Super Eagles Resurrect, Beat Iceland 2-0 President excited, urges team to sustain current winning drive Duro Ikhazuagbe and Kunle Adewale in Volgograd Two second half goals yesterday by Ahmed Musa at the ongoing World Cup at the Volgograd Arena, Russia, earned Super Eagles maximum three points
against Iceland to revive Nigeria’s ambition of qualifying for the last round of 16 teams. In a swift reaction, President Muhammadu Buhari sent a congratulatory message to the team, urging the players to sustain the winning momentum.
After a first half that was expectedly dominated by Eagles, Musa fired Nigeria into the lead in the 49th minute when he controlled beautifully a Victor Moses lob from the wing, before slamming home the lead. Deep into the second half,
Musa again dribbled his way into then Iceland box to score Nigeria’s second assurance goal. The Iceland fans that were nearly 90 per cent of the 40,904 fans that attended the game became dumb with silence. They could no longer indulge
in their traditional thunderous clap made popular at Euro 2016 in France. Nigeria struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half. After Ahmed Musa’s two goals the young Super Eagles gained a lot of confidence in their attack-
ing efforts though. This will no doubt give them a huge boost ahead of the huge final Group D clash against Argentina on Tuesday. Nigeria has it in their own hands now to advance to Continued on page 6
N/Assembly to Buhari: New Projects Included in Budget to Address Imbalances
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APCThrows 29 Elective Positions Open As ‘Unity List’Flops Kashim Ibrahim Imam gains momentum in the race for National Secretary Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Senator Iroegbuin Abuja Barring any last minute change, 29 of the elective offices up for grab at today’s first elective National Convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), will be thrown open to aspirants. THISDAY gathered that
conflict of interests among key stakeholders of the party led to the death of the consensus plan aimed at ensuring an easy and rancour-free election. After series of consultations failed to secure endorsement for a consensus list of aspirants yesterday, the party asked each zone to go and draw up its own unity list which will be
harmonised at the convention venue. However, the immediate past governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, was confirmed for the chairmanship position, following the withdrawal of his opponents - Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, Clement Ebri and Chief Ibrahim Emokpaire. As a result of the failed
“unity list”, about 160 aspirants will slug it out for 29 seats in the National Working Committee while aspirants for the 21 NWC positions will be returned unopposed. Three aspirants will contest for the position of National Secretary. They are the incumbent, Mai Mala Buni, Kashim Imam, Waziri Bulama and Abdulraha-
man Terab. Out of the about 160 aspirants, 17 are from the South-east alone and they are contesting for the three NWC positions of National Vice Chairman, National Organising Secretary and National Auditor. The aspirants for the Organising Secretary’s position include the incumbent, Osita Izunaso
(South-east caucus); Emma Ibediro (Governor Okorocha’s candidate); Chidi Nwogu (from Okadigbo Rainbow Coalition) Longinus Anyanwu (from anti-Okorocha’s group). For the National Publicity Secretary’s position, the incumbent, Bolaji Abdulahi Continued on page 6
Atiku Formally Seeks PDP Presidential Ticket, Meets with Party Leadership Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has officially flagged off the move to pick the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by meeting with the national leadership of the party in Abuja. Speaking yesterday in Abuja at a meeting with the PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus, and members of National Working Committee, Atiku said with the level of improvement so far recorded in the rebranding of the party, reclaiming power in 2019 is a mission accomplished. "I believe that if we sustain the feat recorded during the governorship primary in Ekiti State in other primaries that will come, this party is destined to reclaim its role and retrieve
power generally through our electoral process. If there was anything that really affected the performance of this party, it was the way and manner primaries were conducted and how candidates were selected but with the precedent you have set, we are on our way to reclaiming power in 2019. "This meeting is not intended for anything other than my desire to seek the presidential ticket of the party. I am here to put you on notice and I believe that I should do this before reaching out to other organs of the party. I want thank you and look forward to working with you," he said. Atiku also cleared the doubt about his loyalty, saying, "whether as presidential candidate or not, you can Continued on page 6
Buhari Appoints 4 Non-Executive Directors for CBN … Page 8
THE EAGLES HAVE LANDED... Super Eagles players celebrating their 2-0 victory over Iceland at the ongoing 2018 World Cup in Russia...yesterday
Nigeria’s Destiny in Your Hands, Obasanjo Tells Youths ...Page 55
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N/Assembly to Buhari: New Projects Included in Budget to Address Imbalances Budget was distorted, insists Presidency; says lawmakers raised constituency allocations from N100bn to N270bn
Deji Elumoye, Omololu Ogunmade and James Emejo in Abuja The National Assembly yesterday justified its inclusion of new projects in the 2018 budget, saying it did this to address the geo-political imbalances in the spread of capital projects in the 2018 appropriation bill. While signing the budget on Tuesday, President Muhammadu Buhari had disclosed that the National Assembly made budget cuts to the tune of N347 billion originally meant to execute 4,700 projects and smuggled fresh 6,403 projects with N578 billion allocations into the budget. Presenting a 22-page reaction to Buhari's alleged budget distortion by the National Assembly, the legislature argued that the number of projects had to be increased in order to give a sense of belonging to every geo-political zone of the country and to ensure socio-economic justice, equity, fairness, and national loyalty. The Presidency reacted immediately in a press statement, insisting that the budget was distorted by the lawmakers and further alleged that they raised constituency allocations from N100 billion to N270 billion. At the joint press briefing by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, alongside his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas, the lawmakers appealed to all executive appointees of Buhari to ensure that he's properly briefed with the truth and facts of their engagement, “so as to promote healthy and harmonious relationship between the executive and the legislature.� The legislature said the concerns raised by the President during the signing of the 2018 budget, where he had criticised the parliament for unilaterally increasing the budget by introducing new projects not captured in the initial proposal, wouldn't have arisen if he were properly educated by his aides. “It is therefore inevitable for the legislature to give members of the public an insight into what transpired during the appropriations process and
how we arrived at the decisions that are contained in the 2018 budget,� said the lawmakers. They said the increases affected in the budget were mutually agreed to by both the executive and legislature, and wondered why it should be an issue with the president, if he was duly educated on the development. Abdullahi said: “The introduction of new projects was done to ensure the promotion of the principles of Federal Character as contained in Section 14, subsection (3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, which states that “the composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria. “The number of projects had to be increased in order to give a sense of belonging to every geo-political zone of the country to ensure socio-economic justice, equity, fairness, and to command national loyalty. “Within the context of the provisions of Sections 4, 80 and 81 of the Constitution, everything that the National Assembly has done is within its powers." On Buhari’s criticism of the National Assembly for passing the Appropriation Bill, seven months after it was laid before a joint session of both chambers, the spokesmen said: “It is necessary to remind Nigerians that although the budget was submitted in November, as at March 15th 2018 (5 months and 8 days after the budget submission), Mr. President was still directing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to compel the Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government to appear before the committees of the National Assembly to defend their respective budget. “In addition, up till April (6 months after the budget submission), the Executive was still bringing new additions to the 2018 budget, which the National Assembly in good faith and in the spirit of collaboration and harmonious working relationship accepted. "More importantly, the 2017 budget was signed into law
on June 5, 2017 and by the provisions of Section 318 of the Constitution, which defines the Financial Year as “any period of 12 months beginning on the first day of January in any year, or other date as the National Assembly may prescribe� – the 2017 budget lapsed on the 5th of June 2018. This same provision is replicated in the 2017 Appropriation Act. “It is important to also note that if not for the fact that the 2017 budget elapsed on the 5th of June 2018, the federal government would not have recorded notable capital projects for the just ended financial year. This is because it (FG) only started releasing funds for capital projects in December 2017 when the funds from the federal government’s loans were released and disbursed to contractors.� Continuing, the lawmakers said: “On the issue of an Organic Budget Law to improve the budgetary process, the proposed law is pending in the National Assembly and cannot be considered without the amendment of Section 81 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which gives the President the power to propose “estimates� anytime in the financial year. Nigerians need to know that during the last Constitutional Review exercise, the National Assembly in its wisdom amended this provision and it was approved by over two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly. “The new Constitutional Amendment requires the President to submit the budget not later than 90 days to the end of the financial year. As of today, the President has not yet signed this Constitutional Amendment Bill which would have helped us to have a proper budget calendar, which shall eventually lead to the realisation of the proposed January to December budget cycle. "It was stated that the legislature made cuts amounting to N347 billion which were meant for 4,700 projects. Again, these reductions of N347 billion were made from low priority areas to higher priority areas to support the generation of employment for our youth by MSMEs. We took the decision to reduce the funds in some areas in order
to ensure balance and equity in the spread and utilisation of our national funds. Additionally, the figures given amounts of the reductions made by the National Assembly were unduly exaggerated as we did not make any substantial reduction on any project to the extent of affecting its implementation. "To give the exact details of the projects where we made deductions, it should be noted that the counterpart funding for the Mambilla Power Plant, Second Niger Bridge/Ancillary roads, the East-West Road, Bonny-Bodo Road, Lagos-Ibadan Express Road and Itakpe-Ajaokuta Rail Project, was reduced by only N3,956,400,290 – which represents only 1.78 % of the total N222,569,335,924 submitted by President Buhari. This left these projects with N218,612,935,634 which cannot negatively affect their implementation. This obviously contradicts the claim that these projects lost “an aggregate of N11.5 billion." The spokesmen also accused the Executive of awarding 15 road projects in 2017 without financial backing and decided to make necessary financial for the execution of the projects in 2018 budget. According to them, “realising the importance of these projects, National Assembly decided to spread part of the saved funds to facilitate the take-off of these projects that included the rehabilitation of Ikorodu-Shagari Road in Lagos State; the rehabilitation of 9th Mile-Orakam to Benue border and the general maintenance of Pankshin-Ballang-NyellengSararele-Gindiri road in Plateau state among others. These are the projects purported to be projects without conceptualisation.� The National Assembly also clarified the reported slashing of the N2 billion earmarked for Enugu Airport Terminal Building to N500 million. “The National Assembly during the budget defence and oversight processes discovered that out of the N2 billion contract for the Enugu Terminal Building, N1.7billion had already been paid to the contractor and what is left to complete this project is just N300million. Hence, the National Assembly approved N500 million
APC THROWS 29 ELECTIVE POSITIONS OPEN AS ‘UNITY LIST’ FLOPS will battle Lanre Issa Onilu and Abu Sidik Meseko. Contestants for the National Woman Leader’s position are the incumbent, Ramatu Aliyu and Salmatu Bawa. Meanwhile, Abuja is agog with about 6,800 delegates and thousands of other dignitaries, party men and women, camped in various hotels across the city. Security was also very tight yesterday at the Eagle Square, venue of the convention, with the police and DSS personnel doing last minute checks. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has ordered the deployment of 5,000 personnel, two helicopters and six Armoured Personnel Carriers to maintain security in today’s All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention at the Eagle Square, Abuja. The Force Public Relations
Officer (PRO), Moshood Jimoh, said in a statement yesterday, that the IGP has directed the implementation of a robust security arrangement to ensure a secure and hitch-free convention. He said: “A total number of 5,000 Police personnel, comprising the Police Mobile Force (PMF), the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Protection Unit (SPU), the Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD), the Police Mounted Troop, The Dog Section (K9), the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCIID), the Police Air-wing and the Force Armament Unit, have been deployed under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Department of Operations, to ensure adequate security for all the accredited participants
at the convention. “In addition, two Police helicopters, Six Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) are already deployed for the security of the convention. Personnel of other security and safety agencies are also being deployed to complement the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring adequate security and a hitch-free convention.� Against this backdrop, he said there would be diversion of traffic from all the routes to the Eagle Square from Ahmadu Bello Way, Shehu Shagari Way and other Roads leading to the venue of the convention. “Road users and other members of the public are advised to use alternative routes. The diversion of traffic will take effect from 2200Hrs of 22nd of June, 2018 till the end of the convention,� he said.
Four South-east Chairmen Protest Meanwhile, four chairmen of the APC from the South-east zone have warned President Muhammadu Buhari to disassociate himself from the purported “unity list� in circulation, threatening that his re-election bid will be at the stake in the region if he backs the list. Addressing journalists at the APC national secretariat yesterday, four out five state chairmen from the South-east cautioned that any attempt to ignore the earlier endorsement of the outgoing national officers for re-election would be an aberration on their part. The state chairmen included Chief Ben Nwoye of Enugu, Eze Nwachukwu Eze of Ebonyi, Donatus Nwankpa of Abia and Emeka Obasi of Anambra.
for the project- which is even N200million more than was required. “We refer Nigerians to a publication in THISDAY Newspaper published in April and titled- Giving Enugu Airport a Facelift-and written by the newspaper's Aviation Correspondent, Chinedu Eze where the Minister of State (Aviation), Mr. Hadi Sirika, was quoted as saying: “We just last week released N1.7billion to the contractor and hopefully also within the shortest possible time we will release another N300million for him so that they can quickly finish the airport terminal. This will bring the airport to its desired standard ", the National Assembly further explained. Presidency: How N'Assembly Distorted 2018 Budget The Presidency in its reaction yesterday night unveiled how the legislature allegedly distorted budget 2018. A release by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the National Assembly's decision to justify alleged distortion of the 2018 budget had compelled the presidency to further reveal the perceived misdeeds of the
lawmakers. Adesina disclosed that in addition to N100 billion contained in the original proposal for the implementation of constituency projects, the lawmakers proceeded to allocate additional N170 billion for more constituency projects, thus bringing the total allocations for constituency projects to N270 billion. The president's spokesman, who also disclosed how the lawmakers allegedly had prior to the passage of the budget, accosted the executive, seeking its understanding to raise the earlier proposed oil benchmark from $45 to $50, added that they told the executive that they wanted to use $2 of the increase of $5 for their selected projects. He said the president consented to the decision to increase the benchmark to $50, but with understanding that $1.25 of the remaining $3 increase left for the executive should not be appropriated but to be earmarked for reduction of deficit in the budget. However, he said the National Assembly went beyond the agreement to raise the oil benchmark to $51 to accommodate more health and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) projects.
S'EAGLES RESURRECT, BEAT ICELAND 2-0 the Round of 16. That’s all they could have asked for. The Icelandic team lost the battle in the second half. Their energy levels were lower than those of the Nigerians and they lost too many individual battles everywhere on the pitch. Oneon-one situations were indeed the moments where the Nigerian players were at their best. Gylfi Sigurdsson who is Iceland’s most influential and technically proficient player reflected in the game but missed the penalty awarded the Nordic country after Ebuehi tripped one of their forwards. He fired his penalty over the crossbar. The newly introduced VAR made the penalty possible as the centre referee, Matt Conger had earlier missed the infringement. After an on-pitch VAR review, the original decision to award a goal-kick was overturned. Also in the second half, Leicester City defensive midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi hit a cross bar in another effort that would have earned Eagles the third goal of the game Argentina who lost scandalously 3-0 to Croatia 24 hours earlier sent the coaches to spy on. With the three points, Nigeria
is now second on Group D behind leader Croatia on maximum six points. Argentina is third on same one point as Iceland but have superior goal difference with the Nordic nation. Nigeria is to play Argentina whose camp has erupted in crisis as a result of the loss to Croatia on Tuesday. A draw will see Nigeria into the Last 16. President Buhari, according to his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, was excited by the confidence, discipline, team-work and indomitable spirit displayed by the young Nigerian players. Adesina said Buhari urged the team to sustain the current winning momentum by going all out against its last group opponent, Argentina, next week. He was quoted as saying, “I am confident that if our players believe in themselves, they can qualify out of their difficult group and even go very far in the tournament,� adding: “with determination, nothing is impossible.� Adesina added that the president urged all Nigerians to continue to support the team with prayers and other necessary ways.
ATIKU FORMALLY SEEKS PDP PRESIDENTIAL TICKET, MEETS WITH PARTY LEADERSHIP always expect me to fulfill my obligations as a loyal member". In his remark, Secondus said leadership of the PDP was determined to return the party to its original vision of the founding fathers. He said that it was for this reason that the leadership's first agenda was to rebrand and reposition the party. "We have removed all those impediments of imposition, of
impunity, from the dictionary of the National Headquarters of our party. “I promise you, that by the grace of God, that there will be free, fair, transparent primaries, and as you noted that we did well in Ekiti State, we will do more because we have no choice so as to restore the confidence of Nigerians because Nigerians are yearning for the return of PDP, and the best we can offer is to be free
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News Editor Ă’Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ Ă‘ĂŒĂ&#x; ͸΀͚͚͞ͿͽΠ΀͚͸ Ě™sms only) Email Ă‹Ă’Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹Ë›Ă™Ă‘ĂŒĂ&#x;̜ÞÒÓĂ?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ù×
TAKING STOCK ... L-R: Executive Director, Commercial, Dangote Flour Mills Plc, Halima Aliko Dangote; Company Secretary/Legal, Aisha Ladi Isa; Chairman, Asue Ighodalo; and Group Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Thabo Mabe, during the 12th Annual General Meeting of Dangote Flour Mills Plc, held Oriental Hotel in Lagos yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN
Ohaneze Ndigbo Demands Abaribe's Release as DSS Searches his Residence DejiElumoye,SenatorIroegbuin AbujaandChristopherIsiguzoin Enugu Operatives of the Department of State Security, DSS, who earlier on Friday picked up the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Steel Development and Metallurgy, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, have invaded his Apo residence in Abuja, just as Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo cultural body called for his immediate release. The DSS operatives who came in a Hilux bus with Abaribe were seen carrying out some search on his duplex abode. Sources said the security operatives who came with a search warrant claimed they were looking for materials associated with the outlawed Independent People of Biafra, IPOB. Abaribe who represents Abia South in the Senate was earlier in the day
picked up by DSS operatives at Nicon Hilton in Abuja where he had gone for an haircut. As at press time, the security agents were still holed up at the Senator's residence with no formal information from the DSS as to why the Senator was picked up Following the development, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has demanded for the immediate and unconditional release of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe by the Department of State Service (DSS). In a release signed by the it's President-General, Chief Nnia Nwodo and made available to THISDAY, Friday night, the organisation insisted that arresting the lawmaker based on his inability to produce the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu was totally out of place. Reacting to the arrest, an Igbo socio-cultural group, Igbo Bu Igbo, has condemned "the continued indiscriminate arrest and persecu-
tion of political and business leaders of Igbo extraction by overzealous security agents". However, sources close to the embattled senator alleged that the arrest was not unconnected with allegations that the presidency padded and distorted the budget which slashed allocations to key development projects including the building of Akanu-Ibiam International Airport Terminal in Enugu. Abaribe led lawmakers of Igbo extraction to allege that the executive padded the 2018 budget with N30 billion after passage by the National Assembly. Nwodo said the circumstances prevailing at the time of the disappearance of Nnamdi Kanu were beyond the contemplation of the law that a surety can guarantee the production of an accused person. "The army in the name of "Operation Python Dance" invaded Nnamdi's home and destabilised
Buhari Appoints Four Non-Executive Directors for CBN Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari, has appointed four new Non- Executive Directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The new CBN non- executive directors are Adeola Adetunji, Prof. Mike I. Obadan, Prof. Justitia Odinakachukwu Nnabuko and Prof. Ummu Ahmed Jalingo. They were all appointed for an initial period of four years with effect from June 7, 2018. The appointments were conveyed in a statement signed yesterday by Olusegun A. Adekunle, the Permanent Secretary (General Services Office) Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF). The statement also said
Buhari approved the renewal of the tenure of three Chief Executive Officers and two other appointments for some federal agencies. Those whose appointments were renewed included Dr. Ogbonnia Ibe-Enwo, Rector Federal Polytechnic, Unwana Afikpo, Ebonyi State; Olusegun Olarenwaju Aluko, Rector Federal Polytechnic, IIaro, Ogun State and Prof Sunday Ohousi Onohaebi as Rector, National Institute of Construction Technology, Uromi, Edo State. Ibe - Enwo is on a second and final term of four years with effect from August 7, 2018; Aluko on second term of four years with effect from September 25, 2018 and Ohousi Onohaebi, whose
second final term of four years will take effect from July 25, 2018. The other appointees are Prof. Abdullahi Dasilva Yusuf as Chief Medical Director, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and Dr. Pauline N. Ikwugbu, Provost, Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu, Enugu State. The statement said Dasilva's appointment was for an initial period of four years from June 19, 2018 while Ikwugbu's initial four years appointment begins from March 19, 2018. The president asked the new appointees to regard their appointments as a call to national service and to carry out their responsibilities with uprightness, diligence and prompt response to the yearnings of the public.
normalcy there," he said. The organisation further noted that it was only the security agencies that could disclose Nnamdi's whereabouts, adding that Abaribe had no capacity, nor had any surety in the circumstances to know the whereabouts of Nnamdi Kanu. "What happened in Umahia was an invasion, a war of a kind. "Nnamdi may have been killed or captured in the imbroglio or even escaped into hiding. "The onus lies on the security forces to disclose his whereabouts. "The judiciary is beginning to tow the line of the executive by throwing
the law overboard in matters that affect the South East. We are all equal before the law. "Senator Abaribe must be released forthwith," he said The DSS could not be reached for confirmation but the outspoken Senator has been under the watchful eyes of the Presidency and DSS since he stood surety to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has not been seen since the Nigerian Army invaded his family home at Umuahia, Abia State, last year. A source close to Abaribe had also suggested that his arrest may not be
unconnected to his constant criticism of the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration. Abaribe who alongside two others stood for surety as part of the bail conditions for Kanu, is due to appear on June 26, 2018, before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High court, Abuja, to explain the whereabouts of Kanu. Another source close to the lawmaker said that he was picked Friday afternoon in Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja over issue relating to the bail bond he signed for leader of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
BPE asks NERC for 14 Days to Resolve Ibadan Distribution Company Issues Ahamefula Ogbu The Bureau of Public Enterprises has appealed to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) not to go ahead with an order cancelling and revoking Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), as doing so would trigger off certain provisions in the performance agreement with grave consequences to the federal government. Instead, the Bureau suggested that it be given two weeks to resolve the matter amicably and urged NERC to reconsider its stand and order so as to accommodate their concerns. In a letter dated June 20, 2018 with reference number BPE/LSCS/ NERC/2018/26 addressed to the Chairman of NERC, the Bureau acknowledged receipt of the order but pleaded for time to peacefully resolve the issues. The letter titled, “Re: Order No: NERC/181/2018: In the Matter of an Application of the Enforcement Regulation for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry Pursuant to the Electric Power Sector Reform Act�, and signed by Director General of the
Bureau, Alex. O Okoh, the Bureau said it was well seized of the matter leading to the order on IBEDC, which was the findings of NERC on the Open book review of the financial records of the distribution company that culminated in the Notice of Intention to Commence Enforcement (NICE) issued by NERC expecting responses to the allegations. “However as a sister agency of government, the Bureau is particularly concerned about certain provisions in the said order, which directly impacts on the activities of the Bureau; first as the statutory holder of federal government equity investment in the IBEDC which is 40 per cent and second also the shareholders agreement entered into by and between BPE, MOFI, Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Limited and IBEDC, in particular we refer to the following provisions in the said order. “Order 1 – the suspension of all executive and non-executive directors from the IBEDC board; Order 3 – An order directing the board to call an extraordinary general meeting with 21 days to give effect
to the order; Order 4 - The shareholders of the company shall do the following the extraordinary general meeting -{a} Appoint a new board comprising of executive, non-executive and independent directors; and Order 10 – The commission shall commence the process of cancelling IBEDC‘s distribution license in accordance with section 74 of the ESPRA where the company fails to comply with any of its orders stated above,� the letter recalled. Okoh in the letter said the Bureau was particularly worried about the cumulative effect of the orders on the entire transaction, especially the shareholders agreement, share sales agreement and performance agreement. “We wish to bring to the notice of the Commission that the BPE had on behalf of the FGN entered into certain covenants with the investors; and as such, the threatened cancellation or sudden revocation of the distribution license might trigger off certain provisions in the performance agreement which will be of grave consequences to the FGN.
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JUNE 23, 2 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
RingTrue
Yemi
Adebowale
07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com
Deconstructing Gov Yari’s Expose on Security Chiefs The grumbles of Governor Abdul’aziz Yari of Zamfara State about the recalcitrance of our security chiefs and President Muhammadu Buhari’s safety sluggishness can’t be waved aside. Yari is embattled because for almost two years, bandits have been moving from one local government to another in his state, killing hundreds of people, unhindered. The latest is the attack at Birnin Magaji Local Government Area on June 13, which claimed 38 lives. Clearly, Buhari and his security chiefs persistently fail the people. Yari, a key member of the APC-led federal government could no longer bear the torment and spilled the beans few days back. This governor told Nigerians that the likes of army chief, Tukur Brutai; Air chief, Sadique Abubakar and IGP Ibrahim Idris no longer obey the President. I concur. For me, these men stubbornly shove aside Buhari’s instruction because they have become too powerful and hardhearted. Our service chiefs have become too big to lead wars. Yari has his facts and figures intact. According to him, weeks after the President directed that more security personnel be deployed in Zamfara, to stem the killings by bandits, not one reported to the state. He holds the security chiefs responsible for the worsening security situation in Zamfara State. The Birnin Magaji attack occurred nine days after the President ordered the deployment of more security personnel in the state. Even the few security men on ground just watch while the bandits continue to terrorise innocent citizens. “It is disheartening that these killings have continued in spite of President Buhari’s order to security agencies to end the incessant blood-letting across the country. We cannot keep quiet while our people are killed daily,” lamented Yari. The Zamfara governor has since “resigned” his responsibility as Chief Security Officer of the state since he has no control over Zamfara security machinery. His decision stemmed from the seeming helplessness of the state government and the people over the recurring killings in the state. Yari deplored the prevailing situation where, as the chief security officer of the state, he could not take decisions on strategies for protecting the state and its people, and have them implemented: “We have been facing serious security challenges
Yari
over the years, but in spite of being governor and Chief Security Officer of the state, I cannot direct security officers on what to do nor sanction them when they err. As Chief Security Officer, the nomenclature is just a name,” he said. Honestly, Yari has not said anything new about our “powerful” and inept security chiefs. We all won’t forget in a hurry how IGP Idris disobeyed the President’s instruction to relocate to Benue State to curb attacks by killer herders; he was not sanctioned. Buratai and Abubakar have also failed to curb rampaging Boko Haram and killer herders, without sanctions. The truth that must be told is that our security chiefs, with some other guys in this government, constitute a cabal that runs the show in Nigeria. The likes of the Director General, Department of State Security, Lawal Daura; Minister for Defence, Mansur Dan Ali; Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Danbazzau and our Attorney General, Abubakar Malami are members of this powerful cabal. These people are seemingly above the President and above the laws of Nigeria. That was why, despite the glaring ineptitude of the security chiefs, the President persistently renew their tenure. For now, the likes of Fura Girke, Majira, Kanawa, Yargeba, Takoka, Bargaja, Bundungel, Bantsa, Unguwar Matanda and Makera have become ghost villages in Zamfara State. Most of the inhabitants are too scared to return. A large number of Internally Displaced Persons are now streaming into neighbouring Katsina
State. As at yesterday, the IDP camp in Kankara Local Government has over 3000 people. It is a shame that this troubled Zamfara State that produced the current defence minister, Mansur Dan-Ali, is struggling with security issues. It is also a shame that Yari, who is frequently on presidential delegation to foreign countries with Buhari, can’t get the President to act decisively on the security problem in his state. Clearly, the rest of the country should not expect anything good in terms of security from our President. On the flip side, Yari has also been an absentee governor; this has compounded the insecurity of the state. He is hardly in Zamfara. You will regularly find this governor in Abuja, London or Dubai. That was why elder statesman, Saidu Dansadau, petitioned Buhari in 2016, asking him to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara State. Things have not changed one bit. Dansadua, a Second Republic Senator, remarked then: “The governor hardly stays in the state as he prefers to travel all over the world at the expense of the state resources and safety of the people. He has spent only about 20 per cent of that whole period (five years) in Zamfara State. He had utilised the other 80 per cent junketing from one part of the country to the other and shuttling around the globe. All matters of state that require action are kept waiting until he returns to the state. Consequently, intelligence and security reports are kept in abeyance. For instance, at a period, out of 60 straight days, the governor spent only two days in Zamfara State.” Many will not forget in a hurry how Yari viciously killed moves by legislators to impeach him last year over his maladroitness. He simply got operatives of the Department of State Service in Abuja to harass and detain the leaders of the revolt. The DSS detained the Speaker, Sanusi Garba Rikiji, his deputy, Muhammad Abubakar Gumi, the Majority Leader, Isah Abdulmumini and the Chief Whip, Abdullahi Dansadau. The remaining 20 members of the Assembly fled to Kaduna to avoid arrest. Prior to this, Yari allegedly used miscreants to attack the Speaker. The intimidation worked, with the lawmakers withdrawing their impeachment notice. Unfortunately, Yari could not use this power and influence to end the killings in his state. What a country!
NCC Should Allow Nigerians Enjoy MTN’s 800MHz Spectrum Over two years after MTN Nigeria acquired 100% equity of Visafone Communications Limited for $200 million, the Nigerian Communications Commission has refused to approve the transfer of Visafone’s operating and spectrum licences to MTN. The same NCC that approved the acquisition has stubbornly denied MTN optimal use of the spectrum. What a contradiction! Competitors are apparently pressurising NCC. They are concerned that the 800MHz spectrum will allow MTN to dominate the mobile data market. This is preposterous because this market is already effectively competitive as confirmed by NCC itself. Has NCC suddenly forgotten that it has competition regulations in place? Recall that 9mobile instituted separate legal actions against NCC, MTN and Visafone, seeking an injunction to prevent MTN from accessing the 800MHz spectrum and a judicial review of NCC’s decision to approve the acquisition of VSF by MTN. The
demand for a judicial review was struck out by the court. Suddenly, NCC is talking about holding a public inquiry in respect of this same application by Visafone to transfer its licence and resources, including spectrum in the 800MHz band to MTN. For me, this public inquiry is absolutely unnecessary. The NCC should just do the needful. The Executive Vice Chairman/ CEO of NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta and his team should be more concerned about the benefits to Nigerians if MTN is granted access to the 800MHz spectrum, instead of playing politics with the issue. Evidently, Nigerians will be the biggest beneficiaries. The utilisation of the 800MHz band will provide Nigerians better data experience and ensure that the country meets its national broadband target. The 800MHz spectrum also has distinct characteristics, particularly in supporting rural coverage. The cost benefits will be enjoyed by Nigerians. So, let’s go Danbatta! Show courage and leadership on this issue.
Danbata
Tears Still Flowing in Damboa Tears are still flowing in Damboa, Borno State, where many lost their loved ones in a gory Boko Haram attack in Abachari area of the town last Saturday. The tears of many will probably never dry. Scores of people were killed in the massive suicide attack. The terrorists followed up with rocket-propelled grenades attack on the crowd helping victims of the suicide attack, leaving no less than 31 persons dead on the spot. Some of the injured ones have also died in the hospital. Shocked by the massive destruction of sacred human lives, the United States government had to issue a formal statement on Tuesday, condemning the barbaric attack on innocent people. The Damboa attack did not come as a surprise to those who have been honest about the state of the war against Boko Haram. The Buhari government has simply been deluding itself about having degraded the terrorists. Boko Haram is still very potent in many local government areas of Borno State and still controls territories. We should be courageous enough to ask questions on why about two million Internally Displaced Persons can’t return to their homes, if indeed, the terrorists had been defeated as claimed by the government. The truth is that the towns and villages of these IDPs are still not safe. The terrorists are roaming unhindered in many of these places. The Buhari government must face this reality and take pragmatic steps to end unceasing shedding of innocent blood. As a first step, our gallant soldiers must be properly equipped and properly motivated. Quality intelligence gathering is also key to success in this war. Unfortunately, this is antiquated in this part of the world. It is pertinent to bring in Israeli experts to block this hole. The final volley is that those leading this war must be sacked for fresh hands to take charge.
