Saturday, June 6, 2015 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

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S’Court nullifies dethronement of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland

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China-bound housewives caught with cocaine

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‘Why I bought Nollywood actor’s son for N350,000’

Boko Haram: Military evolves new war plan ...as troops kill two suicide bombers, Vol. 5 No. 25

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Saturday, June 6, 2015

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other insurgents Repel attack on Shetimari

President Muhammadu Buhari with the President of Chad, Idris Deby, at the State House in N’djamena, Chad, on Thursday.

Crisis looms in health sector

...as Resident Doctors threaten to down tools Give two weeks ultimatum P. 10

Buhari condoles with Ghana over flood, fire tragedies

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Top Stories Two A

42 -year old woman, Cecelia Nwatu, who bought a 2 year -old boy from a Nollywood actor, Awurum Kanayo, said she was under pressure to get a male child for her family. Kanayo, 29, was recently arrested by policemen from the Ikotun Police station and the case was transferred to the Special Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS) Ikeja, Lagos state police command. Nwatu, a typist with the Ikanu Local Government Area, Enugu State, said her biological son is crippled and the custom within her ethnic group does not favour such handicap as heir to a family. She said, “I am a typist with the Ikanu Local Government Council. “I have three children, a boy and two girls but my son who is 10 years old fell ill and he became a cripple. He is also deaf and dumb. I and my husband felt we need an heir since our son is disabled and we decided to adopt a son so that he could bear our family name. “I went to the motherless babies homes in Enugu to adopt a son but they told me they do not have a boy. My husband is however sick and bed ridden. I contacted one of the women working at the motherless babies’ home and she gave me one Mrs. Nkechi Obi’s phone number. “The woman told me that Mrs. Obi is a doctor who assists people to adopt babies. I called Mrs. Obi and she told me to be patient that she will get a boy for me. She called me later in 2015, and told me she had got a 2 year- old boy for me. “She told me to pay N700, 000 for the boy and I should come to Owerri to take the boy home. I was happy and I went with my sister-in-law Mrs. Glady’s Nwobodo. I paid N650, 000 for the boy. My personal savings was N450, 000 and I got the rest from our thrift society. “I am the treasurer. I felt it was adoption as the father signed a document for me and allowed me to take him away with his clothing. I did not sign any document to adopt him but I love the boy. I enrolled him in school

Owerri

he Imo State Police Command has arrested a syndicate said to specialise in stealing and trafficking children. The suspects, Kelechi Nwogu, 22, and Ebuka Ibe, 22, were arrested following a distress call by a law abiding citizen. Disclosing this while parading the suspects at the Command headquarters, Owerri yesterday, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Austin Evbakhavbokun,

June 6, 2015

‘Why I bought Nollywood actor’s son for N350,000’

Kanayo

and fed him well. I changed his name to Tochukwu Nwatu and he lived with me for two months. It was after I was arrested that I found out it was illegal. “I regret my action and I am sorry,” the woman said. Kanayo confessed that he sold his son for N350, 000 to get out of poverty. “I have acted in about nine movies alongside popular actors like Chiwelata Agwu, Osofia and others. Movies I have played roles include; Feast of Vengeance, Destiny Child, Miracle, Rough Chase among others. I met my girlfriend, Kelechi Ugo, while we were in secondary school in our village in Ikeduru Imo State. “In 2012, my girlfriend told me that she was pregnant and I told her that I could not marry her because acting was not paying me much to cater for her and the baby. She gave birth to a baby boy in 2013 and I came to see her

kelechi

but her family was hostile to me. “They told me to come and pay her dowry but I did not have money as I was struggling to make a name for myself. “Producers were paying N20, 000, N10, 000 as the case may be and despite working as a painter to get extra cash, I still could not make ends meet. Early in the year, she told me she was pregnant again and her family chased her out of the house in the village. She was pressuring me that she must live with me and she brought our son along to where I lived in Owerri. “I was in a fix and I narrated my plight to my friend Emmanuel. It was Emmanuel that gave me the idea to sell my child. He told me to use what I have to get what I want”. Kanayo stated that he decided to sell his son to cater for his pregnant girlfriend after all efforts to get money proved abortive.

Police smash another child trafficking syndicate in Imo Chris Njoku

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

said that the two suspects abducted two siblings of the same parents-Chukwuma Ezeribe (m) aged 4 and Chigozie Ezeribe (m) aged 3 who were returning from school at Amazu Amato, in the Orsu Council area. “The two victims were being conveyed by the suspects to a prospective buyer before police pursued and arrested them”, he stated, adding that upon a search conducted in the house of one of the suspects, Ebuka Ibe, the following exhibits were recovered- one locally made revolver pistol withone round of 99mm live ammunition, one locally made short gun with one

line cartridge, one locally made single barrel gum and two big iron cutters. Also following the report of the kidnap of one Mrs. Martins Ndukwu of Umuokanne Mgbirichi road, in the Ohaji/Egbema council area Evabakhavbokum said that operatives of the anti kidnapping unit of his command arrested one Barnabas Chidiebere aged 34, Chinwendu Okaru aged 29, Chibundu Amadi (32) and Kenneth Ordu (29) all of Ohaji/Egbema LGA, stating that the suspects were arrested in connection with the kidnap of the victim who had been rescued unhurt.

“I made up my mind to sell the boy for N500, 000. I actually did not sell him. I only used him as collateral so I could get the money. I told Kelechi that my sister will look after our son but it was a lie. Emmanuel brought three women to the house and they paid me N350, 000 for the boy. I signed a document and gave him up. “I lied to my girlfriend that my sister was one of the women and will take good care of the boy in her house in Port Harcourt. Unknown to me, Emmanuel had collected N650, 000 from the woman. I used the money I got to rent a room self contain apartment in Lagos and relocated my pregnant girlfriend to Lagos”. The mother of the boy, Kelechi, however, said she got wind of Kanayo’s sinister motives after all efforts to get her son proved abortive. “My boyfriend (Kanayo) brought me to Lagos. He lied that his sister took our son away. Kanayo travelled out of Lagos and left me alone in the house. He however called our landlord and told him that he was packing out of the house and he should return his rent money. This was barely one week after we moved in. He was exposed when one of his friends called Coach told me what he did with our son. “I called him and he lied to me again that he was bringing the boy to Lagos but they were involved in a fatal accident and my son did not survive. He later called me that the boy did not die. I was suspicious and I spoke with our landlord. We reported him at the Ikotun police station and they lured him to come and collect his rent money. When he came back and saw me talking with my landlord’s son, he slapped me twice. It was at this point that Coach came and rescued me. Coach called the police and they came and arrested him” It was gathered that following Kanayo’s confession, SARS detectives travelled to Port Harcourt and arrested one Mrs. Nkechi Obi. The police also arrested Mrs. Nwatu’s sister –in-law, Gladys Nwobodo 38, a clerical officer with the Ikanu local government council. Mrs Obi, said she got N100, 000 as her share from the sale. “The woman (Mrs. Nwatu) was desperate to have a male heir and the father of the boy was in need of money so I felt I was assisting them. I got N100, 000 as my share for selling the boy. I am a widow with three children. I used the money I got to pay my children’s school fee”. Meanwhile, the police are on the manhunt for the alleged mastermind of the crime, one Emmanuel.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 6, 2015

Cashless economy: How can shortage of lower denominations be tackled? How many times has a transporter, card vendor, food seller or grocery shop owner told you that he or she has ‘no change’ during a business transaction this week? As long as the automated teller machine, ATM, continues to dispense higher denominations of Naira and traders are yet to graps the intricacies of point of sales terminal, POS, there will be acute shortage of small currency units needed for day to day business transactions, writes NICK UWERU

efore now, Munirat Adisa, ‘money changer’ as she best describes her trade, comes to Oshodi Market on Fridays to do business. Sitting under the pedestrian bridge with her wares — freshly minted currencies in N10, N20, N50, N100 and N200,—in full display, Adisa calls out to customers for business. She breaks down higher denominations like N500 and N1,000 for anybody that requires it, but for CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

June 6, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘It amounts to economic strangulation for traders’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 a commission off every amount. Fridays are normally peak periods for the business because, according to her, the weekend is when party goers need minted money to ‘spray’ during parties. By ‘spray’, the ‘money changer’ meant the prevalent practice in the country where freshly minted notes are pasted or flung at dancers during a festival. But these days, Adisa and others in her trade now have a widened clientele base. “Traders, transporters, recharge card dealers are our new customers now,” she told Saturday Mirror, this week. In the last two weeks, there has been acute shortage of lower denominations leading to a great deal of frustrations in the buying and selling business, especially at the informal market level. While ‘money changers’ like Adisa smile on daily basis on account of their booming business, it is not so for many traders, recharge card sellers, transporters, commuters and even the house wife that needs to buy essential commodities, from the market. A trader in Agege, Rita Olamipo, said she was forced to buy lower denomination notes at parks like Oshodi and Agege to address the problem. She said though the idea had helped, it made her incur additional cost that reduced her profit margin. She said, “I buy lower denomination currencies at the Agege Motor Park so that I don’t have to be running helter-skelter looking for ‘change’ to attend to my customers. “The idea is working well but at a cost. Passing the cost to the customers will make the items of my competitors cheaper. The customers will go elsewhere to make their purchase. So, I bear the extra cost.” A shop owner at Ipaja Market, Ayisat Ajisafe, said the major problem she has been facing in the last three weeks has been the dearth of lower denomination notes too. “All I get from my customers are N1,000 and N500 notes, even when they buy little things like sweets and biscuits. Getting ‘change’ is a headache because I don’t have enough lower denomination currency notes. My business is really being affected,” she complained. A grocer at Iyana Ipaja, Mrs. Adachukwu Owudinjo, said she had to turn down customers many times because there was no way should give them the balance from their payments. “It is painful that I turn down customers because of this problem. Customers bring N1,000 to purchase N100 worth of items and you search your purse only to be seeing higher denomination notes. You ask your fellow traders for ‘change’ and

denominations like

N50, N100 and

N200 act as lubricant for daily trading transactions, especially at the retail level they complain of the same problem,” she said. Owudinjo believes that something urgently must be done to save small businesses in the country. It may well appear that this acute shortage of lower denomination currency is not peculiar to Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. Rabiu Mohammed, a recharge card dealer in Wuse, Abuja, has been on tenterhooks for the better part of this week. When Saturday Mirror spoke to him, he had just lost a business transaction worth N10, 000 because he could not get a N200 balance for a customer. “My business has suffered greatly because of this lack of small changes,” he told the newspaper. Mohammed operates around a business hub known as AMAC Plaza in the FCT. Two commercial banks services the area and often, they come handy for traders in the area who need small changes to do business. But Mohammed says that banks now encourage them to bring in the small changes and not even use them to do busi-

ness. For recharge card retailers like Mohammed, it is double tragedy because, already, banks have started to key into recharge card sales with the use of the ATM. Most people, to avoid the change palaver resort to their ATM terminals to recharge their phones with airtime living the old retailers out of business. Ijeoma Erege is into sales and supply of confectionaries and drinks also in the FCT area. For her, four out of five transactions she makes in a day results almost in stalemate as to how to balance her customers. “I have had to wave off marginal amounts to keep my customers,” she said adding that this has greatly affected her bottomline in the last three months. The transport sector suffers more from this shortage in currency. While traders could search around for changes to give their customer, it is not so with a taxi driver like Aliyu Umar a taxi driver in Ilorin. He picks a passenger of four for short distances in his Mazda and charges each N50. “A passenger was going to a place where

she had to pay 50 naira and she brought out N1, 000. Where are my supposed to get the balance from,” asked Umar rhetorically? Others not into trade are also affected by this trend. A civil servant, Mr. Abayomi Aramide, said he often had problems with ‘change’ when making purchases. He said he had been turned down by traders several times and had to forgo his ‘change’ on one or two occasions. According to him, the problem manifests more when someone wants to board commercial vehicle and has no lower denomination currency. “The first thing you hear the conductors say is: ‘Enter with your change o’. If you do not have lower denomination notes, you will stay at the bus stop for a long time” he said. What these traders are currently experiencing is shortage of lower currency denomination. Apart from being a legal tender, this category of money like N50, N100 and N200 acts as lubricant for daily trading transaction especially at the retail level. In the last two or three years, shortages of this category of currency has been a regular occurrence, though at intervals. When it happens, it almost always affect monetary and currency regulation in the country. For instance, late last year, a strange CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 6, 2015

‘Only E-commerce can ease scarcity of ‘smaller change’

Dr Alaba Olusemore says that the acute shortage of smaller denominations to transact business may be as a result of poorly implemented policy in mainstreaming the informal sector into e-commerce our transactions go through POS, ATM, and ultimately through bank accounts.

Traders, artisans, transporters and other players in the informal sector of the economy lament the scarcity of lower denomination to ease transaction. CBN, always often insist that there is no such scarcity. What in your opinion could be responsible for the differences in perception? Well it is a not an uncommon scenario in Nigeria for traders to insist that they do not have small currency denominations to give to those who want to buy or have brought goods/services. Those who enter public transport also have similar experience. We should also not expect the CBN to agree that there is shortage of smaller currency denomination in the country. Their research officers may not have experienced it or go down the market segment to find this out. In any case, we do not expect the CBN to state categorically that they are failing in certain aspect of their duties as sole issuer of local currencies. But even the problem affects bank transactions as well. For instance, difference in N1, 5k etc are not readily available across the counters so customers tend to forfeit them to bank tellers. There are some estimates that that show that unclaimed balance run into trillions on yearly basis. How would you comment on this? I do not believe any bank in Nigeria will take kindly to it if and when a teller refuses to give the correct change to customers. It is the inalienable right of bank customer to get their full change when they transact businesses in the bank. If that happens that could trigger off customer dissatisfaction and affect negatively the public image of such a banking institution. However, it should be said that deposit money banks do not mint money. They collect deposits from cash surplus customers and pay to cash deficit customers or to third parties, as agents for payment, on behalf of their customers. CBN is the sole issuer of currency. So where a bank is unable to collect the required denomination from the customers across the counter for its daily transactions, it resorts to the Central Bank to withdraw the required denomination from its current account. But banks appear to enjoy this scenario if not there would be effort to mint lower currency denomination. Today expenses on cash transactions is huge, such that bank’s now find ways of discouraging their customers from going to the counters to transact banking businesses. Thank God for the ATM and POS; without the use of these electronic payment channels, there would have been chaos in the banking halls. But there has been talks that CBN may have started cutting down on minting of lower denomination so as to encourage

Olusemore

Financial Inclusion Policy and Cashless Policy of the CBN are geared towards discouraging the use of cash and the increasing use of electronic payment channels.

Both the CBN and deposit banks adopt measures to encourage the use of

E-banking channels traders to use Pos terminals to conduct their businesses. What is your take on this? Financial Inclusion Policy and Cashless Policy of the CBN are geared towards discouraging the use of cash and the increasing use of electronic payment channels. Both the CBN and deposit banks adopt measures to encourage the use of E-banking channels. In spite of this, the level of financial literacy and the level of confidence in the Nigerian banking system are still low for a majority of Nigerians in the grassroots. Considering what I have just said, if there is the allegation that the CBN is cutting down on minting of lower currency denominations, it may not be untrue. Truth is that the cost of printing paper currency and minting coins are far in excess of the face value of each currency denomination. CBN is not funded by the Central Bank. It is an autonomous public institution; and in spite of its social and economic roles to the society, the CBN will not want to go cap in hand to seek for subsidy from the federal government. Hence, it must at least breakeven from its quasi commercial functions.

With the banks taking over small purchases like recharge cards and other items through the use of ATM cards, how do you think this may affect retail sector which employs most Nigerians? There is no two ways to it, all of us – retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers, have to embrace e-banking, if the nation is to become one of the twenty most developed economies in the year 2020. Moreover if Nigeria is to become the financial hub, by that year, we must migrate towards becoming a paperless or cashless society. The starting point is that all Nigerians (including infants-through their guardians or parents) should have a bank account. The CBN under Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s administration did a lot to ensure that the process of account opening and documentation is reduced to the barest minimum. That was the essence of the introduction of basic document, such as National ID Card or Voters Card, as necessary and sufficient condition for accounting opening documentation. The need for small currency ‘changes ’will be reduced considerably if

Some say that recent policies from the CBN that directly affects the informal sector especially in the area of money regulation are done with poor understanding of this vital sector? Do you agree? I will defend the CBN here. As a nation, we cannot aspire to become a developed economy and not be willing to embrace modern banking procedures. The development of e-commerce must precede the introduction of e-banking. The retail end of the market and households should operate a bank account (savings and current) and ensure that electronic payment system is used for most transactions. The use of e-channels have the following advantages: one, it reduces the risk of keeping too much cash from sales; two, reduction in insurance premium on overnight cash holdings by individual household and retail organisations; three, risk of theft or robbery is reduced and four, where there is fraud through the use of banking instruments, it may be easier to trace the culprit once the money passes through a bank account. It’s not entirely true that the CBN does not understand the informal sector. The officials do and they have in fact developed many policies aimed at mainstreaming that sector. But some also contend that these shortages in lower denominations are believed to be acute because of poor penetration of micro finance banks in the country, do you agree? You are right to speculate that the microfinance banks are not living up to expectations of the founders of that banking model. Most Nigerian MFBs operate in the manner of commercial banks. This leads to higher operational cost, as they try to compete with the commercial banks. Licences should not be given to business owners to establish microfinance banks in the urban centres. It should strictly be in the rural areas or where there is concentration of the urban poor. Government through the CBN should incentivize the establishment or banks in rural areas and or granting of loans to the rural poor. The incentives could be by way of tax reliefs, etc. How do you think microfinance banks can make impact in this regard? For the MFBs to make impact, they need to adopt unconventional methods of reaching out to the grassroots. There is need for Government policy to mainstream grassroots enterprises; and bring them to embrace modern banking system. Public education on financial literacy, entrepreneurship or small business management is vital for mainstreaming grassroots enterprises.

