Convoke National Dialogue Now to Save , Okowa Tells FG Declares there are too many voices of anger calling for justice in the affairs of the nation Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba government to convoke a denominational thanksgiving required urgent but realistic pretend that all was well with voices without further delay. national dialogue “to enable service to commemorate approach that would ensure the country as "there are too He expressed dismay that Governor, Dr. Nigerians talk to one another the 30th anniversary of the lasting solution to the various many voices of anger calling the nation was still paying lip has expressed on the way forward in tackling creation of Delta State, held at challenges threatening to tear for justice, fairness and equity service to its status as a federal worry about the various the issues threatening to wreck St. Peters Anglican Cathedral, the nation apart. in the affairs of the nation," system, as too much power challenges confronting the the nation's ship.” Asaba, yesterday, Okowa said The governor said that the while urging the government country, calling on the federal Speaking at an inter- that the state of the nation federal government should not to take steps to listen to the Continued on page 5

FG Orders Stoppage of Striking Doctors' Salaries… Page 5

Saturday 28 August, 2021 Vol 26. No 9637

www.thisdaylive.com T N250 R U N T H & R E ASO Secondus Resumes, Stopped from Attending National Caucus Meeting Ploy to stop him from presiding over NEC meeting on zoning unfolds Caucus endorses October 30 for National Convention Chuks Okocha in Chairman of the opposition Caucus meeting of the party. Secondus from parading Secondus and the PDP. satisfi ed after reading the Peoples Democratic Party Justice O. Gbasam of the himself as chairman and But last Thursday, Justice affi davit of the respondents Following a favourable court (PDP), at the national Degema Judicial Division member of the PDP, sequel Nusirat Umar of the Kebbi that an interim order should ruling last Thursday, Prince headquarters of the party vacation court, to the consideration of an ex State High Court ordered be granted on the purported Uche Secondus yesterday in Abuja, but was prevented had, few days back, granted an parte application fi led by two Secondus to return to his resumed as the National from attending the National interim injunction restraining members of the party against position, saying she was Continued on page 5 Obasanjo: It’ll Cost Nigeria More to Break up Than to Remain One Says those who don’t want to see the country’s continued co-existence will fail Charles Ajunwa secession agitations, fueled by perceived injustice and Former President Olusegun worsening security situation, Obasanjo yesterday reiterated across the country. his support for a united The Buhari government Nigeria, saying the cost for has been battling with Nigeria not to continue existing secessionist groups, including “is much more than the cost the proscribed Indigenous to make Nigeria to continue People of Biafra (IPOB), to exist.” led by detained Nnamdi Obasanjo, who spoke during Kanu; as well as the Yoruba the book launch and 85th Nation secessionist group, birthday celebration of his spearheaded by Prof Banji Eminence, Sunday Mbang, Akintoye and Sunday former Prelate of the Methodist Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho. Church Nigeria, held in Lagos, But Obasanjo, who was the declared that those who did convener of the programme not want to see the country’s in honour of Mbang, assured continued co-existence would the respected Christian leader fail. that the enemies of Nigeria The former president’s would not win. declaration is coming amid Continued on page 5 Irabor: Armed Forces Reviewing CELEBRATING MBANG@85... L-R: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Sunday Mbang; and Akwa Ibom Operations in Trouble Spots... Page 10 State Governor, Udom Emmanuel; during the launch of a book on the memoirs and 85th birthday celebration of Mbang in Lagos…yesterday 2 SATURDAY AUGUST 28, 2021 • THISDAY SATURDAY AUGUST 28, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 SATURDAY AUGUST 28, 2021 • THISDAY THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾˜ͺ΀˜ͺ͸ͺ͹ 5 PAGE FIVE FG Orders Stoppage of Striking Doctors' Salaries Onyebuchi Ezigbo ÓØÌßÔË doctors that are on strike salary arrears ranging from still owe its members several Laws of the Federation of members commenced. and on any health worker seven to 19 months. months’ salaries. Nigeria, (no work, no pay), "Consequent on the above, I The federal government that may join the strike The striking doctors The communiqué, signed states in part: "We are in am directed to inform you to has commenced the subsequently. had earlier refused to by the president of NARD, receipt of a letter from the commence the implementation implementation of the no Resident doctors under sign a Memorandum of Dr. Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi Minister of Labour and of the no work, no pay, policy work, no pay rule on striking the auspices of the National Understanding brokered said after a critical appraisal Employment informing on the striking doctors, with doctors with effect from Association of Resident by the Minister of Labour of the issues affecting their the minister of the laws effect from Monday August Monday August 2, 2021. Doctors (NARD) had vowed and Employment, Chris members, as well as the governing the ongoing strike 2, including other health In a letter dated Friday, to sustain the ongoing Ngige and the President of exparte injunction obtained by the members of National workers that may embark August 27 and signed by nationwide industrial action Nigerian Medical Association against it by government, Association of Resident on strike subsequently. the Director of Hospital until their demands were (NMA), Prof. Innocent Ujah, the association decided to Doctors (NARD) and the "You are to compute the Services Department in met by the federal and state which gave specific timelines continue the strike. need to immediately apply financial implications of the the Federal Ministry of governments. for addressing the doctors' However, a letter addressed the provisions of section 43 no work, no pay rule from Health, Dr. Adebimpe The doctors, who are demands. to the chief medical directors (1) (a) of the Trade Union Act the salaries of the resident Adebiyi, it directed all the protesting the alleged In a communiqué issued at and managing directors on special provisions with doctors and any other health Chief Medical Directors and non-implementation of the the end of the meeting of the of federal tertiary health respect to payment of salaries worker that participated in Managing Directors of federal Memorandum of Agreement National Executive Council institutions, titled : "Re- Law during strikes and lock outs, the strike, using the attached government's tertiary health it reached with government in (NEC), held in -City, and Principles Concerning the known in labour parlance as template and forwarded to institutions to commence December 2020, said that the , NARD expressed Right to Strike; Application "No work, no pay" with effect the IPPIS office, through the the implementation of the federal government and some disappointment that Abia, of Section 43 (1) (A), of the from Monday, August 2, 2021 Federal Ministry of Health no work, no pay rule on the states owed their members Imo, Ekiti and Ondo states Trade Union Act Cap T8, when the strike by NARD for implementation." CONVOKE NATIONAL DIALOGUE NOW TO SAVE NIGERIA, OKOWA TELLS FG is still concentrated in the government, and I believe opinion leaders in the different are one people though with own pace; we may not all Quoting from the Bible, centre against the principles that it is not right and it is parts of Nigeria and speak different ethnic groups and be able to grow at the same Mogekwu said that the future of true federalism. time for more powers to be truth to ourselves." we have come to realise that pace and we must realise this was bright for the state, as He likened the nation to devolved to the states and Nevertheless, the governor we can only do better if we as a nation," he stated. long as Deltans continued to the human body with many more money and resources congratulated all Deltans work together as one state. Bishop of Anglican Diocese put their trust in God in all parts, which needed to be given to the states. on the occasion of the 30th "I thank our past leaders of Asaba, Rt. Rev'd Justus their ways. healthy for the whole body "Nigeria will be better for anniversary of the state's for laying a solid foundation Mogekwu, in his sermon said He pointed out that politics to function properly, saying it if we restructure, but the creation, noting that the state for the development of the Delta was a microcosm of without integrity has been the that it could not be well with greatest challenge we have is had come thus far because state which we have been Nigeria because of the diverse bane of Nigeria's development the nation, "if it is not well as a result of insecurity and God's presence had been building upon. ethnic groups in the state, and urged politicians to stop with the component parts." it is pushing many people with it. "We thank God because that but stated that in spite of the cross-carpeting from one He cautioned against more into the poverty line. Okowa recalled that when foundation is truly strong. diversity, the people lived political party to another. building the nation for the "As a country, we are the state was created in 1991, Today in Delta we can look together in unity, love and The thanksgiving service elite and the rich while the troubled and there are so it was greeted with cautious round and find that there are peace. was attended by wife of poor masses were left in the many ethno-religious crises optimism, but thanked God many growing towns in the He commended Deltans the Governor, Dame Edith lurch. but it’s time for us to sit down that 30 years after, Deltans state unlike most states. for their resolve to work Okowa, Deputy Governor, Okowa said, "The rich and talk, otherwise we may had become more united as "We have several growing and live together in the Mr. Kingsley Otuaro; former and the elite will not live not be able to continue as a a people. cities in Delta State and when overall interest of the state, governor of the state, Chief peacefully in a country where nation. He paid tribute to past you take a tour to many adding that a state where James Ibori; his former deputy, there are many poor people. "In staying as a nation, we leaders of the state for laying states, you will find out bigotry, bloodshed, bitterness, Sir Benjamin Elue and former "We are still in a nation must find solutions to the a solid foundation for its that God has truly blessed intolerance, among other military administrator of the where so much power rests voices of anger and we must development, saying "we us in Delta. vices, existed could hardly state, Navy Captain Walter at the centre, with the federal dispassionately look for the have come to realise that we "We are growing at our make any progress. Feghabo (rtd). SECONDUS RESUMES, STOPPED FROM ATTENDING NATIONAL CAUCUS MEETING suspension of Secondus pending all litigants withdrawing their PDP Governors Forum, Aminu the offices for the NWC of On the position of the the determination of the case. suits from court.” Tambuwal, urging the national the party. national caucus on the Kebbi PDP Governors Based on Justice Umar’s As a result, Secondus caucus to take a decision on the Governor Tambuwal said State judgement on stay of Forum Denies ruling, Secondus arrived at remained in his office while High Court order. the former senate president, the Rivers State judgement, the national secretariat of the National Caucus meeting Tambuwal assured that the "is heading the Tambuwal said, "Well that Asking Secondus to the PDP at 9.55pm yesterday, lasted. party would resolve the matter six-man committee" that would matter came up, and in view Quit and held separate meetings A source told THISDAY last peacefully. review the two conflicting of the fact that we are yet with the Chairman, Board of night that most governors in the He said: "I want to assure court judgements with a view to receive the service of the Meanwhile, the PDP Governors Trustees (BoT), Senator Walid PDP National Caucus do not you that our governors are to finally putting to rest the court order, this committee Forum last night denied the Jubrin; the national secretary, want Secondus to take charge working together for the leadership crisis in the party. is going to talk with all the insinuation that it had asked Senator Umar Tsuari; and other of the party after his positive benefit of our party, for the Tambuwal said: “We have parties involved accordingly." Secondus to quit as the members of the National Kebbi Court order, so as to benefit of our country. With just risen from our 40th meeting Also speaking at the party’s chairman, in spite of Working Committee. prevent him from presiding the assemblage of people of the National Caucus of our National Caucus meeting, the Kebbi State High Court The Deputy National over the NEC meeting today, here, by the grace of God great party, the PDP, where we former Vice President, Atiku order reinstating him. Chairman, South, Yemi where the issue of zoning of Almighty, no issue can remain have resolved to submit to the Abubakar said: “We are here A statement by Cyril Akinwonmi, who held the fort national positions would be insurmountable. NEC of our party tomorrow today and I believe that our Maduabum, the Director in his absence, upon receipt of made. “I have the confidence that, (today), a recommendation deliberations will be guided General of the Forum, said the court’s order handed over “These governors have their by the grace of God, whatever from the National Working by maturity, by integrity, that governors at its emergency the affairs of the party to him. own agenda and they don’t issues we have, we shall be Committee for the national by intelligence, which are meeting on Thursday, 26th According to a statement want Secondus to derail it with able to, at this caucus meeting, convention of our party to all hallmark of our great August, merely endorsed by Ike Abonyi, Media aide the zoning arrangement. This resolve them. be held between Friday 30th party. We have gone through the NWC resolution adopting to Secondus, "at the brief is why they don’t want him "The governors of the party of October and Saturday 31st greater crises in the history Akinwonmi, the Deputy handover ceremony, Secondus at the NEC meeting tomorrow are ready to continue to work of October. of this party and we have National Chairman, South, pledged to continue to (today), as presiding officer. for the party, for their respective “Also, this distinguished come out stronger each time. as acting National Chairman, provide good leadership to They will allow him to take states, for us to continue to body had empaneled And I also believe that we and the holding of the NEC the party. Elder Akinwonmi charge of the party on Monday deliver good governance. distinguished leaders of our are also going to come out meeting of PDP on Saturday, also announced that he had after the NEC meeting,” said I believe at the end of this party, under the leadership of of this crisis stronger. That 28th August, 2021. received the court order, which the source. meeting we shall see the light former President of the Senate, will lay a foundation to our The statement said: “For the he presented to the caucus However, another source at the end of the tunnel." David Mark to interface with returning to power in 2023." avoidance of doubt, this warped meeting." close to Secondus told At the end of the meeting, our leaders who are involved Meanwhile, the David interpretation of the statement Speaking with newsmen later THISDAY that the embattled the National Caucus approved in these issues of court, so Mark led committee met of the Chairman of the PDP-GF, at the secretariat, Secondus chairman confirmed to him that a six-man committee to resolve that all court matters can be Secondus in office, where Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, after said he returned to office as he had reached an agreement the party’s crisis out of court. withdrawn and for normalcy they canvassed an amicable their emergency meeting on directed by the court. with the NWC members to It also recommended that to return to the party. resolution of the crisis to Thursday is clearly mischievous. He said: "I obeyed the attend and preside over the the National Convention "I appeal on behalf of this avoid any external body "At the time Tambuwal Monday court order that NEC meeting today. should hold between October body to all well-meaning from hijacking the crisis and spoke on Thursday night, the suspended me and yesterday, At the National Caucus 30 and 31. The venue of the members of our party to frustrate any other measure Kebbi State High Court Order as all of you are aware, I was meeting, the acting national national convention is yet to sheathe their sword. Let of resolving the crisis had not been received by the reinstated through a stay order. chairman, Akinwonmi, be determined. us embrace peace because At press time, the David Forum, and consequently was So, as you can see, I am in informed the members that he The National Executive Nigeria is waiting for PDP Mark committee was said to not discussed or commented my office. With me here is had received the court order Committee (NEC) meeting will and I believe that we have the be meeting with the Rivers upon. This clarification has the deputy national chairman, from Kebbi State, approving hold today, Saturday August capacity to resolve whatever State Governor, Wike in the become necessary to set the Elder Yemi Akinwonmi." the return of Secondus. 28 to discuss the zoning of issues we have internally." government lodge facts straight." However, an attempt by The Caucus insisted that a Secondus to join a meeting committee be set up with the OBASANJO: IT’LL COST NIGERIA MORE TO BREAK UP THAN TO REMAIN ONE of the National Caucus of the aim of disposing and resolving party, which was ongoing at the crisis permanently, instead He said: “We are here to heart. We want to assure you peace and progress of a united Also at the event, the Akwa the headquarters, was rebuffed of allowing Secondus to take honour somebody we should that Nigeria will continue to Nigeria. Ibom State Governor and by members of the Caucus. charge. honour, and learn from him exist because the cost for The former President Chairman of the occasion, Sources said members of the Akinwonmi, said: “Why I (Mbang), to show that we Nigeria not to continue to eulogised Mbang for his Udom Emmanuel, thanked National Caucus appealed to was still panting that it was genuinely love and appreciate exist is much more than the steadfastness, which had the former President and the Secondus to stay away from too stressful for me, a letter him for the service he has cost for us to make Nigeria kept their relationship intact celebrant for keeping together the meeting “because the order was served to me. I know the rendered to the Christian to continue to exist. over the years, and described over the years, assuring that of the Kebbi State court had letter would be of importance community in this country and “There are many people the former President of the they would remain his fathers. not been received.” to this meeting and I received world over. And to assure him - high and low - who can Christian Association of Nigeria The book, a memoir, Another source said some it. I told him. Coincidentally, that whatever happens, we will be described as enemies of as a lover of Nigeria. chronicling the journey of party leaders told Secondus to I showed the BOT chairman, continue to work for unity, Nigeria, but they will not win The celebrant recalled how the octogenarian, is titled: "My stay away from the National he said that he received it too; peace, security and progress over those who are friends of he and Obasanjo became Life and Times, a Memoir by Caucus meeting, to allow the meaning that the letter was of this country. Nigeria.” friends and that since then Sunday Mbang". The launch party to resolve the matter “in served on me and the BoT “I know that these are things Obasanjo promised to "we have become brothers, was organised by the Olusegun the overall interest of all, with Chairman and the Chairman, that are dear to his (Mbang) continue to work for the but of different mothers." Obasanjo Presidential Library. 6 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021

News Editor Charles Ajunwa NEWS 08064268968 (sms only) Email [email protected] Niger Governor Receives Released Tegina School Pupils, Says Abductors Have Madness in their Heads

Laleye Dipo in Minna at about 1a.m. yesterday. okay, said that “There is sickness has affected “the morale and There was a contradiction in Garba in an interview with They were first taken to the and madness in the heads of confidence of the children and the number of pupils released. journalists vowed that the Governor, Primary Health Care facility in people who kidnapped these their parents but we will work While Governor Bello claimed school would not be closed as Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, Bosso Local Government Area pupils, I cannot understand how on that.” that a total of 91 pupils were a result of the incident instead who received the released pu- where they were attended to you abduct a three-year-old and The governor said now that kidnapped, and that he received he insisted that the school would pils of Salihu Tanko Islamiyya medically before being given keep him for more than two the pupils had been released, 90 as one died in captivity, be reorganised. “The school will School yesterday afternoon, has new clothes and the female months.” the government would go after the head teacher of the school continue, we will redesign it and described the abductors of the ones among them were given According to the governor, the kidnappers and bring them Alhassan Abubakar Garba said we will change the uniform.” school children as “having the Muslim head veil, Hijab. the abduction of the pupils to justice. 93 pupils were released. Though Garba refused to say sickness and madness in their The school children who were heads.” brought to the Government The children who were House in three air-conditioned abducted on May 30, this year buses, filed out into the Confer- were released on Thursday and ence Hall. travelled through the night to Bello, who confirmed that four arrive in Minna the state capital of the released pupils were not

Kogi at 30: Okun People Commend Bello for Uniting Ethnic Groups in State, Demand Governorship Ticket

As celebrates its 30 group in the state in the area of years of existence, the people of employment, appointment, project Okun in Kogi State under the execution among others. umbrella of Okun Development “But on assumption of office, the Association (ODA) have lauded governor introduced a policy known the state Governor, Yahaya Bello, for as ‘Ebigo Agenda’, meaning Ebira, uniting all ethnic groups in the state. Igala, and Okun agenda, which is The group also congratulated the primarily to promote unity and WE SHARE IN YOUR PAIN. . . governor on the 30th anniversary of oneness of the government and L-R: Governor of , Prince Dapo Abiodun; Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibajo; Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; and the state, praying that God should people of Kogi State with the sole Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, during a condolence visit to the Abioduns on the demise of their patriarch, Dr. Emmanuel Abiodun, at grant him the wisdom and good aim of portraying the interest of their family house in Iperu on Friday health to lead the state to the zenith. the state first above individual or The group, however, noted that selfish interest. as the state celebrates its 30 years “Without an iota of doubt, the of existence, it was important to Ebigo Agenda is commendable and state that Okun still lacked major one of the best moves of the New Jos Killings: Plateau Assembly to Buhari, Your Silence Dangerous infrastructural development, calling Direction Government of Bello as on the state government to do the it has confirmed that Kogi State Seriki Adinoyi in Jos with the same urgency and Chairman, House Committee world using the dead bodies of needful. belongs to all-Igalas, Ebiras, and zeal it did when the Muslim on Information, Hon. Peter the mayhem on the social media ODA in a statement made Okuns-as against the claims of The House of travellers were attacked. Dasun, who spoke on behalf and the streets of Jos. The display available to THISDAY yesterday some quarters in the past. Assembly has expressed worry It also gave Governor Simon of the House said the killings of the corpses in the House of by its President-General, Femi “Worthy of note also is the over President Muhammadu Lalong two weeks to take were unacceptable. Assembly is a sign that they Mokikan, noted that prior to Bello institutionalisation of this agenda Buhari’s continued silence over decisive action on the incessant He commended the youths for recognised the authority of the assumption of office as the governor in the area of appointments (both the recent killings in the state, attacks and killings in communi- publicly displaying the corpses House as an institution that can of the state, the Okun people were civil service and political), allocation saying the same Presidency that ties in the state. of the victims at the state House speak for the people. We greatly the most marginalised major ethnic and execution of projects. This is spoke same day Muslim com- Addressing a world press of Assembly in order to send a appreciate that action. muters were recently attacked in conference in Jos, the Assembly strong message to the government “As an Assembly with the Jos, had now lost its voice days also called on the people of that it was not doing enough to people at heart, we call on Plateau Bandits Kill 11, Injure Six in Fresh after a Christian community of Plateau to rise up and defend protect the citizens. State citizens to have confidence Yelwa Zangam was attacked and themselves and their communi- “We commend the youths on in us with renewed commitment Onslaught on Katsina Community over 35 persons massacred in ties, as the conventional security the Plateau for sustained coordi- as we have given two weeks to their homes. design seemed to have shown nated and organised campaigns the governor to take action on Francis Sardauna in Katsina stationed themselves in strategic The Assembly said it had ineptitude to do so, and can no against the killings and as well the resolutions the House has positions killing the villagers at expected the President Buhari longer guarantee the safety of the courage to make it go viral by forwarded on security matters No fewer than 11 villagers have sight. to condemn the recent killings the people. sending strong messages to the and how to restore peace. been killed and six others injured He said: “At the end of the by bandits in fresh onslaught attack this morning (Friday), on Dan-Kumeji community in we counted 11 dead bodies Kankara Local Government Area and we are currently making Ohanaeze Insists No Open Grazing in of . arrangements for their burial A resident of the area, Abdul- while six others were seriously mumini Sani, who confirmed the injured. Those injured are cur- Igboland as Uzodinma Backtracks incident in a telephone interview rently receiving treatment in a Ahamefula Ogbu Spokesman of Ohanaeze, Hon. we will resolve it,” he explained. the practice. with THISDAY yesterday, said medical facility.” Alex Ogbonna, told THISDAY On the statement issued by one In what appears as a retraction the bandits attacked the village He called on the state govern- The apex sociocultural Igbo that the position of the Igbo apex Okechukwu Isiguzoro purporting contained in a statement by his on Thursday around 11:30p.m. ment to deploy more security organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo organisation had not changed to have been issued by Ohanaeze, Media Adviser, Mr. Oguwuike and started shooting sporadically. personnel to the village and Worldwide yesterday insisted that but that should anyone hold a Ogbonna said any person who Nwachukwu, Uzodinma ex- According to him, as the vil- Kankara town to avert future their position was that there was contrary view, they would engage was issuing any statement on pressed regret that his statement lagers started running for safety, occurrence of what he termed not going to be any open grazing the person and through dialogue, behalf of the Igbo organisation on open grazing law was unknown to them the bandits had bloodbath in the area. in any part of Igboland but said they would arrive at a common other than those who won election “interpreted out of context” by it would use persuasion on any position. at Owerri was an “impostor” and a section of the media. governor that holds contrary view “Ohanaeze Ndigbo has already should be disregarded. He said what he meant was or position on the issue. taken a position that open grazing Isiguzoro had issued a state- that farmers and herders were OUR ERROR This is as Governor Hope will not be allowed in Igboland ment threatening to ostracise peacefully coexisting in the state Uzodinma of has and that position has not changed. Governor Uzodinma from as a result of mutual respect and Yesterday, in our front-page banner caption backtracked on his reported If anybody has a contrary opinion, Igbo land for breaking ranks understanding. on the photograph, titled: A Souvenir for The opposition to anti-open graz- there is no need to threaten or with Southern governors who “The governor who spoke General, printer’s devil interfered with the spelling ing when he told State House apply sanction; what we will at a meeting in Asaba, Delta through the Commissioner for of souvenir. Instead of SOUVENIR, we spelt it reporters that there was no need do with such a person is to State, took a common posi- Information and Strategy, Hon. SOURVENIR. We regret the mix-up and apologise to for the law and that there was engage him and let him state tion to ban open grazing in Declan Emelumba also disclosed our reading public. – Editor no anti-open grazing bill in the his convictions and we will also Southern Nigeria and later in that contrary to insinuations, the state since farmers and herders state ours and make the person their second meeting in Lagos, state has an Open Grazing Law had an understanding and had see why we said it should not be gave a September 1 deadline which became operative since been coexisting peacefully. practiced in Igboland, at the end for member states to outlaw 2006,” the statement said. 8 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 NEWS House Minority Caucus Decries FG’s Clampdown of Media

