It’s A Lie ; Nobody Attacked Oshiomhole, Or His House – Edo State Commissioner Of Police

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October 15, 2019

By Akinwale Kasali

Contrary to the story spreading like wildfire that the Home of the All Progressive Congress, APC, National Chairman, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole was attacked by armed men in Benin, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Dan Mallam Muhammed, says it is a blatant lie.

Muhammed restated that the State Police Command’s position is that there was no attack on the person, or residence of former Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

Speaking to the media, Muhammed debunked the story, warning troublemakers to steer clear of the state.

The Police Commissioner said the Police beefed up security around the APC National Chairman while his visit to the State lasted, during which no attack was recorded.

“To the best of my knowledge, no one had access to the house of the National Chairman. When he came into the State, we beefed up security around him, from his house to the Oba’s palace, from there to the airport before he left for Abuja.

“Let me use this medium to warn trouble makers that Edo State is very peaceful and calm. The State is the most peaceful in the South-South Region of Nigeria. We will do everything according to the law to ensure that the peace the people of Edo State enjoy is not truncated and any attempt by anyone to cause trouble in the State will be resisted with maximum force,” he noted.

A Chieftain of the APC in the state, Charles Idahosa, described the allegations as efforts by unscrupulous elements to heat up the polity so that evil elements can have their way.

The Real Danger in the Sex-for-Grade Saga

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October 14, 2019

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By Emeka Asinugo

The sex-for-grades scandal that has recently hit many universities in Nigeria and Ghana is about university dons asking their students to have sex with them for marks. This has been a part of what can be defined as “protocol” in many Nigerian universities. It’s been there for as long as when the first university was built in the country decades ago. Today, the society has taken on Nigerian university lecturers, looked them derisively in the face and blamed and castigated them. But that same society also seems to be turning a blind eye to the fact that this epidemic that is the general topic today equally invaded Nigerian secondary and even primary schools.

In my home town back in Nigeria last year, a teacher was simply transferred to another school after he impregnated a Year 10 girl in his school, an Anglican secondary school. The girl had to leave school to go deliver and nurse her child while the man was posted out to another school where he would probably impregnate another teenager since the authorities didn’t seem to recognize that an offence had been committed. The randy teacher’s wife was said to be a lecturer at the Federal University of Education in my home state. And I wondered how the poor woman would have reacted on learning that her husband had descended so low.

A lecturer and former sub-dean in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Lagos was caught on camera sexually harassing a BBC undercover reporter who had posed as a 17 year-old girl looking for admission into the institution. The university suspended the randy lecturer indefinitely. And a professor of Political Science and another lecturer at the College of Education in the University of Ghana were captured in a 53-minute video documentary released by the BBC Africa Eye where they allegedly made sexual advances at female students.

Where do we start from, and where do we end?

When Oby Ezekwesili was the minister of education by 2006, she had opportunity to sit in audience with a set of about 1,000 students. She had hoped that they would raise issues about their welfare, about better equipment, about infrastructural decay in their schools. But instead, each succeeding girl spoke about how she had continued to be harassed by her teacher to have sex for grades with him. As the education minister, Ezekwesili knew she had to do something about the dirty situation. But then she was called away to work in the World Bank where she had served earlier and had become literally indispensible.

In 2010 after a student was gang-raped at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, the authorities initiated what they called WARSHE, an acronym for War Against Rape, Sexual Harassment and Exploitation. It was an initiative that meant well for female students who faced the ordeal. But what did they achieve? Some of the girls interviewed by journalists said it was a tough battle they knew they would not win. They sometimes realized that they had no real options than to give in.

And so, for several years, sexual harassment went on, not only in Nigerian universities but also in the secondary and even primary schools. Today, the scandal has dominated headlines in several media houses across the globe, especially after British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, sent undercover journalists to some prominent universities to burst the culture.

Writing in the 26 July 2018 edition of Pulse magazine, Bayo Wahab noted that the culture of sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions had been allowed to go unchallenged to the extent that randy lecturers boldly made sexual demands from their students in exchange for marks. He argued that part of why the culture had continued to thrive was because inadequate punishment, and in most cases no punishment, had always been meted out to identified culprits, as in the case of the teacher in my town.

