SATURDAY 18TH DECEMBER 2021

US Study: Omicron Markedly Resistant to Vaccines, Booster Shots Canada lifts travel ban on Nigeria, 9 other African countries Our correspondents A new study by Columbia University in the United States says the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is “markedly resistant” to existing vaccines

and antibody treatments, and that even booster shots may provide only modest protection against infection.

This is coming on the heels of Canada’s decision yesterday to lift the ban on foreign

travellers from Nigeria and nine other African countries, over Omicron.

The draft study on Omicron resistance was led by renowned American researcher, Dr. David Ho, and early evidence

suggests the lightning quickspreading strain is likely to cause a massive wave of socalled breakthrough infections even among fully vaccinated people.

“We found Omicron to

be markedly resistant to neutralisation in individuals vaccinated with one of the four widely used COVID-19 vaccines. Even serum from persons vaccinated and boosted with mRNA-based

vaccines exhibited substantially diminished neutralising activity against Omicron,” says the study.

The study is still in the Continued on page 5

In Battle for Control of FBN Holdings, Babalola Out, Abdullahi is New Chairman… Page 5 Saturday 18 December, 2021 Vol 26. No 9749

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NLC to FG: We will Confront Fuel Subsidy Removal with Protests Plans nationwide warning rallies January next year Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigeria Labour Congress

(NLC) yesterday warned the federal government against plans to remove the fuel

subsidy in 2022, saying the action would be met with nationwide protests.

The congress said the protests would commence without warning should the

FG announce new fuel prices ahead of its scheduled warning rallies in all the states of the

federation in January.

Continued on page 5

Turkey to Help Nigeria Tackle Insecurity; Buhari, Erdogan Strengthen Defence Ties President gets surprise birthday cake in Istanbul, says he's eager to return to farm in 2023 Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey yesterday promised to assist Nigeria tackle the numerous security challenges it is facing, saying he “understands the difficulties and solutions.”

On the same day, President Muhammadu Buhari got a surprise 79th birthday cake in Istanbul, where he became sentimental and expressed eagerness for the end of his tenure in 2023, so as to return to his farm.

Erdogan, who spoke at a bilateral meeting with Buhari, shortly before the official commencement of the 3rd Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit in Istanbul, said his country “understands the challenges facing Nigeria and its needs, and we are ready

to assist you to meet those needs, especially in the area of defence.”

Turkey, which has a growing recognition in the world as a military power and had successes to show in Iraq, Syria, Libya and lately Azerbaijan said it welcomed the Nigerian government’s decision to buy naval ships from their shipyard, noting that discussions were ongoing on how to strengthen the capacity of the Defence Industries Corporation (DICON) in Kaduna in line with an agreement signed during President Erdogan’s last State Visit to Nigeria.

“I am happy Nigeria is stepping up cooperation with other nations in areas of defence and health, and we are ready to cooperate with Continued on page 5

BUHARI AT 79…

President Muhammadu Buhari, surrounded by government officials, cutting his birthday cake in Istanbul, Turkey…yesterday

NJC Recommends Appointment of 2 CJs, 62 Other Judicial Officers... Page 10

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021

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In Battle for Control of FBN Holdings, Babalola Out, Abdullahi is New Chairman Obinna Chima In what is evidently a battle for the control of FBN Holdings (FBNH), Remi Babalola yesterday resigned as Chairman, Board of Directors of the company, two days after FBNH confirmed significant investment by billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola.

FBN Holdings is the parent company of First Bank of Nigeria.

On the same day, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced that it had okayed the appointment of Alhaji Ahmad Abdullahi as non-executive Director of FBN Holding Plc and Chairman of the company to replace Babalola.

As at press time, it was not clear whether, Abdullahi was nominated by Otedola, who is now the single largest shareholder in the company.

Industry sources said FBNH had on Wednesday informed regulators about Otedola’s new

position as the single largest shareholder.

Last week, Otedola acquired an additional 2.5 per cent in FBN Holdings Plc., becoming the single largest shareholder in the company.

Based on this, the equity stake of Otedola is now 7.57 per cent of the issued shares capital of FBNH. In a corporate filing on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Wednesday, FBN Holdings confirmed the deals.

Despite his shareholding status, Otedola had said the move was purely an investment decision and not to become the chairman or hold any key position in the HoldCo. “Being the single largest shareholder doesn’t mean I must necessarily hold a position in the bank. I believe in allowing competent people to run institutions in a professional manner and to the benefit of all the stakeholders,” he had said.

CBN Okays Abdullahi

as New Chairman The CBN yesterday okayed the appointment of Abdullahi as the new Chairman of FBNH to replace Balalola.

Its Director of Corporate Communications, Osita Nwanisobi, disclosed in a statement that the bank had been duly notified of the resignation of Babalola, as Chairman of the company against the backdrop of contest by some significant shareholders for control of the financial institution.

While congratulating Abdullahi on his appointment, the CBN described Babalola’s resignation as the Chairman of the company as highly regrettable, especially given the fact that CBN’s regulatory interventions had made positive impact and increased attractiveness of the company to both local and foreign investors.

Notwithstanding the recent development, he said the CBN acknowledged the measured

achievements recorded by the company under Babalola’s watch, and thanked him for his service, even as the CBN wished him well in his future endeavours.

According to Nwanisobi, the regulatory measures taken by the CBN were yielding the expected results in terms of overhaul of corporate governance practices, restoration of confidence in the bank’s brand, increased transparency and due process in transactions as well as improved financial performance.

In line with its statutory mandate, the CBN spokesman said the CBN remained committed to ensuring transparent governance practices at the bank and the continued independence of the chairman and other persons holding key governance positions.

Given the systemic importance of First Bank owing to its historical significance, balance sheet size, large

US STUDY: OMICRON MARKEDLY RESISTANT TO VACCINES, BOOSTER SHOTS Working with African stretched health facilities,” said Canada Lifts Travel governments to accelerate Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Ban on Nigeria, studies and bolster the Regional Director for Africa. 9 Other African response to the new variant, The emergence of Omicron World Health Organization is rattling countries around Countries

so-called “pre-print” stage, meaning it has not been reviewed by other experts or edited by any scientific journal.

It was released last Wednesday by the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, which is now focused on fighting COVID-19.

The study says existing antibody therapies, like the monoclonal antibody cocktails that are credited with saving many lives during current and previous COVID-19 waves, appear to be mostly ineffective against Omicron.

It also noted that natural antibodies from previous infections are not effective in warding off Omicron, meaning people who have had COVID-19 in the past are virtually unprotected from reinfection in the coming Omicron wave.

The Omicron variant has now been detected in over 70 countries. It has a high number of mutations (32) in its spike protein, and preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection, when compared with other variants of concern.

Researchers and scientists are intensifying their investigations to understand the transmissibility, severity and impact of the Omicron variant in relation to the available vaccines, diagnostics and treatment and whether it is driving the latest surge in COVID-19 infections.

(WHO) is urging countries to sequence between 75 and 150 samples weekly.

“The detection and timely reporting of the new variant

by Botswana and South Africa has bought the world time. We have a window of opportunity but must act quickly and ramp up detection and prevention measures. Countries must adjust their COVID-19 response and stop a surge in cases from sweeping across Africa and possibly overwhelming already-

the globe and underlines the importance of pandemic preparedness – the focus of a special session of the World Health Assembly that wrapped up this week.

Countries agreed to launch a global process to draft and negotiate a convention, agreement or other international instrument under the WHO Constitution to strengthen pandemic prevention preparedness and response.

Meanwhile, Canada announced yesterday the lifting of a ban on foreign travellers from Nigeria and nine other African countries.

The country also reimposed testing, warning that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 risks quickly overwhelming hospitals.

Apart from Nigeria, the travel restriction on flights is also lifted on South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana,

customer base and high level of interconnectedness with other financial service providers, the CBN had in April 2021, taken decisive regulatory action to address corporate governance infractions at the bank leading to the removal of the board of First Bank Ltd and FBN Holdco Plc and appointment of a new board.

Abdullahi is an economist and thorough-bred professional with long years of experience in the academia, banking supervision and financial regulation, retiring as Director of Banking Supervision, CBN in February 2020.

An expert in bank crisis resolution, he also serves on the boards of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), FMDQ, NDIC and AMCON. Babalola was appointed chairman, April 29, 2021, and had barely spent one year.

In a parting mail yesterday, Babalola wrote: “My esteemed Co-Directors of FirstBank, the over 7-months journey since

my appointment by the CBN to the Board of the Holdings Company has been a mix of hard work, sacrifices, battles and consensus building, all aimed at returning the institution to the path of stability and sustainable growth. Though, the assigned mandate has been daunting, we have within the short period successfully reinstated confidence in the institution, overhauled its corporate governance and introduced openness and due process in all transactions.

“However, after deep reflection on recent developments relative to my personal values, I resigned my appointment as a NonExecutive Director and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of FBN Holdings with immediate effect.

“I thank you for your unflinching support, cooperation and valuable contributions during my short leadership. I wish you the very best as you soldier on.”

Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Malawi and Egypt.

Canadian Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos was quoted as announcing this at a news conference.

He said the lifting of the travel ban would take effect from 11:59 pm today.

The restriction had been announced last month “to slow the arrival of Omicron in Canada and buy us some time,” he said.

“But with Omicron now spreading within Canada it is no longer needed,” he added.

Pre-arrival negative PCR tests for all travellers would

also be reinstated as of December 21, Duclos said, while repeating a government warning earlier this week that “now is not the time to travel.”

Officials said laboratory tests have confirmed as at yesterday nearly 350 cases of the Omicron variant across Canada.

The total average daily COVID case count, meanwhile, has jumped by 45 per cent in the past week to about 5,000.

“It is expected the sheer number of Omicron cases could inundate the health system in a very short period of time,” said Chief Public Health Officer, Theresa Tam.

NLC TO FG: WE WILL CONFRONT FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL WITH PROTESTS These were some of the resolutions of the National Executive Council meeting of the NLC held at the Labour House, Abuja.

The FG had said it would remove the fuel subsidy next year, following advice by the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank.

In its place, the Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, said about 40 million poor Nigerians would be paid N5,000 monthly stipend for transportation.

According to a communiqué jointly signed by NLC President, Ayuba Wabba and General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, the warning rallies

against the planned fuel subsidy removal is slated for January 27, 2022 in all the states, “and would culminate in the submission of protest letters to all the 36 state governors.”

The NLC said a warning rally would also hold in Abuja on February 1.

The NLC argued that fuel subsidy would expose Nigerian workers and the generality of the citizenry to acute deprivation, hardship and suffering, as it would worsen the already established trend of hyperinflation in the country.

It attributed the crisis in Nigeria’s downstream

petroleum sub-sector, especially as it relates to the petrol pump price regime, to the policy of importation based on a pricing template for refined petroleum products as against local production-based pricing template.

The union submitted that the price of petrol and other refined petroleum products would continue to rise beyond the reach of average Nigerian workers and citizens as long as the pricing of refined petroleum products is based on importation pricing template, which is heavily dependent on a volatile foreign exchange rate that is heavily skewed against the Naira.

This, it noted, informed the traditional position of the Congress to reject an incessant increase in the pump price of petrol which is usually disguised as deregulation or removal of fuel subsidy.

The communique reads, “The NEC, therefore, resolved to reject and resist the planned increase in the pump price of petrol by the Federal Government.

“That government should promote local capacity to refine petroleum products for domestic use.”

The NLC also decried the trend of hyper-inflation in the prices of basic goods and services, especially essential

commodities, including cooking gas and building materials such as cement.

In the communiqué, it urged government to adopt effective economic policies to halt the inflationary trend as it presents additional pressure on the lean income of Nigerian workers and other citizens “and has made life terribly unbearable for the poor masses of our country.”

NLC lamented that the crises of insecurity in Nigeria had deteriorated since its last NEC meeting.

The union also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the 2021 Electoral Act Amendment Bill into law.

energy to give his best to the nation.

Onyeama noted, in particular, that the President “continues to have a good run with his health, getting better and more active with time.”

Responding to the tribute, Buhari said he would put-in his best for Nigeria until the last day when, in 2023 he hands over to a successor and returns to his farm to tend crops and livestock.

According to him: “I thought that being away from Abuja I will escape these things. The Guards Brigade had written to tell me what they wanted to do on this day. Now here

you are doing this far away from home.

“I look forward to the year 2023 when I finish, to go home to take charge of my farm.

Between now and that time, I will do the best that is possible to advance the interest of the nation and its people, and carry out my duties as prescribed by the Constitution."

The President later cut a birthday cake moulded in the national colours of green-white-green and went straight to chair a planning meeting with officials in his delegation. Thereafter, he drove to the Dolmabahce Palace for the meeting with Erdogan.

TURKEY TO HELP NIGERIA TACKLE INSECURITY; BUHARI, ERDOGAN STRENGTHEN DEFENCE TIES you on these areas and more,” said Erdogan.

President Buhari had earlier said Nigeria would partner with the Republic of Turkey in dealing with the current security challenges facing the nation.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in a statement titled, “Nigeria, Turkey to Strengthen Security, Defence Ties,” quoted the President as saying, “Turkey has practical experience dealing with challenges over the years and Nigeria stands to gain from that.”

Giving assurances that

the relationship between the two states would continue to grow for the mutual benefits of both countries, Buhari said he was pleased with the Turkish offer of support in the area of security and peace in Nigeria.

“I wish to express my appreciation for the special invitation for this meeting and to express my happiness with your offer of assistance in dealing with the challenges facing us.

“I await the reports of officials and the ministers as they hold meetings with their counterparts. I assure you that I will endorse all their positive recommendations,” he assured

Erdogan.

President Gets Surprise Birthday Cake in Istanbul President Buhari, at a surprise 79th birthday reception organised for him in Istanbul yesterday promised to advance the interest of Nigerians and that of the nation as he prepares to leave office in May, 2023.

The President also used the forum to disclose that he was itching to return to his farm in Daura, Katsina State to tend his crops and livestock.

As he stepped out of his suite, moving to the meeting

room, President Buhari met a surprise lineup of the Nigerian delegation with a cake decorated in Nigeria’s national colours.

The group broke into a chorus, as they began chanting “Happy Birthday, Mr. President.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, and the Ambassador of Nigeria to Turkey, Ismail Yusuf Abba, congratulated the President on the good work “he is doing for the country”, and wished him a happy birthday, many healthy years ahead and the

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 18, 2021

NEWS

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

NDLEA Intercepts 64,000 Gun Cartridges, Frees 34 Trafficked Kids Michael Olugbode in Abuja Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have smashed a human trafficking syndicate and intercepted 34 children between ages of 8 and 14 being trafficked from Ijebu Ode to Abuja en route Jos. Also intercepted by the NDLEA were 64,000 pump action gun cartridges and a new pump action gun at a store located at Success Line, Marine Modern Market, Onitsha, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

A statement by the spokesman of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, yesterday, said operatives on patrol along Okene-Lokoja Expressway in Kogi State intercepted 34 children between the ages of 8 and 14 being trafficked from Ijebu Ode, Ogun State to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

He said the minors packed in two commercial buses; Toyota Sienna and a 12-seater Mazda with registration numbers Lagos LND124FV and Oyo BDJ-683YK respectively, were recovered in the early hours of last Thursday from the human

trafficking syndicate.

According to Babafemi, the bus drivers confirmed that the kids were handed over to them by a woman at Ijebu Ode to be conveyed to Abuja, adding that on arrival in FCT, the woman is to call another bus driver who will convey the children to Riyom in Plateau State.

It was further revealed that the children were initially trafficked from Plateau State to Ijebu Ode, where they were dis-

tributed to different households as domestic servants. Some of the children were discovered to have served for two years and their rewards sent to a woman’s agent in Jos. On the interception of the arm and ammunition, Babafemi said the discovery, which led to the arrest of an arms dealer, 34-year-old Donatus Igwebudu followed credible intelligence on drugs and arms deals in the location.

He said backed by soldiers, the NDLEA operatives stormed the store last Wednesday and moved the arm and ammunition to the agency’s office in Awka.

Meanwhile, the Chairman/ Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) has commenden the officers and men of Anambra and Kogi states commands of the agency for their vigilance and preparedness to work in

synergy with other security agencies in their areas of responsibility, urging them to sustain the tempo.

He also directed that the arm and ammunition along with the suspect arrested in Anambra be transferred to the police while the 34 trafficked children transferred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation.

70 Civil Society Groups Urge Buhari to Sign Electoral Bill Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja A coalition of over 70 civil society organisations has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to consider the national importance of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill and immediately sign it into law on his return from Turkey.

The CSOs under the auspices of the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room said whoever was advising the president not to sign this Bill was not doing the country any good.

“President should make a return, sign the bill and jet back.

“We are responding to the situation responsibly. The President travelled with a public jet, he can still jet back. He owes the country a duty to sign this bill.

“If you look at the man hours spent on this bill, it’s too much. If the President assents to this bill, he can also do other amendments later. It will be a great disservice to the 9th National Assembly if he doesn’t sign this bill.”

The briefing was jointly addressed by Convener of the Situation Room, Ene Obi, Asma’u Joda, Convener James Ugochukwu and Founder/ Executive Director of Albinos

Foundation, Jack Epele.

The CSOs expressed concern that since the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2021 and the onward transmission to the President, the Bill had not been assented to by the President.

The statement reads in part, “Electoral reforms in Nigeria have been implemented mainly through the review of the Electoral Act. The Act has undergone many changes since return to democracy. The current 2010 Electoral Act has been amended three times (in 2010, 2011 and 2015). A fourth amendment attempt in the 8th Assembly failed just before the 2019 elections.

“Situation Room notes that in 2018 President Muhammadu Buhari sent back the Electoral Act Amendment Bill on three occasions. In March 2018, he rejected the Bill that it will usurp powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission on Electoral matters.

“In September 2018, the president had rejected the bill complaining that some clauses needed to be adjusted. In December 2018, he rejected the bill on the account that it was too close to the 2019 General Election.

Ugwuanyi Hands over Renovated Enugu INEC Office Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State yesterday inaugurated and handed over the newly renovated Enugu State Office of the National Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), burnt by unknown gunmen some months ago.

Recall that trailing the unfortunate attack on INEC’s office in Enugu, Ugwuanyi inspected the facility and promised that his administration would rebuild the burnt structure to enable the electoral body continue to discharge its constitutional duties efficiently and effectively in the state.

Handing over the structure to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Enugu State, Dr. Emeka Joseph Ononamadu, Ugwuanyi, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mrs. Mabel Agbo, disclosed that the state government in spite of its dwindling resources went ahead to fulfill the promise to contribute to the strengthening of the electoral process as well as encourage continuous improvement of the

conduct of elections in the country.

The governor stated that a critical review of the general performance of INEC in Enugu State in particular and Nigeria in general showed that the electoral body has succeeded in introducing processes that have helped in entrenching and deepening the nation’s democratic experience.

Ugwuanyi reiterated his administration’s commitment and interest in ensuring that there is no hindrance towards continuous improvement in the electoral process, stressing that it was in keeping with this commitment that the state government went out of its way to renovate the INEC office within the short period it was burnt.

Appreciating the good work the INEC REC is doing in the state, Ugwuanyi pledged his administration’s continuous support to the commission in all areas, within the limited resources available to the state.

Responding, INEC REC in Enugu State, Dr. Ononamadu, commended Ugwuanyi for coming to their rescue by renovating their burnt office.

ROYAL HOMAGE …

The Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Atuwase 111 and the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd) during a courtesy visit by the PAP boss to the monarch…recently

Fani-Kayode Arraigned for Alleged Forgery in Lagos, Granted N5m Bail Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Lagos Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, before Justice O.O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on 12 counts bordering on use of false documents, use of fabricated evidence, procuring execution of documents by false pretense, and fabricating evidence.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Femi Fani-Kayode, on or about the 11th day of October, 2021 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by fraudulent representation procured one Dr. Ogieva Oziegbe to execute a document titled: Medical Report on Olufemi Fani

Kayode 60 Years/Male/Hosp NO. 00345 Dated 11/10/2021 and procured the same to have been issued by Kubwa General Hospital.”

Another count reads: “That you, Femi Fani-Kayode, on or about the 11th day of October, 2021 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently used a false document titled: Medical Report on Olufemi Fani Kayode 60 Years/Male/Hosp.

NO. 00345 Dated11/10/2021 before the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division in Charge No. FHC/L/251C/2016 which document you purported to have been issued by Kubwa General Hospital.”

He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.

Earlier before his arraignment and plea, Justice Abike-Fadipe

had, in a ruling, overruled the application by the defence counsel, Wale Balogun, on December 14, 2021 when Fani-Kayode ought to have been arraigned.

Balogun had notified the court of the defendant’s application challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter, and argued that the defendant could not take his plea until the pending application on jurisdiction was determined.

The prosecution, through Rotimi Oyedepo, had countered the arguments canvassed by the defence, stressing that “the pendency or mere filing of an objection to the charge will not prevent Court from taking the plea of the defendant.”

Justice Abike-Fadipe held that: “Before the court proceeds to take the preliminary objections raised by the defendant to the

charges preferred against him by the prosecution, the charges must be read to him.”

Following Fani-Kayode’s plea, the prosecuting counsel, S.I. Suleiman, asked the court for a trial date and that the defendant be remanded at a Correctional Centre “as the defendant is now before your Lordship.” Balogun raised no objection to the request of the prosecution for a trial date.

He, however, pleaded with the court to be allowed to make an oral application for the bail of his client, which was granted by the court.

He urged the court to take into cognisance that the defendant was facing three other criminal charges preferred against him by the EFCC - two at the Federal High Court, Abuja and one at the Federal High Court, Lagos.

Sublease Dispute: Appeal Court Refuses to Stop Late CJN Elias’ Family Lawyer Wale Igbintade The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos has refused an application seeking to stop Dr. Charles Mekwunye, SAN, from representing the estate of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Taslim Elias in a sublease dispute between the late jurist’s family and Ecobank Nigeria.

Three children of the late jurist, Mrs. Ganiyat Elias, Olusoji Elias, and Dr. Gbolahan Elias, SAN, have been engaged in a protracted legal battle with the bank over a sublease dispute on their late father’s estate.

One of the cases instituted by the family estate company in 2014 is before Justice I.O Harrison of the Lagos High Court, while another counter-suit filed by Ecobank against the late jurist’s children is before Justice R.O. Olukolu also of the Lagos High Court.

However, one of the matters which was initially decided by the Federal High Court is now before the Court of Appeal, Lagos.

In all three matters, the bank raised a preliminary objection seeking to stop Dr. Mekwunye from representing the family on

the ground that he was a former Executive Director of Oceanic Bank now Ecobank.

In the matter before the Court of Appeal, Lagos, the bank in its preliminary objection to substantive appeal, argued that having worked as Executive Director in Oceanic Bank and as such being privy to confidential information, the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2007, prohibits Mekwunye, his law firm and any lawyer working for him from representing the late Elias estate However, in their counter-

argument, the children of the late CJN stated that Mekwunye in his capacity as an Executive Director in Oceanic Bank presided over corporate banking and was never privy to confidential information regarding the subject matter before the appellate court.

But Justice Abubakar Umar in his lead judgment upheld the argument of the respondent insisting that Ecobank has not shown any fact to convince the court that Mekwunye while working for Oceanic Bank was privy to vital information relating to the property sublease in dispute.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 18, 2021

NEWS

November Allocation Rises Marginally as FAAC Shares N675.9bn to FG, States, LGs Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) yesterday shared a total of N675.946 billion to the federal, state and local governments for

the month of November, which is N4.036 billion less than the N671.910 billion shared in the preceding month.

The total distributable revenue of N675.946 billion revenue comprised distributable statu-

House Committee: Customs 15,000 Personnel Strength Grossly Inadequate Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise has lamented that the current 15,000 personnel strength of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) was grossly inadequate.

The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Leke Abejide, stated this while briefing journalists yesterday in Abuja.

He said Customs ought to have 30,000 personnel strength to effectively carry out its constitutional mandate The lawmaker expressed concern over what he called ”pressure” being mounted on members by constituents on the ongoing recruitment exercise of

Customs.

He explained that the current recruitment was sequel to some vacancies that exist in certain cadres, adding that it was not a general recruitment.

Abejide stressed that the House was working on the Customs and Excise Management Repeal Bill to reform Customs, adding that the bill would enable NCS to recruit massively.

“The NCS ought to be 30,000 personnel but currently they are 15,000 personnel, this is grossly inadequate. Once the bill is ready and becomes law, many of our youths will be recruited,” he noted.

tory revenue of N488.674 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N182.678 billion, Exchange Gain of N4.156 billion and recovered excess bank charges of N0.438 billion.

A communiqué issued at the end of a virtual meeting of FAAC confirmed that from the total distributable revenue of N675.946 billion, the federal government received N261.441 billion, state governments received N210. 046 billion and the local government councils, N155.456 billion.

The sum of N49.003 billion was shared to the relevant states as 13 per cent derivation revenue.

According to the com-

munique, total deductions for cost of collection in November was N30.957 billion while total deductions for statutory transfers, refunds and savings stood at N136.908 billion.

Also, in the month of November 2021, the gross revenue available as VAT was N196.175 billion, higher than the N166.284 billion available in the preceding month of October by N29.891billion.

The sum of N5.650 billion was also allocated to North East Development Commission (NEDC) while N7.847 billion cost of collection was

deducted from the N196.175 billion gross VAT revenue, resulting in the distributable VAT revenue of N182.678 billion From the amount, the federal government received N27.402 billion, state governments received N91.339 billion while the local government councils got N63.937 billion.

Similarly, the federal government received N1.946 billion from the total Exchange Gain revenue of N4.156 billion; states received N0.986 billion, the local councils received N0.761 billion while N0.463 billion was shared to the relevant states as 13

per cent derivation revenue.

In the same vein, the sum of N0.438 billion recovered excess bank charges saw the federal government receiving N0.231 billion, states (N0.117 billion), and the local councils, N0.090 billion.

In the month of November, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Oil and Gas Royalties, Companies Income Tax (CIT) and VAT, increased remarkably, as well as Import and Excise Duty increased marginally.

The communique stated that the balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) stands at $35.365 million.

Nigeria on Top of Challenges in Climatic Condition, Says Ikeazor Michael Olugbode in Abuja Minister of State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor, has assured Nigerians that the nation is on top of challenges in the climatic condition, noting that the federal government has made several climate change interventions intended to mitigate climate change and increase resilience to avert the excruciating consequences of climate change.

Speaking in Abuja yesterday at the project launch and inception workshop of the Nigeria Deep Decarbonisation Project (NDDP), the minister said the nation had made several interventions to reverse the ugly trend of climate change in Nigeria.