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and the citizens right to know, contrary to the provisions of the The Minority Caucus in the 1999 Constitution as amended. House of Representatives has It said: “The Minority Caucus frowned at the federal govern- frowns at the growing clamp- ment’s growing clampdown on down on the media as well the media as well as the lack of as the lack of professionalism professionalism and neutrality and neutrality on the part of on the part of the regulatory the regulatory agency under agency under the All Progressives the All Progressives Congress Congress (APC)-led government. (APC)-led federal government. The caucus said its position “As lawmakers, we hold was predicated on the query that rather than try to muffle issued Channels Television the media, the broadcast regulator by the National Broadcasting should have directed the televi- Commission (NBC) and the sion station to avail the federal FREEDOM AT LAST. . . invitation of some presenters government the opportunity to Released Tegina pupils shortly before being reunited with their parents after 88 days in captivity of bandits that kidnapped them for ransom of the television outfit to the refute, with facts, the statements headquarters of the Commis- of Governor Samuel Ortom of sion on Thursday, over some during the Sunrise recent interviews conducted Daily programme, which it Security, Good Governance, Critical for Sustainable Devt, Says FG on the station’s morning show, considered critical or misrep- Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja Course 14 of the National and required an all hands-on- development, she was of the be- Sunrise Daily. resentation of the government.” Institute for Security with the deck approach. lief that causality also runs in the The leader of the caucus, Hon. The caucus described the The federal government has theme, ‘Governance, Security She said: “The Ministry of other direction with growth and Ndudi Elumelu, in a statement commandeering of Channels declared that security and good and Sustainable Development Finance, Budget and National economic development creating issued yesterday also berated Television presenters to NBC’s governance were foundational in : Nexus, Challenges and Planning under my leadership a safe and secure environment the federal government over headquarters in Abuja, the and fundamental pillars for Prospects’. plays a critical role in ensuring where all Nigerians can pursue an unwarranted harassment of query of television outfit, and the attainment of sustainable To underscore the premium the funding requirements for their livelihoods. Channels Television and its staff. the unrelenting intimidation of development. paid on security, she said about 86 the various MDAs involved in Despite the 5.01 per cent The caucus noted that this independent broadcast media The government stated that in per cent of the 2021 Supplementary achieving this objective, including second quarter growth in gross development smacked of another outfits by the NBC as most spite of paucity of funds, security Budget was dedicated to the capi- the security agencies, are met in domestic product (GDP), she toxic push against press freedom inauspicious. agencies were prioritised in the tal and recurrent expenditure a timely and predictable fashion. declared that there was still a allocation of limited revenues, needs of the security agencies “However, at the ministry we lot of work to be done to achieve adding that despite the 5.01 per to supplement the allocations envision our role as extending sustainable development. Plateau Crisis: Sanwo-Olu Evacuates cent second quarter growth in in the 2021 amended budget. beyond facilitation to actively “The most recent GDP data gross domestic product (GDP), According to her, several engaging in the design and which reports real GDP growth 3-Week Old Baby, Lagos Students from Jos there was still a lot of work to initiatives to promote good gov- delivery of initiatives which of 5.01% in the second quarter of be done to achieve sustainable ernance are also funded through directly contribute to building 2021 is very encouraging news as Segun James Secretariat, Alausa, development. the federal budget supplemented the superstructure of good it indicates the Nigerian economy Ikeja, before being released to Minister of Finance, Budget with the assistance of development governance and security in is on a solid path to recovery. As the violence in Jos, the their families. and National Planning, Mrs. partners. Nigeria, all within the mandate It is important to note that Plateau State capital continues The students who were ac- Zainab Ahmed, stated these Ahmed noted that the con- of our ministry and its agencies.” much of the growth was driven to escalate, Lagos State Governor, companied by security agents in a paper she presented in straints posed by insecurity and But she observed that although by the expansion of the non-oil Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has and government officials arrived Abuja, yesterday at the Execu- misgovernance on sustainable good governance and security sector of the economy where ordered the evacuation of at the Lagos State Secretariat, tive Intelligence Management development were multi-faceted were instrumental to sustainable most Nigerians are employed. the state’s indigenes to Lagos Alausa at 1:56p.m. with their immediately. belongings in a luxury bus and The first of evacuees includ- other vehicles after long hours ing a three-week-old baby and of journey from Jos to Lagos. FG to Revive Privatised Non-performing Enterprises students of state origin arrived The students who were so Lagos yesterday. excited to be evacuated from Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja enterprises in the country. exhibited by the members in government. The evacuees comprised crisis-hit Jos and other parts of The committees yesterday the course of carrying out their Okoh said this prompted 64 UNIJOS students and the Plateau State currently experienc- The federal government submitted their reports to the assignment, the outcomes would the government, through three-week-old-baby, named ing violence and killings in the has promised to resuscitate Director General of the Bureau of bring the desired solution to the National Council on Daniella, who was reported last few weeks, sang praises and non-performing privatised Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Alex the non-performing privatised Privatisation (NCP) to direct to have been delivered shortly showered praises on Governor enterprises which were sold Okoh in Abuja, who reiterated enterprises. the BPE to investigate the before the crisis in Plateau State Sanwo-Olu and top officials of about 10 years ago. the Bureau’s commitment to col- He said the affected enter- cause(s) of their inability by the mother, Manya Banfe, a the Lagos State Government for About 37 per cent of the laborate with relevant agencies prises, privatised about 10 years to perform; and also prof- 200-Level student, arrived Lagos rescuing them from what they privatised enterprises are reported to resuscitate and bring to life, ago were in the automobile fer viable and acceptable in the afternoon and met with described as the ‘war zone’. to be non-performing. the moribund enterprises. sector, bricks and clay (housing) solutions to resuscitating Governor Sanwo-Olu at the This prompted the fed- Receiving the reports of the sector; oil palm sector, mines them to perform optimally, eral government to set up committees, Okoh expressed the and solid minerals sector and create employment, boost four inter-agency committees hope that with the wealth of others, failed to meet the aim the economy and increase Commercialisation of Natural Gas on the resuscitation of ailing/ experience, expertise, commit- of the privatisation and reform gross domestic product (GD), non- performing privatised ment, diligent and intellectualism programme of the federal among other benefits. Resources to Boost Economy, Says Kyari OPEC+ May Stick to Planned Release Zakzaky’s Travelling John Shiklam in Kaduna Aggregation Company of Nigeria (GACN) would ensure long-term Output Hike on Oil Price Rebound Documents, IMN Urges FG The Group Managing Direc- involvement and support of tor of the Nigerian National Government and Emmanuel Addeh with agency “Uncertainties over the world John Shiklam in Kaduna prosecuted for alleged culpable Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), key gas sector players such as report economy and the growth recovery homicide among other charges Mallam Mele Kyari, has said that the Nigerian Gas Company in China have largely peeled away. The Islamic Movement in following a clash between IMN the corporation was committed to (NGC), the Nigerian Gas Mar- The Organisation of Petroleum There’s good evidence that the Nigeria (IMN) has urged the members and soldiers in Zaria, the commercialisation of Nigeria’s keting Company (NGMC) and Exporting Countries (OPEC) and bottom in oil prices was temporary federal government to release Kaduna State, in December 2015. abundant natural gas resources virtual pipeline companies to its allies are expected to press and overdone, and if the recovery the international passports of their The Kaduna State High Court, to support balanced economic provide gas supply assurance on with their planned revival of continues, OPEC+ would likely leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky under trial Justice Gideon Kuradah, growth and job creation across to industries within the state on oil production when they meet stick to the plan,” said Ed Morse, and his wife, Zeenah, to enable had in a ruling on July 28, 2021, said the country. competitive terms. next week, as prices bounce back head of commodities research them travel abroad for medical the Kaduna government failed to Kyari spoke in Kaduna at the Kyari who led a team compris- from their August stumble. at Citigroup Inc. attention. establish a prima facie case against signing of a Memorandum of ing the Managing Director of The coalition led by Saudi The group has already In a statement by the spokes- the defendants, and accordingly Understanding (MoU) between GACN, Mr.. Olalekan Ogunleye, Arabia and Russia is gradually restarted roughly 45 per cent man of the IMN, , discharged and acquitted them. the NNPC, the Aggregation noted that Kaduna used to be restoring the vast amount of of the unprecedented production yesterday, the group said the However, after their release, Company of Nigeria (GACN) a hub for industries, expressed crude production halted during volume shuttered last spring. government had not returned the state government filed fresh and the Kaduna State Govern- the hope that the signing would the pandemic, and will probably Under a plan spearheaded by their international passport to charges against them at the Federal ment for utilisation and expan- help provide the gas needed for ratify the next monthly instalment Saudi Minister Prince them since the medical trip High Court, bordering on alleged sion of gas supply in the state. some of those industries to be when it gathers on September 1, Abdulaziz bin Salman, OPEC+ which was allegedly scuttled terrorism and treasonable felony. He said the initiative was revived. according to a Bloomberg survey will return the rest in monthly by the government in 2018. The IMN lamented that “four aimed at utilising the nation’s He said, as the world transited of traders and analysts. increments of 400,000 barrels a Musa said both the Nigerian weeks after being discharged and abundant gas resources. to low carbon energy, the nation’s Crude markets faltered earlier day through to late 2022. Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the acquitted by a Kaduna State According to him, the huge gas resources would con- this month as the resurgent pan- Bloomberg quoted 17 of 22 Department of State Security (DSS) High Court, El-Zakzaky, and his Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) tinue to be an important source demic threatened demand in China traders, analysts and refiners had denied being in possession of wife, were yet to travel abroad Gas Pipeline Projects would soon of clean energy for today and and the U.S. But prices have since surveyed as saying that they the couple’s travelling documents for medical treatment as their be completed to further boost the future. recovered after fuel use proved expected no change to the since their release following the international passports are still the transmission of gas. “There is no better way of resilient to the latest coronavirus next schedule at Wednesday’s ruling of a Kaduna High Court. being held by security agencies The utilisation and gas making cheaper and cleaner wave, giving the cartel and its meeting, meaning October’s The duo were detained for and a new one has not been expansion project which is energy than delivering gas into partners more breathing space. hike will go ahead as planned. over five years and were being issued to them. being facilitated by the Gas the domestic market,” he added. SATURDAY AUGUST 28, 2021 • THISDAY 7 SATURDAY AUGUST 28, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 NEWS UK Donates Another 592,880 Osinbajo: Governor Abiodun’s Late COVID-19 Vaccine Doses to Nigeria Father Lived a Fulfilled Life Bennett Oghifo and Michael and Pakistan. Olugbode in Abuja The statement said, “These Deji Elumoye in Abuja accompanied to the family house While consoling with the family, he is in fact the governor. Papa UK-donated doses are part of a by both the Speaker of the House the Vice President noted that “there saw the inauguration of his son The federal government yesterday broader pledge to share 100 million Vice President Yemi Osinbajo of Representatives, Hon. Femi are three reasons at least, why as governor. He was there for his received another 592,880 doses of vaccines with the rest of the world has commiserated with Governor Gbajabiamila and Ondo State we should be rejoicing and not first year, second year, and he did the AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 by June 2022. 80 per cent of these Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, mourning. The first is that Papa so with great joy. vaccine donated by the UK via the doses will be shared through the on the demise of his father, Pa said he was in the state to deliver lived a long life, almost 90, a year “The third reason is that COVAX Facility. COVAX Facility, with 30 million Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun, President ’s to his 90th birthday, that is a good he has left behind a worthy This brings the total number of due to be sent by the end of 2021.” saying the deceased lived a fulfilled condolences. number.” legacy. The Bible says a good COVID-19 vaccine doses donated The UK Prime Minister, Boris life of impact. He said: “I am here with my “The second is that before man leaves inheritance for the to Nigeria from the UK through Johnson, made this pledge at the Osinbajo stated this yesterday in brother, Dapo Abiodun, certainly he died, I don’t think that there children and children’s children. COVAX to 1,292,640 doses in August UK-hosted G7 Leaders’ Summit Iperu, Ogun State, while paying not as a visitor. This, as you all was any prayer of his that was The inheritance is not cars and alone, according to a statement by earlier this year, according to the a condolence visit to Governor know, is home for me. Papa was not answered. I think one of houses. Even houses, when it is the UK. statement. Abiodun and the family over the my father, and so, I am here to his important prayers was for transferred from children to the These vaccines delivered to It added that the UK had led transition of their 89-year-old father. represent the President of the his son, who had aspired to be children’s children, they will end Nigeria are part of over five the international response to The Vice President who was Federal Republic of Nigeria.” governor of Ogun State, and up selling it. million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19, including through COVID-19 vaccines that the UK kick-starting efforts to establish the donated through COVAX, the COVAX Facility in 2020, providing scheme designed to ensure equitable, £548 million to fund vaccines for global access to COVID-19 vaccines. lower income countries. “So far, the This latest batch was part of the COVAX Facility has delivered more 9 million COVID-19 vaccines the than 152 million vaccine doses to UK donated around the world over 137 countries and territories, since the end of July 2021. Recipi- including in 83 lower-middle income ent countries include Zambia, the countries. COVAX aims to deliver Democratic Republic of the Congo, 1.8 billion vaccines to lower-income Malawi, Senegal, Egypt, Ethiopia, countries by early 2022.” 20 Killed, 37 Injured, Property Worth N1bn Lost in Flood Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi According to him, “We are still collating number of Emergency Man- casualties. However, we have agement Agency (SEMA) has recorded additional Àgures of disclosed that deaths recorded death: we recorded additional so far as a result of Áoods in three in Gamawa, we have two parts of the state had increased in Darazo and two in Duguri. to 20 while 37 persons sustained Flood brought three dead bodies varying degrees of injuries with in Jama’are. property worth N1 billion lost. “We recorded 37 people YOU ’VE DONE WELL… Giving an update on Áood injured. Forty-seven culverts L-R: Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy Agba and the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj. Gen. Sanusi Dahiru, exchanging souvenirs situation in the state while were washed away by the Áood, during the minister’s visit to Army Headquarters Garrison in Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja ... yesterday brieÀng journalists yesterday, while 27 bridges collapsed, 6,000 the Coordinator, Bauchi State farmlands submerged with over Emergency Management Agency 2,000 families aͿected and over (SEMA), Dr. Abubakar Umar one billion naira property lost.” Gabarin, said that more deaths The SEMA coordinator further Irabor: Armed Forces Reviewing Operations in Trouble Spots were recorded, adding that all said that the state Governor, Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja the 20 local government areas Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mo- held at 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, interactive session with our retired He further explained that the of the state were aͿected by hammed, had set up a high The Chief of Defence Staff in Asaba, Delta State. senior officers, and we are going security parley would focus on Áoods so far. powered committee headed (CDS), General Lucky Irabor The CDS said the security to leverage the success and benefit engaging critical stakeholders such Gabarin, who said that the by the state deputy governor, said yesterday that the Armed parley, which was flagged-off in to improve on security and safety as royal fathers, some of whom agency was still collating reports Senator Baba Tela, to go round Forces of Nigeria was reviewing the South-west, was of immense of lives and properties.” were equally retired senior officers on Áooding in parts of the state, the aͿected areas with a view its operational engagements in benefit to the Armed Forces, as The defence chief noted that the and among the participants. They noting that while 6,000 farmlands to assessing and bringing a the various theatres in order to several topical issues that emanated operational engagements of Delta are expected to take some lessons were submerged, 47 culverts comprehensive report on the bring peace to the crisis parts of from all the geo-political zones were State, which was in synergy with arising from the interaction to were washed away with 27 damages caused by Áoods in the country. being addressed. other internal security arrangement, sensitise their subjects. bridges collapsed. communities. Gen Irabor stated this at the 6th This, he said, was guiding the were impacting on the peculiar The CDS assured that the Armed edition of the CDS security parley military high command in reviewing security challenges, including illegal Forces would continue to foster the with military veterans tagged, “CDS its operational doctrines and plans. oil bunkering, piracy, among others, right ambience for other stakehold- Interactive Session with Retired According to Gen Irabor, “inter- adding that the security disposition ers in order to holistically combat Runsewe Commends Media Senior Military Officers in the action is a continuous process, so in the South-south region would the numerous security challenges South-south Geo-political zone”, much value has emerged from the continue to get better. in the region. for Promoting Arts, Culture Director General of National in the arts and culture sector Don’t Squander Wealth of Future ICPC Moves against Estimated Council for Culture and Arts in Nigeria should as a matter (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun of collective responsibility Generations, Atiku Tells FG Billing, Illegal Sale of Meters Runsewe, has commended ensure that the sector takes its Bennett Oghifo Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja the media for their tireless pride of place in the Nigerian National revenue in the period represented by Mallam Hassan contribution to the promotion economy, warning that the near under review (H1). Salihu, an Assistant Commis- of culture, arts and tourism in total dependence on crude oil Former Vice President Atiku “Although this clearly vin- The Independent Corrupt sioner in the Commission, called Nigeria, saying the successes he exportation as the source of our Abubakar has called on the Mu- dicates me, I have no joy that Practices and Other Related on Non-Governmental Organ- achieved over the years were foreign exchange earnings had hammadu Buhari administration things have gotten to this stage. OͿences Commission (ICPC) isations (NGOs), Community- made possible by the Nigerian greatly slowed down the pace of to stop borrowing more money “Once again, I call on the yesterday moved against cor- Based Organisations (CBOs) and media. development in other sub-sectors to prevent an impending financial government to revisit the ruption related matters arising electricity regulatory bodies to Runsewe, who made the com- of the economy such as agro-allied crisis. solutions provided in my June from estimated billings, illegal join hands in the prevention mendation during an interactive industry, manufacturing, solid Atiku said in a statement 16, 2020 statement and other sale of meters and other related of electricity related corruption session with journalists at the minerals, and the service industry, issued by his media organisa- interventions made earlier by oͿences in the electricity sector. in Nigeria. Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, said among others. tion yesterday that he sounded other patriotic Nigerians and The Chairman of ICPC, The ICPC chairman revealed the purpose of the meeting was “I urge us to work together a similar alarm on June 16, last my humble self. Nigeria is the Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, that the commission articulated to exchange views, opinions, to synergise, to always share year devoid of political undertone only country we have, and we SAN, while speaking at a the national ethics and integ- knowledge and experiences ideas and experiences on the best but that he was derided by the must all do everything possible, consultation meeting of business rity policy which was geared on how this very important practices in the sector. Countries Presidency, rather than heed his irrespective of party affiliation, membership organisations and towards instilling lost values as sector can be strengthened as like China, India, Dubai, Brazil warning and proffered solution. to keep our nation financially electricity regulatory bodies a norm in the lives of citizens a vehicle for creating wealth and and South Africa that are reaping “Interestingly, yesterday, (Thurs- solvent for future generations.” organised by the Association in the country. driving sustainable economic from the huge benefits in the day, August 26, 2021) the Budget According to the former Vice of Public Policy Analysis The ICPC, in a statement, development of Nigeria. arts, culture and tourism sector Office of the same administration President, “On June 16, 2020, I (APPA-Nigeria), in Abuja, noted said the seven core values The NCAC boss who was today started like us. They did released a statement to the effect sounded an alarm to the nation that the incessant complaints of the policy include human accompanied by the Director, not have better resources than that Nigeria made N2. 23 trillion that our debts have reached about high billings of electricity dignity, voice and participation, Performing Arts, NCAC, Mr. Sam us. It is the vision, the passion revenue in the first half of 2021, unsustainable levels, and were tariͿ by power regulators was patriotism, personal responsibil- Agbi and Director, Special Duties; and the commitment that makes and spent N2.02 trillion on debt consuming over 90% of our becoming rife. ity, integrity, national unity, and NCAC, Dr. Gerald Adewole, said the difference. It is not too late servicing, representing 90.58% of revenue in debt servicing. Owasanoye, who was professionalism. media and other stakeholders to start now,” he said SATURDAY AUGUST 28, 2021 • THISDAY 11 12 AUGUST 28, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER COMMENTARY THE NADIR OF GOVERNANCE The attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy has exposed the vulnerability of everyone, writes Sonny Iroche

he recent unprecedented and hitherto unimaginable The APC led government of President Buhari seems to attack on Nigeria’s premier military training institution, have lost total control of all aspects of the management of the the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), by terrorists, is a country. clear indication of a total failure of leadership in Nigeria. Nigeria is in perpetual nadir as a country. For when one TJust to draw comparisons with other military academies such thinks that the country has descended into the worst possible as the West Point (USA) and Sandhurst (UK), the NDA, should lows, we very quickly sink into new lows. be one of the most militarily secured facilities in any serious No doubt, our country needs urgent help to stem the country and government. Any wonder, therefore, why the over further atrophy and possible disintegration, in the mould of a decade war against Boko Haram, seems unwinable? This has other failed states like Afghanistan, Lebanon and Somalia. further exposed the underbelly, unreadiness and vulnerability of our Armed Forces to protect and defend the territorial integrity It is not too late to still salvage whatever is left of Nigeria’s of Nigeria. When such an embarrassing failure is evident nationhood, honor and integrity. This administration hasn’t in any institution, the military command, starting from the much time left to be filibustering and blaming all others, but Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari; the Joint itself for its abysmal performance and failure. Chiefs of Staff and the Service Chiefs to the Commandant of One of the several ways that the Buhari administration the NDA, should be called out and held accountable. If one could save the iota of governance credibility that could still of the most strategic facilities which is at the nucleus of our be available, is to, first, without further delay, dissolve his safety and security can be so easily compromised and defiled, tired and lackluster cabinet, in order to rest those ministers one wonders what could happen to ANY other critical civilian with political ambitions of running for offices, come 2023. facilities in the country. Such as the other key critical facilities in Secondly, approach one of the big five international consult- the country, which are at the heart of the development of any ing firms in the country to assist him in seeking out some country are: of the best professional hands (and they are many). Because • National Electricity Grid, which is centralized and over all that most of his ministers and aides are concerned the years been vulnerable to intermittent theft and vandalism with now, is politics and their 2023 ambitions and nothing of its equipment and infrastructure. This has been one of the altruistic in the execution of their key performance index. reasons advanced by advocates like us, for the decentraliza- The few months left for this administration, demand serious tion of the National Grid, which is under the total purview of engagements on people oriented services, management the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). of the economy, safety and security of lives and property, • Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), is the fulcrum of the restructuring of the country, bringing the various peoples of banking and financial services of both the federal govern- the country together - as never before has Nigeria ever been ment, the banks, international trade and businesses. The this polarized along ethno-religion lines. government Minting and Printing Company of Nigeria, Does any one of the president aides ever tell the president which is responsible for printing the local currency and other that all his statements that follow any terrorist attacks on vital government documents, is a parastatal of the CBN. Nigerians or some of the faux pas committed by the admin- What would be the consequences to the country’s economy istration, now sound like the barking of a toothless bull dog should such facilities, come under terrorists’ attacks? and nauseating to the ears of both Nigerians and the comity • Foreign Embassies and High Commissions, of countries of nations? that are established in the country, would certainly be We don’t need commiseration, condolences to the several concerned about the safety and security of their personnel families that have lost loved ones, or what the president says and facilities both in Abuja and Lagos. Giving the evident or promises that he will do. All Nigerians and our develop- porosity of our security apparatchiks, as shown by the ment partners want to see and witness, are specific actions, frequent terrorist attacks on schools, institutions and now the and serious steps taken by this government to ameliorate the effrontery of the NDA attack; must be a cause for concern for rudderless trajectory of the Nigerian ship of state. the international and diplomatic communities in the country. How history and historians will judge President Buhari’s The unending security breaches in Nigeria have had dire IF ONE OF THE MOST STRATEGIC FACILITIES WHICH administration, is almost certain. How much can he do in this consequences on the economy and Feel Good Index of the IS AT THE NUCLEUS OF OUR SAFETY AND SECURITY remaining injury time of his government? We are however, country. Foreign Direct Investments into the country have CAN BE SO EASILY COMPROMISED AND DEFILED, ONE reminded and hopeful that wonders shall never end. dwindled to their lowest levels ever in the history of the WONDERS WHAT COULD HAPPEN TO ANY OTHER [email protected] country. CRITICAL CIVILIAN FACILITIES IN THE COUNTRY

IN SEARCH OF COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP

Chris Gyang urges Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong, to stand with the people

n times of crisis, citizens look up to their painfully suffering from the wounds of a brutal swiftly deployed a massive security and intel- muster some political crumbs from their tables. leader for protection, respite and direction. A attack launched by a well-known enemy that ligence paraphernalia and personnel to handle It is worthy of note that had Governor Lalong leader takes charge from the front, securing has become a thorn in the flesh of almost all the matter and issued a statement condemning not prevaricated and spoken from both sides the values, identity and posterity of his/her Nigerians - Fulani herdsmen. the attacks. President Buhari was also said to of the mouth about the crisis in Plateau State, Ipeople. And the people trust and support him At around 10.00 pm local time on Tuesday, have lost his appetite due to the trauma he the protracted Bassa carnage, which ultimately with the assurance that he would neither lead August 25, 2021, they launched a well co- suffered from the sad incident involving his 22 led to the Rukuba Road incident, would have them astray nor abandon or betray them. From ordinated attack on the quiet, mainly Christian Fulani kinsmen. On his own part, Governor been averted. To be sure, Fulani herdsmen are antiquity to the present day, these are some of community of Yelwan Zangam, in the suburbs Lalong visited the Fulani survivors in hospitals. currently occupying Rafin Bauna (Detsen Kaura) the most fundamental grounds on which the of Jos, the Plateau State capital. Not less than And within a record two days, the security in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA). This legitimacy of leaders and their relationship with 36 innocent people were massacred - some of dragnet was able to bring in more than 22 area is a stone’s throw from the headquarters their followers are founded. them slaughtered, others set on fire and burnt suspects. of the formidable 3rd Armoured Division of the But, sadly, this is not what obtains in today’s beyond recognition. Reports say that children But as we write, the Presidency has not Nigerian Army. Plateau State. Today, the governor and the and women were among the victims. issued any statement about the Yelwan Zangam Also in Riyom LGA, the Fulani have seized people he purports to lead stand poles apart. The following day, journalists reported massacre. And, as is usual with such heinous large swathes of rich agricultural lands in The governor and the majority of the people witnessing policemen openly weeping on the crimes against indigenous peoples, the question Rankum and Fass which they have renamed of the state are going in completely opposite streets of Jos upon sighting the corpses that of the identity of the perpetrators is still in Mahanga and Tafawa. These herdsmen and directions. While the people continually resist hundreds of aggrieved youth loaded in trucks in doubt, talk less of making any appreciable their well-armed militia use these indigenous the shackles of the northern oligarchy, Governor procession to Government House, Rayfield, Jos. progress towards their arrest. And in a matter areas to launch attacks on communities in Bassa Lalong appears to be desperately aligning Amid chaotic scenes, the equally grieving police of days, the gory massacre will be swept under and Riyom LGAs respectively. But this is just a himself with their diabolical agenda. An agenda officers allowed the youth proceed to the seat of the carpet – and become one more sad footnote tip of the iceberg. built on ethnic and religious supremacy and power where they dumped the human remains in our bloody history. Until the herdsmen strike, It is upon these cauldrons of simmering dominance. An agenda that has now become a to register their frustration over the governor’s once again. injustice, forceful dispossession of lands, death sentence on the indigenous citizens of the consistent inability to stand with the people in As for Governor Lalong, even his die-hard destruction of farm crops and wilful massacres state whom the governor swore to protect at all the face of such attacks which have spiked in supporters who had continued to give him that the Lalong administration sits; pretending times and under all circumstances. recent weeks. the benefit of the doubt are now beginning to that dispensing the kind of jaundiced justice As we have pointed out elsewhere in the The latest incident comes after a security alert doubt his sincerity in handling these recurring prescribed by President Buhari would make past, it is from these broad perspectives that we was slammed on the entire country following outbreaks of violence which have placed Plateau’s horrific nightmare disappear in one fell must understand both past and the unfolding the August 14 killing of 22 Fulani Muslims at indigenous communities at the receiving swoop. bloody onslaughts on innocent Plateau citizens Rukuba Road, Jos North LGA. They were said end. They fear that if he does not change his Courage, sacrifice and integrity are the by Fulani herdsmen and sundry Islamist to have been traveling back to Ondo State from attitude and stand with his people, the state universal hallmarks of great leadership. These militia who President Buhari and Governor a religious festival in neighbouring Bauchi State. may likely descend into anarchy as more and outstanding qualities make leaders and their Lalong have deceptively continued to label as Pundits argue that the Yelwan Zangam more communities come under the attack of the people survive periods of collective adversity ‘unknown gunmen’, ‘miscreants’ and ‘criminals’. massacre has once again highlighted the rampaging, land-grabbing Fulani herdsmen. and come out even stronger. They do so in order to conceal the true identities strong feeling among most Plateau people that The overwhelming feeling among the major- Is it too late for Governor Lalong to firmly of the perpetrators and their sinister and long- Governor Lalong may very likely be in cahoots ity of Plateau citizens is that they have become grab integrity and bravely dare his peoples’ standing plans to make us forever subservient with President Buhari, working in the interests expendable pawns, sacrificed by their governor enemies in order to earn a place on the pan- to their narrow, primordial whims. of the Fulani herdsmen. in a high stakes political chess game. His aim, theon of Plateau State’s great leaders? That is why, once again, Plateau people They say that, for instance, immediately after they say, is to gain acceptance and legitimacy Gyang is the Chairman of Journalists are in deep mourning and agony. They are the killing of the 22 Fulani men, the Presidency within the ranks of the oligarchy and be able to Coalition for Citizens’ Rights Initiative AUGUST 28, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER 13 INSIGHT

Can we stop the brain drain?

The Traumatised Children of Tegina Gov Fintiri and Burden of Debt

or the families of the kids seized from their run so smoothly and seamlessly for months that no overnments throughout the world borrow economy and on the poor people. The big question: school by bandits in Tegina, Niger State, and one in their right senses can discount complicity in funds to stimulate the economy and secure is the Fintiri government borrowing without finally released after 89 days in captivity, the high places. the future of its people. When revenues prioritizing? Did the government put in place plans terror was real, raw and rasping. They were all The questions are endless: Where do these bandits fall short of spending, governments must for the efficient utilization of the borrowed funds? Or Fover the place for months trying to scale the mountain keep their victims and who are those that facilitate Gborrow. Borrowing by a government is not a crime; if it is just the same old Nigerian story - borrowing for put before them by ruthless criminals. It was heart- their indescribably malignant missions? Surely, the there are well-spelt priorities and prudent management consumption? wrenching to note that some of those children were bandits and those who facilitate their heinous crimes of funds including efficient debt management strategies. On August 21, 2021, the Daily Trust published a as young as four. Finally, after three months, there is a against innocent children have no place here. However, if borrowed funds are not directed to story on the structural decay at foremost General nationwide sigh of relief. But they would not have been so audacious and productive parts of the economy, they will constitute an Murtala Mohammed College Yola, but few meters As the children remained in captivity, Nigerians ruthless were it not for Nigeria`s extremely porous impediment to long-term growth of the economy, open away from the school, the Fintiri government could relate. Even Nigerians yet to become parents security situation. While Boko Haram holds its own the windows of mismanagement and create citizens’ is constructing a multi-billion naira flyover and themselves could relate to the indescribable anguish against Nigerian soldiers in the North-east, other mistrust of the government. inter-change – a misplacement of priority? There of parents who had to go through interminable criminals studied Boko Haram`s manuscript. Being Some experts say, not-well-managed commercial is news going around that the Fintiri government days and nights without knowing the whereabouts crass and criminal opportunists, they have invested debt service and repayments lead to growth retarda- is in the process of renovating and furnishing the of their children. For many families life lost its their criminal energies into terrorizing Nigerians. tion - commercial debts have an overhang effect! Adamawa government lodge in Maitama, Abuja at meaning. It became difficult to eat or even sleep. They have perfected the act of storming schools and The Fintiri government has so far borrowed billions the cost of N250 million of which N100 million has Yet for months, it appeared that the government abducting students to force terrified families to raise of naira in just two years - N9.9 billion for the 2000 already been released. Another misplaced priority? of Niger State and the federal government were millions in these days of austerity. housing units, N17 billion for critical projects and N4 The Boni Haruna administration bought the building content to do only little. Or perhaps, they were Nigeria`s pathetic security situation which gravely billion for the University and the at the cost of N100 million. petrified of the ruthless bandits closing upon the rest imperils the education of children also ironically recently approved N100 billion bond for agribusiness. On August 18, 2021 the Adamawa State executive of Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory from emphasizes the power of education to transform the Many people are of the view that ‘agribuisness is a council approved the sum of N56m for consultants impenetrable forests. country and carry out the most important form of generic statement. Though, to their credit, the Fintiri to monitor the completion of the 40km Pella-Maiha The banditry in Niger State has been unsparing. disarmament – that of the mind. government was able to restructure many loans Road which was awarded in 2007 by the Murtala A member of the State`s Executive Council was The trauma experienced in Tegina must not be collected by the previous government- especially that Nyako administration. The project which was worth abducted and subsequently released to tell harrow- allowed to be repeated anywhere. It is why every of the Bindow administration N3 billion but now N9 billion (the adjustment ing tales of the blood curdling tactics of the bandits. school in the country especially in Niger, Kaduna, As of March 31, 2021 Adamawa State domestic happened between the period of the Nyako-Bindow The Niger State Government subsequently Kebbi, Borno, Yobe and Katsina States must be debts stood at N95bn. Massive borrowings without governments) though, there is nothing wrong in struggled to dispel accusations that it paid ransom secured. proper strategy for investment always lead to heavy hiring good consultancy firm in order to get excellent to get the commissioner released while the children Kene Obiezu, Abuja debt burden and, also creates adverse effects for the results. However, prioritizing of needs of the people abducted from Tegina were left to languish in the lair is very important for a government like that of of their tormentors. Adamawa State with meager resources and very As the days passed, the criminals who were poor people. Critics of the Fintiri government holding the children perfected the art of coining THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER always point that a very important problem with outrageous and outlandish demands. Millions were EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE the administration is it is unmindful of capital flight paid yet they had the cheeks to ask for millions more DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU from Adamawa. Most of its contracts are handled and even means of transportation to facilitate their MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO by non-indigenes of Adamawa. For example, the DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU criminal enterprise. To salt the wounds, they crafted CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI consultancy for the monitoring of the completion of a bucket list of demands complete with the chilling EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN the Pella-Maiha Road should have been handled by warning that unless their demands were met, the MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI locals. Imagine forming a committee with people children would face an unimaginable fate. THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE Sajo Gella, SYB Yunusa and many more from that Belongings were sold to raise money even as area to handle the monitoring. Fintiri will get the parents lamented that there existed omniscient desired results as well score a point on policies and and omnipotent informants who fed the criminals politics at the same time. critical information. It is humiliating for Nigerians THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED The Fintiri government is facing three critical that right in the forests of Niger State, such an EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA issues – firstly misplacement of priority. Some of its GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, elaborate criminal enterprise was allowed to go on projects are misplaced. Secondly, the government is ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI with the government appearing lost and helpless. DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE facing the issue of public mistrust. However good It is no coincidence that something similar is afoot DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI its intentions in borrow; many citizens don’t trust in Kaduna State with the captive students of Bethel SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH the government. Thirdly, the Fintiri government Baptist High School. The unfortunate incident in ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI is also having the issue of poor distribution of Tegina was not isolated. For years now, there has CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI wealth. However, to be fair to Fintiri, it is not easy DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO been a method to the madness of these bandits. governing Adamawa State, but accepting some They kidnap kids for ransom and in return for their TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] good advice can help. sweat they rake in millions of naira. Their schemes Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja 14 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 NEWS Kogi Procures Nigeria’s First Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Chamber Nseobong Okon-Ekong of His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to revamp the state’s health The Kogi State Government has sector and change the old nar- procured the first hospital based rative of a moribund sector that Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment supervised substandard services.” (HBOT) chamber in Nigeria. HBOT chamber is a very useful With this development, Nigeria equipment that can help in heal- becomes the fifth country in Africa ing people with both internal and with such sophisticated medical external life threatening injuries equipment. as well as in health complications According to a statement like air or gas embolism, brain yesterday, signed by the Com- and sinus infections, necrotizing missioner for Health in Kogi State, soft tissue infections, arterial Dr. Saka Haruna Audu, this was insufficiency or low blood flow great news for Nigerian patients in the arteries, radiation injury, who hitherto had to travel abroad especially as a result of cancer for such treatments. treatment, anaemia, osteomyelitis, Audu said, “Whoever has gas gangrene, carbon monoxide been following the trend of poisoning, burns and skin grafts. achievements in Kogi State “HBOT is becoming increas- Health Sector must have now ingly popular and mostly used as seen the purposeful move to turn adjuvant therapy to conventional PUTTING HEADS TOGETHER… the state to a choice destination treatment/management of some L-R: Executive Director Corporate Affairs, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, Mrs. Ore Famurewa; Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO for health tourism. life threatening conditions to Nigeria PLC, Mr. Ben Langat; and Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Sambo Nanono, renewing their commitment to dairy value “This is only possible with minimise healing times,” he chain development at an MoU signing ceremony in Abuja...recently much thanks to the determination stated.