Of course the case of Professor Richard Akindele who was pointed out by his student at Obafemi Awolowo University is still fresh in the memory of most Nigerians. Akindele was jailed for six years, two years on each of three-count charges that were to run concurrently. One would wonder if that punishment can be considered as inadequate after the man lost his job and was not likely to get another similar job following his jail term; he had lost the confidence of his family and friends, lost his name and fame and reduced his integrity in public esteem. If you ask me, I think the punishment should have sent a direct message to other lecturers who might have been in the habit of asking to sleep with their students. Unfortunately that didn’t seem to be the situation as more recently, similar cases erupted in the University of Lagos.

The main reason this culture has become seemingly intractable in Nigeria’s institutions of higher learning is that there appears to be a follow-up culture of silence surrounding the affairs. No one seems to be ready to be involved in blowing the whistle against a fellow lecturer or a fellow student. No one seems to want to look for someone else’s trouble. Nobody wants to drink panadol over someone else’s headache. Second is that these lecturers have a certain degree of autonomy in their departments and the impression has been created that they are the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end there is, as far as their students are concerned. Third is that the students are said to sometimes come to see their teachers in very sexy dresses – a situation that tends to inflame the teachers’ passion and desire to eat the forbidden fruit. After all, they are human beings first, before any other thing. There is also a possibility that once a lecturer has been identified as making amorous advances to his female students, there is a gang-up of students and the general public to crucify him. In the confusion, some of the female students seize the opportunity to seek attention by being the most outspoken of an incident they may have silently endured when it happened to them. Fourth is the emphasis employers of labour seem to place on certificates and degrees as a prerequisite for hiring hands. No one asks for competence and there are no other ways of evaluating skills. The result is that every student or intending student simply wants to have a degree certificate whatever the cost. And unscrupulous lecturers take advantage of the situation to prey on vulnerable students or students-to-be.

But the big issue is whether it is morally right for a teacher to sleep with his student in the first place, grades or no grades.

The fact that a student dressed in a sexy manner does not in any way diminish the responsibility of the lecturer over his student. He can as well tell the student to go change her dress before he can attend to her. If she refuses, the teacher can take a stand on not seeing her until she obeys him. That is called responsibility. Most of the lecturers are married and have families. They should worry about that because their attitude will definitely influence the values their own children place on relationships. They should worry about how these relationships are likely to affect their wives as well. Most wives will expectedly not be usually comfortable knowing that they are sharing their husbands with other younger girls who in some cases might be the age-mate of their own children.

Most importantly is the more vexatious fact that teachers sleeping with their students to pass them in exams in which they may not have excelled definitely lowers the standard of education in the country. And that is where government should be seriously concerned. Government should worry that a good number of the so-called graduates of Nigerian universities cannot speak good English today or even express themselves understandably due to the “magnanimity” of their teachers. The quality of education is always compromised when marks are given to students in exchange for sex. This is exactly where the federal ministry of education must come in and get the National Assembly to pass a more proactive law on sex-for-grades relationship between teachers and students in Nigerian schools, colleges and universities so that they have something meaningful to show the world at this stage. It’s like the CEO of a company having sex with his secretary or another member of staff. That relationship is bound to affect the quality of the company’s production and its capacity to deliver because standards have been compromised.

If we reflect back a few years ago, we will remember that at 49, American President Bill Clinton faced a similar scandal with his aide, Monica Lewinsky, then only 22. The sexual relationship took place between 1995 and 1997 but only came to light in 1998. In a televised speech to the American people that year, Clinton said he “did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky”. But despite his denial, further investigation led to him being charged with perjury which also led to his impeachment by the U.S. House of Representatives in 1998.

The Nigerian legislature may have passed the law that, yes, a lecturer has the moral right to sleep with his student, provided the student is not below the age of 18. It would then be assumed that it was not rape or forced sex but two adults consenting to indulge in a sexual act. Unfortunately, the legislators appeared to have concentrated their concern on the sexual act itself and not on how that kind of relationship could possibly affect the quality of education in the country – which is what they should actually be more concerned with. It is encouraging that the respected honourable gentlemen and ladies of the hallowed chambers are now agreed on getting back to the drawing board to revisit the Sexual Harassment Prohibition Bill. They must save Nigeria the problem of compromising the quality of its education. They should not see this scandal only from the periphery. They must seriously consider the harm sex-for-grades in any section of Nigeria’s educational institutions could cause the country in terms of lowering standards. For teachers to compromise the educational standard of Nigerian schools is preposterous. It is the real danger in the sex-for-grades saga.

