21122019 - EFCC grills Ex-AGF Adoke

2 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019 — 3

4— SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019

SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 21, 2019 — 5
EFCC grills ex-AGF, Adoke
*Queried over N8b payout to PDP chieftain;
*$1.3b tax waivers in Malabu deal
*Asked to explain interest in multi-million JV contracts
*To be charged for conspiracy, abuse of office, money laundering
By Soni Daniel,
Northern Region Editor
and Ikechukwu
Nnochiri
A
day after he was
thrown into the custody
of the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, in Abuja, the
immediate past Attorney
General of the Federation
and Minister of Justice, Mr
Mohammed Bello Adoke,
has been confronted with no
fewer than five key issues
by his interrogators, who
wanted him to come clean
on the matters.
Top on the issues with
which he was confronted
was why he sanctioned the
payment of a whopping
sum of N8 billion to a chieftain
of the Peoples Democratic
Party after same payment
had earlier been rejected
by late President
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as
unmerited by the claimant.
Top interrogators, who
started questioning Adoke
right from last night, according
to Saturday Vanguard
sources, asked the embattled
former minister to explain
the rationale behind
his recommendation to
former President Goodluck
Jonathan to pay the large
sum to the PDP top shot,
who claimed to have incurred
the debt by promoting
a major international
event for Nigeria.
“He ( Adoke) needs to
explain to our team of interrogators
why he made
Nigeria to waste such humongous
amount of money
when a former president
had distanced himself from
paying such amount of
money to a single individual
for a questionable job,”
a top source said last night.
“It is on record that it was
based on Adoke’s recommendation
that former president
Jonathan directed the
Office of the National Security
Adviser to cough out
the sum of N8 billion to the
said ‘contractor’ from the
South-South.
“When we brought the
PDP chieftain to our office
and interrogated him, he
was merely jittery and could
not offer any tangible explanation
on how he incurred
the N8 billion and why he
merited the payment,” the
official said.
Saturday Vanguard learnt
that Adoke had also been
confronted with several payment
vouchers in respects
of many joint venture contracts
between the Nigerian
National Petroleum Corporation
and some oil industry
players and was required
to justify the payments.
The operatives suspected
Adoke’s recommendations
were triggered by pecuniary
considerations. Among such
payments, was the alleged
granting of $1.3 billion tax
waivers in the controversial
Malabu Oil deal, which is
now the subject of both local
and international trial.
The investigators in EFCC
confronted the former Attorney
General with the fact that
the questionable tax waiver
which were granted to the
entities involved in the Malabu
deal robbed Nigeria of
at least $1.3 billion and enriched
the other parties in the
process of the same amount.
An EFCC top official confirmed
to Saturday Vanguard
that Adoke was yet to open
up on any of the issues, as
the commission has tweaked
its interrogating teams to grill
him with a view to charging
him to court for conspiracy,
abuse of office and money
laundering.
It will be recalled that
EFCC agents swooped on
Adoke on Thursday after he
landed in the country from
the United Arab Emirate,
UAE, where he was held up
by agents of Interpol in
Dubai for over a month.
Although the lawyer to the
former minister, Chief Mike
Ozekhome, claimed that
Adoke returned voluntarily
to Nigeria, EFCC on the other
hand maintained that he
was brought into the country
by Interpol due to its pressure.
FCC gets order to detain
Adoke for 14 days
Meanwhile, a High Court
of the Federal Capital Territory
sitting at Maitama, on
Friday, gave the EFCC, the
nod to detain the former Attorney-General
of the Federation
for 14 days. The
court, in a ruling by Justice
Othman Musa, granted an
ex-parte application the antigraft
agency filed for leave
to detain the ex-AGF in its
custody to enable it conclude
ongoing investigation into
alleged role he played in the
$1.2billion Malabu Oil bloc
fraud.
Adoke, who served as AGF
under the administration of
former President Goodluck
Jonathan, was arrested upon
his arrival from Dubai, United
Arab Emirate, on Thursday.
He went on self-exile
shortly after ex-President
Jonathan lost his re-election
bid in 2015.
However, following a
bench warrant the EFCC
obtained from an Abuja High
Court at Jabi on April 17, the
From left:Afolabi Kuti, Partner, Perchstone & Graeys;Ose Okpeku, Chairman, Employment,
Labour & Industrial Relations Committee & Partner, The Law Crest
LLP;Ugochi Nnadika, Head, Legal Services, Julius Berger;Funke Amobi, HR Director,
Stanbic IBTC;Uaboi Agbebaku, Legal Director, Nigerian Breweries;Esther Akinnukawe,
HR Executive, MTN;Inam Wilson, Partner, Templars;Tobenna Erojikwe, Partner, The
Law Crest LLP, during the 2nd annual seminar of the Employment, Labour and Industrial
Relations Committee of the NBA Section on Business Law in Lagos.
INTERPOL, on November
11, arrested and detained
Adoke in Dubai.
Based on an agreement
between all the parties,
Adoke returned to the
country on Thursday and
was re-arrested at the airport
by officials of the antigraft
agency.
In the ex-parte motion
which the EFCC moved
through its lawyer, Fatima
Mustapha, it prayed the
court for leave to keep
Adoke in custody to enable
it conclude its investigations.
EFCC had alleged that
Adoke, a former Minister
of Petroleum, Dan Etete,
an oil mogul, Aliyu
Abubakar and Malabu Oil
& Gas Ltd, had sometime
in 2000, corruptly received
the aggregate sum of
$801,000,000.00 (Eight
hundred and one million
Dollars) in relation to the
grant of oil prospecting license
in respect of OPL
245 from Shell Nigeria Exploration
Production Company,
Nigeria Agip Exploration
Ltd, and ENI SPA.
OPL 245 is regarded as
one of the biggest oil blocs
in Africa. It was initially
awarded to Malabu Oil &
Gas Ltd in 1998 by late
military head of state, General
Sani Abacha, in a process
the EFCC insisted
was against all known government
regulations.
EFCC said its investigations
revealed that Malabu
Oil & Gas Ltd secured
OPL 245 through fraudulent
scheme involving
high scale bribery and corruption
by top management
of the company and
some government officials.
Processes the anti-graft
agency filed in court further
revealed that the oil
bloc was later withdrawn
from Malabu Oil & Gas
Ltd on July 2, 2001, based
on the directive of then
Presidential Adviser on Petroleum
to ex-President
Olusegun Obasanjo, after
which it was re-allocated to
Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep
Ltd.
However, following series
of litigations, OPL 245 was
returned to Malabu, which
EFCC said subsequently
went into a fraudulent
agreement with Shell and
Agip, in which the companies
paid signature bonus
of $210million to FG, while
additional $1.2billion bribe
was given to some owners
of Malabu Oil $ Gas Ltd led
by a former Minister of Petroleum
under Abacha,
Chief Etete.
EFCC alleged that it was
Adoke that helped Shell
and Agip to route the bribe
money through FG’s Escrow
Account with JP Morgan
Chase Bank in London.
Adoke had since denied
the allegation, insisting that
he was innocent.
In a charge marked FCT/
HC/CR/124/17, which
EFCC filed against Shell
Nigeria Exploration Production
Company Limited
and 10 others, including
Adoke and Nigeria Agip
Exploration Limited, in
2017, it accused the defendants
of engaging in fraudulent
allocation of the OPL
245 and other forms of offences
involving the sum of
about $1.2 billion, forgery of
bank documents, bribery
and corruption.
However, in a motion
marked M/763/19, which
Adoke filed through his lawyer,
Chief Mike Ozekhome,
SAN, he sought an order
of the court striking out his
name as a defendant in the
matter.
The ex-Minister hinged
the prayer on the fact that
he had secured a judgment
of the Federal High Court
in Abuja, against the Attorney-General
of the Federation,
representing the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, in
which he was completely
exculpated with respect to
the facts and circumstances
relating to the Malabu
Oil scam.
Ozekhome argued that
having been exonerated in
the Malabu Oil scandal by
Justice Binta Nyako of the
Abuja Division of the Federal
High Court, the inclusion
of Adoke’s name as a
defendant in the criminal
case was erroneous.
According to the Senior
Advocate, EFCC concealed
the April 13, 2018, judgment
by Justice Nyako from the
FCT High Court in which
the court held that Adoke
could not be held liable for
any infraction in the whole
Malabu Oil saga for carrying
out a presidential directive.
This, he noted was “a
gross misstatement, misrepresentation,
concealment
and suppression of
material facts” by the EFCC.
He further attached a letter
the current AGF,
Abubakar Malami, SAN,
wrote to the acting Chairman
of EFCC, Ibrahim
Magu, reportedly notifying
him that Adoke does not
have any case to answer.
According to Ozekhome,
the AGF’s letter further
strengthened the April,
2018 judgement of Justice
Binta Nyako, exculpating
the applicant with respect
to the facts and circumstances
relating to the Malabu
Oil scam.
He persuaded Justice
Danladi Senchi of the Abuja
High Court on October
25 to vacate the bench warrant
against Adoke.
Security expert predicts abduction of
more aid workers
*Urges FG to protect workers
By Evelyn Usman
PRESIDENT of the As
sociation of Industrial
Security and Safety Operators
of Nigeria, AISSON
has alerted the Federal Government
on the possibility
of abduction of more aid
workers in the northern part
of the country if the Federal
government did not put
adequate protection of the
humanitarian workers into
consideration.
Reacting to the execution
of four Nigerian employees
of Action Against Hunger,
AAH who were kidnapped
by insurgents in
Damasak, Borno State on
July 25th 2019, he urged the
Federal government to do
all it could to rescue Grace
Taku, the only hostage who
was spared and condemned
to a life of slavery
by the insurgents.
Describing the execution
of the humanitarian workers
as “horrendous, barbaric
and a wanton act of terror”,
Ekhomu, said the act
was to prove to the Federal
Government and the
French employers of the
aid workers that Boko
Haram/ISWAP meant business
in its ransom demand.
Maintaining that it was
not possible for the federal
government to pay ransom
for all persons kidnapped
by Boko Haram/ISWAP, he
said, “In this wise, aid
workers should be adequately
protected so that
they can continue to safely
carry out the life-saving
humanitarian work they
do.
“Federal government
should redouble its effort
in fighting this 4th generation
Boko Haram/ISWAP
warfare. In the 4th generation
conflict the lines between
combatants and civilians
were blurred. So, a
successful attack by insurgents
against soft targets is
also considered an attack
against hardened military
targets.
“Government should not
take its eyes off the ball, it
should adopt the troops
surge strategy. That is,
surging 10,000 troops into
the conflict zone in the
North-East to vigorously
pursue the enemy, this will
likely bring the conflict to a
quick end.
Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgency
is Nigeria’s longest
war. Government should
therefore use all its resources-
political, diplomatic, military,
financial, cyber to
prosecute the decentralized
warfare.

6 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 21, 2019
From left: Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi (Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum); Ogun
State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; President/CE, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote; Lagos State
Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Group Executive Director, Strategy, Capital Projects & Portfolio
Development, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, during the State Governors’ tour of the
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemical Projects in Lekki, Lagos, yesterday.
Dangote Refinery: Governors’ Forum
hails Lagos govt for smooth take-off
…NGF members tour Dangote’s petrochemical facilities
Lagos State Government
on Friday got
commendation from
Nigeria Governors’ Forum
(NGF) for creating
enabling atmosphere for
the smooth take-off of the
petrochemical refinery and
fertilizer projects sited in
Ibeju-Lekki area Lagos by
Dangote Group.
The commendation
followed a trip around the
massive sites of the
Dangote petrochemical
refinery and fertilizer
projects by Lagos State
Governor, Mr. Babajide
Sanwo-Olu, and his
colleagues in the NGF.
The six-hour tour was
led by the President of
Dangote Group, Alhaji
Aliko Dangote, who
conducted the Governors
round the $12 billion
projects initiated in 2016 to
eliminate Nigeria’s
dependency on imported
petrochemical products.
The Governors, led by the
Forum chairman, Ekiti
State Governor, Dr. Kayode
Fayemi, said the tour was
informed by the need to key
into the Dangote’s vision
and also learn about the
progress of the projects.
They pledged their
support for the two
projects, describing them
as “growth energisers”.
Sanwo-Olu, who
described the petrochemical
facility as the “largest single
construction site in the
world”, said the completion
of the refinery would fortify
Lagos economy and create
irreversible economic growth
for the nation.
He assured that there
would be smooth operation
of the refinery whenever it
fully takes off, noting that the
facility, which is sited within
a Free Trade Zone has
created multi-national
investments.
He said: “It is massive
development we are
bringing to Ibeju-Lekki
neighbourhood with the
construction of Dangote
refinery and Lekki Deep
Seaport. There will be new
comprehensive
infrastructure we are
bringing to this area. We are
closing-in on two different
road projects out of the Free
Zone. One will go to Epe
and the other one goes to
Ijebu Ode.
“We have just done two
strong alignments and we
are finalising them. There
will be massive
infrastructure development
around this place sometimes
next year. It’s going to be a
new ecosystem we are
building in this.”
Fayemi said Dangote had
inspired a new thinking and
vision by embarking on the
multi-billion dollar
projects, noting that the
petrochemical initiative
had given hope to
Nigerian citizens.
He said: “This is an
inspirational initiative,
which demonstrates the
possibility where
Government can provide
enabling environment for
investment, just as our
colleague in Lagos State
has done for individuals
that are serious-minded to
excel.
“As Governors, we need
to provide right incentives
and ensure that
infrastructural
responsibilities are
delivered on time. This will
also not discourage Alhaji
Aliko Dangote to discharge
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
President Muhammadu
Buhari, on Friday, inaugurated
the National Action
Committee for the Implementation
of the African
Continental Free Trade Area
(AfCTA) agreement describing
it as critical to Nigeria’s
effort at job creating.
President Buhari at the
occasion held at the Council
Chamber, Presidential Villa,
Abuja , said he signed the
agreement after all necessary
due diligence had been
done and charged members
to protect Nigeria’s economy
against hurt.
He said that the expectation
of the government from
the agreement was job creation
for the youth, increased
production of local raw materials
and ultimately, exporting
quality Made in Africa
goods.
While assuring the committee
of cooperation from all
government officials, includ-
materials that can
accelerate completion of
this refinery project.”
Fayemi, on behalf of
the Governors, presented
an appreciation letter to
Alhaji Aliko Dangote for
taking the risk to build the
multi-billion dollar
projects.
Responding, Dangote
promised that his
company would continue
to invest in human
capital and projects that
would have direct
impacts on Nigerians.
He appreciated
members of the Forum for
dedicating time to visit to
petrochemical project
sites. He said the gesture
would inspire more
investment and growth
across the country.
How I raped mother, killed
her child—Suspect
Buhari inaugurates AfCFTA implementation C’ttee
•Charges members to protect Nigeria’s economy against ‘injuries’
ing ministers and other
senior functionaries, he
said he expects quarterly
reports from it on its
progresses, the first of
which must be March 2020.
He charged all the parties
representing Nigeria’s
interest in the agreement
to work together, block all
loopholes that could result
in losses for the country,
reminding them that the
country took measured
steps before signing the
agreement.
He said, “Trade is pivotal
to job creation, growth and
health of the economy. It is
also a key enabler for regional
and global integration.
“The African Continental
Free Trade Area Agreement
is an important part
of the African Union- 2063
Agenda to promote economic
and social integration
on the continent.
“We are very hopeful of
By Ola Ajayi and Adeola Badru, Ibadan
A
37 year-old commercial motorcyclist, Oduola
Gbenga who raped a woman and killed her
five year-old boy yesterday explained how he committed
the heinous act.
The suspect was among other 19 criminals paraded
by the Oyo State Police command in Ibadan.
According to the Commissioner of Police, Mr Shina
Olukolu, the innocent boy and his mother boarded
the motorcycle from Oja Oba Market, Igboora in
Ibarapa local government area of Oyo state.
“But, the suspect took the woman and her son to
his house at Imeleke road, Lawal Estate area of the
town.
“He had carnal knowledge of the woman three
times before day break. The following day, the suspect
took the victim’s son to another room where he
beheaded him with a cutlass.”
“He claimed to have dumped the remaining body
part which was later recovered at the backyard of
his house”.
While speaking with Saturday Vanguard, the suspect
said, he could not say specifically what
prompted him to commit the inhuman act.
Contrary to the report that he kidnapped them, he
claimed that the mother of the deceased was his mistress
and that they both had mutual agreement before
taking her and the boy home.
When asked if the boy was disturbing them from
their illicit affairs, he said no.
“No, he didn’t disturb us. In fact, we had met privately
before I went to the other room to kill the boy
and took his remaining body part to the backyard. I
don’t know what came over me,” he said.
Also paraded with the hoodlums were five suspected
armed robbers, one kidnapper and impersonator.
Items allegedly recovered from the victims include
375 ammunition, three arms, one vehicle, three motorcycles,
fake
I'm not at war with Oyetola
— Aregbesola
By Shina Abubakar
Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola
has disclosed that he is not in any form of
disagreement with the incumbent governor of Osun
State, Adegboyega Oyetola.
He said his (Oyetola) absence at his turbaning as
Amirul Waziril-Muminina of the state was due to
his avoidable journey to the holy Land of Mecca
for the lesser Hajj.
Aregbesola, who spoke in Yoruba language after
he was turbaned by the Chief Immam of Osogbo,
Sheik Musa Animasahun on Friday said his
relationship with his predecessor was cordial and
had spoken before the event.
He revealed that the Osogbo Central mosque was
not renovated with his money but that of the state
government which also has the approval of the
present governor, who was the Chief of Staff during
his administration.
“The whole of my cabinet contributed to the
successful renovation of the mosque because we
took the decision collectively.
I am inaugurating this mosque in the name of the
incumbent Governor, Alhaja Isiaka Adegboyega
creating a single African
market for “Made -in- Africa”
goods and services.
This trade, together with free
movement of people and
capital will result in faster
integration of African economies.
“We must ensure that
Nigeria’s position remains
that, such integration must
be rules-based with built-in
safeguards, against injurious
practices.
“Our logic was simple, as
Africa’s largest economy and
most populous nation, we
cannot afford to get it wrong.
“We consulted all key
stakeholders. We also conducted
a rigorous impact and
readiness evaluation. It was
after these consultations and
studies, and satisfactory reports
that I signed the African
Continental Free Trade
Area Agreement on behalf of
Nigeria in July this year.”
Buhari said that Nigeria
knows the benefits and understand
the challenges.
Oyetola because his not
being here was
avoidable as a result of
his journey to Mecca for
the Umrah and we must
all understand that I
have no disagreement
with him. We have
talked today and he has
contributed to the
success of this
programme”, he said.
Earlier in his lecture,
Professor Afeez Oladosu
of the Department of
Islamic Studies,
University of Ibadan,
admonished the
Minister not relent in
extending mercy to the
downtrodden as way of
reciprocating the
blessings of God in his
life.
He advised the
minister of the
consequences of being
becoming too powerful
and secluded from the
populace, urging him
not to relent in helping
the less privileged in the
society.

How I tried to reconcile Obaseki with
APC leaders — Oshiomhole
*Describes allegation of god-fatherism as bullshit
By Ozioruwa Aliu
NATIONAL Chairman
of the All Progressives
Congress (APC), Comrade
Adams Oshiomhole has
disclosed his numerous efforts
to bring peace in the Edo
state APC, describing as “bull
shit” the allegation that he was
playing a god father’s role in
Edo state.
Speaking in a television
interview, Oshiomhole narrated:
“As part of my efforts to
resolve the problems in Edo
state, there was a time the governor
told me that he will not
have anything to do with
Charles Idahosa because he
lost his booth during his own
governorship election. So,
that what is his electoral value?
But it is here in this my
living room that I invited Idahosa
and he did not know the
governor was coming, I invited
the governor he did not
know Idahosa was coming.
“When the governor entered
the room, Idahosa sat
and said he was not going to
have a handshake with him.
And used a language for me
that was derogatory. I said no,
Charles you cannot talk like
that. This is the governor and
you must respect him. And I
say, governor please whatever
Charles has done that
you are not happy about, we
have won put them behind
you. I said in this business, if
you don’t work with people
because of their electoral value,
sometimes you work with
them because of their nuisance
value. So you will not
gain by saying you won’t work
with this one or this one.
“If you ask Rev.Egharevba,
I got to know that he was not
participating in APC activities
because of the way the
governor was treating them.
I drove to his house and I said
Rev, I met you in this party, so
why are you leaving the party
now. They were in ACN
then before I came to form an
alliance with them. He said
no you introduced this man
From left: Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Edo
State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and the Crown Prince of Bénin Kingdom;
Prince Ezelekhae Ewuare, at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City, to mark the
Ugie Ewere ceremony.
to us and look at the way he
is treating everybody now. I
said okay, with time he will
change. I now asked him, in
any case Rev.
“You are living the house
for who. Those in government
are the tenants in power, the
landlords are the members in
the party and the leaders, they
are the owners of the party. It
is the party that produced the
governor so if you are not happy
with the governor, therefore
you are running away
because of the governor, so
you are leaving your own
house for a tenant. This tenant
maximum is eight years
tenancy but your party membership
can be for life.
He told me his frustrations,
but I said they are not enough.
He blamed me that ooh you
introduced this man to me, I
said yes but I am human”. He
continued: “Prince Eweka
came here and said I should
beg the governor, that they
are cousins but he is not treating
him well. I told the governor
please he is an elder,
Prince Eweka I have known
for long, he was at a point
Vice Chairman. So I can mention
names of people who I
stopped from leaving the
party by making peace and
resolving their problem with
the governor. So when people
say my group, everybody
in Edo I have no problem.
Who is not my group, is Obaseki
not my group, who is in the
party that is with him that is
opposed to me, none.
“The only problem is that
he says there are people he
cannot stand but I said to him,
it is difficult in this business to
pick and choose. Learn from
our President. Our President
was candidate on ANPP platform,
at a point his has his
reasons for living ANPP and
formed CPC. But we all come
to realize that at the end of the
day, for anyone to be President
of Nigeria, you must
have a party with a spread
and the more spread the party
has, the more you have
characters that on a good day
you may not even want to talk
SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 21, 2019 —7
to. But the logic of numbers
means that you must embrace
all. But somehow he just refused.
“My own embarrassment
is when they say, Oshiomhole
wants to be like a godfather,
if I wanted to be then I
will be nominating Commissioners.
I only persuaded him
to accept one Commissioner
from me, only one and I gave
my reasons. Because he was
a founding member of my
campaign organization in
2006, Mika. Other than Mika
I did not nominate any Commissioner,
I did not nominate
any Special Adviser, Special
Assistance because for me
these are governance issues.
So where is the god father
from? “I think as a brother and
to be honest, I regard the governor
as my brother and a very
close friend, that what I owe
him is to assist where he wants
me to.
APC crisis: Senate President, other
interested parties, can’t lead
reconciliation c’ttee— Edo Govt
THE Edo State Govern
ment has rejected the
composition of the Senate
President, Ahmed Lawan-led
All Progressives Congress
(APC)’s National Reconciliation
Committee, noting that
the committee was populated
by persons with vested interests
in the crisis rocking the
ruling party.
In a statement, Commissioner
for Information and
Orientation, Hon. Paul
Ohonbamu and Special Adviser
to the Governor on
Media and Communication
Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said
some of the members of the
committee such as Senator
Ahmed Lawan and the Deputy
Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Hon.
Ahmed Wase, meddled in the
altercation between Edo State
Government and the National
Chairman of the All Progressives
Congress (APC),
Comrade Adams Oshiomhole
and could not now be
adjudicators on the matter.
According to him, “We believe
the committee does not
only fall-short of the most basic
of integrity tests, but is also
a disservice to genuine efforts
to bring a lasting solution to
the crisis rocking different
chapters of the APC across the
country.
“To the specifics, Senator
Lawan and Ahmed Wase in
the Senate and the House of
Representatives, respectively,
presided over the plenary
sessions where the motions to
take over the Edo State House
of Assembly were deliberated.
They are also parties in
the court case, in which the
Federal High Court sitting in
Port Harcourt ruled that the
National Assembly cannot
take over the functions of the
Edo State Assembly.”
He continued, “The NWC,
which constituted the reconciliatory
committee, is presided
over by Comrade Adams
Oshiomhole, who is a key actor
in the crisis in Edo State. With
this move, it amounts to him
also being the judge in his
own case.
Girl Child education: Kebbi
First lady harps on adequate
funding for CSOs
By Dirisu Yakubu
FIRST Lady of Kebbi state, Hajia Zainab Ba
gudu, has called for more funding for civil society
organisations, CSOs, championing the girlchild
education to enable them reach more people
at the grassroots with their advocacy programmes.
Hajia Bagudu stated this in Abuja yesterday in
her keynote address at the fifth anniversary of the
Green Heart Impact Foundation, GHIF, a non-governmental
organisation, dedicated to taking girlchild
hawkers off the street, enrol them in schools
and also empower their parents economically.
She stressed that doing this would enable CSOs
educate more people at the grassroots and reduces
instances of infant mortality and out-of-school children
in the North, given the proximity of CSOs to
the rural people.
She blamed the high rate of infant and maternal
mortality in the north on poor access to education,
saying with adequate education lack of education,
the “horrible” statistics from that part of the country
will change for good.
“We are in a terrible situation and we need to do
something about it. Most of the health indices for
the north are horrible and it is all tied to education.
“Women do not go to hospital to deliver. They do
not use their mosquito nets. Even though government
spends so much buying these mosquito nets,
they do not sleep under them, because of poor education.
Some of them don’t know what to do with
it
Ṡhe also decried what she called poor advocacy,
noting that as a result, women, particularly in the
north have not been able to reap from the opportunities
that stare them in the face.
We’ll continue to pray for
peace in Edo — Obaseki
THE Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has
reassured that despite the tensed political atmosphere
in the state, his administration and the people of
Edo State will continue to pray and sue for peace.
Governor Obaseki said this when he led members of the
Edo State Government Executive Council (EXCO) to the
Palace of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’
Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, to felicitate
with the Benin Monarch at the Ugie Ewere ceremony in
Benin City.
Obaseki said, “We came here to pay homage to the Oba
of Benin, Oba Ewuare II as we celebrate the Igue festival.
We are here to pray for peace in Edo State as we celebrate
with our Royal father. We will continue to pray for peace
in the land.”
The Ugie Ewere ceremony, a part of the high profile
Igue Festival, is celebrated annually, where the Oba receives
the Ewere leaf, which signifies blessing and peace
in the Kingdom.
The governor’s entourage to the Palace included Edo
State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu,
Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.;
Head of Service, Mr. Isaace Ehiozuwa and Edo State
Solicitor General, Wole Iyamu SAN, among others.
House of Reps member, Olododo
tasks FG on insecurity
By Demola Akinyemi
A
member of House of representatives repre
senting Ilorin East/Ilorin South constituency
in the national assembly Alhaji Abdulganiyu Cook
Olododo has called on the federal government to
tackle the increasing cases of insecurity along the
roads linking Kwara and Kogi states.
Olododo speaking in an interview with journalists
in ilorin on Friday lamented increasing cases
of deaths and kidnapping though unreported along
the routes lately which called for urgent attention.
The lawmaker spoke on the sideline of the merit
award given him among others by Kwara state
police community relations in ilorin and his donation
of two big generating sets;one to pump water
for the mass residents in his Ibagun ward,while he
donated the second generator to Openifoluwa
mosque at Okeadini baba Soja area also in IIorin
east.
‘He said,’Our people are no longer safe while traveling
along Kogi and Kwara states routes,the number
of rising cases of kidnapping and robberies
along the routes should call for serious concern,so
the federal government should please wade in and
save our people’’
Olododo also called for the take off of community
policing in Nigeria in order to tackle the protracted
cases of robberies and kidnapping across the towns
and communities.

8 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 21, 2019
We conceded N1trn to import
waivers in five yrs — FG
… Receives 600,000 request annually
…To commence automation system in Q1 2020
By Emmanuel Elebeke
The
Federal
government said it
conceded about N1trillion
through grants of various
import waivers to both
public and private
organizations between
2011 and 2015.
This was disclosed by the
Minister of Finance,
Budget and National
Planning, Hajia, Zainab
Ahmed on Friday at
stakeholders’ meeting for
the introduction of E-
Solution for the
Administration of Import
Duty Waivers at the
ministry headquarters.
She also said the ministry
on annual basis receives
over 600,000 request for
import duty waivers from
government agencies, the
private sector and nongovernment
organizations.
The E-Solution is a
deployment of an
automated Custom Duty
Portal that will be used in
the management of
Customs Import Duty
Exemption Management,
IDEC.
The initiative is the brain
child of the ministry of
finance, budget and
National Planning and
when the system is fully
operational, it will improve
efficiency in services
delivery, improve revenue
drive leading to increase in
revenue generation and
would be officially
commence operation in the
first quarter of 2020.
The minister said the
hitherto manually
operating system which
gives room for
manipulations and
leakages in revenue
generation processes will
be eliminated.
She said the initiative is
one of the President
Muhammadu Buhari’s
giant strides and
administrative ingenuity
and that the project is in
line with the priorities of the
federal government aimed
at creating employment,
reducing poverty,
stimulating micro-economic
environment for sustainable
growth and development.
“Despite revenue losses
due to manual processing,
she said multiple use of
IDEC approvals, delay in
processing applications,
indiscriminate allocations
and subjectivity in the
appropriate process have
remained a major constraint
in the monitoring,
evaluation and
standardizing the process of
granting waivers and
certificates.
“In order to address these
challenges, the ministry has
keyed into the priority
programes of this
administration, embark on
reforming the processes,
which involves
reengineering the
processes from application
to issuance and validations
by the Nigerian Custom
Service, to be powered by a
digital technology,” she
explained.
Recall that the Federal
Executive Council, FEC
recently approved this
project and it is expected
that the implementation will
be pursued vigorously in
the first quarter of 2020.
In view of this, the
minister reiterated the
commitment to work with all
stakeholders in order to
deliver the needed
incentives to allow economic
activities to grow.
According to her, the
stakeholders’ meeting was
aimed at sensitizing
stakeholder and to have a
common ground and
understanding so that at the
end the outcome will be
binding on all stakeholders.
Our communities are ravaged by poverty,
crime, Rivers oil communities lament
•Write Buhari to stop payment of 13% derivation to State govt
By Johnbosco
Agbakwuru
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.
Gov Ugwuanyi to commission
community hospital in Nsukka
By Cyril Ozor
All is now set for Enugu
state governor Ifeanyi
Ugwuanyi to commission Free
community hospital and
maternity built and donated by
traditional ruler elect of
Ubogidi/Ozalla proposed
autonomous community,
High Chief Samuel
Ikechukwu Asadu which has
commenced full-fledged
medical services in Nsukka
local government area, Enugu
state.
The free community hospital
of 20 bed space apartment with
scanning machine, ultra
sound, laboratory, eye clinic
equipments and standby 750
KVA power generator was built
to ease the circuitous journey
From left: Pharm Ahmed Ibrahim Yakasai, former president of the Pharmaceucal
Society of Nigeria; Bukky George, founder & CEO, Healthplush Limited; Prince
Julius Adelusi Adeluyi, founder and chairman, JULI Pharmacy Plc and Mr.
Jimi Agbaje, founder, JAYKAY Pharmceucal and Chemical Company Limited at
the 20th Anniversay ceremony of Healthplus Limited yesterday.
of people of the community
and its environs with different
ailments to receive medical
attention mostly aged and
pregnant women free of
charge
The community hospital
and maternity due to be
commissioned on December
27th, 2019 by the executive
governor of Enugu state Rt.
Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi
since it commenced fullfledged
free medical attention
has been treating people with
different ailments while not
less than two patients have
been operated of uterine
fibroid. Others were
diagnosed and treated of
different ailments since it
commenced full operation on
December 2nd, 2019.
In a letter addressed to the
President, which was made
available to journalists in
Abuja, 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, signed by their
Chairman, Jasper Amahi;
Secretary, Comrade Isaac
Igomaha; and Public
Relations Officer, Comrade
Iginiwari Fidelis, claimed
that River State since 2000
has collected over N7
trillion Naira as 13 percent
derivation fund but has
nothing to show for the
humongous sum collected.
They said that the
communities were ravaged
by poverty and crime
because of the high level
impoverishment and total
embezzlement of the funds
meant for the development
of the Oil and Gas bearing
Communities of the state.
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.”
Commending the
President Buhari-led
administration for its drive
towards developing the oilrich
region, the group
accused those in authorities
of exploiting the masses in
the past years. It, however
said that paying the oil and
gas areas directly will speed
up the much needed
development.
The letter read, “We need
not say that the principle of
derivation was in practice in
Nigeria even at 50% long
before the discovery of oil
in commercial quantity in
Oloibiri, precisely, Otuabagi
community, Ogbia Local
Government Area of present
day Bayelsa State.
“In the 1999 Federal
Constitution, Section 162 (2)
as amended, 13%
Derivation Fund is succinctly
provided and it is to ensure
that the oil producing
communities who have lost
their livelihood, everything
and suffered from the
pollutions oil spillages,
devastation, degradation of
oil exploration activities
should be adequately
compensated.
Uwajumogu: Nigeria has lost one
of its most principled, focused
lawmakers — Oshiomhole
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress
APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has mourned
the death of the “party’s highest ranking Senator” from
the Southeast, Benjamin Uwajumogu, saying the nation
has lost one of its principled and focused lawmakers.
Oshiomholed stated this yesterday when he paid a
condolence visit on the family of the deceased in Abuja.
He was accompanied by the National Organizing
Secretary of the APC, Barr. Emma Ibediro and the
governorship candidate of the APC in Imo State in the
last general elections, Senator Hope Uzodinma.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary
to the National Chairman, Simon Ebegbulem,
Oshiomhole said; “I recently congratulated him on his
recent victory at the court and he was the most senior
ranking APC senator from the South East. Everybody
that had met him, said he was cool headed, straight
forward, he accepted things as they came. He was not
one of those who said ''today or never". So the entire
members of the NWC who interacted with him are still
in shock.
“There are no appropriate words for one to express the
grief, the pain over this irreparable loss. But because we
are believers, we have to accept that this is God’s will. As
Christians we are told that we should not mourn like
unbelievers. We cannot question God. We pray God
Almighty to grant him eternal rest in heaven”.
Oshiomhole stated that, “From the first day I went to
receive him into the party till now, we have had very
very useful contact; he took life very easy. So, I ask
you to take solace in the fact that he has left behind a
good name. He was a perfect gentleman. It is a huge loss
to our country and our party because we need not just
Senators, we need responsible, focused and principled
lawmakers that will put the country over and above their
personal interests and those are the core values
Uwajumogu represented.
“And we as members of the APC are all very proud of
him. We will want to be part of the arrangement to pay
him final respects, he was truly a very prominent, reliable
member of our political family. On behalf of the APC, I
convey to you our condolences. May God console you
and the children”, he said.
Lagos Guber: S-Court judgement
is a bondage decision — Salis
Chief Owolabi Salis, the candidate for Alliance for
Democracy has described the decision of the
Supreme Court dismissing his case as a bondage decision.
A seven-man panel of the apex court led by Justice
Mary Peter-Odili affirmed the governor’s victory at the
March 9, 2019 election after dismissing two separate
appeals challenging the outcome of the poll.
Reacting to the judgement, Salis said the decision of
the apex court would only encourage people to continue
to do the wrong thing during election.
“In life, many have been in corners of hostage that they
have no choice than to make a bondage decision. There
is no doubt, this is what this decision is about.
“By the decision of the Supreme Court, what they
are saying is that for you to win elections in Lagos,
you have to intimidate, cause violence, collude with
INEC, and above all allocate results against
opposition and if possible give the opposition zero
vote. This cannot be freely decided by holders of
justice unless in bondage.
“If the holder of justice are no longer following
justice or allowing justice to be, then everybody
will be eating everybody soon in Nigeria. This is
judicial crises. “Justice is supposed to regulate
people to do the right thing but this decision tends
to regulate people to continue to do the wrong thing
in elections.
“President Muhammadu Buhari saw some of
these problems with justice and tried to do
something. I understood before, now some will
understand. We need justice reform in Nigeria;
very very important.
“About 10 guber cases heard in a day and
decision taken immediately on all the cases. The
Alliance for Democracy case has about 50,000
pages talk less of other cases. It is like “don’t bother
us, our heads are full, get the hell out of here
politicians”
Apostle Osasuwa get
Ambassador of Peace Award
A
religious leader, Apostle I. K. Favour
Osasuwa has been awarded Merit Certificate
and declared Ambassador of Peace in Delta State.
The award was bestowed on him by a nongovernmental
organisation known as African Voice
Initiatives who described Apostle Osasuwa as a
great man of peace who had contributed to peace
of Delta State and Nigeria in general.
Receiving the award, Apostle Osasuwa, who is
the Senior Pastor of Wonder Embassy Int’l, said he
was elated by the recognition and promised to do
more for the country.

