RULERS’ ADVERTISEMENT RATES CONTENTS

Effecve June 8, 2020 ISSNW: 2153-4977 RLD Please note that 7.5% VAT is expected to be added to the net payment ....News Media (Please, note that RULERS' WORLD is printed in all Colour)

PRODUCT RATES # PUBLIC NOTICE # TEAM Full Page 499,262 Full page 546,000 Publisher Half Page 249,631 Half Page 273,000 Dr. John S. Famodimu One –Third Page 166,420 One-Third Page 182,000 Editor Two-Third Page 332,841 Two-Third Page 364,000 2023: Prince Wale Matt’Olapade Quarter Page 124,815 Quarter Page 151,800 Writers Contributors Centre Spread 1.2Million Centre Spread 1.550Million Divided South Kunle Bakare Wole Opatola Half Centre Spread 600,000 Half Centre Spread 775,000 Tunde Olasupo Sade Parks battles North for Florence Olugbodi Abubakar Muhammed Oyewole Oyedapo Bidemi Onifade POLITICAL ADVERTS / SUPPLEMENTS presidency Graphics Marketing/Advert ‘Dele Olasupo Adetunji Olaniyi Full Page 646,000 Half Page 388,000 6 Printing Femi Ilori Quarter Page 251,800 September 19: Letter to the editor must include writer’s A make or mar full name, address and telephone number, WRAP AROUND date for may be edited for purposes of clarity of Cover + IFC #12.5M Oshiomhole expression, orderly presentation of materials Cover + OBC #15M 8 or space, and should be addressed to Cover+ IFC+ OBC #17M [email protected] or Cover+ IFC+ OBC+ IBC #20M [email protected] IITA partners Ogun Tel: +234 817 380 0172 Cover+ IFC+ OBC+ IBC+ Centre Spread #25M on agriculture to boost food security, The views expressed in this magazine are capacity development those of the individual contributors and SPECIAL POSITIONS not the publisher. Inside Back Cover ( IBC) #6.5M 10 Inside Front Cover (IFC) #7.5M Rulers world is published by Rulers World Front Cover #12M Master Communication Limited. Lagos to set up For subscriptions and advert enquiries, Back Cover #8.4M N10bn please call: Phone: +19143383107, Above Mast Head #1.5M agribusiness centre, 08066462214, 08079750148 EIGHT IN ONE( Pull-out with Flanks @ the centre) #3.95M e-mail: [email protected] empowers or [email protected] 2,743 farmers 15 BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS FOR ADVERT PLACEMENT IMPORTANT INFORMATION *Please note that all bookings must be pre-paid ACCOUNT NAME: *Series discounts –negoable from 5 inserons Can women be Rulers’ World Master Communication Ltd. *Final artworks in Cds or Flash Disk is required totally free from BANK NAME: *All AAAN member agencies are entled to 15% commission United Bank for Africa (UBA) yeast infection? ACCOUNT NUMBER 20 1017761728 For further enquiries ,please contact ACCOUNT TYPE The Markeng Department CURRENT ACCOUNT on Advert Hotlines Africans must 08066462214 or +18453541900 ISSN: 2153-4977 explore Africa Copyright @ 2020 Rulers World E-mail add [email protected] for tourism All rights reserved. recovery 5 5 39 PUBLISHER’S CORNER Afghanistan has the same e c o n o m i c p e r f o r m a n c e revenue for the government, barest minimum is of great negave impact on inward because of rent-seeking, the state may start depending importance and should be a The Effect of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) misallocaon of the factors of more upon a central system of major priority for governments, which has increased the rate of p r o d u c o n , i n e ffi c i e n t financing that is already especially in developing Corruption and Selshness corporate tax by 50 per cent. It is investments, and an increase of weakened by the lack of c o u n t r i e s . E r a d i c a n g in the Success of a Nation worth menoning that this t r a n s a c o n c o s t s a n d adequate or proper regulaon corrupon, parcularly in negave effect uncertainty. and oversight. developing economies is crical is the same as a Thirdly, when corrupon and to promong financial stability, orrupon is unlawful and t a x o n selfishness inflate costs in the economic growth and success dishonest conduct by c o m p a n i e s process of public procurement, of a naon. If developing individuals mostly in C operang in the On the whole, corrupon and the abuse of public office by naons like Nigeria, Ghana, powerful places. From Brazil to country because selfishness negavely affect government officials embezzle among others, want to promote India, Thailand to Sudan and to i t s e r v e s t o economic gr“owth; hence have the money set aside for public a healthy social structure and Russia and beyond, corrupon d i s c o u r a g e an adverse effect on the success spending on crucial projects experience economic growth, is being condemned and seen as i n v e s t m e n t . of a naon. such as infrastructure that they should work aggressively something that threatens H o w e v e r , A higher level of corrupon in promotes economic growth. t o w a r d d i s c o u r a g i n g economic development and c o r r u p o n , any country is associated with Fourthly, uncertainty is a major co r r u p o n . T h ey s h o u l d prosperity. This piece discusses u n l i ke t a x e s lower economic growth, impediment to business, and parcularly do the following: how corrupon and selfishness imposed by the whereas a lower corrupon corrupon and selfishness in develop an independent legal affect the success of a country. g o v e r n m e n t , level is linked to higher the country are known to create framework, create instuons This piece is also going to look at d o e s n o t economic growth. uncertainty. Consequently, in that can prosecute offenders, appropriate strategies that can generate any tax naons where the scenario is compel business organisaons be used to eradicate corrupon revenues for the rampant, business people find it to espouse standards on in polics, government and g o v e r n m e n t . very hard to launch and grow financial transparency and independent organisaons. Q u i t e t h e Widespread corrupon in a their businesses. promote de-regulaon. Corrupon is understood as the o p p o s i t e , i t country results in public distrust This hindrance greatly weakens Even so, eradicang corrupon f ra u d u l e nt o r d i s h o n e st i n g o v e r ”n m e n t a n d i s the private sector of naons should not only be le to the serves to erode behavior by people who are in the domesc tax detrimental to the naon's experiencing this misnomer and government. The private sector posions of power, such as law base, given that economic growth, hence in the long term, negavely and private cizens also play an enforcement officials and integral role in ending this a large number negavely affecng the success affects the success of the operaves or government d i s h o n e s t a n d u n l a w f u l of developing of a naon. There are quite a country. Moreover, when officials among others. One of pracce. Nearly all corrupon naons are keen few ways through which corrupon is rampant in the its most prominent and main cases involve public officials on aracng FDIs by providing corrupon adversely impacts country, there would be lower acts involves bribery. According to Transparency Internaonal, conspiring or communicang generous tax benefits to on economic growth. s p e n d i n g o n b u s i n e s s corrupon happens when those entrusted with power abuse it with a private cizen. mulnaonal companies. Firstly, corrupon prevents the operaons and maintenance. It and use it for private gain. Depending on the sector in which the C o n s e q u e n t l y, p r i v a t e Decreasing corrupon or government from carrying out will also result in lower quality corrupon takes place as well as the sums of cash that are lost, companies also must assist in eradicang it all together could some of its main funcons. For of public infrastructure. These corrupon comes in different forms; polical, pey, or grand. prevenng bribery, money be more effecve in aaining instance, tax collecon. As such, will, in turn, hinder the success Corrupon significantly impedes the economic development and laundering and corrupon from this goal devoid of sacrificing the people in the country have lile of a naon. progress of a naon. For foreign firms, dealing with official spreading. That responsibility revenues of the government. incenve to pay taxes. This then extoron and having to pay bribes is akin to being compelled to starts with first creang an Corrupon and selfishness also generates a small amount of Strategies for Eradicang pay an addional tax. Some internaonal investors might have appropriate organisaon-wide negavely affects a country's revenue from which the Corrupon been able to get their business owing to the bribes that they paid. an-bribery policy and making success by hindering economic government could draw to Given the negave impact of Even so, for each dollar of business that such companies get, the sure that the company always g r o w t h . C o r r u p o n a n d provide for essenal public corrupon and selfishness on developing naon is losing several dollars of potenal foreign uses this policy to carry out selfishness are both a strong services and economic growth. sustainable economic growth investment by internaonal firms. An increase in the level of ongoing employee awareness constraint on a country's Secondly, when corrupon in and macroeconomic stability, corrupon within the naon from a low level corrupon like that training. Let's work together to economic development and government, polics and and thus on a country's success, in Japan, Norway, New Zealand or Denmark, to a higher level make our world corrupon- growth. They reduce a country's independent organisaons reducing corrupon to the corrupon like that in Venezuela, North Korea, Libya or brings about lower public free. 3 4 POLITICS some southerners are also of the presidenal ambion in 2023. He Naonal Coordinator of the opinion that it is not yet the turn is alleged of working with Eki Southsouth Elders Forum 2023: Divided of the south to take over power State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, explains why the agitaon for in 2023. to gain inroad into the region and power to shi to the south may South battles Former Senate Chief Whip, weaken the influence of All not have struck the right cord in Senator Roland Owie, from Edo Progressives Party's Naonal the ears of the South East and the North for presidency State, is one of those who are Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed South West. strongly supporng the north to Tinubu, who is also alleged to be “For us, the race for the hold power aer Buhari's tenure h ave u n d y i n g i nte re st i n presidency has started and it is a Mark Innocent expires. For him, power should succeeding Buhari. clear fact that there is a non- remain in the north at least for The alleged interest of Fayemi convenonal agreement that the another four years to ensure has been described as a total presidency will rotate between equity and fairness. betrayal by some eminent the North and the South. “The problem we have in Nigeria, leaders in the region, while some Presently, the Presidency is in the parcularly those of us from the are of the belief that he is also North and by 2023, they would southern part, is that we are entled to contest for any have completed their tenure. somemes not realisc and we elecve office and does not have “It then implies that the forget that if we are going to to remain in the shadows of any presidency will have to return to equity, we must go with clean godfather forever. the south. But, talking about hands,” he said. But Fayemi said he is not working global Nigeria, the north has In what many have described as a towards the 2023 presidenal ruled for over 40 years. The west to n g u e i n c h e e k re m a r k , elecon. has also ruled for almost 12 diminuve governor of Kaduna Tinubu, El-Rufai and former APC years, while the east has ruled for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Chief John Owodo Chief Ayo Adebanjo Shema Yerima State, Mallam Nasir El'rufai Naonal Chairman, Adams six months and the South-South recently asked that the south Oshiomhole's 2023 posters had has ruled for one tenure and it is The race for 2023 elecons have know. So, zoning and rotaon should take charge in 2023. previously been sighted in right for the south-south to started in earnest with policians afford us the worst,” He said “The Northern APC will different parts of the country. complete their tenure of two- and polical pares already In Ikeja, His posion was also toed by the have to sit down and endorse In Kaduna city, posters which term, aer which the east can making plans to take the mantle Arewa Youth Consultave Forum someone, most likely someone read, 'El- Rufai 2023 (Mai Aiki) for have a claim to it.” of power in various elecve a (AYCF), which vehemently said from the south, because aer President, Federal Republic of A p ex I g b o s o c i o - c u l t u ra l posions. large billboard the north sll wanted the eight years of Buhari, I don't Nigeria', sponsored by the organisaon, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, “ think the presidency should Northern Youth Forum were planned to lead policians, Ahead of the elecons, there has presidency in 2023 and would been lingering debates and of Tinubu was not cede power to the south. remain in the north unless there seen. religious and tradional rulers policking over which zone of seen around President of the AYCF, Shema a r e s o m e e x t e n u a n g In Ikeja, a large billboard of and over 80 several other the country should take charge at Yerima, said that it irritated the circumstances. But all things Tinubu was seen around the organisaons in Igboland and the centre. the 'Ikeja Along' enre north for some southern being equal, we will honour our 'Ikeja Along' bus-stop, with the diaspora to a naonal dialogue in The north, which by then would bus-stop, policians to think northerners agreement and we keep our words, 'BAT 2023', although it Enugu next month on the quest words.'' has since been taken down. for a Nigerian president of south- have held power for eight years with the words, will leave power for them in at the centre has not le anyone 2023. Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio- Also in some parts of Abuja, east extracon in 2023. in doubt about its preparedness 'BAT 2023’ “How can you think we will cede cultural organisaon, Afenifere, posters of Oshiomhole, and El- But the posion of some south- to retain power for another eight power to the south in 2023? The Chief Ayo Adebanjo, dismissed as Rufai as his running mate were east governors when Alhaji Aku years. north sll wants the presidency. diversionary, the governor's s e e n p a s t e d o n p u b l i c Abubarkar took former Anambra A member of the Second The south is in charge of the statement, saying that the infrastructure like traffic kiosks. State governor, Peter Obi, as his has no intenon to surrender Republic Parliament, Junaid e c o n o m y a n d t h e y h a v e country should be restructured On the poster with the heading; running mate, and penchant of power to any other region in Mohammed, has been in the ” everything, so why would they first before the issue of power Mandate 2023, it was stated that some policians in the region to 2023. forefront of canvassing for the want to take away the only thing rotaon is discussed. t h e a d v e r s e m e n t w a s do the bidding of the north may “What makes anybody think that north to retain power aer we have.” El'rufai's remark, to many sponsored by the Miye Allah be an indicaon that the zone those who are now holding President Muhammadu Buhari's Aside from northerners who are polical watchers, is a complete Cale Breeders Associaon of may have difficulty presenng a power are going to voluntarily tenure. Junaid in a recent francally insisng that power deceit as he is said to be Nigeria. consensus candidate if the surrender power in 2023? I don't interview declared that the north should remain in the region, d e s p e r a t e l y n u r s i n g a Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe who is the opportunity beckons. 6 7 POLITICS The state chapter of the party subsequently step aside as Naonal Chairman of the party. validated the suspension, saying that it made His joy was however short-lived when the Court such a drasc decision because of Oshiomhole's of Appeal in Abuja upheld his suspension as the September 19: role in the crisis rocking the state chapter of the Naonal Chairman of the APC. party. Having lost his posion as the Naonal Chairman A make or mar date for of the party, Oshiomhole has remained in the The state chapter of APC's decision followed the coolers, polically. His hope of wriggling out of Oshiomhole vote of no confidence passed on Comrade his polical dilemma is to ensure his adopted Oshiomhole by the Chairmen of the APC in the 18 candidate for the governorship poll, Ize Iyamu Mark Innocent Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state. wins the elecon. About the same me, the state House of Assembly inaugurated nine out of its 24 But polical watchers in the state believe the posion of the Naonal Chairman of the APC. members-elect, drawing allegaons that the choice of Iyamu is in itself one of the greatest Idahosa, noted that Oshiomhole was desecrang exercise was to prevent Mr Oshiomhole's undoing of Oshiomohole. the temple of democracy by sponsoring an- loyalists among the members-elect from taking democrac pracces. control of the legislature. The inauguraon was A chieain of the party in the state, Andrew rejected by the Naonal APC. The Naonal Osawaru, recently in a statement tled: “Adams His words: “We are all not very happy with what is Assembly later set up a Oshiomhole and his last happening in Edo State today, especially with the commiee to invesgate the m a c a b r e d a n c e .” s a i d polical division and the confusion. I make Edo Assembly crisis. “O s h i o m h o l e wo u l d b e bold to say that Adams Oshiomhole is making the greatest mistake responsible for the problem of the APC in But a Federal High Court in of his life, if he now decided to Edo State today by his silence and people Port Harcourt, stopped the work with those who ploed like us know that these boys on the streets Naonal Assembly from to impeach him when he was are his boys. I am not his boy because we interfering in the affairs of Edo governor of the state. Edo are contemporaries. Adams Oshiomhole's State House of Assembly. state polical gladiators are refusal to speak means he is supporng O s h i o m h o l e ' s p o l i c a l earnestly waing for Comrade them because I do not see anything wrong influence further suffered a O s h i o m h o l e to ex p l a i n for him to come out and say he did or did bloody nose when Obaseki publicly, how a man whom he not send them. The Edo State governorship elecon scheduled sacked eight commissioners described on July 24, 2016, as for September 19, 2020, may go a long way in who were allegedly loyal to a pathological liar and a “In any superior democracy, any civilised society, determining the fate of immediate past governor him. d u b i o u s p a s t o r t h a t you came in as a naonal chairman, you lost five of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, His travails worsened when the Edo deputy masterminded the loong of Edo state resources states in your first oung. How can we lose Oyo polically. governor, Philip Shaibu, said he would not enter during the reign of Chief Lucky Igbinedion as the State, the heart of the old western region? We the state without the permission of Mr Obaseki. State Governor now suddenly turned a saint that lost Rivers. The bucks stop on your table, you are Early this year, March 4, to be specific, an Abuja can be accorded any polical trust and Except he is reconsidered for another the chairman. In a decent society, he should High Court ordered the suspension of relevance.” polical appointment by the All resign. He shouldn't wait for anybody to tell him. Oshiomhole, on the basis of his suspension by the Progressives Congress (APC) at the You lost five states. Today we have no foothold in Edo State chapter of the party. Within 24 hours of The embaled former governor's remark against t h e s o u t h e a s t . ” naonal level, a loss for the APC at the poll the court's verdict, Oshiomhole headed back to prominent sons of Bini extracon like the Esama Oshiomhole's journey to polical emasculaon may send him (Oshiomhole) to polical the Court to Appeal. of Benin, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, his connued in November, 2019, when the oblivion. son lucky Igbinedion who is former governor of leadership of the party in ward 10, Etsako West Less than two weeks aer, Oshiomhole's polical the state, the late Dr Samuel Ogbemudia, among Local Government Area of the state passed a vote The former labour leader's burgeoning polical career got a lifeline when an Appeal Court sing others, is another albatross for him. “It was high of no confidence on him. The suspension which career started dimming in June 2019, when his in Abuja, ordered a stay of execuon of the me the Binis worked together to avoid was allegedly masterminded by the incumbent former polical adviser (during his days as the suspension order imposed on him. In a ruling by recurrence and put the Binis in the posion that Governor, Godwin Obaseki, was later used in execuve governor of the state) Mr Charles the three man panel, the court lied the order of rightly fits them,” his former adviser, Idahosa persuading the court to suspend Oshiomhole Idahosa, called for his resignaon from the an FCT High Court, which asked Oshiomhole to reportedly said. from office as the naonal chairman of the party. 8 9 IITA partners Ogun on agriculture to boost food security, capacity development