Shettima
Nigeria’s Voodoo Inflation Figures I have noticed that in the last 16 months, inflation data released by the National Bureau of Statistics no longer gel with realities on ground. These figures are evidently being manipulated by some powerful forces to deceive Nigerians and score cheap political goals. It is so difficult to understand how and where the NBC obtained the data indicating that inflation for May in our traumatised country dropped to 11.61% from 12.48% recorded in April, “marking the 16thconsecutive decline and suggesting sustained traction of economic recovery”. Nigerians were also told that food inflation dropped to 13.45% as against 14.80% in April. Haba! This is absurd. Somebody somewhere is playing politics with figures. Just visit any market around you and you will understand what I am talking about. Nigerians are still struggling with unending increase in the prices of food and vital commodities in the country. Prices of main foods such as yam, rice, b, garri, semovita, wheat, palm oil and vegetable oil are still on the rise. For example, a 50 kilogramme bag of rice is now between N15,000 and N16,500 depending on the brand as against N14,500 few weeks back. Market research by Realnews reveals further that the price of 50kg bag of garri (white) is N7,000 as against N6,500 in April, while yellow garri is sold for N7,500 as against N6,500. It also found out that a gallon of red oil 25 litres was N9,000 compared to N8,500 in April. So, who is fooling who? NBS beware.
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 23, 2018
SUPER SATURDAY
SANDRA EZE My Dream is to Become Another Christiane Amanpour Driven by passion, actress and television talk show host, Sandra Eze, is living the dream of being a media personality, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu IcameasayounggirlfromEasternNigeriainsearchofabetterlifeinLagos
"S
undays I spend mostly in church…” Sandra Eze intoned as she explains her routine. “It’s the only day in a whole week I’m free to worship God.” For her, worshipping in church has a different feel and liberty to it. Yet it is not all sanctimonious to the Nollywood actress and on-air personality, but a self-belief that life is spiritual. Therefore, that one needs God consciously or unconsciously. Self-acclaimed church girl and proudly so, her schedule for the week that follows appeared locked as she puts it: “I’m filming in Oregun
all through next week but I’m free the upper one.” That would be two weeks from then, aside the choice of a meeting point that was yet unresolved. However, it would be an honour for her to chat while on set Season 2 of ‘Shelter Nest’, a television series currently airing on Africa Magic. She would also be fair to acknowledge that not much has been written about her. So it comes with a mixed feeling of some sort whenever she reads about herself. “I laugh and giggle and frown. But still feel like I’m a stranger reading about myself. I guess I have to adjust faster and embrace the fact that reading about me comes with the job.”
Sandra may not be one of the most sought after actresses or presenters in the industry; she sure is a work in progress, building up herself with the right materials and opportunities and with that, could overcome the bumps along her career path. For a somewhat new comer, staying true to her callings has been her strength. She strongly sticks to her own morals and professional standards and has given her roles the best interpretation she could. Professionally, one would disagree with her. There are usually conflicting views on set that almost dent her image when she walked out of the studio during live recording of a very popular television programme. Recalling that incident she said, “Your view is a great show, and will always be. I love the ladies, we will
THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 23, 2018
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SUPERSATURDAY The Nigerian Entertainment Industry has been Good to Me Sandra may not be one of the most sought after actresses or presenters in the industry; she sure is a work in progress, building up herself with the right materials and opportunities and with that could overcome the bumps along her career path always be friends. But I have moved on. I got over it because that’s how life happens, you move on to achieve more.” When she works, she doesn’t exactly see it as a competition. She sees it as something she would like other people to see and appreciate her for. On the sidelines, she models and sings as well. On how she juggles her main features acting and presenting by way of making time out for herself, she said “The thing about my job is that there are times I don’t shoot every day. There are times you have your down moments, when you don’t really have a job doing.” She takes time out to hang out and see movies on such free days. “Most times being a presenter on TV doesn’t take the whole day. So I just do my stuff, do other projects and then come back to do some research. Either way, I still find time for myself,” she noted. Sandra Growing up for the actress was ideal. She had friends and a lovely works including ‘Tinsel’ and ‘Knocking family. Somewhere along the line, she on Heaven’s Door’, her debut. She has had to move to Enugu to live with an been filmed more in TV series than uncle and partly in Onitsha, from where movies. Her seeming success is fraught she went to school and then relocated to with the challenge to get people to see Lagos. “Growing up in Enugu, my uncle her talent. But it’s only natural for her was a CNN addict and occasionally, he for if it were that easy, success stories would watch Oprah Winfrey Show. I wouldn’t be so awesome and a fairytale. used to watch CNN with him a lot and I The entertainment industry, Sandra listened to the radio too,” she narrated. claimed, has been good to her. "I mean, “Gradually, I realised I wanted to do this, it takes a lot of work and consistency I wanted to be Christiane Amanpour.” to survive. You just have to keep going That sort of influenced her career choice. especially when you got into the indusCurrently the host of Nigeria’s longest try not knowing anyone; just a young running talk show rebranded ‘The Inside girl coming from Eastern Nigeria to find Out Show’, Sanzye as she’s fondly called, a better life in Lagos. before acting, has been a presenter. “But “It was really tough. I could attend I do watch movies. I love watching the like 50 auditions and get called for about Oscars and everything related to movies five. So, it was difficult but eventually, and I always imagined I could do this. I you grow in the business and the more like pretending to be somebody I’m not. movies you feature in, the more contacts Growing up, I would act like my mum you get the better your stay and the and my teacher. So on one of those days, better characters you get.” A simple lady I came to visit Lagos, my friend dragged from a family of five, she studied English me to my first audition. I was really Language and Literature at Nnamdi scared at first but I just went to try it Azikiwe University. Noteworthy, her because I had nothing to lose. I went for qualification in the Arts discipline had the audition and I got the role. That was prepared her for what she’s now doing, back in 2010.” although passionately driven in her choAs an actress and television presenter, sen career, when she got admission into it has been six years in the entertainment UNIZIK, she had immediately applied industry with an impressive resume of to work part time with the campus radio
station and was picked and that effort marked the beginning of her career. Her biggest challenge as an actress is interpreting a character, giving a character the right interpretation it needs because she believes there are a million and one ways to interpret a character. In her opinion, “Most people would say it is getting a role or scaling through auditions that matter most, but the fact is that you have to interpret a character well enough and then live the part of the character for you to scale through an audition.” Vivacious, insightful and fun to watch, Sandra relates being on TV to being an actress thus: “For one, the biggest similarity is that we are always in front of the camera. Aside from that, they are two different things because acting is trying to fit into another character while being on TV is about you voicing out your opinion. It is about you being there, not as anybody else, but as representation of who you are. So it is like one is about pretending while the other one is real.” Unlike many of her peers, she holds contrary view regarding sexual harassment being a challenge in the industry. She had opined that “I don’t really call that a challenge. Of course, this does not apply only to the entertainment industry.
Even in corporate offices, if you walk into an office to get a contract, you may face similar experience. Sadly enough, this has been going on for a long while in the production world. The thing is that you need to know your standard. If I set a standard for myself that I wouldn’t compromise, then it is not a challenge to me.” She doesn’t count it as a challenge and would rather not consider that either. Young; in her 20s and getting it right, it’s not surprising that she begrudges societal prejudice on successful single ladies. “It’s really sad. The thought that a woman needs a man to validate her existence, it’s sad. I’m not against relationships and a happy marriage. It’s cool, I love it, and I want one. But while that is yet to happen, my achievements should be worth something. I shouldn’t be scared to achieve more because I could intimidate men. It is a very, very wrong perception that single ladies in entertainment sleep around or that they are not responsible. It’s really myopic. There are a lot of young ladies out there who are successful with beauty and brains and serving God diligently while slaying. Sometimes you just want to hit the society on the head and scream ‘receive sense!’”
TheThoughtthataWomanNeedsaMantoValidate her Existence in this Part of the World is Sad
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COMMENTARY
NIGERIA AND THE ISIS THREAT Security agencies must take any threat from ISIS very seriously, writes Tayo Ogunbiyi
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ecent reports by a United Kingdom newspaper, The Sun, that leaders of the terrorist group, Islamic State, are sneaking battle-hardened jihadists from Syria into Nigeria to train terrorists for possible attacks in Britain, should be a source of great concern to all well-meaning Nigerians. According to The Sun, “fanatics including Boko Haram insurgents were also being sent to the Middle East for training in a chilling “exchange programmeâ€?. The report further claimed that there were fears that strong links between Nigeria and the UK would make it easier for ISIS to send its killers to Britain to orchestrate terror attacks, death and destruction. It is feared ISIS would exploit regular ights between Lagos and London to export more evil to the UK. A thorough understanding of ISIS bloody profile would reveal that any threat whatsoever from the organisation should not be treated with kid gloves. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria or Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, popularly referred to as ISIS, is a Salafi jihadist terrorist organisation and former unrecognised proto-state that follows a fundamentalist, Salafi/Wahhabi doctrine of Sunni Islam. The organisation gained international prominence in early 2014 when it drove Iraqi government forces out of key cities in its Western Iraq offensive, followed by its capture of Mosul and the Sinjar massacre. The group has been designated a terrorist organisation by the United Nations and numerous other countries. ISIS is broadly known for its history of beheadings and other types of gruesome executions of both soldiers and civilians, including journalists and aid workers, as well as its destruction of cultural heritage sites. ISIS also committed ethnic cleansing on an historic scale in northern Iraq. ISIL originated as Jama’at al-Tawhid wal-Jihad in 1999, which pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda and participated in the Iraqi insurgency following the 2003 invasion of Iraq by Western forces at the behest of the United States. The group declared itself a global caliphate and began referring to itself as the Islamic State (IS) in June 2014. As a caliphate, it claims religious, political and military authority over all Muslims worldwide. Its adoption of the name Islamic State and its idea of a caliphate had been extensively criticised, with the United Nations, various governments and mainstream Muslim groups rejecting its statehood. ISIS is believed to be operational in 18 countries across the world, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, with thriving camps in Mali, Egypt, Somalia, Bangladesh, Indonesia and the Philippines. In 2015, ISIS was estimated to have an annual budget of more than US$1 billion and a force of more than 30,000 fighters. In 2015, 2016 and 2017, ISIS claimed responsibility over a number of high-profile terrorist attacks outside Iraq and Syria, including a mass shooting at a Tunisian tourist resort (38 European tourists killed), the Suruç bombing in Turkey (33 leftist and pro-Kurdish activists killed), the Tunisian National Museum attack (24 foreign tourists and Tunisians killed), the Sana’a mosque bombings (142 Shia civilians killed), the crash of Metrojet Flight 9268 (224 killed, mostly Russian tourists) and the bombings in Ankara (102 pro-Kurdish and leftist activists killed). Others include the bombings in Beirut (43 Shia civilians killed), the November 2015 Paris attacks (130 civilians killed), the killing of Jaafar Mohammed Saad, the governor of Aden, the January 2016 Istanbul bombing (11 foreign tourists killed), the 2016 Brussels bombings (32 civilians killed), the 2016 Nice attack (86 civilians
SPECIAL ATTENTION MUST ESPECIALLY BE GIVEN TO SOME OF THE NATION’S EVER BUSY AIRPORTS SUCH AS LAGOS, ABUJA, KANO, ENUGU AND PORT HARCOURT WHICH ARE MAJOR GATEWAYS INTO THE COUNTRY
killed), the July 2016 Kabul bombing (at least 80 civilians killed, mostly Shia Hazaras), the 2016 Berlin attack (12 civilians killed), the 2017 Istanbul nightclub shooting (39 foreigners and Turks killed), the 2017 Saint Petersburg Metro bombing (15 civilians killed), the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing (22 civilians killed) and the 2017 Tehran attacks (18 civilians killed). Without a doubt, ISIS is a vicious organisation that has capacity to carry out high profile cruel attacks in any part of the world. It is, thus crucial that concerned authorities in the country take any threat from this organisation very seriously. It is commendable that the federal government has ordered an intensified screening of passengers and luggage on commercial flights across the country. This must be complemented with rigorous vetting of airline personnel and screening of passengers as well as increased vigilance on restricted areas at all airports in the country. Relevant security agencies must do all it takes to strengthen our borders to ensure that no evil group is given the latitude to gain undue access into the country and perpetrate wickedness. Security operatives should be more proactive in dealing with the alleged ISIS threat and other such dangers that could threaten the country’s peace and security. In as much as it is true that terrorism is a global challenge, our security agencies need to be decisive and professional in dealing with any threat against the country. Special attention must especially be given to some of the nation’s ever busy airports such as Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Enugu and Port Harcourt which are major gateways into the country. Since terrorist groups have perfected the art of networking among themselves to carry out dastardly acts, security agencies in the country must also work together as a unit to thwart every evil plot against our country’s corporate existence. Thus, all security agencies must work together to maintain surveillance on the perimeter fence, the cargo area, the runway and other restricted areas in all our international airports. Aviation security at the airports must ensure that they improve on security, especially as it bothers on screening of passengers to make sure unauthorised persons don’t gain access into our terminals. Airside patrol must be done round the clock. Modern technology must be deployed to screen passengers and baggage before entering the terminal. Airports’ authorities must ensure that Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Cameras in the terminals and the airside are all functional. Similarly, the anti-bomb squad must be deployed behind the screening machines at the terminal alongside to carry out further checks on any suspicious baggage. Also, regular simulation exercises to sensitise passengers and other airport users on how to manage emergency situations at the airports should be conducted. A major primary duty of government all over the world is the protection of the citizenry. The present trend that exposes Nigerians to horrid attacks and premature deaths is, to say the least, painful. We have had more than enough of bloodletting in the country, especially due to the dastardly acts of insurgents that has led to the death of more than 20,000 people in the North-East in the past four years. Therefore, we must do all it takes to make our nation inaccessible to ISIS and other similar terrorist groups across the world. Ogunbiyi is of the Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja
WHERE BURATAI GOT IT WRONG
Zakari Emmanuel contends that the report of investigation into allegations of collusion by the military in the farmers-herdsmen crisis is not credible
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t is now clear that the Nigerian Army has never really perceived and wished to treat the killings in several parts of the country by Fulani militia groups as anything serious. They simply showed no commitment to the task they were assigned and are not even remorseful about all the wrongs they did everywhere they were deployed to. The latest confirmation of this unserious attitude to the crisis is the army’s so-called investigation conducted into the allegation of military collusion in the crises made by General T.Y Danjuma (retired). The respected ex-chief of army staff had said during the convocation ceremony of Taraba State University, Jalingo, that the army had not only proved incapable of stopping the killings but was openly colluding with the killer herdsmen to hurt innocent people. The statement was a huge indictment on the army’s reputation. General Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, admitted that much and that was why Nigerians were happy when he announced soon after that the army would investigate the allegation. At that time, nobody suspected that his motive was to use the so-called investigation panel to absolve the army of wrong doing and throw rubbish at the door-steps of the Taraba State Governor, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku. Now the army has proved to the public how good it could be making a monumental joke out of a matter of life and death. The report which the army gleefully celebrated was a one-sided blame document intended to get the public to accept that its men deployed to stop the killings by armed Fulani herdsmen in Taraba
and all the other states in the axis of their bloody aggression did a perfect job. Rather the report only singled out the governor of Taraba State for blame. And his offence, according to the report of the panel, was that he did not cooperate with the soldiers. Whatever that means! It was obvious from the outset that army never really intended to do any serious probing of the allegations against its men. Otherwise, Buratai should have disqualified himself from being the one to set up the investigation team. The reason is that it is impossible for the panel he personally constituted to indict the army which he presently heads as chief of staff except, of course, if members of the panel are saints. And, we all know that none of them is a saint. An indictment of Buratai’s soldiers is also indirectly an indictment of the chief of army staff. A combination of the facts that Buratai set up the probe panel, selected its members, decided its terms of reference, received and reviewed the report before finally making a pronouncement on its findings justify the groundswell of public apprehension about the entire exercise. In fact, the general feeling is that it is a failed mission. But was this poor handling an oversight on the part of the army or its chief of staff? No! It was rather a deliberate act of hoodwinking the public to accept the undeserved verdict of “not guilty� of the collusion charge. If the army wants the public to believe that it did a good job in preventing the killings, let it roll out the statistics of arrests of the killer herdsmen it made in those killings fields of Benue, Taraba, Kaduna, Adamawa, Plateau and Kogi States or
during its so-called Operation Ayem Akpatuma in Benue and Taraba. In a country where over 14,000 lives have been lost to killings in the first four months of 2018, the most provocative thing to do is for the army which was trusted with the responsibility of halting those killings to set up a panel to, by some kind of “arrangee� understanding, absolve the army of any blame whatsoever. In case the army does not know, nobody is deceived by this so-called verdict of “not guilty� which the report has delivered in its favour. The Nigerian public is more knowledgeable and wiser than the army probably knows. The lapses in the report of the panel are numerous. Why, for example, did it fail to acknowledge the series of letters that Governor Ishaku wrote to President Muhammadu Buhari, to the Chief of Army Staff, the Minister of Defence, the InspectorGeneral of Police and Director-General of the DSS on the security situation in Taraba State, all of which were ignored. And the governor is the chief security officer of the state. Is this not an evidence of collusion on the part of the security agencies? Does this portray the army and other security agencies as sincere in their halting the killings which the letters were drawing attention to? The more bewildering aspect of the report is the commendation of the Commanding Officer of the army battalion in Takum from whose custody about 150 cows ‘mysteriously’ disappeared during the crisis. The cows belonging to the retreating herdsmen who had attacked and killed innocent people in Takum were taken to his custody by the
government. He was to use them as bait to arrest their killer owners. The cows were given back to their owners without anyone of their owners being arrested and questioned on their roles in the killings. This was obviously evident of the commanding officier’s collusion with the killer herdsmen. But Buratai’s panel saw nothing wrong in this but rather commended the commanding officer for doing “a very professional job.� This is how serious Buratai wants his investigation panel and its verdict to be taken. If the intention was not to deceive the public, a much more serious and dispassionate approach ought to have been adopted in the investigation of Danjuma’s allegations against the army. The involvement of the military in the investigation should have been very minimal. It should have been headed by a judicial officer either serving or retired. The members should not have been appointees of the army chief of staff and the report should have been reviewed by an independent body for it to earn some credibility. In this case, the report was not only submitted to him, he personally decided what the public should know about the panel’s report. There was no involvement of an independent body in the assessment of the panel’s findings. This was a curious omission and it chopped off a huge amount of credibility from the exercise. That’s where Buratai goofed. That is also the reason I support Taraba State Government’s condemnation and dismissal of the report as biased and unfair. The report falls below acceptable standards of credibility and believability.
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ÍşÍťËœ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
INSIGHT
Why good journalism matters...
Lagos’ Sports Development Initiatives
Posthumous Conferment of National Awards
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n June 6, 2018 President Muhammadu Buhari made a quite signiďŹ cant announcement, declaring that June 12 would replace May 29 as Nigeria’s annual Democracy Day. The president also announced in the same release, the conferment posthumously, of the highest National Award of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), a title customarily reserved for heads of the Nigerian State, on Moshood Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 elections widely credited as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s chequered political history. Other recipients of honours were Babagana Kingibe, Chief Abiola’s running mate who was made a Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) and Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, who was also awarded a GCON posthumously. The unexpected announcement which came nearly 25 years to the day after the June 12, 1993 elections has unsurprisingly generated a lot of heated debate particularly as to the real motivation for this announcement with the 2019 general elections on the political horizon. This article however for the sake of focus, will limit itself to addressing the comments of a most respected jurist, the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore (rtd.) in relation to the conferment of posthumous awards on Chief MKO Abiola and Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN. Reacting to questions on President Buhari’s announcement, Justice Belgore is quoted to have said that the conferment of the national award on the two late Nigerians was illegal as in his words: “It is not done‌ it is for people living. The only thing they could do is to name a place after him, but national honours award, no.â€? The suggestion in the words of Justice Belgore above is that posthumous conferment of national awards is not permitted under our law and the president is accordingly unable to lawfully confer such awards on deceased people. There is some precedent for this argument as this was the reason given by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan for omitting the late Dr Stella Adadevoh from the 2014 National Honours list despite widespread clamour for her inclusion following her heroic exploits in helping to contain the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria in 2014. It is useful at the stage to examine what the law specifically provides on the issue of the award of national honours and whether same is restricted to living persons alone. The governing law on national honours is the National Honours Act, Cap. N43, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (“The Actâ€?). The act in its sections 1(1) and (4) grants the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the power to provide by warrant for award of honours to Nigerian and non-Nigerians deserving of same. Pursuant to this provision, a number of subsidiary legislations (referred
to as warrants) have also been enacted to govern the award of national honours to civilians, members of the armed forces, the police and the federal fire service respectively. The subsidiary legislation of interest to this article is the Honours Warrant of 1964. The honours warrant makes provision for the type, rank of national honours that may be awarded and most importantly, the conditions of eligibility. The honours warrant is also specific on the mode of conferment of the various awards on recipients. Whilst neither the act nor the honours warrant specifically restricts the award to living persons and excludes the deceased, the reason for the interpretation as excluding deceased people may be found in the provision of section 3(2) of the honours warrant. This provision which deals with the mode of conferment of national honours specifies as follows: “Subject to the next following paragraph of this article, a person shall be appointed to a particular rank of an Order when he receives from the President in person, at an investiture held for the purpose- (a) the insignia appropriate for that rank; and (b) an instrument under the hand of the President and the public seal of the Federation declaring him to be appointed to that rank. Okechukwu Ekweanya, senior associate at Kenna Partners Barristers and Solicitors
S
port is a globally recognised and increasingly utilised vehicle to achieve development. It’s potential as a tool to reach personal, community, national and international development objective is today being appreciated through series of sporting activities where individuals and group of varying identities interact. Aside the passion accruing from sporting activities, the unifying force and sense of belonging offered by the system promotes global affection, the more reason why it is regarded as a universal language. To ensure sport enjoy a pride of place in Lagos, the focus of the State Sports Commission has been on the intentional use of sport as a tool in advancing inclusive and sustainable development. The current administration of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has in fact remodelled the anatomy of sport in the state by building network of opportunities around the industry. Early this year, the state government illuminated its path to sport development in the state with the inauguration of Boards of Lagos Sport Trust Fund whose significant role as an interface between the private and public sectors in raising funds for sports is presently expanding opportunities for the growth of the sector in the state. The concept
T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE
T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com
which grew from the conviction that well-designed sport-based initiatives can be powerful, practical and cost effective in achieving development goals. To this end, the state government has already commenced the development and rehabilitation of sports facilities across the state as well as promotion of sporting activities in the five administrative divisions. This is evident from the facelift given to Agege township stadium to meet the standard of Confederation of African Football where the CAF Champions league matches were staged early this year as well as furnishing of the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Complex Rowe Park Centre, Yaba with world-class facilities. Governor Ambode’s persistence on the bequeathal of the historical National Stadium at Onikan to the Lagos State government acquiesce his promise to resuscitate and make all desolated monuments across the state relevant for social and economic prosperity. Interestingly, the federal government is on the verge of entrusting the management of the memorial edifice to the state government after years of persuasion. The iconic stadium which used to be the citadel of African football holds overwhelming inspiration and memories of African football legends, coaches and football enthusiasts. From the enchanting atmosphere induced by the colorful spectators, to the golden moments of players’ dexterity, sprawling the warble of supporters. The sigh of expectation that holds the stadium spellbound, the delightful duration that propels the triumphant lyrics provides the stadium a distinct appeal. With the governor’s assurance of its remodelling, Africans should start counting down to series of football rhapsody where spectacular national and international competitions will be hosted. This undoubtedly will reignite the passion and enthusiasm of football lovers in Nigeria thereby promoting aggressive investment in the state’s sport industry. Recently, the Lagos State Sports Commission has been organising and supporting a spectrum of domestic and international sporting events geared towards expanding the horizons of the sector and providing platforms for aspiring sportsmen and women in the country to come alive with their dreams. The 2018 Lagos International Squash Classics staged at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium epitomised the distance the state government has covered for sports in the state and the country at large. Kehinde Akinfenwa, Alausa, Lagos
THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ ͺ͸͚͜
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NEWS
In Brief Police Search for Missing Fulanis
Plateau State Police Command has declared that it was in search for five missingFulanitravelerswhowereambushedbyunknowngunmenonThursday nightatHeipanginBarkinLadilocalgovernmentofPlateauState.Thevictims wereallegedlyreturningfromKaracattlemarketinJossouthwhentheywere ambushed by unknown gunmen at about 7pm. The vehicle which was also conveyingacowwassetablaze,whiletheoccupantshadescapedasatthetime menofOperationSafeHavenarrivedthescene.StatePolicePublicRelations Officer,Mr.TyopevTernasaid:“Wearesearchingforthefivevictimsbecause we have not seen any corps anywhere.� Media and Information Officer of militarySpecialTaskForce(STF)inJos,MajorAdamUmarsaidtheambush had occurred around Heipang –railway roundabout and that the assailants hadfledbythetimethetaskforcearrivedthescene.Headdedthatthevehicle andthesurvivingcowhadbeentakentotheHeipangPoliceStation. Reacting, Secretary to the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Barkin Ladi, Abubakar Gambo said the five occupants were suspectedtohavebeenkilledastheirphonenumberswerenotconnecting.�
Court Remands Man for DeďŹ ling 13 Years Old
PLOTTING FOR TOMORROW ... L - R, Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt.Hon. Yakubu Dogara, APC National Leader, Ahmed Bola Tinubu and House Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila during the APC House of Representatives caucus meeting in Abuja on Friday 22nd June,2018
EFCC Receives 654 Petitions from Edo, Delta, Ondo Recovers N312m Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Benin
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Friday, disclosed that it had received 654 petitions from Edo, Delta and Ondo states in the first one year of opening its Benin Zonal Office. The anti- graft agency also said it had recovered N312,561,585.31 belonging to the
federal government, corporate bodies and individuals. Head of Benin Zonal Office, Mailafia Yakubu, who made the disclosure at a media briefing yesterday said 557 petitions had been approved for investigations while 64 petitions were rejected. He explained that nine petitions were forwarded to other zones for logistic reasons, while 23 cases were sent to the Nigeria Police Force because matters
raised in them were within the jurisdiction of the Police. Yakubu, who noted that the greatest challenge facing the zone was the concealing of crimes by some parents, stated that the Commission had secured nine convictions in the last one year while 28 cases were still pending in court. A breakdown of the recovered fund, according to Yakubu, showed that N4,209,097.96
belonged to the federal government, N147,220,600 was for corporate bodies and N161,131,887 belonged to individuals. He added: "We have also secured the final forfeiture of a Toyota Corolla to the federal government while we are in the process of securing the interim forfeiture of two houses and three vessels used for illegal activities.�
A Court in Ogba, Lagos, yesterday remanded Chibuzor Emealo, 26, at the Kirikiri prison for allegedly kidnapping and defiling 13 years old girl (names withheld). Emealo,whowasarraignedbeforetheCourt5ontwochargesof kidnappinganddefilementbytheLagosStatePoliceCommand,pleadednot guiltytobothcounts.Consequently,theMagistrateB.OOsunsanmi,ordered thattheaccusedberemandedinprisonfor30daysfordefilingtheteenagerat Orile-IganmuLagosonJune12from11pmtill5:30amthenextmorning.THISDAY hadexclusivelyreportedthecaseonJune13thisyear.Thistime,however,the accusedrapisttoldthecourtthathetookthegirlfromhercompoundbecause her uncle told them he could not find her. “I found her elsewhere, away from her compound. Since it was late, I took her to that bridge. She even said that she could not go home. We stayed there until morning. I did not touch her. I did not rape her. I am not guilty,� he pleaded. Meanwhile, the victim, a JSS 2 student told the court that while she was outside the compound with some neighbours,Emealo,alsoknownasAlomoaccusedherofstealinghismoney.
Woman Strangled , Dumped Near Church
A30-year-oldwomansuspectedtohavebeenstrangledbyunknownpersons wasfounddeadoppositeSaintMary'sCatholicChurch,ObiezeVillage,Ifitedunu inDunukofiaLocalGovernmentAreaofAnambraState.Thedeceased,Chinyere Okoli, suspected to have been strangled to death by unidentified persons was found dead in pool of her own blood.The State Police Public Relations Officer,SPHarunaMohammed(PPRO),whoconfirmedtheincidentsaidthe police was alerted by the brother to the deceased,Thankgod Okoli. He said thebodyofthedeceasedwasalmostdecomposingwithragsuspectedtobe usedincommittingthemurdertiedroundherneckwhenthepolicearrivedthe scene."PolicedetectivesattachedtoDunokofiaDivisionwenttothescene, met the body of the deceased almost decomposing with rag tied round her neck suspected to be used in committing the murder," he said.
Mrs. Lalong Raises Hope forOrphans
10 Arrested as CPC Seizes 1000 Bags of Fake Rice in A’Ibom
Pastor Allegedly Beheads Sex Hawker for Ritual in Kogi
Wife of Plateau State Governor, Mrs. Regina Lalong has called on spirited individualstodevotemoreattentiontothewelfareoforphansandtheunderprivileged. Mrs. Lalong, who stated this during a visit to orphanages in Jos and environs, also urged members of the public to support efforts put in by care-giversthroughconstantvisit,showofloveandcare.Accompaniedbythe wifeoftheDeputyGovernor,Mrs.SonniTyodenMrs.Lalongurgedorphansnot tolosehopeofthefuture,buttrustintheLordwhoisthefatherofthefatherless. Alsospeakingattheevent,theStateCommissionerforWomenAffairsand SocialDevelopment,AnnaIzamsaidthevisitwasincommemorationofthis year's Orphans Day of the African Child. She applauded Governor’s wife for puttingsmilesonthefacesofthechildren.Themanagersoftheorphanages visited expressed gratitude to the wife of the Governor for the visit which, accordingtothem,hasrekindledhopetothechildren.Thevisitswererounded offwiththepresentationoffooditems,householdutensilsandlearningaids..
Okon Bassey in Uyo
Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja
'Unbroken' Emerges Book of the Year
The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) yesterday impounded more than 1000 bags of fake rice in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital. Ten persons were also arrested in connection with the crime. Also four shops were sealed while sealing machines, sowing machines, generators and other appliances used in the processing of the sub-standard rice were seized. The Director-General of CPC, Mr. Babatunde Irukera, who led the raid of the fake rice factories in the metropolis was accompanied by officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Police. The invasion or clampdown of sub-standard rice distributors in the state capital took the CPC team to the Nyong Essien Street where greater seizure was recorded and the Rice City shop on No. 52 IBB Way opposite Information Drive, Uyo. The sub-standard rice were seen in the factory being re-packaged into bags which had the inscription of Mama Gold, Stallion, Habiba White, Caprice, Royal Stallion, Happy family and La Gueen among others. Nyong Essien which used to be one of the bubbly streets in the metropolis was very quiet as the raid
and sealing of shops in the market took the traders by surprise. The Rice City shop was equally sealed and the sign post destroyed. Bags of rotten rice were seen at the warehouse on Esuene Street, managed by the owner of the Rice City whose name could not be ascertained at press time. The factory was sealed and machines used in the processing of the sub-standard rice were also seized. Speaking with journalists, the Director General of CPC described the activities of the sub-standard distributors of rice in the state as very saddening, vowing that those arrested would face the full weight of the law. “It is a successful operation. It is also eye opener that there is still a lot of thing to be done; the customs and other regulators; law enforcement persons will stop some of these things from coming into the country. “The CPC got credible intelligent that rice is being re-bagged and sole in the market. Our greatest concern was the quality of the rice. “The rice that we have seized today (Friday) that is how it started and ended up in bags, people homes and restaurants�, Irukera noted.