Y
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Stay away from N2.1trillion
pension fund, PDP warns Buhari, APC
...Says party yet to make decision on 2023 Presidency
By Dirisu Yakubu
The People’s Demo
cratic Party, PDP, has
warned President
Muhammadu Buhari not to
dip hands in the N2.1 trillion
pension funds to implement
infrastructural
projects in the country.
A committee headed by
Governor Nasir El-Rufai of
Kaduna State had in the
course of the National Economic
Council, NEC, meeting
in Abuja on Thursday,
recommended the use of
the fund to implement capital
projects, including
power, which has been a
major challenge in the
country for decades.
Addressing a press conference
at the party’s Presidential
campaign headquarters
on Friday, PDP
national publicity secretary,
Kola Ologbondiyan
warned the Presidency to
dismiss the recommendation,
adding that despite
the huge debt incurred by
the Buhari-led government,
there is nothing on ground
to justify same.
He said: “We cannot as a
party support any move to
dip hands in the pension
funds to implement
infrastructural projects. Take
a look at the living conditions
of Nigerians. Has
there been an improvement?
It is the same old
story.
“With the ruling party’s
debt servicing rate of N2.7
trillion a year, it will take us
15 years to get off the debt
this administration is
plunging us into.”
According to the publicity
secretary, the All
Progressives Congress,
APC-led government
should bury its head in
shame, given what he
called the failure to justify
the huge borrowing incurred
by the administration
in the past five years.
“In spite of their huge
spending, how has this
translated into good living
for Nigerians? What we can
see is the ostentatious living
of APC members.
“The PDP as a party is
worried about the sorry
state of the nation under
the APC misrule; the
humongous corruption,
the biting economic hardship,
hunger, starvation,
disease, collapsed infrastructure,
human rights violation
and attack on institutions
of democracy,” he
said.
He also flayed the ruling
party for poor management
of the nation’s resources,
saying “Unlike the PDP
Which grew the economy
to be one of the fastest
growing economy in the
world; APC has crippled,
and turned our nation into
the world poverty capital
due to incompetence and
corruption.
“Instead of growing the
economy, the APC is only
Founder of Green Heart Impact Foundation (GHIF), Munira Suleiman-
Nalaraba (right), presenting an award to Kebbi State First Lady, Zainab Bagudu
(2nd right), flanked by Member House of Rep. Kabiru Idris (middle), Secretary
to Nasarawa State Government, Tijjani Aliyu Ahmed (2nd left) and Member
House of Rep. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba (left) at the 5th GHIF Anniversary
held in Abuja
interested on accumulation
of debt and inflicting pain
on Nigerians through imposition
of multiple taxes,
increase of Value Added
Tax, VAT, tariffs among
others.”
Mr. Ologbondiyan also
counselled the Buhari-led
government to embark on
sensitization before the
January 2, 2020 take off
the full implementation of
the Tax Identity Number,
TIN, policy even as he expressed
fears that most
Nigerians would find it
difficult to do financial
transactions with their
banks once the policy
takes off.
The policy, he stressed
will “disrupt their economic
activities and get
families stranded immediately
after the yuletide.”
On the party’s position
on zoning ahead of the
2023 Presidential election,
the PDP image
maker said the party is
embarking on strategic
reforms and repositioning,
noting that the leadership
of the party will
make its position public
at the appropriate time.
Enugu approves new road projects
•To recruit statisticians, Vet. doctors
•Exco to hold special session on ESUT
The Enugu State Execu
tive Council (EXCO)
has awarded contracts for
the construction and rehabilitation
of more urban and
rural roads, in keeping with
the state government’s commitment
to infrastructural
development in the state.
Briefing newsmen after
the meeting of the State
Executive Council
(EXCO), the Commissioner
for Information,
Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh,
disclosed that Alor Street,
which connects Thinker’s
Corner with Abakpa Nike
road in Enugu East Local
Government Area, was approved
by the council for rehabilitation,
to serve as a
bypass.
Aroh further disclosed
that the council also approved
the construction of
Enugu Eke-Ogui Uno-
Oma Eke road (Phase II)
in Udi LGA and the reconstruction
of Forest Crescent
(Phase II) in Enugu North
LGA.
The commissioner added
that the request from the
Ministry of Works and Infrastructure
for the storm
water channelization and
discharge at Amalla Orba-
Orie Orba- Eke Ovoko road
project in Udenu LGA was
approved.
He stated that the council
after studying the report
on the proposed construction
of 4.5km Ugbaike-
Amachalla-Igogoro road
in Igbo-Eze North LGA ordered
the Ministry of
Works and Infrastructure to
immediately embark on the
scoping and costing of the
project and report back in
the next meeting of the
EXCO for necessary action.
Aroh revealed that the
council also approved that
an Executive Bill for the
amendment of Enugu
State Agency for Community
and Social Development
law be sent to the
State Assembly for legislation,
in line with the state
government’s renewed
vigour to advance its rural
development policy in the
state.
The information commissioner
further revealed that
the council equally approved
the recruitment of
thirty (30) Statisticians to
aid the work of state Department
of Statistics and
twenty (20) Veterinary Doctors
to contribute positively
to the massive efforts being
made in the agricultural
sector.
Disclosing that the
EXCO approved the immediate
purchase of
800KVA generator as part
of the interventions towards
the overhauling of
the health system in the
state for more efficient
service delivery, Aroh
stated that “the council
decided to set aside,
within the next shortest
possible time, a special
Executive Council session
to discuss the future of the
Enugu State University of
Science and Technology
(ESUT)”.
According to him, “this
planned robust conversation
which will take a full
EXCO session is going to
deal with the immediate
situation in ESUT, the
problems and prospects of
ESUT, and future plans towards
the development of
our tertiary education in
the state”.
Part of the decisions of
the council, according to
the commissioner, was the
appointment of a marketing
consultant for the celebration
of the 50th anniversary
of Enugu Rangers
International Football
Club, adding that the
Commissioner for Youths
and Sports, Hon. Vitus
Okechi will throw more
lights on the issue in due
course.
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019 —9
Emir Sanusi beats
ultimatum, accepts request
to head council Chiefs
By Abdulmumin Murtala, Kano
The Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II has accepted
to head the Kano Council of Chiefs after an ultimatum
issued him by the state government with threats of
possible dethronement.
The Emir of Kano, in a letter to the office of the Secretary
to the state government, called the attention of the Permanent
Secretary on Special Duties to inform the Kano state
governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, that he has accepted the
appointment as Chairman, Kano state Council of Chiefs,
the action of which shows his acceptance of the four newly
appointed Emirs as well as the new Kano Emirate Laws
that confers the state governor with powers to dethrone an
Emir or relegate him to lower office.
In a letter dated 19th December 2019 and signed by the
Acting Secretary, Kano Emirate Council, Abba Yusuf, it is
stated, “Kindly inform his Excellency that His Highness,
Sarkin Kano, had not rejected his appointment as Chairman
Kano State Council of Chiefs, His Highness accepted
the appointment.”
He further requested for directives from the state governor
for the appointment of staff of the Council, provision of
accommodation for the Council Secretariat and other necessary
logistics.
Abayomi Mumuni bags
counter-terrorism award in UK
Security Expert, Ambassador Abayomi Mumuni Nurain
has bagged the most-coveted Counter-Terrorism Certificate
from the Certified Counter-Terrorism Practitioner
Network, the United Kingdom.
The certification is coming barely a year after he was recognised
as a member of The Security Institute, a reputable
Security Center in Europe.
In a release made available to newsmen by his media
aide, Rasheed Abubakar, the certification is a demonstrable
proof of knowledge and expertise in terrorism prevention,
detection and deterrence.
According to the release, “Mumuni, a renowned Security
Expert and author of internationally recognised books,
‘Global Terrorism & Its Effects on Humanity’ and ‘Demand
by Terror’ applied for the certified counter-terrorism practitioners
(CCTPs), which covered 14 modules and focuses
on identifying the warning signs and red flags that indicate
evidence of terrorism and terrorism risks.”
Mumuni, a devout Muslim, said the award did not come
by chance, adding, “It is rather a result of hard work, resilience,
brilliance, dedication and substantial contributions
to the security of the world in general and one’s immediate
environment in particular.
Mile 12 International Market
wears a new look
By Bose Adelaja
Traders and users of Mile 12 International Market in
Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area of
Lagos State have expressed happiness at the ongoing
reconstruction of the market which commenced few months
ago. A cross section of the traders said the ongoing
reconstruction and renovation will reduce traffic bottleneck
and stress within the market and its environ when it is
completed.
As at yesterday, the international market was already
wearing a different look from what it used to be with a
barbed wire fence to prevent people from walking on the
lawn.
One of the traders at the market, Mr Chukwuemeka
Linus said apart from reducing traffic congestion, the
renovation will make the market look more beautiful and
appealing. Another trader, Abayomi Towolawi said since
the commencement of the renovation, touting has reduced
withing the market saying, “gone are the days when touts
have a field day, nowadays, users of the market move
around freely without fear of any criminality within the
market and its environs.”
MADAM ORIDE DIES AT 105
Mama
Janet
Akpokpomebe
Oride of Idheze town, in
Isoko South LGA, Delta
State is dead.
She was aged 105.
She was a devout
Christian of the Anglican
Communion and until her
death she was the head
of the women “Odionlogbo
Eya” in Idheze. She
is survived by five
•Mama Janet
children, 16
grandchildren and five
great grandchildren.
Burial arrangements will
be announced later by
the family.

C
M
Y
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10—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019
NDDC: Buhari sends
Akpabio’s antagonists
back to square one
•Disbands governing board, Interim management to stay
By Emma Amaize,
Regional Editor, Niger Delta
ON Thursday,
President
Muhammadu
Buhari,
tumbled
numerous calculations by
leaders, political
heavyweights, groups and exagitators
concerning the Niger
Delta Development
Commission, NDDC, and by
extension Niger Delta, with his
executive imprimatur.
For those that believed and
promoted the propaganda that
Minister of Niger Delta Affairs,
Senator Godswill Akpabio acted on
his own volition on NDDC, in the past
few months, his endorsement, of the
Interim Management Committee,
IMC of the Commission and
reconstitution of the governing
Board, was a shocker.
The Thursday knock has sent
many interest groups on the
NDDC affair back to the
drawing board, as they
never anticipated Buhari’s
reaction the manner it
came.
Despite the President’s
fresh directive on
reconstitution of the
governing board, the
Vanguard for
Transparent Leadership and
Democracy, VATLAD, led by Mr. Emmanuel Igbini
insisted on the inauguration of the governing board,
headed by former governor of Edo state, Dr. Pius
Odubu, which the Senate had screened and
confirmed the membership.
However, reading between the lines in the past
few weeks, it was evident that Akpabio could not
have inaugurated an interim management
committee for NDDC without the approval of the
President, but many chose to believe otherwise.
Quite a number saw the refusal to inaugurate the
governing board especially as the Senate disowned
the IMC, as unbecoming of the Presidency.
Two agitating groups, Reformed Niger Delta
Avengers, RNDA, and 21st Century Youths of Niger
Delta and Agitators with Conscience, which never
saw eye to eye in the past, joined forces in the
demand for the sacking of IMC.
In fact, 21st Century Youths led about 10 other
groups to lay siege, early December, to the NDDC
headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, calling
for inauguration of the Odubu-led governing
board and disbanding of IMC. They later gave
President Buhari two-week notice to do the needful
or face the wrath of Niger Delta agitators. However,
when Buhari acted, it was to the disquiet of the
agitators and those that did not read his body
language.
He not only approved the reconstitution of the
governing board of NDDC, which Senator Akpabio
and some privileged few had implied before the
formal announcement, he directed that the IMC
should remain and supervise the forensic audit
ordered by him.
“The Interim Management Team of the Niger
Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will be
in place till the forensic audit is completed. I have
given approval for the re-composition and
inauguration of the Commission’s Board after the
forensic audit is completed. Supervision of the
NDDC shall remain under the Ministry of Niger
Delta Affairs,” he said in a statement.
Do not stoke crisis in N’Delta, Igbini tells
Buhari
National president, Vanguard for Transparent
Leadership and Democracy, VATLAD, Mr.
Emmanuel Igbini, in a statement, said, “We woke
up to the rude shock of a press statement issued by
Mr Femi Adesina to the effect that President Buhari
has decided to recompose the Board of Niger Delta
Development Commission (NDDC).”
He noted that “the board was carefully nominated
•Akpabio
•Buhari
The Interim
Management Team of
the Niger Delta
Development
Commission (NDDC)
will be in place till the
forensic audit is
completed
by President Buhari and only recently duly screened
and confirmed by the Senate of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria in line with section 2(2a) of the
NDDC Act, 2000, as amended”
According to him, “Having carefully read and
analyzed 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 reason President Buhari allegedly
took this decision.”
“This is very sad, highly regrettable and strongly
condemned, particularly given the fact that
disregarding and undermining any decision
constitutionally taken by the Senate of Nigeria
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.
“This vague statement that gives room for various
conflicting interpretations by Nigerians and
capable of creating more crises in the oil producing
communities of Nigeria, particularly in the major
Continues on page 11

C
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Continues from page 10
oil producing states of the South-South
region, ought not to be issued, few hours
after President Trump was impeached by
US House of Representatives. Recall that
US Congress impeached Trump for
simply disregarding the laws of US
(abuse of office) and obstruction to
constitutional duties of US Congress.
“This statement by Mr Adesina is
clearly aimed at misleading and
misdirecting President Buhari to causing
more problems than he intends to solve.
As it stands now, Nigerians do not know
exactly the reason for this reported
decision by President Buhari, if indeed he
did. We are very careful not to engage in
speculations but if it is based on the
argument that Delta and Edo states ought
not to produce chairman and managing
director of NDDC, then, they got it all
wrong.
“Moreover, it will cause Nigerians to
question among others, the justification
of the recent appointments of no fewer
than 10 Commissioners of Police from
North West Zone and four from Katsina
State, while other states have none.
“For decades now, we
know President Buhari as a
patriotic Nigerian leader
committed to ensuring
peace, equity, justice and
proportional development
of the oil producing states of
Nigeria.
“As a Minister of
Petroleum Resources, he
was so resolute on
Nigerianisation of the rich
oil sector of Nigeria to
protect Nigerians and
empower them and the oil
producing communities to
benefit more from our oil
resources.
“As a Military Head of
State, he carefully
appointed an incorruptible
and very patriotic son of the
Niger Delta (late Prof. Tam
David-West) as Minister for
Petroleum Resources.
During his tenure, the Niger
Delta Region witnessed
economic and social
economic progress and
prosperity unlike the sad situation we find
ourselves today.
“We have no doubt that his decision to
direct a holistic forensic auditing of the
NDDC is also in line with his commitment
to peace, progress and development of the
Niger Delta region.
“We are, therefore, not surprised that the
same unpatriotic politicians and
Nigerians, who looted OMPADEC, NDDC
and Ministry of Niger Delta Region are
determined to obstruct President Buhari
by embarking on misleading him in this
matter,” he said.
Insists on inauguration of NDDC
board
His words, “We therefore submit that
President Buhari should simply
inaugurate the Board already confirmed
by the Senate and ensure strict monitoring
Disbands governing
board, Interim
management to stay
of their activities and management of
funds released to it.”
“May we state for the record that the
NDDC Act never allowed any
appointments to management of the
Commission without the screening and
confirmation of the Senate. We wish to
remind Nigerians that this is the point
the Senate and House of Representatives
under the leadership of Senator
Okadigbo and Ghali
Na Abba held so
strongly that led to their
decision to override ex
President Olusegun
Obasanjo, who wanted
a situation where
Moreover, it will cause
Nigerians to question
among others, the
justification of the
recent appointments of
no fewer than 10
Commissioners of
Police from North West
Zone and four from
Katsina State, while
other states have none
appointments of
persons to head the
NDDC do not need the
approval of the Senate.
This fact also settles the
illegality of any Interim
Management for
NDDC.
“We are, therefore,
strongly advising that
President Buhari
ignores this statement
and such advice and to
proceed to inaugurate
the Board confirmed by
the Senate. The excuse
to allow for completion
of forensic auditing
before Board is
inaugurated is baseless
and only meant to
mislead him,” he said.
Buhari a serial violator of rule of
law – Eric Omare
Activist and lawyer, Mr. Eric Omare,
who also leads a corresponding Ijaw
Youth Council, IYC, said he was not
shocked at President Muhammadu
Buhari’s endorsement of IMC, saying,
“He (Buhari) is a serial violator of the
rule of law and known for his disrespect
for other arms of government.”
“I repeat my earlier position that the
NDDC Interim Management Committee
is illegal and it remains so irrespective of
President Buhari’s latest directive.
President Buhari’s endorsement of the
IMC in the present circumstances further
reinforces his disrespect for the rule of
law for which his government is known
for,” he added.
On the reconstitution of the board, he
retorted, “I think President Buhari’s
administration has scored another goal
in absurdity and illegality because I have
not seen a situation such as this where a
board that was nominated by Mr.
President and confirmed by the Senate is
technically dissolved and to be
reconstituted without inauguration. What
this shows is President Buhari’s disrespect
for the Legislature and the Nigerian
people, especially taking into account the
fact that he did not even offer any reason
for the technical dissolution.
“Does he expect or will the Nigerian
Senate confirm another set of nominees
by President Buhari into the NDDC Board
when he disregarded the earlier ones he
nominated and confirmed by the Senate?
Will the Nigerian Senate now attend to
the budget of the NDDC with the IMC in
charge? Or as usual with the Buhari
administration, will the NDDC operate
without a budget and board in flagrant
violation of the NDDC Act?
“I see the IMC being in charge of the
NDDC for years without a board in
violation of the NDDC Act. This is what
they wanted from the beginning. These
are the crucial issues going forward and
it is the biggest test of the independence
of the Dr. Ahmed Lawal- led National
Assembly. Nigerians would be interested
to see if the members of the National
Assembly, especially the Senate are
stooges to President Buhari or they are
an independent arm of government that
can hold on to its earlier position not to
have anything to do with the illegal
contraption call IMC.
“Finally on the IMC overseeing the
forensic audit, this clearly shows that
President Buhari is not serious with the
forensic audit because a forensic audit
supervised by an IMC directly supervised
by Chief Godswill Akpabio, an interested
party, cannot be independent and do a
credible job.
“The IYC has no confidence in the
forensic audit that would be supervised
by the IMC. If President Buhari is serious,
he ought to supervise the forensic audit.
Above all, the wider implication of all that
is happening is that President Buhari has
not demonstrated required sincerity of
purpose to tackle the issue of Niger Delta
development.
“It is unfortunate that the Buhari
administration is playing politics with the
development of the Niger Delta which has
been the trademark of this administration
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019—11
since it took over in 2015. This is why not
even a kilometer has been added to the
East West Road since 2015 till date,” he
said.
IYC backs Buhari
However, national president of Ijaw
Youth Council, IYC, Pereotubo
Oweilaemi, in a statement, Thursday, said
that President Muhamadu Buhari’s
disbandment of the governing Board of
the Niger Delta Development
Commission, NDDC, has vindicated its
stand that they wrongfully constituted the
board. Expressing gratitude to President
Buhari for “graciously looking into the
concerns of Niger Delta people in
terminating the NDDC allegedly
constituted by him,” he said, “there was
no way that Board would stand the test of
time given the litany of cases in courts
contesting the legality of its composition.
In fact, the Board was illegally constituted
because the enabling Act was not
complied with. IYC and those agitating
for the right thing to be done are
vindicated. President Buhari should
follow the law stricto sensu when
reconstituting the Management Board.
“He should not allow politicians to
mislead him into doing their fraudulent
bidding. The Interim Management
Board, no doubt is the rightful body
constituted as it stands now. President
Buhari has just done what is fair and just
to the Niger Delta people, especially those
agitating that the law should be obeyed,”
he said.
Buhari in order – CHURAC
On the other hand, national president,
Centre for Human Rights and Anti-
Corruption Crusade, CHURAC, Cleric
Alaowei, told Saturday Vanguard that
“The timely decision by President
Muhammadu Buhari to terminate his
hitherto illegally constituted
Management Board of the NDDC is a
victory for the public interest litigators.
CHURAC and other well-meaning
Nigerians actually challenged the
legality of the President to appoint
Chairman of the Board from Edo State
without following the rotational circle as
provided by the NDDC Establishment Act,
2000.”
“While we are not trying to preempt the
courts of their findings, we are happy that
Mr President has looked into the
concerns of the Niger Delta people,
especially as they relate to following due
processes of the laws. We make bold to
say that the now-disbanded board was
illegally constituted by the President. The
decision, therefore, to lay it off is a right
step in the right direction.
“CHURAC is in support of the Interim
Management Committee (IMC) since
that is within the purview of Mr. President
in the absence of a substantive board. The
tripartite decisions of the presidency to
disband the illegally constituted
management board, set up IMC and
empanel forensic auditors to audit the
Commission from 2001 to date are very
commendable.
“CHURAC is in agreement with public
opinions that the NDDC is swimming in
a humongous corruption. Any step taken
to weed the Commission of the unchecked
corruption is a right step every right
thinking individual should applaud. The
trillions of naira the Commission has
allegedly spent on projects in the region since
its establishment in 2001 did not correspond
with what is on ground.
“The Commission was not just poorly
managed by successive management teams;
politicians have turned it into a looting spree
to pilfer away our common patrimony. The
forensic auditors should be very meticulous.
They should leave no stone unturned.
CHURAC will give all necessary support to
the government and the forensic auditors to
ensure that we have a sanitized Commission.
Sleaze an organized
scheme in NDDC
“The corruption in NDDC is now a
consortium, while the Niger Delta region is
littered with abandoned projects with some
already paid in full contract sum without
execution. Powerful politicians connected to
the Commission protect some of these
contractors and so many contracts executed
by unregistered companies, yet nothing
happens to them because corruption is ruling
the agency.
“The IMC should not just pay contractors
coming for payments because they are close
to the powers that be. They should supervise
every project to ascertain its due completion
before making payments. That one area bred
corruption in the Commission; they awarded
contracts to cronies, lackeys they paid full
contract sum without actual execution.
“CHURAC will do everything within its
power to ensure that the forensic audit is made
public for Nigerians to see what is happening
in the Commission. President Buhari will have
his name scrolled in the golden plate of history
if he exposed the dare devil corruption
controlling the NDDC through this forensic
audit,” Alawoei stated.

C
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12—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019
Olorogun Moses Taiga, UPU president general
and Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi during his visit
Pa Arthur Okowa prays, adopts
Gbagi as second son
Delta Central interprets
Delta North, South leaders’
2023 political memo
• Taiga, UPU president general says
Urhobo ‘ll speak with one voice
FORMER Deputy Governor of Delta
State, Chief Benjamin Elue and veteran
politician, Senator Patrick Osakwe
deconstructed the 2023 governorship race in
the state with an unequivocal verdict, in
October. The issue, they vowed, was not whether
Delta North (Anioma) and South (Ijaw, Isoko
and Itsekiri) senatorial districts will support
the unwritten rotation agreement of political
leaders for Delta Central Senatorial district
(Urhobo) to take over power in 2023, but if
Urhobo will put its house in order.
They spoke for themselves and other Delta
North leaders when former Minister of State
(Education), Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, an
Urhobo, eyeing the 2023-governorship ticket
of the party, led his Gbagi Solidarity
Movement, GSM, to consult
with them. Leaders of the party
in Delta South also re-echoed
their views.
At the time, there were
agitations by different groups
and pseudo groups for
governorship to restart from
another senatorial district
and tribe yet to produce
governor of the state. The
wave prompted former
governor of the state, Chief
James Ibori, and other
Urhobo leaders to assemble
and insist that it will be
Urhobo’s turn in 2023 when
Governor Okowa completes
his second tenure, Delta
North, Central and South
having taken shots through
Ibori and Dr Emmanuel
Uduaghan respectively.
It was not until Gbagi took
the subject to Delta North and
South leaders at their
respective political zones that
they spoke out on the matter,
re-affirming their stand on the
unwritten rotation
agreement among political
leaders of the state.
The coded message
from other senatorial
districts
Senator Osakwe, who described Gbagi as
“a very good marketable commodity” ,
charged Delta Central leaders to come together
and collectively come up with a suitable
candidate in an atmosphere devoid of rancor,
adding that if there was going to be trouble
over the PDP power rotation arrangement, it
was most likely to come from Urhobo people
themselves.
He admonished Urhobo leaders to reconcile
among themselves by pruning the
governorship aspirants to avoid splitting their
votes during the PDP governorship primary.
Similarly, Chief Elue, who observed that the
political leaders would not stop intending
governorship aspirants from other senatorial
districts from trying their luck, advised, “Delta
Central senatorial district should do this
without rancor to have a good choice in 2023
and I pray that the other parties will give PDP
chance in a peaceful way to have a good
election.”
Elue in particular spoke about the powerful
Urhobo Progress Union; UPU, saying it should
take charge and ensure that Urhobo speaks
with one voice, ahead 2023.
In the 2015 governorship election, UPU
found itself in chaos, as it prevaricated on the
Urhobo candidate to support after its
Uvwiamughe
At the time, there
were agitations by
different groups and
pseudo groups for
governorship to
restart from another
senatorial district and
tribe yet to produce
governor of the state
Declaration. The
decisions and indecisions
of the apex Urhobo group
haunted the senatorial
district in 2015 and 2019.
UPU picks up the
gauntlet
However, dissecting the
memo from North and
South senatorial districts
on December 16, when
Olorogun Gbagi
visited him at his Okpare-
Olomu country home in
Ughelli South local
government area,
president general of the
UPU acknowledged by
Urhobo, Olorogun
Moses Taiga, stated that
Urhobo would not make
the equivalent mistake in
2023.
He stated categorically
that UPU executives
would not opt for two
candidates, dousing fear
that indecision among
UPU will affect the bid by
Urhobo to produce the
successor of Governor
Ifeanyi Okowa.
Taiga said when the time comes, UPU will
summon the entire Urhobo nation on the issue
of the governorship, even as he charged
Kenneth Gbagi to press on in his consultations.
Declaring his support for Gbagi as worthy
Urhobo son , Olorogun Taiga said at the
appropriate time, UPU nation will speak.
His words, “Olorogun Gbagi is a good man
and when you see a good man like Gbagi, you
encourage him to do more and let me tell you,
the present UPU executives are people of good
characters, people who know themselves,
people with proven integrity, who will not
compromise the interest of Urhobo for money.”
He reiterated that present executives of UPU
were not hungry men, who play “politics of the
stomach”, but reliable and dependable
persons.
Publicity Secretary of UPU, Hon Abel
Oshevire, also clarified on Thursday that the
UPU has not adopted Gbagi, saying, “He
(Gbagi) only paid a private visit to Olorogun
Taiga at Okpare, who told him to come and
see the UPU at the appropriate time. Of course,
at the appropriate time, the UPU will naturally
wish every Urhobo person aspiring for the top
position good luck. What the UPU will ensure
is that the position comes to Urhobo. That, we
will never, ever compromise.”
“The UPU is not a political party and
maintains its neutrality and will not interfere
in the internal mechanism of political parties
on the choice of governorship candidates
before the general elections that are even few
years away.”
“However, UPU’s insistence has been that
Urhobo must speak with one voice and avoid
multiplicity of governorship candidates in the
2023 election. The UPU also wants the Delta
Central Senatorial District, which is wholly
Urhobo, to produce the governor in 2023 with
the support of our neighbors,” he said.
Why I came to
UPU, Gbagi
Speaking earlier, Olorogun Gbagi said he
did not come to consult UPU executives, but to
inform them as his fathers and brothers
that he had led the GSM to consult with the
people of Delta North and South Senatorial
districts over his intention to contest the
2023 gubernatorial election.
He said UPU led by Olorogun Taiga were,
indeed, reputable people with good characters
and enjoined them to rally round him because
he has a strong character without blemish.
“I am ready to continue the developmental
strides of the state from where my friend and
brother, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, will stop by
2023. He has done so well for the state. Without
him, the state would have been in a quagmire
today, we all have to support him to finish
stronger,” he added.
I am elated UPU has
decided to tackle the
matter – Obofukoro
Sir E D O Obofukoro regarded as the father
of GSM, asserted, “I have gone everywhere
with Kenneth Gbagi- Delta North, Ijaw and
Itsekiri and there is only one thing that is
repeated everywhere. They all say that Gbagi
is the best man, a man who has never left the
party, a man that is loyal and honest, but they
always add that Urhobos must stand united
with Gbagi because a divided House will not
help the Urhobo course. This problem is what
the UPU has promised to address and it
gladdens my heart.”
•Gbagi
A former chair of the Old Boys Association
of Urhobo College, Mr. Alex Neje, who
excitedly spoke on the business mogul and
criminologist, recalled Gbagi’s visit as
Minister of Education (State) to the college,
how he raised the institution standing on its
last legs by pumping N69 million to
rehabilitate the dilapidated structures and
built an Information Technology Centre, ICT.
Neje said the intervention was besides his
personal N10 million to the institution to
advance welfare of Urhobo nation, confirming
that Gbagi was indeed a man of character and
integrity and urging Urhobo to speak with one
voice come 2023, while avoiding unnecessary
competition among its ranks.
Pa Okowa adopts
Gbagi as second son
Meanwhile, the Okpara-Uku of Owa-Aleiro
Kingdom, Ika North East Local Government
Area, Delta State, and father of Delta State
Governor, Pa Arthur Okorie Okowa, last
weekend, adopted Gbagi as his second son.
Pa Okowa, who prayed God to grant him
Gbagi his desire of becoming governor in
2023, made the declaration the former Minister
of State (Education) led the Gbagi
Solidarity Movement, GSM, to his country
home in Owa Aleiro.
He asserted, “I now have a second son” and
consequently directed Olorogun Gbagi to meet
with a former governor of the state and
Odidigborigbo, Chief James Ibori, who is a
very close friend of the family.
Maintaining that Gbagi is a true friend of
his son, he urged him to continue with his good
works and friendship with Ifeanyi, saying,
“When fighting for your brother, you do not
look behind, we will not look behind in the
fight for you. I am asking God to clear the way
for you. Since you have trusted in God, the
God that moves with me will move with you.”
He said the God that kept him alive would
sustain and keep alive the 2023 agenda of
Olorogun Gbagi until it is realized, adding,
“The Lord God Almighty says I should tell you
to go ahead.”
“Hold on to whatever you know is good, do
not allow sycophants to draw you behind,
listen to the voice of God and let prayer warriors
surround you. Prayers are what saved Ifeanyi
and you need prayers.
Gbagi had earlier told Pa Okowa, “Your son,
Ifeanyi is my friend, I do not just make friend,
the reason he is my friend is that he has
character. I want to commend you for
mentoring such a character, he has finished
first term and he will finish his second tenure
stronger.”
He said that one of the problems of
governance was that people without father and
name wants to rule others, and when you do
not check the character before giving power to
such persons, it would be too late to correct
such mistake later.
“I have come to tell you that I am running
the governorship race to take over from my
friend and brother, your mentoring of Ifeanyi
has helped the state a lot,” he said.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019—13
Level of deprivation in South
East unbearable — Emeka Diwe
•Says, govt has failed in its primary duty of protecting citizens
•Clamour for 2023 Igbo presidency diversionary, self serving antics of northern elements
•Igbo need self-discovery more than presidency
By Anayo Okoli, Regional Editor, South East.
CHIEF Emeka Diwe is the National President of the Association of South East Town
Unions, ASETU. He has been in the forefront in the struggle for Igbo unity. He is
also an apostle of ‘think-home’ philosophy, whereby Ndigbo are urged to bring
back home some of their investments.
In this interview, he speaks on the security situation in the country, the agitation for a
Nigerian President of the Igbo extraction in 202, the role of town union in development and
other issues. Excerpts:
Why are you very passionate about
town unionism?
The town union is at the heart of every real
Igbo person. It is the truest manifestation of
our genetic
configuration of abiding republicanism.
From the onset, the institution of the town union
has been saddled with the responsibility of
providing a credible and dependable structure
for engendering
development, peace and unity in all Igbo
communities. The consciousness to preserve
this enviable heritage of the Igbo Nation and
accentuate the fulfillment of its objectives
necessitated some level of interaction among
all the town unions in the South East so as to
create a platform for cross-fertilization of ideas,
social mobilization; political education and
peer review. Today, the brainchild of that
consciousness is the Association of South East
Town Unions, ASETU, which is a formidable
coalescence of all the town unions in the South
East.
Recently, you led your group to the
2019 edition of the World Igbo
Congress in Texas, USA. What informed
your participation?
The World Igbo Congress is an annual event
put together by Igbo people in the Diaspora to
brainstorm on the challenges of Ndigbo and
proffer solutions to them. This year, a formal
invitation was extended to ASETU by the
leadership of the Congress. They believed that
the annual event had never been felt back home
because of the gap in communication between
them. They therefore decided to partner with
the town unions. That was why we went to
America to address them.
How do you think the rural Igbo
masses would benefit from this new
relationship.
First, there was an
acknowledgement that the
bottom-up approach to solving
Igbo problems like the security
challenges in Nigeria as ASETU
has persistently canvassed
remains the best approach. The
destruction of lives and means
of livelihood in Igbo land by
armed herdsmen is an issue that
gives everyone concern. It was
therefore resolved that the
World Igbo Congress would
partner with ASETU to
implement our security
framework; invigorate our
community-level intelligence
units and energize our local
vigilantes. This has brought
succour to the poor, vulnerable
and defenseless people at the
grassroots who are targeted for
extermination by the armed
herdsmen. Security as you know
is a local affair which can only
succeed through the
involvement of the local people.
The Town Unions represent the
closest administrative units to the people at
the grassroots. And most importantly, the
leadership emerges through a credible and
unadulterated democratic process. So, the
people have a sense of participation because
the leadership is authentically theirs. Every
Igbo man, unless otherwise ostracized over an
abominable act, is a member of his Town
Union. So, it was our resolution at the World
Igbo
Congress to leverage on that to keep the
insecurity problem permanently away from
our land.
Is it a case of resorting to self-help?
Security as you
know is a local
affair which can
only succeed
through the
involvement of
the local people
The right to life is an inalienable right.
Nobody can take it away from a people. It is a
right which the institution of the state was called
upon to protect. Whenever the state fails to
guarantee this right, the people should assert
their right to self-defence. The whole idea of
the social contract between the sovereign state
and the people which forms the philosophical
basis of modern governance is for the purpose
of protection. Men without government, or
what is often referred to as the pre-political
state of nature, were never gentle savages. They
were rather threats to one another. A great man
could be murdered in his sleep, and a mighty
man overpowered by a mighty number, and so
human life was
nasty, solitary, brutish, short and a survival
of the fittest. So, government is in place as a
correction of these inadequacies. However, in
the present Nigeria, government has been
grossly unable to discharge this first obligation
it owes us. Banditry, abductions, killings and
destruction of property have become the order
of the day. It is our duty as a civil society to
intervene to protect our people and save the
country from relapsing into anarchy.
How far have you gone in
implementing the security framework
and what is your assessment of the
outcome?
First, we have ensured the revival of the
vigilance groups in many communities across
the South East. When these groups are
strengthened, they will have the capacity to
protect the defenceless and vulnerable people
at the grassroots who are usually the soft targets
of the herdsmen. We have also established
robust intelligence-gathering modules within
the communities. We are working on a whole
lot of things, we are not relenting and we are
reviewing what we are doing. A few weeks ago,
we held the 2019 ASETU
Retreat in Abakaliki for that
purpose. But, very
importantly, we are also
focusing on soft security
initiatives. The greatest
factor that fuels crime is
economic deprivation. The
level of deprivation in the
South East is unbearable.
So, we have introduced the
Aku Ruo Ulo investment
initiative to catalyze and
boost the Igbo homeland
economy through a
backward integration
model, which is a self-help
paradigm, for which the
Igbo are exclusively known.
What actually is this
Aku Ruo Ulo Initiative
all about?
It is an action plan for
making our wealthy
brothers and sisters who
reside outside Igbo land to
begin to consciously,
gradually and seamlessly
repatriate their wealth back home. In this way,
more jobs will spring up and social vices will
take a nosedive in Igbo land. It is the
development of the Igboman in Igboland. It is
painful to note that the greatest number of
individual wealthy Nigerians are Igbos, yet
this reality has not reflected in the existential
conditions of the Igboman in Igboland. The
aggregate wealth of our people is scattered
across the globe but with the repatriation of
just 20% of our wealth back home, no Igboman
will think of residing outside Igboland. We will
be cheating ourselves if we don’t realize this.
We are blessed with human resources to
become the Dubai of the UAE and the
California of the USA. We must therefore end
the ongoing capital flight which will also lead
to an end to brain drain, and with the multiplier
and accelerator effects, Igboland will become
the attraction of Nigeria and Africa. You saw
the technological heights we attained even in
a war situation under Biafra. You see what
Innoson and Coscharis are doing. That is the
way to go. The Igboman doesn’t believe in
sharing other people’s resources or unearned
wealth. We bring out our best under
excruciating conditions. We have the capacity,
the ingenuity and the technology. The sharing
of oil money has taken us backwards. The
people who need oil should keep taking oil,
but after looking inward and implementing
our Aku Ruo Ulo Initiative, they will bring the
oil money back to us by purchasing our goods
and services. They will need our shoes, cars
and textiles. They will come to us. That is the
ultimate restructuring. It is the economic
restructuring of Nigeria. It is what we can do
for ourselves as Igbo people. That is a
restructuring that can never be restructured
again. That is what we are talking about.
What is your take on the ongoing
agitations for Igbo Presidency in 2023?
Well, there is nothing wrong with anybody
expressing their minds. This is a democracy.
But it is unfortunate that most of our people
always fall for the antics of some northern
elements. The current debate over a Nigerian
President of Igbo extraction come 2023 did
not start in the South East or the South South.
It began from the North as an antithesis to the
agitations for restructuring, referendum,
remaking of the Constitution and secession
which the various Igbo groups represent. The
northerners just flew a kite that they would hold
onto power for hundred years, and our people
began to debate it. They began to agitate for
power. They quickly dropped other noble
agenda which are aimed at addressing the
Igbo question in Nigeria forever. The worst of
all is that integrity and credibility are scarcely
talked about. Some say, even if an Igbo thief
should be President, let him be, he is our thief.
But this mindset is deeply wrong. If Igbo
people as a collectivity wish to put forward
one of us to run for President, the first criterion
should be integrity, not just because he is Igbo.
He must be somebody with a proven track
record of integrity and poised to lift the people
off the economic quagmire and dung pit the
country has been plunged into. However, the
agitations you see are really self-serving and
obviously a diversionary tactic from the Igbo
course of action.
What is that course of action?
It is mainly about the security of the lives
and property of our people. More than
presidency, we need to rediscover ourselves.
We need to develop a backward integration
through the Aku Ruo Ulo model. A
consortium of ten Igbo wealthy men can build
four international airports if allowed. We need
to restructure Nigeria economically. Aku Ruo
Ulo is the restructuring that cannot be further
restructured. In addition, some of our people
are concerned about a holistic solution to the
lopsidedness of the Nigeria Federation. There
are constitutional and structural
encumbrances to our prosperity. We ask
ourselves if we have agreed to live together as
one entity. That is the meaning of referendum.
We should also ask ourselves the terms and
•Diwe
conditions for living together. That is where
vaunted political restructuring comes in. To
be sure, I am not in doubt that if Nigeria
genuinely desires to develop, there are many
eminently qualified Igbo men who have
everything needed to take the country to the
desired level, not just the next level. But, there
are many fundamental questions about to be
swept under the carpet through the gimmicks
of Igbo Presidency. If we don’t resolve them
now, they will continue to haunt us. A Nigerian
President of Igbo extraction will make no
meaning to an average Igbo man if the most
pressing questions are not resolved.
What is ASETU’s relationship with
Ohanaeze Ndigbo?
Ohanaeze is the most prominent elitist apex
Igbo pressure group. The town unions evolved
since time immemorial as an expression of
the democratic and republican proclivity of
Ndigbo. They are the
grassroots structures that see to the
development of Igbo communities. ASETU,
being an umbrella body of all the town unions,
work to ensure the attainment of the goals of
the town unions. In addition, the Town Unions
are functional administrative units in all Igbo
communities which exercise both legislative
and adjudicatory functions and work to ensure
the security, peace and development of the vast
majority of our people at the grassroots.
As an Imolite, how do you assess the
new administration of Chief Emeka
Ihedioha in Imo which is your home
state?
The Governor has started well. Considering
the level of decay he met upon assumption of
office, Governor Ihedioha has done well so
far. What Okorocha had run in Imo was a
bazaar economy. The resources of the state
were frittered away through a multiplicity of
white elephant projects. The internally
generated revenues ended up in private pockets.
The local government sector was strangulated
and the health sector died. Today, some of these
sectors are coming back to life. Imo
State Housing Corporation has come back.
The most touching thing was the plight of the
pensioners under Okorocha. But today
pensions are being paid to our senior citizens
who had put in their best to work for our state
yet Okorocha chose to starve too many of them
to death by denying them their pensions. That
was one of the requests we made to Governor
Ihedioha when he assumed office and he
quickly granted it. Recently, the
Commissioner for Finance announced that
by December Imo
would record a billion naira per month as
IGR. The highest we had got under Okorocha
was three hundred million naira. So, the
Governor is working. But I would further advise
that the Governor place more emphasis on the
integrity of members of his team. No matter
how wonderful his vision is, if he does not work
with people of integrity, the result will not be
very positive.
Then again, a painstaking needs assessment
should always be carried out before locating
projects. What one area needs may differ from
what the other needs. For instance, some local
government areas may need stadia while the
most pressing needs of the others may be water,
health center or access road. So, a prognostic
analysis of the impact of projects should always
be conducted before embarking on them.

