Monday, May 29, 2023 www.lagosmetropolitan.com Vol. 1 No.

Meet the Mompreneur Behind Moppet - Page 4 | The Legend of Ama Ata Aidoo - Pg. 9

KALZ/PEXEL
Explaining
Fuel Subsidy
Removal
and the
Economy
A L e t t e r fr o m
M a n to S o n

P
DearSon,
lease bear with me
as I try to explain an
important event
that has taken place in our
country. I know that you
have been quite uneasy
about the latest turn of
events. This is
understandable. But you
must not be like everybody
else and allow uninformed
emotions to take hold of
you.
On the 29th of May
2023, our president, Bola
Ahmed Tinubu, made an
announcement that caught
everyone's attention. He told
us that the fuel subsidy,
which helped keep the price
of fuel lower, has been
removed. The president
believes that the money
saved from removing the
subsidy can be used to
improve other important
areas of our economy. He
said, "We will use these funds
to invest in things like
building better roads,
improving schools and
hospitals, and creating more
jobs. These investments will
make the lives of millions of
people better."
After the president's
announcement, the prices of
fuel at the stations across the
country went up very
quickly. Some stations were
even charging as much as
N1,000 per litre! This sudden
increase made people
worried, and long lines of
cars formed at the fuel
stations as everyone wanted
to buy fuel before the prices
Cont'don page 6
2 Monday, 5th June 2023 www.lagosmetropolitan.com Vol. 1 No.2

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Monday, 5th June 2023
CBN Faces Challenges in Managing
Exchange Rates Amid Calls for Reform
N igeria's central bank
recently sold the US
dollar at a rate of
645 naira during its latest
auction, signaling a potential
devaluation of the Nigerian
Naira. This rate stands in stark
contrast to the 465 naira
trading on the official
secondary market. The
country's multiple exchange
rate system, employed by the
central bank to manage
demand, conceal pressure on
the naira, and preserve
dwindling reserves, has
contributed to the growth of a
thriving black market where
the currency trades
significantly below the official
rates.
During the bi-weekly
auction on May 26, the
central bank auctioned dollars
at 630 naira, revealing a
consistent depreciation of the
naira's value. This trend has
prompted analysts to
speculate that a devaluation
may align with the rates
observed at these auctions.
However, the central bank,
Lagos Celebrates
Governor Sanwo-Olu's
Inauguration with
Spectacular Cultural
Extravaganza
I n a display of rich culture
and tradition, residents
from across the five
divisions of Lagos State
flocked to the Agege Stadium
on Saturday to commemorate
the second term inauguration
of Governor Babajide Sanwo-
Olu and Deputy Governor Dr
Obafemi Hamzat. The grand
event, themed "Lagos
Cultural Extravaganza,"
witnessed a captivating
showcase of parades, dances,
and masquerades, signifying
unity and diversity.
Governor Sanwo-Olu
hailed the celebration as a
"truly pan-African" festivity, a
testament to the shared
history and resilience of
Lagos Metropolitan is a publication of Henkmedia Connect Ltd. All correspondence should be directed to the Editor, Lagos Metropolitan, P.O.Box 5541, Surulere. You can also reach us by email at
info@lagosmetropolitan.com. Or call 0907-800-5501 Please visit our website at https://lagosmetropolitan.com. Editor: Nkanu Egbe
responding to media reports
and rumors, recently
dismissed the notion of an
immediate devaluation. The
bank's denial reflects its
concern over the potential
adverse impact such news
could have on the naira's
stability.
President Bola Tinubu,
following a meeting with the
central bank governor,
expressed his intention to
streamline Nigeria's multiple
exchange rates, calling for an
overhaul of the current
system. Addressing
governors from the ruling All
Progressives Congress party,
Tinubu announced the end of
multiple exchange rates,
suggesting a significant shift
in the government's approach
to managing the currency.
This decision carries
important implications for the
Nigerian economy.
Former President
Muhammadu Buhari, who
held power for eight years,
viewed maintaining a strong
currency as a matter of
Lagosians. Emphasising the
city's ability to transform
cultural differences into a
vibrant expression of unity,
he commended the event for
reflecting the spirit of Lagos.
Known for thriving on the
strength of its diversity, the
city cherishes its unique
blend of cultures, which was
beautifully demonstrated
during the event.
Chairman of the Media
and Publicity Subcommittee
for Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat's
second term inauguration,
Gbenga Omotoso,
emphasized the
administration's
commitment to promoting
culture and the creative
industry through such
www.lagosmetropolitan.com
national pride. However,
external factors such as
dwindling reserves and the
need to manage demand have
put the naira under pressure,
making a devaluation
increasingly difficult to avoid.
To mitigate the impact of a
large-scale devaluation, the
central bank has been
gradually adjusting the naira's
value on the spot market.
The implications of a
devaluation of the Nigerian
naira are both multifaceted
events. The Cultural
Extravaganza showcased a
wide array of artistic
performances, capturing the
essence of Lagos State's
cultural heritage.
Among the participants,
Footprints of David, an
Vol. 1 No. 2 3
News
Streamlining the exchange
rate system, as proposed by
President Tinubu, seeks to
address this issue and restore
confidence in the Nigerian
economy.
The Nigerian naira's
potential devaluation and the
call to streamline the
exchange rate system reflect
the challenges faced by
Nigeria's central bank in
managing the currency amid
external pressures. While a
devaluation may have certain
advantages, such as boosting
exports, it also presents risks,
and consequential. On one significantly. This inflationary including inflation and
hand, devaluation could pressure directly impacts the increased debt burdens. The
provide relief to the central purchasing power of decision to streamline the
bank's dwindling reserves by Nigerians and may lead to exchange rate system
enhancing the social unrest. demonstrates the
competitiveness of Nigerian Moreover, maintaining a government's commitment
exports in the global market. two-tier forex market, with to address market distortions
A weaker currency may the existence of multiple and restore stability. As the
attract foreign investment exchange rates, has fueled situation unfolds, it remains
and stimulate economic the growth of a black market crucial for the central bank
growth. However, where the naira trades at and the government to
devaluation carries risks, significantly lower rates. This carefully navigate the path
including the potential for undermines the stability of forward, ensuring economic
higher inflation as the cost of the currency and creates stability and maintaining
imported goods rises market distortions. investor confidence.
advocacy group focusing on highlighted the diversity and the well-deserved second
children's arts and education creativity that flows through position. Epe's Ajojimale
from Bariga, stole the the veins of Lagos. Not far masquerade, with their
limelight with their behind was the renowned enchanting presence and
exceptional display of Zangbeto from Badagry, awe-inspiring dance,
culture and performance, known for their enigmatic clinched the third position,
securing the first position. dance moves and intricately leaving the audience in awe
Their captivating routine designed costumes, claiming of their talent.
4 Monday, 5th June 2023
Entrepreneur
M eet
Roberta
Roberta
Edu
Th e
M o m p re n e u r
Beh i n d
M o p p e t, th e
I n n ova ti ve
B a by F o o d
B ra n d
H ave you ever found
yourself struggling
to find the perfect
baby food for your little
munchkin? Well, fret no more,
because we've got just the
scoop for you! Get ready to
meet the incredible woman
who's changing the game in
the world of baby nutrition -
Roberta Edu, the brains behind
Moppet Foods.
So, first things first, why the
name "Moppet"? It's catchy,
right? we had the same
question when we sat down
with Roberta for a cozy chat.
As it turns out, the name came
about in a rather serendipitous
way. Roberta shared, "I was on
the hunt for the perfect name,
and after exploring various
options, 'Moppet' popped up.
It's just a synonym for 'baby' or
'children,' and it clicked
instantly."
With the name settled,
Roberta dove headfirst into the
world of baby food. When
asked about her motivation,
she revealed a personal
struggle that soon turned into
a mission to help other moms
facing similar challenges. "As a
mom of two, I understand the
struggles of finding the right
foods for children. My
daughter, in particular, had
allergic reactions to various
additives and chemicals in baby
foods. It was a nightmare, and
we were constantly in and out
of hospitals. It was only when
my sister-in-law suggested
homemade purees that we
saw a positive change. That's
www.lagosmetropolitan.com
when the idea of Moppet
Foods started taking shape."
But let's rewind a bit. What
was Roberta's background
before venturing into the world
of baby food? It turns out she's
a tech-savvy wonder woman,
a technologist with a strong IT
background. She honed her
skills as a web developer,
database administrator, and
even worked in the media
industry. However, her journey
took a delightful detour when
she founded Moppet Foods.
Roberta explained, "When
the idea of Moppet Foods
struck me, I knew I needed
expert guidance. I enlisted the
help of a pediatrician and a
certified child nutritionist to
ensure our products met the
highest standards of nutrition.
Together, we developed a
range of nutritious and
allergy-friendly baby foods."
One of the first products
that rolled off the Moppet
Foods assembly line was the
Moppet Nut Meal. "This
specially formulated meal is
designed for underweight
children and aims to provide
adequate protein. It's packed
with a wholesome blend of
nuts, wheat, soya, corn, millet,
and, of course, real bananas.
No artificial flavors here!"
Roberta gleefully shared.
Curious about the other
variants? Well, Moppet Foods
has got you covered! They also
offer the Moppet Veggies,
made with potatoes, green
peas, carrots, pawpaw, and
sorghum. Plus, there's the
Moppet Mixed Grain, a
delightful combination of oats,
rice, corn, golden melon, and
dates. Yum!
But did Roberta have any
doubts about the market
acceptance of these unique
variants? Not at all. With her
background in advertising and
brand management, she knew
the importance of thorough
market research. "I delved into
the data, studying the
challenges faced by Nigerian
parents, especially young
mothers like myself. I found
that lack of time was a
significant obstacle to
providing nutritious meals for
children. That's when I decided
to create convenient options
that were free from harmful
additives and sugars. I wanted
Vol. 1 No. 2
to empower moms to make
healthy choices for their little
ones," she explained.
Edu's business has grown
far beyond her initial
expectations. What began as a
simple manufacturing
operation has evolved into a
complex logistical enterprise,
reaching not just states but
numerous cities across
Nigeria. Reflecting on this
growth, she shares, "There is a
whole lot of logistics
happening in this business that
we never thought was going to
be like that." The company's
operations now encompass
inventory management,
supply chain coordination, and
automated processes that
streamline every aspect of
their business.
Monday, 5th June 2023 www.lagosmetropolitan.com Vol. 1 No. 2 5

