consumers who are being ripped off. Meanwhile, economic outlook is seriously being affected by inadequate power supply. Small-scale businesses that can’t afford alternative sources of power are closing shop, further deepening poverty in the land. How will crime not grow when people are forced out of their sources of income? How long will this continue? Who will come to the aid of the affected residents? How long will AEDC continue to arrest growth in the nation’s capital? Matthew Agbarho, Abuja

Street lights on Jabi Road

veryone seems to accept that Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital city (FCT), is one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. Take a drive around the city by day, and there’s the likelihood you will fall hopelessly in love with the greenery, the very wide roads and beautiful buildings within the central business district (CBD). But at night, Abuja easily transmutes into a dense jungle, with crime brewing and dangerous criminals lurking around the crevices and the intense darkness that takes over once it is dusk. Take for instance Jabi, that very long stretch of road leading to Life Camp, Gwarinpa, and environs. It is in the throes and embrace of unbelievable darkness, something one does not expect to see in this so-called fastest growing African city. As you drive along this road and environs, and if you are not very careful, you stand the chance of either being robbed or that you will run into an oncoming vehicle. But if this is not serious enough to consider, then the people at the helm at the FCT must consider that the reason crime and criminality always festers and grows is because darkness prevails. Shine the light and darkness disappears, the night economy blossoms and our lives are enriched. We must be able to tell those who should make those lights light that the current situation is indeed a very shameful one, especially with the huge revenues and resources in the pockets of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCDA). Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku WADONOR… cultural voice of Nigeria

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 27, 2021

NEWS

Diezani Loses Bid to Recover $40m Jewellery Forfeited to FG Wale Igbintade

The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division yesterday dismissed an appeal Àled Ey the former Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, challenging the forfeiture of her $40 million worth of jewellery to the federal government. In its unanimous decision, the appellate court held that there was no suEstance in Alison-Madueke·s Eid to overturn the order of the lower court. It a΀rmed the 0 judg-

ment of Justice Nicholas 2weiEo of the )ederal +igh Court which forfeited the jewellery following an application Ey the (conomic and )inancial Crimes Commission ()CC . The appellate court gave its judgment in an appeal Àled Ey Alison-Madueke marked as Appeal No. CA L Eetween DI(=ANI ALI62N MAD8(.( the ()CC l. 2n July , 0 , the ()CC secured an order of the +igh Court temporarily forfeiting the expensive items to the federal government.

According to the schedule attached to the application, the jewellery categorised into sets, include ´4 expensive Eangles expensive rings 04 expensive earrings expensive necklaces expensive wristwatches 4 expensive necklaces and earrings expensive Eracelets expensive Erooches and 4 expensive pendants.µ The items were seized from the former minister’s premises at No. 0 )redrick ChiluEa Close, Asokoro, AEuja. Justice 2weiEo on July

, 0 granted the ()CC’s motion for Ànal forfeiture of the jewellery. The judge held that the former minister failed to show cause why the jewellery should not Ee forfeited to the federal government. In his application for the Ànal forfeiture order, ()CC counsel Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo had told the judge that the items were reasonaEly suspected to have Eeen acquired with the proceeds of unlawful activities of the former minister.

FG: Nigeria Economic Growth Must Outpace Its Population Growth Dike Onwuamaeze The federal government has disclosed that it is targeting the attainment of economic growth rate that would Ee faster than the country’s population growth rate in order to enaEle the economy to recover fully from the effects of CO9ID- pandemic and eradicate poverty. This was disclosed yesterday in Lagos Ey the 9ice President, <emi OsinEajo, during the ¶ 0 LCCI Presidential Policy Dialogue’ which was meant to create the platform for Nigeria to lead the discussion on integrating African economies into the gloEal market. The dialogue was organised Ey the Lagos ChamEer of Commerce and Industry LCCI . OsinEajo said: “:e need a growth rate that is faster than our

current population growth so that at least there will Ee enough to go round. “There is need for Nigeria to achieve high and sustained economic growth in order to create opportunities for our people. And to overcome poverty, we must promote productivity and value addition and move away from the spell of managing limited resources to producing and creating more in a competitive and sustainaEle manner.µ +e noted that the federal government forestalled the disaster that the CO9ID- would have wrecked the Nigerian economy with the launching of the economic stimulus plan of N . trillion in 0 0 and has gone Eeyond this with the recent introduction of a mid-term economic plan for 0 .

Ondo: Eze Ndigbo of Ifon Regains Freedom After Five Days in Captivity Fideli s David inAkure

TALKING GOLF… R-L: Guest of honour and former minister for works, Sanusi Daggash, ACQS Chairman Mr. Tony Ndah, Past Presidents NIQS Mr. Abba Tor, Mr. Agele Alufohai, Arc. Ola Garuba, IBB Golf past President Mr. Oseni Ahmed and NIQS President Mr. Yemi Shonubi, during the maiden Annual Golf Tournament of the Association of Consulting Quantity Surveyors (ACQS) in Nigeria at IBB Golf and Country club, Abuja …yesterday

Kidnappers of Ondo Principal, 4 Others Demand N35m Ransom Fidelis DavidinAkure The aEductors of the Principal of Auga Community *rammar 6chool, Auga, his vice and three other teachers have demanded the sum of N million as ransom for their release. This is coming two days after unknown gunmen aEducted a three-year-old girl who was inside her mother’s car with another siEling coming from a church programme at Onward area in Akure, the Ondo 6tate capital as well as the aEduction of the (ze NdigEo of Ifon, in Ose Local *overnment Area of Ondo state on Monday. In the latest incident, the Principal, Mr. Joshua Adeyemi, his vice, Mr. Ifedayo <esufu and three teachers nammely Mrs. Bukola Oloyede, )unmilayo Adagunodo and Blessing Okeke, were kidnapped on

Thursday evening while travelling on the Auga-Ise Road in Akoko North (ast Local *overnment Area of Ondo 6tate. +owever, T+I6DA< gathered that one of the aEductees, Mrs. Okeke was later released Eecause she was heavily pregnant. :ife of the Principal, Mrs. +ellen Adeyemi confirmed that the aEductors contacted the family through a phone call, demanding a sum of N million Eefore his husEand and the three others could Ee released, while lamenting that their demand was too outrageous and unaffordaEle for the affected families. :hen contacted, the Police PuElic Relations Officer in the state, D6P )unmilayo Odunlami, told T+I6DA< that the command was doing everything possiEle to ensure the release of the victims.

:omen rose from a -day conference in AEuja with a resolution to support female candidates vying for political offices and stop waiting for men to help them get elected. The women, drawn from the academia, political, civil society, media and security sectors, agreed to support fellow women even as they called on women across the country to register to vote in

the 0 general election. They also encouraged women to contriEute money to support female candidates and stop depending on men to fund their campaign. The women said that until more women are put in decision making positions, issues affecting them will continue to Ee on the Eack Eurners. They also called on President

The (ze NdigEo of Ifon in Ose Local *overnment Area of Ondo 6tate, Chief Donatus Okereke, has regained his freedom after spending five days in .idnappers’ den. The popular Eusinessman in Ifon was kidnapped on Monday, nd NovemEer, 0 and whisked into the thick forest along (legEeka Ey heavily armed kidnappers at around a.m. on Monday. Narrating his ordeal to T+I6DA<, Okeke said: ´It was on Monday, around : 0 after morning mass. Then, I prepared to emEark on a journey to Owo, getting to (legEeka Junction. I started hearing gunshots, I had no option than to stop, Eecause the Eullet was too much. “One of them was wearing an army uniform. They then dragged

me to a Eush and threatened to kill me if I failed to keep quiet and cooperate with them. +e explained that, “:e spent eight hours in the Eush, close to where I was aEducted. :e later trekked the whole night. The following day, we did the same thing. :e actually trekked for three nights. “I was then released on Thursday night around p.m. after payment of ransom. “At first, they demanded N 00m for my release Eut after much negotiation and plead, they insisted on the ransom of N 0m, threatening me that if I didn’t pay them, they would kill me. “As you can see, I have not settled down, so my wife has not told me if they later reduced the ransom. My aEductors are purely )ulanis,µ Okereke added.

14,500 Boko Haram Members Have Surrendered, Says Shehu Air Peace Boosts Operations Francis Sardauna in Katsina with 2 New Airbus 320 Aircraft The 6enior 6pecial Assistant to President Muhammadu on Media and PuElicity, *arEa 6hehu, has said that recent statistics have shown that 4, 00 %oko +aram memEers have voluntarily surrendered due to the endless eͿort of President Muhammadu Buhari in tackling insecurity in the country. 6hehu disclosed this yesterday in .atsina while presenting a paper titled: ¶)ake News: Challenges of Information Management’ at the 0th year anniversary of the )ederal 8niversity Dutsin-Ma )8DMA . +e said, ´Recent statistics have shown that over 4, 00 Boko haram memEers have voluntarily surrendered.

´+owever, the progress made cannot Ee denied. In the face of rising crime and insecurity, the government’s new community policing initiative was launched. ´6ome 0,000 new constaEles were recruited and the process is on for another 0,000 to Ee recruited from the areas they will safeguard as opposed to past practice. +e added, ´The government hopes this will Ering policing closer to local communities. N Eillion was earmarked for the initial initiative. *oing Ey the plan, every year will see an additional 0,000 policemen.µ +e explained that President Buhari deserves credit for his eͿorts in curEing the age-long farmers/herders crisis in the country.

Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace, has taken delivery of two AirEus 0s to Eoost its domestic and regional operations, especially as <uletide approaches. The two -seater aircraft, with Business Class seats and 0 (conomy seats each, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, late Thursday. Disclosing this to journalists, the 6pokesperson of Air Peace, 6tanley Olisa, said: “The two A 0s will Ee deployed to Eoost Eoth domestic and regional connectivity for our esteemed customers, as the <uletide draws near.µ

Muhammadu Buhari to fulfil his campaign promise to comply with the per cent affirmative action as part of efforts to enhance the inclusion of women in the nation’s leadership. :hile welcoming participants to the conference, the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, (ne OEi said the conference with the theme: ¶:omen, peace and society,’ was an opportunity for

a “deeper reflection on gender perspective of the rising insecurity which threatens, not just our national unity, Eut our individual and collective peace. “:e continue to see conflicts fought on women’s Eodies. :e have seen women used as weapons and targets of violence. The disproportionate impact of insecurity on women and girls - children cannot Ee ignored.

The Board and members of Assemblies of God, Isolo, Lagos in collaboration with Assemblies of God, Isolo Section has announced the retirement ceremony and book presentation of Rev. Francis Chidi and Evangelist Caroline Okeremgbo after 47 years of pastoral service with Assemblies of God Nigeria. A statement by the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Church Secretary, Amb. Azu Ude Anyanso and Amb. Cyriascus Onyekwere respectively, said the retirement ceremony will take place on November 27, 2021, at Assemblies of God, Isolo in Risi Laguda Close, Oﬀ Metropolitan College Road, Isolo, Lagos, at 11a.m.

Chinedu Eze

+e added that the new A 0s would help the airline in its drive to meet the growing travel demand in the Nigerian and larger :est African markets while it expects to take delivery of more (mEraer -( airplanes. According to Olisa, “Air Peace is committed to reducing the air travel Eurden of Nigerians and these new airplanes are a testament to this commitment.µ Recently, Air Peace had assured the flying puElic of ample flights as it will Ee rolling out schedules for the festive period very soon, adding that more aircraft were coming in- Eoth those on maintenance and a Erand new (mEraer -( jet.

Rev Francis Chidi, Evang. Caroline Women Pledge to Support Female Candidates in 2023 Okeremgbo Retire at 47

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 27, 2021

08054699539

Direct Primaries Won’t Give Power to the People

always laugh whenever I hear the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, the arrowhead of the push for direct primaries, talking about the merits of this proposal awaiting President Muhammadu Buhari’s assent. The Speaker moved the amendment to introduce direct primaries during the clause by clause consideration of the 2021 Electoral Amendment Bill. He wants Nigerians to believe that direct primaries will return power to all party members; that registered party members will determine candidates for elections. Few days back, Gbajabiamila added another dimension to his argument for direct primaries saying he pushed for its inclusion in the Amendment Electoral Bill because the Not-Too-YoungTo-Run Act “is not addressing the exclusion of youth in politics.” The law reduces the age limit for contesting elective offices in the country. The Speaker said the youth had not been able to capitalise on the Act because the needed environment had not been provided. Gbajabiamila said: “If I know that my return will depend on some few men, I may not care about you. But if I know that my return will depend on my accountability and representation to the people, I will do the right thing. It is important for this generation to open the door of leadership to the next generation. We must allow every Nigerian to participate fully in the process of leadership. I therefore stand with direct primaries. That’s why I said at different fora that I’m for direct primaries. We have to do this for the sake of the institution.” Gbajabiamila is not grandstanding about the merits of direct primaries. No doubt, it has huge value. Unfortunately, direct primaries won’t make any difference in Nigeria; at least for now. This is because of the complexities of the Nigerian system, where votes don’t count and god fathers dominate politics. Direct or indirect primaries, the god fathers and governors will still determine who gets what, when and how. With the experience of direct primaries in Nigeria, registered members will vote for candidates for election, while the god fathers/governors will sit down at the state capitals and rewrite the results. It’s just like governors conducting local government elections. The case of the former governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode is still fresh in my memory. Of course, we know that with direct primaries, INEC can’t monitor all the wards. Teams sent by the parties from Abuja to conduct primaries won’t also be able to directly conduct primaries in all the wards in any given area. Such teams, usually not more than five members, will stay at the

Gbajabiamila

capital city, enjoying all the comfort of the governors/god fathers, and then write results to please them. Gbajabiamila has suddenly forgotten that state Excos of the parties will conduct the direct primaries; the same Excos controlled by governors/godfathers. In the case of Ambode, the Lagos State Exco of the APC weirdly completed the governorship direct primary before the electoral panel sent from Abuja arrived the state. A bizarre result was simply handed over to the panel from Abuja. The head of the panel, Clement Ebiri, initially said no primary was held, and that election materials brought from Abuja were still intact. Ebiri added that his committee was yet to commence the process. But by the time Ebiri and his panel members were “settled properly”, they changed their story and quickly accepted the result. Aside from the fact that god fathers and governors will always write their own results during direct primaries because they control state Excos, I also believe that making direct primaries mandatory for political parties is undemocratic. Let’s face it; democracy is about choice in everything. The choice of how to select candidates for elections must be left open to the political parties to decide. It is undemocratic to limit political parties to the use of direct primaries. They must be allowed to pick the option best suited for them at any given time. Gbajabiamila and his colleagues have forgotten that it is the unchallengeable right of every political party, within the context of the Nigerian constitution, to decide its form

of internal democratic practices, including the processes of proposing its contenders for elections at all levels. Again, these lawmakers pretend to be unaware that direct primaries are usually very cumbersome and would overstrain the limited resources of INEC, a body legally mandated to oversee primaries conducted by political parties. These states have thousands of wards. How will INEC perform its supervisory role in situations like this? It means if multiple political parties are having primaries, INEC’s resources will be overstretched. INEC recently unveiled the financial and security implications of monitoring direct primaries of the 18 registered political parties in the country, stating that it would require about 17,618 officials to supervise only that of the two leading political parties in the country – APC and PDP. Before the passage of the law, former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki added an interesting perspective, saying, “Let us leave each party to decide how it wants to source its candidates. The experience we have in the past shows that direct primary will lead to a crisis if forced on the parties. We saw how people sent from the national headquarters to conduct primary elections stayed in hotel rooms and conjured up figures which were announced as the result of direct primary elections. “The direct primaries provision may work for us in the future but not now that we are not prepared for it as the primaries may hold next June. That is just nine months from now. The time for adequate and necessary preparations towards direct primaries is even not there. There will be so many litigations arising from the process. Do we have the time to hold crisis-free primaries and not create booby-traps for the general elections?” Saraki said the demand for direct primaries had always reared its head as a fall-out of the internal dynamics in certain parties where legislators feel they have been short-changed in the congresses where state governors seized the structure because they felt the process was neither transparent nor free and fair: “The legislators may now see the process of passing the Electoral Act as a means to settle the scores. However, in the process that we have now, it is the country that will lose. It is our electoral process that will be undermined.” My appeal to Buhari today is to return the Amendment 2021 Electoral Act to the National Assembly. The direct primaries clause must be removed swiftly and sent back to the President. The main issue Nigerians have been clamouring remains electronic

Kaduna-Abuja Highway Still a Big Mess The Kaduna-Abuja highway remains the fastest road to death in Nigeria. Kidnappers have scores of camps along this road. Daily, they abduct hundreds of Nigerians unhindered with many unreported. The police, military and other security agencies persistently fail Nigerians on this highway. It’s so painful seeing security agents regaling the nation with stories of clearance operations on this road. Most of these “clearances” are deceptions. The kidnappers are alive and kicking. They were on the highway for hours last Monday, and abducted many people. Travellers in an 18-seater bus from Zamfara State, heading to Abuja, were among the victims. Four vehicles of other abductees with broken windshields and damaged tyres littered a section of the road last Monday. The abductors were also on this road for hours last Sunday, capturing and

maiming people. It’s a shame that security agents are struggling to effectively protect this stretch of road. Technology, equipment and quality manpower are essential for this job to be properly done. Our security agents, as presently constituted, lack these capabilities. Those in government, who should help improve the capacity of these security agents are unperturbed. The big men who call the shots in Nigeria have long abandoned the Kaduna-Abuja highway. They patronise rail and air. So, they care less about the masses of the people, who are daily dehumanised on the road. The endless tales of woes on the infamous Kaduna-Abuja highway reflect all the trappings of a failed government. Communities located on this road are also persistently attacked by the kidnappers. Chikun and Kagarko local government areas

are badly affected. Nigerians living in these two local governments persistently pay kidnappers, with unending tales of woes. Military men are not spared. I still remember how Col. Samaila Inusa, serving with the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji, was kidnapped by gunmen around Kamazo area in Chikun Local Government. This is the main road to death in Nigeria and has remained like this for over three years. The growth and intensity of kidnappings here is massive. Some abductees pay ransom and still end up being killed. Some are killed on the spot in the process of abducting them. These can only happen in a country without a government. The security of the people has evidently been relegated in Nigeria. In sound societies, these kidnappers would have been wiped out with helicopter gunships.

transmission of result. This direct primaries, as good as it sounds, may become a major clog in the smooth conduct of elections in Nigeria. It may also affect the credibility of this country’s electoral process. The existing and operative law provides that the procedure for the nomination of candidates by political parties for the various elective positions shall be by direct or indirect primaries. On this I stand. This is the way forward for Nigeria.

Sirika

Hadi Sirika’s Nigerian Air Farce The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, is becoming an embarrassment to forward-looking Nigerians over his imaginary national carrier to be called Nigerian Air. This man wasted huge public fund during an air show in London in June 2018, to announce the dubious birth of the airline. Now, Nigerians are regularly assaulted with all sorts of preposterous funding plans for the proposed airline. We were first told that the airline would be private sector-led. Later, Sirika said public funds would be used to start it, and later bring in investors to buy into the company. Last Wednesday, Sirika announced that the national carrier would begin operations in April 2022. According to him, the new official airline would have 51 per cent of its equity shares owned by the Nigerian government and people, with foreign partners having the remaining 49 per cent. He added a deceitful note that the venture is expected to generate 70,000 jobs. Haba! Even mega-carriers like Emirates can’t generate 70,000 jobs. I’m shocked that Sirika said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had given approval for the new national carrier. How did this happen? Sirika’s plan would amount to wasting government resources amidst dwindling revenue. Where will the foreign investors come from after the failed Virgin Nigeria experience? No single foreign investor made any concrete commitment to Nigerian Air during the 2018 London show of shame by Sirika. No foreign investor participated at the fraudulent launch in London. This airline exists only in Sirika’s imagination. These guys just want to flush public funds down the drain. I need to remind Sirika that it is no longer fashionable for countries to set up national carriers. I’m sure he knows this, but more concerned about personal gains. What will the national carrier do that existing flag carriers cannot do? A good government will support flag carriers instead of wasting public funds to set up a national carrier. Besides, a national carrier cannot be the priority of an inept government swimming in debt. It cannot be the priority of a country in which the security and welfare of the people are in shambles. The focus of a good government should be on critical sectors like security, health and education. Airline businesses are better left to the private sector. This is the standard in lucid climes.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 27, 2021

Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Labule

Passion Drove Me to Music Segun Adekunle, professionally known as Labule is a musician whose genre he describes as Highfro - a fusion of highlife and afrobeat. With his signature talking drum an instrument of his cultural sound which is reflective of his root, Labule has sort of created a path for his musical journey since venturing into music in 2015. He shares more about his career and record in this chat with Ferdinand Ekechukwu

hare a bit of your background with us? Segun Adekunle, aka Labule, I hail from Kogi State, Mopa precisel. I was born into a family of 10. Had my secondary school education in Lagos; that’s Victory Grammar School Ikeja, and Baptist Model High School Ijegun. Then proceeded to University of Lagos where I studied Civil and Environmental Engineering then proceeded to University of Brighton where I did my Masters in Construction Management. What drove you to music? Passion drove me to music. As a kid, I love to be around where music is played or where music is done and the easiest place for me to catch that was the church. As a kid I was supposed to be in the children’s church but will sneak to the adult church just because I needed to see musicians perform. So the passion started growing that I had to join a band in my area then in Surulere. I joined a fuji band, I played the drums then for the band. In my primary and secondary school, I was the head drummer but in the university, music took a back seat because I needed to concentrate but still I was learning from a great mentor Lagbaja though not as a band member but as a fan but Lagbaja never knew. I made friends with every member of his band but those guys too never knew my mission. Was Labule crafted to reﬂect Yoruba traditional culture? Labule was crafted to reﬂect the African tradition. First I am an African and am proud to be an African but my root is Yoruba. The Yoruba culture is rich in tradition and very original. You cannot

talk about African culture without talking about the Yoruba culture. What kind of music do you play? My kind of music is a bit different from what we have around but people keep saying the sound is Lagbaja but it is not though. We have the Lagbaja influence in our music. We play a sound called Highfro, it is a fusion of highlife and afrobeat and two songs that gives brief description about this Highfro sound will coming out next year, there you will know the direction Labule is going. Where do you draw inspiration? I draw inspiration from my environment. I’m very conscious and very sensitive of happenings in my environment. We have a lot going around us that one could draw inspiration from. We have a lot going around us socially; we are only concerned about addressing those issues. I use my songs to address social issues because am very much into things around me, am influenced by happenings in my environment and surroundings. I love to write songs that are relatable Do you think people still listen to highlife music compared to afrobeats? People still appreciate highlife and the real afrobeat by legendary Fela Kuti, Femi Kuti and Seun Kuti. For me am even confused about afrobeat because the only one I know is the one created by Fela. Highlife and Afrobeat sound portray our culture and our identity. This genre can easily be exported outside Nigeria. The Europeans, Americans love this genre of music. I played in Houston, Texas in 2018 and still surprised them how the talking drum could talk. For me the Nigerian music is respected worldwide and kudos to everyone that

had made it happened. You grew up listening to the likes of King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, Fela Kuti, Femi Kuti and Lagbaja how much of impact did these great artistes have on your life? Great impact… I’m an addict follower of these legends. One thing I learnt from them is simplicity and that has really helped and shaped my life. Lagbaja was a big inﬂuence to you in that Lagbaja’s style of music played a huge role in shaping your music and message delivery. How did you get connected with him? I got connected with Lagbaja’ in 1993 on my way to school (boarding house). I was in the car when I heard the chant by Yinka Davis and I was like ‘who be this again’, the voice sounded Fela and I was confused but immediately I got connected to him. I love the concept, vibe and originality. As someone who has experienced both the western and indigenous cultures, how would you rate the exporting of Nigerian music culture, and its global acceptance? Honestly am happy about the acceptance of our music culture globally, every top artiste abroad wants to do a collabo with us, Big up to 2face, Wizkid, Burna Boy and the likes and big shout to Kenny Ogungbe and D1 who believed in the Nigerian music vision. Are you working on any new project at the moment? We just recorded a track titled Zero and should be out soon. The story behind Zero is to never to underrate anyone in life, just because someone is not smart or brilliant does not mean he can’t make it in life.

