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PAGE 2 — SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2022

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2022, PAGE 3


ATTACK ON CHURCHES: 

35 pastors abducted/ 

killed in 17 months 

•Situation not good for Nigeria – CAN 

•Why they are soft targets - Experts 

By Luminous Jannamike, 

Abuja 

It’s quite a herculean task to get one’s head 

around how many Christians have been 

attacked, abducted and killed already in 

2022. Though one might hear about 

individual events like the Owo church attack, 

it is quite tough to get a sense of the scale. 

After terrorists set off explosives at St. Francis 

Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State two 

weeks ago, the blood of 38 innocent 

worshippers who were murdered in cold blood 

was splashed on the ground around the whole 

of the church. 

The Owo attack, according to eye witnesses, 

featured an unusual amount of planning and 

coordination characterized the violence as 

multiple gunmen inside and outside the 

church shot parishioners before escaping in a 

getaway car. 

Painfully, the attack on St. Francis Church 

was not the only one that jolted Christians in 

Nigeria. In fact, more than 100 worshippers 

were killed that week across the country. 

A few days before the Owo incident, suspected 

militants killed 32 Christians in an 

Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) 

parish in Kajuru, Kaduna State. After the 

attack, the church members could not attend 

service due to the trauma. The attackers 

reportedly arrived and left on inconspicuous 

motorcycles. 

In Plateau State, which borders Southern 

part of Kaduna State, two Christian students 

were killed after Sunday service when 

suspected terrorists visited the school hostel 

at night and killed the two male students. 

Barely seven days ago, 11 Christians were 

murdered in Benue State’s Igama community 

in Okpokwu Local Government Area in what 

many consider as religious persecution. 

When the Prelate of Methodist Church 

Nigeria, His Eminence Samuel Kalu 

Uche, and two of his acolytes were 

recently abducted by armed men, his 

congregation of nearly two million 

people quickly mobilized over a N100 

million ransom for their release. 

In five bags, the representatives of the 

church stashed local currencies to the 

tune of N20 million each and dropped 

off at a designated place which the 

kidnappers picked up later in a truck 

without number plate. 

The money was the price to free the 

three clerics who were taken at 

Umunneochi in Abia State while on their 

way to catch a flight to Lagos. 

Four days before Kalu-Uche was 

abducted, armed men broke into a 

church in Katsina State and kidnapped 

a Catholic priest and his assistant, Fr. 

Stephen Ojapa, MSP and Fr. Oliver 

Okpara, respectively. Their abductors 

also took away two boys who were in the 

church worshipping. 

It is currently unclear where they have 

been taken to and what their condition 

is. It is equally uncertain if the 

kidnapping of the two priest was 

connected to the attacks on multiple 

Catholic church parishes in the North 

following the arrest of suspects in the 

murder of Deborah Yakubu, a 200-level 

Christian student of Shehu Shagari 

College of Education in Sokoto who was 

beaten and stoned to death by Muslim 

students because she had declared her 

faith in Jesus amidst allegation of 

blasphemy two weeks prior. 

The lawlessness of kidnapping, fuelled 

by economic crisis, police inaction and 

government’s alleged refusal to 

intervene, has claimed the lives of many 

priests and other men of God. 

In April, contradictory claims 

circulated about Father Joseph Akete Bako’s 

fate more than a month after his kidnapping 

at St John’s Catholic Church, Kudenda in 

Kaduna State on March 8. 

There were stories that Father Bako had died 

in the bandits’ den although a number of 

contrary reports suggested he was still alive 

until his death was announced by the Catholic 

authorities on April 24. 

The month of March likewise saw a spate of 

kidnappings where clerics were soft targets. Rev. 

Father Leo Raphael Ozigi, parish priest of St Mary’s 

Church, Sarakin Pawa Village, Niger State was 

abducted on March 27 and later released, and 

Father Felix Zakari Fidson, of Zaria Diocese, was 

also kidnapped on March 24. 

Trauma 

With little faith that security agencies could end 

the continued abduction of clerics and their 

followers in parts of the country, the situation is 

causing untold trauma among Christians and the 

agony is reaching crisis levels. 

In the past 84 months, the menace of kidnapping 

and other related crimes has escalated to endemic 

levels in the country. 

Heavily armed bandits, many of whom are said 

to be ethnic Fulanis, are waging their own form of 

Jihad; killing, abducting and terrorizing worship 

centers and educational institutions owned by 

churches as well as impoverished 

communities in the North and Middle Belt 

regions. 

The violence has continued unabated and 

the attacks and palpable insecurity have also 

spread from the North to the southern Nigeria. 

According to revelations made by the 

abducted Methodist Prelate, one of the 

militants who held him hostage said their 

collaborators had settled into the nooks and 

cranny of southern forests. 

Freedom of Worship 

Sunday Vanguard investigation reveals that 

Nigeria closed the year 2021 with the 

ignominious reputation of being the 

country most hostile to Freedom of 

Worship. 

According to the Open Doors’ 2022 

World Watch index on global killing of 

Christians, “2, 500 Christians were 

abducted between Nov 

2020 and Oct 2021 as 

against 900 abducted in the 

previous year” 

The index stated that for 

the 15 months from 

January 2021 to March 

2022, Nigeria saw a total 

6, 006 Christian deaths. 

In the same vein, the 

International Society for 

Civil Liberties & the Rule of 

Law reported that 2021 

ended disastrously for 

Christians in the country 

and their sacred places of 

worship having recorded 

the killing or abduction of 

at least 25 Christian clerics 

and attack or destruction of 

between 400 and 420 

churches. 

Already, for the first five 

months of 2022, the 

Christian Association 

of Nigeria (CAN) 

has reported 

t h e 

abduction of 

no fewer than 

10 Christian 

clerics. 

Decrying 

the ugly trend 

which is sweeping through the country, 

the CAN President, Rev. Samson 

Ayokunle, disclosed that in two instances 

of the 10 abductions of clerics this year, 

the victims were killed by their captors 

unfortunately. 

“If a great servant of God of the Methodist 

Prelate’s caliber could be kidnapped on a 

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2022, PAGE 5 

major road without any resistance from the 

Police, it speaks volume of what our security 

architecture has become”, Ayokunle, who 

spoke through his media aide, Pastor Adebayo 

Oladeji, said. 

“This is no more a country one can be proud 

of. No reasonable government can continue to 

leave the citizens in a terrible state of insecurity as 

we are presently. “This situation is not good for our 

nation at all”. 

To analysts, clerics are among the most vulnerable 

segments of the country’s population, and their 

itinerary can be easily monitored and tracked, and 

this makes them soft targets for attacks. 

Mr. Illia Djadi, an expert on Freedom of Religion 

and Belief in sub-Saharan Africa, said: “The 

abduction of the Prelate is the latest in a series of 

kidnappings which have become an epidemic in 

Nigeria. 

“The issue of security is the central issue for 

Nigerians. People from all walks of life, from army 

officers to young children, can be abducted.” 

But Rev. Fr. Evaristus Bassey, a former Director 

of Church and Society Directorate, Catholic 

Secretariat of Nigeria, abduction of priests, 

pastors and other Christian clerics is part of an 

agenda perpetuated by religious 

fundamentalists whose goal is to convert the 

nation to Islam. 

“This forms part of the whole Islamic agenda 

by extremists in northern Nigeria,” Bassey 

said. 

“The government is weak, and they know 

this. That is why they use every opportunity 

to push their agenda of attacking Christians.” 

President Muhammadu Buhari, a 

Fulani Muslim from the North, has been 

accused of protecting his kinsmen and not 

doing enough to condemn their crimes. 

The Catholic Bishop Conference of 

Nigeria once met with Buhari to express 

concerns over the rising insecurity in the 

country and, in one of their public statements, 

called for his resignation. 

There are increasing signs that Islamic 

extremist groups have begun working together 

as Boko Haram, ISWAP, Fulani militants a.k.a. 

bandits are evidently acting in cooperation with 

one another to widening the impact of their 

violence. 

After each kidnapping incident, a 

network of negotiators emerges, including 

clerics, former militants and security 

forces personnel. 

For instance, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, 

an influential but controversial Imam 

and government critic based in 

Kaduna, has close connections with 

bandits and has acted as a go-between in 

several cases of kidnappings. 

However, Dr Ubong Evans Abraham, a 

lecturer at the Sociology Department, 

Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano, 

explained that the prevalence of 

kidnapping in Nigeria is as a result of 

laxity in the law implementation 

process to prosecute offenders. 

Consequently, he 

suggested that the 

issue of ransom 

payment by 

victim’s cronies 

to kidnappers 

should be 

seriously 

condemned. 

“Government 

also should 

endeavour to 

c r e a t e 

employment for 

the teeming 

population of 

youths as this 

will assist to check the proliferation of the 

kidnapping,” he said. 

Despite the incessant abductions of clerics 

and attacks on the followers of Jesus, 

Christians in the country remain optimistic as 

they vow to continue professing their faith no 

matter the challenges that come with doing 

so. 

METHODIST CHURCH: 

What we 

have done 

in 60 years 

By Kennedy Mbele 

ethodist Church Nigeria has moved on 

Mafter the tragic abduction of its Prelate, 

His Eminence Samuel Kanu-Uche, and two 

other clerics from the church with the 

celebration of its 60th anniversary. 

Tagged ‘Prepare for the second coming of 

the Lord’, the celebration is all about 

autonomy from the British Methodist Church 

60 years ago. 

The celebration began June 7 with a press 

conference during which members wore 

bright faces after the sad case of abduction. 

Addressing journalists at the conference held 

at the church headquarters, Wesley, in Lekki, 

Lagos, the Archbishop of the Lagos Diocese of 

the Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev. Dr. 

Isaac Ayo Olawuyi, presented a brief history 

of the church. 

According to him, the church came into this 

part of the globe that later became Nigeria 

through a missionary named Thomas Birch 

on September 24, 1842, and was joined shortly 

by another missionary, Rev. Henry Townsend, 

the man who later established the first 

newspaper in Nigeria, called ‘Iwe Irohin’. He 

explained that the church has continued 

growing and expanding to other parts of the 

country, saying by 1976 when it changed to 

episcopacy under the leadership of Patriarch 

Bolaji Idowu, it had nine dioceses across the 

country: Lagos, Enugu, Calabar, Kaduna, Ibadan, 

Umuahia and three other locations, noting that, 

today, Methodist has no fewer than nine dioceses 

in Lagos State alone. 

He said the church has had eight Bishops and 

eight Lay Presidents from 1976 to date and that 

their 60th anniversary celebration committee, led 

by Ambassador Seyi Onafowokan, has prepared 

to lead them to build a multipurpose complex that 

will accommodate the Bishop, Chaplain, offices, 

conference hall, etc, for the diocese; a project 

estimated to cost over N1 billion. 

Olawuyi revealed the church’s agenda for the 

next decade as establishing 60 churches and 

winning 60,000 souls, stressing that the major 

responsibility of any church is to win souls for Christ. 

The Archbishop listed book launch, choral 

festival, youth funfair, award for deserving members 

of the church, dinner and thanksgiving service as 

the activities lined up for the 60th anniversary. 

In his special message to Christians across the 

globe, he urged every Christian to face God’s 

gospel by working hard towards winning more 

souls, pointing out that, that was Christ’s directive 

to His disciples while on earth. 

Olawuyi, however, identified dealing with sins, 

converting people to Christianity, 

management of converts and scarcity of funds, 

as major challenges facing the church and 

expressed optimism that God would continue 

empowering His people to surmount every 

challenge. 

Feeling highly elated over the church’s 60th 

anniversary and it’s numerous achievements, 

the Archbishop prayed for peace in Nigeria 

and predicted in strong terms that God will 

not allow those planning to destabilize the 

country to succeed, rather, they will be 

consumed by their evil plans. 

Olawuyi was visibly worried about the 

situation in the country which he described as 

terrible and pathetic, especially in the areas 

of poverty, education and insecurity. 

According to him, the 90 million Nigerians 

earlier projected to be poorer this year by the 

World Bank has increased to 95 million due 

to the fallouts of the COVID-19. 

This, he explained, has translated to more 

poverty, constant increase in price of goods 

such as food and other essential commodities 

which, he said, started from the beginning of 

this administration. 

Regretting the continuous decline in 

standard of living amidst high level of 

corruption, the Archbishop cited the alleged 

stealing of N80 billion by the Accountant 

General of the Federation, AGF, under a 

government that came into power with a 

promise to stamp out corruption, and called 

on the Federal Government to go back to the 

drawing board and start performing its 

statutory roles, including honouring 

agreements with the Academic Staff Union 

of Universities (ASUU). 

Describing the security challenges as the 

most worrisome and disheartening experience, 

the Archbishop noted that the body language 

and actions of the Federal Government 

towards addressing them suggest inability to 

handle it or apathy. He noted that a particular 

tribe has been the prime suspect of security 

challenges in the country and wondered why 

criminals who communicate with telephones 

cannot be tracked. 

Olawuyi, however, commended Governor 

Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State for what 

he described as ‘the good jobs in the areas of 

security and infrastructural development, 

particularly his ban of Okada in parts of the 

state and described the measure as a proactive 

one aimed at averting tension.

PAGE 6— SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2022 

EKITI: APC in landslide win, Naira rain rocks election 

•SDP's Segun Oni loses LGA, of 16 councils, PDP's Kolawole wins one 

•Voters get between N3,000 and N10,000 

•41 cases of vote-buying recorded in six LGAs — CDD 

•High voter turnout, heavy security 

•Inducement not healthy for our democracy — Oni, Oluyede, Arise, CTA 

•Fayemi, Fayose, Oyebanji, others win polling units, Olujimi loses 

By Dayo Johnson, 

Dapo Akinrefon, 

Rotimi Ojomyela & 

Luminous Jannamike 

THE All Progressives 

Congress, APC, candidate, 

Mr Biodun Oyebanji, 

last night, emerged 

the winner of Ekiti State 

government election by a 

landslide. Oyebanji beat 

his closest rival, Mr Segun 

Oni of the Social 

Democratic Party (SDP), 

by at least 100,000 votes. 

The Peoples Democratic 

Party (PDP) candidate, 

Hon Bisi Kolawole, came 

third. The election was 

marred by vote-buying 

which saw the Economic 

and Financial Crimes 

Commission, EFCC, 

and Nigeria Security 

and Civil Defence Corps, 

NSCDC, arresting two 

people including a chieftain 

of the PDP in Ado 

Ekiti, following alleged 

attempts to induce voters 

and cause violence. 

Curiously, Segun Oni 

lost his Ido-Osi LGA 

while Kolawole won his 

Efon Alaaye LGA. 

Oyebanji won in 15 of 

the 16 LGAs in the state. 

The election, however, 

witnessed high turn-out 

of voters and heavy security 

presence as the electorate 

trooped out to vote 

for their preferred candidate 

who will occupy Oke 

Bareke Government 

House and pilot the affairs 

of Ekiti State for 

another four years. 

The election was open 

for 749, 065 voters out of 

988,923 registered voters, 

who collected their Permanent 

Voter Cards, 

PVCs, to vote in 2,445 

polling units, 177 wards 

and 16 local councils of 

the state. 

Also, 16 political parties, 

including the APC, 

SDP, PDP, Young Progressive 

Party, YPP, African 

Democratic Congress, 

ADC, and Action Democratic 

Party, ADP, took 

part in the poll. 

41 vote-buying cases 

recorded in six LGAs -- 

CDD 

Indeed, the Centre for 

Democracy and Development, 

CDD, said its field 

observers documented 41 

instances of vote-buying 

and selling at polling 

units across six Local 

Government Areas 

(LGAs) during the governorship 

election. 

According to the civil 

society group, the cases 

were recorded at Ado- 

Ekiti, Ijero, Ikole Irepodun/Ifelodun, 

Ise/Orun 

and Moba LGAs of Ekiti. 

The Chairman of CDD's 

Election Analysis Centre 

(EAC), Prof. Adele Jinadu, 

revealed the development 

yesterday evening at a 

preliminary briefing of 

journalists in Abuja on 

the conduct of the governorship 

election. 

According to him, votebuying 

took the patterns 

of cash collection in 

brown envelopes to dis- 

•From left: PDP candidate, Hon Bisi Kolawole, APC’s Biodun Oyebanji and SDP’s 

Segun Oni casting their votes, yesterday. 

guise the content in order 

to avoid arrest by anticorruption 

agencies. 

The CDD-EAC Chair 

stated that, in some cases, 

some young voters 

openly displayed the 

money, explaining that 

the universities' strike 

influenced some of them 

to perceive the election as 

an opportunity to solve 

their economic challenges 

Ḣe said,” CDD-EAC observers 

documented 41 

instances of vote buying 

and selling at polling 

units. Observer data 

showed incidents of votebuying 

and selling in 

LGAs like Ado-Ekiti, Ijero, 

Ikole Irepodun/Ifelodun, 

Ise/Orun and Moba. 

"One of the observable 

patterns of vote buying 

was the collection of cash 

in brown envelopes, 

which was apparently 

meant to disguise the content 

of the envelopes in 

order to avoid arrest by 

the anti-corruption agencies”, 

Jinado stressed. 

While stating that the 

general atmosphere of 

the election was peaceful, 

the CDD noted that 

the conduct of the poll by 

the INEC showed some 

progress in terms of the 

administration. 

It, however, added that 

there remained several 

areas of concerns, which 

call for stronger management 

of elections. 

Huge turn-out of voters 

The exercise witnessed 

huge voters’ turn-out as 

the electorate trooped out 

as early as 7am to their 

respective polling units to 

check their names on the 

INEC register. 

Some of the voters had 

to trek long distances to 

their respective polling 

units. 

The election, across the 

state, was impressive in 

most polling units visited. 

Reports from the various 

local government areas 

also revealed that 

voting went on smoothly 

and simultaneously. 

Similarly, there was 

heavy security presence 

across the state as security 

agencies such as the 

army, police, DSS, 

NSCDC and FRSC were 

on ground to ensure 

peace and order. 

Timely arrival of INEC 

officials 

Electoral officers arrived 

polling units as early 

as 7am ready for the 

election. 

Accreditation started by 

8am while voting commenced 

afterwards. 

Voters were asked to 

queue in areas visited by 

Sunday Vanguard such as 

Ado-Ekiti, Iworoko, Oye, 

Ifaki, Ikere and Gbonyin 

before voting started. 

Naira rain at polling 

centres 

The presence of security 

operatives did not deter 

inducement of voters 

as political parties were 

involved in the act. 

Party agents were involved 

in inducement as 

voters were offered cash 

ranging from N3, 000 to 

N10, 000. 

See and buy 

Although, the voting 

was largely peaceful, the 

new trend of vote-buying 

called ‘See and Buy’ 

where voters had to 

evolve ways of showing 

their thumb-printed ballots 

to party agents or 

chieftains nearly marred 

the exercise in some parts 

of Ekiti. 

NSCDC nabs two for 

thuggery, vote-buying 

Following separate attempts 

to induce voters 

and cause violence, the 

NSCDC arrested two people 

in Ado-Ekiti. 

The Director, Public Relations 

at the Corps' National 

Headquarters, 

DCC Olusola Odumosu, 

in a preliminary statement, 

said: "Two persons 

were been arrested in Ado 

Local Government; one in 

connection with vote-buying 

while the other was 

arrested in connection 

with thuggery to disrupt 

voting at a polling unit." 

EFCC operatives arrest 

PDP chieftain for inducement 

Similarly, operatives of 

the EFCC arrested a stalwart 

of the PDP for allegedly 

inducing voters at 

Ola Oluwa Muslim Secondary 

School, Ado Ekiti, 

during the governorship 

election. 

Sunday Vanguard gathered 

that the party chieftain 

was arrested with a 

large sum of money. 

The party agent at the 

Polling Unit, Babajide 

Adebayo, who confirmed 

the incident, said: “When 

EFCC people came, somebody 

pointed at the PDP 

chieftain who was standing 

alone. There was nobody 

with him, he was not 

talking to anybody or given 

money to anybody, he 

was arrested and whisked 

away. The PDP stalwart is 

an engineer, he came to 

work in Ekiti but I have 

made calls to tell our 

leaders about the arrest.” 

EFCC operatives were 

seen in large number in 

some polling units where 

some major parties were 

alleged to have engaged 

in vote-buying 

The operatives, however, 

declined comments 

when approached before 

whisking the party chieftain 

to an unknown destination. 

How APC agent duped 

us – Voters 

A mild drama played 

out at the Ado Ekiti, Ijigbo 

Ward 004, Unit 001 as 

some voters complained 

bitterly that an APC agent 

failed to give out money 

promised them before 

voting for their candidate. 

Some women were 

heard complaining about 

how the APC agent declined 

to settle them after 

voting for the party’s candidate. 

One of them was heard 

saying: “We will disappoint 

them in the presidential 

election; they 

think they are wise to 

have played us. They successfully 

tricked us into 

voting their party. No 

wahala.” 

“In the morning, PDP 

and SDP shared N5,000 

each to their persons, but 

here we are hoping to get 

N10,000 from APC but 

ended up disappointed.” 

Ballot snatching 

Asides vote-buying, two 

men were arrested in Ise- 

?rùn for allegedly disrupting 

election in one of the 

wards and snatching ballot 

boxes. 

According to eyewitnesses, 

the two men shot 

sporadically at Odo- 

Moba Ward 1 Unit 4, 

forcing voters to flee before 

snatching the ballot 

boxes. 

They were, however, 

caught by men of the Nigeria 

Army while attempting 

to escape. 

ADP candidate alleges 

vote – buying 

Faulting incidents of 

vote- buying, candidate 

of the Action Democratic 

Party, ADP, Engineer Kemi 

Elebute-Halle, said the 

move was not good for the 

country’s democracy. 

Elebute-Halle, who voted 

at Ikole Local Government 

Area, Unit 8, Ward 

10, however, lamented 

inducement. 

She said: "In my polling 

unit, the APC gave 

N10,000, the PDP offered 

N5,000 while the SDP 

offered N3,000 to induce 

voters. The whole world is 

watching.” 

Vote-buying won't 

leave Nigeria's politics 

soon – Arise 

An APC chieftain, Senator 

Ayo Arise, lamented 

that vote-buying will continue 

to be prevalent in 

Nigeria's politics for a 

long time. 

Arise, while reacting to 

allegations of voter inducement 

and vote-buying 

in the governorship 

election, said urgent 

steps must be taken to 

provide employment to 

curb the act. 

Yiaga lauds EFCC over 

arrest of vote buyers 

Also reacting to inducement 

of voters, Yiaga Africa, 

a Civil Society Organisation 

that monitored 

the governorship 

election, commended the 

EFCC for arresting some 

people involved in votebuying. 

In a Mid-Day Situational 

statement on the poll, 

the Executive Director of 

Yiaga Africa, Samson 

Itodo, urged the commission 

to ensure full prosecution 

of individuals 

caught in the act of vote 

buying/voter inducement. 

CTA laments vote-buying, 

selling 

On its part, the Centre 

for Transparency Advocacy 

CTA, described the 

Ekiti governorship election 

as credible and 

peaceful. 

Addressing newsmen in 

Ado Ekiti, its Executive 

Director, Faith Nwadishi, 

said the election was an 

improvement over previous 

off season elections 

and against the initial 

narratives of violence. 

Nwadishi, who said 

that 50 citizen observers 

were deployed to the field 

covering the entire state, 

however, lamented votebuying 

and selling during 

the election. 

Fayemi, Oni, Fayose 

win polling units 

After the exercise, 

some heavy weights in 

the state were able to secure 

victory for their 

parties in their polling 

units. 

Governor Kayode 

Fayemi secured a victory 

for Oyebanji in his 

polling unit.. 

Fayemi voted at Polling 

Unit 009 in front of 

Apata's house, Ogilolo 

in Isan/Ilafon/Ilemso 

area of Oye Local government 

area. 

The APC candidate 

scored 154, while the 

SDP and PDP candidates 

scored 3 and 4 votes respectively. 

The ADP got one vote 

while 6 votes were voided. 

Oni wins polling unit 

SDP candidate, Oni, 

scored 90 per cent of 

valid votes cast at his 

Polling Unit 6, Ward 4, 

located at Town Hall, 

Ogbon Iro, Ifaki-Ekiti, 

Ido-Osi Local Government 

Area. 

He scored 218 out of 

242 valid votes cast at 

the unit. 

Oyebanji got 15 votes 

while All People's Party 

(APP) secured three 

votes, (PDP) two, and 

Rabiu Kwankwaso's 

NNPP two votes. 

One vote was voided, 

while the remaining seven 

was rejected; bringing 

the total number of 

accredited voters to 250. 

The polling unit had 

639 registered voters. 

Fayose holds Afao for 

Olabisi 

A former governor of 

the state on the platform 

of the PDP, Mr Ayodele 

Fayose, won his Afao 

polling unit for the party's 

candidate, Mr Bisi 

Kolawole. 

Fayose, it was gathered, 

did not come out to 

cast his vote despite going 

for accreditation. 

Olujimi loses polling 

unit 

The lawmaker representing 

Ekiti South, 

Senator Abiodun Olujimi, 

however, recorded 

defeat in her Ward 7, 

Polling Unit 7.. 

She lost to the APC. 

Optimism“Meanwhile, 

the APC governorship 

candidate, Oyebanji expressed 

confidence of 

winning 

the 

election.“Speaking after 

voting at Ward 06, Unit 

03 in Okelele area of 

Ikogosi-Ekiti, Oyebanji 

expressed confidence 

that he will win with a 

wide margin.“He said: 

“This is an improvement 

and my expectation is 

that I will win. I am happy 

that there was no case 

of apathy. The security 

build-up has also been 

impressive, so the process 

has been good and 

fine.““I am coming with 

a change agenda and my 

manifesto is clear about 

the changes I am bringing.” 

Exercise peaceful-- 

INEC 

Reacting to the conduct 

of the election, the 

Resident Electoral 

Comissioner, REC, for 

Ekiti State, Mr Adeniran 

Tella, hailed the exercise. 

Tella said: “The major 

aim and determination 

of the commission are to 

have an open poll. 

“We had created new 

units and migrated 

some names from some 

polling units. 

“They had their names 

pasted and they had been 

informed.” 

The REC appreciated 

the corps, alongside other 

security agencies, for 

diligently securing the 

electoral process.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2022 — PAGE 7 

Ekiti Governorship Election 

•85-year-old Pa Sajuku Adebo displaying his voter’s card before voting at Oloje’s 

Compound, Ward 2, Erijiyan Ekiti. Photos: Dare Fasube & Akeem Salau 

•82-year-old Mama Jinatu Amudat voting at Oloje’s Compound, Ward 2, Erijiyan 

Ekiti. 

•An old man looking for his name in voters register in Ikole Ekiti . 

•90-year-old Pa Israel Oyedeji casting his vote at Oloje’s Compound, Ward 2, Erijiyan 

Ekiti. 

•Aerial view of voters on queue at Polling Unit 003 Ward 6 Ikogosi Ekiti. 

•Voters checking for their names on the voters list at Polling Unit 002, Saint Michael 

Primary School, Ado Ekiti 

•Cross section of potential voters at a polling unit in Ifaki Ekiti. •Counting of votes at Polling Unit 16 Ward 11, Olode, Ado Ekiti .

PAGE 8—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2022 

Lagos – Badagry Expressway: Residents 

stealing road construction materials to 

build own houses — Fashola 

By Kingsley Akingboye 

& Gabriel Olawale 

he Minister of Works 

Tand Housing, Mr Babatunde 

Fashola, has appealed 

to residents along Lagos – 

Badagry expressway to desist 

from stealing materials for 

road construction. 

Speaking during inspection 

of the road under downpour, 

Fashola said stealing of 

materials is one of the numerous 

challenges they were 

dealing with in their quest to 

deliver the project by first 

quarter of 2023. 

“Our plan is to deliver the 

project in the first quarter of 

2023 but we are contending 

with many challenges such as 

rainy season, motor traffic, 

By Festus Ahon, 

ASABA 

ELTA North Tradition 

Dal Rulers Forum, yesterday, 

berated the Southern 

and Middle Belt Leaders’ 

Forum, SMBLF, over its 

attack on Governor Ifeanyi 

Okowa for accepting to be 

vice presidential candidate 

of the Peoples Democratic 

Party, PDP. 

Speaking to newsmen after 

an emergency meeting 

of the forum held at its 

Chairman’s Palace, Obi 

(Prof) Chike Edozien, the 

Asagba of Asaba, its Vice 

Chairman and the Obi of 

Abavo, HRM Uche Irenuma, 

described the attack on 

Okowa by the SMBLF as 

malicious and calculated at 

smearing the governor’s 

image. 

He said the decision of the 

SMBLF to declare the governor 

a personal non grata 

was uncalled for and unacceptable 

to majority of the 

people from the Niger Delta 

Ṫhe monarch, who was 

flanked by the Secretary of 

the forum, HRM Daniel 

Ogbudo, the Obi of Atuma- 

Igan Kingdom, said the outburst 

of SMBLF, which is 

supposed to protect interest 

of its people, “depicts personal 

hatred against the 

person of Governor Ifeanyi 

Okowa who holds elders, es- 

community issue and stealing 

of our materials at the site. 

“Our engineers at the site 

reported to us that some residents 

are stealing construction 

materials to build their 

own houses, claiming it’s 

their own share of national 

cake. That is not good because 

this road is for the good 

of everybody”. 

He expressed satisfaction 

with the pace of work, saying 

the progress was largely as a 

result of the Nigerian National 

Petroleum Corporation tax 

credit. 

“The main problem of Lagos 

- Badagry road has always 

been funding, but that 

has been substantially addressed 

with the NNPC tax 

credit. So the contractor is 

progressing as you can see”, 

the Minister stressed. 

“We have about 16 kilometers 

completed on one lane. 

The plan is to finish that side 

and divert traffic so that we 

can work on the other side. 

As you are all aware, Agbara 

to Igboelerin is covered by 

Federal Roads Maintenance 

Agency while Lagos State is 

responsible for Eric Moore to 

Agboju. 

“If you recalled, we hosted 

Minister from Cote d’Ivoire, 

Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic 

about two weeks ago. 

This route is part of Lagos- 

Abidjan highway which is a 

total of about 1,048 kilometers. 

This is a very strategic 

investment that Federal Government 

is making as our contribution 

to West AFRICA 

Trade and Lagos State”. 

ATTACK ON OKOWA: Delta North monarchs 

blast Southern, Middle Belt Leaders Forum 

pecially Chief E K Clark in 

high esteem.” 

He accused the Forum of 

acting the script of its paymaster, 

lamenting that the aims 

and objectives of the SMBLF 

was not to cast aspersions on 

deserving and worthy sons 

and daughters of the region, 

adding that Okowa’s acceptance 

of the vice presidential 

slot does not amount to betrayal 

of his people. 

Expressing confidence that 

Okowa would be a good 

Shina Abubakar, Osogbo 

sun State governorship 

Ocandidate of Accord 

Party, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, has 

disclosed that he has neither 

political nor business ties to 

the All Progressives Congress 

(APC’s) presidential candidate, 

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. 

He added that that he is not 

working with the APC or PDP 

in the build-up to the July 16 

governorship election in the 

state as he is sure of victory in 

the poll. 

Ogunbiyi, while speaking 

during a meeting with key 

members of the state pensioners, 

explained that he outrightly 

rejected the offer to 

join the APC after he was 

Healthy living: Vitafoam rewards 

customers 

itafoam Nigeria Plc, 

VNigeria’s leading 

manufacturer of flexible, 

has expressed its commitment 

to enhancing quality 

sleep, healthy living and 

physical well being of Nigerians 

by rewarding loyal 

customers with Vita Sizzler 

Mattress and Vitacool 

Memory Pillow in the just 

concluded Digital Gamification 

Campaign tagged 

#qualitysleepwithVitafoam 

The Digital Gamification 

Campaign, which was 

aimed to encourage Nigerians 

to embrace quality 

sleep and create excitement 

among Nigerian 

youths and champion 

healthy living, was opened 

to all Nigerians with the 

campaign message “Quality 

Sleep WithVitafoam”in 

which participants got to 

share a picture of their Vitafoam 

mattress and pillow 

on their social media 

pages and narrate what 

quality sleep means to 

them. 

Presenting the award, 

Mr. John Williams, Vitafoam 

Trade Partner in 

Enugu, congratulated the 

ambassador of the region, he 

urged the Forum to rescind 

its decision and embrace the 

vice presidential slot given to 

the South by the PDP. 

Irenuma congratulated 

Okowa on his nomination as 

the running mate to the PDP 

presidential candidate, Alhaji 

Atiku Abubakar. 

He thanked the party leadership 

and Atiku for picking 

their son as vice presidential 

candidate of the PDP, praying 

God to see them through the 

electioneering period. 

I ‘ve no link with Tinubu 

— Osun Accord party guber candidate I 

winner, Mrs. Nwokenna 

Favour and assured her of 

the luxury comfort she will 

get from the products. According 

to Williams, “Vita 

Sizzler Mattress is a super 

soft, high density, high resilient 

mattress with a luxury 

feel and It supports weight 

of up to 120kg and Vitacool 

Memory Pillow conforms to 

the shape of the head and 

neck offering therapeutic support 

and rises back to its original 

shape in 60 seconds after 

being compressed. The 

soft feel provides excellent 

comfort and unmatched 

durability.” 

Mrs. Nwokenna Favour, 

winner of the campaign, on 

receiving the Vita Sizzler 

Mattress and Vitacool 

Memory Pillow,expressed 

her gratitude to Vitafoam 

Nigeria Plcfor for the opportunity. 

She thanked Vitafoam 

for the opportunity. 

“I am grateful. I am currently 

enjoying your Vita 

Corona Mattress with my 

husband, and I am sure 

that with the upgrade to 

Vita Sizzler Mattress and 

Vitacool Memory Pillow, 

the comfort and durability 

will be superb”. 

cheated by the PDP in 2018 

because he was not in politics 

for personal gains but to 

serve Osun people and use 

his God given potentials to 

bring development and 

growth to the state. 

“I have said it severally that 

I have nothing to do with Tinubu 

either politically or in the 

business world. Whatsoever is 

said was by my political opponents 

and the woman who 

started this has come forward 

to apologize to me”, he stated. 

“What I was offered by the 

APC to join the party was not 

up to what I spent and even if 

anyone offer me the whole 

world, I won’t accept it. By the 

grace of God, I don’t depend 

on anyone and I did not take 

anything from anyone for my 

campaign. I am not rich but I 

am okay. I am 60 years now 

and I have what can take care 

of me in the next 60 years”. 

The Accord flag-bearer 

noted that if he rejected such 

offer then, he is resolute now 

to contest this election and 

that he is sure of winning, saying 

he was not working in alliance 

with either APC or PDP 

but to see that the two political 

parties are defeated during 

the July 16th governorship 

election. 

Labour and Employment Minister, Dr. Chris Ngige (left) with the new Chairperson 

of the ILO Governing Board (GB), Amb.Ms Claudio Juliano, at the opening 

of the 345th session of the GB in Geneva Switzerland. Ngige is a REGULAR 

member representing West Africa in this Executive Global body of the ILO 

Gov. Akeredolu with MD/CEO, Manuex Place, Hon. Jide Ipinsagba, during the 

groundbreaking ceremony of the 8-floor Manuex Place Resorts, Alagbaka, Akure, 

Ondo State. 

8-floor Manuex Resorts replaces Owena Motels 

n his drive to create job 

opportunities and improve 

infrastructure facilities 

in Ondo State, Governor 

Oluwarotimi Akeredolu 

has replaced the demolished 

Owena Chalets Motels 

with an 8-floor hi-tec 

hotel. 

The groundbreaking ceremony 

of the 5-star hotel, 

which held at the four hectares 

construction site at 

Alagbaka, Akure, the state 

capital, had different personalities 

from all walks of 

life gracing the occasion. 

In his address, the governor 

disclosed that the 

project was established on 

Public/Private Partnership 

(PPP) arrangement by the 

state government and 

MANUEX Place, a blue 

chip hospitality organization. 

t was a day of joy and cel 

Iebration, penultimate 

Saturday, when the Lekki 

Adult Literacy and Vocational 

Centre (LALVC) held its inaugural 

graduation ceremony 

in grand style. 

The centre also matriculated 

about 60 new learners. 

The colourful ceremony, 

held at the Redeemed Christian 

Church of God,RCCG, 

Lagos Province 20, located 

along Admiralty Way, Lekki, was 

HACEY Health Initiative in partnership with Access Bank 

distribute mosquito-treated nets to members of Nehemiah 

IDP Mobilization Camp, Kafanchan. 

The governor said: “He 

assured me that I should not 

worry. I am sure you 

wouldn’t have started this if 

you have not had the 

means. 

“You have shown that 

government and private 

sectors can collaborate. Oil 

industry has been clamouring 

for classy hotel where 

they can lodge and go from 

there to their oil fields which 

are closer to Akure and safe 

to flying from here to the locations. 

“We don’t have enough 

hotels in Akure. Different e- 

bussinesses have sprang up 

in the state capital. 

“We are set to collaborate 

with private sector to improve 

the economy of the 

state. 

“This project is done 

through PPP arrangement 

attended by many dignitaries 

including the representative of 

Honourable Tokunbo Wahab, 

Special Adviser to Lagos State 

Governor on Education, Mrs 

Seriki Olayemi, the Chairman 

of Ibeju-Lekki local government, 

Hon Abdullahi Sesan, and a 

former Minister of Trade and Investment. 

Speaking at the event, the 

Coordinator, Deacon Joe Mbulu, 

said the program has multiplier 

effect because it will help to 

kick illiteracy out of Lagos. 

He noted that the programme 

is a 9-month programme certified 

by the Lagos State Educational 

Board while explaining 

that in 2021/2022, over 60 learners 

had their matriculation but 

only 25 people were able to pass 

the examination set by the state 

government. 

Mbulu disclosed that over 60 

learners were matriculated for 

the 2021/2022 session. 

with a carefully drafted and 

signed MoU which took 

care of public interest. 

He, therefore, called on 

investors to support the state 

through a security trust fund 

that would be launched 

soonest to fund security in 

the state. 

According to the Managing 

Director/CEO of MAN- 

UEX Place, Jide Ipinsagba, 

the edifice would have two 

helipads for shuttle services 

within the state, besides a 

banquet hall with 3320 

seats and an amusement 

park. 

Ipinsagba, who is the candidate 

of All Progressives 

Congress (APC) for Ondo 

North in the 2023 general 

elections, revealed that the 

project is expected to reach 

completion in the next 18 

months. 

Move to kick illiteracy out of Lagos gets boost 

Olayemi, on her part, lauded 

the initiative while stating that 

LALVC is collaborating with government 

to kick illiteracy out of 

Lagos. 

She, however, revealed that 

the Lagos government 

launched the ‘Kick Illiteracy Out 

of Lagos’ campaign in 2016 and 

RCCG through CSR has been 

able to support the government 

in that aspect. 

Also speaking, Sesan applauded 

the initiative, stating that he 

was excited seeing that hope 

has been restored for some people 

who didn’t have the opportunity 

to have a formal education 

while growing up. 

He advised the graduating 

learners to continue pushing 

and not look back while calling 

on corporate organizations to 

also embrace the need to kick 

illiteracy out of their communities.






2023: 

Tough times 

as desperate Nigerians 

scramble for PVC 

• No luck after sleeping in INEC office for two days – Abuja resident 

• ‘I’d rather suffer to get card than spend years lamenting’ 

By Ezra Ukanwa 

As political activities ahead of 2023 

general election become intense, 

there has been a massive 

awakening on Permanent Voter Cards, 

PVC. 

This epic revival is not only indicating 

a new dawn but it is pointing to the 

massive sensitization by Nigerian 

celebrities, clergymen, philanthropists, 

CSOs, media and politicians among 

others who have consistently urged 

Nigerians to go the extra mile in getting 

their PVCs. 

In fact, some religious organisations 

went as far as providing platforms where 

congregants were sensitised on getting 

their PVCs. 

Others took it upon themselves in 

approaching the Independent National 

Electoral Commission, INEC, on the 

availability of Voter Enrollment Devices, 

IVED, to capture eligible applicants in 

the ongoing Continuous Voter 

Registration, CVR. 

Prior to this time, Nigerians deemed it 

unnecessary to go through the stress of 

getting their PVC because, according to 

findings, they felt their votes would be of 

inconsequential value. 

Among those who have been massively 

drawn into this consciousness, are the 

youths who in Lagos State defied the rain 

just to attend the Youth Vote Count Mega 

Concert 2.0, where PVC registration was 

made available, at the Tafawa Balewa 

Square, Lagos State, last Saturday. 

Also, not left out are the aged who in the 

past, were merely advising the younger 

generation to get their PVCs without 

getting theirs. They were seen across INEC 

offices in Abuja. 

Vanguard correspondent who visited a 

number of INEC offices in Abuja, 

discovered that it was no longer business 

as usual as scores of residents in AMAC 

Local Government,LGA, and 

Gwagwalada LGA, came out before 

1:00am just to ensure that they get their 

PVCs. 

There have been complaints by many 

people that they had gone to such 

registration centres repeatedly without 

getting registered. As the June 30 deadline 

draws near, they are worried they may end 

up not being registered. 

Vanguard confirmed the readiness of 

Nigerians to get their PVCs when our 

Correspondent went to INEC office, Karu 

Site, Abuja, as early as 5am only to 

discover that there were over 220 

Nigerians on the line to get 

their PVCs. 

It was gathered that while 

some Abuja residents stayed two 

nights in INEC offices, others, 

despite being disappointed in 

the past, kept on approaching 

INEC office, unrelentingly. 

A mother of two in Karu 

AMAC LGA, Salisu Amina, 36, 

who spoke to our 

correspondent said despite her 

situation, she could not stay 

aloof while other Nigerians are 

making efforts to better the state 

of the country. 

“The situation of the country 

is terrible. Nigerians are 

suffering and we have been 

suffering since APC came into 

power. In fact, when they came 

in, a lot of things that were easy 

for Nigerians became very 

tough. 

“As a mother, I feel this pain. 

Even putting food on the table 

for my children is very difficult. 

Because of this terrible situation 

and the security challenges that 

have become worse I swore 

one morning that I will 

undergo whatever stress to get 

my PVC and vote out this 

government. 

“I was here yesterday but 

could not get it. Today, I have 

come this early and I am sure 

that I will wait to get my PVC, “ 

she said. 

A Jikwoyi resident, Chigozie 

Ebube, narrated that he 

came all the way from 

Jikwoyi to INEC office 

in Karu and had slept 

there for two nights. 

He maintained that 

he is unwilling to give 

up as the country is in dire need of 

a new administration. 

He said: “I came all the way from 

Jikwoyi to this place and I have been here 

for two nights now. From my 

actions, you should see that I am 

tired. 

“I am the first child of my home 

and of course, you understand the 

responsibility that comes with it. It 

is a very huge responsibility. 

Because of the responsibilities, I 

discovered that life is worse in 

Nigeria. This government added 

to my sorrow. 

“The cost of living has become 

unbearable. Insecurity is now a 

song we sing on a daily basis. I 

can not even properly take care of 

myself as all I get, I contribute 

them to the welfare of my family. 

“The APC-led administration 

has made my life meaningless and 

I am determined to vote them out. 

That is why I have slept in this place 

for two nights, hopefully I will be 

answered today.” 

When asked why he slept for two 

nights, he said: “When I arrived here 

the first day, I discovered that there 

were many others that had been 

here and the list was long. 

“So, for me to get a better chance 

I had to stay back to get a good 

number. Aside from that, I am just 

so determined to work against this 

government using my PVC.” 

