Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs

ASUU Set to Call off Strike as FG Exempts Lecturers from IPPIS Raises earned allowances, revitalisation fund to N60bn, promises clearing salary arrears Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja This follows the federal and Personnel Information to the Downstream Sector of with ASUU, the federal With the resolution of the government’s decision System (IPPIS). the Petroleum industry and government’s side shifted dispute on IPPIS, which After over nine months yesterday to accede to the Also, the government has electricity tariff. ground on a number of appeared to be a major strike, the doors of Nigeria’s demands by the Academic scheduled another meeting The meeting with labour issues, including the insistence stumbling block to the universities look set for Staff Union of Universities tomorrow with the organised will take place at the that all the academic staff of conclusion of negotiations by opening latest Friday next (ASUU) that they be exempted labour to review the working Presidential Villa in Abuja. federal universities must be week. from the Integrated Payroll agreement on issues relating At yesterday's meeting paid through IPPIS. Continued on page 5

Lawan: There Will Be Anarchy If Senate is Scrapped… Page 5

Saturday 21 November, 2020 Vol 25. No 9357

www.thisdaylive.com T N250 RU N TH & REASO APC Govs Storm Jonathan’s House As He Marks 63rd Birthday PDP missing, pressure on former president to run on APC ticket in 2023 continues Bennett Oghifo in Lagos, of pressure on former yesterday stormed the Abuja Governor, Mai Mala Buni; State Governor, Abubakar that the governors used the Chuks Okocha, Udora Orizu president Goodluck Jonathan home of Jonathan to felicitate Ebonyi State Governor, Badaru. A former President of opportunity of the birthday in Abuja and Seriki Adinoyi to run for president in 2023 with him on his 63rd birthday David Umahi, who recently the Senate, who is a chieftain visit to subtly represent in Jos on the platform of the All anniversary. defected to the APC from the of the APC, Ken Nnamani, their Presidential proposal Progressives Congress (APC), The governors, who visited PDP; Kebbi State Governor, also visited Jonathan. Apparently in continuation some governors of the party Jonathan were Yobe State Atiku Bagudu and Jigawa Sources told THISDAY Continued on page 5 Buhari Begins Search for New EFCC Chairman, Looks Outside Police Says anti-corruption war becomes endangered when persons entrusted with the responsibility of that magnitude become suspects themselves Festus Akanbi in Lagos and Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja Feelers from the Presidency last night revealed that the search for a new Chairman for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may have started, following the recommendation of the Justice Ayo Salami panel for the removal of the anti-graft agency’s suspended acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu. Presidency source also confirmed that President Muhammadu Buhari is looking outside the police force in the search for the new EFCC boss, in conformity with the recommendation of the panel that probed sleaze allegations against Magu. The source confirmed that a small search team would be constituted in the next few days to narrow down on the candidate capable of delivering JONATHAN AT 63... the President’s dream of a L-R: Mrs. Adiki Iluma, Dame Patience Jonathan, former president Goodluck Jonathan, Group President, Azikel Group, Dr. Eruani Azibapu, and saxophonist, Continued on page 5 Banky Sax, during the former president’s 63th birthday celebration in Abuja…yesterday 2 SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2020 •THISDAY SATURDAYNOVEMBER 21, 2020 • THISDAY 3 4 SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2020 •THISDAY THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾˜ͺ͹˜ͺ͸ͺ͸ 5 PAGE FIVE Lawan: There Will Be Anarchy If Senate is Scrapped Urges Nigerians to vote out current senators in 2023 if they don’t like their faces Deji ElumoyeËØÎ Udora Orizu He described the Senate as a are three senators in Kano and that in a budget of over N13 quarter of 2021. Assembly to effectively undertake ÓØÌßÔË leveller which ensured that all three senators in Bayelsa, so that trillion, the National Assembly The Chairman of the National its core functions effectively parts of the country are equally stabilises the system. got only N128 billion. Assembly also advocated for more depends on a number of key The President of the Senate, represented “unlike the House of “Without the National Lawan asserted that the value legislative aides to the lawmakers, factors which are institutional Ahmad Lawan, yesterday Representatives where states with Assembly and the legislature of legislature to the nation is saying the current number of and legal framework and then warned those clamouring for the higher population produce the across the country, what you democracy and without it there aides per lawmaker is inadequate strong organisational structures. scrapping of the Senate that the highest number of lawmakers.” have is not democracy anymore. won't be democracy. and that the situation makes The relevance of this retreat is country runs the risk of falling Lawan said: “Ask for what So, the value of the legislature He said: ''This maybe a little most members of the National even better highlighted in the light into anarchy if it happens. you think we should be doing and the National Assembly to bit controversial but I will not Assembly to struggle to do most of the recurring uncertainties and Lawan spoke while declaring rather than saying close down Nigerians is democracy. If you run away from it. What does things themselves. disagreements about the powers open a retreat for top management the Senate or the National take out the legislature, it might the National Assembly, the Also speaking, the Director and limits of management and staff of the National Assembly Assembly. Do you understand not be a dictatorship but certainly legislature mean to Nigerians? General of the National Institute commission. and National Assembly Service the implications of what would not a democracy.” Can we debate properly what for Legislative and Democratic "Recent events have once again Commission in Abuja. happen if we close the senate? I The Senate President also the functions of members of the Studies, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman brought into bold relief the need Rather than clamour for the am not saying so because I am faulted the argument of those National Assembly should be, said by bringing together the to have an honest discussion on scrapping of the upper chamber, in the Senate. clamouring for the scrapping rather than talking about jumbo major agencies and actors in some of the challenges that the the Senate President challenged “The Senate is a leveller because of the Senate because of the pay? the National Assembly to have a legislature faces. Despite the clear those not comfortable with the in the House of Representatives, perceived jumbo pay being Lawan also revealed that frank discussion on major issues definition of roles in the NASC senators in the current Ninth population is major. That is why earned by the senators, urging members of the National of institutional strengthening, Act 2014, there are grey areas Senate to vote them out in 2023. some states will have five, six critics to focus on supporting Assembly were working the retreat can come up with and sticking points that have "If you don't like the set of members and others have up the system by ensuring that all assiduously to pass the 2021 important recommendations and perennially resulted in conflicts members in the Ninth National to 20. So, if you say close down monies allocated are well utilised. budget by the second week strategies for improving service and I hope this retreat will help Assembly, change all of us in the Senate, there will be a day He said the annual budget of next month, ensure passage delivery and general performance address some of these challenges 2023. Get better people and let's when people will cry foul. In the of the National Assembly was of the Petroleum Industry Bill of the national legislature and and hence reposition the National support the system to function," Senate, what Kano produces is less than one per cent of the (PIB) and undertake constitution the legislative bureaucracy. Assembly to perform better,'' the Lawan said. what Bayelsa will produce. There nation’s 2021 budget, adding review before the end of second ''The ability of the National director general said. BUHARI BEGINS SEARCH FOR NEW EFCC CHAIRMAN, LOOKS OUTSIDE POLICE corrupt-free anti-graft agency. operations), are on secondment is entrenched in every aspect of Commission that I set up a Panel the overall effort to protect the limited to the enforcement of The source further confirmed in the EFCC. Nigeria's national life, did not headed by the Honourable Justice country’s political and economic Treasury Single Account (TSA), that “the sleaze and abuse of "Therefore, an exit plan for the mince words to say that the Isa Ayo Salami, retired President systems, and simultaneously strict implementation of the Bank office allegations against Magu, disengagement of the police and situation becomes disturbing of the Court of Appeal, via an sustain its existence. Verification Number Policy a commissioner of police, were other personnel within two years when leaders of institutions Instrument dated 3rd July 2020 Buhari also stated that the and signing unto the Open overwhelming,” and that he may from now should be considered. mandated to fight the menace pursuant to the Tribunals of fight against corruption must Government Partnership. A be put on trial. This will address the issue of are themselves alleged to be Inquiry Act (Cap T21, LFN, 2004). be fought without fear or favour. lot of efforts have gone into The panel advised the non-promotion of core staff for corrupt. ''We recognise that there are He thanked members of the building and development of president to appoint the new over nine years. According to him, there can be more grounds to cover in the Salami-led panel for what he our anti-corruption institutions. EFCC chairman in an interim “Your Excellency, our thinking no greater abomination than that war against corruption, and we described as their dedication ''We have so far kept faith with position for two years. here is that whoever you are because it does not only strike "at are prepared to go out to possess and commitment to the battle our promise and shall remain In a way that suggested that appointing other than a core the root," but also undermines those lands by cutting off any against corruption. committed until Nigeria triumphs the report might have nailed EFCC staff, should be in the anti-corruption crusade itself. stream that nourishes the seed Furthermore, Buhari claimed over the evil of corruption, attain Magu, Salami, according to transitional capacity of two He said it was against this of corruption and supports its that it was the endemic nature a prosperous economic status a statement by Presidential years during which period, background that he set up the growth. of corruption in Nigeria and surmounts her security spokesman, Femi Adesina, arrangement would be made Ayo Salami-led commission of ''Let it be known that in the which propelled the federal challenges," he said. advised Buhari to consider for appointment of any of inquiry to unravel the mystery fight against corruption, no government's focus on anti- According to the statement, appointing the next Chairman the core staff who has been behind the mystique of Magu's one is too big to tackle, as no corruption war. Salami in his own remarks, told of EFCC from other law commended by National alleged involvement in corruption individual is bigger than the Listing various measures Buhari that Magu and 113 other enforcement or security agencies, Crime Agency, UK and other that he was fighting. Nigerian State!'' embraced by the federal witnesses appeared and testified as well as core staff of the international law enforcement Buhari, who further said the He said his desire was to government to put the menace before the commission. EFCC, as provided in the EFCC for their professionalism." federal government was ready make Nigeria zero tolerant to of corruption under control, He also told the president that Establishment Act of 2004. Salami thanked the president to go the whole hog to fight corruption, describing the country Buhari said the government 46 petitions and memoranda Salami said: “Your Excellency, for giving members of the corruption, threatened that no one as a place "where the menace remained focused on the war were presented by different permit me to say that four commission an opportunity was too big to become the victim is vigorously battled." against corruption until victory. individuals and organisations successive chairmen of the EFCC to serve. of anti-graft's sledge hammer. He added that whereas ''The sad reality confronting with complaints against the from inception have been drawn He said: "However, the corruption exists in all countries us as a people is that there is embattled and suspended acting from the police. Therefore, in Buhari: Anti- stark reality of widespread of the world, and being handled corruption almost everywhere; chairman of EFCC. appointing a new chairman of corruption becomes poignant differently, he wants Nigeria at many levels of government, Salami told the meeting EFCC, consideration should be Corruption War when allegations of corruption to be among those that do not and nearly every stratum of our that the panel embarked given to candidates from other Endangered touches on the leadership of condone it. society. Mindful of the threat on a nationwide physical law enforcement or security an institution set up by law ''Corruption is present in all that corruption poses to us as verification of recovered agencies and qualified core Apparently referring to Magu, to coordinate and enforce all countries. Some governments a nation, this administration has forfeited assets, including real staff of EFCC as provided in the while receiving the Salami report, economic and financial crimes. treat it with levity. Some fight it specifically focused on the fight estates, automobiles, vessels and Economic and Financial Crimes the president lamented that "It is an abomination all the time. I want Nigeria to be against corruption. non-cash assets. Commission (Establishment Act anti-corruption war becomes that strikes at the root, and counted among those countries ''As a government, and He said the juror commended 2004). endangered “when persons undermines the government’s that do not tolerate but fight in furtherance of our anti- the president for the initiative "It is also important to point entrusted with the responsibility anti-corruption programme. corruption," he said. corruption programme, we to dispose all forfeited assets out that at the moment, 970 of that magnitude become ''It was in response to the The president tasked all have since inception engaged ''because of the poor condition policemen (114 drivers, 641 suspects themselves.” serious allegations against the Nigerians to be enlisted in the in many reforms in removing of the assets we saw during our mobile policemen and 215 Buhari, who said corruption Economic and Financial Crimes battle against corruption, in corruption, including but not physical verification nationwide.'' ASUU SET TO CALL OFF STRIKE AS FG EXEMPTS LECTURERS FROM IPPIS both parties, the coast is now members salary arrears from getting approval for the withheld the Executive Secretary of the team for the 2009 agreement, go and consult with its organs clear for ASUU to suspend its February to June using the old salaries to be paid. National University Commission Ngige said both were satisfied before taking a position. industrial action. salary payment platform, GIFIMS. "It was also agreed that the and Vice Chancellors of with the progress so far made, "I don't really have much to Minister of Labour and In a reconciliatory move, the mode of payment of those that universities. adding that letters have been say as the minister had said it Employment, Senator Chris government also accepted to wave had not been captured on the The government also offered to issued to members of the all. Government has given us Ngige however said that ASUU the threat of "no work, no pay" IPPIS platform between the increase the Earned Allowances to renegotiation team. offers and we have promised to is expected to go and relay the and approve payment of salary months of February and June, university staff from N30 billion He added that the meeting go back to our organs to brief latest proposals to its organs and arrears to the striking lecturers. 2020 be adopted for the purpose to N35 billion or N40 billion and agreed the inauguration of the them and then come back to revert to government so that the Ngige said: "The meeting of payment during this transition revitalisation Fund from N20 university visitation panels will government. We acknowledge universities can reopen next week. agreed that the Federal Ministry period." billion to N25 billion. be carried out as soon as the that progress has been made," While reading out the of Education and that of Labour In addition, the minister said It said that Vice Chancellors institutions reopened, while he said. communiqué at the end of the and Employment will look into that the meeting agreed that a are to submit details of Earned awaiting gazetting. Ogunyemi said that ASUU grilling seven-hour negotiations at the issue of "No work, No pay" suitable template to address Academic Allowances and Earned On his part, ASUU President, would need till Friday next week the conference hall of the Federal as stipulated in Section 43 of all the anomalies identified in Allowances to the NUC before Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi said to meet with its organs before Ministry of Education, Ngige the Trade Union Disputes Act, the previous processes should November 30. that the union has received the reverting to government. The said government had agreed to Cap 18 laws of the Federation be handled by the Accountant On the reconstitution of the new proposals by the federal meeting was therefore adjourned ASUU’s demand to pay their of Nigeria, 2004 with a view to General of the Federation, federal government's negotiating government and that it would till next week Friday.

APC GOVS STORM JONATHAN’S HOUSE AS HE MARKS 63RD BIRTHDAY to Jonathan who served only peacefully and nursed no coming. Simon Lalong said the former the former President's patriotism whose commitment to the unity, one term as president. bitterness against anyone and Meanwhile, as family President has continued to and dedication to the unity, stability and development of The move to have Jonathan therefore will not be a threat to members and friends gathered serve the country with zeal peace and development of our nation remains unparalleled. run in 2023 on the platform of the interest of the north,” said to celebrate the former President and commitment. Nigeria, as well as offering The party described him the APC is no longer a secret. a source in Buhari’s camp who on his 63rd birthday yesterday, He said, "President Jonathan counsel on various issues. as a detribalised Nigerian, The thinking is that it will didn’t want to be identified. the Northern Governors Forum is a true democrat whose an undiminished icon of satisfy the increasing clamour The attraction to Jonathan’s and the Peoples Democratic passion for the growth of Jonathan a democracy and global figure, for power shift to the South. possible candidacy from Party (PDP) have eulogised democracy is reflected not who has amply demonstrated Buhari’s close loyalists Buhari’s camp is that he will him as a true democrat whose only in his records while Detrabilised that the essence of leadership, believe that Jonathan would be serve just one term of four impact has transcended the in office, but of his current Nigeria, says PDP at all levels is in the humility harmless to their group interest years. shore of Nigeria. engagements where he has of applying its values and and as such the right person A growing number of In a congratulatory message, travelled round the world to In the same vein, the PDP opportunities for the collective to take over if power were to influential northern leaders of the Chairman of the Northern monitor elections and also yesterday saluted the former good rather than for self. shift to the South. thought are favourably disposed Governors Forum, who is also engage with stakeholders." President, describing him “He handed over power to the idea of Jonathan’s second the Plateau State Governor, The governors also saluted as an exceptional democrat, Continued on page 14 SATURDAYNOVEMBER 21, 2020 • THISDAY 7 6 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER˾ͺ͹, 2020

ÏáÝÎÓÞÙÜAhamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (Ý×ÝÙØÖã̚ ×ËÓÖ[email protected] Report: Nigeria Among Most Dangerous Places for Children 93,236 children killed in conﬂicts in10 years

Adedayo Akinwale ÓØÌßÔË airstrikes, shelling, landmines stark numbers are countless stories next airstrike or artillery shelling. the violence in DRC has spiked, means to prevent children from and other explosive weapons of the child victims of war. Many This is an opportunity for world and children in Myanmar are being harmed but we continue to Nigeria has been named among used in populated areas where are casualties of people blatantly leaders to use their influence and frequent victims. see unbelievable violations, year the most dangerous places on families have been ripped apart disregarding international laws their voice to make the right Earlier this year, the report on year. It is as if the world has earth for children according to a and tens of thousands of children and standards, and governments choice, and to stop the war said, the Saudi and Emirati-led stopped caring.” report by the Save the Children left dead or scarred for life. turning a blind eye. Yet several on children.” coalition was taken off the UN’s ‘More than 3 million children Report which said a total of “Last year alone, more than a countries have made a conscious The report said that even ‘list of shame’, which calls out were living in an area where 93,236 children had been killed third of the verified child casualties decision to keep selling arms to during the COVID-19 pan- perpetrators of grave violations violence had been raging for or maimed in conflicts in the last were caused by explosive weapons warring parties even where it was demic, when the focus should against children, adding that 18 years or more; the number 10 years. - with the number dramatically clear they were being used against be on fighting the virus, war- the coalition was delisted even of children recruited by armed The report also named Syria, higher in Afghanistan, Iraq and children. This cannot go on. ring parties continued killing though children in Yemen were forces rose by 639 from 2018, to Somalia, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria.” “This weekend, the world’s and maiming children. still bombed almost daily. 7,845 in 2019. Over 3,100 children DRC, Mali, CAR, Iraq, South The report also revealed that in richest and most powerful leaders It stressed that the UN called Ashing continued: “Never in were found to have been recruited Sudan and Sudan as other most 2019, 426 million children lived in gather in Saudi Arabia for the for a global ceasefire in July, human history have we been in the Democratic Republic of dangerous countries for children a conflict-affected area – a slight G20 summit in Riyadh. A day’s endorsed by 170 countries, but more aware of child rights Congo alone; in conflict. increase on the year before, while drive away, millions of vulnerable since then, 177 children had violations – bombings are verified, “Over 4,400 times humanitarian The report revealed that an around 160 million children lived children in Yemen don’t know been killed and maimed in recruitment is documented and organisations were denied access average of 25 children were killed in a high-intensity conflict zone, where their next meal will come Yemen , dozens had been killed we see children starving on TV as to children – six times as often or injured every day. also an increase compared to 2018. from or if they will survive the or badly injured in Afghanistan, they are denied aid. We have the as in 2018.” This was contained in a new The report noted that the impact report released by Save the of explosive weapons on children Children report, titled: ‘Killed was complex, robbing families and Maimed: A Generation of of their hopes and their ability Violations Against Children In to access vital services, and often Conflict’. profoundly altering the direction The report which was the of a child’s life. fourth in a series entitled Stop It said that over the past the War on Children, was also decade, more than 200,000 such released to commemorate World violations were verified, adding Children’s Day. that the record was sadly broken It stated: “A total of 93,236 in 2019, which saw 26,233 grave children have been killed or violations committed. maimed in conflicts in the last The report noted that the 10 years, it was revealed today. actual number was likely to be That means 25 children; the even higher as some violations, equivalent of a classroom full notably sexual abuse, were grossly of pupils, have been killed or underreported. injured on average every day. The CEO of Save the Children, “Many were victims of Inger Ashing, stated: “Behind the