n its strategic economic plan to improve and hence taking adequate steps to strategically boost food security, capacity building and partner experts in the field to increase yield. Isustainable yield in agriculture, the Ogun State “In planning for the agricultural sector in the government has partnered with Internaonal state, we thought of low hanging fruits in Instute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, for smulang the economy and when we looked innovave soluons to develop agriculture in the around we found out that we do not only have state. low hanging fruits, but already have them on The duo signed a Memorandum of Understanding ground so we need to pick them and in doing this (MoU), Thursday, at the conference centre, we developed an MoU that was approved by the Internaonal Instute of Tropical Agriculture governor and we visited IITA, an expert in (IITA), Ibadan. The collaboraon according to the agriculture innovaon for discussion on possible MoU will see to IITA using its experse in partnership to redefine agricultural yield. agricultural innovaons to provide technical “Our governor is happy with the partnership with backstopping, establish demonstraon farms and IITA in making this iniave a success and he is enterprise development at Odeda farm instute. ready to give adequate support and investment Also, IITA will provide technical innovaons and to make the collaboraon a reality.”Odedina support to farming and related acvies carried explained: “We have to work with an out by various agricultural programmes in the internaonal brand like the IITA to achieve the state to ensure food security. level of standard producon yield expected. Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for IITA had visited our facilies in Ogun State and we Agriculture, Ogun State, Dr Adeola Odedina, are happy they are glad with the level of explained that the state is looking at making arrangement they met on ground. Deputy agriculture one of the mainstays of the economy, continues on pg 12 10 SPECIAL FOCUS knows that he is a man of probity and enviable IITA partners Ogun on agriculture reputaon, adding that he was opmisc that a contd from pg 10 review of the report by the group which accused Director-General, Partnership for Delivery, Mr the AfDB president of corrupon would be Kenton Dashiell, in his remarks during the proved wrong. signing of the MoU commended the Ogun State AfDB: Commissioner of Agriculture, Mr Odedina’s Buhari, Ortom, others The governor encouraged Adesina to consider dynamic leadership strength to strategically applaud Adesina the development as an inspiraon to offer drive the partnership project to make it a greater service to the African connent and its reality. exoneration review partners through the bank. Dashiell who could not hide his appreciaon for panel the level of effect invested by the commissioner The Independent Review Panel was set up by the and his team into the state’s agricultural Bureau of Governors of the Bank, following a project, confessed that the MoU is the most complaint by the United States to review the detailed he process by which two previous organs of the has ever seen. Bank; the Ethics Commiee of the Board and the “I have been signing MoU but I must say this is Bureau of the Board of Governors had previously the most detailed we have been involved in the President of the African Development Bank Buhari believed “the conclusion of the review exonerated Adesina. anal of our signing of MoU. The IITA is highly in (AfDB), Akinwunmi Adesina has connued to get should finally draw a curtain on the allegaons support of the iniave and we will work within congratulaons from different quarter on his that created distracons for the enre instuon In its report, the panel said it "considered the our capacity to give the state every expert recent exoneraon by the review panel report for a period, and serve as impetus for more complaints provided to the Ethics Commiee by support required to boost agricultural yield in which found him non guilty from the allegaon. diligence in handling responsibilies, while the whistle-blowers and found that they had the state. fuelling the zeal to deliver on the promises of a been properly considered and dismissed by the Also in a brief remark, the Director, Country However President Muhammadu Buhari has greater Africa.” commiee. Engagement and Alignment, IITA, Mr Kwasi warmly rejoiced with Akinwunmi Adesina, on the Ama-Krah, who gave an update on Ogun State clean slate of health of all allegaons against him The President, in a statement by his Special "In its second part, it considered in the interests and IITA plan said the level of coordinaon from by an anonymous group. Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, of due process, the responses of the President. both side was highly commendable, adding that urged AfDB President “to remain steadfast, “While the commiee was not required to all area of importance to make the project a Buhari described the clearance as further dedicated and resolute in pursuing his noble goals consider and did not, in fact consider, the worthwhile from the Ogun State Ministry of validaon of Adesina's competence and integrity for the instuon, especially with the now president's responses, it was in the interests of Agriculture and the IITA Ibadan to make the to lead the connental financial instuon. expected second term in office, assuring him of fairness and of due process that the panel be ceremony a success. the prayers and support of Nigerians.” required to do so. “We visited Ogun State with the IITA team to He congratulated AfDB “Board of Directors, the ascertain the level of preparedness and we Ethics Commiee and members of staff for their Also the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom "As it has explained, the panel has not passed were happy with what we saw on the ground. courage, maturity and paence in following has louded the President of African Development judgment on the president's evidence. It has also We also visited the farm instute to confirm the through the process of invesgaons, and Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina for his recent borne in mind that the whistle-blowers' state of things and the IITA team sent their acceptance of Report of Panel of High-Level exoneraon from the corrupon probe by an complaints were wrongly publicised and that report and we entered into discussion with the Independent Experts, which reviewed the Report independent review panel. fairness required that the president be heard. Ogun State team to go into acon.” of Ethics Commiee of AfDB, and Dr Adesina's Ortom, who disclosed in a commendaon "It has considered the president's submissions response.” message recently in Makurdi, said Adesina's on their face and finds them consistent with his exoneraon from the 16 allegaons levelled innocence and to be persuasive." He commended the eminent personalies, against him confirms the fact that he has consisng of Mary Robinson, Jusce Hassan B. disnguished himself as an honest and Independent Review Panel are decisive and now Jallow and Leonard F. McCarthy, who handled the transparent administrator who has creditably led clear the way for Governors of the Bank to re- review of the report of the Ethics Commiee, and AfDB in the past five years. elect Adesina to a second five-year term as “their professionalism in rejecng support president during annual meengs of the Bank services, and providing a unanimous report.” Ortom said having worked with Adesina in the scheduled for August 25 to 27. Federal Execuve Council (FEC) as ministers; he 11 12 Lagos hospitality sector TOURISM to get N1billion boost seed capital for investment