Cynthia Igwe, a trader in 

Gwagwalada LGA, told our 

correspondent that Nigerians are 

tired of being turned in circles, 

stating that it is high time she 

acted. 

Igwe further said she has not been 

exercising her civic rights for 

over a decade, noting that next year 

would be different. 

She said: “ Nigerian government has 

turned us into people with no direction. 

They have been taking us back and forth 

but this year, I can beat my chest on this, 

a new Nigeria will emerge. 

“To be honest, I have not been 

exercising my voting rights for more than 

10years now, but after going through 

seven years with Buhari, I don’t think it 

will be wise for me to be a part of a 

government that I did not choose in 

2023.” 

On his part, Ebuka Jeremiah, a tailor 

whom our correspondent met in AMAC 

office in Karu, stated that: “It is better 

for me to undergo the stress of getting a 

PVC than spending another long year 

with a wicked administration. 

“In fact, God knows how life has been 

since Buhari emerged as President of 

Nigeria. That man came with a negative 

atmosphere and Nigerians are really 

willing to take not just him but the APC 

administration out.” 

Meanwhile, last Friday, INEC 

announced it received reports from some 

states about “unprecedented surge in the 

number of citizens that wish to register 

as voters and the challenges they face 

across the country.” 

Consequently, it held a meeting and 

decided to deploy additional 209 

machines to the five South-Eastern 

states, Lagos and Kano where the 

pressure is most acute. 

“In some states, the sudden turnout of 

prospective registrants is 

overwhelming,” INEC added.

PAGE 14—SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2022 

I don’t jump into 

relationships 

—Bimbo Thomas 

Bimbo Thomas has been around long before 

'Omo Ghetto' was shot by Funke Akindele. 

But the award-winning movie surely pushed 

the voluptuous beauty up the ladder. She played 

the role of a funny girl called ‘Nikky’ but in real 

life she is nothing like the character she played. 

The starry-eyed beauty had a chat with Potpourri 

and she let us into her world, a world no one has 

ever travelled. She talked sex, life and 

relationships. Courteous as she is, the Chief 

Executive Officer of Bimbally wine store is as 

direct and down-to-earth as any frank person could 

get. 

“I’ve always had guys crushing on me, but I 

never dated any of them. However, I had my 

first kiss in secondary school a few 

weeks before my final 

exams. As for my first 

relationship, it was 

with a guy called Kumi 

and we had been friends 

for a long time before that” 

she said. 

She explains she doesn’t 

jump into relationships even 

when all the signs are there. 

She wouldn’t even allow a guy 

to peck her unless they have been 

together for a while. “I’ll act as if I can’t read 

between the lines. I won’t even peck an ordinary 

friend; it’s that bad”. 

My new EP, a 

reflection of 

my talents 

—Otega 

For fast-rising music act and 

songwriter, Ifedayo Stephen 

Oghenetega aka Otega 

Jogbo being rated as one of the 

most creative talents in the 

Nigerian music industry shows 

that he has what it takes to be in 

the music space. 

But beyond that, Otega says 

relatable messages and versatility 

he keeps showing in his songs, 

especially his latest EP, 'Magic' is 

reflective of his talent. 

Speaking about the new EP, the 

budding artiste described it as 

an amazing display of talent 

and music versatility, adding 

that he infused African Afro beats 

with new school drum kicks in a 

genius way. 

At the listening party 

organized for the Magic EP, 

held at Brassers Place, Lekki, 

Lagos, elated Otega said 

seeing the massive turnout of 

friends and colleagues to 

share in the joy of his new 

music project could only 

mean that he is on the right 

path to greatness. 

Having made more than 

two millions (2 Millions) 

streams on the EP in the first 

7 days 'Magic EP' looks a 

winner with great prospects. 

“Every song is special and unique ..Track 

2 'Everytime' is a mind-blowing evergreen 

straight hit and will be talked about for quite a 

lifetime.” 

“The inspirations behind the EP is change and 

evolution of things and events from antique years to 

new school days. It’s purely afrobeats, magic and 

vibes with a very motivated and focused mood”, he 

added. 

•Otega 

•Bimbo 

Thomas 

I have discovered 

myself as a woman 

merging Nigerian 

E Afrobeats sensation, 

Nwankwo Prince, 

popularly known with the 

stage name ‘Fresh P’, has 

released a comeback single 

titled 'Normalthing' on the 

12th of May 2022. 

Fresh P who is a native of Imo 

State in Nigeria was born in 

Kaduna State. The young 

talented artiste started his 

career from primary school. 

Back then his friends and 

supporters referred to him as 

Fresh Prince, following his 

unusual and intriguing talent. 

He is the 5th and second male 

child from a family of eight. 

The single titled 

‘Normalthing’ is a vibrant 

blend of Afrobeats and sub-genre 

that reflects heavily on youthful 

—Chika Ike 

Nollywood star actress, Chika Ike has somewhat 

gone off the radar in the movie industry, not because 

her name doesn’t pull weight any more, it may be 

because the delectable actress is redirecting her energy 

somewhere else. And a few naysayers may have been 

disappointed her name has not cropped up in any 

untoward situation in recent times. That is also 

•Chika Ike 

because she is totally a new person, focused on greater 

concerns of life. 

She actually gave Potpourri a hint of what to 

expect of her, after some unsavoury events that had 

her name dangling over it in the past. 

“I think I have been on the part of self- discovery. I 

have discovered myself as a woman. I have also discovered 

myself as a business woman. I have grown a lot and I have also 

embraced the change that has happened in my life. A lot of things 

have changed about me. It is normal. I have discovered the 

woman I am, and I have learnt the art of running a business 

empire,” she had told Potpourri. 

Chika Ike who recently revealed that her dream car is 

Rolls Royce Phantom has been busy on a real estate project 

tagged ‘Maison’ being executed by one of her companies, 

Flip Script Homes. Apart from being a top-rate actress, 

Ike is an author, a businesswoman and movie producer. 

•Queeneth 

Hilbert 

•Fresh P 

Only few men 

are nice 

—Queeneth Hilbert 

Nollywood 

beauty, 

Queeneth Hilbert who 

began life in the 

entertainment space as a 

model and went through the 

hard-knocks of Nollywood as 

a wannabe starlet has shared 

her experience with Potpourri, 

on how she was treated by 

most men she met. 

“When I was trying to 

establish myself as a 

model, every man I met 

wanted something from 

me. In this country, most 

men you meet don’t want 

to do anything for you 

unless you are ready to 

offer sex. Only very few 

men are nice. I don’t 

know if it happens like 

that to other women 

but for me, it has and 

that doesn’t mean I have 

anything against men. I 

don’t”, she said 

And her feelings haven’t 

affected her desirability to 

have sex with the opposite 

sex. “Well, you see someone 

and you feel this guy will 

be good in bed, fine, go 

ahead and have it. Sex is 

something you can have if 

you feel good about it. I 

don’t believe all those 

Bible stuffs about sex” she 

added. 

Many writers have 

described Queeneth 

Hilbert as the most 

beautiful actress in 

Nigeria. Right or wrong, 

the model turned screen 

goddess is unquestionably 

beautiful with a touch of 

class about her. 

Fresh P releases 

new hit single 

'Normalthing' 

exuberance, love and growth. The 

music is meant to bring energy to the 

dance floor and good vibes on music 

playing systems. 

The song showcases his versatility 

and preaches about life through 

music, with an insight on his 

personality . 

Speaking on the new single, he said, 

“My new single that was released on 

the 12th of May 2022 titled 

‘Normalthing’ is an entertaining song 

which I dedicate to the people who 

want to have a nice time while 

listening to music that has meaning.” 

In 2018, Fresh P released his first 

debut single titled ‘Bless my way’ 

which was mastered and mixed in 

Lagos . 

The single after release has been 

getting massive airplay on several 

digital platforms and radio stations 

nationwide.


5 Nigerian 

celebrities who own 

Lamborghini cars 

•Mercy 

Eke 

By Joy Mazoje 

Top exotic cars have not only become a lifestyle 

in the entertainment space the world over, they 

have become a status symbol, and people keep 

a close eye on what their favorite celebrities are 

driving. Celebrities spend thousands of dollars 

buying the most sought-after cars. While some 

prefer to own vintage cars in their collection, others 

buy the most high-tech and customized cars they 

can get their hands on. As celebs try to expand 

their collection with luxury cars, Lamborghini has 

become a must in the car collection. From models 

and musicians to athletes and actors, every 

celebrity has a Lamborghini in the garage. 

Here are 5 Nigeria celebrities with their expensive 

Lamborghini cars. 

Mercy Eke 

Former Big Brother Naija winner, has just joined 

the train of celebrities to flaunt and pose with 

their new whip Lamborghini. Mercy, who is a 

reality personality took to her social media 

platform to share a couple of photos of herself 

posing in front of a Lamborghini with the caption: 

All white Lambo. 

Davido 

The 30BG boss shocked followers during a 2020 

Instagram Live by displaying a new red 

Lamborghini that he had purchased. The 'FEM' 

singer has never been one for subtlety, and his red 

Lamborghini is no exception. 

Patoranking 

Patoranking, Nigeria’s dancehall artist, also 

acquired a Lamborghini this year — a 

Lamborghini Urus 2020 to be precise. The 

versatile singer took advantage of the chance 

to craftily show off his new ride in a little 

dancing video he released on social media. 

Colleagues and friends of the musician himself 

showed off more and more photographs and videos 

of the new ride as time passed. The car was 

apparently worth over $220,000, which translates 

to approximately 85 million Naira. 

Peter Okoye 

One half of the famed Nigerian group P-Square, 

Peter Okoye also took to social media 

to show off his new 

Lamborghini 

Aventador Sports 

Car. 

Olamide 

Bado, as he’s 

fondly called, never 

openly revealed the 

addition of his new 

Lamborghini 

Aventador like other 

celebrities. His new 

whip is reportedly 

valued at 218 

million Naira. This is 

called achieving 

success in silence. 

Fans rained praises 

on the rapper’s 

'lowkey' and 'modest' 

lifestyle. The sum of 

218 million Naira, 

on the other hand, is 

far from modest. 

•Olamide 

•Davido 

•Patoranking 

BBNaija Pere reveals 

why he’s scared of 

relationships 

By Sylvester Kwentua 

Former Big Brother Naija 

Housemate, Pere, may have 

provided answers to those who ask 

why he is not in a relationship at the 

moment. In a recent tweet, the ‘General’, 

as he is fondly called by fans, revealed 

that he was not in a relationship, 

because he was scared of being in a 

relationship with somebody that has 

trust issues. Pere also tagged 

relationships as work. 

“Being in a relationship with 

someone who’s got trust issues is a 

lotta work. They always believe 

there’s someone else in the picture. 

You gotta always convince ‘em that 

the invisible other they think is there, 

is actually not there. Who wan pay 

for this kind of work?” Pere said. 

Pere may have tweeted this to take 

people’s mind away from the recent 

controversy he finds himself in. 

It will be recalled that a US-based 

journalist in a recent tweet, had allegedly 

stated that there was a gist around Abuja 

that Pere and the First Lady of Kogi state, 

Rashida Bello, were alleged lovers. 

'Why is #BBNaija Pere Egbi all over 

the place with Kogi First Lady, Rashida 

Bello? Gist around Abuja says that they 

are lovers. Egbi and Mrs Bello are said 

to have been sighted severally at the 

Hilton Hotel, Abuja. The gist is that 

•Pere 

when they first met, the First Lady 

gifted Egbi N5 million.' The journalist 

tweeted. 

Pere however defended himself, claiming 

Jackson’s tweet was a figment of 

imagination. 

“For the records, the publication about 

me and the First Lady of Kogi State is a 

demonic lie and a figment of a diseased 

imagination of Jackson Ode and those 

retweeting that rubbish, they must answer 

me in court both in Nigeria and in the 

United States of America where he is 

based.” Pere fired. 

•Peter 

Okoye 

Nollywood couple, Lukman, 

Bukky Raji christens newborn 

baby 

•Lukman 

and 

Bukky 

Raji 

It is a happy time for prolific Yorubaspeaking 

Nollywood couple, Lukman 

Raji and his better half, Bukky Raji, 

popularly known as Aminatu Papapa as 

they have welcomed a new gift of life into 

their family. 

The Rajis hosted colleagues, friends, 

family, and associates at the christening 

of their newborn after the safe delivery of 

the actress nine days ago at their Lagos 

residence, according to the Muslim rites. 

The now mother-of-three, who has kept 

a low profile in her acting career as a 

result of the nine-month journey, could 

not hide her joy since she was delivered of 

the new child last Saturday at an 

undisclosed hospital as she stormed the 

social media with the news of her safe 

delivery complemented with her baby 

shower shoots. 

Also, her colleagues and fans from all 

over showered her, the new gift, and the 

family with congratulatory messages and 

prayers. 

The elated father Raji, also took to his 

social media handle to express his joy over 

the development, saying, 

'Congratulations to me and Raji’s 

family as we welcome the prince of the 

family', Prince Abidemi Raji.

PAGE 16 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2022 

NDAN dying: Print media 

also means death of news 

“Were it left to me whether to 

have a government without 

newspapers or newspapers 

without a government, I should 

not hesitate a moment to prefer 

the latter” - Thomas Jefferson, 

US President, 1743-1826. 

ALL Nigerians alive 

today and old enough 

to be conscious of our 

predicament as a nation are 

beginning to have an inkling 

of what life would be without 

a government. Very few people 

dispute the fact that nobody is 

safe anywhere anymore; that 

power supply, hitherto 

epileptic, has ceased in many 

communities; that food 

scarcity is rapidly becoming a 

crisis; that education has 

declined further and no public 

water supply. 

In short, we are lacking 

everything governments are 

elected to provide. And, how 

do we know all these things? 

Nigerian newspapers, their 

reporters and correspondents, 

as well as columnists provide 

us with information and data 

which governments would 

want suppressed. News, in 

Nigeria, is frequently what 

governments would not want 

published. Without the media, 

mainly the press, we would all 

be total morons; tossed here 

and there by the people we 

often mistakenly elect into 

office. 

Everybody can see how we 

asked for the current mess in 

which we find ourselves by reelecting 

Buhari in 2019. This 

generation and others coming 

after us will pay dearly for our 

blunder. Buhari will leave 

Nigeria a lot worse than he 

found it in 2015. You can bet 

all your money on that. 

PRINT MEDIA ON LIFE 

SUPPORT 

“It is unthinkable that 

wisdom should ever be 

popular” - Goethe, 1749-1832 

Among the institutions 

receiving the touch of death 

of this administration is the 

print media. Newspapers are 

dying gradually. There is no 

other way to say the truth. One 

obvious sign of the problem is 

the number of pages on the 

average paper today. When I 

resumed work at 

VANGUARD in 1994, we were 

producing 64 pages and 

selling at N50 per copy. Being 

an economist, and not a 

journalist, I was stupid enough 

to suggest one day that we 

could reduce the pages to 56; 

save costs and make better 

returns. 

The Editorial staff almost 

brought the roof down on my 

head. I kept my mouth shut; 

but, I was certain that events 

will eventually prove me right. 

It has been my unenviable luck 

to be ignored or even abused 

when talking out of 

inspiration. Later, the 

“blaspheme”, for which I 

would have been thrown into 

the Kirikiri Canal, was 

recognised as the way to go. 

Today, unless there are lots of 

advertisements, the typical 

newspaper is 32 pages long; 

and sells for N200. Deep in 

my heart I knew I was right 

and the majority was wrong 

then. History has proved it. 

Only God knows how many 

millions of dollars we could 

have saved then when the 

exchange rate was relatively 

low. Now, we must pay N420/ 

US$1, official rate or N610/ 

US$1 to purchase newsprint. 

That is one of the factors why 

the print media is on its knees. 

There are others, especially 

television, the internet, major 

networks and social media. 

They are ravaging print media 

everywhere. This, however, is 

not the time to discuss those 

influences; and for a good 

reason. 

Newspapers and magazines 

still constitute the backbone of 

news in every nation – even in 

those countries where they are 

officially controlled. The reason 

is simple. All the other sources 

only skim the headlines of news; 

they seldom provide enough 

content for the reader to get the 

Vendors, those brave 

souls running in and 

out of traffic to sell 

papers, are now 

almost impossible to 

recruit 

full picture. And, even when 

television viewers can record in 

absentia what was missed, it is 

still an abridged version they 

receive. Newspapers provide 

more details and can be read 

anytime and anywhere – 

without missing anything. That 

is their strength; and that is why 

they will endure a lot longer 

despite new technologies. Why 

then is the Nigerian print 

media in mortal danger? 

INTRODUCING NDAN: 

THE CHANNEL FOR 

PRINT MEDIA 

“You are the salt of the earth”. 

That was the Divine 

declaration. He chose a proper 

metaphor to represent those 

essential elements in life which 

ordinary mortals take for 

granted – until they are 

missing. Freedom is one 

example. Until the day I was 

whisked off by armed 

policemen from my office at 

the Nigerian Institute of 

Management, NIM, at 

Victoria Island, to be detained 

for eight hours at the Central 

Bank of Nigeria, CBN, office 

in Lagos, I took freedom for 

granted. I had got published 

an article titled CONFUSED 

BANK OF NIGERIA, CBN, in 

1992, highly critical of CBN’s 

dual exchange rate policy; and 

warning about the 

consequences. 

By the time the late Governor 

of CBN had me released and 

driven back to my office at 7 

pm, my idea of freedom as 

given had changed. 

NEWSPAPERS & 

M A G A Z I N E S 

DISTRIBUTORS 

ASSOCIATION OF 

NIGERIA, NDAN, is one of 

those institutions performing 

a vital function in our country, 

in an obscure manner, that 

most of us are not aware of its 

existence. Yet, without NDAN, 

all the papers and magazines 

would never reach us – at least 

very few will. Journalists, 

printers and erudite 

columnists, as well as rabble 

rousers like me, would labour 

in vain. Court-ordered notices 

might be printed; they will stay 

on the production floors of 

media houses. Governments’ 

announcements in print media 

will be wasted. We will largely 

become a nation without 

newspapers. That is a tragedy 

we should all want to avert at 

all costs. 

Unknown to most people 

including government officials 

and politicians, the NDAN is 

the salt of the newspaper sector 

of media. Directly or indirectly, 

there are about two million 

people involved in the business; 

and their influence reaches 

corners no other media can for 

news dissemination and 

announcements. And, through 

them, every corner of Nigeria 

can be reached within 72 hours. 

Try me, if you don’t believe that. 

Now NDAN is dying; as an 

institution and as individuals. 

Old agents and vendors are 

dying rapidly; few are 

replacing them. Vendors, those 

brave souls running in and out 

of traffic to sell papers, are now 

almost impossible to recruit. 

Several of them are in hospitals 

wasting away – victims of hitand-run 

drivers. 

NDAN needs help urgently. 

First, they needed somebody to 

help bring their plight to the 

attention of governments and 

Fellow Nigerians. These are 

among the working poor in 

Nigeria today. Out of 

desperation, they called me. 

WHY ME? 

“Who shall we send; and who 

will be our messenger?” I 

answered. “Here I am; send 

me” - Isaiah, Chapter 6. 

The call came at about 

9.30am on June 10, 2022. It 

was from the Chairman of the 

Lagos Island NDAN, Mr 

Akpan. I had stored the number 

since GSM numbers were 

assigned and I was in charge 

of Circulation for 

VANGUARD. It was not 

exactly the job I wanted, but, it 

was a challenge all the same. 

Daily Circulation was 

declining; unsold papers were 

mounting and several 

distributors were indebted to 

the company. The traditional 

approach was to stop supplying 

papers to debtors. But, that 

would depress circulation 

further – at a time when we 

needed more papers sold. 

Fortunately, I have had years 

of brands sales and 

marketing experience 

starting from Boston, USA in 

the summer of 1968. 

Nobody’s supply was 

stopped. Instead I started my 

first in a series of early 

morning breakfasts with 

distributors and vendors in 

Lagos and throughout 

Nigeria. We got our money 

back and on the day after the 

2007 elections, our 

circulation had reached 100 

per cent more than when we 

started. Only God knows 

how many breakfasts I had 

with agents and vendors in 

the ten years on the job in all 

the state capitals and Abuja. 

By the time I left 

VANGUARD in 2008, I was 

the only person in print 

media who knew agents and 

hundreds of vendors 

personally. One of my official 

cars clocked 130,000 

kilometers in eight months. 

That was why they turned 

to me, 14 years after we 

officially parted ways. What 

else could I do? They were 

my partners in progress for 

ten years; they belong to 

various ethnic groups, states 

and religions; there were a 

few females; old and young. 

But, we were more than 

business partners. We 

became friends. That was 

why they came to me. I 

planned another article for 

today before NDAN came. I 

postponed it; because 

Nigerians must know about 

this problem – which the 

Federal Government and 

states can help solve by 

considering annual grants to 

NDAN. Details can be 

discussed later. But, they 

have done me the 

undeserved honour of 

making me their unpaid 

National Adviser, Canvasser 

and Spokesperson. I can’t 

refuse. As somebody wiser 

than me had said: “I know I 

shall pass through this world/ 

But, once/ Every good thing I 

can do for any fellow man 

[or woman]/ let me do it now/ 

let me not defer or neglect it/ 

for I shall not pass this way 

again.” Governments, 

NPAN, philanthropists, etc, 

please help NDAN. 

Otherwise, papers will be 

printed; but there will be 

nobody to distribute them. 

That will be a national 

tragedy. 

BREAKING NEWS: 

NDAN and its junior 

association – NATIONAL 

VENDORS ASSOCIATION 

OF NIGERIA, NVAN - can 

be used by Peter Obi, the 

Labour Party and smaller 

political parties to mount 

cost-effective campaigns this 

year. Those interested in the 

possibilities should get in 

touch. A big surprise awaits 

you. You can bet on it. 

It’s a season of good news 

RETHREN with all 

Bthat is going on 

around us, coupled with 

challenges that we face as 

individuals, many of us 

might be worried but those 

who put their trust in the 

Lord, have no place for 

worries in their hearts. 

First, is that God kept us 

till now for a purpose, 

which we may not be aware 

of. There may be no 

physical pointers to God’s 

purpose for us but what is 

sure is that God has reasons 

for preserving us. 

According to records in 

the Holy Bible, many good 

things happened in the sixth 

month. 

Luke 1 vs. 26 ( KJV): “ 

Now in the sixth month the 

angel Gabriel was sent from 

God to a city in Galilee 

called Nazareth”. 

Verses 27-31: To a virgin 

espoused to a man whose 

name was Joseph, of the 

house of David; and the 

virgin’s name was Mary. 

And the angel came in 

unto her, and said, Hail, 

thou art highly favoured, 

the Lord is with thee: 

blessed are thou amongst 

women. 

And when she saw him, 

she was troubled at his 

saying, and cast in her 

mind what manner of 

salutation this should be. 

And the angel said unto 

her, Fear not, Mary: for 

thou hast found favour with 

God. 

And behold, thou shall 

conceive in thy womb, and 

bring forth a son, and shall 

call his name JESUS.” 

Brethren you know the 

end of the story that is about 

the birth of Jesus and why 

he came to the world. 

For us, the key words are: 

Favour and Fear not. 

Brethren, when fear rules 

in your heart, then you 

become worried. The first 

thing to do when looking 

forward to a miracle is to 

cast fear out of your mind. 

Once fear is out, faith is 

raised and a miracle 

manifests. 

Stop getting worried 

about when your next 

monthly period would be. 

Intensify your prayer and 

praise worship; you won’t 

realize when the baby 

begins to develop in you. 

You don’t believe? There 

are many cases of women 

who continue the monthly 

period but had strange 

feelings within and after 

consultation with the 

doctor and scan, it was 

discovered that a baby of 

eight to 12 weeks is already 

growing. 

The second word that we 

should note in the Bible 

passage above is favour. The 

angel told Mary that she is 

highly favoured and the Lord 

is with her. 

Dear sister, you too can be 

favoured. The Holy Bible 

didn’t tell us that Mary did 

anything special. Perhaps, 

living her life according to 

the word of God is the reason 

she was favoured. 

Mary at that time, wasn’t 

married, so she wasn’t 

trusting God for the fruit of 

the womb neither did Joseph 

make getting pregnant a 

condition for marriage. 

But we read, “ The Lord is 

with thee”. 

If the Lord was with Mary, 

it means Mary was with the 

Lord in prayer, praise 

worship, service to the Lord 

etc. She must have been 

doing something that made 

her find favour with the Lord. 

Search your heart, are you 

engaged in any activity that 

could attract the Lord’s 

favour to your life? If not, 

then you have cause to fear. 

When last did you 

contribute to a project in the 

church? Or give to the 

needy? 

Doing any of these could 

make you attract the favour 

of the Lord. 

Another significant 

mention of the sixth month 

is found in Luke 1 vs. 36: “ 

And, behold, thy cousin 

Elisabeth, hath also 

conceived a son in her old 

age: and this is the sixth 

month with her, who was 

called barren”. 

Are you called barren? 

This sixth month will be your 

month of visitation in Jesus 

name. 

To round up his visit to 

Mary, angel Gabriel told her 

in Luke 1 vs. 37: “ For with 

God nothing shall be 

God is the only one 

that can make a way 

where there is no 

way 

impossible”. 

Angel Gabriel that came 

from heaven gave us an 

assurance that “ with God 

nothing shall be 

impossible”. 

Brethren, do you believe 

it? Believe it. God is the 

only one that can make a 

way where there is no way. 

Recently, I came across 

the story of a lady who had 

an ectopic pregnancy yet 

she delivered the baby. 

When doctors see such a 

condition in a woman, they 

would advise that the baby 

be taken out to save both the 

life of the mother and that 

of the baby. Perhaps in the 

case of this woman they 

didn’t discover until it was 

too late to take out the baby. 

To the glory of God, the 

woman gave birth to the 

baby and both are fine. 

What do you call that? 

The hand of God. Once 

God has a hand is 

something, no matter how 

difficult the condition 

seems to human beings, 

God will make a way. 

We have also had cases of 

babies that were not seen by 

scan yet were delivered. 

With God ALL things are 

possible. 

The message of today is 

that the sixth month is a 

month of good news. Be 

expectant. It is the month of 

visitation. 

May God visit you and 

attend to all your issues this 

month in Jesus name. 

Whatever it is, that you are 

trusting God for, create 

more time to be with the 

Lord in prayer, service and 

thanksgiving among others 

and the Lord will visit you. 

Are you trusting God for 

healing, an end to 

miscarriages, settlement of 

debts owed etc. Whatever 

it is, God can handle all 

situations. 

When we get close to the 

Lord, the LORD is close to 

us and life becomes so easy. 

I’ll share the testimony of 

a lady, who was working in 

an office. 

Suddenly, God began to 

speak to her in her dream 

to quit that job. She heard 

the voice of the Holy Spirit 

tell her to retire because, 

changes, and would take 

place in the organization 

that would put her in a 

disadvantaged position. 

She left the job and went 

into business. Initially, the 

business was good but with 

Covid she recorded a major 

set back that denied her 

capital to progress in the 

business. 

One night, she had a 

dream in which the Holy 

Spirit asked her “ how 

much do you need?” 

According to her she 

replied in the dream 

N500,000.000 , 

That very week someone 

she didn’t ask for money 

credited her account with 

N500,000. 

Do you get it? What was 

settled in the spiritual 

realm manifested in the 

physical. 

That is the Almighty God 

for you. 

So, if you believe that 

God is the creator of 

heaven and earth and 

everything therein, why 

doubt that he can give you 

children. 

The Lord wants you to 

have children that was why 

he gave a command in 

Genesis 1 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 

thing that moveth upon 

the earth”. 

Reproduction is one of 

the reasons that God 

create Man and Woman. 

Therefore with the 

command of God and his 

blessings put together, you 

are empowered to 

overcome all challenges 

related to child- bearing. 

In this month of 

visitation, May the Lord 

show you mercy in Jesus 

name. 

Apostles Paul and 

Timotheus, the servants of 

Jesus Christ while 

addressing the Philippians 

gave a piece of advise in 

Philippians 4 vs. Always in 

every prayer of mine for 

you all making requests 

with joy”. 

Ask joyfully and you will 

rejoice in the Lord. 

Enjoy the peace of the 

LORD. 

Today is Father's Day. 

Make God give you all that 

you need to be a good 

Father to your children in 

Jesus name.


PAGE 18 —SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2022 

HEARTLESS THIEVES: 

Nigeria’s money in 50 public 

officers’ hands can pay country’s 

debts, fund varsities —Bishop Onuoha 

•‘Igboland is boiling but nobody is 

listening to Pa Adebanjo, Elder Clark’ 

•Attacks Tinubu, Osinbajo, Fayemi, Amaechi, Ayade, Udom, 

Akpabio on 2023: Where is your sense of justice? 

…so-called pastors among them are an 

embarrassment to the faith 

By Chidi Nwokpara 

If there is any cleric who is visibly 

disturbed by the happenings in Igboland 

and Nigeria today, it is the Anglican 

Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical 

Province and Bishop of Okigwe South 

Diocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. David O. 

C. Onuoha. 

Onuoha was cornered on the sidelines of 

the Second Session of the Tenth Synod by 

Sunday Vanguard at St. Cyprian’s Church, 

Umuihi, Etiti Parish, Ihitte Uboma local 

government area of Imo State, and he 

spoke on issues including the growing level 

of corruption, insecurity and sagging 

fortunes of the education sector. Excerpts: 

On corruption 

Indeed, corruption is walking on all 

fours in our nation. I don’t know how else 

to succinctly put our sad experience better. 

We don’t need to go far to get instances of 

corruption in the land. Corruption is 

palpable in our land. It is now a common 

refrain that our country, Nigeria, which is 

richly endowed with enormous resources, 

both human and material, is, today, holding 

the inglorious record of being the poverty 

capital of the world! It is certain that 

corruption is one factor that has 

compounded the problem of poverty and 

its attendant effects on our society. 

What is even very disturbing is that people 

no longer have a prick of conscience in 

stockpiling our commonwealth for 

themselves and their families alone, while 

greater percentage of the population die 

daily of hunger and poverty. This class of 

people has obviously forgotten that it was 

God who placed them in positions to fear 

Him and keep His commandments and 

diligently serve the citizenry. They must 

have forgotten the judgment aspect of Godgiven 

opportunities and privileges in life. 

We regret the fact that corruption has risen 

to an unprecedented height in this country, 

in the last seven years. If the news making 

the rounds recently of two public officers 

stealing a whopping N120 billion and 

above is true, then Nigeria does not need to 

borrow to pay its foreign 

loans and 

revive the 

economy. 

Nigeria’s 

wealth in 

the hands 

of about 

50 public 

officers 

can bail us 

out of our 

foreign 

and local 

indebtedness 

and fund 

our public 

universities 

adequately. 

We 

encourage Mr. President to use 

the remaining days of his administration to 

look closely at those working with and for him, 

and take necessary steps to recover our 

commonwealth, heartlessly stolen by them. He 

would have written his name in gold if he does 

this for us before leaving office. 

On problems with tertiary education 

If there is anything an 

undergraduate in any public university 

in Nigeria is sure of today, it is that he/ 

she will not graduate on schedule, no 

thanks to incessant strike actions that 

presently define the university system 

in Nigeria. It is on record that since 2020, 

students have been at home more than 

they have been in school. The inability 

or unwillingness of government and 

the university staff to find a lasting 

solution to the unstable 

academic calendar and 

improved condition of 

teaching and learning in our 

public universities is not only 

inimical to the future of our 

youths, but may also be part 

of the reasons for the 

worsening insecurity in our 

land. 

On way out 

Government and the 

Academic Staff Union of 

Universities, ASUU, 

should ensure that the 

ongoing negotiation to 

resolve the present strike 

is holistic and far 

reaching. A hard and 

critical look must be 

given to government 

policy of free tuition 

fees in Nigerian 

universities as this 

policy is as unrealistic 

as it is unsustainable, 

given the prevailing 

global economic realities. 

The number of Nigerian 

students that fled Ukraine 

due to the ongoing war 

between Russia and Ukraine, as 

well as those studying in various 

universities all over the world and 

in private 

We encourage Mr. President to 

use the remaining days of his 

administration to look closely at 

those working with and for him, 

and take necessary steps to 

recover our commonwealth, 

heartlessly stolen by them 

universities 

locally, 

confirms 

the fact 

t h a t 

Nigerians 

a r e 

ready 

and 

willing to invest 

in the education 

of their children. 

Rather than 

reducing the 

quality and 

standards and 

making the 

s y s t e m 

dysfunctional 

due to poor 

funding, efforts should be made to 

introduce schemes like loans, grants and 

scholarships that will enable brilliant students, 

whose parents cannot afford the fees for 

university education in Nigeria, to realize their 

lofty dream. Every effort should be geared 

towards ensuring that this national debacle is 

resolved and students go back to school before 

the next general elections. The consequences 

of millions of undergraduates roaming the 

streets with suppressed anger and frustration, 

while the nation heads to the polls, are better 

imagined than experienced. It is in the interest 

of all of us that this matter is satisfactorily 

resolved before we think of going into elections. 

On schools in Imo 

We decry the state of public schools in rural 

communities in Imo State especially those in 

the political unit called Okigwe South federal 

constituency. The level of decay of facilities as 

well as the near absence of teaching and 

learning in these schools, especially the primary 

section, is intolerable, unjustifiable, 

inexcusable, regrettable and unacceptable. 

When one remembers that these schools were 

once the pride of the various communities that 

have them, as well as the hope for a guaranteed 

•Onuoha 

future for both the pupils and the entire society, 

one cannot but nurse a sense of pain, regret 

and loss, as to why successive administrations 

in Imo have sustained this criminal negligence 

of the most critical sector of human society. 

On numerous unfulfilled promises 

Unfulfilled promises are many and varied. 

The energy crisis and survival of Nigeria readily 

comes to my mind here. We are all living 

witnesses to the frustrating energy crisis we all 

face in this country. That no appreciable 

improvement has been recorded in this sector 

despite billions of dollars expended in the 

much talked about reforms in the power sector, 

as well as the turnaround maintenance and 

the building of modular refineries in the oil 

sector, remains very disturbing. Just a few 

weeks ago, we witnessed a very horrific sight 

of the roasting of over 100 people in Ohaji/ 

Egbema local government area of Imo State 

in an inferno that resulted from illegal refining 

activities. Those innocent lives would not have 

indulged in this deadly business if the refineries 

were working and products available. Just 

before that unfortunate incident, the nation 

woke up to see adulterated petroleum 

products flood our filling stations. 

Until now, no one, at the last 

check, has been held 

accountable or even 

requested to offer 

convincing explanation 

to citizens. We regret the 

monumental 

corruption that has held 

down every effort at 

fixing the energy sector 

in Nigeria and the lack 

of political will to deal 

with it despite repeated 

promises. While we 

regret the monumental 

degradation of the 

environment 

occasioned by these 

illegal activities, we, 

however, insist that the 

solution to thr energy 

crisis in Nigeria is not 

in clamping down on 

the impoverished 

masses who are trying 

to survive these 

extremely and 

excessively difficult 

times we are in. 

It will be beneficial 

for government to 

bring these people 

together and channel 

their skills aright 

towards modular 

refineries that will 

make petroleum 

products readily 

available. 

Will that be all? 

Well, beyond the 

foregoing, efforts 

should be made to halt 

the high level of 

stealing and selling of 

Nigerian crude in the 

international market 

b y highly placed 

fraudsters. There is no sense in spending 

humongous amount of money laying pipes to 

evacuate oil and gas from where they are 

produced to far away cities when the host 

communities are degraded and other 

Nigerians are denied the benefit of availability 

of the products. 

We will continue to question the rationale 

for ‘donating’ our common patrimony, oil 

wells, to the people who have neither the 

capacity nor expertise to refine oil. 

On fighting and killing for God 

My heart bleeds because this is becoming 

a norm in Nigeria. The recent brutal murder 

of Deborah Yakubu in Sokoto was the latest in 

the series of such deaths masterminded by 

religious bigots, apparently trying to defend 

Continues on page 19

Continued from page 18 

their god and religion. It is very 

clear that fighting for God is a 

clear way of telling the world that 

your god is weak, feeble, impotent 

and handicapped to defend 

himself. 

It follows, therefore, that anyone 

fighting or killing for God is naive, because 

the Almighty that we know is most powerful 

and does not need the help of man to fight His 

battle. 

Enough of this recklessness. Enough of this 

celebration of ignorance about God. Enough 

of these fighting and killings for and in the 

name of God. It destroys our humanity and 

our corporate image before the civilized 

world. Let us use religion to promote unity, 

cohesion and true love instead of using it to 

cause mayhem, unrest and pain. Whether the 

perpetrators will listen to wise counsel, 

however, remains any person’s guess. 

On the fate of Ndigbo in Nigeria 

We have been watching with keen interest 

the unfolding events in Nigeria as the race to 

the 2023 general elections heats up. We 

observe with disbelief how the dominant 

political parties are jettisoning zoning because 

of the possibility of that leading to the 

emergence of a Nigerian President of Igbo 

extraction. Igboland is boiling because 

the injustice against 

this part of the 

country has led to 

very fierce 

agitation for 

s e l f - 

determination. 

The state of 

affairs in the 

South-East, 

today, was 

exactly what it 

was in 1998 

when all the 

major political 

parties in the land 

picked their 

presidential flag 

bearers from the 

South- 

West. Leaders across the nation met and 

decided on that as a way of preserving the 

unity of the nation. Today, those same leaders, 

apart from Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Pa Edwin Clark 

and a few others, have suddenly gone dumb, 

with some of them pushing for the abrogation 

of the zoning formula because it is likely to 

favour the South-East. Similarly, the call to 

apply a political solution that will see the 

release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from prison as 

a way of reducing tension in the land has 

always met a brick wall. Not even the repeated 

plea by the only surviving Minister of the First 

Republic, a nonagenarian, could make any 

‘Igboland is boiling but nobody is listening 

to Pa Adebanjo, Elder Clark’ 

difference. Sometime ago, a cartoon in 

faraway Denmark sparked off a crisis that led 

to the senseless destruction of precious lives 

and property of Ndigbo in the northern part 

of this country! Till today, was anybody 

arrested and prosecuted for this crime? Again, 

just recently, the alleged blasphemy of Miss 

Deborah Yakubu, a native of Niger State, took 

a heavy toll on Ndigbo living in Sokoto. 

Obviously, the call for restructuring would 

long have been heeded to if it would single the 

Igbo nation out for extermination. We pour 

scorn on those politicians from both the South- 

South and South-West (Asiwaju Ahmed 

Tinubu, VP Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Kayode 

Fayemi, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, Governor Ben 

Ayade, Governor Udom Emmanuel, Senator 

Godswill Akpabio) who threw their hats in 

the ring against the South-East in this contest. 

We strongly question their sense of justice, 

equity and fairness as they aspired for the 

exalted position or office the President of the 

Federal Government of Nigeria at 

t h i s particular 

t i m e , 

knowing 

quite well 

that, of the 

The killings that go on 

everyday and the 

unprecedented savagery that 

attend these killings keep one 

wondering whether people 

still believe there is God 

three zones 

of southern 

Nigeria, it 

is only the 

South- 

East that 

has not 

had the 

privilege 

o f 

producing 

somebody 

for this 

exalted office. 

Those so-called pastors among them 

are an embarrassment to the faith. Their 

decision to attempt changing the rules at the 

middle of the game has given them out as 

rapaciously greedy and over-ambitious and 

have, by that very fact, betrayed the stark 

ignorance of the ethical standards of the 

Christian faith. 

Lesson for Ndigbo 

What this whole development teaches us is 

that Ndigbo should be wiser and more 

sensible. With God on our side, we will surely 

survive, with or without any of our sons and 

daughters making it as President of Nigeria, 

come 2023. However, we must be very careful 

not to destroy ourselves with 

our own hands. We should 

continuously remember our 

slogan during the Nigeria/ 

Biafra war: “Onye ndiro 

gbara gburugburu, n’eche ndu 

ya nche mbge nile. Umu 

Igbo, onye arahu kwala 

ura” (any person 

surrounded by 

enemies remains 

eternally vigilant. 

Ndigbo, remain 

on your guard 

always). 

And to this, I 

add: “Onye si 

agbara egbula 

ya, mmadu 

egbula ya, ya 

ejikwala aka ya 

egbu onwe ya” 

(any person who 

prays not to be 

killed by the spirits 

and fellow men 

should also resist the 

temptation of killing 

himself). 


•Onuoha 

On the gory 

spectacles in the land 

The killings that go on everyday and the 

unprecedented savagery that attend these 

killings keep one wondering whether people 

still believe that there is God. It is not within 

the prospect of belief that a sensible human 

being can severe the head of another and 

proudly displays it with every sense of 

accomplishment, yet it is happening before 

our own eyes. Have we not seen video clips of 

human beings freely dismembered by others 

without any twig of compulsion? That a lady 

can be raped and her body sold in parts is 

absolutely sickening to contemplate. The getrich-quick 

syndrome has lured many young 

men into acts that are unnatural and ungodly. 

The spate of kidnapping for ransom is on the 

increase as the act has become a very well 

organized and a highly flourishing business. 

It is now a sin of sorts to build a decent house 

or buy a car, after many years of honest toiling 

and labour, because that is now an open 

invitation to those who like to fish from the 

boat instead of the river. I often wonder how 

these people think, reason or sleep. Our society 

appears inured and helpless at this unfortunate 

new normal as these killings, kidnappings and 

decapitations no longer make news to most 

people. 

Hands point to youngsters in all these 

It is sadly so. When one remembers that 

those engaged in these satanic business are 

young men and women, whom God has 

endowed with strength, energy, good health 

and life, when no one remembers that these 

ones appear not to know that God is the source 

of the strength and energy they are using 

negatively, when one remembers that they 

appear oblivious of why they are on earth, one 

is filled with pity, sorrow and pain. It is 

common these days to see someone endowed 

by God with very high intelligent quotient and 

skill in Information Communication 

Technology misapplying this talent into 

cybercrime, pornography and other 

tools that dishonour God and 

compound the problem of 

creation. This is saddening. 

On increasing tales of rape 

and hard drugs 

Even toddlers are victims of 

rape. Deranged fathers also 

defile their daughters. Sordid 

tales trail these happenings. 

When a lady is raped and her 

body sold in parts or left to 

decompose, or if she is lucky to 

survive it, live with a sad 

memory of that experience all 

her life, how do you think God 

will feel? When all the hopes and 

aspirations on her by family and 

friends are completely 

extinguished within a twinkle of 

an eye, are you sure that the one 

who is of purer eyes than to 

behold the iniquity, will pay deaf 

ears to their cries and groaning? 

When you import dangerous and 

harmful substances against regulations, and 

expose the lives of our young ones to danger, 

do you think that using the proceeds from that 

to live big, set up foundation for charity and 

promote evangelism, even to the point of 

building places of worship, will save you? 

These things are not good for our society. 

On the looming 2023 general elections 

are approaching 

Stories filtering in from party primaries 

are anything but good. They are smiling home 

with huge sums of money and, in the process, 

denied the nation of quality human beings 

that would have probably served the citizens 

profitably. Shall we ever learn from our past 

mistakes? It is election time and children of 

notable politicians are in safe havens while 

the impoverished youths are being recruited 

for odd jobs. My brothers and sisters, where is 

God in your plan to arm these innocent ones 

with gun, hot drinks and dangerous substances 

to fight, kill and be killed for you? It is not only 

in the barbaric acts of wasting human lives 

that we see people behave as if they do not 

know that God exists. The level of excruciating 

hunger and suffering in the land seems 

unprecedented in the history of this nation. 