Gbajabiamila: Security Aide Who Shot Vendor Handed Over to DSS Kingsley Nweze, Olawale lahi M. Hassan, to the Department HIGH LEVEL CONSULTATIONS… Ajimotokan ËØÎ Udora Orizu of State Security (DSS) for investiga- ÓØÌßÔË L-R: Dr. Yomi Finnih, Chief Bisi Akande, President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Segun Osoba and Prince Tajudeen Olusi when the All Progressives Congress tion and appropriate administrative Leaders from the South visited President Buhari...on Thursday at the Presidential Villa. STATE HOUSE PIX and judicial action. In the interim, The Speaker of the House he has been suspended from the of Representatives, Hon. Femi convoy. I expect, and I will see to Gbajabiamila, yesterday said he it that the family of Mr. Ifeanyi Saraki Calls for Sustainable Development of North-central had handed over the security Okereke receives the full measure operative, Abdullahi M. Hassan, of justice so that their bereavement Chuks OkochaÓØÌßÔË interest of the entire nation. for the holistic development of development commissions, it is who shot a newspaper vendor, is not compounded by any actions the former Senate President our region. time for us to seek the support Ifeanyi Okereke, to the Depart- that can cause them further pain Former President of the Senate, said: “If it is about development “My father of blessed memory, of those zones to have ours — in ment of State Security (DSS) for and suffering. Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has for our people, you have my and other leaders like Chief order to promote the long-term investigation and appropriate ‘’I have expressed my personal called on leaders across the North support. This initiative aimed Sunsay Awoniyi have all sustainable development of our administrative and judicial action. condolence to his family and have Central geo-political zone to push at development is long overdue. tried very hard to support the regions and our people.” Okereke died at the National arranged to meet with them when for the development, peace and “If you talk about the unity mobilisation of the people for Earlier in the meeting, the Hospital Abuja on Thursday after the parents of Mr. Okereke, who unity of the region. of this country, you must factor the development of the North Chairman of the Board of he was shot in the head by one are already on their way, arrive in Saraki, who said this when the in the North Central. If you are Central region. As a result of Trustees of the group, retired of Gbajabiamila’s security details, Abuja. Additionally, I have com- executives and a cross-section of talking about the future of this this, I have always been very Lt. Gen. Useni, commended around the National Secretariat, mitted to them that I will support members of the North Central country, it lies on many of the committed to the development of Saraki for his work for the after he and other newspaper his wife and the immediate family Peoples’ Forum paid him a resources like minerals and the region in particular because region, while bestowing on vendors flocked around the he has left behind.’’ courtesy visit at his home in agriculture that our region has. it plays a crucial role in the him the title of ‘Patron of the convoy of the Speaker, who The DSS, which yesterday Maitama, Abuja, emphasised This is why forums like this are development of the entire nation. Forum’ for his remarkable was passing by on the fateful identified the shooter Hassan as that the development of the crucial — because it will give “All of us that have worked contributions and achievements day, to ask for money. one of its own, said he had been North Central zone is in the us a credible platform to push for other zones to have their over the years. Gbajabiamila, in a statement, detained, as part of its disciplinary giving update on the horrific procedures, and had opened a event, also said he had arranged detailed investigation into the Oyo State Govt. Takes Full Control of LAUTECH to meet with the late vendor’s allegation. family. According to a statement last Kuni Tyessi ÓØÌßÔË LAUTECH was established was as a result of governance university for three months. The Speaker, while com- night by the Public Relations Officer in 1990 by the old Oyo State and management challenges According to him: “The miserating with the family of of the Service, Dr. Peter Afunanya, The long time disagreement government with the main which consequently was mutually agreed dissolution the victim, urged all Nigerians they would be transparent and ac- between the Oyo and Osun campus located in Ogbomo- affecting appointments of was formalised through to join him to pray for the peaceful countable in handling the killing states government over owner- sho. The teaching hospital was vice chancellors and other the signing if a memo- repose of his soul. of Okereke by their personnel, ship of the Ladoke Akintola subsequently established in principal officers, as well as randum of agreement by The statement reads, ‘’The unfortunate and that they were liaising University of Technology Oshogbo. When Osun state irregular payment of staff the executive governors death of Mr. Ifeanyi Okereke at the hands with appropriate authorities (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, was carved out if the old salaries. of Oyo and Osun states of one of my security aides has left me to achieve this objective. has been laid to rest as Oyo Oyo state in 1991, both states He said in 2010, when it witnessed by the at- deeply shaken. Mr. Okereke was The statement said, “The State takes ownership of the became joint owners of the became obvious that the torneys general if both a citizen going about his business, attention of the Department University. institution. joint ownership of the stayed, giving legal effect trying to make a living for himself of State Services (DSS) has Subsequently, the institu- Executive Secretary of institution was an issue, and in to the transfer of ownership of and his family. There is no reason been drawn to the allegation tion’s teaching hospital which the National Universities an attempt to resolve the chal- LAUTECH to the government for his life to have ended the way of shooting and killing of one is based in Oshogbo, the Osun Commission (NUC), Prof. lenges and restore normalcy, of Oyo state and the College it did. Ifeanyi Okereke by a security state capital will be solely Abubakar Rasheed who a transition committee was of Health Sciences, Oshogbo ‘’This morning, I have handed aide of the Speaker of the House under the responsibility of disclosed this, yesterday, set up by the commission to the government of Osun over the security operative, Abdul- of Representatives. the Osun state government. in Abuja, said the decision to oversee the affairs of the State. 8 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER˾ͺ͹, 2020 NEWS Ndoma Egba’s Wife, 6 Others Die in Ondo Accident James SowoleÓØÕßÜÏ it pushed into the bush. Four persons including Amaka, Seven persons including Amaka, were said to have died in the bus the wife of the former Senate while three others died in the two Leader, Senator Ndoma Egba, last cars that were first hit by the truck. night lost their lives while no fewer Confirming the accident, the than eight others, were critically Sector Commander of the Fed- injured, in a fatal accident, that eral Road Safety Corps (FRSC), involved four vehicles. Ondo State, Mr. Ahmed Hassan, President Muhammadu Buhari confirmed the accident. has expressed his condolences to The sector commander, however, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba and said that only four persons, three members of his family over the females and a male died in the sudden and tragic death of his accident. wife, Mrs. Amaka Ndoma-Egba. He also disclosed that eight other The vehicles involved according persons were critically injured and to a source, are a commercial taken to Pima Hospital, Ore, for Toyota Avensis car bus, a Honda treatment ASSESSING DEVELOPMENT... car, a truck and a Toyota Coaster He said: “The accident L-R: Managing Director, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Lars Richter; Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed; Minister of Works bus belonging to the Sports Centre happened around 9:00p.m. It and Housing, Babatunde Fashola and Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari during the inspection of the Ongoing Reconstruction of Abuja of the Adekunle Ajasin University, involved three vehicles. Four of -Kaduna -Zaria -Kano Dual Carriageway in the Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna and Kano States Akungba Akoko (AAUA). the occupants of the bus, died The accident, occurred near three female and one male. the military check point along “The accident was caused by Ore-Okitipupa Road in Odigbo loss of concentration and speed All 9 Kidnapped Police Officers Regain Freedom Local Government Area of Ondo violation.” State. It was gathered that the late Also speaking, the Head of Festus Akanbi and Kingsley who was silent on whether any Speaking on the detail of the attack on the vehicle was an oppor- wife of the former Senate Leader, Public Relations, Media and Nweze in Abuja ransom was paid or not, in the rescue mission, Mba said “covert tunistic crime as the officers were was being conveyed in a Toyota Protocol of AAUA, Mr. Victor statement said “The Nigeria operation to locate and rescue the all traveling in mufti, unarmed and Coaster Bus, belonging to the Akinpelumi, said the only informa- Police authorities yesterday Police have successfully rescued officers commenced immediately alongside other private citizens in Sports Centre of the Adekunle tion he had, was that a Coaster bus of announced the rescue of its nine police officers who earlier they were discovered missing the commercial vehicle. Ajasin University, Akungba, Akoko the institution, on official assignment, nine officers kidnapped along went missing on 8th November, en-route to their destination.” He insisted that the total number from Benin to Igbokoda, in Ilaje was involved in an accident. Katsina-Zamfara Expressway 2020 between Kankara town and This action, he said, explained of officers involved in the incident Local Government Area of the “The university has sent officers on November 8. Sheme in Katsina State after the the decision of the police authori- was nine and not 12 as previously state. from the Works Department to the The officers were said to have night commercial bus they were ties to keep mum so as not to and wrongly reported in some The occupants of the ill-fated area to assess the situation and were been attacked on their way to traveling in came under attack by jeopardise the rescue operation sections of the media. bus, according to the source, were being expected.” Zamfara from Borno State to heavily armed men, all dressed in and put the lives of the officers The police spokesman disclosed on the way for a burial programme The president, according to his carry out a special assignment. Military Camouflage, but suspected at a risk. that a follow-up investigation into at Igbokoda. spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, Police spokesman, Frank Mba, (a to be bandits. “The apparent delay in com- the incident is still ongoing. It was gathered that the truck in a statement, said his thoughts Deputy Commissioner of Police), “The officers, all Assistant Super- menting on the unfortunate He said the Inspector General first hit the two cars before ram- and prayers were with them in who broke the news of their rescue intendents of Police (ASPs), were incident was a deliberate decision of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, has ming into the coaster bus which this period of grief. in a statement, last night, said on their way to Gusau in Zamfara aimed at protecting the integrity reassured Nigerians that the Force two of the officers are currently State from Maiduguri at the time of and confidentiality of the rescue is working assiduously to ensure receiving medical attention in a the incident. Two of the officers are operation and the concomitant an improved safety and tactical Don’t Despair, UNICEF Tells hospital while the remaining seven currently receiving medical attention safety of the officers,” Mba stated. presence of police personnel on are being debriefed. in a hospital, while the remaining According to him, preliminary our highways as the yuletide IDPs at World Children’s Day The police image maker, seven are being debriefed.” investigation has shown that the approaches. Michael Olugbode ÓØËÓÎßÑßÜÓ Like you, I have lost families and friends to insurgency. I have been The United Nations Children’s ambushed, I have been kidnapped MainOne MDXI Appolonia Data Centre Gets Certification Fund (UNICEF) has assured before. I know the feeling of MDXi, West Africa’s leading be built and operated with the layers of redundancy on all The Acting Country Manager, children in the troubled North-east hunger and lack of furniture in commercial data centre provider same operational standards critical electrical and mechanical of MainOne Ghana, Emmanuel not to despair, insisting that their classroom.” has received Tier III Certification currently in place at MDXi’s components. Kwarteng, announced that the future is assured. He said he did not give up on the Design Documents of its premier Data Centre in Lagos, This guarantees continuous Appolonia data center further The over 10 years Boko Haram his idea and determination to get new Appolonia Data Centre from Nigeria which is certified to both access/uptime to hosted critical consolidates the company’s insurgency has left more than 1.5 education despite all the odds, Uptime Institute, The Global Data the Tier Certification of Design applications and data, improving investment in infrastructure million displaced, several thousand noting that the obstacle rather Centre Certifying Authority. Documents (TCDD) and Tier the overall operational efficiency to enable West Africa’s Digital widowed and orphaned, even as propelled him to move forward. A statement from the company Certification of Constructed and profitability of our customers. Economy. He noted that the many children have been forced The field officer said COVID-19 explained that the 104-rack facil- Facility (TCCF). We have engaged leading MEP data center will provide the out of school. pandemic complicated the out-of- ity extends MainOne’s MDXi’s Speaking on the award, and EPC contractors, Sterling & required infrastructural support Speaking during an event school plight of the IDPs children footprint into Ghana to deliver Chief Operating Officer, MDXi, Wilson who are handling the for the digital transformation of organised by the Fund to mark in the three northeast states of best-in-class data centre uptime Mr. Gbenga Adegbiji, stated modular mechanical and electri- businesses in Ghana without the 2020 World Children’s Day Borno, Adamawa and Yobe as and operational performance to “The Appolonia Data Centre cal units, while a team of local having to invest scarce Capital in Maiduguri, UNICEF Field Of- protected closure of schools and meet the rapidly growing demand has been designed to meet partners led by Incept Architectural and Human resources to build ficer in Borno, Mr. Maulid Warfa almost halt the education of the for Colocation, Managed Hosting rigorous standards in order to Consults (IAC) are responsible for their own infrastructure, thus urged children forced out of their IDPs children at the camps for and Cloud services in Ghana. deliver highly secure and reliable the civil, structural, construction improving business efficiency schools by insurgency and taking displaced persons. It added that the facility will infrastructure with multiple and site works. and profitability. temporary shelters at Internally He said UNICEF with collabora- Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps tion from partners, was supporting in the three most affected states of over a million children in remote the North east, Borno, Adamawa learning on radio and television in ‘Gbajabiamila Should Take Responsibility for Vendor’s Killing’ and Yobe not to be despair about Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states. the future of their education. “In Borno, 685, 000 children The Speaker of the House “The other day at a five star personal security assistant who others and, where appropri- Warfa, who recalled an experi- including those attending Islamiyya of Representatives, Hon. Femi hotel, the Speaker was seen with reports directly to him just as ate, accept responsibility for ence while growing up, said he and Tsangaya centres, are being Gbajabiamila has been asked nearly one hundred people at- HURIWA says the Speaker errors, misjudgments and was not different from them but supported with remote learning,” to take responsibility for the tending just one meeting. The showed insensitivity and negligence and recognition for today he had surmounted the he disclosed. extrajudicial killing of Abuja fuel and human resources wasted reckless lack of empathy competence, conscientiousness, obstacle thrown at him. Borno Commissioner for newspaper vendor, Mr. Ifeanyi in running the office of Speaker by failing to render first excellence and wisdom.” While He recounted the story of his Women Affairs, Hajiya Zuwaira Okereke, by a security aide in the current administration aid assistance to the responsibility is defined as a life as an IDP child in Somalia, Gambo congratulated the children. attached to the Speaker. is outrageous and wayward.” vendor the moment he bundle of obligations associ- an East African country where She urged them to see themselves The Rights group in a state- HURIWA condemns the killing was shot going by the ated with a role, accountability he lived at an IDPs camp after as future leaders even as she ment by its Executive Director, of the vendor as pure murder reports that the Speaker could be defined as “blaming being forced out of school by assured of the support of the Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and has demanded for the allegedly asked the trigger or crediting someone for an insurgents. government to the children alleged that the Speaker was immediate arrest, prosecution happy security detail why action”- normally associated He said as a victim of violence and women. in the terrible habit of moving and punishment for murder of he shot at the vendor. The with a recognised responsibility. and kidnap, the road to his educa- Some of the children that about and around Abuja with the trigger happy cop who shot attempt by the Speaker to The accountable actor is “held to tion initially appeared gloomy but spoke during the event can- hundreds of people in his convoy and killed the Abuja vendor. spread propaganda seeking external oversight, regulation, and he kept his hope alive and has a vassed for the introduction of and wondered why such a man “In management as well to exculpate or exonerate mechanisms of punishment aimed story to tell today. vocational skills in primary that had his higher education as in political leadership, his person from that de- to externally motivate responsive He urged the children not to and secondary schools. They and worked in a civilised clime the revered ethical prin- spicable crime is totally adjustment in order to maintain lose hope, stressing that the future said the skill acquired would like the United States of America ciples of responsibility and unacceptable. adherence with appropriate moral was still bright. assist them to be self-reliant to could be so power drunk and accountability demands that “Accountability in the con- standards of action.” The Rights Warfa said: “Just like you support their education. They primitive as to intimidate poor Speaker Gbajabiamila takes sidered opinion of intellectuals group said the Speaker should children, I grew up in an IDPs also asked for the continuation residents of Abuja each time he total responsibility for the and scholars is a readiness to and must take responsibility,” the camp in Southern Somalia. I was of palliatives to the poor even needs to attend a function. irresponsible conduct of his have one’s actions judged by group said. only nine (9) years at that time. after COVID-19. THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ͺ͹, 2020 9

08054699539 Kaduna-Abuja Highway: The Road to Death

he unending abductions and killings on General Wahab, it is pertinent to add that into the military in the last five years? This is the infamous Kaduna-Abuja highway the problem of the police started before the big question we should be asking Buratai. reflect all the trappings of a failed EndSARS. In the last five years, morale A new army chief needs to come and manage government. This is the main road to has been very low in the Force because the funds. death in Nigeria and has remained like the leadership failed the personnel. The On the flip side, five days after gunmen this for over two years. The abductors various reforms Adamu claims he has been killed the District Head of Gidan Zaki village, are setting up new camps daily. Hapless people implementing to reposition the Force for Haruna Kuye and his son, Destiny, in Zango T greater efficiency are mere cosmetics. Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, are abducted for ransom. Some pay and still end up being killed. Some are killed on the spot in It is a shame that the police struggle to security agents are yet to arrest anybody in the process of abduction. Motorists have become rescue their men when kidnapped. Bandits held connection with the crime. The deceased were increasingly fearful on this highway because six Assistant Superintendents of Police captive murdered at their residence by men wielding of the growth and intensity of kidnappings. in Katsina State for 9 days, until yesterday. AK-47 rifles and machetes. The late district Abduction is big business here. These can only They demanded N100 million ransom for head’s wife sustained machete wounds on her happen in a country without a government. their release. The ASPs were among the nine hand while his daughter had a gunshot wound The security of the people has evidently been on their way to the Zamfara State Police on her finger. We have been told that soldiers relegated in Nigeria. Command on transfer. They were ambushed and other security agencies are carrying out This shame of Nigeria is dizzying. It is an in the Dogondaji area of Katsina State and investigations and trailing the assailants, but open secret that the kidnappers have camps taken into the forest. still no result. Governor Nasir El-Rufai should in the bushes around the Kaduna-Abuja When the police are unable to man- go beyond condemning the killings. He said he highway. All our security agents know age crisis, the military comes in to help. had directed the Commissioner of Police and this, yet nothing has happened in terms This is the global standard. In the case of Director of the Department of State Services to of permanently taming them. I find this Nigeria, the military has failed to help on team up with the military forces on ground to extremely disgusting. The use of technology the Kaduna-Abuja highway. On Tuesday, I ensure diligent investigations. El-Rufai has to heard the army chief, Tukur Buratai, say- genuinely follow up. He has to ensure killers and high caliber equipment by security IGP Mohammed Adamu agents are pertinent here. In sound societies, ing the military is doing a lot to combat of Haruna Kuye and his son are fished out kidnappers and bandits along this notorious and made to face the law. This is the only the kidnappers would have been wiped pay kidnappers, with unending tales of woes. out with helicopter gunships. To tame the highway. “The issues of kidnapping and way killings and counter-killings can end in I remember that Col. Samaila Inusa, serving attacks by bandits are being taken care Zango Kataf. Kaduna-Abuja highway kidnappers, our with the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji, military must be proactive. They should of. The Nigerian Air Force and the Army was kidnapped by gunmen around Kamazo are doing a lot in this regard,” remarked stop regaling us with imaginary stories of area in Chikun Local Government. bombing the kidnappers. They have no Buratai. So, my dear army chief, where The police, military and other security are the results of these operations? This practical result to show in this regard. The agencies persistently fail Nigerians on the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, is evidently a ruse. Buratai knows that it Kaduna-Abuja highway. These security is still business as usual on this highway. Ndume was right when he urged security organisations have largely been grandstanding, agents to go after the bandits and kidnappers Where does President Muhammadu without any proactive measures to checkmate Buhari stand in all of these killings and in their various hideouts. They should not the kidnappers. The Inspector-General of Police, wait for them to strike before taking action. abductions on the Kaduna-Abuja highway? Mohammed Adamu, had severally given It is an embarrassment that this country’s Their camps must be persistently located instruction to his men to end kidnapping and destroyed. Chief Security Officer is AWOL. The man that on this road, without result. Adamu sits should lead the attack against kidnappers Just last Sunday, eight students of the in his office and reels out instructions that Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, were on the Kaduna-Abuja highway is nowhere are hardly obeyed. I am convinced that he to be found. Nigeria is in a deep mess. abducted on this highway. They were among is not in charge of the police and has lost the scores of people abducted same day, Buratai was last Tuesday making a control. All those accusing him of losing case for a special intervention fund for with two victims killed. As at press time, control of the police have nothing to prove the ABU students had not been freed. Their procurement of more equipment, training again. The operational and administrative and provision of accommodation and other parents are struggling to raise the ransom command and control of the Force must be demanded by the kidnappers. Security agents infrastructure in the military barracks for overhauled. Adamu has to go for a new his men. He said more money is needed for are also often abducted on this notorious axis IG to come in and do this refit. and they pay for their freedom. What a country! procurement of hardware equipment and A retired army general, Garba Wahab, “procurement of platforms for the Armoured Last September, an army officer, Colonel S.B remarked recently: “The IGP May be sitting Onifade was abducted and killed by the bandits Corps also requires special intervention in Abuja with the paraphernalia of office, because with 100 per cent equipment capability, DSS DG, Yusuf Bichi after N10 million ransom was collected. The but he has lost the control of the police military could not rescue one of its own. How tackling insecurity will be enhanced and criminal force.” The retired infantry army general elements wiped out.” will they rescue ordinary Nigerians? was unequivocal that something must Communities located on the Kaduna-Abuja I am not impressed one bit by the army be done urgently for the police to regain chief’s request for more funds. I agree that Skewed DSS highway are also persistently attacked by the their morale that has been at the lowest kidnappers. Chikun and Kagarko local govern- the military needs to be better equipped, but ebb after the attack on barracks and its any money pumped into the military under Recruitment ment areas are badly affected. Nigerians living personnel by hoodlums who hijacked the in these two local governments persistently its present leadership will be a waste. What EndSARS protests. Much as I agree with has happened to the billions of Naira pumped The Department of State Service (DSS) under Yusuf Bichi is notorious for disrespecting the federal character law entrenched in the Nigerian Constitution. Several weeks after the last scandalous lopsided recruitment into the agency, those who Unparalleled Treachery of Dave Umahi should call him to order have refused to speak up. This means that Bichi has the support of the I nearly cracked my ribs with laughter on Is there anything cast in iron in Nigerian Presidency in this barefaced disregard for the Tuesday while reading reports that Governor politics? By Wednesday, Umahi added that Nigerian Constitution. The DSS itself has not Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State had defected to he left the PDP because Governor Nyesom denied the tilted recruitment. In the enlistment, the All Progressives Congress. This governor Wike controls the party. These bread and Katsina, the state of President Buhari alone has 51 spent most of this week dancing naked. For butter politicians never cease to amaze me. cadets as against 44 cadets for the whole of the this man and many other Nigerian politi- Umahi should have looked for a better reason five states in the South-east. A deeper probe of the cians, it’s just about their personal interest. for leaving the PDP instead of opening his newly commissioned cadet officers on geopolitical Umahi’s heart and soul had always been mouth to reel out rubbish. Real men don’t zone shows that 165 are from the North-west, with the APC. He has his eyes on a bigger unleash such lies. while the entire South-south has 42. North-east pie at the federal level and has been told For the likes of Umahi, it’s not about has 100, North-central, 66 and South-west, 57. he would get it by defecting to the ruling ideology but the next meal ticket and personal The DSS boss allegedly recruited a large number party. So, Umahi came up with humdrum ambition. Politics of ideology took a flight from of cadets from Bichi Local Government of Kano reasons for dumping the PDP. our dear nation a long time ago. Umahi knows State where he is from. He said he abandoned the PDP in protest the difference between a Progressive and a So, what is the relevance of the Federal against the injustice done to the South-east Conservative, but his belly and unbridled Character Commission (FCC) established to by the party since 1998, adding that the APC ambition supersede. Today, he’s a enforce federal character in recruitment into would protect the interest of the region in the progressive and before you know it, Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the federal 2023 presidential election. Haba! Injustice to he’s flying the flag of conservatives. government? The FC is just a lame duck. This the South-east by the PDP? PDP has always It’s all about his stomach and desire. is responsible for the consistent abuse of federal been South-east and South-east is PDP. This This country can’t make progress with character in the MDAs. The Buhari government region benefited the most when PDP was people like these. Obviously, Umahi can’t does it with so much impunity. This is most glaring in power at the centre. Besides, what has be trusted. The guys in the APC know Governor Dave Umahi in appointments into military and paramilitary Umahi done for the South-east in all his this and are apparently having a good is why Umahi, who was deputy governor agencies. A section of the country dominates. years in government? When the PDP zoned laugh. I am surprised that he is the only one for eight years and governor for a second Even the FCC was constituted without regard the position of national vice-chairman to unaware of this. This is why he is dreaming term under PDP, is shifting to APC. He is to the federal character principle it is supposed the South-east, Umahi cornered it for his of a bigger position at the federal level on now stacking heaps of rubbish on the same to enforce. So, the FCC is dead on arrival. This younger brother, Chief Austin Umahi. Is the platform of the APC. PDP that gave him fame and power. This is is why the likes of Yusuf Bichi can get away this how to fight for the South-east? Many are clearly enjoying the Umahi with anything. the usual treachery by Nigerian politicians Civil society groups must rise and challenge APC will protect the interest of the soap opera. Let him continue his drive for for personal goals. I won’t be surprised to this skewed DSS recruitment in court. The exercise region in the 2023 presidential election? power, more bread and more butter. This find Umahi back in the PDP in few years. must be cancelled. 10 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 21, 2020 SUPER SATURDAY Jokeoke Silvailvlvava andand Olulu Jacobsacobs 35 Years and Still Sturdy

Two Nollywoody stars, Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs, spent most of this week celebrat- ingg 35 years of matrimony.y Joke and her “Omoboy” have had a jjourney full of good and inspiringg stories, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

ollywoody stars, Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs enjjyoy being togetherg as a couplep many yearsy down the line despitep their stardom and individual Nroles. That togethernessg has taken them far as best friends and life pyppartners for 35 years. It’s a thinggjg of enormous joy as such to see both iconic duo win togethergpg as thespians and as husband and wife on all fronts. To mark their 35th weddinggyg anniversary last Monday,y Joke took to her verified Instagram account to celebrate their union, taggingggg her husband, Olu, that she nearlyygy forgot it was their weddinggyg anniversary. “Maybeyg not forgot but overwhelmed,” Joke wrote, recallingg that their marital journeyjyy had taken three decades and a half. The highlygy respectedp and award-winning actress, who fondlyy calls her man “Omoboy”y shared a php oto of herself and her husband, thanked God for the yearsyp she had spentp with her sweetheart and wished the two of them manyyy more years to come. Wearingg traditionally- desiggpned African print with their faces full of smiles, Joke wrote: “Totallyyg forgot. 35 years y together. Thank you, Lord. Here is to manyyy more years. Happyppy wedding g anniversary Omo boyyjy @_olujacobs.” Blessed with two male children, the celebrated couplep have stood the test of time in their marriageg and a shining examplpye for many in the institution of marriage.g Also together,gy theyy have charted the pathp and blazed the trail for today’syg generation of filmmak- ers and actors – on stageg and on the screen. A storyyg goes that Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva met in 1981 and it has been a jjyourney full of g ood and inspiringpg stories. According g to Olu, who is now demure Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva with agegg @ 78, gentled by y the years, he met Joke during the THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 21, 2020 11 SUPER SATURDAY Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs: 35 Years and Still Sturdy

Olu and Joke pre-productionpppgpygy of a stage gpy play in Nigeria g a yyear extremelyyg interesting for both. It has also been on what ygyour background is.” after he arrived from Englg and. He saw her and one of learning.gpg Once speaking on their marriage, gAmid the storms and pperceived rollercoaster had a connection as he gotgy attracted by her look Joke said: “I don’t think anybodyyy can ever ppprepare journeyjy of their sweet matrimony, y there were instantly and declared his intention to marry her anyygone for marriage. I had friends who were mar- times when it almost hit a brick wall. Joke said: openly.py ried until one partnerpp died or death did them part “It happenedpp a lot. I recall a pparticular incident Olu said that the moment he set his eyesy on and well over 40 years we’re each other’s friends. that happenedpp when we jjust had our first baby.y It Joke, he knew she was his wife. He said, “We Theyygy had their challengesgy and they weathered the turned out to be a learningg curve for me. Olu had were havinggg a management meeting gpg for a play, storm. Those were myyg role models. Knowing full justjppyp come back from set. Apparently,pp y what hap p- Wole Soyinka’syp Jero Metamorphosis when a well that there will be storm, I soon realised that penedp was that he was still in that character that youngygy ladyyy walked in. Immediately y she walked myyy storms were totallyy different from their own he had jpyjust played on set. So we were jjust talking in, somethingg inside me told me that she was storms. I wasn’t preparedpp for my y own storms. and he jjgust started shouting and I was like, ‘Is it goinggggy to be my y wife and I told the pppeoplep around “When myy own storms too came, it was also a me ygyyou are talking to? Do you think I don’t have me that I was goinggg to marry y her. That was in learninggy curve for both sides (my husband and I). a father?’ So I ppyacked my clothes and I dump ed 1981. In 1986, we got married. I was not in a We both had to learn to forgiveg each other. I learnt it in myyyy car, carried my baby and I remember our relationship.pppp I had a disappointmentpp that kept that marriageg is not a destination; it’s a continuous landladyyp lived at the back of our compound. me awayyy and I never wanted anyy serious com- journey,jy and somehow, it seems like the enemy y “So, she (landlady)y came out and started shout- mitment because the wound was still raw but knows that, so he says,yy ‘So, you weathered this ing,gygg ‘Joke, where are you going to?’ I told her when I met her, we talked and played a lot and it storm, let me throw another one, let me see that I was ggggoing to my y father’s house. When I ggot surprisedppp people a lot. whether youy will weather this one.’ But, I think home the first pyperson I saw was myy mum and she “We travelled togetherg a lot as well. When the when ypyyou know the person you are married to, said, ‘what are ygyou doing here?’ I began g ranting g time came, I did not hesitate and it was as if she when ypyyou like the person you are in relationship and she said ‘youy don’t have a house or a room was waitinggq for the question as well. I proposed pp with, when youyp do have respect for each other, here; youypyggypyg better pack your bags and go home.’ to her in Tunisia because we were shooting a film, youyy learn. At least for me, for myy husband, he Myy father sort of understood where I was coming Ashanti. She came to joinj me there on her way to alwaysy wanted what was best for me. I had to also from. Funnily,yy my husband called and asked, Englandgy and I asked her to marry me.” learn what was best for him but I finallyyg got. It ‘When are youyg coming home?’ That was the first So far, the journey has been incredible and differs from person to person and it all depends time, and I did it a couple of other times.” 12 ͺ͹˜ͺ͸ͺ͸˾THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER COMMENTARY BALA MOHAMMED’S QUEST FOR STABILITY In the face of grave national crisis, Mohammed is steadfast in the pursuit of political stability, writes Emma Agu hese are difficult times: for Nigeria and Nigerians; for Why then did the youth of Bauchi State shun the protest the government and the people of a potentially great in spite of pre-existing socio-economic conditions? One country but whose extraordinary endowment has answer lays in the systematic shrinking of youth unemploy- been squandered; to the point that it is now begging ment through sustained empowerment programmes by Tother countries for peanuts, compared to the colossal wealth the Bala Mohammed administration. As if the government that has been frittered away. These are times that task the envisaged the impending implosion, as lately as September resolve of men and women and challenge leadership to 2020, it had started distributing 1000 tricycles and 250 trans- either play on the highway of nobility or totter along the port vehicles to the youth, under a highly subsidized hire alley of mundane pedestrianism. purchase scheme. Before that, 4000 youth who were trained I have always believed that the best time to assess by the state government, in modern farming techniques, political leadership is when danger lurks, particularly when had taken to the farms and were no longer available for the existing social order faces the risk of collapse. The recent recruitment either as insurgents or protesters. The implica- EndSARS protest was one such conundrum and despite tion is that, if an idle head is the devil’s workshop, then the the posturing by some commentators, it caught Nigeria’s devil could not recruit followers from Bauchi State. political leadership flat-footed. One other important deterrent was Bala Mohammed’s Credit had been given to the federal government’s single-minded commitment to pre-emptive security which handling of the agitation before some elements in military entailed deploying resources to intelligence gathering, uniform bungled the response through a mindless shooting logistical support to the security paraphernalia of the state spree, at the Lekki Toll Gate, in Lagos that is now the and the domestication of rural security in the hands of local subject of an intriguing investigation. leaders. All the security chiefs at the meeting confirmed Today, as the denials and the blame games make the that the administration has encouraged various stakeholder rounds, and frantic efforts are being made to douse tensions groups, particularly the security agencies, to take ownership and restore a sense of normalcy, our thoughts and prayers of internal security. The result is the presence of an effective go the families of both the protesters and the security intelligence network that ensures that, more often than not, personnel who lost loved ones to the mayhem. It will security threats are nipped in the bud before they get out of remain one sad blot on the bloody canvass of Nigeria’s hand. quest for enlightened policing and an effective internal But if those were the remote conditions predisposing security architecture. the youth of Bauchi into calm sobriety, his handling of the Be that as it may, it was not bungling and fumbling all actual town hall meeting on security, threw ample light on the way. Though belated as it was, the dialogue initiated by those leadership qualities of Bala Mohammed that have President Muhammadu Buhari, aimed at engaging critical encouraged the people to take ownership of their own stakeholders, particularly the youths, in finding a solution to security and ultimately their lives. As Chairman of the the problem, is step in the right direction. A flurry of town occasion, Bala Mohammed assumed the posture of a neutral hall meetings and entreaties, by prominent Nigerians, to leader, albeit in a deeply polarised political setting. He had the protesters to sheath their swords appears to be making an ear for everyone who wanted to speak, empathised with the right impact. By happenstance, I witnessed the town every complainant, regretted the wanton killings that took hall meeting in Bauchi, where stakeholders beamed their place, assured every despondent person, assuaged some searchlight on the protests: the events, probable causes and restless youth who, from their persistent gesture and thinly likely solutions. Fireworks, there were: but ultimately, what disguised heckling, had obviously targeted some of the obtained was akin to a family meeting where m embers guests at the town hall meeting. subjected the existential threats confronting the nation, For those who expected the governor, to play the partisan particularly Bauchi State, to honest and rigorous scrutiny. card, who expected him to blame the APC-controlled federal The time was short but well utilized; credit to all those government for the crisis engulfing the country, they were present but more to the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala wrong. To Bala Mohammed, the crisis that had engulfed the Abdulkadir Mohammed. To appreciate the yeoman’s role he country called for statesmanship, not politics; for honesty, played, one needs to understand the peculiarities of Bauchi not duplicity and for compassion, not grand-standing State, in which the House of Assembly, is controlled by the or threats. His antecedents, as a statesman, speak to a leading opposition party in the state, the All Progressives predictable consistency. The one that readily comes to mind Congress (APC); yet nobody could use the EndSARS was when, in 2010, some elements tried to stall Goodluck protest for political ends. Here is a state that, prior to May Jonathan’s ascent to the Presidency. Bala Mohammed, then 2019, had the highest number of out-of-school pupils of a Senator under the banner of the All Nigeria Peoples Party 1.3 million, a potentially lethal reservoir for recruitment of (ANPP), sponsored the Doctrine of Necessity resolution that jobless youths; yet they did not take the bait to pour into paved the way for Goodluck Jonathan, to become acting the streets. Here is a state where prior to Bala Mohammed’s President and later President. Here then, was one such other assumption of office as governor, restive youths known as situation: the nation was in the throes of anarchy; political Sara Suka regularly terrorized the people, yet the youth TO BALA MOHAMMED, THE CRISIS THAT HAD ENGULFED hounds were baying for blood and to get that blood could present at the event heeded the entreaties to remain calm THE COUNTRY CALLED FOR STATESMANSHIP, NOT throw the nation into irreversible destabilisation. even as speaker after speaker, lamented the parlous state Towering high above petty partisanship, he wore the garb of the national economy and the high-handedness of some POLITICS; FOR HONESTY, NOT DUPLICITY AND FOR of a statesman, giving deserved recognition to the empower- elements of the disbanded SARS! COMPASSION, NOT GRAND-STANDING OR THREATS ment programmes of the federal government. RAGE OVER FUEL PRICE INCREASE Ayo Oyoze Baje argues that Nigerians are overburdened “Leadership is taking responsibility, while love for the country through your essays, people of Nigeria? If again it now claims $25 billion (N11.800 trillion) in turnaround others are making excuses” -John Maxwell lectures and contributions on topical television to have removed fuel subsidy, which they maintenance of refineries in the past 25 years programs. But please, don’t try to explain or lambasted the previous Goodluck Jonathan-led while the oil production facilities still remain hat do these people in defend what these callous people have done. administration of misuse, what stops it from moribund. government take long- Tell me, do they understand the meaning of using part of the subsidy to provide impact- We want the outcome of the Senate Com- suffering Nigerians for? How deregulation? In fact, which oil industry are making palliatives to put a smile on the faces mittee on Downstream Petroleum Sector’s do we explain or begin to you even talking about? of hapless Nigerians? Why not use part of the probe of the NNPC’s claim to have spent “Wjustify four increases in the pump price of “Do you mean an oil industry which boasts subsidy to build strong and stable infrastruc- over $396 million(N186.912bn) between 2013 petrol within one year, coming soon after the of four comatose refineries, on which they ture to act as catalysts to boost the economy and 2015 on maintaining refineries. Again, we months of excruciating lockdown cause d by claim to spend billions of Naira every blessed through employment generation? Why not sell need explanations as to how NNPC incurred the COVID-19 pandemic? This was at a time month for the never-ending turn-around main- off the refineries, if real deregulation has taken a cumulative loss of N123.25 billion within when other people-friendly and compassionate tenance, without producing a drop of refined place? 10 months between January to October 2019, leaders across the world were sharing various petrol? Do you mean an industry reflecting Honestly, something must be missing putting the total revenue of the facilities forms of palliatives to cushion the economic a rental state where the NNPC workers somewhere along the productive value chain at N68.82 billion while the total expenses effects on their citizens. But what were our keep being paid for little or no meaningful that leads to sustainable economic develop- incurred was N192.1 billion within the same own political helmsmen doing? They were work done? Do you mean an industry that ment. The pain again is that when important period! It is also our right as tax-paying busy hoarding the palliatives, increasing Value has become a conduit pipe? In fact, do you decisions, such as the fuel price increase is citizens to understand the patriotic concerns Added Tax (VAT) and electricity tariff, not consider Nigeria as an oil producing country, made without the stakeholders’ input and the of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, that minding the negative ripple effects these have all? ” Andrew went on, reeling bare facts and government tries to find excuses to justify it, the country spends a whopping N120 billion on the fragile economy. figures to put paid to any claim to the fight such exhibits nothing but a disconnect in the annually on these non-performing refineries. “Now, we are confronted with an escalating against corruption in the oil industry. governance process. Indeed, Nigerians deserve to know why inflation rate that has spiralled to over 14 per And all these reminded me about Obi For instance, for the Minister of State for they have to pay a huge sum of N170 per litre cent while the exchange rate has hit N472 Ezekwesili’s candid opinion on the series of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva to of petrol, especially in their country ranked as per dollar! With these several businesses will pump price increases. She referred to them claim that the new price is due to the an- Africa’s largest oil producer and also home to definitely crumble. Perhaps, it is all because as: “cosmetic price-fixing measures of this nouncement of a positive outcome in the final the second-largest proven oil reserves in Africa. they do not spend a kobo of their stolen administration that it continues to wrongly stage trial of the coronavirus vaccine is indeed It happens to be the 11th-largest oil producer wealth to buy fuel, pay for electric power or call deregulation. Real deregulation and laughable! The vaccine is being developed by in the world. They should also task the crop even buy raw food items in the market. liberalization of the of the petroleum sector American pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer Inc. of their past and present leaders to explain “For me, this is nothing but sheer cruelty. would result in the same kind of structural in collaboration with BioNTech. How do we why there is so much youth unemployment, They do not wear the same shoes as we do change that happened in the telecommunica- explain the paradox of the NNPC claiming to job losses, decrepit infrastructure, insecurity and therefore, do not know where they pinch tions sector, making it possible for the poorest have spent N535.9 billion on subsidy, FAAC and poverty in a land God has blessed with us”! That was vintage Andrew, my friend of to have access to mobile phone services when precisely in the First Quarter 2020? ‘milk and honey’. over two decades venting his anger. competition amongst private sector companies As if adding fuel to the raging fire of anger So far, we have been taken on a long, “Calm down, Andrew, because this is one terminated the previous government’s in the land, Sylva said off-handedly that donkey ride and enough is indeed, enough! of the spin-off effects of the deregulation of monopoly and the costly inefficiency of Nigerians will soon get used to it. To him As Andrew, my good friend rightly stated, it is the downstream sector of the oil industry”. NITEL’s provision of telephone services.” That there was nothing wrong with the recent price time for our so-called political leaders to wear I began to explain but only got Andrew’s makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it? of the Premium Motor Spirit(Petrol)! But no! our shoes and feel exactly where they pinch emotions triggered off. Of course, it does. If the administration We are not donkeys that keep enduring the us. We need credible answers to these ques- “Mr. Baje, you should know that you are that promised to reactivate the refineries has owners’ profit-making loads on its back and tions, because we claim to run a democracy one of the few Nigerians I respect, because failed over five years down the line, where moving ahead with a ‘mumu’ smile. We have where the leaders should be accountable to the you have consistently expressed your undying lies the trust element, between it and the good started asking how Nigeria has spent about people and not to themselves. ͺ͹˜ͺ͸ͺ͸˾THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER 13 INSIGHT