She noted that parts of the interventions include President Muhammadu Buhari generously signing into law the Climate Change Bill passed by the National Assembly., stressing that the Climate Change Law provides an overarching legal

framework to articulate a longterm climate plan for Nigeria to achieve a net zero carbon emission target, national climate resilience and an adequate volume of climate finance with a focus on national development priorities.

She said the Federal Government of Nigeria had, recently, also submitted its revised and robust Nationally Determined Contributions that articulate climate actions until 2030 in response to Article 4.2 of the Paris Agreement.

The minister said: “In addition, The Federal Government of Nigeria formulated and communicated its Long-Term Low GHG Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) envisioned that. By 2050, Nigeria is a country of low-carbon, climateresilient, high-growth circular economy that reduces its current level of emissions by 50 per cent, moving towards having net-zero emissions across all sectors of its development in a gender-responsive manner.”

Joy Unlimited Promo: Glo Presents More Cars, Other Items in Abuja, Jos It was another joyful moment for Glo subscribers in Abuja and Jos on Thursday as the company’s Joy Unlimited Extravaganza promo train landed in the cities where two of its customers went home with brand New Kia Rio cars. This made it a total of five car winners so far in the promo, with ten more cars to be won in the coming days as the presentation continues across different cities in the country.

A total of 106 home appliances were presented to winners in Abuja. 37 winners received generators, 32 received refrigerators, while 37 others received television sets. In Jos, there were 13 generator winners, 11 refrigerator winners,

and 13 winners of television sets, making a total of 38 lucky winners.

In Abuja, 35-year-old Peter Ekeifo, a life-style manager from Delta State, won the fourth car in the promo. The brand new Kia Rio was jointly presented to him by the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa, Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago, and Globacom’s Regional Manager, Abuja, Mr. Kazeem Kaka.

Ekeifo, who said he was dumbfounded when the Glo Customer Care staff called to inform him about the car, described it as “a gift from God delivered through Glo.”

PARTNERSHIP. . .

L-R: President, Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during Akpata’s visit to Abiodun in Abeokuta…yesterday.

Lalong Lifts Curfew on Jos, Directs Stern Security Check Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, has directed the total lifting of the curfew on Jos North, Jos South and Bassa local government areas earlier imposed on September 8th 2021, from 10p.m. to 6a.m. as part of efforts to curb the insecurity witnessed some months ago.

Governor Lalong gave the directive after a State Security Council Meeting which ended

yesterday night, where the Council reviewed the security situation in the affected local government areas and the state in general.

In a statement signed by Dr. Simon Machan, the governor said that on the strength of deliberations at the meeting and the advice of the Security Council, he has directed that the existing curfew be lifted with effect from Friday 17th December 2021 until further notice.

Lalong directed that in place of the curfew, the relevant security agencies should mount well coordinated and round the clock checks in strategic areas of the state to ensure the safety of lives and property of the people during the yuletide season.

He advised the security agencies to ensure that they deploy security personnel throughout the state and gather requisite intelligence to thwart any attempt by

criminals who might want to perpetrate their nefarious activities during the season and cause a breach of the peace.

“Meanwhile, the total ban on motorcycles within the JosBukuru metropolis is still in force, while their operations in other Local Government Areas will stop at 8p.m. Tricycles within the metropolis will continue to operate on the existing template of 6am to 6pm only,” the statement affirmed.

Osinbajo Lays Foundation for 20-hectare Edo Tech Park, Inaugurates Shared Facility for MSMEs Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City| Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday performed the groundbreaking for the 20-hectare permanent site of the Edo Tech Park and inaugurated a shared facility for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Edo State.

Inaugurating the shared facility for furniture production in Edo,

Osinbajo said MSMEs were of top priority to the government in boosting the country’s economy.

He said this yesterday while laying the foundation of the technical park located along Benin Technical College Road, off Usele-Lagos Road, Benin.

The Vice President charged MSMEs engaged in furniture production in Edo to take full advantage of the facility to

boost productivity.

He noted: “This is a priority of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration; as we all know, they are the engine of growth for the economy.

“This facility, as we have seen already, is equipped with state-of-the-art machines and equipment, which at full capacity can produce

about 250 furniture items daily, including doors, tables, dining tables and cabinets.”

Osinbajo continued: “It is equally notable that the Edo State Government is thinking of replicating the furniture manufacturing cluster across the 18 local government areas of the state and in some of the technical colleges.

Money Laundering: Unmask Artificial Entities’ Owners, ICPC Boss Tells Globa Community Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, has called on the United Nations and global community to unmask the owners of artificial legal entities in order to combat money laundering, Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) and hidden ill-gotten wealth.

The ICPC boss made the call as a panelist at the Ninth Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CoSP9) to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) at the International Conference Centre in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

The CoSP9 is being attended by top government officials and heads of anti-corruption agencies from the

United States, United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Australia, Austria, Ukraine, India, United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Egypt, Burkina Faso, Mali as well as international bodies, civil society organisations, and the private sector.

Speaking on the draft resolution L9 entitled ‘Enhancing Access and Use of Beneficial Ownership Information to Facilitate the Identification, Recovery and

Return of Proceeds of Crime’, Prof.

Owasanoye affirmed that artificial legal entities were being used for illegality and financial crimes including illicit financial flows.

He said, “We have held so many meetings and conferences on beneficial ownership. This is the time for action. We need to act now and lift the veil on these artificial legal entities that are being used to perpetuate crimes against the developing countries.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 18, 2021

NEWS

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BREAKING NEW GROUNDS… L-R: The Waziri of Ilorin, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki with the newly turbaned 4th Grand Mufti of Ilorin, Fadilat Sheikh Suleiman Faruk Onikijipa, at the Palace of the Emir of Ilorin in Ilorin, Kwara State…yesterday

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DECEMBER 18, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

BISI AKANDE ON BISI AKANDE Bisi Akande, former governor of Osun State, tells his own story, writes Eric Teniola

A

lthough his book is currently in circulation generating a lot of controversy, Chief Abdukareem Adebisi Bamidele Akande has narrated the story of his life on November 17, 1977 at the Constituent Assembly in Lagos. It was an emotional story told by an emotional man, long before he held any public office at the age of 38. The Chairman of the Assembly then, Mr Justice Udo Udoma could not interrupt Chief Akande’s testimony in spite of the short time allocated to each member to speak. Chief Akande spoke from his heart on that day.

In his own words he declared on that day, “My name is Bisi Akande from Ila/Odo-Otin Constituency, Oyo State. I will start by telling this House that my hope is not in this Draft Constitution which is under debate. My hope is in the standard of representation in this House. The standard is very impressive. It represents intelligence, experience and patriotism. Sir, you may want to know that my parents, during their life time, belonged to class of the most hard-working Nigerians. Yet, they died as poor and wretched people, not because the gods were angry with them, but because our system was very bad. It was like the law of the jungle where there are rats and cats, the lions and the cattle have to live together. One was just eating up and swallowing the other. Unless I am allowed to refer to the history of the development of my people, I mean the people of my constituency, within the context of the past Constitutions; I may find it a little difficult to give suggestions on the type of Constitution I would like to be fashioned for the peoples of this country. My own town, a major historical town within my constituency actually within Oyo State and the Yoruba land is known as Ila-Orangun. Traditionally, our major occupation was the production of palm wine in commercial quantity. In short, we were palm wine tappers. My own father was a palm-wine tapper for upwards of about 40 years. Daily, he had to climb about eighty palm trees three times all over. In other words, he climbed palm trees about 240 times every day throughout the last 40 years of his life. Yet he lived, and died as a very poor Nigeria. Sir, you may appreciate his level of poverty if I tell you that by special arrangement between himself and my mother, he was able to produce the tuber and the grains for our food while my mother was to supply the soup for the family. In one year, we might not have meat in our food, except during Sallah festival when neighbours may be generous to give us some ram meat.

In spite of all this austerity, in 1953 when I gained admission to a secondary school and when I was to pay only N40 a year for school fees, boarding fees, books, et cetera, my father, my mother plus all their extended family connections could not afford the cost, and the idea of my going to secondary school was dropped. My father inherited a large piece of land and landed property within my community, but this could not attract reasonable rent because land was not in demand in my area.

But my father’s friend in Lagos, a Lagos man, who inherited landed property of his forefathers throughout his lifetime was idle, but because the tax-payers money of this country was spent in developing Lagos, and the suburbs, he had to lead an idle life and yet apart from the fact that he was able to live not only comfortably but in luxury; he was able to train his children who are now my counterparts in the special pre-primary, primary schools, secondary and post-secondary educational institutions. And what is more, because there is plenty of

I SHARE THE SENTIMENT OF MR ALAGBE ON THE DEMAND THAT ONLY THOSE THINGS THAT AFFECT ALL NIGERIANS, IRRESPECTIVE OF RELIGION OR ETHNIC GROUPS, MUST BE PROMOTED AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL WHILE SECTIONAL DEMANDS, RELIGION OR OTHERWISE, MUST BE RELEGATED TO THE STATES. NOT UNTIL THEN, OUR FEDERALISM WILL NOT CONJURE TRUE UNITY IN DIVERSITY.

money in their family, they are too lazy to practice any trade today.

Like their father, they too are idling away their time in luxury. The irony of my life today is that his children who are my counterparts look down on me as too inferior and too unfashionable to continue with them the friendship of our parents. Now they occupy a house at the Victoria Island. You will remember that Victoria Island was reclaimed, planned and developed with about N200 million taxpayers’ money before it was unjustly allocated to their father by our heartless successive governments.

Some of my father’s children who now work in Lagos are living and scattered across the slum of Aguda and Ikate areas of Lagos.

In these areas, the areas which house over one million Nigerians, there are no schools, not a single primary or secondary school, no health care centre, no recreational facilities, no roads, no drainage. It is a big slum, and the plots of land allocated for these amenities by the government have now been seized and encroached upon by the members of the idle family of the rentier class. They have now built commercial houses for the further exploitation of the people of my own tribe. I will suggest proper provisions to remove these atrocities at the Committee Stage, but in the meantime, the Constitution of my mind is the one that will reward hard work, but punish idleness as opposed to what obtains under the past constitutions. The motto of the Soviet Union says, and I quote: The man who will not work shall not eat. And Paul the Apostle of Christ in 2nd Thessalonians Chapter 3, verses 10 - 12 says: “We toiled and drudged, we worked for a living day and night, rather than being a burden to any of you. We set an example for you to imitate, for even during our stay with you, we laid down the rule; the man who will not work shall not eat. We mention this because we hear that some of your members are idling their time away minding everybody’s business but their own.”

I want it written in the Constitution of Nigeria in capital letters, that he who will not work shall not eat: may he be the son of a Christian, a moslem or a heathen; may he be the son of the President of this country or that of the Judge of the Supreme Court.

Nigeria is presently made up of two tribes, two major tribes: the tribe of the “the tribe of the red eyes” and the tribe of the comfortable idles”. Those of us belonging to the “red eyes” tribe who are in the majority pray earnestly for the arrival of the day of total liberation.

I would like to continue with the history of the development of my people within the context of the past constitutions in order to be relevant in my contributions to the Draft Bill under debate. The people of the old Ila-Orangun constituency were cajoled to leave palm-wine tapping and to go back to the land by the government of this country.

The people of the whole of Ila/Odo-Otin Constituency were cajoled to leave their palm wine tapping and go back to the land by the various governments of the country. My people eventually developed very high skill for farming. In the process, through communal efforts, they build numerous bush paths and tracks that linked them with some towns and villages in Kwara and Ondo States and with some towns and villages linking them with the rest of Oyo State. The experiments of trading in exported goods led them to the development of wider roads to link them with the railway stations in Osogbo and Offa and the widening of the bush paths and tracks to link them with the original economic and political associates of the immediate neighbouring towns and villages.

A SIGH OF RELIEF Lagos State government is tackling head-on the challenge of bad roads across the state, writes James Adeleye

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ince existence, roads have connected humanity.

Whether it’s creating a path to a neighbour’s house, or as it is, in modern times, navigating the concrete jungle, the importance of the road to living has never dimmed. However, given the prevalent urbanisation drifts, roads in cities are under more pressure. And with Lagos State, carrying the blessing and burden as the nation’s commercial nerve centre, feels the challenge of providing good roads the most. That’s why interventions in providing roads in the state are always celebrated as a big deal.

And so it was on Monday, December 13, 2021 when the governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, inaugurated the upgraded/rehabilitated network of three roads in Victoria Island - Adeola Hopewell, Idowu Taylor and AfriBank/Church Gate Streets. The area which has suffered flooding in the past has subjected residents and motorists to hardship. But this challenge was reimagined and the improvements made.

Upgrades on the roads included provision of drains and culverts, interlocking paving stones on walkway and carriageway, transverse and longitudinal service ducts, among others. According to the governor, the roads which house a lot of corporate offices including banks, serve over 200, 000 people daily and their reconstruction reduce traffic congestion and also boost commercial activities.

Speaking at the inauguration, Sanwo-Olu said: “The failure of many of the drainages and water channels on Victoria Island has consistently impeded the free flow of traffic, extending commuting time, causing damage to vehicles, low patronage for businesses, and generally poorer quality of life for the people who work and live here.

“As a responsive government committed to the fulfilment of all electoral promises, we knew we

had to do everything necessary to address and reverse this issue of incessant flooding and all its consequences in the area.”

The governor also said road projects were ongoing in all divisions of Lagos and four roads in Ikeja GRA are nearly completed and would be inaugurated soon. “A major focus of our Greater Lagos Vision is the prioritisation of urban renewal and the development of road infrastructure as a means of enhancing the collective wellbeing of Lagosians,” he said.

“We have adopted an all-inclusive and peoplecentred approach that covers rural and urban areas so that no part of Lagos State is left out.”

According to Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Mrs Aramide Adeyoye, the roads were previously in a bad state. She thanked the contractor, Messrs Hi-Tech Construction Company Ltd for delivering the project which was inked in February 2020 despite the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also at the event, Chairman, Victoria Island and Ikoyi Residents Association, Mrs Wonu Folami, led others to thank the Sanwo-Olu administration for the project.

“We had terrible experiences for many years on these roads, which are located in the areas where major commercial activities take place,” said Mrs Folami. “With their rehabilitation by Sanwo-Olu, residents can now heave a sigh of relief and businesses that have suffered can now come back.”

But the Monday inauguration has been a trademark of the governor who is a busy body when it comes to executing projects. It is not for nothing that people on social media in his early days as governor tagged him as the ‘Pointing Governor’ as photographs captured him moving

across Lagos, gesturing from one project site to the other. In June, the governor had commissioned four upgraded and rehabilitated roads in Ikoyi. The roads are: Mac Donald road/Lateef Jakande road, Milverton road and Thompson Avenue. During the commissioning of the roads, Sanwo-Olu approved immediate rehabilitation work on three other arterial roads in the area - Cooper Road, McPherson Road and Queen’s Drive. At that event, Sanwo-Olu also admonished residents to take care of the roads.

“Maintenance of these roads is the collective responsibility of the government and members of the community,” he said.

“We are ready to collaborate with the Residents’ Association and Community Development Association to develop and promote local initiatives for the community to participate in the maintenance of this network of roads to reduce road damage and infrastructure theft.”

In June, Sanwo-Olu also inaugurated the New Ijede Road in Ikorodu.

It should be noted that within two years as governor, his administration completed 51 roads which include the Pen-Cinema flyover, Lagos Ogun Boundary roads Phase II and the Lekki Oniru Traffic Circulation projects. His administration also completed a network of 31 roads in Ojokoro, Aradagun-Epeme-Iworo-Ajido, and Somolu Road network among others. As at the time the government marked two years in office, Mrs Adeyoye also announced that there were 43 road projects ongoing.

Among the ongoing projects she listed included Oba Sekunmade Road, Agric Isawo Road, St. Finbarrs and Iwaya Roads, Lekki-Epe Expressway, from Eleko Junction to Epe T junction, and also Lekki Regional road project.

The governor’s Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure said that road projects awarded included Hospital Road in Badagry, Construction of Muwo Jetty in Ojo, Abaranje road network in Alimosho, Reverend Braithwaite in Epe. Others are the reconstruction of Moshalashi Street, Shomolu, rehabilitation/upgrading of Ademoye/Alake Lakonko Street in Alimosho, reconstruction of Onilegbale in Eti Osa. At that event in April, Mrs Adeyoye had said the Lagos State Public Works Corporation maintained 632 inner roads covering 192 kilometres.

I find it satisfying that Sanwo-Olu has continued the Lagos State government’s drive in providing infrastructure, especially roads. With a population of over 20 million residents, Lagos is among the cities that must take transportation more seriously.

This is because people would need to go to work, go to school, go to worship, relax, go on tourism and many other activities humans do. For a larger part, they would need roads. While the state is developing its waterways as well as its own light rails, the place and importance of roads can never be exaggerated. In olden times, stories abound of how roads facilitated economic growth and development because they make many activities possible.

Hence, I think it is commendable that Sanwo-Olu is not messing around when it comes to building and maintaining road infrastructure in Lagos. But I’m not surprised as under the THEMES with which he launched and guided his campaign, the T stands for traffic management and transportation. So, it is understandable why the administration holds road infrastructure dear to its heart and the governor has maintained the state’s inherited tempo in road construction and repairs.

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DECEMBER 18, 2021, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Happy birthday Sir!

Review NYSC Orientation Exercise

Has Africa become a Graveyard for Children?

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s Nigeria`s poorly prosecuted war against HIV continues, embarrassing irresponsibility is consigning children to the ragged teeth of a ruthless disease.

What do innocent children know to make them bear the brunt of the irresponsibility of older people and the jarring complaints of a crumbling healthcare system?

The statistics damningly indicate a war disproportionately affecting children with a new report by the United Nations Children`s Fund showing that, at least, one child globally was infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) every two minutes.

According to the report not less than 300,000 children globally were newly infected with HIV in 2020 with 120,000 children dying from AIDS-related causes during the same period, or one child every five minutes with many children ignorant of their status and just over half receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART).

When it rains, it pours in Nigeria.

About Nigeria, the report indicated that in 2020 one Nigerian child was infected with HIV every 30 minutes which translated to about 20,635 children becoming newly infected with HIV in 2020.

The report continued its frightening revelations:30 percent of AIDS-related deaths in 2020 occurred in children. Only about 3.5 per cent of the 1,629,427 Nigerians receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) were children.

In all, the grim highlight reel of the report showed a grave risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. This simply cannot continue to happen.

What do children know?

How much should something they know nothing about be allowed to affect them?

In a country crippled by its own crumbling health care, do children have to add HIV and AIDS to their cabinet of killer diseases?

In 2020, Save the Children, an International NGO that protects children, with headquarters in London, United Kingdom, and offices around the world, directly reached nearly 45 million children in 122 countries. It responded to 136 humanitarian emergencies across 77 countries and contributed to 33 policy and legislation changes for children`s rights.

According to its Global Childhood Report 2021 containing the End of Childhood Index which compared the latest data for 186 countries – the highest number ever - assessing where the most and fewest children are missing out on childhood, Nigeria, the giant of Africa, with a score of 549 out

of 1000 came in an embarrassing 180th position out of 186 countries, well behind otherwise backwater countries like Eswatini in 135th, Djibouti in 138th and Eritrea in 170th. Even war-torn Yemen and Syria performed better than Nigeria in 162nd and 165th places respectively.

If Nigerians were not sufficiently alarmed, they were soon to be by the fact that the country`s 180th position out of 186 countries in the 2021 Index was similar to what obtained in the 2020 Index where the country came in 174th place out of 180 though with a slightly poorer score of 546.

It is instructive to note that in the 2021 report, all 10 countries occupying the last 10 places are countries from sub-Saharan Africa.

It begs the question of what we want for children in this part of the world.

Has Africa become a graveyard for children?

Why are children especially caught in the cyclone of conflict and corruption rippling through the African continent with malevolent fury?

With Nigeria, the so-called giant of Africa, setting such a catastrophic example in how not to treat children, what can Africa do to safeguard its children and its future?

In Nigeria, can we sincerely hope for a future without needless deaths and avoidable diseases if we continue to needlessly hang our children out to dry?

Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com

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want to use this medium to urge the federal government to revisit the three weeks National Youth Service Corps orientation exercise by placing emphasis on the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED).

This is to curb the alarming rate of unemployment and insecurity in the country. Prioritising SAED will pave the way for job opportunities which would eventually end insecurity.

Undoubtedly, the three weeks exercise was designed to orient corps members to what to do and what not and about dealing with people in any environment they found themselves during the mandatory one-year service. This is to ensure safe service delivery, maintain the nation’s unity in diversity, cultural heritage, religious tolerance as well as boosting the nation’s economy through interstate and regional trade.

However, the exercise is lagging on the other hand considering the enormous number of unemployed graduates, which outweighs the workers; this happens in the federal, state and local governments.

Meanwhile, instead of the government (NYSC) to dwell and concentrate in teaching corps members how to be self-reliant after camp training, more emphasis has been placed on parade, lectures, man o’ war, among other less significant events throughout the three weeks exercise.

The lectures are very important unlike the

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

parades because most times, the lectures are all about achieving national cohesion devoid of religion, ethnicity and cultural affiliations.

But, NYSC should understand that achieving national unity would never be attained in Nigeria so far as the number of jobless educated youth is increasing. Having business ideology among educated youth in Nigeria, would surely keep them busy as well as to think positively toward nation- building. I learned that, throughout the three weeks orientation course on camp, only five days are allotted to SAED program though it is the most important in all the camp activities. The program would be of utmost importance to corps members considering the high rate of jobless graduates in the country.

To this end, I suggest that the SAED program should be given priority hence the need to resurrect the entrepreneurship skills among the teeming graduates to be self-reliant before and after the service year.

At least, Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development should be given two weeks. This would give the corps members ample time to study the skills well and apply them in their day-to -day basis after the camp training. But, and for now, five days isn’t enough for one to learn such a wonderful skill.

Ukasha Rabiu Magama,Toro, Bauchi State

No Cold feelings for Santa

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realized that the World Meteorological Organization reported that the Arctic temperature had reached 38 ° and I thought that 38 ° Fahrenheit would be a nice warm day for Santa and his team, but I realized with horror that it was 38 ° Celsius (Verkhoyansk, June 20, 2020). Surely no one could now deny that climate change is real.

Climate deniers emphasize that extreme temperatures and other weather effects do occur, and yes, but one out of every century shouldn’t turn into regular events. The long-term average temperature has risen almost 1° C over the last century and the 10 warmest years on record have occurred since 2005, maybe it’s just a coincidence, but I think it’s time to panic.

From a personal point of view, I wonder what will happen to all those polar bears and if Santa will need to install air conditioning for the elves. Perhaps Santa provides the inspiration and leadership that the world’s politicians do not provide. Santa, all I want for Christmas is a COVID-free year.

Dennis Fitzgerald,Melbourne, Australia

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 18, 2021

NEWS We’ve Zero Vices Tolerance in PAMO University, Says Odili Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The Pro Chancellor of the PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, has declared that the institution has zero tolerance for any form of vices associated with harassment, cultism, malpractice amongst others.

Dr. Odili who was the former governor of Rivers State, stated this yesterday, during a ErieÀng with journalists at the university, ahead of the Àrst convocation of graduands of the institution slated for today.

LBS is First Nigerian Academic Institution to Receive ISO 9001:2015 Certification

LEGAL ATTAINMENT… L-R: Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019 general election, Mr. Peter Obi; his former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Peter Afuba; his wife, Nneka shortly after Afuba’s investiture as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in Abuja...recently

Ohanaeze: Insecurity Not Excuse to Deny South-east Presidency in 2023 Amby Uneze in Owerri The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Professor George Obiozor, has made it clear that the current insecurity rocking the country cannot be an excuse to deny the South-east president of the country in 2023.

He said that insecurity was not peculiar to the South-east as it is aͿecting the entire country, adding that it is a poisoned arrow deliberately Àred on the geo political zone.

Obiozor who spoke yesterday in Owerri during his Christmas and New Year message contended that insecurity should not be an excuse to deny the Presidency of Nigeria to the South-east in 2023.

“Insecurity in the South-east is politically orchestrated to achieve a desired political objective and also to deceive and divert the attention of the people of the South-east and the rest of Nigeria.

“Insecurity as you know is

everywhere in the country and a serious national problem.

Nigeria is not new to crisis and conÁicts; the only good thing about it is that the country has had a magic solution to it, whenever the country reaches the brink,” he stated.

Obiozor described Ndigbo as the most unfortunate in recent Nigerian history, stating that while the other major ethnic divides in the North, West and South have all been presidents, it is only

the East that has been denied the position over the years.

He wondered why the progress of the people of the South-east have been misconstrued and misunderstood as oftentimes the Igbo energy and enterprise were seen as over ambitious.

However, he praised the Igbo talents and abilities that are usually turned from adversities into advantages, obstacles into opportunities and di΀culties into dividends which make others envy them.

Mary Nnah The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the nation’s foremost agency responsible for developing, implementing technical standards and certiÀcation of products for quality management systems in Nigeria, has awarded Lagos Business School (LBS), a leading graduate business school in Africa, the ,SO certiÀcate, an international standard measurement for Quality Management Systems (QMS).

The milestone certiÀcation for Lagos Business School confers it the Àrst educational institution in Nigeria to be awarded the coveted global standard QMS certiÀcation.

Wike Lacks Knowledge of How Budget Fuels Development, Says Peterside A former governorship aspirant in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has described Rivers State Governor, Nysome Wike, as lacking in the import of having a state budget and how it works in triggering development.

Dr. Peterside stated this in his reaction yesterday to Governor Wike’s response to an interview he granted recently, saying that the governor “muddled up serious issues of statecraft.

“Wike’s main argument is that

I said the budget of a state or an organisation is indicative of the aspiration and performance of the economy. He wondered how a doctorate degree holder can say such a thing. First is to admit I said so. Let me repeat it, that the budget of a Local Government, State or Nation is the most important document year on year and it encapsulates the hopes and dreams of the people.

It reÁects the capacity, imaginative thinking, ambition and direction of the government. I would not bother to dignify Wike with a

Tinubu Hails Buhari on 79th Birthday All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his 79th birthday.

He said despite prevailing challenges, the president has continued “calmly and with uncommon dignity to steer the ship of Nigeria through the most turbulent of waters.”

In the statement he personally signed, Asiwaju Tinubu, the former Lagos governor, said: “Congratulations to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari on the occasion of his 79th birthday.

“Mr. President, your tenure in o΀ce has coincided with some of the most di΀cult and challenging times this country and, indeed, the

entire global community has faced.

Economic crises, global pandemics, insecurity and criminality have all played a role in making the past few years di΀cult for the people of our great country.

“Yet, despite it all, you continue, calmly and with uncommon dignity, to steer the ship of Nigeria through the most turbulent of waters. On this birthday, I wish to appreciate the unseen and underappreciated work that you have done and continue to do to guide Nigeria ever nearer to its manifest destiny.