June 6, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Traders need small currency units to do business’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

report of sudden shortfall in unfit for circulation currency notes meant to be destroyed began filtering out of the Mint Inspectorate, MI, at the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting, NSPM, Plc recently. Designated as a currency security unit supervised by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, but situated in the NSPM, MI maintains the quality and security of naira notes and coins in the country. But as the report went at the time, the MI had begun noticing a sharp shortfall of this category of notes in lower denominations of N200, N100 and N50, respectively. The report aptly demonstrated the acuteness of the shortage of currencies in lower denominations across the country at the time. Going by the currency management policy of the apex bank of the country, money deposit banks across the country collate currencies, sort them out into fit and unfit notes and return them to the CBN if unfit or re-circulated if still in good condition. But the indication from MI on the paucity of currency in lower denomination to management of the CBN indicates that banks may not be remitting the old currency like before. Before long, the reasons became apparent. Shortage of lower currencies notes are somehow being trapped in the trading and commerce sector on account of an acute lack of them to do trading transactions. How is this possible? “There is a big demand for these denominations by traders to do their businesses. Don’t forget, most commercial banks have services specially targeted to bring in more commercially inclined traders as a result of the cashless policy in place,” said a bank’s branch manager who agreed to speak off record on the matter. He may well have made a good observation on this score. For the better part of the last two years, the apex bank has continuously introduced a rash of currency control and monetary policies with a view to firming up the economy and money industry. In key cities like Abuja, the federal capital territory, FCT, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Onitsha and some other urban and commercial nerve centres in the country, CBN introduced its cashless policy. The plan is to ensure less transaction in physical cash. While the use of Automated Teller Machine, ATM, is emphasized, traders and businesses in the informal sector would be encouraged to use more of the Point of Sales, PoS, Terminals. While the measure will greatly curb armed robbery normally associated with physical movement of money, other forms financial malfeasances like money laundering would be greatly reduced. Even

more, economic planning, especially as relates to money circulation in the system would be given fillip by the policy. CBN, also, is looking to effect changes in the currencies. It envisaged in the new currency regime that the use of polymer to make naira notes would be phased out. But for the people directly affected by the policy, it is all sweet tales by moonlight as they are unable to see any benefit to their businesses from the government plan. According to them, more of their businesses are put in jeopardy by the lack of physical cash to do their daily transactions. In fact, available notes in these scarce denominations are often tattered, for the paper notes while its polymer counterparts are torn in shreds, only put together with adhesives. But CBN, though admits such shortages in the past insist that the situation has been normalized. It says that such com-

plain coming at this time is surprising. The apex bank also admitted that the apex bank is in the race to get more people to hook to the cashless form of transaction. But as desirable as the policy is, the CBN may be ignoring basic truths on the banking population in the country which may well determine how successful the policy is at the end of the day. For instance, cashless transaction would thrive with more people having a bank account upon which a PoS terminal can be used by trader. But the facts on ground suggest that banking service penetration in the country is still very poor. For instance, CBN estimates that of the 39.2 million adults in the country, 46.3 percent of them have no access to financial services. Women, who form the bulk of informal traders in the country, are said to account

If the cashless policy initiative is responsible for the shortage of lower currency denominations, then federal government may sentence a large percentage of

Nigerians to

economic strangulation

for more than 50 percent of these underbanked Nigerians. According to Henry Odioma, economist and consultant based in Abuja, it effectively means that a large section of the informal business sector is being short out economically. “If the cashless policy initiative is responsible for these shortages in lower currency denomination, then federal government may sentence a large percentage of Nigerians to economic strangulation,” Odioma said. Ordinarily, the Microfinace banks, MFB, were created to bridge this gap. But more than a decade since they created the questions has been whether MFBs have mainstreamed more Nigerians into the banking sector. There even bigger questions as to how MFBs have performed in the areas enhancing the cashless regime in the country. According to Dr Alaba Olusemore, a former banker and fellow, CIBN, most Nigerian MFBs operate in the manner of commercial banks. “This leads to higher operational cost, as they try to compete with the commercial banks. Licences should not be given to business owners to establish microfinance banks in the urban centres. It should strictly be in the rural areas or where there is concentration of the urban poor. “Government through the CBN should incentivize the establishment or banks in rural areas and or granting of loans to the rural poor. The incentives could be by way of tax reliefs, etc,” commented Olusemore.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 6, 2015

Boko Haram: Military evolves new war plan to crush insurgents

...As troops kill two suicide bombers, other insurgents zRepel z attack on Shetimari

Ubong Ukpong

Abuja

he Nigerian military has evolved new war plan and tactics to finally crush the Boko Haram insurgents given the renewed attacks. This is as troops killed two suicide bombers alongside scores of other insurgents as they succeeded in repelling the attack on Shetimari, Borno State. The new war plan and tactics, military sources said, were provoked by the terrorists’ attempts to mess up the victory the military was already enjoying in the counterinsurgency war. According to the source at the Defence Headquarters, the new plan was also taking into consideration the presidential directive to relocate the military high command to Maiduguri, Borno State, which it said is a serious embarrassment to the military, occasioned by activities of the insurgents. Accordiingly, the source said, “whatever we can do to the insurgents right now, we are ready to do from today forward, not minding criticisms from

our enemies and Boko Haram sympathisers.” Part of the new plans, our correspondent learnt, included not sparing insurgents by arresting them for detention as well as no more disclosure of figures or pictures of war casualties by the military in the course of operations. This, it was learnt, was in view of the alleged fault finding mission of Amnesty International against the military, which the source said was a major thing weakening the military operations. Another source said in spite of the recent attacks, the military has resolved to conquer, leading to desperate suicide bombers meeting their waterloo as the military not only clearing the forests but have succeeded in repelling attempted suicides in urban areas. The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, confirmed this when it refused to disclose number of casualties in an operational update yesterday, through its Director of Defence Information, DDI, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, stated that two suicide bombers and scores

of insurgents were killed on Thursday while troops succeeded in repelling the attack on Shetimari. The DHQ in the update, also confirmed the development. Its words: “Over 12 rifles and 1 machine gun were captured from the terrorists group as the attack was repelled. Also

recovered from the group were rocket propelled grenades and some bombs. “Troops conducting mopping up operation are still combing the area while others are in pursuit of those who are on the run.” Commenting on the incidents of suicide bomb attacks that were recorded in Jimeta, Yola and Maiduguri yesterday evening, the DHQ said details on

the attacks were still forthcoming, as it gave assurance to provide updates on them. “Meanwhile, the offensive operations in Sambisa and other forest enclaves of the terrorists are continuing with intelligence activities, aerial surveillance and highly coordinated air bombardment backed by ground assaults. Details as operations progresses”, the

DHQ stated. Since the handover on May 29, by former Present Goodluck Jonathan to President Muhammadu Buhari, there have been renewed repeated attacks on cities in Borno State, Yobe and Adamawa by insurgents killing several citizens. President Buhari had also made his first foreign trips to Niger and Chad in search of solution to the problems of insurgency. He had also directed the relocation of military high command.

The Head of Nigerian Delegation to OPEC, Dr. Jamila Shuara flanked by Nigerian Ambassador to Austria, HE A.A Ayoko and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Joseph T. Dawha during the 167th OPEC Conference in Vienna, Austria.

Imam calls for extra vigilance in fight against terrorism T he Chief Imam of Police Barrack Mosque in Yola, ASP Ahmed Suleiman, has urged Muslims to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious person or thing to the authorities. Suleiman made the call during sermon at the mosque in Yola on Friday. He called on worshippers to stop bringing bags or things that would

cause suspicion to mosques or crowded places. ``You also need to cooperate with security operatives who are out to protect you’’, Suleiman said. The advice comes against the backdrop of the bomb blast in which more than 30 people lost their lives and about 50 sustained injuries opposite the Jimeta Modern Market on Thursday. NAN reports that

the Friday prayer was observed peacefully throughout the city. Meanwhile, a

Federal Government d e l e g a t i o n , comprising the Director General of

NEMA, Alhaji Sani Sidi, and Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase,

had visited Yola to commiserate with the government and people of Adamawa.

NiMet predicts cloudy weather for today

he Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has predicted cloudy weather in the morning over the central states of the country today.

The predictions are contained in the Weather Outlook issued by NiMet’s Central Forecast Office (CFO), in Abuja

on Friday. It said there are chances of localised thunderstorms over the high grounds of the region during the afternoon and evening hours. NiMet also predicted that South-East coast would experience cloudy conditions with slim chances of local-

ised rains in the morning and prospects of localised thunderstorms during afternoon and evening hours. It also predicted that inland areas would experience cloudy conditions in the morning with chances of localised thunderstorms in

the afternoon and evening hours. NiMet predicted that northern states would experience cloudy conditions with chances of localised thunderstorms over Maiduguri and Sokoto axis during the afternoon and evening hours.

NATIONAL NEWS

June 6, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

S’Court nullifies dethronement of Ohinoyi of Ebira land Ise-Oluwa Ige

y a unanimous decision, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court, yesterday, nullified the concurrent judgments of the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal and the Kogi State High Court which dethroned the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji (Dr) Ado Ibrahim. The apex court, in the judgment, yesterday held that the suit which was instituted about 17 years ago against the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland by six aggrieved contestants to the stool ought not to have been heard by both the trial court and the intermediate courts on the account that it was statute barred. Justice John Inyang Okoro who delivered the lead judgment yesterday held that the case against Ado Ibrahim ought to have been filed in court within three months from the time the cause of action arose in the matter. He explained yesterday

that though Ohinoyi of Ebiraland never challenged the jurisdiction of the two lower courts on the account that the case was statute barred, he said yesterday that jurisdictional issue could be raised at any stage of the proceedings. The jurist held that on that account alone, the appeal by Ohinoyi of Ebiraland must succeed while the primary suit and the judgments entered by the two lower courts must collapse. The background of the case was that nine months after the appointment of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland by Col. Bzigu Afakirya, the then Kogi State Military Administrator on June 2,1997 in accordance with the law of the land, a group of Ebira chieftaincy stool stakeholders sued Dr. Ado Ibrahim in 1998 before a Kogi State High Court. In the civil suit, they were contesting the military governor’s discretionary exercise of his powers under the law. Specifically, they were of

the opinion that of the list of three candidates submitted to him, Dr. Ado Ibrahim ought not to be preferred to them on the account that he never applied personally for the title. Ohinoyi however joined them in court to contest the claim. Unfortunately, the Kogi State High Court judge Justice Hussein Tanko had, in his judgment of April 2, 2006, dethroned Dr. Ado Ibrahim as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland on the account of alleged irregularities and breaches of laws in his

appointments. Justice Hussein held that the appointment of the ruler by the state government was ``illegal and fraudulent`` because it breached the state and Ebira chieftaincy laws. He consequently deposed him. But Ohinoyi was aggrieved by the judgment and approached the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja to reverse it. The Court of Appeal, Abuja, division also had on December 12, 2009, in a judgment delivered by

Justice Mary Peter Odili upheld the judgment of the High Court. However, not satisfied with the judgments of the two lower courts, Ibrahim had approached the Supreme Court, urging it to set aside their decisions. The Chambers of Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) which had just come into the matter raised a fresh issue at the Supreme Court to the effect that the two lower courts merely laboured in vain to hear the case since the suit was statute barred. He contended that what

the contestants were challenging was the power of the military administrator to appoint Dr. Ado as Ohinoyi of Ebiraland which he said ought to be done within three months after the appointment was made. He had argued that since the appointment of the monarch was made public by the Kogi State government on June 2, 1997, the legal action ought to have been filed within three months stipulated by section 2 of the Public Officers Protection Act instead of waiting for nine months.

Oyo workers suspend strike Kemi Olaitan

orkers in Oyo State, under the aegis of the chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), yesterday suspended its strike after the leadership of the union said it has reached an agreement with the state government over payment of salary arrears. It will be recalled that the strike lasted fnine days as the union directed its members to stay off work since May 26 over unpaid salaries for workers and pensions for retirees. The state chairman of the NLC, Mr. Waheed Olojede, while announcing the suspension, called on the workers to resume work on Monday, June 8, saying that an agreement had been reached with the

government after several days of negotiations. He said, “After a successful negotiation which led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the state government, the labour union has resolved to suspend the strike.” He added that the union had also reached an agreement with the state government on modalities to adopt in paying the outstanding March, April and May salaries. Olojede also disclosed that an agreement was also reached on the payment of grade levels 1 to 12 as soon as the next allocation to the state was released while levels 13 and above would be paid later. On why the union adopted the style of payment, he said it was better than agreeing on half salary for all workers.

CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, and other officials of the bank, planting a tree to mark the World Environment Day in Abuja, yesterday.

Ambode jacks up hazard allowance for police in Lagos Francis Suberu

agos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has announced an upward review of compensation value due to officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) serving in the state to further boost the morale of the officers. The governor made the announcement yesterday during an inspection tour of the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, GRA, Ikeja, and the Oduduwa Police Public Relations Command, where he met with the Area Commanders, the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) as well as

rank and files in the state command. According to Ambode, although the federal government, through the Contributory Pension Act had made provisions to assure the lives of all police officers, the additional Group Life Scheme for the officers by the state government is important to further encourage the officers. Ambode said: “Given that the scheme which covers death and permanent is almost sixteen years, one cannot but agree that the compensation value has become grossly inadequate. “Therefore, in fulfillment of our resolve to sustain, improve and consoli-

date on past attainments, I am pleased to announce the upward review of the compensation value.” He said till date the approved insurance compensation was as follows: Senior Police Officers N2 million, Inspectors N1.5 million and Rank and File N1 million. However, with the upward review; Senior Police Officers will now get N5 million; Inspectors will get N3 million while Rank and File N2 million. The governor said his desire to relate with the officers and men of the rank and file within one week of his assumption of office as Lagos State governor was

to affirm his belief in police officers as strategic partners and team players. He said police’s roles towards the actualisation of his administration’s vision to have a safer, friendlier and more secure Lagos cannot be over-emphasised. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr. Kayode Aderanti, who received the governor thanked him for the upward review of the officers’ hazard allowance even as he pledged loyalty and support to the governor. He said his officers were ready to ensure they delivered on their mandate of making Lagos safe and secure for all and sundry.

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Omeiza Ajayi

ollowing its dismal performance in the just-concluded general elections, the Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA, yesterday, announced the dissolution of its executive committees in Niger, Ekiti, Sokoto and Plateau states. The affected chapters of the party were accused of failing to present candidates, promote and sell its manifesto in the last elections. PPA has consequently constituted a 12-man caretaker committee to take charge, pending the conduct of fresh congresses in the chapters. The National Working Committee of PPA said its Niger State chapter was dissolved “after series of investigations which found members culpable of gross misconduct contrary to Article 12(2) a, b, c, d and refusal to ap-

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June 6, 2015

PPA sacks exco in Niger, Ekiti, others over incompetence pear before its disciplinary committee.” The NWC also accused them of allegedly “causing disaffection within the party and unruly behaviour” to the leadership of PPA. National chairman of the party, Chief Peter Ameh, who conveyed the NWCs action in a letter to the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, however said the action “became imperative in order to strengthen and reposition the party for enhanced performance and vibrancy and improve our chances as we start early preparation for future elections.” The letter was also copied to the Resident Electoral Commission-

ers of affected states, Commissioners of Police and Directors of State Services. Ameh, in an interview with journalists said, “Apart from the offences listed in their official letters, including gross misconduct, the affected chapters failed grossly to enhance the chances of the party at the last polls, where some of them failed to field candidates for the election. We see such actions as high level of incompetence because there was enough time to prepare, promote, and sell the manifesto of the party to aspirants. “They could not state clearly what distinguished our party from other political parties, including our commit-

ment to fairness and due process in our party’s selection process and respect for internal party democracy.” Speaking on the recently concluded elections, he stated that the rat race between the two major political parties went a long way in affecting the electoral victories of other registered political parties. To correct this perceived anomaly in subsequent elections, the PPA chairman said political parties would have to sit down with INEC and offer suggestions on how to improve the electoral process. He said: “We are going to sit down with INEC and discuss. We are going to look at how to improve the voting system

Senate President David Mark (6th left), Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu (5th left) and other principal officers at the end of the 7th Senate in Abuja, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN

Buhari condoles with Ghana over flood, fire tragedies Rotimi Fadeyi ABUJA

resident Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the government and people of Ghana over the dual tragedy of flooding and fire outbreak which claimed scores of lives. A statement issued yes-

terday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said that Nigeria would stand by Ghana in its moment of grief and loss. “In this moment of grief and loss, the government and people of Nigeria stand with the government and people

of Ghana,” the statement said. According to Buhari, the twin tragedies of flooding and fire outbreak that led to loss of several lives are painful and regrettable. The president, however, noted that the flooding incident undoubtedly reminds leaders and govern-

ments in the West African sub-region of their responsibilities to the problem of global warming, among others. He prayed that the souls of the deceased rest in eternal bliss and that their families and friends find fortitude to bear the losses.

and make it right because the Option A4 of 1999 is still greater and more transparent than what we have today. “We are still going to look at better ways to improve the electoral process. If we are going for full-blown electoral voting system, we should go for it to protect the interest of

all registered political parties. In doing that, the mandate of parties, which won election, will not be lost. “Also for parties which lost election, they will see it as a transparent process that will encourage acceptance of the results and include participation in the electoral process.”

Oil: OPEC keeps production limit at 30mln barrels daily

he Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has said it has decided to maintain its maximum production limit at 30 million barrels of oil a day. The decision was made at the cartel’s meeting in Vienna on Friday. The cartel sticks to its strategy of unconstrained oil production which seeks to fight for its market share and curb production from high-cost instead of boosting the oil price by cutting output. OPEC refused to cut its output in the November meeting. The cartel signaled it would not cut output alone without a coordinated pro-

duction reduction with other None-OPEC oil producers. OPEC a permanent, international organisation with headquarters in Vienna, Austria, was established in Baghdad on September 1960. Its mandate is to coordinate and unify the petroleum policies of its members. It also works to ensure the stabilisation of oil markets in order to secure an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consumers. OPEC also maintains a steady income for producers and a fair return on capital for investments in the petroleum industry.