Bandits Release 32 of 63 Remaining Abducted Ex-Abia Gov, Orji, Speaker Mourn Demise Students of Kaduna Baptist School of Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, Adanma Okpara Former governor of , comprising the South-east and John Shiklam in Kaduna Chairman of the Kaduna We still have 31 being held abducted 121 students. Senator and the South of today, Ladies Victoria State chapter of the Christian by the bandits,” he said. So far 90 of the students Speaker of Abia State House of Aguiyi-Ironsi and Adanma Bandits have released 32 of Association of Nigerian The released 32 students had regained freedom, remain- Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Okpara. the remaining 63 abducted (CAN), Rev. Joseph Hayab, came a week after a batch of ing 31 in captivity. Orji, have described the demise “These ladies experienced the students of Bethel Baptist conÀrmed their release in 15 were released on Saturday Sources said the parents of Mrs. Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi and darkest segment of our history as High School, Damishi, Ka- a telephone conversation last week and reunited with have spent a total of about Adanma Okpara as great loss to General Johnson Umunnakwe duna. yesterday evening. their parents. N200 million as ransom for Abia State in particular and Nigeria Aguiyi Ironsi was brutally assas- They were released Hayab said, “32 of the 63 The bandits had on July 5, the release of the students in general, saying they received the sinated in a counter coup in 1966, yesterday evening after an students have been released invaded the school, located as demanded for ransom on news with sadness and disbelief. while Dr. M I Okpara, Premier undisclosed amount of money this evening and have been some few kilometres away each batches of the students Senator Orji in a statement by of Eastern Region went on exile was paid. reunited with their parents. from Kaduna metropolis and that were released. his media aide, Eddie Onuzuruike, at the Demise of Biafra. said late Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi who Victoria and Adanma, in a was wife of the Àrst military Head fatal coincidences are no more of State, General Johnson Aguiyi- today having gone the way of all Ugwuanyi Hands over Mosques to Insecurity: ‘FG to Prioritise Improving Ironsi and late Mrs. Adanma mortals. They highly exempliÀed Okpara wife of the former Premier the biblical virtuous woman and Muslim Community in Nsukka Electricity Supply in Barracks’ of Eastern Region, Dr. Michael brought to the fore the dictum Okpara, contributed their quota that marriage is for better and Governor Iman, Nsukka Central Mosque, Amidst growing security “My visit is at the instant to the development of the country. for worse. of , in keeping Alhaji Yakubu Omeh, yesterday, challenges facing the country, of the Commander. I was “Death, the end of man’s journey “By their exits, Umuahia North with his earlier directives, on Ugwuanyi, represented by the the federal government has as- here before to see for myself, on earth struck in Abia Central LGA, Abia in general and as a Friday, formally handed over Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Hon. sured the military that it would the electricity challenges in Senatorial District snu΀ng life matter of fact, the entire nation, to the Muslim community in Ugwueze, thanked God that double its eͿorts to ensure a this barracks. When I came, I out of two exceptional and most have been robbed of mother- Nsukka, two mosques rebuilt the incident did not lead to any stable and sustainable electricity identiÀed some issues like the celebrated matriarchs, former First Àgures whose lifestyles, stoicism by his administration which loss of life. supply across military barracks high electricity rate even when Ladies of the Federal Republic and amiability will be greatly were hitherto aͿected following The governor thanked and formations in the country. the power supply was a major of Nigeria and Eastern Region missed for a long time to come.” a protest that erupted in the the Christian and Muslim Minister of State, Power, challenge. To solve that problem, area, late last year. communities for sustaining Goddy Jedy-Agba, gave the we dropped the barracks from Ugwuanyi, on the heels of the the existing peace in Enugu assurances yesterday during a grade “A” where the electricity unfortunate crisis, immediately State, reassuring them of his visit to the Army Headquarters rate is high to the level you are Enugu At 30: Ekweremadu Pays dispatched the Chairman of commitment to continue to Garrison in Mogadishu Canton- now where you can guarantee at Nsukka Local Government Area, protect everybody resident ment, Abuja. least, a minimum of four hours Tribute to Founding Fathers Hon. Cosmas Ugwueze and in the state. Jedy-Agba who said electricity of electricity a day at a low cost. Deji Elumoye in Abuja the security agencies to scene In a message of apprecia- has a key role to play in the Àght “I understand that just four Dr. , Barr. to restore peace and normalcy, tion presented Prof. Momoh against insecurity noted that as hours is not enough but coming , and today, which resulted to no loss of Mumuni, the Muslims the government was working to from where we were, you can Former Deputy President of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, life and minimal damage to expressed their profound improve the general welfare of agree with me that this is an the Senate, , has for the progress made so far. property. gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi men and o΀cers of the military improvement. Also, note that felicitated with the government “It is to their collective credit Ugwuanyi further directed for rebuilding and inaugura- and other security agencies, that’s the minimum per day but and people of Enugu State as that Enugu, as former capital of the immediate rebuilding of tion of the mosques, stressing special attention would be given we are working to ensure it’s the state clocked 30 years Friday. the defunct Eastern region, East the two aͿected mosques that the governor has “shown to the electricity challenges in improved to about 18-24 hours Ekweremadu, in a state- Central State, old , and consequently detailed the high level of compassion, tol- barracks. per day. We can’t underestimate ment entitled “Enugu: 30 and and old Enugu State, remains a council chairman to liaise with erance, resilience, dedication, He said that “I’m happy to be the importance of electricity in Fledging”, poured encomium cynosure of unity and egalitarian- the leadership of the Muslim commitment, bridge-building here because from the introduc- the Àght against the criminal on successive leaders of the ism, an investment destination, community in Nsukka, to spirit; and has exhibited tion, I have heard names that elements trying to destabilise our state and the founding fathers, one of the most secure states of redesign and construct new sincere passion for which we reÁect our cultural and ethnic country. So, as a government, saying although there had been the federation, and a rallying mosques for them. have known you since your diversity; every part of this we are working to double our challenges, the state had made point and home for Ndigbo, the Handing over the rebuilt days; and harbor no grudges country is represented here, eͿorts to ensure better electricity progress, while potentials remain people of the former Eastern mosques to the Nsukka Muslim against anybody living in your so we can talk to ourselves as supply in the barracks and other enormous. region, and indeed all Nigerians. community, led by the Chief domain”. Nigerians. security formations.” According to him: “This day “I doͿ my cap to the found- will always remain special to ing fathers of the state such as the Waawa people as we also Chief Christian Chukwuma Ikpeazu: We’ve Done Enough to Put Abia Among Progressive States remain grateful to the military Onoh, HRH Igwe Edward administration of General Ibra- Nnaji, Chief Enechi Onyia, Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in He stated this in a statewide the pantheon of economically and later unveiled at a ceremony at the him Babangida for graciously HRH Igwe Charles Abangwu, Umuahia broadcast to mark the 30th socially progressive states.” Michael Okpara Auditorium, “is creating Enugu State some 30 Chief Basil Okwu, HRH Igwe anniversary of the state by the He said that his administration a product of dedicated research years ago. John Ugwu Nwodo, and a host former military president, Gen. had been working in tandem and consultation, guided by “Although there has been of thers for their doggedness, The , Dr Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, with the dreams of the founding development experts.” challenges, I must congratulate sacriÀce, progressivism, and Okezie Ikpeazu has said that his who on August 27, 1991 created fathers of Abia and with a 30 year According to him, the document and commend successive leaders foresightedness”. administration had done enough Abia along with five other states. development plan he has now put encapsulated the wishes of Abians of the state, namely, Col. Herbert Ekweremadu, while also in critical sectors of the economy “Our interventions in various in place, the future is very bright as collated from town hall meetings Obieze, Dr. , congratulating the people of the to guarantee the state a deserved critical sectors are yielding positive for God’s own state. held across the state, adding that it Navy Capt. Temi Ejoor, Col. state, reiterated that the future place among the comity of viable fruits,” Ikpeazu said, adding, “The He explained that the develop- would henceforth guide all plans Mike Torey, Col. Sule Ahman, and progress of the state remain states in Nigeria. future of Abia State is secured in ment plan document, which he and actions of government. Navy Capt. Adewunmi Agbaje, a collective task. THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 15

08054699539 Which Grazing Area is Buhari Talking About?

man elected President of the whole must learn to show respect for the feelings of across Nigeria. This is a fact. Daily, farmers are country persists as a sectional leader. Nigerians outside his Fulani kingdom. This is the situation this country has deserting large fields for fear of being killed. Anybody genuinely interested in ending They have every reason to be afraid. Many found itself with President Muham- the brutal clashes between farmers and migrant madu Buhari. The standard is that have been slaughtered on their farms by killer herders must not be talking about grazing sites herders and Fulani militias. Buhari should be he should, in conformity with his and routes. Emphasis should be on promoting oath, be president to all. Buhari is not interested worried if indeed, he loves everybody in this A peace in our lovely country, not fueling our country. A President, in this modern era, must in this. He is always struggling to rise above lines of division. Ranching should be on the not be seen promoting abnormality. primordial sentiments and often pursuing front burner. Nomadic cattle rearing is an parochial ethnic agenda. Buhari’s clannish- My dear Buhari, open grazing is no longer aberration in modern societies. Nigeria can’t practicable. Not with the killings, rape, crop ness is legendary and Nigeria has never had be an exception. Buhari should be interested it this bad. Often, he leaves me depressed. destruction, kidnapping, and geographical in ranching in the interest of everybody, not hegemony that comes with it. The culture Our President’s latest weird move was the advocating the continuation of a Stone Age statement last week that he had approved the of nomadism can be eliminated. Lee Kuan idea. His support for open grazing has divided Yew proved this in Singapore. Late Muammar recommendations of a committee to review this country. Our President is unperturbed by “with dispatch, 368 grazing sites across 25 states Gaddafi proved this in Libya. the fact that Nigeria is falling apart because of his For those disheartened by Buhari’s incongru- in the country and to determine the levels clannishness. He has set brothers against brothers; of encroachment.” Which grazing site is our ity, I have good news for them today: Nigeria sisters fighting war. Our diversity mismanaged. will survive Buhari and return to that path President talking about? Which encroachment? Our unity practically destroyed. This country Legally, there is nothing like grazing sites or of a peaceful, brotherly and loving country. has never been this mismanaged. We have less than two years to go. routes in Nigeria again. This prickly move is Herders must return to their bases and cuddle simply part of Buhari’s contentious pledge to ranching. If it does not happen, rampaging criminal revive strange old-fashioned grazing routes herders and Fulani militias will persist in their for herders. nefarious activities against crop farmers. These Masari’s Call for Today, the document that governs this murderers are enjoying a free rein with the tacit country called Nigeria is the 1999 Constitution. support of the powerful leadership in Abuja that The law on land matters is the Land Use Act controls all the security agencies. That has always Self-defence and it is entrenched in the 1999 Constitution. been my position on the unending killings and The rule vests all powers on land issues, all Buhari abductions by lawless herders across Nigeria. over the country, in governors and not the President Buhari confirmed my conviction with Rational, Just federal government. Governors remain the his infamous remarks extolling grazing routes custodians of land. The President’s power is and areas. Our dear President supports this Eight days ago, terrorists stormed Duba limited to land in Abuja. Buhari knows this for the Attorney General of the Federation, archaic and ruthless cattle rearing method in village, Batsari LG of Katsina State, in the but has chosen to snub this fact for selfish to implement a law which doesn’t exist. He this modern era. Buhari is obsessed with this night and operated for hours, inflicting pain reasons. Grazing sites and grazing routes are can’t enforce a non-existing law.” outdated animal husbandry practice and he on the villagers. Numbering over 300, and now invalid. This is the truth that must be told. Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State is is now looking for laws to enable him revive armed with sophisticated weapons, the No power over land is granted to Buhari in apt to challenge Buhari in the Supreme Court grazing areas and routes for herders. terrorists killed scores and abducted many. the 1999 Constitution. The Grazing Reserves on grazing routes and areas. Other governors Buhari wants herders to continue moving For hours, they ransacked and looted houses Law of 1964 has been supplanted by the Land should join him if Buhari refuses to back cattle from Sokoto to Lagos, and beyond, unhin- and shops in the community, dispossessing Use Act. Whatever law establishing grazing out. Ortom remarked: “The Constitution of dered. No wonder security agents are always the Federal Republic of Nigeria supersedes people of personal belongings, including routes is now obsolete and completely nullified lethargic in their response to SOS messages foodstuff and money. As usual, security by the operational Land Use Act. the Northern Nigeria Law that provided for from crop farmers and communities ravaged Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, remarked: grazing reserves. The truth is that if the entire by criminal herders. This is why huge swathes agents failed to respond to the calls for “In respect of land and the use, federal govern- country had accepted ranching; then, why is of this country have become killing fields, as help by the villagers. ment, can’t legislate on how land is controlled Mr. President insisting on open grazing when killer herders, claiming a right to unencumbered People like Governor Aminu Masari, and distributed in any part of Nigeria. Even there is no land for such.” feeding ubiquitously, are cruelly destroying who should be protecting us are lamenting. if we assume, without conceding that laws Aside from Buhari’s drive for grazing sites lives and farms. They are never apprehended. Few days back, he declared: “Hardly a day for grazing routes made under the Northern and routes being unconstitutional, how can our In Benue State, the criminal herders control passes by without a person being killed Region of Nigeria, covered everywhere, the President be talking about such measures, when several local government areas. Attacks on or kidnapped. No single day, although Land Use Act has superseded both routes and he knows that open grazing had been banned crop lands and farmers by criminal herders the situation is not as bad as it was last the law establishing them. Also, it is one thing in many states because of the delinquency and have led to astronomical hike in prices of food insecurity associated with it? The president year. Just a few days ago, about 10 people for the President, to direct, it is another thing were killed in a village. How can you, as a leader, be okay with this situation?” It is a fact that the terrorists boldly Many Lies of FIRS against MultiChoice assaulted Duba, because the villagers were on Wednesday, MultiChoice issued its own disputed N1.8 trillion under appeal. The key unarmed and they also knew that help statement, putting the ruling in a logical word here is “lesser amount”. There is no would not come from anywhere for the perspective, in conformity with the Act ambiguity. traumatised people. If the villagers were Establishing the FIRS. The firm remarked: After this clarification by MultiChoice, armed, they wouldn’t have been boldly “The direction issued by the TAT does not the management of FIRS suddenly went attacked by the terrorists. These killings compel MultiChoice to make payment of 50% mum. The FIRS could not respond because must stop. There is no point waiting for of N1.8 trillion, being half of the disputed it apparently told lies in its statement. This government. Nigerians must stand up and tax assessment which is under appeal. agency called FIRS is visibly out to destroy defend their villages and towns. “The direction issued by the TAT, MultiChoice. The Muhammad Nami-led This is why I support the recent call by in accordance with paragraph 15(7) of FIRS has a hidden agenda in this case and the federal government has to swiftly step Masari on Nigerians to acquire weapons the Fifth Schedule to the FIRS Establish- and defend themselves against the terrorists. ment Act, requires MultiChoice Nigeria in. This country must stop harassing foreign to deposit with FIRS, an amount equal investors. Already, the ease of doing busi- He stated categorically that citizens should to the tax paid by MultiChoice Nigeria ness in Nigeria is appalling. Now, FIRS is no longer fold their arms and allow the in the preceding year of assessment, or compounding it with bogus tax demands terrorists to continue killing them. one half of the disputed tax assessment on companies. Nigeria’s sham tax system is According to Masari, it is morally under appeal, whichever is the lesser a key factor discouraging foreign investors. wrong for people to submit meekly to amount, plus 10%. This weird tax system is often cited by risk the bandits without any attempt to defend “The lesser amount is the tax paid analysts advising foreign investors. As a result, themselves, adding, “it is the people’s by MultiChoice Nigeria in the previous Foreign Direct Investment is on the decline. meek submission that emboldens the Now to the main allegation against assessed year, which is substantially less bandits to continue with their heinous Nami than the disputed assessment. MultiChoice MultiChoice, which resulted in the voodoo N1.8 trillion tax demand of the FIRS. So how activities with murderous frequency; Nigeria is a law-abiding corporate citizen people must divorce their mind from I knew something was wrong somewhere and continues to engage constructively much has been the firm’s turnover in all its with FIRS in an attempt to resolve this years in Nigeria to warrant N1.8 trillion unpaid the mistaken notion that security is when early this week, the Federal Inland government’s sole responsibility.” Revenue Service (FIRS) went about pushing a matter.” tax? How much has been its profit in 27 years sham statement that the Tax Appeal Tribunal This is clearly what TAT ordered. I in Nigeria to necessitate such a figure in tax Masari has been honest enough to (TAT) sitting in Lagos had ordered MultiChoice have a Certified True Copy of the order liabilities? How is it possible that the FIRS kept admit that the Nigerian state can’t Nigeria Limited, owners of DSTV and GoTv, as I write this piece, and I can assertively say quiet for 18 years while a company owes N1.8 guarantee security for citizens. This to pay 50 per cent of N1.8 trillion which it that the FIRS issued a wrong and misleading trillion tax liabilities? is why he recommended self-help. had determined to be the amount in taxes statement, as part of its campaign of calumny MultiChoice Nigeria has proven to be a The federal government has failed that MultiChoice had failed to pay to the against MultiChoice. For the purpose of clarity, law-abiding corporate citizen. So, the FIRS must constructively engage with it to resolve this tax woefully to protect citizens. Masari government in past assessments. It was the if MultiChoice wishes to proceed with the has also failed the people. But I will not dubious FIRS, interpreting the order to align tax appeal, according to the order, it would issue. Unfortunately, the Nami-led FIRS is unwill- ing to do this. So, to move forward, he must be denounce him for recommending self-help with its aim of arm-twisting MultiChoice for deposit an amount equal to the tax it paid in because it is the way to go. Terrorists will cash. I knew the judge could not have given the preceding year, or one half of the disputed thoroughly whipped by the federal government. tax assessment under appeal, whichever is In fact, this FIRS Chairman should be sacked be cautious when they know that those such order without considering the guidelines they are going after may also be armed. of the FIRS Act on such disputes. the lesser amount, plus 10%. Of course, the immediately to save the federal government So, it did not come as a surprise when “lesser amount” in this case will be the tax in particular and Nigerians in general, from This is why we must all be allowed to it paid in the preceding year and not the unending embarrassment by the agency. acquire weapons to fight these bastards. 16 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021

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Our PPLs have been would reduce the stress as- munication Technology (ICT) access to legal services from to legal assistance, paralegal across Nigeria as our network screened and chosen carefully sociated with legal practice to link individuals, corporate accredited lawyers and law firms support services, with a view of Paralex Participating Lawyers to ensure that only persons and related logistics issues while organisations and institutions and serve as a trusted link to to getting value for money and (PPLs) are always available and enrolled at the Supreme Court of its cloud services would enable to lawyers that would provide regulatory, administrative and enhancing access to logistics ready to assist you. Type in Nigeria to practice as barristers end-users to work on documents and solicitors are the only ones from different devices picking up on our platform offering legal from where they left off and enhance services to our users.” access “to logistics of legal processes The Deputy General Manager through the use of leading-edge ICT NHRC: Continued Criminalisation of Petty of PPL, Ms. Zainab Lawal Akapo, solutions for exceptional services in revealed that the company would the industry it operates. deploy its services in Lagos, Port “Its unique features for logistics Offences is Tagging Poverty a Crime Harcourt, Abuja, and Kano with delivery include package security, Michael Olugbode in Abuja Offences within the African Re- urinating in public and washing offences such as being a rogue a broad range of services, which real-time online tracking of parcel gion held in Abuja on Thursday clothes in public. and vagabond, being idle or include litigation, logistics, legal movement till the last mile Executive Secretary of National and yesterday, Ojukwu who He said against the back- disorderly, loitering, begging, assistance, bail bond, virtual court, by both sender and receiver, Human Rights Commission, was represented by the Head, ground that laws on petty hawking, failure to pay debt webinar and cloud storage. delivery alerts to the sender by Tony Ojukwu says there is Monitoring Department of the offences seem to mainly target and being a nuisance among Akapo stated that the “mobile email report and SMS, cashless urgent need to decriminalise NHRC, Okay Agu, explained the socio-economic lives and others, constitute a significant app on-the-go offers end-users and robustly secured payment petty offences in Nigeria and petty offences could be found activities of the poor and number of persons in detention access to legal services from system with debit/credit card, the rest of Africa, insisting in laws that are aimed at marginalised population in and thus contribute to the accredited lawyers and law bank transfer or wallet, etc.” that sending someone to jail controlling public nuisance society, the significance of growing number of inmates for violation of such offences is on public roads, public places this project on human rights in custody across the country.” akin to criminalising poverty. as well as laws criminalising needs not be overemphasised. Ojukwu, while disclosing He equally said the major key some informal commercial He said: “Remarkably, the that the Decriminalisation of to decongestion of custodian activities like hawking and principles encourage member Petty Offences Project was be- John Momoh, Ogah to centres (prisons) “is when vending. states (African countries) to con- ing implemented in Nigeria with other means of punishment He further explained that sider the use of non-custodial the support from the Network other than jail term is given in Nigeria, petty offences fall measures as an alternative to of Human Rights Institutions Speak at NACJ Awards for violation of petty offences.” within the broad category of imprisonment. in Africa (NANHRI), said the Speaking to participants at minor offences, misdemeanors, “It is appalling to note initiative was simultaneously Organisers of the Annual will be preached by Momoh. the Project Review Meeting simple offences and summary that petty offenders, most implemented in Uganda and Integrity Lecture and Awards, This year’s event will be the on Decriminalisation of Petty regulatory offences such as of who are awaiting trial for Sierra Leone. the Nigerian Association of 9th since inception Christian Journalists (NACJ) As the 2021 NACJ awards have named Dr. John Momoh, gather momentum, past Chairman, Chief Executive recipients of the awards have Officer of Channels Television described it as a laudable and the Minister of Mines and initiative. Steel Development, Dr. Uche According to Mohammed Ogah, as speakers for this year’s Adamu, the immediate past event scheduled for September, Inspector General of Police, the 2021 at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja. award was a welcome idea Ogah will speak on this that would further enhance the year’s theme, ‘Integrity is quality of leaders in Nigeria. Everything’, while the Key- Former Assistant Inspector note Address tagged, ‘Media General of Police, Barrister Integrity, Essential Ingredient Tunde Ogunsakin, described the for Building a Virile Nation’ award as a “priceless treasure”. Free Suspected Pregnant IPOB Detainees or Prosecute them, HURIWA Tells Ebonyi Govt Ahamefula Ogbu prosecution by the government and pressed for Human Rights and advocacy their immediate release. group, Human Rights Writ- HURIWA asked Governor ers Association of Nigeria Dave Umahi to order the (HURIWA) has condemned the unconditional release of the alleged arrest and detention of detainees as their incarceration about 300 suspected members had violated their fundamental of the Indigenous People of human rights and breached the Biafra (IPOB), some of them maximum number of days pregnant women without permissible without prosecution. The body also prayed I formally known and the National Human Rights called IRIFO BLESS- Commission to take up the case ING A. now wishes to be and ensure the constitutionally known and called OGRO guaranteed freedom were not BLESSING LIZZY. For- trampled on while they should mer documents remain valid. General public to conduct routine visits to prisons note, please. in Ebonyi State to see things for themselves and protect the I formerly known and ad- vulnerable. dressed as ELEGBEDE TITI- The rights body in a media LAYO ODUNAYO now wish to statement by the National be known and addressed as Coordinator Comrade Em- ABIODUN TITILAYO ODUN- manuel Onwubiko and AYO. All former documents re- the National Media Affairs main valid. The general public should please take note. Director Miss Zainab Yusuf, HURIWA said it was shame- I formerly known and ad- ful that Ebonyi State could dressed as ANTHONLA be used as a slave or labour AINA SAMUEL now wish to camp for citizens caught in be known and addressed as conflict with the law only ANTHONLA AINA OGOYE. because they belonged to the All former documents re- proscribed Indigenous Peoples main valid. The general of Biafra (IPOB) for months public should please take without following due process note. of the law. THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 17

Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: [email protected] SHOWBIZFLAIR

show at the 02 Arena in London sold out within 12 minutes. Shortly after it was announced, fans were left scrambling to try and Ànd leftover tickets. Some fans have even asked for a second date at the same venue. Fans who weren’t able to get tickets took their frustration to Twitter, with one “crying” after being unable to purchase ticket. The ‘Ojuelegba’ crooner becomes Africa’s most signiÀcant music act that has sold out the 20,000 capacity London O2 Arena in 12 minutes. The concert would also be ’s sixth-time performance at the prestigious venue. Wizkid is scheduled to perform on November 28, 2021 as part of the O2’s Welcome Back lineup, with other superstars such as and come- dian Mo Gilligan also announced. With that record sale, Wizkid joins the league of international artistes like Spice Girls (2007, 38 seconds), The Rolling Stones (2012, 7 minutes), Gary Barlow (2014, 6 minutes), Rihanna Rihanna (2011, 10 minutes), and Beyonce (2004, 12 minutes) who have sold out the 02 Arena in less than Àfteen minutes. Multiple award-winning Wizkid has continued to record waves of success with his music. Earlier in August, Wizkid featured Canadian star Justin Bieber on the remix of ‘Essence’, the 11th track from his fourth stu- dio , ‘Made in Lagos’. The Canadian superstar also shot his own video for the song. Due to the remix, ‘Essence’ received 23.2 million radio audiences in the US, with 87.3 thousand unit sales. It currently sits at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. This run WizkidWizkid has also propelled Wizkid onto record- breaking, chart-topping stratospheres. The remixed version of ‘Essence’ also sits at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard world dig- ital song sales chart as of last Tuesday. The album, which has spent a total of 41 weeks on the World album chart, had debuted on the number two spot in November 2020. It Wizkid Headlines ‘Lost was also the Àrst African album to debut on the Spotify Global Album chart at top ten position barely a week after its release. Released in October 2020, Made in Lagos recently clinched the No. 1 spot on the Bill- board world album chart, ten months after in Riddim’ Festival its release. The album gained international Ferdinand Ekechukwu recognition early this year after several , Shenseea, and KoͿee. Taking his upcoming North American tour, which kicks oͿ in September. international stars drummed support for place October 2-3 in Sacramento, United ‘Essence’, the eleventh song in the album. igerian Star boy States, the festival will also feature Tems, Born Ayodeji Balogun, the pop star Wizkid will tour with his monster 2020 ‘Essence’, featuring Nigerian breakthrough Wizkid will headline Rotimi, Mr Eazi, and more. star, Tems, made history being the Àrst a brand new afro- “We created this event to not only album, ‘Made in Lagos’, one of fans favourite of the year in the United Nigerian song on the Billboard Hot 100 beats and dancehall showcase some of the most popular and Global 200 music chart in July. music festival coming international music artistes in the entire States and Canada. The tour dates begin September 10 in Boston and continue until Not resting on his oars, the Afrobeats up in a couple of world, many of whom continued to be star Wizkid on Friday (August 27) weeks from now. overlooked by major US music festivals October 12 in Atlanta. Early next year, the superstar artiste will head to Canada for released the deluxe edition of his Made The festival “Lost in Riddim”, which was but also create a unique celebration about in Lagos album. The project has a total of createdN to showcase most popular inter- the beauty of African culture,” said festival January dates in Toronto and Montreal. 18 songs with four additional tracks to national music acts, will have Grammy co-founders, Fornati Kumeh and Jehu Wizkid ‘Made In Lagos’ tour dates include Brooklyn, Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, the initial album. The new tracks include award-winning artistes Wizkid and Burna “Manny” Hunter in a statement. Most ‘Anoti’, ‘Mood’ featuring Buju, ‘Steady’ Boy, alongside other African pop stars like recently, Wizkid announced the dates for Cleveland, Toronto and Montreal Recall that Wizkid’s forthcoming one-oͿ and ‘Essence’ (remix). Charles Okpaleke’s Remake of ‘Diamond Ring’

Ferdinand Ekechukwu the ‘Play Network Nostalgic collection’. pleasure to the announcement and crave Coming soon to your screens!!” the likes of Rchard Mofe-Damijo, Sola One of the few well-crafted and pro- The entrepreneur in another post went Sobowale, and Bimbo Akintola reprise their duced Nollywood classic movies of the down memory lane with a scene from the roles in the movie. 90s, “Diamond Ring”, will be in cinemas old Diamond Ring captioned: “One of The movie “Diamond Ring” follows soon as remake. This disclosure has elicited my most exciting acquisitions… what a the story of conÁict between the spirit of nostalgia since it was Àrst announced performance!!! A remake coming to your Mrs. Gladys (Liz Benson) and members a couple of days ago by Play Network screens soon!!” One would love to see of Chidi’s university cult group, XG. In a Studios, the stable from which ground- Okpaleke remake “Dangerous Twins”, bid to display Àtness for a life in the secret breaking sequels like “Living In Bondage: another Nollywood classic before he wraps cult, Chidi (Teju ‘BabyFace’), a freshman Breaking Free,” “Rattlesnake: The Ahanna up his remakes and sequel expedition with and the only child of his parents; Chief and Story”, and “Nneka The Pretty Serpent”, Ramsey Nouah sitting on the directorial Mrs. Ijeoma Dike (played by RMD and was produced. Announcing the latest seat of these productions. Sola Sobowale) steals valuables from Mrs. acquisition, which excites him the most, Following Play Network’s well-received Gladys’ corpse, including the eponymous Charles Okpaleke, the CEO of Play ‘Living in Bondage’ sequel in 2019, the diamond ring. Chidi naively sold the ring, Network revealed that unlike the studios’ production company acquired rights to purchased a car for his girlfriend Bimbo long list of classic sequels, this production a number of other Nollywood classics, (Bimbo Akintola) who suspected that he’s might wrap up the “Play Network Nostal- including the forthcoming Glamour Girls joined a cult and asks him about it but he gic collection”. and OsuoÀa In Miami. Interestingly, the denies. Not long after, the spirit of Mrs. “Play Network studios has just acquired latest, Diamond Ring, a 1998 Nollywood Gladys haunts Chidi and his gang. Chidi is the intellectual property rights to this thriller directed by Tade Ogidan, stars struck by a peculiar sickness which could Nollywood classic ‘Diamond Ring’. This Richard Mofe Damijo, Liz Benson, not be treated by orthodox medicine. The would be a Remake and not a Sequel”, Tunji Bamishigbin, Teju BabyFace, Sola members of the cult begin to die successive- Okpaleke posted on Instagram. “This Sobowale, Bukky Ajayi and Bimbo Akin- ly. The long and arduous task to Ànding might probably be the last movie under tola. It was made in 2 parts. Movie buͿs his healing culminates in the return of the Okpaleke and fans of Play Network have expressed ‘Diamond Ring’ to Mrs. Gladys’ corpse. 18 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 SHOWBIZFLAIR SayRahChips: Dancing Her Way to Fame