Driven by her background quality nutrition for Nigerian upon. Breaking even was just
in business automation, Mrs. children. By prioritising her the beginning, and with each
Edu embraces technology to home market and fortifying milestone reached, she
optimize their operations. She her African presence, she reinvests in her vision. Her
explains, "We automate a lot, hopes to effect positive determination and unwavering
from when a car enters into change in her own backyard focus on the welfare of
the compound to deliver before expanding globally. Nigerian children continue to
anything, to when anything While her husband, an guide her, ensuring that her
goes out, everything is accountant, assists with the business makes a meaningful
automated." By collecting and financial aspects of the impact on the lives ofmany.
analyzing data, they adapt business, Roberta has Roberta Edu's story is one
their supply to meet demand, recognised the need to bring of perseverance, innovation,
ensuring that each shop in additional expertise. "My and a deep-rooted
receives the right quantity of husband takes care of all that commitment to her
products based on past sales but he has recruited someone community. Through her food
patterns. This meticulous that is now doing our empire, she is nourishing not
approach, coupled with a accounting work," she shares. only the bodies but also the
fortuitous cash scarcity that The demands of the expanding futures of Nigerian children,
led to increased sales, has enterprise require a dedicated leaving an indelible mark on
propelled their growth. professional to handle the the nation's food landscape. As
Looking ahead, Roberta Workers on duty at Moppet Foods intricacies of financial she continues her journey, it is
envisions further expansion. In showcasing the increasing years," she admits with a sense her role as a mother. With two management. clear that her entrepreneurial
the next three years, she aims influence of her enterprise. ofawe. young children of her own, As our conversation draws spirit and unwavering
to cover all cities in Nigeria, a "So it's gone beyond what I When asked about her she passionately believes in the to a close, Edu reflects on the dedication will continue to
task she acknowledges as would have thought in two motivation, Roberta points to importance of providing journey she has embarked inspire and uplift.
challenging due to the
country's vastness. While
export opportunities beckon,
she remains resolute in her
commitment to building a
strong African brand and
addressing local needs. She
asserts, "I'm trying to make it
an African brand first to make
sure that we are strong in our
market, we are strong where
we are coming from so that
when we come to your
country, I will tell you that yes,
we are a truly African brand."
Her dedication to her home
continent is rooted in the
desire to make a lasting
impact. Roberta closely
follows UNICEF statistics on
malnutrition and food security,
determined to improve these
dire circumstances. She notes,
"I've been able to improve on
some of these statistics with
the work that we are doing in
Nigeria, then it will be very
easy to go to somebody in
Europe and other countries to
say this is what we've been
able to achieve in Africa and
this is what we want to do."
Mrs. Edu's ambition not
only fuels the growth of her
company but also empowers
numerous individuals. With a
current staff of 34,
supplemented by independent
agents and distributors, she is
directly responsible for the
livelihoods of 84 people. The
recent launch of an
independent agent program
attracted significant interest,
6 Monday, 5th June 2023 www.lagosmetropolitan.com Vol. 1 No. 2

Op-Ed
Explaining Fuel SubsidyRemoval -FathertoSon
went even higher. It caused a side and discuss but I need for
lot of inconvenience and you to reflect on things. So, it
frustration for many is better to write.
Nigerians. The government started
However, something talking to organised labour to
interesting happened on prevent any social crisis that
Wednesday. The Nigerian could happen because of the
National Petroleum Company higher fuel prices. They want
(NNPC) announced a new to find ways to help the
range of prices for its fuel people cope with this change,
stations all over Nigeria. In especially since 70 percent of
Lagos, the advised price was our citizens live below the
N488 per litre. This action poverty line. It's important to
helped to reduce the long take care of the most
lines of cars at the fuel vulnerable among us during
stations, giving people some this time.
relief. My dear son, you may be
Intially, I was upset myself wondering how we will
and was tempted to join the manage with the higher fuel
teeming crowd in prices, especially when so
complaining. But then I many people are already
stopped to reason. This is struggling to make enough
why I have decided to write money to live. It's a valid
this to you. Ordinarily, I concern, and many people are
would have had us sit side by worried about this too. That's
why it's important to listen to
what the experts say and
understand their opinions. I
advise that you do some
further research on this.
The Group Chief Executive
Officer of the NNPC, Mele
Kyari, tried to reassure
Nigerians about the rising fuel
prices. He believes that
healthy competition among
the major players in the oil
industry will eventually bring
down the price of petrol.
Kyari explained that removing
the fuel subsidy will
encourage new businesses to
enter the market, which will
promote competition and
reduce the control of a few
companies.
He said, "This is a good
thing because when more
companies compete, they will
try to offer lower prices to
attract customers. Even the
NNPC will have to compete
too. By law, the NNPC can't
control more than 30
percent of the market. Once
the market stabilizes, other oil
companies will be able to join
in. Competition will make the
prices come down, and we
will see different prices from
different companies. As
people go to the stations with
lower prices, other stations
will have to lower their prices
too. This competition will
regulate the market, and the
price will naturally come
down."
When asked why fuel
stations raised their prices
even though they still had fuel
bought at lower prices, Kyari
explained that this is how the
market works. It's not just
about petrol; it happens with
Cont'dfrom page 1
other products too.
Sometimes prices go down,
and in those cases, people
have to sell their products at
lower prices to match the
market. It's a matter of
managing the stock they
have. The prices we see at fuel
stations now are the current
prices for the fuel they have in
stock. This means that prices
in the market can go down at
any time, and the market will
adjust itselfaccordingly.
My dear son, change can
be challenging, especially
when it affects our everyday
lives and our wallets. But we
must also consider the long-
term benefits that the
president and the experts
believe will come from this
decision. The hope is that the
money saved from removing
the fuel subsidy will be used
to make important
improvements in things like
roads, schools, hospitals, and
creating more job
opportunities. These
investments will make life
better for all ofus in the long
run.
So let's stay hopeful and
trust that the market will
regulate itself and the prices
of fuel will come down again.
In the meantime, we should
be careful with our fuel
usage, explore alternative
means of transportation if
possible, and support each
other as we adapt to these
changes. Remember, we are a
resilient people, and together
we can overcome any
challenge that comes our
way.
With love,
Your Father

