Bandits Invade Gov Matawalle’s Local Government, Kill 42 Francis Sardauna in Katsina government. communities located few came across in the five village, Ahmed Lawali, also He explained that the The affected communities kilometres on the eastern communities. They also confirmed the deadly invasion marauding bandits who Bandits killed 42 farmers are Tsauni, Gudan-Baushi, part of Faru town. attacked farmers who were to THISDAY yesterday in a were on reprisal mission to on Thursday evening in Gidan-Adamu, Wari and Buba said the bandits shot in their farmlands cultivating telephone interview, and said the village, trailed the farmers five communities in Faru, Gudan-Maidawa. indiscriminately at the people their crops. So far, 42 dead the bandits, numbering up to their respective farms and Maradun Local Government An indigene of the area, and burnt their houses and bodies have been recovered to 70, stormed the village at started shooting sporadically, Area of . Malam Buba Faru, said the food stores. by the security and volunteer about 4.30pm when most of “in the process, 39 persons Governor Mohammed Bello bandits, who rode over 100 “They were shooting groups in the area.” the victims were working on Matawalle hails from the Local motorcycles, stormed the sporadically at people they Another resident of the their farmers. Continued on page 5

NACCIMA, NASMEs, NESG Worry as Diesel Hits N290 Per Litre… Page 8

Saturday 10 July, 2021 Vol 26. No 9588

www.thisdaylive.com T N250 R U N T H & R E ASO Osinbajo: Taming Poverty with Common Sense Festus Akanbi and Deji Elumoye Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday said the President Muhammadu Buhari administration plans to rely on a common-sense strategy to lift 100 million Nigerians Oba of , HRH Ewuare II...yesterday Continued on page 5 Oba of Benin: Let’s Pray for Obaseki We will not hand over our artefacts to any unauthorised private entities or third parties who want them for financial gain FG sets 2022 deadline for return of all looted Bini bronze Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja of the August 2022 deadline and Adibe Emenyonu in set by the federal government Benin City for the German government to ensure full return of hundreds As the nation awaits the of artefacts looted from the return of hundreds of artefacts Bini Kingdom in 1897. looted from the Bini Kingdom Obaseki had told THISDAY in 1897 from Germany, the last Thursday that he was Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare working on a tripartite II, yesterday alleged that arrangement, involving the some unscrupulous people federal and state governments, were moving to hand over the Oba of Benin and a private the artefacts to unauthorised trust that would manage the private entities or third parties artefacts on behalf of the palace and that it would be resisted. This is coming on the heels Continued on page 5 EMPOWERING JOURNALISTS... TB Joshua Buried in L-R: President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mallam Mustapha Isah; Governor Yahaya Bello of ; and President, Union of Journalists, Chris Isiguzo, at the 1st Annual GYB Seminar for Political and Crime Correspondents/ Amid Tears... Page 6 Editors, held in Abuja...yesterday 2 SATURDAY JULY 10, 2021 • THISDAY SATURDAY JULY 10, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 SATURDAY JULY 10, 2021 • THISDAY THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾˜  ͹͸˜ͺ͸ͺ͹ 5 PAGE FIVE Buhari: We Are Employing New Tactics to Contain Security Challenges Kingsley Nwezeh ÓØÌßÔË President Buhari made the clearly defined joint operational by adding value to the counter- He lauded what he called on the graduands said they, declaration in a message to environment. insurgency and anti-banditry "milestone achievements and were found worthy in character, President Muhammadu Buhari the graduation ceremony of A statement issued by the operations, pointing out that pivotal roles, the esteemed learning, and professionalism. said yesterday that the federal the 43rd Course participants of minister's office last night said to whom much is given much military institution is playing The Armed Forces Command government was deploying new the Armed Forces Command the president while reflecting on is expected". in raising the bar of robust and Staff College, which has tactics and state power to contain and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, the national security challenges He, therefore, urged the professional competences of Magashi as Chairman of the security challenges and promote . facing the nation, said his graduands of the 48-week the armed forces of the various seven-man board membership, peace in the country. The special guest of honour, administration "is employing intensive training to be good nations". was established in 1976 and He said his administration who was represented by the new tactics and deploying state ambassadors of the 40-year-old The Commandant, Armed had over the years of its “is determined” to strengthen Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. powers to promote peace and tri-service institution. Forces Command and Staff existence attained high-level multinational and multilateral Bashir Magashi (retd), expressed tranquillity in the country". The president reminded them College, Air Vice Marshal developmental strides and cooperation in the Lake Chad optimism that asymmetric threats He told the 226 graduands that graduation was a clarion Ebenezer Alade, who had earlier acquired international status as region to defeat trans-border were surmountable if African of the AFCSC to justify huge call to taking up higher duty conferred the prestigious title a reputable citadel of learning crimes plaguing the nations. countries work together within a investments expended on them in service to their fatherland. of the Pass Staff Course (PSC) in the West African sub-region.

BANDITS INVADE GOV MATAWALLE’S LOCAL GOVERNMENT, KILL 42 mainly men, were massacred (Thursday) at about 4:30pm two bandits along Mafara- Faru is our main occupation here police, NSCDC had been attack due to the road network. on the spot.” bandits armed with sophisticated road who were nabbed with two (in Faru)." deployed to the area "and “The police personnel tried According to him, the bandits weapons attacked Faru Village AK-47 riffles. It was a reprisal However, the Zamfara State normalcy has been restored their best to reach the affected raided the village following the when some of us were still mission. Police Public Relations Officer right now." communities on receiving the arrest and killing of two of their working on our farms. They ”We buried all the dead SP. Muhammad Shehu, while According to him, their information that the bandits were members along Mafara- Faru (bandits) killed 39 people on bodies this morning (Friday) confirming the incident, said 35 corpses were taken to Faru there but unfortunately they could road by the group of vigilantes their farms and injured many according to Islamic rights after people lost their lives as a result town where they were buried. not reach the places because of popularly known as Yan'sakai others. Friday prayer. We are calling of the attack by the bandits in Shehu stated that the police the bad roads,” he said. who nabbed them with two "They (bandits) attacked the on security agencies to come to the village. could not reach the affected He stated that the “police are AK-47 riffles last Wednesday. village because last Wednesday, our rescue so that we can return He added that, a joint security communities on time when they currently working tirelessly” to He said: “Yesterday Yan'sakai arrested and killed to our farms because farming task force comprising military, were informed of the bandits’ arrest the bandits. OSINBAJO: TAMING POVERTY WITH COMMON SENSE out of poverty within a time focus on the real progress. Citing the example of to take a deep dive because committee is made up of federal, equipping them with the frame of 10 years. “I want us to look beyond Bangladesh where a poverty governments have made several as well as state officials.” necessary vocational skills. Speaking at the inaugural all of what we are going to reduction strategy was also efforts at poverty alleviation but While also emphasising the Also in attendance at the meeting of the National Steering be doing, there is going to implemented, the Vice-President generally speaking, they have role of the private sector, the meeting were Committee on Poverty Reduction be a considerable amount of noted how the country's not yielded the sort of results VP said, “Essentially, this effort Governor, , who with Growth Strategy at the paperwork, but a lot of common manufacturing sector was key. they should yield, and I think it’s must also be directed at how to is also Nigeria Governors Forum Presidential Villa in Abuja, Prof. sense is what grows economies. “Bangladesh exports more because there is a lot of focus on facilitate private sector creation of Chairman, Governor Babagana Osinbajo said the government It's what other countries have garments than we export oil,” documentation and paperwork jobs. The fact is that there is no Zulum of , and would adopt a different and more done, not reinventing the wheel. the VP said. and very little common-sense way that the federal government Governor Abdullahi Sule of effective approach in actualising So, I want us to focus on those According to him, “countries approaches,” the VP added. or the state governments can . the objective of eradicating common-sensical things so that that have managed to get out Osinbajo explained that the create the number of jobs that The Secretary to the poverty in the country for the we can move forward.” of poverty have created a lot National Poverty Reduction with we need. Government of the Federation, sake of delivering results. Expressing the hope that this of jobs through industries, and Growth Strategy is meant to be a “We need to take a few Mr. Boss Mustapha; Ministers A statement by the Senior way, the Committee will be able they have developed intentional national strategy, not just a federal broad looks at the features of of Agriculture, Muhammad Special Assistant to the President to achieve rapid progress, Prof. strategies. effort and it is aimed at taking what constitutes our present Nanono; Industry, Trade and on Media and Publicity Office Osinbajo said, "in order not to "We must look at what 100 million people, nationally, predicaments in terms of job Investment, Niyi Adebayo, and of the Vice President, Mr. Laolu make this merely, another of others have done, the smart out of poverty within a target losses and unemployment.” Labour and Employment, Dr. Akande, quoted Prof Osinbajo as those high-sounding committees things that other people have time-frame of 10 years. Prof. Osinbajo said efforts Chris Ngige also attended, while saying, “I want us to approach that eventually achieve nothing, done, and adopt. We have to He said, “I just want to will be made to focus attention the Minister of State for Budget this as much as possible, we have to be very intentional think smartly about how we emphasise that it is a national on creating opportunities and National Planning, Prince common-sensical so that we about our objectives and how are funding agriculture, strategy as opposed to a federal for Nigerians to earn decent Clem Agba joined the meeting can resolve all the issues and to achieve them.” "I think we really need strategy which is why the steering livelihoods in addition to virtually.

OBA OF BENIN: LET’S PRAY FOR OBASEKI and the people. their full custody for their body now referred to as a report yesterday by THISDAY government officials inassured that the President But Oba Ewuare II, who onward transmission to Benin Legacy Restoration Trust. that hinted at a possible Berlin, Germany, on Thursday, would continue to follow the addressed a press conference Kingdom to the exclusion of any When Governor Godwin showdown between him and according to a statement he process keenly. yesterday said he had agreed unauthorised private entities or Obaseki informed me in his the governor on the issued yesterday. Work is set to begin on the with the Edo State Governor, third parties. correspondence of another final destination of the looted Mohammed, who led a building of a museum, tagged Godwin Obaseki to house the “We once again thank the implementation framework artefacts. Nigerian government delegation Edo Museum of West African artefacts in a palace museum federal government for this using the so-called Legacy Obaseki had told THISDAY for high-level talks with German Art (EMOWAA), in Benin City and that the controversy around commitment. It now behooves Restoration Trust and the Edo that he was working on government officials on the that will hold the artefacts when it was absolutely unnecessary. on the federal government to be Museum of West Arts a tripartite arrangement, repatriation of the artefacts, said they are repatriated. He said: “I had a discussion the only level of government that (EMOWAA), my response was involving the federal and state the agreement for the return The Governor of Edo State, with the governor about the can take custody of the artifacts that the setting up of another governments, the Oba of Benin of the Benin Bronzes from Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who need to return them to the with a view to transferring them organisation or legal entity in and a private trust that would Germany must be signed by is also part of the Nigerian palace. If he is here, I will ask to their original owner and their whatever form or guise will manage the artefacts on behalf December 2021. delegation, told the roundtable him if that was not what we original place of abode, more not be necessary or acceptable. of the palace and the people. ''For us, the most important that the museum “is part of a agreed upon. The international so that there exist international "I informed him that Oba “I intend to work with the issue in the road map is the transformation project” being community must also know this. treaties and laws guiding these Ewuare II Foundation has been Oba of Benin in an arrangement signing of the agreement and planned to make Benin City a “I will ask for prayer for the processes." registered with the Corporate that would be led by the federal the date of return. We won't cultural hub. governor because it seems there The Oba said he also Affairs Commission (CAC) and government,” he told THISDAY, move forward if we don't The architect handling the are some unscrupulous people discussed the destination of has worked out a framework for accusing a palace chief, Elemai have a clear date on signing museum project, Sir David behind this arrangement, who the expected artefacts with not only receiving the artefacts Oseni, of misinforming the and return,'' he told participants Adjaye, made a presentation might be doing it for financial Obaseki, stating that they but also building a modern revered monarch about his at the round-table. ''Full return to the roundtable, during which gain.” reached an understanding that structure - The Benin Royal plans.” should be completed in a year, he said the project would fuse The Oba said he discussed the Palace would be in charge, Museum – within the precincts The governor said he would not beyond August 2022," he the technology of ancient with the Minister of Information but that he was surprised by of the Palace and that land has straighten out things with the said. Benin Kingdom to that of the and Culture on the direct his recent position. been secured for the building of monarch on his return from The minister said Nigerians 21st century to get an organic repatriation of the artefacts to "It is pertinent to note that the Benin Royal Museum under Germany, where he and the were eagerly awaiting the return pavilion that will boast of an Benin Kingdom from where shortly after my ascension to the the supervision of the traditional Minister of Information and of the 1,130 Benin Bronzes, auditorium, storage, as well as they were stolen. throne, I had several discussions institution. But for reasons best Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed, which are being held by various exhibition space, among other He added that the federal with the governor on the plan known to him the Governor has are currently negotiating and museums in Germany. facilities. government should take custody for the Benin Royal Museum gone against the understanding, insisting on unconditional The German government Earlier in the day, the of the artefacts and not to hand and he expressed his readiness given recent events. repatriation of the artefacts. is coordinating the return Nigerian delegation met with it over to a private company or to work with the Palace to The Oba, who addressed of the Benin Bronzes, which representatives of Ethnologisches the state government, until the actualise this laudable wish Palace Chiefs, Enigies (Dukes) FG sets 2022 deadline are mostly held by state and Museum Berlin-Dahlem, where a Benin Royal Palace Museum of my father. I made efforts on the repatriation of the looted for return of all looted private museums. Of the 6,600 select number of Benin Bronzes, was built. and acquired additional plots Benin artefacts, the Benin museums in Germany, less than some of them dating back to the According to the Oba, of land from different families monarch strongly advised that Bini bronze in Germany five per cent are owned by the 16th century, were on display. "Thankfully just yesterday I within the Adesogbe area near anyone, group, organisation, or government. Other members of the spoke with the Hon. Minister the present day palace for this government – national and The federal government has Speaking at the roundtable, Nigerian delegation included for Information and Culture, purpose. international that is dealing set August 2022 deadline for the Secretary of State in the the Nigerian Ambassador to Alhaji Lai Mohammed who is "I was, however, surprised with any organisation or artificial the German government to German President's office, Germany, Mr. Yusuf Tuggar; presently in Germany over the to read from the Governor's group in the process of returning ensure full return of hundreds Mr. Stephen Steinlein, said the the Director-General of the negotiation with the German letter to the Palace where the artefacts looted from the of artefacts looted from the Bini President was happy with the National Commission for Government over the plans for reference was being made to Benin Kingdom would be doing Kingdom in 1897. progress made so far on the Museums and Monuments, the repatriation of our artefacts. the fact that a new Museum so at their own risk and against The Minister of Information planned repatriation of the Prof. Abba Tijani; Benin Crown He assured me that the federal to be known as EMOWAA is the will of the people of the and Culture, made the demand artefacts. Prince Ezelekhae Ewuare and government remains committed now being proposed, which Benin Kingdom. on the artefacts’ repatriation He described the planned Mr. Phillip Ihenacho, Director of to unconditional return of our will be funded and executed The Oba of Benin’s press at a roundtable with German return of the artefacts as the Board, Legacy Restoration artefacts and will guarantee through the vehicle of another conference was in reaction to Museum Directors and ''a lighthouse project'' and Trust. 6 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER˾  ͹͸˜ͺ͸ͺ͹

News Editor Ahamefula Ogbu NEWS sms only) Email 08116759810 ( [email protected] TB Joshua Buried in Lagos amid Tears

Festus Akanbi of the church’s neighborhood Joshua impacted his life even something went wrong with local government areas in Ondo me against his being buried in community in the Ikotun area as a governor saying “he not his vehicle but he managed to State. He assisted communi- Lagos. This was the only person The remains of renowned of the state; representatives of only impacted the less-privileged get to Owo. No other person ties. He bought transformers who died and the whole town televangelist and founder of the Christian Association of but also the privileged. I was a had ever done that before. “He for several communities. He closed markets and shop for one the Synagogue Church of All Nigeria (CAN), and Governor beneficiary of his philanthropy.” said he came to wish me well. ensured many communities week. Kabiyesi was convinced Nations, Prophet Temitope Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo Akeredolu, who paid glow- He prayed with me. When he that had been without light were we should bring the body to Balogun Joshua, were buried State, who described himself ing tributes to the deceased was leaving, he put something reconnected to the national grid. Arigidi. in his church premises in Lagos as a beneficiary of Joshua’s at the burial service, said the in my pocket. It was a great He gave logistical support to “But I told him that it is for the yesterday amidst tears by loved philanthropy. late prophet was indeed a thing he put in my pocket. I security agencies. Before he left, family to decide not for me. It took ones including his wife, Evelyn, Joshua was buried after a phenomenon. am a privileged person yet, he he supported the great Amotekun.” me time to convince him that his children, and other members week-long funeral service which The governor recalled that blessed me. He also asked me Akeredolu said further that the though TB came from , of the family. ended yesterday afternoon. few days after he won the elec- to give my wife some money Akoko community in Ondo State he was a world citizen. Where he Also in attendance at the Governor Akeredolu re- tion as the governor of Ondo too which I delivered. will not forget his yearly largesse, had touched, many will not touch sombre event were members counted how Prophet Temitope State, Prophet Joshua drove “I owe him a duty to be here adding that he had planned to till Christ will come. His ministry down to Owo to congratulate today. We can’t forget so soon the build a university in Ondo State. is global because a number of us him. things we benefited from him. Continuing his speech he said, seek spiritual uplifting. Many who Osubi Airport Reopening He said, “He drove to He empowered youths. He paid “When he passed on, the Kabiyesi have come here have gotten what Excites Delta Government Owo my hometown. I think huge electricity bills for four of Arigidi called me to mobilise they wanted.” in Asaba Omon-Julius Onabu significantly high even as far back as 2015, the Speaker said The Speaker of the that the social and economic House of Assembly, Hon. Sheriff importance of the reopening, Oborevwori, has expressed especially for the oil and gas delight at the decision of the industry, needed not be over- federal government to reopen emphasised. the Osubi Airport in Okpe Local As a result of the closure of Government Area in the Warri the Osubi Airport to business, axis of the state, yesterday, more the loss of economic benefits to than one year after it was shut Delta State Government and to passengers. the Okpe/Warri area where the Until its reopening yesterday, facility is located was huge, he the Osubi Airport, which became observed. operational 22 years ago as the Oborevwori said, “Distin- only air transportation facility guished ladies and gentlemen, in Delta State, had been shut we are here to witness the down for over 16 months. re-making of history. I say Hon. Oborevwori, who rep- this because on the 17th of resents the Okpe Constituency April, 1999 when the Osubi T.B. JOSHUA GOES HOME. . . in the State House of Assembly, Airport was commissioned, L-R: Daughters of the deceased: Joshua, Promise Joshua, Serah Joshua; her husband, Mr. Brian Moshi; and wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Naomi described the occasion as “the it was first of its kind in the Ogunwusi, during the funeral service for the late Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua in Lagos... yesterday. remaking of history”, saying state. It attracted headlines as that his excitement reflected a major breakthrough in air the mood within the state transportation in the state. government and the state at “Unfortunately, following Olu of Warri: Chief Ayiri Threatens Court Action over Suspension as Ologbotsere large. controversy involving aviation Sylvester Idowu in Warri While noting that the Nigerian service providers and manage- Ruling House and the Iyatsere “is taking this decision after not a mark of weakness but aviation statistics of passenger ment of the airport, it was closed of Warri. painstaking wide consultations an opportunity to give those traffic for the Osubi facility was in February, 2020. The Ologbotsere of Warri and Spokesman of the Ologbot- with critical stakeholders on involved enough time to retrace Chairman of the Olu Advisory sere Descendants worldwide, the matter both home and their steps, swallow their prides, PIB: Don’t Treat South-south like Council, Chief Ayiri Emami, Comrade Alex Eyengho, who abroad,”adding that Olog- apologise to him and the Itsekiri has threatened to challenge disclosed the resolve of the botsere’s prayers in court for their illegal action, in the Beggars, Increase Host Communities his alleged suspension as Prime Ologbotsere to seek legal help “shall be seamlessly simple, overall interest of the Itsekiri and Minister of Warri by the Ginuwa yesterday said Ayiri had been straightforward and from the as the only sure way forward. Equity to 10%, Say PFN, PDP Chieftain Ruling House over the crisis silent on the issue to widely point of extant laws.” “The Ologbotsere will simply rocking the selection of Prince consult before taking any action. Eyengho added, “I am sure be asking the court to interpret Tsola Emiko as Olu designate. He maintained that the al- that the general public must within the framework of the in Warri Sylvester Idowu and the whole South-south is Ayiri, who had insisted that leged suspension of Chief Ayiri have noticed the dignified 1979 Edict as it concerns Warri unhappy. the selection of Prince Emiko as as Ologbotsere by a section of deafening silence of Ologbotsere Kingdom and other relevant Former Vice President, Pen- “Three per cent is nothing; if Omoba following the passage the Ginuwa 1 Ruling House Ayiri Emami since his purported extant laws whether the Ginuwa tecostal Fellowship of Nigeria it’s about 10 per cent to 15 per of Ogiame Ikenwoli ran foul of remained unconstitutional to suspension by a section of the I Ruling House has the power (PFN), South-south, Bishop cent, fine. They should not treat the process to the enthronement the Itsekiri people. Ginuwa I Ruling House. whatsoever to suspend any or Simeon Okah and chieftain of the South-south as if we are of a new Olu, will be suing the He said that Chief Ayiri “This silence is certainly the least Chief of Warri Kingdom the Peoples Democratic Party begging them for something. (PDP), Chief Sunny Onuesoke, It is the money from the South- have berated the National As- south that is running the whole sembly for allocating a paltry economy; so it is very unfair. FG Votes N37.5bn as Hazard Allowances for Health Workers three per cent to oil-bearing host It should be at least 15 per communities and 30 per cent for cent,” he noted. Urges NARD, JOHESU to withdraw strike notices oil exploration in the recently Also speaking to jour- passed Petroleum Industry Bill nalists in Warri, former Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja professional associations and by Deputy Director Press, Mr. did just before COVID-19 and (PIB). governorship aspirant, trade unions. Charles Akpan quoted the minister we came out with COVID-19 Bishop Okah, who’s the Chief Onuesoke, described Federal government has said Ngige explained that the govern- as saying that the federal govern- allowance. founder, Flock of Christ Mission the passed PIB as a coup that N37.5 billion was being set ment side allowed enough time ment was treading cautiously in “We have given them that and current member, National against host communities aside to take care of payment of for the two big bodies of the health order not to be seen as trying to time to see if they can meet and Advisory Council, PFN, warned of Southern Nigeria. the new hazard allowance for unions and professionals- the stampede the health workers harmonise their positions, but that the South-south, which lays He said the content of the federal workers in the healthcare Nigerian Medical Association and since the matter concerned they were not able to do so. We the golden egg, in particular, PIB was nothing short of a sector. the Joint Health Sector Unions money. are adjourning this meeting sine should not be treated as beggars ploy to further rob the South Government also said that it (JOHESU) to harmonise their He said, “We would have die for the government side to following the development. that produces the oil to pay the would take the final decision different positions on the hazard separated them into JOHESU look at those two positions to see The cleric, while addressing North that doesn’t produce a on the new hazard allowance allowance, but they were not and NMA but that will give us whether we can do a middle of journalists in Warri yesterday on single drop of oil. for health workers following able to do so. much problem in terms of the the road within our organ, the the recently passed contentious According to him, it’s the inability of the unions in the Consequently, the minister implementation of whatever we NSIWC, which by its mandate, PIB, warned that the situation befuddling how the National As- health sector to resolve issues said the matter would be agree on. is the government organ that could create youth unrest and sembly (the Senate in particular) among themselves. taken back to the National “So, we are taking them jointly fixes salaries, wages, allowances recommended at least 10 per would cut down compensations Minister of Labour and Employ- Salaries, Wages and Incomes and it is yielding fruits now. The and remuneration.” cent for host communities. for host communities from five ment, Senator Chris Ngige, stated Commission (NSWIC) and two big bodies have given their Ngige said that the federal “I congratulate them for doing per cent to three per cent against this Thursday night while briefing the Presidential Committee on final positions. The government government earlier offered the a good job. I feel it’s a good the cries of Southern Senators journalists after a meeting of the Salaries to decide on the new has taken their final positions health workers 300 per cent job because it has been around and redefined host communities Presidential Committee on Salaries, hazard allowance for health back. We have also allowed them increment on hazard allowances, for a very long time. But they to also mean oil-pipeline-bearing relevant federal government professionals and workers. time to see if they can discuss which came to a quantum did something that is very bad communities in the country. stakeholders and health sector A statement issued yesterday among themselves like they amount of N37.5 billion. SATURDAY JULY 10, 2021 • THISDAY 7 8 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER˾  ͹͸˜ͺ͸ͺ͹ NEWS Man Arrested in Sokoto for Alleged Blasphemy