Labule

Sigma Club Honours Sunny Ade, Obey, Uwaifo, Fela Ferdinand Ekechukwu

igma Club, University of Ibadan, the oldest surviving student organization in sub-Saharan Africa, has, as part of its 70th anniversary celebration, honoured four distinguished Nigerian musicians who had made groundbreaking impact in the world of music and had also made indelible contributions to the club’s flagship programme - the Havana Carnival – the first Musical Carnival in Nigeria/ West African, which was first hosted in 1955. Worthy of note is the fact that these recognised musician also performed at the Sigma Havanah Festival years ago. Among the legendary musicians honoured - King Sunny Ade, Commander Ebenezer Obey, Fela Ramsome Kuti, and Sir Victor Uwaifo - were awarded with lifetime achievers and post-humous awards respectively. The award ceremony which marked the opening of the Club’s 70th anniversary with a dinner and suit luncheon

took place on Saturday, November 13th, 2021, at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre. At the event, friends and family of the award recipients mingle in an atmosphere of conviviality, fun and classic music reminiscent of the good old days. Guests were also regaled with speeches from prodigious Sigmites like John Nnia Nwodo and Professor Koﬁ Duncan, the oldest surviving founding member of the club, which took them down memory lane, evoking of their youthful days which is steeped in the tradition of discipline and integrity. Sigma Club, University of Ibadan has evolved dynamically over the past seven decades as a unique and enviable socio-philanthropic organization of gentlemen that has instill in her tradition, the virtue of purity in its manifold expression of good character, integrity and discipline. The peak of the anniversary celebration would be the induction of his Royal Highness, the Obi of Onitsha, as the next honoring member of the club at the epoch making event, which will take place on Saturday December 4, 2021 at the Alumni Hall of the University of Ibadan. The Havana Music Carnival equally features Miss

Havana (the Queen of Nigerian Campus) beauty contest. The carnival has been in existence since 1952 and it is the oldest event of such pedigree in the history of any Nigerian institution, aimed at inspiring the youth positively and giving back to the society. The carnival has brought the best of Nigerian musical artistes to the University of Ibadan, notable among them are Onyeka Onwenu, Kwam 1, King Sunny Ade, Alhaji Ayinde. Other musician who has graced the prestigious Havana carnival include Barrister, Chief Ebenezer Obey, Lagbaja, Obesere, Mike Okri, Ras Kimono, Majek Fashek, Sir Shina Peters, Sir Victor Uwaifo, Dr. Olaiya, Orlando Julius, Orlando Owoh, Dan Maraya Jos, Christy Essien Igbokwe, Sunny Okosun, Geraldo Pino, Elvy King, Seun Kuti, just to mention a few. By the way, Seun was at the award-dinner ceremony and received his father’s plaque on behalf of the Kuti family. Interestingly of note, the late Bobby Benson, late Fela AnikulapoKuti, King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, Sir Shina Peters, are graduands of the Havana Hall of Fame.

Sunny Ade

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 27, 2021

SHOWBIZFLAIR Victor Okafor

My Goal is to Make Movies that Can Travel the World Victor Chukwuebuka Okafor, popularly known as Asia Big Son, is an actor and producer. Okafor who studied Archeology is passionate about filmmaking. In this chat with Ferdinand Ekechukwu, he talks about his journey in the industry, his dream goal as a young movie practitioner, and stint in Asia prior to investing in the movie industry

ollywood journey and movie projects I started as a makeup artist and effect in 2016 shortly before I traveled to Asia at an early stage and came back in 2020 to invest in Nollywood as an executive producer. That was the birth of my movie production outfit, ‘Big Son Movies International Ltd.’ So far I have five movie credits to my name. As an actor and producer While I was doing makeup/effect, I had an opportunity to represent an actor who didn’t show up for his role and I did well, and then came another one and another one and another one. That was how my life as an actor began. As I shuffled between being a makeup artist/effect, and an actor, then a passion in me grew for film production. When I came back from Asia, I knew it was time to invest in Nollywood; I began with the registration of Association of Movie Producers, Nigeria (AMP) and Active Movie Producers & Marketers Association of Nigeria (AMPMAN), and went fully into film making. I just finished a movie titled FRAME OF MIND set to premier soon and I just commissioned another project recently and many other projects in the works. Experience as young a producer The little experience I got from been a makeup artist/effect and an actor and also the experiences that I got from traveling helped me to run my production effectively as an entrepreneur and passionate filmmaker. Although a few projects that I commissioned while I was away didn’t go too well as my funds where mismanaged by some persons I put in charge but as soon

as I came back to Nigeria last year everything took shape. Getting production team right settles challenges As a young movie practitioner one of the challenges you get is selecting your production team, once you get your production team right, you are good to go. Aspiration growing up as a child I aspired to be a musical producer while growing up because after school and homework, I do go to the music studio and watch people produce music beats. In fact, I literally learnt how to produce beats, recording of songs, mixing and mastering of songs at a young age. Dream as a young practitioner My dream is to make good movies that can travel the world and impact my generation with storytelling and I also hope to get to the point that I will be able to collaborate with Hollywood at large. Plans to study in film school Yes, I plan taking further studies in film school as a director in the near future. Filmmakers I look forward to working with There are a couple of filmmakers that interest me, some includes Tyler Perry. He’s a Hollywood actor, producer and director. His works inspire me. A.Y, he’s a comedian actor, producer and a director. As a comedian he had a swift switch into filmmaking and now stealing the box office with good films. Those are the kind of moves I will love to make. Jay Z, aside been a music producer which was my first

Victor Okafor

aspiration growing up, Jay Z has an inﬂuence that inspires me and his new work “The Harder They Fall” is an amazing piece of work, the kind of work that I will love to produce some day. My artistry and creativity I feel like every actor should have that artistry that distinguishes them from other actors, you don’t have to be stereotyped but then you need to have that creativity that speciﬁes you as an actor.

View about movie genres churn out at the moment Most of the genres of movies that have been churn out of the movie industry are based on marriage, relationship, breakups, which is clearly not far from what’s going on in the society. But then I think the script writers need to be more creative and not make all of them seem as they are the same story. They can go on to write ﬁction, action and historical stories.

Demii Trends with ‘DYD’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

igerian-American performing artiste, singer and song writer, Demii Thomas better known as Demii is one artiste whose music has club and dance influences with a very melodic and sometimes rapid-fire rap delivery. Her artistic work has given her a unique sound that cuts across different genres. She is known for her flawless and pristine lyrics, decency in style and striking energy. She is taking on the music industry with one goal to be the queen of Classic Afro infused rhythm as she drops her latest single “DYD” meaning “Dey Your Dey” Demii has an EP out next year and promises that it’s going to be mind blowing. She’s optimistic she would make an impact with her new song. “Of course! DYD is Amapiano, which is the hottest genre right now. My lyrics are solid and I had awesome sound engineers work on the song. I also have a challenge going on right now on social media for a cash prize. The hashtag

#DYD #Demiithomas is trending on IG and Twitter.” Recounting her journey into music and how far she has come, Demii said, “My love for music started very young, I would always have this sensational feeling run through my chest whenever I heard a good song. I started singing and song writing properly at age 10 when I join choir. Where I am today musically is years of love and focus to the music, continuously singing at any given time and place and song writing to every beat I hear. Growing up, I listened to every kind of music. “I don’t have to be inﬂuenced to start a career in music, in fact I was discouraged a lot everyday by people or situations that should have made me gave up but i didn’t. Its natural love from within and no one can take that from me. Every artiste is unique in their own way and works. When I spot out that uniqueness, I study it and embrace it and redeﬁne it in my own way,” she added. Describing her style as true music, the entertainer said, “My music and sound is mature, appealing and very melodious. I use the term “Classic Afro-pop/beat” for my sound in the sense that while I

maintain the contemporary Afrobeat, you will always ﬁnd classic element such as infused RnB, Jazz, Soul, Reggae and Pop in most of my songs. On the acceptance of her music by the audience, the American based artiste with an international appeal explained, “My audience and fans love me from what I have been told is mainly for my stage presence. I am very gifted in the art of captivating your attention and keeping your eyes glued to me while on stage, it’s an aura that is God given and that complements with my lovely vocals while I sing as well. When it comes to music and performing, I am a perfectionist I don’t leave room for mistakes or wishes; I put in my 100percent every time.” Commenting on the kind of emotion her musical expression evokes, the singer said: “I am a big lover of Nigeria, Africa and by extension the whole of humanity. I am a romantic and a humanist in that regard and believe in the perfect potential of good in people. Hopefully, my work, whether in music, ﬁlm, politics or otherwise contributes to this expression of goodwill.”

Demii

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 27, 2021

SHOWBIZFLAIR Baba Suwe:

Exit of a Comic Legend Ferdinand Ekechukwu

any who had followed Baba Suwe’s story would most likely admit that it didn’t come as a surprise when his death was announced on Monday, November 22. As it were, the grim reaper had on few occasions winked at the legendary comic actor since he lost his grove and bubbly old self as result of the health challenges he battled within the twilight of his life in 2019 and 2020 until he passed on. Even before his death, mischief makers had made this jolly good fellow a victim of death through rumours. But heartwarming it is and in true appreciation of his acting skills and memory, fans of the late thespian have been paying tribute to him since his demise. Baba Suwe, born Babatunde Omidina, was best known for the comic role he played in scores of movies – including those he produced. Mourning him has taken shades of reminisces for the actor who catered for Nigeria’s households viewing pleasure with his performances. A senior media colleague in a post on his Facebook page must have captured the thoughts and minds of many. With his short but evocative tribute to the late Nollywood thespian, who was popular for his theatrics, he wrote that many grew up loving comedy, because Baba Suwe was an active player in the entertainment industry. “You dictated the pace, carved a niche, deÀned your style and set a standard eligible only for raw talents.” Baba Suwe was naturally gifted and truly made many smile and sometimes, laugh to stupour. +e had his deÀnition for everything and created his own lexicon as trademark. “Put succinctly, you stood out from the lot”, the colleague added. “The last two times I saw you, I prayed God to give you peace and rest and I think that prayer has just been answered. We certainly won’t forget you, Baba Suwe. An era comes to a deserving end.” True to him, Baba Suwe was thoroughly exemplary and unique for having a deÀnition for everything and created his own lexicon which made it his bouquet of trademarks. Witty and energetic, Baba Suwe was a delight to watch on the screen during

Baba Suwe

his heyday. As one of the most iconic Yoruba actors, producer, theatre practitioner, humour merchant, Baba Suwe brought laughter and joy to homes. Until his success streak was dimmed some years ago when he was held at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on suspicion of drug tra΀cking. He was suspected to have ingested several wraps of cocaine and was kept under surveillance by the agency for three weeks. With the assistance of his lawyer, the late Bamidele Aturu, a human rights activist, the allegation was described as false and defamatory by the ruling of a Lagos High Court. The court ordered his release and instructed the NDLEA to pay

him N25 million as compensation. His fans and supporters cheered him as he left the court building after the hearing. In 2013, the Appeal Court struck out the compensation ruling, insisting that the anti-narcotic agency violated no law in keeping Omidina in custody all through the investigation period. The actor had said in interviews that the experience crippled his health. His health would become a public discourse in 2019, when friends solicited funds for his medical treatment. Through the generosity of wellmeaning Nigerians like Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Billionaire Femi Otedola and Reverend Esther Ajayi, amongst others, he was Áown to the United States for the treatment of diabetes and other ailments. He returned to the country a month later. Until his death, Baba Suwe’s regret was

that he did not receive the N25 million compensation court ordered the NDLEA to pay him. He lamented in a report that the death of Bamidele Aturu, his lawyer, was a blow to eͿorts toward getting the compensation. “If my lawyer, Bamidele Aturu, was still alive, I will have got my compensation a long time ago because he is a good lawyer. He is also a compassionate person. The man was nice. When we were in court, he really tried. If he w alive, I would have been compensated,” was he h had said. In 2019, he also echoed his regret of not getting the compensation and cried out g d during an interview while soliciting funds to enable him to access good health care. “After e all a this, I haven’t received the N25 million compensation. Please don’t let me die this c way. w I can’t lie, see how I am looking,” he had h said. “I slumped when I travelled and w admitted for about three weeks. They was a asked me if I was tra΀cking cocaine and I s no. I was examined and they didn’t see said a anything. After that, I requested to return to N Nigeria. “After returning to Nigeria, I tried to walk o my own but I was staggering; that’s how on I started using the walking stick. When I r returned to America, they said I needed to do d surgery and that it would cost a lot. When I approached people, they said they didn’t h have money so I couldn’t raise as much m money as I needed. I need help from my fans s that I can take care of myself.” The ace acso t eventually passed on this week at 63 after tor a long battle with an undisclosed illness. Baba Suwe was born on August 22, 1958, at B Inabere Street, Lagos Island. He hailed from I Ikorodu LGA in Lagos state. I The only child of his parents, he was a boy with w big ambition, largely inspired by the fame and heroics of Michael Jackson, the late f iconic US pop star. “Then (while growing i up) u I wanted to be like Michael Jackson who was w known all over the world but now I know better,” he said in a another interview in 2014. His childhood could be likened to that of a nomad as he constantly shuttled between Lagos and Osun for his primary and secondary education. The Àlm star started his education at Jamaitul Islamial primary school in Inabere and at some point left for Osogbo in Osun state, where he attended children boarding school. He thereafter returned to Lagos for his secondary education at Adekanbi Commercial High School. However, it wasn’t long before he ditched the school again for Ifeoluwa Grammar School in Osogbo. Although he had big dreams, he saw no need to pursue education like his peers at the time — a development that made him drop out of school eventually. In another interview Baba Suwe described himself as a “special specie created by God” but lamented that he never took education seriously as a teenager. Baba Suwe was laid to rest last Thursday.

Street Project Foundation Wins UNAOC Intercultural Innovation Award

treet Project Foundation has won an international award for their successful implementation of the VOICE/ OXFAM funded project called “Creative Youth Boot Camp: Art For Social Trans-

formation”. The award was presented to the organization at an elaborate event held at the Dubai EXPO, United Arab Emirates. Founder and Lead Visionary of Street Project Foundation, Mrs. Rita EzenwaOkoro received the Intercultural Innovation Award from BMW Group and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC). The award was presented by Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos, the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and Ms. IIka Horstmeier, a member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Human Resources Labour Relations Director. Out of the 1,100 entries from 120 Countries, only 10 organisations were selected, and Street Project Foundation was the only country in Sub-Saharan Africa selected. Other organisations awarded were from Canada, France, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, India, Sri Lanka, Egypt and Switzerland. In an interview, Ezenwa-Okoro, ex-

pressed delight for the honour, saying it was a reward for hardwork and assured that the foundation will continue to do its best to facilitate opportunities for youth employment, social mobilization and cross-cultural dialogue using creative arts as a tool. “Receiving the intercultural and Innovation Award is a validation of the revolutionary work that Street Project Foundation is doing in Nigeria. This is a boost to our cause of using the performing arts as a tool to foster a youth movement that advocates for inclusion, pluralism and global citizenship”, she said. Mr Ezenwa Okoro, consultant to Street Project Foundation, also added, “Coming from a country with over 200 ethnic groups and languages, this award is an endorsement of our eͿorts towards an egalitarian society that works for everyone.” The Intercultural Innovation Award Supports grassroots initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue and understanding and contribute to peace, cultural diversity and more inclusive societies. According to the organizers, the ten award winning organisations will share a Ànancial grant of $200,000 and further support from the United Nations, BMW Group and Accenture.

L-R: Miguel Angel Moratinos, of UNAOC; Rita Ezenwa-Okoro, Founder and Lead Visionary of Street Project Foundation and Ms. IIka Horstmeier, a member of the Board of Management BMW AG at the Intercultural Innovation Award in Dubai ...recently.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 27, 2021

SUPER SATURDAY Adunni Ade

I Don’t Like When People Refer to Me as a Single Parent, Just Call Me a Mother Adunni Ade! It took three phone calls within a space of three good days to get this eﬀervescent Nollywood star talking. She’s had her itinerary marked on a recent weekend for her sister’s wedding and had to be there and devote all to her. Eventually, when she got settled on the Sunday morning succeeding that special occasion, Adunni revealed freely some parts of her that one would not ordinarily see - soft-spoken, tender but vocally uncut. In this interesting encounter, the American/Nigerian actress and model takes Ferdinand Ekechukwu through her beautiful life and her world of make-believe. She also spoke on her ﬁrst movie production ‘Soole’. Excerpt…

ou starred in the Kayode Kasum-directed movie, ‘Soole’ and also served as the executive producer. What is the movie all about? ‘Soole’ is an action thriller. And it is a movie that tackles security within Nigeria. So ‘Soole’ implies ‘one chance’; you know like the ‘one chance’ bus or vehicles that people mistakenly or unknowingly enter. So when I thought about jumping to this side of the industry, I wanted to make a different film. I didn’t want to make something that everybody had seen; the usual drama, the usual love story. I wanted something different. I wanted something that will keep you at the edge of your seat when you’re watching. So we came up with ‘Soole’. ‘Soole’ like I said it tackles security within Nigeria. It happened on a bus heading to the east, Enugu to be precise. And series of events occurred during the ride. Tells us about your character in the film? My character’s name is Rev. Veronica. She is

Adunni Ade

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 27, 2021

SUPER SATURDAY I Hear So Many Bad Things Being Said About Me, But… actually not a reverend but she’s a Sister. She is God fearing and she pretty much loves children. And one of her goal is to make sure the children that she catered for have a very good Christmas. She’s always having issues with funding trying to provide for those children. They are homeless children, or motherless children. So what brought her to Lagos was the fact that she came to look for fund. She feels like every naira counts; whatever she can get to save up for the children and get them a nice Christmas was what she was going to do. She, unfortunately entered ‘Soole’ and like I said, series of events occurred… Now did Sister Veronica end up being a bad person or remained a good person? Only time will tell.

I would put up on YouTube and that’s how the acting opportunity came. Ok now but modeling… Modeling is still there, modeling can never go. So modeling in this day and age with social media I don’t have to be on runway to say I’m modeling. Now I can be in the comfort of my home, you know influence for fashion brands and still get paid... So I don’t have to stand in front of a crowd and walk the runway which I could still do if I really wanted to do that. You don’t have an interest in singing, dancing? (Laughs) Funny enough those who grew up with me back in the days thought that I would become a singer because I used to sing then. But maybe that’s not what God wanted for me.

As an actor you have played different roles, which other role would you love to play that you haven’t played? I want to be a “baaaaaad girl” in a movie (laughing)! I want to be a bad girl. I want to play a character you don’t see coming; a villain so to say.

What’s a typical day like for Adunni? Well… it’s because my children; my children (two sons) are in secondary school and they are boarding. In a more recent time, I wouldn’t say I have much free time. But Adunni is always busy. But I always make sure when it’s time to go visit my children, I am always there. I don’t take jobs during those times. I don’t care how much you are going to pay me. I would not leave my mother duties for a job. No, I wouldn’t do that. I’m always working.... I like good money. If I’m not working, I’m somewhere just resting. That’s hardly. I hardly get to rest. I don’t have time for nonsense talks or let’s party here and there. You know it’s okay for you to unwind maybe go have good food somewhere treat yourself, things like that. Anything that I can do to better my life is what I’m always doing.