14 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019 — 15

16 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 21, 2019
YULETIDE: DPR cautions PMS operators
against sharp practices
By Marie-Therese
Nanlong
AHEAD of the yuletide,
operators in the Premium
Motor Spirit, PMS in
Plateau State have been cautioned
to desist from exploiting
motorists as enough relevant
agencies in their oversight
activities would sanction
any operator who engages
in sharp practices.
The Jos Field Office of the
Department of Petroleum
Resources, DPR in Plateau
State, working to ensure
operators comply with rules
has sealed 33 faulty and
under dispensing Premium
Motor Spirit, PMS pumps
across petrol stations in the
Jos North and Jos South local
government areas of the
State.
The Controller, Jos Field
Officer of DPR, Jerome Agada
who led his team to check
activities of PMS operators
said necessary steps needed
to be taken to ensure that
citizens are not shortchanged
while purchasing
the commodity either for
commercial or personal use.
Agada assured the public
that his organization is fully
on ground to perform its
oversight function over operators
and ensure sanity in
their operations so the public
can have value for their
money.
He also warned marketers
especially those engaging
in sharp practices to
know that DPR is around
stating, “The Department of
Petroleum Resources has
sustained its oversight function
over operators within
this period particularly the
retail outlet operators. In Plateau
State and generally in
the country, we have had
sanity in petroleum resources
supply and availability to
the public.
“We want to sustain that
as we go into the yuletide.
Christmas is close by and the
data available to the Department
clearly states that we
have huge quantum of petroleum
product in stock.
Today we went out to ensure
that the products available
in the stations are dispensed
to the public so that the public
can have value for their
money.
Stop using govt apparatus to oppress people
— CDHR warns politicians
DELTA state branch of
Committee for Defence
of Human Rights
(CDHR), has frowned at the
use of government apparatus,
especially the police by
some political leaders to oppress
indigenes of Uzere
kingdom in Isoko South Local
Government Area of Delta
state.
The body in a statement
signed by its Chairman,
Conrade (Dr) Kehinde
Taiga, said it amounts to
abuse of office for government
functionaires be it at
the state or local government
level from any particular
community or elected community
leaders to use their
offices to silent dissenting
voices in their areas.
Consequently, it called on
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, to
caution his aides and political
appointees in Isoko land
not to use oppressive tendencies
in dealing with
their people, while urging
Commissioner of Police, CP
Adeyinka Adeleke, to counsel
his men not to be used
as a tool to oppress local indigenes
by any politician.
PDP chieftain advice FG to revitalise refineries
Kwara First Lady tasks NGOs,
organizations on standard of
education
By Demola Akinyemi
WIFE of Kwara state
governor, Mrs.
Olufolake Abdulrazaq,
has called on public spirited
individuals and organizations
to support
efforts of the government
in raising standard
of education in the state,
even as she urged the
students to be of good
conduct and always
obey constituted authority
in and outside the
school.
Mrs. Abdulrazaq
Group congratulates Bayelsa
governor-elect
The Movement For the
Actualization of the
PEOPLES Democratic
Party (PDP) chieftain,
Chief Sunny Onuesoke
has advised the Federal
government to revitalise
the country’s four ailing
refineries so that the
nation will gain from the
input of their productivities
by saving more foreign
currencies and creating
more jobs.
According to him, ‘’It is
a shame that in spite of
Nigeria having four refineries
controlled by NNPC,
none of them is producing
fuel either for internal consumption
or exportation for
commercial gains, while at
the same time the Federal
Government is eager for
the take off a private refinery
where it is expected
to save $10bn from importation
of oil.
He alleged that NNPC’s
approach to oil sales suffers
from high corruption
risks and fails to maximize
returns for the nation, adding
that since inception, the
corporation has neither developed
its own commercial
or operational capacities,
nor facilitated the
growth of the sector
through external investment.
“ Instead, it has spun a
legacy of inefficiency and
mismanagement. Its faults
have been described by a
number of reports, many
commissioned by government
itself.
made the call while presenting
gift items and
cash to inmates of psychiatric
and less privileged
homes in the state
through her pet project
“Ajike Peoples
Support”as parts of end
of the year visitation.
The First lady visited
Olorunda trado-medical
psychiatric home,
School for Special Needs
and Children Reception
Centre, Ilorin, where
food items and other
materials were presented
to inmates.
Dreams of Niger Delta
(MADND) has congratulated
the governorelect
of Bayelsa State,
Chief David Lyon on his
victory at the just concluded
governorship
election.
In a congratulatory
massage signed by Mr.
Oyakonghan Josiah
popularly known as
Commander Oyimi, the
group also congratulated
President Muhammadu
Buhari on his Supreme
Court victory
which they said has asserted
the general acceptance
of his
government(Buhari) in
the country.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019 — 17

18 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019
Nigerian celebrities and how
they plan to celebrate Xmas
•Continues from page 17
Tracy Daniels,
Actress
My high moment was when our
YouTube channel got monetized
after 10 months of efforts and hard
work; shooting videos and
campaigning for subscribers. Just as
my low moment was when I lost my
dad on the 3rd of November, 2019. I
felt like my world came crashing
down. He turned 67 on September,
before he passed on in November.
•Alex Eyengho
I need your prayers,
not mockery, cries
out Angela Okorie
… as controversy continues to trail
her attack by unknown gunmen
ollywood actress, Angela
NOkorie who has been in the
news since this week, following her
recent attack by suspected
assassins on the Lagos island, has
begged both her friends and foes to
support and prayers for her instead
of mocking her.
The actress made this appeal
via her Instagram page. She,
however, warned those
spreading false news about
her attack to desist from
doing so or face the
consequences of their
actions.
Angela took to her
Instagram page on
Monday, where she shared
photos and a video as she
recuperates from the
injuries sustained after an attack
by alleged assassins. She was
reportedly revealed that about ten
bullets were removed from her wig.
No sooner the news went viral
on the internet, than many began
to allude that she staged the attack,
causing the embattled actress to
put out another post warning
anyone peddling fake news about
her. With some of her colleagues,
including Yul Edochie, Uche
Elendu, Rita Dominic, Eucharia
Anuonobi among others rallying
around her, her critics wouldn’t
believe her story.
According to Angela, a lot of
people are excited that she almost
lost her life. Despite the fact that
she shared a video where pellets
were been removed from her face,
the actress wondered why some
•Angela Okorie
people still believe she was lying.
In an Instagram post yesterday, the
actress wrote: “So, the story would
have been Angela Okorie died after
putting a smile on the face of her
fans after performing at the
@infinixnigeria show on 12/12/
2019 (God forbid I reject it in Jesus
name ) They are angry I survived
it, some people made a video saying
I was lying, that it was framed up
Even as video was shown how the
pellets was removed, they still insist
I was lying. Listen you all I am not
here to banter words with anyone.
But to warn those of you carrying
fake news about Angela Okorie.
Anti kidnapping squad is on this
case And they are picking up.
Anybody that is involved or take
up fake news about this incident
fake bloggers.”
•Tracy
Daniels
Alex
Eyengho, Film
maker and Vice
President FIAPF
YBNL Nation record label
boss, Olamide, controversial
singer, Naira Marley, Zlatan, DJ
Spinall, Seyi Shay are among the
top artistes billed to thrill
Lagosians as the Greater Lagos
2020 Festival kicks off on
December 25 and ends on January
1, 2020.
Other artistes are Fireboy, Pretty
Boy, Rema, Small Doctor, Cee
Black, Idowu West, Dotman,
Oladips, Reminiscent, Skiibii and
Airboy who have confirmed to light
up the city with their stand out
performances during the five days
fiesta.
Unveiling the artistes on
Thursday in his office, the Senior
Special Assistant to Governor
Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Diaspora
and Foreign Relations, Mr.
Jermaine Sanwoolu, said the
fiesta had been rebranded as GLF
in order to give it a new image that
identifies it with the new governor
and current administration.
Jermaine said they decided to
select the artistes who are not only
successful in their career, but also,
those who have made great impact
within their localities to celebrate
with the people.
According to him, “we’re
organising what we call the
Greater Lagos extravaganza
which is simply going to be
unforgettable. Under the
leadership of Governor Babajide
Sanwo-Olu, we’ve deemed it fit to
take the One Lagos Fiesta to a
greater level in line with his themes
agenda. We are having even days
of unlimited, unparalleled
entertainment, fun in Lagos State.”
With “Simply Unforgettable” as
the theme of the fiesta, Jermaine
said the event would hold in all the
state’s five divisions
simultaneously. The grand finale
Chesan
Nze
I
intend to embark on
a trip to Dubai
during this Christmas.
However, my high
moments of 2019
include bagging my
Bachelor’s degree,
observing my primary
assignment as a corps
member and
relocating home to
pursue my
entrepreneurial and
entertainment dreams,
while facing a lot of
challenges as an actor
and executing projects
remain part of my low
moments in 2019.
•Chesan Nze
Iwill be celebrating the Christmas in Lagos with my family. I have never been loud with
Christmas celebrations and I don’t intend to change this year.
My high and low moments of 2019
It includes but not limited to the successful staging of my play, ‘Olu Akengbuwa’ in Lagos
for the very first time. , the award given to me by the Nigerian Film Corporation, NFC, and
my induction into the Nigerian Movie Rock of Fame. My low moments include the loss of my
big brothers and friends, Chief Joseph Adolo Okotie-Eboh and Mr. Henry Boyo. On the industry
side, my low moment is the fact that the Motion Picture Practitioners Council (MOPICON)
bill is yet to be sponsored as an Executive Bill by this administration. Recall that we have
been on this for about 15 years now. Nollywood needs MOPICON like yesterday!
Top artistes line-up for Greater Lagos fiesta
...as Sanwo-Olu plans big for Lagosians
Mr. Jermaine
Sanwoolu
of the festival will hold at the Eko
Atlantic City, Victoria Island on
December 31 till the morning of
January 1, 2020.
Speaking further, the Governor’s
aide added that there will be 35
concerts spread across the Ibile
regions of the state, comprising
Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos
Mainland and Epe.
“In Ikeja area, we’re going to be
using Agege Stadium, while we
will use Badagry Town Hall in
Badagry. The Lagos Mainland
edition will take place at the Eko
Atlantic City, while Epe will hold
at Epe Youth Centre just as the
Ikorodu leg of the fiesta will hold
at Ikorodu Town Hall.
“Each concert will start at 4pm
daily, starting on the 25th of
December, 2019 till 31st of December and
the cross-over night. The one slated for the
25th to the 30th will kick off from 4pm and
end at after 12pm. The one on the 31st is
going to start from 12 noon all the way to 12
midnight. I want to assure Nigerians that
there is going to be optimum security. The
commissioner of Police and all the law
enforcement agencies in Lagos State are
going to be on ground to guarantee ultimate
security. Some of our sponsors are going to
light up the whole event.”
“Also, we’re also going to be having a talent
hunt event during the same period whereby,
you know Lagos Got Talents. So, they are
going to come and showcase their talents.
We’re going to look for the best of the best in
those areas. And the top 5 are going to be
selected from each IBILE region. Then, the
top 2 are going to now go and perform at
Eko Atlantic City for the grand finale. That
will be 10 people in Eko Atlantic for the grand
finale to win the top prize. And whoever comes
out victorious is going to attend the Lagos
State Media Entertainment Film Academy
that is going to be launched soon.”
Jamine said Sanwo-Olu’s administration
wants to celebrate not just his
administration’s vision and progress, but
also, to celebrate Lagosians for supporting
him to emerge the Governor of the state.
His words: Government first of all, is a
continuum. And the previous administration
set up something which is the One Lagos
Fiesta. I believe that the administration then
was about uniting Lagos. Now, Lagos is
united. We’re now uniting to move to a greater
destination. You know, words have significant
meaning. That’s the THEME agenda, A
Greater Lagos, one that is inspirational,
beyond the confines of Nigeria. You know,
one of the THEME agenda of Governor
Sanwo-Olu is making Lagos a hub for the
international community. So, Greater Lagos
is reaching out to everyone. It’s a similar idea,
just a greater delivery, a greater scope. We’re
going to have seven days of 35 concerts in
five different locations. This has not been
done. It is new and it is under Governor
Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration. But
the party is one and united.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019—19
Celebrity confessions
that shook the industry
T
he entertainment space
comes with everything fast
and furious with tendencies to
cause a meltdown. Whether in
private or public, entertainers live
a life of scream that can hardly be
kept under wraps. Here, are some
celebrity confessions that are
hard to forget
My first
N100,000
nearly drove me
mad —Timi Dakolo
nB singer, Timi Dakolo is known
Rfor his soulful songs but unknown
to many, the Iyawo mi singer , was once
on the receiving end of hard fate.
According to him: “The first time
someone gave me N100, 000, I
wanted to run mad. That was after
the show. Subsequently,
someone else gave me N1m,
and I could not sleep that
night. I couldn’t wait till
morning to rush to the
bank and deposit it before
it disappeared. I thought
something would happen
to me or even the money.
To us, it was big money.
Growing up was not
easy; it was an •Flavour
experience and a
preparatory phase of my
life. It taught me to work
hard. I believe more in
hard work than talent”
he revealed.
Calling
me sex
symbol
not out
of place
—Flavour
Nabania
t is better to flaunt your sex
Iappeal than to have
nothing to show off. This
seems to be Flavour’s
principle. The contemporary
highlife artiste who has a
knack for showing off his
sexy physique on social
media revealed in an
interview why he loves to
show off his physique.
Hear him: “If I am not
doing music, I love to
work out and when
I do that, I am
confident enough to
show my body on my social
media accounts. If you call me
a sex symbol, you are not
lying. I feel it is a good thing
for people to believe in
themselves and be confident. I
believe in hard work and it shows in
my music and the way I work out at
the gym. I exercise a lot and take out
time to keep fit and maintain my
physique”
Men negotiate price for sex with me
—Afrocandy
Judith Mazagwu a.k.a
Afrocandy is one entertainer
who won’t stop surprising
us anytime soon. The soft
porn actress, who has since
gone full hardcore disclosed
to one of our reporters, a
memorable experience she
I would rather do sex toys —Joju Muse
H
er name might not ring a bell, but the actress popular for her role
in Tinsel is candid when it comes to her view about sex. In an
interview with icampus Magazine she said she prefers using sex
toys than having multiple sex partners.
“Sex is sacred and it’s not something you just do or something
you just open your legs to do. It’s not that easy for me. I would
rather do sex toys. Sex has a lot involved. It has emotions,
attachments, spirituality. Sex is supposed to be sacred. It’s
supposed to be a ritual for me. It is a thing two people indulge
in because anybody you sleep with, there is a connection.
You are connecting with them. Then, how many people
are you going to sleep with? How many people do
you want to now have sex with? It means if you
are going to be delivered, you’d have a lot of
bondage to break. That is even more stressful.
It means you will fast extra and pray extra and
for heaven’s sake, you don’t even know who
your partner has been sleeping with. So, if
he now decides to keep two more sexual
partners and that partner decides to keep
two more extra partners; two extra partners
•Jojo Muse times two more extra partners, you know, it
goes a long way. That is why sex is sacred
to me and it shouldn’t be abused. “
B
“
Vulgar songs
makes me
richer —Timaya
ike or detest him , Timaya is one artiste whose got
L the recipe for connecting to his fans right almost
all the time.From Everybody call me Timaya to Ukwu
the youngster keeps hitting the bull’s eye when it
comes to his music. However, he disclosed in an
interview that vulgar songs makes him richer.
“Whether you agree or not, the fact is people like
bad things. We talk about bum bum everywhere
in the bum bum video. A lot of people
condemned it, yet in six months, it has more than
13 million views. Who is deceiving who? I didn’t
go the vulgar way because I wanted to
rebrand, but that’s what pays. That’s what
makes me richer. I’m not doing it because
you need to hear something good. The
problem is that Nigerians love to pretend.
No breastfeeding
for my kids
— Cossy Orjiakor
has had with her male fans.
“The only experience I had so
far was when some guys would
start jerking off while talking to me
on the telephone. Even some men
would call me and start
negotiating how much they would
pay to have sex with me. I would
just start laughing at them. Men
are like babies, little things get to
their brains.”
oobs-toting Nollywood diva and singer, Cossy
Orjiakor, is never one to go missing in a
crowd. Not by a long shot. Her humongous mammary
has become such a legend, that both men and women
cannot ignore her. Though many may find
her repulsive but it doesn’t seem to take
any hair off her skin as she flaunts
them readily anywhere the
opportunity presents itself.
The Nutty Queen crooner recently
took to
her Facebook page to tell her fans how
much she
cherishes her boobs by heaping praises on God for bestowing
her with such gift of life. “ I am so grateful to God for this lovely
boobs. Though sometimes they are such a burden. The load gets
big but I love them. In ten years my boobs will still be firm and
good because I will use sucker to pull the milk for my kids.
No direct sucking. No breastfeeding” she quips.
•Timaya
•Afrocandy
•Cossy

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019
SYLVESTER KWENTUA
07039301842
sylkieboy@gmail.com
You need to go
back to P-
square – fans
tell Rudeboy
P-square may have broken up and its
members gone solo, but a fan who
witnessed Rudeboy’s performance
recently, insists that the musical duo need to
get back together as a group to revive their
musical career.
Rudeboy, who was one of the artistes to
perform at the last Ovation ‘Carol Night’ last
Sunday, found it difficult to motivate an
already excited crowd to dance. Before he
came on stage to perform, several artistes
had performed and moved the crowd to
excitement; however when Rudeboy
performed, the crowd went to their seats
and obviously didn’t enjoy his
performance. Just as if he knew he was
not living up to expectations, the other
half of P-square had to give an excuse
of coming straight to the Ovation ‘Carol
Night’ from another show, saying he
was rather exhausted.
A fan, who obviously was not
happy with the excuse, was heard
screaming at the top of his voice
saying, “swallow your pride, make
up with your twin and bring back
P-square and save your musical
career please”.
•Mercy Johnson &
husband, Prince Okojie
I have always
wanted four kids
– Mercy Johnson
Legendary Nollywood Diva, Mecry Johnson
Okojie has revealed that she and her
husband, Prince Odi Okojie, are expecting a
fourth child, while excitedly posting on her
Instagram page that she had always wanted four
children.
Breaking the news of her pregnancy on her
Instagram page, the talented actress had this to
say: “We’re having a baby. I’ve always wanted
four kids.... always. However, after 3 kids, I
thought I had retired from the baby-making
business. So, a while back, we found out we had
a baby on the way. I can’t explain the joy and
peace expecting our new baby has brought, or
the cravings for food that have followed. I get so
emotional easily; in fact right now I’ve started
crying from joy again. I’m sharing this with you
my family for life, hanging on since day 1,
growing with my family and I and always
showing all the love. I love you all right back.
Baby Okojie 2020 getting ready. God bless you
all!!”
•Rudeboy
Ebenezer Obey brings peace to the mind
–Jesse Buga King
Ned Nwoko probably never
expected the response he got
from a fan when he posted a
picture he snapped with Wizkid
at an event, recently.
The post, which although looks
like an innocent one, generated a
funny response from a fan.
The fan, who probably was
talking based on the musician’s
•Davido
Divorce is no joke and
shouldn’t be an option
in your marriage
- Juliet Mgborukwe
•Juliet
Jesse King, popularly known as Buga, has
applauded the achievements of Chief
Commander Ebenezer Obey, describing him as
one whose music acts as a link between the past
and the present.
Speaking to Celebrity Diary on the phone last
Wednesday, Buga is of the opinion that Ebenezer
Obey’s song brings peace to the mind, calling
him a legend who was long overdue to be
inducted into the music hall of fame.
“He brings peace to the mind; his achievements
bridges the past and the present. He should be a
role model to any artists who inspires to be great in
music.” Buga asserted
Jesse King, who was a musical sensation several years
ago, reveals that he is coming out with another album •Jesse King
soon.
Keep Wizkid away from your wife, fan
advises Ned Nwoko
Nollywood actress, Juliet Mgborukwe
has announced her divorce from her
former husband, Chima Ojokwu,
claiming “Divorcing a Narcissist is
one of the most painful and stressful
situations you can ever imagine! I
wish it didn’t have to end this way
but at the end of it, all that counts
is what is in the best interest of
my beautiful babies.”
The movie star and former TV
girl made this known via her
Instagram page on Thursday,
December 19, 2019. According
to her, even though it has been
the most stressful one year, she
is happy to be finally done with
the divorce proceeding.
“After years of not wanting to let
go, I have conquered my greatest
fear of losing my family but I
also gained the strength to
never give up and the love
to put my children’s needs
before my own. I am a
‘mom’ first and that is
what I will always be.
Divorce is no joke and
shouldn’t be an option in
your marriage, but if it
puts your life and your
kids’ life at risk, all I will
say to you is please be
brave,” she wrote.
Davido warns COZA
over viral video
way of life, could not help advising
the billionaire to keep the Starboy
away from his wife, to avoid stories
that touch the heart.
The fan with an online name,
@oluwa_iyanu wrote “keep your wife
well o. E get reason”.
Ned Nwoko is married to a twentyyear
old Nollywood actress, Regina
Daniels.
By Sylvester Kwentua
Davido has issued a stern warning to the
authority of popular Abuja church,
Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) over
an advertorial video on the Instagram page of
its senior pastor, Boidun Fatoyinb, purportedly
made by Davido for the church.
The music star took to his
Twitter page on Wednesday,
December 18, 2019, where he
issued a disclaimer over the
viral video. According to
Davido, he has nothing to do
with the church, and asserted
that the said video was only
created for a fan, not the
church.
“I’m writing to quickly
disclaim the viral videos
going around of me
advertising COZA event to
come up but I have to say I
have NOTHING to do with
the church!!! The fact that I did
a quick video for a kid
introduced as a fan just for her
personal use and it was
chopped up and used for an
advert extremely disappoints
me!!! I have never and most
certainly not associated in any
way with COZA church and
have reached out to those
responsible for this madness
immediately!! I will most
certainly be proceeding
further if you do not retract
that video immediately!!! A
word is enough!!!” he wrote
The video was eventually
deleted by the COZA
authorities, immediately after
Davido issued the warning.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019—21
Juliet Ebirim
08137897935
juliet.ebirim@gmail.com
Ooni of Ife honours Olori Naomi
•Olori
Naomi
John C Maxwell once said “Anyone
can steer the ship, but it takes a good
leader to chart the course. Leaders who
are good navigators are capable of
taking their people just about
anywhere.”
“It is written somewhere in the
scripture that to him that is joined to
the living, there is hope. And because
we are alive, we will represent hope to
those who need it most.” These were
the words of the Minister for Youth and
Sports, Sunday Dare, at the launch of
“Adopt Campaign” initiative, to support
athletes towards making the country
proud at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo,
Japan.
The initiative, which was launched
Monday night at the Civic Centre
Lagos, was inspired by Edo State
Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu,
business mogul, Kessington Adebutu,
General Manager, Super Sports West
Africa, Felix Awogu, His Royal
Highness, Prince Adesegun Oniru,
Secretary General, Nigeria Olympic
Committee, Banji Oladapo and host of
others, who delight in adopting past
and present Olympians.
Speaking at the event, Dare said “The
Finding someone to spend one’s life with is great, but
having that person support you and your dreams is
even better.
Indeed, the Queen of Ife has found a supportive spouse
in her husband. Last weekend, Prophetess Silekunola
Naomi Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni of Ife held the 2019
edition of her annual Hosanna night at the Dome, Akure
in Ondo state.
Her husband, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi,
Ojaja II, not only honored her with his grand presence
at the service, but also prayed for her.
Queen Naomi is the Founder/President of En-Heralds,
an interdenominational ministry based in Akure, Ondo
State. She is said to have started public ministry at the
age of 18 and became a full time evangelist in October
2011.
Queen Moremi the Musical returns
The much anticipated play “Queen Moremi the musical”
makes a dynamic comeback this yuletide season. Created
by Princess Ronke Ademiluyi for the House of Oduduwa
Foundation, founded by His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Of Ife,
Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the stage play which promotes the
Yoruba culture with its richness and historic ancestral heritage
is set to sail again!
The previous editions showcased an
incredible combination of stage
performance, orchestra, cultural
exhibition and historical consciousness
all displayed in a compelling tale of an
African heroine, and the December 2019
edition promises to hold a more
thrilling, exciting and entertaining
display – indeed, the Ile-Ife Queen is
set to walk again in Lagos. Featuring
prolific and new actors, the musical
comeback is here to make an
astonishing statement as regards
history and stage play
excellence.
Celebrating the legacy of a
feminine hero, ‘Queen Moremi
the Musical’ is scheduled to
show at the prestigious
Lagos Continental Hotel,
Victoria Island, Lagos, from
the 24th of December 2019 till
the 2nd of January 2020,
initiating a platform for
everyone interested in
familiarizing themselves
with the core history of
Yoruba, Nigeria, and
Africa as a whole to
catch it live.
Sunday Dare’s new move
hope of the athletes is to be at the
Olympics or world championships,
to mount the podium, flying their
country’s flag. They want to be the
reason Nigeria’s flag is hoisted and
the National Anthem sung, while the
world watches.”
“The adoption programme is
our baby- all of us. By it, we
hope to change the narrative
about sports in Nigeria.
While what we are doing
here tonight has the feel of
a pilot programme to it...
I’m glad to inform you that
we are working with the
NESG to revolutionise
Nigeria’s sports sector,”
he said.
•Sunday
Past Olympians,
Dare
Nwankwo Kanu,
Falilat Ogunkoya,
O d u n a y o
Adekuoroye and
others, were also
present at the event,
while music acts - Dare
Art Alade and 9ice thrilled
everyone present.
•Princess Ronke
Ademiluyi
When Folajimi Ayodeji
and Tara Ojora tied the
knot
Last weeked, dignitaries and top socialites turned out in
their numbers, at the Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos,
to honour two prominent families whose children: Folajimi
Ayomikun Ayodeji - the son of Iranola and Ayotola Ayodeji;
and Temilade Omotara Ojora - the daughter of Adedapo and
Patricia Ojora had decided to spend the rest of their lives
together.
While the groom is the great grand child of the late former
Premier of Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the bride
is the grand daughter of boardroom guru, Otunba Adekunle
Ojora.
The day began with a cosy and private traditional wedding
ceremony. The very colourful traditional engagement
ceremony which had Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo in
attendance was glamorous with so much fanfare.
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and wife, Toyin;
Chief Rasak Okoya and wife, Folasade; Alhaji Aliko Dangote,
Hajia Bola Shagaya and many others were present at the
event.
Ezinne Nwazulu: Bridging the gap
It is said that getting the most out of life isn’t about how
much you keep for yourself, but how much you pour into
others. Managing Partner, 234Finance, Ezinne Nwazulu
through her annual Mentor Matchup Challenge is bridging
the practical knowledge gap, between the older generation
of successful entrepreneurs and millenials.
The 3rd edition of The Mentor Matchup Challenge which
held recently at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, focused on six
(6) sectors of the Nigerian economy – Agriculture,
Ecommerce & Retail, Food & Hospitality, Financial
Services, Logistics and Manufacturing.
The event kicked off with a panel discussion about “Failure
as a Roadmap to Success” and Tania Omotayo, Akintunde
Marinho, Richard Nnadi and Ferdinard Adimefe were the
panelists.
There were also speaker presentations on Digital
Marketing, Legal and Capital Raising by Adetutu
Adetumbi, Nnamdi Ekwem and Senami Johnson
respectively.
This was followed by the mentorship sessions. The mentors
in attendance include Vincent Egbe, Uche-Lotanna
Anajemba, Benedicta Ogar, Funmilayo Falola, Sheila Ojei.
The highlight of the event was the pitching segment in
which ten businesses across the six sectors of interest
pitched their business ideas to investors who judged the
pitches. Three businesses emerged as finalists; winning seed
funding from 234Finance’s network of investors, business
valuations by Meristem Capital, 1-year legal retainer by
Bloomfield Law and training slots in the Fintech Foundation
course offered by The Enterprise Innovation Hub of The
Nigerian Stock Exchange. Yogurmac Foods emerged as the
winner, Nwachinerem Farms the first runner up and KR
Foods the second runner up.
•Ezinne
Nwazulu