Ferdinand Ekechukwu nalists and music artiste consultants. “I have been dancing since I was like four years old. I found love of dance from arah Olaniran, stage name doing cultural dance in nursery and SayRahChips, has been a primary school. My dad use to love and dancer right from child- watch the dancers dance and I loved to hood. Everybody in her like impress my dad”, she narrates. obscure Iyana Isashi locale SayRah continues: “I also had an in Okokomaiko, Lagos elder sister Dupe who used to dance at then knows her for that. So the time. She would copy stuͿ from TV she grew up taking on the art of danc- like Aliyah, Sisquo, all the American ing.S Now fast-forward to recent time. artistes that we had dancing, like When ‘SayRah’ as she’s fondly called Michael Jackson, in their videos and by her over 450,000 seething fans isn’t everything she did I wanted to do. So I dancing, teaching, or touring the world would like also learn the TV and learn with stars like Davido, Wizkid, Chris from her. Basically that’s where my Brown, Tiwa Savage, Mr. Eazi and the love for dance started. It grew as I got likes, she’s whipping up a feast in the older. And then I lost my dad in 2008. kitchen, engaged in some TV shows or Prior to that the year before that, 2007, being a creative director. we were watching Maltina Dance Hall She bears an inspiring story, having competition and my dad was like ‘why made a career out of her passion for don’t you guys tell me about this we dance. The extraordinary dancer, could have gone. . .’ choreographer, movement Àtness “And we were like ‘oh we didn’t coach has taken the international web know you would want to do that!’ by storm with her multifaceted dance And he was like ‘let’s go next year’. videos and signature looks, and has fast So unfortunately he died before the become a force to reckon with in the auditions. But my mum was like ‘your Afro dance scene. With over a decade dad wanted to go for this so let’s all go’. experience to her name across many And we (family) went for the Maltina prestigious platforms, SayRah recently Dance Hall auditions for 2008. My set Lagos and Abuja on Àre with her sister got in; she was the representative. #RahDanceInvasion dance classes on My uncle had to represent my dad. I the 21st and 22nd of August, at Oriental think we came 5th in that year and it Hotel Lagos, and Bodyline Studio was fun and great and basically that Wuse2, Abuja. was where I realized you can actually A Dance graduate of Columbia study dance. And that’s when I realized College, Chicago, she recently launched that there are other forms of dancing, her own multi-dimensional business like speciÀc forms. And my whole empire which covers beauty, Àtness, brain just exploded. I was like yes! and swimwear called RahNation. “So yeah after that, I Ànished second- Mentored by renowned Nigerian dance ary school and then I went to SPAN coach and choreographer, KaͿy, Sarah (Society for the Performing Arts of would later honed her craft at (SPAN Nigeria) where I started studying - Society for the Performing Arts of Ni- dance for two years. And then around SayRahChips geria) where she was certiÀed in Latin, that time, my mum was like ‘okay you Ballroom, Ballet, Nigerian traditional have to go to university. I understand as long as you are going to get a degree of my journey. She also trained me dance, Jazz, HipHop, Salsa and Con- that you want to keep dancing but you out of it I will support you.’ while I was still in Nigeria. I worked temporary dance. Modern dance, Ballet have to go to university’. Then I did “Of which I’m really grateful for with her for like two years. So, yes, en pointe, improv, and Traditional West my research, found a school in Chicago because where we are from that’s not basically that’s how I ended up African dance added to her dance skills oͿering degree in dance. I did a whole normal; it’s not normal for parents going to Columbia College, Chicago. while studying in Chicago. power point to like convince my mum to support you dancing. It’s not And I studied dance for four years. On a recent Thursday morning in and then she was like ‘it’s your passion, their thing. If it’s not Kaffy (the And after that I have been touring, Lagos, ‘SayRah’ shared her story to a it’s something you would love to do, dancer) it’s like what are you doing? teaching afrobeat and afro dance select group of arts/entertainment jour- something that you are really good at Of which Kaffy also has been part classes all over the US.” Dream Empire Music unveils Lisa Viola, Majeeed, Verchi Ferdinand Ekechukwu where I want to be.” Speaking on his music at the unveiling, Majeeed, who pushes beyond his limits to exert International , Dream Empire himself as a boundless artiste in his own space Music, has launched operations in Lagos, Nige- said, “I don’t have a speciÀc genre of music. ria, with the unveiling of three talented artistes, I like to explore. So I would say I’m a versatile ar- Lisa Viola, Ekeh Chiaka Joseph, a.k.a Majeeed tiste; I pick up very fast and I don’t limit myself. (singer/songwriter), and Ifeanyichukwu I know Dream Empire Music understands my Chigbo Kennedy, a.k.a Verchi. vision, they understand where I want to take my Now working with same producers that career to. That’s why I put pen on paper with delivered Afrobeats hits for Grammy award- them. I feel the label aligns with the vision and winning Burna Boy, Angolan born, Australian we are ready to make magic. raised Lisa Viola, who would soon drop her Having worked with Seyi Shay, Omotola debut single titled ‘Lagos’, featuring label Jolade Ekeinde, Harrysong, among others, mate, Majeeed, explained why she relocated Afrocentric RnB singer/songwriter, Verchi, to Nigeria to continue her already established boasts of a music brand which would comfort- music sojourn. ably compete on the Nigerian music scene. She said, “I chose to come to Nigeria because Verchi who is set to drop a debut EP titled ‘Afro in Australia I was the only artiste doing and Diets’ said, “My voice is the Àrst thing about me representing Afrobeats on a lot of levels; so that is diͿerent from any other person. The way whenever a Nigerian artiste comes, I would be I write my music is diͿerent. I sing more about the opening act or they would call me to help love and my experiences. I don’t focus more on with promotions or with dancers. So, I was heartbreaks, I sing about love. What’s going to always a part of that community and let’s be make a diͿerence for me is my sound.” real, the hottest tunes are coming out of Nigeria, The trio of Lisa Viola, Majeed and Verchi so I was like I’m coming here because this is Majeeed, Lisa Viola, and Verchi already have a single titled, ‘Ogaju’. THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 19

SHOWBIZFLAIR Tosin Clegg 07062816737 e-mail: [email protected] Jaywise I Will Be Fulfilled When I See Lives Change Through My Music Ezerioha Francis Izuchukwu, popularly known as Jaywise, is no newcomer to the buzzing music industry. Since inception, he has proven his worth with classic sounds and heavy drips of exceptionalities and excellence. He defines his style of music as “Afrochestra”, a genre which he takes pride in as unique, special and pregnant with a new sound reality. He talks to Tosin Clegg about music after COVID-19, his new EP, his style of music and a lot more

COVID-19 and the music industry My Ep “Sound of god” was simply taking my time to introduce it while inspired by my life experiences I still make Afro hip pop music, but I he COVID had a troll on Most stories on the EP are real stories. will call my style afrochestra music. the Global economy but I took my fans by surprise as they have Good music is spiritual, it’s original, laid a huge positive im- never heard me sing before. All the it comes from within. That’s why pact in the music scene. tracks are hit songs, as reviewers said, most times fans express diͿerent The sit-at-home period but track 7 is special to me as it reminds emotions during concerts when good exposed fans to real us about the Lekki crisis. I didn’t want music comes on. Some music make good music as they took it to be a fast song, really wanted it you cry, reminisce or remind you of their time during the quiet period to to hit diͿerently. I wrote those lyrics great moments, others come with exploreT great music. The COVID period from the inside, I spoke for the souls, strong messages. Good music hits discovered and favored good talents, I imagined the message they would differently, yes sometimes we drop now you don’t have to shout to be a star have loved to pass if given a chance to club songs about girls, but in our and it boost the economy of the music speak to us again and I delivered it just album or EP we prove our talents, industry as everything went digital, the as I was inspired and I’m overwhelmed over there we give you some good streaming platforms became so popu- with the response I’m getting. message, like some tracks in my EP lar. Also, that was the period digital hit differently. concert became a norm, although we I have been on the road since after missed the physical concerts. dropping my EP Producers and artistes I would It’s been from one radio interview love to work with and why Inspirations for my music to another, and I’ve been doings gigs. I have worked with some phe- A lot of people ask me this, but you I have upcoming plans for the fans, nomenal producers like Elijah and know, this thing comes, it just comes dropping soon. I preach love and hustle Kayzbeat, then after I dropped and keeps coming, it’s talent, you can’t in my music and I will feel fulÀlled Billionarie, Chris brown’s producer help it, even when I feel like I don’t when I see lives change through my “Ke on the track” sent me some beats wanna write, some dope vibe will just music. to work on and also admire PHEELZ, pop out my head, I’ll be like “damn” lol. Don Baba and Sarz sound. I can’t I’m mostly inspired by trends, personal My love for orchestra sounds has wait for our session to happen. These experiences or people’s story, when I helped me shape my music giants think outside the box and will Jaywise want to make music. My style is new so I’m gradually surely nail my style of music. Ademola Authentic Bags New Deal Triller Launches One of Nigerian movie Industry heavy weights, Muyiwa Ademola Specially-curated popularly revered as Muyiwa Ade- mola Authentic has been announced Playlist for as the brand Ambassador of Suave Empire. African Fans The company known as “100% FashionRealtyAgricTainment AI-powered music video app and talent Brand” is a luxury business brand discovery platform, Triller, has announced the and has been in existence since 2012. launch of Pan African and localised country Their mission and vision is to playlists speciÀcally curated for fans in Africa. advance and contribute meaning- With these Àrst-ever genre-discovery playlists, fully to the socio-cultural style the platform intends to bring an entirely new and development of the immediate experience to its African users – and to consolidate environment by reaching out to the and expand its already well-established presence general public through top notch on the continent. products and services. In a statement released by the company, The Chairman/CEO of Suave Triller noted that the playlist, which is available Empire, Matthew Ogunniyi, ex- throughout Africa, oͿers fans an exciting array pressed how happy he was to have of lists to choose from, with Pan African-focused the Nollywood star as the ambas- Ademola Authentic (3rd from left) being unveiled as brand Ambassador of Suave Empire Akwaaba, Amapiano, African Drill, Gospel and sador of SUAVE brand. Muyiwa is Bonjour leading the pack. an accomplished Nollywood star pretation of skills. and influence in the entertainment With Akwaaba, Triller invites users to discover in particularly in the Yoruba movie He was unveiled on August 23 industry and across social media the biggest music trends of the moment and to niche and has proven himself over at Suave Empire Headquarters in to promote the Fashion, Entertain- get a drone’s eye view of all the new releases time as a master of his craft display- Ibadan, . Authentic is ment, Real Estate and Agribusiness on the continent. The playlist, which provides ing excellence and admirable inter- expected to leverage his popularity of the company. access to a mind-blowing panorama of genres, moods and experiences, is speciÀcally curated to provide a 100% immersion in African music Pheelz’s Rhythm is Cool in Simple Magazine and to get users’ creative juices Áowing. The three other Pan African playlists bring Gifted producer, singer and songwriter, scene with his production of most of the a more genre-speciÀc experience. Bonjour Pheelz Mr. Producer brought his cool songs on Olamide’s “Baddest Guy Ever is the go-to playlist for all of the very latest rhythm as he covers the new digital issue Liveth” album, Pheelz has a hypnotic urban French-language hits and also features of Simple Magazine. staying power, reinventing himself with breakthrough colabs between francophone and The gentle giant, christened Phillip the time but retaining his emoting rhythm anglophone artists from Africa and the diaspora. Kayode Moses, is revered for his jaw even when he rebranded his famous tag In a similar way, Amapiano features all of the dropping music production, discography from ‘Pheelz Mr. Producer,’ to ‘Riddima- rising stars from this South African-born genre across multiple genres for the biggest coolayor.’ as well as a burgeoning number of Amapiano music heavy weights you can think of in In the Simple Magazine, Pheelz talked genre colabs from across the continent. Africa, Europe and America, and talks about his “Hear Me Out EP”, his many African Drill, on the other hand, is dedicated to coolly about his vibe, rhythm and why we creative sides and why “my favorite thing one of Africa’s biggest and fastest-growing genres, can’t help but get hooked on good music. about music is the power it has to control the Drill Movement. This is the place to discover Drill/Rap made in Africa by Africans - from From 2012, when he popped onto the emotions.” Pheelz to Nigeria and down to South Africa. 20 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 28, 2021 IMAGES

ecently, Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA) held its 2021 Reunion Conference and Celebration of the University's Diamond Anniversary at the University's campus in lle-lfe, . The two-day yearly gathering held last weekend , which paraded an arrray of successful and accomplished alumni members kicked off with a Jumat Prayer and visit to the Vice -Chancellor, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede. The Chairman BoT UNIFEMGA later hosted a dinner for members toR celebrate a successful outing. Here are some of the dignitaries that attended the event.

L-R: Chairman BoT UNIFEMGA, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti (left) presenting an award to Vice Prof. Saburi Adesanya (left) receiving an award from Mallam Yusuf Alli SAN Chancellor, OAU, Prof Eyitope Ogunbodede

L-R: Prof. Abubakr Sanusi and Deputy Chief of Staff to L-R: The Conference Paper Presenter, Dr. Usman Bugaje R-L: Former President, UNFEMGA, Engr. Odeyinka Osun State governor, Abdullahi Binuyo and Barr. Adebayo Shittu Abdulwaheed and Luqman Obileye

Chairman, UNIFEMGA Reunion Dinner Party, Prof. Sabiru L-R: Vice President UNIFEMGA, Mohammed Buari and L-R: Waheed Akin Olajide, BoT member and Guest Lecturer Adesanya and wife, Olusola Barr. Abiola Olaitan at the Dinner, Prof. Lukuman Oyedele

R-L: Dr Lateefat Durosimi and Dr Adenike Olatinwo R-L: Prof Suraju Ajadi andHassan Nureni Adeyanju Sehu and wife Zinat

L-R: Mallam Yusuf Alli SAN (left) presenting an award to Prof Lukumon Oyedele with them is President of R-L: Prince Akinlusi Adeniji and Mr Hamzat Omotayo R-l: Dr Saidat Hamzat, Dr Mistura Sani and Dr Hamdalat Yusuf UNIFEMGA, Abdulfatah Olalenge THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 28, 2021 21 IMAGES

L-R: Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti (left) presenting an award to Prof. Abubakar Abefe R-L: Imam Abdulfatah Bello Engr. Bashir Lawal and his wife, Sofiat Sanusi with them is Mr Ameen Babatunde

R-L: Dele Abdulateef Olatunji and Prof Isiaka Aransi L–R: Abdulkabir Fasola and wife with Mrs Fatimo Ajadi Prof. Yomi Daramola receiving an award on behalf of Late Jerome Udoji (right) from Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti

L-R: Alhaja Modinat Rufai, AbdulRahaman Balogun, Ahmed Afare, Kafilat Oyeleye R-L; J.A. Kilani, Alli Bakau, Kolade Adosun, AbdulGaniu Oladokun and Tokunbo Rufai and Morufat Balogun

R-L: Ajibade Quadri and Sanusi Abdulbasit R-L: Olukemi Soyoye, Folashade Otubusin and Adefunmilola Hakeem Tijani and wife, Bola Adeyemo

L-R: Dr Nabeel Odeyemi and Adegoke Adeyemi R-L: Mr Ameen Babatunde, Dr B.A Raji and Dr. I.B. Jimoh Mr. and Mrs. Sheriff Ayanleke

R-L: Former Minister of Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, President, UNIFEMGA, Mallam Abdulfatah Olalenge, Najeem Ewesanmi, L-R: Chairman BoT UNIFEMGA, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti presenting Prof MAO Rahaman, Mallam Yusuf Alli (SAN) and Chairman BoT, R-L: Mr Idowu Ola and Mr Olufemi an award to Prof Olusegun Isaac Alatise with them is his wife, UNIFEMGA, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti Saibu Ayokunnumi and daughter, Oluwaferanmi 22 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 TRIBUTE Victoria Ironsi, Adanma Okpara Go Home in Glory It was double tragedy for Abia State and Nigeria when the wife of General Aguiyi Ironsi, first Military Head of State, Victoria and wife of late Micheal Okpara, Premier of the Easter region, Adanma demised 24 hours apart and tributes have been pouring in, reports Ahamefula Ogbu

ate seemed to have served them on similar plates as they are from the same place, Umuahia, Abia State, though married to men of different callings, one to a military officer and the other a politician but from same Umuahia. They were First Fladies, one at the federal and the other at regional level. It seems the differential in professions of their spouses account for the minute difference in time of their exits which is within 24 hours. Events that led to the death of General Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi Ironsi also culminated in the stoppage of the democratic reign of Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara who after being shoved out of office by the military lived till 1984 when he died and his widow continued life till Sunday, August 22, 2021. Lady Victoria Nwanyiocha Aguiyi Ironsi, born November 21, 1923, she was wife to military Head of State of Nigeria, General Ironsi who betrothed her at 16 years while she was still in secondary school at Holy Rosary Convent School in Okigwe and had five children, two males and three females before the reprisal coup of 1966. His son, Ambassador Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi confirmed the transition of his 97 year old mother, adding that details about her death and burial plans would be made available in due course. About 24 hours earlier, widow of Dr. Victoria Ironsi and Adanma Okpara Okpara, Adanma had reportedly died in an undisclosed hospital where she went a day earlier for medical attention. She Umuahia and Westhill Teachers College in praying for the repose of the soul of the Almighty God for a very fulfilled life”, was aged 96. She was the first lady of the among others and was said to have the departed and comfort for those adding that the late First Lady of Eastern Old Eastern region comprising about nine dutifully combined all she did with who mourn.” Region was the backbone of her husband, states today. Born June 22, 1924. raising their children. On Lady Okpara, the President who was premier between 1959 and 1966. The demise of both first ladies marked Since the demise of the duo, torrents commiserated with family and also Ikpeazu who spoke through Onyebuchi a huge loss to Abia State and the nation in of tributes have flooded the media joined the government and people of Ememanka, said “Together, they gave the general as they lived quiet lives with their space in condolence messages from Abia State and all Nigerians in mourning people of the old Eastern Region, a first children till last week which has thrown across the country and beyond with the passing of an enterprising and class government, whose achievements Abia into a state of double mourning. President Muhammadu Buhari leading disciplined mother, who was a worthy continue to reverberate even till this day,” Lady Ironsi was also a woman leader, the pack with flowery words. example of humility and hard work to Ikpeazu said. an administrator, having been appointed A condolence message from her children and the many women she He added that “the spousal support Commissioner in the Local Government the President through his Special mentored in her community. she provided to her late husband was Services Commission in Umuahia, a fashion Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi He affirmed that the late wife of instrumental to the monumental success designer and women political leader in the Adeshina read, “President Muhammadu the very formidable figure in the First he recorded as premier” Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She was Buhari extends deepest condolences to Republic and the Eastern Nigeria, led by Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku the first to hold the position of First Lady the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, and government example even after leaving public office. Abubakar, also commiserated with the of Nigeria and glamourised it with her and people of Abia State on the passing In a condolence message on behalf family of the late Okpara on the demise of dressing which earned her the reference as of Chief Mrs. Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, wife of his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, its matriarch, Lady Adanma. “pretty and effortlessly regal” of the first military Head of State, Major and other members of his family to the “I received the news of the death of your She was said to have been managing General Johnson Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi. Aguiyi-Ironsis’ and the Government and matriarch with mixed feelings. It is usually her health following a stroke she suffered “The President affirms that Lady people of Abia State, former President a saddening moment for me at the news some years ago which later claimed her Victoria’s incredible strength and Goodluck Jonathan noted that her of the demise of anyone at all; even though life in the early hours of Monday, August exceptional courage during one of the passing on was a great loss to the this one is at a very ripe old age. Death 23 that had drawn a lot of condolence darkest moments in our nation’s history nation, because of her place in Nigeria’s naturally diminishes humanity and the loss messages which attest to her sterling pedestals her as a mother of the nation, chequered journey of nationhood. of one’s mother is very painful at any qualities. God-fearing and a foremost woman of Jonathan who spoke through his time”, Atiku said in a statement. Lady Okpara who would have turned valour. former media Adviser. Ikechukwu Eze, In his message, Senate Minority 97 in December was said to have been “The President notes that the former described her as “a notable matriarch, Leader, Senator , said managing a debilitating ill health arising First Lady will be remembered for who established herself as a totem with the death of both Victoria Aguiyi from old age before she went to hospital laying a solid foundation for women’s of support and stability even in very Ironsi and Adanma Okpara, Nigeria and on Saturday and died on Sunday. leadership role in the seat of power and challenging times in the nation’s history. Abia State had lost two great women. She was said to be the wind behind the as a founding member of the Nigerian “For a long time, after her husband’s Abaribe, spoke through his media late husband’s sail as she accompanied Army Officers’ Wives Association; she unfortunate death in office, she con- aide, Uchenna Awom, and lamented the him in his political journeys and helped passionately championed the welfare ducted herself as a doyen of womanly death within a space of two days of the to ensure he was the success which he and wellbeing of families of military dignity and honour in a manner that two great women marked a sad end of is remembered for as he supervised the officers. epitomised patriotism, courage, and glorious era. South East economy that was rated and “The President recognises that 55 compassion. “I’m happy they lived a robust and fasted growing economy globally then. years after the death of General J.T “She was indeed a devout woman, very active life of service that is She was before her death, a woman Aguiyi-Ironsi, Lady Victoria never whose enormous sacrifices for the unity worthy of emulation and of course both leader, farmer and teacher an influential stopped working for the greater good and progress of our nation will not be of them raised good families and highly community leader whose counsel was of Nigeria, and for peace, stability, forgotten.” successful children, who are contributing highly revered. healing and reconciliation in the land. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia very well in the development of our dear Adanma attended Central School Ndoro, “The President sincerely hopes that State said that he received the news country and state of Abia. We are very Ikwuano Oboro; Mary Flanney Memorial Lady Victoria’s labours for the country Okpara’s death “with a heavy heart proud of them and will sorely miss them,” School Oron, Women Training College. will not be in vain, and joins all Nigerians but with a deep sense of gratitude to Abaribe said. 23 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 INTERVIEW

introduce them to memory-friendly songs.

The state of our politics and role of traditional institutions As you have said, traditional institutions play a key role in society and their politics. Rulers may play the role of mediating between the people and the state or enhancing national identity. We also serve to resolve minor conflicts and provide an institutional safety-valve for often inadequate state bureaucracies. The list is endless.

Conferment of chieftaincy titles on two prominent Yoruba sons It takes a lot to be invited into Yoruba royalty and be considered for these Yoruba-wide titles. US-based Dr. Babajide Agunbiade and Hon. Shina Abiola Peller are the ones getting the chief- taincy titles. They are indigenes with impeccable characters. I took the decision to confer historical titles on these two prominent Oyo and proud Yoruba sons of mine because of their contribu- tion to society and outstanding representation in their various industries and fields of endeavours. Agunbiade is one of the most cerebral oil and gas experts and, most especially, representing Nigeria gallantly in global oil and gas, rising to the leadership in global oil and gas. I am proud to be associated with such intellect. He’s a passionate competent dependable well vast guy that goes the extra mile to make sure people around him achieve their full potential. He is a very astute Adeyemi gentleman fair and balanced family man and ultimate professional. Nigeria will be in a better place if we all do like me and identify such rare gems and allow them to lead us. As with Shina Oba Lamidi Adeyemi Peller, what can I say? His father and I come a very long way and I have known him all of his life. His relentless passion to help others, strive for peace and harmony, rare business acumen and intellect We Need to Include Young Adults made me to be one of the people to advise him to go into politics. Look at all the work he has done and how he is representing the people of Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola Federal Constituency in Oyo state. It is unbelievable the in All Aspects of Decision Making work he has done in the last two years to foster development, peace, harmony and prosperity. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi lll is adored beyond the Yoruba race. He Look at what he is doing across the country for the Lead Generation Initiative, sensitising youths exudes opulence, and royalty. This royal father commands influence and affluence amongst his for political involvement and fostering peace at a difficult time at Oke-Ogun. Definitely, he is one subjects. The Alaafin is always looking magnificent and radiates warmth. He has been on the of the best honourable members we have in the country today. throne for over five decades. Oba Adeyemi has combined the wisdom of age with the vibrancy The uniqueness of the titles of youth to preside over his people. Articulate, sound-minded, and fearless, Alafin is a man full of These are highly coveted titles. The title I am history. He knows the history of Oyo like the back of his hand and recalls with ease and amazing conferring on Agunbiade is Atobaase of Yoruba- land which means “the one who is competent accuracy past occurrences in the empire. Oba Adeyemi is a selfless statesman and highly enough to be a king”. Please, do not confuse this title with the Atobase title which means “the detribalised traditional ruler who has made invaluable contributions to nation-building. Today, he one who improves or beautifies the king”. The Ayedero of Yorubaland that I conferred on Peller will bestow two chieftaincy titles on two accomplished sons of the soil who have distinguished is the Ayedero of Yorubaland, literarily means “the one who brings peace and prosperity to the themselves in all human endeavours. Oba Adeyemi gives Olaoluwakitan Babatunde an world.” Peller is ordained to elevate his people and bring peace and prosperity to the world. Please insight into the origin of Oyo Empire, the preservation of culture and heritage, and why he is note that this conferment represents me and all honouring Dr. Babajide Agunbiade and Hon. Shina Peller with chieftaincy titles Yorubas and the recepients must be addressed as High Chiefs or His Majesties. Not royal majesty, but His Majesty. Against the backdrop, The rich history of the Oyo Empire kola nuts, pepper, ivory, gold and slaves. The Oyo In all of this, the most important aspect of our and in accordance with our culture, I consulted the Empire, with its capital at old Oyo, prospered to culture that we cannot afford to lose is the Oyomesi, the traditional cabinet of the Alaafin, irstly, the Oyo Empire has a rich what it is today and our people have played major element of the Oyo culture. These are embodied who are the kingmakers and they rigorously culture and it’s a very good thing preservative roles as they are key custodians of as; symbols, language, naming, food, norms, ascertained the character, business acumen, that a lot of people are interested our cultural heritage. values, and artifacts. It is also the basis for a global philanthropy, and public dispositions of both in this history. The Oyo Empire was understanding of our people, beliefs and tradition. Agunbiade as Atobaase and Peller, as Ayedero a Yoruba Empire of what is today Oyo’s influence in nurturing the Yoruba of Yorubaland and we found them worthy as eastern Benin and western Nigeria identity and consciousness Why I emphasised youth’s empowerment thoroughbred Yoruba men who are culturally including Southwest zone and the Yoruba culture consists of cultural philosophy, during my 50th coronation anniversary inclined and traditionally oriented personalities western half of North central zone. religion and folktales. We have rich and diverse During my 50th coronation anniversary as that can wear the toga of Yoruba royalty and to My Empire grew to become the largest Yoruba culture ranging from our religion, festivals, food, Alaafin of Oyo, one of the key things emphasised be promoters of the institution of Chieftaincy. Fstate. It rose through the outstanding organisation- music, art, among others. There are so many was youth empowerment. We need to include No one needs a second look to realise what al and administrative skills of the Yoruba people, aspects to our culture. For instance, respect is young adults in all aspects of decision-making great achievers they are. Peller is the son of wealth gained from trade and our powerful cavalry. an important aspect of Yoruba tradition. It is a process, honour their voice and understand Alhaja Silifat and the late Professor Moshood The Oyo Empire was the most politically important symbol of peace and orderliness. In Yoruba culture, and implement their honest opinion and ideas, Abiola Peller. He is from Iseyin, Oyo State and he state in the entirety Western Africa from the mid- the younger person is expected to greet the especially those ideas that foster national unity is an entrepreneur, politician, industrialist, and 7th to the late 18th century, holding sway not only older one. Music is an important and cherished and bring development. We must be willing to member of the 9th National Assembly. Peller over most of the other kingdoms in Yorubaland, but part of Yoruba culture. The Yoruba people are share power and privileges to make our country is the chairman and chief executive officer of also over nearby African states, notably the Fon known for our drumming tradition, especially great for both adults and youths. If you noticed, Aquila Group of Companies and Club Quilox. He Kingdom of Dahomey in the modern Republic of using the dundun. We have several historical most of the chieftaincy conferment, I made is an exceptional philanthropist who is selfless in Benin to the west. Its territory encompasses a real festivals organised by the Yoruba race worldwide. recently, were for high achieving young men, most many ways. Agunbiade an Oyo man from Fiditi mix of environments with portions of rainforest, The Child naming culture is also very significant of them under 50 years. in Oyo State is a foremost Sub-sea Engineer and dry forest, savannah, and mangrove swamp. We for us. Yoruba names always have meaning and How to teach and induct the next generation has nearly 25 years’ experience in oil and gas benefitted most from the savannah regions, which significance and names are given to children into the Yoruba traditions and culture offshore industry. Neither of them solicited for facilitated easy movement and trade contacts according to the circumstances surrounding their We are dealing with a smart and technological- these titles. They were given to them due to their with neighboring states. As with the nations which birth. We have our food that is part of our culture oriented generation. Hence, teaching and inducting exceptional attributes and the need to promote prospered throughout the second millennium in the and it is peculiar only to the Yorubas, our arts, this generation involves improving communication, brilliant young men. The dual have been selected region, the Oyo Empire exploited local resources sculpture. I can go on and on. The role and depth of collaboration, and critical thinking. We can start by as custodians of our cultures, beliefs and tradition such as okra, yams, dates, palm oil, and fish. Iron- Oyo’s influence in nurturing a Yoruba identity and exposing them to authentic materials. I have learnt and are expected to keep their good works going, smelting technology permitted the production of consciousness among the Yorubas has continued of ‘Live Native Speakers’; lets introduce them to as well as represent their fatherland in the spaces iron tools and weapons while traded goods included to resonate across generations and boundaries. Live Native Speakers, serve them our meals and of endeavours. 24 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 POLITY Na’Allah Unveils Three Books Scholars and lovers of Arts were recently held spellbound when one of their own, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, unveiled three books; two plays and a literary review of Dadakuada, a traditional Yoruba oral genre. Raheem Akingbolu, who witnessed the presentation of the books and the life performances that heralded them, writes that the author has successfully established the place of cultural heritage in the development of religion in African societies.