Are there particular role you would turn down if offered? I don’t know until we get to that road. What prepared you for the acting job you are doing today? I guess my passion for acting. My passion for wanting to interpret roles even if I don’t have any experience, or I don’t see any similarities with the role in my everyday life, I will imagine what I would do if I was in that situation. So I enjoy being someone else. You have featured in the English and the Yoruba parts of Nollywood Yes I do both, I don’t discriminate. I do even the English in the east aspect of Nollywood. Which aspect would you say has favoured you most; the English or the Yoruba? Well, obviously that’s why I don’t want you to just limit it to English or Yoruba. That’s why I stated that I work in the English aspect side of Asaba, in the east. I have worked a lot in the Yoruba aspect. And I have also worked a lot in the English aspect of Nollywood. Which has favoured me? Well I believe, you know it just depends on what it is. A job that I did in the English can bring another job for me in the Yoruba. I really don’t know, I really don’t know really; maybe Yoruba. I would just say that the Yoruba aspect has really helped me in the sense of my craft. Yoruba directors are not afraid to give me a challenging role. When I say that I mean they don’t mind me playing a crazy character; a mad woman you know. The English aspect sometimes it’s difficult for them to find someone to play my father, to play my mother, to find someone to play a family member so it’s best for them to just give me a role where there’s no family attachment to. Whereas the Yoruba, they don’t mind putting any person to play my mother or my father. They go the extra mile to make sure that ‘okay I want Adunni in my movie and its Adunni I want and she’s going to deliver, she’s going to kill the character’. So I always, you know, thank producers and directors in the Yoruba aspect for giving me that chance to go far. They have actually helped me a lot shaping me to who I am today. One would think your response favouring the Yoruba aspect is in light of your fall-out with the English part of Nollywood a few years ago I’m assuming here that you are referring to, maybe, something that I have said in the past that I was sidelined by the English aspect of Nollywood? I’m someone who is very vocal. I don’t talk too much; I don’t say too much when I don’t have to. But I have a problem with you cheating me or cheating someone around me. I have a problem with kissing people behind. I believe I am my own. I stand alone, I walk alone. If you call me for a job I’m there to deliver and keep it moving. I don’t think I have to kiss your behind to go far in life. I don’t think I have to. I don’t know what it is they were looking for or were expecting. So I guess because my character is very strong and very unlike what they saw every single day they had an issue with it. You know I have heard so many things being said negatively about me. I have heard the lies and most people, other producers and directors, chose to go with the lies that were said rather than dealing with me one on one. But in overtime, over the years, they have seen that half of the time they were

Adunni Ade

I have been a parent for this long and that’s one of my top priorities. Being a good parent, making sure that I provide for my children, my bills are taken care of, their fees, their upkeep you know, and their health is in good shape. Things like that. So that’s more important to me. I’m not looking for a pity party. Just call me a mother, call me parent. All this eh single mother, single father, wo abeg! Who cares about these things?! wrong. If you hadn’t opted for acting, what other profession would you have embraced? I would probably just continue with what I was doing. Every job that I have held in my life has always been about helping people. I have worked in the past in America. I have worked with the State of Kentucky in their Housing Dept. This is where we provide homes to people who are, I don’t want to say less fortunate, but those who do not have the resources of living in a home of their choice. So, we help people with housing. I have also worked with the State of Maryland where I worked in the Medical Insurance Division, providing Medicare and Medicaid to those who could not afford insurance. So yeah I probably would have just still been working there. I know you are also into modeling… But

acting appears to be your forte Yeah…Well yea let me tell you (laughs). So many years ago right, many, many years ago, I had tried out for America’s Next Top Model. This was like a big show in America. It was hosted by Tyra Banks who is also a supermodel in America. But for one reason or the other, you know I would go for auditions, I would get picked to the next stage and then for some reason, I would not go further than that. So I would do runway shows, editorials and things of that nature. I actually wanted to be a supermodel, you know like Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, and the likes of these people. But I guess that was just not my… (Calling?) No. Well I wouldn’t say it’s not my calling. It was my calling but things and situations of life just kept getting in the way. And then acting came. I started with my comedy skit. I’m not a comedian I just see that I have a good sense of humour and that’s what I passed across. And that way I would make comedy skit

You just talked about motherhood and your children. What is it like as a single parent? I don’t like when people refer to me as a single parent. I’m a parent is that I’m a parent. My children come first. It is what it is. There’s nothing wrong with being a single parent. There are some couples, married couples they can’t even do half of the things that I do. They go around looking around because most of them are lazy. They are looking for people to come take care of them. Things are not done like that. Heaven helps those who help themselves. So I’m just a parent. I have been a parent for this long and that’s one of my top priorities. Being a good parent, making sure that I provide for my children my bills are taken care of, their fees, their upkeep you know, and their health is in good shape. Things like that. So that’s more important to me. I’m not looking for a pity party. Just call me a mother, call me parent. All this eh single mother, single father, wo abeg! Who cares about these things?! What will you say is the secret of your success? Well my dedication because I don’t want to fail. So I have to keep on moving, I have to keep pushing. The only thing I see is ahead. I’m not worried about what’s beside me. Who is cursing me; I don’t care who is going ahead of me. I just know that me o! I’m on my own journey. I don’t have to run ahead of my time. It’s one step at a time for me. And things will always fall into the right place at the right time. You have made a name from acting, what advice do you have for those aspiring to be like you? No one should try to be like me, number one because would anyone be able to even take a quarter of what I have suffered? I don’t think so. Not a lot of people would. I would say be your own self, make sure you are in the right profession for the right reason. A lot of people want to jump into acting; into being a social media influencers, because they want that popularity, they like that fame, the clout. No, just make sure whatever you are doing is for the right reason. Make sure that no one forces you to do something you know on a regular you would never do. Never compromise your own standard to fit someone else’ lifestyle. Never! Don’t fake that lifestyle. Be real! All the things going on social media is just for a period of time. When I came into the industry I know those who were using social media you know to “pepper them”. Where are they today?! They couldn’t keep up with the lies. Be your true authentic self. Aim high, aim for the sky and be good and always remember to be good to people and to yourself.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 27, 2021

POLITY

THEFRONTLINES JOSEPH USHIGIALE

Fuel Subsidy Removal: FG, It’s Time to Change the Narrative Recently, the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed announced that Nigeria will remove fuel subsidies by 2022 and replace them with an N5000-a-month transportation grant to the poorest Nigerians. Speaking at the launch of the World Bank Nigeria Development Update (NDU), the minister said the grant will go to about 20 to 40 million Nigerians who make up the poorest population of the country. She added that the final number of beneficiaries will depend on the resources available after the removal of the fuel subsidy. This would not be the first time the federal government would be making such pronouncements. It has become apparent that each time the government is broke and seeks new sources for revenue generation, fuel subsidy removal is usually the first step to take. The reason, according to the International Centre for Tax and Development (ICTD) is that fuel subsidies in Nigeria are enormous. At last estimate, the state subsidizes gasoline to the tune of USD 3.9 billion — almost double the entire health budget. Subsidies exist because the government fixes the price of gasoline for consumers below the international price and uses government resources to pay for the difference. The history of fuel subsidies is traceable to the ‘70s, they were first introduced in Nigeria in the 1970s as a response to the oil price shock in 1973. However, despite numerous attempts at reform, Nigeria has never successfully removed fuel subsidies, in large part due to strong popular opposition to reform. Such subsidies come at a great cost: spending on other development objectives is lower; the distribution of resources to the state governments is reduced; the vast majority of the subsidy goes to better off Nigerians; and cheaper gasoline encourages greater pollution, congestion, and climate change. Despite this, a survey conducted by the ICTD indicates that 70 per cent of Nigerians oppose the reduction or removal of subsidies. According to ScienceDirect, those in favour of reform look particularly at the traditional economic factors, such as price and availability, to associate with support for reform; where customers are charged more than the regulated price, or where they have experienced a lack of fuel, they tend to be more in favour of reform. On the other hand, if Nigerians believe that savings from reducing fuel subsidies will not be used appropriately because of corruption or because the government is not capable of running programs efficiently, then their support for subsidy reforms appears to dwindle. Indeed, corruption reduces support for reform more than any other factor. While general trust in government does not appear to be associated with support for reform, the delivery of reasonable national and local services is, supporting the idea that building the ‘social contract’ is key

to reform. Another consideration for support is personal norms, such as active participation in religious groups, which also appear correlated with support for reform. Intriguingly, actual knowledge about subsidies is not – people appear to form their opinions on the issue regardless of their understanding of it. In debating the merits of fuel subsidy removal, it is important to understand who benefits the most from the program. Contrary to popular belief, according to the World Bank, it is the rich, not the poor who disproportionally benefit from Nigeria’s fuel subsidy. With the government subsidizing the market to keep domestic fuel prices artificially low, it is those who consume the most that have a greater benefit from the subsidy. Nigeria’s poor rely primarily on public transportation as such their per capita fuel consumption is significantly less than the country’s rich, who generally use private vehicles. Neighbouring countries also benefit significantly from Nigeria’s fuel subsidy through smuggling. In addition, the World Bank, for instance, in the development update had said the poorest 40% in Nigeria consume less than 3% of the total PMS in the country, highlighting that the rich were benefiting more from the subsidies. The Coalition under the aegis of “Civil Society Coalition for Economic Development (CED), comprising of 82 groups speaking through Yusuf Maitama lamented that the fuel subsidy regime which had been in place for the past 20 years has enriched few individuals and denied citizens of what was supposed to be collective wealth, adding that moves by the present administration to end the subsidy regime were the right step. No matter how well-tailored the government marshals its argument, it has become clear that its position or narrative is trite and rather unconvincing. Over time, the government has stuck to only one side of the narrative which is to remove subsidies, while neglecting to explore the other narrative which is how to develop the country’s refining capacities to optimize local production to satisfy local and export demand and raise the much-needed revenue it so craves for. Additionally, while it is always asking Nigerians to brace up and sacrifice by promising to develop a comprehensive safety net to cushion the pains and deploying fleeting palliatives that do not stand the test of time, government officials and their family members hardly sacrifice and therefore do not feel the pinch of the pains inflicted by the removal of fuel subsidies. The federal government has displayed outright treachery by sticking wholesomely to the importation of petroleum products as if there alone lies the solution. For instance, in

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

sticking only with products importation, the NNPC is already claiming that the source of its subsidy is because of a higher landing cost than that of the PPPRA. Under the current subsidy regime, the NNPC claims it is under-recovery and has left the pump price at a band between N162 and N165 per litre. If you compare that with the PPPRA landing cost of N264.65 per litre there exists subsidy or an under recovery of N102.65 per litre according to the officials. To show clearly that the government has been very economical with the truth, lacks creativity, and is wasteful, let us interrogate whether it is beneficial for Nigeria to retain its importation regime or explore creative ways of stimulating local production to satisfy local and international demands. Let us begin with the pricing template put in place by the PPPRA. This is driven by ten key factors: the first is the spot market price of a barrel of crude oil in North-Western Europe(NWE); the second is freight which is calculated in 30,000 Metric tonnes from NWE to West Africa. Here, a trader’s margin of $10/mt is factored in the freight cost. This is followed by Lightering expenses incurred on the transshipment of imported petroleum products from the mother vessel into daughters vessel to allow for the onward movement of the vessel into the Jetty. This charge includes receipt losses of 0.3% in the process of products movement from the high sea to the Jetty and then to the depot. The mother vessels expenses are based on the allowable 10 days demurrage exposure at the rate of $28,000 per day. The Lightering Expenses also include the Shuttle vessel’s chartering rates from Offshore Lagos to Lagos and Port Harcourt which currently stands at N2.00 per litre and N2.50 per litre Next is the cargo dues (harbor handling charge) charged by the NPA for use of Port facilities. The charge includes VAT and Agency expenses. Currently, the NPA charge attracts $10.50/ MT on the pricing template. This is followed by financing. It refers to stock finance (cost of the fund) for the imported product. It includes the cargo financing based on the International London Inter bank Offered Rates (LIBOR) rates+5% premium for 30 days (for Annual Libor rate of 2.07%, LIBOR cost would be 7.07%). Also included in the Finance cost is the interest charge on the subsidy element being awaited for an allowable 60 days period at the Nigerian Inter-Bank Offered Rate (NIBOR) rate of 22%. Next is the Jetty Depot Thru Put. This is the tariff paid for use of facilities at the Jetty by the marketers to move products to the storage depots. The value is currently N0.80/ litre. Also incorporated is the Storage Margin which is for depot operations covering storage charges and other services rendered by the depot owners. The charge is currently N3.00/ litre. After this is the landing cost. It is the cost of imported products delivered into the Jetty depots. It is made up of all the components highlighted above. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

COP26: Ogunbiyi Wants Faster Action on Sustainable Energy At the just concluded 26th Conference of Parties, COP26 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Glasgow, Scotland, the CEO and Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary General for Sustainable Energy for All, Damilola Ogunbiyi, during the Energy Day opening plenary highlighted the role of SDG 7 in meeting climate objectives and the need for faster action. Funke Olaode reports

he alarming rate at which climate change is causing havoc globally is overwhelming with global leaders regularly putting heads together on how to take care of his environment, in order to protect the human race. This was also on the front burner at the just concluded COP26. During the Energy Day opening plenary session held on Thursday November 4th, 2021, the Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary General for Sustainable Energy, Damilola Ogunbiyi, who also doubles as the United Kingdom co-chair of the of the UN COP26 Energy Transition Council, called for affirmative action to make access to electricity and clean cooking available for all without leaving anyone behind. She also said world leaders must join the Race to Zero campaign, to accelerate net-zero carbon emission commitments in line with the Paris Agreement. At the gathering, Ogunbiyi on behalf of her principal, delivered a speech which centered around the coal and clean power panel, and also highlighted the role of SDG 7 (universal access to clean and affordable energy) in meeting climate objectives and the need for accelerated action. Ogunbiyi, on behalf of the Secretary-General thanked the COP President, Alok Sharma and his team for their efforts, for

prioritizing sustainable energy at COP26, including through the Energy Transition Council. Ogunbiyi stressed that the meeting could not have come at the right time as energy accounts for over two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions, adding, “but at the same time, 759 million people in this world still lack access to basic electricity and over 2.6 billion don’t have access to clean cooking solutions.” Emphasizing how to accelerate net-zero carbon emission, Ogunbiyi said commitments aside, all stakeholders must cut emissions drastically. “The Emissions Gap report just released by United Nations Environment told us that new and updated NDCs only take 7.5 per cent off predicted 2030 emissions, while 55 per cent is needed to achieve the Paris Agreement. Also, we must deliver on the promise we made in Sustainable Development Goal 7 to provide affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all,” she said. Ogunbiyi said this was not compatible with the commitment made in Paris or the promise made in 2015 to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030: “If we are to do this by 2030, we need to radically rethink how we deliver energy services. We must answer the call of the UN Secretary General and the COP President to consign coal to history, starting with

Ogunbiyi

OECD countries by 2030, and globally by 2040. And after 2021, no new coal power plants should be in the pipeline.” “But, if this is the year we are to put an end to coal, it also must also be the year that we prove to developing countries that clean power is the most attractive and most affordable option, by providing them with a clear clean energy offer.” Ogunbiyi said certain steps must be taken through technical assistance, collaboration, and making finance for clean energy drastically easier to access. She adds: “We must show why clean energy is an important part of the blueprint for a sustainable future and move beyond thinking that providing clean energy for basic household access is enough. It must be clean energy for access, economic growth, and industrial development.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 27, 2021

POLITY Nigeria’s Citizen Resistance and the Obi Cubana Paradigm Ameto Adepoju

igerian businessman Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, was recently questioned by the EFCC, Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, an investigation described as centred on issues of money laundering and tax evasion. Cubana’s arrest or detention, though he was released shortly after, is a fall out from the fantastically lavish burial he recently held for his mother, a spectacle that redefined the use of currency notes as an instrument of wealth display. Thick bundles of notes in Nigerian naira, American dollars and perhaps other currencies were distributed like flows of rain and used as footballs. A large herd of cows, the most expensive and most prestigious form of livestock, were assembled for the carnivalesque celebration of his mother’s transition from the world of breathing humans. Obi Cubana instantly became a household name in Nigeria, as short comedic films and journalistic and scholarly essays examined the implications of this unusual carnivalization of wealth. This display was all the more striking in being from a person not known to be among the defining figures of Nigerian political and economic space. Amplifying this paradox was the fact that his means of income as a night club owner is identifiable but his economic trajectory to the heights he demonstrated at that burial were unknown to most. These perplexities were aggravated perhaps by efforts he later made, as in a BBC interview, to clarify the sources of the wealth of himself and his associates who contributed to the dramatization of economic power at the burial, an interview in which he mapped his journey from university education to economic powerhouse. Obi Cubana is a person outside the circles of enablement by political association, one of the primary means of economic ascension in Nigeria. He is also not a pastor, another central means of economic empowerment in that nation. Being outside these chief means of economic expansion in his country, he may be seen in terms of the average Nigerian’s struggle against a system rigged against him. Obi Cubana thrives in a country in which, according to then central bank governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, a good part, if not most of the country’s earnings, are spent in running a government in which a single member of the legislature is described as earning more than the President of the United States of America, the world’s most prosperous

nation. Governors retire on particularly lavish pensions and even recycle themselves as senators even as those pensions keep running. The current President flies abroad for all medical attention, even for weeks at a time, as the nation’s health sector decays, constantly interrupted by strikes. Electricity supply is uncertain, spiking the cost of doing business. Welfare services are almost non-existent. Over the years, insecurity has escalated through terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. Within this terrible situation, the average Nigerian is largely on his own in a world more feudal than democratic, a society regressing rather than growing in strategic sectors of national life. I see in Obi Cubana a version of the Nigerian as an economic revolutionary, a fighter triumphant against the unjust universe in which he finds himself. Fighting against a failed system, a system he grew up looking up to with sky high hopes but which had failed him badly. His hopes came crumbling after he had joyfully clutched his certificate scroll on the matriculation day following four years of hard work in the proverbial ivory tower, rushing off to serve his motherland in the National Youth service scheme, hopeful of gainful employment as a logical trajectory in his journey to becoming a man. According to his BBC narrative which 85% of Nigerian youth can connect with, he trudged the streets of Abuja, the national capital, in search of employment till his shoes warped. At that point he had no choice but to help himself by cooking and selling food as a squatter in an Abuja garden. He must have dreamt of growing from those humble beginnings to owning a full-fledged restaurant in the nice parts of town. This dream, however, again evaporated into thin air like the dust that rose from the bulldozer blades as it moved into the gardens and structures where he had found refuge but which were not fully in the city planning permit, and were therefore destroyed by the state. I can imagine the helplessness, the hopelessness of Cubana and his associates as they went home that night to lay their dozen heads in the 12ft by 12ft room where they were all squeezed into hoping for a better tomorrow. Beyond the dust of the raging bulldozers, perhaps apocalyptic for the young struggling man, came a glimmer of sunshine and hope as he was introduced to working as a real estate agent, and, like magic, he got his first lucky break from the 5% commission of sales,

Cubana

an unprecedented boost for him. From that point his fortunes reversed for the better. He became a winner in a war he fought without intending to but was compelled to fight because he could survive only by fighting it. He became a revolutionary in the struggle against the class cult, the aristocrats and the sons of the godfathers. He fought against the Nigerian stereotype of the wealthy and the ruling class, the mandatory pedigree that admits one to influence and power. He demystified points of access to high velocity monies for the average Nigerian, breaking the monopoly of semi-cultic alliances which Nigerians have been deluded are primary to rising above the struggle for existence that is life in Nigeria. His proletarian identity is further consolidated by working with the Nigerian YouTube comedian Mr. Macaroni, an opportunity he is likely to grant to any other Nigerian comedian who wishes, such as the unforgettable Sergeant Efosa and Sister Equitous, projectors of iconic Nigerian identities, distilling laughter from Nigeria’s harsh socio-economic environment, representing the pulse of the Nigerian common man, generating meaning from the beleaguered Nigerian existence. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Member Organising Committee, The Oratory Movie Premier, Yeye Modupe Oyeduntan; UNICEF,

L-R: Director, Corporate Communication, Visa West Africa, Niyi Adebiyi; Head, Card production, Child Protection Specialist, Denis Onoise; Executive Producer, The Oratory, Rev. Father, Cyril Odia; Access Bank Plc, Tolulope Adesomoju; Country Manager, Nigeria, Visa West Africa, Andrew Uaboi; Chairman, Organising Committee, The Oratory Movie Premier, Gbenga Adebija and Deligate Supeand Group Head, Channels, Access Bank Plc, Nnenna Achife at the presentation of the Global rior for Salesian in Nigeria, Anthony Uche at the media brieﬁng on the Oratory movie in Lagos…. SUNDAY ADIGUN Service Quality Award for High overall portfolio performance to Access Bank, held in Lagos, yes- yesterday terday...

L-R: Executive Director, Avalon Intercontinental Nigeria Limited, Ahmed Tajudeen; Regional Director Africa, Radisson Hotel Group, Mr. William McIntyre; and Executive Director, Avalon Intercontinental Nigeria Limited Kazeem Tajudeen at the Hotel Managing Partners and Media Networking event held in Lagos....recently.