The homosexuality ofstatedcultural imperialismLGBTQ.

I Funua Olade, about
1990. A few months later,
in Objectives 19 and 24 homosexuality.
made acquaintance with
a lady, Yeye Akilimali

my wife and I visited her in

Ila Oragun where she was
running a rural library, the
African Heritage Research
Library. She was an
American who had studied
at Fisk University from 1963
-1965, earned a Bachelor’s
degree in African-
American/Black Studies
from the San Francisco
State University, and a
Master of Library Science
from the University of
California.
So what was she doing in
such rustic circumstances?
She said she had three
children, including two girls
and all around the American
communities she lived,
aggressive forces of lesbianism
were on the rise. So, with the
agreement of her African
American husband, Ayantuga
Olade, she fled the United
States. Unfortunately, the
forces she ran away from in
North America, four decades
ago, are on the move in her
adopted continent, Africa in
the guise of campaigning for
workers and human rights.
A drama played out this
week when on May 29, 2023,
the Speaker of the Ugandan
Parliament, Anita Among,
announced that President
of our national objectives and
directive principles of state
policy, we have stood firm to
defend our people’s culture,
It is also instructive that
while the US is sanctioning
Uganda for its new law, it did
not take similar actions against
I woke up to this reality in
the Trade Union Movement in
2011 when I discovered that
some Western trade unions
mummies, still claimed that
Africans live on trees like
monkeys. Today some of them
still think they are on a mission
of civilization by presenting
values, and aspirations.” its allies such as Saudi Arabia, were offering positions and LGBTQ as human rights.
The US had through its Vice United Arab Emirates, Qatar funds to those who will declare They conveniently forget
President Kamala Harris and Pakistan with worse anti- and flaunt claims of being gays, that there are collective socio-
warned Uganda of homosexual laws. lesbians and bisexual. economic, political and cultural
Owei consequences if it dared pass The issue arising from the In one case, I put my foot rights which supersedes
Lakemfa the new legislation. On March US sanctions against Uganda is down that as Acting General individual rights. The United
27, 2023, while on a visit to not so much about punishing it Secretary of the Nigeria Nations recognises individual
Yoweri Museveni had signed Ghana, our African American Labour Congress, such
for daring to enact a law and group rights and the
into law the new Anti- sister insisted Africa must against homosexuality, but campaigns will not be former cannot be imposed on
Homosexuality Act 2023 support homosexuality trying to recolonize the African encouraged. Now, some of our the collective. The individual
which punishes the financiers because it is a matter the US continent. In this wise, this is young unionists and activists, comes from the community,
and promoters of considers “ to be a human not a challenge against Uganda for economic reasons or to therefore the rights of the
homosexuality. The law while rights issue and that will not alone but the entire African guarantee the crumbs being community are primary and
generally providing prison change… I feel very strongly people. Therefore, African passed to them by some those of the individual are
terms for violators, also about supporting freedom and countries need to unite and organisations, are busy secondary.
prescribes the death penalty supporting and fighting for the collectively sanction the US. At campaigning for LGBTQ as What some Western
for those who engage children equality ofall people.“ the very least, every African workers’ rights. Far from the countries want to do is force
in homosexual acts or spread The US message is very country should be asked to truth; workers, at least in the African people into a birth
deadly diseases like HIV/AIDS. clear: that Uganda as an African revoke the visa of at least a Africa, want guaranteed control scheme aware that a
The United States country has no right to dozen or two Americans. employment, good conditions marriage between a man and a
immediately revoked the visa sovereignty; no right to taking What is clear is that some of service, social protection, man or a woman with a woman
of the Speaker. It did not clarify democratic decisions even if Western countries view Africa guaranteed pension and settled is unlikely to produce children.
why she was being punished backed by its people; no right as a collection of weak states family life. Their concern is not It was the same way a drug,
for the new law; is it for of dissent from the position of on which the culture of who is sleeping with who. Depo Provera, whose approval
presiding over the parliament, the US and that it must accept Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, In Africa, sex or people’s in the United States had been
failing to stop about 400 the culture of America Transgender, Queer or preferences are closet affairs, refused first in the 1960s, and
parliamentarians from passing otherwise, it will be subject to Questioning, LGBTQ, can be not what you call press again in the 1970s, was
the bill or daring to announce sanctions. The African people, imposed. Just as we were conferences about. imposed on African women,
the birth ofthe new law? as far as the US is concerned, colonised at gunpoint, so is the When the West colonised especially in Nigeria where the
In her reaction, a dignified have no right to choose a dictation of LGBTQ being Africa, it did so partly under women were used as guinea
Speaker Among said: “As different cultural orientation, forced on us under threats of the pretext of ‘civilization’. pigs for a dangerous all-cure
Uganda’s Parliament, we have not even sexual. This was one severe socio-economic and They assumed that a continent drug that was widely imposed
listened to our people’s of the main reasons why political sanctions. Just as the like ours which taught the as a contraception.
concerns and legislated to President Robert Mugabe was religion was used to lure us fathers of Western Civilization While Africans respect the
protect the sanctity of the harassed and hounded into surrendering to colonial like Plato, are not civilized. values, traditions and cultures
family, in accordance with internationally. There were bandits, so have funds and Some of their fathers who of other peoples, the least we
Article 31 of the Republic of even attempts to arrest him for positions been used to lure our knew we built the magnificent expect is that they should also
Uganda’s Constitution. As rejecting the culture of youths to being evangelists of pyramids which housed respect ours.
Monday, 5th June 2023
World Environment Day 2023:
Mobilizing Action to
BeatPlasticPollution
T he world is facing
an escalating
plastic pollution
crisis that threatens our
planet's health and future.
With over 400 million
tonnes of plastic produced
annually, half of which is
designed for single-use
purposes, the impact on
our environment is
devastating. Shockingly,
less than 10 percent of this
plastic is recycled, and an
estimated 19-23 million
tonnes find their way into
our lakes, rivers, and
oceans each year. The
consequences are dire, as
plastic waste overwhelms
our landfills, contaminates
our waters, and contributes
to toxic smoke when
incinerated, making plastic
pollution one of the
gravest threats to the
Earth.
Yet, it is the lesser-
known fact that
microplastics have
infiltrated the food we
consume, the water we
drink, and even the air we
breathe. Many plastic
products contain
hazardous additives, posing
a significant threat to our
health.
Amidst this urgent crisis,
there is hope. Science has
provided us with solutions
to tackle the plastic
problem, and progress is
already underway. What is
needed now is a collective
surge of public and political
pressure to accelerate
actions from governments,
companies, and other
stakeholders to combat this
crisis. This emphasizes the
crucial significance of
World Environment Day,
mobilizing action from
every corner of the globe.
World Environment Day
2023, hosted by Côte
d'Ivoire in partnership with
the Netherlands, focuses on
the theme of
#BeatPlasticPollution and
showcases innovative
strategies to address the
plastic menace. It is a
global platform for
countries, businesses, and
individuals to demonstrate
their commitment to using
plastic more sustainably,
offering hope that one day,
www.lagosmetropolitan.com
plastic pollution will be a
thing of the past.
Côte d'Ivoire has
emerged as a frontrunner
in the campaign against
plastic pollution. Since
2014, the country has
banned the use of plastic
bags, advocating for a shift
towards reusable
packaging. This visionary
step has positioned Côte
d'Ivoire as a leader in
sustainability and
environmental
consciousness. In
particular, the country's
largest city, Abidjan, has
become a hub for
environmentally-minded
start-ups, fostering
innovation and
entrepreneurship in the
green sector.
Jean-Luc Assi, Côte
d'Ivoire's Minister for the
Environment and
Sustainable Development,
underscores the urgency of
addressing plastic
pollution, stating, "The
scourge of plastic pollution
is a visible threat that
impacts every community.
We are proud to champion
diverse treatments for the
plastic pandemic." Côte
d'Ivoire's proactive
approach serves as an
inspiration for nations
worldwide.
Joining the fight against
plastic pollution, the
Netherlands is lending its
unwavering support to
World Environment Day
2023. The Dutch
government has
demonstrated its
commitment to addressing
plastic pollution by signing
the New Plastics Economy
Global Commitment and
actively participating in the
Global Partnership on
Plastic Pollution and
Marine Litter. Vivianne
Heijnen, the Netherlands'
Minister for the
Environment, highlights
the need for urgent action,
stating, "Plastic pollution
and its detrimental impacts
on health, the economy,
and the environment
cannot be ignored. We
need true, effective, and
robust solutions." The
Netherlands, along with the
wider European
Vol. 1 No. 2 7
community, is determined
to reduce the production
and consumption of single-
use plastics, advocating for
durable and sustainable
alternatives.
World Environment Day
serves as an international
platform to showcase the
progress made by
countries, businesses, and
individuals in their efforts
to use plastic more
sustainably. By highlighting
success stories and best
practices, the aim is to
inspire others to adopt
similar measures and
ultimately eliminate plastic
pollution. This annual event
is not merely a day of
awareness but a powerful
catalyst for action, urging
all corners of the globe to
unite against this common
threat.
Plastic pollution knows
no borders, affecting every
community and ecosystem
on the planet. The harmful
effects on marine life,
wildlife, and human health
are alarming. Microplastics,
often unnoticed, have
made their way into the
Issues
food we consume, the
water we drink, and even
the air we breathe. The
urgency to address this
crisis cannot be
understated.
World Environment Day
2023 represents a critical
call to arms, urging
governments, businesses,
and individuals to work
hand in hand to combat
plastic pollution. By
championing sustainable
practices, embracing
innovation, and supporting
policies that reduce plastic
waste, we can envision a
future where plastic
pollution is but a distant
memory. This year's
campaign, led by Côte
d'Ivoire and supported by
the Netherlands, sets the
stage for a global
movement to
#BeatPlasticPollution. It is
a rallying cry for change, a
reminder that our actions
today will shape the world
of tomorrow. Let us come
together, across borders
and industries, to safeguard
our planet for future
generations.
8 Monday, 5th June 2023 www.lagosmetropolitan.com Vol. 1 No.2