The shame of a nation... TO OUR READERS /HWWHUVLQUHVSRQVHWRVSHFL¿FSXEOLFDWLRQVLQ7+,6'$[email protected]:HDOVRZHOFRPHFRPPHQWVDQGRSLQLRQVRQWRSLFDOORFDOQDWLRQDO DQGLQWHUQDWLRQDOLVVXHVSURYLGHGWKH\DUHZHOOZULWWHQDQGVKRXOGDOVRQRWEHORQJHUWKDW ZRUGV 7KH\VKRXOGEHVHQWWR [email protected]DORQJZLWKWKHHPDLODGGUHVVDQGSKRQHQXPEHUVRIWKHZULWHU Kidnap of ABU French-Language Students Makama and Misau/Dam- igeria and the intentions of disseminated across the country. Now, then, Nigerians do present no-brainer it was reported in the news media that a puzzles that a six-year-old can blatant kidnap job was done on French- bam Constituency solve with ease. For a much older language students of the Ahmadu Bello he essence of democracy is to give room to all citizens to Nfolk like me, I was only left wondering in University, Zaria, who were on a journey participate in the process of governance through representa- perplexity about the actions and utterances to Lagos to link-up with a purpose-specific tion. Nigeria operates a representative democracy in which of a segment of Nigeria regarding the French cultural centre to further their government constitutes three arms namely, the executive, recent situation in France that threatened to finer grasp of this foreign language. The Tjudiciary and legislature. The legislature is the institution which escalate on account of the beheading of a way a pro-north newspaper reported this differentiates a democracy from a dictatorship. It constitutes school teacher, Samuel Paty, by an Islamist. kidnap incidence, you do not have to be an elected senators for the Upper Chamber and elected representa- What troubled me really was the call by intelligence officer to start thinking of so tives for the Lower Chamber as it is with the presidential system. the far-right party of Marine LePen to expel many questions to answer. We understand Legislators have the onus to stand for their constituents to nonconformist Muslims in France by force; that there were more female students on check the excesses of the executive arm, make laws and facilitate this party, the National Front, is slowly that fateful trip than male students and in bringing dividends of democracy to their constituencies. The gaining a wider berth in the French society. we parents can only sit back and imagine process of the workings at the National Assembly is done through However, over here in Nigeria, especially at the horror of a religiously-fuelled vendetta bill, which may be sponsored by a member or come as either an Kano State, the state governor and a local on hapless Nigerian maidens. But, who executive or a private bill. Before a bill becomes a law, it has to mullah ummah went into vituperative over- ordered that hit? Whatever think-thank had pass through three readings at the legislature and get a presiden- drive, renaming the popular France Road at advanced the cause of kidnappers and ter- tial assent. Sabon Gari in Kano City as “Madina Road” rorists as necessary political tools to effect It can therefore be inferred at this junction that the legislature and calling louder for “punitive” actions changes in the body polity (the kidnap of is of so much democratic importance whereas Abraham Lincoln to be taken against the interests of France, the Christian Chibok girls was the main would vehemently agree, the people get to own the government, including the sack of all French nationals in issue that forced Goodluck Jonathan out) have it for themselves all by themselves. the service of the Kano State Government had also unwittingly chart the course for Thus, if the purpose of having the legislature as an institution and replacing French with Arabic in school the disintegration of Nigeria. Point to note of democracy is to be achieved, only conscious, concerned and curriculum over there. What I did not hear is that an action of this nature further well-meaning politicians deserve to be elected to serve in either was a call to the ummah of Nigeria to shun reinforces the convictions of people like of the hallowed chambers of the NASS. Else, politicians without France mainland in their holiday and medi- Trenton Tarrant and Emmanuel Macron. capacity will go there only to constitute nuisance to the demo- cal tours. Whatever the comical effect and Sunday Adole Jonah, cratic process, waste tax payers’ money and mar rather than make hypocrisy of such attitudes of our Kanawa Department of Physics, Federal their constituents and constituencies. compatriots, the message of hate for France University of Technology, Minna, Niger Such is the scenario in Misau/Dambam federal constituency and President Emmanuel Macron was duly State where in more than one year of stay at the NASS, Honorable Ibrahim Makama has sponsored zero bills. In fact, the member is yet to second a You’re Fired THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER moved motion. This is in spite of the fact EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE resident Trump has fired Christopher that his constituents are facing a plethora Krebs who was the head of the agency DEPUTY EDITOR FESTUS AKANBI MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO of challenges which if nothing is done, we that oversaw the voting technology. The DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE will continue to perceive the miasma of reason he was fired was that he did his CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI hopelessness in such a manner as to keep Pjob properly and said so despite the president EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN saying the opposite. Basically, the president MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE us in permanent state of despair. has said the election was rigged which ef- And as if to inflict more pains to the fectively means he considers Krebs to have injuries Misau/Dambam is sustaining, rigged the results. This would lead to lawsuits THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED courtesy of the honorable member’s if there was any credibility to the accusation or EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA absolute low performance at the Green GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, Chamber, Hon. Makama cannot be traced the accuser. ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI Most people are honest, do their jobs and located by any of his constituents. He DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE has no Constituency Office and even at properly and the better their job performance DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI is, the more secure their job is except in the of SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH that, no one can tell the last time he was “You’re Fired!” Trump reality tv world. ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO sighted for instance, in either Tofu Ward Keep your head up Chris, you did the right CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI in Misau Local Government or Yanda thing. Well done. DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO Ward in Dambam Local Government. HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA Dennis Fitzgerald, TO SEND EMAIL: ﬁrst [email protected] Mukhtar Jarmajo, Misau Town, Misau Melbourne, Australia LGA, Bauchi State 14 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 21, 2020 NEWS

Zenith Bank, UBA Post N963.4bn Gross Earnings, N236bn Proﬁt Goddy Egene Zenith Bank attracted deposits of N5.224 trillion from customers, Zenith Bank Plc and United Bank up by32.2 per cent compared with for Africa (UBA) Plc, pan-African 3.952 trillion recorded as at December financial institutions, have reported 31, 2019. In the same vein, the bank a combined gross earnings of N963.375 gave out loans of N2.711 trillion to billion and profit after tax (PAT) of customers, showing a growth of 32.6 N236.132 billion for the nine months per cent from N2.043 trillion recorded ended September 30, 2020 despite the at December 2019. challenging operating environment. On its part, UBA grew its gross A breakdown of the results showed earnings from N428.7 billion in 2019 that Zenith Bank Plc recorded to N454.4 billion in 2020. gross earnings of N508.975 billion, Net interest income rose by 17 per indicating a growth of 3.6 per cent cent to N186 billion compared with compared with N491.268 billion in N158.9 billion. Impairment charges the corresponding period of 2019. printed at N11.476 billion, up from Net interest income improved by N6.663 billion in 2019. 4.9 per cent to N225.179 billion, from UBA reported a Profit Before Tax N214.627 billion, while non fee and (PBT)of N90.4 billion compared to commission income fell by 19.9 per N98.2 billion recorded in 2019. cent to N59.123 billion, from N73.847 Similarly, the bank recorded an billion. Impairment charges increased after-tax net profit of N77.1 billion, HONOUR WELL DESERVED ... by 37.5 per cent to N25.1 billion from thus putting its annualised return N18.259 billion. on average equity at 16.4 per cent. L-R: Managing Director, Castle Concert Limited, Engr. Edward N. Moore, receiving the plaque of conferment of Fellowship of Nigerian Society of Engineers Profit before tax stood at N177.283 Operating income also improved by (FNSE) from the President of NSE, Engr. Babagana Mohammed, FNSE, in Abuja...recently billion, showing an increase of 0.6 per 10.4 per cent year-on-year to close cent, while profit after tax grew faster at N293.7 billion, up from N265.9 by 5.7 per cent to N159.315 billion billion achieved in the corresponding Kyari: Gas Supply to Power Generating from N150.723 billion. period of 2019. Barkindo: New Wave of COVID-19 Calls Companies has Improved for more Sacriﬁces from Oil Producers Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja man, attributed the success of developed in Abuja, Kaduna and the corporation that his committee the corporation in the gas sector Kano. would undertake an oversight Festus Akanbi remained massive in both the Organ- Group Managing Director of to the support and cooperation In its remarks, the Senate Com- visit to the projects for proper isation for Economic Co-operation the Nigerian National Petroleum of the committee and the entire mittee on Gas commended the assessment soon. As the global community comes and Development (OECD) countries; Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele legislature. NNPC on the various gas develop- On his part, a member of the to terms with the new wave of and non-OECD. He said the situation Kyari, has said that gas supply to He said gas supply to power ment projects it had undertaken, committee, who is also the im- COVID-19 pandemic, the Secretary required vigilance and continuous power generating companies (Gen- had improved to a large measure, especially the Ajaokuta - Kaduna mediate past chairman, Senator General of the Organisation of the monitoring, particularly given the cos), has significantly improved, which he said was evident in the - Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project. Albert Akpan Bassey, lauded the Petroleum Oil Exporting Countries large uncertainties going forward. adding that the major challenge improved power supply currently Chairman of the Committee, NNPC for publishing the 2018 and (OPEC), Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo, The JMMC came ahead of the now is that of transmission. being witnessed in the country. Senator James Manager, the state- 2019 Audited Financial Statements has raised the fear that the modest impending 180th Meeting of the A statement by the Group Gen- “We have significant gas in the ment said, expressed satisfaction (AFS) and for reducing losses by gains achieved in moderating global OPEC Conference on 30 November, eral Manager, Group Public Affairs network currently, but the chal- with the various gas development over 95 per cent. oil market so far in the year could and the 12th OPEC and non-OPEC Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, said lenge however, is transmission,” projects embarked upon by the “I want to commend the team pale into insignificance unless more Ministerial Meeting on 1 December, that Kyari spoke during the 2021 the Kyari stated. NNPC despite the impact of led by the present GMD, a team of sacrifices are made by OPEC members. According to him, the large fiscal budget defence and performance On the AKK pipeline project, the COVID-19 on the oil and gas dedicated and passionate Nigerians. Barkindo, who acknowledged the stimulus packages remain supportive, appraisal meeting with officials of NNPC boss told the lawmakers industry. If they can reduce losses drastically previous sacrifices and ongoing efforts and vaccines offer hope, but the the corporation which held at the that it was designed to supply 2 He said the interface between within such a short time, I am of key global economic leaders to benefits of the latter will take time National Assembly Complex, Abuja. billion cubic feet of gas per day the committee and the NNPC sure the next report will reveal tackle the fallouts of the pandemic to trickle through to the real economy, Kyari, who was represented (2bcfd), stressing that it would would have been more frequent huge profit to the country. We said new lockdowns, second and and oil demand growth. by the Chief Operating Officer, be the primary source of gas for but for the lockdown due to the must give them our support and third waves of COVID-19 and high He stated that “the COVID-19 Gas and Power, Mr. Yusuf Us- the power plants currently being COVID-19 pandemic and reassured cooperation,” he stated. levels of unemployment, remain major pandemic showed no sign of abating, concerns globally. ripping through regions, countries He therefore called for concerted and populations as we head into the MSME Survival Fund: SMEDAN Warns Applicants to Be Wary of Extortionists efforts in ensuring stability in the global northern hemisphere winter,” noting oil market. however that “the announcement of Wole Ayodele in Jalingo State, during a town hall meeting or facilitate their applications, the Radda stated that a total of 330,000 The OPEC chief, who spoke at the various COVID-19 vaccines with over to sensitise artisans and transport DG assured the people that every artisans and transport business 24th meeting of the Joint Ministerial 90% efficacy rates, including Russia’s The Small and Medium Enterprises business operators on how to application would be treated on operators would benefit from the Monitoring Committee (JMMC) held Sputnik coronavirus vaccine, had given Development Agency of Nigeria access the MSME Survival Fund, its merit. programme across the country via videoconference during the week, a shot in the arm to the economic and (SMEDAN) has warned applicants Director General of SMEDAN, Dr. The meeting, which was attended which translates to 9,009 in each noted that despite conformity to oil demand outlook, offering some of the MSME Survival Fund to be Dikko Umaru Radda, stated that by the officials of trade associations state and FCT. production adjustments, the overhang hope going forward.” wary of extortionists and refrain from application and processing of the in the state including tailors, barbers, Each of the beneficiary, according to giving money to anybody to access grant is 100 per cent free. plumbers, NURTW and other him, would receive a grant of N30,000 the funds. Insisting that applicants must not stakeholders was scheduled to hold to cushion the effect of COVID-19 Abia Economy Suffers due to Poor Speaking in Jalingo, Taraba offer money to anybody to register across the 36 states and FCT. pandemic and the resultant lockdown. State of Federal Roads, Says Ikpeazu APC Govs Storm Jonathan’s House As He Marks 63rd Birthday Cont:d from Pg. 5 Emmanuel Ugwu Cross River and is connected to its neighbours by network of federal In a statement issued by the currency, enhanced transparency in detribalised Nigerian, whose sense of last four years I have been with Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie roads that are all in state of disrepair. National Publicity Secretary of the governance, boost the productivity of honesty, humility, selflessness, love for President Jonathan on his birthday. Ikpeazu, has called on contractors Ikpeazu, who expressed his frustra- PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, “Nigerians Nigerians in every sector of national all Nigerians, as well as commitment Unfortunately this year I could not handling the rehabilitation of federal tion with some of the contractors will remain eternally grateful to and international endeavors and and personal sacrifices for the unity make it because I am touring the roads in the state to quicken the pace engaged by the federal government former President Jonathan for his granted the nation a strong voice and stability of the nation saved her South-east and South-south for a of work as the poor state of the roads to fix the roads, said that his patience personal sacrifices towards the unity among the comity of nations. corporate existence and laid the solid series of crucial political meetings was already doing harm to the Abia was running out. and stability of our dear nation to Besides, the PDP said that “the life foundation for the national unanimity but we spoke on the phone during economy. He warned that if the contractors ensure the corporate existence of our style of former President Jonathan is the nation enjoys today. the party and I am delighted that no He vowed that he would intervene failed to change their lackadaisical country during one of her very trying one which teaches the immeasurable The caucus said, ‘’Over the less than four APC governors and to save the situation if the contractors attitude and return to site he would moments. values of humility, patience, faith and years, as the deputy governor and my good friend the APC chieftain failed to live up to expectation. The have no alternative than to take over “This is in addition to his efforts loyalty. From him flows a lesson for later governor of Bayelsa State; Vice Kashim Ibrahim Imam honored this governor lamented the harm which the rehabilitation of the already in entrenching democratic tenets of leaders to remain steadfast to their President and subsequently the great man with their presence. the dilapidated federal road network awarded federal roads. rule of law, respect for constitutionally calling and avoid desperate quest President of our dear country, and “This says a lot for the APC and was doing to the economy of Abia, Governor Ikpeazu stated that his guaranteed rights and personal liberty for political power at all cost.” now a global statesman, Dr. Jonathan it confirms the fact that we can play vowing that he would intervene to past efforts to rehabilitate federal of citizens, as well as strengthening has continued to exhibit uncommon politics without bitterness in this save the situation. roads in the state were frustrated our electoral system and institutions Jonathan, an Outstanding leadership virtues in seeking only the county. I wish some PDP governors Speaking at an interactive session with litigations by contractors and of government for national growth Leader-House Minority Caucus good of our nation and humanity had been there too because many of with journalists at Umuahia, the nonchalant attitude of the relevant and stability,” he said. In its tribute, the Minority Caucus at large.” them love him too. President Jonathan governor noted that it was becoming federal ministry. Moreover, the PDP said that in the House of Representatives is by far the most humble, civilised increasingly difficult for business and Citing the federal road that links the former President Jonathan is described Jonathan as outstand- Fani-Kayode Felicitates with and humane person in Nigerian commerce to flourish as it used to the NNPC Depot at Osisioma to celebrated for his giant strides in ing statesman and quintessential Jonathan politics today. A great leader and between Abia and it’s neighbouring Owerrinta in Isiala Ngwa South repositioning the nation’s economy democrat. Former aviation minister, Femi a kind, gentle and compassionate states due to the very poor state of local government through to Port to become one of the fastest growing The caucus in a statement signed Fani-Kayode in his goodwill message man; he is our leader and wherever interstate roads. Harcourt, Ikpeazu said that he had in the world, through meticulous by its leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu to Jonathan, described him as a a he goes is where we will go. May Abia shares boundaries with seven commenced the reconstruction of the application of robust economic policies said Jonathan is an extraordinary kind, gentle and compassionate man. God bless and keep him for many states, namely Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, road but the federal authorities halted in key sectors, which stabilised the leader, a shining example of a Fani-Kayode said: “For the more years.” Anambra, Rivers Akwa Ibom and the project. THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NͰͯ˜ͰͮͰͮ 15 NEWSXTRA 'Don’t Drag Ohaneze Ndigbo into Partisan Politics over Umahi' Bennett Oghifo Eddie Mbadiwe and Profes- pected the Ohaneze to study David Umahi’s projected authority on matters con- Ohaneze should take time sor Chudi Uwazurike stated the political landscape at the defection from PDP to APC. cerning Ndigbo. We advise to study the activities of Ibo Prominent leaders in the this in reaction to an alleged appropriate time and advise “Governor Umahi in ful- Ohaneze to focus heavily on state union in the period South-east have warned statement by the organisa- the Igbos on what best serve filment of his political ambi- our peoples well-being and 1940 - 1957. that the strength of the tion endorsing the recent their interest. tion is within his rights to resist being dragged into “For a major part of this Ohaneze Ndigbo, a socio- defection of Governor David “We have noted with play politics as is expedient partisan politics. Left to poli- period Chief Z.C. Obi was cultural organisation of the Umahi from the Peoples concern a release by Chief to him. However, Ohaneze ticians, this sage body will president and he held the region, would be eroded if Democratic Party (PDP) to Charles Ibegbu, Deputy Ndigbo as a socio-cultural degenerate into in-fighting. Ibos together. Let us identify it is dragged into partisan the All Progressives Con- National Publicity Secretary organisation must not be “At the appropriate time, what made Ibo State Union politics. gress (APC). of Ohaneze Ndigbo more dragged into partisan poli- we would expect Ohaneze the Custodian and anchor Two of their leaders, Dr. The leaders said they ex- or less endorsing Governor tics if it is to retain its moral to do a detailed and objec- of Ibo Values. Finally, we tive study of the political recommend to all Igbos to landscape in Nigeria and imbibe the old age mantra advise Ndigbo on what of Igwe Bu Ike and Onye they believe is best for them. Aghala Nwaneya,” the state- We would also advise that ment said. Police Arrest Man for Killing His Two Children Laleye Dipo ÓØÓØØË He said the corpses had been taken to General Hospi- The Police in Nasko, Magama tal Nasko for autopsy while local government area of Niger investigation into the case has State have arrested one Abuba- commenced. kar Maidabo for allegedly kill- In another statement, ASP ing his two sons. Abiodun disclosed that three Maidabo was reported suspects had been arrested to have slaughtered Shehu in Suleja local government Abubakar 4years old and area for allegedly vandalising Umar Abubakar 8years of age NNPC pipeline and scooping with a Cutlass. fuel from the burst pipe lines. The incident took place in Those arrested according to FUNDING ADVOCACY… Nasko town last Saturday. the statement are Daniel Joshua L-R: Chairperson, Business Strategy Committee, 60 Plus Advocacy Initiative, Dr. Biola Mohammed; Council Member, Dr. Jerry According to the Niger 37yrs, Sunday Ezekiel 33 and Nwankwo; Chairman, Governing Council, Deacon Yinka Obalede; Chairperson, Launching Committee, Mrs. Yoyinsola Makanjuola; State Police Command Public Suleiman Madaki 29 years all and Member, Board of Trustees/ Council Member, Mrs. Fasina Modupe, at the maiden launch and fundraising ceremony of 60 Plus Relations Officer ASP Wasiu of Numba Gwari village in Advocacy Initiative in Lagos...recently ˝ Abiodun in a statement made Suleja LGA. available to newsmen the Abiodun said the suspects suspect after slaughtering his were arrested while vandaliz- two biological children with a ing NNPC pipeline and scoop- 2023: 5000 APC, PRP Members Cutlass reportedly packed their ing PMS at Numba-Gwari, remains in two sacks before Suleja adding that during hiding them in the bush. interrogation, they confessed to Decamp to PDP in Katsina Abiodun said the suspect commiting the crime. Francis Sardauna in Katsina my deputy represented me at He, however, said lack of He said: "Since the inception later informed his own father He disclosed that six 25 litre an event in Malumfashi where local government system and of democracy in 1999 to date, we about what he did leading to jerricans containing PMS, 48 The Katsina State Chairman of he received decampees from "misappropriation" of funds have never had a governor that the case being reported to the empty jerricans, eight drilling the Peoples Democratic Party the People’s Redemption Party meant to cater for the welfare of doesn't have local government Police in Nasko headquarters of bits, and one drilling machine, (PDP), Hon. Salisu Yusuf Majigi- under the leadership of Ja'afar rural dwellers in the state, had councils at heart like Governor the local government area. a chisel, a hammer, a shovel, ri, has announced the defection Aliyu. He decamped to PDP also contributed significantly to Aminu Bello Masari. During interrogation the four plastic containers and a of 5,000 members of the ruling with over 2,300 people. Today, the spate of banditry and other This is someone who met suspect was said to confessed funnel were recovered from All Progressives Congress we witnessed the registration of nefarious activities afflicting the elected local governments of- to committing the crime the suspects (APC) and People’s Redemption Lawal Yusuf into PDP. state, saying local government ficials in the state and dissolved claiming his action was an act Abiodun said investigation Party (PRP) to the party. "He decamped with follow- system is dead. them without following due of God Abiodun said in the into the case has also com- Majigiri, who revealed this ers of over 2,700. When you add The PDP chairman, who processes. statement. menced. while receiving the decam- the followers of Ja'afar Aliyu and accused the governor of running pees in Malumfashi Local that of Lawal Yusuf, you will a closed-door government, called Government Area of the state, have over 5,000 in Malumfashi for the involvement of traditional urged them to concentrate local government alone that and religious leaders in the ongo- Ex-Guber Aspirant Cautions FG on strengthening the party's joined PDP within this week. ing war against banditry for platform before the 2023 elec- The decampees are from APC, the sustainability of peace and tion cycle. He said: "Last week, PRP and APGA". development in the state. against Fuel Price Regulation Hammed Shittu ÓØ ÖÙÜÓØ Leadership (FCIML). into the country, we were He noted that the govern- making calls at N50 per Lai Mohammed Pledges to Implement A former governorship aspirant ment's regulation of fuel price minute. Even if you used only in Kwara State, Mr. Sunday has encouraged corrupt prac- one second, they charged you Creative Industry Report Adebayo Babalola, has cautioned tices in the petroleum sector. N50. But when competition Charles Ajunwa Creative Industry in order to said this is the first time any gov- the federal government against He added that dealers in came, the whole thing went secure their buy-in and ensure ernment will engage the entire act of fixing the pump price the industry should be al- down. Today, it (phone call) The Minister of Information and inclusiveness. spectrum of the Creative Industry of fuel. lowed to dispense the product is about N7, and the exchange Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, He commended members in order to chart a course for the He said market forces and recoup the profit therein. rate is even worse than it was has received the report of the of the committee for their pains- development of the industry. should determine the ap- The former governorship at the time they came in. What Implementation Committee for taking work that culminated in The minister inaugurated the propriate price for petrol aspirant maintained that is the cause? Competition. Post-COVID-19 Initiatives Com- the report. In his remarks, the Committee on August 18th, 2020, whenever the commodity is the real deregulation of the mittee on the Creative Industry, Chairman of the Committee to design an implementation plan deregulated in line with the downstream sector of the oil CHANGE OF NAME with a pledge to implement the and the Director General of the on immediate and short-term best practices so as to avoid industry would bring about I, formerly known and addressed recommendations of the commit- National Council for Arts and relief for the Creative Industry, in further corruption in the oil competition as obtainable in as ELEGBOGUN SEGUN tee. Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun the wake of the COVID-19 pan- sector. the telecommunication sector. DANIEL , now wish to be known Receiving the report in his Runsewe, said the Implementa- demic (short term); design a Policy Last week, the federal "Considering the economic and addressed as ELEGBOGUN office on Thursday, the minister tion Committee set up 14 clusters Framework for Tax Relief for the government, through the Pe- reality of the moment, one will ARAMEZELE DANIEL. All assured that the Government will to collate the views of all the play- various sectors in the Creative troleum Pipeline Marketing probably want to say it (hike former documents remain valid. The general public should take not disappoint the stakeholders in ers in the Creative Industry, with a Industry, if it is identified as one of Company (PPMC) an- in fuel price) is not justified. note. the Creative Industry. view to drafting immediate, me- the measures aimed at achieving nounced hike in the ex-depot But in reality, it is the best de- I, formerly known and addressed “I can assure you that we will dium and long time implementa- immediate and short-term relief price of fuel to N157. cision and I think they are not as ONYEMA CHUKWU-NZE, study the report and commence tion plan for the turnaround of the for the Industry, and to work out Babalola, an expert in oil even doing it right. When you now wish to be known and its implementation in earnest,'' he Creative Sector, which was badly a detailed implementation plan and gas, spoke with journal- deregulate, you don't fix price. addressed as ONYEMA EVI- said. Alhaji Mohammed com- hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. for a long-term intervention for ists in Ilorin yesterday when Let everybody sell as they buy NWANZE. All former documents mended the Committee for its Otunba Runsewe, who the overall development of the he was conferred with the and make their profit. remain valid. Access Bank, wide consultation with a broad thanked the minister for his fore- Creative industry in Nigeria (long Fellowship of the Chartered "For example, when the Diamond Bank and the general spectrum of stakeholders in the sight in setting up the committee, term). Institute of Management and telephone companies came public should take note. 16 SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2020 •THISDAY Plus

