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There have always been goals. The foremost were to play good field hockey and give area high school players a chance to be seen by college coaches. Debbie McQuaid has done this for 28 years during Thanksgiving weekend, taking area teams to the annual United States Field Hockey Association Festival in locations in Florida, California and Arizona. “I don’t really care about the win-loss (record),” McQuaid said. “But winning is always fun.” Well, McQuaid and her TC Shore team had a lot of fun last weekend, as it went 5-0 over three days of pool play during the annual USFHA Festival at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples, Florida. “We’ve won our pool a couple of times,” McQuaid said. “But we’ve never gone 5-0. It was very exciting.” It was also very impressive, considering after Friday’s tournament-opening 5-2 victory over Team Gateway of St. Louis, TC Shore yielded only one more goal over its remaining four games. “Somebody asked me, ‘Well, who stood out?’” McQuaid said. “I said, ‘None of them and all of them.’ They just worked as a unit. And they were so supportive. We had (Saints Peter and Paul eighth-grader) Caroline (Corson) being younger and they were just all so supportive of her. Just nice to see. No egos.” TC Shore also won its second game Friday, as Queen Anne’s County High goalies Cassidy Alexander and Caroline Kimball combined for a 3-0 shutout of Xcaliber (New Jersey). It was after Day 1, that McQuaid — who is currently the head coach at Sts. Peter and Paul, but has also been head coach at St. Michaels and Easton — thought her team could go undefeated. “Those were the two best teams,” McQuaid said of Team Gateway and Xcaliber. TC Shore came back to post back-to-back shutouts on Saturday, blanking both GOA Canada and Atlanta by 3-0 finals. In addition to Kimball and Alexander not letting anything get past them, the play of backs and midfielders Ellee McLean (Queen Anne’s), Haley Cole (Queen Anne’s), Angie Webb (SSPP), Jordan Bilbo (Queen Anne’s), Kadence McGuckin (Easton) and Claire Bieber (SSPP) stymied opponents. “The midfield really took care of things. They locked them down,” McQuaid said. TC Shore also had Gunston’s Layla Kent and Grace Shepherd, who saw time up front, at midfield, and in the back. McQuaid, who was assisted by Missy Cannon and Julie Corson, had Sadie Latchaw (Kent Island), Ellen Napier (Kent Island) and Sadie Jacobs (SSPP) rotating at midfield and forward, and Jules Stepp (SSPP), Ryann Quicke (Easton) and Gabi Shepherd (Gunston) up front. That offensive group combined to outscore the opposition, 15-3, for the tournament. TC Shore punctuated its unbeaten run Sunday with a 2-1 victory over HTC of Connecticut. “We started probably three years ago with the core group and they stayed together through Disney tournaments and spring tournaments,” McQuaid said. “And basically they just trust each other. Their personalities get along on the field, off the field. It was just a joy to coach. They enjoy themselves on the field.”One dead in Ecuador, Peru ports closed amid massive waves

BOZEMAN — The No. 1-seeded Montana State football team rolled to a 49-17 victory over UT Martin in a second-round FCS playoff game Saturday at Bobcat Stadium. The Bobcats improved to 13-0 for their first 13-win season in program history. MSU got going early with a 14-yard carry and a 5-yard catch by wide receiver Ty McCullouch. Quarterback Tommy Mellott scrambled for another 25 yards, and Mellott later found tight end Hunter Provience wide open for the 24-yard touchdown. Provience’s first career score made it 7-0 MSU. QUICK STRIKE 🎯 @HProvience x @Tommy_Mellott #BobcatBuilt | #CATS pic.twitter.com/ZSlm3V4PFV Both teams traded punts. The Bobcats continued to pressure UTM QB Kinkead Dent, with linebacker McCade O’Reilly and defensive back Tayden Gray nearly picking off passes. Meanwhile, MSU’s offense stalled out on its next two possessions. After a third-down stop by safety Rylan Ortt and cornerback Simeon Woodard to force another UTM punt, MSU finally got back on track. Running back Scottre Humphrey broke off a 30-yard run and a face mask penalty on UTM was added to the end of the run. Mellott then threw a dime to WR Taco Dowler over multiple defenders in the back of the end zone. MSU led 14-0. Just an absurd throw 😵‍💫😵‍💫 @Tommy_Mellott x @DowlerTaco #BobcatBuilt | #CATS pic.twitter.com/H7n3f6HdwX The Bobcats added to the lead on their next drive. TE Ryan Lonergan got MSU to midfield on a 32-yard catch and run. McCullouch tried another designed pass — this time more of a wobbler than a tight spiral — intended for Dowler, which came up short. But UTM was called for pass interference. McCullouch later scored on a 6-yard jet sweep. TOUCHDOWN TY ✌️⚡️ 🖥️ ESPN+ @tym4_ | #BobcatBuilt pic.twitter.com/kWRCwz0kjp The Skyhawks converted a fourth-and-3 and a third-and-1 to get inside the MSU 25-yard line for the first time. Ortt tackled UTM RB Patrick Smith short on a third-and-6 — the