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4
Monday, 5th June 2023
TheLegendofAmaAtaAidoo
By Uzor Maxim Uzoatu
S ocial media rules the
world these days,
and all the bad news
come from therein! It was
from the Facebook page of
the prolific Nigerian scholar
based in Germany, Dr Shola
Adenekan that I learnt of the
death of the pioneer African
feminist writer Ama Ata
Aidoo on May 31, 2023.
Ama Ata Aidoo holds the
record as Africa’s first
published woman dramatist
with the publication of her
play, The Dilemma of a
Ghost, in 1965.
A playwright, novelist,
poet, and academic, she
served as Ghana’s Secretary
of Education between 1982
and 1983 in the government
of John Jerry Rawlings.
Born into royalty in the
Central Region of Ghana on
March 23, 1942, she initially
bore the Christian name of
Christina and was educated
at Wesley Girls High School
in Cape Coast. She took a
Bachelor’s degree in English
at the University of Ghana,
Legon where she wrote the
play The Dilemma of a Ghost.
A wunderkind, she was
gifted with a creative writing
fellowship at the esteemed
Stanford University,
California. USA. She became
a lecturer at Legon from
1969 and served as a
Research Fellow at the
Institute of African Studies.
She rose to become a
Professor at the University of
Cape Coast, Ghana.
Ama Ata Aidoo settled in
Zimbabwe in 1983, helping to
develop the educational
curriculum. In 1988 she won
a Fulbright Scholarship, and
became a writer-in-
residence at the University of
Richmond, Virginia in 1989.
She eventually served as
Visiting Professor
Africana Studies at Brown
University.
She set up the Mbaasem
Foundation in Accra in 2000
to support and promote the
writings of African women
www.lagosmetropolitan.com Vol. 1 No. 2 9
Arts
writers.
Ama Ata Aidoo
announced herself as a writer
of great promise with the
publishing of her play The
Dilemma of a Ghost in 1965.
showcased the lifework of
Ama Ata Aidoo.
the
The Women’s Caucus of
African Studies
Association instituted the
founding Director.
I was in the company of
Ama Ata Aidoo at the 2009
Caine Prize for Africa
Writing Workshop in a
and put it in his novel instead
of the widely held belief that
she borrowed the title of her
book No Sweetness Here
from Armah!
symbolize both the private
and the public dilemmas of
the postcolonial subject and
her or his society. ...The
ideological and stereotypical
Aidoo-Snyder Book Prize for remote beach in Accra, The works of Ama Ata assumptions of both Eulalie
Her collection of short an outstanding book Ghana where she was one of Aidoo earned high critical and her new in-laws give rise
stories, No Sweetness Here, published by a woman that the invited guest writers. She acclaim. According to critic to the seemingly
was published in 1970. Her prioritizes African women’s read her flah fiction while Simon Gikandi, The Dilemma irreconcilable encounter
second play, Anowa, got also experiences in honour of Caine Prize Administrator of a Ghost “centres on the between the West (the
published in 1970. Her first Ama Ata Aidoo and Margaret Nick Elam beamed his problems of childbearing, United States) and Africa
novel, Our Sister Killjoy or C. Snyder. torchlight for her to read. It infidelity, and exogamy that (Ghana).”
Reflections from a Black- The Ama Ata Aidoo was an opportunity for me to arise when Ato Yawson, the With the death of Ama
eyed Squint, was published in Centre for Creative Writing learn from her that Ayi Kwei protagonist, returns to Ata Aidoo on March 31 at
1977. She published her (Aidoo Centre), Accra was Armah, author of The Ghana with an Afro- age 81, Africa has lost a most
debut collection of poetry, launched in 2017 as the first Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet American wife, Eulalie Rush. original and iconic voice in
Someone Talking to of its kind in West Africa with Born, heard the phrase "No The consequences of this the world of creative writing,
Sometime, in 1986. It was Nii Ayikwei Parkes as its Sweetness Here" from her unannounced marriage letters and intellection.
also in 1986 that she
published her collection of
stories for children The Eagle
and the Chickens and Other
Stories. In 1987 she published
her second collection of
poetry Birds and Other
Poems. She published
another collection of poems
in 1992 entitled An Angry
Letter in January.
An irrepressible icon of
African literature, Ama Ata
Aidoo published her award-
winning novel Changes: A
Love Story in 1991 in Britain
and 1993 in USA. Changes
won the coveted 1992
Commonwealth Writers
Prize for Best Book (Africa).
In 1997 Ama Ata Aidoo
published The Girl Who Can
and Other Stories while
Diplomatic Pounds and Other
Stories was released in 2012.
She was the editor of
African Love Stories: An
Anthology in 2006. As a
part of her 70th birthday
celebrations in 2012, the
book Essays in Honour of
Ama Ata Aidoo at 70 edited
by Anne V. Adams was
published, and it included
contributors such as Ngugi
wa Thiongo, Atukwei Okai,
Margret Busby, Micere
Mugo, Biodun Jeyifo, Toyin
Falola, Jane Bryce, James
of
Gibbs, Chikwenye Okonjo-
Ogunyemi, Abena Busia,
Femi Osofisan, and her
daughter Kinna Likimani etc.
A 2014 documentary film,
The Art of Ama Ata Aidoo
made by Yaba Badoe,
10 Monday, 5th June 2023 www.lagosmetropolitan.com Vol. 1 No.2