“Through your careful leadership and measured governance of our great nation, your administration has achieved many things for which we can rightfully be proud.

reply but will set the record straight for posterity sake.

“A budget is an expression of the economic history and aspirations of any organisation, including a state. It is painful to school the Governor of a state, let alone Rivers State, about the basic import of the Ànancial estimates of public economic activities; that, like the world over, public income and expenditure estimates are the bedrock of economic activities. He may like to know that the revenue estimates are an indication of the size and health of the private

sector as captured in taxation; that the expenditure estimates and history are an indication of the growth trend and developmental trajectory of a state or nation.”

Peterside said from the content of a statement the government issued shortly after his interview “we can now conÀrm that Wike does not know what he claims to be doing in the government house. No wonder there are ‘seven’ bridges that solve nothing on the same road in nearly seven years of clear ignorance and mismanagement.

IPI Nigeria Gets New Leaders The Editor-in-Chief/Chief Operating Officer of PREMIUM TIMES Nigeria, Muskilu Mojeed, has emerged as President of the Nigeria chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI).

Mr. Mojeed emerged as president unopposed during a session of the General Assembly of the Institute, which was held physically and virtually in Abuja on Thursday.

Also at the meeting, the General Manager, Business and Strategy of Media Trust Limited, publishers of Daily Trust, Ahmed I. Shekarau, was elected Secretary of IPI Nigeria.

Mr. Shekarau won the majority of the votes cast at the election, defeating his only contender, Dr Qasim Akinreti,

who is the Deputy Director, Digital Media, at the Voice of Nigeria (VON).

A statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the Executive Board member of the global body of the Institute, Raheem Adedoyin, also announced the emergence, unopposed, of Rafatu Salami, Assistant Director, Digital Media of VON, as Treasurer.

The statement disclosed that the General Assembly mandated the newly constituted exco to work towards Àlling the vacant positions of deputy president, assistant general secretary, Ànancial secretary and legal adviser, which were not Àlled yesterday because there were no nominations into them.

The ISO 9001:2015 quality management systems certiÀcation outlines a framework for improving quality and a vocabulary of understanding for any organisation looking to provide products and services that consistently meet the requirements and expectations of customers and other relevant interested parties in the most e΀cient manner possible.

Since its inception in 1991, LBS has maintained global standards in business education, quality management, and impacting the larger society by upskilling managers and leaders to become global champions of progressive actions in their respective careers and communities.

Clina-Lancet Scientist Wins ISN Medical Laboratory Award 2021 Rebecca Ejifoma

Bennett Oghifo

Odili was reacting to the reported incessant vices happening in both private and public secondary schools and tertiary institutions, which sometimes led to death of students.

He said the stringent disciplinary measure put in place in PAMO was for the future beneÀt of the graduands of the institution, who according to him, would positively represent the image of the school in the society.

According to Odili, “You cannot produce good from evil.

Those ills that are plaguing some institutions, we do our best not to allow them cross our gate.

Medical laboratory scientist with Clina-Lancet Laboratories in Lagos, Friday Odum, has clinched the 2021 ISN Medical Laboratory Scientist Award of the Year.

This was in recognition of his commitment to excellence and his drive for quality in medical laboratory practice.

Odum was awarded at the grand finale award ceremony which was held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

While the winner was awarded N1m, a capacity development training, and a Medical Lab Equipment/ Reagents donation worth N1m to

the Laboratory he works, Ndukwe Kelechi from Everight Diagnostics and Laboratory Services Limited got N750, 000 and a Capacity Development Training opportunity.

The second runner-up from the National Hospital Abuja, Gabriel Oke, received N500, 000 and a Capacity Development Training opportunity while the seven finalists got N200, 000.

Managing Director of ISN Products Nigeria Limited, Mr. Felix Ofungwu, said ISN established the award to celebrate quality medical laboratory practice and recognise laboratory scientists for their contributions to the nation’s healthcare delivery.

Senator Wayas was a Non-partisan Legislator, Says Odebiyi Deji Elumoye and Udora Orizu in Abuja A member of the National Assembly, Senator Tolu Odebiyi, has expressed sadness over the death of the Second Republic Senate President, Dr. Joseph Wayas.

Odebiyi in a personal tribute described the late former lawmaker as a non-partisan, distinguished statesman and one of the best Senate Presidents of Nigeria.

He said Senator Wayas was a colleague of his late father, Senator Jonathan Akinremi Odebiyi, during the Second Republic between 1979 and 1983.

According to him, while Senator Wayas was the President of the Senate, his father was the leader of the opposition party in the Senate

and was among the fortunate few who competed against Senator Wayas at the highest levels of politics, particularly the National Assembly.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 18, 2021

08054699539

Buhari, Enough of Rhetoric, Terrorists Enjoying Free Rein

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he visit of Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State to President Muhammadu Buhari last Monday provided the President another opportunity to continue with his rhetoric while terrorists continue with their free rein nationwide.

Killings by extremists are unending in Sokoto State. Few days back, 23 travelers were burnt alive when the vehicle they were commuting in was ambushed by the terrorists; that was why Tambuwal was at the Villa. As usual, Buhari vowed that terrorists would be smoked out across the country.

Posting photos from his meeting with Tambuwal on his Facebook page, Buhari wrote: ‘’Governor Aminu Tambuwal briefed me tonight on the security situation in the State. I assured him of the commitment and support of the federal government, towards the full restoration of peace and security. I have the full assurance of our security chiefs that these heartless bandits and criminals will be smoked out, wherever they might be, and brought to justice. We will not rest until this is achieved.”

After the terrorists killed the Sokoto travellers and some other outlaws killed a commissioner in Katsina State, Buhari dispatched “a high-level” five-man security delegation, made up of the heads of the nation’s intelligence and security services, to the two states, with a mandate for quick recommendations on how to end the carnage. The President said he was expecting an immediate situation report and recommendations on actions to effectively deal with the worrisome situation.

Haba! Which situation report and recommendation does our President need again before tackling terrorists? Huge recommendations and reports on how to end this bloodshed are on his desk, gathering dust. I’m not sorry to say that Buhari takes only verbal actions against terrorists.

I often wonder why Tambuwal and governors from other troubled states run to Buhari. Our President derives so much joy showboating. He has nothing, in practical terms, to justify these “vows” to crush terrorists ravaging Sokoto State for almost three years, with several local government areas under the control of the outlaws. Daily, scores are killed, many abducted and houses burnt in these places.

Few days after killing the Sokoto travellers in Isa Local Government Area, the terrorists returned to Sabon Birni LG, killing and maiming.

Last Sunday, no fewer than 20 villagers were abducted in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

While the President was grandstanding last

Indeed, the Nigerian state, under Buhari as leader, is a disaster. It has never been this weak. Nigeria can no longer protect its citizens.

Buhari’s level of ineptitude is terrifying. I am tempted to ask our President to wake up.

But, honestly, I doubt if this can ever happen within the 17 months left of his tenure. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently said expecting Buhari to do anything positive about unending killings is akin to beating a dead horse. I fully concur. We are in a big mess Monday, terrorists were on the busy Kaduna-Zaria highway, inflicting pain on Nigerians. The attack occurred at Kofar Gayan on the outskirt of Zaria.

They shot sporadically at vehicles in order to immobilise them and abduct passengers. Many were killed and scores abducted.

Most states in the North-east, North-central and the North-west are in a big mess, with unending killings; blood of the innocent flowing. Boko Haram and ISWAP are controlling territories in Borno and Yobe states and collecting taxes unhindered. Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, Zamfara Kebbi, Benue, Kogi, Plateau and Niger states are under the servitude of outlaws. According to figures from the Nigeria Security Tracker, a project of the Council on Foreign Relations, an American think tank, no fewer than 3,125 innocent persons were killed and 2,703 abducted by terrorists in the last 11 months of this year in Northern Nigeria. These frightening statistics were compiled from reported killings. Hundreds of other killings by terrorists in Nigeria are unreported.

An aggregate by the Kaduna State Government shows that 888 people were killed in the state between January and September 2021.

There are no consequences for these killings.

Months after terrorists downed Nigeria’s fighter jet in the Zamfara State forest, thus, threatening the sovereignty of this nation, there are still no consequences for the guerrillas. It’s so difficult to

comprehend that several months after a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet was downed in Borno State, the military is still struggling to locate the crash spot. They can’t even account for the pilot and co-pilot on that crashed Alpha jet. Boko Haram’s claim that it shot the jet is real.

Scores of Boko Haram terrorists celebrating on the Nigerian soil with video of alleged triumph, while wielding AK-47, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) and other artillery equipment, was depressing. Massive military equipment displayed by these terrorists is real.

It is dizzying seeing non-state actors with such equipment. The outlaws are evidently waxing stronger while the Buhari government goes about with trickery that no Nigerian territory is under the control of the guerrillas.

This is the level the Nigerian state has degenerated in the six and half years of Buhari.

The security glitches under his government are ceaseless and consuming too many innocent lives. The security and welfare of the people is no longer on the priority list of this jaded federal government. Terrorists roam in hundreds while state security agents move around in tens. So, how will the state curtail the terrorists? Rapid response to attacks hardly comes. What a country!

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, was right when he

Akande’s Needless Attack on Adebanjo Of all the debris in Chief Bisi Akande’s book, “My Participation”, the one I find most repulsive is the attack on 93 years old Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere.

I always describe Adebanjo as “the last of the original Awoists.” His success lies in his constancy, firm commitment to ideas rather than opportunism, courage in the face of intimidation and his life of sacrifice and simplicity. Nobody can take these away from Pa Adebanjo. Not even Akande’s trash.

Adebanjo’s qualities pour. He is a thorough and progressive politician, elder statesman, patriot, nationalist, one of the most remarkable politicians of his generation and a voice of reason in the Nigerian politics of the 20th century and early 21st century.

Akande’s claims that Adebanjo selected himself to represent the Yoruba people during Goodluck Jonathan’s National Conference because of generous allowances and that he begged Tinubu to build a house for him, are all balderdash; just bosh.

Akande roguishly characterised Adebanjo as a blank politically-minded leader who recognises readily and always that he never has what it takes to aspire for high political positions. He imprudently adds that Adebanjo “constantly harbours lumps of yellow hate-bile in his heart for any co-political leader with brighter chances for

Ayo Adebanjo

any major public office within or outside his political party.”

Adebanjo’s response to Akande was fitting. He has clearly explained how he

built his house in Lekki, Lagos State and authorised the EFCC to verify. He further challenged Akande to clear the air about the source of funds for his properties in Osun State, Lagos, Ibadan and London.

Earlier on Tuesday, on Arise News interview, Adebanjo declared: “He (Akande) is too junior to me to be commenting on political matters. He is a political neophyte. He is already known to me as a pathological liar… And those of us who know him also know. He is just an apron string of Tinubu. I signed his papers to be governor. And the condition we gave him to become governor was that of sovereign national conference for the restructuring of the country to federalism.

That was the condition he was elected in 1999 and he reneged on that.

“But telling lies is the one I don’t know and I don’t know how a man like Akande, who claims that we all come from the root of Obafemi Awolowo, can be taking pride in his participation in the government of Buhari, who they know is a disaster; all those who supported him initially are now regretting. There is no sensible man who will come out now and say he is proud of Buhari. It shows the type of character Akande is. So, he is too junior for me to be commenting on what he said.”

This missile is food for thought for Akande. He should just sit down in one corner and digest it.

blamed those in power for the increasing cases of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and armed robbery in our beloved Nigeria.

In his 2021 Easter message titled, “Before our Glory Departs”, Kukah remarked: “Taunted by Boko Haram, ravaged by bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, and other merchants of death across the nation, there is collective fear as to whether Nigeria’s glory is about to depart! Retired military and intelligence officers lament over what has become of their glorious profession as they watch the humiliation of our military personnel.

“Traumatised citizens are tortured daily by bandits. The nation has since become a massive killing field, as both government and the governed look on helplessly. A thick and suffocating cloud of desperation, despondency, desolation, gloom, and misery hangs in the hot air. We have no message and have no idea how long this will last. Our people seek solace and protection, but frustration and darkness threaten to drown them.

Is their government on AWOL? Sadly, human life is hemorrhaging so badly in Nigeria, but the greatest tragedy is the death of empathy from those in power.”

There were protests, and rightfully too, in Kano nine days ago over killings in the North.

Last Wednesday, a group under the banner of #NorthIsBleeding, were stopped by security agents from fresh protest against unending killings in the region. One of the conveners, Barrister Abba Hikima remarked: “Nobody is sleeping with his two eyes closed right now and nobody is doing anything about it. Our leaders don’t seem to care but only concerned about things that are not important – book launch and others.”

Indeed, the Nigerian state, under Buhari as leader, is a disaster. It has never been this weak. Nigeria can no longer protect its citizens.

Buhari’s level of ineptitude is terrifying. I am tempted to ask our President to wake up.

But, honestly, I doubt if this can ever happen within the 17 months left of his tenure.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently said expecting Buhari to do anything positive about unending killings is akin to beating a dead horse. I fully concur. We are in a big mess. Only a miracle can save this country.

Maiduguri Still in Darkness The beleaguered city of Maiduguri has been in darkness for over 10 months due to the tenacious sabotage of power towers supplying electricity to this town by Boko Haram. This is one big security failure that has persisted for too long. There is so much pain in Maiduguri. Here, the few that can afford it, power their homes and offices with generators. The state’s secretariat and some government offices also get some hours of supply from generators. However, many other public institutions like hospitals and schools struggle for power supply.

Two years back, the terrorists bombed two of the power towers along the Damaturu-Maidugiri 330kV transmission line, plunging the Borno State capital city into darkness. This was barely three days after electricity was restored. It was restored again in March this year and bombed once more just a week after the restoration. The other line feeding the city from Damboa was destroyed by the terrorists years back.

The towers are obvious targets for Boko Haram; yet, for years, an effective security arrangement can’t be put in place for them.

In this modern security era, we should be talking about protecting the towers with drone from a preemptive and properly staffed control centre.

Borno elders must wake up and pressure the federal government to do the needful.

They must speak out about the darkness in Maiduguri. I’m shocked that Governor Babagana Zulum is not making noise about this agony. For how long will darkness continue in the stressed city of Maiduguri?

What a country!

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 18, 2021

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Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Segilola Ogidan

I’ve Always Been an Entertainer…

Segilola Ogidan is one of the stars in the forthcoming romantic-comedymovie,A ‘ NaijaChristmas’.Shetalks to Ferdinand Ekechukwu about her character in the Netflix original, produced and directed by Kunle Afolayan. She also shares her experience on the set of the movie and her acting journey

W

ho is Segilola Ogidan?

Segilola is a multiple award winning Nigerian/British film and T.V actress, writer and director. She is the wife of an amazing man and mother to two wonderful young boys.

How did you get into acting?

According to my dad, I’ve always been an entertainer. I would apparently perform to the neighborhood kids and put on shows when I was a kid. I do remember putting on church plays and performing in school plays in my teenage years and when I was 16, I asked my dad if I could train professionally as an actress. I went to the highly acclaimed Arts Ed in London and trained in acting for Film and TV. During my BA and MA, I was the go to student for graduate student films. After graduating, I landed a role in Peter Pan at The Kings Head Theater directed by Stephanie Sinclaire and that was the beginning of my professional acting career.

How would you describe your journey into acting so far?

It’s literally been a rollercoaster.

Tell us about ‘A Naija Christmas’?

It’s a Nigerian Christmas movie about three guys who have to bring home their potential wives for Christmas to make their mother happy and inherit the family home. They of course don’t have any suitors so they go on a quest to find their perfect women.

What role/character did you play in the movie?

I played the fun, sassy, beautiful, talented, loving Ajike aka Omo Oba aka Ajiks baby and Ugo’s (Kunle Remi) love interest.

What can you say about the role?

I absolutely loved playing Ajiks baby.

It was a fun and challenging role to play.

Challenging in the sense that I had to learn how to be a local Mushin girl as well as train my vocal chords to sing. I hadn’t done musical theatre in years so when I read that the character was a singer, I was nervous but I was willing to give it a try. I remember singing for the director and he was happy with

Segilola

my voice at that stage and said I should give it a try. So I called one of my friends Chiedza Maburutse who is a professional singer and vocal coach to help train my voice and I can proudly say that I did all of Ajike’s songs in the movie! So if anyone is casting for a musical, hit me up!

What was the experience like on the set of the movie? What was it like working with Rachael Oniga?

It was interesting. Warm. She was so warm and loving and caring. She cared more about other’s well-being than hers. May her soul forever rest in perfect peace.

Does the movie remind you of any experience heard or witnessed in the past?

Ugo and Ajike’s story is your typical love story everywhere in the world. Also Mama wanting her Boys to marry and the desire to be a Grandma is definitely your typical Nigerian

story.

What’s the take away from the movie and why should people see ‘A Naija Christmas’?

Look I’ll tell you one thing and it’s not because I play a part in it, but the cast of this movie is one of its strongest elements.

Everyone brought their A-game and it was so fun acting alongside these crazy down to earth guys. One of the best ensemble cast I’ve ever seen in a Nigerian movie and that’s one thing I respect Kunle Afolayan for. He doesn’t care about so-called known faces or Instagram numbers. He cares about talent and is the best person for the job and honestly we were the best cast for this movie and once you see it, you’ll see why!

Can you tell us some things about yourself personality wise?

I’m a complete and utter goofball. But shhh don’t tell anyone I said that…

Fiokee Gets Personal with Bella Shmurda Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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Fiokee

frica’s No1 guitarist, Ifiok Effianga, professionally known as Fiokee, has joined the reigning prince of afro street-hop, Bella Shmurda, to ignite the Yuletide season with a smash single dubbed, Personal. Personal is a soothing groove, a sound of the moment, pregnant with emotion and wits. Its star-power is its ability to ignite the dance floors, while still being a pleasurable listen to the ears.

Fiokee, who also recently released another evergreen classic dubbed, ‘Follow You’, featuring Afro-fusion superstars Chike and Gyakie, has successfully carved a discography laden with time-

less records. On Personal, he unleashes a harvest of mesmerizing guitar riffs, which blend with the Afro-fusion rhythm on the record.The chemistry between Shmurda and Fiokee on this introspective groove anthem is seamless, as Bella’s sharp and fluffy vocals simmer through the Amapiano-fused jam.

Fiokee’s dexterity on the strings soars on this record, as he masterfully blends his guitar riffs with the soothing piano chords and log drums of the Amapiano melody, creating a fine Afro-fusion blend that is as silky as cake batter.This A ‘ coustic Amapiano’ is safely one of the most creative experimentations of the genre, especially in a time where the rhythm is fast catching on across the continent. It also reflects Fiokee’s whiz as an A&R for even envisioning this duet!

“Please don’t take it personal/ Money

me I chase, no friends no foes/ I need some space, I dey run my race”, Shmurda sears throughout this record in a halo of witty lyricism, taking the record as personal as it can get. The Lagos-bred singer simply spotlights the deepseated struggles most entertainers face with respect to setting boundaries and maintaining personal time.

He pontificates that, at the end, the answer is to “share love to everyone”, and especially through “giving to the poor” and making time for loved ones.

It is a story deeply entrenched in Shmurda’s past, and also still evident in his present. It is also one that is very relatable, by not just the artistes, but also by everyone. Produced by Jay Pizzle Prod & Fiokee, Personal is out now and available across all digital streaming platforms.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 18, 2021

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Onyeka Onwenu, Patience Ozokwor Set for Stage Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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classic theatrical work from the stable of Doyenne Circle will see the Queen of Nigerian music, Onyeka Onwenu grace the stage at the Agip Hall, Muson Centre, Lagos on January 1st. Alongside other prominent Nollywood veterans and amazons like Patience Ozokwor, Kate Henshaw, Onwenu will be singing, dancing and acting as they bring their bare creative ingenuity to this intriguing stage play dubbed “Speaking Out”.

The 30-act all-female cast musical, explores and highlights the journey of the girl child from birth, through childhood and adulthood, to motherhood. Beginning with a celebration of the birth of the girl child, ‘Speaking Out’ takes a roller-coaster ride through her daunting growth in a largely gender sensitive environment, an earlier release states further.

This inequitable society plagues her every step, from the celebration of her birth, through such typical challenges as child labour, education, female trafficking, dating, sex, spousal abuse, divorce and single motherhood. Singed but tireless, she emerges through all the odds with her daughter, stronger with dignity and pride, determined to live her life in full. The stage play promises a 360 experience, using spectacular dance, poetry, design, popular and traditional music and song.

It is a magnificent piece of work written and compiled by Chukwuma Okoye from the original works of Tony Marinho, using a plethora of the total female experience to tell a story driven by a musical force, as directed by the award-winning founder and director of Lagos and Abuja, Kenneth Uphopho.

Ecstatic about the cast selection and

Patience Ozokwor and Onyeka Onwenu

the exuberance they will bring through a combination of acting, singing and dancing, Okoye is particularly passionate about what each cast will be bringing to the success of the show. Set to hit the stage from January 1 to 3, 2022, at Agip Hall, Muson center, Lagos, Speaking Out is already garnering the much

deserved attention within the industry with throngs of females filling up the casting call for auditions.

This is definitely one to open the year with and will set precedence for the performance and entertainment industry in the New Year while offering the audience the hope and

inspiration to navigate through the year.

Describing the stage play as spectacular, Prof Okoye has promised to leave the audience fulfilled and showcase the incredible and diverse cast of the woman, bringing all their talent to stage ranging from music, acting and dancing.

Dr. Caise, DJ Lambo Excite with New EP Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ndustry friends and colleagues, journalists, and music enthusiasts recently joined disc jockeys, Dr. Caise and DJ Lambo at a private listening party for ‘Venus and Mars’, their new Extended Play (EP) which is due for release this month of December. Acquaintances of this unusual duo were fascinated from the get-go of this galaxy-themed EP listening with very eclectic sounds and totally pleasing.

The setting at the Live Lounge venue in Victoria Island was captivating and pumped with excitement as Caise and Lambo dish out sounds from their Beanie Macaulay assisted project. Together, they unveiled the first track ‘Rigel’, a fusion of groovy South-African Amapiano sound. The hip loving audience were also treated to other tracks of the EP including ‘Canopus’, ‘Alioth’, ‘Algol’, and ‘Sirius’.

The 5-track ‘Venus and Mars’ EP explores the journey of two great DJs, with features from seasoned artistes like Ice Prince, Praiz and Brown Joel, where they both capture

special moments in time. With over a decade of experience in African music and sound between them together, “this great piece of work, took a while in making”, Lambo noted, adding that “It is definitely a good one.”

Why stay this long to come up with their first body of work? “Good thing takes time”, Lambo said, laughing. “We’ve been on this for a really long time, going back and forth deciding what tracks are going to make it, what tracks aren’t going to make it… Yeah it’s been almost a year in the making but we just had to get it right… I will say what is unique about it is the fact that we were able to fuse different elements from different genres of music.”

Venus and Mars blend different sounds to give it that unique feel. “It’s like a combination of house music, afro-house, Amapiano, afrobeats and believe me or not, highlife. And even with some of the features on the record, a bit of hip-hop you know. It’s such an amazing literally out of this world fusion of like the different genres and I think that’s what makes it unique”, Lambo explained.

For Caise, the EP is definitely more than

just music. He highlights the theme, saying “Venus represents male (myself) and Mars represents female (Lambo)”.

The hood wearing Dr. Caise who took a spell away from music to earn his PhD, briefly narrates the journey of their debut collaborative effort following years of spinning the wheels with songs of their art: “So me and Lambo we’ve had a very long history and so we decided to come together to try and figure out some kind of collaboration we could do. We then started in SA we were just vibing, DJying together it then evolved into something.

“Like ‘listen the impact of the SA sound was so powerful the way they were reacting to music so listen we have to try and bring this influence to Nigeria’ and then it started off by one track it led to two tracks and then we had a very powerful boots camp of three days of non-stop creative process you know, just getting instrumentalists together getting songwriters, producers and we were just brainstorming for three days and we came up with a real powerful body of work.”

Dr. Caise and DJ Lambo

Doris Ariole Launches Africa’s First Christian Movie Streaming App

Doris Ariole

Doris Ariole, popularly known as the Storyteller, has unveiled Hadassah Christian Entertainment Network, Africa’s first Christian movie streaming App. HCENTV is solely focused on celebrating God’s Love and Grace through movies. The content is family friendly and inspiring. The content is not only for Christians as the movies tell universal stories of human nature.

The platform offers premium content, an online cinema experience,

authentic storytelling, and global appeal. As a non-profit organisation, the platform relies on rental and donations to create more content.

HCENTV is also willing to partner with sponsors, executive producers, and churches in the creation of Christian movies that can stream for a fee or free.

Doris has been in the Nollywood space for 20 years with over 80 screenplay credits. She attributes her solid foundation in storytelling to the legendary Amaka Igwe. She also

reverences the world’s best story teacher, Robert Mckee, as a strong influence on her storytelling skills as she has been privileged to attend his story seminars in London and New York. Doris has directed four faith-based movies and hopes to create many more and stream them on HCENTV. She is not limiting the content on the platform to only those created by her, HCENTV is currently accepting and reviewing faith-based content from other filmmakers.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 18, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 18, 2021

PERSPECTIVE

2023 Ogun Governorship Race: Who Holds The Ace? John Adejobi

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sthe2023generalelectionsbeckon, political gladiators, regardless of affiliations, are not taking any chances, while oiling and perfecting their strategies with renewed horse-tradingtobreaknewgrounds andconsolidateoldcampspreparatoryforthepolls.Thisistheseasonthathasprovided ample opportunities for the politicians, whether popular or unpopular, who have chosen under differentplatformstogobacktotheirconstituentsto rejigtheircampaignorganisations/footsoldiersina bidtooutdotheiropponentsinthepoliticalcontest of either acquiring or retaining power.

The Gateway State is interestingly warming up too,signallingthebeginningofanotherseasonfor aspirants to jostle for various elective political offices.Cometothinkofit,giventhepresentpolitical landscape, where the present administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun has raised the bar of governance, the All Progressives Congress (APC) holds sway and it remains a party to beat in the state.

Nevertheless, all is still not rosy within the state leadership of the party enmeshed in a supremacy battle over the control of the soul and structure of the party. The jostle is between a camp of the incumbenthelmsman,PrinceDapoAbiodun,andthat of a faction loyal to the immediate past governor, SenatorIbikunleAmosun.Undoubtedly,Abiodun’s campholdstheace,asitisthefactionacceptedand recognisedbytheAbujaAPCnationalleadershipto directtheaffairsofthepartyundertheleadership of Chief Yemi Sanusi.

TheAmosunfactionhasstuckitsheadinthesand.