FG re-affirms commitment to protect environment

he Federal Ministry of Environment says it will implement relevant actions to achieve sustainable development and environmental protection in the country. The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Fatima Mede, gave the assurance in Abuja on Friday at a symposium organised to mark the 2015 World Environment Day (WED). Mede said that the government had established various institutions and mechanisms to address specific issues to ensure environmental protection.

She said that the ministry had also fashioned out relevant policies and action plans to address some environmental challenges such as drought and desertification, erosion and climate change, among others. According to her, the government has also, through the ministry and her agencies, developed relevant environmental laws and regulations to address some of these challenges. The permanent secretary, however, urged the stakeholders to take specific actions to ensure they changed from unsustainable patterns of production and consumption.

NATIONAL NEWS

Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

he nation’s health sector may be in for another crisis as the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD), yesterday, in Ibadan, warned that it might not hesitate to ground the sector nationwide if the eight states owing her members backlog of salaries and other entitlements failed to pay them within the next two weeks. The national president of the association, Dr. Dan-Jumbo Prince, who led other members of the national executive to Oyo State gave the warning while addressing journalists at the state secretariat of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA). According to him, the states owing the resident doctors include Abia (12 months), Benue( 6months), Kogi (4 months ), Oyo (6 months), Osun (8 months), Rivers (4 months), Plateau (4months) and Lagos (2 months). It will be recalled that the NARD executives stormed the state to visit

June 6, 2015

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Crisis looms in nation’s health sector …as Resident Doctors threaten to down tools ...Give 2 weeks ultimatum for payment of salaries the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, where they met members to appraise the situation on ground. During the visit, they were not only miffed by the situation at the teaching hospital, but were equally sad that their members were being owed six months salary by the state government despite the fact that they had never gone on strike. The situation of the resident doctors at the teaching hospital then led to the general appraisal of experiences of resident doctors in other states of the federation which led to the association’s two weeks deadline given to

the states owing its members to pay them. Dan-Jumbo Prince said they were disappointed with the state of decay in the hospital, a development which he maintained could not assist the hospital to deliver quality health service to the people and assist in the training of future doctors. He added that they were miffed that all efforts at meeting the state governor over the plight of their members at the hospital and the general condition of the hospital did not materialize. He stated that “the governor has made himself unavailable.” ”How does the Oyo

State government expect us to deliver safe, quality and effective healthcare to the people of the state and its environs in the face of this hardship. How can we explain the situation where resident doctors at LAUTH , Ogbomoso, have not been paid salary since the beginning of this year, while other civil servants in the state employment have collected theirs. We are forced to believe that the Oyo State government is deliberately and systematically killing LAUTH, Ogbomoso”, he said. He then reeled out a four-point demand on the Oyo State government which include the ”establishment of proper Hospi-

tal Management Board for LAUTH, Ogbomoso; ensure maintenance of the hospital infrastructures; have a renewed commit-

ment towards remuneration of staff of LAUTH and ensure full fledge support for residency training programme.

NYSC appeals for more hostels in Oyo

he Oyo State coordinator of the National Youth Service Corp, NYSC, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Akin-Moses, has appealed to corporate entities and philanthropists in the society to assist the scheme to perform optimally. The state coordinator made the appeal during the inauguration of two additional blocks of hostels constructed and completed by the NYSC management. According to her, the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Iseyin is facing accommodation challenges both for the corps members and camp officials. Mrs. Akin-Moses disclosed that the positive disposition of the Oyo State government and her good people towards the

scheme, especially to the corps members serving in the state, was largely responsible for corps participants requesting for deployment to the Pace Setter state. “Let me inform this gathering that successive corps members posted to Oyo State have good testimonies about the security and peace reigning in the state, and this is one of the major reasons prospective corps members have made Oyo State their haven”. “Honestly, I must commend the wonderful support of Oyo State under the dynamic leadership of jinx breaker, Senator (Dr) Abiola Ajimobi and the good people of the state for giving the scheme one of the best NYSC Orientation Camps in the country.”

Onu gets honorary doctoral degree

President Muhammadu Buhari and the President of Chad, Idris Deby exchanging pleasantries before Buhari’s departure for Nigeria from the N’Djamena International Airport, Chad on Thursday June 4th 2015.

IGP tasks ADCs, CSOs on professionalism Omeiza Ajayi

he Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase, has charged newly appointed Aides-De-Camp (ADC) and Chief Security Officers (CSOs) attached to state governors in the federation to be professional in their duties and also maintain the standard dignity of the Force.

The call came while the IGP was declaring open a two day induction course for newly appointed ADCs and CSOs, which was held at the Nigeria Police Force International Peace Keeping Training Centre, Force Headquarters Abuja. A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, showed that the course

was aimed at empowering and improving the capacity of the officers. The IGP further warned the officers not to engage in any domestic duty or conducts that may demean their offices, but to maintain a standard attitude in line with the code of conduct while ensuring security coordination of their principals.

In another development, Ojukwu said the ongoing onslaught against criminal gangs in the country received a boost yesterday, with the arraignment of 129 suspects, for offences ranging from kidnapping, cultism, murder and armed robbery at the Chief Magistrate, Special Grade “F” Court in Benin.

chieftain of the All Progressives Party (APC) and the first civilian governor of the old Abia State, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has bagged an honorary doctorate at Abia State University (ABSU). Dr. Onu was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in Public Administration. Conferring the award, the Vice – Chancellor of the University, Prof. Chibuzor Ogbuagu, said it was a well deserved honour considering Dr. Onu’s dedication and wealth of experience in Public Service. Also, an e-library built in Umuahia for the Abia State

University by the state Government was thereafter named after Onu. Expressing gratitude to the university community for finding him worthy of the prestigious honorary degree, Dr. Onu said: “I feel very happy that Abia State University was able to organise a special convocation, the third of its kind in the history of the university. The first was when they received Gen. Babangida and second was when they received President Obasanjo and now this is the third. I feel very grateful to the university and all the loving people of Abia State for this great honour”.

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REGIONAL NEWS

June 6, 2015

South WEST

Osun, insurance firms, brokers sign MoU on vehicle registration Boladale Bamigbola

sun state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with some insurance companies operating in the state and brokers on third party insurance for vehicle registration and renewal. The agreement which takes effect from, June 1st, 2015 was designed to ensure that vehicle owners comply with relevant laws in respect of the insurance of their vehicles and curb menace of fake insurance certificates in the state. The agreement was also to ensure that vehicle owners have confidence in dealing with insurance companies and to foster unique pattern of the operation of the insurance companies and brokers across the state. Performing the signing of the agreement on behalf of the state government, the Acting Chairman of Osun State Internal Revenue Board, Mr. Dayo Oyebanji said that agreement e-insurance was aimed to

ensure that vehicles owners do not patronize touts and nonexistent insurance companies and brokers. According to him, it will also assist in detecting easily any stolen vehicles through insurance security code and widening the tentacle of revenue automation of the state. While substantiating the rationale for the agreement, Oyebanji said it was designed to create an ascertainable legal basis for the conduct of relationships between the parties that is, the Insurance Companies and the insured persons in the course of the establishment and the operation of e-insurance. According to him, “the essence of the ‘Third Party Insurance for Vehicle Registration and Renewal’ is to make vehicle owners to be confident in dealing with insurance companies and brokers in the state and confirm the validity of their third party insurance certificates through electronic means. “It would also enable the various insurance companies and brokers to come together to have a unique

36 ships expected in Lagos with petrol, kerosene, food items

hirty six ships laden with petroleum products, food items and other commodities are expected to arrive at the Lagos ports from June 5 to June 21. The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) made the disclosure on Friday in Lagos in its daily publication, ``Shipping Position’’. The publication noted that 17 of the expected ships will sail in with containers. It said the remaining 19 ships contained petrol, kerosene, diesel, general cargo, fresh fish, bulk fertiliser, steel products and buckwheat. The publication indicated that eight other ships laden with petrol, base oil and bulk rice had arrived the

ports waiting to discharge their contents. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports seven ships in the ports are discharging buckwheat, crude palm oil, diesel, base oil and container. (NAN)

pattern of operation that people of Osun would repose their confidence in and at the same time avail the people of Osun the opportunity to insure their vehicle assets. The affected insurance companies and brokers are Lasaco Assurance; Law Union and Rock Insurance Plc; Leadway Assurance Company; Zenith General

Insurance; NEM Insurance Plc; Mutual Benefits Assurance; Niger Insurance; Staco Insurance; Cornerstone Insurance and Great Nigeria Insurance Plc. For Brokers, we have LAAM Insurance Brokers Limited; Royal Chamber Insurance Brokers; Kind Insurance Brokers; Subtle Insurance Brokers Limited; Patmodit Insurance

Brokers Limited; Mofes Insurance Brokers limited and First Adequate Benefit Brokers Limited. While speaking on behalf of the insurance companies and brokers, the representatives of the Lead Insurance Company Mr. Kayode Okeremi said, the e-insurance will assist in detecting any stolen vehicle through insurance security

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right) being presented with an award by the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kayode Aderanti (left) during his visit to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command and Area Commanders at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja, yesterday.

Former Lagos health commissioner urges more investment in research

r Jide Idris, the immediate-past Lagos State Commissioner for Health on Friday said that more investment in health research would improve the country’s poor health indices and drive development in general. Idris told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that medical research was

one major tool to fight diseases as well as make better policies for general development of a country. He said that inadequate funding of research on health matters had affected the quality of data used for planning and development in the sector. According to him, we have the capacity to con-

duct research but there is no interest and we lack funding which is a major barrier to successful research which is an expensive venture. ``There is a need for us to invest seriously on our public health institutions, and one way of doing that is through research. ``No country can make

World Environment Day: Environmentalist wants end to open defecation

n Environmentalist, Dr Olukayode Ajulo on Thursday urged developing countries to put an end to open defecation. Ajulo, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Forestry and Biodiversity, Osun State University, Osogbo, made the call in Osogbo.

code and ensure that vehicle owners comply with relevant laws. It will also help in curbing the rampant fake insurance certificates and at the same time ensure that third party victims of Road Traffic Accident (RTA) caused by insured vehicles under e-insurance are fully indemnified in accordance with the relevant laws.

He expressed concern over the danger that open defecation portends to the environment in developing world. The lecturer urged Nigerians to build and make use of their toilets to reduce open defecation and the spread of faecal-oral diseases. According to him, West

Africa, and Nigeria in particular is one of the countries with highest record of open defecation in the world. He stressed the need for government at all levels to stem the tide as a matter of urgency. ‘’As today is dedicated to our environment, issues such as open defecation

that is still a serious social anomaly in West Africa, particularly Nigeria should be addressed with passion. ‘’The health hazard caused by the habit is too disastrous to be ignored; therefore, efforts should be made by government to put a stop to this habit to make our environment more habitable.

any progress, especially in the health sector without research. ``That is the only base where new things are discovered, new things are modified, findings are made and that will help us in making policies,’’ he said. Idris urged the Federal Government to create an enabling environment for private investors to fund and engage in health research. ``In most countries abroad, it is not the government that fund research, it is the private sector. The government can only create the avenue for it. ``In Lagos State, we set up a research fund as a way to stimulate and encourage private participation. I urge the Federal Government to work in this direction.

REGIONAL NEWS

June 6, 2015

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NORTH

S’ Court strikes out suit against suspended Bauchi female lawmaker Ezekiel. Titus Bauchi

he Supreme Court has finally struck out a stay of execution order that reinstated suspended Bauchi female law maker Mrs Rifkatu Samson Danna. A copy of the order

and a letter written to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly signed by her counsel, Deji Morakinyo Esq, was distributed to news men in Bauchi by the Suspended female law maker after she served the clerk of the State House of Assembly with the ruling. He said “ since there is

nothing unambiguous in the judgement of the court of appeal Jos, we urge you to immediately comply with by reinstating our client to her position, since her indefinite suspension is illegal and unconstitutional as it violates sections 36,39,109, and 110 of the 1999 constitution and

articles 7(1),(9),(2),and 13 (1) of the African Charter on human peoples right act Cap A9LFN ,2004” In his ruling, the Supreme Court Judge, Justice John Afolabi Fabiyi said “the application filed on 11-05-2015, having been withdrawn without objection , is here by struck out”

When the suspended law maker visited the House, the Speaker and the Clerk of the House were not on seat as she left the copy of the judgement with the staff at the Clerk office, appealing to the house to respect the verdict in the interest of justice and fairness”

Effort to speak with the Speaker of the House Yahaya Mohammed Miya, failed but a senior officer in the House said “only the application for stay was struck out , but the main appeal is still subsisting at the apex court, she is not re instated”.

Dankwambo rewards NURTW over role in his election victory Williams Attah Gombe

overnor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo has flagged-off the first phase of the distribution of 120 assorted brands of buses under the Talba Empowerment Scheme for members of the National Union of Road Transport workers (NURTW) at 40 per cent subsidy. According to him, this was in recognition of the enormous role they played in his re-election victory for the second term, stressing that they deserve a lot more than buses for intrastate services which would be a continuous exercise. Making the presentation at the Government House, Governor Dankwambo stated that the economic empowerment of his administration had no limitation and is intended to touch lives in all sectors of the society and re-align their economic power. He explained that 60 buses would be presented to the union in the first phase while the second phase would follow in a very short while. The distribution of the vehicles under the scheme, according to him, would be extended to trucks and trailers while charging beneficiaries to ensure prompt payment of the loan to enable others to benefit. In his speech, the State Commissioner for Fi-

nance, Alhaji Muhammad Hassan, stated that drivers have benefited from the scheme through the distribution of Suzuki Alto and Keke NAPEP which are being used for town service as a means to ease means of movement within the township. He said the scheme is arranged to provide easy payment of the 40 per cent discount while the balance of 60 per cent would be paid by beneficiaries adding that the union deserved the gesture because of the support it had given. He declared that this is intended to promote intrastate transport services at a reasonable comfort to citizens of the state as well as combat unemployment in the NURTW.

Representatives of the 2015 NYSC Batch ‘A’ corps members presenting a portraiture to Bauchi State Governor Mohammed Abubakar (right), during their swearing-in ceremony at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Jakatai, Mangu LGA of Plateau State, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN

APC honours ex-Borno Commissioner Inusa Ndahi Maiduguri

he All Progressive Congress (APC) in Borno State, yesterday, honoured ex - Commissioner, Alhaji Usman Mamman Durkwa for his role during the just concluded electioneering campaign and the victory of the party in the state. State Women Leader, Hajja Kakenna Alkali,

while presenting the honorary certificate in Maiduguri, said it is worthwhile to consider roles played by Hon. Usman Durkwa during party’s campaigns in the recent general elections which led to the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Kashim Shettima respectively. She said the ex -Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, while in of-

fice, was very supportive to women, youth, children and the less privileged in the state adding that his philanthropy had succeeded in instilling confidence in the minds of electorate that voted massively for the APC. “This gesture had further cemented a cordial relationship between APC supporters as well as a demonstration of government’s appreciation for their commitment, loyalty

and cooperation with Governor Kashim Shettima’s administration,” she said. Speaking shortly after the presentation, the former Commissioner for Poverty alleviation said he felt honoured for receiving the ‘Best Performer’ award from his party. He expressed gratitude to the APC, particularly the Borno State Women wing, saying, he will continue to do his best to promote the party in the state.

Ishaku takes steps to end Taraba killings, meet religious leaders Justin Tyopuusu Jalingo

araba State Governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku, yesterday, held talks with Muslims and Christian leaders in the state to chart a way forward for peace in the state. The governor, who met with the religious leaders yesterday in his office in Jalingo urged them to

regulate their preachers not to insult anybody’s religion in their messages to their congregation. Taraba in the last two years has witnessed religious motivated violence in some parts of the state, leaving many dead, property destroyed while thousands fled the state, with many in Internally Displaced Persons’ camps across the state and beyond.

Ishaku said the meeting was imperative because during the campaign he entered into a social contract with the people to give him peace, so that he can provide them development, hence the need to meet with the custodians of peace. “We have suffered religious crisis too much in this state and that

should stop. I grew up not knowing the difference between a Christian and a Muslim. We could eat and play together. “I plead we should go back to the good old days, embrace peace and accommodate one another and allow everyone to practice the religion of his choice,” he said. He challenged the adherents of both religions for failing to practice what they profess, saying “the Bible and the Koran

instructed us to love our neighbours. If you believe and love your neighbour, there would be no crisis.” Responding, State Chairman of the Muslim Council, Inuwa Jauro Manu and the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Bishop Timothy Yahaya, represented by Rev. Isaiah Magaji, pledge to talk to their members for peace to reign, even as they promised to pray for the governor and the state.

Politics Buhari’s message of hope Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 6, 2015

Lekan Adejuwon

resident Muhammadu Buhari at his inauguration as Nigeria’s fifth democratically elected president, last week, calmed many frayed nerves and made spirited moves to restore hope in the hearts of a disgruntled citizenry who had been eagerly waiting for a Messiah to come after decades of what many have described as the country’s “locust years”. This he did in a speech believed by many to be straight and devoid of flowery language of self adulation and rhetoric. It was also brief with only about 1,909 words but packed with substance that is typical of Buhari’s taciturn nature. Issa Aremu a notable labour leader gave vent to the assertion when he said Buhari’s speech would go down in history as one of the shortest inauguration address to be delivered by any president at such occasion. But despite the perceived brevity, the president’s maiden speech was able to capture the mood and expectations of the country and the world’s expectation of Nigeria in tackling the myriads of problems Observers say history beckons on the retired army general, believed to be a lesson in doggedness, consistency and patriotism having vied for the exalted office of Nigeria’ presidency for a record four times. Many of the country’s national newspapers, in a unanimous editorial coherence the following day, cast one of the President Buhari’s now most popular phrase “I belong to everybody, I belong to nobody” to portray the new president as a truly detribalised Nigerian despite the intricacies of ethnic, religious and political considerations, particularly the titanic battle of hate campaigns and mudslinging that characterised the just concluded general election. “Despite the perceived tension in the land” he says, “Nigerians have been able to show the world that we can be a united people capable of doing what is right for our nation.” On domestic issues, the president said there would be no ‘’paying off old scores’’ even as he later made a categorical statement that his administration is not on a vendetta mission, denying placing travel ban on politicians who may have chosen to flee the country. His words: “A few people have privately voiced fears that on coming back, I shall go after them. These fears are groundless. There will be no paying off old scores; the past is prologue”. Buhari emphasized that his government would invest heavily in the projects and programmes currently in place as packaged in the amnesty programme which is due to end in December. He also promised true federalism with a revamping of the relationship between the executive, the legislature and the judicial functions at the federal on the one hand and between the federal, state and local governments on the other hand, while insisting for the umpteenth time, his resolve to fight corruption. “While the federal government cannot interfere in the details of its operations, it will ensure that the gross corruption at the local level is checked. “As far as the constitution allows me, I will try to ensure that there is responsible and accountable governance at all levels of government in the country, as I will not have kept my own trust with the Nigerian people if I allow others to abuse theirs under my watch.” On the country’s poor record in governance, Buhari paid tributes to the Nigeria’s founding fathers for their patriotism but, lamented the degradation of the polity by their successors. He said: “Our founding fathers, Mr. Herbert Macaulay; Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe; Chief Obafemi Awolowo; Alhaji Ahmadu Bello; the Sardauna of Sokoto; Alhaji Abubakat Tafawa Balewa; Mallam Aminu Kano; Chief J. S. Tarka; Mr.

