20122019 - Malabu, P&ID: Adoke returns, arrested by EFCC

MINIMUM WAGE: 

You can't give us Dec 31 

deadline, Govs tell NLC 

MONEY LAUNDERING: 

22 ex-govs, many 

senators under 

probe —AGF 

FG to distribute N10bn Trader Moni loan in 2020 

8 

8 

19 

VOL. 26: NO. 63966 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019 

Malabu, P&ID: Adoke 

returns, arrested by EFCC 

•International Passport seized, detained at Idiagbon House, Wuse 2 

•To be quizzed by crack operatives on Malabu, $850m pay to P&ID 

•I’ve not been briefed about Ex-AGF, Adoke’s return to Nigeria—Malami 

•My client returned voluntarily, Ozekhome insists 

ACT FOUNDATION VISITS ACCESS BANK 

5 

NEC to 

take N2trn 

Pension 

Fund for 

road, 

power 

er, , rail 

projects 

9 

From left, Victor Etuokwu, board member, Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation; Osayi Alile, CEO, Tunde Folawiyo, Chairman, 

ACT Foundation; Herbert Wigwe, GMD/CEO, Access Bank Plc; Omobola Johnson, board member, ACT Foundation, and Clare Omatseye, 

board member, ACT Foundation, during the foundation’s courtesy visit to Access Bank Plc yesterday in Lagos. 

35 CSOs want 

Emir Sanusi 

dethroned 

— GANDUJE 

Controversy, as 

Buhari orders rejig 

of NDDC board 

9 

12 

COURTESY VISIT—From left, Felix Awogu, Executive Head, OB and Studio, 

SuperSport; Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sport Development; John 

Ugbe, Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria and Caroline Oghuma, 

Executive Head, Corporate Affairs, MultiChoice Nigeria, during a courtesy 

visit to the Minister in Abuja, yesterday. 

CONVERSATION WITH AZU 

27 

OWEI LAKEMFA 

31 

Naira 

depreciates to 

N363.96/$ in 

I&E window 41 

Mr & Mrs

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019 — 3


vanguardnews @vanguardnews @vanguardnews 

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019 — 5 

POCKET CARTOON 

INAUGURATION —From left: Chief of Administration, Nigerian Air Force 

(NAF), AVM Kingsley Lar; Commander, 053 NAF Camp, AVM Abubakar 

Yusuf; Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar; and the Minister 

of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi (M), during the inauguration 

of the blocks of flats to serve as accommodation for Air Force officers, at the 

Nigerian Air Force Base, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, in 

Abuja, yesterday 

Malabu, P&ID: 

Adoke returns, 

arrested by EFCC 

•International Passport seized, detained at Idiagbon House, Wuse 2 

•To be quizzed by crack operatives on Malabu, $850m pay to P&ID 

•Charges to be amended 

•I’ve not been briefed about Ex-AGF, Adoke’s return to Nigeria—Malami 

•My client returned voluntarily, Ozekhome insists 

By Soni Daniel, 

Northern Region 

Editor & Ikechukwu 

Nnochiri 

ABUJA— The trial 

of former Justice 

Minister, 

Mohammed Adoke, over 

his role in the $1.3 billion 

Malabu Oil scandal may 

begin any moment from 

now, following his arrival 

in Nigeria yesterday. 

Adoke, who arrived 

aboard an Emirates 

Boeing 777-300ER flight 

from the United Arab 

Emirates, UAE, where he 

had been detained by the 

International Police 

Organisation, Interpol, 

based on arrest warrant 

obtained by the EFCC, 

touched down at the 

Nnamdi Azikiwe 

International Airport, 

Abuja, at 3:45pm. 

However, Attorney- 

General of the Federation 

& Minister of Justice, 

Abubakar Malami, SAN, 

said yesterday he has not 

been notified of the return 

of Adoke from Dubai. 

But Security sources 

said Adoke was handed 

over to the EFCC Director 

of Operations and a 

Nigerian Interpol 

representative at the 

airport by a three-man 

Dubai Interpol delegation 

that accompanied him to 

Nigeria. 

The former minister, 

who spotted a white caftan 

and white cap and a pair 

of black sandals to match, 

was immediately 

surrounded by hordes of 

Economic and Financial 

Crimes Commission 

operatives who had been 

monitoring his movement 

from the Middle-East. 

The EFCC operatives, 

thereafter, seized Adoke’s 

passport and took him in 

their vehicle as he 

stepped out of the aircraft. 

He was calm and 

unruffled all through the 

operation, wearing a 

safety mask. 

The EFCC officials 

drove the former minister 

to Formella Street in Wuse 

2 and detained him at 

Idiagbon House, where its 

high calibre suspects are 

usually detained and 

questioned. 

A top source confirmed 

to Vanguard that Adoke 

would be quizzed by its 

crack team of investigators 

over the Malabu oil deal, 

in connection with the 

latest scam on Process 

and Industrial 

Development over which 

Nigeria had been levied 

$9.6 billion by a British 

court. 

“The source said: “Our 

agents want to know from 

Adoke why he wrote the 

controversial memo 

asking former President 

Jonathan to pay $850 

million as final settlement 

to P&ID. 

“Don’t forget that 

President Jonathan 

declined to pay such 

money and referred the 

payment to President 

Muhammadu Buhari, 

whose administration is 

now being confronted 

with $9.6 billion fine.’’ 

How Adoke 

returned 

Although initial reports 

by two online sites had 

claimed that Adoke left 

Dubai ‘voluntarily’ to 

return to Nigeria, credible 

sources confirmed to 

Vanguard that the former 

minister was actually 

escorted to Nigeria by 

some Interpol officials, 

based on an 

understanding between 

him and EFCC on one 

hand, and the Interpol in 

Dubai on another hand. 

Under the gentleman 

agreement, Adoke agreed 

to return to Nigeria and 

report to the EFCC in 

relation to the charges it 

filed against him, while 

Interpol would not put 

him on trial in the UAE 

as was initially 

contemplated. 

"Following series of 

meetings between EFCC 

boss and Dubai 

authorities, Adoke had 

departed Dubai for 

Nigeria. 

“The ex-AGF left Dubai, 

following pressure from 

EFCC. He is being 

accompanied by Interpol 

officers on Emirates 

Airlines Flight 785. The 

aircraft departed the 

Emirate commercial 

capital at about 11am 

Dubai time (8am Nigerian 

time). He is expected to 

“arrive Abuja at about 

3:40 pm. 

“The commission will 

take necessary action on 

his arrival and the ex-AGF 

will surely have his day 

in court,” an EFCC official 

said earlier yesterday. 

Adoke, who was 

arrested and detained by 

Interpol in Dubai on 

November 12, 2019, had 

been confronted with 

conspiracy, official 

corruption and money 

laundering charges. 

He, therefore, 

volunteered a terse 

statement at the Dubai 

Police Headquarters, 

details of his Nigerian 

Passport with No. A 

50003465 were booked 

and was issued with a 

local No. 83625777 by 

Interpol. 

The former minister was 

also made to sign an 

undertaking which he 

wrote thus: “I would go to 

Continues on Page 41 

By Bose Adelaja, 

Olayinka Latona & 

Echewodo Jane 

On plan to renovate National Assembly complex with N37billion 

WE don’t have to 

be partisan about 

this issue. It is 

abysmally shameful and 

unheard of to spend 

such an outrageous 

amount of money just for 

the renovation of an 

already existing 

building. There is a 

need for total reviewing 

of that dreadful attempt 

of baseless spendind. 

—Oyewole Olaide, 

Analyst 

DESPITE 

the 

pressing issues at 

hand, renovation of the 

National Assembly 

complex is what they are 

concerned about and with 

such a huge amount of 

money. The money can 

be used for something 

resourceful. People are 

suffering, our economy is 

bad and what they deem 

fit to do is to renovate a 

complex. What a joke. 

—Muheez Adebayo, 

Writer. 

It must be a serious 

joke. How on earth 

will that happen when 

majority of Nigerians are 

still being ravished by 

poverty. That money is 

enough to fix Nigeria’s 

infrastructural and 

economic problems. 

That money if invested 

in the education sector 

can solve many of 

challenge in the sector. 

Mrs. Alatise 

Olubunmi. Teacher 

THIS is the final 

confirmation of the 

fraudulent acts of the 

Buhari’s 

led 

administration. How 

would four times the 

amount used in erecting 

the building initially be 

used for renovation. This 

is a pure corrupt practice 

and measures should be 

taken to stop it. 

— B a b a l o l a 

Adetunbowale, Analyst. 

IN a country that is 

rapidly acquiring 

the reputation of the 

“poverty capital” of the 

world, why would these 

people conclude that it 

is okay to spend a 

whopping 37bn on 

some renovation of the 

National Assembly? 

How much does it cost 

to build a new one? God 

help Nigeria. 

— S e m i l o r e 

Afolayanka, Analyst 

THE N37 billion that 

will go for the 

renovation of the National 

Assembly Complex at the 

current Nigeria’s economic 

situation is suicidal. It is not 

only suicidal but a lack of 

creative thinking also. In my 

opinion the money is too 

high and it should be 

resisted and rejected. The 

money should be used to 

execute project that will 

benefit the people. 

-Chinyere Afolabi, 

Businesswoman

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019 

Man jailed 

one year for 

stealing 

chicken 

AN Upper Area Court sitting 

in Kasuwan Nama 

in Jos, yesterday, sentenced 

a 22-year-old-trader, Yusuf 

Musa, to one-year imprisonment 

for stealing chicken. 

The judge, Yahaya Mohammed, 

sentenced Mr. 

Musa after he pleaded guilty 

to stealing the chicken. 

Mohammed, however, 

gave the convict an option of 

N10,000 fine. 

He said the judgement 

would serve as a deterrent to 

those, who would want to indulge 

in such an act of stealing. 

Earlier, the prosecutor, Ibrahim 

Gokwat, told the court 

that the case was reported on 

December 15 at the Laranto 

Police Station by Steven Pam 

of Lomak Street, Laranto area 

in Jos, who was the complainant. 

The prosecutor alleged that 

the chickens were crying out 

and when the owner went out 

to check on them, he saw the 

convict and his friend now at 

large with the chicken in 

their hands. 

“The owner shouted and 

they dropped the chicken 

and ran away, but neighbours 

ran after them and caught one 

of them,” Gokwat said. 

On arraignment, the accused 

pleaded guilty and 

begged the court for leniency. 

The prosecutor said the offence 

contravened Sections 

58 and 272 of Plateau State 

Penal Code Law. 

FOR AUTISM: A funfair tagged Merry Little Party for autism children by Irebamibo Pearl Centre of Hope, an autism 

foundation, and the Service Director, Dr. Olayinka-Aliu, in Lagos. 

Missing boy in Ondo church: 

Police arrest 10 suspected arsonists 

•...recover looted property, prevent razing General Overseer’s house 

By Dayo Johnson 

AKURE—NO fewer than 

10 suspected arsonists 

have been arrested by police detectives 

in Ondo State over 

Wednesday’s burning of the 

Sotitobire Miracle Centre, 

Akure, where a one-year-old 

boy, Gold Kolawole, was kidnapped 

a month ago. 

Reports had it that two policemen 

and three other persons 

died during the clash between 

police and the youths, who 

razed the church. 

But the state police command 

confirmed that only three persons 

died including a policeman, 

while another policeman 

was critically injured. 

Communal conflict claims many lives in 

Cross River 

By Emma Una 

CALABAR—AN 

early 

morning communal 

clash between neighbouring 

communities of Ebom and 

Usumutong in Abi Local Government 

Area of the state, yesterday, 

reportedly claimed 

many lives with some houses 

razed. 

An eyewitness, Ukirebi, said 

skirmishes started yesterday at 

about 5 am with heavy and sophisticated 

weapons freely used 

by both sides in the fight. 

Another source in the area 

which prefers anonymity said 

the attack was the handiwork 

of the people of Ebijakara, an 

aggrieved community which 

was sacked by their Ebom 

neighbours in 2005. 

“The attack was launched by 

Ebijajara people and unless 

the government takes the initiative 

of resettling these people, 

it will be difficult to put 

paid to these recurring conflicts 

in the area.” 

In December 2018, there was 

an incident like this where the 

palace of the traditional ruler of 

the place, Solomon Osim Edward, 

and the country home of 

his brother, Air Vice Marshal 

Eko Osim, retired, were razed. 

Cross River State Police 

Commissioner, Nse Akpan 

pect, who has seventeen children 

from different women, was 

arrested following a complaint 

from the mother of the 16-yearold 

victim, who reported at 

Ewekoro police station. 

The woman said that her 

daughter, who has been living 

with her ex-husband, informed 

her that she was impregnated 

by her father, who also took her 

to a quack medical practitioner 

for abortion. 

The victim’s mother also explained 

that since the abortion 

was carried out, the victim has 

been bleeding. 

Vanguard gathered that the 

suspects that were arrested 

equally looted the property of 

the General Overseer of the 

church, Prophet Babatunde 

Alfa, who is currently in the 

custody of the DSS, after they 

razed the church. 

It was gathered that after ensuring 

that the church was 

razed to its foundation, the riotous 

youths marched to his 

Oda residence where they damaged 

the building, vehicles and 

looted his properties. 

Recall that some irate youths 

stormed the Osinle headquarters 

of the church early on 

Wednesday, following a rumour 

that the corpse of the missing 

boy was exhumed from the altar 

of the church. 

But on getting to the church, 

they met pastors of the church 

holding a church programme. 

An argument ensued and the 

youths accused the church leaders 

of not being remorseful 

about the case of the missing 

boy. 

The youths thereafter attacked 

the church while the policemen 

deployed to the church to quell 

the uprising were equally attacked 

leading to the number 

of the casualties recorded. 

Speaking with Vanguard, the 

command’s spokesperson, Femi 

Joseph, said: ”Investigation is 

ongoing and I can assure you 

that any person linked with the 

incident won’t be spared. 

“Yesterday, we were able to 

arrest 10 persons and they are 

in our custody. We also intercepted 

a vehicle carrying some 

of the properties looted from the 

pastor’s house. The police were 

able to protect the pastor’s 

house from been set ablaze, but 

some of his properties were 

looted and some of his cars 

were damaged but the cars 

have been moved to state CID.” 

He confirmed the death of a 

I had sex with my daughter several times 

— Man who impregnated daughter reveals 

By Esther Onyegbula 

A42-year-old man Taofeek 

Oyeyemi, who is currently 

being investigated by operatives 

of Ogun State Police Command 

for impregnating his 

teenage daughter, has revealed 

that he slept with his daughter 

several times. 

According to Oyeyemi, “I 

have slept with my daughter 

several times, as a result, she 

got pregnant. In order for my 

secret not to be exposed, I decided 

to take her for abortion. 

It was gathered that the sus- 

who confirmed the incident 

said he was out of the state 

and did not have the figure of 

those killed so far and a number 

of houses razed. 

He called for dialogue to resolve 

the perennial conflicts 

among warring communities 

in the state. 

Sequel to the report, the DPO 

Ewekoro division, SP Rotimi 

Jeje, detailed his JWC section 

to go after the suspect and he 

was eventually arrested. 

Confirming the arrest, the 

Spokesperson Ogun State Police 

Command DSP Abimbola 

Oyeyemi, said that the Commissioner 

of Police, Kenneth 

Ebrimson, has directed that the 

suspect be transferred to Anti- 

Human trafficking and child 

labour Unit of the State criminal 

investigation and intelligence 

department for further investigation 

and prosecution. 

Police Sergeant and two other 

civilians, noting that another 

Police was critically injured and 

on admission in the hospital. 

He appealed to residents of 

Akure to be law-abiding citizens 

and detach themselves from any 

unlawful act capable of putting 

them in trouble. 

Joseph said they would soon 

be charged to court after thorough 

interrogation. 

Meanwhile, the state police 

command has apologised to the 

three journalists that were manhandled 

by policemen during 

the clash with the youths. 

The command’s spokesperson 

said: “I want to sincerely and 

profusely apologize on behalf 

of the command.” 

Woman, 40, 

in court over 

alleged theft of 

WAEC result 

ROSE Okeke, 40, who al 

legedly stole the original 

copy of a candidate’s result 

from the West African Examinations 

Council, WAEC, office 

appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ 

Court, yesterday. 

Okeke, whose address was 

not provided, is facing a threecount 

charge of stealing, forgery 

and conspiracy, to which 

she pleaded not guilty. 

The prosecutor, Insp. Evelyn 

Ehiemua, told the court that the 

defendant committed the offences 

with some others still at 

large on December 3, at the 

WAEC Office, Ogba, Lagos. 

Ehiemua said the defendant 

and others who are currently 

at large stole the original copy 

of the WAEC result belonging 

to Miss Adijat Ajiboye and presented 

it as hers. 

Ehiemua said that the offence 

contravened Sections 

287, 365 and 411 of the Criminal 

Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019 —7 

Abductors of C’River NLC 

Chairman demand 20m 

By Ike Uchechukwu & 

James Ogunnaike 

THE kidnappers of Nigeria 

Labour Congress, NLC, 

Chairman in Cross River, Ben 

Ukpepi, have reportedly 

reached out to his family members 

demanding N20 million 

ransom before his release. 

A family source, who disclosed 

that the wife was contacted 24 

hours after his abduction Tuesday 

from his residence, added 

that the family members are 

praying fervently for his safe 

release. 

The source said: “We can only 

have faith in God for his safe 

return. They have spoken to 

the wife this afternoon (yesterday) 

using the victim’s phone. 

“They demanded that N20 

million should be paid before 

he can be released. I don’t 

know how this can be possible 

because he doesn’t have such 

money anywhere. 

“He was the one who spoke 

to us as they used his phone to 

make the call, which was put 

on speaker.” 

Meanwhile, Chairman of Labour 

Party in Ogun State, Abayomi 

Arabambi, narrowly escaped 

death yesterday in 

Abeokuta, as he was attacked 

by suspected robbers. 

It was gathered that Arabambi, 

yesterday afternoon, had 

gone to make some cash withdrawals 

at a commercial bank 

in Oke-Ilewo area of Abeokuta 

when he was attacked. 

Delta community denies involvement 

in lawmaker’s kidnap, guard’s death 

THE kidnap of a lawmaker, 

Evans Akponana, and the 

killing of security guard have 

continue to generate ripples in 

Afiesere community, Ughelli 

North Local Government Area of 

Delta State, as the community is 

washing off its hands from the 

incident. 

President of Afiesere 

community, Mr. Victor 

Otumemine, who spoke to 

newsmen at the community town 

hall through the Public Relations 

Officer, Mr. Precious Orichadere, 

said the kidnap of Evans 

Akponana and the killing of his 

security guard had nothing to do 

with community constitution and 

opening of bank account as being 

speculated. 

Orichadere noted that while the 

community expressed deep 

concern over the kidnap of 

Akponana and killing of his 

guard, explained that the 

community leadership alerted 

security agents when he was 

kidnapped and have been making 

frantic efforts on his release, and 

that it was wrong for anybody to 

now link the kidnap issue to that 

of community constitution and 

opening of bank account. 

Speaking further, the PRO 

said: “The issue we are having 

in the community is all about 

whether the community has 

constitution or not and the issue 

of opening of community account. 

“But we were surprised how 

this was linked to the issue of 

kidnap and killing being 

perpetrated by some persons to 

cause crises in the community. 

“The same people, who are 

behind the peace meeting, 

summoned the community to B. 

Divisional Police State, Agbarha- 

Otor, Ughelli North Council 

Chairman and to the Office of 

Special Adviser to the Delta 

Government on Peace Building 

and Conflict Resolution and they 

By Chinonso Alozie 

O WERRI—GOVERNOR 

Emeka Ihedioha of Imo 

State has reinstated Eze Cletus 

Illomuanya, who was dethroned 

by the immediate past 

government of Rochas 

Okorocha. 

Ihedioha, through his Chief 

Press Secretary, Chibuike 

Onyeukwu, in a statement in 

Owerri, said his action was based 

on a legal advice. 

According to the statement, 

He said when he left the 

bank, “I suspected that some 

people were following me on 

the bike, but I took low interest 

in them. When we came out 

from a meeting, and to our surprise, 

we saw that the driver's 

side window glass had been 

broken and the cash I put in the 

safe stolen. 

“My fear is if I had not gone 

to where people were, and I 

was accosted on the road, imagine 

what could have happened. 

“I suspected this is more than 

robbery. But all things being 

equal, those people didn’t 

mean well for me at all, as their 

mission is more than robbery 

because my vehicle was ransacked 

with important documents 

and cash was stolen. 

all appealed to, to be calm and 

suspends all political meetings 

pending when the issue is 

resolved. 

“But we were surprised that 

despite this advice, same people 

ignored all these government 

offices and went ahead to file a 

suit at the High Court, Ughelli, 

asking the court to restrain 

companies operating in our area 

from having monetary 

transaction. 

“This could incite crises. But as 

a peace-loving community, we 

will always abide by the decision 

of those they summoned.” 

Ihedioha reinstates monarch 

Okorocha dethroned 

“Governor Emeka Ihedioha has 

approved the reinstatement of His 

Royal Highness, Eze (Dr) Cletus 

I. Ilomuanya, Obi of Obinugwu 

as the traditional ruler of 

Obinugwu Autonomous 

Community in Orlu Local 

Government Area of Imo State. 

“The governor’s directive on the 

recall of Dr. Ilomuanya, who was 

deposed during the last 

administration of Chief Rochas 

Okorocha, is sequel to the 

discontinuance of the matter in 

court and requisite legal advice.” 

... with Emma'nKen (08163121378) 

Disobedient man of the law 

And fathers don't miss 

this production slot even 

in the darkest dark 

CHARITY: Sales & Marketing Manager, Southern Sun Ikoyi, Ubong Nseobot (5th Right) with a 

cross-section of staff members, children and caregivers, during Southern Sun Ikoyi’s visit to 

donate items to Arrows of God Orphanage in Ajah in commemorating the festive season. 

He doesn't trust his 

fellow church members

8— Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019 

:Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 

PRESENTATION: Dr. Lawan Ismail (middle) presenting appointment letter and award to HRH, Alhaji 

Mohammad Haliru Dantoro (Kitoro the 4th), the Emir of Borgu Kingdom as the Chairman, Board of 

Trustees of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Foundation, in Niger State. 

Money laundering: 22 ex-govs, 

many senators under probe —AGF 

•Says FG has created central database for recovered loots 

•Insists Buhari’s anti-graft war devoid of political, ethnic sentiments 

By Ikechukwu 

Nnochiri 

ABUJA— The Attorney- 

General of the 

Federation and Minister of 

Justice, Abubakar Malami, 

SAN, said, yesterday, that 22 

former governors and many 

serving senators were 

currently being investigated 

on money laundering related 

charges. 

The AGF, who described 

President Muhammadu 

Buhari’s fight against 

corruption as total, 

comprehensive and 

dispassionate, devoid of any 

political or ethnic sentiments 

or inclination, spoke during 

a media parley he held with 

the National Association of 

Judiciary Correspondents, 

NAJUC, at the Federal 

Ministry of Justice 

headquarters in Abuja. 

Stressing that corruption 

undermines the security of any 

nation, generates huge 

economic damage and 

violates human development, 

the AGF said President 

Buhari would leave no stone 

unturned to recover wealth 

stolen from Nigeria either by 

individuals or corporate 

entities. 

He noted that three former 

governors had already been 

convicted and were currently 

serving various jail terms for 

corruption related crimes they 

committed while in office, 

adding that Economic and 

Financial Crime Commission, 

EFCC, had between 2015 

and 2019, secured conviction 

of 1, 636 persons involved in 

corruption related offences. 

Malami said: “I am 

delighted to host Judiciary 

Correspondents as part of the 

end of the year briefing on the 

monumental activities and 

historic achievements of the 

Ministry and its parastatals. 

“Occasions like this one 

serve as avenues for 

introspection and unveiling 

action plans, future projects 

and strategic initiatives for 

consolidating the Ministry’s 

drive in Justice sector 

enhancement for the 

forthcoming year and beyond. 

“The imperative of having a 

committed leadership that 

respects the rule of law and 

above all has zero tolerance to 

corruption and corrupt 

tendencies remains the 

fulcrum upon which 

development revolves. 

“Let me inform this 

gathering that corruption 

undermines the security of any 

nation, generates huge 

economic damage and violates 

human development. No 

doubt, failure to address 

corruption inhibits sustainable 

long growth which 

undermines national 

development. 

“Like the President always 

states, if we don’t make effort 

to kill corruption, corruption 

will kill us and when corrupt 

monies find haven, it will 

begin to fight back. Thus, 

Nigeria and Africa at large can 

only move forward if we resist 

corruption in all forms. 

“The present administration 

has been fighting corruption 

in all its ramified 

manifestations, including 

legislative framework, 

institutional infrastructure and 

the adoption of effective 

preventive measures against 

corruption and putting in 

place mechanisms for 

management of recovered 

stolen assets. 

“To this end, we have created 

a central database for 

recovered stolen assets, which 

is under the supervision of the 

Attorney General of the 

Federation and Minister of 

Justice." 

“The government made 

concerted efforts that see to 

the boosting of the institutions 

and agencies responsible for 

the fight against corruption: 

Ministry of Justice, 

Independent Corrupt and 

other related Offences 

Commission (ICPC), 


Crime Commission, EFCC, 

Nigerian Financial 

Intelligence Unit, NFIU, 

Code of Conduct Bureau, 

CCB, among others. 

“Nigeria has taken anticorruption 

measures in 

tackling cybercrime, money 

laundering, oil bunkering 

and false assets declaration 

among others. Pursuant to 

the Code of Conduct Act, 

Public Officers are expected 

to declare their assets 

immediately upon 

assumptions of office. 

“We have also developed 

the National Anti-Corruption 

Strategy and a guideline for 

smooth implementation of the 

strategy, which five pillars 

include: Prevention of 

Corruption, Public 

engagement, Ethical reorientation, 

Enforcement 

and sanction, and Recovery 

and management of 

proceeds of crime." 

N50bn road project fraud: Reps threaten 

sanctions, as BPP DG shuns summons 

By Tordue Salem 

ABUJA—THE House of 

Representatives has 

threatened sanctions against 

Director-General of Bureau 

of Public Procurement, BPP, 

Mr. Aliyu Mamman, for 

turning down an invitation 

from its committee to give 

details on its approval of a 

third lane for the partly 

abandoned N50 billion 

Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano 

road. 

The committee threatened 

to issue the sanctions 

yesterday, after the panel’s 

deliberation on the matter on 

Wednesday. 

Chairman of the committee, 

Abubakar Kabir Abubakar 

(APC-Works), decried the 

absence of the directorgeneral. 

He said it was 

unacceptable and a slight on 

the committee for the directorgeneral 

not to appear before 

it and not deem it fit to write 

to the committee to give 

reason for not honouring the 

invitation. 

Ikenna Elezieanya in his 

contribution, also expressed 

disappointment at the 

director-general for refusing 

to attend the meeting. 

A motion for suspension of 

the BPP D-G was moved by 

Dandutse Mohammed and 

seconded by Ari Abdul 

Mohammed, leading to an 

adjournment dine die. 

It will be recalled that the 

committee had last week, 

ordered the construction 

company, Julius Berger 

Nigeria Plc, to submit 

monthly progress reports on 

the multi-billion Naira Abuja- 

Kano, Lagos-Ibadan 

highways. 

He said Julius Berger 

confirmed to the committee 

that it had so far received 

N50, 856,044,301,27, 

representing 32 percent of the 

total. 

He noted that the progress 

of work on the project was 

currently at 26.7percent after 

18 months into the 36 month 

completion period. 

According to Abubakar, 

“the committee doubts 

strongly the capacity of Julius 

Berger Plc to deliver the 

remaining 73.3 percent in the 

next 18 months.” 

Minimum wage: You 

can't give us Dec 31 

deadline, govs tell NLC 

•Say payment’ll be based on realities of states 

•Add no state’ll pay less than N30,000 

By Henry Umoru 

THE 36 state governors 

of the federation said, 

Wednesday night, that there 

was no reason for organised 

labour to embark on strike 

later this month over the new 

minimum wage of N30,000 

recently approved by the 

Federal Government. 

Chairman of Nigerian 

Governors Forum, NGF, and 

Governor of Ekiti State, 

Kayode Fayemi, told 

journalists in Abuja that every 

governor was determined to 

continue negotiations with 

their workers. 

The Nigeria Labour 

Congress, NLC, had warned 

that it would call workers out 

on strike on December 31, if 

negotiations were not 

wrapped up on the issue. 

Fayemi said states would 

negotiate independently on 

the consequential 

implications of the new 

minimum wage. 

Assuring that governors 

would not backtrack on the 

new N30,000 minimum wage 

since it was not included in 

the communique of the 

meeting, the NGF chairman 

said the issue of payment on 

the minimum wage was 

already a settled matter, and 

that all the state governors 

had agreed to pay. 

He said further “the matter, 

which is yet to be resolved, is 

the consequential adjustment 

salary increase for other 

categories of workers.” 

Fayemi, however, said 

fingers were not equal 

because states would have to 

undertake a discussion over 

the consequential payment 

for the other levels at their 

various state governments. 

He said: “The minimum 

wage is a settled matter, and 

the governors have indicated 

without any equivocation that 

we subscribe to the act of 

parliament that has been 

passed on the national 

minimum wage of N30,000, 

there is no debate and we 

have accepted that. 

“But the negotiation thing 

is not so much about the 

minimum wage but it is about 

the consequential impact on 

the minimum wage on the 

higher level. And each state 

has started that process. If the 

Nigeria Labour Congress is 

not fully aware of the status 

of the negotiations in the 

various states, we would be 

happy to share the 

information available to us 

with them. 

“But as far as we are 

concerned, there is no 

opportunity or decision in the 

governors' forum to backtrack 

on the agreed minimum 

wage. 

“We would not do that. 

However, fingers are not 

equal, states have to negotiate 

in terms of the consequential 

implications for the other 

levels." 

“For example, there may be 

a state that is in a position to 

pay N50,000. But what we 

can tell you is that no state 

would pay less than N30, 000 

when we finally get to that 

point.’’ 

Court invasion: Senate gives 

DSS, AGF, Falana, others 24 

hrs to submit testimonies 


ABUJA— THE Senate 

has given Department 

of State Service, DSS; 

Attorney-General of the 

Federation and Minister iof 

Justice, Abubakar Malami, 

SAN; human rights activist 

and counsel to detained 

convener 

of 

#Revolutionnow 

Campaigner, Omoyele 

Sowore, Mr Femi Falana, 

24-hour ultimatum to 

submit their memoranda 

over the invasion of the 

Federal High Court, Abuja, 

by operatives of DSS. 

Also mandated to submit 

memoranda to the Senate 

panel are Executive 

Secretary of National 

Human Rights 

Commission, NHRC, Mr 

Tony Ojukwu; Office of the 

Chief Judge of Federal 

High Court and the 

presiding judge at the time 

of the alleged invasion, 

Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu. 

The order was given, 

yesterday, by Senator 

Michael Bamidele-led 

Senate Committee on 

Judiciary, Human Rights 

and Legal Matters. 

They were asked to submit 

their memoranda to the 

committee secretariat. 

Speaking, yesterday, in 

Abuja, Bamidele stated that 

the panel was unable to 

proceed with the scheduled 

investigative hearing after the 

Senate had suspended all 

activities in honour of Senator 

Benjamin Uwajumogu who 

slumped and died in Abuja 

on Wednesday. 

He said: “We are not able 

to proceed with the hearing 

because we lost one of our 

colleagues yesterday. He was 

on the floor of the Senate two 

days ago. We need to show 

concern for the departed 

soul.Therefore, avail us with 

memoranda within 24 hours. 

"We have contacted the 

office of the Chief of the High 

Court to give us perspective 

if what happened, including 

the presiding judge. We’ll like 

to have the memoranda 

before the close of work on 

Friday.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019—9 

:Vanguard 

News 

NEC to take N2trn pension fund for 

road, power, rail projects 

HEALTH TIPS 

By Sola Ogundipe 

:@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 

VISIT: From left, Special Assistant to Minister of Agriculture, Prof. Marital Safari; Minster of 

Agriculture, Alhaji Sabo Nanono; Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Patrick Akinwuntan' 

Vanguard Newspapers Conference Director, Mr Jude Ndu, and Vanguard Northern Regional Editor, 

Mr. Sony Daniel, during a visit of Ecobank and Vanguard Newspapers to the minister in Abuja, 

yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan. 

•As govs insist on community policing 

By Johnbosco 

Agbakwuru 

ABUJA —NATIONAL 

Economic Council, 

NEC, yesterday, disclosed 

plans to take N2 trillion 

Pension Fund to finance 

critical infrastructure such as 

roads, power and rail 

projects. 

This was contained in the 

interim report by the subcommittee 

set up at the 99th 

NEC meeting, which has the 

36 state governors and 

ministers with economic 

portfolios and governor of 

Central Bank of Nigeria, 

CBN, as members. 

Briefing State House 

correspondents at the end the 

100th NEC meeting 

presided over by Vice 

President Yemi Osinbajo at 

the Council Chamber, 

Presidential Villa, Abuja, the 

governor of Kebbi State, Atiku 

Bagudu, said the proposed 

plan to take N2 trillion from 

the pension funds was to 

address the infrastructure 

deficit. 

He said: “You will recall that 

at the 99th NEC meeting, the 

NEC set up a sub committee 

to see how pension funds 

can be used for infrastructure 

development as provided for 

by the Pensions Reform Act 

because up to 20 percent of 

the pensions funds under the 

current law can be used for 

infrastructure. 

“At the last NEC meeting, 

there was a review of the 

performance of the Nigerian 

Sovereign Investment 

Stopping severe bleeding 

IF you encounter 

someone with an injury 

that is bleeding, you can 

help stop the bleeding 

before the person is taken 

to the hospital. 

Start by removing any 

clothing or debris on the 

wound. Don’t remove 

large or deeply embedded 

objects. Also don’t probe the 

wound or attempt to clean 

it yet. 

The first job is to stop the 

bleeding. Before starting, 

wear disposable protective 

gloves if available. Rub 

sanitiser on your hands or 

simply wash your hands 

with soap and water. 

Place a sterile bandage or 

clean cloth on the wound. 

Press the bandage firmly 

with your palm to control 

bleeding. Apply constant 

pressure until the bleeding 

stops. 

Maintain pressure by 

binding the wound with a 

thick bandage or a piece of 

clean cloth. Avoid putting 

direct pressure on an eye 

injury or embedded object. 

Secure the bandage with 

adhesive tape or continue 

to maintain pressure with 

your hands. If possible, 

raise an injured limb above 

the level of the heart. 

Help the injured person 

lie down. If possible, place 

the person on a rug or 

blanket. 

Don’t remove the gauze 

or bandage. If the bleeding 

seeps through, add another 

bandage on top of it and 

keep pressing firmly on the 

area. 

A tourniquet is effective 

in controlling lifethreatening 

bleeding from 

a limb. However, apply a 

tourniquet only if you are 

trained in how to do so. 

Immobilise the injured 

body part as much as 

possible. Leave the 

bandages in place and get 

the injured person to the 

hospital as soon as possible. 

Authority and we are all 

impressed about experience 

they had gained in the last 

few years and their 

performance. 

‘’It was decided that a 

committee be set up on how 

we can leverage on that 

performance to create a 

platform where pension 

funds can be used for 

infrastructure development in 

a safe manner, so that there 

will be long term returns for 

the pension funds, while also 

helping to build Nigeria’s 

infrastructure. 

“So, today (yesterday), the 

sub-committee presented an 

interim report where they 

advised on some of the issues 

that came up while 

deliberating. 

‘’Of particular note was that 

other countries, including 

South Africa, Saudi Arabia 

and other, have been using 

their pension funds and 

sovereign wealth authorities 

investment process to create 

platform for development. 

“So, the committee reported 

and identified potential road 

infrastructure in the power, 

rail sectors that can be funded 

through this mechanism. 

“They noted that this year’s 

budget, for example, has 

N169 billion for roads across 

the federation and it is grossly 

inadequate. But with this 

mechanism, maybe up to N2 

trillion can be accessed and 

leverage on." 

Community policing 

On his part, Governor 

Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos 

State said governors 

emphasised that community 

policing was important and 

could be used to create 

employment. 

He said: “Part of the 

consideration today 

(yesterday) was on NEC 

committee for security and 

policing. This was a 

committee that was headed 

by the governor of Ekiti State 

and it has other governors, 

the Inspector General of 

Police, the National Security 

Adviser, Chief of Defence 

Staff and other senior security 

operatives. 

“At the end of the committee 

deliberations and 

presentation, the council was 

informed that the security 

situation in the country has 

tremendously improved and 

we have seen improved 

zonal collaboration meetings 

with the various zones in the 

country. 

“It was also further 

emphasized that community 

policing is important which 

we see as other arm that 

would help us reduce 

incidents of youth 

unemployment because we 

believe that the programme 

too could be used to align 

with the employment of our 

youths.” 

35 CSOs want Emir Sanusi dethroned 

— Ganduje 

THE governor of Kano 

State, Abdullahi Ganduje, 

said yesterday he has 

received a letter from 35 civil 

society organisations, CSOs, 

calling for the immediate 

dethronement of the Emir of 

Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, 

for disobedience to 

constituted authority. 

Ganduje’s spokesperson, 

Abba Anwar, said in a 

statement that the CSOs in a 

letter written to the governor, 

were concerned that Emir 

Sanusi was making efforts 

to create a state within a state. 

Anwar did not list the 35 

CSOs but said their request 

was signed by Ibrahim Ali, 

who he described as 

chairman of the coalition. 

Ganduje had sought to 

whittle down the influence of 

the Emir by creating four new 

emirates and appointing firstclass 

emirs for them. 

Before the new law was put 

in place, the emir of Kano was 

the only first-class emir in the 

state. 

Ganduje has defended his 

action, saying it was in 

meeting with the popular 

demand of residents of the 

state. 

Anwar did not, however, 

NJC okays appointment 

of 6 heads of courts, 

26 new judges 

By Ikechukwu 

Nnochiri 

ABUJA—THE National 

Judicial Council, NJC, 

said it has recommended 

the appointment of six 

heads of courts and 26 

judicial officers for various 

state high courts. 

The legal body, in a 

statement by its Director of 

Information, Mr. Soji Oye, 

said it also recommended 

the appointment of a Kadi 

for the Sharia Court of 

Appeal. 

The council, which is 

headed by the Chief 

Justice of Nigeria, CJN, 

Justice Tanko Muhammad, 

said it had at the end of a 

two-day meeting that 

ended on Wednesday, 

considered a list of 

candidates presented by its 

interview committee. 

It resolved to recommend 

to the governors of 

Anambra, Kebbi, Cross 

River, Zamfara, Ogun, 

Osun, Rivers, Imo, Sokoto, 

Ekiti and Niger states 33 

successful candidates for 

appointment as heads of 

courts and other judicial 

officers in Nigeria. 

According to the 

statement, those the NJC 

okayed their appointment 

IPPIS: Make names of lecturers 

who enrolled public, ASUU 

challenges FG 

By Adesina 

Wahab 

THE Academic Staff Union 

of Universities, ASUU, 

has challenged the Federal 

Government to make public 

names of 8,000 university 

lecturers it claimed enrolled 

in the Integrated Personnel 

and Payroll Information 

System, IPPIS, if the 

government is sure of its facts. 

Chairman, University of 

Lagos, UNILAG, chapter of 

ASUU, Dr Dele Ashiru, threw 

the challenge, yesterday, in 

a chat with Vanguard. 

Ashiru, who was reacting 

to the claim by the Federal 

Government that of the over 

90,000 university workers 

indicate if the governor would 

commence the process to 

dethrone Sanusi and when 

that would happen. 

The governor’s aide quoted 

the CSOs’ letter as saying: 

‘’Governor Abdullahi Umar 

Ganduje of Kano State has 

received a letter from a 

coalition of 35 civil society 

groups urging him to, in the 

interest of protecting the 

sanctity of the rule of law, and 

the mandate given to him by 

Kano electorate, as a matter 

of urgency, start the process 

of dethroning the Emir of 

Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi 

II." 

as chief judge include 

Justice Onochie 

Anyachebelu (Anambra 

State), Justice Mohammed 

Suleiman Ambursa 

(Kebbi), and Justice Akon 

Bassey Ikpeme (Cross 

River). 

Other recommendations 

are: Hon. Kadi Umaru Gusau 

as Grand Kadi, Zamfara State 

Sharia Court of Appeal, Hon. 

Justice Mobolaji Ayodele Ojo 

as President, Customary 

Court of Appeal, Ogun State, 

) and Hon. Justice Foluke 

Eunice Awolalu, President, 

Customary Court of Appeal, 

Osun State 

The council recommended 

the appointment of Stephens 

Dirialakeibama Jumbo, 

Chuku Mark Onyema, 

Ngbor-Abina Lemea and 

Fibresima Florence Atili, as 

four new Judges of Rivers 

State High Court of Justice. 

It recommended 

Olufunmilayo Stanley and 

Olukemi Yetunde Oresanya 

as Judges of Osun State 

High Court of Justice, 

Onyeka Ifeanyichukwu, 

Leweanya Kechinyere., 

Victoria Isiguzo, Vivian 

Ekezie, Eze Eke, Ihuoma 

Chukwunyere and 

Ibeawuchi Chinyere as 

Judges of Imo State High 

Court of Justice. 

captured in the recent 

enrolment of workers into the 

IPPIS 8,000 were lecturers, 

alleged that the government 

was being economical with 

the truth on the matter. 

He said: “It is a great 

disservice if the government 

is peddling fake news when 

we are proposing a law to 

tackle fake news in our 

society. 

‘’Well, to give all sides to the 

matter benefit of the doubt 

and fair hearing, let the 

Federal Government make 

public the names of the 8,000 

lecturers who enrolled in the 

IPPIS. 

“They should also be 

informed that no lecturer will 

go to Abuja to get enrolled in 

the IPPIS. We stand by our 

resolution that the IPPIS is not 

the best option and we have 

something better that will be 

beneficial to the system, the 

government, the students, 

the lecturers and our society 

at large.” 

On the threat by the 

government not to pay the 

December 2019 salaries of 

university workers not 

enrolled in the IPPIS, Ashiru 

said his members were 

waiting for that to happen. 

“I don’t know whether 

December salary has been 

paid. But should government 

wilfully refused to pay for the 

job we have conscientiously 

performed, the union would 

immediately activate its 

standing resolution of “No 

Pay No Work.”

10 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019 

:Vanguard 

News 


PENS DOWN: From 

left—Lagos State 

Deputy Governor, Dr. 

Obafemi Hamzat 

(middle), flanked by 

Head of Service, 

Hakeem Muri- 

Okunola (5th left), 

and Secretary to the 

Lagos State 

Government, Mrs. 

Folashade Jaji (4th 

right), with retired 

P e r m a n e n t 

Secretaries, during a 

group photograph at 

the Pens Down 

Ceremony, held at 

the Adeyemi-Bero 

Auditorium in 

Alausa, Ikeja, 

yesterday. 

Court jails oil thieves, orders 

company to pay N100m fine 

By Onozure Dania 

LAGOS—A Federal 

High Court sitting in 

Lagos has ordered that a 

vessel, MV Shirley, should 

be forfeited to the Federal 

Government for being used 

for illegal conveyance of 

145,000 litres of petroleum 

products. 

MV Shirley was 

convicted of four counts 

alongside a firm, Sagwe 

International Limited, and 

one Abednego Ogede, who 

was said to be at large. 

In a judgment delivered 

on Wednesday by Justice 

Rilwan Aikawa, the court 

held that the Economic and 

Financial Crimes 

Commission was able to 

prove the charges against 

the convicts beyond 

reasonable doubts. 

The judge said MV 

Shirley along with the 

145,000 litres of petroleum 

product found on it should 

be forfeited to the Federal 

Government. 

Why Nigeria lost out of Super 6 

emerging economic powers 

—IHRSM 

By Gabriel 

Olawale 

THE Institute of Human 

Resources and 

Strategic Management, 

IHRSM, has expressed 

displeasure over Nigeria’s 

inability to live up to the 

expectation of the economic 

growth and development 

predicted in 1970, despite 

being endowed with 

human, intellectual and 

natural resources. 


President and Institution 

Chairman of Council, 

Professor Ben Oghojafor, 

Singapore, Malaysia, 

Indonesia, South Korea, 

NCC supports three Nigerian 

start-ups with N5m 

By Juliet Umeh 

THREE Nigerian startups, 

yesterday, 

received five million naira 

after emerging winners at 

the 

Nigeria 

Communications 

Commission, NCC, pitch 

programme titled: 

Emerging Technologies 

Competition and 

Exhibition2019, ETR, held 

in Lagos. 

The three lucky winners 

China and Nigeria were 

the Super Six nations 

predicted to be at par with 

the First World countries in 

terms of measures of 

economic growth and 

development. 

“Obviously, Nigeria, our 

dear country, has not lived 

up to the expectation of the 


development prediction. 

Other nations, at present, 

have surpassed us in all 

measures, as we continues 

to grope in the dark of 

myriad of failed economic 

policies and structural 

imbalance that contradict all 

attempts to pursue real 


development. 

emerged as first, second 

and third out of the 25 startups 

that pitched for the 

programme and got three, 

two and one million Naira 

respectively. 