22—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019
By BENJAMIN NJOKU
08111813022
Naira Marley is
the most
controversial
artiste of 2019
Fast-rising singer and head of the
Marlian clan, Naira Marley
seriously thrived on controversy
throughout the greater part of 2019.
It all began after the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission,EFCC,
arrested him back in May, alongside
rapper, Zlatan Ibile, Rahman Jago,
Guccy Branch, and dragged him to
court on an 11-count charge
bordering on conspiracy,
possession of counterfeit cards
and fraud. While judicial
proceedings were on-going,
Naira Marley was busy
creating more troubles for him.
During one of the court sittings,
the controversial singer entered
the witness box with a long small
red bag, hanging across his left
shoulder down to his right waist. An
action that frustrated men of the
Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission as they prayed a
presiding judge to order `a red bag’
belonging to him be removed from
his possession in the dock. He has
hardly been let out of the hook, when
he sparked another controversy on
social media after he was declared
wanted by the Police over a car
theft. He, however, denied the
incident, saying he has better cars
than the one they claimed he stole.
But the dust raied by his action
was yet to settle down, when he
sparked another controversy after
he made post on Instagram,
disclosing that he charges N20million
per show and he made N60million
this week from Access Bank shows
alone.The singer made the revelation
while responding to a question from
one of his followers who had sought to
know how much he charges per show
after he shared photos of his expensive
cars. The music star took to his
Instagram page, where he shared a
photo of his three cars. “I don’t normally
do this, I don’t like flexing on people
•Igiaruwe
•Naira
Marley
that don’t have but y’all teaching me how
to show off… ALHAMDULILLAH
SHA,” he captioned the photo.
Meanwhile, following his controversial
nature, Marley got a strong-worded
query from one of his members after he
was accused of going against their code
of honour.
Fuji is my ginger
- Igiaruwe Jabaru
Ibrahim Balogun Jabaru a.k.a Igiaruwe,
is the latest Fuji exponent on the block.
One of the children of late Abdul Jabaru,
Igiaruwe is bent on taking the centre
stage as far as Fuji is concerned. He's
looking up to Fuji maestro like
Wasiu Ayinde as his mentor.
"Wasiu Ayinde is my father in
the industry and I'm learning
a lot from his music. It's not
easy but I know I can get
there by the grace of
God," he said.
Igiaruwe recalls how,
he delved into music,
saying "I started playing
music a long time ago. I started by
performing live at a car wash.
Igiaruwe, who's planning to drop his
album anytime from February, 2020
says his greatest challenge at the
moment is how to have a sponsor as
well as getting shows.
British singer, Benjiflow set to take
Nigerian music scene by storm
Says: Fela, KSA, Femi Kuti
influenced my music
One of the UK's most talented singers, Benjiflow is definitely longing to break
into the Nigerian music scene in 2020. And as a proof of this claim, the popular
singer was spotted at the Universal Music Group office, in Victoria Island, Lagos,
during the week, where he was in the studio recording his upcoming song.
The multi-instrumentalist and producer said he was in the country to network as
well as to promote his debut single, “Deep End.”
•Benjiflow
Tekno drops new single
to mark his birthday
Popular singer, Augustine Kelechi a.k.a. Tekno has
dropped his biggest single of 2019 titled “Suru,” to
mark his birthday. The Bauchi born songwriter and dancer
from Ebonyi State dropped the single
alongside a music video.
The video which was shot on the streets of Lagos Island
and directed by TG Omori “Boy Director,’’ is a vibrant
illustration of life, success, family, health and growth.
Produced by Blaise, the song uses an upbeat tempo to
communicate the artists’ emotions. It starts off with phrases
like “dead body no dey gbese, zombie no dey zanku…” to
highlight that only the living can
enjoy the things of life. Also
using phrases like “kilode
ooo… you can’t kill yourself…
dance makosa… you suppose
to dey thank God oo,” Tekno
emphasizes the importance of
being grateful regardless of the
situation.
The multi-talented
singer, songwriter
and producer who
has had a difficult
year, fighting
personal battles and
not giving up. He
uses this song to
remind his fans
that happiness is
free and there is a
need to constantly
be thankful for
life. With the new
release, Tekno
presents his fans
with a message of
•Tekno
love and hope,
urging them to
live life knowing
that tomorrow
will be better.
According to him, “you have to come back home to get your rhythm
right.”
Benjifow believes that Nigeria is the new rhythm of world
music, such that everyone would wants to be part of the success
story of the country's music industry. He reveals his plans to
collaborate with some Nigerian artistes in future.
Describing Nigeria as his second home, Benjiflow said the likes
of King Sunny Ade, Femi Kuti, Fela among others influenced his
music. “Yes, I want to break into the Nigerian music scene. I
have been several times and next year, I hope to be here more
regularly. I want do a lot of collaborations with Nigerian
artistes,”he said while in a chat with Showtime.
Benjiflow, however, acknowledged the heavy impact the African
music and indeed, Nigerian music is making across the
world. He noted that the country's music and artistes
are currently enjoying massive recognition not only
in the UK, but also, across the world. “Burna Boy,
Tiwa Savage and Wizkid are making great impact
worldwide,”he added.
The talented singer hit the limelight last year, after
releasing his debut single, "Deep End", an
impressive blend of vocals and energetic
percussion. He followed it up with the sequel,
"Can't Lose" that draws on a range of influences,
almost flamenco in tempo but unmistakably
British in spirit.
Benjiflow said the acceptance of his music
back in the UK is quite encouraging, even
though it's a departure from the norms.
“When I came out with “Deep End”, it was
not a song that is so common in London. They
expected a lot from me because it was
something that is out of the moment.
If you listen to my music, it's not
stucked in one genre. Rather, it's a
blend of many genres. That's why
you can see the drums, Afrobeat,
RnB and the melodies rolled into
one. Different influences and it's not
tailored to one genre,”he enthused.
Benji who comes from a music
background is said to have been
making waves in the North London
scene for a while. It all began when
he was introduced to popular
producer, Ragz at the age of 12.
Ragz is the mastermind behind
Mini Kingz, a fantastic British
rapper in his own right, and most
likely known to the mainstream as
a producer of three of the tracks of
Skepta’s Mercury-winning album
Konnichiwa. Ragz and Benji
initially bonded over music,
although at the time, they were
making very different-sounding
songs. The two drifted apart for a
while, taking individual paths in life,
but once they came back together,
the fit was just right, and resulted in
the songs that are “Deep End and
Can't Lose.”
Benji comes from an incredibly
musical family, where his aunties,
siblings, cousins, uncles and
parents are all musically inclined.
In fact, one of the reasons he never
took singing and playing
instruments seriously as a kid was
because he had so many talented
members of family, he didn’t even
deep his own talents. “Everybody in
my family sings. I grew up in a
household where if you don't sing,
you have yourself to blame. My dad
sings,mum sings and my siblings
and aunties all sing too. If I didn't
go into music, I probably wouldn't
have known what I would be doing
because there was no plan B. I was
born right into music. I had no
choice than to go into music,”Benji
said. He hopes to drop an EP to be
followed by a full album next year.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019 — 23
By AYO ONIKOYI 08052201215
onikoyi68@gmail.com
Sir Shina Peters, Tiwa Savage
headline Hennessy Artistry
10th anniversary concert
Legendary Afro Juju, Sir Shina Peters, Afro
Pop powerhouse diva, Tiwa Savage,
Olamide, Patoranking, Ice Prince,
Mayorkun, Wande Coal, Falz, Fireboy, and a
host of others, including top Deejay were all
part of the amazing line-up of stars that lit up
the Balmoral Convention Centre, Victoria
Island, on Saturday December 14th, 2019, for
the 10 th year anniversary of Hennessy Artistry
in Nigeria.
The night started with the crowning of
Laudreyes as the winner of the 6th edition of
the VS class competition, after a pulsating
hiphop battle with 6 other rappers from across
the country. It is interesting to note that
Laudreyes is the first female winner of the
competition in its new format. Laudreyes won
an undisclosed cash gift, an opportunity to
record two singles with an A-list producer of
her choice and a year mentorship with the
award- winning lyrical genius, Vector.
The concert was an expression of sounds that
shaped themusic and entertainment
culture for the last decade with a
specially
curated line-up of
artists, DJs
and hype men
•Seyi Shay
•Zlatan
Access The Stars : Seyi Shay,
Darey Art Alade shut down
Calabar as Onitsha beckons
ingers, Seyi
S Shay
and Darey Art Alade
were at their exhilarating
best when they took to
stage at the Old Parade
ground in Calabar on Friday,
the 13th of December after the
closing of the steaming hot
auditions for the Access The
Stars show at the Venetian
Arena earlier in the day.
Both stars had a great
time on stage as they
engaged the fans in
memorable sing-along
moments. The top five
selected talents from
the Calabar auditions
also made it a night to
remember as they sang their
hearts out in hopes of
impressing the judges. At
the end of the night, two
lucky contestants made
who took guests on a musical
journey. The line-up included
electrifying performances from
legends of the old and new school
as DJ Six7even accompanied by
Jerry Shaffer anchored
performances by Fireboy, Joeboy
and Rema. DJ Jimmy Jatt
accompanied by Jimmie the
entertainer took the crowd down
memory lane, and had guests
digging out old dance steps in
excitement, remember “Yahooze”?
The legendary maestro Sir Shina Peterd took
the stage to deliver classics. Durella reminded
fans why he is known as the King of the Zanga,
Sauce Kid’s performance was equally as
enthralling. DJ Factor heightened the guest’s
excitement, followed by performances from
Tiwa Savage, Ice Prince, Mayorkun, Wande
Coal and Mr Eazi. The concert ended with
unforgettable performances from Hennessy
Artistry headliners Falz, Patoranking and
Olamide. It was a long celebration of a decade
of a fine blend of activities and an excited
audience, whose buzz remained till the very
last act.
Zlatan, Mayorkun,
Oritsefemi to entertain
at GOtv Boxing Night 20
hree high-profile musical artistes, Zlatan Ibile,
TMayorkun and Oritsefemi are billed to perform
live at the 20 th edition of GOtv Boxing Night, tagged
“GOtv Boxing Night Musical Festival”. This was
announced by the organisers at a press conference in
Lagos on Thursday. The event is slated to hold on 28
December at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos.
Addressing journalists, Jenkins Alumona, CEO of
Flykite Productions, explained that the artistes have
been contracted to perform as a way of sustaining the
tradition of giving fans a total entertainment package
for the support they continue to give to the event. He
noted that the artistes have been carefully selected to
meet various musical tastes.
“We have a tradition of making the year-end edition of
GOtv Boxing Night a confluence of music and boxing.
Two years ago, we had had Falz,
Reekado Banks and Small
Doctor. Last year, we had Burna
Boy, Teni da Entertainer, Wande
Coal and Daddy Showkey. This
year, we are happy to have Zlatan,
Mayorkun and Oritsefemi, who
are on top of their game, agree to
light up the show. We are fusing
music with boxing as a gesture
of appreciation to the fans, who
have been the pillars of support
for this event since it debuted in
November 2014. What they
deserve is enormous fun and that
is what we will give them. It will
be a cracking show,” promised
Alumona.
it through to the next round, and
both stars were clearly elated after
being selected.
Seyi Shay, who has been
enjoying her time as a Judge on
the show, expressed her
expectation for the show’s next
outing in Onitsha - “Every city
we’ve visited has produced lots of
awe-inspiring moments. I know
Onitsha will not disappoint and I
can’t wait to meet some amazing
singers in the city.”
Access the Stars music reality
show is the brainchild of two
leading Nigerian brands -
Nigerian Breweries Plc and
Access Bank Plc to provide a
platform for budding singers to
harness their talents and truly get
a chance to shine alongside
Nigeria’s biggest stars. The show
will air on major entertainment
channels; Hip Tv, Africa Magic,
and Views Channel.
MTV Base Roundtable returns with
Top 20 Naija Artistes of 2019
By PRECIOUS NWOKOCHA
very year, MTV Base, home to
Etop music and entertainment
in Nigeria, brings together some
of the brightest minds in the
Nigerian music industry to decide
the biggest songs of the year under
review. This year, the channel is
switching things up a bit. Instead
of the biggest songs, the panelists
on the roundtable will be deciding
the Hottest Nigerian Artistes of
2019.
On the panel this year are 7
respected media personalities;
OAPs Moet Abebe, N6 and Awazi;
Mavin’s official DJ Big N; hype
man, Shoddy; Marketing & Sales
Manager Universal Music,
Nigeria, Akinizzle; Talent & Music
Manager, MTV Base, Alex
Hughes.
TRACE, Multichoice partners with dedicated gospel channel
T
RACE, the first destination
for the latest urban and afrourban
- celebrity news, music,
lifestyle, entertainment and
culture has partnered with
MultiChoice Nigeria to officially
launch their dedicated gospel
channel, TRACE Gospel across
the African continent on DStv
channel 332.
The dedicated channel will
showcase the best of local and
international gospel with music
videos from various sub-genres
•MTV Base Roundtable 2019 Panelists
that include Contemporary
Gospel, Urban Gospel,
Worship Gospel and Traditional
Gospel. The channel will be
available on DStv Confam,
Compact, Compact Plus and
Premium packages. These
customers will also be able to
enjoy their favourite gospel
content anytime, anywhere on
DStv Now.
“Having TRACE Gospel on
DStv platform is part of our
•Sir Shina Peters
performing on stage
•Tiwa Savage
on stage
It’s been a phenomenal year for
Nigerian music and artistes. Burna
Boy won an MTV EMA, a BET
Award and recently got a Grammy
nod, Yemi Alade became the first
African female artiste to hit the 100
million view mark on YouTube,
Davido and Wizkid both sold out
the O2 Arena and new kid-on-theblock
Rema made it to Barack
Obama’s 2019 Summer Playlist.
These and other major milestones
in the industry, guarantees this
year’s edition of The MTV Base
Roundtable is going to be very
heated and controversial.
The criteria for choosing which
artistes make it into the very
coveted Top 20 list includes airplay,
chart ranking, influence,
collaboration and general visibility
amongst others.
ongoing commitment to
bringing a wide variety of the
best in local and international
content that touches the lives
of our viewers” says
MultiChoice Nigeria, CEO
John Ugbe. “The addition of
this channel onto our platform
will ensure that our customers
are exposed to even more
entertainment options for their
families, giving more value this
festive season.”

24—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019
11-yr-old girl raped,
infected with sexually
transmitted disease
•Reveals how truck driver defiled her, other girls
•He raped my daughter because he couldn’t
have me- victim’s mother
•I did not rape them— suspect
By Evelyn Usman
He usually sent me on errand. On
arrival, he would throw me on his
bed and lie on me. Thereafter, he
would tell me to leave”.
These were the exact words of an
11-year-old girl (names withheld) who was allegedly
defiled by a 42-year-old truck driver, Ismaila Jimoh,
at Folk Awewo street in Ejigbo area of Lagos.
Her confession was made during an interrogation
to ascertain how she contacted a sexually transmitted
disease.
Her mother was said to have perceived an unusual
foul odour emanating from the discharge from her
vagina. Upon interrogation, she revealed how the
suspect who has two wives, slept with her in his
one-room apartment. She further alleged that the
suspect also defiled a girl within same age bracket
with same day and time. The matter was reported at
the Ejigbo Police division, consequent upon which
the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Olabisi Okuwobi,
ordered his arrest.
Although the suspect denied the allegation but
the victims insisted he violated them. During the
argument, the name of another girl who is also 11
years old was mentioned as victim too.
Asked why the girls did not disclose the deed to
their parents, they said they were scared, adding
that thy were under strict instruction not to reveal it
to anyone.
One of the women burst into tears and held the
suspect by the shirt accusing him of defiling her
daughter because he could not get through to her.
She said, “he has been wooing me and I told him
I was not interested. Instead of him to satisfy his
sexual urge on his wives, he decided to take
on my daughter. God will judge you”.
But when confronted, the suspect denied
wooing the woman. Rather he accused her
of giving him the green light.
According to Jimoh, a father of five, “this
is a set up. The main girl said I slept with
her in December 2018. They came to me to
say they saw discharge on her two days
ago. How is it possible for the semen to be
on her since last year? Why would I even
sleep with her in the first place. The other
girls are also lying. Yes, I used to send
them on errands but I have never molested
any of them sexually. I have my own children
and two wives. I bought things for them
anytime I returned from any trip. When one
of the parents confronted me, I was advised
not to say anything but just watch them. You just
see for yourself, how can my big manhood penetrate
these girls?
“The woman who said that I wooed her is also
telling lies. She usually begged me to give her money
and I have been giving her. At times she would
send her daughter to come for the money and I
would give her my ATM card to go and make some
withdrawals. She stopped coming herself after my
wife warned her to stop disturbing me. I don’t have
anything to do with her.
“Two days ago, she even told me she needed money
to stock her shop. They are only trying to rope me.
I was not told what my offence was until I was
brought to the police station”.
Asked why he usually sent the girls on errand
when he had his own children, he replied, “My
children usually stayed with their mother in her
shop when they come back from school”.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP
Elkana Bala, said investigation was still
ongoing.
•Suspect
Yuletide: Lagos residents form vigilante over live
•Foil attempt to steal goat, arrest suspect
By Evelyn Usman
Funny as it may sound, some
residents of Igando, Akesan, Egan
and environs in Alimosho Local
Government Area of the State have
deliberately deprived themselves of sleep,
just to keep watch over their live stock.
This followed cases of reported
disappearance of some of their domestic
animals which were reared for the
purpose of selling them this season.
One of the residents who spoke with
Crime Guard, Mrs Gboyega Ajiboye,
said, “my family depends on this business
for survival. We rear chickens, goats,
ducks and pigs, just like other families.
But we noticed that whenever festive
period like this is approaching, these live
stock would be disappearing. Even if you
put mark of identification on them, you
can’t identify yours if you find it among
others in the market because the thief
would have cleaned the marks on them.
Most times, they would steal as many as
50 fowls from our community and take
them elsewhere to sell at give away prices.
When this continued this year, we
decided to create vigilante team to guard our live stock
We rotated the watch days among us”.
The idea seemed to have paid off, as attempt by a six
man gang which stormed the area to steal some liv
stock was foiled. While five members of the gan
managed to escape and forced to release some of th
stolen animals, one of them was not that lucky as h
was apprehended with a stolen goat belonging t
a resident identified as Wasiu Adamson.
The goat which was said to be worth N50,00
according to the owner, would have been sold a
low as N20,000 or N15,000 had the operation bee
successful.
Another resident said , “We were made t
understand that the robbers usually spraye
powdery substance that would put the animals t

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019—25
•Victim on hospital bed
.
-
e
g
ee
o
0
s
n
o
d
o
50-yr-old okada victim
spends 4 months in hospital
•How victim was abandoned to die, rejected by hospital
•Financial constraint hampers third surgery
•Please help raise money for her treatment — only child cries out
By Evelyn Usman
She laid on one of the beds in Ward E3 at the
Lagos University Teaching Hospital,
LUTH, in Idi-Araba area of Lagos, staring
at the visitors that came to check on her.
One could hardly hear her speak as she
attempted to respond to a question posed by her only child,
on how she felt. This was because she was placed on
Tracheotomy tube following her inability to breath through
her nose. As she muttered the response in an inaudible tone,
tears flowed through her cheeks.
This was the state of 50-year-old Modupe Olakinye, a
single parent who was knocked down by a motorcyclist on
August 27, 2019, at Jakande Gate, in Oke-Afa, Ejigbo area
of Lagos.
The hair stylist had left her house in the company of her
only child, Simisola, who was going for a job interview.
Before leaving the house, she offered a prayer of success
and favour for her daughter who had just completed her
National Youth Service and accompanied her to the busstop
where she boarded a bus to the interview location.
Thereafter, she proceeded to get some ingredients with
which to cook for her aged parents who lived with her. But
she ended up not fulfilling that obligation, no thanks to a
motorcyclist who drove against the traffic and in the process,
hit her while she was crossing to the other side of the road.
.
She hit her head on the culvert and lost consciousness.
Soon, she became a spectacle as sympathisers clustered
round her, giving divergent suggestions but none made any
attempt to rush her to the hospital.
Crime Guard gathered that while the unproductive debate
on the dying woman by onlookers was ongoing, some of
them concluded she was dead as she was bleeding through
the nose, mouth and ear.
She was reportedly in that state until a good Samaritan,
a woman accompanied by her daughter, rushed her to
Westly hospital, in Orilowo Ejigbo area where she was
administered first aid and referred to the Isolo General
Hospital.
Crime Guard was informed that at Isolo General hospital,
she was rejected, on the ground that there were no equipment
to treat the severe multiple head injuries on her.
Family members said after much persuasion and plea,
the hospital administered first aid on her before she was
referred to LUTH.
Her younger brother, Mr Wale Olakinye, who has been
shuttling between the hospital and home, with the patient’s
daughter, disclosed that “She spent three days at the
emergency centre of LUTH. On the first day she was given
stock theft
sleep during operation. That is why when they
would be taking them away, there won’t be any
noise “.
The 23-year-old suspect, Fatai Yaya, was then
handed over to the Police at Igando division from
where he was charged to court for conspiracy and
stealing.
He however pleaded not guilty to the charge and the
prosecutor, Mr Simeon Njue, asked the court to fix a
date for hearing, to enable the Police prove that he
committed the offence.
The presiding Magistrate, T.O Shomade, granted the
suspect bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in
like sum.
But he was remanded in prison custody pending
when he would meet the bail conditions while the
matter was adjourned till January 8,2020.
some treatment that would sustain her. Series of tests
like brain scan, chest scan to the tune of N56,000 were
carried out. The result revealed that she had internal
bleeding in the left side of her brain. We were told that
an emergency surgery had to be done in order to extract
the blood. It took us two days before we could raise
N295,000 for the surgery.
After the surgery, she was supposed to be moved to
the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) but there was no bed
space. We were advised to take her to a private ICU
outside LUTH because of the emergency nature of her
case.
The least ICU we could get was N750, 000 for five
days and because of the financial constraint, we decided
to wait for space at the ICU in LUTH. She was moved
to the recovery room, where she spent 11 days before
we could raise money and secure a space at the ICU in
LUTH.
“We deposited N265, 000 for the first five days at the
ICU. The ICU charged N50, 000 per day while
ventilator for breathing (life support) is N53, 000 per
day.
She was placed on ventilator for 37 days and spent
57 days in ICU.
The second surgery was done during her stay at the
ICU before she was moved to the ward”,he said.
While the single parent was still being observed in
the ward, her relatives were informed by doctors that
she would need to undergo a third surgery to correct
the blockage in the pipe that connects the nostril and
the lungs. This surgery according to the hospital, would
cost N900, 000 including the flight fare.
Since the announcement was made two weeks ago,
the family said it had been running everywhere to raise
the amount but without any luck. Her younger brother
said that they were already in debt as the amount so far
spent for treatment was borrowed from friends and
relatives.
The patient’s only child, Simisola, therefore, called
on well meaning Nigerians to come to her mother’s
aid. Describing her mother as a rock that had stood by
her since she was a year old, she said, “my mother is all
I have got. I am appealing to Nigerians to please come
to her rescue by assisting us raise the amount needed
for the third surgery.
We had plans to celebrate Christmas in our own little
way but this incident has caused us more than what we
bargained for. Presently, she can’t breathe through her
nose. We still have the pharmacy, the ICU, the blood
bank and the ward bills to offset, which is about
N4.2million
So far, we have spent N1.1 million and still need 5.5
million to handle the bills. Nigerians, please come to
my mother’s assistance, don’t allow her to die” , she
pleaded in tears.
•During the free medical outreach
WAR AGAINST CANNABIS:
•How Cannabis merchants opened fire on NDLEA officials
•Traditional ruler arrested, ed, 181.2 .2 tons of cannabis recovered
•Substance stored inside jerricans to beat security
By Evelyn Usman
Cannabis production is considered illegal in Nigeria , yet the nation is
said to be a major source of West African-grown cannabis and also
ranked among the world’s highest consumer countries.
Its cultivation in the country has not only spread rapidly but its abuse by
individuals has become a major concern owing to its devastating effect on
the psyche of most people.
Aside its abuse by users, investigation has revealed that cannabis is also
used by rapists to sedate unsuspecting ladies, either by adding some into
their food as vegetable or by adding some quantity into their drinks.
Determined to check its abuse, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,
NDLEA launched operation Thunder Strike, an exercise aimed at taking the
war against cannabis cultivation to forests especially in Ondo and Edo states
where cannabis is cultivated.
This paid off as the anti narcotic agency intercepted 181.2 tons of Cannabis
in a forest at Ala community, Ondo state, Wednesday.
The substance which was concealed in bags was stocked in three different
warehouses, for onward transportation to other parts of the country and beyond.
To beat security checks, it was also concealed in jerricans to make it look like
palm oil.
Crime Guard gathered that out of 12, 078 bags of the illicit drug discovered
in the three warehouses, 16 bags weighing 240 kilograms were taken to the
agency for the purpose of prosecution.
In addition, 730 sacks of Cannabis seeds weighing 21.9 tons were recovered
and destroyed by burning. The Agency also stated that it recovered two single
barrel guns and expended cartridges.
But the feat did not come easy as some merchants were said to have opened
fire on NDLEA operatives as well as some soldiers whose services were employed
as back up to the hot spot.
Explaining how the warehouses were uncovered, the agency’s Principal
Staff Officer, Public Affairs, Mr Jonah Schema, said, “in an end-of-the year
clean-up of drug malfeasance in the areas bordering Ondo and Edo States, the
Agency embarked on ‘Operation Thunder-strike IV’, a week-long combing of
the forests in the areas notorious for cannabis crop cultivation.
“The intelligence-driven counter narcotic campaign led to the seizure of
several tons of Cannabis already harvested and heaped for onward movement
to the illicit drug markets. Not fewer than 14.3 tons of the illicit drug crop were
recovered from six camps raided by the operatives.
“Uzebba and Ukpoji-Ihkin, two communities in Owan West LGA in Edo
State, bordering Ondo State which are notorious for the cultivation of Cannabis
were the first to receive the beam light of the well-studded operatives.
“A 51 year-old title holder in Uzebba, who is a notable cannabis merchant
suspected to be the mastermind of the killing of NDLEA personnel earlier in
the year was apprehended during the operation. In an attempt to resist
arrest, his gang opened fire, injuring some of the operatives.
“A reinforcement of NDLEA and Army personnel stormed Ivbiodeohen
forest in Uzebba where five different warehouses were raided with at least
two tons of cannabis destroyed. One Ojeagbese Asabiya, 66, was arrested in
a deserted locality where several Cannabis nursery and transplant farms
were discovered and destroyed. Eight locally fabricated guns and several
rounds of ammunition were recovered from the spots. Six locally fabricated
Cannabis compressing machines were also recovered from the Camp.
“At Uteh, near Ifon in Ondo State, the operation lasted twenty hours as the
operatives invaded and ransacked the Ajobieye forest, Owo Local Government
Area leading to the destruction by burning of 1, 225 bags of Cannabis sativa,
weighing 12. 3 tons. A total of 174.5 kilograms and sample of fresh plants
were brought to the office for prosecution purposes.
Over 2000 women, children get
free medical care, food items
By Esther Onyegbula & Joseph Igboba
practical demonstration of Christmas as a season to show love to different
A categories of persons was witnessed at Abijo community in Ajah area of
Lagos, as Nigerians irrespective of their tribes, religion and class, trooped
out of their homes to partake of a free medical outreach organised by the
Anglican Church of Transformation.
Aside the free medical outreach which entailed free check up, medicines
and counselling sections, beneficiaries also went home with food items,
beverages to celebrate Christmas. In addition, free legal advice was given to
those who had legal issues and where necessary, they were provided with
lawyers that would stand for them in court.
While the beneficiaries awaited their turns, noodles was prepared and served
to nursing and pregnant women and the children. Also, cloths and shoes
were distributed while exercise books were given to school children.
The church’s annual medical rhapsody which is in its fifth edition, was
themed ‘ Great Joy in the City’. Its essence according to Chairman of the
Committee Abijo for Christ, Mr Fakolujo Oluyemi, “is to follow the
commandment of Jesus Christ and the greatest commandment in the Bible
- love the Lord your God and love your neighbour as yourself. What we are
doing today is a demonstration of our love to our neighbours”.
Explaining further, Oluyemi, noted that the outreach had been on for five
years, adding that as the year progressed, “it gets bigger and bigger. And
because it has become bigger, we now have challenge of funds. We want to
increase our partnership base so that many people can be involved.
“Over the years the program has been impactful especially on children, as
most of them have ended up becoming members of the church and a lot of
them have received Christ because of the love we extended to the community.”
On her part, the Women Head, Anglican Church of Transformation Abijo,
Mr Nengi-Kiri Wakama aka Mama yard, said, “we are having an increase
in terms of attendance and since we started, this is the outreach with the
largest turn out.

26—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019
CANCER
Swallowing
problems...
Warning signs you
shouldn’t ignore
Adiagnosis of cancer could be devastating, but cancer doesn’t
happen or occur accidentally. Your body usually gives warning
signs long before you realize something is wrong. Tbi had like a new
spot on your skin or one that changes size, shape, or colour could all
be a sign of skin cancer.
If you have any unusual marks, swelling or bleeding, or any of the
signs below, see your doctor for an exam.
Nagging cough
If you don’t smoke, a nagging cough is unlikely to be a sign of
cancer. But if it doesn’t go away or you cough up blood, go for a chest
X-ray to check for lung
cancer.
Breast changes
Most breast changes are
not cancer. It’s still
important, though, to have
them checked out. Any
lumps, nipple changes or
discharge, redness or
thickening, or pain in your
breasts should be
investigated. You may need
to do a mammogram, MRI,
or a biopsy.
Bloating
You may have a full,
bloated feeling because of
your diet or even stress. But
if it doesn’t get better or you
also have fatigue, weight
loss, or back pain, have it
checked out. Constant
bloating in women may be a
sign of ovarian cancer. A
pelvic exam can help check
for the cause.
Problems with urination
Many men have urinary
issues as they get older.
Things like the need to go
more often, leaks, or a weak
stream, usually, are signs of
an enlarged prostate, but
they could also mean
prostate cancer. An exam
and maybe a special blood
test called a PSA test are
ideal here.
Swollen lymph nodes
If you have swellings from
the small, bean-shaped
glands in your neck,
armpits, and other places in
your body, it often means
you’re fighting an infection,
but some cancers like
lymphoma and leukemia can
also cause this kind of
swelling.
Blood in stools
If you see blood after using
the toilet, it’s not a good
sign. Bloody stool is likely to
come from swollen, inflamed
veins called hemorrhoids,
but there’s a chance it could
be colon cancer. Blood in
your urine could be a
urinary tract infection, but it
may be kidney or bladder
cancer.
Testicle changes
A lump or swelling in
the testicles is abnormal.
A painless lump is the
most common sign of
testicular cancer. A
physical exam of the area
and use an ultrasound
scan can detect if it’s a
tumour or another
•Changes in breast size
•Strange
swellings
arround the
body
problem.
Trouble swallowing
The common cold, acid
reflux, or even some
medicine can make it hard to
swallow once in a while. If it
doesn’t get better with time,
see your doctor. It can also
be a sign of cancer of
the throat or gullet
(esophagus). An exam
and some tests like a
barium X-ray, may be
necessary..
Unusual vaginal
bleeding
Bleeding that’s not
part of your usual
period can have many
causes, like fibroids or
even some types of birth
control. See your doctor
if you’re bleeding
A painless
lump is the
most
common
sign of
testicular
cancer
between periods, after sex, or
have bloody discharge. It could
be cancer of the uterus, cervix,
or vagina. Be sure to tell the
doctor if you are bleeding after
menopause. That’s not normal
and should be checked out
right away.
Mouth issues
Woman using breath
freshener.
From bad breath to canker
sores, most changes in your
mouth aren’t serious. But if you
have white or red patches or
sores in your mouth that don’t
heal after a couple of weeks—
especially if you smoke—see
your doctor. It may be a sign of
oral cancer. Other things to look
for: a lump in your cheek,
trouble moving your jaw, or
mouth pain.
Unexplained weight loss
You can slim down when you
change the way you eat or
exercise or when you have
stress or a thyroid problem. But
it’s not normal to lose weight
rapidly without trying. There’s
a chance it could be a first sign
of cancer of the pancreas,
stomach, esophagus, lung, or
other type of cancer.
Recurrent fever
A fever isn’t usually a bad
thing. Sometimes it’s just a sign
that your body is fighting an
infection or a side effect of some
medicines. But one that won’t
go away and doesn’t have an
obvious cause could be a sign
of a blood cancer like leukemia
or lymphoma.
Heartburn or indigestion
Almost everyone has this
burning feeling sometimes,
often because of their diet or
stress. If lifestyle changes don’t
work and your indigestion
doesn’t stop, your doctor may
want to do some tests to look for
a cause. It could be a sign of
stomach cancer.
Fatigue
A lot of things can make you
very tired, and most of them
aren’t serious. But fatigue is
one early sign of some cancers,
like leukemia. Some colon and
stomach cancers can cause
invisible blood loss which can
make you feel very tired. Go for
a check up.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2019—27
Celebration jollof rice
For Mrs. Evelyn Orji, a
business woman in
Sango area of Ogun state,
eating rice during this
Christmas season will be
difficult. No thanks to the
hike in price of rice. Telling
her story on how she would
manage the little resources
within her reach to celebrate
the festive period, Mrs. Orji
explained that, cooking rice
for her children will be a
difficult journey to embark
on.
According to her, “Rice is
very expensive in Nigeria
and that is why it is very
impossible to talk about rice
let alone buying it for the
children to eat during the
festive season. Imagine,
buying a bag of rice for N27,
000 which was the same
amount used to buy 2bags
last year. I do not know where
to state and I am pretty sure
that, many families will be
facing this same problem in
Nigeria as we speak.
“For me, I have decided to
substitute rice for yam. So,
this festive period, we will be
preparing pounded yam and
soup or yam porridge with
some chickens, our
Christmas is secured. I will
not bother myself on rice”,
she said.
The truth is that, Mrs. Orji
is not the only one with this
notion. Average Nigerian
families will probably be
opting for other foodstuffs
instead of rice.
Christmas is at the corner
and one wonders if there will
be any miracle before
December 25, perhaps, the
price of rice might drop for
Nigerian families to be able
to buy and cook for their
loved ones.
Can any miracle reverse the
price of rice? Would there be
new rice? Perhaps, Nigerians
would be forced to eat other
foods or celebrate the
Christmas without rice. The
question therefore is, how
possible is it for Nigerians to
celebrate Christmas without
rice?
Although rice is a staple
food in most Nigerian homes,
even without festive season,
Nigerians shop for rice
because it is easy to cook,
durable and cost effective.
With so many brands of rice
in the market, it is simple for
Nigerians to opt for as many
as they needed.
And during festive season,
some families would even
send bags of rice to their
loved ones in the village. The
same way they are hoping to
celebrate this Christmas.
Unfortunately, hike in price
of rice especially with the
border closure has caused
Borders remain shut
most homes to stay out of
rice. Some of them according
to investigation are now
looking in the direction of
potatoes, yam, plantains, and
spaghetti among others to
celebrate the season. For
them, nothing spoils.
And for those who use rice
as gift to reach out to less
privilege in the society, there
is already an alternative.
Yam, beans and spaghetti,
noodles among others are
already in the pipeline.
Today in Nigeria, the cost
of buying a bag of rice can
be used to buy many items
to celebrate the season.
One of the major factors of
And for those who
use rice as gift to
reach out to less
privilege in the
society, there is
already an
alternative. Yam,
beans and
spaghetti, noodles
among others are
already in the
pipeline.
A Christmas without rice,
Nigerians lament
Ebunoluwa Sessou,
Florence Amagiya &
Blessing Chukwuneke
President Buhari
this problem is the border
closure which has allegedly
hiked the price of rice. Even
the so-called local rice
according to Nigerians is
expensive to buy.
Speaking with Mrs. Orji on
why she prefers other
foodstuffs to rice this season,
she said, “Considering the
fact that one would have to
forfeit one to two months
salaries to purchase a bag of
rice, my husband as a salary
earner is not ready to forfeit
his salary because of a bag
or rice or even half bag,
therefore, it is wise to live
within our means.
“Nigerians love rice for all
occasions. It is a family meal.
Rice is cooked at weddings,
naming ceremonies and
birthdays among others. In
fact, no occasion is complete
without a pot of jollof rice,
white rice and stew, coconut
rice or fried rice. But, it is a
pity that we have to celebrate
this season without rice”, she
lamented.
For Mrs. Rita, a trader in
Ibeju Lekki, substituting
foreign rice for local rice is
the agenda for this season. “I
have ordered for local rice
from the East”.
A banker, Mrs Jonah
Gloria, who resides in Mile
2 told WW that, opting for
swallow is the best option for
this season. For her swallow
is the new rice. “I don’t enjoy
rice and I thank God. I prefer
swallow to any good food
anytime. Border closure or
not, the outcome is still the
same as previous years, the
only difference is that
nowadays is the price of
foodstuffs”, she said.
For an IT expert in Lagos,
Mr. Mathew Abiodun,
substituting rice for fufu is
the best thing at this season.
“High cost of things in
Nigeria today is worrisome
even our staple food is
suffering and Nigerians are
suffering the aftermath of the
hike in price of rice. For me,
I cannot kill myself, if I do
not celebrate the season with
rice, nothing will happen to
me. I have moved on”, he
said.
In the same way, Sarah
Shaye is experiencing fear
that, this Christmas might be
well celebrated because
some families might not be
cooking rice in their homes.
“Christmas is a beautiful
season of thanksgiving spent
with family and friends. It is
a season where love and
giving is at its peak. But I fear
for this season if the average
Nigerian can give rice to his
family or his friends. As for
me; l would make swallow for
my family or well wishers
when they visit me on
Christmas day.
“Rice has always been the
food we cook for every festive
season but as we cannot even
buy local rice in Nigeria
these days; we are left with
eating other available food”,
she frowned.
Franka Omo explained that,
“Christmas for me is not
about the rice but about the
heart. “What we eat that day
does not matter. Even though
rice is our staple food and it
would have been better if
Nigerians can afford it in this
season; it would not mean
that Christmas would not
happen because there is no
rice. Jesus Christ is the
reason for the season and l
think we should concentrate
on the reason.
In her contribution, Amara told
WW that she will be celebrating
her birthday during the
Christmas season, so she has
decided to opt for fish on that day.
“I will be preparing fish soup on
Christmas day. It is my birthday
and l had decided what to do. But
if l have so much money; I would
have loved to give back to the
society by buying rice and
sharing it amongst my
neighbours.
Other people who spoke on the
issue noted that the hike in price
of rice did not bother them as
they will be celebrating the day
with plenty of rice among their
family members.