L-R: Exco members, St. Finbarr’s College old boys association, 1985-1991 section, Mr. Oghor Akpenyi; Chairman, Mr. Kayode Krakue; Head Teacher, St. Finbarr’s College, Mr. Biyibi Victor; Assistant Administrator, Rev. Father Andrew Toye; Secretary, St. Finbarr’s College old boys association, 1985-1991 section, Mr. Bode Nwachukwu; Chairman, Planning Committee, Mr. Babs Fagade; and Mr. Chinasa Uwajuboaa, at the presentation of Tables and Chairs to the School by the old boys to mark 30th Year School leaving anniversary in Lagos….. recently

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 27, 2021

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

EBERE WABARA

Misapprehensions

RONG: life support machine; truth and reason: life-support machine THISDAY Front Page Window of November 20 formally welcomes us today with this misapprehension: “According to him, it was most painful to be informed that his brother was going to die in an hour (hour’s) time….” “…the basic problem affecting democracy and unity in (on) the continent.” Finally from the front-page misprints: “Though, (otiose comma) President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday declared that an unconditional release of….” “To get started, log into (log in/on to) your Firsmonie App….” “Happy 54 birthday (54th Birthday) Governor Buni” “…the Lord on whose bossom (bosom) we are sure you are.” “…you are an indelible memory in our hearts and forever unforgettable for your sterling marks in inculcating values and education to (in) oncoming (upcoming) generations.” “Happy 64th Birthday: the epitome of a selfless leader (epitome of selfless leadership)” “The love you have shown your people and the sacrifices made for Nigeria proves (prove) you a selfless nationalist.” “Governors biting more than they can chew” A rewrite: Governors biting off more than they can chew A subscriber to this column sent a message to me last weekend on the correctness of “wake” and “wake-keep”. There are no such words as “wake-keeping” and “wake-keep”. The right expression is “wake.” Virtually all funeral announcements in this

part of the world disseminate this blunder in blissful ﬂamboyance. And for clarity or emphasis: Christian wake. “He is frank to the point of recklessness and does not bath (bat) an eyelid about sensibilities.” “Successful candidates in the exam are placed into (in) universities depending on their performances and choices.” “The picture one is likely to get is that of lawmakers yet to come to grip (grips) with the seriousness of what their duties entail.” “Both palatable and heart-rending news are (is) most often broken there.” ‘News’ is uncountable. “…his skin must have toughen (you mean toughened?) such that nothing can stir his emotion as to make him cry.” “They were, in their primes (prime), sent on a journey from which nobody returns.” “Its police, too, began investigations culminating into (in) arrest of some suspects.” “Since last week Tuesday....” Either last Tuesday or Tuesday, last week—‘Last week Tuesday’ indicates lexical ignorance. “…our politicians should realise (realize, preferably)that if they can hold the country into (to) ransom for their jumbo pay, then footballers should not be blamed if they do same (the same).” “In Nigeria, it was designed by the military dictators as bait to divert the attention of the people from the enormity of their loots.” No questions: ‘loot’ is non-count. “…it was seen as a child of necessity aimed at restoring the primary education sub- sector which was in crisis then back to a sound foundation.” Scrap ‘back’ to avoid being charged with word abuse. ‘Restoration’ has taken care of the verbiage. “All that we have in the present Nigerian society is an hostile (a hostile) environment for the youths and children.” Either youths

or the youth “Having succeeded in intimidating their opponents at primaries, the electorate became a work-over....” A time to learn: walk-over. “A nearby police station in Benin has (had) rebuﬀed the request for a police report on the ground of jurisdiction.” Simply put: on grounds of jurisdiction. “Anyone who monitored the mobilization of women in the last ﬁfteen years in Nigeria could imagine positive results that could have been achieved if the First Ladies have (had) been sincere.” “We do not have to wait for this sporadic attacks by foreign armed bandits to metamorphose into a full blown (a hyphen, please) security threat.” Why the discord (this attacks)? And, of course, banditry without arms: vide a standard dictionary. “Because of an improved revenue base, the governor said that the government is (was) in a good position….” “What stops us from returning to the heydays (heyday) of the school…?” “This does not mean that a lady should not be congratulated for (on/upon) a safe delivery.” “…many of the specie (species) had run amuck simply on the suspicion that another woman is (was) nipping at the apple.” “Industry players blamed the high cost of borrowing from the money market to (on) a number of factors.” “It is high time we make (made) such people pay....” “…especially with regards to human development” This way: as regards or with regard to. “…as the North would be placed on an even keel or competing favourably with their kiths and kin in the South.” Fixed expression: kith and kin “Tears of instability of power has (have)

FAME’s Untold Stories: Chiselling A Partnership

s I was saying... “Few weeks later, Mayor, Kunle and I assembled again at Ijeshatedo to review the proposal. We skinned it, revised it, and reaffirmed our united optimism that though we didn’t know where the money to kickstart the dream would come from, we were ready to rule the world of the Nigerian media. That was early in 1990. Mayor was initially upbeat that it would not be difficult to convince some of his Silver-spoon friends, and their patriarchs, who dotted his highly popular society party pages. We truly believed he could make it happen…while we handled the hard, painstaking stuff - it seemed quite fair, and workable. Flamboyant and innately meticulous in nurturing a ‘loud-for-a-purpose’ mystique, we naturally believed that Mayor, being the oldest and most socially exposed amongst us, would most likely be the one to bring the money bags we needed to drive our dream. Thus, it was perfectly understandable that he considered himself as the leader of the group. Of course, he was a year (and five months) older than I was, and I was almost three years older than the ‘baby’ of the team; but no one was interested in dragging ‘headship’, and none of us was imposing, nor throwing his weight around… we just wanted to do a damn good paper. Most of 1990 was an elaborate plan to get in the same grooves with my friends who had solid magazine production experience. It became a daily challenge for me to learn many aspects of publishing, not just newspapering. Punch was an excellent workshop for ambitious journalists who wanted to learn the ropes, and put in the hard hours. I traversed all the departments in the Punch manned by great men and women whose loyalty and pragmatism to make the newspaper not only survive the austere and ravaging 90s, but to soar and

succeed. The salary was not much, but the passion to share and work was extraordinary. I started with something like N450 per month about three months after I was asked if I could start work without pay (but only paid weekly allowances for transportation). It was no problem for me. I just wanted to work, and work, and excel. To what purpose? I had no inkling, beyond expressing my ambition to get to wherever the top was in my career. Two months after starting, and with my frenetic zeal to take up any assignments five times a week, and spend the weekend working on proofreading tasks and helping with the graphics, the library spadework, and the cartoonists, the company decided I was earning more than I should if they had kept me as an ordinary staff. They were forced to fast track the regularisation of my employment late in 1988. About a year later, I received what seemed like a grudging appreciation and confirmation of my status as a staff writer, and a salary increase. The letter dated December 22, 1989, stated as follows: “Management has followed your performance as a staff writer on the entertainment beat with interest. I am happy to say it has been judged quite satisfactory and acceptable. To this end a decision has been made to encourage you. As a staff writer on this beat your new salary will be ₦6,660 per annum (Salary Scale PN Grade VI Step 1). This is a clear testimony that The Punch is ever willing to reward hard work and excellence. It is my belief that you will continue to justify the confidence the company has in you. Congratulations.” In my estimation, that should round off as ₦555 per month - a hefty ₦100 jump on my old salary. I was excited! Being aggressively gluttonous in learning all there was needed to learn, and blessed with an insatiable capacity to work and hold firm, it was easy for the line editors to ask for my input in stray assignments,

choice interviews, even with stints on the editorial board. Then Ibrahim Babangida struck, and shattered everything. Typically. After the Gideon Orkar coup of April, 1990 that almost yanked IBB off his perch, the military president became incensed against civil rights and press freedom. He was stunned by the near success of that coup, and was violently resentful of any opposition. Punch was adamant in its editorial independence, and unyielding in its reportorial even-handedness. That was a dangerous combination to a fat-cat, unprincipled dictatorship. The newspapers were shut down on April 29, 1990. That was my first experience with joblessness. Without easy access to communication tools, which is prevalent today, the management of the Punch did a shoddy job of harnessing and mobilising the staff during the forced ‘layoff’. We became headless chickens without an understanding of why we were being punished, and the company, under the yeoman leadership of the founder’s nephew, Chief Ajibola Ogunsola, was barely meeting its contractual and managerial obligations. Newspapering business was gasping for life, as a business, even without the overarching threat of jackboot intimidation and official harassment. Another painful aspect was the company’s plans which were aborted by the wicked dikta of the military government when they shut the Punch premises. In discussions with the dapper and hardworking then editor of the Punch, Mr. Demola Osinubi (now the longest-serving Group Managing Director), I was being groomed to be part of a team, or to spearhead the origination and potential production of what would have been the first weekend newspaper, essentially devoted to entertainment and other soft news stories. By the way, Weekend Concord beat us to it, hands down, when it launched sometime

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

caused many Nigerians to turn their attention to alternative sources of power supply.” “The most cheering news item in recent times is the marching order given to the NPF....” Stock phrase: marching orders. “The police strenght is inadequate to cope with the security of a large population of 150 million Nigerians.” Spell-check: strength. Similarly: straight. “News from reliable sources tend (tends) to portray a government tendency itching (do you mean inching?) towards sustenance.…” “Ex-head of states, who have cracked and liquidated the nation’s coffers are to be paid or are receiving N350,000 every month.” Building a new nation: Ex-heads of state who had (not have)…. “Vocational equipments, basic infrastructures and qualified personnels must be given priority in our scheme of things.” Uncountable words: equipment and personnel. “The news of the death of…via a ghastly motor accident recently came as a rude shock to us.” Advert condolence: fatal (not ghastly) motor accident. Beyond the correction, since the man died, there was no need for the inclusion of the mode of mishap. Simply a motor accident: got the point? “But suffice it to say that those rooting to unseat a recalcitrant lawmaker should be abreast with (of) the legal bottleneck rather than arm-twisting.” “It is very easy for a moneybag (sic) who (that) has….” ‘Moneybags’ (plural unchanged) (especially informal and derogatory) is a rich person. (Source: OXFORD Advanced Learner’s DICTIONARY) ‘Moneybag’ is a bag for containing money.

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON

fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)

in March, 1989. Well, all that ‘second-hand’ dream and tinkering vanished when the soldiers paid us a ‘permanent’ visit. By the time we returned from the ‘lockout’, a month afterwards, the situation had changed - my head, as they say in football business, had been turned. My ambition had splintered from the pre-lock-down Punch era. I was merely waiting for the newspaper to return, so I could effect a responsible and effective disengagement process with my colleagues, friends, bosses and my teeming readers. What I can take from this, before unfolding what transpired between April and June of 1990 is to underscore the need for anyone desirous of success in any field to dispassionately review your life-changing decisions with your happiness and personal targets as the keynotes in arriving at your destination. It is admirable to be loyal, and be reliable. It is more important to be happy and hopeful in the position or choice you have decided to take, or not to take. Do not allow yourself to be guided by the expectations of others on what is the best option for your life - be clear headed and certain that your actions are honest, progressive, and of great satisfaction to you. When others benefit from what works for you, give thanks. If that does not happen, don’t sweat on regrets; just pray, and hope for a better scenario. Life is too short to be spent counting regrets and moments of indecision.” (Third and final strip of excerpts from chapter 1 of my latest memoir, ‘FAME: Untold Stories of its Rise & Fall’ - November, 2021 - Amazon/Kindle/Lulu - 354 pages).

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

27. 11.2021

NEWS

CAN UNITED FIND THEIR RHYTHM AGAIN? PAGE. 29

VICTOR OSIMHEN

When Will His Time Come?

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 27, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Victor Osimhen

When Will His Time Come? Victor Osimhen’s AFCON dream shattered

At the last edition of AFCON in Egypt, he was unhappy over lack of game time as he was told to wait for his time.With his current form,no coach would have denied Victor Osimhen of a first team place in the Super Eagles party to the biennial competition slated for Cameroon; but it was not to be after the striker was ruled out of the squad to the Central African country after an operation on his cheekbone

peaking on a YouTube channel, former Manchester United striker,Victor Ighalo said: “I’m very happy and I’m proud of Victor, I do communicate with him every time, I keep encouraging him that he’s doing so well, he should keep being humble, keep working harder. “He has not achieved anything yet because I know in two to three years’ time this guy will be playing in the Premier League and going to be the best scorer because I can see his hunger. “Even when we were at AFCON (Egypt 2019) he was bit frustrated he was not playing, he’s not happy. “I told him Victor, your time will come, I told him I’m leaving, you are the one that is going to take over this Number 9 shirt if you believe in yourself and you work hard, I can see your potential and I’m so happy and glad that he’s doing that. “ True to Ighalo’s prediction, Osimhen inherited the Number 9 shirt, but his dream of showcasing himself at the 2022 AFCON is now a mirage after his operation that has ruled him out for three months. Super Eagles striker Osimhen picked up an injury in the Napoli’s clash against Inter Milan, which is set to rule him out of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria have suffered a massive blow ahead of AFCON after it was confirmed that star Osimhen would miss the tournament in January. Osimhen picked up two nasty injuries in Napoli’s Serie A encounter against Inter Milan last Sunday at the San Siro Stadium. The 22-year-old’s collision with Inter defender Milan Skriniar left him with a swollen eye and cheekbone. Tests after the game revealed Osimhen suffered an orbital fracture and also broke his cheekbone, with Napoli confirming he would need surgery. The former Lille star surgery took place on Tuesday morning, and it was successful. However, Napoli released a statement that he would miss three months of action, which

effectively rules him out of AFCON. Napoli’s statement read: Victor Osimhen was operated on this morning by Prof. Tartaro, assisted by Dr. Mario Santagata and in the presence of Dr. Canonical, for a reduction and restraint operation of multi-fragmentary and displaced fractures of the malar bone, of the zygomatic arch and pommel, of the floor and lateral wall of the orbit, and of the diastasis of the fronto-zygomatic suture. The synthesis of the bone abutments was done with titanium plates and screws. The player is fine and will remain under observation for a few days. The prognosis is estimated to be around 90 days. The news was a big blow for the Super Eagles, whose hopes of winning a fourth continental title rest on the shoulders of the former Lille star. Osimhen has been Nigeria’s leading man since 2019. The 22-year-old has scored 10 goals in just 19 appearances for the three-time African champions. National team assistant coach Joseph Yobo says the loss of Osimhen to injury is a massive blow for the Super Eagles’ 2021 Africa Cup of Nations aspirations. Discussing what Osimhen’s absence means to Gernot Rohr’s squad at the biennial African football showpiece, the country’s assistant coach expressed his gloom about the development – considering the striker’s impact in the three-time African champions’ squad. “It is shocking to hear that such an integral part of the national team is going to be missing the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations,” an unhappy Yobo told Goal. “He is a big player, but his health is more important. It is a blow for the national team. “Osimhen is a young lad who has a lot of potentials and is still developing. I had a chat with him recently and I reminded him of how great he could be. I wish him a speedy recovery. “His talent is unmeasurable, his presence, his energy and what he brings to the team as a no. 9 is frightening,” he continued.

“Even when he is not playing well, having someone like him on the field makes the team better because of his energy. He gives everything on the pitch. “In our last game against Cape Verde, he was everywhere. So, every manager would want a player like Osimhen in their team. “Honestly, it is so sad that arguably the most in-form Nigerian player at the moment is injured and will be out of AFCON. It’s a blow for the national team, it’s a blow for his club and a blow for football fans.” Football fans have taken to social media to express pessimism over Nigeria’s chances of a fourth African diadem in Cameroon. Even at that, the former Everton and Fenerbahce defender remains upbeat that other players could step up and take the opportunity Osimhen’s injury presented. “I can feel how bad the fans feel because Osimhen is a focal point of the national team going forward,” Yobo added. “There are key positions you need to succeed, and a Number 9 and goal scorer is one. “However, when you look at it from the other angle, Nigeria is blessed with so many players, but there is none like Osimhen.” The Nigerian striker left quite an impression on the specialist who operated on the cheekbone and eye-socket injuries he sustained at the weekend. Italian surgeon Gianpaolo Tartaro has revealed his admiration for Osimhen after meeting the Napoli forward during the surgical procedure done to correct the multiple fractures the youngster suffered to his face on Sunday. Tartaro, a plastic and aesthetic surgeon, led the team of specialists who successfully operated on Osimhen on Monday. The Italian doctor admitted he found a ‘special boy’ in Osimhen. Tartaro revealed he told Osimhen that, even though the surgery done on the Nigerian striker was an unusual procedure,

it was a success. The Italian Professor is convinced Osimhen is healthy enough to go on and win the league title. “I also told Victor, a special boy, that it was not a normal operation,” Tartaro told Corriere dello Sport, as per TuttoNapoli. “But it’s done and now I’m asking him to go and win the Scudetto.” Professor Tartaro confirmed that it would be difficult for the Super Eagles star to participate in the continental championship as he would not train for at least two months. Tartaro added: “A real training, with contact, (Osimhen) will not be able to do it for eight to nine weeks. “It is impossible to think that he will go to the African Cup: his body and his face they came out distorted by the impact.” Osimhen is Napoli’s leading goal scorer this term, with nine goals in 13 appearances in the Italian Serie A and Europa League combined. The former Lille ace also topped the goal chart for Nigeria during the World Cup qualifying campaign with dour strikes. Meanwhile, Tartaro has denied that he was forced by Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis to indicate a prognosis of 90 days in order to stop Osimhen from representing Nigeria at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Before the operation took place, medical experts including Tartaro, had suggested that Osimhen would return to full training by mid-December, few weeks before he was due to report to a training camp with the Nigeria squad ahead of the AFCON. Tartaro has denied that a WhatsApp audio circulating in which the voice of the person is heard introducing himself as the specialist did not originate from him. In the alleged fake audio, the person claiming to be Tartaro revealed that Napoli chief Laurentiis made a specific request for Osimhen to be ruled out for 90 days. “So now we will say that he is out for 90 days. Surely, he will be able to play the first match in January with the mask, it will not be easy.” Reacting to the voice audio, Tartaro was quoted as saying by FanPage: “I don’t know how to say it’s not me. In that audio some things are said extremely precise, others wrong. I’m a surgeon, I find it absurd. It’s pure madness. “In the operating room there was a great coming and going of people and at the end of the surgery I talked about some technical things. I am very sorry “I repeat, it’s not me. I’m not interested in saying this, I’d just lose out.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 27, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Chelsea Welcome Troubled Man Utd to Stamford Bridge Premier League leaders, Chelsea will be hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table against a troubled Manchester United side at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in a game between two sides with contrasting fortunes in the league

uoyed by the news of Ralf Rangnick’s imminent appointment, Manchester United travel to Chelsea for Sunday afternoon’s tantalising Premier League

encounter. The Blues remain top of the pile with 29 points from their opening 12 games, whereas Michael Carrick’s side sit seven places and 12 points below the European champions. Often criticised for a perceived unfairness towards their academy players - with countless names currently out on loan - Chelsea’s youth products stole the show against Juventus as the Champions League holders ran out convincing 4-0 winners at Stamford Bridge. Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi all struck for the Blues before Timo Werner came off the bench to round off the scoring on his comeback from injury, which has seen Chelsea confirm their rightful place in the last-16 of the tournament. Thomas Tuchel’s side’s Premier League fortunes also improved following their 1-1 draw with Burnley before the international break, as the scintillating Blues saw off Leicester City 3-0 at the King Power, with former Foxes lynchpin N’Golo Kante scoring the pick of the bunch. Victory over Juventus marked Chelsea’s ninth win from 10 in all competitions, and the league leaders remain three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table having conceded a league-low four goals all season - three of which have come at home, though. However, Matej Vydra’s equaliser for Burnley is the only goal that Chelsea have conceded over their last 450 minutes of top-flight football, and United’s famed attackers will have their work cut out to impress their soon-to-be interim boss. Rumours around Mauricio Pochettino continue to swirl, but as United seek an experienced head to guide them through the remainder of the 2021-22 season, the ‘godfather’ of the gegenpress - Ralf Rangnick, appears to be Manchester-bound. Michael Carrick led the Red Devils to a much-needed 2-0 Champions League win over Villarreal in midweek to book their spot in the knockout rounds, and the Englishman will have the chance to pit his wits against Chelsea this week, with Rangnick not set to be appointed in time for a Tuchel reunion. Not one United fan needs reminding how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign came to the most dismal of finishes at Watford last time out in the Premier League, and Carrick’s first top-flight game in charge starts with the Red Devils lying eighth in the table before the weekend’s games kick off. Five of Solskjaer ’s last seven Premier League games in charge of Man United ended in defeat, and the Red Devils have failed to win back-to-back games on the road across all competitions this term - with a 2-1 defeat to Young Boys sandwiched in between top-flight successes at Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United. History may be on the Red Devils’ side, though, as they are unbeaten

Premiership Table Chelsea Man City Liverpool West Ham Arsenal Wolves Tottenham Man Utd Brighton Crystal Palace Everton Leicester Southampton Brentford Aston Villa Watford Leeds Burnley Norwich Newcastle

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

26 19 24 9 -4 0 -6 -1 -2 1 -3 -5 -3 -1 -4 13 -4 -8 -6 -20 -12

29 26 25 23 20 19 19 17 17 16 15 15 14 13 13 11 9 8 6

PREMIER LEAGUE TODAY

Arsenal v Newcastle 12:30 Crystal Palace v Aston Villa 15:00 Liverpool v Southampton 15:00 Norwich v Wolves 15:00 Brighton v Leeds Utd 17:30 SUNDAY

Brentford v Everton 14:00 Burnley v Tottenham 14:00 Leicester v Watford 14:00 Man City v West Ham 14:00 Chelsea v Man Utd 16:30

La Liga TODAY

Alavés v Celta Vigo 13:00 Valencia v Vallecano 15:15 Mallorca v Getafe 17:30 Villarreal v Barcelona 20:00 SUNDAY

Real Betis v Levante 13:00 Espanyol v Sociedad 15:15 Cádiz v Atlético 17:30 Madrid v Sevilla 20:00 MONDAY