t was a moment of truth, told in both comical and radical voices. For everybody present, there were lessons to take home. Perhaps intentional, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, in whose honour the people gathered, had indiscriminately invited guests that cut across the political, traditional and business communities. There were also youths –the leaders of tomorrow, in their hundreds. All assembled at theI main lecture theatre, Faculty of Management of the University to witness the public presentation of Yoruba Oral Tradition in Islamic Nigeria: A History of Dadakuada and two plays- Seriya and Omokewu. Himself a respected deep thinker, the chairman of the occasion, who is also the Executive Secretary of the National University Commission, Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed was the first person to notice the seeming contradictory but progressive setting at the venue when he humorously queried the author’s choice of reviewers. The chairman started by admitting that the event would be interesting but wondered while Prof. Na’Allah, who is believed to be of the moral school went for Prof. Ibrahim Bello Kano of the Bayero University, Kano, one of the most visible literary Marxists in this part of the world as reviewer of one of the books. Meanwhile, the other book reviewer, Prof. Sola Olorunfemi of the University of Ibadan is also another brilliant literary giant of the radical school. Prof. Rasheed commended the academic for remaining committed to his professional engagement while holding a key leadership position. “It is very rare for a sitting vice-chancellor to write a book. L-R A former governor of , Abdulfatah Ahmed; Ambassador of Venezuela to Nigeria, David Valasquez Caraballo; Prof. Na’Allah He is an exceptionally brilliant literary analyst. NUC is and a former Minister of Sports and Youths Development, Bolaji Abdulahi during the unveili happy with the change already manifesting at the University of Abuja and we will work with all arms of government nent guests at the event. He reeled out evergreen messages dream.” to ensure that the institution takes its place at the leading that saw many Yoruba guests gesturing in agreement. Commenting on the community play, Omokewu, Tim J. University in Nigeria,” he said. Perhaps because of his relationship with Ilorin, Prof. Olu Cribb of the University of Cambridge, UK, said the author As the event progressed, the observation of the NUC boss Obafemi’s take on Omokewu, could be said to be authorita- has done what many notable writers did for their people. was quick to manifest as Bello and Olorunfemi, maximally tive, considering his tone of conviction. According to him, He said: “What Synge did with Riders to the Sea for explored the podium and the lessons in the book to send a the book stands out because of its unobtrusive combination the West of Ireland, and Dylan Thomas did with under message to Nigerians on leadership and followership. In par- of cultural heritage, religious consciousness and a deep Milkwood for the fishing villages of Wales, and Soyinka did ticular, Olorunfemi frowned at the time spent to recognise sense of community and history. with The Lion and the Jewel for Egbaland, and Walcott did many people who came late to the event instead of focusing He also pointed out that the dramatic narrative and with Dream on Monkey Mountain for Trinidad, landmark on the main business of the day. performance convey ‘totalist theatricality’ and that all the plays all, Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah has now done for Ilorin While, the two plays, Seriya and Omokewu, reflect the moving symbols and icons, images and metaphors, prov- in Northern Nigeria.” communal philosophy, discipline and local upbringing of the erbs and aphorisms realign to typify the essential reality of According to him, Na’allah has given back to the commu- playwright, and draw on the need to build a valid future for modern Ilorin in a way that defies pure history or sociology nity its own “myths and traditions and songs, condensed subsequent generations, the Yoruba Oral Tradition locates but made possible on the dramatic turf. and lifted up into a play, a joyful occasion, a festival for all the oral performance of Dàdàkúàdá genre of music within “The concluding, spirit-possessing, subliminal outcome is seasons and for all peoples. On the wings of Islam, it can the Islamic Yoruba setting and helps to fuse tradition, creativ- both mesmerizing and fascinating. The play flows eloquent- travel around the world.” ity and politics, thereby asserting the significance of the form. ly in the vibrant rhythm of the Ilorin human culture. It is As pointed out by the various commentators, the author In the book, Na’Allah, traces Dadakuada history and good to read it as drama but best to live it on stage as I have examines Dàdàkúàdá relationship with Islam and discusses artistic vision and discusses its vibrancy as the most popular done, where all the salient elements of gesture, the visual, how the singers, through their songs and performances, traditional Yoruba oral art form in Islamic Africa. vernacular wordage and kinesis connect,” he stated. are able to accommodate Islam in ways that have ensured In dissecting Omokewu, Prof. Bello, commended the A former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Bo- their continued survival as a traditional African genre in a author for the clever manner he infuses music and dance into laji Abdullahi; simply described the three books as a key to predominantly Muslim community. the play, which in all contributed to the early development of the historical and religious development of Ilorin. “Through Speaking to journalists on the sideline of the event, Prof Islam in Ilorin. He was however quick to add that the task of the three books, Prof. Na’Allah has simply taken us on a Na’Allah said he wrote the books to show leadership in his reviewing exercise was not to ease the knotty issues in the traditional excursion into our early life and challenged us on scholarship and interrogate certain societal ills, adding that play but to expose them. the need to uphold our cultural heritage. The timing of the the world cannot move forward if scholars are asleep. “As a master play right, Na’Allah shows class in the man- unveiling is particularly apt, considering the value erosion “It is my job as a scholar to do scholarship and the kind ner he introduces his character and their roles. Through the the society is currently contending with,” Abdullahi added. of scholarship that I do is that of identity, culture, literature, play, the author presents to the world the culture and religion For the author of Morountodun and other plays, Prof. comparative studies, poetics and as the VC, it is important of Ilorin in a dramatic but interesting manner,” he stated. Femi Osofisan, the beauty of Seriya lies in its radical, for me to show leadership in scholarship — to scholars in Olorunyomi, who expressed concern over the manner in progressive thrust, as well as its bringing to stage, so, my university, Nigeria and all over the world, it shows which Nigerians have almost allowed their cultural heritage vividly, vignettes of life in a section of the country that that even if you take a position of the VC, you are not to be suppressed, commended the promoters of Dadakuada most of Nigerians are not familiar with, and rarely see. “A exempted from the scholarship. The truth is we have and Na’Allah in particular for sustaining the tempo. He potentially powerful play here, which may eventually turn so much to do in the areas of interpreting our culture, pointed out that Dadakuada has since given birth to two out to be a significant contribution to our repertory,” engaging in research to find solutions to the problems of other genres of literature. Osofisan stated. this country,” he said. While condemning intellectual laziness among today’s But according to Obafemi, the main strength of Seriya He takes a swipe at the manner in which globalization scholars, Olorunfemi commended Na’Allah for standing tall is its dialectical blend of religious and political education, is being viewed in Nigeria and that the concept has and not allowing himself to be embroiled in plagiarism. “I with an unmistakable revolutionary intent. almost become a global threat. have learnt a lesson from Na’Allah, which I want all scholars According to him, with the play’s woven intricate but “For instance, the issue of cyber fraud is prominent in to take seriously. In Dadakuada, Na’Allah is honest enough unobtrusive dialogue, with palpable images of light and the country. That is, using technology to commit fraud to make reference to even his own previous work, wherever darkness, fusing theocracy with politics in a palpable, but technology is about goodness, convenience, comfort he uses something there. He didn’t assume that he is the simple and lucid lyrical tone, Na’AlIah has “given us a and earning money in the right way. In other countries like author of both but still references,” new play, which proposes a new path to social liberation the United States of America, young people are billionaires The University of Ibadan teacher however challenged in which manipulative partisan politics is unequivocally because they are creating great things using technology the author on the need to domesticate his work by looking unmasked.” but in Nigeria, it has been turned upside down. So, we inward for local publishers, who would make his work more Obafemi, who is also a former President of the Nigeria now need to go back to our culture and show the world, accessible to Nigerian students and scholars. Academy of Letters (NAL), added: “The wedlock propos- especially the young people that our culture is all about To reinforce the beauty of the genre, the current king of al which comes at the end between the radical Mariama Dadakuada, was ushered in and the elderly man captured and the cleric Aafa is instructive of a future in which love the mood in line with the tradition of the founder, Odolaye and moral rectitude, shorn of external material trappings, Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com Aremu and danced with Na’Allah and other Ilorin promi- becomes the defining features of socially just polity of our THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 25 POLITY Globacom and theTelecom Sector: 18 Years of Bold Moves

Chidiebere Nwobodo

magine ocean without water. Imagine forest without trees. Imagine desert without sand. Imagine atmosphere without oxygen. Imagine the universe without sunlight. Imagine Nigeria of today where GSM services were still exclusivity of the rich, elite and upper middle class. Imagine Nigeria where GSM networks cum internet connectivity were still limited to the major cities. Imagine “giant of Africa” where majority of her poor and Ilower middle class could still not afford GSM lines, mobile phones and their attendant services—and still have to queue at phone boots to make and receive calls. Imagine if potential telecom subscribers were still buying SIM cards at an exorbitant prices and being billed per minute. Imagine 2021 Nigeria without social media—Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatApp, etcetera. Then, Imagine the nation’s telecom industry without Globacom! Who could have broken the duopoly of the legacy mobile operators that debuted in Nigeria two years before Globacom? Who could have been the catalyst that ignited what has become a revolution in the sector? Which service provider could have hastened the emergence of mobile banking in Nigeria? What of arrival of Fintech companies made possible by broadband services? Without reliable and affordable mobile network cum internet services, should we be talking about Netflix, ShowMax, Zoom, Skype, Tele-medicine, online shopping, e-conference, Uber, Bolt, social media live streaming, etcet- era,? The advent of GSM in Nigeria and the speed of light at which it cascaded to majority of the nooks and crannies of Nigeria was made possible by fierce competition created by the emergence of Globacom on the scene. Like an explorer about to sojourn on a voyage to rescue millions of Nigerians cum Africans trapped in the dol- drums of telecom unavailability, Dr Mike Adenuga, Jr., got hit by a ray of an idea, he conceptualized it, transformed it into vision, of which was translated to a statement tagged, “Building Africa’s biggest and best telecommunications network”. Despite being the first indigenous GSM operator to be licensed, Chief Adenuga was not scared of the behemoth foreign service providers already in the country—clear two years ahead of him in the telecom market. Like “The Bull” Adenuga he is fondly called, he feared no competition. Rather, he became the competition. He threw in the dice. A new dawn feat. internet connection between Nigeria and the rest of the beckoned. The towering imagine of self-effacing Founder and world. On August, 2003, Globacom—Nigeria’s first indigenous Chairman of the Company, Dr Mike Adenuga, Jr., After 18 years of eagle-eyed vision, bold moves and mobile operator was born with an ambitious mission state- loomed larger than life as entrepreneurial enigma spirit of resilience, in retrospect, I will say again: Imagine ment: “To be the largest, most successful entertainment, with midas touch—having blazed other sectors of the Nigeria’s telecom industry without Globacom! Imagine that information and telecommunications solutions provider, in economy before a glorious stopover in the telecom Dr Mike Adenuga, Jr., Mr. Per Second Billing (PSB), did not Nigeria and Africa.” Starting with the pay-off line, Glo with industry. At this point, Glo had become endeared to the break duopoly of legacy mobile operators! Nigeria would Pride, at the launch, Globacom hit the ground running with hearts of Nigerians for making GSM services affordable have been eighteen years behind in the global telecommuni- superior 2.5G network, compared with what was obtain- to the downtrodden. The myth that mobile phones were cations services. able in the sector then. exclusively reserved for the privileged few had been Social Media would not have been as popular today in the Globacom did not only become the game-changer but demystified by the vision of one man. country because only limited youthful population would via innovative prowess disrupted the market; raised the Glo was the first operator to introduce Blackberry have had access to mobile phones and internet connectiv- bar— inadvertently and advertently, began what has service to Nigerian consumers at a time when Blackberry ity. Imagine the beauty and vibrancy of opinion molding; been later christened telecom revolution in Nigeria. When was the undisputed King of business devices. It instantly information dissemination; citizen’s journalism; business legacy mobile operators insisted that per second billing became the fancy cum status symbol and compulsory opportunities; talent discoveries; content creations, etcetera, system was not economically practicable at the moment, companion of upwardly mobile business men and made possible by a liberalized telecom sector brought to the and covertly held Nigerians at oligopolistic jugular of women and professionals in Nigeria. This service made doorsteps of Nigerians by Dr Mike Adenuga, Jr., using the duopoly, Globacom—like a rampaging bull driving the it possible for telecom consumers to have access to their instrumentality of Globacom Limited. renaissance, broke the jinx and pioneered per second billing mails on the move through the then novel feature called Beyond telecom industry, Glo has hugely supported in the country. This became the magic wand that made the “push-email”, piggybacked by flat-rated internet made Nigeria’s and Ghana’s entertainment industries and conspicuous difference. possible by Glo network. Other operators joined the beyond. Its involvement with Nollywood and leading The subsequent crash of cost of SIMs and calls from bandwagon. Nigerian music talents, the sponsorship of music shows N20,000 and N50 per a minute, respectively, to as low as Not relenting in its efforts as catalyst of this wind of such as Rock ‘n’ Rule, GloNaiga Sings, Laffta Fest N200 and 5 Kobo per second, ensured that more Nigeri- change, Glo stepped up its game with its new slogan—Rule and the continent’s number one music singing talent ans—who were hitherto unable to own SIMs cum mobile Your World. This message of empowerment helped build reality TV show, X Factor, which debuted in Africa in phones, could afford them with the corresponding services. confidence in the youths that they can achieve their dreams, 2013. The Company also supports movie industry in Nigerians were bitten by the bug of Glo vis-a-vis mobile rule their world by being the best they can. Globacom decided Nigeria (Nollywood) and Ghana (Ghollywood). phone services. In a chain reaction, massive demands for to rule the world of broadband market in the country and Adenuga’s love for sports and youths development mobile network connectivity began across the country. beyond, with the construction and launching of an interna- has immensely been demonstrated via Globacom’s All the service providers started rolling out telecom tional submarine cable called Glo-1. heavy investment in the nation’s development. Globa- infrastructure across the country to meet up with demands It is the first time a single company would implement such a com had consistently sponsored the Nigerian League of their subscribers and also outclass competition—Globa- massive undersea project in Africa costing over $800m dollars. from 2003 to 2010 seasons. It returned in 2013, a new com was at the forefront of this quest. Less than a year after It is an expansive solely owned trans-Atlantic cable, provid- N1.9 was signed up to 2016. It has also funded the launch, Globacom amassed over one million subscribers on ing internet connectivity between Europe, America and the Ghana Premier League for many years. The Company its then nascent network. Other operators got jittery and West African coast. The 9,800km-long cable has landing sponsored GLO-CAF Award, a platform to celebrate increased their pace of infrastructural rollout. points in Lagos of Nigeria, Accra of Ghana, Senegal, African football excellence, for many years. In this process, hundreds of thousands of jobs were Nouakchott of Mauritania, Casablanca of Morocco, Vigo Once again, imagine Nigeria’s and Ghana’s sports and created, multi-faceted business opportunities opened. of Spain, Bude of England, etcetera. entertainment industries without Globacom! Glo’s 18th An- Telecom sector became the “new” oil and gas industry in Glo-1 delivers a much faster and robust connectivity niversary is celebration of Dr Mike Adenuga’s sterling vision, Nigeria. In an upward spiral of momentum and cascad- for voice, data and video. In addition to boosting the bold moves and liberalization of telecom sector vis-a-vis ing gains of the frenzy to be part of a society populated provision of services to telecom end users, the facility mobile phone services, to give unfettered telecom access to by mobile phones , more Nigerians got connected. Life is currently providing the much-needed connectivity the downtrodden. became easier. By making telephony accessible to the to critical sectors of the economy such as oil and gas, common man, Glo accelerated national development in manufacturing, banking, commence, education and health, t$IJEJFCFSF/XPCPEPXSJUFTGSPN"CVKBWJBDIJEJF- Nigeria and venture into Ghana to replicate the same among others. This humongous subsea cable has increased CFSFOXPCPEP!ZBIPPDPN 26 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 TRIBUTE A Tribute to Lady Adanma Okpara

Eddie Mbadiwe On one occasion, my wife and I were privileged to sit next to he demise of Ezinne Adanma Okpara at the age of Adanma and her husband at a wedding at Hotel Presidential 99 (she would be 97 in December) calls for celebra- in Enugu. It was an afternoon we will always cherish. Dr. tion and reflection. It is the closure of an era when Okpara narrated how the entire complex, including buildings, people got into politics to serve their fellow citizens. grounds, swimming pool, tennis courts up to crockery and She was a very gentle soft spoken woman of few cutlery was completed at a cost less than 500, 000 pounds. Now words who preferred the background rather than we will be budgeting billions. In the spirit of the time, he also the razz mataz of kleg lights. One of her relations built a replica in Port-Harcourt. That is functional up till today. Cecilia was a classmate in Higher School at Methodist College I recollect with nostalgia that as a member of the House of TUzuakoli and on the few occasions when she visited the Representatives, I was invited as part of the Presidential Team school, her stately carriage, dignity and poise endeared her to to a conference in Paris to brain storm on problems confronting all she came in contact with. Nigeria. In one of the round table discussions, I asked the Her husband Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara succeeded Minister of Agriculture then why they had not tapped into the Okpara Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as Premier of Eastern Nigeria. agricultural revolution of Dr. Okpara anchored on farm settle- Dr. Okpara was firebrand, fiery and turbulent and was always ments scheme. That programme would have led to full scale diaspora will ste p forward and fit into the rich in his elements when people cheered “M.I Power.” In 1964 employment. He moped at me until the Chairperson, Baroness and enviable legacy built for them by their when he was fully in charge, Eastern Nigeria was regarded as Lynda Chalker prompted him respond. He had no answer. parents. Rest in peace Lady Chief Ezinne the fastest growing and industrializing region in the world in The nation remembers and mourns Adanma and our sincere Adanma Okpara. what was regarded as the economic blitz of Eastern Nigeria. commiserations and condolences go to the Okpara family. Pius Okigbo who was economic adviser to the Federal One hopes Uzodinma and his siblings most of whom live in t3U)PO%S&EEJF.CBEJXFXSJUFTGSPN"CVKB Government recorded that, in an address in Madras India, Dr. Okpara jolted the world with his programme of industrial and agricultural revolutions anchored in the innovative farm Kidnapping: FCTA urges Residents to Report Strange Faces settlement scheme. Adanma, like the good wife she was, supported her husband and ensured he kept a cool head and did not steal Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja She, however, assured the residents of the Territory of the from the public till. When Dr. Okpara left office, the only safety of their lives and property saying as the security agencies landed property he owned was one uncompleted building at In the light of the security situation in the country, the Federal were very alert to their responsibilities. Ogui Road in Enugu. There was no house in his home town Capital Territory Administration has urged residents of the terri- She said the security apparatus in FCT was very much awake Ohuhu in Abia State. tory to be vigilant and report strange and suspicious faces in their and the information gathering network was very much active. Some of his later successors supposedly better educated vicinity to security agencies to safeguard life and property. The minister also said that the cases of kidnappings have assigned to themselves large chunks of Independence layout The FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijani Aliyu made the drastically reduced in many parts of the Territory, while assuring which hopefully EFCC will recover and restore to the people. appeal yesterday following the monthly FCT Security Committee that the security agencies were working hard to curb the crime in The bond between Adanma and Dr. Okpara was a master meeting chaired by the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa the areas that are still prone to the incident. class level 101 marriage and the only other political marriage Bello. Also speaking, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Sunday Babaji, that can be compared to that was the one between Chief “Security is a collective responsibility, so, we must communi- who was attending the meeting for the first time since his appoint- Dideolu and Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Those marriages were cate when we see those we consider as unknown faces around ment earlier in the month, also called for the cooperation of the role models for our current politicians. our areas, especially with what we are seeing or hearing across the residents of the FCT by giving timely and accurate information to country,” she said. the police while assuring them of their security and safety. PHOTO NEWS

L-R; Pharmacist Jimi Agbaje; Head of Department, Pharmaceutical Services, National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Dr. Mrs. Collette Elechi; former Minister of Health/ Spe- cial Guest, Prince Adelusi Adeluyi; Author of the Book /former National President, Pharmaceuti- cal Society of Nigeria (PSN), Olumide Akintayo; and Managing Director/CEO, Fildson Health Plc, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae during the Book Presentation and Launch of Chequered Pavements in Phar- macy Practice held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja in Lagos ….recently SUNDAY ADIGUN L-R: Managing Director, Without a Box, PR Consultant, Theodore Nyingifa; Dairy of a Kitchen Lov- er, Chef and Food Blogger, Tolani Tayo-Osikoya and Head of Category Homecare Africa, PZ Cus- sons, Ejiroghene Iku-Ahusimere at the official signing of Tolani Tayo-Osikoya as Morning Fresh Brand Ambassador in Lagos… recently.

L-R: Director-General, Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Hans Essaadi; Chairman, Nigerian Breweries Plc, L-R; Second runner up Winner of the ONGAlicious Next Top Chef, Rita Okon; winner, Bibian Ugwum- Chief Kola Jamodu and President, Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, Mr. Mansur Ahmed dur- bara; and the 1st runner up, Joan Azonobor during the final competition of the ongalicious next top ing the introduction of Essaadi as the new Managing Director . chef held in Lagos…. recently THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾APRIL 24, 2011 3 GLOBAL NEWS

SOCCER WHO BLINKS

FIRST? A WEEKLY PULL-OUT 28. 08.2021 PAGE. 29

Peter Olayinka Will He Jettison Cult Hero’s Status for New Challenge? 28 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 GLOBAL SOCCER

Peter Olayinka got the better of Barcelona defender Gerrard Pique at the Camp Nou Peter Olayinka Will He Jettison Cult Hero’s Status for New Challenge?

Though, he joined Slavia Prague just a little over three years ago, Peter Olayinka is already seen as a cult hero by Sinobo faithful, having helped the club lift three league titles and two FA Cups since his arrival. All that may change if FC Copenhagen agree to pay the Nigerian buyout clause C Copenhagen identifies €7 and Glasgow Rangers, before netting the crucial the Blaugrana defenders as his physical presence trick for Maccabi Haifa against Olympiakos million-rated Super Eagles opener against Steven Gerrard’s team at the made life difficult for the likes of Gerrad Pique, in September 2002. forward, Peter Olayinka as the Ibrox Stadium. Clement Lenglet, Nelson Semedo, and Jordi The 25-year-old made his debut for Nigeria ideal replacement for in-demand Slavia Prague are aware that several foreign Alba on the night. against Brazil in an international friendly fol- Danish youngster Mohamed clubs are interested in their number 9 and are The 25-year-old covered a distance of 11.31 lowing eye-catching performances for his club Daramy. looking to sell him for no less than six million kilometres and that was only bettered by two in the league and in Europe. ThereF are not many Nigerian internationals euros. Barcelona players, Frenkie de Jong (12.11km) Olayinka says he had a rough beginning in the Danish top-flight but one of the country’s Olayinka has spent three seasons at the Czech and Vidal (11.57km). as a young aspiring footballer, adding that he flying wingers could be on his way out this champions, scoring 22 goals in 107 matches. Oshoala took to her official Twitter handle to had little parental support as his father didn’t summer after FC Copenhagen resolved losing He is tied to Slavia Prague until June 2023 commend the energetic display of the former think a career in football was possible. “At first Danish youngster of Sierra Leonean descent, having extended his contract last December. KAA Gent of Belgium player. my dad didn’t support me,” he told Brilla FM. Mohamed Daramy , having identified the Super The forward has scored 11 goals and registered “@AsisatOshoala: Peter no Dey tire According to him, things were tough to the Eagles forward as the ideal replacement for four assists, in 3,825 minutes of 27 times he #BARSLP,” her tweet read. extent that he could barely get food to eat before the 19-year-old right-winger. played this season as he helped the Czech In an earlier group match against Inter Milan going for practice. The Danish Super Liga giants have nurtured Republic reach the last eight of the UEFA at the iconic San Siro Stadium, Slavia Prague He said, “I was on the streets for a very long Daramy since he was 16, but they could see Europa league. were on the verge of beating the host after time, things weren’t easy. I suffered mostly him leave this summer, with Club Brugge Barcelona will not forget in a hurry, exploits Olayinka deservedly put the underdogs growing up; things were difficult. I would among other clubs interested in his services. of Olayinka in the UEFA Champions League in front in their UEFA Champions League drink garri and kuli-kuli or go on an empty However, Olayinka is the man the Lions two years ago and he gave the Camp Nou opening match but a 92nd minute equaliser stomach after practice. But I kept my focus are targeting to fill in the hole that is expected faithful something to ponder upon at the end from Nicolo Barella ensured that the Italians and would pray for a breakthrough. to be created with the departure of Daramy, of the day. shared the spoils. “Later he noticed I could make a living from it according to Danish Football. Olayinka had scored an own goal as Sla- The goal, a first for Olayinka in the Euro- and he became my number one fan. He bought Despite being predominantly deployed as via Prague fell 2-1 to Barcelona in the UEFA pean elite football championship, came at me playing kits and my boots.” a winger, Olayinka has managed 22 goals and Champions League game as he deflected a Luis a venue which holds a lot of memories for Olayinka has also been linked with a move to 15 assists in 110 games for the reigning Czech Suarez shot with his chest in the 57th minute the Nigerian. France and Germany following his impressive champions – the most he has registered for any to put Barcelona ahead again after Jan Boril “San Siro is one of the most popular sta- performance for Slavia Prague this season. of the five clubs he has played for in Europe. cancelled out Lionel Messi’s opener. diums. I used to select the stadium when I Speaking on the rumour surrounding his Injury has limited the former Zulte Ware- In the return leg at Nou Camp, Olayinka used to play video games growing up,” he future at the club, Olayinka toldbrila.net that gem ace to just 27 minutes of league football may not have scored but he was a thorn in said on Instagram. he’s open to possibilities of trying some new, this season. Still, his previous exploits have the flesh of Barcelona. Olayinka admitted he was nervous at first, but he’s still a Slavia Prague’s player. convinced FC Copenhagen to prepare an offer Indeed, his performance did not go unnoticed but the feeling of scoring at such an iconic “I would be interested in new adventures at for the forward rated at €7 million. by his compatriot, Asisat Oshoala who plays stadium was overwhelming. some points, but I don’t know because there Olayinka excelled in the 2020-2021 Europa for Barcelona femini. “When I got to the stadium, I was very ner- have been rumours. League, contributing three goals and two as- The Super Falcons striker praised the spirited vous, even before the game. I was thinking of “But for now, I can say I’m 100 per cent Slavia sists in 11 matches before Slavia Prague were performance Olayinka after his Czech side, the stadium, and after scoring I didn’t know how Prague’s player, but we will see what happens knocked out of the competition by Arsenal in Slavia Prague left Camp Nou with a point to celebrate it. The feeling was overwhelming, in the future,” he said. the quarterfinal stage. following a goalless draw against the Spanish but it was absolutely fantastic.” The Nigerian may still only be 25, he is already The 25-year-old was particularly impres- champions in the Champions League. His goal against Inter Milan made him become a veteran of Czech football, where he has been sive against the British teams in the Europa The Super Eagles forward, who played the the first Nigerian to score on his Champions since 2018. League, bagging assists against Leicester City entire duration of the game, was a handful for League debut since Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s hat- THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 29 GLOBAL SOCCER Premier League Super Saturday Liverpool, Chelsea Clash in Early Title Race Arsenal take redemption song to the Etihad With both sides having amassed the maximum points and yet to concede a goal, Liverpool welcome Chelsea to Anfield in what no doubt is the headline fixture of this weekend’s Premier League. Though the league may just be only three weeks old a win by any of the sides would go a long way in shaping their title ambition. In another scintillating fixture, defending champions, Manchester City host Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium and a victory for the Citizens would ensure the Gunners had their worst league start in 67 years. It is therefore a great weekend of football especially for the neutrals to enjoy

way that many Gooners feared - with Lukaku bullying his way through the Arsenal defence to score the opener - while James put the game out of sight before the half-time whistle blew. Having supposedly been given only another few games to save his job in the Emirates dugout, Arteta’s intention to lay down a marker in the EFL Cup was clear, as a strong Gunners XI thrashed a youthful- looking West Bromwich Albion side 6-0 in Wednesday’s second-round clash. While that result did give the travelling Arsenal party something to cheer, celebra- tory moments have been few and far between in the Premier League, although they did embark on a seven-game unbeaten run away from home before suffering defeat against Brentford. Not since the 1954-55 season have Arsenal lost their first three games in a top-flight season, but if they are to avoid a similar fate here, Arteta’s men must emulate the FA Cup-winning squad from 2019-20, which sent City packing 2-0 in the semi-finals. While their record on the Wembley turf is unparalleled, Arsenal have not endured such fortunes at the Etihad Stadium, as they have lost their last five league games away to Guardiola’s men and have won just one of their last 10 in the blue side of Manchester.