Chief Sir Emeka Asinugo is the author of ‘The Presidential Years: From Dr. Jonathan to Gen. Buhari’ and Publisher of Imo State Business Link Magazine (Website: imostateblm.com)

The Danger of Discrepancies

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October 14, 2019

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By Sani Adamu

Early in this Fourth Republic, Evan(s) Enwerem, a member if the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was elected senator representing Imo East senatorial zone.

On June 3,1999, he was elected the first president of the Nigerian Senate. But, by November of the same year, Enwerem was removed from office.

Evan or Evans was accused of falsification of his name. This caused a controversy as to whether his real name was Evan or Evans. On November 18, 1999, Evan(s) Enwerem was removed as senate president but remained a member of the Senate until 2003.

Recently, when it became public knowledge that former minister of finance in the present administration, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun didn’t observe the mandatory one year National Youths Service Corps programme (NYSC), she didn’t wave the matter aside (the administration didn’t either) by arguing that her educational qualifications and experience (recall that she was a commissioner before her appointment as finance minister) more than made up for the one year NYSC scheme. She took the path of honour. She resigned her position and President Buhari received her resignation with gladness because her decision gave his anti- corruption crusade and administration a boost.

These two incidents are positive pointers that as a people, we believe that our public office holders should be above board. The reason for this is not far fetched. Every and any public office is held in trust for the people. When this trust is therefore breached, there should be consequences.

But recent developments seem to suggest otherwise. Or how else can one interpret the judgement given by the 2019 Presidential Election Petition Tribunal as it relates to Mr. President’s qualification.

According to the judgement delivered by the chairman of the tribunal, Justice Mohammed Garba, Buhari’s certificate from the Nigerian Military is higher than the Secondary school certificate stated as minimum academic requirement for the election by the constitution.

To that end, Buhari according to the judgement was ’eminently’ qualified to vie for the country’s topmost job.

True. But which comes first – the chicken or the eggs? How does work experience override or become replacement for educational qualifications?

As though to add salt to the injury, the tribunal further stated as irrelevant in the determination of the case the discrepancy in Buhari’s names on the school certificate as tendered by Atiku Abubakar. It stated thus: “Whether it’s Muhammad with a ‘U’ or Mohammed Buhari with an ‘O’, they all refer to and identify the second respondent.”. But this case is no different from the Evan or Evans Enwerem as recalled above.

What does the law say about discrepancies in documents particularly certificates? It is required that such documents be backed with sworn affidavit.

Although, Mr. President submitted an affidavit to the effect that ” all my academic qualifications (documents) as filled in the presidential election are currently with the Secretary Military Boards as at the time if this affidavit “, to which the Military authority has since debunked, there was no affidavit to support the discrepancy in the school certificate.

Falsification of results is an issue various examination bodies in the country are battling with and not making much of a head way. Besides, falsification is an offence under the law. So for such a sensitive matter to be so dismissed by the tribunal is not just unfortunate but a looming disaster waiting to happen very soon in the education sector.

It is therefore necessary that the Supreme court takes another look at this all important subject matter as the case makes its final journey to the apex court.

Mr. Adamu, a retired teacher wrote from Yola, Adamawa State.

Fidelity Bank Calls On Data Processing Firms To Synergise

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Bayo Bernard

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October 14, 2019

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Fidelity Bank has harped on the synergy among data processing firms in the country as a way of providing customers’ satisfaction.

Collaboration among data processing organisations will assist banks and other financial institutions to make the processing of customers’ data flexible and easy, the bank said.

The bank’s Executive Director, Operations and Information, Joshua Gbolahan made this call during a panel session at the 10th anniversary celebration of Verve in Lagos recently.

“Digital identity is very critical in digital banking operations. Industry collaboration must be embraced by both financial institutions and database generating institutions to simplify digital banking operations” he said.

He explained that this will enable banks satisfy their customers through different digital channels.

Joshua also called on all data firms to synergise to achieve new data processing levels.