Osasuna v Elche 20:00

Hot Shot PLAYERS

N’Golo Kante’s battle with Bruno Fernandes would go a long way he deciding the outcome of tomorrow’s encounter between Chelsea and Manchester United

in their last seven Premier League meetings with Chelsea - keeping clean sheets in each of their last four, although both highly anticipated games last term ended goalless. After seeing off Porto with ease in the Champions League, Liverpool return to Anfield for today’s Premier League visit of Southampton. The Reds’ most recent top-flight game saw them teach Arsenal a footballing lesson in a 4-0 success, while the Saints went down 2-1 to Norwich City. Liverpool quickly found out how hard it would be to breach an Aaron Ramsdale-inspired Arsenal defence last weekend, but when the floodgates opened following Sadio Mane’s header, Jurgen Klopp’s men showed no mercy. A second-half flurry of strikes saw Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah and Takumi Minamino strike for a ruthless Liverpool as Mikel Arteta’s young guns were humbled, and the Reds kept the momentum going by not letting their heads drop in the Champions League. Despite assuring themselves of a first-placed finish before the visit of Porto, Liverpool kept up their remarkable rate of scoring at least twice with a 2-0 win over the Portuguese giants, with Thiago Alcantara scoring a peach of a strike before Salah doubled his side’s tally. Having recovered from a two-game winless run in the Premier League,

Klopp’s side occupy third spot in the table - one point adrift of second-placed Manchester City - but leaders Chelsea are currently out of sight with 12 fixtures played. Liverpool have now scored at least two goals in each of their last 16 games across all competitions and are yet to suffer defeat domestically or continentally at home this term, so Southampton sure do have their work cut out for them. Southampton fans could have been forgiven for harbouring hopes of a routine success against a struggling Norwich City side in gameweek 12, with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side entering the encounter on the back of three wins and a draw in the top flight. However, the Saints became only Norwich’s second victims of the new season, as Che Adams’s fourth-minute effort was quickly cancelled out by a Teemu Pukki header before Grant Hanley won it for the Canaries in the 79th minute. Saints goalkeeper Alex McCarthy did not cover himself in glory on the day as Southampton’s four-game unbeaten run came to an abrupt end, with that 2-1 defeat leaving them 13th in the rankings with 14 points to their name - five clear of the drop zone. Southampton may have taken a point from their clash at the Etihad Stadium with Manchester City this season, but with 13 defeats from 17 away games in the top flight since the turn of the year, the Saints boast

Mo Salah Jermie Vardy Michail Antonio Sadio Mane Raphael Dias P. Aubameyang Roberto Firmino Bruno Fernandes Gnaly Cornet

CLUB

Liverpool Leicester West Ham Liverpool Leeds Arsenal Liverpool Man Utd Burnley

GOALS

10 7 6 6 5 4 4 4 4

Head to Head 21-02-28 Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd 20-10-24 Man Utd 0-0 Chelsea 20-02-17 Chelsea 0-2 Man Utd 19-08-11 Man Utd 4-0 Chelsea 19-04-28 Man Utd 1-1 Chelsea 18-10-20 Chelsea 2-2 Man Utd 18-02-25 Man Utd 2-1 Chelsea 17-11-05 Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd 17-04-16 Man Utd 2-0 Chelsea 16-10-23 Chelsea 4-0 Man Utd 16-02-07 Chelsea 1-1 Man Utd 15-12-28 Man Utd 0-0 Chelsea 15-04-18 Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd 14-10-26 Man Utd 1-1 Chelsea 14-01-19 Chelsea 3-1 Man Utd 13-08-26 Man Utd 0-0 Chelsea 13-05-05 Man Utd 0-1 Chelsea

the worst Premier League away record in 2021 - hardly a reassuring statistic before a trip to Anfield. Hasenhuttl let emotion take over when his side overcame Liverpool 1-0 at St Mary’s last term, but Southampton have lost seven of their last eight league battles with the Reds and are without a goal on the Anfield turf since January 2017 in the EFL Cup.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 27, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

L-R: National Women’s Chess Champion, Perpetua Ogbiyoyo, Executive Director, Commercial Banking for Sterling Bank, ‘Tunde Adeola, National Men’s Chess Champion, Femi Balogun and President, Chess Players Association of Nigeria, Martins Amabipi at Sterling Towers... recently.

Infantino Berates Opponents of Biennial World Cup Fifa President, Gianni Infantino said opponents of plans to hold the World Cup every two years were “afraid” of change as countries in Africa voiced support for the proposals. European confederation Uefa and South American counterpart Conmebol do not want to move away from the current four-year cycle, while England’s Premier League is among several domestic leagues to have

voiced opposition. On Friday, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) became the first global confederation to formally back Fifa’s proposal, saying it wou ld fu lly ap p rove a bien nial World Cup if th at d ec is ion w as taken later this year. “It h ap p ens in every s ec tor of life wh en there are reform s and c h ang es - th os e wh o are at the top d on’ t want

anything to change because they are at the top,” Infantino said. “And they are afraid maybe that if something changes, their leadership position is at risk. “We understand that and we compliment and applaud them for having been so successful in reaching the top. But at the same time, we cannot close the door, we need to keep the door open, we need to give hope and opportunities.”

Terry, Carlos Trill Fans in Budweiser Game of Kings The much-anticipated Budweiser Game of Kings between Kings FC featuring former Chelsea and England skipper, John Terry, and Smooth FC, led by former Real Madrid and Brazil legend, Roberto Carlos, held last Saturday at the Onikan Stadium in Lagos. Tagged, “Battle of the Greats” the high-profile match was preceded by a press conference and dinner to announce and celebrate the arrival of the football legends at the Lagos Continental Hotel in Lagos. Budweiser had earlier at a press conference revealed plans

to have Terry and Carlos in Nigeria to play alongside select players from the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL). Speaking during the press conference, Marketing Director, International Breweries, Tolulope Adedeji said, “Budweiser recognises football as a unifier of Nigerians all over the world. As a brand that has always supported and promoted the beautiful game, and that’s why we came with Budweiser Game of Kings.” The absorbing contest saw the duo of Carlos and Terry display some of the skills that

set them apart as football greats and gave fans a dose of their signature moves which attracted chants of “JT” and “Carlos” from various parts of the stadium. The match was decided on penalties after ending in a goalless draw at the end of 90 minutes. At the end of the spot-kicks, Smooth FC emerged winners after edging out Kings FC out by four goals to two. Carlos received the trophy as Team Captain of Smooth FC while Terry lifted the trophy on behalf of Kings FC as the Team Captain.

Jonathan, Corporate Organisations, Royal Fathers Rally to Lift PGA Fund Raising A ray of hope and sigh of relief was raised and heaved over the weekend as the first ever Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of Nigeria Fund Raising Gala Night came to reality with an encouraging response from individuals and corporate organisations. It was an event that also witnessed the investiture of the former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as the Grand Patron of the PGA of Nigeria as well as the unveiling of the Nigerian Tour logo. However the pumps and pageantry that ignited the epoch occasion was all efforts geared towards achieving one goal for the PGA of Nigeria – raising a substantial amount that could help put some structures in place for the elevation of the PGA of Nigeria to a global standard and impliedly to enable the players in benefiting the true status of golf professionalism. Yes indeed, it was gratifying to note that Jonathan, represented by Col. Paul Obi (rtd), former

Military Governor of Bayelsa State, whose investiture was the highlight of the occasion made a heartwarming commitment and pledges that would no doubt be one of catalysts towards the realisation of the PGA of Nigeria dreams in no distant time. Dr Jonathan who commended the PGA of Nigeria’s executive committee for its relentless efforts at seeking ways to institute a strong structure for the association; the acceptability and supports of the players in recent times, therefore pledged to be part of the process of the dreamed progressive and developed association. According to him, “I am delighted by the attention golf is being given in our society today and the support our players have continued to receive.” “I congratulate Lagos-based professional, Francis Epe, for winning the inaugural PGA of Nigeria tournament, Pa Aikwuta Mark Memorial Golf Tournament in Oturkpo; Benue State; I congratulate the Life

Vice President, Major General IBM Haruna and the Board of Trustees of the Association for their continued support of the Association,” he said. In the light of the above ex-President pledged, ” On my part, I will work with the PGA of Nigeria on the bid towards the development of the sport and I will encourage public spirited Nigerians and individuals to support the Association fund raising towards realising its goal.” The occasion was also graced by commensurable, quality personalities as the Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla 111, Elegushi of Ikateland who as well made his impact felt in cash and kind pledging to support in ensuring other wellmeaning Nigerian supported PGA of Nigeria to grow. The Royal Father believes, “Golf is a game that has lots of health benefits; I love the game and I will make sure PGA of Nigeria gets to its desired height by calling on my friends to embrace it.”

L-R: Austin Eguavoen, Falilat Ogunkoya, Executive Director Adron Homes, Olori Aderonke EmmanuelKing, GMD, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, Daniel Amokachi, and Waidi Akanni during the closing ceremony of the 2021 Adron Games in Sagamu...last weekend

Daily Trust Golf Tourney Gathers Momentum The one-day golf tournament being oraganised by Media Trust Limited, publishers of Daily Trust is generating a lot of interest among golfing stakeholders in the public and private sectors across the country. Part of the excitement about the one-day tournament, scheduled to hold on Saturday, December 4, at the 18-hole Ibom Icon Golf Course in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, is the mouth-watering offer of a return ticket for a golfing weekend in Kigali, the Rwandan capital, for the top winners in the men and ladies’ categories. Daily Trust, one of Nigeria’s leading newspapers is hosting a one-day Golf Tournament, which is expected to see about 120 amateur golfers converging on the challenging course of Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort. According to the General Manager, Business and

Strategy, Daily Trust, Ahmed Shekarau, the tournament will accommodate the crème of Nigeria’s golf players, captains of industry and special guests for a weekend of exciting golf while promoting national unity. “We made the conscious decision to promote the game of golf through the Daily Trust Golf Tournament, because golf’s growing popularity among Nigeria’s prime movers has elevated the sport to a strategic meeting point for the elite class”, Shekarau said. He further stated that, “Golf creates the opportunity for business networking and therefore serves as an ideal course to enhance the drive for unity of purpose by citizens, especially at this challenging period for our country. He disclosed that numerous golf promoters from

the public and private sectors have signified their interests in partnering with Daily Trust towards putting together a successful tournament, come December 4, this year. He disclosed further that several golfers from Benin, Enugu, Kano, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Kaduna, Katsina and Lagos have either paid their entry fees or made commitments on their readiness to be part of the one-day tourney. He said a lot of the golfers are excited by the prospects of winning the star prize in this tournament. The star prize for both the men and the ladies’ winner, is an all-expensespaid golfing weekend in Kigali, Rwanda; 3-night stay in a 5-star hotel in Kigali; 2-rounds of golf at the Premier 18-hole Kigali Golf Club and a business class round-trip on Abuja-Kigali ticket on Rwanda Air.

Adron Games Organisers Thank Partners for Success of 2021 Edition Organisers of the just concluded 2021 Adron Games have declared that the three-day event was a huge success, even as they hinged the wonderful outing on the support of their partners, sponsors and Ogun State government as well as the media. Consultant to Games, ex international Waidi Akanni who is still on cloud nine over the wonderful outing, stated that the games lived up to its slogan ”Be Fit for the Top.” He was full of praises for the Group Managing Director of Adron Homes,

Aare Adetola Emmanuel King and his wife Olori Aderonke who is the Executive Director of the firm for the massive financial support for the t h re e - d a y sports fiesta. In Akanni’s words, ”It was to say the least a wonderful outing in Sagamu. It was indeed an Adron Games Olympics which clearly shows t h a t A d r o n Homes are the leading real estate company. We want to say a big thank you to all who contributed to the success story.

“On behalf of the GMD and ED of Adron Homes, we say a big thank you.” Sagamu town was simply agog for the three days the games lasted. Special mention must be made of Keystone Bank, all Adron contractors , Ogun State government, the Commissioner for Sports and all local government chairmen who were present at the grand finale. All the clubs and higher institutions in Ogun State. We say kudos to our Ambassadors, Daniel Amokachi, Augustine Eguavoen and Mrs Falilat Ogunkoya.”

Chelsea vs Man Utd, Others Live on DStv, GOtv Customers on DStv and GOtv can look forward to Round 13 action from the Premier League, with matches scheduled to run from today and tomorrow. The top clash out of England’s top flight for this weekend is the meeting of Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening at 5:30pm on SuperSport Premier League (DStv channel 203). Sunday will also feature a

potential thriller when Manchester City host West Ham United at 3pm on SuperSport Premier League. The round also sees Arsenal open the weekend’s proceedings at home to Newcastle United this afternoon at 1:30pm on SuperSport Premier League, while Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace will aim to continue their impressive progress when they welcome Aston Villa to Selhurst

Park at 4pm on SuperSport Variety 3 (DStv channel 208). Liverpool will back themselves to beat Southampton at home today at 4pm on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Football (DStv channel 205 and GOtv channel 31). Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur will have their toughness tested by a rugged Burnley on Sunday at 3pm on SuperSport Variety 3.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 27, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Emmanuel Dennis

Has He Found A Home at Vicarage Road After a turbulent season with Club Brugge culminating to his being loaned to FC Cologne where he had a terrible time, Watford however took a surprise gamble on Emmanuel Dennis. The Nigerian seems to have found a home atVicarage Road having been directly involved in nine goals for Watford this season, second only to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah

mmanuel Dennis’ latest exploit for The Hornets was during last Saturday’s complete outclass of the Red Devils, and there was no other player on the pitch who made as much impact as the Nigerian attacker. The Super Eagles forward got the last goal as Watford sealed a memorable 4-1 win over Manchester United at the Vicarage Road. Joshua King, Ismaïla Sarr, and João Pedro were all on the scoresheet on a beautiful afternoon where the Hornets could have scored more. However, Dennis’ impact, which included two assists, put him head and shoulder above others, earning him an unrivalled 8.1 Sofascore rating and the man-of-the-match award. On a day when everything went perfectly for the Nigerian, Dennis made three key passes (joint-most with teammates Louza and Adam Masina), created one big chance, completed two of his six attempted dribbles, and won six of 13 duels. He also made two interceptions, three recoveries and pressed Man United 21 times, the most of any Hornets’ players. With four goals and five assists in 833 minutes spread across 11 Premier League games, Dennis has now been directly involved in nine goals for Watford this season. Only Mohamed Salah (11 goals and seven assists) has more goal involvements in the division. With his tally, Dennis is currently joint-fourth in the assists table and inside the top 10 for goals this season in the Premier League. These are quite impressive numbers

for a player who flopped in the German Bundesliga with FC Cologne last season and was considered surplus to requirements at Club Brugge in Belgium. Before his goal against the Red Devils, Dennis had found the back of the net in away victories at Everton, Norwich City, and the home win over Aston Villa in mid-August. Dennis’ one-goal-and-two-assists performance against United was a repeat of a similar display in the 5-2 thrashing of the Toffees in late October. Dennis’ skill-sets seem perfectly cut for the Premier League, and the Nigerian international could be even more decisive for Watford as manager Claudio Ranieri looks to turn the Hornets into a tough-to-beat outfit. The Hornets’ signing of Dennis from Club Brugge raised a few eyebrows owing to the underwhelming nature of the forward’s last campaign, which included a rather torrid spell in the Bundesliga with Koln. Dennis, whose finest hour to date were those pair of goals against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu however justified his signing by scoring the first goal in the Premier League win against Aston Villa. After the match, the Nigerian said playing alongside Ismaila Sarr would be vital for his success this season. “We get along well in training when we play together and I know he’s going to be really important for me if I’m going to be in the number nine,” Dennis told the club website. “I’m really happy with the combination. It’s a process, so I’m really happy we started in a good way and we keep

working.” After just 10 minutes of the match, Dennis had swept the ball beneath Emiliano Martinez in the Villa goal to open his Watford account and it’s a moment he says he will never forget. “I’ll remember this for all my life,” he added. “I’m speechless; I don’t know what to say. We have energy, I’m really happy because we’ve been working hard for a really long time so I’m happy we could give the fans a good performance and they can go home smiling.” The 24-year-old who played on the left and later up top stated after the game that he is comfortable in any position. Dennis said, “I can play anywhere in the front three, it’s okay to me and I did the job. “I’m very happy, we deserved to win. Winning was the only thing in our heads, we kept going and got a very important three points. “We kept going, I missed the chance before the penalty, I could have scored but we kept going and I got a goal! “It (the win) was really important with the big games coming up, we’re really happy,” Dennis added. He went on to dissect how he got involved with the last two goals which sealed the three points. About Joao Pedro’s goal, Dennis said, “I’m really happy for him, “He was emotional, which is normal, this is the Premier League. I’m happy I could give him the assist. On his goal, Dennis added, “I was running and I thought Cucho Hernán-

dez was going to chest it to me but he took it for himself. The defender was on Cucho so I took the ball, I knew he was going to stay with Cucho, and then the good finish.” Despite two goals in 23 appearances for Club Brugge and Köln, a challenging time in Germany and alleged attitude problems, Watford have taken a gamble on Dennis. The forward made more than 90 appearances across all competitions for Club Brugge and delivered eyecatching performances in domestic competitions and the Champions League. In the 2017-18 season, he featured prominently as the Black and Blue won the First Division A title and also helped the club finish as runner-up in the 2018-19 campaign. Dennis has explained why he had to leave Belgian Pro League champions Club Brugge. The Yola-born player had left the team bus in anger after he was denied his preferred seating position and he has since reflected on the last six months. G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMIFULA OGBU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 27, 2021

TRIBUTE

Boboye Oyeyemi: Salute to a Serial Medallist Tunde Olusunle

ou are likely to mistake his officious mien for unfriendliness, even disputatiousness. Bespectacled, with an interrogating mien; you could almost be caught off balance meeting him for the first time, if you are not guarded. He can be very business-like too, shooting straight after the preliminary exchange of pleasantries and handshakes. He is a good listener, who quietly ingests the submissions of his guest, and processes his own rejoinder. A hands-on administrator, he frequently moves around his office complex on its many floors, stopping by various offices and departments to check up on work and goings-on, engaging officers and personnel, with an unusual capacity to address people by their first names. He is peculiarly passionate about his vocation as visibly evidenced by the delight with which he dons his work gear, gleaming epaulettes drooping down his shoulders and festooned on the breast of his official attire. You can indeed almost physically feel his heightened dedication to his work. Between his desk in the office and the study in home, files, papers and documents receive seamless attention, even as he makes telephone calls from time to time to colleagues and subordinates, seeking elucidation on issues. And it wouldn’t matter which part of the world he is: Accra or Algiers, Brazilia, or Banjul, New York or New Delhi, Paris or Pretoria, official business proceeds without disruption. An information technology-savvy chief executive, he ensures there is no lacuna in decision making and target execution. For him, except for his irrevocable dedication to his Christian faith (he is a Deacon in his denomination, by the way), which ensures he religiously attends church services and programmes, weekdays roll into weekends and vice versa. Retreats, seminars, presentations and similar functions can be held even at the weekends, to ensure the organisation he heads, remains ever proactive. Beyond that initial attitudinal austerity, however, Boboye Olayemi Oyeyemi is a genial, affable, unassuming personality who breaks into a smile, even a big laughter, revealing a small gap tooth in his upper dentition, as he banters with you. He simultaneously details one of his aides to serve you your preference of beverages and refreshments, as you both continue your interaction. Oyeyemi is the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive (COMACE), of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), a position he has held since his first appointment by former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in 2014. He replaced Osita Chidoka, who was appointed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in the twilight of his administration in 2007. He is at home with a broad spectrum of issues and topics, beyond his primary kern in the road traffic administration sector and delights in robust, scholastic exchanges with friends. Yes, he eats, drinks, breathes, feels and lives road traffic management and safety, and has built up himself into a formidable contemporary specialist and core exemplar of repute, in this critical department. Consistent with the global best practices of scholarship and intellection, however, he is ever willing to share his own perspectives and vistas on issues, and simultaneously receptive to dimensions from the other person, in a cyclical learning process. Oyeyemi and I met in the course of official work, way back after the inception of the current fourth republic, in 1999. His virtual “twin,” colleague in the service and contemporary, Yemi Omidiji, was in tow. I was an aide to Obasanjo, while Oyeyemi and Omidiji were senior officials with the FRSC. Danyaro Ali Yakasai was the Corps Marshal, (CM), in 1999, having just succeeded Haladu Anthony Hananniya, a retired major general of the Nigerian Army. Yakasai himself was soon succeeded by Abba Kyari Wakilbe, one year into the former’s stint in office. At this point, the FRSC had been

Oyeyemi

Under Oyeyemi’s watch, Nigeria has attained global standards courtesy of the introduction of the “Emergency Toll Free Line 122,” which has been catalytic in abridging the response time to assist victims in emergency situations across the FRSC’s several unit commands and outposts across Nigeria. Permanent structures have been built and commissioned at various sector commands, to improve the infrastructure assets of the Commission for enhanced productivity subsumed under the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and Wakilbe exercised supervisory control over the FRSC, on behalf of the NPF. This translated into three chief executives for the nation’s foremost road traffic regulation and monitoring agency. Oyeyemi and Omidiji, both younger at the time, always prayed and wished for administrative stability in an organisation they had both built their lives and careers around. Fortuitously, Obasanjo in 2003, ruled against the merger of the FRSC with the NPF, November 7, 2003 and reappointed Hananniya as Corps Marshal. By sheer providence, Oyeyemi’s wife and my wife, were colleagues and friends in the same parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism, those early years of our present democratic milieu. What began as a relationship between two men, therefore, blossomed into an inextricable inter-family connectedness. Our children equally joined the loop, becoming not just friends, but brothers and sisters, attending functions between themselves looking out for one another, in

the schools they found themselves at various times. Oyeyemi’s children address my wife as “mummy,” while my children equally defer to and acknowledge Mrs. Oyeyemi, as mother. On the occasion of a milestone birthday many years ago, Oyeyemi and his family, literally “connived” with my folks, to organise an early morning surprise for me. I woke up on that day, to meet the COMACE, his wife, the parish Pastor of my church at the time Mathew Morakinyo; Tony Olofu (my longstanding friend a Commissioner of Police); even brothers like Femi Ajisafe (a former Director in the Ministry of Transport), who came from out-of-state, in my sitting room! There were musicians, a *gangan* drummer and saxophonist, and breakfast had even been served! And he kept a very straight face, as though he was oblivious of the whole scheme. That is quintessential Boboye Oyeyemi. Oyeyemi joined the employ of the FRSC over three decades ago at its inception, in 1988. He was one of the pioneering seven officers and staff of the department, alongside Nobel