Chelsea defender, Antonio Rudiger tries to stop Lverpool striker, Sadio Mane from inflicting any damage to the Blues Head to Head 12/05/21 Chelsea 0-1 Arsena l ith their 100 per cent starts reclaim the crown. Albion 6-0 in the EFL Cup. to the season on the line, There were no prizes for guessing who Manchester City’s lengthy pursuit of the 19-09-22 Premier League Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool Liverpool and Chelsea would make the net ripple first at the Emir- England captain, Harry Kane has failed to 19-04-14 Premier League Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea prepare for a blockbuster ates Stadium last week, as Romelu Lukaku bear fruit following confirmation that he will 18-09-29 Premier League Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool Premier League clash at up against Pablo Mari and Rob Holding be staying put at Tottenham Hotspur, but Anfield this evening. certainly spelled trouble for the Arsenal Pep Guardiola’s side are now being tipped 18-05-06 Premier League Chelsea 1-0 Liverpool WJurgen Klopp’s side saw off Burnley 2-0 in defence. to move for the five-time Ballon d’Or win- 17-11-25 Premier League Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea week two, while Chelsea eased to victory at The £97.5m man’s physical presence ner, Cristiano Ronaldo in the coming days. 17-01-31 Premier League Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea Arsenal by the same scoreline. proved impossible for the Gunners to However, if last week’s performance 16-09-16 Premier League Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool With the Anfield faithful returning to the deal with as he bullied his way through to against Norwich was anything to go by, City scene of the crime in the 2020-21 season, tap home Reece James’s cross in the 15th seldom need more attacking options in their 16-05-11 Premier League Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea Klopp insisted that Liverpool would not be minute, and James soon went from provider ranks, as goals from Jack Grealish, Raheem 15-10-31 Premier League Chelsea 1-3 Liverpool out for revenge against Burnley, who ended to goal scorer to put the tie to bed with 35 Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte 15-05-10 Premier League Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool the Reds’ 68-game unbeaten home run in the minutes on the clock. and an own goal from Tim Krul propelled top flight last term. Thomas Tuchel’s side may not have made them to a straightforward 5-0 win over Lightning would not strike twice for a lot of additions this summer, but the re- Norwich last time out. PREMIER LEAGUE Sean Dyche’s men on Merseyside, as Diogo signing of Lukaku may have given the Blues Having recovered from their Community TODAY Jota’s header and Sadio Mane’s calm finish the attacking edge that they need to turn Shield defeat to Leicester City and opening- Man City v Arsenal 12:30 either side of the half-time whistle propelled into genuine title contenders, although that day loss to Tottenham Hotspur, the reigning Aston Villa v Brentford 15:00 Liverpool to a comfortable win after their tag will certainly be put to the test against champions recorded their second consecu- Brighton v Everton 15:00 equally dominant success over Norwich the 2019-20 champions this weekend. tive 5-0 Premier League win on home soil Newcastle v Southampton 15:00 City on the opening weekend. It has been 11 years since Chelsea last following last year’s final-day drubbing of Norwich v Leicester 15:00 Starting as they mean to go on, Liverpool’s opened a Premier League campaign with Everton, but Liverpool, Manchester United West Ham v Crystal Palace 15:00 back-to-back wins and clean sheets have three wins and three clean sheets on the trot, and Chelsea remain above Guardiola’s men Liverpool v Chelsea 17:30 seen them rise to third in the rankings - level but having restricted Arsenal and Crystal for the time being. on points and goal difference with Chelsea Palace to a combined 10 shots earlier this Furthermore, this weekend’s hosts have and West Ham United, Klopp’s men will month, Tuchel’s resolute defence will aim only failed to score in one of their last 35 Pre- SUNDAY endeavour to once again take advantage of to replicate such performances against one mier League matches at the Etihad Stadium Burnley v Leeds Utd 14:00 Manchester City and Manchester United’s of the most famed attacks the country has to - an astonishing streak which is unlikely to Tottenham v Watford 14:00 early slip-ups. offer. end no matter who leads the line out. Wolvers v Man Utd 16:30 Victory over the Clarets marked Liv- Mason Mount scored the only goal as Of course, a crushing win over Arsenal erpool’s seventh in a row in the Premier Chelsea prevailed 1-0 at Anfield last term, would allow the Citizens to temporarily La Liga League - the last four of which have seen but that defeat represented only Liverpool’s reclaim their rightful place at the top of TODAY Klopp’s men record shut-outs and the Reds’ second in 13 league games against Chelsea, the standings, and given their opponents’ Celta Vigo v Bilbao 16:00 bright attacking contingent have helped who had previously failed to win in five on recent performances, Arteta is a long way off Elche v Sevilla 18:30 their side score at least two goals in each the Merseyside turf. emulating his former teacher Guardiola. Sociedad v Levante 18:30 game during that hot streak. Earlier today, the professor meets the Granted, Arsenal’s double-figure absentee Real Betis v Madrid 21:00 Also unbeaten in 12 Premier League protege at the Etihad Stadium at lunchtime, list was hardly ideal for the visit of European matches since going down 1-0 against Ful- as Manchester City take on Arsenal. champions Chelsea, as Arteta’s men sought SUNDAY ham back in March, a Liverpool side with a Both sides recorded crushing victories to right the wrongs of their dismal opening- Barcelona v Getafe 16:00 near-empty medical room certainly have the in their most recent encounters, with City day defeat to Brentford in front of their own Cádiz v Osasuna 18:30 look of title challengers once again, although easing to a 5-0 success over Norwich City fans. Vallecano v Granada 18:30 their opponents are equally desperate to while the Gunners thrashed West Bromwich However, the game panned out in the Atlético v Villarreal 21:00 30 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 GLOBAL SOCCER

Super Eagles in training Some of the participants at the Lagos Sports Summer Camp engage in a game of Scrabble World Cup Qualifier Osimhen Battles Ndidi, Iheanacho, FIFA Appoints Togolese Officials Moses in Europa League for Super Eagles, Liberia Clash ˾Draws pitch Napoli against Leicester, Spartak World football governing lines by compatriots Komlan delegation of Lone Star is body, FIFA has appointed Domenyo Adiwotso (assistant scheduled to land on Tuesday. The Europa League won’t The Neapolitans were help Rangers overcome the Togolese official, Kouassi At- referee 1), Limna Kabassima Meanwhile, the 5,000 –capac- be short of Nigerian stars, pitted against Leicester challenge of Lyon, Sparta tisso Attiogbe as the referee (assistant referee 2) and ity Estádio Municipal Adérito but there’s one group to City, Spartak Moscow and Prague and Brondby. for next Friday’s FIFA World Yelebodom Gado Bodjona Sena on the island of Mindelo look forward to following Legia Warsaw in Group C. Onyekuru, who scored his Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying (fourth official). will host the Day 2 clash be- the conclusion of the draws It means Osimhen will face first goal for Olympiacos on match between Nigeria and FIFA has also appointed tween the Super Eagles and yesterday afternoon. his international compatriots Thursday, will aim to consider Liberia scheduled for the Munkaila Nassam Adam the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde. Napoli’s Victor Osimhen Ndidi and Iheanaco, and also in the same vein when the Teslim Balogun Stadium, from Ghana as match com- That game will hold on will come up against Leicester a clash against former Super Greek champions take on Surulere, Lagos. missioner, while Abdellah El Tuesday, September 7, with City’s duo of Wilfred Ndidi Eagles star Moses. Eintracht Frankfurt, Fener- The Day 1 clash between Achiri from Morocco will the Super Eagles set to fly out and Kelechi Iheanacho, and The competition won’t be bahce and Royal Antwerp. the Super Eagles and the serve as referee assessor. of Lagos aboard a chartered jet Spartak Moscow’s Victor short of Nigerian stars this Paul Onuachu’s Genk have Lone Stars will commence The match officials are on Monday, September 6, and Moses after their teams were season. been paired against Dinamo at 5pm Nigeria time, with expected to arrive in Lagos return to Nigeria immediately paired together in the Europa In Group A, Joe Aribo and Zagreb, West Ham and Rapid Attiogbe to be assisted on the on Wednesday, while the after the match. League group stages. Leon Balogun will hope to Vienna. …Only 5,000 Spectators to Watch Match The Confederation of African 12,000 spectators at the venue. compliance, and safety & security Local Government Chairmen Commend Football has approved for the “As it is known, we would perspective in your venue. Ac- Nigeria Football Federation to like to reiterate that the CAF and cordingly, a decision has been have only 5,000 spectators at next FIFA covid-19 match protocols taken to exceptionally allow the Sanwo-Olu on Sports Summer Camp week’s FIFA World Cup qualify- clearly state that all matches must presence of 5,000 spectators in The chairmen of Ijede, Ikorodu Camp is happening,” she said. According to the chairman, ing match between Nigeria and be played behind closed doors. the aforementioned match,” CAF North and Igbogbo Bayeku Local She urged the campers to the camping was to enable the Liberia at the Teslim Balogun Nonetheless, CAF analysed and wrote in the letter signed by Council Development Areas have make use of the opportunity campers have better relationships Stadium, Lagos. assessed your request from a Raul Chipenda, Development hailed Lagos State Governor, given to them by the Lagos State with one another and promotion The NFF had applied to have medical, stadium requirements Director. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for backing Government through the Lagos of team work. Lagos Sports Summer Camp. State Sports Commission. He urged the campers to The Ijede council chairman, Also speaking at the camp, the transform what they are learning Anjorin, Shoretire, Eight Other Nigeria-eligible Players in England Squads Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba Ikorodu North council chairman, at the camp to a life changing said that the Lagos Sports Adebisi Abiola, gave kudos activity for a better tomorrow. The English Football Associa- Kosovo on Tuesday September 7. the England U19 squad for for Summer Camp was a testimony to Lagos State Government “You can be a producer tion has finalised its rosters for Arsenal midfielder Miguel upcoming fixtures with Italy and of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s love and the Lagos State Sports of large power bank in your upcoming international matches Azeez and Chelsea winger Germany. for children. Commission for engaging the locality, if you concentrate on next month, with 10 Nigeria- Faustino Anjorin have been England U19 Head coach Ian She stated this during her children in sporting activities and what you are being taught on eligible youngsters invited to called up to the England U20 Foster has selected four other pep talk with the campers at the vocational skills at the Lagos how to produce power bank the youth teams. squad for the upcoming friendly players of Nigerian descent, Oriwu College, Ikorodu, venue Sports Summer Camp. which is part of what you are Arsenal striker Folarin Balo- against Romania. namely Daniel Oyegoke, Carney of the Phase 2, Season 2 of Lagos “Thank you Governor going to learn at the camp.” gun has earned a maiden call-up Though Azeez has been Chukwuemeka, Samuel Edozie Sports Summer Camp in the Sanwo-Olu for doing this for The chairman promised to to the England U21 squad and involved with the Young Lions and Shola Shoretire. Lagos East Senatorial District. Lagos Children.” give the campers some gifts he is joined on the roster by PSV in the past, this is the first time Fulham midfielder Michael “I want to thank our lover Igbogbo Bayeku council during the closing ceremony Eindhoven teenage sensation he has received a call-up to the Olakigbe has been included in of children, Mr. Governor for chairman, Olusesan Daini, to round off the seven days Nonso Madueke. U20 team. the England U18 squad for a doing this for Lagos children commended the governor for camping today. England U21s will face Ro- Celtic goalkeeper Tobi five-day training camp in Wales. and for bringing it to Ikorodu giving approval to Lagos State Meanwhile, the Board of mania on September 3 before a Oluwayemi , younger brother The Young Lions will face Division. Sports Commission to organise Lagos State Sports Commis- 2023 UEFA Under-21 European of 2021 Super Eagles invitee Wales at Newport County’s “There is no doubt that the Summer Camp. sion also visited the venue of Championship qualifier with Joshua, has been called up to Spytty Park September 3. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu He made this commendation the Phase 2 of the Lagos Sports likes children and wants them to when he visited the participants Summer Camp at Oriwu College be useful in life, that is the reason of the Phase 2 of Summer Camp on Wednesday to motivate the Cameroon Coach Sets Target at Aisha Buhari Cup for this Lagos Sports Summer on Tuesday. 120 campers. Head Coach of Cameroon South Africa. think that with the girls who will Exciting Games from La Liga, Serie A Seasons on DStv, GOtv Women’s National Team, Gabriel “We had to set up a come from overseas and those Zabo will begin his coaching team. We have developed who will be retained here, we DStv and GOtv customers Villamarin at 9pm on SuperSport at 7:45pm on SuperSport Football journey with the Indomitable a lot more defensively and will have a good tournament.” can look forward to extended La Liga and SuperSport GOtv and SuperSport GOtv Select 1. Lionesses against Ghana’s from the second regrouping, The Lionesses will open their action from the La Liga and Serie La Liga. Moving onto Sunday, Napoli Black Queens at the Aisha we will start to evolve on campaign at the six-nation A with matches running from Sunday’s early game sees face a tricky trip away to Ge- Buhari Invitational Tourna- the offensive strategy,” he tournament against Ghana on yesterday to Sunday. Barcelona welcome Getafe to the noa at 5:30pm on SuperSport ment Cup holding in Lagos, disclosed. September 13 before taking on The pick of matches from Camp Nouat 4pm on SuperSport Football and SuperSport GOtv Nigeria next month. “We have a very difficult South Africa in the second group Spain’s top flight this weekend is La Liga and SuperSport GOtv Select 1, Jose Mourinho’s Roma Zabo replaced Alain group where we will have B game two days later. Atletico Madrid hosting Villarreal La Liga. will take on newly-promoted Djeumfa as the head coach to play Ghana and South Zabo will look to make a at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano The pick of matches today sees Salernitana, and Milan will fancy after the erstwhile gaffer’s Africa. We will go with the bright start to his reign with on Sunday 29 at 9pm on Super- Lazio in action against Spezia at their chances of a three-point team’s failed to qualify firm conviction that we will the Lionesses as they gear up Sport La Liga and SuperSport 5:30pm on SuperSport Variety 3 haul at the iconic San Siro at for the Women’s Football proceed from the group phase for a doubleheader against GOtv La Liga (DStv channel 204 (DStv channel 208). 7:45pm on SuperSport Football Tournament of the Tokyo on to the knockout rounds first the Central African Republic and GOtv channel 32). Today also sees Juventus play and SuperSport GOtv Select 1 Olympics, and is gearing up and then we will see what next. in the Women’s Africa Cup of Another intriguing clash in La their first home match of the when Cagliari makes the trip for tough challenges against “For the moment, we are Nations qualifying race starting Liga this weekend sees Real Betis season, as they welcome Empoli from Sardinia to the North of Group B foes - Ghana and calm, we are preparing and I in October. host Real Madrid at Estadio Benito to the Allianz Stadium in Turin Italy. THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 31 GLOBAL SOCCER

Madueke closed mindset, I would not be where I am now, so for sure I am open to both. “We just have to see in the future what is best.” Should he decide to switch allegiance, Madueke will join the likes of Alex Iwobi, Ola Nonso Madueke Aina and Joe Aribo in the list of players who chose Nigeria ahead of England. Chukwunonso ‘Noni’ Madueke has inked a new four-year contract with PSV Eindhoven that will keep him with the Red-and-white until the summer of 2025. Agreeing to a new deal with the Dutch Finds Home at giants has put to bed all the transfer rumours surrounding the English youth international of Nigerian descent. Noni Madueke had been linked to virtually most of the top clubs in Europe, with Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, Arsenal, Leicester City, and Tottenham Hotspurs be- lieved to be the front-runners for his signature. Philips Stadium It was no surprise because the 19-year-old has been excellent for PSV on the domestic After a scintillating season with PSV Eindhoven, speculations were rife on his scene and in Europe, drawing a comparison with former Real Madrid star Arjen Robben. However, the exciting attacker has commit- move to the English Premier League with Manchester United, Liverpool and ted his future to the Philips Stadion landlords after extending his contract until 2025. Tottenham Hotspur leading the race for Nonso Madueke signature. Against all “Ever since I’ve been here, I’ve noticed from everything that this is the best place to odds, the Anglo-Nigerian decided to elongate his stay at the Philips Stadium develop,” the youngster told the club’s official website. with a contract extension “I, therefore, did not hesitate for a moment to stay here longer. I have felt at home at PSV onso Madueke appears to clubs in Noni, but we wanted to connect Noni to continue his development. from day one. have ended speculation to PSV even longer. After good talks with “We talk to him a lot. Not necessarily about “We are going to make it a great time surrounding his future after Noni and his family, he succeeded in extend- the rumours. It is clear to me that he will stay.” together in Eindhoven, with wonderful putting pen to paper on a new ing his contract until 2025. The 19-year-old Madueke, a product of Tot- football evenings.” deal at Dutch Eredivisie giants “We as a club are very happy that Noni tenham Hotspur academy, has been involved PSV Eindhoven. will stay and we look forward to a successful in 17 goals in 30 matches in the current season The Daily Mail had reported that the likes of N collaboration,” de Jong said. despite his limited game time. GLOBAL SOCCER Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Madueke joined the youth team of PSV in The youngster was born in England, but Hotspur were keeping tabs on the England the summer of 2018 after stops at Tottenham he is also eligible to represent the three-time ASSISTANT EDITOR youth international of Nigerian descent ahead Hotspur and Crystal Palace. African champions through his parents. of a possible move this summer. Indeed, PSV Eindhoven manager Roger Madueke has indeed revealed he is open to KUNLE ADEWALE Madueke has been rewarded for his fine Schmidt had always been confident that representing Nigeria at the international level performances since the season began with a Madueke will remain at the club next season despite being born in England. THISDAY ON SATURDAY new contract that keeps him at the Eindhoven- amid speculation linking the winger with Madueke has caught the eye of many this EDITOR based club until the end of the 2024-2025 possible moves to Premier League clubs in season following his brilliant start to life in YEMI ADEBOWALE season. the summer. Schmidt has a plan in order to the Dutch Eredivisie. The former Tottenham DEPUTY EDITOR In nine matches this term, the 19-year-old convince the England U-21 international of youth player also has one goal and two assists AHAMIFULA OGBU tallied six goals, including a brace versus Ajax Nigerian descent to stay, by citing the devel- in the Europa League this season. His impres- Amsterdam in the Johan Cruijff Schaal, and opment of Mason Mount and Phil Foden at sive performances have brought him into THISDAY NEWSPAPERS contributed an assist. Chelsea and Manchester City respectively. public consciousness with his international Speaking after the new deal was confirmed, Mount and Foden are products of Chelsea future now a subject of debate. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN Madueke said on PSV’s official website: “I and Manchester City academies and rose Madueke was born in England and has NDUKA OBAIGBENA have felt at home at PSV from day one. We are through the ranks before establishing them- represented the Three Lions at youth level. going to make it a great time together in Eind- selves as first team regulars. However, he also qualifies to play for the MANAGING DIRECTOR hoven, with wonderful football evenings.” Speaking to reporters, Schmidt said: “Noni Super Eagles through his parents, and he ENIOLA BELLO Director of Football Affairs John de Jong is just such a player who can go through this could consider switching allegiance to the was delighted that the Anglo-Nigerian has development. He has the potential, but now three-time African champions. DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR extended his contract amid interest from he also needs the experience. When asked about his international future, ISRAEL IWEGBU foreign clubs. “He has a lot of potential playing football Madueke told The Sun: “I am only 18, so I “There was a lot of interest from foreign and mentally, but here we offer him the space have got to be open to everything. If I had a 32 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 PERSPECTIVE Enugu State @ 30: 2023 and Ugwuanyi’s Quest for Equity

Louis Amoke Ugwuanyi’s response Addressing the mammoth crowd at the rally, istorically, the creation of Enugu Ugwuanyi did not mince words in rekindling his unwav- State 30 years ago by General Ibra- ering commitment to the sustenance of a peaceful, him Babangida’s regime significantly united and prosperous Enugu State, saying: “In doing transcended providence. It was so, we shall be consultative, just and equitable”. largely the outcome of a tenacious His words: “Having listened to all the speeches, I struggle for the emancipation of now understand that ‘Ife Emelu Mma’ mantra, is both a the people of Wawa-speaking area statement of fact and a philosophy; a philosophy that (Enugu and Abakaliki) of Igboland, by situates and inspires a just and equitable dispensation the founding fathers of the state. of political leadership in our polity. HBoth perceptually and in reality, it was a sustained “In its literal sense, it is ‘ofo’; an invocation of the agitation against injustice meted to a people (Wawa) divine spirit to bear witness to our acts of justice who were honest, patient, intelligent and hardworking. and equity. “Your message is therefore clear. It is The spirit of the dogged struggle was to birth and understood in all ramifications. May God grant your bequeath to its people and future generations a state prayers and heart’s desire”. anchored on peace, development, unity, equity and justice. Brief history of Enugu guber rotational transi- Enugu as the capital city of Nigeria’s Eastern Region; tions East Central State; old Anambra State; old Enugu State, In 1999, Senator Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani from when Abakaliki (now part of Ebonyi State) was part of Nkanu West LGA in Enugu East Senatorial District it and the present Enugu State, has come a long way occupied the exalted seat at the Lion Building as on the side of history. It is home for all Igbo, politically, the Governor of Enugu State for two consecutive socio-culturally and economically. tenures of eight years, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which ended on May 29, Sustaining the founding fathers’ dreams 2007. The creation of Enugu State on August 27, 1991, Senator Nnamani who could have ordinarily brought unbridled excitement and a sense of accom- advanced a cause for his successor to emerge from plishment to the founding fathers. It consummated the his senatorial district (Enugu East), championed and liberation of the Wawa people to live freely in a society spearheaded a rotational zoning process among the founded on the pillars of peace, equity and justice. three Senatorial Districts of Enugu State, which led to No wonder, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu the emergence of a candidate of the PDP from Enugu State, in his 2015 inaugural address, recommitted West Senatorial District, in the person Barr. Sullivan himself to the dreams and aspirations of the founding Chime, as his successor in 2007. fathers of the state to “take up the gauntlet of the It was based on this rotational arrangement that struggle for the emancipation of the Wawa man from Ugwuanyi the offices of the Deputy Governor and Speaker of where our heroes past stopped”. the State House of Assembly were zoned to the other Ugwuanyi also vowed, in accordance with the ideals two senatorial districts, Enugu East and Enugu North, and aspirations of the founding fathers of Enugu State, Senatorial District, stressing that “Gburugburu will give the expiration of the turn of Enugu North Senatorial respectively. to “deploy government services to create fair and equal Ndi Enugu East Senatorial District governor in 2023; District presently occupied by the governor. Shortly after the successful reelection of Chime opportunity for every willing citizen to make a living, we are only waiting for the time to come to know who The Convener revealed that he seconded the in 2011 as Enugu State Governor, the debate on the educate our children, and enjoy life in a peaceful and will be the next governor from our zone”. motion moved by Chief Hon. Dubem Onyia, at the said sustainability of the zoning arrangement as played out secure environment”, while pursuing vigorously, employ- On his part, former President of the Senate, Senator PDP Caucus meeting of July 7, 2013, that the governor- in the two consecutive transitions in 2007 and 2011, ment generation, enhanced social services and good Ken Nnamani, endorsed the stance of the people of ship position of the state should rotate to Enugu North occupied the major part of the PDP-led government of governance, rural development, security and justice. Enugu East Senatorial District at the rally and com- Senatorial District in 2015, with an understanding that the former governor. This sound vision, the governor has dexter- mended the organizers of the event for galvanizing the it should rotate to Enugu East Senatorial District in The agitation that it was the turn of Enugu North ously accomplished in spite of avalanche of challenges people of the zone to come and appraise the existing 2023, after the turn of Enugu North Senatorial District. Senatorial District to produce Chime’s successor, confronting the nation’s economy, security and public rotational principle of zoning in Enugu State. Senator Ndu pointed out that the PDP meeting as the last senatorial district to benefit from the health, among others. Nnamani lauded Ugwuanyi for the peace being of 2013 was attended by the party leaders such as triangular rotational arrangement, in the spirit of In a recent forum, Ugwuanyi reiterated his commit- enjoyed in Enugu State, expressing confidence that the the then State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Engr. Vita equity and justice, was spontaneous and justifiable. ment to the sustenance of these noble, lofty ideals and governor’s disposition to peace and good governance Abba, then Governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime It was a trajectory that was unanimous and the principles of equity and justice in running the affairs will guarantee a peaceful transition in 2023, where a (from Enugu West Senatorial District), then Deputy endearing to the dreams and aspirations of the of the state, reassuring that his administration will, at its candidate from Enugu East Senatorial District will be President of the Senate and the current Senator founding fathers of Enugu State, who painstakingly end, “bequeath to all, a just, equitable, peaceful, united elected governor of the state. representing Enugu West Senatorial District, Senator struggled for the emancipation of the Wawa people and prosperous Enugu State that has ascended more Ike Ekweremadu, then Speaker of the State House of of Igboland, for them to enjoy peace, freedom, love, rungs on the development ladder”. Enugu West endorsement and the PDP rotational Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eugene Odo, other members of the unity, development and political stability, laced with agreement National and State Assemblies who were members justice and equity. Quest for equity and justice ahead of 2023 Lending their support, a few months after, the of the Caucus and members of the Party’s Board of The recent revelation at the Enugu West This pronouncement was in response to the recent people of Enugu West Senatorial District converged Trustees from the state, among others. Ife-Emelumma rally that the PDP reaffirmed a demand by the people of Enugu East Senatorial District, on Awgu Local Government Secretariat and declared He added it was based on the PDP decision on rotational zoning formula in 2013 which favoured at a well-attended mega rally, in Enugu, that it is their that it is the turn of Enugu East Senatorial District to zoning of the governorship position that Rt. Hon. Enugu North Senatorial Zone to produce Chime’s turn to produce the next Governor of Enugu State in produce the next governor of Enugu State in 2023, Ugwuanyi from Enugu North Senatorial District successor in 2015, with a caveat that, after eight 2023, in the spirit of equity and justice, and based on the based on the principles of equity and justice as well emerged the governorship candidate of the party and years, it will move to Enugu East Senatorial Zone, long established rotational template in the state. as the existing rotational arrangement, which was thereafter the Governor of Enugu State in 2015. and thereafter Enugu West, connotes peace, equity Speaking at the rally, themed: “Oganiru Enugu East reaffirmed by the leaders of the Peoples Democratic “What we are saying in Enugu West Senatorial and justice. Senatorial District”, the Convener and Speaker of the Party (PDP), during the State Caucus meeting of the District is that in Enugu State, governorship position Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, Party in 2013. rotates among the three senatorial districts. You (Ug- The governor’s message stated that it was the unanimous stance of the people Speaking at the massive rally tagged: “Ife-Emelum- wuanyi) are a beneficiary of the motion I seconded As we celebrate Enugu State at 30; as Ugwuanyi of Enugu East Senatorial District that Ugwuanyi has a ma Enugu West Unity Rally for Gburugburu”, which in 2013 that the governorship seat should rotate to continues to dedicate his time and energy to the major role to play in the choice of his successor since his was graced by Gov. Ugwuanyi (on invitation), his deputy, Enugu North Senatorial District. The motion was sustenance of peace and entrenchment of good predecessors enjoyed such privilege during their tenures Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. amended by Dr. Charles Egumgbe that after Enugu governance in spite of the nation’s economic, as governors of the state. Ubosi, State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic North Senatorial District, it would be the turn of security and public health challenges; as the debate They therefore requested Ugwuanyi to uphold Party (PDP), Hon. Augustine Nnamani, present and Enugu East Senatorial District. The amendment on 2023 keeps occupying the minds of discerning the long established rotational arrangement among former members of the National and State As- was adopted by the Caucus at that meeting”, members of the public, one important message the three senatorial districts of the state, namely semblies, Chairmen of Aninri, Awgu, Ezeagu, Oji-River Senator Ndu said while displaying the minutes of by the governor remains that “in the fullness Enugu East, Enugu West and Enugu North. Enugu East and Udi LGAs, Traditional Rulers, the Clergymen, youth the meeting and other documents. of time, dialogue, justice and equity shall take Senatorial District comprises six local government and women groups, among others, the Convener and In their goodwill messages, other speakers pre-eminence”. areas of Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South, Isi-Uzo, Chairman of the Central Organising Committee of the at the unity rally, such as all the members of the He (Ugwuanyi) is grateful that “beyond our Nkanu East and Nkanu West. rally, Senator Ben Collins Ndu, told Gov. Ugwuanyi that State House of Assembly in Enugu West Senato- election, God has been with us all the way. His blessings Aligning with the Speaker’s position at the rally, the the people of Enugu West Senatorial District have rial District, Chairmen of the five LGAs in the zone, have afforded us peace and unity. His speed has taken Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in assembled to speak with one voice that the zoning of members of the State Executive Council (EXCO), the us through far-reaching developmental milestones. His Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye announced that the party the governorship seat of the state favours Enugu East PDP LG Chairmen, the Traditional Rulers, the youth love has sheltered us from the menace of COVID-19 has zoned its governorship position in 2023 to Enugu Senatorial District. and women, former House of Representatives pandemic and associated economic challenges. His East Senatorial District. Senator Ndu who disclosed that the people of member, Rt. Hon. Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi, former mercy has navigated us through the #EndSARS The APC chairman eulogized Gov. Ugwuanyi for his Enugu West Senatorial District are 100 percent in Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, former protests and recent spikes of insecurity”, adding that uncommon leadership qualities as a peaceful, humble support of Gov. Ugwuanyi and his decisions in respect Minister of Aviation, Amb. Mrs. Fidelia Njeze, Chief “in every adversity, He (God) has made us stronger, and development-oriented governor. of his successor in 2023, maintained that they firmly Anayo Onwuegbu, among others, endorsed the more peaceful, more united and more determined to In his speech, the former Governor of old Anambra stand by the decision of the State Caucus of the PDP pronouncement made by the Convener, reiterating succeed as a people”. Enugu State is truly in the hands State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, expressed optimism that in 2013, that the governorship position of Enugu State that it is the turn of Enugu East Senatorial District to of God. Ugwuanyi will endorse his successor from Enugu East should rotate to Enugu East Senatorial District after produce Gov. Ugwuanyi’s successor in 2023. Amoke writes from Enugu. SATURDAY AUGUST 28, 2021 • THISDAY 33 34 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021

Bennett Oghifo AUTO WORLD 07052343083 Email:[email protected] TIPS OF THE WEEK Why Isn’t My Car Key Remote Working? Car key remote fobs are a nice convenience to have, but they all stop working eventually. Even if it’s just a dead battery, you can pretty much guarantee that your car doors will fail to unlock with the remote at one time or another. While there are a few different reasons that a keyless entry remote might stop working, most of them are pretty easy to check yourself. The most common problem with these car key fobs is that the batteries just go dead over time, in which case replacing the battery should fix the problem. Other key fob remote problems are more complicated, but it’s still possible to fix them. Here are the five things you’ll want to check first when your remote stops locking or unlocking your car doors: 1. Verify that the remote is actually bad by using a backup remote. 2. Check and replace the key fob battery as needed. 3. Take the key fob apart and check for broken contacts or misaligned buttons. L-R: Head, Dealer Development and Special Projects, Henry Ade Ojuoko; Marketing Manager, Andrew Ajuyah; General Manager, Corporate Services, 4. Reprogram your remote yourself or have a Mr. Bunmi Onafowokan; Public Relations Manager, Mrs. Bukunola Ogunnusi; and Head of Service, Sylvester Enwere, all of TNL, at the launch of the professional do it. new Starlet in Lagos… recently 5. Replace your remote if necessary. Is Your Car Key Remote Actually Bad? This is extremely basic stuff, and it won’t apply to a lot of people, but the first step in figuring out what is TNL Launches new Starlet wrong with a car key remote is to verify that the problem is actually the remote. So if you have a second remote, and you haven’t already done so, you’ll want to check whether or not it works. Mini Sub-compact SUV If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your doors, then you’ll know for sure that there’s actually some oyota Nigeria Limited (TNL) has have over the years demanded an entry vehicle. compared to others, on the pedestal of equipment, kind of problem with your main remote. unveiled the new Toyota Starlet It is an elegant vehicle imbued with the Quality, highly trained manpower and exceptional service If your backup remote doesn’t work either, it’s always mini subcompact SUV to the Durability, Reliability and Style that the Toyota delivery. It is expedient to add at this juncture that possible that it is also bad. However, there could also be delight of its dealers, customers, brand stands for. The vehicle in its own right is a this unique Centre is a fertile training ground for our a mechanical or electrical problem with the door locks. and the general public. mini subcompact SUV and it comes with 150,000 dealers’ Technicians to gain hands-on experience. At this point, you’ll want to check and make sure The launch event was held at kilometres or 5 years warranty; whichever comes Toyota (Nigeria) Limited will not only continue to that your physical key, or emergency valet key, is able TNL’s corporate headquarters in first. There are three variants of the 1.4 litre engine invest in the Nigerian Automobile Industry but to work the locks. Lekki, Lagos during the week, with funfare and to cater to the preferences and pockets of the target also align with the aspirations of the Nigerian If you don’t have a spare remote, you may be able to attendeesT were briefed on the fine points of the segment. The available variants are Entry grade, government to revolutionize the local Industry. buy a used one or get one from your local dealership. Your product, test-drive it and make enquiries about Mid grade and High grade.” “Year 2021 marks our 25th year of being in the local dealership may also have a universal remote they the new vehicle. According to him, “Quality after-sales service automobile business in Nigeria. It is going to be can use to check if your remote lock mechanism works. The Managing Director of TNL, Mr. Kunle is an essential component of our business value marked quietly while thanking God for bringing What About Cars With No Physical Keys? Ade-Ojo said the introduction of the new Toyota chain. We have consciously continued to improve us thus far as our investments and our dealers Some cars have push-button ignitions that only operate Starlet was a response to the yearnings of their on our after-sales service delivery and bringing spread across Nigeria. Let me again quickly when the key fob is close by. These vehicles still usually numerous customers. such services closer to our teeming customers. In seize the opportunity to tender our unreserved have a physical key for locking and unlocking the doors, Kunle Ade-Ojo, who was represented by TNL a few months’ time, we would commission our appreciation to our loyal customers who have kept but it may be hidden. The key fob will often have a hidden General Manager, Corporate Services, Mr. Bunmi world-class Certified Service Centre (CSC) at Isolo, us in business. Our promise to you is to continue Onafowokan, stated that the new elegant Starlet Lagos. This facility has a body and paint section, a to surmount the horizons of technology in order key inside, so if you don’t have a physical key for your was built with quality and style in mind. workshop and a parts section among other services to deliver unrivaled services to you as we both vehicle, then check the fob for a release button or switch. Kunle Edo-Ojo said, “The STARLET is our available. With all sense of responsibility, I wish to note journey on the uncharted routes ahead. The best The other issue you may run into is that some car response to the yearnings of our customers that that this Centre is second-to-none in Nigeria when is yet to come.” doors don’t have any visible place to insert a key. Most of these vehicles still have a keyhole, but it may be hidden behind a trim piece near the door handle. In that case, you will want to look for a trim piece with a small slot in it, which you will have to pry away to access the keyhole. Warning: Prying away a trim piece like this does carry Hyundai Motor Wins 16 Red Dot 2021 Awards some danger of damaging the paint on the car door or yundai Motor Company has door handle, and you can also dent or bend the trim piece. said it won 16 design awards, So if you aren’t comfortable, and there isn’t an emergency including two ‘Best of Best’ that requires you to get inside your car immediately, you and 14 ‘Winner’ honors, at may want to consult a professional. the Red Dot Award: Brands If you are able to lock and unlock the doors with the & Communication Design physical key, then the locks are probably fine mechanically. 2021, hosted by Germany’s However, there could still be an electrical problem. You Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen. can rule part of this out by locking and unlocking all RedH Dot recognised Hyundai Motor’s new technol- of the doors via the physical primary control inside the ogy campaign ‘Little Big e-Motion’ as Best of Best vehicle, which would indicate that the electronics are fine. in the Film & Animation category. The campaign There is always a possibility that the receiver could video shows how a minicar equipped with Emotion be bad, or even disconnected, but it’s more likely that Adaptive Vehicle Control (EAVC) technology helps young patients go from hospital bed to treatment there’s just an issue with your keyless entry remote. room. The video also received a silver award from You can check behind and under the dashboard for 2021 New York Festival Advertising Award. loose wires, but don’t connect or plug anything in if Red Dot also recognised ‘Hyundai EV Infotainment you aren’t able to verify that it’s actually the wireless System - Jong-e’ theme design applied to IONIQ 5 door lock receiver. as Best of Best in Interface & User Experience, the Check Your Keyless Entry Remote Battery company’s first win in this category. The system’s Most car key remotes use category 4 button cell Jong-e Graphic User Interface (GUI) offers various batteries that aren’t expensive. However, it’s still a good interior ambience settings, such as soft, delicate idea to verify the actual battery your remote uses and and exuberant color gradients with parametric check to see whether or not it’s good. pixel design elements like those used for IONIQ 2021 Red Dot, Hyundai Motorstudio There are a few ways to determine the type of battery 5’s exterior lights. The system encapsulates the you need. It may say in your manual, or you can EV’s eco-friendly concept and Hyundai Motor’s contact a local dealer. You can also just open up the brand identity. (*The word ‘Jong-e’ means ‘paper’ which calls for everyone’s responsibility to move following iF Design Award 2021 earlier this year. It remote and look at the battery, which will typically in Korean). the world in a sustainable way. is also notable that ‘Channel Hyundai’ won in four have a number printed or stamped into its surface. In addition, Hyundai Motor reaffirmed its competi- Winners in the Interface & User Experience category different Red Dot categories, including Interface & Car key remotes typically use CR2025 or CR2032 tive edge in brand and communication design by included ‘Hyundai Infotainment System-Aqua User Experience Design, Apps, Online, and Digital batteries, although CR1620, CR1632, and others are also earning 14 Winners across seven categories, including Theme Design’ and Hyundai Motor’s smart TV Solution. used in some applications. Once you know what type Film & Animation, Interface & User Experience, platform ‘Channel Hyundai’. Winners in the Apps Winners in the Spatial Design category included of battery is in your remote, you can either check the Spatial Communication, Apps, Advertising, Online, category included ‘Channel Hyundai’ and Hyundai’s ‘Hyundai Motorstudio Busan,’ ‘Hyundai Motor Group voltage with a multimeter or just swap out a known and Digital Solutions. connectivity application ‘Bluelink’. Training Center,’ ‘Hyundai EV Station Gangdong’ Winners in the Film & Animation category included The Red Dot Award is the second global design and ‘Hyundai Cheonan Global Learning Center,’ good battery since they aren’t that expensive. Most Hyundai Motor’s ‘This is Us’ campaign video award to honor ‘Hyundai Infotainment System-Aqua which were recognized for providing new customer of these batteries should show about 3 to 3.6 volts. that shows the hopes and solidarity to overcome Theme Design,’ ‘Channel Hyundai’ and ‘Bluelink,’ experiences through spatial design. (Source: Lifewire) COVID-19, and the ‘I’m in charge’ cinematic film, THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 35 AUTO WORLD