safety’s third stop on third down in the first half. UTM got on the board with a 37-yard field goal. UTM’s Keyshawn Johnson sacked Mellott on a third-and-8 — the 10th sack MSU has allowed all season — to force a punt. After a sack by MSU defensive end Kenneth Eiden IV and a 3-yard run by Dent, UTM faced a third-and-12 on its own 22. MSU called a timeout with 2 minutes, 13 seconds left in the first half. On the next play, though, Dent fired a deep pass to Trevonte Rucker, who was wide open around midfield. Rucker out-ran multiple defenders en route to the end zone. That was the longest play from scrimmage MSU’s defense has allowed since Sept. 24, 2022, against Eastern Washington (80-yard TD catch). Check out this big throw from Kinkead Dent to Trevonte Rucker as the Skyhawk tandem connected for a 78-yard touchdown! #MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/Qn0CKys1HK That score made it 21-10 MSU. An immediate answer from the Bobcats followed. Mellott hit Dowler on a 21-yard pass. A few plays later, Mellott connected with McCullouch on a 39-yard TD pass. UTM’s JaMichael McGoy fell down in coverage, leading McCullouch wide open and giving MSU a 28-10 lead. Tommy Bomb to Ty 💣🎯 @Tommy_Mellott x @tym4_ 🖥️ ESPN+ | #BobcatBuilt pic.twitter.com/zZBCuWYYVS That play was the eighth TD McCullouch has accounted for this season (five receiving, two rushing, one passing). At halftime, MSU led 28-10 and out-gained UTM 290-178 in total yards. Mellott was 14 of 17 for 178 yards and three TDs. McCullouch had 71 all-purpose yards (51 receiving, 20 rushing) and two TDs. UTM was forced to punt on the opening drive of the second half, which was returned by Dowler 40 yards to the UTM 37. Two plays later, Humphrey scored on a 36-yard TD run to put MSU up 35-10. That gave Humphrey his 14th rushing TD of the year. . @ScottreHumphrey is a bad, bad man 😈 🖥️ESPN+ #BobcatBuilt | #CATS pic.twitter.com/ESroVvgI1c Mellott later connected with Lonergan again, this time on a 48-yard catch and run. Three plays later, Dowler took a screen pass 29 yards for his second receiving TD of the game. That also gave Mellott four passing TDs for the second time in his career, previously doing so against Northern Colorado on Oct. 5. TACO TOUCHDOWN 🌮 (playoff edition) 🖥️ ESPN+ | @DowlerTaco pic.twitter.com/N2eNHQMSJe On the next MSU drive, Mellott set a new career high for passing yards in a game on an 8-yard throw to WR Aidan Garrigan. Mellott finished with 300 passing yards, and also later set a new career-high in single-game completions with 22. OH. MY. @AJonessy SPIN CYCLE 🌀🌀 🖥️ ESPN+ | #BobcatBuilt pic.twitter.com/yvvPMI7cUp RB Adam Jones added a 30-yard TD run in the fourth quarter to put MSU up 49-10. Dent later found Rucker for a 4-yard TD catch. MSU will next host the winner of No. 8 seed Idaho and Lehigh in the FCS quarterfinals on either Dec. 13 or 14. This story will be updated. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!General Election candidate Eoghan Kenny suffers epileptic seizure minutes before going live on RTÉ radio

Joel Colwill quality, deserved win, rare Saturday off and having to cancel Borussia Dortmund trip - Cheltenham Town boss Michael Flynn after Tranmere Rovers win

DELE Momodu, the publisher of Ovation Magazine, recently expressed deep regret over spending ₦50 million to purchase the presidential nomination form of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2022. Speaking in a recent interview on Eden Oasis, Momodu criticised the highly monetised nature of Nigeria’s political primaries, revealing that an aspirant distributed $30,000 to each of the 774 delegates who participated in the election. The journalist-turned-politician stated that he would no longer seek any party’s presidential ticket unless he is adopted as a consensus candidate. He remarked: “Experience is the best teacher. I’ve realised that principalities control Nigeria. Unless a major political party adopts me as a consensus candidate, one where everyone agrees I’m the best fit to lead and change the nation, I won’t contest.” Momodu expressed deep concern over the pervasive monetisation of political party primaries, emphasising that it not only excludes honest and visionary candidates from participating in the democratic process but also erects formidable barriers to the emergence of competent leaders capable of tackling Nigeria’s pressing challenges. He described this systemic issue where financial resources often overshadow merit, vision, and integrity in determining electoral outcomes as a significant hindrance to the country’s democratic development. He highlighted the glaring impact of this problem during recent elections in Edo and Ondo states, where the practice of vote-buying was alarmingly blatant, further eroding public trust in the electoral process. Politicians, driven by desperation to secure party tickets or win elections, spend exorbitant sums to influence delegates and voters. This financial arms race creates a vicious cycle: once elected, these