28—Vanguard, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2019
Eulogizing Solanke, in her book, ‘The Trailblazer’
By Ebunoluwa Sessou
It was an atmosphere of joy at
the public presentation of the
book in celebration of the Chief
Folake Solanke, SAN, CON,
the first Lady Senior Advocate
of Nigeria, recently as friends,
colleagues and well wishers
gathered to celebrate the
trailblazer for her steadfastness
and intelligence, brain and
beauty.
Her book titled, ‘Trailblazer’
as published by legal
Magnates International was
used to illustrate her work and
activities as the Nigeria’s first
female lawyer to be conferred
with the highest rank of Senior
Advocate of Nigeria which is the
equivalent of the rank of
Queen’s Counsel in Canada
and the United Kingdom.
According to the book,
“Solanke is a woman of great
accomplishments appointed in
1972 as the first female cabinet
member of the then western
Nigeria, and the first and only
female chairperson of the then
Chief Folake Solanke, SAN, CON, in the middle cutting the cake with the students of Methodist Girls
High school, Yaba, Lagos. Chief Solanke was one of the old girls of the school
Western Nigeria Government
Broadcasting Corporation. In
March 1981, she became the
first female lawyer to be
conferred with the prestigious
rank of Senior Advocate of
Nigeria, SAN. She is among 20
female lawyers to be conferred
as SAN among 545 lawyers
appointed as SAN among
105,000 Nigerian lawyers.
“She remains a source of pride
not only to Nigeria and Nigerian
women but also for Africa and
the world.
In another context, the book
as X-rayed by Legal Magnates
International explained how
women over the years
especially in African have been
tactically sidelined in decision
making. The book also
showcases Solanke as a
Solanke
Nigerian woman who has made
ground-breaking and inspiring
achievements in her field.
“All over the world, men have
traditionally been at the
forefront of family, legal and
political affairs with little or no
leadership roles given to
women.
“The continent of Africa is
particularly a sad story.
Tackling gender equality with culture and art – British envoy
By Chris Onuoha
”Over recent decades, across the
world, there’s been a boom in the
creative industries, a recognition
that festivals, fairs and exhibitions,
as well as music, film theatre and
visual arts can contribute
significantly to economic
prosperity and as well, a veritable
tool to tackle gender equality in the
society,” says Ms. Harriet
Thompson, British Deputy High
Commissioner to Nigeria as she
speaks at the Ben Enwonwu
Distinguished Annual Lecture held
in Lagos.
Her Excellency, Ms. Harriet
Thompson was the keynote speaker
at the well attended event alongside
other special guests that include,
Her Royal Highness, Erelu Abiola
Dosunmu; Professor Bruce
Onobrakpeya; Kolade Oshinowo
and Allan Davies who made up
panel of discussants on the topical
issues. The event was moderated by
Tunde Arogunmati, Associate
Director, Enwonwu Foundation
while Oliver Enwonwu, Executive
Director, Enwonwu Foundation
delivered the welcome address.
Delivering her notes that hinged
on the theme: “Art: An Instrument
for Peace, Conflict Resolution and
Socio-Economic Transformation”,
Thompson stressed that; “Over the
same period, we have come to
understand and recognised the
place of art and culture in
revitalising urban centres and
healing communities or
neighbourhoods afflicted by
violence or poverty. We began to
think differently about the
relationship between art, heritage,
culture and economy. In the UK,
we gave a huge boost to people’s
ability to engage with the arts, by
introducing free entry to many of
our galleries and museums.”
She however noted that across the
world, people began to look again
at the links between culture and
health, culture and education,
culture and citizenship - looking at
culture not as a separate issue
alongside other day-to-day aspects
of life, but as an inalienable
•Ms. Harriet Thompson, British Deputy High
Commissioner to Nigeria, guest speaker at
Ben Enwonwu Distinguished
Lecture 2019
dimension of all aspects of our lives
as individuals and as communities.
According to her; “Culture is
clearly central – for good or for ill
– to many aspects of social
development too. Cultural
practices, local customs and values
are an inalienable part of society,
inextricably woven through every
aspect. We know, for example,
how much bigger the global
economy would be – how many
people that additional wealth
could lift out of poverty – if women
were able to play a full role in
society and the economy. And
equally we know that the reasons
for women not playing that full
role are long held, cultural values
and norms that will take many
years to change.
That’s true right across the world,
not just here in Nigeria. But just
thinking about Nigeria, the reality
is, if I were Nigerian, my husband
would likely be standing here in my
place. And so
those cultural
values and norms
must change.
Not because I
as British Deputy
H i g h
Commissioner
think they should,
but because
those values and
norms are
holding Nigeria
back.”
Continuing,
she said; “But
just as culture can
hold back
And equally we
know that the
reasons for
women not
playing that full
role are long
held, cultural
values and
norms that will
take many
years to
change.
From left: Kolade Oshinowo; HRH, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu; Prof Bruce Onobrakpeya; Ms.
Harriet Thompson, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria and Allan Davies, a veteran
Architects
change, culture and arts can equally
support change, here in Nigeria
and across the world. On a very
basic level, there are many
examples of traditional arts and
crafts being used for poverty
alleviation – I would suggest a form
of economic transformation,
perhaps the most important – as
people are supported to turn time
honoured traditions into small
enterprises, and, when it is women
producing these works, as is often
the case, gender inequality is also
tackled.”
“But looking a little deeper,
engagement with the arts has the
potential to change each one of us,
on a personal, individual level, not
only affecting our moods and
attention span, but also promoting
better self-awareness and better
social knowledge. There are
many and varied studies that
demonstrate, for example, how a
knowledge of music increases the
capacity for reasoning, how theatre
can teach us how to interpret
complex situations or the motivations
of our fellow human
beings. Regular contact with the
arts help develop our ability for
critical thinking, to recognise others,
to think differently, to imagine new
realities or solutions to age old
problems. Engagement with the
arts helps develop empathy,
encourages people to look at things
from new perspectives, and to
understand others better. Even to the
non-expert, it is clear how important
these things are for building stronger
societies and, after times of trouble,
building peace.
“Then moving from the individual
to society: throughout history art has
been used as a means of raising
awareness, changing behaviours, and
critiquing aspects of society, politics
or leadership. This is the prime
opportunity for me to mention Fela
Kuti, as famous for his scathing
attacks on the regime of the time as
he was for being the pioneer of
Afrobeat. Less controversially,
organisations like Julie’s Bicycle in
the UK, and Five Cowries in Nigeria
use art to raise awareness of issues
such as climate change, sustainable
development and education, and
ultimately to encourage people to
change their behaviours. From the
murals in Belfast, in my country, to
the paintings under Falomo Bridge
Ikoyi, Lagos, this is art in action, not
just something to be looked at in airconditioned
buildings.”
She however, mentioned that,
“Gender equality, as you’ll have
gathered, is a subject close to my
heart. In my time in Nigeria, I have
been lucky enough to collaborate with
the Female Artists Association of
Nigeria, exhibiting work by members
to highlight the continuing inequality
between the genders here in
Nigeria. The theme is carried
through to film, for example Up
North, which is great fun, but at the
same time helps raise awareness of
the challenges faced by the average
girl child in northern Nigeria. And
in theatre, we see wonderful
productions such as ‘Hear Word’,
which raise awareness of the day to
day challenges that mean, many
women remain excluded from
aspects of social, political and
economic participation in Nigeria.
Put simply, this is not ok. And again,
it’s not that it’s not ok just in my
own personal opinion – it’s that it’s
not ok for Nigeria.”

Vanguard, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2019—29
Women, children, disabled, mostly victims
of torture; accused of witchcraft —WHIRN Director
...as witch-hunters use it to exploit, manipulate people
By Elizabeth Uwandu
More often than not,
alleged victims of
witchcraft have been
subjected to torture, abuse
and most times excommunication
by the
community who perceived
them to be evil. However,
a non-governmental
organization, NGO,
Witchcraft and Human
Rights Information
Network, WHRIN, is set to
change the narrative by
giving a voice to people
accused of witchcraft.
In an exclusive interview
with Vanguard, the
Campaign Director,
WHIRN Leo Igwe speaks
on the activities of the
organisation; the recent
UNN conference on
witchcraft and other
issues. Excerpt
Tell us about WHIRN
It is a non-governmental
organisation that
highlights and
documents human rights
abuses that are linked to
manifestations of witchcraft
beliefs. One of our major
campaigns at the moment is to
get the United Nations to pass
a resolution against such
abuses. WHRIN has an online
petition, the witch way forward
campaign, which interested
persons could sign up to at
www.whrin.org.
What informed the creation
of the organization?
Combating pervasive abuses
of alleged witches including
elderly women, children and
people living with disabilities
informed the establishment of
WHRIN. Too often those who
believe in witchcraft attack,
torture and murder alleged
witches. Witch hunters exploit
and manipulate people with
impunity. Exposing these
shady undertakings is part of
WHRIN’s mission
What do you hope to change
about the notion of witchcraft
in Africa and in Nigeria in
particular?
First, we wants to break the
silence over the plight and
predicament of alleged witches
at local and international levels.
Second WHRIN hopes to
change the attitude of
Nigerians and Africans
towards witchcraft, from an
object that is feared to
Leo Igwe addressing a community on witchcraft
phenomenon that is
understood and adequately
situated. Or better still,
WHRIN wants Nigerians and
Africans to understand that
witchcraft is a form of myth and
superstition.
How do you feel about
Nigerians' reaction to the
proposed Witchcraft
conference in UNN, Nsukka
I feel utterly disappointed.
First of all, the protests and
oppositions were uncalled for
and they indicated a dark and
disturbing trend in the
educational system. I mean
it’s difficult to comprehend the
threat and attempts by clerics
to stop the holding of an
academic seminar in a
university. I am dismayed by
the misconceptions that
informed the protests. CAN,
PFN and other religious
bodies should know, and
operate within their limits.
They have no business
interfering in academic
debates and discourses.
Universities are not the
extension of churches and
mosques. Religious students
should be mindful of these
clerical busybodies. They
should not allow themselves
to be used and manipulated
to further bigotry and antiintellectualism
on campuses.
Why do you say that
witchcraft is superstition or
I feel utterly
disappointed. First
of all, the protests
and oppositions
were uncalled for
and they indicated a
dark and disturbing
trend in the
educational system
An alleged witch
myth?
Yes it is. Witches are imaginary
beings. Witchcraft is an
imaginary crime nobody
commits it. It is a narrative that
people use to make sense of
their misfortunes especially
those misfortunes that they
find strange or difficult to
explain. It is the device that
charlatans use to manipulate
and exploit ignorant, gullible
folks.
What about those who confess
No sane mind confesses to
witchcraft. And anyone who
does so should be sent to a
psychiatric hospital for
medical examination. Witch
confessions are made at the
instance of a threatening mob
or a witch hunter. Those who
embark on extracting such
confessions, those who
induce children and the
elderly to make such
extraordinary disclosures are
those to be excoriated and
sanctioned.

30—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019
08116759759
Danielley Ayala is known
for being a make-up
artist, but the
Instagram star looks just as
good without any cosmetics on
A make-up artist stunned
followers by going bare-faced.
Danielley Ayala often glams
up by applying cosmetics and
styling her long locks to
perfection.
At times, she also applies
filters to her pictures. But this
month, the 25-year-old proved
she looks just as good when she
makes no effort. In a recent
post, she embraced her natural
beauty by swerving make-up
and posing in her bathroom.
Danielley shared the candid
snap with her 2.2 million
Instagram followers.
The post was very well received
as it racked up 210,000 likes
in a matter of days.
Scores of fans also took the
time to leave a comment, with
many saying the beauty guru
looks just as good without
make-up.
One responder remarked:
“Natural beauty! Gorgeous!”
Another said: “You are
absolutely gorgeous with or
without makeup.”
A third added: “No make-up –
no problem. Still beautiful.”
Skewered dog kebabs sold by Vietnam vendors in
horror pictures from meat market
Skewered dogs are sold as
kebabs by Vietnam street
vendors in horrific pictures
from a meat market.
The small dogs’ bodies can be
seen laying over grills as vendors
prepare to carve them and serve
them at Hanoi’s ‘Thit Cho’ market
restaurants.
The images, captured by Josh
Edelson who was travelling through
the country, show the animals’
hardened and darkened skin
splitting as they are piled on one
another.
Many of the dogs still have their
teeth in place.
Josh, from California, said he tried
for two day to find vendors who
would allow him to film and
photograph their dog kebab stalls.
He said: “The first time I tried, they
shooed me away. They don’t like
having photos taken, prob because
it’s a pretty controversial part of their
culture - eating dog.’
“The locals contend that it is part
of their culture and that it should
remain.”
Josh said at one point during a
visit to the market, he saw soldiers
approach a stall and expected to see
them shut it down.
However, he was surprised when
the soldiers went on to buy some of
the dog kebabs. Josh added: “I
thought [the soldiers] were there to
shut it down, but then was surprised
to see them buy some.”
Eating dog is still legal in
Southeast Asia, although it is
frowned upon and the government
has plans to ban its consumption by
2021.
However the dog meat industry
was said to be booming just a few
years ago, with reports of pets being
stolen from homes to be turned into
food.
In 2014, seven tonnes of live dogs
were shipped to Hanoi every day,
reports the Mail.
Most of the shipped animals come
from neighbouring Thailand,
Cambodia and Laos. Horror stories
of dogs being bludgeoned to death
and stuffed with stones and wights
to increase their market value
Make-up artist amazes fans with natural
beauty by going bare-faced on Instagram
shocked the world. Others have their
throats slit or are stabbed in the
chest, while some are even burned
alive.
Some diners believed the more the
animal suffered in its death, the
tastier the meat.
However, in recent years the
industry and plummeted after
growing pressures from animal
activist groups across the world.
Danielley set-up her Instagram
account in 2017.
She’s since amassed million of
followers by selling racy
pictures of herself.
Previously, the influencer said
she can earn $1,200 (around
£950) by sharing a single post.
In the past, she also ran a
Patreon account.
On this page, paying
subscribers were granted access
to exclusive images and videos.
It’s not the first time Danielley
has hit headlines. Previously,
she played a game of truth or
dare with her fans.
Bank worker accused of stealing £66,000
from vault then flaunting cash on Facebook
A
bank worker
has been
accused of stealing
£66,000 from the vault
before flaunting his illgotten
gains in Facebook
pictures.
Aspiring rapper Arlando
Henderson is alleged to
have stolen at least $88,000
from the Wells Fargo bank
in Charlotte, North
Carolina.
He then cooked the books
to cover up the theft, say
police.
Henderson – also known as aspiring rapper AceeyFoez – aroused
suspicions after flooding his Facebook page with photos of himself posing
with huge wads of cash and, in one case, a brand new Mercedes.
He is said to have paid for the brand-new 2019 Mercedes A2 with a
$20,000 cash deposit – all in $100 bills.
Prosecutors say that Henderson started with small thefts: $446 in mid-
June, $200 a week later, and a further $411 a couple of days later.
Then the wannabe rapper started to get carried away: $850 on June 21;
$5,465 a month later; and then $5,647 the following day, they say.
By the beginning of July, Henderson took home
$8,100 in one day, the indictment says.
The following week, he allegedly swiped a
further $8,700 and five days later recorded $13,450.
All through this time, according to court
documents, Henderson was making substantial
cash deposits at a bank round the corner to where
he worked.
Incredulous friends commented on Henderson’s
new found riches on Facebook: “Who carry’s that
much cash with them?,” one of them commented.
“Haven’t you heard of a bank?”
Henderson was arrested by the FBI in San Diego
on December 4.
He was charged on more than 30 counts of
financial institution fraud, theft and
embezzlement, and money laundering, among
other charges.
He is expected to have to return to Charlotte to
face the charges, but a date has not yet been set.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019—31
Adeba
debayo-F
o-Fari’s daughter weds Osomo’s son
It was a glittering day
of colours, pomp
and pageantry as the
Adebayo-Faris and the
Osomos switched on
style and panache to
witness the wedding
between their children;
Olanrewaju Aderbayo-
Fari and Oluwaseun
Tunbosun Osomo.
The couple took their
oaths at The Redeemed
Christian Church of
God, Olive Tree Parish,
Main Arterial, Banana
Island, Lagos. Photos
by AKEEM SALAU
From left:Barrister Wale Osomo, stand-in groom's father;Mrs Folashade
Adebayo-Fari, bride's mother;the couple, Mr and Mrs Osomo;Mr Adebayo
Fari, bride's father and Deaconess Kike Osomo, groom's mother.
From left:Mrs Tobi Odunnaiya;Mrs Folashade
Adebayo-Fari and Princess Dr Vicky Haastrup.
From left:Engr Muyiwa Oyeteju;Lucy Lawrence
and Mrs Cecilia Ibru.
Mrs Nike Ashiru and Prof. Toyin Ashiru.
From left: Dr and Drs (Mrs) Samuel Akinluyi and
Mrs Tuedor Mimi
From left:Mrs Kemi Ogundeyin;Ejire Durosinmi-
Etti and Mrs Yinka Aletor.
DESOPADEC boss’ son weds
Mr and Mrs Toyin Okeowo.
From left:Amujo Philip; Tokunbo Ajasin and
Okafor Philip.
On Saturday, December 7, 2019, Mr. Wisdom Oghenekoke Askia, son
of Bashorun Askia Ogieh, Managing Director/CEO of Delta State Oil
Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) wedded his
sweetheart, Agatha Osayende in Asaba, Delta State. See pictures below
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, presenting gift to the
couple.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Bashorun & Mrs Ogieh, Mr. & Mrs. Osayende,
Hon. Micheal Diden (Chairman, DESOPADEC), Barr. Kingsley Esiso (PDP
Chairman, Delta State), Prof. Sam Oyevbare (Political Adviser to the
Governor) and other dignitaries.
The couple; Mr. and Mrs. Wisdom Oghenekoke
Askia with the groom's parents, Bashorun and
Mrs. Askia Ogieh.
The couple.

32—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, , 2019
bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk
Still don’t know what you’re
getting for Christmas?!
Now that the season of
giving is with us, if you
sniff hard enough, you can
actually smell the New Year!
The shops are bursting with
gifts, despite almost abject
poverty, despite the thinness of
foreign exchange on the
ground. And the kids are back
from school, their expectant,
almost accusing looks,
tugging at your heart strings.
Yes, it is the season of giving.
But it also might well be the
season of getting—that is,
getting your feelings hurt. This
is particularly true if you give
something no one really
wants. Anxiety certainly is
high at this time of the year.
These days, it is stressful
enough just sorting out limited
budgets (Christmas bonuses
notwithstanding) to make sure
we include all of the people we
think we need to include on
our presents list. And that is
after widdling and widdling
the list into an impossible
number. No matter how little
or how much we spend, the
really hard bit is making sure
people will be happy with the
gifts we choose. Odds are
stacked against their being
happy. According to experts
(and believe me, there really
are people like that who give
deep thoughts to this sort of
thing!), people most times,
are not happy with gifts.
First on the list are your
offsprings. A 16-year-old
recently told her dad she’d
seen just the outfit to
celebrate the New year’s
eve.
“Just where was it written
that you must usher in a
new year with new
clothes?” The dad
demanded, instantly on
the defensive. “But dad,
last year....” “That was
last year!” snapped the
father. “This is now. You
should all thank your
lucky stars that I can still
Before you make another resolution you ‘re bound to break
“The biggest problem with resolutions is that
they’re so negative,” observed Rikiat, a 43 year-old
legal practitioner. “I will watch less TV” or “I will
stop eating junk food” or “I work fewer hours.” While
the root of these desires is perfectly worthy, the
phrasing is all wrong. Telling yourself not to do
something is not very motivational. They are also
vague. What does less TV mean? Why should we
expect to transform everything about ourselves in
one arbitrary day? Surely, if you wanted it enough,
you would have started the day you decided it was a
good idea. And if last year’s resolutions were so great,
how come you can’t even remember what they were?
It’s the time of year, once again, for the dreaded
resolutions that a lot of us don’t take seriously. We
believe that we must make the New Year the best we
have ever had. But, according to Rikiat, “The best
attitude is to take New Year as a time for reflection
rather than aggressive target-setting. Think about
what you’ve achieved and what you hope for in the
coming 12 months. This is far more positive than
the conventional New Year’s resolution fiasco. Think
about the previous year and ask yourself three
questions: What did you achieve that you were really
proud of? What would you have liked to achieve but
didn’t? What did you learn about yourself and other
people? The next step is to look ahead then ask
yourself what is going to be important in the coming
year? What aspect of your life are you going to focus
on? Focusing is important. You can’t do everything
all at once, but, perhaps, you want to prioritise your
family in the New Year. Or maybe you want to put
yourself first. Maybe, you want to concentrate on
your job. Think about the different parts of your life
and choose one or two that will be themes for the
year ahead.
I’ve long stopped making resolutions. Not that they
haven’t been helpful in the past, but because
the things I resolved not to do paled into
insignificance as the New Year unfolded and I
was faced with bigger challenges. Yet, it is
important that we all have some sort of blue
print for the New Year. Susan Palmer, a
psychologist, recommends creating some
visionary statements as an alternative, “Don’t
overdo it”, she warns, ‘but make sure they are
positive. Some examples could be: in 2020, I
will make sure that I take care of my needs. By
taking care of my needs, I can be a better friend
/husband/ wife/father/daughter/sister/colleague.
Or, in 2020, I will raise at least, N 1,000,000 for
charity. You will see that the word ‘try’ does not
appear in any of these statements and they are
in the present tense. When you say, I will do this,
your mind add ‘at some point.’ But when you
say I am this, or I do that, your mind sees that
you mean right now, starting from today. Now
break these statements into practical steps. If
you are going to treat your body like a temple,
clarify what this means—exercising three times
a week? Meditating daily? It’s up to you to
interpret your visionary statements. Just make
sure your goals don’t sound like you’re telling
yourself off for being naughty in 2019. This just
doesn’t work long term and is the main reason
most resolutions don’t last as long as the
Christmas turkey.
Finally, write your statements down and put
them where you’ll see them regularly—on your
pin board, by your bed, in your purse. That way,
you’ll not only keep them at the forefront of
your mind but at the end of the year, you will
remember what they were.
afford to pay your school
fees. And paying for the
days you spent in hospital
when you had typhoid
fever, not to talk of the cost
of all the laboratory tests
you had to go through
doesn’t leave that much for
presents. I would forget
presents for now if I were
you. Look in your
wardrobe, you’re bound to
see a clean dress you can
Hard times are
here and I’m
not putting
myself into
impossible
debts for any
gifts
wear for the new year. Hard
times are here and I’m not
putting myself into
impossible debts for any
gifts.”
Present-re-cycling is what a
lot of us will resort to this
yuletide. Most families who
still have things they haven’t
used happily re-wrap them
and send them away. A friend
still isn’t able to live down the
embarrassment of a present
she re-cycled. Actually, it
wasn’t strict re-cycling. Out
of sheer generosity, her
boyfriend bought her an
expensive present for
Christmas. My friend rewrapped
his gift and gave it
to another boyfriend who she
wasn’t so hot about. He came
to thank her and to hand over
the previous lover’s business
card which she forgot to
remove from the present
before she re-wrapped it. Her
face burnt with shame as she
remembered all the naughty
things he put on the card. The
wounded-puppy look on the
other man’s face will stay
with her for a long time.
“We’ve all been given
inappropriate presents,” says
the expert. “Some people stop
giving presents altogether
because they are so afraid of
getting it wrong. There is an
embarrassment and a feeling
you have not read the person
correctly. On some toys, there
are labels that say they are
suitable for say 4-year-olds or
whatever. Well, in other
shops, may be there should be
labels saying suitable for
obnoxious yuppie or semisophisticated
woman of
38....”
So if you are one of the
hopefuls, patiently waiting
with bathed breath, for
presents to start rolling in,
maybe you should tone down
your enthusiasm. People are
just not generous as they
used to be. Even cash gifts
aren’t what they used to be
as they fetch you precious
little when you spend them.
Still, it is the season of
goodwill. You should feel real
good because year 2020, is
around the corner. I bet
housewives would be lucky to
get the once dreaded pot and
pans as presents from hubby.
And parents would have to
suppress screams of horror at
the hideous gifts their kids’
teachers at kindergarten
encouraged them to make for
the homes. Still, I bet we are
all filled with new hopes.
Angela, married for four
years thought she would give her husband a hint of what
she wanted for Christmas so she wouldn’t end up with
nothing like last year. “Instead of expecting yet another
present from me,” the husband explained as if it were
to a child, “Why don’t you give me one instead?” “I was
flabbergasted,” Angela later said. “Dad always gave us
all Christmas presents, I never saw mum give him one!”
That might just be the olive branch we all need. Give
your tight-fisted partner a Christmas present that would
blow his mind and patiently wait for the reward!

Vanguard, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 , 2019—33
Hi!
So, I have a few elderly women I
hang out with sometimes. I enjoy
their company a lot, each woman
comes with a bagful of experiences
spanning decades and their relevance
still so pungent now. One particular
woman stands tall amongst these
women. The craziest of them, there is
no dull moment if in her company.
Auntie Suzzy retired from the Federal
Civil Service at directorate level and
had worked with both military and
Civilian leaders, and could give you
some wild behind the scene gist that
you’ll probably not get from anyone
else. So dramatic, Auntie Suzzy once
told us of how she persuaded a doctor
to get rid of an unwanted pregnancy
by telling him she had slept with many
men and did not know who the father
was, even though she was a married
woman. At a recent hangout, Auntie
Suzzy sent all reeling with laughter
when she gave us a lecture on how we
must keep our husbands beside us, by
whatever means, including acting out
scripts way out of Nollywood league.
Her latest expose would double you
over with laughter too, just as I’m sure
you will pick a lesson from her story.
“In dealing with the other woman, a
wife has to think with her head, rather
than her emotions, most of the time.
She has to be smart, intelligent and a
bit conniving. Wisdom is more
profitable, as they say, in this matter.
If as a woman, you think that since you
have dragged your husband to the
court or church and he has sworn to
be faithful to you before God and man,
then the contract is binding and he will
keep to that vow, you need to rethink,
my sister. There are men who can do
it, but they are very few. Many can
boast in the public that they are faithful
but when cornered, you will find out
who they really are. Most of those you
think are not into other women, only
appear so because they are very
discreet about their affairs, you will be
damned when they are caught and the
game is over. That is why stories about
the infidelity of Pastors and Clerics
shocks people. These are people we
have already placed on a high
pedestal, believing that they have
overcome the lure of such human
weaknesses. The truth however, is that
they are human and only God knows
for a fact, who His servants are.
It is only in this world that one can
tell people that you slept in heaven
last night, God took you on a tour of
heaven and hell fire and all sorts, We
believe them only because we have
faith in God and His words, not that
we have faith in the people saying
those words. The man, as created by
God is a polygamous being. He is
biologically composed to be a carrier
of seeds to be planted in the world. To
achieve this, he need to distribute the
seeds. Women are his farmland where
he must plant his several millions of
seed. However, society tames him to
curb how he sows his seed, and forces
him to stick with one woman for a
period, or for a lifetime. And this
applies especially to us Christians.
That is why, what we have in most
marriages is hypocrisy. A man
marries one woman and must sticks
with her all his life, while dumping
his remaining seeds on many other
woman all his lifetime. Meanwhile,
most of the wives are aware of their
husband’s escapades, even his
children know, and ditto many of their
friends and relatives. So, this is what
a lucky woman will get, a man who
has self respect and values for his wife,
family and the oaths he took before God
and man, who will not in the process
of planting his other seeds, willingly
Yetunde Arebi
Dealing with the
other woman
In dealing with
the other woman,
a wife has to
think with her
head, rather than
her emotions,
most of the time
jeopardise the wellbeing of his wife
and children. This means that he will
be discreet with his affairs and will
always be ready to dump them for the
sake of his family, name and status.
Only when mistakes such as
pregnancies occurs and the ladies
refuses to terminate them, will their
covers be blown. Men who stick their
affairs in the faces of their wives, family
and friends are simply irresponsible.
As a wife, you need native intelligence
to survive and even win some of your
challenges. How you respond to the
issue of his extra marital affairs may
make or mar your marriage. Many
women have ruined their otherwise
happy homes and relationships with
their overbearing jealousy,
uncontrollable tongues and actions,
only for the woman they are angry over
to gain an edge over them or even
become permanent fixtures in their
families. Most men will
drop the women outside
once they have reason to
suspect that their wives
know about their affair.
They return home and
behave like good boys,
until the coast is clear and
safe enough for a new
conquest. Only the foolish,
self centred and egoistic
men lay everything on the
line just to assuage their
libido. Such men may call
the bluff of their wives,
declaring that they will
marry the strange woman.
In my case, I learnt at a
very early stage of my
marriage to keep a low
profile. Low profile in the
sense that I learnt to
pretend that I did not see
anything he was doing
even when I knew
everything. Sometimes, it
went on right in my
presence. Most of the
time, I just pretend that I
did not see him and when
he got tired of whatever
they are doing together, he
crawled back to me. I
remember one particular
lady named Iyabo that he
was dating at one point.
The affair was very intense
and everyone close to us
knew her except me. I’d
heard stories about her and
I was not happy because
the stories were heart
wrenching. In fact, it got to
a stage where they were
touting that my husband
was going to marry this
woman. However, the main
story that would have
interested me the most,
was to hear that he had
impregnated the lady. This
however never came up in
all the rumours. So, I was
Twitter: @yetundearebi
yetty5050@yahoo.co.uk
08054700825
sure that they was only fooling around
as usual.
As the stories poured in, so did advises
from friends and foes. I say foes
because in situations such as this, you
may never be able to tell who your true
friends are. Everyone will be giving
you different strategies while in actual
fact, a lot of them are just waiting and
watching to see how you will fall. I’d
decided not to ever confront my
husband with such a subject. Rather, I
will hatch my own plans and decide
on the technique to use.
In the dead of the night one day while
we were asleep, I pretended as if I was
having a nightmare and started calling
the woman’s name, Iyabo! Iyabo! I
don’t know you? Why do you want to
kill me? What have I done to you? Ha,
please help me! Help me!” I was
screaming and thrashing about on the
bed as if in a struggle with someone.
My husband woke me up, he was
really shaken. He wanted me to
describe what the woman looked like
and what actually happened in the
dream. I described everything to
him in the bizarre manner I’d planned
it in my head. I asked him if he knew
anybody by that name. Though he
denied, the truth was written all over
him. He had swallowed my acting. We
later went back to sleep. End of first
episode!
A couple of weeks after, I made up
another act. I started shouting the
woman’s name again, This time I was
very direct and accused her of trying
to snatch what belongs to me. I said
she was telling me that I just have to
leave the seat for her. I asked my
husband if he had any idea who the
woman was but still denied it. The last
part of the play happened very
suddenly, unplanned, but it was
perfect for what had been going on.
Our first child who was a boarding
student at a Secondary School then,
was brought home very ill. He’d never
been that ill before and It was close to
his exams too. I decided to take
advantage of the development. In my
sleep that night, I woke shouting that
God will not grant her victory. That the
boy was given to me by God so, no
one could take him away from me.
When my husband could not take it
any longer. He suddenly began
confessing that he knew the lady but
had already called things off with her
as he was not ready to a second wife. I
busted into tears accusing him of
exposing us to danger. I asked why
he refused to own up to the fact that
he was having an affair with the woman
earlier before things got that stage of
her trying to eliminate us. I started
begging him to go and marry her so
that she can leave us alone in peace.
The whole thing worked like magic.
Soon rumours began flowing in that they
had parted ways. That my husband had
been accusing her of practicing witchcraft
to collect money from him, and also forcing
him to stay with her even when he’d made
up his mind about leaving her. He ran as
far as his legs could take him. I did not
need to fight either of them, neither did I
lose my face over their foolishness. I knew
they were wasting their time and I could
not join them in wasting mine. If a man is
fond of wandering off, a woman needs to
be wise in and out. Men always believe
that they are wise because God made them
the head of the family, but a tactful woman
will study her man and if God wills, will
begin to gain control over him. But what
we have these days are women who just
go about doing things without finesse. They
run into battle without seeking counsel from
the elders.”
Hmmm! Words from the elders indeed! Do
have a wonderful weekend!!

34—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019
08033039599
frediwenjora@yahoo.com
was originally being organised by my
late dad until he passed on and the
mantle fell upon me. These artistes have
been together with me since 1999 and
that is 20 years. Two out of the original
members who started with me are still
here.
Maryam Babangida
still lives in boy who
mesmerised her
with Xylophone
BY FRED IWENJORA
Sometime in 1992 a barely 4 year
old boy, Ofonime Felix Okon
thrilled Late First Lady Mrs.
Maryam Babangida as well as other
first Ladies from the states with his
xylophone.
It was at the Conference of Nigerian
First Ladies held in Lagos where
Okon etched his name in history
because he was drafted to tour the
nation with the Better Life for Rural
Women programme after that
performance.
Pictures and videos of his
performance made world
headlines and continued to
show as fillers for NTA for years.
That singular show changed
the life of little Okon who was
immediately rebaptised Udo
Mariam (Babangida) i.e. second
son of Maryam.
He also got automatic
academic scholarship award
from Maryam Babangida, and
later from Maryam Abacha,
from the then Military Governor
of Akwa Ibom as well as from
other notable Nigerians.
Now, a fully grown adult and
married with kids, Ofonime
Felix Okon better known as Udo
Mariam spoke with FRED
IWENJORA recently after an
exhilarating performance in Uyo on
his life before and after that
performance back in 1992.
What do you remember of the
performance that made you so
popular?
I just remember that there
was a mammoth crowd of
people like I never saw in my
life. I was about 4 years.
To face such a large
audience at that age was an
awesome event and
experience to me. It was
overwhelming at first but my
father encouraged me to go on
and show them. I thank God.
That was the day I got a new
name that people still call me
till today. I also remember that
Pictures and
videos of his
performance
made world
headlines and
continued to
show as fillers
for NTA for
years
after my
performance,
Late First Lady
M a r y a m
Babangida
adopted me. She
told me publicly
that I am her second son
and my name changed to
Udo Mariam right from
there. Few people know
that my real name, is
Chief Ofonime Felix
Okon.
Many think you were
born with the xylophone
and sticks in your
hands….?
I noticed that I could
play the xylophone as early as the age
of 3 years. My late dad bought me a
xylophone and sticks. He even made
it possible for me to be a chief at that
age because of the circumstances of my
birth.
My life is unique. I lost my mum after
my birth so
did not know her except in pictures.
When my father realised I was
talented, he continued to buy
instruments for me to encourage me
to work harder. I think my talents
originate from my dad who was a
singer and a drummer and from God
maker of the Heavens and earth.
Any other siblings of yours playing
like or with you?
I had my brother playing drums in my
band but he has dropped off to face his
family according to him. I am the only
one with the grace to play the xylophone.
How long has the Udo Mariam group
been alive?
The group has been alive from the day
I performed for the former First Lady. It
What do you think keeps your troupe
together?
God is the main pillar of the group. We
are bonded by brotherhood. I think
mutual love for one another keeps us
moving. One love keeps us together I
should say.
You got several scholarship offers
because of your talents….
Yes they were many and I did not even
use all. I used some of them and graduated
with HND in Business Management at
Akwa Ibom Polytechnic.
Girls and girls everywhere for a
talented musician like you; how do you
cope with them?
I see them as my fans. I have a wife and
two children, a son and a daughter.
Did you ever see
your Late adoptive
mum Maryam
Babangida again
afterwards?
Yes, I met her several
times at other events that
took place during her
reign. She always
invited me. When Bill
Clinton visited Nigeria, I
was also invited to
perform. The last we met
was during her son
Mohammed’s wedding
in 2005 held at Minna.
After the performance,
she invited me to the
house. That was why I
wept when news of her
death was announced.
She was my mum since
I did not know my
biological mum.
A handsome
young man like you under normal
circumstances should be playing
hip hop music; why are you not
drawn to such music?
I can’t be drawn to hip hop because my
music is ordained by God even before I was
born. This I know very well.
What do you think is the future of
Udo Mariam cultural troupe?
The future is in raising talented children
that will touch the world with their unique
talent led by my son.
As artistic director of Udo Mariam
Dance Company; do you regret that
you did not study theatre?
As if you are in my mind. Yes, I want to
go back to school to study Theatre arts
and one day become a professor of dance.
That is my dream. I figure that as the
artistic director of the dance company,
studying theatre arts will help me.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 21, 2019—35
Grand Reception and Award of Excellence in Asaba
Photo: Photos Nath Onojake
From left HRM Pere Kalanama V111 Pere of Akugbeme-Mein Kingdom,
HRM Orhue I the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Emmanuel Efeizomor
II, Obi of Owa and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State at the
occasion.
From left: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa his wife Dame Edith Okowa, Barr.
Kingsley Otuaro, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief James
Ibori and Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, hairman of the event
From left: HRM Godfrey Ikenwoli Emiko the Olu
of Warri Kingdom presenting award to Governor
Ifeanyi Okowa while Dame Edith Okowa
watches.
Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, Deputy Governor Receiving
his award from HRM Orodje of Okpe
Kingdom.
Funerla Service for late Sir Henry Boyo
From Left: HRM. Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom,
HRM Abel Sideso Ovie ff Uvwie kingdom
and HRM Anthony Ogbogbo Ovie of Ozoro
Kingdom at the occasion.
From left:Bade Ayoade,son in Law;Ayetu Boyo-Ayoade,daughter;Nemi Boyo,daughter;Very Rev
Magdalene Boyo widow;Tshewo Boyo,son and Tshela Boyo son. at the Funeral service of Late Sir Henry
Olujimi Boyo held at Methodist Cathedral of peace and Execellence Opebi Lagos Photo Akeem Salau
From left: Samuel Boyo, younger brother to late
Henry Boyo; Lady Maiden Ibru, Publisher Guardian
Newspaper and Mrs Beatrice Chigozili Ekwueme at
the funeral service of late Sir Henry Olujimi
Boyo
Funerla Service for late Godwin Koma Omamuli
From left: Miss Jemine Akpieyi, Barrister (Mrs) Uwala Murphy Akpieyi, Chief
Miranda Musheshe and Mrs. Imomoh, during the Funeral service for
late Godwin Koma Omamuli, held at Divine mercy catholic church, Lagos.
Photo: Kehinde Shonola.
From left: Mr&Mrs. Akpo Esajere, Pastor Ray Yugbiwure and Mrs Vero
Omamuh, during the Funeral rites service for late Godwin Koma
Omamuli.

