29032020 - El Rufai tests positive as experts insist on Total lockdown

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SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020, PAGE 5
CORONAVIRUS CASES HIT 89: Gov <strong>El</strong>-<strong>Rufai</strong> <strong>tests</strong>
<strong>positive</strong> <strong>as</strong> <strong>experts</strong> <strong>insist</strong> on total lockdown
•Lagos dumps curfew, fumigates streets
•Benue gets index c<strong>as</strong>e
•Imo, Bayelsa, Enugu under lockdown
•Osun: 150 returnees quarantined
•Oyo partial shutdown: Makinde working on palliatives
•Kano disinfects streets, hospitals
•Anambra shuts markets
•Delta: London returnees forced into self-isolation
By Our Reporters
C
oronavirus crisis in
Nigeria escalated
yesterday <strong>as</strong> the number of
c<strong>as</strong>es hit 89.
The figure of infections w<strong>as</strong>
81 <strong>as</strong> of Friday night.
The escalation happened
on a day Governor N<strong>as</strong>ir el-
<strong>Rufai</strong> of Kaduna State tested
<strong>positive</strong> for coronavirus, also
called COVID – 19.
<strong>El</strong>-<strong>Rufai</strong> said, in a
statement, l<strong>as</strong>t night, “Earlier
this week, I submitted a
sample for the Covid-19 test.
The result came in this
evening, and I regret to say
that it is <strong>positive</strong>.
“According to the protocols
for managing Covid-19, I am
in self-isolation <strong>as</strong> required by
the c<strong>as</strong>e management
guidelines of the NCDC for
someone that is not showing
symptoms.
“I wish to appeal to the
people of Kaduna State to
continue to closely observe
the preventive me<strong>as</strong>ures
already announced.
“It is most important that
everybody should do their
utmost to stay safe, stay home
and stay alive.
“The Deputy Governor is
chairing our Covid-19
T<strong>as</strong>kforce and will continue
to issue statements from time
to time.”
The governor is the third
high profile personality in
Nigeria to test <strong>positive</strong> for
COVID-19 after Governor
Bala Mohammed of Bauchi
State and the Chief of Staff to
President Muhammadu
Buhari, Mallam Abba Kyari.
The breakdown of the 89
coronarvirus c<strong>as</strong>es in the
country, <strong>as</strong> of yesterday,
showed that Lagos h<strong>as</strong> 59,
FCT 14, Ogun 3, Enugu and
Bauchi, 2 each, and Osun,
Rivers and Benue, 1 each.
Benue recorded its first c<strong>as</strong>e
of infection yesterday.
Worried health <strong>experts</strong>
have, in the meantime, called
for the total lockdown of the
country <strong>as</strong> against the partial
lockdown announced by
some states to combat the
ravaging virus.
The <strong>experts</strong> urged
government to initiate a
uniform strategy in the fight
against the virus, saying the
absence of decisiveness could
be dangerous for the country.
In various conversations
with Sunday Vanguard,
they
expressed
disappointment at the
Federal Government
response to the virus, saying
the nation w<strong>as</strong> losing the
opportunity to contain the
spread. (See interview on
pages 7—14).
Meanwhile, the
government of Lagos State,
the epicentre of the pandemic
in the country yesterday,
dumped its decision to
introduce dusk- to-dawn
curfew to fumigate the state.
In a tweet, the state said the
curfew w<strong>as</strong> called off
following <strong>experts</strong>’ advice,
adding that the fumigation
would go on across major
highways and bus stops.
In another development,
anxiety over President
Muhammadu Buhari’s
health status seemed to have
reduced following a meeting
the President held at the
Presidential Villa with
Minister of Health, Dr.
Osagie Ehanire and Director-
General, Nigeria Centre for
Dise<strong>as</strong>e Control, NCDC, Dr.
Chikwe Ihekweazu.
Buhari receives
briefing
In a tweet by the Personal
Assistant to the President on
New Media, B<strong>as</strong>hir Ahmad,
on his Tweeter handle,
@B<strong>as</strong>hirAhmaad, the
President w<strong>as</strong> said to have
received updates on the fight
against the virus.
According to the tweet, the
duo met with the President to
update him on the campaign
against the novel
Coronavirus pandemic.
The tweet, which w<strong>as</strong> made
at about 12:55 pm said the
meeting took place at the
President’s residence in the
Villa.
It read: “JUST IN:
President @MBuhari
receiving briefings from
Minister of Health and
Director-General of
@NCDCgov on Nigeria’s
fight against #COVID19
pandemic at his residence,
Presidential Villa, Abuja.’’
President Buhari, in the l<strong>as</strong>t
two days, had worked from
home after testing negative to
COVID-19. He w<strong>as</strong> l<strong>as</strong>t seen
at the office on Wednesday.
Stringent controls
On the heels of that, All
Progressives Congress, APC,
said speculations about
Buhari’s health were being
promoted by those it said had
long wished the President
dead.
The party added that
Nigeria’s response to
Coronavirus is working
under the supervision of
President Buhari.
A chieftain of the party,
Jackson Ojo, restated
growing calls for government
to have a defined strategy in
the fight against the virus.
He particularly called for
the replication of stringent
controls by Lagos and
Kaduna states at the federal
level.
Meanwhile, various state
governments continued to
scale up different me<strong>as</strong>ures
against the virus, with Benue
recording its index c<strong>as</strong>e
yesterday.
IMO: Gov Uzodinma
orders lockdown
Imo State, Governor Hope
Uzodimma ordered a
complete lockdown of the
state effective from yesterday
<strong>as</strong> part of me<strong>as</strong>ures to prevent
the dreaded Coronavirus.
In a state broadc<strong>as</strong>t, he
ordered the closure of all
markets indefinitely and
prohibited all forms of
marriage ceremonies.
He also banned funeral
ceremonies and prohibited
religious activities in
churches and mosques.
Uzodimma further
directed that all borders into
the state be barricaded,
adding that those coming into
Imo must be given a clean bill
of health by the health
officials.
He equally directed all
civil and public servants in
the state, except those on
approved essential duties, to
stop work immediately
He said a combined team
of military, police and other
security agencies would be
deployed to the streets to
ensure strict compliance with
the directives.
The governor, however,
noted that although the new
me<strong>as</strong>ures may cause some
inconvenience or hardship to
the people they were
inevitable.
Further me<strong>as</strong>ures
announced by the governor
to contain the virus include
the training of health
educators and distribution of
sanitizers to all the
communities in the state
“There is no denying the
fact that we are p<strong>as</strong>sing
through a very dangerous
time occ<strong>as</strong>ioned by the world
wide Corona pandemic.
Every policy directive and
action we have taken <strong>as</strong> a
government h<strong>as</strong> only one
objective; to protect our
people and safeguard our
children, “Uzodinma said.
ENUGU: Returnees
<strong>as</strong>ked to contact govt
In Enugu State, the
Ministry of Health reacted to
the two confirmed c<strong>as</strong>es of
Coronavirus, urging
residents not to panic.
The state government had
announced the closure of all
markets and land borders. It
also stopped inter-state
transportation in the state
until further notice, except
those on medical emergency
services.
Reacting shortly after the
NCDC announced the two
c<strong>as</strong>es in Enugu, via its twitter
account, the Permanent
Secretary, State Ministry of
Health, Dr. Ifeanyi Agujiobi
said: “The two patients, who
presented on their own, tested
<strong>positive</strong> for Corona Virus
(COVID-19)”.
Dr. Agujiobi disclosed that
the patients were returnees
from the United Kingdom
(UK).
BAYELSA: Govt orders
dusk-to-dawn curfew
Bayelsa State government
announced more me<strong>as</strong>ures
to contain the pandemic with
a travel restriction of
movement from 7 pm—
6am.
A statement by the state t<strong>as</strong>k
force on Covid-19 which w<strong>as</strong>
signed by the Permanent
Secretary, Ministry of
Information and
Orientation, Freston Akpor,
said all entry points into the
state would remain closed.
Meanwhile, activities at all
worship centres including
churches and mosques were
suspended with immediate
effect.
OYO: Gov Makinde
working on palliatives
Governor Seyi Makinde
informed residents of Oyo
State that his government w<strong>as</strong>
already working on
palliatives to e<strong>as</strong>e the
pressure on residents
following the partial
shutdown of activities <strong>as</strong> part
of the precautionary
me<strong>as</strong>ures to contain the
spread of Covid-19.
He, however, stated that the
state would need to work on
accurate data and design to
ensure that the palliatives get
into the hands of residents
with genuine needs for them
and not get cornered by
middlemen.
A statement signed by the
Chief Press Secretary to the
Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa,
said Makinde stated these
during a phone-in interview
programme on Fresh FM
105.9 and a one-hour
•Gov <strong>El</strong>-<strong>Rufai</strong>
Tweetchat on Twitter
yesterday, noting that the
government h<strong>as</strong> stepped up
enlightenment campaigns
on Covid-19 and
enforcement me<strong>as</strong>ures on the
lockdown of activities.
The governor maintained
that <strong>as</strong> part of me<strong>as</strong>ures to
contain the spread of the
dise<strong>as</strong>e in the state, the state
government in collaboration
with College of Medicine and
University College Hospital
h<strong>as</strong> set up a diagnostic centre
to handle testing of samples,
noting that the state w<strong>as</strong> only
awaiting NCDC
endorsement.
He explained that once the
centres are certified, they
would become e<strong>as</strong>ier to test
more people.
Governor Makinde added
that apart from the preventive
me<strong>as</strong>ures, the state h<strong>as</strong> set up
isolation centres, with a 4-bed
isolation unit in Ogbomoso,
10-bed at Jericho, 4-bed at
UCH and 100-bed capacity
at Olodo, Ibadan, which will
be ready on Thursday.
He noted that the ICU beds
in the state currently have
ventilators.
The governor further noted
that the state h<strong>as</strong> Dise<strong>as</strong>e
Surveillance and
Notification Officers in all 33
Local Government Are<strong>as</strong>,
LGAs, and 35 Local Council
Development Authorities,
LCDAs.
TARABA: Borders
closed, movement
restricted
The government of Taraba
State ordered the closure of
its borders.
That is in addition to the
restriction of movement in
and out of the state which
takes effect today.
Chief Press Secretary to
Governor Darius Ishaku,
H<strong>as</strong>san Mijinyawa, disclosed
this in a statement.
The statement said:
“Taraba State Governor,
Darius Ishaku h<strong>as</strong> banned
travels in and out of the state
with effect from today.
“The Commissioner of
Police and the Commandant
of National security and Civil
Defence Corps have been
directed to ensure strict
compliance.”
OGUN: Borders shut
Ogun State government,
yesterday evening,
announced the closure of its
borders with neighbouring
states and the international
border with the Republic of
Benin.
The closure, according to a
statement by the Chief Press
Secretary to the Governor,
Kunle Somorin, will be
effected at 12 midnight today.
It will be in force for two
weeks in the first instance.
With this restriction order,
movement in and out of the
state is thus banned <strong>as</strong> a
further me<strong>as</strong>ure to contain
coronavirus.
The statement explained
that the state is constrained
to effect border closure in
order to stem and flatten the
curve of the spread of the
dreaded corona virus
(COVID-19) pandemic, not
only in the state but in the
country and in the West
African sub-region.
“The position of Ogun
State is peculiar. It not only
shares an international
border with the Republic of
Benin, it does so with all other
states in the South West
(except Ekiti), including
Lagos State, which h<strong>as</strong>
understandably recorded the
highest number of infections
in the country largely because
it hosts the busiest air and sea
ports and it’s the nation’s
economic capital”, it said
.”The border closure will not
only be beneficial to Ogun
State but the national efforts
to curtail and contain the
virus. Lessons from other
climes strongly indicate that
closure of borders h<strong>as</strong> the
potential to dr<strong>as</strong>tically flatten
the curve of spread whilst
unrestricted movement
portends grave dangers”,
Governor Abidoun
explained.
The only exceptions to the
interstate restrictions are
vehicles conveying personnel
involved in essential services
such <strong>as</strong> security agencies,
health workers, food and
medical items and petroleum
products”.
EDO: Red Cross
inaugurates surveillance
volunteers
AS part of efforts to curtail
the spread of the dise<strong>as</strong>e, Edo
State Red Cross, yesterday,
inaugurated its surveillance
volunteers.
They are to take the
campaign and awareness
about the dise<strong>as</strong>e to the rural
are<strong>as</strong>.
State chairman of the
organisation, Festus Alenkhe,
said there is insufficient
information about the dise<strong>as</strong>e
in the rural are<strong>as</strong>.
ABIA: Govt denies
alleged c<strong>as</strong>e of
Coronavirus
In Umuahia, Abia State
government denied any c<strong>as</strong>e
of Coronavirus in Aba or any
other part of the state, stressing
that it w<strong>as</strong> prepared to
contain the virus if it
eventually comes to Abia.
An online news portal had
reported that a Lebanese had
lodged at Hotel Du Golf in
Aba and showed symptoms
of the dreaded Covid-19 and
urged the state government
to not only seal the hotel but
also track and quarantine all
guests and staff who may have
come in contact with the
foreigner.
DELTA: London
returnee apprehended,
forced to embark on selfisolation
A London returnee at
Okpanam, Oshimili North
Local Government Area,
Delta State, name withheld,
who reportedly <strong>as</strong>saulted
surveillance officers of the
Emergency Operation
Committee on COVID-19
h<strong>as</strong> been arrested and forced
to embark on self-isolation.
The man, who reportedly
returned from London on
March 23, refused to isolate
himself.
He w<strong>as</strong> said to be moving
freely in the town without
observing the 14 days
mandatory self-isolation.
Peeved by his behaviour,
some residents of the
community according to a
reliable source, reported the
matter to the Emergency
Operation Committee on
COVID-19, adding that the
returnee <strong>as</strong>saulted the team
members who went to his
residence to advise him to go
on self-isolation.
The returnee w<strong>as</strong>
subsequently apprehended
and taken to Okpanam
Police Station for questioning
but w<strong>as</strong> not detained for fear
of spreading the virus in c<strong>as</strong>e
he h<strong>as</strong> been infected.
Confirming the incident in
a statement, the State
Commissioner for Health,
Dr. Mordi Ononye,
said:”Surveillance Officers
who acted on information of
a returnee from London that
failed to self-isolate in line
with government directives
were <strong>as</strong>saulted by the
returnee.’’
ANAMBRA: Govt
closes 63 markets
Governor Willie Obiano
announced the closure of 63
major markets in the state <strong>as</strong>
part of me<strong>as</strong>ures to ensure
that people remained in their
homes.
The state had earlier closed
all schools and ordered civil
servants to remain at home,
while its borders with six
states would be shut.
Commissioner for
Information and Public
Enlightenment, Mr. Son
Adinuba, who said the closure
would take effect tomorrow,
explained that the exceptions
were foodstuff and medicine
markets.
According to him, the new
order followed a series of
consultations with various
stakeholders in the markets
across the state.
KANO: Govt disinfects
streets, hospitals
Also, Governor Abdullahi
Umar Ganduje of Kano State
spearheaded the fumigation
and disinfectant exercise of
some strategic public places
against the spread of
Coronavirus.
Ganduje kick-started the
exercise with the fumigation
of the entrance of
Government House, state
roads and Muhammadu
Abdullahi W<strong>as</strong>e Specialist
Hospital.
The exercise w<strong>as</strong> carried
out in collaboration with
Aspira Limited – a subsidiary
of Lee group of companies.
Continues on page 33

PAGE 6—SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020
A collapsed building after an explosion rocked Akure yesterday.
13 injured, 70 houses damaged <strong>as</strong>
explosion rocks Akure
*It w<strong>as</strong> accidental discharge – Akeredolu
*I struggled out of rubble after church building went down — Survivor
By Dayo Johnson,
Akure
13 persons including
worshippers were yesterday
injured while over 70
houses were damaged in an
early hour explosion which
rocked Akure, Ondo State
capital, to its foundation.
The bl<strong>as</strong>t, which occurred
at about 1am along Owo-
Akure highway, few metres
from the Akure Airport, cut
off the road and formed crater
that prevented vehicular
movement to the northern
part of the state.
Motorists had to make a
detour through Ilu -Abo
community to reconnect to
the highway.
Dynamites used to bl<strong>as</strong>t
rocks and for use in quarry
were said to be in transit to
Edo State from Oyo when
the vehicle conveying them
developed mechanical fault.
The fault reportedly emitted
fire under the vehicle
which later caused a spark
and ignited the dynamites.
Mostly affected were a
church housing over 18
structures and Aina Awwal
Int’l School with no fewer
than ten structures opposite
the church.
But for the closure of
schools and the ban on religious
activities by the state
government following the
outbreak of COVID 19 pandemic,
the c<strong>as</strong>ualty occ<strong>as</strong>ioned
by the bl<strong>as</strong>t would
have been better imagined.
The effect of the explosion
w<strong>as</strong> reportedly felt over 10
kilometres away from the
scene of the bl<strong>as</strong>t.
Buildings mostly destroyed
by the explosion include
those at Aina Awwal
International College which
is a full boarding school and
a popular church in Akure,
“Possibility Prayer Ground
for All Nation Church”.
Speaking with newsmen,
the Principal of Aina Awwal
International College,
Roland Kayode, said: “ We
thank God that no life w<strong>as</strong>
lost considering the impact
of the bl<strong>as</strong>t. I received a call
around 1:20am from security
guards who said something
had happened in the
school and that all the buildings
had collapsed but
couldn’t explain what led to
the collapse. He couldn’t explain
very well because he
w<strong>as</strong> shivering and dev<strong>as</strong>tated.
“I had to rush down here
and, on getting here and
learnt that a vehicle w<strong>as</strong> conveying
some explosives and
broke down opposite the
school, nobody could <strong>as</strong>certain
where the vehicle w<strong>as</strong>
coming from.
“The security guard explained
that he saw some men
who parked their vehicle and
that they opened the bonnet
of the vehicle trying to fix the
vehicle.
“He said he waved his
searchlight at them but said
the three men who were fixing
the vehicle started to run
for safety and met some policemen
who were on the
highway and told them about
the situation while they all ran
for safety and there w<strong>as</strong> an
explosion that led to all that
we are seeing now.
“Nearly all the buildings in
the schools were destroyed.
About seven structures were
affected
“We have about 42 students
but they have all vacated the
school because of the issue of
Coronavirus. Thank God for
the government directives
that all schools should closed
down. It w<strong>as</strong> only the security
men that are around when the
incident happened.
“Three of our security
guards have slight injury and
they have been rushed to the
hospital and responding to
treatment.
“ l don’t think I can quantify
the extent of damage. It will
be very close to N1billion.
The le<strong>as</strong>t of the structure is
more than N50m and we
have other things inside the
building like, all the cl<strong>as</strong>sroom
with interactive board,
adjustable chairs, air conditioners,
and others.
“ l want to appeal to both
the state and federal government,
whatever they
think they can do to help this
school and other places destroyed
by the bl<strong>as</strong>t will be
appreciated.
“They should come to our
aid so that the school will not
collapse. We need <strong>as</strong>sistance
from government so that the
mission of the owner of the
school will not be defeated,
the school w<strong>as</strong> established to
build sons and daughters of
From left: Patron , Association of Practitioners of Community Media in Nigeria (APCOM),
Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan; President, Mr. Dayo Akintobi, Commissioner for Information &
Strategy, Lagos State. Mr. Gbenga Omotosho,Vice President, Mr. Leke Adeseri, and General
Secretary, Mr. Lekan Lawal, during a courtesy visit of the <strong>as</strong>sociation to the commissioner at
the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Lagos.
these communities and the
development is so unfortunate.
Also, the founder of the
Church, Prophetess Olayemi
Adesida who w<strong>as</strong> in church
when the incident happened
said that the building collapsed
on her while she struggled
her way through the debris.
Prophetess Adesida said
that ten members of the
church were injured <strong>as</strong> a result
of the bl<strong>as</strong>t adding that
they are presently in the hospital.
She appealed to both the
state and the Federal government
to come to her <strong>as</strong>sistance
noting that the damages
were monumental.
Speaking on the incident,
the Commissioner of Police
in the state, Undie Adie who
confirmed that the explosion
said that bl<strong>as</strong>t w<strong>as</strong> caused by
explosives meant for a quarry
company.
Adie pointed out that the
vehicle conveying the explosives
which w<strong>as</strong> on transit
through the state developed
mechanical problems before
it finally exploded opposite
the church and school buildings.
According to him “ the security
operatives who were
escorting the vehicle gave the
red alert which made the
truck driver and another person
to jump out of the truck
before it finally exploded.
The state CAN chairman
John Ayo Oladapo who w<strong>as</strong>
at the scene said that the
damages were “beyond description
and a national dis<strong>as</strong>ter.
“ The destruction is m<strong>as</strong>sive,
building destroyed beyond
repair. We thank God
that no life w<strong>as</strong> lost which is
paramount in this c<strong>as</strong>e.
Speaking, the state governor
Rotimi Akeredolu who
raced to the scene and his
deputy Hon Agboola Ajayi
said “ l have been briefed by
the security chiefs that in the
early hours of Saturday
March 28th, a vehicle in a
convoy transporting explosives
to a storage facility in a
neighbouring state developed
a fault while in transit
along the Akure Owo Road
about 2km from the Akure
Airport.
“Security personnel and
other individuals transporting
the ordinances noticed
smoke from the vehicle.
“After several attempts to
extinguish the resulting fire
failed, the vehicle and its
consignment ignited causing
a m<strong>as</strong>sive explosion that w<strong>as</strong>
felt in Akure and its environs.
“Presently, efforts are being
made to <strong>as</strong>certain if there
are c<strong>as</strong>ualties.
“ Following my visit to the
scene, I have directed that the
area be cordoned off to allow
the explosive ordinance
department/bomb squad to
extricate the vehicle buried
underground because it is
unclear if there are still explosives
that are yet to be detonated.
“Everything is under control
and I will be updating
the public on any new developments.
Also, a statement issued by
the state information and
Orientation commissioner
Donald Ojogo which called
for calm said that “ for now,
no reports of c<strong>as</strong>ualties have
been recorded; but the impact
of the explosion h<strong>as</strong> had
a dev<strong>as</strong>tating effect on several
buildings including
schools and a Church.
“The Government of Ondo
State wishes to appeal to all
to be calm and refrain from
flaunting theories that are
capable of distracting the security
agencies in their investigations.
“ ln the meantime, Governor
Akeredolu advises people
to be careful and take precautions
not to rush to the scene.
“This, according to him, is
pertinent because the bl<strong>as</strong>t, the
scene and its immediate effects
are already security concerns.
“This is more so that no one
can confirm if undetonated
devices are still stuck in unseen
corners, especially in the
gully already created by the
bl<strong>as</strong>t.
“It is, therefore, in the public
interest for people to allow
security <strong>experts</strong> access to the
area by de-populating the
scene. Security agencies will
keep the public informed of
developments <strong>as</strong> they unfold.
Ojogo added that “ Owing
to the road that h<strong>as</strong> been cutoff,
an alternative route will
be worked on immediately
for commuters plying the
route.
COVID-19: Community
practitioners pledge support
to LASG
By Bose Adelaja
MEMBERS of the Association of Practitioners of
Community Media in Nigeria (APCOM) have
pledged to support the efforts of Lagos State
Government to contain COVID-19. The <strong>as</strong>sociation made the
pledge during a courtesy visit to the state Commissioner for
Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, in his Alausa
secretariat office.
Led by their patron and immediate p<strong>as</strong>t Information
Commissioner in the state, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan, and the
<strong>as</strong>sociation’s President, Mr Dayo Akintobi, the members
lauded the state government’s efforts towards checkmating
the pandemic. APCOM, the umbrella body of
community practitioners in Nigeria, promised to support
the Lagos government through regular information
dissemination and interaction with Community Development
Committees (CDCs), and Community Development Associations
(CDAs) across the state.
IPOB clarifies donation
By Chimaobi Nwaiwu
THE Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, yesterday, clari
fied the N50 million it donated to South-E<strong>as</strong>t and South-
South citizen for treatment of possible coronavirus victims.
IPOB, in a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary,
Emma Powerful, said selected missionary hospitals across
South-E<strong>as</strong>t and South-South will be given direct funding of
N3 million each for a start.
The group said its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, will speak
today on additional me<strong>as</strong>ures. IPOB’s statement said the
money will be handed over directly to the Bishops of the Diocese
where the missionary hospitals are located, who will
work out their allocation moderlities with the doctors and
nurses in those hospitals to <strong>as</strong>sist with the treatment of any
Biafran diagnosed and confirmed <strong>positive</strong> for Coronavirus.
Edo Red Cross inaugurates
surveillance volunteers
By Ozioruva Aliu
AS part of efforts to curtail the spread of COVID-19, Edo
State Red Cross yesterday inaugurated it’s surveillance
volunteers to take the campaign and awareness about the dise<strong>as</strong>e
to rural are<strong>as</strong>.
State Chairman of the organisation, Festus Alenkhe, said
there is insufficient and low information about the dise<strong>as</strong>e in
the rural are<strong>as</strong>. He said: “We are aware of the global concern
currently keeping the world on its toes the COVID-19 pandemic
<strong>as</strong> declared by the WHO. The Edo state branch of the Red
Cross in line with the national mandate h<strong>as</strong> it together this one
day sensitisation to also inaugurate our COVID-19 surveillance
team made up of highly trained volunteers of the Red
Cross. We encourage strict adherence to national and state
guidelines which h<strong>as</strong> been made available by the NCDC (National
Centre for Dise<strong>as</strong>e Control)”.
Rep Adefisoye donates
two-month salary to constituents
By Olayinka Ajayi
A
member of the House of Representatives represent
ing Idanre/Ifedore Constituency, Tajudeen Adefisoye
h<strong>as</strong> donated his salary for the months of March and April
to his Ondo State constituents, to cushion the effect of the
lock down to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
In a statement, Adefisoye said the donation w<strong>as</strong> borne
out of his quest to ensure the comfort of his constituents
during the stay at home order by Ondo State government.
Adefisoye explained that the c<strong>as</strong>h donation will be used to
purch<strong>as</strong>e food stuff and essential items for his constituents.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020, PAGE 7
Prologue
By Charles Kumolu,
Deputy Editor
It’s only when in doubt about the
capacity of Coronavirus to shut down
the world, that you would applaud
Federal Government’s response.
Faced with an existential threat, the
official reaction only incre<strong>as</strong>es the number of
infections.
As at press time, 89 c<strong>as</strong>es had been recorded,
with 64 occurring in the l<strong>as</strong>t seven days.
The trend implies that no fewer than nine
persons were infected daily l<strong>as</strong>t week.
Should the pace continue with an
unpredictable circle of infection, the nation
may be headed for more than 200 c<strong>as</strong>es before
the week ends.
Unless the authorities scale up preventive
me<strong>as</strong>ures now, Nigeria’s situation could look
a lot more like epic centres in Europe and
America.
Should that happen, the nation’s ineffective
health care system with a doctor-to-patient
ratio of four doctors to 10,000 patients, would
be rendered incapable.
The World Health Organisation, WHO,
recommended one doctor to 600 patients.
Though the country w<strong>as</strong> the first to defeat
Ebola outbreak in 2014, its readiness for an
epidemic had long been ranked low by relevant
health platforms.
Preparedness list
For instance, Prevent Epidemics, a body on
epidemics preparedness, had ranked Nigeria
39 after Cameroon, Benin, Niger, Sao Tome
and Principe, and Chad on its level of
preparedness list.
Sunday Vanguard observed that among
preparedness are<strong>as</strong> a country needs to establish
to find, stop and prevent health threats, it scored
the nation high on immunization, but
identified gaps on biosafety, national
legislation, policy and financing.
“Nigeria is not ready for the next epidemic.
They have shown commitment to improving
preparedness, but an outbreak could cause a
dev<strong>as</strong>tating loss of lives and disrupt political
and economic stability,’’ Prevent Epidemics
noted.
Already, with airspace that remains open and
varied me<strong>as</strong>ures, the pathogen is f<strong>as</strong>t spreading
undetected.
If the health ministry disputes this, it should
consider the fact that apart from imported
c<strong>as</strong>es, some infected persons had no travelling
history to Europe, America or Asia.
Without prejudice to certain me<strong>as</strong>ures taken
so far, there is a clear absence of a defined
framework to fight the plague.
In truth, Nigeria’s approach <strong>as</strong> exemplified
by the late banning of flight from high-risk
countries and stay home instruction among
others is nothing but reactionary and halfbaked.
As good <strong>as</strong> they may appear, the results are
only narrowing available precautionary
options.
Stemming
Of the steps taken so far, self-isolation
advisory hardly points at official seriousness
in containing the epidemic.
After all, it failed sane societies in Europe let
alone an undisciplined clime like Nigeria. That
alone should have necessitated a stringent
ESCALATING CASES:
By Chioma Obinna
s state governments continue with adhoc
Ame<strong>as</strong>ures, some medical <strong>experts</strong> in
Nigeria have described the containment efforts
of the Federal Government <strong>as</strong> slow and
unproductive.
To this end, they demanded a total lockdown
of the country to avoid escalation.
They specifically lamented that many critical
health <strong>experts</strong> are lacking, adding that there
are no purposely built isolation centres across
the nation.
Speaking, National Chairman and College
Vice President, West African College of
Physicians, Prof. Abel Onunu, said the
current Covid-19 infection crisis in Nigeria is
self- inflicted.
He said: “Africa had enough warnings about
the dangers but did not act with the decisiveness
required to prevent importation of the dise<strong>as</strong>e
into our nation.
“In Nigeria, we have failed in preventing
importation of the virus into our country. We
are in the ph<strong>as</strong>e of containment now, how
successful that is done will determine what we
are going to see in the next stage of the epidemic.
We are not in a very comfortable position
considering the poor state of our health care
system and infr<strong>as</strong>tructure.”
Key strategies
On his part, President, Nigerian Medical
Association, NMA, Dr. Francis Faduyile,
alternative like the early banning of
international travel by government.
However, instead of mandatory instructions,
advisories were being issued to a populace
notorious for being undisciplined.
Now, the emerging exponential rise in
infections means the me<strong>as</strong>ures are achieving
nothing.
The implication is that available windows
of stemming the tide are being closed.
Simply put, the opportunity to protect the
days ahead is being frittered away.
Bearing in mind the failure of national
governments in Europe and the United States
to contain the outbreak, many had expected
re<strong>as</strong>suring controls from government.
Top among long-expected clinical actions
were the total closure of the airspace and
mandatory quarantine for returning travellers.
But the contrary is on the ground <strong>as</strong>
government seems not to have woken up to the
weight of the imminent crisis.
Indeed, the situation strengthens notions of
a clear absence of leadership in a time of grave
crisis.
For a dise<strong>as</strong>e capable of historic disruption
of human existence, belated actions are le<strong>as</strong>t
CORONAVIRUS:
Before
Nigeria
shuts
down…
expected, especially in a country with poor
healthcare indices.
Vacuum
Now, without federal guidance states are
filling the void with Lagos being exceptional.
At the l<strong>as</strong>t count, virtually all the 36 states
have taken more stringent steps than the central
government.
From shutting down schools and markets to
the closing of borders, they acted in more
decisive manners.
Of the states, none, however, shares the
uniqueness of Lagos, a city of more than 20
million people.
Like Ohio State governor in the US, Mike
Dewine, who is the most proactive state chief
executive in the anti-Covid 19 race, Governor
Babajide Sawo-Olu of Lagos, stands out.
Just like the former, who w<strong>as</strong> the first to close
schools and initiate multi-sectoral responses
in America, Sanwo-Olu h<strong>as</strong> been on the
frontline since February 28, 2020.
With the successful treatment of eight people,
and early restrictions of social mobility,
Africa’s most populous city h<strong>as</strong> shown great
potentials in containing the spread.
But Sunday Vanguard feels the lack of
a thought-through federal blueprint poses a
threat to how well Lagos can go in preventing
an exponential rise.
With a legal framework already enacted by
the state House of Assembly to aid the battle,
only a firm lockdown of Nigeria’s airspace
could prevent an escalation.
That should happen simultaneously with
provisions of medical equipment like surgical
m<strong>as</strong>ks, ventilators, hospital beds, hazmat suits,
N95 respirators, gloves and eye protection
equipment among others.
Meanwhile, the lockdown bill, titled: ‘A Law
to Combat and Stop the Spread of
Coronavirus Pandemic in Lagos State and for
Connected Purposes’ empowered security
agencies to arrest residents, who flout directives
aimed at stopping the spread of Coronavirus
pandemic in the state.
Among other provisions, it empowered the
governor to incur the kick-off expenditure sum
of N20 billion to combat and stop the spread
of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Though things could get worse before
getting better, Nigerians yearn for the Lagos
model at the centre.
Mistakes that threw Nigeria into turmoil — Experts
•Say containment efforts slow, suggest total lockdown
observed that certain key strategies have been
largely absent or sub-optimally implemented in
the ongoing efforts to contain the spread of
Coronavirus.
He said the severe inadequacy of critical care
facilities like purposely-built Care Units (ICU),
in Nigerian hospitals, is making matters worse
in the containment efforts. According to him,
ICUs with Ventilators/artificial respirators make
the difference between life and death in
complications from Covid-19.
“It is scary that the dearth of these facilities is
the same in all the 36 States and the FCT. Given
these inadequacies, NMA, therefore, calls for
immediate commencement of supervised selfisolation
in any manner that will protect public
health,” he added.
Supervised isolation
Faduyile said immediate commencement of
supervised self- isolation would ensure that
returnees from the countries with high prevalence
will adhere to instructions and confine themselves
to a location to protect members of the public.
He called on the federal government to
immediately commence a strategic partnership
with the states and their relevant organisations
on day to day b<strong>as</strong>is. The NMA boss said the
weakest link in the chain can rubbish every effort
of the stronger parts.
In addition, he urged state governments not to
relent on the excuse that there are no confirmed
c<strong>as</strong>es of COVID-19 in their states. Continuing,
he stressed the need for uniformity in
implementing the lockdown orders on non-
Continues on page 11

PAGE 8—SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020
ESCALATING COVID-19:
‘Huge job losses,
unpaid salaries
loom if crisis
exceeds April 15’
By Victor Young
As the world battles to contain corona virus, COVID 19, pandemic, an industrial relations
expert, a conciliator and former President of Petroleum and Natural G<strong>as</strong> Senior Staff
Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, and Deputy President of Trade Union Congress
of Nigeria, Dr. Brown Ogbeifun, in this interview, predicts more troubles for workers and
trade unions in Nigeria if the pandemic escalates. Excerpts:
COVID 19
Let me use this medium to
empathize with the families of
those that have fallen to the
pandemic and also pray for the quick
recovery of those battling the acute ph<strong>as</strong>es
of the dise<strong>as</strong>e right now. Pandemics are
not new to the world. What is, however,
new is that we do not tend to have used the
experience of the p<strong>as</strong>t to get the world ready
for the aftermaths of pandemics, which
might snowball into recessions and
depressions. Let us look at the simple
scenarios playing out in the world.
Economies are managed and nurtured by
people. When those people are sick, they
cannot offer their services. When this
involves a larg <strong>as</strong>pect of the populace,
consumption of medical products become
relatively high with abysmally low
corresponding production levels in other
sectors, thereby triggering a wide gap
between supply and demand. Governments
will evoke a lockdown, like they have done
in order to curtail the spread of the dise<strong>as</strong>e.
When this happens, people would be out of
job, border closures will occur which have
attendant effects on aviation, shipping and
land transportation, schools, industries and
productive ventures outside the health
systems. With inadequate supportive
public utilities, which in our clime are
almost near zero, lack of a robust system to
provide the shock absorbers for the COVID
19 shocks, the economy would seriously
take the hit. If the 1918 Spanish flu is
anything to go by, apart from the huge and
tragic human losses, <strong>experts</strong> have estimated
that the COVID 19 outbreak could cost the
global economy up to $3 trillion. Under
the current circumstances, businesses are
likely to default in their loan repayments,
naira to the dollar h<strong>as</strong> moved to 380/$,
banks’ lending rates would drop,
consumption of non-medical products
would drop and so it is with the GDP. These
and many other factors could trigger
economic shock which, if not addressed
quickly, could also trigger a recession. It is
for the above re<strong>as</strong>ons that economic <strong>experts</strong>
are urging governments to pump money
into their economies, if not, the world might
witness a worse post 2008 economic
meltdown. That is why a country like the
United States of America shall be giving
about $1,000 to her about 330 million
citizens per month in addition to bail outs
to manufacturers and SMEs. Hong Kong
h<strong>as</strong> been quoted to be giving 10,000 Hong
Kong dollars ($1,287) to her citizens. Other
nations are either doing the same or are
rele<strong>as</strong>ing bailout packages that would give
people spending power to help the economy.
Nigeria’s scenarios
First, Nigeria started the race against
COVID 19 at a disadvantage. The Group
Managing Director, GMD, of the Nigerian
National Petroleum
Corporation, NNPC, Mele
Kyari, few weeks ago,
warned Nigerians on what to
expect. He said 50 cargoes
of Nigeria’s crude and over
12 LNG cargoes globally
were yet to find buyers. With
the drop of oil price below
$30, coupled with the present
oil war between Russia and
Saudi Arabia, Nigeria h<strong>as</strong> so
many rivers to cross. For a
country that runs monolithic
oil-driven economy,
dependent on dollar-driven
importation of petroleum
products, having scores of
unsold cargoes and a price
slump to about $24-$25, we
need prayers and luck to
overcome. Unless we come
out of this earlier than mid-
April, we are likely to face
serious challenges funding
the budget, paying salaries,
having money to share by the
FAAC and challenges
meeting with our financial
obligations locally and
internationally. These are major shocks
Nigeria h<strong>as</strong> to deal with. There is nothing in
the horizon that provokes serious optimism,
that something dr<strong>as</strong>tically <strong>positive</strong> will
emerge before the middle of April.
World of work
There is no doubt that the world of work
shall not remain the same after COVID 19.
It shall have very serious implications for
employment, migration and emigration.
Already, the International Labour
Organisation, ILO, preliminary report on
the consequences of COVID19, predicts that
no fewer than 25million jobs will be lost to
the pandemic globally. Ours in Nigeria is
more horrendous because we are already
overburdened by unemployment and other
related issues. The sectors that will likely
come out of this stronger are
pharmaceutical and health manufacturing
related establishments. Aviation, oil and
g<strong>as</strong>, especially the downstream sector,
tourism and hospitality businesses would
suffer very huge setbacks. Except
government comes to their rescue, many
are likely to close shops. With a
compounding poor energy mix, many
companies, especially the
SMEs, may not come out
of COVID-19 alive. If this
COVID-19 prolongs over
the next one month and
Unless we come
out of this earlier
than mid-April,
we are likely to
face serious
challenges
funding the
budget, paying
salaries
companies successfully
experiment and succeed
with the ‘work from home
method’, many that have
been seeking ways of
reducing their structures
to a lean and mean frame
would now have excuses to
execute their plans over a
long term period. We are
likely to have more short
term contracts looming,
adoption of flexible
working hours and
working from homes,
thereby reducing
overheads on recurrent
expenditures. All the
employer needs to do is to
incre<strong>as</strong>e bandwidths of
their communication
facilities and make them
available to the staff. For
the oil and g<strong>as</strong> sector,
except the situation
reverses soon, there are likely to be multiple
redundancies, which may strain union and
management relations. Furthermore, most
interactions in workplace are likely to be
reduced to electronic transmissions of
information, incre<strong>as</strong>ing virtual meetings
with the aid of video and phone
conferencing. The goods and services
deployed in the process of physical
meetings would be automatically
scrapped, thereby putting at risk those
companies in that chain of businesses.
Companies are likely to curtail flying or
commuting in and out of stations for
meetings, thereby saving costs on travels
and out of station allowances, etc.
Incidentally, some of these might cause
breaches on already signed collective
bargaining agreements. This could also
cause large scale frustrations among
employees who could turn against their
union officials. The union officials in turn
make life difficult for management. All
these could cumulatively become conflict
stimulants which, at the end, will provoke
strained relationships between labour and
management. Invariably, I foresee a
busier Ministry of Labour and
Employment towards the third and fourth
quarters of 2020. Despite the above, I also
foresee opportunities in abundance. The
unemployed could turn the work-fromhome
approach to opportunities. Many
of them might latch on the approach to
multit<strong>as</strong>k by having streams of earning
from so many sources, have close
interactions and bonding with families,
work according to self-motivating plans
and enjoy unrestrained access to leave
days,
Adhere to Okowa's
directives on Covid-19,
monarch warns Uvwie
residents
RM Dr Emmanuel Ekemejewa Side
Hso, Abe 1, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom,
h<strong>as</strong> warned residents and business
outfits in Uvwie Kingdom to adhere strictly
to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa's detectives on
the prevention of the spread of the dreaded
Covid - 19 to Delta State.
The traditional ruler's warning w<strong>as</strong> contained
in a press statement issued at the
Ovie of Uvwie's Palace, GRA ,
Effurun,yesterday.
The rele<strong>as</strong>e stated amongst other issues
that " all gatherings , including but not limited
to marriages, burials , social ceremonies,
etc involving more than 20 persons is
hereby banned in Uvwie Kingdom till further
notice.
" That all families, households and persons
should w<strong>as</strong>h their hands with soaps
intermittently and use alcohol- b<strong>as</strong>ed sanitizers
to prevent contacting and / or spreading
of the dangerous Corona virus among
Uvwie indigenes and and residents.
"That all government agencies (Federal,
state and local governments and corporate
bodies)operating in Uvwie Kingdom
should adhere strictly to the directives of
Delta State government
" That the Ovie of Uvwie Palace is closed
for all meetings such <strong>as</strong> Uvwie Council of
Chiefs, exco, Maduviekeyarhe, and Eghweyarhe
till further notice.
" All courtesy visits and / or consultations
are also prohibited, except in an emergency
situation and / or is of urgent national
importance with the itinerary of not more
than 10 persons.
While urging all the inuevworo ( traditional
mouth piece ) in the nine etches ( traditional
administrative units )in Uvwie Kingdom
to enforce the directives in their respective
are<strong>as</strong>, the statement appreciated
Governor Okowa for his quick response on
the prevention of the spread of the dreaded
dise<strong>as</strong>e to Delta State
CORONAVIRUS:
NGO embarks on relief
inter
ervention for Africa
In the wake of several challenges facing
Africa today, including the global Coronavirus
pandemic, a nongovernmental organisation,
Africa International Food Bank and Dis<strong>as</strong>ter
Relief (AFBADR) h<strong>as</strong> said the organisation
will be bringing food relief and other succor
to the people of Africa.
The founder, AFBADR Sir Andrew
Okokhere in a statement promised that the
team h<strong>as</strong> completed arrangements to supply
relief materials and food to the affected are<strong>as</strong>
across Africa and some parts of the world.
“The Africa international Food Bank and
Dis<strong>as</strong>ter Relief (AFBADR) is an organization
that w<strong>as</strong> established in the State of Tex<strong>as</strong>, USA
with the main office in Badagry, Lagos,
Nigeria. The organization w<strong>as</strong> established to
serve humanity through the provision of food
and relief materials such <strong>as</strong> clothing, medicine
and general <strong>as</strong>sistance to cover the need of
the hungry people in Africa.
“We have been in the forefront of this kind of
project which started sometime ago in the
United States during the hurricane and flood
dis<strong>as</strong>ter. Beyond that, we deem it necessary to
reach out to Africa in this turbulent period of
war, ethnic wrangles and health challenges
including the Coronavirus pandemic that h<strong>as</strong>
become a global affair.”
Okokhere also disclosed that the
organisation is a reputable NGO that h<strong>as</strong> the
backing of American government with the
support of Nigerian traditional rulers like the
Oba of Badagry, and personalities across the
globe,” says Sir Andrew.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020, PAGE 9
COVID-19 TAKES TOLL ON LOTTO OPERATORS, CLIENTS:
'We were making millions
but not anymore'
• I am completely isolated now to avoid body contact —‘Baba Ijebu’
By Bose Adelaja
Gradually, coronavirus (COVID-19) h<strong>as</strong>
recorded over 512,701 c<strong>as</strong>es globally.
Also, 81 c<strong>as</strong>es have been confirmed
in Nigeria while three victims have been
discharged from isolation centres in the
country and one death recorded so far.
This h<strong>as</strong> led various states, especially Lagos,
to embark on me<strong>as</strong>ures to curtail the spread
of the dise<strong>as</strong>e.
Among the me<strong>as</strong>ures taken is the social
distancing order which h<strong>as</strong> restricted social
and religious gatherings and encourages
residents to stay at home just <strong>as</strong> government
h<strong>as</strong> compelled many Nigerians, including
businessmen, to comply with the order.
A week after the directives were issued, many
businesses in Nigeria, which usually witnessed
daily large turnout of people, have been
feeling the impact of the stay-at-home order.
Sport betting industry, lotto and football
viewing centers are not left out <strong>as</strong> many
owners, operators and punters have started
lamenting that the government directives are
taken a toll on their businesses.
Reports say sport betting is an extremely
profitable business in Nigeria, with active
participation of about
60 million Nigerians
between the ages of 18
and 40. The industry is
said to have recorded a
daily average of N
3,000 per punter just <strong>as</strong>
reports say that <strong>as</strong> of
2016, a leading sport
betting company in
Nigeria (name
withheld) w<strong>as</strong> making
an average monthly
turnover of $10
million, followed by the
second player in the
industry which
recorded an average
turnover of between $3
million and $5 million
with 20-30% profit
margin.
The huge profit is
made possible through
access to various
games like online
poker, c<strong>as</strong>ino games
and sports betting,
regardless of the
Honestly, this
is a tale of woe
<strong>as</strong> many of us
may be sent
out of
business if the
pandemic
persists
professional or educational background of
the customer provided one can cope with the
guidelines.
Another business sense adopted by these
business operators to woo prospective
customers is proximity <strong>as</strong> many of the outlets
are sited at bus-stops and public places which
customers can e<strong>as</strong>ily access.
The outlets have been attracting customers
of various backgrounds including men,
women and children who have seen the
business <strong>as</strong> an alternative source of income.
However, the daily patronage enjoyed by
these business owners have dr<strong>as</strong>tically
reduced <strong>as</strong> corona h<strong>as</strong> brought about
suspension of major sporting activities around
•Viewing centre in Lagos
the globe apart from the fact that government’s
directives on social distancing forbid social
and religious gatherings and require markets
which deal with non-essential services to shut
down.
This h<strong>as</strong> compelled many operators to
suspend activities in their outlets prompting
their customers to stay away pending the time
normalcy will return to the country.
As of Friday, it w<strong>as</strong> lamentation galore across
Lagos <strong>as</strong> operators, owners and customers were
seen complaining about the situation while
some took to thesocial media to express
bitterness over the development.
Some of them who spoke with Sunday
Vanguard said the huge profit they enjoyed
before the suspension of activities had enabled
them to settle bills.
Meanwhile, in a telephone conversation with
Sunday Vanguard, one of the leading lotto
operators, Sir Kessington Adedibu, popularly
called ’Baba Ijebu’, said there is a clear
distinction between sport betting and lotto
business. Though he did not speak further on
the disparity, he said, ‘’I am completely isolated
now to avoid body contact with anybody and
this is not the time to talk about business but
health”.
A survey of some of the outlets in
Lagos revealed that it is no longer
business <strong>as</strong> usual among the
owners and operators of these
lucrative businesses <strong>as</strong> the outlets
have been deserted.
At some of the outlets visited,
some were completely shut down
while others, especially those at
remote centers, were seen offering
skeletal services <strong>as</strong> people were
seen in twos or threes lamenting
the situation.
Mr Adesina Lukman, who
claimed he had been patronizing
one of the businesses for almost a
decade, said it served <strong>as</strong> an
alternative source of income to his
family.
He said, ‘’A friend introduced me
to a game which I played with N20
and I earned N400, 000. This
sounds unbelievable but it is true.
However, childishness didn’t allow
me to make something tangible out
of the money <strong>as</strong> I w<strong>as</strong> introduced
to a more expensive game which
gulped all the money and, since
then, I never had such opportunity
despite the fact that I spend almost
N1, 000 daily to play games for the p<strong>as</strong>t ten
years”.
Another customer, Jay Jay Akwobi, said
though he spends N2, 500 daily on betting, he
h<strong>as</strong> never been lucky to win any game. ‘’My
own na ‘follow, follow’. I dey spend N500 to
play games everyday but I no dey win”, he told
Sunday Vanguard.
However, Mr Bisi Ogunnaike said he joined
the league of punters and the bold step had
paved way for good things since he lost his job
about eight years ago.
‘’I resided in Oshodi while I worked in
Victoria Island <strong>as</strong> a banker but I w<strong>as</strong> laid off
about eight years ago”, he said.
“Gradually, I exhausted all my earnings and
could no longer afford my house rent while
my landlord had issued a quit notice. I w<strong>as</strong>
nursing this dilemma when I met a cl<strong>as</strong>s mate
who introduced me to a game and this
changed my destiny.
“On the said day, I w<strong>as</strong> left with N500 when
he encouraged me to play a game with N200
and the rest w<strong>as</strong> history <strong>as</strong> I raked N2.5m
which w<strong>as</strong> spent judiciously by going to a
Lagos suburb to acquire a piece of land to
build a mini flat and a shop.
“Since then, I have been a regular face at
the outlets and that is how I make my money
which I used to establish my wife and send my
children to school”.
A business owner, Mr Oladimeji Tijani, said
he acquired the skill to establish an outlet
during his days <strong>as</strong> a customer care
representative after years of unemployment.
‘’I have second degree in mathematics but,
unfortunately, I w<strong>as</strong> earning N40, 000 in a
private company and I later gained
employment with a sport betting company
where I earned N60, 000 monthly <strong>as</strong> a
customer care representative.
“I applied my brain to learn everything the
company w<strong>as</strong> doing. While in the company, I
joined a cooperative where I obtained a loan
to establish an outlet and, gradually, the
business grew and I resigned from paid
employment to face the business.
“However, things have changed dr<strong>as</strong>tically
since the outbreak of coronavirus <strong>as</strong> all my
Continued from page 7
essential services.
Total closure
Corroborating his position, President of
Commonwealth Medical Association, Dr.
Osahon Enabulele, called for total closure of
all entry points into Nigeria. He further urged
government to urgently deploy more facilities
and resources to combat the pandemic.
Enabulele, who recently toured some isolation
centres in Lagos and Abuja, to <strong>as</strong>certain the state
of preparedness, called for effective reduction
of m<strong>as</strong>s gathering. He said the total closure
became necessary considering the incre<strong>as</strong>ing
number of imported c<strong>as</strong>es in the country.
Enabulele explained that:”There is a need for
government to go beyond partial closures, by
extending the closure to every point of entry into
Nigeria. I want to urge government to quickly
consider this so that the c<strong>as</strong>es already in the
country can be effectively managed. Every effort
needs to be made to get government to enforce
a total shut down of the points of entry into the
country, especially <strong>as</strong> a fragile healthcare system
like that of Nigeria may find it difficult to cope
with the kind of explosive situation that occurred
in China and Europe.
‘’There is an urgent need to improve the
capacity of the few Isolation centres through
the deployment of more health personnel,
resources and equipment, empowerment
of few healthcare personnel currently on the
ground, through the provision of adequate and
appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
(PPEs) and incentives. This is to improve the
effectiveness and efficiency of the Isolation
centres, <strong>as</strong> well <strong>as</strong> boost the morale of health
customers have stayed at home while I am
left to cope with huge bills.
“Honestly, this is a tale of woe <strong>as</strong> many of us
may be sent out of business if the pandemic
persists”.
At Ketu Alapere, Lagos, Sunday Vanguard
ran into viewing center operator, Ismaila
Kazeem, who lamented that the situation in
the country had spelled doom for the business
sector.
‘’I pay monthly rent of N100, 000 across my
centres apart from N75, 000 wagebill. Before
now, I offset the bills sweatlessly apart from
payment of my children’s school fees, house
rent and meet other financial obligations”,
Kazeem said.
“But business activities have been suspended
due to the pandemic and if care is not taken,
this may linger on for about two months. How
will I pay the wages, rent and all other
expenses?”
He said though he runs the business
concurrently with Point of Service (POS), both
businesses are threatened due to the social
distancing order.
On the part of viewing centres, Madam
Akande Aromoke, an employee of one of them,
said she had been greatly affected by the social
distancing order in the sense that her boss
informed her about the need to reduce his staff
strength.
She told Sunday Vanguard that she had
seized the opportunity of the stay-at-home
order to embark on house cleaning business.
Her words: “When the directive on the stay
at home order w<strong>as</strong> issued, the first thing I did
w<strong>as</strong> to call three of my church members to
inform them I will be <strong>as</strong>sisting them with
house chores and they obliged.
“I have been going to their houses to babysit,
w<strong>as</strong>h clothes and dishes and they have been
kind enough to compensate me with c<strong>as</strong>h,
foodstuff and other gestures”.
A house wife, Mrs Akinbiyi Bamidele, who
took to the social media l<strong>as</strong>t Wednesday, said
her lotto business had been helping her to
offset some bills until recently when business
activities were suspended.
The mother of three posted on her facebook:
‘’Hmmm! How are the mighty fallen. Five
years ago, I took over a lotto business from
my late husband and this is what had been
putting food on the table for my family.
“The business recorded <strong>as</strong> much <strong>as</strong> N10,
000 profit daily but the outbreak of
coronavirus h<strong>as</strong> changed all that. Hope it will
not send my three children and I to the village”.
Mistakes that got Nigeria into trouble — Experts
workers, particularly those already in the field
combating the dreaded pandemic.’’
Unbundle
He also called for the expansion and
equipping of the isolation centres, public health
institutions, including the Primary Health Care
facilities. ‘’A nationally mobilised citizenry is
crucial and h<strong>as</strong> helped other countries in
addressing the scourge.
‘’From the evidence on the ground, the NCDC
seems already overburdened. There is, therefore,
the need to consider unbundling the NCDC to
enable the agency to attend to the practical
realities in the field more responsively.
‘’I see no re<strong>as</strong>on Nigeria should have only four
public diagnostic reference laboratories to cater
to its over 200 million population. Why shouldn’t
each of the federal teaching hospitals and federal
medical centres have the diagnostic capacity
for managing c<strong>as</strong>es of Covid-19 and other
infectious dise<strong>as</strong>es?’’ he queried.
Volunteers
On his part, Medical Guild Chairman, Dr.
Olujimi Sodipo, who also decried the delay in
closing the country’s borders called for a total
lockdown of Lagos State. According to Sodipo
the most difficult <strong>as</strong>pect of the containment is
contact tracing, adding that since the numbers
are growing there is need for government to
<strong>as</strong>k for more volunteers.
Noting that shortage of <strong>experts</strong> may hamper
management of patients if the number
incre<strong>as</strong>es, he said rather than indiscriminate
posting of medical doctors from other general
hospitals to the Infectious Dise<strong>as</strong>e Hospital,
IDH, there is a need to get volunteers.