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Monday, 5th June
DayChinuaAchebeCouldNot
AnswerHisName
M y phone could not
stop ringing.
It was the same message
from far and near: “Please
confirm if Chinua Achebe has
truly died.”
The news had been broken to
me by a “strategic source”.
There was a call from
Channels TV on sending a car to
bring me to the station’s studio
for a live interview on the death
of Chinua Achebe as the lead
broadcast of the prime 9pm
news.
Things moved all so
frenetically.
Chinua Achebe died at
exactly 11:51pm (US time), that is
4.51am (Nigerian time), on
Thursday, March 21, 2013, at
the Harvard University Teaching
Hospital, Massachusetts, USA,
aged 82.
Achebe’s interment on
Thursday, May 23 interment of
the icon in his native Ikenga
village of Ogidi town in Idemili
LGA, Anambra State pulled the
world.
The one-storey home of
Chinua Achebe looks quite
modest from the outside but it
has a lift inside and captures the
Achebean essence of the quality
of what is within being greater
than any showiness outside.
Achebe was interred at
4.30pm.
The mausoleum constructed
to the side of the frontage of the
building bears the heavy burden
of the memory of Mother Africa
in the buried remains of the
author ofThings Fall Apart.
Achebe was given an
elaborate Christian funeral
service at St. Philips Anglican
Church, Ogidi, as opposed to
the African mores he
championed in his novels.
The then President Goodluck
Ebele Jonathan was present even
though Achebe had rejected his
award of the Commander of the
Federal Republic (CFR).
Jonathan was in the company
of the then Ghana President
John Dramani Mahama.
Of War and Peace
In peace as in war are many secrets between
the sexes sharedor shredOfsaidor didn't
say Ofdidor didn't do Conjectures and
innuendoes more contagious than Putin's
noodles more potent than Trumpian heckles
In peace as in war
eyeballto eyeball
andsecrets to share
2023
Anambra State
Governor Peter Obi served as
chief host and somewhat
doubled as the Master of
Ceremonies.
then
The politicians actually
dominated the scenes, with the
writers dwarfed out ofsight.
President Jonathan sang the
praises of Achebe as a
philosophical writer whose
insight pierced through the heart
ofNigeria’s national problems.
Ghana President Mahama
stressed that with the death of
Achebe “writers in the African
continent and the Diaspora have
lost a mentor and literary
godfather.”
South African President
Jacob Zuma’s condolence
message was read at the funeral
thus: “Chinua Achebe was
indeed Africa’s greatest literary
export and a legend of African
Literature.”
Jonathan in a second speech
announced that both the
Nigerian and Ghanaian
governments will completely
reconstruct St Philip’s Primary
School in Ogidi which Achebe
had attended.
The church service started at
a few minutes after 11am with
Presidents Jonathan and
Mahama, former Vice-President
Dr Alex Ekwueme, former
Commonwealth Secretary-
General Chief Emeka Anyaoku,
Minister of Finance Dr Okonjo-
Iweala etc. in attendance.
Crowd control proved
difficult with security operatives
meting out brutality to the
ordinary people.
Achebe’s first son, Dr
Ikechukwu Achebe, gave the
vote of thanks on behalf of the
family.
The burial programme for
Achebe began on Sunday, May
19, with a day of prayers and
religious worship at the National
Christian Centre, Abuja.
Then the Association of
Nigerian Authors (ANA) which
Achebe founded held a
symposium on the life and times
of the author at the International
Conference Centre, Abuja in the
www.lagosmetropolitan.com
morning of Monday, May 20
which was followed by an
evening of tributes, with many
cultural troupes performing.
Achebe’s remains arrived at
Nnamdi Azikiwe International
Airport, Abuja on Tuesday, May
21, draped in the Green-White-
Green flag of Nigeria and
accompanied by his wife Prof
Christie Achebe and children Dr
Chinelo Ejeiyutche, Dr Ike
Achebe, Dr Chidi Achebe and
ProfNwando Achebe.
The University of Nigeria,
Nsukka, where Achebe was
Emeritus Professor, held a
Special Senate Session at its
Enugu Campus.
In the trademark tradition of
University Senate meetings, the
University Registrar Ogbueshi
Anthony Okonta called out
names of members of Senate.
Everyone present answered his
name.
When he called Emeritus
Professor Chinua Achebe three
times and there was no answer
the Vice-Chancellor of UNN
Prof Bartho Okolo stated that it
was “unusual for Achebe not to
answer to his name.”
Two lovers are dormant missiles
are latent fires with each stare
able to set the firmament ablaze
weapons flaming as a million stars One blast
andthe future is homeless
The mating ofthe sexes is the centrifuge of
War andPeace
- Ihria Enakimio
The VC then called Achebe,
while staring at his remains in
the casket in the middle of the
Main Hall ofthe institution.
As Achebe still did not
answer, VC Okolo said: “Truly,
this is a solemn confirmation
that the earthly sojourn of our
revered colleague, Emeritus
Professor Chinualumogu
Albert Achebe, our compatriot
who rose to become a citizen of
the world, has come to an end.
It is therefore with profound
grief and regret that I preside
over this special Senate in his
honour.”
It was the renowned
Jamaican scholar Professor
Ekwueme Michael Thelwell
who delivered the four-hour
burial lecture entitled
“Ikejemba: He Had In Him The
Elements So Mixed”.
After the burial, Achebe’s
second son, Dr Chidi Achebe,
while directing me to the tent in
which dignitaries were feted,
said: “My father is not a saint
but he indeed lived a
remarkable life as nobody has
come here to tell us that he had
a love child for my father!”
Vol. 1 No. 2 11
Arts
According to The Economist down.”
of March 30, 2013, “Mr
American President Barack
Achebe was widely hailed as Obama declared:“A
the father of African literature;
revolutionary author, educator,
but, smiling over his heavy
bifocals, he rejected that. and cultural ambassador,
Instead, he repeated his Chinua shattered the
conventions of literature and
favourite proverb: ‘Until the
lions have their own historians, shaped thecollective identity of
the history of the hunt will Nigerians throughout the
always glorify the hunter.’ Small
world. With a dream of taking
though he was, he turned out to on misperceptions of his
be the African lions’ earliest and
homeland, he gave voice to
most important historian.”
For Kenyan novelist Ngugi perspectives that cultivated
understanding and drew our
wa Thiong’o, “Achebe bestrides
generations and geographies. world closer together. His
Every country in Africa claims legacy will endure in the hearts
him as their own.”
of all whose lives he touched
Nelson Mandela depicted with the everlasting power of
Achebe as “The writer in whose
his art.”
company the prison walls fell
- UzorMaxim Uzoatu
A small classified ad can
tell your story in a very
big way.
Try us online at
lagosmetropolitan.com
12 Monday, 5th June 2023 www.lagosmetropolitan.com Vol. 1 No. 2