in Sokoto Innnocent Onuminya Some youths in Sokoto had on Thursday, stormed the The peace and tranquility palace of Sultan Muhammadu enjoyed in known Sa’ad Abubakar and demanded as The Seat of Caliphate, was the arrest of Sani. troubled yesterday when one The youths who were armed Isma’ila Sani Isah allegedly with placards, among which posted a blasphemous com- read “We are calling on the ment against the Holy Prophet Sultanate Council to take the Muhammad (SAW) on his social necessary measure against the media platform. perpetrator” and “Isma’il, must The suspect, who was later die” among others stormed arrested by the Sokoto State the palace around 5p.m. Police Command, was said to They were, however, denied have made the alleged comment entry by armed policemen led on Facebook in protest of not by the Divisional Police Officer getting a local government job. of Marina Police Station, Chief In the post, Isah accused one Superintendent M Y Maru. FOR SECURED NIGERIA. . . man in their area of deny- Maru, while addressing L-R: Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Rev. Father Matthew Kukah with the Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Ekiti tateS Governor, Dr. ing him an offer despite his them, pleaded for calm, Kayode Fayemi, during the inauguration of the NGF Peace and Inclusive Security Initiative in Abuja.. recently. financial problem. saying the suspect was under The Sokoto State Govern- detention at the Criminal ment in a statement yesterday, Investigation Department of NACCIMA, NASMEs, NESG Worry as Diesel Hits N290 Per Litre condemned the blasphemous the state command comment against the Prophet, “We have arrested the suspect. Dike Onwuamaeze (NASMEs) raised the alarm that “provision of energy at a reliable oil increases or decreases globally, even as it called on residents He is currently under detention the new price regime might and affordable price to industries there should be a consequential to remain calm as the suspect at the CID office and I can lead There was palpable fear trigger a corresponding increase will reduce the demand for change in its prices nationally. had been apprehended and your leaders to the headquarter among members of the in prices of goods and services, diesel, while improving the “Currently, the price of Brent investigations are ongoing. to confirm,” he said organised private sector as most companies in Nigeria infrastructural provision of rail crude is $75.57, therefore the yesterday over a spike in the rely on diesel to power their for easy movement of goods price should necessarily increase Anambra Court Restrains Ozigbo price of Automotive Gas Oil, factories. and persons at a cheaper price and can even be exasperated also known as diesel, which hit The OPS feared that the price will reduce the burden on busi- as the current crisis between from Parading Self as PDP an all-time high of N290 per increase, believed to have been nesses and further reduce the Saudi Arabia and the United litre this week as against N280 precipitated by the rise in the inflationary rate. Arab Emirates escalates the Governorship Candidate per litre last week. price of crude oil, with Brent Olawale said: “Ordinarily, the global price.” Consequently, the Nigeria crude selling for $75.31 per bar- burden will be shifted down to He added that the impact of A High Court of Anambra the judgment of an Abuja Employers’ Consultative rel at the international market the consumers, whose purchas- the surge in diesel price would State sitting in Awka, the state High Court and in violation Association (NECA), the yesterday, would compel its ing power has been eroded with be grave on manufacturers and , has barred the factional of section 87 of the Electoral Nigeria Economic Summit members to transfer the burden the rising inflationary trend, other economic actors in the candidate of the Peoples Demo- Act, sections 25 and 50 of the Group (NESG), the Nigerian of the new price to Nigerian while more and more people banking, telecommunication, cratic Party in the November PDP Constitution and directive Association of Chamber of consumers. would enter into the poverty and transportation sectors 6, 2021 governorship election of INEC dated 22nd June 2021, Commerce, Industry, Mines The Director-General of the margin.” “as the country is one of the in Anambra, Valentine Ozigbo which mandated PDP to comply and Agriculture (NACCIMA), NECA, Mr. Timothy Olawale, Olawale said with the total de- world’s largest economies where from parading himself as the with the Abuja High Court order and the National Association of told THISDAY that the asso- regulation of prices of diesel, “it businesses rely so heavily on PDP candidate for the election, issued by the Honourable Justice Small and Medium Enterprises ciation believed that only the behooves that as prices of crude diesel-powered generators. pending the determination of A.O Adeniyi. a suit before it. Uba further claimed that the An order issued by primary election conducted at the Honourable Justice the Congress UNICEF to Deliver 220m COVID-19 Vaccine Doses in Africa Obiora Nwabunike, in suit no. held at Saint Paul University in Abuja A/230/2021, Senator Uba versus Awka, at which Uba emerged O Michael Olugbode signed between the African Vac- the development of an Advance The statement quoted UNICEF Independent National Electoral winner and PDP governorship furt cine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) Procurement Commitment (APC) Executive Director, Henrietta Fore Commission & 2 Others at the candidate with 275 votes, was infl United Nations Children’s and Janssen in March of this Framework to support member to have said: instance of Counsel to Uba, Emeka the proper party primary elec- tran Fund (UNICEF) has signed year. state access to COVID-19 vac- “African countries must have Nwankwo, Esq, also prohibits the tion. exc an agreement with Janssen The statement revealed that cines. affordable and equitable access to PDP from presenting Ozigbo and This, according to him was in furt Pharmaceutica NV to supply the agreement secured an option The statement revealed that COVID-19 vaccines as soon as prohibits INEC from accepting full obedience to the judgment slow up to 220 million doses of the to order another 180 million UNICEF will procure and possible. Vaccine access has been Ozigbo as the candidate of the of an Abuja High Court and Johnson&Johnson single-dose doses, bringing the maximum deliver COVID-19 vaccines on unequal and unfair, with less than PDP until the final determination which was in compliance with vaccine for all 55 member states access up to a total of 400 million behalf of the AVAT initiative. one per cent of the population of of the suit brought by Uba to section 87 of the Electoral Act, of the African Union (AU) doses by the end of 2022. Other partners include the the African continent currently nullify the parallel congress held sections 25 and 50 of the PDP The delivery which is planned The African Union established Africa Centres for Disease vaccinated against COVID-19. at the Dora Akunyili Women Constitution, and directive of for the end of 2022, will get AVAT in November 2020 to Control and Prevention This cannot continue.” Development Centre, Awka at INEC dated 22nd June 2021, some 35 million doses to the deliver COVID-19 vaccines to the (Africa CDC) and the World She added that: “UNICEF, which Ozigbo emerged winner. which mandated PDP to comply African countries. African continent, with a goal of Bank. with its long history of delivering Uba claimed that the Congress with the Abuja High Court order According to the UN vaccinating 60 per cent of each AU The statement disclosed vaccines all around the world, at which Ozigbo emerged was issued by the honourable Justice agency yesterday, the agree- country’s population. Under the that while multiple vaccines is supporting global COVID-19 conveyed in disobedience to AO Adeniyi. ment between UNICEF and plan, the African Export-Import were anticipated to be part of vaccinations efforts through Janssen Pharmaceutica NV will Bank (Afreximbank) and AVAT the initiative’s portfolio, Janssen’s AVAT, COVAX, and other help implement the Advance have signed a cooperation agree- single-dose vaccine is the first to channels to maximise supply Nonagenarian, Teenagers Arrested Purchase Commitment (APC) ment on behalf of the AU for be included. and access to vaccines.” for Selling Drugs in Katsina, Ondo in Abuja NHRC Laments no Strategies to Free Kidnapped School Children Michael Olugbode having tried in the past to stop the illicit trade without success. Michael Olugbode in Abuja to recently released UNICEF born babies and medical in Northern Nigeria. A 90-year-old man has been In another development, statistics showing that 950 personnel in a hospital in The Executive Secretary used arrested in for selling narcotic officers in the Ondo State The National Human Rights children had been kidnapped same state. the opportunity to reiterate the drugs to youths. Command of the agency have Commission (NHRC) has from December 2020 to date. He said: “Children are a need for the domestication of The man, Yusuf Yarkadir was ar- arrested two teenage siblings along lamented what it claimed “no He noted that the figure heritage from God, the gov- the Child’s Rights Act 2003 in rested by operatives of the National with other suspects for dealing in strategies in sight” for safe return was an indication that a lot ernment in collaboration with the remaining 11 out of the 36 Drug Law Enforcement Agency assorted illicit drugs in the state of kidnapped school children of things had gone wrong other stakeholders ought to rise states of the federation, saying (NDLEA) in Yarkadir Village of capital. in parts of the country. with the security system up to the occasion to protect that “the domestication and Rimi Local Government Area of The teenagers; Sunday Onyema, The Commission stated this which was supposed to them by giving a marching subsequent implementation of Katsina State. 16, and his sister, Amaka Onyema, while expressing deep concern take proactive and drastic order to all the relevant security the Act hold the key to effective According to a statement 15, were arrested in Car Street area over rising cases of kidnapping measures to curb the festering agencies to explore all available child rights protection.” yesterday by the spokesman of of Akure with 1,894 kilogrammes of school children in different criminalities including child intelligence and strategies to The NHRC scribe therefore NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, the of Tramadol on Monday 5th parts of the country particularly kidnappings. ensure that kidnapping is halted called on the affected states nonagenarian was full of regrets July while 23-year-old Kazeem in the Northern part where a Accordingly, Ojukwu in Nigeria and all the children in Nigeria to liaise with the under interrogation, and confessed Oluyede was nabbed in Eru Oba staggering number of this lamented over the recent in the kidnap den are rescued relevant stakeholders, includ- he had been selling cannabis sativa area of the capital city with 300 vulnerable group had been kidnappings of scores of and given psychosocial support ing Civil Society Organisations to the youths in his community for grammes of cannabis and three in forcefully whisked away to children in an Islamic before reuniting them with their (CSOs) to push for a speedy eight years due to their demand for grammes of methamphetamine, su unknown destinations. school in , families.” domestication of the Child’s the illegal substance, although he just as a lady Maryam Musa, 35, tiv Executive Secretary of the the more recent abduc- He decried that if this Rights Act in order to failed to disclose his source of sup- was arrested in Igbara-Oke, Ifedore sto Commission, Tony Ojukwu tion of many students at trend was left unchecked, forestall further violations of ply. He however vowed that with local council area of the state with in expressed this concern yesterday a Baptist School in Kaduna as there would be worsen the the rights of children under his arrest last Wednesday, he 5.5 kilogrammes of cannabis, all in a statement issued in reaction well as kidnapping of new already poor school enrollment their jurisdiction. was backing out of the business on the same day. SATURDAY JULY 10, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 10,2021 NEWS Panel Asks Abia to Pay N511m Compensation to Victims of Police Brutality Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia serve as a guide to the public on how best to relate with the police and other security All veriÀed victims of police agencies. brutality and inhuman treatment The Abia chief executive in would be paid stated that the security over N511 million as compen- institutions need the support sation, subject to approval of and cooperation of citizens to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. function eͿectively and excel The monetary compensation in their duties. was part of the recommenda- Earlier, the chairman of the tions contained in a Àve volume panel, Justice Imo (rtd), who is report of the Abia State Judicial a former chief judge of Abia, Panel of Enquiry on Police explained that the Àrst volume Brutality, Extra-judicial Killings of the report contains the main and other Related Matters after report while the second volume eight months of investigations. contains all the petitions with Receiving the report from the volume three has the records chairman of the panel, Justice and proceedings of the Panel. Sunday Imo (rtd), the Abia He further noted that fourth governor, who was represented volume centred on Àndings and OCTOGENARIAN CELEBRATIONS… by the Secretary to the State recommendations of the panel L-R: Former Minister of Health and Executive Chairman, Juli Pharmacy PLC, Ikeja, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; former Principal, International School, UNILAG, Government (SSG), Mr. Chris while the last volume contains Mrs. Olusola Peters; her husband, Dr. Michael Obafunso Peters; and Chief Medical Director, Unity Hospitals Group Ltd, Ikeja, and Public Relations/Media Ezem, said that government case Àles, exhibits, among others. Consultant, Mr. Aramide Toa Noibi, at the Dr. Peters 80th birthday celebrations and his 50th wedding anniversary at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos would “clinically study the Justice Imo said that the panel report” before implementation. received 86 cases/petitions out He lauded the Panel for of which 46 went through full rendering “historic and selÁess hearing while the remaining services to their fatherland”, cases were dismissed or struck Baptist Convention: We Will adding that the report would out. Not Pay Ransom to Bandits in Kaduna Siemens Energy Partners GIL Automation John Shiklam Governor, Mallam Nasir El- Rufai intervention and we believe our bring our children. had assured him that everything God is su΀cient.” Akanji also “We are not looking at paying to Expand Local Content Development The President of the Nigerian would be done to ensure the called on those in authority to ransom as the way for the release Baptist Convention, Rev. Israel return of the students. do something about the security of the children,” Akanji said. Siemens Energy has signed an GIL Automation, and witnessed Akanji, has declared that no Akanji said, “As a church we situation. Speaking further, he said the agreement with GIL Automation by Engr Simbi Wabote, Executive ransom would be paid for the do not believe that people who “We do not have security in federal and the Kaduna State to boost the development of local Secretary of the Nigerian Content release of the 121 students of are free should be taken and then our hands and therefore we have governments may think they are content in Nigeria, in the form Development and Monitoring the Bethel Baptist High School, we should go and pay for them. called on the governor of Kaduna doing their best to tackle the of training, skill developments Board (NCDMB). Damishi, Kaduna. “That is the position, we do State to ensure that these children security challenges, stressing and joint project execution, at “Our goal at Siemens Energy is The students were abducted on not believe in that, we do not are released and when I spoke however that their best is not the Siemens Energy Rotating to Energize Society. This is more Monday at about 11p.m. when practice it, we have not been with him, he made a promise enough. Equipment Workshop in Port than just the products, services, and bandits invaded the school. doing that.” that he will do his best. “I tell you the truth, the Harcourt. solutions we provide; it’s about Speaking in an interview with He said for the past 166 years, “I am trusting that he will federal government and the The agreement highlights benefiting and bringing value to the journalists yesterday shortly after Baptist Church had operated make good his words as a Kaduna State, may be saying Siemens Energy’s ongoing society in which we operate. Since a special prayer session for the secondary schools in Nigeria, and governor and as one who is in that they are doing their best, commitment to enhancing we commissioned this facility in abducted students at the school “it has never happened that our charge of the security of the state. but my assessment is that their the development of the local 2016, we have continued to invest premises, Akanji said the church children would be taken away.” “That is what we are trusting best is not enough. “Whatever economy through training, skills in its capabilities and expand our did not believe in paying ransom The clergyman said, “now God to do for us. We are looking their best is, it could be their best development, and investment. The service offering to our clients in to bandits. that they have been taken away, up to God to touch the governor but their best is not enough,” agreement affirms Siemens energy’s the oil and gas and non-oil and He also said the Kaduna State we have called upon God for and use the security agencies to he said. continued compliance with the gas sectors. We have also recruited Nigerian Oil & Gas Industry and trained more local engineers Content Development Act. to effectively operate the workshop The agreement was signed and increase the amount of local Low Charges for Airlines Handling Nigeria Deserves the Best Captain No Matter at Siemens Energy’s Rotating content. I am extremely proud Equipment Workshop in Port that this agreement with GIL Services May Compromise Safety Where He Comes From, Says Yahaya Bello Harcourt, by Seun Suleiman, Automation will add further value Managing Director of Siemens to the local economy through skills Chinedu Eze include B737, Airbus A320, ER Segun James we relate if we are to arrest the Energy Nigeria, and Lawal development, training, and jobs,” 135 and ATR aircraft, while the dangerous slide in conÀdence and Gbolahan, Managing Director of said Seun Suleiman. Stakeholders in Nigria’s aviation wide body aircraft are categorised The Governor of Kogi team-building amongst Nigerians industry have drawn attention to as B767, A330, B777, B747 and State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, caused by years and years of the comparatively low charges A380 aircraft. has said that rather engage mismanaged diversity.” Five Killed By Bandits by ground handling services, For instance, investigation on the unconstitutional issue Giving Kogi as example of a saying that such low charges revealed that in Guinea, foreign of rotational presidency, what place where merit is the order in Niger Community could compromise safety and airlines are charged $1,673 (narrow Nigerians should focus on is of the day instead of where you In Minna operational standards. body); $4,715 (wide body), Senegal; look for that Nigerian, no matter come from, the governor said that Laleye Dipo and started shooting sporadically. The industry insiders said $2,250 and $5,259, Cameroon; where he comes, who can be the “within the context of Kogi State It was learnt a few hours before that the massive drop of ground $1,400 and $4,500, Sierra Leone; captain to pilot the country to which is a microcosm of Nigeria Five people two of them mobile they blocked the road the bandits handling charges from $1,139 $2,250 and $5,250 and with the promised land. itself, our diversity was enough to policemen have been killed in a raid had invaded some villages close to only $400 on a Boeing 737 $1,500 and $4,150 for passenger The governor who stated this tear us apart as a government in by bandits on Kwampani Bobi town to Kwampani Bobi during which aircraft (narrow body airplane) Áight. at the First Annual Governor the same manner it had divided in the Mariga local government several herds of cattle. or its equivalent on both local and Cargo Áight attracts $2,300, Yahaya Bello (GYB) Seminar for our people for decades before area of Niger state. “The bandits were so daring domestic services would drastically $1,750, $2,300, and $2,500 in Nigeria’s Political and Crime our coming, but that is if we In the incident which occured to the extent they did not care if aͿect the companies’ revenue and Senegal, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Correspondents/Editors at allowed it. We refused to allow between Thursday and Friday security operatives were around operational standards. Ghana, respectively for narrow the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, them, and by working together this week two of those killed the area” the eyewitness said. They noted that the ground body aircraft, while for wide body said that even after 16 years of instead, we were able to leverage were women who were wives of However it was learnt that men handling service rates were the aircraft, the ground handling in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on our diversity.” the same husband with the fifth of the local vigilante were deployed lowest in Africa. those countries charge between and another six years of All He stated that “tribe, religion, deceased being a member of the to counter the bandits leading to THISDAY learnt that the three $4,450 and $5,250 per Áight. Progressives Congress (APC), geography and class no longer local vigilante. neutralisation of some of the bandits. ground handling companies; Sky- A source told THISDAY that in the country, the problems of play role in the measure of Several others who were pas- It was gathered that the bandits way Aviation Handling Company while the above named countries the nation has not been solved anyone among us. We have sengers in a commercial vehicle were bold enough to take away the (SAHCO) Plc, Nigerian Aviation charge the airlines appropriate by the rotational presidency that Nigerians from everywhere traveling to Kontagora were also corpses of their men that died in Handling Company (NAHCO) rates, a narrow body aircraft has taken place over the years. helping us to move Kogi State injured during the attack by the the counter attack by the vigilante. Plc and AHS Aviation Handling attracts about $1,000 ground Bello insisted that the political forward, right from our cabinet bandits. State Police Command Public Services charge the lowest on the handling charges in Nigeria, while party must not limit the choice of and into other areas and position. The injured have been admitted Relations Officer Niger State Police continent, despite having better a wide body aircraft goes as low Nigerians to any region, adding Today, we have managed at both the Mariga and Kontagora Command DSP Wasiu Abiodun Ground Support Equipment (GSE) as $3,000 for passenger Áight. the nation must not continue on to improve the sociopolitical general hospitals. could not be reached for confirma- than most of their counterparts At times, it was gathered that the sentiment of rotation as it is outlook for our people and It was gathered that the invasion tion of the story as he did not pick in Africa. the $1,000 ground handling rates a setback to the development of state and created an intra-state by the bandits who rode on several his cell phone. THISDAY also learnt that could be as low as $400, depend- the nation. legacy of cooperation and motorcycles started at about 10 pm The Director General of the Niger ground handling charges in ing on the negotiating power by Bello in his paper, Perspectives integration which will outlast on Thursday and continued till the State Emergency Management Guinea, Senegal, Cameroon, Sierra such a foreign airline. on Leadership and Aspiration’, us. This achievement did not early hours of Friday. Agency NSEMA Alhaji Ibrahim Leone and Ghana for narrow body For cargo Áight, airlines pay admitted that “there is no deny- come from wishful thinking According to eyewitnesses who Ahmed Inga when contacted by and wide body aircraft are way as low as $1,300 and $3,850 for ing the fact therefore that we but by the deployment of Àve were commuters in vehicles that THISDAY said the Agency has ahead of Nigeria. narrow and wide body aircraft, need to urgently rearrange in foundational mindsets from my made detour as a result of the attack heard about the incident but “ I The narrow body aircraft respectively. the ways and manners in which day one in o΀ce. the bandits blocked the highway don’t have any details for now”. SATURDAY JULY 10, 2021 • THISDAY 11 12 JULY 10, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER COMMENTARY LIYEL IMOKE AT 60 Joe Edet pays tribute to Liyel Imoke, former Governor of

pportunity and chance are two strategic factors that you out of trouble. To him, failure was not an end or termina- shape our being in greater measure and length. At the tion bill, but a moment to restrategise with a bang. twilight of the administration of Mr. as Perhaps, deciphering Imoke as the man with big ideas Governor of Cross River State, I was railroaded into quadrupled with my role as his Special Adviser on Intergovern- Othe Executive Council as the Special Adviser to the Governor on mental Affairs and Liaison, Abuja. In the latter role, he intended Legislative Affairs. I served for just 11 months before the end of to schedule me as the State’s Ambassador, coordinating the that administration in 2007. Instructively, Mr. Duke met me for Governor’s official engagements and equally preside over his the first time at the swearing in ceremony that fateful morning. I official and domestic affairs while in Abuja and outside the never knew it was possible to be appointed into a State Executive state. He would be the first to address me as ‘Your Excellency’, Council without the necessary ‘connect’ with the powers that be. an epithet reserved for those on diplomatic mission. Thus, the The transition to a new government was meant to be seam- attention of being the state’s representative and especially the less, so I had no qualms of a reappointment as I was assured of rare privilege of seeing the governor up-close and personally my placement in the new administration. Those were the days was overwhelming. I had the first hand knowledge of being of continuity as Imoke’s regime was more or less a carry over or with and seeing this very meticulous and workaholic, politician a fac simile of Duke’s administration. Indeed, the very irrepress- and technocrat who was as hard working at night as in the ible Rt. Hon. Alex Egbona now in the House of Representatives day. Imoke hardly sleeps. He is as nocturnal as a bat. These graduated from being Duke’s Deputy Chief of Staff to Liyel’s elevated privileges afforded me an insight into the fact that he Chief of Staff. So I stepped in from Duke’s Special Adviser to was clearly misunderstood, underrated and very undermined. Liyel’s Deputy Chief of Staff. But then, i never envisaged my And that whatever the situation, he would come out unscathed, placement as the Deputy Chief of Staff, a position I was made victorious and indeed better off. Imoke had the chasm of to understand was reserved for members of the inner circle, the always laughing last even in the midst of turbulence and privileged few considered very close to the Governor, some sort storms. of kitchen cabinet. I barely knew Imoke. Beyond his status, he has the garb of a jovial gentleman who Imoke like Duke barely knew me. That is the story of a would crack ribs and make you shed tears of laughter with detribalised Nigerian whose yardstick for an appointment was endless banters. His quietude is a bit exaggerated because when capacity, competence and credibility. He believed in giving in his elements, he would engage you in an endless conversa- everyone equal opportunity irrespective of tribe, tongue or tion especially where the topic is interesting and bothers on gender. Imoke was a man who would patiently give you the politics and statecraft. Indeed, he is a repository of Nigeria’s proverbial long rope to draw, make you to retrace your steps or political history and development in many ways. make amends mutatis mutandis. In Abuja, we would spend time, even after hours playing I had served in that capacity for five years. During this pe- host to political heavyweights and associates especially of the riod, Imoke demonstrated class, dexterity and deep experience PDP extraction. In times like these, you could get anything from in the art of governance, having been a Senator at the youthful Imoke. He is compassionate and generous to a fault especially age of 30, a Special Adviser to the President and a Minister on matters that affects public health and well being. I fondly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He seemed to me that he remember how I would climb the Aircraft taking him back to knew everything because I was awed by his deep knowledge Calabar to squeeze some ‘dough’ from him. He was always and experience. His State Executive Council session was like a ready to give even when he was being inconvenienced. Ph.D dissertation class, having assembled some of the brightest -I wouldn’t know how impressed he was with my duties in mind and candour from different fields of endeavours. The in Abuja but when the opportunity came, I was saddled with debates were usually incisive and penetrating as Imoke will the additional responsibility of serving as Desk Officer and patiently wait for everyone to make their contributions before Coordinator of the Sister State project between Cross River State the final decision. He was a great consensus builder and this and the State of Maryland in the United States of America. I informed his politics. He would rather build consensus through knew instantly that his reward for hard work was more work. various caucuses before a decision was taken on political issues. His approvals were basically based on the merits of your Imoke acted in locus parentis to everyone around him as postulations and arguments. he proved to be a father, mentor, dependable ally and a very In summation, he is strategic, blended with astute and understanding boss who would do everything possible to thoroughbred personality. Substantially, he is an avid listener encourage his subjects to achieve their personal goals. At the with the patience of Job and the foresight and doggedness of launch of my book, Immunity of Public Officers Under the Moses. For one born with a silver spoon, Imoke’s humility is Nigerian Constitution in 2009, he shelved every other official legendary. Such that he carries no airs or wants to be addressed engagements to travel from Abuja to grace the occasion in Cala- in borrowed paraphernalia and insignias. In all, he was very bar. Indeed he requested the event be stepped down or delayed knowledgeable and a deliberate planner and a stickler for as he came straight from the Airport. I was really overwhelmed excellence. Though he does not engage in any conventional especially with the encomiums he showered on me that day. sports, yet he is a great sportsman. His 60th birthday is very Imoke made me look like a superstar. Here is a man who being IMOKE DEMONSTRATED CLASS, DEXTERITY AND remarkable to a lot of persons. Happy diamond birthday boss, aware of your deficiencies and inadequacies would pat you DEEP EXPERIENCE IN THE ART OF GOVERNANCE, may you live long for us to continue to drink from your wealth on the back and urge you on. He has the mother hen figure HAVING BEEN A SENATOR AT THE YOUTHFUL AGE OF of experience and goodwill. of catering for everyone around him. He has the zeal of doing 30, A SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE PRESIDENT AND A Dr Edet, is the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor and Dean of everything within his power to support you and possibly bail MINISTER OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA Law, Arthur Jarvis University, Calabar, Cross River State

WIKE AND HIS LEADERSHIP STYLE

Wike is working, but he can do more, writes Chimezie Elemuo

ivers State is agog these days. The with Nigeria and Nigerians. Nigerians are to commission projects in . At ers all this while. That they voted for him governor is either flagging off one very naïve and not conscious of their rights these occasions, he would challenge other massively, so why would he not appreciate project or commissioning another. as citizens and how to demand same from governors of the APC to show their own them by putting up the law school in their There is no doubt that Port Harcourt their political leaders. So are we saying projects in their states. All these just to community? So it is a case of quid pro quo. Ris a one big construction site. Governor Wike that it is only when a governor is seeking blackmail the APC in Rivers State. When the I thought that before any project decided is now commissioning projects day and night re-election for second tenure in office that he federal government indicated its intention to upon would be executed, experts opinion and he is beating his chest over this. Indeed, should work hard for the people? Generally, refund about N78 billion to the Rivers State would be sought to decide the nature of Governor Wike is a good student of Ma- that is how it is in this clime. But it should government, Wike welcomed that and even the project and the best place to site such chiavellian tactics of sustaining one’s hold on not be so. Governance is about the people. alluded that he would use the fund very projects. From what the governor said, I am power. The governor uses either the flagging For me, Wike should work harder! The only well and will invite President Muhammadu muffled that this is not so. He said he was off or commissioning of these projects to take problem I have is that his words these days Buhari to commission projects built with the one that was elected and would decide a swipe at his political foes. First and foremost, are not majestic. At the commissioning of the the fund. Only recently, Wike told Rivers where these projects would be sited. governance is service to the people. The people internal roads at the old GRA, he took a seri- people that he only got N52 billion out of The implications of this is that the projects deserve no less than good governance and ous swipe at Dakuku Peterside, former DG the entire sum. Why did it take him so long surely have not passed through professional basic things of life. If there is any political of NIMASA. He said so many unprintable before revealing this? Governance is about assessment measures which may affect leader who provides these to the people, he things about Peterside on television. Wike openness. Government should be open to their quality and defeat the avowed urban should not see it as doing a favour to his came out smoking, spitting fire on those he the people. When you use threats and gifts renewal policy of the government. He people, rather he should see it as giving the would better described as detractors. But to cow the people, that is not a mark of an decides what happens, after all, he is the people what they deserve as of right. When I see that Wike does not brook criticisms. inclusive government. I heard Wike said that governor. This is not to say that Wike has you build good roads, solid bridges, hospitals, But then criticisms are a necessary check on he is the one to decide where his projects not taken some laudable decisions. My take factories and educational institutions, these leaders and governance. shall be located. He said this in response to is that the governor should make his govern- are what the people deserve as their right. You Indeed, the governor is a good student criticisms of putting up the law school at ment more open to the people. His response don’t need to make a fanfare of them. After all, of the Machiavellian tactics. Machiavelli Rumueme, a town within the city of Port to criticisms should be objective, responsible, you did not provide them with your personal taught his students that to keep your hold Harcourt. and devoid of banality. Above all, he should money. on power you must use very important I was one of the people who thought work harder. Rivers people want more from Rivers people (as the gimmick goes) tools to achieve this. These tools include the government would try to decongest him. It is not yet time to lower is guard deserve more! This is Wike’s second tenure gifts, blackmail, unusual benevolence and Port Harcourt by building the law school until May 29, 2023! Above all these projects, in office and some have rightly observed brute force. Governor Wike uses these tools in a town outside Port Harcourt. But the human capital development is key. that he is still working tirelessly as if he is appropriately at every given time. We have governor says that the people of Rumueme Elemuo is a Port Harcourt-based legal a first term governor. That is the problem seen Wike invite some leaders of the APC community have been his staunch support- practitioner JULY 10, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER 13 INSIGHT

Where are they?