He harped on the importance of data validation as a major driver in enhancing the Know Your Customer policy.

Joshua noted that harmonisation of disparate databases would accelerate lending processes by banks.

He said the bank will continue to share data with other institutions because Fidelity Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Open Technology Foundation for the adoption of a standard Application Programming Interface for its operations as a financial institution.

How Ihedioha is Fixing Collapsed Roads in Imo

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October 14, 2019

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By Chibuike Onyeukwu

In the course of a recent interview with a prominent citizen of Imo state and front line politician, a journalist with one of the leading national newspapers in Nigeria (name withheld), posed the following question: “…Could you talk to Governor Ihedioha in view of the current state of dilapidation and near frustration in Imo?”. The politician in question (name also withheld), a very cerebral leader, gave a brilliant answer but it was in the question, itself, that I took interest. Two expressions that struck me in the question are: “TALK TO” and “…STATE OF DILAPIDATION”

By requesting from the interviewee if he could “talk to Governor Ihedioha…”, the interviewer tended to suggest that he believed that His Excellency is withholding action in tackling the dilapidation, and needs to be persuaded to do something. Even though it is hard to know whether the interviewer is an indigene of Imo state (the interview carried no byline) that aspect of the question tends to reflect a notion held in some quarters within the state. But nothing can be more misleading than that.

There is not an atom of inaction or hesitance in pursuing the administration’s programme for tackling the near-collapsed state of infrastructure it inherited. Here, of course, the roads – both federal and state – are the main centre of concern because of their current abysmal state.

However, it is already in public domain that in his 100 days in office, His Excellency flagged of an 81-Kilometer urban roads rehabilitation project worth N23.4 billion. 14 roads are covered in the project in the Owerri capital territory while the state government has commenced discussions with the federal authorities over the rehabilitation of federal roads in the state.

Perhaps it is appropriate here to recall the exact words of the governor at the flag off ceremony on Thursday September 19, 2019: “We are commencing … comprehensive roads rehabilitation across the state to address the sorry state of our roads. We have tried to provide palliative measures on the roads, ranging from distilling of drainages, to address the perennial flooding, to filling failed portions.”

The governor went ahead to emphasize that his administration is very much concerned with the quality of work that will be delivered to the people. He said: “In order to ensure that a good job is done and to guarantee durability, painstaking processes were observed. The process of getting to this point was transparent and followed due process. All these were done to ensure not just quality assurance but value for money”.

He maintained that, “my administration would not consider geographical divisions in addressing the developmental needs of the state”, adding that part of his administration’s cardinal agenda, “is to run a one-stop state, where democracy dividends will be evenly distributed across the 27 local government areas of the state”

The 14 roads earmarked for construction under the project include Nkume/Umuowa/Owerri Ebiri/Umuna/Orlu; Imo State University Teaching Hospital/Umuna; Mgbidi/Oguta; Douglas/Emmanuel College/Naze and Naze/Poly/Iheagwa/Obinze.

Others are Control-Post/World Bank; Ahiara Junction/Okpala; IMSU/Bishop’s Court; Okigwe Town/St. Mary’s Catholic Church; MCC/Toronto junction, Aba Branch/Ahiara Junction; Concord/Zuma/Port Harcourt, among others.

The above are not inclusive of the N13.8 billion, 380km road rehabilitation projects in 20 local government areas in the state also flagged off by the governor through the RAMP2 Project, as well as flag off of the N10 billion, Urualla Gully Erosion project in collaboration with NEWMAP.

There are three key words or phrases to note here: Painstaking, Due Process and Quality Assurance. Taken either singly or together, what these three expressions mean is that what appears to be a delay is nothing other than a deliberate move and determination to tackle the problem from its root. In other words, the administration is, first and foremost, tackling the cause of the pervasive dilapidation which is the penchant in the past, for shoddy jobs that were hurriedly executed, without a design, procurement, supervision and delivery.

One question that comes to mind is, why did all the roads in the state collapse at the same time? The answer is not difficult for fathom. They are products of careless, nonchalant and unprofessional practices that preceded their “construction”. Today, that trend is being reversed.