politicians focus on recouping their investments, often through corrupt practices such as embezzlement, awarding inflated contracts, and mismanaging public resources. This entrenched culture of monetised politics, as Momodu warned, perpetuates systemic corruption and deprives Nigerians of the transparent and effective governance they urgently need. By prioritising personal gain over public service, this approach undermines the core values of democracy, leaving citizens disillusioned and eroding faith in the nation’s political system. To address this critical challenge, he called for a collective effort to reform the electoral process and promote leadership based on merit, vision, and accountability rather than financial influence. It is difficult to dispute Momodu’s claim that the monetisation of elections fundamentally undermines democracy by turning contests into bidding wars. The process denies voters the opportunity to make informed decisions and rewards those with the deepest pockets, rather than candidates with the best ideas or the most credible track record. Instead of fostering inclusivity and allowing fresh voices to emerge, the system discourages capable individuals who lack financial resources from participating, leaving the political arena dominated by wealthy power brokers. Despite Nigeria having laws to regulate campaign financing and enforce ethical conduct during elections, these laws are largely ignored. Agencies such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security bodies are either unable or unwilling to enforce these regulations effectively. As a result, vote-buying, financial inducements and other electoral malpractices continue unabated, undermining trust in the democratic process. This failure to enforce rules has created an uneven playing field where honest and financially disadvantaged candidates are sidelined, while those with questionable wealth and influence dominate. Momodu described this situation as a betrayal of the country’s democratic ideals and a hindrance to meaningful progress. Momodu’s reflections underscore the urgent need for systemic reform to restore integrity to Nigeria’s political process. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms, implementing stricter campaign finance laws, and increasing accountability for political actors are critical steps to reversing the trend. Certainly, stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the judiciary must work together to create a transparent and equitable electoral system. This is essential not only for the emergence of competent leaders but also for rebuilding public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy. We agree with Momodu’s perspective and strongly urge Nigerian politicians to critically re-examine the character of the country’s politics, particularly the entrenched and unsustainable culture of money-driven and predatory practices. The dominance of money politics has not only fuelled systemic corruption but has also emerged as one of the most significant barriers to Nigeria’s democratic advancement. This destructive trend undermines the principles of accountability, transparency and public service, eroding the very foundations of good governance. The current trajectory is unsustainable and demands urgent change. The corrosive influence of financial power in politics has resulted in arrested development, with leaders often prioritising self-interest and financial recovery over public purpose. Governance, which should serve as a platform for addressing societal challenges and advancing collective well-being, has instead been reduced to a tool for personal enrichment. This lack of focus on public purpose perpetuates inequality, stifles innovation, and prevents the formulation of policies that could drive meaningful development. Nigeria cannot achieve genuine growth or sustainable progress without a fundamental shift away from this toxic culture. To build a robust and thriving democracy, the country must embrace a new political ethos rooted in merit, vision, and service to the people. This transformation requires collective action, including stringent electoral reforms, civic education to discourage vote-buying, and the promotion of accountability at all levels of leadership. Only by breaking free from the shackles of money politics can Nigeria realize its full potential and secure a prosperous future for all its citizens. Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! 