Laureate, Wole Soyinka (who envisioned the project); Olu Agunloye (one of the earliest chief executives of the body, who later became a Minister under the Obasanjo government); Ben Ifode and Omidiji, who had been earlier acknowledged in this piece. Two others, Major Wyse and Engineer Coker, made up the list and are now departed. Specifically, the FRSC was inaugurated February 18, 1988, by the erstwhile Chief of General Staff, Augustus Aikhomu, a naval admiral. The original founding council members of the organisation included Soyinka, Bilikisu Yusuf (a frontline female journalist) and David Odigie Oyegun (then a federal permanent secretary and subsequently governor of Edo State). Oyeyemi will tell you with a smile, “I’m as old as the system.” He served in different units, departments and offices in the FRSC, across the country, as though he was being groomed for the top job, even from the very beginning. Notably, he functioned as: Officer-in-charge of Communications, Corps Marshal’s Office; Zonal Commanding Officer, Road Safety Two, Headquarters (RS2HQ) Lagos and Area Commander and Principal Commander, respectively, (Plant and Production) of the FRSC licensing unit, Lagos. Oyeyemi was also: Zonal Commanding Officer, RS2HQ, Sokoto; Deputy Director, RSHQ Operations; Acting Director Operations, RSHQ, and Director, Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), RSHQ. He has also been Zonal Commanding Officer, RS3HQ, Yola; Director of Operations, RSHQ and Head of Department (HOD), Planning, Research and Statistics, RSHQ. He similarly headed the Departments of Training, Standardization and Certification; Operations and Motor Vehicle Administration. To date, he is the only COMACE to have served and headed each of the strategic departments in the FRSC, notably: Operations, MVA, PRS, Training, Standardization and Certification. Oyeyemi was appointed COMACE, July 23, 2014. He made history as the very first officer of the FRSC, to rise through the ranks of the organisation, to become helmsman. Preceding practice was to source leaders for the FRSC, from outside the service, as can be seen from the succession profile of the organisation. Misconceptions about the terms of his continued retention in office, therefore, was the subject of public inquisition following his attainment of the age of 60, last November. Public Service Rules provide that “The compulsory retirement age for all grades in the Service, shall be 60 years or 35 years of pensionable service, whichever is earlier.” The provisions of Section 7 (1), FRSC Act 2007, however, empowers the President to appoint anyone he considers as having sound knowledge in road traffic and road safety administration as Corps Marshal of the FRSC. To this extent, the Corps Marshal is not a career civil/public service officer who is expected to grow through the rungs of the service, and be subjected strictly to civil or public service rules. Not at all. It is not to be taken for granted therefore, that the successor of the incumbent COMACE, would come from within the Service. The initial brouhaha about Oyeyemi’s stay in office has been very well clarified: He is serving a second four year stint in office, and will complete his tenure in office come July 23, 2022. Oyeyemi’s term at the top, has witnessed a plethora of successes and innovations. First, there has been substantial reduction in carnage on the nation’s highways. This has been aided by increased public sensitization by the Corps enlightenment department, and improved mobility by marshals. The introduction of “Operation Cobra,” by the Oyeyemi regime has also contributed to lessening bloodletting on our roads, as traffic offenders are referred to accredited health facilities for “Emotional Stability Test.” Response rate to accident sites and flashpoints of gridlocks on the nation’s highways, have been accentuated under his watch. Read full article online www.thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 27, 2021

TRIBUTE

Tribute to Amaka Ndoma-Egba Victor Ndoma-Egba

t has been a full year today without you. I had never imagined life without you even for a second, but here I am in a new reality. On Thursday, 19th November 2020 you and your friends undertook that journey of love and friendship to join another friend in Ondo State for the burial of her mother-in law which would have been more of a celebration of her life. Your journey tragically turned out to be a feast of deaths instead on the Ore-Okitipupa Road, less than twenty minutes to your destination. In less than twenty minutes a celebration of life became a harvest of grief and sorrow to many families and friends. My friend, Victor Chukwuani, former INEC National Commissioner and a member of the entourage was in the car directly behind and was a first-hand witness to the tragedy. The driver of the bus conveying you and your friends drove very carefully according to Victor. That did not stop a trailer coming from the opposite direction to lose control on a straight stretch of road, ramming into the salon car in front of your bus, killing everyone in it instantly before going headlong into your bus. You, and some of the passengers, died on the spot. Others died later. In a split second, ten precious souls were dispatched to eternity. In an instant children became orphaned, others became motherless and husbands became widowed. Arguably, Nigerian roads and Nigerian drivers have notoriously facilitated appointments with eternity through fatalities more than anything else in Nigeria, and had once again lived up to their murderous reputation. For a while I tried to situate my new circumstances. Mallam Nasiru el Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State, who himself had known serial grief was very helpful when he paid a condolence visit. He told a story in the Quaran of King Solomon and the Angel of death. For want of time, I cannot repeat that most insightful story in detail. The moral of the story however is that death is inevitable, its time immutable and that we either travel to keep our appointment with it or it travels to keep the appointment with us. In other words, I should not ponder if you would have lived had you not travelled. Your time came and you

Amaka Ndoma-Egba travelled to keep your appointment with death, an appointment that admits no adjournment. Your capacity for love was legendary. You gave generously of your time, talent and resources. You were passionate about everything you did and you were available to all who needed you. Relationships to you were sacred. You were the ultimate wife and homemaker. I was your life. How you balanced me with the children remains a mystery. Your friends called you “gumbody” because of how you stuck to me. I was your full time engagement. You never believed in half measures. You went for the very best for yourself and for everyone else. You hated pettiness and sullenness. You loved life and lived it to the fullest. You loved laughter; song and dance. With you, there was never any dull moment. You were a fashionista and you were glamorous. Inspite of your social standing, taste and style, you remained down to earth. I recall the crowds in our homes especially during campaigns and how you personally coordinated the mass cooking and ensured that all, irrespective of social status, who came by had a proper meal. No matter the crowd, you ensured that food was

available all day for everyone. Your compassion was boundless and extreme and you were always in prayer. You loved God and adored the Blessed Virgin Mary and would do anything for God. Whenever the children were errant you threatened to report them to the Virgin Mary and they immediately became compliant. I have always reflected on life and death and the meaning of both. The more I do, the more confounded and perplexed I get. This is understandably so because the day we unravel this mystery, we shed our humanity and begin to share in God’s divinity. That day will never come. We can only hope to find meaning in Isaiah 57:1 “The righteous man perishes and no one lays it to heart, devout men are taken away and no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from calamity; he enters into peace; they rest in their beds who walk in their righteousness “ Psalm 116:15 reinforces this “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones”. When therefore is the best time to die? The best time to die is undoubtedly when one dies. We miss you tons. We miss your insights, strong oud, your laughter, your dance, songs and prayers. The flood of grief and emotions when you went to Heaven is evidence of how deeply you touched people in your relatively short but remarkable life. We are consoled by the signs you showed us that you are not only in a better place with your Creator whom you faithfully served while on this mortal plane, but you are also in the company of our adorable Mother Mary. You are now our personal Angel in Heaven having upgraded from wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. And Angels live in Heaven. Continue to Rest In Peace. The year 2020 was our annus hornbills. First was the COVID 19 pandemic which not only shut us down for most of the year but changed the world, and our world. Then your dear mother died rather suddenly. A few days later my mother followed, then my cousin, Ndoma. It was a season of bereavement and it poured. We buried my mother on Tuesday, yours on Friday and Ndoma on Saturday, all of the same week. We thought the worst was over and then came the #EndSARS riots. For reasons that remain unfathomable to date, our Calabar home which took us all of eighteen years to build and complete became

a target. It was completely looted. Only the floor was spared, and not out of choice I believe. The cars were burnt and nothing was left of heirlooms - our wedding gifts, mementos from our many travels, rare books or manuscripts. We were trying to rationalize these successive travails when two weeks later, you undertook the journey from which you are yet to return, and will indeed never return. In spite of the manner of your death, a lady of peace dying in a tragic and violent accident plus the suddenness of it, God has been faithful and merciful. The children have been strong and are growing up to be beautiful young ladies. Zara is taking on more responsibility for others and herself and has become remarkably independent. Kamy is organized and was class prefect. She and Eva are in secondary school. Nkiru is expressive and is easily one of Start-Rite’s dance stars. Asi is a lady. Ugo, Nosa, Chiazor, Ada and Nneka have all stepped up and grown into bigger roles. Ugo, by the way, is shortlisted for the Miss Nigeria Pageant. With her rare beauty and intelligence, she should win. When Nneka sings in church, tears flow freely. Start-Rite School, your dream and passion, is at the next level. Philip and his team are as awesome as ever. Apart from your physical presence, your spirit reigns and we feel you always and everywhere. The home has remained the way you made it; orderly, well-kept and peaceful. The dogs, cats and birds are still one family. The children are guided by “mummy won’t like that” or “mummy would love that”. They still seek your approval in their actions. You were every part of my adult life and you spoiled me. Now I have to take responsibility. I have to learn to keep an eye on everything. I am learning. With you watching from above, pleading for us with God and with Mother Mary also interceding, all is well and will remain well. “We cannot touch you anymore, can’t hear you, can’t see you, but we feel you all the time because you are alive in our hearts”. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. You remain in our hearts and we will love you forever, so you cannot die. You live as I will hold you in my heart until I can hold you in Heaven.

Mabushi Solar Project Wins Award Funke Olaode

igeria made history in United Kingdom on November 16, 2021, when EM-ONE Energy Solutions’ Mabushi Solar Project won the African Solar Industry Association’s (AFSIA) award for Best Commercial and Industrial Solar Project of the Year. The award was part of Africa Energy Forum 2021 – a forum for donors, government stakeholders, financiers and other industry experts actively working in the continent’s energy sector. The Mabushi Solar Energy project, spearheaded by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, and executed by EM-ONE Energy Solutions is an advanced solar microgrid system that has 1.52 MWp PV and 2.28 MWh energy storage and powers multiple office buildings of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in Abuja. The Minister’s vision of providing renewable energy in Nigeria’s public office through his commitment has not only helped in solving the Ministry’s reliance on polluting diesel generators thereby reducing carbon emissions, it is also in line with the UN Paris agreement on SDG Goal 7 on Sustainable Energy. In his remarks at the award ceremony, attended by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Sustainable Infrastructure (Works), Engr. Olufemi Akinyelure, Chief Executive Officer of EM-ONE Energy Solutions, Mr. Mir Islam said, “This award is a testament of the vision of the Nigerian Federal Government and its’ commitment to investing in the energy transition and sustainable development.” Describing the project as “just the beginning”, Islam, who expressed pride at having delivered “such an exceptional project, despite delays and challenges caused by the pandemic”, added, “Fashola’s projection into the future and provision of clean energy by EM-ONE Energy Solutions’ is an example of public sector investments in renewable energy in Nigeria. “This project was conceptualised under the leadership of the Mr. Fashola when the Ministry

L-R: Special Adviser to Minister of Works and Housing on Sustainable Infrastructure, Olufemi Akinyelure; Manager, Strategic Projects and Partnerships, EM-ONE Energy Solutions, Karine Makhijani Malagon; and Chief Executive Oﬃcer, EM-ONE Energy Solutions, Mr. Mir Islam receiving Ministry of Works and Housing Mabushi Solar Project Award for Best African Commercial and Industrial Solar Project of the Year during Africa Energy Forum 2021 held in London…recently.

was merged with the Power Ministry. It was then designed and built by EM-ONE Energy Solutions while it was fully funded by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.” According to him, “While the project was ongoing, investments were made across the projects’ design and implementation to showcase renewable energy and microgrids as the leading technical solution to address Nigeria’s energy availability and reliability challenge.” The EM-ONE Energy Solutions’ boss said the project included a complete electrical retrofit and

upgrade – that has reduced energy consumption by 40 per cent adding that the system uses Tesla’s energy storage solution, the Power pack and its’ advanced microgrid controller, which, according to him is “saving the off-takers 76 per cent on their annual energy expenditure”. The project, he said, created over 500 direct and indirect jobs over the course of its implementation. Describing Nigeria as an economic powerhouse on the African Continent, the Energy CEO, who said the project formed part of the Federal Government’s ambitious commitment to have 10 per cent of its

total power derived from clean energy by 2025. Islam said: “With this feat, the Hon. Minister Fashola has shown doggedness and philosophy in the decentralization of electricity as a way to resolve Nigeria’s power problems. “This award is a testament of the vision of the Nigerian Federal Government and its’ commitment to investing in the energy transition and sustainable development – this project is just the beginning. For our team, we are extremely proud to have delivered such an exceptional project, despite delays and challenges caused by the pandemic.” Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of Renewables in Africa and a member of the award’s jury, Tony Tiyou, said, “If there was ever an ounce of a doubt that Solar is on the move in Africa, it would have certainly disappeared after my experience as a jury for the awards. The full display of talent, innovation, and dedication left me speechless. More than ever I’m confident for the future.” In his keynote address at the commissioning of the project in Mabushi few months ago, Fashola had said the objective was for Nigerians to see renewable energy as a way to cut cost and save the environment from pollution aside the direct/ indirect jobs it creates for Nigerian youths. And responding to the award, Fashola, who praised the dedication and commitment of the Federal Government to support the Solar cause, dedicated the award to President Buhari for supporting his vision. Fashola said: “I think this award must deservedly be dedicated to President Muhammadu Buhari who as leader of the administration supported the investment in off grid power. “He showed a firm commitment to youth involvement in public service and made possible the entire positive spin offs in terms of job creation, technological growth and cleaner energy from the delivery of the project. To my colleagues in the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and all the public officers who worked with the team from EM – ONE to make the project a reality, l also thank you for supporting the vision.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 27, 2021

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Top 10 Car Security Tips

All-new Ford Edge

Coscharis Motors Flaunts Latest Ford Edge at 2021 Abuja Motor Fair

he Ford Edge was one of the major show stoppers at the 2021 Abuja International Motor fair, which took place at the International Conference Center in Abuja, the Federal Capital territory of Nigeria, recently. Coscharis Motors Plc has the exclusive franchise for Ford brands in Nigeria with Ford dedicated sales showrooms, parts and After-sales workshops in all the six geopolitical zones of the country. According to a statement by Coscharis, the upgraded Ford Edge was among other Ford variants displayed at the fair by Coscharis Motors, a foremost automobile dealer and sole franchisee of Ford Motor Company in Nigeria. Speaking during the presentation of the Edge to the audience at the fair, Abiona Babarinde,

General Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications at Coscharis Group said, “We are delighted to showcase the upgraded Ford Edge with all its innovative and fascinating features such as a 2.0 liter ecoboost petrol engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, dual zone climate control, intelligent access and push start button among others. The wait is over and our customers can now begin to enjoy this exquisite masterpiece called the Ford Edge.” Babarinde also listed steps taken by Coscharis Motors to ensure the ease of acquisition of Ford brand of vehicles. According to him, “Coscharis has made Ford vehicles more aͿordable with the introduction of our vehicle Ànance scheme. The scheme is oͿered with the support of our sister company, Coscharis Mobility and other credible Ànancial institutions, including Polaris

Bank and Sterling Bank, whereby prospective customers can, make an initial payment of as low as 10% of the price of any of the Ford vehicles of their choice, and drive home their dream vehicle while the balance is spread over a period of as much as 60 months.” Also speaking at the fair was the representative of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC, Dr. Noah Omisanya. After inspecting the Coscharis – Ford well laid pavilion, an obviously elated Omisanya said, “I am thrilled by what I have seen here. However, I must state here that the NADDC will be more thrilled to have this and other fascinating automobiles assembled here in Nigeria. We are willing to support any automobile Àrm, including Coscharis Motors in the value adding venture of assembling vehicles locally in Nigeria.”

All-new Hyundai TUCSON Takes Tress out of Travelling

nacks, personalised playlists, and car games: Much of a road trip is spent buckled up in the car while the scenery Áashes by. The all-new Hyundai TUCSON ensures travelling for long periods is comfortable and even more convenient. The fourth generation of Hyundai’s successful compact SUV is packed with features that will make any trip just as enjoyable as the destination. The all-new TUCSON has been designed for modern families. Thanks to its combination of stateof-the-art clean technology and features, drivers travelling with children can cruise comfortably down the motorway while enjoying a range of convenience oͿerings. In addition, a Àve-year unlimited warranty ensures families can travel with even more peace of mind. More spacious than ever before The all-new TUCSON oͿers a signiÀcant amount of space so that families can travel in comfort and have a good time. From backpacks, suitcases, and prams to sporting equipment and camping supplies – Áexible seating conÀgurations and increased interior dimensions mean more storage space than ever before. Built on a new platform, the all-new TUCSON is larger than the previous generation model. For families, these enhanced dimensions translate to more space. Generous rear passenger legroom ensures even parents travelling in the rear can sit comfortably on longer journeys. This also ensures that there is plenty of room for car seats, making travelling with small children even more convenient. The all-new TUCSON oͿers one of the largest boot volumes in its class: increased boot space can store up to 620 litres with the seats up. By pulling the remote folding levers,

The all-new Hyundai TUCSON

the rear seats can be folded conveniently from the rear in a 40:20:40 ratio, creating enough room for up to almost three times as much storage. For added convenience, the Walk-in Device feature allows drivers to slide and recline the front passenger seat using a button on the seat’s bolsters. This helpful feature makes it easier for rear passengers to enter and exit the car and for parents to install a car seat for their child. Family-friendly comfort and convenience features The all-new TUCSON oͿers a wealth of innovative family-friendly comfort and convenience features for a human-centric user experience.

These features beneÀt not only the driver but all passengers, regardless of which seat they are occupying. Hyundai’s fourth-generation TUCSON was developed with even more focus placed on rear-seat comfort. The all-new TUCSON’s Multi-Air Mode technology creates a more pleasant in-car environment with gentler airÁow. By utilising a combination of direct and indirect air vents, this mode, when activated, reduces direct air contact and softens the air while still being just as eͿective at changing the temperature. Drivers and their passengers can look forward to a more subtle mode of turning on the air conditioning or heating.

These 10 tips can help to keep your car safe, and could help to cut your insurance premiums too. Your car is probably one of the most expensive items you own, so it’s important to make sure it’s protected from thieves and vandals. And while 748,000 people fell victim to vehicle-related theft in 2015-2016 (Office of National Statistics), there are some simple measures you can take to secure your car. As well as preventing theft, a few simple security tweaks could cut the cost of your insurance premium while reducing the risk of losing your no claims bonus. b These top 10 tips from the Master Locksmiths Association could help you to protect your car while saving on your car insurance. 1. Consider where you park Your car will be most secure against thieves if kept in a locked garage or secure car park. But it could be more likely to get bumped or scraped that way, so your insurer may increase your premium slightly to reflect this. If you park your car on your driveway, consider installing a CCTV camera or motion detector lighting to deter criminals. If your only option is to park on the street, make sure it’s in a well lit area. But be aware that if you park away from your home — even just around the corner — you must inform your insurer. 2. Remove temptation for opportunistic thieves Keep valuables out of sight, and ideally don’t leave them in your car at all. Even low value items can tempt thieves — and while these things might not cost a lot to replace, you could end up losing your no claims bonus by making a claim for a forced lock or broken window. Don’t forget to hide any signs of expensive equipment too, such as windscreen marks left by sat-navs. 3. Fit an immobiliser If your car doesn’t already have an immobiliser, fitting one can be a great way of safeguarding your car against theft. Immobilisers work in a variety of ways by preventing the ignition, starter pump or fuel pump from working if someone attempts to start the car without its correctly coded key. (Source: Uswitch).