PAGE 10—SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020
You were appointed <strong>as</strong> the Chairman
of the Committee for Coronavirus
Prevention and Control in Imo
State. A recent report had it that you <strong>as</strong>ked
Imo citizens to disregard any rumour that
the state h<strong>as</strong> recorded c<strong>as</strong>es of
coronavirus. How true is that?
I didn’t say that neither did the
committee <strong>as</strong>k anybody to report that Imo
is free from coronavirus. We are still
investigating suspected c<strong>as</strong>es and reports.
And until such reports are confirmed,
there is no c<strong>as</strong>e yet and that’s a fact.
Factually, there is no single confirmed
c<strong>as</strong>e in the state but we have a suspected
c<strong>as</strong>e that we are investigating and it is
being handled professionally.
It is said that it is only the Nigerian
Centre for Dise<strong>as</strong>e Control (NCDC) that
h<strong>as</strong> the sole authority to announce any
c<strong>as</strong>e or declare if there is a c<strong>as</strong>e or not in
any state. Does this not contradict your
no c<strong>as</strong>e in Imo?
It is only the NCDC that h<strong>as</strong> the
authority to do that. We should be mindful
of individuals creating false news about
these issues. People should not try to
usurp the role of regulatory agencies.
Only NCDC can confirm c<strong>as</strong>es of
coronavirus in states of the federation.
Someone may want to market himself by
engaging in misleading news to create
panic.
Are you working in collaboration with
NCDC on corona?
We are not interested in
announcements, and that is actually why
we had a press conference. We are more
interested in controlling the situation.
Anybody making any pronouncement is
doing the wrong thing. The NCDC is
working with all the states of the
federation and they are the ones in charge
of coronvirus c<strong>as</strong>es from the national point
of view. What each of the states is doing
is to take me<strong>as</strong>ures that will help and
manage the crisis <strong>as</strong> it develops.
Talking about preparations to fight the
crisis, what is the committee doing to
manage the situation in Imo <strong>as</strong> it h<strong>as</strong> not
really erupted?
The committee is in collaboration with
the state Ministry of Health and the
various sectors of health workers, Nigeria
Medical Association, the National
Association of Nurses and Midwifes, the
representatives of the Medical Laboratory
Technologists and so on. The whole idea
is to be able to tackle the situation in Imo
and take me<strong>as</strong>ures on two things:
Enlighten the people about the need for
personal hygiene, which is very crucial
and also to let them know what the
authorities are saying from the World
Health Organisation (WHO) and NCDC.
Our job is essentially to have these people
participate in the whole process.
CORONA ONA CURE:
We are developing
three compounds
against virus
— Prof Maurice Iwu
By Chris Onuoha
Maurice Iwu, a former Chairman of the Independent National
<strong>El</strong>ectoral Commission (INEC), is a professor of pharmacognosy
who claims to have developed compounds believed to cure Severe and
Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The Imo State Chair of the
Committee on Coronavirus Prevention and Control, in this interview,
speaks on issues bordering on coronavirus.
for Severe and Acute Respiratory
Syndrome. And then when this other one
occurred, we notified the authorities that
we do have compounds that are active
against them and they are being
developed into a drug. The process of
development is usually a little bit more
systematic than people know. But then,
why it w<strong>as</strong> necessary to inform the
authorities is to f<strong>as</strong>t track the
development which we were able to do.
And also, you heard American President
Donald Trump talk about how Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) w<strong>as</strong> able to
f<strong>as</strong>t track the use of chloroquine for the
treatment of coronavirus. So national
authorities do that when the need arises
and all those things are being considered.
So, we do have a compound that is active
against coronavirus. And the idea is being
developed <strong>as</strong> we speak.
Talking about Chloroquine and the
ensuing information surrounding its use
<strong>as</strong> a drug against coronavirus, what is
your stand?
If you look at the doctors who said that,
most of the things they said are b<strong>as</strong>ed on
scientific evidence. So, like all science, it
is b<strong>as</strong>ed on the ability to decode and
dictate <strong>as</strong> you find them. What they are
doing now is to see whether they can f<strong>as</strong>t
track the registration of that drug. It is
what we call Re-purposing. Repurposing
in medicine is a drug known for
something else, and then used for some
other things. And that is what we
proposed for the compound we made from
the Nigerian plant. It is a well known
compound that is used for a different
purpose but we believe that it can be
used for this purpose. Very soon, the
developmental <strong>as</strong>pect will be completed.
We are following the due and normal
process.
What about kits and medical facilities.
Are they really adequate to tackle the
situation?
Those are issues that border on the state
of preparedness. Imo is aware of what
needs to be done because we have
facilities on ground and we also need
more. But we are taking steps to address
those gaps. Luckily for me, I am serving
in both Imo and Anambra committees and
I also know what is happening in some
states of the federation. They are doing
their best given the circumstances that
they have actually found themselves in
both states.
How do we differentiate the symptons
of coronavirus from other common
symptoms that are <strong>as</strong>sociated with normal
cold, cough and fever?
Everywhere in the country, adequate
announcement are being made through
radio, television, newspapers and other
channels where people are told what the
signs and symptoms are. Then, there are
various <strong>tests</strong> done by the authorities
concerned. All that is happening is that
more precautions are taken but the most
important thing is that people are told to
Prof Maurice Iwu
What we did way
back in 2015 is that
we tested some
compounds from
natural products and
three of them were
active against
coronavrius/SARS
maintain simple hygiene. W<strong>as</strong>h your
hands with soap regularly and, where you
do not see water, use sanitizers and then
try to maintain social distance. These are
the three important things. Every other
thing is when people are trying to play
with words. Simple hygiene is it.
You are a renowned scientist and it is
said that during Ebola crisis, you
developed some natural compounds to
fight the scourge. Do you have cure for
coronavirus <strong>as</strong> of now?
What we did way back in 2015 is that
we tested some compounds from natural
products and three of them were active
against coronavrius/SARS. SARS stands
New viruses are beginning to evolve.
Are we expecting more viruses in time to
come?
I am not a virologist but we live in the
tropical part of the world. Viruses,
infectious dise<strong>as</strong>es are part and parcel of
our normal life. It is important to be
prepared just in c<strong>as</strong>e any other one comes
up. And the facilities that people are
building are not only for coronavirus
(COVID 19) but also for any other virus
that might come up.
Do Africans living in the tropics stand
the chance of containing this virus more
than the cold region?
What I mean by being a tropical nation
is that we live in a part of the world where
there is a biological system that conforms
to our biological life forms. Any of them
can come out at any time. This one is
coming from outside but remember that
we had Ebola that came from Africa. It
doesn’t mean that we cannot contain or
manage it better than other nations. It’s
just that we realise that our environment
is a bit different.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020, PAGE11
TINUBU, AT 68, SPEAKS AGAIN AIN ON CORONA:
ONA:
‘Suspend VAT, incre<strong>as</strong>e
stipends to the poor’
By Chris Onuoha
All Progressives Congress (APC)
National Leader, Asiwaju Bola
Tinubu, is celebrating his 68 th
birthday today with a message on his
“preliminary thoughts on the economic
action”the country might take should
coronavirus “mortally threaten” our
economy.
In the 9-point me<strong>as</strong>ures he believes the
Federal Government should take are tax
deductions and incre<strong>as</strong>ed stipends to the
poor.
Others are that government should
maintain expenditures, accelerating
spending on key infr<strong>as</strong>tructural projects,
ensuring food security, lowering interest
rates, quantitative e<strong>as</strong>ing, allowing
downward pressure on the Naira and debt
suspension.
It is the second time Tinubu is speaking
on coronavirus.
In the first statement about a fortnight ago,
the APC National leader had likened the
crisis rocking the ruling party at the federal
level to coronavirus, saying members should
purge themselves of the virus.
In his suggestion on tax deductions in the
latest statement titled, A message on
coronavirus, a time for unity, a time for
thought, a thought for action, he said:
“Government should announce a tax
credit or partial tax reduction for
firms. VAT should be suspended
for the next 2-4 months. This
will help lower import costs
and protect against
•Bola
shortages.”
On incre<strong>as</strong>ed stipends to
Tinubu
the poor, Tinubu said: “We
do this by widening the net,
substantially incre<strong>as</strong>ing the
number of recipients of anti-poverty upon us.
stipends.”
For the p<strong>as</strong>t 11 years, a colloquium w<strong>as</strong>
Full text of the statement:
held on my birthday. Each year, the
colloquium gathered some of our best minds
A MESSAGE ON THE in both the public and private sectors. They
CORONAVIRUS: A TIME FOR would dissect and explore the weighty issues
UNITY, A TIME FOR THOUGHT, A of the day in order to find solutions to the
TIME FOR ACTION
social, political and economic difficulties
Today is my birthday. I thank God for that confront our nation. However, the threat
giving me the life and time on earth he h<strong>as</strong> of the coronavirus obligated colloquium
provided me. He h<strong>as</strong> blessed me beyond the organizers to postpone the event; we did not
ability of words to describe; I am more than want a large number of people gathered in
cognizant of His great mercies toward me. a relatively compact physical space. This
I have much to be thankful for. However, w<strong>as</strong> a decision well taken.
this is not the moment for exuberant It h<strong>as</strong> been a custom at the colloquium
celebration or light talk on my part. At this that I offer a few comments pertaining to
moment, it is better that we confer in the issue at hand.
prudence and wisdom, one to another, so In the spirit of the colloquium, I offer these
that we can better deal with that which seems remarks today. In that coronavirus put a
eager to severely deal with us.
brake on the colloquium, I thought it proper
We have entered a sobering period. We face to return the favour. I therefore tender these
a challenge we cannot see
h u m b l e
but one that can find us all
comments in
too e<strong>as</strong>ily. As individuals,
hope they
this puts every one of us at
contribute to
a startling disadvantage.
halting the
Each is rendered
vulnerable by the reckless
act of his neighbour. Each
is made safer by the
enlightened conduct of a
stranger. The very nature of
this <strong>as</strong>sailant calls us
toward greater unity and
kindness.
In the normal push of our
daily affairs, we tend to
focuson what divides us. We
are either APC, PDP or
another political
affiliation. One person is
rich. Another is poor. There
is the labourer then there
is the boss. One person is
of the north, another of the
south, with both often
acting <strong>as</strong> if the boundary between the two
cannot be traversed. We are of different
ethnic groups; these identities mean so much
to us that we behave <strong>as</strong> if the affiliations are
the very source of our humanity. In this, we
tend to forget God. Even when we worship
God, we divide ourselves in ways that too
often bring violence to a way of life meant
to bring peace and comp<strong>as</strong>sion.
But, the coronavirus is now here. If we
carry forth in our usual ways, we may well
carry ourselves into national dis<strong>as</strong>ter.
Normal practices will not suffice. We all
must do better lest we all fail and suffer the
grave consequences of collective failure. We
pray that this terrible cloud will p<strong>as</strong>s from
us. However, we must prepare for the
possibility that it may linger to rain hard
Use this moment to
teach your children
about comp<strong>as</strong>sion and
the traditional values of
care and concern that
often get diluted in our
rush toward modernity
and growth
spread and ill
consequences of
this dreadful
sickness.
The foremost
imperative is that
we recognize that
corona is here.
We must c<strong>as</strong>t
<strong>as</strong>ide the myths
that we have
comforted
ourselves with
these p<strong>as</strong>t weeks.
We told ourselves
this w<strong>as</strong> not a
black man’s
dise<strong>as</strong>e. We took
false comfort in
this selfdeception.
Well, black people have
contracted the ailment; black people have
also died from it. We hoped that our hot
climate would bake and destroy the virus.
That wish now appears too optimistic. We
even said our history in dealing with malaria
and other tropical dise<strong>as</strong>es granted us some
type of immunity. Well, I doubt that
immunity exists <strong>as</strong> there is no scientific
evidence supporting this claim. If such an
immunity exists,it is at most incomplete and
so unreliable <strong>as</strong> to be of no avail to large
segments of our population.
The rich cannot bargain with the dise<strong>as</strong>e
or pay it off. It neither reads bank account
statements nor is it intimidated by them. The
poor, likewise, are subject to it for it h<strong>as</strong> no
mercy nor cares about one’s prior or present
hardships. Neither does it seem to study
geography. Northerner and Southerner are
equally its prey. It will attack those who pray
at the altar in church <strong>as</strong> well <strong>as</strong> those who
face the Qiblah when praying in the mosque.
To corona, we are all the same. Thus, to fight
corona, we must treat each other the same,
<strong>as</strong> brothers and sisters in one national family
under one Heaven. For we are of one blood;
this crisis is a stark warning that we must
begin to act in consonance with that
common humanity.
It is true that we and other African
countries are among the nations thus far
le<strong>as</strong>t affected. However, we must not think
this means geography and climate have
erected a protective shield on our behalf.
At best, these things constitute a partial
barrier that may have slowed but will
not prevent the growing threat.
China and other Asian nations took
dr<strong>as</strong>tic, wholesale action to thwart the
viral spread. North America and Europe
initially took small steps against the virus.
Those did not work. Now they are f<strong>as</strong>t
implementing lockdowns of whole cities
and closures of key segments of their
economies.
We must be prepared to do the same,
though it is alien to our communal
culture and way of life. Let us be
frank. The public health care
systems of developed
nations have been
overwhelmed by this
virus. They are running
out of equipment and
healthy doctors. Our
public health care
system is much smaller
and less equipped than
those in Europe and
North America. We cannot afford to put
undue pressure on our system because it
cannot bear the great weight of a pandemic.
Thus, it is incumbent on us to thoroughly
implement and obey social safety and
distancing techniques so that we halt the
spread of the dise<strong>as</strong>e and keep
hospitalization to the barest possible
minimum.
Second, limit your social contacts. Unless
for necessary matters, one should not venture
out. To purch<strong>as</strong>e food is essential. To redo
one’s hair or go to a bar for a drink are not.
Places like banks offer needed services
such <strong>as</strong> c<strong>as</strong>h withdrawals. But they should
limit the number of customers in the bank
at any given time. Supermarkets and grocers
should do the same.
We should continue to postpone sporting
events, weddings, and other large gatherings.
Funerals, if they must take place, should be
attended only by small numbers of family
members.
While we put <strong>as</strong>ide the large events for
now, we must do better looking after our
fellow man. Ple<strong>as</strong>e check on a neighbour.
Make sure the elderly near you are well and
have food and water.
Use this moment to teach your children
about comp<strong>as</strong>sion and the traditional
values of care and concern that often get
diluted in our rush toward modernity and
growth.
Not only is the coronavirus a health and
medical problem, it will bring heavy
economic costs. China and the West face
severe economic contractions. Cities are
shuttered. Multiple industries have closed.
Millions have suddenly been rendered
jobless. Supply chains have busted.
Economic activity is a fraction of what it
w<strong>as</strong> just a month ago. Deep recessions are
forec<strong>as</strong>ted. Some <strong>experts</strong> fear depression
now tracks the world down. Governments
worldwide are responding by embarking on
unprecedented stimulus packages to keep
their economies afloat.
The Chinese are pumping untold trillions
into their financial markets and productive
economy. The most austere large nation,
Germany, c<strong>as</strong>ts <strong>as</strong>ide its constitutional
prohibition on deficit spending to enact a
historic, unprecedented fiscal stimulus
package. The free-market Tory government
of Boris Johnson h<strong>as</strong> abjured his
conservative upbringing if but for this harsh
moment. His government is launching a
fiscal stimulus unseen in the UK for decades.
Likewise, the Bank of England vows to pump
<strong>as</strong> much money into the financial market
<strong>as</strong> is needed to unfreeze it and get it working
again.
The conservative Trump government also
abandons its laissez faire ideology in the
face of this exigency. Trump wants to give 2
trillion in fiscal stimulus and this will likely
be just the first tranche. The Federal Reserve
h<strong>as</strong> announced an aggressive monetary
policy to bolster the financial sector. This is
atop the 2 trillion the Fed already promised.
In the end, do not be surprised if the US
government injects over 5 trillion new
dollars into the economy in the months to
come. This would represent 25 percent of
l<strong>as</strong>t year’s GDP for that nation. Moreover,
the US economy is also enacting various
forms of debt moratoria such <strong>as</strong> forbearance
on rental payments for struggling families
and small businesses to tax relief of various
types for companies large and small.
This is truly an eye opening endeavour
b<strong>as</strong>ed on lessons learned from the 1929
Great Depression when government failed
to appropriately act and the 2009 Financial
Crisis when governments acted in time.
The lesson learned is that a government
h<strong>as</strong> the sovereign power and requisite duty
to intervene in the economy in order to stave
calamity. To aid in this t<strong>as</strong>k, a government
h<strong>as</strong> the unlimited ability and again public
duty to issue <strong>as</strong> much of itsown currency <strong>as</strong>
needed to quell shortage and bufferthe
populace from hardship.
We, fortunately, are not at the stage where
we need to implement such strong economic
me<strong>as</strong>ures; however, we should be preparing
a response for that urgent moment may fall
swiftly upon us. In doing so, we must be
guided by the same lessons other nations
have followed. When it comes to
expenditures that can only be made in
dollars, we must be extra careful. Dollars
now come at a steep premium. However,
when it comes to expenditures that can be
made in naira, government cannot afford
to be b<strong>as</strong>hful or reticent when the need arises.
Already, the price of oil h<strong>as</strong> fallen to less
than 30 dollars a barrel. This will bring a
dollar shortfall. This does not, however,
necessitate a corresponding shortfall in
public sector naira expenditures. The US
controls dollar issuance. We control naira
issuance <strong>as</strong> is our sovereign right. Just <strong>as</strong>
America h<strong>as</strong> used its sovereign right to issue
its currency to stave economic dis<strong>as</strong>ter, so
too may Nigeria issue naira for the same
purpose.
While individuals, companies and even
state governments can go bankrupt during
hard times, the federal government cannot
become naira insolvent because it h<strong>as</strong> the
ability to issue our national currency. He
who holds the printing press is never
insolvent. The most serious concern and
limitation on federal naira spending is not
insolvency but inflation. Consequently,
should circumstances require incre<strong>as</strong>ed
spending, we should not hesitate to do so;
but we must keep the watchful eye to ensure
inflation does not climb too high. However
to save both lives and livelihoods during a
moment of historic emergency, a touch of
extra inflation from enhanced government
spending is a small price to pay. In fact, it is
a price that must be paid. The alternative
may be a harmful deflation which
historically h<strong>as</strong> proven more difficult to
tame and cure than a small inflationary
incre<strong>as</strong>e.
In all of this, the international financial
institutions such <strong>as</strong> the IMF and World Bank
must be cooperative and forward-leaning.
These institutions must discard their
mainstream orthodoxy of fiscal austerity
which will straitjacket and injure nations
like ours. They must encourage nations to
engage in economic stimulus. Moreover,
they must suspend debt repayments for poor
and developing nations and begin to f<strong>as</strong>hion
a plan of partial debt forgiveness for
indebted nations.
Below are a few preliminary thoughts on
the economic action we might take should
the coronavirus mortally threaten our
economy.
1. MAINTAIN GOVERNMENT
EXPENDITURES: The natural instinct
will be to reduce spending. Such reductions
may be prudent for individuals and
households. For government to move in this
direction only feeds economic carnage by
amplifying economic hardship. Prudent
fiscal policy is generally “countercyclical.”
As the private sector shrinks, government
does more.
At minimum, the federal government must
stick to its naira budgetary expenditures. In
fact, government should incre<strong>as</strong>e naira
expenditures by at le<strong>as</strong>t 10 – 15
percentduring an emergency.
Allocations to state and local governments
should be included in this addition. If not,
we risk subnational recessions in important
sections of the country.
2. GOVERNMENT PROJECTS: If
the virus is largely kept from becoming a
widespread public health menace,
government should accelerate spending and
actual work on key infr<strong>as</strong>tructural projects
Continues on page 12

PAGE 12—SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020
COVID – 19: Atiku
palliative divides Nigerians
By Victor Tunde Oso
& Nnamdi Ojiego
Nigerians are divided over the
suggestion by former Vice President
Atiku Abubakar that the federal and
state governments should set up a palliative
fund to <strong>as</strong>sist Nigerians <strong>as</strong> they observe stayat-home
orders occ<strong>as</strong>ioned by the COVID-19
pandemic.
While some welcomed the idea, others said
the money could be hijacked.
In a statement, Atiku had observed that much
of the Nigerian population live on subsistence
b<strong>as</strong>is and do not have the financial capacity
to cope with long periods of isolation or
lockdown.
He announced a pledge of N50 million to
the proposed fund, saying, “To this end, Priam
Group pledges N50 million on my behalf <strong>as</strong>
my humble contribution to a relief Fund that
will form part of the stimulus package.”
Stating modalities for the disbursement of
the fund, the former VP said, “At an
approximate 30 million households or
thereabouts, government should devise
modalities to distribute N10, 000 <strong>as</strong>
supplement for food stuff
to each household,
among other palliative
me<strong>as</strong>ures, with no one
left behind.
Wealthy Nigerians
under the aegis of
Nigerian Private Sector
Coalition Against
COVID-19, which
include Alhaji Aliko
Dangote, Mr. Femi
Otedola, Alhaji
Abdulsamad Rabiu, Mr.
Jim Ovia, Mr. Tony
<strong>El</strong>umelu, Mr. Segun
Agbaje and Herbert
Wigwe,
are
donatingN11billion at
N1billion each in this
direction. On the side of
government, all 43
cabinet ministers in the
Federal Executive
Council FEC, have
donated 50% of their March 2020 salaries to
support the private sector-led initiative.
Alex Ogundadegbe, a public sector analyst,
said, “There are about 40 million people who
are registered via BVN.
“If the Federal Government accedes to Atiku
Abubakar’s request to pay each person N10,
000 it could be a great gesture to ameliorate
the effects of COVID-19 on individuals.
“The United States, Canada and the United
Kingdom have already pledged to pay
workers relief stipends. “The fe<strong>as</strong>ibility of the
processes in Nigeria is hindered by the limited
datab<strong>as</strong>e available to the government. “The
unbanked and the under-banked people will
not benefit from this scheme if it is carried
out”.
Emmanuel Nwagboniwe, a media
practitioner, maintained that while such calls
are timely and expedient given the hardship
citizens have been subjected to due to the
partial lockdown, “my fear is that when such
funds are made available, our ever greedy
politicians and top government functionaries
(at the three tiers of government) will hijack
the programme to enrich themselves and their
cronies”.
He went on: “At the end of the day, the hapless
citizens will go through hell accessing the
fund, <strong>as</strong> they will be required to provide
evidence of their citizenship, ranging from the
sublime to the ridiculous, including party
membership card, voters card, BVN, drivers
licence, letter from local government of origin,
among others.
“For a nation that h<strong>as</strong> no accurate data of
our population, it will be extremely difficult
to determine how many citizens are entitled
to the canv<strong>as</strong>sed fund, and of course,
foreigners may e<strong>as</strong>ily benefit more that the
citizens.
“The truth is: <strong>as</strong> we are today in this country,
it will be off the mark to expect a seamless
disbursements of such funds, so, I advise that
government should expedite action to curtail
the pandemic and the
people return to work
for their daily bread.”
Aniyikariaye
Our online readers were not
left out. Some of the
commentators, who
expressed their feelings @
www.vanguardngr.com, said
good advice must always
be heeded irrespective of
who w<strong>as</strong> giving the advice
or suggestion
Olowokoyi, an
educationist, said if
truly Atiku and others
gave money to the
Federal Government,
which should be
distributed at N10,
000 to each family in
Nigeria <strong>as</strong> a palliative
me<strong>as</strong>ure against
COVID19 for the
people to stay at
home, it is a welcome
idea. Other wealthy
Nigerians, religious
leaders, he said,
should emulate the
gesture by giving
money or foodstuffs to
the people.
“Asking people to
stay at home without help from government
would just be a mere wish. It is high time our
leaders and the well-to-do in the society come
to the rescue of the m<strong>as</strong>ses.”
Mrs. Adewunmi Akindina, a teacher, while
commending the Atiku gesture, urged
President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently
call on state governors, who are “thoughtlessly
shutting their borders to re-open them”.
Akindina stated, “I heard that Kogi State
h<strong>as</strong> closed its borders. This is one of the food
b<strong>as</strong>kets of the nation. Even if they give us N10,
000, if there’s no food to purch<strong>as</strong>e, the financial
aid will come to naught.
“So, there’s the need for our leaders to sit
down and co-ordinate their actions.
“I went to the market in the afternoon today
in Ota, Ogun State and essential foodstuff were
no longer available apparently because
people had bought up the foodstuff to stockpile
them.
“The Federal Government should also warn
the police, who we learned (at the market) are
seizing, har<strong>as</strong>sing and extorting truck drivers
bringing foodstuff from the North to the
South.
“Government needs to look into this. Except
these are done, even if government gives each
Nigerian N50, 000, if people cannot get
foodstuff to buy, the whole country will starve.”
Mr. H<strong>as</strong>san Taiwo, a fabrics trader at Iyana
Ipaja, Lagos, described Atiku’s call <strong>as</strong> timely.
“What Atiku is saying is nothing but the truth.
I can’t survive beyond one week without going
to my shop. Can anybody survives without
money”, he queried.
Another respondent, Mr. Efemena Ovie, a
property management consultant in Banana
Island, Lagos, said if no palliatives w<strong>as</strong> put in
place, hunger would kill the people before
Covid-19 would get to them. “How can you
<strong>as</strong>k people who try to feed by what they make
daily to stay at home without giving them
anything to ‘hold body’? It is either they die of
starvation or they resort to self help”, he
stressed.
Our online readers were not left out. Some
of the commentators, who expressed their
feelings @ www.vanguardngr.com, said good
advice must always be heeded irrespective of
who w<strong>as</strong> giving the advice or suggestion.
According to one Mr. John, “Atiku h<strong>as</strong>
spoken and done well. This is what we expect
patriotic leaders to do and act. Suggest and
lead. At times like this, helping the most
venerable ones of the society help to fight this
virus to a stand still. Hope others will follow
suit. I just hope and pray that the people who
needed this help most get it. I also hope and
pray that people charged with this
responsibility do not use it to their own
advantage. Hope this will not be another
corruption channel.”
In his reaction, Tito Kane, who said he w<strong>as</strong>
not a fan of Atiku maintained that the PDP
presidential candidate h<strong>as</strong> made a great
suggestion that would be beneficial to
Nigerians of every tribe and religion. “I
endorse his idea. I am of the opinion that we
must not always ignore good and profitable
counsel that will benefit Nigeria and Nigerians
simply because someone who gave the advice
is at variance with our ways. Good advice must
always be heeded to irrespective whoever it is
coming from. Buhari must do the needful
now.”
Another Vanguard Online commentator,
Benny Hills, described Atiku’s suggestion <strong>as</strong>
playing to the gallery. “I wonder who is
advising Atiku. Laudable <strong>as</strong> his suggestion
may be, it is too pre-emptive to suggest and
start acting at the same time. Government
h<strong>as</strong> not planned any stimulus and you’re
already donating to it? To me, this is akin to
playing to the gallery than expressing a
genuine interest.”
‘Suspend
VAT,
incre<strong>as</strong>e
stipends to
the poor’
Continued from page 11
particularly regarding transportation.
This will lower costs while bolstering the
economy by generating employment and
business activity.
If the virus does become a large-scale
public health challenge, more funds
should be allocated to the health sector.
3. TAX REDUCTIONS:
Government should announce a tax credit
or partial tax reduction for companies.
VAT should be suspended for the next 2-4
months. This will help lower import costs
and protect against shortages.
4.FOOD SECURITY: We need to
protect the people from food shortages
and high prices. As such, we mustquickly
improve farm-to-market delivery of
agricultural produce. Also, government
should initiate a cr<strong>as</strong>h program to
decre<strong>as</strong>e spoilage of agricultural produce
by construction of storage facilities in
local marketplaces in and around major
cities and towns throughout the country.
We must establish a strategic grain
reserve.Government should help ensure
supply by establishing minimum
premium price for certain food products.
5. LOWER INTEREST RATES:
CBN should lower interest rates to spur
borrowing and private sector activity.
6. QUANTATIVE EASING: CBN
and other financial regulators should be
alert to signs of fragility in the financial
markets and banking sector.
The Central Bank should be prepared
to enact extraordinary me<strong>as</strong>ures should
the financial sector exhibit stress. The
CBN should be prepared to give banks
liberal access to its loan discount window
to ensure adequate liquidity within the
banking sector. The C<strong>as</strong>h Reserve
Requirement for banks should be revised
downward.
Also to ensure liquidity, the CBN should
be willing to expand its balance sheet and
improve liquidity by purch<strong>as</strong>ing
government bonds and other instruments
held by banks and other institutions.
The Nigerian stock market is falling.
CBN and others should be planning how
they might intervene to prevent a potential
run on the stock market. Potential
me<strong>as</strong>ures include expanding
Quantitative E<strong>as</strong>ing to enable the Central
Bank to purch<strong>as</strong>e strategically important
instruments trading in the stock market
and instituting a moratorium on margin
calls.
7. EXCHANGE RATE: Corona crisis
will shrink the inflow of dollars.
Hopefully, this is temporary, no more than
a few months. CBN can allow some
downward pressure on the naira without
energetically intervening to defend the
exchange rate. Only if and when the rate
seems that it might dip precipitously
should the CBN intervene.
The Bank may want to revisit its
decision prohibiting non-institutional
Nigerian dollar holders from
participation in Open Market
Operations. Greater leniency will bring
more dollars into the CBN.
8. DEBT SUSPENSION: If
economic trouble does come, government
must be willing to freeze payment of
certain consumer-related private debts.
Evictions, foreclosure and light and water
cut-offs might have to be suspended.
Suspension or partial reduction of
payment of school fees for our most
indigent families must be considered (that
is when schools reopen) while
government offers temporary support to
the schools themselves.
9. INCREASE STIPENDS TO
THE POOR: We must be ready to
incre<strong>as</strong>e stipends to the poor. We do this
by widening the net, substantially
incre<strong>as</strong>ing the number of recipients of
anti-poverty stipends.
In conclusion, I proffer these me<strong>as</strong>ures
not <strong>as</strong> some comprehensive solution. I
hope these ide<strong>as</strong> spark needed dialogue
about the ways we may need to employ to
protect our nation from <strong>as</strong>sault by the
coronavirus. I do not know if such a
confrontation shall come. What I do know
is that wise preparation will carry us close
to victory. Unity, comp<strong>as</strong>sion and brave
implementation of good policy will take
us the rest of the way home.
We shall not go down. We shall rise.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020, PAGE 13
CORONAVIRUS:
How slow response
landed us in a mess
—Hon. Igbakpa
•On Boko o Haram: You are sending repentant
members abroad, what about the victims?
By Levinus Nwabughiogu
Hon. Ben Igbakpa represents Ethiope E<strong>as</strong>t and Ethiope West
Federal Constituency of Delta State in the House of
Representatives. In this interview, the lawmaker speaks on
coronavirus, saying Nigeria w<strong>as</strong> too late in issuing travel ban on 13 highly
affected countries.
How do you react to the travel ban
imposed on 13 countries by the
Federal Government following
the outbreak of coronavirus?
We didn’t act on time because when we
had just one c<strong>as</strong>e, it w<strong>as</strong> enough for us to
have shut our borders, stopped flights
coming into Nigeria because there were
reports of persons leaving heavily affected
countries for Nigeria. I think we didn’t act
on time but it is always better late than
never. We have taken the decision. We can
see the way it h<strong>as</strong> gone from one c<strong>as</strong>e to
what we now have. We have five c<strong>as</strong>es
today. But I think it is a step in the right
direction though not taken on time.
Again, I think it is time for Mr. President
to talk to Nigerians. This will send a strong
message. It will show commitment. He
should at this stage talk to Nigerians.
Once there is an issue and the C-in-C talks
to the people, it shows the issue is serious.
People will take it serious. I know the
Minister of Health h<strong>as</strong> been doing quite a
lot in conjunction with Lagos State
government and the CDC but I believe it
is time for Mr. President to speak to us
having been armed with enough statistics
globally to talk to our people. The issue
here now is that there is panic. People are
afraid. Yes, it’s worth being afraid of but it
is not a kind of death sentence from all we
have heard. It is an ailment, very
dangerous; yes, but I think our people need
to know what exactly is happening. The
rumour mill is doing a lot of harm.
Do you think we are prepared <strong>as</strong> a
nation and our medical systems well
equipped to contain this virus?
We can’t contain it. We don’t have what
it takes to contain it. That’s why I said we
are acting too late. We are being reactive
here. We ought to have taken precautions
when it first happened and stop people
from coming in. But now, we have allowed
some persons. They are already with us.
We allowed them. They are in. The number
is growing by the day. For every flight that
brings in one person that is infected, you
know the number of persons that will come
in contact with the person! But like I said,
it is not that bad. Since we don’t have what
it takes to contain it, the best way is to
prevent them from coming in. Those ones
that are in with us, we pray God to help us.
But from all that we have seen, we are only
being lucky. Nigeria is a very lucky nation.
We are a nation very close to the heart of
God that when things happen, God always
gives us that cover. Just like what happened
in the Ebola c<strong>as</strong>e, I believe it should just
end this way. Thank God we have not
really lost anybody, not because our
medical practitioners are good or that we
have the expertise to deal with it. Like in
some places, in the US now, testing is a
matter of few hours. Here, testing still
takes days. I read about the Enugu c<strong>as</strong>e
where a mother w<strong>as</strong> quarantined and
before the result could come to show that
the result w<strong>as</strong> negative, the woman had
died and nobody is talking about the
woman. The daughter now had to write
on the social media; yes, she is not <strong>as</strong>king
for compensation but that the Nigerian
government and the Enugu State
government should do what is right, put
the necessary infr<strong>as</strong>tructures in place so
that what happened to her mother will not
happen to others. So, I think we should be
proactive. We don’t allow things to happen
before we start jumping around. The
coronavirus issue came up some weeks
ago. Even the United States of America
didn’t take it serious because I remember
President Trump saying that nobody will
die in America but, today, they have lost
over one hundred. But let’s look at the
population. We are talking about Iran.
Iran h<strong>as</strong> a huge population. They have lost
a few percentage of it. Is it Italy? They
have lost not less than one thousand.
China, they have equally lost thousands.
So, they have people but one death means
a lot to a family that is losing the person.
So, we are lucky in Nigeria that we have
not recorded any death. Our government
needs to wake up very f<strong>as</strong>t and take
precaution which is what Mr. President
h<strong>as</strong> done today by closing our borders. I
think our people should heed the advice.
This is not time to pursue money and bring
problems to the country. Whatever
business you are doing, whatever journey
that is unnecessary, shelve it. We are <strong>as</strong>king
for two weeks, one month, I pray and I
believe that everything will be fine so that
people can live their normal lives
The House of Representatives h<strong>as</strong>
<strong>as</strong>ked the Federal Government to ban
open worships and gatherings. Does that
suffice or will you advocate for total
lockdown?
You don’t even need the House of
Representatives or the National Assembly
to come up with a resolution. Government
should have locked down the entire
country. We don’t know why our children
should still be in school because if you
look at the global tactics being applied
by everybody, it is about people gathering
in the place and one person getting
infected and pushing it around for
everybody. We ought of have taken these
me<strong>as</strong>ures. The House had waited this long
because we had thought that the executive
arm of government will take the decision.
But the decisions were not coming, that’s
why we had to do our own bit to tell the
world: shut down places of worship,
shutdown schools, shut down where there
is gathering. We have people abroad that
are in school. A lot of them are going into
online education because of the pandemic.
Schools are coming up with online
learning capacity. So, cl<strong>as</strong>ses are now
being done in your house by just picking
up your tab. If you have questions, send
emails. We are getting feedback. So, I
think we w<strong>as</strong>ted too much time, that’s why
the House had to wade in. Really, the
House w<strong>as</strong> not supposed to come up with
such cries before the executive arm could
take action. I think it is a good one. Our
voice must be heard. What we can do <strong>as</strong>
legislators is to speak. The best we can do
<strong>as</strong> legislators is to speak. When we speak,
it is left for the executive arm to carry out
what we have observed but, like we have
always said, they are persu<strong>as</strong>ive which is
not supposed to be so, but in Nigeria, it is
highly persu<strong>as</strong>ive. They do the ones they
want to do. Nigeria is actually one country
that reels out statistics that favor them and
that should stop. People think because of
the p<strong>as</strong>t and how things are done, when
we roll out these things, even the figures
•Hon. Igbakpa
that CDC is giving, the Minister of
Finance is giving us, some people are
saying, are you sure? Are they not telling
us what they want us to hear because we
have governments overtime where people
cannot trust what is coming out from them
You don’t even need the
House of Representatives
or the National Assembly
to come up with a
resolution. Government
should have locked down
the entire country
<strong>as</strong> the truth.
Have you considered the economic
implications, the dr<strong>as</strong>tic fall of oil prices
and the effect of shutting down the
system globally?
Well, the system works with human
beings. When the people are not there,
when everybody dies, who is the system
going to protect? Health is wealth. When
we are healthy, the wealth will come no
matter what we may lose today in terms
of revenue. Again, this is an opportunity,
it is a wake-up call that we should think
about diversifying into other are<strong>as</strong> of the
economy. We cannot continue to live on
mono economy. Once anything happens
globally, it affects oil prices and we are
running helter-skelter. By the grace of
God, the President h<strong>as</strong> set up a committee
to look into the effect of coronavirus and
how it is affecting the 2020 budget. It
means that the budget h<strong>as</strong> to be scaled
down to deal with the present reality. So,
it’s a wake-up call that a mono economy
is not an economy. Nigerians should think
of looking at other ways, especially those
ones that are local to us like agriculture
and taking it seriously. Other are<strong>as</strong> like
tourism, those are the are<strong>as</strong> we should
look at. But, really, talking about
coronavirus affecting our economy <strong>as</strong> it
is now is just something that nobody
envisaged. It is a bad one. I don’t expect
the President to implement the budget the
way it is meant to be.
Most countries are coming up with
stimulus bills and packages. Now,
outside scaling down the 2020 budget,
do you think Nigeria should also
contemplate a stimulus package?
I think it is something that we need to
do. The central bank came out two days
ago to reduce its interest rate. But when
you reduce that, what about the final
lending banks, the commercial banks that
actually give out money? Their interest rate
is still there because central bank does not
give any businessman loan. It is the
commercial banks that give out loan. So,
when the central bank is reducing interest
rate, what happens to the commercial
banks who are the actual lenders? What
happens to the businessman who cannot
travel now for his business? What happens
to the market woman who borrowed
money and now the market is shut down?
I think government should look at that
side.