A sex hawker has allegedly been killed by an acclaimed Pastor, Mr. Segun Otaru of the Celestial Church, Ozuri, Adavi local government area in Kogi State suspected for ritual. The suspect beheaded the victim, severed the hand, leg as well as the head and buried her body his church. THISDAY reliably gathered that the incident occurred on Thursday as the sex hawker said to be a Benue citizen from a popular Hotel called Hollywood Inn, was lured to his house and murdered by the pastor. THISDAY further gathered that the pastor was apprehended alongside his accomplice, Mr. Mike and Stephen, who claimed to be his boys and church members. According to a reliable source, the pastor sent Mike and Stephen to go and bring the sex hawker from the hotel promising them N700,000 reward. According to the source, the pastor asked them to go and open an account so he could pay the money into their accounts once they brought the girl to him. In the early hours of yesterday,
the Divisional Police officer in Adavi led the Administrator, Hon. Joseph Omuya Salami and some of his political appointees to the crime scene at Ozuri. He confirmed that the suspect beheaded the victim, severed the hand, leg as well as the head and buried the body somewhere closed to his church. Adavi described the act as the highest level of wickedness, stressing that “man killing man� is an abomination. He noted that ritual killing was unbiblical, unacceptable and should be totally condemned, and vowed that anyone involved in such act must pay the price by law. He further lauded the effort of the security agencies in apprehending the suspects. The Police Public Relations Officer, Kogi State Police Command, Mr. William Ayah could not be reached for comments, as his GSM lines could not be reached. However, Police sources disclosed to THISDAY that the three suspects including the Pastor had been arrested while the body parts of the woman have been recovered from where they were buried.
Afterathoroughscreening,207-pagedinspirationalbook,'Unbroken'authored bysought-aftermotivationalspeakerJohnShaibu,hasbeennamedbookof theyearattheKorBaraKorfoundationdinnerandawardinAbuja. According toorganisersoftheaward,KorBaraKorFoundation,thebookpublishedfrom the stable of Sapant Haddash's Touch limited was awarded because it has answerstodifferentlifebotheringquestions.Theawardcameweeksafter theauthorbaggedthetechiconoftheyearbytheStakersPanAfricanaward. Speaking on the book, Shaibu noted that he was inspired to write the book withtheaimofexposingthemindtothekeythatunlockedrichesandvibrant lifewhileitfocusedonawarenessofempowermentsandpowerofstrategic thinking"Owingtomyriadofreasons,itisbecomingincreasinglydifficultto gothroughonedaywithoutcomingincontactwithatleastonemanorwoman wholashesatuswithobviousfrustrationsandnegativeenergyoozingoutof theirbeing.Dozensofpeoplearebrokenonaccountoftheeconomicsituation, personal issues or even health related issues.
IPA Elects New National OďŹƒcers
TheIgede-EkitiProgressiveAssociation(IPA)penultimateSaturdayelected itsnewnationalofficerstosteertheaffairsoftheassociation.Thistookplace attheKing'spalaceinthepresenceoftheKabiyesiOnigedeofIgede-Ekiti;His RoyalMajestyObaJamesAladesuruIIandtheObaincouncil.Thoseelected at the stakeholders' meeting were Chief Henry Adebayo Fadairo (AIG rtd) - National President; Chief Remi Olowoloba - National Deputy President; Elder Bosun Ajayi - National General Secretary; Mr. Adebayo Olufemi Victor - Asst Geneneral Secretary; Mr. Kayode Ige (FCA)- Financial Secretary; Elder Rotimi Dada (FCA) – Treasurer; Mr. Adeola Owoeye (FCA) - National Auditor;YeyeBolanleOlatunde-NationalPublicitySecretary;PastorDavid Oladapo-OrganisingSecretary;Mr.BayoAyo-NationalLegalAdviser;Mr.Akin Aribisala-Asst.LegalAdviser;AlhajaRantiOmoya-WomenRepresentative; Mr.AyoBolofinde-YouthRepresentative;Mr.FelixOlaolorun-Ex-Officio;and Mr.Ajibade-VicePresident(LagosZone).OthersareDr.SundayOluyemi-Vice President(AbujaZone);Mr.AyoOlomola-VicePresident (IbadanZone);Mr. OluOgunleye-VicePresident(AdoEkitiZone)andMr.JohnOluwajuyigbe-Vice President (Igede Ekiti Zone).
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ ͺ͸͚͜
NEWS
Sahel-Saharan Defence Ministers Call for Establishment of Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre Raise concern over expansion of terrorist activities Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The Ministers of member countries of the Community of Sahel-Saharan State (CEN-CAD), have called for the immediate establishment of a regional Counter Terrorism Centre to collectively curb the growing terrorist activities. Chaired by the Nigerian Minister of Defence, Brig-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd), the security leaders raised concerns over the upsurge and expansion of activities within the region. The ministers made the call in a communique issued yesterday at the end of the 7th Meeting of Minister in Charge of Defence of CEN-SAD Member States, tagged : "Abuja Declaration". They noted that the opening of the Counter-terrorism unit was with a view to accelerate cooperation in the various areas related to fight against terrorism. The meeting also pledged to launch joint military maneuvers by CEN-SAD member countries to strengthen the response and action capabilities of the various defence and security forces. The ministers disclosed that
there was a need to intensify bilateral, multilateral and subregional security and military cooperation among member countries. "We are committed to support all regional initiative in the fight against terrorism (Multi Joint Task Force, G5 Sahel, FLG, etc.) with a view to eradicating terrorists activities and thus enabling development actions in favour of the populations, and exchange the African Union Peace and Security Council to take into consideration CEN-SAD's efforts in this field," the declaration stated. CEN-SAD is a sub-regional organisation established in Tripoli, Libya on February 4, 1998, following a summit of Heads of State of Libya, Niger, Mali,Sudan and Chad. She said the organisation which rotates the hosting rights amongst its Arabic, Francophone and Anglophone member-countries has since increased to 28 all-African member-states. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mrs. Nuratu Batagarawa, had at a pre-event briefing noted that each Conference focuses on one among a wide ranging of issues,
SCHEMING FOR POWER ... L-R: Member, APC National Campaign Council for Ekiti State, Senator Seye Adetunbi; former Governor of Ekiti State, Engr Segun Oni; All Progressive Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate, Dr Kayode Fayemi; and former Minister of State for Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye; at the palace of Onifaki of Ifaki, ahead of the ag o of APC campaign tour of Ido-Osi Local Government Area
such as Agriculture, Education, Environment and Interior matters, while the choice of the focal area determines the Ministries/
Departments of member-countries whose heads will constitute the participants. To this end, she said the just
concluded conference hosted by Nigeria was for the Ministers of Defence of member-states, focusing on Defence and Security issues,
with its theme being "Consolidating the Achievements of the Fight Against Terrorism through Solidarity Development Actions".
June 12: Buhari, Only Selected Muslims for Sultan of Sokoto Rechristens Honours, Say National Christian Elders Wike Mr. Opener Paul Obi in Abuja
The National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) yesterday accused the federal government and President Muhammadu Buhari of selecting only Muslims for the National Merit Awards as June 12 heros. They argued that the impression President Buhari created with such parochial selection was that only Muslims were champions of democracy during the June 12 struggle. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, NCEF Chairman, Solomon Asemota, SAN said: "Concerning the issues evolving in Nigerian, the National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) wishes, first and foremost, to join millions of Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora to congratulate the Moshood Abiola family, the Gani Fawehinmi family and the Yoruba
race for the posthumous award of the highest national honors of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) to Moshood Abiola and the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) to Gani Fawehinmi, SAN even though the awards did not fully comply with the provisions of the law as argued by Hon. Justice Alfa Belgore, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria. "Those of us who rejoice at this award hope and pray that this gesture is not another form of stealth jihad, a repetition of the events of June 12, 1993 when the election was annulled, but a genuine instrument for unity and reconciliation. "We are however disturbed because all those granted the 2018 National Honors including Baba Gana Kingibe, are all Muslims ostensibly to swell the ranks of
Muslims in the roll call of these awards." He explained that "not only is the impression being created that Muslims in Nigeria are in the forefront of championing democracy in the country but awarding National Honors to only Muslims further confirm the religious insensitivity and discrimination of President Buhari in a multicultural and multi-religious society. "That only Muslims are champions of Democracy is untrue because the Sunni Muslims in Nigeria have not hidden their preference for Sharia and President Buhari is their leader in the demand for Sharia while also holding that Sharia, not democracy is mandatory for Muslims in Nigeria. "The annulment of June 12, 1993 election by military President Ibrahim Babangida was a jihad against democracy," they said. .
Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa-ad Abubakar, has declared that Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, had opened the eyes of Nigerians on the true meaning of good governance through the delivery of quality projects, and named him “Mr. Opener�. This came as the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers formally honoured the governor with the title: "The Pride of Rivers State� for his outstanding developmental strides. While inaugurating the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers Secretariat Complex constructed by the administration of Wike yesterday, Abubakar said, “We will continue to commend you as long as the people commend you. I call you Mr. Opener because
you have opened eyes to what governance should be. What you are doing will endear you to the people.� He noted that the transformation of Rivers State under the leadership of Wike was real, pointing out that most of the projects being inaugurated as part of the Third Year Anniversary were inspected by traditional rulers after their national meeting in January this year. "We saw these projects with our eyes, nobody told us. You cannot say that this governor has not worked. Even the enemies of progress will acknowledge that something is being done,� the Sultan said. He stated that government was a process where the leader continued to do what is right and praised Wike for doing what is right for Rivers people.
He urged the governor to concentrate on agriculture, especially oil palm production, when the people actualise their support for him next year. He stated that no matter the situation, the votes of Rivers people must count and the people allowed to determine their leaders. In his address, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, said his administration resolved to construct a befitting place where the traditional rulers would share ideas and contribute to the development of the state. He said his administration had worked closely with the traditional rulers to build peace which has led to the development of the state. He said: "I will always give priority to the welfare of Traditional Rulers. The traditional rulers are key to the stability of the country".
Deans, Student Affairs: We Hold Key to Crisis Resolution on University Campuses
IDPs Holds Rally in Abuja to Celebrate Return to Ancestral Homes
David-ChyddyElekeinAwka
AdedayoAkinwaleinAbuja
Association of Deans of Student Affairs in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria (ADOSATI) has said that it holds the key to the resolution of crisis on university campuses in the country. The group stated this during its just concluded annual national conference held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka. Prof Chukwuemeka Ezeonu, the INEC resident electoral commissioner in Imo State who delivered the association's keynote address called on the deans of students affairs to develop a strong relationship with students on their campuses, as that was the only way to earn their confidence, which he
said was key to resolution of conflicts involving students. Ezeonu who was himself a former dean of student affairs while speaking on the theme; sustainable peace building and crisis management on our campuses; listed some of the ills bedeviling the country's education system, saying that chief among them were poor funding and emphasis on paper qualifications. He said that emphasis on paper qualification among students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria was killing the country's education system. He said, "There is too much emphasis on paper qualification in Nigeria, rather than knowledge, skill and competence. Most students
with requisite knowledge, skill and competence but lack the ability to reproduce what the teacher taught often feel frustrated." He said such emphasis on qualification usually frustrated most students to the level of taking solace in bribing lecturers for marks, while the female among them resort to offering sexual gratification to lecturers, just to acquire certificates, thereby abandoning the skills and competence they earlier acquired. He said the burden of managing crisis in tertiary institutions rest squarely on the shoulders of Deans of students affairs, and that the deans must try to establish interpersonal relationship with students..
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) who were hitherto housed in Kuchigoro camp and other camps in the nation’s capital on Friday held a rally to thank President, Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Army for liberating their villages from the grips of the Boko Haram insurgents. Last week, no fewer than 2,000 persons displaced from North-east as a result of the Boko Haram insurgents returned to their ancestral homes from Abuja and environs where they had been living for years. Speaking on behalf of the former IDPs, Mrs. Maryam Nuhu, called on the relevant authorities to fish out those
who have been sponsoring the Boko Haram sect that had made the country volatile, while also saluting the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for his tenacity, to make sure IDPs can return home. She recalled: “For years we were displaced persons in our own country, at the Kuchigoro IDPs camp and other annexes in Abuja and neighboring states. The measure of comfort and care provided us almost made us to resign to calling these camps home. But even if we had been quartered in the most glamourous of the hotels in the nation’s capital, the affinity for our ancestral lands would have still pulled us to return home as it did now. “The only thing that would have kept
us away from our home is the terror attacks of Boko Haram that uprooted us in the first place. However, Boko Haram has become history as far as we are concerned. Whatever the terror group is capable of right now is no different from the kind of criminality that can occur on the streets of any of the world’s many towns and cities. “Our towns and villages have been cleared of these terrorists. We can now confidently return home to pick up our lives from the points where we will meet them. Of course the scars of our losses are there but they are scars that will remind us of the healing that sincere leadership can bring as opposed to the dark side of humanity that Boko Haram its backers want us to know.
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T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͯͶ
Plus
pg. 20
Chris Obi
I’m Still in Touch with My Nigerian Roots
pg. 22
Mayokun Ilo A Man of Books and Letters
FAMILY HEALTH GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND TEENS CONNECT POLITY
pg. 28 pg. 29 pg. 36 pg. 38 pg. 50
Adedayo Ojo My First Girlfriend Ended Up As My Wife
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 23, 2018
PLUS
My First Girlfriend Ended Up As My Wife Adedayo Ojo’s traj trajectory would perhaps have been very different if he had not obeyed a divine guidance to leave Corporation of Nigeria in 2009 and focus Transnational Co on starting Cari Caritas Communication Group, which many of advised against. Visionary, creative, stylish, his friends adv industrious an and eloquent, Ojo did not miss his way as a communication specialist though he had wanted to make communicatio broadcast journalism but gave in after several impact in broa failed attempt attempts. He is also the Chairman of Orpheus Communications, owners of City FM; Managing Director Communicatio of Springboard Integrated Services and a co-founder of Proxima Energ Energy Limited. The journalist turned entrepreneur grass to grace story, career path, love life and next shares his gras Omolabake Fasogbon steps with Om
R
I must confess that journalism is indeed one of the best professions. I enjoyed being a writer and indeed, I became the pioneer Secretary of the Commonwealth Journalists Association in Nigeria. But because of my poor background, I desired a life that’s much better than what journalism could offer
uminating over a Mongolian proverb: “If you are sick, talk about your life; if you are better, think about your gold”, it quickly dawned on Adedayo Ojo that very early enough, he needed to maxim maximise his wellness and youthfulness to push towards not just gold or alloy y bu but pure gold. In reminiscence, he recalle recalled that climbing the ladder to the top p do doesn’t come so easy especially for someo someone from a humble parentage. He narr narrated passionately: “I grew up in a four-r four-room bungalow owned by my y father in Modakeke, Osun State. It was in that same house that I, my siblings, g fa father, mother, grandmother, my y divorc divorced grand aunt, two uncles and my y tw two other aunts all lived. Without ssaying too much, you can have an id idea of the kind of life I lived, growing g gu up. From age seven, I started sleeping p g in the sitting room on the mat with eight g other kids sharing a mat. My y father and mother were primary school tea teachers. At a time, my father quit teach q teaching, worked briefly in a cooperativ cooperative p organisation and started a business business, but the business failed just about the time I gained admission into the univer university. So, I picked up a part time teach teaching job at Garage Olode, a village g mi midway between Ile-Ife and Ondo. I h had to shuttle between University y of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University University) y and the village thrice a week to d do part-time teaching, so I could g get money to sustain my education. But tthis distraction didn’t affect my y acade academic performance. As a matter of fact, my y worst result in the university y was in the first year when my dad was still aable to sponsor me. Looking back, I see my dad’s business failure as the hand han of God to prepare me for future. I also had the responsibility the future support to suppor pp my four siblings from the money y I earned from teaching. While undergoing the national youth underg g corps p sscheme (NYSC), I organised afternoon tutorials for secondary aftern school students and by the end scho my youth service, I had saved of m enough money to buy my first
car.” Having lived with extended family members all packed in one modest homestead, the golf enthusiast had tasted the low part of life and vowed to make a difference even if it will involve taking multiple jobs. He started life as a journalism teacher at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) where he taught News English and Public Relations in addition to working as a part time examiner for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the Institute of Purchasing & Supply. But the proceeds from those jobs were meagre compared to the life he wanted for himself. He combined those with a full-time journalism job at Concord Press of Nigeria (owned by the late MKO Abiola) as a sub-editor, and later as a banking and finance correspondent, but that still did not suffice for his dream life. The next move was to explore another sector and as fate would have it, he found his way in the banking sector and finally in the lucrative oil & gas sector. “I believe my engagement in Mobil Producing Nigeria (ExxonMobil) was divine because I already forgot I applied for a job. I received a call the very day the interview held asking why I was not at the venue yet whereas the panel was almost rounding off the session. I became surprised because I had forgotten that I applied but I summoned courage and went. It was about 30 minutes’ drive from the bank where I worked. The rest is history today.” His excuse for opting out of the pen profession is curious! Does that mean that the journalism profession is not promising? He said: “I must confess that journalism is indeed one of the best professions. I enjoyed being a writer and indeed, I became the pioneer Secretary of the Commonwealth Journalists Association in Nigeria. But because of my poor background, I desired a life that’s much better than what journalism could offer. By the time I left Concord in the late 80’s, I was earning about 800 Naira or thereabout which was a lot of money”. Asked how he would
JUNE 23, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
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PLUS A Number of My Friends Thought I was Mad to have Left a High-profile Job encourage an aspiring journalist who equally desires a large life to pursue a career in journalism, he replied frankly: “Journalists should look at themselves, the job and decide on what they want to do. The decision also entails defining their values.” Even with an exciting and prosperous career in ExxonMobil and later Transcorp, he dared to be his own boss, a tough decision it was and like Sir Ranulph Fiennes who from record is said to be the bravest man in the world, he set out to run Caritas in 2009, although he had registered the company since 1999, at the peak of his ExxonMobil career. A number of my friends thought I was mad to have left a high-profile job in the oil industry. They discouraged me but I was undeterred. I glorify God that I made that decision. Caritas has three subsidiaries today- Caritas PR, Caritas Communications and Caritas Digital and yet, we are not done’, he enthused. Talking about his calling, communication, one can’t but be fascinated. Without mincing words, it is his passion. Excitedly, he harped on communication as being indispensable to business, government, humans and animals; like a lecturer wanting to win an argument. Right from childhood, he had a rascally and exuberant tendency, no wonder even as a young man, he was already looking forward to having a family in the future and that was why he rejected the option of being a reverend father as he is from a core Catholic home. “I am from a disciplined Catholic background, however, boys will always be boys. Thank God for my Canadian mentor, late Rev Fr. Fabian Cloutier, who guided my steps during adolescence. He rescued me from wayward adolescent tendencies. He was my French teacher, parish priest, wedded my parents, baptised me as well as my school principal. So, by force, by fire, like MFM would say, I became a focused young man. Yes, I was persuaded by my very good friend, now the current Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, the Most Rev Dr. Emmanuel Ade Badejo to come to the seminary, but then, as an adolescent, I wanted the other option! Although none of us knew anything about practical experience of sexual intimacy but I looked forward to it. So, the option of going to the seminary was out! Narrating his love life, a man or woman who had never fallen in love would strive to have a taste of it. Asked how he wooed his wife? With a sudden exclamation, he answered: ‘oh! You may have to ask her that question but one thing I know is that I didn’t make the first move, she did. But she will never agree. Back then, I admired her from afar because she was beautiful with extremely elegant steps. Oh! when my wife walks, you can’t just miss her swag and to me, that was the first attraction. However, she also liked me and stylishly demonstrated it. But in those days women don’t approach men. All she did was that she was courteous and very nice to me and I got the cue”, he chuckled. Continuing, he said: “But then, she’s from a strict Catholic home, I dare not go to her house, but if I must do at all, it will be through my same friend and brother, now Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, a seminarian then. You know seminarians are respected and accepted in every home. Other than that, we were only exchanging letters.”
Ojo
I want to enjoy the little I have with my wife. I can’t wait to begin a new life with my wife. I have worked hard and deserve some decent rest and pleasure. I don’t believe in acquiring property for the sake of bequeathing same to children. My wife and I have given our son a worthy inheritance which is good values and quality education. By God’s grace he is doing well on his own Wondered if it’s a crime or sin to visit the home of a would-be spouse? After taking a deep breath, he reacted: “Well, all I can say is that as a wouldbe bride, it is not a sin to visit your future husband but it becomes a sin when you sleep in his home and indulge in unacceptable pre-marital intimacy.” Speaking in a stern voice,
pre-marital sex doesn’t seem to go well with him but when asked if he avoided same as a bachelor, he replied, “It is a story for another day but what I can say is today, I know better what the scriptures say about that.” Quite a fortunate man, at under 40 years, he was already heading a full department at ExxonMobil. Not denying God’s goodness and presence, he also gave the glory to his wife, who he said has always supported him in every way especially spiritually: “She’s a wonderful woman. She sacrificed her career for the family; she influenced my conversion to genuine Christianity. But I had no option than to fully give my life to Christ. But guess what, there is nothing as sweet as Jesus, I wish I knew intimately as I do now when I was a teenager.”
hidden for long.” At close to 60, he is at the verge of winding down, surprisingly, he said he is retiring to devote more time to God’s work, to know more about his creator and bring more people into the kingdom of God. But he doesn’t seem to be the typical Nigerian man that bequeaths property to children. He quipped: “I want to enjoy the little I have with my wife. I can’t wait to begin a new life with my wife. I have worked hard and deserve some decent rest and pleasure. I don’t believe in acquiring property for the sake of bequeathing same to children. My wife and I have given our son a worthy inheritance which is good values and quality education. By God’s grace he is doing well on his own.” On his stake in City FM, he explained: “City FM is a lifestyle station that was started by a group of profesBusiness they say is not all about sionals who eventually sold it to some money, most especially when one’s business men. I got into it through credibility or faith is at stake. So, a one of the business men who bought Chinese proverb goes thus: One cannot into the idea. I invested in City FM carve a rotten wood. The question not because of money but to remain was thrown to him being a reputation a relevant influencer. Anyone who management specialist. Would he is looking to make money shouldn’t carve a rotten wood if the opportunity invest in the media.” comes with a mouth-watering offer Does he nurture interest in politics? despite his Christian faith? This With a grin, he answered: “We are all appeared to be a tough question but political animals. On a more serious he eventually broke it as he said: “A note, I will be willing to share experirotten wood can be likened to a person ence and counsel if the opportunity with an extremely bad image and you exists, but I am not looking forward to are asking if I can manage such case contesting for an elective office.” because of my faith. Well, we are in Finally, he has a word for the youths: business not for charity but to make “To become a man is not a day job. For money, but in the process, there must success hungry youths, all I can offer as be boundaries as to what one does. an advice is for them to set out early in For instance, if a client like Evans (the life. If you must reach your destination alleged serial kidnapper) approached at all, pray hard, work hard and have a me to correct his image, I’m sorry focus but you must set out early in life. I won’t take it because in his case, More importantly, make Christ your lives were lost. What is bad cannot be cornerstone.”
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 23, 2018
PLUS Chris Obi
I’m Still in Touch with My Nigerian Roots Chris Obi, the actor, who trained at the Drama Centre London, might be a recognisable face for those who’ve seen Snow White and the Huntsman, the 2016 Roots miniseries and Klingon captain T’Kuvma in Star Trek Discovery. But back home, the British-born Nigerian is popular for his rugged role in ‘the Ticket’ Guinness advert, acting as Femi, a struggling man in the city. He comes back to the village to fetch his younger brother, who will join in search of great exploits. “A boy dreams but a man does. Brother are you ready to drink at the table of men?” The younger brother is then given a bus ticket to the city, making it his time to follow in the footsteps of greatness. Despite his British accent and posh leanings, his ability to infuse into a typical everyday-Nigerian hustler has further proven his dexterity as an international actor. He speaks to Omolola Itayemi about the need to come back home to pursue his craft, filming ‘the Ticket’ and his love for pounded yam and egusi at the cosmopolitan George Hotel, Ikoyi
F
rom such a huge crew of Star Trek to the minimal one of ‘the Ticket’ Guinness, what’s the transition like? I played T’Kuvma, the Klingon leader seeking to unite the Klingon houses, on Star Trek: Discovery. As you said, huge cast, big logistics, cinematography at its best and immense technology advancement. While ‘the Ticket’ was a much smaller one, it meant a lot to me because it was my first project back home. It was wonderful and more personal. I was with a very crazy Italian director. I was the brother in the shoot and yes, I was different, though still of international standard. How did you get into acting? Theatre is huge in England where you live and studied, what was your professional theater debut? I studied at Drama Center London and later trained students at Actor in Session, also in London, where l served as an Artistic Director. I made my professional theater debut as a Messenger in Edward Hall’s 2002 production of Macbeth, which starred Sean Bean and Samantha Bond. I had
earlier performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, including productions of Comedy of Errors and Twelfth Night, and counts among his film and television credits State of Play, Doctor Who, Snow White and the Huntsman, American Gods, Ghost in the Shell, and Roots (2016), executive produced by veteran Star Trek actor and director LeVar Burton. Do you come home often? No, the last time I was home was for the commercial, ‘the Ticket’ for Guinness. No, I came afterwards for the AMAA’s in 2013. Basically I’m still in touch with my Nigerian roots. We need to be in touch because there is a lot happening in Nigeria for actors in diaspora. We’ve got a new breed of British-Nigerian actors who are keeping that connection going including the likes of big Hollywood breakout stars like David Oyelowo and Chiwetal Ejiofor. Are you in touch with David Oyelowo? I love David, he’s like my brother. We were in Los Angeles together. So where are you based now? It’s kind of hard; I have just finished
Basically I’m still in touch with my Nigerian roots. We need to be in touch because there is a lot happening in Nigeria for actors in diaspora. We’ve got a new breed of British-Nigerian actors who are keeping that connection going including the likes of big Hollywood breakout stars like David Oyelowo and Chiwetal Ejiofor
Obi
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ÍşÍťËœ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
PLUS There’s Always that Thing about Acting Here. The Older you Get the More You Thirst for Your Roots
Star Trek in North America, that’s where I am most of the time. I’m London-born though, so I’m always shuttling between UK and other parts of the world. It looks like there is a migration of British-born artists towards acting in the USA? Yes, but we’ve got loads of us doing that. Without being boastful, Nigerian actors are very ambitious and intelligent. It’s very limiting to work in England unless you are doing the Shakespeare work but even then, it’s only very recent people started to say that David Oyelowo played Henry VI. But in Theatre now, they are beginning to say black guys can play any part. In America, there you get a better range of characters to play. Oh definitely, there is a migration. Are you immersed in Nollywood now? No. Jeta Amata was my friend at one point but I haven’t been in touch. I might hopefully meet him whilst I’m here. I also know Wale Ojo well and I hear he’s doing a lot here. There’s always that thing about acting here. The older you get the more you thirst for your roots and you want to make that connection. Your Nigerian roots is Igbo, where exactly? I’m from Nsube, Anambra. What will you say is responsible for the move to work back home? That’s a very good question but without sounding too mythical, it’s just a draw, it’s in your body. For me, anyway, that’s what I’m experiencing, I have no reason to be here spending all that money. We have an arts community that is doing so well and one thing we have in common is that we are Nigerians. We are highly respected. I enjoy coming home because I have never lived here. I went to a boarding school in the UK but my father always insisted we come back home to Nigeria for long holidays sometimes. Nollywood isn’t where it ought
Obi and fellow actor on set of ‘the Ticket’ Guinness advert
to be despite our position as 2nd worldwide, what do you think is responsible for this? I think it’s the marketing. To be clear, it’s a hustlers market and you don’t get a lot of artists willing to hustle. There is a system and most of these places have a good distribution network but here you have the actor being the producer and the distributor. You don’t have the right system. If a network shows your film, you should get paid but that’s not happening. If the industry is not well organised, you can’t get things done well. It’s the right connection. We need to organise a festival where everybody can meet each other and bring their products, so we are educated. I’m just hearing about AFRIFF. We know about Nollywood but we don’t really understand how it works, I mean, for us in the diaspora. I know Jetta was trying to
open the industry up to outsiders. The industry has grown more than it was envisaged and we need to move along with other industries in the world. USA at a point was using the film industry to colonise the world. Nigerian film industry has grown to that level but not doing same. We need to use it as a medium to educate the world about who we are. Look at what Europe did with the Renaissance period; the Italians expressed themselves with their paintings. Africans once did that too on the long past with their arts and crafts but not so much now. Definitely now, Nollywood is a great medium to use. We need a good film festival in Lagos. What’s your full name? Obiakwe Chukwunondo You’re still connected to your roots,
Without being boastful, Nigerian actors are very ambitious and intelligent. It’s very limiting to work in England unless you are doing the Shakespeare work but even then, it’s only very recent people started to say that David Oyelowo played Henry VI. But in Theatre now, they are beginning to say black guys can play any part. In America, there you get a better range of characters to play. Oh deďŹ nitely, there is a migration what’s your favourite Nigerian food? Definitely pounded yam and egusi. I love it and it doesn’t have to be pounded. I buy the powdered one and make it and when I’m on the road, I look for the closest Nigerian/African restaurant to dig in. If Egusi soup is not available, ogbono soup is good to go. That’s a major highlight of my trip back home. Are you married? I’m not talking about that. Why? Hmm! not just going into that. Thanks.
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͝ , 2014
PLUS Mayokun Ilo
A Man of Books and Letters With a story typical of an Angel Investor, Mayokun Ilo’s looks belie his age and achievements. From a humble and deprived background, with sober convictions, realistic valuations, he’s remained resilient pursuing his dream of a good life. Years down the line, he’s risen above those challenges that almost held his dreams down. As a serial entrepreneur, management expert, oil and gas expert, brand strategist, technocrat, economist and lecturer, his track record of hunting down and ďŹ nancing talented brains, the impressive resume ďŹ ts the bill of one wearing many hats on one head. Grateful about his achievements, but not resting on his oars, he tells Adedayo Adejobi about his new path in a new terrain A hand in many pies and master of all e is not a jack of all trades, but he functions as the master at being an engineer, a lecturer, a brand strategist and management expert. He tells the reporter what he owes to a life of grace and multitasking in these spheres of influence: ‘‘I would say it’s grace. Normally they would tell you don’t multi task. I’m not a Jack of all trade, but there’s a thread that runs through everything I do and it’s becoming clear. It’s good to know a little about everything and everything about something. I was preparing for this time even when I was working. I was doing a full time programme in two institutions of higher learning and it didn’t stop me from graduating with good grades. It’s a mission, and when you have a mission, you don’t sit down you run with it. I had to combine a lot of things at once and it has paid off.’’ A part of Mayokun that leaves one who encounters him enthralled is his entrepreneurial drive and passion to genuine young business people emerge.