The Viral Videos from Igarra Combating Campus Cultism: Lessons from OAU

ecently the video recordings by Mr. Alaba of government. It is acclaimed as the tier of govern- he students of Obafemi Awolowo comes anti - cultism parade and sensitization Lawani about the poor state of infrastructure ment closest to the people. Going by constitutional University are currently commemorating against engagement in cult - like related in Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local provisions it ought to be autonomous as its leadership the death of five students who were activities on July 9. The most remarkable day of Government Area of Edo State went viral is democratically elected and answerable to the elec- massacred by members of Black Axe the commemoration is July 10. On this day, a Ron the social media. Akoko-Edo is the largest and torate. In a system that functions well, the supervising TConfraternity, in July 10, 1999. George Iwilade, public symposium is organized where notable oldest, Local Government Area in Nigeria. Igarra the councillor for works or the councillor representing Eviano Ekeimu, Yemi Ajiteru, Babatunde Oke and former students’ union leaders often speak on headquarters of Akoko-Edo local council is also said to where the road project in question is cited ought to Godfrey Ekpede were slaughtered in cold blood dire consequences and horror which cultism be the most neglected local government headquarters have raised the flag about the alleged substandard in the wee hours of the fateful day. The horrible begets. in Nigeria with respect to lack of infrastructure and status of the road project. The latter scenario of event didn’t go or slide away unchallenged. Every generation of students is properly functionality in terms of lack of job opportunities. non-existence of democratically elected officials for The generation of students’ union leaders sensitized on how cultism kills dream chasers One of the video recordings was about a 200 the third tier of government is replicated across most at the period mobilized their fellows and rose faster than death. The sensitization has made meters link road and drains in Igarra which he states in Nigeria. In some states of the federation, to the occasion. They immediately swung into the university community hostile to cult - like claimed was substandard. The other video from where democratically elected local government exists action, apprehended some of the suspected activities. The blood of the five gruesomely Igarra that went viral contemporaneously was that of they lack security of their tenure. The House of cultists and handed them over to the police. murdered students has continued to water the the dilapidated, decrepit and unfenced Orere primary Assembly in most states have not also helped matters Although numerous occurrences have thwarted flower of freedom on the campus. Cultism has school in Igarra. The member representing Akoko-Edo as they are alleged to be appendages of the executive all efforts to bring the perpetrators of the become a relic of history. In OAU, supremacy of Federal Constituency, Edo State in the House of Rep- and make laws that can only throw up incompetent cult - attack to book, the ugly incident became arguments has been the greatest tool to resolve resentatives, Hon. Peter Akpatason who attracted the individuals sponsored by moneybags as elected a symbol of resistance against neo - fascist ele- conflict among students as against the survival road project as part of the “Zonal Intervention Projects local government officials. The respective regulatory ments on OAU campus. The students who paid of the fittest in some other tertiary institutions. in the 2020 Appropriation Act” claimed that the video bodies for professionals in the construction industry the supreme price were therefore immortalized OAU students have set a mechanism to “was done to malign and discredit his reputation”. He should take proactive measures to stem the tide of the and their remembrance comes up annually. utterly combat cult - like related activities on the promptly wrote a letter addressed to the Permanent spectrum of failed, substandard or abandoned projects A three - day programme has been campus. Ironically, cultism has become a pride Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural in Nigeria by making their members accountable. traditionally dedicated as a mark of honor for among students in many other higher institu- Development Agency, demanding for an investigation In conclusion all men of goodwill can only hope the victims in the aftermath of the orchestrated tions across the country despite loss of lives and and a report within 24 hours on the narratives about and pray that the lessons learnt from the Igarra viral attack. On every July 8, OAU students often recorded casualties regularly emanated from the road project captured in the video. The govern- videos will have positive impact on the citizenry as troop out to sign a book of condolences which rival clashes, battle of supremacy and some ment of Edo State swung into action and “took over well as reinvigorate the relentless clamour for a better is traditionally placed at the front of Students’ other criminal activities. construction of the road project” after an inspection society. Union Building in reawakening the spirit of the Binzak Azeez, Faculty of Law, Obafemi visit of the project by Edo State Deputy Governor Lawani Ambrose, a Psychiatrist, wrote from deceased. After the condolence register, there Awolowo University, Ile IfeI Comrade Philip Shaibu who claimed that the project Benin City, Edo State was substandard and fell short of the current standard The Sounds of No Hands Clapping of road construction in the state. While Igarra commu- nity residents jubilated that the attention of the world here is a philosophical question, “If a tree falls has being drawn to their plight, Mr. Alaba Lawani the THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER in a forest and no one is around to hear it, whistle blower, informed all that his life was allegedly EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE does it make a sound?” and this could be DEPUTY EDITOR FESTUS AKANBI being threatened by those who believed he shot the MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO extended to “If no one goes to the Olympics viral videos for political motives. Mr. Alaba Lawani DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE Tdid they happen?” who is an indigene of Igarra claimed he shot both CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI The Japanese Government has finally decided videos for altruistic reasons and he wondered why EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN that there will be no crowds at the 2021 Olympics MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE the deputy governor did not also visit the site of the which seems a wise and quite expected decision. decrepit Orere primary school. While the accusations What will really be different? The athletes will still and counter accusations continue we must learn be able to compete unless there are positive cases lessons from the video saga from Igarra, some of and then events will stop and eventually maybe the which include: the urgent need to ramp up the level THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED competition will stop. There will still be winners of collaboration between federal agencies and the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA and some records will probably be broken but at state government in terms of project monitoring and GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, what risk to the athlete and official’s health? ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI evaluation cannot be overemphasized. The prevailing DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE Perhaps it would be better to put a line through state of suboptimum collaboration is one of the DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI 2021 and come back in 2024 for the safety of reasons for the phenomenon of abandoned projects SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH everyone although given how a number of countries in Nigeria. Recent media reports attributed to the ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI are handling the COVID virus that might be 2028 Minister of Niger Delta Affairs claim that preliminary CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI or 2032. The world has bigger problems than who findings from the forensic auditing of the Niger Delta DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO will win the 100m race and the Usain Bolt record HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA Development Commission (NDDC), reveals that so isn’t likely to be beaten for a long time. Sit at home, far about 12,128 projects have been abandoned. TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] watch it in safety and cheer through your masks. The local government in Nigeria is the third tier Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia 14 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 10,2021 NEWS Police Arrests Ohakim’s Accuser for Sylva Commends LNG, Daris Tele on Decade of Oil and Gas Allegedly Giving Police False Information The Minister of State for presence in international Alex Enumah in Abuja Petroleum Resources, Chief markets. at Thursday’s proceedings the accused Igwegbe of supplying of character, attempted kidnapping Timipre Sylva, has applauded He disclosed that the docu- police who had filed charges false information to the police and threat to life punishment with the management of Daris Tele mentary by Daris Tele, which Operatives of the Nigerian Police against Ohakim and Okpaleke, with the intention to defame the imprisonment, which could not Limited under the leadership of was put together through the Force on Thursday arrested one had applied to withdraw the suit, defendants. be substantiated and thereby Tokunbo Olateru-Olagbegi for assistance and support of the Chinyere Igwegbe, for allegedly while the office of the Attorney Count one of the charge reads: committed an offence punishable the commitment and eͿorts put Nigerian LNG captured the providing false information to the General of the Federation at the “ that you Chinyere Amuchienwa under section 140 of the penal code into making the documentary story from all angles of the force in respect of the person of the same time is seeking to take over Igwegbe (f) of 7b Emeida Estate laws of Northern Nigeria. on Nigeria’s decades of oil and industry insisting that it was a former governor of , Mr. the prosecution. Apo, Abuja, FCT, on or about In count two, the police gas production. wise decision “in getting this Ikedi Ohakim and one Chinedu But in a dramatic twist, the August 14, 2020, within the accused her of furnishing the The minister who spoke at documentary and brochure pro- Okpaleke. nominal complainant, Igwegbe jurisdiction of this honourable court police authorities with false the launch of the documentary: duced on behalf of the Ministry She was arrested at the premises was arrested by the police at did furnish police authorities with information via allegations in a ‘The Nigerian Gas Journey... of Petroleum Resources in line of the Federal High Court shortly the court premises shortly after false information and via allegations petition against Dr. Ikedi Ohakim Past, Present and Future’, with FG’s declaration of the after a court session on a case she the proceedings, on an alleged in a petition by your solicitors, on the false allegations that you recalled that the National “The Decade of Gas”. filed against the former governor four-count charge bordering on Agala and Agala chambers to a paid Dr. Ikedi Ohakim the sum Gas Policy approved by the The policy according to Sylva and Okpaleke. false information. public servant against (1) Dr. Ikedi of N5 million for the purchase of federal government in 2017 seeks to deÀne and set the She specifically accused them The Inspector General of Police in Ohakim (2) Chinedu Okpareke on a land in Lagos during the 2019 foresees Nigeria as an attractive framework necessary to move of threatening to release a nude the said charge signed by Matthew allegations of criminal conspiracy, election, an allegations which could gas-based industrial nation, Nigeria from being a crude photograph of herself, although Omasun and Rotshang Dimka, criminal intimidation, defamation not be substantiated. centred on satisfying local oil export-based economy to gas demand requirements, becoming an attractive, oil and and developing a signiÀcant gas-based industrial economy. Dabiri-Erewa Urges Media to Raise Advocacy on Rape Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja and in encouraging victims of rape to speak out. Till date, I get The Chairman of Nigerian people who come to me and say in Diaspora Commission, Hon. ‘I don’t want to talk about it’. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has challenged “Because women are, they journalists to raise awareness just don’t want to talk about it. and advocacy about rape for And that is the truth. We need to the victims to get justice. encourage women to speak out She made the appeal during a more and seek justice, particularly capacity building for journalists about what is going on back there. on reporting rape organised by It is really happening with the the National Council for Arts and younger girls below 11 years. Culture (NCAC). Even the parents can talk about She said that although many it. So it is your role as reporters victims of rape were usually to report this and follow it up,” hesitant to speak out, journalists Dabiri-Erewa said. had a duty to advocate and Also the Special Adviser, Media BIRTHING NEW IDEA… encourage victims of rape to and Publicity to the President, speak out. Femi Adesina, described the L-R: COO, StarTimes Nigeria, Tunde Aina; Filmmaker, Femi Adebayo; ED, OMD Media Reach, Yinka Adebayo; and CEO, StarTimes Nigeria, Alex Jian, during the “Let somebody know that you issue of rape as very sensitive press conference to announce Ile Alayo drama series can go to jail for 14 years for 21 and emotive. He said the victims years, if you rape an underage of rape could be further destroyed girl. There is a lot of work for you if the cases were not reported Oba Adetona Backs Prayer AAAN’s AGM/Congress to do in reporting, in advocacy with compassion. for Peace in Nigeria Holds in Ibadan BRIEFLY Olaoluwakitan Babatunde He appealed to all Nigerians The Association of Advertis- stated that the Association’s to denounce violence and ing Agencies of Nigeria has AGM is a platform to actively Ezeoke Appointed College of Surgeons President The 30-day-Global Prayer embrace each other with love, concluded plans to hold its engage in intellectual and criti- for Peace in Nigeria is gaining adding, “God is love and we 48th Annual General Meeting/ cal discourse on the challenges College of Surgeons International, Nigeria Section, has appointed more popularity as the longest are all children of the same Congress. The AGM/Congress facing the business and practice General (Dr.) Maurice Ezeoke as its new president in a colourful reigning king in Nigeria, Oba Creator.” will hold at the Golden Tulip of Advertising in Nigeria and ceremony in Jos, capital, recently. Ezeoke, Umuchu, Sikiru Kayode Adetaona, the The monarch urged Nigerian Hotel, Ibadan, on advocate unconventional solutions Anambra State-born surgeon, has been making waves both at home Awujale of Ijebuland, has leaders to carry the youth and Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th in rebuilding and rebranding the and in the Diaspora, from Lagos, Kaduna to Liberia, Sudan and embraced the project. other neglected members of the July, 2021. industry. United States of America. He was onetime surgeon to State House The prayer which begins on society along in the task of put- The theme for this year’s The Chairman of the Events (Aso Rock) Clinic, Abuja during the IBB regime. Meanwhile, no September 1 is the brain child ting the nation back on track AGM/Congress is “Boom, Gloom Planning Committee, Mr. Doyin fewer than 79 fellows of the College were also inducted during the of Prince Ayo Manuel Ajisebutu, of development and prosperity. and Doom! Where do we sit?” Adewumi stated that the Associa- ceremony in Jos. The fellows included many professors in different a US-based musician, peace “The leaders must listen Mr. Seyi Makinde, the tion has come to a decision to fields of surgery and surgical specialties and sub specialties. These activist and social entrepreneur. to the cry of the youths and Executive Governor of Oyo invite leading experts in their include general surgery, ENT, plastic surgery, urology, neuro-surgery, Declaring his support for every members of the society State, will be among prominent Àelds to lead the discourse on opthalmology, obstetrics and gynaecology as well as orthopedics the divine intervention being that feel neglected. We must dignitaries at the 48th Annual the theme. He further stated that and histo-pathology. In his acceptance speech, General Ezeoke championed by Ajisebutu, Oba work together to lift the poor. General Meeting/Congress of the impact of the discourse will promised to work assiduously to build the college secretariat in Adetona who believes in using We must make education a the Association of Advertis- be beneÀcial to delegates and Abuja as well as partnership with Teaching unconditional love as a tool priority for our children.” ing Agencies of Nigeria. The members of the Association. hospitals in the six zones of the country to for change, said: “We owe it “The religious leaders, be Governor is expected to declare To emphasize the importance provide surgical outreach programmes to to our people that were taken it Christians, Muslims or open the AGM. The Honourable of the AGM, the Association has some states in the zones. Founded in 1953 away as slaves to the America traditionalists , all have vital Minister of Information, Alhaji invited Mr. Abubakar Suleiman by Max Thorek, International College of and other parts of the world roles to play in making Nigeria Lai Mohammed will also be in (MD, Sterling Bank Plc), Mitchell Surgeons is a global organization dedicated to make Africa more peaceful a harmonious society. They must attendance as the Special Guest Elegbe (MD/CEO, Interswitch) to bringing surgeons and surgical specialist and investment friendly in order come together as a body of God, of Honour. and Mr. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji as worldwide. Ezeoke for them to have a sense of love and protect their followers,” The President of the As- (Founder, Future Africa) as belonging”. he said.. sociation, Mr Steve Babaeko speakers. Ethelbert Alozie is Dead

The death has been announced of Mr. Ethelbert Alozie of Ogun Deputy Gov Heads APC LG Elections Committee Umueze Amaimo in Ikeduru L.G.A. of Imo State. Aged 66, he Festus Akanbi died of heart attack on February 26, 2021 following a protracted campaign committee is charged campaign timetable and itinerary and Candidates; preparation of illness in the United States of America. His body will be flown with “overall coordination of the and liaison with respective local campaign budget and solicitation into the country and committed to mother earth on August 20th, All Progressives Congress (APC) APC Local Government Elections governments’ campaign com- for Funds; and any other issue that 2021 in his country home, Umuezeala-Oruohia, after funeral Mass in has constituted its Campaign and it is to liaise with mittees.” may be required for successful @ Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Umueze Amaimo, @ state campaign committee headed respective local government The terms of reference also campaign.” 10am Prompt. by the state’s Deputy Governor, campaign committees.” include the “identification of The SCC includes some Mr. Alozie is survived by wife, daughter, Mr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, According to the statement, projects to be commissioned members of APC State Working brothers, uncles, in-laws and a host of other ahead of the July 24, 2021 local the terms of reference for the by the Governor during the Committee (SWC), members of the relations and friends including Mazi Iheanyi government elections. high-powered committee include campaign across the twenty (20) House of Representatives, some Alozie, formerly of News Desk and Mr. Eugene According to a statement by the “overall coordination of the APC LGAs; determination of required members of Ogun State House of Nwachukwu (CSO), THISDAY Newspapers, Publicity Secretary of the Ogun local government elections cam- campaign resources and materials Assembly, Special Advisers and Apapa, Lagos.... May his gentle soul rest APC Caretaker Committee, Mr. paign activities, including but not and support to the Local Govern- Special Assistants to Governor in peace, Amen. Alozie Tunde Oladunjoye, on Friday, the limited to drawing up a state-wide ment Campaign Committees Dapo Abiodun. THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾  ͹͸, 2021 15

08054699539 Tears for 339 Students with Captors the fortified road block, if indeed, there was a 39. As at press time, that’s the control this state. How can one explain firefight? This story is outrageous. The army number of students from three Security glitches under this the abductions at the Federal College of reported further that the land troops tackled schools languishing in the dungeons federal government are Forestry Mechanization, located near the the bandits in conjunction with elements of of bandits in Niger, Kebbi and NDA along the Kaduna International Airport the Nigerian Air Force, who provided close 3Kaduna states. There are hundreds ceaseless and consuming road? It’s a big disgrace. air support, nonetheless, they could not gun of others from unrecorded abduc- too many innocent lives. It will be a waste of time for the down a single bandit during the rescue mis- tions, still with kidnappers. Hundreds of abducted students of Bethel Baptist High sion. With the aircraft, the Air Force could not children are being abused in forests and The killings, kidnappings School to look towards Governor Nasir track the location of the bandits. Commodore all we get are rhetoric from a lame federal El-rufai for salvation. This man called Abdulkadir’s men, who could not rescue the government that controls all the security and destruction across El-rufai has never been there for anybody traumatised students, reported that they were agencies in the country. While we sleep in the country in the last in this state. He enjoys showboating and able to recover 800 cattle from the bandits. the comfort of our rooms, hundreds of our persistently spins rubbish, without offering What a country! children are with beasts in the forests. The six years of the Buhari relief to victims of unending killings and Last Thursday, bandits released the six latest addition to the number of our children government have become a kidnappings in Kaduna State. The other students and two staff of the Kaduna State- in the forest is the 121 taken from Bethel day, El-rufai openly rejected ransom to owned Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria, who Baptist High School in Kaduna State. The big embarrassment to this kidnappers. But he never followed up with spent 29 days in captivity. The abductees were bandits strolled into the school, operated anything positive to free victims. That was freed after affected families paid about N5 for over an hour unchallenged, and walked country. The Nigerian state why five abducted students of Greenfield million. This is Nigeria for you under Buhari. out with 121 children. It can only happen has never been this weak. University were killed. Security glitches under this federal govern- in Nigeria. In Niger State, 135 pupils of Salihu ment are ceaseless and consuming too many Then, it is followed with lies, damn lies by I’m convinced that Buhari Tanko Islamiyya School, Tegina, have spent innocent lives. The killings, kidnappings and the Kaduna State Government and security knows what to do to end this 40 days in the forest without any serious destruction across the country in the last six agencies. Our well-trained soldiers claimed effort to rescue them. I’m talking about kids years of the Buhari government have become they exchanged fire with the bandits, but they madness, but has refused to as young as eight years. The kidnappers a big embarrassment to this country. The still escaped with the Bethel students. Two do the needful want N100 million and sympathizers of the Nigerian state has never been this weak. security agents were killed by the bandits abducted pupils have so far paid almost The need to bring committers of these but our soldiers did not kill a single bandit N20 million. Earlier, one pupil died in the grave human rights violations to account in the firefight. This is absurd. It was later The managers of Bethel Baptist High prison of the kidnappers. is pertinent. Nigerians desire improved claimed that security agents rescued 26 of School have been told by the bandits to send In , 83 students and seven security. I’m convinced that Buhari knows Bethel students. It turned out not to be food to the 121 students through them, so as staff of the Federal Government College, what to do to end this madness, but has true. The Proprietor of the Bethel School, to prevent the children from starving. The Yauri, have spent 24 days in the forest with refused to do the needful. Nigeria is in Ishaya Jangado, sheds light on this: “After outlaws have started coming out to pick the bandits. Three of the students died during a big mess. Who will save this country? the exchange of fire between the bandits food at an agreed location, yet, security agents separate weird rescue operations. In one This is one big question begging for answer. and the security personnel, we came to the are unable to track down these bastards. of the operations, the Army reported that school and we recovered 28 students. Some The gangsters communicate daily with the the fleeing kidnappers ran into men of the hide in different places. Some of them, in school and parents using GSM phones, yet, Joint Taskforce of Operation Hadarin Daji Kanu and the the course of taking them, escaped from the tracking them down is a problem for our in the North-West Zone, at a roadblock, bandits and came back to the school.” security agents. What a country! and a firefight occurred. According to the Also, midway into the case of the abducted Another shocking thing about unending Deputy Force Commander, Operation Duplicity of the 39 students of Federal College of Forestry abductions and killings in Kaduna State is Hadarin Daji, Air Commodore Abubakar Mechanization, Afaka, Kaduna State, the that this state is home to a large number of Abdulkadir, as a result of the duel, the bandits British Government Army reported that five of the abducted military formations, including the headquar- were forced to abandon five students and students had been rescued by the military. a teacher; “but sadly, one of the students ters of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army. The The role of the British Government so That was not the true story. The military Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) and the died in the crossfire.” was merely trying to take credit for a job not So, there was a firefight and not a single far in the Nnamdi Kanu saga leaves me Nigerian Army school of Artillery, Kachia, wondering if the UK is truly a bastion of done. One of the five freed students blew the are some of the elite military institutions bandit was killed or captured? The bandits whistle on the Army and the Kaduna State abandoned only five of the students and the Rule of Law as being promoted. The here. Garrisons and military training schools IPOB leader, whose Nigerian and British Government by revealing that the bandits abound in Kaduna, nevertheless, outlaws crossed the road block with the others released them voluntarily. unhindered? How did they escape through passports were impounded in 2016 by an Abuja court, as part of his bail condition, jumped bail and escaped to a neighbour- ing country, where he was issued another passport by the British Government. He Zulum is Clearly a Muddled Governor escaped to UK with this and to other countries until his re-arrest last month. Watching Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno Of course, the British Government knew State on a television interview last Wednesday . Zulum’s peace in the North-east Kanu was a fugitive running away from left me depressed. How can this man be the is obviously an imaginary one. justice in Nigeria. UK’s new passport to governor of a traumatised state like Borno and On open grazing, Zulum said its prohibi- Kanu shows disdain for the Nigerian court nonetheless, refuse to be truthful about its plight? tion won’t work until insecurity as “well as that impounded his passports. Zulum was economical with the truth during the socio-political and economic dimensions of Now, let’s juxtapose this with the British the interview. On the one hand, he admits that the crisis are addressed.” Was he not part of Government’s role in the Julian Assange a large number of his people can’t go to their the Northern Governors Forum that banned case. This will help us understand the UK farms because of raging insecurity, stating: “The open grazing? How can an educated man be government’s duplicity. In 2002, Assange, Nigerian military should create the enabling defending open grazing in the 21st century? Wikileaks co-founder, faced a case of extradi- environment for farmers to go to their farmlands Zulum said an enabling environment must tion to Sweden in a British court over a so that they can cultivate their lands. It is no longer be created for herders before a ban is placed on sexual assault allegation. He was granted sustainable for our internally displaced persons open grazing. The only enabling environment is bail by the court but he jumped bail fearing living in IDP camps and host communities to ranching. Herders don’t need eternity to cuddle likely extradition to the United States over receive food and non-food items from donor ranching. This can be achieved in months by another case. The US Government wants partners. People must earn their livelihood if government of affected states before the herders him extradited to face charges of massive we want this insurgency to come to an end.” return to base. Zulum should do his research leak of classified government data. So, he On the other hand, Zulum said peace was properly. Any forward-looking governor would took refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in gradually returning to the North-East after over support a quick end to the persistent clashes London in 2012. 11 years of Boko Haram: “The Nigerian Army involving nomadic herdsmen and farmers in The Ecuadorian government later should not relax by our statement that there is different communities across our country. These withdrew Assange’s asylum and threw him peace in Borno State, that there is gradual return clashes have assumed a frightening dimension out of its embassy in London in 2019. The of peace in the North-East.” Which peace is this under the Buhari administration, resulting in British Government quickly grabbed him, governor talking about? If peace is gradually hundreds of deaths on both sides. took him back to court and was found guilty returning, close to a million people will still Human lives are sacred as ordained by Allah of jumping bail. Assange was sentenced not be living in IDP camps in Borno State. In and we must all work very hard to preserve to 50 weeks imprisonment and has been this state, you will find people struggling for them. The only way forward is ranching. Multiple held there ever since over the extradition a meal a day in the IDP camps. Why would industrial boreholes, powered by solar energy, case to US. can be erected to pump uninterrupted water they remain in these camps if their towns and Governor Zulum The point I’m making here is that villages are now peaceful? to sustain artificial lakes all year round for the when Assange jumped bail granted by During the same interview, Zulum lamented: ranches. Zulum needs to read about how the a British court, the British Government late Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, turned “The Nigerian Army does not have the lethal So, how did this poorly-equipped Army went after him with so much venom, got weapons, fighter helicopter and numerical thousands of miles of desert into arable land. him and ensured he is returned to court dismantle Boko Haram as earlier claimed by He should also read about Gaddafi’s “Great strength to fight aggressors. The Nigerian Army Zulum? Was it with bare hands? The truth and jailed for his action. But when Kanu of last 30 years, of last 40 years is better than Man-Made River.” If the Libyan wonder is jumped bail granted by a Nigeria court, which Zulum is being economical with is that replicated in Northern Nigeria, there will always the Nigerian Army of now a day. It is sad, it the Nigerian Army has not degraded Boko Britain provided him a new passport to is very sad. We are supposed to have gone far be hays and water for cows in ranches all year escape justice. UK deliberately undermined Haram. The terrorists are roaming freely in round. My dear Zulum, ranching is the magic in terms of development but if you look at it, 20 of the 27 local governments in Borno State. the Nigerian court after a bench warrant the equipment we have in the last 40 years are wand that will turn around the economy of was issued for Kanu’s arrest. The British Just last Wednesday, 24 persons were killed by Northern Nigeria. still in existence.” Boko Haram in Dabna, a farming community in Government should be ashamed. 16 SATURDAY JULY 10, 2021 • THISDAY THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY10, 2021 17

Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: [email protected] SHOWBIZFLAIR RMD, King of the Silver Screen at 60 Veteran actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo turned sixty last Tuesday. It was heralded by a spectacle of posts which brought to the fore his very well known status. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

o be frank, Richard Mofe- as an actor, for it was the study of Theatre Damijo sure looks good at Arts at the University of Benin, going against age sixty and more so thank- the expectations of his parents as the only ful to the almighty God for male child in a family of 17, that opened the the milestone which appears opportunities for his other roles. a remarkable triumph in The ever-green actor once said: “I’m an actor his story. Better known as because that’s what everybody knows me as. RMD by many, Richard is a folk hero, greatly I’m a qualiÀed lawyer and communicator. admiredT for his achievements in acting in I do corporate communications, govern- Africa, particularly in Nigeria. So you can ment relations, public operations and I give imagine the outpouring of emotions and opinions on legal matters when it concerns love extended to this great thespian on his trademarks and intellectual property. I’m that diamond jubilee. No doubt, he has inspired kind of person that must be juggling three millions of Nigerians with his talent and or four things at the same time to maintain creativity. a balance.” The debonair actor and role model had Youthful minded, relating with the younger brought his many years of experience to generation has always been easy for RMD. bear on his performance in acting which had Interestingly, he puts it this way: “I think that inspired many to the thespian profession. It you are only as old as you allow yourself. I is worth reckoning his contribution to the have an incredible team of young people. I Nollywood industry. Fans and colleagues also don’t have anybody in their forties that work took to their social media pages to celebrate with me. The oldest is just a bit above 30. the movie icon and speaking glowingly about That way, they look at me in the eye and say, the former commissioner of Culture and ‘Papa this is not right. This is how it works Tourism in Delta State. This comes a few now’. With social media, I was very reluctant hours after he opened up about his life and participant but I also got to see many values marriage in a recent interview. in it when it is used right. No matter the age, Sharing a photo, where he was dressed in I’m never afraid to start again.” a white shirt, the King of the silver screen Having made an impact in so many lives expressed gratitude to God for the new and hailed by all, RMD has every reason to age. He said: “Finally, It’s dawn and it’s celebrate as he clocked the big 60. The veteran my birthday. What an incredible journey, actor explained that he was happy about his this has been. Yet I won’t tire. Just super birthday because none of his parents had grateful and thankful. Life like a Nollywood lived to become 60. According to him, his movie. To God be the glory!” Few hours to mother died at 59 while his father passed his birthday, the actor had shared another on at 57/58. Explaining further, RMD said set of lovely photos. his life was just about to start at 60: “There’s Even after his birthday celebrations, been a specter of death around my life, that’s the posts continue with so many pictures what I’ve been dealing with last year till this and reposts and prayers, creating so many year. When I turned 59, it was a big deal beautiful new memories. It was everything for me, big deal for me! My mom died at he hoped for and more. 59, my father died at 57/58. So, it was like, Mofe-Damijo was born in Aladja com- can I break it? munity of Udu Kingdom, near Warri, Delta “When people see me and I go on a weight State. He attended Midwest College, Warri loss, people think that... you know, its health. and Anglican Grammar School and was a Both my parents were diabetic and hyper- member of the Drama Club. tensive, I don’t want to be that. I don’t want He enrolled into the University of Benin to to be diabetic and hypertensive, I want to continue his education and studied Theatre be healthier. At least give myself a Àghting Richard Mofe-Damijo Arts. In 1997, Mofe-Damijo returned to the chance to change that whole cycle. Yes I’m university to study law at the University of a Christian now, so I’ve broken that yoke Lagos and graduated in 2004. After graduat- Some of the movies he has acted in include 30 Days in Atlanta, ‘Seven’ (2019) and dozens but I have to also help myself. Becoming 60 ing from the university, RMD took part in a ‘Hostages’ (1997), ‘Scores to Settle’ (1998), of others. for me is even a bigger deal, so when July television soap opera in the late 80’s called ‘Diamond Ring’ (1998), ‘Freedom’ (1999), Living in the spotlight is often regarded as comes and I become 60. Ripples. Before then, he had a stint with ‘When God Says Yes’ (2003), ‘The Intruder’ a blessing and a curse, and this is something “You know how the Bible says old things Concord Newspapers and Metro Magazine (2003), ‘The Mayors’ (2004), ‘I want Your Richard Mofe-Damijo understands all too have passed away, I will truly truly become as a reporter. Out of Bounds (1997) was the Wife’ (2004), ‘Engagement Night’ (2004), well. A rounded artiste as solely observed, a new man because that is when I’ll make a Àrst Àlm for which he received a writer/ ‘Critical Assignment’ (2004), ‘The Bridesmaid’ RMD was a journalist before succumbing bucket list. So all these things that you think producer credit. In 2005, at the maiden edi- (2005) ‘Darkest Night’ (2005), ‘30 Days in to the allure of the big stage. Along the way I’ve achieved or done, for me it’s nothing, tion of the African Movie Academy Awards, Atlanta’ (2014), ‘Oloibiri’ (2015), ‘Okafor’s of life, RMD has been an actor, politician, like zero. So I’m going to now sit down when Mofe-Damijo won the award for Best Actor Law’ (2016), ‘Three Wise Men’ (2016), ‘The writer, lawyer and poet, but he likes to keep it I’m 60 and do a bucket list … and then we’ll in a Leading Role. Wedding Party’ (2016), ‘Chief Daddy’ (2018), simple by insisting that he likes to be known start.” TV Adaptation of Ile Alayo to Air on StarTimes StarTimes in conjunction with Wakaati TV old actor said the series will borrow heavily from Indian hemp, prostitutes, retired soldier and Alayo’ is just a start. In the near future, more and Nollywood Thespian, Femi Adebayo, is the original storyline of the movie, stressing cybercriminals. Nollywood artistes and professionals will bring set to launch Ile Alayo comedy series which is that it will centre on humourous characters “The essence of the series is to create a comedy more exciting local content to the screen of an adaptation of the blockbuster movie. with conÁicting behaviours. that will make sense. As far as we are trying to our viewers. The cast includes Nollywood thespians Adebayo said: ‘Ile Alayo’ will bring back more make it as humorous as possible, we also want Viki Liu, Content Director, StarTimes added, and notable social media comedians like Mr than 70 per cent of the original cast, and will to touch on some social messages that aͿect “We are making a broader commitment to the Macaroni, Broda Shaggi, Woli Agba, Odunlade introduce new characters like Mr Macaroni, our environment. ‘Ile Alayo’ is a comedy Áick Nollywood industry. Ile Alayo is the Àrst step to Adekola, Mercy Aigbe, Adebayo Salami, Lateef Woli Agba, Broda Shaggi and Lateef Adedimeji. that I know people will appreciate. I can assure this commitment. With an array of super-stars, Adedimeji, Dele Odule, Femi Adebayo, Ebun Some years ago we produced ‘Ile Alayo’ as a that the sponsors will get value for what they movie fans should expect laughter aplenty in Oloyede, Cute Abiola and Wale Akorede. home video, and when we ended it, there have have invested.” the blockbuster drama launching in the fourth The cast and crew of the series were unveiled been a great demand for ‘Ile Alayo’ to come On his part, Alex Jian, the chief executive quarter. last Wednesday at a press conference organised back majorly as a series. o΀cer of StarTimes, said the partnership comes “We are currently working on a plan that will by StarTimes. Also in attendance were the CEO “When the opportunity from our associa- as a result of the company’s desire to satisfy the make StarTimes a powerhouse of Nollywood of StarTimes Nigeria, Alex Jian; Content Director, tion TAMPAN to synergise with StarTimes growing demands of viewers for local content. content. As such, we are willing to collaborate Viki Liu, COO, Tunde Aina; the CEO of Wakaati showed up, we gave it a shot, and after so much “Nollywood is the second largest content with budding talents in the industry to bring TV, Rotimi Akingbogun; ED of OMD, Yinka consideration by the company they felt it was production centre in the world, in the past 10 more creativity to life. For young and promising Adebayo, and representatives of major brands good enough to bring on board as a series. years, StarTimes has come to the industry in our creatives who do not have the opportunity in the country. “Ile Alayo has so many comedians. The own way, whether through content acquisition to showcase their ingenuity, we are open to In 2013, ‘Ile Alayo’, a comic movie which was concept is about a “face me and face you” and production,” he said. collaborate with you on your journey to becom- written by the seasoned actor, Femi Adebayo, house where we have so many characters with “However, when demands from our audi- ing a global brand. You have the talent; we was released to critical acclaim. conÁicting behaviours and attitudes. We have ence increased, we began to realise the need have the Ànance to power your creativity,” Speaking at the press conference, the 43-year- a Muslim cleric, a prophet, a man that sells to do more. Yes, we are going to do more. ‘Ile she concluded. 18 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 10, 2021 SHOWBIZFLAIR Bella Shmurda Makes New Entry, Hits 2.0 Ferdinand Ekechukwu