PAGE 14—SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020
CORONA LESSONS FROM CHINA:
How strong leadership
helped China to contain virus
—Moaming, Consul General
By Vera Anyaghafu & Precious Chukwudi
The Consul General, Consulate General of The Peoples’ Republic of China in Nigeria,
Mr. Chu Moaming, says the Chinese government is strongly committed to eradicating COVID
-19. The CG, who seems satisfied with the progress made so far, discloses that China h<strong>as</strong> fought
the virus and the <strong>positive</strong> trend in the prevention and control is gathering steam.
He also updates on China-Nigeria diplomatic ties, friendly visa relationship and other issues of
interest. Excerpts:
IGURES just rele<strong>as</strong>ed indicated that the
Fspread of Coronavirusis coming down.
How is the Chinese government tackling the
spread and are there me<strong>as</strong>ures to eradicate
it?
Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus
dise<strong>as</strong>e or Covid-19, China h<strong>as</strong> fought a
people’s war on it, and the <strong>positive</strong> trend in the
prevention and control is gathering steam.
Though the virus h<strong>as</strong> infected more than
80,000 people, new c<strong>as</strong>es are declining, with
the number of recovered patients rapidly
incre<strong>as</strong>ing. The number of Chinese who
recovered from the dise<strong>as</strong>e and discharged
from hospitals continues to rise, indicating
that the overall situation of epidemic
prevention and control continues to improve
and the effect of medical treatment is obvious.
How h<strong>as</strong> China done it? What are the
experience and lessons? Here is my
observation. One, strong leadership! Chinese
President Xi Jinping personally commands
the people’s war against the epidemic. He h<strong>as</strong>
been paying constant attention to the epidemic
prevention and control work and made oral
or written instructions every day. On January
7, he issued requirements on the epidemic
prevention and control work when he chaired
a meeting of the Standing Committee of the
Political Bureau of the CPC Central
Committee. On January 20, he demanded that
party committees and governments at all
levels put people’s lives and health <strong>as</strong> the top
priority and make resolute efforts to curb the
spread of the virus. On January 25, the first
day of the lunar Chinese New Year, he chaired
another meeting of the Standing Committee
of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central
Committee, focusing on the COVID-19
outbreak. The meeting decided to form a
central leading group on the epidemic,
dispatch a central guiding team, and demand
a cabinet inter-agency t<strong>as</strong>k force to play its
full role in coordination. Afterward, President
Xi, again, held three meetings of the Standing
Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC
Central Committee and one meeting of the
Political Bureau of the CPC Central
Committee to study epidemic control and
resumption of work and production. On
February 10, President Xi inspected COVID-
19 prevention and control work in Beijing and
heard reports from the frontline in the hardesthit
province of Hubei and its capital city
Wuhan through video links. President Xi also
made requirements on epidemic prevention
and control from various <strong>as</strong>pects when he
chaired meetings of a number of central
commissions on overall law-b<strong>as</strong>ed
governance, cyberspace affairs, overall
deepening reform and foreign affairs. The
latest w<strong>as</strong> a meeting on February 23 to
coordinate epidemic control and economic
and social development. President Xi made
specific requirements for both fronts. On
March 2, President Xi visited the Academy of
Military Medical Sciences and the School of
Medicine at Tsinghua University in Beijing,
learning about the progress on the vaccine,
anti-body, medicine and f<strong>as</strong>t testing kit
research and application. He expressed
regards to <strong>experts</strong> and researchers and chaired
a symposium to listen to the views and advice
from officials of relevant departments and
researchers. On March
10, President Xi w<strong>as</strong> in
Wuhan, the epicenter to
greet and thank the
medical staff and the local
people. Two, China h<strong>as</strong>
demonstrated timely
strategy and political
courage. Our leaders have
taken the most
comprehensive, rigorous
and thorough prevention
and control me<strong>as</strong>ures.
Lines of defense were set
up. Personnel and
resources were mobilized
across the country.
— On curbing
spreading, early
detection, early reporting,
early quarantine and
early treatment are
stressed.
— On treating patients,
pooling together patients,
<strong>experts</strong>, resources, <strong>as</strong> well
<strong>as</strong> centralized treatment
are underscored.
— On January 22, the
CPC Central Committee
made a decisive move that
required huge political
courage: it ordered Hubei
to impose full and strict control over the
outbound population flow. A day after, all
urban public transportation, including city
buses, ferries and metro lines were suspended
and outbound channels at the airport and rail
stations closed in Wuhan, home to more than
10 million people. It is an unprecedented move
in modern Chinese history, but an effective
one.
China took serious me<strong>as</strong>ures at the epicenter,
China h<strong>as</strong>
demonstrated
timely
strategy and
political
courage
at the source, which not only protected Chinese
people, but also prevented the spreading of
the virus to other countries.
Three, China h<strong>as</strong> taken effective me<strong>as</strong>ures.
Along with that move, a series of other
me<strong>as</strong>ures were also introduced to mobilize
the whole country to contain the epidemic.
— More than 330 medical teams consisting
of some 41,600 medical personnel, both
civilian and military, have been dispatched to
Hubei province from across the country.
— Specialized hospitals were swiftly built
and started operation in Wuhan, in addition to
various makeshift hospitals converted from
gymn<strong>as</strong>iums, convention and exhibition
centers to treat COVID-19 patients with mild
symptoms.
— Ensuring the
provision of medical
supplies in Hubei
province w<strong>as</strong> prioritized
and 19 provinces paired
with other cities in Hubei
to provide one-on-one
support.
— In light of the serious
problems that occurred in
the early-stage prevention
and control work in
Hubei and Wuhan, the
CPC Central Committee
promptly put forward
rectification
requirements and
adjusted the leadership of
the CPC Hubei provincial
committee and Wuhan
municipal committee.
— The Spring Festival
holiday w<strong>as</strong> extended to
delay possible travel
peaks. Arrangements
were made to postpone
the start of the new school
semester, promote the
flexible resumption of
businesses and reduce the
pressure
on
transportation.
— Me<strong>as</strong>ures were taken to support
manufacturers of medical protective suits,
m<strong>as</strong>ks and other epidemic prevention and
control materials that are in urgent need, help
them quickly resume production and expand
capacity.
— Unified national distribution w<strong>as</strong> put in
place for essential materials, and the
production and supply of daily necessities, coal,
electricity, oil and g<strong>as</strong> were secured.
— Order in medical institutions and the
market w<strong>as</strong> maintained, in addition to
crackdown on epidemic-related crimes, and
strengthened psychological counseling and
intervention for the public.
— Public communication w<strong>as</strong> procedureb<strong>as</strong>ed
and strengthened.
Four, international cooperation:
— China h<strong>as</strong> always adhered to the vision
of a community with a shared future for
mankind and an attitude of openness,
transparency and responsibility, sharing
information with the WHO and the
international community in a timely f<strong>as</strong>hion
<strong>as</strong> well <strong>as</strong> actively responding to the concerns
of various sides and strengthening
international cooperation, so <strong>as</strong> to prevent
the epidemic from spreading around the
world.
— China is not fighting alone. The
international community h<strong>as</strong> given us
valuable moral and material support. This
joint fight is strengthening the friendship
between the Chinese people and peoples
across the world.
— Leaders of more than 160 countries and
international organizations have sent letters
or messages to express their firm support.
Political leaders around the world have spoken
in public to cheer for Wuhan and for China.
— President Muhammadu Buhari extended
his good wishes to President Xi Jinping and
citizens of the People’s Republic of China,
saying it w<strong>as</strong> important to let them know that
Nigeria and her citizens were also standing
by them during this coronavirus outbreak. The
President hailed China’s efforts to contain the
spread of the coronavirus and the country’s
collaboration with international agencies and
other countries on the matter <strong>as</strong> exemplary.
He prayed that God will comfort the Chinese
and others who had already lost family
members and loved ones to the dise<strong>as</strong>e.
— In the toughest times of the fight, people
around the world are standing firmly by our
side. The Chinese are a grateful nation. We
will remember and hold dear every act of
support.
China is considered Nigeria’s most
important and closest trading and export
partner, and sampled opinions show that
over 70 per cent Nigerians view China’s
influence in the country, <strong>positive</strong>ly. What is
your take on this?
The friendship between nations lies in the
mutual affinity of the people, and the mutual
affinity of the people lies in the mutual
connection of hearts. According to a report
done by the American Pew Research Center
in December 2019, 70% of Nigerians view
China favorably. This explicitly demonstrates
the <strong>positive</strong> outcome of the bi-lateral
relationship between our two countries and
the two peoples. Recently, when the Chinese
people are fighting the coronavirus, we’re
happy to see the Nigerian people are giving
full support. President Buhari sent a message
of strong support to President Xi Jinping,
saying that Nigeria and her citizens are
standing by China during this coronavirus
outbreak. At this difficult time, Governor
Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State also expressed that
Lagos State is ready for business and welcomes
Chinese investors to come. Here’s a picture
taken by a Chinese photographer. It’s a
Nigerian student in China’s Chongqing city,
helping the community fight the coronavirus
<strong>as</strong> a volunteer. The Chinese are a grateful
nation. We will remember and hold dear every
act of support.
China-Nigeria diplomatic trade
agreements have <strong>positive</strong> impacts on the
volume of trade and the number of Chinese
nationals in Nigeria. From your point of view,
would you say same about Nigeria and her
nationals in China?
China will open its door only wider to the
world, including Nigeria and welcome more
and more Nigerians investing in China.
China will continue to open up its market.
China h<strong>as</strong> a population of 1.4 billion. Its
middle-income population is the biggest in
the world. The huge Chinese market points to
a potential that is simply unlimited. China
will better leverage the fundamental role of
domestic consumption in economic
development and foster a more robust
domestic market to boost growth at home
and create more room for global growth.
China will give greater importance to import.
We will continue to lower tariffs and
institutional transaction costs, develop
demonstration zones to promote import trade
by creative means, and import more highquality
goods and services from around the
world. We will take steps to promote balanced
development of both imports and exports, of
trade in goods and services, of two-way trade
and investment, and of trade and industry. This
way, we will ensure a free yet orderly flow of
both international and domestic factors of
production, improve the efficient allocation
of resources, and deepen integration of
markets.
•Interview first aired on Vanguard Live
Read more on www.vanguardngr.com

SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020, PAGE 15
And since becoming governor, Taraba under
Ishaku h<strong>as</strong> consistently performed the biannual
maternal and child health week, which
is a change in status quo.
This high impact intervention for women
and infants offered free of charge h<strong>as</strong>
dr<strong>as</strong>tically reduced maternal and child
morbidity.
H<strong>as</strong>san said: “From inception of Ishaku’s
administration, the state Primary Health Care
Development Agency h<strong>as</strong> thrived and h<strong>as</strong> gone
a long way to ensure that the vulnerable and
the less privileged get Services at a minimal
cost and at other times free of charge.
“I can recall vividly during the first tenure
of his Excellency, he gave the agency and the
state commissioner for health a marching
order to sign a memorandum of
understanding with the Canadian government
through UNICEF <strong>as</strong> our first major project to
provide health care services to hard-to-reach
settlements.
“Through b<strong>as</strong>eline survey, we came up with
about 650 hard to reach resettlements across
the 16 local government are<strong>as</strong> that were fully
covered. “These are the are<strong>as</strong> where you will
cross rivers and climb mountains to access,
and where health facilities are far-fetched.”
Development Partners
Ishaku: I watched <strong>as</strong> someone
died of preventable ailment in
hospital • How gov changed narrative
By Femi Bolaji, Jalingo
It is general knowledge that health is wealth,
and for Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba
State, a healthy citizenry is a productive one.
Since he became governor in 2015, one area
that ranks high in his priority list is the health
sector. This is evident in the state’s dedicated
budget line for the Ministry of Health right
from 2015 when he <strong>as</strong>sumed office.
This huge investment, borne out of the
p<strong>as</strong>sion to touch lives of those most vulnerable,
especially women and children, h<strong>as</strong>, today,
reached an enviable height.
Ishaku, fondly called ‘Rescue Captain’, h<strong>as</strong>
made a huge leap when compared to his peers
and h<strong>as</strong> written his name in gold.
As a trailblazer, he h<strong>as</strong> decentralized this
critical to the admiration of all.
One way he did this w<strong>as</strong> to strengthen
primary health care (PHC) delivery which
mostly benefits rural communities.
How It Started
Upon <strong>as</strong>suming office in 2015, one
autonomous agency under the Ministry of
Health that had a facelift is the Primary
Health Care Development Agency.
At the time, the agency w<strong>as</strong> less than a year
old following its establishment in 2014.
Ishaku then made it the centrepiece of his
administration in terms of health intervention,
targeting the vulnerable.
What prompted this w<strong>as</strong> a story he often
told in public fora of how he experienced firsthand
real life scenario sometime ago in
Wukari during campaign, where someone
died of a preventable ailment at a medical
facility.
He then vowed to do whatever it will take to
ensure that such preventable illness did not
kill anyone.
This brain work of his administration, which
started in his first term, h<strong>as</strong> today become the
fulcrum of various health interventions in
Taraba.
‘The Rescue Agenda’, the blueprint of his
administration, spells out how moribond
health centres would be revived and replicated
across the state.
As ‘Rescue Captain’, Ishaku h<strong>as</strong> gone beyond
not only rescuing the Primary
Health Care Agency but h<strong>as</strong>
also made the agency an
efficient and self sustaining
one, whose yearly budget runs
into billions.
As of the time of this
<strong>as</strong>sessment, the agency’s 2020
budget line is about N2
billion.
During a visit to some hard
to reach communities in
Sardauna local government
area in 2018 to commission
some health facilities, Ishaku
restated his commitment to
ensuring a healthy populace.
He said, “Health is one of
the priorities of my
government because a
healthy society leads to
improved well-being <strong>as</strong> well
<strong>as</strong> good life and productivity.
“It is in the light of this that
my government h<strong>as</strong>
undertaken the renovation
and equipping hospitals and
primary healthcare centres
across the state.”
According to the pioneer
Executive Secretary of the agency, Aminu
H<strong>as</strong>san, the agency h<strong>as</strong> been repositioned
under Ishaku’s administration to provide
integrated PHC services.
The revolution in the state’s health sector, he
said, h<strong>as</strong> also reduced pressure on secondary
As of the
time of this
<strong>as</strong>sessment,
the agency’s
2020 budget
line is about
N2 billion
health facilities.
These secondary health facilities include
Wukari General Hospital and Takum General
Hospital in the southern zone, Gembu General
Hospital and Warwar General Hospital in
the central zone, <strong>as</strong> well <strong>as</strong> Bambur General
Hospital and the State Specialist Hospital in
the northern zone.
Today, most primary
health facilities in Taraba
offers maternal and child
care, family planning
services, routine
immunization, treatment
of minor illnesses like
malaria, de-worming, HIV
testing and even child
delivery.
This w<strong>as</strong> however made
possible through the
recruitment of qualified
health workers, provision
of medical equipments in
the various primary health
facilities and the provision
of drugs in line with global
best practices.
Taraba under Ishaku’s
administration bo<strong>as</strong>ts of 90
standard PHC facilities
and cut across the16 local
government are<strong>as</strong> of the
state, while efforts are
ongoing to establish 78
more to cover the 168
electoral wards in the
state before the expiration
of his second term in 2023.
The current Multiple
Indicator Cluster Survey and National
Immunization Coverage Survey, MICS/
NICS, indicates that Taraba h<strong>as</strong> 70%
coverage, which is a major improvement from
16% where it w<strong>as</strong> in 2016.
One area where Ishaku’s drive to reposition
PHC in the state h<strong>as</strong> never failed is on prompt
rele<strong>as</strong>e of counterpart funds.
The state government’s timely rele<strong>as</strong>e of
those funds h<strong>as</strong> solidified the relationship with
development partners and h<strong>as</strong> made Taraba
government a trusted partner in various health
projects.
Some of these projects include the Hard-To-
Reach and Save One Million Lives.
The latest of such w<strong>as</strong> the rele<strong>as</strong>e of $200,000
for the domestication of the Nigeria State
Health Investment Project, NSHIP.
This high impact health project, supported
by the World Bank prior to its domestication
in Taraba, w<strong>as</strong> piloted in Ondo, N<strong>as</strong>arawa
and Adamawa.
It h<strong>as</strong>, however, brought a new le<strong>as</strong>e of life
to quality health care delivery in the state, <strong>as</strong>
most of its interventions are executed through
PHC facilities and have direct bearing on the
lives of those living in rural are<strong>as</strong>.
“Governor Ishaku facilitated NSHIP with
a matching grant of $200,000 to facilitate that
would strengthen PHC delivery in the state”,
H<strong>as</strong>san said.
“The introduction of this enviable project
boosted the capacity of PHCs in the state in
terms of manpower, output and quality health
care to rural dwellers.
“Because of its effectiveness, it is enjoying
community partnership which further
strengthened its acceptance by those it w<strong>as</strong>
intended for.
“We piloted this project with PHCs in
ArdoKola local government, but it h<strong>as</strong> now
been scaled up to PHCs in 8 LGAs.
“This initiative also benefitted secondary
health facilities like General Hospitals which
work in synergy with PHCs during referrals
in terms of capacity building and regular
funding.
Human Resources
“The governor got accreditation for the
college of nursing and midwifery during his
first tenure for the institution to train future
health workers not only for the state but the
nation.
“The school before its accreditation did not
admit students for ten years but with the
governor’s intervention, the status quo
changed and h<strong>as</strong> started graduating students.
“Added to this, the governor recently gave
approval for waivers to the primary health
care agencies for community health officers,
lab technicians, nurses among others who are
at the verge of retirement to work additional
three years to fill the vacuum that their
retirement would have created, to allow the
state train younger ones that would take over
from them after the three year waiver lapses.
“Also over 160 nurses were injected into
secondary health facilities in the state
including retired nurses who were reabsorbed
for a period of three years to bridge the man
power gap before young nurses complete their
trainings.
“He also recently accepted our proposal to
recruit 500 skilled human resources for health
which we are currently fine-tuning to ensure
that the right thing will be done when
interviews commence for applicants.
“What we are happy about is the political
will of the governor and his interest in ensuring
that those at the lowest ebb have access to
quality health care services.
“We are even happier that we at the Primary
Health Care Development Agency were
chosen to help achieve this lofty achievement
within a short time”.

PAGE 16 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020
A
•Happiness
DJ TTB, Sose,
others to host
MTV B<strong>as</strong>e’s
Instagram Live
s part of the brand’s efforts to get
young people to stay home,
practice social distancing and stop the
spread of the Covid – 19 virus, MTV
B<strong>as</strong>e h<strong>as</strong> announced that it will be
hosting a live party on its Instagram
page (@mtvb<strong>as</strong>ewest) every Friday
and Saturday nights. The virtual
party is modelled after the
entertainment channel’s muchloved
show, ‘DJ Takeover with DJ
TTB’ that airs on MTV B<strong>as</strong>e, DStv
channel 322 and GOtv channel 72
by 8 pm on Fridays and 9 pm on
Saturdays.
It will see DJ TTB and a number
of other renowned celebrity DJs
including DJ Crowd Kontroller, DJ
Sose, DJ Abosede and others take
turns on the wheels of steel to
entertain the thousands of fans that
will join the Instagram Live
sessions.
The Instagram live sessions will
be on @mtvb<strong>as</strong>ewest from 7 pm – 8
pm, and 10 pm – 12midnight on Fridays; <strong>as</strong> well <strong>as</strong> from 8 pm – 9
pm and 11 pm – 1 am on Saturday nights. It is a 5-hour non-stop
entertainment with the best of DJ mixes across MTV B<strong>as</strong>e’s
linear (TV) and online platforms.
Speaking on the initiative, Senior Channels Manager,
Solafunmi Oyeneye said, “With the COVID-19 pandemic and
the resultant urgent need for social distancing, we are reminded
that now, more than ever, entertainment brands like us have
an important responsibility to the society. At MTV B<strong>as</strong>e, we
are committed to putting a smile on people’s faces and making
the situation we all currently find ourselves in, <strong>as</strong> bearable
<strong>as</strong> possible, by not just entertaining people but also educating
them on the importance of social distancing. So the
Instagram Parties will go live on @mtvb<strong>as</strong>ewest every
Friday from 7 pm to 8 pm when the party will be moved to
the MTV B<strong>as</strong>e channel on TV for two whole hours and
then back to Instagram Live until midnight. On
Saturdays, the party will kick off on Instagram by 8 pm,
move to TV by 9 pm and then back on Instagram by 11
pm.”
The online party is part of several activities around
VCN Africa’s #AloneTogether campaign which w<strong>as</strong>
created to encourage social distancing and let people
know that even though they may be physically apart
from their friends and loved ones, they are together in
the efforts to kick out Covid-19.
It takes more than
money to be beautiful
•DJ Sose
— Happiness Adebayo
One of the most qualified persons to talk about beauty
and staying beautiful in Nigeria, Happiness Adebayo,
Chief Executive Officer of Glee Luxury Hair and
Skincare, who is widely regarded <strong>as</strong> number one in Africa in
the business of human hair and skincare h<strong>as</strong> highlighted what
it takes for a woman to be beautiful.
She made the declaration in a recent interview
with Potpourri that money is very important and that beauty
to a great extent, is inborn, but nonetheless <strong>as</strong>serted that it is
much more than that.
She said while beauty means different things to different
people, it actually takes a happy woman to be beautiful.
“It takes happiness for beauty to radiate so much in you
and of course, a touch of Glee Luxury Hair and Skincare
products. Being really beautiful <strong>as</strong> a woman means
appreciating your true self, never wanting to be someone else
and having the mindset that there isn’t a better you” she said.
“Well, we have seen several transformations that money h<strong>as</strong> done; quite
amazing stories. Beauty is inborn but taking proper care of oneself brings
out the beauty. Therefore everyone is beautiful in their own way and money
h<strong>as</strong> its way of making it so pronounced,” she added.
Happiness Adebayo established Glee Luxury Hair and Skincare six years
ago while still in the university. It operates from two upscale locations in Lagos;
Opebi, Ikeja, on the Mainland and Admiralty Way, Lekki, Island in Lagos.
No regrets selling aphrodisiacs
—<strong>El</strong>ohor Ovite
A
•Teji Gold
buja-b<strong>as</strong>ed trending sex therapist and Chief
Executive Officer of E and E Skincare, <strong>El</strong>ohor Ovite
h<strong>as</strong> been into many other businesses before veering
into selling aphrodisiac. Her re<strong>as</strong>on w<strong>as</strong> that she
discovered another goldmine far better and more fun
than other businesses she h<strong>as</strong> done in the p<strong>as</strong>t.
In a recent interview with Potpourri the beautiful
businesswoman explained why she ventured
into a territory many would consider
unladylike, saying she h<strong>as</strong> no regrets
whatsoever.
“I have no regrets at all. From
my other businesses I had
developed a list of female
contacts who tell me their
problems. After a while I
became close with a lot of
them, women , from there
I hear their complaints.
From time to time, they
tell me their issues <strong>as</strong>
a friend, most of
which are centered
on general
problems that
could be sorted
out e<strong>as</strong>ily,
most of these
women are in
pains and couldn’t talk
to anyone with the fear
of being judged. With
this drive I w<strong>as</strong> able to
go into research and
found solution to most
of the issues. The result
w<strong>as</strong> Kayanmata herb.
From several
•Ovite
conversations I
realised many women
have sexual issues, to
me, it w<strong>as</strong> a goldmine
to be tapped. Pronto, I
shifted my attention
from makeups and
cosmetics to aphrodisiac.
And it w<strong>as</strong> the best decision of
my life,” she said.
When <strong>as</strong>ked if the aphrodisiac business
h<strong>as</strong> been lucrative, she replied with a gleam
on her face.
“I must say, it is quite lucrative and fun
because I get to help people everyday,” she
said.
She’s the CEO and Founder of E and E
Skincare, located in Abuja, Nigeria. She’s
happily married with children. She
founded the company December 19, 2016.
Many women have
sexual problems
—Oji Oghenetejiri
ne of Nigeria’s leading sex therapists, using a
O special herb known <strong>as</strong> Kayanmata h<strong>as</strong> declared
unapologetically that most women have sexual
problems. According to her, many of them hate to admit
the fact and would rather shy away from discussing it
or seeking help.
In a chat with Potpourri, the lady biologist turned
sex therapist, said there’s a simple solution for
the problem which is in the herb called Kayanmata.
She said, “Women, both married and unmarried, have
sexual problems, a lot of women actually, but they won’t
want to talk about or look for help. Like I said, a lot of
them shy away from the conversation. Men also do not
help matters in telling the women they, (the women) have
problems. This is because they either do not want to kill
their ego, or make them feel bad. In matters of sex everyone
wants to have the mindset that they are giving their partner
the best, but when you tell someone they aren’t, it becomes
a problem. From my experience, most women suffer low
libido or sex drive. Other sexual problems in women range
from vaginal weakness, looseness, vaginal infections,
vaginal dryness etc.”
Oji Oghenetejiri established her Teji Gold Beauty
Galleria in 2018 and she h<strong>as</strong> since carved a niche for
herself in the business. Born July 20, 1994, Teji Gold,
<strong>as</strong> she’s fondly called by her customers and Instagram
followers, hails from Ethiope West local government
area of Delta State.

North h<strong>as</strong> already
destroyed itself (2)
OTE 1: Ordinarily, this
Npage would not carry
tables or charts. Those belong
on the Business/Economic
pages. But part 2 can best be
understood by summarising
the message in a table. If “a
picture is worth a thousand
words”, then a table is worth
ten thousand words. It tells the
story more effectively.
NOTE 2: If you only buy the
SUNDAY paper, let me urge
you to buy the Monday paper
in the next few weeks <strong>as</strong> we
rush headlong into a
recession. There are messages
for you, your family and your
business – which incompetent
and dishonest Abuja
officialdom will not deliver
for your own benefit. I am not
trying to sell more paper. As
an economist, this is my social
service to you during the tough
times ahead. And it costs you
only the cover price of the
paper bought on Monday.
Read on.
“Is life so dear or peace so
sweet that it must be
purch<strong>as</strong>ed at the price of
chains and slavery? Forbid it
Almighty God! I know not
what course others may take;
but, <strong>as</strong> for me, give me liberty
or give me death” - Patrick
Henry, 1775, VANGUARD
BOOK OF QUOTATIONS,
VBQ, p 128.
Thank God for COVID-19,
all the southern states were on
the way to being sold into
slavery by the par<strong>as</strong>itic North
represented by Buhari – ably
supported by elected senators
from the South. The
instrument, this time, w<strong>as</strong> the
$22.7 billion loan approved
by the Lawan-led Senate.
Many people had previously
urged senators to <strong>as</strong>k for
details before giving
approval. But the senators had
gone ahead to grant the
request for the loan. No other
legislature, comprising of
elected officials who deeply
care for their people, would
do that.
The cl<strong>as</strong>sic definition of
democracy, <strong>as</strong> provided by US
President Abraham Lincoln,
1809-1865, tells us that
democracy is a government
of the people by the people
and for the people. Lincoln
obviously felt that he did not
need to add the word ALL
before people. My readings on
the late US President, who
incidentally freed slaves,
would suggest that he
abhorred a system of
government, however
contrived, in which one
segment of the people
constitutes par<strong>as</strong>ites on
another segment <strong>as</strong> the North
h<strong>as</strong> become on the South in
Nigeria. The ‘monkey-workbaboon-chop’
revenue
allocation formula,
introduced by Gowon
(General Ironsi actually left
the 50% derivation principle
intact) and Pa Awolowo, w<strong>as</strong>
the beginning of southern
fiscal serfdom. Descendants of
Baba Awolowo are bearing
the yoke of subjugation today.
“Better a declared enemy
than a doubtful ally”, said
Napoleon Bonaparte, 1769-
1815 (VBQ p 48) – who must
have experienced treachery
from people he le<strong>as</strong>t expected
for selfish interest (2023
virus). The entire southern
region of Nigeria is one huge
slave-camp – with a few
House Slaves (free-minded
Americans call them Uncle
Toms) elected, selected and/or
appointed to hold the rest of
us in check. While none of the
COVID-19: No respite yet, and
African leaders hoard information
For the Coronavirus
infection, there is no
a b a t i n g .
Unfortunately, weeks and
running into months after its
outbreak it is still the main
focus of the entire world. From
the American continent, E<strong>as</strong>t
Asia to Africa the virus is
causing unthinkable
destruction to lives and
properties. The death toll is
rising by the day <strong>as</strong> businesses
and financial institutions are
on the brink of collapse.
The scale at which the
deadly virus is spreading is
alarming. The concerning
part of it is that it h<strong>as</strong> crept
into the African continent
where health facilities are
luxury for the citizens. The
advanced economies are
overwhelmed by the
pandemic, and they are
struggling to keep the death
toll down. They are trying, but
the battle is far from won yet.
The city of New York, in the
United States of America, h<strong>as</strong>
become the epicentre of this
virus that commenced its
journey in Wuhan. The plight
of the residents of New York is
reflected in the sombre and
disturbed look of their
governor, Andrew Cuomo, at
the daily press briefing. There
is a need to worry <strong>as</strong> the
number of infections in the
city h<strong>as</strong> surp<strong>as</strong>sed those in
Italy and China.
Trying to comply with the
directive of the World Health
Organisation (WHO) to “test,
test, test” is the key challenge
for governments all over the
world. There is a shortage of
test kits to achieve this. Many
individuals are going about
without knowing if they are
infected with the virus or not.
Keeping those who have tested
<strong>positive</strong> to the virus alive
remains a gigantic struggle <strong>as</strong>
well. The much-needed
respirators are in short supply.
In the United Kingdom, the
US, or elsewhere, respirators
are inadequate to sustain
those who are infected. In the
meantime, the numbers of
infected individuals are rising
daily, and the intensive-care
units (ICU) are overcrowded.
Just <strong>as</strong> in wartime,
makeshift hospitals are
becoming features of cities.
Stadia, events centres and
hotels are being converted to
accommodate more people
who need care. The health
workers and frontline staff are
overwhelmed by what they
cope with daily. They are
warning the general public
how dreadful the situation is
in the hospitals (makeshifts or
proper).
two major parties had
considered redressing the
injustice, Buhari’s APC is the
one presently moving to
ensure the South lives in
bondage perpetually. The
President is not alone in this
quest. He is ably supported by
southern leaders of the party.
Remember we are referring to
elected, selected and
appointed leaders of the party.
You can c<strong>as</strong>t your imagination
wide to draw the list of the
traitors of the South. Be
honest; don’t leave out the
name of your brother or
benefactor. Start from the top
– Chairman, etc. You will be
amazed at the names that will
stare you in the face. Those are
the real enemies of the South
parading themselves <strong>as</strong> our
leaders and great political
strategists.
You do not need any other
evidence that the entire South
is being sold into slavery by
politicians re-enacting the
historic slave trade, which
covered nearly two hundred
years and during which
traditional rulers (so-called
fathers of the people) sold
human beings in shiploads to
white men for pittance.
“History is just the portrayal
of crimes and misfortunes” -
Voltaire, VBQ, p 93.
But just in c<strong>as</strong>e you are a true
southerner self-deluded <strong>as</strong> to
think that the African slave
trade ended with the abolition
in the 19th century, then take
a look at the table below and
despair.
PROPOSED ALLOCATION
OF $22.7BN LOAN
ZONE AMOUNT
%
N.C $6.5bn
36
N.E $300m
2
N.W N6.3bn
35
S U B - T O T A L
$13.1bn 73
S.E - -
S.S (- Edo) $4.7bn
26
S.W $200m
1
SUB-TOTAL 4.9bn
27
GRAND TOTAL
18.0bn 100
It is incomprehensible
what could be going on
in the minds of the
leaders or their
handlers. They hoard
information, in the
same way; they
selfishly misappropriate
the resources of the
country
The world is in lockdown
currently. Everything is at a
pause <strong>as</strong> governments and
agencies try to stall the
continued spread of the virus.
The efforts of the key workers
cannot be "over-praised", <strong>as</strong>
they place themselves at risk
to save what is left of the
world. The risk is m<strong>as</strong>sive, <strong>as</strong>
some of them do not have the
test kits to certify that they are
negative of the virus they are
trying to stop.
Despite WHO's declaration
that it h<strong>as</strong> shipped almost two
million individual items of
personal protective
equipment (PPE) to 74
countries, there is still a
shortage. This trend is not
limited to third world
countries; it is the same all
over the world. The WHO
chief, Tedros Adhanom
Ghebreyesus said in Geneva
on Friday that "the chronic
global shortage of personal
protective equipment is now
one of the most urgent threats
to our collective ability to save
lives."
It is remarkable that where
governments are lacking,
private businesses and
You do not need any
other evidence that
the entire South is
being sold into
slavery by politicians
re-enacting the
historic slave trade
Lawyers often claim that
“facts speak for themselves”.
That is only partly true. Some
facts need to be explained or
interpreted before a lot of
people can fully gr<strong>as</strong>p their
implications. One example is
the table above. There is only
one word to describe its
authors in the Federal
Government – conscienceless.
And there are only two words
to describe their southern
collaborators in the APC –
shameless conspirators. Let
us now analyse what would
have been done with the $22.7
billion loan taken on behalf
of Nigerians – if COVID-19
and the foreign lenders have
not slammed the door in their
faces.
“There are only two families
in the world, my old
grandmother used to say, the
haves and the have-nots” -
Miguel de Cervantes, 1547-
1616, VBQ, p 87.
The great author of Don
Quixote died over 400 years
ago. But he might <strong>as</strong> well have
been talking about the
proposed allocation of the
$22.7bn loan <strong>as</strong> revealed by
the table above. As usual, the
Igbo were supposed to receive
nothing. Nothing new about
that except that it again
underlines the fact that the
Igbo have remained a
conquered people – never
mind the nonsense ‘no victor;
no vanquished’ slogan. At
every available opportunity,
the rest of Nigeria is telling
the Igbo that they are not
wanted. The FG, under
Buhari, is the worst. But, don’t
tell the Igbo selfish Ministers,
Amb<strong>as</strong>sadors, collaborative
businessmen and appointed
Uncle Toms that truth. They
are too busy eating what drops
individuals are rising to the
occ<strong>as</strong>ion. Many companies
are coming up with
prototypes of respirators that
can be useful in the fight
against the virus. The UK's
health secretary, Matt
Hancock had l<strong>as</strong>t week
Sunday called on all
manufacturers to "turn their
engineering minds and
production lines to making
them … We need to produce
more.”
The US President, Donald
Trump, made a dr<strong>as</strong>tic
decision by invoking the
Defense Production Act to
force the automaker General
Motors to produce ventilators
for patients and hospitals.
This move had been
condemned <strong>as</strong> political
witch-hunting, but Trump
thinks otherwise. He said:
"Our negotiations with GM
regarding its ability to supply
ventilators have been
productive, but our fight
against the virus is too urgent
to allow the give-and-take of
the contracting process to
continue to run its normal
course. GM w<strong>as</strong> w<strong>as</strong>ting time.
Today's action will help ensure
the quick production of
ventilators that will save
American lives."
Governments are
employing various tactics to
keep the virus away. L<strong>as</strong>t week,
India, with a population of
over a billion announced a 21-
day lockdown. There have
been some comical video
clips coming out of the
country. We could see some
"dissident” citizens flogged
openly for flouting the stay at
home order.
A few of such scenes were
also recorded in Nigeria - the
v<strong>as</strong>test black populated
country in the world. The
government had imposed the
social distancing me<strong>as</strong>ure.
However, unlike responsible
societies, some Nigerian
churches, mosques and other
SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020, PAGE 17
on the floor from the m<strong>as</strong>ters’
tables inside the Rock. The
people can go to hell.
“Traitors in one’s midst,
always highly trusted, always
splendid fellows, always the
l<strong>as</strong>t people to be suspected” -
Agatha Christie, VBQ, p 251.
Agatha Christie, lady of
crime thrillers in our younger
days in secondary school,
always warned us to suspect
those above suspicion. The
ridiculous argument can be
made that the South-E<strong>as</strong>t got
what it deserved. The zone did
not vote for Buhari. That point
of view already <strong>as</strong>sumes that
the Igbo are not included
among the people of Nigeria.
Like it or not, they are the salt
of Nigeria. At le<strong>as</strong>t they
contribute more than the
North to our commonwealth.
When the newly-born
political party, the All
Progressives Congress, APC,
w<strong>as</strong> brought out of the
‘Labour Room’ in 2013, the
Action Congress, AC, w<strong>as</strong> the
largest group and had more
elected officials – Governors,
legislators etc – than any other.
Congress for Progressive
Change, CPC, w<strong>as</strong> the
smallest. It had only one
Governor in one of the poorest
states in Nigeria. Defectors
from the PDP and other ragtag
<strong>as</strong>sociations joined later.
The SW provided the lion’s
share of campaign expenses.
Yoruba people who pointed
to the antecedents of the CPC
leader were <strong>as</strong>sured that the
brilliant political strategists
of the AC had perfected plans
to guarantee that the SW did
not end up holding the short
end of the stick. We actually
believed them. But “men
make history, but not just <strong>as</strong>
they ple<strong>as</strong>e” - (Karl Marx,
1818-1883, VBQ, p 93).
History will later record that
the mouse swallowed
juggernaut. Today, the leaders
of the former CPC hold the
knife and the yam. They
would have shared it in the
godless manner indicated
above – North-West 35% and
South-West 1% -- but, for the
intervention of COVID-19.
Odua w<strong>as</strong> not <strong>as</strong>leep. Like
innocent cattle, fed with gr<strong>as</strong>s
at intervals while being led to
the abattoir, the Yoruba were
delivered to their slaughterers
places of worship were open
"for business". As it is usual in
the country, a few small-time
organisations were picked out
<strong>as</strong> scapegoats. The security
agencies made a show of
closures of such business
premises while the big-time
operators that had thousands
more than allowed were left
without any rebuke.
Today, in the United
Kingdom the clock goes
forward to the British
Summer Time (BST). The
change, which takes place the
l<strong>as</strong>t Sunday of March, heralds
the start of summertime and
the coming out of the sun. It is
customarily a time of relief for
the Brits who would have
"wintered" for four/five winter
months. The barbecue wares
are dusted and kept at arm's
length for use immediately
there is a reflection of the sun.
The neighbourhood parks
flourish <strong>as</strong> the daffodils
invitingly welcome residents.
The spirit of the nation is
elevated.
The clock change today,
however, is different. The
COVID-19 lockdown h<strong>as</strong>
dampened what could have
meant a celebration of better
days ahead. No one is coming
out. The park will stay shut
while picnics are suspended
until the virus is sent packing.
The announcements on
Friday that the Prime
Minister, Boris Johnson and
Hancock had tested <strong>positive</strong>
to Coronavirus is not good
news. They are two of the
11,658 confirmed c<strong>as</strong>es in the
country. Earlier in the week,
the news that the heir to the
British throne, Prince Charles
tested to the virus w<strong>as</strong> on the
air. The 71-year old h<strong>as</strong> gone
into self-isolation while he
hopes to pull through after 14
days.
Johnson's announcement
w<strong>as</strong> a surprise. He w<strong>as</strong> on the
steps of 10 Downing Street a
by political adventurers in
their midst. And, they are not
done with us yet. They have
set up clandestine political
machines to actualise ‘2023
virus’ – <strong>as</strong> one of their sages
aptly put it. They will have
their way if we allow them. We
must never forget what would
have occurred if foreigners did
not show our officials the gate.
“You can’t argue on your
knees” -Anonymous.
We cannot leave the table
without pointing to three
more anomalies. First, the
South-South allocations
exclude any funds for Edo
State. The atrocious sharing
w<strong>as</strong> done before the
Chairman of the party found
himself on his hands and knees
at the Rock to save his job. It is
difficult to see how a man on
all fours in front of his saviour
can summon the effrontery to
query his benefactor about
inequitable loan allocations.
Edo people can go to blazes.
Second, all the 17 states of
the South put together would
have received less than either
the North-Central or North-
E<strong>as</strong>t alone. They would have
got only 78% of each of the
two. Only God knows how
the North-E<strong>as</strong>t lost out on the
bonanza for the North. But
that need not delay us here. At
any rate, there is still over $4
billion unallocated. Certainly,
the NE will not be left behind.
Nothing demonstrates
official malevolence better
than the fact that while the
North would have swallowed
about 75 per cent of the loan,
the South would be required
to provide close to 80 per cent
of the funds to repay. The
audacity of planned robbery
is only matched by the
cowardice of the southern
political leaders who would
not have questioned the
sharing formula. No leader of
the APC at the federal level
would have uttered a word of
protest.
This generation of
southerners and our
descendants will continue to
carry the North <strong>as</strong> a burden
for <strong>as</strong> long <strong>as</strong> we continue to
present ourselves <strong>as</strong> be<strong>as</strong>ts of
burden on which all the
consequences of corrupt
northern leaders can be
placed.
night before to lead tributes
to the brave National Health
Service (NHS) staff and other
key workers in the UK. On the
night, at exactly 8 pm, the
British came out in solidarity
to express their appreciation
for the works of the
emergency agencies. It w<strong>as</strong>
emotional scenes, <strong>as</strong> claps
rang out from streets in the
country. The heroic works of
the frontline workers were
celebrated.
To the British, testing
<strong>positive</strong> to Coronavirus is not
a shame or something to
shield away from the public.
Infection of the virus is not a
death knell on the individuals,
and never seen <strong>as</strong> something
that should be treated <strong>as</strong> a
state secret. As Johnson is the
number one civil servant in the
country, the citizens have to
be updated on the PM's state
of health. More so, adequate
communication and sharing
of information give room to
no suspicion or conspiracy
theories.
This is the difference in
approaches with what is
obtained in the African
continent where information
is suppressed and kept away
from the public. This lack of
openness engenders
suspicions and rumourmongering
among the
populace. Why African
political leaders are always
economical with the truth is
still baffling. There is no
country where lack of
information is <strong>as</strong> damaging
<strong>as</strong> Nigeria. The m<strong>as</strong>ses resort
to rumour-mongering when
the leaders do not come open
with the real situation of
happenings.
It is incomprehensible
what could be going on in the
minds of the leaders or their
handlers. They hoard
information, in the same way;
they selfishly misappropriate
the resources of the country.

PAGE 18—SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 29, 2020
NSHIP How NSHIP h<strong>as</strong> stopped removed
cat<strong>as</strong>trophic health
expenditure in Nigeria
Akanbiemu, Ondo PHC Executive Secretary
By Dayo Johnson, Akure
Dr Francis Akanbiemu is the Executive Secretary, Ondo State Primary
Health Care Development Agency. In this interview, Akanbiemu speaks
on the activities of the Nigeria State Health Investment Project, NSHIP,
which will lapse in May after six years of operation in the state.Excerpts:
Now that the NSHIP program is
ending, can we know the activities so
far?
NSHIP h<strong>as</strong> been working in Ondo since
2011 when they did the pilot at Ondo E<strong>as</strong>t
local government area but, in 2014 or early
2015, it w<strong>as</strong> extended to all the 18 local
government are<strong>as</strong> of the state, and, since that
time, NSHIP h<strong>as</strong> been working to strengthen
the health system of Ondo with focus on the
primary health system. Activities include
antenatal care, safe delivery practices, inpatient
care, family planning, immunisation
and w<strong>as</strong>te management. Surgical care is also
part of the package though it is minor surgery.
The system also <strong>as</strong>sists secondary facilities to
carry out major surgery because when you’re
provided with funds, you can provide facilities
and engage the staff. Part of the NSHIP
mandate is to ensure that you have human
resources to strengthen the health system
holistically. Before you spend money on any
NSHIP project, however, you must prove that
you are going to get result for what you’re
going to be paid. For instance, if you were
attending to 10 patients before and you want
to incre<strong>as</strong>e the number to 20, what you need
to do is to have a good environment for
patients to access you. You need a business
plan. There is usually a committee headed by
each community leader and the mandate is
to ensure full community involvement in the
health system. We also have what we call
improvement in management system. Before
NSHIP came, there w<strong>as</strong> no meeting or
information about income and expenditure;
people just spent money. But under the new
dispensation, you must hold management
meeting, there must be documentation,
everything you want to do must be agreed.
You now send the business plan to the NSHIP
Coordinator who reviews the business plan.
B<strong>as</strong>ically, NSHIP h<strong>as</strong> changed the way we do
things while w<strong>as</strong>tage h<strong>as</strong> reduced. Another
critical <strong>as</strong>pect of the project is drug
management. Drugs are made available to
health facilities and it is the facilities that
decide the drugs they want to buy.
ls there any sustainable plan after the
expiration of NSHIP?
ln 2017, we started putting the work plan of
NSHIP into the state annual budget. This is
part of our sustainability plan, so that when
the project winds up, government can now take
over. Some intervention might come also but
I will not be able to say exactly what type of
intervention that is coming, except the one
being currently funded by the Federal
Government which is known <strong>as</strong> B<strong>as</strong>ic Health
care Provision Fund. This fund is meant to
strengthen at le<strong>as</strong>t one health centre per
political ward in every part of Nigeria. Ondo
is close to accessing the fund which provides a
window for sustainability apart from
government effort to see the rise in the
principles and practice of NSHIP. I am sure
that by 2021, government will provide fund to
sustain NSHIP. Apart from this, government
believes this is the best way to manage the
health system. Though the annual budget of
NSHIP is funded by the World Bank, <strong>as</strong> soon
<strong>as</strong> the project winds up, government will take
over. NSHIP is a principle that helps to do
things better, so it is that principle that
government will fund and will not rele<strong>as</strong>e
funds when the funds will not produce results.
If you are going to be paid, it will be b<strong>as</strong>ed on
results like how many patients you attended
to or the number of deliveries. That is the
model government is going to adopt for the
sustainability of the project.
Do you envisage any problem in the
payment of counterpart fund by the
state government
thereafter?
With the type of governor
we have, who gives priority
to health, he h<strong>as</strong> already
opened up discussion with
us on what will happen
after NSHIP. But I want to
let you know that
government is not funding
NSHIP but the health
sector b<strong>as</strong>ed on the gains
recorded by NSHIP. What
the World Bank actually
came to do is to tell us that
this is a better way to
manage the health system
and that’s why government
signed that agreement. In
2018, the governor signed
about N375m <strong>as</strong>
counterpart fund to show
the World Bank that we
want this project to
continue.
•Akanbiemu
Our indicators
have
improved, our
people have
stopped dying
like fowl and
the health
system is
better
generally
What is the specific
impact of NSHIP in
b<strong>as</strong>ic health centres
across the state?
This project h<strong>as</strong> improved the quality of care
in health facilities and that of health care
services utilization. It h<strong>as</strong> also reduced outof-pocket
spending, removed cat<strong>as</strong>trophic
health expenditure and created employment.
And apart from the fact that NSHIP h<strong>as</strong>
improved monitoring and supervision of
health facilities, it h<strong>as</strong> also improved interagency
and inter-stakeholder collaboration
among the staff of the Ministry of Health,
Hospitals Management Board and the
Primary Health Care Development Board to
work towards achieving a common goal.
NSHIP h<strong>as</strong> autonomy and uses the autonomy
to improve facilities. So there h<strong>as</strong> been m<strong>as</strong>sive
infr<strong>as</strong>tructural upgrade apart from the direct
intervention of the state governor on the health
system of Ondo State.
You talked about likely federal
government intervention in the health
sector...
There is already an intervention going on
now through what they call B<strong>as</strong>ic Healthcare
Provision Fund and under which each state
pays N100 million counterpart fund. Mr.
Governor h<strong>as</strong> paid since l<strong>as</strong>t year. There are
processes that will make us access the fund
and the processes are almost completed.
In late l<strong>as</strong>t year, the National
Assembly called a meeting of
Speakers of state <strong>as</strong>semblies,
Commissioners for Health,
Executive Secretaries. I w<strong>as</strong>
part of that meeting. In that
meeting, it w<strong>as</strong> discovered that
there were anomalies in the
B<strong>as</strong>ic Healthcare Provision
Fund and they gave
instruction that the project
must stop until the anomalies
are corrected. They wrote to
the Federal Ministry of
Health that the manual that
w<strong>as</strong> developed w<strong>as</strong> not in line
with the National Health Act
of 2014. That is why we are
not accessing the fund yet.
They set up a committee to
design another guideline. The
committee h<strong>as</strong> completed the
<strong>as</strong>signment and waiting to
present the guideline to
stakeholders.
Once it is ratified, Ondo will
get its own fund and it will be
used in the same model of
NSHIP.
Recently NSHIP w<strong>as</strong> suspended. What
happened and why w<strong>as</strong> it brought back
so quickly?
They <strong>as</strong>ked Mr. Governor that if he wanted
the project he had to pay N375 million and he
paid immediately.
Will the health insurance scheme
introduced by the state government be
useful when the NSHIP winds up?
The health insurance scheme which Mr.
Governor established for the good people
of Ondo h<strong>as</strong> commenced and government
h<strong>as</strong> started funding it. Besides
government funding, B<strong>as</strong>ic Healthcare
Provision Fund h<strong>as</strong> two part way. The
primary health is one part way while the
insurance part way is another. The fund
that is coming to the state is divided into
two: Major part way and small part way.
The small part way is the emergency
medical treatment. So, 50 per cent of that
fund will be going to the insurance part
way, 45 per cent to our part way while five
percent will be for emergency. That 50
percent, insurance will use it in
collaboration with the fund Mr. Governor
h<strong>as</strong> already rele<strong>as</strong>ed to strengthen the
health system. The same model will be
the NSHIP model. Pay for the services you
have produced. You can see that the
intervention is more of strengthening the
PHC system and secondary is going to act
<strong>as</strong> referral from the primary health care
system. So, the insurance project is on course.
When the B<strong>as</strong>ic Healthcare Fund is rele<strong>as</strong>ed
to us, it will add to the fund already with the
state insurance scheme and you will now have
funding from two sides. We are funding the
PHC, the insurance will also be funding.
We learnt that the W<strong>as</strong>te
Management h<strong>as</strong> just been introduced
to NSHIP. Can you expatiate?
W<strong>as</strong>te management h<strong>as</strong> been part of NSHIP
but, of recent, NSHIP Project Coordinator
decided to make it more robust with our
agreement that w<strong>as</strong>te is better managed,
not just using the burnt and bury system.
We must use incinerator which is the
standard practice worldwide. We agreed
that we should handle w<strong>as</strong>te in a more
standard way especially with all kinds of
dise<strong>as</strong>es springing up everywhere <strong>as</strong> a
result of poor hygiene.
Would you describe the NSHIP era
in Ondo <strong>as</strong> a blessing?
NSHIP is a blessing to Ondo. In the p<strong>as</strong>t
six years, it h<strong>as</strong> been a success story. Our
indicators have improved, our people
have stopped dying like fowl and the
health system is better generally. This h<strong>as</strong>
been made possible because the present
administration in Ondo h<strong>as</strong> provided the
enabling environment and h<strong>as</strong> been
supportive. One good thing about NSHIP
which w<strong>as</strong> piloted in Ondo is that it gives
opportunity to every member of the
community and representatives of health
facilities to confront any challenge in the
course of implementing the programme.
They are allowed to deploy their own
strategies when it becomes imperative.
The community h<strong>as</strong> a say in what happens
to their health. The emph<strong>as</strong>is on
community participation at the same
time gives people the zeal to take full
ownership of the project. Community leaders,
religious leaders, traditional rulers, market
women and other stakeholders gather to
discuss the are<strong>as</strong> where they need NSHIP
intervention in the health facilities in their
environment. This new idea h<strong>as</strong> brought
tremendous development to the 532 health
facilities across Ondo.

SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 29, 2020 —PAGE 19
We are on
strike because
government
abandoned
logic for force
—ASUU President
After a two-week warning strike, members of the
Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, l<strong>as</strong>t
Monday, started an indefinite strike to press home
their demands. In this interview, the National President of
ASUU, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, talks about some of the
issues in contention. Excerpts:
By Adesina Wahab
Why is it that your grouse against
government h<strong>as</strong> always been the same?
Is it that government h<strong>as</strong> not met any of your
demands?
No. Our demands are not exactly the same
things. The l<strong>as</strong>t time government came up
with the Tre<strong>as</strong>ury Single Account, TSA, and
we raised some issues about it, especially
funds for research, donations to universities
among others, they agreed. We called for the
renegotiation of our agreement and they
agreed. And we have had no problem about
those issues. However, some issues appear to
be constant in recent times like the
revitalisation of the university system, Earned
Academic Allowances, proliferation of
universities, setting up of Visitation Panels to
federal universities among others. Those ones
have been constant because they have
timelines for addressing them and
government is not doing anything about them.
If government is supposed to rele<strong>as</strong>e 25
percent of the money needed to fund an <strong>as</strong>pect
of the agreement by November 2019 and the
government did not do anything, and they did
not even call us to give any explanation. To
me that smacks of arrogance. The
revitalisation that ought to be done in 2018,
h<strong>as</strong> not been done. So, we have to take it up
again.
The issue of the Integrated Personnel and
Payroll Information System, IPPIS, w<strong>as</strong> first
brought up in 2013 and we rejected it then
and we told them that we could help develop
a better and credible alternative. In 2014, we
started work on the Nigerian University
Transparency and Accountability System,
NUTAS. The government did not say
anything about the IPPIS until l<strong>as</strong>t November.
Meanwhile, in 2014, we started work on our
alternative to IPPIS and have committed some
funds to it, but when the government did not
say anything about IPPIS for five years, we
too stopped work on what we were working
on. We thought the government had re<strong>as</strong>oned
with us that IPPIS cannot work in the
university system. This is because of the
peculiarities of the university system.
The government h<strong>as</strong> escalated the matter
with the stoppage of our members’ salaries.
For two months now, our members have not
been paid their salaries. We have a better and
more credible alternative to IPPIS, but for us
to get our alternative working will take some
time and money.
Is going on strike at this time appropriate?
I don’t know when it will be appropriate to
go on strike. Nigerians have not told us when
to go on strike. If you stop the salary of people
and deploy hunger <strong>as</strong> a weapon of war against
such people, the union cannot keep quiet. We
started warning strike two weeks before the
panic mode we are in. When we started the
warning strike, if the government had called
us and rele<strong>as</strong>ed at le<strong>as</strong>t one month salary to
our members, we would have got a platform
to meet, may be discuss and negotiate. Now,
people have worked for two months and you
have paid some workers and did not pay a
section.
Forget their claim that they have captured
over 90 percent of lecturers on the IPPIS, if
that is the c<strong>as</strong>e, they would have ignored us.
They have left logic of re<strong>as</strong>on for logic of force.
People that are hungry, how do I tell them not
to go on strike. Within our own limited
resources, we have purch<strong>as</strong>ed
some items and we are going
to intervene in the
Coronavirus issue we have at
hand. We have members who
are in the medical field and
we will be fully involved <strong>as</strong>
we will embark on ASUU
COVID 19 Intervention
Programme. Our strike is not
to work against containing
Coronavirus. Schools are on
break now, we are not
attacking students and we are
only fighting for our rights.
If you were in the shoes of
the government, what would
you do?
There is a lockdown of the
country and why should a
government say a group of
workers should not be paid.
Such a development h<strong>as</strong>
made our members
embittered. Why should the
government <strong>as</strong>k people to
enrol in a programme that is
not fe<strong>as</strong>ible. Such things and
policies are not just workable
and holding to them is not
re<strong>as</strong>onable. Government does not need to
stick to a policy that is not good. What
corruption are they fighting? The money they
have rele<strong>as</strong>ed for this Coronavirus issue, who
will account for them?
We lack the resources and cannot do rapid
response like China did and which made it to
In 2013, when
they came up
with IPPIS, we
started work on
our own
alternative, but
they did not talk
about IPPIS for
five years and we
have spent about
N5 million on
NUTAS
overcome the Coronavirus pandemic. China
w<strong>as</strong> able to do that because of the quality of
education and the intellectual storehouse they
have. Do we even have laboratories that are
functional?
Is NUATS no longer being integrated into
IPPIS? What happened to the dialogue
between ASUU and government on the
issue?
In 2013, when they came up with IPPIS, we
started work on our own alternative, but they
did not talk about IPPIS for five years and we
have spent about N5 million on NUTAS and
l<strong>as</strong>t year when they came up with IPPIS, we
had to be sure it would not be a w<strong>as</strong>ted effort.
We depend on the contributions of our
members to do anything and we need millions
of naira to develop the application. Our
dialogue with them broke
down because they want
to use IPPIS <strong>as</strong> a booby
trap for us. They are saying
that they would want us to
be on IPPIS first and that
after NUTAS is developed
and they are convinced,
they would allow us to go
back and be on our
NUTAS, but are they going
to allow that to happen?
Now, apart from finance, it
is going to take us over a
year before NUTAS could
be operational. We can see
that they are only trying to
lure us into IPPIS.
Is ASUU not trying to
use state universities to
fight its battle against the
introduction of IPPIS?
Our members who are
s u f f i c i e n t l y
knowledgeable about our
struggles know what we
are fighting for. The
Memorandum of Action
signed with the
government on February 7,
2019, had timelines
attached for the implementation of some
items. For instance, the setting up of Visitation
Panels for federal universities w<strong>as</strong> fixed for
March 2019, rele<strong>as</strong>e of the first tranche of
money w<strong>as</strong> slated for November 2019.
Interactions of ASUU with state governors
w<strong>as</strong> also on the list and had a timeline. Review
of the conditions of service for all universities
w<strong>as</strong> on the list too. The government did not
meet any of the timelines. They only brought
the issue of IPPIS to distract us. IPPIS is not
the main issue. We still have better funding of
education and many others.
Few days ago, the non-academic staff came
out to express dissatisfaction with the
implementation of IPPIS and threatened
strike, h<strong>as</strong> that not justified your union’s
opposition to it?
Well, may be they are just seeing what we
have seen about IPPIS long time ago. When
the government brought IPPIS and our
comrades in the non-academic sector went
their own way, we felt there w<strong>as</strong> no problem
<strong>as</strong> we have different mandates to defend and
promote. We were concerned those things
would happen. Look at what happened to the
police and others already enrolled. Some
policemen had to threaten Industrial action
over the manner they butchered their salaries.
They have been working on the IPPIS for over
10 years and the system is still fraught with
irregularities.
The university system operates flexible
payroll system because of the Inflow and
outflow of lecturers. Let the government tell
us where the IPPIS h<strong>as</strong> worked in the
university system anywhere in the world. The
World Bank designed the IPPIS for the civil
service and not for the university system.
Initially, both academic and non-teaching
staff shared the same view on IPPIS before
the issue of the sharing of Earned Academic
Allowances came up and ASUU w<strong>as</strong> accused
of shortchanging the non-teaching staff, what
actually happened?
It is not correct to say N100 billion w<strong>as</strong>
rele<strong>as</strong>ed and that ASUU took 80 percent. The
government did not rele<strong>as</strong>e more than N25
billion at a time. I don’t want us to go into are<strong>as</strong>
of differences between our union and others.
We have different mandates and we should
not work <strong>as</strong> rivals. It is unfortunate if other
unions see us <strong>as</strong> their problem, they are the
ones seeing us <strong>as</strong> foes, we don’t see them <strong>as</strong>
such. Most of the things everybody in the
university system benefit from are products of
ASUU’s agitation. In 2013, when the Earned
Academic Allowances were paid, ASUU
members lost out because we were on strike
then and the non-teaching staff had a field day
allocating and awarding huge sums to
themselves. They are our comrades and we are
not rivals.

PAGE 20 — SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 29, 2020
When your spouse is no longer the person you married!
Will spousal violence
ever go away? Two
readers sent in their
views recently. One is a married
mother of three and the other is
a bewildered husband who’s
been physically and mentally
abused by his w3ife. “My
husband and I were together for
nearly ten years”, wrote Ibi,
“and he w<strong>as</strong> a violent man who
also used cannabis, aka Indian
Hemp! He would attack me,
and the next morning would act
shocked and disgusted,
claiming he couldn’t remember
the incident. He’d promise it
would never happen again and
swears he’d stop the drink and
drugs. He never did.
“But I loved him and chose to
believe him every time, though
eventually, the truth dawned on
me. The abuse w<strong>as</strong> never going
to end because he w<strong>as</strong> the only
one who could stop it and he
didn’t want to. Breaking off the
marriage w<strong>as</strong> one of the hardest
things I’ve ever had to do. My
ex tried every trick in the book
from emotional blackmail to
more violence to try to get me
back. But I knew if I stayed I’d
have to face the mood swings
and violence for the rest of my
days, and I wanted more from
life than that. The first time a
man hits a woman is the
hardest, but when they see that
you haven’t left them, it
becomes <strong>as</strong> much of a habit <strong>as</strong>
cannabis. Every time they feel
angry or frustrated, the answer
is to l<strong>as</strong>h out and believe me, it
only gets worse.
“I know deep down that my
husband loves me and our
children, but he loves cannabis
more. At first I w<strong>as</strong> terrified and
didn’t think I’d cope on my own
but thanks to friends and family
who witnessed a big of the
violence, I’ve been able to pick
up the pieces of my life. I’ve
since restrained and have a
better job. My husband (we’re
not divorced yet) lives with
another woman but I feel
nothing but relief at getting him
off my back. I now know that
there is a better life out there
but you have to go an get it, it
won’t come and find you. This
is a fact abused people, male or
female, have to face.
Nuru’s test to me w<strong>as</strong>
disturbing. “I don’t know who I
really got married to – a saint
or the devil?” Intuitively, I
picked him <strong>as</strong> the few readers
of this column to have a chat
with. “What happened to your
marriage?” I <strong>as</strong>ked him. “My
wife, who I’d been married to
for almost 20 years suddenly,
turned into a monster”, he said.
“It started at the beginning of
2010. She suddenly grew snappy.
If I were late home she’d sulk or
even swear at me. When I <strong>as</strong>ked
her what the matter w<strong>as</strong>, she
would swat my hand away. I
didn’t have a clue <strong>as</strong> to why she
suddenly became abusive. After
some miscarriages we’d gone on
to have two beautiful sons. Even
after I lost my mother, she w<strong>as</strong> a
pillar of strength.
“So what got into her? There
w<strong>as</strong> a time I w<strong>as</strong> in our bedroom
watching TV when she barged
inside. `I’m sick of your hiding
in the bedroom watching
football’, she roared. `But you
always watch your favourite
programmes in the sitting room’,
I stammered, shaken. I tried to
talk to her in her sober moments
and it w<strong>as</strong> then I learnt she’d been
losing weight and feared she
might have cancer. I took her to
the doctors and thankfully, she
didn’t have cancer only the onset
of menopause. I w<strong>as</strong> warned her
behaviour could be erratic <strong>as</strong> a
result, so I made a point of
spoiling her, she w<strong>as</strong> alright for
a while until a few weeks after
when she yelled at me, saying she
couldn’t stand the sight of me.
She said she wanted out of the
marriage. I w<strong>as</strong> shocked.
“Then she change and
started being nice all over
again – cooking my best meals
and having an improved love
life. But it didn’t l<strong>as</strong>t. The next
time we had a row, she went
into the kitchen and came at
me with a knife! Blood w<strong>as</strong>
oozing from a wound on my
arm, soaking my shirt, <strong>as</strong> I
scrambled to get away from
her. `I hate you. I’m going to
kill you’, she howled. She
attacked me again and I
managed to get out of the
house and sped off to the
hospital. After I w<strong>as</strong> stitched
up, I couldn’t go home. Visions
of my wife’s hate-filled face
fl<strong>as</strong>hed through my mind. Our
two boys were bewildered by
it all and went to stay with
their uncle a few streets away.
In the end I went home,
bracing myself for the worst,
but she’d already left with
some of her things.
“I immediately changed the
locks in the house and told the
night guard not to let her in. I
also informed the men
guarding the street gates she
w<strong>as</strong> no longer living with me.
I didn’t want a situation where
I could be stabbed to death in
my own house! My family
<strong>insist</strong>ed I divorce her and since
we had a traditional marriage,
I took her to the customary
court. I w<strong>as</strong> sure she wouldn’t
attend the hearing, but she w<strong>as</strong>
there, her hair well groomed
and she w<strong>as</strong> wearing a welltailored
dress. She looked like
a saint. `Who w<strong>as</strong> this stranger?’
I thought? She admitted
wounding me but regretted her
action. Her defence w<strong>as</strong> that she
had been through a string of
traumatic experiences – her
cancer scare and the death of
my mother, Shuo! The health
scare w<strong>as</strong> quickly resolved and
it w<strong>as</strong> my mother who died – not
hers! But she claimed it w<strong>as</strong>
these factors that made her
depressed. “She then told the
customary judge, with tears in
her eyes, that she felt such
remorse after attacking me,
she’d wanted to kill herself”.
Speaking p<strong>as</strong>sionately, she told
the judge: `I’m not a dangerous
woman, nor a wicked one. I am
a good mother who’s been
deprived of my access to my
children’. I fumed. What
children? Our two sons are
adults and were free to see her
if they so wished, but she’d been
n<strong>as</strong>ty towards them too and they
confessed they couldn’t cope
with who their mother had now
turned into. The judge wanted
to know if there w<strong>as</strong> any chance
of reconciliation and I shook
my head. The woman in the
dock w<strong>as</strong>n’t the one I married
and it would be suicidal to take
her back!”
“So how are you now?”, I
<strong>as</strong>ked Nuru. “Do you miss your
wife in any way?” “I missed the
woman I w<strong>as</strong> married to,” he
sad, a bit confused. “What I need
answers to is what made her
change all of a sudden? It’s the
not knowing that hurts. Will she
be the first woman to go through
the menopause, to lose a
mother-in-law or to get cancer
scare? For years she w<strong>as</strong> a
perfect wife but it w<strong>as</strong> the same
perfect wife who plunged a
knife into me, and I will never
understand why...”
So what makes a seemingly
perfect wife go round the bend
without any apparent re<strong>as</strong>ons?
Nuru believed his ex wife had a
Jekyhll and Hyde personality,
with the scale tipping
dangerously towards the
“Hyde” attitude <strong>as</strong> she grows
older. She obviously knew a
wrong force had controlled her
life, or she wouldn’t have made
efforts to look presentable
before the judge. If only she
sought help. There are drugs
and hormonal treatments to
curb mood changes. They’re
temporary me<strong>as</strong>ures until
victims are confident enough to
take control of their lives once
again.
Sex Gamble (Humour)
Three men and a ravishing
young girl are sharing a train
compartment. In time, the four
of them started to have a
conversation, which very soon
turns erotic. “If each of you will
give me N200”, the girl
proposes, I’ll show you my
legs”. The men, charmed by her
beauty, each pulls N200 out of
their pockets. So, the girl pulls
up her dress a bit to show her
legs. Then she says: “If each of
you gentlemen will give me
N500, I will show you my thigh.
Men being what they are, they
all get out N500. The girls pulls
up her dress to her undies. The
conversation continues and the
men, getting excited have taken
off their coats. Then the young
girl says: “If you each me,
N1,000, I’ll show you where I
w<strong>as</strong> operated on for
appendicitis”. All three hand
over the money, panting with
anticipation. Then the girl turns
to the window, points to a
hospital in the distance and
says: “There!”.
Y
OUR column to express your loving
thoughts in words to your
sweetheart. Don’t be shy. Let it flow
and let him or her know how dearly you feel.
Write now in not more than 75 words to: The
Editor, Sunday Vanguard, P.M.B. 1007,
Apapa, Lagos. E.mail:
sundaylovenotes@yahoo.com Ple<strong>as</strong>e mark
your envelope: “LOVE NOTES"
I'm leaning on you!
I am leaning on your lovehead
Staring at waters that does not know why
Listening to your heart that swells like waters
I am listening to the blue waters
Looking at your deep eyes
Searching for something I always search for
Will I find me in these deep blue oculars?
What will I love about you when I like you?
The waters swell and then there is silence.
Kingsley Alumona
kingsley.alumona@yahoo.com
Keep on disturbing her
You think that she will just fall in love just like
that, you have to show her that you love and
care for her by meeting a little of her demands.
Do not just take it lightly if she did not respond
to your love advances. You have a role to play
in winning her love. Study her and test her true
love for you. Don't just conclude that she is
deceiving you. The truth is that there is
opportunity of getting millions of lovers if she
fails to accept your proposal but don't quit yet.
Michael Adedotun Oke
maof2020@gmail.com
08027142077

SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020, PAGE 21
us.
“We prayed about it but <strong>as</strong> a family, we
never went to the mountain or declared a
special f<strong>as</strong>ting on the challenge.
“Although there were signs of concern
from our two families, there w<strong>as</strong> no
pressure from them”.
Message for those waiting!
We were on the
verge of adoption
when my wife took in
— P<strong>as</strong>tor whose wife gave birth to triplets after 18 years of waiting
By Olayinka Latona
IT w<strong>as</strong> time of celebration, joy and
thanksgiving <strong>as</strong> well wishers and
members of the Grace Impacts
Church joined the General Overseer,
Rev. Eseme Unen, and his wife, Esther, to
dedicate their triplets after 18 years of
waiting.
The couple had their first daughter a
year after their wedding and, quite
naturally, hoped for a second within a few
years but that w<strong>as</strong> not to be <strong>as</strong> months
turned to years without any sign of
fruitfulness.
The long wait went into years and being
founders of a ministry, P<strong>as</strong>tor & Mrs
Unen, faithfully and joyfully, attended
members, friends and family members’
children naming ceremonies and
birthdays among others.
Narrating her experience, Esther said,
<strong>as</strong> a human being, the challenge weighed
heavily in her heart but she never lost hope
of having another child.
She narrated other challenges she faced
when she eventually got pregnant,
especially how she spent six months in
hospital, receiving treatment before the
delivery.
Her words: “Life h<strong>as</strong> taught me
patience, trust and bonding between my
husband and I because when you are in
unity and agreement, you can achieve
anything.
Pregnancy
“When I took in, there were some
challenges that made me spend six
months at Lagos University Teaching
Hospital (LUTH) but the day I w<strong>as</strong>
delivered of my children w<strong>as</strong> a day of great
joy for my husband and I
because that w<strong>as</strong> what we
had been waiting for.
“Finally, after over a
decade of waiting, God
smiled on us”.
“Were there mockers
from any quarters?” she
w<strong>as</strong> <strong>as</strong>ked
The new mother replied,
“I did not personally
experience any. People
might talk at my back but
there w<strong>as</strong> no
confrontation”.
When <strong>as</strong>ked to advise
those trusting God for
babies, Esther answered,
“They should be patient,
focused and trust God.
They should desist from
the idea of running from
one church to another,
from pillar to post because
of the fruit of the womb.
“They should rather focus on God and
the couples should encourage one
another and jointly face the battle”.
Grace
We prayed
about it but <strong>as</strong>
a family, we
never went to
the mountain or
declared a
special f<strong>as</strong>ting
on the
challenge
The husband, Eseme, appreciated God
for granting his family the grace to be
steadf<strong>as</strong>t during the waiting period.
He said: “It is an experience that I
would not wish an enemy to go through. I
come from a family of
five and I am the only
male child of my parents.
“And coming from our
side of the country where
there is so much
emph<strong>as</strong>is on male
children, sometimes you
want to find an alibi,
pretending that nothing is
happening but the people
around you are talking
even though you are not
hearing words.
“It is e<strong>as</strong>ier said than
experienced, it w<strong>as</strong> not a
ple<strong>as</strong>ant experience. It is
an experience that is
sweet to talk about but
the process is not sweet
but God’s grace
sustained us.
“One thing worked for
us, God h<strong>as</strong> always been
there for us and our confidence is deep
rooted in God and my wife and I share
the same ideal and we hoped in God and
trusted Him to handle the situation for
He advised expectant couples to be
patient, focus on God and shun the
temptation to run to different churches
looking for a solution.
He said: “I will tell them not to run from
pillar to post because it doesn’t make
sense to make oneself an Automatic Teller
Machine, ATM, for some jobbers who
parade themselves <strong>as</strong> prophets.
“They should develop a personal
relationship with God and put their trust
in Him. They should not allow anybody
to make a merchandise of them.
“They should also do all necessary
medical examinations that they need to
do to <strong>as</strong>certain where the problem is
coming from.
“Our biggest problem is that we give
undue attribution to the devil. It is not
everything that happens to us that is from
the devil.
“They should make sure that their
relationship with their spouses is intact.
They should have regular sex <strong>as</strong> they
should have, take care of their health and
when you do all that you needed to do <strong>as</strong>
human and couple and there is nothing
wrong, then you keep praying and trusting
God.
“I also believe that there is nothing
wrong with adoption, if they can afford
it, they should prayerfully go for it.
“We believe in God and at the same time
we know that we had our own
responsibility to put in place.
“Before now, I made several attempts
to adopt here in Lagos and in my state
but it did not work.
“A month after my wife tested <strong>positive</strong>
of pregnancy, I received a call from Lagos
State Ministry of Women Affairs that I
should come for pre-adoption interview
and I applied to adopt a baby boy.
“I discussed it with my gynaecologist
who discouraged me from doing the
adoption and <strong>as</strong> of that time we did not
know what w<strong>as</strong> coming. Amazingly, God
gave bless us with two boys and a girl.
“As a human being, my dream w<strong>as</strong> to
get married, have all the children I
needed and train them while still young
and strong.
“I desired to have all my children on
time but they did not come, but that did
not diminish my faith or reverence for the
Lord. The challenge did not diminish my
love for God.
“Those who are already blessed with the
fruit of the womb should know that having
children is not enough but training them
in the way of the Lord, adding value and
morals to these children.
“Being the only male child in the family
and having only one female child means
my lineage would have been closed if the
triplets had not come.
“Even if people did not say anything to
my hearing, I know that I w<strong>as</strong> the l<strong>as</strong>t
man standing, that if I did not have any
male child, my family would have ended
in my time.
“The fact that I had a female child is
not the issue but it is my confidence
in God and the fact that I believed I
shouldn’t bother myself over things
that I did not have control over”.
Asked if <strong>as</strong> the head of a ministry,
there were comments from members
during the period of waiting, he
answered: “One of my p<strong>as</strong>tors, who
w<strong>as</strong> also trusting God for a child,
walked up to me and told me that a
member of the church told him that ‘if
your senior p<strong>as</strong>tor is looking for a child
and h<strong>as</strong> not gotten it, do you think
that you can get any child from the
ministry?’ That p<strong>as</strong>tor left my church”.

PAGE 22 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020
By Josephine Agbonkhese
08054650907
Email: jossynovia@gmail.com
Women who dare to dream
As this year’s International Women’s Month wraps up, Sunday Vanguard features four
women who have triumphed against odds, are standing tall, and have become a source
of inspiration to others.
The women were beautifully adorned by chic Ankara brand, Design For Love, DFL, founded
by Wunmi Olufeko, a pacesetter and one of the first designers to take Ankara to a new level.
They share life-changing experiences on how they are living through each day <strong>as</strong> conquerors.
By Nnamdi Ojiego
A woman is
a curvaceous
bundle of power
– Adesuwa Onyenokwe
desuwa Onyenokwe is a media guru in every sense of the word. A veteran
Ajournalist, Onyenokwe h<strong>as</strong> practiced broadc<strong>as</strong>t journalism for over 29 years.
She is the publisher and editor-in-chief of top women’s magazine – Today’s
Woman. An interviewer par excellence, Onyenokwe executive-produced and
presented Seriously Speaking which aired on Channels TV between 2014 and
2018, and TW Conversations transmitted on MNET’s Africa Magic Showc<strong>as</strong>e
from 2017-2018. Onyenokwe is a fellow of the Bloomberg African Leadership
Initiative.
What does being a woman mean to you?
A woman is a curvaceous bundle of power, wisdom and virtue who is
wonderfully created by God to birth and complete life. Being a woman is being
aware of all possibilities and ‘c<strong>as</strong>hing’ in on it!
What are your thoughts on today’s woman in line with this year’s International
Women’s Month’s theme ‘I am Generation Equality: Realising Women’s Rights’?
Each for equal speaks on the need to attain equality between and within genders.
Beijing ‘95 is the benchmark for loud advocacy for gender empowerment and
equality. Thirty-five years after that landmark conference, the fact that we are still
fighting for equality means that there is a comma. I think stronger strides would
have been made if there w<strong>as</strong> equity within the female gender. We need to replace
the ‘PHD (Pull Her Down) syndrome’ with ‘PHU (Pull Her Up)’.
Today’s woman needs to see herself bond better with her fellow women
because together we achieve more.
Have you personally experienced gender inequality?
No such experience readily comes to mind. Inequality is born out the
value(s) placed on genders. I w<strong>as</strong> raised to believe I can achieve my
utmost best if I w<strong>as</strong> smart. Since my mum had sons before I w<strong>as</strong>
born, there w<strong>as</strong> no discrimination in the kitchen <strong>as</strong> all my brothers
cooked and cleaned like me.
What is the worst setback you’ve faced in business and
personal life? How did you deal with it?
In business, that would be losing key staff to competition. I
learnt to have better ‘airtight’ contracts on engagement and to
always prepare for the worst-c<strong>as</strong>e scenario with each hire.
In my personal life, it would be the low financial resources I
experienced due to high investment in the business and taking
personal loans to remain stable <strong>as</strong> I became more aggressive about earning on the
business side.
If you could give your life a theme for 2020, what will it be and why?
Be More. This is fired by the need to keep moving and not settle by saying “I can’t”. It
applies to all <strong>as</strong>pects of my life but more importantly, my finances. I want to earn more
money to do ‘more good’; to not be <strong>as</strong>hamed to place and demand monetary value for all
I have to offer!
What’s f<strong>as</strong>hion to you?
I have always been aware of the need to look good. When I w<strong>as</strong> only 16, I remember
telling my friends that I would wear the same pair of jeans at 40; meaning I planned on
maintaining my size. Till date, when I think of f<strong>as</strong>hion, what I always look out for is
comfort and style. A perfect fit is <strong>as</strong> important <strong>as</strong> a design and DFL sure ticks the boxes.
I am a sucker for anything that’s ethnic yet stylish—and made to international standards.
How have you been able to sustain and reinvent your brand over the years such
that you are still so very relevant today?
I suppose I have been able to stay relevant because I know that relevance is a moving
scale b<strong>as</strong>ed on particular needs and preferences. This awareness makes one a constant
student in the school of life; ever ready to change no matter how painful it may be.
Values never change but application does.
Toda
oday’s woman should be anything
she wishes to o be — Anita Okoye
nita Okoye is an entrepreneur, trained
Alawyer, social activist and a lifestyle
influencer. She h<strong>as</strong> an LLB in Law from the
University of Abuja and a M<strong>as</strong>ter’s degree in
Oil & G<strong>as</strong> from the University of Dundee,
Scotland. Before now, Okoye worked <strong>as</strong> a
strategic business developer in the Oil & G<strong>as</strong>
sector for eight years. She currently works <strong>as</strong>
Founder/CEO of Nigerian children’s wear
brand ‘Tannkco’. She is also the author of ‘The
ABCs of Africa’, a children literature.
What does being a woman mean to
you?
Being a woman to me means being human
and staying strong amid struggles, yet being
vulnerable and genuine to yourself and others.
What are your thoughts on today’s woman
in line with this year’s International Women’s
Month’s theme ‘I am Generation Equality:
•Adesuwa
Onyenokwe
Realising Women’s Rights’? I love the idea of
Girl Power and the fact that every gender
should be regarded <strong>as</strong> equal. Raising a
daughter along with my two boys h<strong>as</strong> made
me more p<strong>as</strong>sionate about the movement. My
children all have the same views and approach
to life. We don’t have or even say “this is for boys”
or “this is for girls”. My son Andre loves cooking
and doing chores just like Nathan and Nadia.
They do not think certain roles are meant for a
particular gender. My daughter is also very
expressive and speaks up at every given chance.
She is one confident little powerhouse. I think
today’s woman should be anyone she wishes to
be
Ḣave you personally experienced gender
inequality?
I really can’t say I have experienced gender
inequality.
What is the worst setback you’ve faced in business
•Anita
Okoye
•Adenike
Oyetunde
and personal
life? How did you deal with it?
Thankfully, I haven’t faced any
setback in business yet; I
really hope I do not experience
such. With the outbreak of
coronavirus, Tannkco h<strong>as</strong> had
to make decisions to fit the growing
climate of uncertainty.
If you could give your life a theme
for 2020, what will it be and why?
My theme is ‘Bloom’. Bloom, baby, Bloom!
I’m all about positivity, growth and
development in all are<strong>as</strong> of my life this year.
What’s f<strong>as</strong>hion to you?
Comfort is key for me. I loved the DFL
outfits because they made me feel
comfortable, stylish and confident. I felt like
a Boss Lady, a sultry goddess and a chic diva
all in one day.
What inspired you to start your kids’ line
‘Tannkco’, and when did you know it w<strong>as</strong>
time to start your own business?
I love kids and curating affordable quality
clothes to meet their needs is a major
inspiration. I found that there w<strong>as</strong> a huge
gap in the children’s apparel industry. The
b<strong>as</strong>ics were not readily available and if they
were, they were overpriced.
Who is a real woman to you?
Every woman!
We e must t continue
to fight for more
— Adenike Oyetunde
Adenike Oyetunde is a lawyer though not in active practice. She delved
into the world of media (radio), where she had the only legal show on
air taking on topical issues and helping to solve numerous
problems while giving free legal counsel. A qualified human
resource personnel and an emotional Intelligence coach,
Oyetunde is a cancer survivor and an advocate with great
p<strong>as</strong>sion for supporting people who have been through the
same experience <strong>as</strong> she. She is the author of self-titled
memoir, Adénìké.
What does being a woman mean to you?
Oh well, it means having unwanted, sometimes
painful periods. It also means never
understanding why society defines certain roles
<strong>as</strong> ‘mine’ and standing tall against all odds,
pushing and owning success, always. L<strong>as</strong>tly, it means
paving the way and helping other women to <strong>as</strong>cend.
What are your thoughts on today’s woman in line with this
year’s International Women’s Month’s theme ‘I am Generation
Equality: Realising Women’s Rights’? Honestly, today’s woman
h<strong>as</strong> not had it this good in a very long time. For that, she must
recognise the privilege and continue to fight for more. Also, her
earning power h<strong>as</strong> incre<strong>as</strong>ed and so have her qualifications. She’s
no longer silent. She’s <strong>as</strong>sertive and vocal.
Have you personally experienced gender inequality?
I haven’t noticed it openly yet but I do suspect a few projects/
jobs in which it may have existed. Sadly, I am unable to prove
this <strong>as</strong>sertion.
What is the worst setback you’ve faced in business and
your personal life? How did you deal with it?
My limb loss. I didn’t see it then <strong>as</strong> a setback and I still
don’t.
It changed my perspective on many things such <strong>as</strong> a
better view to life and bigger lenses to <strong>as</strong>sess my life
through. It opened my eyes and mind to knowing
that things may change but I steer the course of my
life nonetheless.
If you could give your life a theme for
2020, what will it be and why?
Freedom. It’s my year to be free indeed. Free
from everything that had held me back in times
p<strong>as</strong>t; mentally and with my soul.
What’s f<strong>as</strong>hion to you?
I am not a big f<strong>as</strong>hion geek. I am not big on brands
and all. I look out for comfort, colours and fit.
Wonderfully, that w<strong>as</strong> optimally achieved with
wearing DFL.
You’ve become an inspiration to so many. What
h<strong>as</strong> been your own biggest inspiration?
Learning to take it one day at a time h<strong>as</strong> been my
greatest motivation; <strong>as</strong> well <strong>as</strong> expressing
gratitude in its highest form. I have the desire to be
more, experience more food, more people and
more places.
Who is a real woman to you?
Who she desires to be. Define your boundaries,
set your rules, live by them.
•Wunmi
Olufeko
I’m inspired by women who’re
unafraid to be themselves
—Wunmi Olufeko
unmi Olufeko is the Creative Director at
WDesign For Love, DFL; one of Nigeria’s
f<strong>as</strong>test growing f<strong>as</strong>hion brands. Her desire to
continue to challenge the status quo h<strong>as</strong> expanded
her vision to infuse African prints into daily work
wear by scaling up DFL’s current business through
collaborations and investor opportunities on the
African continent. Olufeko is <strong>as</strong> vivacious <strong>as</strong> the
colours on her prints and is happily married with
three children.
Let us into your startup story?
I started in 2014 in Abuja. Initially, I w<strong>as</strong> selling
Ankara fabrics and part of my selling strategy w<strong>as</strong>
showing my potential customers what they could
make with my fabrics. So, I always had a sketchpad
with me. This eventually evolved into me
creating Ankara work shirts for both men and
women. I w<strong>as</strong> doing this alongside a 9-5 job, and
after a year and half of juggling both, I quit my day
job to learn pattern drafting at a tailoring school
in Lagos. After my training, I just kept going one
day at a time.
We have a keen eye for colours and patterns; and
we can mix prints and patterns effortlessly.
Aside the Women’s History Month inspiration,
what else inspired the collection the
women wore for this shoot?
The quote by American actor Emma Stone
which says: “I can’t think of any better
representation of beauty than someone unafraid
to be herself.”

SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 29, 2020, PAGE 23
Caught red-handed and almost stabbed to death!
It w<strong>as</strong> everyman’s worst The other man took his
clubs.
nightmare come true. trousers and fled into the
“I w<strong>as</strong> in a financial fix and
Sanni stood rooted to he night. At the slightest
Sanni couldn’t help. The
entrance of the bedroom he opportunity, Amina took
consignment of goods I
share with Amina, his live-in only her house-coat <strong>as</strong> she
wanted hat to be paid for
lover; the woman he threw his made her escape into the cold
within a few days and my
common law wife over for, and night, ignoring the curious
money w<strong>as</strong> tied up somewhere
watched <strong>as</strong> if in a trance, glances p<strong>as</strong>sers-by gave her.
else. When I told this new man,
another man bouncing on top She quickly hailed a cab and
I w<strong>as</strong> surprised when he came
of her. Both of them were stark fled to a friend’s house. “That
up with the money. It w<strong>as</strong> a
naked. Despite the freezing w<strong>as</strong> the most humiliating
substantial amount but he
cold outside, perspiration experience of my life”,
said he could afford it <strong>as</strong> he’d
seeped from every pore in the Amina said later. “You read
just claimed from an insurance
couple’s bodies!~ Sanni w<strong>as</strong> about nightmares like that
company. Out of gratitude, I
enraged. He raced to the happening to other people
invited him to the house, never
kitchen and came back with but, you’d never imagine it
dreaming that Sanni would
the butcher’s knife his wife happening to you, not in your
come home early because he
forget to pack.
wildest dreams. I came to
had the flu … If it is in the
“You’re both dead”, he England to get over the
cards that I get married again,
declared dangerously, eyes treachery of my husband
then I will. Otherwise, I want
bulging with madness. Quickly, who made life unbearable
to spend the rest of my lie
Amina sprang from the bed, for me when he fell in love
planning for my children. Any
fear making her shake with another woman. At first,
affair I have now would have
uncontrollably. “Ple<strong>as</strong>e, I thought his involvement
to be tangle free and wellplanned.
The nightmare I
ple<strong>as</strong>e,” she pleaded, now on with her w<strong>as</strong> a p<strong>as</strong>sing ph<strong>as</strong>e.
her knees my kids are still We already had four children
young and I need to see them
didn’t have relatives around
and a fairly stable home.
Moreover, Sanni’s wife w<strong>as</strong>n’t “Sanni encouraged me to went through escaping from
when I eventually go back to
and it w<strong>as</strong> at one of those
Only a lunatic would throw
around to witness what w<strong>as</strong> stay and I did, though, I had Sanni’s wrath put me off dodgy
Nigeria. You have your kids to
weddings that I met Sanni. He
all that away for a bit on the
going on and I intended to no stomach for the affairs.
think about too. Ple<strong>as</strong>e, don’t
w<strong>as</strong> already well-established
side or so I thought. That w<strong>as</strong>
move out <strong>as</strong> soon <strong>as</strong> she came aggravation that followed. “I got a letter from my
be mad, I’m still the same
in his job at the post office and
when I made arrangements
back. But I w<strong>as</strong>n’t even His wife constantly husband a few weeks ago
woman. Look at me (she
told me his wife went back to
to go back to where I’d
informed that she w<strong>as</strong> coming threatened me on the phone. I urging me to forget about the
pointed at her nakedness) every
Nigeria to see to a few family
trained <strong>as</strong> a secretary and
back. I came to the house one became really depressed p<strong>as</strong>t so we could start again.
thing is still intact. He didn’t
problems.
worked for a few years after
evening to find this neurotic when I learnt that the poor Where w<strong>as</strong> his pride? I would
take anything away. You can
“We became lovers almost
I qualified.
woman at my throat, woman w<strong>as</strong> receiving rather jump into the river than
still make love to me <strong>as</strong> often
straight away and he urged
“When I got to England, I
threatening to kill me for psychiatric treatment. I still go back to a n<strong>as</strong>ty piece of
<strong>as</strong> you want. Only spare my life
me to move in with him.
thought I would do
snatching her husband. Sanni wanted to leave but Sanni work like him. His
...”
Despite my busy schedule, I
temporary secretarial job,
quickly intervened, said I shouldn’t. It w<strong>as</strong> at this `Cinderella’ that he ditched
Sanni watched her face for a
w<strong>as</strong> really lonely. I felt a bit
but there were so many odd
reminding her they weren’t juncture that I met this new me for, bad obviously gotten
while, speechless. Then he dealt
reluctant about moving in,
profitable business around
legally married. She took a man at yet another wedding rid of him and he needed a
her a sharp blow. As she
but w<strong>as</strong>n’t I already ensconce
that I soon went into trading.
few of her things and left, that I organised. He w<strong>as</strong> quite `nanny’ to look after him for
shrieked in pain, he started
in my matrimonial home
I also organised native
threatening to make sure I left good looking but married, so the rest of his life. That’s not
pummelling her naked body.
before I w<strong>as</strong> displaced?
weddings for those who
her man alone.
we went out for meals and to going to be me!”
Sponsorship/Networking
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Searching Male
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09032710980
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Dear readers, ple<strong>as</strong>e note that we neither operate, nor are we an affiliate of any match–making
agency in or outside the country. Any reader who transacts business with any one claiming to be our
agent does so at his/her own risk. Our mission is only to provide a platform for social networking.
Also note that neither Vanguard, nor Yetunde Arebi will be liable for any error in the publication of
requests which may result in any form of embarr<strong>as</strong>sment to any member of the public. We therefore
request that text must be sent through at le<strong>as</strong>t one of the numbers for contact. This notice is necessary
to enable us serve you better in our refreshingly different style. You can send your requests to 33055.
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PAGE 24—SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 29, 2020
Joyfulhomes2015@gmail.com
An end to fruitless efforts
rethren, the Lord decreed
Bthat we should be fruitful.
This w<strong>as</strong> the pronouncement
of the Lord several times in
the Holy Bible. Many of us
are familiar with Gen. I vs.
28 “ And God blessed them,
and God said unto them, Be
fruitful, and multiply, and
replenish the earth, and
subdue it: and have dominion
over the fish of the sea, and
over the fowl of the air, and
over every living thing that
moveth upon the earth”. This
w<strong>as</strong> and still is a command of
God to human beings <strong>as</strong>
pronounced on the first
human beings he created,
Adam and Eve.
The Lord made similar
pronouncements in the Holy
Bible. Gen. 1 vs. 22 “ And God
blessed them, saying, Be
fruitful, and multiply, and fill
the waters in the se<strong>as</strong> and let
fowl multiply in the earth”.
While blessing Noah and
his family, God said in Gen. 8
vs. 17, “ Bring forth with thee
every living thing that is with
thee, of all flesh, both of fowl,
and of cattle, and of every
creeping thing that creepeth
upon the earth; that they may
breed abundantly in the earth,
Managing the crisis
Covid – 19 Etiquette
till very challenging
Stimes worldwide with no
exception. So much fear
mounting up and anxiety
even from the medical
professional. Every-where you
turn the news is unple<strong>as</strong>ant,
this pandemic crisis is one that
urgently needs to managed at
home, in the places of work
and economically.
Worldwide we are in a “stay
home” ultimatum to help
curb the spread of Covid 19 –
Corona Virus. For many the
fight to protect family
members is now so real that
anything and everything is
taking place to survive the
challenging moments.
As a worker you may be
operating skeletal services or
working remotely from
home. As a mother you are
t<strong>as</strong>ked to maintain the home,
become a teacher overnight,
keep your sanity and still be
<strong>positive</strong> about life. As a
business owner your thoughts
T
he member representing
Warri South
Constituency 11 at the Delta
State House of Assembly,
Hon. Matthew Poko Opuoru,
h<strong>as</strong> commended Governor
Ifeanyi Okowa over the
concluded peaceful and
successful Peoples
Democratic Party ( PDP) ward
congresses across the state.
The lawmaker made the
commendation in a media
chat with our correspondent
and be fruitful, and multiply
upon the earth”.
Brethren, God is interested
in fruitfulness.
Let’s see how Jesus reacted
to fruitlessness in Mark 11
vs. 12-14 ( NIV) “ The next
day <strong>as</strong> they were leaving
Bethany, Jesus w<strong>as</strong> hungry.
Seeing in the distance a fig
tree in leaf, he went to find out
if it had any fruit. When he
reached it, he found nothing
but leaves, because it w<strong>as</strong> not
the se<strong>as</strong>on for figs. Then he
said to the tree, “ May no one
ever eat fruit from you again.”
And the disciples heard him
say it”. Jesus and his disciples
on their way back p<strong>as</strong>sed by
the cursed tree. Let’s see what
happened <strong>as</strong> recorded in
Mark 11 vs. 20 & 21 ( NIV) “
In the morning, <strong>as</strong> they went
along, they saw the fig tree
withered from the roots. Peter
remembered and said to
Jesus, Rabbi, look! The fig tree
you cursed h<strong>as</strong> withered!”.
Without any doubt, we are
clear that God does not like
fruitlessness.
Why? Simply because it is
not his wish that we be
fruitless. You remember the
encounter of Jesus with
janet.adetu@gmail.com
will be on how you can still
run your business in the midst
of all this chaos without going
bankrupt.
What will happen post
Corona Virus is on the minds
of us all. Truly it is daunting
and so much uncertainty is
lurking around. It is a call for
staying focused and instead of
seeing the bad paying more
attention on the possible
good. I put together a few ways
that I feel will help to manage
the crisis <strong>as</strong> best you can:
Be There
Being there for your family
is a must <strong>as</strong> best possible, It is
ensuring you keep in touch
with all family members by
making continuous phone
calls or communicating
electronically through
WhatsApp and other means.
At a time where the children
are away from home
schooling abroad or local
long distances they will need
you to call them very often,
COVID-19: Legislator harps on need
for correctional centres, IDP camps
TBy Harris Emmanuel
he lawmaker
representing Akwa
Ibom North-West
Senatorial District, Senator
Chris Ekpenyong, h<strong>as</strong> urged
the presidential t<strong>as</strong>k force to
rele<strong>as</strong>e guidelines on
Correctional Centers and
Internally Displaced Persons,
IDP, camps across the country
to stem the spread of
Coronavirus.
Senator Ekpenyong stated
this while <strong>as</strong>sessing the
vulnerabilities of his
constituents with a team of
medical <strong>experts</strong>.
He disclosed that Nigeria
h<strong>as</strong> more than 250 congested
correctional facilities with
about 74, 000 inmates and no
fewer than 28,000 staff at the
various centres.
His words: "These are
vulnerable people and they
would need special attention
<strong>as</strong> a matter of national health
security.There is an urgent
need for the government
Simon Peter <strong>as</strong> recorded in
Luke 5 vs. 3-6 (KJV)“ And he
entered into one of the ships,
which w<strong>as</strong> Simon’s, and
prayed him that he would
thrust out a little from the land.
And he sat down, and taught
the people out of the ship. Now
when he had left speaking,
he said unto Simon, Launch
out into the deep, and let down
your nets for a draught. And
Simon answering said unto
him, M<strong>as</strong>ter, we have toiled
all the night, and have taken
nothing: nevertheless at thy
word I will let down the net.
And when they had this done,
they inclosed a great
multitude of fishes: and their
net brake”.
Brethren do you realize that
Simon had done his best <strong>as</strong> a
human being but got no
results but he failed because
he didn’t know that God is
able to make him fruitful. He
didn’t know that our God
Almighty is able to turn his
situation around.
His situation is similar to
what many of us are p<strong>as</strong>sing
through. You have labored to
study and obtain certificates
but you have not been able to
find a job or start something
for yourself.
Brethren, anyone in such a
situation is likely to lose faith
in himself. If you lose faith in
yourself, don’t lose faith in
God. Once faith in God is
lost, everything is lost. We
must never lose faith in God.
For a woman who h<strong>as</strong> been
married and h<strong>as</strong> tried to make
babies without success, she is
likely to lose faith in herself
especially if they live alone or
are not near close family. This
is also the time to keep the
family platform active
making sure that everyone
participates. If you do have
members that are silent the
quietness at times is for a
re<strong>as</strong>on, awaken everyone.
Crack jokes and keep the
humor with all, post engaging
not frustrating material. Ask
specifically about how they
are and look out for any
unusual signs. Also take time
if they need anything.
Stay Safe
We have all heard of the need
to w<strong>as</strong>h hands several times a
day under running water. We
also know about the
importance of the hand
sanitizer; I would add the use
of antibacterial soap in the
home too. Every member of
your family should have a bar
of antibacterial soap while the
hand sanitizer can be placed
in strategic places around the
home for all to use often not
just to look at it. There are now
sanitizer sprays that are being
marketed to use in your
homes and spaces. This is the
time to do that needed extra
Opuoru lauds Okowa over PDP Ward congresses
at a public function in Warri ,
<strong>as</strong> he remarked that
Governor Okowa w<strong>as</strong> the
secret behind the success of the
ward congresses across the
state.
Hon. Opuoru re<strong>as</strong>oned that
the success of the ward
congresses would further
strengthen the party in Delta
State.
While congratulating the
PDP executive committee
members in the various wards
through the Presidential T<strong>as</strong>k
Force for the control of the
novel Coronavirus to quickly
issue effective, scientific and
methodical health guidance on
the COVID 19 pandemic <strong>as</strong> it
relates to nearly two million
inmates and IDPs.
‘’My team of <strong>experts</strong> is
already on the ground and h<strong>as</strong>
just concluded a health risk
<strong>as</strong>sessment of the district.
‘’I will be happy to share our
findings and support the t<strong>as</strong>k
force and state government by
providing a draft copy of on
COVID 19 pandemic outbreak
<strong>as</strong> it relates to the correctional
facilities and IDP camps in my
district and state.’’
in Warri South Constituency
11 at the ward congresses, he
urged them to work
<strong>as</strong>siduously for the success
and growth of the party at all
times.
Hon Opuoru then <strong>as</strong>sured
people of the constituency of
his further empowerment
programmes.
He, however, urged them to
sustain their support for
Governor Okowa, himself
and the PDP.
but that isn’t the way to go.
Whatever it is that we are
striving to have, losing faith
The word of God is able
to put an end to
fruitless efforts, it is
able to make us fruitful
in one’s self and losing faith
in God isn’t the way to go.
No wonder Jesus said in
Mark 11 vs. 22&23 ( NIV) “
Have faith in God,” Jesus
answered . Truly I tell you, if
anyone says to this mountain,
Go, throw yourself into the
sea, and does not doubt in their
heart but believes that what
he say will happen, it will be
done for them. Therefore, I
tell you, whatever you <strong>as</strong>k for
will be yours. And when you
stand praying, if you hold
anything against anyone,
forgive them, so that your
Father in heaven may forgive
you your sins”.
Brethren, do not go to
church leaving your faith at
home. Many of us are so
concerned about social
activities or social interaction
in the church that we often
forget that our faith is so
crucial. For without it, we may
not receive from God.
For us not to remain fruitless
or labour in vain, we must
work in fellowship with God.
Psalm 128 vs. 1&2 ( KJV) is
our guide. “ Blessed is every
one that feareth the LORD;
that walketh in his ways. For
spring cleaning all around the
house and external environs
too with a lot of emph<strong>as</strong>is on
the kitchen.
Educate All
There is so much
information spreading about
COVID 19 Corona Virus, so
many instructions all over.
Some of this information may
not be entirely correct but this
does call for pruning out only
the relevant information
relying on the authentic
sources. It is still important to
keep informed and to hear
about new developments of
the virus. Do not get
overwhelmed or bugged
down by new information, just
remain <strong>positive</strong>. In educating
all I mean your close nuclear
family, do not take for granted
that children are aware of the
situation. Educate them <strong>as</strong>
best you can in a child friendly
manner <strong>as</strong> possible. Domestic
staff need the most education
he remains of late
TMama Joy Nwudeafor
Obimma, aged 80, w<strong>as</strong> laid
to rest in Ifite Oraifite,
Ekwusigo Local Government
Area of Anambra State on
Friday March 20th, amidst
tributes.
The event would remain
memorable in the minds of
indigenes of the community
<strong>as</strong> the son of late Ma
Obimma, Pharmacist Ebele
Obimma, Comrade Bonny
Okonkwo, a friend of
Pharmacist Obimma, former
Special Assistant ( SA) to
thou shalt eat the labour of
thine hands: happy shalt thou
be, it shall be well with thee”.
When we walk with the Lord,
we cannot miss it. Though
initial efforts may fail,
creating an impression that
success is not attainable, we
must not give up. We only
need to call on the name of
God with faith and the answer
to our prayers will manifest.
Isaiah 30 vs. 21 “ And thine
ears shall hear a word behind
thee, saying, This is the way,
walk ye in it, when ye turn to
the right hand, and when ye
turn to the left”.
The key word for us here is “
thine ears shall hear a word
behind thee, saying, This is the
way”. This se<strong>as</strong>on, may the
Lord open your ears to hear
the word that will change your
life for good. Do you know that
the word that will change your
life, can be the still small voice
of the Holy Spirit, it could be
the word of the Lord
pronounced by your P<strong>as</strong>tor, it
could even be a word from
someone’s testimony.
It could also be a word from
the Bible p<strong>as</strong>sage that you
have read. This is one re<strong>as</strong>on
we must study the Bible. Many
of us read but fail to identify
the prayer point that is
applicable to our situation.
The word of God is able to
put an end to fruitless efforts,
it is able to make us fruitful.
With the word, of God , a break
through is certain.
May God open our ears to
hear his word in Jesus name.
Just <strong>as</strong> this column w<strong>as</strong>
about to go to bed, a friend
let them be aware of what is
necessary around the home to
help everyone.
Secure Security
The security personnel in
your homes is another area to
manage well. Once they are
properly educated, they will
also do their jobs diligently.
Being outside they will need
extra precautionary
me<strong>as</strong>ures, like latex gloves,
and possibly m<strong>as</strong>ks. Hand
sanitizers need to be used
permanently by the security
men themselves and they
ensure that others entering use
too, this also applies to family
members that need to step out
for any re<strong>as</strong>on. They should
be very aggressive and
diligent about maintaining to
the rules for COVID-19 even
when others seem to be
slacking.
Be Healthy
This is not a time for any
posted on Facebook with
photograph, the story of a
couple indeed a P<strong>as</strong>tor and
his wife who were blessed with
a set of triplets, a boy and two
girls after 18 years of waiting.
They had a child before who
is already an under graduate.
The P<strong>as</strong>tor is the general
overseer of Grace Impacts
Church, Bariga. Can you
imagine what this P<strong>as</strong>tor and
his wife must have p<strong>as</strong>sed
through? He must have been
praying others yet he had to
wait for 18 years before God
gave him an amazing
miracle.
While giving testimony, the
P<strong>as</strong>tor w<strong>as</strong> quoted <strong>as</strong> saying,
“ It got to a point it seemed
we were giving up. But we
persevered and God answered
us”. He said, “they fortified
themselves against external
pressure, which helped them
to be steadf<strong>as</strong>t in the face of
challenges”. Did I hear you
say, at le<strong>as</strong>t he had a child
before? That is true but no
delay is ple<strong>as</strong>ant. All delays
are worrisome but God is able
to turn things round. God is
able to change that
unple<strong>as</strong>ant situation to a
joyous one.
In the name of Jesus, <strong>as</strong> you
hold on to God with you faith,
you will soon celebrate
Remember, Lent is still on, use
the opportunity to f<strong>as</strong>t and
pray and the Lord will change
your story in Jesus name.
This week you shall be
fruitful; you shall experience
an overflow in Jesus name.
Have a peaceful week.
excesses; but a time to be
more creative health wise.
Exercise is still a necessity to
keep your mind and body in
check. This can be done in
your immediate gated
environs or within your own
home. Get creative with
cooking, ensure the necessary
fruit and vegetables are on the
meal plan. As instructed hot
liquids have been advised hot
beverage and beverages
should be taken regularly. Be
mindful of the food ordered
externally, make a duty to
know the source and take extra
caution.
Occupy Your Mind
Finally, for now to manage
the crisis you will need to
proactively occupy your mind
with <strong>positive</strong> things. This can
be done by reading interesting
books, watching educative
and engaging videos and
programs, logging on to
virtual teachings acquiring
certificates, exercising,
praying and listening to good
music. You may also where
possible join the many
productive zoom meetings
that will keep you engaged
with others, join conversations
online and participate not just
listen. This the best time to use
to “rethink”, “refocus” and
“rejuvenate”.
Wishing you the best during
these trying times.
Watch out for yourself and
all your loved ones.
Tributes <strong>as</strong> Mama Obimma is laid to rest
Governor Okowa on Non
Indigenes Affiars, Nze
Francis Onuora, and other
distinguished personalities
paid tributes to her .
In a chat with our
correspondent, Comrade
Bonny Okonkwo advised the
Obimm<strong>as</strong> to be consoled with
the fact that their late mother
lived an exemplary life and
died at a ripe age.
On his part, the President of
Ifite, Lagos branch, Mr Chuks
Mike Okonkwo, said that he
w<strong>as</strong> proud to join Comrade
Bonny Okonkwo in the
condolences and to be
identified with Pharm.
Obimma .
While the the eldest son of
the dece<strong>as</strong>ed, Mr Eric
Obimma, thanked God that
their late mother left a legacy
in the family of which he
hoped to sustain, he expressed
appreciation to all who
contributed to the success of
the event.
Comrade Bonny Okonkwo (7th), flanked by Mike Chuks Okonkwo(6th), Pharmacist Ebele
Obimma(5th), and Nze Francis Onuora (3rd), during the burial ceremony of late Mama Joy
Nwudeafor Obimma, at Ifite Oraifite, Ekwusigo LGA of Anambra State.

Tribute
SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 29, 2020,PAGE 25
ASIWAJU TINUBU:
The Crucial
Interventions
By Tunde Rahman
THE global coronavirus pandemic is
really gathering speed. The numbers
are frighteningly on the rise. As I write
this on Thursday, more than 500,000 persons
across the world, 65 of them in Nigeria, have
been infected with the virus. Fatalities are now
in excess of 22, 000. The world, indeed, is being
confronted by a monster of a virus. The
coronavirus crisis h<strong>as</strong> been described <strong>as</strong> the
worst, the most dev<strong>as</strong>tating, since after the
Second World War, which is why individuals,
organisations and nations are feverishly
mobilising efforts and materials to confront
and curb the effects of the pandemic.
Coronavirus h<strong>as</strong> proven that it’s no respecter
of nations, rich or poor, developed or
developing. No nation is
immune to the dise<strong>as</strong>e. It’s a
global pandemic ravaging all
continents and all countries.
Interestingly, rather than
Africa, perceived <strong>as</strong> a poor
continent, with weak health
institutions and facilities and
believed to be mostly
vulnerable to killer dise<strong>as</strong>es
like COVID-19, Europe h<strong>as</strong>
emerged the epicentre of
coronavirus. The grim reality
of the pandemic is that the virus
is being brought back home to
us in Africa by people who have
travelled to some of these
developed countries, now
turning to be coronavirus-high
risk nations.
This piece is not exactly about
the ongoing virulent dise<strong>as</strong>e,
though there are ways in which
it is connected to the crisis. The
article is to draw attention to
and contextually situate the two
crucial interventions of the All
Progressives Congress
National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on the
cusp of his 68 th birthday, which incidentally
falls due tomorrow. The one issue is the yearly
Bola Tinubu Colloquium, which h<strong>as</strong> become
widely known <strong>as</strong> a platform for proffering
ide<strong>as</strong> and solutions to contemporary issues
affecting the Nigerian society over the p<strong>as</strong>t 11
years. The other is on the APC leadership crisis,
which, mercifully, h<strong>as</strong> simmered down, even
if not completely exorcised. In both
interventions, however, is clearly
demonstrated the APC national leader’s
responsiveness, sensitivity and political
sagacity.
It is in line with the imperatives of this
moment and in synch with the global call for
the adoption of precautionary me<strong>as</strong>ures to
prevent further spread of coronavirus, that
AsiwajuTinubu, along with the Planning
Committee of the colloquium, took the right
decision to postpone the annual event, which
would have held on his March 29 birthday.
Announcing the postponement of the
colloquium through an advertised statement
signed by one of the panel members,
Mrs.FolusoIdumu, the Planning Committee
said it w<strong>as</strong> in consideration of the health and
safety of all the guests expected at the event.
“Following incre<strong>as</strong>ed and overwhelming
concerns about the Coronavirus(COVID-19)
pandemic, we felt this (postponement) w<strong>as</strong> the
best way to proceed during such an
unprecedented global situation,” she said.
If that statement is apt, Asiwaju’s letter to
Vice President YemiOsinbajo, Lagos State
Governor BabajideSanwo-olu and others
involved in the organisation of the colloquium,
<strong>as</strong> reported by some newspapers, is more
pertinent and instructive. “I believe we have a
unique social responsibility to help educate
and lift public awareness on all issues,
including the coronavirus. We must lead by
example,” the APC leader said in his letter,
adding that he looked forward to the
colloquium every year, this year inclusive.
“This year I w<strong>as</strong> greatly looking forward to
the discussion on innovation in b<strong>as</strong>ic
education. However, I think it even more
urgent that we educate and incre<strong>as</strong>e awareness
of this possible public health menace. We do
not want a situation where we have gathered
for a good cause only to later find that the
event might have been a conduit to
disseminate not only knowledge but also the
virus <strong>as</strong> well. “
Since the postponement, Asiwaju h<strong>as</strong> used
every opportunity that comes his way to
counsel Nigerians to obey all the me<strong>as</strong>ures
put in place by governments at all levels to
contain coronavirus and also impress it on
them the need to take their personal hygiene
seriously by w<strong>as</strong>hing their hands regularly and
maintaining social distancing and taking
other precautionary steps. The point is, on this
coronavirus pandemic, the need to continue
to focus public attention on the menace and
harp on the importance of taking
precautionary me<strong>as</strong>ures can hardly be
overstressed.
It w<strong>as</strong> no surprise therefore that coronavirus
again became a metaphor for Asiwaju in his
intervention in the APC leadership crisis,
precipitated by attempts
by some powerful forces
to oust National
It w<strong>as</strong> no
surprise
therefore that
coronavirus
again became a
metaphor for
Asiwaju in his
intervention in
the APC
leadership crisis
Chairman Adams
Oshiomhole at all cost.
Against the backdrop of
exchange of barbs and
court orders, the
interventions by President
MuhammaduBuhari and
AsiwajuTinubu, however,
saved the day and saved
the party from the path of
disintegration it w<strong>as</strong>
inexorably headed.
Although some people
have tried to trivialize and
even distort,
mischievously, Asiwaju’s
statement on the issue, the
pertinent point he w<strong>as</strong>
making cannot be
overemph<strong>as</strong>ized. There
must always be a gap
between one election and
the beginning of
campaigns for another to
give room for newly elected or re-elected
governments to govern. Just imagine if the
ruling party w<strong>as</strong> at this time engaged in
managing the unsavoury fallouts of removing
its national chairman at this time. How would
the governments the party controls at the
centre and the states be able to focus singlemindedly
on the coronavirus crisis, which is a
crisis of global dimensions? Future ambition
that subverts and undermines present
governance can be <strong>as</strong> deadly in their
consequences <strong>as</strong> viral attacks on a polity.
Again, Asiwaju’s analogy is not relevant to
the APC alone. How do we explain a situation,
for instance, where the opposition Peoples
Kunle Oyatomi
f there is much that h<strong>as</strong> been said about
Ithe Jabagan ofBorgu, Asiwaju Bola
Tinubu, I solemnly affirm that there is still
much morethat h<strong>as</strong> not been said about this
National leader of our great party,
AllProgressives Congress, APC. There are
avoidable political prejudices and
humanindiscretions in the Nigerian milieu
that have constructed themselves into
awall, preventing an open comprehension
of the man’s politics. But it is only ifyou
properly understand the man’s politics
that you can be ready to know him.
Afterall, one of the founders of modern
philosophy, Aristotle, declares that, ‘Man
isa political animal’.
To understand Tinubu, therefore, <strong>as</strong> we
celebrate him at 68,is to know him from
the point of view of his political
relationships. I thinkhe is of the
Nkrumahist school: seek first the
political kingdom and all otherpowers
shall be added unto you. That w<strong>as</strong> the
rallying cry Kwame Nkrumahemployed
to snatch his country, Ghana from Britain,
the colonial lords in 1957.Nkrumah
gained the <strong>as</strong>cendancy. Thereafter his
country and indeed the continentof Africa
weren’t the same again.
Our own Tinubu h<strong>as</strong> also leveraged on
political power toachieve much for
*Tinubu
Democratic Party (PDP), driven by ambition
and partisan political considerations decided
to hold political events with large crowds both
in Ibadan and Port Harcourt at this period of
virtual national emergency? That again shows
how blind desperation for power for its own
sake can, like a virus, rid a polity of its
immunity with dis<strong>as</strong>trous consequences.
Asiwaju said those who engaged, in the
distracting politics of seeking to remove the
APC Chairman at this time were allowing their
ambition to jeopardize the public good. Thus,
he wondered why people were already
entangled in the succession battle that is three
years away rather than helping President
Buhari to deliver on his mandate.
This is how he succinctly put it that members
of the party “should be trying their best to help
the president. Instead of seeing President
Buhari <strong>as</strong> our present leader and commanderin-chief,
their sole contemplation is upon his
eventual exit. Yet, not even a full year h<strong>as</strong> p<strong>as</strong>sed
since his second inaugural. How can they be
committed to helping him realise his mandate
when the fullness of their gaze is affixed to
seizing this very mandate for themselves?”
Those touched by the malady, the APC
leader urged to tell the time and discern the
difference between the present and the future
and the imperatives of the very se<strong>as</strong>on our
nation finds itself, saying the party w<strong>as</strong> not
built simply <strong>as</strong> a vehicle for personal ambition.
“We built the party because we saw it <strong>as</strong>
perhaps the only enduring hope to bring
progressive governance to this nation.”
The truth is that if ce<strong>as</strong>eless politicking from
one election cycle to another marginalizes
and undermines good and effective
governance, and thus makes it impossible for
the ruling party to fulfil its promises to the
people, how will the party be able to face the
electorate in the next election with any
confidence? If politicians are preoccupied with
elections that are still three years away now to
the detriment of impactful and productive
governance that the mandate of the ruling
party demands, are they not creating the
conditions for the non-realization of such
ambitions if their party is unable to showc<strong>as</strong>e
a record of high performance to the
electorate?
By the quality and incisiveness of his
interventions in public discourse, which is
akin to those of the late Chief
ObafemiAwolowo, for example, Asiwaju is
demonstrating, once again, that politics is not
just about intrigues and jostling for office, it is
also, perhaps more importantly, about
thinking deeply and rigorously about public
issues and intervening in such a way <strong>as</strong> to
elevate public discourse and impact public
policy <strong>positive</strong>ly.
On the occ<strong>as</strong>ion of his 68 th birthday
tomorrow, I join the teeming admirers in
wishing Asiwaju happy birthday and many
years of patriotic service to Nigeria and
humanity.
*Rahman, Media Adviser to APC
National LeaderAsiwajuTinubu, w<strong>as</strong>
formerly Editor, THISDAY on Sunday
Newspaper.
Understanding Bola Tinubu at 68
himself, his people and his political
<strong>as</strong>sociates and<strong>as</strong>sociations. But, <strong>as</strong> I said
earlier, many of his critics care little about
theproductive angles of his politics; they
look only at the drama and process,that
is the unfounded media hearsay and the
narrative of the person of Tinubu.They
fail to <strong>as</strong>k: what is the outcome of the
drama and the process they accuseTinubu
of? At the end of every political activity,
there must be consequences.It is when you
diligently <strong>as</strong>k such questions about
Jagaban that you wouldinevitably come
face to face with the real Tinubu, not the
one wrongly calledthe ambitious power
monger.
Yes, he works hard to win elections. But
what does he dowith it? What is the
purpose of the power in the context of
redressing the illsof society? Now, don’t
say I’m heading for the Machiavellian
principle of theend justifying the means.
No, ple<strong>as</strong>e.
Instead, what I’m saying is that <strong>as</strong> a
result of the shrewdpolitics of Tinubu,
something happened in Nigeria in 2015
which hadn’t beenexperienced before in
the history of the world’s biggest black
nation: thepowerful government at the
centre w<strong>as</strong> displaced to make way for the
opposition.Tinubu is famously credited
with the formation of the opposition
coalition. Thestrategy that enabled that
fledgling opposition to go ahead to win
the federalpoll, again, w<strong>as</strong> brewed in the
Tinubu school. The APC he formed with
othersreplicated the winning spree in
some states considered arch enemies of
theparty. So, Tinubu h<strong>as</strong> always used the
political power in his kitty to advancethe
quality of our politics.
But many superficial analysts appear
confused<strong>as</strong> to where to place Tinubu in the
politics of 2023. Will he stop being agodfather?
Will he drop the toga of a kingmaker and be
the king himself in2023? And because these
commentators don’t exhaust the facts of the
matter theyconclude that Tinubu is powergreedy
and should be ‘evicted’ for fresh
bloodand ide<strong>as</strong> to come into politics.
No. Nigeria needs Tinubu more than ever
to join othercompatriots to steer us through
the treacherous waters gathering for 2023.
Thesouthwest in particular should support him
in any role fate thrusts on him inthe years
ahead.
As we celebrate Bola Tinubu on his 68 th
birthday,we urge him to be focused for the
delivery of progressive governance, not onlyat
the federal plane, but also in all the states of
the federation so thatmajority of Nigerians
can count among those truly enjoying the
dividends ofdemocracy.
•Oyatomi is spokesperson for APC, State
of Osun

PAGE 26—SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020
Ephraim Oseji
08023542350
oseji16@yahoo.com
How corona affects sex lives – Nigerians speak
D
ue to the rising number of
reported Coronavirus
c<strong>as</strong>es in Nigeria, more and more
people are smartly beginning to
practise social distancing and
self-isolation to help reduce the
spread.
What does that mean for the
sexually active adults amongst
us? Well, according to a memo
rele<strong>as</strong>ed by the NYC Health
Department, the safest options
are m<strong>as</strong>turbation and live-in
partners.
So, with that in mind, we
decided to <strong>as</strong>k some Nigerians
about how the virus h<strong>as</strong> affected
their sex lives so far. From
relying on self-ple<strong>as</strong>ure to just
taking the risk, here are the
answers we got:
Tobi, 25/Male
About a month ago, I hooked
up with an old acquaintance and
the sex w<strong>as</strong> truly mind-blowing.
So, we’ve been consistently
hooking up at le<strong>as</strong>t once a week
since then.
The virus h<strong>as</strong>n’t really slowed us
down, but we both try to stay home
prior to the knacks — at le<strong>as</strong>t, I
hope she does. I feel comfortable
risking it because she is selfemployed,
so I don’t have to worry
about her going into an office and
bringing back the virus.
James, 30/Male
I’ve been single for the p<strong>as</strong>t year,
so whenever I need to scratch that
itch, I just chat up a random guy
on one of the dating apps on my
phone. If we vibe, then we make
plans to hook up.
With the virus in town, that’s no
longer an option. I don’t know how
cautious these guys are, and I’m
not horny enough to risk it. So,
I’ve turned to my first love,
m<strong>as</strong>turbation. My only worry is
that if this pandemic l<strong>as</strong>ts any
longer, my dick might actually fall
off.
Ada, 35/Female
Self-isolation h<strong>as</strong>n’t changed
my sex life because I w<strong>as</strong>n’t really
getting any to begin with. Right
now, I’m more worried about the
virus, my kids, supplies at home
and getting work done.
I’m very anxious, and while I
know that sex would be a good
way to relax, I’m not interested in
adding that to my list of t<strong>as</strong>ks. I’m
also not trying to get pregnant
again.
Honestly, the main way this is
affecting my sex life is that I can’t
go out, have fun, feel hot and flirt
with all the boys I want to. That’s
where I usually get my kicks.
Damilola, 27/ Female
I w<strong>as</strong> actually having a bit of a
dry spell for most of the year. I
w<strong>as</strong> originally trying to get my
shit together and stop hooking
up with this dude that w<strong>as</strong> very
clearly bad for me.
Well, since social distancing
started, I’ve been very bored. So,
yeah, I hit him up and I’ve
managed to have more sex in the
p<strong>as</strong>t two weeks than I have all
year. I do make him shower
intensely before we do anything
though.
Rotimi, 26/Male
For the p<strong>as</strong>t couple of weeks,
I’ve been sleeping with one babe
once a week, and the virus h<strong>as</strong>n’t
changed anything. To be honest,
I know we are both being very
careless right now.
She’s actually more at risk
because she’s been self-isolating
and I’m still going into work. I
recently <strong>as</strong>ked her if she w<strong>as</strong>
worried about it, but she just
laughed it off. Who am I to
complain if she’s fine with it?
Chinny, 33/
Female
Before the virus hit, my husband
w<strong>as</strong> at work more often than not, so
sex only happened when we could
find the time (without being
interrupted by our baby).
Now, due to remote work, he’s at
home while our nanny is still
available. So, she can take care of
the baby while we go and be <strong>as</strong>
useless <strong>as</strong> we want. I’m even not sure
what it is, but I’ve been so much
hornier this period.
David, 28/Male
I’ve been intentionally celibate for
most of the year, but I just recently
decided to call that off — yes, right
in the middle of a pandemic — and
have sex again.
I know it’s a gamble, but it’s one
I’m willing to make. We are both
very careful about social distancing
and all that, so I believe (and hope)
that the chances of us infecting
each other are low.
Source: Zikoko
COVID-19: Ugwueze lauds Ugwuanyi’s proactive me<strong>as</strong>ures
By Okenwa Kennedy
Onyema
Senior Personal Assistant to
Governor Ifeanyi
Ugwuanyi, Sir Erochukwu
Ugwueze (KSJI) Ikukuoma, h<strong>as</strong>
applauded his principal for the steps
he h<strong>as</strong> taken to prevent COVID-19
from entering Enugu State
The me<strong>as</strong>ures taken include the
rele<strong>as</strong>e of N330 million to prepare
against the pandemic, the
strengthening of the state
Phyno yno thrill music lover
vers s at TraceLive
Rapper, music writer and
performer, Phyno, thrilled
music lovers at The TRACE
Live With Phyno concert held in
Lagos on Thursday, in a packed hall
in spite of the fears of the raging
Coronavirus.
Themed after the artist’s album,
‘Deal With It’, this edition of the
concert, which w<strong>as</strong> held at Terra
Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos
started at 9p.m with a capacity
crowd like previous sessions.
Bo<strong>as</strong>ting hit songs throughout his
impressive career, Phyno, whose real
names are Azubuike Chibuzo
Nelson, dished out high octane
performances, with songs like
Alobam, Konnect, Fada Fada and
others regularly turning the concert
venue in the busy Victoria Island into
a typical club scene.
Preceded by a brief comedy
session handled by Pencil <strong>as</strong> well <strong>as</strong>
the raffle draw session by the event
sponsor, LG, Phyno w<strong>as</strong> on fire, same
way the fans who came from far and
near wanted him.
According to Trace’s
management, unlike previous
editions, Phyno’s ‘Deal With It’
album shed a spotlight on Phyno’s
Growth, truth and his stand <strong>as</strong> one
of the biggest indigenous rappers
out of E<strong>as</strong>tern Nigeria; taking the
world by storm.
Always a night filled with rich
music and cultural appreciation,
emergency operation centre, the
establishment of a multi-sectoral
rapid response team comprising
representatives of relevant
ministries, departments and
agencies, the shutdown of education
institution in the state, directive to
all public officers/civil servants to
work from home except those on
essential duty and suspension of
cultural and social gatherings.
Other me<strong>as</strong>ures are directing all
public transport operators in Enugu
to observe the following rules on
p<strong>as</strong>sengers conveyance in each
From left: P<strong>as</strong>tor Kayode Afolayan, Zonal P<strong>as</strong>tor, Jesus
Emb<strong>as</strong>sy, Lagos Province 80, Redeemed Christian Church of
God; Mr Sam Adurogboye, husband of the celebrant and G/M,
Public Affairs, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA); Mrs.
Adeola Adurogboye, celebrant; P<strong>as</strong>tor Idowu Olaleye, Zonal
P<strong>as</strong>tor, Winners Sanctuary, Ogun Province 10, RCCG and
Brother Oloruntoto Adeyinka, House of Joy Parish, Province
10, RCCG, Ogun State during Mrs Adeola Adurogboye's 50th
birthday celebration held at Sango, Ogun State recently. Photo
Lamidi Bamidele
Faces at the event
TRACE Live celebrates the beauty
of music by highlighting a blend of
sweet vocals, live instruments,
dancers, and an energetic audience.
Previous performers include
Flavour, Omawumi, Falz, Adekunle
Gold, 2baba, Wande Coal, Reekado
Banks, Runtown, Simi and
Reminisce.
Phyno, which is derived from the
word phenomenal, is a Nigerian
rapper, actor and record producer.
Arguably one of the biggest
indigenous rap influences from the
E<strong>as</strong>tern part of Nigeria, Phyno who
blends both Igbo and English
resonates with the old and young
generation of indigenous Music
lovers across Nigeria and the global
spectrum.
Phyno, who broke into the
instance (a) Keke not more than two
persons, (b) Commuter buses not
more than two p<strong>as</strong>sengers per seat,
(c) City Cab not more than two
p<strong>as</strong>sengers and insurance cover for
doctors.
Ugwueze called on market leaders
to leave their stalls open only for sale
of essential goods <strong>as</strong> the nation
intensifies effort to tame
coronavirus.
He urged all and sundry to abide
by safety guidelines and
precautions.
According to him, dealing in
essential commodities only would
significantly reduce human traffic
normally witnessed in markets
across the nation particularly in
urban are<strong>as</strong>.
“The fact of existence is that we
must first of all be alive before we
talk about other existential activities
but Enugu is in the hands of God”,
he said while speaking to journalists.
LS Scientific Ltd h<strong>as</strong> launched
Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)
programme to partner various
firms across the country in
managing their inventory for
laboratory chemicals and
consumables.
The VMI, which is a proven
inventory management system,
will improve inventory
replenishment process for
customers, and help them boost
productivity for their business by
cutting cost.
Nigerian rap scene in 2010 left
Enugu and relocated to Lagos to
pursue a professional music career
that would later shoot him into
limelight in the later years. In
September of 2012, Phyno rele<strong>as</strong>ed
“Ghost Mode” featuring Olamide
which w<strong>as</strong> one of the biggest
highlights of the rapper’s career.
Subsequently, the indigenous
rapper h<strong>as</strong> gone on to rele<strong>as</strong>e
countless Music and numerous
projects including “No Guts No
Glory” in 2014 which had hit singles
like Ghost Mode, Man Of The Year,
O Set and Alobam.
Trace Live is presented by Trace in
partnership with Bolanle Austen-
Peters. The show w<strong>as</strong> proudly
sponsored by Lord’s Gin, Pepsi and
LG.
Governor Ugwuanyi in a handshake with Ugwueze while the
Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Edward
Uchenna Ubosi; and the state Commissioner for Transport, Hon
Mathi<strong>as</strong> Ekweremmadu, watch during a function held @ Okpara
Square Enugu.
LS Scientific ic launches inventor
ory y to support t firms in Nigeria
The Managing Director of LS
Scientific Ltd, Mr. Odunjo
Olumurewa said: “LS Scientific’s
goal is to ensure that our
customers get the laboratory
chemicals and consumables they
need, when they need them and
how they need them to integrate
smoothly into their quality
TECNO
restates
commitment
to gender
equality
S
martphone manufacturer,
Tecno Mobile Nigeria h<strong>as</strong>
restated commitment to promote
gender equality, stating that the
achievements and challenges of
women are <strong>as</strong> lauded <strong>as</strong> those of
their male counterparts if given a
level playing ground.
The company said this during a
programme it organized tagged:
#SoWhat to celebrate this year’s
International Women Day in
Lagos.
PR and strategic partnership
manager, TECNO Nigeria, Jesse
Oguntimehin said “For this year’s
International Women’s Day,
TECNO did not p<strong>as</strong>s up on the
opportunity to take a stand in a
world where the achievements and
challenges of women are <strong>as</strong>
lauded <strong>as</strong> those of their male
counterparts in a level playing
field.”
“While most brands still stand
aloof and impersonal on societal
issues, brands like TECNO speak
up and take a stand. The
smartphone brand pays attention
to issues/events that influence their
fans and seamlessly become
empathic or celebratory <strong>as</strong> the
c<strong>as</strong>e might be. They never fail to
lend their voice to a cause or sit
on the fence concerning a
commemorative event.”
<strong>as</strong>surance and manufacturing
processes.’
According to Olumurewa, the
VIM programme will help
customers avoid stockouts by
always having laboratory
chemicals and consumables
ready when they are needed.
Olumurewa added that the
program would enable customers
to gain better intelligence over
their laboratory chemicals and
consumables processes used to
implement orders.
The VIM model h<strong>as</strong> been
successfully applied in both large
and small scale businesses that
require properly monitored or
managed inventory levels,
including in giant supermarkets
like Walmart.
Youngja
oungjay signs deal
with P London Music
I
wuh Ifeanyi Justice, Nigeria
singer and songwriter, who goes
by stage name Youngjay, h<strong>as</strong> just
signed a record deal P London
Music.
The development makes him the
first Nigerian upcoming artiste with
international recognition.
He w<strong>as</strong> born on the November 15,
1994 in Akure, Ondo State capital
but grew up in the commercial city
of Aba where he had his primary
and secondary education.
“He is ready to make his fans get
along with his vibes <strong>as</strong> he dropped
Eziokwu and what I know for you
to download and listen to”, one of
his <strong>as</strong>sociates told Sunday
Vanguard.
•Ifeanyi

By Sam Eyoboka
THE Living Faith Ministries also
known <strong>as</strong> Winners Chapel which
held its normal services l<strong>as</strong>t Sunday
in defiance of government directive, h<strong>as</strong> issued
a statement to explain its position.
The statement signed by the Special Assistant
to Bishop David Oyedepo, P<strong>as</strong>tor
Steve Ogah, said it h<strong>as</strong> become necessary
to issue this statement to clarify issues surrounding
why Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland,
the international headquarters of Living
Faith Church in Ogun State, held
church service on Sunday, although with
less than half of her regular worshippers.
“There have been diverse responses varying
from well-meaning concerns to uncharitable
insinuations, misinterpretations, and
unfounded allegations that the service w<strong>as</strong>
held in deliberate defiance of Ogun State
Government ban on high-density gatherings,
in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
Nothing can be further from the truth,” he
stated.
“For avoidance of doubt, <strong>as</strong> stakeholders
and <strong>as</strong> a responsible organisation, Living
Faith Church fully supports and encourages
compliance with all initiatives of government
to combat the spread of this dreaded
virus.
Our future is bright and beautiful
For I know the thoughts that I think
toward you, saith the LORD,
thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to
give you an expected end (Jeremiah
29:11).
God h<strong>as</strong> harvest of a great future for
you. If you enter into partnership with
the Almighty, your future is <strong>as</strong> bright
<strong>as</strong> the throne of God.
How do I know? Because God says so
and He cannot lie. (Numbers 23:19)
Let me quote the scripture above for
you from another version of the Bible
For I know the plans I have for you,
declares the LORD, plans to prosper
you and not to harm you, plans to give
you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11
NIV).
The Bible makes it clear that God is
not a man that He should lie, neither
the son of man that He should repent.
What He says, He is abundantly able
to perform.
sam.eyoboka@gmail.com
08023145567 (sms
COVID-19: Why we gathered
on Sunday —Winners’ Chapel
World Council of Churches urges Christians to pray at home
By Sam Eyoboka
WORLD Council of Churches, WCC general
secretary, Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit and WCC
moderator, Dr Agnes Abuom have urged people
and churches to give highest priority to
“doing whatever we can do to protect life”
and “<strong>as</strong>k churches not to have public services
tomorrow <strong>as</strong> this can become hubs of transmission
of the virus” and to follow strictly the
rules and guidelines from authorities b<strong>as</strong>ed
on WHO guidelines.
Tveit and Abuom <strong>as</strong>k the fellowship to reconsider
their way of working. “We must also
be particularly aware that exactly what we
normally do, in community, is what we should
not do now if we want to protect life. We value
togetherness in worship and Christian fellowship.
But in this time of crisis, and out of love
for each other and the neighbor, we should
not gather in great numbers together, if at all,
nor touch or embrace each other.”
They added: “This is a time to touch each
other’s hearts, by what we say, what we share,
what we do – and what we do not do – to
protect the life God loves so much. In that
love, we must adapt our modes of worship
and fellowship to the needs of this time of the
The Voice of the Lord
BISHOP WALE OKE
•Oyedepo
•Winners Chapel
“However, information h<strong>as</strong> to be strategically
disseminated to the gr<strong>as</strong>sroots, noting
that the church is a family and not an
industry, it is for this re<strong>as</strong>on that enlightenment
and sensitization from the church platform
is a most effective way to get people
involved in playing their part in terms of
prayers and intercessions and not just staying
away from church without knowing
pandemic, in order to avoid the risk of becoming
sources of transmission rather than
means of grace.”
Tveit and Abuom invites the fellowship to
make the Sunday <strong>as</strong> a day for prayers for the
most vulnerable people <strong>as</strong> refugees, elderly
and people affected by COVID19, to pray for
the entire fellowship, and one human family
worldwide.
Tveit and Abuom “commend to all of you
the advice and practical recommendations
offered by intergovernmental and governmental
health authorities to help protect the vulnerable
in our communities and others.”
In a similar development, a historic joint
p<strong>as</strong>toral statement rele<strong>as</strong>ed on March 26, the
World Council of Churches and Regional Ecumenical
Organizations affirmed the urgency
of standing together to protect life amidst
the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the first time ever, all regions in the ecumenical
movement around the world are
standing together with a common message
that urges both prayers and action for one
world to protect life.
“We urge people everywhere to give highest
priority to addressing this situation and <strong>as</strong>sisting
in whatever ways we can in our collective
efforts to protect life,” the statement reads.
Contact Address:
The Sword of the Spirit Ministries,
The Garden of Victory,Old Ife Road,P.M.B 60,
Agodi-Ibadan,Oyo State
Telephones: 0813 128 4001, 08186991467
Email: ootpbsotsm@gmail.com & info@sotsm.org
Website:www.sotsm.org facebook.com/franciswaleoke
Twitter:@franciswaleoke, Instagram:@franciswaleoke
All you need to do is to enter
into partnership with God. He
alone cannot bring to p<strong>as</strong>s this
glorious future He h<strong>as</strong> secured
for you; neither can you alone. It
is <strong>as</strong> you fully cooperate with God
on a day-to-day b<strong>as</strong>is that God’s
glorious plan for your life comes
to fulfillment.
Take your time to find out God’s
blue print for your life. Decide
within you where you are actually
going in your journey with
God. Find out what it takes to
get to where you are going and
commit yourself to doing it.
I will see you at the top. I will
see you in glory.
The LORD will perfect that
which concerneth me: thy mercy,
O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake
not the works of thine own
hands (Psalm 138:8).
What makes a nation
strong?(Pt. 1)
Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee
out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from
thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew
thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and
I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and
thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them
that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee:
and in thee shall all families of the earth be
blessed.
G
Genesis 12:1-5 KJV
od had a conversation with a pagan who lived
in the land of Ur of the Chaldeans. What God
told him w<strong>as</strong> to go the way that He would show
him, a place that only God knew, that He (God)
would lead him to a strange land he knew not but
which would be given to his sons for an heritage.
Every promise that God made to Abraham h<strong>as</strong> all
being fulfilled. Not only is Israel great, even Ishmael
and his generations are great.
The Lord said to Abraham Gen 12:1 - Now the
LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy
country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s
house, unto a land that I will shew thee.
He w<strong>as</strong> 75 years when he departed to the land
God would show him; 70 being a year of perfection
SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020 , PAGE 27
what to do,” he further stated.
According to the statement, a press rele<strong>as</strong>e
from the office of the CAN president,
through his special <strong>as</strong>sistant on media on
Saturday, March 21, 2020, expressed the
same position that members who may gather
in church premises, many of whom may
not be aware of this regulations should be
For the sake of God’s love, “it is important
and urgent that we adapt our modes of worship
and fellowship to the needs of this time of
pandemic infection, in order to avoid the risk
of becoming sources of viral transmission
rather than means of grace,” stated the global
ecumenical leaders.
The ecumenical leaders recalled, “Our faith
in the God of life compels us to protect life”
and continued, “Let us manifest God’s unconditional
love in safe, practical ways that protect
life, alleviate suffering, and ensure that
churches and public services do not become
hubs of transmission of the virus.”
The leaders of the global and regional ecumenical
organizations affirmed that physical
distancing does not mean spiritual isolation,
and they urged churches all over the
world to review their role in society by safely
ministering to, providing for, and caring for
the poor, the sick, the marginalized, and the
aged – especially all those who are most at
risk due to COVID-19.
The general secretaries further stated, “People
in many parts of the world have become
homebound these days. Being homebound
does not mean that we cannot experience a
deep spiritual solidarity with each other, by
virtue of our baptism into the one body of
*Ituah Ighodalo is the Senior
P<strong>as</strong>tor, Trinity House, Trinity
Avenue, Off Ligali Ayorinde
Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
+234-808-895-6162
info@trinityhouseng.org
•PASTOR IGHODALO
allowed to worship for the purpose of enlightenment
on the subject matter.
“As we all know, the church is made up of
both literate and illiterate congregants;
many are not in touch with any of the modern
platforms of communication and this
is what we did yesterday. Indeed, the service
w<strong>as</strong> devoted entirely to sensitizing and
mobilizing members of the church regarding
the danger of this deadly virus and the
need to comply with government directives.
“The Bishop h<strong>as</strong> since engaged Ogun
State government at the highest level to
clarify this issue and any misgivings and
reiterated the full support of the church for
the state government’s efforts to ensure public
safety, towards curtailing the spread of
this deadly virus.
“He appreciates the opportunity of direct
engagement and the understanding of the
government. Cooperation to safeguard
public safety is not just a moral obligation
or civic responsibility; the church also considers
it a spiritual duty.
“For instance, to show how law abiding
our organisation is and in compliance with
government directives, all our primary and
secondary schools across the nation have
been directed to close down. Also, our students
at Landmark University, Omu Aran,
Kwara State were sent back home, while
Covenant University students, who are currently
on vacation were instructed to stay
back at home while awaiting further directives
from government.
“As a responsible and law abiding organization
we wish to state that will ensure
compliance with the government directives
in all our churches across the state,” he noted,
adding that the church shall continue to
engage all necessary logistics to ensure
compliance with government directives and
continue to pray for speedy divine intervention
to stem this deadly virus.
Christ.”
The statement suggests praying at home,
giving thanks to God for strength, healing,
and courage. “We can show our love for God
and our neighbor by not gathering in person
for public worship,” reads the text. “Many
congregations can share their worship gatherings
online or digitally. Members and p<strong>as</strong>tors
can also stay in touch with each other and
provide p<strong>as</strong>toral care by telephone.”
The novel coronavirus pandemic h<strong>as</strong>
reached all the regions of our planet, the text
continues. “There are fear and panic, pain and
suffering, doubt and misinformation, about
both the virus and our response <strong>as</strong> Christians,”
the text reads. “Amid stories of suffering and
tragedy, there are also stories of simple kindness
and extravagant love, of solidarity and
the sharing of hope and peace in innovative
and surprising ways.”
The general secretaries also urged all to
consider the needs of the most vulnerable people
in the world. “In the midst of this grave
crisis, we lift up prayers for those providing
leadership and for governments around the
world, urging them to give priority concern to
those who live in poverty <strong>as</strong> well <strong>as</strong> to the
marginalized and refugees living in our
midst,” the statement concluded.
and 5 the years of grace. The people
of Israel h<strong>as</strong> been the most conquered
place in the world. Their
home had been the site of the greatest
battles in the world.
Why does the world and we celebrate
Israel?
1. Every one of us takes our
spiritual root from this same Israel
2. We are the spiritual Israel
3. It is fulfillment of prophesy.
The bible tells us that the end
shall come and the nation of Israel coming
back together is the 4th sign of the
end time
4. Israel is our example of breaking
free and breaking through into victory,
freedom and perfect liberty.
5. The land and people show us that
if we stay with God we can rise above
anything and everything
To be a realistic person you must believe
in miracles. The people of Israel are
examples of God’s miracles. Despite being
scattered all over the world, they never
lost their heritage and what they stood
for <strong>as</strong> a nation. They could recreate themselves
and become great again.
The choice of greatness and strength is
yours and yours alone. No one can make
it for you and if people had their way they
would prefer you remain where you are
today so they can continue to overpower
you. You can also become a force to be
reckoned with today by doing what Abraham
did; have faith and trust in God that
He would take you to the place He promised.