Group Head Corporate Services, PAN, Abdulqadir Yinusa; Board Chairman, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Senator ; Ag Managing Director, PAN Ni- geria Limited, Ms. Taiwo Oluleye, Director General, National Automotive Design and Development The new ALBON President and Managing Director, Izuchukwu Transport, Nonso Ubajaka; and the Council, Jelani Aliyu, Chairman, Nigeria Automotive Manufacturer Association, Prince Aromolaran association’s Secretary and Managing Director, ABC Transport, Frank Nneji, at the meeting in Enu- Tokumbo, during the visit of the group to PAN assembly plant in Kaduna… recently. gu… recently ALBON Elects Ubajaka President, Promises to Work with Govt he newly elected President of the succeeds the former President, Prince Emeka Mamah, but brace up to tackle the hurdles frontally. the glaring issues of daunting insecurity, great period of Association of Luxury Bus Owners Chief Executive Officer of Ifesinachi Industries Nigeria Also elected into the new executive committee are the economic depression resulting in the unprecedented period of Nigeria (ALBON), Mr. Nonso Ltd, now a Commissioner in Enugu State; while the Executive Director of Ezenwata Transport, Samuel Eze of low passenger patronages and COVID-19 pandemic. Ubajaka, the Managing Director of Managing Director, ABC Transport Plc., Frank Nneji, (1st Vice President); Executive Director, Ifeanyichukwu But, we shall not despair. We shall face these challenges Izuchukwu Transport Ltd, has assured retains his position as the Secretary. Motors, Obiora Egwim (2nd Vice President; Executive frontally to remain afloat and viable as a group. that his executive council would give The new president emphasised the need for ALBON Director, E. Ekesons Transport, Chijioke Ojukwu (Treasurer); “Accordingly, in the next couple of weeks, I will call priority to collaborating closely with leadership to always interface with various tiers of and Executive Director, Gobison Transport, Peter Obi upon you for us to have a comprehensive review of the government to protect the interests of the association government (local, state and federal) and their agencies (Financial Secretary). the current bus fares of the association as it affects our andT its members. in order to ensure that the transporters are encouraged Ubajaka lauded his predecessor, Prince Mamah, with individual and collective financial records. Ubajaka stated this shortly after he was elected to play their vital roles in the nation’s economy. whom he had worked very closely, for piloting the affairs “Tangential or central to price review is the work of president of the association at its recent its biennial The new President identified some of the challenges of the association commendably in the last four years. the Taskforce Committee which, as you know, is key general meeting in Enugu, where members elected a that deserve immediate attention as daunting insecurity He assured, “ALBON which our founding fathers with to any price implementation. Therefore, the Taskforce new national executive committee to drive the transport and unprecedented period of low passenger patronage their tremendous efforts toiled days and nights to build Committee will be re-organised to ensure that approved proprietors’ body through the next two years. resulting from harsh economic realities and COVID-19 and bestow on us, will not be extinguished.” bus fares on all routes nationwide are well enforced Ubajaka, who was the association’s Vice President, pandemic. He urged the transporters not to despair, He said, “The greatest challenges facing us today are and implemented.” K8 Design Fuses Innovation, Elegance, Creates Futuristic Sports Sedan ia Corporation has announced the arrival in the segment later this year. of the K8 to the Middle East region, the A modern and innovative sedan, the K8 combines sportiness first model to arrive following the rebirth of and performance with a progressive and sleek exterior design. the Kia brand and one that exemplifies the “Being Kia’s flagship sedan in the MEA region and a automaker’s new purpose and ambitions representation of our new brand direction, the K8’s launch for the future. is a hugely significant moment,” commented Yaser Shabsogh, The K8 represents a new model name for Chief Operating Officer at Kia Middle East and Africa. “This Kia and is the first to show the brand’s new design identity as is the first model to showcase Kia’s latest design identity and wellK as the contemporary new Kia logo. The official launch of new logo, but this is only scratching the surface of what this the K8 in the Middle East region will take place on September model is capable of. Every inch of the K8 has been designed to 15, 2021. Aside from Korea, the car will be mainly sold in the excite, from the striking design to the sophisticated technology GCC with KSA being the focus market. and sublime performance.” With a focus on modern, premium quality and dynamic Exterior design: embodying an exciting new future performance, the K8 moves forward in the sports sedan space Taking on an all-new name and the first model to be and will build on the success of the K7(known as Cadenza launched following Kia’s recent rebrand, the K8 has been in some markets), continuing Kia’s rise towards excellence designed with the future in mind. Kia K8 How To Guard Against Flat Tyre SAFE How would you feel if you planned to leave compare these with the steps you need to take jack and this might not be easy to locate. very early in the morning for work or embark DRIVING to utilize the tyre inÁator and see how much The twelfth step involves the actual jacking on a trip but on entering your car, you discover with time involved. Let’s number the various steps up of the vehicle and you might discover you have a Áat tyre? How would again feel Jonas Agwu needed to change to a spare tyre so we can get that when fully operated, the jack has not if besides the Áat tyre , you also discover that a clearer picture of what is involved. The Àrst given the vehicle enough ground clearance amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa to remove the Áat tyre. So you jack it down your spare tyre is down too while your jack Assistant Corps Marshal step is that ( 1) you will need to bring out your is faulty and because it is still early in the Zonal Commanding Officer jack ( hoping it works) and secondly the nut which is thirteenth and look for objects to morning, there is no vulcanizer to help Àx the Federal Road Safety Corps. driver ( spanner) or ratchet. The third is that place under the jack to support the height problem. You can imagine your frustration! you will need to bring out your spare tyre. This which is step fourteen while step Àfteen Now, let us suppose that you have the above may not be easy depending on where and how involves jacking it up again. situation when you have already driven out and it is stored in your vehicle and you could also When enough clearance has been got, you in an isolated/ dangerous spot and perhaps in the happen to you even if your tyres are just out be unfortunate to discover that the spare tyre now fully unscrew the Àve nuts which will night or while it is raining? What if it happens from the factory and Àlled with the best tyre is equally Áat since most people hardly check be another Àve steps (16, 17, 18, 19, and 20). to a medical personnel on an emergency or a sealant in the world! I must confess that I to see the condition of the spare before driving. After removing the nuts, you remove the couple on the way to their wedding? What if have had my own personal experience along The third step is that if you do not have wheel Áat tyre which is step twentyone and then it is a school bus conveying children to/ from the Lekki express in Lagos State .It is saner blocks in your vehicle, you will need to look go for the spare which is step twenty-two. school and the driver leaves the children there for me to skip sharing the pain and anguish around for something you can use to block the You need to properly guide the spare tyre in search of a vulcanizer? What if it happened to this caused me which made me miss a very two tyres (front and back) farthest from the Áat through the studs to click it in position which an ambulance conveying a sick person or road vital appointment. The cause could be either a tyre so as to prevent the vehicle from rolling as is step twenty-three. Having done that, you crash victim whose life depends on how fast tiny puncture or a leaking valve stem. So how you jack it up. The Àfth step is that you need to screw the Àve nuts back halfway Àrst (another treatment is administered or to even a security can you save your time, life and valuables in remove the hub cap Àrst before you can have Àve steps 24, 25, 26, 27, 28), and then jack patrol vehicle on an emergency assignment? the event of such happening to you? There access to the wheel nuts. The wheel nuts on the down the vehicle which is step twenty-nine. What if it happens to a lady and she is all is only one way: ensure you always carry a Áat tyre have to be unscrewed, half way Àrst With the vehicle fully jacked down, you now alone? Situate this ugly experience happening compact tyre inÁator that you can power from and then fully when the vehicle is jacked up. screw the Àve nuts tight (another Àve more in a deserted area where your safety and or the the cigarette lighter of your vehicle to pump Your wheel will normally have about Àve nuts steps 30, 31, 32, 33, 34,). It is now times to safety of your loved ones are not guaranteed? the Áat tyre. and removing each is taken a step so this means (35) remove the jack, (36) pack it, (37) store What if this happened to a learner driver or How can the inÁator save your time? T o further Àve steps (6, 7, 8, 9, and 10). Note that away the Áat tyre and (38) remove the blocks to a drunk driver? answer this question, let us consider the steps some nuts can prove very stubborn to remove. placed on the two tyres to prevent the vehicle The above scenario is no mere supposition you need to take to change to a spare tyre; The eleventh step is that you will need to locate from rolling. Process completed. You are now or Àction. It happens every day and it could see how much time this will take and then the proper spot under the vehicle to place the free to drive oͿ. 36 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 MEDIAGAFFES EXPRESSION BY EBERE ‘Heyday’ Uncountable WABARA [email protected], 08055001948 OU are welcome to the Essence, July 25) The subject-predicate to restore order in the beleaguered discipline into (in) our national life.” last edition this month. dislocation here is preposterous. state….” The JTF and Boko Haram: “Nigeria and the international commu- Nigerian TRIBUNE of “Many women ruin their homes by restore order to (not in). nity has (have) just celebrated this year’s August 2 circulated four keeping tabs on their hubby” (SATURDAY “Why we deploy soldiers to Port World Literacy Day.” major blunders: “President PUNCH, July 24) Emotional plurality: Harcourt—Wike” (National News, July “Secondly, it’s (its) legal duty to advise Jonathan had always hubbies. 28) The governor deploys soldiers in on the....” seized (taken) every “This, I believe, has been and should (not to) . “They have not yet established the opportuned (opportune) moment….” be the burning issues (‘issue’ it should Still on National News full processes of their interaction in ‘Seizure’Y in this context is a piece of be, commonsensically) in the state.” under clinical inquisition the chamber too, and the formality of Americanism! ‘Take’ is pleasant and (Nigerian Tribune, July 30) : “…gathered to pay their last respect procedures are now still (is still) being melodious to the ear. “Access bank (sic) asks court to wind- (respects) to legal icon….” developed.” “…had while being screened by up oil firm” (Source: as above) Right: Yet another headline from National “The German African Project which the Senate as a ministerial nominee wind up. Mirror: “Minister calls for unity in the was conceived as a cultural milieu passed a vote of no confidence on (in) “Curbing the increasing menace of education sector” Education Today: between the two countries….” A review: the nation’s two major anti-corruption destitutes on the streets” (SATURDAY educational sector. between the countries, preferably even agencies….” TRIBUNE, July 24). Simple: the destitute “The three gentlemen were obviously as the excerpt is now acceptable, accord- Lastly from Oke-Ado, Ibadan: “It is such (not destitutes) having a great time walking almost ing to the dynamics of the language. a wonderful innovation that it is surpris- “NCC arrests 13 in Benue over piracy” hand in hand, trading banters over the “I wish the politicians, especially the ing that it never occured to anybody (Saturday Independent, July 24) I will unfolding drama among humans back elected ones, should feel the pause until now.” Spell-check: occurred. arrest my Ogba colleagues shortly for on earth.” ‘Banter’ is uncountable. (pulse) of the people….” “StanbicIBTC’s gross earnings hits lexical insensitivity. “It looks like the IMF is demanding for “Part of this quality sense concerns the N32bn in June” For lexical profitability: “Workers resume strike again” (THIS- conditions likely to slow down the pace debate on how best to eat a dish, with earnings hit. DAY, July 29) Let us jettison ‘again’ from and the exercise.” Yank away ‘for’. When cutleries or with the ten fingers.” Would “TASUED alumni tasks registrar on cult that extract to foreclose any industrial used as a verb, ‘demand’ does not take it have been nine fingers? ‘Cutlery’ is group” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, August 1) action. ‘Resumption’ cannot co-function ‘for’, except in the noun form. uncountable. Is it that most journalists do not read with ‘again’. For the umpteenth time: “Lagos “There has (have) been electoral these days that juvenile errors keep “Islamic banking will break-up Nigeria” commissioners sworn-in (sworn in)” programmes before, so what is different recurring? Alumni association (single (DAILY INDEPENDENT, July 29) Yet on “Every decision of government is with this one.” entity) tasks, but alumni (plural) task. this vexatious matter: phrasal verbs subjected to the magnifying lenses of “Senators yesterday in Abuja assured “New SANs to be sworn-in (sworn in) abhor hyphenation! So, break up the interest groups that invariably include that the PIB bill would be ready for September 20” phrase. ethnic and geopolitical gladiators and promulgation next week.” Who did they THE GUARDIAN of July 31 issued “The 2021 World Investment Report champions of all manners (manner) of assure? this minimal error: “Talks over ASUU has indicated that Nigeria is presently group interests.” “I am a product of a system which demands collapses (why?) again” enjoying FDI inflow….” (Nigerian Tribune “The efforts of the police command allowed a poor farmer-cum-fisherman’s “Independence of the press: From Business, July 29) I do not understand in identifying the dangerous areas son to go through the very best whom and for what?” (SUNDAY PUNCH, this obsession with the inclusion of ‘cur- and in alerting the residents is (are) schools…..” ‘Best’ has reached the August 22) Get it right: From whom and rently’ and ‘presently’ in sentences that acknowledged.” end-point of intensification and cannot what for (not for what?) have structural currency encapsulated “The damages and loss of lives to be inflected (by adding ‘very’). It is an “Lagos govt condoles victims of in ‘is’—and ‘enjoying’—in this instance. NATO and Yugoslavia were unnecessary.” absolutely superlative word. market fire” Either condoles with or just Therefore, Nigeria is enjoying…. ‘Damage’ in this context is uncountable. “During the heydays of Christian consoles. Nigerian TRIBUNE of July 28 inflicted “An agenda similar to that of Murtala/ missionary activity in the southern parts “If you are one, who ordinarily shy damage on the English language thus: Obasanjo regime was hurriedly pack- of Nigeria, communities were actively (shies) away from challenges, then don’t “The deployment of soldiers to serve aged to cleanse the civil service in order involved in building schools.” Thoughts bother meeting her.” (SUNDAY PUNCH in the Joint Task Force constituted to enhance performance and inculcate on education: ‘heyday’ is uncountable. Nyaknno Osso: A Colossal COUNTERPOINT FEMI Bibliophilist Knocks 50 at 67 AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON [email protected] A room without books is like a body without a soul - Cicero ing the Obasanjo rollercoaster the profundity and intellection to bestride 08182223348 - (SMS Only) The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the Nigeria and the African continent with erudition in public speeches, and library - Albert Einstein heartwarming spontaneity in continental and global interventions. hen we remember the torchbearers of the Little wonder then that even after his two-term tenure as president, great Nigerian journalism of the 1980s, Obasanjo would not let Osso be. Instigated by the brilliant presentation Science in 1973, and has remained Osso’s mentor all of these 50 they don’t come bigger than the original of a proposal that Osso had nursed for many years hitherto, Obasanjo years. He speaks fondly of her: “She has guided me like a godmother, promoters of Newswatch newsmagazine: immediately appointed him (in 2007) as the pioneer Executive Secretary/ adopted son, dedicated student and professional career adviser for the cerebral flourish of Dele Giwa, the literary Project Coordinator of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library 50 years.” A remarkably accomplished Nigerian, Prof. Ogunsheye was eloquence of Ray Ekpu, the nous of the Foundation - perhaps the first in Africa. the first female student and graduate of Yaba College of Technology master prose stylist, Dan Agbese, and the Mission accomplished, Osso withdrew from this position in March, (1946), pioneer student of University of Ibadan (1948), the first woman scalding taciturnity of Yakubu Mohammed. Their individual influences 2013 to focus on his own business (after serving others meritoriously dean of faculty in Nigeria in 1977, had been part of the UI’s Kenneth beganW long before Newswatch, in the crevices of Daily Times, Sunday for almost 30 years - about half of that within pristine presidential Dike Library from 1958, she would be 95 years old on December 5, Times, Sunday Concord, Nigerian Chronicle of the 70’s and 80’s... seeping ambience). 2021. even into some part of the 90’s. Their positions in the pantheon of the Now based in Abuja, the foremost bibliophilist sits as the chief Osso recalled his encounter with ‘a forest of books in Ibadan’, 50 Nigerian media and society are distinguished and highly regarded. executive officer of Biographical Legacy & Research Foundation, BLERF years ago, in a recent chat with the Independent newspapers: “In But to those who understand the business of the Media - great - ensconced in a 13-room research edifice in Gwarinpa area of the FCT, January 1971, I was staying with my uncle, Prof Eno Jumbo Udo, stories, magazine reports and features are particularly outstanding aside a container (twenty feet by eight feet) brimming with research who was then a lecturer in soil science/agronomy at the University of only because of the quality and breadth of their ‘backgrounding’. The materials gathered through the past five decades. Ibadan. It was my uncle’s wish that I should study medicine, because painstaking research, efficient and robust archival and retrieval system Few years ago, in 2018, the restless documentarian launched a as he had noted, I was the most brilliant person in our family, having and rich, easily accessible library management. The depth and power legacy project (yet ongoing) dubbed BLERF’s Who’s Who in Nigeria - in a had one of the best results in then Eastern Nigeria.” of your editorials, informed commentary and award winning stories are digital format (1861-2021 - www.blerf.org). And like the majestic being, But fate would interject. While waiting for admission into the often a product of a profoundly comprehensive and robust library. Yet he keeps giving. This year, we have been regaled with more offerings university, he showed interest in a vacancy advert on campus such an easy proposition is a formidably expensive and tortuous project, from Osso with the unveiling of BLERF’s Most Amazing 5,000 Women canvassing for library assistants. He was lucky. He recalled his first with capacity to consume any number of personnel without requisite In Nigeria (1861-2021 - womennigeria.org). It essentially celebrates week in the Kenneth Dike Library: “That was my first time in a passion, funding, tenacity and flair for the demands of the effective and “determined, fearless, decisive, outstanding women of Nigeria”. library as big as UI’s. When I got to the circulation department - it constantly evolving library enterprise. Contrary to general assumption, library administration is a pretty was the only place I could access then because I was not a student Now, there is hardly anyone better, more driven, intellectually astute expensive vocation. In this decade, as a stand-alone project, Osso’s BLERF - what I saw was amazing…awesome. I saw more than one million and more punctilious than the man in charge of Newswatch research would have gulped more than 200m, with only N2.5m incoming as books and magazines well laid out on shelves and the ambience and library services from inception, Nyaknnoabasi Osso. The man support from an organisation. He also had to sell his family house at was serene. The ground floor was filled with journals and maga- noted as the driving force behind the path-finding and award-winning Wuse 2, Abuja to raise badly needed funds to sustain these projects. zines. I was enraptured. Within the first 24 hours of starting work, biographical encyclopedia, Newswatch Who’s Who in Nigeria (published Without viable support from organisations and wealthy individuals, I had traversed from the circulation department on the ground in 1990) has carved a virtually unassailable niche for himself in octopal the national legacy projects detailing 160 years of Nigerian remarkable floor to the seventh floor and the two levels underground. I library services, a reputation that, I suspect, has scarcely been rivalled. humanity and accomplishments would stutter, and stagnate. The two was simply overwhelmed with the quantum of books, journals, Osso began his journalism in 1975 with the Nigerian Chronicle, projects have several thousands of names and records profiled online, periodicals…archival materials. That night, I could not sleep. I right after leaving the Library School of the University of Ibadan. He left and hosted independently on an open-source framework. The lifewire of was just turning and twisting and seeing that library and books Chronicle newspaper in 1984 to be a part of the pioneering manage- such a massive biographical exploration is research, and more research and journals.” ment staff of the new newsmagazine, Newswatch. By the time he left involving long trips across thousands of lands, seas and cultures. That was the beginning of a titanic battle to convince his arguably Nigeria’s most influential magazine in 1991, he was the Chief So, what is Osso’s back story? Almost every admirable successful uncle that Library Science was more important to him than of Research. He resigned to act as Consultant Librarian to the same story has some threadbare origin capable of deepening our admiration, Medical Science. He nonetheless got admitted to study his newly organisation. and somehow justifying the inspirational toga we hold aloft. Young found love, in 1972. His story: “My uncle refused to have anything to Eight years later, he was appointed by then president of Nigeria, Chief Nyaknnoabasi Osso joined the Library Service of the University of Ibadan do with that course of study. He said he would not spend one kobo Olusegun Obasanjo as the Special Assistant on Library, Research and in 1971 as a Library Assistant, under the guidance of Dr. Felicia Adetoun on my pursuit of it, because I ‘misdirected’ myself. I paid my fees with Documentation - all through the Obasanjo years - between 1999 and Ogunsheye. She has the distinguished honour of being the first female the money I earned... So, I had to get financial help from different 2007. The pride of Akwa-Ibom was the mainstay of the workforce feed- professor in Nigeria, by becoming a professor of Library and Information sources to struggle to pay my fees, at least in my first year…”. THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 37 MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

L-R: National President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mrs. Comfort Eyitayo; Chairman, R- L: Executive Director, CSR-in-Action, Meka Olowola; Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Otunba Adeniyi ICAN, Ikorodu District, Olusola Akinloye; Pioneer District Chairman, ICAN Ikorodu, Rev. Samson Disu,and wife Adebayo ;Chief Executive, CSR-in-Action, Bekeme Masade and Chairman, Mining & Solid Minerals Group Lagos, of the new chairman, ICAN Ikorodu, Mrs. Florence Akinloye, at the investiture of Akinloye as the 8th District Otunba Babatunde Alatise at the launch of the 2020 Corporate Sustainable Investor Report released by CSR- Chairman of ICAN Ikorodu in Lagos.... recently in-Action in Abuja....recently Hollandia Evap Milk Partners FoodCo Restates Commitment Mercy Johnson-Okojie Families have been enjoined to the family.” to Retail Growth look forward to a return for the Hollandia Evap Milk is a creamy, second season of Mercy’s Menu, an Consumer goods firm, FoodCo Nigeria retail sector. Soremekun, described the training as an eye- tasty, nourishing, all-rounder online reality cooking show hosted by Limited has restated its commitment to the She said, “The Nigerian consumer retail opener to the rich prospects of the Nigerian evaporated milk and contains the versatile actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie - growth of the Nigerian retail sector, just as segment where FoodCo operates is one of retail industry right nutrients for a healthy break in partnership with leading evaporated fast. Hollandia Evap Milk is rich in it graduated the first set of its fellowship the largest in Africa. However, most of this He said: “The fellowship has changed my milk brand, Hollandia Evap Milk. B-vitamins, Calcium and Vitamin D. programme. market is in the informal space which leaves perception towards the industry, especially with The show, which premiered on Brand Manager, Hollandia Evap The fellowship programme was introduced a lot of room for wastage especially in the respect to the many untapped opportunities August 12, will feature exclusive Milk, Ademola Mafikuyomi, said that in 2019 to improve the capacity of post-graduate areas of human capacity development and for a rewarding career in management and content for audiences, including cooking connects people in many students looking at building a career along resource optimisation. This is the challenge the leadership roles. I am grateful to FoodCo for quick, easy, exciting meal recipes and ways. The Mercy’s Menu show will the retail sector. Benefitting students were fellowship seeks to address by nurturing a new the opportunity and also urge MBAs and other helpful cooking tips in eight weekly offer families the choice of culinary exposed to fundamentals of management generation of retail business leaders with the post-graduate students who are considering episodes said the organisers. “The tips, exciting meals, fun & nourishing and best practices and placed in real-life right career orientation, multi-functional skills a career in retail to apply for the fellowship, Mercy Menu show promises to be lots moments problem-solving situations to enhance their and top-notch leadership training, necessary given the immersive training style that puts of fun to watch and will feature her “We are here to bring joy to families ability to think and evolve ideas for business to help Nigerian retail achieve its potential.” students in the frontline of everyday business intimate experience of cooking with and friends with easy recipes and decision-making. She added that with the outcome of the decision-making. some of your favourite celebrities as activities that will help them make the Human Relations Business Partner of FoodCo programme, the retail sector holds a promising The fellowship programme is designed as guests, including Maryam Apaokagi most of the season, and who better Nigeria, Adetoro Adewuyi explained that the future in terms of attracting a talented pool of a 24 months rotational programme of which (popularly known as Taaooma), Funke than Mercy Johnson-Okojie to share fellowship was initiated to address dearth of managers and leadership who understand the successful candidates selected from an initial Akindele Bello and Mary Remmy her take on classic recipes to remind skilled professionals at management levels key operations and can drive key innovations in 3-months internship phase are offered placement Njoku. us all of how much fun we can have to consequently drive growth of Nigerian the sector. One of the fellows, Oluwatomilade into the two-year programme. “It will be aired on Mercy Johnson- together in the kitchen,” he said. Okojie and Hollandia Evap Milk’s Award-winning actress, Mercy Facebook, Instagram and YouTube Johnson-Okojie, expressed delight pages every Thursday. Three viewers at the opportunity and stated that Dotts Media House Executes 3D Zebra Crossing in Lagos will have the opportunity to win “it is incredibly important to enjoy Leading Marketing Agency, Dotts Media House and providing solutions to problems without pedestrians while crossing.” exciting prizes every week through every single moment with the people has executed a 3D Zebra Crossing project in waiting for government, is crucial to achieving Continuing, he said, “This 3D Zebra Cross- participation in a special social media you love by inspiring them to enjoy Yaba, Lagos to commemorate 2021 Youth Day the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs. ing project will not only make motorists drive trivia contest highlighted during the simple pleasures like cooking with of Service, YDOS. On the choice of Yaba for the project, Olanubi responsibly but will reduce the rate of accidents in show. the support and right nourishment Speaking during the execution of the project said, “the agency has maintained a second the area majorly because it’s not the usual Zebra “Mercy’s Menu is designed to from Hollandia Evap Milk.” in Lagos recently, Founder and Chief Executive office at the Sabo/Yaba area for the past six Crossing, but a 3D format that forces the driver enhance Hollandia Evap Milk’s Hollandia Evap Milk is available Officer of DottsMediaHouse, Tiwalola Olanubi, years and our team has noticed some form of approaching to slow down for pedestrians.” bond with consumers by inspiring in 60g, 120g and 190g pack sizes, stated that the project was in fulfilment of the disorderliness in relation to vehicular movements, While appreciating the team for a job well them with exciting meal recipes for and can be purchased at CHI organisation’s social commitments. making pedestrian crossing unsafe, especially done, he pledged the organisation’s readiness their everyday lifestyle. It is also a Shoppes, departmental stores, Olanubi also expressed appreciation to Leap for students of AJE comprehensive high school. to support growth and development of Lagos, platform to reiterate Hollandia Evap neighborhood kiosks, markets, Africa, the initiator of YDOS for providing This is why we have taken it upon ourselves Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Milk’s nurturing and nourishing as well as supermarkets across a platform through which the project was to provide this solution. Alongside the 3D Zebra Crossing, the agency health benefits to every member of Nigeria. implemented. “Sabo-Yaba roundabouts amongst other places also provided signages which are meant to compel According to her, the project tagged “Project in Lagos state need a safety enabler such as motorists to drive slowly while pedestrians cross Safe Crossing”, affirmed that being responsible a Zebra Crossing to ensure the protection of the road. TFN Rewards Outstanding Fellows Indomie Announces Winners SystemSpecs Urges Partnership Teach for Nigeria, a non-profit or- She charged the new fellows who ganisation has rewarded outstanding were inducted in 2017 to utilise the of ‘ Eat and Win’ Promo to Grow ICT Sector brains at the graduation ceremony of knowledge they have acquired gain- its third cohorts that held virtually fully as they proceed to the labour DuÀl Prima Foods, makers Manager, DuÀl Prima Foods Information Communication collaborations through strategic recently. Technology, ICT, company, has planning, deliberate actions and market and contribute meaningfully of Indomie Noodles has an- Plc, Temitope Ashiwaju, The new set of graduates, number- to societal growth. nounced winners of its just reiterated that the exercise sought for workable partnerships campaigns would help to sustain ing 44, were deployed to underserved to improve growth and engender achievement in the sector and attract “Leaving the fellowship does not concluded Indomitables Eat was a way of appreciating schools in Ogun State communities to mean leaving everything you have and Win’ Promo. customers loyalty, especially sector sustainability. more investments. extend quality education opportunity Executive Director of the com- He further suggested some gained but entails scaling all the skills The brand presented during the Covid-19 period. to 29 public primary schools in the gained in leadership, collaboration, not less than 2500 winners We are happy with the pany Deremi Atanda, proffered actionable steps including the state. The exercise was in line with this at a webinar organised embedding of sustainability in core values, and mindsets. It includes nationwide where 137 of them level of participation we got the goal of the organisation to bridge translating your learnings to shape were awarded N13.7 million from consumers while the by the Telecommunications and the training curriculum at various inequity gap Nigeria, consequently Technology Sustainability Working levels, a handbook that captures the 21st century economy. You are a cash prize. ‘Eat N Win’ promo lasted. social and economic development. resource, so don’t undersell yourselves Also, more than 2000 This is a clear pointer to Group (TTSWG). the history of ICT in Nigeria and Former Federal Minister of Educa- The webinar which was an- documentation of top 100 ICT and remain purposeful. The world winners won prizes ranging the value consumers place tion, Obiageli Ezekwesili, emphasized waits for you”. from school bags , lunch boxes on the brand. Despite eͿects chored on the theme: ‘Collaborations projects created by Nigerians in the role of quality tutors to economic for a Resilient ICT sector’ highlighted Nigeria or diaspora. In her remark, Chief Executive as well as caps and T-shirts of COVID-19 on the global growth and nation development. Officer of Teach for Nigeria, Fo- worth N37 million. economy, we have decided the gains of ICT to the national Citing the situation where 50 to She said,”The quality of teachers economy, which were further 60 per cent of federal government lawe Omikunle said, “The efforts According to the organisa- to go ahead with the promo is important because with quality and successes of our graduating tion, the ‘Indomitables Eat and in order to give back to the amplified by COVID-19 crisis, the workers were asked to work from teachers in the classroom, students are need to sustain the growth trends. home at the peak of the Covid-19 cohort has made it evident that Win’ Promo is a consumer people. able to achieve foundational literacy indeed a movement of exceptional engagement initiative meant “We feel that despite the Already, the Nigeria’s ICT market pandemic, he noted that the and numeracy. TFN has designed that is projected to create three million company was able to support leaders can change the narrative in to reward loyal consumers pandemic, it is important to solution and tested it by selecting the Nigeria. Against the backdrop of the across the nation. put a smile on the faces of jobs in the economy according to government at both federal and best graduates and absorbing them UK’s Department for Digital Culture, state levels with computers and COVID-19 pandemic, our fellows Speaking on the promo our teeming consumers across into the education sector, giving them remained resilient, adapting solutions in Lagos, Group Corporate the country. This is why the Media and Sport. broadband connectivity to enhance the opportunity to be impactful in Atanda noted that driving remote working. to improve learning outcomes in Communications and Events promo ran at this time.” the classrooms. underserved communities”. 38 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 COLUMN/FEATURE THEFRONTLINES JOSEPH USHIGIALE