They include a learning 

contact firm from Lagos 

State, Qatalog; WiFi 

Hotspot Sharing project, 

WICRYPT, from Enugu 

State and a footfall energy 

resource firm, Phaheem 

Pharmaceuticals Ltd from 

Kano State. 

BLOCKED DRAINAGE: Amuwo Odofin 

residents send SOS to Lagos govt 

By Ebunoluwa 

Sassou 

L AGOS—RESIDENTS 

of Amuwo Odofin area 

of Lagos State have decried 

what they described as 

long years of neglect calling 

on the state government to 

rescue them from looming 

epidemic as a result of 

blockage of drainages. 

Areas affected include 

Green Estate Gate and 

Corporation Estate and 

Diamond Estate Gate, 

Leadway Assurance and 

Green Estate and Sweet 

Sensation. 

The story is ditto to the 

Ago Bridge and ABC 

terminal and Mile 2 Low 

Cost Housing Estate to 

Fagbems filling station. All 

drainage networks are 

completely blocked and this 

is causing hazard in the 

entire Amuwo Odofin 

community 

Lamenting their ordeal, 

one of the residents in 

Green Estate said: "For 25 

years, the community has 

continued to experience 

flood during rainy season. 

Road crashes top emergency 

disasters in 11 months —LASEMA 

By Olasunkanmi 

Akoni 

L AGOS—RECORDS 

have revealed that of 

959 emergency incidents 

from January 1 to 

November 30, 2019, road 

accidents recorded the 

highest, with 315 cases. 

Director General, DG, 

Lagos State Emergency 

Appeal Court affirms lower court’s conviction 

of former SAN, Nwobike 


LAGOS—THE Court of 

Appeal, sitting in 

Lagos, yesterday, upheld 

the May 2018 conviction of 

a former Senior Advocate of 

Nigeria, SAN, Dr. Joseph 

Nwobike, to one month 

imprisonment for 

attempting to pervert the 

course of justice. 

A three-man panel, led by 

Justice Joseph Ikyegh and 

Justices Jamilu Tukur and 

Ebiowei Tobi, unanimously 

held that the lower court 

properly convicted the 

lawyer in accordance with 

Section 97(3) of the 

…lament 25 years of abandonment 

According to him, the 

entire Amuwo Odofin is 

under siege as a result of 

blockage of drainages. 

“The fear is that if this 

problem persists, epidemic 

might strike us and that will 

be pathetic. There are lots 

of cases of malaria due to 

mosquitoes, and our 

children and wives are 

majorly affected. 

Another eyewitness told 

Vanguard that, most of the 

houses in the area are 

Criminal Law of Lagos 

State. 

It dismissed Nwobike’s 

appeal for ‘mostly lacking 

in merit’. 

Meanwhile, the court, 

discharged and acquitted 

Nwobike of the charge of 

offering gratification to a 

Federal High Court Judge, 

Justice Mohammed 

Yinusa. 

Nwobike’s counsel, 

Olawale Akoni, SAN, after 

the judgment was 

delivered, said the lawyer 

would appeal the 

conviction to the Supreme 

Court. 

On May 18, 2018, Justice 

submerged because of the 

flood. There is no free flow 

of water from drain to the 

appropriate canal. When it 

rains, most residents in 

Amuwo Odofin use 

pumping machine to drain 

water from their 

compounds, he said. 

“Most houses are 

submerged by water and if 

care is not taken, most 

houses in Green Estate will 

sink. We have been doing 

palliative measures on the 

•Fire records its highest 

•Collapsed buildings, 23 

Management Agency, 

LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke- 

Osanyintiolu, stated this, 

while reeling out statistics 

for emergency incidents 

within the period under 

review at a 2019 quarterly 

stakeholders’ meeting, on 

Raliat Adebiyi of the lower 

court convicted Nwobike of 

12 out of 18 counts 

bordering on attempt to 

pervert the course of justice. 

She sentenced him to one 

month imprisonment on 

each of the 12 counts but 

said the sentences would 

run concurrently. 

The judge had also said 

the Economic and 

Financial Crimes 

Commission, EFCC, had 

proved its case beyond 

reasonable doubt that the 

SAN was in constant 

communication with court 

officials to influence the 

assignment of his cases to 

his preferred judges. 

drainages but it is not 

enough. Personally, I have 

taken time to talk to the 

officials of Lagos state 

government but all efforts 

to fix the problem failed. 

“I pointed out those 

officials of Lagos State 

Drainage Enforcement 

Control, who came to 

inspect the situation of 

drains in Amuwo Odofin, 

they served the concerned 

people contravention order but, 

despite the order, nothing positive 

has happened." 

Wednesday, in Alausa, 

Ikeja, Lagos. 

At the meeting, with the 

theme: ‘Synergizing in the 

Management of 

Emergencies and Disasters 

in Lagos State’, Oke- 

Osanyintiolu explained he 

intended to provide the 

state with workable 

strategies to renew the 

confidence in the collective 

ability, responsibility and 

capacity to rise up to any 

emergency and disaster 

challenges in the state. 

Areas of discourse in the 

last quarter meeting 

include dry season and the 

dangers of fire outbreak, 

climate change and its 

resultant effects on fire 

outbreak, causes, effects 

and solutions to the cases 

of collapsed buildings in 

Lagos State, curbing the 

spate of collapsed buildings 

in Lagos State, effects of 

articulated vehicles on the 

road, a review of accidents 

and injuries on the roads, 

hazards identification and 

control.


:Vanguard 

News 


*From left, Ambassador Tokunboh Awolowo-Dosumun; Prof O.O. Akinkugbe 

and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi at a book presentation and Platinum 

Recognition Awards by African Newspapers of Nigeria, Publishers of 

the Tribune was held in Ibadan. Photos: Dare Fasube 

OAUTHC resident doctors protest killing of 

Professor 

By Shina Abubakar 

OSOGBO — Resi 

dent Doctors on the 

aegis of Association of Resident 

Doctors at the 

Obafemi Awolowo University 

Teaching Hospital 

(OAUTHC), yesterday, 

protested the gruesome 

murder of Professor Jerome 

Elusiyan. 

Elusiyan, a Paediatrician 

was killed by unknown 

gunmen on his way from 

Edo State after supervising 

some final year students at 

the Specialist Hospital, Irrua 

last Friday. 

The protesters moved 

from the teaching hospital 

complex to the University 

campus, where they 

had presented their request 

to the Vice chancellor 

of the University, prof 

Eyitope Ogunbodede before 

marching on to the 

palace of Ooni of Ife, Oba 

Enitan Ogunwusi demanding 

thorough investigation 

into the matter as 

well as apprehending the 

culprits. 

Addressing newsmen, 

the President of Association 

of Resident Doctors, 

OAUTHC, Dr Omoniyi 

Emmanuel described the 

murder as gruesome. 

He bemoaned the poor 

state of security in the 

Nigeria media space most effective in 

Africa — US 

...Demand action against perpetrators 

THE 

European 

Business 

Organization (EBO), 

Nigeria has held its end of 

year event at the Alliance 

Francaise / Mike Adenuga 

Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos. 

EBO Nigeria, launched 

on October 4, 2018 at the 

annual European Union- 

Nigeria Business forum to 

actively promote trade, 

investments and 

exchanges between the 

European and Nigerian 

business, advocating 

European quality 

standards, best practices 

and corporate social 

responsibility is a member 

of the EBO, worldwide 

network and has a growing 

network that connects 

By Shina Abubakar 

O SOGBO—UNIT 

ED States of America 

has described Nigeria's 

media space as one of the 

most efficient in Africa, but 

reminded journalists that 

marginalised society still 

count on them to tell their 

stories. 

Speaking at a day workshop 

on Media Content 

and Inclusive Governance, 

organised by Rave FM 

foundation, held at Aenon 

Suites in Osogbo, On 

Thursday, the Public Affairs 

Officer at the United States 

Consulate in Nigeria, Russell 

Brooks said an unfettered 

press is crucial for a 

strong and responsive democracy. 


media must not forget the 

downtrodden in the society, 

whose voices can only be 

heard through the different 

medium across the country. 

Commending the media's 

effort in enthroning democracy 

in the country, he 

stressed the need for journalists 

enhance their thirst 

for truth in all spheres of 

human endeavours. 

"The US strongly support 

freedom of the press. Unfettered 

press is essential 

for a strong and responsive 

democracy. Before my arrival 

in Nigeria about 3 and 

half years ago, I read about 

the courage and sheer doggedness 

of Nigerian press 

during the dark days of 

Military dictatorship and 

thankfully, those days are 

behind us". 

"Nigeria's media scene is 

one of the liveliest in Africa. 

And I have spoken with 

hundreds, perhaps thousands 

of Nigerians about 

the media, about democracy, 

governance and history 

of Nigeria. Thus the media 

leave something to be desired, 

because of residents 

of undeserved communities 

in rural areas and urban 

slums believe politicians 

and the media often 

forget about them. 

"They are plagued with 

health problems, lack of 

access to portable water, 

drug addiction, lack of resources 

and lack of jobs. 

Nevertheless, coverage of 

these problems in undeserved 

communities especially 

among major new 

outlets is often uncovered. 

As journalists, the multilateral 

society depends on you 

to tell their stories not to 

purely focus on the rich 

and the powerful." 

European Business Organisation Nigeria 

celebrates one year anniversary 

European business 

associations and chambers 

of commerce from more 

than 35 countries globally. 

Speaking at the event, 

Head of the European 

Union Delegation to 

Nigeria & ECOWAS, 

Ambassador Ketil Karlsen 

in his opening remarks at 

the event, said: ‘’The EBO 

provides an opportunity to 

speak with one voice on 

issues that are of interest to 

all of us and Nigeria. We 

stand as a partner with an 

integrated approach of 

promoting mutual 

opportunity between 

Nigeria and Europe. 

European businesses in 

Nigeria must support 

Nigeria led visions & 

interests and we have a 

From left, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji and 

Gen. T .Y. Danjuma at a book presentation and Platinum Recognition Awards by 

African Newspapers of Nigeria Publishers of the Tribune held in Ibadan . 

country, saying government 

had failed in its responsibilities 

to secure 

the lives and properties of 

citizens. 

Omoniyi urged the government 

to ensure that the 

perpetrators are brought to 

book. 

He said, "It saddened my 

heart to address you today 

on the gruesome murder of 

our teacher and friend of 

the association of resident 

doctors, OAUTHC Prof Jerome 

Boluwaji Elutayo 

Elusiyan. 

"He was murdered in 

cold blood while he was 

returning from Ambrose 

Ali University on Friday 

13th December, 2019. He 

went there as an external 

examiner to supervise 

their professional examination. 

"We are protesting his 

death because the government 

has failed in his 

primary responsibility 

which is protection of life 

and properties of his citizenry. 

"We demand that justice 

must be done and the perpetrators 

should be 

brought to book. The government 

should step up 

Joint interest in making 

Nigeria’s economy thrive 

more, a joint interest in 

providing more 

opportunities for the youth 

as well as promote trade 

and investment.'' 

President of EBO 

Nigeria, Folashade 

Ambrose-Medebem in her 

speech said: ‘’In 

encouraging more 

European companies in 

Nigeria to join the EBO 

and also providing key 

highlights of what the 

organization plans to 

achieve in Nigeria, EBO 

with the Nigerian economy 

evolving, the political 

space, business 

opportunities and 

challenges continue to 

transform as new policies 

and measures emerge.'' 

4th Mainland Bridge: LASG 

closes bid, shortlists 39 firms 

By Olasunkanmi 

Akoni 

AT least 39 construc 

tion companies 

across the world have expressed 

interest in the 

construction of the proposed 

Fourth Mainland 

Bridge in Lagos even as 

government closed further 

bid for the project. 

Some of the companies 

that expressed interest in 

the project are: Julius Berger, 

China Civil Engineering 

Construction Corporation 

(CCECC), Kyeryong 

Construction Company, 

Pythgoras Holdings, CRC- 

CCI Nigeria, China State 

Construction and Engineering 

Corporation Nigeria 

Limited, Bua International 

Limited, China 

Jiangxi International Economic 

and Technical Cooperation 

Company Limited, 

among others. 

The Lagos State Government 

had advertised 

for expression of interest 

on the Fourth Mainland 

Bridge some weeks ago. 

IPMAN trains 200 drivers 

on safety awareness 

THE Lagos State 

Chapter of the 

Independent Petroleum 

Marketers Association of 

Nigeria, IPMAN, Ejigbo 

Depot, held a one-day 

safety awareness 

seminar for over 200 

petroleum tanker drivers 

at its head office in 

Ejigbo, Lagos. 

The lecture was 

delivered by Lagos 

Sector Commander of the 

Federal Road Safety 

Commission, FRSC, 

Hyginus U. Omeje, 

represented by the Route 

Commander Olasehinde 

Egbontan and assisted 

by officials of the 

Nigerian National 

Petroleum Corporation, 

NNPC, EjigAbo Depot. 

During the safety 

sensitization 

programme, Chairman 

of IPMAN, Mr. Akin 

Akinrinade, expressed 

appreciation at the 

sterling contributions of 

the drivers in the 

downstream sector, 

stressing that the 

training was organized 

for them, not because the 

IPMAN doubted their 

competence, but because 

learning is a lifelong thing. 

It is a continuous process.



CELEBRATION: From left—Ogbueshi Phil Ibonye, Barr. Winifred Elunor and Chief 

(Mrs.) Theodora Giwa-Amu [awardee], during the Asaba Development Union 

Worldwide 3 days Asaba Day Celebration reception for political and public office 

holders, at Arcade, Oshimili-South lga, Photos: Nath Onojake. 

By Emma 

Amaize, Samuel 

Oyadongha, 

Festus Ahon, 

Johnbosco 

Agbakwuru, 

Egufe Yafugborhi, 

Chioma Onuegbu, 

Ozioruva Aliu & 

Davies 

Iheamnachor 

A BUJA—PRESIDENT 

Muhammadu Buhari 

has approved that the 

Board of the Niger Delta 

Development Commission, 

NDDC, be recomposed and 

inaugurated, after the 

forensic audit of the 

organisation. 

Special Adviser to the 

President on Media and 

Publicity, Chief Femi 

Adesina, stated this in a 

statement in Abuja, 

yesterday. 

This is coming over a 

month after the Senate 

confirmed nominees sent by 

President Buhari as board 

members of NDDC, while 

the president has failed to 

swear in the cleared 

nominees. 

The statement added: 

“The President has 

approved that the Board of 

NDDC be recomposed and 

inaugurated, after the 


organisation. 

“The President has also 

directed that the interim 

management team of the 

NDDC shall be in place till 

the forensic is completed, 

and that the supervision of 

the commission shall 

remain under the Ministry 

of Niger Delta Affairs,” he 

added. 

PANDEF reacts 

Meanwhile, reactions 

have continued to trail the 

president’s action. 

While, Pan Niger Delta 

Forum, PANDEF, said: “We 

have been very clear on this 

right from time. PANDEF 

supports a forensic audit 

and we are in support of 

anything that will make the 

audit succeed. It is that 

simple and clear.” 

VATLAD 

Controversy as Buhari orders rejig of NDDC 

Board 

…directs Ministry of Niger Delta to supervise commission 

Former Delta State 

governorship aspirant, Mr. 

Sunny Onuesoke, and 

National President, 

Vanguard for Transparent 

Leadership and 

Democracy, VATLAD, Mr. 

Emmanuel Igbini, 

yesterday, said President 

Buhari was out to cause 

more crises than he intend 

to solve in the Niger Delta 

region. 

NDRA 

Also, Darlington Nwauju, 

spokesman, Niger Delta 

Rights Advocates, NDRA, 

said: “Buhari hasn’t done 

anything extraordinary by 

his latest disposition to 

NDDC. He hasn’t done 

anyone a favour. He merely 

justified our clamour that 

the right thing be done. We 

have been asking that the 

proper thing be done. 

“I guess Mr. President 

has seen through reasons, 

because you can’t throw 

constitutionality and legally 

overboard. He has taken 

the right step, which is that 

a substantive board be 

reconstituted in line with 

the Act setting up the 

commission. That’s the 

right thing to do.” 

Onuesoke 

Onuesoke, on his part, 

said: “I was among those 

who supported that NDDC 

should be included in the 

Ministry of the Niger Delta 

Affairs. But I knew that 

since Festus Kayemo was 

deployed from the Niger 

Delta Ministry, there was 

going to be confusion and 

delay relating to the 

purpose and objectives of 

setting up that parastatal. 

“One thing is certain with 

the current 9th Senate, 

which every Nigeria is 

aware of. How could the 

Senate screen and approve 

new board members for a 

Federal Government 

agency and one minister 

comes up to tell us he is 

•PANDEF, IYC, Ikponmwen, Onuesoke, SSOPEC, others react 

overruling that decision to 

constitute his own forensic 

committee to look into the 

finances of NDDC, and the 

9th Senate kept quiet? 

Igbini 

Igbini said: “We woke up 

to the rude shock of a 

statement by Femi Adesina 

to the effect that President 

Buhari has decided to 

recompose the Board of 

NDDC that was carefully 

nominated by President 

Buhari and only recently 

duly screened and 

confirmed by the Senate, in 

line with section 2 (2a) of 

the NDDC Act, 2000, as 

amended. 

“Having carefully read 

and analysed the 

statement, we are further 

shocked that on a serious 

matter such as this, which 

tends to portray President 

Buhari as deliberately 

undermining and 

disregarding the decision 

of the Senate, Mr. Adesina 

did not deem it very 

important to explain the 

reasons President Buhari 

allegedly took this decision. 

“This is very sad, highly 

regrettable and should be 

strongly condemned, 

particularly given the fact 

that disregarding and 

undermining any decision 

constitutionally taken by 

the Senate amounts to gross 

misconduct and a 

constitutional ground for 

impeachment of a Nigerian 

President, as stipulated by 

section 143 of the 1999 

Nigerian Constitution, as 

amended.” 

Ikponmwen 

Supporting the President, 

Former Provost Marshal of 

the Nigerian Army, 

Brigadier-General Idada 

Ikponmwen, declared: “We 

run a presidential system, 

which puts the 

responsibility of running 

the Executive arm of 

Erom left—Maduemezia Ikechukwu, Barr. Winifred Elunor, Ogbueshi Phil 

Ibonye, Shadrack Rapu, Dada Okonji; PDP Chairman, Oshimili-South, Smart 

Meka, and Chief Ubaka Attoh, representative of Asagba of Asaba, during the 

Asaba Development Union's Worldwide Maiden 3 Days Asaba Day Celebration 

reception for political and public office holders, at Arcade Oshimili-South 

LGA. 

government squarely on 

the president. We are 

running a system of 

government where each 

arm of government is 

independent of the other 

and it is not expected that 

the Legislature should 

dictate to the president how 

he runs the Executive arm 

of government, nor the 

Executive arm of 

government dictating to the 

Legislature how to run its 

affairs, not to talk of the 

Judiciary, which is the other 

arm of government that 

must be independent. 

“So, in other words, our 

system thrives on the 

independence of each arm 

of government. The little 

problem I see is that the Act 

setting up the NDDC 

stipulates how it should be 

run. That law, which is the 

statute under our system, 

cannot take precedence 

over the provisions of our 

Constitution. If we lean too 

much on the NDDC law, it 

means we are pressing the 

statute of the National 

Assembly over the 

provision of the 

constitutions.” 

SSOPEC 

On his part, Chairman, 

South-South Peoples 

Conference, SSOPEC, 

Prof. Sotonye Amakiri, said: 

“I know much about the 

NDDC, but we don’t make 

claims. I feel that President 

Buhari is correct in his 

decision. 

“Most of the people 

benefitting from NDDC are 

the lawmakers and some in 

the executive. They 

produce contractors that do 

not complete projects. So, 

for the audit to be effective, 

we don’t need the board 

influenced by the National 

Assembly to conduct the 

audit.” 

Ogoni Youth 

Federation 

President of Ogoni Youth 

Federation, OYF, Legborsi 

Yamaabana, said: “Ogoni 

youths are not against the 

decision of President 

Buhari, but we are against 

any act that portrays that 

the auditing process would 

be politicised. 

“Till now, we don’t know 

who are involved in the 

audit. We do not know in 

clear terms what the audit 

would achieve. We want to 

know how soon the probe 

will start. The president 

should reveal the identity 

of those mandated to 

conduct the audit, so we 

know their credibility.” 

IPA 

Meanwhile, President of 

Ijaw Professionals 

Association, IPA 

(Homeland chapter), Mr. 

Iniuro Wills, has thrown his 

weight behind Buhari’s 

decision to reconstitute the 

Governing Council of 

NDDC, saying it would 

correct the flaws that 

characterised the 

composition of the last 

proposed board. 

IYC 

This is just as the factional 

President of Ijaw Youth 

Council, IYC, Eric Omare, 

kicked against the 

recongintion of the interim 

management team of the 

NDDC, describing the 

body as illegal. 

Wills said: “President 

Buhari is right in deciding 

to reconstitute the 

Governing Board, to correct 

the many legal flaws with 

which the last proposed 

composition was littered. 

“He needs urgent, 

competent and 

dispassionate legal 

guidance now on the lawful 

composition of the board, in 

accordance with the 

express dictates and spirit 

of the NDDC Act.” 

But the factional 

President of IYC, Omare, 

faulted the recongintion of 

the interim management 

team of NDDC, describing 

the body as illegal. 

Omare, in a telephone 

interview, said: “I am not 

really surprised by the latest 

directive by President 

Buhari on the NDDC 

because President Buhari 

is a serial violator of the rule 

of law and known for his 

disrespect for other arms of 

government; that is the 

Legislature and the 

Judiciary.” 

OYOM 

Also, a civil rights 

organisation based in Akwa 

Ibom State, Oro Youth 

Movement, OYOM, has 

described President 

Buhari’s directive that the 

NDDC Board be 

reconstituted, after the 


commission, as 

undemocratic and 

unacceptable. 

President of OYOM, Mr. 

Etifit Nkereuwem, said: 

“We don’t accept President 

Buhari’s position. That is 

undemocratic. It 

undermines the rule of law. 

One of the pillars of 

democracy is rule of law. In 

democratic governance, 

functions are assigned to 

the respective arms of 

government as enshrined 

in the 1999 Constitution of 

the Federal Republic of 

Nigeria, as amended. 

“It is lawful that the 

president should 

inaugurate the board, 

having been screened and 

confirmed by the Senate. 

We are, therefore, calling 

on President Buhari to do 

the right thing as a 

democratically elected 

president.” 

IYC 

Also, Ijaw Youth Council, 

IYC, led by Pereotubo 

Oweilaemi, expressed 

gratitude to President 

Buhari for “graciously 

looking into the concerns of 

Niger Delta people, in 

terminating the NDDC 

Board allegedly constituted 

by him."



CONVOCATION: From left—Dr. Olayinka Balogun (retd CP) with wife, Risikat, and Dr. Ayo Babalola, 

during his Ph.D Convocation ceremony, at University of Ibadan. 

Matawalle revokes N25bn contract 

awarded to Aliero, ex-Kebbi gov 

By Ozioruva Aliu 

G 

U S A U — 

GOVERNOR 

Bello Matawalle of Zamfara 

State, has revoked a N25 

billion contract awarded to 

Alliance Trading Company 

Limited owned by Adamu 

Aliero, a former governor of 

Kebbi State. 

The contract is among the 

ones Matawalle revoked at 

the state’s executive council 

meeting on Wednesday. 

Contracts worth N27 

billion awarded to China 

ISLAMIC GROUP TO FG: Release Sowore, other 

detainees now 

By Bashir Bello 

KATSINA—AN Islamic 

organization known as 

Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of 

Nigeria, ADS, yesterday, 

called on the Federal 

government to immediately 

release the converner of the 

#RevolutionNow, 

Nigerians have lost hope in country, leaders 

—cleric 

By Peter Duru 

M AKURDI— 

PROLONGED 

leadership failure and 

primitive accumulation of 

wealth by Nigerian leaders 

have been identified as 

reasons why many 

Nigerians have lost hope in 

their leaders and the 

country. 

Convener of the 

AkuAdasu Awards for 

Excellence In Leadership 

Initiative, Reverend Father 

Micheal Melladu who 

made the assertion 

yesterday while unveiling 

the award in Makurdi 

noted however that several 

Zhonghao in 2013 and 

2018 were also revoked. 

Speaking after the 

meeting in Gusau, the state 

capital, Ibrahim Isa 

Mayana, commissioner for 

works, said the contractors 

had been asked to return 

the funds or face 

prosecution. 

Mayana said the 

contracts were cancelled 

because they were not 

properly executed, adding 

that most of the contractors 

have abandoned the jobs 

despite receiving huge 

Omoyele Sowore and other 

detainees that had been 

granted bail by a 

competent court of law. 

Chairman of the 

organization’s Youth wing 

“Ansar-Ud-Deen Youth 

Association of Nigeria 

ADYAN” Northern States 

Council, Professor Bashir 

good leaders still abound 

who deserve the support 

and encouragement of the 

Nigerian people. 

According to him, 

“Benue indigenes just like 

those of other states in the 

country have refused to see 

anything good in the 

political leaders both past 

and present, living or dead. 

The common expression by 

the people is ‘they are all 

the same.’ 

“Consequently, leaders 

who made and are still 

making frank efforts to 

deliver on their mandates 

are usually painted with the 

same brush. This tendency 

to wrap everyone in one 

lump is uncharitable. 

sums. 

“China Zhonghao was 

also awarded another 84 

boreholes rural water 

scheme phase two worth 

over N27.694 billion in 2018 

and was paid N14.477 

billion but has abandoned 

the contract just at 13 

percent completion,” the 

commissioner said. 

“Alliance trading was 

awarded N25.992 billion 

contract for rural 

electrification across the 14 

local government areas in 

2013 and was paid N22.599 

Adeniyi Omipidan, made 

the call in Funtua, Katsina 

State, ahead of its 2019 

Northern State Council 

Conference and Awards 

Ceremony slated for this 

weekend. 

Prof. Omipidan noted 

that it was imperative for 

the Federal Government to 

obey court orders and 

release those granted bail. 

“It is obvious from experiences 

that many leaders 

who were hitherto making 

efforts have sank down the 

bottom of despair since no 

one is spared the bad tagging. 

Hence, justice and 

fair play therefore demands 

that just as the 

shortcomings of leaders 

are criticized and condemned, 

in the same manner 

those who have distinguished 

themselves in all 

spheres of leadership 

should also be identified 

and honoured for being 

exceptional and productive. 

“Hopefully it will go a long way 

in encouraging such leaders to 

do more and also showcase them 

as models hence the birth of 

AkuAdasu Awards for Excellence 

billion but the company 

abandoned the contract 

after reaching just 67 

percent completion.” 

The worth of all the 

contracts revoked by 

Matawalle is N79.6 billion. 

They were awarded by 

previous administrations on 

the state, including that of 

Abdulaziz Yari, 

Matawalle’s predecessor. 

Under Matawalle, the 

government of Zamfara has 

made major reforms, 

including abolishing 

jumbo pay for former 

government officials. 

The Professor of law 

urged that it was equally 

not opposed to the federal 

government rearresting of 

those who went against 

their bail terms or anyone 

that it has cogent reason to 

prosecute. 

According to him, 

“ADYAN Northern States 

Council is not oblivious of 

the fact that Omoyele 

Sowore and some other 

persons are still in 

detention despite court 

granted bail, we call on the 

Federal Government to 

arraign those who have not 

been tried to court, while 

allowing those who have 

already been granted bail 

to go home. 

"We are equally not 

opposed to rearrest of 

anyone on bail if there are 

reasons to suspect that 

condition of such bail have 

been flouted, this should 

however be carried out in 

accordance with the rule of 

law. A person remains 

suspect until convicted by 

a court of competent 

jurisdiction but as at this 

moment Omoyele Sowore 

is still a suspect who has 

been granted bail by the 

court and should be 

released." 

YULETIDE: FG declares Dec 25, 

26, Jan 1 public holidays 

By Omeiza Ajayi 

ABUJA—THE Federal 

Government has 

declared Wednesday 25 

and Thursday 26, 

December 2019 as well as 

Wednesday , January 1, 

2020 as Public Holidays to 

mark the Christmas, 

Boxing Day and the New 

Year Celebrations 

respectively. 

Permanent Secretary in 

the Ministry of Interior, 

Georgina Ehuriah, made 

this known in a statement, 

yesterday, in Abuja. 

She said the Minister of 

Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, 

who made the declaration 

on behalf of the Federal 

Government, felicitated 

with Christians and all 

Nigerians both at home 

and abroad on this year’s 

Christmas and New Year 

Celebrations. 

“He enjoined all 

Christians to live within the 

virtues and teachings of 

Jesus Christ, which hinge 

on compassion, patience, 

peace, humility, 

righteousness and love for 

one another, adding that 

doing so would guarantee 

an atmosphere of peace 

and security in the 

country”, the minister said. 

Aregbesola stated that 

“the determination of 

Government towards 

ensuring an atmosphere of 

peace and security, would 

engender Foreign Direct 

Investment thereby 

revitalizing the economy 

and improving employment 

opportunities for the 

teeming youths in the 

country. He expressed 

confidence that 2020 would 

be a breakthrough year for 

all Nigerians." 

Zulum decries serial attacks on 

communities by Boko Haram 

By Ndahi 

Marama 

M AIDUGURI— 

BORNO Governor, 

Prof. Babagana Umara 

Zulum, has expressed 

serious concern over recent 

attacks by Boko Haram 

insurgents in some towns 

and villages of Askira-Uba 

Local Government Area of 

the state. 

A statement by the Special 

Adviser 

on 

Communications and 

Strategy to the governor, 

Malam Isa Gusau, 

yesterday, said Zulum 

lamented that whereas the 

insurgents appeared 

confined to the shores of the 

Lake Chad in northern 

Borno, they had been able 

to reach other parts of the 

state. 

Gusau said: “Governor 

Babagana Umara Zulum is 

worried about the recent 

attacks by Boko Haram 

in Chul, Rumirgo, Lassa, 

Mussa, Kufa and 

Gwandam towns and 

villages in Askira-Uba local 

government area of Borno 

State. 

“The Governor shares the 

pains with victims of these 

attacks and assured them 

of his administration’s 

continued effort in trying to 

address the security 

problem. The Governor 

intends to visit Askira-Uba 

when he goes to Southern 

part of the state in the 

coming days. 

"The Governor assures 

the affected people of 

government support and 

more importantly, his 

commitment to sustaining 

support for the military and 

other security agencies; to 

continuously mobilize and 

aggressively equip 

volunteers under the 

civilian JTF, hunters and 

vigilantes in all 

communities.” 

Masari donates 5,000 hectares 

land to NIPRD for cultivation of 

medicinal plants 

By Luminous 

Jannamike 

A BUJA—GOVERNOR 

Aminu Masari of 

Katsina State, has donated 

5,000 hectares of land to 

National Institute for 

Pharmaceutical Research 

and Development, NIPRD, 

for the commercial 

cultivation of 10 medicinal 

plants in the state. 

Briefing journalists in 

Abuja yesterday after a visit 

to the Governor, NIPRD’s 

Director-General, Dr. Obi 

Adigwe said the land gift 

was a result of 

engagements between the 

Institute and Katsina 

government with a view to 

harnessing the State’s local 

natural resources for 

medicinal and economic 

value. 

Adigwe, who stated that 

nine other governors had 

also been engaged on a 

similar mission, said: “We 

took a number of medicinal 

plants which we had the 

capacity to start producing 

and processing in Katsina 

state to Governor Masari. 

He gave us a long list of 

ethno-medicinal and ethnopharmaceutical 

products that the 

state government wanted us to 

help them engage. 

The governor also gave us a 

land size of 5,000 hectares to 

enable us cultivates at least 10 

medicinal plants for both local use 

and potential export.

14 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019 

Police remain critical pillar of 

govt’s security agenda — BUHARI 

By Abdulmumin 

Murtala 

K 

A N O — 

PRESIDENT 

Muhammadu Buhari has 

described the Nigerian 

police as a critical pillar of 

the security agenda which 

his administration will 

continue to fund. 

The President stated this 

yesterday in Kano while 

delivering an address at the 

passing out ceremony of 

the 2nd Regular Course of 

the Police Academy, Wudil 

Kano State where 628 

cadets were commissioned 

as 

Assistant 

Superintendent of Police, 

ASPs. 

He also said the cardinal 

agenda of his 

administration was 

centered on the 

enhancement of security, 

improvement of economy 

as well as fight against 

corruption. 

According to him, “Let 

me remind you of this 

administration agenda and 

our promise to the people 

to provide security ensure 

improvement of the 

economy and the fight 

against corruption. As we 

remain committed to 

deliver of this mandate the 

Nigerian police force 

remains the critical pillar 

of our domestic security 

agenda, so it is therefore 

important to have 

orderly disciplined and 

modern police officers. 

The mission of this 

academy is to produce 

superior police officers 

that are equipped with 

knowledge and skills to 

police Nigeria with its 

unique complexities.” 

The president while 

congratulating the 

graduands for successfully 

completing their course, 

also reminded them of 

the need to be diligent and 

uphold the principles of 

civil policies leveraging 

national and international 

best practices. 

“I, therefore, seize this 

opportunity to congratulate 

the cadets of the 2nd 

regular course for 

successfully passing 

through the rigorous 

academic and professional 

training. With this 

milestone, I implore you to 

operate professionally, 

gallantly and courageously 

as we continue to make 

Nigeria a safe country for 

all law abiding citizens. 

“You will soon commence 

your operational duties, 

therefore, you must always 

remember that Nigeria and 

indeed Nigerians are of 

interest to you and your 

assignment to protect their 

lives and property. This 

trust must be taken 

seriously while upholding 

the principle of civil policy 

leveraging national and 

international best practice. 

“On our part we will 

continue to fund and 

support the Nigerian 

police force and its 

institutions to ensure you 

deliver in your mandate. 

This is why we created a 

dedicated ministry of police 

affairs” he stated. 

He finally commended 

the academy for doing a job 

well-done producing 

trained officers for the next 

generation. 

JAMB delists 133 UTME CBT centres 

for aiding malpractice 

Court orders final forfeiture of six properties linked to 

Petroleum Equalisation Fund’s GM 

A Federal 

BUJA—THE 

High 

Court in Abuja has ordered 

the final forfeiture of six 

properties owned by 

Goddy Nnadi, the general 

manager (corporate 

services) at the Petroleum 

Equalisation Fund 

(Management) Board. 

In a statement released 

yesterday by Wilson 

Uwujaren, its head of 

media and publicity, the 

Economic and Final Crimes 

Commission (EFCC) said 

the judgement was 

delivered by Folashade 

THE 

Joint 

Admissions and 

Matriculation Board, 

JAMB, has accused some 

operators of the Computer- 

Based Test, CBT, centres 

used for Unified Tertiary 

Matriculation 

Examinations (UTME) of 

Giwa. 

Nnadi was prosecuted by 

the EFCC for offences 

bordering on conspiracy, 

bribery and money 

laundering. 

TheCable had previously 

reported that Nnadi is 

running a private business 

against civil service rules 

and regulations. 

He was subsequently 

arrested by the special 

presidential investigation 

panel for the recovery of 

public property (SPIP) on 

allegations of corrupt 

enrichment, living beyond 

his legitimate earnings and 

abuse of office 

“He is alleged to have 

some time in 2006, used the 

names of some proxies to 

incorporate Galbani 

Nigeria Limited with the 

Corporate Affairs 

Commission, CAC, after 

which he opened the 

company’s bank accounts 

with Zenith Bank Plc and 

Ecobank Plc,” the 

statement released by the 

EFCC read. 

The properties to be 

forfeited include a twostorey 

plaza, located on Plot 

SERVICE AND WAKE KEEP FOR LATE SIR HENRY BOYO 

aiding examination 

malpractices in their 

respective centres. 

The Registrar of the 

examination body, 

Professor Ishaq Oloyede, 

made the allegation 

yesterday during a meeting 

with CBT centres operators, 

technical advisors, service 

providers and other 

stakeholders in Zaria, 

Kaduna State 

He decried that in trying 

to cover up their illegal 

activities, such centre 

operators always tamper 

with Close Circuit 

Television (CCTV) 

cameras mounted at their 

centres during 

examinations. 

Professor Oloyede 

disclosed that 133 of such 

CBT centres have been 

delisted by JAMB for 

committing various 

examination malpractices. 

He, thereafter, explained 

some of the steps being 

taken by the examination 

body to curtail such 

unprofessional conduct. 

According to Professor 

Oloyede, JAMB has 

resolved to collaborate with 

the Computer Professional 

Council of Nigeria to 

monitor the conduct of its 

forthcoming UTME at 

various centres across the 

country. 

He, therefore, handed 

down a warning at the 

meeting that any operator 

found wanting would be 

prosecuted in accordance 

with the law. 

The JAMB registrar 

noted that the collaboration 

with the Computer Council 

was Uto get them pay 

particular attention to the 

CCTV cameras during the 

UTME to avoid being 

tampered with. 

C46, 5221 Road, Block xxiic 

Gwarimpa II, Estate Abuja 

and four detached 

bungalows, located on Plot 

NO 77, 525 Road, A Close, 

Kubwa Estate, Phase iv, 

Abuja. 

In the application, E.E. 

Iheanacho, counsel to the 

EFCC, said: “No cause has 

been shown as to why the 

properties under interim 

forfeiture should not be 

finally forfeited to the 

federal government of 

Nigeria,” and moreover, 

they are “reasonably 

suspected to be proceeds of 

unlawful activities.” 

From left; Rev Magdalene Boyo, widow; Nemi Boyo, daughter; Tshela Boyo, Son; 

Tshewo Boyo, son; Ayetu Boyo-Ayoade, daughter and Bade Ayoade, son-in-law during 

the service during the Christian Wake Service for Late Sir Henry Olujimi Boyo held 

at Methodist Church of Nigeria, Opebi, Lagos on Thursday. Photos: Lamidi Bamidele. 

Mr Gbenga Adefaye, GM/Editor in Chief, Vanguard Newspapers (left) and 

Mr Tola Adeniyi, former MD, Daily Times Newspapers. 

From left; Dr Aderemi Adio-Moses; Mrs Anu Adio-Moses and Mr Tokunbo Ajasin 

From left; Eyituoyo Boyo; Eyisan Boyo and Temple Boyo.


From left—MD/CEO, Wema Bank, Ademola Adebise; CO-CEO, Cellulant Corporation, Bolaji Akinboro; 

Chief Compliance Officer, Cellulant Corporation, Solomon Abiakalam, and Manager, Retail Marketplace, 

Cellulant Nigeria, Jennifer Onyebuagu, at the inaugural partners’ summit organised by Cellulant in Lagos. 

Obaseki/Shaibu group 

rejects Senate President-led 

APC reconciliation c’ttee 


BENIN 

CITY— 

GOVERNOR Godwin 

Obaseki of Edo State, and 

his deputy, Mr Philip 

Shaibu support group, has 

rejected the Senate 

President Ahmed Lawan 

led reconciliation committee 

set up by the national 

leadership of the All 

Progressives Congress, 

APC, to reconcile warring 

factions of the party in some 

states of the federation, 

particularly Edo State. 

The Obaseki/Shaibu 

Movement, OSM, in a 

statement by its convener, 

Damian Lawani, protested 

the constitution of the 

committee, noting that 

some of those selected as 

members were interested 

parties in some of the crisis 

flashpoints, which calls to 

question their neutrality in 

carrying out their 

assignment. 

He said: “We 

categorically reject the 

National Reconciliation 

Committee constituted by 

the APC NWC because we 

have seen the duplicity in 

the act. 

“The Senate President, 

Lawan and Deputy 

Speaker of the House of 

Representatives, Ahmed 

Wase are members of the 

newly announced 

committee and their 

inclusion is not only 

pregnant with meaning, 

but also symptomatic of the 

intent of the National 

Chairman, Adams 

Oshiomhole, to continue 

the lingering fight against 

his political enemies. 

“Oshiomhole, Nigerians 

will recall, enlisted the 

services of Senator Lawan 

and Wase to carry out his 

plan of taking over the 

powers of the Edo State 

House of Assembly until 

they were stopped in their 

tracks by a Federal High 

Court sitting in Port 

Harcourt. 

“The National Assembly 

was thereby restrained from 

continuing in their 

perfidious ambition, which 

was to muscle Governor 

Obaseki. The court 

thwarted this move and 

now Oshiomhole wants to 


A BUJA—JUSTICE 

Taiwo Taiwo of a 

Federal High Court sitting 

in Abuja, has ordered the 

final forfeiture of 

N131,237,800 and multimillion 

Naira property 

bought with funds 

allegedly stolen from the 

Federal Ministry of Power 

by seven persons and two 

companies. 

Justice Taiwo gave the 

order on Wednesday 

(December 18, 2019) sequel 

to an application by the 



(EFCC). 

The defendants are: 

Bilikisu Fatolu, Fatolu 

Shuaib Gbolahan, I. I. 

Ikwuegbu, Nwachukwu 

Ogbonna C., Elvic Hotel, 

Abdullahi Aminu 

Hamcheta, Shamia 

Exclusive International 

Ltd, Abdullahi Abubakar 

Danburam and Dada 

Matthew Olugbenga. 

The properties in 

question are located in 

make mockery of the law by 

using the National 

Reconciliation Committee 

to actuate his plans 

through the backdoor. 

“The actions of NWC on 

the matter go to show that 

the national chairman is 

still out to hound his 

political enemies by 

conscripting his allies to 

head the committee. We 

are not convinced that the 

committee will be fair to 

all parties in the matter, 

especially as it relates to 

Abuja, Kaduna, Kogi and 

Nassarawa States. 

They include: A unit of 

three bedrooms, two units 

of shops, a shop in an 

open space, a plot of land, 

Elvic Hotel with an events 

hall, generator house and 

appurtenances, a piece of 

land, eight units of shops 

and restroom. 

Others are: A plot of 

land, one unit of two 

bedroom detached 

bungalow, two units of 

shops, two hectares of 

land and bank drafts and 

cheques bearing the sum 

of N131.237, 800.00. 

The sums and properties 

were earlier forfeited in 

the interim by Justice 

Dimgba J on October 19, 

2018, pursuant to an ex 

parte application dated 

September 28, 2018, filed 

by EFCC counsel O. O 

Adeola. 

While granting the 

prayer, Justice Dimgba 

had directed the EFCC to 

cause to be published in 

a national daily, so that 

any person or corporate 

Edo State, which we know 

is the main target of the 

national chairman. 

“ This is because we 

suspect that the 

committee would be 

presented with a script 

they would come and act 

out on the Edo crisis. 

“To that extent, we 

wholesomely reject the 

committee and request that 

a committee that will do 

justice to the matter without 

prejudice be constituted,” 

the group said. 

Court orders forfeiture of N131m, 

houses stolen from Ministry of Power 

body, who might have 

interest in the properties 

and the sum of money, 

may within 14 days of the 

publication, show cause 

why the properties should 

not be forfeited to the 

Federal Government of 

Nigeria. 

But, following Justice 

Dimgba’s transfer to 

another jurisdiction, the 

matter was assigned to 

Justice Taiwo. 

At the hearing of the 

motion on notice on 

December 16, the EFCC 

informed the court that it 

had complied with the 

instruction and published 

the said order on 

November 5, 2018 and 

that the EFCC had 

succeeded in personally 

serving all the 

defendants. 

Granting the 

commission’s prayer for 

final forfeiture, Justice 

Taiwo said he had 

established service of the 

processes against the 

defendants as can be seen 

from the records of the court. 

Umahi’s aide pledges 

gov’s intevention in 

chairman, lawmaker’s feud 

CHIEF Okechukwu 

Nwakpu, the Deputy 

Chief of Staff to Governor 

Dave Umahi of Ebonyi, 

has said that the governor 

will be fair and objective 

in handling the current 

feud between a legislator 

and council chairman in 

the state. 

Recall that Chief 

Clement Odah, the 

Chairman of Ohaukwu 

Local Government Area, 

and Mr Chinedu Onah 

(PDP), representing 

Ohaukwu south 

constituency in the state 

House of Assembly, were 

reported to have engaged 

each other in an altercation 

at the assembly complex 

on Wednesday. 

The council boss was 

alleged to have slapped 

the lawmaker during the 

altercation, a development 

that stirred up political 

tension in the state. 

In a sharp reaction to the 

development, the house 

reportedly passed a 

resolution, ordering for 

Odaa’s immediate arrest 

and prosecution, in spite 

of his denial. 

Addressing scores of 

Odaa’s supporters, who 

staged a solidarity march 

to the Government House 

yesterday, Nwakpu gave 

an assurance that the 

governor would resolve 

the matter as a father to 

both men. 

He said: “The governor 

will not rely on the 

information flying around 

but will ensure that proper 

investigation is carried out 

SOME legislative aides 

to federal lawmakers 

yesterday staged a 

peaceful protest to demand 

unpaid allowances. 

The aides positioned 

themselves in the 

complex, at the lobby 

between both chambers of 

the National Assembly, as 

they held up placards with 

inscriptions, “we are aides, 

not slaves,” “it is a 

grievous sin to deny 

workers of their wages.” 