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has COVID-19: announced the approval Ways Star Alliance travel hub o f a help passengers plan N1 billion seed capital for investment in the tourism multi-stop itineraries and hospitality sector in the g o a c c e s s t o f u n d s t o state. This was announced during t h r o u g h support the hospitality Country informaon, both at origin and his meeng with business leaders screening in line w i t h b u s i n e s s . desnaon, previously a separate search query, is in the state, at an event tagged, the requirement of the agency. We now integrated into a customer-friendly visual 'BOS Meets Business,' which was are making this investment Meanwhile, Governor Sanwo-Olu representaon of the enre journey. held at the Banquet Hall in the because of the huge potenal for further disclosed that the state Ulize the Travel Informaon Hub in four State House, Alausa Ikeja. job creaon and inclusive growth has concluded arrangements to this sector can bring about.' Star Alliance Travel Informaon Hub offers greatly addional languages p r o v i d e t e c h n o l o g i c a l expanded ulity building upon the successful The Governor said that the In addion to English, customers can be guided in infrastructure to support MSMEs launch of its Travel Informaon Hub at the end of investment was needed to “We will be working with the CBN using the tool in Chinese (Simplified), French, June, 2020. Star Alliance, the world's largest global support/strengthen the hospitality for more funding to fully develop German and Spanish, though query results will be airline alliance, has unveiled a series of useful sector by providing key operators The N1 billion the potenal of our tourism sector. returned to the user in the language offered by the upgrades to now help passengers plan mul-stop in the tourism business with so seed capital This effort is being completed with source data. loans to boost their capacity in is to help drive the rolling out of 3,000 km opcal ineraries. Avail them an email funcon to share their findings This unique alliance service was created by Star driving growth. The governor said new growth fibre across the State to provide with others technological infrastructure for the Alliance and its member airlines to help customers the iniave is necessary to in that sector This is a parcularly helpful feature for friends, posion the tourism business as a MSMEs whose operaons would navigate the ever-changing internaonal travel colleagues, and travel professionals to assist new froner for job creaon and by commencing installaon of the depend on fast Internet networks landscape that has resulted from measures taken customers by researching on their behalf. economic prosperity in the post first phase of the 6,000km opcal to drive their businesses,” the by governments, regulators, and other “The Star Alliance Travel Informaon Hub iniave C o r o n a v i r u s e r a . fi b r e a c r o s s t h e s t a t e . G o v e r n o r s a i d . stakeholders to help contain the spread of COVID- grew out of the need to reduce complexity in air He said this is the me for Lagos 19. travel in these mes of COVID-19,” says Chrisan state to strengthen its economy Sanwo-Olu said that this seed He pointed out that the state had The tool provides specific health and hygiene Draeger, VP Customer Experience of the Alliance. which has a GDP valued at $130 capital will be domiciled in the connued to improve on its ease measures presented across all elements of the “It combines the input of all 26 of our member billion and over 3 million MSMEs. Lagos State Employment Trust of doing business policies to drive customer journey. airlines, and the many key airports in our global Fund (LSETF), adding that the private investment and economic The strengthening will come in the In its most recent iteraon, the Star Alliance Travel fo r m o f g o o d p o l i c i e s fo r network, to provide our customers specific health funds will be made available growth. This he said is made Informaon Hub now provides customers and hygiene safety guidance for an ever-expanding possible by the digisaon of accelerated growth and prosperity. specifically to Micro, Small and travelling with Star Alliance member airlines a array of desnaons and transfer points.” Medium (MSMEs) operators in the business registraon and asset He also noted that the state is the broader and more personalised user experience. More features, and more airports are being added s e c t o r acquision processes, which has 4th wealthiest city in Africa. Customers may now: connuously, with the Alliance pledged to r e m o v e d a d m i n i s t r a v e This policy and incenve for the Enter two-segment journey details (two airlines, connue to offer the most digitally advanced, The Governor who said that the b o l e n e c k s . hospitality sector by the Lagos State government will come as a three airports). premium travel experience to customers wherever seed capital will be domiciled in “We have just given approval for Previously allowing only a query of a single airport, N1 billion support that will be huge relief for the small and they may be. the Lagos State Employment Trust and a single airline, the Travel Informaon Hub Fund, also revealed that the Lagos given out through the Lagos State medium scale operators in the With the aviaon industry facing the greatest now permits the user to configure a complete State government would be Employment Trust Fund to support industry which has been one of the challenge in its history, Star Alliance and its inerary, including the origin airport, a transfer collaborang with the Central Bank hospitality business in the State. worst-hit by the Coronavirus member airlines connue their work with others in airport, and a connecng airline. of Nigeria (CBN) to further create The beneficiaries of this fund will p a n d e m i c . the industry. 13 14 SPECIAL REPORT agenda. term goals of these efforts the expansion of their food He said that the annual include making the agricultural producon acvies,” she said. Lagos to set up a g r i c u l t u ra l va l u e c h a i n space aracve for private Olusanya implored all the empowerment programme investment, improve the beneficiaries to put their inputs N10bn agribusiness centre, was one of the strategies welfare and well-being of our into producve use to make empowers 2,743 farmers d e s i g n e d t o b o o s t fo o d farmers and sustainably ramp maximum impacts. producon and supply through up food producon and supply She urged the private sector to O b a f e m i H a m z a t , w h o months during the lockdown the provision of agricultural in the state. collaborate with the state represented governor Sanwo- occasioned by the COVID-19 inputs and producve assets to “I am happy with the progress government to develop the Olu at the event said that the p a n d e m i c h a s f u r t h e r farmers and other players in the w e a r e m a k i n g i n t h e various agricultural value centre would be located on a reinforced the urgent need to value chain. implementaon of the various chains. 35-hectare land. ex p a n d t h e state ' s fo o d “This year's edion is quite projects and iniaves toward A l h a j a N u r a t A t o b a , a According to him, the project producon base to meet such a auspicious coming at a me we achieving our goal of 40 per r e p r e s e n t a v e o f t h e is designed to boost the spontaneous increase in need to do a lot to cushion the cent food self sufficiency in the aquaculture value chain, growth and development of demand for food in the future. effe c t s o f t h e COV I D - 1 9 state. c o m m e n d e d t h e s t a t e aquaculture industry in the “In line with this realisaon, and pandemic on the producve The state Acng Commissioner government for the support, in s t a t e t h r o u g h d i r e c t to ensure sustained food capacity of our farmers and for Agriculture, Ms Abisola spite of the situaon in the producon of 2,000 tonnes producon and supply in the o t h e r a c to rs w i t h i n t h e Olusanya, said that agriculture country. of fish annually. state, we are establishing Lagos agricultural value chain. was key to the promoon of Atoba said the empowerment He said it would also Food Producon Centres in “Currently, our level of food food security as it played a vital programme would assist ensure provision of Badagry and Epe. self-sufficiency stands at about role in increasing quanty, farmers to boost food inputs to fish farmers “In addion, we are establishing 20 per cent, leaving a deficit of quality and diversity of food producon. under the Lagos Nucleus the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of about 80 per cent, which is supply. “We are very Farms scheme and Excellence (LACE) N10 billion mostly accounted for by A c c o r d i n g t o O l u s a ny a , happy because serve as off-taker for fish project to be located on 35 supplies from other states. agriculture is a major source of this support farm clusters in the hectares of land in Igbonla in “Our goal is to achieve 100 per e m p l o y m e n t f o r L a g o s will put smile state. Epe under a public\private cent increase in food self- residents, especially in the rural on the faces of Sanwo-Olu added that partnership arrangement,” he sufficiency by 2023. areas. fa r m e r,” s h e the state government said. “We are commied to meeng The commissioner noted that said. would also establish According to the governor, LACE this target with you as our key t h e o v e r a l l a i m o f t h e two food producon is designed to boost the growth partner and through the agricultural value chain A new vista of opportunies has centres in Epe and a n d d e v e l o p m e n t o f i m p l e m e n t a o n o f o u r empowerment programme emerged for farmers in Lagos as Badagry to be known as Lagos aquaculture industry in the programmes, policies and was to provide the necessary the Lagos State Government Food Producon Centres, in state through direct producon projects which are aimed at a g r i c u l t u ra l i n p u t s a n d has establish N10 billion Lagos o r d e r t o s u s t a i n f o o d of 2,000 tonnes of fish annually. maximising our comparave producve assets to farmers as A q u a c u l t u r e C e n t r e o f producon and supply. “Also, it will ensure provision of and compeve advantage in a means of achieving improved Excellence (LACE) in Igbonla, He explained that the two inputs to fish farmers under the the agricultural space,” Sanwo- food producon and supply. Epe, under a Public\Private c e n t r e s w o u l d e n s u r e Lagos Nucleus Farms scheme Olu said. She added that the programme Partnership (PPP) arrangement resuscitaon, expansion and and serve as off-taker for fish According to him, some of the w o u l d d e l i v e r o p m u m to make the bid a reality. sto c k i n g o f a g r i c u l t u ra l farm clusters in the State.” policies, programmes and economic benefits to farmers Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, producon facilies in various Sanwo-Olu said that the projects are designed to and other operators. disclose recently during the value chains, adding that the agriculture sector remained a improve the capacies of “It is envisaged that this distribuon of agricultural centres would also develop key component through which agricultural value chain players, programme will significantly inputs and producve assets to agro-tourism centres in the the state government would and revoluonise agricultural improve the standard of living 2,743 farmers under the 2020 Lagos State Songhai Project in realise its dream of making p r o d u c v i t y w i t h t h e o f f a r m e r s , fi s h e r m e n , Agricultural Value Chains Badagry and the Agricultural Lagos a 21st Century economy, i n t ro d u c o n o f m o d e r n marketers, butchers and agro- Empowerment Programme. Training Instute, Araga, Epe. adding that it was a pillar of the technology and best pracces. processors in the state through The Deputy governor, Dr “The experience of the past few government's T.H.EM.E.S “The short, medium and long- 15 16 students in such schools who had ancipated have been exposed to computer rounding off my System s k i l l s a r e t h e r e f o r e s l l program in June or Nigeria's Education maintaining a smooth flow in July, so I can move and lessons from their various subjects online. on. But this is no However, this is not the case of longer possible, and COVID-19 other Nigerian students in I can't even find a Gabriel Oshokha federal and state universies as job to fill up the well as those in government me. It's so sad." primary and secondary schools. Asked the reason he Certainly, this is not the best of robust virtual learning plaorms S i n c e t h e o u t b r e a k o f didn't consider the mes for Nigerian students. and other methods of distance coronavirus, many of the o p o n o f About the fih month running, learning before the outbreak of students in public and state registering for a skill classrooms in primary and post- the virus. instuons seem to have lost a c q u i s i o n primary instuons across the From findings, only the Edo State touch with their books, in the program, he said naon have been under lock and University, Iyamho, Edo State, absence of an online learning "where do I find key, a crippling effect of the Nigeria and a crop of private pllaorms. such money when current COVID-19 pandemic. universies have viable facilies Majority in the fold have taken f e e d i n g i s a Although the majority of the for online learning, which did not on menial jobs while a few are problem? s t u d e n t s a t d i ff e r e n t make them feel the hard knock of engaged in skill acquision "Government has Pix... pulse.ng p r o g r a m m e s t o p r e v e n t not been fair to us instruconal levels have willingly COVID-19 as it did not disrupt the emoons while speaking to this Union of Universies (ASUU) will boredom. students. There was no provision resigned to their fate, waing academic programs of the writer, admied that she does be remembered for is their A 400-Level undergraduate in a of palliaves whatsoever. This endlessly for their day of instuons. not understand the meaning of relentless clamour for a truly federal university who preferred government has no human face." resumpon which is unknown, A l s o , a f e w p r i v a t e online mode of learning , funconal educaonal system anonymity, said "Nigerian Responding to a queson on his the break from their studies is an nursery/primary schools as well lamenng that staying at home that will put our instuons, educaonal system is really final year project, he said "I'm not evil wind. as private secondary schools in for too long was widening the parcularly terary instuons, frustrang and terrible. One e m o o n a l l y s t a b l e t o The case of Nigerian students, t h e i r w i s d o m ca u g ht t h e gap between her and studying. at par with those of other can't accurately tell when a concentrate on any academic parcularly, seems worrisome informaon communicaon But asked if she was computer countries. program will come to an end. I maer for now. All that maers because most schools had no technology (ICT) bug. And literate, she said, "we were Other stakeholders too, have most to me now is survival. I will taught how to use the computer p e rs i ste n t l y b e e n u rg i n g revisit my project when schools but we don't have any computer governments to do the needful are reopened." system in my school." to halt the steady dri of our Another female undergraduate Arguably, the sustained growth educaonal system towards in a state university, who of any country in terms of oblivion because it is demeaning declined menoning her name, manpower and technological of Nigeria as the acclaimed giant said "I'm just fed up. For how long development is driven by a of Africa to have abysmally failed is one going to stay at home? I result-oriented educaon in its responsibility to key into the have aged parents and am system. And this is only feasible global advancement, parcularly a l r e a d y a p p r o a c h i n g through steady funding of the ICT driven system of educaon. marriageable age. And I sll want system by government and other Clearly, ASUU's harvest of strikes to mobilise for the naonal stakeholders, as is being done in over poor funding of the naon's service. So you can imagine my advanced naons. educaonal system has been present plight. The reality in Nigeria, however, is jusfied. And the government "I'm not an introvert, so I'm not that the yearly budgetary can only save the day by taking finding the closure of campuses allocaon to the sector seems prompt acon on the age-long funny. May God have mercy on yet inadequate to cater for the issue. Nigeria." many challenges bedeviling the Gabriel Oshokha could be A junior secondary school (JSS 2) sector. r e a c h e d v i a female student in a public school One thing the Academic Staff [email protected] (names withheld), who betrayed 17 18 Naija 7 Wonders season 2 opens new chapter for tourism promotion, development