Former beauty queen, Ezinne Akudo, 

revealed a less-known side to the public 

when she launched her home essentials 

brand, NKASSI, recently. 

Although the brand had been in existence 

since 2018, it only served an exclusively 

curated audience until the launch, which 

unveiled a physical showroom in Lekki, Lagos 

and an e-commerce website to the public. 

Ezinne, who is also a lawyer, is one of the 

few who have figured out how to hone their 

multiple skills and talents into a perfect blend 

that enriches their lives while bringing 

meaning to others. 

The beauty queen has been living a dream 

since 2018, when she was appointed the 

Creative Director of the Miss Nigeria 

Organisation. And she has since 

masterminded wholesale changes in the 

contest. 

Almost 10 years ago in 2013, Ezinne beat 

31 other contestants to the Miss Nigeria 

crown, winning the star prize of a brand-new 

car, a trip to California, and three million naira. 

And while that was one of the most thrilling 

moments of her life, she has found the role of 

empowering younger women and leading 

change at the Miss Nigeria Organisation even 

more exciting. 

“First, registration is free for applicants. 

Voting is also free because we understand that 

it shouldn’t be about who has more access to 

money. The prizes for the winner are a lot more 

substantial now. Most importantly, we ensure 

that there is a fair representation of contestants 

from all the geo-political zones in the country,” 

she said while talking about the changes she 

has overseen in her role as the Creative 

Director of the organisation. 

Some of those changes are already yielding 

results in terms of representation. 

In 2021, 18-year-old Shatu Garko won the 

coveted Miss Nigeria crown to become the 

first Hijabi person to win a national pageant 

anywhere in the world, a landmark by many 

standards. 

“That ground-breaking win has been an 

inspirational and empowering message to 

young women everywhere. I am delighted that 

the Miss Nigeria organisation is at the fore of 

change and true women empowerment 

beyond a beauty competition,” she said. 

Ezinne is a stickler for women’s 

empowerment. 

During her reign as Nigeria’s beauty queen, 

From beauty queen to entrepreneur: 

How Ezinne 

Akudo is taking 

new territories 

she established the Eight Foundation; a nongovernmental, 

non-profit organisation 

focused on providing psycho-social 

counselling and legal aid for survivors of 

sexual violence. 

Her background in Law provided the 

impetus to dabble in that aspect of charity, 

and, she says, it also supports all of her 

endeavours, including her entrepreneurial 

forays. 

“Studying Law and practising briefly was 

the perfect background and foundation for 

me. In my current endeavours, I have to deal 

with many agreements, contracts and several 

other binding documents. Having this 

background as a lawyer helps me stay 

grounded, and it’s easier to pay attention to 

things that other people won’t see at first 

glance,” she said. 

And she has been putting that law-degree 

edge to good use in business, her work with 

the NKASSI brand being indisputable 

evidence of that. 

“NKASSI fills a major gap in the home and 

lifestyle industry by providing access to home 

essentials that set a new standard for comfort,” 

she said on what differentiates the brand in 

the home and lifestyle industry. 

“Our products are intentionally designed and 

responsibly manufactured by experts around 

the globe using premium quality 

materials,”she added. 

According to Ezinne, 

NKASSI, coined from an 

Igbo word that translates to 

comfort, was created for 

everyone. Sourced locally 

and internationally, 

products range from home 

accessories to bathroom 

items, bedroom 

revels, and dining 

indulgences to 

kitchen finds, 

including bath 

sheets, 

washcloths, 

alternative 

pillows, 

duvets, 

complete 

bamboo 

bedding sets, 

and much 

more. 

“Our products 

are intentionally 

designed and 

responsibly 

manufactured by experts around the globe 

using premium quality materials,” Ezinne 

said. 

Continuing, she added: “Our 620 gsm towels 

are soft, quick-drying, and made from super 

combed 100% Turkish cotton. Also, our 300 

thread count bamboo sheets have 

excellent moisture-wicking and 

insulating properties that help regulate 

temperature. They also naturally resist 

odour and bacteria. 

“We have passionately worked to 

build a brand for everyone regardless 

of age or social class. We’re so grateful 

for the amazing responses from the 

early shoppers, and I hope more 

people enjoy using the 

products as much as we 

enjoyed creating them.” 

As Ezinne keeps 

conquering on many 

fronts, 

she 

acknowledges that 

emerging as Miss 

Nigeria in 2013 was 

a pivotal moment in 

her life. 

“My life has 

changed a lot 

because of Miss 

Nigeria’s platform. 

•Akudo 

So many things were 

easier to achieve. 

Some relationships 

were easy to build, 

and I had the 

exposure, 

recognition, and 

support. Since 

the crowning, I 

have gone to 

law school, 

gotten an 

M B A , 

consulted 

for small 

businesses, and 

started my own company,” 

she said. 

It would seem the beauty queen is 

already doing enough, but she wishes she 

could ultimately bring an end to gender 

inequality. 

“Nigerian women (and women in general) 

deserve to wake up in a world where 

everyone has equal rights and 

opportunities, a world where women have 

an equal say in decisions that affect their 

lives, and one where men are not trapped 

in oppressive masculinity,” she said.


0802 384 9036 

Kachikwu’s son seals love deal 

He who finds a wife finds a good 

thing and obtains favor from the 

Lord. The stars and all other 

elements aligned and love won the day 

on Saturday, June 11, as Emeka, son of a 

former Minister of State for Petroleum, 

Dr Ibe Kachikwu, got married to his 

heartthrob, Kelechi Esimogu, in a lavish 

ceremony at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos. 

The ceremony was well attended by 

dignitaries including Governor Babajide 

Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor 

Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, APC 

presidential aspirant, Rt Hon Rotimi 

Amaechi, Governor Godwin Obaseki of 

Edo State and Mr Tony Elumelu. 

Emeka, who is the eldest son of the 

former Minister of State for Petroleum 

Resources & former Group MD of the 

NNPC, walked down the aisle with a lot 

of fanfare after which he exchanged vow 

of matrimony with the delectable woman 

of God, Pastor (Dr.) Kelechi Esimogu. 

Earlier, the traditional wedding/ 

engagement had been held at the 

Landmark Center on Water Corporation 

Drive, Victoria Island Extension, Lagos. 

It was cultural extravaganza at its best, 

rich in traditional excellence. The father 

of the groom is a double High Chief of 

Onicha-Ugbo, Odogwu and Omeudo, 

while the bride’s parents - Chief Benwosely 

Esimogu & Lolo Chioma Esimogu, of 

Umuenyi in Isiala-Mbano LGA of Imo 

State - are also High Chiefs in Imo State 

too. 

The bride, Esimogu, is a graduate of 

Madonna University and founder and 

pastor of House of Grace Ministry aka 

Solution Centre’, Port Harcourt, Rivers 

State. Her thriving ministry that she has 

presided over for seven years is one of the 

most popular and fastest growing in Rivers 

State. 

While the groom, Emeka, holds a 

Bachelor’s of Arts degree from the Oxford 

Brookes University in Business 

Management, he also holds a degree in 

Tongues wag over Pastor 

Paul Adefarasin’s absence 

at brother’s 70th birthday 

The society mill is speaking in hush 

tones over the conspicuous absence of 

the Senior Pastor, House on the Rock, 

Pastor Paul Adefarasin, at the 

70 th birthday celebration of his elder 

brother, Senior Pastor and General 

Overseer of Guiding Light Assembly 

(GLA), Pastor Wale Adefarasin. 

The party, which had in 

attendance celebrities from all 

walks of life and other men of God, 

was a week-long celebration. 

The older Adefarasin was joined 

by his family and dignitaries to 

celebrate the milestone and 

thanksgiving at the Guiding 

Light Assembly’s auditorium at 

Parkview Ikoyi but 

conspicuously absent were 

Pastor Paul Adefarasin and his 

wife, Ifeanyi. 

This was not the first time the 

House on the Rock Pastor would be 

absence at his brother’s birthday 

celebration. In 2012, Pastor Paul, as he 

is fondly called, was also visibly absent 

when his brother clocked 60 years. 

The brothers are sons of the late Justice 

Joseph Adetunji Adefarasin, a former 

Chief Judge of Lagos, and woman 

activist, Mrs Hilda Adefarasin. 

Oil and Gas Management from Coventry 

University. After working in various 

companies cutting his teeth, including in 

the oil and gas sector where his dad is an 

expert, he founded an entertainment outfit 

- Mind Bursters Film Ventures. 

Mummy 

Victoria 

Ayorinde 

rocks at 

80 

From the look on her face throughout the 

ceremony, it was obvious that Chief (Mrs.) 

Victoria Olunike Ayorinde (JP), mother of cerebral 

journalist, former Lagos Commissioner for 

Information, Mr Steve Ayorinde, was filled with 

undiluted joy as friends and family gathered to 

celebrate her 80th birthday in Ibadan, Oyo State. 

The day began in the vineyard of the Lord as the 

celebrant arrived bright and early for a thanksgiving 

service at the Christ Apostolic Church, Elekuro, 

Orita-Aperin Ibadan. The service officiated by the 

Vicar in Charge, Rev. Festus Ojo- Alonge, featured 

hymns, choruses, sermon, thanksgiving offering and 

special prayers for the family. 

Guests were later hosted to a sumptuous reception 

at The Civic Centre, Ibadan where the Army Band 

and juju legend, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey thrilled 

everyone till late into the night. 

Eye popping D’banj’s 

It was a night of cheerful celebration as 

superstar, and world-class entertainer, 

Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, known as D’banj, 

celebrated his 42nd birthday and unveiled his 

new platform CREAM DELACREAM.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2022, PAGE A1

PAGE A2 — SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2022


PAGE A4 — SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2022


PAGE A6 — SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2022 

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (left) with a former Chairman 

of Udenu Local Government Area, Hon. Frank Ugwu, inspecting ongoing 

projects at the permanent site of the newly established State University 

of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, which 

was recently licensed by the National Universties Commission (NUC), 

yesterday. 

BORNO SOUTH: How I escaped death as assassins 

killed two policemen in my convoy — Idris Mamman 

•Explains why he defected from APC to PDP 

By Ndahi Marama, 

Maiduguri 

orno State chieftain of 

Bthe ruling All Progressives 

Congress, APC, who 

was also gubernatorial aspirant 

in 2019, Idris Gatumbwa 

Mamman, has defected 

to the opposition Peoples 

Democratic Party, PDP. 

Mamman, fondly known 

as Idris Durkwa, had recently 

aspired to contest for 

the senatorial primary of 

the APC in Southern Borno 

which he alleged was a charade 

as it was characterized 

by irregularities and imposition 

that favoured incumbent 

Senator Mohammed 

Ali Ndume. 

He also narrated how he 

escaped death but two policemen 

killed in an assassination 

attempt on his convoy. 

In 2018 he had contested 

in the APC governorship 

primary that produced Babagana 

Zulum as governor 

in 2019 after he emerged as 

candidate. 

Durkwa claimed that noncompliance 

with the 2022 

Electoral Act provisions by 

the powers-that-be in the 

Borno APC culminated into 

dictatorial tendencies during 

the House of Assembly 

and senatorial primaries, 

particularly in Southern 

Borno where, according to 

him, many delegates as well 

as teeming APC supporters 

were disenfranchised, saying 

this was part of the reasons 

for his defection. 

He stressed that, contrary 

to the Electoral Act 2022 

which provides for a Special 

Congress in the senatorial 

district with delegates 

voting for aspirants of their 

choice in a designated centre, 

the exercise held separately 

in each of the nine 

local government areas under 

the supervision of officials 

appointed by Borno 

State government with high 

degree of impunity and 

without the presence of electoral 

committee. 

He explained that political 

narratives in Southern 

Borno need urgent change 

for constituents to feel dividends 

of democracy. 

“As a democrat, a time has 

come for me and my teeming 

supporters to join forces 

with the major opposition 

party (PDP) which is determined 

to wrest power come 

2023, especially in Southern 

Borno”, he said. 

“Most of our people in the 

constituency are glaringly 

clamoring for change in 

view of the poor representation 

by their lawmaker at 

the National Assembly in 

the past decade, and that is 

what informed my decision”, 

he said. 

“I had the privilege and 

also had an interface with 

many people from the nine 

local government areas 

that constituted Southern 

Borno especially during my 

tour and consultations with 

delegates, stakeholders and 

teeming APC members. 

“I saw tears on their faces 

as a result of lack of 

quality education, healthcare, 

decay in social infrastructures 

such as boreholes, 

electricity, increasing 

poverty and joblessness 

amongst youths and 

the womenfolk. 

“All these can be attributed 

to lack of proper representation 

by leaders. In 

fact these narratives have 

to change. 

“I left sinking APC and I 

have since been issued with 

By Dennis Agbo 

he Catholic Diocese of 

TEnugu has suspended 

the operation of Adoration 

Ministry officiated by Rev. 

Fr. Ejike Mbaka in Emene, 

Enugu. 

A pastoral injunction issued 

by the Bishop of the 

diocese, Most Rev Dr. Callistus 

Onaga, said 

Mbaka violated all laid 

down tenets of Catholicism 

after several corrections. 

He, therefore, banned all 

religious and lay faithful 

from attending religious 

and liturgical activities of 

the Adoration Ministry 

“until the due canonical 

process initiated by the Diocese 

are concluded.” 

The Bishop’s letter 

reads: “In the light of the 

happenings in the Catholic 

Adoration Ministry 

Chaplaincy Enugu, capable 

of undermining the 

Catholic faith and teachings; 

and after several fraternal 

corrections and admonitions 

to Fr. Camillus 

Ejike Mbaka, the Chaplain 

of the Ministry. 

“And after having given 

him pastoral directives 

and guidelines for the 

Ministry Chaplaincy, 

which he persistently violated, 

in fulfilment of my 

pastoral duties as the 

Chief Shepherd with the 

obligation to promote and 

safeguard the Catholic 

faith and morals in Enugu 

Diocese, I hereby prohibit 

all Catholics (clergy, religious 

and lay faithful) 

henceforth from attending 

all religious and liturgical 

activities of the Adoration 

Ministry until the due canonical 

process initiated 

by the Diocese is concluded. 

“My decision is based on 

the fact that some of the 

teachings and utterances 

of Fr Camillus Ejike 

Mbaka at the Catholic 

Adoration Ministry are 

not consistent with the 

teachings and faith of the 

Catholic Church. 

“I enjoin all the Christian 

Faithful to keep praying 

for Fr. Mbaka and the 

Catholic Diocese of Enu- 

From left: Regional Sales Manager, Vitafoam Nigeria PLC, Chukwudi Ogbogu; 

Winner of the Quality Sleep WithVitafoam, Nwokenna Favour and Vitafoam 

Trade Partner, John Williams, at the presentation of Vita Sizzler Mattress and 

Vitacool Memory Pillow to the winner of the #qualitysleepwithVitafoam Digital 

Gamification Campaignat John Willy International Company, Zik Avenue in 

Enugu recently 

PDP membership card 

number 012 and INEC 

Voters’ Identity Number, 

VIN: A25622408 in Shaffa 

Ward, Hawul Local 

Government Area of Borno 

“PDP is the opposition 

party to beat come 2023 

general elections. I didn’t 

join the PDP alone. I moved 

with all my teeming supporters 

across the 27 local 

government areas of 

Borno. 

“I and my teeming supporters 

are going to contribute 

in a way to ensure 

that the our presidential 

candidate, Alhaji Atiku 

Abubakar, and indeed all 

our candidates vying for 

various political positions 

win come 2023”. 

He recalled the ambush 

on his convoy along Maiduguri-Damaturu 

Road by 

yet to be identified gunmen 

who killed two policemen 

and left many others injured. 

His words: “As I prepared 

to set in motion and mobilize 

my teeming supporters, 

political associates and 

friends for the campaign 

proper prior to the day of 

the primary in Borno South, 

an assassination attempt 

was carried out on my entourage 

on Sunday, May 

22, 2022 at about 9am by 

yet to be identified gunmen 

along Maiduguri- 

Damaturu Road. 

“In that ambush, two policemen 

in the convoy were 

gunned down while several 

others sustained gunshot 

injuries. 

“My personal vehicle 

was shattered with bullets 

even as the attackers set 

ablaze one of the vehicles 

in the convoy. “Although, 

these killers are yet to be 

fished out by security agencies, 

I thank God and pray 

for the repose of the souls of 

the deceased police officers, 

and may Allah comfort 

their families.” 

‘STINGY MAN’ COMMENT: Catholic Church moves 

against Mbaka, shuts down Adoration Ministry 

Awaritoma Is Dead 

Pioneer Chairman of 

Ethiope LGA in Delta 

State. Chief Benjamin 

Owhuow Awaritoma, has 

died in Abraka after a brief 

illness, aged 92. 

A statement by the eldest 

daughter, Mrs Juliet Okpalefe, 

on behalf of the 

family, said Awaritoma, a 

British trained civil and structural 

engineer, was a high 

chief in Abraka Kingdom, a 

devoted Christian and Pioneer 

Chairman of Ethiope 

local government area, from 

1979-1982. 

Funeral arrangement will 

be announced by the family. 

gu as I entrust him and the 

Diocese to the maternal 

care and protection of the 

Blessed Virgin Mary, 

Queen of the Apostles.” 

Mbaka had recently 

stirred up the hornets’ nest 

when he accused the presidential 

candidate of Labour 

Party,LP, Mr. Peter 

Obi, of being stingy, saying 

he will not win the presidency 

for that reason. 

He also said the presidential 

hopeful must apologise 

to him for being 

“stingy’’ if he must win the 

presidency. 

The remarks have continued 

to attract criticisms 

across the country, with 

many berating the cleric. 

•The late Awaritoma 

Court stops FG from further action 

on E-Customs Concession Project 

By Jimitota Onoyume 

ormer governorship as 

Fpirant on the platform of 

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, 

in Delta State, Chief Charles 

Obada, has dumped the party, 

pledging his support for the governorship 

candidate of All Progressives 

Congress, APC, Deputy 

President of the Senate, 

Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. 

Obada, who spoke on the sideline 

of the second year memorial 

anniversary of the demise of 

his father, late General Orho 

Obada rtd , said he went for Senator 

Omo-Agege because of the 

tremendous impact the Senator 

has made in the senatorial district 

as a member of the national 

assembly. 

Obada said he dumped the 

PDP when he saw that the party’s 

gubernatorial primaries was 

slanted in a way to favour a particular 

aspirant. 

His words: “Those who failed 

to see the hand writing on the 

wall were completely disgraced 

out of the exercise. How can it 

be said that in your own state 

you could not get appreciable 

sympathy votes even if they 

didn’t want you to win. 

“I saw the game plan from the 

By Chris Onuoha 

Federal High Court in 

A Abuja on Friday restrained 

the Federal Government 

from enforcing or giving effect 

to an agreement on the 

Customs Modernisation Project 

otherwise known as E- custom 

allegedly executed by its agents 

on May 30, 2022. 

The agents who allegedly executed 

the disputed concession 

agreement are the Nigeria Custom 

Service, Trade Modernization 

Project Limited, Huawei 

Technologies Company Nigeria 

Limited and African Finance 

Corporation. 

The court also issued an order 

of interim injunction against the 

Federal Government or its 

agents acting through the Federal 

Executive Council from retrospectively 

ratifying the decision 

to concession the Customs 

Modernisation Project also 

known as e- custom project to 

Trade Modernization Project 

Limited, Huawei Technologies 

Company Limited and African 

Finance Corporation. 

The restraining order, issued 

by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the 

Abuja Division of the court, shall 

last till the hearing and the determination 

of a suit brought 

against the Federal Government 

and other parties by two 

aggrieved companies. 

The two aggrieved companies, 

E-customs HC Project 

Limited and Bionica Technologies 

(West Africa) Limited 

jointly challenged the alleged 

unlawful and fraudulent concession 

of the E-custom project 

to the defendants. 

Counsel to the two aggrieved 

companies, Anone Usman, had, 

on behalf of the two plaintiffs, 

argued an ex-parte application 

praying the Federal High Court 

for the interim orders against the 

defendants to protect the interest 

of his clients. 

Justice Ekwo, while ruling on 

the ex-parte application, granted 

the prayers of the plaintiff 

having placed sufficient evidence 

of interest in the concession 

project. 

The judge also granted permission 

to the aggrieved companies 

to serve a writ of summons 

and all other filed processes 

on the African Finance Corporation 

at its head office, located 

in Ikoyi, Lagos through DHL 

courier services. 

Defendants in the suit are 

the Federal Government of 

Nigeria; Attorney-General of 

the Federation; Minister of 

Finance, Budget and National 

Planning; the Infrastructure 

Regulatory Concession 

Commission; Nigeria Custom 

Service; Trade Modernization 

Project Limited; Huawei 

Technologies Limited; 

African Finance Corporation 

and Bergman Security Consultant 

and Supply Limited 

being 1st to 9th defendants 

respectively. 

Ex-Delta guber aspirant, 

Obada, dumps PDP 

...pledges support for Omo-Agege 

beginning and had to excuse 

myself from the exercise. You 

heard one of the aspirants then 

said he was literally bundled out 

of Government House before 

the primaries when he came 

around . In frustration he has 

left a party he boasted about that 

he was one of the founders. This 

is how bad it was in the PDP. 

“I am disgusted with the outcome 

of the PDP primaries. I am 

one hundred percent sure of 

DSP Omo- Agege’s victory as 

governor 2023. I also congratulate 

Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu 

on his emergence as the presidential 

candidate of the APC. 

“The impact of Olorogun Senator 

Omo-Agege in Delta central 

is visible for all to see . So I 

am with him for governor. He 

has my support already” 

“We remembered my dear father 

today, he was a great man, 

a great leader and a very dear 

father to his wonderful family he 

left behind. 

Obada also lauded the bravery 

of a Petrol tanker driver, Mr 

Ejiro Otarigho who drove a burning 

Petrol tanker from the community 

to a safe distance before 

it went up completely in flames, 

an action that averted a major 

fire disaster and loss of lives in 

the community.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2022, PAGE A7 

Census boss 

opens up on 

ghost Nigerians 

...how we will deal 

with fictitious 

enumeration in 2023 

•Kwarra also speaks on why 

exercise is six years late 

By Nnamdi Ojiego 

Following the outcome of the National Council of State’s meeting that slated 

April 2023 for the conduct of a national census, the Chairman of the National 

Population Commission, NPC, Alhaji Nasir Isa Kwarra, in this interview, says the 

commission is well prepared and committed to giving Nigeria an unbiased, 

technologically driven exercise that will provide timely, accurate and reliable data. 

He also speaks on the importance of census data and the implications of its absence 

on the economy; the cause of Nigeria’s high fertility rate and how the country can 

control population explosion, among other issues. Excerpts: 

Why is there no census in Nigeria in the 

last 16 years? 

It is a fact that we have not had a census 

since 2006, that’s about 16 years since we had 

the last one. The United Nations recommend 

that we hold a census every decade, that is, 

after every ten years. So we have been delayed 

for about six years now. The reasons for the 

delay are not far-fetched. You know, what 

happens in the country also affects the conduct 

of censuses. The exercise would have been 

conducted earlier but there was a transition in 

the leadership of the country in 2015. We had 

President Muhammadu Buhari come in as 

our new President after the tenure of Dr. 

Goodluck Jonathan, and, as a new President, 

he would have to study the environment before 

he can commit to conducting a census. So, I 

cannot speak exactly for President Buhari but 

I think he needed that time and, owing to the 

prevailing situation such as the issue of 

insecurity, the issue of the economy, and the 

advent of COVID-19 in 2020/2021, which also 

put a serious strain on the resources of the 

Federal Government, contributed in the delay 

in conducting the census 

until now. That’s my 

thinking of why the exercise 

was delayed. 

Presidential Nod 

However, the President 

started giving us attention 

in 2019 when he asked us to 

continue the enumeration 

area demarcation. Census 

is a very long process 

involving a lot of resources, 

both men and materials, so 

we have to do the foundation 

work of conducting 

In the past, it was 

marred by a lot of 

things but in this 

time of the computer 

age and 

digitalization, we 

cannot have that 

kind of thing 

happening in Nigeria 

enumeration area 

demarcation, which will 

provide the mappings that 

would be required to 

conduct the census. Now, the 

President has given his nod, 

so, we are going to conduct 

a census by the grace of God 

in 2023. 

Your predecessor, Chief 

Eze Duruiheoma, said he could not conduct 

the census because former President Jonathan 

did not make a presidential proclamation to 

signal that the country was ready for the 

exercise. Has President Buhari made this allimportant 

proclamation? 

So far, he has not made a formal 

proclamation but his body language and the 

recent decision at the National Council of 

State meeting have clearly shown that he wants 

us to conduct the census. As the President, he 

makes all necessary consultations with all 

stakeholders to be convinced that it’s actually 

the best time to conduct a census. 

You made mention of Mr. President’s body 

language. From all indications, do you see 

him committed to conducting this national 

exercise next year? 

I can tell you 100 per cent that I see President 

Buhari committed to conducting a census next 

year. There is no better assurance than what 

came out of the Council of State meeting where 

the census was fixed for April next year. 

What are the political and socio-economic 

implications of the absence of a census? What 

does the country stand to lose as a result of 

the delay in conducting a census? 

One of the things we stand to lose or we are 

losing is not having accurate data that will 

profile the population of the country and all 

the other characteristics for economic 

development. It actually makes whatever data 

we are using very suspect because it’s 

not the actual census data but just a 

projection based on what was taken 

from the 2006 census. Naturally, the 

projected figure can never be as 

accurate as the census data. So, that’s 

why we are craving for the census to 

be organized so that we can have an 

up to date and evidence-based data 

to work with. 

How ready is your commission 

to conduct a national census next 

year? 

We are very much on course. With 

the support of government, both the 

Executive and the National 

Assembly, we have been able to 

conduct enumeration area 

demarcations in 772 of the 774 local 

government areas and, even as I 

speak, there are pockets of other 

areas in the local governments we 

have actually demarcated that we 

couldn’t demarcate then because of 

security challenges. Now, we are 

partnering security agencies to 

complete the demarcation. The local 

governments that have not been completely 

demarcated are Birnin Gwari in Kaduna and 

Abadam in Borno State. We didn’t enter 

Abadam local government at all but we 

demarcated two of eleven electoral wards in 

Birnin Gwari before insecurity prevented us 

from going further. Now, we have arranged 

with the two states and security agencies and 

•Alhaji Nasir 

Isa Kwarra 

our staff are back in the field to complete those 

local governments that we have not 

demarcated. I can assure you that before the 

end of this year, we would have demarcated 

the entire landscape of this country. 

Has the Commission fixed any date for the 

exercise? 

As you are aware, the National Council of 

State just met and decided that the census will 

hold in April next year. This was the result of 

extensive consultations by Mr. President to get 

the buy-in of the critical cross-section of 

Nigerians for the conduct of the census. Even 

though the commission is ready for the census 

this year, as a constitutional requirement, we 

will abide by the decision and continue to finetune 

our preparation to give Nigerians an 

accurate, reliable and acceptable census in 

2023. 

Talking about insecurity, do you think it is 

feasible to conduct this exercise now in the 

face of the security challenges in the country? 

Absolutely so. I believe the exercise is 

feasible because it was still in face of the 

security challenges that we also conducted the 

demarcation exercise. The demarcation 

exercise is even more time consuming than 

enumeration because you will go from house 

to house and we are not just going there, we 

are deploying satellite imageries and 

geocoding for each of the buildings. We are 

listing households, and separate buildings, to 

be able to get the data. The data on the image 

itself is a huge asset that we have in this country. 

You can relate a person or family to a 

particular building in a ward, local government 

and state. So we did that with the security 

challenges and I believe that we will be able to 

conduct the census with this security challenge. 

Don’t forget that normally, during a census, 

we have our people (enumerators) that go from 

house to house, collecting data, using handheld 

devices for the electronic census that will 

eventually be uploaded to our server. 

Furthermore, the commission has undertaken 

a risk assessment of the whole census process 

and adopted risk mitigation plans. 

What are the obstacles the commission is 

likely to face in conducting this exercise? 

No doubt, we will encounter challenges in 

the area of funding, safety, etc. However, I’m 

sure government will be able to provide the 

funding and security operatives will provide 

our staff security cover. You know, I was taking 

you through our progress in the recent area 

demarcation where we were able to do the 

maps collected from the exercise to conduct 

two census pretests. We conducted the first one 

in May last year (2021) and the second census 

pretest in December. Those successful exercises 

did not cover all the enumeration areas but 

just a sample of those enumeration areas that 

were utilized for the conduct of census 

pretext. 

Dress Rehearsal 

So we did it successfully and we were able 

to test the methodology, test the instruments, 

and the workload on the teams of enumerators 

and so on. The map itself was also tested and 

we found out that all were okay. We did the 

second pretest by increasing the number of 

enumerated areas. With more enumeration 

areas, we should be able to have decent results. 

As we speak now, we are working on the third 

pretest, which is the pilot census hopefully by 

June 2022. A pilot or trial census is like a dress 

rehearsal, it’s a mini census and we selected 

difficult terrain like mountainous areas, 

riverine areas, creeks, etc., to test our 

methodology and instruments there. We also 

selected six LGAs in the six geo-political zones 

to test a complete LGA to see the outcome 

Your predecessor said it would cost about 

N280b to conduct a qualitative census but 

your budget said N400b which has been 

described as humongous. How did you arrive 

at the figure and how will it be expended? 

I’m not sure about your figure. What we 

took to the National Assembly that was 

eventually passed as law was N200billion plus 

and they cut it down to about N187billion. Yes, 

I can assure you that this figure is not adequate 

because the exchange rate has gone up and it 

has affected the prices of everything. Certainly, 

we will go back to government with a request 

for augmentation because the amount 

approved by the NASS won’t be enough. 

However, you have to start with what you have 

in your hand and, if you eventually need more, 

you will have to go back to government and 

ask for more funding. This census is one 

Nigeria cannot afford to miss because it will 

be digital and accurate and we believe 

Nigerians will accept it because we, as a 

commission, have resolved that we are going 

to give Nigeria an unbiased exercise. 

Talking about unbiased exercise, there 

have been reports that previous exercises 

were marred by irregularities such as 

ghost Nigerians, double counting, 

fictitious enumeration, etc. Do you 

think NPC under your leadership can 

conduct a transparent, credible and 

acceptable exercise? 

I say yes because the methodology we are 

using is digital. Again, the country is 

demarcated into smaller units and when an 

enumerator is handling an Enumeration Area, 

that is, EA, he cannot delve into another EA. 

The setting will not even allow it. On the 

issue of double counting, there’s no way it will 

be possible because the headcount is done from 

one household to another. You can’t come to 

another household and say you are not counted, 

it’s not possible. In the past, it was marred by a 

lot of things but in this time of the computer 

age and digitalization, we cannot have that 

kind of thing happening in Nigeria. And we 

have been to other countries that are also doing 

electronic censuses and we have seen how 

effective it is. We have learnt some lessons from 

those exercises and we want to try and make 

sure that those irregularities do not happen in 

Nigeria. 

In what way is the commission deploying 

technology for the exercise? 

The Commission plans to deploy 

technology in every phase of the Census 

exercise. Being the first digital census in 

Nigeria, the Commission shall deploy digital 

technology in data capturing, processing and 

storage as well as dissemination of results. The 

e-Recruitment portal will be used for the 

recruitment of census functionaries. Census 

Integrated Enumeration dashboard to monitor 

the quality of data and other check parameters 

shall be used. 

Technological Driven 

The Commission has earlier deployed 

geographical information system technology 

with geospatial resources for the Enumeration 

Area Demarcation exercise for the 18 phases 

which produced a robust census geographic 

frame for the whole country. This frame is 

referenced as a base map in all socioeconomic 

surveys in the country. The commission is 

committed to a technologically driven census 

that will provide timely, accurate and reliable 

census data. 

Your predecessor said that the commission 

is acutely lacking technical manpower. Has 

this particular problem been fixed? 

Well, we are fixing it because we are 

continually training and retraining our staff. 

We have the backing of the government and 

the development partners. I think the 

development partners have seen the body 

language of the government, and when 

government supports an agency like ours, 

development partners also come with their 

support. So we have been improving the 

technical depth and knowledge of our staff 

and their capacity is being enhanced through 

capacity building. So I can assure you it’s 

changing but we can improve it more. 

Are you going to use ad-hoc staff to conduct 

the census as the INEC does during 

elections? 

Yes. If I tell you that the permanent staff of 

the commission will be enough to conduct the 

exercise, I will be lying to you. We are going to 

recruit about 1.5 million youths that will 

support us in conducting this census in an adhoc 

capacity. 

Read more on www.vanguardngr.com

PAGE A8 — SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2022 

With student entrepreneurship, FCT SEB confronts unemployment in Nigeria 

By Felix Durumbah 

FOR long in Nigeria, several strategies 

have been crafted and implemented to 

fight the cankerworm of unemployment--- 

mostly with infinitesimal results. 

With a projected population of about 200 

million, youths form a substantial proportion 

of this mammoth figure in Nigeria. Schools, 

including higher institutions, routinely churn 

out hundreds of thousands of graduates 

annually who, after the one-year compulsory 

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, 

find themselves joining a snaking, lengthy 

queue in the job market. Many get stuck therein 

for years, discouraged, disillusioned, deeply 

frustrated with some questioning the raison 

d’etre for ‘wasting’ time to g to school in 

the first place. 

One immediate consequence of this 

phenomenon is rising poverty and, of course, 

the resort to crimes as many of the youth seek 

all sorts of avenues to make ends meet and 

meet up with self and family needs as well as 

societal expectations. 

Already, even as the country struggles with a 

bloated population, Nigeria has been ranked 

the extreme poverty capital of the world by the 

Washington-based Brookings Institution. 

Brookings used data from the World Poverty 

Clock, which is a creation of the World Data 

Lab to track poverty estimates in about 99.7 

percent of the countries in the world, employing 

data obtained from International Monetary 

Fund (IMF), World Bank, United Nations (UN) 

and individual governments of those countries. 

BY PEICY OWAIYE 

THE first signal for me that the Buhari ad 

ministration had its heart and head in the 

right place was its first two policy initiatives on 

assumption of office. The government moved 

quickly to carry out the long-delayed Ogoni 

Clean-up and also started the active collaboration 

to resuscitate the largely eroded Lake Chad 

Basin. These two initiatives, perhaps in addition 

to a comprehensive revitalization of the 

education and healthcare sectors hold the key 

to Nigeria’s true greatness. 

Note that the Ogoni Clean-up has become a 

metaphor for all of the badly-impacted communities 

of the Niger-Delta region as a result of 

the several decades of mindless exploitation of 

the oil and gas resources in their soils and waters. 

After the completion of the feasibility work 

by the UNEP and publication of its report in 

2011 and 2016, HYPREP set up with the mandate 

to remediate the environment and restore 

livelihood to the people has commenced work 

in earnest. Upon the completion of needed consultations 

and other preliminary activities, 21 

contractors were mobilized to site in 2019 in all 

of the four LGAs of Ogoniland. The estimated 

cost for the total clean-up is huge and not money 

that any one government can come up with 

at once, hence the needed collaboration of the 

OICs and international partners. So far, about 

13 sites have been cleaned or in the process of 

being cleaned. An Ogoni son and renowned 

Environmentalist and remediation expert, Dr 

Marvin Dekil heads the Project Coordination 

Office and the areas of intervention include, 

livelihood of the people, clean water provision, 

BY SOLA OGUNNAIKE 

KEEN observers of Ogun politics would 

not have been surprised by the Ogun 

Central senator, Ibikunle Amosun’s latest revival 

in Abeokuta. Like in all of his campaigns, 

this one was also about self-worship. Hear the 

evangelist: “In this Ogun State, since 1999--I 

am on camera, except for Baba Olusegun 

Obasanjo, I am not talking of pre-1999-- no 

human being, dead or alive, has served Ogun 

State the way I have served. I have done 8 years 

as your governor, by next year it will be my 8th 

year in the Senate. Just between 1999 and now, 

I have served Ogun State with 15 years of my 

lifetime.” 

According to those who know him, the 

former governor, like the character Benjamin 

Benjamin alias Benja Benja in T.M Aluko’s One 

man, One matchet, has quite an exaggerated 

notion of his own importance. And he validated 

that assumption this week with his poetry of 

pomposity: “Since 1999, Ibikunle Amosun has 

paid his dues in Ogun State and I am still paying 

it. Put your mind at rest, we are APC, APC is 

ours.” Here was Ibikunle Amosun speaking 

about Ibikunle Amosun in glowing terms. 

Amosun’s audience was of course rented crowd. 

In effect, Amosun organised his own welcome, 

saying that his people were welcoming him 

back to Ogun after his failed presidential bid 

in Abuja. Please don’t laugh. 

It is noteworthy that different levels of 

government in Nigeria, now and in the past, 

have not been lying prostrate in the face of the 

Goliath-like confrontation offered by 

unemployment. There have been all sorts of 

ambitious programmes to stump, or even kill 

off, the menace. 

These include, but are not limited to, the 

Directorate of Foods, Roads and Rural 

Infrastructure (DFRRI), Subsidy Reinvestment 

and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), N- 

Power, Young Entrepreneurs of Nigeria 

(YEN),YouWin, Youth Initiative For 

Sustainable Agriculture (YISA), Youth 

Entrepreneurship Support Programme (YES- 

P) and several others. 

However, according to authoritative 

business publication, Businessday, ‘’the 

hallmark of poverty in Nigeria is the high 

level of unemployment.’’ Economic experts are 

agreed that once the monster is tackled, 

poverty will sink to a low level in the country. 

Therefore, on Thursday, 26 May this year, 

scores of people trooped to an event in Abuja 

involving public senior secondary schools in 

to learn how students, yes, students (of all 

people, some would say) were tackling 

unemployment. 

The event was a real eye-opener to many 

invited dignitaries and others on fresh 

possibilities to halt the cancer. The occasion 

was organized by Federal Capital Territory 

Administration (FCTA)’s Secondary 

Education Board (SEB), which statutorily 

oversees 88 senior secondary schools in the 

nation’s capital. 

On the 3-Point Agenda 

That is why it beats 

one when sundry 

commentators and 

people who should 

know better say 

nothing has been 

done 

health, job creation, sensitization and community 

development and even the creation of a 

centre of excellence proposed for the Ken Saro 

Wiwa Polytechnic in the region. 

A resuscitated Niger-Delta holds the key to a 

lot of the peace and productivity needed to transform 

our country from a mono-economy to an 

industrial and modern one. Ditto for a replenished 

Lake Chad Basin. Data obtained from 

credible sources, say at the height of its glory in 

the 1960s, the Lake Chad surface area spread 

to over 25,000 square kilometres, but it is less 

than 1,500 sq. km today. Efforts in the past to 

refresh the basin have failed and it is no wonder 

proper care is being taken now to do it right. 

The Italian firm, Bonifica which developed the 

initial plan to refill the lake with water from the 

Congo River has gone back to work in partnership 

with PowerChina to do an updated feasibility. 

The estimated cost for the total revamp of 

the Lake Chad has been put at about USSD50bn 

and with the World Bank offering USSD10m 

As if the idea of a rented crowd ostensibly 

welcoming a failed presidential candidate 

back home was not bad enough, the Ogun 

Central senator found time to subtly cast aspersions 

on President Muhammadu Buhari 

by talking of the tottering economy. He assured 

the people that Tinubu, whom he never 

supported until defeat stared him in the face at 

the Eagle Square, was coming to alleviate their 

pains. There and then, he anointed certain 

impostors as “senatorial leaders’, never mind 

that none of them is an exco of the party whose 

authentic senatorial leaders are of course 

known to everyone within the party in the state. 

In case you have not got the gist, Amosun’s 

real aim is to create relevance for himself where 

there is none. 

Amosun who till the day before the presidential 

primaries was running around campaigning 

that anyone but Asiwaju emerges , Amosun 

who had been advised by the SW leaders 

at their meeting to prune down the aspirants 

to step down Saturday preceeding the primary, 

as he wasn’t considered a contender. 

His missteps in the party in the build up to 

the last election when, unable to foist a successor 

on the people, are of course public knowledge. 

Buhari, the man Amosun claims to love, was 

The event was a real 

eye-opener to many 

invited dignitaries 

and others on fresh 

possibilities to halt 

the cancer 

Tagged 2nd FCT-SEB Trade and 

Entrepreneurship Awards/ Launching of FCT- 

SEB Entrepreneurship magazine, the event, 

which held at NICON Luxury Hotel, saw 

students from across many schools showcase 

their entrepreneurial skills and display new 

devices they invented to solve society’s 

challenges. There is no gainsaying that the 

skills and devices, deployed for business, can 

bring in huge turnover and create employment- 

--as they have for the students! 

Dignitaries who graced the event included 

Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr. Olusade 

Adesola; Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) 

to the President, Mr. Femi Adesina; Director 

General (DG),Michael Imoudu National 

Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin, 

Comrade Issa Aremu; Secretary for 

Education, FCTA, Mallam Sani Dahiru el- 

Katuzu (who was chief host); Personal Assistant 

to Chief of Staff to the President, Dr Maroof 

Adekilekun; Dr A.Y. Raji of the National Board 

for Arabic and Islamic Studies, Abuja; 

already. 

That barely covers the cost of the study required 

and putting a lot of burden on the eight 

partner countries, including Nigeria, Chad, 

Niger, Cameroon, CAR, Algeria, Sudan and 

Libya. With the relevant international agencies 

and friendly countries expected to come up with 

the counterpart funding. Buhari, leaning on his 

antecedents as a former military governor of 

the then North-Eastern State and his triple heritage 

of Fulani-Hausa-Kanuri knows firsthand 

the opportunity a completely revamped Lake 

Chad holds for this country and her neighbours. 

It has taken all of the last seven years to put the 

coalition together, but Buhari is not resting. 

In fact, he has used the same hands-on approach 

in trying the solve the damning insurgency 

he inherited upon inception of his government 

in 2015. He hit the ground running 

and seeking the active collaboration of our also 

very badly impacted neighbours of Chad, Niger, 

Cameroon and Mali. The Multi-National 

Joint Task Force (MNJTF) was given the priority 

attention it deserved aided by the much-needed 

leg-work by the president. He traversed these 

sister countries building a sometimes difficult, 

but effective coalition against the monstrosity 

of a Boko Haram insurgency. 

Our troops were battered, beaten and dispirited. 

They need boots on the ground, and even 

more importantly, tanks and technology to confront 

the monster. What did President Buhari 

do? Off he went to America and to our other 

allies, to build the needed coalition and supplies 

to reposition our military and support services 

to get back to the work at hand. But make 

no mistake about it, the enemy is formidable, 

Ibikunle Amosun’s macabre dance at Ake palace 

•Ibikunle Amosun 

pelted with stones by hoodlums when he came 

to Abeokuta for campaign in 2019, and, following 

that incident, he (Amosun) was suspended 

from the party. It took the intervention of 

Adams Oshiomhole, then party chairman, to 

reinstate him. Throughout his APM misadventure, 

the Ogun Central senator routinely 

claimed he was closest to the President in the 

South-West and could do whatever he wished 

without challenge. Needless to say, APM died 

a natural death, and with it, whatever influence 

Amosun hitherto wielded in the authentic 

Ogun APC. 

Chairman, Bitto Construction Ltd., Alhaji 

(Engr.) Kola Ahmed; governorship aspirant in 

Kwara State, Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed; 

socialite and entrepreneurship promoter, Mrs 

Ugo Uzor Kalu, and so many others. 

In unison, they eulogized the impact that 

entrepreneurship can make to break the yoke 

of unemployment in the land even as the 

different tiers of government and private sector 

bodies continue to plough the soil to create jobs, 

slash poverty and stabilize the nation’s socioeconomic 

wellbeing. 