Home
arguments and sometimes
fighting, learn to separate
them with activities. I try
never to leave them alone for
too long. While one brushes
the teeth, the other would be
in the shower. While the other
person is taking a bath, the
other is dressing up. If your
kids are still very little, you
may have to bath and get
all you need to do is boil rice
or yam. While this is on fire,
you're taking care of the kids.
If you intend frying potatoes,
like I always do, peel and slice
a day before and leave in the
fridge. All you need to do in
the morning is simply put oil
on fire and start frying. While
it's frying, your attention is
somewhere else. When I have
of them. 8 & 10). While
they're having their bath and
getting set, I'm back to the
kitchen, fixing breakfast and
packing lunch. I'm usually
done in 1 hour. School bus
comes at 7:30am.
I had to explore the option
of school bus to reduce stress
of driving out in the mornings.
It's all about doing what works

MorningRoutineforSchool: Practical Tips for Moms for you. And this one really

A
works for me. It's important
you must always had extra At this point, I'd like to for moms to always seek ways
few months ago, I them dressed. You'll be able to leftover rice, I won't be
pencils and erasers handy cos quickly chip this in. It's to make things easy for
read a lady on social do this if you've already taken cooking, I'll simply be
these cuties almost never important to wake up before themselves cos we do a lot.
media say she care of the kitchen aspect and warming.
come back home with them. the kids. You also need a few Safe for the kids but easy on
always started her day by this brings me to the next tip. With this level of
It's advisable to but stationery minutes to yourself to be you.
4am. Another in the Kitchen time takes at least organisation, I start my day by
in bulk to limit stress. I have calm, with a cup of tea and a I hope you find these tips
comments section affirmed 50% of prep time so 70- 6am and I kid you not. If it's a
seen parents risk getting their few minutes of quiet. helpful.
same. All in a bid to prep kids 80% of kitchen chores cold morning like during the
wards to school late cos they Once you've gotten a few * Joy Mfon Essien is an
for school. I found it a bit should have been taken care harmattan or rainy season,
always have to stop at nearby things in motion, you could go Entrepreneur and the CEO,
difficult to process then I of the night before. first thing I do is turn on the
shops for snacks and wake the kids up and help get Discover Essence Media,
quickly remembered my next I want to assume you made heater and make myself a cup
stationery. Buy these things in them started. Millionaire Woman
door neighbor who woke me stew over the weekend and so of tea. I love and need the
bulk before school resumes If your kids are like mine Soapworks and Delicioso
up every week day to the won't need to start blending quick fix. In 10 mins the water
for each term. You'd be the who fuss a lot and test your Foods. Writer, TV presenter
sound of heavy pounding and frying tomatoes by 5am. is warm and ready and then I
better for it. patience with talking, heated and producer, Wellness Coach
from her mortar and pestle. With your already made stew, go wake the kids up. (I have 2 andmom oftwo.
Whenever the pounding
started, it was followed by
morning prayers from a
nearby mosque and I'd know
without my alarm waking me,
that it'd soon be time to get
out of bed.
As I found my way to the
kitchen to get started, I always
wondered why my neighbour
insisted her cooking everyday
must be made from scratch. A
very hard-working Ebonyi
woman, I must add.
If you're like any of these
women with little kids to
prepare for school then this is
for you. All these morning
chores and routines can be
simplified and less stressful.
Before you turn in for the
night, it's best to have some
things already sorted. Water
bottles should be washed and
refilled with water and stored
in the fridge. Lunch boxes
should also be washed up and
kept away. This way, when
you wake up, you don't have
to start doing this.
Uniforms, socks, shoes and
bags should also be laid out.
This way, that confusing and
annoying back and forth that
makes morning routines a
nightmare, is completely
eliminated.
It's also very important to
go to bed early enough so
you don't struggle to get out
of bed. Kids too, should go to
bed anytime from 7:30 -
8:00pm. It's not always funny
trying to wake up kids who
want to sleep a little more.
Parents of little kids, know
Monday, 5th June 2023 www.lagosmetropolitan.com
was generous in meeting
the needs of other people.
Fourthly, he was a man
of prayer. He longed to
commune with God; to
seek God’s guidance on
every issue of his life. He
prayed regularly and not
only when there was
trouble. There are many
Vol. 1 No. 2 13
time a truth which no
religious person dares
ignore- good works by
themselves will not
guarantee anybody eternal
life. We cannot be accepted
by God on the basis of the
number of times we pray in
a day, how often we read
the Bible, how often we go
Reflections
forgiveness through His
name.
It is, therefore, clear that
good works alone will not
save anybody, including
religious people. It is only
faith in Jesus Christ that
can save. In Acts 4:12, the
Holy Spirit declared
through Peter, “Salvation is

The
religious men and women to a place of worship in a found in no one else, for
who put on and off their week, how much money there is no other name
religious garb as it suits the we contribute to God’s under heaven given to men

Conversion of
prevailing condition of their work, how much money we by which we must be
lives. give to beggars everyday, saved.” In his letter to
Many would think that our faithfulness in keeping believers in Christ who

a Religious
the good qualities observed the Ten Commandments, were in Ephesus, Paul said,
by God in Cornelius’ life our practice of the golden “For it is by grace you have
would automatically qualify rule, the number of been saved, through

Man
him for a place in God’s
heaven; that such good
works as he was
commended for would
mean salvation for him. But
this is not so. What the
(Acts 10:1-9, 21-22, 30- Jews, he won the respect as far as Cornelius was angel of God said to
religious pilgrimages we
undergo, or our service to
God.
What, then, is the
message by which all men,
whether religious or not,
must be saved? In his
faith—and this not from
yourselves, it is the gift of
God—not by works, so that
no one can boast” (Eph.
2:8-9).
My appeal to you, my
dear reader, is that you