An aide to a Bayelsa 

lawmaker in the House of 

Representatives, Lawson 

Oviasoje, told journalists 

that the management of 

the national assembly had 

“refused to pay legislative 

aides for six months. 

“Even the few of them 

that have paid have been 

shortchanged, he said. 

“We resumed work by 

June and most of us got 

(salaries) from August, 

September, the 

on the matter. 

“He will not victimise 

anybody as both of them 

are his sons. 

He urged the 

supporters to be orderly 

in their actions, saying 

that the governor would 

not want a breach of the 

peace in the state, 

especially during this 

festive season. 

Mr Benjamin Agina, 

Coordinator of the 

Omekannaya Support 

Group (Odaa’s political 

group) re-affirmed the 

chairman’s stance that 

he did not slap the 

lawmaker. 

Mr Victor Nwankwo, 

the Special Assistant to 

the Chairman on Youth 

mobilisation, urged the 

government to hold 

those who want to 

truncate the peace in 

the area responsible for 

any breach of the peace. 

“All these reports of 

our chairman slapping 

the lawmaker are 

political gimmicks 

because Odaa as a 

lawyer is a respobsible 

citizen, who would not 

indulge in such act, he 

said. 

The lawmaker insisited 

that the council chairman 

slapped him. 

In an interview with 

newsmen in Abakiliki, he 

said that Odaa, who 

accused him of not 

protecting the interest of 

the nominees from the 

area, slapped him, when 

he urged him to stop the 

allegation. 

Legislative aides protest 

non-payment of salaries 

management 

deliberately delayed the 

issuance of letters to be 

able to perpetuate the 

fraud that they had in 

mind to do. 

“As we speak, nobody 

has been trained. 

“They just brought out 

a circular for training for 

LA1 and LA2 for the 23rd 

and 24th of December 

meaning that they will 

have to travel to their 

families on Christmas 

day,” he explained. 

He added that the 

aides see the 

management’s refusal to 

pay as an attempt to 

discourage them. 

He said: “The impunity 

in this institution is 

overwhelming. The 

point I’m making is that 

there is an attempt to 

short pay aides after 

such monies have been 

released by the finance 

ministry.”

16 — Vanguard FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019 

•The author Mr Marvin Abe(3rd left) his wife (2nd left) Mr Paul Dedejoh, chairman of the occasion,(3rd right) Haji Hadiza 

Usman (left) and others during the unveiling of the book in Lagos 

Marvin Abe immortalises Lami with 

The Voyage of Saints 

By Japhet Davidson 

IT was a gathering of the 

creme de la creme of the 

society, especially members 

of the maritime and 

shippers big heads as they 

converged at Oriental Hotel, 

Lagos to support their 

own Captain Marvin Abe, 

who presented his debut 

novel, ‘The Voyage of 

Saints’ to the public. 

The event which was well 

attended brought to the fore 

the popular saying that 

"when a child wash his 

hands clean he dines with 

elders" as members of the 

Nigerian Ports Authority 

led by its Managing Director, 

Hadiza BalaUsman, 

and others like Rd Ad Daji 

represented by Comdr Solomon 

Olushola, Akin 

Omole, Mr Paul Dedejoh, 

Hagi Bola Shagaya and a 

host of others were present 

to identify with him. 

Speaking in his capacity 

as the chairman of the occasion, 

Mr Paul Dedejoh, 

GMD Flower Mills of Nigeria 

Plc confessed that the 

author who he knew and 

worked with for years exemplifies 

the core values of 

performance, integrity, 

team work, initiative, hard 

work of Golden Penny. He 

described him as a strategic 

thinker whose position 

is strategic in the leadership 

of Flower Mill Nigeria 

Plc. 

“Writing a book is not a 

small mens’ feat, it takes 

dreamers, great minds to 

write one, especially writing 

a book about somebody 

that is gone years is a great 

job. It is a great feat and 

great mind that we are here 

today”. 

He described it as a book 

everybody should read, 

because in it you will find 

love, trial, resilience etc. 

Adding, that the gathering 

is beyond the book, 

as it is about the Lami 

Foundation . 

On his part, the emotionally 

driven author Marvin 

Abe who disclosed that the 

idea started seven years 

ago narrated what pushed 

him into writing the book. 

“The discussion about 

the book started seven 

years ago, but I could not 

summon the courage to do 

that because it was too 

painful. But with time, I 

picked courage to write the 

book. The story is about the 

woman of my life. I could’nt 

have achieved a lot without 

her, so I need to share 

her story. I lived with her 

for 15 years, but there was 

no issue before she died. 

And it has been a burden 

in my heart, how do I immortalise 

her, how do I put 

her in the heart of people 

so that they will understand 

what she did and 

stood for. She was a loyal 

wife and mother. 

Continuing, he stated 

that "the book is a journey, 

Dame Okowa celebrates Christmas 

with Delta children 

WIFE of Delta Governor 

and Founder 

O5 Initiative, Dame Edith 

Okowa on Wednesday organized 

Christmas party 

for children from across the 

25 Local Government Areas 

of the state. 

The celebration which 

was held in government 

house Asaba, had in attendance 

over 3000 children, 

mothers and caregivers, as 

well as focal persons of O5 

Initiative and wives of government 

appointees with 

various side attractions. 

Dame Okowa who was 

excited, danced with the 

children and expressed 

gratitude to God for another 

Christmas party and 

safe journey granted to all 

were for the event. 

According to her: “We 

are here to say thank you 

Jesus for the peace in Delta 

State, that our families 

are complete. We are no 

longer afraid to travel or 

organize events because of 

security reasons. We give 

thanks to God”. 

She further thanked God 

for the robust synergy 

which exists between the 

three arms of Delta Government 

which she asserted 

has contributed to development 

in the state. 

“In Delta State, we are 

one, all of us are working 

as a team”. While praying 

for a better 2020, Dame 

Okowa went into a session 

of praise and worship 

songs as the Children sang 

along. 

The Children engaged 

in various fanfares including 

dance competition, recitations 

and Bible quiz with 

prizes given to winners. 

Santa Claus, Mickey 

Mouse, Spiderman and 

other Disney characters 

were also on ground to 

entertain the Children. 

the stories are real life 

events and is meant to 

build a foundation- Lami 

Foundation that will cater 

for women artisans. You 

remember that Lami built 

a house, and while she was 

doing that she had a lot of 

challenges with the artisans. 

So the purpose of the 

foundation is to equip 

women artisans. We intend 

to move artisans forward, 

especially in areas where 

women are very few. You 

know that women are the 

only one that can carry others 

meticulously. So the 

purpose is to encourage 

women in the field and the 

proceeds of the launch will 

go to the foundation”. 

The event featured a discussion 

by a panel of four 

led by Buchi Onyegbule, 

Onisi Dominic, Sally Kenneth 

Dapsy and Achaleugo 

Ezekobi that spoke about 

how they felt after reading 

the book. Sally described 

it as a deeply moving emotional 

book while Onisi 

sees it as a work that is parallel 

to some of his 

thoughts. 

According to him, “I saw 

a sort of spiritual connection 

and had a deep moving 

experience while reading 

the book. It is beautiful 

romantic book that presents 

a spiritual aspect to 

our living that we intend 

to over look in life”. 

In her review, B.I. Dericks 

said the 364 page book 

published by Masobe 

Books Lagos is a thriller 

and romantic movie. A love 

story, where Micheal had 

a big dream. 

We need peace in our business, BBA traders 

cry out 

BALOGUN Business 

Association, BBA, 

Lagos International Trade 

Fair Complex, Lagos has 

called on the Federal Government 

to prevail against 

the inhuman treatment of 

its president, Chief Tony 

Obih, by security agents, 

saying such act is affecting 

the official responsibility of 

his office, which is at the 

verge of destabilising of the 

association’s strength. 

The traders who demonstrated 

with placards alleged 

that their president 

who had gone to Abuja on 

the invitation of the Inspector-General 

of Police, Mohammed 

Adamu over alleged 

forgery of some documents 

found in the traders 

file at Corporate Affairs Commission 

(CAC) was picked 

at the Murtala Muhammed 

Airport, by the police and taken 

to Zone 2 and detained. 

However, Okey Ezibe, who 

was allegedly fingered by the 

association to be behind 

Obi’s travail said that Obi 

altered the association’s file 

at CAC and have to face the 

music. 

He said: “Mr. Tony Obi 

committed forgery. He went 

and doctored our document 

at Corporate Affairs 

Commission, claiming that 

we had a meeting that never 

held with dead people. 

Instead of facing the 

charges before the police, 

they went about recruiting 

helpless women and idle 

hands to carry placards for 

them in the guise of demonstration 

or protest.” 

In a reaction, Obi said Ezibe, 

during his presidency of 

the association, wrote a constitution 

that favoured him to 

be the Board of Trustees 

Chairman for life, including 

other things and in a bid to 

ratify that aspect of the constitution, 

he claimed that the 

constitution was altered. 

Wall Street edges higher after 

jobless data 

UNITED States (US) stocks opened slightly higher 

yertersday as data showed a dip in weekly jobless 

claims, while investors looked past the impeachment of President 

Donald Trump, who is unlikely to be removed from 

office. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 39.03 points, or 

0.14 percent, at the open to 28,278.31. 

The S&P 500 opened higher by 1.18 points, or 0.04 percent, 

at 3,192.32, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 11.23 

points, or 0.13 percent, to 8,838.97 at the opening bell. 

Factbox: IMO 2020, a major 

shake-up for oil and shipping 

TOUGHER rules on sulfur emissions from ships will 

come into effect next year in the biggest shake-up for 

the oil and shipping industries for decades. 

From January 2020, United Nations shipping agency the 

International Maritime Organization (IMO) will ban ships 

from using fuels with a sulfur content above 0.5 percent, 

compared with 3.5 percent now. 

The regulations are aimed at improving human health by 

reducing air pollution. 

Only ships fitted with sulfur-cleaning devices known as 

scrubbers will be allowed to continue burning high-sulfur 

fuel. Ship owners can also opt for other sources of cleaner fuel 

such as liquefied natural gas (LNG). 

Boomerang Havas among 

world’s top 50 IMC 

BOOMERANG Havas Africa has once again reaffirmed 

its position as a marketing communications company 

in the world after being named one of the top 50 in the 100 

marketing and advertising agencies in the world at MADcon 

Conference and Awards 2019 in Dubai. 

MADcon Conference and Awards is reputed for providing 

comprehensive coverage and analysis of the marketing industry. 

Receiving the awards on behalf of Boomerang Havas 

Africa, Mr. Lanre Oyegbola, Managing Director/Chief Executive 

Officer, Boomerang Havas Africa, said, “We are 

humbled and glad to be recognized as one of the best 100 

marketing communications agency in the world in 2019. 

This is a confirmation of two things; that impossible is nothing 

and that we can always bring something out of nothing.” 

He reiterated that Boomerang Havas Africa will continue 

to change the narrative and disrupt the marketing and advertising 

space through its combined focus on being locally 

relevant and globally significant, while dedicating the award 

to the hard working, passionate and dedicated team at Boomerang 

Havas Africa and the clients and partners. 

Fintechs charged to drive borderless 

trade in Africa 

THE business community in Nigeria and players in the 

Fintech sector have been charged to take advantage of 

the opportunities that abound in the African Continental 

Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) by developing intra-African 

payment solutions to ease trade settlements. 

This recommendation, amongst others, was discussed at 

the 7th Edition of PoS Innovation Summit organised by Global 

Accelerex with the theme “African Continental Free Trade 

Agreement: Driving Borderless Trade Through Fintech” in 

Lagos. 

The Managing Director of Global Accelerex, Tunde Ogungbade, 

set the tone for the event with thought-provoking 

questions in his welcome remark, which centered around 

how Fintechs can facilitate easy and seamless payment across 

Africa in this new era of borderless trade and how the former 

bottlenecks and barriers can translate to breakthroughs and 

possibilities for continental commerce. 

Riding on his tide, the Honourable Minister of Industry, 

Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, who was represented 

by the Director General, Nigerian Office for Trade 

Negotiations, Liman V. Liman, explained the intricacies of 

the treaty, pointing out that African countries stood to gain a 

whole lot by doing business with each another. 

3i Infrastructure to sell stake in 

Wireless Infrastructure Group 

3I Infrastructure is selling its 93 percent stake in Wire 

less Infrastructure Group (WIG) to Brookfield Infrastructure, 

two weeks after divesting its British projects portfolio. 

The deal values 3i Infrastructure’s stake in the British 

independent wireless infrastructure operator at 387 million 

pounds ($506.08 million), the British investment firm said in 

a statement on Thursday, adding that compared to a valuation 

of 291 million pounds on Sept. 30. 

Stories credited to Reuters


Why? 

AFRIEND of mine has a 

medical condition that 

wouldn’t be regarded as 

unusual, complicated or 

incurable in a normal country. 

But here – a country that is 

known as “the giant of Africa” 

– my friend’s condition causes 

many doctors to stroke their 

chins and furrow their brows 

in puzzlement or to shake 

their heads in despair. 

The puzzled chin-stroking 

and brow-furrowing are 

brought on by the fact that 

most of the Lagos and Abuja 

doctors my friend has 

encountered so far do not 

possess the diagnostic 

expertise to confidently 

identify his ailment. 

Lousy 

economy 

The despairing headshaking 

is brought on by the 

fact that the handful of Lagos/ 

Abuja doctors who DO know 

exactly what’s wrong with my 

friend lack the specialist skills 

and/or facilities to cure him. 

Long story short, my friend 

has been told that he can only 

get better if he goes abroad for 

eye-wateringly expensive 

treatment. 

But he has been too fragile 

to work for 18 months; and 

most members of his social 

circle and family have been 

impoverished by the lousy 

economy, so raising the 

$90,000 required to fund an 

overseas expedition is proving 

difficult. 

Meanwhile, my friend is in 

terrible pain and can’t walk 

unaided. And his is not a rare 

nightmare. 

Millions of Nigerians have 

battled with agonising health 

•Deadly errors in Nigerian hospitals 

challenges that have been 

unnecessarily prolonged. 

Millions of Nigerians have 

died avoidable deaths. 

And my friend is actually 

luckier than most sick 

Nigerians because he 

occupies a fairly privileged 

personal and professional 

space in which raising £90,000 

is not an insanely impossible 

dream. 

As a matter of fact, his 

business contacts, pals and 

relatives have already 

donated £27,000. And he may 

eventually be able to acquire 

Did President 

Buhari not 

promise to stay 

away from medical 

tourism when he 

was campaigning 

for our votes in 

2014 and 2015? 

the balance before it’s too late. 

But how many people who 

desperately need medical 

solutions that are not available 

in this neck of the woods can 

raise £1000, never mind 

£27,000 or £90,000? 

Even cheap local care is out 

of the reach of the average 

citizen; and the questions I 

want to ask are: 

Why, in the 21st-century, is 

a nation of Nigeria’s 

importance still struggling to 

provide quality medical 

support to its inhabitants? 

Why are so many of our 

doctors not competent enough 

to come up with accurate 

explanations when their 

patients fall ill? 

Why do doctors who are 

essentially adequate not have 

access to state-of-the-art 

hospitals that will enable 

them to do their jobs 

properly? 

There is clearly something 

amiss on the medical 

schooling front…as in too 

many dimwits are being 

allowed to get into medical 

school. 

Or maybe I’m being unfair! 

Perhaps the “dimwits” are 

smart but badly trained? 

Perhaps their trainers’ hands 

Unfortunate 

ACCORDING to Special 

Adviser to the President 

on Media/Publicity, Femi 

Adesina, most Nigerians are 

not unhappy about the rearrest 

of Omoyele Sowore, the 

publisher of the Sahara 

Reporters website and 

convener of the 

#RevolutionNow protest 

movement. 

Following widespread 

criticisms of the government’s 

vendetta against Sowore and 

the Department of State 

Services, DSS, operatives’ 

invasion of a courtroom, 

Adesina said, on a television 

programme on Monday, that 

“When 100,000 [people] are 

making noise in the media, 

both social and traditional, you 

think the whole country is in 

an uproar [but] there are 

millions and millions and 

millions of people who are not 

bothered.” 

Adesina is right. 

Sowore’s predicament is not 

being passionately discussed 

by farmers and fishermen; but 

are tied by the shortage or 

complete absence of certain 

training tools? 

What are the national and 

subnational authorities going 

to do about this shameful state 

of affairs? 

Did President Buhari not 

promise to stay away from 

medical tourism when he was 

campaigning for our votes in 

2014 and 2015? 

Has he not repeatedly 

broken that promise? 

Why can’t Government 

officials be banned from 

travelling to distant lands to 

heal their bodies, so they’ll 

it’s definitely of great interest 

to the elitist chattering class - 

a sophisticated, liberal 

politically aware, mostly urban 

demographic that reads 

newspapers, criticises crudely 

overbearing governments and 

argues over points of law. 

But Adesina, a former 

journalist and editor and 

newspaper CEO, used to be a 

fully paid-up member of the 

chattering class himself; and 

I find it sad that he is now 

almost defiantly identifying 

with people who aren’t 

bothered about Sowore 

because they have probably 

never heard of him…people 

who were too poor to get a 

decent education…people 

who are too busy worrying 

about basic survival to worry 

about some grammarspeaking 

fellow who is 

languishing in custody 

because he annoyed the 

President and his enforcers. 

Adesina has also refused to 

share the chattering class’s 

view that the DSS’ action 

have no fancy foreign options 

and be forced to focus on 

improving the medical scene 

on their home turf? 

Will the billions of 

petrodollars and tax nairas 

they collect not be spent more 

wisely and ethically if beefing 

up the health sector here is the 

only way they can save their 

lives? 

Why Oh why do we permit 

our supposedly democratic 

leaders to get away with the 

hypocrisy, selfishness and 

inefficiency they inflict on us 

with alarming regularity? 

amounted to an illegal 

desecration of the court. “We 

have had a concocted story, 

with concocted video or with 

incomplete video and then, 

the DSS has come out to give 

its own perspective and that 

then gives us a fairly balanced 

picture.” 

While the intellectually 

engaged are wondering why 

the government is trying to 

kill a fly with a sledgehammer, 

someone who used to be one 

of us is coming up with feeble 

excuses for misbehaviour and 

sounding as if jackbootism 

doesn’t matter! 

Na wa for you, Oga Femi! 

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To 

Donzol2002@Yahoo.co.uk Or 

To 0802 747 6458 Or 0811 675 

9752. Please kindly note that 

unless you specifically request 

anonymity, your email or text 

message may be published 

with your name and contact 

details attached.


PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari 

took Nigerians by surprise when he 

announced a “Visa on Arrival” policy 

for all Africans travelling to Nigeria 

as from January 2020 at the Aswan 

Forum convened by the Chairman of 

the African Union, Egypt’s President 

Abdel Fattah el Sisi. 

The surprise element laid in the fact 

that no discussion had ever been 

Immigration Service, NIS; seeks to 

initiated on the subject at any level 

promote. We do not see what value 

prior to the announcement. 

this policy will add except in the 

As one of Africa’s touted vibrant 

negative sense. 

democracies, government usually 

Nigeria is already struggling with a 

moots a subject of that magnitude well 

soaring population growth which 

ahead of time to enable it gauge public 

passed the 200 million mark in 2019. 

opinion. 

With a current Gross National 

In most cases, the National 

Product, GDP, growth rate of 1.8 and 

Assembly takes it up and a consensus 

a poor internal revenue profile which 

is formed in the pursuit of the overall 

keeps the Federal Government 

national interest of the country. 

mainly dependent on external 

We fail to see the national interest 

borrowings, Nigeria cannot afford to 

that Buhari’s unilateral 

throw its gates open to strange 

announcement, which has already 

newcomers. 

been followed up by the Nigerian 

With very few employment 

Visa on arrival – we say No 

opportunities even for our citizens we 

should actually be very protective of 

our country from the influx of 

foreigners. These people, not being 

Nigerians, will never transfer their 

loyalties to our country or commit to 

its collective aspirations. 

Another reason that we find 

Buhari’s gesture shocking is that he 

had always blamed foreigners for the 

security problems of the country. 

The Boko Haram/Islamic State 

terrorists in the North East, the socalled 

bandits of the North West and 

armed Fulani militias killing, raping, 

kidnapping Nigerians and displacing 

farmers from their communities are 

portrayed by the Buhari regime as 

mainly foreigners. 

What then is the patriotic rationale 

for this sudden bonanza? 

Why is the Federal Government 

singing the security benefits of border 

closure only to announce this VoA? 

Most of these people, once in Nigeria, 

are liable to get lost in the population, 

knowing that our security agencies 

lack the capacity to monitor or trace 

them. 

The sneaky and sudden manner in 

which this policy was announced is 

highly suspicious. 

We find Buhari’s VoA policy 

unacceptable because apart from 

being detrimental to our overall 

national interest, it was not discussed 

or agreed by the generality of the 

Nigerian people. It should be 

suspended forthwith. 

Nigeria is a democracy, not a tinpot 

dictatorship. 

OPINION 

Sowore’s rearrest saga: Matters arising 

By CARL UMEGBORO 

THE invasion of Justice Ijeoma 

Ojukwu’s court by operatives of the 

Department of Security Service, DSS, to 

rearrest the presidential candidate of 

African Action Congress in the February 

2019 general election, Omoleye Sowore 

has generated uproars. 

The incident occurred a day after his 

release from custody on bail for alleged 

threats of revolution. In protest over his 

rearrest, the Civil Societies Organizations, 

CSOs, have penciled down a 14-day 

ultimatum to the presidency for his 

immediate release, and vowed to 

commence mass actions if unheeded. 

Prior to that, DSS had refused Sowore’s 

release after his bail, on the premise that 

his sureties must show up, possibly to 

circumvent unforeseen technicalities 

about his whereabouts afterwards. 

Consequently, Sowore approached the 

court and secured an order to be released 

alongside monetary compensation. The 

agency complied. 

Following the invasion, Justice Ojukwu 

suspended her slated cases and met with 

DSS team leader and counsel of both 

parties in her Chambers. By deductive 

reasoning, the judge wouldn’t have 

convened an instant meeting in her 

Chambers with parties if no invasion took 

place. 

Besides, Sowore’s counsel, Femi Falana, 

SAN, said the DSS team leader apologized 

over the invasion which has not been 

refuted. Logically, one cannot approbate 

and reprobate at the same time. In other 

words, the proper actions for the presidency 

would have been to condemn the ugly 

development, and then investigate it 

accordingly. This would have saved all the 

uprisings. 

Admitted, security agencies under the 

presidency don’t need special approval to 

perform statutory duties, however, the 

president remains vicariously liable for 

their omissions and commissions in the 

course of duties. 

Irrefutably, security agencies are tools 

constitutionally provided to the President 

for protecting lives and property, enforcing 

laws, and maintaining peace and order in 

the society. 

However, in the present circumstance 

where the suspect had been arraigned and 

granted bail, and released with fines 

against the agency, it is dutiful that the 

agency ought to first seek for special 

approval from presidency particularly the 

Attorney General of the Federation that is 

the chief legal officer of the federal 

government prior to his re-arrest knowing 

that the agency had arraigned the suspect. 

As a rule, if the suspect had breached the 

bail conditions, it is expected that the court 

must be put on notice accordingly and not 

to act arbitrarily. 

It would have been a different ballgame 

if the arrest was by another agency; Police 

or EFCC on offences unrelated to national 

security which is pending in the court, 

however, provided not in the court as it was 

in the present episode. 

Thus, since Sowore is facing prosecutions 

on alleged threats against national security, 

whatever related misconducts while on bail 

will be tantamount to breach of bail 

conditions. And that can only be affirmed 

by the court. 

Security agencies cannot rearrest a 

suspect for alleged breach of bail terms 

without order of the court, except where 

urgency is patently required to avert capital 

offences like homicide. Any other 

omissions or commission must be 

respectfully presented to the court prior to 

any actions. 

Likewise, the media wars and counterattacks 

are worrisome particularly a 

justification that US Federal Bureau of 

Investigation, FBI, had arrested a suspect 

in the court. Ditto on the claim that Nigeria 

as a sovereign nation doesn’t need to listen 

to global community. Instructively, 

international community can interfere 

against gross abuse of human rights 

despite sovereignty. Equally, an error in 

Security agencies cannot 

rearrest a suspect for 

alleged breach of bail terms 

without order of the court, 

except where urgency is 

patently required to avert 

capital offences like 

homicide 

America cannot become a model in 

Nigeria. Of course, Nigeria is not a 

copycat, otherwise, it would have adopted 

the obnoxious US laws on gay-marriage. 

It is, therefore, imperative that the media 

unit should live up to expectations. The 

media wars are uncalled-for. And it is 

absurd for media aides to present 

inflaming and diverse positions which is 

indicative of no coordination. Media aides 

cannot have conflicting and respective 

opinions on sensitive national issues. There 

Send Opinions & Letters to: 

opinions1234@yahoo.com 

must be unanimity and cautiousness before 

making public statements. Possibly, a 

proficient person could be consulted for 

guidance. 

Above all, explanations to the people are 

vital, and synonymous with accountability 

which is a part of democratic norms, and 

no society can grow without the support of 

the people. Undeniably, scores of citizens 

out of frustrations could be inquisitive with 

provoking remarks. Nonetheless, 

government still owes a duty to give 

appealing explanations. 

Media assignment goes beyond mere 

information for any government. Public 

enlightenment is crucial in governance. 

Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano 

recognized this fact by assigning the 

portfolio of ‘Commissioner of Information 

& Public Enlightenment’ which has 

tremendously helped him in carrying the 

people along. This is worthy of note. 

To sum, the nation cannot subscribe to 

distractions and uncertainties when the 

President is hunting for foreign investors. 

The ugly episodes, obviously did not reflect 

growth in the nation’s democracy. Visibly, 

masses are up the creek and therefore, any 

actions not directed towards their reliefs is 

a misplaced priority. Simply put, a blunder. 

Imperatively, foreign investors must 

convincingly have confidence in rule of law 

in any country to be able to become 

stakeholders. Presently, translating 

Buhari’s ‘Next-level’ packages into reality 

must be the priority, and not 

inconsequentialities. This is time for 

serious business; to rescue the suffering 

masses from miserable conditions created 

by selfish political leaders. 

•Umegboro is a public affairs analyst and 

Associate, Chartered Institute of 

Arbitrators

FG to distribute N10bn Trader Moni 

loan in 2020 

•To spend N2bn for TSA operations 

By Babajide Komolafe 

The Federal Government plans 

to distribute N10 billion as 

Trader Moni loan to petty traders 

and artisans in the 2020 fiscal 

year. 

Under the Trader Moni micro 

credit scheme, the Federal 

Government (FG), through the 

Bank of Industry (BOI) provides 

interest free and collateral free loan 

to petty traders and artisans. The 

loan ranges from N10, 000 to 

N100,000 per beneficiary. 

The loan is part of the social 

intervention programmes under 

President Muhammadu Buhari 

led administration. 

According to the 2020 

Appropriation Bill signed into law 

by the President on Monday, N10 

billion was allocated to BOI as 

‘Grants to BOI to support low 

interest loan to SMEs’. 

Vanguard investigation also 

revealed that the same amount 

was allocated for the same 

purpose in the 2019 Appropriation 

Bill. 

A BOI official confirmed to 

Vanguard that the bank does not 

receive any other money from the 

FG apart from the fund received 

for disbursement as Trader Moni. 

The first loan to an individual 

under the Trader Moni guidelines 

is N10,000. Upon payment of the 

first loan, the individual qualifies 

for a higher amount. The 

maximum amount allowed is 

N100,000. 

While the first loan of N10, 000 

can be collected without Biometric 

Verification Number (BVN) or 

bank account, the borrower must 

have a BVN and a bank account 

for the next set of loans. 

Recalled that the Federal 

Government said it will increase 

the number of beneficiaries to five 

CURRENCY BUYING SELLING 

US DOLLAR 

POUNDS 

EURO 

FRANC 

YEN 

CFA 

WAUA 

RENMINBI 

RIYAL 

SDR 

DANISH 

RAND 

$ 131.30 1.90 

$2,484.00 -22.00 

13.48 0.05 

$12.73 -0.03 

$66.21 0.04 

$60.98 0.05 

305.95 306.45 306.95 

400.8251 401.4801 402.1352 

340.4612 341.0176 341.574 

311.9074 312.4172 312.9269 

2.7936 2.7981 2.8027 

0.5015 0.5115 0.5215 

422.0302 422.7199 423.4096 

43.7194 43.7913 43.8632 

81.5671 81.7004 81.8337 

421.5320 422.2192 422.9082 

45.5642 45.6387 45.7132 

21.2992 21.334 21.3688 

CBN Exchange rate as at 19/12/2019 

million from 2.5 million annually. 

Statistics from the Trader Moni 

Command Center showed that 

N19.6 billion had been disbursed 

to 1.95 million Nigerians under 

the programme as at the end of 

October. The data also showed 

that 4.6 million people have been 

enumerated out of which 2.57 

million have been verified. 

Meanwhile, the Federal 

Government also plans to spend 

N2 billion for the operations of 

the Treasury Single Account (TSA) 

operations. 

This however represents 50 

percent decline when compared 

to the N4 billion allocated for same 

purpose in the 2019 Appropriation 

Bill (Budget 2019). 

Vanguard investigation revealed 

that the N2 billion allocated will 


mostly be spent to transaction fees 

to electronic payment service 

providers. 

The FG initially bears the cost of 

all TSA payment and collection 

transactions. But in November 

2018, it transferred the cost of 

revenue collections to payers, 

while it continues to bear the cost 

of payments transactions. 

Consequently, the FG bears the 

cost of transactions made to its 

vendors, which is N100 per 

transaction. But for payments to 

government (Government 

Collections), the payer settles the 

transaction charge. 

From Left: K.L.M Rao, Group Finance Director, Enpee Group; Seyi Oyefeso, Group Executive, 

Commercial Banking Group, FirstBank; Sanjay Naraindas Kirpalani, Chairman, Enpee Group; 

Olusegun Alebiosu, Chief Risk Officer, FirstBank; Gbenga Shobo, Deputy Managing Director, 

FirstBank; Olufunmilayo Nwanguma, Group Head, Commercial Banking Group, Lagos Island, 

FirstBank during a courtesy visit by the management of Enpee Group to FirstBank at the 

bank’s Head office, Marina, Lagos. 

Price of Nigeria’s Bonny Light rises further to $67.37 

•As OPEC moves to enforce 500,000 bpd oil output cut 

By Udeme Akpan 

THE price of Bonny Light, 

Nigeria’s premium oil grade, 

has risen further from $66.07 to 

$67.37 per barrel in the 

global market, as the 

Organisation of 

Petroleum Exporting 

Countries, OPEC, 

moves to enforce its 

recent 500,000 barrel 

per day, bpd oil output 

cut. 

According to OPEC, 

total cuts from different 

nations, including 

United Arab Emirate, 

Kuwait, Iraq and 

Russia are expected to 

culminate in the 

withdrawal of 1.7 

million bpd from the 

market, thus pushing 

oil price to about $70 

per barrel in 2020. 

This means that 

Nigeria could record 

over $9.00 per barrel 

excess revenue should 

oil price remains stable 

as the government 

had already 

benchmarked its 2020 

budget reference price 

at $57.00 per barrel. 

Meanwhile, in a statement sent 

to Vanguard, OPEC which 

remains optimistic that the market 

would be stable stated: “Recalling 

the ‘Declaration of Cooperation’ 

(DoC) reached on 10 December 

2016 between OPEC and non- 

OPEC producing countries, 

reaffirming the continued 

commitment of the participating 

producing countries in the DoC 

to a stable market, the mutual 

interest of producing nations, the 

efficient, economic and secure 

supply to consumers, and a fair 

return on invested capital, 

following deliberations on the 

immediate oil market prospects 

and the outlook for 2020, the 

potential consequences of these 

developments on global 

inventory levels, as well as overall 

market and industry sentiment, 

and noting the continued 

consultative efforts with 

consuming countries, The 7th 

OPEC and non-OPEC 

Ministerial Meeting, hereby 

decided for an additional 

adjustment of 500,000 bpd to the 

adjustment levels as agreed at the 

175th Meeting of the OPEC 

Conference and 5th OPEC and 

non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting. 

Banks’ credit to 

capital market, 

insurance sectors 

up by 3.7% 

By Nkiruka Nnorom 

The Deposit Money Banks 

have raised their credit exposure 

to the capital market and 

insurance sectors in an increased 

effort to meet the Central Bank 

of Nigeria (CBN) new lending 

policy. 

The apex bank had in June this 

year directed banks to maintain 

60 percent Loan-to-deposit ratio 

with September 30, 2019 as 

deadline. The CBN further 

raised the lending requirement 

to 65 percent and set December 

31 deadline for compliance. The 

benchmark has, again, been 

raised to 70 percent. 

Available data shows that credit 

to both sectors rose to N1.11 

trillion in the third quarter (Q3) 

ended September 30, 2019, 

indicating an increase of 3.7 

percent over N1.07 trillion 

allocated to the sectors in Q3 

2018. 

This was, however, a slowdown 

compared to the second quarter 

(Q2) ended June 30, 2019 when 

N1.13 trillion was allocated as 

credit to the capital market and 

insurance sectors, thus 

representing 14.1 percent yearon-year 

growth over N991.22 

billion allocated to both sectors 

in Q2’18. 

Investment analysts opined 

that the decline in credit 

allocation during the period is 

not unconnected with 

preparation for the yuletide 

period when investors sell-off 

their securities as well as the 

general lull in the market. 

Further analysis shows that 

the allocation to the capital 

market and insurance sectors 

accounted for 6.82 percent of total 

banks’ credit in Q3’19 and 7.48 

percent of banks’ loans to the 

private sector in Q3’18. 

Though a decline of 1.5 percent 

Quarter-on-Quarter (Q/Q) 

compared to N1.13 trillion credit 

allocated to both sectors in Q2’19, 

but total credit to both sectors had 

recorded a marginal increase of 

0.9 percent to N1.13 trillion in 

Q2’19 from N1.12 trillion in 

Q1’19. 

Toyin Sanni, Managing 

Director/CEO, Emerging Capital 

Group, a Lagos-based 

investment banking firm, 

explained that the CBN’s circular 

to banks to maintain a minimum 

Loan-to-Deposit Ratio (LDR) of 

60 percent before September 30, 

2019 had led to growth in banks’ 

loan books. 

According to her, nearly all 

sectors were positively impacted 

as a result of the action. 

“Indexing it to insurance and 

capital market, further growth in 

these two sectors might be due 

to the nature of instruments 

traded - usually cash and near 

cash instruments. Expected 

reforms in the insurance sector 

could also be attracting increased 

interest,” Sanni said. 

Stakeholders task Eko Carbon on zero emission target by 2030 

By Naomi Uzor 

Stakeholders have tasked Eko 

Carbon Exchange to work 

towards realising the net-zero 

emissions 2030 target. 

The technical panel for Eko 

Carbon Exchange stated this 

during the global stage conference 

center, in Mandrd , Spain on the 

sidelines of the United Nations 

Climate Change Conference of 

Parties (COP25). 

They asked all relevant 

organisations and companies to 

partner by listing their projects, 

initiatives and offset their travels 

on the Exchange. 

Speaking during the launch of 

carbon emission conference 

,Managing Director of Eko 

Carbon Exchange, Mr. Innocent 

Azih, noted that it is the first of 

such platform in West Africa, 

adding that, Exchange is 

mobilizing to harness the 

opportunities in low-Carbon 

development across all economic 

sectors in the states of Nigeria, 

starting with the solid waste and 

transport sectors. 

He said it will also serve as 

regional vehicle for mobilising 

finance for low-Carbon 

economic development for West 

African economies through the 

Clean Development 

Mechanism. 

“The objective is to mobilise 

the necessary resource pool and 

low-Carbon finance required 

for greening all economic 

sectors.” he said.


Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019 —21 

Refresh your home for the season, it is 

a way of thanksgiving to God 

•Clutter free bedroom 

choice is, you have to plan 

for it and don’t forget that 

you can’t make a statement 

without first of all 

decongesting the whole 

house. No matter the 

decoration or the painting, if 

the house is filled with 

cobweb, unused clothes and 

shoes, it kills the beauty. 

Make a list of what to 

change. Start by allotting 

day and time to everything 

you want to do. Cleaning 

•Clutter free kitchen 

No matter the 

decoration or 

the painting, if 

the house is 

filled with 

cobweb, 

unused clothes 

and shoes, it 

kills the 

beauty. 

•Clutter free living room 

Wow! The 

Christmas festive 

season is here 

again. Whether Christian, 

Muslim, Traditionalist or 

Pagan, December has 

always been a season of 

celebration and festivities. It 

is either one is celebrating 

Christmas or the New Year 

which is not peculiar to 

Africans alone, but the 

whole world. I have heard 

many say that every time is 

celebration and it is not 

meant for a particular season. 

However, I tell you that this 

season is special such that no 

one can afford to close his or 

her eyes to it. It is only a 

season where everyone gets 

his or her own taste of 

celebration whether poor or 

rich. 

It is a way of thanksgiving 

to God for all He has done 

from the beginning of the 

year to the end of the year. 

America can not be stupid for 

dedicating a day as 

thanksgiving to God. No 

matter what you think about 

it, it's enough to make them 

great as a country. Nigeria 

may complain about the 

multi religion society we 

have, America has that too 

and even more liberal but 

decided as a country to count 

their blessings by dedicating 

a day of thanksgiving to 

usher in the celebration 

season. If Nigeria has not 

come to that realisation, 

individually, we can imbibe 

the culture of counting our 

blessings. 

So, don’t get caught in the 

rush, make sure you make a 

statement with your home 

early to avoid the season's 

rush. 

How to make a statement 

with your home 

It depends on individual 

plan. Some may plan to 

change the look of their 

living room, some may prefer 

to make a statement at the 

entrance of the home while 

some prefer making a 

statement at the kitchen or 

dining room. Whatever your 

the house is not a day’s task. 

Also get prices early for all 

you want to change to know 

the amount you are looking 

at. Oftentimes it is difficult to 

know where to begin, or 

where to go next once you 

have started. By planning 

ahead, you’ll be able to 

prepare your home for 

festivities and enjoy the 

holiday season with minimal 

stress. 

Next edition, we will bring 

you different things you can 

do to make statements 

around your home this 

season. 

Keep a date with us 

CONSUMER WATCH A place that makes you plan ahead 

Items Prices Items 

Prices 

Items Prices 

Basket of Tomatoes N8,,000 - N13,000 

A bag of Pepper (Rodo) N 6,500 - N8,000 

A bag of Long pepper N9, 000 - N12,000 

A bag of Onions (white) N15,000 - N15, 000 

A bag of Onions (Red) N14, 000 - N15, 000 

50kg of Nigeria Rice N18,000 - N22,000 

A Derica Nigeria Rice N300 - N350 

50kg of long grain Rice N26,000 - N28,000 

A derica of long grain Rice N400 - N400 

50kg of short grain Rice. N26,000 - N28,000 

A derica of short grain Rice N400 - N450 

A crate of eggs N1,000 - N1,100 

A bag of Olotu beans N14,000 - N38,000 

A bag of Oloyin N15,000 - N20,000 

A bag of Yam Flour (Elubo) N63, 000 - N69,000 

A bag of Garri (Yellow) N5,000 - N8,000 

A paint bucket 

N400 

A bag of Ijebu Gari N5,000 - N8,000 

A paint bucket Gari 

N400 

25 Litres of Vegetable Oil N13,500 

10 Litres of Vegetable Oil N7,000 

5 kg of Vegetable Oil N3,000 

25 Litres of Palm Oil N9,000 - N9,500 

5Litres of Palm Oil N1,900 - N2,000 

Salt N50 - N200 

Noodles- 70g N1,900 - N2,200 

Spaghetti (1packet) N220 - N230 

Macaroni(1packet) N220 - N230 

Semovita (10kg) N2,800 - N3,000 

Pampers (cartons of 8) N3,400 

Seasonings N100 - N500 

Tomato paste (2,200g) N1200 - N1500 

Tomato paste (Medium) N550 - N700 

Tomato paste(small) 

N150-N350 

Tomato sachet (a roll) 

N230 

Pack of toilet roll (48pieces) N1500-N1,800 

A Satchet of milk 

N25-N50 

A Sachet of beverage 

N40-N50 

Toothpaste 

N50-N300 

5 Litres of Kerosine N1,100 

12.5kg. Cooking gas N3, 700-N4000 

Yam (1 tuber). N400- N1,000 

Ugu Leaf (a bundle) 3, 000 – N4,000 

A dozen of tied Ugu Leaf N750 

Moin-Moin Leaf (a dozen) N800-1,000, 

1 pack- N100 - N200 

Carton Titus ice Fish N19,000 

1 Carton of Kote ice fish N14,500 

1 Carton of Sawa iced Fish N10, 000, 1Kg-N600

22— FRIDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 20, 2019 

Agriculturalist warns farmers against using additives to hatch eggs 

A 

poultry farmer, Mrs 

Theresa Muyi, has 

warned poultry farmers 

against using additives to 

hatch eggs, in a bid to make 

quick cash during the 

yuletide. 

Muyi, who gave the 

warning in an interview in 

Lagos , said it was unsafe and 

morally wrong for farmers to 

hatch their eggs with 

unhealthy substances in a bid 

to make quick cash. 

“Poultry farmers who use 

chemical additive to cultivate 

their livestock are engaging in 

a deadly and unsafe practice. 

“With the approaching 

yuletide, some poultry farmers 

in order to meet demands of 

the season may use unsafe 

methods like chemicals to 

cultivate their birds. 

“With these additives, baby 

chicks grow to life-size 

chickens within six weeks of 

being in the poultry farm. 

“Additives make them to 

garner fat that makes them look 

so big in a short period of time. 

“These chemically-induced 

birds grow quickly with a lot of 

fat and less matured flesh that 

is not healthy for human 

consumption. 

“As a poultry farmer, I think 

people should desist from 

these chemical additives while 

grooming their poultry 

livestock. It is a simple case of 

what you cannot eat, do not 

sell to others. 

“Some of these local poultry 

farmers engage in this 

practice for extra and easy 

gains, not minding the health 

consequences on consumers.” 

Muyi also disclosed some 

indices to identify 

chemically-induced birds, 

calling on regulatory 

agencies and farmers’ 

associations to clamp down 

on illegalities. 

“With these chemicals, the 

birds tend to grow faster and 

in turn, the farmers sell on 

time and spend less money 

on bird feeds, compared to 

when they cultivate the birds 

in the right duration. 

Nigeria makes 

progress fortifying 

staple foods 

— Reports 

… Dangote, others pledge to fortify 

90 percent of Nigeria’s food by 2020 

Data presented at the 2nd 

Annual Nigeria Food 

Processing and Leadership 

Forum has revealed that 

Significant progress has been 

made in fortifying Nigerian 

staple foods with 

micronutrients, critical for 

improving the population’s 

health and nutrition. 

The meeting held in Lagos 

on Tuesday , chaired by Alhaji 

Aliko Dangote with Bill Gates 

participating by video 

conference, convened the 

CEOs of Nigeria’s leading 

food processing companies 

alongside government and 

international development 

leaders to review 18 months of 

progress since the inaugural 

forum in July 2018. 

According to data presented 

by the international nongovernmental 

organization 

TechnoServe, a number of 

companies have significantly 

improved their compliance with 

food fortification standards 

since commitments they made 

at last year’s forum. 

Among six of the leading 

producers of staple foods in 

Nigeria, the proportion of 

adequately fortified wheat flour 

increased from 58 percent to 74 

percent; fortified edible oil 


percent; fortified sugar 


percent; and salt iodization 

levels are maintained at nearly 

100 percent. 

Together, these producers 

account for 90 percent or more 

of the production volume of 

these foods—except for edible 

oil, for which they represent 

closer to 40 percent of the 

production volume. 

These efforts are part of the 

Strengthening African 

Processors of Fortified Foods 

(SAPFF) project focused on 

increasing consumer access to 

adequately fortified foods, 

implemented by TechnoServe 

with support from the Bill & 

Melinda Gates Foundation. 

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, 

President of the Aliko Dangote 

Foundation, said “We are 

demonstrating that when 

companies champion their role 

in delivering healthy products 

for consumers, it also delivers 

good business outcomes. 

“By creating a common set of 

compliance standards, while 

also giving companies the tools 

they need to effectively fortify 

their foods, we are creating a 

sustainable path to delivering 

Nigerians food that will help 

them live healthier, more 

productive lives.” 

He added ‘ When we first 

met in 2018, the level of food 

fortification was 50percent, but 

during this period of 13months 

we reached about 75 percent, 

and the target to reach 90% by 

2020. I think we are going 

forward, we are very 

determined to make sure that 

this is accomplished’ 

While the food producers 

reviewed represent a majority 

of the market share for wheat 

flour, salt and sugar, all 

producers of these staple foods 

should be in full compliance 

with government-mandated 

fortification levels—which is 

key to ensuring that all 

Nigerians benefit from more 

micronutrients in their diet. 