Bukar Usman I Have an Obligation to Do Good as Much As I Can While Alive 18 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER˾21, 2020 PLUS I Have an Obligation to Do Good as Much As I Can While Alive

Dr. Bukar Usman is a retired permanent secretary in the Presidency; prolific writer, accomplished administrator, passionate folklorist, and informed public affairs analyst. He has authored dozens of books covering a wide range of topics, including oral literature, history, governance, public policy, media, security, politics and international affairs. Dr. Usman, who will clocks 78 next month talks to Khalid Imam, on many topical issues, including the secret of his graceful looks and mental alertness

position to comment on that. I can’t enumerate what secrets she puts in my meals but I notice that I’m frequently served freshly-cooked wholesome meals and few fried or baked items. I eat only one main meal in a day, take fruits, and drink lots of water. Personally, I had prayed in my civil-service days to retire when I was still strong enough to do certain things I could not do while in the service. I had also resolved after retirement not to be engaged in any full-time post-retirement job. I had enough of it in my over 30-year active working career. I had kept faith with that resolution since my retirement, at the age of 56, from the federal public service in 1999. My advice to people would be that they should engage in sporting activities, work for a living as much as they can in their youthful days, and plan and save for their retirement so that they can have what they need to take care of themselves and their families in their old age. One of your readers, Dr. Wale Okediran, the General Secretary of Pan-African Writers Association (PAWA), once described you as a ‘book industry’, and I think he was expressing the opinion of many readers of your books who are surprised that you keep churning out one new book after another. What do you set out to achieve with these books, and what is motivating you to keep publishing? I must thank Dr. Wale Okediran and other well-wishers for their compliments. The inexhaustible nature of my subject matters, which are culture, public service and public affairs, is part of what motivates me to keep publishing. Having worked in the Nigerian public service for decades, I felt I had certain things to share with the public. I write because I want to contribute whatever I can to public enlightenment and value re-orientation; and I want to leave a legacy future generations would find useful. I see folklore as a tool we can use to re-shape the values of our people. I discovered that verbal aspects of folklore, such as folktales, legends and myths, and the physical aspects as well, feed the oral tradition of nearly every community in Africa, and the oral traditions of many communities in other parts of the world. Verbal folklore is, therefore, a rich and important area for literary engagement. Folktales contain values which can be inculcated in children for character molding. The first informal school of many children in Africa is the evening folktale-telling sessions conducted for children by their parents or some other older relations. Due to the pressure of modern life, many families Usman have now abandoned this vital practice. I sincerely hope that my folktales publications will reawaken What were your formative years like? those native treatments was that somehow I got cured. interest in this important area of our culture. As we dig the ground in search of gold and other precious minerals, so also we was born at Biu, Borno State, on 10 December 1942. It was should research into our traditions. From the feedback so far, it there I spent my formative years; that was pre-primary When did you leave Maiduguri for further education? From 1955 when I went to Maiduguri to continue my appears that my efforts are not misdirected. My folktales books school. I started primary school at Biu in 1951. Before then, I are cherished for their educational and entertainment values. A was enrolled into Sangaya (qur’an school) run by my uncle. primary and secondary education, I was largely out of my parents care except when I went home briefly on holidays. female tutor in one of the schools that received books of folktales It was a stone-throw from our house. We read qur’an on a donated by my foundation wrote back to say that my books wooden slate in the morning and at night around a bonfire. That was so as I was in boarding school for my senior primary and secondary school at Maiduguri (1955- 1963). From there I rekindled her interest as well as the interest of her children We fetched guinea corn stocks and shrubs in the day time and her students in our dying ‘Tales by Moonlight’ tradition. to make the bonfire for the night lesson. We also fetched proceeded to King’s College Lagos for my higher school (1964- 1965) and then to Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (1966-1969). I remember her thanking me for ‘taking away my children’s water and did other chores for the qur’an teacher, my uncle. addiction to TV’. Appreciative responses like hers encourage me The night lesson usually lasted about one to one and half hours. After that I worked in the federal civil service starting as a Third I Class Clerk in 1969 rising to the post of a permanent secretary to keep writing and publishing. We also went about with small calabashes to beg for food in the neighborhood as almajiri. in the presidency where I retired in 1999. My parents were not responsible for my school fees. Biu Native Authority, Northern Your earlier short-story books such as Girls in Search It was while playing in the street one afternoon that I was of Husbands, The Stick of Fortune and Taskar Tatsuniyoyi grabbed by a Dogari (palace guard) who took me to our Emir, Nigeria Regional Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria sponsored my education at various levels from primary were all set in Northern Nigeria. Now you have a the Emir of Biu. The Emir ordered that I should be taken to the series of huge volumes of pan-Nigerian folktales tagged primary school which was just about one hundred metres away to the university. If anything, boarding life guided much of my childhood and adult life. ‘Treasury of Nigerian Tales (TNT)’. How many books from the palace. That was the beginning of my formal education have you published under this new series? And can you and I unceremoniously bid goodbye to Sangaya. The qur’an By December you would be 78 but you still look 60; comment on some of the themes of the many stories of school inculcated in me self-reliance and self-discipline in that these books? even though my family house was nearby and the Sangaya was what is the secret of your youthful looks – should one attribute it to good diet, exercise or what? And what do The TNT (Treasury of Nigerian Tales) series was initiated after in front of my uncle’s house where I slept, I still went about to a pan-Nigerian tales-collection exercise sponsored by the Dr. beg for food. you think people should generally do to make them age gracefully? Bukar Usman Foundation from 2013 to 2015. Over 4000 tales were collected. From the collections, four books were conceived. Exercise, by which I mean physical exercise, certainly helps to keep the body and mind fit, according to medical advice. Book 1 is the master copy of all the tales collected. Books 2, Tell us a bit about your parents? 3 and 4 contain analyses of some aspects of the tales based, My parents never went to school. My father was a petty However, in my case, much of the physical exercise I did was during my school days (1951-1969). As a secondary school among others, on their themes and settings. Books 2, 3 and trader selling clothes and needles. I helped him sell the needles 4 have been published under the following titles: A Selection in the market which was a weekly market held on Mondays student in Maiduguri (1958-1963) I was an all-rounder in sports: I participated in track and field events in athletics and also of Nigerian Folktales: Themes and Settings (Klamidas: 2018); in Biu town. My mother was also a petty trader. She sold dry People, Animals, Spirits and Objects: 1000 Folk Stories of Nigeria pepper and dry tomatoes. She bought the fresh ones cheaply played football, basketball, hockey, rugby and table tennis. I represented my school, Borno Provincial Secondary School, now (Klamidas: 2018) and Gods and Ancestors: Mythic Tales of during the rainy season and sold them dry in dry season when Nigeria (Klamidas: 2018). Book 1, which contains thousands of the ingredients were scarce. She also had several farmlands in Borno College at annual inter-provincial sports competition. I also represented the Northern Region as an athlete at the annual stories, is so bulky that it is split into two (Volumes 1 and 2) and and around Biu town. I followed her to the farms to help her. is yet to be published. Through petty trading, she saved enough to buy me a bicycle inter-regional sports competition in Lagos. I represented King’s when I was in secondary school. That was in 1962. Her gift was College Lagos at annual inter-collegiate football competition (1964-1965). I represented Ahmadu Bello University as a From your research in Nigerian folktales, what would quite an encouragement in my education career. My mother you say are the strongest ties uniting Nigerians across also gave me garden eggs, cucumber and pan-fried ground footballer at the annual Nigeria University Games (NUGA) (1966-1969). The last NUGA games I participated was hosted by the six geopolitical zones? Would you say that if Nigeria nuts whenever I was returning to boarding school after the accords the study of tales a special place in its education holidays. My father was a strict disciplinarian. He made sure the University of Ife in 1966. That was when the university was still at Ibadan and before it was renamed Obafemi Awolowo curricula, the country’s march towards national integration I did not stay out late in the night as we went out to play in would be achieved with greater ease? the street at moonlight. He administers concoctions to cure my University. Perhaps these sporting activities in my youthful days carried me through to this day as currently my physical exercise Everyone who has the opportunity to access the folktales minor ailments such as cold, cough and fever. Garlic was one books I have published so far will certainly realise a common of the concoctions. The flesh of a red-neck lizard too served as is minimal. Regarding dieting secrets, I think my spouse is in a better thread which runs through the oral traditions of our com- medicine against whooping cough. The test of the efficacy of munities. The common objectives are to ensure a sound child THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾21, 2020 19 PLUS Boarding Life Guided Much of My Childhood and Adult Life upbringing through rendition, mostly under foundation was approached by the administra- moonlight, of tales depicting good and bad tors of the Ebedi International Writers Residency deeds, using mainly animals, spirits and Programme and it contributed some funds objects as symbols. The animals used are in support of their work. The foundation also dictated by the environment of the folktale supported financially the hosting of conferences narrators but the lessons learnt from the bby the Nigerian Folklore Society and the As- stories remain the same in every community.y. sociation of Nigerian Authors. The foundation Certainly, the integrative value of folktales also donated books to the African Humanities and folklore in general cannot be underestimateded Programme (AHP), primary/secondary schools, as appreciating other people’s culture would colleges of education, universities and to book erase some misconceptions and improve clubs and similar organisations that have shown inter-cultural understanding. interest in reading and distributing our publishing outputs. The foundation remains open to The #EndSARS protest that hit Nigeriaa any collaboration that would further strengthen in October 2020 reminds one of some of and enhance the attainment of its set objectives the issues you examined in Restructur- for the benefit of humanity. ing Nigeria: An Overview, which was published earlier in the year. What is the As a northerner and as someone book all about? In your view, what is who has seen it right from the pre- the way forward for Nigeria; do we need independence days of the Sardauna up constitutional restructuring or ethical to this trying period, would you say lack restructuring or both? of purposeful leadership is the reason It is true the release of my book on restruc- the North seems to be losing its bearing? turing Nigeria preceded the #EndSARS proteststs What is the way out of this mess and do by a couple of months. However, some of the is-iss- northern elites like you have any leading sues of governance raised by the protesters haveve role to play in salvaging the future of the been lingering for quite some time. Restructuringngg battered North? is one of such issues and it has been a subject of Much of the North under Sardauna, I discourse in the media and in private discus- witnessed as a primary and secondary school sions. My book on restructuring Nigeria was student (1951-1965). As a secondary school preceded by my article on the subject written inn student at Maiduguri, I proudly represented the 2017. To fully clarify some of the issues raised, I North East at an annual sports competition at the developed the article into a 125-page book titledd regional headquarter Kaduna and subsequently Restructuring Nigeria: An Overview (Klamidas:s: represented the Northern Region at annual 2019). In a nutshell, the point I tried to make inn inter-regional sports competition to compete with the article and in the book is that though there Eastern and Western Regions at Lagos. These was merit in the constitution of 1963, which events enabled students to interact within and emphasised the autonomy of the regions, as Usman and familyfamily across the regions. highlighted by proponents of restructuring, a With the creation of a 12-state structure for lot of irreversible changes had taken place since Service Journey was deliberate. The ‘Introduc- aspirations to extend gestures of goodwill to the country by the General Yakubu Gowon that constitution was abandoned. As such, it is tory Notes’ are essentially meant to put the needy members of the society as far as the administration in 1967 and further state creations not possible to revert to the same constitution reader in a proper frame of mind to fully resources at our disposal allow. by subsequent administrations, the concept of the as wished by some of the agitators. And even if comprehend and appreciate the policy or Among the stated aims and objectives of North as a monolithic political and administrative we are to review the constitution, much is still matter under discussion in each chapter. For the foundation was to assist the needy, in all entity no longer exists. And to make sure it never required in terms of change of our attitude to instance, not everyone understands that there manner of circumstances, financially and in resurrects in the former form under any guise, governance. I argued that this is necessary and is a difference between a ‘public officer’ and a kind, more especially with respect to welfare its common assets were shared out among the equally important as some of the ills of concern ‘civil servant’ or why an official letter begins and empowerment of widows, orphans, successor states in the former Northern Region. to the people are not structurally-induced. with ‘I am directed…’ and ends with ‘Your orphanages, the sick, physically challenged Some commercial establishments were left to Why, for instance, should someone who by all obedient servant’. persons, victims of disasters, and educational survive on their own or die. The Northern standards is well off and comfortable steal public As the year 2020 winds up, is the pursuits of the less privileged in the society. sentiment is constantly undermined by ethno- funds in billions? And why should some cases reader to expect new titles from you? If The foundation also aims to support disease- religious and other cleavages. There is hardly a linger in our courts while similar cases in other yes, what are they? eradication schemes and other charitable common platform. The North only remains as countries are disposed expeditiously? It is a pleasure and privilege for me to organisations. That has been the focus of the a geographical reference point. This sorrowful seize this opportunity to announce that three foundation’s activities. and pitiful state obtains in spite of the occasional Is your My Public Service Journey, books under the sponsorship of the Dr. Bukar It is most gratifying that the foundation has meetings of Governors of the successor states of which dwells on your public-service Usman Foundation have gone to press and are been in existence for about 12 years. In com- the former region. experiences and insights, an update expected to be published before the end of the memoration of the first decade of its existence, on your two earlier autobiographical year 2020 or early 2021. One of the books titled its activities have been documented in a book If you are to advise the present crops works, Hatching Hopes and My Literary A Foundation of Hope tells the 10-year history titled A Foundation of Hope which will be of northern political leaders, what advice Journey? What links these three books of the Foundation and its activities during the published later this year or early next year. would you offer to them? What would you together and what sets them apart? period. A second book is titled Songs for Bukar While dispensing financial support to encourage the leaders to focus on in order Of the three books, Hatching Hopes Usman, a 24-chapter compilation of renditions, individuals and organisations in need, the to save the region from its developmental (Klamidas: 2006) was written first. It is my by six Nigerian artistes, in public commenda- foundation realised that there is a serious and security challenges? autobiography. It tells my story and covers tion of my modest contributions as a writer dearth of reading materials, especially for our The way forward is that those who find my childhood, education and working career. and former public servant and in praise of my children and young adults. This made them themselves in positions of leadership in the There is now a second, updated, edition involvements in charity and cultural promo- to turn to foreign publications and television successor states have a responsibility to attend (Klamidas: 2018). Next comes My Literary tion. The book reflects upon the activities of programmes. The foundation, therefore, began to common problems of the sub-region not Journey (Klamidas: 2013) in which I tried the Dr. Bukar Usman Foundation and related to support research and books production, withstanding their political and other differ- to answer the question I was repeatedly matters. The third book is titled Nchikota especially when the book is relevant to our ences. Some of the issues which have been with asked: how did you get involved in writing Akuko-Ifo Ndi Igbo. This is one of the two local environment. us for quite a long time are first and foremost books during and after your public service books of Nigerian folktales sponsored by the insecurity, abandonment of agriculture as an career? My Public Service Journey (Klamidas: Foundation for publication in the indigenous There are foundations in the West still occupation engaged in by a great number of 2019) takes the reader back to the issues that languages of their narrators. It is one of the touching lives long after their founders people, the collapse of the few industries in the preoccupied my over 30-year tenure in the products of the pan-Nigerian folktales research have passed on, would you like your sub-region, inadequate formal education for Nigerian public service; a major difference is project referred to earlier in answer to one of foundation to outlive you? Aside from the youths and eradication of poverty arising that in this book I placed little emphasis on your questions. Comprising 317 tales, it is a the dozens of publications the Dr. Bukar from lack of employment opportunities. There purely personal matters. counterpart to Ôgörùn-ún Ìtàn láti Ilê Yorùbá Usman Foundation is sponsoring, which is urgent need to create opportunities for Of the over 30 years I served, about 27 were (Klamidas: 2019) published earlier under the would naturally outlive you, do you think gainful employment outside public service. That at the Cabinet Office which was later renamed same sponsorship. you have put in place the right structure requires intensified effort to train skillful artisans the Office of the Secretary to the Government Depending on the availability of for your foundation to last into the distant in well-equipped craft schools and technical of the Federation in the Presidency, the hub of orthography and printing fonts of any future? colleges. Government business. I rose from a third-class of our indigenous languages, a selection The foundation was established with a clerk to the post of a Permanent Secretary and from the over 4000 tales collected during 10-member trustees filed with the Corporate The current statistics of out-of-school was privileged to work under 11 Secretaries the pan-Nigerian folktales research project Affairs Commission. The structure as filed children in the North is staggering. What to the Government of the Federation some could be published in the future. Aside from is in compliance with the Commission’s advice would you give this category of of whom combined the post with that of the aforementioned indigenous-language stipulated requirements for the establishment youths? Head of Service. That privilege gave me an publications, Eirene Sahel, a German NGO in of such organisations. Continued survival of It is those charged with the responsibility of overview of governance of the country from Niger Republic, had published a selection of the foundation, like any other organisation, empowering them with formal education that immediate post-independence period, through the tales in Ajami (Hausa written in Arabic depends on cash flow to support its activities. should be advised to give more attention to parliamentary and presidential systems, and alphabet) for the education of children in that Every effort is therefore being made to sustain child education. So far, what we have appears through military and civilian administrations. country. the foundation as an ongoing organisation to be lip service with no apparent sustained So, I felt I have a story to share with the in our lifetime and beyond as far as possible. programme and determination to empower public. These considerations aside, I believe Now, let us talk about the activities of However, bear in mind always that nothing is the children over a reasonable period of time. that regardless of whatever business one has the Dr. Bukar Usman Foundation as it permanent. Hence, many children are still on the streets. been engaged in for a reasonable length of clocks 12 this year. Would you say you time, it is advisable that one should commit are satisﬁed with what the Foundation Is your foundation open for col- How do you hope to be remembered? his or her experiences to writing for the has achieved so far? What else would you laboration? So far, has your foundation I had been asked similar questions several benefit of others and for the development of hope to see the Foundation achieve? collaborated with other organisations times in the past. My reply had been and still that field of endeavour. With a motto of ‘Service to Humanity’ whose objectives are aimed at improving is: It is immodest of me to prescribe how I and a mission statement that says ‘Make Life or touching lives? should be remembered. I have an obligation to The style you adopted in narrating the More Meaningful to Others’, the Dr. Bukar As stated above, it is one of the outlined do good as much as I can while I am alive. It is story of your over 30-year experience in Usman Foundation was established as a objectives of the foundation to collaborate up to those I interacted with or on whose lives I the public service in My Public Service charity organisation on July 21, 2008. Based in with organisations with similar objectives. A impacted in my lifetime, positively or negatively, Journey could be described as simple. Abuja, it was primarily intended to provide few organisations have approached us for to choose how they might want to remember Why did you opt to start each chapter a platform for my family members, our collaboration with respect to specific projects me. It is my earnest hope that my good deeds with an ‘Introductory Note’? associates, well-wishers, and other individuals or programmes they are interested in and the would outweigh the bad and that many would The style adopted in writing My Public and organisations with similar objectives and foundation has collaborated by contributing remember me more for the good deeds. cash and/or materials. For instance, the 20 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ͺ͹˜2020 SHOWBIZFLAIR Ayo Ajayi Dying Culture of Musical Concerts, Bad Omen for Nigeria Ayo Ajayi, a theatre producer/director, pianist, composer, music director and choral trainer, is the Music/Artistic Director of Declassical Arts and Entertainment Company Ltd, the Producers of OMG the Musical and Legends, among others. He talks to Festus Akanbi on the dying culture of musical concerts in Nigeria and why government needs to lead in the efforts to make entertainment industry a veritable revenue earner