C
M
Y
K
36—SATURDAY Vanguard, , DECEMBER 21, 2019
Aman who has lived the greater
part of his life in opulence
having made money early in life and
the latter years in superlative
opulence—according to the picture
of one of his homes that went viral—
having allegedly appropriated the
commonwealth of his people,
recently changed his address, albeit
unwillingly, to a much poorer abode.
He will, unless there is another twist
of fate which often happens in
Nigeria, spend the next decade in a
cell. The statement which would
change the life of Senator Orji
UzorKalu as he knew it, as we all
knew it, came with such finality that
many of us were stunned. There was
a hush in the court room as the
import sank in. Senator Kalu’s head
must have been spinning as his
world spun out of control. I can’t
pretend to know how he must have
felt. Only a few can. But his comment
of ‘where are you taking me to?’ said
it all.
The nearest I felt to being so dazed
in recent times was when I was
denied an American visa about ten
years ago. It took a while before the
Consular Officer’s quiet, matter of
fact voice sank in. I was incredulous.
All I could say was ‘Why?’ His
gesture was even more belittling
than his statement. He merely
pushed a piece of paper across to me.
My mind reeled. My head reeled.
Could this be happening to me? The
same person who in his younger
days had had a breakfast interview
with Rockefeller and the then
American Ambassador to Nigeria?
The same person who in his younger
days had his visa brought to him
through the USIS? I felt belittled and
probably hard done by. I felt
insignificant and that gets to you.
But what I felt must be nothing
compared to what Kalu, an Ex-
Governor, a ranking Senator and
current Chief Whip,a newspaper
Publisher and a billionaire would
have felt at being sentenced like a
common criminal. People of his
stature don’t get sentenced often
Orji Uzor Kalu as a scape goat
anywhere in the world, least of all in
Nigeria. My visa rejection was soon
reversed upon intervention. It is
possible that Kalu’s sentence could be
reversed soon upon appeal. Until then
he remains a convict.
The life of a convict is regulated. It
doesn’t matter whether you are a VIP
or a common felon. You live by the
clock and by orders. It is lonely. It is
Spartan even if you manage to get a
few luxuries smuggled to you,
including, occasionally, human
warmth. If you have led a busy life,
the time on your hands would seem
limitless in prison. It could lead to
introspection or depression. Given a
choice between freedom and luxury,
most prisoners would pick the former
at the drop of a hat. This is largely
because human needs are very basic
and would adapt to the latter. This was
re-emphasised by Chief Awolowo in
his prison notes. The prison can build
or break you. It is a foretaste of death
where you are shorn of the vanities
you have spent your life accumulating;
where you are shorn of the
indulgencies you never thought you
could do without; where you are shorn
of the respect and adulation you
craved for and have subsequently
taken for granted; where you are shorn
of friends and doting fans; where you
are shorn of self-worth. Like the grave,
nobody follows you into prison. Even
your most loyal pals will stop at the
gate.I often wonder about Bill
Cosby,the all American family idol
who fell from hero to zero; who like
Kalu, has been used as a scape goat
to tell his powerful, freewheeling
friends that there are consequences to
their rapacious lifestyles. Many, who
learnt the truly important things in life,
have emerged from prison to become
great spiritual and political leaders.
But many, especially in Nigeria, have
come out from prison learning nothing
except the desire for vendetta. It is
hoped that he will not seek for
vendetta but for a fuller meaning to
life whenever he is released.
Leadership is not about the
gratification of self no matter how
tempting.
The social media has been awash
with reasons Kalu became the fall guy.
Some said it was because he is Igbo.
But he is not the only Igbo Governor
who has helped himself with State
funds. Some said it was Obasanjo’s
curse. He is not the only person to
have fallen foul of Obasanjo. Some
small Igbo minds said it served him
right because he didn’t support IPOB.
Many Igbo Governors didn’t. In fact,
that in itself should have saved him
the hangman’s noose. I think Kalu
played his politics of survival the best
way he could. He decamped to the
ruling party; he warmed his way to the
presidency, including taking a
chieftaincy title from Daura; he made
the right noises and spent his money
during the campaigns.Some would say
he ingratiated himself to the North to
the detriment of his people. But he
Kalu and Dariye serve as examples
to remind our politicians,
especially the Governors, of what
can await them if they loot their
State treasuriesand their numbers
come up
forgot one thing; that your numbers can
come up anytime in a game of
roulettes.They are all playing roulettes
and when your numbers are up, they are
up for good or ill. There is nothing to
say that he will be the last one. Many of
those who are still strutting about the
public space can still have their numbers
up before they die. If not by this
administration, then subsequent ones.
Even his persecutor, the EFCC, can
themselves be persecuted in future
because they are not as clean as they
want us to believe. The only anti dote to
spending time in prison is financial
discipline in public service. It is in not
playing the game. Kalu and Dariye serve
as examples to remind our politicians,
especially the Governors, of what can
await them if they loot their State
treasuriesand their numbers come up.
It is because Kalu is just a scape goat
in an arena full of thieves that I hesitate
at the attempt to kick him when he is
already down which is what stripping
him completely bare would amount to.
Some of his mansions and assets could
be seized to teach a lesson on criminality
and vanity to those still strutting about.
But to close down his employment
generating companies like the Sun
Newspaper in a country with such high
unemployment seems to me to be
counter-productive. In fact, I would wish
more of our looting politicians could set
up employment generating enterprises
rather than buying houses or storing
money in banks or water tanks.
Palestinian born U.S. writer and
educator, Edward W. Said
(1935-2003) who was an outspoken
advocate of the cause of Palestine
believes that maps are always
instruments of conquest; once
projected, they are then
implemented. That may be the case
of the 11 th Administrative map
produced by the Nigerian Boundary
Commission that made San
Bartholomew River the boundary
between Bayelsa State and Rivers
State instead of Santa Barbara River.
The imbroglio between Rivers State
and Bayelsa State is about who owns
the rich oil field of Soku. It was
indeed projected, implemented and
the result until now looked like an
invitation to anarchy. Some may not
believe that the ‘Port Harcourt Boy’
phrase that radiated from whoever
lived in Port Harcourt would fade into
oblivion. That is the nature of man.
Soku, is in the Akuku Toru Local
Government of Rivers State. Soku is
the new face of oil politics of who
gets what, when and how in the
application of the derivation
principle to allocate federally
collected mineral revenues in
Nigeria. Analysts believe that the old
Rivers State as constituted was one
of the states that were persistent with
pressures for a new state to be
created. The state then comprised
about ten ethnic groups, with the
Ijaws constituting a demographic
majority. And fears of political
domination from other groups were
rife. The creation of Bayelsa State in
1996 by the late Head of State,
General Sani Abacha’s regime was
perceived to be a relief for non-Ijaws
in Rivers State that allegedly felt
marginalised. Would that dream
have been realized? The frenzied
situations have made erstwhile
The failure of the National Boundary
Commission to obey the Supreme
Court order led to the enforcement of
the declarative judgment
Soku oil field: Politics, law of who owns the land
historic friends and good neighbours
of political persuasions or beliefs
become archrivals when states are
created. It has happened in several
states created with no love lost among
communities that hitherto saw
themselves as one. It happened in
1987 when Katsina State was carved
out of Kaduna State. That same year
Akwa Ibom State was created out of
Cross River State.
Between Cross River and Akwa Ibom
States it has never been the same since
the Olusegun Obasanjo
administration returned some oil wells
that were for Cross River to Akwa Ibom
State. States in Nigeria get the bulk
of their revenue from what is shared
monthly from the Federation account.
It is worse when the sharing is from
natural resources like oil. The nine
Niger Delta states get 13 per cent from
the derivable fund as oil producing
states in Nigeria. The faulty 11 th
administrative mapping that
delineated the boundary between the
two states that gave Soku oil fields to
Bayelsa State might have
compounded what would have
enhanced good neighbourliness. The
Soku case has got history and politics
behind it. Analysts believe that from
colonial times, the creation of Bayelsa
State in 1996 up till the 10 th edition of
Nigeria’s administrative map,
boundaries between the Nembe
communities in Bayelsa State and the
Kalabari communities in Rivers State
had been the Santa Barbara River. The
13 per cent derivation meant for Rivers
State has over the years been wrongly
paid to Bayelsa State. The reason was
that in the 11th Edition of the
Administrative Map of Nigeria, the
boundary between Rivers and Bayelsa
States was wrongly relocated from
Santa Barbara River to San
Bartholomew River. The issue is who
would have authorized the release of
the accrued revenue that was
deposited in an excrow account to
Bayelsa State when the resolution of
the boundary dispute was yet to be
concluded? Would there be refund for
the illegality? Would there be
sanctions?
And one agrees with the Rivers State
governor, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike that
having exhausted the political option
that he canvassed in the 2015
electioneering with little success, he
took to the courts. After priests in the
justiciary temple severally canvassed
views on the Soku oil fields, the gavel
was used last Monday December 16,
2019, by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the
Federal High Court, Abuja to put a
stop to the illegality that had been
perpetrated since 2002 when the
National Boundary Commission and the
Surveyor General of the Federation
admitted that it was an error to have to
handed Soku oil fields to Bayelsa State.
The failure of the National Boundary
Commission to obey the Supreme Court
order led to the enforcement of the
declarative judgment. Justice Ekwo
ordered the commission to produce the
12 th edition of the administrative map
restoring River Santa Barbara as the
interstate boundary between Rivers State
and Bayelsa State, as it was in 1996 when
Bayelsa was carved from Rivers State.
As a repository of oil and gas the
Oceania communities host three flow
stations, Soku, Ekulama I and II and the
Oil Ream Development, ORD project.
OML 23 in this geographical location is
part of the NNPC/Shell Joint Venture, JV
producing field, Soku. Soku has
substantial reserves of gas and liquids.
The N25 billion Soku gas processing
plant is a vital feeder plant for the Nigeria
Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG Plant.
Soku is located in a coastal swamp zone
about 40 kilometres southwest of Port
Harcourt. The field facilities are mounted
on piled platforms in the swamp, which
can only be reached by boat or helicopter.
The people should not be abandoned for
their geography not to become the art of
war.

I
watched a news item on Channel
Television last week. Squatters and
illegal occupants have taken over the
space meant for the proposed coastal
road on the Lekki axis. A taskforce
from the Lagos Government went there
and gave them a week to move out. As
I was watching, what continuously
came to my mind is, why were they
allowed to settle on the space for the
proposed coastal road in the first place?
The eviction is going to be very
traumatic and disruptive for some of
the squatters. I recall the eviction of
residents of Maroko (the present
Victoria Island extension) by the
government of Raji Rasaki in the early
90s. It was not a pretty sight. But they
were even lucky, they were provided
an alternative accommodation, albeit
subhuman.
In the case of these squatters, they
are to find alternative accommodation
within a week. With no money and
time, they need a miracle to accomplish
the impossible. I do not know why the
government took the decision,
although such illegal settlements are
usually notorious for crimes,
prostitution (including under-aged
prostitutes), drugs-peddling and
abuse; they are also dens of armed
robbers and all kinds of vices. But this
is also home to the poor and families
without resources to get decent
accommodation. If the government is
not starting the construction of the
coastal road immediately, it should
give the squatters more time to get
alternative accommodation. And if the
government is evicting them because
of criminal elements, I beg the
government to fish out the criminals
and not “punish” the innocent amongst
them. God was ready to spare Sodom
and Gomorrah if there were just 10
good men; the Lagos State government
should give the squatters more time
because of those with families and the
law-abiding (can we really call illegal
squatters law-abiding?) ones among
them.
Which brings me to a trend I have
noticed since I grew up. I was born in
Ughelli in Delta State and spent my
early years there. While growing up,
there was this market by the bridge and
partly on the road. Since then, the road
has been dualised. Now traders display
their wares on the median and both
sides of thismain road inside Ughelli.
resident Muhammadu Buhari
Pmust find a way to pleasantly
surprise some of us this Yuletide. His
best friends are found among
Christians and he loves to host
prominent men of God.
I am sure his family has not thought
about his place in the Christian
calendar. He is a December child. His
birthday celebrations began on
December 17, and may not end until
after the Christmas holidays.
Mr. President is so much in love with
December that he chose the last day of
the last month of the year 1983 to
announce himself to the nation as Head
of the beret-wearing junta that sacked
President Shehu Shagari.
Sorry, it was a Christmas present from
young officers like Mustapha Haruna
Jokolo and the gang of Majors. Buhari
was in Jos doing his GOC job when
he was asked to lead Nigeria.
Santa Claus is the other name for St.
Nicholas who died on December 6,
343. Till this day, Christians celebrate
him as Father Christmas. He was a
wonderful saint who gave his all to
make people, especially children
happy.
Christians celebrate December as the
birth month of Jesus Christ. First Lady
Aisha, Buharideens and Buharists also
make merry in December, the month
of Buhari’s birth as well as the month
of his coup.
During his military dictatorship, Maj.
Gen. Buhari, smiled a little. The face
of that regime, Babatunde Idiagbon,
rarely wore a smile on his face. As far
as the latter was concerned there was
nothing to smile about.
President Buhari should know that
quite like Idiagbon, millions of
Nigerians are not smiling today
because hunger, insecurity and
wickedness in high places have taken
over their cheer mood.
Some of those who claim to know
Buhari so well, say he is a good jester.
I wonder why we have not seen that
part of him. Instead, there is a pseudo
Buhari, one Malam Tagwai, who is
smiling to the bank mimicking Mr.
President while the real Buhari
continues to hoard his humour.
We need to nip problems in the bud?
The last time I used the road, the
vehicle crawled when we got to the
market. Why should a market spill
over into a major road with all the
associated dangers? And it is a
common occurrence in Nigeria. The
market has been on the road for
over 60 years (I grew up to meet it
and my mother confirmed to me that
it has been like that). It has grown
taproot and I can imagine the
bloody battle that will occur if the
government dares to do anything
to remove the traders from the road.
This is what is getting me worried
about certain developments in
Lagos, like the menace of
motorcycle and tricycle riders.
God was ready to spare
Sodom and Gomorrah if
there were just 10 good
men; the Lagos State government
should give the
squatters more time because
of those with families
and the law-abiding (can we
really call illegal squatters
law-abiding?) ones among
them
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019—37
walkways and convert them to motorcycle
routes. Many pedestrians have been hit
in the process. Any pedestrian, who
struggles with them for right of way, risks
being maimed or killed.
Motorists are not faring better with
motorcycles. I advise motorists to be wary
of motorcycle riders. They have no sense
of what is right or wrong. For them, they
have the numbers and that is power. They
pounce on motorists who are involved in
accidents with motorcycle riders. It does
not matter if the motorcycle rider is wrong.
Lagos is under siege. Motorcycle riders
have taken over and are getting
entrenched. They have developed a sense
of entitlement and ownership.
As if that is not bad enough, tricycle
riders have joined them in this Hobbesian
behaviour. Some people say the tricycle
riders are actually motorcycle riders who
only upgraded their acts. Tricycles are the
major means of transportation in India.
They call them auto. In India the riders
are also very daring and reckless, but I do
not remember seeing the lawlessness I
currently see in Lagos during my stay
there. The current state of affairs in Lagos
is not good for human safety and the
development of an orderly society. Danfo
drivers have joined them in the madness
and even private vehicle owners are
enlisting in droves. I pray we do not have
the case of Ughelli market, which has
become entrenched, at hand here in Lagos.
The government needs to move very fast
and regulate the operations of motorcycle
and tricycle riders, before they regulate us
with their lawlessness.
But still on Ughelli, unlike many
urban areas in Nigeria, motorcycles
have been the major means of
transportation for decades. I do not
know exactly when the trend
started, but they were all over the
place in the 70s. Motorcycle riders
in Ughelli then were orderly. They
obeyed traffic rules and had value
for life. That is not the case with
motorcycle riders in Lagos. I
cannot recall exactly when
motorcycles became a major means
of transportation in Lagos, but it
was in the 90s. When I arrived
Lagos in 1987, there were no
motorcycles. You either had the
money to take taxis or you took
molue(midi-bus with a sitting
capacity of about 44 which was very
common until the Lagos State’s
bus rapid transit, BRT, debuted).
There were also no danfobuses, at
least in the routes I used regularly.
From day one, motorcycles riders
in Lagos were notorious; they were
reckless and disobeyed traffic
rules. Now the number of
motorcycles has multiplied like
rabbits over the past one year or
two, and with the multiplication,
notoriety. It is no longer a case of
lawlessness. They are now law
unto themselves. They have made
major roads like Mile 2 in Apapa-
Oshodi their parking lot. They are
there in their 100s, if not 1000s.
They are on many other
expressways; they ride against
traffic even on major roads like
Eko Bridge. Nowhere is sacred. At
the slightest traffic, they take over
Buhari as Santa a Claus
Imagine President Buhari turning
out tomorrow in the red and white
regalia of Santa Claus to receive
children in Aso Villa. We may even
expect him to make a Christmas
speech from there.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin
Welby is Buhari’s friend. It will be
real fun to have him around. Mr.
President has worshipped with
Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the
Redeemed Church. He has had
support from Pastor William
Kumuyi of the Deeper Life Bible
church.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is a
pastor. Media aide, Femi Adesina,
is a pastor of the Four Square
Gospel Church. There is no reason
some guests cannot eat four square
meals this Christmas around the
Presidential Villa.
In the President Olusegun
Obasanjo years, we saw him dress
in turban to felicitate with Vice
President Atiku Abubakar during
muslim festivals. I saw Obasanjo
wearing shots and playing with
kids in an Abuja recreation ground.
One child even called him
Obasanjo and he laughed it off.
We were told that OBJ was stingy.
Ace comedian, Ali Baba Akpobome,
even told him to his face that he
was ‘aka gum.’ That was how
Obasanjo changed gear and started
turning out millionaires.
Obasanjo made comedians
superstars with mega bucks. He
gave civil servants hope and turned
erstwhile beggarly professors to
‘tear rubber’ car owners.
No one says Buhari is stingy. He
is said not to give at all. And they
say God loves cheerful givers. If
the president has shut our borders,
he should open his wallet. Haba!
His children are hungry.
This year, Buhari must turn
Father Christmas. Madam Aisha
should go to the kitchen. Our
people are in famished. And there
is so much to celebrate. President
Buhari is 77, and super rich. From
his salary and allowance, we can
organize a befitting party.
I am not speaking French. The
way banks and state governments
are taxing Nigerians under
Buhari, many may just end up as
street beggars. A time is coming
when you will have to pay tax for
waking up in the morning.
It is also possible that soon and
very soon, some governors will
place tax on the dead. For just
departing this planet, the dead
will show evidence of ever being
alive.
President Buhari can put smiles
on some faces. Let him start it this
year. We have heard of Udoji
Award. That happened under Gen.
Yakubu Gowon. Then this country
had enough money to even buy up
the whole of West Africa.
Nigeria is financially diabetic yet
we want to take in the whole of
Africa as from January 2020.We
cannot open our shut frontiers for
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christmas is four days away. You know
the reason for the season: Joy. Do not let
anybody or situation snatch your joy from
you. Rice and stew, new clothes and travels
are not what make the season joyful, the
commemoration of the birth of Christ and
the hope it engenders do. If you cannot
afford Christmas goodies this year, fine,
another time dey come.
Shout out to all those putting food on the
tables of the less privileged this season.
The group that trips me most are those who
cannot afford to give anything reasonable
on their own, but they team up with others
by contributing their N1000 and N500 into
a common purse. Before you know it, the
power of numbers has raised hundreds of
thousands of Naira to put smiles on the
faces of the less privileged this season.
Kudos.
First Lady Aisha, Buharideens and
Buharists also make merry in
December, the month of Buhari’s
birth as well as the month of his
coup
all to enter. Even the Americans are
building walls.
As from Monday December 23, I want
President Buhari to offer Nigerians free
transportation by road from Abuja to Lagos,
Benin and Owerri. These three towns are
in the South-West, South-South and South-
East respectively.
He should also do the same to Nigerians,
from Lagos to Ore, Aba and Calabar
respectively. The essence is not to
accommodate all passengers but to show
concern.
The buses to do this are available. Let the
masses also benefit from this country for
once. All the Chisco, ABC, Young Shall
Grow, God is Good, Agofure, ATM,AKTS,
ITC and Edegbe buses are waiting for
order to commence operations. They want
all military road blocks dismantled and
turned to patrols.
This is doable. State governments are
doing it. They have been doing it. Anyone
who says it will not work should be arrested
for hate speech. And I know the lioness
who can coordinate this.
The First Lady knows where the shoe
pinches. While the Humanitarian Affairs
minister continues to face North, let Madam
Aisha face South. She is capable and this
will go a long way.
President Buhari’s military school mate
and buddy, Juventus Ojukwu, has told the
world that Buhari was a marathoner. I can
see that. I am sure he knows that even the
Olympic Marathon ends in jubilation when
a winner emerges.
Nigerians are done with this marathon
hunger. We need medals in form of welfare
from Aso Villa. President Buhari should
change his danshiki and dress like Santa
Claus.

38—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019
Anew Inspector General comes. He
reels out new codes. He announces
the illegality of fixed police
checkpoints. He seduces the public with
the re affirmation of one or two of its rights
being usurped by the police. He reminds
us that bail is free. He tells us the police
are our friend . Then after a while, he cools
down, and the things he preached against
become the rule, under his big nose.
Someone once did a count of checkpoints
between Lagos and Calabar. He got about
100 police checkpoints. It’s Christmas now,
that number would triple. The police know
that the multiplicity of checkpoints speak
of the brazenness of corruption and
conspicuous ineptitude in the force.
Otherwise ,why do new police chiefs
always announce, before they go to sleep -
“all checkpoints are here by dismantled!”
We know crimes are rife on our roads.
But crimes are not checked by policemen
extorting motorists . Crimes can't be checked
by checkpoints that function as toll gates.
The crime fighting unit, ‘operation sweep’
was hugely successful in Lagos, 1995-1998.
The military governor then , Buba Marwa
bought many vehicles, new and ‘tokunbo’.
The vehicles were fitted with
communication gadgets. The vehicles,
loaded with soldiers and policemen, were
distributed across the state . The soldiers
and policemen stopped no one. They sat ,
alert and ready, and watched. They didnt
do any routine stop and search. But crime
simply fled.
The police know what to do. But they have
chosen to do the wrong things.
How did the police become so inured to
shame? A checkpoint is fixed 20 meters
away from another checkpoint, and they
all carry on as if they cant see themselves.
There are some one kilometer stretches
on the Portharcout- Owerri road where you
By Sebastine Obasi
he recurring pipeline vandalism,
Twhich has done a lot of damage
to both the Nigerian environment
and the economy at large, may be a
thing of the past, if the recent
involvement of host communities by
the Nigerian National Petroleum
Corporation, NNPC, is anything to
go by.
The involvement of host
communities in protecting the
pipelines may have been borne out
of the reasoning that they are grass
root – based and are therefore
adequately knowledgeable about
their immediate environment.
Communities know their people.
They know the bad eggs among
them. They can easily tell when a
visitor steps in.
At the recent pipeline fire at
Baruwa Community in Alimosho
Local Government Area of Lagos,
the NNPC adopted the host
community model as an innovation
to see that pipeline vandalism is
brought to the barest minimum. Mr.
Yemi Adetunji, Chief Operating
Officer, Downstream of the NNPC,
who led the team, stated that it had
become imperative for players and
stakeholders in the industry to join
hands with the NNPC in its effort to
stamp out the ugly menace. He said
the fire incident of December 5,
2019, which was immediately
extinguished within 24 hours with
subsequent restoration of the
affected line, was one ugly episode
which must not be allowed to fester,
especially in the System 2B Pipeline
Network which serves as an
invaluable corridor for seamless
supply of petroleum products. He
noted that in 2018, there was a fire
outbreak in the same Baruwa
community and this year two
incidences were reported in
November and December, saying
security agencies and the local
community must rise up to the
challenge and secure oil pipeline
facilities which he described as
critical national assets. The COO,
however, assured that the Baruwa
pipeline attacks would not affect the
current seamless supply and
distribution of petroleum products
nationwide, even as he added that
the corporation had placed a
reliable product supply mechanism
to handle situations of this nature.
The Chairman of Peace Estate
Police Checkpoints: Signboards Of
Stubborn Corruption
can find , without exaggeration, 5 police
checkpoints. The policemen with guns
slung over their shoulders asking ‘wetin
you carry’ , collecting tolls from
commercial vehicles and shaking down
private cars cannot stem the tide of
violent crimes. The argument is that
checkpoints make police presence
ubiquitous . Policemen looking out for
Crimes can't be
checked by
checkpoints that
function as toll gates
bribes are naturally not watchful.
When policemen position themselves
like hyenas on the road and wear away
Development Association, Mr.
Omojowo Adedeji, said that the
entire residents of the estate, which
borders the scene of the incessant
attacks, fully aligned with the
renewed drive by the NNPC to
stamp out the illicit trade in stolen
oil within and around the
community. Alhaji Khalid Baruwa,
the Bale of Baruwa Community also
identified with the push by the
Corporation to tackle the issue
headlong. He stressed the need to
fortify surveillance around the host
community with clear demarcation
of pipeline Right-of-Way.
Prior to the Baruwa incident, the
NNPC had said that it had seen a
77-percent jump in the number of
cases of oil and fuel pipeline
vandalism on its pipeline
infrastructure. As many as 106
pipeline points were breached in
June, up from 60 breaches on
NNPC’s pipeline network in May.
“In spite of the wanton breaches of
its critical pipeline network during
the period, the corporation ensured
continuous fuel supply and effective
distribution across the country,”
NNPC said in a statement.
Insufficient pipeline safety has been
one of the key drawbacks of
Nigeria’s oil sector in recent years.
There is no gainsaying the fact that
pipeline vandalism does more than
good both to the nation’s economy
and the immediate environment. It
deprives the country of its expected
revenue, just as it discourages
foreign direct investment in the oil
and gas sector. No investor goes to
a place where its investment is at
risk. Most importantly, the
environment is the loser. When crude
oil or other petroleum products leak
into the environment, the different
innocent commuters they, undermine
public confidence in the police. The
perception that the police force is one
of the most corrupt institutions in the
country is fostered partly by the
culture of checkpoints. These
checkpoints are where the dirty linens
of the police are washed in public. The
inability of the police hierarchy to
successfully abolish checkpoints has
left the impression that the police
cannot contain corruption within their
ranks and are perhaps not genuinely
concerned about their reputation.
We have made road journeys
cumbersome. Yet we want tourists.
Tourists go to places where they can
move around without bumping
frequently into eyesores. What kind
of a foreign tourist can endure a road
trip between Port-harcourt and Owerri
and the nuisance constituted by the
mushrooming of police checkpoints on
that corridor? How then can anyone
truly diversify the economy by
boosting tourism with police besieged
roads like Port-harcourt -Owerri road.
The Vice President likes the ease of doing
business. I don’t know if he has bothered to
survey the roads. Airports are important , but
roads are more important. I have seen him
worry about bottlenecks and stumbling blocks
at airports. The Vice President should review
the ease of travel on the Lagos - Owerri road
and the Port-harcourt - Owerri road. When he
does, he will know that the police are actively
frustrating him and frustrating business.
I have done road trips in many countries. In
the West, you simply roll. Police patrol cars
stay on road shoulders and watch. In many
African states , you can do 400km and meet
only 3 checkpoints. The policemen will look
at your face, greet and wave you on.
It would be nice to obtain figures from our
police. Perhaps , just perhaps , the
mushrooming of police checkpoints, which
now appears to be policy, is evidence based.
So it could be informative to know how many
criminals were detected at checkpoints in 2019.
And how many slipped through. Yes it would
be nice to know how many robberies and
kidnappings happened between two bribe
hunting police units standing less than 10
kilometers apart. Because there are reports that
despite the siege laid by policemen on these
roads, crimes still happen on them rampantly.
It would be nice to know if the police force
that commits thousands of men , to
checkpoints, to check vehicle particulars and
harass motorists believes that that is the best
way to confront armed robberies and
kidnapping.
The police started this checkpoint business.
The Customs have joined them. Families are
laid out in the sun to bake while the Police
and Customs and Road Safety encamped at
J4, on the Lagos-Benin Expressway, practice
their predatory skills.
Life is hard enough already, so why can’t
traveling be made easy?
NNPC adopts new strategy to deal with pipeline vandalism
compounds (depending on their
physical properties) evaporate into
the air, are absorbed by the soil, or
enter ground and surface water.
Pipeline vandalism also often
leads to fires, which release
respirable particulate matter (PM)
into the air. Hazards to human
health may result from dermal
contact with soil and water;
ingestion of contaminated drinking
water, crops, or fish; or inhalation
of vaporized product or PM and
partly burned hydrocarbons
produced by fires. In addition,
pipeline vandalism may have
indirect health effects through
damage of livelihood resources,
such as diminished yields from
degraded agricultural land and
fishing grounds.
NNPC’s new strategy is no doubt
commendable. The Corporation
has taken a swift action by clearing
the Right of Way to ensure that
people do not put up structures close
to pipelines. The involvement of
relevant security agencies, such as
the National Security and Civil
Defence Corps, NSCDC, to tackle
the menace is a right step in the right
direction. According to the Group
Managing Director, NNPC,
Mallam Mele Kyari, the
collaboration between NNPC and
NSCDC had gone a long way in
ensuring uninterrupted supply and
distribution of petroleum products
through the pipelines and various
depots. “I want to applaud the
NSCDC for contributing its quota
towards the protection and security
of our pipelines. Your efforts have
made our pipelines to be available
for the movement of petroleum
products from one petroleum asset
to another,” he said recently. Now
that the National Assembly is
talking about constitutional
amendment, the issue of pipeline
vandalism should be given the
attention it deserves by making laws
that spell out appropriate
punishment for vandals and
economic saboteurs.
From Right: Mrs Temitayo
Udoh, Administrator,Beth Torey
Home for the Mentally and
Physically Challenged, Amuwo
Odofin; Chief Isaac Folorunso
Odedere, President Ultimate
Circle of Nigeria; A student of
the home and Surveyor ,Bernard
Eboreime, member Ultimate
Circle of Nigeria and Governor
Lions Clubs International
District 404B1 during the
presentation of a half a million
Naira cheque to the home by
Ultimate Circle of Nigeria at the
premises of the home,Lagos.

C
M
Y
K
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019—39
HERDSMEN CRISIS:
Anxiety mounts in
Benue over plans to
•President Buhari
end military operation
•Residents beg Buhari not to pull out ‘Operation Whirl Stroke’
•Say this is season of armed herdsmen attacks
By Peter Duru, Makurdi
There has been growing anxiety in
Benue after news filtered into the
state that the Federal Government
had concluded plans to winddown
the activities of the joint
military spike operation code named
“Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, which was
established to stem the tide of herdsmen
killings in the state.
The news actually sent shivers down the
spines of everyone who lived in the state and
witnessed or had first hand information of
the 2018 New Year’s Day massacres in Logo
and Guma Local Government Areas, LGAs,
of the state perpetrated by militant armed
herdsmen which claimed the lives of 73
innocent farmers, pregnant women and
children.
The horrifying killings and sacking of
communities in those LGAs and the
subsequent attacks in about 16 other LGAs
of the state, in the course of that same year
by the brutish invaders claimed close to
1,000 lives and till date the account of that
cold blooded murder of the innocent Benue
indigenes remains a
watershed in the history
of a people renowned for
their prowess in
agricultural production.
Regrettably, that crisis
left the economy of the
state in ruins and the
present administration
is still battling to pick
the bits and pieces of
what is left of the
economy as over
500,000 rural dwellers
who eked out their
livelihood from farming
lost their homes and
farmland to the
horrendous crisis.
No fewer than 23,000
households fled their
ancestral homes, as the
crisis raged, in search of
safe haven in about 22
official and unofficial
Internally Displaced
Persons, IDPs, camps
scattered across the
state.
Regrettably, that
crisis left the
economy of the
state in ruins and
the present
administration is
still battling to pick
the bits and pieces
of what is left
Benue bled as its hinterland became
theaters of war where armed militant
herdsmen bared their fangs on innocent
children, women and the elderly who bore
the brunt of the vicious invaders.
That mindless butchery continued
unabated until much outcry and pressure
on the federal government to end the
bloodbath and quest by the invaders to
menacingly take over Benue land.
The strong expression of anger and
resentment from Nigerians and the
international media prompted the birth of
the OPWS a joint military sting operation
to end the crisis mid last year.
Unlike an earlier military sting operation
code named Exercise Ayem K’Akpatuma
which failed to make any meaningful
impact in the quest to end the killings, the
OPWS came with well laid out plan to halt
the gradual slide to anarchy in the state
occasioned by the spiraling attacks. And in
no time the state was ushered into a new
dawn with the gradual return of peace in
the troubled communities.
That joint military operation succeeded
in restoring and building the confidence of
the people who have severally poured
encomium on the operation for restoring
some level of normalcy in the besieged
villages though pockets of attacks were still
recorded in some of the communities.
Tragically, despite the success recorded by
the operation a large majority of the over
480,000 Internally Displaced
Persons, IDPs, are still held up
in the several IDPs camps and
host communities scattered
across the state owing to the
fact that their ancestral homes
which were razed and leveled
by the invaders are yet to be
rebuilt despite assurances by
the federal government to
release funds for that purpose.
Besides, an overview of the
seasons and timings of armed
herdsmen attacks on Benue
communities clearly
indicated that the periods
between November and April,
at the peak of the dry season
are periods the state records
heavy inflow of herds of cattle
and armed herders who
perpetrate all forms of violent
crimes in the hinterland of the
state.
It was therefore no surprise
when the people expressed
outrage over the supposed
intention of the Federal Government to wind
down the operations of the OPWS at a time
they generally believed the presence of the
military personnel ought to be felt the more
in the nooks and crannies of the state to deter
and checkmate any untoward incursions by
the seasonal invaders in any community in
the state.
Hence, Governor Samuel Ortom was
compelled few days ago to express
resentment over the supposed plan especially
when the IDPs are still trapped in the camps
and pockets of attacks were still being
recorded in some communities.
The Governor who spoke at a
thanksgiving service in honour of a newly
ordained priest, Reverend Father Cornelius
Anagbe, younger brother of the Bishop,
Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most
Reverend Wilfred Anagbe, in Aondona,
Gwer West local government area said he
would meet with President Muhammadu
Buhari over the matter.
The Governor noted that “though the
Operation has brought relative peace in
troubled parts of the state, there are still
pockets of security threats that need to be
fully addressed with time and I hope that
the presidency would see reason and heed
to our appeal. I must also commend the
officers and men of OPWS for their selfless
service, commitment and professionalism
which have yielded results in the fight
against insecurity in the state,” he added
The Governor expressed the commitment
of his administration to sustain support for
security agencies operating in the state to
enable them succeed. He also cautioned
those rearing livestock in the state against
violating the Open Grazing Prohibition and
Ranches Establishment Law of the state
adding, “the law must be obeyed by all
irrespective of where they are coming from
because it is no respecter of persons,” he
said.
Aside the Governor, Benue state council
of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ,
also added its voice to the call on the Federal
Government to rescind any plans to wind
down the operations of the OPWS until all
displaced persons currently taking refuge
in IDPs camps returned to their ancestral
homes.
In a communiqué issued at the end of its
Congress in Makurdi signed by the drafting
committee chairman, Comrade Gilbert
Igbogo and Secretary Sunday Iduh, the NUJ
commended personnel of the operation for
restoring peace to the state.
“We however urge the federal government
to jettison the proposed withdrawal of the
operation from the state until all the IDPs
safely return to their ancestral homes,” part
of the communique read.
On his part, the National President of
Benue Youths Forum, BYF, Comrade
Terrence Kuanum said it would be
counterproductive for the federal
government to pull out the OPWS from
Benue at a period the state usually records
•Governor Samuel Ortom
cases of attacks on its rural communities.
“It is obviously counterproductive and out
of tune with the wishes of the people of the
state for the federal government to
contemplate the withdrawal of OPWS from
Benue state now.
“The timing is completely wrong in the
sense that we are getting into the dry season
which is a period when armed herdsmen
push into Benue and perpetrate violence
especially if you recall the 2018 New Year’s
day massacre.
“So we appeal to the federal government
to rescind that decision and allow the
operation to continue because they are
doing a good job and should be allowed to
consolidate on that since we still have
pockets of attacks and some communities
are still being occupied by the invaders
coupled with the fact that majority of the
IDPs still have no homes to return to,”
Kuanum added.
On her part, former federal lawmaker and
Convener of the Benue Women Forum, BWF,
Mrs. Rebecca Apedzan cautioned that any
attempt to pull out the OPWS from the state
at this time of the year could send a signal
to the armed marauders who had over the
years invaded the state at the dawn of dry
season.
“We all know that attacks on Benue
communities by armed herdsmen usually
starts within this period of the year until
April because this is when they move from
all corners of where you can find them to
the Benue valley and anything they see on
their way is mauled.
“It is therefore wrong for the federal
government to chose this time to pull out
the military operation from Benue because
our defenseless people will be exposed and
you know what that means in the advent of
an attack anywhere in the state.
“We urge the federal government to
suspend the idea and rather fulfill its
promise of releasing funds for the rebuilding
of the destroyed communities and
resettlement of the thousands of displaced
people in the IDPs camps and also provide
enough security in the affected communities
after which they can start talking of pulling
out the operation,” Mrs. Apedzan added.