Local refining of edible oil in 

Nigeria is less consolidated 

compared to other staple food 

products and needs 

coordination amongst multiple 

stakeholders to ensure a 

higher proportion is fortified 

with vitamin A. 

To strengthen industry-wide 

compliance, TechnoServe has 

been working with a number 

of private sector partners to 

Agric (Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), 

Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, at the 

launch of Edo Oil Palm Programme, in Benin City, on Tuesday, December 17, 2019. 

pilot Nigeria’s first-ever 

Micronutrient Fortification 

Index (MFI). 

The MFI is a tool that 

effectively differentiates 

companies by the extent to 

which they meet industry 

benchmarks, including 

compliance with Nigerian 

Fortification Standards. 

Companies’ overall scores will 

be presented in a dashboard 

that will be updated annually 

to show progress and gaps— 

ultimately contributing to a 

robust industry-wide platform 

that emphasizes quality 

standards as a Key Performance 

Indicator (KPI). 

Alhaji Olalekan Saliu, 

Executive Secretary of the 

Flour Milling Association of 

Nigeria, said “The next level 

of action for the Flour Milling 

Association of Nigeria is that 

we envisage industry-wide 

application of the MFI and we 

believe that this will happen. 

It will give us greater leverage 

and provide us with a platform 

to make a case for increased 

advocacy to the relevant 

authorities to ensure that all 

inputs that go into the practice 

of fortification meet the 

required standards.” 

OER Farms, Unilorin sign 21-year, 10,000 

hectares agric deal 

By Michael Eboh 

OER Farms Limited, a 

subsidiary of the 

Oriental Group, has signed a 

21-year Land Lease Agreement 

with University of Ilorin, 

UNILORIN, to develop a 

10,000-hectare mechanised 

agricultural project aimed at 

ensuring food security in 

Nigeria. 

In a statement by the 

company in Abuja, Founder of 

Oriental Group, the parent 

company of the agribusiness 

firm, Dr. Muhammadu Indimi, 

stated that the project would be 

managed in line with best 

industry practice to increase 

productivity within the sector. 

According to him, the project 

was designed to develop the 

capacity of the University of 

Ilorin in agricultural research, 

improved farm practice, 

develop young agripreneurs, 

who would give farming a 

different perspective, promote 

local Inclusion and enhance 

economic viability in catchment 

areas. 

Indimi stated that the 

agreement follows a 

Memorandum 

of 

Understanding signed by OER 

Farms and University of Ilorin 

recently to underscore the 

Federal Government’s 

progress towards food security 

nationwide. 

He explained that improved 

crop varieties with high 

yielding cash crops such as 

maize, soya beans and cashew 

are proposed for this project. 

He stated that the initiative, 

which is a vision close to half a 

decade, spoke to his 

commitment to support 

macroeconomic growth through 

sustainable development 

opportunities for all. 

Indimi said, “The average 

yield for a crop like maize by 

Nigerian farmers is about four 

tonnes per hectare, while 

yields are up to eight tonnes 

per hectare in the world’s most 

agriculturally advanced 

nations. We are curious about 

that gap and our aim is to close 

it by exposing local farmers and 

students to best industry 

practices as well as providing 

much-needed support over the 

next 21 years


Five-year roadmap: Lagos projects N41 billion investment 

in agric sector 

The Lagos State 

Government says it projects 

that the total investment into the 

agricultural sector from the 

government, private sector, donor 

agencies and development 

partners will run into over N41 

billion in the state’s five-year 

Agricultural Roadmap. 

The state Commissioner for 

Agriculture, Mr Gbolahan Lawal, 

gave the projection on Wednesday 

in Lagos at a Roundtable 

Discussion on the Implementation 

of the State’s 5-year Agricultural 

Roadmap (2020-2025). 

He listed some of the planned 

projects as Fisheries Value Chain 

– Cage and Pen Culture, Fish 

Farm Estate Development, 

Artisanal Fisheries Development; 

and Poultry Value Chain – Broiler 

Production and Egg Production. 

Others include Piggery Value 

Chain: Establishment of new Pig 

Estates and Processing facilities; 

Coconut Value Chain which 

include the consolidation of land 

for coconut plantation, Out Grower 

Scheme for Improved Seedlings, 

Establishment of Coconut 

Industrial Park, Establishment of 

One-Stop Coconut Market and 

Value Addition Processing. 

Lawal, in an overview tagged: 

‘A Sustainable and Inclusion 

Growth Strategy with the Citizens 

at the Core’, said youths and 

women would be given priority in 

all interventions in the roadmap. 

He called for more private sectordriven 

agricultural interventions 

NASC, seed coy present Bt cotton seeds 

to farmers … performance excites farmers in 12 states 

By Gabriel Ewepu 

As the National Agricultural 

Seed Council, NASC, in 

collaboration with a seed 

company, Maharashtra Hybrid 

Seeds Co. (Mahyco) presented 

two Genetically Modified cotton 

to farmers, Cotton farmers in the 

country have expressed 

satisfaction over the seed 

performance experienced during 

the last wet season. 

The seed presentation was 

made during a special field day 

organised for cotton farmers at 

Sheda, Gwagwalada Area 

Council, where the Director 

General, NASC, Dr Philip Ojo, 

said the two cotton seed varieties 

will revitalize the nation’s textile 

industry under the agricultural 

revolution drive by the Buhariled 

administration. 

According to Ojo, science has 

become pertinent to advancing 

agricultural productivity because 

the old ways of farming is 

becoming almost unproductive, 

hence the need for improve 

productivity has become 

inevitable. 

The new Bt cotton varieties was 

approved for environmental 

release by the National Biosafety 

Management Agency (NBMA), 

and was subsequently granted 

commercial release by the Varietal 

Release Committee. 

and the provision of robust 

market information systems for 

Agricultural Value Chain actors. 

According to him, the call is 

imperative in order to have 

adequate planning and 

circumvent risks and 

uncertainties in the sector. 

“Using other economies that 

achieved economic growth using 

agriculture as a model, the 

lesson for the state is that there 

must be massive investment in 

infrastructure, encouraging 

more private sector-driven 

agricultural interventions. 

“There must be formulating of 

policies that can encourage 

private sector investment and 

provision of robust market 

information systems for 

agricultural value chain actors in 

order to have adequate planning 

and circumvent risks and 

uncertainties,” Lawal said. 

The commissioner said the 

strategies to be employed for a 

sustainable agricultural 

development during this period 

would be hinged on three pillars. 

He said they include growing 

the upstream sector through 

interventions by leveraging on 

technologies that are capable of 

lowering the cost of production 

of value chains such as Fisheries, 

Poultry, Piggery, Rice, Vegetables 

and Coconut with support from 

donor agencies. 


Commissioner, the other pillars 

include growing midstream and 

He said: “Today, we are 

gathered to showcase the 

performance of the recently 

released Bt cotton varieties that 

can enhance our nation’s 

agricultural productivity and 

revive our cotton, garment and 

textile sub-sector, which is in line 

with Mr President objective to 

bring back the lost glory of the 

textile industry. 

The NASC boss also explained 

the new cotton varieties are cost 

effective for farmers, because they 

require minimal use of chemicals 

OCP Africa facilitates agric collaboration between Nigerian varsities, UN6P 

By Gabriel Ewepu 

AN agricultural giant, 

OCP Africa, has 

facilitated agricultural 

collaboration between 

Nigerians universities, 

polytechnics and a Moroccan 

University, Mohammed VI 

Polytechnic University, UN6P, 

on possible exchange 

programmes, innovations, 

technologies, exchange of 

ideas and human capacity 

building for the agricultural 

sector. 

Speaking on the essence of 

the interaction held in Abuja 

and also in Bauchi State, 

where the team met with 

stakeholders at the Abubakar 

Left to right: Mr Umar Tumaka, Representative, Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF); 

Mr Caleb Usoh, Country Manager, OCP Africa Nigeria; Anne Duval, Academy Director 

Jacobs Engineering SA (JESA); Oluwatoba Asana Production and Technical Manager, OCP 

Africa Nigeria; Engr Emmanuel Fumen, Funtua Fertilizers, Katsina state at the three-day 

Project Management Training programme organised by OCP Africa Nigeria for its partners 

in Abuja. 

downstream sectors such as 

value addition, processing, 

handling, storage, cold chain, 

packaging, utilisation and 

commercialisation of all 

agricultural value chains. 

He said that interventions for 

and water, reduced crop loss and 

increased yield per hectare and 

would create massive jobs for the 

youth. 

“These technologies we 

demonstrate today through the Bt 

cotton increases farmers revenue 

by reducing production cost 

through the uss of fewer chemicals 

and water reduction in crop losses 

while achieving consistent higher 

productivity per hectare, with the 

potential of taking many out of 

poverty through economic gains 

gotten from increased agricultural 

Tafawa Balewa University as 

part of their engagement with 

stakeholders of Nigeria 

universities, the Country 

Director, OCP Africa, Nigeria, 

Caleb Usoh, explained that 

the idea is to foster networking 

and collaborations between 

UN6P and the Nigerian 

universities around areas like 

agriculture, technology, 

environment, innovation, and 

others. 

Mohammed VI Polytechnic 

University essentially 

develops partnerships with 

the scientific community, 

public institutions, and 

businesses, with which it 

shares expertise. It also 

carries out technical 

the road map would be in line 

with strategic focus to drive 

agricultural growth and food 

security in a clear and 

measurable way. 

Earlier in her address of 

welcome, the Special Adviser to 

productivity. 

“The outcome of this 

development will result in the 

creation of millions of jobs as well 

as ensure economic prosperity for 

the country. This lofty dream 

cannot be achieved without viable 

cotton seed system in place that 

will meet the demand of seed 

cotton and its associated products. 

In related development, Cotton 

farmers in the country have 

expressed satisfaction over the 

seed performance experienced 

during the last wet season. 

collaborations and knowledge 

transfers. 

Some of the Universities and 

Polytechnics present at the 

interaction include Obafemi 

Awolowo University, Ile Ife; 

Nasarawa State University, 

Keffi; Usman Dan Fodio 

University, Sokoto; Imo State 

University, Owerri; 

Binyaminu Usman 

Polytechnic, Hadejia, Jigawa 

State, and others. 

The heads of agricultural 

departments in the various 

institutions present 

appreciated the initiative of 

the UN6P and also OCP 

Africa to facilitate the 

interaction that will on the 

long run increase productivity 

the State Governor on 

Agriculture, Ms Abisola 

Olusanya, called for a symbiotic 

relationship where the private 

sector would be the main driver 

and stimulant of agricultural 

development in the State. 

We’re committed to local rice production in Nigeria — Olam 

By Ebunoluwa Sessou 

As part of efforts at 

improving value chain in 

agriculture, Country Head, 

Olam, Mr. Mukul Mathur, has 

reiterated the company’s 

commitment to engage in local 

production of rice in Nigeria. 

Speaking during the 

company’s end of the year party 

recently, Mathur admitted the 

enormous challenges facing 

agriculture and food production 

in Nigeria, adding that the 

company is prepared to break the 

huge gap in food chain and 

promote food self sufficiency 

especially in the production of 

rice. 

“In the past, it has been rice 

importation but we want to 

change the narration by 

encouraging local production 

and ensuring that the country 

becomes self sufficient and food 

secured. 

“There is a sense of 

responsibility in the organization 

and we have tried to keep the 

value of the country. We have the 

responsibility to make food 

sufficient in the country. Our 

customers and consumers are our 

success story and it is important 

that we recognize them. 

“It is also important to 

understand the systematic chain 

of food in the agriculture sector. 

Agriculture is expected to serve 

as employment chain for the 

country but it is mostly 

unfortunate that we are having 

challenges. It is time to change 

the narrative and recognize its 

value as survival mechanism for 

the country. 

“As we hope for the future, 

there is need for us to produce 

more products for the 

development and growth of the 

country”, he said. 

in the nation’s agricultural 

sector, which also will be 

beneficial to both countries. 

The Executive Director, 

Institute of Agricultural 

Research and Training, IAR&T, 

Obafemi Awolowo University, 

OAU, Ibadan, Prof Veronica 

Obatolu, expressed hope that 

the move by UN6P to 

collaborate with Nigerian 

universities will go a long way 

in positively impacting on 

productivity, livelihood of 

Nigerians and wealth creation. 

She said: “The whole essence 

is a way of increasing 

productivity in agriculture, 

livelihood of Nigerian 

population and creating 

wealth through agriculture.

24— Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019 

By Theodore Opara 

Mandilas, NNPC partner on quick-service centre 

in Abuja, Lagos, others 

DETERMINED to take its 

services to the door steps 

of its numerous customers, 

Mandilas Motors in conjunction 

with the retail arm of the Nigerian 

National Petroleum Corporation, 

NNPC, has entered into 

partnership on quick service 

centres across the country. The 

two organisations recently 

unveiled a quick service centre in 

Abuja and Lagos, while 

promising that more would be 

opened in other parts of the 

country. 

This is as the count-down 

begins to next year’s Mandilas’ 

70th anniversary of doing 

business and providing services 

in Nigeria. The Group has 

reiterated its commitment to the 

economy and its teeming 

customers. Mandilas was recently 

decorated with the best workshop 

of the year by the Nigeria Auto 

Journalists Association for its 

outstanding service deliveries to 

its customers. 

The management also affirmed 

that as part of the ongoing 

restructuring strides, it was 

making efforts to ensure that its 

products and services, especially 

in the Motors’ Division, were 

brought closer to the customers to 

ensure they enjoyed motoring 

with ease. 

This came to the fore recently 

when Mandilas Group Ltd and 

the retail arm of the Nigerian 

National Petroleum Corporation, 

the NNPC Retail Limited, 

consummated a new partnership 

with the opening of an ultramodern 

Quick-Service Centre in 

Abuja. The partnership which is 

set to transform the automotive 

aftermarket, will lead to the 

opening of more of such centres 

in other parts of the country. 

During the inauguration of the 

first nationwide network of Quick 

Service Centres at the NNPC 

Mega Petrol Station on Olusegun 

Obasanjo Way, Zone 1, Abuja, 

Mandilas pledged to provide the 

best of after-sales service and 

maintenance for vehicle owners 

in the Federal Capital Territory. 

Not surprisingly, NNPC top 

officials at the event disclosed that 

Mandilas,was selected for the 

partnership after a rigorous 

research for a top notch auto aftersales 

service provider. 

In his remarks, Managing 

Director of NNPC Retail Limited, 

Sir Billy Okoye, called on 

Nigerians to enjoy the efficient 

services offered by the wellequipped 

NNPC/Mandilas 

Service Centre. Okoye said the 

service centre was strategically 

located to provide quick and 

efficient service for automobile 

users within Abuja. 

Addressing the guests, the 

Group Chief Executive Officer of 

the Mandilas Group Ltd, Ola 

Debayo-Doherty, stated that 

considering the Group’s 

experience as a provider of quality 

vehicles and excellent after-sales 

service for almost 70 years, NNPC 

Frm left: Chief Operating Officer, NNPC Downstream, Mr. Adeyemi Adetunji; Group CEO, Mandilas 

Group Ltd, Ola Debayo-Doherty; and the Managing Director, NNPC Retail Ltd, Sir Billy Okoye, at the 

inauguration of the Quick Service Centre at the NNPC Mega Petrol Station on Olusegun Obasanjo Way, 

Zone 1, Abuja. 

couldn’t have had a better partner 

for the Quick-Service Centres. 

He said: “We are continuously 

evolving to meet current market 

demands and to provide quality 

service to Nigerians. Our 

commitment to Nigeria is 

•Toyota Corolla won the 2019 prestigious Nigeria Auto Journalists Association, NAJA, Car Of the Year 

awards on Tuesday at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. From left, Mrs. Bukky Ogunnusi, PR/Advert 

Manager, Toyota Nigeria Limited, TNL, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo, Managing Director, TNL receiving the 

award from Mr. Kayode Opeifa, Executive Vice Chairman, Presidential Task Team on Apapa Gridlock, 

while Mr. Ifeanyi Agwu CEO, BKG Exibitions Limited, looks on. 

unrivalled. In approximately 70 

years in the automobile industry 

through the ups and downs of the 

macro and micro business 

dynamics, we remain resolute in 

our belief in Nigeria and 

Nigerians.” The Mandilas Group 

Toyota Corolla regains Nigeria Car of the Year title 

*As Stallion, CFAO Motors, Cars45.com, others win big in 2019 NAJA Awards 

TOYOTA Corolla, the most 

decorated car in Nigeria 

has regained the Nigerian Car 

of the Year title, three years after 

losing the title consecutively 

to Kia Rio, Nissan Almera 

and Hyundai Creta. Corolla 

bounced back with a new design 

and complete make-over 

which made it very visible on 

the road. 

It was a celebration galore by 

leading auto brands, lubricants 

brands in the country as the 

Nigeria Auto Journalists Association, 

NAJA, recently presented 

different categories of 

awards to deserving winners at 

the Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, 

Lagos. 

The award night which had 

the representatives of the Director 

General of the National 

Automotive Design and Development 

Council, NADDC, 

Aliyu Jelani, and representative 

of the Corp Marshal of the 

Federal Roads Safety Corps, 

FRSC, as special guests was 

well attended by many Chief 

Executive Officers and other 

stakeholders in the nation’s 

automotive sector. 

In the award categories for 

2019, Toyota Corolla won the 

Stallion's best outing at 

NAJA Awards 

STALLION Motors has 

demonstrated its rating 

as Nigeria's leading automotive 

company at the 2019 Nigerian 

Auto Journalists Association's 

awards held at the Prestigious Eko 

Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos on 

Tuesday. 

Stallion Group represents 

leading auto brands like Honda, 

Porsche, Hyundai, Volkswagen, 

Audi, Skoda, Changan, Nissan 

and Ashok Leyland in Nigeria. 

In a sweeping success, Stallion 

Motors was conferred with four 

prestigious awards by The 

Nigerian Auto Journalists 

Association (NAJA) This is 

Stallion's best performance at the 

annual event by the motoring 

journalist which attracted a 

standing ovation from the crowd. 

NAJA awards are the most 

recognized and mentioned of all 

CEO further commended NNPC 

for launching a range of lubricants, 

which she believed would provide 

refreshing options to the market 

in addition to reinforcing the trust 

of Nigerians in the vision and 

mission of the corporation. 

Car of The Year, COTY, Award 

beating Hyundai Tucson and 

GAC GS4, a Chinese brand. In 

the Luxury Car of The Year category, 

Mercedes Benz S-class 

emerged winner ahead of 

BMW 7-series and Porsche 

Panamera, while the Luxury 

Continues on Page 23 

car awards in Nigeria. The 

association hands out awards in 

different categories from 

automobile sector. 

Stallion’s VON was awarded 

‘the best assembler and 

manufacturer of the year’. Honda 

Accord was clearly the favourite 

choice for “The Best Executive 

Car of the Year’. Hyundai was 

chosen as the “The highest selling 

brand of the year” and the fairly 

new, yet the formidable player 

Changan was awarded the 

“Fastest Emerging brand of the 

Year”. Stallion group’s 

automobile division consists of a 

collective sub-group of companies 

which represent globally 

renowned automobile brands on 

an exclusive basis for distribution, 

sales and aftersales service. 

Stallion group represents these 

•Continues on Page 23


New Jaguar F-Type, 

beauty personified 

PURPOSEFUL, beautiful 

and timeless: the 

new Jaguar F-TYPE looks more 

dramatic than ever and embodies 

Jaguar design DNA in its purest 

form. 

The perfect proportions are 

instantly recognisable, but the 

new F-TYPE looks even more 

focused and assertive, and 

references the beautiful flowing 

forms from Jaguar’s rich sports car 

heritage. 

Super-slim pixel LED 

headlights with subtly updated 

‘Calligraphy’ J signature daytime 

running lights and sweeping 

direction indicators blend 

perfectly into the ‘liquid metal’ 

surfacing of the new clamshell 

bonnet. The new front bumpers 

and subtly enlarged grille deliver 

even more visual impact and 

presence. 

The rear haunches enhance the 

F-TYPE’s inherently dramatic, 

purposeful form, and sweep 

downwards to the slender rear 

LED lights with ‘Chicane’ 

signature inspired by the allelectric“I-PACE 

Performance 

SUV. 

Inside, the driver-focused ‘1+1’ 

cabin envelops the occupants with 

luxurious materials such as 

Sienna Tan Windsor Leather, 

Suedecloth, Alcantara, and satinfinish 

Noble Chrome, while 

Jaguar’s craftsmanship is 

New Jaguar F-Type 

IN a bid to align with the 

“Smart City” vision of Lagos 

State and achieve the “Better 

Lagos” dream, the Lagos State 

Traffic Management Authority 

(LASTMA) has adopted an 

innovative and technologically 

advanced way to support its 

operations in the State with the 

newly introduced Traffic 

Management Solution (TMS). 

A meet-the-press forum to 

unveil TMS took place recently 

and was hosted by the 

Comptroller of LASTMA, Isaac 

Adetimiro, where an overview 

of the solution was presented 

- starting with the real time 

capture of picture and video 

evidence of traffic violations as 

they occur, by LASTMA 

officials Jaguar using F-Type handheld 

devices. 

embodied in beautiful details such 

as monogram stitching on the 

seats and door trim. These 

touches blend seamlessly with the 

new 12.3-inch reconfigurable HD 

TFT instrument cluster and Touch 

Pro infotainment system. 

Form follows function, and one 

of a Jaguar’s functions is to look 

beautiful. Evolved from its 

predecessor’s World Car Designwinning 

form, the new F-TYPE’s 

breath-taking looks are 

characterised by the super-slim 

Pixel LED headlights, which 

enhance the car’s purposeful, 

confident stance. 

Sportiest Porsche Macan out with 380hp 

PORSCHE completes the 

Macan series with a 

distinctly sporty model. The new 

Macan GTS launches with a 

powerful engine, performanceoriented 

chassis, characteristic 

design and enhanced equipment. 

The 2.9-litre V6 biturbo engine 

delivers 380 hp (280 kW) – an 

increase of 20 hp (15 kW) compared 

with the predecessor model. 

Combined with the newly adapted 

PDK dual-clutch transmission and 

the optional Sport Chrono package, 

the Macan GTS can accelerate from 

zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, 

three tenths faster than before. It 

has a top speed of 261 km/h. 

*Porsche Macan 

Among other things, the new 

member of Porsche’s compact SUV 

family has earned the abbreviation 

GTS, which stands for “Gran 

Turismo Sport”, due to its 

outstanding driving dynamics. The 

Porsche Active Suspension 

Management (PASM) damping 

control system has been specially 

tuned. The chassis has also been 

lowered by 15 millimetres for 

greater lateral dynamics. Adaptive 

air suspension is available with 

chassis lowering by a further 10 

millimetres. Combined with the 

standard 20-inch RS Spyder Design 

wheels and the generously sized 

cast iron brakes (360 x 36 millimetres 

LASTMA kicks off pilot phase of TMS 

All captured violations were 

reviewed at a processing centre 

to ensure that they are valid 

offences and thereafter 

saved in secure data servers for 

future reference and recall. 

Electronic notifications were 

immediately sent to the listed 

telephone numbers for each 

violation to notify the offenders 

of their pending processed 

violations and a link to enable 

them view the stored video and 

picture evidence of the violations. 

Comptroller Adetimiro 

explained that several other 

notification methods existed for 

the public to receive notifications 

or to check for any processed violations 

against their vehicles. 

These include a freely 

downloadable mobile app - 

“TMS” - available on the Google 

Playstore, a public website 

(www.tms.lagosstate.gov.ng), as 

well as the use of SMS short codes 

which respond with violation 

status of the vehicle number used. 

Alleged offenders would also be 

issued a physical notification 

ticket, when their vehicle is 

located anywhere within the state. 

He explained further that every 

alleged offender had the right 

to challenge notified violation in 

a traffic court, or waive such right 

and make payment of stipulated 

fines immediately, or within 

48hours of issuance of a physical 

notification ticket. Where offenders 

opted to make payment 

of the stipulated violation fines, 

payment can be made via the 

available payment options - online 

via the website, the TMS 

mobile app, etc. 

at the front, 330 x 22 millimetres at 

the rear), the new Macan GTS 

impresses with the agility and 

responsiveness of a true sports car. 

As an option, deceleration can be 

further improved by means of the 

Porsche Surface Coated Brake 

(PSCB) with tungsten carbide 

coating or the Porsche Ceramic 

Composite Brake (PCCB). 

Acoustically, the standard sports 

exhaust system specifically 

adapted to the GTS accentuates the 

•Continued from Page 22 

brands through independent 

management and collectively 

contribute to over 49 per cent 

share of the new automobiles 

market in Nigeria. 

A statement by the company 

said: “The best assembler and 

manufacturer award to Stallion’s 

VON is a testimony to the 

investment done by the 

organisation to get global 

brands to the Nigerian 

customers that are locally 

produced and are best suited for 

these roads. The assembly plant 

has an annual capacity of 

200,000 units and 6 dedicated 

lines for passenger cars and two 

for commercial vehicles. The 

driving pleasure in the new Macan 

GTS. A 2.9-litre V6 engine is at the 

heart of the sound experience. Its 

Central Turbo Layout, with two 

turbochargers arranged in the inner 

V of the engine, allows particularly 

direct responsiveness. The 

maximum torque of 520 Nm (plus 

20 Nm) is available over a wide 

range from 1,750 to 5,000 rpm. The 

sportiest Macan model consumes 

9.6 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres 

according to NEDC. 

Toyota Corolla regains Nigeria Car of 

the Year title 

Continues from page 22 

SUV of The Year award went 

to Range Rover Autobiography. 

Mitsubishi L200 edged out 

the Toyota Hilux and Ford 

Ranger to clinch the Pick-Up 

of The Year Award while Mini 

Bus of the Year award went to 

the Toyota Hiace that competed 

with the Nissan Urvan and 

Mercedes Benz Sprinter buses. 

New Auto Lubricant of the 

year went to Motul, just as 

Ondo Motor Rally smiled home 

with the Motor Sports of The 

Year Award. 

Cars.45 was named as Online 

Auto Marketing Company 

of The Year; while JAC 

emerged the Most Improved 

Brand of The Year. Hyundai 

was named the Highest Selling 

Brand of The Year, while 

Mandilas was annonced as thr 

Auto Workshop of The Year and 

Changan as Fastest Growing 

Auto Brand of The Year. Honda 

Accord took home Executive 

Car of The Year award. 

In his welcome speech, Mike 

Ochonma, Chairman of NAJA, 

said that NAJA award was the 

most prestigious and only recognised 

auto award in the 

country. He advised industry 

stakeholders to desist from ‘negotiating’ 

for awards from private 

merchants who give auto 

industry awards just to prove 

to their principals abroad that 

they were doing well in the 

market. 

Stallion's best outing at NAJA Awards 

company employs hundreds of 

employees in the sector and has 

invested more than N130 billion 

in auto sector from 

manufacturing to sales to service 

and after sales. 

“Best Executive Car of the Year 

to Honda Accord amongst stiff 

competition is also a proof of 

Stallion Group’s approach to 

create the right brand salience 

in this market. The Honda Place 

(THP) is the first company of the 

group’s automotive business. 

Since then THP has developed 

impressive world class auto 

facilities for sales and service, 

delivering a global brand 

experience to customers in 

Nigeria."


CHRISTMAS PARTY: Wife of the Governor of Delta State and Founder 

O5 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa (middle) with Delta children at the 2019 

Christmas party organised by O5 Initiative, at Government House, Asaba. 

PRESENTATION: From left — Laitan Adeniji (Fela); Bolanle Austen Peters, 

Director, Fela's Republic and the Kalakuta Queens; Laide Babayale, Fela's original 

dancer and queen; Patrick Akinwuntan, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria 

Limited; Omolara Sosanya, Fela's original dancer and queen at the presentation 

of the stage play, 'Fela Republic and the Kalakuta queen' at the Terra Kulture, 

Victoria Island, Lagos. 

OPENING: From left: Mrs. Osuji Nkechi, guest, Mrs. Betty Samuel, guest, 

Evangelist Ijeoma Agodu, Founder/CEO. Divine Convenant Home of Grace 

Foundation, Mrs. Osuji Ijema and Esther Innocent Akpita, during the grand 

opening of the Ophanage Home, in Lagos. Photo: KEHINDE SHONOLA 

CAROL SERVICE: The New Seraph Church Choir performing Nine 

Lessons during the church's carol service with the theme “Hellelujah” at 

Mercy Hall, CMD Road, Toll Gate, Lagos.

God and the politics of 

succession in 2023 

POLITICIANS are not leaving anything 

to chance. Even before the posters for the 

2019 elections have been removed, the race 

for 2023 has started and it’s just as charged at 

the national level as it is in the states. One 

state that is offering a spectacularly different 

approach to the business of the next general 

election is Ebonyi. Governor David Umahi has 

told politicians - at least those in his ruling 

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state - 

that they should not worry about who will take 

over, or even how it will happen. The governor 

has it all worked out in a special pact with the 

hosts of heaven and Ebonyi is invited to the 

party. 

The governor said at a thanksgiving service 

in Abakaliki on Sunday that he had started a 

special programme across the 13 local 

government areas in the state, a special episode 

of prayers, to select not just the next governor 

but the next crop of political leaders in the 

state. It may sound like foolishness, but it’s 

foolishness with a history that is difficult to 

ignore. The worst nightmare of many past 

office-holders, whether in a hostile or friendly 

takeover, has been their successors. 

A conundrum 

Twice, it almost cost the All Progressives 

Congress, APC, national leader, Asiwaju Bola 

Ahmed Tinubu, his hold over Lagos. Even now 

the scars have not fully healed. In the last 

general election, succession squabbles cost the 

APC Zamfara, Oyo, Bauchi and Adamawa 

states. The main opposition party, the PDP, 

learnt its own lesson the hard way, when 

Governor Seriake Dickson’s hubris paved the 

way for his party’s defeat in the governorship 

election in Bayelsa. 

The current situation in Edo State where 

former Governor Adams Oshiomhole has 

recruited his former rival who he once publicly 

called a thief to fight against his own anointed 

successor, Governor Godwin Obaseki, is yet 

another in a chain of ludicrous succession cases 

with a fairly long history. 

As he thought about this matter of succession 

close to three decades ago, former military 

President Ibrahim Babangida was so troubled 

that he finally declared that even though he 

did not know those who would succeed his 

government, he knew those who would not. 

He then proceeded on an extraordinary 

experiment of banning and unbanning, 

breeding and re-breeding of politicians until, 

in the end, his laboratory exploded in his face. 

Personal story 

It must be a familiar story for Umahi, too. 

So, when he decides to make the matter of his 

succession spiritual warfare, the governor 

knows what he is talking about. In 2015, he 

was deputy to Governor Martin Elechi and 

thought he was secure and next in the line of 

succession. He was in charge of all big projects 

in the state and, in addition, had strong 

connections in the military, where his brother 

was a top brass. 

But Elechi didn’t trust Umahi, his own deputy. 

Instead of Umahi, who Elechi was told was 

cutting deals behind his back, the outgoing 

governor endorsed Onyebuchi Chukwu and 

hell came down. Umahi ran, not to prayer 

warriors, but outside Abakaliki for help. It’s 

surprising that the governor now thinks that 

calling on outside help, the euphemism for 

Abuja-based politicians, is a crime. If indeed it 

is, then he’s just as guilty as the politicians he 

was condemning on Sunday. 

When Elechi boxed him into a corner in 2015, 

Umahi did not organise prayer sessions for his 

deliverance. Instead, it was to former Secretary 

to the Government of the Federation, Anyim 

Pius Anyim - the same Abuja principalities he 

now condemns - that he ran for help. It was the 

combined forces of Anyim, former Governor 

Sam Egwu and other Abuja politicians in 

Wadata House, that saved Umahi. 

Yet, anyone listening 

to him pontificating 

on how the state has 

come of age and how 

nobody outside the 

state can influence 

elective positions 

there, would think he 

cannot find his way 

outside Abakaliki. 

Listening to his 

sermon about how it 

is now God alone that 

would choose his 

successor, one would 

think he has been in 

the Salvation Army all his life. 

Power, amnesia and poverty 

Power breeds hubris. But that is not its worst 

vice. Amnesia is just as dangerous, more 

dangerous, in fact, than power wielders are 

ready to admit. That’s Umahi’s 

problem. People in power don’t will themselves 

to forget: once in power, they just forget 

naturally - until they fall. Rather than wasting 

his time ticking off the boxes on how to produce 

his successor or embarking on a state-wide 

prayer vigil for a new breed of politicians, 

Umahi will do well to focus on his job. 

In spite of his best efforts in the last four years, 

Ebonyi is still ranked as the seventh poorest 

state in Nigeria, with 70 percent incidence of 

poverty, slightly down from 73 percent when 

Umahi took over four years ago, according to 

the National Bureau of Statistics. Ebonyi is 

not just poor, it’s the poorest of the five South 

Eastern states and the only Southern state 

among the country’s poorest top ten. 

In a sense, that is, in the sense of both 

geography and predatory poverty, Ebonyi is 

what Ekiti is to the Southwest; Bayelsa to the 

South; and Zamfara to the North. It will take 

more than prayers and gubernatorial bluff to 

save Ebonyi. Its trademark Abakaliki rice is a 

good place to build on, but not enough to lift 

rampant poverty. 

The governor is working but there’s still work 

to be done before the prayer rallies in the 13 

local governments begin. When he described 

himself recently as a very, very rich man, a 

billionaire by other accounts, one is left to 

It will take 

more than 

prayers and 

gubernatorial 

bluff to save 

Ebonyi 

wonder if his 

wealth came by 

prayers alone, 

since he did not say 

how or what 

brought him good 

fortune, other than 

saying that he has 

worked hard. 

Residents of the 

seventh poorest 

state are entitled to 

know just what 

kind of hard work 

made their governor a billionaire. 

He was right about something, though - that 

“politicians are an ungrateful lot.” Once they 

get one position, they begin, almost 

immediately, to scheme for the next. Some get 

away with it, like one of his godfathers, former 

Governor Sam Egwu, now a senator; and others 

don’t, like Umahi’s political cousin, Dickson, 

whose inordinate ambition cost his party 

Bayelsa State. 

All told, Umahi’s overriding concern 

appears to have been how to deal with the 

question of succession. It’s a legitimate concern 

of many leaders, yet even those who think they 

have it all figured out - that they have all their 

ducks in a row find out, almost inevitably - 

and often too late - that they’ve left out the X- 

factor. 

2023 is a long, long way; longer in politics 

than the 1108 days on the Gregorian calendar. 

While we look to the skies for the heavens to 

reveal the name of Umahi’s successor in a 

celestial fly past, the governor will do well to 

double his efforts to lift the state out of 

poverty. 

Since Ebonyi people are looking up to him 

to lead by example, he will also do well to 

render a full account of how he acquired a 

five-star hotel and a raft of petrol stations, 

among other choice assets, which have been 

subject of investigations by the EFCC since 

2015. 

His legacy will not be judged by the intensity 

of the prayers that he organises for his 

successor, but by the qualitative difference he 

brings to the lives of the millions of the 

desperately poor in the state. Now, let us pray. 


Access Bank showcases African art, fashion, 

film, music in second edition of BAFEST 

THE second edition of the Born 

in Africa Festival BAFEST, an 

initiative of Access Bank aimed at 

celebrating African creativity, held 

on the 15th of December 2019, at Eko 

Atlantic City, Victoria Island Lagos. 

Following a successful maiden 

edition last year, this year’s edition 

was also a massive success. Themed 

“More For The Culture”, the 2019 

BAFEST was a dynamic fusion of 

African art, film, fashion and music, 

attracting thousands of fun lovers 

from across Africa. 

The day-long festival commenced 

in the morning with the fashion, art 

and film park, where various artists, 

fashion designers and filmmakers 

showcased their works. Short films, 

feature-length films and Accelerate 

Filmmaker project films were 

screened in the film section; films 

such as ‘Black Monday’ by Adetola 

Films, ‘Blast’ by Tosin Ibitoye, ‘Last’ 

by Olabisi Akinbinu, ‘Scars’ by 

Miriam Dera among others were 

featured. Eye-catching and 

fascinating artworks and clothing 

were also on display as artists and 

designers were on ground to 

engage guests. 

The festival then got into high 

spirits with the fusion of music and 

fashion all on one stage. Fans were 

thrilled with captivating music 

performances from some of Africa’s 

biggest and finest acts including 

Niniola, Seyi Shey, Becca from 

Ghana, Patoranking, Teni, Joeboy, 

Flavour, 9ice, Mr Real, Naira Marley 

and Burna Boy. The stage was lit by 

runway models displaying the works 

of top-notch African designers such 

as Tokyo James, Emmy Kasbit, David 

Tlale and a host of other talented 

fashion designers. 

A notable highlight of the festival 

was the electrifying opening dance 

VIVO Nigeria, a Smartphone 

brand said it has produced and 

shipped over 10 million 

Smartphones across the world since 

2009 and its phone among Top 5 

brands, making it industry leading 

brand. 

The company noted that its vivo V7 

and V7plus brands launched at the 

Mobile World Congress is the first 

smartphones to spot an elevating 24MP 

front camera from APEX and is 

determined to outperform major existing 

brands like TECNO, Infinix, Huawei 

and Xiaomi amongst others. 

Head of PR, VIVO global, Chloe 

Wang said: ‘’This year, vivo 

expanded into the Nigeria mobile 

phone market with the launch of its 

flagship product – the V17 Pro which 

debuted yet another industry 

leading technology, the Dual Pop Up 

Selfie Camera. 

‘’The device houses six cameras in 

performance coupled with a daring 

aerodynamic performance by the 

Drumstatic band, who were all 

suspended in the air. The ambience at 

the BAFEST 2019 was a lively one; 

guests had several options of 

refreshment as there was a food court 

packed with vendors dishing tasty 

meals and drinks. 

Commenting on the event and its 

significance, Access Bank GMD 

Herbert Wigwe explained that 

“BAFEST is not just a means of 

providing quality entertainment to 

Africans, but a platform Access Bank 

has created to spotlight Africa through 

its enormous creativity and talents. We 

believe it is time the world knows the 

true story of Africa. I believe that this 

year's BAFEST will further strengthen 

this new African narrative we are 

creating.” 

Born in Africa Festival is a celebration 

of the unparalleled dynamism of the 

true African spirit. This highly 

entertaining fusion of music, art, film 

and fashion is designed uniquely to 

help shape a positive African story 

globally and better connect the world 

to the continent. The Born in Africa 

Festival was birthed by Access Bank 

from a need to tell the true story of 

Africa in all its glory. 

Over the years, Access Bank an 

institution has persistently shown 

passionate support for African 

creativity and has successfully 

positioned itself as Africa's gateway to 

the world, providing more than just 

banking services. The Bank has 

continued to promote the vibrant 

creative spirit that abounds Nigeria 

and Africa through its support for 

platforms such as Art X Lagos, AFFRIF, 

Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, 

Access The Stars among other 

initiatives. 

VIVO rolls out 10m smartphones in 10 years 

Obi Ilomechina Obajanma 

celebrates 82 birthday in 

grand style All is now set for the 

82years birthday anniversary 

celebration ofa prominent 

community leader and the head 

of Inalu dynasty,Umuagu, Asaba, 

Delta, Obi Ilomechina Amuwah aka 

Obajanma.A statement jointly 

issued on behalf of the family 

by thechairman planning committee 

for the ceremony, Ogbueshi Paul 

Olikoand secretary Dr. Victor 

Onuorah Amuwah, stated that the 

ceremonywhich is expected to attract 

large turnout of prominent 

personalitiesincluding the state 

governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, his 

deputy, Barr.Kingsley Otuaro 

among others including a cross 

section of traditionalrulers and title 

chiefs as well as captains of industry 

all including a 60MP AI Quad Rear 

Camera. The Dual Pop Up Front 

Camera also has the Selfie Softlight 

which helps to capture clear pictures 

in lowlight environments while the 

rear camera has a combination of 

lenses including the macro that helps 

capture tiny details of closeup shots. 

This camera also has a Pose Master 

which somehow suggests poses for 

users when taking photos.’’ 

He added: ‘’Asides being at the 

forefront of innovation, vivo have also 

been engaged in activities that interest 

its consumers – such as becoming the 

official smartphone brand sponsor of 

the 2018 FIFA World Cup as well as 

that of 2022. Another is contracting 

product placement with Marvel 

Studios for Captain America and also 

announcing its sponsorship with 

PUBG Mobile. With these activities, 

the brand continues to stay connected 

to its consumers.’’ 

Obi Ilomechina Obajanma celebrates 82nd 

birthday in grand style 

and politicians,will take place on the 

eve of Christmas celebration at the Obi 

Inalutown hall, Umuagu quarters, 

Asaba beginning at two in 

theafternoon. 

Obi Ilomechina Obajanma


Unending battle for Ooni’s 

second-in-command’s post 

•Elugbiji 

By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo 

The Obalufe of Ile-Ife 

is an important title in the Ife 

traditional authority, being the 

second in command to the Ooni 

himself. The Obalufe is likened 

to the Prime Minister within 

the Ile-Ife traditional authority, 

who, on behalf of the Ooni 

discharged certain responsibilities 

as delegated to him. 

To a large extent, the Obalufe 

acts as a stabilising factor in Ile- 

Ife political, and administrative 

polity. Authority to appoint an 

Obalufe is vested in the Ooni, 

nonetheless, such appointment 

is still subjected to the provision 

of the Chieftaincy Declaration 

gazetted by the state government. 

But the ripples generated since 

the demise of the last Obalufe, 

Oba Folorunso Omisakin, who 

died on October 15 2015 are yet 

to abate. After his death, the 

subsequent selection and appointment 

of his replacement 

has become a bone of contention. 

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye 

Ogunwusi had installed Idowu 

Adediwura of the Ado Gbodo ruling 

family as the Obalufe which 

generated a lot of reaction, especially 

from the Aga Orunto Ruling 

family who believed it is its 

turn to ascend the stool. 

Protest 

The Aga Orunto Ruling family, 

apart from strictly objecting to 

the process, also organised a 

protest, bearing placards with 

different inscriptions alleging 

that Adediwura was imposed on 

the people. 

One of the leaders of the protesters, 

Prince Oluwasegun 

Olayade, said it was wrong to 

deny the family of its rights. 

“We are protesting today because 

my family has been deprived 

of the Obalufe position 

that we are entitled to based on 

the order of the gazette. 

“Four ruling houses are entitled 

to it (Obalufe position) 

based on that existing arrangement 

and there was no disorder 

•Adediwura 

until now which is our turn. 

“The Ooni called us to present 

candidates that can occupy the 

throne and that if we do not 

By Rotimi Ojomoyela, Ekiti 

It is no longer news that the ap 

pointment of Oba Adebanji Alabi, 

the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti as the 

chairman of the state Council of Traditional 

Rulers by Governor Kayode 

Fayemi generated controversy 

in Ekiti, especially among monarchs 

in the state. 

The position became vacant following 

the expiration of the tenure 

of the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba 

Oluwole Ademolaju, on July 31. 

Trouble started when the 16 

most prominent traditional rulers, 

otherwise called ‘pelupelu’, 

including Fayemi’s home town 

monarch, the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, 

petitioned Fayemi over Oba 

Alabi’s appointment. The rift factionalised 

the council. Some other 

monarchs accused the 16 monarchs 

of monopolising the exalted 

position. 

Many have argued that Fayemi 

took the action to spite majority of 

the obas, who pitched their tent 

with former Governor Ayo Fayose’s 

anointed candidate, Prof. Olusola, 

against Fayemi during the 2018 

governorship election. 

The chairmanship tussle has 

snowballed into a legal battle as 

the “pelupelu” obas approached an 

Ado Ekiti High Court to challenge 

the governor. 

In a suit filed, they sought for the 

nullification of Oba Alabi’s 

appointment, claiming that Fayemi 

contravened the Ekiti State 

Chieftaincy Law, which stipulated 

that the chairman can only be appointed 

among Alademerindinlogun/pelupelu 

Obas. 

They described the action taken 

by the governor to appoint someone 

outside the league of 17 to occupy 

the prestigious seat as a flagrant 

disregard for the Ekiti State 

Chieftaincy Law. 

The Pelupelu started in 1886 after 

the end of Kiriji war between 

Ibadan and Ekiti. It came into existence 

with 16 obas, including the 

present the names on time, he 

would choose for us. We submitted 

the names as and when due 

but he refused to call us back as 

we agreed. 

“Suddenly, we heard that the 

Ooni had appointed someone 

that is not from the Aga ruling 

house, which is the next house 

to be appointed Obalufe. 

Litigation 

After several protests without 

reaction, Abayomi Elugbuji on 

behalf of the Aga Orunto ruling 

family wrote to the state government 

seeking its intervention but 

to no avail, before heading to the 

court to seek redress. 

At the initial stage, the state 

government filed a preliminary 

objection against the suit challenging 

the eligibility of the 

plaintiff being of a female lineage, 

on which grounds the case 

was dismissed. However, the 

Appeal Court returned the issue 

for trial after which the state 

High Court dethroned Adediwura 

and ordered the Ooni to install 

Abayomi as the Obalufe. 

Reactions 

The Aga Orunto Ruling family 

was the first to react to the 

Judgement, and Femi Akande 

described the Judgement as 

landmark. 