President Buhari

Eyo Ita; Chief Denis Osadebey; Chief Ladoke Akintola and their colleagues worked to establish certain standards of governance. “They might have differed in their methods or tactics or details, but they were united in establishing a viable and progressive country.” Continuing, the president, however, said: “Some of their successors behaved like spoilt children, breaking everything and bringing disorder to the house.” On insurgency, Buhari, who characterised Boko Haram as “a mindless godless group who are as far away from Islam as one can think of,” said ‘Boko Haram is a typical example of small fires causing large fires. “An eccentric and unorthodox preacher with a tiny following was given post humous fame and following by his extra judicial murder at the hands of the police. “Since then, through official bungling, negligence, complacency or collusion, Boko Haram became a terrifying force taking tens of thousands lives.” As one of the immediate steps taken to curb the activities of Boko Haram, the president in his speech, announced an overhaul of security service rules of engagement to avoid what he calls “human rights violations in operations”. He said he would move the headquarters of government efforts against Boko Haram from Abuja to Maiduguri. “Victory cannot be achieved by basing the Command and Control Centre in Abuja,” he said. Reacting to the presidential inauguration speech, visiting American Secretary of State, John Kerry, who led a powerful America government delegate to the occasion, described Nigeria’s president as laying out what he called “a powerful agenda”.’ Kerry who gave assurance that the United States would support the new administration to tackle insurgency and the economic challenges bedeviling the country said; “The inauguration is historic and very promising. The president made a very important speech, laid out a very powerful agenda and the United States is prepared to work very closely to help to do everything we can on the economy, Boko Haram and other issues “The President did a very good job today,” Kerry said. In a similar vein, former president and Buhari’s immediate predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan at a reception

organised for him by his kinsmen in Bayelsa State last Saturday, said, he was gladdened by the posture of the new president. According to him, “Buhari said that he does not belong to any clique, and I congratulate him for that statement”. “It shows that we should all rally around him to work towards the development of the country and make Nigerians happy,” Jonathan stressed. Former vice president, Abubakar Atiku, who described the inauguration as historic, said the president’s inaugural speech was a reflection of the APC manifesto. “It is a very historic day for our democratic process and for Africa. His promises are based on the party’s manifesto and I believe we will all work towards achieving the objectives.” In his response, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), described Buhari’s speech as excellent. Akinjide told Sunday Mirror: “The speech is excellent. He speaks as a statesman. My prayer is that he will carry what he has highlighted as priority of his government out. I wish him success and we should all support him to succeed.” Also, a legal practitioner and human rights crusader, Mr. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), commended Buhari for saying that he was not going to be for anybody but for everybody. “My advice to him is that since he has won the presidential election, he is now the president of all Nigerians. He should distance himself from party politics and focus on governance,” Ozekhome urged. He stated further: “He has to do everything apart from physical infrastructure to re-orientate the psyche of Nigerians from the mantra concept of money, money, money, and that of wealth, wealth and wealth which has aggravated the issue of corruption. If we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill us and he should note that when you fight corruption, corruption will fight you back. “He has to know that perception of people is that those surrounding him are corrupt and that only he is clean. How he will fight corruption should be reflected in his cabinet.” But for Barrister Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, Buhari’s speech is nothing but a mere campaign promises betraying the needed action that the exigencies of the moment require. The Lagos based controversial legal luminary in a statement said, “President Bahuri’s speech was another campaign promise, a general rendition of statements of intention, without action. It was too vague and illusory, like a speech being delivered by a novice in power. “This is the president who has ruled this country as a Head of State, through a coup d’etat in 1983, and one that has sought to rule this nation since 2003. So, he had all the time in the world to have mapped out his course of action and strategies. “This is surely not the speech expected from our Buhari. In the coming days however, we expect more concrete reforms and action.” Adegboruwa said Buhari should have come out with a concrete plan to move the country forward. However, despite this comment by Adegboruwa, Barrister Onyekachi Ubani, former president, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Chapter. He said that the inaugural speech was very inspiring and set a new cause for Nigeria. He advised Nigerians to cooperate with the new administration to move the country forward. His words: “If President Buhari takes actions on all that he said I am sure Nigeria will move forward.” There is no doubt that with the first week into the Buhari’s presidency, expectations are still very high as Nigerians have been on the look -out for the expected miracle worker..

POLITICS

June 6, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Buharı must respect Legıslature to succeed –Kaze Hon. Bıtrus Kaze ıs a member of the outgoıng 7th Natıonal Assembly. He represents Jos South/Jos East Federal Constıtuency of Plateau state. In thıs ıntervıew wıth JAMES ABRAHAM, the two term lawmaker who would not be returnıng to the green Chambers ın the next dıspensatıon shares hıs experıence and explaıns why he believes Presıdent Muhammed Buharı will face tough tımes wıth members of the 8th Assembly.

ow would you assess your tenure, particularly, as it affects the lives of your people in the past eight years? Well, I thınk ıt ıs better for the people of my constıtuency to answer that question for me. But one thıng that should be understood ıs that our functıon as legıslators ıs not ınfrastructural development; our role ıs representatıon, legıslatıon and oversıght. I belıeve ın the past eıght years of my representatıon, I have done my best to make ıssues borderıng on our people more known than they were when ı stepped ın. I have spent tıme and resources and my energy to make sure that the ıssues that are of interest to my constituency gaın natıonal attentıon and by the grace of God, Jos South/Jos East Federal Constıtuency ıs better understood. To me I have no regrets. What should the people expect from you now that you are not returnıng to the Natıonal Assembly? I wıll tell you that I wıll remaın ın actıve polıtıcs. I do not really have any defıned plan for now because man proposes but God dısposes. But ın the course of the evolutıon of Nıgerıa polıtıcal democratıc experıence, a lot of thıngs are expected to happen. Don’t forget that thıs ıs the fırst tıme we are havıng a rulıng party ın the hıstory of Nıgerıa becomıng an opposıtıon party

Kaze

all of a sudden. I hope to play a role ın ensurıng that the PDP regaıns ıts feet. We have a group of members ın the House who are leavıng the parlıament; who belıeve that we should not leave the PDP but support all organs of the party from natıonal down to the ward level ın gıvıng courage and assurıng the party that no matter how bad thıngs are, we wıll remaın and salvage whatever ıs left of the party. So, for the gaıns to come, I wıll engage myself ın that wıse. You never can really tell what God has for you and ıt ıs only Hım alone that knows. But I can assure you that my commitment to develop the party and contınuously represent ıssues that matter to the people of my constıtuency, Plateau State and even the entıre country even after leavıng offıce, will be unshaken. What is your view about the fact that many of the lawmakers in the National Assembly will not be coming back? Let me say that ıt ıs ınstructıve to note what has happened to the Natıonal Assembly recently. We have never had new members replacıng old ones as it has happened durıng the last electıon. Legıslatıve work ıs not learnt ın the classroom. It ıs a job you learn wıth your hand on the desk and you don’t gaın the experıence over nıght; ıt takes tıme. The traınıng, the exposure, the experıence gathered by members over the years once more would be lost. But ıt ıs not totally bad ın a country lıke Nıgerıa. For instance, in the constıtuency where I come from, were ıt not for zonıng, I wouldnt have gone there ın the fırst place. So, certaınly,ıf I came and have stayed to a certaın perıod of tıme, I should be able to make space for another person to go. That ıs the only way I wıll seek yet an-

other opportunıty ın future electoral undertakıngs. Whereas we want the legıslators to develop in experıence, we cannot take away the fact that in Nıgerıa we diverse groups such that there ıs need for tolerance and accommodatıon. I just wısh that people wıll have the opportunıty that I have to serve two terms in office. On the other sıde it doesn’t speak well that you leave us when you are begınnıng to undersatnd the job after four or eıght years in office. I thınk ıt doesn’t speak so well of our legıslatıve experıence because ın developed countrıes, you fınd people who have stayed ın the parlıament for over thırty years or more. For now, we dont have such opportunıty but I thınk we should be able to apprecıate the one we have. Do you foresee any challenge that may confront the 8th Assembly The 8th Assembly ıs going to have serıous challenge. I compare ıt wıth the fourth Assembly ın 1999 when former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, came on board. Thıs ıs because the 8th Assembly wıll work wıth a presıdent who has never been subject to legıslatıve powers. Presıdent Buharı has ruled as a Mılıtary Head of State. He was the chaırman of Petroleum Trust Fund, PTF, wıthout beıng subjected to any oversıght. For a man of over seventy years and all of a sudden, he now fınds hımself ın a posıtıon where he would be unavoıdably subjected to questıons and scrutıny by people he lıterarıly gave bırth to; ıt ıs not goıng to be easy. I have respectfully pleaded wıth my colleagues that as they take seat, they must bend backward for General Muhammadu Buharı, but he too must brace up and ensure that he understands the workıngs of the legıslature.

The wheel of law makıng by nature does not move very fast; ıt takes tıme. So, as much as he ıs desırous to make the naıra equal to the dollar, to gıve us fuel for N40.00, to brıng back the Chıbok gırls unscathed, to gıve salarıes to NYSC members one year after they leave, to gıve N5,000.00 unemployment allowance to graduates per month, he needs to understand that he cannot do them wıthout the support of the Legıslature. It’s not possıble because untıl they make whatever he wants to do legal, he cannot actually do anythıng. So, whereas he needs to brace up, they need to bend down and allow hım to catch up. That wıll be ın the best ınterst of our country. Do you have any regrets ın the course of performıng your dutıes? I must confess that I am not sure ıf I have any regrets throughout my sojourn ın the House of Representatıves. Yes,I have several challenges. I almost lost my lıfe in doing the job. And there are several tımes I went through lıfethreatenıng sıtuatıons because of the work I do. Whatever people feel that make me a hero home and vıllaın outsıde, whatever anybody thınks makes hım happy wıth me, whatever I do that makes another person feel so angry is all because you must stand for somethıng. If you stand for good, evıl wıll fıght you and ıf you stand for evıl, naturally, good wıll fıght you. I have stood for somethıng and not everyone wants ıt. That ıs the challenge but that ıs also the nature of the job. And that ıs why I saıd ı mıght have offended people but I never woke up one day and set to offend anybody. The job of a legıslator ıs quıte challengıng but I operate on the prıncıple of faırness, justıce, equıty and faır play at all tımes ırrespectıve of whoever ıs ınvolved.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 6, 2015

‘Nigerians will not Talking Politics regret electing me’ —President Muhammadu Buhari

“I

want to reassure that we are going to tackle these challenges head on. “Nigerians will not regret that they

have entrusted national responsibility to us. “We must not succumb to hopelessness and defeatism. We can fix our problems. “However, daunting as the task to surmount these challenges may be, they are by no means insurmountable. “There is now a national consensus that our chosen route to national development is democracy. “To achieve our objectives, we must consciously work to improve the democratic system.” “This government would be resolute in ensuring that the country’s regained its enviable position among the comity of nations. “I want to conclude by urging you to continue to remain law-abiding and to continue to be good ambassadors of the country as we embark on the journey of rebirth, development, evolution and integration,”

‘I left PDP because of Mua’zu’

—Labaran Maku, former Minister of Information

“I

t simply had to do away with the (former) chairman, Muazu’s excesses. ‘I was one of those who fought apartheid in South Africa during my time in the university and we cannot come back today to see racial apartheid being replaced with theocratic apartheid in Nigeria. “Adamu Muazu simply told the PDP in Nasarawa not to allow Labaran Maku fly the party’s flag because he is a Christian. “All attempts to return to a path of reason and commonsense failed because Muazu was committed to actualising his ulterior motives. “When all these became evident,

the most appropriate line of action was to prove to Nigerians that we could do better without politics of religion and sentiment and my joining APGA was to prove that point.”

“I

have congratulated President Buhari and today, he is our President. He’s not the President of a section of the country. “Buhari is fit for the job and he’s capable of leading us. We will support him. “Campaigns are over and a winner has emerged. We must come together after the election and give our support to the President. “The loser of the election, who had all the powers to do and undo, came out to congratulate the President. “That action of the former President is the best thing that has happened in this country.” “You can only be the President of the

ministries, parastatals, agencies, among others, in the state into doing his bidding of painting Amaechi as corrupt in the administration of the state. “ The state bankers and some of our contractors are also not spared in his mission of tarnishing Amaechi’s reputation. “As a matter of fact, Wike has only one agenda as he governs Rivers State: to portray me as corrupt, by whatever means, no matter how ridiculous and phoney it looks.” “The images (of the videos in circulation) are also fraudulent, arranged and executed by Wike to enable him vote billions of naira from the state treasury to renovate and refurbish the place, while also accusing me of corruption.”

country when it is intact. All of us must join hands together to support President Buhari,”

‘We have no candidate for senate presidency’

—Olisa Metuh, Peoples Democratic Party PDP National Publicity Secretary

“T

—Former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi

“O

—Chief Edwin Clarke Ijaw leader and staunch supporter of former President Jonathan

he PDP has no candidate to the position of senate president and deputy senate president. What is important for PDP at this critical time is how to reposition to

‘Wike’s plan is to tarnish my reputation’ nly on Tuesday, Wike tried to threaten, harass, blackmail and coerce Permanent Secretaries and Directors of Finance and Administration, DFAs, in various

‘Buhari is capable of leading Nigeria’

form a formidable opposition party. We will not dabble into the affairs of the National Assembly. “It is not popular in Nigerian to take such position. Nigerians expect that we should allow this government to settle down before we will start saying, these are our alternatives, these are our options. It is not to be abusing or insulting the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “And for some of our supporters, they might think we are slow, they might think that we are a bit weak, they might think that we lack courage, but it is in the overall interest of this party that we align with the expectations of the majority of Nigerian people.

‘Ndigbo ‘ll never suffer under Buhari’

— APC National Auditor, Dr George Moghalu

“T

he reality on the ground is that we have no ranking Senator or ranking member of the House of Representatives from the South-East. “We can’t bid for the post of the Senate President, neither can we bid for the Speakership of the House of representatives. It is not about a wish, but about the pains “I feel it was politically wrong for us. In the electioneering process, our people were not allowed to vote. “The environment for our people to exercise their civic rights was not provided. We were denied the opportunity to vote, but at the same time, I feel bad as a person. “I feel worried for the Igbo nation. So, as a people, we must realign and see to what extent we are going to get things done

right. ‘’Fortunately for us, the leadership of General Buhari has expressed a desire to turn around the electoral process so that the people’s vote can count; so that the people can choose their leaders themselves.”