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Thomas Sorber collected 22 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks to pace Georgetown to an 83-53 win against shorthanded Coppin State on Saturday afternoon in Washington, D.C. The Hoyas pulled away from the Eagles with a 21-2 run early in the second half. Georgetown held Coppin State to 22 percent shooting in the second half and 18 percent from behind the arc. Georgetown (11-2) is off to its best start since the 2011-12 season. Drew Fielder recorded 20 points and 13 rebounds while Malik Mack had 15 points and 11 assists for the Hoyas. Georgetown played without its leading scorer Jayden Epps, who missed the game with a lower-body injury. Toby Nnadozie scored 22 points and Julius Ellerbe III added 12 to go along with six steals for the Eagles (1-13). The Hoyas' decisive second-half run started with Caleb Williams' steal that led to a Fielder lay up as Georgetown took 49-37 lead. Moments later, Fielder's turnaround in the lane put the Hoyas up 56-37. Sorber's jam with 6:36 left gave Georgetown a 67-41 advantage. The pesky Eagles rattled off a 7-0 run but got no closer than 19 points the rest of the game. The Eagles played without three of their top four scorers but forced 14 Georgetown turnovers in the first half and hit 5-of-8 3-pointers. Ellerbe corralled a loose ball near half court and distributed it to Nnadozie who converted a contested layup to pull CSU within 12-11. But the Hoyas held a 24-10 rebounding edge in the first half as Sorber and Fielder were a force inside the paint. The Hoyas created separation as Sorber worked the high-low game with a catch in the lane and a left finger roll for a 25-15 Hoyas' lead with 8:40 left in the first half. Zahree Harrison's 3-pointer kept the dogged visitors close and capped a 5-0 run that cut the Georgetown lead to 25-20. Nnadozie closed the first half with a 3-pointer and the Hoyas held a 37-30 lead. --Field Level Media

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Mutual of America Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Teleflex Incorporated ( NYSE:TFX – Free Report ) by 137.4% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 14,128 shares of the medical technology company’s stock after purchasing an additional 8,176 shares during the period. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC’s holdings in Teleflex were worth $3,494,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Cromwell Holdings LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Teleflex by 59.0% during the 3rd quarter. Cromwell Holdings LLC now owns 132 shares of the medical technology company’s stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 49 shares during the last quarter. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC purchased a new stake in Teleflex during the third quarter valued at about $40,000. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board purchased a new stake in Teleflex during the second quarter valued at about $42,000. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its stake in Teleflex by 131.1% during the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 171 shares of the medical technology company’s stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 97 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Versant Capital Management Inc boosted its holdings in shares of Teleflex by 20,700.0% in the 2nd quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 208 shares of the medical technology company’s stock worth $44,000 after purchasing an additional 207 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.62% of the company’s stock. Teleflex Stock Up 0.6 % Shares of NYSE:TFX opened at $191.71 on Friday. Teleflex Incorporated has a 1 year low of $185.66 and a 1 year high of $257.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 2.42 and a quick ratio of 1.39. The stock’s 50-day moving average is $226.07 and its 200 day moving average is $222.79. The company has a market cap of $8.90 billion, a PE ratio of 38.11, a P/E/G ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 1.18. Teleflex Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 16th. Investors of record on Friday, November 15th will be given a dividend of $0.34 per share. This represents a $1.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.71%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 15th. Teleflex’s dividend payout ratio is currently 27.04%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades TFX has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Mizuho dropped their target price on Teleflex from $275.00 to $250.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 1st. Stephens increased their target price on shares of Teleflex from $275.00 to $290.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price target on shares of Teleflex from $275.00 to $245.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 1st. StockNews.com cut Teleflex from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Needham & Company LLC reissued a “hold” rating on shares of Teleflex in a research note on Friday, November 1st. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Teleflex presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $259.25. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Teleflex Teleflex Profile ( Free Report ) Teleflex Incorporated designs, develops, manufactures, and supplies single-use medical devices for common diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in critical care and surgical applications worldwide. The company provides vascular access products that comprise Arrow branded catheters, catheter navigation and tip positioning systems, and intraosseous access systems for the administration of intravenous therapies, the measurement of blood pressure, and the withdrawal of blood samples through a single puncture site. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TFX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Teleflex Incorporated ( NYSE:TFX – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Teleflex Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teleflex and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Former commissioner for Information in Ogun State and longstanding coordinator of the popular Ojude Oba festival, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, tells AYOOLA OLASUPO about his leadership experience, how cultural preservation and promotion can foster societal growth and forthcoming 70th birthday celebration As a former commissioner, how did your experience in governance shape your understanding and approach to cultural preservation and promotion in Ogun State? As the coordinator of the Ojude Oba festival for the past 20 years and a former Ogun State commissioner for Culture, Sports, and Social Welfare, I have leveraged my extensive experience to promote cultural awareness and unity. During my tenure, I facilitated a cultural renaissance across the state, making it seamless to oversee the festival’s growth. We transitioned the festival from the palace forecourt to the annex, now named the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Golden Jubilee Centre. This role has deepened my appreciation of our culture as a powerful tool for tourism and societal cohesion, showcasing our uniqueness to the world. Ojude Oba exemplifies religious tolerance and harmony, uniting Muslims, Christians, and Iseese worshippers in celebration. It is a vibrant spectacle that underscores togetherness. We continue to raise the bar, aiming for an even greater festival in 2025, surpassing the achievements of 2024. How did your influence affect the celebration of Ojude Oba? Normally, we look at the people we want to invite. We know our sponsors and every year, we attract a new sponsor because we have raised the bar, and Kabiyesi has succeeded in lifting the festival to new heights. Our people think of innovations each year to ensure that the festival is seen as a symbol of unity, cohesion, and what the totality of Ijebu stands for. We also liaise with sponsors and look for special guests to honour. We have been expressing the state government’s interest since I joined, and of course, you will recall that it was when we started raising the bar that we also witnessed the re-emergence of the legbelegbe or age grade. They have injected flavour and friendship into the festival, attracting significant development to the town and other Ijebu towns and villages. As a highly recognised event, what strategies have you and your team employed to sustain the relevance of Ojude Oba over the years? Every year after the festival, we take stock. We (organisers) receive feedback and assess how to project into the future. We don’t take things for granted, and we ensure that we improve our activities every year because we try to be proactive. We associate with the various components of the community so that they know what we are doing and can also tell us what we should do. It is society-driven. If the visitors are unhappy with what they see, the festival will not grow. Don’t forget that sponsors have their criteria for ensuring success; if we haven’t succeeded, they will not return. We thank God. How has the festival been receiving much attention, especially from the youths in recent times? That is because of the type of advocacy we do and the publicity we create. Don’t forget that I’m also a journalist, PR expert, and marketing professional. So, it’s not difficult for me to attract my colleagues. We organise press conferences, sensitise the media, get our sponsors to speak, and start the arrangements in earnest. We thank God we have a monarch who has seen it all. Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona (GCON), the monarch, has been on the stool since April 2, 1960; that’s about 65 years ago and he is still waxing strong. How do your sponsors benefit from the festival? If they’re not benefiting, will they throw their money into the lagoon? No! They have done some auditing and compared their participation in the festival to the gains they accrue, whether in terms of return on investment, sales returns, or image, which cannot be quantified, but sales can. That is why we continue to have more sponsors every year because they know there’s something to gain. What legacy has your continued involvement in promoting cultural heritage left behind on cultural leadership? A people without culture will go into extinction, and a people without tradition cannot survive. Appreciating, developing, embracing, and growing