Akande said: “Nobody is 

above the law. The judge gave 

the judgement in accordance 

with the dictates of the law. The 

Ife Chietaincy Declaration of 

1957 cannot be disregarded.” 

One of the Aga family members, 

who pleaded anonymity, 

told Vanguard that the family has 

observed compliance with the 

Judgement as he claimed that 

Adediwura has stopped dressing 

or going about with the paraphernalia 

attached to the office. 

Meanwhile, Kayode Olowolagba 

said the judgement has 

been appealed, hence, status quo 

has to be maintained pending 

the decision of the Appeal 

Court. 

Similarly, the Ooni of Ife, Oba 

EKI OBAS' CHAIRMANSHIP TUSSLE: Will claimants Sheath sword? 

•Oba Adebanji Alabi 

Deji of Akure and the Owa Olobo of 

Obo Ayegunle Ekiti. 

The decision of Akure to secede 

from Ekiti to form Akure kingdom 

through Ajapada and the ceding of 

Obo Ajegunle to Kwara brought 

about an adjustment in the pelupelu 

composition. The Elemure of 

Emure Ekiti, Attah of Ayede and 

Olomuo of Omuo-Ekiti were 

screened by the Obas then and absolved 

as Pelupelu. 

The 17 Pelupelu are: the Ajero of 

Ijero, Alara of Aramoko, Ewi of Ado 

Ekiti, Ogoga of Ikere, Olomuo of 

Omuo, Attah of Ayede, Onitaji of 

Itaji, Oloye of Oye, Arinjale of Ise, 

Ologotun of Ogotun, Elemure of 

Emure, Alaaye of Efon, Owa Ooye 

of Okemesi, Olojudo of Ido Faboro, 

Onisan of Isan Ekiti, and Elekole of 

Ikole. 

Joined in the suit with registration 

number HAD/76/2019 are: Fayemi 

(1st defendant), the Attorney- 

General of Ekiti State, Wale 

Fapohunda (2nd) and Oba Adebanji 

Alabi(3rd). 

An originating summon filed by 

Dr. B.A.M. Ajibade((SAN) on August 

7, 2019 and deposed to by Ajero of 

Ajero, Oba Joseph Adewole, on 

behalf of the other 15 Obas, sought 

an interlocutory injunction restraining 

Fayemi from swearing in Alawe 

as the chairman of the council. 

The 16 rulers argued that the promotion 

of Alawe, Olosi, Olojudo 

(Ido Ile), Arajaka and Oluyin to the 

Pelupelu rank by government was 

an erosion of tradition. 

They averred: “We reject the appointment 

of Alawe because he was 

not one of the Oba Alademeridinlogun 

stated in the extant laws. 

“Similarly, the so-called political 

promotion or elevation of Alawe to 

Pelupelu obaship does not derogate 

in anyway whatsoever from the established 

tradition which had been 

statutorily established in the law 

that has already been cited. 

“It was for this obvious reasons 

that the court struck out a case by 

four obas namely; Alawe of Ilawe, 

Olosi of Osi Ekiti, Arajaka of Igbara 

Odo Ekiti and Olojudo of Ido-ile. 

They approached the court for recognition 

as Pelupelu Obas. 

“Later, in spite of the fact that the 

court struck out the case, Oluyin of 

Iyin Ekiti was promoted. All the five 

appointments were done in violation 

of our tradition and existing 

law.” 

At the resume hearing of the case 

last week, Court advised parties to 

the suit over the tussle on the chairmanship 

position of the state 

council of traditional rulers to resolve 

all issues in the overall interest of 

peace in the state. 

Counsel to the aggrieved monarchs 

called ‘Alademerindologun’ 

(Pelupelu) , Mr. Owoseni Ajayi said 

discussions from stakeholders have 

been opened with his clients towards 

an amicable resolutions to the impasse. 

The monarchs who were in court 

include; the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti,Oba 

Rufus Adejugbe ; Alaaye of Efon, 

Oba Emmanuel Aladejare ; Ogoga 

of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu ; 

Ologotun of Ogotun, Oba Samuel 

Oyebade; Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba 

Oluwole Ademolaju ; Elemure of 

Emure, Oba Emmanuel Ogunleye; 

Ogunwusi through the Palace 

Director of Media, Moses Olafare 

urged Ife residents to remain 

calm, pending the final resolution 

of the dispute, pledging 

commitment to respect the verdict 

of the court. 

“The Palace is aware of the recent 

court judgement as well as 

the appeal filed by the defendant 

against the pronouncement. 

These attest to the fact that it is 

an ongoing matter and we must 

treat it as such, we are all respect 

the rule of law and the overall 

interest of kingdom of Ife is paramount”. 

“Once we get to the end of all 

the court processes with the final 

verdict given by the Appeal 

court, the Ooni will not hesitate 

to do the needful. 

“In this regard, the complaint 

and the defendant must continue 

to show their utmost loyalty 

to the kingdom of Ife by shunning 

actions and utterances that 

are capable of misleading the 

public”, the Ooni emphasised. 

Also, Abayomi Elugbuji sought 

total compliance with the 

Judgement. 

“We are not ready for arbitration 

any more, and we believe in 

the rule of law, our father, the 

Ooni should obey the order of the 

court to install me as the Obalufe, 

since, Adediwura has failed 

to secure a stay of execution on 

the existing judgement”. 

We believe the Ooni who is father 

of all would ensure that the 

law is respected and peace allowed 

to reign in the town as he 

preaches around the world, we 

believe he would install me as 

Obalufe as pronounced by the 

court on or before the expiration 

of the 21 days given by the court 

in the interest of all parties”, he 

said. 

Ajero of Ijero , Oba Joseph Adebayo; 

Olomuo of Omuo, Oba Noah Omonigbehin 

and the Olujido of Ido, Oba 

Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro. 

Owoseni said the aggrieved monarchs 

were interested in sustaining 

the current peace in the state, however 

opposed to the proposal by the 

state government for the claimants 

to withdraw the suit. 

“Alternative Peaceful Resolution 

can go on without the cased being 

withdrawn. We are ready for peaceful 

resolution subject to the commitment 

of the state government on this 

matter. 

“Their proposal for us to discontinue 

this case shows they are not 

interested in the peaceful resolution 

of this issue,” he said. 

On his part counsel to the government 

and Attorney General of the 

State, Mr. Wale Fapohunda called 

for the withdrawal of suit by the aggrieved 

monarchs to show their commitment 

to peaceful resolution. 

According to Fapohunda: “ This 

move will send an unequivocal message 

to everyone that our fathers are 

indeed interested in peace, progress 

and security of this state.” 

Counsel to Oba Alabi, Olubunmi 

Olugbade revealed that his client 

was not opposed to the resolution of 

the impasse, noting,” I am aware 

that the claimants are reaching out 

to our client towards resolving this 

issue.” 

The presiding judge, Justice M. O 

Abodunde while giving her ruling 

agreed that parties have the right to 

adopt the alternative dispute resolution 

on the suit in the interest of 

Ekiti state, and advised them to 

resolve the issue and return to the 

court with their decisions. 

She adjourned the case till January 

21,2020 for final update from 

the parties on the resolution of the 

issue. 

As stakeholders await the resolutions 

of parties over the tussle on the 

next adjournment date, it is hoped 

by many that the controversy will be 

laid to rest in the interest of peace 

and development of the state.

UNIMED: Day Akeredolu praised Mimiko, 

his predecessor 

By Dayo Johnson, Akure 

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu 

of Ondo state has eulogized 

his predecessor, Dr Olusegun 

Mimiko, for establishing 

the first University of Medical 

Sciences in the country 

UNIMED and his giant 

strides in the state’s health 

sector during his eight years 

tenure. 

Akeredolu made mention of 

this while speaking at the 

first convocation of the Ondo 

State University of Medical 

Science (UNIMED), in 

Ondo. 

The university was established 

in 2014 by the former 

governor. 

Akeredolu said successes 

made by his administration 

in the state’s health sector 

must be attributed to Mimiko 

who laid a solid foundation 

for his government. 

His words: “The whole of 

Ondo state will forever be 

grateful to my predecessor, Dr. 

Olusegun Mimiko, who 

thought it wise to begin this 

(University of Medical 

Sciences) project in our state, 

we want to thank you for your 

vision and passion” 

“I chose to come on board 

By James Ogunnaike, 

Abeokuta 

The umbrella body of 

Chinese businesses 

under auspices of Ogun- 

Guangdong Free Trade 

Zone in Igbesa area of Ado- 

Odo/Ota 

Local 

Government Area of Ogun 

State has donated a health 

facility to the host 

community. 

The six -room medical 

facility was commissioned 

by the Consul-General of 

the People’s Republic of 

China in Lagos, Mr. Chu 

Maoming. 

Maoming said the 

facility would strengthen 

ties between the Chinese 

and Nigerian Communities, 

adding that the gesture 

represents “better 

opportunities for us to 

cooperate.” 

The Consul-General 

noted that the gesture 

would bring practical 

benefits to the host 

community, appealing for 

more cooperation of 

community members in to 

sustain peace and progress 

in the area. 

•Mimiko 

to continue this your (Mimiko) 

excellent legacy because 

of the uniqueness, and whatever 

achievement we have 

made in the health sector 

Ondo state belongs to you.” 

“Government is a continuum 

and I will continue to do 

what I believe is right. We 

will continue to do our very 

best to support the University 

of Medical Sciences. 

“At this point, let me congratulate 

the Council, Senate, 

staff and students of 

UNIMED for this milestone 

EDITOR: Dayo Johnson (08033509763) 

Deputy Editor: Dapo Akinrefon 

08023844928 (sms only) 

CORRESPONDENTS: 

Ola Ajayi 

Ibadan 

Dare Fasube 

(Photo) 

Rotimi Ojomoyela 

Ekiti 

Monsuru Olowoopejo Lagos 

Adeola Badru 

Ibadan 

Shina Abubakar 

Osogbo 

James Ogunnaike 

Abeokuta 

•Akeredolu 

development. It’s due to the 

hard work that you all have 

put in that we are witnessing 

today’s event. 

“ I do hope you will continue 

in this manner to ensure 

even greater successes for 

the University. I also congratulate 

the graduating students, 

their parents and 

guardians, who must be very 

happy that what began as a 

small anecdote only a few 

years ago, has now transformed 

into a big success for 

their wards and families. 


“The graduating students 

must also know that the degree 

they are getting today 

is only a small seed, which 

they should make bigger and 

stronger in their quest for 

personal development. 

“I therefore wish to call on 

UNIMED and indeed all 

Universities in Ondo State to 

ensure that their management 

is strong and that senior 

management officials are 

appointed with consideration 

for merit, track records, integrity 

and strong Universi- 

ty management experience. 

“As a Visitor, I will continue 

to monitor the trends in 

order to ensure that only the 

very best personnel that buy 

into the vision and mission 

of the State for educational 

development will find places 

in the management of our 

tertiary educational system.” 

In his address, UNIMED 

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Friday 

Okonofua commended Mimiko’s 

ingenuity in establishing 

the university and said 

the university decided to 

honour Mimiko with the 

Heroes award because the 

institution cannot award 

honorary doctorate degrees 

until it begins its Postgraduate 

programmes. 

“Dr Mimiko’s role can never 

be forgotten for the foresightedness 

with which he 

established the University, 

and for the brazenness with 

which he appointed me the 

Vice Chancellor. 

“The fact that I am not 

from Ondo State also made it 

very exemplary, which made 

me to be determined never to 

disappoint him and the good 

people of the state. Till date, 

he continues to provide 

unique and exemplary 

support and advice to the 

University.” 

Responding on behalf of 

the other awardees, Mimiko 

said the institution will continue 

to enjoy their support 

as he used the occasion to 

admonish government to invest 

massively in education 

and maintain university autonomy. 

OGFTZ boosts Healthcare in Ogun, donates medi- 

cal facility to host community 

According to the Deputy 

General Manager of 

OGFTZ, Daniel Che, the 

health intervention was part 

of the annual social 

responsibility programmes 

of the free trade zone to the 

Igbesa community. 

Che commended the 

support of the local 

community over the years, 

reiterating the free trade 

zone’s long-term 

commitment to investing in 

Igbesa. 

“When I came here three 

years ago, a lot of things 

were not in place. The 

community had challenges 

with primary health care. 

There was no proper 

community health service. 

So we identified this as a 

project to work on and help 

our communities because we 

all live here.” 

“We would continue to 

work together with members 

of community to improve 

living conditions here,” Che 

noted. 

In his address, the Head 

of Local Government 

Administration, Agbara/ 

Igbesa Local Council 

Development Area, Mr 

Oluwole Fateru appreciated 

the donation of the building 

and appealing for necessary 

health amenities. 

He said: “Much as we 

appreciate the expansion of 

the health centre with the 

provision of this building, I 

want to use this medium to 

plead with the management 

of Ogun Guandong to further 

assist by equipping the 

building with necessary 

health amenities for the 

optimization of the building, 

especially now that the 

government is financially 

incapacitated to meet the 

ever increasing needs of the 

people.” 

Speaking on behalf of the 

community, the Asiwaju of 

Igbesa, Chief Ajibola 

Olagbayi said the free trade 

zone had over time 

demonstrated passion for 

community development. 

Chief Olagbaye however 

urged the Chinese to do 

more for the community 

especially in the area of 

road infrastructure. 

FUTA student designs drone, as 153 students 

bags first class during 31st convocation 

By Dayo Johnson, Akure with Pass out of the 3110 

A 

graduands. 

student of the Federal The Deputy Vice Chancellor 

University of Technology, said the drone “ can climb to a 

Akure, (FUTA) Oluwaseyi Falola specific height while being 

of the Department of remote controlled and directed to 

Mechanical Engineering has the task assigned to it”. 

designed a unique Heliosat “The drone which is technically 

(Drone) in flight. 

called the Environmental Data 

The FUTA- Heliosat Analysis and Aerial Video Drone 

according to the the Deputy -EDAV-Drone- and from the 

Vice-Chancellor, Development, Project that gave birth to it, it can 

Prof. Philip Oguntade, “is not also serve as a normal drone for 

the normal Drone device. It is aerial surveillance or to capture 

much more it is actually a mini sensation in the atmosphere. 

satellite with the additional Oguntade noted that Dr 

advantage of landing on water Okuwatosin Dahunsi, the 

while its sensors pick supervisor of the student guided 

information and send directly to him through the production of the 

a ground station. 

first prototype. 

Oguntade said this at a media Another milestone of 

briefing to herald the excellence according to him 

university’s 31st convocation includes development of self 

ceremonies on December 20 and propelled water hyacinth 

21, this year. 

harvester by Prof Olawale 

153 students of the Federal Olukunle, of the Agricultural and 

University of Technology, Akure, Environmental Engineering 

(FUTA) bagged First Class Department, and a fuel less 

degrees while 1514 bagged generator by Augustine lgiebor, 

Second Class Upper and 216 an undergraduate student of 

students had Third Class and 15 Mechanical Engineering with 

support of two members of staff. 

Also “52 students of the 

University also won the MTN 

Scholarship recently, making it 

the highest win in the South- 

West. 

According to him, Saheed 

Adesile Lawal of the 

Department of Physiology 

emerged the overall best 

graduating student for the 2018/ 

2019 academic session with 

Cumulative Grade Point 

Average (CGPA) of 4.92. 

He said that the School of 

Postgraduates studies will also 

be presenting 122 graduands for 

Ph.D. while 720 and 517 will get 

Masters and PGD respectively. 

Oguntade noted that 

honorary degree award will be 

conferred on Mr. Ananou Gabin 

Kouevi of the African Climate 

Competence Centres in the 

Management Agency of the 

Department of Environment, 

Culture and Sustainability, 

from Germany for his 

contribution to the programme in 

Nigeria, West and Southern 

African sub-regions.


Ending epidemics by breaking down human 

rights barriers to health 

By Peter Sands & 

Antonio Zappulla 

AMONG the many 

challenges involved in 

improving health services, 

one is both pervasive and 

largely hidden. Human 

rights-related barriers to 

health, some explicit, 

others expressed in 

behaviours and norms, 

prevent millions of people 

from access to lifesaving 

prevention and treatment. 

Think of a girl who is 

forced to get married at 15 

and needs her husband's 

permission to undergo an 

HIV test, or to get a bed net 

to protect herself and her 

children from malaria. Or 

a gay man who is beaten 

up by police and charged 

with sodomy when he 

secretly visits the home of 

a community health care 

worker to obtain condoms. 

Or a group of miners 

working 14 hours a day 

deep in a mine without 

ventilation and health 

insurance despite 

widespread tuberculosis. 

Money alone cannot 

ensure and protect basic 

human rights for people 

most at risk from infectious 

diseases. 

If the media stokes the 

appetite for a witch hunt 

against LGBT+ people or 

condones violence against 

women, how will society 

behave? If laws allow abuse 

and discrimination to be 

justified, how can social 

‘Years of playing drums makes human brain more efficient’ 

By Sola Ogundipe 

PEOPLE who play 

drums regularly for 

years may be more 

coordinated than 

unmusical people 

according to the results of a 

study by researchers who 

suggest that the drummers 

have fewer, but thicker 

fibres in the main 

connecting tract between 

two halves of the brain. 

In addition, their motor 

brain areas are organised 

more efficiently. This is the 

conclusion drawn by a 

research team headed by Dr. 

Lara Schlaffke from the 

Bergmannsheil University 

Clinic in Bochum and 

Associate Professor Dr. 

Sebastian Ocklenburg from 

the biopsychology research 

unit at Ruhr-Universität 

Bochum following a study 

with magnetic resonance 

imaging (MRI). 

The results published in 

the journal Brain and 

Behaviour, explain how the 

researchers tested 20 

professional drummers 

who have played their 

The rights of children to education and healthcare must be respected. Photo courtesy 

UNICEF 

justice be achieved? 

Stigma, ignorance, 

prejudice and lack of 

opportunities are some of 

the toughest road blocks to 

remove. But the combined 

power of the law and the 

media can make a 

difference. 

Fair and balanced news 

coverage is critical in 

informing public opinion. 

Respect for human rights is 

essential to ensure access 

to health services. 

Combined, they become 

the key to unlocking 

systemic change. 

In sub-Saharan Africa, 

women and girls are twice 

as likely to be HIV-positive 

compared to young men. 

instrument for an average 

of 17 years and currently 

practice for more than 10 

hours per week. They 

examined them using 

various MRI imaging 

techniques that provide 

insights into the structure 

and function of the brain. 

They then compared the 

data with measurements of 

24 unmusical control 

subjects. In the first step, 

both groups played drums 

to test their abilities and 

were examined in the MRI 

scanner. 

Drummers presented 

clear differences in the front 

part of the corpus callosum, 

a brain structure that 

connects the two 

hemispheres and whose 

front part is responsible for 

motor planning. 

The data indicated that 

drummers had fewer but 

thicker fibres in this 

important connecting tract 

between the brain 

hemispheres, allowing 

musicians to exchange 

information between the 

hemispheres more quickly. 

Moreover, the brain of 

drummers was less active 

in motor tasks than that of 

control subjects. This 

phenomenon is referred to 

as sparse sampling: a more 

efficient brain organisation 

in the areas leads to less 

activation in professionals. 

"It has long been 

Stop 

stigmatising 

people living 

with 

hepatitis, 

says 

Omotosho 

By Bose Adelaja 

THE President of the 

Hepatitis Zero 

Nigerian Commission, Dr 

Mike Omotosho has 

warned against 

stigmatisation of people 

living with Hepatitis saying 

this may have adverse 

effects on the prevention 

and treatment of viral 

Hepatitis in Nigeria. 

Omotosho said the 

Commission has been 

inundated with calls and 

reports of stigmatization 

from people living with 

Hepatitis particularly the B 

Virus. 

He said there are reports 

that high ranking private 

and public establishments 

are denying jobs to some 

qualified candidates on the 

grounds of being Hepatitis 

B positive. 

He cited cases of denied 

employment and school 

admission on grounds of 

living with hepatitis. 

“In as much as Hepatitis 

B and C are contagious, 

their mode of transmission 

is similar to that of HIV 

which includes contact with 

infected blood, sexual 

transmission and contact 

with other bodily fluids.’’ 

‘’Nigeria is one of the 

countries with the highest 

burden of viral hepatitis 

with a prevalence of 11-14 

percent for Hepatitis B and 

2.2 percent for Hepatitis C. 

The level of knowledge of 

viral hepatitis is very low 

amongst Nigerians and 

the awareness level is being 

pushed by key stakeholders 

like the Hepatitis Zero 

Commission and gradually 

people are being tested and 

treated accordingly. 

Even with early treatment, HIV still attacks young brains, says MSU study 

By Chinelo Azike 

WHILE 

early 

antiretroviral 

therapy, or ART, has 

ensured less deadly 

outcomes for children 

living with and exposed to 

HIV, studies show HIV still 

may affect the brain by 

d i s r u p t i n g 

neurodevelopment, and 

affecting how children 

learn, reason and function. 

To study exactly how HIV 

impacts children's 

neuropsychological 

development, Michael 

Boivin, professor and 

Contributing factors 

include gender inequality, 

violence and limited access 

to education. Meanwhile, 

men who have sex with 

men, people who inject 

drugs, sex workers and 

transgender people often 

lack access to health 

programmes. The root 

cause? Social taboos, 

punitive laws and fear of 

arrest. 

Framing health as a 

human right creates an 

obligation on states to 

ensure accessible, 

acceptable and affordable 

health care of appropriate 

quality. But this conception 

of health as a human right 

is not shared around the 

director of the Psychiatry 

Research Programme in the 

Michigan State University 

College of Osteopathic 

Medicine, set out to 

understand th process in a 

two-year longitudinal 

study, published in Clinical 

Infectious Diseases. 

The research was 

supported in part by the 

National Institute of Allergy 

and Infectious Diseases, 

part of the National 

Institutes of Health. 

Boivin and his colleagues 

evaluated the 


development of three 

groups of children aged 5 

to 11: those who acquired 

HIV perinatally and were 

treated with ART, those 

exposed but HIV-negative, 

and those who were never 

exposed. The research took 

place at six study sites 

across four countries in sub- 

Saharan Africa for a robust 

view of how HIV is 

affecting children in the 

region. 

To date, it's the first wellvalidated, 

multi-site 


evaluation of African 

school-aged children 

affected by HIV. 

What the researchers 

discovered through various 

world. You have only to 

look, for example, at how 

HIV non-disclosure, 

exposure and transmission 

is still criminalized in 86 

jurisdictions worldwide. 

We will never end the 

epidemics of HIV, TB and 

malaria - which killed 3 

million people in 2017 

alone - unless we 

dismantle social and 

human rights barriers to 

health services. 

Everyone has a right to 

healthcare, encompassing 

dignity and respect. Not 

only is this a basic human 

right, but it is critical to 

fostering social stability and 

boosting economic growth. 

It is predicted that drugresistant 

TB will cost the 

global economy 

approximately US$17 

trillion by 2050 if progress 

is not made fast enough. 

The Global Fund and the 

Thomson Reuters 

Foundation are joining 

forces to combine the power 

of an international health 

financing organization 

with global media and 

legal expertise, to help 

break down barriers to 

health services. 

Each year, the Global 

Fund mobilizes and invests 

more than US$4 billion to 

support health programs 

run by local experts in more 

than 100 countries. 

Through its "Breaking 

Down Barriers" Initiative, 

the Global Fund is working 

with countries to reduce 

human rights-related 

barriers to health services: 

to ensure that everybody, 

including the most 

marginalized, also have 

access to prevention, 

treatment and care services; 

to see that health care 

workers are trained not to 

discriminate against, turn 

away, or fear people living 

with HIV or TB; to ensure 

that police are sensitized to 

support LGBT people to 

access prevention and 

treatment, rather than 

subject them to extortion, 

arbitrary arrest and 

violence; and to inform 

women, girls and others 

most affected by disease 

and violence about their 

rights and access to legal 

support. 

assessments was that even 

in the face of early 

treatment and good clinical 

care, there are still 

s i g n i f i c a n t 


problems for children living 

with HIV. 

"These children came into 

the study with a deficit 

compared to their 

counterparts," Boivin said. 

"It stayed about the same 

throughout the two years, 

except in one important 

area: reasoning and 

planning. On that specific 

test domain, the children 

living with HIV failed to 

progress over time." 

The gap between infected 

and HIV-negative children 

grew in the planning and 

reasoning area over the 

study period. Typically, 

these abilities tend to 

blossom in the school-aged 

years in healthy children. 

"This is the most important 

cognitive function for the 

future of children living 

with HIV in terms of their 

likelihood of taking their 

medications, making good 

decisions, abstaining from 

risky behaviours like early 

sexual activity, psychosocial 

issues and school-related


Send Opinions & Letters to: 

opinions1234@yahoo.com 

Corbyn makes history, but 

it is yet unwritten 

THE Labour Party was born 

in 1900 by trade union and 

socialist parents and what its 

leader, Jeremy Corbyn tried to do 

in this month’s British elections, 

was to return it to its origins 

which emphasise a social pact 

between the state and the people. 

He tried to return Britain to the 

path of collective welfare for all, 

not one of dog eat dog or every 

man for himself and God for us 

all. 

The 105-page Labour 

Manifesto was aimed at 

transforming the country 

including the renationalization 

of rail, mail, water and energy, 

and in this digital age, making 

access to the internet, part of the 

right to information and free 

speech. 

The Corbyn-led Labour Party 

offers included raising £75bn to 

build 150,000 new council and 

social homes a year over five 

years, a living wage of £10 an 

hour, a five per cent pay raise for 

public sector workers with 

follow-up annual raises based 

on inflation rate. 

Its programmes included 

reinstating 3,000 bus routes, 

reducing all primary school 

classes to fewer than 30 children 

and giving EU nationals living 

in UK the automatic right to stay. 

Corbyn whose leadership also 

worked out funding for the 

change promised, warned during 

the campaigns: "Over the next 

three weeks, the most powerful 

people in Britain and their 

supporters are going to tell you 

that everything in this manifesto 

is impossible. That it's too much 

for you. Because they don't want 

real change. 

Why would they? The system is 

working just fine for them. It's 

rigged in their favour.” He added 

“We're opposed by the vested 

interests for standing up for a 

different kind of society. We'll 

deliver real change for the many, 

and not the few." 

Those opposed to change 

including pro-Tory media, turned 

on the party, accusing it of 

wanting to embark on a spending 

spree, frightening employers, 

and that the plan of higher tax 

for the rich, would lead to capital 

flight. 

Conscious of Corbny’s efficacy, 

there had been long drawn 

campaigns to paint him as antisemitic 

partly for advocating 

peace in the Middle East based 

on the right of Palestinians to 

equality and a homeland. He was 

also accused of turning the party 

to: “a welcoming refuge for anti- 

Semites.” 

The fact that he and his parents 

have a long history of pro-Jewish 

struggles including his personal 

efforts of getting Britain to 

resettle Yemeni Jews and saving 

the Jewish cemetery in his 

constituency from being 

flattened, did not blunt such false 

accusations. 

The British military 

establishment is also known to 

be wary of Corbyn becoming the 

Prime Minister as he is a famous 

peace campaigner who had 

previously promised to reduce 

the size of the military, scrap the 

Trident Nuclear Programme and 

pull Britain out of the North 

Atlantic Treaty Organisation, 

NATO. 

In September 2015 a serving 

British Army General said if 

Corbyn was elected and carried 

out such programmes, the 

military would mutiny. The 

General threatened: "The Army 

just wouldn’t stand for it. The 

general staff would not allow a 

prime minister to jeopardize the 

Corbyn will 

stand out as 

one of the best 

British political 

leaders in 

contemporary 

history 

security of this country and I 

think people would use whatever 

means possible, fair or foul to 

prevent that. You can’t put a 

maverick in charge of a country’s 

security". 

In many climes, politics is not 

for the principled and Corbyn 

who has won the Islington North 

seat since 1983, is a principled 

politician. He supported the 

1984-85 Miners Strike which 

was eventually crushed by 

Margaret Thatcher on her way, 

in league with President Ronald 

Reagan, to impose the 

privatization ideology on the 

world. 

He was a leading antiapartheid 

campaigner at a time 

the British establishment viewed 

the African liberation 

movements and fighters like 

Nelson Mandela as terrorists. 

He is known to stoutly oppose 

the repression and massacre of 

the Tamils, Kurds, Palestinians 

and Yemenis, and wants 

sanctions imposed on Saudi 

Arabia for the massacres in 

Yemen and the murder of the 

journalist, Jamal Kashoggi. 

He not only supports continued 

dialogue with Iran on nuclear 

weapons control, but also wants 

the nuclear weapons of Israel, 

decommissioned. Corbyn also 

supports the revolutionary 

movements in Cuba and 

Venezuela and was a known 

admirer of Nelson Mandela, 

Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez. 

Internationally, he is opposed to 

austerity measures and the 

withdrawal of the state from the 

economy. 

For his principles and politics, 

the British establishment and 

many conservative governments 

across the world lived in mortal 

fear of a Corbyn government in 

Britain. In their lean 59-page 

manifesto, the Tories simply stuck 

to Brexit, making all other issues 

peripheral. Despite concerted 

efforts by Corbyn and the Labour 

Party to steer the elections 

towards pro-people gains and 

broad development agenda, the 

elections remained a Brexit one. 

It was a dilemma for a party 

with large followers and members 

who want to remain, and another 

large group who want to exit; it 

was no easy choice. 

This made Labour looked 

indecisive. This was unlike the 

Tory Party which had tried to 

cleanse its leadership of the 

‘Remainers’ and throttled 

towards the exit road irrespective 

of road signs, speed limit, bumps, 

sharp bends and uncharted 

territory. 

Brexit was a mess created by 

the Tory Party which for three 

years searched for an exit, but has 

in this election, gained massively 

from its incompetence and 

myopia. Britons may discover 

that the easier part is ‘getting 

Brexit done with.” It is likely that 

the votes in parliament today, 

Friday, December 20, will see to 

that. 

However, the real challenge is 

what follows? The reality is that 

Brexit is an uncharted course 

with an uncertain future having 

0not just economic but political 

implications especially in 

Northern Ireland and Scotland. 

The seemingly impregnable 

Johnson administration with a 

big 78-seat majority, looks every 

inch like the ‘unsinkable’ Titanic 

which will break the first icebergs 

called Brexit and head 

confidently into others. Johnson 

is like a gambler, ready to stake 

all on what seems to him, a sure 

bet in a pools stake. 

He is ready to use his head to 

break through the European 

Union, EU, wall to find out what 

is on the other side. As the saying 

goes, he is ready to take a leap of 

fate. 

Corbyn on the other hand is 

much more cautious wanting his 

country to have a Plan B. To him, 

the old British caution: “Look 

before you leap” is more than just 

an advice, but a necessary 

strategy. 

Britain may realize in future, 

that in its 2019 elections, Corbyn 

was its best choice. Corbyn, 

although will remain a 

parliamentarian, will be 

stepping down as leader of the 

Labour Party. 

In the crowd of British 

politicians like the unstable 

Boris Johnson and unprincipled 

Tony Blair, Corbyn will stand out 

as one of the best British political 

leaders in contemporary history. 

What is really going on in Edo? 

By EFOSA OBASOGIE 

HAVING emerged as governor in 

what was ultimately a popular 

manner, indeed in all its most 

consequential ramifications, legendary 

unionist and impactful man of the 

people, former Edo State governor and 

current chairman of the ruling All 

Progressive Congress, APC, Comrade 

Adams Oshiomole, had nevertheless 

somehow managed to diminish in ethos 

whose antithesis his emergence had 

hitherto so succinctly represented. 

Indeed, in Oshiomole's bewildering 

descent into the odious politics he had 

once rescued the people from, he had 

allowed himself to sink even into the 

brazenness of imposing a politician with 

no leadership credentials as successor 

and governor over those who had once 

deified him. 

Humans can always be relied upon to 

forget that nothing is as transient as 

power and that at the end of the day, it 

is always the man upstairs who calls the 

shots. In no state in Nigeria today, is 

the intra-party opposition more 

traumatisingly evident than Edo of all 

places! What Obaseki is being allowed 

to get away with in Edo, no president of 

Nigeria ever attempted. 

Perhaps, when Obaseki is through 

crushing his supposed fellow party men, 

he will set his sights on the main 

opposition Peoples Democratic Party, 

PDP. Right now, he appears ready to bolt 

to the PDP at any moment yet insists on 

maintaining a stranglehold over the APC 

he clearly no longer has any faith in. 

Edo is now a state in which politics 

has so completely failed as to be veritably 

marooned in the circumstances of an 

entity liable to be placed under political 

receivership vide a declaration of a state 

of emergency. 

Let those hobnobbing with Obaseki in 

the euphoria of the moment wait for 

another tenure if Edo is, in fact, unlucky 

enough to have such a man as governor 

for a second term, and see if they do not 

all end up in the belly of the tiger. 

Yet who might we forensically blame 

for the scarification of Edo into this all 

too obvious gaping wound of a pathetic 

excuse for a functioning state? Certainly 

Obaseki, of course, who, as governor, 

sits behind the table at which the buck 

stops. 

Yet, if we are to be fair to all concerned, 

and especially, to ourselves, how are we 

to ignore the Oshiomole factor in the 

entire saga, when he is chiefly 

responsible for foisting this potentate 

upon our state? 

Remarkably, before the scuttling of the 

decamping of Osagie Ize-Iyamu back 

into the APC, the only impactful outing 

Edo APC had been able to accomplish 

in a long while, had held in the private 

residence of General Charles 

Airhiavbere, his premises proving to be 

the only place safe enough for the APC, 

the ruling party at the centre, to hold a 

meeting in the whole of Edo State! 

What's more, the exiled legislators, 

members of the first arm of government, 

who were chased out of their mandates 

to our collective shame as a supposedly 

democratic nation, are being 

accommodated in Abuja, as I have 

gathered. 

This is the same Airhiavbere, who, as 

far as I know, had hitherto proved to be 

Oshiomole's one and only true threat in 

his entire public career, be it as unionist 

or state governor! 

This moment in history 

beckons on Oshiomhole 

to reflect on the purpose 

of leading the people 

once more 

Why are Nigerian politicians so 

miserably desperate to determine their 

successors? Funny enough, and as it has 

more often than not turned out, the chief 

executives who managed to impose their 

successors on the people have woefully 

fared far worse than those who had the 

good sense to keep an open mind and 

allow the process of succession to fairly 

play itself out. 

As a matter of fact, the recurring 

decimal of anointed political sons 

turning rabidly and ravenously on their 

benefactors is probably the most 

interesting inflection of Nigerian 

politics, and if anyone thinks this is a 

phenomenon historically restricted to the 

present Republic, he clearly knows 

nothing about pre-Independence 

politics or the politics of the First and 

Second Republics. 

Maybe comrade-governor is 

desperately looking for yet another 

person he considers to be pliable, docile, 

compliant and conformist to impose on 

the people of Edo State. In that case, 

he would only be repeating a very big 

mistake all over again. 

There was a time at which he led the 

people in the paths of righteousness 

before he decided to start playing the 

sort of politics he had once so 

celebratedly opposed. 

In the final analysis, all politics is local 

and even if certain others are now 

inclined to discount him as completely 

irrelevant in the politics of Edo State, I 

refuse to be moved and will remain 

confident in my assessment of him as 

the preeminent political leader in Edo 

as a whole. 

This moment in history beckons on 

Oshiomhole to reflect on the purpose of 

leading the people once more. Indeed, 

this time around, all temptation to selfaggrandisement 

or enticement into 

placing reliance on human 

understanding, he should do well to 

resist as he endeavours to lead the 

people as he once did in spirit and in 

truth. 

•Obasogie, a commentator on national 

issues, wrote from Benin City.


vicahiyoung@yahoo.com 

Nigeria Union of 

Pensioners, NUP, has 

called for the creation of a fullfledged 

Ministry of Pension 

and Senior Citizens Affairs. 

President of NUP, Dr Abel 

Afolayan, while speaking 

during the Pensioners’ Day 

celebration in Abuja, also 

pleaded with President 

Muhammadu Buhari 

administration to address the 

federal government’s failure 

to pay regularly her 5% 

counterpart fund into the local 

government pension fund. 

He said “The Union will 

very much appreciate it if the 

Buhari-led administration 

whose mantra of change has 

been globally acknowledged 

can approve the creation of a 

full-fledged Ministry of 

Pension and Senior Citizens 

Affairs in line with or like the 

Ministry of Women Affairs 

and Social Development. This 

Ministry, if created, will cater 

adequately for the welfare of 

pensioners, old people and 

senior citizens throughout 

Nigeria as it is practised in 

developed countries of the 

world. 

“Closely related to this 

request is the retention and 

strengthening of National 

Pension Commission, 

PenCom) and Pension 

Transitional Arrangement 

Directorate, PTAD,. We 

request that these two 

pension agencies (the former 

in charge of Contributory 

Pension Scheme and the latter 

in charge of the Defined 

Benefit Scheme, DBS, be 

retained and strengthened as 

parastatals under the 

proposed Ministry. 

On 5% counterpart funding 

of federal government into 

councils Pension Fund, he 

Pensioners demand Ministry of 

Pension, senior citizens affairs 

*Seek counterpart funding into LG pension fund 

*A cross section of pensioners demanding payment of their entitlements 

said “One major problem 

compounding our members 

agonizing situation which we 

would like to plead with the 

Buhari administration to look 

into passionately is the 

Federal Government’s failure 

to pay regularly their 5% 

counterpart fund into the local 

government fund which was 

started as prescribed by 

government but stopped 

sometimes ago without just 

cause whatsoever. 

This stoppage has been 

BPE to intervene on non-remittance 

of deducted pension by DISCOs 

The Bureau for Public 

Enterprises, BPE, is to 

intervene 

in the 

n o n - 

remittance 

o f 

deducted 

pension 

i n t o 

employees’ 

Retirement 

Saving 

Accounts, 

RSA, by 

s o m e 

Power 

Distribution 

Companies, 

DISCOs, 

in the 

country. 

T h i s 

came as 

hope has 

risen for 

t h e 

payment 

of terminal 

benefits for 

over 2000 

ex-staff of 

t h e 

defunct 

Power 

Holding 

Company 

of Nigeria, 

PHCN, as 

well as 

unpaid 

balance of 

t h e 

entitlements 

to 50,000 

ex-PHCN staff. 

Recall that these issues were 

parts of the grievances of workers 

in the Power sector who last week 

threw the nation into total blackout 

after the federal government and 

its agencies failed to apprehend 

the planned industrial action 

despite a window of opportunity 

provided by a 21 day ultimatum. 

The workers had through their 

union; the National Union of 

Electricity Employees, NUEE, in 

a petition to the Minister of Power, 

dated November 7, 2019, among 

others, 

raised the issue of unpaid 

terminal benefits to some staff of 

the defunct PHCN, alleging 

“BPE’s refusal to address and pay 

up over 2,000 disengaged Ex- 

PHCN staff since 2013. There was 

also illegal transfer of union 

properties to investors, especially 

in the GENCOS. i.e. schools built 

by the unions; deliberate refusal 

to differentiate between core and 

non-core assets in accordance with 

the Electricity Power Sector 

Reform, EPSRA, Act, 2005; and 

underpayment of over 50,000 Ex- 

PHCN staff. 

“Those created by the GENCOS 

are that since taking over in 

November, 2013, 99% of all 

Generation Companies, 

GENCOS, nationwide have 

refused to sign conditions of 

service with workers, thus 

portraying them as ‘slave masters’ 

without conditions of work and 

rules of engagement. There was 

also illegal transfer of union 

properties to investors, especially 

in the GENCOS. i.e. schools built 

by the unions; deliberate refusal 

to differentiate between core and 

non-core assets in accordance with 

the Electricity Power Sector 

Reform, EPSRA, Act, 2005; and 

underpayment of over 50,000 Ex- 

PHCN staff. 

“Those created by the GENCOS 

are that since taking over in 

November, 2013, 99% of all 

Generation Companies, 

GENCOS, nationwide have 

refused to sign conditions of 

service with workers, thus 

portraying them as ‘slave masters’ 

without conditions of work and 

rules of engagement. Mass deunionization 

of union members 

with threat to loss of jobs to 

intending members; refusal/lock 

out of the union from all their 

premises; pilfering of union dues, 

especially in Egbin Power Plc; and 

denial of union rights to staff. The 

problems created by the DISCOS 

include refusal by some DISCOS 

to remit staff contributory pension 

to the Pension Fund 

Administrators, PFA; denial of 

retirement benefits to exited staff; 

casualisation/outsourcing of 

workers and half salaries.” 

However, at a meeting between 

government officials and leaders 

of NUEE on December 11, it was 

resolved among others that on the 

non-payment of over 2,000 

disengaged ex-PHCN staff, 

Director General, BPE, confirmed 

that over N36 billion had been 

paid and the verification of 600 

staff processed and forwarded to 

office of the Account-General of 

the Federation, for payment, while 

2,000 could not be verified. 

adversely affecting regular 

payment of monthly pensions 

to the Local government 

pensioners and primary 

school pensioners who are 

being paid from this fund. It 

is a tripartite funding by the 

three tiers of government. We 

plead with the Federal 

government to direct strict 

compliance with the 

counterpart funding. We hope 

the Federal Government will 

lead the way by showing the 

example and paying its share 

of the counterpart funding.” 

Speaking on calls for 

pension to be on first line 

charge, Dr Afolayan, 

informed that “We have made 

this request umpteen times. 

We would like to repeat it 

again. In order to make life 

easier for pensioners, we 

respectfully request that 

pensions should be made first 

line charge. This will enable 

early payment of pensions 

before payment of workers’ 

wages as a mark of honour 

and respect for the senior 

citizens.” The NUP 

equally reiterated its request 

for the appointment of 

pensioners into government 

positions, saying “There are 

many members of our Union 

who were retired prematurely 

for various reasons before 

reaching retirement age or 

before serving for 35 years as 

required by the Labour Law/ 

Pension Act. 

“We wish to request that this 

category of pensioners and 

many elderly members of the 

Union who are still capable 

should be considered for 

appointment at the appropriate 

government establishments so 

as to tap from their wealth of 

experience. Such members can 

be given due consideration in 

appointing them to 

chairmanship and membership 

of Commissions, Boards and 

Parastatals.”


AWARD: From left; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, wife Edith, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, Deputy Governor, 

Delta State and Chief James Ibori during the Delta State Council of traditional rulers grand reception/ 

award of excellence at the Dome event centre, Asaba. Photo: Nath Onojake. 

Obaseki's fighting for Nigeria, not Edo — OYEGUN 


ABUJA—AHEAD of 

the Edo State 

gubernatorial election, 

former National Chairman 

of the All Progressives 

Congress, APC, Chief 

John Odigie- Oyegun has 

thrown his weight behind 

the Governor Godwin 

Obaseki for a second term, 

saying that he has 

performed more than his 

Predecessors. 

Oyegun assured Obaseki 

that the people of the state 

Edo tops list of returned illegal immigrants in six 

months 


BENIN 

CITY— 

INTERNATIONAL 

Organisation for 

Migration, IOM, has said 

that Edo State constitute 42 

per cent of the total 18,079 

returned from Libya and 

other transit and 

destination countries in 

Europe between April and 

October this year. 

The repatriation it said 

was done in collaboration 

with the Nigerian 

government under the EU- 

IOM joint initiative. 

The Awareness Raising 

Officer, IOM Nigeria, 

Cyprine Cheptepkeny 

stated this at the media 

$34m abandoned power station discovered by 

NDDC”s IMC 


POWER 

Station 

Components worth 

$34milion belonging to 

Niger 

Delta 

D e v e l o p m e n t 

Commission, NDDC, 

abandoned at the 

Nigerian Ports Authority, 

NPA, Rivers State since 

2017 was yesterday, 

discovered by the 

Interim Managment 

Committee, IMC. 

The IMC led by a 

Executive Director of 

Projects, Dr Cairo 

Ojougboh and Executive 

Director of Finance and 

were with him in his current 

effort to “correct the 

wrongs.” 

Speaking in Abuja at the 

end of year get together 

organised by the governor 

for Edo indigenes, the 

pioneer governor of the 

state said that it had become 

imperative for Obaseki to be 

supported for a second term 

ticket because he has done 

those things that others 

before him have not done. 

Oyegun hoped that 

Obaseki will have the 

courage to continue to fight 

launch of the ‘Waka Well’ 

campaign programme in 

Benin City, Edo State. 

Cheptepkeny disclosed 

that Edo State accounted for 

42 percent of the 18,079 

returnees. 

She said “In Nigeria from 

April 2017 till October 2019, 

IOM in collaboration with 

the Nigerian government 

under the EU-IOM joint 

initiative has assisted about 

18,079 returned migrants to 

return to Nigeria from 

Libya and other transit and 

destination countries in 

Europe. Edo State alone 

accounts for 42 percent of 

this number.” 

She said the IOM 

decided to launch the 

campaign on the ills 

Administration, Chief 

Bassey Etang on 

receiving a report on the 

NDDC CARGO quickly 

visited the NPA, Rivers 

State to see the 

abandoned equipments 

meant for NDDC Substation, 

Ekparagwa and 

Ikot Epkene in Akwa Ibom 

state. 