H
One word, and my heart leaps for Joy Just one word that entices Mayokun after spending over a decade in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry: Startup. His heart leaps for joy when a new start-up is birthed. At a time the country was at the peak of an entrepreneurial boom, investors of all kinds were in a frenzied scramble to fund ventures, and it seemed the world was waiting with bated breath to welcome one more unicorn; he didn’t want to miss the bus, so he came in. When fortunes smiled on him As a young man, life has never been fair to him, as he’s had to struggle for all he’s ever achieved in life. At the time, his mum was a petty trader, whilst his mum was caught in the hands of stroke. So when he got a job with Nigerian Na-
tional Petroleum Corporation in 2002, it meant a breather of fresh air and change of life for him. With focus, love for family and enterprise, it took him only three years to change the fortunes of his family for good. Like the proverbial captivity of Zion being restored, life in its full splendour was restored. He settled everyone in his family in his modest way and then decided to get married to his wife of inestimable value in November 2006. Having spent in excess of five hundred thousand naira to rent canopies and chairs, it opened his eyes to the vast business opportunities that lie in the entertainment sectors, amongst other business interests he has now invested over the years. With extra funds from subsequent earnings and resources, he invested and handed it over to his sister to run. Over time, he’s spread his business investments across real estate, publishing, media, oil and gas, engineering and consultancy services. With sober convictions and realistic valuations, he’s hunted down several motivated and talented entrepreneurs, providing financial, social and intellectual capital. As an angel investor, having financed a lot of companies, he says with great pride and satisfaction, ‘‘It’s a positive experience building businesses and consulting across spheres of influence.’’ Why corporate governance is the key to business survival As a thought leader, when quizzed on why he thinks most businesses are not able to transition into multi-million dollar size businesses, his reply was succinct: ‘‘One reason is corporate governance and the other is systemic. If you don’t have a structure, you’ll have a problem. The level of thinking for a 10-man business is different from a thousand man business.’’ Asides providing capital, this is what he does with the companies he backs: “I
With extra funds from subsequent earnings and resources, he invested and handed it over to his sister to run. Over time, he’s spread his business investments across real estate, publishing, media, oil and gas, engineering and consultancy services
Ilo
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ͺ͝ ˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
PLUS
Mr. and Mrs. Ilo
Start- up is Like a New Born Baby with Limitless Potential am on the Board of Directors of a few Away from life as an My motivation to run as Governor of Ogun companies. But the important thing is seeing the companies I back as a team.’’ service engineer, consultant, is Away If his aspiration comes to fruition and from life as an engineer, conMayokun became a governor today, for brand management sultant, brand management lecturer, as him, it would be team work. ‘‘I may a Governorship aspirant, he is presently lecturer, as a eyeing Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s seat, be a technocrat and have experience in petroleum engineering, economics, speaks about the impulse behind his Governorship aspirant, he journalism, business, administration decision to join the race, and ‘‘I watched and statistics. I don’t mean I know it political space for some time and I’ve he is presently eyeing the all. My kind of leadership is to look for prepared myself for this. This is time to indigenes and best hands in the field for a difference and be an inspiration Senator Ibikunle make most of the positions.’’ to the coming generation. I am an atJust as love is music to a woman’s Amosun’s seat, he speaks testation to the fact that youths are ready heart, this excites him: ‘‘Start- up is like to take on the mantle of leadership, about the impulse behind thus changing the African narrative. My a new born baby with limitless potential. The fact that you can conceptualise is is service. I started grassroots his decision to join the motivation a God-given talent and not everybody politics a few years ago with a view to can do it. Having an idea is like a dime some of the issues that plague race, and ‘‘I watched the addressing for dozen. Anyone can have an idea, our people from a policy direction. I’m but taking it to the next level requires coming to probe anyone. I believe political space for some not resources and faith. So I get excited when in the good of everyone. I’m coming in I see people who take risks. I give advice time and I’ve prepared with a sense of mission and direction. and when they take the advice, things I’m going to look at what Senator myself for this. This is Ibikunle Amosun has done, pick all the become easier. Sometimes people do business and it fails, it doesn’t make you I can find and work on it. In line time to make a dierence goods a failure.’’ with Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s vision As he evaluates potential investment, for our state, my mission is to build and be an inspiration to 2030 he looks forward to passion of the on it. I would also want to entrench the founder in a start-up: ‘‘I look forward to of integrity, respect, trustworthithe coming generation. I values the passion, personality and ideas of the ness, honesty, discipline, obedience founder when you invest in a start –up. am an attestation to the and hard work. When my father died, I invest in the person not necessarily the nobody talked about how many houses fact that youths are ready or car he had. People only remembered business. Once I find all of these, I don’t let him or her go.’’ for the good he did and the impact to take on the mantle of him Has any of his investment gone badly? he made in people’s lives. That’s the oh yes. Adopting a saying from the leadership, thus changing kind of leader I want to be.’’ petroleum institute that eight out nine wells dug for crude oil end up not being of books and letters the African narrative. A man productive or economically viable. So, The man of letters and an ardent what he does is to invest in ten busiMy motivation is service. lover of books is inspired by words: “I nesses. He’s sure one will and make up have over 500 books in my physical and I started grassroots digital library. I’m a man of books and for the losses suffered. Drawing inference from his recent You can call me a bookworm. politics a few years ago letters. opportunity to talk at a forum of highly When people take their time watching influential people in Ogun State, one programmes, I think in terms with a view to addressing television he’s passionate about and more crucially, of how many chapters of a book I’ve looking into the future, he thinks high It has shaped my life in some of the issues that consumed. net worth entrepreneurs at the top course of doing that I’ve read about have not done enough to encourage the plague our people from a Nigeria, Africa, and development in younger ones. And so, adding his share other climes. I’ve travelled there and policy direction I’ve done all I could but I refuse to give of voice to the on-going conversation on mentorship, he’s writing a book on leadership within the Nigerian space. ‘‘Politicians and leaders of industries are too silent, and there’s no vacuum in nature. The coming generation will pick the wrong signals from their life style. We should speak out more and talk about all these things. At the forum of influential people in Ogun state few days ago, I told them mentorship is the key. You don’t fight evil with evil. We
should serve as examples to people in the society.’’ Like the old adage says, opportunity meets preparation. This word aptly describes Mayokun. He has spent year’s reading books, attending several international business, start-up and investment conferences. He kept hunting relentlessly for his maiden opportunity and it came in the nick of time.
up on Nigeria. I believe that with my leadership in Ogun state, there’ll be a paradigm shift in how things are done. I believe that the power to shape our lives presents us with our greatest opportunities to change the world around us. ‘‘I am an African, and I refuse to give up on Africa. The tides will turn, our ships will come in, and we will berth at the port of true development, and take our seats at the table of global relevance.’’
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 23, 2018
with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)
LOUD WHISPERS
Sani
SHEHU SANI, I DARE YOU I have just seen a report claiming that this my friend is about to contest in Kaduna if certain things are not put in place. This is the kind of fight we see in Oshodi, where the combatants will just be circling themselves and be shouting but will not throw a punch. This bobo, you think contesting in Kaduna is to be carrying Afro hair all over the place and taking snakes to JAMB office. Me as a person, I remain tired of all these mouth. If you want to contest, oya contest and stop all these rabble rousing, we are tired. In fact, I think you should contest abeg and let us see who truly is the man – little El – Rufai or afro Sani. That would be a contest that would be worth watching. While considering this position however, kindly make sure you do not have any house in Kaduna metropolis because you stand a risk of losing it the morning you declare, but then again that should be a little sacrifice to make for the long suffering people of kaduna who I believe are in search of a new messiah and very quickly so. This El-Rufai na El- Tornado, only God can try. ‘SUPPER’ EAGLES, PLEASE NA Let no man say I am not patriotic. I am the most patriotic person you can find in Somolu, but this Super Eagles always push my patriotic credentials, that is why you see I really ignore them. The build up to this particular world cup has been strange, I tell you. All of a sudden, our players were turned into fashion models, selling jerseys and parading all around the place. It was no wonder in their first match they played like pansies. Me, did I watch? I did not bother. I was in my Afang joint at Onigbongbo savouring the sweet taste of well-made Afang soup. People were just screaming and shouting as the Super Eagles threw the whole nation into misery. We have gone to carry catwalk models to world cup ooooo. Well, all hope is not lost as we still have enough time to redeem and strive for excellence in this tournament. Let’s be focussed and forget selling jerseys and other distractions and face the issue of the day, which is to win matches. ROBERT OKPARA, IMO ON HIS MIND This is my friend and brother. He has decided to go against Rochas Okoroacha’s son in law. This is truly a brave
Rorh
Opara
Aminu Tambuwal, Let’s Do This Ok, I have been watching this politician very closely. Observing his every move and action with keen interest. You see I am a sucker for a keenly contested election. I can die for a powerfully fought election because it throws up so much giddy excitement which pushes me into a frenzy. Do you guys remember the Agbalajobi/Sarumi rumble, the Ajasin/ Omoboriowo imbroglio? Yes that is what we who read Political Science call keenly contested elections. Me I do not want this incumbent to just stroll back to power; he must sweat for it and I thank God that the opposition is beginning to wake up to this reality. Forgive me, if I state that Tambuwal portends a strong force that would give the incumbent a god fight. He is
thing to do. We have been speaking on this his ambition and he has sent me a lot of his campaign materials detailing his vision for the state especially in the areas of health and education. My brother, I would have been very happy for you if this was a normal state. This state is being ruled by a clone of the North Korean demagogue who has created a happiness ministry
young, experienced with strong relationships as a result of his foray in politics. This is not a Duke of Somolu endorsement, very far from it but this remains a Duke of Somolu wish. For me, since the Presidency has been zoned to the north, I believe by both major parties, I would like to see a strong field of potentially dangerous candidates emerge and not Wimpey mother’s boys come from behind mummy’s apron strings to whimper that they want to contest. We would like to see very strong attempts at giving the incumbent a fight to remember. This I believe would be very good for our democracy. So my Lord Tambuwal, what say you, I believe you can do this, let’s do this. This is not an endorsement but a wish.
‘and gone on a major nepotistic drive all culminating in a simplistic and egotistical attempt at fostering on the long suffering people of Imo State a son in law, whose main qualification remains his prowess in the other room. My brother, you will need much more than well-thought out programmes to defeat this dynasty. You will need a lot of street smarts, a lot of wit around
Chimamanda
you and much more importantly, you must match this dynasty statue by statue. Start by erecting your statute at the main roundabout and then we will know you are truly serious. Let the games begin. CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE, STOP CONFUSING US Please, we are having enough problems with our women; to come and add this feminism that this otherwise very beautiful lady is preaching will be more problem. The power our women folk have arrogated to themselves is such that they are now more than equal partners in many homes. So, to come and add this one you are shouting all over the place will just be a recipe for chaos. The point here is that the true African woman remains a help mate, a partner and a platform of reliability in the home and society. Trying to upturn that with all these talk will just amount to a riot. Like the American told you, come and use your weight and fight for more practical and serious things like genital mutilation, infant mortality, lack of education of the girl child and leave all these talk of equality, as it will not put food on the table. Abeg, I am beginning not to like you jo, what is all these talk about. You are living far away and not physically going through the pains of being a true Nigerian woman and you are preaching feminism. I have never seen this level of detachment. The issues are plenty my sister, if I start to name them, there will be no space so just leave the matter and focus on your fantasy world. No problem. JIDE OFFOR, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRO This ex-Magistrate, lawyer and highly talented fashion designer recently celebrated his 50th birthday. It was all glam and power at the major shindig which held in Enugu. Jide today is an enigma as he continues to churn out very powerful and distinctly talented attires for his increasingly satiated clientele which range from state governors to the very discerning corporate power brokers. His party pulled in a motley of power brokers within the South-east and quickly turned into a mini campaign ground with the assortment of honchos he pulled in. Well, happy birthday my brother even as I wish you many happy returns, whatever that means.
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JUNE 23, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
SPY GLASS AKIN AKINFEMIWA
FORTE OIL CEO, AKIN AKINFEMIWA, SERENADES WIFE AT 40 Though, he comes across as a hardworking, busy and restless man flowing with ideas, the CEO of Forte Oil, Akin Akinfemiwa is a romantic man that never jokes with his family especially his lovely wife, Toyosi. As gathered, he can sacrifice anything in the world to make them happy. Little wonder the intelligent Mechanical Engineer graduate threw a big party last Monday in faraway Watford, England, when the beautiful lady clocked 40. As gathered by Spyglass, the private but classy party was a gathering of top executives, high-flying socialites, as well as top business tycoons including the Chairman of Forte Oil, Femi Otedola, his family among several others. Akinfemiwa attended University of Ibadan where he graduated with a B.Sc. Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1995; and MBA Degree in Information Technology at Hull Business School, University of Lincolnshire and Humberside, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom in 2000. He was Executive Assistant to the Deputy Managing Director/Chief Operating Officer, Oando Plc. between 2002 and 2003. From 2003 and 2006, he became Products and Derivatives Trader, Oando Supply and Trading Limited. He moved to Fineshade Energy Limited as Head, Trading and Business Development between 2006 and 2009. In short, he is a seasoned International Petroleum Trader. Until his appointment, he was the Group Chief Operating Officer, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited.
QUEEN ZYNAB OTITI’S LATEST MOVE
All her life, Queen Zynab Otiti’s mission has always been to positively impact on her immediate environment. She has been doing this silently until her marriage to the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan
with BAYO ADEOYE .... 08054680651 email: bayoolunla@gmail.com
Ogunwusi, which eventually collapsed. The Edo State-born beauty has of recent been meeting with top leaders, government officials around the world introducing her foundation. This has been yielding positive result, we gathered. Anyway, that is not the news, Spyglass gathered that the lady is coming with a new idea that would definitely dominate the news for a long time. Although the source refused to divulge the idea, it was gathered that it would be big and massive when finally launched. Humble and respectful, Queen Zynab never trivialises the teachings of the Holy Bible, which include that the rich should be a source of joy to the needy. Her philosophy of life is deeply rooted in the aphorism that wealth is nothing if it cannot be used for the advancement of society and mankind.
WALE TINUBU GLIDES INTO 51
It was Prof. Femi Osofisan, an acclaimed literary giant, who aptly titled one of his award-winning plays, ‘Birthdays Are Not for Dying’. Indeed, birthdays are supposed to be occasions for the celebration of life by the living. Birthdays are also a period when the celebrator takes stock of his or her life and feels like climbing the mountaintop to shout Halleluiah. Undoubtedly, if there is any human being who is currently experiencing the proverbial Seventh Heaven, typical of a woman who has just safely been delivered of a baby, it is no other than Jubril Adewale Tinubu, the quintessential businessman. As this oil and gas wizard would be celebrating his 51st birthday on June 26, many are willing to share in his joy. The reason is the “birthday boy” means so many things to so many people in and outside the country. Just as Diamonds are uncommon stones, same as Tinubu who is also a rare gem and a great man, who sees wealth as divine from the creator. Like some of his peers, providence smiled on him by placing him on the Forbes list as one of the most industrious, influential and wealthy men in Africa. The Oando Plc. head honcho, did not just stumble on those feat with mere word of mouth; but with sheer dint of hard work and ceaseless prayers to his creator. The husky voiced entrepreneur loves to pull people around him up. He believes that “the amount of wealth you gather in life does not make you a successful man but the amount of people you have pulled up from poverty and render selfless assistance to.’’ This has remained the secret of his astronomic rise in business. As revealed by a source, Tinubu
would treat his close friends and family members to a private executive dinner at his residence. The few guests are expected to be treated to an array of high-cost exotic wines laced with assorted meals. If you think the birthday is all about merriment, you are wrong! Just like a man that is passionate about generosity, the day would as usual serve as another opportunity for him to visit the orphanage, widows as well as the less-privilege, where he would be donating cash, food items and other materials. Impressively, Wale Tinubu a desirable model for many Nigerian youths has been at the helm of Nigeria’s Oando Plc, formerly Unipetrol, an integrated energy services provider, for several years with meritorious records. Tinubu is credited with leading indigenous firm Oando to the top of its class in providing services that cover upstream, energy services, gas, power and international supply and trading of refined products. This reticent, purposeful and energetic star has consistently delivered his vision of leading Oando to become a world-class company, with a global reach, and show the world that Nigeria, and Nigerians can produce home grown companies that are able to compete favourably on the global scale.
WALE BABALAKIN’S HEADACHE
In life, some experiences can be very troubling and unbelievably shocking too. Perhaps, if there is anyone who seems to have been hit by this kind of experience in recent time, it is no other than Dr. Olawale Bolanle Babalakin (SAN), Chairman, Bi-Courtney Limited. This is not unconnected with a huge sum of money that was reportedly stolen by one of his staff. It was gathered that sometime last month, $1.5 million cash was allegedly stolen by one of his employees while the senior lawyer was abroad on a business trip. The incident, it was further learnt, was made possible when the billionaire businessman’s personal assistant allegedly entrusted and shared the combinations of the safe inside the inner room in her boss’ office with the culprit before she travelled to the United Kingdom for medical treatment. It was also gathered that the suspect was later arrested and taken to the Nigeria Police Area F Command for investigation, where he was first detained before he was charged to court. The suspect, who was remanded in Kirikiri, Lagos,
WALE BABALAKIN
was said to have confessed that he was not alone in the act. The incident has also led to the sack of a few staff working closely with the businessman, while it was kept away from the media.
BABATOPE AGBEYO GETS MORE HONOURS The good guy’s honour code weds together such character traits like industry, coolness, sincerity, chastity, self-sufficiency, self-control, orderliness, and dependability. City businessman and philanthropist, Dr. Babatope Agbeyo, is imbued with these traits which have been earning him plaudits and awards on his mantelpiece. In March, Agbeyo was honoured with the Outstanding Enterprise Award at the 5th Commonwealth Africa summit in London for his Outstanding Contributions to Enterprise Development and Innovation on the Continent of Africa. While that accolade was yet to recede, the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Public Resources, Management and Politics (Ghana) early this week, found Agbeyo worthy and inducted him into its 2018 Fellowship Hall of Fame. The Institute honoured the Chairman/CEO of Cornfield Group with its prestigious Senior Fellowship recognition award following his impressive and enviable track records of promoting national and international economic productivity and unquantifiable contributions towards national development for the progress, peace and unity of Nigeria. The Usi Ekiti-born Agbeyo is a pragmatic entrepreneur and innovator with an in-depth thinking capability for strategic performances. One of his companies, Botosoft Technologies, an award-winning security solutions company, recently launched its office in Nairobi, Kenya after his ICT services was approved by the Kenyan Government.
AD QUEEN ZYNAB
WALE TINUBU
BABATOPE AGBEYO
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T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͯͶ
T H I S D AY Ëž SATURDAY JUNE 23, 2018
Honouring a distinguished Partner We felicitate with a distinguished leader Prince (Dr) Dapo Abiodun, MFR on his well-deserved award of Doctorate of Finance (Honoris Causa) at the 23rd Convocation Ceremonies of the Ekiti State University.
Congratulations! Prince (Dr) Dapo Abiodun, MFR Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Heyden Petroleum Limited
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ ͺ͸͚΀
FAMILY HEALTH
The Importance of the Human Immune System
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BOBO BODE -KAYODE
lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com ͸΀͸ͽ͝͝Ϳͺ͝ͽ͞
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he human body is made up of various delicate and important processes made up of a network of valuable functions, that maintains and keeps the body balanced and functioning effectively. In all, the various roles performed by the different well spelt out processes, contribute to the working of the human
body. One of such processes, that keeps you alive is your immune system. The immune system is so vital in the existence of a man, that anything that compromises this process, can be harmful to man. The human immune system is your body’s defiance against infection and illness. It recognizes the cells that make up your body, and will try to get rid of anything unfamiliar. It destroys germs (bacteria and viruses) and parasites. The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. One of the important cells involved are white blood cells, also called leukocytes, which come in two basic types that combine to seek out and destroy disease-causing organisms or substances. r 5IFSF BSF UISFF NBJO MJOFT PG EFGFODF JO UIF CPEZ The first line of defence (or outside defence system) includes physical and chemical barriers that are always ready and prepared to defend the body from infection. These include your skin, tears, mucus, cilia, stomach acid, urine flow, ‘friendly’ bacteria and white blood cells called neutrophils. The first line of defense in our bodies are physical and chemical barriers - our skin, stomach acids, mucus, tears, vaginal opening, of which the last three mostly produce lysozyme to destroy harmful incoming pathogens, Your immune system is a collection of cells and tissues that defend your body against invaders If pathogens do get through, your body activates the third line of defense, which is your specific immune system. Your specific immune system is made of XIJUF CMPPE DFMMT DBMMFE MZNQIPDZUFT # DFMMT BOE T-cells.
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How to Prevention weakened immunity r #FDBVTF QSJNBSZ JNNVOF EJTPSEFST BSF DBVTFE by genetic defects, there’s no way to prevent them. #VU XIFO ZPV PS ZPVS DIJME IBT B XFBLFOFE JNNVOF TZTUFN ZPV DBO UBLF TUFQT UP QSFWFOU JOGFDUJPOT r 1SBDUJDF HPPE IZHJFOF 8BTI ZPVS IBOET XJUI mild soap after using the toilet and before eating. r 5BLF DBSF PG ZPVS UFFUI #SVTI ZPVS UFFUI BU least twice a day. r &BU SJHIU " IFBMUIZ CBMBODFE EJFU DBO IFMQ prevent infections. r #F QIZTJDBMMZ BDUJWF 4UBZJOH à U JT JNQPSUBOU UP your overall health. Ask your doctor what activities are appropriate for you. r (FU FOPVHI TMFFQ 5SZ UP HP UP TMFFQ BOE HFU VQ at the same time daily and get the same number of hours of sleep every night. r .BOBHF TUSFTT 4PNF TUVEJFT TVHHFTU UIBU TUSFTT can hamper your immune system. Keep stress in check with massage, meditation, yoga, biofeedback or hobbies. Find what works for you. r "WPJE FYQPTVSF 4UBZ BXBZ GSPN QFPQMF XJUI colds or other infections and avoid crowds.
Regularly drinking green tea is another simple home remedy to boost immunity. Several beneďŹ cial compounds in green tea help increase “regulatory T cellsâ€? in the body that play a key role in immune function and suppression of autoimmune disease. The antioxidants in green tea protect the body from free-radical damage, which is essential to keep the immune system running normally
one). Your body makes antibodies in response that protects against threats like measles, whooping cough, flu, or meningitis. Then, when you come in contact with that virus in your everyday life, your immune system kicks in so that you don’t get sick. 5IF FGĂ DBDZ DIBOHFT Your immune system can become less effective as you get older. That can make you more likely to get sick or get infections. It can also make you more likely to get an autoimmune disease, like rheumatoid arthritis, or even some kinds of cancer. :PV IBWF B NBKPS SPMF UP QMBZ The classic things that keep your heart, brain, bones, and the rest of you well are also good for ZPVS JNNVOF TZTUFN r &BU OVUSJUJPVT GPPET r 4UBZ BDUJWF r 8PSL UP LFFQ ZPVS XFJHIU IFBMUIZ r %PO U TNPLF r *G ZPV ESJOL BMDPIPM LFFQ JU NPEFSBUF OP NPSF than one drink a day if you’re a woman, and two drinks daily if you’re a man). 4JHOT PG B XFBLFOFE JNNVOF TZTUFN Anything that weakens your immune system can lead to a secondary immunodeficiency disorder. ... Not enough protein in your diet can weaken your immune system. Your body also produces proteins when you sleep that help your body fight infection. For this reason, lack of sleep reduces your immune defenses. Primary immunodeficiency disorders — also called primary immune disorders or primary immunodeficiency — weaken the immune system, allowing infections and other health problems to occur more easily. Many people with primary immunodeficiency are born missing some of the body’s immune defenses, which leaves them more susceptible to germs that can cause infections. One of the most common signs of primary immunodeficiency is an increased susceptibility to infections. You may have infections that are more frequent, longer lasting or harder to treat than are the infections of someone with a normal immune system. You may also get infections that a person with a healthy immune system likely wouldn’t get (opportunistic infections). 4JHOT BOE TZNQUPNT EJGGFS EFQFOEJOH PO UIF UZQF of primary immunodeficiency disorder, and they vary from person to person. Signs and symptoms of primary immunodeďŹ ciency can include r 'SFRVFOU BOE SFDVSSFOU QOFVNPOJB CSPODIJUJT sinus infections, ear infections, meningitis or skin infections r *OĂĄBNNBUJPO BOE JOGFDUJPO PG JOUFSOBM PSHBOT r #MPPE EJTPSEFST TVDI BT MPX QMBUFMFU DPVOUT or anemia r %JHFTUJWF QSPCMFNT TVDI BT DSBNQJOH MPTT PG appetite, nausea and diarrhea r %FMBZFE HSPXUI BOE EFWFMPQNFOU
How to boost your immunity (FU FOPVHI TMFFQ BOE NBOBHF TUSFTT 4MFFQ deprivation and stress overload increase the hormone cortisol, prolonged elevation of which suppresses immune function. 2. Avoid tobacco smoke. It undermines basic immune defenses and raises the risk of bronchitis and pneumonia in everyone, and middle ear infections in kids. %SJOL MFTT BMDPIPM &YDFTTJWF DPOTVNQUJPO impairs the immune system and increases vulnerability to lung infections. &BU QMFOUZ PG WFHFUBCMFT GSVJUT OVUT BOE TFFET which will provide your body with the nutrients your immune system needs. A study in older adults showed that boosting fruit and vegetable intake improved antibody response to the Pneumovax WBDDJOF XIJDI QSPUFDUT BHBJOTU 4USFQUPDPDDVT pneumonia. $POTJEFS QSPCJPUJDT 4UVEJFT JOEJDBUF TVQQMFNFOUT reduce the incidence of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Fermented milk products have also been shown to reduce respiratory infections in adults and kids. $BUDI TPNF SBZT 4VOMJHIU USJHHFST UIF TLJO T production of vitamin D. Low vitamin D levels correlate with a greater risk of respiratory infecUJPO (P GPS UIF HBSMJD (BSMJD JT B CSPBE TQFDUSVN BOUJNJDSPCJBM BHFOU BOE JNNVOF CPPTUFS #FDBVTF heat deactivates a key active ingredient, add it to foods just before serving. &BU NFEJDJOBM NVTISPPNT 8. Try immune-supportive herbs. If you get recurrent infections, consider taking immune-supportive herbs. 9. Make an echinacea tincture. This is good to have on hand when respiratory viruses overwhelm your defenses. Home remedies There are some simple home remedies that can boost your immunity. r (BSMJD (BSMJD JT B OBUVSBM JNNVOF CPPTUFS (BSMJD enhances immune functions and has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities. r 5VSNFSJD IBT BOUJPYJEBOUT UIBU BSF JNQPSUBOU GPS your health as well as immune system. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and help your immune system function properly. r -FNPO DPOUBJOT WJUBNJO $ XIJDI QMBZT BO important role in boosting your immunity. Vitamin C helps the white blood cells function properly so that they can respond quickly to infections. Lemon also aids in removing toxins from the body as well as helping maintaining your body weight. r (SFFO 5FB 3FHVMBSMZ ESJOLJOH HSFFO UFB JT BOPUIFS TJNQMF IPNF SFNFEZ UP CPPTU JNNVOJUZ 4FWFSBM beneficial compounds in green tea help increase “regulatory T cells� in the body that play a key role in immune function and suppression of autoimmune disease. The antioxidants in green tea protect the body from free-radical damage, which is essential to keep the immune system running normally. r (JOHFS HJOHFS JT B HPPE SFNFEZ UP CPPTU JNmunity. The warming effect of ginger on the body helps break down toxins accumulated in the body.
GLOBAL SOCCER A
WEEKLY PULL-OUT
MAGICAL MUSA PAGE. 29
23.06.2018
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Can Mikel Finally Break Messi's Hoodoo
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ ͺ͸͚΀
2018 World Cup‌ 2018 World Cup‌2018 World Cup‌2018 World Cup‌2018 World Cup‌2018 World Cup‌2018 World Cup‌2018 World Cup‌2018
Messi outpaces Mikel during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil
Can Mikel Finally Break Messi’s Hoodoo? Ă’Ă?ĂŁ ĂŒĂ™ĂžĂ’ Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă?̋ÞÙ̋Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ę¨ĂœĂ?Ăž ÞÓ×Ă? Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă™ĂœĂ–ĂŽ Ă™Ă&#x;ÞÒ Ă’Ă‹Ă—ĂšĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă’Ă“Ăš Ă“Ă˜ Ă’Ă? Ă?ÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ–Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ? Ă“Ă˜ ͺ͸͸ͽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă– Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă“ Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂšĂ“ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ĂœĂ‘Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‹ ÞÙ Ă‹ ͺ͚̋ ĂĄĂ“Ă˜ Ùà Ă?Ăœ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ë› Ă’Ă? ĂœĂ‘Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă? ĂĄĂ‹Ă? à ÙÞĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? ÞÙĂ&#x;ĂœĂ˜Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă˜ĂžËŞĂ? Ă™Ă?Ăž Ă‹Ă–Ă&#x;Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? Ă–Ă‹ĂŁĂ?Ăœ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă–Ă? Ă™Ă’Ă˜ Ă“Ă•Ă?Ă– ĂŒĂ“ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂŽË› Ă’Ă? ͺ͸͸΀ Öã×ÚÓĂ?Ă? Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă™ĂžĂŒĂ‹Ă–Ă– Ę¨Ă˜Ă‹Ă– ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ’Ă?Ăœ Ă™ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ÞåÙ Ă‘Ă–Ă‹ĂŽĂ“Ă‹ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ? ÞÙ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă’ ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ăž ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă“ËŞĂ? ÚËĂ?Ă? ÞÒËÞ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙÙ ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă“Ă Ă? Ă‹Ă? ĂŒĂ“ËŞĂ? ͺ͝ ĂžĂ?Ă‹Ă— ĂĄĂ‹Ă? ĂŁĂ?Ăž Ă‹Ă‘Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ë› Ă’Ă? ͺ͸͚͟ Ă™ĂœĂ–ĂŽ Ă&#x;Ăš Ă“Ă˜ ĂœĂ‹Ă¤Ă“Ă– Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă‹Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ’Ă?Ăœ Ă?ÞËÑĂ? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă“ Ě‹ Ă“Ă•Ă?Ă–ËŞĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞåÙ ÑÙËÖĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ÞÒĂ? Ă‹ Ă–ĂŒĂ“Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ? ÞËÖÓĂ?Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ ÑÙÞ ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂ?ĘľĂ?Ăœ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă&#x;ĂšĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă‘Ă–Ă?Ă?Ë› ÓÞÒ ĂŒĂ™ĂžĂ’ ÚÖËãĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? ÞåÓÖÓÑÒÞ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂšĂœĂ™ĂŒĂ‹ĂŒĂ–ĂŁ Ă‹ Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ăž ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ăš Ă—Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ă’ ĂŒĂ?ÞåĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂœĂ‘Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‹ Ă˜Ă?âÞ ĂĄĂ?Ă?Ă•Ë› Ă‹Ă˜ Ă“Ă•Ă?Ă– Ę¨Ă˜Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ ĂŒĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă• Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă“ËŞĂ? ÒÙÙÎÙÙ Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă‘Ă–Ă™ĂŒĂ‹Ă– Ă?ÞËÑĂ?ËŁ Kunle Adewale ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ?