State of the Nigerian music industry early as two years old. His library became my first musical resource, I however eventually stole he Nigerian music industry is a almost all the books in his library and others stole big market that keeps evolving. almost everything from me as well, sad. He never It is a large market for all kinds passes any opportunity to present my admirable of popular musical genres and skills to the world even when I was still very it is quite economically viable. young. He decided to enroll me in schools that The industry has been able to have robust musical heritage. That was how I thrive despite the lack of support found myself at CMS Grammar School, Bariga from the government and that is remarkable. The that has the fame of Nigerian greats like Fela creativityT put into the creation of sound and the Sowande, Art Alade and a host of others. My ingenuity that goes into the marketing of the father is a great man if I am allowed to say that tracks should by now be a topic of research in myself. our institutions of higher learning. Having said this, the industry is a reflection of Experience from foreign tours the larger society, and has benefited immensely I was the music director at BAP Productions from the herd mentality on the street as we have from about 2013 to 2017, and we had numerous it in all other spheres and sectors. A critical assess- performances both in and outside Nigeria. We ment shows that although the industry is fast toured London twice with Saro the musical and growing, the growth can also be detrimental to Wakaa the musicals and Bolanle Austen-Peter is the health of the society at large if not properly that type of boss that everyone needs to have at channeled. One question I ask myself always is, a point in one’s journey. She practically stretches what is the value proposition of the industry? you to the limit, nothing to her is impossible, so How does the industry impact the lives of people you don’t sit at meetings to say, Madam, that’s of different age groups? When we find answers impossible. We practically trashed all the history to these questions, maybe our way of assessing books and models and whatsoever and we went the situation will change. all practical, experimenting with different themes I am in love with the industry and I am sure and whichever gets approved will have to be it can only get bigger and better, however there developed in just about 60mins, there was no needs to be a surgical operation on the content time to come back tomorrow. been churned out of the industry, and of course The second time I was in London, I was nation building should be one of the topmost invited to see the Phantom of the Opera by objectives. an Art Patron and my number one supporter, Mrs. Toyin Hassan-Odukale. After the show, I The place of Church music in the larger became really angry. My anger was directed first music industry at the level of mediocrity back home and the lack Church music, like every other aspect s of music of infrastructure that would not allow young is not stagnant. There was a time in the history of Ayo Ajayi people create magic like their counterparts in the Church when only the priests were allowed the western world. It is such a shame that we to sing, then came Martin Luther who thought religious but religion play a vital role in African State should not have less than 25 active theatres have so many talents in Nigeria who have not otherwise and started writing hymns for people to been able to express themselves and attract the participate in worship. John and Charles Wesley Art Music, so yes, sacred music will be a part and concert Halls, on the contrary, we only have of the offerings. As part of the grand plan, we about two functional make-shift theatres and a whole world to see what a super-power Nigeria and a host of others contributed their quota to can become. I have also travelled to many African the growth of hymn singing, then came the curate, record and broadcast work by our Nigerian recital hall. composers and performances of Nigerian Artists I pray the scale will fall off our eyes someday to countries at different occasions to perform. These American gospel in the 20th century attached include Ghana, Cameroon, Rwanda. to the ministry of Billy Graham. The American to bridge the communication gap between the notice that the greatest export for us is our creative gospel became so popular that it almost seemed authors and the consumers. The first series of abilities especially in the arts, government and NAM Concert featured some of Nigerians top the private sector needs to step in, fund the art Outstanding shows like all other genres will die a natural death but The year has been a tough one for artists due to here we are today with all these Church musical composers namely, Ayo Oluranti Ph. D, ‘Bidemi and culture sector to the benefit of all. Oyesanya SAN, Chinedum Osinigwe PhD, Seun I have a lot of music gurus I look up to in Nige- the Covid-19 restrictions, so majority of what we styles growing in leaps and bounds. have done have been online. NAM Concert series The influence of Europe and America on Owoaje, David Aina, Alaba Akinselure and of ria, Africa and the world over. Being a versatile course, Ayo Ajayi. performer, it would be difficult to pin my hero are ongoing, the first part showed on YouTube Nigerian Church music is very potent and the on Saturday, 7th of November while the second various denominations have pitched sides with The inverse of what is happening in the Ortho- down to just a name. However, the likes of the late dox setting is what we have in the Pentecostals. Col. J. Ade Olubobokun, Mrs. Marion Akpata, and final part for these series is scheduled for either the conservative Europe or the Wild robust Saturday, the 21st of November at 7pm. I am also America. The Church Music ministry has its place They seem to have a better understanding of how Mrs. Edna Soyanwo, Ayo Oluranti, Mrs. Tolu it is easier to communicate and worship in your Obajimi and Seun Owoaje have had enormous preparing for a Christmas Lockdown Concert, in the Nigerian Music scene and it also continues another block-buster that will disrupt the way to expand. own space, focusing on circumstances prevalent impact on me at my developmental stages. I around you. Yes! The Pentecostal started learning love the sound of Fela, Anikulapo Kuti. I even we think about music and arts in general. In the orthodox worship liturgy, there is a OMG the musical is billed to come back in penchant for anything Europe or America to the the ropes from works of people like Ron Kenoly, did a whole production on his life and music. Don Moen, Alvin Slaughter, Richard Smallwood African Artistes like Salif Keita, Yossour Ndor, April 2021, this is a production on the strength of detriment of our own. Nigerian choirs and singers three Nigerian Heroines namely Olufunmilayo boast of performing works of Handel, Mozart and but in no time at all, names like Sinach, Nathaniel Miriam Makeba, Angelique Kidjo’s sounds are Bassey, and a host of other professionals, global too original to be ignored, a host of Europeans Ransome-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo and Gambo Mendelssohn better than the Europeans whose Sawaba, how their struggle for women and culture the works reflect. I am not against perfor- Church Artists have pervaded the scene. This is and American Classical greats will pass for me very admirable. as well especially the Russian five. My father is girl-child emancipation can be our light for the mances of these great masters, what I am totally continuous struggle even in this contemporary against is the act of negligence towards everything The contributions of veterans such as Lady my greatest musical hero of all time. Evangelist Bola Are, Pst. Adelakun (Ayewa), Good times. Africa. We have forgotten how to develop our own In all, my musical theatre productions are always worship culture like they did theirs. If this was not Women Society Choir led by Mama Fasoyin and The Man Ayo Ajayi the Christ Apostolic Church Choir, Yaba led by I lectured at the MUSON School of Music built around the ancient and the modern. We are a conversation about the Church, I would have in a very fast and moving world, in fact people referred us to that Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s track, evergreen Prince S.A Adeosun deserves mention. before I decided to pursue a higher calling. I am a theatre producer/director, pianist, composer, have called it pop-culture and the generation ‘Kolo mentality’ but for the sanity of our priests after us has also called themselves the ‘soro-soke’ who might be reading this, I’ll desist from being Organised musical shows and concerts music director and choral trainer. My first music Lack of infrastructure is the reason why we lesson was given to me by my father before I was (Speak up) generation, but hey! Can we pause carnal (smiles). Incidentally, history has it that it and learn from history, according to George was Fela’s grandfather that first authored the don’t have musical shows and concerts these encouraged and nurtured at the CMS Grammar days. To put up a serious concert needs adequate School, where I eventually became the School Santaya ’Those who do not learn from his- first series of Christian religious songs. Another tory are doomed to repeat it.’ My production challenge is the availability of the scores of the funding and as a producer of concerts, musical Choral director and pianist. My debut was at theatre shows, I know that the bulk of your age seven, when I performed at the ECOWAS house Declassical Arts and Entertainment is Legendary African composers, how can we have committed to a better Nigeria and we will easy access to purchase and download scores expenses is on venue and technical. Producers conference concert at the Sheraton Hotels in cannot break-even from gate-takings. This lack Abuja. I have since then been involved in so many always engage the narrative by using the globally like what the West has done. most trending art form, Musical theatre - the So, I came up with the initiative of Nigerian Art of infrastructure has denied us of a lot ,which educational and performance tours both in and include a positive culture of having family out- outside the country. stage, music, drama and dances to convey Music Project (NAM Project) with the objective our messages. of promoting Nigerian works and the composers ings on a regular, networking atmosphere, tourist attraction ventures, employment opportunities Musical career path and making their scores available at a competi- Read full interview on www.thisdaylive.com tive rate for the public. This project is not entirely for the youth. A densely populated area like Lagos My father started me up on the piano from as THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ͺ͹˜2020 21 SHOWBIZFLAIR Teniola Olatoni’s ‘New Normal’ Now at Cinemas Teniola Olatoni’s movie, ‘The New Normal’ premiered last Sunday in Lagos. The feature was an instant hit among its moderately packed audience, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu onths after surprising results, thus finding their making waves way to a whole New Normal. The at internation- movie highlights the need to keep real al film events identity, the quest to self-discovery in and bagging relationships, marriages, careers and awards lifestyle. including the Many called The New Normal a Best International Narrative at the break from the norm and a perfect annualM American Black Film Festival movie for the times we are in. One (ABFF) Jury Awards, and the award for cannot agree less, seeing the movie Best African Female Filmmaker at the explore various themes seamlessly Toronto International Nollywood Film with quite relatable storylines and Festival (TINFF), Teniola Olatoni’s sub-plots. Talk about its characterisa- movie, ‘The New Normal’ was brought tion, setting, props and costume. home last Sunday at the beautifully Teniola Olatoni, the CEO and Creative decorated The Lux @ Adam and Eve in Head at Sourmash Stories Produc- GRA Ikeja. The dramedy opened in 54 tion and her team got it right in its cinemas across the nation yesterday. directorial debut and with a sterling Preceded with red carpet entreat- cast of Richard Mofe-Damijo, Mercy ies, guests were treated to a cocktail Johnson-Okojie, Bimbo Akintola, reception prior to the movie screening. Enado Odigie, Adunni Ade, Meg It was a moderate gathering, elegant, Otanwa, Mofe Duncan, and Bikiya fun and beautiful as guests had time Graham-Douglas, Femi Jacobs, and to mingle. Media personality, Denrele Yemi Blaq who brought their A games Edun, made louder the red carpet on board. which was graced by some members of Same for Sani Mu’azu, Kehinde the cast like Kehinde Bankole, Enado Bankole, Kenneth Okolie, and Broda Odigie, Olumide Oworu, Zara Udofia Shaggi (Pastor Enoch) in a cameo Ejoh, Rita Edwards, alongside promi- appearance of the most hilarious form nent celebrities such Ireti Doyle, Diana as the clergyman who attempted to Yekini, Ade Laoye, David Wilson, Seye deliver “gender fluidity” Temi, played Makinde, Charles O’Tudor amongst by Olumide Oworu. It wouldn’t be other industry practitioners and out of place if he goes by a new moni- invitees. ker pastor Shaggi. On its dialogue, While a lot of talk leading to the the viewers will have a lot to laugh at, premiere had been themed around especially when words made popular the fact that the movie has won pres- by the recent pandemic assumed tigious awards and graced prominent different connotation. Like in a scene international film festivals despite not where Femi Jacobs (Banji), who newly being officially released, the film has walked down the aisle with Enado also generated a lot of positive buzz Odigie (Nike), uses the expression due to its strong, compelling story. As “am on lockdown o!” the movie screened to the moderately The audience couldn’t help but laugh as he hints his close pal Yemi packed audience, there was no mistake L-R: Director of The New Normal, Teniola Olatoni and Producer of the ﬁlm, Tobi Olanihun that the 2:18 mins feature film was Blaq (Michael) about his wife’s an instant hit among the moderately libidinous drive at home, such that he packed audience. cannot afford a side chic in addition to school in 2018, said she had always ning of getting where I want to go to.” ‘The New Normal’ revolves around that. Or is it the sweltering exchange wanted to do movie as international The New Normal was written by the lives of four couples and a single between RMD (Mr. Chairman) and student in London: “I have always Tunde Babalola. “So far the movie has friend as they navigate individual and Mercy Johnson (Jade, the single wanted every now and then for over made waves internationally before collective issues of discrimination, mother). And so many other lines in the past twenty years that I would like coming home. nepotism, misogyny, infertility, addic- the movie that caused the audience to make films, to act. So I would stay Now coming home, we are hoping tion, and mental health, while trying hysteria. awake, hold my eyes open, catch the to replicate that and do even more their best to keep up appearances and Speaking about the movie shortly af- Oscars when I should be studying.” because it is our story. And we are escape society’s suffocating boots ter the curtain call, quite enthusiastic Now she did twenty years after, and a Nollywood. So this is our home base,” with their often hilarious and always Teniola Olatoni who had a stint in film great one, adding “Today is the begin- said Olatoni. Recording of ‘The Village Headmaster’ Begins Tosin Clegg Lagos State, and is scheduled as a diverse list of superstars, to end before the Christmas including Chris Iheuwa, Mr. Weeks after Nigerian holidays, in order for post- Latin, Rachael Oniga, Funky Television Authority (NTA), production to commence. Mallam, Jide Kosoko, Omo and Wale Adenuga Produc- Directed by the multiple- Ibadan, Okele, Fathia Balogun, tions (WAP) announced their award-winning Patience Rycardo Agbor,Yemi Shodimu, ground-breaking partnership OghreImobhio, the pro- Binta Ayo Mogaji, Jide Alabi, to revive the iconic The Village gramme stars some of the Christy Imanlehin, Yemi Remi, Headmaster TV drama series, original cast, including De- Monica Friday, Deborah cast and crew have now jumo Lewis (Kabiyesi), Ibidun Anugwa, AjobieweJr., Jumoke started the recording of the Allison (Amebo), Dan Imoudu Olabisi, Ronke Oshodi Oke, first season of the programme. (Chief Dagbolu), Dele Osawe Eric Obinna, and others. The recording, which com- (Teacher Fadele), Melvin The Village Headmaster menced on 9th November Obriago (Teacher Oghene), drama series would start air- 2020, is currently taking place Kate Adepegba (Folake), and ing across Nigeria, and several at several locations across Lara Akinsola (Doyin); as well parts of Africa, in April 2021. Wale Adenuga Junior 22 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ͺ͹˜2020 SHOWBIZFLAIR Empress Njamah Reinvigorated at 40

Ferdinand Ekechukwu Happy birthday to me, myself and I.” In another post, a praiseful ollywood actress Empress crooned: “Happy Birthday Empress Njamah to me…Thankful to God almighty has a lot to be for everything…If only you know grateful for as my testimony…A new year of life she celebrated is a priceless blessing, so I pray to her 40th birthday God today with thanks and wish last Tuesday. more happy years to come. I hope The movie star clocked a new age that my closest people here will onN Tuesday, November 17, and share with me this day in the warm she took to her social media page and friendly atmosphere. Happy to mark the special occasion. The birthday to me.” screen diva flooded her Instagram Her birthday posts and messages page with series of posts and photos did just end there. She continued specially taken for the celebration. following a surprise birthday party The actress could not hold back her thrown for her. “Who am I to have excitement and untamed joy as she 4 surprises in one day? I don’t call expressed her profound gratitude them friends but family, am not a to God for keeping her alive and fan of surprises and I pleaded with healthy to see yet another year them for weeks not to do this, even added on to her age. slept out to avoid this morning one, While announcing her big day to yet they got me now people don see the public, the actress went ahead say I no get liver @vichianoparty- to share a few photos of herself place and my friends thank you.” looking attractively stunning while Prior to her series of birthday posts, putting her curves on display. Fans Empress showed off some sultry and colleagues were seen in the dance moves with a set of female comment section of her posts with dancers. congratulatory messages. In the The Nollywood actress shared caption that accompanied one of these lovely and energetic photos the pictures, the actress gave all with a must-watch dance video to thanks to God who made it possible remind just how ready and fit she for her to witness another year in is to keep up with her gigs and acts. good health. She captioned one Empress has consistently celebrated of the sexy new photos of herself her birthday with the less privi- posing in a bodysuit to celebrate her leged either in the Federal Capital birthday thus: “I’m officially a year Territory (FCT), Abuja or in Lagos. older today and much cooler than But on this occasion, it’s different. ever. What Do you think. Happy She started acting in 1995. As part of birthday to me!!!” her corporate social responsibility, In a follow-up post, the “Liberian she launched a foundation called Girl” further wrote, “My being alive House of Empress that caters for and healthy today is as a result of kids with special needs. The foundation celebrated its 10th anniver- none other than the almighty God. Empress Njamah I’ll forever be grateful to you, God. sary in 2016. Lancky Cresco I Grew Up Listening to All Genres of Music Fast-rising artiste, Chike Nneli, popularly known as Lancky Cresco, started his music career in 2008 when he officially dropped a mix tape while in school, but has been doing music since childhood. Lancky tells Bennett Oghifo that it is his calling

Music is my calling tales. I sink into the feeling and Featuring others Just as pastors will say it’s a also get inspired by the spirit. I think to do feature, you calling, likewise it is for me.I My concern is longevity of my have to know if you guys have grew up listening to all music. sound, and how my music can chemistry. If there is chemistry, I’m a big fan of good music, affect you positively. I’m always then you guys will make a hit. African, India, western music. working on my music and trying For me, I am open to see who To be particular, I’m very com- my best to be the best me every my spirit points me to. And fortable with music like rap, day. I wake up a better person when it happens I’ll reach out soul, classic, and Afro beat. The from yesterday. Since I produce and likewise the other guy. Just spirit of music always speaks to and record myself in studio, I try for the fact I don’t promote my my heart. As I render my music, to come up with extended plays. music makes me feel like I’m not people tell me it touches their It changes from time to time. doing it well enough, but my lives for good. And the spirit music is a forever thing so I look enables me too with the sound I am a registered Nurse at promotion like, if you have and beats I compose. I am a registered Nurse, a Vid- the money to constantly blast it eographer, business consul- online. Or you allow the music Partnership with Big Swing tant. I try to help and touch move how it’s supposed to as Music people in any way I can and at it’s a message. So, I am allow- I am in partnership with Big all times. I went to New York ing the music to hit those it’s Swing Music. As I am allowed as a frontline Nurse. That was supposed to. I don’t look at to express myself the best way I a big risk. I though the world finances as a challenge. But can. I play Mente music. That’s had come to an end, but I was once excess money comes I what I will call it, Mind music. willing to help out, after first can go ahead and do a heavy People that hear my sound tell consulting my God, and he blast online. I am living my me it takes them on trans. I can told me it was fine, I should dream, but waiting to reap the look at your eyes and write go ahead, and that I will be fruits of my labour. music. That’s how I tell my safe. Lancky Cresco SATURDAYNOVEMBER 21, 2020 • THISDAY 23 24 ˜ ˾ NOVEMBER 21, 2020 MEDIAGAFFES EXPRESSION BY EBERE ‘Buhari’s Minister’? Wrong WABARA [email protected], 08055001948 OU are welcome to this “PDP alleges plot to cover-up (cover up) “…the 4th and 5th National Assembly edition: “Your simplicity diversion of COVID-19 palliatives” Noun: (assemblies) as member representing….” and love for God and things cover-up; phrasal verb: cover up (strictly no “The entire staff and management of “CSR: NLNG invests N200m on (in) 10 Nii- of God is (are) worthy of hyphenation) Century Group Celebrates (useless capitalization) gerian postgraduate scholars” Source: as above) emulation.” ‘Simplicity’ and “But this has been made more difficult now (celebrate) with Chief Tunde Afolabi…as he turns For the first time since this column birthed, we ‘love’ are two distinct items with the unwarranted destruction of private 70” (Full-page advertorial, THISDAY, November continue this edition with an advertisement: “Salt that require pluralism. and public properties….” ‘Property’, except in 7) Again, happy birthday sir! Spring Resort has been redefined and renovated “The sector equally offers technical applications, is uncountable. Example: “…but the former Tottenham player is still to provide excellent service.” A refreshing experii- options for national development, given its vast The properties of water are hydrogen and at crossroads (a/the crossroads) as to where his ence of paradise; provide an excellent service or Ypotentials (potential or potentialities) to drive oxygen. (I know science, too!) I hope I have not international future lies” (GLOBAL SOCCER, provide excellent services a more sustainable economic growth in terms blown my trumpet this second time round. November 7) Still on the above source: “We are poise of job creation and revenue diversification.” “Buhari unveils N75b youth investment “…the state among the commity (comity) of (poised) to deliver uncompromise (uncomm- Increasing agricultural budgets: ‘Potential’ is fund, reassures on implementation of protesters’ states.” promised) quality product that will ultimately uncountable, unlike ‘potentiality’ (potentialities) demands” Who did my assiduous president “#EndSARS: Nigeria (Nigerian) businesses satisfied (satisfy) our esteemed customers. Come “Italian police swoop on Nigeria (Nigerian) reassure? ‘Assure’/’reassure’ cannot stand alone. lost over N5tr—NECA” (PAGE 2 BUSINESS, lets (let’s) give you….” What do we do with the mafia group, arrest 73” (THISDAY Front Page, “SARS operatives threw me down 2 storey November 11) sub-literacy of advertisement copies? October 31) building, broke my spinal cord, trader tells “Our prayer is that God Almighty will bless “Anger, protests, as deceased’s friends point “Women owned (Women-owned) businesses panel” The overzealous cops threw their victim and keep you with (in) good health” fingers at lawmaker” Get it right: point the finger get loan (loans) at 15% p.a (another full-stop) down from 2-storey building (note the two “Buhari launches National young farmers at lawmaker (Access Bank full-page advertisement, THISDAY, interventions) scheme” (NATIONAL NEWS, November 11) THE NATION ON SUNDAY of November October 31) “Alleged fraud: Ex-Imo gov (Gov.), Ohakim, A rewrite: Buhari launches National Young 15 endangered the English language on two The next set of blunders is from THISDAY for court arraignment Nov 11” Delete ‘court’ Farmers’ Scheme occasions: “In most cases, the necessary environn- under review: “I am not a wife beater, my wife from the diseased extract to foreclose stark “…the Nigerian people will continue to put ment does not exist for meaningful importation never packed (moved) out” illiteracy! One of my copious dictionaries defines their tribes (ethnic groups) ahead of the country.” (impartation) of knowledge.” “…only for him to plead for (with) her to ‘arraign’ (verb) (law) as: ‘to make someone come Please note that ‘tribe’ is a derogatory word “Matters are not helped by students who are return.” to court to hear what their crime is’. And the used by colonialists centuries back! This kind now distracted by things that have no bearing to “He has worked in different capacity (capacii- noun (countable and uncountable): ‘arraignment’ of imperialist relic distorts and vitiates English (on) their studies.” ties) on some major Nollywood projects like….” Is it very clear, my dear page follower? language dynamism. “Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, appears set to take “Akeredolu wants illegal arms, ammunitions “Yakubu got his doctorate (doctoral) degree “Rest in God’s perfect peace, until we meet in the bull by the horn (horns) by declaring his surrendered” (News Extra, October 31) Truth & in Nigeria History from Oxford University heaven to part no more.” (THISDAY TRIBUTE. interest in the 2023 presidency….” reason: ‘ammunition’ is non-count. in 1991.” Alternatively, doctorate in Nigeria November 14) Even the computer underlined “Students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, “You are fair-minded, courageous, a History…in 1991 Further note that ‘doctoral’ this error because God’s peace is perfect and does Awka, are to cough-out (no hyphen) a total of defender of truth and special (and a special) gift is an adjective (used only before noun), while not require any embellishment whatsoever—no N5 million for repairs of damages (damage) to humanity.” ‘doctorate’ is a noun. matter the emotion! they perpetrated during a demonstration in July “Senate tackles Buhari’s minister over road “Insurance companies assessing cost of “I don’t let things hit me to push me back; last year.” ‘Damage’ admits an inflection only in project” (NATIONAL NEWS, November 2) damages at NPA Hqtrs—Usman” BUSINESS/ instead I use it (them) to propel myself such as reparative matters. Gentlemen of the Press, the official is a minister MARITIME NEWS: ‘Damage’ is non-count the passing (sic) of my dad.” (THISDAY PLUS, “Now, It is the turn of the teachers, in the of the Federal Republic of Nigeria—not diligent except exclusively in legal or insurance reparaa- November 14) race for the coveted seat of vice-chancellorship, President Muhammadu Buhari’s personal/ tive circumstances. “…who was arraigned on a 34-count charge and boy, are the learned dons falling over domestic operative! Get it right: Senate tackles “EduTech records first class (first-class) nursing bothering (bordering) on the diversion of….” themselves (one another) to out do (one word) minister—the same thing applies to ‘commiss- graduates” From DAILY INDEPENDENT of November each other (one another)?” When two fellows are sioners’ at state level and councilors in the case The next two solecisms are from THISDAY, 6 come the next two errors: “We assure Your concerned, we use ‘each other,’ but if it is more of local government areas or wards. Public THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER PERSPECC- Excellency that this confidence reposed on (in) than two, it becomes ‘one another’, offices and their occupancies should never be TIVE, November 7: “…the Arochukwu born our former Senate Leader is well placed and will “Secret cult in the campuses” Always on personalized! (Arochukwu-born) businessman….” manifest without probation.” campuses. PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Chairman/CEO, Dala Inland Dryy Port, Kano State, Abubakar Sahabo Bawuro; Groupp Head, Business Development,pp SIFAX Group, Victor Olotu; Head of Operations, p Dala Inland Dry y Port, Kano State, Yakubu Ts- alhatu Jumare; Managinggg Director, Dala Inland Dry y Port, Kano State, Ahmad Rabiu; and Managing gg Director, L-R: Portfolio Manager,gg Flavoured & Non-Lager brands, Nigeriang Breweries Plc.,Sarah Agha; Brand SIFAX Container Terminal, Ijorajy Causeway, Paul Linden, during g the assessment tour by y the Dala Inland Dry Ambassador, Star Radler, Erica Nlewedim; and Brand Manager,g Star Radler, Onyebuchi Allanah, dur- Port team to newly inaugurated SIFAX Container Terminal, Ijora Causeway, Ijora, Lagos...recently ing the Star Radler consumer launch at W Bar Lounge, Ikoyi …recently

L-R: Chairman, Onigbongbogg LCDA, Mr. Oladotun Olakanle; Senior Brand Manager,gyg Home and Hygiene, Reckitt Benckiser West Africa, Mrs. Chioma Sylva-Ifedigbo;yg Permanent Secretary,y Office of Environ- R-L: Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and Chairman, Implemenp - mental Services, Ministryy of Environment and Water Resources, Mrs. Belinda Aderonke Odeneye;y tation Committee for Post-COVID-19 Initiatives on the Creative Industry,yg Otunba Segun Runsewe; Harpip c Brand Ambassador, Dr. Helen Paul; and Director Sanitation, Ministryy of Environment and Wa- Minister of Information and Culture, Alhajij Lai Mohammed; and the Chief Press Secretary,y Federal ter Resources, Dr Hassan Sanuth, at the 2020 World Toilet Dayygp celebration and inaugurationgp of public Ministryy of Information and Culture and Secretary of the Committee, Joe Mutah, during the presen- toilets donated by Harpic in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT tation of the Committee’s Report to the minister in his oﬃce in Abuja…recently THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER˾ NOVEMBER 21, 2020 25 POLITY Douye Diri: 5 Times Victorious at the S’Court Stanley Nkwazema

n November 16, 2019, the people of Bayelsa State marched out in large number to elect a governor to take over from Seriake Dickson, who interestingly served out a two term of four years each and now back on the campaign trail to fight for the Bayelsa Senatorial seat. It was a sham of election where the will of the people was never allowed to prevail as all efforts were made to thwart, turn democracy upside down Oand stunt the little progress that the state witnessed in the eight years under the former governor. Bayelsa State should have a place in the Guinness Book of Record. Here, a candidate by the name Douye Diri had been to the courts a total 31 times, five ending up at the Supreme court. He came out victorious in all. It was not funny. Indeed, it all started after the September 4, primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where Diri emerged as the party’s choice having defeated the former NDDC Managing Director, Ndutimi Alaibe, who went to court to challenge the exercise in what could be referred to as a pre- election matter. From the High Court, Federal Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, Alaibe could not upturn the result of the primaries. Diri and the PDP dragged the APC to court to challenge the eligibility of the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All progressives Congress (APC). The High Court found him ineligible but the APC challenged the ruling and the status quo was maintained. The APC candidate and his deputy were declared winner and the Appeal Court ruled in favour of the party, causing PDP to approach the Supreme Court. However, a day to the February 14, 2020 swearing -in date, the apex court threw a bombshell. The then Governor elect David Lyon was already rehearsing at the Samson Siasia Stadium for the swearing in when news filtered that the apex court had ruled in favour of PDP and a certificate of return was subsequently issued to Diri and his Deputy Lawrence Ewhurdjakpor. But not satisfied, the APC candidate went ahead to seek a review of the case at the Supreme Court which not only threw out the case but awarded millions of naira cost against the APC candidate. Not satisfied, still bent on throwing spanner in the works, petitions and legal fireworks continued with the Elections Diri Tribunal where the Alliance for Democracy, Advanced Nigeria Democratic Party (ANDP), Labour Movement (LM) and the legal issues against the party and his seat at the Creek Haven proving that the court was the last hope of the common man by Accord Party contested the election of Diri and Ewhrudjakpo. in Yenagoa. standing on the side of the rule of law, urging the Bayelsa people The The Tribunal gave victory to the two former Senators but Besides Diri , his Deputy, Ehwrudjakpo was also caught up not to despair due to the challenges of the time. the two other judges ruled in favour of the applicants and asked in the legal tussle where his NYSC certificate was alleged to “The times are hard. We are in tough times in the face of CO- INEC to organise fresh polls within the stipulated period. be fake. The court also cleared the Deputy Governor, having VID-19, which is still threatening, and the dwindling resources However, the PDP candidates went to the Appeal Court discovered the fact that he duly wrote a letter to the NYSC after of our country and of our state. which nullified the judgment of the lower court. Yet the parties his name was wrongly spelt in the certificate and a fresh one We believe God that has divinely put us in the position of again approached the Supreme Court that gave the final seal of issued, which he duly submitted to the INEC alongside other leadership to also provide the divine resources for us to develop approval on the election of Diri and his deputy. relevant documents for clearance. and prosper in Bayelsa and in Nigeria. It is on record now that no candidate or governor-elect has Indeed, it has been distracting that in the past nine months. “So, my message to Bayelsans is that there is hope for us and ever been dragged through the entire legal process in the history Diri never spent more than three weeks in Yenagoa or traveled prosperity is coming to Bayelsa. Nobody should despair. This of Nigerian democracy to seal the seat. In the process, Douye out of the country because of the cases against him. is the time for us to bring our ideas to the table. This is the time became a regular face at the Supreme Court in the Federal Humble to a fault, when many thoughts tilted towards dec- for us to actually walk the talk and look at issues dispassionately Capital Abuja and not as an amicus curiae but a disturbed man laration of a full-blown war against the litigants, Diri, extended without sentiments and emotions, in order to bring develop- who had so much to offer the state but was being distracted by a hand of fellowship to all those that filed petitions against his ment and prosperity to our state.” election. Diri, in his reaction to ruling of Wednesday by the Again , when many thought that with litigations now buried Supreme Court, which dismissed the last batch of cases against and time for Diri to settle down to unveil his vision on the people him and his deputy, said the litigants were neither his enemies of the state especially in areas of infrastructure development, nor enemies of Bayelsa, while insisting that they only exercised agriculture and sports, some elements in the state are not done their rights by going to court and that he did not consider the yet. My message to Bayelsans litigations as personal regardless of the fact that they distracted Few days to the Supreme Court seal of approval for Diri, him. a coalition of 45 NGOs went to court, seeking an order of is that there is hope for us Interestingly, the dismissal of the petitions of the Alliance for mandamus compelling him as well as the Attorney-General Democracy (AD), Liberation Movement (LM) and Advanced and Commissioner for Justice, Commissioners for Works and and prosperity is coming Nigeria Democratic Party (ANDP) against the deputy governor Infrastructure, Health and Education counterparts to make and that of the Accord Party (AP) against Diri was the fifth time public the debt profile, account balance, and what the present the governor and his deputy had won at the Supreme Court. administration of Bayelsa State inherited from the previous to Bayelsa. Nobody should However, in putting a final seal on the governor as being administration on February 14, 2020, on the state’s accounts duly elected, the apex court said the appeals lacked merit and from 2015 to 2019 in line with provisions of the Freedom of despair. This is the time therefore dismissed all four petitions. Information (FoI) Act 2011. Diri said: “I have over the period leading to the Supreme Although the state government has refused to be drawn Court ruling said as a state we do not need all of this distraction. into another legal war even as it has been confirmed that the for us to bring our ideas We are one and the brotherhood should be paramount. After appropriate response will be made by the lawyers for the state in elections, particularly when a government has taken the oath of court in due season, it is strongly believed that for the sake of the to the table. This is the office, we expect everybody to support and bring their ideas on court of public opinion that these sorts of court actions, which board for Bayelsa to grow and become prosperous. That is why are nothing more than fishing expeditions, distractions and a time for us to actually we tagged our government the Prosperity Administration. drain on the lean resources, will not be helpful in our quest to “So, today marks the end of all the litigations. If anybody build a prosperous and united Bayelsa State. wants to further appeal, maybe he can appeal to the court of This fresh litigation looks more or less like another episode of walk the talk and look at the devil. But, constitutionally, I believe this is the end of all the a well-established but unfortunate pattern of over 12 litigations litigations. which have amounted to nothing more than judicial exercises issues dispassionately “Once again, I call on my brothers that had gone on this and disturbances that will further drain the regime financially. appeal to join hands with the government of the day. And what The financial records of the state have never been hidden for should be uppermost on our minds should be the interest of examination but available on the internet and elsewhere and without sentiments and Bayelsa and not individual and personal interest. Of course, it is would have more than satisfied candid information seekers. their right to take their matter to the end. However, I call on my In accordance with extant laws, there have been monthly emotions, in order to brothers on the other side, who are not my enemies but political Transparency briefings, since 2012, that have provided the very adversaries, so to speak, to join hands with our government documents that these NGOs are presumably requesting for and ensure that we bring development and prosperity to our in court. It is instructive to recall that, as a prelude to the subse- bring development and people.” quently botched transition, a joint committee of the government Diri commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria and other of the day and representatives of the APC was formed and full prosperity to our state justices of the Supreme Court for their professionalism and for disclosure, contained in hand over notes was prepared. 26 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER˾ NOVEMBER 21, 2020 POLITY Unlocking Nigeria’s Maritime Potential Recently, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh delivered a lecture in Abuja where he made eye-popping revelations on Nigerian maritime potential. Olaoluwakitan Babatunde, dissects the lecture, and returns with the verdict that the sector could be Nigeria’s next big thing if prevailing challenges are addressed