Addressing newsmen 

during the inspection, 

Ojougboh who thanked 


Buhari for approving the 

interim management 

committee, said the new 

board would not 

continued on the same 

pattern 

of 

maladministration by the 

previous ones. 

for the truth, noting that the 

people of Edo State have 

found in him what the 

people of the state, 

especially stakeholders and 

leaders have been 

searching for, adding that 

his policies reflect the 

dreams and aspirations of 

the founding fathers of the 

state. 

He observed that the 

governor stood for “dignity 

and principle,” adding that 

Obaseki was showing 

example of how people 

should fight for the truth. 

associated with irregular 

migration in Oredo and the 

Ikpoba-Okha Local 

Government Areas of the 

state owing to what she 

described as its prevalence 

in the aforementioned 

areas. 

She maintained that the 

essence of the campaign 

was to bridge the 

knowledge gaps on regular 

migration options and the 

available opportunities in 

Oredo and Ikpoba-Okha, 

adding that it was 

developed in collaboration 

with community members 

from the two local 

government areas through 

a series of participatory 

workshops. 

He said, “First, I thank 

Mr. President for bringing 

in the interim 

management committee. I 

know that the new board 

that would have come in, 

could have continued in 

this same pattern. But 

this time around, there is 

call for change and the 

change is positive. 

''More credits to Mr. 

President. It is unfortunate 

that since these 

equipments were imported 

in 2017, no commission 

official, no MD of the 

NDDC had visited to look 

at it. A project we know is 

about #35milion, this is 

where it ended up. But the 

IMC will resurrect it and 

complete it.'' 

Also speaking on the 

occasion, Chairman, 

Senate Committee on 

Public Accounts, Senator 

Matthew Urhoghide, 

Public Accounts (PDP, Edo 

South), noted that when the 

time comes, the people of 

the state will determine the 

next govern them. 

WMMPF lauds 

Main Market 

Traders For 

Peaceful 

Election 

W Market ARRI—MAIN 

Political 

Forum, WMMPF, has 

commended the members of 

Warri Main Market Traders 

Association, Delta State for 

a peaceful election of new 

executives to pilot the affairs 

of the association for the 

next four years. 

Those elected include 

Chief 

Michael 

Oghenebrume – President; 

Mrs. Oghenerume Tunde, 

Vice president, Mr. Decent 

Okodesu - Secretary 

General; Mrs. Lucy 

Okpikpi – Treasurer; 

Ufuoma Bazunu - Assistant 

Secretary; Ochuko 

Etinagbedia – PRO; Osusu 

Sunday - Spokesperson and 

Sunny Ofuoma - Chief 

Whip. 

The Forum in a statement 

by its Chairman, Chief 

Dickson 

Odjo, 

congratulated the new 

executives and advised 

them to use their offices to 

contribute meaningfully to 

the growth of the Warri Main 

Market. 

Advising the newly 

elected executives of Warri 

Main Market Traders 

Association to adhere strictly 

to the rules and regulations 

guiding the association, 

Odjo commended the Warri 

South Local Government 

Area chairman, Dr Michael 

Tidi, who sent a 

representative to witness 

the election and the patrons 

of Warri Main Market, 

internal and external 

observers of Igbudu market 

who were present during 

the peaceful election. 

SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT: 

I bear no grudge against 

anybody, says Ekere 

By Harris Emannuel 

U GUBERNATORIAL 

Y O — 

candidate of All 

Progressives Congress, 

APC, in Akwa Ibom State, 

Obong Nsima Ekere has 

said that he bears no 

grudge against anybody 

following the outcome of the 

Supreme Court judgment 

which affirmed Udom 

Emmanuel as the governor 

of the state. 

Ekere, former Managing 

Director of Niger Delta 


NDDC, called for 

forgiveness from those he 

may have offended in the 

course of his electioneering 

campaign, pledging to 

work assiduously for the 

growth and development of 

the state. 

In a statement in Uyo, he 

said that the state deserves 

more than what it is getting 

at the moment in terms of 

development and thanked 

the people for standing by 

him throughout the 

campaign. 

He said, ‘’I bear no 

grudges whatsoever and 

for those I may have hurt 

in the electioneering 

Stop payment of 13% derivation 

to state, oil Communities beg 

Buhari 

By Johnbosco 

Agbakwuru 

ABUJA—OIL 

and 

gas host communities 

in River State have pleaded 

with 

President 

Muhammadu Buhari to stop 

the payment of 13 percent 

Derivation Fund to the state 

government. 

In a letter addressed to the 

President, the oil and gas 

producing communities also 

pleaded with the President 

to direct that the fund be 

paid directly to them, as 

prescribed by the 1999 

Constitution. 

The communities, in the 

letter by their Chairman, 

Jasper Amahi; Secretary, Mr 

Isaac Igomaha and Public 

Relations Officer, Iginiwari 

Fidelis, claimed that River 

State since 2000 has 

collected over N7trillion as 

13 percent derivation fund 

but has nothing to show for 

the humongous sum 

collected. 

According to the letter, 

“The lingering 

underdevelopment in the 

face of wealth, is one of the 

factors responsible for 

youths’ restiveness across 

the Niger Delta region. 

“We need not say that the 

principle of derivation was 

in practice in Nigeria even 

at 50 percent long before the 

discovery of oil in 

commercial quantity in 

Oloibiri, precisely, Otuabagi 

community, Ogbia Local 

Government Area of present 

day Bayelsa State. 

“It is regrettable, therefore, 

that nothing and we mean 

nothing practically has been 

done to ameliorate and 

better the lives of the poor 

and down trodden masses 

living in abject poverty in 

the midst of plenty which 

have made Nigeria tick. 

Okowa hailed over over 

Esquire’s reappointment 

OKOWA Believers, 

a socio-political 

group in Delta State has 

commended Governor 

Ifeanyi Okowa for 

reappointing Hon. 

Omimi Esquire as his 

Political Adviser, 

describing Esquire as a 

patriot who is loved by 

the Peoples Democratic 

Party (PDP) family in the 

state. 

The group, in a 

statement signed by Mr 

Tunde Fregene, thanked 

the governor for picking 

a diligent and steadfast 

politician from Warri 

process, I apologise 

unreservedly. 

‘’Akwa Ibom has come a 

long way since its creation, 

but we are still far away from 

the state of greatness which 

beckons on us. As an 

indigene of this great state, 

I pledge to continue to give 

myself diligently to 

everything that will impact 

the greater good of the 

greatest number of our 

people. 

‘’Now that the election 

and the legal challenges are 

over, it is my prayer that the 

current administration in 

the state will focus on the 

urgent need to move the 

state forward so that our 

people and communities 

will experience a new and 

positive lease of life. 

‘’When I joined the 

governorship race and ran 

on the plank of The New 

Vision for our Collective 

Prosperity, I believed that 

the state and our people 

deserved much better than 

they were getting. Our five 

pillars of change were 

designed to deliver 

economic prosperity, 

infrastructural and rural 

development, 21st century 

South Local Government 

Area while urging the 

political adviser to the 

governor to remain 

focused in his diligent 

service to the PDP family 

that has earned him his 

reappointment. 

"We are sure the 

reapoinment of Esquire 

will strength our party's 

presence in the state. 

"We urged the Political 

Adviser to use his office 

to strengthen the PDP 

family across the twenty 

five local government 

areas in the state," the 

statement said.


S-East makes progress 

on self devt—SEREDEC 

By Dennis Agbo 

E NUGU—SOUTH- 

East Region 

Economic Development 

Company, SEREDEC, 

has announced progress 

in efforts of the region to 

develop infranstructure 

and social services using 

private sector initiative. 

In its three-year 

progress report at the 4th 

South-East Economic 

Summit in Enugu 

yesterday, SEREDEC 

itemised its achievements 

to include take-off of 

Enyimba Industrial City, 

South-East rail network, 

Eastern Medical Resort 

Hospital, South-East Gas 

Pipeline, among others. 

SEREDEC, under the 

chairmanship of former 

Minister for Power, Prof 

Barth Nnaji, stated that 

progress had continued 

on the Enyimba Industrial 

City at Aba, Abia State, 

with the Federal 

Government formally 

licencing the project and 

a Memorandum of 

Understanding, MoU, 

entered into with a 

By Chimaobi 

Nwaiwu 

N NEWI—ONITSHA 

North Local 

Government and Shop/ 

Office Owners Business 

Association, SOBA, Awka 

Road Onitsha, have asked 

fake revenue collectors to 

leave Onitsha. 

Chairman of Onitsha 

North Local Government 

Area, Agha Mba, who 

spoke at the inauguration 

of SOBA, said: “Security 

is the pillar of every 

individual and business 

and the only way we can 

help the government to 

provide security is 

through paying government 

approved revenues. 

“As a government in 

Onitsha North, we are 

doing everything possible 

to stop illegal revenue 

collection, in our council 

area, and we have set up 

a mobile court to convict 

and jail illegal revenue 

Chinese Conglomerate. 

SEREDEC stated that 

it had also signed an 

agreement for railway 

project with a team of 

CEOs of major UK 

infrastructure firms in 

collaboration with 

Nigeria based experts in 

rail development. 

The rail network will 

take off from Onne to 

Aba; Aba to Ontisha 

through Owerri; 

Onitsha to Abakaliki via 

Awka and Enugu; Aba to 

Nsukka via Umuahia 

and Enugu. 

On the gas pipeline, 

SEREDEC stated that it 

had engaged a team of 

local and foreign based 

experts from South-East 

to perform a prefeasibility 

study of a 

looped gas pipeline 

network that connects all 

the South-East states. 

Chairman of the 

summit and former 

MTN Chairman, Dr. 

Paschal Dozie, asked for 

more re-enforced pool of 

resources to make 

South-East economically 

more viable. 

Fake revenue collectors 

warned to leave Onitsha 

By Vincent 

Ujumadu 

A WKA—MEMBER 

representing Nnewi 

North, Nnewi South and 

Ekwusigo federal 

constituency in the House 

of Representatives, Chris 

Azubogu, has kicked off the 

third edition of his annual 

collectors that have been 

collecting and diverting 

governments funds. 

“The birth and 

inauguration of SOBA 

has made our work very 

easy and smooth. They 

will help us chase the 

criminals who parade as 

government revenue 

collectors out of Onitsha 

North and equally help 

in the management of 

security information in 

our council area.” 

Earlier, in a welcome 

address, Chief Patrick 

Onwordi, Chairman; 

Prince Japhet Dike, 

Secretary; Uzoma Ezeji, 

Chairman, Inauguration 

Planning Committee, 

and read by Chief Patrick 

Akobo, Director of Public 

Relations, for the group, 

they said the association 

was formed following 

years of intimidation, 

harassment and assault 

by fake and overbearing 

revenue collectors. 

free medical treatment for 

members of his 

constituency, with about 

8,000 persons benefiting. 

The exercise, which took 

place in four centres at 

Nnewi, Ozubulu, Amichi 

and Ukpor, attracted people 

from all the 15 communities 

that make up the 

constituency. 

Anambra denies spending N1.3bn 

on Christmas decorations 

By Vincent 

Ujumadu 

A WKA—ANAMBRA 

State government 

denied, yesterday, that it 

spent N1.3 billion on 

Christmas decorations this 

year, saying some 

politicians fabricated the 

story to create the 

impression that the state’s 

resources were not properly 

managed. 

The state Commissioner 

for Information and Public 

Enlightenment, Mr. Don 

Adinuba, who reacted on 

behalf of the state 

government, observed that 

those making such 

allegation lacked credibility 

and wondered how such 

people expected anybody 

to believe them. 

He said: “How much does 

Anambra receive every 

month that it can spend 

N1.3 billion on mere 

decorations? If Anambra, 

which receives a little over 

N2 billion monthly from the 

federation account, could 

spend such an amount on 

decorations, then it will 

certainly not be able to pay 

salaries and allowances of 

workers and meet its 

obligations to contractors. 

“Yet, the Obiano 

administration is not only 

up to date in salary 

payment, it is the only one 

in the whole country that 

has paid every worker the 

2019 leave allowance. 

“Of course, it is the only 

administration in the whole 

federation that has given 

every worker in the state a 

bag of rice to celebrate the 

2019 Christmas. There is 

hardly any aspect of our 

state that is not getting 

impressive attention. 

“Governor Obiano is not 

just an accountant, he is a 

Fellow of the Institute of 

Chartered Accountants of 

Nigeria, ICAN, and also its 

patron. In addition, he is an 

auditor and banker, who 

rose to the top in his chosen 

profession. 

“The state’s Deputy 

Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke, 

though an engineer, has a 

degree in economics. 

“Governor Obiano and 

his team are too focused on 

Anambra’s future to spend 

a fortune on mere 

Christmas decorations. The 

ongoing spectacular 

Christmas shows in the 

state are financed by private 

sector operators. 

“Anambra State and, 

indeed, all Nigerians are 

once again assured that 

Anambra’s resources will 

continue to be managed 

most prudently to the 

admiration of all.” 

BODEX: From left— Executive Assistant, New Media and Public Relations to Lagos State Governor, 

Mr. Segun Fafore; Founder, Sisi Oge Cultural Pageant, Idris Aregbe; ace musician, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde 

Marshal, KWAM 1; blogger, shoemaker, PR Consultant, Florence Bodex Hungbo; a marine lawyer, Yeye 

Lara Fashola, and former Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Chief Tunji Alapini, at the maiden edition 

of Bodex Social Media Hangout, BSMH, in Lagos. 

I’ve fulfilled promise to oil communities —Ihedioha 

By Chinonso 

Alozie 

O 

W E R R I — 

GOVERNOR 

Emeka Ihedioha of Imo 

State said he had fulfilled 

his promise of restoring 

electrification of the oil 

communities in the state. 

Ihedioha’s claim was 

captured by the Special 

Adviser on Media and 

Communication to the 

Managing Director of Imo 

State Oil Producing 

Communities, ISOPADEC, 

Collins Ughallaa, in 

Coordinator of the 

programme, Mr. Fidel 

Ndubuisi, said the 

programme was put 

together in collaboration 

with the Federal Ministry 

of Health as part of 

Azubogu’s constituency 

project for 2019. 

He said 86 medical 

experts, including world 

Owerri, during the ground 

breaking ceremony of the 

electrification project. 

Some of the communities 

listed to have been 

favoured in the 26- 

kilometre electrification 

project included Awara, 

Asaa, Obitti, Umuapu, 

Ochia and Obile. 

He went further to say 

that the ground breaking 

ceremony of the project was 

performed by Governor 

Ihedioha, in fulfillment of 

his promises for the oil 

communities in the state. 

He quoted Ihedioha to 

Lawmaker takes free medical scheme to constituents 

class consultants and 

volunteers, were deployed 

for the exercise that 

involved eye and fibroid 

surgeries, general 

examinations of patients 

and other ailments. 

Altogether, no fewer than 

500 fibroid surgeries were 

carried out, and 4000 eye 

glasses given out. 

have said: “Imo State Oil 

Producing Areas 


ISOPADEC, has kicked off 

its first round of 

electrification projects in six 

communities in Awara 

Court Area and Umuapu 

Court Area, comprising 

Awara, Asaa, Obitti, 

Umuapu, Ochia and Obile 

autonomous communities 

in Ohaji-Egbema Local 

Government Area of the 

state. 

“During the period of the 

campaigns, I came here 

and promised you that I will 

deploy the 13 percent 

derivation fund for the 

development of the 

communities in Ohaji- 

Egbema and Oguta LGAs. 

“We consider 

infrastructure development 

very important. We will tar 

the roads, provide electricity 

and healthcare facilities. We 

are also looking into the 

schools. 

“We thank the security 

agencies who are working 

with this administration. 

The oil companies 

operating in this area are 

not our enemies. They are 

our friends. If we disrupt 

their activities, we would be 

short-circuiting ourselves. 

“If you have any worries 

about them, please report 

to the authority, either to 

ISOPADEC, your House 

member or the Deputy 

Governor.” 

He also quoted the 

Managing Director of 

ISOPADEC, Anthony 

Okwuosha, to have said: 

“ISOPADEC is 

implementing the vision of 

Governor Emeka Ihedioha, 

whose contract with the 

people of Imo State through 

the Rebuild Imo Agenda, 

includes universal access to 

electricity in the entire state 

with the objective of 

connecting every 

household in every corner 

of Imo State, from the urban 

centres to the remotest 

countryside, to the national 

power grid.”



AWARD: 

From left is 

Idemudia E. 

Oaihimire 

Esq 

(husband of 

the 

awardee), 

the Edo 

State 

Solicitor- 

General and 

Permanent 

Secretary 

Oluwole O. 

Iyamu SAN, 

MCArb and 

the awardee 

R.O. 

Oaihimire 

Esq. 

Labour warns of looming collapse of 

power sector 

By Victor Young 

O 

RGANISED labour, 

yesterday, in Lagos 

warned of looming collapse 

of the power sector in the 

country and called for a 

stakeholders’ conference to 

rescue the sector, saying if 

the situation remained the 

same, the sector would 

collapse in the next three 

years. 

Speaking at 6th 

Quadrennial/11th National 

Delegates Conference of 

National Union of 

Electricity Employees, 

NUEE, the union’s General 

Secretary, Joe Ajaero, called 

for the declaration of an 

emergency in the sector 

and contended that 

Nigerians were not happy 

with the situation of power 

sector. 

He lamented that “those 

in charge of the power 

sector have no blueprint on 

how to move the sector 

forward. We cannot 

continue to lament. Let the 

ministers of power and 

others tell Nigerians the 

situation in the power 

sector. Let them tell us that 

in the next six months, this 

is what you should expect 

and in the next one year, 

this is what will happen. 

"Let them tell us the short, 

medium and long term 

plans for the power sector 

and how they want to 

achieve them. If they do not 

have, we think there is need 

to declare an emergency in 

the power sector. 

"The privatisation of the 

power sector was not meant 

to succeed, it was meant to 

fail. Six years down the line, 

no mega watt has been 

added, no power plan has 

been built by either the 

investors or government. 

They are only telling us that 

they want to increase tariff. 

Nigerians will not accept 

any increase in tariff. How 

can you pay for what is not 

available? 

"If you increase power 

generation, distribution and 

transmission that could give 

you the latitude to say you 

are increasing tariff. Since 

after privatisation, they 

have increased tariff three 

times. They have been paid 

over N1trillion since after 

privatisation, and they are 

still asking for another one 

trillion naira as bailout. 

"If there was no power in 

Nigeria before now, with 

$16 billion that was spent, 

Nigeria could have 

achieved 16,000 megawatts 

at the rate of one billion per 

•Seeks stakeholders confab to rescue sector 

a thousand megawatt. 

Nigeria is down the ladder 

of the countries suffering for 

power poverty. 

"The indices are that for 

every one million people, 

there must be a thousand 

megawatt. That is why 

South Africa is today talking 

about 45 million people to 

45,000 megawatts. If you 

look at the case in Nigeria, 

we have less than 4000 

megawatts for over 200 

million people. How can 

that work? 

Uduaguan renews attack on 

Okowa’s administration 

By Perez Brisibe 

FORMER Governor of 

Delta State, Dr. 

Emmanuel Uduaghan, 

yesterday, renewed attacks 

on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa 

over plans by the state 

traditional rulers council to 

host the governor and his 

deputy, Kingsley Otuaro, 

alongside former Governor 

James Ibori to a grand 

reception in Asaba. 

The event, which is being 

chaired by former Minister 

for Information, Prof. Sam 

Oyovbaire, will have the 

chairman of the council, who 

is the Obi of Owa Kingdom, 

HRM Obi Emmanuel 

Efeizomor II as the chief 

host. 

Reacting to the grand 

reception, Uduaghan in a 

series of posts on his verified 

facebook page, yesterday, 

warned that every exgovernor 

had the capacity to 

ensure that his state was 

peaceful, or create a platform 

for crisis. 

He said: “You cannot fund 

and mobilise traditional 

rulers to Asaba to spite me. 

Despite the lies out there, I 

was on the drivers seat in 

2014/2015, to midwife the 

current Delta State 

administration. The critical 

responsibility of any state 

leader is to ensure that all 

actions promote peace in the 

state. 

“In sponsoring an action, 

do you assess the ethnic and 

political implications at all? 

Some actions are just damn 

silly. Congrats to those 

being honoured by ‘some’ 

Delta State Traditional Rulers 

today. Interestingly, you are 

being honoured for peace 

and security, human capital 

development, and 

infrastructural 

There is need for us to sit 

down to discuss and find 

out the way forward. All 

stakeholders should join 

hands to rescue the sector 

from collapse. Nobody is 

happy with what is 

happening in the sector. 

Nigerians are not happy. 

The level at which our 

members are being 

assaulted, harassed and 

beaten up are increasing. 

Nigerians are venting their 

frustration on the power 

situation on our members." 

development.” 

On his achievements 

while in office, Uduaghan 

said: “I will not comment on 

peace, security and human 

capital development, 

Deltans know who did what. 

On the infrastructural 

development, those coming 

by air will be landing at 

Asaba airport built and put 

into use in my 

administration." 

Kwara sets up minimum wage 

consequential adjustment 

negotiating c’ttee 

By Demola 

Akinyemi 

ILORIN—Kwara State 

government has 

assembled a negotiating team 

to interface with 

representative of organised 

labour in the state on the 

consequential adjustment 

arising from the N30,000 new 

minimum wage. 

The team is peopled by 

government officials and 

leadership of the labour 

unions in the state, Chief 

Press Secretary to the 

Governor Rafiu Ajakaye said 

in a statement, yesterday. 

The team, according to the 

statement, comprises 

Commissioners for Finance 

(Chairman); Local 

Government and Chieftaincy 

Affairs (member); Works and 

Transport (member); Special 

Adviser to the Governor 

(Special Duties); Permanent 

Secretaries Ministry of 

Finance; Service Welfare; 

Establishment and Training; 

Justice; and Local 

Government Service 

Commission; Kwara State 

Chairman of the Nigeria 

Labour Congress (NLC); 

Kwara State Chairman of the 

Trade Union Congress 

(TUC); Chairman of the Joint 

Negotiating Council; and 

Secretary of the Joint 

Negotiating Council. 

Secretary of the committee 

is Director (Establishment 

and Pension), Mrs Onaolapo 

Alaya, the statement added. 

AbdulRazaq had on 

Tuesday directed the Head of 

Service Mrs Modupe Susan 

Oluwole to constitute a panel 

to discuss the minimum 

wage question in Kwara. 

2023: Shun anger, bitterness in 

your aspirations, Okowa urges 

gov aspirants 

By Festus Ahon 

AIfeanyi SABA—Governor 

Okowa of Delta 

State, yesterday, urged those 

aspiring to govern the state 

come 2023 to shun anger, 

bitterness and go about 

politicking with all sense of 

decency and decorum. 

Okowa spoke in Asaba 

during a grand reception and 

award of excellence 

organised by the State 

Council of Traditional Rulers 

in his honour, his Deputy, 

Kingsley Otuaro and former 

Governor James Ibori. 

He also warned politicians 

against trampling on 

traditional rulers in their 

respective kingdoms. 

He said: “In the next few 

months, there will be all 

manner of politicking, I am 

seeing the signs already. But 

we must show respect and 

love for each other as we go 

about politicking, we must do 

it with decency. 

“We must look into the future 

with decorum. All anger and 

bitterness must be put aside. 

We can actually politick as 

friends realising that only 

Delta oil community shuts 

down SPDC flow station 

By Perez Brisibe 

LOCALS from Ojobo 

community in Burutu 

Local Government Area of 

Delta State, yesterday, 

stormed the Beneside flow 

station operated by Shell 

Petroleum Development 

Company, SPDC, leading to 

the forced shutdown of the 

facility. 

The protest came two days 

after the community issued a 

48-hour ultimatum to SPDC 

to address issues contained in 

a pre-existing General 

Memorandum of 

Understanding, GMoU, the 

community entered with the 

community. 

The protesters, some of 

whom were half-clad women, 

in their hundreds stormed the 

facility in speed boats and 

wooden canoes in the early 

hours of yesterday and 

stationed themselves on 

available spaces on the twin 

CAMC urges FG to solve 

lingering unemployment crisis 

CHRIST 

Apostolic 

Mission Church 

worldwide in Nigeria, 

CAMC, has called on the 

Federal Government to find 

solution to the lingering crisis 

of unemployment and other 

vices in the country. 

Speaking to the media at 

the mission’s 67 th Convention 

and Thanksgiving Services in 

Lagos, the President, 

CAMC, Pastor Adesoji Ajayi 

lamented that since the sale 

of over 85% of the 

government owned factories 

particularly the garment 

factories by leaders of 

God gives power.” 

Okowa lamented some 

instances where politicians 

and non-politicians had 

attempted to trample on the 

traditional authority in parts 

of the state. 

Urging those concerned to 

retrace their steps, he said the 

stools which the various 

kings occupy were created by 

God. He told politicians and 

other stakeholders who have 

issues with any traditional 

ruler to take steps to resolve 

such issues for the peace and 

progress of the community. 

Acknowledging the role 

played by former Governor 

Ibori in laying the foundation 

for the development of the 

state, he also commended his 

predecessor in office, Dr. 

Emmanuel Uduaghan for 

building on the initial 

foundation. 

Chairman of the council of 

traditional rulers and Obi of 

Owa Kingdom, Dr. 

Emmanuel Efeizomor II, who 

spoke earlier, said the 

governor deserved the award 

for his achievements in 

human capital development 

and infrastructural 

transformation. 

houseboats meant for staff of 

the flow station. 

Addressing newsmen at the 

scene of the protest, 

spokesperson for the 

protesters, Prince Doubra 

Baro, flanked by a leader of 

the community, Ebi Brisibe, 

gave reasons for the protest. 

He said the community 

was demanding an immediate 

commencement of the 

Community Interdependency 

Electrification Project (CIEP- 

Gas Turbine), which they said 

was mutually agreed upon 

and signed under a MoU 

between the community and 

SPDC in 2001. 

Efforts to speak with the 

Community Relations Officer 

in charge of the flow station, 

Mr. Tari Abide, and the Team 

Leader simply identified as 

Mr. Peter were fruitless at 

press time as they were 

engaging leaders of the 

community in talks towards 

amicably resolving the 

situation. 

previous governments, 

things have never remained 

the same in Nigeria. 

Ajayi in his words stressed 

that youth unemployment 

account for more than 60 

percent of total jobless and 

restiveness in the country, 

saying that Nigeria is a 

highly religious nation, but 

religiosity without humanity 

according to him is vanity. 

“Religious leaders are 

advised to tow the path of love 

as enshrined in the Bible and 

the Quoran. Religious 

leaders have a role to play to 

emancipate our people and 

not to emasculate them,” 

Pastor Ajayi advised.

36 —Vanguard 

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, , 2019 

The Saudi Arabia Ministry of 

Hajj and Umrah has said the 

Hadaya fee will be integrated into 

e-Hajj with a standard price for 

all pilgrims from 2020 hajj 

exercise. 

To achieve this seamlessly, 

Naqaba, a special office to 

improve the system together 

with the Ministry of Hajj and 

Umrah will oversee the 

arrangements in order to 

promote transparency in the 

operations. 

It was also gathered that the 

Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and 

the Islamic Development Bank 

would strengthen collaboration 

and agree on a common price for 

the Hajj sacrificial animals. 

All animals for the sacrifice 

must be sourced from animal 

farms genuinely observing safety 

measures in order to avoid any 

outbreak of disease. 

These developments were 

revealed by head of the Saudi 

delegation, Engr Mazin Bazhair 

during a e-track meeting held 

with NAHCON in Jeddah 

recently, preparatory to the 

2010 hajj exercise. 

Bazhair also disclosed that Hajj 

flight will commence on 22nd of 

June, 2020. 

According to Head, Public 

Affaris of NAHCON, Hajia Fatima 

Sanda Usara, Bazhair stated that 

the Saudi government would 

outsource the Hadaya services 

to well organized service 

providers who will not 

compromise standard. A leading 

establishment saddled with 

Rabiul Thaani 22, 1441 A.H. 

2020 Hajj: Saudi Arabia to integrat 

egrate e ram sacrifice 

ice 

into Hajj fee 

•Reviews operations for standards, transparency 

•Airlifts to commence June 22 

overseeing the project is to 

present a comprehensive 

report to the government at 

the end of the year. 

Again, for any service not 

well rendered, complaint ticket 

will be available so that the 

matter will be channelled to 

the appropriate office for 

prompt action or refund. 

Customer service delivery is 

key and must be rendered 

wholly to the pilgrims, he 

stated. 

Meanwhile, in its 

preparatory meeting with 

office of United Agents (U.A) 

in Jeddah, NAHCON solicited 

cooperation of the U.A in 

remitting Licensed Tour 

Operators’ refunds directly to 

their accounts instead of Hajj 

Commission’s account. 

Until now, refunds are 

normally made for services not 

rendered to pilgrims to 

NAHCON’s International Bank 

Account Number (IBAN) that 

NAHCON in turn sought out to 

different State Pilgrims Welfare 

Boards and to Tour Operators. 

However, the Commission 

now demands U.A to credit the 

refunds directly to accounts of 

Tour Operators licensed with 

the Commission as they 

already have their IBAN 

accounts. This will make it 

easier for the operators to 

remit the refunds to their 

entitled pilgrims. 

Also, Hajia Usara stated that 

NAHCON also tabled a request 

demanding its pilgrims to 

spend fewer hours in Madinah 

airport while also requesting 

permission for more bilingual 

staff to be stationed in the 

airport for smoother 

communication. 

The commission renewed his 

appeal for inclusion of more 

Nigerian legal residents among 

the United Agent’s workforce. 

“This followed information 

that there are a few already 

employed by the U.A office. The 

U.A assured that though law 

restricts them, they will 

consider the proposal even if for 

the Hajj duration only. It was 

agreed that the Nigerian 

consulate in Saudi Arabia would 

follow up on the matter. 

“At the same time, in another 

meeting with Adillah 

Establishment in Madinah, the 

Acting Chairman equally 

informed the gathering of the 

newly nominated NAHCON 

board waiting for the senate 

confirmation. He made a 

prayer for the same support and 

cooperation to be extended to 

the new board. 

“On Licensed Tour Operators, 

the Adilla Establishment 

lamented that the sector be as 

organised as the state pilgrims 

are. It was observed by the 

Adilla that in other countries, 

the Tour Operators’ sector is 

more organised contrary to the 

Nigerian experience. Therefore, 

it was resolved that members 

from NAHCON, Tour Operators’ 

representatives and members 

from Adilla Establishment will 

deliberate and proffer possible 

solutions to the problem. 

Hon. Abubakar Nalaraba, Chairman House Representatives Committee on pilgrims Affairs, 

(middle) receiving the new Chairman/CEO National Hajj Commission of Nigeria 

(NAHCON), Alh. Zikirullah Olakunle Hassan and his team, in his office at the National 

Assembly, Abuja. 

BARKA JUMAH 

Lend a helping hand 

The people despised, taunted and nearly destroyed by 

life's bad luck, will always be beautiful by divine laws of 

life and chance that capture Allah's benevolence. 

The harsh world in which we live still would never 

condone hatred nor give satisfaction for envy. 

Wickedness shall always be the left over of humanity's 

greatest beauty. 

Remember, all evil deeds that is enforced would leave 

humanity broken. 

Therefore, stop now, and never cease to do good; no 

matter how little. 

Doing good expands the vista of human joy and emits 

life's deathless breath that forever holds us in peace. 

Do good. Praise Allah. Lend a helping hand all the time. 

Happy Jumat. — Dr. Adewale Adeeyo, OON 

President of Yusrullah Association of Nigeria (YAN), 

a.k.a Asalatu Irorun Oluwa, Alhaji Adekunle Isiaka 

Adeniran, (2nd left) flanked by Dr Taleat Tella (1st Vice 

President) (left), Alhaji Yesiru Sansaliu (2nd Vice 

President) (2nd right) and other members of the new 

National Executive Council of the payer group during 

their inauguration last weekend at YAN Islamic Centre, 

Alegongo, Ibadan, Oyo State. 

Muslim prayer group, 

Yusrullah 

usrullah, 

inaugurates new national officer 

icers 

A 

Muslim prayer group, Yusrullah Association of Nigeria 

(YAN), otherwise known as Asalatu Irorun Oluwa, has 

inaugurated a new National Executive Council led by Alhaji 

Adekunle Isiaka Adeniran to direct its affairs for the next four years. 

The group’s new prayer manual was also launched during the 

inauguration ceremony held last weekend at the group’s worship 

centre at the Alegongo area of Ibadan, Oyo State. 

Alhaji Adeniran was sworn in as the president of the association 

alongside Dr Taleat Tella (1st Vice President), Alhaji Yesiru Sansaliu 

(2nd Vice President) and other members of the new executive 

council. 

In a lecture at the event, the Chief Imam of the University of 

Ibadan, Professor Abdur-Rahman Oloyede, described as un- 

Islamic, the act of deriding other religions or their practitioners in 

the name of inviting people to the worship of Allah as expressed in 

the Qur’an and the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. 

Prof. Oloyede particularly urged Muslim preachers to follow the 

instruction in Qur’an Chapter 16 verse 125 which says, “Invite to 

the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue 

with them in a way that is best…” and, therefore, avoid making a 

mockery of other people’s religions. 

According to Prof. Oloyede, who spoke on the topic ‘Da’wah: A 

Duty for All’, Islam is a beautiful religion which spreads messages 

of peace, justice and fairness. 

He explained that although da’wah means to invite non-Muslims 

to the worship of Allah, the concept of da’wah also involves actively 

encouraging fellow Muslims in the pursuance of greater piety in all 

aspects of their lives. 

In a remark, the newly sworn in president, called on all members 

of the association to support the new executive council in its pursuit 

of greater achievements for the association. 

Other members of the new executive council of the association 

are Alhaji Taofeek Oduola (General Secretary), Brother Sikiru Amoo 

(Assistant General Secretary), Alhaja Zeenat Yusuff (Financial 

Secretary), Brother Kabir Adetunji (Assistant Financial Secretary), 

Alhaja Sadiat Afolabi (Treasurer), Alhaja Silifat Kolawole (Auditor), 

Brother Sakirullah Ekun (Public Relations Secretary) and Brother 

Kamoli Olaoye (Assistant Public Relations Secretary). 

Others are Imam Sodiq Hammed (Acting Chief Imam), Imam 

Jubril Bello (National Chief Missioner), Alhaja Sheriffah Badmus 

(Education Secretary), Alhaja Latifat Alliu (Women Coordinator), 

Alhaji Sabur Oladimeji (Youth Chairman), Brother Maruf Yusuf 

(Ex-Officio I), Mr Yekini Oluokun (Ex-Officio II) and Alhaja Mutiat 

Adeniran (National Women Leader).

THE Vice President, Pro 

fessor Yemi Osibajo is expected 

to lead other prominent 

Nigerians to the 2019 edition of 

Jalsa Salana of the Ahmadiyya 

Muslim Jamaat holding in Ilaro, 

Abeokuta, Ogun State. The 

three-day event which will be 

declared opened today by the 

National Amir, Alhaji (Barrister) 

AbdulAzeez Folorunso Alatoye 

will be attended by distinguished 

Nigerians from all walks 

of life and neighboring countries 

across West Africa. 

The Amir said in line with the 

core values of the Ahmadiyya 

Muslim Community “Love for 

all Hatred for None, “the 2019 

A 

new Executive 

Secretary for the Muslim 

Ummah of Southwest Nigeria 

(MUSWEN), Professor Muslih 

Tayo Yahya, has formally 

assumed office as the Chief 

Executive Officer (CEO) of the 

Umbrella body of all Muslims in 

the Southwest of Nigeria. 

He succeeds the pioneer and 

immediate past Executive 

Secretary of MUSWEN, Professor 

D. O. S. Noibi, whose retirement 

commenced on November 17, 

2019. 

Professor Yahya assumed office 

on Monday, November 25, 2019 

following the ratification of his 

nomination for that office by the 

General Assembly of MUSWEN on 

the same date of the 

commencement of Professor 

Noibi’s end of tenure. 

The coincidence of the exit date 

of the former Executive Secretary 

and the effectiveness of the 

appointment date of the new CEO 

was to avoid any vacuum in that 

office and to ease continuity in 

advancing the administration of 

the office. 

Before accepting appointment 

as CEO in MUSWEN, the new 

Executive Secretary had served 

for decades as a Lecturer in Arabic 

and Islamic Studies at the 

University of Jos where he rose to 

become a Professor. 

He also served the University as 

a Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Arts 

and later as Director of Academic 

Planning and Management. 

Professor M. T. Yahya is 

internationally renowned for his 

academic brilliance and 

equanimity in conduct. 

Since his assumption of office, 

Professor Yahya has curried the 

satisfaction of the Ummah by 

displaying the appropriate 

competence befitting to that lofty 

office. 

His first public official outing as 

MUSWEN’s Executive Secretary 

was at the General Assembly of 

Nigerian Supreme Council for 

Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) in Abuja 

where he was duly recognized and 

accorded a status befitting to 

MUSWEN. 

Shortly thereafter, he gave a 

landmark keynote address as 

Rabiul Thaani 22, 1441 A.H. 

Osinbajo, Gbajabiamila, govs, other 

thers to attend 

Ahmadiyya Jalsa in Ilaro 

Prof Yah 

ahya a assumes office as 

MUSWEN’s executiv 

ecutive e secretar 

tary 

Executive Secretary at a wellattended 

International 

Conference jointly organized by 

MUSWEN and NUSRET 

Educational and Cultural 

Company Limited and the Hira 

Magazine of Turkey on the 

Biography of Prophet 

Muhammad (SAW) at the 

University of Ibadan to the 

delight of all and sundry that were 

present. 

A multi- lingual personality of 

note, Professor M. T. Yahya is 

well-travelled across nations 

and continents gathering the 

experience that is now apt for the 

new post he just assumed. 

MUSWEN was inaugurated in 

August 2008 as the umbrella 

body for all Muslim Groups and 

Organizations in the Southwest 

the like of which was never in 

existence before it in the region. 

All State Muslim 

Communities, Groups and 

Organizations as well as 

individuals in the Southwest are 

cordially requested to 

cooperate sincerely with the new 

Executuve Secretary of 

MUSWEN for a smooth running 

of the office as well as for 

strengthening the unity of the 

Muslim Ummah in the region. 

edition of Jalsa Salana will focus 

on the Holy Quran Chapter 

16 verse 126 ”Call unto the 

way of thy Lord with wisdom 

and goodly exhortation, and 

argue with them in a way that 

is best. Surely, thy Lord knows 

best who has strayed from his 

way, and He knows those who 

are rightly guided”. 

According to him, highlights 

of the events are praises of Allah 

and the Holy Prophet Muhammad 

(saw), message from 

the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya 

Community, Goodwill 

messages from the Nigerian 

President and State Officials, 

Religious Leaders, Lectures, 

Special Prayers, and Academic 

Awards. 

Alhaji Alatoye said, apart 

from the Vice President who 

graced the occasion last year, 

other distinguished Nigerians 

expected at the event include, 

Speaker, Nigeria House Of Representatives, 

Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, 

Governor of Ogun 

State, Prince Dapo Abiodun his 

deputy, Alhaja Naimot Salako, 

Governor of State of Osun, Alhaj 

Isiaq Adegboyega Oyetola, 

deputy governor, Lagos State, 

Engineer Obafemi Qadri Hamzat. 

Leading traditional rulers invited 

include, the Olu Of Ilaro 

and Paramount Ruler Of Yewaland, 

The Emir Of Kano, Etsu 

Of Nupe, The Obong Of Calabar, 

The Akirun Of Ikirun, The 

Olota Of Ota Among Others. 

Islamic Scholars across Nigeria 

are been expected, from 

the media, we are expecting 

The Chairman MITV, The Managing 

Director, News Agency Of 

Nigeria, General Manager 

OGTV, Zonal Director Lagos, 

Federal Radio Corporation Of 

Nigeria, General Manager and 

Editor In Chief Vanguard Newspapers, 

Editor The Guardian 

Newspapers and host of others. 

Interestingly, we are also expecting 

delegates from the 

neighboring countries of Benin, 

Togo, Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire 

among others. 

•Prof Muslih Tayo Yahya 

From left: Prof Wahab Egbewole SAN, IWF Secretary, Prof. MUHAMMAD Tabiu 

SAN, Keynote Speaker from BUK, Rep of Prof. Justus Sokefun of NOUN, ARAB 

Rep Abike Dabiri-Erewa Chairman NIDCOM, VC Uniabuja, Prof. Abdurrasheed 

Naala, IWF National Coordinator, Alhaji Abu Salam, Dr Musa Olaofe, Imam ADS 

Abuja and HOD Islamic Studies, UNIABUJA, Dr Abdulazeez Shittu, during the 

Conference on Islam in Nigeria organised by The Islamic Welfare Foundation 

(IWF) and University of Abuja held in Abuja recently. 

"Vanguard, 

FRIDAY DECEMBER 20, 2019 —37 

Muslim SoulMates 

Do you seek a Muslim life partner? 

Are you a Muslim? Are you searching for a soulmate for 

marriage? Send your profile as published below, contact 

telephone, and photo, to isholaism@gmail.com or on 

whatsapp 08036688535. Names and contact numbers will 

not be published. 

Profile 260: A gainfully employed female Muslim, 50, 

divorced, no kid wants a God fearing Muslim. He must be 

God fearing and ready for marriage, preferably from the 

North Central. 

Profile 261: A gainfully employed Muslim widower, 55, 

no kid wants a God fearing Muslimah. She must be from the 

South West and ready for marriage. 

Profile 262: A Muslim male, 50, from based in Lagos 

wants a Muslimah as a second wife. She must be able to read 

the Quran, teach it and ready for marriage. 

Profile 263: A Muslim lady, 38, from Kwara State, based, 

divorced, and based in Lagos wants a God fearing man, 

graduate and ready for marriage 

From left: Alhaji Abdur-Razaq Bamidele of the Politics 

Desk, The Nigerian Express Newspapers, Lagos, 

Founder and Chief Missioner, Home and Abroad, 

Zawiyatul Safwatul Rahmatul Islamiyyah (ZASRAM), 

Sheikh Abdur-Razaq Kasolayo and National President, 

Alumni Association, Zawiyatul Quliyatul Sofwatul- 

Islamy (Al-Gamawy), Lagos, Sheikh Salihu Akolade 

(Al-Oyowwy), during the Walimatul Quran of the 

group held in Ota, Ogun State recently. 

Nasfat holds 

5th biennial 

conference in ogun 

THE 5th Biennial Conference of Nasiru-Lahi-L-Fatih 

Society, NASFAT has begun in Abeokuta, Ogun State. 

The programmed which began Thursday 19th at the Olusegun 

Obasanjo Presidential Library OOPL, the state capital will end 

on Sunday 22nd December, 2019. 

Dignitaries expected at the event include the Governor of 

Ogun State Prince Dr Dapo Abiodun, Minister of Interior 

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, among others. 

It was gathered that the keynote address will be delivered 

by Prof Moshood Baderin of School of Oriental and African 

Studies, University of London. His paper is to be 

complemented by a Catholic Priest, Rev Father Patrick Ngoyi 

both of whom are expected to speak to the theme of the 

Conference, Peaceful Co- Existence: Panacea For Unity, 

Growth And Development. 

Other highlights of the Conference are Walk For Peace And 

Harmony, visit to Ibara Correctional Centre and Stella 

Obasanjo Childcare’s’ Home. Courtesy calls on Alake of 

Egbaland, HRM Dr Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo as well as the 

Chief Imam of Egbaland, Imam Muhammed Liadi Orunsolu. 

Visit to Tourist Centres, 

Paper Presentations, Annual 

General Meeting of the Society, 

Syndicate Sessions, Panel 

session and discussions, 

NASFAT Subsidiaries 

Presentations and dinner with 

the headship of the Society. 

NASFAT President, Alh Niyi 

Yusuf, said conference will be 

an avenue for capacity 

building, spirituality, 

networking, camaraderie and 

fun. 

“As usual, the Conference 

would bring together, Leaders 

of the Society, stakeholders in 

the country, members of 

NASFAT from over 300 

branches in Nigeria, Ghana, 

Cote DE Voire, Egypt , United 

Kingdom, Malaysia, United 

States of America among 

others to discuss progress of 

the society and Nigeria at 

large,” he said.


WALE 

I, formerly known as Ughegbe 

Mark Wale, wish to be known 

as Ughegbe Mark Eloho. All 

former documents remain 

valid. General Public should 

please take note. 

FRANCIS 

I, formerly known as 

Mgbemena Promise Francis, 

now wish to be known as 

Mgbemena Promise 

Ikpechukwu. All former 

documents remain valid. The 

general public should please 

take note. 

EJOKWU 

I, formerly known as Miss 

Ejokwu Uka, wish to be 

known as Mrs. Gbonu Uka. All 


valid. General Public should 


ICHECHI 

I, formerly known as Wikpe 

Beauty Ichechi, now wish to 

be known as Wikpe Beauty. 

Former documents remain 

valid. General public please 

take note. 

ODO 

I, formerly known as Odo Joy 

Onyinyechi, now wish to be 

known as Ogili Joy 

Onyinyechi. Former 

documents remain valid. 