our culture is the best way to thrive. My involvement has been beneficial to my society and some extent, to the country. When people read about Ojude Oba, they know the festival belongs to the people of Ijebu. The benefits and publicity don’t stay with Ijebu alone; they spread to the entire country. When they read about the country, they attribute it to the country and narrow it down to the community. It’s a win-win situation for developing your country, state, or community’s culture. What is your view about the recurring religious disputes between the Iseese worshippers and other religions in the country? Religious conflicts are unnecessary. Almighty Allah says in the Quran, ‘Unto you your religion, and unto me my religion’. If Allah had wished, He could have made everyone Muslim, but in His wisdom, He created diverse religions. Christianity and Islam are Abrahamic religions, that share roots in the teachings of Abraham. Christianity originated in Jerusalem, part of modern Israel and Palestine, while Abraham’s journey was linked to Saudi Arabia. Reflecting on our ancestors who lived before these religions, one must ask: would they go to hell? Ultimately, no one knows heaven’s workings. Worshipping the Creator, whatever one chooses is what matters. For instance, the Iseese people worship their Creator in their way. In Ijebuland, the saying, ‘Esin o le fa’ja’ (religion cannot cause acrimony) highlights the importance of harmony. Nigerians must realise that religion is personal and should not be a cause for division. The Bible says, ‘Love thy neighbour as thyself’, without distinction of faith. Similarly, Allah teaches acceptance: ‘If it is my wish, I will make everyone Muslim or Christian.’ Religion should unite, not divide, fostering mutual respect and peace. You’re clocking 70 years soon; how do you feel about that? I must express my gratitude to my Creator, who has kept me this far. He has made me who I am. I may not have had it all, but comparatively, I’m grateful for all I have achieved. I thank Almighty God that it has not been too bad. He has been kind to me because the environment has been kind to me. As the late sage Obafemi Awolowo would say, there will be light at the end of the tunnel. It cannot be like this forever. The world itself is a passing phase. The world is like a stage, and we are all actors. We are just here to play our parts. So, I am playing my little part, and when the time comes, I pray I live to be old. I pray to reach 80, 90 years, and whatever age God decides, but as long as I have good health, I will continue to thank God. At 70, some people want to retire and focus on their grandchildren, but you seem strong enough to be involved in state development. What is the secret behind your energy at this age? Related News Did police fail to stop only one robbery in Lagos since 2007? FG plans crackdown on cultism, bullying in schools Police foil robbery, arrest 12 suspects in Delta One thing I have discovered is that life should not allow you to be complacent, despondent, or withdrawn. Lack of activity is a negative thing that will not help you grow intellectually, spiritually, or physically. If you don’t exercise your brain, it will become rustic and demented. But if you strive to keep your body and mind active, it benefits your brain, mind, muscles, and more. You won’t become despondent or rusty. The body requires nourishment, energising, and fuelling. You can only fuel your body if you stay active. What advice would you give to youths who also pray for long life? Nigerian youths are often criticised for being mentally, intellectually, and spiritually lazy. While this doesn’t apply to all, many seem fixated on quick, effortless wealth, regardless of its sustainability. Some young people engage in harmful behaviours, quarrelling and even resorting to violence, which neither contributes to personal growth nor nation-building. Unlike in developed countries, where youths are exposed to volunteer jobs and taught the value of hard work from a young age, many Nigerian youths lack this ethic. They often misuse technology, turning it into tools for cybercrime instead of productive endeavours. In developed societies, dignity in labour is emphasised; earning and education require effort. Conversely, many Nigerian youths prioritise materialism over hard work, evident in their possession of expensive gadgets their families cannot afford, raising questions about their sources of income. The issue extends to young women engaging in prostitution to keep up appearances, while young men often join cults, commit cybercrimes, or resort to armed robbery. This reflects a broader societal dysfunction, marked by leadership and followership paralysis. Who should be blamed for the decadence in society? Yes. It’s a societal issue. Families must also take responsibility for the values their children inherit. This isn’t only a question of government policy or leadership; it is about the collective moral compass of the society. When the family fails