he occasion was the lecture on “Maritime Security Whatever we have and National Development in Nigeria: The Role of NIMASA”. The venue was the Nigeria Defence to do, now is the College, Abuja, Nigeria’s apex institution for the training of her senior military officers. The audience was the time. From now Course 29 of the College as well as the Command and full compliments of the College’s Faculty led by to 2030 when the Commandant, Rear Admiral Mackson Kadir. The guest lecturer was the Director-General of the Nigerian Europe plans to MaritimeT Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Yusuf Jamoh, who left no one in doubt that he understood abandon oil is only the Nigerian maritime sector, its challenges, and prospects like the back of his hands. One could have heard the drop of a pin on 10 years. During floor throughout his presentation as the former Executive Director (Finance and Administration) in NIMASA, holder of doctorate the campaign, Joe degree in Logistics and Transport Management, Master’s degree in Management from the Korea Maritime and Ocean University Biden wants US in South Korea, Professional Certificate in Materials Management from the Institute of Logistics in the UK, members of the Institute of maritime Economists in Canada, and attendee of management to be independent courses at the Said Business School, Oxford University, United Kingdom (UK) and the Institute of Public Partnerships in Wash- of oil. If US and ington DC, United States (US), held the audience spellbound as he brought both knowledge, intellect, and experience to bear in his Europe are saying delivery. no to oil, where The $1.6 trillion annual maritime potential Can the Nigerian maritime sector generate $1.6 trillion dollar are we going to into the nation’s treasury per annum? Hyperbolic as it sounds, Dr. Jamoh said it was achievable as the country could actually net from be in the next few the maritime sector 30 times her annual earnings from oil. “The capacity of all this opportunities (in the maritime sector) years? is going to generate not less than 1.6trillion dollars, according to a World Bank research. This can be done, if we can properly harness Jamoh all these investment opportunities and have foreign investors come and as I speak, we have modular floating docks at the Naval and assist to develop those areas”, he stated. to be transported almost double the distance UK to Nigeria, the dockyard. Only Nigeria and South Africa own that type of cost of freight from Nigeria to UK will be much higher because of modular floating dock. This modular floating dock was purchased The world’s most dangerous waters maritime insecurity. with over N50 billion and has the capacity to dock not less than Enumerating several factors, which he said, “hamper the Yet, there is the high cost of insurance to worry about as Nigeri- eight ships in a month. We are working very hard to put it to use achievement of that millage or Nigeria producing that $1.6 billion ans pay war premium even when the country is not at war. now”, Jamoh stated. per annum”, the NIMASA DG decried Nigeria’s unsafe waters. “The international community, the stakeholders in the merchant But no doubt, the Integrated National Security and Waterways “The International Maritime Bureau, IMB, recently released industry, and the merchant cargoes sat down and looked at the Protection Infrastructure, otherwise known as the Deep Blue report this Third Quarter, rated Nigeria as having the most danger- risks associated with going to Nigeria and they decided that the Project, DBP, remains NIMASA’s most ambitious and innovative ous waters in terms of maritime security”, he stated. This is owing to insurance must be increased. At the end of the day, what we are initiative to comprehensively address insecurity and criminality rampant pirate and armed robbery attacks on vessels and seafarers. paying is war premium, which translates to the high cost of that in Nigeria’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone. DBP In its October 2020 report, the IMB described the Gulf of Guinea cargo, which in turn links to the other point of inflationary impact comprises two Special Mission Vessel (SMV) with the capacity to as the “world’s piracy hotspot”, noting that out of the 85 seafarers on goods and services”, he explained. stay at sea for over three days, 17 fast intervention vessels, and the kidnapped from their vessels and held for ransom between the In the face of such odds, inflation becomes inevitable from time Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). The unmanned aircrafts are beginning of 2020 and September, 80 were taken in the Gulf of to time. linked to SMVs, such that once the SMVs receive information from Guinea in 14 attacks reported off Nigeria, Benin, Gabon, Equatorial the UAS, they will dispatch fast intervention vessels to deal with the Guinea and Ghana. The Enabling Triangle: Way forward threats immediately. The Project equally boasts of three helicopters “On 17 July 2020, eight pirates armed with machine guns Drawing from the concept of The Enabling Triangle in his 2018 in addition to two Special Mission Aircrafts equipped with gadgets boarded a product tanker underway around 196 nautical miles book entitled “Harnessing the Nigerian Maritime Assets”, Dr. to take and transmit information to different arms of the Project. southwest of Bayelsa, Nigeria. They held all 19 crewmembers Jamoh said the nation must address the issue of good governance There are also 17 armoured vehicles for the hinterlands, while the hostage, stole ship’s documents and valuable items, and escaped of the maritime sector squarely to tap its potentials. Command, Control, Computer Communication, and Information with 13 kidnapped crew. The tanker was left drifting with limited “When you have good governance, you have addressed all Centre (C4i) was officially launched at NIMASA’s base in Lagos a and unqualified navigational and engine crew onboard. A nearby the issues. Today, we are talking about maritime insecurity. The few months back. merchant vessel later helped the tanker to sail to a safe port. international community is concerned, they want to make sure that “A more recent example was on 8 September 2020, when armed they arrive Nigeria safely and leave Nigeria safely. There is the issue Proactive approaches and teamwork pirates attacked a refrigerated cargo ship underway around 33 of corruption, among others. Good governance will bring about Although the cost of the entire DBP, which is estimated at $195 nautical miles south-southwest of Lagos, Nigeria”, IMB reports. policy interventions so that it can help many things to flourish”, million, is shouldered by NIMASA alone, Jamoh said the agency Meanwhile, Nigeria loses about $25.5 billion annually to illegal Jamoh said. was committed to sharing of the facilities with other relevant maritime activities in her waters, the Nigeria National Petroleum The next is investment in infrastructure, for without it, Nigeria agencies. Corporation loses about $1.35 billion on Illegal bunkering, while the cannot address maritime insecurity, noting that the assets for “The issue of maritime security requires a combination of efforts. cost of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea due to stolen goods, security, and policing the country’s waters and our exclusive economic zones Those who commit illegal acts at sea are highly adaptable, increas- insurance has been estimated to be about $2 billion. Consequently, were nothing to write home about. ingly sophisticated in their methods and often well-informed. So, countries of Gulf of Guinea are sidelined in global maritime “So many (other) factors come to play here, including our local, regional and global efforts must be flexible and proactive. governance. waterways, maintenance culture, among others. Today, one of the “If the Nigeria Air Force needs an aircraft to fight the pirates, I One of the implications of such low rating is the negative image it things that the country does is to employ the services of private hand it over to them for the operation. If the Navy needs a vessel, creates for the country. security providers for our waters. Most of the ships used to provide I hand it to Navy because we cannot go it all alone. They go there “Today, anywhere you go outside the country and you are dis- security belong to the private sector. We must have fiscal policies for and achieve the needed result. NIMASA shares in the credit, but cussing with someone conversant with the maritime sector, the first the Nigerian Navy to have what they needed in terms of modern importantly, Nigerian will be the best for it”, the NIMASA DG thing he will start to think about is the position of Nigeria in terms of equipment, spare parts, and maintenance,” said the NIMASA DG. reasoned. maritime insecurity. So, how can you attract foreign investors when Jamoh said NIMASA had equally created the Maritime Intel- they don’t have confidence in your maritime security based on the Calming the troubled waters ligence Unit to streamline intelligence and optimise intelligence IMB’s report, which by the way is an unbiased report?, he queried. However, in line with its mandate, NIMASA has been adopting gathering and sharing among the agencies to boost preventive and Jamoh said there was equally the direct negative impact on creative approaches to addressing the challenges. For instance, proactive approaches, including sensitisation. shipping in term of ports of cargo and ship diversion as “those whereas Nigeria has been unable to disburse the Cabotage Vessel In concluding, emphasised the urgency of unlocking Nigeria’s who understand the terrain very well will never agree to bring Financing Fund since 2003, Dr. Jamoh assured that NIMASA was maritime potentials, especially given the fast-plummeting oil their ship into the country”. They would rather divert their ship to working round the clock to see if it could break the jinx before the revenues and prospects. the neighbouring countries like Ghana, Togo, and Benin Republic end of 2020. “Whatever we have to do, now is the time. From now to 2030 so that they can discharge their cargoes without the headache of Today, the country can boast of modular floating docks. when Europe plans to abandon oil is only 10 years. During the maritime crime. “The modular floating boat can help you to repair your security campaign, Joe Biden wants US to be independent of oil. If US and There is also the consequential impact on cost of freight. Accord- boat and make sue you respond to whatever crisis you have in Europe are saying no to oil, where are we going to be in the next few ing to him, although a cargo from the UK to the US would have terms of attack. The Federal Government made an intervention years?” Jamoh said. THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾APRIL 24, 2011 3 GLOBAL NEWS

SOCCER RENEWING HOSTILITIES

A WEEKLY PULL-OUT 21.11.2020 PAGE. 29 Cyriel Dessers Unalloyed Loyalty 28 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 21, 2020 GLOBAL SOCCER Cyriel Dessers Unalloyed Loyalty

Dessers celebrating one of his goals with a teammate His dream has always been to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria and when he came in as a last minute substitute against Tunisia in an international friendly last month, his excitement knew no bound and he looked forward to subsequent national team invitations. However, Cyriel Dessers’ name was missing in Nigeria’s double-header Africa Cup of Nations qualifier matches against Sierra-Leone but the Racing Genk striker said he’s still committed to playing for Nigeria despite still having the option to play for another country

acing Genk star Cyriel Dess- 1-1 draw with Tunisia in a friendly that feature for the Dutch senior team. will have to play well at Genk in the first ers, is not thinking about took place in Austria on October 13. His dream of staring for Nigeria finally place. That’s my main concern now. Mak- quitting the Nigeria national He had waited patiently for his Super came to fruition following his interna- ing more minutes at Genk now requires team despite his omission Eagles derby since his decision to dump his tional bow against the Carthage Eagles, my full focus.” from the squad list for the country of birth- Belgium for motherland. and the 25-year-old has expressed his While at Heracles Almelo, Dessers 2021 Africa Cup of Nations His wait was further stretched with the delight at representing the three-time had expressed his wish to represent the qualifiersR against Sierra Leone. postponement of Nigeria’s Africa Cup African champions. 2013 African champions after meeting The Belgian-born striker paid the price of Nations qualifier matches owing to Dessers was ecstatic to get his first with officials of the Nigeria Football for his lack of playing time at Genk, having Coronavirus pandemic. The wait however international debut for Nigeria in the Federation. logged only 73 minutes in the Belgian First ended when he came in as a 72nd-minute 1-1 draw against Tunisia. He was invited for the first time ear- Division A since he returned from his first substitute in the international friendly game He was an unused substitute against lier this year by Rohr for Africa Cup of international duty with the Super Eagles. against Tunisia in Austria. Dessers was Algeria, notwithstanding, he made his Nations qualification with Sierra Leone Assuming he was called up for this indeed looking forward to the AFCON bow against the Carthage Eagles after – an encounter that could not take place month’s fixtures, he would have been given qualifier against Sierra Leone but it was replacing Ahmed Musa with 18 minutes owing to the outbreak of COVID-19 the chance to become cap-tied to Nigeria. not to be as coach Gernad Rohr had other left to play at the Jacques Lemans Arena. which crippled football-related activities Dessers’ teammate at Racing Genk, ideas and Desssers’ direction was not “Proud and honoured to represent a across the globe. Paul Onuachu is believed to be ahead of looked at. big football nation like Nigeria. Proud “It hurts me because I thought it was going the former Heracles Almelo attacker in It was indeed a disappointment for to be a Super Eagle,” he tweeted. to be one of the best moments of my life - or at the pecking order of strikers for club and Dessers who had been hoping to play his “I am tired, I barely slept last night and least my career - and that it didn’t go through country. first competitive game for the three-time still have to go home by car, but it was was really painful,” Dessers told BBC Sport. “Thirteen internationals are missing,” African champions. worth it,” Dessers told Het Laatste Nieuws. “I know it’s a young team, a lot of players Dessers told Tubantia on his teammates He was in line to make his debut for “It was fun, I was very well received in playing in Europe, so I think that the who were called up to represent their na- Nigeria in an Africa Cup of Nations the group. adaptation would be fine and I hope when tions this month. qualifier game against Sierra Leone in “This was a highlight in my career, yes. I come into the team they accept me.” “Last time Paul and I went together, this March but the game was postponed due “There are not many things that are highly After impressing in the Eredivisie, where time I was not called up. I understand that. to the Coronavirus pandemic. regarded, right? Maybe become a top scorer, he scored 18 goals and provided six assists I hope and assume that I will be back in Dessers had stated before now that it yes. But playing for your country.” to emerge as joint-top scorer in the Dutch the future. would be “incredibly amazing” to play Dessers said he was now looking forward elite division, Dessers penned a four-year “Genk has met me with a plan, so I am for Nigeria and hopes his form will earn to his next game for the three-time African deal with Belgian top-flight side Genk. curious about how things will go in the him a call-up. champions. However, he has not had enough playing near future.” The 25-year-old, born to a Belgian father “Who wouldn’t want to be there again?” time at the Luminus Arena this season, Dessers, 25, was lively when he came off and Nigerian mother, is eligible to play He asked rhetorically. having just scored two goals in six league the bench for the last 18 minutes of Nigeria’s for the Super Eagles, given he is yet to “You never know in football. But then I appearances for Jess Thorup’s men. THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER˾21, 2020 29 GLOBAL SOCCER

Premiership Table Man City Aiming to Put Premier League Leicester 8 9 18 Tottenham 8 10 17 Liverpool 8 2 17 Southampton 8 4 16 Chelsea 8 10 15 Season Back on Track against Spurs Aston Villa 7 9 1 Everton 8 2 13 Crystal Palace 8 0 13 After a two-week interlude due to international break, club football Wolves 8 -1 13 Man City 7 1 12 returns with the Premier League fixtures pitching two of the most Arsenal 8 -1 12 West Ham 8 4 11 successful coaches against each other. Jose Mourinho welcomes arch Newcastle 8 -3 11 Man Utd 7 -2 10 rival Pep Guardiola to the Tottenham Stadium. While Spurs sit second Leeds 8 -3 10 Brighton 8 -3 6 in the table, Manchester City are experiencing their worst time in five Fulham 8 -8 4 West Brom 8 -11 3 years after a stuttering start to the season. However, a win against Burnley 7 -9 2 Tottenham will put their Premier League season back on track, but Sheﬀ Utd 8 -10 1 PREMIER LEAGUE against a Mourinho side, it will definitely be a high mountain to climb TODAY Newcastle v Chelsea 12:30 Aston Villa v Brighton 15:00 Tottenham v Man City 17:30 Man Utd v West Brom 20:00

SUNDAY Fulham v Everton 12:00 Sheffield Utd v West 14:00 Leeds Utd v Arsenal 16:30 Liverpool v Leicester City 19:15

MONDAY Burnley v Crystal Palace 17:30 Wolves v Southampton 20:00 La Liga TODAY Levante v Elche 13:00 Villarreal v Madrid 15:15 Sevilla v Celta Vigo 17:30 Atlético v Barcelona 20:00

SUNDAY Eibar v Getafe 13:00 Cádiz v Sociedad 15:15 Granada v Valladolid 17:30 Alavés v Valencia 20:00

MONDAY Bilbao v Real Betis 20:00

SERIE A TODAY Crotone v Lazio 14:00 Spezia v Atalanta 17:00 Tottenham striker Lucas Moura tries to get past Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne Juventus v Cagliari 19:45

ld rivals Mourinho this season - just one year after finish- Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, SUNDAY and Guardiola renew ing 40 points off the pace. Leicester City and Wolverhampton Fiorentina v Benevento 11:30 hostilities today when There is still a long way to go, of Wanderers - while they must also play Inter Milan v Torino 14:00 Tottenham Hotspur course, but the signs were promising three Europa League games and an Roma v Parma 14:00 welcome Manchester before the international break, with EFL Cup quarter-final in that spell. Sampdoria v Bologna 14:00 City to North London Spurs embarking on the longest cur- Tottenham’s true title credentials Verona v Sassuolo 14:00 in the headline fixture of this weekend’s rent unbeaten run in the league and may be a lot clearer by Christmas, Udinese v Genoa 17:00 O Napoli v AC Milan 19:45 Premier League. picking up 17 points from the 21 on then, and by that stage, Man City will For the first time since January 2017, offer in that time. hope to have hauled themselves back Spurs go into a showdown with Man Another victory this weekend into the front-running of that conver- City sitting above their opponents in would secure four league wins on the sation too. the table, and victory would lift them bounce for the first time since Febru- Guardiola’s side have only won Guardiola’s men have failed to score to the very top until at least Sunday ary 2019, while their only setback in three of their seven outings so far this more than once in each of their last night. their last 14 outings across all compe- season, dropping nine of the 21 points five Premier League games, having Matches with Mourinho and Guar- titions came away to Antwerp in the available to them to find themselves netted 16 times in their previous diola in opposing dugouts almost Europa League last month. 10th in the table. five before that. demand that as much attention be If there is a concern for Spurs right However, City do still boast a game It should be noted that City have focused on the managers as the clubs, now it may come in the fact that only in hand over most of the other teams not completely dried up in front and for Guardiola in particular he two of their Premier League matches in the league and are only six points of goal - their tally of nine goals in will be looking to crown a celebratory this season have been decided by off pace-setters Leicester, so they three Champions League games is week which saw him finally put pen more than one goal, and their last certainly have the scope to make up bettered by only two other clubs, to paper on a new two-year contract at three have seen them only scrape past for their uncharacteristically sluggish for example - but their Premier the Etihad Stadium on Thursday. Burnley, Brighton & Hove Albion and start. League profligacy will be a growing Arguably the two highest-profile West Bromwich Albion. A 1-1 draw at home to champions concern. managers in football have faced off Mourinho’s men have still picked Liverpool last time out was the third Guardiola may subsequently be in Clasicos and Manchester derbies up nine points from nine in those time they have shared the spoils in hoping that his players carry their before, with Guardiola enjoying the games, though, while they head into their last five Premier League games international form into domestic du- better of their past meetings. this weekend boasting the joint-best - as many as their previous 70 outings ties, having seen Ferran Torres score Indeed, Mourinho’s 10 defeats to defensive record, the joint-best goal in the competition. a hat-trick for Spain against Germa- Guardiola-led teams are more than difference and the joint second-best City’s struggles to turn those draws ny, Rodri also get on the scoresheet he has suffered against any other attacking record in the division. into wins can be directly correlated to in that match and Ruben Dias net twice manager, while Guardiola himself has Even so, Mourinho may still be their relative lack of goals this season, for Portugal against Croatia. only beaten Manuel Pellegrini more demanding an improvement from his having found the back of the net only However it comes, Guardiola will often as an opposing boss. side, whose relatively kind fixture list 10 times in their seven league games. know the importance of returning to The dynamics may be a little differ- since the October international break To put that into context, City had winning ways this weekend, whereas ent heading into today’s showdown, has now well and truly ended. plundered 27 goals by the same stage victory for Spurs would be another though, with Tottenham flying high Six of Tottenham’s next seven of last season, and their current tally statement of intent in what supporters and belief beginning to grow that they league games come against teams that is their lowest after seven games since increasingly hope could be a memo- could launch a genuine title challenge finished in the top eight last season - 2010-11. rable campaign. 30 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER˾ͺ͹, 2020, GLOBAL SOCCER

Winner of the maiden DStv Premium Golf Day star prize, Dr. Ogunbiyi Ogunbanjo (middle), receiving Anthony Joshua and Kubrat Pulev pose for a photogragh during the press conference at the Principality his trophy from Head of Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. Tope Oshunkeye, at Ikeja Golf Club… last Stadium Saturday Thrills of DStv Premium Golf Day As early as 6am last Saturday, the prestigious Ikeja Golf Club in Lagos had NFF Appoints Daura started receiving golfers, with kits in tow, arriving in trickles. After about half an hour, the trickles grew into thick streams of golfers and their caddies. The occasion was the inaugural edition of the DStv Premium Golf Day, sponsored by premier pay television service provider, DStv. Golf enthusiasts trooped in to see who among the 99 golfers would win Head of Women’s Football the prizes on offer. The 99 had been picked from a total of 500 registrants in line with the physical The Nigeria Football Fed- management and funding”. She women in football with respect to distancing requirements of COVID-19 safety measures. eration yesterday announced fitted the bill of a Nigerian and a grassroots education, performance The DStv Golf Day followed the stroke play format, which sees each golfer’s the appointment of Amina Sani female as stipulated by the NFF and administration. number of strokes counted in two rounds of 18 holes-the first nine holes and Zangon Daura as its new Head for the position. A total of 11 candidates were in- the back nine holes, with the golfer with the overall best score from the 18 of Women’s Football. A UNICEF ambassador, Ms terviewed for the position, including holes to be announced the winner. Recruitment firm, Phillips Daura will oversee the develop- seven Nigerians. There were also an The first game kicked off at about 6.45 a.m, with golfers taking turns on the Consulting, noted that during the ment of women’s football across the Italian, a Finnish and a Belgian in the final lush-green course of the club. entire exercise, Ms Daura “dem- nation and also provide technical pool from which Amina Daura emerged. For many golfers, the hopes of posting outstanding performances started onstrated a strong passion for the support to the Head Coach, Randy Educated in England, Amina has over fading after the first nine holes when they came to the realisation that their development of women’s football Waldrum. She will be responsible 15 years’ experience in women’s foot- performances were hardly the type that would win them any of the prizes. A few from grassroots to elite level” and for increasing the participation ball organisation, and last worked quit, while others continued to the back in the hope of making up their scores. that “she was able to prove to the of women in football at all levels for Helping Hands Foundation After the day-long exertions on the golf course, golfers took a time off and panel her capacity for stakeholder and developing opportunities for for Child Education. reconvened for the scheduled cocktail, where the results were to be announced and prizes handed out to the winners. The cocktail, anchored by Mr. Omini Ofem, was hugely anticipated for the announcement of the winners. The star prize, a business class ticket for a Ahead of Title Defence, Joshua Aiming to Destroy Pulev weekend stay in a five-star hotel in Dubai, was won by Dr. Ogunbiyi Ogunbanjo Anthony Joshua is looking “sen- intends to inflict a crushing loss on he’s going to punish him. I think with a net score of 65. Mr. Remi Olukoya, with a net score of 67, emerged the sational” in the final weeks of train- his IBF mandatory challenger. you’re going to see a statement. I don’t runner-up and was rewarded with a business class ticket and a weekend ing camp as he aims to “absolutely “I went to see him yesterday, he want to put too much pressure on him, accommodation at a five-star hotel in Rwanda. Next to him was Mr. Rasheed destroy” Kubrat Pulev, says promoter looked absolutely sensational,” Hearn but I really do. That’s what I think. Adebisi, with a net score of 69. He was rewarded with a weekend accommoda- Eddie Hearn. told Sky Sports. “AJ will always be a relaxed, tion in a five-star hotel in Lagos. Mrs. Linda Obieze won the women category Britain’s heavyweight star gave a “He’s moving so well. We know humble guy, but I really believe with the same score and was rewarded with a golf bag. glimpse of his destructive skills when he’s brought in a couple of new train- having seen the improvement that The prize for the longest drive was claimed by Mr. Femi Ajala, who won a Hearn visited Joshua’s headquarters ers with Rob McCracken leading the he’s made, the spite in his punches, 55-inch television. Mr. Ife Muritala, son of a golfer, won the prize-a golf bag- for in Sheffield on Wednesday, with his way. I think you’re going to get a thrilling the nearest to the pin (hole 17). WBA, IBF and WBO title defence “He’s learning, he’s punching so display from Anthony Joshua.” Ofem noted that the DStv Golf Day attracted golfers from other clubs such against Kubrat Pulev edging closer hard, so sharp, so fast. I think this Joshua’s ultimate ambition remains as Ikoyi Club (Golf Section), Ibadan Golf Club, Abeokuta Golf Club, Benin on December 12. is going to be a tough fight against an undisputed world title fight against Club (Golf Section) and Ekiti Golf Club. Pulev has defeated Derek Chisora Kubrat Pulev. I also think he is going WBC champion Tyson Fury, who this Speaking at the cocktail, Captain of Ikeja Golf Club, Mr. Oladimeji Durojaiye, and Hughie Fury since his sole defeat to absolutely destroy him. week abandoned plans for a home- said members of the Ikeja Golf Club were delighted that the club was chosen against Wladimir Klitschko, back “I think he’s going to break him coming clash with Agit Kabayel in by the sponsors. He also noted that golfers were very enthusiastic. in 2014, but Hearn believes Joshua down, he’s going to dissect him, and December. “We thank the DStv team for bringing such initiative to Ikeja Golf Club. This is the first tournament and the feedback from players have been very impressive. We sincerely hope this will become an annual event,” he said. Power Forward Develops Nigeria’s Youth Potential in Sport Mr. Tope Oshunkeye, Head of Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, who represented Mr. John Ugbe, CEO, MultiChoice Nigeria, said DStv was happy Power Forward, a youth Power Forward Huddle NBA Africa CEO, Victor Festus Ezeli recalled to be associated with the event and it was a way of showing appreciation to development initiative which livestreamed on Williams; and Africare his visit to Nigeria last subscribers on the DStv Premium package. launched in 2013 by the NBA Africa YouTube on President and CEO, Robert year, after a decade and In his remarks, Jenkins Alumona, CEO of Flykite Productions, the event ExxonMobil Foundation, Nov. 19. Mallett; – as well as testimo- a half abroad, when he organisers, thanked the golfers for their participation and expressed hope that the NBA and Africare, uses The event, hosted by nials from Power Forward also took part in the sixth the event would be held in other golf clubs in Lagos and other cities. basketball to teach health TV and radio host Jimmie students. The organisers Power Forward Finals at literacy, including malaria Akinsola, celebrated seven also thanked FCT Abuja the National Stadium in prevention and personal years of the Power Forward Secondary Education Abuja. Over 150 Players to Grace Captain’s hygiene, and life skills, such program for youth ages 14 Board and Nigerian Bas- “I had been gone for 15 as leadership, respect and and under and coaches ketball Federation for their years. I left my home, I left Inaugural Golf Tourney responsibility, to students from 30 schools in Abuja. support of the initiative. my family, it was just me No fewer than 150 golfers are expected to tee-off at the Ibori Golf and Country in 30 secondary schools in The one-hour show, Victor Oladipo and when I came to America. Club (IGCC), 2020 Captain’s Inaugural Golf Tournament today at the golf Abuja. celebrating the program’s Festus Ezeli spoke about And coming back after all course, Asaba, Delta State capital. This initiative, in its impact in Abuja, also the role basketball played this time, a lot of inches tall- The long awaited inaugural golf tournament is making the IGCC golf course seventh year had two- featured representatives in their lives, the values of er, it was a very emotional wearing a new look in readiness for the tournament featuring top playing time NBA all-star Victor of the program partners the game and credited their time. You know it’s always golfers from different golf clubs in Nigeria. Oladipo and 2015 NBA – ExxonMobil Director of Nigerian upbringing for going to be home. Nigeria Champion Festus Ezeli Community Investment the successes on and off is always home,” visibly The 2020 edition of the tournament being organised by the IGCC Captain, headlined the first virtual and Strategy, Jim Jones; the court. excited Festus explained. Alfred Ebreneyin, will see golfers competing for laurels in both ladies and men, veteran and super veteran categories respectively. Captain Ebreneyin remarked that the tournament was earlier scheduled for second quarter of this year, but was postponed due to Coronavirus pandemic. LaLiga Resumes this Weekend Live on StarTimes The arrival, registration and cocktail took place yesterday, while the ceremonial The last time either of and third places respectively. to Atlético Madrid and Vil- app on up to three mobile tee-off and tournament proper holds today as well as presentation of prizes the two giants of Spanish Real Madrid are fourth larreal respectively. devices; this enables them to winners and the dinner party in the evening at the club house. football, Barcelona and Real – four points behind Real The games will be to stream all StarTimes The captain is optimistic that the tournament would be hitch free and well Madrid, were not leading Sociedad, albeit with a game broadcast live on StarTimes content on their mobile organised with Covid-19 protocols in place to ensure the safety of players after Week 9 was in 2006, in hand, while Barcelona are football channels. StarTimes devices at no extra cost. and guests. when Sevilla topped the eighth – nine points behind subscribers can share La Also, non-subscribers can Ebreneyin stated: “This inaugural tournament will be successful. By my table. the leaders, but having Liga moments live with stream all sports content estimation, we are anticipating nothing less than 150 golfers at the tournament. Looking at the current La played two games less. their loved ones by live on StarTimes-ON app “They are coming from clubs such as Benin Club Golf Section (BCGS); Liga table, Real Sociedad, Today both Barcelona and linking their decoder as low as N400 weekly, with UBTH Golf Club, Benin City; Ogunnu Golf Resort, Warri; Port-Harcourt Golf Villarreal and Atlético Ma- Real Madrid will have their smartcard number to an option to subscribe with Club; IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja; Ikoyi Golf Club, Lagos; Ibadan, Jos, drid occupy first, second mettle tested as they travel StarTimes-ON mobile their MTN airtime. Enugu, Calabar and amongst. THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER˾21, 2020 31 GLOBAL SOCCER