General public please take 

note. 

NOSAKHARE 

I, formerly known as Esther 

Nosakhare, now wish to be 

known as Esther Emumwen. 

All former documents remain 


take note. 

ANANCHI 


Grace Kidochukwu Ananchi, 

now wish to be known as Mrs 

Grace Kidochukwu Akankali. 



take note. 

OSADOLOUR 


Marvelous Ochuko Osadolour, 


Marvelous Ochuko Yonma. 


valid, any authority it may 

concern and general public to 

take note. 

EBUH 

I, formerly known as Miss Ebuh 

Mercy, now wish to be known 

as Mrs. Mercy Isaac. All former 



note. 

UDENCY 

I, formerly known as Abigail 

Chinasa Udency, now wish to 

be known as Abigail Chinasa 

Chiedozie. All former 

documents bearing my former 

name remain valid. NYSC and 

general public take note. 

NKWONTA 


Ozoemena Ernestina 

Nkwonta, now wish to be 

known as Ozoemena Ernestina 

Chukwunonyelum. Former 



note. 

MONDAY 

I, formerly known as Monday 

Joy Idara, now wish to be 

known as Onyegwe Joy Idara. 



take note. 

MADUABUCHI 


Maduabuchi Amara Faith 

Nkolika, now wish to be known 

as Mrs. Mbaegbu Amara Faith 

Nkolika. Former documents 

remain valid. General public 


AKPEBI 

I, formerly known as Akpebi 

Florence, now wish to be 

known as Bafor Florence 

Ayetumara. Former 



note. 

ANYAEGBU 


Esther Chinwe Anyaegbu. Now 

wish to be known as Mrs Esther 

Chinwe Nwaiwu. All former 



note. 

OKONOBOH 

I, formerly known as Joan 

Osavbue Okonoboh, now wish 

to be known as Joan Osavbue 

Justus Ubong. All former 


General public please take note. 

YAKUBU 


Yakubu Goodness Oshone, now 

wish to be known as Mrs 

Muazu_Ejenavi Goodness 

Oshone. All former documents 



ALETU 


Aletu Agbomenire Ohiosumua, 


Aletu Ohiosumua Daniel. All 



take note. 

EZEUGO 

I, formerly known as Ezeugo 

Jennifer, now wish to be known 

as Iyeke Jennifer. All former 



note. 

ABARA 


Abara Fortune Ezinne, now 

wish to be known as Mrs. 

Fortune Ezinne Osakwe. All 

former documents bearing my 

former name remain valid. 

Authorities concern and 


NKWONTA 

I, formerly known as Kwento 

Chijoke Samuel Nkwonta, now 

wish to be known as Kwento 

Chijoke 

Samuel 




note. 

EKE 

I, formerly known as Miss Eke 

Florence Chinonye, now wish 

to be known as Miss Ekeoma 

Florence Chinonye. Former 



note. 

OLAGBENRO 

I, formerly known as Olagbenro 

Victoria Oladayo, now wish to 

be known as Olaniyan Victoria 

Oladayo. Former documents 



SHOTAYO 

I, formerly known as Shotayo 

Funmilayo Ayoka, now wish to 

be known as Oyebanji Modinat 

Yusuf. Former documents 



OGOLO 


Helen Akpojevwere Ogolo, 

now wish to be known as Mrs. 

Helen Okpare. All former 



note. 

SAMSON OB 

I, formerly known as Samson 

Bose Oluwatosin, now wish to 

be known as Uchenna Bose 

Osasenaga. All former 



BOVWE 


Mehaboghene Bovwe, now 


Mehaboghene Ejere. All 



take note. 

OLISEDEME 


Olisedeme Ngozi Treasure, 


Amos Ngozi Treasure. All 



take note. 

ODEJOBI 


Oluwatoyin Yemisi Odejobi, 


Oluwatoyin Yemisi Yusuf. All 



take note. 

OKORODUDU 


Okorodudu, Oritsematosan, 


Okwuise Oritsematosan. All 

former document remain valid, 

Banks, general public take 

note. 

NKWONTA 

I, formerly known as Obinna 

Chukwunonso Nkwonta, now 

wish to be known as Obinna 

C h u k w u n o n s o 




note. 

EBE 

My name Ebe Julius Omobie 

was wrongly entered as Ebe 

Omobie Ebe Julius during BVN 

Registration, I now wish to be 

known as Ebe Julius. All former 

documents remain valid, 

FCMB Bank and general public 


OPARAH 

I, formerly known as Oparah 

Pauline Nwanyinna, now wish 

to be known as Opara Pauline 

Nwanyinna. Former 



note. 

EMMANUEL OD 

I, formerly known as Adekunle 

Adeniyi Emmanuel, now wish 

to be known as Adekunle 

Adeniyi Johnson. Former 



note. 

NWABUEZE 


Adaobi Patricia Nwabueze, 


Adaobi Patricia Ik-Odukwe. All 



take note. 

OLAMIDE 

I, formerly known as Ajayi 

Ayomide Olamide now wish to 

be known as Ajayi Itunu 

Ayomide. All former 


Gtbank and General public 

please take note 

OYUBU 

I, formerly known as Mary 

Ejiro Oyubu, now wish to be 

known as Luckygirl Ejiro Sido. 



take note. 

OBIEZE 


Obieze Audrey Obianuju, now 


Anyanwu Audrey Ugochukwu 

Obianuju. All former 



note. 

WAHAB 

I, formerly known as Wahab 

Shukurat Modupeola, now 

wish to be known as Oyewole 

Shukurat Arike. All former 



note. 

GODFREY 

I, formerly known as Godfrey 

Ebikemefa Stephen, now wish 

to be called and addressed as 

Godfrey Ebiowei Stephen. All 



take note. 

NKWONTA 

I, formerly known as Austin 

Chukwunonyelum Nkwonta, 

now wish to be known as Austin 




note. 

OKALIKA 

I, formerly known as Okalika 

John Odor, now wish to be 

known as Okaka John Odor 

henceforth. All former 


General Public should please 

take note. 

DANIEL 

I hereby confirm that the name, 

Chukwuanyanwu Daniel and 

Chukwuanyanwu Daniel Daberechi 

refer to me. I now wish to be known 

as Chukwuanyanwu Daniel 

Daberechi. Former documents remain 

valid. General public please take 

note. 

OKOH 

I, formerly known as Okoh 

Peter, now wish to add Ofunim, 

to be known as Okoh Ofunim 

Peter. Former documents 



AMADASUN 

I, formerly known as Dr (Miss) 

Amadasun Cynthia Osarugue, 

now wish to be known as Dr. 

(Mrs) Omoruyi Cynthia 

Osarugue. Former documents 



AWOTUBO 

I, formerly known as Awotubo 

Olumide Clement, now wish to be 

known as Adebayo Olumide 

Clement. All former documents remain 

valid, Dana Group of Company, GT- 

Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc, and 


TORITSEJU 

I, Prince Harrison Toritseju wish to change 

the name of my son (a minor ) from 

Prince Larry Jolomi to Larry Jolomi 

Toritseju. This is to enable me carry out 

transactions on his behalf. Eco Bank Nig. 

Ltd., Koko and the general public should 

take note. All documents bearing Prince 

Larry Jolomi remain valid. 

UKEREGHE 

I, formerly known and 

addressed as Ukereghe Oke 

Gift, now wish to be known and 

addressed as Eduwaye Oke Gift. 



take note. 

EKANEM 

I, formerly known as Ekanem 

Cletus Ndiana, now wish to be 

known as Cletus Clark. All 

former documents bearing my 

former name remain valid. 

Authorities concern and 


EZEDOM 

I, formerly known as Benedicta 

Onyinye Ezedom, now wish to 

be called and addressed as 

Benedicta Ezedom Olu-Osifo. 



take note. 

JACOB 


Jacob Christiana Chinasa, now 

wish to be known as Mrs. 

Ewurum Christiana Chinasa. 



take note. 

MADUWIKE 


Maduwike Grace Ugochinyere, 


Ezeh Grace Ugochinyere 

henceforth. All former 


General Public should please 

take note. 

OGUNDIMU 


Ogundimu Racheal Bamidele, 


Adebisi Racheal Bamidele. 



take note. 

DAFEHOTU 


Dafehotu Maureen, now wish 

to be known as Mrs. Favour 

Lucky Rekpene. Former 



note. 

FASHOLA 


Olufunmilayo Olufunke 

Fashola, now wish to be known 

as Mrs Olufunmilayo 

Olufunke Owoputi. Former 



note. 

OLADIPUPO 


Oladipupo Oladunni Shalom, 


Ahmed Oladunni Shalom. 



take note. 

TORITSEJU 

I, Prince Harrison Toritseju wish to change 

the name of my son ( a minor) from Prince 

Harry Inorwonoritsegho to Harry 

Inorwonoritsegho Toritseju. This is to enable 

me carry out transactions on his behalf. 

Eco Bank Nig. Ltd., Koko and the general 

public should take note. All documents 

bearing Prince Harry Inorwonoritsegho 

remain valid. 

OLAYINKA 

My name was wrongly written 

in my International passport 

as Emiabata Patrick Olayinka, 

instead of Onoyeyasorho 

Patrick Oghene, which is my 

correct name. All former 



AMAECHI 

I, formerly known as Amaechi 

Longinus Junior, now wish to 

be known as Amaechi Bryan 

Ifeanyi. All former documents 

bearing my former name 

remain valid. Banks and 


IFADA 

I, formerly known as Ifada 

Peter, now wish to be known 

as Eirunukhanhanlen Peter. All 



take note.

CHANGE OF NAME 


ADESANJO ERIGI MIKE AHONSI ABRAKATA 

I, formerly known as Adeleke I, formerly known as Miss Ine I, formerly known as Mike Odu I, formerly known as Miss I, formerly known as Esther 

Adesanjo Alaba, now wish to 

Erigi, now wish to be known as Collins, now wish to be known Margret Ahonsi, now wish to Omare Abrakata, now wish to 

be known as Mrs Esther Omare 

be known as Adeleke Musifi 

be known as Mrs Margret 

as Okwuibe Mike Odu Collins. 

Abrakata-Ogwudu. Former 

Mrs. Tuosaigha Ine. Former 

Ofurue Eruotor. Former 

Alaba. Former documents 


documents remain valid. Post 

remain valid. GT Bank and documents remain valid. 

documents remain valid. Primary Education Board, 

valid. General public please General public please take Asaba and general public please 

general public please take note. General public please take note. take note. 

note. 

take note. 

PESSU 

EXCELLENT 

AYERE 

OGUNTIMEHIN 

GBOIOTIEN 

I, formerly known as Pessu I, formerly known as Miss Edet I, formerly known as Miss I, formerly known as I, formerly known as Miss 

Tosritseweju, now wish to be Faith Excellent, now wish to 

Oguntimehin Benjamin Bayo, 

Ayere Beatrice, now wish to 

Gboiotien Mercy Igho, now 


known as Mrs Toritseweju be known as Mrs. Sunday 


be known as Mrs. Oruru Oluwatimilehin Adesola 

Augustine Boyo. Former Concord Faith. Former 

Tigbegbe Mercy Igho. Former 

Beatrice. Former documents Princely Emperor. Former 

documents remain valid. documents remain valid. 



General public please take General public please take remain valid. General public 

General public please take General public please take 

note. 

note. 


note. 

note. 

EMEH 

EMEH 

EMEH 

MADUKA 

OKHIHAN 

I, formerly known as Emeh I, formerly known as Emeh I, formerly known as Emeh I, formerly Miss Maduka I, formerly known and 

Chiziterem Paschaline, now Chinecherem Prisca Nancy, Zimuzochukwu Michael, now Obioma Juliet, now wish to be addressed as Miss Okhihan 

wish to be known as now wish to be known as 

wish to be known as Ikechukwu- 

Patricia OMO, now wish to be 

Ikechukwu-Emeh Chiziterem Ikechukwu-Emeh 

known as Mrs. Anyanwu 

Emeh Zimuzochukwu Michael. 

known and addressed as Mrs 

Chinecherem Prisca Nancy. 

Paschaline. Former documents 

Obioma Juliet. All documents 

Former documents remain Former documents remain 

Iyoha Patricia OMO. All 


valid. General public please valid. General public please take 

remain valid. General public former documents remain 


take note. 

note. 

take note. 

valid. General public take note. 

IMEDO PHILIP JESSA 

WHITE 

UMAH 

I, formerly known and addressed I, formerly known and I, formerly known and addressed I, formerly known and I, formerly known as Miss 

as Miss Imedo Evelyn, now wish addressed as Eguvweghwanre as Miss Jessa Aghogho Lucia, addressed as White Penny Umah Evelyn, Aladhe Evelyn, 

Akparabokoghene Philip, now 

to be known and addressed as 

now wish to be known and Syrena, now wish to be known now wish to be known as Mrs. 

wish to be known and addressed 

addressed as Mrs Omobah and addressed as Atiri Onome 

Mrs Onwurah Evelyn. All as Ogheneruvweghwanrire 

Omote Evelyn. All former 


Akparabokoghene Philip. All Aghogho Lucia. All former Syrena. All former documents documents remain valid, any 

former documents remain documents remain valid. remain valid. General public authority it may concern and 

valid. General public take note. valid. General public take note. General public take note. take note. 

the general public to take note. 

BAKARE 

OKORIE 

OKONKWO 

SIMEON 

OBOROGHA 

I, formerly known as Miss I, formerly known as Miss I, formerly known as Miss This is to confirm that Simeon I, formerly known and 

Bakare Kafilat Oyindamola, Okorie Rosemary Chinwendu, Okonkwo Maureen Augustine Akachi and Simeon addressed as Miss Oborogha 

Chinenye, now wish to be Augustine Chigozirim refer to 

now wish to be known and now wish to be known as Mrs. 

Theresa Erhuvwu, now wish to 

known as Mrs. Ogbonna one and the same person, now 

addressed as Mrs Sholanke Rosemary Chinwendu Orji. All Maureen Chinenye. All 


be known and addressed as Mrs. 

Kafilat Oyindamola. All former documents remain 

as Simeon Augustine Akachi. Ejuone Theresa Erhuvwu. All 


All former documents remain former documents remain 

former documents remain valid. The general public should valid. The general public 

valid. The general public should valid. General public please 

valid. General public take note. please take note. 

should please take note. please take note. 

take note. 

IKECHUKWU 

AKOR 

EMEGBUSIM 

AKANDE 

IKEDIALA 

I, formerly known and I, formerly known and addressed as I, formerly known and I, formerly known and I, formerly known and 

addressed as Miss Ikechukwu 

addressed as Miss Emegbusim addressed as Miss addressed as Miss Ndidiamaka 

Miss Akor Blessing Tochukwu, now 

Irene Chiedu, now wish to be 

Olive Chinenye, now wish to 

Akande Rhoda Oladunai, now Emmanuella Ikediala, now wish 

known and addressed as Mrs. wish to be known and addressed as 


be known and addressed as Mrs. 

to be known and addressed as 

as 

Mrs. 

Onyebuolise Irene Chiedu. All Mrs. Peterson Blessing Tochukwu. Amasiatu Olive Chinenye. All Ogbudugbu Rhoda Oladunai. 

Mrs. Ndidiamaka Emmanuella 


All former documents remain valid. former documents remain All former documents remain Ujomu. All former documents 


valid. General public please valid. General public please remain valid. General public 

take note. 


take note. 

take note. 


EFOBI 

EDHEBE 

AYINOR 

AFERE 

OKWUDILI 

I, formerly known and I, formerly known and I, formerly known and I, formerly known and I, formerly known and 

addressed as Miss Efobi Chinelo addressed as Miss Edhebe addressed as Miss Ayinor Mercy addressed as Miss Afere addressed as Okwudili 

Juliet, now wish to be known 

Patience Uyoyo, now wish to Egondi, now wish to be known Rebecca and Miss Afere Chinweokwu Cynthia, now 

Rebecca Ujiro, now wish to be 

be known and addressed as Mrs. and addressed as Mrs. Timand 

addressed as Mrs. Agu 

known and addressed as Mrs. 


Chukwu Favour Uyoyo. All Efobi Mercy Egondi. All Opute Rebecca Ujiro. All as Iyida Chinweokwu Cynthia. 

Chinelo Juliet. All former former documents remain former documents remain former documents remain All former documents remain 

documents remain valid. valid. General public please valid. General public please valid. General public please valid. General public please 

General public please take note. take note. 

take note. 

take note. 

take note. 

NWORGU 

NWORGU 

OVIHS 

OKPO 

ONWU 

I, formerly known and I, formerly known and I, formerly known and I, formerly known as Okpo I, formerly known as Onwu 

addressed as Nworgu Chinedu 

addressed as Nworgu Somadina addressed as Bliss Martins 

Ugochukwu, now wish to be 

Goodness Ngozi, now wish to Alexander Okezie, now wish 

Amobi, now wish to be known 

Ovihs, now wish to be known 

known and addressed as 

to be known as 

be known as Osade Ngozi. All 

and addressed as Nwachukwu Nwachukwu Somadina and addressed as Martins Bliss 

Onwuadilionyena Alexander 

Chinedu Amobi. All former Ugochukwu. All former Oluwatobi. All former 


Okezie. All former documents 

documents remain valid. documents remain valid. documents remain valid. valid. General public please 




note. 

General public please take note. take note. 


NGWU 

ENYINNAYA 

AFOLABI 


We, formerly known and addressed as NGWU FAMILY namely; 1. Ngwu Maureen Nkechi, 2. 


Enyinnaya Ngozi Treasure, 

Ibukunoluwa Oyewumi Afolabi, 

Ngwu Obumneme Eric, 3. Ngwu Chisom Linda Jane, 4. Ngwu Nnamdi Michael, 5. Ngwu now wish to be known as Mrs. 


Onyekachi Johnpaul, now wish to be known and addressed as CHRISTOPHER FAMILY Awam-Enyinnaya Ngozi 

namely; 1. Christopher Maureen Nkechi 2. Christopher Obumneme Eric, 3. Christopher Chisom Treasure. All former 

Ibukunoluwa Oyewumi Felixdocuments 

remain valid. Kerere. All former documents 

Jane, 4. Christopher Nnamdi Michael, 5. Christopher Onyekachi Johnpaul. All former documents 

General Public should please remain valid. General Public 

remain valid. General public please take note. 

take note. 

should please take note. 

UDOH 

ODOGWU 

EGBODION 

OMWAREBUN 

OKOEMU 

I, formerly known as Miss I, formerly known as Miss I, formerly known and I, formerly known as I, formerly known as 

Catherine Paul Udoh, now Odogwu Maryjane Fumnanya, addressed as Miss Egbodion 

Okoemu 

Benedict 

Omwarebun Treasure Osehi, 

wish to be known as Mrs. now wish to be known as Mrs. 

Vivian Onumen, now wish 

Aimuamose, now wish to be 


to be known and addressed 

known as Ehi-Okoemu 

Ohaeri Catherine Austin. All Omejua Maryjane Fumnanya. 

Ubuane Treasure Osehi, all Benedict Aimuamose, all 

as Mrs Ighodalo Vivian 

former documents remain All former documents remain Onumen, all former former documents remain 


valid. Jamb, Banks, Ambrose 

valid. General Public should valid. General Public should documents remain valid. valid. general public take Alli University, Ekpoma. 



general public take note. note. 


URHOBE IMOH AKINREMI 

FOR ADVERT PLACEMENT VISIT TRINITY 

I, formerly known as Miss I, formerly known as Imoh I, formerly known as Mrs. 

Urhobe 

Blessing 

MALL, BESIDE ZENITH BANK BALOGUN 

Nwabueze Cosmas, now wish Modupelola Adeola Akinremi, 

Enameguono, now wish to be 

to be known as Anyigor now wish to be known as BUS STOP, OBAFEMI AWOLOWO WAY, 

known as Mrs. Eferemorhoro 

Blessing Enameguono. All 

Nwabueze Cosmas. All former Modupelola Adeola Idowu. All 

IKEJA, 

former documents remain documents remain valid. former documents remain 

OR MURPHIS PLAZA, SANUSI FAFUNWA 

valid. General Public should General Public should please valid. General Public should 


take note. 


STREET, VICTORIA ISLAND LAGOS 

Okolie for 

Abakaliki 

Recreation Club 

presidency 

A 

former Vice 

Chairman of Peoples 

Democratic Party, 

PDP, in Ebonyi State, 

Chief Ugo Okoli, has 

launched his campaign 

to become the next 

President of Abakaliki 

Recreation Club. 

The election holds today 

at the club premises 

in Abakaliki, Ebonyi 

State. 

Chief Okoli, who is the 

current Vice President of 

the Club founded in 

1961, has served it in 

various capacities, culminating 

in the demand 

by vast majority of the 

members that he step up 

to the presidency of the 

club. 

Launching his manifesto 

on December 17, 

Okoli stated his vision of 

running an all-inclusive 

club, where the executive 

and members will 

harmoniously work towards 

a common goal of 

uplifting the club to 

greater heights. 

While highlighting his 

past contributions to the 

growth of the club, he 

enunciated a comprehensive 

programme of action 

geared towards achieving 

his stated mission. 

Ishaku 

presents 

N213.6bn 

budget 

By Femi Bolaji 

J 

A L I N G O — 

GOVERNOR 

Darius Ishaku of Taraba 

State, yesterday, presented 

a budget of N213.6 

billion for 2020 fiscal year 

to the state House of Assembly 

for approval. 

At the presentation, 

Ishaku said the budget 

tagged “Budget of Accelerated 

Growth and Development,” 

was aimed at 

accelerating the development 

of the state. 


budget was made up of 

N71.5 billion recurrent 

expenditure(33.5%) and 

N142.6 billion capital expenditure(66.5%). 

The governor said 

Works and Transport was 

allocated the highest 

amount of N77 billion(36.6%). 

He also confirmed receipt 

of N21.8 billion refund 

from Federal Government 

on federal roads 

constructed by the state 

out of the N42.2 billion 

expended on the project.

40— VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019 

Trump impeachment: Action moves to Senate 

THE Democratic-led 

House of 

Representatives voted 

largely along party lines 

to impeach US 

President Donald 

Trump for obstruction of 

Congress and abuse of 

power over his dealings 

with Ukraine. 

Trump is only the third 

United States president 

to be impeached. Three 

other presidents that 

have also been 

impeached were Andrew 

Nelson and Bill Clinton. 

No president has ever 

been removed from office 

via the impeachment 

process. 

The landmark votes 

on Wednesday set up a 

likely January trial in the 

Republican-controlled 

Senate, where Trump is 

expected to be 

acquitted. 

As politicians move to 

the trial phase, here’s 

what to expect next: 

The charges against 

Trump 

Trump was 

impeached on 

charges that he abused 

his power in office and 

obstructed Congress 

during the impeachment 

investigation. 

Democrats accuse 

Trump of pressuring 

Ukraine to open an 

investigation into the 

president’s political rival 

and former vice 

president, Joe Biden, 

who is also a frontrunner 

in the 2020 Democratic 

presidential race. They 

also charge that the 

president obstructed 

their investigation by 

refusing to comply with 

subpoenas and directing 

members of his 

administration to do the 

same. 

The impeachment 

inquiry, launched in 

September following a 

whistle-blower 

complaint, was centred 

on a July 25 phone call 

during which Trump 

asked Ukrainian 

President Volodymyr 

Zelenskyy to open an 

investigation into Biden 

and his son, Hunter, who 

had served on the board 

of a Ukrainian gas 

company. There has been 

no evidence of 

wrongdoing by the 

Bidens. 

Trial moves to Senate 

The articles of 

impeachment are now 

expected to be sent to the 

Senate, where senators 

will consider evidence, 

hear witnesses and vote 

to acquit or convict the 

president. The chief 

justice of the US 

Supreme Court presides 

over the trial. 

A two-thirds majority 

vote is required in the 

100-member Senate to 

convict and remove a 

president from office. A 

President Trump and Speaker Pelosi 

conviction appears 

unlikely in the case of 

Trump. 

The Senate is made up 

of 53 Republicans, 45 

Democrats and two 

independents who 

caucus with the 

Democrats. At least 20 

Republicans would 

have to vote with all 

Democrats and the two 

independents to 

remove the president 

from office. 

Senate Majority 

Leader Mitch 

McConnell has 

indicated that he would 

like swift proceedings, 

but the president has 

said he would not mind 

a robust trial, with 

testimony from a 

number of witnesses, 

including Biden and the 

whistle-blower whose 

complaint led to the 

impeachment inquiry. 

Speaker Pelosi 

strategic move 

But following 

Wednesday’s 

impeachment votes, 

Pelosi said she would 

wait, for now, to send 

the articles of 

impeachment to the 

Senate. 

US media have 

reported that some 

House Democrats are 

urging Pelosi to 

withhold the transmittal 

of the articles until the 

“appropriate time”. 

Pelosi on Wednesday 

evaded questions about 

when she plans to send 

the articles to the 

Senate. 

“It would have been 

our intention” to send 

the articles to the 

Senate, but “we’ll see 

what happens over 

there,” Pelosi told 

reporters. 

“We cannot name 

managers until we see 

what the process is on 

the Senate side,” Pelosi 

said, referring to 

members who will serve 

as House prosecutors in 

a Senate trial. “So far we 

have not seen anything 

that looks fair to us”. 

Withholding the 

articles of impeachment 

may give the Democrats 

leverage when it comes 

to setting the procedures 

for the trial. 

Pelosi said Democrats 

will make a decision on 

next steps as “a group”. 

When will a Senate 

trial take place? 

Once the Senate 

receives the articles of 

impeachment, a trial can 

begin. 

No firm date for a 

Senate trial has been set, 

but McConnell has said 

it will be the chamber’s 

“first order of business” 

upon returning to 

Washington, DC, in the 

new year. 

Senate Democrats have 

proposed a trial plan that 

would see proceedings 

begin on January 6. 

Presentations by House 

managers, who would 

effectively work as 

prosecutors, would begin 

on January 9 under this 

plan. It is unlikely that 

Senate Republicans 

would agree to the 

Democrats’ exact 

proposal. 

Who would become 

president if Trump 

was removed? 

In the unlikely event 

that the Senate convicts 

and removes Trump from 

office, Vice President 

Mike Pence would 

become president and 

complete Trump’s term, 

which ends on January 

20, 2021. 

Togolese protest against Gnassimgbe’s fourth 

term bid 

By Chiamaka Uba & 

Rose Chukwu 

THOUSANDS of 

Togolese nationals 

yesterday staged a 

protested at the Lagos, 

office of Economic 

Community of West 

African States, ECOW- 

AS, against President 

Faure Gnassimgbe’s 

ploy to run for a fourth 

term. 

Faure is seeking to 

extend his tenure to 20 

years after he took over 

from his father, 

Gnassimgbe Eyadema 

who ruled the country for 

33 years. 

Speaking during the 

protest, Secretary of 

Togolese in Diapora, 

Tchassama Mourtala the 

purpose of the protest is 

to seek the assistance of 

ECOWAS, United 

Nations and the 

National Commission of 

Refugees to prevail on 

President Faure to 

jettison his fourth term 

ambition. 

He insisted that 

Togolese want change 

which should start with 

a transitionary 

government and an 

amendment to the 

constitution. 

Mourtala said 

thousand of Togoless 

home and abroad will 

continue to oppose 

President Faure’s 

ambition and demand 

that the country be 

governed through a 

Johnson hails ‘radical’ 

Queen’s speech 

BORIS Johnson has 

claimed his 

programme for 

government is the “most 

radical Queen’s Speech 

in a generation”. 

The prime minister 

said planned new laws 

to toughen up criminal 

justice and increase 

NHS spending would 

deliver on the “people’s 

priorities”. 

But his main priority is 

the UK’s exit from the EU 

on 31 January. 

Labour leader Jeremy 

Corbyn said many of the 

PM’s promises 

mimicked the “language 

of Labour policy but 

without the substance”. 

“They say imitation is 

the sincerest form of 

flattery, even when it’s a 

very pale imitation, but 

I fear those swayed by 

the prime minister’s 

constitution that is 

agreed by the people of 

Togo. 

“The Togolese people 

have, today, taken 

control of the situation. 

They are therefore ready, 

at any time, to oppose 

this suicidal candidacy 

for the good of our 

country. The current 

calm that one observes is 

only a deceptive one 

because it is precarious. 

promises will be sorely 

disappointed,” added 

the Labour leader. 

And SNP Westminster 

leader Ian Blackford 

accused the PM of 

“denying [Scotland] the 

right to choose our own 

future” referring to the 

SNP’s desire for another 

referendum on Scottish 

independence. 

“Why did democracy 

stop in the prime 

minister’s world with 

the independence 

referendum in 2014?” he 

asked. 

But Boris Johnson said 

he felt a “colossal sense 

of obligation” to the 

voters. 

He told MPs that “a 

new golden age for this 

United Kingdom is now 

within reach” adding 

that the government 

would “work flat out to 

deliver it”. 

Several killed, hundreds held in 

India citizenship law protests 

INDIANS are defying 

bans on assembly in 

cities nationwide as anger 

swells against a citizenship 

law seen as discriminatory 

against Muslims, 

following days of protests 

and clashes that have left 

nine dead. 

Two people have died of 

injuries suffered in violent 

protests in the southern 

Indian city of Mangaluru, 

on Thursday, according to 

hospital officials. They said 

that at least one of the two 

killed had been shot. 

Local government official 

Sindhu Rupeh said there 

had been clashes between 

stone-throwing crowds 

and police in Mangaluru 

since Thursday afternoon, 

despite restrictions 

imposed on public 

gatherings. 

Another person died 

during protests in the Uttar 

Pradesh state capital of 

Lucknow as police 

struggled to disperse 

protesters. Three were 

injured. 

Stone-throwing 

protesters clashed with 

police and set fire to 

vehicles in Lucknow, 

where orders prohibiting 

gatherings of more than five 

people are in place. 

“ If Faure Gnassingbe 

does not take measure of 

the situation, the 

Togolese people, in their 

struggle for freedom and 

prosperity, will force 

him to give Up his quest 

for a fourth term at the 

country’s helm of 

affairs. The Togolese 

people now have a 

better understanding of 

the Niamey Declaration 

of October 4, 2019,” he 

said. 

Togolese National in Nigeria, protest to the Ecowas office over the 4th 

terms attempt of the president Faure Gnassigbe, in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: 

KEHINDE SHONOLA.

Continues from Page 5 

Nigerian authorities to 

solve my problems 

without any stress or 

pressure from Dubai 

Police or anyone.” 

But EFCC appeared to 

have taken offence by 

Adoke’s claim that he 

voluntarily returned to 

Nigeria without 

mentioning the fact that 

he had bowed to pressure 

from it to be brought back 

by Interpol to face trial 

over the Malabu Oil scam. 

It was not clear at press 

time whether EFCC 

would take the former 

minister to court at once 

to face trial or if Adoke 

would return to court to 

press for his release. 

Adoke, who had 

maintained that he had 

done no wrong in the 

transfer of $1.3 billion the 

EFCC claimed had been 

laundered, said he acted 

on the directive of the 

former President, 

Goodluck Jonathan. 

He insists that the 

money was paid to end 

protracted legal tussle that 

was threatening to cost the 

country more cash and 

distort investments in the 

oil sector, if truce was not 

reached and the cash 

paid to the beneficiaries, 

including Dan Etete. 

I’ve not been 

briefed — Malami 

Reacting to the 

development, yesterday, 

the Attorney-General of 

the Federation and 

Minister of Justice, 

Abubakar Malami, SAN, 

said he was yet to be 

briefed on Adoke’s return 

to the country. 

The AGF, who spoke to 

judiciary correspondents 

at the Federal Ministry of 

Justice headquarters in 

Abuja, said he was yet to 

receive a formal briefing 

on Adoke’s arrival to the 

Naira depreciates to N363.96/$ in 

I&E window 

By Elizabeth Adegbesan 

The naira yesterday depreciated to N363.96 per 

dollars in the Investors and Exporters (I&E) window. 

Data from FMDQ showed that the indicative 

exchange rate for the window rose to N363.96 per 

dollar yesterday from N363.70 per dollar on 

Wednesday, translating to 26 kobo depreciation of 

the naira. 

The volume of dollars traded on the window 

yesterday dropped by 84 percent to $98.43 million 

from $600.45 million on Wednesday. 

However, the naira, yesterday, appreciated by 20 

kobo in the parallel market. 

According to naijabdcs.com, the live exchange rate 

platform of the Association of Bureaux De Change 

Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), the parallel market 

exchange dropped to N361 per dollar from N361.2 

per dollar on Wednesday, indicating 20 kobo 

appreciation of the naira. 

vanguardnews @vanguardnews @vanguardnews 

Malabu, P&ID: Adoke returns, 

arrested by EFCC 

country. 

On the Federal 

Government’s next line of 

action, in respect of 

pending criminal charge 

the EFCC preferred 

against the ex-AGF over 

his alleged complicity in 

the $1.2billion Malabu 

Oil bloc scam, Malami, 

said he would not 

comment on a matter 

already before the court. 

He said: “I think there 

are multiple judicial cases 

pending before the 

judiciary and against the 

background of subsisting 

principle of the law, I 

wouldn’t want to comment 

one way or the other in 

that respect or direction 

because I cannot be 

talking in pre-emptive 

sense or preempting the 

judicial position as it 

relates to the matter. 

“I am equally not in a 

position to confirm the 

statement relating to the 

arrival of the former 

Attorney General in 

Nigeria as I have not 

been officially briefed in 

that respect. Until I am 

formally briefed, I am not 

in a position to comment 

on it, one way or the 

other.’’ 

My client 

returned 

‘voluntarily’ — 

Ozekhome 

However, Adoke’s 

lawyer, Chief Mike 

Ozekhome, SAN, in a 

statement yesterday, 

insisted that his client 

returned to the country 

“voluntarily.” 

Ozekhome further 

attached pictorial 

evidence of a flight tickets 

he said was “selfpurchased” 

by the 

embattled former AGF 

who served under the 

administration of ex- 

President 

Jonathan. 

Goodluck 

The statement read: “We 

are Solicitors to Mr 

Mohammed Bello Adoke, 

former Attorney-General 

and Minister of Justice 

(“our client”). We issue this 

statement on his clear 

instructions and mandate. 

“On the morning of 

Tuesday, November 11, 

2019, our client arrived 

Dubai, United Arab 

Emirate (UAE), for a 

scheduled medical checkup. 

“While he was 

undergoing immigration 

checks, he was informed 

that Interpol had a 

Warrant to arrest him. He 

was shocked to his bones 

and marrow. 

“This is because 

although a High Court of 

the Federal Capital 

Territory (FCT) had issued 

a Warrant of Arrest against 

our client on April 17, 2019, 

following an exparte 

application by the 



(EFCC), the same Court 

had duly vacated the said 

arrest warrant Order on 

October 25, 2019, 

following our challenge of 

the ex parte order, and 

after robust court 

argument between EFCC 

(government) counsel and 

my humble self. 

“There was therefore no 

existing arrest warrant on 

which the Interpol’s arrest 

was made. This was well 

reported by the media. 

Our client duly showed 

Interpol officials copies of 

the certified Court Order 

by Hon. Justice Danlami 

Z. Senchi. 

“He also showed them 

the April 17, 2018, 

judgment of the Federal 

High Court, Abuja, 

delivered by the Hon. 

Justice Binta Nyako, to the 

effect that our client could 

not be held liable for 

obeying lawful 

presidential directives on 

the OPL 245 transaction. 

“The Interpol officials, 

however, said only the 

Warrant of Arrest was 

communicated to them by 

the Federal Government, 

and not any of these 

overriding court 

processes. The vacation 

and setting aside of the 

warrant of arrest order 

made by Hon. Justice D. 

Z. Senchi was curiously 

not communicated to the 

Interpol or the UAE 

authorities. 

“But, they insisted that 

they could only deal with 

the Nigerian government, 

which must first 

communicate to them, the 

said vacation and setting 

aside of the warrant of 

arrest. 

“Our client told them that 

he was ready to return to 

Nigeria on his own accord 

after his medicals; yet, 

they still kept him in 

illegal custody for over 


NEWS HOTLINES 

018773962, 

08052867058 

SOUTH-EAST ECONOMIC SUMMIT—Consultant, Department for 

International Development (DFID), Dr Mark Ubani Middle); representative 

of the President of Africa Export-Import Bank, Dr Hippolyte Fofack; and 

Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (right), during the 4th South-East 

Economic Summit, in Enugu, yesterday. Photo: NAN. 

one month, after running 

into a legal logjam. It was 

very clear to them that the 

government of Nigeria 

did not have any legal 

basis or grounds to 

extradite Mr Adoke back 

to Nigeria. 

Legal advice 

“Adoke, based on our 

legal advice, has 

therefore decided to 

break this unnecessary 

logjam and simulated 

stalemate that are already 

causing Nigeria 

international 

embarrassment by buying 

his own ticket to return to 

Nigeria voluntarily and 

peaceably, instead of 

going to another country 

of his choice. 

“It must be pointed out 

that, Mr Adoke had been 

out of Nigeria voluntarily 

since May, 2015, upon 

the expiration of his 

tenure as Honourable 


Federation and Minister 

of Justice. 

“In his undertaking 

before the Dubai 

authorities, Adoke signed 

as follows: “I would go to 

Nigeria authorities to 

solve my problem, and 

without any stress or 

pressure from Dubai 

Police or anyone. 

“He was not then under 

any investigation, nor 

charged before any court 

of law by the EFCC or any 

other anti-graft agency 

howsoever. 

“It was only on 

December 21, 2016, 

nearly one and half years 

after he went to the 

Netherlands to pursue 

his masters (LL.M) 

degree programme in 

Public International Law, 

with specialization in 

International Criminal 

Law, at the University of 

Leiden, the Netherlands, 

that the EFCC charged 

him before the FCT High 

Court on his alleged role 

in the OPL 245 

transaction. 

“Our client verily 

believes he has done no 

wrong in merely carrying 

out his statutory duties. 

Indeed, his houses in 

Kano and Okene in Kogi 

State were extensively 

searched even in his 

absence, with the EFCC 

finding nothing 

incriminating against 

Adoke. 

“While our client is 

thankful to the Almighty 

God for seeing him 

through this unwarranted 

humiliation despite its 

debilitating impact on his 

health, he hereby 

reiterates, for the 

umpteenth time, that he 

is not and has never been 

afraid to face trail in 

Nigeria, over any 

perceived role he played 

in the OPL 245 

transaction. He believes 

he did no wrong. 

“The extent of his 

involvement as the Chief 

Law Officer of the 

Federation at all material 

times, he insists, involved 

in merely giving out well 

founded legal advice to 

the then government of 

the day regarding the 

transaction, as the then 


Federation and the chief 

law officer. 

“He had advised the 

then government to 

implement the extant and 

subsisting consent court 

judgement of a court of 

law, which had been 

voluntarily agreed upon 

and consented to between 

the Government of Nigeria 

and. 

“He had advised the then 

president to implement the 

Consent Judgement of a 

court of law which was 

voluntarily agreed to 

between the Federal 

Government of Nigeria and 

Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd, 

over the OPL 245 dispute 

of 2006. He insists that 

there was no abuse of office 

howsoever on his part as 


Federation. 

“He has repeatedly said 

and he now reiterates it 

again and again that he did 

not collect one kobo or any 

sum howsoever, from the oil 

and gas transaction. He 

stands by this truism. 

“Indeed, it must be 

pointed out that two 

witnesses who have 

testified at the ongoing trial 

of the oil companies in 

Milan, Italy, have both 

exonerated Mr Adoke. Mr 

Edan Tofik Ogly Agaev, a 

former Russian 

Ambassador to Colombia, 

said he was pressured in 

to mentioning a name in his 

interrogation by FBI and he 

consequently called 

Adoke’s name. 

“He has, therefore, 

refused to adopt or accept 

his involuntary statement 

which he made. He 

therefore refused to adopt 

his involuntary statement 

he made to the FBI in court. 

‘’The other, Mr Vincenzo 

Armanna, a former ENI 

manager, who is also on 

trial, told the same court 

that, our client that our 

client had in fact threatened 

to arrested and prosecute 

ENI officials for attempting 

to negotiate kickbacks in 

the transaction. Our client 

insists that this is the truth, 

the whole truth and nothing 

but the truth. 

“Now that Mr Adoke has 

been released by the Interpol 

and UAE/Dubai authorities 

after finding nothing criminal 

against him, he will, by the 

special grace of God, based 

on our legal advice, 

voluntarily return to Nigeria 

on Thursday, December 19, 

2019, as he had always 

insisted he would do when 

this patent persecution 

started. He is already airborne, 

as we write this piece, 

on his way to the Nnamdi 

Azikiwe International 

Airport, Abuja. 

“Attached herewith are 

evidence of his selfpurchased 

flight tickets and 

the statement he signed 

before the Interpol/Dubai/ 

UAE authorities. He will also 

voluntarily report to the 

EFCC upon his arrival in 

Nigeria, accompanied by 

some counsel from my 

chambers. 

“Our client remains very 

confident that he will be 

vindicated in the court of law 

and justice at the end of the 

day, after a free and fair trial, 

devoid of the usual media 

trial and conviction in the 

public space.’’


GREATER LAGOS: Sanwo-Olu’s score card in 200 days raise dust 

* He has failed to deliver on all fronts — Gbadamosi, Lagos PDP 

* They’re assessing Sanwo-Olu from their bedrooms – Omotosho, Info commissioner 

* Says Lagos now on fast lane of devt 

By Clifford Ndujihe, Dapo 

Akinrefon & Olasunkanmi 

Akoni 

THE Lagos State 

Government, on Sunday, 

reviewed its 200 days in office and 

gave itself thumbs up for steering 

the ship of the state on the path of 

growth and development despite 

initial teething problems and 

inclement weather. 

However, the state government’s 

claims were thumbed down by the 

Lagos Governorship Candidate of 

the Action democratic Party, ADP, 

in the 2019 election, Mr. Babatunde 

Gbadamosi; and Publicity Secretary 

of the Lagos Peoples Democratic 

Party, PDP, Publicity Secretary, Mr. 

Taofik Gani. 

Gbadamosi and Gani said the 

Sanwo-olu administration has not 

lived up to the expectations of 

Lagosians since May 29, 2019 and 

has failed on all fronts so far. 

Specifically, Gbadamosi scored 

Sanwo-Olu less than 20 per cent 

on performance. 

Lagos State Commissioner for 

Information and Strategy, Mr. 

Gbenga Omotosho, faulted 

Gbadamosi and Gani, saying that 

the duo were oblivious of the facts 

on ground. 

‘’When we took over we could not 

do much road repairs because of 

the rains. Now, the roads are being 

fixed across the state. We have 

revived many abandoned housing 

programmes and doing so much 

in the health, and education sectors 

and infrastructure. I am confident 

we will succeed. Those giving us 

20 per cent may be doing so in their 

bedrooms. They are not seeing 

what is being done,’’ he said. 

According to him, the state 

government is refurbishing 300 

schools, restarted the Lagos- 

Badagry Expressway construction 

of which the Marina-Okokomaiko 

railway line will be operational in 

2021 adnd opened bid for the 

construction of the Fourth mainland 

bridge among others. 

How we are ensuring greater 

Lagos 

Reeling out its achievements in 

the last 200 days, the state 

government led by Mr. Omotosho 

said the move to make Lagos a 21st 

century economy has started with 

the signing of the $629 million 

funding for the Lekki Seaport 

project with funding provided by 

China Development Bank. 

The officials recounted the 

achievements on each of the 

THEMES agenda of the governor. 

Transportation, traffic management 

Under the First Pillar of 

THEMES, Transportation and 

Traffic Management, various steps 

were taken to aggressively address 

the challenge of bad roads and ease 

movement across the State. Eight 

Multi-national construction firms 

were mobilised to carry out massive 

repairs on critical highways in what 

we christened Operation 116. 

This was followed by extensive 

palliative and maintenance works, 

especially by the Public Works 

Corporation, which has 

rehabilitated hundreds of roads and 

Gov Sanwo-Olu 

cleared several drainage channels 

in various parts of the State. 

Others include the flag-off of the 

reconstruction and upgrading of 

strategic roads in Ikorodu such as 

the 6.05 kilometres Phase One road 

from Itamaga to Ewu Elepe town; 

7.8 kilometres Owutu-Agric-Ishawo 

road Phase One; Bola Tinubu- 

Igbogbo-Imota road; and Victoria 

Island, Lekki Traffic Circulation 

project on Oniru axis 

The government ensured Public 

Infrastructure Improvement 

Partnership (PIIP) agreement that 

involves banks handling 

rehabilitation of roads as Corporate 

Social Responsibility (CSR). For 

instance, Access Bank is 

partnering with the State 

Government in Infrastructural 

upgrading of Oniru Network of 

roads under a Public Infrastructure 

Improvement Partnership (PIIP) 

arrangement. 

To strengthen the drive for a 

multi-modal transport system, 

Governor Sanwo-Olu launched the 

Uber Boat water transportation 

service. The business, a 

partnership between the global 

ride-hailing company and Lagos 

State Waterways Authority, LASWA, 

is exploring the State’s abundant 

waterways and reducing the 

pressure on roads. Besides, it attests 

to the confidence global investors 

repose in Lagos as an investment 

destination of choice. 