June 6, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Living

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 6, 2015

Abortion: Desperate solution to ‘simple’ error Most people who have abortion never planned it until it becomes the inevitable option. But little do they understand that it contributes to maternal mortality and morbidity as evidence abounds to prove this. However, to avoid the risks of abortion is not to have one, writes JULIET UMEH.

ohn, a petroleum engineer, but unemployed, and Esther, his love of many years, had held as gospel truth the teaching of their Sunday school teacher that pre-marital sex was wrong and abortion a more serious sin, but like ice that thaws, their firm decadelong religious belief, to his utter surprise, softened 2000, when he had a fling with Esther during a visit she paid him. A month later, she discovered the ‘forbidden fruit’ she ate joyfully in her fiancé’s house, had wonderfully transformed her into a full woman with proof of developing pregnancy to show, yet John was not ready to face the responsibility of a husband or the commitment of parenthood. “I chose a convenient solution,” admitted John, “and told Esther to have

an abortion.” For various other reasons, many other people like John and Esther think the best solution is to terminate unplanned or unwanted pregnancy. Recently a 35-year-old lady, who begged anonymity, stated: “I had just had a birth three months when I discovered I was heavy with pregnancy again. I didn’t think my husband and I could hope with fund needed to prepare for another baby. We agreed to abort the pregnancy, though we knew it was wrong.” Unlike other couples, whose excuse for the termination of pregnancies ranges from financial challenges to failed relationship or the unfitness of the pregnancy into their mutual plans, Akintunde and Folashade’s reason to discharge the

result of their well-enjoyed sexual relationship borders on averting reproach. The paths of the young graduates crossed in Kano during the compulsory national service. Right at the orientation camp, Cupid, the Roman God of love, it seemed, played a role in their romantic relationship as the two became cynosure of other fellow members of National Youth Service Corps, who described them ‘best couple of year’ because they were inseparable like Siamese twins and head over heels in love. Four months to the end of their service year, Folashade discovered loss of her monthly menses, but the announcement of this did not quake Akintunde or disquiet him, after all they were both responsible adults looking forward to starting a new life

after getting employed and married, he thought. However their hope crashed as bubble bust when Akintunde learnt she was his first cousin, whom she had not met since Adam, because she lived in the United States of America with her mother after she had separated from her father, his uncle. Had the child been born, they would have been socially stigmatised and guilty of incest, a crime of two members of a family having sexual intercourse. No other explanation than ‘protection of one’s pride and reputation’ explained the decision of a former principal of a popular secondary school in old Western State, Nigeria, for considering abortion CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

LIVING

June 6, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

‘More women die during abortion’ a good solution that can gloss over his randiness when he put his school’s senior girl in the family way. The young girl, whose closeness to him arose because they both discussed school discipline matters, it was learnt, wanted the pregnancy to mature to full term, but her self-control lacking school principal told her: “If you have the baby, I shall be disciplined; my appointment will be terminated. This will be a stain on my integrity and loss of these long years I have contributed to government service. Do you want me to become a pariah personality in the society?” She answered in the negative and thereby pandered to his request for a termination of the pregnancy. Abortion, the ending of pregnancy by the removal or forcing out from the womb of a fetus or embryo before it is able to survive on its own, is practised globally as women who have it come from every race and nationality, from various religious backgrounds, and from every level of income, education, age etc, but regardless of the situation, abortion is intensely painful but trouble-free solution if carried out by a competent doctor. In Nigeria and Africa, many women have however died in the process of getting their pregnancies terminated. Supporting this assertion with credible evidence the Director-General (DG) of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, (NIMR), Lagos, Prof. Innocent Ujah, who at a recent international meeting organised by the Federation of International Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO), on the prevention of unsafe abortion hosted by Nigeria, disclosed that about 34,000 women die in 760,000 abortions that are performed yearly in Nigeria. Also, he noted that the act had contributed to 13 to 50 per cent of child and maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Also, Head of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof, Boniface OyeAdeniran, told Saturday Mirror that one of the causes of maternal mortality in Nigeria today is unsafe abortion. He said that the latest maternal mortality rate as published by National Population Commission is 576 by 100, 000 live births. The consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, said that in most surveys, abortion contributes two thirds of maternal deaths in Nigeria and victims are young people in reproductive age group of 15 to 24 years. However as good as statistical evidence of the last dons are, some experts have also said that the figures on abortion complications and risks are often understated due to the inadequate means of gathering data and unreported abortion deaths. Researchers warn that studies are likely to underestimate the risks and complications of abortion, because of the reluctance of women to report prior abortions and the difficulty of following up women who may have been injured through abortions. The research-

ers also indicate that most abortion complications are never made known to the public, because abortion has a built-in cover-up. Women want to deny it and forget it; therefore this completely skews the statistics. Furthermore, the accuracy of reported complications is largely dependent upon the willingness of abortion clinics to give out this information. Prof. Oye-Adeniran on the other hand, is worried that Nigerian parents fail to discuss sex with their children, but he is optimistic that cases of unsafe abortions can be prevented in Nigeria if there is proper home work. “Parents should be comfortable to talk about sexuality education at home. And in the secondary school, a teacher‘s capacity should be built to teaching sexuality education.” The university don added that sexuality education is not only about sex, but also about ‘skill acquisition’ and girls’ ability to say ‘no’ to sex. He spoke further: “In the secondary school, girls should be taught the physiology of their body; that is how their body works, and they should know that they can get pregnant at puberty. “When our daughters are going to

the university, we should tell them to abstain from sex, but if they will not abstain, they should avail themselves with information on contraceptives. “All surveys in Nigeria show that young people in the university for example don’t use any form of contraceptives, if they then they should know about emergency contraceptives which are intrauterine contraceptive device and hormone only emergency contraceptives,” he said. He therefore, advised that the best way to prevent unsafe abortion is sexuality education, teaching about abstinence and if they will not abstain, teaching them how to prevent pregnancy through the use of regular or emergency contraceptives. Speaking also about the need for sexuality education, Joy Agbara, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) said: “Children need to be aware of their sexuality because if you don’t teach them, they will get this information. The cyber world is open to them, so they exploit and explore all sorts of things. But if you give guided

The best way to prevent unsafe abortion is sexuality education, teaching about abstinence and if they will not abstain, teaching them how to prevent pregnancy through the use of regular or emergency contraceptives

knowledge, that one is impactful, so they wouldn’t make the mistake. So education is very vital.” She also advocated family planning method for children because, “The days when we used to preach abstinence are gone. Are our children really abstaining?” she asked. “It is time for us to come out and begin to talk about barrier contraceptive. The days when we used to stigmatise little children going to family planning are gone. It is a reality that has come to stay. Most of our children are already sexually active and stigmatisation needs to be removed.” “You need to encourage them, if you become sexually active, how do you protect yourself from sexually-transmitted infection to unwanted pregnancy. Apart from getting pregnant, they are also at high risk of sexually-transmitted infection including HIV and AIDS because most times, you see that people that impregnate these children may not even be responsible members of the society,” Agbara emphasised. Like a preacher, Akin Gabriel, clinical psychologist at Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, also spoke on sexuality education at home and in schools saying: “It is right to educated children about hormonal changes in their body. Their lack of knowledge and understanding about these things accounts for why men take advantage of them. And it is men who are older that lure them to bed because they don’t understand what is going on in their bodies,” he said. He was however full of praise to the government and some CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 6, 2015

INTERNATIONAL LIVING

When love leads to death

As another Nigerian woman comes to a gruesome untimely end in the United States, it brings into focus, yet again, the plight of Nigerian women who have gone outside these shores in search of better lives

Bricker

ariam (Marie) Folashade Adebayo was shot dead by her White ex-boyfriend in the parking lot of a Target retail store in Germantown, Maryland, (USA) according to Montgomery County Police. According to police reports, Adebayo succumbed to her injuries at a hospital after the shooting at 20908 Frederick Road at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Monday June 1, 2015. Police received multiple 911 calls about the shooting. When officers arrived, they found Adebayo suffering from a gunshot wound. The 27-year-old suspect, Donald Wayne Bricker of Hagerstown, had fled from the parking lot in a white pick-up truck. “She was in grave medical condition. I mean she was right there on the floor of the parking lot,” said Capt. Paul Starks of the Montgomery County Police Department. Witnesses gave officers a description of the truck, which was broadcast on police radio. An officer found the truck and other officers turned on their cruisers’ lights and sirens to try to get the truck to stop. The driver continued to drive, so they followed the truck to the 15800 block of Darnestown Road (Route 28). It was there at 8:12 p.m. that the vehicle crashed and police were able to arrest the suspect. Bricker was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries that he sustained in the collision, according to police. A handgun was found at the crash scene. Adebayo and Bricker had dated for six months, according to family sources. The two broke up but Bricker continued to threaten Adebayo, family said. Police say Adebayo and Bricker had planned to meet at the shop-

Mariam

ping center to talk. Witnesses said they saw Adebayo and her ex-boyfriend involved in some sort of altercation inside a vehicle prior to the shooting. She then got out of the vehicle and he followed. Investigators say Bricker fired his gun at Adebayo, striking her. According to police, he then walked up to her and fired again. He then took off in a white Ford Ranger. The deceased graduated from the University of Maryland in 2013 with a degree in public health. She attended Seneca Valley High School in Germantown and graduated from there in 2009. “Oh my goodness,” Adebayo’s neighbor, William Boakye remarked. “I didn’t even know she had a boyfriend because I never saw her with a boyfriend before. It’s a terrible thing.” According to media reports, Bricker, who is being charged with first degree murder, has a criminal history in Maryland and is on the state’s sex offenders registry. In recent times reports of Nigerian women being killed by men has increased in the United States. Unfortunately, majority of these women met their end at the hands of the men they trusted most – their

spouses. About a year ago, 33 year old Babatope Owoseni was arrested in East Orange, New Jersey in connection with the death of his wife who was nine months pregnant at the time of her death. Twenty-six-year-old Fatoumata Owoseni was found unresponsive at the 39 South Munn Avenue apartment she shared with Babatope. The police have not released information on how he allegedly killed her. Babatope has been charged with her murder and is being held without bail at the Essex County Corrections Facility. A 63-year-old Nigerian man was charged with murder after he confessed to the shooting death of his wife last June in West Harris County, Texas in the United States. Martin Ebegbodi went to a neighbour’s house and asked him to call police after getting into a fight and then shooting his wife, 36-year-old Isioma Ebegbodi (nee Unokanjo). The Harris County Sheriff ’s Department arrived at the house in the 19700 block of Youpon Leaf Way and arrested Ebegbodi. Martin Ebegbodi and Isioma J Unokanjo were married on February 11, 2005 in Harris County, Texas

with Marriage certificate number 018430. The deceased was born in 1978 in Nigeria. According to dependable sources, the marriage had witnessed several storms. In 2008, the Ebegbodis filed a law suit against the Secretary of Health and Human Services in a vaccine injury act concerning their son, Ndidichukwu Maxmillian Ebegbodi. Two years ago, another Nigerian, Kelechi Charles Emeruwa, 41, from Umuahia, Abia State, was charged with, and convicted for the firstdegree murder of his estranged wife, 36-year-old Registered Nurse, Chidiebere Omenihu Ochulo. Kelechi stabbed his wife with her own kitchen knife so many times until she gave up the ghost. Chidiebere had just returned from her father’s funeral in Nigeria. Kelechi had protested vehemently over what he described as a lavish burial. Of course, his wife wouldn’t hear any of it. Afterall, she made the money. One thing led to other, until matters finally came to a head. Her husband took her kitchen knife and carved her up on New Year’s Day in her townhouse. The deceased lived at the 4200 block of Dunwood Terrace, in the Silver Spring suburb of Burtonsville in Montgomery County, Maryland. Recently in Tennessee, another registered nurse lost her life at the hands of her husband. This time, there was a twist. Her mother was also murdered. Her husband shot his wife as well as his mother in-law to death with a shot gun. According to accounts, this RN wife was married from Nigeria supposedly as a ‘pauper’ and brought to the United States by this man, who trained her in school as a registered nurse. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

LIVING

June 6, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Abortion may lead to infertility’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

non-governmental agencies for organising enlightenment campaigns, but he believes there’s room for improvement. “They are not doing enough until a 12-year-old can freely talk about sex, but we have not got to that level. Even some churches shy away from talking about sex, but nowadays we get invited by some religious organisations to talk about these things, how to express their feelings and how to make love,” he advised. The clinical psychologist noted that most abortions are carried out by people who are not married. He however, noted that some abortions may actually be required for health reasons maybe in order to save the life of the mother. For example a woman who is having issues with her blood pressure (BP), as the pregnancy is growing the BP is also rising which may lead to the death of the mother if something is not done about it, most of the time the pregnancy is terminated, that is an abortion but in this case it is required to save the life. Though the clinical psychologist wonders why most singles don’t protect themselves either with female or male condoms, he nonetheless identified the activity of quacks as one of the reasons for the increase in abortion cases and the complications that actually arise from their unprofessional practice. He identified cultural beliefs as a vital factor responsible for people’s low use birth control. “They believe if they use it, it may slow down their libido, thereby making them not to feel the real thing not minding that most of the condoms of these days are almost like you are not wearing anything. And we have seen women who report that they don’t like men using rubber because they want to feel the real thing and that is fleshto-flesh contact. That may be responsible for people who have unwanted pregnancy

that leads to abortion,” the psychologist remarked. On the advocacy to imbibe family planning as a preventive measure for these single ladies, the psychologist said our cultural belief has been the problem. He expatiated: “It is believed that anybody who tries to get family planning is promiscuous. So, the fear of actually going to

procure all these things prevents them, thereby they risk their lives with these diseases. If you go to the villages, it is not easy because they are familiar with each other. It is a shameful thing for single ladies to walk into a shop and start talking about family planning. People would rather do it by themselves. When they now get pregnant, they go through crude method, mixing some dirty things together thereby putting their lives in danger. In the cities, condoms are freely displayed and people pick it without shame.” Not only does every abortion kill an innocent human being in the womb; but it is also more dangerous to the mother than if she were to give birth to the child. Evidence overwhelmingly proves that the morbidity and mortality rates of legal abortion are several times higher than that for carrying a pregnancy to term. Even though cases of infertility resulting from abortion cannot be over-emphasised, abortion causes sterility in two to five per cent of the women who have an abortion, it has been discovered. Infertility or sterility means the inability of a woman to become pregnant after about 30 days of steady sexual intercourse with a fertile man. Also cases of psychological or emotional trauma experienced by women who have engaged in abortion are recorded in many hospitals. Studies have shown that

50 per cent of women who have had abortions report experiencing emotional and psychological problems lasting for months or years. These include, but aren’t limited to: acute feeling of grief, depression, anger, fear of disclosure, preoccupation with babies or getting pregnant again, nightmares, sexual dysfunction, termination of relationships, emotional coldness, increased alcohol and drug abuse, eating disorders, anxiety, flashbacks of the abortion procedure, anniversary syndrome, repeat abortions, and suicide. In order to fight high deaths from abortions, foetus expulsion or termination of pregnancy by people of different grades and culture has been legalised in some parts of the world, where citizens have the right to live their lives the way they deem fit, but it is not the case in Nigeria. In such advanced countries, to protect women from unsafe abortions in the hands of unqualified persons, there are laws declaring that pregnancy can be terminated before a baby is viable only if deemed medically essential “to preserve the life of the mother,” but in Nigeria for lack of specific law on abortion, illegal abortion, an anti-social activity, is widespread, mostly secretly practised by quacks or para-medical personnel at the demand of paltry sum such as N5,000, or higher depending on the age of the foetus; but such carries danger to life, health and morals of the pregnant woman. But importantly, Prof. Oye-Adeniran’s idea for the prevention of death from unsafe abortions by reducing unwanted pregnancy may be a wise one. He advised: “If you don’t have unwanted pregnancy, you will not go and induce an abortion and if you don’t induce an abortion you will not have an unsafe abortion and if you don’t have unsafe abortion you will not die of abortion-related causes.”

of the family following her graduating from a nursing program. Another Nigerian man, John Onwuka, 49, from Akwete community of Ohafia, in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State was charged with one count each of homicide and use of a knife in the commission of a felony. He stabbed his RN wife of twenty five years, Mrs. Gloria Uchechi Anya Onwuka, 42, fourteen times in her bedroom

while she was getting ready to go to work. She was a nurse manager. Onwuka committed this crime on the night of Saturday August 19, 2006 at the home of his wife in Estate Drive, Farmington, Hampton, Virginia with her children watching the gory scene. “Yes I have killed the woman that messed my life up, the woman that destroyed me. I am at Shalom West. My name is Michael and I am all yours.” A 911 call was placed to the authorities in those chilling words when yet another Nigeria man joined the infamous club of Nigerian Men Wife Killers. Fifty-year-old Michael Collins Iheme of Hennepin Minnesota placed the call a few minutes after shooting his twenty eight year old wife, Mrs. Anthonia Eberechi Iheme, the mother of his 4-year -old boy and 3-year-old girl, to death. (www.persecondnews.com).

INTERNATIONAL LIVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Soon after her qualification, the couple fell out. One police call led to another, followed by sleep-overs in police cells. It went on and on. After a protracted battle with the authorities allegedly at his wife’s instigation, the man lost his nearly paid-off home to his wife, including the custody of the three kids he had by her. He started seeing these kids periodically according to the court’s order and at the discretion of his wife, who sometimes came to the appointed custody visitation venue at her ‘convenience’ just to punish her estranged spouse. One day, he could not take it any longer. The rest, as they say, is now history. Wife and mother-in-law were shot dead. The killer is on death row awaiting the electric chair. Not too long ago, also, in Euless, a suburb of Dallas, another frustrated Nigerian husband, 45-year old Johnny Omorogieva from Edo

State, murdered his RN wife, Mrs. Isatu Omorogieva, 35, also of Edo State by savagely striking her on the head numerous times with a hammer in the full view of their 7-year old screaming daughter. In Tulsa, Oklahoma another report has it that another Nigerian man recently bludgeoned his RN wife to death while she was fast asleep as a result of the trauma of having his wife as the bread winner

recent times reports of

N igerian

women being killed by men has increased in the

U nfortunately ,

U nited S tates .

majority of these

women met their end at the hands of the men they trusted most

–

their spouses

Entervaganza

The Saturday Mirror Magazine

Relationships When is it justifiable to beat your partner? P.32

Fashion

Cocktail bliss

P.28

Sex talk

Are you using the right condoms? P.32

a l l s t r e a e t h S melting l l i t ... s

ENTERVAGANZA

June 6 , 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Celebrity

I didn’t sing Nonsense out of frustration —Zdon Paporrella Zdon Paporrella is one of the music industry’s recognised faces. He is also a TV and radio presenter and he tells OSEYIZA OOGBODO about what music means to him.

Your popular song, Nonsense, was a critique of the music industry as it supported the popular belief that musicians are singing nonsense nowadays. Did you sing it out of frustration probably because other musicians supposedly singing nonsense are making more waves than you? I sang Nonsense not out of frustration but because naturally I’m an expressive person. I’m not one to sit and wait until I or anyone I know becomes a victim. Rather than whine and cry in private, I used the medium I have, music, to expose what was going on in our industry so when by God’s grace I’m retired from all this, I’ll be happy that my music career stood for something objective. Did Nonsense achieve the purpose for which you sang it? Nonsense got my message across and that’s what matters. Like I said, it has more to do with personal fulfillment than material gains, though it actually put some good money in my pocket I must confess. If a person sings supposed nonsense but it becomes very popular, doesn’t that mean it’s not nonsense? I guess that’s a relative question that requires relative responses these days, but in my opinion, nonsense is nonsense, popular or not, but that’s my own opinion! Why did you go into music? Music is my passion, and that’s the only reason I’m still doing it. Tell us about your journey in music? My journey so far in music like every other journey in life has been filled with ups and downs but I thank God for everything because all have helped in making me the man I am today. Also, I’m very fulfilled.

Does that mean you are not having a smooth ride in your music career? There’s no smooth ride in any journey in life. What matters is the end result!

•Zdon Why is it that you musicians always take marijuana? Do you take it too? As for marijuana , you should ask those who smoke it why they do because I don’t.

have other investments because music is not a pensionable business. Only a fool will choose to focus only on music as a means of income.

Would you say you are where you should be as a musician? I’m not anywhere near where I want to be musically. I’m still learning and moving steadily at God’s destined pace. I have no regrets.

You are also an on-air personality. Won’t your fans be confused as to whether you are a presenter or a musician? My real fans won’t be confused because I’ve always juggled radio and TV presenting with my music in the past. I only took a break from presentation because I wanted to focus on my music.