In a previous article, I pointed out that in spite of criticisms in some quarters, we cannot stop making references to what the people saw in the past, not for pushing back the blame, as some people erroneously say, but in order to constantly remind ourselves that this administration has no option but to give the people a new and better deal. Through his proclamations at several fora, Governor Ihedioha has both inadvertently and deliberately armed the people with the ammunitions to confront him if he fails to live up to his promises, in this particular case on the quality of roads to be delivered to the people. It takes a lot of courage to do such a thing.

A good number of citizens of the state have on their own canvassed for understanding from the people, given, especially, the fact that the administration came in during the rainy season when not much could be done. While that remains a truism, the administration does not necessarily flaunt it. Nothing stops if from toeing the populist line and stampeding contractors into beginning and handing over roads in just a period of one month and get praised to high heavens. But it has since become quite clear to the people that the Ihedioha administration does not have populist tendencies and proclivity for tentative accolades.

This type of attitude may have its own cost but for the administration, what matters is the ultimate. While stop-gap measures are being taken to provide palliatives, nothing can diminish the importance of the administration’s determination to ensure that the era of shoddy jobs are gone in the state. And it is a matter of time for the people to begin to work on their score cards on the governor and his administration, needless to emphasize that Governor Ihedioha shares passionately in the pains of the people but he is also very much aware of the fact that like all pains, this one is temporary. And for a leader who has a track record of performance, that he will also deliver this time around is like saying that tomorrow will come.

At this juncture, it is pertinent to look at some of the things the lmo-born leader had to say in the interview referred to, earlier in this write-up. He said, among other things, thus: “His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha was not drafted into politics. He went into it as an act of deliberate volition, with vigor and purpose, breaking all barriers. When it comes to political complexities, Ihedioha demonstrates uncommon dexterity and excels …I believe that there is a man in Ihedioha’s quest for the torn and crown of Imo state … His greatest challenge, however, is to re-invent the Imo of the days when men were true leaders. With his team of compatriots, I have no doubt that the current state of dilapidation and near frustration in Imo will be adequately attended to”.

What this top politician has done here is to guarantee the governor before the people, that he sees nothing else other than another round of brilliant performance for which Rt. Hon Ihedioha is known.

Perhaps unknown to many, most of the infrastructural facilities, particularly roads, that are currently in existence in the state – even if they are now in a state of decay – have inputs from him, either singularly or working in conjunction with other well meaning leaders in the state. For example, as Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, he attracted the 35 km, dual carriage construction of the Owerri-Elele(Port Harcourt) at the cost of N23.5billion.

he approval and award of the contract for the dualization of the Owerri-Aba road, though still ongoing, was largely as a result of his efforts, not forgetting the several rehabilitation and maintenance of the Owerri – Umuahia road. The governor also facilitated various roads across the three zones in the state which are still very much in good shape today.

In Ngor Okpala, the road from Okpala – Eziama to the border with Rivers state and the famous Mbaise ringroad were courtesy of him as member representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency. Today, the roads are still in a very good state even though the Rivers state end (from the border to Igwuruta) and which was constructed during the same period, has collapsed. We can go on and on but it is not just about Ihedioha and his “uncommon dexterity” but about the entire people of Imo state who have resolved to be on the same page with their governor as he rebuilds the state.

To be sure, government is a continuum – even though some governors in the past tended to rubbish this verity. In the instant case, what led to the current unprecedented infrastructural decay in the state is known even to the school pupil in the state: Poor quality of jobs that were executed without due diligence and expert advice. Take the road expansion project of the immediate past administration, for example.

Apart from that the “expanded” roads – Okigwe road, Wethdral road, Orlu road – are all collapsing, less than one year after they were done, the expansion, itself, is the major cause of the unprecedented flooding being witnessed in the state capital, Owerri. And the reason is simply because, besides that the project was executed without inputs from experts, it was done in contravention of the provisions of the Owerri Capital City Master Plan that was drawn up right from the inception of the state in 1976; and which every successive administration between then and 2011, had tried to adhere to.

Unknown to many, the consultants that produced the Master Plan were specific on the size of the roads, size of drainages, number of manholes e.t.c that should be constructed in the city; and warned that any distortion of the Master Plan will lead to disaster especially as Owerri, from reports is situated in a valley. The result of going against that advice is what we are seeing today.

