21022021 - S/N govs. monarchs join forces against killer herdsman,crinimals

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Y K PAGE 22 —SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 21, 2021 Viewpoint BY GAB EJUWA BY ABDUL JELIL ADEBAYO WITH over 15,000 cubic meter per hour and about 131 million cubic meter per annum, the FCT Water Board can be said to be one of the best potable water providers not only in Nigeria but also across the sub region. It is a government utility organisation saddled with the responsibility of providing safe, adequate and affordable water supply service in the country. And it has not failed in that aspect despite the challenges along its path of operations. The Board was established in 1989 with the sole responsibility of providing water supply in accordance with World Health Organization and Nigerian drinking water quality standards to residents of FCT, Abuja. With four departments and seven operational units and 17 Area offices, only 40 per cent of FCT has potable water. Its main sources of raw water are the Lower Usman Dam (LUD) in Abuja and Gurara, Kachia, in Kaduna State. It has six storage tanks and 13 booster stations for high elevation. The Board has 54,584 customers including major ones like Julius Berger, Transcorp, Remembering Hannah Arit Ejuwa HOSE we hold most dear never truly leave Tus, they live on in the kindness they showed,the comfort they shared and the love they brought into our lives.’’ —IsabelNorton How timeflies!! Just like yesterday!! It’s exactly 365 days now that my Friend, Bestie, Comforter, Sunshine, Dearest, Soulmate,Sweetheart, Counsellor, Adviser, Treasure, Precious, Gold, Diamond, Jewel, Darling and One in a Million Wife - HANNAH ARIT EJUWA - left us for the great beyond. On February11, 2020. Indeed, my heart is still heavy and full of sorrow; the pain is unbearable while the woundis still open. Han, how could I ever forget you? Your presence was a never-ending delight ; your good deeds will forever remain indelible in my heart. I remember those good old day sand our perfect bonding. We shared a lot of things in common! Yes, O!! Such a person like you is rare. No one can ever replace you. Your untimely and sudden death mean much to me as it left a big vacuum in my heart and life. Han, howcould I ever forget you, when everything reminds me of you? I love you. Han, I still love you! I have not stopped loving you. And, I will not stop loving you. Each time I sit up, memories of your love kept crowding in on me! How can I forget you when everything reminds me of you? You were a wonderful person to be remembered always. You brought joy into my life. I thank you for all you did to my life. You were my pillar of strength. My life pillar. I vividly remember how you led me to know Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. You made me know thatthere is God, and there are gods. The gods that have mouths, but cannot talk; have eyes, but cannot see; have ears, but cannot hear; of whose hands and legs are paralysed and are deaf and dumb. You made me know that the one and only God is JEHOVAH!!! Jehovah Jireh! Jehovah Rapha! Jehovah Elohim! Jehovah El-Shaddai! Han, you are always in my heart. You left too soon. I never thought I was going to lose you this soon! Each evening, my mind could not accept the fact that you were gone, hoping somehow, that one day you would come back from work, and shout ‘’Gabo, honey, I love you; which food should I prepare for you? I have cried and cried and cried over and over because there’s no one who can ever take your place. What a life! Hans, thatyou are gone is like a candle in the FCT Water Board Giant Strides Sheraton, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, NIA, NAF, CBN, Nigerian Army, 7UP, Coca Cola, Dantata and Sawoe, Presidential Fleet, NNPC, CGC and ACG. Since the appointment of Dame Joy Okoro as acting General Manager of the Board late last year, there have been changes that reflect in the increase of its revenue generation and performance. Out of her intolerance for corruption, The Abuja Water Supply Master Plan first phase is fully operational and has raw water supply source from LUD and Gurara she warned the Board staff to desist from collecting cash from customers with the claim to help them pay. She vowed that any staff caught would be dealt with; this, she said, would stem tide of corruption among its 1,402 staff. *Arit Ejuwa whirlwind; it is still a mirage. You always say you were not going to leave me; that we are forever! Now I have to go through life alone. Alone without you is emptiness and void. Like a match stick without its box! Naked! How could I burn without you? Oh, death where is thy sting? If nobody had ever told you, you’re most wicked and callous! Why did you snatch away my soulmate? Anyway, who are we to question Jehovah God? Only He knows why! He alone knows best, Okoro therefore urged customers to make use of the four platforms for payments: direct payment at the 16 area offices of the agency, e- Transact, Remita and Nibox. She also encouraged regular customers meetings with the area offices, where complaints are tabled and addressed. Before her appointment, the monthly revenue was as low as #95,000 to #150,000 monthly, but now the revenue has increased from between #195,000 and #209,000 monthly, an improvement stakeholders commend