[email protected], [email protected] A Case for CallyAir 08023422660 (sms only)

fter rounds of speculation and delays, it was heartwarming to see the much-awaited CallyAir, an gedly forged ahead with his dream to bring it to fruition. A triumphant airline floated by Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River Ayade was to say at the maiden flight of the airline that “Let the people State take to the air in its maiden flight from Lagos know today that anything your mind conceives can be achieved. Cally landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport Air will also be flying Obudu and Obudu cattle ranch will have its huge in Abuja on July 15. traffic.” The idea of CallyAir which Ayade said was It is to his credit that he has put all his critics and naysayers to shame conceived in 2017 took almost five years to crystalize. by delivering a brand new airline that is being saluted by industry It was bogged down by the paucity of funds, regulatory bureaucracy, experts as one of the best in the country today. For instance,the andA several other unforeseen factors that finally reared their heads CallyAir Boeing 737-300 comes with a special GPS system, the best- along the way. in-class and of its kind in use including possessing a state-of-the-art In the face of dwindling revenue, why float an airline was the communication system. It is the most successful aircraft type in Boeing question on the lips of concerned Cross Riverians? Most of them history and is renowned for having the highest safety record. believed that the governor was biting much more than he could Addressing stakeholders in Abuja during the airline’s maiden chew and that his inability to make headway with his signature flight, Ayade assured that “This is the beginning of ’s projects like the super highway and Bakassi Deep seaport meant that emancipation and complete decoupling from dependence on the the idea of floating an airline was dead on arrival. federal government. My strong conviction is that Cally Air is the Ayade surprised his army of pessimists and cynics when the beginning of the privatization process of actually creating a private aircraft made its grand maiden flight into Abuja from Lagos. On hand sector that never existed before. It is also the beginning of creating an to receive it, an elated Ayade pointed out that “It was a dream we Ayade alternative economy that never existed in Cross River state”. had in 2017 occasioned by the high influx of traffic into Calabar and With dwindling state resources, Ayade’s latest move should be inter- the monopoly of some airlines dominating the Calabar route.” preted as a strong message that sub-nationals could actually become Apart from filling an economic vacuum, the building of airports In the entire process, either out of distrust for his subordinates or fully independent. There is no doubt that the Airline if well managed and floating of airlines in Nigeria today have become somewhat a stakeholders, or for pecuniary gains, the governor reportedly handled could increase passenger traffic to Cross River state and the Obudu show of state nationalism. Almost every state today, out of the sheer every aspect that led to the crystalization of the airline without international airport billed for completion this December. pursuit for survival is either building an airport, floating an airline, or involving other stakeholders. This approach has undoubtedly pitched So far, the incursion of CallyAir in the Nigeria’s aviation industry both. Cross River is engaged in both and has succeeded in inaugurat- the stakeholders against the governor with avoidable allegations would increase the industry standards for other aviators to follow ing its airline. The last huddle before Ayade now is to complete flying all over the place. and also ensure safety and punctuality in at a time flights into the Obudu international airport which he promised to deliver in From my personal observation and study of the governor, his Calabar were epileptic and unreliable.. December on schedule. style is very exclusive and carries the toga of “I know it all”. He hardly According to Ayade, “Even if I, as the governor, is late for To be sure, Ayade is not the first governor to venture into the avia- consults, his style is not participatory and dictatorial. On an occassion, boarding by one minute, the planes have to shut their doors and tion sector. During the Donald Duke administration, where the state I remember making a suggestion about something to the governor leave me on the ground. It is a commitment that I give that no one policy was to drive tourism and make Cross River state a destination, only to get a brutal retort from him challenging me as to “why do single Cross Riverian will have the right to keep this aircraft on the Duke, short of floating an airline, partnered with Aerocontractors to you think I didn’t think about it before”? ground for one second. Leave as soon as its due. What I want is position an aircraft to the state with a dedicated route to Obudu Even with his nuances, I must admit that Ayade is a man in a Cally on the dot”. Cattle Ranch thrice a week. hurry to leave a legacy after exiting office. Regrettably, his hunger for In terms of quality and safety of CallyAir which the governor Liyel Imoke, who succeeded Duke, moved it a notch further achivements has blindsided him into taking on too many projects described in the following words: “CallyAir has a unique appeal. by buying a turboprop aircraft from the Rivers state government far more bigger than his meager rersources could deliver. To accuse Its sheer size, aircraft brand, quality of flight, and timelines make and handing the same to aerocontrators to operate. In terms of Ayade of lacking the initiative to act would be a great disservice to the airline unique,” industry experts who spoke with this reporter continuity, Ayade built on the foundations of his predecessors to float him. In truth, he has overreacted and exposed his lack of capacity to opined that passengers patronising the airline have nothing to be CallyAir. prioritise. afraid of assuring that the quality of aircraft procured by Ayade is Even with Ayade’s feat of bringing his idea to reality, critics have Let us take CallyAir as a case study. From inception to this moment, far better than what currently obtains in the country today. continued to assail and accuse him of running an exclusive and many believed the project was moribund and Ayade was blowing “You have nothing to worry about in terms of safety of the opaque government lacking in transpafrency and not being guided hot air since talk is his hobby. Cynics were not wrong in distrusting planes and all that. With my experience in aviation spanning over by corporate governance. him too because Ayade started hyping the establishment of 35 years, the planes procured by your governor are the best in At issues are the way and manner the procurement process CallyAir long before Rochas Okorocha former governor of Imo and class. I stand to be quoted that these planes are the best in Nigeria was handled; controveersy over the airline ownership structure, Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom did. Yet, Imo went ahead to partner today even more sound than the ones owned by Aerocontractors operational model, terms of agreement with Aero, status of the and launch ImoAir with DanaAir while Udom successfully launched managing the planes. Airline Operator Certificate (AOC), source of funding, are they aircraft rave making IbomAir. on lease or outright purchase, what is cost of aircraft? While many gave up on him, Ayade believed in himself and dog- Readers can read full article online www.thisdaylive.com National Security in Focus as NBC Meets Broadcast Stations’ CEOs Samuel Ajayi reports on recent meeting the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, had with station CEOs on need to keep national security in mind when doing their jobs.

he National Broadcasting Commis- was not out to intimidate nor suppress popular sion, NBC, had a rough one with a voice of gag anyone. He added that the aim of the section of Nigerians when it recently meeting was for the Commission to listen to CEOs of wrote to stations on the need to broadcast organisations in the Southwest and forge exercise caution when discussing a way forward for the benefit of their viewers and issues that bothered on national listeners and development of the nation. security during their early morning “NBC is not meant to suppress or gag anyone. newspaper review shows. We are partners with you and we are here to listen The memo, signed by the Director of Monitoring to you as a family. We are here to listen to you as a Tand Operations, Franca Aiyetan, had cautioned family. We are not here to give you instructions or stations to ensure that, when discussing news head- tell you what to do. But your duty is to protect the lines, care must be taken not to give undue exposure country and also protect the country’s national to bandits and in such a way that one section of the security,” Ilelah said. country was not set against the other. He added that the media, especially broadcast Against the backdrop of this development, the media, has become tools for politics, entertainment Commission decided to organise a meeting with and sports. He, however, lamented the menace of chief executive officers of broadcast stations in all fake news in the polity. the six geopolitical zones of the country. The South- “The spread of fake news and hate speech is west edition was held at Providence Hotel, GRA, Ikeja becoming rampant. Your duty is to make sure you and the Commission could not have chosen any don’t become tools in the hands of those who other person to deliver the keynote address other L-R: Secretary to the Commission, National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Dr. Igomu Onoja; Di- peddle lies,” the NBC boss advised. than the Director of Public Relations of the Nigerian rector of Public Relations, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet; and Director-Gen- Just as the Southwest edition of the meeting was eral, NBC, Mallam Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, at the meeting with broadcast stations’ CEOs in Lagos. Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet. being rounded off, the NBC team headed for Enugu, Speaking on what he described as the ‘new the Enugu State capital for the Southeast edition of Nigerian Air Force’, the one-star general listed those Mohammadu Buhari”, Gabtwet said. opposite. To him, the media, especially broadcast the meeting with CEOs of stations. There, broadcast things that have positively changed in the Air Force Now delving into relationship between the stations needed to do more to put some bloggers stations in all the five states of the Southeast would since the appointment of Air Marshal Oladayo Amao security agencies and the media, especially and online news platforms that usually report take be expected at the meeting. Earlier, the Northwest as the new Chief of Air Staff. broadcast stations, the Air Force spokesman said news out of business. edition had been held in Kano. The high point of his address was the fact that the urge to be the first to break a particular news has “My door is open twenty-four hours and seven Organising this meeting was clearly a proactive the three services-Army, Navy and Air Force-now made professionalism being sacrificed on the altar days of the week. My lines are always open and you move by the Commission going by the clear collaborate which had made the job of fighting of expediency. can call me any time and I will pick your call. All you misrepresentation that trailed its recent letter bandits and insurgents more easier. He lamented that at times, the job of security need is to take the extra step to get in touch”, the Air to broadcast stations over how their newspaper “It might not be what you want to hear or what agencies is being made difficult going by the way Commodore stated. review programmes were being handled vis-a-vis you will agree with, but things are improving certain operations are being reported by the media. Earlier, the Director-General of the Commission, the need to keep at the back of their minds the security wise in the country in the last six months To him, at times, security agencies are being accused Mallam Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, while welcoming need to bear in mind the security implications of since the change of service chiefs by President of killing innocent civilians when that case is direct participants to the meeting said the Commission some issues. THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 28, 2021 39 SPORTS XTRA 28 Years after Spectacular Goal against Khan, Okocha Still Enjoys Rave Moment in Germany

VFL Bochum attacker Gerrit opening goal for Bremen on wrought in 1993. The former magic to be compared with with it.” and the Nigerian national team, Holtmann has expressed delight August 21. Super Eagles skipper danced Nigeria’s greatest ever football Okocha would score many among others, before calling that his excellent strike against The 26-year-old got tongues past three Karlsruher defend- magician. other fantastic goals for PSG, time on a successful football Mainz last weekend is drawing waggling inside the Vonovia ers and goalkeeper Kahn “You admired it as a child,” Fenerbahce, Bolton Wanderers, career. a comparison with Okocha’s Ruhrstadion when he went on before slotting the ball into Holtmann told Bundesliga.com, wonder goal for Eintracht a solo run, dribbling past a few the net. recalling Okocha’s goal, scored Frankfurt 28 years ago. defenders before shooting the Liverpool manager Jurgen two years before the Bremen Holtmann evoked memories ball through the legs of Mainz Klopp is in no doubt that it star was born. of that memorable Okocha goal goalkeeper Robin Zentner in remains the greatest goal in “He (Okocha) went through against goalkeeper Oliver Kahn the 21st minute. Bundesliga history. (the defenders) as if they were and the entire Karlsruher SC It was a goal similar in And German star Holtmann only flagpoles. I would be defence when he grabbed the make-up to the one Okocha is proud to have created enough happy if my goal was compared

Okocha Premier League Managers Back Non Release of Players Premier League managers the schedule.” have backed the clubs’ deci- Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp sion not to release players for says the prospect of 10 days’ matches in red-list countries quarantine for his players on during September’s interna- their return would put their tional break. fitness at risk. Under current UK govern- “When players go on ment rules, players would be international duty, for club forced to miss several games managers it’s not great but because of the 10-day isolation we still always do it, we never period required on return to moan,” he said. “In this case the UK. Manchester City boss it is different because England Action in the ongoing 2021 Afrobasket between Nigeria’s D’Tigers and Kenya Pep Guardiola said it “made has different rules. no sense” to release players. “The rules in England are if “We pay the players, to go you come back from a red-list 2021 Afrobasket: D’Tigers Record Second Win, Outdunk Kenya and play three games and then country you have to quarantine play Leicester in the Premier for 10 days in a hotel. Not a Nigeria secured its second offensively and defensively with thought that was what hurt us to believe in us. We believe in us League is not possible.” hotel of your choice, a hotel of Afrobasket victory with a 71- a total of 10pts and 5 rebounds more”. and that is all that matters. We He added: “They are somebody else’s choice, next to 55pts win against Kenya as they hassling the Kenyans all around Brown said the team played haven’t played well. We played isolated with no training for the airport of wherever. And set their sight on an automatic the floor. better in the second half despite better in the second half though, one week, 10 days, so it is it’s not even close to being quarter finals ticket. TK Edogi scored 9 points, a good defensive effort from I thought as a team. Even in the D’Tigers came out with a 4rebounds and 1 assist while Kenya. “When defense stiffens first game we did not play really no sense. a spa hotel. It’s eating and 20-8 win in the first quarter Jordan Ogundiran had 9pts with up, we get tighter or better. good and we played better in “We have to say again waiting and sleeping. while Kenya picked the second an impressive 75 per cent field All we have to do is drive the the first game than the second today what is the position Aston Villa boss Dean Smith quarter 18-14pts but that was not goal conversion. basketball. When we drive the game” of the club and the Premier said it was a difficult situation enough to stop Nigeria finishing Coach Mike Brown at the basketball, the defence will col- “We can be better, we believe League because it is not for organisers, but that he did the first half 34-26. press conference emphasised lapse and if we are unselfish, in ourselves and we believe we just Manchester City. It is a not think footballers should be Uzodinma Utomi took it from on the need to improve as a team which the guys have been most can continue to get better as problem of the calendar and exempt from the current rules. where he left off against Mali most especially defensively. part, we make the right pass and the tournament goes along”, scoring 17pts to lead the side “I think we had some good the floor is spaced, we are going Brown said. against a determined Kenya. shots offensively tonight that to get good shots offensively.” Nigeria will play Côte Jeremiah Mordi came off the didn’t go in but our effort was Reacting further, Brown d’Ivoire on Sunday in its last bench to have a fantastic game inconsistent offensively and I said, “We don’t want people group game. Guardiola Clarifies Comment, Says No Plan to Leave Man City Lokomotiv Moscow Offer Anjorin 5-year Deal Manchester City boss in five years. What I said Anglo-Nigerian wonderkid 10 million euros over the but was not involved in their he signed a scholarship at the Pep Guardiola yesterday is after my period at Man- Faustino Anjorin is heavily duration of his contract. first three competitive games Blues, which was upgraded clarified comments about chester City I will take a linked with a permanent trans- The winger’s agent is ex- of the new season and has not to a professional contract four his future saying he had no break. That’s for sure. It fer to Russian Premier League pected to arrive in the Russian figured for the U21 and U23 months later. plans to leave the Premier can be in one month, in club Lokomotiv Moscow. capital on Friday, August 27 to sides too. One of the most promising League champions when two years, three years, Anjorin has been offered a complete negotiations with Born in Poole, England, academy players, Chelsea are his contract runs out in five years. Right now, five-year contract and wages of Lokomotiv Moscow. Anjorin officially joined expected to include a buy-back 2023. today, I don’t have rea- two million euros per season, Anjorin trained with Chel- Chelsea as a schoolboy at clause into any deal taking him The Spaniard was sons to leave,” Guardiola meaning he will earn at least sea’s first team in pre-season U9 level and in July 2018 away from Stamford Bridge. quoted this week saying added. that he wanted to take a “I am more than com- break before a possible mitted to this season, we move into international are going to try to do it football. better, especially to play Man Utd Re-sign Ronaldo on a Two-year Deal “I am not thinking to better, that is my target Manchester United have re-signed Cristiano Ronaldo from However, Ronaldo has opted to return to United where he spent leave after two years,” this season.” Juventus on a two- year deal after reaching agreement with six years and won three Premier League titles, one Champions Guardiola told reporters “So when I’m finished Juventus League, two League Cups and one FA Cup - as well as the Fifa Club ahead of City’s Premier I’ll take a rest a little bit, United have agreed to pay £12.8m for the 36-year-old five-time World Cup and Community Shield - under Sir Alex Ferguson. League game at home because 12-13 years almost Ballon d’Or winner, with the deal subject to personal terms, visa Initially, Ronaldo thought there was no chance of a deal with to Arsenal today. “I without much of a stop, I and a medical. Ronaldo scored 118 goals in 292 games in his first his former club, but United have decided to make it happen, can leave maybe in two wanted to do something spell at Old Trafford before leaving for Real Madrid in 2009. while City have missed out on another striker option after main months when the results else. And after that maybe “Everyone at the club looks forward to welcoming Cristiano target Harry Kane committed to Tottenham. are not good or the or- a new team or a national back to Manchester,” said a United statement. Speaking before City face Arsenal in the Premier League today, ganisation is tired of me team if someone wants United’s announcement came after a dramatic 24 hours. Neighbours manager Pep Guardiola said: “Cristiano is a Juventus player. I or I cannot handle better me. But I didn’t say in two Manchester City had looked to be one of the favourites to land the cannot add anything else. these players.” years I’m going to finish former Real Madrid player and some reports suggested personal “Right now, my feeling is I am more than delighted with the “I can leave in three my career in Manchester terms had already been agreed between the two. squad we have and we will stay the same.” months like I can leave City.”

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Olanipekun to Buhari

COVID-19 Tests & Vaccinations “Even if we assume, without conceding that laws for grazing TEXT‘COVID’ TO58123 routes made under the Northern Region of Nigeria, covered 26years everywhere, the Land Use Act has superseded both routes and the law establishing them” – Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, punching

This service is provided in association with accredited service providers holes in President Muhammadu Buhari’s drive for grazing areas. PENDULUM DELE MOMODU [email protected] Will President Buhari Ever Conquer the Terrorists? ellow Nigerians, I do not know what Where lies our hope and salvation when of Nigeria. Enough is enough. Face front. you think individually but I’m sure the retired Major General we brought back There is nothing back there. It is instructive many Nigerians are now collectively from the dead of forced retirement is unable and worthy of note that this government worried that the Taliban style capture to fulfi l the most basic of our expectations is actively romancing the much-maligned and overthrow of the Afghanistan for reviving and resuscitating him, an end Goodluck Jonathan as a potential successor. GovernmentF and people may eventually to insecurity. It is like a hawk not being able Where then is the sense in blaming him for happen in Nigeria, in not too distant future, to capture some little chickens. Nothing has the current ills and woes of this government but sooner rather than later. The .interesting disturbed and embarrassed Nigeria in the if they are turning to him for salvation? and sad state of our own situation is that comity of nations more than the almost If President Buhari and his acolytes are not we do not have the US and its European total breakdown of law and order across the tired of lamenting like the Biblical Jeremiah, allies being sympathetic to our cause. And country, because there is supposed to be a I’m embarrassed on their behalf. But they of course, it is not that the support they no-nonsense old soldier at the helm of affairs. can’t blame anyone for their collective woes. gave Afghanistan eventually proved to be Notwithstanding this fact, the government The fault is theirs and theirs alone. No one of much help to the Afghans Rather it merely seems only concerned with covering its is under any illusion that this government is delayed the inevitable and made the fall of shame and embarrassment in areas that do serious about fi ghting terrorism and terrorists. the Afghan government even more spectacular not matter, as for example sending DSS to There is now apparently an overt cover and once America decided to withdraw its troops. disperse young and old Doctors intent on protection for the terrorists. It is the reason The whole country collapsed like a pack of making a living outside the country when no appreciable progress has been made cards before the very eyes of the Afghans their own country has deliberately chosen despite the huge resources and manpower who now feel very much let down by the to forsake them. If it were not so tragic it wasted in the last decade. Our military Americans. With the way things are going in would be just too hilarious. The stuff of which personnel are being sacrifi ced on the altar our defenceless country, it is becoming crystal slapstick comedy is made, of personal expediency and greed. It is a clear by the day that Boko Haram will soon We are already bored and tired of hearing wonder that there has been little attempt at subjugate vast swathes of the northern part Buhari and listening to the same repeated tales by mutiny, and this probably just demonstrates of our country, and it will not be too long them to a standstill. It is obvious that top moonlight from Buhari’s spin-doctors who the great discipline and resolve of our noble before they push for the capital, Abuja in government functionaries are complicit in wish to blindfold, hoodwink and convince us and gallant offi cers and men. I salute them. the federal Capital Territory, itself. It is only the wholesale terrorist incursion of Nigeria that some evil enemies are out to deliberately They must now act to save us by doing their those who are naïve that cannot see this bleak which we are now witnessing. I also do not frustrate Buhari and his government. This duty to their Fatherland fi rst and foremost future for our country. We do not need to believe that there are many sincere and altruistic type of cock and bull stories have become so and rooting out the insurgents and terrorists be seers or soothsayers to be able to predict reasons for the more than tacit support being nauseating. If the government has enemies, no matter the body language of our present the impending calamity for our nation and given to these scoundrels and infi dels by the they are these same spin doctors, lackeys and leadership. It is the only way in which we its innocent citizens. We are not prophets of Government and its cronies. Whilst some charlatans who believe that this is all the old will still have a country! doom rather our aim is to achieve the contrary are convinced that the whole agenda is the man wants to hear. The truth is this government I feel goosebumps all over me whenever I and reverse our fortunes which for now seem Islamisation of the country, I am beginning has been in power now for over six years. If remember that President Muhammadu Buhari to be going in a fast downward spiral, like to believe that there is some more sinister it is still fi nding and giving excuses for its has less than two years to go and there’s a raging tornado. However, we hope that and underhand motivation at play and it failure, then something is tragically wrong nothing tangible to see on ground. If we by vociferously voicing our concerns, those can all be captured by one word, greed. I somewhere. It is the height of shamelessness move away from the debilitating matters of in authority, particularly President Buhari, am starting to feel that there is a selfi sh and for anyone to keep regurgitating the same insecurity, our infrastructure defi cit is most may be jolted to act, and to act decisively. economic angle to all this. There is the allure frivolous reasons for failing to deliver on his appalling. That is another story for another I’m also aware about the complacency of of gold and the lust for fi lthy lucre which promises to the helpless and hapless people day! some other Nigerians who live perpetually comes from the trade in arms. One part of on, and cling to, the phantom hope that our the solution is that we must start to be our problems, especially our insecurity problems, brother’s keeper. Our private intelligence will just vamoose the same way they came network must be sharpened and honed. We without us lifting any fi nger. It is such unbridled cannot rely any longer on so-called military The Caroline Akinloye I Knew optimism, buoyed by faith in whatever religion or government led intelligence. It has failed that they profess, that baffl es me endlessly woefully so far in protecting the government knew of MRS CAROLINE ONYEMAECHI would perform the magic for us was the one about our people. For me, God will only and our armed forces. I also believe that the EBENUWA ADISA-AKINLOYE long before titled “100 Nigerian Stormy Women.” It was come to our assistance when we have shown time is fast approaching when we may all we met in person. Her persona was larger a gathering of who’s who. One name featured a penchant or proclivity for helping ourselves have to start bearing at least small arms. If than life. She was a paragon of beauty, very prominently, that of Caroline Akinloye. to identify, proffer solutions and then resolve the government will not protect us, if the sociable, confi dent, outgoing, intelligent, However, we never met until much later. our problems. We cannot continually raise our government is busy deploying the might and Ismart and unmissable in any gathering. We were introduced by a mutual friend. I face and offer endless entreaties and pleas to array of its vast military arsenal on puny Her name had been in the news early in her had expected her to complain about the way God and believe that without more, salvation innocent subjects like and Sunday life when she got married to one of Nigeria’s she was described and portrayed in our story will come. No, it is perdition that will follow ‘Igboho’ Adeyemo, instead of attacking the most infl uential politicians, the Chairman of but instead she told me actually enjoyed our if we persist on embracing such a foolhardy marauding terrorists that want to hold us all the all-powerful National Party of Nigeria, package. She was cosmopolitan and very liberal. and foolish course. hostage, then it is incumbent on us to start Chief Augustus Meredith Adisa Akinloye We instantly became friends. And her sociability I’m a relatively good student of world looking at other means of protecting ourselves. (AMA – Always Mentally Alert). Their and affability were remarkable. I expected her history and I’m reasonably assured of the In the past we have had to fend for ourselves whirlwind romance was talk of the town. I to be standoffi sh, but she was clearly simple fact that the greatest nations on earth did for all the simple things of lives. These now was naturally intrigued by their love story. and humble even if highly sophisticated in not have to fold their arms akimbo, but all pale into insignifi cance when our security All manner of tales were weaved and woven taste. She introduced me to her young kids, had to work feverishly and assiduously, to and well-being is seriously endangered and around the famous couple. She was likened two boys and two girls who were twins. Lagun achieve greatness. As for me and my house, our very lives and existence, individually and to a modern-day Cleopatra, a living goddess was closest to me. He’s always been sociable we do not rule out the possibility of some as a nation, is put into dire peril. Instead of with wiles and charm. even at an early age, like his mum. terrorists, masquerading as bandits, invading being just our own little local government, we Mrs Akinloye and her husband were forced Mrs Akinloye liked to host special guests in our southern frontier townships and villages must now apparently become self-dependent to fl ee into exile in 1984 after the coup that her Belgravia palace. Her parties were legendary to unleash the sort of mayhem that would and self-sustaining, We must become our own toppled the government of President Shehu and were always must attend treats for the scare the living daylights out of all of us. If government and take over our own security. Usman Aliyu Shagari. They lived together in high and mighty. truth be told, we are already quite scared, We must be actively proactive. Pacifi sm and exile for a lengthy period. We didn’t see much after I returned to Nigeria and some are pissing in their pants knowing sitting on the fence cannot help us any longer. Fast forward. On July 25th, 1995, I also fl ed from exile, but we spoke from time to time. that the gory stories that we heard about in I will never advocate violence, but we must Nigeria, through the smugglers’ route into She was very comfortable with me and always and its environs is fast becoming be ready to defend our homes and homestead. Cotonou, in Benin Republic, and eventually trusted my judgment and as a result confi ded the story of the whole of Northern Nigeria Our holes are our castles, and we must defend meandered my way into England. I was on the in me a bit. including the Middle Belt. them with all that we possess. If government run from the much-dreaded military junta of I was stunned to hear of her sudden transition It is obvious to me that this Buhari has lost the plot and its raison d’etre for General . I would spend the next last year, from Lagun, now a big man in his administration lacks the capacity to confront asking for our votes, then we must not lose three years in exile under very excruciating own right. I was saddened and immediately terrorists headlong in Nigeria. This is not everything else. I hasten to add that while I circumstances and conditions. commiserated with the children. One year because we do not have brilliant, courageous believe in the effi cacy of prayers, that alone It was while in London that the idea for has already passed and I’m happy to keep and brave men and women in our armed forces, will not solve our problems because even the Ovation International magazine was conceived the memory of my very dear friend alive by but for the simple reason of nonchalance and scriptures have taught us that heaven helps and delivered. Like all new publications, of the penning this tribute to her. seeming protection of rabid criminals by those those who help themselves. This is the brutal lifestyle genre, we needed to attract the attention May her beautiful soul continue to rest in in overall authority who should be fi ghting reality and truth of life. of the rich and famous. One of the stories that peace... Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja . All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: [email protected], [email protected]. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085, 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: [email protected]