aija 7 wonders has “The need to get Nigerians to love Nigeria is the main been described as reason for the search for the Seven Wonders of Nigeria No p p o r t u n i t y f o r to grow naonal pride in the brand Nigeria. t o u r i s m p r o fe s s i o n a l s “Tourism is the largest employer of labour globally and to bring to life Nigeria’s there is no reason why this should not be the same in naonal heritage and Nigeria,” the statement reads in part. tourism assets. Ikechi Uko, The Naija7wonders Project as it is tagged is to select and Coordinator, Naija 7 Wonders This is just as the guidelines posion some naonal icons that can be promoted was also seen by the organisers as the beginning of the domescally and internaonally. March to recovery and greatness of tourism in Nigeria. According to the statement, the search itself will draw Naija7Wonders Project is the effort by some Nigerian the aenon of Nigerians to the long forgoen tourism promoters to highlight and showcase the huge beaues, the oen ignored and somemes tourism resources of Nigeria. downgraded phenomenal treasures of Nigeria. Private sector players in the tourism community and Organised by Travellers Magazine the first travel members of the Tourism 100 Club, the statement said magazine in West Africa and this will be the second have decided to pursue this as a naonal duty to edion of The Seven Wonders of Nigeria Project. promote and share images and desnaons to all and The first edion was endorsed by the Federal sundry as a way of generang tourism traffic to these Government of Nigeria in 2010 and it ended in 2012. desnaons. It stated that the project would last for 12 months Recalled that the Former Director General of NTDC starng from November 2020 and it is promoted by Otunba Segun Runsewe hosted the Commiee to a Travellers Magazine and atqnews.com the biggest travel party in 2012, where he presented them with medals news plaorm in Africa, adding that the first part of the and cerficate for helping to promote tourism and project was iniated in the first weeks of June with a travel in Nigeria. weekly zoom Webinar on where to visit in Nigeria. Due to massive negave effects of the COVID-19 According to the statement, the Webinar hosted five pandemic on tourism and travel, this will be the best members every week that share their favourite desnaons in Nigeria and that for eight weeks over 100 me to develop and grow brand Nigeria and domesc desnaons have been highlighted so far. tourism hence the launch of Season 2. A statement signed by the Project Director, Publisher Apart from the many high profile personalies including atqnews.com/Travellers Magazine organiser Akwaaba government officials from Taraba, Plateau, Osun and African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, said that the Nassarawa states that have parcipated in the virtual programme, over 700 travel professionals have also Naija7wonders Project will unveil the investment joined. potenals of the tourism environment in Nigeria. According to the statement, the first phase is The organisers stated that it would partner with sensisaon of the tourism professionals which is relevant government agencies and private sector ongoing and will involve nominaon by state players to accomplish this huge task because tourism is governments and stakeholders in September and private sector driven but supported and led hugely by shortlist will be unveiled in November. government. Expedions, it stated would be organised to the sites by Already, the relevant government agencies have been tour operators and media and a public vote would be done to select the winners and the Tourism 100 Club contacted by the organisers to lend their weight in members, who number up to 300 will act as judges for driving the project to a successful end. the final result. The organisers further explained that as Nigeria marks The statement said that besides a state or community its 60th anniversary, there is the need to create a new nominang any man-made sites and natural sites that sense of naonal pride and develop a communal love they want to be shortlisted for the search, they can also for our country. register as many sites that it considers a naonal The theme of the Season 2, the organisers stated was wonder. taken from the old naonal anthem, “Though Tribe and “The search is a modest effort by tourism professionals Tongue May Differ in Brotherhood We Stand”. to bring to life Nigeria’s naonal heritage and tourism assets,” the statement said. 19 odorless; irritated skin around the opening to balance between all different strains of the vagina (vulva and labia); redness and microbes, allowing them to fight candida the Natural Wellness swelling slight bleeding natural way and stay healthy before a problem 08032098499 [email protected] vaginal pain, especially during intercourse or starts. during menstruaon pain when using the 'Good bacteria' are capable of balancing 'bad bathroom or when urinang; somemes a slight bacteria' which means you remain free of smell that's unusual. infecons, digesve disorders and so on. For Usually, yeast infecons are obvious and example, one common strain of bacteria called somewhat uncomfortable, especially if le Lactobacillus acidophilus is present within the untreated, and the symptoms connue to vagina normally, helping keep other organisms, worsen. However, some people don't realize including yeast, from taking over. Can women be totally free they have a vaginal yeast infecon or mistake it However, this delicate balance can easily for another problem, like a urinary tract become upset when yeast begins to rapidly grow from yeast infection? infecon, side effects from birth control pills or and take over irregular periods, or a sexually transmied Millions of women suffer vaginal yeast infections every year including disease, for example. Natural treatments for yeast painful infections that re-emerge just when you think they're gone for good. When candida yeast mulplies, it's capable of Fight yeast with supplements and essenal oils. spreading to different parts of the body and Certain supplements and essenal oils are Eunice Nze causing problems. Just like you can experience a beneficial for stopping yeast in its tracks, vaginal yeast infecon caused by overgrowth of including: probioc supplements. This is one of What is a vaginal yeast infecon? Some women struggle with chronic vulvar pain Candida albicans in the genitals, “candida virus” the best natural treatments for yeast infecons The human body is home to millions of yeast known as vulvodynia. While this condion can can take over your digesve system too. This is because they replenish good bacteria. organisms, many of which are considered “good” be aggravated by yeast infecons, and is like a form of an internal digesve yeast infecon Apple cider vinegar: These help as far as our health is concerned. The species of somemes mistaken for a yeast infecon, it is a and causes symptoms such as fague, digesve balance pH levels. Elderberry and yeast responsible for causing yeast infecons is a different condion that causes redness and upset, changes in appete or food cravings. milk thistle: help cleanse your liver strain called Candida albicans, which can lead to burning of the vulva. The cause of vulvodynia is from prescripon medicaons and an overgrowth known as candidiasis. All strains not well-understood, but there are treatment hormones from birth control pills. of yeast are types of fungi, which technically opons available. So where do things go wrong and how does an Boric acid: a safe alternave to aren't plants at all because they don't use infecon develop? some prescripon medicaons for chlorophyll (a type of energy that plants use from Symptoms In the case of vaginal yeast infecons, Candida the treatment of recurrent the sun in order to grow). Yeast and fungi are also albicans yeast first aaches itself to newborn yeast infecons. unique and different from plants because they Yeast infecons of all kinds tend to develop in babies' right when they're born, aer coming A n o x i d a n t s : can actually make their own food, which is areas of the body where condions are most into contact with the yeast from the mother. anoxidants, including precisely how they mulply and spread within favorable for yeast and mold to reproduce easily. Normally, this happens right at the me of birth vitamin C, help boost the the body. Yeast and fungus thrive in moist condions, so or, in some cases, shortly aer. By the me a immune system Vaginal yeast infecons (also known as vaginal damp “folds” of the body (think areas where you baby is about six months old, there's a 90 per Essenal oils: tea tree, candidiasis, vulvovaginal candidiasis or candidal sweat a lot) are usually more prone to infecons cent chance that Candida albicans is present in lavender and myrrh vulvovaginis) are caused by the candid fungus. and outbreaks, including: the mouth and throat; his/her system. oils are gentle yet They are a type of vaginis, which means genitals; armpits; anal area; navel (belly buon); Candida yeast is usually harmless at this point, help kill a variety of inflammaon or infecon of the vagina. Vaginal nasal cavity and around the nose; within the and although a newborn's immune system isn't yeast, parasites and yeast infecons that keep coming back are ears; fingernails and toenails; in between fingers very developed yet, it's sll able to funcon fungi; use several known as recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and toes; digesve tract. normally and prevent the yeast from growing too drops mixed with (RVVC). While there are a number of different When yeast overgrows in the vagina, symptoms much. In a small percentage of cases, a baby isn't c o c o n u t o i l health condions that are categorized together of a vaginal yeast infecon can develop, strong enough yet to control the yeast. This is topically just under the broad term of vaginis (including including: vaginal itching (somemes very why some infants experience yeast infecons outside of the bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis and non- uncomfortable and severe), known as oral thrush. vaginal area. infecous vaginis), vaginal yeast infecon is the vaginal discharge that's white, thick, clumpy and When someone has a strong immune system most common type. that works properly, she's able to maintain a 20 21 among other varieties of individually currently there is a blend of African adopted dressing. In all, the style and prints and the European styles and taste you choose to roll with reects your materials to create trends that are HOW 21ST CENTURY sense of fashion. relatable and acceptable by this Also people are inuenced by the fashion generation. FASHION TREND industry's advertising. To do so, they Bras are affairs that should be kept BREAKS DRESSING RULES seek out the latest fashions: clothes, private: The advert of fanciful and shoes, jewelry and the likes to make beautiful bras has made this rule them look like the people they want to exciting to break. Showing a glimpse of Classically, fashion comes with a unique imitate. In this way, fashions evolve and this piece in a chic and intentionally is dressing code depending on the occasion or constantly change over time. brave. place you wish or want to visit or what the day However, fashion tastes and trends of Heels should not be worn by tall seems to look like. the 21st century is what we can theme as people: whoever made that rule Many deliberately come out with a distinct dauntless. This is because some fashion restricted the glam and poise that fashion sense that appeals to them and they rules have been awlessly broken or comes with wearing heels to short make it a routine in their day to day activities ignored. It is as if people generally live people. But the people of this century that later appeals to other fashion driven their lives to bend, mould, and in extreme have refused to be restricted and have individuals and eventually become a cases break rules to suit their fashion explored every option available norm and others follow the trend. styles and taste. A fearless but regardless of height and size. Fashion has come and gone, and at explorative soul is usually displayed on a Different animal prints should not be present the trend is now recycled platter of fashion and style, which is the combined: it's been considered that the considering colour block or case of this particular century we are in. combination of two different animal colour match, stripe I t w i l l b e v e r y i n s e n s i t i v e t o prints is a bizarre affair. According to a n d c h e c k e r , stereotypically make some norms rules L'ofciel, an online magazine, the pattern and that should be strictly followed since we different ways to style different animal p l a i n do not know the next explosive mind prints are: Layering; colourful re- waiting to blow our fashion minds off. imagination. One of the fashion rules that has been Another way I think different animal excitingly broken and we are gladly not prints can be rocked together is by complaining about is the rule of plains on accentuation. Oh well! A trial of this patterns. This rule states that a combination has denitely convinced patterned fashion item should be us. I am sure I will try this soon. marched on a plain item. If there would When your shirt/top is tucked in, be a combination of patterns, the slippers should be avoided. combined fabrics should be of the same This has been outed pattern and colour. by all and Another are: a big fashion item should be sundry. paired with a smaller item; a long skirt with a small top, a big top with a tight skirt or trousers or shorts. Combination of African taste with the western frenzy: these two didn't mix since each depicts ideologies, histories, cultures etc. b u t