But determined to avoid further distortions and, therefore, more problems, His Excellency has dusted up the Master Plan. A couple of weeks ago, the government set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry on Land and other Related Matters, covering between 2006 and May 2011. One of the terms of reference of the Commission is to determine the extent to which the management or mismanagement of land within the stipulated period affected the Owerri Capital City Master Plan.

Surely, the rebuild Imo programme of the Ihedioha administration, which the people of the state have gladly embraced, involves a range of issues. But as far as the administration is concerned, it precludes savoring in the euphoria of tentative praise singing.

The cheering news is that the governor is without doubt, on course and has at various fora, called for patience among the citizens as he painstakingly and deliberately navigates the ship of state from its present ruins, with the assurance that Imo will surely be rebuilt.

Onyeukwu writes from Owerri.

Innoson Vehicles: Oyo, Other states Show Interest

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Bayo Bernard

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October 14, 2019

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Why The Automaker Is Not Selling

By Fola James

More details are emerging why state and federal governments in Nigeria have refused to patronize Innoson Motors, the indigenous auto maker owned by businessman, Innocent Chukwuma.

Nigerians have been calling on government at various levels to buy automobiles from the automaker to encourage the local industry. Doing so will also lead to job creation, they say.

But while automakers from Asia and Europe remains the darling of the public and private sector in the country, failure to patronize Innoson, the magazine has learned may not be unconnected with the automaker’s refusal to open up its business across the country.

Some government officials really want to buy from Innoson because of fear that there are no repairs centers where the vehicles could be repaired it they break down.

This is because the automaker is yet to set up service centers across the country, according to observers.

Recently, the Oyo state government had reached out to the automaker on how to supply the government with cars and other vehicles, but the arrangement was cancelled after the government found out that buying such vehicles could end up a waste of public funds.

What the government wanted to do was to buy assorted vehicles from the automaker, including buses for its public transport company.

A top official in the state told the magazine that Governor Seyi Makinde had directed that vehicles be purchased from Innoson for all state functionaries and senior officials in the state.

“But the deal failed after it was discovered that Innoson has not service centres in the state where the vehicles could be repaired in case they are damaged,” the officials said.

He explained further “I was the one that put a call through to Chief Chukwuma after the governor directed me to do so. This is because Governor Seyi Makinde is very passionate about promoting made in Nigeria goods.”

He said the deal would have led to the purchase of many utility vehicles for the use of the state, including “arrangement to buy for security agencies as part of effort to assist them to combat insecurity in the state.”

Over a hundred vehicles recently were purchased by the South West state governments for police and other security agencies as part of effort to combat kidnapping and other security challenge facing the area.

“The initial plan was to purchase some of these cars from Innoson Motors. But after due consultation, the matter was shelved,” a close source told the magazine.

Former Governor Peter Obi was among the very first top government officials to buy vehicles from Innoson Motors.

Others have followed suit, including the purchase for the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC by the federal government.

But close watchers told the magazine that it has become very difficult to order more Innoson vehicles because there are no maintenance centres across the country where the cars could be repaired.

This development has led to loss to government because the vehicles were not used to satisfaction before they are abandoned over maintenance issue, a government source told the magazine.

“For instance, there are local mechanics that can repair those vehicles from Japan and Germany, apart from high profile service centres across the country,” the sources stated.

Recently, GAC motors entered into partnership with Elizade Motors in Lagos for the maintenance of vehicles purchased from its factory.

“Innoson Motors can also do this to expand its franchise and make its vehicles portable, durable and easy for purchasers to use,” a top government aide from one of the states in the North, whos supervises such matters for his state governor told the magazine on Friday.

The magazine has been trying to get Innoson Motors to respond to the issue.

How Brazil Forces Super Eagles To A Draw

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The Source

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October 14, 2019

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by six time World Cup champions, Brazil.

The Gernot Rohr tutored Super Eagles team shocked the ‘Selecao’, as the Brazil National team is called, Courtesy of Joe Ayodele-Aribo in the 34th minute to send the vociferous crowd at the Singapore International Stadium into wild jubilation.

Following the goal from the three time African Cup of Nations champion, the Brazilians upped the ante, attacking the Super Eagles, but failed to find the equaliser before the referee signaled the end of the first half.

On resumption of the second half, the Brazilians continued the attack from where they stopped in the first half.