Ithasblatantlyrefusedtoaccepttheemergenceof PrinceDapoAbiodunasGovernordespitethejudicial resolutionoftheelectoralsquabbles,andinterventionsbyvariousstakeholdersandparamountrulers toreconcilethem.Theunsavourydevelopmenthas inexorablydovetailedintoacrimoniousrivalryand aggravatedthealready-tenseddisaffectionbrewing within the state leadership of the party.

Onalargescale,theaggrievedAmosunfactionis fastlosinggroundandrelevanceonaccountofthe recently concluded congresses at the ward, local governmentandstatelevels.Thebacklashforthe AmosungroupisthatcandidatesinGovernorDapo Abiodun’s camp clinched all the seats.

Theriftintheleadershipofthepartyhasunfortunatelyprovidedpoliticaljobbersaleewaytocashinon thecracktoselladummytotheaggrievedchieftains toeitherformanewpartyastheydidsometimein late2018byfloatingtheAlliedPeoplesMovement (APM) or dissolve into one of the existing parties inordertocontestforthevariouspoliticaloffices.

Curious enough, for many political watchers, the political fortune of Amosun preparatory to his reelection bid may be in jeopardy if care is not taken andunlessheretraceshisfootstep,embracespeace and joins forces with his estranged friend, Prince DapoAbiodun,whoisthestateleaderoftheparty,to movethestateforward.Already,strongcontenders are warming up to slug it out with Amosun at the Ogun Central in a deft move to unseat him at the polls. Prominent among them include the current Chief of Staff (CoS) to the Governor, Alhaji Shuaib AfolabiSalisu,PastorBiodunSanyaolu,ChiefRemi Bakare and Senator Gbenga Obadara.

It is intriguing that the contention over the preferredgovernorshipchoicepreparatorytothe2023 generalelectionsiscurrentlyunsettlingtheAmosun camp, as the APM candidate in the March 9, 2019 gubernatorialpoll,AbdulkabirAdekunleAkinlade, isbickeringoverplotsbyhisgodfathertodumpand replace him with the current Senator representing Ogun East District at the National Assembly, Lekan Mustapha, in a calculated attempt to slug it outsquarelywiththeincumbentGovernor,Prince Dapo Abiodun, in the 2023 elections.

Toalargeextent,thealignmentandrealignmentof forcesthathavetakenplacewithintheAPCfamilyin thelastoneyeararestrongindicatorstodetermine the political equation of where the pendulum will swinginthe2023polls.Boot-lickingandsycophancy which are the end-products of conspiracy have given way to the modicum of decorum among the bigwigs that have pitched tent with the ruling party in the state.

Asforopposition,thePeoplesDemocraticParty (PDP), for instance, which ought to be a strong opposition/contender is torn apart by various litigations in courts and is already fragmented into two camps, late Senator Buruji Kashamu and LadiAdebutufactions,withoutthecentreholding.

With the recent release of the time-table by the

Abiodun

IndependentNationalElectoralCommission(INEC), the permutation may not be the same in the state anylonger,becauseofthegiantstridesthecurrent APC-led administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun hasmadesinceassumptionofoffice.Theprojects are evident in many parts of the three senatorial districts,andhavechangedthenarrativesforgood.

Any other contender no matter their clouts or financialmuscleswouldhaveamountaintoclimbto makeanewstatementthatwouldchallengewhat theincumbentGovernorDapoAbiodunhasalready etched in gold in the hearts of the good people of Ogun State.

TheDapoAbiodunadministrationhasdemystified themythofdistrustingovernanceandreinforced confidenceandtrustintheabilityofthegovernment to touch the lives of the people of the state with

welfarist programmes and projects anchored on five developmental pillars, with the acronym ISEYA (Infrastructure, Social Well-being and Welfare, Education, Youth Empowerment and Job Creation and Agriculture).

Governor Abiodun has cast a brand image for himself as a promise-keeping Governor whose landmark achievements in different economicdriven sectors have propelled rapid growth and development of the state in the last 31 months of his stewardship. On its way to power in 2019, the administration promised to make life better for the people of the state, revamp the economy, enhancethepoliticalspaceandwidenthefrontiers of trade and investment.

Interestingly, the political base of the Governor is waxing stronger in leaps and bounds by the day.

Notable stalwarts with strong clouts in the camp of the Governor include an erstwhile Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Senator Adegbenga Kaka, Chief (Mrs) Iyabo Malthida Apampa, Senator OlamilekanAdeola(akaYayi),ChiefWaliu Taiwo,RightHonourableDimejiBankole,Senator Akin Odunsi, Right Honourable Suraj Adekunbi, Alhaji Tajudeen Bello, Senator Gbenga Obadara, Barrister Biyi Otegbeye, Chief Bode Mustapha, ChiefMufutauAjibola,AlhajaSalmotBadru,Prince GboyegaNasirIsiaka(akaGNI),ApostleDaveSalako, HighChiefIbukunOjosipe,MrTunjiAkinosi,Otunba Funmi Aina, Right Honourable (Mrs) Titi Oseni, Mr Bukola Olopade (aka Ozogbula), and Honourable Kayode Oladele.

Others are: Chief Joju Fadairo, Jagunmolu Jamiu Omoniyi, Chief Anthony Ojeshina, Chief (Dr) Femi Majekodunmi, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Barrister HabeebAjayi,DrKunleIsiaqSalako,DrRemilekun Bakare,AlhajiBakaiAjaoOkedara,ChiefFounAbiola, ComradeTundeOladunjoye,HonourableTayoAdekoya,PastorKoladeSegun-Okeowo,ACPLamidi Odulana(retd),RightHonourableTunjiEgbetokun, HonourableBiyiAdeleye,HonourableAdijatAdeleye, MrDejiKalejaiye,MrIfekayodeAkinbode,MrsPeju Sote, Mrs Funmi Efuape, Mr Afolabi Afuwape, Mr KunleOtun,Honourable BabatundeOlaotan,HonourableKunleAdeshina,EngineerFataiBodunrin, ChiefDeleOdulaja,andahostofothers.Allofthese worthysonsanddaughtersoftheGatewayState have thrown their weight behind the re-election bidoftheIperu-Remobornpolitician,PrinceDapo Abiodun.

Any secret alliance or gang-up against the candidacy of Prince Dapo Abiodun in the 2023 gubernatorialelectionunderanyguiseisdestined tohitthebrickwall.GovernorDapoAbiodunisthe toastoftheOgunpoliticalfirmament.Hehasdeservedly been receiving a pat on the back for the giant strides he has made within a short period of two yearsinoffice.Hehasinitiatedandexecutedsome laudable projects and programmes with prudent management of state’s resources.

Coming on board is the recent light-up project stretchingfromAbeokutatoSagamuInterchange, whileothersareKobapeHousingEstate,renovated June12CulturalCentre,Kuto,Abeokuta,King’sCourt Housingproject,Ijebu-Ode/Eperoad,42-kilometre Abeokuta/Isiun/Sagamu road, Gateway City Gate, Sagamu, among other lofty projects that the President and Commander-in-Chief of the ArmedForces,GeneralMuhammaduBuhari(retd) is billed to commission soon.

Adejobi wrote from Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

Ocean City Lagos Promises New Premium Living Standards

T

heNigerianluxurypropertysector has received a new entrant, Ocean City Lagos, appropriately named “Jewel of the Atlantic”.

Conceived to set new standards in high-end living, Ocean City Lagos, Nigeria’s newest man-made island, is located off the Lagos coast of the Atlantic Ocean, offering a luscious eco-tourism landscape sprinkled with the continent’s hippest residential neighbourhoods, mixed-use space with high-end shops, restaurants, public parks, centres for sports, arts and entertainment, medical innovation.

A major feature of Ocean City Island will be Africa’s most prestigious address in the shape of the continent’s tallest skyscraper- a symbol of glitz, glamour and magnet to tourists from around the world.

IncloseproximitytothealreadycongestedIkoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki Residential Scheme 1 neighbourhoods, Ocean City Lagos, which sits atop 308 hectares reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean stretching from the Kuramo Waters along the Peninsula, is accessible via an extension of the popular Ahmadu Bello Way. It will also be served by the proposed Ocean City Airport,CruiseTerminalandgroundtransportation hub linking its business, cultural and residential districts to the rest of the country and the world.

Its picturesque and idyllic location aside, Ocean City Lagos is being developed as the heart of a fast-changingLagosmetropolis,transformingthe city’s coastline into the world’s next 5G-powered locationoffuturisticandeco-friendlysuper-luxury

homesandneighbourhoodswithagenerous splash of the best in medical innovation, arts, entertainment, sports and other strains of recreation.

These will be undergirded by technologybased infrastructure that delivers uninterrupted supply of power, clean water, top-tier sanitation and effective drainage; environmental initiatives to lessen carbon footprint, particularly flora and fauna protection. It will also offer progressive physicalplanning,thetypeobtainableinthe world’s most luxurious property locations.

Ocean City Lagos is promoted by Ocean City Lagos Limited, an affiliate of the 43-year-old Sea Global Energy with a sterling track record built over the years on ample insights on the most efficient technology-adoption ways to impact in the retail, communications and real estate sectors.

In 2003, Sea Global Energy was granted an approval by the Federal Government to reclaim 350 hectares of land from the Atlantic Ocean, rights to which have been assigned to its Special Purpose Vehicle, Ocean City Lagos Limited.

OceanCityLagosconsistsoffivedistricts: Gladys, Madaki, Aremu, Adesola and Five Cowries Districts.

The Gladys District, conceived as a wholly residential location, is devoted to indulgentlyopulent,ocean-fronthomesand private marinas. Complementing Gladys willbetheswankyresidentialtowersdwell-

ings with private marinas. Residences at Gladys arecomplemented by the residential towers of the mixed-use Madaki District, which will offer public art and exclusive access facilities available only at Ocean City Island.

Aremu,thethirdofthedistricts,willofferaheady mix of facilities for all art forms, top-tier sports amenitiescateringtoover20sport-relatedactivities,includingadedicatedfootballstadium;rowing and equestrian courses, restaurants catering to diverse culinary tastes, luxury shops, hip clubs, a theme park, public outdoor spaces, beaches as well as marinas.

It will also host the 30-hectare Ocean Medical City,acommunityofworld-classmedicalfacilities providingspecialistcareinvariousmedicalfields, a hospital offering between 1,000 and 1,500 bed spaces; a university devoted to medical sciences and research with accommodation for staff and experts.

The fourth district, named Adesola, will host the Ocean City Airport, Cruise Terminal and ground transportation hub connecting Ocean City Island’s business, cultural and residential districts to the rest of Nigeria and the world and is expected to spark significant socio-economic boom for the continent.

The Five Cowries District, an exclusively commercial zone, will provide access to the most up-to-date business infrastructure to attract companiesofallsizesandfromallindustries,host eye-poppingeventsandofferluxuryrecreational amenitiestocreateasumptuousmeetingpointfor living,leisureandbusiness.Formoreinformation, visit www.oceancityng.com .

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 18, 2021

23

POLITY Day Maktoub Reinvigorated Nigerian Youths The Maktoub Youth Forum 2021 held recently in Abuja has redefined the role expected of youths in national development as well as their part in the forthcoming elections in 2023, Olawale Ajimotokan reports

T

he annual Maktoub Youth Forum attracted youths numbering over 200 from diverse background into Abuja. So much enthusiasm oozed inside the NAF Conference Centre, Kado, Abuja, as the youths were reminded by the guest speakers of their role as vanguard in nation building.

The speakers, some of who were within the youth age bracket, explored different topics along the theme of the forum: “Re-Inventing Youths”.

Some of the speakers were the Founder/CEO, Kabiya Care Foundation, Jamilu Yahaya-Kwande; Dr. Adaeze Oreh; Police Commissioner Frank Mba; CEO, Karmod Nigeria Limited, Hakeem Shagaya; the Market Intelligence Officer/Vice President, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Aisha Kyari; and Fatima Abacha.

Expectedly, the forum explored the subject of substance abuse which has done more harm than good to youths all over the world. The NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, who was represented, decried the prevalence of drug use among youth.

Marwa, who was represented by a Superintendent of NDLEA, Gbenga Owonubi, said over 40 per cent of Nigerian youths, between 18 and 35 years were deeply involved in the abuse of drugs.

His topic of discussion, titled: “Drug Abuse and Youths”, raised alarm about involvement of youths in drug consumption, saying it had assumed a frightening dimension, with the attendant consequences on human and material resources.

Marwa urged youths against use of depressant, narcotics and prohibited drugs “because the abuse of drugs can lead to public health issues, mental problem, damage to unborn babies, sleeplessness, depression, suicide and expulsion from school, among others.”

He also appealed to youths to be wary of the smoking of Shisha because it is highly addictive and bears large quantities of harmful particles that put its smokers at the risk of variety of cancers. “It is a toxic substance that causes cancer. People erroneously believe it is a flavour they can inhale. But if you quaff three packs Sisha for one hour, it is like taking one hundred sticks of cigarette and you know what that can do to your lungs,” he said.

In his vibrant topic tagged: “Get Involved to Build a Better Nation”, Shagaya challenged Nigerian youths to be patriotic and forge strategic alliances among themselves.

The business man also urged young people to inculcate the spirit of political activism in addition to getting involved in local politics.

“We must learn to collaborate because it is through that we can have bigger voices and motive of what we want to achieve. We must get involved in both public and private politics because you don’t know how you will be affected by such,” he said.

Shagaya described unionisation as one of the ways to effect changes and proffer solution to social issues.

“We must learn to collaborate because it is through that we can have bigger voices and motive of what we want to achieve. Unionisation is one of the ways to effect changes and

L-R: Speakers at the 2021 Maktoub Youth Forum - Gbenga Owonubi, Dr Adaeze Oreh, Jamilu Kwande, Mariam Mohammed, Aisha Abba Kyari, Hakeem Shagaya and Fatima Abacha

solution,” Shagaya said.

He tasked youths to be politically active at the local level and not think that their idea might let them down if they dabble into local politics.

In his remarks, Seyi Tinubu, who was also represented, affirmed that one of the positives presented by the COVID-19 pandemic was the opportunity for young people to innovate as evident in the rise of e-commerce platforms and supply chain backed by technology.

Tinubu, whose paper was delivered by Lateefat Abdulmajid, noted that in spite of the catastrophe and devastation fraught by COVID-19 on the global economy, many businesses in various sectors flourished out of creativity, innovation and adaptability. He urged youths to imbibe creative ethos when faced with challenges and uncertainty that are impacting on businesses. Tinubu shared experience on how he collaborated with a non-profit organisation, FoodClique, from its food bank to distribute 977,000 meals to over 30,000 homes to mitigate the effect of the lockdown on the poor.

“What did we do? We set up mechanism to seek supportmostly in kind, get volunteers to man the food banks as well as local community.

“We are already seeing increased spend on social and digital marketing whilst new entrepreneurs and business lines are being created. Businesses can now also easily diversify, test products, explore new markets and innovate with little risk of resistance simply because the world has come to accept this new way of life. This period of instantaneous innovation helped the world to build confidence among businesses, to introduce change boldly and fearlessly,” Tinubu remarked.

He added that the pandemic resuscitated the spirit of community in the world and Nigeria where communities stood up to assist one another and a world that has moved up from becoming too individualistic to one that has a sense of community.

On his part, Mba appealed to consciousness of the youths for trust to be established with the police in protection of community. He stressed the police require absolute trust to function, stating when there is no trust in any relationship, it will certainly collapse. However, he conceded to the youths that the citizens do not trust the police because of police oppression, brutality, bribery and corruption and impunity.

He also decried the undue stereotyping and prejudice, negative media depiction, false alarm, poor governance and unfair comparison of the police as causes of mistrust.

He said modern policing derives its legitimacy from the people, adding trust is a deliberate offer that has to be nurtured by both sides.

He called on the youths and the police to build and regain trust as “trust” is not an item that could be brought from the shelf. “Both sides, after the ENDSARS protest must work together to fix the challenge of trust deficit and build mutually rewarding relationship,” Mba said. The senior police officer said the Nigeria police was underfunded in comparison to the police in other jurisdictions.

He said the Nigerian police highest budget of N458 billion per year is like scratching the surface when put besides the New York Police Department’s annual budget of N2.5 trillion, London Metropolitan Police, N1.8 trillion and South African police N2.3 trillion.

“We are like a people going on our bare hand. When next you see a police, say a silent prayer for him in your heart,” Mba pleaded.

The convener of the youth forum, Ms Mariam Mohammed said it was premised on organising interactive forum on current and topical issues that directly impact on Nigerian youths, addressing their present reality, hopes and dreams for a prosperous future.

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Okowa, PAP Boss, Nexim Bank, Seek Revival of N’Delta Economy Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as well as the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd) and the Executive Director (Business Development), Nexim Bank, Stella Okotete, have expressed the need to advance solutions to the economic challenges the Niger Delta region in order to revive it.

The trio spoke in Warri, Delta State, yesterday at a one day economic summit organised by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) for its delegates with the theme, “Restoring Wealth Creation In Niger Delta Region.”

Others who also reflected on the way out of the region’s poor economic indices included a security expert, AVM Terry Okorodudu (rtd), ex-agitator, High Chief Bibopere Ajube and business development coach, Francis Okumagba.

Okowa, who was represented by the Executive Secretary Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Orezi Esievo, called for more private sector involvement in the development of the region, saying government alone could not do it.

The governor, who harped on the importance of SMEs to any given economy, said that his administration remain open to partnering stakeholders that will ensure the creation of sustainable wealth created for people of Delta State and the Niger Delta region as a whole.

Okotete said while other regions in the country were taking

advantage of their resources to create the needed wealth, people in the Niger Delta, particularly the youths were relying on handouts.

She said with the agricultural resources in the region and the huge talents in the entertainment industry, people should form clusters and build the structures that will make it easier to access funding from institutions like the Nexim bank to begin export trade.

According to Okotete, “Non-oil sector is what is driving the economy of every country and in this region, there are a lot of resources that can be exported. The various governments in the region need to create the enabling environment for more investors to come.

“The government needs to create a balance between economic and infrastructural development. It’s not just enough to build roads, yes roads are good but they should also build industries.

“We must look at the export space. Export creates massive wealth. We must wake up and look into the future. Nobody will build the Niger Delta for us, it is only we that can do that.

Let us start selling our region to the world and create a better future for our children.”

On his part, AVM Okorodudu (rtd), described as unfortunate the fact that since the inception of the amnesty bprogramme in 2009, agencies of government like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) had failed to carry out their responsibility of

Dikio

reconstruction.

Okorodudu who commended Dikio’s effort, noted that funding the training of ex-agitators was an expensive venture, but added that it was sheer waste of resources to train them without employing or engaging them.

Similarly, Chief Ajube and Okumagba, urged the exagitators to be inspired by the stories of successful people and stop allowing their immediate environment distract them from success.

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24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 18, 2021

POLITY

Why NSE Honoured Azibaola Robert Austin Ekeinde

A

t the just concluded Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Investiture of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) which held at the conference center, Abuja, one thing stood out during the ceremony as prior experiences were that paper qualifications weighed far above practical experience and delivery in estimation of people which was reversed, For the first time, premium was placed on those actually blazing the trail in engineering and technological incubation which was like a return from the exile of vainglory to put our ailing nation on the tracks of technological and engineering liberation.

Chosen for honour in the new order was Azibaola Emmanuel Robert, Managing Director, Kakatar Group and Founder, Zeetin Engineering who pioneered the handling of some engineering jobs hitherto the exclusive preserve of foreign companies in Nigeria with the attendant capital flight.

Justifying the choice of Azibaola Robert for the honour, the President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engineer Babagana Mohammed said: “I present to you Azibaola Robert, a distinguished icon who has been a mentor to many engineers; that has engineered many engineers. And the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) finds it fit today to consider him for this honorary award of the Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).”

Also, former Chairman of NSE, Abuja Branch, Engineer Osita Ben-Ossy in lending his voice to the choice and honour, stated: “Let me also add that Mr. Robert, FNSE, has contributed a lot to the development and growth of Engineering than what you have seen here today. That is why the motto of his company, Kakatar, is Nigerians Building Nigeria. He believes so much that only Nigerians can build Nigeria. That is why he pays Nigerian engineers what expatriates are paid. That is a big encouragement to our engineers. He has also donated to the NSE several computers to aid our work. So, the NSE deemed it fit today to give him this honorary award of the Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE). Azibaola Robert, FNSE, is a lawyer with the heart, mind, soul and spirit of engineering.” honour and as a beacon for other Nigerian youths who feel disadvantaged by their circumstances of life, Azibaola overcame all the drawbacks of life to become a shining star and therefor a good reference point for the reformation of the youth.

Born 13th February 1969 at Otakeme in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Azibaola Robert is the fifth child of his mother, Madam Irene Yepaye Uriah, who raised him and his siblings, as a single mother.

Bereft of the advantages of life and without the assurance of

going to school due to lack of resources, Azibaola completed primary school at Baptist-Day Primary School, Port Harcourt; and by miracle, proceeded to attend secondary school at Owema Secondary School, Otakeme, where he rose from a not-too bright boy to become the best student of his class and the entire school, excelling in all Science subjects.

Considering his high Intelligence Quotient and proficiency in the sciences, added to his high work rate that saw him breaking new grounds, it was the expectation that he would someday become an Engineer or a Medical Doctor. By twist of fate, all fingers of nature combined to steer him away from his childhood obsession and he ended up studying law at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology Port Harcourt, where he graduated with a 3rd Class Degree in 1993 (BL) and a 2nd Class LLB from the then Nigeria’s only Law School in Lagos.

He was called to Bar in 1995 as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. After a moment of practice, he resumed duty-call as a pro-democracy, human and environmental rights advocate, against military rule in Nigeria, at that time, where he joined forces across the country, to fight and win the soul of Nigeria to democracy.

Azibaola Robert is not one to live under the line and while in the university, was a student leader and a vice president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). On Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, he left active civilsociety advocacy, and founded Mangrovetech Limited, a civil engineering company which transformed to KAKATAR. His sole aim of founding Kakatar was to challenge an established perception that Nigerian engineers were incapable of administering and building the infrastructures of Nigeria. He created the slogan: ‘NIGERIANS BUILDING NIGERIA’ as part of his advocacy for the Nigerian engineers, and proceeded to employ only indigenous engineers to build both the Maitama Extension, and the Kyami Districts in Abuja, amongst several other projects across the country.

The quality of work on these projects dusted those of the so-called expatriates thereby debunking the notion that Nigerian engineers were only paper tigers and good with theories. That restored the confidence and drew government attention to the need to use indigenous companies to handle even sophisticated jobs.

In 2018, Azibaola Robert founded Zeetin Engineering; a precision engineering, high-end technology, and heavy-duty company and in his purpose-driven way of life, sited a stateof-the-art factory in the Idu Industrial Area of Abuja.

With unquenchable drive to achieve and its array of machines and equipment Zeetin prides itself as Nigeria’s precision engineering company with a focus to kick-start and advance Nigeria’s technological development.

Through his various companies Azibaola Robert has employed several Nigerian engineers over the years providing

L-R: Azibaola Robert recieving his award from the President/Chairman of Council, NSE, Babagana Mohammed.

them mentorship and kindling in them a desire of ‘l-can-do spirit’.

Today, Azibaola Robert, together with his colleagues, is consummating himself, to the self-task of designing, and producing a wholly, made-in-Nigeria automobile engine, pioneering a domestic electric car design and production as well as catalysing the process of making other heavy-duty machines and Original Spare parts production in Nigeria for Nigeria.

Azibaola is a social thinker, a practical hands-on personality, inspirational writer, and creator of things. He Prides himself as ‘the Carpenter”, a childhood obsession. He has vast practical knowledge of many aspects of engineering – civil, electrical/ electronics, Hydraulics and high-pressure systems, aerodynamics, CNC machining, Portable Circuit Boards (PCBs) and more.

He is a genius at operating machines, including Cranes, Excavators, Dozers, Articulated trailers; CNC machines, such as Lathes and milling, Plasmas, Water Jets and more. He is a software enthusiast, including website designs. He melts into machines in a manner that baffles as if there is an innate communication between him and the machines which he transits in operating with ease in an area that require strict expertise.

While pushing through his passion for Nigeria’s engineering and technological development, Azibaola has remained true to his goal for the environment: protection of wildlife and commitment to Climate Change.

Azibaola Robert is an inspiration to those who work with him and his followers.

He is married to Stella Robert and, together, they have four daughters, namely Yepaye, Zoni, Emmanuella and Azibasuam.

Working to Make KWASU a World Class University Hammed Shittu

P

rovision of qualitative education in an institution rests on the kind of leadership that is in charge.

Good leadership usually plays a vital role in creating the conditions for success at all levels of education and training. It was no surprise then that on April 1st 2020, the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq took the bull by the horn by appointing a seasoned administrator, versatile and brilliant legal luminary, Prof.

Muhammed Mustapha Akanbi (SAN) as the Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, so as to provide qualitative and standard education to the students of the institution.

The appointment of Prof. Akanbi by Governor AbdulRazaq then was described by pundits in the state as a round peg in a round hole in view of the past exposures of the legal luminary.

He was one time former chairman of Ilorin branch of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), where he distinguished himself as a manager of human resources.

Apart from this, Akanbi gathered sound parental exposure from his late father, Justice Mustapha Akanbi, a former chairman of ICPC. A meeting of Council members of the institution was convened by Akanbi to brief them on the work agenda of the new administration.

The Vice Chancellor said he believes in participatory governance so as to add value to the educational growth of the students and to have a good relationship with the host community of Malete, adding that the decision had assisted him in advancing the course of greatness of the institution.

In doing this, he said, “I set up community relations committee and meet from time to time with the people of the host town, Malete to discuss their interest.

“Kwara State University is a community university. It is a university for community development. I have not joked with it because it revolves on three tripods; teaching, research and community development and we have been having a robust relationship since assumption of office.

“The population of students at Malete outnumbers the people of Malete and we must be able to handle the people of

Akanbi

Malete so as to avoid tension and friction.”

Apart from this, he said the factionalised Academic Staff Union of the university had been reconciled to form one-united union in the institution.“I want to tell you that the primary school at Malete has been taken over by the university and we have deployed our lecturers in education to be teaching the students of this host town.

“Apart from this, the management has constructed boreholes, solar and the likes, for the town while security had been beefed up to maintain peace and order in order not to put our students as risk. All these have boosted our relationship with the host town since I came into office.”

The vice chancellor noted that the new administration had taken a giant stride in the accreditation of more courses for the institution so as to advance academic learning.

He said, “Most of the academic programmes of the KWASU currently have full accreditation. This feat is due to the commitment and sacrifice of our staff who continue to give their best to the system and the support of the state government

during the accreditation periods.