What has been the high point of your music career thus far? Every day is a high point for me. Being alive and able to do what I love and also make money from it is very fulfilling.

Is it possible to survive strictly as a musician? The answer is no! There are few musicians in the world today who have only music as their means of income. They mostly

Is success in music dependent on talent or management or connections? In some cases, just talent has been enough. In other cases, talent and good management. But in recent times, one needs the three collectively to be relevant. Talent is not enough anymore. Our industry stakeholders made certain of that!

How often do you perform? I perform as often as the shows come.

What are your plans? I like to keep my plans close to my chest and keep people guessing until they unfold.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 6, 2015

Diamond benefitting from attaching to Nigerian artists

bout four years ago, talented Tanzanian singer, Diamond Platnumz, was practically unknown in Nigeria. But, considering the importance of the Nigerian music industry in Africa and the world, Diamond had other ideas about being unknown in Nigeria, since being known in Nigeria would enhance his brand all over Africa and the world. And the step he took to remedy the situation is the step that has paid off for him big time. He featured the one and only Omo Baba Olowo, Davido, on the remix of his song, Number One, and since then Africa has accepted that there’s an artist named Diamond. Doors have opened for him thereby and they keep opening, because he keeps attaching to Nigerian artists. The latest of such attachments is his collaboration with Nigerian highlife rave, Flavour. The song is titled Nana, its video is out now, it’s already gaining attention, and there’s no doubt that it will be a continental hit.

Before this Flavour collaboration, back in 2013 when Peter P-Square got married, he made it known that he was present at the wedding, in order to gain respect in Tanzania that he was hobnobbing with the eminent P-Square. Unluckily for him, though, P-Square went for a concert in Tanzania shortly after he claimed to be their friend, and when they were asked about their friendship with Diamond, they said they didn’t know him, which was just the truth. He still benefitted from the negative publicity, though. It got him trending and made P-Square know him and they’ve even been in the studio this year to record a song together. He has also been featured by Iyanya, another testimony to the fact that his popularity is really rising. As he continues to grow, courtesy of his talent and savvy in relating with Nigerian superstars, it’s only hoped that fame will not unnecessarily go to his head, as he was recently embroiled in a social media fight

Diamond

with Davido who was instrumental to his success, which means he can also turn around on Flavour in future.

P-Square, Awilo team up against their enemies

P-Square

hen it comes to the issue of musicians and their fan base, sensational singing twins, P-Square, definitely have a lot of fans. And just like them, Congolese musician, Awilo Longomba, has a lot of fans too. As a matter of fact, both PSquare and Awilo’s fans are not

Awilo

restricted to just their countries, Nigeria and Congo, but worldwide, and that’s why they are extremely successful musicians. But since a coin has two sides, and what’s good has its bad side, it mustn’t just be about fans who love them for these superstars. They must also have some enemies who hate them for unjust

reasons that include how successful they are. Well, we don’t know their enemies, but they know them, and they’ve teamed up on a song, Enemy Solo, which as its title suggests, is a warning to their enemies and those of their fans that they are powerless to do them any harm. So if you are a P-Square or Awi-

Oh well, anyone who bites the fingers that fed him will get paid back in his own coin.

Promising girl alert:

Mz Kiss

ight now, the question that should be asked regarding the female rapper known as Mz Kiss is why she’s not yet the talk of the music industry. She has what it takes, charisma, attitude, passion, ambition, courage, boldness, and even beauty, to become the nation’s hottest female rapper. But she’s yet to attain the throne. There are indications however that she should soon ascend the throne, as her songs and videos for Spartacuz, Figure 8 and others keep spreading by the day and increasing her fan base. So, if you don’t know her yet, then she eventually becomes the hottest thing in rap, as hot as, or even hotter than Olamide, Phyno, Reminisce and co, don’t be surprised.

Mz Kiss

June 6, 2015

E-NEWS

Over-exposure threatens Olamide B

y now, it’s no longer news that Olamide has released yet another music video. The video is for a song, Melo Melo, which like most of his songs, is a surefire hit. What’s news however is that Olamide is releasing videos at a rate that will diminish his brand value, rather than enhance it as he hopes. Three months ago, it was the video for Falila Ketan that he dropped as his first video of the year. Unusually for him, both the song and video didn’t really catch on, so it was understandable when he dropped Bobo’s video three weeks ago. Since Bobo’s arrival, it has caught on, and is in fact still spreading. The dance in the

Olamide

video is the latest dance in town and the latest slang in town is ‘Shakiti Bobo,’ one of the lines in the song. So, releasing Melo Melo just when Bobo is about to really peak, doesn’t make all the sense in the world. Olamide is not the only Nigerian artist guilty of flooding the airwaves with music videos to his own detriment. Phyno, his close friend, also released many videos last year, and he’s paying the price now as people have gotten so much of him on TV that they are now tired of seeing him. Olamide is well loved by the music loving public, but overexposure to them, through many videos in the spate of weeks or months, will definitely not help him.

Canada awards pits Davido against Oritsefemi, Yemi Alade, others

Davido

sides money and shows, there’s probably nothing that music artists crave more than awards. When they are interviewed, they don’t hide it that they want to win awards, especially the Grammy. And when an award’s nominees are announced, some who are not nominated actually feel badly because they know it will be another full year before they can be considered again for that particular award’s categories. And though they crave awards, they crave some more than others. In Nigeria

Alade

Oritsefemi

presently, the Headies is the award that they really want to win. But even more important to them than the Headies are international awards like MTV EMA, BET, MOBO and others that originate from America and Europe which have a Best International Act, Africa category that really enhances its winner’s brand value because the winner will be known as the best in Africa. So, the Black Canadian Awards holding today in Toronto has a lot of significance for Africa because it has a best international act category that has Davido,

Yemi Alade and Oritsefemi among its nominees. Others are Mafikizolo (South Africa), Edem (Ghana), Eddy Kenzo (Uganda) and Teeyah (Ivory Coast). Who will win the category tonight? Is it Davido, who has won such a category before? Or Oritsefemi whose Double Wahala made so many people happy? Or Alade whose Johnny is still racking up Youtube views? Or even any of the other nominees? The answer will emerge tonight, and you can be sure E-News will update you.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CLASSICAL LYRICS

Obimo

Artist: Kayswitch Intro Hey! I’m D’Banj Say na Kayswitch Obodo oyinbo oh oh oh Chorus Kanyi na tana Toba turkey Oga bartender Where the Hennessy? Because today I want to jolly She dey make me feel like to spend my money Chukwu gozie mbasi furugi Ha … obimo Ine memo bi gim gim gim Ha … obimo From January to December sosogi Ha … obimo After our wedding obodo oyinbo Ha ... straight ... obimo Verse 1 Ha Baby come make we chill This loving is for real You and I Only you and I Ayigewewulu wewe kwegima Cause a man that findeth a wife Has found a very good thing Wa yoma So hold my hands Oya make we dance As we dey celebrate in advance I don turn your number one fan So hold my hands Oya make we dance As we dey celebrate in advance I don turn your number one fan Chorus Verse 2 My baby make you no dey wait No chere kambia Let us celebrate This love wey we dey share My darling dance anyhow you want to Today na your day Me I go dance very well Cuz you don make my day Ebi ebi ru le ebi ebi You will be my baby Ebi ebi ru le ebi ebi You will be my lady Ebi ebi ru le ebi ebi You will be my … Chorus Outro Chukwu gozie mbasi furugi Ha … obimo Ine memo bi gim gim gim Ha … obimo From January to December sosogi Ha … obimo After our wedding obodo oyinbo Ha … straight ... obimo

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

E-NEWS

June 6, 2015

What’s happening to record labels and their bosses?

Banky

here is no doubt that the most popular urban record label in the country presently is Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records. Mavin is the label that has recorded the most number of hit tracks spread across all its artists in the last three years. Such tracks and artists include God Win by Korede Bello; Awww by Di’Ja; Katapot by Reekado Banks; My Darling by Tiwa Savage; Surulere by Dr SID; OYO by D’Prince; and Dorobucci by all Mavin artists aforementioned and their mentor, Jazzy. It’s therefore not surprising that many artists are hoping Jazzy can sign them to Mavin, the same way artists used to want to be signed to Kenny Ogunbge’s Kennis Music when it was the most prominent urban music label in the nation. Nowadays, nobody talks much of Kennis again, and it can be rightly said that Mavin displaced Kennis from its perch atop the music industry. So, Kennis is no longer doing as it used to. But it’s not the only label not doing well. There are many other labels not doing well due to various reasons, most especially of which is that they were established by artists who are doing so well themselves that they concentrate on themselves to the detriment of their artists. The unprecedented success of Kennis and Mavin is because their main men, Keke and Jazzy respectively, are not mainstream artists. They are popular, they are passionate about music, they desired to be mainstream artists themselves but were realistic enough to realize their labels would only be successful if they focused on their artists. So that’s why Mavin is thriving. Jazzy

D’Banj

is popular as a singer as well but Mavin is not suffering from his singing because it’s his secondary assignation. His first is the label’s artists. Mavin and Kennis are not the only labels though. Others making some noise include D’Banj’s DB Records, Davido’s HKN Music, P-Square’s Square Records, Darey’s Soul Muzik, Banky W’s EME. However, all of these others combined have not recorded the success of either Mavin or Kennis. Banky W’s EME has come closest to Mavin, Kennis, but still fell short of meeting up with them. His astute signing of Wizkid is even the only reason it recorded some decent success because he and Wizkid were very successful on the label while Skales recorded mild success. Now, he has Niyola and Shaydee on EME and they are also recording mild, critical success but they need to be really commercial successful as well before EME can be really respected as a prominent label. While EME is even trying its best to prove its worth as a label, Davido’s HKN Music just concentrates on Davido and only makes noise about its artists that include B-Red and Sina Rambo, Davido’s cousins. Though Davido has recorded many smash hits, won many awards, B-Red and Sina Rambo, who have spent a lot of time on HKN, as some other artists have come and gone on it, are only basking in Davido’s limelight and are yet to record any smash hit of theirs. There was a time they threatened to quit HKN, but they ended up staying, and they are still rudderless for now. Though Davido promised some time ago that he would ensure that all his artists blow and become successful in their own right,

Darey

he’s yet to keep that promise so HKN remains a label not making real impact. Darey’s Soul Muzik is another label not really dictating the pace in the industry. Sadly, its head honcho, Darey, can’t also said to be doing great things musically. Though he tries his best, working with the hottest producers, shooting big budget music videos and all that, he can’t really be said to have made the cut as an artist. Just like their boss, Zaina and Mo Eazy, are also finding it difficult to attain the recording success that would make their label, Soul Muzik, really successful. It’s however not because Darey has held out on them. He’s shot big budget videos for them and all that, but they are not getting something right yet. The problems of Square records owned by P-Square are well documented. They signed artists and wanted to promote them. But when they promoted one of them, May D, and he became really popular and it seemed as if he would steal their thunder, they got cold feet and backed out on her and now there’s no longer any talk of Square Records trying to be a real label with several artists, not just P-Square. Also to be indicted of not running his label properly is D’Banj. When he and Jazzy parted ways, they both established labels and Jazzy’s is doing very well but D’Banj’s is not. Though he has artists that include Tonto Dike, 2Kriss and his junior brother, Kayswitch, on DB Records, the label is not making any real impact as it concentrates mainly on D’Banj and shamelessly does so. Mind though that the labels highlighted here are not the only labels not doing well. They are just some of the ones in some bit of spotlight.

Keke

Zaina

June 6, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Daniel Ademinokan reaffirms love for Stella Damasus F

ans of singer-actress Stella Damasus would be happy to hear something of their favourite celebrity as she has not been satisfying them with her appearance in movies as she used to since she allegedly ran away to America with Daniel Ademinokan, once husband of her colleague, Doris Simeon. And speaking about Stella to i2radio, as he wanted to dedicate a song to her, he gushed that, “‘I am so excited to dedicate this song to one person who has been a rock. Sometimes God just aligns things to happen at the right time. Stella Damasus, you are an amazing person and I appreciate you so much. “The kind of mind you have, the way you think. It’s different and I’ll probably never meet anyone like you. People don’t know the truth about how we got together. I appreciate you so much and you are a very blessed person. There is something special about you. I have always said to you that the enemy will not attack you if you aren’t special. “You have been a source of encouragement to me. You have changed a lot of things in my life. The way we came together is even a mystery to us. The world may know a lot of crazy things about you but I know who you really are.

Damasus

Ademinokan

“Thank you for loving me for who I am. We cannot show the whole world everything but you and I have conquered so much in a short time. I would

not have been able to achieve a lot of the things I have if I wasn’t with the right person. You are an actress, singer, writer, teacher, philanthropist, is there

Why Hitlist N Cruzin is going on radio — Mursty Adinoyi T alented TV producer, Mursty Adinoyi, whose TV entertainment programme, Hitlist N Cruzin, is one of the most successful in the country presently, has disclosed that he’s starting the radio version of Hitlist N Cruzin. And on why he’s taking it to radio, he said, “I understand that the best way not to fall is to keep on moving, and to keep moving, you have to keep diversifying, keep expanding. I have people working under me, and anytime I look at them, something tells me that it’s like these guys are hooking their future on me, because if I fail, and by the grace of God I won’t, I’m not failing alone. “Others will go with me,

Adinoyi

and the only way not to fall is to keep diversifying and expanding. And when you look

at expansion, radio should be part of our expansion as an entertainment production company. And God willing, if we have the opportunity tomorrow, to run 24 hours on any platform, we are ready for it. So those are the expansion plans. “And the only thing is to keep on getting better, so that people under you as well will have something to take home at the end of every month. I have a married person working under me, his child is gonna eat, his family will too, so that inspires someone like me to do more because you know that you are creating opportunity for others. And if you’re creating opportunity for others, the best way you can get better is to keep expanding.”

anything you can’t do? I love you very much and I’m dedicating this song to you because I want you to stay with me forever.”

Timaya expecting another baby

ighly rated celebrity, Timaya, has confirmed to HipTV that he’s expecting his second child. Unlike some of his colleagues, though, who have offspring with many women, he disclosed that he was expecting the child with the same lady who had his first child. He added that he took the decision to have another child at this time because he loves his first child, a daughter named Emmanuella, so much that he wants to have more children.

Timaya

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 6, 2015

StyGlleam and

with Yemisi Adeniran

(080378011

58) ydiran@

yahoo.com

n a c i r f A t s i Tby w koRomeo F

ounded since 1997, KikoRomeo makes ready-to-wear and custom-made fashion, accessories, and sandals for women, men and kids. With hand-woven textiles, factory-made cottons and a conservative craft technique basically of tie dyeing, crochet, beading, metal work and embroidery, she rules the fashion world in Kenya and in Nigeria. Proud to combine the discipline of precision cut and tailoring with the inspiration instilled by ethnic shape, colour and flow, she made her boast thus: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It is our charge at KikoRomeo to ensure a contemporary look with an African twist of excellent cut, fir and finish.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

STYLE & GLAM

June 6, 2015

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Cock

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June 6, 2015

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k ta il b li s s

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hion l your fas ough, f you fee daring en d n a ld o t is b wait until statemen oast yet, b a e k a lusive and do not m eird, exc W . is h t seen words to you have me of the o s e ome from r a g nd they c a n fascinatin io t c e from these coll designers n io h describe s a f nspired upcoming Lagos. I , y g lo young and o n ch classy ege of Te , a world a Yaba Coll iv v a D y at the ored b owcased h s and spons e r e w eld last ne, they k which h e e clothing li W n io ican Fash 2015 Afr er those to empow g week. n in y r t y ll not gotte actua hat have t “We are s r d e e n ic ig t s o n oung de them and w a s creative y e e w v a n h ut orm. Whe reative, b c y r e the platf v e ar se their e people to showca that thes m r ls o f t la p eir schoo n the o go to th t not gotte d e id t c a e h w s, we d an start collection so they c s t n years, e d e u e t r s o or th w t and bring t x e n public do in the d to the e s u t e they will g an ves Carol so they c y, “obser a right now w n u r e h ially t and espec Daviva. n behalf of n o of Africa e r e h Ar mbination o c all A y e ? h e or s, t What’s m eign stuff r o f r you’ve e f h I t nd o f art. o k r o w fabrics a l t tfu d you wan t a deligh r work an e arrived a t f a r y e t r h t ktail pa , don’t bo got a coc ssy touch la c give a l il h w it w s here n ig s one wear e d e oo far, th thinking t ea. you an id

Treating yo ur oily

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he face of a woman is the best of to make it sm her treasure oo . It is the fi of treatment th and desirable all the rst that dra time. Howeve of an oily fa ws people’s it may be a ce r, having an , it is importa attention wh s a result of issue with it nt to get to ich is why sh stress, diet is not avoid the root firs e will do any even heredit a b le t; . thing B it efore you co y . m O a • Wash it nce you are y be far from mmence a m able to ident twice daily, the soap or e asure ify the caus morning and body cream e, try and tr evening, lea you are usin ve free till e a g, t • If it is it in any of next morning about your these ways: . diet, avoid • Let you intake of oi rm ly foods, fr • Avoid m ake-up materials be oilied stuffs a oisturisers a free nd all junk fo s they can co • Always ods. mplicate the have a talcum problem. An oily face powder with y is not a big deal, so, don ou to dry off the oil w henever you ’t lose your think necess sleep! ary.