From a total of seven schools at the grand 

finale, three were adjudged by a distinguished 

panel of judges as the best in their presentation 

of original entrepreneurship ideas. The three 

were: 3rd best, Government Secondary School 

(GSS), Hajj Camp; 2nd best, GSS 

Gwagwalada; while the winners were 

Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), 

Dutse. For their efforts, the students smiled 

home with N50, 000; N100, 000 and N150, 

000 respectively. 

However, what struck the audience were the 

entrepreneurship skills and original ideas 

presented by students representing the different 

participating schools. As the name of each 

school was called, three students representing 

the school, and dressed in the school’s uniform, 

took the podium to reel out the entrepreneurial 

stuff they have in the kitty. 

•Durumbah is an Abuja-based public 

policy analyst and media consultant. 

Continues on www.vanguardngr.com 

smart and determined. As we have seen, he is 

quite capable of changing his form and tactics, 

with the same goal in mind: spread terror, cause 

devastating mayhem, and dislocation in the 

polity. If you defeat him in the North-east as our 

troops have largely done, he is capable like the 

chameleon to change its colour and gravitate 

to other places and things. That is why our citizens 

must be eternally on the watch out. 

After all, governments come and go. The Buhari 

government would go too, but our country 

remains. Thank goodness, the president is acutely 

aware of this fact, and has continued to work 

very hard every day to salvage the situation. 

That is why it beats one when sundry commentators 

and people who should know better say 

nothing has been done. Or baffling still, that it 

has got worse. It is not altogether surprising, 

when we recall that though figures don’t lie, yet 

liars figure! You want to contest? Ok, were we 

not in this country when whole communities of 

Odi and Zaki-Biam were sacked? When the heist 

in Anambra complete with the state capture of 

a sitting governor happened? Was it not here 

the total desecration of democracy as represented 

by the crude invasions of the Plateau and 

Bayelsa Houses of Assembly happened? Where 

did the October 1 and the United Nations’ building 

bombings happen? And of course, the adoption 

of Chibok school girls, of whom though 

over 100 are still unaccounted for, more still 

have been recovered. 

•Owaiye is a Lagos based public affairs analyst 

Continues on www.vanguardngr.com 

Amosun’s Ake drama is not without purpose, 

of course. His objective is positioning. He wants 

to carve a new sphere of influence for himself 

using rebel forces after the Eagle Square gamble. 

Amosun, who made a show of stepping 

down for Asiwaju Tinubu, had not a single delegate 

at that convention. This is an open challenge: 

if he had any delegate, let him name 

such a person. Of course he cannot. How could 

he when he had since lost out in the power play? 

With Buhari’s government set to wind down 

next year, Amosun has to ingratiate himself to 

Asiwaju and claim that he is his eyes and ears 

in Ogun. His inflammatory statements about 

being the primus inter pares of Ogun politics 

has to be understood within this context. 

Amosun’s macabre dance is of no moment. 

He led many astray, but many of them have 

since retraced their steps and made their way 

back into the NWC-recognised Ogun APC fold. 

When Prince Dapo Abiodun ran for governor, 

his campaign posters were pulled down, and 

the story of how thugs tried to take him down 

when he stood with Buhari and Asiwaju on the 

campaign podium needs no repetition here. 

•Ogunnaike contributes this piece from 6, Asolo 

Road, Abeokuta, Ogun State 

Continues on: www.vanguardngr.com

June 19, 2022 

pretty 

pastels 

The Abused 

Husband @ 

Father’s Day 

OLUYEMI ORIJA 

Heartbeat For Indigent Inmates

6 

3 

6 

IN THIS ISSUE 

email: allurefortheworld@vanguardngr.com 

HAPPINESS 

4 Cover : Oluyemi Orija - 

Heartbeat For Indigent Inmates 

6 Sexmatics: The Abused 

Husband @ Father’s Day 

CELEBRATION 

3 

8 

Fashion : Pretty Pastels 

Billboard 

19 JUNE 2022 

WELCOME... 

Prisons and correctional centers 

around the world are dotted with 

inmates languishing in cells, awaiting 

trials, and some convicted for offences 

they did not commit. 

Recently, social media was 

inundated with the story of Archie 

Williams, an American, who, in 1983, 

at 22 years, was wrongly convicted of 

a crime he did not commit and ended 

up serving 37 years! His story went 

viral after performing in season 15 

edition of America’s Got Talent. 

He was accused of aggravated 

rape, aggravated battery, and attempted murder of a 31-yearold 

woman. He was released on March 21, 2019. 

Many like Archie Williams are languishing in Nigerian 

Correctional Centers with no means to engage the services of 

a lawyer so that their case can go to court. 

It is for cases like this, especially those involving indigent 

inmates that lawyers like Oluyemi Orija, Managing Partner at 

Headfort Chambers and Executive Director, Headfort 

Foundation, exist, bent on rewriting the stories of prison 

inmates whose cases are yet to be heard. 

Oluyemi, whose work has gained local and international 

recognition, has handled over 300 cases of men and women 

who would have been left to languish in those correctional 

centers. 

Speaking to Allure this week, there is no denying that deep 

conversations need to be held on how to eradicate factors that 

impede justice. This will require reforms-kicking off from 

arrests, to prosecutions, the weighing of evidence as well as 

final judgement. She spoke with Josephine Agbonkhese. Pg 

4-5. 

This year, designers opt for pastels-colours with a 

calming effect even as the world 

grapples with COVID-19. See how to 

work the trend. Pg. 3. 

J . E 

Wishing all our male readers a 

happy Father’s Day. 

Jemi Ekunkunbor 

lookposh2017@gmail.com 

08052201126 

Quotes 

“The most important 

thing a father can do for 

his children is to love 

their mother.” 

-Theodore Hesburgh 

“One father is more than 

a hundred schoolmasters.” 

- George Herbert 

“It is easier for a father 

to have children than for 

children to have a real 

father.” 

- Pope John XXIII 

“Correction does much, 

but encouragement does 

more.” 

- Johann Wolfgang 

von Goethe 

8 

EDITOR 

JEMI EKUNKUNBOR 

ASST. EDITOR 

YEMISI SULEIMAN 

REPORTER 

Josephine Agbonkhese 

ALLURE ONLINE 

RITA OKOYE 

TEMITOPE OJO 

LAYOUT / DESIGN 

OLAYIWOLA AJAGBE 

TEAM 

CONTRIBUTORS 

ADESUWA 

EWOIGBOKHAN 

BAMIYO ISELEMA EMINA 

HEAD OF PRODUCTION 

CHARLES KAMMA 

HEAD MARKETING 

JANET NAJOMOH 

(08037156911) 

PHOTO 

OSCAR OCHIOGU 

(08034746487) 

Printed and published by Vanguard Media Ltd 

Vanguard Avenue Kirikiri Canal; P.M.B 1007 

Apapa, Lagos.

FASHION 

With 

Brights 

Add a little 

edge to the 

softness of 

the pastel with 

bright, fun 

accessories. 

Pretty 

Pastels 

Wear With Neutrals 

Make your pastel piece pop by 

keeping the rest of your colour 

palette simple. 

IFY 

By - Yemisi Suleiman 

Pastels are soft, sweet and beautiful. The best thing 

about the pastel trend is that you can pick your most 

flattering colour and wear it with whatever silhouette that 

flatters or excites you. Whether you like buying into trends 

or prefer to stick with the basics, you need to add pastel to 

your wardrobe. Soft hues are a classic staple and are 

timeless enough that you can wear them year after year. 

When styled just right, they’re also super trendy and cool. 

From minty green, lilac to sport baby blue, the sky is the 

limit on how pastel happy you can get. 

Here are the four hot ways to wear them now. 

Mixed 

Pastels 

Pair a few different 

pastel colours 

together for a soft 

yet bold look. 

Monochrome 

Choose one colour and stick 

with it throughout your outfit. 

DAMILOLA 

June 19, 2022 / 

3

INTERVIEW 

Oluyemi Orija: 

Heartbeat For Indigent Inmates 

Words By - Josephine Agbonkhese 

She is an unusual breed. Oluyemi Orija, Managing Partner at Headfort Chambers cum 

Executive Director of Headfort Foundation, is one who has dedicated her life to decongesting 

Nigerian prisons by helping poor inmates access justice. 

Till date, she has rewritten the story of almost 300 Nigerians who would have still been waiting 

endlessly for their cases to go to trial. 

The lawyer, entrepreneur and human rights activist has gained global fame and recognition for 

her work, as she was in 2021 listed among the BBC 100 Most Influential and Inspirational Women 

Around the World. Orija has also drawn the attention of reputable local and international media 

outlets like Aljazeera and the Guardian UK. In this interview, she speaks to Allure on her work, life, 

and style. 

How did it feel to be on the 2021 BBC list of 

100 Most Influential and Inspirational Women 

Around the World? 

The feeling is surreal, amazing, and 

comforting to know that people are seeing the 

work I and my team are doing. It is not just seen 

nationally but globally. Importantly, I am 

encouraged to keep doing the good work of 

putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged. 

The average lawyer sees an opportunity for 

money-making in every case; what propelled 

you into free legal services? 

My definition of success from a very young 

age has always been positive impaction in 

peoples’ lives and not prosperity. For me, it is 

prosperity to have a lot of money, but it is 

success to touch lives. Being a lawyer gave me 

the opportunity to touch lives by looking for 

indigent inmates incarcerated unjustly, and 

rendering free legal service to them. The inmates 

need the services, but they cannot afford it; 

hence they continue to languish in prison even if 

they were innocent or charged for minor 

offences. I might not be rich in the pocket or 

bank account now, but I know I am very wealthy 

considering that I and my team have, as of today, 

touched 295 lives and families, by ensuring their 

freedom from prisons. 

The Nigerian justice system is notoriously 

complicated; doesn’t this deter you 

sometimes? 

There is no doubt that the justice system is 

complicated and if it were not complicated, the 

inmates might not need our services in the first 

place. We are aware of this fact, and we always 

prepare to confront it. I am like the shoulder my 

team members lean on when discouraged; so, I 

cannot afford to be deterred or discouraged. I am 

always focused on the end goal— which is, 

freedom of an innocent young man/woman in 

prison. This keeps me going. 

How do you determine which inmate deserves 

your help amid thousands crying for justice 

daily? 

We do not take all cases. There are 

requirements to be met before we can offer our 

services to an inmate. The first is, the inmate must 

be indigent, meaning the inmate and the family are 

poor and cannot afford legal services. The second 

one is that the inmate is innocent of the crime 

charged or he is charged with misdemeanor. How 

we determine innocence is that we look at the 

documents before the court, the evidence against 

the inmates, and where there is a complainant, we 

also reach out to the complainant to hear from him/ 

her. You will know a trumped-up charge when you 

see one. 

This is a huge calling and you personally 

cannot stand as defending counsel in every 

case; what has trying to gather lawyers of 

like-minds cost you? 

At the beginning, it was tough getting lawyers on 

our team because we didn’t have a huge amount of 

money to pay but we were consistent. At every 

recruitment, we made sure to sell the vision to 

applicants and made them realise that we do not 

have so much money to pay. We were keen on 

those passionate about the cause and ready to 

grow with us. Some people joined and left while 

some stayed. It is easier now to get passionate 

lawyers to join the team because our work and 

integrity is doing the talking and we now receive 

volunteers’ applications daily. 

Have you ever had to reward any lawyer 

financially to work with you? 

Absolutely! I have seven lawyers currently under 

my direct employment apart from other 

administrative staff, and they are paid monthly to do 

the work. Some volunteers will also request for 

money, but we always remind those volunteers the 

meaning of volunteerism. We encourage our 

volunteers via other means but not financially 

because we obviously cannot afford it. 

Who bears the cost of that; you or the inmate? 

Headfort Foundation bears the cost. We do not 

collect any dime from inmates or our beneficiaries. 

The economy is tough; how do you get funds 

for your work? 

I own a law firm called Headfort Chambers; this 

law firm is into general law practice, and it is 100% 

for profit purposes. A certain percentage of our 

proceeds at the firm goes into the foundation 

monthly, to help with the operations of the 

foundation. Aside this, we also use the online 

platform to solicit for funding from individuals and 

private organisations; and we now have good 

Nigerians home and in diaspora supporting this 

cause financially. 

The Headfort Foundation is said to be the first 

to introduce technology into access to justice 

4 / June 19, 2022

INTERVIEW 

in Nigeria by creating an App that links victims 

to pro bono lawyers; how functional and 

effective has this been? 

The “Lawyers NowNow” App is very efficient 

and it is functional all over Nigeria. Since we 

launched it on the 1st of April 2021, it has well over 

2,000 downloads and has attended to about 300 

cases. The App automatically assigns the cases 

reported on it to lawyers who are already registered 

on the app as volunteers and the lawyers swing to 

action immediately to act on the cases. The App is 

like the best thing to happen to the Nigerian youth 

who are the major victims of police brutality, 

harassment, and extortion. 

From your experience, what’s the biggest 

reason Nigerian prisons are so congested? 

The biggest reasons the Nigerian prisons are 

congested is bad policing and lack of 

consequences for bad policing. The police arrest 

people without any evidence of crime, they turn civil 

matters to crime, charge people on trumped-up 

charges and these acts are aided by the 

magistrates by dumping them in prison. I have 

been in a court where the magistrate was asking 

the prosecutor “what kind of charge is this?” but 

instead of throwing out the charge against the 

defendant, the magistrate still remanded the 

defendant in prison and granted him a bail whose 

conditions he could not perfect. The police officer 

responsible for the arrest and all other officers who 

approved such charges were supposed to be held 

responsible for bringing such frivolous charges to 

court, and wasting the resources of the state to 

prosecute the charges. When police officers are 

punished and made to pay fines/penalty for these 

acts, we will have less frivolous charges in courts 

and thereafter, less inmates in prison. 

Rehabilitation is supposed to be a primary 

function of prison service but has remained a 

major challenge in this clime. Does this give 

you any concern? 

Absolutely, this gives me a lot of concern, but 

you would not blame the correctional centers. 

Imagine a center built for 800 inmates housing over 

3,000 inmates; what kind of rehabilitation will take 

place there? Where inmates presumed innocent 

are living in the same space with condemned 

inmates for months, and sometimes, years? NGOs 

and religious bodies have been supporting the 

correctional centers in this regard but there is more 

still to be done. We have recognised this gap at 

Headfort Foundation and that is why we designed a 

project called “Ex-inmate Support Initiative.” The 

project is basically to support our beneficiaries as 

soon as they are released. We refer them to our 

social workers and counsellors, they counsel them 

and help re-integrate them back into the society; 

and we assist them around employment, skill 

acquisition, education, physical and mental health 

support. 

What are the bottlenecks you face while trying 

to help inmates access justice? 

The bottlenecks we face include financial 

demands by court officials who expect us to ‘tip’ 

them to do the work they they are paid to do 

notwithstanding that we are rendering pro bono 

services, unnecessary adjournments on cases, 

long wait for DPP advice, and when the advice is 

finally out, arraignment at the high court and 

assignment of the cases to judges. These and 

many more are the challenges we face. 

It took you barely three years to establish your 

own law chamber after law school; looks like 

you were in a hurry... 

You can say that again. During my youth 

service, I read the book, ‘The Girl Entrepreneur’ by 

Ibukun Awosika. The book was an eye opener to 

entrepreneurship; it helped me to prepare for 

entrepreneurship. I gave myself the target of 

three years to be under pupilage and during 

these three years, I cared less about the peanut I 

was earning, I gave my all into my work and 

learned all that is there to learn. Now, I will be 10 

years at the bar this year and of course, I am still 

learning every day. 

What takes your time when you aren’t 

pursuing cases? 

When I am not working, you will see me 

having quality time with my son and catching up 

with my family. These are the people from whom 

I draw the strength to work. 

What does a typical day look like for you? 

My typical day is wake up and set my team 

on top gear, give them information and resources 

to carry on their daily duty if there is need to, go 

to court if I have a case to personally attend to, 

surf internet for opportunity for the organisation, 

reach out to stakeholders, and remain at standby 

at all times because I can be called for anything 

at any time. 

What’s your preferred holiday destination if 

you ever find time for holidays? 

My preferred holiday destination would be 

Santorini in Greece. 

Describe your personal style in a few words... 

My personal style is actually very boring; you 

will most times find me in a pair of jeans, and a 

T-shirt, with a pair of sneakers— but when I want 

to feel girly, a pair of high heels will go along with 

it. 

What fashion item won’t you ever be caught 

without? 

One fashion item you will always find me with 

is my wristwatch. I feel naked without it. 

The biggest 

reasons the 

Nigerian 

prisons are 

congested is 

bad policing 

and lack of 

consequences 

for bad 

policing. 

June 19, 2022 / 

5

with Adesuwa 07052403531 | adesuwaewoigbokhan@hotmail.com 

THE ABUSED HUSBAND @ 

FATHER’S DAY 

s shocking as it may sound, men are 

A 

not the only gender that can be abusive 

in marriage. Ladies too are equally 

abusive. 

The woman is usually the one that is 

known to be the victim when we think of domestic 

violence. However, there are men that are being 

abused by their wives that we don’t get to hear 

about. 

One reason outsiders don’t get to hear about 

men being abused is because he’s ashamed of his 

wife’s assaults, and even more shamed by the 

society for not being able to subdue, or put her in 

check. Such husbands are seen as wimps and for 

that reason,they do not discuss it publicly. 

All the same, note that you can get help and 

break free from an abusive partner regardless of 

your situation. 

It is very vital you are aware that you’re not alone 

as a victim of abusive relationships. Abuse of men 

happens far more often than one might expect in 

marriages and this cuts across men from all 

cultures, and all walks of life, irrespective of age or 

occupation. 

Studies have shown that as many as one in three 

victims of domestic violence are male but, most times, 

are reluctant to speak out or report the abuse because 

they feel embarrassed and fear that no one such as the 

law enforcement will believe them, or are scared that 

their spouse will take further revenge on them. 

An abusive lover can hit, kick, bite, punch, spit, throw 

things or destroy your possessions (to make up for any 

difference in strength), and may even attack you while 

asleep or otherwise, catch you by surprise. The 

possibility of an abuser using a weapon, such as a gun 

or knife, or striking you with an object, or threatening 

your children is quite high. 

Domestic abuse is usually all about physical 

violence, emotional, verbal and sexual abuse. It 

can be just as damaging too since your wife can 

verbally abuse you, belittle you, or humiliate you 

in front of friends, colleagues, family or on social 

media. They can equally be very possessive, 

act jealous or harass you with accusations of 

being unfaithful. Including taking possession of 

your car keys or medications, control freak; 

where you go and who you see, how you spend 

money, or deliberately defaulting on joint 

financial obligations. 

She can go an extra mile to make false 

allegations about you to your friends, employer 

or the police and look for other ways to 

manipulate/isolate you. 

An abuser will always threaten to leave you 

and prevent you from seeing your children if you 

decide to report the abuse to the necessary 

authority. 

There’s a high tendency you may face a 

shortage of resources, a lack of understanding 

from friends, family, and legal obstacles, if trying 

to get custody of your kids from an abusive wife 

and mother. 

In all these, you can actually still overcome 

the challenges and violence, by going through 

the appropriate quarters like, threatening to 

inform friends, family, colleagues or neighbours. 

Most of the time, husbands may really feel 

that they have to stay in that marriage because 

of the shame of being unable to stand up for 

themselves. Some feel they have failed in their 

role as a man/husband/father while others worry 

they will have difficulty being believed by the 

authorities. This is coupled with the fact that 

their abuse will be minimized because they are 

men. The situation is made even worse as 

there’s few or no resources to specifically help 

abused husbands. As a result, they prefer to 

live in denial just as with female domestic 

violence victims. 

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY 

...TO BE CONTINUED 

WAYS TO TRANSFORM A 

BORING BEDROOM 

Have you been worried about your boring bedroom? 

You should always love the decor in your bedroom. It’s the place you 

spend at least a third of your life. Maybe you know you want to update 

your bedroom but aren’t sure of where to start. Here are the easiest 

ways to breathe some life into your bedroom. 

Have a look through these tips. One might resonate with you and be 

the transformation you need. 

PICK A THEME: When transforming your 

bedroom, you could always pick a theme. If 

your bedroom looks boring, think about 

something you love. It can be as simple as a 

colour scheme. 

PAINT: Do you think you have a boring 

bedroom wall? Time to give it a splash of 

6 / June 19, 2022 

bedroom theme 

paint. Sometimes, updating your 

room is as simple as choosing a 

new colour for the walls. It’ll 

make the whole room feel 

completely different, even though 

only one thing has been 

updated. 

CHOOSE SOME GREAT ART: 

A boring bedroom makeover isn’t 

complete without some great art. 

You don’t have to paint the whole 

wall; maybe you just need to 

hang some wall art up! Think 

about some styles or images you 

love, whether it’s nature, wildlife, 

cityscapes etc, and find some 

great art to put up. It’ll breathe 

some much-needed life into the 

room and remind you of all the 

things you love, hopefully 

improving your love for the room 

too! 

GET NEW LIGHTING: 

Sometimes, new lighting will 

make a world of difference. Pick 

a new lamp for the bedside table, 

or decorate your bed with some 

romantic string lights. Some 

mood lighting can make it feel 

like an entirely new room, even 

though you’ve only updated one 

thing. 

Painting 

artwork 

lighting

Stories by - Temitope Ojo 

Lagos Leather Fair 

5: Promoting the 

Nigerian Leather 

Sector 

To further drive growth within the 

Nigerian leather sector whilst also 

educating and creating maximum visibility 

for leading leather players across Africa, key 

stakeholders spread across Sub-Saharan Africa, 

gathered at the just concluded Lagos Leather Fair 

(LLF) 5 to discuss the road map to the future of the 

leather industry. The 2-day event which sought to 

reiterate the potential economic impact of the leather 

sector on the Nigerian economy, had in attendance, 

over 2000 key stakeholders including the Minister of 

Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adeniyi Adebayo, 

Ex-Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, and 

members from several Federal Ministries, Bank of 

Industry, Trade bodies, financial institutions, Leather 

designers, players in the leather ecosystem, as 

well as local and international 

investors. 

The Convener of the Lagos 

Leather Fair, Femi Olayebi, 

expressed her delight at the 

large gathering and the quality 

of conversations had at the fair. 

She said for five years now, they 

have constantly provided 

a platform for leather and 

lifestyle enthusiasts and 

industry players to come 

together, to enhance 

visibility for the industry, 

whilst also championing 

conversations on how 

to move the industry 

forward. 

The Minister of 

Industry, Trade and 

Investment, Mr. Adeniyi Adebayo said he is 

proud of the good works of Lagos Leather 

Fair over the past 5 years, adding that the 

ministry will continuously drive support till 

the potential of the leather industry is fully 

harnessed in Nigeria.” 

The fair also featured masterclass 

conversations that addressed the challenges 

of cross-border payments for SMEs, the role 

of the AFCFTA in aiding intra-African trade 

and ways to enhance growth for businesses 

within the leather industry. Speakers were 

drawn from all sectors of the economy 

across finance, policy, manufacturing, and 

consultancy. 

Family marks 2nd anniversary 

of late Ibidun Ighodalo 

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Trinity House 

Centre Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, on Tuesday June 

14, held a memorial service to mark the second 

anniversary of his late wife, Pastor Ibidun Ighodalo. 

The foremost event planner, who ran the popular 

events company, Elizabeth R, died on June 14, 

2020, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The deceased 

had been travelling around the country building 

COVID-19 Isolation centres, when she died 

mysteriously. 

Pastor Ighodalo married the ex-beauty queen in 

2007. 

Late Ibidun was popular as former Miss Lux, an 

event management expert, a philanthropist, and a 

co-pastor of Trinity House Church. 

Obi Cubana and wife, Ebele 

celebrate 14th wedding 

anniversary 

Nigerian businessman and socialite, Obinna 

Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana 

celebrated his 14th year wedding anniversary 

with his wife, Ebele. 

The couple expressed their joy over their 

anniversary on their individual Instagram pages 

on Tuesday. 

Obi Cubana shared a video, with the caption, 

“It’s been 14 blissful years of spending my life with 

you baby m! Happy Wedding anniversary to us!” 

Ebele posted their pictures, expressing 

gratitude to God for being with them in the last 14 

years, and also, thanked her husband for making 

it easier to love him. 

She wrote: “I still can’t figure out how we 

keep getting it right but all I know is that God is 

massively involved, and I can’t stop thanking him 

for how far he’s brought us. I thank him for giving 

us the grace we need to make this union work. It 

is not us, but the spirit of God at work in us, just 

being able to allow Him to have his way with us. 

14 years ago, we started this journey in love yet 

unsure of the future. 14 years later, we are still on 

this journey recording great success. I still get so 

much joy just loving you and wanting to do this 

life with you.” While reaffirming her love for him, 

Ebele said she does not, and will never take the 

grace of God in their marriage for granted. 

Simi Drey says YES! 

Nigerian TV presenter, actress and model Simi 

Audrey Adejumo popularly known as Simi Drey is 

officially engaged to her heartthrob, Justin. 

She took to her Instagram page to share a video 

of when he proposed, with the caption “On the 9th of 

June 2019, you asked me to be your girlfriend. I said 

yes. 

“On the 9th of June 2022, you asked me to spend 

forever with you…” 

Simi Drey is a TV host who has modeled for top 

brands in the country.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2022 , PAGE 21 

Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Udom 

honour Ojora at 90 th birthday dinner 

Billionaire businessman, Chief Adekunle Ojora, of the popular businessman, had in attendance African richest 

turned 90 on June 13. The respected Lagosian and man, Aliko Dangote, notable philanthropist and African 

father of Mrs. Toyin Saraki, wife of former Senate businessman, Mr Tony Elumelu, and the Governor of Akwa 

President Abubakar Bukola Saraki, in celebrating the Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, among others. 

milestone, was treated to a party by the former Senate Saraki also took time out to celebrate the nonagerian on his 

President. The get-together, held at the Ikoyi, Lagos home social media handle. 

“Toyin, the childre, and I celebrate our dear father, Otunba 

Adekunle Ojora, as he joins the exclusive club of 

nonagenarians”, the former Senate President wrote. 

“We give glory to Almighty God for giving you long life and 

good health. His mercy on you has been incredible and that is 

why you remain graceful and strong, even at this advanced 

age. 

“Papa, you have been a wonderful husband, a model father, a 

doting grandfather, a successful great-grandfather, and a 

relevant elder statesman. 

“We are grateful to Almighty God for the blessing of having 

such an awesome patriarch as you. 

“Our prayer is that may you celebrate many more birthdays 

in good health and the continuous service of your maker and 

mankind.Happy Birthday Papa”. 

Guests list included Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Oba 

Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, Abisoye Fagade, Mr Gbenga 

Adefaye, Mike and Dupe Dada, Olumide Adeyemi, 

Dr Shuaibu Hussein, Seun Soyinka, Lanre Alfred, Jire 

Anifalaje, Azuh Arinze, Layinka Oyedeji, Prince 

Adeyemi Aseperi, Biodun and Moradeke Kupoluyi, 

Mojeed Jamiu and wife, Habib Aruna, Fisayo Esho, 

Henry Alade & wife, Olumide Iyanda & wife. 

Others included Loye Amsat, Ramon Nasir, Abdul 

Imoyo, Lasisi Olagunju, Festus Adedayo, Yinka 

Agboola, Funsho Arogundade, Shina Oyetayo, Seun 

Oloketuyi, Biodun Awoyale, Sola Fajobi, Wole 

Olagundoye, Arch. Niyi Adelaja, Debo Alexander, 

Taiwo Adisa, Bolaji Tunji, Semiu Okanlawon, Bolaji 

Adebiyi, Eze Anaba, Victoria Ibanga, NGE President 

Mustapha and Michael Effiong. 

42nd birthday party 

The star-studded event held at the Ebony Life Place 

had in attendance his beautiful wife, Lineo, as well 

as several top industry players like Larry Gaga, 

Wande Coal, Ice Prince Zamani, Ikechukwu, Skiibii, 

Ik Osakioduwa, Frank Edoho, Ycee, Mathew Ohio, 

and a host of others who came out to celebrate with 

one of Afrobeat’s finest. 

D’banj used the opportunity to launch the CREAM 

platform, one of Africa’s most trusted talent 

discovery platform which has been in existence since 

2016 with over 3-million subscribers. 

“CREAM is an acronym for Creative, Reality, 

Entertainment, Arts, and Music”, he told his guests. 

He unveiled CREAM DELA CREAM, a product 

under the CREAM platform. CREAM DELA 

CREAM is a monthly celebratory event where 

discovered talents from the CREAM platform get 

showcased and recognized. 

“We have waited this long to have the right 

platform to celebrate talents, and this led to the 

birth of CREAM dela CREAM”. 

D’banj’s hit song ‘Oliver Twist’ was performed by 

the winner of the recently concluded Nigeria Idol 

Progress Chukwuyem, alongside all the finalists, 

such as Zadok, Esther, Jordan and Banty, to 

celebrate D’banj who was one of the judges at the 

show. 

Otudeko, Bankole, Maduka in 

their parents’ trail 

Building a family business in the world 

is tough. Building and sustaining a 

viable family business in Nigeria is 

even tougher, with the changing economic 

climes and uncertainty. 

It is good to build businesses that not only 

last but can provide avenues to unite and 

sustain families in the future. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria 

gathered next-generation members within 

family businesses at the Radisson Blu 

Anchorage Hotel, Lagos to share from 

and launch the PwC Nigeria NextGen 

Survey 2022. 

PwC’s Next-gen session focused on how 

the experiences of the next generation of 

business executives and leaders of family 

businesses can serve as an invaluable 

resource for other family-owned 

businesses. Tomi Otudeko, daughter of 

billionaire businessman, Oba Otudeko 

,Head Corporate Services at Honeywell 

Group; Seun Jolayemi, son of indigenous 

businessman, Oyin Jolayemi, Executive 

Director, Special Projects Daily Need 

Group; OluRanti Bankole, Head of 

School, Ikoyi Campus, Green Springs 

School; Cosmas Junior Maduka, son of 

billionaire businessman, Cosmas 

Maduka, Executive Director – After Sales, 

Coscharis Motors Plc; and Guy Vande 

Vyvere, Managing Partner of VYBROS 

Invest BV, drove the session at the Radisson 

Blu Anchorage Hotel. 

At the session, ‘Today and Beyond: The 

Next Generation Challenges Family 

Business Status Quo’, Bankole mentioned 

that there were integral lessons to be 

learned from the current generation’s 

leadership such as the power of good 

communication. “Communication is the 

most important lesson I’ve learned from 

my mother. I’ve learned how to articulate 

my ideals and ideas in a more concise and 

effective manner.” She went on to explain 

how this important ability has helped her 

improve her business operations and 

greatly strengthened her ability to add 

value to the business”, he said. 

Tomi Otudeko shared how joining the 

family business brought the stakes into 

close focus and improved her work ethic 

further. 

Her words: “I understand that I am not 

just fighting for my family; I am fighting 

for employees with families. I am fighting 

for the community that I am in. it’s 

important to me. It is not just a job!” 

She gave insights into how family 

businesses can attract excellent investors 

and ensure long-term impact while 

focusing on sustainability in line with 

Environmental, Social, and Governance 

(ESG) criteria. 

In terms of identifying what counts and 

what may appear to be a pain point for 

next-generation business leaders, Guy 

Vande Vyvere stated: “We all have great 

ideas and are eager to put them into 

action. 

“However, what good are our great 

ideas as ‘next-geners’ if they are not well 

executed? Yes, the goal is to execute all of 

our incredible ideas; however, rather than 

having ten great ideas with a 50%-win 

rate, next-generation business executives 

should focus on executing these ideas one 

at a time and ensuring that there is one 

brilliant idea that achieves a 100% win 

rate every time.” 

After the insight, the Pwc next gen 

business survey was launched. 

Photo caption: Executive Director, 

Special Projects, Daily Need Group, Seun 

Jolayemi; Head of School, Ikoyi Campus, 

Green Springs School, OluRanti Bankole; 

Partner, Private Clients & Family Business 

Leader, PwC Nigeria, Esiri Agbeyi; Head, 

Corporate Services, Honeywell Group, 

Tomi Otudeko, and Executive Director – 

After Sales, Coscharis Motors Plc, 

Cosmos Junior Maduka.


Suicide needn’t be an option 

SUICIDE has a nasty ring 

to it. It is also chilling. For 

a human being to sit down, 

think his life over and decide 

that it is not worth living, takes 

a lot of courage. Yet, it takes a 

lot more courage and guts to 

stay and find out if at the end of 

the tunnel, he might not find a 

light. The bewildering fact is 

that suicide bids are on the 

increase; and actual successes 

boggle the mind. In the past, 

cases of a suicide were shrouded 

in absolute secrecy. Instead 

entirely different reasons were 

given as to the cause of death 

while speculations ran riot. 

Today, cases of suicide are too 

common to shock anyone 

speechless. Bread-winners 

who’d been financially 

amputated one way or the other 

had succumbed to their selfmade 

hang-man’s noose; a few 

wives who couldn’t face the 

humiliation of their husbands’ 

betrayal had laid down and 

surrendered to premature death 

without a thought for the kids 

and relations they would leave 

behind. And, because of some 

lousy end-of-year results, some 

fickle-minded students who saw 

it as the end of the world had 

put paid to their young lives. If 

you want to see more examples 

of suicides, read the papers. If 

you want to see how serious we 

now think it is, have a look at 

some newspapers’ coverage of 

a few of the events. 

It is all right if you feel you 

have reached the end of your 

tether, if you feel like stopping 

the world and wanting out. 

Let’s face it, after the dastardly 

act has been committed, you 

are oblivious to the world. But, 

have you ever thought of the 

people you would be sending 

to their slow deaths by your 

action? “To live life to the end 

is not a childish task,” says Boris 

Pasternak in Dr. Zhingo. At one 

stage in life, we all must have 

contemplated suicide, just as 

we must have contemplated 

strangling villains who 

constantly make life miserable 

for us, but that doesn’t mean 

we set out to do those things. 

Ten years ago, Florence, an 

extremely successfully private 

doctor who was thankfully 

surviving after the trauma of 

her divorce, came home to find 

her undergraduate son stone 

dead. A hurriedly written 

suicide note said it was because 

he failed his end-of-year exams 

again, and was asked to leave 

the university. He was too 

embarrassed to face his mother 

and see the beaten look on her 

face. 

His mother had a nervous 

breakdown. According to her: 

“The depression that followed 

his funeral was suicidal. I was 

helplessly bewildered and life 

seemed no longer worth living. 

I didn’t even have the comfort 

of a husband and father. I 

couldn’t sleep even with antidepressants 

and I seldom ate. I 

knew hard work was good 

medicine and I drove myself 

dangerously hard the first few 

terrible years...” 

Today, despite the fact that 

her other two children have 

done very well, she has changed 

out of character; drinking like 

the devil and weeping even 

when not provoked. 

A 24-year-old nurse whose 

undergraduate fiancé 

committed suicide told me she 

went through hell for over two 

years before she could even 

begin to live again. 

“He had no right to kill me 

the way he did,” she said, 

exhibiting a bit of the anger she 

must have felt. “It was him who 

wanted out, why must I suffer 

because of it.” 

In the spate of a few days, there 

were newspaper reports recently 

of a man who committed suicide 

because he lost his job and his 

wife; and, of another 

undergraduate who killed 

himself because of poor exam 

results. There were even reports 

of kids under-10 found dangling 

from the end of a rope! 

Maybe, it is about time we 

encouraged positive thinking in 

this part of the world. There is 

need for free access to 

counsellors when depression 

hits. Today, bipolar disease is 

what used to be called manic 

depression. The disease 

literally drives you insane. One 

of the very early symptoms is 

acute depression. 

Unfortunately, bipolar 

syndrome is more common 

amongst the youths than ever 

before – and it doesn’t matter if 

the parents are rich or poor. 

Once bipolar hits, victims 

reasoning becomes disjointed. 

That’s why today’s parents are 

particularly warned to look out 

for depression of any sorts in 

their children and seek prompt 

professional help for such kids 

– before things get out of hand. 

Don’t Let Anger Ruin 

Your Health 

Seconds out, round one.... 

Every couple knows that 

moment when passion gives 

way to rage. When the one you 

were madly in love with is 

suddenly the one driving you 

mad. So, how do you deal with 

those feelings? Do you revel in 

a row or shrink from a skirmish? 

Counsellors say that couple 

shouldn’t back away from 

arguments because bottling up 

emotions only lead to trouble. 

But some ways of reacting are 

simply unhelpful. Recognise 

yourself in any of them? 

The Sulker: When you are 

mad, you wander around with 

a long face, banging saucepans, 

sighing heavily. You have to be 

coaxed into revealing what’s on 

your mind and always manage 

to make your partner feel he or 

she is in the wrong. You cannot 

see the funny side of things and 

refuse to be jollied out of your 

sulk. Below the belt line, 

“nothing’s the matter.” 

The Nagger: You just go 

on and on. A row is the perfect 

excuse fort- bringing up every 

petty grievance you have ever 

felt. You’ve got the memory of 

an elephant and are quite 

capable of remembering ill or 

imagined slights from years 

ago. You can start a row just as 

you are about to meet friends 

for a night out, turning sugarsweet 

once they arrive, and 

picking up the threads as soon 

as they leave. You can keep a 

row simmering for days. Below 

the belt line. “And another 

thing...” 

The Quitter: When things 

get too hot to handle, you 

simply walk out. You might lock 

yourself in the bathroom or go 

out for a drink, and then, you 

have to be wooed back. Or, you 

wait until your partner is so 

worried about you that he or 

she apologised when you 

return. In any case, you win 

even if you were in the wrong. 

Below the Belt line: “We’ll 

talk when you calm down.” 

The Martyr: You 

pretended to suffer in silence, 

but when you’re annoyed, you 

create an atmosphere that can 

be cut with a knife. You may 

pretend to give in, but you can’t 

lose with good grace and you 

make your partner suffer. 

...You develop headaches at 

bed time or mope around the 

house like a bear with a sore 

head. In the end, your partner 

can’t stand the tension and 

makes the peace. 

The Prophet: Whenever 

anything goes wrong you are 

the first to rejoice in disaster. 

You refuse to accept any blame, 

and you take delight in 

discovering other people’s 

mistakes. Your holier-thanthou 

attitude is guaranteed to 

drive your partner around the 

bend while you can carry on 

assumption an air calm. Below 

the belt lines! “I told you so.” 

The doormat: You hate rows 

so much that you agree black 

was white to keep peace. You 

are so insecure you think that 

love can’t survive a few ups and 

downs. You can’t understand 

why the passivity drives your 

partner mad, though. Below 

the belt line: “Whatever.” 

The Cry Baby: You never 

stand up for yourself – you 

simply dissolve into tears. You 

have learned that you don’t have 

to be tough to get your own way. 

So, when things look too heavy 

to handle, you just turn on the 

water works. One day though, 

you will try the trick too often 

and your partner will have 

become waterproof. Below the 

belt line! “Boo-hoo.” 

2023: Nigerians should be grateful to Tinubu 

for offering to serve — Ijaw leader 


prominent Niger Delta 

A youth leader, Mr John 

Dekawei, has described the 

emergence of Asiwaju Bola 

Tinubu as the presidential 

flag bearer of the All 

Progressives Congress 

(APC) as the will of God. 

Dekawei who spoke in 

Warri, Delta State, said 

Nigerians should be 

grateful to the former Lagos 

State governor for offering 

to serve the country. 

He stated that Nigeria 

needs Tinubu who has built 

bridges across the country 

as the President in 2023, 

stressing that it was the right 

choice by the party’s 

delegates. 

According to him, “Nigeria 

needs a man like Tinubu to 

put an end to the many woes 

facing the country. Tinubu 

remains an antidote for a 

better and progressive 

Nigeria come 2023. 

“Seeing how Bola Tinubu 

developed Lagos State as a 

governor and how his 

political dynasty has 

sustained the development, 

Nigerians need not worry 

about how the APC 

presidential flag bearer will 

work to fix the country if 

Aramex takes students to Switzerland for 

global Robotics challenge 

By Ephraim Oseji 

or the first time since 

F2019, high school students, 

mentors, volunteers, and 

supporters from more than 180 

countries will come together 

face-to-face in the spirit of global 

purpose, unity, and 

collaboration. 

Team Nigeria Robotics in a 

bid to conquer the world at this 

year’s First Global Robotics 

Challenge held in Geneva 

Switzerland, from the 13th -16th 

elected next year. 

He further reaffirmed his 

support for Tinubu’s 

presidential bid, urging 

Nigerians to also do the 

same. “Nigerians should be 

grateful to Tinubu for 

offering to serve the country 

as President.” 

A cross section of HACEY Health Initiative commenced community 

health intervention in Nehemiah IDP Mobilization Camp, Kafanchan 

focused on championing community actions towards effective response 

to malaria, HIV, Diabetes, hypertension and water-borne diseases. 

of October 2022, began at Syrian 

Club off Ribadu road, Ikoyi with 

a Try-Out challenge for selecting 

the best fit to represent the 

country. 

Speaking at this year’s Team 

Nigeria Try-Out challenge over 

the weekend, The Managing 

Director of Aramex, Mr. Faisal 

Jarmakani, sponsors of the Team 

Nigeria for the 6th year in a roll, 

advised the students to give their 

all to progress to the next stage, 

noting that this is a huge 

opportunity to compete with the 

rest of the world and make Nigeria 

proud if selected. 

The Try-Out challenge 

began with over 100 registrations 

of students drawn from 

different Secondary Schools 

across Nigeria who were put 

into groups to access their 

knowledge of teamwork, 

creativity, focus, and solving 

problems. 

At the end of the challenge, 

only the best five would be 

selected to represent Nigeria 

and compete with 180 nations of 

the world Switzerland. 

By Ephraim Oseji 

Vbank, 

Nigeria’s 

foremost fully digital bank 

by VFD Microfinance Bank, has 

won the Mobile Banking App of 

the Year Award back-to-back at 

this year’s GAGE Awards which 

was held at the Eko Hotel & 

Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, 

recently. 

The third edition of the award 

tagged: ‘’Embracing the Digital 

Era” was a comprehensive 

celebration of individuals and 

brands that have leveraged the 

power of the internet to make life 

easier and simpler as well as 

facilitated growth, driven 

Okowa right choice 

for PDP— Tidi 

T 


he Chairman of Warri 

South Local 

Government Area of 

Delta State, Dr. Michael 

Tidi, has hailed the 

emergence of Governor 

Ifeanyi Okowa, saying it 

was the right pair for the 

victory of the Peoples 

Democratic Party, PDP, at 

the general election. 

“I am glad that my boss, 

Dr. Okowa, has finally 

been unveiled as the 

Vice-Presidential 

candidate of our great 

party, the PDP. 

“His resilience and 

staying power show the 

possibility of Delta and 

its vast resources and 

limitless opportunities. 

Okowa is a living 

inspiration to younger 

innovation, and attracted new 

talents to the digital space. 

Vbank launched in March 

2019 was picked ahead of more 

established brands in the 

financial sector indicating that 

the bank’s App is now Nigerians’ 

most preferred choice in banking. 

Recall, Vbank won the same 

award last year ahead of the same 

brands 

According to the organizers, 

Vbank app focuses on the 

primary task to make 

transactions easier in the year 

under review. “The app is 

outstanding, has a mobile-first 

design, uses large design 

elements, and provides a logical 

Deltans. His life, a 

testament to enterprise, 

industry 

and 

professionalism, 

constitutes a legacy for 

the present and next 

generation. 

“It is indeed good that 

Deltans are unanimous 

in celebration of our 

governor’s nomination. 