s you read this, Bella Shmurda’s debut EP, titled “High Tension 2.0” is out and stream- ing across major music platforms. The sophomore EP, a follow-up to his ÀrstA EP, High Tension 1.0, dropped hours ago and has eight solid tracks all by him. Although it wouldn’t have been out of place he made it a full album. He’s capable and lyrically proliÀc. More so, owing to expecta- tions that he takes it a notch higher for his teeming ‘Republikan’ fans had expected more from him. The afropop star had earlier an- nounced the Àne body of work on his Instagram page. He wrote: “There are people who are born to shine. Stars, you cannot dim their light. No matter what happens, no matter what life throws at them. They stand tall, they chase the bag. They continue to break stereotypes, they break standards. Successful people equal High Tension. As lightening is forever due to strike, they will do whatever it takes for them to shine.....July something! 2.0.” Released under his Dagbana Re- publik and OneRPM, ‘High Tension 2.0’ has the following songs: Out There, Rush, World, Soldier Go, Far Bella Shmurda Away, Lako, Party Next Door, and Champion. In fact, this seems like his Àrst EP, Bella Shmurda has gone him will wonder what took them so one of the best among his peers. What another starting point for the Nigerian on to release some very successful long to join his camp. makes him stand out is the fact that artiste. The Àrst part of his critically jams, including “Dangbana Orisa”, Bella Shmurda had instantly caught he is unique in his own way. “I tried acclaimed “High Tension” EP had hit “Only You”, “Cash App”, and the the attention of listeners to put myself in the music, you know, tracks such as Amope, Omnipotent, latest “World”. who loved element of street sounds in using my personal experience to Upgrade, Ginger Me and more. Recall It has taken Akinbiyi Abiola their songs. The Headies 2020 Next- speak because there is no new word that Bella Shmurda Àrst came into Ahmed, known by his stage name Rated nominee continued to prove out there, the thing wey you won sing, limelight when his 2019 single, Vision Bella Shmurda, approximately two his quality by dropping the ‘High person don sing am before, it is just 2020 got a remix with . years to set the Nigerian music scene Tension’ EP to further deÀne his full for you to put yourself in that shoe The street hit became the lead single ablaze. potential to the music industry. and that’s where I think I am unique for his EP, which was released not Fans will remember it as being less Aided with his story telling abilities, because I put my own life story in it. long after in 2020. Since the release of than that, while those who doubted the singer and songwriter is deÀnitely And I think my voice is nice…” Diya Ojo: Why I Respect Admiral Abiodun Ferdinand Ekechukwu Nominated in two categories: Adetiran, the head of Music De- Best Juju Artiste in the World and partment at Ibadan Polytechnic, ondon-based Best Musician in Diaspora, for the between 1983 and 1988; and at the Nigerian musi- current year by Yomofa Global Royal Schools of Music, London. cian, Diya Ojo, Awards, Diya recently released His Àrst album, Igba Otun, (New has expressed his his much-anticipated single, Dawn), was released on Sony utmost respect Oja L’aye meaning The World Music label, Nigeria in 1994. for one of the is a Market Place. Produced by “My type of music is a modern living legends in Doxolie and released on the stable juju music that combines the Nigerian music industry and of Diya Ojo Music Limited, Oja the rhythms of other music formerL president of the Perform- L’aye is an eight-minute lyrical including juju, highlife, fuji, ing Musicians Association of composition with rhythmic Áow, blues and so on,” he says. Nigeria, (PMAN), Admiral Dele spiced with scintillating percus- Diya’s other previous albums Abiodun. Diya, whose Africa sion and tunefully-played instru- include Millennium Buzz and Rhythms Band is synonymous mentation, reminiscent of Diya’s Mind the Gap, (1999); Sound of with Jelenke brand of juju music, prowess as a Àrebrand artiste. Time, (2003) and The Lord on relocated from Nigeria to United Diya, yet again, dexterously My Side, (2006). He has won Kingdom in 1995. displays his talent as he enunci- several awards including Afro He rose into prominence by ates on issues prevalent in the Hollywood Recognition Award, being the rave keyboardist in the world, while giving a summation (1999); Outstanding Juju Per- early 90’s, performing in album on the COVID-19 pandemic and former, (2006); UK Indigenous studio sessions for music veterans oͿering cautionary advice to the Artiste of the Year, (2006); including K1 de Ultimate, Sir public. Best Artiste of the Decade in Shina Peters, late I.K. Dairo, Diya, who was born in Omo Diaspora-presented by Nigerian General Kollington Ayinla and Ofe, Ilesha, , started his Music Awards, (NMA), in Abuja Evangelist (Chief) Ebenezer Obey, musical career from the church. in 2007; Special Recognition among others, while being a bona He was introduced into by Zafaa Àde member of Admiral Dele when he became a member of the in 2009 and Maestro Supremo Abiodun’s Top Hitters’ Band, Christ Apostolic Church, Iper- De La Musica Juju award, in the prequel to his relocation. indo, Osun State’s choir group in United States of America, in 2014. “Admiral Dele Abiodun gave 1972. He established Diya Ojo Music me the opportunities to excel and He later joined the Christ Elite Klub, (DOME Klub), in 2000 that is why he remains the best Apostolic Church Choir, Oke and became the Àrst president of boss I have ever known in my life. Imole, Agbeni, Ibadan in 1979 the Nigerian Performing Artistes, He was the one who brought me where his talent for playing the (UK), in 2008. He has an impres- to limelight by allowing me to church organ was discovered. He sive resume, having performed on perform for various artistes who consequently studied music at the world concert stages, including needed my services at that time,” Chamber Music School, Ibadan, the coveted Royal Festival Hall, Diya Ojo he said. founded by Professor Wole South Bank, London concert. THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 10, 2021 19

SHOWBIZFLAIR Tosin Clegg 07062816737 e-mail: [email protected] Jamopyper I Don’t Want to be Known for a Particular Sound Jamiu Damilare Tajudeen, known professionally as Jamopyper, is a singer, songwriter and dancer. He rose to prominence with the release of the song “Of Lala” and a follow up single “If No Be You”, which featured Mayorkun. Jamopyper has proven himself to be a force to reckon with as he firmly holds a stake in the industry with some of his releases, performances and artistry securing the stand for him. Talking to Tosin Clegg, he sheds more light on his background, getting into music, signing and much more

Growing up in Egbeda My inspirations The Nigerian music is where new was born at Egbeda and I Akon is like my icon. He inspires me talent surfaces daily am the Àrst in a family of a whole lot and I also like Rihanna. My I appreciate the fact that the Nige- six. I am a native of Oyo Nigerian Idol is 9ice, and Da- rian sound is mainly what deÀnes the State, Iganna to be precise. I vido. If you listen to my sound well, you African market today. And no gainsay- schooled in Nigeria. I attend- will know they all have huge impact ing the Nigerian entertainment music ed Topaz Emerald School, in the kind of music I make today. I see industry has been good to me and it has Egbeda for my primary myself on the world stage as one of the helped sharpened my ability to strive education and Millennium Secondary biggest artistes across Africa. harder daily. School,I Egbeda for my secondary The internet has impacted the music education. Shout Out to business in diͿerent awesome ways. I got signed to Zanku Records after Now people can go on diͿerent online My style is very unique the release of my song with Rahman music store to stream music unlike I started music as a kid but it started Jago and Zlatan. Big shout out to my before that it has to be through Blue- professionally in 2015. I was actually boss and friend, Zlatan for believing in tooth and disc. into generator repairs and had plans me. It’s been blissful since signing this I appreciate all my fans worldwide, to be a Mechanical Engineer before I deal. I have known Zlatan for Àve years. please don’t stop supporting the brand decided to do music full time. My style I have a solid relationship with him and Jamopyper, as we are all in this together is very unique, I actually don’t want I respect him as well. Not just as a friend and I love you all. to be known for a particular sound as Jamopyper but also as a boss. Working with him I will be dropping the remix of Better I am a versatile artiste. I blend well on has been great as he motivates me with Better with in a couple of weeks, Afro-pop beats and dancehall. generally, good music is timeless music, the way he strives harder. It has helped after which, I will drop a song produced In fact, play any kind of beat and I songs that will last for decades and sharpen my career with the platform he by Young John, release my EP and host a will be singing my lungs out. For me songs that people can learn from. gave me. concert at Egbeda. Comedian, Pencil Jemiriye Celebrates Lagos Charismatic, elegant, stylish, beautiful, bold Releases 3 Web Series with a powerful sonorous voice. That’s Jemiriye. She uses her songs to campaign for the liberation of the African woman, promoting peace in Africa, Despite the slow pace of organis- saying no to child marriage, empowering the ing shows and concerts as a result African woman and campaigning for the African of the new normal, multi-talented child’s education. comedian cum actor Ogechi Nwanevu She just produced a new song she titles, Lagos, Cyril, otherwise known as Pencil which reverences the city. She has a base of op- has released three web series content portunities where so many people have been that includes Banabas, Relationship made prosperous from all spheres of endeavours. Saga and Aboy and Mama as a means About the song, she said, “So many things go on Jemiriye to provide quality entertainment around the world now and in Africa we tend to contents and keep the Pencil Brand Jemiriye’s music is rooted in a mix of Highlife, focus on our negative side and that breaks my awaken in the minds of his teaming Classic, Afro Jazz, Afro Soul which coins into heart. Every country has its own problems but fans. Afro Fusion. It has a mix of diͿerent rhythms they don’t tell you how bad it is, but we tend Speaking on the messages of the and sounds. Growing up, Jemiriye listened to to blow things out of proportions. Focusing on web series, Pencil disclosed that for and sang diͿerent genres of music, making her our negative sides does a lot of damage to us Banabas, which features the likes one of the most versatile singers of her generation. but we are a happy people. And I just wanted of Lasisi Elenu, Don Jazzy, Heroes As a former Nigerian idol star, she advocates to focus on Lagos as a Center of Excellence as it Daniels, Ada Jesus, amongst others, contestants should keep voting pressures managed is and celebrate it. My song, Lagos, came to be the story is about a false and preten- and not run into debts over voting expectations. as a result of that image for Africa to make the tious lifestyle of an average guy She stated, “Do not break the bank trying to world see us with the goodness and excellence played by Pencil, and as such has the impress people. Pencil imbedded in it.” sole aim of creating laughter, teaches didactic lessons and as well lifts one’s inner mind. On the other hand, Relationship Desphil Osawaru Igbinedion Celebrates Clocking 30 Saga dealt with the challenges faced in relationships and marriages with spe- Desphil, a movie producer, screen writer and with depression, suicide thoughts, abuse, cial focus on the theme of insecurity, chef based in Los Angeles, U.S.A is passionate pain, something with an exceptional mean- jealousy, inÀdelity, and lies amongst about visual storytelling and with this desire ing. She loves the diverse culture and plans others, while Aboy and Mama Series she began directing and producing videos. She to have a production company in Àve years, bring back the feeling of nostalgia as has relentlessly gone ahead to earn degrees and nationally and internationally, to create a wide special focus was centered on child- work on several projects to further enrich her range of viewers all over the world. Desphil hood memories and experiences of knowledge and expertise behind the camera and said, “You need to begin to have a dream.” growing up with African mothers. The has indeed paid oͿ with awards and massive The granddaughter of the Esama of Benin web series, however, featured Ada recognitions. Kingdom, exquisitely celebrated her 30th Jesus, Mannericous and Pencil. Her works’ excellence can be referred to by birthday with friends and family over the On delving into acting at the mo- her use of creativity and knowledge through weekend and it was an exclusive black tie ment, Pencil noted that as a result of short Àlms that tell a story behind her contents party which saw the likes of the former gov- the pandemic which hindered events, and this is circulated globally in music videos, ernor of Edo State, Chief , shows, comedians needed to have an short Àlms and feature length Àlms. Fred Igbinedion, Mike Igbinedion, Bright alternative to pay their bills hence the She emphasises her love for story telling Igbinedion, Philomena Igbinedion, among need to delve into acting. that brings awareness to people in society others attend the event. Igbinedion 20 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 10, 2021 SUPER SATURDAY Nkechi Blessing Sunday I’m No Longer Working for Fame…This is the Time to Start Making Money from My Passion See her as being razz, call her controversy. Whatever you make of her doings, wave-making Nolly- wood actress and brand influencer, Nkechi Blessing Sunday tells you she is not as you perceive but what her brand is outside the glam. This ‘Igbo-Yoruba’ sister by her affinity with both cultures, ap- pears packed on the screen and on social media. NBS as she’s fondly called, starred alongside Regina Askia in her comeback movie. In this conversation with Ferdinand Ekechukwu, NBS talks about her life and thought-provoking issues borne-out of personal experiences ou have been in the eyes of the storm concerning your opinion on the alleged child molestation case against your colleague Baba Ijesha. . . The last time I spoke about it got me a suspension. I’m tired of Ytalking about that thing. But you have apologized to the body (TAM- PAN) now… Eehn. Yeah exactly, so… How do you feel about how the matter has played out? Erm… to be very, very sincere I don’t know, I don’t know because if some people would notice I actually stopped when a lot of people were saying let the court be the judge. I said okay, Àne. But I know for sure that justice must be served. The fact that he was granted bail does not mean he is totally free. It simply means he would be coming from his house to court until the matter is decided. That’s how I think it should just play out. What do you think that needs to be addressed in Nollywood and how would you love to see it addressed? The thing is that I am actually not their problem in that Yoruba sector of Nollywood because it is divided. There’s the English and there’s the Yoruba. They need to pay more attention to paying their cast… their artistes well enough because these people that are suspending me Nkechi Blessing Sunday has left them a long time ago when they can no longer pay my bills. Yes! Because I am no longer working for fame, I think God has blessed me to a point where I will say I cannot walk on the street and one or two people will not say ‘oh that is Nkechi’. And this is the time to start making money oͿ my passion. It is a passion yes I love it. But it has to make me money. It has to do one or two things for me. I will go on location, I will work, I will do twenty scenes, I will do thirty scenes, you will give me N10,000 you will give me N15,000. How long will that N15,000 or N10,000 build me a house? How long will I save to buy a car? The only time that I get to feel that I am working and being paid is when I do English movies. The moment I started business last year was when I decided I just needed to face my business because it was given me more money and taking care of my family; I have a large family. I have my sisters, I have my mother, and I have my cousins. That’s only me. I have over seventeen people living under my roof that is looking up to me for daily survival. Because I don’t come out of the glam to talk about my problem does not mean I don’t have. So you think one of the problems is to pay artistes well, any other problem you want to mention in addition? They have lots of problem in that industry and only God can solve them for them, not me because I don’t even know what to say. Away from TAMPAN wahala, what’s up with you at the moment, are there any show or project that you’re on? Right now I am bent on winning a N120,000,000 (one hundred and twenty million naira) prize on a celebrity show that is going on right now. It’s going to be on for eight weeks and that’s where I am. What’s the name of the reality show? It’s called ‘Celebrity Come Build Reality TV Show Naija’. It is huge; where celebrities come together to build a three bedroom bungalow. So that is what I am on now. After eight weeks of my life dedicating it to that show, by the Grace of God I emerge the winner of that show, then I would know my next project. So you really feel you will emerge winner? 100%. I’m always positive in my life. I never talk negative words to myself. I’m a winner. Blessing THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 10, 2021 21 SUPER SATURDAY If You Do Not Like Me, You Bounce. I Can’t Displease Myself to Please Anybody

boutique, I have a saloon, I have a kiddies’ store all here in Nigeria, Lagos. So how do you manage all? I have people; my mum is in charge of all of all the three businesses. So which would you say pays the bill more for you? The kiddies store and I don’t even loud it. But for now the thing that pays my most bills is brand inÁuencing. Oh Jesus! Instagram inÁuencing is the sweetest thing in this life! 6R\RXHDUQPXFKIURP,QVWDJUDPLQÁXHQFLQJ" I just recently bought a N15.5 million Range Rover from money I made on Instagram in two weeks. So what are you now telling me? Which one come pay money pass? ,QWZRZHHNVIURP,QVWDJUDPLQÁXHQFLQJ you made N15.5million and used it to buy a car? Yes, because they ‘don accuse me before say I no dey drive machine’. So I needed to. What spec of Range Rover? It’s Range Rover Evogue ‘tear nylon’. I didn’t even post it because there’s no point. But if you go to my page you would see it. I didn’t post it like saying ‘okay o congratulations to me’. I don’t have that time. You will just see me in my car, beside my car, inside my car, anywhere around my car. It’s you that will now type congratulations by yourself (laughs-out-loud). Oh my God… Let’s talk about you speaking Yoruba and Igbo dialects. You have pretty much featured in Yoruba movies right? But you speak both Igbo and Yoruba languages, how did that come about? A lot of course; I was born in Lagos that’s the reason. I was born in Surulere area of Lagos (Bode Thomas). Born and brought up in Lagos. Can you take us through your background, childhood and growing up? Growing to me was quite fun. I lost my dad in 2014. And he was one my greatest role models because my father supported anything I did. While in secondary I was doing a little bit of drama and all of that he supported me. He liked it. He was always providing all the costume that I liked wearing for the school drama. My mum and dad were very good until they separated some eight years before he died. So, my mum has been the one; single-handedly took care of us. So it’s been just me, my mum and my younger ones trying to survive. I was not born with a silver spoon. It was good when my dad was alive. But when he died, it became the responsibility of my mother to try to pick up from where he stopped but it wasn’t easy. A lot of people know where I’m coming from. I have hawked Okrika just to pay my school fees; I have done a lot of things just to survive. So wherever I am today did not just happen. It took a lot of hard work, time, suͿering and then the grace and determination not to give up. The hunger to be successful to not let my mother suͿer is what brought me here. I’m not even where I’m supposed to be this just a tip of the iceberg trust me because where God is taking me is still far. You are largely perceived as controversial Blessing maybe because you are very outspoken. Tell us who Nkechi Blessing Sunday truly is? Let’s talk about a movie you featured which is has made me famous today is my Àrst ever movie Can you not see the way he’s been disturb- Yeah you know what a lot of people do not one of the most anticipated Nollywood movies that I did, that is ‘Omoge Lekki’ that I shot in 2015. ing me? That man is the one that is teaching me like real people. I am not like any other person. at the moment, Web, which marks comeback And that movie shot me into limelight. But if everything that I’m doing now in a good way. I am Nkechi. I will not ignore your stupidity. for Regina Askia. Tell us about your role in I’m talking about the movie that is my number In fact, he asked me to do a video apology but When you meet me one on one I’m always calm the movie? one movie in all the movies I have produced is my management insisted on a write-up for on my phone replying trolls but being quiet . . . Yes Web, was shot in the United States of the one, ‘Judasi’ that even featured daddy Jide some reasons and we decided to go by that (laughs). The Nkechi outside the glam is too sweet; America by Siderz Entertainment. Actually, the Kosoko. That movie was da bomb! It featured and I apologized to him to please see reasons. somebody you would not like to leave her side thing is I was about leaving the United States when Mercy Aigbe, Bolanle Ninalowo, and a couple Yea because a lot of people see me as being because I’m always full of life and giving you they started that production. So I just had to be of others. razz and all but some people who Ànd me fucking fun. And I will tell you reality if you do there to oversee and I didn’t really do much. If I worthy still associate with my brand because not like me you bounce. I can’t displease myself to shock you I didn’t really do more than a scene; You have reached fame to some extent that they know I am nothing like what I am on the please anybody. I put myself Àrst before anyone like a cameo in the movie. RQHFRXOGQRZDVVXPHWKDWLWKDVD;HFWHG\RXU glam. So I wouldn’t now use my own hand to else. So if that makes me a bad person well so be But trust me, I needed to give the movie all the lifestyle in ways… spoil this reputation. it. But I’m not a bad person. People who know hype that is needed you know I am an ambassador I tell you it has not aͿected my lifestyle in It is now the Igbo sector knows that I am me know I have a good heart. Those who have to Siderz Entertainment and that is their Àrst anyway because acting, as I’m talking to you now one of them. I have been receiving countless inner eyes know I have a good heart. major Áick and it is big. It is going to be showing I’m acting. Acting is part of me. You know when calls from them. He’s being like… if I say he’s in the US cinemas. It is quite big getting Regina I saw lot of comments that ‘now that they have my number one supporter after my family Let’s get to know some intimate things about Askia involved, bringing Ramsey Nouah all the band me from TAMPAN what next?’ ‘Wouldn’t he’s being the one. you way from Nigeria to the United States. we be seeing you on our screens anymore?’ Na! Hmmm like what? So ‘Web’ is actually a very interesting story I do English movies before now. I have some He’s a Yoruba guy too? to watch out for. So everybody watch out for it. English movies on YouTube right now – Unknown Yeah he’s from Ado Ekiti. He’s very sup- What you like and dislike; hobbies; turn on, ‘This one Àt carry me enter Hollywood wey I Enemy, Love Triangle, The Otedolas, a lot and portive. His name is Honourable Opeyemi WXUQR;VIDYRXUWLHIRRGIDYRXULWHFRORXUDQG don dey project’. some that are still going to come out next two David Falegan. He’s based in London. things like that… weeks. It all depends on the channel that you I like to travel. My favourite colour should be Are you really based in Nigeria or in the are watching. Still on marriage related there’s the notion white. I love food a lot, I’m a foodie. I’m a lover United States right now because your online that showbiz is no place for decent women girl. I make sure that I’m always there for those SURÀOHVD\V¶86EDVHG·" But you have apologized… who want to build a home and family. . . I love to make sure they are very okay. I look This reality show (Celebrity Come Build) Of course and everybody should just move It is not for me because I can decide to leave out for them. . . brought me back, I have relocated. So after the on because I want peace for myself. the showbiz and go raise my family and come show I’m going back to New York. back. I have done like three interviews where It was once reported that your backside is Let’s go a bit personal here. I read you recently they asked me if I can leave showbiz for my mar- VXUJLFDOO\HQKDQFHG,VLWQDWXUDODV¶IDFWRU\ Which one of the movies you featured in got married, right? riage. And my answer was yes. Of course, I can ÀWWHG·EHFDXVHPRVWWLPHV\RXRIWHQÁDXQWLW readily comes to your mind and why? Yes. go build up my family and come back. I can be on social media? The ones I featured in or the ones I produced behind the scenes as long as it has my name on Never! My bum-bum, before you talk, my bum- myself? In America or where did you wed? it - Nkechi Films Production. bum is the only original bum-bum in the industry It was here in Lagos. as at now, don’t worry. It’s natural hundred percent. Well, be it the ones you featured and or the You were earlier talking about businesses You know a lot of people think maybe I used to ones you produced…. So, how marriage life and what qualities you do aside acting and movie production. . . edit my bum-bum but when they see it real life I will categorically tell you that any movie that endeared you to your man? Yeah I own two stores, in fact three: I own a they will be like ‘ah, oma to bi gaan o!’ 22 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 10, 2021 PEOPLE Kikelomo Atanda-Owo My Biggest Mistake is My Failed Marriage… That Mistake Still Has a Rippling Effect on Me Well-grounded in marketing communications, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo has been impact- ing the sector for over 18 years with her versatility. Atanda is also the founder and host of “RealTalkWithKike” on radio and TV. Her impact extends beyond her profession as she supports single mothers and widowers through “Kike Hub Foundation”. The CEO of Z- Edge Consulting, which specialises in organisation, strategic market planning, and sup- ply chain consultancy among others, talks to Azuka Ogujiuba about the state of things in the Nigerian communication industry, way forward for Nigeria in terms of good image, her take on PR/Advertising practices in Nigeria and vision for Z-Edge among others

With over 18 years in Marketing Communication, do youy think we are getting ad copies, rebranding, and general imagei building right in Nigeria? Tell us about the quality ofo work being put out by the industry Speaking from experience, Nigeria is gradually advanc- ingi in these areas. More experts are delving into these areas ofo communication. Thus far, we are being compared with advanceda countries with higher expertise in integrated marketingm communications. We can get better. However, thet structure is one thing that sets us back. Part of it is the legall framework for and parenting of content because of contentc piracy and content theft.

What’s the one thing you wish your clients or Nigerians understandu about PR and advertising? Advertising and Public relations in Nigeria is another spheres entirely. In advertising, we are pulling our wits but ini public relations, I think we are still grappling with pro- fessionalismf and sensitivity and that plagues almost every institution.i At the federal governmental level, the way the governmentg communicates with the people shows poor PR ini terms of sensitivity and professionalism. Even in private companiesc and business enterprises, company managers anda owners don’t care about their customers and clients in thet public. They shove a different kind of rubbish at them whenw they want to exhibit their monopolistic tendencies thatt put buyers or end-users at their mercy. For advertising, wew can get better but at PR, we are below standard and we needn to advance our ethics in PR.

What’s the vision for your firm, Z-Edge Consulting? The vision of Z-Edge can be spoken about from the ideai that led to its birth. First of all, Z-Edge is a legacy for generations.g The name Z represents Zion my first child and beyondb its primary functions and values that the company givesg in terms of consulting, executive training, procure- ment,m foreign resource facilitation, and event management. Z-EdgeZ is the generational legacy of professionalism and value.v The vision is to ensure that the legacy of Z-Edge transcendst generation and continues to give value to humanityh across the globe with professional standards.

Kamala Harris became America’s first black vice president, thet highest-ranking female official in U.S. history. Do youy think this is feasible in Nigeria given the fact that NigerianN politics is male-dominated? Also, how do we getg more women to participate in politics? This is a topic I’ve grossly debated and discussed on mym show and platform more vigorously in March when I dedicated the full month to promoting African women anda their exploits. The response is this: Yes, it is feasible forf Nigeria to produce a female Vice President given the terraint of the male-dominated political landscape. However, thet factor required is time and participation. There are severals women in the political sphere of Nigeria and they haven’th been doing badly. They have been conscientious anda compassionate about Nigerians. However, for a female tot get to the position in question, it requires a track record ofo integrity from the few female politicians on the stage now,n the tenacity of non-participants to get involved in politics,p and further sensitisation of the female public on itsi possibility. Women need to understand and accept their corec responsibility of creating the desired change they want tot see in our society. The understanding of their roles and thet assumption of that obligation will enable this to come tot pass. Atanda-Owo THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JULY 10, 2021 23 PEOPLE I Was Born with a Silver Spoon and that Spoon Has Nothing to Do With Who I am Today

impacti on society, the contribution of standards, and the posterityp of my empire.

Tell us about your formative years My formative years were filled with so much experience. I’mI at present finalising my memoir. I have been writing forf three years.

Give us more insight into your educational background anda career? I am a double master’s degree holder from the University ofo South Wales and Kingston University. I am a bachelor’s degreed holder in a mass-communication from Igbinedion UniversityU Okada.

Can we say you were born with a silver spoon? Yes, I was born with a silver spoon and that spoon has nothingn to do with who I am today or what has become othero than the platform and leverage it gave me to become whow I am. I tell everyone who cares to listen and know thatt my father was an elite socialite who gave me all the luxuriesl I could ever crave for growing up. He provided alla the exposure I could ever want with the training that I got from my grandmother of blessed memories, Alhaja HabeebatH Atanda-Owo.

How did your background shape your life? It was a loving experience for me and the one that shapeds my future. Some unforgettable personalities played integrali roles in my formative years. These two are my fatherf and grandmother. My father gave me all the love, nurturing,n education, and exposure that I could get in life despited being absent physically and my grandma trained mem with enterprising skills in entrepreneurship develop- ment.m She trained me to be independent and resilient in chasingc my dream and following my ambitions whilst the motherm who birthed me taught me a lesson to be more presentp on all fronts for my children.

What was the best gift you remember receiving as a child?c I think the best gift is education. Well, education comesc with exposure and training. Those are my best giftsg asides from the jewelry my late grandmother exposede me to growing up.

What was the most difficult thing that has ever happenedh to you in all your years and how did you overcomeo it? Failed marriage: finding peace, healing and self- realisationr to overcome it. It wasn’t easy and the path tot self-actualisation was the difficulty after broken marriages.m Healing took a gradual process especially my lastl marriage and that process took tolls on me and my relationshipsr with people.

What do you consider the biggest mistake you have evere made? My biggest mistake is my failed marriage. That mistakem still has a rippling effect on me and my children. Well,W that is why it is called a mistake. We learn from iti and move forward. I am happy being alive and in a betterb place...