Fashion Guest

STYLE & GLAM

‘Loving yourself is secret to real beauty’

Mass graduate of a l, e h c a R a lookkeche Adek concerned, is ta is As far as Ela n io h s you tion and a fa rception. “If e p lf e Communica s ’s e n ays in mes from o good,’ she s k o lo ing good co ’t n o w urself, you IRAN don’t love yo EMISI ADEN Y h it w s w ie this interv

You have been modelling for quite some time now, what do you think has worked for you so far? Apart from God who I believe makes things work for everyone, I think it is my height and my figure. I have a very tall height and my figure is shapely. You seem to believe so much in these two. Is that all you have as assets? It may not be all, but I really believe they have both worked for me because one or two people have passed that comment on me and at different times. Besides, some of the judges that I had encountered also said same. But in actual fact I believe in myself, I love myself and that has really worked more than anything for me. Loving oneself goes a long way in making success. How do you mean? What I mean by this is that if a person, a woman particularly appreciates herself, it will become very hard for others to rate her negatively in any way. Loving yourself would make you take pride in yourself, it would give you a high level of confidence and this would end up giving you the right

push you need forward. It would beat every feeling of inferiority and that would endear you with many people who ordinarily might not have looked at your side twice. Is that your advice for women? Yes. Every woman is created with one beauty or the other. So, I advise that women take interest in themselves more than they used to do in the past. Love yourself, appreciate yourself, this would make you even glitter from within. If you would not appreciate yourself, nobody will. But if you will take pride in yourself, you will be more appreciated. Loving yourself is the secret to real beauty.

June 6, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

What do you know about pain?

yth: If the doctor can’t pinpoint the cause of your pain, it must be in your head. Fact: “Just because you can’t find the exact source of someone’s pain doesn’t mean they don’t feel it,” says John F. Dombrowski, MD, a Washington, D.C. pain specialist. No test can measure the intensity of pain, no imaging device can show pain, and no instrument can locate pain precisely. This doesn’t mean pain can’t be treated. “We don’t need to know the exact cause of the pain to try to make it feel better.”

Fact: Weather Can Affect Pain If joint pain gets worse when it’s cold or raining, it’s not your imagination. Although studies have shown mixed results, changes in barometric pressure can cause some people -- especially people with arthritis -- to have increased pain in their joints. Experts think this is because the change in barometric pressure affects joint pressure. Fact: Women Handle Pain Better Women point to childbirth as proof of their greater pain capacity, and some science backs this up. Women and men tolerate pain differently. Women use more coping mechanisms to deal with pain. They seek treatment more quickly and tend to recover from pain faster than men. But experts say pain is such an individual experience that it’s hard to compare one person’s pain to another’s. Fact: Losing Weight Can Ease Pain If you are overweight, know that having less weight on your body means less pressure -- and less pain -- on your joints and back. “Dropping a few extra pounds can really help improve joint pain in the knees and hips,” says Patience White, MD, vice president of public health at the Arthritis Foundation. “Even 10 pounds can make a huge difference.” Losing weight also can help back pain caused by muscle fatigue. Fact: Exercise Curbs Painful Flares Although pain may make it harder to exercise, staying active is one of the best things you can do to feel better. Exercise can help you lose weight, sleep better, and boost your mood -- all of which can also help reduce pain. Exercise helps strengthen muscles, ease stiff joints, and restore coordination and balance. Low-impact exercises, like walking, swimming, and stretching, are good ways to start. Myth: Don’t Worry About Minor Pain Many people believe that pain is just something you have to live with, yet pain should never be ignored. Even if your pain gets better with over-the-counter

pain medications, see your doctor if the pain lasts more than a week or two, becomes worse over time, or if it interferes with daily activities. Fact: Your Attitude Can Affect Pain Dwelling on pain can make it feel worse. “Those who focus on their pain tend to do poorly compared with those who have a proactive attitude and try to find ways to cope with their pain,” says Roger Chou, MD, associate professor of medicine at Oregon Health and Science University. Pain can lead to depression and anxiety, which can then make pain worse. Consider counseling to help cope with pain. Myth: No Pain, No Gain Although it’s OK to push yourself until you feel the burn of exercise, it’s important to know when to stop. Pain is the body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. You should never feel pain when exercising. If you do, stop and take a break. To stay safe, learn what your limits are, and stay within them. Myth: Pain Is Just Part of Aging Like gray hair and wrinkles, a few aches and pains are a part of nearly everyone’s life. But chronic pain -- which can increase suffering and decrease quality of life -doesn’t have to be. Most people should be able to lead relatively pain-free lives as they age. If you are bothered by chronic pain, a pain specialist can help you find relief -- no matter how old you are. Myth: Pain Killers Lead to Addiction When taken as directed, prescription pain medications rarely cause addiction. However, as with many drugs, the body can become physically dependent on pain medication. Although this doesn’t mean you’re addicted, you may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop the drug abruptly. It’s an expected response when a prescription pain drug is used for more than a few days. Your doctor can help you stop safely. Myth: Rest Is Good For Back Pain Although short rest may be prescribed for back pain, it’s best to remain active. Experts say that complete bed rest is one of the worst things you can do. If you’re not active, the body quickly becomes deconditioned -- causing even more pain when you eventually move. Limit exercise during acute episodes of pain but continue daily activities and exercise per doctor’s orders as much as you can.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 6, 2015

Male Essentials

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with Oseyiza Oogbodo kingseiza@gmail.com

What you must know about aftershaving

ompared to debating the introduction of make-up for men, weighing in on the finer points of personal style, specifically aftershave, may seem relatively pointless. There are bigger battles to fight. But after catching a whiff of the grave mistakes of men who we thought would never fall prey to the pitfalls of scent selection, application and storage, it’s clear that the time has come for a refresher course on the dos and don’ts of cologne. Aftershave dos Try before you buy There is only one way to tell how a scent will actually smell, and it doesn’t involve scratching and sniffing a magazine or fragrance-laced piece of card stock from an overly aggressive sales girl at the perfume counter. A self-test on your skin is the single, surefire method for determining its reaction with your body chemistry. That’s why you should try before you buy. Then, wait a day before committing to reveal any potential allergic reactions and ensure the scent will last. Watch what you eat Body chemistry is a key factor when considering the dos and don’ts of aftershave. The problem: Chemistry isn’t consistent. One trip to the Indian buffet, a gorge-fest of fried chicken or throwing back a beer can make aftershave smell stronger — and not in a good way. We love spicy, fatty man-food just as much as the next guy. So, if you’re going for gastronomic gold, let your scent sit this round out. As for date night, well, we shouldn’t have to tell you that the best you could hope for after a curry dinner is a goodnight handshake.

Reapply if you have dry skin When it comes to aftershave, knowing your skin type is mission critical. Oily complexions maintain scent longer, with fewer and less frequent applications. The additional moisture on the surface of the skin acts as a chemical activator (think of it as a consolation prize for those years spent as a pimple-ridden teenager). Drier skin, on the other hand, is just the opposite — it’s like a sponge soaking up that sweet scent. Go for an extra squirt and make sure to recharge for a night on the town. Apply after a hot shower Like most things in life, timing is everything. So, naturally, there is a prime time for applying fragrance — like after a hot shower or bath. The water temperature and steam assist in prying pores open, which in turn, sop up scent. They’re what keep you smelling fresh (or not) all day long. And while attempting to scent unshowered skin isn’t the worst aftershave crime in the world, you do run the risk of instigating a nasty cover-up. Aftershave don’ts Douse We all know that bloke who has a perpetual trail of saturated scent you can smell from a mile away. It announces his coming and going in the most olfactorily offensive way possible — the classic case of foul play with a triggerhappy hand as the culprit. Instead of dousing (and needlessly wasting that precious liquid), spraying at the pulse points is a more effective way of application and, honestly, an aftershave basic. A dab behind the ears, on the wrists and

at the base of the throat — essentially, anywhere the blood vessels are close to the skin’s surface — is all you need to maximise your musk. And remember, when in doubt, less is more. No one likes to be assaulted with smell no matter how pleasant you think it is. Use scented soaps Cool rain and arctic blast may seem like the perfect pals for shower time. What’s the problem then? Strongly scented soaps and body washes can mix in unintended ways with any aftershave applied afterward. At best, the soap smell will overpower any lighter fragrance making it seem as though the aftershave is barely there. But more likely, the cool, clean scent of that manly mountain-mist body wash you’ve been using for years will alter the smell of the after-

Sexual issues & solutions

Amazing facts about the penis size (IV) The human penis is not under conscious control. It’s under the control of a ,man’s autonomic nervous system – and that means that sometimes however much he wants an erection to go away, it won’t. Or, of course, however much he wants an erection to happen, it might not happen. The penis is the most sensitive part of the human body, and the most sensitive part of the penis is the frenulum, that little ridge of skin that joins the foreskin to the glans. She can try stroking it – use firm little circles with one finger – or flicking across it with her tongue. Im a 50year old man with diabetes and very weak erection. The erection is so weak that I can hardly penetrate with the erection.A friend of mine recommended X-again to me. How effective is X-again and hope it has no side effect and very safe for my age? I’m also suffering from obesity with serious pot-belly, how can I shed the fat? Thomas X-again is a very safe herbal supplement that gives strong erection on demand and takes effect within 30 minutes of usage. X-again can be used with the Gingko tea which helps reduce your diabetes, thereby allowing X-again to take effects as soon as possible. To reduce the fat level in your body, get Cleanshield drink with Spiral slimming belt. The Cleanshield helps churn out the fat and the spiral slimming belt accelerates the fat-breaking process. I ejaculate within 5 minutes of penetration and when I ejaculate, the sperm quantity is so small and very watery. My sperm count is also very low; I heard Volume pills can help increase my sperm quantity and count and also delay ejaculation, how true is this fact? Greg Volumepills is know to increase the quantity of sperm, the motility and the count of the sperm cells are also increased with Volume pills. The secondary function of Volume pills is that it delays ejaculation.

Some months ago, I got Plant vigra and Rhino 5 from your store, though at different times and I discover that these two supplements work well in my system for strong erection and make me last long during sex. Are they still available? Alh Shaba Yes plant vigra and Rhino 5 are still available and since they work well for you in giving very strong erection on demand, I’ll advise you stick with them. Plant Vigra and Rhino 5 are very safe as they are herbal; so you are welcome anytime to place your order. Im a 40 year old woman who doesn’t feel any urge for sex; what can you recommend I take cos this is causing friction between I and my husband. Shola Im sure you’ve had kids and if you have, naturally your libido and urge for sex will drastically drop. I’ll advise you take the Libigirl pills with either the Germany sex drops or the arousal gels like Spot on g-spot, Mood arousal gel etc to mention but a few. This combination will help put you in the mood for sex in 30 mins of usage. Im very hypertensive and I have Taken several product all to no avail. Do you have any product that can reduce my hypertension level and I also need help for my weak erection? Peter I would like to recommend you go for Cleanshield drink and Noto tea to help reduce your hypertension and while you are at that, I’ll say you go for Libigrow or Plant –vigra for strong erection. Either Libigrow or Plant Vigra is recommended because they are very mild and don’t give side effects like headaches, or nausea like some other erection aids do and they stil work perfectly well. These are all we can take for this week. Adults who needs any of these aphrodisiacs can cal 08034666358, 07059294782 or place your order at www.viewden. com. For further enquiries,send an email to us at: vieweden@yahoo.com, viewden@ymail.com. Kemi Fawole (MD)

shave you just dropped 80 quid on. We’re not recommending you switch to some new-age fragrance-free brand. Just go for something lighter than normal. Think one scent is enough Despite the old advice of finding a signature scent and sticking to it, men must remember the importance of changing things up. This isn’t just for kicks — there is a method to the madness. As seasons change, aftershave must follow suit. A full-bodied fragrance for mid-July doesn’t match the mood and can be overpowering. The opposite is true too: Lighter scents get lost in colder temperatures come winter time. But the solution isn’t to stock up on your favourite 50 aftershaves. Instead, opt for just two to complement the seasons. Wait around Men have a bad habit of hoarding unopened aftershave bottles for use at a later date. We tend to stockpile them as though they’d be useful in a nuclear attack. But aftershaves have a shelf-life: Three years to be exact. After that, the natural oils in the bottle lose their intensity and go rancid. The good news is that three years is a long time, so if it takes you longer than that to use up your stash, it just wasn’t meant to be. And don’t think that a pristine bottle fairs any better. This rule holds true for all aftershaves whether they’re still wrapped in plastic or on their last drop. Scent of a man Aftershave is a crucial part of being a man. The whole scent thing plays into our primal need to mark our territory. And now, you’ll be able to mark that territory right.

VIEWDEN PRODUCTS (RANGE OF LOVE PRODUCTS)

June 6, 2015

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When is it justifiable t

Your partner is not your child!

know a lot of people have been waiting for this day to catch me in my own words on my take when it comes to beating one’s partner. A lot of my female readers and a few of the male readers have asked me privately through messages and emails on what to do if the situation happens to them and for those who are experiencing it. People have asked severally openly too when it is ever justifiable to beat your partner. I knew that the title would be provocative precisely while thinking about writing it because we live in a time now where western culture has made it a gender based issue to even ask such a thing. It’s like asking if it is OK to have sex with your wife when she says she’s not in the mood or marrying a second wife without the permission of your wife as if that is a crime. And people, whether it is women who with a little western exposure shouting with the power given at the Beijing conference or a few good men who are in fact the beneficiaries of that conference like me, will surely bring their wrath down upon you. They will rush in to scream, “You NEVER hit a woman! NEVER, NEVER, NEVER!” But the truth is that these questions or should I say the above topic will sometimes come up in every relationship because of the inter-play of the differences in our upbringing and as human beings who while looking for perfection, are not capable of it themselves. In truth when is it O.K. to beat your wife? I’ll say it is anytime you are defending yourself from her physical attack. You have the right, at that moment, legally and morally, as is explicit in every legal model I know of, to use whatever force is necessary to protect yourself. But this is really hilarious because if a woman is physically or mentally prepared to hit you as a man, I think stylishly retreating out of the house or wherever it may be will be the better part of valour because it is like seeing a cat chasing a dog in broad daylight, not an impossibility but definitely a rarity, though I’ve heard of and seen a few women who beat and abused their partners or who have hired paid thugs or gotten some male

members of their family to help teach their partners a lesson for perceived acts that didn’t go down well with them like the man having a second wife or discovering the man had a secret wife or child outside wedlock. Something has definitely gone askew though a foolish man would want to think retaliating physically would do the magic for him. You see, the surface answer about self defence only applies in the world of legal theory and in the land of what out to be. Violence though very attractive in a few situations if not always, is hardly ever the right way to go. A man who raises his hands to hit his partner or the other way around too definitely has anger or other emotional issues and needs to be helped and not sacrificed on the altar of “showing who is the man”. If you’re not going to inflict pains, injurious and mental or emotional anguish on each other that may never go away even if the conflict is ever settled, death is a possibility that may occur if we are not careful. Yes we may say that there are moments when we may want to instil respect or discipline in the relationship as the case may be but we need to thread softly here though some religious theorists will claim and quote some verses from the Holy Books supporting their position on justifiable assault and battery on one’s partner. I know what the two Holy Books say about discipline in the home but is it a man who is morally bankrupt that will instil discipline when he himself is not a good example of the Perfect Being. Let’s call a spade a spade without resorting to religious bigotry, a wife is a willing partner in progress whose consent had to be obtained before the marriage and an agreement had to be reached for there to be a marriage and she’s definitely not a child who has to be led with the fist or a cane for a man to show his authority. My belief is that once a man thinks he needs to show his authority physically, he has lost that authority. A man must always put himself in a position of respect and once he does that, he’ll be surprised that he’ll never have a need to justify beating his partner.

SEX TALK

This column is x-rated

Are you using the right condoms?

Safe sex doesn’t have to be boring, just because you use condoms. Here’s your guide to picking the right one to spice up your bedroom escapades!

ondoms are one of the important commodities a dating man must have in addition to breath-freshening gum and a sense of humor. Aside from providing protection from sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies, these fun balloons can also serve you by increasing you and your partner’s chance to have steamy, hot sex. Know your sheath For a condom to properly serve its purpose, one must choose the right type that would fit (pun not intended) into your sexual lifestyle. Don’t just pick a random box in the mini mart, just because you like the packaging. Read the label and know what it does. If you’re too shy to spend a minute to read in the shop because of awkward stares from fellow shoppers, do your online research beforehand. Here are some of the things you should consider before purchasing your love glove: Size: Most manufacturers offer standard size condoms that would fit most men, but it is very important for each user to know the exact condom fit for themselves. Condoms should fit around the penis snugly without slipping during action, and should not be too tight to strangle your thingy. For those guys in the far ends of the curve, you don’t need to worry. Small and XL sizes are also available. A gentle reminder: An ill-fitting condom can ruin good sex by slipping off if it’s too loose, or tear-

ing, if it’s too small. Thickness: Standard condoms are usually 0.04 – 0.07mm thick and are designed to withstand average coital friction without tearing. For heavy duty action, thick condoms above 0.09mm are available for guys into rough action, as such activities produce more friction that would wear down standard condoms. For couples who would rather opt for slow, methodical sex, you may choose thin or super thin condoms that would give extra pleasure. Material: Modern condoms are made of rubber latex derivatives. Latex is predominant as it is cheap and durable compared to other materials. For those people who are allergic to latex, you may choose to use polyurethane or polyisoprene-based condoms. Other manufacturers even regress to making lamb skin condoms for people who aren’t squeamish about wrapping their junk in animal parts. Male/female condoms: Condoms are also available for women, which appears larger and more firm than its male counterpart. The downside for this type is that it is more expensive and much harder to obtain than male condoms. Female condoms are for those couples who would like to skip the interlude of having to put on the condom and ruin the foreplay momentum. Novelty condoms: Yearly, the sex industry is making lots of interesting stuff to help couples en-

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RELATIONSHIPS

June 6, 2015

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JACQUI IWU 08165049669 email: amiicaregroup@aol.com

to beat your partner?

Never!!!