The first battle is won, and 

the next is the general 

election. It is not wrong for 

us to enjoy some blaring of 

the trumpets too, even as 

we return all glory to God 

Almighty”, the council boss 

said. 

Dr Tidi had drawn support 

for Okowa in a statement 

before his emergence 

where he stressed that the 

governor remained the 

PDP’s best bet. 

Vbank wins Mobile Banking App award back-to-back 

path to follow as well as makes 

usage easy and obvious.” 

Commenting, Managing 

Director, VFD Microfinance 

Bank, Gbenga Omolokun 

thanked the organizer and 

Nigerians for their votes and 

choice of VBank App, stressing 

that the bank recently upgraded 

its app with better features to 

promote ease of use for its 

customers. 

The new app, according to 

Omolokun, boasts exciting 

features including cardless 

withdrawals, multiple funds 

transfers, recurring transactions, 

advance budgeting, and 

intelligent airtime top-up, among 

others.


PAGE 24 SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2022

ELECTIONS 2023: From reptilian 

politics to a peoples movement 

AS at the time of writing 

this column, the 

presidential candidate of the 

Peoples Democratic Party for the 

2023 election, Mr. Atiku 

Abubakar had nominated Dr. 

Ifeanyi Okowa, current 

governor of Delta State as his 

running mate. The choice is 

strategic. Under very normal 

circumstances, it would be a 

game-changer. Dr. Ifeanyi 

Okowa is a brilliant man – a 

well-trained physician from the 

University College Hospital, 

Ibadan, and as PDP’s Osita 

Chidoka, trying to talk him up 

on Arise TV notes, he passed in 

the Division 1 category in the 

WASC exam in the years when 

brilliance and hard work were 

the mark of accomplishment 

and promise. His performance 

in Delta State, as some witnesses 

would acknowledge, has not 

been too shabby either. And to 

add it all up, he is Igbo of the Ika 

clan, and thus occupies two very 

distinct spaces as a man from 

the South-South Geo-political 

zone and an Igbo of the larger 

national group which is also the 

largest ethnic group in what is 

now called the Niger Delta. 

Dr. Okowa is a man the Igbo 

could vote for and go to bed 

satisfied, since he checks out on 

the values which they hold 

sacred: competence, distinction, 

and of course, there is the 

kinship factor. Dr. Okowa goes 

by the title “Ekwueme” – he on 

whose words you could place a 

bet – and the Igbo do like men 

who live up to the names they 

choose for themselves. There is 

where the trouble lies for Dr. 

Okowa, otherwise, his choice as 

Mr. Atiku’s running mate would 

have been a brilliant, and most 

strategic choice. It still could be, 

but the problem is in his words 

and conduct. 

Many are now accusing him 

of selling out on the Igbo 

aspiration to be president of 

Nigeria in 2023, and in that, 

enact the closure of the history 

of exclusion. Dr. Okowa was 

host, it must be noted, of the 

meeting of the governors of the 

Southern Nigerian states who 

met in Asaba and made what is 

now the inconsequential Asaba 

Declaration that the next 

president of Nigeria must be 

from the South or no deal. So 

what happened to the Asaba 

declaration of which Dr. Okowa 

is a primary and consequential 

signatory? How is it that no one 

can now trust the words of a man 

who goes by the title, 

“Ekwueme”? The simple truth 

is that the PDP, the party on 

which Dr. Okowa is running has 

betrayed the long compact of 

trust between it, and the South- 

East and the South-South, where 

serious campaign has long 

been, since 1999, for an Igbo 

president, which many hoped 

will come through support and 

fidelity with the PDP. But that is 

no longer going to happen. And 

the East feels betrayed. Not only 

by the party which has 

continually relied on it for votes, 

but on the party’s delegations 

from the South-East and the 

South-South, who tanked the 

call for the candidacy of an Igbo 

President under the PDP. 

I listened carefully to Osita 

Chidoka’s efforts to make 

excuses for the PDP, and argue 

for a “next time.” That next time 

was now and it did not happen. 

They shifted the landmark 

agreements entered into by the 

party itself to rotate the 

presidency. It came to the turn 

of the Igbo of the South-East, 

everybody; every interests in the 

two parties started speaking in 

tongues. That is what is called 

reptilian politics. The use of 

underhanded methods, 

including buying off the 

conscience of key members of 

the party with dollars, to change 

the political aims, agreements, 

and compacts on which the 

political party has stood since 

1999. 

Effectively, the PDP no longer 

exists particularly in the South 

East, and among most of the 

Igbo scattered in great numbers 

across Nigeria. It is a betrayal 

one too many. The Igbo have 

been patient. They have 

compromised and conciliated. 

They have endured insults and 

exclusions and they bid their 

time for the opportunity to 

present an Igbo as candidate for 

the presidency of Nigeria. Now, 

it is imperative for Igbo voters 

to end the political life of those 

who were part of the great 

betrayal of the Igbo in both the 

PDP and the APC. Particularly, 

those in the PDP. In any case, the 

APC does not exist in the South 

East and among the majority of 

the Igbo nationwide. Only the 

handful of the “akalogoli” can 

be found in their company 

because from its foundation, the 

APC has stood on everything the 

Igbo as people abhor – 

nepotism, deep corruption, 

religious fundamentalism, a 

lack of coherent vision, or plan 

for the general progress of 

nation. The APC is a party fueled 

by a very feudal underbelly. That 

is why its current Presidential 

candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu 

would have the temerity to say, 

“Emi l’okan!” That is, that it is 

his turn to rule Nigeria. As if 

Nigeria is some game to be 

It came to the turn of 

the Igbo of the South- 

East, everybody; every 

interests in the two 

parties started speaking 

in tongues 

divided among hunters. Not that 

he has any coherent plans to pull 

this country from the edge of 

collapse which the current APC 

administration has pushed it. As 

a matter of fact, in more 

developed political spaces, the 

All Peoples Congress, should not 

have the fierce courage to field 

a candidate for this election, 

simply because it has been, as a 

party, the catalyst to the current 

crisis of nation. But there are 

many who would argue that Mr. 

Bola Tinubu is different from 

Buhari and might bring new 

dimensions to the governance 

of Nigeria. That his first sally as 

governor of Lagos is 

demonstrable evidence of his 

abilities. I should only bring in 

some caution: Lagos is, in sheer 

economic and infrastructural 

terms, the easiest state to govern 

in Nigeria. It was already highly 

built up before Tinubu arrived 

in office. It was a federal territory 

from 1914 to 1992, and in that 

period, the resources of the 

federation were poured into it. 

Lagos is a great homeland to 

every Nigerian group, as it drew 

people, right even before its 

cession in 1861 when it was a 

key epicenter of the slave trade, 

to it. I bet that if the DNA test of 

the descendants of that 

patriarch Eletu Odibo, whose 

family is foundational in the 

evolution of Lagos society is 

taken today, they will be shocked 

and gobsmacked by their 

original links to the Igbere 

people of current Abia state. But 

that is a different story for 

another day. In any case, Bola 

Tinubu’s APC is already 

detained by a critical question 

of whether or not to field a 

Muslim-Muslim ticket. 

As at writing this, the issue is 

still in contention. Would a 

Muslim-Muslim ticket fly in this 

election? There are many who 

say, why not? It did work with 

the Abiola-Kingibe ticket, and it 

did not bruise Abiola’s chances 

in 1993. But many also quite 

correctly point out that the 

political landscape has 

changed very radically since 

Abiola, and Tinubu is not 

Kashimawo, a Zikist, who had 

a far larger pan-Nigerian 

network. There is no doubt that 

a Muslim-Muslim ticket will 

alienate a vast, often silent force 

of Nigerian politics: the 

Christian community of the 

North. Standard demographic 

calculations often call the 

Christians, minorities in the 

North. But the numbers 

surprisingly say different. There 

is a huge Christian belt which 

has often been ignored and 

rendered invisible by the ways 

we tell the Nigerian story. This 

election might rouse that 

number to the fore. There is also 

the Kwankwaso factor in the 

North, which should never be 

taken for granted. It is driven by 

large scale peoples anger 

against the established parties. 

It is this anger and frustration 

against the established parties 

that is changing the Nigerian 

political landscape and 

narrative in favour of Peter Obi 

and the Labour Party. There is 

clear indication that the Labour 

Party is bulging with new 

enthusiasm. Let us be clear: this 

election season is going to 

contend with four factors. That 

is, it is a four-way run. If this is so, 

then Peter Obi is in a very good 

position to pull off one of the 

great surprises of Nigerian 

political history. Three factors 

are in his favor: one is that there 

is a great momentum for a 

president from the South-East, 

and Obi has the weight to carry 

that banner. He is 

philosophically trained. He is 

young and astute. He 

understands the language of the 

young generation, being himself 

a bridge between the young and 

the old. His message of hope 

and possibility resonates with a 

most alienated generation who 

see in Obi, the possibility of a 

great re-set for Nigeria. They 

also have the votes. They are 

computer literate and savvy. 

They are natural inhabitants of 

the virtual world and that is why 

the social media is their 

medium. Many of them do not 

buy newspapers. But they are 

highly informed, because they 

operate mostly in on-line 

platforms. This has confused the 

luddite operators of the so-called 

“big” or “established” parties, 

who do not understand the brave 

new world. This generation is 

primed to use the Labour Party, 

rallying around Peter Obi, to 

enact the “Green Revolution,” 

and change the narrative of 

political organizing in Nigeria. 

I think the signs are out there. 

It is true that Peter Obi is not 

running on the steam of an Igbo 

candidacy. In fact, the sign is that 

the washed-out and highly 

compromised, and more 

familiar Igbo political actors, 

used to the “Agbata-Ekee” 

politics have refused to openly 

align with him. Which is good. 

They are irrelevant political 

deadwoods. But he has massive 

support among the Igbo - 

particularly the educated 

professionals and the regular 

Joes. The Igbo occupy the 

South-East and the South-South 

in dense numbers. But here is the 

key: the highly urbanized Igbo 

who are scattered in their 

numbers across Nigeria. They 

constitute an electoral force 

which combined with other key 

outliers are creating a political 

tsunami. In the bell-weather 

cities of Kano, Lagos, Abuja, and 

Port-Harcourt, careful analysis 

will show the Igbo political 

factor, when properly mobilized 

and motivated, will create 

surprising results. Then is the 

pan-Nigerian youth factor. Peter 

Obi, after a long time, is one 

politician that is cutting across 

the national boundaries, and 

addressing the question vital to 

the survival of the young 

generation of Nigerians across 

old tribal fault lines. It is actually 

shocking. There is a new 

nationalist movement, and once 

one, it is a Peoples Movement 

and it is driven by the new 

Nigerian – the youth of he nation. 

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2022, PAGE 25


Why I established a band of 

people with disability – Kayode 

•Says promoter dumped his album because he couldn’t pay N1.2m 

By Gabriel Ewepu 

The Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of 

Endless Music Band, Adebayo Kayode, 

is a person with disability. In this interview, 

Kayode says he is into music to bring life, light 

and hope to those sitting in darkness of 

depression and dejection, as he calls for 

assistance to achieve more with what he is 

currently doing with his talents. Excerpts: 

What inspired you to establish Endless Music 

Band? 

Endless Music Band is a band of people with 

disability. We sing to encourage persons living 

with disability and also the able ones. 

Why did you call the band Endless Music 

Band? 

It is because as a person with disability, the 

only joy I got is through praises and the more I 

praise God the more the blessings I receive; so 

from that I decided to name my band Endless 

Music Band. 

How long have you been singing and what 

led to your inspiration to have a musical band? 

For over 15 years ago, I have been singing 

and what led me to this is my personal 

experience. Music is part of life. It all happened 

in 2016. I was so discouraged concerning my 

situation because I am a person with disability, 

and I looked at it and said “how I can I keep on 

with life?” I now looked at it that I have talent for 

singing; so I just used the songs to encourage 

myself and that is what brought me up and 

gingered everything in me. I now looked at it 

and said it will encourage a lot of people that are 

depressed and would positively affect a lot of 

people’s lives in the society, and that is why I am 

doing it. I started singing when I got admission 

into secondary school. 

Do you mean when you had the challenge of 

disability your family didn’t assist you? 

I lost my dad then and he was the only one 

supporting me and since then things were not 

so good with me. 

Can you speak on what led to your disability 

status? 

From what I was told I fell from bed and 

that was how it started. I was seven years old 

when I had the issue. I was in primary school 

then. 

When you got to higher institution, how 

did you cope? 

When I got to higher institution I found 

things difficult based on sustainability; it was 

not really rejection but some people were 

doing that and I didn’t look at it because I was 

focused and I knew where I was going. So, I 

didn’t look at anybody discriminating or 

rejecting me but I achieved a lot when 

I was in higher institution. I studied 

Computer Science at Dorben 

Polytechnic Bwari, Abuja and 

graduated with Higher National 

Diploma. 

Why do you stick to music 

instead of using your 

certificate to get a job? 

I prefer doing 

music on part-time 

basis but if I get a good 

job offer I will go for it. 

Apart from music, 

what do you have as 

business? 

I own a car wash 

where I have three 

employees, and the 

business is coming 

up gradually. 

Nigeria is a 

country with a lot 

of musicians and 

upcoming ones. 

Against this 

background, 

how are you 

going to cope 

w i t h 

competition? 

I have three 

albums but it is 

so difficult to reach 

out to people. The last one is titled 

Endless Praise with seven tracks, the second 

is titled ‘I will Praise God’ with five tracks, 

and the first is titled ‘There’s Ability 

in Disability’ with five tracks to encourage 

those living with disability. 

What kind of songs do you sing? 

I sing gospel and secular songs 

including Juju, highlife and jazz. 

Do you have a promoter? 

Right now, I don’t have a promoter or a 

marketer. I met a promoter who asked me to 

pay him N1.2 million, but I should pay half of 

the money which is N600, 000. As a result of 

me not having such amount of money he didn’t 

take my album. Many promoters have been 

rejecting me despite my effort to convince 

them. 

Do people patronize your songs and 

services? 

Yes people patronize me; the last time I 

attended a programme at the Mountain on 

Fire and Miracles Ministries in Abuja, 

worshipers there bought my albums. When I 

am invited by churches, they patronize me. 

Man with liver problem: Help 

to actualise my dream of 

feeding Nigeria before I die 

By Wole Mosadomi 

unde Joseph Anwoloju is a graduate of 

Tagric engineering from Federal 

University of Technology, Minna. He 

finished from the University in 2019 and 

served in Government Secondary School, 

Heipang, Jos where he started the Young 

Farmers Club along with other students 

interested in farming. 

However, his life ambition of becoming a 

frontline farmer in the country was 

threatened in 2022 when his health started 

failing. 

In an interview, he narrated his story, “In 

2022, I started with constant vomiting and 

general weakness of the body. 

I was treated for malaria/typhoid at a 

private hospital in Jos severally but when 

there was no improvement. 

“So I was referred to Jos University 

Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for further 

diagnosis and treatment. 

“For proper monitoring by my parents 

and relatives, I got a referral letter to 

Minna, Niger State and I was taken to 

In what other places have you performed? 

Redeemed Christian Church of God, 

Kubwa, Abuja, Living Faith Church 

Bwari Abuja, Sightsavers, Abuja, 

Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, 

Abuja, Kpankanpdo Foundation, 

Abuja and Sir David Osunde 

Foundation, Abuja among others. I 

will also be performing at Eternal 

Gift Ministries, Abuja in July 2022. 

Do you have a mentor? 

I can’t really say I have anybody 

to call mentor because I do get my 

inspiration directly from God. 

Though, I listen to King Sunny 

Ade, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey 

and international gospel 

artiste, Don Moen, among 

others. 

What musical instruments 

do you play? 

I play the keyboard and a 

little of the guitar. 

Do you have instruments of 

your own? 

I don’t have instruments of my 

own. I rent all my instruments. 

What about your band members, are 

they on part-time or permanent with you? 

They are all permanent band members. 

We have 11 band members. I have two dancers 

who are disabled and two instrumentalists who 

are disabled also 

How do you pay them? 

When I receive payment from whoever hires 

my service, I pay them based on percentage. But 

mostly the money goes for payment for the rented 

instruments but we are praying to God to raise 

individuals, groups and organizations to help us 

buy our permanent instruments because 

instruments are very expensive to buy at the 

moment. It is a great challenge but there is nothing 

God cannot do. We believe that our dream of having 

our own instruments will soon come real. 

What is your message to Nigerians concerning 

persons with disability who have talents like you? 

My message is that many persons living with 

disability have one talent or the other and this is 

the way we can showcase our talents for people to 

discover these talents in us and also encourage 

us. Many persons living with disability are on the 

streets roaming around and begging while some 

of them have talents but need people of good 

heart to assist. Please Nigerians help us. My 

telephone number is 0814 276 3063 and my 

e m a i l 

is endlessmusicband2022@gmail.com. 

another private hospital in Minna but, after 

four days without improvement, I 

was referred to IBB Specialist Hospital, 

Minna where it was confirmed that I have 

a failed kidney and a new one has to be 

transplanted soonest at a total cost of 

N15m”. 

Already, millions of Naira has been 

committed to his treatment but ailing Tunde 

still has a long way to go as a new chapter 

has just been opened in his situation. 

He continued his story: “My father, a 

battery charger, died June 18, 2003 of the 

same ailment I am battling with at the age 

of 42 and my mother, Comfort, a retired 

civil servant in Minna, is the bread winner 

of the family of four children. 

Sobbing while speaking with our 

correspondent, Tunde said, “There is no how 

we can raise this money. Many people 

including relatives, neighbors, friends and 

even churches have helped us in the past 

and with this new huge amount for my 

survival, we don’t know where to start. 

“My ambition is to feed the nation, the 

world but the failure of my liver has 

sentenced me to death and trying to 

truncate my dream. 

“That is why I am calling on Nigerians 

and beyond to please help me from dying. 

“I am hopeful that I will survive. I know 

Nigerians within and outside will come to 

my aid and if I survive, my commitment to 

nation building will be my primary 

assignment.” 

He gave his bank account details as 

follows: Daniel Oladele Anwoloju, GTB, 

0112564646. 

It is wrong to turn 

gospel music into 

money-making 

venture 

— Dorcas Awolumate 

ospel musician, Dorcas Awolumate, in 

Gthis interview with James Ogunnaike, 

says fellow artistes are supposed to preach 

the gospel of Christ through music. It 

shouldn’t be money making venture. 

Excerpt: 

When did you begin your gospel music 

career? 

My gospel music career officially started in 

2013 though I have been in teen choir since I 

was 10 years old. Thereafter, I graduated to 

adult choir, but DAMM (DORCAS 

AWOLUMATE MUSIC MINISTRY) 

officially started in 2013. 

How have you combined family 

responsibilities with your career, without 

one affecting the other? 

These are two important assignments that 

must be handled with care or I will say 

ministries that must not affect each other, but 

God has been helping out. 

Do you collect money before ministering 

at any function? 

Actually I’m not bothered about the 

monetary aspect of it because that has not 

been one of my core beliefs. But with respect 

to honorarium, even though we might not be 

as financially dependent as those in the secular 

music industry, we have to understand that 

our callings are different. One major 

difference between secular and gospel is that, 

not only are they entertainers, their major goal 

is to make money while gospel artistes are not 

called to search for money but to preach the 

gospel through music. Don’t misunderstand 

me; if I am given money as honorarium after 

ministration, I’m not going to reject it. I will 

definitely accept it as part of the blessing 

attached to preaching the gospel. But I do not 

go out of my way to request for any amount 

before I minister. 

Did you have the support of your husband in 

your chosen career? 

That’s a great question. I will tell you that if 

not for my husband’s unwavering support, 

there will not be DORCAS AWOLUMATE 

MUSIC MINISTRY. My husband has not for 

once stopped me from going for ministration. 

With respect to outside the community, he has 

been challenged by people as to why he allows 

me staying two months outside the country 

and he wasn’t there. But his response was “will 

I stop her from doing the work of God”? So I 

have his support always. 

Do you have any challenge? 

The greatest challenge I’ve ever faced is in 

the aspect of acquiring instrumentalist. They 

are not helpful at all. They demand for the 

money that you were not given. 

Some gospel singers had backslide. What 

could responsible for this? 

Well, I can say there could be a number of 

factors responsible for this. It ranges from 

family support, financial backing, staying on 

the course, inability to balance family 

responsibilities with their calling, just to 

mention a few. 

Nowadays, it seems that ‘the world’ has 

mixed up with gospel music. What is your 

view on this? 

The world is not creeping into gospel music. 

I will rather say gospel musicians are the ones 

creeping into the world. They have mixed 

things up to the extent that you don’t even 

know what you’re listening to in the gospel 

music of today. 

How has your husband career assisted you 

in your ministry? 

Actually, it is a great privilege, because his 

professional carrier has been a blessing to my 

calling. It has really helped the ministry. I 

always tap from his knowledge to make 

certain decision that 

affects the ministry 

positively. 

Can you say you 

are fulfilled in this 

ministry? 

To the glory of 

God, I can see 

myself still 

standing in the Lord 

and not deviate 

from my calling, 

still preaching 

the gospel 

through 

m u s i c , 

bringing 

people to the 

kingdom, and 

telling them 

the good 

tidings which 

is JESUS

The beauty of Nigeria's 

recent delegate elections 

THE pain of Femi 

Gbajabiamila, Speaker 

of the House of Representatives 

that many of his colleagues 

would be unable to return to the 

National Assembly is with due 

respect misplaced. While Femi 

as an individual is free to miss 

some of his close friends who 

could not secure their party 

tickets to run in next year's 

general election, their loss was 

not against the run of play. 

Indeed, failure of many 

lawmakers to return to the 

legislature has been the trend 

since 1999 when democracy 

was restored in Nigeria. At each 

election season, the 

competition to get into office 

grows more intense 

progressively. To start with, 

Nigerians who thought politics 

was a dirty game have since 

changed their minds by 

discarding the fear of political 

violence because of the 

transparent evidence that 

nothing in the country is as 

lucrative as politics. Thus, with 

increased interest in politics, 

electioneering has assumed a 

fiercer dimension capable of 

unseating several incumbents. 

The Speaker's conclusion that 

loopholes in the delegate 

system caused the loss of his 

colleagues at the party 

primaries is also not entirely 

accurate. The system may have 

played a role; but if the truth 

must be told, many legislators 

are undeserving of reelection. 

They really have no business in 

the legislature because they 

are only there to pick-up 

'basic' salaries and 

humongous allowances. 

Their incapacity is 

aggravated by their omission 

to appoint competent 

legislative aides to assist them 

perform their duties 

satisfactorily. For 

inexplicable reasons, they 

also have no viable 

constituency offices as 

demanded by law which 

would have positioned them 

to get acquainted with the real 

preferences of the people they 

represent. Many are in fact 

unknown to their 

constituents. The contributory 

negligence of passing a 

poorly worded Electoral Act 

2022 was essentially the last 

self-inflicted injury. Just 

before that, there were bills 

with unpardonable 

typographical errors and 

sheer contradictions of the 

provisions in different 

sections that no one detected. 

In fairness, national 

legislators are by far better 

than their colleagues in the 

Houses of Assembly in the 

states - a good example being 

the 24-member Kwara State 

legislature in which virtually 

every bill passed since 2019 

was sponsored by the state 

governor. Accordingly, 

Nigerians should not 

bemoan the inability of 

certain legislators to return 

to base in 2023. The 

argument about 

continuity is 

essentially feeble. 

What should 

bother us now, is 

how to raise the 

level of political 

awareness among 

our people to vote 

for persons of 

substance that are 

passionate about making laws 

for good governance of society. 

Of course, some legislators 

have endeavoured to acquit 

themselves creditably. 

Gbajabiamila is in fairness 

one of such dutiful lawmakers, 

hence he got back his party 

ticket unopposed to contest the 

seat of his Surulere, Lagos 

constituency notwithstanding 

the contentious electoral bill 

which targeted members of the 

executive branch of 

government. 

From the events of the last 

few months, the new electoral 

law has inadvertently helped 

to get many incumbents out of 

the legislature. In a country 

like Nigeria with stunted 

growth, it is unfair for certain 

persons to be in power for too 

long to the detriment of other 

citizens. It was therefore 

almost like a divine 

intervention that made the 

lawmakers by their own 

volition to pass a bill to their 

own disadvantage, just as it 

blinded them from some 

rather unintended errors until 

it was too late to act. The 

'wisdom-after-event' thought of 

overriding the president was 

probably for self-consolation 

as the present legislature had 

no capacity during its potent 

days to contemplate such nogo 

area, let alone now that 

many members are nursing 

heart-broken injuries while 

vibrancy has been adjourned 

till after the 2023 election. 

One of the gains of the new 

Electoral Act is that it has 

emboldened hitherto timid 

people to rise up to challenge 

the self-made emperors in our 

In a country like 

Nigeria with stunted 

growth, it is unfair for 

certain persons to be 

in power for too long 

to the detriment of 

other citizens 

democracy. It was quite 

interesting to learn that our 

senate president among a few 

others who lost out in the recent 

political intrigues had 

attempted but failed to coerce 

winners to step down for them. 

That was obviously a tall order 

within the context of the new 

circumlocutory electoral law. 

According to media reports, 

Bashir Sheriff Machina, the 

winner of the All Progressives 

Congress, APC, Yobe North 

Senatorial District primaries 

has said that rather than step 

down for Ahmed Lawan, he 

himself intends to become the 

senate president having served 

as a law maker earlier in 1990. 

Machina confirmed that it was 

because he never intended to 

step down for anyone that he 

declined to complete the 

withdrawal form attached by 

the party to the nomination 

package. Now, with the new 

Electoral Act, the Machinas of 

this world appear invigorated. 

As proof of the growing 

awareness of the muscle of the 

new law, aggrieved supporters 

of certain flagbearers in Kogi 

state who were being cajoled 

to step down stormed the APC 

national secretariat last 

Thursday, to protest attempts 

to substitute winners with 

favoured aspirants. Protesters 

HEDA RESEARCH FINDINGS: 61% of Lagosians ignorant of state budget 

By Kennedy Mbele 

H uman 

Environmental 

and 

Development Agency, HEDA, 

also known as HEDA Resource 

Centre, has called on the three 

tiers of government to carry 

Nigerians along in their budget 

processes, especially during 

implementation. 

The group, which also 

advocated that government 

pays more attention towards 

creating jobs for youths across 

the country, made the call at 

Ikeja, Lagos while presenting 

its findings on a research 

conducted to ascertain the 

perception of Lagos residents 

on the performance of the state 

government in its 2021 budget. 

Presenting the findings in a 

document titled ‘Leadership 

Approval Rating: A Survey of 

Citizes' Perception of 

Leadership and Government in 

Nigeria: a Focus on Lagos 

State’, the Chairman of the 

group, Mr Olarewaju Suraju, 

explained that the research, 

sponsored by MacArthur 

Foundation, was 

independently conducted by 

a reputable foreign research 

firm, Emani, on behalf of the 

group. 

According to him, the 

main purpose of the inquiry 

was to find out residents' level 

of budget awareness in the 

state. 

He said that it also 

explored their level of 

satisfaction with the state 

government's performances 

in areas such as education, 

infrastructural development, 

road maintenance, response 

to emergencies, traffic 

management and provision 

of employment 

opportunities. 

Suraju explained that the 

investigation showed that 

61% of the respondents were 

ignorant of the state's budget 

and that only 5% were 

satisfied with its 

implementation. It also 

showed that 40% of them 

were of the view that the state 

government needs to 

improve its performances. 

On education, the HEDA 

boss said the report indicated 

that only 15% described the 

sector as effective while 43% 

expressed the need for 

improvement. 

Again, the Chairman 

disclosed that only 11% of the 

respondents said that 

measures taken by the Lagos 

Amukpe community donates vehicles to boost security patrol 

A 

mukpe Community in 

Sapele Local 

Government Area of Delta 

State has donated two Sienna 

buses to the local chapter of the 

Vigilante Group of Nigeria 

(VGN) to assist in their fight 

against insecurity. 

At the presentation, the Duke 

of Amukpe District, Chief Peter 

Asagba, said the donations 

were part of the community’s 

contributions to curb rising 

insecurity in the district and its 

environs. 

Responding to the gesture, the 

Zonal Commander of the 

Vigilante Group in Amukpe 

District, Mr. Randy Timishe, 

said the community had done 

well, assuring that the group 

will redouble its efforts in 

securing the life and property 

of the people in the area. 

While promising that the 

vehicles would be put to good 

use, he advised criminalminded 

people to flee the 

area as they are determined 

to root out all forms of 

criminality in the area. 

government towards creating 

economic opportunities were 

effective. 

The investigation, 

according to the HEDA boss 

further identified 

employment, road network, 

health, education and security 

as priority areas. 

Singer, Orbitz Voice, reveals inspiration 

behind ‘Iro Nla’ 

A 

Nigerian Germany-based 

singer, Orbitz 

Voice, has revealed the 

inspiration behind his hit 

song, “Iro Nla”. 

The Ondo State-born 

entertainer, while addressing 

a cross section of journalists, 

also shared his journey into 

the competitive Nigeria 

music scene. 

He said, “Music is way 

beyond making money. It is 

the process by which the 

wrongs in the society can be 

addressed and turned right.” 

“First of all, let me start by 

saying my stage name is 

Orbitz Voice, I’m a Nigerian, 

Those at the event included 

the DPO Sapele Division, CSP 

Harrison Nwanbeze; 

President, Amukpe District, 

Mr. Francis Idonoro; 

Secretary, Mr. Harrison 

Ekeleme and Chairman, 

Okirighwre Community, Mr. 

I’ve been living in Germany 

for two decades. 

“I’m a musician, I’m a 

writer; I’m a poet, I am just a 

Pan-Africanist. And I have the 

love of Africa in my heart. I 

hold a degree in Banking and 

Finance, from University of 

Ado-Ekiti, now Ekiti State 

University. 

“I have a new song titled 

“Iro Nla”, which is translated 

to ‘Big Lie’ in English. Iro Nla 

basically is all about the lies 

people tend to you know, tell 

one another.” 

"We tend to impress others 

to make them feel good. ‘Iro 

Nla’ is like, trying to deceive, 

lie to other people". 

William Eghaghara. 

Others included community 

leaders in Amukpe District, 

Chief Morris Asaba, Chief 

John Eritobor, Chief Dickson 

Omoraka, Mr. Alaba Ojo and 

the oldest person in the 

community, Pa Peter Olokpa. 

Onitsha grounded as navy ratings, tipper drivers clash 

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu 

HAT would have 

Wresulted 

to 

breakdown of law and order 

and possibly loss of lives 

yesterday morning, 

following a disagreement 

between some naval ratings 

and tipper drivers in Onitsha, 

was averted by the 

authorities of the Onitsha 

Naval Outpost. 

The tipper drivers had in 

protest blocked the Onitsha 

Enugu expressway, from 

Niger Bridge Head to 

Electronics Dealers 

International Market, 

Onitsha, thereby making 

vehicular movement into 

Onitsha from Asaba, Asaba to 

Onitsha, Owerri to Onitsha 

and Onitsha towards Owerri 

and Awka, respectively, 

impossible for about fours 

hours. The drivers, through 

their Chairman, Mr. Ebuka 

Unekwe alleged that the 

naval ratings had been 

extorting them, on daily basis, 

claiming that they were 

collecting N500 per trip from 

at Atani Road Naval Base 

junction, another N500 at 

Uga Junction and N500 at 

Owerri Road Navy 

Checkpoint, making it 

N1,500 per trip. 


from Abia and Ondo states 

had earlier demonstrated 

against same allegations. In 

the case of Enugu state, some 

aspirants claimed the party 

denied them the necessary 

forms to fill for the submission 

of candidates. They also 

alleged that the party instead 

offered them 'withdrawal 

concession forms' which they 

reportedly rejected. In the past, 

party executives implemented 

such anti-democratic 

behaviour with ease. There is 

doubt now if the party would 

not end up losing as the 

oppressed have provisions of 

the new electoral law to 

proceed with. 

The situation in Akwa Ibom 

North-west Senatorial District 

does not appear different from 

that of Yobe state where a 

retired Deputy Inspector- 

General of Police, Udom 

Ekpoudom who won the party 

primaries has rejected pleas 

for him to step down for 

Senator Godswill Akpabio. 

There are few high points in 

the Akwa Ibom situation. First, 

the party having failed to get 

the cooperation of Udom 

claimed to have organized 

fresh primaries which 

Akpabio allegedly won. 

Second INEC monitored the 

first and not the second 

primaries. Third, the Akwa 

Ibom office of INEC disowned 

the second primaries thereby 

strengthening the resolve of the 

former police boss to hold-on 

to the ticket. The old attitude 

of putting blames on electoral 

officials didn't succeed 

because INEC headquarters 

aptly discountenanced 

attempts to blackmail its 

Resident Electoral 

Commissioner in Uyo who 

testified that the only 

primaries monitored by his 

office was the one which 

produced the former police 

boss. 

However, the development 

was not restricted to the ruling 

party. The main opposition 

Peoples Democratic Party PDP 

has had its share of the trend. 

Last week, the party's candidate 

for the Kebbi Central 

Senatorial District, Haruna 

Dandio Saidu denied stepping 

down for the former Kebbi 

governor, Adamu Aliero who 

recently defected from the APC 

to the PDP. In a petition to 

INEC, Haruna warned that he 

was prepared to institute legal 

proceedings against any 

person who forges any 

document which purports that 

he accepted to withdraw his 

candidature. But for the new 

law, the underdogs in the two 

political parties would 

probably have been sacrificed 

to suit the wishes of party 

caucuses. This development 

therefore underscores the 

beauty of the recently 

conducted party primaries 

across the country. 

Nigerians can now hope that 

elections in the country would 

depart, even if slightly, from the 

old order where we hosted 

failed elections. For example, 

the opportunity for the voices 

of the underprivileged people 

to be heard will at least stop 

the fake landslide victories of 

ruling parties whose members 

value party interests more than 

the wishes of those they are 

supposed to represent. In 

addition, our youths are now 

persuaded to pick up their 

permanent voters' cards and 

vote out non-performing office 

holders. With this 

development, many 

contending national issues will 

be appropriately determined. 

One such issue is whether the 

nation is comfortable with a 

Northern candidate taking 

over from the outgoing 

President from the same 

region. This burning issue in 

addition to another one 

concerning whether a Muslim- 

Muslim ticket does not matter 

will all be determined not by 

political gladiators who are 

currently debating the issues 

but by eligible voters. 

GUBER PRIMARY: Okpe legislative arm lauds 

Oborevwori 

T 

he Okpe Local 

Government Council 

Legislative Arm, Delta 

State, has hailed the 

Speaker of the state House 

of Assembly, Sheriff 

Oborevwori, over his 

emergence as the 

governorship candidate of 

the People's Democractic 

Party,PDP, at the just 

concluded primary 

election. 

In a statement by the 

leader of the house, Mr. 

Peter Aragbata, and other 

principal officers, said it 

was joining the people of 

Okpe kingdom, family and 

friends of the Speaker to 

celebrate his birthday. 

The councillors 

described Oborevwori as 

an exceptional leader who 

at all times provided 

quality leadership for the 

state legislature in 

ensuring that there is 

harmonious atmosphere 

for debates and exchange 

of ideas for the 

development of the state. 

The house said PDP 

governorship candidate 

has proved himself a 

worthy, illustrious son of 

Okpe considering his 

attributes of selflessness, 

maturity and friendliness 

in sustaining the 

relationship between the 

Executive and the 

Legislative arms, mostly in 

the passage of bills that 

have impacted positively 

on the lives of Deltans. 

"We pray that God in his 

infinite mercy continue to 

grant our leader sound 

health, guide and protect 

him at all times so as to 

serve Delta State in a 

greater responsibility in 

the future ahead as he 

pilots the affairs of the 

house." 

•Sheriff 

Celebrant, former Director of Constain (West Africa), Engr. 

Uche Ohiaeri (left), and Mrs March Ohiaeri cutting his 80th 

birthday cake in Lagos.


ATIKU: Five things that worked 

in Okowa’s favour 

By Jackson Ekwugum 

The electioneering season in Nigeria is 

never in short supply of intrigues and 

drama. Events leading to the 

announcement of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s 

running mate were no exception. The anxiety 

was palpable as many Nigerians waited in 

bated breath to know who his choice as PDP 

vice-presidential candidate will be. With the 

South-South and South-East zones jostling for 

the position, it was uncertain where the 

pendulum would swing. However, with Peter 

Obi already flying the flag of the Labour Party, 

it seemed less likely that the South-East would 

be favoured. The premature announcement of 

Governor Nyesom Wike as Atiku’s running 

mate, presumably because of a mock vote by 

an internal committee of the party and the 

subsequent rebuttal by the PDP hierarchy, only 

heightened the suspense and exacerbated 

the tension. 

The formal announcement of 

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa 

twenty fours later as the 

PDP Vice-presidential 

candidate by the 

presidential 

flagbearer, 

Alhaji Atiku 

Abubakar, 

finally put paid 

to two weeks of 

speculation, 

uncertainty, 

political horse 

trading, and 

m e d i a 

propaganda. 

Political pundits, analysts, and commentators 

will have a field day dissecting the factors that 

favoured Governor Okowa but as one of his 

senior aides in the last seven years, his 

emergence was a no brainer. 

Governor Okowa has at least five or six things 

in his favour: temperament, depth of 

knowledge, administrative acumen, and 

political savvy required for the office; he 

possesses the time-honoured attributes of 

loyalty, competence, and character. Okowa’s 

political sagacity would certainly be an asset 

to the ticket as the PDP battles the APC for the 

presidency. A man with rich legislative and 

executive experience, the PDP and Atiku can 

count on his consummate political skills and 

uncanny ability to cultivate friendships and 

build bridges across ethnic and religious 

divides. As the governor of a multi-ethnic state 

like Delta, regarded as a microcosm of Nigeria, 

he has been able to ensure peaceful coexistence 

and harmony among the diverse 

ethnic nationalities with his adroit handling 

•Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa 

of sensitive issues and exemplary leadership. 

Born 63 years ago, Okowa cut his political 

teeth in the Social Democratic Party of the 

1990s and, in the current political dispensation, 

made a mark nationally as Chairman Senate 

Committee on Health, where he spearheaded 

the promulgation of the National Health Act. 

The National Health Act provides the legal 

framework for the regulation, development, 

and management of the National Health 

System, setting standards for the rendering of 

health services in the Nigerian federation. Prior 

to the Act, there was no health legislation 

describing the national health system and 

defining the roles and responsibilities of the 

three tiers of government and other 

stakeholders in the health sector. 

Upon his election as Governor of Delta 

State in 2015, Okowa was confronted with the 

task of keeping intact a political family that 

was not used to being in the opposition. To 

make matters worse, the economy was in a 

tailspin. It was a situation that tasked his 

political ingenuity and resourcefulness. 

Governor Okowa managed the difficult 

situation with great wisdom, tact, humility, and 

maturity. He ensured that the party chieftains, 

especially those aggrieved with developments 

in the party before he came into office, 

were treated with dignity and respect. 

Even the few that jumped ship soon made 

a comeback when they saw the 

disposition of the governor towards 

peace, reconciliation, and unity. As a 

result, the PDP in Delta State has 

remained a strong, cohesive unit. 

Governor Okowa has been an 

influential figure in the PDP. He is the 

current Chairman of South-South 

Governors Forum. As Chairman of the 

Special National Convention PDP in 

2018, Governor Okowa conducted what 

was then the freest, most transparent 

presidential primary election that 

produced Atiku Abubakar as the PDP 

presidential flagbearer for the 2019 

election. Prior to that he also served as 

the Chairman, Special Non-Elective 

National Convention Committee of the 

PDP in 2017. 

Ever respectful of elders, he is very civil 

and courteous in the way he speaks to 

and relates with people, including his 

peers and the younger generation. As a 

person and a leader, I can testify that 

Governor Okowa is loyal to a fault. He 

does not forget people he met or 

worked with in his professional and 

political careers. Even when 

sometimes some people he helped 

along the way turned against him, 

he remains loyal to them, 

sometimes to the chagrin of those 

around him who want him to wield 

the big stick. 

If you are looking for honesty and 

transparency in governance, 

Governor Okowa fits the bill. Despite 

his long public service career which 

dates to 1991, Dr Okowa has distinguished 

himself as a man of uncommon simplicity and 

unassailable integrity. During this period, in which 

he has served as secretary of local government, 

local government chairman, three-time 

commissioner, Secretary to the State Government, 

Senator, and now governor, it is noteworthy that 

he has not been tainted with corruption. He is a 

man of deep spiritual convictions, driven by the 

biblical injunction that a man’s life does not consist 

in the abundance of the things he possesses. 

A man of unpretentious mien, he is not carried 

away by the privileges of position and power. For a 

very long time as the state chief executive, he was 

being chauffeured in the SUV he used as a Senator 

instead of putting more pressure on the already 

stressed finances of the state by buying a new car. 

Similarly, it was the Mercedes Benz car that was 

used by his predecessor in the Abuja Liaison Office 

that he rode in whenever he was in Abuja. A new 

car was recently purchased while the Mercedes 

was refurbished and still in use. Except it has 

changed in the last few months, he also has no 

official car at the Lagos Liaison Office preferring to 

ride in his friend’s car each time he was in Lagos, 

whether for official or private engagements. 

Governor Okowa insists on transparency in 

public communication. He frowns at any 

attempt to exaggerate things or embellish 

his achievements. From the vantage position 

of working closely with him, I have seen him 

question figures supplied by ministries/ 

agencies and insisted that they presented the 

true picture to the public. 

“I have promised that I would not lie to the 

people,” he would say. Indeed, I recall a former 

Commissioner of Information once expressing 

joy and gratitude for “never being made to 

lie” on behalf of the government. 

Calm, levelheaded, and unflappable even in 

moments of crisis, Okowa is a silent achiever. 

He has a voracious appetite for work, and if 

there is any man who knows how to turn a bad 

situation around, it is Okowa. The parlous state 

of the economy he met as governor was enough 

to make him walk back on his electoral 

promises. But with unmatched courage, he 

embarked on cost cutting measures and 

plugged leakages in the system. Of course, 

there were those who were not impressed – 

and certainly not happy - with the new 

regime of fiscal discipline and the need for 

the political class to curb its appetite for 

instant gratification. But with the passage 

of time, the Governor was vindicated. 

Delta State under him has continued to 

wax strong in all indices of socio-economic 

development. As evidence of the economic 

impacts of Okowa’s youth entrepreneurship 

development programmes. Delta was 

ranked the Best State in Human Capital 

Development in the 2017 states peer review 

by the National Competitiveness Council 

of Nigeria. In 2020, Delta was adjudged to 

be the Second Least Poor State, coming only 

after Lagos, Nigeria’s business capital, 

according to the Nigerian Bureau of 

Statistics (NBS). This achievement is better 

appreciated when juxtaposed with the fact 

that Delta State was the 12th poorest state 

in Nigeria as at 2010 in the NBS ranking. 

The state also won Outstanding State 

Government Healthcare Programme in 

2017 and National Award of Excellence 

2018 as the state with the most people 

covered under its State Social Health 

Insurance Scheme with a Focus on the 

Poor and Vulnerable Population in Nigeria. 

It is because he is not given to selfadulation 

in the form of paid 

advertisements and self -congratulatory 

messages that many tend to overlook his 

phenomenal achievements in Delta State. 

But nonetheless, he has consistently 

received plaudits from leaders across board. 