“Specially, eight programmes earned full accreditation status in 2020. These are Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Computer Science, English, Linguistics and African Languages, Performing Arts and Microbiology. “Additionally, nine programmes went through resource visitation by the National Universities Commission during the 2020/2021 session, while 16 new programmes are awaiting resource visitation by the NUC “Kwara State University is blessed with highly talented, experienced and committed academic staff who have continued to give their best and not only that, the university has maintained a stable academic calendar and it has continued to soar in academic excellence.”

On the plan to introduce campus shuttle-transport in the university, Prof Akanbi said the move “is to regulate the public transportation in the institution.”

He stressed: “The security reports available to us show that most of the incoming vehicles are involved in the movement of illicit drugs into the campus and that this had resulted in the antisocial behaviour of some students.

“If we cannot control transportation outside the campus, we must be able to control the one coming into our campus because we want to produce future leaders and we want to work towards making our university a world class institution and the products from the university must be trained to have good etiquette and good behaviour.

“We don’t want a situation whereby our first class students will be mired in illicit drugs and we must be able to control and regulate their behaviour, and that is why the idea of having our own campus shuttle comes in. We will also use it to expose our students to a well-modeled form of transportation.

On the plan to have Students Smart-city in the university, Prof Akanbi said the move was to ensure that the students were kept in the campus instead outside the campus.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 18, 2021

25

POLITY

BA Flight 083 and Incompetent COVID-19 Labs Eddie Mbadiwe This was the last BA flight into Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja on December 6th 2021 before the lock out. This public service notification is to highlight in the overall interest of the Nigerian community the due diligence or lack of it in the way Covid monitoring is conducted.

Flight 083 departed London Heathrow late because of extra Covid checks on the crew. The Pilot in his first announcement assured us he would maintain the tight schedule and he landed right to the minuet as predicted. This is proficiency.

The flight was so smooth that when we disembarked, some of

the passengers told the flight crew, “We will surely miss you”.

This service alert is also to bring to the attention of the Presidential Task Force and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) the urgency for proper vetting of the molecular testing laboratories and the urgency to decertify non-performing ones.

I had my Covid passport, having had the third booster Modena jab a week before December 5th 2021. In addition, I had my “fit to travel” Covid test on December 4th 2021 and the result was delivered on the morning of my journey; December 5th 2021. Anyone who has tried to use the NCDC portal from anywhere in Europe knows how frustrating it can

Governor Sanwo-Olu cooks with BBNaija winner Whitemoney at the Lagos Food Festival

be and you have to get someone in Nigeria to pay and book you for the second day post arrival test. My daughter Nnena did that and I was assigned to a Molecular Laboratory in Abuja.

On the appointed day, I went in and had my swabs taken.

On the next day, I got my result showing I was Covid positive.

Their result with NCDC certification is part of this write up. I found the result doubtful having been triple vaccinated with a fit to travel certificate and my very strict personal Covid-19 protocols. My wife who is a specialist medical doctor found the result suspicious. A family friend of ours who has been treating Covid since its emergence also thought the result doubtful and recommended I take another test at extra cost in a different lab which he has been using. The result came back NEGATIVE. Both results with NCDC certification are part of this write up.

I have decided to put this in the public square so that both the Presidential Task Force and NCDC will investigate and deal appropriately with incompetent laboratories. A lot of Nigerians may have been short changed and prevented from travelling because of false results. You don’t guess with issues as sensitive as this.

My wife who is a specialist medical doctor asked me how many of these public battles I can fight.

As long as there is good health, the little serenity prayer that hangs in my study is my beacon: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change to ones I can and wisdom to know the difference. One just has to keep moving on.

Recently I learnt Professor Tomori cried while addressing a gathering where President Buhari was present. The problem of Nigeria cannot be solved by weeping, for we can easily mobilize rivers of tears. The problem is structural and can be easily solved with each individual commitment to excellence and courage to weed out the dead wood. As Margaret Thatcher said, “To be a good leader, you must be a good butcher” Recently South Africa got a medical and scientific world boost and acceptability because of the transparency with which their science handled data from their labs. In science it is the reliability of data from your laboratories that determines your world ranking. It is not by politicians posturing.

We all know that the rot in the fish starts from the head. If this decay can be stopped, it is possible that the distillate from the trickle-down effect may eventually be the foundation to build a nation hopefully we can still call home. t 3U )PO %S &EEJF .CBEJXF XSJUFT GSPN "CVKB

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Executive Secretary, Institute of Entrepreneurs, Dr. Rotimi Oladele; Managing Director, FAE Ltd/ Awardees, Princess Layo Bakare-Okeowo; and Director, Membership and Marketing, Insti- L-R: 2nd Vice President, Institute of Directors (IOD), Mr. Adetunji Oyebanji; President/Chairman, tute of Entrepreneurs, Mrs. Folu Olagunju at the conferring of Award to Mrs. Layo Bakare-Oke- Governing Council, IOD, Dr. Mrs. Ije Jidenma; presenting the IoD Nigeria Entrepreneurial award to owo as the fellow of the Institute of Entrepreneur, held in Lagos… yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN Mr. Mitchell Elegbe, Founder/GMD Interswitch; at the IoD award ceremony in .Lagos

L-R: President, International Federation of Accountants, Mr. Alan Johnson; and Managing Partner, SIAO, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo at the 6th African Congress of Accountants, held at Joaguim International Conference Centre, Maputo, Mozambique…. recently

L-R: Wife of the publisher, BusinessDay Media Limited, Juliet Aigbogun; wife of the deputy governor of Kwara State, Abieyuwa Tokunbo Alabi; Coordinator, Inspiring Woman Series/Associate Editor, BusinessDay, Kemi Ajumobi; former First Lady of Lagos state, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola; and former Vice President, Secretary General, AfDB, Cecilia Akintomide at the 10th edition of BusinessDay’s Inspiring Woman Series in Lagos…. yesterday

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 18, 2021

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

BY

Language Feminization

T

HE PUNCH of December 14 contained an elementary subject-verb inaccuracy: “Mirrorless (Mirror-less) cameras that manipulates (manipulate) shots and angles.”

From a reader, Mr. Nduka Uzuakpundu, a graduate of the old Daily Times: “There is nothing wrong with feminization of pronouns for countries (last week’s column). Ebere, it is right. You must accept it!” As a gender advocate, I insist on de-feminization of formal language.

In colloquial or folkloric circumstances, it may appeal to me. More constructive contributions to this sexist controversy are welcome. Which is better: Nigeria, in her contribution to the global debate, demanded…or in its contribution…? “…the governor was demanding for additional money which….” (THE NATION ON SUNDAY, December 12) Remove the ‘for’ flaw so that this medium can remain Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper.

Another ardent reader of this column, Mr. Charles Iyoha, is amazed that this misunderstanding still persists.

“As part of the deal (comma, please) she won a N1 million cash prize and contract with one of Nigeria’s leading modelling agency.” (Source: as above) In defence of freedom: agencies.

“The masquerades behind fuel subsidy” (SATURDAY INDEPENDENT, December 11) A voice of your own: masqueraders wear masquerades. Got it?

THE GUARDIAN of December 9 was without conscience as it nurtured copious lexical falsehoods: “Public university teachers on Sunday removed their robs….” Weekend: their robes.

“With these interrupts and incessant closures….” Verb: interrupt; noun: inter-

ruption. “…including criminal activity (activities) such as internet fraud, arms and other trafficking and terrorist activity (activities).”

“But he discovered this one day and beat me up. I cannot forget this (that) day.”

Wrong: bossom; right: bosom.

The December 11 edition of BUSINESSDAY circulated five infractions: “HMD Nigeria berths with cost saving equipments” News you can trust: costsaving equipment (non-count). Also take note of the critical hyphenation.

“Alcoholic-induced road (vehicular/ auto) crashes worry FRSC” Business Life: alcohol-induced mishaps….

“Officer’s daughter (daughter’s) kidnap: Army beef (beefs) up security in barracks” “Plateau expresses displeasure over (at/with) comments at Arewa forum” “Naira falls to its weakest in 9-weeks” Market Report: 9 weeks “To me, the strike action is unnecessary….” It is becoming increasingly unnecessary to keep correcting this particular solecism almost every week: strike; industrial action; work stoppage; or service withdrawal, among other terms, depending on context …certainly not ‘strike action’.

The ‘arrest’ fault continues: “Four officials arrested over Bauchi bank robbery” and “Police arrest four over Azare” (THE NATION and THE GUARDIAN of December 9) When will this faux pas stop? ‘Arrest’ takes ‘’for’—always—not ‘over’!

“Youths condemn Sanwo-Olu over (for) hike in tuition fees” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, December 9) For tight writing essence, why not just ‘tuition’?

Still on the preceding medium: “By acquiescing to (in) the mercenary intervention by the Americans….”

“As long as they are operating within the context and spirit of the Companies Allied Matters Act….” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, December 9) A rewrite: As long as they are operating to the letter of the Companies and Allied Matters Act. There is also ‘the letter of the law’, in another related context.

“Take your rights…or trade it” (THE GUARDIAN, December 8) Get it right: rights/them or right/it. “…that for all the security agencies in the state have involved vigilante groups….” (THISDAY, December 8) This way: vigilance groups.

“Mutual Funds allow managers pool various sizes of investment (sic) together and invest them in various asset classes like….” (BUSINESSDAY SPECIAL REPORT, December 8) In modern writing, ‘pool’ is independent. So: pool various sizes of investments and invest…..

“Security: North must get its acts (act) together” (THISDAY, December 8) “And so we wait for it to run and redress the abuse of recklessness of yesteryears.” Once more, fixed expression: yesteryear “Just as the banning of books and newspapers give (gives) rise to an illicit trade in them….”

“Perhaps it may interest you to note that the average take home (a hyphen) pay of a fresh university graduate a month, in any of the Federal ministry (ministries), was slightly above N18,000.” “...the PPMC had neglected the leakage for the past five years despite series (a series) of letters from the state’s LASEP alerting it on the inherent danger of the leakage.” One disaster too many: alerting

When Your Friend is Called Death

I

n this season of ruthlessly spinning cycles of deaths and births, I have a story for you... perhaps it may resonate broadly in tune with the moment.

“In a quiet neighbourhood, three of us sat in single chairs… no table. Two young men, close to my age, were discussing an area of their business that they thought I had the expertise to fix. After about 15 minutes, we instinctively knew the meeting was winding to a goodbye. Just then, a friend walked in… more their friend than mine.

They both stood up to exchange pleasantries with the newcomer. He was well dressed, in a bohemian mode, but was so skinny… gaunt would define it more, yet he did not exactly look sickly.

I noticed that his friends did not shake his hand, he also did not offer.

It seemed odd to me (this was eons before the COVID phenomenon). I was still pondering it, when it struck the two of us: he was a friend of mine too!

Perhaps 20 years ago, or more. But he was a good friend then, and the light of recognition flashed through the passage of decades in a second, And we hugged, shook hands furiously. I was so happy to see him.

The depth of his gauntness was even more alarming when we hugged and shook hands. He was just bones.

I shuddered in confused concern. I motioned discreetly that I would like a word with him as soon as we rounded up our meeting.

So, my partners resumed eye-contact with me, and instantly, I noticed their tentativeness. Probably a worry. In any case, I needed to make a brief point before we departed: “In the course of exploring areas of intervention in this project, I’ve encountered people and sentiments that give me concern, and I will like it to be known that, yes, I love the challenge this project presents, and

will want to try out few ideas to make things come alive, but I don’t NEED to do this job. I want that to trickle down, or reach the top, whichever is relevant…”

One of them gestured to the other and said, “He’s the Top!” “Good,” I replied. “And two, I like your style, no hangs up, daring, ‘risky’, crazy’…

I really like that.”

So, I stretched forth my hand for a parting handshake. The Top-chap looked at my hand, back to my face...he grabbed my shoulder…dragged me close, and said… “You just shook an AIDS patient!”

And he strolled stiffly off.

I was stunned. AIDS! Willy has … you mean that is why he appeared so gaunt?

I mean Willy was a dapper, boisterous fellow, who could not stop having fun, even if he tried to. He was popular, from a rich home, good-looking… he has been driving lovely cars since we were on campus. I looked across at him where he sat listlessly by the boot of his cute Mercedes Benz. Though sick, I thought to myself, his taste was obviously not contaminated. My heart drew to him.

As I walked towards him, he looked up. He must have seen the cloud over my face… something he must have grown weary of… people trying to overcome the initial wave of intestinal shock and subsequent dread of his new status.

“So, they’ve told you?” It was not an accusation…he just expressed what has become a defensive counter-punch… just before he would go into another session of self-purgation and implosion.

I wept within me.

“So, that is why you want to kill yourself? Are you the only one? Do you think you’ll be the last?” I held him on his shoulders…gently shaking the bag of bones that had become Willy’s body and soul.

I continued: “My friend, you can walk on earth, and plan for hell… when there are options that can make you change

for better the hell this earth has turned to for you!”

He looked at me for a while, shrugged, and looked away: “FAJ, I don’t need your pity or your preaching.” I commended him for his valiant attitude: that at least he was doing his best to fight the disease, and looking the better for it.

He was stung by my sardonic words and smile. My argument with Willy went back and forth, as he sought to put me off his well-arranged fence of isolation and defeat. I hammered firmly but with concern and love flowing shamelessly through. About an hour later, we had to part. I asked for his phone number… as he turned to pick his complimentary card, my spirit nudged me that that was his ”last card” of discarding unwanted “helpers” … dummy numbers that will keep you out of his life and selfdestruction, forever.

“Don’t bother…just tell me, I’ll save it right now, and give you my own when I call the line…Sebi, your phone is in the car? He hesitated, looked straight into my eyes; half-scowling and halfwondering… he grumbled the number out. Then, under his breath, he said, “I hope you know what you are doing?”

POSTSCRIPT: It is always amazing when you see people who should know better act as if they have never entered the four walls of a school. When our supposed leaders frequent overseas, steal us blind to build homes and sire children abroad, you would at least assume they must have fallen in love with the beauty, organisation and infrastructure in those foreign lands. The least you expect from them is to work hard and replicate a semblance of such life-enhancing scenarios in our country…whoseside? They display their bastard genes by securing the good-life only for themselves and

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

it to (not on).

“The Nigerian Correctional Service has always run adult literacy classes that was (were) organized by the Welfare Department.” “…plans are afoot to foster (foist) the APC on the nation again in the 2023 general elections, its present very low rating notwithstanding.”

“The commission had gone to these places with many of the petitioners and witnesses in tow (toe)....”

“It is the year when we, the people, will be opportuned.…” Morphological issues: ‘opportune’, which applies here, does not admit ‘d’ or simply, the people will have the opportunity!

“There was hardly a tear-free eye, as muffled sobs and wails rented (rent) the mid-afternoon air….”

“At last, artist body gets new exco” This way: artists’ body. ”The vote count had kept changing figures with each recount narrowing the margin in the state between the two candidates.” I insist on between the candidates.

“When in 1979, a privilegded (privileged) triumvirate was faced with the arduous task of choosing who to take over the reigns (reins) of government from them....”

“Abia governor pointed at the federal roads in the South East which he said are (were) the worst in the country.”

“NBA passes no confidence vote on Buhari” For a better society: confidence vote in (not on) Buhari.

“How we wish they knew that Nigerians, not those on (in) the corridors of power….”

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON

fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)

their families, at the grave expense of the masses of their people… Leaders Such is this. With all the varied mass of information on the prevalence and scourge of HIV/AIDS, it is amazing that well educated people still lose control of their loins and senses, and engage in frivolous and unsafe sex (pointing accusing fingers at the ravages of alcohol or ‘mood of the moment’).

As in the story above, many of the so-called intelligentsia and professionals play leading roles in the mindless stigmatisation of HIV/AIDS victims.

They betray staggering ignorance and selfish fear of the grievous disease.

HIV/AIDS to them is a vicious death sentence that is prone to spread to everyone close to the sufferer. But how wrong they are.

If I were to have the divine power to complete the story above, everyone who disdained Willy because of what befell him would die before him. He finds out that with a bright and positive acceptance of his situation, coupled with vigorous administration of available drugs that can prolong and prevent HIV from turning to AIDS, Willy can live a fairly healthy, profitable, valuable and inspirational existence. Everyone on that table, minus me of course, suffers one tragic elimination or the other…mostly because of greed, willful and irresponsible lifestyle or aggravated depression on account of financial misadventure. A classic case of a cruel paradox.

If nothing, let us come out of all this with one conclusion: a life lived on hope cannot be imprisoned by immediate predicament, however devastating.”

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

18. 12.2021

NEWS

WILL CONTE BLINK UNDER PRESSURE? PAGE. 29

AUGUSTINE EGUAVOEN Will He Justify Clamour for A Local Coach?

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 18, 2021

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

Augustine Eguavoen Will He Justify Clamour for A Local Coach?

Eguaveon

After a credible career with the senior national team in which he won the AFCON in 1994 and played in the country’s first taste of a World Cup in the United States same year and the next edition in France, Augustine Eguavoen was to later manage the Super Eagles between 20052007 prior to another stint as caretaker coach in 2010. With another temporary appointment weeks to the biennial competition, will Cerezo give the apostles of local coaches for the national teams something to hold on to in Cameroon?

P

rior to the sacking of erstwhile national team manager, Gernot Rohr by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare had earlier stated that he would love to see an indigenous coach succeed the Franco-German and it did not take long before his wish came to pass as former Nigerian international, Augustine Eguavoen was appointed to take over the affairs of the national team-on a temporary capacity though.

Speaking during a function in Lagos, recently, Dare remininsced glowingly on the exploits of Nigerian ex-players who led the Super Eagles to success in past editions of the competition.

“At the 1980 AFCON, established stars like Best Ogedegbe, Segun Odegbami, Muda Lawal, Felix Owolabi, Christian Chukwu and others delivered Nigeria’s first-ever AFCON title. The entire nation stood still for them.

“Many members of that squad became renowned coaches after their active playing days and made a huge impact in the game. The captain of that squad, Christian Chukwu would later be the assistant coach when Nigeria won the title for the second time in 1994, and the head coach in 2004 when the Super Eagles won the bronze.

“Another product of the 1980 squad was Kadiri Ikhana who became the first coach to lead a Nigerian club side- Enyimba FC of Aba, to the most prestigious club trophy on the continent in 2003.

“Stephen Keshi would later lead the Super Eagles to Nigeria’s third AFCON title as head coach in 2013.

Austin Eguavoen, Samson Siasia and Sunday Oliseh have had their stints as Super Eagles head coaches at one time or the other.

“Nigeria’s last triumph at the AFCON is so significant. Stephen Keshi, the

chief coach and his assistant, Daniel Amokachi were 1994 AFCON winners, Sylvanus Okpala, one of the fitness coaches was a 1980 AFCON winner, while the goalkeeper coach, Ike Shorounmu was an AFCON silver medalist in 2000 and bronze medalist in 2002,” Dare had noted.

The sacking of Rohr was seen as a welcome development by Nigerian football fans, while many had questioned the reason why the country’s football governing body hadn’t taken the decision long before now.

The eggheads of the NFF had since appointed Eguavoen in an interim capacity with just few weeks to the Africa Cup of Nations slated to kick off on January 9, in Cameroon.

Eguavoen will take charge of preparing the team for the biennial tournament pending the appointment of a permanent coach.

As a player, the 56-year-old represented the Super Eagles at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups.

“The relationship between the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Mr. Rohr has come to an end,” NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi had said in a statement on Sunday.

Rohr, a former Germany international, led Nigeria in 58 matches, winning 31, losing 14 and drawing 13 of those matches.

Highly praised for rebuilding the team between 2016 and 2018, the nervy performance of the team since 2020, lacklustre displays and Rohr ’s conservative approach were heavily criticised by the local media and fans.

Eguavoen will be assisted by Salisu Yusuf (chief coach), Paul Aigbogun (assistant coach), former captain Joseph Yobo (assistant coach), Terry Eguaoje (assistant Coach) and Aloysius Agu (goalkeeper trainer).

While former internationals Augustine

‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Garba Lawal have been appointed to provide ‘technical and ambassadorial’ support for the crew.

Nigeria had been drawn in Group D along with seven-time champions Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau.

Meanwhile, some ex-internationals have hailed Eguavoen’s appointment.

Former Nigerian international Dimeji Lawal has backed Eguavoen to steady the ship of the three-time African kings, describing him as a good choice.

“I think Eguavoen is a good choice because he played for this country and has served in several capacities within the Nigerian football fraternity,” Lawal told GOAL. “So, I don’t think it is a bad idea for him to be an interim coach until the NFF decides on what they want to do further.

“And if along the line he does very well, I think he should be given the job on a permanent basis.”

Former Wolfsburg attacker Jonathan Akpoborie has suggested that newlyappointed Super Eagles interim boss would do a better job than dismissed coach Gernot Rohr at the upcoming African Cup of Nations.

Akpoborie was one of those people that fought for Rohr to be appointed Nigeria manager in 2016 but he stopped endorsing the German after the country crashed out of the 2018 World Cup in the first round.

Akpoborie noted that an ideal Super Eagles coach should have a lot of experience, something Eguavoen is not lacking having previously coached the national team twice and worked as Technical Director at the Nigerian Federation.

Speaking to Channels TV, Akpoborie said, “Bringing Austin Eguavoen now is a plus for the national team. Any experienced coach would be better than

Gernot Rohr right now.

“Austin comes with a lot of experience, his first handling of the Super Eagles we would say he was learning on the job but right now he has a whole lot of experience to handle the Nigeria team not just on the field but also the political issues that could bring pressure into the team.

“I have to say at this point there would be unnecessary pressures because all of those things are the factors that would want you to have a foreigner to handle the Super Eagles not a Nigerian.”

Eguavoen has said it would be difficult to open Nigeria’s training camp early ahead of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations. He said it would be impossible to open the training camp before Christmas unless clubs of the foreign based players release them early.

While players plying their trade in other leagues will get a Christmas break, players in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership will play during the festive period.

“Most of those players are playing in their clubs in Europe as the leagues are still on,” Eguavoen said.

“To get their release at a go is going to be tardy, but we are working on something, and hopefully, just after Christmas, we will see how those guys can also convince their clubs to get released earlier.

“But that is not going to be easy because the leagues are still on, and mind you, in England, they play through Christmas and early new year.”

Nonetheless, Eguavoen hopes all the players will be available by the end of December, which will just be a week before the start of the tournament.

“We have already planned to get the players to come as early as possible, but whereby that is not achieved, we are looking at the end of December or the 1st of January,” he concluded.

Although AFCON begins on the 9th of January, the Super Eagles will still have an extra two days to prepare as they do not play until the 11th of January.

The three-time African Champions will begin their quest for a fourth continental title with a clash against Egypt before further games against Sudan and Guinea-Bissau.

How well Eguavoen would do in Cameroon remains to be seen as the apostles of local coaches are all hoping for a good outing from him.

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 18, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Can Klopp Inflict First Loss on Conte?

With four wins in six matches in all competitions,Antonio Conte seems to be having a good run since moving toTottenham Hotspur.That would however be put to test on Sunday as Premier League title contender, Liverpool visit the new White Hart Lane for a Week 18 encounter. Jurgen Klopp’s side is second on the table and would be hoping for a win tomorrow to keep his title hope alive

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

15 17 17 17 17 17 16 14 17 16 17 17 16 16 17 17 17 16 15 17 17

23 31 35 27 1 7 2 -1 -1 0 -2 0 -1 -3 -8 -10 -15 -10 -7 -19 -26

35 41 40 37 29 28 27 25 24 22 22 20 20 20 19 17 16 13 11 10 10

PREMIER LEAGUE TODAY

Man Utd v Brighton PP Aston Villa v Burnley 15:00 Southampton v Brentford 15:00 Watford v Crystal Palace 15:00 West Ham v Norwich City 15:00 Leeds Utd v Arsenal 17:30 SUNDAY

Everton Wolves Newcastle Tottenham

v Leicester City 12:00 v Chelsea 14:00 v Man City 14:15 v Liverpool 16:30

La Liga TODAY

Vallecano Sociedad Barcelona Sevilla

v v v v

Alavés 13:00 Villarreal 15:15 Elche 17:30 Atlético 20:00

v v v v

Mallorca 13:00 Real Betis 15:15 Osasuna 17:30 Cádiz 20:00

v

Valencia 20:00

SUNDAY

Granada Bilbao Getafe Madrid MONDAY

Levante

Hot Shot PLAYERS

Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Anold in a race for the faster against Spurs’ Harry Kane

T

ottenham Hotspur are scheduled to return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon with a clash against Liverpool in North London.

Spurs have seen their matches with Rennes, Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester City postponed due to coronavirus issues, meaning that they have not been in action since beating Norwich City 3-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 5.

A total of 25 points from 14 matches has left Antonio Conte’s side in seventh spot in the table, four points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, with three games in hand over the Gunners.

As for Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp’s men are in scintillating form with six straight victories and just one point between them and Premier League leaders Manchester City. Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota are in unplayable form at the moment, with the Egyptian superstar tallying 15 goals and nine assists through 17 games and the Portuguese understudy chipping with nine and one of his own, including six in his last nine Premier League appearances.

Earlier today, Leeds United will attempt to respond to their humiliating

7-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City last time out when they welcome Arsenal to Elland Road today.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side fell to the club’s joint-heaviest ever league defeat on Tuesday night, while Arsenal climbed into the top four 24 hours later with victory over West Ham United.

Given how impressive they were during their first season back in the top flight last term, there were plenty of people who expected Leeds to be immune from the dreaded secondseason syndrome this year, but so far they have struggled to live up to their performances from 2020-21.

Injuries to key players have played a major role in that, but they head into this weekend’s fixtures sitting 16th in the table, only five points above the relegation zone and having played two games more than 18th-placed Burnley.

Bielsa’s men are in the midst of just about the most difficult run of fixtures it is possible to get in the Premier League right now, with today’s game the third in a run of four matches in a row against each of the current top four.

The first of those saw them push Chelsea all the way before losing to a contentious last-gasp penalty, but the

same XI was then trounced by a rampant Man City in midweek as Bielsa saw one of his sides concede seven goals in a game for the very first time in his long and distinguished managerial career.

That result means that only the bottom two have now conceded more goals or possess a worse goal difference than Leeds this season, having shipped 12 in their current three-game winless run.

Things won’t get much easier with Arsenal and Liverpool to come either side of Christmas, but Leeds will be desperate to prove that Tuesday’s match was an anomaly and they will be confident that another performance of the level they produced against Chelsea last weekend could be enough to get something out of the game against Arsenal.

The fact that it comes at Elland Road should boost Leeds’ hopes too, with Bielsa’s men unbeaten in their last five home games stretching back to September, although only two of those have ended as wins.