Ovie Ejeheri Three-way Battle for His Signature

At just 17 years, he is already attracting serious attention at both club and international levels. While Premier League clubs are scrambling for his signature, England, Nigeria and Uganda are involved in a three-way battle to secure the international services of Ovie Ejeheri

Ejeheri ngland, Nigeria and team over recent months and the Eng- “My goal in the next three years is to Uganda are at the land invitation presents him a chance to play regular first-team football at club moment involved in a be handed an international call-up. level and represent England or Nigeria three-way battle to secure Should Ejeheri impress English at international level,” he continued. the international services national team selectors, he could be “I look forward to the challenges of Ovie Ejeheri, according handed a call-up to England’s squad of professional and international to a report. ahead of preparations for the 2021 FIFA football at the highest level.” Sky Sports report that U-20 World Cup billed for Indonesia. Alongside Nigeria prospects like Ejeheri is eligible to play for England, Speaking to Goal through his rep- Miguel Azeez, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, NigeriaE and Uganda, with each keen to resentative Segun Jegede of Utmostt Mazeed Ogungbo and Daniel Oyegoke, convince him to play for them. Sports Management, the teenager Ejeheri is a second-year scholar at Arse- Meanwhile, the English FA have called revels in this opportunity that will help nal for the 2020-21 season and could be him up to join their youth goalkeeper him ‘showcase’ his talent as well as offered a professional contract should he training camp in December. boost his professional career. continue to dazzle academy coaches. A number of Premier League clubs are “I feel it’s a very good opportunity also watching him, as he still hasn’t got a for me to showcase my talent and put professional deal at Arsenal. myself in the mix,” Ejeheri told Goal. Ejeheri joined Arsenal at the age of “I’ve been working hard at Arsenal five, progressing through the ranks to for over a decade. I’m happy that the GLOBAL SOCCER the U-18s. He also made the bench for work I’ve been putting in is being the U-23s on one occasion this season. noticed by the English FA and coach- ASSISTANT EDITOR However, the goalkeeper spent almost ing staff. the entirety of the last campaign out “It’s definitely a means of progres- injured. sion for my career. It’s a development THISDAY ON SATURDAY The 17-year-old started his first game that will challenge me to keep EDITOR of 2020/21 in the U-18s’ last match raising the bar in my career en- against Norwich. He made a couple of deavours. saves and was close to keeping a clean “It’s a step in the right direction THISDAY NEWSPAPERS sheet before the away side scored in the for me to get more recognition in the 86th minute. England set-up.” EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN Ejeheri also trained with Arsenal Born in Greenwich, London to a first-team over the international break, Nigerian father and a mother from and the fact he’s starting matches for Uganda, the goalkeeper could spark MANAGING DIRECTOR the U-18s suggests he could still sign a selection war between Uganda, a professional deal to stay. But clearly, Nigeria and England in future. there’s a lot of interest at both club and Ejeheri, whose football role model DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR international level if he doesn’t. is Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon, also The 17-year-old Anglo-Nigerian has talked about his future and the heights been in fine form for the Gunners’ U-18 he would love to reach 32 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾21, 2020 NOVEMBER21˜ͰͮͰͮ˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER 33 34 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ͺ͹˜2020

Bennett Oghifo AUTO WORLD 07052343083 Email:[email protected]

TIPS OF THE WEEK Why Is My ABS Light On?

What Does ABS Mean? ABS stands for antilock braking system and it is one of the most important safety features on any new car, truck, or SUV. An ABS system uses sensors to help prevent your wheels from locking up during hard braking. This can help you maintain control of your car in an emergency.

How Does ABS Work? ABS uses sensors mounted at each wheel, along with a series of valves and pumps, to monitor tyre grip and brake pressure during extreme braking conditions. Let us say you are on a highway and traffic ahead comes to a sudden stop. When you press hard on the brake pedal, the ABS system springs into action. If the sensors detect a wheel has “locked up,” meaning the tire has stopped spinning and is now skimming across the road, ABS rapidly reduces and then reapplies brake pressure to help restore control and bring the car to a quick and controlled stop. Before ABS, drivers were taught to pump the brakes to prevent wheel lock and loss of control. Hyundai Kona, an electric SUV With ABS, this is done automatically.

Why is My ABS Light On? Like many issues with modern cars, multiple problems could cause your car’s ABS light to Full Charge of Hyundai Kona Costs illuminate. In some cases, the warning could be a false signal that something is wrong. Simply restarting the car might cause the light to turn off. To be on the Below N4,000, Drives 482KM safe side, it’s smart to have the system checked by a mechanic anyhow. rospective buyers of Hyundai Kona, “All the issues and fights that we are having about of 230V and frequency of 50Hz. The styling of the an electric SUV, rolled out of the as- prices of petroleum going up and the rest of it will vehicle is conventional, the interior is luxurious, Potential causes for an ABS warning light sembly lines of Stallion VON in Lagos be a thing of the past.” and the ride is nearly silent. include: recently need not worry about their Kona electric has been extensively applauded A fault with the ABS tire speed sensors located electricity bills going up because of Running Costs for its class driving range, safety convenience at each wheel its low running costs. According to Stallion VON, “Another factor that features and fast-charging capability. Its success Recently, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu inaugu- will grease Kona’s wheel of success in the country can be measured by the following; In April 2020, Problems with the valves and related pumps P that regulate brake pressure rated Hyundai Kona, the first electric car assembled is the car’s running cost, which is quite minimal. it was named the Best Small Family Car by the in Nigeria by the Stallion Group. That will be more so in Nigeria, where electricity inaugural TopGear Electric Awards based on its Low brake fluid, which reduces braking per- The governor, who led other senior members of consumers resident in accommodation categorised 24-hour (1,600-km) performance. This year, U.S. formance, even when ABS is not needed government to Stallion Group‘s assembly plant under R1 are charged only N45 per kilowatt. News & World Report named it the Best Electric An issue with the fuse dedicated to the ABS VON at Ojo, Lagos, described the car as a future “That implies Hyundai Kona owners would incur Vehicle. WardsAuto included KONA Electric on its system that was happening in the present. only N3300 for a full charge that will do a running 10 best engines list. In 2018, Auto Express named If you have an OBD scan tool, you can plug it into He said, “This is a way to go, and it is the future of 482 kms, if he or she plugs the car into public it the Affordable Electric Car of the Year. The EV your car, examine the trouble codes, and potentially that we are seeing now. This is the first electric car power supply. The charging is also as simple as also played a role in the KONA nameplate winning learn more about the problem. However, you that we are seeing and we as the government need getting your mobile plugged in at your home or Spanish newspaper ABC’s Best Car of the Year to partner with them.” office electrical socket.” award. It also won the 2019 North American Utility will still probably need a mechanic for the fix. According to him, “The future that we see is the The ease of charging is unmatched and can be Vehicle of the Year. future of technology and this is the technology that plugged in at home or work for 9.35 hours for a While EVs may have had a checkered past, there What Does the ABS Light Look Like? we are talking about. full battery charge and the power consumption is still an unanimity amongst auto industry leaders The warning itself is easy to spot – it’s located in “This is 21st Century technology that has been for full charging is 143 WH/KM (68.926 kwh and analysts that a tipping point is approaching the gauge cluster directly in front of the driver. An brought into our country. With the innovation of for 482km). Besides the Hyundai Kona’s electric where mass adoption will become inevitable. These ABS light shows the letters “ABS” within a circle; Hyundai Kona, we do not need to put the pressure power-packed performance for providing a thrilling factors have come together to force the traditional it’s illuminated in either red, orange, or yellow. on what is the pump price of oil again, what is the driving experience it also manages to excel with industry to take electrification seriously -faster than pump price of petroleum again. its charging kit capacity of 2.3KW, with a voltage we had previously expected. Can I Drive My Car With the ABS Light On? If the car is still braking normally, any potential issue is likely related to the ABS system itself, and not the brakes. Still, the best advice is to make Sanwo-Olu, Gbemisola Saraki for PTONA’s AGM, Bus Exhibition sure the car is safe to drive and get to a mechanic as soon as possible. ne of Nigeria’s tech-enabled au- Lastly, Cars45 has partnered financial institutions view to facilitating new car sales and ownership. If the ABS light comes on and all braking sud- - fintechs and banks to provide vehicle financing Also speaking during the briefing, Head, Marketing tomotive trade platforms, Cars45, denly feels abnormal, stop the vehicle and call has reiterated its commitment to services to both consumers and car dealers with and Communications, Shola Adekoya reiterated the buying and selling within Nigeria’s a view to removing long-standing barriers to car company’s commitment to driving the growth of for assistance. The last thing you want to do is automotive industry. ownership and help grow the pool of car owners the automotive sector in Nigeria and ensuring that make a broken brake system made worse by They also want to define the future across the country. car-buying and ownership becomes a seamless, safe risking an accident. of automotive trade across the country by providing The company also noted that its expansion into and secure experience for consumers. “We take our O Kenya and Ghana is growing while strengthening responsibility of providing quality service offerings consumers brand experience that helps them with What Does It Cost to Fix an ABS Problem? its partnerships with car manufacturers and OEMs underpinned by transparency and integrity very smarter choices. That depends on what the problem turns out Cars45, founded in 2016, provides an end-to-end that include KIA, Kelwarams and CFAO with a seriously. digitized customer journey for buying and selling to be. Something as simple as low brake fluid or cars for individuals and corporate organisations a blown ABS fuse will be relatively cheap and with a desire to help them get the most value from quick to remedy. any automotive transactioCars45 Series A fund A laptop-based vehicle diagnosis might also raise in May 2017, was acquired by OLX Group indicate the problem is a computer glitch, not in November 2019 to demonstrate their ambition a damaged or worn part. Again, this should be to lead the online market for used cars. Cars45 has now been fully integrated as a proud member of inexpensive and easy to remedy. the OLX Autos family. More expensive issues would be related to items Cars45 announced some products offerings that like faulty speed sensors, and whether the sensor include: GoMechanic45, an aftermarket service can be repaired or needs to be replaced. Depending aimed at providing quality and affordable car repair on the vehicle’s age, it might be a good idea to services for consumers and corporates, deepening have all four sensors checked and replaced if the culture of preventive maintenance and scheduled servicing in a manner that helps them to maximize one is showing extreme signs of wear and tear. the lifetime value of their vehicles. Another pricier fix would be if the valves and Institutional and Corporate Sales will cater to related brake pumps are damaged and need corporate and government institutions by solving replacement. issues around fleet liquidation and valuation as well Remember, just because a sensor is worn doesn’t as supply while adding value to their automotive mean you need to completely overhaul every needs and unlocking new levers of growth and productivity. aspect of your ABS. Get a detailed explanation International Trade services christened as EasyS- of the problems, and ask to see the worn parts, hipDirect is an end-to-end importation service that if possible. will facilitate the acquisition of clean titled cars into If the car is brand new and still under warranty, the country, help the government realize revenue Buses at an exhibition an ABS-related issue is almost certain to be covered. via the payment of import duties and THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾Ͱͯ˜ͰͮͰͮ 35 FAJ/JOE THEFRONTLINES The P&ID Gas Project,j Restructuring JOSEPH USHIGIALE [email protected], [email protected] and Southern Conundrum 08023422660 (sms only)

he recent landmark rulings in favour of Nigeria have had multiplier effects including generating revenue for genuine promoter to resuscitate the GSPA project after the initial in a matter instituted by the federal government government and improved electricity supply to millions of setbacks given the fact that Calabar and the entire South-south against Process and Industrial Development homes in Nigeria. in particular and the South in general hold the highest gas Limited (P&ID) in both the United Kingdom So was the project desirable and was it going to have positive reserves in the country? and United States of American courts are effects on the people and the economy? Yes it was because at According to worldometer, Nigeria holds 187 trillion cubic feet worthy of commendation. present, the World Bank estimates that only 59% of the country (Tcf) of proven gas reserves as of 2017, ranking 9th in the world While presuming that the facts of the rulings have access to reliable supply of electricity. It also acknowledged and accounting for about 3% of the world’s total natural gas are already public knowledge, the point needs that with almost 8 billion cubic meters of gas flared annually reserves of 6,923 Tcf. Nigeria has proven reserves equivalent to to be made that the present administration of President Muhamm- according to satellite data, Nigeria is the seventh-largest gas 306.3 times its annual consumption. This means it has about 306 maduT Buhari deserves commendation for its dogged pursuit flarer in the world. At the same time approximately 75 million years of gas left (at current consumption levels and excluding of this matter to its logical conclusion. Rather than accepting Nigerians lack access to electricity unproven reserves). the positions canvassed by the battery of compromised lawyers According to the records, the GSPA was signed during the Therefore, it was out of sound judgement and economic urging the federal government to enter into a contrived agreee- administration of President Umaru Yar’Adua. The duo of Mr. viability the late Yar’Adua administration decided to embark on ment which would have cost the commonwealth a fortune, the Michael Quinn and his partner Brendan Cahill proposed the the project. By choosing the South, Yar’Adua was utilizing its government, convinced that the promoters of the gas project project to late President Yar’Adua in August 2008. At that time, comparative advantages as the rightful place to site the project. failed to fulfill their own side of the agreement refused to play the late Rilwanu Lukman, a 2-time OPEC Secretary-General, Why then did Buhari not tow the same line? ball. who was Minister of Petroleum Resources at the time, signed A carefully study of Buhari’s developmental thrust and In the end, Nigera, by the ruling has been saved from paying the GSPA. It was learnt that the P&ID and the Nigerian Governn- body language will show that his interest is the north and not P&ID the $10b arbitration claim it tendered before the courts. ment entered into a 20-year Agreement – known as the Gas pan-Nigeria. The core reason for this is clear: with the hindsight The ruling is without doubt a fresh breathe of air and indeed Supply and Processing Agreement (GSPA) – to refine natural of the Biafran civil war, IPOB and Oduduwa Republic clamourr- a deodorant for an administration reeking from one corruption gas for powering Nigeria’s electricity grid. Specifically, the GSPA ing for self determination and the current growing clamour for scandal to another. The administration’s record which sticks out was to generate an additional 2,000 megawatts of power for the restructuring, Buhari and his northern allies are already thinking like a sore thumb is so bad that even its anti-corruption czar is national grid. Such a major increase in low-cost electricity supply ahead. under investigation for sleaze. Yet, the redeeming feature in this brought by the P&ID project could have been transformative for In the last five years, he has deliberately set aside every project matter is the seeming statement from the administration that millions of Nigerians. that has benefits to the south and initiated by past administraa- future projects that are not well negotiated and which result in As part of the deal, the P&ID was required to build a state-of- tions. Instead of building on what he met, Buhari choosed to such claims and other judgement debts (which are very many) the-art gas processing plant to refine natural gas (“wet gas”) into begin new projects sited exclusively in the north. that have fleeced the commonwealth of billions of dollars would “lean gas” that Nigeria would receive free of charge to power For example, he completed the Abuja - Kaduna rail line no longer be entertained. its national electric grid. The P&ID was not entitled to be paid simply because it is in the north and would serve the north Now that Nigeria has secured reprieve from the P&ID case, for this work: instead, it was to own the by-products created by even when there are so many other rail projects initiated by let’s return to the rationale behind the Gas Supply and Processs- the refining – such as propane, ethane and butane or natural gas former President Goodluck Jonathan which aimed at connecting ing Agreement (GSPA) entered into between the late Umaru liquids and was to have the exclusive rights to sell them on the the entire country. Yar ’Adua’s government and the P&ID and to ascertain whether international markets. This market was projected to be worth Buhari also took a further step to initiate an entirely new rail or not it was desirable and who stood to benefit from it? billions of dollars over the 20-year lifespan of the contract. project from Kano to Maradi citing national interest as reason. In To begin with, Nigeria is known to flare most of its gas Had this project taken off as planned, it would have curtailed place of the GSPA in the South, Buhari has undertaken a very released during oil drilling. Until recently, the penalty for gas the wasteful flaring of natural gas that is released during oil ambitious gas project from Ajaokuta, Kaduna to Kano. flaring also known as flare payments (penalties) was N10 per drilling in addition to depleting the country’s natural resources Details of the project indicate that the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano thousand standard cubic feet. However, a revised penalty and depriving it of the much needed revenue. A government (AKK) pipeline is a 614km-long pipeline being developed by issued few years ago increased or reviewed it upwards. A taskforce – Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to transport statement from the Nigeria Gas Flare and Commercialization (NGFCP)– found out that in 2016 alone, Nigeria failed to earn natural gas from southern Nigeria to northern Nigeria. Programme (NGFCP) said “the upward review in the case of over $1.1 billion in potential gas revenue, as a result of flaring as The £2.2bn ($2.8bn) pipeline project represents phase one of any one producing 10,000 barrels of oil or more, to $2.0 USD per much as 275 billion cubic feet of natural gas. the 1,300km-long Trans-Nigerian Gas Pipeline (TNGP) project, thousand standard cubic feet of gas and, in the case of anyone New data from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation which is being developed as part of Nigeria’s Gas Master producing less than 10,000 barrels of oil per day, to $0.50 USD (NNPC) showed that between Q1 and Q3 2018, oil and gas Plan to utilise the country’s surplus gas resources for power per thousand. This year, government has projected a revenue of firms flared a total of 251.9 billion standard cubic feet of natural generation as well as for consumption by domestic customers. N104b receipt up from N45b which accrued to the federation gas for a total loss of N197 billion (approximately US $547 The TNGP project also forms part of the proposed 4,401km-long account in the past. million) in potential revenue. Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) to export natural gas to Thus, it was cheaper for the oil majors to make flare payy- So given the viability of the project and its multiplier benefits customers in Europe. ments rather than investing in gas production which would to the economy, why has Buhari not shopped for a new Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com Son of Man…Who Turned You to God? COUNTERPOINT s the year 2020 trudges to an awkward the recreation on display? What is the motive behind end...just few weeks away...we elect to “Admits One Only”? FEMI look inwards, and, for the moment, look Crowd control? away from the ever present, ever baf- My submission is that many men in marriage AKINTUNDEE-JOHNSON fling, ever dispiriting culture of under- relationships have scant regard for their women’s feelings [email protected] governance, if not mis-governance...in a when it involves offficial and even unoffficial outings. They 08182223348 - (SMS Only) nation divinely lavished with innumer- feel it is within their manly duty and privileges to junket able mineral resources, and incredible around town, trawling from one party to another with mass of diligent, teachable and adaptive people. One has male friends, because men can “take care of themselves”. bemused when things don’t go their way, in spite of their Afound solace, or shall we say sanity, in personal intro- I even heard of a big company whose staff, by unspoken ‘efforts’ and ‘sacrifices’. They are incredibly untouched spection, and a desire to add a modicum of instructions, rule, were not expected to come to company sorties with by the irony of their positions, in clear juxtaposition with experience and candid admonishments in the mindset their spouses. It is sheer baloney! their marital vows. Perverts! and philosophical underlinings of today’s man. That sort of mentality is occasioned by deliberate The question that pops up is: how can you be ‘one’ The following piece is my humble contribution to pig-headedness and ignorance. When we tie the in truth, and still accept single cards? And still attend efforts that have been afoot for decades in building and proverbial knots on wedding days, we declare to the glee ‘family meetings’ where your spouse stays outside in sustaining more responsible and beneficial interpersonal and adulation of invited guests and families, that in all the car or in the visitor’s room? Why do you fix your skills which ultimately translate to a more decent and circumstances and situations, we would love and cherish vacations on different occasions whereby one partner will egalitarian society. Here goes... the presence and essence of the beaming brides. But continue to work while the other occupies his or her time Recently, I received an invitation card (they call we really do not mean what we say, do we? Or else we with one distraction or the other? Like visiting friends it “invite” now) to an event I had looked forward to harbour different agenda that will later be sprung on the and families abroad or in the hinterlands - alone!? attend. Eventually, I chose not to attend. The snag was unsuspecting women. The answer is in your heart. When you choose to that “Admits One Only” was boldly printed on the This is how I know: when you make vows to make leave your parents’ house, and be joined to another who back of the gilt-edged card. I was nonplussed, because your wife-to-be happy and become one - the parents and has equally left behind her family’s covering…the spirit I had planned to attend the event with my wife, and guests assume that you have weighed the seriousness of of your union enjoins you to fuse into a oneness that can- apparently the organizers conveniently ignored the fact your vows, and that you would do all in your power to not be easily dismantled by rampaging foxes, occasional that I was married, or that I would really appreciate my make the vows sustainable and applicable. In short, when storms, other people’s silly attitudes and such vicissitudes partner’s company at the loudly publicised event. they hear you say that two of you shall become one, as of life. Surely challenges will arise…no one is able to I toyed with the idea of calling the attention of the the good book says, they believe you know that will be avoid that…but a sensible and pragmatic fusion of two organizers to the oversight, and ‘seek redress’. As quickly taken in its literal form. They assume that you will start, willing and mutually responsible and caring adults will as the thought came, I brushed it aside, and decided from the first day of your marriage, to throw out all these provide a formidable shield for their children and many not to ‘disturb’ those who must be running from pillar habits, proclivities and idiosyncrasies that define only of their productive trees for God to water. to post, considering the incredible stress of organizing you. They pray and hope that you will begin the process See, you are not a weakling if you cannot do without a big-time event in Nigeria. The distraction of asking of giving life to your vows, and kickstart the process of your wife; nor are you emotionally unbalanced if you for additional cards can generate all sorts of emotions welding your ways and your passions with that of your suffer anxiety when you miss your husband… that is that I simply decided to ‘bury’ the chance of attending wife, such that you truly become ONE in as short a time how it should be…after all, all parts of your body are the event altogether. But that set me wondering: why as possible. fused as one…a hurt to the nose will affect all of the do people send single admittance invites to obviously However, what is prevalent is empty bravado couched body. Good health and wise lifestyle is keeping all parts married couples? Where do they expect the unpreferred as essential individualism, even in the unison of wedlock. of the body in good cheer. Same with your marriage… spouse in that relationship to go on the day of the event? Today’s machos want to eat their cake and yet have both of you must be one in sustaining and encouraging Are they encouraging more guests to come in singly for it. They want to have a stable home, a happy wife those things, actions, persons and places that give you any particular reason beyond attending and enjoying and prosperous lifestyle outside their homes. They are cheer and joy. Seize the moment, now. 36 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ͺ͹˜2020 MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874 Nigeria Ranks 11th in Global Demand for Noodles Nigeria has been rated one of the largest markets for noodles consumption globally. The World Instant Noodles Association (WINA), in its latest report, ranked Nigeria 11th in the global demand for noodles, putting Nigeria among the largest consumers of instant noodles, with 1.92 million servings as at May 2020. The report also ranked Indomie Instant Noodles as the most consumed brand in Nigeria. Speaking on this feat, Chief Operations Officer of Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Adesh Jain, averred that Indomie was able to sustain market dominance by giving priority to innovation and creativity. He said, “The successful exploitation of new ideas is crucial to a business being able to improve its processes, introduce new, improved products and services to market, increased efficiency, and, most importantly, improve profitability. “Though we have maintained market dominance in the noodles market in Nigeria for close to three decades, we will not rest on our oars because we understand that market environments—whether local, regional, national or global—are becoming highly competitive, hence, there is a need to do more.” He added that Dufil had consistently adapted its product-lines to the changing marketplace over the years. “In 2019, we added Indomie Relish to our range of products as a response to consumers’ yearning for a wholesome and satisfying meal experience. Indomie Relish was introduced to meet this need as it provides a complete, balanced and savoury culinary experience President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Dame Olajumoke Simplice, presenting Award of Excellence to Conference Chairman, Prof. Godwin Oyedokun, at the with real fish chunks and fish powder in the seafood flavour Annual International Academic Conference on Taxation, organised by CITN in collaboration with Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State... recently packs,” Jain said. It will be recalled that in November 2017, Dufil Prima Foods also consolidated its dominance in Nigeria’s noodles market by acquiring the plants of Dangote Noodles Limited, a subsidiary of Dangote Flour Mills Plc. Hypo Seeks End to Open Autochek Secures $3.4m for Defecation on World Toilet Day African Automotive Industry Autochek, the automotive technology company which aims to build Hygiene and sanitation brand, Hypo, has Toilet Day, we decided to take over the government to end open defecation by solutions for the African market, has raised $3.4 million in a pre-seed called for increased public trust in public cleaning and management of few toilet 2025.” funding round, co-led by TLcom Capital and 4DX Ventures with inclusion toilet facilities to make Nigeria overcome facilities, for example, Berger, Arena market Director, Public Health Education, Lagos from Golden Palm Investments, Lateral Capital, Kepple Africa Ventures, the challenge of open defecation. in Oshodi and Trade fair, all in Lagos State state Ministry of Health, Mrs. Sola Hassan, MSA Capital and a number of local angel/seed investors. The organisation made this call while for the first phase of our programme. We commended Hypo’s effort for collaborating The start-up will use the investment to grow its Nigeria and Ghana marking this year’s World Toilet Day shall be deploying our resources, including with government to end open defecation. markets and will see further investment in technology and growing its in partnership with the Lagos State the Hypo toilet cleaner to keep the toilet “Lagos state government has been teams. The pre-seed investment announced today follows Autochek’s government. sparkling, attractive and germs free. By building public toilets facilities across the acquisition of the Cheki Nigeria and Cheki Ghana brands in September 2020. In marking the day, Hypo sponsored so doing, people who make use of the state to quell open defecation and so, I can Etop Ikpe, founder and CEO of Autochek, said, “This early stage the cleaning of public toilets and offered facilities can have a positive view of public boldly say that the figure is reducing in free defecation service for Lagosians in toilets and develop a desire to use them the state. Hypo has been quite supportive investment allows us to get started with the work of developing technol- selected facilities across Lagos State for when there is need.” though several initiatives that have paid off. ogy products and services that will transform automotive trade on the three days. Speaking on the theme of the Day, “The theme for this year’s World continent, whereby we significantly improve transactions and after care Speaking at an event to observe the “Sustainable Sanitation and Climate Change, Toilet Day has a lot of importance for support for car owners, dealers and other stakeholders across the African day at Ojodu Berger public toilet, Lagos, Akinseloyin maintained that Hypo sought environmental and personal hygiene automotive industry’’. Brand Manager of Hypo Toilet Cleaner, to connect the theme with customers by which also aligns with the COVID-19 “Building on the solid work that the Cheki Nigeria and Ghana teams Akintayo Akinseloyin noted that the gesture ensuring that they have access to proper safety campaign. Even presently that have done over the last ten years, we are already dispersed across was part of the company’s effort to build toilet facility. some parts of the country are faced with multiple locations and applying the technology built and developed by public confidence in public toilet facilities. “Talking about sustainable development the scourge of Yellow Fever, the place our Autochek auto-tech experts, we are well positioned to scale quickly, Akinseloyin observed that many people globally, there have always been issues of environmental and personal hygiene as demand for reliable and well priced cars on the continent grow. With are discouraged from using public toilets around water, but here in Nigeria, we are cannot be ruled out.” this pre-seed round and our seasoned strategic investors on board, we because they fear for their safety. This he faced with the challenge of open defecation. Also speaking, Head, Supervisor, Ojodu are working to transform the automotive sector on the continent.” said has contributed to the practice of “Hypo is committed to driving behav- Berger Toilet, Adenike Adebayo, expressed Andreata Muforo, partner at TLcom said, “Autochek is radically open defecation among over 47 million ioural change to bridge infrastructure appreciation to Hypo for the collaboration improving customer experience and dealer economics in an industry Nigerians. gap, ensure more public toilets facilities and promised to always maintain the that creates value and jobs across the continent and we are excited to “In commemorating the 2020 World in households and support the federal standard of hygiene to ensure public safety. be part of that journey. Lagos Enhances Capacity Honeycomb Confectioneries of Artisans, Tradesmen Celebrates 5th Anniversary