22 23 nor sworn oaths of office longer maers. All aer the exit of our founding fathers, have not that maers is how to fraudulently acquire been transparent in the management of the crispy hard currency. resources of our naon. In a developing country like Nigeria, the gulf Many of them should be blamed for the many b e t w e e n t h e p r i v i l e g e d a n d t h e ills that have been afflicng Nigeria's ailing underprivileged gets wider by the day. And it's economy, due largely to corrupon and policy either one falls into the upper class or joins the somersault. majority in the lower class as the middle class Thousands of jobs have been created by the has become non-existence. government on the pages of newspapers, just Glaringly, the middle class has been erased to cajole the unsuspecng public. And yet, year from the hierarchical structure that hitherto in, year out, the army of youths being churned out from our terary instuons, roam the So, streets in search of nonexistent jobs. So, where lies the sincerity of the government? where lies Those who took over the mantle of leadership the sincerity from our founding fathers set the stage for the current corrupon hunng our total existence In olden days much value was aached to 'common wealth' of a community for his own of the as a naon. names. Every ancestral lineage was known good. Cases of desperaon to live on other's Criminal acts and corrupon thrive in a society for a name that depicts its shared values. It sweat were uncommon. Everybody was government where the affluent arrogantly flaunt their was not just a case of "what's in a name?" as content with the lile providence bestowed wealth before the eyes of the underprivileged. in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, or that on them because the fear of dragging the A society where nobody bothers to probe into "whatever name is given to rose sweet will family's name to the mud. the financial status of anyone, where the rule of smell." But this has since been eroded by the jet age. the game is simply get money by crook or hook, No, names were not just names for We are in a me when everyone seems to be gives room for corrupon and criminal name's sake. in a mad rush tendencies. Names were for mundane defines the status quo in a society like ours. Perhaps, if alledged cyber fraudsters like c h e r i s h e d Corrupon things, when Gabriel Oshokha Therefore, the reason some Nigerians have Ramon Olorunwa Abbas a.k.a Huspuppi and a n d breeding people care thrown their dignity and name to the winds is Olalekan Jacob Ponle a.k.a Mrwoodbary were j e a l o u s l y less about Corrupon not far?fetched. In Nigeria, the rich are plying their criminal acts in Nigeria, there is the g u a r d e d in Nigeria whatever tag celebrated and idolised while the poor are likelihood certain kingmakers would have a g a i n s t is aached to despised. honoured them with chieaincy tles, of blemish. their names, Corrupon and criminal acts appear to be on course in exchange for money. And in the primive African sociees, the all for excessive desire for materialism. the rise in Nigeria because our leaders do not Such is the irony of our society, a society b e h a v i o u r a l t r a i t s o f i n d i v i d u a l s Today in Nigeria, there is an underpinning in walk their talk. Yes, our leaders are not toeing where some people easily bow to monetary were easily connected with the shared values the fight against corrupon. It's a kind of the path of our naonal heroes who placed encements, where a good name is traded for of their forebears. And therefore no one decepon. You may call it a make-believe war their lives on the line for our independence. money, without due consideraon for the dared dip his/her hands into anything that against corrupon. Our naonal heroes like Chief Obafemi consequence. could bring shame on the enre lineage. The apostles of the an-corrupon campaign Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Sir Ahamadu Or how could anyone describe the case of the As of those mes, when greed had not crept are the ones now allegedly feeding fat on the Bello, all of blessed memory, prepared the acng chairman of the Economic and into the hearts of men, it was a taboo for loot of corrupon. Those channg an- future for many of our leaders. Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim anyone to steal someone else's belongings. corrupon slogans are gradually being They even prepared them for the future and Magu, being quipped allegedly for money Engaging in such criminal acts implied ensnared by the encing sweetness of not only did many of them enjoy free laundering? straying off the narrow line of moral corrupon. And one aer another, the educaon, majority also had plum jobs Magu's case and numerous others paint a rectude. Therefore, no one dispossessed custodians of the dividends of corrupon are awaing them on compleon of their shocking picture of a naon where corrupon another of neither property nor looted the becoming culprits. Presently, neither names academic programs. has developed many decepve faces and Sincerely, Nigerian leaders who came on board breeding more corrupon.