Indeed, Leeds have only won one of their seven outings home or away since the beginning of November, while two of their three Premier League wins this

Mohamed Salah Diogo Jota Jamie Vardy Emmanuel Dennis Mason Mount Cristiano Ronaldo Raphinha Leeds Bernardo Silva Sadio Mane Michail Antonio Conor Callagher Son Heung Smith Rowe Maxwell Cornet Ismaïla Sarr Raphinha Balloli

CLUB

Liverpool Liverpool Leicester Watford Chelsea Man Utd Utd Man City Liverpool West Ham Palace Spurs Arsenal Burnley Watford Palace

GOALS

15 9 9 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 5 5 5

season have come against teams currently below them in the table.

Arsenal will justifiably head into today’s match as favourites, then, particularly after Wednesday’s 2-0 London derby win over West Ham United lifted them into the top four of the Premier League table for the first time since October last year.

Mikel Arteta’s main concern on the field ahead of today is likely to be improving his side’s away form.

The Gunners have lost five of their eight Premier League away games so far this season, including each of the last three, conceding nine goals in the process.

Indeed, only four teams have shipped more goals on the road this term than Arsenal, all of whom are in the bottom six.

If the visitors can correct those away woes and couple them with the league’s joint-best home record this season then it may be hard for the chasing pack to catch them in the top-four race, and Arteta will be viewing today’s match against a wounded Leeds as a great chance to do just that.

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 18, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Michael Uma-Okoro poses with some kids for his basketball camp

Female Boxers Add Spice to GOtv Boxing Night 24 An extra bout has been added to GOtv Boxing Night 24 fight line-up, moving the number of bouts from six to seven. This was disclosed on Thursday in Lagos by the organisers, Flykite Productions.

The additional bout, according to a statement by Flykite Productions, will be a female super flyweight clash between Haminat Yekini and Blessing Bukola. The organisers explained that the inclusion of the female bout is in response to the clamour of boxing fans, who had always wanted to see top class female boxers in action.

GOtv Boxing Night 24, which holds on 24 December at the Molade Okoya Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, will host the World Boxing Federation (WBF) International title defence between the incumbent champion, Nigeria’s Rilwan “Baby Face” Babatunde and Justice “Qwick Action” of Ghana.

The event, which will be graced by live musical performance by hot music act, Jamopyper, will feature two other title bouts. Abiodun Afinni will take on Michael Godwin for the national cruiserweight title, while

David Cosmos will take on Segun Olanrewaju for the national light heavyweight title.

Cosmos is a replacement for Adewale Masebinu, who pulled out of the fight for personal reasons.

The welterweight category will feature two clashes. One will be between Semiu Olapade and Taiwo Olowu, while the other pairs Willian Amosu with Segun Adeyemi.

In the bantamweight category, Saheed Azeez and Aminu Akintayo will go head-to-head.

UAE Bars Nigerian Athletes from World Swimming Championships The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has prohibited Nigerian athletes from participating in the 15th FINA World Swimming Championships 2021 which will hold in Dubai.

Recall that the athletes and their representatives were reportedly denied access to take part in the competition on the order of UAE authorities.

According to the athletes, they had arrived in Dubai to participate in the but were

disallowed from representing their country even though they did not travel from Nigeria.

“On sighting our Nigerian passports, the UAE officials treated us with disdain,” a female athlete was quoted to have said.

It is understood that the development had forced some of the athletes to withdraw from the competition.

Some of the athletes also said they were denied access to see

their Nigerian officials.

“The officials were not even allowed to leave their hotel rooms and competition started yesterday,” another athlete said.

One of the Nigerian officials also said: “It is probably important we inform the Nigerian media of the treatment being faced by the Nigerian Swimming Team here in Abu Dhabi (UAE) at the ongoing FINA Short Course World Championships.

Uma-Okoro Foundation Ends Year with Basketball Camp for Kids ˾ Equips libraries, classrooms in Lagos, Enugu The annual Uma-Okoro Basketball Camp returned after a year’s break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a return to sports events worldwide, the Ukoha Michael Uma-Okoro ensured that the year 2021 did not go by without an activity. He journeyed to Nigeria with a free basketball camp tagged “I am my brother’s keeper.”

Explaining the concept, Ukoha noted that: “With everything going on around us, the war on terror, the

COVID-19 virus, poverty, drugs, greed, jealousy, climate change; it seems like we are losing everything. Our answer to all of these is to first feed our mind with love if we want to get rid of hatred.

“We have to be rooted in peace if we want to get rid of these contemporary issues.

It’s something everyone has to get involved in. The society is a collection of individuals.

If we can’t do it ourselves, don’t expect anyone else to do it. This is why I tagged it

“I am my brother’s keeper.”

“Using sports to unite us all as one and emphasising the value of empathy/love while focusing on basketball fundamentals, skills development and of course fun.

The three-day free basketball camp and clinic for boys and girls had over 110 kids in attendance at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, with the campers getting playing shoes and basketball jerseys.

Lagos Concludes Traditional Sports lnter-Club Championship The maiden Traditional Sports lnter-Club Open Championship tagged “ASA SPORTS WEEK” was concluded over the weekend as Okafor Victor from Topfield School, Ayo Club and Agboola Morounfoluwa,who represented Woodland School Ayo Club, emerged as champions in the male and female categories.

The five-day indigenous games also featured seminar for coaches and technical officials at Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Yaba, Lagos.

In the LANGA (RUWA), Abiola Lawal team defeated Muibi team to be crowned as the winners in the event.

Dogo Bunsa representing Lions Club knocked down Bello Usman from Bull club to be champion in the DAMBE (Traditional Boxing).

Alafini Umaru of Samaruwa Boys was crowned as the best fighter in KOKOWA 70-85KG after defeating Ali Saliu from (Iddo Warriors) by unanimous decision.

Meanwhile, the male and female teams in ABULA, Great Boys and Sunshine

club emerged as winners in their games. Speaking at the presentation of medals to the winners, the Executive Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Sola Aiyepeku, said the traditional games had to spread to other communities and the state as well.

“We have many people playing the games all over the state, but they have not been recognised. So, with this maiden championship, clubs have been formed and the clubs will now set out and compete further”.

Oshodi

Wahid Oshodi: Rising Profile of A Table Tennis Enthusiast Since his appointment as Chairman, Lagos State Table Tennis Association, his profile as a seasoned table tennis administrator has continued to rise.The Old Boy of Methodist Boys’ High School, Lagos would go on to be Member, ITTF Nomination Committee, Chairman, ITTF Nomination Committee, Deputy President, African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF). Wahid Enitan Oshodi recently made history at the annual general meeting (AGM) of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) when he emerged as the candidate with the highest votes in the election of ExecutiveVice President of the world body. He believes his election into the Executive Committee (EC) of ITTF would raise the profile of the sport in Nigeria and Africa Kunle Adewale writes For Enitan Oshodi, his election as the Executive Vice President of the world body means Africa now has a strong voice in the direction ITTF will grow.

“My election along with Prof Alaa Meshref of Egypt will ensure that Africa has a prominent voice in the direction in which the ITTF will grow.

The ITTF is carrying out a lot of projects to ensure the commercial viability of our sport and with our presence on the executive committee, we will ensure that Africa is not left behind and keeps pace with the rest of the world. Of course, I am there to serve all our 227 global member federations and this we would do by working closely with the Presidents of Continental Federations and member associations.

“Table tennis is evolving daily and I am happy to be able to contribute my quota at this crucial period.

I believe we have the capacity to be a top three-sport worldwide. We have the most gifted athletes in our sport and we the administrators must continue to find ways to project our athletes and develop our sport,” the University of Lagos engineering graduate said.

Asked of his immediate objectives as ITTF Vice President, Oshodi reacted thus: “Two major areas I shall be focusing on are improvements to youth development and creating top-class events across the continent. Africa has a lot of fantastic young players and we need to help them develop their skills and grow to become top players. We have been doing this for a while but this new position will assist greatly in sourcing resources to assist these young boys and girls in their development. They need the

best coaches and they must attend international tournaments to test themselves.

Being a part of the World Table Tennis tour is very important in seeking to be the best. We must continue to produce top events that will attract the best players to come to Africa.

We in Nigeria saw the effect of the hosting of the Lagos International Open on our players. It aided them in playing against top-class players and different styles.

I am confident we can produce more top world-class players like Quadri Aruna and others.”

“The NTTF is trying to fast-track the development of some of the best young boys and girls discovered in our tournaments earlier this year. We must start to create more opportunities for these youngsters to play at a much early age using the right equipment and not makeshift tables and suchlike. The NTTF is on the right track but more funding needs to be found to do this work to improve our players. I will work with them to see how we can bring these resources in,” he noted.

Oshodi however admitted that he was astonished by the outcome of the election.

“I was really astonished.

Although I along with my supporters were quietly confident. We had the support of all of Africa. We had managed to unite Africa earlier in the year during the ATTF elections where I had emerged as Deputy President unopposed. It was these same good people who had encouraged me and insisted I run for Vice President of the ITTF so we had a good base to start from.

The President of the ATTF and our own President in Nigeria Ishaku Tikon led from the front.

“When the results were announced I was totally overwhelmed by the level of support I had received from all over the world. I really must thank and credit our friends in the Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation and those from Europe Asia and the Americas. It was really a pleasant surprise that I was so well thought of. I am really grateful as this is an endorsement of all the work I have done in past years in Lagos, Nigeria, and Africa. It is a credit to the fantastic team we have built over the years in table tennis. The victory belongs to all these young men and women who work with me on all our events and all those Heads of Government especially in Lagos from His Excellency Babatunde Fashola all through to the current Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. I must also thank all our sponsors that have supported us over the years. Special thanks go to Chief Kessington Adebutu in this regard.

The former Lagos State Commissioner of Sports believes Africa has a really bright future in table tennis.

“This we can see in the performances of our top players like Aruna, Omar Assar, and Dina Meshref who are consistently holding their own against the best players in the world but what gives me great confidence is the young talent which abounds on the continent across many countries.

“The likes of young Hana Goda, Taiwo Mati, Samuel Boboye, young Gado and many more tell me the future is really bright. But this can only happen if we the administrators find ways to secure the resources needed to support the players and create the events in which they will perform. I predict great things for Taiwo Mati and all the other young players,” he said.

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GLOBAL SOCCER

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ith Augustine Eguavoen having stated that his players’ selection for the Africa Cup of Nations will be based on the preliminary 40-man list submitted by his predecessor, Gernot Rohr, Rangers defender, Calvin Bassey would be hoping to make the cut.

Eguavoen who will be leading the Super Eagles at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon in January and February, has admitted that he will not be straying too far from Rohr’s plans.

The German tactician submitted a preliminary 40-man squad list for the tournament to the Confederation of African Football last month.

“The list goes to CAF, so it is from there we are going to see how we get the details back home.

“So, it is from that we are going to pick the players, the list Gernot Rohr submitted.”

One player who will be hoping to make Eguavoen’s cut is Calvin Bassey, a former Leicester City starlet, who also qualifies to represent Italy the country of his birth and England where he grew up, has seemingly pledged his international future to Nigeria having accepted an invitation for the World Cup qualifying fixtures against Central African Republic in October.

Bassey was handed a maiden call-up because Porto fullback Zaidu Sanusi found playing opportunities few and far between when the season started, but he is now back in favour at the Portuguese giants, which contributed to manager Gernot Rohr’s decision to omit the Rangers youngster from his squad for last month’s games.

With the Confederation of African Football permitting countries to name five extra players on their rosters for AFCON 2021, Bassey will fancy his chances of gatecrashing Nigeria’s squad due to his ability to play as a fullback and left-sided central defender.

Prior to handing Bassey a first senior call-up, Rohr had been scouring Europe for a left-footed central defender with Jordan Torunarigha of Hertha Berlin and Felix Uduokhai of Augsburg his top two candidates for the position.

At a pre-match press conference before the visit of Dundee to Ibrox, Bassey was asked if he wants to be part of the Africa Cup of Nations going forward.

The Rangers number 3 responded: “Yes of course. Obviously, it’s always an honour to represent your country. Obviously, the timing is a bit hard because we’ve got games.

“Right now I’m just fully focused at the club, at the end of the day if I do well here that’s what helps me get called up for Nigeria and so on, so I’m just focused on the club and just giving my best performance, taking each game as it comes.

“Whatever happens when we get to that stage we’ll look at it and see what’s best for me and take it from there.”

With the sacking of Rohr his dream of playing for Nigeria at next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon now hangs in the balance.

The 21-year-old Italy-born joined Premier League club Leicester City at the age of 15 after a successful trial and progressed through the club’s youth ranks, with regular appearances for the clubs’ U-18 and U-23 sides.

The defender linked up with Rangers from Premier League club Leicester City last summer and made his professional debut for Rangers in a Scottish Premiership match against St. Mirren on August 9, 2020 as a substitute in a 3–0 win.

Premiership club Rangers sprung a surprise on everyone as they announced that they had secured a pre-contract agreement with Leicester City full-back Bassey last year.

The Italian-born defender has been a member of the Midlands club’s academy for quite a while now, and at 21, has the perfect mix of ability and potential to make an impact at the Ibrox Stadium.

Rangers former manager Steven Gerrard had a lot of nice things to say about him.

He said on the club website, “There was a lot of clubs interested in Calvin and for us it’s pleasing to secure the services of another young talent. He’s a strong and dynamic athlete who is very much the modern-day full-back. He will develop further and we are excited to have made another strong addition to our group. We continue to look ahead to next season and Calvin is another positive addition as we continue to build the strength and depth of our squad.”

The 21-year-old left-back was promoted to

Calvin Bassey Looking to Make AFCON Cut Calvin Bassey

Since his first call-up for the Super Eagles 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Central African Republic by erstwhile national team Manager Gernot Rohr, Glasgow Rangers defender Calvin Ughelumba Bassey, has been dreaming to be part of the Nigeria’s party to the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. With the sacking of the Franco-German, the Italian-born player will be hoping to make cut with the new‘Sherriff’– Augustine Eguavoen, at the helms of the national team the Foxes’ Premier League 2 side back in the summer of 2018, after which he’s become a regular in their academy team. Although he did miss the odd game along the way, the talent that Bassey possessed was apparent to see from day one. The defender had a fairly important part to play in the team this season as well, as the Foxes find themselves in 2nd place on the PL2 table, just three points off an unbeaten Chelsea side at the summit.

Altogether, the youngster played in a little under 100 fixtures for the Foxes youth teams across various levels, which included four outings in the UEFA Youth League back in the 16/17 campaign, he was never in much limelight for some reason.

Since the 16/17 campaign, the defender’s stock has consistently been on the rise, and he’s deservedly received a proportionate increase in his playing time as well. Two seasons with the U-18 side were enough for Steve Beaglehole to call the speedster up to the U-23 setup, after which he’s gone on to respectively play 13 and 16 fixtures in PL2 over the last two seasons.

The wing-back’s ability to perfectly balance defending and attacking is arguably what has tempted the Gers to make a move for him this summer. Although former manager, Gerrard has described him as a proper modern-day full-back, it’s worth considering that Bassey doesn’t bombard forward at every possible instance. The youngster seems to have a strong understanding of what’s required in each varying situation, and this defensive awareness is a real asset to have in football these days.

The Ibrox acquisition is a physically strong player who isn’t afraid to use brute

force to win the ball back when solid positioning and general observation just won’t do. Physically strong and well-aware of his skill-set, Bassey is among a rare breed of defenders who isn’t desperate to win the ball back and is comfortable just ensuring that any avenues into the box are well covered. The 21-year-old’s height and stature make him a strong presence in the box while defending against set-piece situations as well.

Although the youngster doesn’t necessarily overlap on every opportunity he gets, when he does go forward, the Leicester man usually ensures that he provides the desired effect. A good crosser from wide, Bassey is sure to provide good cover in a position that been a concern for the Rangers over the last couple of seasons. Another critical aspect of his game is aggression, and while the speedster did pick up two straight red cards during the 18/19 campaign, it’s evidently something that he’s been working very hard on since that point.

The Gers have what is undoubtedly among the strongest squads in the entire Premiership, but one of their main problem areas over the last two campaigns has been at left-back. Borna Barisic has been Bronckhorst’s only natural option in the left-back role for a while now, and midfielder Andy Halliday and right-back Jon Flanagan were being utilised as cover to the Croatian. With Halliday and Flanagan now set to depart, the addition of a young left-back makes complete sense for the Ibrox side.

At 21-years-old, the Leicester City man offers Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side massive scope for development. At the same

time, he also possesses the quality required to make a name for himself in the first-team picture immediately. eating out Borna Barisic to the first-choice role might not be the most straightforward task for a player who’s never appeared in a top-flight game before, but he’s sure to give the Croatian a run for his money throughout the campaign.

All things considered, this must be classed as an impressive coup by Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side, in a position that really needed to be addressed as well. All in all, for a development fee only, this is some coup for Rangers.

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 18, 2021

TRAVEL AND LEISURE La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort Introduces Beach Polo Justina Uzo

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a Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Lagos, has introduced Polo to boost leisure at the awardwinning resort.

Situated at Ikegun Village, Ibeju Lekki, the African-themed resort is encouraging more executives to reinvigorate especially this festive season.

Speaking on the additional tourist product at the resort, the President of La Campagne, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, said it was part of the resort’s commitment to expand its tourism offerings and by so doing improve the tourism economy of the continent and Nigeria.

He said: ‘‘This will create a new experience and grow the economy as well as bring about development in different aspects especially in job creation, product and service lines requiring the engagement of many people with the requisite skill and expertise to grow this new offer.’’

With the introduction of the Beach Polo comes the setting up of a La Campagne Beach Polo Club which is expected grow the new “sportainment” offering through membership recruitment.

It was gathered that membership of the club comes with different packages and benefits like access to the resort; 25 per cent and 20 per cent discount on accommodation at La Campagne Tropicana Resort

Beach Polo at La Campagne Tropicana

in Lagos, Ondo, Koton Karfe, Keffi , Grand Bassam, Cote D’ Ivoire and Ethiopia.

In addition, a patron gets 20 per cent discount on food and beverages at the resort; priority check-in at all La Campagne Tropicana resorts and hotels and free VIP admission to all La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort shows.

The resort is looking to also intro-

duce a yearly Beach Polo event to be known as La Campagne Beach Polo Tournament which will be opened not only to the beach polo club members but to all enthusiasts and lovers of the game.

With this tournament, Akinboboye said more people would be exposed to the beautiful, robust and entertaining sport, thereby opening up the leisure.

New Comedy Series, Reality Show, Spark Online Reactions Social media space was agog last weekend as popularcomediansandactorsdroppedtheteasers ofIleAlayocomedyseriesandanewrealityshow, Breaking-In. Ile Alayo is a comedy series adapted from a comedy movie of the same title. Based on popular demand from Nollywood audience, It’s nowproducedintoacomedyseries.Therelaunch versionofthiscomicseriesretainsanumberofthe originalactors,whilealsobringinganewspicetoit withpopularfacesintheNigeriancomedyscene.

ProducedbyPay-TVprovider,StarTimes,inconjunctionwithNollywoodactor,FemiAdebayoand WakaatiTV,theserieswillstartairingDecember6.

ThecastofthenewTVseriesincludetopactors and social media comedians such as Odunlade Adekola,MercyAigbe,AdebayoSalami(OgaBello), LateefAdedimeji,DeleOdule,FemiAdebayo,Ebun Oloyede,MrMacaroni,CuteAbiola,OlaiyaIgwe, Broda Shaggi and Woli Agba.

IleAlayojoinsothersought-afterentertainment thatStarTimesislaunchingthisYuletideseason.

Thisexcitingcontentline-upincludesnewlocal and foreign drama series, live sports across the globe,andlivebroadcastoffestiveeventsacross Lagos.

Whilstsubscribersonclassicandsuperbouquets will have access to all of these rich catalogue of entertainment,StarTimessubscribersonbasic andsmartbouquetsonlyneedtojointheongoing festive promo called Xmas Awoof by paying for two months on their existing bouquet and they willautomaticallybeupgradedtoClassic/Super for the same number of months.

From1stDecember,StarTimesisbringingcinema blockbusterstothelivingroom.Thesehitmovies willbeairingontheNollywoodmoviesandseries channel – ST Nollywood Plus at 8pm daily.

ThenfromDecember6,IleAlayocomedy-drama series will commence airing on ST Nollywood Plus at 7:30pm Mondays to Wednesdays. Also, onDecember23,theserieswilldebutonWakaati TV for subscribers on NOVA bouquet.

Stakeholders Laud 2021 Akwaaba Tourism Exhibition Justina Uzo

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Tourism stakeholders were able to see support and deals, even from banks and the media, despite the challenges of COVID-19 during the recently concluded 17th edition of the Akwaaba African Travel market, a tourism exhibition in Lagos.

As a result, they are happy with the travel trade and the resilience of the tourism industry.

The operators also praised the organiser of the travel market, Mr. Ikechi Uko, who decided to hold this year’s edition (the 2020 edition was cancelled), despite COVID-19 challenges.

Uko said participation at the exhibition wasn’t too bad: “All we had planned for the 2-day event which began on November 29, 2021 was well received despite the Coronavirus pandemic which impacted negatively on international travel. Domestic tourism has gained.”

He thanked the various tourism-reliant organisations and the media for their support.

Tourism stakeholders in the country focused on domestic tourism at Akwaaba 2021, and by so doing, leveraged on the sheer size of the country’s population of about 200 million and the huge natural resources.

Unlike the past editions, most of the exhibitors and trade visitors at the fairground at the Eko Hotels Convention Centre venue were mostly Nigerians from across the country.

Traditional exhibitors from the United Arab Emirates, Southern Africa and East Africa, The Gambia and neighbour-

Ikechi Uko, organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market flanked by two unidentified tourism operators during the exhibition in Lagos. ing Ghana (except Accra-based Arisa Hotels) for instance, didn’t come or open for business as a result of Coronavirus.

A few travel companies and foreign airlines operating in Nigeria were able to open for business at the travel Expo.

What happened that obviously gladdened participants was the rare attention paid to domestic tourism, lifestyle and Nigerian cuisine.

Head of Tourism Business, Sterling

Bank, Mrs. Abiola Adelana, said: “Attending Akwaaba Travel Expo is of great benefit to the bank. This event has given us opportunity to engage with the industry and we have done our research and know the needs of the tourism industry.”

Adelana, in her presentation, revealed that Sterling Bank has a financial plan to support tour operators and holidaymakers.

The bank unveiled plans to create

special funds for the purchase of tour buses by tour operators and fund vacations.

She explained that the funding of tour buses would enable operators own their tour buses and repay the loan over the years while its travel loan for tours and vacations would be through its pay with Specta platform.

Adelana said the bank “is soon to launch its e-commerce platform” for the benefits of Nigerians and its growing customer base.

The bank earlier made a commitment of N5 billion funding for domestic tourism, perhaps making it the only bank and financial institution in Nigeria that has a dedicated facility for the tourism industry.

The Guardian’s Publisher, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru, who declared the exhibition open, sought for a better synergy between the media and tourism sectors to enhance mutual benefits and economic growth.

The publisher, in a paper entitled: “Role of the Media in Promoting Tourism and Travels,” observed that both industries were traditional development partners, with mutual benefits.

Uko maintains that Akwaaba equips industry players and stakeholders with information needed to boost business activities in the sector.

He says it is an avenue for people who have products in travel and tourism to exchange with those in need of such services.

Citing the abundance of opportunities in the tourism sector, Uko urged the government to step in and do more to mitigate the challenges posed by the COVID 19.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 18, 2021

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Basic Car Maintenance Tips & Services Checklist

The new S-Class plug-in hybrid

New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Plug-in Hybrid Exudes Sustainable Luxury

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he new plug-in hybrid from Mercedes-Benz, the S 580 e has many advantages compared to its predecessor.

It has twice the electric range at 100 kilometres, 110 rather than 90 kW of electric power and a level luggage compartment with through-loading facility. Also, ombined fuel consumption, weighted: 1.0-0.6 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions, weighted: 22-15 g/ km; combined power consumption, weighted: 24.8-20.7 kWh/100 km.

According to the automaker, “Over the entire lifecycle, it is more environmentally friendly and therefore more sustainable: if production, use over 300,000 kilometres and recycling are taken into account, this model produces around 14.1 (charging with European power mix) or 36.2 percent (hydroelectric power) lower

COϔ emissions than its predecessor, the S 560 e. This is a result of the Mercedes-Benz 360° environmental check.

“We have accelerated our Ambition 2039 programme to make our vehicles and our company CO2-neutral. We are systematically following this objective, with a comprehensive approach. That is why we look at the entire value chain: from development to the supplier network, our own production, the electriÀcation of our products and the use of renewable energies to recycling at the end of the use phase,” says Markus Schäfer, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, Chief Technology O΀cer, Development Procurement. “Mercedes-Benz documents these eͿects precisely, and has the resulting balance sheet checked and conÀrmed by independent experts The S 580 e has successfully completed this validation audit.”

The S 580 e is produced in the highly Áexible and e΀cient Factory 56 in SindelÀngen.

Installed on its roof is a photovoltaic system with around 12,000 PV modules and an output of around 5000 kWp (kilowatt peak). This feeds self-generated green electricity to the production shop. The upstream production of materials and components creates more carbon dioxide than for the previous model. This is mainly due to the increased light-alloy content in the bodyshell and the larger high-voltage battery with a capacity of 28.6 kWh. This disadvantage in production can be more than compensated in the use phase: doubling the electric operating range leads to a signiÀcantly higher proportion of all-electric journeys. Over the entire operating life, there are clear advantages for the S 580 e, especially where CO2 is concerned. This is especially true when renewable electricity is used for charging.

Between work, family events, and the dozens of other obligations people have, basic car maintenance can fall by the wayside. However, performing regular maintenance on your vehicle matters more than you think.

Following basic car maintenance tips may help keep your car running. But that’s not all. There are many rewarding advantages to proper car maintenance that don’t have to do with getting from point A to point B. Keeping your car maintained will help your vehicle last longer. It can even help you snag a higher resale price if you decide to sell.

Something as simple as checking tire pressure or washing your car can add value to your vehicle. Yes, it’s that simple! From better fuel e΀ciency to retaining resale value, these simple car maintenance tips can help improve your vehicle-owning experience.

In addition, if you drive a new Toyota, you can take advantage of ToyotaCare. Every purchased and leased new Toyota comes with the ToyotaCare scheduled maintenance plan and roadside assistance.

1. Don’t Skip Scheduled Car Maintenance Services Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual and Ànd out when your recommended car maintenance services should be scheduled. Usually, basic car maintenance involves checking or replacing parts like spark plugs, wires, Áuids, and serpentine belts.