T
he stage was the Galgenwaard Stadium in Utrecht, in Netherlands, the tournament was the 2005 World Youth Championship (WYC) and the two finalists were Nigeria and Argentina. Many had billed this as a Lionel Messi versus John Obi Mikel clash and with the Barcelona man somewhat starved of service, it was the Nigerian who caught the eye first. Appearing to float on grass and glide past players, he was the focal point of the Flying Eagles attack, threading passes through to strikers at will. His team mates though were not immediately on the same wavelength. With his vision, bursts of pace and disconcerting drop
of the shoulder, Messi was always a threat at the other end, and, against the run of play, he manufactured a goal out of nothing. Two penalties in each half from the exceptional Messi proved enough to defeat a Nigerian side who, for long periods of the match, appeared to have the power, skill and desire to become the first African winners of the competition. For his sensational efforts, Messi picked up Adidas Golden Shoe and Adidas Golden Ball awards. Obi settled for the Adidas Silver Ball that set the stage for many showdowns to come between them. Three years on, at the football event of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, it was the diminutive Argentine that proved the pivotal influence laying on a goal for Angel di Maria
and regularly tormenting the Nigerian defence. Though, Mikel was not part of the team due to squabbles between him and Coach Samson Siasia, but the fact remains that Messi had wreaked another havoc on Mikel’s ‘kinsmen’. At the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Argentina and Nigeria were again grouped together and while Messi had already become an integral part of the La Albiceleste, Mikel failed to make the Super Eagles team. Again, it was Messi’s Argentine team that ran away with a lone goal victory in the group while the Eagles failed to qualify from the group stages. Like decimal, it occurred again that when the draws for the 2014 World Cup were made, Argentina was drawn in Group F alongside Nigeria for the umpteenth time
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GLOBAL SOCCER
8 World Cup…2018 World Cup…2018 World Cup…2018 World Cup…2018 World Cup…2018 World Cup…2018 World Cup…2018 World Cup…2018 World
Messi beat Mikel to the MVP of the 2015 edition of the World Youth Championship
and Mikel was available to relish another confrontation with his ‘old foe’-Messi, and the Argentine superstar once again inspired his nation to a 3-2 victory, with both teams qualifying from the group. Late last year, in an international friendly encounter in Russia, Nigeria recorded its first victory against Argentina, coming behind from two goals down to record a 4-2 victory. However, both gladiators were absent. While many Nigerian soccer fans must be thinking they have had enough of being paired with the South American giants, Nigeria and Argentina would be battling for supremacy in Group D at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. With Messi and Mikel at the twilight of their career, this may well be their last confrontation and the big question on the lips of observers is whether Mikel would
finally break Messi’s hoodoo at the global stage. "It has been long story dating back to 2005 when Flying Eagles of Nigeria lost 1-2 to Argentina in the final match of FIFA U-21 Championship in Holland and since
then nothing has changed. I think it is time for me to take my revenge considering the quality and determination of the present generation of players in camp. "Lionel Messi, no doubt is world best footballer and he has won and lost matches playing for the national team except Nigeria. He has stolen a lot from me and I want to assure Nigerians that the judgment day is at hand with the World Cup tournament in Russia," Obi told THISDAY. Mikel, however, recorded one significant victory over Messi at the club level. It was the semifinal of the 2013 UEFA Champions League in which Obi inspired Chelsea to beat Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate and went on to lift the trophy. However, while Messi turned himself to a cult figure at Camp Nou and had gone on to win the World Footballer of the Year Award five times, Mikel has since left main stream Europe to ply his football trade in China after failing to pin a regular shirt at Stamford Bridge. With both gladiators at the twilight of their career (Obi 31, Messi 30), the last Group D game at the Saint Petersburg Stadium, is presenting what perhaps maybe their last confrontation at the global stage. Both Argentina and Nigeria did not have the kind of start they had hoped for after they were held to a draw by Iceland and defeated by Croatia 2-0 respectively. Both sides are now condemned to winning their last game. It however remains to be seen if Mikel can have the last laugh over Messi. Obi is still very much convinced that Nigeria could still qualify in spite of the 2-0 loss to Croatia in the first game, saying: “All is not lost yet, it’s sad we had a bad start with the game against Croatia, but we still have two more games to make up for our initial error.” Super Eagles players argued among themselves over the tactics used by head coach, Gernot Rohr, after their 2-0 loss to Croatia in their World Cup opener last Saturday, leaving the team bottom of Group D with zero point. “We have been talking about the formation and how we were set up. The arguments haven’t ended since the defeat because just like Nigerians, we are also bothered over the loss,” one of the players said.
Fixtures TODAY Belgium South Korea Germany
v v v
Tunisia Mexico Sweden
13: 00 16: 00 19: 00
SUNDAY England Japan Poland
v v v
Panama Senegal Colombia
13: 00 16: 00 19: 00
TABLE Team Croatia Nigeria Iceland Argentina
P 2 2 2 2
W 2 1 0 0
D 0 0 1 1
L 0 1 1 1
F 5 2 1 1
A 0 2 3 4
GD Pts 5 6 0 3 -2 1 -3 1
Head to Head 25/06/94 Argentina 2-1 Nigeria World Cup 10/01/95
Nigeria
0-0 Argentina Confed Cup
02/06/02 Argentina 1-0 Nigeria World Cup 12/06/10
Argentina 1-0 Nigeria World Cup
01/06/11
Nigeria
4-1 Argentina Friendly
06/09/11 Argentina 3-1 Nigeria Friendly 25/06/14 Nigeria 14/11/17
2-3 Argentina World Cup
Argentina 2-4 Nigeria Friendly
26/06/18 Nigeria v Argentina World Cup
Nigeria Squad Goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi , Francis Uzoho,
Defenders William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Ola Aina, Kenneth Omeruo, Bryan Idowu, Chidozie Awaziem, Abdullahi Shehu, Elderson Echiejile, Tyronne Ebuehi
Midfielders John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Joel Obi, Mikel Agu,
Forwards
Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses (Chelsea, England), Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Simeon Nwankwo
G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKWU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE
Will Messi celebrate another victory over Mikel?
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Brazil's Neymar celebrating with team mates after scoring against Costa Rica in the latter's 2-0 defeat Aguero
Musa Sets New World Cup Record Kunle Adewale reporting from Volgograd
M
any soccer loving Nigerians were yesterday excited after CSKA Moscow winger, Ahmed Musa gave the Super Eagles a lifeline by waking the team
from the dead with his two well taken goals against World Cup debutants Iceland in the Group D encounter at the Volgograd Arena. Musa however made history for himself by becoming the first Nigerian player to score at two different World Cups. At the 2014 Mundial in Brazil, Musa
was on the score sheet, scoring twice in Nigeria’s 2-3 loss to Argentina in an encounter Lionel Messi also scored twice. The former Kano Pillars player was transferred to Premiership side, Leicester in 2016 but could not pin down a
Saraki’s Presence Made Super Eagles Win, Says Pinnick
P
resident of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has said that the presence of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki spurred the Super Eagles to defeat Iceland 2-0 in their Group D match at the 2018 World Cup. Pinnick, while addressing the
players and delegates after the match said the presence of Saraki brought luck to the Super Eagles. “The magical presence of Senate President, Bukola Saraki brought luck to the Super Eagles and Nigeria.� Saraki, who on his Twitter congratulated the Super Eagles over their 2-0 win against
Iceland, urged the team to continue to show discipline. “Great win by our@ NGSuperEagles. Let us continue to show that discipline and preparation brings results. The Senate President had met with the players before their match against Iceland to encourage.
World Cup: Aiteo’s Support Motivates Super Eagles to Victory against Iceland
N
igeria is back in contention for second round qualification from group D after defeating Iceland 2-0 in an exciting encounter on June 22, 2018, thanks to the resurgence of the Super Eagles, and the motivation from Energy giant, Aiteo. Aiteo’s motivation comes in form of promise of a financial reward of $50, 000 dollars (N18 million) for every goal unanswered by their opponents. Owing to this, energy giant, and premium optimum sponsors, AITEO have expressed their happiness about Eagles deserved victory and have immediately re-echoed their promise of splashing out the sum of $50,000 to the team for every unreturned goal being scored. And being that the team happened to have scored two goals, without any being returned, this will leave the team carting home a whopping $100,000 (about N36mn), from AITEO. Perhaps no Nigerian player remembers this fact more than Ahmed Musa, the man of the match who netted a brace against Iceland. Or could it be that during the half time break that changed everything, Coach Gernot Rohr reminded them of Aiteo’s promise? After a trying first half without a shot on target, Nigeria came into the second half looking menacing. Musa’s two spectacular goals were enough to
melt down the snow men from Iceland. Now we are looking at a whopping N36 million for the Eagles. Aiteo has also commissioned a theme song for the Super Eagles, which was done by Phyno and Olamide, two of Nigeria’s hottest artistes Two weeks ago, during the unveiling of the Super Eagles theme song for the Super Eagles, the Deputy CEO of the company, Francis Peters had reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the National team and told Nigerians: “For every un-responded goal by the Super Eagles in the World Cup, we will donate $50, 000 dollars (N18 million)�. According to Benedict Peters, the Executive Vice Chairman of Aiteo Global Group, the Group’s sponsorship of the theme song is yet another demonstration of its commitment to promoting football in Nigeria as a means of uniting the people. “Football is a phenomenon in Nigeria. You can see and feel its power on every street. It galvanizes unity amongst our people, irrespective of ethnic or class differences. As the World Cup kicks off, we solidly throw our weight behind our national team and its ever-effervescent supporters spread across the globe. We look forward to football moments that will become historic as the Eagles play to covet the World Cup trophy,� he said. Aiteo is currently one of the foremost football sponsors in Africa. In April 2017, Aiteo signed a deal with the Nigerian Football Federation(NFF) to pump in N2.5 billion into the National teams within five years. In its
bid to support the local teams, Aiteo took over the sponsorship of Nigeria’s oldest football tournament, the Federation cup, now renamed Aiteo cup. Aiteo is now the official optimum partner of the Super Eagles in the Russia 2018 World Cup.
regular shirt culminating to his being loaned back to CSKA Moscow, where he had since rediscovered his form. Nigerians would be hoping that he continue with his stellar performance in Super Eagles last group game against Argentina on Tuesday.
NIGERIA/ICELAND STATS ËžAll six of Nigeria's wins at the World Cup have come against European opposition, and they have kept a clean sheet in ďŹ ve of those six victories. ËžThis was Iceland's ďŹ rst ever defeat in a
group stage match at a major international tournament (Euros and World Cup), having previously drawn three and won one of four such games.
ËžThis was only Nigeria's second win in their
last 14 matches at the World Cup (D3 L9), having also beaten Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2014.
ËžNigeria did not attempt a single shot in the opening 45 minutes, the ďŹ rst side to do so in the ďŹ rst half of a World Cup match since South Korea against Algeria in 2014
ËžIceland's GylďŹ Sigurdsson ďŹ red in two shots
on target in the ďŹ rst six minutes of this match, as many as his side managed in total in 90 minutes against Argentina in their opening
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L-R: Membes of Nigeria’s National basketball team, Keith Sado, Agada Caleb, Braxton Ogbueze, Okasu Augustine and Tosin Idowu, at the recption of the team as they arrived Muritala Muhammed Interternational Airport, Lagos ...recently
Proud young swimmers from Ikoyi Club 1938 at the Swimfest event last month in Germany.
Trophy Lager Launches ‘Raise a Trophy' Campaign for Super Eagles Trophy Lager has launched a campaign, ‘Raise a Trophy’ aimed at supporting Nigeria’s national team, Super Eagles, at the 2018 FIFA World Cup holding in Russia. The campaign is strengthened by the belief that when confronted by challenges, Nigerians have always risen to the occasion and achieved the impossible as evidenced by its being the first African team to win the Olympics football gold medal, among other feats. Speaking on the thrust of the campaign, Marketing Director, International Breweries Plc, Arne Rust, noted that, “the #RaiseATrophy campaign is a demonstration of the fact that Trophy Lager believes in Nigeria and the
affirmation that the country can brave the odds to bring home the ‘Trophy’. This campaign is also consistent with our brand’s position as primus inter pares, pride of the West and widely accepted as the honourable beer that's deeply rooted in the region's socio-cultural values, and loved by consumers because of its distinctive taste and quality.� As part of activities driving the campaign, Trophy Lager unveiled the biggest World Cup trophy monument at the National Stadium in Lagos on June 14. The monument was built with trophy cans, it is a spectacular edifice that catches the attention of sports loving Nigerians.
On his part, Marketing Manager, Trophy Lager, Funso Elubeku, stated that, although there was a resurgent belief around the national teams’ chances of doing well at the FIFA World Cup. Very few Nigerians have any expectation of Nigeria going all the way, and with good reason as no African team has ever gotten to the semi-finals of the competition, let alone win it. “The true test of patriotism is when fans stand together and believe their team will honour the occasion by rising to the challenge no matter who the opponent may be. Through the ‘Raise a Trophy’ campaign an unprecedented wave of belief will be ignited amongst fans.�
Familoni, Alagneyi Emerge Winners at Zenith/Ikoyi Club Tennis Gbenga Familoni and Sunday evening, emerged champion of the Men's Singles Class A of 4th Zenith Bank/Ikoyi Club Tennis Tournament following a 6-3, 6-3 win over Godwin Kienka, in a colurful final. "It was a very tough game because he (Kienka) is an experienced player and has won several tournaments in the club. Remember, he also competed in the veterans' doubles which he won to show how good he is. I needed to be on top of my game and that was what saw me through," Familoni said.
However, there was no worry for the Women's Singles defending champion Julie Alagneyi who bested Ego Mbagwu 6-3, 6-1. In the Men's Class B, Bamidele Oshiga defeated Sule Mustafa 6-3, 6-4 to claim the top prize. Innocent Ihebuzor also bagged the Veteran's Singles by beating Walter Jibunor while Kienka and Deji Oyesanya won the Veterans' Doubles 7-5, 6-3 at the expense of Ihebuzor and Olaleye Olowe. The Men's Doubles title was won by Femi Fanoiki and Segun Abijo after Morang Mrityunjay and Walter Eze scratched despite
leading 5-1 just as Alagenyi and Eniola Dele Oshiga paired to bag the Women's Doubles title by beating Maryann Chuks and Janet Okoronkwo 7-6, 7-6. Managing Director, Zenith Bank, Peter Amangbo expressed delight at the tournament pledging support to make it more colourful and expanded. Tennis Section Chairman, Bimbo Okubena, lauded Zenith Bank for showing more commitment to the tournament and vowed to keep using the tournament to add value to the bank being a reputed global financial institution.
BetKingCashing-in on World Cup Frenzy, Offers 100% Welcome Bonus Nigeria's fastest growing betting company, BetKing, has increased the frenzy towards the football festival in Russia by unveiling a new 100 per cent welcome bonus for online users on the platform. New online users on BetKing can now double their first deposit after registering by simply activating the 100 per cent bonus on their funds. This simply means that if a new online player deposits N1000 they will get N2000; if they deposit N10,000 they will have N20,000 on their account to play with. The welcome bonus credit extends all the way up to N100,000. The welcome bonus
applies to all new customers who make a first deposit no matter the amount. In another development, BetKing has also introduced a Cash Out feature and are one of the very few who have made this feature available both for online and shop players. This feature allows punters to cash-out on a ticket even when some games are still running. It has been an exciting week for BetKing with the new releases and the fresh and exciting markets they feature on the Russia games. Markets include but are not restricted to straight forecasts,
with KUNLE ADEWALE 08111813082
advancing doubles, group winners, winning continent, group points, golden shoe, team to score the most goals, best attack, winning continent, the list is endless. These are live, and customers can be assured of the best odds and prompt payout even on weekends. Since the official announcement of these developments on BetKing website, punters have expressed excitement and willingness to invite friends to the platform. BetKing is a sports betting company that is offering online services nationwide and agency services in five states within Nigeria.
D’Tigers Target FIBA World Cup Qualification in China Anticipation is high as D’Tigers led by head coach, Alex Nwora, are returning to Nigeria to play on home soil and continue their superb start on the road to China. They will be playing at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, between June 29 and July 1. Due to the steady increase of talents from Nigeria as well as the organised recruitment of professional players of Nigerian descent, especially from the NCAA, the team’s success has continued to grow. And following a strong performance in Mali, D’Tigers are looking ahead to book a place in the China 2019 edition. The first leg of the qualifiers was held in Bamako, Mali, where D’Tigers became the third team to boast a 100 per cent winning record in Africa. D'Tigers won host nation- Mali, 82-59 blowout to emerge as leaders of group B. Returners like Ben Uzoh, a former NBA player who currently holds an NBA record with the Toronto raptors as the first rookie with a triple double, and Ike Diogu, the 4th pick in the NBA draft, will be expected to maintain high level performances that proved instrumental for the team in Mali. Phase two of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers will begin on June 29 at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Ikoyi Club Swimming Team Rules at Swimfest in Germany The travelling contingent from Ikoyi Club 1938 to the just concluded Swimfest in Germany returned to the country with a superlative result, by emerging top at the annual international swimming competition in Neheim-Husten, Germany. The journey to the top actually began two years ago when the club made its maiden appearance at the annual event. With 23 young swimmers to the maiden edition, the contingent, mainly school children put up a remarkable performance and it was not a surprise that last year with 35 athletes, the team notched in 25 gold, 31 silver and 27 bronze to finish runner up at the fiesta attended by 37 other clubs from different parts of the world. The geometric progression of the team's performance has now manifested following the first position of the team in the last edition. The team made up of 42 swimmers with a combined average age of 11 years returned home with a total of 75 gold, 59 silver and 38 bronze medals including several certificates and trophies won for outstanding performances in various categories of play. Among the top medallists are Abduljabar Adama (eight gold, one silver), Chukwudi Kanu (six gold, five silver), Maria Perner (five gold, four silver, one bronze), Kayo Adeniji (five gold, three silver), Iman Adama (three gold, four silver, one bronze), Chiamaka Kanu (two gold, one silver, two bronze), Kika Ebie (two gold, one sliver, one bronze) and Theo Okolo (one gold, two silver and four bronze medals). In his post event comment, the Vice Chairman/Games Captain of the club, Oloyede Obatoyinbo, said he was especially proud of the girls and boys relay teams whose combined average age is 11 years.
Mexico’s Mental Coach Changing Player’s Mindset Though the spotlight is always on the players and coaches at the FIFA World Cup, the success of any national team at the competition is always founded on the work of many people behind the scenes. Following Mexico’s historic win over Germany, coach Juan Carlos Osorio earned plaudits for his tactical astuteness, though it was not long before the Mexican players were lauding someone else. “His work has been so important for me,� said Raul Jimenez. “I really believe in what he does,� added Marco Fabian. The subject of their lavish praise was Imanol Ibarrondo, the team’s mental coach. A former player with Spanish club Rayo Vallecano, Ibarrondo’s experience on the pitch and his training have given him the tools to be able to help El Tri on their journey. He took up his position in 2016, at a delicate time for Mexico: “The team had just suffered a really heavy defeat (a 7-0 loss to Chile at the Copa America). My job was to re-establish the ties between the players and restore the confidence they needed to compete,� Ibarrondo explained.
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Alonso and teammates during the 2010 World Cup in Brazil
Xabi Alonso: Spain Ahead of Other Teams in Russia Ă? ÚÖËãĂ?ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂĄĂ™Ă˜ Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ? ĂĄĂ‹Ă? ÞÙ ĂĄĂ“Ă˜ åÓÞÒ Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă&#x;ĂœĂ™ĂšĂ?ËŞĂ? ĂŒĂ“Ă‘Ă‘Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŒĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ åÓÞÒ ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂ‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– ĂžĂ?Ă‹Ă—Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă’Ă? ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă‹ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă—Ă?Ă—ĂŒĂ?Ăœ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ÑÙÖÎĂ?Ă˜ Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒËÞ ĂĄĂ™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ͺ͸͚͸ Ă™ĂœĂ–ĂŽ Ă&#x;Ăš Ă’Ă™Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ Ă™Ă&#x;ÞÒ Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ͺ͸͸΀ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ͺ͸͚ͺ˛ Ă˜ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă“ĂœĂ?Ăž Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‘Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă&#x;Ăš Ă’Ă“Ă? ĂŒĂ™Ă™ĂžĂ?Ëœ Ă‹ĂŒĂ“ Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă™ Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ ĂšĂ&#x;ĂžĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă“Ă? ÞÓ×Ă? ÞÙ ÑÙÙÎ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă”Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž Ă?Ù×ÚÖĂ?ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹ Ă?ÙËĂ?Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? You have been out of football for a year now. How has it gone? retty well. The fact is my pace of life has really changed. It was a decision I gave a lot of thought to, so while I do miss it, I’m coping with it well.
P
He’s been able to tell his players very clearly what he wants, and that’s essential. If you can't do that, then you’re probably not going to achieve your objectives. The national team has got a lot going for it in that respect.
What made you do your coaching badges? Has it given you a better understanding of the coaches you had in your career? When you do a course like this you move away from the person you have always been and you get closer to the person you want to become. And that’s good. I have always tried to understand the job and how complex it is to be a coach, which has nothing to do with being a footballer. You realise all the things you have to prepare and that when the time comes to get it all across you have to summarise it and be as efficient as possible. That might be where part of the secret lies. And then there’s team management, psychology, and personal relationships, which are almost more important in a way.
Do you see any similarities between this Spain side and the one that won the World Cup and two European titles? The idea of taking the game to the opposition is still there, of controlling the game, passing the ball around and not being so direct. Yes, I would say it’s still pretty much the same. Lopetegui’s Spain has very close ties with the things that make Spanish football strong. It’s based on intelligence, the ability to read matches, and technical quality. That’s what sets us apart from other teams. And then there are the tactical nuances and the flexibility you need for different games because football’s getting increasingly complex and you have to know how to adapt. You try to take the initiative but there are times in matches when you have to play a different way and not make all the running.
How well do you think Julen Lopetegui (he was sacked a day before the World Cup started) is doing with Spain? I think he’s doing really, really well. He’s got things very clear in his head.
Aside from talent, what was the secret of the success of that trophywinning Spain side? Team spirit is vital, that sense of everyone fighting together to achieve a very important objective. You have to all get on.
If you don’t, then it can really wear you down. But it very much looks to me as if the current team has got that too. And then there’s the blend of seasoned veterans who still have big contributions to make with players who’ve shown lots of enthusiasm and desire since coming in. That’s a very positive thing too. The 23-man squad for Russia 2018 has generated less debate than many others in recent years. What alternatives does it offer when it comes to opening up opposition defences? There are players who are better at finding space between the lines, players who like to get round the outside or who can cause a lot of damage when given space to work in, like Diego Costa and Marco Asensio. I think this Spain side has more ways of playing than we did. In our case, if we weren’t close to the opposition penalty box, then we found it harder to hurt them. Looking ahead to the group phase, Spain will have to take the initiative, even with Portugal, who I think are going to sit back and wait. Sometimes you have to go and play a different way, though, and having players who have something else to offer is crucial. La Roja are among the favou-
rites for the title. How do you think they will do and which other teams are in with a chance? I’m not just saying it, but I would put them among the favourites because I don’t see any side that’s better than Spain right now. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the games though. Germany are another of the big favourites. They’re a very strong side and they’re always there or thereabouts. The way they’ve been playing, it would be a massive surprise if they don’t make the semis, because they’re the champions and because of the new generation who’ve come into the team. Brazil are also right in there. I think those three are above the rest. Then there’s Argentina, France and maybe a surprise or two. Why not? For the ďŹ rst time in many years you’ll be watching the World Cup as a fan. Have you got anything planned? I like to watch big games with the people I usually watch matches with. And I’ll probably go to the Final. I have already got my ticket; all I need now is for Spain to get there (laughs). Spain remains unbeaten in over 20 matches after the country's elimination from EURO 2016 in the last 16 at the hands of Italy, the defending champions began their World Cup campaign with a 3-3 draw with Portugal on June 15.
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Uruguan fans enjoying the pre-match atmosphere prior to the Group A match between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia at Rostov Arena, in Rostov-on-Don, Russia
Inside the Saudi Arabia dressing room during the Group A match between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia at Rostov Arena, in Rostov-on-Don, Russia
Mehdi Benatia of Morocco speaking with his mascot in the tunnel prior to the Group B match between Portugal and Morocco at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
Lloris Savouring Century for France
I
mperious during France's second game at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, Hugo Lloris rode to his team's rescue during the first half against Peru. It was a familiar sight, the goalkeeper having also averted disaster against Australia at almost the exact same moment in the match. But while he went on to concede a penalty against the Socceroos, this time Lloris held firm until the final whistle. How important that clean sheet proved. Not only did he help Les Bleus book their spot in the Round of 16, the France captain also found the perfect way to celebrate a personal landmark – his 100th international cap. "I feel good," he explained afterwards, before turning his focus to the
team's performance. "Together we were very solid and aggressive, and we stood up to Peru's pressing. That was our platform." Lloris played his own role, of course, and he admitted to feeling moved by reaching his century. "On a personal level, I couldn't have this enjoyed this 100th appearance more," he said, having also worn the captain's armband a record 76 times. "Despite that, for me it was like any other game: you have to put that to one side when you're on the pitch. I stayed focused, professional, and my only motivation was to win and give everything for the team." Modest to a fault, the former Lyon custodian has never enjoyed being the centre of attention and at 31 years of age, with a decade in the France line-up behind him, he is clearly not
about to change. Instead, he quickly shifted the spotlight back onto his team's display: "We were able to make the difference with our goal and then we managed to control the game. I'm very satisfied." Enough to maybe speak a little more about his own achievement? It was worth one last try, with a prompt to discuss his longevity, consistency and strengths. What, in short, is Lloris's secret? "Hard work," he replied, possibly to nobody's great surprise. "It's always a question of hard work ‌ and challenging yourself as well." That combination has allowed Lloris to make France's No1 shirt his own since 2008. As the years roll on, however, he will eventually have to pass on the gloves – and
he already has advice for any future challengers. "You have to learn to savour it," explained the Nice academy graduate. "It flies by. To represent your country is an opportunity and a privilege, and you have to tell yourself that and repeat it because the years go by so quickly in football. It's not enough to just be in the team: you have to stay there for as long as possible." The France captain has done just that for the last ten years, providing an obstacle at the back with solid performances and decisive saves. And he served another potent reminder of his worth by thwarting Paolo Guerrero with his feet against Peru, preventing a goal that could have changed the course of the game.
SuperSport Launches New World Cup Shows for DStv, GOtv Subscribers
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Stv and GOtv subscribers will have access to new top-notch shows and more gateways to the glamour of the ongoing FIFA World Cup on SuperSport. The new shows will ensure that DStv and GOtv subscribers do not miss a single action on or off the pitch. Lifestyle magazine show, From Russia with Love will showcase sights and sounds of the World Cup in Russia and transport it back home to Africa. The show, which runs on weekends, will be anchored by Minnie Dlamini, Thato Moeng alongside Nigeria’s Charles Anazodo. There will also be daily one-hour news special on weekdays at 6 am on SuperSport Blitz. The latest fixtures, updates from the Nigerian camp and new stories will be provided by Julia Stuart, Crystal Arnold, Lucas Radebe alongside former Russian league stars, Matthew
Booth and Stanton Fredericks. Also on Saturdays at 9am on SuperSport 3, Mozez Praiz will host FanFest, the show that gives fans the voice. Subscribers can also look forward for a 360-degree breakdown of the on-field action on Master Plan, a show that focuses on strategic and tactical analysis. It has former Northern Ireland World Cup player, Andy Townsend, in the driving seat. The broadcast experience is completed by Insights, which is set against the backdrop of different destinations. It is hosted by former Manchester United star, Phil Neville. The show will feature in-depth chats with ex-footballers and focus on tactics, injuries and goals. SuperSport will also deliver the first-ever live-streamed soccer show on Facebook. Called On The Ball, the fan-focused show will tap into the drama of the FIFA World Cup and look at the lighter side of the game.
Noureddine Amrabat of Morocco takes on Goncalo Guedes of Portugal during the Group B match between Portugal and Morocco at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ ͺ͸͚͜
FAIRGROUND
Anticipated Movie, ‘Seven and a Half Date’ Debuts August 3
with
AZUKA OGUJIUBA
azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com
T
he Nigerian Cinema space is about to experience something different as highly anticipated movie of 2018, ‘Seven and a Half Date’ is coming to cinemas nationwide from August 3, 2018. Many believe ‘Seven and a Half Date’ would become the most talked about movie of 2018, with many online users waiting in line and anticipating its release. The new movie is a production of Samuel Olatunji’s Bigsam Media. It was produced by Toyin Abraham, a talented actress and producer of the highest selling movie of 2018, The Ghost And The Tout. Should ‘Seven and a Half Date’ Succeed as many believe it would, Toyin Abraham would have cemented her name in the history books with back to back cinema success in the space of weeks. Abraham said: “After the success of my latest movie, The Ghost And The Tout, I couldn’t wait to show the world the project I have been working on. This movie is one of the best productions I’ve worked on and I’m super excited about Seven And A Half Date and I cannot wait for the world to see this one. It’s fresh, it’s exciting and it’s one to watch out for.� Also, the Executive Producer, Samuel Olatunji said “I’m really enthusiastic about this movie, it’s been a long time coming and I’m glad we are finally putting this out there. This is a movie that will wow Nigerians and leave them wanting and yearning for more, so I’m really excited. The cast and crew, producer, director and everyone who worked on this movie brought in 100 per cent talent and professionalism, so expect nothing but the best. I’m super optimistic and I’m sure it will do great.� Seven And A Half Date follows the life of a young hard-working lady, Bisola who is engrossed in her passion for her career and finds herself in a seemingly unending quest for love. Her father, Mr. Gomez takes it upon himself to help his girl find love and happiness. Daddy comes to the rescue, inspired by the game of chess, sets Bisola up to ten different dates to which he hopes one of them yields a good prospect. The romantic comedy movie boasts of stellar casts like Jim Iyke, Mercy Johnson, Sola Sobowale, Toyin Abraham, Ken Erics, Frank Donga, Ali Nuhu, Bayray McNwizu and many more talented actors. Seven And A Half Date is written by Joy Isi Bewaji, directed by Biodun Stephens, produced by Toyin Abraham and Samuel Olatunji as executive producer.
The couple with Akin Lewis
Toyin Abraham Mercy Johnson, Sola Sobowale and Akin Lewis
Jim Iyke
Biodun Stephens, Mercy Johnson and other participants at the event
Ali Nuhu
Frank Donga
Cameramen at work
Ken Erics
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ ͺ͸͚͜
FAIRGROUND
Boldfaces Documentary Showcases Fowler’s Giant Strides in Tax Revenue
T
he collapse of oil price from $112 a barrel in 2014 to all time low of $28 in February 2016 brought Nigeria’s economy, which is highly dependent on oil sales to its knees. Nigeria eventually slipped into recession, after the latest growth figures showed the economy contracted 2.06% between April and June 2016. The over reliance on oil made the country to abandon all its potential revenue sources such as taxation, manufacturing and tourism. The economic quagmire had prompted both the state and federal governments to resort to taxes from various sectors previously neglected to shore up the revenue. With effective good administration and collections, most developed countries use tax revenue for infrastructural development. Speaking in the half an hour TV documentary programme, titled, ‘FIRS Moments on Boldfaces’, FIRS Executive Chairman, Mr. Tunde Fowler stated that the mandate of the FIRS remained the same since he took the mantle of leadership. He said it was basically to “fund all tiers of government�, adding that revenue collected is shared among the federal, state and local governments. According to him, 85per cent of the Value Added Tax (VAT) goes to the state government while 15 percent goes to federal government. FIRS Moments on Boldfaces documentary highlighted the FIRS Services and the Executive Chairman’s innovative ideas in the area of revenue generation. It also showcased the bold strides of Mr. Tunde Fowler in FIRS, including the generation of N4.3trillion in 2017. In the first quarter of 2018, (January-March) FIRS generated N1.171 trillion compared to N778.1 billion in 2017. This was N393.3 billion more than the 2017 collection in the corresponding period last year and represented a 51 per cent increase in collection. The tax revenue has assisted the federal government grow the economy and in return has helped government in fulfilling its social and developmental activities to our people. The anchor and Producer of Boldfaces, Tricia Eseigbe, was at the headquarters of the Federal Inland Revenue Service Abuja to present the official DVD copy of the documentary, which was produced in collaboration with the FIRS and Directed by Kingsley Kerry. FIRS Moments On Boldfaces, also featured top FIRS executive tax team including the
L-R: Anchor and producer of Boldfaces, Mrs. Tricia Eseigbe and Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Babatunde Fowler
Coordinating Director, Domestic Tax Group & Special Advisor to the Executive Chairman, Mr. Abiodu Aina, who spoke on tax registration and stamp duty. Aina reiterated that simplicity is the key word in tax registration. It’s so much easier to register now as a tax payer in Nigeria than it used to be, he stressed. Fowler spoke on FIRS revenue generation and how it has helped the federal government in providing, good roads, healthcare services, education, security, infrastructure, as well as a conducive environment for business to grow.