PAGE 28 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020
The Great Day of Extraordinary
Miracles(3)
By William Kumuyi
Luke 4:18-20 "The Spirit of
the Lord is upon me, because
he hath anointed me to
preach the gospel to the poor;
he hath sent me to heal the
brokenhearted, to preach
deliverance to the captives,
and recovering of sight to the
blind, to set at liberty them
that are bruised, To preach
the acceptable year of the
Lord. And he closed the book,
and he gave it again to the
minister, and sat down. And
the eyes of all them that were
in the synagogue were f<strong>as</strong>tened
on him."
Today is the day the Lord
h<strong>as</strong> chosen to take away every
yoke in your life and all
the loads and luggage the
devil h<strong>as</strong> piled on you shall
be destroyed. This is because
today is the appointed hour
for your fulfilment, and you
will be saved completely and
entirely from sin and Satan.
In spite of the very best insurance
policy God h<strong>as</strong> earmarked
for you, you still have
to play a crucial and decisive
role so <strong>as</strong> to enjoy and experience
such gorgeous generosity.
Listen to me. Christ h<strong>as</strong>
done the difficulty part by
going to the cross to pay the
ultimate sacrifice; and that
w<strong>as</strong> after he had endured
humiliation, pain and agony
from the highest level: you
do not have to do that nor is
God demanding such a steep
price from you.
Jesus h<strong>as</strong> done the difficult
part and He is demanding
the simplest of t<strong>as</strong>ks from
you. He wants you to open
the door of your heart so that
He would come right inside
and fellowship with you.
Luke 19:5 "And when Jesus
came to the place, he looked
up, and saw him, and said
unto him, Zacchaeus, make
h<strong>as</strong>te, and come down; for to
day I must abide at thy
house."
The triumph of the Cross of Christ(3)
HE divine principle that forms the bedrock of the Chris
Ttian faith on Atonement is that - "When we were utterly
helpless, with no way of escape, Christ came at the right time
and died for us sinners who had no use for him.” Romans 5:6
(TLB). All heaven is centered on the Cross of Christ, all hell is
terribly afraid of it, and man ought to be p<strong>as</strong>sionate about it.
Apostle Paul remarked: "...I have given up everything else-I
have found it to be the only way to really know Christ and to
experience the mighty power that brought him back to life
again, and to find out what it means to suffer and to die with
him. So whatever it takes, I will be one who lives in the fresh
newness of life of those who are alive from the dead." Philippians
3:10-11 TLB).
That is the only way to become acquainted with God’s marvelous
power to restore mankind to Himself. The curse <strong>as</strong> a
result of sinful disobedience touched, and blighted everything,
and humanity finally banished from God’s presence – "...the
Lord God said to the serpent,...you are singled out...to be
cursed...,God said to the woman, "You shall bear children in
intense pain and suffering;...And to Adam, God said,...I have
placed a curse upon the soil. All your life you will struggle to
extract a living from it...Then the...Lord God banished him
forever from the Garden of Eden,...and placed mighty angels
at the e<strong>as</strong>t of the Garden of Eden, with a flaming sword to
guard the entrance to the Tree of Life." Genesis 3:14-24.
But Jesus made a way right back to the throne of God from
the very heart of hell by His Atonement. Therefore, wherever
we apply the Cross to our personal situations, we can by faith
see the curse lifted.
A clear application of the Cross to the curse must be seen in
the challenge of the present Corona Virus – COVID-19 pandemic
that now plagues our globe. The world is horrified and
overwhelmed by this pandemic which h<strong>as</strong> threatened every
facet of our existence. Indeed, sin separates man from God and
leaves him at the mercy of Satan, and Satan h<strong>as</strong> no capacity
for mercy, – "The thief...steals, kills and destroys...(Jesus) purpose
is to give life in all its fullness." John 10:10, Satan is the
evil one we must be delivered from – Matthew 6:13. Nowhere
in the Bible do we read that sickness and suffering are the will
of God for mankind. They are the result of sin and find their
source in the work of Satan.
The Cross brought to an end the unchallenged power of Satan,
<strong>as</strong> – "you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with
the Holy Spirit and with power... Jesus went around doing
good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God
w<strong>as</strong> with him." Acts 10:38, Colosians 2:13-15. There is nothing
more certain for the redemption of mankind, than what Jesus
did on the cross.
To be continued....
Jesus
wants to
save you
and that is
why He
wants you
to come
d o w n
from the
P<strong>as</strong>tor Kumuyi tower of
religion and self-deception:
He knows, just <strong>as</strong> much <strong>as</strong> you
possibly know, that you are a
sinner and it will not end well
for you just <strong>as</strong> it never ends well
for all sinners. As a result of
this fact check, Jesus is willing
to give you a better ending in
life and eternity.
Make h<strong>as</strong>te and come down
from that tower of immortality
and gambling because you
have suffered enough. This is
the day of your salvation and
Jesus is willing to reside in
your heart. All that is expected
of you is that you open the door
of your heart for Him to come
right in.
Jesus will forgive your sins
and change your life for good.
Even if you are one of those
who say that they cannot live
and would not be able to live a
righteous life on there own. But
who can live a righteous life
without Christ? Nobody can!
It is Christ Jesus that will do it
inside you. If you try applying
your own terms and conditions,
you will fail completely.
That is why you need to look
up to Jesus because He is the
one that never fails. Just <strong>as</strong>k
Him to come in and He will
do just that, forgive you, save
you from all sins and live the
righteous life through you.
How about that!
Acts 16:31 "And they said,
Believe on the Lord Jesus
Christ, and thou shalt be saved,
and thy house."
The moment for your salvation
h<strong>as</strong> arrived and the Saviour
is calling you. Make h<strong>as</strong>te
and come down because today
Jesus must live in your heart.
You can cap off today by receiving
this great privileged
offer from the great God.
To be continued
Rev. Emmanuel Awazie
*Assemblies of God Church
Nigeria, 111 Clegg Street,
Surulere, Lagos.
Faith in the redemptive names of God (38)
Jehovah-Shaphat (The Lord
our Judge) Cont’d (4)
Text: Judges 11:27, Isaiah
33:22
Introduction
E have now come to the
Wconclusive treatment of
this redemptive name of God.
In today’s episode, we shall see
God’s response to Jehoshaphat
prayers and His
triumph over the adversary. It
is always a sweet victory when
we allow God to fight our enemies.
Moses encountered this
at the Red Sea, and he feared
God. He called Him, “..glorious
in holiness, fearful in
praises, doing wonders?” (Exodus
15:11). When you set your
enemies to face God, they have
met their own waterloo! No
wonder Apostle Paul <strong>as</strong>ked the
rhetoric question, “…If God
be for us, who can be against
us?” (Romans 8:31).
God’s victory celebration
for His people
A. An odd battle plan
"…Jehoshaphat stood and
said, Hear me, O Judah, and
ye inhabitants of Jerusalem;
Believe in the Lord your God,
so shall ye be established; believe
his prophets, so shall ye
prosper. And when he had consulted
with the people, he appointed
singers unto the Lord,
Your preservation is sure
When thou p<strong>as</strong>sest through
the waters, I will be with thee;
and through the rivers, they
shall not overflow thee: when
thou walkest through the fire,
thou shalt not be burned; neither
shall the flame kindle upon
thee (Isaiah 43:2).
Preservation is the act of
being kept from injury
and destruction. The promises
of God concerning preservation
abound in the Holy
Scripture <strong>as</strong> the word of God
established it. It is impossible
for God to lie (Heb. 6:18). As
He h<strong>as</strong> promised, He will not
allow the waters and rivers to
By P<strong>as</strong>tor G.C. Osuigbo
CAC Madaiyese Regional Headquaters
Plot 701/702 Durumi District
P.O. BOX 2577
Garki, Abuja.
Contact us on: 08155555048, like us on
facebook @cacdurumi
overflow you nor fire to burn
you neither will He let you be
infected with any virus.
The whole world is p<strong>as</strong>sing
through a delicate period. The
coronavirus which is presently
ravaging all the continents
in the world h<strong>as</strong> resulted into
cat<strong>as</strong>trophe, infection and
death. Nations are counting
their losses. It h<strong>as</strong> forced
many countries to be lockdown,
businesses have been
shut down and restrictions
have been placed on human
movement. The Scientists for
now have no medicine for its
cure. It h<strong>as</strong> no respect for any
nation, both the rich and the
poor. But I speak the word of
God into your life that this virus
will not come near you; you
are covered by divine immunity.
Just <strong>as</strong> Ebola virus died a
natural death in Nigeria,
Coronavirus will leave the
earth without you contracting
it. God protected the Israelites
against the plagues in Egypt
(Ex. 8:22, 9:6, 11:6-7), you are
protected against any kind of
virus or dise<strong>as</strong>e.
Government h<strong>as</strong> directed
citizens to take precautionary
me<strong>as</strong>ures. Yes it is very important
that we maintain distance
at any social gathering or stay
indoors to curtail the spread
of the virus, w<strong>as</strong>hing our hands
regularly with water and soap
and taking all other hygiene
tips concerning coronavirus
very seriously. But I want to tell
you brethren, this is the time
we need to be closer to God.
We must cry out in prayer to
our prayer-answering father.
The Israelites cried to God
when in bondage in Egypt and
God heard their cry. and the
EASTER: Ungodly festivity of ancient Babylon
MODERN Babylon,
also known in Rev
elation 17:5, <strong>as</strong>
MYSTERY, BABYLON THE
GREAT, THE MOTHER OF
HARLOTS AND ABOMI-
NATIONS OF THE EARTH,
inherited all her ungodly festivities,
from Ancient Babylon,
one of which is E<strong>as</strong>ter festivity.
E<strong>as</strong>ter is a Chaldean word,
pronounced <strong>as</strong> Ishtar. It is also
called Ashtaroth. It is a goddess
known <strong>as</strong> the queen of
heaven. And so, all the cakes
made during E<strong>as</strong>ter festival,
are made to the queen of heaven,
<strong>as</strong> written in Jeremiah
7:18-20. The anger and fury
of God w<strong>as</strong> poured upon the
children of Israel, who made
cakes unto this queen of heaven
Ė<strong>as</strong>ter (Ishtar) or Ashtaroth
had been the object of worship
in Ancient Babylon before
Christ w<strong>as</strong> born. The worship
of Ashtaroth/E<strong>as</strong>ter by
children of Israel, also provoked
the anger of God, <strong>as</strong>
• J.K. Akinola. (Senior P<strong>as</strong>tor)
and that should praise the
beauty of holiness, <strong>as</strong> they
went out before the army, and
to say, Praise the Lord; for his
mercy endureth for ever" (II
Chronicles 20:20-21).
Though the prophecy said
nothing about this, the king
makes a bold and daring
move. As they near their battle
positions, he positions singers
in front of the army to extol
the goodness of God. The
word love ("mercy," v. 21) in
Hebrew is an important term.
Hesed refers to the overwhelming
covenant faithfulness
of God. This is the proclamation
of the singers in the
hearing of all Judah and her
enemies.
B. Yahweh's victory for
Judah
"And when they began to
sing and to praise, the Lord
set ambushments against the
children of Ammon, Moab,
and mount Seir, which were
written in Judges 2:13-14:
“And they forsook the LORD
and worshipped Baal and
Ashtaroth. And the anger of
the Lord w<strong>as</strong> hot against Israel
and He delivered them into
the hands of spoilers that
spoiled them, and He sold
them into the hands of their
enemies round about, so that
they could not any longer
stand before their enemies.”
Even though, the word E<strong>as</strong>ter
is found in Acts 12:3, yet it
h<strong>as</strong> nothing to do with the
Christian faith, neither is it a
Christian name. The pagans
were celebrating E<strong>as</strong>ter, when
King Herod, an ungodly king,
apprehended Peter and kept
him in prison, intending that
after their E<strong>as</strong>ter festival, he
would bring Peter out to the
people.
The Jews’ P<strong>as</strong>sover, the days
of unleavened bread, which
Moses commanded all the
Jews to observe yearly, also
were being observed during
this pagan festive se<strong>as</strong>on. But
the church, <strong>as</strong> at that time, w<strong>as</strong>
come against Judah; and they
were smitten. For the children
of Ammon and Moab stood
up against the inhabitants of
mount Seir, utterly to slay and
destroy them: and when they
had made an end of the inhabitants
of Seir, every one helped
to destroy another. And when
Judah came toward the watch
tower in the wilderness, they
looked unto the multitude,
and, behold, they were dead
bodies fallen to the earth, and
none escaped" (II Chronicles
20:22-24).
As the Lord's people begin
to sing, God turns the tables
on the enemy soldiers - Yahweh
routes them using multiple
ambushes. In fact, Judah's
enemies wind up slaughtering
one another. First, the Ammonites
and Moabites turn
against the soldiers from
Mount Seir. Next, the soldiers
from Moab and Ammon turn
on each other. By the time the
armies of Judah find a high
vantage point to see what is
going on, thousands of dead
under serious persecution by
the Jews and King Herod, during
which the king killed
James the brother of John, the
disciples of Jesus.
The people of God do err,
not knowing the scripture, because
there is no record in the
Scripture, that Jesus rose from
the sepulcher on “E<strong>as</strong>ter” day.
The only record, that we have
in the scripture, is that Jesus
rose on the first day of the week.
(Mark 16:2). And this day is
known in Revelation 1:10, <strong>as</strong>
The LORD’S day, a day, when
all believers in Christ are expected
to observe and worship
the Risen Christ. And it should
not be a day for revellings,
banquetings or fe<strong>as</strong>tings,
when believers in Christ will
COVID 19: CSMN makes c<strong>as</strong>e for less privileged Christians
By Sam Eyoboka
AS the World Health Organization,
WHO foresees
COVID 19 <strong>as</strong> “a very large
outbreak and an outbreak that
is incre<strong>as</strong>ing in intensity,” the
Christian Social Movement
of Nigeria, (CSMN) h<strong>as</strong>
urged the Federal and different
state governments not to
forget the less privileged in the
society.
Rising from a crucial meeting
on March 21, 2020 in Lagos,
the socio-political arm of
the Nigerian Church established
and registered at CAC
in September 2001 by the five
church groups of the Nigerian
Church to coordinate and
manage the interest of Christianity
on Social and Political
issues in the country, stressed
the urgent need push back the
darkness of the pandemic in
bodies litter the landscape.
Not a soul is left alive.
C. Celebration of God's
grace
"And when Jehoshaphat and
his people came to take away
the spoil of them, they found
among them in abundance
both riches with the dead bodies,
and precious jewels, which
they stripped off for themselves,
more than they could
carry away: and they were
three days in gathering of the
spoil, it w<strong>as</strong> so much. And the
fear of God w<strong>as</strong> on all the kingdoms
of those countries, when
they had heard that the Lord
fought against the enemies of
Israel. So the realm of Jehoshaphat
w<strong>as</strong> quiet: for his
God gave him rest round
about" (II Chronicles 20:25,
29-30).
They went immediately into
the Temple for yet another
worship service, this one complete
with a praise orchestra.
The aftershocks of God's victory
at Mount Seir not only
affect the people of Judah, but
also their neighbors who heard
about what God h<strong>as</strong> done. As
a result, Jehoshaphat and
Judah experienced rest from
war for the remainder of his
life.
J.K. Akinola. (Senior P<strong>as</strong>tor)
The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAM-
INT), Living Word Cathedral, Oluyole Estate, beside
Total Petrol Station, off Ring Road, Ibadan. (Telephone:
08033376660, 08055405095)
children of Israel sighed by
re<strong>as</strong>on of the bondage, and
they cried, and their cry came
up unto God by re<strong>as</strong>on of the
bondage (Ex. 2:23). As Christians,
ours is not to fear but to
pray. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says
If my people who are called
by My name will humble
themselves, and pray and
seek My face, and turn from
their wicked ways, then I will
hear from heaven, and forgive
their sin and heal their
land. Do not entertain any
form of fear, all you need to
do is to pray and God will heal
the land and Coronavirus you
will hear no more.
You have to be a child of
God, a born again Christian.
For His sheep, He knows. As
His child you are covered by
the blood of Christ. Keep the
word of God in your heart and
you are free from all infirmities.
Hold unto Christ and your
preservation is sure in this trying
time in Jesus name
(Amen).
sit down to eat, drink and
dance, under the guise of celebrating
the resurrection of
Christ. This is idolatry, against
which believers in Christ are
warned, by the Spirit of God
in I Corinthians 10:7:
“…..Neither be ye idolaters, <strong>as</strong>
were some of them: <strong>as</strong> it is
written. The people sat down
to eat and drink, and rose up
to play.”
All believers in Christ are
commanded by the God of
heaven, in Revelation 18:4-5,
that they should come out of
this Modern Babylon, by refusing
to take part in any of
her ungodly festivities, such <strong>as</strong>
E<strong>as</strong>ter, Christm<strong>as</strong>, Valentine,
New year celebrations, Crossover
night, et cetera.
CHRISTIAN GOSPEL CHURCH
(The Truth Centre) 4, Christian Gospel Avenue,
Beside Psychiatric Hospital,
Uselu, Benin City, Edo State.
Email: cgc.com.ng@gmail.com
Telephone: +234 (0) 7052061135, +234 (0) 9030731406.
Website: www.cgc.com.ng
which we now find ourselves.
A communique signed by
the CSMN Secretary, P<strong>as</strong>tor
Bosun Emmanuel stressed the
need for the Christian Community
to remember that
while governments at different
levels are placing various
restrictions on the citizens to
contain the deadly Coronavirus,
must give support to army
of displaced persons in different
camps in the country.
According to the statement,
the brethren in attendance
agreed on a six cardinal
points: Suppport for IDPs, Rehabilitation
and empowerment
of persecuted Christians,
24/7 prayers for the Church
and Nigeria, Self Defence is
legal, Christian political platform
Christian participation
and accountability.
“Participating brethren “To
Continues on page 29

SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020, PAGE 29
In no other department h<strong>as</strong> the
Christian church gone <strong>as</strong> com
pletely <strong>as</strong>tray <strong>as</strong> on the issue of
tithes and offerings. Week in week
out, Christian congregations are exhorted,
har<strong>as</strong>sed, cajoled, blackmailed,
threatened and bewitched
into giving more and more tithes
and offerings.
All kinds of scriptures are distorted
twisted and manipulated to get
people to give more and more. If
you did not know better, you would
think the whole essence of the Christian
walk is to pay tithes and give
offerings. The average p<strong>as</strong>tor
preaches more about "Sowing and
Reaping" and "Giving and Receiving"
than any other message.
Curse of Malachi
In this regard, the favourite scripture
of p<strong>as</strong>tors in the bible is Malachi
3:8-10. It is used to cajole people
to give on the grounds that those
who withhold tithes and offerings
are robbing God. It is further maintained
they are cursed and their resources
subject to the ravages of the
devourer. Finally it is said that the
windows of heaven are shut against
them ensuring that they are denied
divine blessings. Thereby, people are
scared into giving large sums to the
church.
P<strong>as</strong>tors and evangelists are able
to use Malachi to frighten and armtwist
believers today because Christians
have no understanding of kingdom
dynamics. As a result, they put
old wine in new bottles. When the
Pharisees <strong>insist</strong>ed divorce w<strong>as</strong> lawful
because the Law of Moses sanctioned
it, Jesus pointed out that it
w<strong>as</strong> because of the hardness of their
hearts that Moses permitted it. But
from the beginning it w<strong>as</strong> not God's
intention. (Matthew 19:8). A similar
principle applies to Malachi and
Valley of dry bones(I)
ZEKIEL 37:4-8,10 says:
E“Again he said unto me,
Prophesy upon these bones,
and say unto them, O ye dry
bones, hear the word of the
LORD. Thus saith the Lord
GOD unto these bones; Behold,
I will cause breath to
enter into you, and ye shall
live: And I will lay sinews
upon you, and will bring up
flesh upon you, and cover you
with skin, and put breath in
you, and ye shall live; and ye
shall know that I am the
LORD. So I prophesied <strong>as</strong> I
w<strong>as</strong> commanded: and <strong>as</strong> I
prophesied, there w<strong>as</strong> a noise,
and behold a shaking, and the
bones came together, bone to
his bone. And when I beheld,
lo, the sinews and the flesh
came up upon them, and the
skin covered them above but
there w<strong>as</strong> no breath in them.
So I prophesied <strong>as</strong> he commanded
me, and the breath
came into them, and they
lived, and stood up upon their
feet, an exceeding great
army.”
Beloved, the world <strong>as</strong> a
matter of explanation is full
of men and women, adult and
children who are spiritually
dead. People without life of
God in them, filled with darkness
because of the type of life
they are living, people who
have immersed themselves in
sin and are full of wickedness
until Christ came into the
world and began to bring
about light and life. “For God
so loved the world, that he
gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in
him should not perish, but
The believer's blessing in Christ Jesus
the question of tithes and offerings.
Malachi wrote about tithes and
offerings because of the hardness of
the heart of the Jews in his days.
They did not have a giving nature.
God gave them the Law of Moses
because he knew they would not do
the right thing unless they were
compelled to do so. But instead of
the Law of Moses God, h<strong>as</strong> now given
the believer in Christ Jesus the
"law of liberty." (James 1:25).
In spite of the law, the Jews were
still not inclined to give. Therefore
God, through Malachi, called them
robbers of God, and threatened them
with curses, the devourer and the
denial of blessings.
Love of God
The application of Malachi's curses
to believers today is insulting.
Once a man makes it a law that you
must pay tithes and offerings, he h<strong>as</strong>
spoilt you for the gospel. He h<strong>as</strong>
already determined that you are a
lawbreaker, that you are hard-hearted
and that you are not a believer.
He h<strong>as</strong> concluded that it is not in
your nature to give. If you fulfil his
law, you are agreeing with him that
you are an unbeliever. Therefore,
never give tithes or offerings because
of any "legal" requirements. The
only b<strong>as</strong>is for action that is acceptable
in Christ is love.
How can you get a believer in
Christ to do the right thing? You
don't have to do anything at all because
a true believer will always do
the right thing. A true believer will
do the right thing because he is a
have everl<strong>as</strong>ting life” (John
3;16).
The love of God for man
brought about the awakening
and reform-ation of man. If
not for the emergence of our
Saviour Jesus Christ, man
would have been worse than
dried bones in nature and essence
and considered less
valuable.
John 1:5 says: “And the light
shineth in darkness; and the
darkness comprehended it
not.”
The world w<strong>as</strong> in deep
wicked-ness and ignorant of
the truth until our Lord Jesus
Christ came to teach an ignorant,
benighted, and wicked
world the truth and way of
life. And that is the light that
came from Jesus Christ.
That light came from heaven
through Jesus Christ to
enlighten the world and I
want to let you know that that
light shines upon the valley of
dry bones to give those bones
lives and sinews. So, in the
midst of darkness of ignorance
and idolatry, killings,
kid-napping, rituals etc which
over-spread the world, the
light of God shines.
Matthew 4:16 says: “The
people which sat in darkness
saw great light; and to them
which sat in the region and
shadow of death light is
sprung up.”
The phr<strong>as</strong>e ‘people which
sat in darkness’ denote great
ignorance. As we can’t see
anything either in darkness or
at night, and under such condition,
we would not know
where to go, thus, those who
are ignorant of God, are
said to be in darkness and
iniquity, <strong>as</strong> ignorance is
often connected with
crime and vice, so darkness
is used to denote sin
until Christ appeared.
So, the people that sat
in dark-ness are people
seeing shadows and when
light sprang up through
the coming of Christ, it
awaken their consciousness’
and now they are
able to comprehend realities.
So light shun on
people in dark-ness and
prevailed upon them. I
want you to take note
when our Lord Jesus
Christ came and be-gan
to prophesy, preach, the
dry bones began to come
together just like in the
c<strong>as</strong>e of Ezekiel.
The Scripture says that
the Spirit of God came
upon prophet Ezek-iel
and took him to the valley
of dry bones. So also
the Spirit of God w<strong>as</strong>
upon Jesus Christ and
took Him into the world
full of wicked people and
sinners (dry bones) and <strong>as</strong>
He began to preach, people
began to come to
light, to that original nature
in which God created
them, to the truth and
reality of life.
From that juncture, the
darkness started to disappear,
wickedness started
to disappear and many
people became born
again through the coming
of the Lord Jesus
Christ. And that is the essence
of the parable of the
dry bones <strong>as</strong> stated in the
Book of Ezekiel.
The believer in
Christ Jesus is
already blessed.
Therefore, he
cannot be cursed.
You cannot curse
someone that
God h<strong>as</strong>
new creation; therefore it is in his nature
to do the right thing. Nobody h<strong>as</strong>
to compel him or threaten him. Nobody
needs to manipulate or bewitch
him. Doing the right thing is the fruit
of his Spirit.
When Samuel w<strong>as</strong> explaining the dynamics
of the kingdom of God to Saul,
he told him the Spirit of the Lord would
come mightily upon him and he would
start to prophecy like one of the prophets.
When that happened, Samuel told
Saul to do whatever seemed best to
him for God would guide him. (1 Samuel
10:7). Saul would not need for any
man to teach him what to do: he would
do it naturally.
Holy Spirit guidance
Jesus also states this principle to his
disciples. (Matthew 10:18-20). It is this
same dynamic that John refers to when
he says the anointing of the Holy Spirit
will teach believers all things: "You
Everl<strong>as</strong>ting gospel delivered by the Holy Father,
The Supernatural Teacher and Sole Spiritual Head
of the Universe,
Leader Olumba Olumba Obu
(BCS) WHQ 34 Ambo Street, Calabar, Nigeria
Love final solution to human
problems (2)
BELIEVING
SECOND LESSON: I JOHN
2:10
“He that loveth his brother
abideth in the light, and there is
none occ<strong>as</strong>ion of slumbering in
him.”
LOVE IS LIGHT
rethren, consider this: in a
Bsituation in which your
neighbour’s goat crosses the
fence to your yard and eats up
your yam, is it sensible to quarrel
or even fight with him? If you
do, is it your neighbour who sent
the goat to your yard? If you kill
your brother because of land, is
that not an act of foolishness?
This is underscored in the scripture
below:
“He that loveth his brother
abide him the light, and there is
none occ<strong>as</strong>ion of stumbling in
him. But he that hated his brother
is in darkness hath blinded his
eyes.” (I John 2:10-11)
Therefore, all those who kill
one another and destroy properties
like what the extremists are
fond of doing in Nigeria. Have
no love in them.
“Any person who loves not his
Brother is a child of perdition. It
is therefore, not necessary for
any person to be so interested
in Holy oil, Baikapan Water,
vision or such other things because
they do not afford one
any salvation. The Only thing
you have to seek is love. Love is
the pivot upon which every
other virtue and goodness revolve.
Abide in love and have
all your problem solved.”
Do not complain about lack
of money, wife, husband, car,
house to mention but a few. The
only thing you are lacking is
love without which you cannot
inherit the kingdom of
God. People who have share
everything they get in common
no matter the size and quality.
He is <strong>as</strong> a result of man’s selfishness
and greed that he
craves for an empire for himself
in which he would reign
alone. Such a person is not a
member of Brotherhood of the
Cross and Star. God is the father
of multitude, The God of
all and the God of all the God
of love, he h<strong>as</strong> neither beginning
nor end.
Any person who h<strong>as</strong> love will
always seek to greet others first
and endeavor to ple<strong>as</strong>e them.
Such a person h<strong>as</strong> no time to
CSMN makes c<strong>as</strong>e for less privileged Christians
have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives
within you, in your hearts, so that you don't
need anyone to teach you what is right.
For he teaches you all things." (1 John
2:27).
This w<strong>as</strong> the c<strong>as</strong>e with Abraham. When
Abraham gave a tithe (tenth) of all his
spoils of war to Melchizedec, a priest of
the Most High God, nobody told him to
do so. He did it of his own free will. The
pureness of Abraham's heart naturally led
to his godly decision to honour the Lord
with his possessions and with the first fruits
of the incre<strong>as</strong>e in his resources.
Believers should recognize that God is
a God of free will. The bible says where
the Spirit of God is there is liberty. Jesus
said to the Pharisees concerning divorce:
"From the beginning it w<strong>as</strong> not so." (Matthew
19:8). So many things have been
corrupted by practice and by the traditions
of men, but from the beginning that
w<strong>as</strong> not so.
Cheerful giver
From the beginning, people were not
compelled or threatened to give. Even in
the Old Testament, God only welcomed
offerings that were given willingly and
not out of compulsion. Thus, he instructed
Moses: "Take from among you an offering
to the LORD. Whoever is of a willing
heart, let him bring it <strong>as</strong> an offering to
the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze." (Exodus
35:5).
Indeed, in the construction and furnishing
of God's Tabernacle, the people gave
so willingly and so exceedingly that they
had to be restrained from giving: "The
people were restrained from bringing, for
the material they had w<strong>as</strong> sufficient for
all the work to be done- indeed too much."
(Exodus 36:5-7). That is the kind of giving
that honours the Lord.
Continued from page 28
agreed that mobilization of
Christians, to take care of persecuted
Christians, particularly
those in IDP camps, should be
sustained. Other are<strong>as</strong> of concern
are provision of Christian intervention
on issues affecting Christians
and Democracy in the country
Ṗarticipants also stressed the
need for Rehabilitation and Empowerment
of Christians affected
by the religious insurgency
originating from northern Nigeria
should be cardinal objective
of Christians all over the
country. The meeting agreed
that it would be "irresponsible"
of Nigerian Christians if this is
not done. Therefore, CSMN
should deploy quality amount
of resources to provide this intervention.
“The meeting emph<strong>as</strong>ized
the need for ce<strong>as</strong>eless intercessory
prayers for the Church and
for the country. Towards this
end, all Christians are encouraged
to participate in the 24/7
This means the believer
who gives "of necessity" (because
he feels compelled to
do so) is giving a blemished
sacrifice. You don't give because
you are trying to
avoid curses or because you
are afraid of the devourer.
You give because you want
to. You give because you
love God and men. You give
because you want to further
kingdom business.
This means that you can
decide to give this proportion
of your income this
month and another proportion
next month. The decision
is entirely up to you.
Moreover, if you choose not
to give, the heavens are not
going to fall down on you.
If you choose not to give,
God is not going to rain
down curses on you. If you
choose not to give, the devourer
is not going to be let
loose on you. If you choose
not to give, the windows of
heaven will not be shut
against you.
Let no one deceive you.
The believer in Christ Jesus
is already blessed. Therefore,
he cannot be cursed.
You cannot curse someone
that God h<strong>as</strong> blessed. That
w<strong>as</strong> why there could be no
enchantment against Jacob;
neither could there be
any divination against Israel.
(Numbers 23:23).
Whether he gives tithes and
offerings or not, the believer
in Christ is blessed. He is
blessed, not because of anything
he does or will do, but
because of what Christ h<strong>as</strong>
done.
complain and to impute sins
no another person.
The work of a charitable
person is to speak the truth,
to be humble, to be patient,
to be benevolent, to be merciful
and to be upright. This
explains why it is said: “Love
worketh no evil his neighbour:
therefore love is fulfilling
of the law.” (Romans
13:10) Any person who h<strong>as</strong>
love does not allow evil communication
to proceed out
of his mouth, he neither sees
nor hears evil.
Whoever love one another
does not <strong>as</strong>sociate himself
with anything that is sinful.
I continue to tell you that
you do not know the place
you are and your mission
therein. It is love alone that
reigns in this kingdom
which w<strong>as</strong> given to you free.
Whoever complains of being
deceived, hated or defrauded
should know that he
h<strong>as</strong> first done that to another
person sometimes back.
That confirms the biblical
injuction recorded below:
“But evil men and seducers
shall wax worse and
worse. Deceiving, and being
deceived.” (II Timothy 3:13)
That is why there is no place
in the world today in which
one can find truth, peace
and tranquility. You could
have money, a beautiful
wife, children and estate yet
you have no peace of mind.
No one is charity among
yourselves: for charity shall
answer the multitude of sins.
(I Peter 4:8)
*To be continued
prayers going on for Nigeria.
Christians are encouraged
to pick a time slot during
the week and pray for
only 30 minutes weekly.
Registration can be done
at the website of CSMN –
http://repent.csmnigeria.org
In view of the security
threats all over the country,
the meeting advocated that
Nigerians should organize
to defend themselves. The
brethren reiterated that self
defense is legal under the
law.

PAGE 30—SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020
Now, where are our
politicians?
For the first time in
many years, Nigeria
h<strong>as</strong> in the l<strong>as</strong>t few
days operated like most
countries of the world
where day to day
happenings are premised
mainly on what
government is doing.
Earlier, the only thing that
w<strong>as</strong> happening in Nigeria
w<strong>as</strong> politics, politics, and
politics, without
governance. As at two days
ago, in the peak of the
coronavirus epidemic,
Zamfara politicians were
still craving for the supreme
court to change their state
government while Bauchi
Speaker w<strong>as</strong> facing
removal threats. Our
politicians have thus
successfully reversed the
order of things making it
appear <strong>as</strong> if the essence of
government is politics
rather than the other way
out. The result h<strong>as</strong> been
stunted development. Not
many remember any more
that the government of the
day is supposed to be for all
citizens; instead
government is now seen <strong>as</strong>
belonging to the ruling
political party <strong>as</strong> if a nation
is made up of only partisan
politicians.
Today’s Nigerian
government w<strong>as</strong> installed in
PhD,Department of
Philosophy,
University of Lagos
08116759758
The audacity of power and
fetishism of due process (2)
n the publication by the
IVice-Chancellor,
“Council received and
considered C.P. No. 2019/20/
3b, which contained the
nominees for honorary
doctorate degrees at the 51st
convocation ceremonies of
the university and the
proposed budget estimate.”
He informed that in line with
the ethos and tradition of the
University of Lagos, “the dates
and programmes of the
convocation ceremonies are
usually brought to the
attention of Council after due
clearance of the dates h<strong>as</strong>
been received from the
supervising ministry, which we
did.” Regarding the issue of
honorary doctorate degrees,
Management complied with
extant university guidelines by
forwarding its nominees to the
Honours Committee of the
Senate. According to Prof.
Ogundipe, mindful of the fact
that the convocation date w<strong>as</strong>
rapidly approaching, he
proactively presented to
Council at its meeting of
January 22, through Council
paper CP 2019/20/3b, names
of the proposed honourees
being considered by the
Honours Committee. During
extensive deliberation on the
matter by Council, Dr.
Babalakin directed that
Management should ensure
that only deserving
individuals are honoured. He
then proposed the name of late
Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh,
which w<strong>as</strong> forwarded to the
Honours Committee for
inclusion <strong>as</strong> one of the
May 2019, approximately
one year ago. Since then,
not much h<strong>as</strong> happened
that can improve the living
standards of the people.
Those in government have
been too busy pandering to
the excessive demands of
their party members,
friends and relations with
little or no time for the main
purpose of government
which section 14 of our
constitution describes <strong>as</strong>
the welfare and security of
the citizenry. Others like
Governor Ob<strong>as</strong>eki of Edo
state who have tried to
change the trend are under
fire from their political
parties. The fact that such
distractions come from
within clearly suggests that
the issue at stake is about
sharing state resources
among party members
notwithstanding the
pretensions by the most
vocal critics that their anger
is not fueled by
materialism. The truth is
that they are not even
prepared for what is called
spoils of office, that is b<strong>as</strong>ed
on constructive patronage.
All they want is “cut for me,
cut for me.” There w<strong>as</strong>,
indeed, the story of a party
leader who rather than
commend government for
tarring the road where his
awardees by the Vice-
Chancellor. I remember
clearly that Dr. Adadevoh’s
nomination w<strong>as</strong> unanimously
endorsed by Senate members
present during one of the
meetings when the
convocation w<strong>as</strong> discussed.
In addition, Council
requested the Vice-
Chancellor to liaise “off-line”
with Mr. John Momoh,
national President of the
University of Lagos Alumni
Association, “since the next
Council meeting would hold
just a week before the
convocation ceremonies.”
Concerning the allegation
that the Vice-Chancellor
ignored a letter from the Pro-
Chancellor pointing out
“serious concerns and legal
issues” about the convocation,
Prof. Ogundipe affirmed that
the letter “w<strong>as</strong> sent via email
on Friday, February 28, 2020
at 10:28 pm, but not seen until
late Saturday afternoon.”
Given the issues involved, it
w<strong>as</strong> important to discuss them
at the Management meeting
of March 2, 2020, which
coincided with the date
already scheduled for the
convocation world press
conference.While
Management w<strong>as</strong> responding
to the Pro-Chancellor’s letter,
another email from him
arrived at 12.38 pm that very
day “showing that the matter
h<strong>as</strong> been escalated to the
Ministry of Education and the
NUC.” The Vice-Chancellor’s
and Management’s replies to
both letters were sent to Dr.
Babalakin and also
house is located,
aggressively <strong>as</strong>ked, “is that
what I will eat?”
With coronavirus,
vociferous party leaders
who want to eat up state
resources have gone into
hiding. Now that we need to
improve our health
facilities for COVID 19, we
are also no longer hearing
from those in political
positions who have
cornered state resources
through all forms of
allowances. All we are
hearing now is coming from
two sources, government
and public-spirited private
sector operatives. We hear
President Buhari h<strong>as</strong>
ensured the rele<strong>as</strong>e of N15
billion made up of
N10billion to the Lagos
state government and
N5billion to the nation’s
dise<strong>as</strong>e control agency.
These grants are selfexplicit.
The federal and
state governments have in
addition done some work
such <strong>as</strong> building emergency
isolation centres and
equipping their hospitals
with test machines and
other relevant facilities.
Lagos state in particular
h<strong>as</strong> reportedly set up a
Food Bank in all Local
government are<strong>as</strong>. A report
says those in need of food
support will get some
provided they wear face
m<strong>as</strong>ks and gloves.
Honeywell Flour Mills is
supporting this with
customized food packs
forwarded to both the federal
Ministry of Education and
NUC immediately. The
question now is: Why did the
Ministry ignore completely
the responses of Prof.
Ogundipe and university
Management?
The Vice-Chancellor
observed that in spite of
special appeal by the
university’s Senate following
its emergency meeting of
March 4, 2020 and entreaties
by virtually all members of the
Council when it met later that
day for Dr. Babalakin to
contact the regulatory bodies
and convince them to allow
the convocation ceremonies
to go ahead <strong>as</strong> planned, the
latter bluntly refused. In
conclusion, Prof. Ogundipe
enjoined all stakeholders in
the university to always put the
University of Lagos first so that
through our cooperative
efforts we can provide the best
for our great university and
sustain the culture and
tradition that demonstrate
why we are number one and
eight in Nigeria and Africa
respectively.
At this juncture, having
presented both sides of the
disagreement concerning the
botched convocation
ceremonies, let us dissect the
issues critically and try to
identify the lessons that can
be distilled from the
unfortunate event. For
starters, it is necessary to point
out that the regrettable
postponement of the
convocation w<strong>as</strong> due to the
frosty relationship or
infighting between the
university Management led
by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof.
Ogundipe, and the Governing
Council chaired by the Pro-
Chancellor, Dr. Wale
Babalakin. It really h<strong>as</strong> little
to do with the claim that there
w<strong>as</strong> no authorisation from
Council for the programme.
But I cannot say for sure that
the two gentlemen do not see
eye to eye at the personal level
and, if so, whether the frosty
Bearing in mind that
government is obliged to
work for the people, it
appears better to commend
the private sector for their
initiatives so far. The
It is in order for
Nigerians to see
these days of
affliction <strong>as</strong> payback
time from our
politicians. Will help
come?
Dangote Foundation for
example is coordinating a
coalition of private sector
organizations to support
government’s efforts in
addition to its earlier
pledge of N200million.
Already, Sterling bank h<strong>as</strong>
put down N250million
while United Bank for
Africa UBA gave N5billion
to “catalyse a
comprehensive Pan-African
response to the fight in
Nigeria and 19 other
African countries.” On his
part, the founder of BUA
group, Abdul-Samad Rabiu
h<strong>as</strong> donated N1billion in
c<strong>as</strong>h plus equipment and
medical supplies including
testing kits and medical
protective gears to 9 states.
First Bank h<strong>as</strong> offered to
finance the roll-out of e-
learning solution
accredited by government
for students that would
immediately enable one
million children move to e-
learning. 30millionUS$ is
coming from NNPC’s
coordinated 32 indigenous
oil and g<strong>as</strong> operators.
The question now is: Why
did the Ministry ignore
completely the responses
of Prof. Ogundipe and
university Management?
relationship referred to above
is a reflection of personal
animosity between them.
Whatever might be the c<strong>as</strong>e,
the relevant question to <strong>as</strong>k is
this: What are the roles
<strong>as</strong>signed by the University of
Lagos Act to the Pro-
Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor
and the Senate in organising
convocation ceremonies? I
have read the Act, and there is
no explicit delineation of the
functions of the Pro-
Chancellor and Vice-
Chancellor therein. However,
certain provisions of the Act
provide re<strong>as</strong>onable guide
both to the university
Management and Governing
Council on the issue. For
instance, Section 6 (2)
provides that “The Pro-
Chancellor shall, in relation
to the university, take
precedence before all other
members of the university
except the Chancellor and the
Vice-Chancellor when acting
<strong>as</strong> Chairman of congregation
or convocation and except the
Deputy Vice-Chancellor when
so acting; and the Pro-
Chancellor shall, when he is
present, be the chairman at all
meetings of the Council.”
Section 7 (1) of the act
empowers the Council to be
in charge of the “general
control and superintendence
of the policy, finances and
property of the university,
including its public
relations.” Section 8 (2c & d)
vests on the Senate the power
to award degrees and such
other qualifications <strong>as</strong> may be
prescribed in connection with
examinations held <strong>as</strong>
aforesaid; the making of
recommendations to Council
Our expectations that our
religious organizations
would be among the
leading voices does not
appear to have been met.
There is however a report
that renown church leader
P<strong>as</strong>tor Enoch Adeboye h<strong>as</strong>
donated intensive care unit
beds with ventilators to
<strong>as</strong>sist Lagos, Ogun and
Plateau states to combat the
coronavirus pandemic. For
many re<strong>as</strong>ons, Nigeria,
deserves more donations
from our churches. To start
with, many of our church
leaders who preach help to
the needy are rated among
the richest people on earth.
In addition, sharp incre<strong>as</strong>es
in church collections which
have converted the
Kingdom of God’s industry
in the country to a booming
business justify our
expectations. Apart from
schools, universities and
other businesses, many
religious groups own
hospitals which they can at
this point properly equip
and make available to all.
Interestingly, our
politicians have been too
quiet; it is like they no
longer love publicity, <strong>as</strong> we
are yet to hear from the
rather loud leaders of our
political parties either on
behalf of themselves or
their political parties. Our
conclusion that our
politicians are no longer
forthcoming is not too
h<strong>as</strong>ty because, they are the
ones who have always been
in the public glare. Is it not
strange that they are now
allowing industrialists and
private sector operatives
take a lead in national
matters? They are the ones
who always claim to want
to offer service; it is in fact,
hard to forget the
multitudes of politicians
who at election times often
provided bags of rice,
with respect to the award to
any person of an honorary
fellowship or honorary degree
or the title of professor
emeritus. In addition, Section
9(2) proclaims that “Subject
to Sections 7 and 8 of this Act,
relating to the Visitor, the Vice-
Chancellor shall to the
exclusion of any other person
or authority have the general
function, in addition to any
other functions conferred on
him by this Act or otherwise,
of directing the activities of the
university, and shall be the
chief executive and academic
officer of the university and exofficio
chairman of the
Senate.” Reading all these
provisions together, the Act
envisages that the Vice-
Chancellor and the Senate
should play more prominent
roles in putting together
convocation ceremonies than
the Pro-Chancellor.
I confirm that the Vice-
Chancellor scrupulously
followed existing regulations
regarding the role of the
Senate in the programme,
being present at Senate
meetings when it w<strong>as</strong>
discussed. Dr. Babalakin’s
claim that the programme
w<strong>as</strong> not authorised by the
Council is perplexing. I
participated in the Senate
meetings where different
<strong>as</strong>pects of the ill-fated
convocation were debated
thoroughly. How re<strong>as</strong>onable
is the claim that Council w<strong>as</strong>
not carried along if during one
of its meetings in January the
Pro-Chancellor requested that
Dr. Adadevoh should receive
a posthumous honorary
doctorate degree during the
convocation? Would he have
made the recommendation
without any information
about details of the
programme?
Now, it is strange that,
according to the rele<strong>as</strong>e by the
Council on March 9, 2020,
the convocation budget w<strong>as</strong>
the only item formally
brought to the special meeting
held on January 21 and 22,
beans, salt etc. to the people
<strong>as</strong> a sign of affection.
Where are they now?
Politicians whose donations
have been made public like
Atiku Abubakar at federal
level and Chris
Ogiemwonyi in Edo are too
few. Where are those who
held offices before and who
collected severance
allowances that are
equivalent to ten years’
salaries of the highest paid
civil servants? Where are
those for whom we built
houses in two cities of their
choice for serving their
states for only 8 years?
Former President
Goodluck Jonathan h<strong>as</strong>
sent words of hope to the
nation; but we need more
from him and all other
former and present leaders.
We agree with Oyo
politician, Kehinde
Olaosebikan that
government should
organize a fund for the
benefit of the poor and
needy. The other day,
Senate President Ahmed
Lawan said “we can’t lock
people up in their houses
with a threat of dise<strong>as</strong>e
without food.” He should
kindly lead the way and
appeal to his always welldressed
colleagues to give
up at le<strong>as</strong>t their wardrobe
allowances for now. We
won’t be drawn into the
puerile controversy
between our legislators and
the media <strong>as</strong> to whether or
not the National Assembly
h<strong>as</strong> taken delivery of the
Toyota Camry 2020 model
cars which they acquired for
themselves <strong>as</strong> official cars.
What cannot be disputed is
that our legislators are
unduly pampered.
Therefore, it is in order for
Nigerians to see these days
of affliction <strong>as</strong> payback
time from our politicians.
Will help come?
bearing in mind that the Pro-
Chancellor had declared that
all matters relating to the
ceremony shall be considered
at the Council meeting of
January 22, 2020, and also
when it is obvious that the
ceremony, which involves
demanding coordination of
different components, w<strong>as</strong> a
very important item on the
agenda of the meeting.
Moreover, it is difficult to
believe that the Council
deliberated on the budget,
proposed convocation
lecturer, and Senate’s
recommendation for the
award of honorary doctorate
degrees without looking into
other details of the event.
Accordingly, any openminded
person who reads the
“University of Lagos Council
Resolutions” and the Vice-
Chancellor’s rebuttal would
recognise that the latter h<strong>as</strong>
more verisimilitude than the
former, because it definitely
does not make sense to discuss
certain critical <strong>as</strong>pects of the
convocation (the budget,
convocation lecturer, and
honourees) without having an
idea of the activities
earmarked for the occ<strong>as</strong>ion
and the exact dates it would
take place. In any c<strong>as</strong>e, there
is no provision in the
University of Lagos Act which
stipulates that Management
must receive special
authorisation from the
Council to organise
convocation ceremonies and
how such request should be
made. At any rate, even if the
Pro-Chancellor had
complaints about the way the
Vice-Chancellor and his team
were handling the
programme or for whatever
re<strong>as</strong>on w<strong>as</strong> not satisfied with
what w<strong>as</strong> going on and
wanted the regulatory
authorities to intervene, must
he act unilaterally without
approval from a properly
constituted Council meeting?
Or is the Chairman identical
with the Council?
To be concluded.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020, PAGE 31
2023: Re<strong>as</strong>ons Sanusi
should consider running
for presidency —Yesufu
A
former Director, , Corporate and Government Affairs, West
Africa, Cadbury Plc, Bala Yesuf
esufu, u, in this interview, , gives
es
re<strong>as</strong>ons the deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II,
should consider running for president in 2023. Yesuf
esufu, u, an export
promotion expert, also speaks on how Nigeria can protect itself
against oil price volatility among other issues.
By Charles Kumolu,
Deputy Editor
• Bala Yesufu
In your book, Export Architecture
R o a d m a p :
The Nigerian and Global Perspectives,
t h e
deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammadu
Sanusi II, wrote the foreword. As someone
who knows him from close quarters, what do
you make of the deposition?
Sanusi is above his traducers. He is a very
intelligent aristocrat. It is not a surprise that a
lot of people are very jealous of him. He is a
global citizen, who wanted to modernise the
Emirate system with his intellect, but those,
who are comfortable with the status quo moved
against him. It is an advantage for us <strong>as</strong> a
nation because his wealth of ide<strong>as</strong> is needed to
get this country on the right path. He is an
economist and we need someone like him to
be at the helm of affairs in this country. Many
people who are jealous of him are not doing
that because he did anything wrong. It is
because he is outspoken and speaks against
social ills without minding whose ox is gored.
Because Sanusi is an all-rounder, we are
coming together to tell those, who deposed him
that they have done this nation more good than
harm. Sansui’s life ambition w<strong>as</strong> to be the Emir
of Kano and he realised it. Having spent six
years on the throne, he is fulfilled. They came
from the backyard to dethrone with on flimsy
and childish excuses. Even a kindergarten
pupil cannot accept the re<strong>as</strong>ons he w<strong>as</strong>
dethroned. If he had gone to court to challenge
the deposition, he would have won but the man
h<strong>as</strong> moved on. No matter what, the history of
Nigeria can’t be written without mentioning
that Sanusi w<strong>as</strong> Emir of Kano.
Premeditated
People are saying that the removal w<strong>as</strong>
premeditated to prepare him for 2023, which
is not true. Even Sanusi would tell anyone that
he does not have the skills for politics but some
of us are coming together to convince him.
For the son of a w<strong>as</strong>herman to plan a coup
against Sanusi is condemnable. Unknown to
people, before the dethronement, they tried
every means to silence
Sanusi but they failed.
They had thought that he
Sanusi is above
his traducers.
He is a very
intelligent
aristocrat. It is
not a surprise
that a lot of
people are very
jealous of him
would react physically so
that they would
embarr<strong>as</strong>s him, but the
man displayed the
highest level of maturity.
If they are disputing the
fact that Sanusi is
popular in Kano, why did
they flood the metropolis
with security agents? He
h<strong>as</strong> even told his
supporters not to fight
back, <strong>insist</strong>ing that power
belongs to God. We
cannot have such a
person and look the other
way. He is the only man
with what it takes to rule
this nation after Buhari.
He can represent Nigeria
on the global stage and
earn the respect of the
world. His achievements in the banking sector
speak for him. Those, who speak ill of him, are
corrupt people.
Are you now saying the noise about Sanusi
for President is for real?
People are just speculating out of their
conviction that he h<strong>as</strong> what it takes to lead
Nigeria better. But <strong>as</strong> far <strong>as</strong> I am concerned,
Sanusi is not interested in that. People are just
flying a kite to feel the pulse of the nation.
Sanusi is resting and he wants to rest for a very
long time before taking the next step. I can say
authoritatively that Sanusi does not have a
hand in all the things on the social media about
Sanusi for President. However,
we hope he would decide to
contest. We would find a way to
appeal to him at the auspicious
time to come out. Nigeria needs
him. Even the international
community knows that he is
competent to lead Nigeria.
Whether they like it or not,
Sanusi would be the next
President of this country. He is
needed so that we can move this
country forward.
Given the falling oil prices
occ<strong>as</strong>ioned by the Saudi-
Russia issue and Coronavirus
pandemic, how would you
advice the federal
government?
Some of us in the export field
have been talking to
government, delivering papers
and speaking about the need
to diversify. Unfortunately, we
remain a mono-product economy. All we do is
talk about diversification without doing
anything. The oil money h<strong>as</strong> beclouded us so
much that it is when there is a problem that we
just talk about diversification. It is only when
there is a problem that government and
corporate organisations think of going into
export. Sometimes, government creates good
incentives for exporters but implementation is
always the problem <strong>as</strong> a result of corruption.
Imagine how everybody is panicking because
of the drop in oil prices. It is so because we
didn’t plan for the rainy day. If we had
diversified a long time ago, we won’t be
panicking, we would have moved on. It also
happens in some corporate organisations that
have an export department but pay lip service
to the department. In the p<strong>as</strong>t, we used to tell
organisations that it is either they export or
perish. They did that and earned foreign
exchange. Sadly, Nigeria is perishing because
of the failure to diversify and it is painful to
those of us, who are technocrats in that field.
We offer so much advice but government does
not take them seriously.
But government is making efforts to
diversify through rice production and other
c<strong>as</strong>h crops…
Kudos should be given to President
Muhammadu Buhari for diversifying to
agriculture. He h<strong>as</strong> done so well to the extent
that Nigeria is likely to be an exporter of
rice in a very short time. It is not only on rice
production but also on c<strong>as</strong>sava production.
Notwithstanding, government should
continue on that path. Today, Nigerians are
getting used to locally produced rice.
However, government should ensure the
incentives they have introduced do not exist
on paper alone, they must work.
Government must make them work. There
are <strong>experts</strong> that can make them work in
Nigeria. Government should identify them
and give them the responsibility.
Apart from institutional corruption you
identified <strong>as</strong> hampering export, indigenous
exporters also accuse foreign terminal
operators of frustrating exportation of
Nigerian products. What do you make of
that?
We looked into that and understood the
issues. Some of those companies are
inspection agents and they are worldacclaimed
inspection agents. There are
things they need to look into before allowing
the exportation of certain products. There is
a criterion an exporter needs to meet. If an
exporter thinks he can’t do that, no
responsible terminal operator would allow
him to export his products. Most Nigerian
exporters like to cut corners and think they
use money to achieve anything. When they
don’t comply with international standards,
international companies would stop them
from exporting. It is at that point that local
producers start claiming that the international
companies are undermining Nigeria’s export
drive. That is arrant nonsense. They
should comply. For instance, people go to
the open market to buy expired beer
products to export. And the expiring date
of beer is six months. When they export
them to London for instance, the inspectors
will discover that they are expired. When
the products are destroyed by the British
government, Nigerian exporters would
begin to cry foul. That is exactly what is
happening here. Nigerians should learn to
comply with best practices.