her for. In the meantime, funding of the Board is through FCT annual statutory budgetary appropriation and Donor Agencies. Unfortunately the funding has been irregular, insufficient and inconsistent with attendant consequences in slow operation and dwindling revenue generation. For instance, in 2011, the Board was able to realize #2.195 billion while, in 2016, it realised only #1.585billion and, as of August last year, it generated #895million only. A poor outing one may say. But since the assumption of office of why He decided to take you out of this sinful world for you to be with him in Eternity. Hans, no day passes without the loving thoughts of you! I sit and contemplate many things. You were a vibrant prayer warrior, very hospitable. Always ready to help those who came to you for assistance; you could almost give your eyes to please people. You very much believed in the Biblical saying, that, ‘’It is more blessed to give than to receive.’’ You are the best wife in the universe! Awife like you is really hard to find. You’re a kind-hearted woman! It is no overstatement t o declare that you are the best woman any man could desire! You were a precious gift from God, somuch beauty, love and patience, very pleasant, loving and characteristically courageous. I appreciate your care and devotion. You touched my heart in so many ways; your strength and smileeven on dark days made me realise I had an Angel beside me. You encouraged me when I was down. I remember on such occasions, you would lovingly say, ‘’Gabo, cheer up.’’ For the rest of my sojourn here on Earth, you’ld have a Special place in my heart! I miss you dearly! Continue to rest in the bosom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ until the Resurrection Day when we shall meet to part no more. ‘’Sleep on, beloved, sleep and take thy rest... Lay down thy head up on thy Saviour’s breast... We love thee well, but Jesus love thee best... Good night!Good night!! Good night!!!! Okoro, the revenue has increased to an average of #200million every other month. In spite of this, however, the Board has been able to serve the city effectively. It has also over 40 per cent coverage level of water supply to the FCT and environs. It has introduced AMR meters to enhance billing efficiency and revenue generation. The infrastructural development plan was designed to be implemented in five phases, which, unfortunately, was not followed hence the hiccups in smooth flow of water to every cranny of the territory. The Abuja Water Supply Master Plan first phase is fully operational and has raw water supply source from LUD and Gurara. The 1, 2, 3, and 4 Water Treatment Plants, WTPs, are fully operational, while six Storage Tanks at the periphery of the city (2, 3, 4 and 5) are completed and 1 and 6 located at Katampe, Maitama, Asokoro, Apo and Lokogoma Districts re under construction. Continues on www.vanguard.ngr.com •Abdul Jelil is an Abuja based journalist and writes via abduljelil2001@gmail.com BY CHUKWUMERIJE OKEREKE 30% power supply from renewables by 2030: Another perspective VICE President Yemi Osibanjo was re ported by many news platforms as reaffirming the commitment that Nigeria will achieve at least 30 percent of its power supply from renewable energy by 2030. It is reported that he reinstated the commitment to this ambitious target while inaugurating a 1.12 MW Solar Hybrid Project at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, in Bauchi State. The intention to have at least 30 percent of the total electricity supply from renewable energy is very welcome and heartwarming. It signals that Nigeria is committed to the Paris Agreement and fulfilling its climate change action pledge as contained in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). More importantly, it shows that Nigeria is cognisant of the global transition away from fossil fuel and the vast opportunities that renewable energy provides for solving the country’s energy poverty and economic development challenges. With around 80 percent of its rural population relying on wood, charcoal, dung, and other traditional biomass for cooking, there is no doubt that expanding access to affordable, reliable and clean household energy services is one of the most pressing developmental challenges facing Nigeria today. At the same time, the supply of adequate and affordable modern energy is a key enabler of other developmental sectors in the country. Furthermore, the fact that this commitment is coming from the Vice President at the period of Covid-19 pandemic, indicates that the Nigerian government understands that COVID-19 should not be used as an excuse to focus on more fossil fuels and ignore investment in renewable energy as a central piece of the post-COVID-19 economic recovery. It is commendable that the government has embarked on Energising Education Programme (EEP), which is aimed at solving the energy deficit in all the 37 federal universities and seven teaching hospitals in the country by using renewable energy, with the programme having been completed four projects at four different sites. However, in as much as the commitment is commendable, government must be clear that just saying that 30 percent of the total electricity supply will come from renewable energy by 2030 is not sufficient to make it happen. The commitment must instead be backed up