He said it has also improved the taxpayers’ standard of living across the nation. Tricia Eseigbe in the documentary stated that if all income earners will pay the right amount of tax, then government can collect more money to support its objectives such as building roads, schools and improved government services and taxpayers can feel secure wherever they reside. She urged Nigerians to tune in and watch The FIRS Boldfaces Documentary, which captures the realities of FIRS, “Plugging the Gap� mission and the Executive Chairman’s
creative strategies in achieving this set goals of Persuasion, Engagement and Enforcement. Paying the right amount of tax is a social responsibility to our nation’s growth, she enthused. FIRS Moments On Boldfaces Documentary is currently showing on local and international TV network including AIT, NTA and CHANNELS TV on weekdays and weekends as well as online broadcast via our boldfacesonline. com website, BoldfacesTV YouTube channel, Facebook, Twitter and other Prominent internet blog sites/ TV.
Nwuneli, Akinkugbe, Williams to Speak at ‘Future First Ladies’
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eading etiquette and image consultancy, ARTELIER Lifestyle Consultants, has announced the 2018 edition of its annual finishing school and mentorship programme tagged, ‘Future First Ladies’, which is set to hold from June 30 to July 28, 2018 on Saturdays only. Now in its fourth edition, the finishing school was created for young women with a purpose, who require a little direction to ignite their potential and propel them to achieve their ambitions in life. In previous editions, speakers and role models have included Africa’s premier Wealth Coach, Omilola Oshikoya; experienced Human Resource consultant, Folake AdeniyiAdeleye; Founder of foremost parenting platform, LagosMums, Yetty Williams; Style editor, Genevieve Magazine, Ifeoma Odogwu; former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Unoaku Anyadike, among many others. Speakers billed to coach and mentor participants at this year’s edition include Ndidi Nwuneli, Founder, LEAP Africa and foremost social entrepreneur, Yetty Williams, parenting specialist and Founder, LagosMums, Nimi Akinkugbe, Personal finance expert and CEO of Best Games Ltd, Folake Adeniyi-Adeleye, a seasoned Human Resource professional and global business leader and Style editor, Genevieve Magazine, Ifeoma Odogwu. Respected as experts in their chosen fields, these leading women will address a wide range of topics that cut across their experience and knowledge in addition to individual engagement sessions with the participants
to enable them refine their skills. Speaking on the event, Founder and CEO of ARTELIER Lifestyle Consultants, Ngozi Princewill Utchay remarked that Future First Ladies, the company’s flagship finishing school programme, was birthed after a series of 21st Century EtiquetteTM events. “Before Future First LadiesTM, we used to host 21st Century Etiquette to polish young people and prepare them to interact with the rest of the society in a more informed manner. Feedback and data from our 21st Century Etiquette events showed us that young people wanted more; the digital age had presented them with a plethora of options on how to live their lives and it was important to have the right mentors and role models to serve as guides in determining their outcome in life.� “For each edition, our speakers and role models are not just selected for their skills or achievements but out of their passion to see young people succeed. Past Alumni of Future First Ladies have gone on to incubate businesses, progress in their careers and approach their roles in the society with more confidence, it’s exciting to see the possibilities that come from each edition and this year will be no different�, enthused Mrs. Princewill Utchay. The event which has been highly subsidised costs N50,000 to participate in, covering refreshments, lunch, training materials and certificates. Participants can also look forward to practical hands-on sessions on skincare, makeup, health and wellbeing, styling and fitness. Classes run from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays only.
Nwuneli
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͝, 2018
TEENS CONNECT
the magazine for teenagers
with NKECHI IBENEME (08142358958) teensconnectmag@gmail.com
From Me To You
The good, the Bad and the Ugly Sides of Social Media
T
By Nkechi Ibeneme
he Social Media can be considered one of the best things that have happened to mankind this millennium. YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp et al, have completely changed the way information is disseminated and the way we live - some for good and some for bad. Social Media has made it possible for people to turn instant celebrities, the ones referred to as ‘social media celebrities’. For the ladies, all they need do is post provocative images of themselves all the time to attract tons of likes and hearts. With these, their following increases and they turn instant celebrities, which sometimes translate into monetary values. Thus, the scramble for attention and popularity, has led many, especially ladies, into a frenzy of twisted personal branding, with sexualisation as the ‘pass code’. We cannot doubt the fact that social media has its good side, but on the ip of that, are: the bad, the ugly and the outright fatal sides to this magical communication platform. Addiction is not just about drugs, social media addiction has become prevalent among young people. It is reported that in America, children as young as 13 are being treated for digital technology addiction. The case is not dierent in Britain and other developed societies where early access to smart gadgets and availability of free wiďŹ , have made it widespread. Richard Graham is a consultant psychiatrist at the private London mental health hospital the Nightingale Hospital, where he runs a specialist technology addiction clinic. According to a report on independent.co.uk, he told Metro what parents should look out
SelďŹ e gone wrong
for to know if their child is at risk of smartphone addiction: “Is their device use disturbing activities?� he said. “Is it stopping them from going to school, or engaging in other activities such as having dinner with the family? When someone seems absolutely not able to stop, they’re losing control�.
Blow the whistle‌ Whenever W henever ca cases of domestic d omessti violence, ssexual abuse or abuse of any o kind kind happens to you or or anyone an you know, please, pleas dial this number: numbe *6820# to report it immediately.
TalktoJudy Hi guys! My name is Judy. I am here to share your problems with you. Trust me to proffer solutions to those mind boggling problems you wouldn’t dare share with friends, siblings, parents or anyone else. A lot of people; teenagers alike, hurt secretly with problems they can’t discuss openly for fear of being judged. You may hide your identity if you wish, but do write in and let’s discuss that problem. It is not healthy to bottle up problems. Moreover, problems shared are problems half solved. Or, you think no one cares? I do care! I will be here every week to help you
solve that problem. But, I can’t, if you don’t talk about it, so do write in. you never know, what you call a problem may just be a normal growing up experience. *****Send your mails to: teensconnectmag@gmail.com. Subject: Dear Judy. You can also like our facebook page: www.facebook.com/teensconnectmag. Or visit our website: www. teensconnectmag.
Dr Graham said parents should lead by example and limit their own use of mobile devices, and plan designated tech-free family time. “Outdoor activities can be particularly beneďŹ cial to children who struggle to disconnectâ€?, he added. The social media language becomes a real issue when it interferes with people’s spoken and
written delivery of the English language in formal settings. It is a testament to the negative eects of the social media, common among young people. To remain ‘aoat’, people constantly stream their private lives on social media. And in a bid to impress, many do not know when to draw the line on personal information output. Thus, every movement, every success, every landmark and indeed, every family activity are put out for public consumption. Should caution be thrown to the dogs in our personal information sharing habits? This and more questions are seriously begging for answers. One thing is clear though; the more the information put out, the more the risks of exposure to cyber bullies and dangerous predators. Cyber bullying has pushed many teenagers to untimely death. Not able to withstand the taunts, the victims go into depression and eventually commit suicide. Although a sad narrative, the celebrated murder case of Cynthia Osokogu in 2012 is a perfect example of how online predators operate. She was lured from Abuja and killed in Lagos by predators she met online and trusted (Google her name to read the story in full). Many robbery and kidnap victims give themselves away to their attackers by sharing too much information of themselves on social media. On social media, things are not always what they seem. Greater percentage of what you see is not what it is. Unfortunately, teenagers get easily swayed by the perceived ‘glamour’ and tend to copy the lifestyles on display. This promotes nudity and other crazy trends. Young people try to outdo one another in pulling dangerous stunts with selďŹ e poses. Well, some succeed and become instant celebrities when the pictures go viral. But, some are not as lucky. The 19 year old whose picture appears above wasn’t lucky as he crashed to his death taking that selďŹ e.
Answer to Last Week’s Brain Teaser Brain Teaser If the first prisoner had seen two black hats on the other two prisoners, he would have know that he was wearing a white hat as there were only two black hats to begin with. As he didn’t know what color hat he had, this means the other two prisoners must either have been both wearing white hats or one wearing a white hat and the other a black one. The second prisoner would know this once the first prisoner is unable to say what color his hat is, i.e. the second prisoner now knows that either both he and the blind prisoner are wearing white hats or one of them is wearing white and the other black. So if the blind prisoner was wearing a black hat, the second prisoner would know that he must be wearing a white hat. As the second prisoner couldn’t work out what color of hat he was wearing, this told the blind prisoner that he must be wearing a white hat (if the blind prisoner was wearing a black hat, the second prisoner would have been able to deduce that he was wearing a white hat). The question: If you missed the question last week, here it is‌ The Blind Prisoner There were 3 prisoners in the King’s dungeon. Two of them had perfect vision but the third prisoner was completely blind. One day the King gathered the prisoners together and said to them, “I have 5 hats. 2 of the hats are black and 3 are white. I will
blindfold each of you and then put one of the hats on each of your heads. I will then put the remaining two hats in another room. Next, I will remove your blindfolds. At this point you may look at your fellow prisoners but may not speak to them. The person that can tell me the color of the hat on his head will go free. Do not insult me by guessing, however, for if you guess and are wrong, you shall be executed.� The hats were then placed on the prisoners’ heads and the blindfolds were removed. The King then spoke to the first prisoner, a fully sighted man. “What is the color of the hat on your head� The prisoner looked around carefully but finally, not wanting to risk death by guessing, said that he did not know. The King then spoke to the second prisoner, the other fully sighted man. “What is the color of the hat on your head� This prisoner also looked carefully at the hats upon the heads of the other two prisoners, but finally admitted that he also did not know. At this point the King turned and began to walk away, assuming that the third prisoner who was blind could not know possibly the answer to the riddle. But then the blind man spoke. “Excuse me, my lord,� he said, “but I am certain my hat is white.� Surprised, the King turned around. He saw that the blind man was correct and ordered him to be freed at once. How did the blind prisoner know the color of his hat?
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JUNE 23, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
STAR TEEN
Second left, Sheku with his entire family
Meet the ‘Wonder’ Siblings of Sheku Kanneh-Mason, the 19 Year-old Cellist Who Performed at the Royal Wedding At the royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 19, a teenage Cellist gave a marveling performance of some classical numbers and made waves worldwide. 19 year old Sheku Kanneh -Mason performed alongside the Orchestra during the signing of the register by the couple. A month before the wedding, Sheku gushed about how excited he was to perform at Harry and Markle’s wedding with this tweet, ‘I’m so excited and honoured to perform at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. I was bowled over when Ms Markle called me to ask if I would play during the ceremony, and of course I immediately said yes!!! What a privilege. I can’t wait!’ Last June, Prince Harry saw Sheku play at an event in London in support of the work of Antiguan charity the Halo Foundation. Who is Sheku Kanneh-Mason? Sheku resides in the United Kingdom and this year, his debut album, “Inspiration,” hit number 1 on the U.K. classical chart, according to his Twitter bio.He grew up one of seven children and is currently a full-time scholarship student at The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, according to his website. He began learning the cello when he was 6 years old. He was the first black winner of Britain’s Young Musician of the Year Award, which he won in 2016. Interestingly, all six siblings of the prodigiously talented musician are of equal talent themselves. Their mother, Kadie said of them when Sheku won the Britain’s Young Musician of the Year Award, ‘I don’t want to take away from Sheku’s achievement because I know how hard he worked for it, but it could really have been any one of them.’ Narrating how it all began, Stuart, dad and Kadie, mum, stated that they didn’t expect the outcome they are witnessing today, “We thought it would be nice if Isata, our eldest, played the piano,” their mother explains. They didn’t, however, expect Isata to be quite as talented as she was. Nor did they predict the impact she would have on her younger siblings. “When Isata was about
Sheku performing at the royal wedding
eight, she got into the Junior Department of the Royal Academy of Music; that was a pivotal moment,” their father recalls. Since then, Isata has continued to pave the way for her younger siblings. Today, all seven Kanneh-Mason siblings are accomplished musicians in their own right. Sheku’s mother, Kadie is of Sierra Leonean origin. His father, Stuart is from the Caribbean Island of Antigua. Meet The Kanneh - Mason Wonder Siblings All seven brothers and sisters play instruments – most to grade eight level: The eldest, 21-year-old Isata, is a pianist and former Young Musician finalist herself. She plays violin and viola to Grade 8 standard. In two of her Grade 8 exams she achieved the highest marks in the country. Braimah, 20, is a violinist who achieved his Grade 8 by the age of 12. Then comes Sheku, 19, who first picked up a cello aged six and had his Grade 8 by
the age of nine, again with the highest marks in the country. Konya, 17, got: Grade 8 in piano at 11, violin at 12 and several regional trophies. Jeneba, 15, got Grade 8 at nine, with the highest marks in the area. Aminata, 12, already has her Grade 8 in both violin and piano. Then comes 8 year-old Mariatu, who is already following in the footsteps of her siblings. So, is this the most talented family in Britain? It was a question asked in 2015 by Simon Cowell when the six eldest siblings appeared on Britain’s Got Talent (actually, he said they might be the most talented family in the world). ‘We never set out to produce an orchestra,’ says Stuart. ‘It came as a bit of a shock to us, too.’ Inevitably, the children are often called ‘prodigies’. But their mother doesn’t agree completely with this. She insists that, while talented, their successes are down to ‘sheer
hard work’. ‘Each practices for at least two hours a day, more if they are preparing for an exam or concert’. ‘This lot play like they breathe’ - she said. The parents also deserve a trophy here. ‘There have been times, mostly when I’m up at 4.30am on a Saturday, when I do think “what on earth are we doing?”- Mum, Kadie admits. From the beginning, they made a decision to be deeply involved with their children’s music, making sure at least one parent was in every audience. ‘Every penny of our money goes on music. We haven’t decorated for years, as you can see (the plaster is flaking off the walls); the tiles are coming off the roof. We never buy new clothes. I do the girls’ hair myself because it’s too expensive to take them to a salon. Our car is a wreck.’- says Kadie. Sheku was only able to enter the Young Musician contest; it emerges, thanks to the kindness of a retired luthier (a maker of stringed instruments). Frank White made an extraordinary loan — an entire package of instruments for the family, worth tens of thousands, including Sheku’s first full-sized cello. ‘This could not have happened without him,’ Kadie says. ‘What would we have done without him? What do other families do? I don’t know. One of Sheku’s strings can cost £80. A cello bow can be £2,000. Then there are the trains, the sheet music, the overnight stays.’ ‘We could spend our money on a fancy car but we think this is more important. And even if none of them ends up becoming a professional musician, it will have been worth it. ‘Playing an instrument teaches them discipline, self-belief, the importance of hard work. It gives them confidence. As a parent, the joy is seeing them play together, or play on a stage. They blossom, and that confidence spills over into every part of their lives. I don’t think we will ever look back and say “that was money wasted”. - She concludes. Source: mail online
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͻ˜ ͺ͸͹΀
ͺͻ˜ ͺ͸͹΀ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś
EXPRESSION/POLITY
MEDIAGAFFES
‘Next Week Saturday’ Wrong
EBERE WABARA
T
HE Guardian, Saturday, June 16, welcomes us today with this infraction: “To be concluded next week Saturdayâ€? Short story: next Saturday “Out of control (Out-ofcontrol) Boko Haram kills dozens in Kano Mosqueâ€? “FRSC, plate numbers and drivers’ licenceâ€? Get it right: number-plates “A well deserved (well-deserved) honourâ€? “But we should never lose sight of the fact that like every voracious entrepreneur who has invested billions of dollars on (in) cement plants‌.â€? “Credit Bureaux records (record) 26 million registered borrowersâ€? “The health workers strikeâ€? Conscience, nurtured by truth: workers’ strike “Monetary policy committee at crossroadsâ€? This way: at a/the crossroads “Having served under a military regime‌ he needs to bath in the Yoruba River for forgiveness.â€? Noun: bath; verb: bathe. “Just before you ponder about this Owerri revelation‌.â€? ‘Ponder’ may take ‘on’ or ‘over’, not ‘about’. It’s even more economical and elegant to use it without embellishments. “When we hear of people talk about glory‌.â€? Get it right: hear of people talking‌ or hear people talk about glory “Lack of facilities threaten course accreditation at LACOEDâ€? The verb here should be singular. “What is good for the goose can equally be said to be good for the gander.â€? What is sauce (not good)‌ “Out of 35 years of the nation’s political independence, the military had been on (sic) the leadership saddle for 25 years.â€? Democracy In the saddle. “CPC to clampdown on illegal microfinance banksâ€? Phrasal verb: clamp down (two words). “An acknowledged scholar, a distinguished statesman and a team leader per excellenceâ€?
(Full Page Congratulatory Advert, THISDAY, March 25) Get it right: leader par excellence. “New trends in electioneering campaignsâ€? Politics Today: just electioneering or political campaigns. ‘Electioneering campaign’ is sheer verbiage! ‘Electioneering’ encompasses campaign and other related electoral issues. “INEC chair asks SSS to crackdown on violent politiciansâ€? Noun: crackdown; phrasal verb: crack down (which applies here). “Some countries have taken tobacco manufacturers to court for the damages their products cause.â€? The will to die: ‘damage’ is uncountable, except in reparative applications for indemnity. “With the launching (launch) of the poverty alleviation (a hyphen) programme by the Federal Government, not a few Nigerians desire to see it effectively in place.“ â€œâ€Śwhat happened was that somebody filed a writ of summon.“ This way (singular): a writ of summons; plural: summonses. “It is the Federal Board that is always guilty of that, because it is them who take riff-raffs as welfare officers.â€? (Nigerian Tribune, May 22) ‘Riff-raff’, just like ‘stuff’, is uncountable. “Modern technology has reduced the world into (to) a hamlet where the inhabitants are their brothers’ keepers.â€? This way: brother’s keeper (fixed idiom), irrespective of the number of people involved. “The coincidence in the timing of all those sleazy gossips in soft-sell magazines and the beginning of his fashion parade‌.â€? ‘Gossip’, in this context, is uncountable. “More overaged players for youth soccer“(Sunday Tribune, June 14) Get it right: overage players. “Residents of some of the troubled spots in Libya in disarrayâ€? (SATURDAY CHAMPION, May 26) Witness to lexical mayhem: trouble spots. â€œâ€Śrummaging all the bags and ransacking every nook and corner.â€? (Source: as above) Stock expression: nook and cranny. Leadership of May 21 disseminated seven
BY
improprieties: “The police requires (require) a redeemer who can uplift the Force from the battering it (they) suffered during the long years of militarization.â€? “I inquired from those that appear to know and they said that the president is (was) roaming the country in the name of campaigns.â€? “There is (are) no electricity, no security, no water, no roads, no health facilities in Nigeria.â€? “Foreign companies will be falling over themselves (one another) to come and invest here if we get the next elections right.â€? “...given the lame-duck posture of the opposition parties, the PDP simply held sway from the onset (outset).â€? “Reactions on (to) the Pope’s visit, however successful, were mixed in Egypt, a country inhabited by a predominantly Muslim population.â€? “Prior to the Pope’s visit, Egyptian Catholics have (had) opted out of the‌.â€? “The first part was published last week Friday.â€? (THE GUARDIAN, May 28) Monday politics: either last Friday or Friday, last week. “Vigilante (vigilance) groups, committed to the enforcement of the by-law, are being set up.â€? “Some of these areas include producing enough food to feed our teaming (teeming) population.â€? Please note that “evidenceâ€? is both countable and uncountable, but, in a law case, we correctly say or write: a piece of evidence/ pieces of evidence, some evidence/enough evidence/a mass of evidence, etc. We cannot afford to have the mediocre. The mediocre cannot teach/communicate is correct. “Reoccurâ€?, like “reoccurrenceâ€?, is Americanism; “bus stationâ€? is Briticism while “Motor Parkâ€? is Nigerianism. “Host-guestâ€? is Briticism while “invitor-inviteeâ€? is Americanism. Usage is king. Keep smiling! This column is the editor’s purgative. I agree with pundits that politicians run “neck and neckâ€? (not neck-to-neck), but may also run “head-to-headâ€?.
ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948
The “Social Circuitâ€? in THE NATION of June 18 described celebrity stylist Veronica Odeka as “most sort after.‌â€? It should be “sought afterâ€? There is a challenge with some English words: ‘Evidence’ is both countable and uncountable. “Benue assures on abandoned projectâ€? Just tell readers who the state assured. “A recent report on food related (a hyphen) ailments show (shows) that in many parts of the world‌.â€? “Unfortunately, however, I, and many other Nigerians have been infuriated by our servants‌.â€? In pursuit of linguistic orderliness: many other Nigerians and I. The concept of the cart and the horse applies to language usage, too. “But all our future blessing would be achieved through waiting in the Lord.â€? If you are after God’s heart, you wait on, not in, the Lord. “Before embarking on the strike action‌.â€? You can as well embark on the ‘strike inaction’! “It was as though both informants were mischievous people who had an affinity in (for) discrediting the preacher.â€? “The vigilante group visited instant judgment on the thief and sent him to the great beyond.â€? In the name of excellence: vigilance group. “Sixteen people were killed and two others seriously injured in a ghastly (fatal) accident which occurred along (on) the Bauchi-Auchi road on Saturday.â€? If there were casualties, it follows that it was a fatal, not a ghastly, accident. The mishap did not drag along the road, but occurred at a spot on the road. “Some of the despotic regimes thrown up in (on) the continent did worse things than was experienced under colonialism.â€? “A weekly magazine took a professional risk and charged the speaker for (with) forgery.â€? “...the same-day election is being proposed by the senate as part of the antidote for‌.â€? This way: antidote to..
Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ăž Ă–Ă‹ĂŒĂ“Ë? ĂŁ Ă–Ă‹Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă˜ ÞËÞĂ? Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ăž Ă–Ă&#x;Ă‘ĂŒĂ™ĂŁĂ?Ă‘Ă‹ Ă–Ă‹ĂŒĂ“ ̙ËÕË Ěš Ă“Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ÚÙÖÓÞÓĂ?Ă“Ă‹Ă˜Ă? ÔÙĂ?ĂžĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ù×Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă?âÞ ÑÙà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă™Ăœ Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă˜ ÞËÞĂ? Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ?Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ÚÖËÞĂ?Ă™ĂœĂ— Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă– ĂœĂ™Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?ĂĄ åÓÞÒ Femi Ogbonnikan, Ă’Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂŽĂ? Ă–Ă“Ă‘Ă’Ăž Ă™Ă˜ ÒÙå Ă’Ă? ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă˜Ă? ÞÙ Ó×ÚËĂ?Ăž ÚÙĂ?ÓÞÓà Ă?Ă–ĂŁ Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂ?ÙÚÖĂ? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÞËÞĂ?
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in that community and we will listen to their priorities, while we will agree on which areas the government has the capacity to do at that time. We will also make sure that those projects are done by indigenes with a time set to ensure that they are delivered. People of Osun State will be part of the decisionmaking in those things that affect them. And finally, my third main point agenda is to ensure that the indigenes of the state form the workforce in their own ways of doing things. I want our people to be better equipped and be able to compete for jobs outside once they have been internationally trained. I am talking of the artisans and craftsmen, while government will provide tools to ensure that we are up to date in whatever we are doing and take away people from government employment to private businesses.
hat informed your decision to join the race for Osun governorship? I will say most of us that are either technocrats or entrepreneurs see politics as a dirty game and as such we try to avoid it. But the truth is that government policies determine our heights, our chosen careers and our businesses. And also, if you look at the decadence in our society, particularly the future of our youths, and even our adults, you would see that people who have managerial capabilities are needed in managing our affairs as a nation. We have entrepreneurs who have taken over the mantle of leadership to ensure that we are doing things the way they should be done, so that our people can have a reformed democracy and better governance. And these attracted me to politics in order to serve my people, using my experience, my knowledge, and also my resources to better the lots of my people in Osun State. What are your selling points to the people of Osun State? I have the capacity to govern Osun State with lofty programmes. I grew up in Osun vicinity. From there, I went to Ibadan, Oyo State, for my Ordinary National Diploma, from The Polytechnic Ibadan, and to the University of Lagos and finally to Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University), Ago-Iwoye. So, I sought to understand the issues at hand in Osun State which I have identified to be lack of sufficient resources. That is, the finance to run the affairs of the state because of the peculiarity of our governance. People tend towards government jobs and government contracts than to going into what God has endowed Osun State, which is agriculture and to tap into other natural resources. Therefore, my selling point is to use my experience in the financial sector for 22 years to effectively run Osun State. Also, having been an entrepreneur for over ten years, growing a company from zero level to a multi-
Alabi billion Naira company, with representation across Africa, I would be able to direct the affairs of the state and make it financially independent, without Abuja Federal Allocation. And secondly, I have also noticed that our people in Osun love to have a say in whatever we do and we need to give them things that really matter to them than what we think are their needs; with understanding that it will benefit them, benefit the government and benefit the nation. Therefore, I am also promising to introduce what I would call participatory governance. What participatory governance means is that, in any project we want to do in certain areas, they will have village meetings
Do you have the funds to prosecute your governorship ambition? I want our people to realise that they should not partake in politics because of money or take decisions on who to vote for because of money. People should be part of governance. They must know what I stand for. Then, that is where money spending now comes in because anywhere in the world, where you want to play politics, you will need money for logistics and publicity. In my instance, I have been running my “Osun Ajose Foundation� for over ten years now and its motto is; “for unity and economic growth of Osun State� through which we have assisted a lot of our indigenes, our children to have employments. We have empowered over 4,000 men and women that are petty traders with loan to do their businesses and in which we have also ensured that our farmers have finances to do their farming and also to creating an enabling environment for them to be able to do better in growing their produce. We really mean well for them. I don’t think that the money required to prosecute the purpose should be a problem. And moreso, if you look at it, I have been in this race for over two years and I am still sustaining it. I have the wherewithal to prosecute my ambition.
T H I S D AY ˾ SATURDAY JUNE 23, 2018
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T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͯͶ
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MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... ͸΀͚ͽͽ͚͚͝΀Ϳ͟
L-R: Chief Technical Officer, Comercio Ltd, Mr. Aderemi Adejumo; Managing Director, Mrs, Aderonke Adeyegbe; and Comercio Cloud Architect, Mr. Olumide Rotimi, during the launch of Comercio Public Cloud Platform in Nigeria, held in Lagos. ..on Thursday
National Coordinator, Power Oil Health Camp, Opeyemi Awojobi; Lagos State Governor’s Wife and Convener, Lagos women Forum, Bolanle Ambode; Public Relations Manager, Power Oil, Omotayo Azeez- Abiodun, , during the Lagos Women’s Health and Social Development Forum
How World Cup Boosted Generator Market next point of call because many people in this area are not bouyant enough to get a new set immediately one packs up and not so many use or can afford inverter in this area.“ An Abule Egba resident, who identified himself as Mr. Emeka disclosed that he has three generating sets in his house presently. He said while two have just been serviced for effectiveness, he recently acquired a new one just to ensure that power is not a problem for him during the tournament. A retailer who simply identified himself as Daddy Tase said: ‘’The rate at which I’m selling these days, one who doesn’t know me deeply would think that I’m involved in money rituals. Market has never been this good most especially the small sizes. Though it presently sells for 25,000 but call it a price higher than that, customers don’t mind paying for it all in the spirit of World Cup. So far, I’ve realised enough money to roof my house. Abeg, we don’t mind having World Cup every year.� A stroll around
With the FIFA World Cup already lifting businesses for entrepreneurs notably restaurant and bar operators, viewing centres owners, operators in the sport betting sector and sports items, generator dealers are also smiling to the banks. From wholesale to retail traders, technicians and specialists in generator repair, spare parts dealers and those who specialise in rentals, this is no doubt one of their best seasons as majority of those who spoke with Market Place wished that the World Cup games should be everyday affair. With the dwindling electricity supply, it is expected that the demand for generator services will be on the high side this period as many cannot afford to miss a moment of the tournament. According to Nigeria Association of Energy Economists, out of about 45 per cent of Nigerians connected to electricity, only 25 per cent based in the urban area enjoys regular supply of electricity in a
population more than 180 million people. The reality on ground has prompted soccer fans and many others, who cannot afford the cost of inverter to get their generating sets in good condition while others have procured new ones because they do not rely on natural electricity. Quite a number of generator repair technicians have been busy since the kick off of the World Cup in Russia. A technician in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, Femi Ade said his business has received a boost. In fact, he said customers now queue up to have their generating sets fixed. “It has been like this for two weeks before the kickoff of the tournament, as you can see, (pointing to up to 30 faulty generating sets waiting to be repaired), one can’t be sure of when one will get all these done unless one deploys extra effort and this is why I’ve been sleeping in my workshop for some period now. More are still coming as you know generator can stop functioning anytime and once it happens, we are the
Power Oil, Lagos Partner to Provide Free Health
NB Plc Announces 10th Golden Pen Award
In a bid to reduce sicknesses and death rate among women in Lagos State, Vegetable Cooking Oil Firm, Power Oil in collaboration with Lagos State Government has launched an initiative to cater for the health and social needs of women. The initiative, which entails providing free health services to women covering diagnosis and treatment, enlightenment on health issues as well as educating them on other social issues such as domestic violence, child abuse, rape among others is expected to hold periodically to enhance its effectiveness. Launching the initiative at the maiden edition of the Lagos Women Forum, wife of Lagos State governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode noted that the programme was necessitated by the recurring cases of social problems of domestic violence, child abuse, rape and others despite efforts from both public and private initiatives to contain them. She noted that such social ills were major hindrances to economic advancement in the state. “In view of this, this programme is thought of to educate ourselves on health issues and our rights as women which will embolden us to shun silence and be vocal voices for our own case. Health they say is wealth, it is the gateway to everything. It is for this reason that free health screening, vital checks, HIV test, cancer screening, free eye glasses and others were made priorities of this forum.� Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule added: “The theme of today’s forum titled ‘Women: Your Health, Your Social Environment’ is very apt and most appropriate. This is because women’s health is not simply determined by their biological destiny, but more by how societies view and value their roles.�
Beverage firm, Nigerian Breweries Plc has launched the 10th edition of its annual Golden Pen Award, an initiative that aimed to promote professionalism and fine ethics in journalism profession. Since its commencement, the initiative has influenced the role of the press in the socio-economic development of Nigeria following the contents generated by media houses and accompanying feedback from necessary quarters. So far, the award has raised the hope of more than 19 journalists in the media profession to include nine grand prize winners in the Journalist of the Year category, six grand prize winners in the Photo Journalist of the Year category and four others in the Report of the Year category. It has also produced several runners up in the three categories. Corporate Affairs Adviser of the company, Kufre Ekanem, at the unveiling ceremony, expressed satisfaction on the outcome of the programme since it started. “Looking back over the last nine editions, we are happy that the initiative has continued to help improve the quality of journalism in Nigeria going by the quality of entries we receive every year as attested to by our independent
panel of judges and stakeholders in the Nigerian media who have been part of the awards over the years,� he said. He disclosed further the latest edition would direct the attention of the Nigerian media to the areas of Agriculture, Local Sourcing and Industrial Development. “We enjoin journalist to take advantage of this golden opportunity. All entries should be forwarded to goldenpenawards@ tptinternational.com. For this year, the Golden Pen Reporter of the Year will get a cash prize of N2 million plus as gift item; the first runner up will get N1 million while the 2nd runner up will go home with N750,000. “In the Photojournalist category, the overall winner will receive N1 million plus a gift item while the first and second runners up will be rewarded with N750,000 and N500,000 respectively. The winner of the Nigerian Breweries Golden Pen Report of the Year will receive N1 million and a gift item.�
Aboru area in Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos on Saturday night further proved right the fear of many as the whole area was left in a total blackout despite the fact that Nigeria was playing. For those who were lucky to have their generator in good condition, they were able to watch the match from the comfort of their houses, while others flooded commercial viewing centres to have a glimpse of the match even though Nigeria lost out. Another repairer in Meiran, Mr. Samson Akintade pointed out that for two days, he didn’t take his bath because many customers brought their generating sets for servicing. “As much as I don’t like exploiting people, I’m making more money now than never before. Usually servicing 3000kv and I better pass my neighbour size go for N2,000 and N1,000 respectively but I’m charging higher now while customers are not complaining. This is because they know that this is a busy period for generator technicians.�
British Airways Rolls Out Summer Baggage Allowance British Airways has unveiled bumper summer baggage allowance in order to prepare customers of its baggage arrangements as they plan summer trips. The company informed that it offered firstrate baggage allowances that are ideal for summer vacation. It explained further that preparations have been concluded for its first class customers to travel with three pieces of luggage of 32kgs each, Club World customers to travel with two pieces of luggage of 32kgs each while BA World Traveller customers are entitled to two pieces of luggage of 23kg each. Speaking on this development, British Airways Commercial Manager for West Africa, Kola Olayinka, said: “The amount of checked baggage each passenger is allowed depends on the selected class of travel. Passengers need to be familiar with the right baggage essentials in order to be adequately prepared when travelling this summer. “Summer is a great opportunity for family travels, as most schools will be closed. It’s is also a great time to bring gifts back for friends, families and colleagues. I am delighted that our customers will have a good opportunity to do that this summer.� British Airways extra baggage procedure also allows each customer to check up to 10 pieces of luggage per flight on payment of excess baggage charges on the extras. This includes customers’ original baggage allowed on each flight.