At the commissioning of the ultra- modern 

Prof. Chike Edozien Central Secretariat 

Complex, the Vice President, Professor Yomi 

Osinbajo said: “There is more for which 

Okowa deserves commendation. Despite 

dwindling revenue receipt and severe resource 

constraints across all levels of government, he 

has been able to provide funding for this 

project.” At another event, Sokoto State 

Governor, Aminu Tambuwal lauded Governor 

Okowa for “providing good leadership in all 

aspects of governance.” And while 

commissioning the Teachers Professional 

Development Centre, Governor Okezie 

Ikpeazu of Abia State described Okowa as “a 

man who tackles issues with principle.” 

As Nigerians look forward to rescuing the 

country from the ineptitude of APC leadership, 

they can bank on the fact that Okowa will be a 

great asset to an Atiku presidency which 

obviously will be driven by competence, free 

market ideas, and value-based leadership. 

* Ekwugum is Communication Manager 

to Governor Okowa. 

Why 2023 isn’t all about Atiku, Tinubu 

alone — Ikeyina, SDP chieftain 

By Olasunkanmi Akoni 

Senator Ebenezer Ikeyina, a Social 

Democratic Party, SDP, chieftain, 

in this interview, speaks about 

the reason President Muhammadu 

Buhari’s successor should come from 

the South, why the President’s 

successor should have courage, 

capacity, empathy, among other 

issues. Excerpts: 

You are a very strong advocate of a 

president of South-East extraction, is 

that the reason you threw your hat into 

the ring? 

Beyond regional sentiments my love for 

a united Nigeria is what inspired me to 

take the decision. It is true that the South- 

East region has been greatly 

marginalized and for us to have unity in 

the country where the citizens will live in 

peace, have a sense of belonging, we need 

to address some of the burning issues. We 

cannot pretend that there is no problem 

when the problem is glaring at us straight 

in the face. We used to have a Nigeria 

where you had a Fulani man as a mayor in 

Enugu. We want to get to the level where as a 

graduate you have a job offer before you write 

your final exams in the university. At that time 

companies go to the university to seek 

graduates, join their workforce, but now, 

a graduate would have left school for 

ten years he or she is still unemployed 

and even when the person tries to start 

something on his or her own the 

infrastructure is not on ground to enable 

that to happen. There is need to have all 

these issues addressed. We cannot be 

servicing our debts with 80 percent of 

our revenue and we sit down and say all 

is well. The killings across the country 

are frightening. We need to be 

concerned. It is true that I have been 

advocating for a president of South-East 

extraction because if there is no equity, 

fairness and justice there is bound to be 

strive. If you have three major tribes in 

Nigeria and two, Hausa-Fulani and 

Yoruba have all tested power at the 

highest political level in the country, 

while not the third one which is the Igbo 

nation. My party decided to elect me as 

the party’s flag bearer in rancor free 

primaries. They elected me not on the 

basis of ethnic or religious leanings, but 

on the basis of capacity. My party has a 

national outlook, the chairman of our great 

party, Chief Supo Sonibare is not from South- 

East and we have other members of 

our party spread across Nigeria. 

Your party is not as popular 

as the two major political 

parties, Peoples 

Democratic Party (PDP) 

and All Progressives 

Congress (APC); how do 

you want to achieve that 

under the party? 

How do you measure 

popularity? SDP may 

not be popular in the 

context of being in •Ikeyina 

control of states. SDP is 

a known party and I can 

tell you that Nigerians 

are tired of the parties 

that you referred to as 

popular; they want a 

party that is 

populated by men and women who are 

concerned about the plight of Nigerians, the 

party that will present a candidate with 

courage, capacity and empathy. President 

Muhammadu Buhari’s successor should have 

courage, capacity and empathy. He should be 

worried about the killings across the country 

and should be ready and courageous to stop 

them. SDP is a party that has national outlook 

and it is prepared to address the challenges 

confronting Nigeria with all sense of 

commitment. 

Can you face the likes of former Vice 

President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential 

candidate of the PDP, who has been in the 

race so many times, and Asiwaju Bola 

Tinubu of the APC? 

What I will tell you is that it is not about what 

some people will call a popular politician. At 

the state that we are in now, in this country, 

Nigerians are tired of these recycled 

politicians. They want to see real 

change. They want to see the killings 

stopped, they want to see their 

children go to school and they want 

improvements in the economy. We 

cannot be servicing our debts with 

80 percent of our revenue and we 

are still talking about gurus in the 

contest, people who are used to 

the game of politicking, people 

who have been in government 

before. We should be talking about 

people who have the capacity to 

do the job. The ordinary Nigerian 

should be concerned about the 

capacity of candidates to positively 

affect their lives. We should be 

concerned about candidates who 

understand roadmaps to tackle the country’s 

multifaceted socio-economic challenges. 

Nigerians must not just be content with the 

assumption that a politician means well. The 

demand this time must be meaning well and 

being able to do well. People have made a lot 


SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2022. PAGE 29 

IZE-IYAMU AT 60: 

I was a victim of 

Edo 2020 election 

•Speaks on relationship 

with Obaseki, Lucky 

Igbinedion, others 

By Charles Kumolu, 

Deputy Editor 

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu was the 

gubernatorial candidate of the All 

Progressives Congress (APC) in the 

2020 governorship election in Edo State. In 

this interview to mark his 60th birthday, the 

pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of 

God speaks on his journey so far in politics, 

especially his candidacy in two governorship 

elections and other issues. Ize-Iyamu also says 

he is looking unto God regarding the Edo 2024 

election after the tenure of Governor Godwin 

Obaseki. 

60 years is a milestone. How has the 

journey been? 

I am still in shock that I will be 60. I remember 

vividly during my teenage and youthful years, 

back then, when we heard somebody was 60, 

we looked at the person with so much respect 

because we believed 60 is really down the 

ladder. I want to thank God for life and good 

health. Apart from when I had a road accident 

and had to do appendicitis, God has always 

blessed me with good health. I have never really 

been sick or hospitalized but I see a lot of people 

spending monies on doctors and 

medications but God has been so 

good to me. Being sixty in good 

health, not in want and your children 

are doing well, is something to give 

God the glory. I cannot thank God 

enough for keeping me this far. I 

thank God for allowing me to know 

him. I think that is my major 

achievement. If I have lived a hundred 

years without really knowing God, 

but what I know now and what will 

come after, I would have been having 

regrets. But the period when I did a 

complete U-turn, I gave my life to 

Christ; I am very satisfied with my 

relationship with God. Every day, I 

pray it gets better. 

First, you are a lawyer and later 

became politician. Are there regrets 

along these lines of careers? 

Of course, there are regrets. 

Sometimes, I regret I didn’t spend too 

much time in my legal practice. I 

entered politics very early in life and, 

somehow, I just got to the thick of it. 

There was no room for anything else. 

Even to do business became very 

difficult. 

My involvement in politics is 

because I am so concerned about the 

environment I live in and I have 

always told people that you cannot 

be rich when all around you is 

poverty. So your wealth is defined by 

the environment you live in. When I 

see poverty in my place, I am 

challenged. I just believe that with the 

right leadership, right policies and 

sincerity in governance, things could 

be a lot better. It has been a long 

journey that one would think that by 

now we would have had the Nigeria 

of our dreams but unfortunately, it is 

still a work in progress. Sometimes, I feel I 

should have spent more time in the legal 

profession. It is actually a profession I have a 

lot of respect for. Whenever I go to court for 

some cases and I see my colleagues, how well 

they have gotten at the bar and their 

submission in court, there is a little bit of envy 

that I should have spent some time. But quite 

honestly, I am very fulfilled. I have a wonderful 

family, my wife is everything to me, my children 

are very supportive, my siblings are 

wonderful and I have had some good 

friends, even though I had a fair 

share of backstabbing and 

betrayals. Of course, the body 

of Christ has also been one of 

the very strong pillars in my 

life. The regrets are minimal, 

more of gratitude and thanks 

to God. 

When you were in Lucky 

Igbinedion’s government, 

what were the impacts you 

made? 

That government was a 

very challenging one. That 

was the government that 

came in 1999 after eight 

years of military rule. The 

last civilian governor was 

Chief John Oyegun, who 

left in 1992. They came in 

and by the time that 

government came in, the 

civil service was in bad 

shape. The only 

university, 

Ambrose Alli 

University, was 

nothing to write 

home about. 

Basically, most of 

the military 

Administrators were 

not from here and they 

were coming from places 

even worse than Edo 

State. For them, there was no need 

to do anything fantastic here. They 

felt that Edo was better than where 

they came from. They did very 

minimally. When the administration 

came in, there were lots of 

challenges. We had people 

protesting over their salaries and 

pensions close to 28months, 29 

months, 30months. There were a lot 

of agitations. It took a lot of time to 

balance it. The Internally Generated 

Revenue (IGR) was very poor. It will 

surprise you to know that then the 

IGR for a month was 30million. 

Today, to the glory of God, I think it 

is over two billion. Things were a bit 

tight but no matter how tight, you 

don’t enter government to lament. 

You go there to make improvements 

and we tried to do that. My first 

function for four years as Chief of 

Staff, was basically to help the 

governor to stabilize. A lot of time 

then, I had to interface with the 

legislative and executive arms to 

ensure there was harmony and 

worked together. 

Can you share your experience 

when you made the first attempt to 

contest in Peoples’ Democratic Party 

(PDP) and your second attempt to 

contest in APC? 

They were both different. Even though there 

are also very glaring similarities. For example, 

when I went to the PDP, I was going there like a 

prodigal son but you will recall we also 

founded the PDP in 1999, but in the end, we 

had some issues that led to the formation of 

•Ize-Iyamu 

the Grace Group. The Grace Group was 

actually the foundation of the Action Congress 

that became ACN, which today is the APC. We 

helped Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to 

become the first governor from Edo North. 

But we had some misgivings at the tail end of 

his administration that made many of us to 

leave the party and we went back to PDP. Of 

course, many people envisaged we were going 

to have a hostile reception because before we 

formed the Grace Group, the PDP was totally 

in control of the politics of our state. Just as 

PDP was holding sway in Delta, that was how 

PDP was holding sway in Edo. But somehow, 

God just favoured us. Those people they 

thought will be very hostile to me, especially 

our late father and leader, Chief Anthony 

Anenih, people thought with our slogan ‘No 

Man Is God’, he will use the opportunity of our 

coming back to practically humiliate me. But 

to the glory of God, he gave me the support. I 

became the gubernatorial candidate. We had 

a very good show then. You will recall if not 

because Independent National Electoral 

Commission (INEC) compromised by shifting 

the election on the eve of it, the story would 

have been different. In all the security reports, 

everything was clear that if the election had 

been done, Pastor Ize Iyamu was going to win. 

We had sent people to the field and were just 

getting set to go to my village when I heard on 

TV. Nobody informed me, I just heard on TV 

that the election had been postponed for a few 

weeks. The reason was that the security people 

could not guarantee security in the state that 

was relatively peaceful. That was a terrible 

experience. But by the time they finally 

rescheduled it , of course, government in 

power prepared themselves very well to 

ensure we were not able to win the election. 

We went to court and the moment the Supreme 

Court gave its verdict, right there at the 

Supreme Court, I sent a message of 

congratulations to Governor Obaseki. 

APC 

Honestly, when we were coming to the APC, 

the priority was not that I must contest. When 

I went to PDP, I had the mindset that I will have 

to run for governor but when I went to APC, to 

be honest, I tried to be very realistic as far as I 

can. To me, they had a sitting governor. I didn’t 

think the problem they had was 

insurmountable. I thought that somehow, they 

will be able to rectify it; maybe at the national 

level, maybe at the state level before the 

elections and if they rectify it, of course, the 

way it normally goes, everybody will support 

the governor. I went to APC with that mindset 

and I tried to reach out to everybody including 

Comrade Oshiomhole who was then the 

National Chairman whom I had a very 

storming session before I left but of course, 

you know what played out during the 

campaigns. It was as if it was two of us that 

were campaigning. But I reached out to him. I 

called the governor. I briefed him. In the 

beginning on phone, he was quite receptive 

but later he must have had a second thought of 

my coming. It was no longer possible for me 

to communicate with him. But to my surprise, 

the day I was to declare, it became as if it was 

a war. Where we wanted to do it at Garrick 

Memorial School, Benin, government 

warned the owners there not to allow us to use 

the place. In fact, the night before, there were 

attempts to burn the place. They threatened 

the owner that they will revoke the ownership 

of the land if they allowed us to use the place. I 

saw reasons with them, I said ok. We are not 

going to put you through that kind of trouble. 

Luckily, I have a big space in my house, so 

people can use my house. I asked the party, 

please do you mind if you receive me in my 

house? They said no. We will come and 

receive you even if it is in your bedroom. 

We were here again, all kinds of 

troubles. In fact, I heard they were 

also planning to come and attack 

my house. I said, how can they 

attack my house? Because I am 

joining the party? Anybody can 

join the party. I don’t think it 

will get to that. Somebody 

also called me that they 

might revoke my ownership 

of the land. I said that will 

be going too far. But if that 

happens, it will also be 

historic even though it will 

be on the negative side. 

But it was very terrible. 

Irrespective of the 

troubles that played out, 

I became a major 

contender for the ticket. 

We lost that election 

because there was so 

much division in the 

party. It was difficult to 

know who was who. I 

think the governor was 

quite smart. When he 

was leaving, he left some 

people behind and took 

some to join the PDP. He left 

some people behind to give 

him reports of what is happening 

and at the same time support him 

during the election. 

Sabotage 

In any election, the thing you dread the most 

is internal sabotage, when people you think 

will be guiding your goal post are actually the 

ones kicking the balls in. It is difficult to deal 

with and because of the fact that I have just 

returned to the party, I didn’t want the 

impression that I didn’t trust those that were 

to be used. I also could not change them 

because that would have sent a negative 

impression that when I am in government, I 

won’t use them. I have no choice but to accept 

and when the result came in, it was a big 

problem. Sometimes people see me outside, 

walk up to the Governor Obaseki to greet 

him and they often say, you greeted him? 

Have you seen Governor Obaseki after the 

elections? 

Yes! I have seen him. 

What was his disposition towards you? 

We greeted. The only time I thought they must 

have been going too far was when my farmland 

was revoked. I felt that was not necessary. Every 

time we see, especially at the airport or inside 

the plane, you know inside the plane, the 

protocol is less, so inside the plane you can 

greet anybody and the person will greet you. 

Inside the plane, I will say Mr. Governor, and 

he will say Hi Pastor. We greet. 

What is your disposition to some governors, 

national officers who didn’t support you? 

. For me, once it was over, I reached out to as 

many as possible and I made them realize 

that I have put it behind and quite honestly, 

two or three of them told me in person, that 

Pastor, we are sorry about what happened to 

you. You were the victim but you were not the 

target. I said no problem. The future is pregnant. 

Tomorrow is there. 


PAGE 30 — SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2022 

How DBN provides MSMEs international 

financing platform — Okpanachi 

In its operations since 2017, 

the Development Bank of Nigeria 

(DBN) has provided the Micro, 

Small and Medium Enterprises 

(MSMEs) sub-sector stable 

long-term financing window. 

The Managing Director, 

Mr. Tony Okpanachi, told senior 

business journalists in Abuja, at 

an interactive session, that his 

organization has channeled 

over N482 billion to operators 

in the sub-sector with 60 per cent 

beneficiaries being women and 

youth-owned businesses. Emma 

Ujah, our Abuja Bureau Chief, 

was there for Vanguard. Excerpts: 

THERE have been differ 

ent organizations creat 

ed by the Federal Government 

to fund MSMEs in the 

past which failed. How would 

you ensure that DBN does not 

suffer the same fate? 

Since its inception, the institution 

has fared exceptionally 

well across various areas and 

this underscores our drive for 

sustainability which is one of 

our core values. For us, this 

means that while we are in business 

to provide financing support 

for MSMEs, we strive to 

be financially sustainable while 

ensuring we create social impact 

for MSMEs and the communities 

around us, and also 

ensuring our activities do not 

adversely affect the state of our 

environment but rather contributing 

to its resilience and 

sustainability. Now, more specifically, 

in terms of providing 

financing support for MSMEs, 

from inception to end of 2021, 

DBN disbursed N482 billion to 

more than 208,000 MSMEs. 

The bank’s profitability has also 

remained resilient despite the 

challenging environment and 

the impact of COVID-19. Profit 

before tax and profit after tax 

stood at N22.7 billion and 

N15.7 billion respectively, 

translating to return on assets 

and return on equity of 4.8% 

and 12.8% respectively for 

2021 which was our last audited 

financial period. Across other 

metrics such as environmental 

sustainability, DBN has taken 

major steps to ensure that its 

processes and operations align 

with the global standards on 

environmental sustainability. A 

major feat in this direction is 

the achievement of the highest 

global rating of the Sustainability 

Standards and Certification 

Initiative (SSCI) by the 

European Organisation for 

Sustainable Development in 

2021. In the same year, the Bank 

clinched the highest credit rating, 

Triple ‘A’ from Agusto & Co, 

and GCR. 

How have the distortions in 

the global and national economy 

impacted the performance 

of the facility of the 

bank given that the CBN had 

to grant a moratorium for its 

facilities? 

The headwinds from the global 

and national economy impacted 

DBN as much as they 

did to many other organizations 

within and outside the 

country. Consequently, these 

distortions made the pricing of 

DBN loans less attractive to financial 

intermediaries. Nevertheless, 

we keep broadening 

our funding base to make financing 

more available for 

MSMEs in line with our overarching 

mandate to alleviate 

financing constraints for MS- 

MEs in Nigeria. In addition, 

DBN has various products and 

programs targeted at meeting 

the needs of MSMEs. For instance, 

DBN has an interest 

drawback program for its PFIs 

through which they grant rebates 

on loans to MSMEs playing 

within sustainability sectors 

such as renewable energy, waste 

management, etc. The interventions 

of the CBN for Nigerian 

MSMEs did not disrupt the 

impact of DBN within the 

MSME space in that the financing 

needs of MSMEs within 

the system are enormous. And 

although DBN is poised and 

committed to solving these 

challenges especially as it relates 

to bridging financing 

•Okpanachi 

gaps, MSMEs in Nigeria need 

several players to intervene in 

alleviating these constraints, 

which underscores the imperative 

for the CBN and other financial 

institutions to play their 

role in this area. 

How would you assess the 

various interventions within 

the system, would you rather 

the DBN becomes the channel 

for these series of interventions 

especially those that 

border on the SMEs? 

The challenges within the 

MSME space are quite substantial, 

especially as it relates 

to accessing finance. In light of 

this, these issues are best addressed 

when several players 

can provide support to this 

space. Therefore, part of our 

role at DBN is to assess the objectives 

of these other institutions 

and collaborate with 

them to provide financing support 

to MSMEs. In many cases, 

DBN also offers technical 

assistance programs to these 

institutions to augment their 

capacity to lend to MSMEs. 

What is the bank's short, medium, 

and long-term focus? 

In the short term, we plan to 

strengthen our catalytic role in 

the Nigerian economy by expanding 

our reach to more 

MSMEs in underserved regions 

such as crisis-impacted 

areas and enhancing development 

impact in other key areas 

such as women- and youthowned 

enterprises, startups, and 

first-time borrowers. We will 

also continue to build our internal 

capacity to drive the 

growth ambition of the institution. 

In addition, we plan to 

amplify our sustainability drive 

through the implementation of 

our green finance strategy, leveraging 

our SSCI certification, 

and exploring Green Climate 

Fund (GCF) accreditation 

as a direct access entity. We 

also plan to crowd in more social 

and impact funding to 

build our balance sheet resilience 

amidst the challenging 

macro and business landscape. 

Finally, we will continue to provide 

capacity building for 

MSMEs and technical assis- 

We will also 

continue to build 

our internal 

capacity to drive the 

growth ambition of 

the institution 

tance to our participating financial 

institutions to strengthen 

their lending capacity to 

MSMEs. In the medium term, 

we plan to complete the digital 

transformation efforts currently 

underway within the bank 

and expand our channels of 

disbursement to MSMEs, 

which speaks to our drive for 

increased collaboration with 

other players within the space. 

In the long term, our focus is 

for DBN to be recognized locally 

and internationally as the 

foremost institution driving the 

growth and sustainability of the 

Nigerian economy through the 

provision of financing support 

to MSMEs. 

There’s been a certain clamor 

that DBN’s capital should 

be raised. Do you need more 

money? Any plans to raise 

funding from any source - 

Maybe from the capital market 

or getting equity investors 

to expand their investments? 

As a DFI that is not just sustainability-conscious 

but has it 

interwoven into the fabric of the 

organization which is reflected 

in our core values, it is important 

we continue to strengthen 

our capital base. Also, this is 

one of our strategic initiatives 

which require our continuous 

effort to crowd in more investments. 

To this end, we are on 

that pathway. We continue to 

expand our funding base both 

in terms of capital and debt as 

may be appropriate to meet the 

needs of MSMEs. 

As Nigeria’s foremost Development 

Finance Institution, 

the DBN has received several 

awards and positive ratings. 

One of such is the level 5 rating, 

the highest possible rating 

in the Sustainability Standards 

Certification Initiative 

(SSCI) Project. The rating 

makes DBN the first DFI in 

the country to attain such a 

high-level rating under the Initiative. 

What does this mean 

for the DBN and Nigerian 

economy? 

Sustainability is one of our 

core values at DBN and part of 

our DNA. As proof, it is the first 

core value we espouse as an 

institution; and this is reflected 

across our structure inclusive 

of people, process, and technology. 

The SSCI rating was an 

important step in integrating 

core sustainability principles 

into our policies, processes, and 

procedures. We are already seeing 

the advantages in the refinement 

of key processes 

across our general operations, 

products business model, and 

technology but allow me to 

speak about three major areas 

that stood out for us as an institution. 

Immense value from the 

SSCI process was realized in 

the creation of DBN’s Purpose 

Statement and High Impact 

Goals. These have helped to refocus 

our attention on using 

sustainability as a driver. Secondly, 

we have a newly created 

Innovation Framework which 

has caused a resurgence of creative 

thinking across our operations. 

We expect that this new 

model will help drive improved 

financial and non-financial 

performances across our institution. 

Finally, our newly developed 

Stakeholders Management 

Framework has enabled 

us to think creatively about how 

best to keep a continuous loop 

of communication with the individuals 

and groups that matter 

to us the most. For the Nigerian 

economy, this rating means 

a national DFI is taking conscious 

decisions today on behalf 

of the country that will secure 

lives and livelihoods for 

the future. This is the essence of 

sustainability, and we believe 

DBN has become a custodian 

of this promise for our country. 

Read more on: 

www.vanguardngr.com 

EXPORT PROMOTION: MAN urges FG to resume 

implementation of Export Expansion Grant 

Stories by Tunde Oso 

TO promote exports, the 

Manufacturers Association 

of Nigeria MAN has 

urged the Federal Government 

to resume the implementation 

of the Export Expansion 

Grant (EEG), which significantly 

supported export in Nigeria 

during the peak of implementation 

and avail to the 

productive sector the Central 

Bank of Nigeria CBN non-oil 

export stimulation facility with 

liberal terms and conditions, 

while also allowing exporters 

100 percent access to foreign 

exchange proceeds. 

In its Second Half Economic 

Review of July to December 

2021, sent to Vanguard, signed 

by its President, Engineer Mansur 

Ahmed, MAN, also asked 

government to promote investment 

and output, MAN by 

strengthening the Bank of Industry 

(BOI) and Bank of Agriculture 

(BOA) to adequately 

provide liberal finance for the 

manufacturing sector, also 

advocating that significant 

proportion of available foreign 

exchange is allocated to 

productive purposes, while 

also providing credit guarantee 

for industrial loans from 

STANBIC IBTC Pension 

Managers Limited, a subsidiary 

of Stanbic IBTC Holdings 

Plc has urged women to 

balance career growth, family, 

and community. 

Chairman, Stanbic IBTC 

Bank Plc, Sola David-Borha, 

who spoke at the second edition 

of its Ladies At The Table Empowerment 

Series (LATTES), 

which aims at empowering 

women in business and career 

on how to live a well-balanced 

life; emphasised the importance 

of balancing career growth, 

family, and community, noting 

that the most successful women 

are those who have found sustainable 

methods to handle 

these aspects of their lives. 

According to David-Borha, 

the Nigerian woman has several 

roles to play in both family, 

career life, politics and in the 

society as a whole. Being conscious 

of these roles enables 

women to develop a creative 

mindset to take on diverse responsibilities. 

Citing personal examples, 

David-Borha noted that everyone 

makes mistakes, and we 

should always learn from them 

to make us better leaders and 

persons. 

Bunmi Dayo-Olagunju, Executive 

Director, Client Solutions, 

Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, said the 

LATTES was created to promote 

empowerment for women 

through informative sessions 

that will equip them with the 

right information to excel in 

their economic and personal 

endeavours. 

She said: “This event has been 

put together to enlighten us all 

on how we can live up to our full 

potential consciously. We are 

focusing on issues that are pertinent 

to rising above the stereotypes 

in our various fields of expertise 

and access to basic tools 

that promote our welfare. If we 

are encouraged to live up to our 

full potential, our families, communities, 

society and the nation 

will flourish.” 

Tricia Olufemi-Olumide, 

Marketing and Launch Expert, 

•Engr. Mansur Ahmed, 

President, MAN 

commercial banks. 

According to MAN there's 

an urgent need to create plausible 

incentives for investment 

in the development of raw 

materials locally through the 

backward integration and resource 

based industrialization 

initiates. 

Ahmed said even though the 

economy leapt from -1.94 

growth rate in 2020 to 3.38 

percent in 2021, even as the 

manufacturing sector growth 

increased from -2.85 percent 

in 2020 to 3.37 percent in 2021, 

it is still far beyond its potential 

growth and contribution 

to national output due to an 

almost innumerable challenges 

confronting the sector. 

STANBIC IBTC TO WOMEN: 

Balance career growth, 

family, and community 

spoke on getting seen, which 

focused on how to leverage social 

media to amplify one’s work 

and personal brand. She emphasized 

on the need to pre-define 

one’s purpose for being online. 

She said: “Define yourself; 

what is the reason you 

want to be seen and what 

platform do you want to use. 

All these questions are paramount 

to building your 

audience. Always ensure 

that you understand the 

rules of whichever platform 

you decide to use and engage 

accordingly.” 

By Etop Ekanem 

GUINNESS Nigeria Plc 

recently empowered 

nine female bartenders in the 

pilot edition of the Diageo Bar 

Academy (DBA) programme 

in Lagos as part of its diversity 

and inclusivity strategy for 

empowering the underrepresented 

in Nigeria. 

The Diageo Bar Academy is 

a scholarship programme 

that aims to provide worldclass 

bartending training to 

both men and women, to increase 

the number of female 

bartenders in the business. 

Viola Graham-Douglas, 

Chair of the Guinness Nigeria 

Spirited Women's Network 

and Director of International 

Premium Spirits, Reserve 

and Modern Trade 

(IRM), said during the graduation 

ceremony at the Guinness 

Headquarters that this 

edition was specifically designed 

for women as a DBA 

diversity and inclusion programme 

to provide more females 

with viable career opportunities 

in bartending and 

the hospitality sector in general. 

“Guinness Nigeria is com- 

He said, “We recognize an 

urgent need for investment and 

production of Active Pharmaceutical 

Ingredients (API) in 

the country; this should be adequately 

incentivized to encourage 

significant private investments. 

Ahmed further recommended 

infrastructure development 

by way of ensuring commitment 

to increase the electricity 

supply from the current 

10,000mw. 

In addition, MAN urged 

government in its bid to increase 

power supply, to embrace 

and support significant 

development of energy mix 

and renewable, especially as 

the country has huge potentials 

for solar and wind, while 

also sustaining the 'eligible 

customer scheme' and extricate 

the “debt clause” to allow 

manufacturers to participate 

in the initiative. 

Furthermore, MAN urged 

the government to rehabilitate 

existing major road corridors 

and construct new ones for 

seamless movement of raw 

materials to factories and finished 

goods to the markets. At 

the same time it should deepen 

the ongoing development 

of the rails system to change 

the narrative on the operating 

environment from being a 

high cost to low production 

cost environment. The MAN 

review also asked the Federal 

Government to resuscitate the 

existing national refineries to 

produce fuels locally. 

On the proliferation of taxes, 

Ahmed urged government 

to fully implement the Steve 

Oronsaye Report on the reduction 

and re-alignment of government 

agencies and parastatals 

to streamline the number 

of taxes, levies, fees and administrative 

charges 

The report insisted that it is 

the duty of the government to 

ensure effective allocation of 

available forex to productive 

sectors, particularly the manufacturing 

sector for importation 

of raw materials and vital 

machinery and equipment 

that are not available locally. 

Guinness Nigeria empowers 

female bartenders, makes case 

for women empowerment 

mitted to ensuring that our 

diversity and inclusion programme 

gives opportunities 

to all our stakeholders across 

our value chain. We want everyone 

to feel included, both 

inside and outside of our company. 

We believe that our 

company will be stronger if 

our activities reflect the diversity 

of our customers, communities, 

and individuals who 

are bonded by our iconic products. 

“It is important to us; it is 

part of who we are and what 

we do. Everywhere we go, we 

create the most inclusive and 

diverse culture, shaping market 

leading policies because 

it is part of our purpose of celebrating 

life every day, everywhere,” 

In selecting the beneficiaries, 

Graham-Douglas explained 

that “they went 

through a flexible selection 

process with a focus on key 

characteristics such as aptitude, 

enthusiasm for the trade, 

and commitment to work in 

the craft after completing the 

training programme working 

in hotels, restaurants, cafés, 

clubs, bars, or other related 

outlets in the industry”.

The surrendered life 

WHEN man imagines God, he sees 

Him carnally strictly in terms of His 

power and might. But when God 

manifested Himself in the flesh, He came 

as a meek and lowly suffering servant. 

Isaiah foresaw Jesus as: “a tender plant, 

and as a root out of dry ground.” (Isaiah 

53:2). He wonders if anyone would believe 

his report. The prime expression of God in 

Christ is not His power but His love. Thus, 

while others say God is powerful: the 

disciple of Jesus says God is love. (1 John 

4:8). 

Powerful love 

Power is a key expression of the Law of 

Moses. This is often demonstrated through 

retributive justice: “Eye for eye, tooth for 

tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” (Exodus 

21:24). 

But Jesus reveals that force is not that 

powerful, but that love is the most powerful 

force of all. A man can put a gun to our 

head, and still fail to obtain from us our 

most prized possessions because they are 

kept in our hearts. But when we are 

overwhelmed by love, we give everything, 

holding nothing back. 

Thus, God asks the believer in the 

confidence of His expressed love for us: 

“My son, give me your heart.” (Proverbs 

23:26). We obey because we are 

overwhelmed by God’s love. John says: 

“We love Him because He first loved us.” 

(1 John 4:19). 

How does Jesus love? Let us listen to 

Him: “This is my commandment, that you 

love one another as I have loved you. 

RUNNING WITH VISION UNTO YOUR SUCCESS: IMPLEMENTATION ACTION (1) 

INTRODUCTION 

unning with our vision to success does not 

Rcome by folding the arms, but by setting 

out to work at it. We shall be considering the 

principles involved in implementing action steps 

that will lead to our success. Having considered 

several components involved achieving success 

in the past serials, it is now necessary to set forth 

action steps and work intentionally towards 

them. To get things done for achieving 

satisfactory results, we must be able to progress 

from having ideas or visions to taking concrete 

actions. Someone once said that “vision without 

action is a daydream, while action without vision 

is a nightmare”. The Scripture expects us to run 

with our stated vision, which comes from God. 

(Hab. 2:2). These action steps involves the 

appropriate use of our available energy and 

resources, and maintaining the progress 

sustainably over the time span for completing 

the task successfully. 

STEPS IN MOVING FROM IDEAS TO 

RESULT EVALUATION 

There are several actionable steps we have to 

take in moving from ideas to action. Goals are 

set towards achieving the expected results, and 

within the framework of available resources. 

Goals are also set to follow the SMART 

acronym, as outlined hereunder.. 

S - Specific – Be specific, and state exactly 

what you want to accomplish. Ensure that your 

goals are balanced, providing productivity as 

well as pleasure. Make your goals concrete and 

precise. 

Harlot Christianity: The broad way Christianity! 

HARLOT Christianity is the 

broad way Christianity, 

leading unto eternal 

destruction, as against the 

narrow-way Christianity, that 

leads unto eternal life. Only 

few go by this narrow-way 

Christianity as against the 

many that go by the broadway 

Christianity. (Matthew 

7:13) 

The knowledge of the 

mysteries of the kingdom of 

heaven, which are the hidden 

truths in the bible, is given by 

Jesus only to the true church 

that leads the saints of God 

through the narrow way. 

(Matthew 13:11) The saints 

of God, in this true church, 

are being sanctified by these 

hidden truths, so that they can 

be made ready as the bride of 

Jesus. The saints of God who 

make up the true bride of 

Jesus, are clothed in white fine 

linen, or white wedding 

garment, which is the 

righteousness of the saints. 

(Revelation 19:7-9) 

In Matthew 22:12-13, Jesus 

gave this parable: “And He 

saith unto him, friend how 

camest thou in hither, not 

having a wedding garment? 

Then said the king to the 

servants, bind him, hand and 

foot, and take him away and 

cast him into outer darkness; 

where there shall be weeping 

and gnashing of teeth.” 

Outer darkness in hell is the 

final destination of a harlot 

Christian, who has no 

wedding garment, because he/ 

she has not come to the 

knowledge of the truth, that 

consummates this divine 

marriage to Jesus. (1 Timothy 

2:4) 

Harlot Christians, because 

of lack of knowledge of the 

truth, get themselves 

unequally yoked with 

unbelievers in the celebration 

of their ungodly festivities, 

such as Christ-mas festivities, 

Easter festivities, New Year 

festivities, Valentine’s Day, and 

Greater love has no one 

than this, than to lay 

down one's life for his 

friends.” (John 15:12- 

13). 

We must love by 

laying down our lives 

for others. We must not 

fall into the Christian 

confusion that Jesus 

The Good Shepherd 

lives for the sheep 

laid down His life for us, so we do not 

have to do so. He laid down His life 

for us, to show us we must lay down 

our lives for others. 

The example Jesus set for us preceded 

Calvary; so, this is not about Jesus 

dying for our sins on the cross. We lay 

down our lives for others by serving 

them. 

The Good Shepherd 

Jesus says: "I am the Good Shepherd. 

The Good Shepherd gives His life for 

the sheep.” (John 10:11). Many 

Christians refuse to understand this 

simple statement. A shepherd does not 

die for the sheep: he lives for them. A 

dead shepherd is of no use to the sheep. 

But a living shepherd leads them to 

green pastures. 

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, does not 

die for the sheep. Nevertheless, He 

gives His life for them. Jesus is talking 

here about the life of the shepherd and 

not about his death. The Good 

Shepherd gives His life for the sheep 

in the sense that His entire life is 

devoted to taking care of them. Without 

a doubt, it is far more difficult to live 

for the sheep than to die for them. 

Jesus' crucifixion was a one-time 

M – Measurable 

– There must be 

some parameter 

used in measuring 

how far you have 

gone in achieving 

these goals. Make 

your goals 

quantifiable. If you 

cannot measure 

them, you cannot 

Pastor Akinola 

monitor them. We can use smaller units of 

our mini-goals to measure our success in 

achieving our overall set goals. 

A - Achievable – Make your goals 

reasonable and achievable. Predicate your 

goals on your own behaviour rather than 

the hoped behaviour of others. 

R – Realistic – Set a goal that is relevant 

to your life, and make it realistic. 

T – Tangible – Set a goal that is timebound 

and has time frame for it’s 

accomplishment. This has the capability 

of making us to run with it according to 

Hab. 2:2-3. 

VARIOUS ROLES WE HAVE TO PLAY 

IN ACHIEVING OUR SET GOALS 

The various necessary roles that we have 

to play in accomplishing our tasks are as 

below. Be a dreamer, or a visioner. Here 

you create the vision for the task ahead. 

“Vision is a clear mental picture of a better 

tomorrow, given by God, which moves a 

person to believe that, is not only could be 

even in their tradition, 

which transgresses the 

commandment of God. 

(Matthew 15:3) 

These ungodly festivities 

were never celebrated in the 

early church by the saints 

of God, the true bride of 

Jesus. Saints of God, are 

therefore warned not to be 

unequally yoked with 

unbelievers in all their 

worldly ceremonies and 

ungodly festivities. (2 

Corinthians 6:14) 

In 2 Corinthians 11:14- 

15, it is written: “And no 

marvel; for Satan himself 

is transformed into an 

angel of light. Therefore, it 

is no great thing if his 

ministers also be 

transformed as the 

ministers of righteousness; 

whose end shall be 

according to their works.” 

The preaching of these 

ministers, is the preaching 

of another Jesus, and of 

another gospel, imparting 


event, but His priesthood as our shepherd 

is everlasting. Jesus remains our Shepherd 

today and He is still giving His life for us. 

The enemy decided to kill the Shepherd so 

that the sheep would scatter. (Zechariah 

13:7); but God countered and neutralised 

this by raising Him from the dead, never to 

die again. 

As our Good Shepherd, Jesus should be 

emulated by His flock. How are we to 

follow Him in the giving of His life? Is He 

asking for His disciples to be killed? No! 

He is asking us to love others by living a 

life of service. 

He says: “Whoever desires to be first 

among you, let him be your slave- just as 

the son of man did not come to be served, 

but to serve, and to give His life a ransom 

for many.” (Matthew 20:27-28). Jesus is 

asking that we also give our lives as a 

ransom for others. 

This shows the cross of Jesus was 

fundamentally His incarnation and not just 

His crucifixion. His cross was in laying 

down His life in heaven to come to earth as 

a Man to show us the way of salvation. 

Jesus says: "My Father loves Me, because 

I lay down My life that I may take it again. 

No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down 

of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and 

I have power to take it again.” (John 10:17- 

18). 

The "life" Jesus laid down was surely the 

spiritual, and not the physical, life. Jesus 

teaches that physical life is 

inconsequential: “Do not be afraid of those 

who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” 

(Matthew 10:28). The physical life was 

taken from Him against His will. Therefore, 

He said in Gethsemane: “Not My will, but 

Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42). 

But no one took His divine (eternal) life 

from Him. He voluntarily relinquished it 

in heaven to take up a mortal life on earth. 

After His earthly death and resurrection, 

He took up again His heavenly life. 

Love by works 

Following this example of Jesus, we do 

done, but it should be done” Nietzsche said “He 

who has a way to live can bear almost anyhow”. 

Again, Martin Luther says “if a man hasn’t 

discovered something that he will die for, he isn’t 

fit to live”. 

Be an Information Processor. Here you have to 

collect all necessary information needed for 

success. With these information at your disposal, 

you now have what it takes to formulate a plan. 

unto their congregation another 

spirit which Paul talked about in 

2 Corinthians 11:4. 

Rather than these ministers 

laying emphasis on the 

prosperity of the soul, they lay 

emphasis on material prosperity 

thereby making their 

congregation to receive the spirit 

of covetousness, which is 

idolatry. (Colossians 3:5) 

The saints of God who make 

up the true bride, are warned by 

Jesus Christ, their eternal 

husband to beware of 

covetousness, and that a man’s 

life consisteth not in the 

abundance of the things which 

he possesseth. (Luke 12:15) 

Harlot Christianity which 

encourages worldliness and 

worldly lusts brings believers in 

Christ into enmity with God, 

seducing them to commit 

adultery with the world. (James 

4:4, John 17:16) 

Harlot Christianity is the offspring 

of a religious 

organization, known as Mystery 

Babylon or the Great whore. This 

Great whore sits upon many 

waters, which are the peoples, 

not love by faith. We love by works: “God 

anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy 

Spirit and power, and He went around 

doing good.” (Acts 10:38). 

“I don’t do anything bad to him.” That 

is not loving. Do you do anything good for 

him? 

“No matter how hard I try, he just 

continues to insult me.” 

Do not give up. Love does not stop 

loving. Jesus says: 

“When you have done all those things 

which you are commanded, say, 'We are 

unprofitable servants. We have done what 

was our duty to do.’” (Luke 17:10). 

Someone wrote to me and said: “My life 

seems to be without meaning. I don’t know 

God’s purpose for my life.” 

It is always impossible to know God’s 

purpose for us when we are self-centred. 

But once we concentrate on others, we 

have a purpose. Love is the greatest 

purpose of all, for God so loved the world. 

Our great purpose in every relationship is 

to love. So doing, we fulfil Christ’s 

mandate. 

God told Abraham: “I will bless you and 

you will be a blessing.” In every situation, 

we must position ourselves as a blessing. 

Our assignment in life is to serve others, 

even as Christ served the world. 

There is so much pain in this world. This 

is a world of sin and sickness. It is a world 

of trouble and turmoil. Our role is not to 

add to the evil, of which there is a surplus. 

Our role is to add to the good, of which 

there is a deficit. If goodness and mercy 

are following us around, then we should 

have a lot of goodness and mercy to dole 

out to others. 

John says: “We know that we have 

passed from death to life, because we 

love our brothers. Anyone who does 

not love remains in death. Anyone who 

hates his brother is a murderer, and 

you know that no murderer has 

eternal life in him. This is how we 

know what love is: Jesus Christ laid 

down His life for us. And we ought to 

lay down our lives for our brothers.” 

(1 John 3:14-16). 

Be an Analyst. At this level, the goals will be 

broken down into manageable steps and 

sequences. You can subsequently analyze your 

success. 

•J.K. Akinola. (Senior Pastor) 

The Gospel Faith Mission International 

(GOFAMINT), Ibadan, Nigeria. 

Email: flprofenassociate@gmail.com, 

kolajoshua2003@yahoo.com 

Pastor (Dr). E.O. Abina – General Overseer. 

Don’t be disenfrachised, get your voter’s card — Catholic 

Archbishop, Adewale Martins 

By Bose Adelaja 

he Catholic Archbishop of 

TLagos, Most Rev. Adewale 

Martins, has advised Nigerians 

to avoid being disenfranchised 

during the 2023 general 

elections in Nigeria but ensure 

they get their permanent Voter’s 

Card, PVCs ready for the 

elctions. 

Speaking with journalists 

shortly after the Archdiocesan 

Synodal Assembly, by Catholic 

Archdiocese of Lagos, which 

took place at St. Agnes Catholic 

Church, Maryland, Lagos, he 

said Nigerians should actively 

participate in the upcoming 

general elections in order to vote 

for the candidates of their 

choice. 

The Archbishop frowned at 

the recent attacks at some 

registration centers in Lagos, 

calling on the Independent 

National Electoral 

Commission INEC, and 

security agencies to beef up 

security at the centers. 

GKS Ministers hold annual conference 

By Sam Eyoboka 

MINISTERS of God’s 

Kingdom Society 

(GKS) - The Church of The 

multitudes, nations and 

tongues, under her religious 

control. (Revelation 17:15) 

Satan, through this Great 

Whore (Mother of harlots) is 

preparing all harlot 

Christians for the Anti-Christ, 

after the rapture of true bride 

of Christ. God, from heaven, 

warns His chosen people to 

come out of this Mystery 

Babylon, the Mother of 

harlots, so that they will not 

be partakers of her sins, and 

of her plagues. (Revelation 

18:4-5). A harlot church is not 

different from the house of 

that harlot woman, whose 

house is the way to hell, going 

down to the chambers of 

spiritual and eternal death. 

(Proverbs 7:27) 

• 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) 

7 0 5 2 0 6 1 1 3 5 , 

+234(0)9030731406 

W e b s i t e : 

www.cgc.thetruthcentre.com 

According to him, ‘’we even 

heard that thugs are invading 

registration centers, this is a 

matter of great concern and I 

hope that INEC and security 

agencies will tackle this so 

that issues like these are laid 

to rest and people are not 

disenfranchised, otherwise, a 

similar situation will occur at 

elections". 