Are there things you still desire? A big empire and a multinational company. I am Atanda-Owo workingw on making my business global. I’m working on making Z-Edge and RealTalkWithKike a global How best do you think we can tackle the increasing properly and optimally. If there were job opportunities brand with an international presence in many coun- cases of rape in Nigeria? and the industries are working to earn a decent livelihood, tries. I’m hopeful that will foster my influence and the In my opinion, it has to be tackled from multiple I’m sure we will be able to eliminate these challenges of contribution I want to give to humanity at large. angles - The angle of law, the angle of our artistes, and insecurity. Thirdly, inequality should be brought to the least. that of institutions. I know and understand that our laws Some of the agitations that lead to kidnapping, insurgency, What are some of the lessons life has taught are weak and very slow to acting and prevailing on rape and banditry are the marginalisation and unfair treatment you? crimes. If the penalties can be stiffer, quicker, and highly of some groups. Justice and equity of resources sharing can Trust lessons. I am too open to a fault. I had to transparent, we will see fewer rape cases. Secondly, our help eradicate these issues. reduce my inner circle of friends. I knew I had to art media promotes sexuality and sexual objectification keep a little I could trust because I don’t think I can of the female gender and all these lead to sexual crimes. What’s your take on the numerous young Nigerians ever keep a secret or apply diplomacy in my affairs. I When music stars promote these obscenities, objectifica- coming out as gays on social media and the anti-gay let my guard down too frequently and guarding my tion, gender-degradation of our girls in their videos, it law in Nigeria? vulnerability is key. Hence, the reason I’m careful with makes it easy for perpetrators of this kind of crime to It is just a reflection of the level of decadence and my smaller inner circle. see it as a cheap offense. immorality we have in our society today. I don’t believe The third but the most powerful angle to tackling rape it and I advocate against it with all my existence. It is a What are your plans going forward? cases is to address our cultures and values. Our value virus against the code of existence, procreation, and the I have tall ambitions. I admire quite a several role system is hugely eroded. If individual families can work functionality of humans in our society. Our anti-gay laws models and I aspire to be greater than them. It is double on the values and standards that are inculcated in their are not being enforced let alone to know if it is effective. the diligence and triple the resolve, because those role kids, the human products we get from our social institu- We have a lot of people parading themselves in the streets models are juggernauts and they aren’t cooling off tions will be better and on social media spreading the virus and the insanity of anytime soon. To be like the likes of Amanpour, Dr. gay and transgender. If these laws are enforced, we can see Abati, Dele Momodu, Bola Adesola, Funmi Iyanda, Allen The abduction of school children in the Northern part a tremendous level of sanity. Onyema, Mo Abudu and still beat them is an imaginable of the country is becoming more alarming by the day. feat, yet achievable feat. If you could sit one on one with the President on this What would you say is your greatest achievement in life? issue, what would you suggest to him as the way out? I think my greatest achievement is my kids. They are What’s your biggest fear in life? Well, for a fact. He has been too docile for my liking the greatest investments, assets, and a definition of my Not feeling truly loved till I leave this earth. . The in terms of his leadership approach. I think he needs success. I so much care about society and I believe in fear that I may not experience loyalty, genuine love, and to be forthcoming with stern actions of dealing with individual contributions. The individual quota of nation- commitment from my partner is my fear, i.e. experience those perpetrating the crime of insurgency, abduction, building starts from each home and I think my greatest that with someone special in a peaceful home. Likewise, and banditry. Secondly, he is not paying attention to the achievement will be producing role models and unques- my children understanding what true family foundation youths. The perpetrators of these crimes are youths and tionable children for the next generation. My children are should be with the unit of a husband and wife with it simply tells us one thing. They are not being engaged what will be left of me when I’m gone in terms of my God’s presence is despair for me. 24 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER˾JULY 10, 2021 POLITY Sabiman Scheme: GOtv Nigeria’s Panacea to Youth Unemployment Olaoluwakitan Babatunde terrestrial TV owned by MultiChoice Nigeria comes in. programme in 2013, the training taught him everything he needed For five years, GOtv has been creating jobs for hundreds of to be successful. Taiwo who is currently a coach expressed his uring the pandemic last year, a panel led by Nigerians through its Sabiman/Canvasser Scheme. The scheme gratitude to GOtv Nigeria for the opportunity to grow and achieve the Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo on economic provides willing young Nigerians with technical training that financial stability and also have 25 young people working for him. sustainability projected that nearly 40 million enables them to resolve various issues related to the GOtv service. “Financially, MultiChoice is really trying and I’d be forever Nigerians will be unemployed in 2021. In The trained youths offer door-to-door services in their assigned grateful to them. The payment is encouraging. My team and I have March, data from the National Bureau of neighbourhoods. The services include resolving connection issues been able to meet all our needs and that of our family” he said. Statistics showed that the unemployment rate and assisting subscribers to renew their subscription through Oluwagbemi Sunday, a GOtv Canvasser, said that the initiative D in Nigeria increased by 6.2% from the second e-payment platforms. has renewed his belief that where there is a will, there is a way. quarter to the fourth quarter of 2020. This So far, GOtv has employed over 8,000 youths and invested N162 He said, “I have learnt technical skills in installation and engi- placed Nigeria in the third position on the global list of countries million in the scheme since it began. These youths come from vari- neering jobs. I have also improved interpersonal skills and learnt with the highest number of unemployed persons. ous parts of the country and with GOtv reaching many households how to approach people. Being a canvasser involves highlighting To anyone, this news is disheartening. More devastating is the in over 20 cities in Nigeria, the number is bound to increase. the benefits of the products to customers. This also added to my fact that the rate of unemployed youths aged 15 to 24 stood at 53.4% While Sabiman focuses on technical skill acquisition, the GOtv experience. Today, I am earning a stable income. I only became a in the fourth quarter, while that of youths aged 25 to 34 was 37.2%. Canvasser scheme provides young people with the basic market- canvasser two years ago and MultiChoice, since then, helped me Nigeria’s active population falls between 15 and 64, thus, mostly ing skills to enable them to make GOtv products more accessible to build experience. Armed with all these, I have been empowered by are youths who are considered to be the future drivers of the subscribers. the idea of establishing my own shops to make more money and economy. In chats with some of the beneficiaries, it was clear that GOtv also work as a canvasser”. But if the government fails to employ the youths, or provide an Nigeria, through its Sabiman and Canvasser initiatives, has shown Apart from the schemes, GOtv also has another social-economic enabling environment for businesses, brain drain is imminent as its commitment to taking more Nigerians off the unemployment empowerment initiative called “Moms and Pops”. The initiative seen in the medical field where the shortage of doctors is crippling market, enriching them via creative, intellectual and resourceful requires a little capital from participants to be GOtv sales agents. the system. engagement to become better citizens and entrepreneurs who What this means is that one doesn’t need to rob a bank to become a However, the private sector can play a part in ensuring that the would in turn, contribute positively to society. GOtv sales agent and make a livelihood from it. rate of unemployment is stunted. This is where GOtv, a digital For Titilayo Ogunyemi Taiwo, a GOtv Sabiman who joined the Read full article on www.thisdaylive.com THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER˾ JULY 10, 2021 25 POLITY Owerri: Metaphor of South-east on a Rebound an exhilarating feeling. Sunny Igboanugo There are still vestiges and tell-tale signs of the onslaught. The ubiquitous checkpoints mounted by the military and the police are stark reminders. But like it is understandable that Have you heard about the Phoenix, the mythological a mad man could still be muttering to himself after getting a ancient bird which rises from its ashes? Feel free to replace cure, the current situation is by far a lesser threat. its essence with the South East, the heartland of the Igbo of Even so, the benign attitude, if not comeliness of the Nigeria. Add Owerri and you’re spot on! soldiers, contrasts with the images of those unleashing the Just a few weeks ago, not a few people believed it was going brutalities and torture on citizens as depicted by those gory to be the beginning of the end, if not the actual end with the images captured in the videos circulated then. blitzkrieg that besieged the area. I observed that except the Ihiala-Mgbidi stretch on the The older generation recoiled at the thought of a replica- Onitsha-Owerri road where my taxi had to make a deteur into tion of the scary era they struggle to forget, with the image the village roads to avoid the almost immovable traffic snarl of 1967-1970 Nigeria’s cataclysmic eruption flashing like a created by some soldiers, nothing else left a sour taste in the television montage. They must have pictured once again mouth from the Asaba Airport to Owerri. Surprisingly, the those tiny limbs, distended stomachs and glazy eyes of the other side – Enugu-Owerri along the Port Harcourt presented malnourished kwashiorkor children in the refugee camps a different picture of pleasant and refreshing journey. Uzodimma combined with the human carcasses scattered in the ruins of Talking about Owerri, whoever plotted that assault against market places, churches and public places amid smouldering the tourism capital of Nigeria – that is if it is not an accident, with the Rochas Okorocha government, explained how the smokes from sustained bombings. but a design - truly hit the bull’s eyes. They hit the town at its governor adopted some of the ideas in the initial frameworks They cried, remonstrated and warned at the gory stories soft underbelly where it hurts the most. of Emeka Ihedioha, his immediate predecessor, such as work- and images that became the byproducts of the sweltering Attempts at destroying the major bragging rights – tourism ing with the results of the commissions of inquiry that were engagements between the Unknown Gunmen, and security and hospitality is like taking away the insignia of the warrior set up upon arrival, instead of disbanding them. Through forces. and make him lose his identity or taking away the parapher- this, he is said to have reset the structure of the government, Just like the civil war, conflicting angles, some contrived or nalia of a woman’s beauty and diminishing her splendour. particularly the civil service that had been in disarray hitherto. deliberately (mis)construed to hoodwink and distort history, Owerri bu oke mba was on the verge of losing its meaning by If this assessment is true, it means that the governor is using the horrible situation of the South East in the last four months the bombardment it experienced. his head rather than his heart, which in itself presents a veneer would obviously be subsumed in the allegations and counter But the Owerri I met during my four-day stay, seemed to have of plausible expectations. There is also the suggestion of his allegations. recovered fully and rediscovered itself. government running on emotional intelligence in recognising What cannot be taken away is that the mayhem is a product In fact, when my host invited me to Owerri for our meeting, and tackling of youth unemployment. One of such is his of vested interests. The Federal Government says the may- I had the intuition of something terrible. He had flown in from recent advancement of N250,000 to about 15,000 youths as hem was the handiwork of the Indigenous People of Biafra Abuja, not being resident in the city himself. I could have said no, start-up capitals. (IPOB), while IPOB and its leaders insist that it was sponsored if I had the choice. I practically held my heart in my hands as we Again, such a move is not only sure to win him more by the same government to set up the Igbo people for the final drove back to our hotel well beyond 2am on the first night of my converts if it is true, but suggests the positive trajectory of his annihilation. Politicians, including the governors insist it is all arrival. On the second day, we were able to eat, what I believe is government, if he keeps his eyes on the ball. a gambit to turn the people against them, while others argue the best barbecue fish there is in the world in one of the bubbling Uzodimma has got his own baptism of fire given the recent that the promoters of the turmoil wanted to use it to stop the joints, well beyond 11pm. But my confirmation about the status events. There may be more in future as his traducers may South East from producing the next President in 2023. quo came on the Friday preceding my departure. have returned to restrategise. Yet, like Chris Ngige, former Somewhere in-between, lies the truth and the real culprits. At another popular joint where we converged, the usual revel- Governor Anambra State who survived a similar cataclysm What is constant however remains the toll the conflagration lers were already on ground as early as 4pm and before dawn the including being kidnapped from office, he could reverse took in human and material resources. Who is going to arena as large as a football field was already filled to its stretch. the odious story of the Imo people, which they have been replace the lives lost – innocent people killed both by the My conclusion again – Owerri is back! Exhilarating! bemoaning since after the time of De Sam Mbakwe. The UGM and security forces? Who is going to compensate those How this came about would definitely remain a subject of return of normalcy in the state offers him the opportunity. alleged innocent caught in the crossfire, some of whom are future discussion. But the central feature that would continue to Meanwhile, you must have heard of Ofe Owerri, the still languishing in detention till date? turn up also is Hope Uzodimma, the governor of the state. popular delicacy that has got different people crossing seven The good news however, is that normalcy seems to have Somehow, the animosity doesn’t seem as high as IPOB and seas and seven deserts to taste! There is an improvement. It is returned substantially and the people appear to have their other traducers seem to habour against him, just yet. If anything, called Ofe Eju (Snail soup). Travel to Owerri and taste it and lives back. They are currently picking the pieces as they did there seems a certain agreement within the Owerri environ- thank me later! That’s where I’m coming from. more than 50 years ago. ment to give him a chance. On South East and Owerri, I permit myself a drink as I The situation is not as grim as it was a few weeks ago. Perhaps, this might be from the perspective of what cannot await the party. That I could confirm. Traversing the South East this past be changed must be endured. week, through Owerri, Enugu and Anambra, I could safely A journalist, who enthused to me that if nothing, the gov- conclude that the worst days are over, even if temporarily. It is ernor has been able to stop the bleeding the state experienced *HCPBOVHP BKPVSOBMJTU XSPUFGSPN-BHPT My Dakkada Experience Adeyemi Saka it brought a popular verse of the Holy Bible to my mind. Proverbs 18 verse 10 says; “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the have read and heard a lot about the many great strides righteous runneth into it and is safe”. recorded so far by Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom The towering edifice of twenty-one (21) floors which has State which I can rightly call the “Dakkada Revolution” and changed the face of the capital is situated at the Central Business I had a peep into what awaits me from Lagos with my first District Uyo. It seats on a one hundred and eighty meters’ pile with hand encounter of the effectiveness of Ibom Air which many raft band making it an engineering masterpiece. This is one of the Ihave talked about. I did not miss my flight because of the many impressive projects of the Udom Emmanuel-led adminis- many reviews of how the airline prides itself with promptness. tration towards transforming the lives of Ibomites and the state. It was a good flight on one of the Bombardier CRJ900 in its fleet. During a chat and a tour of the facility with the project engineer, Engineer Francis Uwah and Client Representatives from Ministry On our descent into the International Airport, I was greeted with a sight of green vegetation and I told my companion of Special Duties, Arc. Ekanwan Alale revealed the building was on the trip that the state seems to have an all year-round green erroneously tagged Mobil Headquarters Uyo and this was not vegetation. far from the truth as the project was aimed at attracting the said oil During my two-day visit to the State, I ensured I went to company and others to relocate to Uyo, and take up spaces in the some places which are pivotal to the success story of Governor building. Udom Emmanuel’s administration and it was as convincing as The smart building will soon be open for business just as it I have read about them. I was eager to get to the Jubilee Syringe boasts of an enviable list of high profile clients/tenants. Manufacturing complex, the General Hospital Awa, which was The Dakkada Towers surely comes with its economic benefits recently upgraded from a Primary Healthcare Centre to a General as it will create employment through ancillary services and attract Hospital, and which will soon be upgraded to a Teaching Hospital investments as well as growth when the companies take up their in line with the “Completion Agenda” of Mr. Udom Emmanuel. Gov Emmanuel spaces in the complex. On our way, we went through the ongoing dualised Uyo-Eti- My tour will not be complete without a visit to the Dakkada nan-Onna road. The ongoing dualisation project had a noticeable indigenes have the right skill set to gain employment into the Industries Limited. An Industrial hub designed to create jobs, drainage system from Ikot Oku - Ikono Flyover to Onna. This company. promote skills development for the youths, maximize the agricul- often times is an afterthought in many road construction or On our way out, I noticed the company’s international tural value chain and ensure long term economic growth rehabilitation works across the country. standard of quality certificate. Also on display was the for the state It will amount to stating the obvious if I On the ride to the General Hospital at Awa, I was informed there endorsement by the Nigerian Medical Association achieved say “Dakkada Revolution” has surely diversified the is a medical facility within every hour drive. The General Hospital in just a few years of its operations. economy of Akwa Ibom and will increase the economic I must say is well equipped with the much-needed manpower My next stop was the Kings Flour Mills at Mkpok. The potential of the state. I am certain that Ibomites will and equipments to cater for primary and secondary medical needs company’s General Manager, Angelo Hyuwah stated that feel more positive impacts as the products and services of Onna and neighbouring communities. the company has a training policy to ensure that majority offered by these projects will be enjoyed and utilized by My next stop was the Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing complex of its workforce who are indigenes of the community of its us all. and I had the opportunity of interacting with workers and operations and state get the necessary skills to work at the I did not leave the state without interacting with some management of the organisation. Flour Mills. Presently, the Kings Flour is in high demand in citizens and the feedback was very positive. This has left me with a I was given a tour around the facility in strict compliance Rivers, Enugu, Anambra, Imo and Abia and with intention sense of feeling that our people know a good leader when they see with Covid-19 and safety protocols. It was quite revealing. The of expanding their market. My encounter with Mr Akin one. They understand the medium and long term impacts of these company’s Managing Director, Mr. Akin Oyediran noted the key Oyediran and Angelo Hyuwah is a testament that one of the projects if there is honesty and clarity on the part of government as target markets within Nigeria and West Africa for the Syringe values of the Dakkada Revolution is making Akwa Ibom a exemplified by the Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration manufacturing company. He reiterated the skills training and land of opportunities to all Nigerians irrespective of your tribe or development policy of the company designed to ensure many state of origin. t"EFZFNJ4BLBJTBTPDJBMDPNNFOUBUPSXSPUFGSPN The next day saw me going to the famous Dakkada Towers and "CFPLVUB 0HVO4UBUF 26 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER˾ JULY 10, 2021 POLITY Christopher Oni ‘Bello Will Replicate His Good Work If Elected President’ Christopher Oni, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is a philanthropist and founder of Apolo Faramebi Foundation. He has high sentimental admiration for Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State. Oni talks to Deji Elumoye on Bello’s credentials that will stand him out for the coveted office of the President of Nigeria come 2023 What informs the clamour for North Central to Produce are digital and solution driven individuals. This is what the young man its right. Governor Bello on account of his unifying approach to leader- President in 2023? is bringing on board if he emerges as flag bearer of his party. ship has received laurels from various bodies, groups and cooperate All over the world, you know that women are master planners and organizations home and abroad for how he has effectively united his nce the return to democratic government in 1999, natural managers in all spheres. With what he has started by engaging people. all the political zones in the country have had their women in governance, most appointments - political, professional and Most importantly, age is seriously of great advantage to my fair share and have tested power at the highest level otherwise - will see women occupying them if he emerges and I can Governor. By 2023 when he would become president by the grace of leadership in the country by producing either tell you Nigeria will be better for it. This is what many women out there of God, Bello will be 48 years thereabout. Recall he just celebrated his President or Vice President. Some for two terms and it crave for and you think they will not go for Yahaya Bello, seeing what 46 birthday, which my foundation celebrated massively too, this age is only fair and just that the region which is the major he is already doing in the Confluence state? grade or period of time for him is a productive age characterized by Scontributor of votes in all elections, the North Central Secondly, is the issue of security. It is Nigeria’s major problem now, courage, vision, performance, tenacity, charisma, positive radicalism should be allowed to taste power this time. This and and in this area, the young governor is a master strategist and tactician and everything active. The relationship between age and perfor- many other reasons call for the advocacy you are hearing and was in dealing with security related issues. Kogi State is regarded as the most mance in the case of Yahaya Bello should be considered in leadership championed by the Kogi State House of Assembly which feels and secured state in Nigeria not because it has imported some international because the younger person is always swift, spontaneous, decisive in know that the governor has done well in various areas. hands to deal with it, but because he has adopted local options and action and very futuristic. All these qualities are seen in Yahaya Bello intelligence to address it. Yahaya Bello as you can see, started dealing with and we have to explore them for our common good. What inherent and leadership credentials does Yahaya criminals from his constituency. Individuals with record of criminalities Bello have that necessitated people rooting for him? were sent parking from the state. Personally, I queried his earlier stance So, who is Governor Bello’s godfather and don’t you see This question gladdens my heart so much. My people have an thinking he was witch hunting his political enemies, but later I realized it his stance on Corona Virus affecting his fortunes in 2023? adage that ‘when you are told to go and call Rotimi, it is the Rotimi in was for the good of all of us. So, I can boldly say that crimes thrive in Nigeria I put that question back to you, who is his godfather? You know how your House that you will call, except if reference is made to another today because those fighting it are really not sincere in their fight. But this he emerged, first divinely and secondly by demystifying the theory and or particular one’. I will give you just three broad reasons with several man like he has done and was alluded to by some security chiefs, has practice of godfathers and godfatherism in the state. Name one godfather points in each of the headings why the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya security intelligence and has mastered how to deal with it. So, if Yahaya in APC in Kogi state or another person determining what happens in Bello should be the next President and most accepted candidate for Adoza Bello comes on board, he will address this because he is infectiously government? Could the godfathers stop the screening exercise when he 2023. courageous and a dangerously no nonsense man in dealing with criminals started with all they did in their hiding before they were finally relegated First, Bello assumed power through a very divine circumstance and and upcoming ones, not minding who their sponsors are. Of course you to the background? Yes, there are party men and women, elders and most of the issues that concern him are divinely made. Nigeria as it know, once security is handled, the economy will bounce back, Nigeria will statesmen whose invaluable contributions will make the project come stands now needs a young digitally minded, politically conscious and become an investor’s destination, and every other thing will fall into places. to reality at all levels and states. Some even from other parties as you can sagacious leader that is not only courageous, competent, experienced, Thirdly, no leader in the current dispensation in Nigeria is as unifying as already see, but they are not godfathers and my governor does not use his connected, active, youthfully accepted, but one that has the capacity Yahaya Bello. Before now, Kogi state was divided along religious, political teeth to divide a meat he does not eat or forbidden from eating. to address the country’s major challenges and to challenge the status and ethnic lines. It generated a lot of bitterness and divisions across all On your question pertaining to coronavirus, it will interest you to quo such as bringing on board, those with the right capacity to effect levels, but look at the story today. There is unity, togetherness, love and note that it is one of his selling points. Governor Bello has provided systemic change, address security issues and make the economy func- friendship even beyond party lines. Appointments are given the spread a lot of insights to Nigerians on why they should know that they are tion optimally. Governor Bello has these few areas that I mentioned and needed, Ebira commissioners now have aides that are Igalas and Igala now just trading with their future using corona. Most of the State House would make Nigeria work effectively, if given the opportunity. Kogi is have both Okun and Ebira aides to ensure that the Yahaya Bello’s EBIGO of Assembly members visited, they told our lawmakers that Yahaya working today because he identified and brought on board those with agenda comes to stay. Any man who can effectively lead Kogi State with its Bello’s position on Corona made them love him more because he has capacity through strategic, conscious and deliberate involvement of ethnic and religious plurality, location and complexities, can lead Nigeria been telling the truth. It’s just the name; corona is malaria and can be Youths in governance at all levels in the state and you know that youth effectively because Kogi state on its own is an assemblage of Nigeria in treated. PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Chairman, Mosan Okunola LCDA, Alimosho, Princess Olabisi Adebajo; First Lady, , L-R: Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, Carol Oyedeji; CEO, MT Olive Nigeria Ibijoke Soanwo-Olu; and Executive Director, Boskoh Healthcare Mission International (Hmi), Nike Limited, Dr. Elizabeth Ajibola; Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan; and Head, Osa, at the ongoing Boskoh Medical Outreach held at Abesan, Mosan Okunola LCDA, Lagos...re- Consumer Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, Olukorede Demola-Adeniyi, during the official launch of El- cently levate, a ready-made banking for women focused businesses by Ecobank in Lagos ...recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Senior Manager, Sales and Trade Development for Far North, MTN Nigeria, Kumar Abubakar; L-R: Regional Coordinator, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Egba Region 1, Rev. Yomi Chief Executive Officer, Y’ello Digital Financial Services (YDFS), Usoro Usoro; Emir of Kano, Aminu Idowu; Fonder, Dulos Ministry, Pastor Charles Achonwa; Chairman, PFN Ibafo Province, Dr. Fola Ado-Bayero; General Manager, Regional Operations, MTN Nigeria, Amina Dambata; and Chief Sales Oyebade; and wife, Pastor Mrs. Remi Oyebade, at the groundbreaking of PFN Ibafo Secretariat and Distribution Officer, Adekunle Adebiyi, at the inauguration of 1,004 youths MoMo Agents in held in Ibafo, Ogun State...recently SUNDAY ADIGUN Kano as part of MTN Nigeria’s empowerment initiative in …recently THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾APRIL 24, 2011 3 GLOBAL NEWS SOCCER WHO RULES EUROPE?

A WEEKLY PULL-OUT 10.07.2021 PAGE. 31 Michael Olise Set for Selhurst Park Challenge 28 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER˾  ͹͸, 2021 GLOBAL SOCCER

Michael Olise tries to shield the ball away from a Derby County defender during a Championship match realised. The skill was there but it was not until last season that Olise registered his first senior goal. “He had to get his numbers up. You could see he was a good player but he was not assisting enough and he was not scoring enough. He was Michael Olise not converting it into figures and that is what is so important,” said Michael Morrison, his Reading teammate. Morrison believes that Paunovic has been key to his development. Set for Selhurst Park “He is lucky to have a manager who supports him, sometimes plays him inside, sometimes plays him outside, knows when to rest him, doesn’t put too much pressure on him to carry the team every week. When you have young talent like that it can be easy to overuse it. Challenge “The manager has also been on to him to make sure that his mentality is right and he achieves everything he can because I For the past two seasons, he has been linked to several Premier League sides. It would say that he can be a top player in the Premier League. If he works hard now he was therefore no surprise when it was announced that Michael Olise had agreed could get a move to one of the top Premier League teams. a four-year deal with Premier League side, Crystal Palace “I am sure he is good enough for that and I know there is a lot of interest. We are lucky he youngster impressed in the weighing the domestic league minutes played by attracting the attention of the Premier League’s to have him but he still needs that game time Skybet Championship for the footballers with the sporting level of their teams biggest clubs. and this is a really good place for him to be at Royals last season, and that has of employment on a global level. Whether operating on the right wing and the moment. He is playing in a good team and earned him a move to the top-flight Olise had a breakout season at Reading and the cutting inside or entrusted with a central role, I think that has really helped him. As long as Crystal Palace that have com- solid campaign saw him linked with a plethora he is the creator. he keeps his head down and works as hard as pleted the signing of highly-rated of English Premier League clubs in the January Gomes is not surprised but there is an aware- he has been doing, he can go to the very top.” French-Nigerian midfielder Michael Olise from transfer window but he remained put at the Royals. ness too that the teenager’s path has not been a Gomes agrees and regardless of whether or T not Reading are able to achieve an unlikely Reading. The Three Lions of England are also in the smooth one. He arrived at Reading after spells Olise, who is still eligible to play for Nigeria, discussion, given he was born in London and in the academy at Chelsea and Manchester City. promotion, he does not think Olise will have has signed a four-year deal with the Eagles after currently plays in the country. Some wonder what they must have missed. Others to wait long to play in the Premier League. attracting interest from many clubs in the Premier His younger brother, Richard, is on the books have questioned his attitude. “I would not be surprised if we see Michael League having had a fantastic season in the Skybet of Chelsea, where Michael started off his career Former Reading favourite Stephen Hunt has playing in a big team in a very short space of Championship. before joining Reading. urged Olise to channel his attitude “in the right time,” he concludes. “He is different.” The 19-year-old scored seven times and regis- The older Olise is capable of playing multiple way” and, for the most part, that is what he has Football runs in the Olise family as Michael’s tered 12 assists in 44 league games for Reading last positions including right midfield, attacking mid- done. younger brother is also a footballer and has season. His performances did not go unnoticed as field, left winger, right winger and left midfield. “Michael did not like to study,” recalls Gomes. been capped by England at the schoolboy he was named the Championship Young Player “My best position? Any position the manager “But when I saw him play I asked the academy level. of the Season while he also featured in the team tells me to play. At my age, I think it’s important director if he could train with us. Michael started his football career with of the season. to spend time on the pitch because it’s the best “It was the step that he needed to take, not Chelsea’s youth team, which is also where Born in England, Olise has played for the French place to learn and develop your game,” Olise that it was straightforward at such a young age. Michael’s brother (Richard) currently plays. U-18 team, but he is also eligible to play for Algeria told . “His body was not very strong so he would lose However, Olise moved to Reading in 2015 and Nigeria through his parents. Olise has been one of the standout stars of the physical challenges all the time. Others were so and played with the club’s youth team. Due to He was on the standby list in Nigeria’s Squad Championship season, said manager Jose Gomes, much stronger than him.” his young age, Olise did not have a professional for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations against Benin who worked with some extremely gifted players Fast-tracking Olise into the first team - he was contract with the Royals until 2019, signing a and Lesotho in March. during his time at Porto but the former Reading only 17 years and three months old when mak- three-year deal in July. Olise’s move to Selhurst Park will see him link manager becomes animated at the thought of ing his debut against Leeds United - was a huge The enterprising youngster made his first-team up with another Nigerian national team target young Olise. challenge but it engaged the player. Before long, debut for Reading in 2019, coming on as a substitute Eberechi Eze under Patrick Viera, who is the new “We are talking about a player who will bring he was giving regular glimpses of the quality that in a 3-0 home loss to Leeds United. Crystal Palace coach. people to the stadium,” he tells Sky Sports. “It is set him apart from the rest. Since making his debut for the Royal’s first team, The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) target impossible not to feel happiness when watching “I loved the speed and the technical ability that Olise’s profile has been on the rise. Last season, he was in March rated the 10th most promising player his movements and his technical ability. he showed. Even without space, under pressure, played a vital role in Reading’s promotion chase. of his age group in the world by Neuchâtel-based “He loves to play football and he has the courage he was able to dribble past two or three players in In terms of style and his position on his pitch, International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES). to try magical things even in tight areas. Things a very small space. At the same time, if you give Olise is versatile. He has played as an attacking The playmaker is the only Nigerian eligible- that some players cannot even do in training, he him space he is able to find the net easily with his midfielder and on the right-wing this season. player to rank among the top 25 for the 2000, will do them in a game.” left or even his right.” When asked about his preferred position, Olise 2001 and 2002 age groups. Now 19, the boy Gomes rewarded with a pro- Gomes spotted the potential but it is under revealed he was ready to play anywhere on the CIES used the capital experience approach, fessional debut in 2019 is fast becoming a man, Serbian manager, Veljko Paunovic that it is being pitch as he is at the age where he needs to learn THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER˾  ͹͸, 2021 29 GLOBAL SOCCER EURO 2020 . . .EURO 2020 . . . EURO 2020 . . . Wembley Rumbles as Italy, England Clash Italy and England will lock horns for the 28th time tomorrow, with the two teams battling for the European Championship trophy. England topped Group D with seven points before beating Germany, Ukraine and Denmark in the knockout rounds to advance to the showpiece event at Wembley. Italy, meanwhile, finished at the top of Group A with nine points before overcoming Austria, Belgium and Spain to book their spot in the Euro 2020 final View from the Managers Roberto Mancini, Italy: “We have been working towards this for many years so we are very happy and I can only thank the players for what they have done so far. We have won nothing yet; we will have to win on Sunday to consider it a success. England will have an entire stadium behind them. It will be on us to put them under pressure. A final is a bit different from other games, we will have to play with focus but also with joy because you can only win a final if you take pitch to have fun.” Gareth Southgate, England: “We’ve got to enjoy the fact we’re in the final but there’s one more massive hurdle to conquer. Italy are a very good side, I’ve thought that the last couple of years. They are in outstanding form and have defen- sive warriors who have been through everything. It’s a great game to look forward to.”