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Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă?Ă‘Ă‘
͸Ϳ͸͞ͺ΀͚͞Ϳ͝Ϳ Ă?Ě‹Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă–Ë? ÞÙĂ?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă?ÑÑ̜ÒÙÞ×ËÓÖ˛Ă?Ù×
CHANE EZINNE
My Fair Skin Attracts Lots of Admirers Ă?Ă‹Ă&#x;ÞÓĂ?Ă&#x;Ă– Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă?âã Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă? Ă¤Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă‹ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă– Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;Ăœ åÓÞÒ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’ Ă‹Ă? ÞãÖĂ? Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ?ĂžĂ? ĂŁ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ëœ Ă–Ă‹Ă— ÙÎÎĂ?Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă?Ă—Ă?ÞÓĂ?Ă?Ëœ Ă“Ă—Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă&#x;âĂ&#x;ĂœĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă? ĂœĂ‘Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ—Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ë› Ă’Ă™Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’ Ă?Ă’Ă? ÖÙÙÕĂ? Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă? Ă‹ ×ÙÎĂ?Ă–Ëœ Ă?Ă’Ă? ÖÙà Ă?Ă? ÞÙ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă? Ă‹Ă? Ă‹ Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ—Ă?ĂœËœ Ă‹Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă‹ĂœĂ‘Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ—Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă? ÞËÞĂ?Ë› Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?ĂĄ åÓÞÒ Tosin CleggËœ Ă?Ă’Ă? ÞËÖÕĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă?Ëœ Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ? As a child, my mum taught us to work hard always y mum is quite hard working herself. I read nursing in the United Kingdom. My sisters are all medical doctors in the United Kingdom. At some point when I was in the UK, I decided that Nigeria was the best place to do what I was passionate about which was cosmetology. I started with my cosmetic and fashion line, and that was a few years ago. Then I diverted into interior decoration, and when I noticed that the economy had gone really bad with the recession, especially with the dollar exchange rate always going up, I thought of agriculture. I knew that was another activity that could help the economy. Agricultural goods are accessible by people within the country. It’s not something you need to travel outside the country to get. That was how I found myself in agriculture.
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I encourage more women to become entrepreneurs No job defines who you are and no job is too belittling. You can do the job and still look as cute or glamorous as you want to look. Women should know that hard work pays. The age we are in is not a time to sit, paint your nails and wait for money to fall on your lap. Or sit and expect a man to do it all. You have to get up, get out there and work. You can still be a farmer and look as beautiful as I look. I get so many male admirers I cannot count, but it’s natural to be admired by men, especially when you are fair skinned as I am. People believe my colour is flashy and attractive. I have a man in my life so I really don’t focus on other men. Glam Goddess is the name of my cosmetics products I got the name because my clients that buy my herbal cream and herbal soap say the products make their skin flawless. They decided to nickname me after my cosmetics products. The herbs used in the soap are grown in Nigeria And they are harvested here. They are roots and I mix the creams myself. I have customers in the UK and in the United States of America. I would rather have a beautiful heart I would rather have a beautiful heart than other fashion items. I am not the high heelwearing type; I walk a lot because of the businesses, but I wear high heels once in a while. I love handbags too. How I started interior decoration I started by putting things together for my friends and family. And then people saw them and liked them, then I started doing hotels and then from there, companies. I love being self-dependent I wanted to be self-employed, to plan my own time and work. I wanted to know where my strength lies and where my energy could take me. As I mentioned earlier, my siblings
are medical doctors. My immediate elder sister is a medical doctor, my elder sister is a nurse, my mum is a retired nurse but I want to be more practical in Nigeria. I wanted to do something else. I’m actualising the dream of having a different career from that of my family Yes, it has been so amazing. I have gotten to a stage in my interior decorating job where I don’t strive so hard to get jobs. It has been God’s mercy. My cosmetic business has been great too. A good number of cosmetologists we have in Lagos and Abuja started with me. And the farming business has been awesome too. When I introduce myself that I am a farmer, people don’t believe me. Some say I am too flashy to do anything that has to do with farming. They take one look at my skin and how fair I am and say it’s not true. They say my skin does not look like one that goes under the sun. But I am a proud farmer. I am proud of being in the animal agriculture sector. I do a wide range of farming In my farm, we do snail farming, fishing, poultry and we also get eggs from the chicken. Then we also have vegetables. I have both retail and wholesale clients. You can never get enough of food. A lot of people can be in animal agriculture business and still the food will not be enough. We don’t have enough food to eat here in Nigeria let alone export. Agriculture business is a business of patience It’s a business you wait for to flourish. It’s not a business you go into and expect billions the next day. The high cost of feeds is affecting the business presently, but notwithstanding, it is a lucrative business. My being more of a model than a farmer I get such comments all the time that I don’t look like a farmer. I don’t do the dirty job of cleaning the wastes because I have farm attendants that do all that, but I go into the farm every time. I gear up, get in and supervise. I am always at the farm. I am very passionate about the animals I breed. I have to make sure everything runs well. I wake up every 4a.m. in the past one and half years I sleep at 11p.m. everyday too. When I wake up, I go to my laptop to create designs for my interior decoration. I create designs for my fashion line. I send emails and then I prepare my organic body soap and body cream. Then I move to the farm for a couple of meetings and then I retire home after the meetings. I don’t have a social life. I don’t go to clubs, parties or weddings. Doing one job makes me feel like I am lazy and that is why I am this multi-tasking. And I feel great whenever I wake up in the morning knowing that I am doing something positive with my life. How government can help support budding entrepreneurs Government can provide means for the serious ones. They should check the prospects of some of the key players in the sector, especially those that are contributing in a large way and help them expand. Agriculture
Ezinne
is the new oil and it’s very lucrative. Every home needs me on a daily basis. We all eat to survive. I have a new project coming up That’s Timeless Luxury. I partnered with Italians to have some leather bags, shoes,
belts in my name. This would be launched in January 2019. I already have samples. It is going to be as luxurious as Gucci and the likes. So, instead of our celebrities going abroad to buy good designer wears, they should patronise madein-Nigeria products.
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SHOWBIZFLAIR
MY STORY OBYLICIOUS EMPIRE FILM ACADEMY FLAGS OFF IN LAGOS Budding entrepreneur and Nollywood producer, Oby Olebara Uzoukwu has added another feather to her enterprises with the establishment of Obylicious Empire Film Academy. The Film Academy, which is located in Lekki, has state-of-the-art equipment, and facilitators. A statement signed by the Director of Studies at Obylicious Empire Film Academy Kingsley Iweru said, “From an education perspective, we are indisputable. Our one-month course goes deep, efficient, and transformational. This is no accident. We have an inspired education department who are experts at curriculum design and preparing industry specialists to be effective instructors. “At Obylicious Empire Film Academy we believe that results matter, we are not only referring to what you accomplish at OEFA but what you will accomplish in your career. These are the results that truly matter.�
The statement said, “Government of Nigeria believes and sees a great future for the creative industry and we are committed to partnering with the government and other relevant agencies and associations in making the creative
industry the centre of attraction and value. “Here we intend to empower and nurture young actors to pursue education marked by respect, motivation, depth, character and integrity throughout their lives. Our vision is to equip, enrich and empower our students to be excellent visual storytellers. Our mission is to train, develop and articulate the creative principles of visual storytelling and practices of film in our students and empower them to realise their personal artistic vision for their acting career. “Obylicious Empire Film Academy (OEFA) was founded on the philosophy that one month of concentrated work, that balances industry-led theory and hands-on production gives students the necessary skills to craft a professional – level portfolio or reel that would ultimately make the students the very best in the Motion Picture Industry, the statement said.
SEGUN MCCOY
Femi Otedola is My Role Model Ă‹ĂžĂ‹Ă˜Ă—Ă“ Ă–Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă˜ Ă“Ă? Ă‹ Ă‘ĂœĂ‹ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?ÓÞã Ă™Ă? Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă?Ë› Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă‹ Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă–Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă’Ă™Ă?Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă?Ăœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă™ĂœĂž ĂŁĂ?Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂœËœ Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă‘ĂœĂ™ĂĄĂ˜ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ Ă‹ ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂŽĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœË› Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ăž åÓÞÒ Tosin CleggËœ Ă’Ă? ÞËÖÕĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă&#x;ĂžËœ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂœĂ?Ă˜Ăž ĂšĂœĂ™Ă”Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ?
ADEKUNLE GOLD’S ALBUM ‘ABOUT 30’ DEBUTS AT NO. 9 ON BILLBOARD CHART Adekunle Gold has recorded another remarkable feat with his recently released album; ‘About 30’, as it debuts at number nine on the Billboard chart in the World Albums category. The album, which was released on the 25th of May, has received worldwide acclaim, with several music critics praising Adekunle’s new-found approach to his artistry; experimenting and exploring new sounds and courageously stepping out of his comfort zone to create the masterpiece. ‘About 30’ shares the top 10 spot in the World Albums category with other widely acclaimed music albums and soundtrack albums, including ‘Love Yourself: Tear’ by South Korean boy band BTS, ‘Lost Souls’ by Canadian singer Loreena McKennitt, Marvel’s hit ‘Black Panther: Original Motion Picture Score’,
among others. The 16-track album (two bonus tracks inclusive) will mark Adekunle Gold’s first debut on the Billboard chart, adding another commendable feat to his career. The singer has since taken to social media to share the news; writing “That’s ya boy on #9. Thank you guys. You did it. I didn’t. #About30�. Fans and fellow artistes have equally used the medium to heartily congratulate him for the achievement. ‘About 30’ is a direct follow up to Adekunle’s 2016 debut album; ‘Gold’ – the album picks up from where ‘Gold’ left off; with the opening track starting at number 17; since ‘Gold’ ended at track 16. The album is available worldwide and can be purchased on Tidal, Spotify, Google Play, Deezer, Apple Music and more.
NEW GAMING SITE, 442 MANAGER STARTS OPERATION IN NIGERIA Football gaming is off to a new drive in Nigeria as a new site births its operation. 442 Manager has been thoughtfully designed, programmed and play ready for every football loving Nigerian. 442 Manager is a fantasy football gaming site that allows you put a stake on your favorite players and at the end of a match period you cash out. It’s a new game site with exception and a style of its own promising to give its customers the very best of the value of their money.
The gaming site allows you build an 11-man football team from the list of countries playing on each day a football contest holds such as if there’s a game between NIG and ARG, TUN vs ANG, RUS vs ENG showing on the same day, you can build your 11-man squad by selecting different players from across all six countries playing on the same day. 442 manager allows you play daily contest and allows cash out at the end of the last contest of the day. By placing a stake on your
squad, you can cash out at the end of the day. When building your 11-man squad, 442 Manager allows you an entitlement to a salary cap in which your squad will have to sum up to. Every player on the platform has a salary and the sum total of your 11 man squad must fall within the salary cap. To play visit www.442manager.com. Sign up, Fund your account, Go into a contest, Build your 11 man squad within your salary cap and Place your entering.
H
ow did your shoe brand ‘Frisch’ start?
I’m an entrepreneur full time and the shoe brand “Frisch� started in my third year in school and it has been amazing and wonderful ever since. And today, the shoe brand “Frisch� is doing exceptionally well. We have clients at home and abroad. In fact, 60 per cent of our clients are based outside Nigeria (USA, Malaysia, South Africa, UK).
How did the shoe company begin and how successful is it today? The shoe business started during the ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities) strike in 2013. The popular six months strike, so instead of being idle in the house, I took it upon myself to learn shoemaking and made two pairs for myself when school was about to resume. People saw it and liked it and asked who made it and I told them I made it. Then they would tell me to make for them and that was how it all started.
S-Alcott is your new extension; tell us about it and your vision for the brand? S-Alcott is registered at the Nigerian Corporate Affairs Commission to carry out the businesses of agriculture, construction, logistics and transportation. We started early this year and we are growing. My dream for S-Alcott is for it to become one of the biggest conglomerates in Africa, providing employment for tens of thousands.
Who are your role models and mentors? My mentor is Femi Otedola and in five years, I would want to be recognised on 30 under 30 Billionaires.
How are you different from other young entrepreneurs? I have a very strong passion to excel in all my endeavours; I’m very enduring, resilient and patient. I understand you don’t start a business one day and then it booms next minute, so I’m very patient and I just trust the process.
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ ͺ͸͚͜
Mustangs Destined for Scrapheap Get new Life as High-End Watches
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All-New 2019 during its media unveiling at Honda AutomobileWestern Africa Ltd’s facility, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos‌ recently
PHOTO: autotrackng.com
t could be the ultimate Father’s Day present for the petrol head in your life – a handmade watch, lovingly crafted from components that in a previous existence were used in classic Ford Mustangs. The idea is the brainchild of Christian Mygh and Jonathan Kamstrup, who together scour salvage yards around the world for models, each of which can be transformed into hundreds of unique timepieces, costing from $1,495. For the true Mustang enthusiast, REC Watches, based in Denmark, will even create an entirely new watch from parts donated by customers, including World Champion Drifter and professional fun-haver Vaughn Gittin Jr., who wears a watch that includes carbon fibre bodywork from his 700-horsepower World Drift Series Ford Mustang RTR. “Most people would just see a pile of metal, a ghost of a Mustang. We see something completely different – the soul of a car and a story that needs to be told,� said co-founder Mygh. “I’m not cutting up Mustangs. I’m bringing Mustangs that are beyond repair back to life as a watch.� To ensure these stories continue to be told, REC Watches painstakingly trace the history of each vehicle; talking to previous owners, collecting stories and images from the car’s past lives, and incorporating them into a bespoke video. Each finished design incorporates the vehicle identification number, year of production and classic Mustang design cues.Apower dial designed to look like a fuel gauge shows remaining battery life, and the hands, date, and dial numbers are all influenced by the iconic car’s dashboard. On one trip to Sweden, the team struck gold with a rare 1966 Raven Black model that has become the basis for their limited edition P51-04 collection of 250 watches. Named after a World War II fighter plane and launched in 1964, Mustang’s radical styling and aggressive performance made it an instant classic.
All-New 2019 Honda City Exceeds Class in Fuel Economy, Space Stories by Bennett Oghifo
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apanese automaker, Honda has designed and built the 2019 Honda City sedan in its Thailand factory with the Nigerian market in mind, taking into account the nation’s environment. Mr. Remi Adams, Lead, Sales Marketing, Honda Automobile Western Africa Ltd., stated this as the company unveiled the All-New 2019 Honda City to the media, at its facility in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, during the week. The manufacturers stated that theAll-New Honda
City is an advanced stunning star compact sedan that exceeds its class with best in class space and fuel economy. “The new arrival builds on its predecessor’s exceptional safety, excellent dynamics, high fuel efficiency, cool design, comfortable spaces, advanced technology and practical equipment. The New CITY comes with Low-gravity, Wide Stance and Trendsetting Styling with Outstanding Spaces.� It has been “totally upgraded to be a “4-door sedan with the best value� to catch consumers’ attention and open new horizons for the urban sedan.� Considering the Honda philosophy of “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum�, the 2019 New CITY retains the agility of
the 1.5L even as the Up-Class concept was adopted to create a super-sized interior approaching that of medium sedans. Exterior: The 2019 City boasts of a completely restyled front fascia with the New Honeycomb Grille giving it a bold and aggressive look. The external styling embraces a new design philosophy of “Low center of gravity, wide stance� for a sportier and more innovative look. Sleek lines on both sides of the body lend a unique look to the new Honda City. The New LED Day Time Running Lights (DRL) adds luxury and class that immediately catches attention. In addition to the front exterior changes, the rear
bumper now redesigned to give a premium feel. The rear taillights enhance the visibility and stance of the New City making its contour distinct from the crowd. Other exterior features include Chrome Front Grille, Halogen Headlights, Power Door Mirrors and Shark Fin Antenna. The new exterior finishing enhances the new model’s sense of agility and streamlined aesthetics. Interior: All New City delivers cleverly generated interior space that exceeds its class by further evolving Honda’s “man maximum machine minimum� concept, which aims at maximising the space available for people and minimizing the space required for mechanical components.
Kia Ranked Highest Mass Market Brand By J.D. Power for 4th Consecutive Year
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or the fourth consecutive year, Kia was recognized as the number one nonpremium brand by J.D. Power in the 2018 Initial Quality Study (IQS), with a reported 72 problems per 100 vehicles. A statement by the automaker said Kia maintained its leadership position with segmentleading performances from the Sorento (Midsize SUV) and Rio (Small Car), while Optima (Midsize Car), Sportage (Small SUV) and Sedona (Minivan) placed second and the Forte (Compact Car) placed third in their respective categories. After winning IQS awards in 2015, 2016 and 2017, Soul was again the highest rated compact multi-purpose vehicle in the study. “Ranking number one among all mass market brands for four consecutive years leaves no doubt as to the world-class quality and craftsmanship instilled in every car and SUV that Kia builds,� said Michael Cole, chief operating officer and EVP, Kia Motors America. “With two segment winners and five additional models finishing in the top three of their respective categories, the evidence of Kia’s progression and focus on the ownership experience is overwhelming.� The 2018 U.S. IQS is based on responses from 75,712 purchasers and lessees of new 2018 modelyear vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. Vehicles were evaluated on driving experience, engine and transmission performance and a broad range of quality issues reported by vehicle owners.
Meanwhile, Kia Niro has earned Top Safety Pick Plus rating from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded its best rating possible, Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+), to the 2018 Kia Niro when equipped with available Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS) and Autonomous Emergency Braking System (AEB)[i] as well high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. “The Niro is one of our most popular models,� said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA, “and receiving the highest possible safety rating from IIHS provides yet another reason why it should be the top choice for anyone shopping for a small hybrid SUV.� The TSP+ rating for Niro increases the total number of Kia vehicles with 2018 Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick Plus ratings to nine. “We’re very pleased with this new TSP+ award for Niro,� William Freels, President of Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI), the research and development center for Kia Motors America. “It validates our efforts to develop vehicles that meet some of the industry’s highest safety standards and it endorses the skill and commitment of our designers and engineers.� To qualify for TSP+, the IIHS testing parameters require a vehicle earn “Good� ratings in six crashworthiness tests – driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraint – as well as a “Good�
Kia Sorento or “Acceptable� rating in the passenger side small overlap front test, an “Advanced� or “Superior� rating for front crash prevention, and a “Good� rating in headlight testing. To qualify for a TSP
rating, a vehicle must earn “Good� ratings in five crashworthiness tests—driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests.
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FRSC: 11% Decrease in Road Deaths During Sallah
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Largest parade of Land Rovers
Germany Sets Guinness World Record for Largest Land Rover Parade Stories by Bennett Oghifo
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o celebrate Land Rover’s 70th anniversary, 632 vehicles set a new Guinness World Record in Bad Kissingen, Bavaria, for the largest parade of Land Rovers. More than 1,500 customers and fans joined the record-breaking 7.4km parade, to beat the record of 516 Land Rovers set in Portugal
in 2014. The Bad Kissingen parade featured a wide range of models including many classic Defender models. They were accompanied by Land Rover Discovery, Discovery Sport and Freelander models and the complete Range Rover line-up: Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Evoque and Velar. Jan-Kas van der Stelt, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Germany, said: “It was a fantastic atmosphere on the day and a great pleasure for us to celebrate the 70th anniversary
of our brand with more than 1,500 enthusiastic Land Rover fans, friends and families. We thank everyone who helped us to bring this together.� Guinness World Records sent an official adjudicator from its London headquarters, who observed and controlled the strict criteria with two independent referees. To set the record, all Land Rover vehicles had to be constantly in motion throughout the parade whilst there could be no more than a gap of two vehicle lengths between cars.
ollowing the just concluded 2018 Eid-ElFitri Sallah Special Patrol which lasted from Wednesday 13 June 2018 to Monday 18 June 2018, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) recorded 51 deaths (11% decrease in the number of people killed) in road traffic crashes nationwide compared to 57 deaths during the same period, in 2017. The Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem said in a statement that there was a significant increase in the number of people rescued without injury during the 2018 Sallah special patrol exercise which was given a wider coverage than previous years, when compared to the same period of Easter celebration in 2017. According to him, 406 road traffic crash victims were rescued without injuries in 2018 Sallah special patrol compared to 293 that were rescued in 2017 Sallah special patrol of same period which marks 39% increase. However, Kazeem noted that the total number of crashes in 2018 were 126 compared to 102 in 2017 during same period and this is represented by 24% increase; number of person involved in road traffic crashes during the 2018 Sallah celebration period were 839 compared to 662 in 2017, and this marks an increase by 27%. He added that the Corps recorded 7,667 offences during the Sallah Celebration compared to 7533 in 2017; and 6728 offenders apprehended in 2018 compared to 6,562 in 2017. The most prevalent offences during the 2018 Patrol were Seatbelt Use Violation (SUV) 1615, compared to 1462 in 2017, and Speed Limit Device Violation (SLD) 785 compared to 943 in 2017, and Riding a Motorcycle without crash Helmet (RMH) 857. Quoting the Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, Kazeem stated that the Corps now has a wider coverage due to the establishment of more FRSC Commands, Outposts, road side clinics and Zebra points who now feed in reports from different routes that were hitherto not thoroughly covered. He stressed that the increase in number of road crashes, increase in the number of persons involved, and increase in the number of persons killed is due to the reports that emanated from the new FRSC formations.
Mission E: Porsche’s First Fully Electric Sports Car is Named Taycan
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he future of mobility is another step closer: Series production of the first purely electric Porsche is set to begin next year. In preparation, the vehicle has now been given its official name: The “Mission E� concept study, the name currently used to describe Porsche’s complete electric offering, will be known as the Taycan. The name can be roughly translated as “lively young horse�, referencing the imagery at the heart of the Porsche crest, which has featured a leaping steed since 1952. “Our new electric sports car is strong and dependable; it’s a vehicle that can consistently cover long distances and that epitomises freedom�, explains Oliver Blume, Chairman of the ExecutiveBoardofPorscheAG.Theorientalnamealso signifies the launch of the first electric sports car with the soul of a Porsche. Porsche announced the name for its first purely electric series as part of the “70 years of sports cars� ceremony. Two permanently excited
synchronous motors (PSM) with a system output of over 600 hp (440 kW) accelerate the electric sports car to 100 km/h in well under 3.5 seconds and to 200 km/h in under twelve seconds. This performance is in addition to a continuous power level that is unprecedented among electric vehicles: Multiple jump starts are possible in succession without loss of performance, and the vehicle’s maximum range is over 500 km in accordance with the NEDC. Names with real meaning At Porsche, the vehicle names generally have a concrete connection with the corresponding model and its characteristics: The name Boxster describes the combination of the boxer engine and roadster design; Cayenne denotes fieriness, the Cayman is incisive and agile, and the Panamera offers more than a standard Gran Turismo, which is what allowed it to win the Carrera Panamericana long-distance race.
Porsche Taycan, concept of complete electric oering
Draft on My Worry for Pedestrians
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n Monday May 11, 2018, I strolled leisurely into my office with so many thoughts on my mind; thoughts of wheretoraisefundstosortoutsomany personal challenges and hopefully also meet the needs of some close friends and people I do not know but who think that with the rank ofAssistant Corps Marshal in the Federal Road Safety Corps, I must be in the league of the Dangote’s and the Otedola’s. Even the educated onesassumethatforeveryvehiclearrestedfortraffic infraction, somebody somewhere must be rubbing my palms. My new assignment even complicates matter. There were also thoughts on how to handle the numerousphonecalls,textmessagesandWhatsApp chats for assistance with the ongoing recruitment by the Corps. I also had thoughts on what topic to focusonthisweekwhichformewasmostdisturbing because of the deadline required. I know I have heard people who are writers complain on what they call writer’s block. Now if gifted writers would lament on what to focus on what then should a bloody road safety officer like me trying to reach out to road users be going through, if you catch my drift. The reasons for a writer’s block such as fear, timing and perfectionism were all starring me at the face. Even when I tried some of the getaway tricks such as going for a walk, changing environment, reading a book, listening to music or staying with someone who makes me feel good just did not help me. When I could not make a headway on what to focus on, my mind suddenly flashed on the just concludedUnitedNationsBicycleWeekcelebration and some of the sound bites of the celebration in
SAFE DRIVING with
JONAS AGWU
amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education OďŹƒcer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491
Nigeria. Even that was without form or substance and could not even relieve me. It was just then that a colleaguewalkedintomyofficeobliviousofmyinner struggles and asked me if I had heard of the tragic death of the cousin of one of our senior colleagues. I saidnoandwithasmileonmyfaceaskedhimexactly what happened and where. Without knowing how much a saviour he had become to me, he gave me a snippet of the incident. According to his story, the young man named Jerry Uwah (not real name) who is survived by a wife and a daughter before his death was working with a private company in the Federal Capital Territory Abujawhereaccordingtocolleagues,hehadcarveda niche for himself as a disciplined and time conscious staff. On this faithful day, Jerry had left his house after pacifying his beautiful daughter with a promise to buy her favourite chocolate on his way from work not knowing what fate held for me. He hugged his daughter, gave her a kiss and waved as he opened the door and immediately flagged down a cab just in front of their two-bed room apartment in one of
the estates in Abuja. He boarded the car and had a smooth and safe ride and alighted at the nearest junction to his office at the central business district without hiccups. He was crossing the road to the other side where his office is when he was knocked down by a car driven by a female driver. The impact of the hit was so heavy that despite being rushed immediately to the hospital, he died as a result of the bleeding from his head. Jefferydeathbroughttomymemoryasimilartragedy I shared a couple of weeks ago on this same page about the death of another young man even though his death occurred differently. According to the story, FrankUzor(notrealname),hiswifeandtheironeyear and six months old daughter were heading to church on a sunny Sunday morning in their black Lexus Jeep. He stopped by a bank to make a withdrawal for offering. After parking his car at a spot, he believed was safe enough, Frank crossed over to the other side of the road, made his withdrawal at theATM before crossing back to his vehicle parked at the other side; he got into his car but before he could start his car and move, a Toyota Hilux lost control and crashed onto their Jeep. Frank who was anxiously waiting to lavish his lavish on their third-year marriage anniversary just few weeks ahead, died on the spot while his wife went into coma and was unconscious for two days before she eventually regained consciousness. Miraculously, their daughter who was strapped to a car seat behind came out unhurt-she was found just the way she was- strapped. I know that there are other cases within the Federal Capital Territory and across other parts of the country. Since I am not the one heading the accident investigationunitoftheCorps,Iwill notpre-empttheoutcome
of the investigations of the May 11 2018 tragedy but what is clear is that a lot of people who claim to be drivers are really not one.Agood number are learner drivers who rather than allow the process of maturing as a driver would rather cut short the process in order to show off like others. I wrote about this in a piece I titled learners or lunatics for which some readers responded with insults for my choice of words. I hope to run that piece in a fortnight to refreshen our minds again. But while I maintain that a measure of insanity has taken over our roads, I must also state here that there is lot that is wrong with pedestrians and drivers irrespective of age or sex. For some drivers, it has to do with pride and ego as a handful would rather conceal their learner statusanddrivewithouttheirinstructorascontained in the National Road Traffic Regulations. There is also the increasing traffic indiscipline which calls for stiffer penalty by traffic officers. But while I lament this increasing development, I mustnotethatpedestriansallovertheworld,including developed climes such as the United States of America, United Kingdom and others face similar risk of being knocked down. In the United State of America which I love to cite often on this page, pedestrian deaths totalled nearly 6,000 in 2017 for the second straight year amid mounting signs that pedestrians and drivers are dangerously distracted. Although reasons for the recent rise have not been scientifically proven, smartphones and marijuana use are suspected key factors.According to reports, about 5984 pedestrians lost their lives in 2017, a figure almost similar to the 2016 record. According to Richard Retting, director of safety for Sam SchwartzConsulting,“Peopleoutsidecarsaredying at levels we haven’t seen in 25 years. “This increase inpedestriandeathiscomingdespiteimprovements in vehicle safety such as the recent introduction of automatic emergency braking systems, rear-view cameras and collision-alert technology.
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by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602
TRAVEL&LEISURE
Epe resort,Lagos
5 Reasons to Holiday at Epe Resort and Spa
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n this resort, you will find the very definition of hospitality with a touch of class. Situated on the outskirts of the busy city of Lagos, Epe Resorts and Spa combines the caressing touch of nature and the art of hospitality to give you the most pleasant experience in a safe location. A trip to Epe Resort & Spa is synonymous with going to Wonderland. What’s more, Located in the heart of Epe, precisely at Itokin Road, well away from the noise of the metropolitan city that is Lagos. It was established by Moorhouse Properties, a renowned Nigerian owned hotel group. It is one of those fun-filled places that offer full value for your time and money. Take Advantage of Dry Season From Victoria Island, there are several ways to get to Epe Resort. It takes approximately 60 minutes to drive there in good weather conditions. For a fun alternative, it takes 15 minutes by helicopter and 90 minutes by boat. However, if you are going to the resort in the rainy season, you will find that most means of getting there might become rather difficult. And of course, no one likes to be on the beach when it’s raining. PackYour Suitcase With All the Fun-time Essentials When planning for a holiday at Epe Resort & Spa, there are certain items that should be taken along. These include swimming gear, moisturizer, sunscreen, light clothing, free sandals, sturdy sneakers, exercise gear, a faze cap, sunglasses and any allergy medicine for emergency situations. There are fun outdoor activities to do at this recreational centre. They have a tournament tennis court, suitable for players at all skill levels. This well-equipped tennis court is perfect for family and group tournaments. Other interesting activities to partake in are volleyball, paddle tennis, basketball, mountain biking and so on. There are also fun activities for kiddies to do like mini football, board games like chess, scrabble and monopoly and a kiddies swimming pool. Cash Epe Resort & Spa also has an onsite spa, restaurant and bar/lounge. Their rooftop restaurant features an impressive and extensive menu and also offers an excellent view of the property. They offer both local and international cuisines and guests can enjoy a wide variety of meals after the fun physical activity of the day. Their fish special is also very deliciously made from the freshest fishes in the famous Epe fish market. Guests can also order a picnic basket full of exquisite meals picked carefully by the chef. The Resort is associated with the Culinary Academy in Ikoyi Lagos. All these amazing adventures cost money, so
The Lounge, Epe resort,Lagos
make sure you have your ATM Card on standby. Prepare for Some Serious Pampering At Epe Resort & Spa, there is a luxury spa where guests can go to get massages and beauty treatments. The spa features different relaxing head to toe treatments and some guests visit Epe Resort & Spa simply to enjoy the languid pleasures of the spa and their delightful Hammam Turkish bath. There is also fitness cum health centre at the resort where guests can do cardiovascular and strength building exercise and have a great time sweating it out. The resort also has an indoor pool and an infinity pool for avid swimmers and beginners alike. Don’t worry, there are lifeguards by the pool to help avoid any mishap. Epe Resort and Spa contains 40 tastefully designed and fully equipped rooms. The guest rooms are cozy and comfy and have enough room for guests to move around. Most of the rooms either have a King sized bed or twin beds. From the exquisitely furnished rooms, guests can either get a crystal view of the gardens or the pool from which are highlighted by the overhead viewing deck. The Resort also features rooms that are suitable for a family that wants to stay together in one unit. These rooms have interlinked rooms where kids can stay in close view of their parents without being in the same room. Go Along With Someone You Love While a solo vacation is great, the resort is also
Poolside Epe resort,Lagos
wonderful for those looking for a getaway for your family or significant other during festivities like Easter, Christmas, Summer break or Long Vacation, Epe Resort and Spa is one of the best choices in Lagos that offers delightfully
planned recreational physical activities. Kids are sure to have a good time partaking in any of these activities and adults too can have a good time here, away from the stress of work and life generally.