Innoson, Jet Systems, OMAA, Autochek, Geely, GAC Ready for NAJA Awards Expectations are high as a.good number of established auto brands, automotive firms and outstanding personalities in Nigeria’s automotive sectoŅ will be attending this year’s Auto Awards organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA). The event will be holding Wednesday, December 1, at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Eventual winners in each of the categories are expected to be declared on that date. With Micheal Ade.Ojo, chairman/founder of Elizade group and brain behind of Toyota Nigeria Limited expected to be honoured as the ‘Pillar Of Nigeria’ Auto industry’ because of his contributions in the country’s automotive industry in the past 50 years, special guests of the day are Jelani Aliyu, directorgeneral of the National Automotive Design & Devt Council (NADDC), and Boboye Oyeyemi, Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). New entrants for this year’s all important awards are Jet Systems lisred in the Electric bus promoter of the year category; OMAA mentioned in the Gas-powered vehicle promoter of the year category., among others. Both buses are suitable for commercial operations as well as other applications. The two brands are coming at a time when Nigeria is focusing and encouraging the shift from fossil fuel to electric and gas respectively to prospective vehicle buyers. Geely Coolray, marketed by Mikano International Limited is also in contention. According to the organisers of the event headed by chairman of the award committee; Theodore Opara, Car-of-The-Year (COTY) will be contested by Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Creta and Kia Rio. The Suzuki brand, which is being marketed by CFAO, is listed on the strongest comeback brand category, while PAN has been nominated for the most resilient auto company of the year.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 27, 2021

AUTO WORLD

Short Version of New Mercedes-AMG SL Released

he new Mercedes-AMG SL, the new edition of an icon, returns to its roots with a classic soft top and sporty character. At the same time, the luxurious roadster as a 2+2 seater is particularly suitable for everyday use and puts its power down on the road with all-wheel drive for the Àrst time. High-tech components such as AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension with active anti-roll stabilization, rear-axle steering, and optionally available AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system are available. In combination with the Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, this results in a driving experience of the highest order. As a consistent Performance Luxury model, Mercedes-AMG in AͿalterbach has developed the SL completely independently. Two models with AMG V8 engines will kick oͿ the market launch. Almost 70 years ago, a sports car launched in Stuttgart immediately became a legend. The vision of expanding the potential of the Mercedes-Benz brand through motor racing successes produced the Àrst SL as a result - a road-going racing sports car. Shortly after its debut in 1952, the 300 SL (internal designation W 194) reaped success after success on the race tracks of the world. In its Àrst year, it achieved, among other things, a spectacular one-two victory in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans and even took the Àrst four places in the Nürburgring Grand Jubilee Prize for

The new Mercedes-AMG SL sports cars. Its successes quickly make the SL a legend. The successful racing car was followed in

1954 by the 300 SL production sports car (W 198), which is called the “Gullwing” because of its unusual doors. In 1999, a jury of motor-

ing journalists voted it the “Sports Car of the Century.” Other highlights of the model history include the “Pagoda” (W 113, 1963-1971), the evergreen R 107 (1971-1989), which was built for 18 years, and its successor, the R 129, which is considered an automotive sculpture because of its striking wedge shape. The abbreviation “SL” to this day thus stands for one of the few genuine automotive icons in the world. In the decades-long development history from full-blooded racing car to open-top luxury sports car, the new Mercedes-AMG SL now sets another milestone. It combines the sportiness of the original SL with the unique luxury and technological excellence that characterize modern Mercedes models. “The SL is an icon: For almost 70 years, the distinctive sports car has delighted Mercedes customers of every generation around the world. With the rebirth of the roadster from Mercedes-AMG, the new SL more than ever remains the symbol of this timeless fascination,” says Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales “The new SL combines the sporty genes of the original SL with the driving performance typical of AMG. At the same time, it oͿers luxury and comfort at the absolute top level. This combination is unique in the sports car segment and is also reÁected in the interior where the highest levels of comfort and quality meet the right helping of sportiness.

Fixit45 Acquires Parkit, Unveils Subscription-based VIP Programme

an-African autotech platform acquires Parkit, to simplify vehicle wash and care services, releases Vehicle Intact Programme, subscription-based plans to enable affordable maintenance/ repair services and redefine ownership experience for vehicle and fleet owners. In demonstration of its stated commitment to facilitating value-creating interactions across stakeholders in the automotive industry, leading autotech platform, Fixit45 has announced the acquisition of Parkit, a network of tech enabled autocare and car wash centres. Since its entry in to the market in July 2021, Fixit45 has been focused on building a platform that provides a seamless, collaborative infrastructure for interactions to occur across verticals that include auto repair and maintenance services, fleet management, auto parts sourcing and delivery, auto care, refurbishment and upgrades, repair financing and mechanic workshop software as well as pre-purchase inspections, underlying these with moderation for compliance and accountability. Fixit45 caters to needs in the repair and maintenance segment, Parkit plays in the auto care vertical, Xparts is a discovery and trading platform for spare parts where you can explore a rich inventory, find exacts parts based on the platform’s AI tools and get these parts in very good time and Rampware is a Software-as-a-Service tool to help auto-workshops

manage their operations and improve service delivery experience. On the acquisition, Justus Obaoye, CEO and Co-Founder, Fixit45 said, “Parkit was committed to building out and digitizing the fragmented vertical in the autocare and car wash space. They provided business support, training and consumables to businesses and ensured that the experience was rewarding for fleet and car owners. We found synergies in what they were doing at the time and we approached them to join us in this journey to fix and build the aftermarket ecosystem which has culminated in the acquisition. Parkit has been fully integrated in the Fixit45 family and we look forward to providing market leadership.” According to Gerald Okonkwo, VP, Business Development, Fixit45 and Founder, Parkit, “our business was founded in June 2018 to use technology in making the customer journey for car washes very seamless by automating payments, helping them acquire the right tools for the job and providing professional care services that were not available in-country. This journey has been a collaborative experience and we are blessed to have found the right team at Fixit45 with bold ambitions to create value for consumers in this space. The acquisition was finalized in September 2021 and we are looking to many more wins. When we started, we had to import most of our consumables and materials, but today, we are to provide quality car shampoo,

Co-founder & CTO, Abdulazeez Ogunjobi; CEO and Co-Founder, and Fixit45, Justus Obaoye; VP, Business Development, Gerald Okonkwo; and Manager, Growth and Innovation, Gideon Adepoju, at an engagement session with partners in Lagos… recently upholstery, tire and engine wash, polish and air fresheners. This is just one of many success stories that this acquisition has berthed.” Automobile ownership for car and fleet owners can be a frustrating experience owing to a myriad

of factors that include highly fragmented, mostly unregulated industry, informal service providers who often lack the technical competence, as well as proliferation of counterfeit spare parts with a lack of warranty on repairs.

Speed Still Kills...Beware It is about 27 days before the drums start beating and the red carpets rolled for another round of festivities with glasses clinking as families celebrate another Christmas. Yet the signals from the Federal Capital Territory, Niger State both under my watch as well as other parts of the country scares me stiͿ. The signals from other climes are equally scary. The reported road tra΀c crashes, deaths and injuries must be checkmated collectively as we countdown to another season of celebrations. Let me start with recent cases from my Zone. On Nov, 16, 2021, a lone crash killed eleven people along Mokwa-Jebba. On the November 18 2021, a multiple crash killed nine people along the same Mokwa-Jebba road, totaling twenty deaths from just two crashes. The previous week, about 23 deaths were recorded in the same state which raises a lot of question on the continued operations of DAF trucks which are in the habit of carrying humans and cattle in vehicles meant for cattle which explains the high casualty Àgure. This worrying crash spate is in spite the sustained advocacies through town hall meetings meant to raise and reinforce road safety consciousness The story from Bulgaria is not diͿerent. Report has it that a crash involving a bus killed 48 people including 12 children. The crash occurred near the village of Bosnek, about 31 kilometers southwest of SoÀa. Most of victims were tourists from North Macedonia. The head of the General Directorate of the National Police, Stanimir Stanevl said seven survivors were rushed to hospital in the capital,

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

SoÀa, and were being treated for burns. The cause of the crash, which occurred shortly after 2 a.m was not known. There are speculation that the bus hit a highway guard rail, crashed, and caught Àre. Others suspect it was probably a technical malfunction or a Áat tire,” Nikolai Nikolov, head of the General Directorate for Fire Safety and Protection of the Population at the Interior Ministry. The government of Bulgaria declared a day of mourning on November 24, while there was three days of mourning in North Macedonia during which Áags were lowered to half-staͿ and all public events will be canceled. The bus was one of four traveling together from Istanbul to Skopje in North Macedonia. The crash scene images showed the bus engulfed in Áames with thick plumes of smoke blanketing the highway in both directions. Interior Minister Boyko Rashko said that he had “never in my life seen something more horrifying. In his words,” “The picture is horrifying. The caretaker Prime Minister, Stefan Yanef called the crash a huge tragedy. He said

he hoped lessons learnt from this incident will be used to prevent further tragedies. The people who were on the bus are turned to charcoal. The number of casualties were not ascertained as it was possible that passengers changed buses during the stops.” Stevo Pendarovski, North Macedonia’s president, called it a “horriÀc accident” and said that he expects the authorities to conduct a full investigation to determine the “causes and responsibility for the tragedy while the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, expressed her condolences and said that “in these terrible times, Europe stands in solidarity with you.” The European Union Commissioner, Oliver Varhelyi expressed similar sentiments when he said. “Terrible news… “My thoughts & condolences are with the families and friends of those who died as well as with the people and the authorities of North Macedonia.” Bulgaria like most other countries has recorded deadly bus accidents over the years. In 2018, 17 Bulgarian tourists died when their bus skidded on a wet road and overturned. The accidents are often caused by poor road conditions, old vehicles, and speeding. Just like the crash I reported along Mokwa – Jebba which were caused by speed and wrongful overtaking. Meanwhile road tra΀c crashes killed 628 people in 2019 and 463 in 2020 in Bulgaria. The story from the US is also of wailings and weeping. In Wisconsin, United States, six people were killed and dozens injured when an SUV driver rammed into a Christmas parade in Waukesha,

Wisconsin, on the afternoon of Sunday 21, 2021. The suspect, 39-year-old Darrell Brooks has been charged for homicide. The victims included children, the aged, male and female while the ages ranged from teens to adults about 80 years. Despite the despair caused by the tragedy, the swift arraignment of the suspect partly comforts me as report has it that the Judge set bail at $5 million. Although Brooks sobbed when a Waukesha County prosecutor announced that a sixth victim - a child had died from injuries sustained, the prosecutor vowed to add a sixth charge, and likely more if additional victims die as a result of injuries sustained. Like I said in my piece last week titled, A ROAD CRASH IS NO ACCIDENT, experts including the presiding Judge described the nature of this oͿense as shocking. Two detectives who tried to avert the crash by trying to stop the driver described it as an intentional act and a direct intent to hit as many parade participants. Just like what happened in Bulgaria, Waukesha, Wisconsin, community residents honored the victims with a vigil. In Niger, there were no such honor to express concern over the lives of those lost. So is the case in most countries within the continent. However, it is because of these kind of available road tra΀c crashes that the UN set the 3rd week of November yearly to remember victims of road tra΀c crash and do a post mortem on strategies in place to avert further remembrance services.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 27, 2021

INTERVIEW Ibrahim Bio:

APC Frustrated Me Out of the Party in Kwara A former Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly and former Minister of Transportation during the Yar’adua administration, Ibrahim Bio recently defected from ruling APC into the opposition PDP in the state. He speaks with some journalists, including Hammed Shittu, in Ilorin, about his defection, APC performances at the federal and state levels, among others

hy did you leave APC for PDP? I left APC for many reasons. It’s not only me that is frustrated, I have been in politics for 33 years. Politics is a collective enterprise, like we all worked together for certain vision, objectives goals and mission. We wanted to accomplish the “O to ge” revolution to remove Bukola Saraki and it has been done. After the victory, they didn’t know how to use the victory. After the victory, he has never been seen as a leader, as a people, as stakeholders, cohesively working on how to run the government. But when you talk, they will be blackmailing you that we want the governor to give us money, and it’s far from that. I campaigned for the governor, stuck out my credibility, my neck and said vote for this governor, that he will do this and that for you people. So, it’s not a matter of money, it’s based on our own credibility that is at stake. I pity people like Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo that went to radio stations and said the government would give them free education, that the APC-led government would make sure that they buy two tractors per ward, that the salary of civil servants would be improved and were comparing the salary with that of Osun, Oyo and Niger states then. Since then, have we sat down as stakeholders to ascertain if all these promises have been met? I normally send the governor messages on WhatsApp and sms, that ‘your Excellency can you do this? can you do that?’ At times, he will reply, but to sit down one on one, no. I only know that he visited my house in Abuja when he wanted to greet (Asiwaju Bola) Tinubu because my house is opposite Tinubu’s house in Abuja. Apart from that, to sit down and discuss serious matters in the state like ‘Hon Issa, I want to work in Baruten, what are the major priorities of your people?’ is difficult for him. He believes that we are no more relevant and that it’s the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu that is relevant and the younger house of assembly members that are running government. Your daughter is one of the appointees of the governor and you have left the party, won’t there be a friction in the family? Family friction as how? Don’t you know Buba Galadima’s daughter is working in Presidential villa? I’m telling you if you don’t know, and Buba Galadima is one of the strong oppositions to Buhari’s government. When we started this present administration in 1999, Baba Saraki was in APP but Dr. Bukola Saraki was appointed as one of the presidential Aides to former president Olusegun Obasanjo. Even then, if we want to go back to history, Umaru Yar Adua of blessed memory, his father was in NPN, Umar Yar Adua was in PRP. So, these are clear examples where fathers and daughters might not be in the same political party. That doesn’t mean that the families are not the same. She is 31; she has the right to decide on what to do. In some countries she can be a governor, she has a right to decide what she wants and I cannot say leave the government or that she would ask me to come back to government by force. I’m a liberal person and educated, I’m not illiterate. I’m not a religion fanatic. My daughter is a medical doctor, I’m a pharmacist. She knows what she wants and I know what I want. When it comes to family matter, she will bend down and greet me. What is your assessment of APC in Kwara State? APC did a propaganda in Kwara, more of social media outlook. To the best of my ability, I have been in government for so many years, you as journalist, can you tell me the major policy direction of AbdulRazaq’s government in

part of Borgu to match with Niger State. When the situation became hopeless, we have to find a way out. Some people are agitating that some of us want to join Benin Republic to the extent that it appears we are no more relevant in Kwara State. So, we are looking at the issue, as long as we want stability, progress and unity of the state, they should think of equity, justice and fair play. As far as we are concerned, our people believe that any political party that gives its gubernatorial candidate to Kwara North, that’s the party that will get 80% of our votes. In 2019, we gave AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq 87% of our block votes and he knows. Former Governor Bukola Saraki in 2007, Baruten and other areas in Kwara north gave him 97% votes. We are loyal and committed to this agenda so much that the youths and other stakeholders in Kwara north will vote enmass for any party that gives its gubernatorial ticket to Kwara north, let it be PPP or SDP that gaves us gubernatorial candidate, even if we waste our votes in protest, we don’t mind.

Ibrahim Bio Kwara? Can you tell me what the major projects, the cardinal policy are? Is it education? Has he come out to say that he wants to give free education from primary to junior secondary school? Has the governor come out to say what his focus is on agriculture? For young men, I want to create farm hub? I want to buy tractor for each local government? Or that he wants to do agriculture by this means? Or is it integrated rural development? Or that he wants to open all rural areas? Or is it okay that he wants to ensure that medical facilities are the main hub of this government or is he making drugs available to the poor residents of Kwara? I cannot hold any barometer of any particular policy that I can hold Governor AbdulRazaq responsible, that this is the target he sets for himself. How far has he gone? Any government must be able to set target to with policy pronouncements that the public will use to measure his achievements at the end of his tenure. And on that basis, it’s difficult for me to say whether he has done well or not. He said he wanted to minimise spending, but I have not seen anything physical that has changed, even in government in terms of expenditure profile. Before your defection to PDP, were you able to meet to discuss him to discuss these problems? Well, with all respect, the government of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has done over two years. The first one week, I looked for appointment to see him but I couldn’t see him. I tried to visit him even at the demise of his father to pay condolence to him; I wasn’t able to see him. We have never seen since he came to power, we have never had an opportunity, as a critical stakeholder, to meet with the Governor to share my ideas. And the governor has never invited me to seek my opinion on any matter. He has never given me any assignment to do. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve never discussed governance with him. Do you have any regret leaving APC? Regret about what? I don’t regret anything in my life. If you don’t try, you cannot succeed, when you try something, it cannot be termed as regret. You either succeed or you fail. I have been, all my life, a product of Saraki and I’m a member of Liberal Conservative but I joined the Progressives for a test and I have discovered how they run.

Baba Saraki will think of what to do, and will involve everyone. Let me give you an example, in 2004 when we wanted to go for local governments elections, Baba consulted me about the candidates as the Speaker, he said it’s my domain. Kaiama and Baruten issue had been resolved, we have two or three candidates but Kaiama, you have three or four, what can you say about these three or four people? After telling him my feelings, I asked him to call Emir of Kaiama and Baba will say ‘no, I want to send you to him.’ I left Saraki’s house 8pm and I was in Kaiama midnight and came back to give him the report around 5am same day because he believed in consultation. We saw crisis all over in APC, but we were not carried along. The governor never allowed his commissioners to give their views on state matters at the executive meetings and it’s an act of dictatorship, a tyrant. I’ve been a member of state executive as a Speaker and I’ve been a member of federal executive council as a minister and we normally give our views. There are speculation that you dumped APC for PDP to contest for 2023 governorship to realise the agitation of Kwara North interest. What is your take on this? Kwara north agitation is a legitimate one, and anyway, nobody will give you power on a platter of gold without agitation. If Yoruba didn’t agitate after the annulment of June 12 1993 presidential election to the extent of forming NADECO, OPC to fight the injustice and made the country ungovernable, Chief Obasanjo wouldn’t have become the president. That is the same model the Igbo people are using now, although they are doing it wrongly instead of using persuasion and diplomacy. The Kanu-led IPOB made use of confrontation and force, destabilisation, killing maiming, among others. You can’t get into power like that, if you get power like that, who will follow you. So, these are the difference. I have the feeling that Kwara north agenda, that we have a state that is almost 50 years old and we are in tripod, and a section of the tripod have been trying to be in power for almost 70% or 80% of the 50 years, at the exclusion of others and this will cause instability and disunity and discontentment in the system. There is need for equity, fairness, justice so that people will have sense of belonging. It is this type of frustration that made

What’s your expectation in the PDP? I am just coming in. I left the party about four years ago, so I don’t know what’s happening there. I was a member of fthe board of trustees of PDP and I was in the party for 18 years. Now I’m back, I know they have good plans and whatever happens PDP knows how to manage crisis more than APC, most of the people who are dramatis personnel of APC have passed through PDP; those who are calling the shots in the political space of Nigeria today are in PDP. Look at how the issue of national chairmanship of PDP was resolved; whether temporary or otherwise, there was a semblance of political maturity in the party. Look at APC in Kwara, the Governor has been at loggerheads with the chairman, that he should be removed. Some of us who have political experience, say he shouldn’t remove him but wait until his tenure ends, tell us the person you want. We have seen a situation whereby a governor doesn’t like the party chairman but made him irrelevant and made use of his Deputy. I’m disappointed that the national secretariat of APC and the presidency refused to set up peace committee on crisis in Kwara, because politics is about crisis management and conflict resolution. So, there is crisis management experts in PDP than in APC. What can you say about the current APC-led federal government? As far as I’m concerned, I joined APC in 2018, at the tail end, before the 2019 general elections, I had been in PDP since 2000, that’s about 18 years. We as a group, when former governor Bukola Saraki left APC, we decided to stay back in PDP to rebuild the party. By the time we came back again the group now felt slighted because Saraki was given 60% of the executive and other positions. We that had been holding the party were asked to take 40%. It generated a lot of controversy and we all decided to go to APC. We joined the APC because of the manifesto and programmes. APC promised to fight corruption at federal level and at all levels. APC also promised to wipe out insecurity, Boko Haram, banditry and kidnapping. APC also promised to improve the economy, but as far as I’m concerned, all Nigerians are living witnesses whether those cardinal objectives have been achieved, whether there is better security now, than before. Now we are having banditry, we have Boko Haram, we have farmers and Fulani herdsmen clashes. In the Middle Belt or Benue, we have kidnappings, rape cases and so on. Let us go to economy, some businesses of many people have folded up. As of today, a gallon of diesel is N340 per litre and a country that runs power on generators. Read full interview online - www.thisdaylive.com

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 27, 2021

TRAVEL AND LEISURE

NAFEST 2021: A Celebration of Nigerian Music, Dance Justina Uzo

he creative and tourism industries in Ekiti State and environs are still counting the benefits of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST 2021) concluded last Saturday in Ado-Ekiti, which brought participants from across the country under one roof. The 34th edition of the festival opened with a colourful cultural parade/match pass. Rivers, Nasarawa, Benue, Imo, Ogun and Ekiti States dominated with their displays of culture and lifestyle. While the festival lasted, the various states contingents promoted their cultures and heritages as well as creative ingenuity. There were lots of competition, including dance, drama and cuisine competition, as well as business-networking opportunities. Many had a chance to explore various foods across the country. NAFEST 2021 was not only an avenue to further bond as a people with diverse cultural background, it impacted on the economy of Ekiti State. Restaurant operators, taxi drivers and craft makers made good sales. A popular eatery at the cultural pavilion in Fajuyi, Ado-Ekiti, Princess Kitchen, talked about how she had to get more hands to assist her to meet demand. Pounded yam served with vegetable soup was favourites of visitors at Princess Kitchen. Runsewe said the tourism industry in Ekiti smiled to the bank as they got more patrons. He hinted on the improved hotel room occupancy level as one of the benefits of the hosting rights. “I was told all the hotels in Ekiti were full while NAFEST 2021 was on,” said the elated Runsewe. Governor Kayode Fayemi concurred about the positive impact of the hosting NAFEST 2021. He said he was excited and appreciated the organisers for choosing Ekiti as its destination for 2021,

Rivers State contingent at NAFEST 2021

adding that it drew global attention to the state. Fayemi said the economic, cultural and creative fortunes of Ekiti State benefited from this unique festival. The governor said the festival was a unique opportunity to promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and diversity. He said, “Culture and development work pari pasu.” Fayemi, while speaking during the opening ceremony of the event with the theme “Celebrating National Unity in Diversity,” said, “We know and

understand that culture is one of the main pillars of development. Without culture, it is certain that development would be greatly hindered.” He said the critical state of the nation “requires that efforts be intensified to revive diverse culture and enhance the potential of arts to ensure social and political stability, both of which hinge on the viability of the economy.” The National Council for Art and Culture (NCAC), organisers of the event expressed its determination to consistently use culture to foster national unity and improve the economies

Destination Ondo Unveils New Tour Buses Justina Uzo

etermined to give the tourism industry the push it deserves in Ondo State, the tourism promotion NGO called Destination Ondo has unveiled a tour bus and car services for the use of tour operators in the Sunshine State. Speaking on this new development, the Founder of Destination Ondo, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, who is also the strategic consultant to Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Tourism, said the new product is aimed at addressing logistics challenges experienced by tour operators in the state. ‘‘The logistics challenges experienced by most tour operators have been solved with the introduction of Destination Ondo bus and car services,’’ he said. Akinboboye, who is also President, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Lagos revealed details of how the venture is expected to run for the benefits of tourists and tour operators: “With fleet of buses and cars already acquired for this purpose, they would be operated by professionally- trained and skilled drivers as well as tour guides and security personnel. Entertainment and refreshment packages are attached to each bus and car for the duration of the tour.” Also, he said there is an option of a bespoke service, which is an all - inclusive package covering accommodation in a top rated hotel of choice, food and drinks, tours, entertainment, night life shows and such other personalised services on request. According to Destination Ondo, to benefit from this unique offer, tour operators

The tour bus of “Destination Ondo” are only expected to sell the package and provide the tourists while Destination Ondo takes up the duty of chaperoning the tourists and ensuring they avail the best services on offer and a memorable experience of Ondo State that will last a lifetime. Since its debut over a year ago, Destination Ondo, with operational offices in Ondo town and Lagos, has introduced a number of creative and tourist products and services, including Asun Carnival held last year in Ondo town, the first ever carnival to be staged by a private concern

in the state. It also launched carnival and festival costumes’ making industry in Ondo town as part of making Ondo the hub for carnival and festival costumes in Africa. The project took oﬀ with a free training programme for over 600 youths and women. It is designed as an economic empowerment platform for the people of Ondo and for improving the tourism economies of the state. The promotion of sports-tourism has also commenced with the staging of Destination Ondo football tournament.

of the local communities. Beyond the music and dance that characterized NAFEST 2021, the nation’s culture chief, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, DG of NCAC also organised an “Entrepreneurial Roundtable” and skill acquisition programme for schoolchildren in the state. Resource persons, who are successful entrepreneurs, including the famous young lady packaging Iru Ekiti condiment for exports, Funke Awodiye, were on ground to speak to schoolchildren during.