24 25 STAKEHOLDERS CULTURE COMMISIONERS APPEAL TO GOV. LALONG TO HOST NAFEST IN NOVEMBER Following the successful hosng of the first Naonal the dynamic, purposeful and visionary leadership he Fesval for Arts and Culture virtual meeng by the has provided the Arts and Culture sectors since his Naonal Council for Arts and Culture, the stakeholders appointment in 2017. in the Arts and Culture sector have appealed to the Governor Bako lalong expressed his appreciaon to the Plateau State governor to consider hosng the cultural Director General and the management team of NCAC fesval in November rather than December this year. for iniang, facilitang and successfully organizing the The stakeholders made up of 36 state commissioners of zoom meeng as an alternave to the physical meeng culture, permanent secretaries, special advisers and inially scheduled for Jos Plateau state. directors of culture and tourism in the 36 states of the The governor added that he has followed with keen federaon including Abuja said that November was a interest the series of online meengs the Council has beer date as December is usually full of acvies. held with crical stakeholders within the sectors; the The meeng which was held virtual cultural tour of all the states to review the syllabus for the in Nigeria, several zoom meengs, fesval drew parcipants the Drive in Theatre among others. from all the states of the According to the governor, all these federaon are tesmonies to the fact that T h e D i r e c t o r G e n e r a l even in the midst of serious Covid Naonal Council for Arts and 19 lockdown, the Arts and Culture Culture Otunba Segun sector have been kept alive and Runsewe in his welcome acve. He assured the parcipants address at the technical of his convicon that 2020 Naonal stakeholders visual meeng Fesval of Arts and Culture i n p r e p a r a o n o f t h e scheduled to hold later in the year Naonal Fesval for Arts and is not only possible but could be C u l t u r e t o l d a l l t h e made even more spectacular in line stakeholders/ parcipants with Covid 19 protocols. that the advent of Covid 19 Otunba Olusegun Runsewe The governor reassured the has made it imperave for Director General NCAC parcipants that Plateau state is everybody to think outside fully commied to hosng the 33rd the box in order to invent edion of NAFEST 2020 in the new ways of making the Arts and Culture sector busy auspicious city of Jos and that they are working hard to and relevant. put all the necessary facility in place for a successful Runsewe informed his audience that the Naonal hitch free fesval later this year. Council for Arts and Culture in the second week of the The governor of Plateau state through his month of May this year organized the first ever commissioner of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality government Drive In Theatre in Nigeria to demonstrate declared open the commencements of proceedings of that even in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic, the Naonal Stakeholders Technical meeng for the entertainment is sll possible. 33rd edion of the Naonal Fesval of Arts and Culture He reminded the parcipants that the Council within NAFEST Plateau 2020 to the glory of God. this period of the pandemic produced and distributed Before going into the technical session, the Director personal protecve equipment to journalists, frontline General of the Naonal Council for Arts and Culture, workers and other Nigerians to migate the effects of Otunba Runsewe, expressed his appreciaon to the the pandemic, keep the sector busy and reposion it for governor for his interest in the acvies of NCAC and greater visibility and relevance. for agreeing to host NAFEST 2020 . In the visual conference, the Execuve governor of Runsewe reminded the stakeholders that one of the Plateau state, Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong in his welcome major reasons for this technical session zoom meeng address to the Naonal Stakeholders Technical visual was to discuss the template for staging NAFEST 2020 in meeng in preparaon for 33rd edion of the Naonal line with all safety protocols hence some events that Fesval of Arts and Culture tagged Plateau NAFEST involves crowding will not be part of this year's edion 2020, commended the Director General of the Naonal of NAFEST because of strict adherence to the principle Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe for of physical distancing. 26 ENTREPRENEURSHIP How has it been copping in this difcult many memorable ones in Nigeria and business environment? other neighbouring countries which are It has been really challenging. Despite the fantastic and I want to say that any event discouragement in terms of money and where my clients expressed satisfaction is My father was against other resources, I have the will, I develop memorable to me. Another was the 43rd relationships, I maintain integrity with my birthday of the Ooni of Ife. He was so happy my catering career, customers, suppliers and clients. Anytime that he asked for the caterer and he gave I have a project, I approach those suppliers us royal blessings. Tinubu's daughter's but now politely and get things from them and I wedding and the 80th birthday of the celebrates me always ensure that I don't fail them at the Alaan of Oyo were other memorable ones appropriate time. That is integrity, keeping that I can't forget easily.When you do to my words and I have been keeping those people oriented business, do it well; it has relationships with truthfulness over the nothing to do with politics, no bias. got negative responses and some of them years. Prompt service delivery is another even go as far as telling me they have area that has kept us going. How do you handle a situation whereby sisters who could handle their parties. the number of people you anticipated The only place I got encouragement was What are your words for those who are overshoots what you budgeted for? the church and when I nally came back aspiring to venture into this line of That is why I am breeding leaders so as to from the UK, I took it headlong. business? be able to delegate duties, in fact, we have Meanwhile, when I was in service, I tried I will rst all ask if you have the passion. If handled six events in one weekend and my hands on some local beverages like you do, go for it. That is the key to your that was what informed the catering zobo and kunnu, because I schooled in the fulllment. It is the passion that makes academy. The issue of over bloated guests North, Niger State precisely. At a time, I you overcome all the challenges. It is a very also gives us stress and when that started producing iced blocks in large tedious job. I almost dumped it at a time happens I assume my solution-oriented quantities and my husband always but thank God, I am not a routine person. I person. Experience has taught me to have cherished my industrious attitude and might nish an event today and get into backups, though we need to face the facts: whenever we had visitors and I'd cook for another tonight. we are Africans, especially the Yorubas; I them and they'd always commend me and It is just about satisfying the people. The love our culture. If you invite one person Adeoye Eunice Olaseeke, a computer some would encourage me to start the business also has to do with referrals. If for an event, they will bring four. So, science graduate is the CEO of Ripples catering business. Infact, cooking is my you do one very well you can be sure to get professionally, contract is contract, when Catering and Events. In this interview with comfort zone and it is the interest that has more. I know that every customer looks on you plan for a thousand guests and that is KUNLE BAKARE, she speaks on the kept me going. I convinced people with my to added value. your contract that is what you ought to get challenges and requirements of being a services and strategy by making my events but I don't take chances. This Yoruba world class entrepreneur, her catering and memorable and that brought the name What other paths do you have? omoluabi creed is very important in all we events management business which she Ripples because each service rendered We have catering products that we supply do. If you exhaust the preparation for the embraced against the wishes of her father always produced a rippled effect. to big stores and we have a catering 1000 guests, for instance and they say and husband. academy to immortalise the business. We there are people not yet catered for, you You went against your father's wish by have the confectionery. We do social and might become a bad person, until the As a computer science graduate what going into catering. What was his corporate event handling whereby we are client realises you had played your own tilted your love to event management reaction as the years went by, following registered with banks and other blue chips part accordingly. and catering? the success recorded? companies right from their headquarters. I have always had passion for cooking and He heard the testimonies from other We do daily delivery, ready to eat and semi H a v e y o u e n c o u n t e r e d a n y organising things. Even when I had not people, when the family had an event to nished products. disappointing outings? started cooking I was always in the Kitchen organise and they were looking for a We also have a special ramadan package There was an event I handled, it was a with my mum, I really love trying to help caterer or planner. People would tell him for our Muslims clients who come to us in birthday but I forgot the date and when the her. When I told my dad that I wanted to the stress when you have someone in your the evenings to break their fast while we client called I told him I thought it was the venture fully into catering, he opposed it home who can do it very well. When my also package outside iftar meals for our next day but we later resolved the issue. but when I got married, my husband younger sister wanted to hold her Muslim clients who may want to host My strong point is that today the client is supported me wholeheartedly and insisted wedding, people told him he had a people during the fasting period. one of our big client referrals. We have I go for further training in that aspect, so I daughter who could plan the event better handled many other events for that client. moved to the United Kingdom. than who he wanted to engage. It was then Which is your most memorable event Although they agreed they are at fault by I later got to know that the business was no that he realised that I took after him in ever packaged? changing the date at random. But we more in vogue as I thought, anytime I terms of business acumen. He is into oil We did one in honour of Vice President thank God, His mercy spoke for us on that introduce myself as a caterer to the people I and gas. Yemi Osibajo in Ekiti State. We have had matter. 27 28 language to deliver his role. costume designer, gospel artiste and Peju Ogunmola is a Yoruba lm actress fashionista par excellence, whose work who stars in Nollywood movies of Yoruba has taken her far and wide, within and genres. Her father was the veteran actor outside Nigeria. She holds a Bachelor's Nollywood artistes Kola Ogunmola. She is the wife of Degree in English from the University of Sunday Omobolanle, a Nigerian comic Lagos. She is also a gospel music singer who have sustained their marriages actor, playwright, lm director, and and her latest effort, 'awesome grace' , is producer. She is the stepmother of still moving ne in the market. Sunkanmi Omobolanle who is also an actor. Peju Ogunmola has collected many Kunle Bakare awards as a result of her versatility and Nobert and Gloria Young good delivery of roles. Olu Jacobs and Joke L o n d o n . I n i t i a l l y h e r Norbert Young is a Nigerian actor. He has Silva parents were opposed to appeared in series like Third Eye, Tinsel, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs Silva's decision to go into and Family Circle. In addition to his work Afeez Abiodun (Owo) and Mide a.k.a Olu Jacobs, is an the theatre but they soon in television and lms, Young has also Martins internationally acclaimed began to support her, appeared in several plays and stage Afeez Abiodun, popularly called owo, Nigerian actor and lm happy at the success she productions. He was born July, 3 1960 in was born in April in Iseyin, Oyo State. He executive. He has starred made in her career. Warri. He married Gloria Anozie. joined Razak Olayiwola (ojo pagogo) who in several British television Gloria Young (née Anozie; born 4 February also hails from Iseyin in the 80s. He later series and international 1967) is a Nigerian actress who has became late Funmi Martins manager, lms. He was born on July S u n d a y O m o b o l a n l featured in more than 70 movies and has after the death of Martins on May 6, 11, 1942 in Abeokuta, ( A l u w e ) a n d P e j u won the City People Movie Award for 2002. He became very close to her Movie Couple of the Year at the City People Ogun State. He married Ogunmola daughter Mide which later led to a Entertainme veteran actress, Joke Silva, Sunday Omobolanle a.k.a marriage between them. nt Awards. in 1989 and the union is pappyluwe was born on Although they were once separated on A native of blessed with children. Olu October 1, 1954 at Ilora, a the allegation that Mide was cheating on Abia State in Jacobs has won several town in Oyo State south- h i m b y d a t i n g s o m e p o w e r f u l the eastern national and international western Nigeria. He is the transporters in Lagos like the popular mc p a r t o f awards and has produced f a t h e r o f S u n k a n m i Oluomo but they later reconciled and N i g e r i a , countless numbers of Omobolanle, a Nigerian their case is one of the good stories to tell Gloria Young television shows. lm actor and director. about Nollywoods failed marriages. dazzled the Joke Silva was born in Sunday Omobolanle had Mide Martins was born on April 12, 1979 public when Lagos into an Amaro family s c r i p t e d , d i r e c t e d , to actress Funmi Martins. She has won she came into o f f o u r c h i l d r e n . H e r produced and featured in many awards while she became the limelight mother, Adebimbola Silva, several Nigerian lms such ambassador to many big companies with her rst a pioneering doctor, died in as Adun Ewuro, a 2011 through her brilliant career in the movie m o v i e July 2015 while her father Nigerian lm that featured industry. The multitalented actress is G l a m o u r was a lawyer and she A d e b a y o S a l a m i . I n married to Afeez Abiodun, her mother's Girls. a t t e n d e d H o l y C h i l d r e c o g n i t i o n o f h i s manager and their marriage is blessed College in Lagos. She was c o n t r i b u t i o n s t o t h e with two children. part of a cultural group that Nigerian lm industry, he included the playwright, was bestowed with a Bode Osanyin and the National award, MON by Zack and Ngozi Orji singer Stella Monye during Olusegun Obasanjo, the Zachee Ama Orji, born in Libreville, her university education. former president of the Gabon, in the 1960s, is a Nigerian actor, Silva took a year off from F e d e r a l R e p u b l i c o f director, producer and lmmaker. Orji is her studies, during which N i g e r i a . S u n d a y a graduate of University of Nigeria, she began work as an Omobolanle is also one of Nsukka. Having grown up in Cameroon, actress. She relocated to Nigeria's cross over actors Benin and Togo he speaks both English England, to study drama at who acted alongside Igbo and French uently. His rst movie was t h e W e b b e r D o u g l a s a r t i s t s w h e r e h e in 1991, and was entitled Unforgiven Academy of Dramatic Art in s p e c i a l i s e s i n p i d g i n Ngozi Orji is a Nollywood Actress, 29 30 he cauons, adding that both the world, and the and staff across all its establishments. capacity for safe travel, have changed intractably. Travellers heading out into the world in the midst of “We have already begun to disinfect and sterilise an ongoing pandemic will, understandably, be every space in all of our properes. All team overcauous. members who will be in contact with guests are undergoing comprehensive COVID-19 safety Addressing the onus on the enre tourism industry protocol training,” explains Havercro. to create a safe environment for travellers, Havercro highlights the fine line between having “Internaonally, we must be united in our reopening adequate safety measures in place and breeding strategies and hygiene policies across the board, discomfort. while considering the requirements, customs and He notes that the COVID-19 threat is an invisible one, tradions of the specific countries in which we making it harder to comprehend than, for example, operate. In line with our training, and in staying the need for metal detectors for security purposes updated with credible informaon globally, we (sadly ubiquitous in the hotel industry in many connually inform staff and guests on the latest locaons). It cannot be ignored in these challenging safety measures.” mes the necessity for precauons remains and must be rolled out with the consideraon of guests Front-line staffs wear face shields, masks and gloves, in mind. temperature checks are conducted, hourly sanitaon staons are strategically placed across all Minor Hotels brands in Africa, Avani and Anantara, premises for the use of everyone on site, he adds. In have already opened their doors. The Minor Hotels South Africa, under level three lockdown Hotel Spotlight group operates more than 565 properes across 56 regulaons, business travel is allowed provided countries, including the Elewana, Oaks, NH Hotels, travellers have the relevant permit. Preparing for guests in a time NH Collecon and TIVOLI brands. In line with According to Havercro, travel will not look the same recommendaons of the World Health Organisaon as we remember it but it is becoming possible again, of COVID-19 (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and albeit all of us being more mindful of our own safety Prevenon (CDC), the group is already implemenng and that of others. strict hygiene intervenons to safeguard both guests

As the world desperately awaits a long overdue The task comes with a whole new set of challenges change of scenery, countries across the globe are and parameters. Adequate safety measures remain strategizing about how -- and when -- they will an imperave globally, while non-essenal travel, reopen their borders and reboot their respecve especially to countries with high prevalence of tourism industries. Covid-19, is sll not recommended. According to Pololikashvili, the recently-released UNWTO Global Travel seemed like a completely foreign concept in a Guidelines to Restart Tourism serve as a COVID-19 world unl just recently. But then comprehensive set of measures to open tourism up lockdowns began to li, even if in a phased approach, again in a safe, seamless and responsible manner. and more freedom of movement, parcularly for business travellers, is slowly being permied. And the tourism sector hasn't been slow off the mark. Mark Havercro, Minor Hotels Regional At the end of May, Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary- Director for Africa, states categorically what is non- General of the United Naons World Tourism negoable in the reopening strategies of tourism Organisaon (UNWTO), welcomed the growing businesses in the current circumstances is assuring confidence in the global tourism sector, nong that it the safety of guests and team members in every way stands ready “to return to growth. possible.

” At the same me, however, he cauoned that “at “Hotels are at risk of becoming hotspots from which both the local and the global level, the crisis we have infecon can be spread further. It is vital to have faced up to together has shown the importance of stringent protocols in place to assure the safety and making the right decisions at the right me.” comfort of guests and the welfare of team members”