to teach core values such as hard work, humility, and integrity, the youth are left to wander without direction. Government policies, alongside proper family structures and societal values, must work in tandem to guide the younger generation towards more productive and responsible lives. Why are most state governments against local government autonomy? I was in government before, and I believe the Federal Government has no business interfering in local government affairs. These are functions of state governments, which should create and manage local governments to suit their developmental goals. For example, when Bola Tinubu expanded Lagos 20 local governments to 57 LCDAs, former President Olusegun Obasanjo withheld allocations to those local governments. This issue arises from the country’s poorly structured federal arrangements, where the constitution is often ignored, and successive governments exploit the system. To move forward, Nigeria must embrace true federalism and strictly follow constitutional provisions. However, resistance to change persists. Some benefit from the current system, others fear uncertainty, and some lack understanding of potential reforms. Nonetheless, change is inevitable and crucial for progress. State governments must allow local governments to grow within constitutional limits. We must clarify these issues. If Local Government Service Commissions exist, to whom will they report; state governments or local chairmen? Availability of reliable infrastructure is one of the factors that can attract investors to the country. Why do you think there are many bad roads in Ogun State? The state of roads in Ogun varies depending on the area. For example, the Lagos-Sagamu and Sagamu-Abeokuta roads are in good condition. However, Ogun State’s role as a gateway state, connecting Lagos, the country’s commercial hub, to other regions, leads to heavy vehicular traffic. Virtually all vehicles leaving Lagos pass through Ogun, whether via Epe, Badagry, or the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. This problem is largely due to the neglect of the railway system. In the past, railways were used to transport heavy goods such as iron ore and cement. Today, trailers and tankers dominate the roads, which are often asphalted rather than made of durable concrete. These heavy vehicles damage the roads, especially when breakdowns or fires occur, creating potholes. Rebuilding and promoting rail transport will ease pressure on roads, reducing damage and associated repair costs. Coastal areas like Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, and Delta face additional challenges due to marshy terrain and heavy rainfall, making road construction more expensive compared to the northern regions. Moreover, government funds are often limited, complicating infrastructure development. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive planning, better allocation of resources, and a revitalised rail network to support transportation needs. Is it that successive administrations have not paid much attention to this aspect? Well, I think they will tell you they are trying their best. It’s obvious due to the availability of funds and other factors. For example, when Ibikunle Amosun was in office, his focus was on bridges, roads, and other infrastructure. I’m not in a position to assess or pass judgment on them, but I believe it depends on their focus. “They will tell you that some of these roads, which expose them to ridicule or criticism, are not state roads but federal roads. If they attempt to reconstruct or rehabilitate these roads, the Federal Government may not reimburse them. In contrast, perhaps at the federal level, money has been allocated for the rehabilitation or reconstruction of these roads. However, due to bureaucracy, the funds are not released on time. So, they blame the state. We need to understand the dynamics of some of these things before we can pass judgment. What is your view on the recently proposed tax reform bill? As I said earlier, it is difficult to implement change within the polity. Some people, who had been benefiting from the old system, would not want change. For example, we have been told that the higher you earn, the more tax you pay. Again, we need a lot of sensitisation in this country. Our people are not in the habit of paying taxes. In some countries, especially in the Western world, you can pay as much as 60 per cent of your salary in taxes. What is tied to this is that if you fail to pay your taxes abroad, you will go to jail. How many people have been jailed in this country for not paying taxes? People take it for granted, yet this is where governments get money to provide amenities and take care of their responsibilities. But when we don’t want to pay our taxes and still expect governments to provide so many things, then there is a paradox. It is paradoxical. How do we get to El Dorado without making fundamental changes? So, it is up to Tinubu’s administration to take some of these steps.