S
33; 11:1-18.)
alvation is so
important that God
does not want
anyone to miss it. Our
experience or non-
experience of it will
determine whether we shall
be everlastingly happy in
heaven or be eternally
damned in hell. God speaks
clearly about salvation in
the Bible so that no one will
have a legitimate reason for
failing to experience it.
The writer of the Epistle
to the Hebrews asked a
question that no one can
answer, namely, “How shall
we escape if we ignore
such a great salvation?”
(Hebrews 2:3a). There are
many who ignore God’s
way of salvation and trust
in their own good works
for salvation. There are
deeply religious and highly
moral individuals who
believe that their own good
works can qualify them for
a place in God’s heaven. It
is for the sake of such
people that the Holy Spirit
inspired Luke, the beloved
physician, to write about
the conversion of one of
the most religious men
ever, Cornelius the
Centurion.
Cornelius was a very
outstanding religious man.
Although he was a Gentile
soldier, and of a race of
people much hated by the
and admiration of a wide concerned. We must also
section of the Jewish add that Cornelius led his
society. He is described in family in seeking after God
the Bible as “a righteous and respecting Him. There
and God-fearing man who are many so-called
is respected by all the religious people whose
Jewish people” (Acts lives are no nauseating to
10:22). their family and friends that
Cornelius’s baptism from the episode “The Abomination”
Four significant aspects they would not want to
of Cornelius’ religious have anything to do with
character are mentioned in their God. But not
Acts 10:2. First, he was Cornelius. He was a good
devout, that is, he actively advertiser for the God he
sought after God. He sought to know and
realized that he was only a worship.
creature and longed to Thirdly, he gave
know his Creator and live generously to those in
according to His will. need. In an era when
Secondly, he was God- soldiers used their position
fearing, that is, he revered to acquire illegitimate
God. He considered God to riches and deprive the
be worthy of the greatest citizenry of their right to
respect and esteem. God good living conditions,
was an all-important Being Cornelius was different. He
Cornelius should make
everyone trusting in his
own good works or
religious exercises for
salvation to think. Listen to
what the angel said to
Cornelius, “Your prayers
and gifts to the poor have
come up as a memorial
offering before God” (Acts
10:4). His good works have
not qualified him for
salvation! The angel then
began to tell him how he
could be saved. He said,
“Now send men to Joppa to
bring back a man named
Simon who is called Peter.
He will bring you a
message through which
you and all your household
will be saved” (Acts 10:5;
11:14). By this statement,
God has established for all
sermon at Cornelius’ should no longer trust in
house (Acts 10:34-43), your religious activities for
Peter presented the salvation. Learn from
following as the message God’s encounter with
of salvation: First, Jesus Cornelius. You may even
Christ is the Lord of all excel Cornelius in every
who came into the world department of life but
and lived the only perfect God’s word will be the
same to you. You need to
hear the message by which
you may be saved, and this
message has been
proclaimed to you.
If you want to give your
life to Jesus Christ, you
may offer this prayer to
God: “Dear God, I thank
you for sending Jesus to
die for my sins. I am sorry
for my sins and repent of
them all. I invite Jesus into
my life right now to be my
Lord and Saviour. Thank
you for saving me. In Jesus’
name I pray. Amen”
Your eternal salvation
and spiritual well-being are
our concern. If you prayed
life that would ever be to accept Jesus Christ into
lived. Secondly, He died on your life as your personal
the Cross of Calvary for Lord and Saviour, please
the sins of all, since all have write to let us know at the
sinned and come short of address below. You may
the glory of God (Romans also join us to worship God
3:23). Thirdly, He rose in Yoruba language at 7.30
from the dead on the third a.m. or in English language
day, and this proves that at 9.00 a.m. every Sunday.
God accepted the sacrifice
that Jesus made for our Rev. Dr. Kayode Ilupeju,
sins. He appeared to many Good New Baptist Church,
after His resurrection. 47/49, Olufemi Road,
Fourthly, those who repent offOgunlana Drive,
of their sins and believe in Surulere, Lagos. Tel,:
Jesus Christ will receive 0803-302-1008
14 Monday, 5th June 2023
Sports
Djokovic, Alcaraz set for W
French Open battle
Sabalenka shuns press again
Tennis - French Open - RolandGarros, Paris, France - June 4, 2023 Serbia's Novak Djokovic in
action during his fourth roundmatch against Peru's Juan Pablo Varillas REUTERS/Lisi Niesner
Nigeria suffers shock 0-1 ouster by South Korea in U-20 Football World Cup
S outh Korea secured
a crucial victory
against Nigeria in
the quarter-final of the
2023 FIFA U-20 World
Cup in Argentina, thanks to
a goal scored during the
first half of extra-time.
Nigeria's U-20 team
suffered a crushing defeat in
the quarter-finals of the
2023 World Cup, as South
Korea emerged victorious
with a 1-0 win. Despite their
dominance on the pitch,
Nigeria failed to convert
their opportunities into
goals, and ultimately paid
the price. The winning goal
came from a Choi Seok-
Hyun header, which secured
South Korea's place in the
semi-finals.
Jude Sunday stunned the
Benzema leaves Madrid after
14 years
I
According to Al
n the offseason, Real
Madrid announced that
14-year veteran and
Ballon d'Or winner Karim
Benzema would be leaving
the club as a free agent to
join Saudi Arabian side Al
Ittihad.
crowd with an audacious
back flip in the fifth minute,
marking the first attempt of
the game.
Nigeria's impressive
performance at the Estadio
Único Madre de Ciudades
forced the South Koreans
into a retreat. Eagles'
dominance failed
translate into Scoring
Opportunities.
to
Victor Eletu, the AC
Milan U-19 midfielder, made
a stunning contribution with
two shots on goal during the
match. Meanwhile, Salim
Fago, Solomon Agbalaka,
and Daniel Daga missed
their chances as the first half
ended in a goalless draw.
Flying Eagles captain
Daniel Bameyi missed a
Ekhbariya, a Saudi state-run
television station, Al Ittihad
and Benzema have agreed to
terms on a two-year
contract, with club
executives currently in
Madrid to negotiate a "record
deal" with the striker.
www.lagosmetropolitan.com
crucial opportunity to score
in the second half as he shot
directly at the South Korean
custodian, despite being set
up by Salim Fago just
outside the area.
Nigeria's dominance was
evident yet again, but their
inability to make decisive
Ibrahimovic ends football career
Soccer Football - Serie A - AC Milan v Salernitana - San Siro, Milan, Italy - March 13, 2023
S
AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic during the warm up REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo
wedish striker Zlatan
Ibrahimovic ofAC
Milan announced his
retirement from professional
moves in the attacking third
resulted in a stalemate until
the end of regulation time.
South Korea left Nigeria
in shock during the 6th
minute of extra-time as
Choi Seok-Hyun scored a
stunning header from a Lee-
Seung-Won corner-kick.
football on Sunday.
After a season marred by
ailments, the 41-year-old's
contract with Milan expires at
hile Belarusian
Aryna
Sabalenka
missed another news
conference because she was
asked to remark on the war in
Ukraine earlier in the
tournament, Novak Djokovic
and Carlos Alcaraz advanced to
a blockbuster French Open
semi-final match with dominant
victory on Sunday.
Djokovic, who is trying to
win a record-breaking 23rd
Grand Slam in Nadal's absence,
breezed through Peruvian
marathoner Juan Pablo Varillas
6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in a round-of-
eight match.
Djokovic, a two-time winner
in Paris, has advanced to the
semifinals for the 17th time, one
more than Nadal.
"I'm proud of all the records,
but it also means I'm not young
any more," Djokovic, 36, said.
I'm quite happy because that
was the highest calibre of tennis
I've played in this area.
Alcaraz, the top seed and
South Korea's
impenetrable defence held
off the Eagles throughout
regulation time, just as they
had done before.
Nigeria's hopes of
securing an equaliser were
dashed as Emmanuel Umeh
missed a crucial opportunity
the end of June, and he has
decided not to renew it.
Ibrahimovic returned to
Milan in early 2020 for his
Vol. 1 No. 2
number one player in the world,
defeated Lorenzo Musetti of
Italy in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2,
6-2. Alcaraz is another
tenacious Spaniard who is
expected to succeed Nadal as
champion.
The number two seed in the
world, Sabalenka, beat the
number one seed in the United
States, Sloane Stephens, 7-6(5)
6-4, to go to the quarterfinals.
After being questioned
about what Russia calls a
"special military operation" in
Ukraine, she skipped her press
conference again on Monday,
citing mental health problems
and saying she did not feel safe.
A major invasion staging
place has been in Belarus.
Elina Svitolina, who is
playing in her first major
tournament since giving birth
to her baby Skai in October, is
up next for Sabalenka. Svitolina
defeated Russian ninth seed
Daria Kasatkina 6-4, 7-6(5), to
keep herself in the running for a
first Grand Slam.
to score, firing the ball over
the crossbar. The team
struggled to find their
footing and ultimately fell
short in their pursuit of
victory.
South Korea secures a
spot in the semi-final and is
set to face off against Italy.
second stint with the club,
having previously won the
Scudetto with them in 2011.
He was instrumental in their
success last season as well.
He told the San Siro crowd
after Milan's final game of the
season, a 3-1 victory against
Hellas Verona, "I say goodbye
to football but not to you."
The striker began his
professional career in 1999
with Malmo FF before moving
on to Ajax Amsterdam in
2001 and eventually playing
for top European clubs like
Manchester United, Inter
Milan, and Milan.
Sweden's all-time leading
scorer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, re-
joined the national team in
2021 for their unsuccessful
World Cup qualification
campaign after leaving after
Euro 2016.
Monday, 5th June 2023 www.lagosmetropolitan.com Vol.1. No.2 15
16 Monday, 5th June 2023 www.lagosmetropolitan.com Vol. 1 No. 2