In line with its policy on wealth creation, She urged beneficiaries of the programme Honeycomb Confectioneries Limited, a quality participants with practical knowledge to eating the Lagos State government has embarked to reciprocate the kind gesture of the govern- premium food company in Lagos, is rolling healthy in the state of pandemic. on the retraining of artisans and tradesmen, ment by contributing their quota towards the out the drums in celebration of its 5th year According to her, “As part of our Corporate as part of efforts to restore public confidence attainment of a “Greater Lagos, Your Lagos, anniversary. Some of the programmes and events Social Responsibility, we have decided to put in the sector’s competence. Our Lagos.” already lined up to celebrate the anniversary together this event so that we can educate the Speaking during the flag-off ceremony She warned that the training programme include thanksgiving service, Distributors’ public on a topical issue such as this. The world of Y2020 upskilling of 2000 Tradesmen and was not just about going to various centres Forum and the first annual guest lecture tagged: has become hybrid and human activities has Artisans in Lagos recently, Commissioner and getting a certificate, but about broadening “Eating Right, Eating Healthy in the State of reduced , however, everyone needs to know for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. scope, widening horizon, thinking creatively Pandemic.” The Annual Distributors’ Forum the best way of nourishing their bodies.” Yetunde Arobieke stated that the initiative and absorbing the truth about life. We must will take a new dimension in commemoration The lecture is set to hold on Wednesday, was put together to enable the trainees meet see the training beyond our certificates.” of the anniversary. November 25th, 2020 from 2PM - 3PM. The up with the job demands for the 21st-century Arobieke also restated the state’s commitment Speaking on the upcoming lecture, the Execu- keynote Speaker of the virtual event is Dr Joy economy. to the informal sector, as demonstrated through tive Vice Chair of Honeycomb Confectioneries Odimegwu from the Department of Pharmacog- She restated that the retraining of 1,500 the implementation of different programmes Limited, Mrs. Biyi Tunji-Olugbodi, said the guest nosy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Artisans and 500 Tradesmen, which were drawn anchored by the Ministry of Wealth Creation lecture is the first of its kind from Honeycomb others are the Special Guests of Honour, Dr from the Lagos State Council for Tradesmen and Employment in collaboration with other Confectioneries and the theme for the lecture (Mrs) Lola Akande, Commissioner for Com- and Artisans, LASCOTA, was a demonstration agencies. is a reflection on the new world order that merce, Industry & cooperatives, Lagos State of the government’s commitment to enhance The Executive Secretary of Lagos State warrants eating healthy. The most crucial way and Ms Abisola Olusanya, Commissioner for the competence and quality of artisans and Technical and Vocational Education Board, to build one’s immunity is through healthy Agriculture, Lagos State. traders in the state for global competitiveness. LASTVEB, Ms. Ronke Azeez, had earlier eating. According to World Health Organization Honeycomb Confectioneries Limited is a She said, “It gives me a deep sense of satisfac- introduced the 2,000 Artisans and Tradesmen (WHO), eating a healthy diet is very important confectionary company that is passionate about tion to note that we are committed to ensuring who are to be trained in 19 different fields during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the coming feeding the nation with quality premium food. that the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise, including fashion designing, block laying, of the second wave of the coronavirus, it is Established on November 1, 2015 at 7, Akowonjo MSME sector of Lagos State’s economy, to which catering, barbing, shoe making, cosmetology important for one to prepare especially in the Road, Dopemu Lagos and currently produce most of you belong, grow and flourishes.” and hair dressing, among others. area of health. The conference is set to empower various loaves to delight her teeming consumers. SATURDAYNOVEMBER 21, 2020 • THISDAY 37 SATURDAYNOVEMBER 21, 2020 • THISDAY 39 38 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER˾21, 2020 SPORTS XTRA No Plan to Sack Rohr, Says Pinnick he Nigeria Rohr has faced scrutiny It further increased after Leone in both matches,” Pin- him considering the contract performance, where he has Football following a run of four games the country’s sports minister nick told BBC Sport Africa recently signed by both par- won 29 matches, drew 14 and Federation without a win and more Sunday Dare took to social “But it is not enough to sack ties. lost 10, you can say that is (NFF) presi- criticism followed after the media to question the ‘suit- the coach because his team is “No matter how emotional enough to back him,” said dent Amaju Super Eagles let a 4-0 lead ability and competence’ of the still top of the Nations Cup and disappointed the fans Pinnick. Pinnick has slip at home as Sierra Leone coach on the back of the 0-0 group after four matches. are, there’s no basis to sack “Yes, the performance in insistedT there is no plan to fought back to draw 4-4 in draw in the reverse fixture. “His statistics speaks him now and he deserves the last two games has not sack Coach Gernot Rohr their 2021 Africa Cup of Na- “Nobody is happy about volume for him, so on what to keep his job.” gone down well with some despite mounting pressure. tions qualifier. what happened against Sierra indexes do we want to sack Rohr took charge of the people, but we need to be three-time African cham- professional, honest and pions in August 2016 and respectful in how we analyse led them to a third place things.” finish at the 2019 African Interestingly, Rohr has Cup of Nations - after the been widely credited with team had missed back to assembling a young team back tournaments in 2015 made up of players who had and 2017. previously represented their But he has faced unrelent- country of birth at age-group ing criticism over tactics and levels. choice of players from the Yet his critics argued that local media, former players obsession ‘with foreign- and disappointed fans. born players’ has led to his However, Pinnick has decision to overlook players backed the German to lead from the domestic league the West African nation to in his squad. the delayed continental Rohr’s defence is that showpiece event in 2022 Nigeria’s best players are and the World Cup in Qatar based in Europe and he same year, as agreed in his would always pick local recently extended two-year players good enough to contract. compete at international “When you look at his level.

Arsenal Takeover Claim Kalu Told what it would Cost to Pinnick won’t be stampeded into sacking Rohr Buy out Kroenke’s Shares Nigerian billionaire Orji Kalu has been linked with a move Aiyegbeni Berates Rohr, Says He’s One of Nigeria’s Worst Coaches to buy Premier League giants Arsenal in recent weeks. The 60-year-old, who has built his fortune from numerous business Former Nigeria international Yakubu of qualification for Cameroon 2022, Portsmouth forward added: “Our ventures, recently announced that he is keen to purchase a 35 Aiyegbeni has labeled Gernot Rohr but Aiyegbeni believes Rohr is unfit football is getting worse every day. per cent stake in the club, which is currently wholly owned by as one of the ‘worst coaches’ in Super for the hot-seat and has demanded When I was there, people criticised Stan Kroenke, in order to help the club win trophies. Eagles history and questioned some he relinquish his post. us, but we’re way better than these Kalu has previous football experience having backed Enyimba of the credentials of the current crop “The coach is not good enough, ones. FC in his native Nigeria between 2000 and 2007, providing of players. let him go,” said Aiyegbeni on “The coach is not good enough, considerable funding to allow them to dominate the country’s In the recent Africa Cup of Nations Lagos Talks as reported by Goal. no clue. Gernot Rohr is one of the top flight. (Afcon) qualifiers, Nigeria squandered com. worst coaches in our history. He is He tweeted on Monday: “Our success with Enyimba FC a four-goal lead in a 4-4 draw at home “Some of the boys are not good not good enough.” between 2000-2007 has continuously increased my passion to Sierra Leone before playing to a 0-0 enough, I don’t know where they Rohr, 67, took over the Nigerian for football. stalemate in the reverse fixture away are bringing them from. Who is reins in 2016 and led the club to 2018 “As the pillar of sports in Africa, I am considering an invest- to the Leone Stars in Freetown. inviting these players? FIFA World Cup qualification and a ment in football & I will buy 35 per cent stake in Arsenal FC. Nigeria remain top of Group L de- The former Blackburn Rovers, Ever- third-place finish at the 2019 Afcon Our target is to lift the Champions League & EPL back to back spite the results and remain on the cusp ton, Middlesbrough, Leicester City and hosted in Egypt. as we did with Enyimba.” Kalu may have an indication of how much it would cost to carry out his intentions, but previous comments from the brother of Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe may highlight a problem Nigeria Striker, Imo Joins Compatriot Micheal at Pitea for the Nigerian should he wish to take full control of Arsenal The 2018 Swedish champions Pitea have season, scoring 10 goals in 40 outings for form after a long battle to beat relegation in the future. completed the signing of Nigeria striker Jonas Eidevall’s team. from the top-flight. Bob Ratcliffe, who is head of the football division at Ineos - the Anam Imo, on a three-year contract after Having completed her move, the striker Following her switch, Imo will become owners of Ligue 1 outfit Nice - revealed in January the price of passing her medical. becomes the first signing ahead of 2021 the second Nigerian with the Swedish outfit taking over a top Premier League club. Pitea based outfit secured the Super Damallsvenskan season for coach Stellan after veteran Super Falcons defender Faith He told the Financial Times’ Business of Football Summit that a move to gain full control of a ‘top six’ could cost ‘at least Falcons star as a free agent after success- Carlsson. Micheal. £2 billion’, which is around twice as much as Kalu’s estimated fully seeing out her two-year contract with “The first new acquisition for the 2021 Before her first move abroad, she scored net worth. 2019 Swedish Damallsvenskan winners season to Pitea IF DFF is ready,” the club eight goals for Nasarawa to emerge as Meanwhile, taking over one of the other Premier League Rosengard this November. website announced on Thursday evening. 2018 women’s top-flight topscorer and sides would come at a price of between £150 million and £350 The 20-year-old’s move to Pitea extends “It is 20-year-old forward Anam Imo was named the Nigeria’s Young Female million, with Ratcliffe adding that ‘they’re all for sale’. her impressive budding career in Sweden, from FC Rosengard who signed a three- Player of the Year same year. Arsenal’s current chief Kroenke, who became a billionaire where she had been since 2018 after leaving year contract with the club. At 18, she also put up a fine display as through his real estate and entertainment ventures, took full Nigeria Women’s Premier League side “She is welcome to the club and a more Nigeria recorded a title success at the 2018 control of the club in 2018 after buying Alisher Usmanov’s Nasarawa Amazons. detailed presentation will come later.” Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Ghana. minority stake. During her spell at Malmo IP, the Nige- The signing of Imo explains the ambition Imo will aim to continue her career at LF rian was influential in her side’s title success of Carlsson to help the 2018 Damallsven- Arena when Pitea launch their Swedish in 2019 and runners-up finish in the 2020 skan winners improve on last season’s league campaign in 2021. Kjokovic, Nadal in ‘ATP Finals’ Last Four World number one and two, Novac Kjokovic and Rafael Nadal reached the ATP Finals last four by beating Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas respectively, Youths, Athletes to Get Data Base, Says Sports Minister The Serb world number one beat Zverev 6-3 7-6 (7-4) at the O2 Arena in London. Djokovic, seeking a record-equalling sixth title A new dawn awaits Nigerian Youth the Town Hall Meeting yesterday, the we have decided to use better platform at the end-of-season tournament, was pushed much more in the as well as Athletes as the Ministry of minister reiterated that there were so which the federal government use to second set but raised his level at the crucial time in the tie-break. Youth and Sports Development is plan- many opportunities for jobs, empower- recruit people for previous programs. He will play Dominic Thiem in the last four today. ning to create a data base that will serve ment and training for the benefit of the This platform makes adjustments, has Meanwhile, the Spanish world number two overcame Greek as reservoir from which opportunities youths. flexible feature and complaints can be Tsitsipas 6-4 4-6 6-2 in London. Nadal, 34, had been the more could be accessed. Dare explained that youths should easily taken care of” . consistent player until losing serve to drop the second set, but This would also ensure that proper avail themselves of the stream The Minister further stated “If the fought back to dominate the decider. The 20-time Grand Slam records are kept to enable youth derive of opportunities and how to get application is successful , the youth champion will play Russian Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals maximum opportunities. trained. “For NYIF, it is important would undergo another process of at the O2 Arena today. Minister of Youth and Sports Develop- to note that the fund is for youth training by Entrepreneur Development “I was playing, I think, a great level of tennis for almost two ment Mr. Sunday Dare said the data base between ages 18-35, thus if you are Institute(EDI) who are certified trainers” sets,” said Nadal, who hit 32 winners and made just 13 unforced would soon be created for the Nigerian older than 35 years you will have dif- He assured that there will be a review errors. “The score was close, but in terms of feeling I felt that I youths to address unemployment, age ficulties in completing the application of the process of application to train was playing better than him. Then the situation changed. He cheats and to counter falsehood. process. From time to time there are as many people as possible to benefit won that game and then I was starting to suffer a little bit more Speaking during the 6th edition of minor difficulties in the platform, so from the loan. with my serve. T RU N Saturday, November 21, 2020TH & REASO Price: N250 MISSILE Wike to Umahi “Umahi is insulting the intelligence of the South-east people by claiming to have the interest of the region at heart whilst pursuing his personal ambition.” – Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, slamming his Ebonyi State counterpart, Dave Umahi, who claimed he dumped the PDP because the party had been unfair to the South-east. PENDULUM DELE MOMODU [email protected] As Peace Returns to Oyigbo, My Candid Observations ellow Nigerians, please, let me confess would be able to feature LIVE on Instagram killings that reportedly triggered the monumental that no one hates war more than me. and Facebook so that viewers could see and violence on both sides of the divide. No one One of my dreams in life is to win the feel what our mission was all about, directly, could ascertain how many deaths occurred and Nobel Peace prize, even if it is a tall instead of merely viewing and reading an edited documented on both sides. order, and possibly sheer fantasy, but story. We also used the opportunity to monitor I announced repeatedly on our live feeds Fmy obsession with peace makes me strive to comments on the live feeds on Instagram and that families and friends of the dead should preach non-violence whenever I have the chance. Facebook and therefore we were able to respond please find ways to contact us. None has so However, sadly, I believe some Nigerians think live to some spontaneous requests. far been brought to our attention. One of the war is a tea party. They revel in it and relish it, There were times I came down from the car to commentors wrote that we should visit and endlessly, without considering the repercussions. walk around a bit and interact with the people interview “reasonable people” instead of those They glorify violence as if it serves any real useful based on requests, instructions and directions from we already met, and we requested for leads to purpose beyond the maiming and killing of the live feeds. I felt comfortable and very much such people, but none was suggested. people, fortunes and nations. I have read about at home amongst the indigenes and residents In all, we believe we fulfilled all righteousness. wars, I have visited war fronts and watched of Oyigbo and the people welcomed us and On a personal note, I travelled to a terrain that horrific scenes from war films, and I know no freely expressed themselves about the military appeared risky, dangerous and perilous from the one should ever wish for war. Most wars are operations and preponderance of hunger, which reports I had read, not to impress but to offer unnecessary, and many wars end senselessly was a major issue for them. my own patriotic support and efforts towards because they often terminate at the negotiating I asked from the people about the murders and ensuring that peace ensues and endures. Those table where they should have started in the wanted to know if killings were still ongoing. who already declared Governor Nyesom Wike first place. So why fight, destroy and perish Everybody we spoke with confirmed what had as their enemy were not expected to like or in wars? Pointless! happened, but they all said the situation was appreciate our objectivity. So, you can imagine my mood as we drove under control. But they pleaded for the curfew Each side would have expected us to support out of Port Harcourt on Thursday, November Wike to be relaxed and for a major road that was their own position only. Rather, we chose to 19, 2020, heading to Oyigbo, a place that has still blockaded to be opened in order for their visit, listen, report, broadcast live, and leave been in the news for more bad reasons than to visit OYIGBO because of what had transpired. businesses to thrive. the rest to those watching the unfortunate saga good in recent times. I had been under pressure As journalists we would have been remiss and I was surprised that some people kept abusing to determine the veracity of and accuracy of to go on the fact-finding mission to the latest failing in our duty if we did not. us during the live broadcasts despite our open, what they had heard through our objective theatre of war in Nigeria and I’m glad I did. Therefore, unknown to those who felt I transparent work and apparent selflessness. We and unbiased report. Here then is the summary of my recent had bottled it and had possibly succumbed remained unperturbed because we were not Our sincere thanks to Governor Nyesom expedition to RIVERS STATE. I had interviewed to Governor Wike’s persuasion, I was already out to impress anyone but to do our job as Wike for allowing us the freedom to travel MAZI NNAMDI KANU weeks back and his making plans and arranging reconnaissance and professionally as we know best. Some of them to different parts of Rivers State without any fans were very happy because a came across security for the trip to Oyigbo. I was determined complained that I went with security and my encumbrance or impediment. Like him or hate as a First Class brain who knew onions. The to see the possible bloodbath and devastation reaction was, so we don’t deserve to protect our him, he is pushing the frontiers of development brilliant man himself tweeted the following day that I was reading about constantly on social lives? I certainly have a duty and responsibility in his State. He may be controversial but that is expressing his satisfaction with my comportment media. Nobody can pressurise me into doing or to those I work with who look up to me to expected of a man with such passionate beliefs and describing me as the Larry King of Africa, not doing something that I consider important, ensure their safety in areas that are potentially and uncommon tenacity. He is frank to a fault a compliment I truly appreciate. worthwhile and newsworthy. To be fair, I received dangerous and could be flashpoints. I do not in a clime where politicians are known to be Thereafter, his fans and others requested me no pressure whatsoever on this matter from take this lightly and would never shirk my Masters of doublespeak. to interview GOVERNOR NYESOM WIKE. By Governor Wike. Indeed, when I needed it, he responsibility and duty. What I find most impressive is his unalloyed popular demand, and because I always believe promptly provided us with the security that The same people who said people were and unassailable commitment to State and a journalist must hear and ventilate the other we needed. being killed willy nilly in the area expected nation building. I will encourage and implore side of any story, I contacted the irresistible and During our visit to Rivers State, I was us to go to the same terrain without any him to pay more attention to developing and irrepressible Governor of Rivers State. He easily compelled to make a quick dash to Ghana security. That would be utter recklessness and extending the frontiers of infrastructure to and readily accepted my invitation to join me for some engagements. Then, suddenly in the madness and would be akin to me sanctioning Oyigbo Local Government, particularly given for a chat on one of my Instagram live sessions middle of planning the trip to Ghana, former and encouraging us to commit mass suicide!!! what has happened recently. The roads are the and requested that his aides contact me to set it President Jerry John Rawlings sadly passed on. Incredible, Unbelievable!!! worst we have seen in a State overflowing up. The interview went well, and he answered I spent more time in Accra than I had planned We went, anyway, security and all, and we with fantastic networks of roads, with more my questions as candidly and as boldly as he but eventually returned to Port Harcourt where reported live. Contrary to what we had read, under construction. could. He didn’t mince words about his sharp we had temporarily set up base in order to life has returned to normal, substantially, in the The people told us of hunger despite being disagreement with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and properly cover the State and provide our readers town. Markets were bristling with the usual willing and ready to work very hard. That should the IPOB he leads. and viewers with accurate news and footage hustle and bustle of a boisterous community. I be the next focus of the government of Rivers Some people who are extremely loyal to Kanu of what has been going on in Rivers State in wonder why those who seek the truth expect State. It is heartwarming that major investments got angry. They said Wike was lying. They said the past five years and more.. you to doctor reality to suit their premeditated are going into beautifying and opening up he was the one who ordered the killing and mass It was after my return from Accra that I met beliefs, misconceptions and prejudices. I am the State, providing security, protecting the murder of the people in OYIGBO or OBIGBO with Governor Wike and informed him of our not a purveyor of fake news and it galls me health of the people and building conducive (depending on which side you belong). They plans to visit Oyigbo. As I have said, he had when people would rather read and see what educational facilities all across. The Governor challenged me to go to the town and see the no objection. In fact, he immediately called his is false rather than accept the unpalatable truth. should not be discouraged by the resistance level of destruction and devastation. During Chief of Staff, Chukwuemeka Woke, a perfect It was a great experience for us. We listened to to his efforts. Leadership is usually about the my interview with the Governor, I had also gentleman, and told him to facilitate our journey. the Local Government Chairman, Prince Gerald ability and capacity to manage people and asked questions about his developmental The State provided vehicles and security. The Oforji, and the Chiefs. We heard the citizens resources in a democratic society. His work projects because the session was not just about Governor said he had previously told me that loud and clear. We saw the military and the has been undervalued, under-reported, or, his altercation with Kanu. It was also about his I was free to visit any part of Rivers State Police Command. We saw the incredible degree let’s say, eclipsed by politics... He deserves almost six years stewardship of Rivers State unhindered, and that he was serious and had of attacks on security installations and reprisal our best wishes. and his political career so far. The Governor not been joking. He did not want to prejudice immediately invited the Ovation Media Group or compromise our story or be seen to do so. to visit Rivers and see things for themselves. My team and I set out on Thursday morning He was confident that given the infrastructural with the much talked about security challenges And I Paid My Respects to Jerry Rawlings development Rivers State had witnessed under in the Local Government uppermost on our Last week, one of Africa’s greatest leaders of of Ghana at the International Conference Centre his watch, we would require over two weeks minds. I must reiterate and confess that no one, the 20th century, former President Jerry John in Accra, last Monday. This brought me closer to cover his projects. We accepted his challenge not even the Governor, gave us RESTRICTIONS Rawlings, suddenly passed on. The news to the realization that we’ve indeed lost the and we headed to Rivers, prepared to spend a or directions as to where to go or those to talk sent shockwaves across the world. I wrote a great giant of a man, an icon, and a legend. little over a week, regardless of what was on to or not whilst we were in Rivers State. We special tribute to a man who meant so much The story of Jerry John Rawlings, the much ground. We were pleasantly surprised. Two reached our own decisions and conclusions to many of us and was hoping to continue celebrated, flying, dashing, charismatic, astute, weeks and counting, our team is still in Rivers about where we wanted to go. I was absolutely this week, but I chose to focus on our visit dynamic, intelligent, witty Ghanaian military State. There is simply so much to be seen. Our in control of our operations and choices. In to Rivers State partly because I am hampered officer, politician, leader and statesman, of Scottish visit involved traveling and traversing the length going to Oyigbo, I employed and deployed by being away without access to our archives, descent, is a compelling and gripping one, and breadth of Rivers State. my vast experience in the last two decades in which I hope to achieve by next week when especially for young Africans who may not Some people who have been following our promoting peace in West Africa and visiting we return to base. know why he’s being celebrated globally. It trip insisted that I must visit OYIGBO, a part war torn areas. In a sense, I was returning to It was a great honour and privilege for me to must be told repeatedly, over and over again. of the State which they alleged has been under familiar turfs and terrain. travel to Ghana last week and was able to sign Please, stay tuned on this page for a story military siege. Of course, we were always going We decided to embark on a visit that we a condolence register opened by the government like no other. 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]