This later paid off in the 48th minute, as Real Madrid Football Club midfielder, Casemiro, scored the equaliser.

The game, however, became a ding-dong affair till the end of the match.

Rohr gave newly invited players Peter Olayinka and Maduka Okoye their first cap for the national team with the duo coming in for goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and Samuel Chukwueze.

The Super Eagles started the game with Uzoho in goal, while Awaziem, Troost Ekong, Ajayi and Collins starting in the defense.

In the midfield were Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Simon and Ayodele-Aribo complete the midfielders, while Osimhen led the attack.

The Brazilians made only one change in the team that played the Teranga Lions of Senegal on Wednesday, starting the match with Ederson Moraes in goal, Thiago Silva, Diego Alves, Alex Sandro and Marquinhos.

Others were: Neymar, Everton, Casemiro, Lodi, Firmino and Arthur.

Union Accuses Yaba Psychiatrist CMD Of Alleged Financial And Retirement Mess

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The Source

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October 11, 2019

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Joint Health Sector Union, JHSU, which comprises of NANNM, NUAP, MHWUN and SSAUTHRIA of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, has indicted the Chief Medical Director, CMD, Dr. Oluwayemisi Cecilia Ogun, of misappropriation of funds and financial recklessness. The Union , also, accuses her of contravening the Public Service Rule on retirement.

In a statement signed by Comrade Yusuf Adeyemi, Chairman of MHWUN, Comrade Eke Uzondu, Chairman of NUAP, Comrade John Oye of SSAUTHRIA and Comrade Olaoni Fatimetu, NANNM alleged that Ogun has refused to vacate her office as the CMD despite clocking the mandatory retirement age of 60years since September 23, 2019.

This, the group says contravenes and, is in deviance to, the Public Service Rules (PSR) 0202810 of Chapter two (2) in relations to retirement, which states,

“The Compulsory retirement age for all grades in the service shall be 60 years or 35 years of Pensionable service whichever is earlier, and no officer shall be allowed to remain in service after attaining the retirement age of 60 years”.

The group also alleged that the process for the appointment of a Medical Director of the Neuropsychiatric hospital Yaba in 2017, was skewed to favour the appointment of Dr. Ogun, owing to her affinity with the immediate past Minister of Health, Dr Isaac Adewole, who disregarded the rules as advertised.

The group stressed that the rules prescribed the eligibility criteria of not being above the age of Fifty Five Years (55) as at the time of applying for the position of Medical Director, as opposed to the regular standard obtainable for the appointment of medical directors across board for other Federal Medical Institutions in Nigeria.

Following the aforementioned rules, the group stated that her appointment, specifically, violated the 6th requirement for the position as advertised at the time that “candidate must not be more than fifty five (55) years of age, in which Dr. Ogun was already 58 years old when she was appointed.

Notwithstanding, the circumstances of her appointment, it has now elapsed.

The statement also said the CMD clocked 60 on 23rd September, and ought to have commenced her terminal leave as required by law. Instead, she has allegedly resorted to lobbying high level officers of the Ministry of Health, to extend her tenure, by referring to an already suspended circular by Mr. President on tenureship which is an affront to the anti-corruption agenda of the Federal Government.

As regards Financial Misappropriation and financial recklessness allegations, the group alleged that Dr. Ogun has been outsourcing the account department without going through the necessary procedures, which is strongly against the Financial regulation of the establishment.

Dr. Ogun was alleged to have been invited by the Force Criminal Investigate Department, CID, Alagbon, Lagos, to answer questions bothering on allegations of corruption and abuse of office.

It is alleged that in 2018, she single-handedly bought a vehicle worth N40million with funds meant for another purpose despite having two functional official vehicles.

The group also alleged that she bought a personal 2019 model Camry car worth 26million naira without following due process.

The magazine visited the hospital to have a chat with Dr. Ogun on the allegations levelled against her, but all efforts proved abortive at the time of filing this report.

Super Eagles Vows To Defeat Brazil, As Players Storm Singapore

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The Source

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October 11, 2019

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles of Nigeria team are battle ready for Six-time World Champions, ‘The Selecao’ of Brazil in an International Football friendly at the Singapore International Stadium on Sunday October 13th, 2019.

The Gernot-Rohr coach Eagles have arrived Singapore in large numbers, promising to decimate Brazil come Sunday.