31 32 COVID-19: CBN gives hope to MSMEs

Tunde Olasupo ovid-19 appearance in Nigeria in February April 2020, had announced that on its part to the 2020 brought an unprecedented abrupon cause, it would provide a N50 billion smulus package that has not been experienced in many of between 5 to 9 percent interest rate termed C Targeted Credit Facility (TCF) to MSMEs and decades to businesses, especially, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The spark that households. Its update stated that the gesture was to characterises business environments around the cushion the adverse effects of covid-19 on MSMEs world disappeared gradually and it was followed by and households, and to accomplish its objecve, horrendous effect on human lives and livelihood. The NIRSAL Microfinance Bank had been chosen by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency CBN as the financial instuon for the scheme. of Nigeria (SMEDAN), an instuon that has the Like many other pronouncements of its kind in the overall responsibility of coordinang the MSME past, the skepcism about the fund reaching the badly policy of the Nigerian government did a joint survey hit MSMEs due to the pandemic expectedly with the Nigerian Bureau of Stascs, and the increased, as it was said by many to be a few and far outcome indicates that Nigerian SMEs contribute between opportunity that could easily be obstructed nearly 50% to the GDP of the country and also by policians and public servants, who in a way would a c c o u n t f o r 8 0 % i n t e r s e c t m a n y employment in the opportunies of such country. This evidently to the benefit of their reflects how strategic cronies. But in an the MSMEs are to the astonishing manner, social-economic life of t h e s u c c e s s f u l the naon. applicants received A d o c u m e nt a l s o SMS that informed released recently by them of the approval t h e f o r e m o s t of their applicaons e n t e r p r i s e b y N I R S A L Godwin Emefiele, Fola Adeola, Dikko Radda d e v e l o p m e n t CBN Governor Founder, Fate Foundaon DG, SMEDAN Microfinance Bank organizaon, FATE a n d t h e y w e r e Foundaon, showed a further directed on survey carried out by the organisaon in partnership the next procedure. Following which the bank with BudgIt Nigeria, and it exposes the impact of the accounts they provided were credited with the COVID-19 pandemic on Micro, Small and Medium approved credit facility without interfacing with any Enterprises (MSMEs) businesses in Nigeria. The goal individual or a bank. of the survey as stated in the document was to The Managing Director of Nigerian Incenve-Based engage relevant stakeholders within the Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), entrepreneurship ecosystem around designing Mr. Abubakar Kure in at a media conference in Abuja soluons and intervenons to support Nigerian said, “ the facility is available for service providers in MSMEs during and post COVID-19. The survey that health sector, trading and all those businesses that cuts across MSMEs in the 36 states of Nigeria have been affected by the covid-19 pandemic”. He including the Federal capital territory in summary further said the iniave is to provide liquidity and revealed that more than 90% MSMEs of 1943 allow economy to normalize. Not fewer than 3,256 responses obtained between March and April, 2020 MSMEs were among the first batch that benefied have been negavely impacted by cashflow, sales from the benevolence of CBN. A beneficiary who and revenue. For this reason, a number of would not want his name menoned gave an account recommendaons were made by the document of how he applied for the loan and against all which includes flexible financing programmes by the discouragements obtained a credit facility of over one federal and state governments to reduce the burden million naira. Mr Ayotunde is also another beneficiary of cashflow on MSMEs. who in his remark said the loan is one of a kind In raising the hope of the hurng MSMEs of its soon because he started and completed the whole process to come aid, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) being online ll his bank account was credited. He further a key agency in the Consultave Commiee of the said, receiving the loan, brightened his hope of a Naonal Policy on MSMEs in its monthly update of 33 beer Nigeria. administration that gave us funds to State is endowed with a lot of potentials participate in the National Festival equally expressed their displeasure over the Tourism promotion: (NAFEST) competition held in Edo State last attitudes of the past administrations for not A good beginning year and to do other things. You can see that paying attention to the development of the Nigeria Breweries is changing the face of sector. for Oyo State open space, which has hitherto been a Part of what they intend to assist the – Hon Ademola Ige dungeon for weed smokers.” government to achieve in the sector, “We have written a letter to the Governor according to Professor Olaniyan, is proper Dapo Oyewole just as we have been doing, and Engineer training of tour guards and other Makinde has assured us that the projects stakeholders, documentation and mapping he present administration in Oyo are in the second phase of the PPP. We know of tourism sites as well as giving necessary State is taking bold steps towards the cost of xing this place is huge but we advice and assistance on how to develop Te n s u r i n g t h e can start gradually. We believe that we can tourism sites. r e v i t a l i s a t i o n , t r a n s f o r m a t i o n , start enjoying patronage and generate He harped on the need for the government to r e i n v i g o r a t i o n a n d revenue for the State.” She stated. embark on sensitization and enlightenment moving the tourism sector in the State Also speaking during the visit, the Director, of people on what tourism is all about, forward. Theatre and Business Management, Mr adding that “people need to have interest The vision of the government under the Agboola Adekunle said its unfortunate that and the only way this can be achieved is to leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde is to the Cultural Centre which is a heritage of arouse their interest and tell them what make the state's tourism sector the tourists Ibadan and in the past had served as a tourism is all about.” preferred destination which will in the long platform for the promotion of cultural In his remark, Hon. Ademola Ige explained run generate more revenue for the heritage and arts, as well as tourist centre of that as part of the efforts by the government government and also serve as employment note with functional halls, art gallery, to transform and revitalise the sector, the opportunities for the teeming unemployed cinema and other facilities is no longer government has placed an advertorial in the youths in the state. functioning to its capacity. national newspaper to invite investors to In order to achieve this vision, Governor In his reaction, Hon. Ademola Ige decried come and invest on some tourism sites. Makinde recently appointed Hon. Ademola the level of decay in all the facilities and According to him, "development of the Akeem Ige as his Special Adviser on Culture infrastructures he saw at the two sites, tourism industry in Oyo State is long and Tourism. adding that very soon they will witness overdue. Apart from being a source of Ige, upon assumption of ofce has been dramatic transformation that everybody will revenue, the industry will enhance working round the clock, meeting various be proud of. development of the rural areas and improve stakeholders in the industry including the He commended the General-Manager and the standard of living of the people." tourism practitioners, stakeholders and at Mokola hill, Ibadan, the two sites at other staff at the Cultural Centre for their He expressed his optimism that with the others to ensure their involvement and present are in a very deplorable situation as dedication and commitment to work despite number of investors that have so far contributions towards the realisation of the a result of neglect on the heritage and pride the fact that the atmosphere in which they signied their interest to develop some of tourism agenda of the governor Makinde. of Ibadan. are working is not conducive. these sites, there is no doubt that within the Among the stakeholders so far interacted The Cultural Centre which used to be a In the same vein, the Directorate of Centre shortest period of time, there would be with are the Hoteliers Association of beehive of cultural, social and political for Sustainable Development, University of dramatic turnaround in the facilities and Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, National activities in the past is now an abode for Ibadan have expressed their readiness to infrastructures erected therein. Association of Nigeria Travel Agency, Oyo reptiles and other dangerous animals as form a synergy with the State government in “Government will also be involved in State, Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria, Oyo well as a dungeon for weed smokers while ensuring that its vision for the sector comes festivals, cultural and traditional events State Chapter, Oyo State Tourism Board, the environment at the Bower's Tower has into reality. that would attract tourists to the State. We Directorate of Centre for Sustainable become a haven for the criminal minded The Director of the Centre, Professor want everything associated with our culture Development (CESDEV), University of people. Olanrewaju Olaniyan disclosed this while and tourism to come alive and be functional. Ibadan, Director-General, Development Speaking on the poor condition of Cultural receiving Hon. Ademola Ige in his ofce who It is our collective heritage and our pride. We Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Centre, Mokola, Ibadan, the General was at the centre on a courtesy visit. will not fold our hands and watch them rot Commission, Oyo State House of Assembly Manager, Mrs Olayinka Adedeji disclosed Professor Olaniyan who hinted that Oyo away. among others. that no activity whatsoever took place at the He has also been on facility visit and tour of centre for complete eight years spent by the all tourist sites within the state to get immediate past administration while the detailed information about the state of the centre does not receive any fund to carry infrastructures therein and what can be out any form of renovation or participate in done for immediate development and any festival or cultural event. transformation of the sector. Mrs Adedeji, who conducted Hon. Ige round In one of his visits which included the the facilities and infrastructures at the Bower's Tower located at Agala area, Oke- centre alongside other senior staff at Are, Ibadan and Cultural Centre, situated Cultural Centre, said “it was this present 34 35 way into governance and individuals with viewers m e e t i n g w i t h business as seen in recent across the world real- r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s o f times. Governments, time, with each platform International Monetary businesses, religious having one advantage over Fund (IMF) and World centers, international t h e o t h e r . N o t a b l e Bank on April 21, 2020. o r g a n i s a t i o n s a n d examples are Zoom, Skype M o r e i n t e r n a t i o n a l individuals alike have for Business, Houseparty, organisations and heads therefore found a safe G o t o M e e t i n g , C i s c o of government of nations h a v e n i n v i d e o Webex, Google Meet, are already taking on the conferencing applications G o o g l e H a n g o u t , n e w n o r m a l a s a Zoom to achieve continuity of F a c e b o o k L i v e , m e c h a n i s m t o k e e p makes rapid strides events and affairs. Clickmeeting, Facetime businesses running. The in global adoption for A video conference is an a n d m a n y o t h e r s . President of Uganda had o n l i n e m e e t i n g o r According to Priori Data, said through the country's virtual meetings presentation facilitated by all the platforms are Permanent Secretary in a collaborative web-based enjoying phenomenal the Ministry of ICT and Tunde Olasupo or mobile application that g r o w t h f o r d i f f e r e n t National Guidance, Mr pix...guardian.ng enables participants hear r e a s o n s b u t g l o b a l Vincent Bagiire Waiswa T h e s u d d e n w a v e o f and see one another while a d o p t i o n o f S k y p e , said that in view of the enthusiasm that social also sharing information. Houseparty and Zoom need for continuity of media network garnered in Participants in a meeting surged by more than 100 government business, the the last few months is can have almost a natural per cent in March 2020, country had secured unprecedented, as it became f e e l o f a b o a r d r o o m w i t h Z o o m p r o v i n g 1 0 , 0 0 0 z o o m v i d e o meeting at their different p a r t i c u l a r l y p o p u l a r conferencing application necessary for people to ll locations. Virtual tools are among them. licences with the support the void created by the made available on the T h o u g h t h e r e a r e of the United Nations absence of interpersonal p l a t f o r m t o m a k e conicting statistics as to Development Programme connections created by the meetings more visual, the number of active users (UNDP). Mr Eric Yuan, the stay-at-home instruction f o c u s e d a n d m o r e o n e a c h v i d e o co-founder of zoom said, that became the norm in p r o d u c t i v e . T e a m conferencing platform, “Zoom forecasts revenue almost every country of the meetings, workshops, more people are of the of roughly $500 million for world. lectures and seminars opinion that zoom meeting the 2nd quarter of the year called webinars are held is gaining more adoption ending in July 2020. One of the remarkable benets effectively with ease because it offers an array Although, some security the social media network regardless of the number of powerful features in its concerns about Zoom brought was the redemption o f p a r t i c i p a n t s . M r . f r e e t i e r a n d i t s applications have been pix...vanguardngr.com f r o m t o t a l c u t - o f f f r o m Micheal Dell, the CEO of application is easy to expressed by the users socialization and business Dell Technologies, said, download. across the globe, the continuity. The emergence of the covid-19 has actually Zoom made inroads into company has assured Covid-19 in essence came with changed how people work, governance in Nigeria that it would continue to high and low points to human f a c i l i t a t i n g 2 4 / 7 when a virtual meeting provide a more secure life. One of the high points is the c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i t h was held for the rst time environment for the prominence it gives to video c o l l e a g u e s w h o a r e by the Executive Council users. It is enough to conferences on the social media dispersed across time o f L a g o s S t a t e say that network. Although social media zones, countries and Government of Nigeria on videoconferencing has set in the last one decade has continents. March 30, 2020. It is also a foundation for the new formed an integral part of There are a number of on record that the Vice normal and it has e come people's lives and daily routine, online or virtual meeting President of Nigeria, Yemi to stay permanently. it has not critically found its platforms that connect Osibajo held a zoom