PAST W INNERS 1960 – Soviet Union 1964 - Spain 1968 - Italy 1972 – West Germany 1976 – Czechoslovakia 1980 – West Germany 1984 – France 1988 – Netherlands 1992 – Denmark 1996 – Germany 2000 – France 2004 – Greece 2008 – Spain Raheem Sterling has been inspirational for England since the beginning of Euro 2020 and the Three Lions would be counting on him against Italy on Sunday 2012- Spain 2016 – Portugal England will have home advantage, And having not lost since September 2018, head coach in 2018 he was the only person but Italy have not lost a single match at if they extend their “astonishing” record to who believed that Italy could get to the final ROAD TO FINAL international level since September 2018, 34 matches Mancini’s men will be crowned of the Euros, the London Evening Standard GROUP A and Roberto Mancini’s side will be confident European champions. reports. Turkey 0-3 Italy of upsetting the Three Lions on Sunday Describing Italy as a “fantastic team”, “There was only a madman three years Italy 3-0 Switzerland evening. Southgate knows the size of the task that his ago to say we could get to this point and it’s Italy 1-0 Wales Italy lead the head-to-head record squad must take on if they are to win their Mr. Mancini,” Bernardeschi said. “He’s al- ROUND OF 16 between the two sides with 11 victories to first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup. ways believed in us, he has always brought Italy 2-1 Austria England’s eight, while there have also been However, he is “so pleased” for the country enthusiasm to everyone. When he says that Q’FINALS eight draws throughout history. and “so proud” of his players that the Euro we are a squad of 26 players, it is the truth, Belgium 1-2 Italy After two epic semi-finals, London now run will continue until Sunday’s showpiece because we are a wonderful group.” SEMIFINALS hosts a decider which, for the first time in fixture, the BBC reports. After beating Spain on penalties in the Italy 1-1 Spain (4-2 pens) Euro history, will feature England. Since Captain Harry Kane, who scored the semi-final at Wembley, Italy will return to their 1966 FIFA World Cup triumph at extra-time winner against Denmark in the England’s national stadium full of confi- ENGLAND the previous Wembley Stadium, England semi-final, added: “We got there when it dence of winning the European Champion- GROUP D have lost in the semi-finals of five major mattered. We reacted really well and we’re ship for the second time in their history. England 1-0 Croatia tournaments: Euro ‘68 and ‘96, the 1990 in a final at home. We know it’s going to be a Forward Federico Chiesa praised England 0-0 Scotland and 2018 World Cups and the 2019 UEFA very tough game against Italy. We’ve had a England for their “top players in the final Czech Rep 0-1 England Nations League. However, they have seen great tournament so far. One more game to third and all across the pitch”, but urged ROUND OF 16 off Germany, Ukraine and, in extra time on go at home.” his own team-mates to “simply think about England 2-0 Germany Wednesday night, Denmark to earn their Winger Federico Bernardeschi has ourselves, as we have done throughout this QUARTER-FINALS chance to end 55 years of hurt. revealed that when Mancini took over as tournament”. Ukraine 0-4 England Italy’s sole Euro title came as hosts back SEMI-FINALS in 1968. They also lost the finals of 2000 and England 2-1 Denmark (aet) 2012, although since becoming continental champions they have won two of their England, Italy Euro 2020 Final Live on DStv, GOtv four World Cups. The Azzurri beat Spain on penalties on Tuesday to still remain As the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament enters final run, DStv and GOtv customers get to unbeaten in 33. A remarkable turnaround watch all the action from the final match, live on SuperSport. for a team who, while England reached the The final knockout match will be between Italy and England at Wembley Stadium on Top Scorers 2018 World Cup semis, did not even qualify the evening of Sunday at 8pm, live on SS Football (DStv channel 205 and GOtv channel 31) for Russia. But sitting out a preceding World and SS Euro2020 (DStv channel 204 and GOtv channel 32). PLAYERS CLUB GOALS Cup did not stop Czechoslovakia in 1976, Italy have looked the pick of the teams through the course of the tournament, though Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal 5 Denmark in 1992 or Greece in 2004 claiming they had to resort to extra time and penalties to finally overcome Spain in the first Semifi- Patrik Schick Czech Rep 5 the European title. nal on Tuesday night. An equaliser from Spain’s Alvaro Morata sent the game to a full 120 England manager Gareth Southgate wants minutes, but a save by Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma from the same attacker’s penalty in Karim Benzema France 4 his players and the fans to enjoy the fact that the shootout proved the key difference between the rivals. Emil Forsberg Sweden 4 the team has reached the final of Euro 2020, England’s semi-final also went a full 120 minutes, but a Harry Kane goal – scored off Romelu Lukaku Belgium 4 but he has warned there is still “one more the rebound from a penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel – ensured that they triumphed Harry Kane England 4 massive hurdle to conquer”. 2-1 over a brave Danish side which had given the tournament so much in the wake of Raheem Sterling England 3 The hurdle that England are facing at Christian Eriksen’s collapse in their opening game against Finland. Georginio Wijnaldum Netherlands 3 Wembley on Sunday night is Roberto The Three Lions are into their first European Championship Final and a first major Robert Lewandowski Poland 3 Mancini’s Italy - a team that are unbeaten in tournament final since they won the World Cup 55 years ago. With home support at 33 games. Wembley, England finally, truly believes that ‘football is coming home’. Kasper Dolberg Denmark 3 The Azzurri have gone from failing to Football fans will also enjoy pre and post-match analysis of the match by former Xherdan Shaqiri Switzerland 3 qualify for the 2018 Fifa World Cup to mak- Nigerian professional footballers and European stars, Jay-Jay Okocha and Joseph Yobo, as Haris Seferovic Switzerland 3 ing it to the Euro 2020 final, Al Jazeera says. part of SuperSport extensive coverage of the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament. Alvaro Morata Spain 3 30 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER˾  ͹͸, 2021 GLOBAL SOCCER

Lionel Messi and Neymar Nigeria’s male basketball team, D’Tigers hoping for Olympic success in Tokyo Brazil, Argentina Go for Broke in Copa America Final Flutterwave Backs Nigeria’s The Maracana will play host to a thrilling clash on Sunday, as host nation, Brazil and Argentina do battle in the final of this year’s Copa America. With both sides steeped in history in this competition, Brazil will aim to win the trophy for the 10th time, while their opponents would add a 15th Copa America title to their trophy cabinet Basketball Team for 2021 Tokyo Olympic with a win. The hosts will aim to retain the title on home turf after triumphing in 2019, while Lionel Scaloni’s Flutterwave, Africa’s The latest collaboration at the 2021 Olympics. We men go in search of their first piece of major silverware since the turn of the century. leading payments technol- with D’Tigers cements Flut- believe sports have a way Brazil came into this year’s edition of the Copa America with major expectations as the pre- ogy company, will partner terwave’s goal of fostering of connecting people and tournament favourites, and they got off to a strong start in the group stage with three consecutive with the Nigerian basketball unity in Africa through sports creating communities with wins. team, D’Tigers, as they head by celebrating the continent’s a shared common goal,” he The Selecao started with a 3-0 victory over Venezuela and a 4-0 thrashing of Peru, before they to Tokyo to compete for gold home-grown talent. As part of said. I’m particularly excited had to show a different side to their game to defeat Colombia. Their opponents took an early lead through Luis Diaz, and Tite’s men had to dig deep in their at the 2021 Olympic Games. the partnership, Flutterwave that Coach Mike Brown will pursuit of an equaliser, finally drawing level in the 78th minute through Roberto Firmino before Coach Mike Brown— As- will be the exclusive payment be the one leading the charge. Casemiro headed in a corner in the 10th minute of added time to claim their third straight win sociate Head Coach of the partner of D’Tigers—enabling I’ve admired his coaching and make the gap at the top the group insurmountable for the chasing pack. Golden State Warriors will fans to seamlessly donate abilities and he has coached The defending champions were unable to finish the group stage with a perfect record, though, lead D’Tigers to the Olympics. and shop for the latest mer- some of the biggest names in drawing 1-1 with Ecuador in the final game as Angel Mena drew La Tricolor level after Eder D’Tigers are the only Afri- chandise of the team at their basketball including Steph Militao opened the scoring for Brazil. can basketball team compet- convenience. Curry, Kobe Bryant, Lebron Their first-placed finish saw Tite’s men handed a quarter-final tie with Group A’s fourth-placed ing at the Tokyo Olympics The partnership with James, and Tim Duncan.” side, although that was a particularly tough draw as the Selecao would take on Chile in Rio de and are up against Argentina, FONB is an extension of Flut- Head Coach Mike Brown Janeiro. Australia, Czech Republic, terwave’s recent collaboration was equally excited, “Flut- Lucas Paqueta put Brazil ahead in the first two minutes of the second half, but a red card to France, Germany, Italy, Iran, with Basketball Africa League terwave has stepped up Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus two minutes later meant they had to defend a narrow Japan, Slovenia, Spain, and (BAL) and forms part of the by helping the Friends of lead with 10 men for 40 minutes. the USA. brand’s goal to make Africa Nigerian Basketball pro- They would stand strong to keep a clean sheet and progress to the final four, and Peru awaited Flutterwave has partnered feel like one country through gram and we’re excited Tite’s side. with D’Tigers through an its love for sports. about working with such an Paqueta again made the difference in that game, scoring in the 35th minute to give Brazil their agreement with the Friends of Jimmy Ku, Head of Growth established partner already second consecutive 1-0 win and book their place in Sunday’s final. Nigeria Basketball (FONB), a - US at Flutterwave, said: doing business in Nigeria. The Selecao now head into their 21st Copa America final with high expectations, having won non-profit organisation sup- “We are delighted to partner Jimmy and his team have nine of those, including the 2019 edition of the tournament. ported by Nigerian Basketball with FONB to support the been outstanding and will That tournament again took place in Brazil, and the hosts defeated a resilient Peru side 3-1 in the final as Everton, Jesus and Richarlison got on the scoresheet. Federation to promote bas- Nigerian National Team on help us gather support as Brazil will now hope for a repeat of that outcome on Sunday, as they aim to retain the title on ketball in Nigeria. their quest to make history we continue on this journey.” home turf two years later. They take on an Argentina side who will look to end a 28-year drought in this tournament with a win at the Olympic Stadium on Sunday. La Albiceleste had somewhat of a contrasting group campaign to their final opponents, having Princess Oyeghe’s Lady Captain’s Day Tees-off Today drawn their opening game before growing into the tournament. Scaloni’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Chile in their first outing, as Eduardo Vargas drew The long awaited Benin Club Oyarekhua noted that there is at the event will include the La Roja level on the hour mark after Lionel Messi netted a pinpoint free kick in the first half. Golf Section (BCGS) Princess time for everything, and that this Deputy Governor of Edo State, They quickly started a winning run after that, though, picking up crucial 1-0 victories over Habiibah Oyeghe Oyarekhua is the ideal time to host her Philip Shaibu. Paraguay and fellow group favourites Uruguay in the following matches. Lady Captain’s Day tees-off golfing friends and family She assured of hitch free Argentina then finished the group campaign with a 4-1 thrashing of strugglers Bolivia, as today by 6:30am. to another historic Lady golf tournament with enough Messi hit a brace in between goals from Alejandro Gomez and Lautaro Martinez. The tournament packaged Captain’s Day in the club. to eat and drink on the course Having comfortably topped their group, La Albiceleste were drawn against Ecuador in the by the Princess will attract top She added that though while promising that trophies quarter-final, and they picked up another dominant win as Rodrigo De Paul got on the scoresheet amateur golfers from various the tournament should have would be available for those who before goals from Martinez and Messi sealed a 3-0 victory. golf clubs across the country in been hosted long ago, but distinguished themselves and Colombia then awaited Scaloni’s side in the semi-final, with a much closer game following honour of the lady captain whose due to the sudden emergence special awards to sponsors dur- as the tie went to a penalty shootout as Luis Diaz levelled the game at 1-1 on the hour mark after exemplary contributions have of Coronavirus pandemic ing her tenure as Lady Captain. Martinez’s early opener. changed the face of leadership that had claimed many lives Dinner and presentation at La Albiceleste prevailed in the shootout, as Emiliano Martinez denied Davinson Sanchez, Yerry in the club. globally. the one day event is scheduled Mina and Edwin Cardona while Messi, Martinez and Leandro Paredes all made no mistake Speaking on the event, Some of the golfers anticipated for 5:30 pm. from 12 yards. That saw them reach the Copa America final for the 29th time, having most recently got to the big stage in 2016, when they fell to a defeat in a penalty shootout at the hands of Chile. Heineken to Entertain Fans with EURO 2020 Finale Showpiece Event Heineken has continued in unforgettable viewing experience excitement just like the rest of the England Face Italy in Euro 2020 Final Live on StarTimes its tradition to create even more at the exclusive Heineken fan park world courtesy of Heineken”. engaging and exciting experiences in Lagos during the final match “Heineken has enjoyed an un- England will finally be playing in their second Going into the tournament Gareth Southgate’s for football fans around the world between Italy and England this rivalled relationship with football major football final on Sunday after 55 year as team were the favourites to win and they have with the best entertainment in Sunday at 8:00pm Nigerian time. fans through our sponsorship of they face Italy in the Euro 2020 championship looked impressive – particularly in the knock-out prestigious sports tournament Senior Brand Manager the UEFA Champions League. We match. The match will be aired live and in HD rounds. using its partnership as official Heineken, Chinwe Greg-Egu, are excited to be able to build the on the affordable pay-TV platform, StarTimes England’s success has been built around a solid beer partner of UEFA EURO 2020. noted that the brand’s partnership relationship further with the UEFA at 8 pm. defence - that has conceded just once in the six The UEFA EURO 2020 one- with the European Championship EURO 2020 partnership, meaning The last time England played a final matches at the tournament - and the dangermen month long football fiesta is in its had a significant impact beyond we are involved in the leading in Wembley was in 1966, when they beat upfront, Kane and Raheem Sterling. 60th anniversary. As a break from the continent. European club and international Germany 4-2 to lift the World Cup - for the The two could hardly be more different. Sterling tradition, it is being hosted across “The European tournaments football tournaments” she said. first and only time - and on Sunday they dazzles with his skill and loves to dribble into the 12 European cities: Amsterdam, are followed around the world The Heineken partnership with will be looking to win the Euros for the box, while Kane is a powerful centre forward who Baku, Bilbao, Bucharest, Budapest, and we see excitement from UEFA EURO 2020 complements first time. uses his strength and size to be a constant threat. Copenhagen, Dublin, Glasgow, markets outside of this continent. the brands other unique global To get to the final, the Three Lions had Italy, meanwhile, earned their place in Sunday’s Munich, Rome, St Petersburg and Here in Nigeria, the tournament platforms that includes the Rugby to overcome some stiff opposition in the final with a penalty shoot-out win against Spain, London. is followed passionately, our fans World Cup, Formula One, James semi-final from Denmark, who took the with young goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma Nigerian consumers and and consumers will no doubt Bond and the UEFA Champions lead only to lose to an extra-time penalty being the match winner as he saved Álvaro football fans will be thrilled to an have a feel of the thrilling football League. scored by England’s captain Harry Kane. Morata’s decisive spot-kick. THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 10, 2021 31 MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

Immediate Past Council Member, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Pastor Benjamin Akanji Omonayajo; Vice President, CITN, Barr. Samuel Olushola Agbeluyi; Treasurer, Mowe/Arepo & District Society L-R: Assistant Director, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Mrs Taiwo Peters ; Chief Executive, CSR-in-Ac- CITN, Mrs. Utere Iniobong; Immediate Past President, CITN, Dame Gladys Olajumoke Simplice; Pioneer Chair- tion, Mrs Bekeme Masade-Olowola ; Permanent Secretary, Office of the SDGs and Investment, Lagos State,Mrs man, CITN Mowe/Arepo & District Society, Mr. Akindele Akinola Seun; Chairman of the occasion, Sir, Gbenga Abosede Oluwakemi George ; and Assistant Director of Community Development, Ministry of Chieftaincy and Badejo; Vice Chairman, CITN Mowe/Arepo & District Society, Mrs. Ajiboye Olayemi Esther; Registrar/Chief Exec- Local Government Affairs, Lagos State,Hon. Adeniji Oluwatoyin at the Sustainability in The Extractive Indus- utive, CITN, Mr. Adefisayo Awogbade; and General Secretary, CITN Mowe/Arepo & District Society, Mrs. Mensah tries (SITEI) - Woman Workshop and Launch of SITEI - Woman Radio Drama in Lagos.....recently Caroline at the inauguration of Mowe/Arepo & District Society of the CITN… recently ‘Nigeria Can Generate N29tr Extra New Year Starts at Rotary Revenue in Post-COVID-19 Era’ Club of Akowonjo Nigeria can generate N29 trillion is also a fellow of the Chartered and its associated economic crisis are at 16%, according to a 2018 report Amidst pomp and pageantry, the In his acceptance speech as the extra revenue if the Federal Govern- Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) enabling factors of the high poverty by the National Bureau of Statistics. new Rotary year commenced at the new president of Rotary Club of ment of Nigeria do the right thing by noted that the Kaduna State Internal headcount adding that data from He wondered why in the first or Rotary Club of Akowonjo as the Akowonjo, Rotarian Victor Amarae- amending the tax laws to streamline the Revenue Service increased its Internally World Bank survey in Nigeria suggests second quarter of last year, 99.2 per baton of leadership exchanged hands gbu said “it was with great delight number of taxes collectible by the three Generated Revenue (IGR) from tax that about 85 percent of households cent of government revenue was spent from the immediate Past President on behalf of myself and the entire tiers of governments; drive long term by 200% just by using technology to experienced higher food prices, with in debt servicing noting that “if we Rotarian Olamide Abegunde to Victor board of directors of Rotary Club Foreign Direct Investment by providing collect its taxes adding that private half reducing their food consumption can raise our revenue to about 15 to Amaraegbu the new president of of Akowonjo, that I welcome you incentive to foreign investors; utilise the sector innovativeness and talent should as a coping strategy. 20 per cent of GDP, our debt would the club. all to the new Rotary year full of policy landscape to support the private be fostered in ways that creates new Sir Badejo said the upward trend in be very small because, by debt to At a well-attended handover happiness and success in our personal sector and enforce population; provide opportunities for young people. poverty is expected to continue owing GDP, we have one of the lowest in ceremony which took place recently at and professional lives”. regular education and sensitisation to He however on a sad note, revealed to the difficulty in generating adequate the world”. the Lagos Airport Hotel, reminiscence According to him, “having the citizens to improve the level of that data from the World Bank Poverty broad-based economic growth, inability Sir Gbenga Badejo revealed that of the Rotary tradition of transition reviewed RC Akowonjo’s perfor- understanding and by implication and Shared Prosperity report shows to create jobs and high population two factors responsible for Nigeria’s at the close of a Rotary year every mance and achievements in the and compliance. that Nigeria’s poverty level has further growth rate. The Taxation expert economic problem are low revenue and June and the commencement of a past six years, we are compelled This was the submission of Sir increased in the wake of the COVID-19 stated that in the year 2020, the high rate of borrowing insisting also new one, the event was witnessed to set new objectives and priorities Gbenga Badejo in his paper titled pandemic noting more specifically that country’s N2.64 trillion oil revenue that the challenges of digitizing filing by Rotary dignitaries from the Rotary for the future of the club and it is a “Taxation: A Veritable Tool For Revenue 79 million Nigerians live in extreme target declined by 40 per cent as a of returns regularly – VAT, Income Tax, International District 9110, Rotarians collective responsibilities to commit Generation In The Post Covid-19 Era” poverty, accounting for 20 percent result of twin shocks of COVID-19 WHT, current inefficiency of the FIRS’s from other clubs, guests and friends ourselves to implementing them” delivered as the Chairman of the of the people living in poverty in and low crude oil price. By April 2020, Tax Pro Max web portal, remittance of Rotary who added colour to the noting that “to this end, I shall be Investiture of the Pioneer Chairman Sub-Saharan Africa. the price of oil he added dropped of tax and difficulty in processing tax occasion. inaugurating an implementation of Chartered Institute of Taxation of According to the investiture chair- by 80% to about US$5 and before refunds and utilization of tax refund In his welcome speech, the out- committee that will be assigned Nigeria (CITN) Mowe/Arepo District man and Managing Partner, Chief the outbreak of the virus, Nigeria’s by tax payers have not helped the going president of the club Rotarian specific roles and tasks to evaluate Society Mr. Akin Akindele recently. Executive Officer GBC Professional unemployment rate was at 23.1%, country maximize it’s full tax potentials Olamide Abegunde gave account our goals on monthly basis in this In his address, Sir Badejo who Services, the COVID-19 pandemic while underemployment data was in spite of its huge population. of his twelve months stewardship Rotary year and draw up a five year reeling out the various projects roadmap that will see us lead in the executed with the support of his district once again”. board of directors under Rotary’s Rotarian Victor Amaraegbu who is CSR-in-Action Raises Hope for Women in New Radio Show seven areas of focus including: Peace the 36th president of the club, stated Sub-Saharan Africa’s foremost participation in the society, such as (SITEI) -Women project, a series of “SITEI woman is aimed at tactfully and Conflict Prevention/Resolution, that “you will agree with me that sustainability advocacy and con- gender-based violence and gender initiatives targeted at empowering questioning and reversing norms that Disease Prevention and Treatment, we have a lot to do in our society sulting outfit, CSR-in-Action has inequality. women, especially those impacted by have culturally and systematically Water and Sanitation, Maternal and and we can only achieve that much pledged its support for women’s The workshop also outlined the extractive industries in Nigeria. hampered women’s progress, with Child Health, Basic Education and with a good number of members empowerment, just as it launched strategies by which women can rise Olowola stated that SITEI-Woman especially focus on equity, inclusion, Literacy, Economic and Community like they say “the more the merrier”. a new radio programme for the to overcome identified challenges. is an extension of SITEI which has justice and gender-based violence Development and the Environment. With this, I challenge us to join in purpose. A major highlight of the event was served as a veritable platform for in host communities in Nigeria.” President Abegunde particularly singing the new mantra Each 1 Bring The firm which recently concluded the launch of a new radio drama charting sustainable paths to more Also speaking at the referenced the renovation and com- 1.” In addition, he said “let’s begin a workshop for women in Badagry series that sought to raise awareness fairness and inclusion in Nigeria’s programme,Permanent Secretary, missioning of a two classrooms this Rotary year by re-committing area of Lagos also vowed to support on the problems faced by women volatile and complex extractive Sustainable Development Goals building at State Senior High School ourselves to the values of respect, initiatives and moves that will put and raise hope for affected ones. industries sector for a decade. and Investments, Mrs Abosede Alimosho, in the Alimosho Local openness and compassion that defines an end to different challenges faced Tagged, ‘Things Dey Happen,’ the She said, “In Nigeria, women Oluwakemi George lamented that Government area of Lagos State us as Rotarians by coming together as by women in the society. radio drama series which premiered have been largely excluded from women often suffer severe difficulties which the new president, Rotarian friends, brothers, sisters and putting Tagged, ‘Social Inclusion and during the event has thirteen episodes the growth and the development in silence. Victor Amaraegbu promised to community first, to build a brighter Women Empowerment,’ Chief that will air on select radio stations opportunities given by extractive She said, “It is time for them to rise continue with in the new Rotary tomorrow for everyone” Executive of CSR-in-Action, Bekeme across the country. industries in communities, while and speak up about those challenges year. This, President Abegunde said He used the occasion of the Masade Olowola stated that the The workshop and the radio being at the same time dispropor- threatening to limit their progress, was in addition to the formation of handover event to solicit for support workshop sought to analyse issues series are part of the Sustainability tionately vulnerable to many of the as well as their active contribution two additional Rotary clubs and two and continued understanding as “we that have limited women’s terms of in The Extractive Industries Initiative risks associated with them. to society.” Interact clubs. serve to change lives. WFA Unveils Platforms to Improve Brands Productivity OCP Trains Agro Entrepreneurs to Impove Access to Local Food The World Federation of Adver- Agency (draftLine) at AB InBev while Also speaking, Global Director of OCP Africa Fertilizers Nigeria effort to contribute to productivity through provision of timely and tisers (WFA) has launched three the Marketing Capability Forum will Marketing Operations and Capabili- Limited (OCP Africa), a leader in and food security across the country. effective support to farmers and new forums that aimed to assist be chaired by Becky Verano, Global ties at Reckitt, Becky Verano, added, the production of phosphate-based Usoh said the Farm& Fortune rural communities so that they can global and regional marketers to Director of Marketing Operations “Recent tumultuous events have fertilizers, has empowered agro hubs was set up in accordance to adopt and promote good agronomic distribute peer-to-peer learning on and Capabilities at Reckitt,” it stated. highlighted areas where brands entrepreneurs on how to use its hubs cater for the needs of the population practices. relevant issues such as: marketing Providing more detail, Chief need greater skills, notably around to boost farmers productivity, improve by providing effective service-delivery, He explained that the hubs will capabilities, agency management Executive O΀cer of purpose and D&I as well as the food security and nutrition. To ensure in accordance with its policy of be equipped with agritech solutions and in-housing. WFA, Stephan Loerke said, “We digital ecosystem and particularly that farmers in underserved markets proximity. to enable farmers optimise yields, The federation announced that are delighted to expand our range of ecommerce. have seamless access to fertilizers and He explained that Farm& boost farm productivity and increase the forum will be chaired by senior specialist groups addressing major “The Marketing Capability Forum other quality inputs, OCP Africa is Fortune hubs were designed to their profitability. marketers from AB InBev, Reckitt challenges that many regional and will look to share learnings around establishing 36 one-stop-shop Farm offer knowledgeto increase in crop By harnessing agri-tech, Usoh and Unilever. global companies can struggle with. how you drive the data driven & Fortune Hubs across 13 states. yield and productivity that would reiterated that OCP Fertilisers was “The Agency Management Forum In bringing our best-in-class marketing agenda and enable a Speaking during the training of lead to improved food security and confident of solving the pressing will be headed up by Tammy peer-to-peer learning environments marketing culture for embracing agro promoters on the operations of increased income for smallholder issues around food security being Hourigan, Global Agency Relations to these increasingly critical areas, diversity and inclusion as well its Farm& Fortune hub model,the farm families. mindful of the challenges local farm- Director at Unilever; The In-house we hope to equip our members as measuring the performance Country Manager. OCP Africa Fertilis- In this regard, he added the ers face, such as using the hubs to Forum will be led by Tracy Stallard, with the knowledge they need to of engaging capability building ers Nigeria, Mr Caleb Usoh, said it operators of hubs will support help them aggregate and preserve Global VP, Experiential & In House tackle their individual challenges.” programmes.” was a milestone in the company’s the national extension service, their produce. 32 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 10, 2021 FEATURES With Sungbo Eredo Heritage, Ilara-Epe to Become Nigeria’s Tourism Hub With support from French and American governments, and proposed global recognition from UNESCO, Sungbo-Eredo Heritage, the largest monument in Africa, spanning 160 ki- lometers, which has been in existence since 13th century in Ilara-Epe, Lagos State, is set to become Nigeria’s tourism hub. Funke Olaode reports lara-Epe, the ancient kingdom situated in Eredo Local Council Development Area of Lagos State was agog on Wednesday June 30th, 2021 as it played host to the French Ambassador to Nigeria/ ECOWAS, Mr. Jerome Pasquier. It was historic as the French envoy was theI Àrst Ambassador to pay homage to the ancient town of Ilara-Epe. As early as 8am, the high chiefs, women and community leaders converged on the expansive palace of Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, Telade 1V, a highly educated, versatile, innovative and action royal king whose tenure has begun to attract development to his domain less than one year as a royal king. Supported by his amiable and beautiful Olori Bolanle, the traditional ruler welcomed his August visitor and his entourage to his domain. Feeling at home among Ilara indigenes, Amb. Pasquier’s visit to the ancient Ilara Kingdom is in two folds: to strengthen bilateral ties between both countries and to further develop the immense tourism potentials of the division, particularly the ongoing project, Sungbo Eredo, which is tailored at turning the famous UNESCO world heritage site into a world-class tour- ism hub. The project is being carried out in conjunction with educational institutions such as Obafemi Awolowo University OAU, University of Ibadan (UI) and Augustine University, Ilara (AUI). The Sungbo Eredo is a system of defensive walls and ditched built in the 800 AD in honour of the Ijebu noblewoman, Oloye Bilikisu Sungbo. The location is on Nigeria’s tentative list of potential UNESCO World Heritage Sites. L-R: Prof. Adisa Ogunfolakan; Amb. Jerome Pasquier; Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, wife, Olori Bolanle and Prof. Gerard Chouin at the event Dignitaries at the gathering included Chairman, Eredo LCDA, Hon Adeniyi Saliu; the Queen of Ilara Kingdom, Olori Bolanle “historic and unprecedented in the annals Ogunsanwo went down memory lane. “The place within Ilara Kingdom, like farming, Ogunsanwo; Prince Segun Osifeko; Dr of our history.” Sungbo Eredo is a monument that has been cottage industries, hospitality business, Taiwo Olufemi Salaam, former Permanent Oba Ogunsanwo highlighted the long- in existence since the 13th century. It is the real estate, educational institutions, and Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transport, standing relationship between Nigeria and wall that extends to ; that is the so on and so forth. We believe that, that Local Government and Community AͿairs, France, noting that France has the largest foot path that people used in the olden days will open the whole of this kingdom up so Others were High Chief Badru, the Seriki trade relationship with Nigeria in Sub- to move from one place to the other. Even much so that we will be able to galvanise of Epe Kingdom, and High Chief Charles Saharan Africa with over 100 successful within our own Eredo here, there are some all these into economic prosperity. Keshinro, the OdoÀn of Ilara, as well as industries in the country. toll gates, there are still some cowry shells “I feel highly elated and I want to thank members of the Alara-in-Council, Baales Alara also lauded the French Government, that people used to pay for toll when they God for making it possible during my own and Chiefs and other tourism enthusiasts. who, according to him, was the Àrst country are moving their goods and services from time that the French Ambassador had to Addressing the excited gathering, Am- to invest in the Sungbo-Eredo monument one place to the other. come and see things for himself today.” bassador Jerome regretted that COVID-19 project as far back as 2015 before the United “And it has been a very, very important Enumerating the beneÀts of the project to pandemic had prevented him from visiting States. project that the French government and Ilara, Lagos and Nigeria in general, one of a year ago, as planned. He expressed his The traditional ruler commended the the United States government have been the co-directors of the archaeological project fascination for the archaeological projects eͿorts of France and the United States in sponsoring the archaeological research and and Director, National History Museum, in Eredo LCDA, which, according to him, ensuring that the monument is preserved the excavation to expose what the monu- Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Adisa informed his visit. and accredited as one of the United Nations ment looks like. UNESCO is planning to Ogunfolakan said the idea was muted by The Ambassador said: “I am very happy (UN) world heritage sites. name it one of the world heritage centers. Prof. Gerard Chouin and they have been to be here. I came to see the archeological “For us here, the signiÀcance of that is that So, all these activities are geared towards working on it since 2015. “Sungbo Eredo project tagged Sugbon Eredo Heritage being we will have a world-class tourist centre; ensuring that the project is aligned. Heritage is a fantastic one. It is a classical supported by both the French and United that the monument would be the largest in “We are planning, in conjunction with one such that in West Africa or in Africa, the States governments. It is a monument which Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa by extension. the Lagos State government, the National type is not seen. Because they span almost is a proof that this part Nigeria has been in The pandemic has made it important for Commission for Museum and Monument, about 160 kilometers and we need to existence before the colonial era. us to develop our tourist centres.” the National Tourism Development Corpora- research into it, to let the world know “My President, Emmanuel Macron has a While thanking the drivers of the proj- tion as well as the Ogun State government, about it so that eventually it will become strong interest in Nigeria and he received ect in the persons of Prof. Gerard Chouin the University of Ibadan and the National a world heritage site. By the time we several businessmen some days ago from from University of Virginia, United States History Museum of the Obafemi Awolowo open it to the outside world then the Nigeria and he wants to push for more and Director, National History Museum, University. They are all on this project and tourists will be coming and then it is projects. Agriculture is one of the priorities; Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Adisa they have all been working together on going to change the economic, social we know how important it is for Nigeria. Ogunfolakan and other members of the team this project. And also the Augustine Uni- and political status of Ilara,” he said We really consider agriculture as important working on the project for their dedication versity, apparently part of the Sugbon wall Coroborating Oba Ogunsanswo, and we the French people have a good and resilience, Oba Ogunsanwo seized the which extends to their campus. So we are Hon Adeniyi Saliu praised the French knowledge of agriculture, even tropical opportunity to request French companies to enthusiastic and we are looking forward Government for its immense contri- agriculture. We are ready to work with you invest in other sectors of the community’s to making it a world tourism center where butions towards the development of on any project, any request, any demand, economy whose major occupation are people can come and see for themselves. tourism and the agricultural potentials we shall be happy and proud to accom- farming, Àshing and hunting as well as “It is even a monument for the whole of in the kingdom and the significance of modate you.” cottage industries. Africa, so that people can come and see the establishing robust ties between Eredo The diplomat thanked Oba Ogunsanwo He said; “Our tropical weather gives room elaborate plans by the state government and other economically viable entities for the warm reception and hospitality, not- for products and farm produce to thrive. The to provide all the basic amenities, and we across the international community. He ing that his government has the utmost environment is serene.” This he believed plan to have a resort, hotel, canteen, we implored the French emissary to intimate respect for traditional institutions, particu- will bring economic development and job will provide walk ways, car parks, and so its government on the mutual benefits larly in view of its role in preserving culture. opportunities for the youths in the area. He many other facilities that will make people that could result from investing in hi-tech, Oba Ogunsanwo, appreciated the diplo- also enjoined the French Government to to come. For us we believe the coming of robot-assisted farming. mat for creating time out of his busy schedule extend her hands of fellowship towards bril- that project will sell Ilara Kingdom to the Oba Ogunsanwo later presented the diplo- to visit the ancient kingdom of Ilara, and liant but disadvantaged indigent students whole world. When people come as tour- mat with a portrait artwork that symbolises for identifying with them which he said is for academic scholarship consideration. ists they can also appreciate some other the three occupations of the Ilara indigenes; Throwing more light on the project, Oba things that can happen or that can take Àshing, farming and hunting. SATURDAY JULY 10, 2021 • THISDAY 33 34 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾  ͹͸˜ͺͮͰͯ