Scheduling maintenance services through your dealer may be best. There are at least three good reasons for this: The Àrst reason: genuine parts and expert customer care. Your Toyota dealer will have the knowledge and parts to keep your car running well. Dealers often put a sticker on your vehicle that includes a reminder of the date of your next maintenance service. Yet, some locations will take it a step further with reminder emails about your appointment. That way, you can schedule a time that works for you and better remember the date and time of your appointment.

The second reason has to do with history. Going to the same Toyota dealer for maintenance means you’ll have a complete service history for the vehicle.

Potential buyers may consider this an added bonus when considering your vehicle for purchase.

The third has to do with price. A well-maintained car with up-to-date records attracts a better resale price. If you do decide to sell, you could get a much better payout.

(Source: Toyotacartips)

CFAO Equipment Promises Efficient After-Sales Support for Toyota Forklifts

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FAO Equipment, a department of CFAO Motors in Nigeria, has promised to provide solid after-sales backup for the range of Toyota forklifts it now exclusively distributes in Nigeria.

General Manager of CFAO Equipment, Mr Laurent Friederich, who stated this recently, added that “As of 1st July 2021, CFAO became the sole distributor of the Toyota Material Handling Equipment (MHE) in Nigeria. We have always aligned with top brands within the Material Handling Industry, and we are proud to see that Toyota Material Handling has ranked No. 1 globally for over the last 50 years.

“With the addition of Nigeria, the CFAO Group has enlarged its Toyota forklift distribution footprint in Africa.

He added that “Our customers will enjoy a tailored approach with the right forklift to suit their speciÀc business needs coupled with superior after-sales support for every purchase from CFAO.” According to him, “We will give our customers top-class support for preventive and corrective maintenance. The next step is to launch Operating Lease options to our customers, using our new LOXEA business in Nigeria”.

The range of forklifts being distributed in Nigeria by CFAO Equipment are-Toyota Forklift range 1.5tons - 8tons Diesel-powered; Toyota

Forklift range 1.5tons – 4tons LPG/CNG/ Petrol; Toyota Forklift range 1.5tons – 3.5tons Electric.

Other models are Toyota Reach Trucks 1.4tons – 2tons Electric; Toyota Stackers 1.2tons – 1.6tons Electric; Toyota Powered pallet truck 1.2tons – 2tons Electric; Toyota Order Pickers; and Toyota manual Hand Pallet trucks.

Also, Mr Olugbenga Jetawo, Sales Manager, Toyota Forklift, CFAO Equipment, added that “At CFAO Equipment, our after-sales department oͿers comprehensive diagnostic checks to ensure e΀cient service and repair of vehicles. Our quick response units are readily available for immediate deployment across our o΀ces in all geo-political zones in Nigeria. We also oͿer the OEM genuine parts.

“We oͿer service and maintenance packages to maximise the operating life span of your equipment and ensure the warranty is protected. In addition, we oͿer technical training for operators and technical teams upon delivery of the equipment.”

CFAO Equipment serves stakeholders in the construction, transport and logistics sectors, oͿering top-of-the-range commercial vehicles, trucks, MHE and agricultural construction machinery, and tailor-made service solutions to its numerous satisÀed customers. The company also provides customers with support throughout the life cycle of their project/equipment.

Toyota forklift

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 18, 2021

AUTO WORLD

Coscharis Motors Showcases Locally Assembled Renault at Abuja Fair

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equel to the reveal of its locally assembled Renault variants in the Southern market, Coscharis Motors Plc, a subsidiary of Coscharis Group recently showcased two locally assembled Renault automobile models at the recently held 21st Abuja Motor fair in order to target the Federal Capital Territory and by extension, the Northern Nigerian market, by giving it a feel of the vehicles.

Coscharis Motors Plc is the sole franchise for Renault brands in Nigeria. Currently, we have top-notch sales and service centres across Nigeria with major dealership outlets in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Uyo, respectively.

Commenting on the locally assembled vehicles, an obviously elated Dr. Noah Omisanya, Director, Industrial Infrastructure Department of Nigeria Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC, commended Coscharis Motors for this great feat of investing in the local assembling of the Renault brand. He reiterated the support of NADDC for future partnership towards continuing in the direction of locally assembled vehicles. In his words, “I am excited to see that Coscharis Motors has assembled these vehicles in Nigeria. We are committed to ensuring that you continue to get the requisite support from NADDC as a government agency representative”.

Also speaking at the Fair held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, the Coscharis Group General Manager, Marketing and Communications,

plant located at its group head office in Lagos and these brands come with finance scheme which enables buyers to own the vehicles with as low as 10% down payment.” As a Company that is forward looking, we remain resolute to continue to deliver value for our numerous stakeholders in all ramifications of our auto business like the investment in our local assembly.”

Coscharis Motors equally used the Fair to further remind the market on the ongoing ‘Giveaway’ promotion for any purchase of the Renault Kwid and Renault Koleos that attracts a free Abro Generator, 5% discount, free insurance, free vehicle registration and free vehicle service for the 1st two service. This is coupled with the ease of purchase through flexible finance schemes from Coscharis Mobility, Polaris Bank and other upcoming finance institutions that are finance partners to Coscharis Motors.

Other Renault vehicles on display at the fair were the Koleos and Kwid.

L-R: Public Relations Officer, National Automotive Design & Development Council (NADDC), Mrs Felicia Oyebolu; Brand Manager, Coscharis Motors PLC, Mr. Felix Mahan; GM, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Mr. Abiona Babarinde; Director, NADDC, Dr. Noah Omisanya; CEO, BKG Exhibitions, Mr. Ifeanyi Agwu; Member Governing Board NADDC, Rev. Lambert Ekewuba; at the Coscharis-Renault pavilion during the Abuja International Motor Fair held at the International Conference Center, Abuja… recently Abiona Babarinde said “as at today, we are excited to say that Coscharis Motors has since been rolling

out two name plates of the Renault Brand, namely Renault Logan and Renault Duster, from the assembly

The Koleos The Koleos is designed with a sense of detail and personality enhanced by its sleek appearance and athletic curves.

Behind its chic urban styling, Koleos has the DNA of a true 4X4. The ALL MODE 4x4-i technology allows you to select the transmission mode that your vehicle will need to be equally at home on dirt, mud or sand as it is on tarmac.

Joza Global Emerges Overall Best at Larfarge Transport Summit Larfarge African Plc, a multinational corporate business giant proͿering hightech solutions towards meeting construction needs and the growing demands of the mega infrastructural projects, recently at the prestigious Sheraton and Towers Suite lkeja celebrated their good hands in transport for their enormous contribution towards the growth and successes of the organization.

The Chief Executive O΀cer Mr. Khaled El - Dokani disclosed in his opening remarks that the theme of this year’s award presentations largely remains, “let’s build together”,this however is primarily targetted at ensuring that the independent transport partners who are involved in their day in and out operation clinically improves their operational e΀ciency and also lace it up with cutting edge innovations.

The greatest highlight of this maiden edition of transport summit was however recorded when Joza global logistics was unanimously voted as the best transporter of the year 2021 and also in the same vein carefully selected as their best hand in transport in the entire Easter region, a feat which saw Mr. Emmanuel Usiakpor the

Managing Director of Joza global logistic being handed over with the Key of the latest brand of Mitsubishi Triton L200 4WD pick up Van for the national category and a Thermocool engine powered 10KVA generator for coming on top other transport partners in the east.

It will also be recalled that Joza Global logistics Scored a deÀning quadruple between the year 2012 to 2015, when he consistently won the best transporter at Nigeria Breweries yearly awards presentation, a feat that is yet to be challenged by no other.

Currently,this transport giant is being viewed as one amongst the few leading transporters on record in PZ, NB Plc and others,with over 600 trucks in active Áeet.

While bringing the business of the summit to a close, Mr. Khaled El-Dokani,the CEO of Larfarge group after sharing all of these insights also a΀rmed that his company will not just deliver same quality products as good as those of their Parent company HOLCIM in other parts of the world, but uniquely will deliver them on time and in an excellent condition.

L- R: Director Supply Chain Lafarge, Lolu Akinyemi; Current National Best Transporter with Lafarge, Emmanuel Usiakpor; Manager Transport East, Mrs. Chidinmma Iwueze-Ifeanyi; and Head Logistics Eastern Region, Lafarge, Kehinde Micheal at the presentation of Mitsubishi Triton L200 Pick-Up key, as prize to the winner, Usiakpor… recently

Guide on Installing New Tyres Last week, I focused on one of the most vital needs for those who plan to travel with their personal cars this season, as well as those who operate commercial vehicles. I advised them to ensure they get new tyres before the journey and therefore gave hints on the kind of tyres to buy. If you are one of such people, I do hope you read my piece and complied accordingly by buying new tyres if needed. Today, I believe my next assignment is to guide you on how and where to install your new tyres.

So what really should be your guide? Please read through this piece on tyres that is useful for all season especially now as we gradually countdown to the celebration. When most people buy new tyres, they tend to install them in the front axle. They give a number of reasons for doing so. Among such reasons are that with the engine in the front, new tyres should be in the front since they are stronger so should eͿectively support the weight of the engine; new tyres will be less prone to suͿer a blowout and since blowout of a front tyre is more dangerous than that of a rear tyre, it is safer to install new tyres in the front; and front tyres suͿer the rigors of acceleration, braking, steering and bad road conditions more and so wear out faster than the rear tyres. So, new tyres are better installed in the front.

The above reasons sound logical, but unfortunately following that logic would land you in serious trouble. It is downright dangerous

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

to install new tyres in the front axle especially during the rainy season. Why? Because of a phenomenon called hydroplaning. You will observe that your tyres, if not worn out, have some grooves and channels on the treaded portion that is in contact with the ground.

Those grooves and channels are designed to, among other functions; remove water under the tyres on a wet surface so that the tyres will maintain adequate contact with the road surface for proper traction.

A situation may arise where the channels are not able to remove water fast enough or where the channels are not deep enough because the tyres have worn out. In either situation, the tyres will not maintain contact with the road surface and will simply Áoat on the pool of water. This phenomenon of Áoating on water because of lack of contact with the ground is called hydroplaning. It is dangerous and may lead to loss of control and a crash. When a

vehicle is hydroplaning, application of the brakes will make matters worse!

Now let us consider the eͿects of hydroplaning with new tyres in the front axle back axles. New tyres in the front axle (Old tyres at back axle) -New tyres, by nature, should have more tread depths than tyres in use. So the tyres at the back – because they have less tread depths – will hydroplane before the new tyres in front. With the rear tyres hydroplaning Àrst, a situation called Over Steering may occur.

This is a situation where the rear tyres will lose traction before the front tyres and the rear of the vehicle begins to slide.

Oversteering is far more di΀cult to control, and in addition to the initial distress felt when the rear of the car starts sliding, quickly releasing the gas pedal in an attempt to slow down may actually make it more di΀cult for the driver to regain control, possibly causing a complete spinout, loss of control and a crash.

New tyres at the back axle (old tyres in front axle). When you have new tyres at the back axle, the old ones in the front will hydroplane before the back tyres. This may lead to Understeering.

This means the vehicle will continue to move in the straight forward direction even when you want to steer it either to the left or to the right. This is easier to control. By easing up on the gas pedal, the vehicle will slow down and make it very easy for the driver to control.

Testing Experience-Members of The Tire Rack

team had the chance to experience hydroplaning at Michelin’s Laurens Proving Grounds.

Participants were allowed to drive around a large radius, wet curve in vehicles Àtted with tyres of diͿerent tread depths – one vehicle with new tyres on the rear and half-worn tyres on the front, and the other with the new tires in the front and half-worn tyres on the rear.

The ability to sense and control predictable understeer with the new tyres on the rear, and the helplessness in trying to control the surprising oversteer with the new tyres on the front was emphatically proven. It is better to experience this phenomenon in the safe, controlled conditions of Michelin’s Laurens Proving Grounds rather than in tra΀c in a rainstorm. In case there is any doubt, when tyres are replaced in pairs, the new tyres should always be installed on the rear axle and the worn tyres moved to the front.

SAFER TO REPLACE YOUR TYRES IN PAIRS, IF NOT IN FOURS-When you have problem with any of your tyres and you want to replace it, it is advisable to equally replace other tyres on the same axle with the bad tyres so that you have exactly the same make, same age, same physical conditions, same size- the same everything - on same axle. This will make you vehicle stability, eͿective control and better handling. In fact, the ideal thing is to change all the four tyres at the same time.

42

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 18, 2021

INTERVIEW Bukar Usman

Young Ones Must Be Encourage to Speak Mother Tongue Bukar Usman was born in Biu, Borno State on 10th December, 1942. He is an administrative historian, an expert on Nigerian folktales and an author of over 30 books. In 2013, he received a Linguistic Association of Nigeria (LAN) award for his services to Hausa language and literature. In 2014, he received an international award by the Nigerian Indigenous Language Writers Association (NILWA) and its counterpart in Niger Republic, Association des Auteurs Nigeriens en Langues Nationales (ASAUNIL) for his contribution to the revival of Hausa literature. In 2016, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, honoured him with an award for ethical and value-oriented leadership. In 2017, he was honoured with an award by Ranar Mawakan Hausa Foundation for his effort towards uplifting Hausa literature. He is the current president of the Nigerian Folklore Society (NFS) and serves on the board of trustees of Cibiyar Raya Hausa da Al’adunsa (Centre for the Preservation and Promotion of Hausa Language and Culture). He talks to Zakiyyah Dzukogi about life as a writer, career in the civil service, his foundation, the need to preserve mother tongue, among other issues

I

have read two of your books, Gods and Ancestors: Mythic Tales of Nigeria and The Bride Without Scars and Other Stories. How is that a way of keeping Hausa culture alive?

It is a settled issue that language is the purveyor of culture.

It is through language that culture is transmitted from one generation to another. When a language dies or goes into extinction, other aspects of culture are likely to go down with it. What may be left behind, perhaps, are the tangible elements of culture such as indigenous architecture, pottery, fashion, utensils and tools. Without the indigenous language necessary to promote and sustain their relevance and the transfer of the skills used in creating them, even these objects and ways of life of the people will disappear with time. A few of the objects buried inside the ground over time may be excavated by archeologists and kept in museums but none can continue to thrive as living and continuous evidence of the people’s culture once the indigenous language of the people is gone.

As for literature, it should be understood that since the invention of printing, mankind has benefited greatly in the sense that the mode of transmission as well as preservation and promotion of culture has graduated from sole dependence on oral tradition or word-of-mouth transmission, which Africa is noted for, to use of written literature, which is associated with printing. It can be safely said, therefore, that uplifting Hausa language and literature is vital to keeping Hausa culture alive. Information about the people’s culture or way of life, which is what literature captures, can be more reliably conveyed and preserved through written texts than through oral transmission.

A language which is not spoken, written and studied will surely die.

It is a matter of time. Nigeria boasts of about 250 ethnic groups or languages. However, officially, primacy is given to the study of only the three main languages: Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. Our census policy does not allow enumeration on basis of ethnicity and language. As such, with time, some languages may gradually go into extinction without the language speakers knowing. It is up to the language speakers to jealously guard their language through transmission from generation to generation. It is therefore necessary to encourage the young ones to speak their mother tongue. Speaking a language is what primarily keeps it alive. Literary works play supportive role; after all, it is those who speak an indigenous language who can read works written in that indigenous language.

There is a clear lesson to be learnt about language extinction from Australia where, when the colonialists went there, the country had up to two hundred languages but about two hundred years later only twenty remained, as reported in my book, Language Disappearance and Cultural Diversity in Biu Emirate (Klamidas: 2018: xiii).

Were you writing while in the civil service? How did you combine writing with your busy civil-service schedule?

In general, as a civil servant, I wrote almost daily in form of minutes, memoranda, speeches and reports. But in terms of writing a book, the first major step I took was in 1992 when I commenced writing my autobiography titled Hatching Hopes (Klamidas: 2006). However, I only completed writing the book and presented it in 2006. It has 287 pages. Before then another major step I took while in the service was to put together my major speeches delivered on various occasions into a book titled Voices in a Choir: Issues in Democratization and National Stability in Nigeria (Klamidas: 1999). It was a 351-page book I presented at the International Conference Centre Abuja in April 1999 on the eve of my retirement from service at the end of the same month.

There were other minor books I wrote titled the Interface of the Muse & Government Protocol (Klamidas:1998); Press, Policy and Responsibility (Klamidas:1998), and Democracy, Human Rights and National Stability (Klamidas:1999).

That much I could say I was involved in writing while in the service. The level of my involvement did not quite interfere with my responsibilities as the speeches were written as part of my schedule while I used my spare time to write my autobiography.

As I mentioned, I did not complete it until well after my retirement.

public service. It was enough writing and contributing ideas in files and other write-ups in the public service. I also believe strongly that any where a person works and whatever business one has been engaged in for a long time one has an obligation to share his experience for whatever benefit others may derive from his experience and guidance. It is also to guard against the disappearance of a library when one is no longer there to share his experience with future generations. Many had probably contemplated writing their memoirs but had procrastinated and died before having the opportunity of doing so or have their biography written.

I must also say that I engaged in writing to exercise my brain and to keep it productive. I felt I was lucky to have made such a decision and I do recommend this to my colleagues and anyone else. Currently, with over 30 books to my credit, I thank God my engagement in writing had proven to be productive and beneficial to others as intended.

Usman

A language which is not spoken, written and studied will surely die.

It is a matter of time. Nigeria boasts of about 250 ethnic groups or languages. However, officially, primacy is given to the study of only the three main languages: Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. Our census policy does not allow enumeration on basis of ethnicity and language. As such, with time, some languages may gradually go into extinction without the language speakers knowing Why are you giving most of your energy and time to writing?

While in service I had prayed that I should retire when I still had energy to engage in something useful. I retired from service at the age of 56. With good health, it appears God had answered my prayers. So, I had all the time in the world to engage in whatever endeavor I wanted.

Among other pastimes, I engaged in writing for quite a number of reasons. Firstly, I picked up where I left to complete my autobiography.

Secondly and most importantly, I strongly felt that I have something to share with the public from my over 30 years experience in the

As a staunch writer who rose to become a Permanent Secretary, did you do anything to make Government focus on writers in terms of institutional support?

The accusation against Government is pretty strong and rather too sweeping. Printers, publishers and writers may indeed have their grouse in terms of level of Government support to their callings but that must be viewed against other competing demands on Government. Over the years, Government must have extended concessionary tariffs on imported printing materials apart from abortive effort made to establish paper mills at Badagry in Lagos State, Oku -Iboku in Cross River State and Jebba in Kwara State.

One important point of contact with Government as far as creative writing is concerned is the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). This is an organization which is long standing. If nothing else government had allocated a piece of land to the organization at Mpape, Abuja, to build a writers’ village. It came about through the good offices of Mamman Vatsa, a poet and military officer who was able to facilitate the land allocation in his capacity as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. ANA is currently developing the land through joint venture hoping to have a sustainable base for creative writers and source of income to promote creative writing.

In its regular meetings held across the federation, ANA had always attracted modest support from various governments in the federation. The Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Company, Bonny, in which Government has investment, also has regularly organized prize-awarding contests to encourage creative writers in various categories of creativity and authorship. Some countries probably do more but support by Nigerian Governments is not a complete write-off.

As for my personal role, I must confess that I never addressed my mind to attracting Government support to creative writing. So, it is hard for me to give an account of my stewardship in the promotion of creative writing. However, in the course of discharging my portfolio, I have had close interactions with the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Nigerian Union of Journalists and the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria. The membership of these organizations, include many creative writers. The warm relationship fostered with those organisations was an honour and privilege I continue to cherish even in my retirement. The little I wrote during my service years however was also published in the media which attracted the attention of ANA to invite me to their functions. In recognition, ANA extended to me its honorary membership in August 1998.

Do you have any private outfit that promotes writing in Nigeria or your place of residence?

I am the President of the Dr Bukar Usman Foundation. I founded the foundation along with others in 2008. The foundation based in Abuja where I reside was not specifically founded to promote creative writing. However, along the way it got involved in supporting research and publications to promote knowledge and public enlightenment.

The publications so supported are largely given out free.

Read full interview online - www.thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 18, 2021

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EVENTS

M

r. Ayo Abraham Olorunfemi was recently conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).The celebration to mark the conferrement was held at the Red Carpet Hall, Oniru-Lekki, Lagos. Here are some of the guest at the event PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

The celebrant, Mr. Olorunfemi (SAN); his Wife and Daughter The celebrant, Mr. Ayo Abraham Olorunfemi (SAN) and his Wife

L-R: Mr. Peter Ogim; and Mr.John Ogim

The celebrant, Mr. Olorunfemi (SAN), his Wife and staff

L-R: Mrs. Stella Oyeshomo; and Mrs. Olusola Okeowo

L-R: Mr. Emeka Ubah; and Prof. Joseph Mbadugha (SAN)

Mr. Rotimi Oduba and wife Bunmi

L-R: Aih. Abdulwaheed Yusuf; and Mr. Olukayode Enitan (SAN)

L-R: Mr. Doyin Afuna; Mr. Obatayo Aina; Mr. Tobi Balogun; Dolapo Aromire; Mrs. Chikaodili Dimazoro-Okeke; and Mr. Gbenga Kushimo

L-R: Former Presiding Chainplain, Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Lagos, Very Rev. Ayo Olu Oyadotun, the celebrant, Mr. Olorunfemi (SAN) and his Wife

Mr and Mrs. Kanu Iroegbu

L-R: Mr. Rufus Bello; Aduke Daniels; and Mr. Eniola Bello

L-R: Mr and Mrs. Funmilayo Ajefunmobi; and Mrs. Victoria Oluwaseun Aina Mr. Ladi Arona

L-R: Omokhose Umofu; and Olalade Badmus

L-R: Mr. and Mrs Bode Iranloye

L-R: Ms. Bolaji Sanyaolu; and Mr. Leye Dada

L-R: Mr and Mrs Kenway Davidson

44

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 18 , 2021

SUPER SATURDAY Nancy Isime

My Dream Man is Someone on the Same Page with me Spiritually and Morally Having evolved as one of the most sought after persons in the industry, actress and television host, Nancy Isime has unwaveringly held on to her turf. It is no wonder her artistry has subtly reflected and casts Isime among the A and B pack of showbiz personas. From modeling to being a television host and now entangled with acting, Isime’s resume speaks for itself. In this chat with Ferdinand Ekechukwu, Isime shares among other things, her journey to stardom, which somewhat powers her highly anticipated movie, ‘Superstar’ where she stars in the lead. Excerpts…

L

et me start by saying Happy Birthday to you Nancy…How do you feel stepping into the third floor?

I feel so excited. I’ve waited for this third floor all my life.

Best believe it, even as a teenager, I used to imagine what I’d be doing when I’m in my thirties. I always felt like people in their thirties were so mature to do anything they wanted. By anything, I don’t mean irresponsible behaviour. I just mean taking responsible steps and you know just living and appreciating life.

You are known as a TV host and actress were these deliberately what you set out to be? What was your career dream job?

It wasn’t deliberate. I always wanted to work nine to five and just be in the corporate world somewhere. At one point, I wanted to be a social worker, at another, a pilot, a geologist, surgeon even. But I feel like the career path that I’m on right now is definitely my destiny. I just had to watch it unravel. And I’m beyond thankful to God for bringing me on this path because I’m truly fulfilled and living my purpose every single day and it’s touching lives and it’s impacting so many people around the world. I’m beyond happy to be on this path.

You have had a path with pageantry and did quite a lot of fashion shoots and also commercial modeling. In what ways did that prepare you for life on screen?

Definitely, pageantry and modeling are as challenging as acting. It involves going through an audition phase and getting chosen before finally making it in the industry. It helps me have a resilient mind. It taught me that I have to work for everything because even as a model, you have to audition for every single job you get. So doing that and coming into the acting industry, nothing was really different for me. I’m very thankful for my modeling and pageantry days. Pageantry was fun. I made first runner and second runner ups and even won.

You started out as a model and then a television host, how did you get entangled with acting?

Uhm, acting came from even modeling. I was a model and on stage, I met a director who was like, ‘oh yeah I think you’d look great on TV- on camera. You should try a role’. His name is Dickson Dzakpasu.

Let’s talk about your highly anticipated movie, ‘Superstar’. The plot of the movie follows the rise to stardom of an up-andcoming actress as she plows through life and all. Does this in any way reflect your journey to stardom looking at your trajectory in the industry?

Yes, I mean the struggle, the uncertain phases, the-trying-to-figure-out-life phase.

For me, I could relate to Queen (her charac-

Isime

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 18 , 2021

45

SUPER SATURDAY My Dream Man is Someone on the Same Page with me Spiritually and Morally I’m currently single, obviously not married. My dream man is someone on the same page as me both spiritually and morally. I don’t mean the same in my career path. He is hard working, focused and making efforts to put his life together. He also has to be a good person ter) though not all parts of her story, just some, but I know people who have literally gone through some other parts of the story. So yes…

Tell us about the character, and what role did you play in the movie?

Queen plays a superstar. She is a woman the viewers follow. And while following her, you get to follow other people’s stories as well. The crew, what it’s like to be on set… You see some of us and think we have no problemnothing but good things happen in our life. The movie tells you it’s not like that.

What was the experience like working with Filmone and Inkblot on this project and is this your first time with the two “powerhouses”?

It’s my first time with Inkblot but not first time with FilmOne. It was fantastic... Everyone knew what they were there for. It was dream come true.

I’ve always looked forward to working with Inkblot so auditioning and getting the role was nothing but a dream come true!

What determines the script you accept?

Well, the story. I understand that it could look like the same story but with a difference here and there but I’m always interested in what the story is driving at.

So, which of your numerous roles do you consider your best and worst so far?

No worst. Only the best; and every role I’ve played has been a blessing one way or the other. Nothing screams best or worst. I feel like every opportunity I get as an actor to play someone else’s life or someone else’s story is definitely in my best category.

We understand that talent is important to a successful acting career but in Nollywood, it seems there is emphasis on physical appearance.

What do you have to say of this?

I don’t think there’s emphasis on that.

There’s a look for every role. And that’s nobody but the viewers’ fault. But I don’t think there’s a specific attention paid to looks. Maybe people just tend to be more attracted to fine boys, and fine girls. But I think more attention is paid to the talent.

Was there anybody that you looked up to as a role-model while growing up, and why?

I honestly didn’t have a role model until much later but my very first role model that I can remember is my mum.

I loved her so much but she died when I was five. I’d read her books and diaries and I could tell she was a good person.

And then I met my aunt who was such a kind woman. She was the first person apart from my mum who taught me kindness. She was my second role

model. However, career wise, it has to be Oprah - Oprah and Beyonce. I just love their work ethics and how dedicated they are. Of course, in Nigeria are resilient Mo Abudu, and Funke Akindele.

I could go on and on but these women are top on my list.

Last year was many things to different people, what was it like for you?

It was fantastic. As weird as it sounds, 2020 was a huge blessing to me. I survived so that too was a blessing.