36 37 Sp rtaneous With Wole Opatola Twier and Instagram @woleopatola Daniel Amokachi as Super Eagles captain: His wish, His last for Nigeria t was a sweet bier ending right was withdrawn and finally reign as the new Super Eagles to the professional career of awarded to Nigeria and Ghana captain would have to be Ithe oneme darling of the as co-hosts. d e l a y e d . T h i j s L i b r e g t s fans of the Super Eagles, Daniel Fellow group members were completely omied Daniel Amokachi as his career came to Burkina-Faso, Senegal and Amokachi's name from the an unexpected end in the Burundi. The qualifiers kicked match day squad and instead naonal team at the young age off in December 1998 and handed the arm band to the of 27 years in 1999. Nigeria had played a 0-0 draw new vice-captain, Muu "Da Bull" as he is fondly called in away to Burkina Faso and up Adepoju. Nigeria suffered a knee injury in next was Thijs Libregts first Desny though delayed was 1998 while playing for Besiktas home game as the Super Eagles however not meant to be in the Turkish league but sll were billed to host Burundi on denied as another opportunity made it through to the World January 23, 1999. The Super to finally captain the Super Cup that year in France with the Eagles players all went into a Eagles presented itself a month Super Eagles. meeng two days before the later on February 28, 1999 in A second round ouster at the B u r u n d i m a t c h a n d the 3rd game of the group as World Cup in France led Nigeria unanimously voted for Daniel Nigeria would then play away to into doing away with Serbian Amokachi as the new Super Senegal at the Stade Léopold born coach, Bora Milunovic Eagles captain. Muu Adepoju Sédar Senghor, Dakar Senegal. and a year later replaced him was made the continues on pg 40 with another European Coach, vice-captain. Thijs Libregts. This me a Dutch A recurring by naonality. knee injury in It was Thijs Libregts who finally training on handed Daniel Amokachi his the eve of the greatest wish as a Super Eagles B u r u n d i player, the skipper's armband. m a t c h i n Nigeria had been drawn in A b e o k u t a group five of the 2000 AFCON h o w e v e r qualifiers which was originally meant that b i l l e d t o b e h o s t e d b y D a n i e l Zimbabwe before the hosng Amokachi's 38 internaonal markets have been prepared to pay, Daniel Amokachi as Super Eagles while sll offering domesc travellers the same captain: His wish, His last for Nigeria opportunies within their own countries. “It goes without saying that personal safety from a It's time for COVID-19 perspecve and quality must be the top priority across all aspects, from the locaon of hotels, the servicing of rooms and the technology Africans to available on site, to the package deals hotels offer in partnership with other service providers in the explore Africa vicinity. “ This speaks especially to the growing -Havercroft development in recent years of consumers choosing memorable experiences over and above a demand for material possessions. In a more recent PwC report (PwC Hotels outlook: 2019-2023), it N hospitality expert in Africa has called on was noted that 50 per cent of travellers would Africans to develop, explore and promote rather spend money on an experience than a AAfrican desnaons as the connent's shopping spree. domesc market will be the only last hope to “Returning to the issue of price, the same PwC rapidly recover from the trauma of the lockdown report also notes the necessity for a supply of and also to help players face the challenges of the affordable hotels to specifically accommodate COVID-19 new normal. domesc travellers. According to Mark Havercro of Minor Hotels, “To this end, we ancipate that accommodaon in “Africa's own domesc travel market will be at the offerings such as our own Avani Nairobi Suites forefront driving recovery of the sector post serviced apartments in Kenya, set to open later this COVID-19, and it's up to the leisure and business year, will prove to be a popular choice for both the accommodaon industry to get behind what these mid-scale and extended-stay markets. markets will demand as doors open once again. “It's likely to also prove popular with leisure “It was two years ago that a PwC report idenfied Mark Havercroft travellers – another local market expected to the importance of local markets for the African burgeon as business travellers extend their stays contd from pg 38 travel sector, and the repercussions of the COVID- and travel in family groups. Daniel Amokachi against all odds, finally populaon than either China or India by 2034. 19 pandemic make these more relevant than ever. “That's not to say, of course, that there will be no captained the Super Eagles in front of a 55,000 He added that there is already evidence of a “In its PwC Hotels outlook: 2018-2022 Posioning demand for luxury offerings, and we ancipate that filled to capacity stadium on the night. significant rise of a strong middle class, and it for future growth, the company predicted the as travellers begin to explore their own countries, The Nigerian team had included the likes of stands to reason, therefore, that this will be steady growth of the domesc tourism market albeit tentavely at first, they'll increasingly look Sunday Oliseh, Taribo West, Tijani Babangida, followed by an increased demand in terms of both across the connent, nong the principal role this towards aracve higher-end opons. Garuba Lawal, Patrick Paschal, Jonathan the business travel and tourism leisure markets. market plays in a number of African countries “It's for that reason that Minor Hotels brought the Akpoborie and Ndubuisi Egbo as the goal keeper. However, while recovery post COVID-19 will where strong economies support and drive full range of our brands to the African connent; Jonathan Akpoborie came to Nigeria's rescue indeed mean that local travellers will first look at domesc tourism. our luxury Anantara brand in Maurius, Zambia with a goal in the 79th minute aer Salif Keita had what is available within their own borders as “Interesngly, for us it was primarily the appeal of and Mozambique, our Elewana safari experiences put the hosts ahead in the 64th minute and the countries begin to reopen, Havercro said it will be this local market, and what we could offer African in Kenya and Tanzania, and our Avani city and resort game ended 1-1. crical to find ways to retain these markets into the travellers, that aracted Minor Hotels to the brand in Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Sadly, the match played in Senegal turned out to future. connent in the first place. Today, we have Mozambique, Seychelles and Zambia. be Daniel Amokachi's last ever game for the “At each step of the way, it will be crical that the operaons in Zambia, Mozambique, Maurius, “The boom line is that as the world begins to Super Eagles as a recurring knee injury which offerings reflect the fact that very close aenon Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Seychelles, Tanzania emerge from internaonal lockdown, it's me for has been paid to what African travellers both need refused to heal led to the premature rerement and Kenya.” Africans to explore Africa and for those who are and desire and, in both instances, what they can of "Da Bull" from the naonal team way back in Havercro explained that Africa has also been preparing to welcome this market to their afford to spend. 1999 at 27 years of age. idenfied by McKinsey & Company as the world's establishments, the key to catering for them is youngest and fastest-urbanising connent, with “In certain respects, there will need to be a wisdom, insight and understanding ensuring they'll Follow the writer on Instagram and Twier predicons that it will have a larger working tailoring away from the price tags that keep returning long into the future. @woleopatola. 39 40 “You could see that even in his recent fight with went back to the corner leaning towards the right Chambers, the American disgraced him. He did side and the injury forced him to rere. not do well in that fight. He was careless in the Like the cat with the nine lives, Samuel Peter ring and looked very heavy. Maybe he is sasfied returned to boxing in 2019 having not fought in to have been a former world champion and felt two years to knock out Journeyman Gerardo there was nothing to fight for. His head was not Escober aer only 44 secs in Mexico in February moving and his punches were not thrown but all that was soon overshadowed by a surprise properly. In fact, everything he did that day was defeat to another Journeyman, Mario Heredia wrong. If Peter should sit down and watch the with an eight round split decision at Boardwalk video clip of the match, he will weep for himself. Hall in Atlanc City in April 2019. The only thing for Peter to do now is to call it quit Hughie Fury was next in July 2019 and the result and come back home for his police job. As of now, was no different. Tyson Fury's cousin won the I don't think he can make it again as a professional dirty fight in the seventh round as Samuel Peter boxer. His reflexes are already dead. If I am his once again dislocated his shoulder and couldn't manager, I will advise him to take a rest and forget connue. He claimed the referee caused him the boxing. His name is already in the Guinness Book injury when he crashed into him as a means of of Records as a former and first African to become separang the two big men. a WBC Heavyweight Champion. He should take a Refusing to give up, Samuel Peter accepted to Samuel Peter: break and enjoy his money and comeback for his fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov in Montreal, police job,” Okorodudu concluded. Canada a few days into December and it was a surrendered his belt to Vitali Klitschko making a 10 years down the line, Jerry Okorodudu couldn't disgrace. He was stopped in the first round. There was return to boxing aer a four-year absence. have been more correct. At 39 years of age, That day in 2007 when Samuel Peter became the On June 24, 2009, Jerry Okorodudu who Samuel Peter has failed at every bid to stage a WBC Heavyweight Interim World Champion a champion represented Nigeria in the middle weight class at comeback. Fights aer fights, and it has been following the inability of the incumbent Oleg the Los Angeles 1984 Olympics in the US granted defeated aer defeats for the 'Nigerian Maskaev to defend his tle against the an interview to the Sun Newspapers online and nightmare. On September 11, 2010, Samuel mandatory challenger and the day the Nigerian N March 27 2009, Eddie Chambers subsequently advised Samuel Peter to quit Peter fought Wladimir Klitschko again at the Nightmare actually knocked out Oleg Maskaev in defeated Samuel Peter by a majority boxing immediately. Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt am Main. It Cancun Mexico a year later in 2008 now belongs Odecision in what was perhaps the former According to Okorodudu, no maer how hard was a Heavyweight Championship match for the to the distant memories. There was once a heavyweight champion of the world's worst Samuel Peter might try a comeback, he would IBF, IBO and WBO Heavyweight tle and the fight champion. performance in a boxing ring. Peter weighed in at never be able to resurrect his career and stand was stopped in the ninth round with Klitschko a career high of 265 Ibs and threw very few the heat at the highest level in the pugilist sport. sending Peter to the canvas with a punishing Follow the writer on Twier and Instagram punches. He seldom threw more than one or two The Edo State born boxer turned coach declared combinaon. @woleopatola. punches in succession. Chambers stayed outside that any further aempt by Samuel Peter to In April 2011, Samuel Peter fought against and frustrated Peter with lateral movement. challenge the top spot would be tantamount to a undefeated Finnish Prospect Robert Helenius in Aer a few rounds, Peter was pushing his suicide mission. Germany and sll lost by knockout in round 9. In punches and looking exhausted. Chambers did “If you ask me, I will tell you that it is over for fact, Samuel Peter stayed on the canvas for well enough to frustrate Peter and consistently Samuel Peters. I don't see him achieving anything over the 10 second count and the nature of the outworked him. The Nigerian cum American more than what he had already achieved in loss to Helenius as well as Peter's terrible physical boxer had just lost two fights back to back with boxing. I wrote Peter off aer his match with condion led many to call for Peter's rerement the first, a disastrous defeat in the hands of Vitali Vitali Klitschko, not even with his last fight against from boxing. Klitschko in Berlin. Chambers.” In December 2016 in front of a 15,000 crowd at “Stop the fight” Samuel Peter yelled at his corner “For him to allow the man who had his last fight the Arena Armeec in Sofia, Bulgaria, former aer the 8th round. He had been dominated the some four years ago to destroy him and put a World Title Challenger Kubrat Pulev defeated enre fight by Klitschko's efficient outside queson mark on how he got the belt in the first Samuel Peter via a 4th round RTD to win the punching. By rering on his stool, Samuel Peter place was disturbing, a disappointed Okorodudu vacant WBA inter-Connental heavyweight tle became the first heavyweight champion in lamented while also advising him to take a aer the fight was stopped before the start of history to quit against his corner's advice while sabbacal from the game and return to his career round four when Samuel Peter dislocated his defending the championship. He had just as a policeman. right shoulder while throwing a big punch. He 41 42 CHRISTIAN SINGLES CONNECTION

ATTENTION: CHRISTIAN SINGLES Out of every two marriages, one ends up in divorce today before they reach their second anniversary. Stascs have concluded that spouses that did premarital counseling in a Christ-centered therapeuc clinic have a more stable-happy marriage. More and more single parents are in the society today than what have ever been in the past decades.

Unfortunately, survey revealed that one out of five marriages among Chrisan ministers also end up in divorce before the end of their fih anniversary. Secularism and pluralism have taken over the spiritual health of many churches.

As part of the goal of this publicaon, we shall be publishing singles that are looking for mates in Rulers' World monthly publicaons. Your needs will be published on our website. If you are 21 years old and above and you are looking for a Chrisan mate, if you want a happy marital life, forward you picture and the following parculars to us:

Name: Age or Date of birth: Mailing Address: Telephone number: Educaonal level: Occupaon: Name of Church/Denominaon: Racial/Ethnic Background: Naonality: Hobby: Please state briefly the type of personality you would like as a spouse stang the following: Age: Country(ies) of origin interested in: Racial/Ethnic Background: Career or occupaon of interest to you: State other interest briefly:

Some psychological inventory shall be used in doing this matching. Since this is a Chrisan connecve service, it shall be biblically Christ-centered. Same sex connecon is not welcome and unacceptable. We uphold the biblical teaching that homosexuality is abominaon in the sight of the living God (Levicus 20:13; Romans 1:26 – 32). We forbid premarital sex because it is termed to be a sin of fornicaon in the sight of God (Hebrew 13:14).

Forward all informaon to: The above informaon may be The Chrisan Singles Connecon aached with a copy of your picture and sent to Rulers' World Communicaons Inc. [email protected] P.O Box 467, Thiells, N.Y 10984, United States of America www.afrochrisansconnect.com

Note that the confidenality of your informaon is guaranteed. You are at liberty to reveal your informaon to the mate of your choice.