Backpage

Petrol Subsidy:
Howtonavigatechange
T he steep increase in
the price of petrol and
the attendant public
outcry could have been better
managed. Truth be told, subsidy
export appreciable quantity.
Mind you, this is not about
the merit or otherwise of the
government’s action. Most
sensible Nigerians want the
- France: 866,241 Naira per
month.
- Nigeria: 30,000 Naira per
month.
President Tinubu recently
removal was one of the banana subsidy scam to end. On that charged the service chiefs to
peels strewn in the path of the score, half the job is already stamp out terrorism and
new administration by the done. The problem is how to economic sabotage. There
Buhari regime. History has now transit with minimum stress should be a timeline. The era of
recorded the level of Buhari’s from one price regime to the do-nothing security chiefs
cluelessness in fixing the other. That is why should be over by now.
problems in the petroleum communication and public Nigerians believe that we are
sector as unprecedented. For relations experts should have gifted with very capable
eight years, the former been consulted first. security men and women but
president doubled as President In their attempt to justify the that nepotism and corruption
and Petroleum Minister but he increase, some government have eaten deeply into the
Buhari’s presidency, I gave free allies and justify the negative
failed to revive Nigeria’s local officials dredge up figures from system. One such Nigerian,
professional advice on how to portrayal of those outside your
refineries; neither did he other countries to show that Lawrence, took to the social
engage the populace in political camp.
discontinue the scam called fuel Nigerians are being spoilt by media to explain that the way
decisions that would eventually The Nigerian government
subsidy. Today, Nigeria is the low prices. They selectively pick the Nigerian security operatives
affect their lives. A good must learn to use public
only oil producing country in one item to the exclusion of all abducted Nnamdi Kanu from
government goes the extra mile relations experts at the design
the world that imports other variables, and conclude Kenya to Nigeria shows that
to cultivate the people’s stage of their policies to
petroleum products. that any Nigerian protesting the they could have captured
empathy and understanding enhance the chances of their
We knew that this day price hike is an ingrate. former Boko Haram leader,
before taking difficult decisions. acceptability by the populace. If
would come. For those milking
However, the immediate past By Wole Olaoye advocacy had preceded the
Such squint-eyed Abubakar Shekau, if they were
Nigeria through bogus subsidy When the government is in interventions only manage to so inclined. He argued further
administration was not famous announcement of the price
claims, the party is over. About the process of introducing a win more foes for the that smuggling of petroleum
for accepting unsolicited hike, chances are that people
time too. But there is the not- programme, it is no longer government. And the people on products will stop on the day
counsel. would have been more
so-little matter of procedure in enough to map out the budget the receiving end of these the military and immigration
This new government should receptive to the idea.
the way petrol pump prices implications as if the measures are no longer docile. officials decide that it should
run the shop differently. I have It doesn’t help matters when
tripled in one fell swoop. A programmes, in the final They are flinging back the stop.
no doubt that the petrol subsidy a pro-government television
measure as far reaching as analysis, are implementable bricks one after the other. One Now that organised labour is
thing is a gravy train that should guest says, “If we don’t increase
subsidy removal with sans people. Advocacy ought to such Nigerian took up the threatening to go on strike from
be stopped in its tracks. the price ofpetrol in Nigeria, our
implications for hyperinflation precede public challenge to show that singling June 7, the new administration is
However, to avoid unintended marketers will continue
in transportation, food, services pronouncements. Take the out petrol price alone for having its baptism of fire so
casualties and disaffection, you smuggling the product to
and commerce, among others, recent withdrawal of petrol comparison is like comparing a early in the day. There is likely
prepare the ground for the big neighbouring countries”. Such
should have been handled subsidy for example. The bitter mango with a grapefruit. The to be a change of tactics by
decision. Say what you will statements actually rile the
differently. pill would have been easier to writer says he is making his operatives of the new
about Ibrahim Babangida, the people. What is the business of
Even in our traditional swallow if a massive advocacy petrol price comparison in Naira administration, away from the
Evil Genius, the Maradona… that the government if it cannot
setting, things would have been programme had been using the exchange rate of the bellicosity of the former
was one leader who knew how police the borders? Is a
handled differently. In a typical unleashed. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). administration’s labour minister,
to involve the people in crucial government that admits its
African village, the elders send Public relations is the art and His analysis: Chris Ngige. The government
debates even where he already incapacity to stop smugglers
messages pertaining to a death science of building mutually - Spain: 246.9Nairaperlitre. should take advantage of the
had his mind made up to worthy of the name it pretends
in the family in stages. If the son beneficial relationships between - USA: 403.3Nairaperlitre. experience of Adams
introduce a jack-in-the-box to bear?
of the deceased lives faraway, organisations and their publics. - UK: 330.6Nairaperlitre. Oshiomhole to navigate the
Every leader who wants to Also, in the last eight years,
they would send a message that The Nigerian government can - Germany: 330.6 Naira per negotiations with Labour in an
be taken seriously must marshal the phenomenon of ghostly
his father is gravely ill and that use public relations to sell a litre. atmosphere of mutual respect.
out a communication and public barges and tankers sailing into
he should endeavour to come difficult program by using - France: 335.7Nairaperlitre. It doesn’t take a tarot reading to
relations programme to sell his Nigeria and disappearing with
home. Shortly after, another various techniques such as - Nigeria: 500 to 600 Naira know that the government can
ideas and secure the people’s millions of tonnes of crude oil
message follows, saying that media relations, community perlitre. do without a labour crisis at this
cooperation. Public became rife. In a few cases,
the illness was worsening and relations, crisis management, Having compared cost of stage.
communication is both an art some of the thieves were
that his father was now in public affairs, lobbying, petrol per litre between the Operatives of the new
and a science with a proven intercepted. But no one is
intensive care. Finally, by the advertising and folk media. listed countries, he then administration should lean on
methodology that delivers fooled. The Niger Delta is still
evening of that day, if he hadn’t A good public relations and proceeds to compare the Richie Norton’s encouraging
positive results again and again. considered a juicy posting if
yet arrived, they would break marketing campaign can be so minimum wage paid in each words, “Every sunset is an
Winning the people’s support in you’re a military or security
the news that his father did not expertly designed that even country using the CBN opportunity to reset. Every
these digital times, has gone personnel. Stories abound of
make it. My friend, when you’re telling the exchange rate: sunrise begins with new eyes”.
beyond the traditional practice officers becoming multi
Chukwukadibia, who is a audience to go to hell, they - Spain: 535,559 Naira per
of sending veteran opinion millionaires within months of
master in these matters, told me actually look forward to the trip! month. *Wole Olaoye is a Public
vendors to various broadcast getting there. When one adds
that there is sense in village But when you just suddenly - USA: 535,340 Naira per Relations consultant and
stations to spread unverified up the official stealing with the
wisdom. You don’t just break drop a bombshell without month. veteran journalist. He can be
rumours labelled as facts. unofficial thievery by local
bad news the way you break preparing the audience for the - UK: 955,876Nairapermonth. reached at
Nigerians have seen beyond pipeline vandals, it is a miracle
coconut. shock, you alienate potential - Germany: 947,618 Naira per wole.olaoye@gmail.com,
those obvious cheap gambits. that Nigeria still manages to
Several times during month. Twitter: @wole_olaoye;