What’s a typical day like for you?

A typical day for me is: wake up, meditate, pray , workout, go to work, whatever work that is for the day: either hosting or acting; do some executive/producer work on my show, the Nancy Isime Show which is coming soon by the way. Then return home, meditate some more, get on my phone and get the day’s work over with, then sleep.

You seem to have it all going on career-wise. Are you currently single or dating? What’s your dream man like? I don’t mean your ‘Rent a Man’ kind of man o! (*pun intended*) I’m currently single, obviously not married. My dream man is someone on the same page as me both spiritually and morally. I don’t mean the same in my career path. He is hard working, focused and making efforts to put his life together. He also has to be a good person.

How do you see the industry generally in view of the advent of streaming platforms, the internet, and YouTube?

Fantastic. I mean the industry is growing every day. I mean people from the outside are coming to us.

Before, it used to be us going to them.

Packing our stuff and going to ‘fetch the Hollywood dream’... More talents are rising every day and people are excited for that. I can only be curious about what happens in fifty years.

When is Superstar movie out? What makes this film different and why should people go see it at the cinema?

Oh my God, I feel every one, no matter your industry, should see it.

There’s a bit of every genre in it. I feel like ‘Superstar’ is genre-less. It’s for everyone, not just for young people. I can’t even say this enough but it’s a story that follows Nollywood so if you’re a fan of Nollywood or not or even if you just want to see ’how e dey go sef’, ‘Wetin dem dey do’, ‘na true say women na soso man dem dey follow’... come and watch it. It’s just a sincere story and I think it’s a bold step, especially from the executive producers because they didn’t leave any stone unturned. And don’t wait for spoilers before you come see it. It will be out on the 29th of this Isime month, December!

46

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 18, 2021

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

Acting Head, Enterprise Sales North, 9mobile, Abdullahi Hussaini; 9mobile CEO, Juergen Peschel; Representative of the Director General of NIMC, Dr. Umar Ba and Acting Director, Enterprise Business, 9mobile, Olalekan Fatusa during the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) stakeholders workshop held in Abuja recently.

L-R:Past President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, (CITN), Alhaji Kamarudeen Adigun presenting an award of Outstanding Print Media to Executive Director, Finance, The Nation Newpapers, Mr. Sunday Adeleke, at the CITN annual dinner and awards held in Lagos recently

Unilever Rewards Transporters, Reaffirms Commitment to Safety As part of eͿorts to enhance compliance with safety protocols, Unilever Nigeria Plc. has rewarded some independent transporters and drivers for adhering to safety rules.

The transporters were rewarded at its capacity building programme organised in Lagos to improve drivers’ knowledge of safety.

The organisation stated that the training exercise was also in a bid to support and intensify federal government’s road safety campaign across the country.

Speaking during the three-day capacity building programme, the Go-to-Market Supply Chain Director at Unilever Nigeria, Tobi Adeniyi

rea΀rmed the organisation’s continuous eͿorts at ensuring safety of both humans and goods across its supply chain.

He added that the company remained dedicated to the improvement and enlightenment of all its transport partners who distribute the company’s products nationwide.

He said, “The theme for this year’s training is ‘Shine your eyes, Stay Alive’. We have sustained this programme over the years because we appreciate the importance of safety and e΀ciency within our supply chain. Our independent transporters and other logistics partners regularly go through these trainings to improve operational e΀ciency as

they get familiarised with new developments that support best practices and incorporate impactful use of technology in the industry”.

This year’s training included a comprehensive defensive-driving session which was facilitated by o΀cers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) as well as police training on cargo security.

The participants also beneÀted from health talks from medical experts in addition to free medical checkups.

Remarking, Safety, Health and Environment Manager Ghana-Nigeria, Unilever Nigeria Plc., Mrs Rachael Ezembakwe expressed that the company would always appreciate its logistics

partners who have kept to the safety standards of the regulatory agencies as well as Unilever general guideline for safe transportation.

“We thank and celebrate our independent transporters and logistic partners for adhering to the high safety standards required to deliver world-class logistic services across our supply chain, while ensuring that the company’s product gets to our customers in good and excellent condition.

“This high level of professionalism has contributed to the success and growth of our company. This is why we are rewarding you today and we say thank you for a job well done. ”

CITN Clarifies Nexus between eNaira and Taxation

9mobile Partners NIMC to Register 10 million Nigerians

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN has shed more light on transactions eͿected via eNaira and how they are aͿected by taxation.

The institute gave the clariÀcation at a business luncheon held in Lagos recently.

The luncheon themed, “Digital Currency Technology and E-Naira: Nature and Implications for Taxation”, had experts from taxation Àeld, government agencies and regulators gave a raw break down of the new e-Naira, its workings and implications for taxation.

In his address, Chairman of CITN ICT Committee, Samuel Okoye, noted that eNaira, like the physical naira, is a measure of value, medium of exchange, unit of account and store of value that does not give rise to any form of taxable proÀt, gain, chargeable income or any tax base in itself as a currency or legal tender.

He however said that eNaira would have administrative tax implications as means of payment of tax liability or obligations.

He explained further that the tax law

Telecommunication Àrm, 9mobile has announced plans to register no fewer than 10 million Nigerians in the rural areas under the National Identity Management, NIMC enrollment scheme.

It made the announcement during a stakeholder’s engagement workshop and capacity building interactive session organised in collaboration with the NIMC in Abuja, recently.

According to the organisation, the gesture was part of its eͿorts to support the National ID Number (NIN) Project and enhance security eͿorts.

Remarking, Chief Executive O΀cer of 9mobile, Juergen Peschel, commended NIMC for partnering with the organisation to bring the workshop to reality.

He said, “9mobile will continue to play a pivotal role in the country’s national identity management enrollment scheme, especially in the rural areas where we have the mandate to register 10 million individuals.

“To ensure that we meet up with the

required that taxes be assessed and/or paid in the currency of transaction.

He said, “This is either the Naira or the exact foreign currency of transaction. eNaira is the same Naira but in the digital form.

Tax consequences of transactions executed using the eNaira will certainly be paid in Naira” He called for synergy between the Federal and State Inland Revenue Service and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

He identiÀed also the need for these agencies to take swift and proactive steps in intimating tax payers with implications of transacting on Central Bank digital currency.

Earlier, President of the Institute explained that a gathering of this nature was important to enable tax pundits deliberate, interact and discuss issues bordering on taxation and other national concerns.

“It is pertinent to inform you that the outcome of our deliberations will be articulated as a position paper to the government and relevant stakeholders as input to policies formulation.”

Tastee Fried Chicken Engages Consumers on Healthy Walk Quick service restaurant, Tastee Fried Chicken, TFC, has charged Nigerians on healthy living through its Tackle Hunger and Walk-A-Thon initiatives.

The initiative, according to the organization, is a charity project launched to create awareness, promote general health and well-being and to give back to the society.

Commenting on the initiatives, Executive Chairman of TFC, Adekunle Adedayo said, “We know how di΀cult it is for some people to feed even once a day, let alone aͿording a healthy three square meal. The Tackle Hunger initiative is just our way of giving back to society, we have mapped out a schedule that ensures that every month we reach out to the less privileged and orphanages. This is something that we have been doing, but this time around, we are doubling it because we want others to be aware that there is a need

for us all to tackle hunger.”

Chief Operating O΀cer of the organisation, Fowoke Akinleye urged other corporate bodies to join in the Àght against hunger by gifting meals this season.

She said: “We have always had something like this, but this is the Àrst time we are calling it a walk-a-thon and we intend to repeat it every year going forward. We want people to know that they can come to us and buy vouchers that they can give to anyone on the road and the vouchers can be used to get food at any of our outlets.

Brand Manager of TFC, Onyeka Ezeamama explained further that the initiatives were launched in strict adherence to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal2- ‘Zero Hunger’ by gifting meals and creating awareness, even as the brand is also promoting the physical and mental well-being of the people.”

target, we are constantly expanding our capacity in terms of infrastructure and technology to ensure that all Nigerians are enrolled.”

Also speaking, the company’s Director of Sales, Oluwatosin Olulana tasked government on continued engagement with stakeholders to be able to strengthen the nation’s identity management process.

He said, “We will be sharing resources with NIMC to improve the process of service delivery. In addition, mobile connectivity will also be made available for the next six months to aid the virtual working process. We are currently arranging to provide up to 20Mbps Àber connectivity for NIMC o΀ce use.”

On his part, Director-General, NIMC, Aliyu Aziz restated the commission’s commitment to fostering the development of a robust identity system in Nigeria, thus called for collaboration among stakeholders.

Winners Emerge in Peak Chocolate Family Contest 2.0 FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc has announced winners of its just concluded Peak Chocolate Family Contest 2.0.

The show ended with top 10 families battling for a grand prize of N100, 000 and a year’s supply of Peak Chocolate.

The Ànalists were given 60 seconds each to answer as many questions as possible.

At the end of the exercise, the Adesanya family won the contest.

The Ohalem and Baldwin families clinched the second and third spots, to win N50,000 and six months’ supply of Peak Chocolate, as well N30,000 plus three months’ supply of the product respectively.

Other top seven contestants were rewarded with shopping vouchers while viewers also got airtime reward throughout the contest.

Commenting, Marketing Manager of Peak

Milk, Grace Onwubuemeli stated that the contest was part of the brand’s commitment to fostering unity among families and to remind Nigerians that family is the greatest gift and support system through thick and thin.

“We are glad to have been able to put together such a great and rewarding show and smiles on people’s faces.”

Brand Manager of Peak Chocolate, Feyisola Alabi assured that the organisation will not relent in providing families with needed nourishment, while creating memorable and delightful experiences for them.

“We want to send a big thank you to everyone who participated in the contest and helped to make it a success. We congratulate the winning families as we look forward to another power-packed season next year”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ DECEMBER 18, 2021

47

SPORTS XTRA

NFF Grant Glasgow Rangers Permission to Delay Aribo, Balogun AFCON Arrival

G

lasgow R a n g ers have received green light from the Nigeria Football Federation to delay the arrival of their Nigerian players for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

While Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun are guaranteed roster spots for the tournament in Cameroon

barring an injury, a third foreign-born player of Nigerian descent on the books of Rangers in Calvin Bassey is knocking on the door following his recent impressive displays for the Scottish champions.

The Super Eagles are due to start a training camp after Christmas but the aforementioned players won’t be reporting for international duty until after the Old Firm

derby on January 2, nine days before Nigeria’s first group game against Egypt.

Balogun is in a race against the clock to be in tip-top condition before the AFCON and the derby against Celtic, having missed the last seven matches contested by Rangers in all competitions.

At Friday’s pre-match press conference, Giovanni van Bronckhorst was asked

whether the three Nigerian playershavebeenclearedto face Celtic and the Rangers boss responded : “They will be here with the team one hundred percent.

“For me it was already clear that we will release them if needed after the Old Firm game so we have the full squad until we go into the winter break.”

Should Nigeria go all the way and reach the final of the Africa Cup of Na-

Premier League Clubs Decide on COVID Impact are also due to hold their own meetings.

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard said he hoped the meetings would provide “clarity” to “a lot of concerns and unanswered questions”.

Meanwhile, Premier League chief Richard Masters has written to clubs urging players to get the vaccine and stressed the importance of the league completing the

season.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank led calls for all matches to be called off until 26 December to enable a reset.

Some feel the break should be longer - but others such as Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp do not believe it should happen.

The Premier League said on Thursday it intends to

carry on playing matches as long as it is safe to do so.

Meanwhile, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been cleared to resume preparations for Sunday’s trip to Newcastle.

The Spaniard had returned an inconclusive coronavirus test and cancelled Friday’s news conference, but a subsequent PCR test came back negative.

Nigeria Olympics Committee Honours Gov. Diri, Awards Oborududu Scholarship Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa The Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) has described Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, as a sports friendly personality that has greatly impacted the sector.

The NOC President, Engr.

Habu Gumel, stated this on Thursday night in Yenagoa when he presented the Olympic Sports Friendly Personality Award to Governor Diri during a state banquet in honour of the committee members who were in the state for their annual general meeting.

Gumel said as a former Commissioner for Sports and now governor, Diri has

achieved a lot and has continued to produce sports stars for the state and Nigeria.

He said: “This is a very important day for us. We are so happy. You have achieved a lot. You have produced many champions and I know more are coming.

“You also produced Blessing (Oborududu), who brought us silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics and made Nigeria proud. The Nigeria Olympic Committee is offering Blessing a scholarship.

“So, for all you have achieved in sports, I hereby present the Olympic Sports Friendly Personality award to you.”

Gumel recalled how he was elected president of the NOC 20 years ago in the state, describing Bayelsa as his second home.

He thanked the government and people of the state for their hospitality towards members of the NOC. In his remarks, Governor Diri said sports was important to the human race as it has proved to be a uniting factor for peace and development.

He expressed appreciation to the NOC for choosing Bayelsa for its annual general meeting, noting that the state had passion for sports.

Governor Diri reaffirmed his administration’s commit-

ers matches including the league game with Hearts on February 5.

Osimhen’s AFCON Availability a Huge Boost for Eguavoen Super Eagles interim coach Austin Eguavoen has received a massive boost ahead of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign next year after reports emerged that Victor Osimhen would be ready for the competition.

Osimhen has not played since he suffered a facial fracture in Napoli’s 3-2 loss to Inter Milan in their Serie A encounter at the San Siro last month.

The 22-year-old suffered a left cheekbone and orbital fracture after colliding with Inter’s Milan Skriniar. The injury required surgery, which was complicated but successful.

Following the surgery, it was confirmed that Osimhen would be out for three months, ruling him out of the AFCON, which begins on January 9.

However, the former Lille star has made a quick return ahead of schedule, with Osimhen pictured in individual training last week.

It was initially reported

that Osimhen could make a sensational return against AC Milan this weekend, but that may be too soon.

According to paolobargiggia, the Neapolitans hope to have their talisman striker back for the big clash against Juventus on January 6, and he is expected to wear a protective mask.

This development is a massive boost for Nigeria and Eguavoen, who begin their AFCON campaign two days after the opening match.

Eguoavoen recently replaced Gernot Rohr as Nigeria’s head coach and will need a fully-fit Osimhen if the three-time African champions are to win their fourth continental title.

The 22-year-old was Nigeria’s top scorer during the qualifying process.

The Super Eagles begin their AFCON campaign with a clash against Egypt before games against Sudan and Guinea-Bissau.

Lagos State Host Two-day Open Darts Championship

Leon Balogun, Joe Aribo make history with Glasgow Rangers in Scotland

The Premier League clubs will meet on Monday to discuss the escalating crisis around the coronavirus pandemic.

With nine games postponed over the past week, including five already from this weekend’s 10-match fixture list, clubs want the chance to discuss the options.

Managers and captains

tions, Aribo and Balogun will not be available for selection for four Rang-

ment to sports development, stressing that it is willing to partner relevant stakeholders.

His words: “Mr President and members of the NOC, I welcome you to Bayelsa State; a state that loves sports with passion; a state that will continue to welcome every sports lover in Nigeria.

“We are happy with your growth. We are happy to understand and know that it was on this soil you emerged as president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee.

“Twenty years later, you and your colleagues decided to come again to have your AGM on this soil.”

The Lagos State Dart Association is prepared to host a 2 day Open Darts Championship, from Monday 20th - Tuesday, 21st December, 2021, amongst all Darters across Lagos State, with the aim of exposing and sustaining potential innate in darts by discovering, developing, improving intellectual and motor skills.

The Championship is designed to identify new prospective darters with the intention of providing

specific Training and mentoring experience, fit for purpose thereby driving a spur for new generation Athletes to live thier dreams also represent Lagos State in National and International competitions.

Darts is a precision Game and a multi-medal sport. It is imperative to state that the Sport has moved from unhealthy narratives and today dignified as a professional Sports rich in healthy lifestyle, monetary and social

Guardiola Takes Charge Against Newcastle after Negative PCR Test Pep Guardiola is free to take charge of Manchester City’s Premier League trip to Newcastle on Sunday after returning a negative PCR test.

Guardiola had to take a PCR test after a lateral flow test showed an inconclusive result upon his arrival at City’s training ground on Friday.

The former Barcelona head coach travelled to Catalonia this week to attend Sergio Aguero’s retirement news conference at the Nou Camp.

A 10-day isolation period would have ruled him out of the game at St James’ Park as well as the Boxing Day visit of Leicester City.

Newcastle vs Man City on Sky: Saint-Maximin a doubt

‘Life comes first’ - Sergio Aguero retires due to heart condition Five PL games off this weekend due to Covid Manchester City have won sevensuccessivePremierLeague games, hammering Leeds 7-0 in midweek, and Guardiola urged his side to maintain that momentum against Newcastle.

“Everyone is fit, it’s just Ferran Torres missing,” said Guardiola.

“Joao Cancelo is back after [his suspension against] Leeds and we will travel to Newcastle with everyone ready to play.

“It is not easy to go to Newcastle and get a result so we will need the whole team and hopefully we will be strong enough to get the points.

Saturday, December 18, 2021

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Pat Utomi on Nigeria’s Failings “The truth of the matter is that this is the most miserable place to live on earth today, all the statistics say so…Today we are dying more from Malaria than any other people in the world.”

–Professor Pat Utomi lamenting about the security and economic crisis in Nigeria.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

My Thoughts on the 2023 Presidential Election

F

ellow Nigerians, you would agree with me that the race for Nigeria’s Presidential election has started in earnest. Many aspirants have already removed their gloves and are crisscrossing the country and engaging in consultations with the influential stakeholders of their respective political parties and persons of political, business and social clout generally. Exciting times are here again! However, let me advise those wanting to run for the most exalted political office in our country to kindly cool temper and not only do the right things, but reflect on their environment and the mood of the nation. I have noticed that most of the aspirants don’t think Nigeria can ever change.

Similarly, they don’t even think the youths would ever have a say in what goes on in their country.

And if they do, they do not believe that they should be given a chance or have a voice. They see and treat the young ones as being totally helpless and hopeless. This attitude may well turn out to be their failing and downfall. As the saying goes, pride goeth before a fall. The arrogance of our politicians and their disdain and disrespect of the youths is distressing and disheartening, but it may also turn out to be a blessing when the young folks take matters into their own hands and demonstrate that they are a veritable force to be reckoned with.

Let me explain why our politicians often feel so cocky and self-assured. One. They know the power and influence of cash in the affairs of human beings everywhere in the world. So, Nigeria can’t be an exception. As a matter of fact, it is a crime to be poor in our dear beloved country. This is the reason many people prefer politics to their daily chores. They see politics as the fastest and shortest route to unimaginable wealth. But I believe many people feel that things have shifted in the right direction since Major General Muhammadu Buhari returned to power in 2015. He has made the young ones so angry to the extent that they can no longer ignore the shenanigans of politicians. We must therefore thank God for little mercies. Out of bad situations, some good stuff often come out. Buhari has left us with no choice but to work harder than ever at sacking his ruling government from power. That this must be done by our concerted effort, just like we assisted him in sacking Goodluck Jonathan has become imperative and plainly obvious.

For that reason, cash and power have taken a bit of a back seat. However, while this task may appear simple for now, I am under no illusion that sacking APC ignominiously from power would ever be an easy walkover. It will be an arduous objective to attain because APC holds the appurtenances of power tightly by the reins and is unwilling to let go without an almighty struggle and fearsome battle.

Two. The politicians understand the fact that most of our youths hardly show interest in political affairs. While many would sit endlessly on social media throwing verbal missiles, deservedly, at our leaders, they do nothing concrete about regime change. So, the politicians come round every election cycle to exploit the unfortunate lacuna created by the disinterest, lethargy, negativity and apathy of the youths in this respect. If anything must change, our youths must show more than mere cursory interest in politics and the electoral process. Anything short of this would continue to spell doom for our great nation. I believe that there is some awakening, but it must be turned into a groundswell of movements. The momentum must be heightened, and the volume turned up.

Three. The politicians understand that many young ones have little knowledge of the required

Bola Tinubu structures and platforms which are very necessary and key for winning elections. They dissipate too much time, energy and resources on political parties without prospects and end up becoming serial losers. If truth must be told, it is virtually impossible to win Presidential election from a local political party with no extensive national spread. I can place a huge bet on this with the knowledge that I will win every time. Practically all the younger aspirants expect automatic tickets from their little-known minnows of political parties. They do not even want competition from their contemporaries. They’ve conveniently abdicated their awesome collective power to the older politicians who know the game too well because of their individual and selfish interests and ambition. Ambition which cannot be realised or fulfilled using the present format and template they have adopted of going it solo.

Fourth is a corollary of the third and arises from the lack of consensus on the part of the youths to come together, join forces and adopt one of their own as a formidable flag bearer.

Everyone wants to have and secure an automatic ticket from a small and weak political party

while the older foxes outsmart them by bonding together in the biggest political parties. When the youths are busy speaking in dulcet, still and staccato voices, the older ones are laughing heartily at the lack of basic knowledge of what it takes to win national elections. What our young Presidential hopefuls embark upon in a bid for the highest position in the land is only good to win localised elections in their constituencies.

Fifth is the search for saintly candidates by the younger ones while the older ones already understand the axiom and the reality that Leadership is about managing people and resources and not about being a perfect or virtuous man or woman. While some are busy groping in total darkness searching for non-existent candidates, the older brigade will quickly identify and settle for popular candidates even if their antecedents are not so glamorous or righteous. They know the game too well, that politics is first and foremost a popularity contest. On this basis, it was possible for non-career politicians like Donald Trump of America and Moshood Abiola of Nigeria to win elections almost effortlessly. They had spent many decades building stupendous brands and the kind of the popularity that would be so rock solid that regular candidates would never be able to defeat. It would be foolhardy of any political party to field the typical politician in 2023 and hope to win against an incumbent political party. I have been persistently drumming this fact in the ears of whosoever cares to listen to my sermons or read my epistles. Let me give one quick example in our contemporary history.

Senator Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke of Osun State is easily a Governor in waiting in Osun State today because of his humongous popularity.

All the attacks against his person have failed to weaken the love his people have for him. I have had this argument with a few of his opponents that PDP can’t afford to ignore such a popular candidate who is palpably loved even beyond his State. Even if he has his little weaknesses and foibles, like the rest of us mortals do, but they are not fatal or destructive. He comes from an impeccable pedigree of political and business family which more objective and discerning people can see.

In 2023, an opposition party must think outside the box and seek out very popular candidates with the right mindset to reunite Nigeria. I am of the opinion that power must shift to the South,

and to a much younger man, or woman, by all peaceful means. This is very reasonable and right to me after eight years of Buhari who would be close to 81 years by the time he bows out of power. While I will never disqualify any Nigerian from contesting on account of age, ethnicity, gender or religion, I will be proud to see some fresh candidates and a fresher President at the end of the exercise. Nigeria is already too polluted to field some odoriferous candidates in this next Presidential race. Anyone who would have to be spending more time than necessary defending his past would not augur well for a party and a country that desperately needs a new lease of life.

By 2023, the June 12, 1993, debacle would have been 30 years behind us. It would be nice and beneficial to see that we’ve learnt some useful lessons, and we’ve made some substantial progress, since then. Right now, this is sadly not the case. It would be tragic if we fail to use the occasion to re-enact the Moshood Abiola magic using a similar template to that which propelled him to undoubtedly win the election. President Buhari may still have a chance to complete the type of revolutionary transition proffered by President Ibrahim Babangida, which produced that uncommon mandate, if he signs the new electoral reforms into law. It is a chance too great to be missed by any serious leader.

The main opposition Party must do everything within its power to think and act outside the box. No serious or discerning football team plays Brazilian style while playing Brazil. You must play a style Brazil is not used to. Politics is a numbers game. Only the youths can readily guarantee incredible numbers during elections.

This is a truism anywhere in the world. Tried, tested and successful when the youths know their force and power. They usually don’t vote because they can’t see candidates they adore or can relate with in the race. You can’t blame them when they can’t connect to certain candidates whose antecedents are not attractive to them.

This is the bitter truth. I sincerely pray that my own party, PDP, won’t take this week’s message lightly. I know what the young voters want to see in 2023. The End SARS event has opened their eyes to the enormous powers they wield, and they are most willing to test this newfound weapon during the next general elections…

Let’s keep our fingers crossed…

Pastor Paul Adefarasin’s Sermon of the Year

If there’s one sermon many Nigerians won’t forget in a jiffy, it is the sermon popularly known as the “PLAN B” by Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock. I have always been an admirer of his style of preaching because I’m a big fan of practical preachers. I have good news for my readers today. Make no mistakes about it, please listen to Pastor Adefarasin and hearken to his admonition if you can afford it.

We must all have a Plan B. I even recommend a Plan C and D if possible and affordable.

The world is in great turmoil today and it is as if the Third World War has descended upon us. COVID 19 and its many variants have turned the world upside down and we are all fighting invisible enemies.

Thus, the time has come to take practical steps to protect yourselves and loved ones and be ready to move in an instant, in a jiffy. Many countries, especially the Caribbean nations are now providing opportunities to make second citizenship possible for those from tough countries such as ours. As patriotic as I am, and as passionate about Africa as I know I am, I believe the world

needs to move closer, for each and every one of us, as much as possible. The trauma of looking and applying for visas can be very devastating and sometimes humiliating. With Red Lists and international movement restrictions being the order of the day, it is imperative to indeed have a Plan B in this area, just as one must make serious alternative financial plans to secure our continued existence and those of our families..

This is why I wish to introduce one of the wave-making citizenship and travel opportunities to you if you’re not already aware of it. Many of my friends have done so already. You can also save up money for yours. I am not a financial or travel analyst or planner and I disclaim all responsibility for any mishap or misfortune if you do not seek formal legal and financial advice when embarking on measure to secure your future, including your Plan B. This opportunity which I commend to you for further consideration and research is titled “Own your share of Grenada’s Future Economy!”

It is a SKYDWELLERS HEAVEN initiative in exclusive collaboration with the GRENADA

NATIONAL RESORT PROJECT. According to its Proprietor, Mrs Judy Austin, it provides an opportunity for Nigerians to be part of the future of Grenada. She enthuses: “Be a part of Grenada’s largest foreign Investment Project; The Grenada’s $5 Billion Dollar National Resort Project (A key National Development Project in Grenada with 5 Star Hotel Property, International Golf Course, Casinos, Amusement Parks, Duty Free Shops, Turtle Museum and Water Parks) and take ownership of Grenada’s Citizenship for you and your family with access to: 1. Free Visa Travel to over 153 Countries Including UK, Countries in the Schengen Area and the USA E2 Treaty.

2. Live income tax free in your worldwide income.

3. Inclusive of Dependent Child up to 30 years of age and Dependent Parent from 55 years upwards.

NOTE: Read full article online on www.thisdaylive.com

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