Bennett Oghifo AUTO WORLD 07052343083 Email:[email protected] TIPS OF THE WEEK 5 Reasons Why Your Vehicle’s AC Leaks Water The car air conditioning system is one of the most important components of your vehicle. It keeps the air temperature of your vehicle’s interior cool and comfortable during those warm summer months. When you notice that your car’s AC doesn’t provide as much cool air as it should, then it’s time to consider having it checked by the professionals . One common sign that your vehicle’s air conditioning system needs special attention is when you notice that water is leaking from under the front of the car or inside the cabin near the passenger side. There are numerous reasons why this happens. Let us explore five of the most common reasons why a vehicle’s air conditioner leaks water.

1. Blockage in the Condensate Drain Pipe A warning sign that your car’s condensate drain might be blocked is when you notice the water leaking inside your vehicle. If you find your car’s floor getting wet with water whenever you turn your car’s air conditioner on, L-R: GM, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Mr. Abiona Babarinde; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; DGM, then it’s time to check your condensate drain. A blocked Ford Sales, Coscharis Motors Plc., Mr. Justin Ngini at the presentation of ‘Appreciation Plaque’ to Coscharis Group as one of the sponsors for this year’s condensate drain keeps the water from draining outside Lagos State Public Service Week at the award luncheon with the governor in Lagos… recently your vehicle, causing the water to overflow inside the car instead.

How to solve this? Unblocking a condensate drain is usually easy to do, Coscharis Motors Flaunts Locally as long as you are familiar with your car’s parts and engine. First, you need to find the condensate drain hose, which is usually located at the rear of the engine on the passenger side. Assembled Renault at Lagos Fair When you’ve located it, squeeze or bend the hose to release any debris inside. You may also carefully insert a oscharis Motors Plc, a subsidiary two locally assembled nameplates are among the 5% discount, free insurance, free vehicle registration screwdriver to clear the hose. Be very careful when doing of Coscharis Group recently five models that include Renault Kwid, Renault and free vehicle service for the 1st two service. This this to avoid any damage inside the ventilation system. showcased two locally as- Koleos and Renault Oroch respectively on display is coupled with the ease of purchase through flexible If you’re not confident in doing this on your own, it’s sembled Renault automobile here today under the Renault brand.” finance schemes from Coscharis Mobility, Polaris better to consult an auto air conditioning professional, models amongst others during Commenting on the locally assembled vehicles, Bank and other upcoming finance institutions that just to be safe. the 15th Lagos Motor Fair held an obviously elated Director General of Nigeria are finance partners to Coscharis Motors. at the Federal Palace Hotel, Automotive Design and Development Council, Dr. 2. The Condensate Drain is Not Properly Attached Lagos. Jelani Aliyu said, “I am excited to see that Coscharis The Koleos to the Ventilation System CSpeaking at the Fair with various stakeholders in Motors has assembled these vehicles in Nigeria. The The Koleos is designed with a sense of detail Another possible reason why your car’s air conditioner is attendance, the Coscharis Group General Manager, NADDC and other relevant agencies of government and personality enhanced by its sleek appearance leaking water inside your vehicle is because the condensate Marketing and Communications, Abiona Babarinde are willing to support you to do more in this regard. I and athletic curves. drain is not properly attached to the ventilation system. said “if you recall in July 2019 we formally announced commend and congratulate the leadership and entire Behind its chic urban styling, Koleos has the DNA This prevents the drain from doing its job of draining our partnership with the Renault Group to represent Coscharis team and their Renault partners for this of a true 4X4. The ALL MODE 4x4-i technology the water outside, under the car. their auto brands in Nigeria. We equally showcased great feat and assure the Company of government allows you to select the transmission mode that our ultra-modern Semi-Knocked-Down Assembly support towards the growth of local assembling of your vehicle will need to be equally at home on How to solve this? Plant located at our Group Head office in Awoyaya, more Renault models in your plant” dirt, mud or sand as it is on tarmac. If you are familiar with your vehicle’s parts and if Lagos. As at today, we are excited to say that Coscharis Coscharis Motors equally used the Fair to further Koleos comes with a range of driver assistance you’re okay to get your hands dirty, you may try to Motors has since been rolling out two name plates remind the market on the ongoing ‘Giveaway’ technologies including active emergency braking, solve this on your own. of the Renault Brand, namely Renault Logan and promotion for any purchase of the Renault Kwid blind spot detection system, easy trunk access and First, you need to locate the condensate drain, which Renault Duster, from the assembly plant. These and Renault Koleos that attracts a free Abro Generator, R-Link 2 media system. can be found under the evaporator (the evaporator is usually located inside the passenger compartment) and at the lowest point in your vehicle’s ventilation system. Attach the condensate drain properly to the ventilation system and check if it runs outside your vehicle. Autochek Brings Berger Auto Market closer to Prospective Buyers If you’re in doubt, it’s best to consult a professional techni- cian.(Source: Sandgate Auto Electrics & Air Conditioning) s part of Autochek’s digitisation financing with seamless and convenient access to Berger market, the team is delivering personal partnership with the Association these cars.” tours to the depot for customers who want to get of Motor Dealers of Nigeria In his own reaction to the partnership, Don Meche, up close and personal with their future vehicles (AMDON), the frontline online Chairman of Berger auto market, said, “Over the and ensure everything is in order. NADDC DG to Discuss Nigeria’s automobile marketing and years, we have constantly experienced low sales According to Adebiyi, one of the numerous auto finance company has now due to the difficulty accessing our car lots. On the Autochek customers who shared his experience EV, Gas-powered vehicle extended its activities to Nigeria’s most popular other hand, our partnership with Autochek has after recently taking part in a tour, “When my usedA car market, known as the Berger Market. come as a relief for the Berger market dealers. wife and I were looking for a very good Toyota The Berger automobile market, which houses over Our customers can now access our cars with car Corolla to buy, I gave the staff at Autochek my Future at NAJA Seminar 10,000 different brands and models of vehicles, loan and without stress. We are happy and our specifications regarding the vehicle we wanted As the global automotive industry looks towards is the largest used car market in Nigeria, and is customers are happy.” and they were wonderful in giving us options electric and gas as alternative source to petrol to run situated in the heart of Apapa, Lagos. This is why, as part of the partnership with the to select from. vehicles on the road, Nigeria is not left out in the new Through the Autochek app, prospective users migration efforts by different countries with the National can now view all cars sold in the Berger market, Automotive Design & Development Council (NADDC) empowering them to make buying decisions from as the chief driver. the convenience of their mobile phones and avoid It is against this backdrop that, the Nigeria Auto Journalists all the major hassles of travelling to the depot. Association (NAJA), the umbrella body for journalists For car buyers who face the incredibly daunting covering the automobile sector, is throwing its weight traffic of hundreds of trucks and tankers block- behind the current trend during at this year’s annual ing entry to the Berger market, it marks a major training and capacity building workshop for members breakthrough in terms of boosting accessibility to to aid their skills on reporting in the country. one of the most desired destinations for vehicle The event which is slated for July 29 with the theme purchases in Africa. ‘Migration from Petrol to Electric & Gas-Powered Vehicles; “Similar to every vehicle listed on the Autochek Opportunities & Challenges for Nigeria’ will be held at platform, all the cars from the Berger market listed on the app have undergone our usual 150-point check Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja Lagos, with Jelani Aliyu, MFR, who inspection process to remove all the ambiguities has been at the forefront of this scheme invited as the of purchasing a vehicle and equip our users with guest speaker. In a statement signed by Mike Ochonma, the information they need to make an informed chairman of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), decision. However, Autochek is well-aware a car the annual event is aimed at providing a robust refresher purchase is still one of the most expensive outlays course for auto journalists to enhance their performances for most people in their lifetimes and as such, and efficiency in automotive journalism especially in view we also recommend in-person inspections before of the new electric car technology that is gradually being making such a large commitment. accepted by many countries. According to Dr. Mayokun Fadeyibi, Vice According to the NAJA chairman, “The need for President, Commercial for Autochek, “The Berger training and retraining cannot be over emphasized partnership is not just about increased visibility L-R: CFO, Autochek, Jide Adamolekun; VP Business Compliance, Mandela Oniemola; VP Commercial, Mayokun especially in the 21st century which is largely driven by for the cars in Berger Car Depot. It is more about Fadeyibi; and VP Operations, John Egwu the knowledge economy. empowering buyers across Nigeria through auto- SATURDAY JULY 10, 2021 • THISDAY 35 36  ˜ ˾JULY 10, 2021 TRIBUTE

Husseini Sankara ‘Sojaman’ Husseini Sankara Buried

he remains of Colonel Husseini so, we didn’t understand him then. He was possible, so that they won’t feel the pain of rose to the rank of colonel on September 3, Samaila Sankara, who died from very committed to his family. I mean his his exit too much just as the preacher said in 2020. injury sustained, when he and his team stepped on an wife, children and we the brothers. He was the church. “Before his demise, he was the Psycho- explosive device planted by easy-going and he had a very deep passion “He’ll want to see them move on and all logical Operator at the Theatre Command Boko Haram terrorists in Borno for the military job. He was so proud of it agitations in the country today for Sankara Operation Hadin Kai. He was until his TState, were laid to rest last and that was why in the house, we chris- who is a deep and passionate lover of demise the Commanding Officer, Chief of Thursday in Abuja. Sankara, who tened him ‘Sojaman’. Nigeria, he’ll want nothing but unity.” Army Staff Intervention Battalion Opera- was Commanding Officer, Chief of Army “One other thing he always he treasured Reading his citation at the grave yard, tion” Col Adebayo added. Staff Intervention Battalion Operation, under was his love for this nation. Whenever we Colonel Adebayo Lawal described him as On his part, Adamawa State Governor the ongoing Operation Hadin Kai in the sat to discuss, you will hear him saying that an “articulate, dedicated, loyal and hard- Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri condoled with the North-East, was buried at the Guards Brigade he will do anything for this country. All working officer. family of Shehu Ijafiya over the loss of his Cemetery. Seven soldiers died instantly after these while, we didn’t understand what he “He was calm, firm but fair with a good brother. the incident while four others, including the late Colonel, were severely injured. was talking about. That doing everything, sense of purpose and responsibility. He was Governor Fintiri described the late Colo- he was ready to die for this country and a forthright gentleman and a professional nel Samaila as a brave soldier who sacrificed The late Commander died on July 1, 2021, it eventually manifested. So it happened intelligence officer who was genuinely his life for the peace of Nigeria and will be at an hospital in Abuja. eventually so that is it. committed to his duty. He had a remark- remembered as a peace advocate. The late Sankara was on his way from “Looking at things in the country, the first able conduct and overwhelming moral The Governor urged the family to take Marte, a town in Borno State, to Maiduguri, thing that will give him joy in heaven is for standard.” solace in God knowing that their son died when their gun truck ran into the explosive. us to defeat this insurgency. He will want Colonel Lawal said the senior officer, who serving the nation. He said Colonel Samaila Family members, colleagues and friends, to see his family settling down as quickly as was of the Nigerian Army intelligence corps, will be greatly missed. who attended the funeral service of the late officer at the Military Church in Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, before proceeding to the cemetery, recalled the last moments with Sankara and paid him glowing tributes. Shehu Jafiya (Turakin Uba), the elder brother of the deceased, said the senior officer had told his family that his mission was accomplished, ”not knowing he was talking about his mission on planet Earth.” According to him, the late senior officer would be happy in heaven if he sees an end to insurgency, ethnic agitation and enthronement of a united Nigeria, while recalling that Sankara was flown into Abuja on June 4, 2021. Recalling his last moments with Sankara, Jafiya said: “After the blast in Borno State around Dikwa and Marte. He was first flown in an helicopter to Maiduguri where he was stabilized at the military facility, then they moved him to Cedar Crest Hospital in Abuja. “I was at the airport to receive him and we had very extensive discussions not only one day but progressively over a week. He kept assuring us that we should not cry or be too worried that he was going to be fine. We didn’t know he just wanted to console us by saying we should not be too worried and not cry for him. My last moments with him we’re indeed emotional and painful to us. “We thought he was referring to the mis- Sankara’s wife and children receiving visitors after the burial sion in Borno. He was being very prophetic THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾  ͹͸˜ͺͮͰͯ 37 AUTO WORLD Toyota Boosts Style, Safety for LandCruiser Prado

oyota has improved the safety and GX grades also feature more premium exterior styling of its best-selling LandCruiser appointments with a chrome-accented grille and Prado large SUV range, introducing puddle lamps. new active safety technology on VX and Kakadu variants have been upgraded lower variants while boosting with larger new design 19-inch alloy wheels with the visual appeal of the family an ‘Active’ design for the VX and ‘Prestige’ design off-roader. for the Kakadu. Following a comprehensive update in August All Prado grades are powered by a strong, efficient 2020,T the Prado has been further upgraded, with 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing additional advanced safety features that were previously maximum outputs of150kW and 500Nm, and mated reserved for higher-grade variants, according to a exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. statement by the automaker. Combined cycle fuel economy is listed at 7.9 Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing litres/100km2, with CO2 emissions of 209 g/km3. and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the safety The Prado is designed for extended journeys of all Toyota customers was of utmost importance. with a total of up to 150-litre fuel capacity offered “We are committed to ensuring our customers through the SUV’s 87-litre main tank and 63-litre benefit from the peace of mind that comes with sub tank on versions that have the full-size spare the latest advanced safety features,” Hanley said. wheel mounted on the tailgate. “These safety updates, along with the range of The Prado remains an ideal vehicle for family visual enhancements, ensure there has never been adventure, with a braked towing capacity of 3000kg4 a better time to explore Australia’s vast backyard and strong off-road capability. in a Prado,” he said. Complementing its interior flexibility, all variants The safety of entry-level GX and GXL variants bar the GX can be specified with the flat tailgate has been bolstered with the addition of blind spot option pack, which moves the full-size spare tyre monitoring and rear cross traffic alert1 as standard, from the tailgate to under the body of the vehicle. joining existing Toyota Safety Sense1 features such The Prado has become a staple in Australian homes, as high-speed active cruise control, lane departure being the most popular vehicle in its segment for 11 alert with steering assistance, and the pre-collision of the last 13 years - an achievement it is on track Toyota Prado safety system with day/night pedestrian and daytime to replicate in 2021. cyclist detection. The all-new BMW 2 Series Coupé triking looks, exceptional handling, clas- by BMW at the IAA MOBILITY 2021 show in Munich sical rear-wheel drive and a Goodwood in September 2021. Festival of Speed world premiere, will The market launch will get underway at the beginning leave potential customers of the new of 2022 with three model variants initially available. BMW 2 Series Coupé in no doubt that Topping the range will be the all-wheel-drive BMW this is a car set to excite and inspire. M240i xDrive Coupé, which is powered by a 374hp The new edition of the two-door six-cylinder in-line engine, while customers will also model incorporates the new BMW design language be able to choose from four-cylinder petrol and diesel to Shighlight a fresh, youthful feel with meticulously versions in the standard M Sport specification. engineered and perfectly balanced driving attributes. The new BMW 2 Series Coupé will be built at the Reaffirming its sector-leading status, the BMW 2 Series BMW Group’s San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico. Coupé boasts rear-wheel drive, a six-cylinder in-line Individual proportions, optimised aerodynamics engine option and new equipment features that combine The exterior dimensions provide the ideal starting point to underscore its standout sporting characteristics. for excellent driving dynamics. A length of 4,537mm The advances made over the predecessor model are and width of 1,838mm represent increases over the also reflected in a far broader range of driver assistance predecessor model of 105mm and 64mm respectively. systems and the latest connectivity innovations. The new car is 28mm lower, however, with a vehicle The standalone vehicle concept of the BMW 2 Series height of 1,390mm. Its wheelbase is also 51mm longer at Coupé puts clear water between it and the BMW 1 2,741mm. Wider track widths of 1,575mm (an increase Series models (which are based on an advanced front- of 54mm) at the front axle and 1,587mm (an increase wheel-drive architecture) and borrows extensively from of 31mm) at the rear axle (BMW M240i xDrive Coupé: the technology used in the BMW 3 Series and BMW +63mm at the front, +35mm at the rear) are ideal for 4 Series. As a result, the new BMW 2 Series Coupé excellent cornering dynamics. The new BMW 2 Series Coupé occupies a defiantly niche position in both the brand’s The new BMW 2 Series Coupé’s boot offers load model portfolio and among its rivals. capacity of 390 litres – a 20-litre increase in primary its aerodynamics. An active air flap control system almost completely sealed underbody, serve to channel World premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed capacity over its predecessor – and the height of the for the BMW kidney grille – adjustable through ten the airflow effectively. The BMW M240i xDrive Coupé The new BMW 2 Series Coupé will celebrate its world loading edge is 35mm lower. stages according to need – and the lower intake in the also has turning vanes and splitters at the front of the premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on 8 July The concept for the new BMW 2 Series Coupé front apron, plus air curtains, flush-fitting door handles, underbody which deflect the air precisely as required 2021. It will also be one of the new models presented body also includes targeted measures for optimising aerodynamically optimised light-alloy wheels and an to reduce lift.