To ease movement, the 

government advertised bids for the 

38 kilometre Fourth Mainland 

Bridge of which 39 constructions 

including Julius Berger expressed 

interest and were short listed, 

yesterday. 

The arrangement will include the 

construction and operation of a 

tolled road plus a bridge between 

Ajah, Eti-Osa and Mainland Lagos 

to serve as an alternative route to 

the eastern part of Lagos State. 

Health, environment 

The officials said Sanwo-Olu administration 

is bringing about a renaissance 

in the state’s public 

health sector. Under Pillar H, which 

stands for Health and Sanitation, 

the 149-bed Maternal and 

Childcare Centre, MCC, in 

Alimosho General Hospital was 

commissioned. The specialist 

centre, facilitated through the Office 

of the Senior Special Assistant to 

the President on Sustainable 

Development Goals, is evidence of 

the working partnership between 

the Federal and the State 

Babatunde Gbadamosi 

Governments. The facility is 

equipped with ultra-modern equipment 

that aid prompt delivery of 

maternal and child care services. 

Presently, the administration is 

working hard towards the completion 

of more MCCs. In fact, the 

Badagry and Epe MCCs are nearing 

completion. 

The latest of the several people 

friendly medical interventions in the 

State is the free surgical 

intervention programme for 

residents, which was organised in 

partnership with a non- 

Governmental Organisation 

(NGO), Benjamin Olowojebutu 

Foundation. It comprised free 

When we took over we 

could not do much road repairs 

because of the rains. 

Now, the roads are being 

fixed across the state. We 

have revived many abandoned 

housing programmes 

and doing so much in the 

health, and education sectors 

and infrastructure. I am 

confident we will succeed. 

Those giving us 20 per cent 

may be doing so in their bedrooms. 

They are not seeing 

what is being done 

surgeries for residents suffering from 

Lipoma, Hernia, Fibroid and Breast 

Lumps, as well as free dental and 

general health screening. 

Also, the government has resuscitated 

the Adiyan Waterworks, 

Phase Two with contractors mobilised 

to site. The water treatment 

plant, with a production capacity 

of 70 million gallons per day, was 

begun in 2013. After resuscitation, 

it will provide drinking water for 

more than five million Lagos residents 

and will help to address sanitation 

challenges and fight water 

borne diseases. 

Within the period under review, 

LAWMA acquired 10 boats to boost 

its marine waste operations. 

Following the launch of the Lagos 

Blue Box initiative on September 5 

2019, five Community Recycling 

Centres were activated in five Local 

Council Development Areas 

(LCDAs). 

Since the inception of the 

initiative about 340,050 bags were 

distributed to various households 

to encourage sorting of waste. 

Education, technology 

On the the third Pillar E, an acronym 

for Education and Technology, 

a new primary classroom block 

with computer laboratories and 

outdoor recreational facilities, was 

commissioned at Ajegunle; rehabilitation 

of public schools has begun, 

with the inauguration of a 

Special Committee; and no fewer 

than 5000 primary school teachers 

will be trained to complete the 

three-pronged education strategy 

of fixing the infrastructure, fixing 

the curriculum and fixing the manpower 

through recruitment, training 

and development of teachers. 

Giving credence to its policy to 

promote a smart city with 

technology, the administration 

organised the Art of Technology 

Lagos where the governor 

announced a N250m grant for tech 

start-ups to encourage young 

people with fantastic ideas. 

The administration gave a 

N350million bailout for personnel 

cost and increased the subvention 

of the Adeniran Ogunsanya 

College of Education from 

N200million to N250mllion. 

Economy 

In continuation of the use of skill 

acquisition as a tool of 

empowerment, 4, 885 youths 

graduated from 17 Skill Acquisition 

Centres located in the five 

Divisions of the State. 

In line with the national 

campaign for return to agriculture, 

the administration boosted the 

fortune of farmers through the 

Agricultural Value Chains 

Empowerment Programme. 

Hundreds of farmers were 

empowered with inputs to kick start 

or improve their businesses. The 

32 metric tones per hour capacity 

Imota Rice Mill is also one of the 

many strategies for expanding 

revenue accruable to the State and 

also attain sufficiency in rice 

production. The rice mill which is 

situated on a land mass of 8.5 

hectares of land will produce 650 

bags of 50kg rice per hour and has 

two lines to produce 16 metric tones 

each. 

The disbursement of N1.181 

billion to the Retirement Savings 

Account of 279 retirees of the Civil 

Service confirms the priority 

accorded the well-being of the 

senior citizens. 

Sanwo-Olu performed poorly, 

no cause for cheer – Gbadamosi 

Disagreeing with the state government’s 

claims Gbadamosi, who 

said he is aspiring to take over from 

Sanwo-Olu in 2023 because he can 

do the job better, scored Sanwo-Olu 

low across all sectors of governance, 

saying that “the governor could 

have done better.” 

He said: “Sanwo-Olu needs to 

find his spine, he needs to find his 

backbone, he needs to find his will 

and execute what he said he will 

execute if elected the governor of 

Lagos state when we had that 

famous pre-election debate. The 

governor needs to wake up and sort 

out the lowest of the low hanging 

fruit.” 

According to him, his mission is 

to help the incumbent government 

in office by pointing out how to get 

things done in a workable and 

practical way. “It is not just about 

criticising and pointing out the 

flaws, it is about pointing out how 

well to achieve what we all want, 

which is good governance. 

“So, we have to do whatever we 

can do to help the incumbent 

government to achieve good 

governance.” 

According to Gbadamosi, there 

are still very many green areas 

which are not built up in Lagos 

State because there are no roads to 

open up such areas. 

“And the reason they are not built 

up is because there is no road. For 

instance, the Lekki -Ajah axis is still 

largely undeveloped. There’s no 

road; no coastal road. Imagine if 

we put a 10-lane expressway along 

the coastline, the area will develop; 

and if you build a solid infrastructure 

in Lagos, you make money,” he 

said. 

Sanwo-Olu celebrating 200 days 

of failure, wastefulness—Lagos 

PDP 

In like manner, the Lagos PDP 

Publicity Secretary, Mr. Taofik Gani 

said the Sanwo-olu administration 

has not lived up to the expectations 

of Lagosians. 

Gani said: “It is very unfortunate 

that Sanwo-Olu would celebrate 

failure and the peoples’ 

disenchantment with his 

administration. Again it’s a waste 

of tax-payers money. This governor 

has left undone the pains of 

Lagosians. Many of which can be 

done within 50 days. 

He belatedly announced 

minimum wage but has not paid it. 

Rather than remove tolling of roads, 

he introduced strenuous payment 

style, eventually worsening traffic 

jams. The inner roads repairs policy 

initiated by his predecessor has 

been viciously abandoned hence 

all inner roads have gone worse. 

‘’Lagos has been rated amongst 

three northern states as four states 

with unqualified teachers; Lagos 

debt profile has geometrically 

increased with him gulping more 

loans. 

‘’Sanwo-Olu should be mourning 

that innocent girl who died because 

Lagos could not have standard 

hospitals close to communities, 

could not have contract with private 

hospitals to treat and get paid, 

could not provide so called touted 

CCTV on our streets. All street 

lights have gone. Everywhere in 

Lagos is cult and gang wars. Yet 

Lagos realises at least N60billion 

every month. 

‘’Lagos has gone down within 

Sanwo-Olu’s 200 days, yet he is 

celebrating failure and 

wastefulness. We will have all these 

accounted for one day.’’

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019 — 43


YOUR LUCK TODAY 

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 

SAGITTARIUS: Once again, you’ll have the needed 

opportunity to assert yourself to the administration of 

others. Both love and financial success can be yours with 

efforts. Reason with your tried and trusted friends. 

CAPRICORN: You can make it a successful day with 

positive approach on your part. You will be in a better 

position to defuse tension within your working arena. 

Try to be more ambitious. 

AQUARIUS Yes! You’re not scared a bit even, when 

opposition and/or competition come your way but, if 

you give in to diplomatic approach, you’ll fare better 

today. 

PISCES: Pressure that came your way suddenly will 

give way unexpectedly today, to the betterment of your 

course. The more financially ambitious you are today, 

the better for you. Be steadfast. 

ARIES: You sincerely believe in intelligent argument 

or discussion. And if you allow your ability to be diplomatic 

come to play today, you’ll be better for it. Enjoy 

your love life. 

L E I S U R E 

TAKE HEART — ELLA RANDLE 

Being kind can strengthen your relationships and 

give a sense of satisfaction in life. -Karen Hall- 

There are different ways to practice kindness. One 

way to be kind is to open your eyes and be active 

when you see people in need. Be there when 

someone needs a helping hand? A sense of goodwill 

is created when people are kind to those who need 

help. -Ella Randle- 

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye” 

SAYINGS OF 

OUR PEOPLE 

If you watch 

your pot, your 

food will not 

burn. 

~Mauritanian, 

Nigerian, and 

Niger Proverb 

By Kola Fayemi 

TAURUS: You’ll tend to become both creative and persuasive 

to the administration of others. Then those 

who’ve been resisting secret love may slip suddenly and 

become excited. 

GEMINI: Even if opposition persists, supports you are 

getting from the influential people will be enough to see 

you through. Yet, the more cooperative you are the better. 

CANCER: Your creativity quotient within your working 

arena will today be enhanced. You’ll be blamed if 

you keep official issues secrets from your COLEAGUES 

at work. 

LEO: After a few tension soaked days, you’ll have the 

needed opportunity to look through windows of the 

world and have your way as well. Magnetic and/or 

magic days is predicted for lovers today. 

VIRGO: Even if you continue to work under pressure 

via increased workload, you will have good results to 

show for your efforts today. Be steadfast. 

DUDU in “ROLLING HOT” By A.O.OLAIDE 

LIBRA: Better than yesterday. And the more co-operative 

you are today the better for you. Those of you travelling 

for love are in for an exciting day. 

SCORPIO: Those of you willing to let go hard feelings 

at work are for a progressive day to the betterment of 

your finances. Let go yesterday, move ahead. 

ASTROLOGICAL ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING 

COUNSELLING 

Send your date e and place of birth to the Astr 

trological 

Counselling, P.M.B 100 

007, 7, Apapa, Lagos 

What about Libra? 

Dear Joshua, 

I am interested in knowing characteristics of Libra Star 

Signs. 

Agboola-Ikeja. 

Dear Agboola, 

Here-under are the basic characteristics of Libra-the Star of 

money, marriage and justice. 

VIRGINIA 

dadadekola@yahoo.com 

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING 

BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF LIBRA 

Libra is the 7th Zodiac sign related to public spiritedness 

partnership, marriage, rival, close associates, open opponents, 

justice, harmony and/or care for peace and concord. 

Through Venus - the ruler of Libra, Librans are artistic inclined 

and as Venus rules money, money, music and comfort 

are truly important to all Librans and you are not an exception. 

Libra is a cardinal star sign which induces it’s natives to desire 

action and importance in a peaceful manner. Things ruled by 

Libra as stated above must be taken seriously by you. 

You see, if a Libran makes mistake while trying to make a 

partnership choice either of business or emotional type, it will 

profoundly affect many other areas of his/her life. Equally, business 

rival and/or open opponents must not be treated with levity 

Ėlement of Libra is air. Natives of air Star signs are naturally 

intelligent and must think twice of their ideas before trying to 

discard them. Because their ideas are truly brilliant and most 

of them can lead to success both for themselves and others. 

Libra is the social butterfly of the Zodiac and the issues of 

justice, fair-play and equity are very important to the natives of 

Venus ruled Libra. Some people who need to know better erroneously 

believe that Librans’ love of peace makes them a weak 

set of people but Librans can revolt, if and when injustice is 

done to them. 

Some other times however, the desire for peace in your innerself 

at times get the better off-you, to the point that you seek 

others’ approval before you do anything. And this your weak 

point can be taken advantage of by some dubious people who 

will not hesitate to do so. 

But as peace loving as Librans are if a Libran discovers real 

or imaginary injustice against self, he/she will feel cheated 

especially, if the matter at hand concerns RELATIONSHIP, few 

of them will then react violently but many will sulk. 

HOME & ABROAD 

By Lawrence Akapa


Can cooperative federalism work? 

BY DR. OLISA 

AGBAKOBA SAN 

NIGERIA is a country 

of so many ethnic 

nationalities and so has 

been striving to evolve a 

workable framework that 

harmonizes the often conflicting 

interests of these 

nationalities. As a result of 

our large population and 

territory, the most effective 

political system is federalism 

because it enables us 

to have diverse ways of organizing 

ourselves. Many 

people say the 1963 Republican 

Constitution was 

the best ever because it allowed 

the different regions 

to express themselves. 

The South produced cocoa, 

the North groundnut and 

the East palm oil. There was 

space for each region. But 

today people criticize 

strong unitary federalism 

because it forces the component 

units under a 

strong centre and so most 

people feel returning to the 

1963 Constitution is better 

and therefore restructuring 

has become a big issue. But 

restructuring has challenges 

because it has to be nationally 

accepted but has 

not. The issue is whether 

to look for other models? 

Restructuring is like sitting 

atop a 10 story building 

which we will eventually 

get to. But we have to come 

from the ground floor up. 

This is why I have proposed 

Cooperative Federalism 

for consideration. Of 

course, there are many other 

models of Federalism. 

Models of Federalism 

George Anderson, in his 

book “Federalism: An Introduction”, 

has identified 

some of the models. There 

are dualist and integrated 

models of Federalism. The 

dualist model typically assigns 

different jurisdictions 

to each order of government, 

which then delivers 

and administers its own 

programs. The integrated 

model provides for many 

shared competences and 

the constituent – unit governments 

often administer 

centrally legislated programs 

or laws. Under the 

dualist, or classical, model 

of federalism, constitutional 

jurisdiction over different 

subjects is usually assigned 

exclusively to one 

order of government. In this 

model, each order of government 

normally delivers 

programs in its area of responsibility, 

using its civil 

service and departments; 

the federal government’s 

departments are thus 

present throughout the 

country. In practice, the 

dualist model does not 

achieve a neat separation 

of powers because so 

many issues have regional, 

national, even international 

dimensions and 

many different responsibilities 

of governments are 

themselves intertwined. In 

all dualist constitutions, 

there are some shared or 

concurrent powers in 

which both orders of government 

can make laws. 

Canada and Belgium have 

few concurrent powers, 

while Australia has very 

extensive concurrency. 

Where powers are concurrent, 

federal law is generally, 

but not always, paramount, 

meaning it prevails 

in cases of conflict. Also, 

there can be de facto concurrency 

when both orders 

of government have different 

powers that bear on a 

question: this is a kind of 

shared power and typically 

it does not involve paramountcy. 

For example, in 

old constitutions, the environment 

is not usually a 

head of power, but both 

orders of government may 

have different legal powers 

that permit them to regulate 

the environmental 

impacts of a major infrastructure 

project, so it can 

proceed only if they both 

agree. 

Under the integrated (or 

interlocking) model of federalism, 

exemplified by 

Germany, some subject 

matters are exclusively assigned 

to one order of government 

(e.g. defence to 

the federal government), 

but most subject matters are 

concurrent, where the central 

government sets framework 

legislation that the 

constituent units can complement 

(but not contravene) 

with their own legislation. 

As well, the governments 

of the constituent 

units deliver programs in 

The purpose 

of a federation 

is for the different 

power centres 

Federal 

and States to cooperate 

these concurrent areas. 

Thus the central government 

has a small civil service 

in the regions, largely 

limited to its areas of exclusive 

competence. This 

model is also sometimes 

called administrative federalism 

because the principal 

powers of the constituent 

units are administrative. 

A great challenge in 

this model is restricting the 

detail of central policymaking 

to leave room for 

decisions and laws at the 

level of constituent units. 

The German model also provides 

for joint decision making 

affecting these areas of 

concurrency, in that relevant 

federal laws must be approved 

by a majority vote of 

the representatives of the 

Lander in the Bundesrat. 

South Africa has adopted 

aspects of this model. Canada, 

Brazil and the United 

States are examples of largely 

dualist federations; Germany, 

Austria, South Africa, 

and Spain follow the interlocking 

model. India and 

Switzerland have strong features 

of both. Australia is 

largely dualist in administrative 

arrangements but has 

so many areas of concurrency 

that it has some strongly 

interlocking features. 

*Olisa Agbakoba 

What these models illustrate 

is that no federation 

is purely of one form. The 

purpose of a federation is 

for the different power centres 

Federal and States to 

cooperate. In our case, as 

it relates to Cooperative 

Federalism, States and the 

Federal Government can 

work together for economic 

development. Infrastructure 

and solid minerals 

development readily 

come to mind. Based on 

the principle of subsidiarity 

in Federalism which is 

incorporating the government 

closest to the people, 

infrastructure can be commonly 

developed, for instance, 

the East-West High 

Way that has been uncompleted 

because responsibility 

excludes relevant state 

governments but under the 

principle of subsidiarity 

including state governments 

improves implementation 

and also ownership. 

States with solid minerals 

can have cooperative federalism 

with the federal 

government to explore 

their solid minerals. Ondo 

state has one of the world’s 

richest bitumen; Enugu 

has one of the world’s richest 

reserve of coal, Ebony 

has one of the best salt 

mines valued at about N14 

billion. 

What stops states from 

cooperating 

What stops states from cooperating 

with the federal 

government to harness minerals? 

Look at police, in the 

Constitution under the National 

Police Council, all the 

36 state governors play a role 

in picking the Inspector 

General of Police but the 

states have never requested 

that the President summon 

a meeting of the Police 

Council since 1998 yet they 

complain. Actually, under 

the current Constitution under 

both the exclusive and 

concurrent list schemes of 

cooperation exist but it has 

not been harnessed, for example, 

states can build power 

stations and there are several 

other schemes. So rather 

than looking to restructuring 

which is distant, it is 

good to look at what is in 

the 1999 Constitution because 

that cooperation will 

allow development. This is 

no way derogates from Restructuring. 

It simply means 

we all have to work towards 

attaining the goal of restructuring 

but we can have Cooperative 

Federalism to 

deepen the process of democracy. 

Nami assumes office at FIRS, meets 

staff 

THE Executive Chairman, 

Federal Inland 

Revenue Service (FIRS), 

Muhammad Nami assumed 

office at the Revenue 

House, FIRS Headquarters 

in Abuja on 

Thursday. 

Nami met with the Management 

and Staff of the 

Service and assured them 

that he would work with 

them to achieve President 

Muhammadu Buhari’s 

aim of appointing him. 

“I am overwhelmed by 

the reception by all of you 

despite the short notice. I 

hope that you will continue 

to give me this support 

as we work together to 

build capacity and raise the 

revenue for the country. 

I assure you that we will 

work together to achieve 


By Victor Young 

NIGERIA, Nigeria 

Employers’ Consultative 

Association, 

NECA, has expressed concerns 

over rising inflation 

rate in the country, which 

leaped to a 19-month high 

of 11.85% in November, 

2019 (October: 11.61%, indicating 

a 0.24% increase). 

Speaking in Lagos, NE- 

CA’s Director-General, 

DG, Dr. Timothy Olawale, 

said in the National Bureau 

of Statistics, NBS, recent 

CPI figures, all subsets 

of the consumer price 

indexes increased, attributing 

the rising figures, most 

especially, the food index, 

to government’s decision 

to close the land border in 

an attempt to curb food 

smuggling. 

He cautioned “on the correlation 

between the inflation 

rate and the treasury 

bills. With the T-Bills rate 

at about 7.8% compares to 

the inflation rate of 11.85%, 

this calls for rethink on the 

management of the economy, 

as there are tendencies 

for foreign investors to 

Buhari’s aim of appointing 

me”, he said. 

In a message to the staff, 

Nami said he owed it to 

God Almighty, his appointment 

to the position of the 

Executive Chairman of 

FIRS, noting that he was 

aware of the enormity of the 

responsibility ahead . 

“This task, as enormous 

as it is, requires masterstroke 

measures, resilience 

in policy implementation 

and foresight to evolve novel 

ideas. I shall spare no 

effort to summon the courage 

to actualise this task. 

Most times, success is 

borne out of the will to endure 

hardship such as tax 

drive entails”, he said. 

He told the staff that respite 

has come to them especially 

to those who are 

hardworking and professional 

in their work. 

“At this point, I want to 

Mr. Abiodun Aina, Ag. Executive Chairman, FIRS 

with Executive Chairman, FIRS, Muhammad Mamman 

Nami, at Revenue House, Abuja yesterday. 

NECA expresses concerns 

over rising inflation 

dash for the exit and the 

currency could head to a 

down swing, as the GDP 

posted only 2.28% in real 

terms in Q3 of 2019.” 

Dr. Olawale averred that 

having cautioned in October, 

2019 after the CBN, in 

its bid to boost lending 

banned private individuals 

and local non-banking 

firms from buying shortterm 

securities through 

Open market Operations, 

of its implication on the 

Inflation rate, this is affirming 

our projections. The 

bond yield has dropped, 

occasioned by reduced liquidity 

in the T-bills market 

and higher inflation. 

The NECA DG argued 

that the CBN need to review 

its policy on the ban 

from buying short-term 

central bank securities 

through Open Market 

Operations (OMO). 

On the implications of 

the rising inflation rate to 

the economy, DG, NECA 

reiterated that it could “lead 

to lull in economic activities, 

thereafter, decline further 

the growth rate. 

enlist the support and cooperation 

of all staff in the 

task of lifting the economy 

of this country out of its 

present position. I want 

you to be rest assured that 

respite has come especially 

to the deserving hardworking 

and professionally 

competent members of 

the staff”, he added. 

Abiodun Aina, who acted 

as the Executive Chairman 

until Nami was confirmed 

by Senate on 

Wednesday thanked the 

staff for cooperating with 

him to handover a peaceful 

and unified FIRS to the 

Executive Chairman. 

“You can see the excitement 

on the faces of the 

staff and their eagerness to 

receive you. It shows the 

enthusiasm with which 

you are expected in FIRS. 

In the little time I held forth, 

I have seen that we have 

some little challenges with 

our mandate. This is the 

challenges that you have 

come to provide solutions 

to. I pledge my loyalty and 

the loyalty of my colleagues 

and I believe that we are 

going to work together to 

achieve the mandate of the 

Service”, Aina told Nami. 

In the message to staff, 

Nami said: “All praises and 

adoration are due to the Almighty 

God, the One who 

exalts whomever He wills, 

the Maker of kings, the Provider 

of sustenance. This 

auspicious moment of my 

life is not my making, He 

has designed it to be. It is 

not by my strength or claim 

to any modicum of knowledge. 

It is His Wisdom. It 

is not also an accident. It is 

His will. 

“As I assume the mantle 

of leadership of this reputable 

organisation, I want 

to say that I am very much 

aware of the enormity of the 

responsibility entrusted to 

me by fate and those who 

have confidence in my capacity 

to discharge it. I am 

equally aware that for too 

long, Nigeria’s economy 

has been in dire straits with 

attendant socio-economic 

challenges. 

“It is as a result of these 

challenges that the present 

administration of President 

Muhammadu Buhari has 

been making strident efforts 

towards putting the 

economy back on the track. 

Part of these efforts is the 

administration’s attempt 

towards making tax revenue 

generation and collection 

the cornerstone of its 

economic recovery efforts. 

I therefore understand 

that my mandate is to facilitate 

the administration’s 

economic recovery drive 

through increased tax revenue 

generation by opening 

up new potential revenue 

sources."


EL CLASSICO! 

Kroos exposes 

Messi’s bum 

THIS is the hilarious 

moment Lionel Messi’s 

bum is exposed by Toni 

Kroos in last night’s El 

Clasico. 

Barcelona and Real 

Madrid drew 0-0 in their first 

clash of the season. 

And there was little to write 

home about for either side in 

the first goalless clash 

between the pair in 17 years. 

Gareth Bale had a late 

strike ruled out by VAR at the 

Nou Camp. 

And outside, pro-Catalan 

demonstrations turned 

violent as flag-wavers fought 

with baton-wielding police. 

However, for some, the 

main highlight of the match 

FIFA bans 

federation 

president 

for life 

World soccer body, FIFA 

banned the former 

president of Panamanian 

football Ariel Alvarado for life 

on Thursday and fined him 

500,000 Swiss francs 

(£390,821.19) after finding 

him guilty of bribery. 

Alvarado was investigated 

in relation to matches 

organised by the Panamanian 

Football Association as well as 

contracts for Confederation of 

North, Central American and 

Caribbean Association 

Football (CONCACAF) media 

and marketing rights between 

2009 and 2011. 

The adjudicatory chamber of 

FIFA’s independent Ethics 

Committee said it had 

imposed the ban on Alvarado, 

a former FIFA standing 

committee member, with 

immediate effect. 

•Infatino, FIFA President 

was when Messi had his 

shorts pulled down by Kroos 

while trying to make a 

barnstorming run. 

Luckily, the Argentine was 

remembering to wear his 

pants. 

But some fans declared the 

incident had indeed tickled 

their respective ribs. 

One wag wrote: “That’s 

the highlight of his career.” 

Another exclaimed: 

“Casemiro said Kroos 

controls the pace of the 

game. 

“No, he steals the 

underwear of the GOAT.” 

One chimed: “More like 

Messi’s extended 

highlights.” 

Another added: “You 

should be thanking him.” 

Messi can at least take 

comfort from his record 

SIXTH Ballon d’Or win 

Nadal: Federer’s Grand Slam 

record not my focus in 2020 

Rafael Nadal claims his 

primary focus in 2020 is 

not to equal Roger Federer’s 

Grand Slam tally. The 

Spaniard is just one major 

tournament away from 

drawing level with his 

Swiss rival’s 20. 

Nadal won the French and 

US Open titles this year to 

take his Grand Slam tally 

unto 19. 

The 33-year-old is five 

years younger than Federer 

so time is definitely on his 

NWF president urges 

lifters to remain 

focused in Doha 

Olympic qualifiers 

President of Nigeria 

Weightlifting Federation 

(NWF), Yahaya Mohammed, 

has urged Nigerian lifters to 

remain focused and strive 

hard to excel in the 6th 

Qatar Cup in Doha. 

The tournament which 

was slated for between Dec. 

19 and Dec. 24, will also 

serve as one of the 2020 

Olympic qualifiers. 

Mohammed said yesterday 

in Abuja that the lifters 

needed to earn more points 

to qualify for the 2020 

Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. 

He said that the 

competition was one of the 

qualifiers for the 2020 

Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, 

adding that the lifters will 

participate in one or two 

qualifiers before the Olympic. 

“The lifters need to be focus 

and serious so they will be able 

to lift their weight properly in 

all attempts. 

“They have been doing well 

whenever they represent the 

country in international 

event. I’m very sure they will 

replicate their performance at 

the All African Games in 

Morocco in August. 

“They had a thorough 

session of training during 

their camping under the 

•Kroos & Messi in action on Wednesday 

side to surpass his great 

rival. 

But Nadal, who is 

competing at the Mubadala 

World 

Tennis 

Championship exhibition 

event in Abu Dhabi this 

weekend, insists he is just 

focussing on enjoying 

himself. 

“I can’t say yes because 

honestly I just work on my 

diary basis,” the world No 

1 said. 

“I have to do my things the 

•Nadal 

supervision of their coaches 

and the technical director. 

They will return home to give 

us an outstanding result. 

“I am sure that the team will 

make the country proud 

again,” he said. 

The 2020 Olympics is slated 

for between July 24 and Aug. 

9, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. 

•Mohammed 

earlier this month. 

And the ace is now one 

above fierce rival, Juventus 

star Cristiano Ronaldo. 

However, Barcelona boss 

Ernesto Valverde claims 

Messi could soon retire from 

professional football. 

best way possible and then 

to just give myself chances 

to keep being competitive at 

the highest level possible. 

“So if that happens, great, 

if not, I just gave my best all 

my career to be in the 

position that I am today. 

“And obviously of course, 

increase the number of 20, 

or tying 20 would be 

something amazing, but I 

cannot complain at all. 

“I’m super happy the way 

I am having my tennis 

career, I gave my best all the 

time and I’m proud about 

the way I worked and the 

way I enjoyed the tennis 

during all these years. 

“So I just really believe 

and hope that I can keep 

having the chance to keep 

going and keep having fun 

and keep giving myself 

chances to compete at the 

highest level.” 

Arsenal to name Arteta 

manager today 

Mikel Arteta is 

expected to be 

named as Arsenal’s new 

manager on Friday. 

Arteta said his farewells 

to staff at Manchester 

City on Thursday 

morning. 

There has been 

annoyance at City over 

Arsenal’s conduct but 

they will not stop Arteta, 

37, succeeding Unai 

Emery. 

A seven-figure 

compensation payment 

will be made in order for 

the move to be completed. 

Yesterday’s news 

conference previewing 

the game against Everton 

was cancelled. 

Interim boss Freddie 

Ljungberg is expected to 

take charge of the team for 

the final time at Goodison 

Park on Saturday, with 

Arteta watching from the 

stands. 

The Gunners failed to 

mention their interest in 

Arteta despite the two 

teams meeting at 

Emirates Stadium on 

Sunday - a game the 

Duncan Ferguson will 

remain as caretaker 

manager for Everton’s 

Premier League clash 

against Arsenal at Goodison 

Park on Saturday. 

Ferguson took temporary 

charge of Everton following 

the sacking of Marco Silva 

and has overseen a 3-1 

victory over Chelsea and 

a 1-1 draw at Manchester 

United in the Premier 

League, as well as 

Wednesday’s 2-2 draw 

with Leicester in the 

Carabao Cup which they 

lost on penalties. 

Carlo Ancelotti, 

meanwhile, has reached an 

agreement with Napoli over 

the termination of his 

contract, paving the way for 

his appointment as Everton 

manager. 

Sky Sports News 

understands Ancelotti will 

be in the stands at Goodison 

on Saturday before being 

officially presented to the 

media on Monday. 

Ancelotti has been offered 

a four-and-a-half-year 

contract and is set to take 

charge of his first game 

against Burnley on Boxing 

champions won 3-0. 

Gunners chief 

executive Vinai 

Venkatesham was 

pictured outside the 

Spaniard’s home several 

hours later. 

•Arteta 

Ferguson to remain 

Everton manager 

against Arsenal 

Day, according to Sky in 

Italy. 

The Italian is set to be 

assisted by his son Davide 

Ancelotti and Ferguson, 

having been given 

assurances that there will 

be money to spend in the 

January transfer window. 

Sky Sports News broke 

the story on Monday that 

Ancelotti reached an 

agreement in principle to 

become Marco Silva’s 

successor following talks 

on Merseyside earlier in the 

day. 

•Ferguson 

TRAGEDY! Trinidad and Tobago star 

dies aged 27 after fireball car crash 

TRINIDAD and Tobago 

star Shahdon 

Winchester has died, aged 

27 

Ṫhe winger was one of 

four people killed in a 

fireball car crash on the Sir 

Solomon Hochoy Highway. 

One woman and three 

men lost their lives in the 

fatal accident on Thursday 

morning. 

The woman has since 

been identified as 

Winchester’s girlfriend and 

a second man has been 

named as Keston Nicholas. 

According to police 

reports, at 5:30am the 

footballer’s Nissan X-Trail 

collided with a telephone 

pole. 

The vehicle became 

engulfed in flames after the 

transformer fell and 

exploded on top of it. 

Winchester and the three 

other individuals were 

trapped inside of the 

vehicle. 

Fire fighters arrived at the 

scene and the bodies were 

removed from the car at just 

after 9am. 

Tributes have poured in 

for Winchester - who made 

23 appearances for the 

Trinidad and Tobago 

national team. 

He made his full debut 

for his country in June 2010 

and scored his first 

international goal in a 

friendly win over Grenada 

in March 2016. 

He began his club career 

with W Connection before 

he moved to Murcielagos 

after a number of loan 

spells. 

After a brief spell with 

Kapaz on loan, he joined 

Finnish side Seinajoen 

Jalkapallokerho. 

•Shahdon

New Eagles contract 

Stringent conditions await Rohr 

•Gets offer next month 

By John Egbokhan 

Super Eagles manager, 

Gernot Rohr will be 

presented new contract 

proposal by the Nigeria 

Football Federation (NFF) 

in January 2020, about five 

months before the 

expiration of the current one. 

Sports Vanguard gathered 

that stringent conditions 

await Rohr in the new offer, 

which observers say may 

compel the Franco-German 

coach to dump the team for 

greener pastures. 

Speaking to Sports 

Vanguard in Benin City, 

venue of the 75th Annual 

General Assembly of the 

football-governing body, 

NFF President, Amaju 

Pinnick said if Rohr declines 

the offer a new manager 

would be appointed swiftly, 

in order to prevent any 

vacuum at the time the 

qualifying race for the 2022 

FIFA World Cup in Qatar 

will be on. 

Rohr was named Eagles 

manager in August 2016 and 

in the almost three and half 

years that he has been in the 

saddle, he has qualified the 

team for the 2018 FIFA 

World Cup in Russia and 

won bronze at the 2019 

African Cup of Nations in 

Egypt. 

His contract is due to 

elapse in June 2020 but the 

negotiations are due to 

commence soon, with First 

Vice-President of the NFF, 

Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi 

set to lead NFF’s legal team 

to thrash out the knotty 

issues that may make or 

mar the looming talks date. 

According to Pinnick, “we 

are going to present the 

contract proposal to Rohr 

next month and we have 

already mandated the first 

Vice-President to constitute 

the legal team to draft the 

new proposal which will be 

made available to the coach 

next month’’. 

He added that the NFF 

was favourably inclined to 

having Rohr continue as 

Eagles manager but noted 

that the interest of Nigeria 

and its football would take 

By John Egbokhan 

In a bid to protect the 

Golden Eaglets from being 

preyed upon by unscrupulous 

football agents, the Nigeria 

Football Federation (NFF) has 

taken over the economic rights 

of the players. 

Disturbed by the poor 

performance of the team at the 

last FIFA U-17 World Cup in 

Brazil, where they lost to 

Netherlands in the second 

round, which attracted angry 

reactions from football 

stakeholders and critics, most 

of whom were quick to heap 

the blame on NFF, the footballgoverning 

body has moved to 

tackle the problem of poor 

performance headlong. 

Rising from its 75th Annual 

General Assembly held in 

Benin City, the Congress of the 

NFF mandated the Executive 

Committee to create a safety 

net around the young players 

in future competitions. 

Speaking in an interview 

with Vanguard Sports in 

Benin City, President of the 

the front seat when the talks 

commence. 

‘’If we don’t want him to 

continue as Eagles 

manager, we would not even 

contemplate drafting a new 

proposal for him but we are 

okay with him but only what 

to institute some things that 

would protect the interest of 

Nigeria and its football in 

Super Eagles of Nigeria 

remained on the 31st 

position in the FIFA 

rankings for the month of 

December. 

The Eagles also 

maintained the third best 

team position in Africa 

after Senegal and Tunisia, 

ahead of the 2022 FIFA 

world cup qualifiers which 

begin in March next year. 

Belgium were crowned 

FIFA’s Team of the Year for 

the second straight time 

after retaining top spot 

ahead of world champions 

France in the latest world 

the new contract. 

‘’That is why we are 

starting next month, so that 

he can have enough time to 

study the offer and accept 

but if he does not accept our 

new offer, like Timaya said, 

‘’I cannot kill myself’ and we 

would shop for a new 

manager to take over’’, 

added Pinnick. 

Super Eagles make no progress on FIFA 

year-ending rankings 

rankings released on 

Thursday, soccer’s world 

governing body said. 

Belgium, who finished 

third in the World Cup in 

Russia last year, won all 10 

of their competitive 

matches in 2019. 

England moved up a spot 

to fourth place below 

Brazil, while Uruguay are 

fifth. 

Argentina (ninth) and 

Colombia (10th) entered 

the top 10 this year 

displacing Switzerland 

(12th) and Denmark (16th). 

Qatar, who will host the 

Golden Eaglets economic rights 

taken over by NFF 

NFF, Amaju Pinnick said the 

body not unmindful that the 

agents would fight back In 

order to protect their business 

interests, adding that it was 

ready for whatever 

confrontations may ensue in 

the course of protecting the 

economic rights of these young 

players. 

‘’What we have discovered 

form the interim technical 

reports that we got after the 

last U-17 World Cup in Brazil 

is that agents played 

disruptive roles in our 

campaign because they were 

always disturbing these 

players with offers, which 

entered the heads of these 

young ones to the extent that 

they were playing for self glory. 

‘’These overtures by the 

agents had negative effects on 

the players and the team and 

consequently, we had a poor 

campaign. But we have 

resolved to tackle it headlong 

henceforth by taking over the 

economic rights of these 

players, so that everything 

that concerns their future is 

now in our hands, thereby 

making the efforts of the 

agents to be in vain’’, added 

the NFF boss. 

The Athletics Federation 

of Nigeria (AFN) has 

expressed deep shock at the 

death of veteran athletics 

coach,Tobias Igwe fondly 

called Toblow in track and 

field circle. 

Coach Toblow,according 

to his son,Daniel Igwe died 

after suffering from high 

blood pressure and partial 

stroke. 

‘’Sad to announce the 

passing on of great coach 

Igwe also known as 

Toblow.He died after 

suffering from high blood 

pressure and partial 

stroke,’read a statement 

signed by his son,Daniel 

Igwe. 

AFN 

acting 

president,Honourable 

Olamide George expressed 

shock at the passing of a 

man who many have 

credited with the 

geometrical successes 

recorded by Nigeria in the 

1980s and 1990s. 

‘’This is devastating. We 

have lost a true transformer 

of talent.Coach Igwe was 

linked with many of the 

athletes who brought 

honour to Nigeria in the 

1980s and 1990s.It is on 

record he led the first 

Nigerian team to the IAAF 

World 

Junior 

Championships in 

Athens,Greece in 1986 to 

ninth position on the medals 

table with Nigeria emerging 

world champions in the 

women’s 100m (Tina 

Iheagwan) and 200m 

(Falilat Ogunkoya),’said 

2022 World Cup, were the 

biggest movers in a year in 

which they won the AFC 

Asian Cup, moving 38 

places to sit 55th after 

gaining 138 points. 

Africa Top ten: 

Senegal (20) 

Tunisia (27) 

Nigeria (31) 

Algeria (35) 

Morocco (43) 

Ghana (47) 

Egypt (51) 

Cameroon (53) 

Mali (56) 

DR Congo (56) 


AFN mourns veteran athletics coach, 

Tobias Igwe 

George. 

The AFN acting president 

revealed the federation has 

contacted the family of late 

coach Toblow. 

‘“Our heartfelt 

condolences to the family of 

late coach Igwe during this 

time of sorrow. You’re in our 

thoughts and prayers and we 

are here for whatever you 

need.” 

George revealed the board 

of the federation will meet 

in the new year to discus the 

best way to honour the late 

coach. 

‘It is the least we can do as 

a federation.We were 

discussing about how to 

honour him for his selfless 

service to Nigeria about a 

forthnight ago not knowing 

death was lurking around to 

take the great Toblow away 

from us.’’ 

In her reaction,former 

Nigeria queen of the 

track,Mary Onyali says she 

is heartbroken and 

described Toblow as a super 

great coach. 

‘’Today marks yet another 

sad day in my life as I lost 

yet another dear person to 

my heart. Coach Tobias 

Igwe alias TOBLOW This is 

the man who made me what 

I am today in sports and life 

in general. My heart is Sooo 

Villarreal of Spain coach 

Javier Calleja has 

dismissed every possibility 

star attacking midfielder, 

Samuel Chukwueze might 

heavy as I write, but only 

God knows why you have to 

go now and we can’t 

question Him. You’ve ran a 

great race on earth as an 

athlete, a SUPER GREAT 

COACH, and a Sports 

Administrator. My Love, 

sleep well in the bosom of 

the Lord until we meet again 

to finish what we 

started,’Onyali,a senior 

adviser on sports to the Youth 

and Sports Development 

Minister wrote on her 

facebook wall. 

Toblow was credited with 

discovering such iconic 

athletes as double Olympics 

bronze medallist,Mary 

Onyali;the Ezinwa 

brothers,Osmond and 

Davidson,middle distance 

runner,Tony Osheku, 

quartermilers, Airat Bakare 

and Sunday Uti,the first 

Nigerian to run a sub-45 

seconds in the 400m. 

He also converted 

reigning Nigerian 400m 

hurdles record holder and 

1987 IAAF World 

Championships 

finalist,Henry Amike from 

handball to track and field 

and trained the discovered 

and groomed Tina 

Iheagwan to become the 

first Nigerian world 

champion in track and field. 

Chukwueze not going 

anywhere, says Villarreal coach 

From left; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, 

Mr. Adesola Olusade; Group MD, Halogen Group, Mr. Wale Olaoye; Commonwealth 

senior category gold medalist and female Olympic wrestling gold medal hopeful, 

Ms. Odunayo Adekuoroye; Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday 

Dare and the Chief Operating Officer, Academy Halogen, Dr. Wale Adeagbo after Halogen 

Group management adopted the Nigerian freestyle female wrestling Champion, 

Odunayo at the launch of federal government's “Adopt an Athlete Initiative” ahead of 

2020 Tokyo Olympic Games held in Lagos. 

be making a switch to 

Chelsea. 

Reports in England 

suggested that Chelsea are 

monitoring the Super 

Eagles striker with a view of 

making a move for him in 

the January window to beef 

up their squad. 

“I think Samu is very 

grateful to everything 

Villarreal has given him. He 

is very young and has much 

to improve, and he knows 

it,” Calleja said. 

“It will be difficult for him 

to find a place where he is 

more comfortable and more 

familiar. that in a club like 

ours. 

“He must continue 

working because in future 

he will have to face other 

experiences, know another 

league. 

“He has time ahead and 

knows that he has the love 

of the fans and the total 

support of teammates and 

coaching staff.” 

Ogunbote credits Lobi’s good run to collective effort 

Never at any point in the 

game between 

Enyimba and Lobi Stars on 

Wednesday did Gbenga 

Ogunbote’s side look like 

they were going to lose to the 

champions. Such is their 

dedication of play and the 

attention paid to every little 

detail. 

Apart from starting quite 

a number of former 

Enyimba players, the team 

of experienced league 

campaigners showed 

exactly why they have been 

so impregnable this season, 

claiming a result in their 

fourth consecutive away 

game. 

The Pride of Benue 

seemed to be heading for an 

improbable win after 

Samad Kadiri’s 77th 

minute header but that joy 

was short lived when Victor 

Mbaoma responded with a 

header of his own three 

minutes later. 

The result left Ogunbote 

with mixed feelings at the 

end. 

“I think it’s a good point 

on the road but it depends 

on how we see it,” began the 

former Enyimba boss. 

“It could be a point 

gained or two points lost. If 

we had managed the game, 

maybe we could have gone 

with the three points. 

“Even in the first half, we 

would have wrapped up the 

game but we wasted some 

half chances so I think we 

were wasteful in some ways. 

When you are playing 

against a team like 

Enyimba, you don’t waste 

your chances,” added 

Ogunbote.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019 

TODAY’S CROSSWORD 

QUICK CROSSWORD 

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION 

TODAY’S PUZZLE 

Sudoku 

YESTERDAY’S ANSWER 

ACROSS 

1. Filth 

6. Not Mama 

10. An abandoned 

calf 

14. Parts portrayed 

15. Quiet time 

16. By mouth 

17. Collection of 

maps 

18. District 

19. Peel 

20. Days gone by 

22. Dash 

23. Couch 

24. House cat 

26. Concludes 

30. Destroy the 

inside of 

31. Soak 

32. Violent disturbance 

33. Gorse 

35. Noodles 

39. Baked dessert 

41. Not western 

43. Musical time 

44. Cravings 

46. French for 

"State" 

47. N N N N 

49. A parcel of land 

50. Not nights 

51. Short sleep 

54. Sweeping story 

56. Acted like 

57. Sorrowful 

63. Casino game 

64. Within 

65. Flower part 

66. Beige 

67. Newbie (slang) 

68. Path 

69. Oceans 

70. Container weight 

71. Trades 

DOWN 

1. A neutral color 

2. Learning method 

3. Ailments 

4. Food from animals 

5. S S S S 

6. In a frolicsome 

manner 

7. Golden 

8. Urgent request 

9. Warning devices 

10. Folded into ridges 

11. Operatic solos 

12. Ball 

13. Church officer 

21. Scoundrel 

25. Klutz's cry 

26. At one time (archaic) 

27. Anagram of "Tine" 

28. Residence hall 

29. Prodigious 

34. He fears foreigners 

36. Bristle 

37. Found in a cafeteria 

38. Picnic insects 

40. Spanish lady 

42. Active 

45. Voter 

48. Broken bone support 

51. Coffeehouses 

52. Quickly 

53. Latin name for our 

planet 

55. Vesicles 

58. Dwarf buffalo 

59. No more than 

60. Iridescent gem 

61. Travel on water 

62. L L L L 

How to Play Sudoku 

Place a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the 

same number). 

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from 

top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) 

contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can 

appear twice in any block, column or row. 

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or 

multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination. 

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20122019 - Malabu, P&ID: Adoke returns, arrested by EFCC

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