C
M
Y
K
40—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019
Holy Ghost Congress round up:
•50 households of Internally Displaced Persons given accommodation
•Bayelsa First Lady speaks of her 15-year barrenness
From left; Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State; Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Governor Babajide
Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Governor Emmanuel Udom of Akwa-Ibom State and his wife Florence
By Sam Eyoboka & Olayinka Latona
THE story of the just concluded 21st Holy
Ghost Congress of the Redeemed
Christian Church of God, RCCG, with
a theme, ‘The Great Turnaround’ will not be
complete without mentioning the Christian
Social Responsibility component of the
programme.
According to the Special Assistant to the
General Overseer on Missions and Pastor-incharge
of RCCG Region 19, Pastor Brown
Oyitso “it was heartrending to see children and
adults suffer hunger, disease and insecurity. The
protracted security challenges in the North East
of Nigeria has led to increasing humanitarian
crisis with many internally displaced persons
(IDP) camps being overcrowded. In some IDP
camps in Maiduguri, Borno State, over 22,000
persons are sheltered; and despite foreign and
national interventions, there is still much work
to be done.
“This is because many of the camps are in
deplorable state—-food
shortage, lack of schooling
facilities, lack of power
supply and poor sewage
management, amongst
others are challenges they
have had to battle with,” he
said in a statement by the
Africa Missions Global.
“According to a United
Nations news report
(October 6, 2018), it is
estimated that 7.7 million one
people are in need of
humanitarian assistance in
affected states like Yobe,
Adamawa, Kano, Bauchi,
Borno and Katsins states of
the country.
“In order to improve the
lives of the IDPs, Africa
Missions Global with the
support of the visionaire,
Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye,
as well as other partners and
donors, built a camp that
provides shelter for 50
households in Maiduguri,
Borno State,” he said.
Continuing, Pastor Oyitso said the first phase
of the project commenced in August 2019, and
was commissioned on November 22, 2019.
“At the commissioning ceremony, the Deputy
Director of Operations, Borno State
Emergency Management (SEMA), Alhaji
Abdulahi Sulaiman, Brigadier General P.O.
Ilodibia, NGOs of Justice Development and
Peace Commission, as well as Christian Aid
The testimony of
O l u w a s e u n
Opeyemi was also
striking. He testified
how God delivered
him from the spirit
of insanity which
came upon him
while in faraway
France
were on hand to witness the presentation of
keys to the rooms and mattresses to the
beneficiaries.
The beneficiaries were excited and full of
appreciation to Africa Missions Global and
the Redeemed Christian Church of God
especially even as the pastor in charge of
Region 16, Pastor Sesan Akinnawo, promised
that they would be empowered so as not to
depend on donations alone.
SEMA promised to do everything possible
to help the occupants of the shelters. The
director of HIM Global Sevurity, Peace
Ambassador, Joseph Somotey donated a
generator and a cow for the IDPs Christmas
party. The occupants were grateful to Pastor
(Mrs.) Folu Adeboye for the vision of Africa
Missions Global and the way it has affected
their lives.
More testimonies from the Congress
God breaks 15-year barrenness of Bayelsa
First Lady
The service also provided an
opportunity for the Bayelsa State
First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Rachael
Seriake Dickson, to testify that
after 15 years of barrenness, God
has given her quadruplets after
the prayers of Pastor Enoch
Adeboye during a visit to Bayelsa.
Cancer healed
Adewale So many other testimonies
where shared at the congress
including that of a US-based
Nigerian, Olabanke Akinjayeju
who testified how God healed her
of stage 4 cancer of the breast.
She said the Lord used Pastor
Adeboye to pray for her after she
had refused to continue with
chemotherapy treatment in the
US. She had requested to be
brought to the camp and had
seized the opportunity to meet
with the RCCG G.O who prayed
for her. After the prayers she
began to have dreams where the
Lord showed her several Bible
passages which pointed to her healing and
deliverance. She got hold of the scriptures and
started confessing them. In the midst of praying
a dove landed in their house and refused to go.
The dove, according to her, has become their
pet.
But then the Lord healed her completely.
Interestingly her husband is a physician while
she is a clinical pharmacist.
Insanity disappears
The testimony of one Adewale Oluwaseun
Opeyemi was also striking. He testified how
God delivered him from the spirit of insanity
which came upon him while in faraway France.
He also testified how he was delivered from 15
years of sleeplessness. According to him, his
insanity disappeared after Pastor Adeboye
prayed for him during one of the special
services at the church’s headquarters in Ebute
Metta, Lagos. He also spoke of another
encounter where he met Adeboye during one
of his prayer walks on the camp where a
pronouncement was made on him that put an
end to his 15 years of sleeplessness.
Pastor Rathod’s sermon
on the mount
SENIOR Pastor of The Covenant Family
Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, Pastor
Stephen Rathod, an unsaved son of a Methodist
pastor in Gujarat, India, didn’t serve the Lord
until he came to the United States in 1974 to
study at the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
After more than 40 years of ministry, he has
no regrets. He is still on fire for God and is
consumed with making heaven his home and
taking as many with him as he can. He lives
what he preaches and preaches what he lives.
He is passionate about ministering to ministers
and challenging them to preach what they live.
He has traveled extensively throughout the
United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, and
Africa to teach the Word of God and train
ministers.
During a sermon, “The role of faith” on
Thursday evening at the just concluded 21st
Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed
Christian Church of God, Pastor Rathod, a
regular face at RCCG events worldwide
narrated how a Nigerian scholar in the US
was instrumental to his conversion experience
and his eventual connection to the General
Superintendent of RCCG, Rev. Josiah
Akindayomi and later the General Overseer
of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
The greyheaded Rathod said,”I came to
America, the very first weekend my classmate
from Nigeria asked me if I would like to attend
a fellowship and I said something because I
was not born again then. This Nigerian young
man took me to a Bible fellowship where I got
on my kneels and gave my life to the Lord
Jesus Christ. That is the reason I love Nigeria
more than anything else because it was a
Nigerian that took me to a Bible study where I
got born again at Pentecostal Holy Ghost
church.
“In 2016, I got a phone call from Houston
that my friend who brought me to the Lord
Jesus Christ has gone to heaven. I am very
grateful to Nigeria for producing the man who
brought me to the Lord Jesus Christ. May God
bless Nigeria.
“Pastor Adeboye is a G.O. but in my own
case, Pastor Stephen Rathod is O.G. What does
O.G. mean? It means ‘Original Gangster’. Who
are the original gangsters, those who don’t get
caught and don’t get shot.
“I got born again on a Friday, prayed on
Saturday and this was the prayer that I prayed:
‘Look here God, I was a four star general in the
gangs of India, I was number one in the whole
state. They did not fear or care for anybody”. I
told God that I want to be a four-star general
in the army of the Lord.
“We went to church that morning and the
pastor put his hands on me and said: ‘Thus
said the Lord, before you are conceived in your
mother’s womb, I ordained you a prophet to
the nations, you will travel all round the world
to preach the gospel and the spirit of Jeremiah,
Elijah and John the Baptist will be upon you
and I will breath on you the breath of life. My
head was burning like fire.
“In 1979, the young man who brought me to
Jesus, his roommate was a Nigerian, Pastor
Yemi Ayodele told me that a pastor from
Nigeria would be around and I agreed to see
the pastor. That was how I met Papa
Akindayomi, Pastor Adeboye and two other
pastors.
“If you are asking me why I am here, I will
tell you. I have served for 40 years, I am Daddy
G.O.’s host. I was his bag boy who carried his
bag. I was his driver, dry cleaner, secretary
before all these bodyguards. He did not worry
about bodyguards, he had OG. I became Daddy
G O’s son and I am happy to say I am Daddy
GO’s friend.
To the pastors
“Do you know there are too many haters
watching our programmes than the believers?
Why are we saying these, because now I am
scared for the Redeemed Christian Church of
God.
“The church mission’s statement says: ‘To
make it to heaven. To take as many as possible,
holiness will be our lifestyle. But some of us
had left, some of us are playing around and
not talking about holiness. Pastors; young
ministers do not sell your birthright because
someone in America promised to give you some
dollars. Please do not do that. All the biggest
churches then in Tulsa are no more but RCCG
is still marching on.
“All the RCCG churches all over the world,
all the senior pastors, elders, deacons,
deaconesses and workers, I am calling you
that if you call him Daddy you, you must preach
holiness as he does. Do not just call them Daddy
and Mummy and you are not doing what God
wants them to do. Your turnaround will not
come until you turnaround from playing games
with RCCG doctrine, vision and mission
statement.
“In America they don’t like me because I
preach holiness. In 1985, one man came with
me to the convention and he asked me to tell
Daddy G O to take down the sign of RCCG
and he would support him, his church besides
the Bible college. I told him there was no need
to tell Daddy because I know what the answer
was. The answer was ‘The Lord is my shepherd
and I shall not want.’
Listen to me, he did not take the sign down
because RCCG was supernaturally given to
Papa Akindayomi, the man who could not read
nor write. Daddy GO did not sell us out. Why
are you selling us out? RCCG is still standing
and marching today because of holiness.
Plane is a necessity,
not a luxury
“Let me talk to the haters. All those who are
talking about Daddy GO’s plane, you were not
there, I was there in 1983, when I used to have
the glory car (that’s the car that smokes when
it moves) and Daddy G.O has a white Toyota.
In 1983 at the first old auditorium, Daddy G.O
said ‘I see a jet plane, I see a runway’ and people
were like what is he talking about? This guy
has a white Toyota and his friend a glory car
and he is talking about jet. All the haters, the
word came in 1983 and in 2009 the jet came. I
have not seen the jet but I rejoice because the
word of the Lord has come to pass.

Agriculture is enough to create
wealth for Nigeria —Cellulant CEO
A
griculture is an
essential part of the
Nigerian economy; it is
concerned with the
husbandry of crops and
animals for food and
other purposes, providing
employment for about
30% of the population. It
is also the foundation
upon which the
development of stable
human communities,
such as rural and urban
communities have
depended on in many
parts of the world sadly it
remains underutilized in
Nigeria.
According to Agri tech
icon & Co-Chief
Executive Officer,
Cellulant Corporation,
Bolaji Akinboro,
‘’Agriculture is enough to
create wealth for
Nigerians but needs to be
properly structured for its
potentials to be fully
realized.”
Akinboro said this on Wednesday
at the Cellulant’s inaugural
partners’ summit themed
‘Technology For Transformation:
Connecting Everyone to Nigeria’s
$50bn Agribusiness Opportunity &
Creating Jobs For Africa’s Youth’
held in Lagos.
In his presentation entitled ‘From
Farm to Fork: Transforming the
Agribusiness in Nigeria Through
Technology-What does the Future
Hold’, the co-founder of the pan-
African technology company
explained that the country’s agricvalue
chain needed to be fixed to
enjoy the immense riches in the
sector.
Akinboro disclosed that
consumption of food, the end
product of most agricultural
activities in the country is worth
about $100million daily and
between$36 billion to $50 billion
annually, opening up a stream of
opportunity in under-explored areas
of agric logistics, food processing
and tailored payment systems.
He also highlighted Cellulant’s
strides in improving the agriculture
value chain with its payment
platform, Tingg and Agrikore, an
innovative platform built on
L-R:Executive Director, Technical NIRSAL, Babajide Arowosafe, Co-CEO,Cellulant, Bolaji
Akinboro; Managing Director, Wema Bank, AdemolaAdebise and Co-CEO, Cellulant
Ken Njoroge, during the signing of aN2Billion loan facility to Nigerian farmers at the
Inaugural PartnerSummit organised by Cellulant Nigeria in Lagos on Thursday
blockchain technology that has
simplified and connected all players
in the agriculture sector.
Akinboro said: “We are not just a
fintech company; we have the
technology and operations via
Agrikore. When you combine
technology and operations, you can
change the world. We are providing
technology that makes life better
for everyone; Nigerians and
Africans. We are the ones that can
bring in the change.
“Technology is a critical enabler
to solve many of the challenges
experienced in the Agric sector. In
the last 15 years, Cellulant has
actively contributed to connecting
all key stakeholders in the value
chain, who in the past never
interacted with each other. Today,
the business has built a
marketplace and payments
platform that provides access to
markets, digital financial services,
and opens opportunities for all
stakeholders to collaborate better
and capture the $50b market
opportunity.”
Also speaking at the occasion
attended by critical stakeholders in
the agribusiness ecosystem
including farmers, aggregators and
retailers, the Managing Director/
Chief Executive Officer of Wema
Bank, Adebisi Adebise, reiterated the
importance of cooperation between
everyone in the agric value chain.
Adebise who identified problems
of the agric sector to include low
level of budgetary allocation, low
financial literacy, large percentage
of unbanked population and limited
capacity of financial institution to
understand the value-chain, said the
bank would continue to partner
Cellulant to improve agriculture.
He disclosed that the bank now
has a two-billion-naira facility for
players in the agric sector at
concessionary rates.
Agriculture is a crucial economic
sector accounting for about 23 per
cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic
Product (GDP), but the value chain
is highly underdeveloped. The
country loses 32 per cent of crops
produced annually due to a broken
value chain and wastage.
The Cellulant summit was
attended by development partners
including African Development
Bank, Shared Agent Network
Expansion Facility (SANEF) and
DFID amongst others.
CREM, GC support t innovativ
ative research among
youths for empowerment
The Centre for Research in
Enterprise and Action in
Management (CREM) in
collaboration with Grooming
Centre organized a one-day
business forum cum scholarship
award for successful candidates in
a research competition in the areas
of enterprise and financial inclusion.
The participants at the business
forum were made up of practitioners
and stakeholders in digital and green
microfinance, social enterprise and
Micro-Finance regulatory agencies.
Others were entrepreneurs, MSMEs,
academics, students and media
practitioners. The following people
presented papers and discussed the
issues at the event.
Speaking at this year’s CREM
business forum with the theme:
Emerging trends in Microfinance and
Enterprise: A focus on Green
Microfinance, Digitalization and Social
Entperise, the Chief Operating Officer,
CREM, Martins Ndigwe, said that
CREM is instituted to promote an
institute research based learning in the
area of enterprise and management,
and with that we are focusing clearly
round the innovative solutions that
would impact the bottom of the
pyramid. “That is why we have come
up with developmental programmes
that is affordable also subsidised by
Grooming Centre so that people who
cannot afford quality education in
terms of learning, skills, financial
literacy in financial management, in
business management etc can be
reached.
In its 2nd edition of the annual
business summit, Ndigwe said that
CREM is organised to bring together
professionals of industries especially in
the mirofinance to discuss topical
issues that would enhance that value
chain and look into the poverty line so
that we start doing something to
improve service delivery, customer
efficiency, access to fund and regulatory
compliance.
“Last year, it was on SMEs and the
way forward, but this year is about
financial inclusion. We put together
this programme with the Grooming
Centre Award Skill which is the
inaugural edition of this award. It looks
at promoting research in that same
space and also how our
undergraduates in the universities and
post graduates would benefit. We are
also looking at enhancing research in
that area where they can look at
innovative solutions that can impact
on poverty elevation.
For this, experts at the event
encouraged business owners to look
towards green microfinance, fintech,
climate change, people coming up
with solutions in technology so that
even local women in their petty trading
can improve on their business.
Continuing, he said that this year,
we published that programme and
CREM is managing that programme
on behalf of Grooming Centre. “We
have the programme already
published with certain criteria for
students all over Nigeria to meet and
we had about 250 entries for which we
selected and streamlined 53. From the
53, we went further to look at creativity,
originality and impact in the area of
poverty elevation and financial
inclusion. Certain criteria were put
together to ensure that people come
up with original solutions. We had
students who were selected in that
category and then we streamlined only
25. We also had nine people from the
graduate and 16 from the post
graduate. The award was given to
them to enhance their work in that
research. Undergraduates got
N75,000 while Post Graduate got
N150,000. In this programme, we
selected the best three from each
categories and presented them their
cheques.
In addition, the Chairman, CREM
and CEO, Grooming Centre, Dr
Godwin Nwabunka said that
Grooming Centre is committed to
poverty alleviation through conscious
efforts to support the economic
inclusion and growth of the
economically able but financially
excluded, with special attention to
those at the bottom of the pyramid.
The two agencies recognize the need
to drive financial inclusion and social
business in the enterprise sector and
to do this in a sustainable manner
recognizing the importance of
deploying new technologies, social
enterprise and environmental
adequacy.
According to him, the Grooming
Centre Scholarship Grant scheme is
to promote scholarship in financial
inclusion and contribute to the
emergence of a knowledge base in
enterprise development through
research.
The following people presented papers
and discussed the issues at the
event,Mr OnyeMba Uzoukwu, CEO
Emel Solar; Dr Michael Oladun, MD/
CEO of Crystal Expertise Ltd; Mr
Adegbami Adegoke, MD/CEO of
Mainstreet Microfinance Bank; Mrs
Chinyere Uzoma, Executive Director,
Victory Empowerment Centre; Mrs
Nkem Adenuga, CEO of Eagle Eye
Empowerment; Prof Joseph Nnanna,
Chief Economist at Development Bank
of Nigeria; Mr Olugbenga
Ogungbemisola, MD/CEO of A4 & T
Power Solutions Ltd; Mr Chikezie
Egbulefu, Head of Special Projects,
Grooming Centre.
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019—41
Season of award for Lakewood
Development Company
F
or quality service delivery, a janitorial, industrial cleaning and real
estate management, Lakewood Development Company has been
awarded as the Best Airport Cleaning Service company at the 10 th edition
of the Nigeria Aviation Award held recently in Lagos.
Speaking at the reception of the award, the General Manager, Lakewood
Development Company, Belinda Irafor said, “we are very grateful for this
award; we are into janitorial cleaning, industrial cleaning and also in estate
management. We duty cut across cleaning the four international airports in
Nigeria – Pour Harcourt, Calabar, Lagos and Abuja.
She said that cleaning is a very interesting job because cleanliness is
nearness to God. You have to make your environment clean and airport is a
very important and sensitive environment that needs convenience and
hygiene to make passengers feel comfortable.
Following that, “we receive over 5,000 to 10,000 passengers at the airport
everyday, and for that reason, you have to make the airport very friendly for
everybody including adults and children coming from different places. So,
as a professional cleaning company, we do our best to ensure that the
environment is convenient for everybody. We are very grateful for this award
and we pray more come. We want the FG to give us more opportunity to do
better and give us more jobs.
Commenting on another prestigious ward given to the company’s employee
in Abuja, Irafor said, “it is about our orientation and being ready to render
a selfless service to the people. Running a company requires of that
management to know what to do at the right time, utilising the organizational
skills of your employees is also very important to achieve the objectives of
that organisation. The award given to Mary ishaya in Abuja was based on
selfless service and personal commitment”.
On the challenges as a cleaning company, “we meet a lot of people with
different characters but as a professional cleaning company we manage it
well and as well take charge of every opportunity.
Also on what the company would want FAAN to do at the airports to make
their job easier, she said that FAAN should continue to support us work as a
team, listen to us and ensure that facilities are functional”.
Continuing, Irafor told journalists that on runway derunberisation at the
airport, her company is waiting and hoping that for the authorities will call
them. “Apart from cleaning, we do runway derunberisation outside the country.
Chivita unveils “Juice Up this Season with
Chivita” campaign
or a lot of consumers, the festive season provides the perfect opportunity
Fto unwind from the rigours of the year and reflect on the opportunities
of the coming year. The season also creates and enables moments of
relaxation, indulgence and merriment.
Leading juice brand, Chivita has launched an exciting new campaign
tagged “Juice Up this Season with Chivita” to deepen its bond with
consumers across the country and position the Chivita juice brand as the
“perfect partner” for the holiday season.
The Chivita range of juices – Chivita 100%, Chivita Active, Chi Exotic,
Happy Hour by Chivita and Chivita Ice Tea - are the number one choice for
consumers. Chivita juices are not only great tasting drinks, but also a daily
source of nourishment, rejuvenation and refreshment, to individuals and
the whole family.
The “Juice Up this Season with Chivita” campaign which is currently
being executed across radio, digital platforms and out of home channels,
features a jingle that resonates with the joyous atmosphere that is typical of
the Nigerian festive season – family gatherings, hanging out with friends,
great meals, merry making, and relaxation. .
The message of the campaign is simple. Whatever the occasion or
celebration this season, whenever you need tasty, nourishing goodness,
there is a Chivita Juice just for you.
Mr. Deepanjan Roy, Managing Director of Chi Limited, stated that the
objective for the “Juice Up this Season with Chivita” campaign was for the
brand to share in the love, joy, warmth, happiness and excitement of the
season with consumers.
“We are relentlessly driven by the desire to provide great tasting, nutritious
and healthy beverages to consumers. The “Juice Up this Season with
Chivita” campaign is a reminder to consumers to enjoy special moments,
catch up on old friendships, spend quality time with family, and share in the
excitement to the season with their favourite Chivita juice brand,” he stated.
Stanbic IBTC wins CIPM Awards
S
tanbic IBTC Bank Plc., a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc.,
has received double honours at the HR Best Practice Awards organised
by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) in Lagos
recently.
The foremost financial institution emerged as the winner of the ‘Most
Strategic Human Resources’ (HR) Award, in addition to the ‘Best Diversity
and Inclusion’ Award. This follows its noticeable efforts at implementing
notable HR practices and being unbiased in its approach to personnel
management in the banking sector and in the country at large.
Speaking at the event, former Chairman/Managing Director of Mobile
Oil Nigeria Plc Mr. Olu Onakoya, who was Special Guest of Honour at the
event emphasized the evolution that has taken place in HR practices in the
modern age. “Like water under the bridge are days when the HR profession
was only saddled with the responsibility of hiring and firing employees. The
contemporary HR oversees all things related to managing an organisation’s
most important asset — its human capital.
While appreciating the organisers of the award, Country Head Human
Capital of the bank, Olufunke Amobi, commended the efforts of the bank’s
team for their contribution to the success of the organisation.
In attendance at the event were titans HR practitioners and delegates of
participating companies.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria is an
umbrella association for Personnel Management Practitioners.
Binatone launches Air-Purifier in Nigeria
L
eading Electronic Manufacturer, Binatone Industries has launched a
high-tech Air Purifier with a potent filter popularly known as High
Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) which traps 99.9% particles into the
Nigerian market.
The new Air Purifier with HEPA filter according to the company has the
capacity to capture various sizes of particles within a multi-layered netting
usually made out of very fine fibreglass threads much thinner than the size
of a human hair strand.
The Managing Director of Global Appliances Nigeria Limited, the sole
distributors of Binatone in Nigeria, Mr. Prasun Banerjee explained that
HEPA filter removes or reduces indoor contaminants from the air and also
improves indoor air quality to reduce or eradicate allergies and its adverse
health effects.
“Air purifiers are a device that suck the air, travel through multiple layers
of filters, capturing pollutants and particles and pushing out the clean air
into the living space. The most important and most effective of these filters
is the HEPA filter that traps 99.9% particulates.
According to him, the new Air-filters with touch screen control and large
LED display are absolutely essential for people spending a lot of time in the
air-conditioned rooms and bedrooms in particular, stuffy rooms, offices,
banks, meeting rooms, closed rooms where people smoke, gymnasiums,
clinics and for people with asthma and allergies. Air purifier’s fan draws
air into the filter and particulates are captured in the filter.
The Managing Director, Mr. Banerjee said that Binatone will give one
free sealed new HEPA Filter with every unit purchased during the first six
months of the launch before the offer will end on April, 30, 2020.

42 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 21, 2019
EFCC arrests fake CBN
Governor in Uyo
Service of songs and tributes of HRM Obi Christopher
Akazue Gbemudu 11 Ogbeleani of Illah Kingdom and Diokpa
of Umuogwu-Illah, Delta State at Iyioka Primary
School Illah,Delta State. From Left Ommodore Kenneth
Nkem Obi Gbemudu [Rtd] Son,Obogwu Ogbuenyi Justina
Ifeanyi Gbemudu (widow) and Ogbuefi Benjamin
Kanayo Obi Gbemudu (son) Photos Nath Onojake
Fitch revises Nigeria’s economic outlook to
negative
By Emeka Anaeto,
Business Editor
FITCH Ratings, the
world’s leading economic
and financial rating
agency, may have cast
shadows over the outcomes
of the several fiscal and
monetary policies churned
out by the Federal Government
and the Central Bank
of Nigeria, CBN, in recent
months.
Consequently, it has revised
the outlook on Nigeria’s
Long-Term Foreign-
Currency Issuer Default
Rating (IDR) to Negative
from Stable, and affirmed
the rating at ‘B+’, while cast
doubts over the efficacy of
the various policies in addressing
the nation’s economic
challenges.
The adverse revision, according
to Fitch, reflects the
increasing vulnerability from
the current macro-policy setting,
raising risks of disruptive
macroeconomic adjustment
in the medium term
even with the appreciation
of the Naira.
Fitch also indicated that a
sharp devaluation of the
exchange rate under the
current policy framework
would stoke macroeconomic
volatility and significantly
weaken some of Nigeria’s
key credit metrics, including
its GDP per capita in US
dollars and its share in world
GDP.
In its latest rating of the
economy, Fitch stated: “The
substantial real appreciation
of the naira over the last
year appears uncorrelated
with macroeconomic fundamentals
and is set to continue,
driven by high inflation.
“Commodity terms of trade
have deteriorated somewhat
and will decline further,
weighed down by lower oil
prices.
“However, Nigeria’s real
effective exchange rate has
surged by around 20% since
April 2018 and is now close
to its high reached in mid-
2016, prior to the exchangerate
devaluation in the wake
of the oil-price shock.”
The global rating agency
also noted that the CBN is
striving to maintain a stable
nominal exchange rate
through an array of unconventional
and economically
costly policy measures.
*Points to impending forex crises
*Worried over debt burden, others
In this connection, it stated:
“In particular, risks stem
from the Central Bank’s
policy of attracting portfolio
investments in its short-term
Open Market Operations
(OMO) bills through high
yields and hedging instruments
offered to non-resident
investors at low cost,
despite a wide spread between
the naira and dollar
interest rates.
“As a result, non-resident
holdings of the CBN’s
OMO bills soared to USD17
billion by end-August,
equivalent to 40% of foreign-currency
(FX) reserves
at the time.
“Challenges to the durability
of the current policy
setting are underscored by
increasingly complex regulatory
measures taken by
the CBN to reconcile its
competing objectives of attracting
foreign investments
in OMO bills and spurring
bank lending.”
CBN, recently barred
non-bank residents from
participating in the OMO
market, and separately imposed
a floor on bank loanto-funding
ratios to support
credit growth.
From left: Commodore Nkem Obi Gbemudu
[Rtd] course mate (Nigeria Nany)
Foreign reserves crises
Fitch said a lower OMO
market liquidity due to a
narrower range of participants
is likely to have dampened
net portfolio inflows,
contributing to a 12% drop
in Nigeria’s foreign reserves
in November 2019
from end-June to their lowest
level in two years.
It stated further: “The current
account (CA) balance
has shifted to deficit from a
long-standing surplus,
pointing to deteriorating
macroeconomic imbalances
and adding to external vulnerability.
“Fitch expects the CA will
record a deficit of 1.6% of
GDP in 2019, its secondweakest
level in 24 years,
after a surplus of 2.6% in
2018; Fitch forecasts the CA
deficit will moderate to an
average of 0.7% of GDP in
2020-2021.
“Foreign reserves will
average 4.7 months of CA
payments over 2019-2021,
down from 6.1 months in
2018. “This will still be
much higher than the forecast
‘B’ median of 3.5 months,
but reliance on short-term financial
inflows - particularly
into OMOs - for building
reserves and a significant
portion of reserves pledged
in swaps mean that Nigeria’s
liquid foreign assets offer
only a modest liquidity buffer
against external shocks.”
Debt burden
On the fiscal policy side
and other Federal Government
economic measures
Fitch stated: “General government
(GG) debt remains
on an upward path, while
particularly low fiscal revenues
and structural shortcomings
in public finance management
(PFM) constrain
the sovereign’s ability to support
a rising debt burden.
“The GG debt/revenue ratio
is particularly high, at
333% (Federal government
(FGN), debt: 777%) in 2019,
and will rise close to 400%
(FGN debt: 922%) in 2021,
well above the forecast ‘B’
median of 248%. GG debt will
exceed 30% of GDP (FGN
debt: 24%) in 2020, trebling
in a decade, and up from
25% (FGN debt: 20%) in 2018
which was already its highest
level since the restructuring
of the Paris Club debt
in 2004.
“Weaknesses in PFM are
illustrated by rising monetary
financing, a large and
uncertain amount of government
arrears, and a
multitude of contingent liabilities
on which transparency
is poor.
“Net CBN claims on the
FGN soared to an all-time
high of 3% of GDP in August,
equivalent to annual
FGN revenues.”
Power failures
Fitch is also worried about
the state of affirs in the Nigeria’s
electricity sector. It
stated: “Significant arrears
continue to undermine the
viability of the power sector
despite large injections of
funds by the CBN and the
budget authorities. “Domestic
arrears of NGN3.4
trillion (2% of GDP), according
to preliminary estimates,
are being cleared through
the issuance of promissory
notes. This amount does not
capture pension and wage
arrears reportedly owed by
different tiers of government.”
Hope rises for Nigerian roads as House passes
Vital Road Bills
THE House of Rep
resentatives has
passed the National
Roads Fund (Establishment)
Bill, 2019 and the
Federal Roads Bill aimed
at addressing poor road
infrastructure in the
country.
The Bills, which were
sponsored by the Deputy
Minority Leader, Hon.
Toby Okechukwu (PDP,
Enugu) and the Chairman,
House Committee
on Treaties and Protocols,
Hon. Ossai Nicholas
(PDP, Delta), were
passed at Wednesday
plenary before the House
adjourned till January
for the Christmas and
New Year break.
The National Road
Fund Bill seeks to establish
a National Roads
Fund seeks to provide
predictable and sustainable
funding for road
maintenance in order to
promote the sustainable
development and
management of the nation’s
road network as
well as establish a repository
of revenues accruing
from road user
related charges and
other sources for financing,
which shall be
managed and administered
for routine and
periodic maintenance
works on roads and related
matters in Nigeria.
Sources of fund, according
to the bill, include,
fuel levy, axle
load control charges,
toll fees, international
vehicle transit charges,
inter-state mass transit
user charge, and roads
fund surcharge on any
vehicle imported into
Nigeria. Others are
By Soni Daniel
A
suspected cyber
fraudster, named Onyebuchi
Nwalozie Julius has
been arrested by the Economic
and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, in
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for
impersonating the Governor
of the Central Bank of Nigeria,
Dr. Godwin Emefiele.
Onyebuchi a native of
Ngor-Okpala in Imo State,
confessed under interrogation, that he impersonated the Central
Bank of Nigeria, CBN Governor, Dr. Godwin Emefiele
with email account: emefilegodwin586@yahoo.com and
defrauded one Mr. Omar Es Sh Deeb. The suspect whose
specialty is Business Email Compromise BEC, said his modus
operandi involves searching for email addresses via Google
search and sending convincing emails to prospective victims.
Onyebuchi was arrested on December 6, 2019, at Owerri
in Imo state. At the point of his arrest, the following items
were recovered from him: A HP Laptop Envy with serial
number CND62544TZ; HP Laptop with serial number
SCD8022CSF; iPhone X; Nokia phone, ECOWAS International
Passport-55389766, Drivers Licence and a Toyota Venza
with registration No. LSR 23 FQ.
An analysis of the HP Envy Laptop revealed quite a number
of scam mails sent by Onyebuchi to one of his victims, an
Arabian Omar Deeb , with bogus contract proposals purported
to have emanated from CBN , while he posed as
CBN Governor. Onyebuchi successfully defrauded Mr. Deeb
who remitted funds, thinking he was actually dealing with
the CBN Governor Dr. Godwin Emefiele.
Though Onyebuchi confessed to have benefited as much
as N4.5million from his criminal enterprise, investigation
into the matter.
Okowa appoints a retired
Broadcaster, Chiazor as media aid
lease, license or other
fees, grants, and loans.
The Federal Roads Bill,
on the other hand, seeks
to repeal the Federal
Roads Maintenance
Agency Act (FERMA)
Act, Federal Highways
Act, and the Control of
Advertisement on Federal
Highways Act to establish
an agency to govern
and manage the nation’s
federal roads network.
The agency would also
facilitate Private Sector
participation in the development,
financing,
maintenance, management,
and improvement
of roads in Nigeria, including
contracts for
road concession and other
forms of Public Private
Partnership as well as set
guidelines for the working
of PPP contracts.
The agency would be
By Festus Ahon, ASABA
*Onyebuchi Nwalozie Julius
DELTA State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has appointed
former Chairman of the Nigeria union of
Journalists, NUJ Delta state council, Comrade Norbert
Chiazor as a Special Assistant on Media.
Chiazor, who is a native Udumdje-Uno in Aniocha
North Local Government Area, holds a degree in
English/Literature from the University of Benin, a
degree in Mass Communication from the Delta State
University, Abraka and a Master’s degree in Mass
Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsuka.
He retired from as Deputy General Manager/ Head
of News and Current Affairs Department, Delta
Broadcasting Service, Warri in October 2019.
He was the Director Media and Strategic Communication
in the Prince Ned Nwoko 2019 senatorial
campaigns. He is married with children.
further laden with the responsibilities
of planning
and managing the development
of road safety
technical designs and
standards, and also seek
revenue generating opportunities
from the asset
itself and its management
from lease or license or
other fees pertaining to
non-vehicular road usages
such as advertising,
cables, masts, etc.
It is recalled that both
Bills were
passed by the 8th National
Assembly as panacea
for the broken-down
road infrastructure, but
did not receive assent of
President Muhammadu
Buhari, who raised some
concerns.
It was, therefore, reintroduced
and passed in
the current House of
Representatives and
would now await concurrence
by the Senate.