PAGE 32—SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020
GLOBAL CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: US c<strong>as</strong>es exceed
104,000, now with highest infections
•C<strong>as</strong>es top 607,000; 28,000 dead, 132,000 recovered — Johns Hopkins
•Number of UK deaths rises above 1,000
•Spain reports 832 deaths, exceeding Friday’s record
•Japan plans c<strong>as</strong>h handouts, supplementary budget
•India defiant <strong>as</strong> millions struggle under lockdown
•China signals ramped-up stimulus, says all 54 new virus c<strong>as</strong>es on March 27 are imported
•US c<strong>as</strong>es exceed 104,000, more than Italy, China
By Victor Tunde Oso
(with agency report)
Global c<strong>as</strong>es of
coronavirus h<strong>as</strong>
surp<strong>as</strong>sed 600,000
with the U.S. becoming the
first country to reach over
100,000 infections. Spain
reported a second consecutive
day of record deaths <strong>as</strong> the
pandemic shows no signs of
abating.
Number of UK deaths
rises above 1,000
The number of people to
have died with the
coronavirus in the United
Kingdom UK, h<strong>as</strong> reached
1,019. The latest government
figures yesterday showed
there were another 260 deaths
in the UK in a day, up from
759 on Friday. There are now
17,089 confirmed c<strong>as</strong>es in the
UK.
It comes <strong>as</strong> the government
said it w<strong>as</strong> ramping up testing
for frontline hospital staff
who have symptoms, or who
live with people who have
symptoms.
Critical care doctors and
nurses will be prioritised first,
with testing expected to follow
for A&E staff, paramedics
and Gps. In Wales, Scotland
and Northern Ireland, health
workers are already being
tested. The jump in deaths is
the biggest day-on-day
incre<strong>as</strong>e the UK since the
outbreak began. The number
of deaths is 34% higher than
Friday’s figure.
U.S. Becomes First
Nation With 100,000
C<strong>as</strong>es
The United States became
the first country to surp<strong>as</strong>s
100,000 confirmed c<strong>as</strong>es of
the coronavirus on Friday, a
day after it overtook China
to become the largest
outbreak in the world.
America’s most prominent
hot spots are New York and
New Jersey, which together
account for half the country’s
total c<strong>as</strong>es. California h<strong>as</strong>
more than 4,000, and smaller
outbreaks in Illinois and
Michigan continue to gain
traction.
India defiant <strong>as</strong>
millions struggle under
lockdown
The Indian government h<strong>as</strong>
defended its handling of the
coronavirus outbreak after a
strict lockdown - introduced
with little warning - left
millions stranded and
without food. The country’s
response had been “preemptive,
pro-active and
graded”, it said in a
statement.
India’s population of 1.3
billion w<strong>as</strong> given less than
four hours’ notice of the threeweek
lockdown on Tuesday.
Officially about 900 people
have coronavirus in India.
However, <strong>experts</strong> worry that
the real number of infections
could be far higher. India h<strong>as</strong>
one of the lowest testing rates
in the world, although efforts
are under way to ramp up
capacity.
Spain’s Deadliest Day
Spain said yesterday that
832 people died from
coronavirus in the l<strong>as</strong>t 24
hours, its deadliest day since
the outbreak began. That
brings total fatalities to 5,690
after the country recorded
NNPC <strong>as</strong>sures Nigerians of steady fuel supply
The Nigerian National
P e t r o l e u m
Corporation (NNPC) h<strong>as</strong>
<strong>as</strong>sured Nigerians of
adequate fuel supply
following implementation
of sit-at-home order in
some states to contain the
spread of the COVID-19.
Mr Mele Kyari, Group
Managing Director, NNPC,
who gave the <strong>as</strong>surance in
a tweet on Saturday, said
supply of petroleum
product would not be
affected by the lockdown.
“States have all
consented to allow
movement of fuel trucks
and operation of stations
A Non - Governmental
Organization, Oghenero
Alakpodia Foundation
(OAF), h<strong>as</strong> applauded the
efforts of Delta State
governor, Senator Ifeanyi
Okowa, to curtail the
spread of corona to the
state.
The Founder, Comrade
Oghenero Alakpodia, in a
statement, expressed joy that
no c<strong>as</strong>e of the virus w<strong>as</strong>
recorded in Delta so far.
In this lieu, he appealed
to Deltans to abide by the
regulations spelt out by the
state government and the
World Health Organisation
(WHO), <strong>as</strong> me<strong>as</strong>ures to
check the outbreak or
during any sit at home
action.
“Our stock and supply
plan are robust and there is
no need to buy more than
you require at anytime. We
will keep supplying, “ he
said.
The News Agency of
Nigeria (NAN) reports that
some states including
Kaduna, Kano, Lagos,
769 deaths on Friday. Health
Minister Salvador Illa
warned on Friday that the
pandemic h<strong>as</strong> yet to reach its
peak in Spain.
Germany to Stay
Locked Down
German Chancellor
Angela Merkel said the
country’s lockdown rules are
unlikely to be relaxed because
they are needed to protect the
health-care system. Her chief
of staff, Helge Braun,
separately told newspaper
Der Tagesspiegel it h<strong>as</strong> been
decided to keep the current
me<strong>as</strong>ures largely in place
until April 20.
Japan Stimulus to
Exceed Financial Crisis
Japan will extend economic
stimulus on an
“unprecedented scale” in
U.S. coronavirus c<strong>as</strong>es top <strong>as</strong> states scramble to curb the spread
NPA did not contradict NCDC on infected seafarers
By Godwin Oritse
N a bid to get a clear
Ipicture of the reported
c<strong>as</strong>es of COVID019 on a
vessel, the Nigerian Ports
Authority, NPA , says its
action in this regard w<strong>as</strong>
not meant to contradict the
information rele<strong>as</strong>ed to the
public by the National
Centre for Dise<strong>as</strong>e Control,
NCDC.
In a state statement the
General Manager,
Corporate and Strategic
Communications, Engr
Rivers, Edo and Delta had
issued directives advising
people to stay at home to
contain Cornonavirus.
Nigeria currently h<strong>as</strong> 81
confirmed c<strong>as</strong>es with three
discharged persons and one
death.
Adams Jatto, said NPA, in
collaboration with Port
Health, had not recorded
any confirmed c<strong>as</strong>e to date.
According to the agency’s
spokesman, the NPA is a
system organization and all
due processes and
Covid-19: Oghenero Alakpodia Foundation lauds Okowa’s efforts
spread of the deadly virus
to the state.
He said, “The quick
response of Delta State
government on the
management of corona virus
By Tony Nwankwo
s the world battles with
Acoronavirus, Hon Amb
Ike Oligbo (Ichie Ike Edeke),
renowned international
businessman, h<strong>as</strong> called on
the Anambra State
government to initiate
me<strong>as</strong>ures to impose
deserves applause.
Nevertheless, we cannot
afford to be indifferent <strong>as</strong> a
people in the fight against this
virus. “Regular handw<strong>as</strong>hing
and use of sanitizers
have proved very helpful in
preventing the virus. Others
include social distancing,
avoidance of cold. I appeal
to all Deltans to adhere to
all the health regulations.”
Accept precautionary me<strong>as</strong>ures, stay safe, Ike Oligbo
tells Ndi Anambra transportation directives,
prohibit m<strong>as</strong>s gatherings and
shut down institutions that
harbour convergence of
crowd. In a press statement to
the people of Anambra State
on the pandemic, rele<strong>as</strong>ed by
Ike Oligbo Media Team, he
stated that governments
across the country were
incre<strong>as</strong>ingly adopting
sweeping me<strong>as</strong>ures in a bid to
curb the spread of the deadly
virus which had regrettably
killed many, especially old
people.
The PDP stalwart and
Anambra 2021 gubernatorial
<strong>as</strong>pirant’s call for emergency
me<strong>as</strong>ures amid a worrying
rise in the number of infections
registered in recent days across
the country after weeks of
relatively few reported c<strong>as</strong>es.
response to the outbreak,
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
said. There will be c<strong>as</strong>h
handouts for citizens and the
government will act to protect
regional employment, he
said in a televised press
briefing on Saturday. The
government actions will be
on a larger scale than that of
the financial crisis more than
a decade ago, he said.
Dutch Hospitals to
Reach ICU Bed Capacity
Dutch hospitals will
probably reach full capacity
of intensive care beds on
Sunday due to the pandemic,
local newspaper Trouw
writes, citing numbers from
a medical <strong>as</strong>sociation. The
government is currently in
talks with Germany to see if
it can transfer intensive-care
patients. Doctors have also
started calling elderly people
at home to <strong>as</strong>k if they want to
be treated in the hospital or
at home if they get Covid-19,
causing panic among older
citizens, newspaper Telegraaf
reported.
Iran to Punish Those
Who Ignore Social
Distancing Rules
Iranian President H<strong>as</strong>san
Rouhani said people who
ignore social distancing rules
aimed at stopping the spread
of the coronavirus would be
punished. “Anyone who
doesn’t want to listen or
chooses to resist will face
harsher me<strong>as</strong>ures this time
around,” Rouhani said in a
television broadc<strong>as</strong>t.
“Punishments are in place to
that end, but hopefully we will
never get there.” This week
authorities introduced stricter
me<strong>as</strong>ures to combat the
outbreak, including a ban on
intercity travel and the
closing of parks and other
public spaces.
Singapore Advises
Public to Stay Indoors,
procedures must be adhered
to in the cause of its
investigation.
Jatto said: “In respect to
the six new c<strong>as</strong>es that were
detected on a vessel in
Lagos, the Authority, in
collaboration with Port
Health, h<strong>as</strong> not recorded any
confirmed c<strong>as</strong>es to date.
“To enable verification and
proper record keeping, kindly
avail us with specific details
on the name of the vessel the
p<strong>as</strong>sengers were on board,
and the terminal or jetty
where they berthed.
“The NPA needed the
clarification to re<strong>as</strong>sure its
stakeholders who raised
concern over the
announcement that six
c<strong>as</strong>es were found on a vessel
when they <strong>as</strong> shipping
companies, terminal
operators, jetty operators
did not witness any such
p<strong>as</strong>sengers through their
respective COVID-19
protocol”.
Shop Online
Singapore advised its
public to stay at home in its
latest effort to curb the spread
of the coronavirus, a day after
Prime Minister Lee Hsien
Loong said the city state is
facing a grave economic
challenge posed by the
pandemic. The public should
only head to malls for
essential items such <strong>as</strong> food,
the government said in an
advisory on its official
WhatsApp channel,
suggesting that people “buy
food and groceries online.”
Mexico’s AMLO
Encourages Shopping in
Public Markets
Mexican President Andres
Manuel Lopez Obrador said
people should shop in public
markets to support small
businesses during the
coronavirus outbreak.
“Those at the top know how
to defend themselves; they
can resist,” he said in a video
posted on Facebook. “Those
at the bottom have a hard
time in times of crisis.”
Australian State
Introduces Social
Distance Fines
In the Australian state of
Victoria, police have been
given power to issue on-thespot
fines of up to A$1,652
($1,020) for individuals and
A$9,913 for businesses who
don’t follow rules on social
distancing or limits on
gatherings. Premier Dan
Andrews said he wouldn’t
hesitate to close beaches after
police were forced to disperse
hundreds of people
sunbathing on Melbourne’s
St. Kilda beach on Friday.
Australia’s death toll from the
coronavirus outbreak h<strong>as</strong>
risen to 14, according to
government figures rele<strong>as</strong>ed
Saturday. The number of
confirmed infections stood at
3,635 <strong>as</strong> of Saturday
afternoon, an incre<strong>as</strong>e of 469
from Friday afternoon.
We didn’t give N300 million subventions
to NITDA, says NCC Management
By Jane Echewedo
anagement of the
MN i g e r i a n
Communications
Commission (NCC) h<strong>as</strong>
debunked the allegation that
it gave N300 million to
Nigeria Information
Technology Development
Agency, (NITDA), to fund its
activities.
In a statement by the
management of NCC
signed by Director, Public
Affairs, Dr. Henry
Nkemadu, stated the
report in an online media
claiming the funding is “a
mere falsehood, which h<strong>as</strong>
no b<strong>as</strong>is.”
The statement said in
order to put the records
straight, no agency of the
Federal Government gives
subvention to another since
every agency makes its
budget and gets approval
for appropriation from the
National Assembly and
such budgets are spent
according to the
appropriation of the
National Assembly.
Nkemadu noted since
the advent of the new
administration, the
Honourable Minister of
Communications and
Digital Economy, Dr. Isa
Ali Ibrahim Pantami, “h<strong>as</strong>
always encouraged a
working relationship and
close synergy between all
the par<strong>as</strong>tatals under the
purview of the Ministry and
not cross-funding of any of the
par<strong>as</strong>tatals.”
He therefore submitted
that, “we did not receive any
directive from the Honorable
Minister of Communications
and Digital Economy, Dr Isa
Ali Ibrahim Pantami on
funding any activity of
NITDA and no approval w<strong>as</strong>
given in that regard.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020, PAGE 33
Lagos Pipeline Leakage: NNPC shutdown
supply, deploys excavators to Mosimi
By Prince Okafor
Following the pipeline
leakage at Satellite
Town in Lagos, the
Nigerian National Petroleum
Corporation, NNPC, yesterday,
said it h<strong>as</strong> shut down the
supply and is currently evacuating
petroleum product
from the line.
This development is coming
12 days after the March
15 pipeline explosion at Abule
Ado, Lagos where about
23 persons dead while over
70 houses and vehicles were
destroyed.
Vanguard gathered that, at
about 1530hrs on Friday, reports
indicated that the
NNPC’s ATC-Mosimi pipeline
along Ojokwu Street,
Navy Town axis of Satellite
Town in Lagos w<strong>as</strong> leaking
and the cause of the leakage
can not be <strong>as</strong>certained <strong>as</strong> yet.
According to the Director-
General, Lagos State Emergency
Management Agency,
Mr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu,
“We received an alert
Thursday evening and upon
arrival, it w<strong>as</strong> discovered that
an NNPC pipeline along the
axis at Ojukwu street, Navy
Town w<strong>as</strong> leaking.
“We contacted the NNPC
who dispatched a repair
team to the location. The
agency and other first responders
intend to remain on
high alert until the repairs
being carried out by NNPC
are fully completed.”
However, the NNPC
Spokesperson, Dr Kehinde
Obateru, in a chat with Vanguard
stated that Corporation’s
contractor, Messrs.
Oilserv Limited deployed two
maintenance teams to site on
Friday morning but manual
excavation could not be
achieved due to the swampy
nature of the terrain.
“Hence a swamp buggy
h<strong>as</strong> been arranged to ensure
thorough excavation and repair.
“Meanwhile, we have activated
all the security and
Safety logistics to remain onsite,
this includes Health Safety
and Environment, HSE
from Satellite Depot and the
HSE and Public Right of
Way, PROW, team from Mosimi
Area office are already
on their way to Lagos with
Gully sucker, slurry pump
and other relevant/necessary
materials.
“We are equally getting
mutual support from the Nigeria
Security and Civil Defence
Corps, NSCDC Lagos
State Command, Navy and
Operations Awatse, Lagos
State Fire Service and LASE-
MA.
“The area h<strong>as</strong> properly cordoned
off to prevent hoodlums
from the surrounding
community gaining access to
the area while the repair
l<strong>as</strong>ts.”
Coronavirus ends soon if... — Prophetess Ajiboye
By Dayo Johnson,
Akure
eneral Overseer of Tan
Gsoro-Tansoro Prayer
Ministry, Akure, Ondo State,
Prophetess Apeke Janet Ajiboye,
says God will soon answer
the prayers and cries of
nations over the spread of the
CONVID-19 pandemic.
Ajiboye, who claimed to
have predicted the outbreak
of the dise<strong>as</strong>e, said, “God is
putting an end in sight and
all the fears dominating the
airwaves will soon end.
“There is need for urgent
prayers by religious leaders
in a bid to contain the pandemic.
The Lord said ‘I am
removing this dise<strong>as</strong>e from
BENUE: Deputy Gov
begins self-isolation
Deputy Governor of Benue
State, Mr. Benson Abounu,
h<strong>as</strong> commenced selfisolation
after several travels
outside the state.
Also, Governor Samuel
Ortom of the state, who said
Benue recorded its first c<strong>as</strong>e
yesterday, said the index c<strong>as</strong>e,
a lady, name withheld, who
arrived the state from the UK
a few days ago, took ill
and tested <strong>positive</strong>.
The governor, who also
announced the closure of all
markets in the state,
instructed Christian and
Moslem leaders to adhere to
the directives suspending
religious and social
gatherings.
PLATEAU: Restriction
begins today
Buhari, Lawan, Omo-Agege, Fayemi
laud Tinubu at 68
By Henry Umoru
President Muhammadu
Buhari, President of the
Senate, Ahmad Lawan, his
Deputy, Ovie Omo Agege and
Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode
Fayemi have felicitated
with the National Leader of
All Progressives Congress,
APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on
his 68th birthday.
In separate goodwill messages,
the leaders commended
Tinubu for his selfless services
to Nigeria.
Buhari’s congratulatory
message w<strong>as</strong> conveyed in a
statement issued by his Special
Adviser on Media and
Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.
According to him, the former
governor h<strong>as</strong> inspired great
leadership in Lagos state.
“Asiwaju’s greatest strength
lies in his ability to look beyond
religious, ethnic and
political stereotyping, and
embrace the reality of Nigeria
<strong>as</strong> one entity”, the President
said.
Buhari also noted that Tinubu
had extended his warmth,
acumen and experience to
other parts of the country, particularly
in difficult times like
the current struggle against
COVID-19.
In his congratulatory message,
Lawan said Tinubu h<strong>as</strong>
doggedly groomed leaders,
the surface of the earth’”.
The prophetess said the
medical world would be the
most affected hence the need
for prayers, citing the feat recorded
in Nigeria on L<strong>as</strong>sa
fever.
She quoted Bible p<strong>as</strong>sages
to be read <strong>as</strong> a me<strong>as</strong>ure
against corona and declared
that the remaining part of
2020 will be of joy and greatness
for those serving God.
“The spiritual solution and
prevention to the current L<strong>as</strong>sa
fever and coronavirus is
prayer.
“It w<strong>as</strong> divinely manifested
to me in 2019 that medical
workers like doctors and
nurses should pray concerning
the dise<strong>as</strong>es.
set development templates
and built bridges for national
integration and cohesion.
The Senate President, in a
statement by his Special Adviser,
Media, Ola Awoniyi,
said, “Asiwaju Tinubu’s concept
of leadership enables
him to motivate <strong>as</strong>sociates
and inspire in them confidence
and loyalty. His imprints
are indelible on politics
and governance at the
sub-national and national
levels in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, Ovie Omo
Agege, in a goodwill message
he personally signed, described
the celebrant <strong>as</strong> the
architect of modern Lagos,
stressing that Tinubu
would remained a reference
point in Nigerian politics because
of his selfless service to
humanity.
From left: Oluwafemi Oyetunde, Kingdom Hack Project Coordinator, Precious Akingbade,
RCCG National Youth P<strong>as</strong>tor, Opeyemi Owosho, Founder, HomeFort Energy,
P<strong>as</strong>tor Oluwadamilare Adeboye, International Director of Programs RCCG Young
Adults and Youth Affairs
Ministers donate 50% of March salary
to support Covid-19 efforts
By Emmanuel <strong>El</strong>ebeke
Nigeria’s 43 Cabinet
Ministers have donated
50% of their March 2020
salaries to support the Federal
Government’s efforts to
combat the COVID-19 pandemic
in the country.
In a statement in Abuja, yesterday,
the Minister of Information
and Culture, Alhaji
Lai Mohammed, quoted the
Minister of State for Transportation,
Sen. Gbemisola
Homefort Energy wins RCCG’s $5,000 Kingdom
Hackathon prize
“God further revealed that
solution to the viral dise<strong>as</strong>es
is that people are to pray individually
or <strong>as</strong> <strong>as</strong>sociations.
“People must pray on a bottle
or sachet water and read
Psalms 15, 27, 91 and 121
before drinking the water
while using part of it to wet
the entrance of house with the
prayer that no sickness,
plague and dise<strong>as</strong>e of any
kind will enter our abode,
community, town and country.”
Ajiboye urged bankers to be
prayerful, predicting m<strong>as</strong>sive
job losses in the banking sector,
but urged prayer against
m<strong>as</strong>s retrenchment in Ondo
State civil service.
Kingdom Hackathon is a
tech event focused on solving
social problems through technology,
an initiative of the
Young Adults and Youth Affairs
of RCCG.
The Nigerian Startup
makes cooking g<strong>as</strong> (LPG) affordable
and accessible to
underserved markets in Nigeria,
using pay <strong>as</strong> you go
model and digital innovations.
The event brought together
innovators who are tackling
Social & Global issues
and offers support to them
through mentorship and
funding.
Saraki, who coordinated the
donation, saying it w<strong>as</strong> a gesture
of solidarity and support
for the Federal Government’s
efforts to tackle the dise<strong>as</strong>e.
‘’This global virus outbreak
will require nations, continents
and smaller communities
to pull together to contribute
their resources and
support one another. This will
facilitate an early resolution
of the problem,’’ Alhaji Mohammed
further quoted Senator
Saraki <strong>as</strong> saying.
Opeyemi Owosho,
Founder of Homefort Energy,
won the first place position
and went home with
$5,000. Owosho also got six
months free voucher of office
space and mentorship support
from Workcity, a partner
of Kingdom Hack 2.0.
The second position went
to Airsync, a balloon-powered
satellite platform, for
detecting oil spill and vandalism.
Airsync, also got a six
months free voucher of office
space and mentorship support
from Workcity.
The third place went to Yudimy,
a startup that leverages
on behavioural science and
machine learning for human
capital development. Yudimy
also got six months free
voucher of office space and
mentorship support from
Workcity.
CORONAVIRUS CASES HIT 89: Gov <strong>El</strong>-<strong>Rufai</strong> <strong>tests</strong> <strong>positive</strong> <strong>as</strong> <strong>experts</strong> <strong>insist</strong> on total lockdown
Continued from page 5
The prohibition of
vehicular movement into
Plateau State commences
today.
This is one of the me<strong>as</strong>ures
adopted to curtail the spread
of COVID-19 in the state.
The state government
further directed that
henceforth: “Tricycles will no
longer take more than one
p<strong>as</strong>senger, saloon cars will
only take p<strong>as</strong>sengers
including the driver.”
An intervention fund w<strong>as</strong>
also set up by the state
government.
Secretary to the State
Government, Professor
Danladi Atu, who briefed
journalists in Jos yesterday,
explained that the essence of
Fund is to take care of the
vulnerable and some social
challenges arising from the
situation.
FCT: China pledges to
share containment
strategies, vaccines
A
Nigerian Clean Ener
gy Startup, Homefort
Energy, h<strong>as</strong> secured $5, 000
grant funding after winning
the Kingdom Hackathon
Prize of the Redeemed Christian
Church of God (RCCG).
The event took place at
WorkCity, Second Roundabout,
Lekki Ph<strong>as</strong>e 1 on Saturday
in Lagos.
In Abuja, the People’s
Republic of China shared
COVID-19 containment
strategies, drugs, and
vaccines with Nigeria.
The Amb<strong>as</strong>sador of China
to Nigeria, Dr. Zhou Pingjian,
stated that he and other
Chinese diplomats would
stay in the country and work
closely with Nigerian
medical professionals to
defeat the Coronavirus
pandemic.
Speaking while presenting
some medical items,
including hand gloves,
sanitisers, automatic hand
dryers, and other products to
the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs officials in Abuja, the
envoy said the international
community needed to
strengthen confidence, act
with unity and work together.
CROSS RIVER: NLC
distributes hand
sanitizers
Nigerian Labour Congress,
NLC, Cross River State
Council, commenced
distribution of hand sanitizers
to all hospitals and health
centers across the state.
OSUN: 150 Côte
d’Ivoire returnees
quarantined
No fewer than 150
returnees from Cote
d’Ivoire were quarantined
in Ejigbo, Osun State and
subjected to screening.
This, according to the
state government, w<strong>as</strong> part
of me<strong>as</strong>ures to contain the
spread of Coronavirus in
the state.
They were earlier
stopped from entering the
country at an Ogun State
border town before Osun
government intervened
and brought them into the
state.
Secretary to the state
government, Prince Wole
Oyebamiji, stated that the
state would not abandon
Olubunmi
dies at 49
•Olubunmi
Mrs Keye Titilayo Ol
ubunmi, nee
Johnson, is dead, aged 49. She
died on March 18, 2020. Burial
service and interment held
on March 21 at Imota Cemetery,
Ikorodu, Lagos.
The dece<strong>as</strong>ed is survived by
her aged grandmother, parents,
husband, children, sisters,
brothers, nieces and
nephews.
its indigenes at the border
town.
The returnees, who were
held at an isolation centre
in Ejigbo would be tested
before they would be
allowed to join their
families.
ENUGU: IPoB
donates N50 million
to hospitals
Similarly, the
Indigenous People of
Biafra, IPOB, through its
Leader, Mazi Nnamdi
Kanu h<strong>as</strong> donated N50
million to some
missionary hospitals in the
South-E<strong>as</strong>t to battle the
virus.
A statement by its
Spokesperson, Emma
Powerful, said: “Selected
missionary hospitals will
be given direct funding of
N3 million each. “Another
N300 million would be
budgeted to fight the
dise<strong>as</strong>e. The money will be
Meanwhile, the Ministers
also commended President
Muhammadu Buhari for his
leadership role in addressing
the COVID-19 pandemic in
Nigeria.
Ganiyu Ajuwape
dies, buried
•Ajuwape
Mr. Ganiyu Abim
bola Ajuwape,
who died on January
15, 2020, h<strong>as</strong> been buried
at his home town, Ogbere
Imobi in Ijebu E<strong>as</strong>t Local
Government Area of Ogun
State. Ganiyu, 36, died after
a brief illness at Marigold
Hospital, Marshal-
Surulere, Lagos.
8th - day Fidau prayer
w<strong>as</strong> held on January 23 at
his residence, number 7,
H<strong>as</strong>san Street, Isolo, Lagos.
Ganiyu worked with
VLA/GTBank before his
death.
He is survived by wife,
R<strong>as</strong>hidat, and children
among whom is Ridwanullai.
handed over directly to the
doctors and nurses in these
hospitals to <strong>as</strong>sist with
treatment.’’
FG denies plan to
pay N30,000 stipend
Meanwhile, the
Presidency h<strong>as</strong> debunked
reports on social media that
N30, 000 w<strong>as</strong> approved for
each Nigerian with Bank
Verification Number, BVN,
<strong>as</strong> a palliative for cushioning
the effect of stay at home
order.
The purported report
claimed that government
had set <strong>as</strong>ide billions of naira
to be distributed to about 40
million Nigerians at N30,000
per person.
However, in a tweet,
Special Adviser to the
President on Media and
Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina,
dissociated himself and the
administration from the
report describing it <strong>as</strong> fake
news.

PAGE 34 — SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 29, 2020
Viewpoint
By Norbert Chiazor
aryam Babangida. What a
Mname! Unforgettable queen
of power and glamour,.Nigeria ‘s
finest First Lady, wife of former
military leader Ibrahim
Babangida, the ravishing taken
away by cancer.
Like Greek goddess ,Helen of Troy,
death h<strong>as</strong> since December 27, 2009
covered Maryam’s eyes, her body
entombed under the foothills of
Minna, Niger State.
The memory of the late Maryam
came alive on March 2020 in Asaba
. It w<strong>as</strong> a memorable morning for
the residents of the Delta State
capital, <strong>as</strong> Governor Ifeanyi Okowa,
accompanied by his bosom friend
and Sokoto Governor Aminu Waziri
Tambuwal, commissioned the
Maryam Babangida Way.
The project started under former
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan
administration ,but the government
of Okowa did substantial
reconstruction of the road
expanding the infr<strong>as</strong>tructure into a
standard four -lane facility
stretching 1.88 kilometers.
One of Okowa’s most dutiful
cabinet members, Chief James
Augoye,Commissioner for
Works,noted that the road w<strong>as</strong> in a
sorry state and imp<strong>as</strong>sable before
By Michael Tidi
an, inherently may be
Mselfish. Resources may be
indisputably scare. Nonetheless,
living for others by way of sharing
what one h<strong>as</strong> with the needy,
morally, is the essence of how to
live right. Prince Michael Diden,
a.k.a. Ejele, is evidently a perfect
example of responsible citizenry
who practices to the letters the
humanitarian principle of giving
back to the society and making it
a better place, with proceeds of
his dedication, hard work and
success.
He is a natural and cheerful
giver, who meets people’s needs
without qualms and hesitation.
His giving spree trickles to all and
sundry, <strong>as</strong> could be glean from
several largesse consistently
allotted to scholars, entertainers,
and sportsmen alike.
Ejele seems naturally
programmed to be a socialite. He
looks it and plays the part. Anyone
who had closely observed him
Okowa: Remembering Maryam Babangida
the intervention of the state
government which awarded
contract for the reconstruction on
March 27, 2018.
The will of Okowa in completing
Maryam Babangida Way into a
glittering tar underscores his regard
for history and human legacy.
The life and times of Maryam
Babangida evoked awe. Ebony
black, lanky and elegant, she w<strong>as</strong>
one of Nigeria’s most beautiful
women born to an Asaba man, the
late Leonard Nwanonye Okogwu,
Prince Michael Diden: Epitome of Selflessness
over the years would certainly
agree with the view that he is a
very resourceful leader in the
similitude of the description of
having the Mid<strong>as</strong> touch. Mid<strong>as</strong>
touch, <strong>as</strong> may be recall w<strong>as</strong> in the
Greek mythology, a Phrygian
King who turned everything it
touched into gold. But, whilst
Mida got the inspiration from the
Greek god, Prince Diden owns his
rare gifts to God Almighty. His
versatility in his endeavors,
including his sprawling business
How Africans undeveloped Africa
By Araka Okolie-aboh
he African cultural heritage
Tis one that h<strong>as</strong> been in
existence long before the coming
of Europeans, Americans, and
Chinese into Africa.
Their coming to Africa w<strong>as</strong> a
result of their search for natural
human and materials resources
for the betterment of mankind
notwithstanding colour
or religious affiliation.
Africa had long played a good
host in the distribution of both
global human capital resources
and materials resources which
Prof Claude Ake described <strong>as</strong> the
“primacy of material conditions”
in his book titled: The Political
Economy of Africa.
Also in the cl<strong>as</strong>sical work of
Daron Acemoglu and James A
Robinson titled: Why Nations
Fail, they also postulated and to a
large extent agreed with both the
works of Walter Rodney titled:
How Europe Undeveloped Africa.
Africa had always had a welldefined
system of government and
political administration, a wellstructured
system of governance
and public management just <strong>as</strong> it
were in Europe and other parts of
the world.
The African political economy
w<strong>as</strong> b<strong>as</strong>ed on wealth distribution
via communalism and little
capitalism which is a system of
individual ownership and control
of what to produce, how to
produce and for whom to produce.
The African political economy
and system of administration are
more likened to the mixed
economy <strong>as</strong> practiced everywhere
in the world today.
We at the African Centre for
•Maryam Babangida
Like the Octopus,
Prince Diden is
relentless in expanding
on the limits
Empirical Dialectism, have
empirical knowledge and
empirical evidence to this fact.
It is on record that Africa had
long been the source of raw
materials, which are converted
into finished goods and services
that had longed sustained this
world for the p<strong>as</strong>t 500 years.
The building of <strong>El</strong>imina C<strong>as</strong>tle
in Ghana is historical,
archeological, architectural and
empirical evidence to the fact that
Africa hand long played a good
host in the distribution of wealth,
capital, human and material
resources to the whole world.
From our empirical findings at the
African Centre For Empirical
Dialectism, Comrade Araka
Okolie-Aboh, Odibo-Oha and other
sound African scholars like Prof
MEU Tedheke, Professor of African
Political Economy, Nigerian
Defense Academy Kaduna, Dr.
Emmanuel Okonmah of the
Department of Public
Administration, University Of
Benin, Prof. Sadeeque Abubakar
Abba, Head of Department, Political
Science, University Of Abuja,
Committee Chairman, Federal
House of Representatives
Committee on FCT, Hon Ifeanyi
Momah, Hon Suilieman Bakari,
and Silars Melete and among
others, had long postulated the need
for strategic use of negotiations, not
violence in the liberation of Africa
Political Economy.
We are of the view that, with the
new world order and the recent
change in the means and factors of
production, Africa will be free to
enjoy their natural resources cum
capital with the rest of the world.
From our historical materialism
and dialectism, African Centre for
in 1948.
B<strong>as</strong>king in the euphoria of her 21st
birthday,she married a young army
officer, then Major Ibrahim
Badam<strong>as</strong>i Babangida, on the 6th of
September 1969, embracing a
destiny that would later prove
fulfilling in her mortal existence.
When her husband became head
of state in 1985, Maryam <strong>as</strong>sumed
the position of First Lady hitherto
anonymous and colourless in
Nigeria ‘s chronology of power.
With her poise, charm and
character, she inspired national
consciousness <strong>as</strong> First Lady,
opening schools, clinics, women
development centres ,sundry social
welfare schemes and pubic
charities.
Soon her initiative, known <strong>as</strong>
Better life Programme for Rural
Women, would become the most
talked about philanthropy in
Africa’s most populous Nation. By
the time Maryam died at 61, she
had established a sterling reputation
<strong>as</strong> all time role model and mother
of the Nation.
Moved by the exemplary standing
of the late Anioma foremost
daughter, Okowa also an illustrious
son of the land saw the necessity of
immortalizing Maryam.The
Maryam Babangida way is e<strong>as</strong>ily
empire which h<strong>as</strong> won him fame
within and outside the country, so
much so that his inputs are sought
for and visible in many area of
human progress. Name it; politics,
community development, sports,
entertainment, educational
development, philanthropy,
environment, etc.
Like the Octopus, Prince Diden
is relentless in expanding on the
limits. Records h<strong>as</strong> it that he scouts
for talented youths (the writer
inclusive) and silently nurtures
them to corporate and political
leadership positions without any
strings attached, but with the sole
aim of turning them around to
better the society. It is a common
spectacular feature to see men and
women from different political
divides milling around this true
son of the Niger Delta for support
and inspiration. He is a politician
who plays politics without
bitterness, <strong>as</strong> he relates with and
inspires lot of people from other
political parties.
We would like to
position Africa in line
with all the
neoliberalism theories
and postulation on
some conditions
Empirical Dialectism is convinced
that Africa will rise again to enjoy
the same better life and superlative
life <strong>as</strong> being enjoyed in Europe and
America and some parts of Africa.
We are very optimistic that
Europe, America, China and the rest
of the world would see re<strong>as</strong>ons with
us(African) <strong>as</strong> per why we should be
upgraded to the superlative life of
abundance.
Well, this and many other epistles,
dialectics, empirical studies had
long been reflected in my dialectics
titled: How Africans
Underdeveloped Africa. This work
w<strong>as</strong> part of my PhD thesis at the
Department of Public
Administration, University of Benin,
Edo State and the Department of
Political Science, University Of
Abuja. I had long handed over all
of these research works, empirical
studies and dialectism to the
African Centre for Empirical
Dialectism for further studies,
constructive criticism, and proper
dialectics.
We at the African Centre for
Empirical Dialectism, will
continue to make our work open
for the perusal of all mankind and
humanity notwithstanding their
the most iconic road in Asaba today.
The road houses the most
important national and state
establishments in the capital city
such <strong>as</strong> Central bank of Nigeria,
CBN, brand new Court of Appeal
complex, Olorogun Felix Ibru
Secretariat ,Delta library <strong>as</strong> well <strong>as</strong>
luxury hotels , private business
facilities and NUJ press centre
among others. It is also home to one
of the biggest government
monuments in Nigeria, a multi
billion Naira state secretariat under
construction by the Okowa
administration.A strategic gateway,
the road is about five minutes drive
from the city centre to Asaba
international Airport.
No wonder the Sokoto state
governor, Tambuwal gave Okowa
ovation for the Maryam Babangida
way, labeling him “ a sound,
pragmatic and accommodating
leader, who h<strong>as</strong> provided good
governance to the people of Delta”
With a network of new roads
running thousands of kilometers
across Delta, Okowa is fondly called
the road m<strong>as</strong>ter. Given his efforts on
road infr<strong>as</strong>tructure, the tag truly
tallies.
*CHIAZOR is Special
Assistant to Governor Okowa
on Media.
At 57, the age that combines
youthful verve with maturity, we
know he h<strong>as</strong> even more to give.
He h<strong>as</strong> practically manifested
Abraham Lincoln’s <strong>as</strong>sertion that:
“it is not the years in your life that
counts; rather, it’s the life in your
years”. An opportunity such <strong>as</strong> his
birthday affords lovers of good
deeds the privilege of saying well
done to this social crusader. There
is no time more fitting to
commend a man who h<strong>as</strong> proven
that he is a truly patriotic and
committed leader who desires the
emancipation and development
of his people. I wish Prince
Michael Diden many happy
returns on this occ<strong>as</strong>ion of his 57th
birthday and pray for God’s
continued blessings on him <strong>as</strong> he
expends himself in the service of
Itsekiri , Delta state and indeed
Nigeria.
*Tidi writes from Warri,
Delta State
colour nor religious affiliation.
This is our mission, our vision
and purpose for existence. These
and many other epistles you will
continue to find in our New Media
enagements.
We would like to position Africa
in line with all the neoliberalism
theories and postulation on some
conditions, one of which is to help
Africa and Africans enjoy and
directly benefit superlative life.
It is also deliberated in the
Dialectics of Prof Yusufu Bala
Usman. It is well deliberated in
the works of Prof Sadeeque
Abubakar Abba, the Theories of
Imperialism and captured in the
epistle and dialectics of Comrade
Araka Okolieaboh (Odibo-Oha)
titled “How African
Underdeveloped Africa.
This article cum epistle w<strong>as</strong> put
together by my humble self, the
African Digital Scholar of the
Department of Public
Administration, University Of
Benin, Edo State and a PhD
Research Fellow of the
Department Political Science &
International Relations, University
Of Abuja, and also the Founding
President of the African Centre for
Empirical Dialectism.
We are the digital scholars of
Africa. We know the thesis,
antithesis and we have the synthesis
which will form the new world
order and a new thesis <strong>as</strong>
postulated by Hegelian
Dialectism, Karl Max’s Historical
Materialism and Claude Ake’s
Primacy of Material Conditions.
* Okolie-aboh, President,
African Centre for Empirical
Dialectism, writes from Benin
City.
Fans Laud
Ultimate Love
Reality TV Show
…<strong>as</strong> se<strong>as</strong>on finale
airs today
n what seemed like an uncertain
Istarton Sunday, 9 February, the
debut se<strong>as</strong>on of the Ultimate Love
reality TV showh<strong>as</strong> undoubtedly
earned a sweet spot in the hearts of
viewers and garnered alarge
devoted fanb<strong>as</strong>e across age groups
and gender.
The show,however, took on a new
dimension, <strong>as</strong> the organisers
informed the viewers and the love
guests that the Ultimate Love
Reality TV show will come to an
end today due to the rising
concerns of the spread of the
Corona virus in the country.
This announcement of the show
ending one week early came <strong>as</strong> a
shock to the Love Guests when the
show’s host, Oluw<strong>as</strong>eun Olaniyan
came into the Love Pad for adouble
checkout session Wednesday night
unknown to the Love Guests. This
sawthe pair of ObiEbi and
PreshDavid exit the Ultimate Love
Show.
This w<strong>as</strong> completely unexpected
by the Love Guests, <strong>as</strong> their fates
will now be solely determined by
viewers and fans who have been
effusive in their admiration for the
show, especially the concept.
Some others particularly
applauded the show for being
uncontroversial and in sync with
Nigerian culture,given that it h<strong>as</strong>
been lavishly infused with elements
of culture and tradition,in addition
to helping the contestants interact
and find love
Mrs. Ifeoluwa Folarin, afan,
believes that Ultimate Love h<strong>as</strong>
helped random individuals find
love and develop intimate
relationships that could l<strong>as</strong>t for
years to come.
Applauding the organisers for the
show, she also stated that Aunty’s
exit from the Love Pad should be a
goodomen for the Love Guests.
“I love the programme because
it opened my eyes to the fact that
love can happen at any time, any
place and anywhere once given a
chance. I’d like to also commend
MultiChoice for giving a good
platform for matured singles to find
love. I think Aunty exiting the Love
Pad is good because it will give the
Love Guests the opportunity of
being free of Aunty’s interference
and develop on their own,” she said.
She predicted the Roksie,the duo
of Rosie and Kachi, <strong>as</strong> the winners,
adding: “I’m looking forward to
another se<strong>as</strong>on.”
Another viewer, Mrs. Hope
Adegoke, believes the show h<strong>as</strong> set
up a good platform for singles to
find truelove considering the
incre<strong>as</strong>e in divorce rate in the
country.
“I think the show is very
interesting. So many couples and
intending couples have learnt a lot
from Aunty, most especially from
the m<strong>as</strong>ter cl<strong>as</strong>ses held in the Love
Pad. I believe MultiChoice h<strong>as</strong>
created a good platform here and I
laud the team who have put together
engaging and insightful content
over the p<strong>as</strong>t few weeks. It h<strong>as</strong>
educated not just the love guests but
also viewers who are married and
intending.
I will want another se<strong>as</strong>on of the
reality show,” she said.
“The sudden end of the show is a
good decision. We all need to play
a role in order to flatten the curve
with COVID-19. The love guests
should go home and stay safe with
their families” she added.
On the likely winner, she said:
“My favorite couple is PreshDavid,
even with their exit because I see
their love is real. However, the
winning couple might be Iykeresa.”
However, another fan, who
identified herself simply <strong>as</strong>
Temitope, said her highlight of the
show so far, saying: “I always look
forward to the Friday party and
Sunday night check out show. I feel
the show is a platform for singles to
find love and hopefully lead to
marriage. I will want another
se<strong>as</strong>on, but they should screen the
love guest properly in the coming
se<strong>as</strong>on and ensure everyone is
genuine with their relationship
status.”
Read more on
www.vanguardngr.com