The Brazilians, yesterday, played a 1-1 draw with another African nation, the Teranga Lions of Senegal, with Roberto Firmino giving the Brazilians the lead, before Alhassan Diedhou equalized from the penalty spot to give the Africans a deserved draw.

With the performance of Brazil against Senegal, the Super Eagles players are optimistic of defeating the world champions.

Sadly, Stoke City of England’s Oghenekaro Etebo, is a late withdrawal from the roster, but all the other 21 players trained on Thursday morning and will train twice on Friday.

The official training session will take place on Saturday, with the match scheduled to kick off at 1pm Nigeria time on Sunday in Singapore.

Rohr has opted not to call any more players following the withdrawal of Etebo, and Wednesday’s withdrawal of defender Olaoluwa Aina as a result of injury.

The Franco-German already replaced defender Kenneth Omeruo with Tyronne Ebuehi, while Efosa Solomon-Otabor joined the camp following Girondins Bordeaux Football Club midfielder,, Samuel Kalu’s unavailability.

Solomon-Otabor and forward Peter Olayinka are coming into the Nigeria senior camp for the first time ever while Ebuehi returns for the first time since the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.

Granada Football Club midfielder and former Nigeria Junior International, Ramon Azeez also makes a return, and defenders Abdullahi Shehu and Chidozie Awaziem, as well as midfielder Wilfred Ndidi are back after missing the 2-2 draw with Ukraine in Dnipro last month.

The 21-players that will prosecute Brazil friendly include: goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland FC); Emil Maduka Okoye (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany)

Defenders are, Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Chidozie Awaziem (CD Leganes, Spain); William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Tyronne Ebuehi (SL Benfica, Portugal); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England).

In the midfield department, invited players are: Alexander Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Anderson Esiti (PAOK Salonica, Greece); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Ramon Azeez (Granada FC, Spain)

Forwards: Victor Osimhen (Lille OSC, France); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Efosa Solomon-Otabor (PFC CSKA Sofia, Bulgaria); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Emmanuel Dennis Bonaventure (Club Brugge, Belgium); Peter Olayinka (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic).

Under-17 World Cup: Golden Eaglets Land In Brazil, Guns For Sixth World Cup Trophy

By

The Source

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October 11, 2019

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria has landed in the footballing nation of Brazil to battle 23 other countries for the coveted FIFA Under-17 World Cup Trophy.

Brazil was named emergency host of the Youth World Soccer fiesta following the Ill-preparedness of Peru, which had earlier been named host. Just the same way Cameroon lost the hosting right of the 2019 African Cup of Nations Championship to Egypt due to the unavailability of proposed Stadia for the tournament.

The Manu-Garba led Golden Eaglets team are the most decorated nation in the competition, having won it in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015, becoming the first Nation to win it five times and record back-to-back wins in 2013 and 2015.

Garba is leading the Golden Eaglets team to the Youth Soccer Fiesta for the second time, having led the the Kelechi-Iheanacho inspired team of 2013 at the United Arab Emirates in winning the fourth Under-17 trophy for Nigeria.

Now, he is being saddled with the responsibility of making history and increasing the trophy haul of the nation at Championship.

The Golden Eaglets will clash with Hungary in Goiana on October 26, before taking on Ecuador at the same venue on October 29 and later tackle Australia in Brasilia on November 1 in a Group B encounter.

Garba named a 25-man team that travelled to Brazil, from which he will trim the list to 18 players that will eventually do battle against the rest of the world at the championship.

The list of the players are: Goalkeepers: Sunday Stephen, Joseph Oluwabusola, Daniel Jinadu

Defenders: Charles Etim, Ogaga Oduko, Usman Ibrahim, Clement Ikenna, Shedrack Tanko, Quadri Edun, Oluwatimilehin Adeniyi, Simon Omon

Midfielders: Samson Tijani, Akinkunmi Amoo, Daniel Francis, Ibraheem Jabaar, Ibrahim Sa’id, Monsuru Opeyemi, Fawaz Abdullahi, Idris Eletu-Odibo, Malcolm Ebowei, Peter Agba

Forwards: Olakunle Olusegun, Wisdom Ubani, Divine Nwachukwu, Mayowa Abayomi