by a clear and bold plan of action. There is a need to fashion a workable strategy towards achieving the target because as of today Nigeria is not on course to meeting the pledge. So far, there have been several places where the government is missing it – namely political will, policy implementation and evaluation, financing and investment. One mistake the country has made so far is that it seemed to concentrate too much on solar energy in meeting this ambitious target. While aggressive investment in solar is welcome, focusing only on solar PV to meet the target as seems to be in the case in the current NDC is too ambitious and unrealistic. This overemphasised interest in solar PV electrification may also be responsible for the low renewable energy penetration in the country. Continues on www.vanguard.ngr.com * Okereke, a professor, is the Director, Centre of Climate Change and Development at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu- Alike Ebonyi State. He is a Visiting Professor at Oxford University, UK and Coordinating Lead Author for the United Nations’ IPCC. ANAMBRA 2021: Help is on the way to make our state great again BY EJIKE ONUOGU THE definition of a failed state is often found in the history of its foundation, and in that foundation lies the truth that has plagued Africa since the dawn of the 20th century. A foundation built on the emergence of despotic leaders and other human moles infused in the fabric of governance, whose primary allegiance is not to Africa, but to the whims and caprices of a Colonial Human machine, dedicated to burrowing into the mindset of a people, programming them to live only in the here and now of time, and in that psychological arrest, Springs and sustains a failure to reflect on the past and project into a brighter future. The envisioned outcome is perpetuation of apathy, inertia, and lack of motivation, blindsided by a dominant egodriven pursuit of self-serving principles to the exclusion of altruism. The success of this war machine unleashed against Africa has found expression in the failure of many Africans states to chart a course of unity amongst her people, provide a solid foundation for sustained economic growth, raise awareness of her people on the doctrine of collective nation-building, shedding the cloak of divisive forces embedded in religious, ethnic and tribal sentiments and intolerance as well as other class driven caste systems. These and other factors have chained Africa to the ground, preventing the emergence of a time-driven paradigm shift, challenging Africa to greater heights and place in the world of human accomplishments. Little wonder the great continent of Africa is at the bottom of the barrel in infrastructure development, human capital acquisition, healthcare delivery, resource and production- oriented educational curriculum, as well as technological innovations. Black Africa must be ashamed that it ranks first in poverty, infant and maternal mortality, corruption index, human rights violations and a host of other vices. The Nigeria situation is a microcosm of an African tragedy where a nation is turned on its This overemphasised interest in solar PV electrification may also be responsible for the low renewable energy penetration in the country head by the shortcoming of its own people. By extension, the black man in failing to understand himself and his positioning in the pyramidal stratification of the human race, continues to live in a fool’s paradise, oblivious of the fact that his house is on fire. It is not an accident but rather by design that the black man is positioned at the bottom of this pyramid in terms of productivity, self-sustenance and definition of character. Africa, through abandoning its heritage and cultural values, in preference for a white only ideology has opened itself up for exploitation and self-imprisonment; more so as the dichotomy created by these competing variables will never fit into a coherent monolithic construct of a pathway to global competitiveness. This is our Achilles’ heel and the reason why Africa is so vulnerable to the intrusive forces of colonialism and neocolonialism. In the Nigerian experiment, history must not always repeat itself especially when the outcome is inimical to our survival. History will always judge us for standing by and doing nothing in the face of growing danger in a society drifting towards attrition, moral decadence, collapse of her traditional ethos, and a struggle between the forces of sensual validation and vindication of just practices, values, self-sacrifice and self-effacement. Indeed, the danger of a dying society is that it is agog with celebration of the primordial and mundane aspects of life to the exclusion of the need to take stock of the expedient needs of that society. When this is juxtaposed with the fact that everybody can intellectualize on what the problems are, and able to proffer rambunctious solutions to these problems; the missing link has always been the inability to bring these solutions to fruition. Continues on www.vanguard.ngr.com *Onuogu, a medical doctor, lives in New York, United States C
SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 21, 2021, PAGE 23 CAF Confed Cup: Green blasts Anyasi-Agwu over false thuggery claims ...Crunch time ... Rivers United and Enyinmba The build-up to today’s CAF Confederation Cup second leg play off tie between Rivers United and Enyimba has been marred by accusations and counter accusations. Enyimba was reported to have written a petition to CAF complaining that Rivers United planned to unleash thugs against the visiting Enyimba entourage. The match has now been upgraded by CAF as a “high risk”. However, Rivers State Football Association chairman Chris Green said Awoniyi targets Liverpool return Former Flying Ea gles star Taiwo Awoniyi, has said he is hopeful of returning to Liverpool despite the lingering issue of workpermit. Awoniyi currently on loan at Union Berlin was signed by Liverpool in 2015, but has spent most of his time outside the English Premier League after failure to pass the hurdle of work-permit. “Liverpool will always be the priority for me and I am grateful to everyone at the club,” Awoniyi has told World Soccer Magazine on seeing his path blocked on Merseyside. “I still don’t have the work permit to play in England. But with the new rules in place, and the minutes I have played in Germany this season, no one knows what the future will hold regarding the UK work permit. “If I become eligible *Awoniyi to play in the UK, I think I can have a say on what my decision will be. Things have changed remarkably with the new rules and this will certainly help me decide my next step. “Liverpool is a very special club. They are always in contact to see how I am doing and to ensure I know that they are following my progress out here. It motivates me to know my parent club is following up and have my best interests at heart.” Enyimba was engaged in a tactic of intimidation, he accused Enyimba and their chairman, Felix Anyasi- Agwu of bad faith. “To me, it’s uncalled for and it’s regrettable because I didn’t expect that Felix Ayansi Agwu, an executive member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will write against a fellow Nigerian team. It is sad commentary of our game and he has actually done a disservice to Nigerian football,” he said. “As the Chairman of the Rivers State Football Association, it is my responsibility to ensure that the game goes hitch free. And that is what I am going to ensure. “Football is a game of friendship and amity. I wonder what Enyimba would gain by heightening tension in a football match of brothers. This is why we have said that it is quite unethical for a person to be head of a club and a member of the Executive Committee of the NFF. We expect a good example.” Rivers United will be tough —Enyimba coach Holding a 1-0 advan tage from the first leg, Enyimba of Aba coach, Fatai Osho said today’s CAF Confederation Cup tie against Rivers United will be a tough duel. The winner of the tie will qualify to play in the group stage of the competition. Rivers United are highly motivated for tie and playing in front of their teeming supporters today in Port Harcourt, their target is to beat Enyimba and advance. But Enyimba are equal to the task of stopping the flow of Rivers United. “It is not going to be an easy task, we’re quite aware of that. “Looking at the quality of our opponents and looking at what happened in the first leg, none of the teams will be so sure of getting the ticket because the two teams looked equally matched. “We have to be honest with ourselves, coming in here, it won’t be an easy task but we want to be optimistic that we’ll scale this hurdle.” Osimhen disowns brother’s claim on Napoli Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has disowned claims by his brother Andrew Osimhen, that he was not playing to potentials at Napoli. Osimhen has scored only two goals after his high profile move to the Italian side. He has battled with injury and coronavirus infection. “I wish to make it clear that asking for a footballrelated opinion from a relative of mine is not the same as asking me directly. I love Napoli, the club, my coach, and my team. I especially love my teammates and I hope to continue growing and improving to help the team more”, he posted on Instagram. “This is my official opinion and I ask you to respect it. No one is my spokesperson or whatsoever,” he concluded. Osimhen is barring any circumstances will be on hand to help Napoli in today’s Serie A clash against Atalanta. Arteta banks on Saka to lift Arsenal against City Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta, has said he would continue to play Bukayo Saka despite the 19-year-old facing the threat of burnout in his second full season as a firstteam regular. Another highly-rated product of the Emirates Stadium academy system has cemented a standing as a key man for the Gunners and England despite *Osimhen his relative lack of senior experience. Arteta continues to select the youngster whenever he can, with 29 appearances taken in across all competitions in the current campaign, and is not about to start reining Saka in. “I think he’s in a great moment, he’s full of confidence,” Arteta has told reporters of Saka ahead of a Premier League clash with Manchester City today. “He’s been really important in recent results. His form is probably the highest that it’s been since I’ve been here and he’s been really consistent. He needs to keep going and (we need to) be wise with him because at the moment he’s a big part of the team. “I think we have to protect him and keep the extractions where they should be, but I’m