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 23, 2018
POLITY
‘Microfinance Banks Drive Financial Inclusion Best’ Technology-savvy Rogers Nwoke is the founder and CEO of HASAL Microfinance Bank. HASAL MfB, with capitalisation in excess of N2 billion, is currently rebranding. He tells Stanley Nkwazema that microfinance banks are the best institutions for driving financial inclusion How it all started he story of HASAL Microfinance Bank dates back to 2003, during the era of community banks. My area of training in the banking sector was with MSMEs; what you call SMEs banking in the commercial banks then. With this experience, I realised that access to finance was an important instrument for supporting the growth of small businesses. In 2004, I made my first attempt at starting a community bank and so RILGWARI Community Bank was incorporated. The order then was that wherever you are setting up shop, the name has to be associated with the community. And because I was opening in Abuja, then land of the Gwaris, my consultant suggested the RILGWARI name. The promoting company was my family business - Rejoice Investment Limited. Interestingly, in the course of getting regulatory approvals, Nigeria started talking about launching the Microfinance Banks policy. When I saw the opportunities therein of going into micro finance, the idea was dropped till the Microfinance Banks policy was launched in 2005. In 2008, we applied for a Microfinance Bank license through the CBN and got licensed and started business in October 2008. Before then, I had taken a year off-work to do a Master’s in Business Administration at the University of Warwick with my research interest centring on finding an appropriate microfinance model for Nigeria. HASAL Microfinance Bank commenced operation on October 2008. So by October 2018, we would have fully completed 10 years of very unique Microfinance services in the FCT
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The challenges Yes multiple taxation and levies from government, especially the local governments have been a big challenge. The truth is that you don’t know when and how these levies and taxes are manufactured. You just wake up and somebody tells you that you have to pay tax for using a generator. The same government that you pay your taxes to who should guarantee you uninterrupted power supply, fails and in order to succeed in your business you go the extra length to invest in a fixed capital called generator. The same government that fails to give you power, comes back to levy you for emitting gaseous substance. You have another one called fumigation
Nwoke
and pest control. You have to pay a levy for putting a signage after paying for Business Permit. There are all manner of things that you can’t continue naming. Now the question is if I have gone to the Corporate Affairs Commission and registered my business and given a certificate to do business in Nigeria, why am I paying for a business permit again to a local government? Then after paying the LGA for a business permit, I now pay to put on a signage. I pay the local government to have a television in my office. These taxes are uncountable and they differ from one local government to the other. It’s a big challenge and I honestly think that government has to do something urgently to streamline those issues.
atrocities in the name of microfinance banks. And because the public out there do not seem to know the difference between a licensed microfinance bank that is being regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the NDIC and several other regulatory bodies, everybody who is out there calls itself microfinance bank, collects money from people, disappear into thin air and people say its microfinance bank. When they hear the rate at which microfinance banks are folding and when you try to find out who are the ones folding, you will realise that they are not the real microfinance banks. Yes, agreed that some microfinance banks have closed shop but we must find out why what they are passing through.
The big issue of public confidence Of course, you have the big issue of public confidence in the microfinance sector. It is a sub sector that has been very badly wounded because of fake entrants and all manner of human beings committing
Why I invested in HASAL What I keep telling people is that a microfinance bank is micro in the sense of the size of the capacity of transactions it does with its customers. In micro, it does not mean a microfinance bank has to be
small. A bank is a bank and since Nigeria has chosen to do the banking model of micro finance business, Nigeria has to come out and make microfinance bank banks. When you are a bank, you do what a bank does. What distinguishes you from a commercial bank or what the CBN named deposit money banks is that you are limited to the size of transactions you can do. But if you are a bank, you should do everything that a bank is doing – savings, loans. Customers at the SME level would need small forex like $5000 to $10,000. So, microfinance banks should be able to trade in foreign exchange. The challenge is that commercial banks can trade in bonds, treasury bills, foreign exchange and several other instruments. Access to credit has reduced because commercial banks have stopped lending money to the sectors that need money even more. The only thing we can do to survive is lend money primarily. All other services become add-ons. It is not so in commercial banks because other services are primary and so they can survive, make money without lending money to the MSME sector that truly needs it. I think something has to change about the model to strengthen microfinance banks because we are better positioned. I do not see any other institutional arrangement that drives financial inclusion better than the microfinance banks. Success, a moving target Success is a journey that never ends and saying that you are satisfied means you have arrived. From that perspective, I will say no, I am not satisfied because the poor masses of this country have not been fully reached. I am not satisfied because financial inclusion is still very low. I am not satisfied because the funding gap to reach the SME sector still runs into trillions of naira. I cannot be satisfied because the problems have not been solved. Yes, we have come a long way and in ten years, we have a beautiful story to tell. But I am not satisfied because there is still a lot of work to be done. Am I ready to do this work? Yes, as I exit as Managing Director of HASAL after ten years, I will still be very committed and relevant to the SME sector and ensure that access to finance is guaranteed to the microfinance banks.
Media Women Train Widows on Business Opportunities Bennett Oghifo
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he commemoration of this year’s International Widows Day was unique for a large number of widows in Lagos who had a rare opportunity, provided by a group, Media Women Forum, to learn how they can start earning money. The widows, who congregated at Water Parks, Ikeja, Lagos on June 21, were trained by Dr. Harry Benjamin, an American-Jamaican, and business man, on how to identify good business opportunities. One of the widows Olufunke Ibigbami, who retired as Principal Lecturer at Lagos State Polytechnic, encourage the widows to take advantage of the training and get back on track. Ibigbami, who also runs a widow foundation named after her late husband, Kayode Ibigbami spoke on how to overcome sorrow. Dr. Omopeju Afanu, President WomenX 12, a women foundation, said a major source of sorrow for many of the widows was lack if financial assistance. Afanu, thus, promised to support 10 of the
Cross section of participants at the training on acquisition of business skills for widows in Lagos… recently
widows with little funding to start small businesses. Members of Media Women Forum said they were also assisting widows to acquire marketable skills and encourage them to engage in service-based jobs. International Widows Day was launched in 2010 by United Nations, to
raise global awareness on the violation of human rights that widows suffer after the death of their husbands. Widows are often blamed for the death of their husbands, and to prove their innocence, some of them are subjected to funeral rights that sometimes include sexual violence, head shaving and drinking the
water used in bathing the corpse of their husband. A press statement by Media Women Forum said many widows are faced with stigmatisation, physical and mental abuse and sometimes ostracized. Most often they are chased out with their children without access to their husband’s property or money. The sudden descent into poverty forces some widows to resort to dangerous sex work or begging. “Statistics show that there are about 245 million widows and 500 million children of widows worldwide. Reports say 1.5 million of these children die before age five. “The major reasons are malnutrition and inability of the mothers to pay for medical care. Millions of those who are alive are deprived of schooling due to extreme poverty. This makes them prime target for human traffickers.” “As champions of the cause of women Media Women Forum encourages actions in achieving full rights for widows because we believe that widow’s right is human right,” the statement signed by Janet Mba-Afolabi said.
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͝, 2018
POLITY
C’River Christian Leaders ForumTackles Ayade on Performance Bassey Inyang Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă–Ă‹ĂŒĂ‹Ăœ
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he Cross River State Christian Leaders Forum (CRSCLF), says Governor Ben Ayade does not deserve a second term because he has allegedly failed the people of the state. The Forum alleged that the failure of
Ayade’s administration, which it described as monumental, could be felt in all facets, hence the need for the people to seek an alternative in 2019. At a press conference at God’s Heritage Centre, Calabar, yesterday, the President of the CRSCLF, Bishop Josef Bassey, alleged that the state had never had it so bad in terms of leadership and administration
Ogbomosho Pivotal Club Elects New Executives Bennett Oghifo
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gbomosho Pivotal Club, an association of indigenes of Ogbomosholand with a common goal of seeing to the development of the ancient town and its people has inaugurated a 12-man executive committee led by Alhaji Remi Adeseun as President to pilot its affairs for the next one year following their election in April. Adeseun, a fellow of both the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, succeeds Dr. Akin Onigbinde (SAN). Prince ‘Degun Agboade emerged Vice President while the duo of Alhaji Sola Adeseun and Engr. Akintayo Akintola were elected Secretary and Assistant Secretary respectively. Alhaji Abu Salam is the new Treasurer and will work closely with Mr Tunde Alegbe as Financial Secretary for the period. Others members of the new EXCO include Mr Tunji Olaniyi, Publicity Secre-
tary; Engr.Yemi Suara, Social Secretary; Joel Owoade, Auditor and Barrister Kehinde Akinwunmi, Legal Adviser. Both Engr. Yemi Bello and Prince Taiwo Ayoola are ex- officio members. A release signed by Olaniyi quoted members of the Club as reposing a lot of confidence in the new EXCO comprising of relatively young members of the club in the spirit of the “not-too-young-to run movement currently in vogue in the country. One of such good will messages, according to Olaniyi, came from Air Commodore Layi Atanda, a former president of the Club. The former Air Force officer was said to have expressed great hope in the ability of the Remi Adeseun-led executives to deliver on their Brief. “They are the young ones to whom the future belongs. Our hope is that deploying technology associated with the digital age we are in, they will do well, far more than we were ever able to do to uplift Ogbomosho Pivotal Club and take it to the next level and thus realise the aims and objectives of its founding fathers even more,� he was quoted to have said.
since Ayade’s administration came on board, “despite all the promises he made when he was sworn-in at the International Convention Centre in Calabar on May 29, 2015.â€? Bishop Bassey added: “The state of our state right now couldn’t be worse and there is need for an urgent intervention above board.â€? He described Ayade’s administration as one that did not understand the system it inherited, saying the state had lost its acclaim as a tourism destination in Nigeria, “while the investors, and members of the business have been moving out of the state in droves due to multiple taxation, and insecurity foisted on them by a government that appears to be totally unaware of what is happening in the state.â€? Bassey said it was high time elders; opinion leaders of the state rose up and commence measures to salvage the state from total collapse. “For us Cross River State needs to be rescued as a matter of urgency from sinking,â€? adding “In my opinion, and in our opinion, we have never had it so bad, it couldn’t be worse than this. “Never in the history of this state has the state civil service has been so bastardised.â€? Condemning alleged attitude of silence “that seem to have enveloped the state for too long,â€? Bassey said the time was ripe for people to speak out and demand a change in the style of leadership of the state. “The stakeholders cannot afford to allow the destruction of the state. It is time to cry out. Let the government and the people hear our voice‌.
“We are calling on the people, the parties, the citizens to rise,� Bassey stated. While commending the initiatives of a group known as The Forever Cross River, in the area of education, the Bishop called on all stakeholders in the state to come to its rescue which he alleged was drifting into a state of abyss. Reacting to the claims of the Forum, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Christain Ita, described them as baseless, saying that Bassey was speaking from a compromised position. “The truth of the matter is that Josef Bassey is not worthy of anybody’s reaction. Today his church is going through atrophy because of his personal life. “He is sponsored, and it is a shame that a supposed man of God can sell his conscience for a pittance,� Ita said. Listing some of the achievmnet of Ayade’s administration, Ita said: “It is not the Forum. It is Josef Bassey. Just as he (Ayade) has failed in the number of industries he has built in three years, just like he has failed in moving cross river in from number 27 in national elections to second, just like he has failed in building a garment factory that has employed three thousand people including widows that their church cannot even take care of. “He has failed in building a rice meal in Ogoja, he has failed building a cocoa process plant in Ikom, he has failed by building a bridge that leads to kwakagom in Boki, he has failed by building Boje bridge in Boki that links eastern and western Boki. He has failed by beginning to asphalt 143 kilometres, the longest road undertaken by any state government in the history of Nigeria.�
L-R: The Landside Infrastructure Manager, Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise (LPLE), Olakunle Fadumiye; General Manager Projects, LPLE, Steven Heukelom; the Chairman, LPLE, Emmanuel Adesoye; Senior Prefect, Albesta Academy Ibeju-Lekki (Winner), Tobechukwu Okoroji; and Chief Financial Officer, LPLE, Sandeep Parasramka, during prize presentation at the finals of the third edition of Tolaram Science Challenge organised by LPLE in Lagos ...recently
L-R: Group Managing Director/CEO, NEM Insurance Plc., Mr. Tope Smart; Chairman, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae; Company Secretary, Mrs. Olajumoke Philip-Akede; and Deputy Managing Director, Mrs. Susan Giwa-Osagie, at the 48th Annual General Meeting of the Company in Ibadan, Oyo State...recently
L-R: Managing Director, Etu Odi Communications, Mr. Uzoma Okoye; General Manager, Mamba Energy Drinks, Titilola Adedeji; Chairman, Mamba Drink Ltd., Mr. Ayo Ojuroye; and the company’s Head of Sales, Tolulope Olowu Adetiba, at the unveiling of Mamba Energy Drinks in Lagos... recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN
L-R: Nigerian Comedian, Bright Okpocha; Chief Executive Officer, Verve International, Mike Ogbalu; Group Chief Product and Marketing Officer, Cherry Eromosele; and Founder/Group CEO Interswitch, Mitchell Elegbe at the second edition of the Verve Life fitness and wellness event in Lagos... recently
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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ ͺ͸͚͜
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‘Stop Misinterpreting Court of Appeal Ruling on River APC Congresses’ Less than 24 hours after the Appeal Court decision, the camp of the senator representing Rivers South-East in the Senate, Magnus Abe has faulted the camp of transportation minister, Rotimi Amaechi for “misquoting� the Court of Appeal’s ruling over who is qualified to send delegates to tomorrow's national convention of the All Progressives Congress, APC. The acting chairman of the party in Rivers State, Prince Peter Odike, explained that the Appeal Court did not vacate the judgement of the Rivers State High Court, which declared as “null and void� the May 19, 20 and 21 ward, local government and state congresses purportedly organized by the party. Odike, who was flanked by some party executives, including the state Legal Adviser, noted that the order of May 30 by the State High Court remained alive, and that until it was
DAMNING VERDICT ... The Chairman, Cross River State Christian Leaders Forum, Bishop Josef Bassey flanked by Pastor Gabriel Joseph and Pastor Mark Ochi, both of the CRSCL Forum at a Press Conference held at God's Heritage Centre, Gloryland on Friday , June 22, 2018 in Calabar
Nigeria’s Destiny in Your Hands, Obasanjo Tells Youths Femi Ogbonnikan in Abeokuta Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday challenged Nigerian youths to brace up to the present day challenges in Nigeria, reminding them that the country's “destiny is now more than ever before in your hands either to make or mar.� Obasanjo made the assertion in his keynote address at the opening of a three-day retreat organised by Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Foundation, in conjunction with both the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, and the Ford Foundation,
held in Abeokuta. The former President, expressed hope that achieving the framework for peaceful co-existence and national cohesion for the country was feasible, and urged Nigerians to stop underestimating what they could achieve. He noted that the country needed "not to be singing old narrative songs, which have not worked in their favour�, positing that “if there will be that turning point again in Nigeria, it must be now.� "From the submissions that I have from the earlier speakers, Saudatu
and others, I can say that I see hope for the country to achieve peace and national cohesion. It is feasible. All we now need is the spirit, which will galvanise all of us to stand strong and stand firm�, he declared. He added that the country needed socio-economic development, infrastructure, employment and empowerment. "Again, we need to dialogue enough. Even if we do not agree with ourselves, we still need to listen to each other's views, at least, understand the points and views. We need to speak and speak up,"
he stressed. The former President, who further expressed satisfaction over the return of History as a subject in the nation's educational curriculum, said the teaching of the crucial subject was important "as we must not lose sense of history, which in itself can contribute immensely towards promoting national cohesion." He observed that since his generation "are at departure lounge, youths of like-minds should be ready to key into the Nigeria dream and accept the challenge of turning Nigeria for good. It will not be easy, but achievable."
Oil Rallies to $74.84 Per Barrel as “Why NCS Made N100bn in May� OPEC Agrees to Increase Output Prince A Lagos base maritime expert, Comptroller General of Customs Olusegun Ologbese has (CGC) was proud of the officers and Chika Amanze-Nwachuku with agency report
Oil price rose sharply yesterday after the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) agreed a modest increase in oil production from next July. This was sequel to recent calls from major consumers to pump more oil into the international market to help reduce the price of crude and avoid a supply shortage. Brent crude oil futures rose $1.79, or 2.5 per cent, to $74.84 per barrel by 12:42 p.m. ET. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up $2.99, or 4.6 per cent, at $68.53 a barrel. Although the 24- member organisation at its meeting in Vienna, Austria yesterday, approved a one million barrel boost to daily output, the actual increase will be smaller than that because some nations are incapable of pumping more crude, Bloomberg quoted Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu to have said. OPEC resolved to increase oil production from next month after its leader Saudi Arabia persuaded arch-rival Iran to cooperate, following calls from major consumers to help reduce the price of crude
and avoid a supply shortage. Major oil consumers- – the United States, China and India had urged Vienna-based OPEC to release more supply to prevent an oil deficit that would hurt the global economy, Reuters reported. The organisation said in a statement that it would go back to 100 per cent compliance with previously agreed output cuts but gave no concrete figures. Saudi Arabia said the move would translate into a nominal output rise of around 1 million barrels per day (bpd), or 1 per cent of global supply. Iraq said the real increase would be around 770,000 bpd because several countries that had suffered production declines would struggle to reach full quotas. The deal, the Reuters reported, gave a tacit green light to Saudi Arabia to produce more than currently allowed by OPEC as the 14-nation organisation avoided setting individual country targets. Iran, OPEC’s third-largest producer, had demanded OPEC reject calls from Trump for an increase in oil supply, arguing that he had contributed to a recent rise in prices by imposing sanctions on Iran and fellow member Venezuela.
given an insight into why the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) was able to rake in a whopping N100 billion in May, 2018 alone. Described as the highest amount of revenue ever generated in a month by the NCS since its establishment decades ago, the Comptroller General of Customs, Colonel Ibrahim Hammed Ali (retired) said the service would do more in the months ahead. The Bauchi born retired military officer who was the military governor of Kaduna State in his hey days in the service disclosed the figure at an occasion which took place at the NCS Staff College, Gwagwalada, Abuja recently. Giving an insight into the impressive amount generated by the NCS, Ologbese told Maritime Bits in an exclusive interview in Lagos that the feat was the fruit of years of painstaking efforts in policy and programmes formulation and execution by officers and men of the service. Popularly called Alaye for his vast knowledge of the inner workings of the NCS, Ologbese who is also the Managing Director Managing and chief executive officer (CEO) of Ogbese Marine Services Limited stated that the service had been targeting generating higher revenue into the central till for years. He expressed delight that the
men who made the feat possible by their dedication to their statutory roles and responsibilities. Besides the officers and men who made it happen, he attributed the milestone attained by the service to the focus of its personnel and adequate preparation by the Customs High Command. His words: “You will recall that some few months ago, the Nigeria Customs Service Zonal Co-ordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG) A. M. Dahiru started preparing the minds of Customs Area Controllers and other personnel to work hard to surprise the CGC. He enjoined them to work harder and block all revenue leakages in the system thereby generating higher revenue. “It was not only ACG Dahiru, ACG Abbey and the ICT ACG in Customs College, Ikeja also rubbed minds in addressing the challenges facing the speedy clearance of goods at Nigeria’s second busiest port, Tin Can Island Port Complex, Apapa, Lagos. The meetings and brainstorming was also aimed at maximising revenue generation in the wake of the imminent upgrade into NICI II. Surprisingly their efforts yielded good results and that is the secret behind the N100 billion the service made in May alone which the CGC is now celebrating�.
I, formerly known as CHIMAEZE CHIMEZIE SUNDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as IHIRIRUWON EMUOWO FELIX. All former documents remain valid. General Public I, formerly known as ILIRUWO FELIX EMUOWO, now wish to be known and addressed as CHIMAEZE MARIO SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank, Nigerian /žžĹ?Ĺ?ĆŒÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ ^ÄžĆŒÇ€Ĺ?Ä?Ğ͕ and the general Public take note.
I, formerly known as IKENATA MERCY. EBERE... , now wish to be known and addressed as AJAGBA CHIDI MERCY. All former documents remain valid. General Public take note. I, formerly known as MISS LADI I. KAMALU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. LADI I. ISONG. All former documents remain valid. General Public take note. I, formerly known as AJAYI BABATUNDE ADEWALE, now wish to be known and addressed as AJAYI BABATUNDE EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. General Public take note. I, formerly known as OLATUNJI, OLUWASEGUN OLAWALE M, now wish to be known and addressed as OLATUNJI, MICHAEL SEGUN. All former documents remain valid. General Public take note. I, formerly known and addressed as D/^^ K' / Íł :/ Kz CAROLYNE EDEMEME ABIODUN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEKEYE CAROLYNE EDEMEME ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.
I, formerly known and addressed as AYOTUNDE MICHAEL BAIYEWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MICHAEL AYO POUNDS. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.
CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, OLUWATIMILEHIN OMITADE is the same person as O LU WAT I M I L E H I N OMTADE OJO. All former document remain valid, the general public should please take note.
vacated, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, who he noted parades himself as chairman could not be recognised as such by the party’s national arm. The acting chairman noted: “As can be seen, all the issues agitated in the Court of Appeal culminating in the ruling now being used to hoodwink members of the public, relate to and concern only the May 11, 2018 order and not the May 30 2018 order. The party itself cancelled the congresses held after that day even before the mandatory order. “The honourable Court of Appeal after hearing all the parties, refused to stay proceedings of the matter in the lower court and granted the prayer to stay of execution of the order of May 11, 2018. Nothing was said of the of the May 30 mandatory order of injunction as it was not part of the proceedings of the Court of Appeal.
CHANGE OF NAME
I formerly known as JESUNEYE GRACE ADEOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL GRACE ADEOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as IJEOMA MARGARET OKAFOR, now wish to be known and addressed as IJEOMA MARGARET EJELONU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I, formerly known and addressed as JOHN DESTINY, now wish to be known and addressed as JOHN GODWIN ANAYO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.
I, formerly known and addressed as OKEM ELIZABETH EMOJI, now wish to be known and addressed as IDIEGE ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I, formerly known and addressed as OKERENTIE JOLOMI ADEWALE, now wish to be known and addressed as OKERENTIE JONATHAN ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I, formerly known and addressed as ILIRUWO FELIX EMUOWO, now wish to be known and addressed as IHIRIRUWON EMUOWO FELIX. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I, formerly known and addressed as CHIMAEZE CHIMEZIE SUNDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as CHIMAEZE MARIO SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. ARINOLA FELICIA ODUMBO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ARINOLA FELICIA ADENIYE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I, formerly known and addressed as OLUWAKEMI ADERIOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as TEMITOPE OJO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.
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Reverend Father Obinna to Okorocha “Those who know Okorocha should advise him that we are not in a military regime, even though it looks as if we are still under military dictatorship in Nigeria.” – The Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Rev. Anthony Obinna, protesting alleged moves by Governor Rochas Okorocha to compel civil servants to stage a solidarity march in support of his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu’s governorship ambition.
PENDULUM DELE MOMODU
dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com
Will APC Survive its Self-Induced Hurricane Today?
F
ellow Nigerians, please, allow me to put it the way the late cerebral politician and legal luminary, Chief Bola Ige - former Governor of Oyo State in the Second Republic, former Minister for Power and Steel and later, Attorney-General and Minister Justice under President Olusegun Obasanjo - also known as the Cicero of Esa Oke, would have described it: “today may be a day of the long knives within the ruling party, All Progressives Congress, APC”. The problem will not be with filling the various positions which exist on the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ruling Party, but with the way and manner in which those positions will be filled, especially those factions of the Party that will benefit and those who will not. The position is that barring any unforetold and unforeseen earthquake of monumental proportions, which is very remote indeed, my former Governor from Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, will be crowned as the new National Chairman of APC. His coronation has become a procession and is now going to be no more than a mere formality because there is not a single challenger that can withstand the blistering and overwhelming support my dear Brother commands within the rank and file of his party, and his erstwhile challengers, the last being former Governor of Cross River State in the Third Republic, Clement Ebri, have now come to that realisation and thrown in the towel. I take this opportunity to congratulate Comrade Adams selection on his unopposed and unanimous nomination and election as the next Chairman of APC. I also congratulate all other members of the NEC who will be elected or returned unopposed into various positions in the NEC. I wish them all the very best, especially because the task before them is not an easy one. The Party has imminent elections to fight, but all is not well as there are many disgruntled elements wishing to be heard as to the direction the party should take and their concerns and protests are simply being waved aside. How the Oshiomole led NEC deals with this grave issue will be the litmus test of the new Executive and may well determine whether it will be boom or gloom and doom for the party at the next polls. History is very strange and dramatic. Comrade Oshiomhole is set to take over from another great man from our dear beloved Edo State, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, a former Governor of the State like Comrade Adams, and a leading light in the fight for democracy in Nigeria, which led him into forced exile in England. A perfect gentleman, Chief Oyegun led the All Progressive Congress to victory in 2015 ensuring that he achieved the
Oyegun
first of leading an opposition Party to victory in Nigeria. However, since then he has had to fight an endless war of attrition and rebellion inside his own party. His first real test came with the Party’s failure to manage election, or shall I say selection, for the leadership of the National Assembly culminating in the debacle which led to the People’s Democratic Party’s, Ike Ekweremadu, being elected as Deputy Senate President. Oyegun’s unflinching and unyielding loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari brought him into frontal collision with those within the party who felt that he did not protect them at all against the onslaught from the Presidency. There was also a time the party was having problems with a major pillar of its success in 2015, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was supposed to be one of his solid backers in the past. Oyegun’s position at that time was considered a betrayal of Tinubu who had expected that his support and assistance to Oyegun in times gone past had not been repaid. His loyalty therefore became an albatross which he couldn’t shake off easily. Oyegun had wanted an extension of his tenure as Chairman of APC’s NEC, but he soon found that he could not count on the support of President Buhari. Try as he may to get the backing of the President on this issue he found out that he was only meeting with an immovable force, a concrete brick wall in the President. Indeed, the President was later to practically decree that the NEC should be dissolved and fresh elections conducted to fill the vacant positions. Oyegun threw his hat into the ring but soon found out that he did not have the
support of the Presidency, although this remained an unspoken, but open secret. In consequence, Oyegun withdrew from the Chairmanship race and slunk into a corner to sulk and lick his real and festering open wound! Well, having practically disposed of its Chairmanship palaver, the bickering, intrigues and betrayals all end today, as a new chapter is opened in the party. According to impeccable sources, the party wants to make a clean sweep and start today and reject any candidate suspected to be coming from the camp of perceived renegades. And if the truth be told, there are many of such rebellious elements within the ruling party. Their disaffection and the damage that could be caused if the situation is not properly managed has been much chronicled by many people, including myself, but the party seems adamant on having its way. For me, this is the crux of the matter. APC must tread softly, softly, lest it repeats the mistakes of the leadership of its immediate predecessor in government, PDP, which fought so much, on many fronts, till the centre could no longer hold and mere anarchy was loosed upon its fold. At that time, PDP was cock sure that those who wished to quit the party were free to go. My advice is that APC should not abandon its reconciliation moves no matter the magnitude of the problems and attendant confusion at the moment. The party still has in its favour, the fact that the perception of the generality of Nigerians is that notwithstanding its fumbles, wobbles and stumbles, the party is still a more trustworthy party than the PDP because of the unrivalled pillaging of the country which took place in the 16 years of PDP misrule. However, if the problems within the APC community continues unchecked it is not unlikely that people get irritated and frustrated that the party is unable to put its house in order and may start seriously considering alternatives, including the much-maligned PDP. For this reason, the party must remember that there are general elections in less than nine months and so it has little time to restore order amongst its ranks. The party cannot afford to be complacent. Whilst there is no doubt that the party won a convincing victory in the 2015 elections, the margin of victory and the number of those who apparently exhibited voter apathy and abstained from voting at the elections should be a veritable source of concern to the party. Indeed, had PDP gotten anything close to the number of voters in the South South and South East, and to a lesser extent the South West, that voted for it in 2015, it would easily have won the Presidential elections. A brief recap shows that in 2011, PDP
and its candidate, President Jonathan, won almost 22 and a half million votes, with a considerable chunk coming from the South South and South East, whilst CPC and its candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, won just about 12 and a quarter million votes. The candidate for AC, Nuhu Ribadu, the former anti-corruption Czar won just over 2 million votes. If one adds up the progressive votes of CPC and AC, which were the votes of the opposition at the time, the total comes to about 14 and a half million votes. The total votes cast in that election was about 38 million votes and the margin of victory over the opposition was about 8 million votes. In the 2015 elections, President Buhari and the ruling APC, which was an amalgamation of CPC, AC and the new PDP as the major parties, could only manage just under 15 and a half million votes. In effect this was just one million more votes than the opposition had garnered in the 2011 elections. On the other hand, PDP could only muster just under 13 million votes. The margin of victory was only just over two and a half million votes. As can be seen, it was not therefore that the opposition gained a lot of votes as much as that PDP lost almost 10 million votes which was a clear sign of how badly it was perceived by the people who decided that they would not vote for it. Thus, the numbers must therefore add up or APC may die a premature death as the ruling party. I’m sure PDP is yet to fully recover from the cataclysmic fall it suffered in 2015. This was how it started like a joke. I have watched in utter dismay how some party chieftains have been boasting that they will win elections no matter how many people abandon the party. It may turn out to be much more complex than they envisage. Some of those being suspected of anti-party activities include the Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, The Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, Governor Waziri Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State, Dr Samuel Ioraer Ortom of Benue State and several others. Of course, there has been no love lost between their different camps. It seems the main apparatchik never trusted most of those who joined APC from PDP. They’ve been treated like second class citizens. All efforts to reconcile the party have failed so far. If the APC loses only some of the votes that this group commands it is clear that its wafer thin majority may disappear and so will its government, bad PDP or not. That is a chilling prospect for APC to consider when it decides to share the spoils of victory at its National convention today.
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