Living God, will hold their 

annual conference from 

Thursday, June 23, 2022 to 

Sunday, June 26, 2022, at the 

Church headquarters, Salem 

City, Warri, Delta State. 

The four-day conference 

whose theme is “Holding the 

Mystery of the Faith in a Pure 

Conscience”, drawn from 1 

Timothy 3:9, is a forum for 

the ministers of the church to 

rededicate themselves to God, 

deliberate on various Biblical 

issues, review developments in 

the church in the light of the 

scriptures and to chart the way 

forward for the next 

conference year. 

The president, Brother Felix 

Ekundayo Adedokun, will 

deliver an opening speech at 

the conference in which he is 

expected to exhort the 

ministers on the conference 

theme. 

The GKS president will 

preside over all the sessions 

of the conference which will 

be rounded off on Sunday, 

June 26, with a thanksgiving 

service at the GKS Service 

Hall, Salem City, Warri by 

God’s grace. 

A statement by the acting 

Publicity Secretary, Brother 

Emmanuel Oriaku says a 

communiqué will be issued at 

the end of the conference.

PAGE 32— SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 19, 2022 

How to pursue your 

enemies (2) 

LAST week we discussed 

some steps when taken 

could cause our enemies to 

submit to us. We made you to 

understand that the devil who 

is our arch enemy is a spirit 

and it is only a spirit that can 

fight a spirit. And since our 

God is the Father of all spirits, 

He alone can bring our 

enemies to subjection. This is 

because it is only by the 

greatness of His power that 

our enemies can be subdued. 

Having known the 

overwhelming power of our 

God over all foes, what we 

need to do is to align 

ourselves with Him and 

repose total confidence in 

His ability to deal with our 

enemies. We must 

understand that it is only 

through Him that we can 

gain again all that we have 

lost to the enemies 

Joshua 18:3 says, “And 

Joshua said unto the children 

of Israel, how long are you 

slack to go, to possess the 

land which the Lord God of 

your father has given you. 

How long will you be there? 

Children of God over and 

over again remain destitute 

of many things which it is the 

will of God that they should 

enjoy, and which with the 

right attitude they might 

enjoy. Sometimes this 

slackness in enjoying what 

have been bequeathed to 

them could be attributed to 

fear of the unknown and 

concern of loosing what they 

had already gotten. When the 

Israelites exhibited this 

flabbiness in possessing what 

belonged to them, Joshua 

queried such lackadaisical 

mindset and cautioned 

against it, and by so doing 

stirred up the Israelites to take 

possession of their lots. 

Same concern is being 

raised today asking how long 

it will take you, a child of God 

to possess your possession. 

How long will you delay to 

take what belongs to you? 

When will you start enjoying 

the immense wealth God has 

endowed this country with? 

The time is now. You must go 

at once, because Joshua and 

Caleb said they should go at 

once. As you mention 

anything to God in prayer 

today; you shall have it. Just 

ask God by simple prayer, 

‘where is your child’ if you 

need a child. Or ‘where is the 

blessing He promised for 

your businesses if you want 

business boom. If you don’t 

have faith just believe that 

God is real and cannot 

disappoint you, am assuring 

you, you will get what you are 

looking for. 

If you can stand upon the 

word of God today and pray 

by faith, all that you have lost 

in business, health, family, etc 

will be recovered in Jesus 

name. And if it appears that 

there is an enemy that is 

fleeing, just pray and asks the 

angel of God to overtake and 

arrest him to surrender what 

he has taken from you and 

you will recover what he has 

stolen from you in Jesus 

name. 

1Cor. 3:21 says, “Therefore 

let no man glory in men. For 

all things are yours;” If the 

earth is of the Lord and the 

fullness thereof and we are 

the children of God, we must 

believe that if we act in line 

with the position of the 

scripture it shall be ours. 

Genesis 13:15 and 17 says, 

“For all the land which thou 

seest, to thee will I give it 

and to thy seed forever. 17 

Arise, walk through the land 

in the length of it and in the 

breadth of it; for I will give it 

unto thee” 

The Scripture says all the 

land you see shall be given to 

you, which means you have 

to see something before you 

go after them. God said I 

have shown you the land, that 

you must walk through it in 

the length of it and in the 

breadth of it which means 

since God has promised you 

that all these things belong 

to you, you should therefore 

know what belong to you 

and lay claim to it and God 

will bring it to pass in Jesus 

name. 

This is the word of God that 

must come to fulfillment. It 

is not the word of mortal man 

that dies at the end of the 

man. Whatever you are 

looking for belongs to you. 

God has given them to you, 

and as you claim it today it 

shall be yours in Jesus name. 

So, you must pursue after 

those things that God has 

bequeathed to you just like 

David pursued after them and 

If you can stand 

upon the word of 

God today and pray 

by faith, all that you 

have lost in 

business, health, 

family, etc will be 

recovered in Jesus 

name 

recovered all. So we must 

pursue like David, Moses, 

Joshua, Caleb, and deal with 

all the enemies that are 

standing against us. 

All those that are 

occupying our blessing 

whether spiritually or 

physically must be dealt with 

like David. We must not fold 

our hands and be at the 

defense, we must pursue in 

prayers, in season and out of 

season. Pray without season 

and go after what God has 

given to you. We must go for 

evangelism, preach at all 

times and pray to ensure 

whatever the devil had taken 

or captured are recovered. As 

we continue in the spiritual 

exercise, am assuring you we 

must overtake them and 

without doubt recover all in 

Jesus name. 

TESTIMONY 

HOW I WAS RAISED 

FROM DEATH AND 

DELIVERED FROM 

BRONCHIOLITIES 

Continued from last 

week: 

As mentioned earlier, I 

didn’t disclose to my wife the 

details of my health 

challenge, so the first time she 

witnessed the bleeding from 

the nose and mouth she was 

dumbfounded because she 

taught it was a minor heart 

problem when I hinted her 

during our courtship. Before 

that time, I used to avoid 

• Cross section of crowd during last ... And enemies submitted program. 

•Chosen Evangelists fulfilling their duty for the ten billion souls mandate 

sleeping on the bed whenever 

I felt the signs of the attack 

because blood used to cover 

the whole bed any time it 

happened while laying on 

bed. And I knew that my wife 

seeing such situation would 

frighten her, hence I was 

always sitting on cushion 

whenever I felt the attack 

would come. 

So that day the attack 

happened while I was on bed 

with her was a horrific sight. 

The thing started while 

we’re sleeping. And when I 

woke up and called her 

attention she was shocked 

and screamed when she saw 

the volume of blood oozing 

from my mouth and nose. We 

firstly went to a clinic, and 

they couldn’t control the 

bleeding. Within a short time 

I started feeling dizzy and she 

asked if she should inform my 

parents, I affirmed. So she 

called and intimated them. Of 

course it was no surprise to 

them instead they were telling 

her not to panic as it would 

soon stop. But that didn’t 

abate her fear because as at 

that time the blood oozing out 

were being accompanied by 

lump like phlegm, so there 

was enough reason to suggest 

otherwise. 

Immediately she took me 

to Lagoon Hospital, Apapa. 

There, after examination they 

recommended surgery and 

added they would invite other 

external surgeons that will 

assist in ensuring successful 

surgery. Thus, we were asked 

to make a deposit of #5 

million before the surgery 

would take place. My family 

made them understand that 

we could not afford their 

demand then pleaded I 

should be referred to LUTH 

and they obliged. As at that 

point I was becoming 

unconscious of my 

environment. 

Quickly, she got a cab and 

took me to LUTH. As God 

would have it, at LUTH those 

set of consultants that on my 

first visit barred me from ever 

seeking medication there 

because I turned down their 

suggestions were no longer 

there. We met new doctors 

who were oblivious of what 

transpired during my first 

visit. So, after checking my 

file they conducted another 

test which reaffirmed it was 

fungi infection in the lung but 

this time it has eaten up the 

lung and was advancing to 

the blood bank and could no 

longer be controlled by 

antibiotics neither would the 

bleeding ceased except 

surgery is carried out which 

would not be immediately. 

And all depends if I remained 

alive. At this point I was 

directed to the unit in charge 

of Fungi disease. After lengthy 

deliberation at the fungal 

infection department, we 

were again referred to the 

surgeon who specializes in 

fungal removal. By then, I had 

begun hemorrhaging as my 

blood level has nosedived to 

less than 20% and I was 

becoming dizzy. Nevertheless 

we managed to get to the 

surgical department where 

we were told after a scan was 

conducted that the fungi had 

caused more damage than 

imagined. That the right part 

of the lung had been 

destroyed beyond repair and 

thus must be cut off from the 

point the fungi affected. 

Recall that the scan result in 

our previous visit only 

suggested getting rid of the 

fungi alone but now because 

it has degenerated the lung 

would go with it. 

We had no other option 

than to subject to surgery. 

Consequently I was booked 

for surgery on a Tuesday and 

allocated to a ward. At the 

ward, I met a young man who 

also was booked for surgery 

on similar case of Fungi 

disease. So both of us became 

friends and together were 

sharing thought and ideas. 

On the day of his own 

surgery, after exchanging 

pleasantly in the morning as 

he prepared to enter theatre, 

I wished him Success, 

expecting to meet with him 

again to share the experience. 

Thereafter he was wheeled 

into the theatre by 10 am and 

by 6pm I called his son to 

enquire what the situation 

was and he said there was no 

response yet from the Chief 

Surgeon, that the dad was still 

in the theatre. 

I waited and again called 

the son by 12 am which was 

about 14hrs he entered 

theatre, it was then he said 

they have not made any 

categorical statement on his 

father’s condition but had 

requested the presence of his 

uncle and mother. At that 

point I became jittery and 

could not sleep again. 

Further enquiry at dawn 

revealed the man bled to 

death. When the boy 

eventually brokered the 

tragic news of his father, it 

shook the very foundation of 

my hope of survival. If it was 

possible to escape we would 

have done that in the night. 

But as God would have it, the 

surgeon visited and informed 

us that my surgery would be 

suspended because of an 

impromptu senior 

management meeting 

coming up next day. 

He therefore suggested a 

new date that I should be 

brought back for the 

surgery. I was so relieved for 

their decision because I have 

concluded not to undergo 

any surgery again even if 

that would lead to my death. 

Consequently, I was 

discharged and we went 

home. Later we leant that 

the sudden decision to 

discharge us quickly was 

born out of the fear of having 

us known what happened to 

my friend. 

As we returned home, my 

wife and I concluded that the 

idea of surgery should be put 

in abeyance until God would 

confirm if undergoing 

surgery is His will. And that 

confirmation must be 

through a revelation from a 

member of Chosen from 

another Branch. Meanwhile 

God graciously continued to 

sustain me through the 

fervent prayers of our 

General Overseer. And I was 

also taking regularly the 

antibiotics the doctor 

prescribed. One of the days 

we met with the General 

Overseer, He made us 

understand that his prayer 

has the potency to see me 

through in any situation, 

regardless of how ugly that 

situation may be. He 

assured us of a successful 

surgery although according 

to him, he knows how 

critical that could be but 

God upholds the prayer of 

His messenger. 

Of course we never 

doubted the efficacy of his 

prayers because we are 

witnesses to thousands who 

have benefited from his 

prayers. Nevertheless, 

whenever we remembered 

the soured story of that my 

co-patient, anxiety would set 

in and shook the foundation 

of my faith. 

I battled this emotional 

trauma for months until last 

January when a sister from 

another Branch visited us 

and shared a dream she had 

about me. In that revelation 

according to her, the 

General Overseer was 

presiding over a Vigil and 

suddenly paused and 

enquired about my state of 

health. 

And repeatedly he asked 

who knows if I had done the 

surgery. As he continued 

asking, a brother and sister 

rose from the congregation 

and claimed that they had 

visited me at the hospital and 

could affirm that the surgery 

was successful, in fact they 

reported that I was hale and 

hearty and would soon join 

in the prayer meetings. 

As soon as the duo gave this 

good report, the General 

Overseer elated and she 

woke up. After the sister 

finished her story, I became 

thrilled and told my wife we 

should not wait for further 

confirmation, that God has 

spoken loud and clear 

through the revelation given 

to the sister. As at that time, 

we have started finding it 

difficult to afford the money 

for the drugs, so we began to 

give serious attention to the 

idea of surgery. 

Then came a day that crises 

occurred and I was this time 

taken unconsciously again 

by ambulance to LUTH and 

was admitted almost in a 

state of coma. 

•To be concluded next 

week

Mathematical equations of marriage (2) 

1 

.Love and Emotions have 

Blind-spots.I Pet 4: 8 “ 

Love covers a multitude of 

Sins(Equation 1)Implication: 

When you are in love, you are 

blind to certain weaknesses 

and blind spots of your 

partner. When in Love, certain 

grey areas are covered that if 

you are not sensitive, you 

ignore them waiting to 

manifest in marriage. 

2. Marriage is a divine 

optician that specializes in 

opening blind eyes 

miraculously. (Equation 

2)Gen 25:16-25 “And Laban 

had two daughters: the name 

of the elder was Leah, and the 

name of the younger was 

Rachel. Leah was tender eyed; 

but Rachel was beautiful and 

well-favored. 

And Jacob loved Rachel; 

and said, I will serve thee 

seven years for Rachel thy 

younger daughter. And Laban 

said, it is better that I give her 

to thee, than that I should give 

her to another man: abide 

with me. And Jacob served 

seven years for Rachel; and 

they seemed unto him but a 

few days, for the love he had to 

her. And Jacob said unto 

Laban, Give me my wife, for 

my days are fulfilled, that I 

may go in unto her. And 

Laban gathered together all 

the men of the place, and made 

a feast. And it came to pass in 

the evening that he took Leah 

his daughter, and brought her 

to him; and he went in unto 

her. And Laban gave unto his 

daughter Leah Zilpah his 

maid for a handmaid. 

And it came to pass, that in 

the morning, behold, it was 

Leah: and he said to Laban, 

What is this thou hast done 

unto me? did not I serve with 

thee for Rachel? Wherefore 

then hast thou beguiled me? 

Growing in God 

By Prophet Temidayo 

Adejuwon 

HE process of growth is 

Ta pattern originally 

designed by God for all living 

creatures. Living creatures are 

structured to undergo growth 

process continuously. 

SOME BIBLICAL VIEWS 

ON GROWTH PROCESS: 

*Psalm 104:14 says... He 

causes the grass to grow for 

the cattle and the herbs (to 

grow) for the service of men 

that he may bring forth food 

out of the earth. 

*Luke 2:52 says... and Jesus 

Christ grew (increased) in 

wisdom, in stature and in 

favour with God. 

*Acts 12:24 says...but the 

words of God grew and 

multiply. 

From these scriptural 

verses,importance of growth 

was demonstrated by Jesus 

who though is God,He passed 

through growth process from 

infancy to adulthood.In 

life,there can never be 

multiplication without 

growth process. 

REASONS WHY YOU 

MUST GROW: 

1.It is the law of nature that 

every (mortal) living creature 

must grow.When you refuse to 

grow,you are disobeying the 

law of nature. 

2.It is the process of growth 

that leads to harvest.when you 

are thinking about harvest 

after planting,then you think 

of growth. 

3.Growth makes children to 

become matured and you 

need maturity to fulfil 

ministry assignments and 

destiny generally.At age 

twelve,Jesus was only 

listening and asking 

questions in temple but at age 

thirty,Jesus' ministry of signs 

and wonders commenced. 

4.You need to undergo 

growth process to attain 

greatness in life. 

*Genesis 26:13 says...And 

the Man Isaac waxed great 

and went forward and grew 

until he became very great. 

5.You need to grow in order 

to provide shade for others 

who seek shelter under you 

and in order to provide 

branches for others to lodge. 

•Dcn Charles Adesida 

Implication: Marriage opens 

the eyes of Jacob to Reality. 

Jacob was desperate for the 

beauty of Rachel without 

being sensitive to the tender 

eyes of Leah. Marriage reveals 

the true picture, character of 

the Partner. He was so drunk 

with fantasies and expectations 

that he could not detect LEAH. 

There is an identity 

conversion from RACHEL to 

LEAH in just one dark and 

night season. It means one 

dark moment in our life can 

alter our choice and destiny 

automatically. Jacob labored 

and courted Rachel for 7years 

and could not still detect there 

is a SPOUSE SWAP. Marriage 

is a Divine Optician that 

removes covering of fantasy to 

enroll you into the school of 

REALITY. 

3.Marriage is not for Angels, 

because Angels do not Marry. 

Matt 22:30“For in 

resurrection they neither 

marry, nor are given in 

marriage, but are as angels of 

God in Heaven. (Equation 

3)Implication: Your partner is 

not an angel. But can be made 

an Angel .He/she has 

weakness likewise you. Have 

a reasonable expectation from 

your spouse in marriage. 

Marriage is the union of two 

imperfect people with 

weaknesses working together 

to be like Christ on a daily 

basis. 

•Prophet Adejuwon 

*Mattew 13:31-32 says 

another parable put forth He 

unto them saying the 

kingdom of Heaven is likened 

to a grain of mustard seed 

which a man took and sow in 

his field,which is indeed the 

least of all the seeds but when 

it is grown,it is the greatest 

among the herbs and become 

tree so that the birds of the air 

come to lodge in the branches 

thereof. 

6.Even after attaining 

maturity,you still need to grow 

in grace because growth in 

maturity leads to increase in 

outputs. 

*2 Peter 3:18 says....but grow 

in grace and in the knowledge 

4.Angels do not take Ice 

Cream nor Eat Shawama/ 

Pizza. 

Judges 6:19-21“And 

Gideon went in, and made 

ready a kid, and unleavened 

cakes of an ephah of flour: 

the flesh he put in a basket, 

and he put the broth in a pot, 

and brought it out unto him 

under the oak, and presented 

it. And the angel of God said 

unto him, Take the flesh and 

the unleavened cakes, and lay 

them upon this rock, and pour 

out the broth. And he did so. 

Then the angel of the Lord put 

forth the end of the staff that 

was in his hand, and touched 

the flesh and the unleavened 

cakes; and there rose up fire 

out of the rock, and 

consumed the flesh and the 

unleavened cakes. 

Then the angel of the Lord 

departed out of his sight. 

(Equation 4)Implication: 

Angels do not eat earthly food, 

your spouse eats earthly food, 

thus your husband and wife 

is still human. Once your wife 

still eats snacks or takes ice 

cream, she is not yet an Angel. 

Once your husband still eats 

Jollof rice, he is not yet an 

Angel. Thus, there is need for 

adaptability to the weakness 

of your spouse and reduce 

unnecessary and lofty 

expectations. 

The Redeemed Christian 

Church of God 

Dcn Charles Adesida, a 

minister in the RCCG and a 

Global Conference Speaker. 

He is a registered member 

of the Nigerian Institute of 

Architects (NIA) and Architects 

Registration Council of 

Nigerian. (ARCON) 

Tell- 07032654681 

Instagramcharlesadesidaimpact 

of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

HOW DOES A MAN 

GROW? 

1.You grow by feeding on the 

words of God. 

*1Peter 2:2 says...As new 

born babies,desire the sincere 

milk of the word of God that 

you may grow. 

2.You grow by being 

studious,seeking knowledges 

and adding values to 

yourself.Remember that 

fertilizers are added to the soil 

to enhance the growth of 

seedling. 

3.You grow by working hard. 

4.You grow by fleing Sin.A 

man living in sin is considered 

dead spiritually and a dead 

man can not grow. 

I decree and prophesy now 

that Jehovah shall baptise you 

with the unction for growth in 

Jesus name.Amen. 

Pray this prayer now,ask 

Jesus to forgive you your sins 

and write your name in His 

book of life. Pray further that 

Jehovah should grant you 

enablement for growth.So 

shall it be in Jesus name. 

Amen. 

Prophet Adejuwon is the 

CEO, Faith-based 

International Limited. 

Email:temidayoadejuwon2019@gmail.com 

Owo killings: Divine punishment 

awaits all murderers, says GKS 

By Sam Eyoboka 

eneral Secretary of the 

GGod's 

Society 

Kingdom(GKS), Brother 

Benedict Hart, has warned 

those who thrive in shedding 

innocent blood to desist from 

such, warning that their 

aggravated enormities will 

not go unpunished, whether 

they believe it or not. 

The GKS with headquaters 

in Warri, Delta State, in a press 

statement, expressed 

consternation and dismay at 

the killing of worshippers at a 

Catholic Church in Owo, 

Ondo State and other parts of 

the country, asserting that 

God Almighty had decreed 

that “Whoso sheddeth man's 

blood, by man shall his blood 

be shed: for in the image of 

God made he man.” (Genesis 

9:6) and that “he that killeth 

with the sword must be killed 

with the sword”, as stated in 

Revelation 13:10. 

Hart in a warned that those 

who wantonly slay and kill 

others will themselves “not go 

down to the grave in peace” 

(1Kings 2:6) (except they 

repent) He cited the words of 

their sins. God that “all they 

that take the sword shall 

perish with the sword”.- 

Matthew 26:52. 

The GKS scribe pointed 

out that those who have 

been kidnapping, killing 

and expelling people from 

their towns and villages, 

had by their devilish 

actions shown themselves 

to be instruments of satan 

the devil who is 

represented in the Bible as 

a “beast” and “was a 

murderer from the 

beginning”. 


‘New laws needed to regulate rising energy demand’ 

By Henry Ojelu 

Energy law expert and 

global Vice Chairman 

of the International Law 

Association, ILA, Prof 

Damilola Olawuyi, has said 

new legal guidelines are 

needed to meet the projected 

exponential growth in 

demand for natural gas in the 

emerging trend in energy 

transition. 

He said failure to 

understand and comply with 

such emerging standards 

could pose significant legal, 

business and transition risks 

for clients, and their lawyers 

alike, and may result in 

complex litigation. 

Olawuyi, who is also the vice 

chancellor, Afe Babalola 

University, Ado Ekiti, ABUAD, 

stated this while virtually 

unveiling his new book titled: 

•From left: EL-Lab Medical Diagnostic and Research Centre, Blood Bank Manager, Blessing 

Nwakobi, Laboratory Manager, Anayo Chidobu, the donor, Dr. Kiki Omeili, Operations 

Director, EL-Lab Medical Diagnostic and Research Centre, Chioma Adibo, Human Resources 

Manager, Oyin Faloye and the Assistant Blood Bank Manager, Gina Ighomuaye at the 2022 

World Blood Donor Day celebration in Lagos. 

SSS3 student, Gloria Ofili,wins CLAN quiz competition 

By Esther Onyegbula 

loria Ofili, an SSS3 

Gstudent of Word of Faith 

Group of Schools, Benin City 

Edo State, has emerged the 

winner of the N200, 000 

grand prize at the CLAN quiz 

competition organized by the 

Face of Niger Delta Cultural 

Pageant (FONDCUP). 

The event, a pet project of 

the 1st Runner of FONDCUP, 

Miss Faith Etinosasere 

Iguodala, kicked off the first 

edition to celebrate the 

cultural heritage of Niger- 

Deltans. 

Iguodala said the 

competition was initiated to 

promote, advocate, create 

awareness and project the rich 

culture, values, traditions and 

history of the Niger Delta 

people among the Niger 

Delta-born younger 

generations in secondary 

school. 

Explaining the modalities, 

she said the quiz competition 

focuses on the values, history, 

culture, and tradition of the 

region, which, according to 

her, are gradually going into 

extinction. 

Iguodala said "through the 

quiz competition, we celebrate 

“The Palgrave Handbook of 

Natural Gas and Global 

Energy Transitions”. 

He said: “Like Nigeria, 

many natural gas-rich 

countries across the world are 

introducing new legal 

requirements, contractual 

mechanisms, and industry 

guidelines in order to meet the 

projected exponential growth 

in demand for natural gas in 

light of the energy transition, 

in a safe, reliable, and 

environmentally responsible 

manner. 

He noted that the new book 

outlines “the risk mitigation 

strategies and contractual 

techniques, focusing on 

resilience planning, lowcarbon 

business models, 

green procurement, climatesmart 

infrastructure 

development, transparent 

climate disclosures and 

Niger-Delta culture and 

culture is an agent of creativity 

and social Change". She went 

on: "This year’s edition was 

fun-filled, educative and 

Umurhohwo hails Delta Speaker, 

Oborevwori 

ormer Delta State House 

Fof Assembly aspirant for 

Ughelli North II, Mr. Oke 

Umurhohwo, has hailed the 

Speaker of the state House of 

Assembly, Chief Sheriff 

Oborevwori, on the occasion 

of his birthday celebration. 

In a press statement made 

available to newsmen, 

Umurhohwo extolled the 

quality leadership, humility, 

simplicity, and discipline of 

Oborevwori, in the discharge 

of his civic responsibility 

which have brought the 

House and state to an 

enviable heights. 

"Mr. Speaker has over the 

past years demonstrated 

selflessness to service in his 

representation of his 

constituency and maturity in 

his leadership of the House, 

which has contributed 

immensely to the healthy 

reporting, gender justice, and 

other sustainability 

safeguards – that are required 

to maximize the full value of 

natural gas as a catalyst for a 

just and equitable energy 

transition and for energy 

security across the world. 

Olawuyi explained that the 

book was written out of the 

need to provide in-depth 

knowledge of the 

transformative implications 

of the ongoing global energy 

transitions for natural gas 

markets across the world. 

He said the book highlights 

the important roles of natural 

gas in the global energy 

transition, and how gas rich 

countries such as Nigeria can 

leverage their comparative 

advantages as safe, reliable, 

and environmentally 

sustainable suppliers of this 

transition fuel. 

From left: Sir Diamond Ovverage, Immediate Past Supreme Knight, Knight of Saint 

Mulumba; Rev Dr Matthew Hassan Kukah, Guest Speaker and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto; 

Sir Henry Bello, Chairman of the occasion; Sir (Dr) Charles Mbelede, Supreme Knight, 

Knight of St Mulumba; his wife, Lady Ify Mbelede and Lady Meg Anosie, Worthy President, 

Lady of Saint Mulumba at the flag-off ceremony of the 70th Anniversary and Logo/Mascot 

launch by the Order of the Knights of St Mulumba Nigeria held at St Leo’s Catholic Church, 

Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. Photo Lamidi Bamidele 

entertaining because 

participants were enlightened 

on the fact of our history, 

culture, tradition and values 

as a Region. 

Executive-Legislature 

relations in the state". 

"On behalf of my family, 

supporters, and the good 

people of Ughelli North, I 

celebrate with the number 

one Delta lawmaker, Hon. 

Sheriff Oborevwori on the 

occasion of his birth 

anniversary and his successful 

discharge of the functions of 

his office. We are entirely 

grateful to you" , he stated. 

• Oborevwori


Intro: 

T 

Hi stars out there! 

No success without a pathway 

hat is who you are! You 

illuminate your world and 

that is why there is no country 

that wants to be relevant in the 

annals of history that forgets to 

invest in its children. They don’t 

only celebrate their children on a 

chosen date but celebrate them 

daily by investing in the 

implementation of the Child 

Rights Act. 

A pathway is a way or route of achieving a specified result. Don’t let the 

recent slang trending on Social Media mimicking a presidential aspirant 

saying: ’It’s my turn, bring it to me,’ get into you. Every victory has a 

history to it. The aspirant chose his pathway, walked in it, and invested in 

it. Trust Nigerian inspirational speakers, they have turned it into 

inspirational talk that once you are determined, you will get there. 

Determination without investment will always amount to nothing. 

As children, your parents and the government have chosen a pathway 

in education for you for at least nine years which is the basic foundation. 

Be focused on the pathway to be able to choose your path in life. Invest 

your time and your mind in it for your gain tomorrow. Men who have not 

possessed today are very unlikely to possess tomorrow. 

A man who knows his pathway, can’t be moved by anything no matter 

how enticing it is. Tomorrow is rich in silver, gold and other treasures, 

those children who can listen to instructions, who are focused, who can 

put in hard work and diligence, will possess it. When you have done all 

these, then, you can join them to sing, “bring it, it’s my turn” 

Enjoy every segment of today’s publication. 

Cheers! 

Aunty Funmi 

SHORT STORY 

Daydreaming can’t bring 

you success in life 

nce upon a time, there lived a poor milkmaid. She 

Owas extremely lazy. She did not want to do any hard 

work. She was always busy daydreaming about getting 

rich. 

One morning, she milked her cows and set out to sell the 

milk in the market. While walking, she began to dream 

about becoming rich. 

She dreamt: “I will sell the milk in the market. With the 

money, I would buy a hen. The hen will lay eggs. Some 

will be sold in the market. Some will hatch and become 

chicks. These chicks will become cocks and hens, and 

they in turn, will lay hundreds of eggs. I would soon 

THE media office of Oloro 

gun Fred Majemite has described 

as false speculations 

making the rounds that Governor 

Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State 

gave him N500 million. 

A statement by Ovie Edomi, 

Head, Media and Public Communication, 

Fred Majemite Political 

Vanguard, noted that “As 

a man of the people, two-time 

commissioner and a grassroots 

politician with wide contacts and 

a lawyer of repute, Olorogun 

Fred Majemite got few high net 

worth individuals and corporate 

organizations to support his governorship 

aspiration, but none of 

those who supported him work 

for the Delta State Government.” 

Edomi said the clarification 

had become necessary to refute 

the rumour “that is spreading 

like wildfire that Olorogun Barrister 

Fred Majemite collected 

money from the Delta State Governor 

to contest the Delta State 

governorship in order to split 

Urhobo/Delta Central votes. 

“At no time in about a year that 

Nigeria has world’s highest rate 

of out-of-school children 

— UNICEF report 

Is government seeing this? 

• One in every five of the 

world's out-of-school 

children is in Nigeria 

despite the fact that 

primary education is 

officially free and 

compulsory. 

• About 18.5 million 

children, 60% of whom 

are girls, do not have 

access to education in 

Nigeria, a higher figure 

compared with 2021 figure, 

according to a UNICEF report 

last Wednesday. 

• The numerous attacks on 

schools by jihadists and criminal 

gangs have created a precarious 

learning environment that 

discourages parents and 

guardians from sending their 

children to school, especially in 

the north. 

• The UN agency says mass 

violence and kidnapping have 

have a poultry 

farm.” 

She kept on 

imagining: “Again, I 

will sell all the hens 

to buy some bulls. 

And finally, sell the 

bulls to buy a small 

house. While 

thinking about all 

this, she overlooked 

a stone on the way. 

She fell over it and 

the milk spilled on 

the ground. All her dreams were shattered in a second, and 

she realised she was daydreaming. 

Moral: Work hard to fulfill your dreams. Do not count your 

chickens before they are hatched. 

DELTA GUBER: Majemite didn’t take a dime 

from Okowa — Aide 

Olorogun Fred Majemite went 

round Delta State doing one-onone 

consultation with elders and 

leaders of the Party across the 

three senatorial districts up till 

the peak of the PDP primaries, 

did he receive a dime from the 

Delta State Governor or the Delta 

State Government or any person 

in government. 

“For the avoidance of doubt, 

before Olorogun Fred Majemite 

made up his mind to 

contest the Delta State Governorship 

race, he already kept 

enough funds that he will use 

to pursue the governorship 

project. 

“The rumour making the 

rounds is, therefore, the evil 

imaginations of those who never 

believed that Olorogun Barrister 

Fred Majemite has the financial 

strength to persecute 

the governorship project from 

the scratch to the end.’’ 

Bikers group, Lagos govt call for 

voluntary blood donation 

•Members of Bikers with Attitude and Determination during the 

donation of blood to Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos. 

A 

nonprofit making or 

ganisation, Bikers with 

Attitude and Determination, 

has joined Lagos State Blood 

Transfusion Committee in advocating 

for voluntary blood 

donation at the Gbagada 

General Hospital in celebration 

of the World Blood Donor 

Day. 

The bikers came out in their 

numbers with their shiny motorcycles 

yesterday to join the 

sensitization campaign on 

the importance of voluntary 

donation of blood at the 

Gbagada General Hospital in 

Lagos. 

Speaking at the event, 

President of the group, Mr. 

Kayode Kosile-Palmer, 

said: "Anyone can be in 

need of blood transfusion 

for whatever reason. Realising 

that the person could 

not access it due to unavailability 

is going to leave a 

devasting mark. Supporting 

this initiative goes 

deeper than just riding and 

talking to people. For us, 

this is one of the ways we 

help save lives". 

He thanked members of 

the group and other blood 

donors who also donated 

blood to the blood bank. 

Also, members of Lagos 

State Blood Transfusion 

Committee and staff of 

Gbagada General Hospital 

commended the bikers for 

the gesture. 

forced the authorities to shut 

down more than 11,000 schools 

in the country since December 

2020. 

The late President Nelson 

Mandela of South Africa, in one 

of his quotes said the true 

character of society is revealed 

in how it treats its children. Is 

this our character? In 2021, the 

statistics revealed that 10.5 

million children were out of 

school in Nigeria. 

It is said that progress is 

impossible without change, and 

those who cannot change their 

minds cannot change anything. 

Our children are the rock on 

which our future as a country, 

will be built. No matter the days 

set aside to celebrate and draw 

attention to the plight of 

Nigerian children, if the minds 

of the leaders do not capture the 

need to fully implement the 

Child Rights Act, it may continue 

to be the same story every year 

despite the huge investment by 

international organisations to 

ensure that the rights of children 

are upheld. 


A 

South-African based medical 

doctor and liberation movement 

activist, Dr. Sina Okanlomo, 

has refuted reports that he has been 

dismissed by apex Yoruba Diaspora 

group, Yoruba One Voice, YOV, over 

alleged misconduct. 

Okanlomo, in a statement made 

available to our correspondent, said 

nobody can dismiss him from the 

group because he started the One 

Voice movement in South Africa in 

2018. He said the aim was to foster 

unity among various organisations 

of the people of Yoruba extraction. 

In a statement by YOV’s Secretary, 

Mr Dapo Adesanmi, said the 

dismissal became inevitable after 

the highest decision-making organ, 

comprising all members of National 

Coordinating Council, NEC, of 

YOV met to deliberate on the activities 

of the organization. 

But Okanlomo denied such dismissal, 

stating that he decided to 

remove himself from the group 

about three months ago when it was 

clear the group had deviated from 

its original mandate. 

The statement reads: “When our 

liberation movement took a new turn 

about two years ago, a WhatsApp 

group was created, Oduduwa One 

Voice was adopted but it was 

changed to Yoruba One Voice, I was 

made a Secretary General, my acceptance 

of this position is a decision 

which I later regretted. 

“Little did I realize that it was a 

ploy to expand the OPU, by deceiving 

the people and disguised as a 

liberation movement, whereas it is 

an avenue for the movement to be 

used as a tool for political leverage. 

“There was no accountability. 

There were many behaviors which 

are antithetical to the ethos of 

“Omoluabi” and the liberation 

PARENTING 

Don’t teach children 

multitasking, teach 

them pathways 

early in life 

ultitasking is good for adults 

Mto sustain their mega needs 

in life, especially in a country where 

you have to fix every amenity and 

still pay tax on them. It is also good 

for adults because they have wants 

that are not necessary for their lives 

but want to score a point. 

Children do not have wants. 

Impact them early in life with the 

pathway for their tomorrow. When 

a child is shown and guided in his 

or her pathway early in life, he 

cannot be easily deceived. If 

parents neglect that, the child will 

be subject to deception, and 

anything can be of attraction. As 

small as ice cream seems to be, it 

can be used as bait to attract a child 

that has no direction in life. They 

are subject to deceit. Social media 

influencers would deceive them 

with their extravagant dresses, cars 

and houses. 

For parents to stop struggling 

with the issue of hooliganism or 

running helter-skelter from one 

prayer house to another in an 

attempt to make God change the 

direction of a child, give them 

direction early in life. God has left 

them in your care. If you do your job 

right, you will activate the wisdom 

of God in that path. 

Yes, you may want them to learn 

one handiwork or the other. It is 

good but let it be in the direction of 

their pathway. 

I started YOV in South Africa, not 

Gani Adams — Okanlomo 

•Says he remains liberation movement’s leader 

•Okanlomo 

movement in general. All these without 

a challenge from the scared stiff, 

overly controlled members of the 

group. 

“In view of all these anomalies, I 

decided to remove myself from the 

group about three months ago. I 

refused to participate further in any 

of YOV Plenary session when it became 

clear that, YOV had become 

the infamous animal farm with its 

own Orwellian cheerleaders. The 

group has deviated from its original 

mandate. To distance myself and 

the group of intellectuals who had 

concerns about recent happenings, 

I removed Mr Gani Adams and his 

cronies from our administrative 

platform. 

“Against this backdrop, people of 

like mind came together and decided 

to rebrand our group as YOV 

worldwide, under my leadership, 

hence I became the President of Yoruba 

One Voice worldwide. 

“Currently, Mr. Gani Adams faction 

of YOV is 99.9% OPU members 

with a hidden agenda disguised 

as Yoruba liberation and unethical 

behaviors which does not conform 

with the dictum of a liberation movement. 

Hence, we disengaged them 

from our administrative platform. 

We could not, in all consciousness 

allow one man to truncate the momentum 

garnered by thousands of 

people.’’

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2022, PAGE 35 

Men who compete with their babies over breast milk! 

SOME years back, when I 

first learnt of ‘adult 

nursing’ I was greatly amused. 

Was there no depth these men 

would not sink in their fixation 

with boobs? Now they’d carried 

it off to a ridiculous extent. 

“Adult nursing” is the term used 

for men who enjoy being 

breastfed by a nursing mother! 

According to James, one of 

these rare (is it really rare, I 

wonder) breed of men: “I once 

tried adult nursing with my exgirlfriend 

and loved the 

intimacy and comfort it gave 

me. I sought this woman who 

offered her milk for a fee out to 

experience the same feeding. I 

know adult nursing is often 

sexual but I personally don’t get 

a sexual thrill from it...” 

Some few months after this, I 

mentioned this particular habit 

to a male discussant on a 

different topic entirely but he let 

me into his experience. “When 

my wife was breast-feeding our 

first child”, he said, “she looked 

so erotic with her boobs 

dripping milk that I felt 

aroused. As soon as she finished 

nursing our child, I latched on 

to a nipple but I nearly gagged. 

The thing wasn’t as delicious as 

I thought.” Now, it seems adult 

nursing could be a real money 

spinner. Carol, a 27-year old 

single mother who couldn’t 

afford to pay her rent said, she 

was introduced to adult nursing 

by a friend when she hit rockbottom. 

She lives in Britain but 

it could have been anywhere in 

the world. This friend who 

seemed so normal and nice 

and who’d been a bundle of 

help in my grapple with single 

parenthood told me she 

charged men a lot of money an 

hour to let them drink her baby 

milk”, she said. 

“I was disgusted, it was the 

most perverted thing I’d ever 

heard. What did these men get 

out of it? Sexual kicks? Didn’t 

that make my friend some sort 

of prostitute? She said she’d 

been really struggling for 

money and discovered there 

was a market for adult nursing. 

It wasn’t sexual, she assured me. 

The guys who came to her do it 

to feel mothered. It still sounded 

gross, but I now felt differently 

about it. With her help, I was 

able to get a list of men who 

would happily pay for the 

privilege. I nervously range 

them and requested they send 

photo Ids and recent test results 

showing they’d no sexually 

transmitted infections. I was 

surprised to hear they all sound 

friendly. But I was still worried, 

so I asked an open-minded 

male friend to act as my 

bodyguard. 

“My first client was a 28 

years old computer analyst 

who told me he’d tried it once 

and liked it. He booked a local 

hotel room and left instructions 

at reception that I should be 

taken to the room as soon as I 

arrived. I waited anxiously for 

him and it all felt seedy and 

weird. When he arrived, he 

seemed friendly and relaxed. 

He paid me up-front and gave 

me something extra for my 

“bodyguard”. I then positioned 

myself on the bed, pulled up my 

top, unclipped my frontfastening 

maternity bra and 

gave him my left breast. I was 

sure he could hear my heart 

thumping against my ribs, in 

shame at what I was doing. If 

he did, he didn’t give any 

indication. He just lay across 

me like a big baby and I cradled 

his head. He was silent, didn’t 

seem aroused. Yet his large lips 

and strong suction felt so 

wrong. It was strange and 

unnatural compared to 

feeding my little girl, and it felt 

as if I was betraying her. I was 

on the verge of tears and tried 

not to look at him. After 10 

minutes, I asked him to swap 

breasts and he sucked my right 

for a further 10. Then he sat up. 

I cleaned my breasts with 

disinfectant wipes before 

pulling down my top. 

“How was it? I asked 

awkwardly. “Great,” he said. 

‘Can we do it again this week?’ 

Lured by money, I agreed. I was 

just glad it was over. Three days 

later, I saw him again and this 

time, it was easier. After I got to 

know him better, he started 

coming to my house. 

“Initially, I felt guilty 

depriving my little girl – I’d 

planned to feed her myself for 

the first few months, at least. 

But the reason I was doing this 

was to keep a roof over our 

heads. 

“That’s how I squared it with 

myself. Over the following 

months, I developed a businesslike 

approach to the whole 

process. Now I regularly see 

other clients too. I no longer 

look down on these men – adult 

nursing seems a relatively 

harmless desire. My daughter 

is eight months now and my 

milk is slowly drying up. Still, 

I’ve made more than enough 

money to keep food on the table 

regularly and a roof over our 

heads....” 

“When I had my third child”, 

said Emily in a newspaper 

interview, “I started milk 

banking”, donating excess 

breast milk to premature babies 

at my local hospital. My 

husband and I had been blessed 

with three healthy kids and 

wanted to help give poorly 

babies the best chance of 

survival. When Emily was six 

months, I felt I’d given the best 

of my milk to help sick babies, 

so I stored the extra in my freezer 

and searched online to see if 

anyone would buy it. I 

imagined there’d be men with 

adult nursing fantasies, but that 

didn’t bother me. I just wanted 

to make money. 

“I soon found a site with all 

sorts of people looking to buy 

breast milk. So I added my 

details.” Breast milk available, 

price depends on quantity”. 

The first sale was to a woman 

wanting some for her four 

month-old baby. She couldn’t 

produce enough herself and I 

sold her 11 pints for about 

N22,000. I delivered them in 

person bottled wrapped in cool 

bags. When a man contacted 

me a month later, I was more 

cautious and used a special 

refrigerator courier services to 

deliver a pint. I’d upped my 

price too, realising I could sell 

a pint for as much as N10,000. 

“A Multiple sclerosis sufferer 

bought a pint believing the 

protein could help his 

symptoms. A cancer sufferer 

hoped it would boost his 

immune system. Neither 

theory has been medically 

proven, but I liked to think I 

was helping. Several months 

later, a local couple e-mailed, 

asking if I could provide two 

pints. I was delighted with the 

generous fee, didn’t asked what 

they planned to do with it. Two 

months on, they still buy two 

pints every week. 

“I hope to find proper work 

when the children are older. But 

for now, selling my milk means 

I can choose my hours and 

make time for the kids.” 

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Owo killings and spate of insecurity in Nigeria 

By Olusegun Ajayi 

he Hunters Group of 

TNigeria, a duly 

accredited security 

organisation by the 

Corporate Affairs 

Commission and Nigeria 

Police Force with the 

statutory obligation of 

providing complimentary 

intelligent security 

measures in our various 

communities in Nigeria, is 

disturbed by the rate of 

insecurity in the country. 

Chief Olusegun Ajayi ,in 

his capacity as the 

Southwest patron of the 

group, 

hereby 

unequivocally condems the 

dastardly attack on 

defenceless Christian 

worshippers at the Saint 

Francis Catholic Church , 

Owo in Ondo State May the 

soul of the matrys rest in 

perfect peace. 