not going to put a brake on his development or how much he can do week in, week out. “We have to support him and give him the best possible advice all the time, and then manage his minutes so he can maintain this level. “It is (difficult) at the moment because he’s been a real threat. He’s involved in a lot of goals all the time and his consistent performances make him a starter obviously. So it’s a fine balance, but at the same time he’s 19 years old and we have to protect him.” Tuchel berates Hudson-Odoi as Chelsea falter at Southampton *Osaka Osaka beats Brady to grab second Australian Open title Naomi Osaka crushed Jennifer Brady 6-4 6-3 to secure her second Australian Open title yesterday and cement her standing as the new queen of the women’s game. Osaka’s one-sided win over the 22nd-seeded American in the final at Rod Laver Arena gave the Japanese juggernaut her fourth major crown, with her career still budding at the age of 23. She joined Monica Seles and Roger Federer as winners in their first four Grand Slam finals, marking her out as the ultimate big match performer. “My reaction is that that’s very amazing company,” Osaka told reporters, sitting next to the winner’s Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup. “I hope that I can have one grain of how their career has unfolded. But you can only wish and you can only just keep going down your own path. “But it’s definitely something crazy to hear.” Ojez lauds sports minister on National Stadium pool reopening Swimming enthusiasts have heaved a sigh of relief at the complex as the Sports Ministry has cleared the coast for activities to reopen at the National Stadium swimming pool complex in Surulere, Lagos. The pool has been under lock and key for almost a year running following the coronavirus lock down and the renovations embarked upon by the Sports Ministry. While the swimming pool was closed, there was no available Olympic standard swimming pool for the athletes to practice or do their time trials.And there were fears that the complex renovated by entertainment entrepreneur, Joseph Odubeatu a.k.a Ojez, will relapse into disrepair. “It is a good thing that the Sports Minister, Sunday Dare has directed the swimming pool to be opened again we thank him very much,” Mr Odubeatu said yesterday. “It was not because of our personal gains that we embarked on the renovations. It was because of our commitment to sports development in the country and we are going to cooperate with the sports ministry to ensure that the facility is well maintained and ready all the time for athletes training and hosting of national and international competitions.” Dean returns with red card for Ajayi M ike Dean took centre stage on his return to the Premier League by showing a red card to West Brom defender Semi Ajayi at Turf Moor yesterday. After taking a break from top-flight duty on the back of receiving death threats for a recent decision, the referee once again had to make a potentially match-defining VAR call. Dean initially waved play on amid Burnley protests for handball against Ajayi, who had intervened in attempt to prevent returning striker Matej Vydra from storming through on goal. As soon as play stopped, though, the 52-year-old headed straight towards his pitchside monitor and, ultimately, returned to brandish a red card to Ajayi. Dean followed that up by turning down two strong Clarets’ penalty appeals upon the restart, the first of which for another handball incident he wasn’t asked to consult VAR for. Chelsea coach, Tho mas Tuchel has said that he was “not happy” with Callum Hudson- Odoi’s performance in the 1-1 draw at Southampton when he substituted the winger after bringing him on at half-time. The England international reacted angrily to being substituted but Tuchel stood by his decision and said he expected more from Hudson-Odoi. “I am not concerned about Tammy Abraham, it was not about the injury, it was hard for him to show his quality,” he told BT Sport after the game. “He could not put his stamp in this game so we changed the formation. We brought in Callum Hudson-Odoi but I was not happy with his attitude, energy and counter-pressing. “I took him off and we demand 100%, I feel he is not in the right shape to help us. It was a hard decision but tomorrow it is forgotten and he has all possibilities to start against Atletico Madrid.” Speaking in a news conference afterwards, Tuchel added: “It was hard to create chance and we needed counter-pressing to force errors for the second ball and get an easy chance. “We had to be sharp with counter-pressing and I didn’t feel this from Callum today. I did not feel it, but I trust him.”
Page 1 and 2: C M Y
Page 3 and 4: SUNDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 21, 2021,
Page 5 and 6: C M Y K SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2
Page 7 and 8: C M Y K SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2
Page 9 and 10: North has already destroyed itself
Page 13 and 14: APC’s bashing of Lai Mohammed is
Page 15 and 16: SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 21, 2021,
Page 19 and 20: Some of the beneficiaries of miracl
Page 21: C M Y K SUNDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2

21022021 - S/N govs. monarchs join forces against killer herdsman,crinimals

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?