driving is proactively managing “Atmosphere” on the Are You a Defensive Driver road. Courtesy goes a long way in reducing the level of anxiety around you, thus reducing the odds of an Did you know that it was projected that by 2015, SAFE techniques become driver’s second nature, he matures accident. On the other hand, attempts to teach fellow road traffic crashes will be the leading health burden for and becomes a safe one. drivers a lesson or punish or offend them and in general children over the age of five in developing countries? DRIVING The major part of defensive driving is anticipating behavior without regard to others significantly increase Did you also know that presently, road traffic crashes with other driver’s moves. Master driver does not need to psychological tension around you. Other drivers become react to dangerous traffic situation at the last moment. annoyed, and annoyance leads to impaired judgment, are the number one cause of death for young people Jonas Agwu worldwide? As a parent, I must confess that these are He constantly assesses all what is happening on the increasing the odds of you getting into an accident. scary facts. But while you ponder over these, kindly amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa road. He anticipates how things are unfolding, and acts An important concept in real life Defensive Driving is Assistant Corps Marshal share with me this material on defensive driving sourced Zonal Commanding Officer to avoid the danger way before it becomes evident to leaving yourself room for error. An experienced driver from the web. I do hope that as you read through, I can Federal Road Safety Corps. novice drivers. You can easily tell master driver from the maintains enough distance on all four sides of his car count on your changed driving habits in our effort to average one by watching them braking. Master driver to allow him to safely react to the changes on the road. reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities in the country. is never forced to apply the brakes in emergency. Slight And to compensate for any imperfection his reactions Defensive Driving (DD) is a marketing nickname touch of brake pedal or even just a drop of gas takes can suffer, depending on his current shape, level of for a reasonable and responsible vehicle operating or consulting a map in advance definitely go to the him out of dangerous situation well before it develops. concentration, and environment. If master driver has techniques. I actively do not like the term. It implies science part and can be taught and reproduced easily For the novice, almost any braking is an emergency one. to drive when tired or otherwise impaired (nervous, that someone is on offensive, and driver is on defensive. in no time. On the other hand anticipating other drivers’ Another important part of defensive driving is clearly sick, drunk etc.), he will maintain much bigger distances Normally there is nobody offending the driver, but moves cannot be digitized, and depends heavily on communicating your existence and intensions to other than when he feels fresh and fit. himself. And we don’t talk about a tactical driving, do your experience. Still, this is a skill that one can acquire. drivers. I always drive with my low beam on, night If satisfactory room for error cannot be maintained we? I prefer to get away from defense and use the It just takes some time and dedication, and the time or day, (I switch to high bean during night if needed for any reason, master driver lowers the speed until safe term “responsible” or prudent instead of “defense”. is in the order of years rather than weeks or months. of course). This way, I am sure fellow drivers see me. I distances can be achieved. This happens for example It conducts the intended message without implying You cannot just attend a Houston defensive driving always try to buy light colored cars for the same reason. when heavy rain significantly reduces visibility, reducing enemy-enemy relationship, and therefore, lose-lose courses and promptly become a safe driver. Or “Defensive Using your blinkers is not an option; it is a way of possible room for error due to reduced visibility, another approach. Running a website on car driving safety driving Texas”, or any other DMV or court mandated communicating your intentions when you travel on the example will be road work leaving one narrow lane with tips, I don’t have much choice. However, almost nobody course for this matter – such online courses in Texas road. And your stop light should always be in order. tightly installed concrete blocks on the sides. Defensive is going to search for responsible or reasonable driving. major cities like Dallas, Austin, or Houston are just If your action or existence takes surrounding drivers driving calls for reducing the speed until safe distances Very few people are searching for the safe one. Hence, I the most popular on the internet for some reason. If by surprise, your odds of getting into an accident are can be maintained in both cases. am going to use the officially accepted term throughout anything, such a course just gives you some information. extremely high. Driver who mastered real world defensive driving does “fun and safe” as much as I would prefer to avoid it. Providing this information is correct, it still has to be Adhering to speed limits is not the only part of real not depend on other drivers for his and his passengers’ Defensive Driving is not a rocket science. Basically, it internalized through years of putting it to use. Only when world driving. Inside neighborhoods, though, speed safety. He actively managers what is happening on the is all about minimizing the odds of accident happening. checking the mirrors every now and then, keeping the limits are usually too high to be safe which is why the road, increasing his and others safety many times over. As with many things in life there is a science part right distance depending on internal and external factors, current campaign is to limit it to 30kilometre per hour He does not fear driving. He enjoys it for all it has to and an art to this. Things like checking tyre pressure and most other basic and advanced vehicle operating in built up areas. One often overlooked part of defensive offer, not just for ability to floor his car or squeal his tires. 38  ˜ ˾ JULY 10, 2021 MEDIAGAFFES EXPRESSION BY EBERE Go the Rounds, Not ‘Round’ WABARA HE management of Fi- SATURDAY TRIBUNE of July 3: “…the noise of State.” This is the way to go: reins of [email protected], 08055001948 delity Bank Plc (PLC) yes- pollution that accompany (accompanies) government. terday, (otiose comma) the use and subsequent rise in the level of “They like parading themselves in state- refuted rumours making stress.” of-the-art cars, leaving (living) in mansions joined the bandwagon of progress.” the round (sic) that the “I am usually on (in) my farm and I don’t and dictating the economy (how?) of the Progressive English: climb or jump (not Board of Directors has think you….” country with their loots (loot).” Do we join) on/aboard the bandwagon. “T(had)….” Three variants: “He spoke on Supersports about his resort to vernacular, in the light of the The next two blunders are from the do the rounds (British achievements and experiences on the foregoing morphological tragedies? DAILY TRUST of May 18: “Today, the White- informal); make the rounds (American saddle of CAF Champions League second “Thrown into panic, the driver of my man’s problem has been fully entrenched version); and go the rounds (British formal round….” SATURDAY Sports: in the saddle. vehicle managed to find a save (safe) haven in the dark continent, especially south of expression)—the choice is yours! “…Idoko has commended the board from the portion of the road lawfully meant the Sahara.” Standard expression: on the “According to the President, war against of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) over for Abuja-bound motorist (motorists).” Dark Continent drug abuse is more deadly (is deadlier) (for) the successful organization of the first “… talkless of (let alone) those actually “Abia police warns (warn) on tinted than the insurgency in the North East….” round of the 2020/2021 league season.” chased into them by the escorts of the ‘big’ windscreen” “APGA chieftain urges aggrieved aspi- “Bill Gates: The billionaire with unparallel men.” “3 state-own industries to begin produc- rants to sheath (sheathe) swords” love for the less privileged” (National News The next outrageous error is from tion soon” This way: state-owned industries. “Call for self defence (self-defence) Banner, May 12) Exceptional philanthropy: Vanguard of May 19: “We urge that investi- “Drivers of luxurious (luxury) buses are invitation to anarchy” unparalleled love gations be launched into the circumstances not so often stopped or extorted.” “The constitutional role of government “UNIBEN alumni commends INEC” Get that led to the embarrassment and ask “Such accusation levelled on (against/at) is to protect its people. Transferring that it right: UNIBEN alumni commend, but that those involved be brought to book to the FRSC is, however, an exception rather responsibility to the individual is an UNIBEN alumni association commends. No forestall a re-occurrence.” Let us foreclose a than the rule.” abdication of their (its) responsibility.” muddle, gentlemen of the Press! recurrence of ‘Eze-Goes-to-School’ blunders. “...the commission was poised to “FG has no grouse with Ondo electorate” “Man condoles ex-wife” I thought we “The last but not the least is….” An extra: enforce all road violations.” This is sheer (THE PUNCH, May 18) FG has no grouse had conquered this level of scholarship: the last but not least. That is the correct linguistic monstrosity! Perhaps, it is only in about (not with)…. condole with or simply console. expression. Nigeria–where anything is plausible and “Buhari issues marching order to cement “Sometimes (sometime) ago, “She is an alumnus of the most popular possible–that violations (instead of laws producers” (THISDAY Headline, May 17) twenty-three wise men met at the Federal secondary school in Lagos….” Standard and regulations) can be enforced. Truth and Reason: marching orders. Secretariat….” style: alumna. “Adebanjo had been involved in a “Salute to a great leader and distinguish “As police beams (beam) searchlight The next six blunders are from the sports ghastly motor accident that claimed the political icon @ 78” For the sake of lexical on some formal groups, associations and pages of the Saturday Newspaper: “Flying lives of over five people almost immedi- exactitude: distinguished political icon. organizations….” Eagles (Eagles’) sloppy play bothered ately along (on) the popular Ibadan-Lagos “LASAA’s double standards” (DAILY “In his critical sermon at the occasion.…” (bordered) on the fact that.…” expressway.” When lives are lost in any INDEPENDENT Headline, May 16) Fixed Get it right: on the occasion. “I seized (took, preferably) the opportu- vehicular mishap, it is a fatal (not ghastly) expression: double standard. “In 1996, ASUU, apart from demanding nity to congratulate him for (on or upon) accident. From last week’s Saturday edition of for the review employment conditions…” the very great successes at the recent “Some few years later after I had almost Independent comes this caption disaster: PMB and varsity education: delete ‘for’ in polls.…” forgotten about the Navy….” ‘Some‘and “Chief Justice of…at the burial of his late the interest of grammatical sanity. “…the smallish player was the life wire ‘few’ cannot co-function. wife…yesterday.” Please, dear reader, “The Yorubas like I said on this platform (sic) of the Flying Eagles….” Nigeria ’99: “So when this new uniform group was tell me, what is “late” doing here? This is last Friday.…” This way: The Yoruba, as (not livewire. set up in 1988 by the Ibrahim Badamosi inexcusable! Could he have buried his wife like) I said, on this platform last Friday…. “The screening of the prospective Babangida administration, I have (had) no alive? “…the good foundation laid for take-off footballers continued with the captain doubt in my mind (where else?) that this “This is crucial because our steps have and hopefully with what we have read and playing the role of the ball boy, perhaps would certainly work because of the calibre been faulty from the onset (outset).” (DAILY saw (seen) in the media….” with the believe that.…” Change ‘believe’ to of people behind it.” TRUST Back Page, May 12) “He sacked the Shonekan administration ‘belief’ in the interest of grammatical sanity. “People in power in this country atimes The next four blunders are from and assumed the reign of power as Head “President Muhammudu Buhari has (at times) amuse me by their….” Weaponising Banditry: COUNTERPOINT FEMI Indulgence and Complicity AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON nsecurity is the greatest bane of the Nigerian state as we behind bars for the rest of their miserable lives. [email protected] 08182223348 - (SMS Only) stand today; followed closely by its twin sister, food scarcity, We have heard and read, and sometimes watched unconfirmed or what we vaguely call famine - occasioned by the fear reports of aircraft allegedly dropping supplies and unidentified of, and despair about the level of killings, abductions, and objects in remote areas for the benefit of insurgents. Even when the evidence! These acts of seeming complicity and insensitivity all sorts of violence assailing us all over the place. What military were advancing and pushing back the misguided terrorists merely strengthen the capacity of criminal minds to enact more heightens the sense of doom on the tail of insecurity is the called Boko Haram or ISWAP, the allegations of fifth columnists heinous crimes. Iperceived poor handling by civilian governance at almost all or criminal saboteurs chipping away at the successful counter- When the Nigerian police spend years investigating gruesome levels. terrorism efforts of our valiant soldiers kept coming up in both the murders, carnage, reprisal attacks, sacking of villages, and all sorts To be fair, the confusing and dangerous signals that seem to social and traditional media. We continue to lose men and materials of villainy, without reasonable conclusion on the side of justice; portray our leaders as incompetent or indulgent of the activities in this long-going war in which our lean resources are being without perpetrators and their handlers brought to book; without and atrocities of criminal elements endangering the well being frittered away - resources that would have been better deployed to fluid and full administration of criminal justice on identified of the nation, are not peculiar to the elites. Ordinary folks, and life-giving ventures and employment-promoting programmes. assailants; without actions and punishments seen and believed different strata of the Nigerian populace, engage in actions and When the media, especially the social media, make viral and to be fair, equitable or even-handed, we invariably weaponise the narratives that oil and fatten the greed, grip and guts of these trending, poorly produced brutal videos promoted by insurgents, undesirable elements in their notoriety. miscreants who go by all manners of tags: bandits, kidnappers, bandits and other criminals; and we daily poking fun at seeming One of the major markers of underdevelopment in the cultists, thugs, terrorists, insurgents, and the latest fad, secessionists. setbacks of our military in skirmishes with the insurgents; we are management of human activities is the sluggish and lethargic When you profit through ignorance or brazen profiteering invariably lionising the murderous escapades of lunatics without response to emergencies and grave occurrences. When settle- instincts by supplying foodstuff, ammunition, and whatnots to cause whose endgame is to frustrate the peace and prosperity of ments are under attacks, and the security forces are caught pants bandits, forest-loving killer herdsmen and notorious kidnappers, our country; we help in weaponising the criminals, and provide down; or when communities have had suspicions of imminent you are weaponising them...providing them the strength and more recruitment statistics for them to validate their impact in attacks, and have notified law enforcers who then hold press stamina to surge ahead in their depravity. Like the case of Hassan transmitting terror and horror. conferences to assure “all to go about their legitimate businesses, Magaji of Galadimawa village in Kaduna State who was arrested On the other hand, the actions, images and sentiments for there is no cause for alarm”... only for the killers to come into last month, June, alongside his workers for selling loaves of bread expressed publicly by our military top brasses can also inadvertently those communities, unchallenged, and hold the hapless people to kidnappers and bandits terrorising the people of Birnin Gwari produce unusual psychological and physiological inducement hostage and hopeless for hours, in a destructive frenzy. When they and Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Magaji was for the criminal brigades. When a retiring chief of staff reportedly walk away triumphant, leaving chaos, corpses and catastrophe lulled by the booming blood-money business, which was fetching claimed the long-running combat with terrorists might take another behind...we officially weaponise and coronate our vicious enemies. him about N400,000 per month, before he was discovered 20 years before we could breathe easy, you’re weaponising the Gradually, the industry of kidnapping for ransom has and intercepted. One of the bread sellers was even aghast, and scallywags. When people in strategic positions infer in open fora the transformed into a huge and horrendous economy of scale where confessed that he didn’t know that providing food to bandits, inferiority of our combat hardwares, the unsavoury troop morale as “transactional terrorism” is conducted on wireless phones; cash most of whom were known to the communities, was illegal! The a result of bungled intelligence gathering mechanism; the sudden exchanged on highways and open rendezvous; registered sim implications are sobering. sackings and deployment of soldiers and officers; the exposure of cards freely used; and hefty airtime extorted from unfortunate When you walk into the dens of bandits, hold meetings and disparaging videos of soldiers complaining about one act of neglect families of terrorised victims. And between our hard-working prayers with them in order to appreciate and authenticate their or the other...all these military leakages and over-information police force and the intelligence community, and the so-called notoriety... because you are convinced that the harshness of cumulatively weaponise the enemy combatants. sophisticated technology of our telecommunication companies, military action in reining them in had exacerbated the madness When Amotekun, the quasi-military community security organ of we have spectacularly failed to capture or frustrate the extortion- of the bandits, and therefore, a less threatening approach was the southwest, are denied access to modern ammunition (I’m not ers, or collapse their enterprise. necessary - you are ultimately weaponising the miscreants. Like sure if the Civilian JTF (Joint Task Force) of the Northeast are allowed Many of the surviving victims have alleged collusion of law Sheik Ahmad Gumi cavorting with criminals, and parroting their to carry guns); the so-called ‘foreign’ Fulani herdsmen supposedly enforcers and law breakers. Public trust is shattered, perceptions of moronic campaign that bandits - ordinary criminals without wield their AK-47 guns across the Nigerian landscape, which by government are ugly. any redeeming ethno-religious or socio-political causes beyond the way have been outlawed. However, we have not read any Every instance where criminals take their loot home, where the crass personal enrichment - needed amnesty so as to look for report where an AK-47-wielding Fulani herder posse had been “shot police wring their hands in impotent frustration, where a family is better means of livelihood, you wilfully expose millions of your at sight”. But we have read of arrested gun-wielding vagabonds deprived the joy of living, where a government sends out another compatriots, far and near, to danger, and existential threats from captured by vigilantes after committing one atrocity or the other futile and farcical condolence letter, is a password furtively released people who ought to be scourged in public arenas, and thrown being allegedly set loose by law enforcement units, for want of to weaponise the bandits and their nefarious counterparts. THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER˾  ͹͸, 2021 39 SPORTS XTRA West Ham Fans Go Frenzy over Onuachu’s Impending Hammer’s Move ans of Premier joining the club next season. new centre-forward has been been on the Hammers’ radar him away from Genk. international is an absolute League side, The Hammers have been well-documented already this for quite some time now. The Nigeria international giant. Standing at 6ft 7in tall, West Ham have told that it will cost €15 million summer. And it now seems as though seems to have all of the at- Paul Onuachu is under- taken to Twitter plus €5 million in add-ons (£13 David Moyes seems to be West Ham can sign the 27-year- tributes needed to succeed at standably an absolute and in excitement million + £4.3 million add-ons) searching high and wide for the old for what could be an the London Stadium. menace in the air. That in reaction that to sign the Genk striker this perfect striker to compete with absolute bargain fee. The Genk hitman was on fire aerial ability suits West NigeriaF international and Genk summer and provide cover for Michail Own Goal Nigeria claims last season racking up 29 goals Ham’s style of play per- hit an Paul Onuachu will be West Ham’s need for a Antonio. that a fee totalling around £17 in 33 League games. fectly what with the onus Okonkwo Signs Arsenal New Onuachu is a name who has million will be enough to prise The 13-capped Nigeria Moyes places upon set-pieces. Vontract, Promoted to First Team

Nigeria-eligible teenager Ar- Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson. thur Okonkwo has signed a new Speaking after the deal was long-term contract with the club, confirmed, Okonkwo said to bringing an end to speculation Arsenal’s official webpage : surrounding his future at the “It’s just surreal. To be from the club. This much was revealed academy to be able to come up through the Premier League’s to Colney, train, play in the official website yesterday. under-18s, train, play in the Okonkwo would have under-23s and then move up walked away from the Emir- and train with the first team, ates Stadium as a free agent if and then hopefully, one day, his contract was not extended. make my first-team debut… Though the length of the it’s a great feeling to be here. deal has not been disclosed, “I am very excited to be Okonkwo informed via Insta- back, very excited to have gram that he has signed a new signed this new deal and I can’t three-year contract. wait to get training again. I am His reward for agreeing to very thankful for the op- commit his future to the Gunners portunity the manager has is that he has been promoted given me and the trust from to the first team and starts the the staff to be promoted up new season as third choice goal- to the first team.” Arthur Okonkwo (m) signed new Arsenal deal yesterday keeper, behind Bernd Leno and New Napoli Boss Praises Osimhen’s Qualities The former AS Roma man- French side Lille. in the back of the net. spaces, and does not leave Nigeria-eligible Striker, Mebude ager was unveiled on Thursday Still, his output could have And at the press conference them to others. in Naples, and he has revealed been considerably more if he held for his unveiling, Spalletti “He is a strong one like his high regard for the Nigerian had not been out of action for expressed the confidence that Mertens, Petagna.” Completes Watford Move international three months. Napoli will enjoy an excellent Osimhen continues to New Napoli boss Luciano While Gennaro Gattuso did campaign with the Super be linked with a move Dapo Mebude has become tish Premiership champions Spalletti has spoken highly of his bit to help Osimhen settle Eagles star in the squad. away from Napoli, with the second Nigeria-eligible Glasgow Rangers. Victor Osimhen while highlight- down in Italy, Spalletti is the man “I don’t see why we Tottenham reportedly striker to join English Premier During a nine-year association ing the unique characteristics of believed to possess the Midas shouldn’t do well with the eyeing him as a potential League new boys Watford in the with The Light Blues, he made the club’s record signing. touch that can turn him into a current squad; Osimhen falls replacement for Harry summer transfer window, after one appearance for the first team, Osimhen has been under world-class attacker. into this discourse,” Spalletti Kane, should the English Super Eagles star Emmanuel Dennis against Kilmarnock FC in May the focus of fans and lovers of And the veteran tactician has said as per Tutto Napoli. man leave the club. 2019, coming off the bench to Napoli after a debut season that revealed that he is impressed “He attacks the depth; he But the 22-year-old is keen to who was acquired from Club Brugge. replace Daniel Candeias in the left much to be desired. with the youngster’s strength, has excellent qualities in the remain in Italy, and Napoli are The Golden Boys informed via their 67th minute. The Nigerian forward scored aggressiveness, pace, willing- spaces. already looking to insert a hefty official website yesterday that Mebude Mebude proved his worth during 10 Serie A goals after completing ness to press opposing defend- “He knows how to score, buyout clause in his contract to has put pen to paper on a two-year a loan spell at Queen of the South a multi-million euro move from ers, and ability to stick the ball helps the team, covers the discourage admiring suitors. in the second half of last season, contract, with a further two-year option. scoring twice in twelve outings The 19-year-old arrives at across all competitions. Watford on a free transfer Born in London, he is eligible Kayode Olarewaju Extends Loan Deal at Turkish Club, Sivasspor following his release by Scot- to represent the national teams of Nigeria international Kayode his successful medical. Also club, featuring in just 24 games through the centre, played Nigeria, England and Scotland, Olarenwaju has extended his included in the deal is the option in two seasons. an integral role in Sivasspor’s CHANGE OF NAME and has earned 23 caps across loan deal at the Turkish club, Siv- to buy. The fleet-footed forward He started his sojourn in campaign last season, netting I, formerly known and addressed Scotland youth teams. asspor. The former Flying Eagles is currently valued at €3.7m by Turkey at Gaziantep, which was eleven times and giving three as MISS OLAYEMI AGNES Super Eagles stars Oghenekaro forward signed a one-year deal transfermarket. his first loan spell. Following an assists in 40 appearances. ALO, now wish to be known and Etebo, William Troost-Ekong with Sivasspor, which would Kayode joined The Braves impressive first season where Kayode has featured for addressed as MRS. OLAYENI and Isaac Success, Nigeria U23 see him stay at The Braves till from Ukrainian giants Shakhtar he scored ten times in 27 games, Nigeria at all levels, from the AGNES ALO-EMORWODIA. All international Tom Dele-Bashiru, the end of June 2022. Donetsk. The 28-year-old he caught the eyes of Sivasspor. youth ranks to the senior team. former documents remain valid. exciting winger Joseph Hungbo, Sivasspor took to their web- struggled to get game time in The versatile forward, who The last time he featured for the The general public should take Mebude and Dennis are set to site to announce the deal after his first two seasons at his parent can play as a wide man and Super Eagles was in 2017. note. be registered by Watford for the I, formerly known and addressed as Premier League. MISS UZUM NKEMDILIM USUOA- MAKA, now wish to be known and ad- dressed as MRS. SAGOE NKEMDILIM CHANGE OF NAME Batik Takes Centre Stage as One of Chelsea Confirm Anjorin for USUOAMAKA. All former documents I, formerly known and addressed remain valid. KIZITO MARITIME as MISS EUYICHE FAITH AGENCIES LTD and the general public NKEMAKOLAM, now wish to Team Nigeria’s Casual Wear Pre-season Training should take note. be known and addressed as Made in Nigeria’s Batik the causal wears approved Chelsea’s pre-season activi- Callum Hudson-Odoi, that I, formerly known and addressed UGIAGBE FAITH NKEMAKOL- AM. All former documents remain attires will be on display for team Nigeria. This is ties officially started yesterday worked in the gym before as MISS NKESI STEPHANIE valid. The general public should at the 2020 Olympics as to support local content morning, with the first team heading to the pitch for some CHINDA, now wish to be known take note. one of the casual wears and to patronize the youth players returning to Cobham. light ball work. and addressed as MRS. NKESI I, formerly known and addressed of Team Nigeria. who are involved in the Chelsea have confirmed Anjorin is expected to spend STEPHANIE OCHAI. All former as AKINADE IFEDAYO ELIZA- According to a state- production to grow their through their official web- several days with the first team documents remain valid. The BETH, now wish to be known and ment by the Minister’s business. We want the site that England youth of the Blues as manager Thomas general public should take note. addressed as GOZ IFEDAYO media office, “Team Ni- world to appreciate not international of Nigerian Tuchel has very few first team ELIZABETH. All former docu- descent Faustino Anjorin players to work with, with as ments remain valid. The general geria will wear attires pro- just our sporting talents, public should take note. duced by Youth powered but to sign post one of our participated in the workout many as seventeen of their by Ministry of Youth as locally produced materi- at their Surrey training players taking part in the 2020 base. European Championship. I, formerly known and addressed one of their casual wears. als.” The fabric is produced Wrestler Odunayo Ad- Anjorin arrived the train- Thiago Silva is still at the as SUSAN U SAMUEL- HORS- ing session with Chelsea’s Copa America with Brazil, while FALL, now wish to be known and in Oshogbo, Osun state ekuoroye and Ese Brume which is home to original will bear Team Nigeria’s new trivago training wear. Hakim Ziyech and Edouard addressed as SUSAN U AKEM- The 19-year-old was among Mendy were on international HORSFALL. All former docu- Batik that has passed on flag during the opening from one generation to and closing ceremonies of the attacking trio, the others duty with Morocco and Senegal ments remain valid. The general being Tammy Abraham and respectively this summer. public should take note. another. Batik is one of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

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Ortom on Insecurity COVID-19 Tests & Vaccinations “Mr. President is the one creating insecurity in this country. TEXT‘COVID’ TO58123 The day that he says let’s solve this insecurity problem; 26years that problem will be solved” – Governor Samuel Ortom of , accusing President Muhammadu Buhari of being

This service is provided in association with accredited service providers responsible for insecurity in Nigeria. TOBYOKECHUKWU GUEST COLUMNIST Halting Nigeria’s Quick Match to Somalia he author, Chinua Achebe, in his insecurity of the whole country. Insecurity in have needlessly weaponised animal husbandry. 1983 book, “The Trouble with the South-East, which has recently witnessed It is disheartening that such a multi-billion Nigeria”, depicts a nation where an upsurge in violent crimes, is also insecurity dollar business in other climes has become a leadership is the most critical of the North West and North Central where grave source of ethnic tensions, bigotry and challenge in addressing the issues bandits and militias are putting the country political squabbles in Nigeria. My view is ofT underdevelopment, nepotism, institutional on edge. that the states, which are the custodians and corruption, inept and mediocre personality cult, My colleagues in the National Assembly administrators of land vide the Land Use Act, and injustice that have bedeviled the nation. affi rm that most attacks take place after some should take the lead in the modernisation Nearly four decades after that publication, our forewarning intelligence, and sometimes by of livestock and cattle rearing. The federal national life is still plagued by these maladies, way of letters written by bandits. Yet they government has little or no business with consequentially engendering an avoidable still invade schools and communities in an this, except the incentivising the enterprise security malaise that is leading us to Somalia. armada of motorbikes and operate for hours, through infrastructure and agricultural loans. Without a central government for so many unchallenged. The question is: how is it possible This is the letter and spirit of our constitution. years, Somalia became a metaphor for a failed that our security agents are not equipped On the need for Nigerians to defend state. Although currently showing a fl icker with air cover and ground forces to panic or themselves as variously canvassed by the of hope, it is a nation in disarray and deep neutralise the bandits or that over 100 students Minister of Defence, Major Gen. Bashir anarchy, where non-state actors like Al-Shabbab are repeatedly abducted, moved over miles, Magaji (Rtd) as well as Governors Samuel and warlords have held sway in their various and held in captivity for months by over 100 Ortom, Bello Mohammed, Aminu Masari, “colonies”. bandits without traces and arrests? and Dave Umahi, and some parliamentarians, Today in Nigeria, insurgents are running riot Furthermore, a bandit in one part of the including my humble self, this in simple terms in the North-East, while multiple criminal cartels country is no better than a non-state actor presupposes the right of Nigerians to bear are killing our citizens, raping our women, Buhari in another part. The idea of romanticising or licensed arms. Whereas this proposition is not destroying agriculture and livelihoods, and making excuses for criminals or building a likely to get a fair assessment in our present even school children across the country without or leviathan principle is not oiled with justice, narrative of “my criminals are less dangerous circumstance, the truth is that Nigerians let or hindrance. The once serene northern fairness, and equity; where the state chases after than yours” should not be part of our brief as cannot defend themselves against AK47 and Nigeria and once bubbling southern Nigeria bloody and unrelenting bandits with offers of leaders. When one listens to Governor El-Rufai AK49-bearing invaders with their bare hands. have suddenly become a ghost of themselves amnesty; where security agents accompany and Sheikh Gumi, he is led to assert that if this Therefore, this proposition has its merits and as nowhere is safe again. clerics to freely parley with bandits only for is the temperament of our leadership, then our quality and is worthy of proper consideration. These mass abductions have become a such clerics to tell us that our schools will political and spiritual leaders need tutorials The time has also come to creatively lucrative industry, which Governor Nasir never know peace unless we negotiate with on Rwanda in the art of nation building. The deploy modern technology and maximise El-Rufai and Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, in criminals, then such a nation is on a quick Penal Code and Criminal Code are very clear its application in fi ghting insecurity in the distinguishing secessionist agitators and bandits march to Somalia. on the description of crime and criminality. country. We did not invest in space technology in a rather unremarkable and uncanny manner, Nevertheless, I am still supremely confi dent They are equally clear on their punishments. like the Nigerian Communications Satellite qualifi ed the latter as people in the business that we can turn the page, but this must start Moreover, while some arguments have Limited (NIGCOMSAT) for the fun of it. We of kidnapping for profi t. From Kankara to with the task of managing our diversity with been proffered for granting amnesty to some can also seek necessary international assistance Afaka, Kagara, Jangebe, Ohordua, and Effurun, justice and equity to douse the simmering of these non-state actors holding us by the and cooperation. Moreover, once we solve more than 1,000 students of secondary and tensions in the land. When some Nigerians are jugular, such a promissory note should be the identity problem, the domination of the tertiary institutions have been abducted between treated as if they are less Nigerian, it will only founded on good grounds and must have scene by non-state actors will be over, for it December 2020 and June 2021. Yet this fi gure dull their loyalty to their nation and worsen a framework for success. An overdrive for is unthinkable that we still operate a vast does not include the 136 students of Saliu agitations across the country. Again, when we amnesty for sworn criminals without knowing federal state where majority of the citizens Tanko Islamic School, Tegina, Niger State or own or make excuses for criminals, we make their inherent loyalties and motivations, have neither identity nor address. This makes the 152 students of Bethel Baptist High School, it diffi cult to build a collective resolve to fi ght their structure and leadership, and without it very easy for criminals to rapidly mutate Damishi, Kaduna State pupils, who are still common enemies. A bandit is a bandit, an suffi ciently intimidating and visibly primed and become diffi cult to trace. held in captivity as these lines are written. armed robber is an armed robber, a fraudster coercive instruments of state on the ready, Meanwhile, the de facto situation is that our On March 15, 2021, Thisday Newspaper is a fraudster, a criminal herder is a criminal further presents the Nigerian state as weak and borders remain largely seamless and porous, reported that over 618 schools had been herder, and a terrorist is a terrorist. Period! helpless. We should never create the impression no thanks to the iniquitous partitioning of shut down in the northern states of Zamfara, They must be dealt with according to the that the bandits are invincible and can call Africa by European powers without regards Kano, Katsina, Yobe, and Niger in a region law irrespective of their tribal, religious or the shots. Every effort should be made, as to fraternal ties. This has manifestly worsened in dire need of booster shots in education political backgrounds. was recently done by the National Assembly our border challenges and calls for a National enrolment. A few days ago, the Kaduna State Likewise, treating criminal aliens and in passing the 2021 supplementary budget, Borders Protection Force to generally ramp up Government also ordered a shutdown of 13 militias with kid gloves because of trans- to suffi ciently equip our security forces to security at our borders. All the agencies will schools in the most vulnerable parts of the border relationships only emboldens them. dominate the environment. operate at the borders based on an integrated state. Meanwhile, the Senate, on June 1, 2021 While not approving the degrading 1884 Furthermore, it is increasingly becoming border management approach and with observed a minute silence for a record eight partitioning of Africa by European powers unfashionable to create the impression that the capacity for surveillance, enforcement, times to mourn hundreds of Nigerians killed at the Berlin Conference, basic logic dictates governors are the chief security offi cers of their deterrence, regulation, and regular interface. in different attacks in the country. Indeed, as that if the killer herders and militias are from states. This paper tiger approach is unhelpful This has become even more imperative as W.B Yeats would put it, things have really Mauritania, Central African Republic, Mali or to the federation and makes it impossible to international pressure mounts on mercenary fallen apart. elsewhere as even President Muhammadu formulate and operate a meaningful internal fi ghters to leave Libya. This was reinforced As we sit on the edge of the cliff, we Buhari has admitted on several occasions, they security strategy. In this vein, the reference by the June 23, 2021 Berlin international must remind ourselves that modern states should be hounded out of Nigeria. It will be in a recent media interview by the President conference brokered by Germany and the are erected on social contracts, for left in the imprudent of any leader to expect that any to two South West governors that visited him United Nations. We must, therefore, anticipate original state of nature, societies ordinarily Nigerian, whatever his religion or ethnicity, for intervention over security challenges, as and prudently plan against an infl ux of more descend to a Hobbesian state where life is will for the reason of African brotherhood, chief security offi cers that should protect arms and fi ghters into the Sahel Region with solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. To accept to cohabit with murderous criminals, their people is to me a non sequitur. The vulnerable Nigeria being a magnetic and avert such endless state of anomie, citizens who have no tinge of conscience in killing governors can bark, but lack the capacity lucrative destination of choice. surrender some of their rights and subject and plundering hapless Nigerians. to bite as the constitution vests all security Of course, all tiers of government must themselves to sovereigns or authority of leaders The striking effectiveness and effi ciency agencies in the federal government. There invest massively in social interventions and elected by them, in exchange for their security of our security agencies in deploying forces is, therefore, an urgent need for a one-stop job creation to take more youths off the streets, and welfare. Consequently, in Nigeria’s case, against criminality and agitations in some approach where all tiers of government and for an idle mind is a devil’s workshop. Section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution (as parts of Nigeria is quite remarkable, but the critical stakeholders, which will comprise a joint All said, it is my prayer that we summon amended) unequivocally provides that “The absence of the same level of alertness and technical committee, to work out modalities for the requisite patriotic spirit, ideas, and political security and welfare of the people shall be deployments in other parts of the country the creation of state police. It is very unlikely will to do the needful and halt our quick the primary purpose of government”. despite utter carnages wrought by bandits that 36 different state police services will fail march to Somalia. However, where the state fails to fulfi l its and insurgents is quite disconcerting. But at the same time, hence the earlier this is part of the contract (as is fast becoming our what I know to be the eternal truth is that done, the better for all of us. r0LFDIVLXV JT %FQVUZ .JOPSJUZ -FBEFS  case); where the application of this coercive the insecurity of any part of the country is Also, it is unfortunate and degrading that we )PVTFPG3FQSFTFOUBUJWFT 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]