However, the security of 

lives and property should be 

the responsibility of any 

responsible government. At 

this critical state in our 

nation, I implore our 

government at all levels; 

traditional institution, 

religious organisations, 

public and private sectors, 

community development 

associations and the 

general public to handle the 

issue of security with 

seriousness by partnering 

•Ajayi 

with the hunter group to effectively 

beef up security in 

our various communities, 

through proper inculcation 

of security conscious 

measures to curb the 

menace of insecurity in our 

society. 

In the good old days, the 

local hunters were saddled 

with the statutory 

responsibility of proctecting 

the various communities 

and their environments. 

Security enlightenment 

campaign remains the most 

viable means of crime 

prevention against incessant 

attacks of terrorists, bandits 

and insurgents in our 

communities. 

In line with our core 

statutory function as a 

stakeholder in community 

policing, I humbly urge the 

states and local 

governments in particular to 

give the Hunters Group of 

Nigeria full logistics support 

to complement the police in 

crime prevention and 

community policing. 

In the light of the 

foregiong, it is obviously 

compulsory for every 

individual to be security 

conscious and synergy of our 

security agencies to curb the 

menace of insecurity in our 

society. The core functions 

of our security conscious 

altitude enlightement 

campaign comprised the 

following outlined action 

plans; Interlligent information 

gathering measure in 

the community. Corporate 

advocacy and mass 

sensitisation through data 

interchange platform to 

promote and enhance the 

programmes of our group 

for more proactive 

awareness in the 

community. To liaise and 

embark on collaborative 

joint taskforce with the 

Nigeria Police during 

official warrant duties in 

the community. 

Finally, now that the 2023 

general election is fast 

approaching, there must be 

peace and harmony in the 

entire country to 

guarrantee free and fair 

election. 

• Ajayi is Assistant 

Commander General and 

Southwest Patron, 

Hunters Association 

email:huntergroup@gmail.com 

The Speaker, Delta State 

House of Assembly and 

the governorship candidate 

of the Peoples Democratic 

Party PDP, Chief Sheriff 

Oborevwori, has been advised 

not to relent in ensuring that 

the state attains greater 

heights 

The Deputy leader and Delta 

State House of Assembly 

candidate, Ughelli North 

constituency II, Onoriode 

Agofure made this known 

while joining others to 

celebrate Oborevwori on the 

occasion of his birthday 

anniversary. 

Agofure in a statement said 

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Delta State legislative arm 

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Agofure tasks Delta Speaker on 

state's development 

Towoju launches new book, Friendly Foes 

Fast rising child 

sensation, 

Oluwafeyikemi Towoju 

has launched her book 

titled; The Friendly Foes. 

Speaking during the 

book launch at Eco 

Events Hall, Egbeda, 

Lagos, Towoju stated "the 

book was borne out of a 

burden which has been 

thriving in my heart to 

indeed know God early in 

life. 

representation in the 

discharge of his duty. 

He described him as a 

charismatic leader who has 

made remarkable 

achievements in piloting the 

affairs of the Delta State 

House of Assembly in the state. 

He said Oborevwori has 

created a harmonious 

atmosphere for members to 

deliberate on state and 

national issues to attract 

development to the state. 

Speaking further, Agofure 

said, “Oborevwori’s massive 

empowerment of his 

constituency is a clear 

"Friendly Foes, is a book 

which mirrors the heart of 

the father, it gives you a 

glimpse into the mind of 

God. Regardless of your 

age, knowing God for 

yourself is one of the 

greatest blessings you 

could ever have. We hope 

that by reading this book all 

teenagers and even adults 

would experience God for 

themselves and see Satan 

for who he truly is; a foe". 

indication of Speaker's 

exemplary leadership and 

commitment to the ideals of 

democracy and rule of law, 

mostly as it affects his people 

positively 

•Oborevwori 

Friendly Foes is now 

available on Selar in both 

paperback and soft copies.

PAGE 36— SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2022 

From left: Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Adu Bayero; APC Presidential Aspirant, 

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; wife of Kano State Governor, Hafsatu Umar-Ganduje; 

Gov Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano at the installation of Governor of Kano State 

and his wife as Aare Fiwajoye and Yeye Fiwajoye of Ibadanland by Olubadan of 

Ibadanland Oba Lekan Balogun in Ibadan yesterday. 

Kwankwaso raises hope on coalition 

with Peter Obi 

•Tinubu intensifies search for running mate 

•Labour Party candidate seeks young northerner 

as VP nominee 


& Ibrahim Hassan 

Wuyo 

residential candidate 

Pof the New Nigeria 

Peoples Party (NNPC), Senator 

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, 

yesterday, raised 

hope on the possibility of 

teaming up with his Labour 

Party counterpart, Mr Peter 

Obi, to contest the 2023 general 

elections. 

Kwankwaso spoke on a 

day Peter Obi was said to be 

considering a young northerner 

as his running mate 

for the 2023 election. 

Meanwhile, Asiwaju Bola 

Tinubu, the All Progressives 

Congress (APC) presidential 

candidate, at the weekend, 

intensified his search 

for substantive vice presidential 

candidate. 

Both Peter Obi and Tinubu 

had, on Friday, named 

running mates in placeholding 

capacities to beat 

the Independent National 

Electoral Commission 

(INEC) deadline for the 

submission of the names of 

those on presidential tickets 

of all parties. 

Whereas Tinubu named 

Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari 

as his placeholder running 

mate, Peter Obi picked 

Dr Doyin Okupe. 

The candidates have up 

till August, according to the 

INEC schedule, to substitute 

the placeholder nominees 

with substantive vice presidential 

candidates. 

Speaking on the potential 

coalition with Peter Obi in 

an interview with the BBC 

Hausa, yesterday, Kwankwaso 

said: “Yes, we are discussing 

with Peter Obi,or I 

will rather say a committee 

is working to see all that is 

necessary on teaming up 

with him, and our friends 

and relations have been 

coming to talk to us over the 

issue.” 

The former governor of 

Kano State explained that 

their teaming up is 

important,looking at the 

fact that the APC and PDP 

did not pick their vice presidential 

candidates from the 

Igbo. 

But Okupe, who is also the 

Director General of Peter 

Obi’s Presidential Campaign 

organisation, spoke 

on a television programme 

in Lagos at the weekend, 

saying the ultimate goal of 

his principal was to find a 

way to bring the dream and 

aspiration of handing over 

power to young Nigerians. 

“We are considering 

someone much less in age 

to Obi and of northern descent 

as the running mate 

to Peter Obi ahead of the 

2023 presidential election”, 

he added. 

The former presidential 

aide to Olusegun Obasanjo 

and Goodluck Jonathan 

confirmed that he was just 

a placeholder until the ongoing 

consultations and 

coalition in the LP were 

concluded. 

When asked about the 

Christian-Christian ticket 

affecting Obi’s chances, 

Okupe said, “Nigerian 

youths must move closer to 

the Labour Party because we 

are prepared to make any 

sacrifice to have them take 

back the country. We are 

willing to make ourselves 

available at any cost so that 

Nigerian youths can ride on 

our backs to power and that 

includes the position of the 

vice president. 

“The choice of Okupe as 

VP candidate is in consonance 

with the Nigerian 

Constitution and Electoral 

Act. Our ultimate goal is to 

find a way to bring our 

dream and aspiration of 

handing over power to 

young Nigerians. We are 

considering someone much 

less in age than Obi and of 

northern descent. 

“We are also considering 

so many things like a coalition 

with the third force, we 

need NNPP, SDP and everybody.” 

Tinubu intensifies 

search 

The Director of Media of 

Tinubu Campaign Organisation, 

Bayo Onanuga, 

while disclosing that the 

APC presidential candidate 

was taking advantage of the 

long window period by 

INEC to substitute names to 

search for a credible and 

competent running mate, 

confirmed, at the weekend, 

that Masari was the name 

submitted to the electoral 

body as the vice-presidential 

candidate. “Yes, he is Ibrahim 

Masari. He once 

worked as a member of the 

National Working Committee 

when Adams Oshimhole 

was in charge of the 

APC exco”, Onanuga said. 

“He is not really a surrogate 

per se. He is just holding 

forth. The Electoral Act 

stipulates that candidates 

have the window period to 

By Juliet Umeh 

woman entrepreneur 

A and Chief Executive 

Officer of Cotton Loops, Mrs. 

Bolupe Adebiyi, has tasked 

the Nigerian youths to always 

look beyond the immediate 

gratification in order to 

contribute to the nation’s 

economy and build sustainable 

businesses. 

Adebiyi made the call on 

Friday in Lagos, during the 

fourth anniversary and 

Founder’s day celebrations 

as well as the opening of her 

substitute up till sometime 

in August. 

“Asiwaju will use that time 

to continue consulting with 

the party, governors and the 

president. He is taking his 

time and doesn’t want to 

rush it,” he said. 

Asked why it was taking 

too long to get a competent 

and sellable candidate for 

the post of vice president, 

the campaign spokesperson 

said that the APC flagbearer 

believed in due process. 

“He just wants to carry 

everybody along. Even the 

elections will take place in 

2023 and the campaign 

wouldn’t start until September. 

The window period 

is still long. There is no 

need to rush anything 

about it. 

“I think we have fulfilled 

our part by submitting the 

name as required before the 

window of INEC deadline 

closes,” Onanuga stated. 

By Johnbosco 

Agbakwuru 

he presidential candi 

Tdate of the All Progressives 

Congress, APC, in the 

2023 election, Asiwaju Bola 

Tinubu, has revealed how 

leaders and presidential aspirants 

of the ruling party 

pleaded with President Muhammadu 

Buhari to choose 

his preferred aspirant for the 

presidential primary. 

Tinubu, in an appreciation 

letter to Buhari which he personally 

signed, thanked him 

(Buhari) for being neutral 

throughout the presidential 

primary to select the APC flag 

bearer in the 2023 election. 

In a statement by the Special 

Adviser to the President 

on Media and Publicity, 

Chief Femi Adesina, the APC 

national leader said he would 

ride on the legacy of the President 

to give the party victory 

in the forthcoming election. 

He described the President 

as a true leader, brother and 

friend who demonstrated a 

sense of purpose, composure, 

new store and launching of a 

new collection in her fashion 

line. 

Cotton Loops is a sustainable 

manufacturing and retail 

brand for black and white 

artisanal style. 

Advising the younger generation, 

she said: “Younger 

ones should look beyond now 

because that’s the reason we 

don’t progress In Africa, we 

think about now. When I 

make 1 million, I pour it back 

into my business. 

“So, I will say delay gratification, 

work hard, have a 

goal, focus on it and also don’t 

Ibori Golf and Country Club stood still as Mr Sifo Oniti, a foundation member, 

celebrated his 60th birthday with a golf tournament on June 4.It was a flamboyant 

and well attended event featuring 18 holes of golf and a modest party thereafter. 

From left: Omordi George Ugbomah, Gibson Lee, Ishmael Khalil, Kingsley 

Emu,Economic Adviser to Delta State Governor, Sifo Oniti, Gladys Oniti, 

Chief Patrick Ukah, Secretary to Delta State Government (SSG) and Dr. Ifeany 

Osuoza, Delta PDP Publicity Secretary, at the occasion 

IPoB, gunmen clash in Anambra kills 5 

By Vincent Ujumadu, 

Awka 

IVE persons suspected 

Fto be unknown gunmen 

were on Friday killed 

during a confrontation with 

members of the Indigenous 

People of Biafra, IPoB, in 

Ihiala, Anambra State. 

An eyewitness who saw a 

Hilux van carrying the bodies 

of the gunmen out of the 

town said people hailed 

IPoB operatives who were 

shooting in the air as they 

drove towards the Onitsha- 

Owerri Expressway. 

He said: “It is true. The 

incident happened at Akwa 

village in Ihiala during a 

clash between IPOB and 

unknown gunmen. 

“The gunmen have a 

camp at a place called Oseakwa. 

They have been terrorizing 

Ihiala, Okija, Uli 

and other neighbouring 

communities. 

“For some time, the gunmen 

have been disrupting 

burials and demanding to 

Youths urged to look beyond immediate gratification 

forget the people coming behind 

you, train the young. I 

always say that, because a lot 

of us, as we get to the top, we 

forget that we were once 

young. “Also, for us to build 

the African economy, we 

need to have a 10-year plan, 

20 years and that’s the only 

way we can grow.” 

Speaking on her journey as 

an entrepreneur she said: “ I 

established the Cotton Loops 

brand on June 17th 2018 after 

attending The London 

College of Fashion, University 

of Arts, London. 

be settled before any ceremony 

is organised. They are 

also the group that has been 

kidnapping people and 

snatching cars. 

“On June 17, IPoB 

swooped on the gunmen in 

their camp and five people 

were killed during the shootout. 

IPoB operatives loaded 

the corpses in a Hilux van 

and paraded them around 

the villages.” 

Also on Friday, some people 

suspected to be members 

of Ebubeagu clashed 

with gunmen at Ihiala during 

a burial ceremony, although 

no lives were lost. 

According to the eyewitness, 

following the clash, the 

burial had to be cancelled 

and the corpse returned to 

the mortuary. 

He said: “It was terrible. 

What happened was that one 

Ekene who is a businessman 

in Ihiala was burying 

his late brother and his inlaws 

from Imo State came 

with members of Ebubeagu 

to protect them, only to be 

The President of Unit 

ed Apostolic Church 

of Christ Worldwide 

(UACC), Rev. Dr. James 

Bayo Owoyemi, has sent a 

congratulatory message to 

fathers all over the globe 

on the celebration of Father’s 

Day today. 

Owoyemi, who addressed 

journalists in his 

office in Ibadan, Oyo 

State, said: 

“Fatherhood is a ministry. 

It requires much commitment 

and divine backing. 

Anyone can be a man but 

it requires special attributes 

to be a father.” 

He went on: “Every father 

has special roles in 

God’s agenda to manage 

humanity. 

On this Father’s Day, I 

confronted by people who 

said they are unknown gunmen 

in charge of Ihiala. 

“The gunmen argued that 

Ebubeagu people ought not 

to enter Anambra State 

when there are people controlling 

the area. 

“ The incident happened 

at the village called 

Umuojimaka in Akwa. 

When the shooting became 

so much, the family took the 

corpse back to the mortuary. 

No new date has been 

fixed for the burial.” 

Anambra State Police 

Public Relations Officer, 

PPRO, Mr Tochukwu Ikenga 

told Vanguard that he 

was yet to receive a report 

about the Ihiala incidents. 

Recently, in the same Ihiala, 

some hoodlums set 

ablaze a mansion close to 

Aforigwe market in 

Ubahuekwem village for 

allegedly inviting the police 

after the man had paid the 

gunmen to provide security 

for him during a ceremony 

in his compound. 

Tinubu to Buhari: I thank you for being neutral in APC 

presidential primary 

•’We pleaded with president to 

choose successor’and maturity in the weeks 

leading to the Special Convention 

of the Party. 

The nominee expressed 

gratitude for the President’s 

congratulatory letter to him, 

and for allowing a level-playing 

field in the process to choose his 

successor. 

“Your Excellency, one must 

admire the sense of purpose, 

composure, and maturity you 

demonstrated in the weeks and 

months preceding the primary 

elections of our great party. As 

aspirants and party leaders, we 

all pleaded with you to ‘choose’ 

your successor”, Tinubu said. 

He continued: “Naturally, this 

is expected especially in African 

democracy. Up until the 6th of 

June, 2022, the day of the APC 

Presidential primaries, the 

whole of Nigeria, including myself, 

was waiting for you to announce 

your preferred candidate. 

All of us thought and believed 

this was a very simple 

matter. 

“However, it was only as the 

primary went into the night and 

as the aspirants walked up to 

the podium and spoke that I fully 

and truly appreciated your 

position and stance to be neutral 

and non-aligned to any of 

us. As the first person to speak, 

I also had the special vantage 

point to carefully hear, without 

any distraction, what the other 

aspirants had to say. 

“As the hours rolled by that 

evening, it became clear to me 

that all of us were your preferred 

candidates. As you captured it 

aptly in your letter to me, the 

‘spirit’ of 2013 and 2014 when 

we created and built APC was 

there for all to see. 

“In your letter and in our 

many meetings over the years, 

you fondly reminisced on fraternal 

attitude in the days and 

months before and after formation 

of the APC, when we all 

worked day and night to create, 

sustain and nurture our nascent 

movements into a credible opposition 

party and ultimately, 

become the ruling party. 

“That time, no one spoke 

about tribe; no one spoke about 

religion. That was not what 

drove us. We were driven by a 

common desire to save and 

transform Nigeria. 

“One by one, I saw my colleagues 

and partners stand on 

the podium, full of the same passion 

and patriotic zeal they had 

in 2013/2014, presenting their 

ideas on how to build on your 

successful legacy. Back then, as 

it is now, we were from all parts 

of the country, all tribes, and all 

religions. 

“We all had deep personal 

and strong bonds with you. 

We were together back then 

and our bonds remained 

strong up till now. 

“Mr. President, as the night 

of 6 June turned to morning 

of 7 June, I fully understood 

and appreciated your stance. 

You belonged to everybody in 

the party and you belonged 

to none of the individual candidates 

of the party. A true 

leader, brother and friend’’. 

Read more on 

www.vanguardngr.com 

FATHER’S DAY: Rev v Owoyemi felicit 

elicitat 

ates 

with 

fathers all over the world 

charge every father to assess 

himself if he is on the 

path of real father as designed 

by God. 

“I congratulate all fathers 

on this special day. I 

pray that God bestows 

upon you the anointing to 

fulfill your fatherhood 

purposes in Jesus name 

and and happy Father’s 

Day to all fathers”. 

Rev. Owoyemi

WEDDING OF KAYODE SAMUEL'S DAUGHTER 

Solemnization of the Holy Matrimony between Simisola 

Odunayo, daughter of Mr. Kayode Samuel, a former Commissioner 

for Information and Strategy, Ogun State, and Daniel 

Tunde Ojediran, son of the late Deacon Ezekiel Sunday Ojediran, 

took place at the Chapel of the Healing Cross, Idi-Araba, 

Surulere, Lagos. Photos by Bunmi Azeez 

•From left: Elder Jacob Ojediran, representing groom's father, Mrs. Aderonke Samuel, 

bride's mother, Daniel Tunde Ojediran, groom, his wife, Simisola Odunayo; 

Deaconess Mary Alake Ojediran, groom's mother and Mr. Kayode Samuel, bride's 

father. 

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2022, PAGE 37 

Vanguard team visits SMEDAN DG ahead of 

economic summit 

By Soni Daniel, Abuja 

THE new Director Gen 

eral of Small and Medium 

Enterprises Development 

Agency of Nigeria 

(SMEDAN), Wale Fasanya, 

has said that the agency 

is determined to enhance 

the growth and development 

of MSMEs 

across the country with renewed 

drive. 

Fasanya spoke in Abuja 

while receiving a team 

from Vanguard Newspapers 

Limited and The Economic 

Forum Series® 

EFS, which paid him a 

courtesy visit to brief him 

on the forthcoming 3rd 

Annual MSME Summit 

conceptualised, curated 

and convened by The Economic 

Forum Series ® 

EFS in partnership with 

Vanguard Newspapers. 

The event is scheduled for 

July 28, 2022 at the Civic 

Center, Ozumba Mbadiwe, 

Victoria Island, Lagos. 

The SMEDAN CEO, who 

acknowledged the huge 

potential small and medium 

enterprises can play in 

the economic growth of 

Nigeria, said that his agency 

was working with banks 

and other stakeholders to 

develop a platform for 

easing the financial stress 

being faced by small investors 

in the country. 

“We are working to develop 

both policy and financing 

framework to assist 

our small and medium 

scale investors to overcome 

the funding challenges 

that they face daily 

in their bid to improve 

their performance and add 

value to the economy,” he 

said. 

“By the time we are 

through with what we are 

doing to improve funding 

for MSMEs in Nigeria, 

those engaged in the business 

will have easier access 

to financing at cheaper 

rate. We are going to even 

link the small investors 

with banks so that they can 

have direct access to available 

funding sources in the 

country,” Fasanya said. 

Speaking at the meeting, 

Director, Vanguard 

Conferences and The Economic 

Forum Series (EFS) 

Strategic Partnership, Mr. 

Jude Ndu, said the team 

was in the SMEDAN DG’s 

office to formally share 

and intimate him of the 

MSME summit and to solicit 

the active participation 

of the agency in the 

event given existing relationships. 

Ndu was accompanied 

on the visit by the 

Northern Region Editor of 

Vanguard Newspapers, 

Soni Daniel, and the Head 

of Adverts, Mr. Kayode 

Ajala. 

Felix weds Nneka 

E 

LOM Felix Sunday 

will, on Saturday, 

June 25, 2022, wed his 

heartthrob, Igwe Nneka 

Nwankwo. 

According to a statement 

by Dr. Daniel Nwegwu 

on behalf of both families, 

the solemnization 

will take place at the 

Catholic Church of Pentecost, 

Silverbird Road, Ilesan 

Jakande, Lekki Lagos. 

•From left: Life Beer's Brand Ambassador, Chibuzor Azubuike, 

(AKA Phyno), Senior Brand Ambassador, Life Continental 

Lager Beer, Aishat Anaekwe; Life Beer's Brand Ambassador, 

Chinedu Okoli (AKA Flavour); Brand Ambassador, 

Yul Edochie, and Sales Director, Nigerian Breweries 

Plc, Uche Unigwe, during Life Continental Lager Beer Ambassadors’ 

contracts renewal, in Lagos. 

•From left: Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, GM/Editor in Chief Vanguard Newspapers; Mr. 

Linus Gabriel and his wife. 

• Oba Adedotun Oduneye Odusanya, Olu of Odosenu-Alaro Ijebu (2nd left), his 

Olori, Abiodun (left), Oba Olusegun Ogunye, Ojotumoro of Abigi, Ijebu (2nd 

right), and his Olori, Adefunke. 

• Pa. Ayo Adebanjo, Afenifere leader (right), and another guest.


Akinlaja, Falana, Ogunwumiju, others to honour Ondo Branch Law Week's 

maiden edition 

Former Member of the 

House of Reps, Hon. 

Joseph Akinlaja, Human 

Rights Lawyer, Mr Femi 

Falani (SAN) and Justice of 

the Supreme Court, Hon. 

Justice Helen Ogunwumiju 

are among dignitaries that 

will honour the maiden 

edition of the Law Week 

organized by the Nigerian 

Bar Association (NBA) 

Ondo Branch. 

The three-day event is set 

to kick off on Sunday, 26th 

of June to Wednesday 29th 

of June 2022 at Alpha 

Presidential Hall, Sabo 

Yaba, Ondo Town, Ondo 

State. 

Themed, “Insecurity And 

Corruption As A Challenge 

To Nigeria’s Democracy: 

The Role Of Law In 

Securing The Nation “, the 

2022 annual Law Week will 

explore the need for 

deliberate action in utilizing 

our democracy and the law 

• Falani •Ogunwumiju 

to mitigate against 

corruption in Nigeria. 

This veritable initiative is 

also aimed at shaping the 

future that Nigerians desire, 

and as well serve as a tactic 

warning against the 

consequences of inaction in 

the face of ills plaguing 

Nigeria and every strata of 

the country’s national life. 

•Akinlaja 

The 2022 Ondo Law 

Week comes against the 

backdrop of Nigeria’s 

multifaceted crisis and 

the resulting mounting 

pressure that threatens 

the future of the 

country. 

By leading this 

discourse, the NBA 

Ondo Chapter seeks to 

chart a new course for 

the redemption of the 

nation’s legal system 

and the freedom that 

citizens should enjoy in 

a democratic nation 

where zero tolerance is 

given to corruption in 

M i n i s t r i e s , 

Department and Agencies 

and also among the 

citizenry in all walks of life. 

The high profile Law 

Week is said to feature His 

Lordship, Hon. Justice 

Helen Ogunwumiju as the 

keynote Speaker, whilst His 

Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr) 

Victor Kiladejo Jilo III, the 

Osemawe of Ondo 

Kingdom is the Royal Father 

of the Day. 

According to the 

programme of event seen by 

veracitydesk.com.ng, Hon 

Justice Akintan Osadebay 

will be amongst the 

discussants, others are, Dr 

Remi Olatubora [SAN], 

Aare Biola Isiaka Olagunju 

[SAN], O.A. Akintoye ESQ 

and Sir Charles Titiloye, 

Attorney-General and Hon. 

Commissioner for Justice, 

Ondo State. 

Apart from the 

aforementioned 

personalities above others 

who equally made the 

discussants’ list are Dr Tayo 

Oyetibo [SAN], Y.C. 

Maikyau [SAN], Prince 

Adebayo Adewale, Mazi 

Afam Osigwe [SAN], Hon 

Justice Taiwo Taiwo, J.K. 

Gazama [SAN], Dele 

Adesina [SAN] and Akin 

Akinloye [SAN]. 

2023: Urhobo group advises 

Deltans to vote for PDP candidates 

rhobo socio-polical 

Ugroup, Urhobo Peoples 

Integrity Organisation 

(UPIO) has called Deltans to 

vote for all candidates of the 

Peoples Democratic Party, 

PDP, in the forthcoming 

elections of 2023. 

This was contained in a 

statement signed by 

Olorogun Ebenezer 

Okorodudu and Chief Jerry 

Eruvbedede (National 

President and National 

Secretary, respectively, after 

the group’s last general 

monthly meeting in Ekpan, 

Uvwie Local Government 

Area, noting that the winner 

of Peoples Democratic Party 

(PDP) Delta State 

governorship primary Elder 

Sheriff Oborevwori has all it 

takes to succeed Governor 

Okowa in 2023 . 

According to them, besides 

experience, there was an 

existing synergy between 

Governor Okowa and the 

Speaker of the Delta State 

Nomadic Education Act: Oseke’s amendment bill for national unity, harmonious coexistence 

By Chris Eriyamremu 

ommendably, the Bill 

C(HB. 1734), being 

sponsored by Hon. Preye I.G. 

Oseke, member representing 

Southern Ijaw Federal 

Constituency of Bayelsa State 

at the House of 

Representatives, seeking to 

amend the National 

Commission for Nomadic 

Education Act, which has 

passed second reading would 

promote national unity, 

peace-building, harmonious 

coexistence, and end farmersherders 

menace in Nigeria. 

Oseke, while, addressing the 

Speaker, and his colleagues, 

said: “ The Bill for an Act to 

amend the National 

Commission for Nomadic 

Education Act, Cap N20 Laws 

of the Federation of Nigeria, 

2004, is to redefine the concept 

of nomadic education to cover 

all categories of nomads 

including migrant fishermen, 

itinerant farmers, pastoralists 

and other person or group of 

persons that frequently move 

from one place to the other in 

the country and to redefine the 

learning methods to include 

modern emerging learning 

approaches and the use of 

relevant teaching aids 

amongst nomads in tandem 

with modern realities and for 

related matters.” 

The lawmaker recalled that 

the federal government 

realized that a special 

educational provision was 

necessary and made for the 

nomads, to enable them to 

have access to formal and nonformal 

education, which led 

to the establishment in 1989, 

of the National Commission 

for Nomadic Education 

among other things, 

formulate policy and issue 

guidelines in matters relating 

to nomadic education in 

Nigeria and widen access to 

basic and quality education 

for nomads, thereby boosting 

their literacy and equipping 

them with skills and 

competence to enhance their 

well-being and participation 

in the nation-building process. 

Oseke, also realized that 

despite the existence of the 

Commission, the 

implementation had not 

yielded the desired results, 

therefore, it became 

imperative and urgent to 

amend the Act and bring it in 

tandem with current trends, as 

the country is faced with 

ethnic division, religious 

intolerance, and incessant 

farmers and herders disputes. 

In the new Bill, the 

lawmaker seeks to amend the 

long title of the Principal Act 

to widen the scope of the 

objectives of the Commission; 

amend the Act to create 

national and zonal offices; to 

give states with nomadic 

population representation on 

the governing board of the 

Commission, and to 

empower the Commission to 

utilize modern teaching and 

learning methods and for 

other related matters. 

From the above, Oseke has 

proven and reiterated his 

belief in the unity of Nigeria, 

peaceful and harmonious coexistence 

among Nigerians, 

who are at liberty to move and 

live peacefully in any part of 

the country. 

Emphasizing the merits of 

the Bill, the lawmaker, added: 

“ This bill is borne out of a 

desire to facilitate the 

realization of the objectives of 

the Nomadic Education 

Programme (NEP) of the 

federal government, which 

the Commission is saddled 

with its implementation. The 

absence of a proper formal or 

informal education for the 

nomadic population in 

Nigeria poses a grave threat 

to the well-being of the 

nation.” 

He continued “This is 

manifest in the cases of 

farmers-herders clashes 

reported to have occurred in 

several parts of the country. If 

this is to be abated, then the 

nomads (herders) must be 

given proper civic education. 

House of Assembly resulting 

in a smooth continuity in 

governance. 

UPIO further stated that the 

emergence of Oborevwori as 

the the winner of the PDP Delta 

State governorship primary 

was divine, noting that the 

issuance of Certificate of 

Returns to him by the national 

working committee of the PDP 

has proved that the Speaker 

of the state House of Assembly 

was a very qualified candidate 

for the number one political 

seat in Delta State. 

The therefore urged 

electorate in Delta State to 

vote for Chief Oborevwori and 

other PDP candidates in the 

2023 general elections. 

UPIO also seized the 

opportunity to hail the 

speaker, members and staff of 

Delta State House of 

Assembly on the successful 

celebration of the 3rd 

anniversary of the 7th 

assembly of the house. 

This is what the Commission 

is poised to achieve, through 

the implementation of the 

NEP.” 

Oseke also proffered a 

sustainable solution to the 

menace of farmers-herders 

conflicts. 

The National Assembly ( 

Senate and House of 

Representatives) should give 

utmost priority to the passage 

of the Bill, and expectedly, the 

President will also promptly 

sign it into law, and ensure 

adequate implementation of 

the laudable aims and 

objectives as contained in the 

amendment Bill. 

•Eriyamremu, a peace 

mediator, strategy/ 

leadership consultant, writes 

from Warri, Delta State.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2022 — PAGE 39 

Aggrieved FA chairmen vow to pass vote-of-noconfidence 

on NFF if … 

Twenty eight State Foot 

ball Association chairmen 

are insisting on going 

ahead with their threat to 

withdraw their mandate 

from the present Nigeria Football 

Federation, NFF board 

led by Delta-born Amaju Pinnick 

if the Bayelsa High 

Court exparte order stopping 

the federation’s September 

Congress is not vacated urgently. 

This follows a two-day brief 

meeting with a four-man 

representative of the NFF at 

the weekend which they said 

continues today, according 

to an online medium, 

BSNSports.com.ng. 

It was gathered that in the 

Friday meeting, two FA 

Chairmen from each geo-political 

zone represented the 

28 Congress members. However, 

South-south zone 

where the NFF President 

comes from was represented 

by four FA Chairmen. 

Speaking on condition of 

anonymity to BSN Sports, 

one of the Chairmen from the 

South South said, “Nothing 

is concluded yet, we still need 

to meet again. We will converge 

again tomorrow (today).” 

“But before our meeting on 

(Friday night) we met briefly 

with the NFF representatives 

who presented their 

case before us after which our 

meeting which will be concluded 

on Sunday began. 

The four NFF representatives 

are: League Management 

Company (LMC) and 

NFF Second Vice-president, 

Shehu Dikko, Chairman of 

Chairmen, Shehu Gusau, 

Niger State FA Chairman, 

Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, and 

Enyimba FC Chairman, Felix 

Anyansi Agwu. 

Mane: Liverpool reach £35m 

agreement with Bayern 

•Sadio Mane 

Liverpool have reached 

agreement with Bayern 

Munich for the sale of 

Senegal forward Sadio 

Mane for a reported fee of 

£35.1 million ($42.7m), 

according to reports. 

With the transfer of Darwin 

Nunez from Benfica 

completed last week, Liverpool 

have sanctioned Mane’s 

sale to the Bundesliga champions 

after the forward expressed 

his desire to leave 

Anfield following the Champions 

League final defeat to 

Real Madrid last month. 

Mane, 30, is in the final 

year of his contract with the 

Reds. Bayern have had two 

previous bids rejected as 

Liverpool considered the 

add-ons unrealistic. 

However, with a replacement 

now signed it is understood 

Liverpool are willing 

to negotiate over their 

£40m-plus asking price. 

According to the PA news 

agency, Bayern will pay 

£27.5m up front, with a 

further £5m due when the 

Senegal international 

meets specified appearance 

clauses and an additional 

£2.6m based on individual 

and team achievements. 

Mane is believed to have 

agreed terms with Bayern 

on a three-year contract and 

will look to fill the considerable 

void of Robert Lewandowski 

who has expressed 

his desire to leave the serial 

German champions. 

....He’ll ruin his career by joining 

Bayern, says ex Liverpool striker 

Former Liverpool strik 

er Dean Saunders has 

warned Sadio Mane is is 

wasting two years of his career 

by deciding to join 

Bayern Munich. 

The Senegal international 

has enjoyed six fruitful 

years at Anfield and has 

been a mainstay of the success 

the club have enjoyed 

under Jurgen Klopp. 

Mane, however, is keen to 

seek a new challenge and is 

excited at the prospect of 

becoming Bayern’s star attraction 

should Robert Lewandowski 

complete his 

acrimonious departure and 

join Barcelona. 

The 30-year-old, who has 

scored over a century of goals 

for the Merseyside club, 

leaves with Klopp’s blessing 

but Saunders is struggling to 

comprehend the former 

Southampton forward’s decision. 

Saunders said on talk- 

SPORT: ‘Nothing against 

the club, it’s a great club, 

but the league is nowhere 

near a challenge for Mane. 

‘He’ll get goals. They win 

5-0 every week, only one 

team can win the league. 

‘It’s not a challenge. He 

will get in his armchair, 

light a cigar up, he’ll play 

for Bayern in third gear and 

he’ll coast for two years and 

ruin the best two years of 

his life as a footballer. 

•NFF bosses: L-R — Dikko, Pinnick and Akinwunmi 

Egypt FA considers Rohr, 

Queiroz for Pharoah’s job 

Former Super Eagles’ 

manager Gernot Rohr 

is set to return to work very 

soon if the information coming 

from Egypt is to be considered, 

BSNsports.com.ng 

report. Rohr was sacked in 

late 2020 by the Nigeria 

Football Federation, NFF following 

the poor performance 

of the Super Eagles 

then despite still in the position 

of qualifying for two 

major tournaments. 

According to the information 

coming from Egypt, 

the Egypt Football Association( 

EFA) has opened the 

discussion with Rohr and 

the former coach of the 

team Carlos Queiroz. 

Queiroz was sacked in 

March after the Pharaoh 

lost to Senegal and failed to 

qualify for the Qatar 2022 

World Cup. 

Ehab Galal was appointed 

in his position but the recent 

poor performance of the 

team most especially the 2- 

0 loss to Ethiopia in the qualifier 

of the 2023 African Cup 

of Nations led to the sacking 

of Galal again. 

The reports suggest that 

EFA opened the discussion 

with Rohr’s representatives 

on Thursday and he alongside 

Queiroz are in a pole position 

to get the job. 

2022 AWCON: We’re looking 

beyond South Africa — Oshoala 

Super Falcons’ striker Asi 

sat Oshoala says her side 

is looking beyond facing title 

rivals South Africa at this 

year’s Africa Women’s Cup of 

Nations, AWCON, in Morocco 

Ṫhe record nine-time African 

champions will open their 

2022 WAFCON campaign 

just as they ended the last edition 

against 2018 runners-up 

Banyana Banyana, having 

been pitted in Group C, alongside 

Botswana, and Burundi. 

The Super Falcons bowed 

twice in last three meetings 

with South African since 2018 

but the Barcelona star insists 

her side is underestimating no 

side, including Desiree Ellis’ 

team in their quest for another 

record-extending 10th continental 

crown. 

“I don’t think the opening 

game is a decider of the tournament, 

and by the way, it’s not 

only South Africa we will be 

facing. It’s a whole tournament,” 

Oshoala told 

CAFOnline.com. 

“We are not going to be seated 

talking tough about just 

one team [South Africa]. Obviously, 

they are a very strong 

team, a very competitive one 

as well”. 

•Oshoala 

Juventus remove Dybala’s 

jersey from sale over Inter links 

Juventus fans noticed 

that Paulo Dybala’s 

jersey has been removed 

from the store, unlike those 

of Federico Bernardeschi, 

Giorgio Chiellini and 

Alvaro Morata, perhaps because 

he’s heading to rivals 

Inter. 

Anyanwu donates football jerseys to former school 

Grass-root 

football 

advocate and Head Scout 

of Gulf United Football Club 

Dubai United Arab, Marcellinus 

Anyanwu has donated 60 set of 

jerseys to primary schools in 

Anambaa Uzoagba Ikeduru LGA 

Imo state as a way of giving back 

to his roots and the society in a 

ceremony attended by family 

members and community leaders. 

Coach Anyanwu disclosed that 

the school was where he started 

his educational career and urged 

the pupils to work hard in their 

studies, sports and shun crime. 

Significantly, he also promised 

to establish a good Sports 

structure in the school with the 

help of his Club Gulf United 

Football Club, Dubai. 

Reacting to the gesture, his 

mother, Mrs Esther Anyanwu, 

former Head Mistress (HM) of 

the school said she was 

overwhelmed by the kind gesture 

from her son whom she described 

as a leader and a man with a large 

heart. 

Equally, the Head Mistress of 

the school Mrs Bridget Njoku 

expressed happiness as she 

thanked the former Assistant 

Coach of Nigeria Premier League 

Club, Mountain of Fire and 

Miracle FC, Lagos and prayed God 

to bless him for putting smiles on 

the faces of the pupils of the 

school. 

She said, “June 14, 2022 will 

always be remembered as the day 

of joy and happiness for the pupils 

of this school’” 

Recall that Marcello Anyanwu 

last year partnered with Gulf 

United Football Club Dubai and 

UK to host the first ever African 

showcase in Lagos and Abuja. The 

opportunity offered Five talented 

Nigerian players scholarship to 

study and play football in USA 

universities 

The former captain was 

released as a free agent from 

June 30 and said goodbye 

in floods of tears at the Allianz 

Juventus Stadium. 

Also released this summer 

were Morata, Bernardeschi 

and Chiellini, but while 

their jerseys remain for sale 

on the official Juventus 

website, the same is not true 

of Dybala’s shirt. 

His Number 10 has been 

removed from the site and 

can no longer be purchased. 

There are a few different 

reasons suggested for this 

treatment, including the 

idea his Number 10 will be 

handed over to imminent 

new signing Paul Pogba 

when he arrives from 

Manchester United as a free 

agent. Another is that Juventus 

fans feel betrayed by 

Dybala’s apparent decision 

to sign for their arch-rivals 

Inter. La Joya spent seven 

years in Turin, making 293 

appearances for the club. 

Shoddy Job 

ONE of President Muhammadu Buhari’s best 

quotes on assumption of office in 2015 after failing 

thrice is that “if we (Nigeria) don’t kill corruption, 

corruption will kill us”. 

Most Nigerians were happy at the time that at last, a 

man who will help the country clean up the system or 

at least reduce corruption to the barest minimum have 

finally arrived. 

However, that hope today is forlorn because rather 

than being eradicated, corruption has taken a firmer 

root under the perceived messiah Nigerians longed for. 

Without sounding blasphemous, I will say that even 

if God comes down today, Nigerians are not ready to 

hearken to Him to change their ways. Everybody wants 

to dip his or her hands into the nation’s cookie jar. 

I remember when Nigeria won the bid to host the U- 

20 FIFA World Youth Championship( now renamed 

FIFA U-20 World Cup) in 1999 and the Lagos National 

Stadium was to be re-grassed for it to meet FIFA standard, 

the administrators in-charge of sports then had 

to go all the way to Kenya to import grass for the stadium’s 

turf after FIFA condemned what was there before. 

However, during one of their visits to the Institute of 

International Tropical Agriculture, IITA in Ibadan 

whose playing turf was chosen by FIFA as one of the 

training grounds for teams grouped to play at the then 

Liberty stadium, a FIFA official asked why the government 

would go all the way to Kenya to import grass 

when there were quality ones in Ibadan. 

The IITA turf was not only lush green but it was also 

of high quality and was well cared for by professional 

groundsmen. The FIFA man didn’t understand the Nigerian 

propensity for making extra money by travelling 

abroad to buy what is easily available in his country. 

After that experience, the same government officials 

introduced synthetic turf in major stadia across the 

country chosen as host cities when the country again 

hosted the U-17 FIFA World Cup in 2009. Of course 

they were the link to the contractors who handled the 

job and got ‘kickbacks’ from the deals. 

Artificial turf became the trend after that and so officials 

of the Delta state government introduced it to the 

Warri Township stadium. The contractor who handled 

the job in Warri did a poor job for the humongous 

amount the contract may have cost the state. Once 

after a major rainfall during a CAF competition there, 

the turf floated on the flooded pitch to the embarrassment 

of all, including those who watched it on television. 

The turf was mopped before the match could commence. 

Why arm I recalling all these incidents? It is because 

of what Nigerians saw at the Moshood Abiola National 

Stadium in Abuja when the Super Eagles played Sierra 

Leone there in a 2023 AFCON qualifying match 

earlier this month. 

The multi-million dollar stadium built to host the All 

Africa Games in 2003 had been in a sorry state before 

the sports ministry partnered with the Dangote Group 

to renovate it. 

Of course the company is neither Julius Berger that 

built it nor another big construction company with 

the expertise for such jobs. So it provided the requisite 

funding which we hear was about a million dollars. 

The construction firm which was employed to regrass 

the pitch did a shoddy job which the sports ministry 

however, celebrated with fanfare. To showcase 

the job, the sports ministry may have arm-twisted the 

Nigeria Football Federation, NFF to take the Super Eagles 

World Cup playoff against Ghana there. 

The 1-1 draw the national team played there which 

ended their World Cup dream was unbearable for angry 

fans who found a way to vent their anger for the 

hardship they were ostensibly going through as a result 

of poor governance in the country. 

A few months after the mayhem at the stadium, 

again to show that it had repaired the damages done 

there, the AFCON qualifier against Sierra Leone was 

taken there. 

Even though they played behind closed doors, Nigerians 

were taken aback by the poor state of the pitch 

which was glaring even on the television screen. 

The pitch, as it is right now, is only suitable for horse 

racing than a football game. Balls bounce poorly and 

players can hardly make accurate passes to their teammates. 

No wonder the players could not play to their 

optimum and were only lucky to come back from a 

goal down to defeat the visitors 2-1. 

Football fans and stakeholders have been wondering 

why the Super Eagles are no longer allowed to play 

their matches at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, 

Akwa Ibom state arguably the best in the country for 

now. 

If the ministry must insist on the national teams playing 

their matches at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium 

in Abuja because it is the nation’s capital, then it 

should as well contract the maintenance of the pitch 

and every other aspect of the edifice to professionals to 

manage and stop portraying the country in bad light 

to the world.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 19, 2022 

SEE SOLUTION ON PAGE 8 

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Advert Dept: 01-7924470, Hotline: 01-4544821, Abuja Advert Hotline: 09-2921024 

E-mail website: sundayvanguard@yahoo.com, editor@vanguard.com, news@vanguardngr.com, sunvanguardmail@yahoo.com. Advert: advert@vanguardngr.com. Internet: www.vanguardngr.com 

(ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: WALE AKINOLA 08023145556. All correspondence to P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos.

19062022

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