Viewpoint
COVID – 19: A spur for leaders at such a time like this
By Damilare Akinwale
Akinola
will define Leadership <strong>as</strong> the
I ability to <strong>positive</strong>ly influence and
harness a group of people with
capacities to input and apply
resources, into set goals within the
framework of time in a particular
organizational or societal
existential pursuant to the overall
benefit and good of the society or
organization.
The leaders need people and the
people, the leaders, lest
organizations and or societies suffer
chaotic headless lacunae.
When leadership is lacking in any
organization, such becomes a place
of everyone and everybody a lawless
Leader, void of clear cut decency of
known organization, rules, ethics,
values and order.
I wonder outside humans, how
resources would have become
resourceful to meet the needs of the
man. on the long run?
It follows then that the creation
and in essence its purpose will be
too far from each other to meet the
demand of God and what He h<strong>as</strong>
magnificently and graciously hoped
for in the beauty of creation.
From the foregoing, leadership is
of both dignity and service, to
meet God’s purpose and the
intentions for His very creation.
It is also a process of meeting
human longings to galvanize
esteems in fulfilling daily desires
amongst or within daily
expectations.
This process can be delimited into
the government and the people.
The Covid’19 is a playground of
test or examination, for leadership
at such a time <strong>as</strong> this; We also pray
for leaders not to slip into slumber
at such a time <strong>as</strong> this!
Leading a group of people in
nations, corporations, churches,
families among others, is first about
God’s divine appointment and
b<strong>as</strong>ically, for the people.
God told Prophet Samuel that He
h<strong>as</strong> chosen David the shepherd boy
to lead His people, Israel and David
did this to the Bible and people
sufficient accolades, upon his
appointment with p<strong>as</strong>sion.
People are the source of any
relevance to any leader and his
government.
No wonder, democracy is defined
with people, people and the people,
at the very core center of good
governance.
Leadership is indeed a great
industry. It is therefore not a leisure
nor a c<strong>as</strong>ual enterprise. The wellbeing
of the people in security,
provision of b<strong>as</strong>ic needs and
<strong>as</strong>surances of dignity not neglecting
self esteem, are the combined
efficiencies of any great leadership.
Check great leaders of their
respective dispensations, then one
will identify selflessness and
character, laden with strong
principles <strong>as</strong> the platform for service
to humanity.
JESUS Christ serves <strong>as</strong> both the
spiritual and human example of a
worthy and credible leader of all
times.
But <strong>as</strong> strong <strong>as</strong> He w<strong>as</strong> at the
garden of Gethsemane, Jesus
needed a whole lot of
encouragement from His disciples
by <strong>as</strong>king that they will lift up His
hands in prayers, even <strong>as</strong> He drew
SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 29, 2020, PAGE 35
close to the Calvary, to lay down His
life for the sins of humanity.
First we <strong>as</strong> followers owe it a duty
to God and the good of the society
we belong to, with a view to knowing
the depth of leadership
responsibilities and our roles at
encouraging them unto excellent
discharge of their respective
responsibilities.
To this extent, leaders require from
us at such a time of global pandemic
<strong>as</strong> humanity is currently witnessing
unpalatable scourge, in Covid’19.
Leaders require our fervent
prayers. Prayers worketh the
uncommon. I am
fervent believer in miracles,
church lockdown not withstanding.
God is omnipresent to hear and
answer our prayers, because
humans in saints constitute the
church and not the four walls of
cathedrals of the various
denominations.
Leaders require our
understanding, because leaders in
themselves are humans. They are not
Angels and are none spirits.
They are <strong>as</strong> vulnerable <strong>as</strong> we are
to the pandemic. That is why we
have seen the scourge appear at the
Aso Villa of Nigeria and many other
Seats of power in the Other nations
of the world.
Church leaders require our
empathy more than ever before now,
just <strong>as</strong> the fiery Prophet <strong>El</strong>ijah had
required of the widow of Zarephat
in the Bible. If the widow had failed
to show concern to the need of the
prophet, it would have been to her
own imminent peril.
At a time such <strong>as</strong> we are now,
followers must take responsibility
to heed instructions on safety. The
ongoing lockdown which h<strong>as</strong>
affected our right of worship and
work is painful though.
Nevertheless, it requires our
cooperation for it to make the long
run meanings which the authorities
have planned for.
•Akinola, Senior P<strong>as</strong>tor at
APGA, is also the National
Administrative Secretary of the
Pentecostal Fellowship of
Nigeria (PFN)
Read more on
www.vanguardngr.com
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How stuff works in Pay TV
By Yemi Layoonu
am a user of social networking
I platforms, avid fan of
newspapers-physical and digital. I
spend a lot of time on comment
sections, where you sometimes find
very brilliant responses to any topic
up for discussion. Most times,
however, interventions pedestrian,
with so many coming across <strong>as</strong> a
convergence of ignorance and
arrogance. Others are downright
toxic. These are, of course,
interspersed with irrelevancies from
fraudsters offering Dangote Cement
at N500 per bag, phony Customs
officers offering to sell a Toyota
Venza at N650, 000 or some
trickster offering testimony of how
banished diabetes, hypertension and
“stolen destiny”with a syrup made
from okra, ginger and watermelon
seeds.
Every comment category teaches
you something, especially how
much rigour or otherwise preceded
the intervention. A sizable
percentage, I have observed, are
products of utter ignorance
presented with magisterial
authority. They are often
prefabricated opinions (dressed up
<strong>as</strong> facts) and are unoriginal. To be
ignorant is not half <strong>as</strong> bad <strong>as</strong> being
unwilling to learn or rejecting
evidence that sticks a pin in the
balloon of presumed knowledge.
Those in this category never bother
to read or listen to any position
contrary to the prefabricated view
they hold.
One subject I see this displayed
prominently is pay television. A
typical discussion around pay
television service in Nigeria starts
with the <strong>as</strong>sumption that access is
an alienable human right before
moving to one that projects pay
television <strong>as</strong> akin to a public utility
(something we are loathe to pay for
while expecting optimal services)
and onto extravagant claims of how
pay television works not just here
but in the UK, USA, Mexico, Papua
New Guinea et al.
Earlier in the week, I read an article
inflected with a wish (the author’s)
to be viewed <strong>as</strong> knowledgeable
about pay television and some sort
of consumer rights activist. The
article, widely published online, and
by a major print medium, gushed
with ignorance and fizzed. The
author apparently views himself/
herself <strong>as</strong> having the final word on
the subject in addition to giving an
impression that he is agenda-driven,
A sizable percentage,
I have observed, are
products of utter
ignorance presented
with magisterial
authority
<strong>as</strong> he wrote only about Multi-
Choice.
I have issues with MultiChoice,
promoters of DStv and GOtv,
notably reconnection after
subscription renewal. I have found
a way to make it quicker when
confronted with that situation by
simply sending them a direct
message on Twitter. It h<strong>as</strong>
workedwell. The response takes all
of 10 minutes. But I’d prefer it to be
automatic.
Now, back to the article. The
writer claimed that MultiChoice
holds “subscribers to ransom” by
implementing a monthly billing
model rather than a “pay-<strong>as</strong>-yougo”
model “<strong>as</strong>obtains abroad”. He
followed this up with other
allegations such <strong>as</strong> replacement of
certain channels with others,
change of hardware to more
modern ones and the time it takes
the decoder to load, porgramme
repetition, signal degeneration in
adverse weather and, wait for it,
failure to compensate subscribers
when there is power outage.
First, the claim that the pay-<strong>as</strong>you-go
(PAYSG) model is the global
standard is false. PAYSG is often used
interchangeably with Pay-Per-View
(PPV), which is used in the broadc<strong>as</strong>t
of one-off, big-ticket events such <strong>as</strong>
feature films, live sporting and
entertainment events. PPV is far
more expensive and paid for in
addition to your regular
subscription, not in lieu of.
The recent heavyweight boxing
title rematch between Tyson Fury
and Deontay Wilder, for example,
w<strong>as</strong> available on PPV in the US at
$79.99 (approximately N28, 876
using interbank rates). That w<strong>as</strong> the
cost of that bout, not a monthly
subscription fee! L<strong>as</strong>t week on
Facebook, I had to educate a friend,
who claimed that MultiChoice
operates PPV is South Africa.
Admirably,he went online to check
and returned to post that he had
misled friends on his timeline.
* Layoonu is an Ibadan
b<strong>as</strong>ed public affairs analyst
Read more on
www.vanguardngr.com
Another strategic road intervention in Ogun
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○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
By Seyi Bakare with one pull-out section, and a 14-
lane toll plaza for e<strong>as</strong>y payment of
AST week, yet another
tolls. Speaking during the
Lmilestone w<strong>as</strong> reached when
ceremony, the Ogun helmsman
the Ogun State governor, Prince
noted that the road meant to connect
Dapo Abiodun, flagged off the
Epe-Ajah-Victoria Island in Lagos
construction of the 14-kilometer
State would provide a perfect
Ijebu-Ode-Epe road. The road,
alternative to the usually lockeddown
Lagos-Ibadan expressway due
which lies at the border area and
connects Ogun to Lagos, Nigeria’s
to annoyingly ce<strong>as</strong>eless gridlocks.
economic capital, w<strong>as</strong> awarded to
That w<strong>as</strong> not all: Governor Abiodun
Craneburg Construction by
<strong>as</strong>sured that the construction would
Governor Dapo Abiodun in a publicprivate
partnership arrangement
be followed by those of Sagamu-
Ojigo and Sango-Ota-Abeokuta
under the Build, Use and Transfer
roads, among others, provided that
framework. The road, whose
the Federal Government agreed to
construction began with a
cede the roads to the Ogun State
ceremony conducted by Governor
government.
Abiodun, members of the state
The Ijebu Ode-Epe road indeed
cabinet and engineers from the
used to be among the most
Craneburg Construction at Ikoto in
prominent roads during the defunct
Odogbolu local government area
Western Region administration.
of the state, h<strong>as</strong> special features,
But with wear and rear and the usual
including a dual-carriageway with
governmental neglect over the
10 lanes – four lanes on each side
years, it eventually became
essentially imp<strong>as</strong>sable, constituting
an aggravation and a nightmare to
users. But with the pragmatic
intervention by the Ogun State
government, its place <strong>as</strong> a
supporting road to the ever busy
Lagos/Ibadan expressway would
now be enhanced. Many travellers
going to Ikorodu, Epe, Lekki and
adjoining are<strong>as</strong> from Ogun State
would now see it <strong>as</strong> a viable
alternative. Significantly, the
construction would open up the
are<strong>as</strong> that it stretches through for
investment opportunities. Truth be
told, there’s so much arable land for
agriculture and industry, and much
economic gains can be harnessed
looking at the proximity of the are<strong>as</strong>
to Lagos. Although the Ijebu-Ode-
Epe road is a federal road, the
governor apparently believes (and
he is of course right) that since the
residents are Ogun citizens, it goes
without saying that they deserve
good roads. Indeed, when you look
at a place like Lekki, if you are
moving from Shagamu and p<strong>as</strong>sing
through the Lagos/Ibadan
expressway toll gate, you would
usually encounter traffic jams in
are<strong>as</strong> like Mountain of Fire and
Julius Berger bus stop. On difficult
days, people spend hours in that
gh<strong>as</strong>tly traffic, sweating and
lamenting the woes of Nigerian
nationhood, including the lack of
underground metrolines.
Besides, you may not know what
awaits you on the Third Mainland
bridge, before you get to your
destination in Lekki. People moving
from Shagamu to Lagos who have
business to do in Lekki or Ikoyi
spend valuable hours, sometimes
the same six hours that a trip to
London by air will cost, on the Lagos/
Ibadan expressway. By the way,
taking advantage of the situation,
traders in essential commodities
usually fleece hapless motorists of
their hard-earned money, charging
double the normal price. Admittedly,
though, a major re<strong>as</strong>on for the usual
traffic gridlocks in recent times is
the fact that that particular road is
currently undergoing
reconstruction. But that is only part
of the story: the Lagos/Ibadan
expressway is the busiest road in the
country, and so the tense traffic
situation will not automatically
disappear with its completion. This
is why Governor Abiodun’s latest
project is particularly strategic: it
will not only e<strong>as</strong>e the burden on the
Lagos/Ibadan expressway but also
f<strong>as</strong>t-track movement and economic
transactions between the two
contiguous states. Happily, the
project is expected to be completed
in only twelve months. It will provide
empowerment opportunities for
people in the area.
•Bakare, a medical doctor, is
resident in Mowe, Ogun State.
Read more on
www.vanguardngr.com
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A fresh beginning at ASCETA
○
By Ama Abraham
hen two months ago, the
Wtraditional rulers in
Arochukwu Kingdom visited the
Abia State College of Education
(Technical) in the town, they were
<strong>as</strong>tounded that the once glorified
secondary school had been
transformed to a great citadel of
learning with imposing structures
and a serene environment. After a
guided tour of the campus, they told
the Provost of the College, Dr. Philips
Nto to perish the thought of leaving
after the expiration of his first tenure.
They elected to stage a protest to
Government House to persuade
Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu to
reappoint him.
That planned trip w<strong>as</strong> aborted
because Governor Ikpeazu without
prompting from any quarters
renewed Dr. Nto’s appointment
effective March 03, 2020. His
achievements had gone before him
and spoke volumes. Those who knew
what the college w<strong>as</strong> in 2016 when
Nto first birthed there have always
wondered the magic warned he
waved to exorcise the derelict squalor
that paraded the environment and
in its stead imposed structures that
have given a face lift to the institution.
If Nto didn’t know better, he would
have thought that he w<strong>as</strong> sent to
ASCETA in 2016 <strong>as</strong> a punishment.
The infr<strong>as</strong>tructure were run down.
The morale of staff w<strong>as</strong> at its lowest
ebb owing to issues of welfare. The
students’ population w<strong>as</strong> down. In
fact there w<strong>as</strong> a general sense of
abandonment such that only the lion
hearted would have accepted the
appointment. However, Nto, being
lion hearted and a distinguished
Alumni of University of Nigeria
Nsukka and Michael Okpara
University of Agriculture, Umudike
where he obtained multiple degrees,
w<strong>as</strong> not deterred. He w<strong>as</strong> determined
to succeed.
As the then immediate p<strong>as</strong>t
Commissioner for Finance and
Economic Planning and a World
Bank Consultant, Dr. Nto came
prepared. He started from the b<strong>as</strong>ics,
restoring the environment, providing
security, connecting the school to the
national grid, rehabilitating the
dilapidated hostels and motivating
the staff through payment of their
salaries <strong>as</strong> soon <strong>as</strong> the government
rele<strong>as</strong>ed the subventions.
As an academic, working in an
academic environment, he tackled
the issue of accreditation of courses
in the various schools. Approaching
the National Council on Colleges of
Education (NCCE) which h<strong>as</strong>
withdrawn accreditation from those
courses w<strong>as</strong> not e<strong>as</strong>y. But he had a
governor who believed in quality
education, thus, the state government
availed him the resources with which
he employed to secure accreditation
for almost all the courses in the
college. He also resuscitated the
moribund affiliation with Abia State
University and went a step forward
to affiliate ASCETA to Michael
Okpara University of Agriculture,
Umudike.
It is instructive that those very policy
issues gave ASCETA a fresh breath
of life. Students wishing to undertake
a straight four year course can now
do that comfortably because a man
who understands where he is going
w<strong>as</strong> given an opportunity to drive the
vision of the state government on
education. He also strengthened the
academic staff capacity to ensure
that the College produces the best
graduates within the South E<strong>as</strong>t
region.
But the nagging issue of the
inability of the College to issue
certificates to her graduates became
a challenge which Dr. Nto
immediately confronted. Today, for
the first time since the inception of
the institution; graduates are being
issued their National Certificate in
Education and degree certificates
from the affiliated institutions. This
h<strong>as</strong> understandably given the
students the confidence to make
ASCETA their destination College of
Education.
Having firmly secured the
academic front, Dr. Nto turned his
attention to infr<strong>as</strong>tructure. It is
instructive that when he arrived the
College, the Tertiary Education Trust
Fund (TETFUND) had severed
relationship with ASCETA because
the previous administration failed to
adhere to the fund’s rules.
•Abraham is Special Adviser to
Abia State Governor on Political
Affairs
Read more on
www.vanguardngr.com

PAGE 36—SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020
SENATE BILL SPONSOR FIRES BACK:
Buhari, govs,
everyone should
What prompted you to sponsor the
Bill to prohibit the use of
generating sets in the country?
I will tell you and I will be very blunt.
One of the re<strong>as</strong>ons I came up with this
Bill is because of the frustration that I see
my brothers, sisters, mothers, Nigerians
go through; the frustration over the p<strong>as</strong>t
40 years about electricity power supply
in Nigeria. We don’t have reliable power
supply in Nigeria; we don’t have efficient
power in the country. I am worried that
without electricity, industrialization is
almost impossible, socio-economic
activities are affected, our health
condition, the welfare of our people is at
risk. I am worried, we cannot continue
on this path, we have to change the
narrative and, for us to change, we need
dr<strong>as</strong>tic action. Let me refer you to what
Mallam N<strong>as</strong>ir <strong>El</strong>-<strong>Rufai</strong>, the governor of
Kaduna State, said. He said our power
sector is broken and we need to take
difficult decisions in order to put it right.
That statement moved me to come up with
this Bill. Nigeria is so blessed. We have
rivers to develop our hydroelectric power.
We have the sun to develop solar energy.
We have g<strong>as</strong> to develop thermal energy.
We have coal. What else do we need from
God? He h<strong>as</strong> given everything to us, but
we have failed to utilize these natural
blessings from God to us. And I know that
without power, it will be difficult for us to
move to the next level and I believe we
have a good government in place; I
expect and believe that this government
can take very bold steps to put things right
and that’s what motivated me.
Don’t you think that there should
be alternative on ground, <strong>as</strong> many
Nigerians have suggested, before
coming up with this Bill?
You are saying we should have reliable
and efficient power before we ban
generators? Nigerians are very good, but
the problem we have is how decisions are
taken. If we wait for efficient power to be
in place, we will never get there; if you go
through history of power system in
Nigeria, there have been many reforms
but we have achieved virtually nothing.
For the p<strong>as</strong>t 40 years, we have generated
below 3,000 megawatts and we have
remained there. We have had all sorts of
reforms and we got nowhere. Now we
have generating companies, we have
TCN, we have distribution companies but
where are we? For the p<strong>as</strong>t five years, there
have been no significant changes and I
believe that, no matter the reforms you
bring into this country, if you want to wait
for change, the change will never come.
We need to take this difficult decision. If I
don’t have standby generator in my house,
if governors, ministers, President Buhari
in the Villa do not have standby power in
their offices, in their houses, I think
Nigeria will be a better place.
Do you have generator in your
stop using generat
–Senator Enagi
•‘Importers of generating set
to serve 10-year-jail-term if...’
By Henry Umoru, Assistant Political Editor
Senator Muhammad Bima Enagi, All Progressives Congress, APC, represents Niger South i
Senate. He is the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
Vice Chairman, Committee on Local and Foreign Debts. On March 11, 2020, a Bill for an A
prohibit the importation and use of generating sets in the country, sponsored by him, w<strong>as</strong> rea
first time during plenary. If the Bill, aimed at curbing environmental air pollution and to faci
the development of the power sector, scales through and p<strong>as</strong>sed, then signed into law, any pe
who imports or sells generating sets shall be sentenced to imprisonment for ten years. In this Inter
Bima bares his mind on why he is sponsoring the Bill. Excerpts:
house?
Of course I have. I am a law abiding
citizen. If generator is banned, I will
comply 100%. And what I have suggested
is not total ban. There are exceptions; so
it is actually a regulation. We have
exempted medical facilities, seaports,
airports, research institutions and any
such vital facilities that we
need 24 hours power system
to run.
But there is an
existing Act setting up
an agency to make and
review regulations of
air quality and even
sanction offenders...
Yes, I am not ignorant of
such an agency, but what I
can tell you, no matter the
reforms you bring into this
country, if you do not come
up with bold and difficult
decisions, we will get
nowhere. There have been
reforms in the power sector
but that h<strong>as</strong> not
significantly changed
anything on ground. I
believe that no matter what
we do, if we don’t take this
bold step in order to
sanitize the system, you will
continue to have pollution;
and it affects the environment, it affects
the health, welfare and the socioeconomic
activities of the people. We
have had serious fire outbreaks <strong>as</strong> a result
of people using generators, so it is
If I don’t have
standby generator in
my house, if
governors, ministers,
President Buhari in
the Villa do not have
standby power in
their offices, in their
houses, I think
Nigeria will be a
better place
something we need to take a bold decision
to stop in this country.
Are you saying that the
disadvantages of using generators
are more than the advantages?
There are alternatives, we have
renewable energy, we have solar system
which can be deployed in
this country. God h<strong>as</strong>
blessed us, we have the sun.
Will the Bill not
affect the rural people
against the backdrop
that they live without
public power supply
and their activities are
tied to generating sets?
Yes, it will but they have
clusters. For example, in
Wuse Market in Abuja, they
are using solar system
presently; people there do
not use generators any
longer. There are such
environments where such
system can be deployed and
that is the way I want us to
go. We need clean energy,
we don’t need to continue
to use generators that bring
so much air pollution and
consequently health
hazards; we cannot continue that way.
Are you aware that the agency in
charge of energy, b<strong>as</strong>ed on its
mandate, banned the importation
of two-stroke engines which include
generators in 2011?
I am aware,
but what do we
have on ground?
There h<strong>as</strong> not
been any
significant change on ground. Go to
markets and you will get generators. I am
aware that the ban w<strong>as</strong> for bulk
importation of generators, but not for
individuals to buy and use; so that h<strong>as</strong>
not solved the problem. This ban I am
proposing will be comprehensive.
Critics say the Bill is anti- people.
How do you manage the criticisms
trailing it and lobby to get it to
become law?
I will <strong>as</strong>sure Nigerians that the Bill is
people friendly; it is focused on the welfare
of the people. Yes, we may have initial
challenges, but I can tell you that, in the
long run, Nigeria will be better for it. If
you <strong>as</strong>k any woman that h<strong>as</strong> a hair
dressing salon or any man that h<strong>as</strong> a
barber’s shop or a small business that is
running on generator, the money she or
he spends on fuelling and maintenance
of the generator, compare it with the
money he or she would pay utility
company, it is far lower; the money you
spend to maintain your generator is like
five times what you pay to utility company.
If you bring down the cost of goods and
services in this country, this bill is for the
good of the people, it will bring down the
prices of goods and services. The subsidy
that government is paying on importation
will also go down, fire incidents will also
go down and we will be better off in terms

SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020, PAGE 37
Killing of 10 Uwheru
sons is a savage
attack against
Urhobo nation
— Prof Eghagha
or
s
By Perez Brisibe
FORMER Delta State
Commissioner for Higher
Education, Prof Hope Eghagha,
h<strong>as</strong> described l<strong>as</strong>t months killing of 10
persons in Uwheru kingdom, Ughelli
North local government area of Delta
State <strong>as</strong> a savage attack on the entire
Urhobo nation.
Prof Eghagha who also doubles <strong>as</strong>
national chairman of Urhobo
Renaissance Society, URS, made the
disclosure at Agadama community
during a condolence visit by members
of the group to the people of the
community.
Speaking on efforts being put in place
to stop a repeat of the incident, he
explained that members of the group,
most of whom are academic dons, will
develop ide<strong>as</strong> and programmes towards
tackling the challenges of herdsmen
attacks in Urhobo land.
He said: “The attacks that happened
here will not be tolerated in Urhobo
nation, if others condone such in their
are<strong>as</strong> and this must not continue in our
are<strong>as</strong>.
“Our people are defenceless because
by the laws of the land, you cannot bear
arms, hence we are calling on the federal
government to perform its duties and
obligations towards the Urhobo people,
particularly the Uwheru people by
ensuring that security sources protect
them.
”Where we fail to protect our people,
the international community should
take note and whatever actions by
bringing pressure to bear on the federal
government to protect the citizens of this
country. ”
the
, and
ct to
d the
itate
rson
view,
of the health of the people. Pollution is
not good for us and the environment
because the ozone layer is being depleted.
After going for second reading and public
hearing, the Bill will be fine-tuned and
more friendly, and I think
Nigerians will accept it.
Can you <strong>as</strong>sure your
constituents that the
Bill and others from you
will be beneficial to
them?
The Bills are beneficial not
only to my people, but also
Nigerians. This is the not the
first Bill from me that h<strong>as</strong>
p<strong>as</strong>sed in the National
Assembly. I have two other
such bills. I sponsored a bill
on Rice Development
Council and another on
Shea Development Council.
This is my third Bill. I have
also sponsored many
motions.
You quarantined your
daughters. Give you give
an insight into the
development?
That w<strong>as</strong> the right thing to do. I care
about the health of my family. My
daughters spoke with me on phone from
Key takeaways
• Nigerians have unduly suffered power problems for 40 year
ears
• <strong>El</strong>-<strong>Rufai</strong> opened my eyes to broken electricity sector
• We don’t need efficient power sector before banning generat
ator
ors
• This is time for difficult icult decision
• How I quarantined my two daughters who flew in from Egypt
Egypt and told me that by Thursday,
airports will be closed; their schools had
been closed earlier. So I had to rush to get
tickets for them so that they could return
to Nigeria. I told their mothers that we
had to be careful, that the
health of all us is very
important; that when they
returned home, “don’t hug
them, let us keep them in
a flat. If we cannot keep
them for two weeks, we
keep them for ten days.
But I prefer two weeks,
p<strong>as</strong>s food to them and
when they finish eating,
go and pick the plates and
anybody going to pick the
plates will wear gloves,
make sure you w<strong>as</strong>h the
plates and then you w<strong>as</strong>h
your hands very well”. The
driver who went to pick
them at the airport, I told
him “ple<strong>as</strong>e, don’t carry
their luggage, they should
carry them themselves.
When they get home, they
should get the luggage
themselves to the flat
where they are supposed to stay. And take
the car straight for w<strong>as</strong>hing”. And I spoke
with them immediately they arrived,
telling them that they shouldn’t hug their
We have exempted
medical facilities,
seaports, airports,
research institutions
and any such vital
facilities that we
need 24 hours
power system to run
mothers, don’t enter their rooms, go
straight to that flat and remain there”
and they complied. When I got home, I
went to the room and saw the two of them,
they were f<strong>as</strong>t <strong>as</strong>leep. I w<strong>as</strong> happy that
they were f<strong>as</strong>t <strong>as</strong>leep. I <strong>as</strong>ked the
mothers whether they followed the
instructions I gave and they told me
that everything w<strong>as</strong> complied with.
The following morning, I went there
to greet them. I kept some distance
from them and everybody kept some
distance from them. They are busy
watching television and reading.
What message do you have for
Nigerians and government on how
to address the ravaging COVID-
19?
I believe government is taking very
good steps. We heard about flights from
13 countries which they have banned <strong>as</strong>
from Saturday. They have also
established quarantine facilities in some
airports like Lagos, Port Harcourt and
Kano. You tune to television stations, we
have been advised on the me<strong>as</strong>ures, keep
a distance <strong>as</strong> I am with you now; it is
very important to w<strong>as</strong>h your hands. All
the things we are all expected to do, we
are told on television and radio. I think
government is taking <strong>positive</strong> steps.
Covid 19: Yingi t<strong>as</strong>ks
Deltans on personal
hygiene
By Festus Ahon
SPECIAL Adviser to Governor If
eanyi Okowa on Environment
and Marine Transportation,
Chief Daniel Yingi h<strong>as</strong> advocated for
enhanced personal hygiene among
Deltans <strong>as</strong> government steps up me<strong>as</strong>ures
to check the spread of the
dreaded Coronavirus to the state.
Yingi who gave the advice during
Covid 19 sensitization visit to his
home town, Okpokunu in Burutu local
government area, said the people
must encourage government efforts
by complying with directives
being issued out to them.
The former lawmaker who represented
Burutu Constituency 1, in the
State House of Assembly posited that
the dreaded Coronavirus h<strong>as</strong> humbled
the world.
He commended the resilience of
the State Central Committee on Managing
and containing the Coronavirus
Pandemic headed by Governor
Okowa for the several far-reaching
decisions made so far to wade off virus
from the shores of the state.
Yingi maintained that even <strong>as</strong> scientists
and researchers continued to
seek for antidotes for the cure of the
dise<strong>as</strong>e, it w<strong>as</strong> pertinent for the people
to adopt all preventive me<strong>as</strong>ures
to avoid the contiguous virus.
The Special Adviser listed constant
use of face m<strong>as</strong>ks, frequent hand
w<strong>as</strong>hing and the use of sanitizer <strong>as</strong>
globally accepted me<strong>as</strong>ures to check
the spread of the virus.
He also urged Deltans to obey the
stay at home order of the state government
<strong>as</strong> well <strong>as</strong> maintaining social
distancing at all times.
Yingi expressed the hope that the
deadly virus would soon be a thing
of the p<strong>as</strong>t "<strong>as</strong> God h<strong>as</strong> not and can
never abandon His children".

PAGE 38 – SUNDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 29, 2020
SUSPECTED HERDSMEN KILLINGS IN DELTA:
By Festus Ahon, Asaba
FOR residents of Issele-Azagba in
Aniocha North Local Government Area
of Delta State, life h<strong>as</strong> become unbearable
<strong>as</strong> suspected herdsmen have laid siege to
their forest from where they launch attack
on them once they are hungry.
The suspected armed herdsmen have
apparently occupied the forest from where
they launch attack on unsuspecting
residents of the hitherto peaceful
community.
The community farmers no longer go
to farm <strong>as</strong> they used to for fear of being
attacked by the hoodlums.
Since October 13 l<strong>as</strong>t year when the
marauders launched their first attack on
the community by invading the Issele-
Azagba Secondary School and
kidnapping the Principal and some
teachers after beating security at the gate,
the community h<strong>as</strong> not known peace.
It h<strong>as</strong> been more or less one week, one
trouble for residents of the community.
The suspected herdsmen have launched
over six different attacks on the
community and several persons killed,
several others kidnapped and many others
sustaining bullet wounds.
On February 23, the suspected
herdsmen stormed the community,
attacked the residence of one Daniel
Benwari, shot sporadically, killed the
man, who w<strong>as</strong> said to be of Ijaw and
Urhobo ethnic extraction, injured his
daughter and kidnapped the wife, Helen.
Few days later, the wife w<strong>as</strong> rele<strong>as</strong>ed
with body injuries after undisclosed
amount of ransom w<strong>as</strong> paid.
She w<strong>as</strong> immediately taken to the
Federal Medical Centre, Asaba where the
daughter had earlier been taken for
treatment.
Again, the suspected herdsmen, on
March 4, besieged the community, killed
the manager of a hotel and kidnapped eight persons.
Lamenting the situation, President General of the Issele-Azagba
Development Union, Mr Ben, called on President Muhammadu
Buhari to come to their rescue.
Illoh confirmed that the suspected herdsmen had killed four and
kidnapped several persons who were freed after the payment of ransom
in separate attacks.
He said residents of the town no longer sleep with their two eyes
closed, appealing to Buhari to prevail on the security agencies to
liberate them.
According to him, the situation had overwhelmed the local vigilante
group.
co.uk
Attackers take advantage of our
hospitality — Issele-Azagba natives
Illoh said: “These attacks have become a very big
problem to us. The vigilante and government presence
is here. The police have arrived and there is a serious
patrol going on but we want more support.
“For example, teachers are afraid to go and teach, it
took serious efforts to get some of them back to school
and the presence of vigilante operatives h<strong>as</strong> given them
the courage”.
The community youth leader, Mr Ogebu Edozie, who
also spoke, said “Issele-Azagba is very receptive to
strangers irrespective of tribe or religion”, adding,
however, that “bandits have taken advantage of such
hospitality to unle<strong>as</strong>h terror on us”.
Edozie <strong>insist</strong>ed that armed herdsmen were responsible
for the series of attacks on the community, noting that
those who have encountered the hoodlums, including
freed kidnapped victims, confirmed that the attackers
are Fulani going by the language they speak and their
physical appearance.
His words: “Victims confirmed that these people are
Fulani herdsmen from the language they speak and their
physical appearance.
“We were told by those abducted that they were
speaking Hausa. We are not trying to stereotype
anybody; if a Fulani man is involved, nobody should
shield him, likewise an Igbo man or a Yoruba man, it is
not about tribe.
“What we are saying is that we are under siege and
vicious attacks. The people doing this are our enemies.
They come with very sophisticated weapons which you
cannot see around here. It is not war between us and
Fulani, but war between us and bandits, criminals and
killer herders”.
Saying the attacks had taken a huge toll on the socioeconomic
life of the people, he said, “Social activities
are now at the lowest level while farmers are too scared
to go to their farms to avoid deadly confrontation with
bandits”.
Meanwhile, Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr
Hafiz Inuwa, h<strong>as</strong> vowed to rid the state of criminal
elements, including armed herdsmen terrorizing
communities.
Inuwa said he w<strong>as</strong> determined to change the narrative
of crime and criminal activities in the state, maintaining
that vigilante groups were playing a pivotal role in
<strong>as</strong>sisting the police to fight crime especially at the
gr<strong>as</strong>sroots.
COVID-19: NIMR begins test trial tomorrow – Prof Salako
...to commence trial on efficacy of chloroquine in 2 weeks
By Chioma Obinna
• Prof. Salako
As part of efforts to provide lab
oratory testing for more Nige
rians following the incre<strong>as</strong>ing
c<strong>as</strong>es of Coronavirus dise<strong>as</strong>e in the
country, the Nigerian Institute of Medical
Research, NIMR, will begin clinical
trials on three rapid testing kits
for the dise<strong>as</strong>e tomorrow.
Also, the institute will commence
clinical trials on the efficacy of chloroquine
on people who tested <strong>positive</strong>
to COVID-19 and those showing
symptoms but not confirmed yet.
Disclosing these in an exclusive interview
with Sunday Vanguard,
Director- General of NIMR, Professor
Babatunde Salako, explained that the
free Rapid Kits Test w<strong>as</strong> designed to
<strong>as</strong>certain the accuracy of the kits compared
to the PCR testing which is the
gold stand recommended by the World
Health Organisation, WHO.
The free clinical trial of some Rapid
Test Kits, according to the Director-
General, is strictly for Nigerians who
just returned from high-risk countries
and are showing symptoms of COV-
ID-19.
His words: “We hope to start the test
on Monday. We are doing more clinical
trials on some of the new Rapid
Test Kits. There are about three of
them and we are trying to do clinical
trials on those devices and then compare
with the WHO recommended
gold standard which the country is currently
using. The result of the use of
the kits will be presented to the Nigerian
Centre for Dise<strong>as</strong>e Control,
NCDC.
“The test kits will determine if a per-
son h<strong>as</strong> the dise<strong>as</strong>e or not. We are also
doing this trail to know how effective
they are. For the one I have seen, the
result is generated within 10 to 20
minutes.”
Salako, who said the free testing for
Nigerians w<strong>as</strong> part of Federal Government’s
efforts to provide more testing
opportunities for Nigerians, said the
institute w<strong>as</strong> working with NCDC, and
Infectious Dise<strong>as</strong>e Hospital, Yaba,
Lagos.
According to him, <strong>positive</strong> persons
during the period of testing would be
sent to Infectious Dise<strong>as</strong>e Hospital or
the NCDC.
Noting that the test kits were still expensive,
he said they have up to 2,000
test kits provided by a group of people
free of charge to the institute.
He said: “We have enough to start.
We are testing the kits we want to use
which is about 2,000 and will get more
if we have more money. Plans are underway
for those who are supporting
us to ensure that that we have more.
“We are only going to test people
who have come in contact with <strong>positive</strong>
c<strong>as</strong>es and those who just returned
from high-risk countries with some
symptoms. We will not be able to cope
with testing everybody. We will start
with these people then, if we find out
that we have more kits we can review
the rules and bring in more people
whether they are showing symptoms
or not.
On Chloroquine trial, Salako said
they would be looking at the use of
chloroquine for people who are <strong>positive</strong>
for COVID-19 to determine
whether the drug works or not to be
able to advise policymakers.
He said:” Chloroquine will be used
on people that tested <strong>positive</strong> and also
on those who have come in contact
with confirmed <strong>positive</strong> persons and
then follow them up for about three or
four weeks.’’
On what they would do if the drug
becomes effective against the dise<strong>as</strong>e,
he said: “Ours is to write an official
report on it and p<strong>as</strong>s to the NCDC and
Federal Ministry of Health to decide.
“We are hoping to do it very quickly
to see if we can provide information
for the health sector for them to use it
on patients. We are starting in a few
weeks because there are processes,
ethica approvals involved. We have to
get the drugs but we are already close
to the ethics approval so within the
next few weeks we should start. We
will also let Nigerians know when we
start.”

Ighalo wins United’s
goal-of-the-month award
•Set to get contract extension
ODION Ighalo h<strong>as</strong> won
the Manchester United’s
March Goal-of-the-
Month award, for his sparkling
effort against LASK in
the Europa League.
The former Super Eagles
top striker scored a stunning
goal against the Austrian
club, after some skilled ball
juggling in the build-up, it
w<strong>as</strong> an effort that perhaps
shut up the critics of his loan
move to United, who are not
poised to give Ighalo a permanent
£100,000-a-week
contract extension <strong>as</strong>
claimed by Italian football
journalist Nicolo Schira.
Ighalo had his United
form cut short by the rampaging
coronavirus, which
h<strong>as</strong> forced virtually all sporting
activities postponements.
He scored 32 percents
of the votes beating
Scott McTominay, whose
memorable late goal
against Manchester City received
26 per cent and
Bruno Fernandes’s first
strike from open play for the
Reds, at Everton, finished
third in the poll with 16 per
cent.
United coach Ole Gunnar
Solksjaer is hoping
that Ighalo will shun the £
400, 000-a-week offer
from Chinese club Shanghai
Shenhua to remain at
Old Trafford. He is expected
to return back in
May to China’s Shanghai
Greenland Shenhua.
Football pundit Paul
Merson urged United to
keep Ighalo who h<strong>as</strong>
scored four goals in the
brief spell.
“ He’s been absolutely
outstanding since he arrived
at Old Trafford.
“I know he h<strong>as</strong>n’t played
a lot of football but when
he’s come off the bench and
when he h<strong>as</strong> got some game
time, he’s looked cl<strong>as</strong>s.
“He’s said all the right
things since joining
Manchester United. He’s
turned around enough
times and said he’s
dreamed of playing for
United so if they do offer
him a permanent deal, I
can’t see him turning it
down.”
•Ighalo
ELP targets April 30 return
ENGLISH football
will not resume
until April 30 at the
earliest, the Premier
League h<strong>as</strong> confirmed.
Not only have leagues
been put on hold, Euro
2020 h<strong>as</strong> been postponed
by at le<strong>as</strong>t a year and
clubs, such <strong>as</strong> Spanish
giants Barcelona and
Osimhen laments Covid 19 quarantine
LILLE of France striker,
Victor Osimhen h<strong>as</strong>
revealed his boredom
following the forced
coronavirus break from
football.
The f<strong>as</strong>t spreading
dise<strong>as</strong>e h<strong>as</strong> made it
expedient for all sporting
activities to be grounded
around the world and
footballers have found
other means to keep
themselves busy. But
Osimhen wished that the
•Dybala
whole episode p<strong>as</strong>ses away
f<strong>as</strong>ter since he wants to
return to work.
“I miss doing my job,”
Osimhen posted on
Instagram.
Osimhen h<strong>as</strong> been in
terrific form since teaming
up with the Great Danes
from Belgian side Sporting
Charleroi l<strong>as</strong>t summer
scoring 18 goals and
providing six <strong>as</strong>sists in 38
appearances across all
competitions.
•Osimhen
I struggled for breath,
Dybala reveals
JUVENTUS forward
Paulo Dybala, one of
the highest-profile players
to be infected with the
coronavirus, h<strong>as</strong> started
training again after
recovering from the illness
which he said left him
struggling for breath.
Musa swims with ‘dolphin’
to kill time
NIGERIA interna
tional and Al-
N<strong>as</strong>sr star Ahmed Musa
is ‘swimming with a dolphin’
to p<strong>as</strong>s the time in
self-isolation.
The spread of Covid-19
h<strong>as</strong> brought all football
competitions across the
world to a stop, with the
players in self-isolation
to avoid spreading the
pandemic.
Those diagnosed with
the coronavirus have had
to go into quarantine for
two weeks, while others
are keeping themselves
busy with one challenge
or another.
For the 27-year-old,
who h<strong>as</strong> found himself
sitting at home in isolation,
turned to the swimming
pool to spend his time.
In a video posted on
Musa’s Instagram, the
forward is seen struggling
to climb onto pl<strong>as</strong>tic dolphin
in the pool.
“See what staying at
home caused. But finally
I calmed oh, who want to
see the ending?”
The ex-Leicester City
man bo<strong>as</strong>ts of 17 appearances
with no goals in the
Saudi Arabian elite division
this term for Rui Vitoria’s
men.
In his maiden se<strong>as</strong>on at
Riyadh’s King Fahd Stadium
after moving from
CSKA Moscow, Musa
contributed seven goals
from 24 games.
Dybala is one of three
players at Juventus who
have tested <strong>positive</strong> for the
virus alongside defender
Daniele Rugani and
midfielder Blaise
Matuidi.
“I’ve had strong
symptoms, but I’m much
better today,” Dybala, 26,
told the Juventus
television channel.
“Now, I can move and
walk and try to work out.
A few days ago, when I
tried to do those things, I
w<strong>as</strong> struggling for breath.
My muscles ached.”
Football around the
world h<strong>as</strong> been brought to
a standstill by the
pandemic and Serie A h<strong>as</strong>
been suspended since
March 9.
Championship outfit Leeds,
are being forced to cut or
defer wages <strong>as</strong> the crisis
continues.
The English leagues had
initially been postponed
until the first weekend of
April but the Football
Association announced l<strong>as</strong>t
week that the suspension
would l<strong>as</strong>t until at le<strong>as</strong>t the
end of the month.
Several of the lower-tier
leagues in the country have
had their 2019-20
campaigns voided and the
FA says it is “reviewing all
options” regarding this
se<strong>as</strong>on’s FA Cup.
“The Premier League, EFL
and PFA met today and
discussed the growing
seriousness of the Covid-19
pandemic,” a joint
statement confirmed.
“It w<strong>as</strong> stressed that the
thoughts of all three
organisations continue to
be with everyone affected by
the virus.
“The Premier League, EFL
and PFA agreed that
difficult decisions will have
to be taken in order to
mitigate the economic
impact of the current
suspension of professional
football in England and
agreed to work together to
arrive at shared solutions.
“The leagues will not
recommence until April 30
at the earliest. They will
only do so when it is safe and
conditions allow.
SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 29, 2020 — 39
NFF, Pinnick join war against
COVID-19
World Athletics to review
2020 se<strong>as</strong>on calendar
WORLD Athletics is
set to rewrite the
2020 se<strong>as</strong>on calendar,
following disruptions to
sports schedules by the
unfolding coronavirus
drama worldwide.
Much of the athletics
activities have been affected,
most especially
the 2020 Olympics
Games and according to
a statement by the WA, a
new calendar will be produced
in due course most
especially for the Wanda
Diamond league.
“Following the postponement
of early-se<strong>as</strong>on
events in Qatar and
China l<strong>as</strong>t week, the series
h<strong>as</strong> decided to also
THE Nigeria Foot
ball Federation
(NFF) h<strong>as</strong> joined the
global battle to save
mankind <strong>as</strong> its president,
Amaju Pinnick yesterday
rele<strong>as</strong>ed a video
in which he told Nigerians
and followers of
football to brace up
against the Covid-19
pandemic.
In the video, Pinnick,
who spoke on behalf of
the football governing
body in the country and
the football community,
urged everyone to follow
the directives of the
World Health Organisation,
W.H.O. <strong>as</strong> well <strong>as</strong>
that of the Nigerian government
urging personal
hygiene <strong>as</strong> a priority.
“We must join the global
army in eliminating
this scourge from the
Planet Earth. We must
listen to the dictates of
our government…”, said
the NFF president who
urged people to follow
the dictates of personal
hygiene <strong>as</strong> well <strong>as</strong> social
distancing.
Above all, he urged
Nigerians and others to
adhere to the “stay at
home” advisory <strong>as</strong> this
will enable the battle
against Covid -19 to be
at le<strong>as</strong>t 90 per cent won.
suspend meetings in
Stockholm (scheduled
for May 24, Naples/
Rome – May 28 and Rabat
– May 31).
“The decision w<strong>as</strong>
made in close consultation
with all the relevant
parties.
Also, Government Response
To The Outbreak
Of The Coronavirus 2019
(Covid-19).
“The dynamic global
spread of the COVID-19,
the travel restrictions expected
to be in force for
some time and above all
concerns over athlete
safety have made it impossible
to stage the
competitions <strong>as</strong>
Eagles will enjoy playing at Samuel
Ogbemudia Stadium — Ewere
•Super Eagles players and coach Gernot Rohr
By John Egbokhan
FORMER Bendel Insur
ance player and coach,
Roland Ewere is delighted with
the extensive upgrading and
renovation that the Samuel
Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin
City h<strong>as</strong> experienced, expressing
hope that the Super Eagles
will enjoy playing their
FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifying
games in the stadium.
Nigeria Football Federation
(NFF) president, Amaju
Pinnick h<strong>as</strong> penciled down the
Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium
<strong>as</strong> the venue for Super Eagles
2022 World Cup qualifying
opening match, which
w<strong>as</strong> initially scheduled to
hold this weekend but w<strong>as</strong>
pushed till October due to the
suspension of all sporting activities
<strong>as</strong> a me<strong>as</strong>ure to stop
the f<strong>as</strong>t spreading coronavirus.
And speaking to reporters
from Benin City, Ewere is under
no illusion that the Samuel
Ogbemudia Stadium
would spark a rebirth of sports
in Edo State.
Ewere said, ‘’I am happy
that I am alive to see this great
turnaround of the Samuel Ogbemudia
Stadium from a
normal stadium to a worldcl<strong>as</strong>s
sporting complex that
can stand toe to toe with other
world cl<strong>as</strong>s stadia around
the world," added Ewere a
Bendel Insurance legend.
On NFF’s plans to organise
Eagles first 2022 World
Cup qualifying match at the
Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium,
Ewere said, ‘’it is the
right thing to do because this
stadium e<strong>as</strong>ily stands out <strong>as</strong>
one of the best in the country
and it would be a disservice if
this kind of edifice is neglected
and I am confident that
the Super Eagles will enjoy
playing here.
‘’Benin City h<strong>as</strong> a rich
sports tradition and the
planned homecoming of the
Super Eagles to the Samuel
Ogbemudia Stadium.

SUNDAY Vanguard, MARCH 29, 2020
SEE SOLUTION PAGE 5
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