Talk With Toke Makinwa, Premieres on DStv, GOtv Media mogul, entrepreneur and YouTuber Toke Makinwa now has a hot new TV show on MultiChoice’s pan-African channel, HONEY. Talk With Toke Makinwa premiered on HONEY TV(DStvchannel173andGOtvSUPAchannel57) onNovember192021.Onthisshow,viewerswill seesomeofAfrica’sbiggestcelebritiessitdown foranintimateconversationwithToke.Theseindepthinterviewswillrevealthestoriesbehindthe headlines,addressingthestars’controversiesand triumphs,andfinallygivingthemanopportunity to set the record straight. The format makes it a contender for the African version of a Jimmy Kimmel Live, attracting only the most exclusive names in African entertainment. Makinwa has amassed lucrative media brand value as one of Africa’s hottest “it girls”. She sharpened her skills early on in her career as a radiopersonalityonNigeria’s93.7FM.Bornand bredinLagos,theheartofNigeria’sentertainment industry,Tokefoundsuccesswithherlate-night radio show, Rhythms of the Night. She has also becomeasocialmediasensationandisratedone ofAfrica’smostprominentonlineinfluencers.Toke sharesherworkandlifeonsocialmediawithwell overfourmillionfollowersonInstagramalone.From jettingaroundtheworldtobeingthecontinent’s ‘friendship goals’ with South Africa’s Bonang Matheba, her social status has undoubtedly been solidified. “I am so thrilled! I have always wanted to have a globaltelevisionshow”saysMakinwa.“It’sbeen partofmydream,thebiggerpicture,andHONEY hasjustgivenmethatopportunity.Ilookforward to it.” SeasononewillseethelikesofDJZinhle,Bobrisky, Zari“TheBossLady”andMutaleMwanzaonthe couch.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 27, 2021

NEWSXTRA Davido: I Only Asked My Friends for Money

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Nigerian music superstar, David Adeleke popularly known as Davido, was a guest on CNN yesterday and he spoke about the generous donations he got from Nigerians prior to his 29th birthday which he celebrated with friends last Monday in Dubai. He also spoke about the export of Afrobeats music to the world, saying that nothing was impossible to achieve. Speaking to the host Zain Asher, Davido said he was just addressing his friends and the people he has featured in

YOU ‘RE WELCOME … L-R: French Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Emmanuelle Blatmann being presented with a souvenir by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during a courtesy visit at Lagos House, Marina, yesterday.

FG Orders Civil Servants on GL 12, Below to Resume Duties Dec 1 Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

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The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has expressed enthusiasm with the Infrastructure Company Limited (InfraCo) slated to commence in two months citing that the strategic projects it would fund would speedily foster economic activities and inclusive growth. He also noted that the policies created to ensure stability in the exchange rate saw more transactions flowing through the official Investors

& Exporters FX window (I&E FX Window) which raised its average daily Fx turnover to $250 million from $40 million in April 2020. Emefiele said this yesterday at the 56th Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIBN) Annual Bankers dinner in Lagos. Speaking on InfraCo, he said: “With the decline in revenues due to federal and state governments as a result of reduced receipts from the sale of crude oil, alternative ways of funding infrastructure are critical if we are to ensure sustained

growth of our economy. As we are all aware, the cost of logistics is often seen as a significant impediment to the growth of businesses in the country. “In recognition of the role improved infrastructure could play in the development of our economy, along with the need to leverage private sector capital in funding the over N35 trillion deficit, which is the estimated amount required to build an efficient infrastructure ecosystem in Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) working in

partnership with critical stakeholders such as the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and African Finance Corporation (AFC) set up Infracorp. Infracorp is expected to raise over N15 trillion to support investment in critical infrastructure in Nigeria. “So far, N1 trillion has been provided as seed funds by the promoters to support the operations of Infracorp. We recently appointed four fund managers, and a Management Team has been selected to run and manage Infracorp.

Mining: FG Inaugurates First of Its Kind Fire Assay Laboratory in West Africa Kasim Sumaina in Kaduna The federal government yesterday inaugurated state-ofthe-art Fire Assay laboratory and Earthquake Monitoring Centre, the very first of its kind in the West Africa region. The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite, disclosed that the nation was building a world-class mining sector that would be the toast of investors. Adegbite made the disclosure during the inauguration of the two projects built by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) in Kaduna State. The minister while answering questions from journalists on

the sidelines shortly after the laboratory inauguration said: “The commissioning today is a testament to the impressive policy drive of President Buhari. “He is the only president that has put extra budgetary funds into the sector to develop it.” He said that the Fire Assay Laboratory is the first of its type in Nigeria and West Africa in general and is considered the most reliable means for accurately determining the content of gold, silver, and platinum-group metals in ores or concentrates. The minister further noted that the laboratory was a crucial analytical infrastructure needed in the mining sector to accurately determine the concentrates of

precious metals in ore, noting that the development was bound to take the mining sector to the next level. He further said that the establishment of a Fire Assay Laboratory was a crucial step towards making the country a major mining destination. “We now have the analytical facilities that can support the mining ecosystem in the country and this is bound to attract more foreign interest into the sector,” he said. Adegbite also noted that the Fire Assay Laboratory would save the country millions of dollars spent outside the country to conduct such analysis on metal ores.

According to him, “With the establishment of a fire Assay Laboratory, we do not need to take metal ores out of the country to determine the level of concentrate of precious metals, thereby expending our scarce foreign exchange in other countries. “This fire Assay Laboratory would free up scarce foreign exchange, while it would also serve as a revenue generator for the government as companies who want to mine precious metals would no longer need to send samples out of the country but now send them to our laboratory in Kaduna which would be a source of revenue generation for the government.”

Obasanjo: Nigeria Must Commit to Renewable Energy to Build a Future Cont’d from Pg. 5 “In addition, because it is not emitting any greenhouse gases that diesel generators do, it has the potential to earn carbon credits which are currently priced at US$40/ton. “Based on estimated annual production of 2,307,000 kilo Watt hours per year, we can expect to earn nearly US$39,589 in carbon credits per year. “By monetising this facility with strategic sponsorships and marketing alliances, we will be able to generate revenue. “Combined, this solar facility can generate electricity, generate revenues that contribute to the upkeep of the library, help save

the planet making a small contribution to climate mitigation and adaptation, provide shade for parking, and be an inspiration for future generations. Who says you can’t make a proÀt out of saving the planet?” Obasanjo, 84, said he “is a responsible steward for nature,” adding, “the facility marks one of the enduring personal legacies I am proud to call my own.” Continuing, the former president said, “The recently concluded UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) was attended by over 1,000 universities from 68 countries, who witnessed

powerful speeches and renewed commitments to reach Net Zero emissions by 2050, in some cases 2060 and in Nigeria’s case 2070. “This is the best time for all Nigerian universities to sign-up to the United Nations’ Race to Zero campaign, and commit to reducing their carbon emissions to zero by 2050 at the latest. “We hope that by committing to consume renewable energy we inspire others to follow and still inform others to do their bit for the environment. Our great nation also needs to commit to producing our electricity from renewable energy and truly clean carbon-free sources. This

goal is achievable, aͿordable and transformative. It represents a challenge to all Nigerians – in every walk of life, to our political leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, engineers, and to every citizen. “This is a generational moment. I’m asking each of you to join me and build this future. Our success depends on our willingness as a people to undertake this journey. We have a duty of care for the planet and for every person upon it. We must fulÀll it by making our energy system clean, e΀cient, aͿordable and sustainable.”

their songs when he made the announcement. He disclosed to CNN that he initially had a bet with his friends that he was probably going to make about 60,000 dollars when he made the request from his colleagues and friends. In the video interview with CNN, the Afrobeats star clariÀed that he never asked people but his own friends to send him money. He added that he didn’t expect as much money as he got. He said it was all a joke but people came through, including ordinary Nigerians who were sending what they could aͿord.

The federal government has ordered all civil servants on Grade Level 12 and below, who have been working from home as part of measures to curtail the spread of COVID-19 to resume duties on December 1, 2021. The Head of Service of the

FEDAN Tasks FG on Enabling Business Environment Mary Nnah The federal and state governments have been called upon to put all necessary measures in place towards improving the business environment in Nigeria. The Managing Director of Fedan Investment Limited (FIL), Mr. Stephen Amaechi Chinemelem, made the call during the FEDAN Special Day at the 2021 Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF). Chinemelem, who was represented by the General Manager (Administration), Mr. Joel Agba, lamented that apart from infrastructural challenges, business operators in the country are currently bedevilled with policy instability, multiplicity of taxes, problems of touts who pose as government officials to milk business organisations dry and other general security challenges that are affecting business operations negatively.

LUCOSA Holds 4th Grand Reunion Today Preparations are in top gear for the grand reunion and annual general meeting of alumni of the Lumen Christi Old Students Association. This year’s grand reunion which is the 4th would hold today at the Protea Hotel Benin City, Edo State. The theme of this year’s grand Reunion and annual general meeting is “Strategic Alignment for Collective Prosperity”. Special. guest of honour at the event is the Edo State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Rt. Honourable Philip Shaibu, while the guests of honour are the Speaker of the Edo State house of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun, Member representing Oredo Federal Constituency, Rt Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama and Member representing Esan North East /Esan South East Federal Constituency, Rt Hon. Sergius Ogun.

Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi- Esan gave the directive in a circular HCSF/ 3065/ Vol. 1/ 107 dated 26th November 2021. Yemi Esan in the circular, which was addressed to the Chief of Staff to the President, Deputy Chief of Staff the President, Office of the Vice-President, Ministers/ Ministers of State, Permanent Secretaries, National Security Advisers, Chairman Code of Conduct Bureau and Federal Civil Service Commission among others, said the directive followed the advice of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 that this category of officers were expected to resume duties on December 1, 2021.

Saturday, November 27, 2021

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MISSILE

Lai Mohammed on Lagos #EndSARs Report “That report is nothing but the triumph of fake news and the intimidation of a silent majority by a vociferous lynch mob” –Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, rejecting the report of the Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry set up to probe the October 20, 2020 #EndSARs protest.

PENDULUM Kola Abiola and His Secret Pains DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

ellow Nigerians, I had a most unusual interview with a man I had always described in the last three decades as the ultimate Crown Prince, Abdul-Lateef Kolawole Abiola, the son of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. We’ve been friends ever since and I had written countless stories about him but this is our longest and most revealing interview ever. I thought I needed to share it with you on this page, though the full interview will be published in The Boss online newspaper this weekend… Please, enjoy these excerpts… This is a very rare interview. And for me it is a great honour and privilege to have you. And I like the fact that about two days ago when we spoke, you told me that I could feel free and ask anything. So tell us about yourself from the very beginning Abiola: Thank you. I am Abdul-Lateef Kola Abiola. I was born into humble beginnings, to late Bashorun MKO Abiola and Alhaja Simbiat Abiola. I am one that has been further humbled by events in my life and that makes me what I am today. That more than describes me as per who I am and why I do what I do today. Can you take it further back to when you were in school and all that? Abiola: I came back from England, and started at the University Staff School, Akoka. At that time, my late mum was a lecturer at YabaTech and my father was an accountant. She was teaching back then Textiles Designs. I remember that me and my young ones will walk all the way from UNILAG to YabaTech to wait for my mom to finish before we could go home. From there, I went to Baptist High School where I lived with the principal then; did a bit there before going to Ibadan Grammar School. When I came back on holidays, I had severe Jaundice, and couldn’t go back. I ended up spending six months at home recuperating. Later, I did a term at Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School before my mum shipped me all the way to Aiyetoro in form three. Well, I finished secondary school in Aiyetoro, and went to San Francisco State. Then I went to Berkeley and then to Colorado State University. I have a Bachelors in Finance and MBA in Business Administration. That’s me! What were the things that molded you knowing very well that daddy was busy, and you stayed with mum? Abiola: I thank God for her. She always told all five of us that we are not MKO kids, and that we are Simbiat’s kid, especially when dad became polygamous, and as a result of that, the discipline was extra. She was very religious, and she made sure we were religious as well. She was a Taliban in the house. The moment you were able to convince and get her on your side, she will be you one hundred percent. I owe a preponderance of who I am today to her. It is a shame that she didn’t long enough to see us achieve. I wished that by the time she left, the youngest of us, Wura, was doing a PhD. In that respect, she saw us to a point where we could handle things for ourselves. It’s been 29 years since she left, and like I said, one has been humbled by events over my life. She died at 54. I lost my daughter; I lost my father. She is just one who has taught me to be careful, and she’s been very very deep in my thoughts. I took from her in that once that I have decided on what to do, I do it though it takes a while and lot of consideration. My father and I were connected so well. They say when you look so much like your father, you make enemies of yourselves, certainly not in my case. I think it was by design and my mother ensured that the friendship was there to a point my father couldn’t do anything without calling Kola. In its own little way, it became a problem in the family. She made

Abiola me come home early just to be around him. The relationship between me and my dad is a design created by Simbiat. Your father started and grew so many businesses. Could you tell us some of the businesses because I know you were involved in some of them Abiola: It all started with ITT which he was a part owner. He was an employee, but became a part owner. From that came RCN, Radio Communications Nigeria, and from there came the Bakery (Wonderloaf), and then Concord Press, and then Abiola farms, Concorde Airlines and African Concord. Basically, that is it. Yes, I was involved in a lot of them. A lot of them have been around before I got back. It took me all my service years in Zaria to go back and forth; to restructure and reorganise a lot of the entities. I had to clean them up prior to the arrival of my other brothers so they can step in and take it from me to better heights. Unfortunately, we collectively became a victim of politics - a whole June 12 and electoral history. We all know what happened back then. But more importantly, the government fought us with all their might and the businesses itself became casualties of life. I am not sure anything survived by that time. At the height of it all, we were the highest employer of labour in the country. We had offices in every state. The Concord Press, Airlines, RCN, ITT etc. Like I have said in the past, MKO was well ahead of his time, not to talk about the Abiola Babes etc. He was well ahead of his time. Unfortunately, he paid the price for that also. Lets talk about something more international. Before my question, let me use this opportunity for giving me the opportunity to handle the public relations of that country many years ago (1991/1992) Thank you so much for believing in me. What happened to Summit Oil? I know you must have spent about N400 million or more when money was money, but suddenly... Abiola: Well, we were one of the first indigenous companies to drill and find oil, and that is when we launched. It created a lot of excitement, not just for my family, but for the industry as a whole because it was fully indigenous. And MKO was a strong believer in indigenous challenge. So it was a wholly Nigerian affair. That also extended to the equity and funding of the operation. Now, when the election was annulled, the licence was cancelled. We had two concessions back then; they were cancelled. We started with one that was split into two, and we paid for the second one.

And it is funny how things work, but I will probably get it another time. We paid for both, and when the then government of General Sani Abacha came in, he cancelled the licence; we waited till he left office when President Olusegun Obasanjo was sworn in, we got back both licences. We had to do that by reclassifying the concession. We are a Niger Delta based concession with 55 years of exploration time to convert to oil mining licence to an oil prospecting licence. Now, by the time General Abacha left, there was no way we could still run that concession under that regime, so we had to reclassify it to another basin, which took 10 years to prospect and convert the licence. There are some details I can’t tell now, but anyway, after we reclassify it, we still had another problem with the regime. President Obasanjo didn’t quite understand why we had two concessions. We tried to show him that we didn’t operate the second concession because because the licence was suspended. And we actually paid for the two concessions. Anyway, the long and short of the matter is that he actually cancelled one and left us with one. And we continued operating on the one that we had. But fortunately when late President Musa Yar’dua came to power, I approached him; but before then, we had taken DPR to court because we paid for the concession. We also paid for the data to the original owners of the concession. So we went to court. So when President Yar’dua came, I approached him and explained my situation, which he knew about anyway. And he returned the concession back to us. So we had an out of court settlement, and that’s how we got it back. We have been trying ever since to make it work. We have gone from the first, and we are virtually on the last because it is a long tedious governmental process just to get it operational again. But I have a total commitment to sum it up because of one particular thing; when we signed the signature bonus back then, and we were going to pay for it, my father was approached by family members who didn’t quite understand why he would leave so much and give so much in my hands to go and take the risk, he said well, he believed so much in Kola, and that Kola can achieve this thing, and as Kola has said, ‘we are going from being rich to wealth’. He honestly believed I know what I was talking about - that’s number one. Number two - I told my that I believe this is what is we are going to be vying for. He said everything was my headache. I said yes, but the only difference was that I didn’t take it as my headache sooner than he cared. He told me if you make this work, you will make my burden a lot more easier. I took up the challenge, and when we struck oil, I proved everybody right. I proved to everybody that this thing will work. Events that happened subsequently were totally out of my control, and because of that till date, I have been travelling to make it works, and that is why I am stuck at it. I have put in a lot of my resources just to make it work. Despite all the setback, I’m still at it, and isha Allah, I am almost there. Amen! Now, your dad was almost into everything. Could you tell us the story of Concord Airlines Abiola: Concord Airlines came by default actually. We had two aircraft; mikilo and Kilo horse power - two HS125. And while it was for personal usage, we also use it as private charter. Along the line, the whole idea came that since we are running private charter, why don’t we start an airline, and that came. It wasn’t my idea; it was sold to him, but once he said he was going to be doing it, I followed him, and made it happen. But I was not going to do differently like it was done back then close to time aircraft that only has a few months to go and too expensive to manage, I decided to use double pops instead because I thought they were efficient, and with that, I can make lot more hubs and more connections. The idea was to have as pop as the operation, and we did that until

it was also shut down. Do you think it is something you would like to resurrect? Abiola: Good question. For me, it’s like fine China; You drop it on the floor, and its so difficult to get the pieces together again. There are somethings I don’t feel happy with, some that have a possibility, there are some that are still running, but I don’t think the airlines are one of those things in my book. I started life in Lagos at the Concord Newspapers. What happened to Concord Newspapers because as at the time you invited me, you also wanted to resurrect it. What happened? Abiola: Concord was proscribed by the military government then, and while they occupied the premises, they virtually stole all the bags and most of the bags left became useless - that’s one. Two - I also felt that I could resuscitate it, which I still plan to resuscitate, using a totally different model. We are in a new age now; the days of having a huge printing press and a thousand and one people all over the place are gone. I discussed that with you, and I gave you the blue print on how I intend to do it. While it came back from date, it still have the problem of feeding its own self because the management then was still trying to maintain that old order. I even recall that we went to the state government of the day for help, and their own idea of helping then was to buy up the generators. I wondered how that would help; how a press would run without generators.. That’s another story entirely. It is doable. I know it’s going to come back. It is not going to come back in the guise which it went, but it’s going to come back in a hybreed of some sort. I am working on it. One of the saddest things that happened was the story of the Abiola Farms. At a time there were ﬁsheries and many more. What happened to all these? The same thing. The farms collapsed because the military government believed that I had a secret airstrip on the farm - the one at Lafiagi and Taraba, and that I was flying in arms and training commandoes there. We didn’t have Boko Haram then let alone training commandoes (laughs). As a result, they shut it down - the same thing with the equipment. I even heard that family members went in there to beat down the equipment and selling the stuffs. The farms were something very dear to me. If there is one thing I have put hands into, the farms were the biggest satisfaction I ever heard. You truly reap what you sow. I got so involved that at the height of it, I was doing about 3000 hectares of maize, another thousand of sun flour. I have my hybreed for sorghum etc. I was really passionate about it. I really really enjoyed working on it. Of all the companies, that was number one for me - there were kinds of value added, changes to the environment, to the people in those remote areas. The government of the day ended up hurting all these people thinking they were MKO or me. In Taraba for example, and because of the contributions I made there, there is a local government named after me. It is something that was so close to my heart. I felt so bad; there was nothing I could do. There is a limit one can take on government. I hear people say, you didn’t do this, you didn’t do that, you could have done this, you could have done that - I pray to God they never have to face government; they will always find a way to chop off your knee caps. And the system wants to bring you down. For me to be standing, and have survived it, I think I have done a great job so far. NOTE: Read full article online on www.thisdaylive.com

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