Izilien begs Pinnick
to pay him $12,000
owed allowances
By John Egbokhan
A
sad and dishevelled former
Super Falcons coach, Godwin
Izilien has passionately begged the
leadership of the Nigeria Football
Federation )NFF) to pay his
allowances, amounting to $12,00
from the African Women
Championship in South Africa held
15 years ago.
Izilein led the Super Falcons to
win the African Nations Cup in
Johannesburg, which at that time
was the fourth AWC title that
Nigeria won.
But 15 years on from that epochal
triumph in the Rainbow nation,
Izilien, who is now 77 years old is
still holding out for the release of
his $12,000, which he said long
overdue for release because others
members of the team have been
paid.
Speaking to Sports Vanguard in
Benin City during the 75 th Annual
General Assembly of the NFF,
Izilien, who also coached the
Golden Eaglets appealed to the
President of the NFF, Amaju Pinnick
to come to his rescue by ordering
for the payment of his allowances.
‘’I am passionately appealing to
the President of NFF, Amaju Pinnick
to rescue me from this 15 years of
harrowing and endless wait for the
sweat of my labour at the African
Women Championship in South
Africa.
‘’It is such a sad and pitiable thing
that having served my country with
all my strength and fervour that I
am being denied the fruit of my
labour.
‘’I am suffering because I know
what $12, 000 can do for me now
not to talk about then when others
were paid after the tournament. I
don’t know the crime I committed
that has made them not to pay my
money.
At the start of the week, a
commendable initiative was
launched in Lagos - the ‘Adoptan-Athlete’
Campaign of the
Ministry of Youth and Sports
Development, whereby notable
individuals and organisations were
urged to partner with the ministry
by ‘adopting’ or providing support
for Nigeria’s Olympic-bound
athletes across various sports.
In my piece last week, I had
highlighted the fact that fellow
African nation South Africa had
already set the ball rolling in terms
of their level of preparedness for the
Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and how the
current crisis rocking the Athletics
Federation of Nigeria (AFN) could
serve as a major distraction for our
athletes who are focused on making
the country proud in Japan.
As part of the ‘Adopt an Athlete’
initiative, individuals and corporate
bodies are to commit to supporting
the foreign based ‘adopted’ athletes
with $20,000, while the home-based
athletes would get $10,000 in
preparation for the Olympics.
Nigeria’s best wrestler, Odunayo
Adekuoroye was adopted by
Halogen, while Divine Oduduru has
been adopted by the Visa family. It
is my earnest hope that more
athletes get ‘adopted’ as soon as
possible.
According to the Minister of Youth
and Sports Development, Sunday
Dare, “The idea behind the Adopt
Campaign is to boost the support
that the ministry and the country
gives our athletes. We also want
Nigerians, both individuals and
corporate bodies to be part of the
Olympics spirit, to be stakeholders
in our sports. The Adopt Campaign
focuses on providing targeted
support for each of the potential
medal winning athletes.
“Whatever the athletes get from
this Adopt Campaign will create an
organic relationship between the
athlete and the organisation or
individual adopting him. The bane
of our preparation has been a
number of factors. One is not
starting early enough, and I think
this time around we’ve started at
least by taking the steps that are
critical to chart a path to victory.
We’ve announced the sports we are
going to concentrate on, which are
11 of them, and we are already
engaging directly with the athletes
that have qualified and the teams
that have qualified.
“We are looking directly at the
issue of technical depth, the question
of coaching, camping, training, and
the trials that they need. We are
focusing on the details now in a very
timely fashion. And after Lagos, we
will go to Abuja to do the same
adoption campaign and then to Port
Harcourt. By the time we are
through, Nigerians will join the
Olympics spirit and then the athletes
will get the support they need to excel
in Tokyo.”
•Dare
•One of the Agu sisters,
Victoria on the track
Agu sisters take German
athletics by storm
T
Arsenal sign Arteta on
three-and-a-half-year deal
Arsenal have confirmed Mikel Arteta as
their new manager, ahead of the club’s
fixture against Everton this weekend.
Following the dismissal of Unai Emery last
month and the decision that interim boss
Freddie Ljungberg is not the right fit for the
club, Arsenal have appointed their former club
captain Arteta, who will watch today's game
from the stands at Goodison Park before taking
charge of the game at Bournemouth on Boxing
Day.
Arteta's predecessor, Unai Emery had this to
say of his successor, He really is prepared to
make that next jump. He has been at Arsenal
before, he's been in the Premier League and he
has been working with Pep Guardiola.
I do believe this is a good decision and I would
also like it to be a good decision.”
wo sisters of Nigerian origin,
Victoria and Vivian Agu
representing TuS Lübeck put up very
strong performances in the Hamburg
athletics hall as they celebrated seven
victories and four second places.
Victoria won in the W14 over 60 m
in 8.03 seconds (lead 7.99) and finished
second in the long jump (5.06 m);
Vivian was the fastest 60-meter runner
in the W15 in 8.14 ahead of her clubmate
Sally-Ann Arthur (8.28), also won
the long jump with 5.30 m. With Kaya
Meier secured the aforementioned TuS
trio nor the relay victory over 4x200 m
in the U16 in 1: 50.42 minutes.
Victoria Agu sprinted to victory over
100 m with best time (12.61). She also
mined long jump gold at 5.08 m and
in teamwork with Eileen Schultz ,
Nelly-Helma Jonker and her sister
Vivian also won the title over 4 × 100
m in a new best time of 50.64 seconds.
On the first day of the state
championships (U20 / U16) in the
Hamburg athletics hall, they
celebrated seven victories and four
second places.
After collecting medals on Saturday
(Victoria, W14: 60m Gold, Long Jump
Silver - Vivian, W15: Gold 60m and
Long Jump respectively, plus 4x200m
relay gold for both), they each picked
up on Sunday a gold medal: Victoria
over 60m hurdles in 9.55, Vivian in the
triple jump (10.44). And Victoria was
also second in the shot put with 10.23.
Her club colleague Kaya Meier
collected silver in the high jump of the
W15 with 1.53 m. For the fourth
Lübecker medal on Sunday Famke
Krickmeier (LBV Phönix) provided
bronze in the triple jump of the U20
with 10.16.
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019 — 43
Adopt-A-Talent Campaign,
better late than never
As far as Track and Field is
concerned, seven athletes have
already qualified for the Tokyo 2020
Games. They are Blessing Okagbare
(100m, 200m), Oduduru (100m,
200m), Raymond Ekevwo (100m),
Usheoritse Itsekiri (100m), Tobi
Amusan (100m Hurdles), Ese
Brume (Long Jump) and
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (Shot
put). Of course, we expect several
more to qualify before the July 31st,
2020 deadline.
Nigeria’s strongest medals hopes
in Tokyo will be hinged on Athletics,
especially as the country didn’t
qualify for the Football event, which
got us a Bronze medal at Rio 2016.
Because of the multi-event nature
of Track and Field, if we get our
tactics right, it’s possible to harvest
medals in events like the relays, and
even the Long Jump where Brume
recently won a World
Championships Bronze, or the
100m Hurdles where Amusan
currently ranks 4th in the world.
The relays alone account for five
events: the men and women’s
4x100m, men and women’s
4x400m, and the mixed 4x400m.
For now, I will say our best bet in the
Uyo Champions League: Eagles Eyes face
Etinan Urban FC
F
ootball enthusiasts in Akwa
Ibom State are expected to troop
into West Itam Sports Complex, Itu
to watch the much talked about
grand final of the 1st BetN9ja Uyo
Champions League featuring
Eagles Eyes FC of Uyo and Etinan
Urban FC of Etinan. The match
comes up today.
According to Howard Usen,
chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of First line Sports
Management Company Limited,
the grand final match promises to
be very thrilling and exciting, given
Atotal of 36 coaches drawn
from all the 12 wards in
Hong Local Government
Area of Adamawa State are
expected to participate in a three day
coaching clinic for grassroots
football coaches organised by the
Adamawa State Chapter of Youth
Sports Federation of Nigeria (
YSFON).
The clinic which will kick off
today, Saturday, 21- Monday 23,
December , 2019 at the Exams Hall
Government Secondary School,
Hong with the theme “ Train the
Trainers” is being sponsored by the
President of Volleyball Federation
of Nigeria, Engr. Musa Nimrod.
GOtv Boxing Night 20:
Fight against Anan ‘ll be easy, Real
One boasts
Reigning West African Boxing
Union (WABU) lightweight
champion, Rilwan “Real
One” Oladosu, has declared that
his title defence against Ghana’s
Ezekiel Anan will require minimal
effort. The encounter is one of the
four title bouts at the nine-fight
GOtv Boxing Night 20, which holds
at Lagos’ Tafawa Balewa Square
on 28 December.
Speaking after a sparring
session yesterday Real One
claimed that Anan stands no
chance of causing an upset.
“This is my first title defence and
I’m sure, very sure, it will be easy.
Anan is deceiving himself if he is
nursing the ambition of returning
with the title. He should just come
and enjoy the hospitality
Nigerians are known to provide.
But that hospitality will not extend
to the ring, where I’m the master,”
said the champion.
He claimed to have defeated the
best Ghanaian boxers, a level to
which he believes is way above
Anan’s.
relays lies in the men’s 4x100m, but
I must resist the urge to count our
chickens before they are hatched,
seeing that none of our relay teams
have qualified for the Games. So,
the first task at hand is ensuring that
we qualify, which of course suggests
that our athletes have to be exposed
to relay-specific competitions
outside the country, from the
beginning of the season. We have to
take advantage of every opportunity
the quality of players in both teams.
To qualify for the final, Eagles Eyes
FC defeated Bright Stars FC 2-0 in
the first semi-final and beat Afaha
Ofot FC 2-0 in the semi-final, while
Etinan Urban FC spanked Insight
Sports FC 5-4 in penalties in the
quarter-final before defeating
Etinan Urban FC 2-1 in the second
semi-final at West Itam Sports
Complex, Itu.
It would be recalled that the first
Uyo Champions League kicked-off
last month with 18 youth teams from
the nine Local Government of Uyo
Senatorial District.
Adamawa YSFON holds coaching clinic in Hong
According to a statement by the
organisers, the clinic is aimed at
preparing the coaches for the
forthcoming inter wards football
competition slated for January,
2020 amongst all the 12 Wards in
Hong Local Government Area even
as it announced that resource
persons will be led by YSFON
Technical Director, Coach
Abdulgafaru Agboola and they will
be speaking on such topics as
psychology, sports aids and
principles of football , talent hunt
and grassroots coaching skills
while seasoned referees will be on
hand to handle them on Laws of the
game.
GOtv Boxing Night 20 will be
headlined by the World Boxing
Federation
(WBF)
Intercontinental Heavyweight
title fight between Onoriode
“Godzilla” Ehwariemi of Nigeria
and Ariel “Chiquito” Baracamonte
of Argentina.
Also at the show, WABU
welterweight champion, Nigeria’s
Nigeria’s Rilwan “Baby Face”
Babatunde, will defend his title
against another Ghanaian, Sanitor
Agbenyo. There will also be the
national super bantamweight title
bout between Sadiq “Happy Boy”
Adeleke and Opeyemi “Sense”
Adeyemi.
Also in action is Taiwo “Esepo”
Agbaje, the national featherweight
champion, who takes on Olusegun
Moses in a challenge bout. Another
big name on the card is Ridwan
“Scorpion” Oyekola, who will fight
Sikiru “Omo Iya Eleja” Shogbesan
in a national super featherweight
contest. Incumbent national light
heavyweight champion, Adewale
“Masevex” Masebinu, will face
Olanrewaju Segun in a challenge
clash.
as only eight slots are currently up
for grabs in each of the relay events.
My only misgiving about this
initiative is the dichotomy being
created in terms of the amount of
support to be received by the foreignbased
and home-based athletes
respectively. If not handled carefully,
this can lead to friction and
disharmony among the athletes
because it would appear some are
being accorded preferential
treatment over others. In cases like
this, I believe it’s always best to
provide support based on
performance and not necessarily the
location where the athletes are
based.
Presently, our foreign-based
athletes have an edge in terms of
their level of performance, but there
could always be a home-based
athlete who could spring a surprise
and who may also need to be
exposed to competitions across the
globe. And whilst some may say the
campaign is coming late as we have
barely seven months to the
Olympics, that has very little to do
with the Minister who only assumed
office in August. As the saying goes,
“Better late than never.”

44 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019
in Doha
•Inside University City Stadium in Nigerian colours.
The stands and seats are all in Nigerian green and
white colours. A home for Eagles in 2022 World Cup?
2022 World Cup:
Qatar ar causing
kat
atak
akat
ata with
facilities
•Presents' Nigeria's Eagles
a home in Al Rayyan
Atrip to the Education City
in the Al Ryann area of
Qatar is mind-blowing.
The things you see are so
amazing and petrifying.
You admire the beauty of a city,
the commitment of a people, you
appreciate their leadership, good
governance and all the qualities
that make them special. The next,
you begin to think about your
country, how unlucky your people
have been from colonial times
till date and you are full of anger.
No, thoughts about home must
not spoil your day. It’s not about
home.
You look through the window
as the bus travels from your City
Centre Hotel Continental. The
alluring aesthetics of structures,
the landscaping and lawns thaw
you. You forget home, at least
momentarily, and try to savour
the moment. The bus pulls up on
getting to your destination.
Journalists from all over the
world alight and are briefly
addressed on the tour. Seconds
after, something pleasantly
surprises you.
Jassim Telafat is the Executive
Director of the Education City
Stadium, one of the magnificent
facilities Qatar is presenting for
the 2022 World Cup. The tour is
to inspect the stadium, ask
questions or raise issues that
could guide the World Cup hosts.
Journalists with experience are
on tour.
The stadium is built in the
university city and that informs
the name. With other facilities for
basketball ball, volleyball,
handball, track and field and
wide lawns and tracks for
pedestrian and bicycle
movements, the legacy is also
meant to serve the community
after the World Cup tournament.
‘This place is designed to host
events, parties, weddings, shows and
anything that promotes mankind,’
Telafat says, adding, ‘it’s a 40,000
capacity stadium that will be reduced
to 20,000 after the World Cup.’
Qatar, while bidding to host the
World Cup, had promised to build
stadiums that could be collapsed and
parts of them donated to developing
countries.
Parts of the Education City Stadium
will be given out. With a population
of 2.6 million people, Qatar, after the
World Cup, may not need the huge
structures they are putting in place
now. Now, the surprise.
Jassim Telafat leads us into the
stadium and Nigeria strikes you in
the face. Wow. You think home and
you look around again in admiration.
Are you in Nigeria? Certainly not. But
what’s happening? What a
coincidence. Every stadium here has
history behind it. What has Nigeria
got to do with University City
Stadium?
The colours are Nigeria’s green and
white. The seats and stands are in
Nigerian colours. What a pleasant
surprise. Your mind goes back home
to the Eagles. What if they qualify for
2022 World Cup and are drawn to play
here? The atmosphere here could
boost their psyche. Inside, the
University Stadium is painted in
Nigerian colours. It’s all Nigeria.
Seats and stands adorn Nigerian
colours. The Eagles must qualify and
play here, you say.
Whether our fans are many or not,
the colours here are Nigerian.
Unknowingly, Qatar is presenting
Nigeria here. They are presenting us
a home here. Good feeling for me as I
look around in admiration. ‘You
people should qualify and make here
your home,’ Foussena Djagba, from
Ghana tells me. The facilities in the
stadium are amazing.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019 — 45
Al Janoub in Al Wukrah, where science
and technology work for sports
Pitch level showing cooling system at that level
in Al Janoub Stadium. Some are on top too
I have news for Chidi Ngoka, the
Super Eagles curator. When Eagles
play here, he would no longer need a
small space in the dressing room to
arrange the kits. He will now have a
beautiful office close to the dressing
room. The dressing rooms here are
classy with jacuzzi, pools, showers.
There are prayer rooms, massage
rooms, steam and Sauner rooms. The
Press Conference room and Mixed
Zones are such that Fifa’s Fedrico
Addieco says Qatar has surpassed the
required standards in all the stadiums.
He is right. There are innovations.
Each corner or players’ rows have
safes for valuables. Besides dressing
rooms are long warm-up rooms with
artificial turfs. The warm-up rooms are
big enough to serve the players. This is
new.
Muneer Al Jaber, a young woman
who is the project manager at the
stadium takes over from where Telafat
stops and leads us to level 5 of the
stadium where the Hospitality Boxes,
Sky and Studio Boxes with the VIP
lounge dazzle the visitors, some of who
begin to wonder about the level Qatar
is taking the provision of facilities to.
Are they doing this for people out of
this world? Telafat surprises us before
we leave. At the Conference hall he
asks us to sit, facing the table meant
for the coaches and players in a typical
press conference style. He selects yours
sincerely to mimic a coach addressing
the media and fielding questions after
a World Cup match.
He asks why my team played well in
the first half but lost the match in the
second. He also asks me about my
impression on the facilities we have
seen today. On the match I say some
technical things that impress my
colleagues. I defend my players
generally, although pointing the weak
link that cost us the match and
promising to work on the flaws and
hoping to qualify to next round! On
the facilities I rate them simply as
amazing. Applause follows.
‘We’ll do it our own way,’ England
said of the 2012 Olympic Games after
watching the stupendous things Beijing
put in place for the 2008 Games,
especially the opening ceremony where
they made science and technology to
speak to us.
They did not need to match China
and informed all ahead of time that
they would do it their own way.
I guess that’s what the hosts of the
2026 World Cup would also say after
the experience of 2022 here in Qatar.
Hassan Al Thawadi, the Secretary-
General of the Supreme Committee for
Legacy and Delivery will be proud of
what his country is delivering to the
world for the World Cup and
generations unborn in Qatar and the
region.
December 16 , Al
Janoub Stadium
What Abdulaziz Ishaq lacks in
height he makes up with his
long white beards that
distinguish him in any crowd. His
carriage, humour, warmth add to his
personality. He welcomes us to this
stadium where science and technology
flourish with tradition and culture.
Ishaq is friendly, crackes jokes and
regales us with pleasant stories of the
people.
Al Wukrah, originally was largely
known for fishing. Al Janoub Stadium
is in Al Wukrah. It is also called Al
Wukrah Stadium. It’s in the
fisherman’s community.
Dressing room at Al Bayt Stadium
It’s therefore not out of place
that the stadium is designed after
traditional dhow boat. Zaha
Hadid, a female Iraqi-British
architect did the beautiful job
before she passed on. May her
soul rest in peace.
The stadium has a 92m
retractable roof. It is the first
stadium built from the scratch for
the 2022 World Cup to be
completed. It was opened in May
when it hosted the Amir Cup
final.
The cooling technology is
state-of-the-art.
‘This is about engineering
and science serving sports,’ Saud
Ghani, professor of engineering
at the Qatar University says
proudly of the construction at Al
Wukrah. He had hand in the
construction.
Al janoub is a 40,000 capacity
stadium that will be reduced to
20,000 at the end of the World
Cup. The parts will be donated
to developing countries. I hope
Nigeria benefits. Incidentally, the
world sees us as country with
huge potential but ravaged by
their leaders. This explains why
we hardly attract sympathy from
great nations whose success
stories we celebrate. I digressed.
Traditional fisherman’s
music is blaring as the inspection
goes on. Fine Arab music that can
change your steps in unison with
the rhythms. ‘It’s about thermal
comfort,’ Ghani, the engineering
professor tells us. ‘It’s 100
percent air-conditioned stadium.
The cooling system is controlled
to adjust to weather. It adjusts to
what the weather reads and
begins to serve its purpose
automatically.’
The visitors are looking at
each other in wonderment. He
continues. ‘The air you breathe
here is the purest. The cooling
system also purifies the air. It
reacts to humidity too, so you are
talking about cooling,
purification and humidity
control. The system is meant to
serve the players, the spectators
and the grass on the pitch.’ The
visitors are smiling. If that
doesn’t wow you, what would?
‘It’s all about legacy,’ the
university professor says as we
round off the trip to Al Wukrah.
Qatar had promised to build
stadiums with cooling
technology for the 2022 World
Cup because of the heat during
summer. Fifa has moved the
2022 World Cup to November/
December but that has not
stopped them from providing the
cooling technology in their
stadiums.
December 17: Road
leads to Al Bayt, a
home in a stadium
The drive from
Intercontinental Hotel,
City Centre, is about one
hour.
It’s a drive to what ordinarily
should be a desert. But Qatar’s
Vision 2030 is about
transforming the already
beautiful country and further
enhancing the dignity of its
people. It’s about making Qatar
a destination point not only in the
Arab world but also in the entire
world.
It’s called Vision 2030 but it
goes beyond 2030. It’s about
great legacies for the future
generations. The 2022 World
Cup is just one of the fast tracks
to achieving the lofty objectives
of Vision 2030.
So, this seemingly ordinary
desert city has been made
extraordinary by 2022 World
Cup constructions. What we are
seeing here today underscores
what our own Segun Odegbami
has been preaching for years now
– that sports provides the fastest
tool to development. Odegbami
knows that we don’t have the
facilities to host the World Cup
or Commonwealth Games or the
Olympics. But he campaigns for
joint or regional hosting,
knowing that it’s probably the
only thing that can compel our
governments to construct rail
lines, develop other
infrastructure and build facilities
that could serve future
generations.
Al Bayt, with its tent design,
portrays a home of Al Khor
people. It’s unique, representing
Qatar’s rich culture and history.
The 60,000 capacity stadium
will be the second biggest after
Lusail that is still under
construction. The Legacy
Rooms are uniquely furnished to
make you feel as comfortable as
a home could offer. You have beds
Dressing room at
Al Janoub
Abdulaziz Ishaq
Al Bayt Stadium, home
of history and culture
Small pool near
the dressing
room at the Al
Bayt Stadium
in them, so an occupant of a
Legacy Room which is part of
the hospitality boxes, can relax
Continues on pg 47

46 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019
Qatar causing katakata with facilities
Continued from pg 46
on a bed at half time or before
or after a match.
This is luxury in a football
arena. The pictures of the
stadium say it all. The dressing
room is simply amazing.
Mohamed Ahmed takes us
around and foreign journalists
from Europe and America are
shaking their heads. Take this.
This stadium has a VIP park that
can accommodate 10,000 cars,
it has six restaurants, five coffee
shops, a mall, one hospital, a
hotel and a police station. It’s on
400,000m landscape. This
stadium is a sports village or
rather a city on it’s own. ‘We
started this project in 2014 and
here we are,’ Ahmed says, adding
‘the cooling technology is the
most sustainable in the world,
the lighting is the most advanced
in the world.’
Lusail Stadium that will host
the opening and final matches
is another wonder to behold even
as it is still under construction.
In local parlance, katakata
means confusion in either
positive or negative context.
Qatar people are causing
katakata with the facilities they
are presenting for the 2022
World cup. Their hotels that will
accommodate fans and teams;
metro lines that will aide
transportation and facilitate
fans watching two matches in a
day; the stadiums that will host
the matches and the hospitality
of the people are all geared
towards making history in 2022.
The world can’t wait to be here.
Qatar is katakata with their
facilities.
ESPERANCE:
A flash back to
1987 scene
against Abiola
•Africans Qatar fans
hope to see in 2022
I was a junior reporter, on
freelance, when Femi Ojo of
blessed memory included my
name on Abiola Babes’ list to
Tunisia to play Esperance in the
African Cup of Champions
match. The first leg had ended
goalless in Nigeria. It was
memorable for me because it was
my first trip outside Nigeria. And
in that trip I visited three
countries. We passed through
Italy as we flew Alitalia on our
way to Tunisia and spent a night
in London on our return. Alitalia
had gone on strike and Moshood
Kashimawo Abiola would not
allow us stay endlessly at the
airport. He was on the trip. His
wife, Symbiat and son Kola were
on that trip too. Abiola was that
committed to sports. He bought
British Airways tickets for us to
return home.
On our flight to Rome, I sat
close to him. I never knew he
knew me, having met him only
once before the trip. A group of
journalists interviewed him after
a match in Lagos and I was
among them. They said Abiola
needed to meet you only once to
recognise you anywhere. He
proved it on that trip. The team
doctor had fever on board and
Abiola joked ‘if the team doctor
is sick, oya, let the journalist
(pointing at me) treat him.’
Everybody laughed. I was
surprised he recognised me.
The match in Tunisia was not a
pleasant experience for us all. It
was in the days we had great
talents but who were
unprofessional. Abiola Babes
had super stars but many lacked
discipline. Abiola found out that
some players had broken camp
and even joined the team on the
day we travelled. Those were the
days players from Benin held
sway and were among the super
stars in our league. They were
good but they could disappoint
you. After every game, most of
them returned to a joint in Benin
from their various clubs. It was
just a social gathering that so
mattered to them they could
elope at the expense of club
success. They were the big names
in clubs and national team. They
tagged them the Benin Mafia
then. We lost 1-0 in Tunisia and
Abiola disbanded the club right
there in Tunisia. Abiola was a true
sportsman. He did not disband
the club because we lost the
match. He disbanded the club
because he felt the players were
not professional enough and that
it didn’t make sense spending so
much on players who lacked the
commitment required of
professionals. He heard how
some players joined the team at
the airport and kept calm until
they lost the match. ‘You did not
lose because they were better. You
lost because some of you lacked
fitness. It showed in the game,’
Abiola said as he announced the
disbandment of the team. No
internet then and my presence in
Tunisia was hugely beneficial to
Vanguard. Ikeddy Isiguzo, then
sports editor, celebrated my
stories.
As bad as it was Esperance
needed a controversial penalty to
win, 1-0. Abiola Babes were
dogged. Coach Femi Ojo had
planned well but towards the end
of the game the players were truly
losing gas. But what inspired
Inside Al Bayt Stadium
Esperance most was the
cheering by their fans. I
had never seen a thing
like that in my life. The
noise could unnerve
anybody. And it was nonstop.
‘Allez o, allez oo,’
they sang, making
bonfires, drumming and
booing every move of
Abiola Babes. Abiola
knew that he had the
players, the team to deal
with Esperance and
punish them but he was
disappointed that they
lost to indiscipline and
not to a better team. He
was so angry he acted
immediately. My
memory flashed back to
that day in Tunisia when
I saw fans of Esperance .
If cheering wins games
they would be in the final
here in Qatar in the Club
World Cup that ends
today. When they played
Al Hilal, the Asian
champions who are
from neighbouring
Saudi Arabia, they
outnumbered those who
were supposedly playing
at home. They brought to
Qatar what Brazilians
and some crazy football
nations display to the
world.
They
demonstrated their
passion on the streets,
singing and dancing to
the stadium, creating
scenes outside and inside
the stadium. They had
seats in their stand in the
stadium but they stood
throughout, singing
loudly and pointing to
the goal of the opponents
as if they were conjuring
some magic that could
send the ball into the
goal. Some people had
the misfortune and being
assigned seats behind them. They
blocked their views as they stood
throughout, cheering even when
they were down. They were a
scene to behold. Just like in 1987
against Abiola Babes, their
players were not fantastic, they
were having a fairly good game
but the cheers, the noise, the flares
from their fans were so
Esperance fans
flaring smokes at
the Al Sadd
Stadium where they
lost to Al Hilal
Roof OF AL BAYT
STADIUM
One of the Legacy Rooms at the
Al Bayt Stadium, showing luxury
and comfort with bed and tv and
living room furniture
Main bowl of Al
Bayt Stadium
intimidating that you wondered
what they were made of. Al Hilal
were making incursions into their
goal area and Esperance fans
were shouting them down. And
when Esperance were attacking
they turned the stands into
moving ‘spirits’. It was a
spectacle. Abiola Babes
experienced this and suffered
from it in 1987. Iwauanyanwu
Nationale went through it some
years later. But Clemens
Westerhof was asked to assist
them. That was when we had a
coach who loved Nigeria and its
people. I was in Tunisia to cover
the match too. He took over
tactical approach. The match in
Lagos ended goalless. Nationale
coach had said that ‘we would
play as if we lost in Lagos. We’ll
attack from the first minute. It is
massive attack and massive
defence, all through.’. The coach
was responding to Westerhof ’s
question on how he intended to
approach the match. Hear
Westerhof as he moved to the
board to draw formation and
unfold the tactical approach he
felt would serve. ‘We attack here,
we are down in the first half. When
you attacked in Lagos, how many
you score?. The first 15 minutes,
I tell you, they are coming like
Cheetah. Papapapaa, they are
coming, I tell you. We try to close
the game. After 15 to 20 minutes
they don’t score, they will get
frustrated and begin to show it. I
know North Africans. Arabs are
like that. If it’s not going their
way you see anger and
frustration. They are human
beings. After 15 to 20 minutes,
they are going down, energy is
going. Then we can attack. We
attack for five to 10 minutes and
we close the game again for the
rest time of the half. We must play
in segments, not attack and
attack. You attack here you are
down, I tell you.’ Westerhof then
went on to map out the runs he
expected from the players, how
to close the game and only go on
the counter when there was an
opening. The game went on
exactly as he previewed except
that in the last minute of the first
half Esperance scored through a
p e n a l t y .
Esperance are
like defunct
Nigeria’s
Stationery
Stores. They
intimidate
referees too. At
half time,
Nationale
officials were
panicking. They
were jittery.
Westerhof was
different. In the
dressing room, he
spent more time
commending the
boys, telling them
that they were
brilliant and had
executed the
game plan very
well. He told
them he was
expecting the
penalty. The
second half
would be in
segments too. He
said Esperance
would be inspired
by that goal and
would attack in
the early minutes
of the second
half. Nationale
must close the
game, attack
only after 15
minutes and
close the game
again and then
attack in the last
ten minutes.
When, in a
counter attack,
Tony Ezugha
scored a brilliant
goal without any
body contact the
referee did not
blow. He started
running to the
linesman to
confirm but the
assistant referee,
as they are called
now had lowered
his head and was
running to the
centre. The goal
stood and the
stadium died.
Nationale were
given two red
cards in the last
moments but they
closed the game well and
Esperance were out. Ransom
Madu kept on lamenting his red
card until we returned home. He
charged on a player but did not
make any body contact, he did
not fowl him. The player lost
possession and then came the red
card. It was a terrible officiating
but Nationale were through.
Westerhof donated his match
bonus to the players for making
him proud and retired to
Holland on holiday while
Nationale players returned
home, praising him till the club
also expired like Abiola Babes.
Esperance re-enacted the scenes
they were and still known for here
in Qatar. The passion they
displayed here when they played
Al Hilal was tremendous. Their
fans play for them always. They
lifted their game against Al Sadd,
winning 6-2 in the match for the
5 th place although many had
returned home. Their fans made
a mark here. Qatar are hoping
that Tunisia qualify for 2022
World Cup, knowing that the
Africans will surely add colour
to the fiesta. Their passion will
matter. It has won them a place
in the hearts of the people here.

LIVERPOOL VS FLAMINGO:
Nobody is sure any more
•Crackers in Qatar as Flamingo sing 1981 song, Liverpool still hopeful
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019 — 47
in Doha
Many thronged the Khalifa
Stadium Wednesday night
expecting European
champions, Liverpool to easily walk
past Concacaf champions,
Monterrey of Mexico in the
semifinal of this year’s Club World
Cup.
Liverpool’s current form had
informed the high expectation from
their fans here in Qatar where the
competition serves as a test run for
the 2022 World Cup even as it is
three years away.
Many truly came to watch
Liverpool entertain and demolish
Monterrey. They did not. They
struggled to a slim 2-1 victory,
scoring the winning goal just as the
public address system had
announced a three-minute stoppage
time. Roberto Firmino, interestingly,
a Brazilian did in the Mexicans.
Their fans went wild, celebrating.
But they did not produce the
dexterity fans expected from them.
Today holds the ace. They play
Flamingo of Brazil and Firmino will
be playing against his countrymen.
If the standard of the two semifinal
matches is anything to go by,
Flamingo would be favoured to win.
They put up a stronger character in
their semifinal victory against,
Asia’s champions, Al Hilal than
Liverpool did against Monterrey.
All sides play differently. It may
therefore not be proper assessing
Liverpool by that performance. But
if the high-flying European
champions do not up their game
today, a repeat of that cold
December 1981 night in Japan
could play out here at the Khalifa
Stadium.
It was Club World Cup final. And
Ican hardly recognize the presentday
Nigeria from the country I
was born into, grew up in, and
served in my own little ways.
Beyond politics, corruption and
poor governance that have raped
and left this abundantly rich and
blessed country prostrate with
poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy,
millions of jobless youths, ethnic
crisis, kidnappings, senseless
internecine killings, and more, I find
that we have arrived at the final
frontier, that point beyond which
there can be no redemption - our
humanity. Where, when, how did we
become such a completely
dehumanized people without love
and compassion for each other?
Everything about the Nigerian
could fail but not the spirit of
community and concern for the
weak, the afflicted, and the aged in
society.
Nigerians welcomed strangers
with open arms, treated them
without discrimination, like kings
and queens, and provided for them
an atmosphere where they could
flourish even at the expense of their
own people. That was the Nigeria
of old.
Suddenly those values are
disappearing fast.
I am forced again to write about
Samson Siasia.
I have done so twice in the past 6
months, drawing attention to the
plight of a man who has been
unjustly condemned by FIFA for a
crime that some of us believe he
never committed, and that FIFA has
never taken the trouble to clearly
state so that the world would know
what he did (or did not do).
Nigerians forget so quickly and
easily who Samson Siasia is, and
what he has done for Nigeria, and
should never have been left alone at
this period of his greatest challenge.
FIFA passed a ‘death’ sentence on
him, a life ban from the only activity
he has always known throughout his
life – football - because he failed to
it was Liverpool versus Flamingo.
The Brazilian humiliated Liverpool
3-0 with legendary Zico scoring a
brace. It was called Intercontinental
Cup then. Flamingo are here with
that 1981 story. Many had craved
for a Liverpool/Flamingo final. After
Flamingo tamed Asia’s champions,
Al Hilal 3-1 in the first semifinal
Liverpool struggled against
Monterrey until the stoppage time
when Firmino nicked in the winner
and set up today’s clash that has
already been sold out. Joshua Law
of The Guardian in England reports
that in each game
Flamingo played in
the Maracana
during this year’s
Copa Libertadores
(South America’s
Champions
League) one song
rang out louder
than any other.
They chanted ‘In
December 1981
we ran rings
around the
English. 3-0
a g a i n s t
Liverpool, it
went down in
history. In Rio
there’s no •Klopp
equal, only
Flamingo are
world champions. And
now your people ask for the world
again.’ Today will be interesting in
Qatar. National day celebrations
will dovetail into the final at Khalifa
Stadium tonight. Ir will be all
crackers.
Liverpool had already won the
European Champions League and
the fans wanted their side to win to
face Liverpool again. Their dreams
have come true. They are in the final
with Liverpool.
Club World Cup is revered in
Brazil. No Brazilian team would do
what Liverpool did here in the
semifinal. Juergen Klopp had
benched some key players, Sadio
•George
Jesus
Mane, Roberto
Firmino, Trent Alexander -Arnold
among them.
And Liverpool found themselves
struggling and close to losing the
match if Monterrey took their
chances. Mo Salah was knocked
out of his stride and he put many
feet wrong. But in two brilliant
moments, one in the first half and
another in the stoppage time, his
assists provided the goals that gave
Liverpool the match. But victory
came only when Mane, Firmino
and Trent came in.
‘I was scared of extra time,’
Samson Siasia does not deserve to be
abandoned NOW!
•Siasia
respond to an email sent to him to
come and defend himself in a
scandalous matter of match fixing.
Samson cried out to the world,
(and many did not believe him) that
he never saw the mail because he
had not been using that particular
email box for his correspondences
for some time. True or not, the facts
still remain that nothing categorical
was ever traced to him resembling
‘match fixing’ – not a particular
match, not a team, not a player(s).
He had some contact with a man,
as did a lot of people involved in
one football business or the other,
that was caught for fixing matches.
Does that make everyone that knew
him complicit? The man was a
registered football agent that does
various businesses in football with
many people, teams, players,
federations and coaches within the
football circuit.
The only way for Samson to
defend himself was to lodge an
appeal with the Court of Sports
Arbitration, CAS. He could not raise
the exorbitant cost before the
deadline given. Through the effort
of his lawyers, the matter was raised
again with CAS, who now gave him
a lifeline to defend himself, at a
private sitting in CAS’s office in
Switzerland, in the month of
January.
I have followed his case remotely,
asked probing questions, and I now
see that Nigeria, through its football
authorities, has not been fair at all
to the man that served the federation
and country so diligently, and is
facing a charge that reeks of
injustice from one mile away. They
could have investigated on their own
and let Nigerians know what they
think rather than just keep silent and
allow their innocent servant rot in
‘jail’.
If Samson was involved in matchfixing
it makes sense to assume it
must have been with one of the
teams or players he was involved
with – any of the three Nigerian
national teams and the players in
the teams. Those were the only
teams he was involved with during
his entire 12 years’ career as a
national team coach.
There is not one of the national
teams, or one of the players that
played under him throughout his
career that has been named in any
match-fixing charge.
So, what match(es) did he fix, or
was he only an accessory to fixing?
How, where, when?
You cannot separate him from a
team, or players in alleging the
offence he is purported to have
committed. In this case, he has only
ever coached Nigeria’s national
teams where his records are
impeccable and without blemish.
The least the Nigerian
government could do for him is
request their Football Federation to
conduct a quiet investigation of
their own, and brief government
before abandoning him to his fate.
His present situation is Nigeria’s
eventual loss. He is one of only very
few Nigerians that have the
pedigree to take on the
Victory against
Monterrey
confessed Klopp in
the press
conference after the match. ‘We had
to make the crucial changes and
they paid off. Mane, as usual, came
with a lot of power and Firmino
scored when we needed it most,’ he
said
Ṫoday, he may not bench any
key player. It is the final against
champions of a continent that rates
the Club World Cup as high as the
World Cup. Flamingo appear
hungrier than Liverpool in today’s
final and nobody should be
responsibility an unfolding
development in football presents.
Racism is on the rise. It has
permeated European football, and
nationalism is on the rise
everywhere. Black persons,
including Nigerians, are the prime
victims of the increasing scourge.
Nigeria now has a present
responsibility to sink or swim with
its own coaches, or with Black
coaches around the world, in this
new fight of civilisations and slavery,
cloaked in racism. Already, Black
players are never considered good
and intelligent enough to rise above
the level of players into higher levels
of coaching, management and
administration in football.
There is serious racism on the field
and in the terraces. The only way
Black and African coaches can get
to the top is to go back to their roots
and own it, give themselves the
training, the knowledge, the
experience, the time and the
opportunity to handle their own
teams, take on the world, and win
or lose.
Samson Siasia remains one of the
most promising and accomplished
Black coaches in African football
to lead that struggle.
He took Nigeria to the finals of
the 2005 Under-17 World Cup that
matched Lionel Messi against
Mikel Obi in an epic, unforgettable
final.
He took Nigeria to win Silver
Medal at the Beijing Olympic
Games in 2008, and was listed
amongst the best 15 coaches in the
world, and second best on the
African continent after that.
In 2016 he returned to a very
demoralized Nigerian Olympic
team heading to Brazil. He sought
surprised if they repeat the famed
1981 victory. George Jesus, their
Portuguese coach has transformed
the team since he arrived about six
months ago. ‘It’s interesting we are
playing Liverpool in the final. They
are a good side. The good thing for
us is that the players are in good
form and looking forward to the
game. We hope to win’.
However, the bookmakers tipped
Liverpool to win before the
semifinal matches. Now, many are
no longer sure. What people are sure
of is that the match will be explosive.
There will be crackers on the night
and fans will have value for their
money.
funds from external sources to camp
and train the team in Nigeria and
in the USA, took them to the Games
and returned with the only Bronze
medal Nigeria won in all sports at
the Games.
Samson was on the rise in stature,
knowledge and experience when his
career was cut short by the political
intrigues in Nigerian football aided
by a few poor results resulting in
some fracas with some people at the
helm of football in Nigeria.
Before all this, he had served
Nigeria as a junior player to Mexico
in 1985, and at senior level, as a firstteam
member of, probably, the best
assembly and most successful
national team in Nigeria’s history –
the 1994 squad that won the African
Cup of Nations and played at the
first World Cup in the USA.
He was in the team that emerged
as the most entertaining team
during the USA ‘94 World Cup,
personally scoring one of the goals
of the championship against
Argentina at Fox Boro Stadium.
Samson is amongst those that are
still to be fully rewarded for those
feats of 1994 – no national honour,
and no house in Abuja.
Samson must not be left to
languish as a result of one simple
innocuous error. Nigeria needs to
get up and support him if the country
investigates and finds out he is not
guilty as many of us believe after
looking at the facts on ground.
He needs to be supported by the
Nigeria Football Federation, by the
federal government, by his State
government, and by influential and
rich Nigerians who may still have
in their DNA the spirit of
unconditional love and
compassion.

C
M
Y
K
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 21, 2019
ACROSS
1)Public Relations Officer, Lagos State
Police Command, Mr. Bala – (6)
4)Malaysian State (5)
7)President, Nigerian Basketball
Federation (NBBF), Mr. Musa – (4)
8)Spanish City, Municipality and
Province (6)
9)French Word for “Red”? (5)
10)L.G.A in Borno State (4)
11)Swedish Town and Municipality (6)
14)Wolverhampton Warriors Coach,
Nuno – (8)
18)Chairman, Lagos State Chapter,
Christians Association of Nigeria,
Apostle Alexander – (8)
21)French City and Commune (6)
24)Maldivers Capital City (4)
25)Former Super Eagles Striker, John
– (5)
26)State in Nigeria known as “Nature’s
Gift to the Nation”? (6)
27)L.G.A in Kano State (4)
28)District in the Federal Capital
Territory (FCT), Abuja (5)
29)Great Britain’s longest River (6)
DOWN
1)American City (5)
2)Former Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria,
Mr. Ray – (5)
3)L.G.A in Edo State (5,3)
4)Minister of State for Transport, Mrs. Gbemisola
– (6)
5)State in Nigeria known as the “Pearl of
Tourism”?(6)
6)Former Spain “La Rojas” Coach, Fernando
Ruiz – (6)
12)Anambra State Capital (4)
13)L.G.A in Adamawa State (4)
15)Cuban City (8)
16)Precipitation (4)
17)English River (4)
18)Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Atiku – (6)
19)L.G.A in Katsina State (6)
20)Malian Capital City (6)
22)Former Taraba State Governor, Reverend
Jolly – (5)
23)Country in Europe (5)
CROSS WORD PUZZLE
SOLUTION TO PUZZLE ON PAGE 43
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