This column is x-rated joy their sex life, condoms included. Once you’ve learned the basics of choosing and using condoms, try to spice things up by introducing kinky, novelty condoms to surprise your partner. You can choose one that would best fit the mood, or if you’re both curious and open-minded, try to deviate from the normal categories and try any of these: Textured condoms: These are designed to stimulate the fun parts that would otherwise be ignored during the usual humping. Textures would include ribs, studs, dots, and protruding edges that would rub against the female G-spot or the male glands during intercourse. Some would incorporate a complicated swirly ribbing that would make your thingy look like a drill for the drilling that you’ll be doing. Special lubricated condoms: Condoms are prelubricated with the usual water-based slick, but some are incorporated with special lubricants such as spermicidal, antibacterial, anesthetic, and cooling/warming gels. Spermicidal: For those couples who really want to be safe, spermicidal condoms are equipped with a gel that kills sperm cells after ejaculation. This is a good precaution in case your condom breaks, or if you’re doing it during her fertile period. Anesthetic: These types include a mild topical anesthetic that is absorbed in the penis’ skin upon wearing it. It makes the guy numb for a period of time, allowing him to give that porn-grade duration. The anesthetic wears off after quite some time, giving you permission to come after you’ve pleasured her into a good orgasm. Cooling or warming gels: These condoms come in single layer, where the wearer or the

This column is x-rated partner feels the effect, or dual layer where both parties enjoy the sensation. Ultrathin condoms: As the name implies, the condom is so thin that it feels like you’re doing it bare. This type is for couples who aren’t really into condoms, but can’t go without being safe anyways. The downside is that ultrathin condoms sacrifice protection for that skin-like pleasure. Many condom manufacturers have dabbled into producing the perfect ultra-thin condom that balances protection and pleasure. Flavoured condoms: For those who use condoms in oral sex, you have the classic flavors like chocolate, mint, vanilla, bubblegum, and lots of different fruit flavors. Nowadays, the condoms industry has innovative flavours, as well as borderline weird ones. Ever heard of cocktail-flavored condoms? Yeah, you name it: Pinacolada, Bloody Mary, Long Island, Martini, etc. There are also the downright strange ones like Licorice and Bacon. Yes. Bacon! Glow in the dark condoms: With this condom, you can turn your penis into a personal glow stick! This is appropriate if you’re planning to give your partner surprise or party-themed sex. Turn off the lights, wear some glow sticks, and …action! Condoms have transcended their primary contraceptive use and have the remarkable ability to give you and your partner the best sexual experience ever. It is up to your bedroom creativity and preferences to determine which suits you best. Just remember that carrying condoms is a shared responsibility and should provide equal pleasure to you and your partner.

ow before you contunue reading, take note that we did not specify one partner only beating the other because most people’s mind will go to men beating women. We say- ‘’partner’’ meaning both sexes. Are you asking if women beat their husbands and lovers? Ohhh...you have not seen it happen? I will educate you today! Women batter men too not only men beat their partner. Ok, since i have balanced this topic, let’s roll!! There are men reading this and before you know it they are already counting numerous situations and what women do that justify them to be beaten by men. I have even hear most men said it to my nose everywhere i go in Africa. Women are vey complex creatures and can really upset not just their partners but anyone dealing with them even fellow women. Their attitudes most times are worse with fellow women so i personally understand completely, men who feel there is some justification beating their partner when they get to their nerves. On the contrary let us talk a little about women who beat men. In Africa, this is unheard of....a taboo..but it happens! When a woman slaps a man more than once at a go...kick him... and use objects to hit him...what do you call this? Romancing? There are even women...you know those local champions...most of them even throw some men down on the floor and beat the living day light out of them as if they are beating a baby and the man rolling and shouting out for help . Hahhhhhhhaaa...pretty funny sight huh? Boy, i pity any man who is being beaten by a woman. I find it some how lefthanded...out of order...crude...i just cannot imagine this no matter what the man did. Nothing justifies a woman beat a man. The popular side of this gist is on the men because they are the ones who beat women like it is their birth right to do so. If your woman is filled with all kinds of bad and ugly attitude, beating her all the time can never change her for good. The high-

est you can achieve by beating her is, you might wound her badly or even kill her. So what have you achieved at the end? I think its high time Nigeria law gives death sentence to any man who beats her wife or partner to death. It is murder...no matter what excuse you give..you should never say you made a mistake and never knew she will die. You should not have started the fight or beat her in the first place. If your wife slaps you and you feel humilated as a man and want to show her you are a man and before you know it, one hit...and she slumps and die...bingo...you have murdered someone. No one cares if she slaps you first or hut you with pistle. There are men whose tea break is beating their wife and partner. Any slight mistake the woman does, the response is with slaps and kicking. If you are a man that beats your partner blue/back regularly, i think you should re-evaluate what makes you a man in the first place. Women are known to talk most times without really reasoning the outcome of what they say. As a man, you do not have to listen to everything your wife or partner says. Infact, the more you neglect her constant nagging the more you make a fool of her and women who understand this always stop their silly nagging when they noticed the man in question is not paying attention to them. If your partner is the troublesome type, there are so many ways of checkmating her rather than beating. Most times beating a woman is a not a sign of proving you are a man like most men percieve it but a sign of not being incharge of your emotions as a real man should. Having the strenght to control your anger is what really makes you a real man and not a coward who hides under the shadow of fist fight. The woman you chose to be battering every time, will hardly respect you and to her, you are just a weakler which is the opposite of what you feel by beating her. REAL men do not beat women and there is no justification whatsoever for a man to beat a woman not to talk of a woman beating a man. If you are a man and your woman beats you always, it is time to get the hell out of that marriage!!!

June 6, 2015

Woman e h t ‘ r e t f a e f i L ’ e n o d e k s a m – Ego Ogbaro

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When you left Lagbaja four years ago, we all thought you had a problem with him? Not in any way. We had a good relationship and we still have. He was not just a good boss to me, he was a brother and a mentor. We were friends and still are. My decision to leave the band, not him, was to move forward in my own music career. There were no hard feelings. Like I said, I only left the band, I didn’t leave him. You all know that when an apprentice stays with his master, he eventually graduates to go and practice on his own. That was the scenario between us. We had no fight or quarrel. When you also went to get married, we thought it was again going to disrupt your music career? Again, it was a wrong conception. Music is my passion and my husband and others around me know this perfectly well. My husband has always given me his full support, so, my marriage can never be a hindrance to the success or continuity of my career. How would you describe the journey since 2007 that you left the Crooner band? I will say it has been tough. But what does anyone expect? Leaving one comfort’s zone is never an easy thing. I mean I have been with the Crooner band for a decade and some years, I was used to their style, I was at home with my job, I had lots of followers, admires, fans because of what I did. The thought of leaving alone was scary, painful and hard to take. All the same, it was something I needed to do; a step I must take, so, I had to take it. One thing that helped me was my excitement about the future. I was eager to do my own thing and I was certain of its success. This helped me a lot and really, it has kept me going. As I have said earlier, it is not easy to leave a place one has enjoyed for long and for years especially people you understood and the ones who also understood you well. But if an apprentice will not strive to work towards his graduation, he will be referred to as a laid back person. I am not, so while it felt so painful to go, I knew it was important to let go of emotions. The more I felt like questioning my reason for leavings that is the more the thought of condemning my action, the more urge I had to move on. I had established Indigo my own band and I thank God for how He has been helping me.

For 13 years, everyone, including Lagbaja, her boss, enjoyed her sonorous voice. One day, however, she decided to call it quits and this shocked everyone. It’s been some four years now and Ego Iheanacho – Ogbaro kicks on. The beautiful singer spoke with YEMISI ADENIRAN on her growing up years, her journey into the music world , marriage and life after she left the ‘masked one.’ Excerpts:

Did you study music or at what point did you realise your musical gift? Although I have always been familiar with music right from my childhood, I never thought I would make any career out music. I did not study music in the university neither did I go to any music school even to learn about it. I grew up, like I said in an environment where people sing and listen to good music. That was all. God has only helped me to discover my inbuilt talent. But I have always loved music as a growing child. When I left the secondary school, it was more or less my hobby. All the while I was growing uo, I love music but I never took it so seriously as to have thought it would become a source of income to me. It was when I joined Lagbaja’s band that it became something worthy of being taken seriously. Then, I started going for shows and I was making money from it. I was like so this simple thing could be as much rewarding. Okay, I will pay more attention to it and since then, I have invested time and other resources to it and I tell you, it has been

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June 6, 2015

Music is not an easy career, there are many people involved in it, so, to make a name or keep your head above waters is surely serious work. I don’t have to state the number of young and good musicians whose first album struck everyone when it was released and what has become of them now. It is not easy. It requires a lot of hard work, focus and strong determination to succeed worth the while. How simple will you have the music profession described as you have mentioned? When I said simple, I did not mean that it was a easy career to come by or to delve into. Why I said so or what I meant by that is that in my own particular case, music is an inborn talent for me. I was born with it and honestly whatever success that might have come from it to me was not something I really worked for as much as people work for it and other careers. I mean before you will become a doctor, pharmacist, banker and even a professor of any chosen field, you must have burn lots of candles, had ceaseless vigils and so on. But for, I was only made to discover it within me, tap into it and make money and fame with it. This is why I will continue to bless God because I didn’t work for this but He has seen ahead of me and bestowed upon me a gift that would make life beautiful for me. Music is not an easy career, there are many people involved in it, so, to make a name or keep your head above waters is surely serious work. I don’t have to state the number of young and good musicians whose first album struck everyone when it was released and what has become of them now. It is not easy. It requires a lot of hard work, focus and strong determination to succeed. From whom would you say your musical influence come from? My mother is first. She loves music very much and I guess I got this from her. Other artistes that inspire me back then were Chris Okotie, Onyeka Onwenu, Michael Jackson,Boney M, Dede Obi, Abba, Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey and so many other respectable ones who have actually made a huge success of their musical career. What kind of a child was Ego? I was a very stubborn child, I am still because I always wanted to have my way. I can also tell you authoritatively that I was a lively child, I am still a lively girl. No matter how stressful a particular situation was, I just kept on, I never allowed it to weigh me down. Simply put, I was a happy – go – lucky girl. Can you say that you still possess these attributes? Yes, I still do. I am still very lively, I guess people around me ca also attest to this. An I still won’t allow any troublesome situation to get me depressed. As a married woman, do you still push to have things your way? It’s my nature but you know this don’t come to be because I am joined with someone the entire world and heaven describe as my head, my boss whom I should love and respect. Well, he knows my kind of person, he loves me for who I am and we have a way of dealing with issues as they come. I respect him as a husband, friend, lover and a brother. He will go out of his ways to please me and I try my best to do same. Speaking factly, there are so many traits that one

Keeping ABREAST

If God WERE a woman

… the world would be a very different place

needs to force herself to drop if a marriage must succeed. This I know and have kept in my left hand so I don’t use it to eat. What is style to you? It is a way of life. A way a person chooses to appear and be perceived. My style is bohemian. You know the bohemian style in the fashion world has individualistic peculiarities, it allows the wearer to express herself in a particular way that is simply different from others. The bohemian style is free-spirited, so, it allows not just a free expression but free movement with which you can express more glamour. I don’t copy people and I am not crazy about the existing fashion item or whatever on the fashion scene, I appear in those things that suit me and make me exude confidence wherever I find myself. Whatever conclusion you make, I believe it should come from a person’s total appearance. I mean the hair, the dress or shoes must not be taken in isolation. A person’s style must come from his or her total outlook. Everything I adorn is free-spirited, they all allow my free movement and expression. I am a very simple person, I dress simply but I always love to have something that will distinguish me from the crowd. That’s why I love the dreads that I wear. I can pack it in a way that will definitely stand me out in any crowd. For about seven years now, you have been stuck to dreadlocks. What message does this stand for? Like I said, my style is free-spirited. This particular hair style gives me a high level of freedom when it comes to maintenance. Locks are easily maintained. I can wash it by myself, I can style it anyhow I like, it’s simply perfect for me. Mind you, it does not mean I will wear this permanently, I may decide to change to something else tomorrow. But right now, this is what I love. I chose this particular style to express my kind of music and the kind of life I want to live, a bohemian life, a kind of life that actually come from the mind. What is that fashion item you can’t do without? It is wristwatches. I love wrist watches more than I love dresses. I can’t go anywhere without it, I will feel incomplete; I believe it adds elegance to my look. What advice do you have for young women like you? I will advise them to see themselves as work – in – progress especially for those who are in one career or the other. If they are married, they should not allow their fame to get into their heads, they should not allow it to come between them and their husbands and his families. They should give adequate attention to both and seek his advice and opinions on the steps they want to take. If they have children, they must be there for them always as they we will all give an account about them one day when we face God. Besides, if we train them well, we will have peace of mind just as the society at large will too.

he Church of England (Anglican Church) consecrated the Rev Libby Lane as its first female bishop in January and has selected two more female bishops in the past few months. Unsurprisingly, a group of feminist priests within the Church of England have called for the Almighty to be referred to as ‘She’ in everyday worship. Here, a range of commentators — some with tongue firmly in cheek — imagine the world with a female higher power at the helm. Pure bliss! -Men would menstruate and have breasts that produce milk, so night feeds would be shared. -Maternity leave would be extended to a decade — on double pay! - A She-God wouldn’t have sent Her only son to sacrifice himself on a cross. No mother could be that coldblooded! -Houses would clean themselves. Shopping would be delivered as a result of thought transference. Cars would be made redundant as everyone would have their own thought transference machine for instant transportation. -Holy Communion would definitely be overhauled. Wine and unleavened bread? No way. Think of something more interesting. Champagne and Chocolate Hobnobs, more likely! -High heels would be unnecessary. No need to kill yourself to attract a man. Men would be begging on their knees for women to have them. -Women over 50 would rule the world and women’s brains would be re-programmed so they stop obsessing about men. -It would be mandatory that women — and only women —were allowed to ask men on dates, decide where to go and what to do.

-All men would have to attend ten classes a year on how to satisfy a woman in bed. -Men would also be compelled to attend one term of Men’s Finishing School in which they would be taught how to aim the toilet bowl without spilling urine all over the place, how to put the toilet seat down after peeing, how to wash and clean, how to cook really nice meals and how to listen attentively at all times. -All women would look exactly the same. Most of women’s insecurities stem from one woman looking better than the other…although men would have to be able to tell us apart in some way so they don’t accidentally sleep with our sister. But would men still be able to sleep around if God were a woman? Highly unlikely! -Any sect leader ordering women to hide themselves in veils, refrain from driving or kowtow to men just because they were male would fall victim to highly embarrassing plagues: boils, sudden balding, itchy lice etc. -Cake would be a health food and cocktails would be nature’s penicillin. -Beauty manufacturers wouldn’t be allowed to deceive us with their obfuscatory jargon. We’d no longer be tricked into spending half our salaries on fancy face creams. The female Almighty would ensure that all women look perfect. Wrinkles, stretch marks and cellulite, it they exist at all, would either be self-erasing or deemed attractive. -And, if God were a woman, possessing breasts Herself, there would be no need for cosmetic breast surgery, as she would make sure every woman has just the right size and proportions of breasts to keep men drooling. TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

Parenting

June 6, 2015

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Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression

Connecting with your unborn child A

growing body of research suggests that infants can learn while they’re still in utero. In fact, while this phenomenon was once thought limited to their ability to sense their environments, the rising field of epigenetics now suggests that it’s possible to condition infants with deeply engrained traits as appetite and food preferences. Almost all pregnant women would do just about anything to help their baby get a good start on life and they crave interaction with the baby, even before it’s born. Here are some ways to teach an infant about the world while it’s still tucked away inside its mother. Step 1 Stimulate an active baby by encouraging it to play games. This will accustom the infant to responding to its mother. When a baby starts kicking (wait for the baby to initiate the session, as there’s the risk of waking it from much needed sleep otherwise), the authors suggest that the mother touch her belly where the baby kicked and say something encouraging such as, “Kick, baby, kick!” This can be repeated several times and eventually the baby will learn to kick a point on the abdomen in response to the mother touching that spot and saying, “Kick, baby, kick!” Step 2 Play music for the baby. Although there’s little indication that prenatal exposure to music will make an infant smarter and

experts warn against overlypushy parents setting their expectations too high, but it seems that infants are comforted after birth by those sounds they heard most while in the womb. Furthermore, loud sounds, such as those a pregnant woman might hear at a concert, will stress her baby slightly though they won’t be loud enough inside her body to damage the baby’s ears. Periodic stress appears to increase a newborn’s ability to deal with stress once it’s born. A researcher heartily echoes the sentiment that music can help enrich the prenatal environment, suggesting that while Mozart was once considered the best music to stimulate brain development, it now appears that any prenatal music exposure will do the trick. Step 3 Read stories to the baby. Familiar voices and familiar patterns of sound, such as those of a frequently read story, will teach a baby comfort while it’s still in the womb. The same voices and stories will then comfort the baby after it is born, which comes in very handy on nights when a baby is fussy and doesn’t want to sleep. The mother’s voice is heard best by a baby in the womb, but everyone else who will be a big part of the baby’s life can also accustom the fetus to their voices by reading close to the mother’s belly. While it is noted that there’s nothing to suggest that what a mother reads (or even whether she reads at all,

Parenting

as talking to the baby will serve just as well) matters in the long run, many women find reading a story a bit easier to maintain than an extensive monologue to an invisible listener. Step 4 Create a good pre-natal environment. It has been discovered that the environment in a woman’s womb teaches a fetus what to expect from the world once it’s born. Plenty of good nutrition conditions it for plentiful food in the world and programs it with healthy cellular and metabolic responses. Inappropriate nutrition, as when the mother eats too little or eats junk food, teaches the fetus that the world will be one of deprivation. This programs its cells to store calories as fat, and predisposes it to weight problems. Step 5 Bond with your unborn baby. Unborn babies can hear and react to sounds and stimuli from outside of the womb. Because your emotions and feelings can also affect your baby, it is important to learn how to bond with her while she is still in utero. Doing so can help give your baby both confidence and a sense of relaxation after birth. This is how to do this: • Read to your tummy each night. This not only helps you to bond with your unborn baby, it stimulates his brain development. • Play music to your baby regularly. Your baby can hear many sounds, such as music,

while she is in the womb. Because music can stimulate many emotions, sharing it with your child can be an efficient way to bond. • Speak to your unborn baby often, and ask the baby’s father or your life partner to do so, too. This can help the baby get used to the sounds of her moth-

er’s and father’s voices --- and encourage you to interact with her daily. • Sing to your baby as often as possible to encourage bonding. It doesn’t matter what you sing --- your unborn baby won’t understand the words anyway.

Tiny Feet

NAME: Nataniel Osareme Osasunwen BORN TO: Mr and Mrs Osasunwen AGE: 8 days old BIRTH WEIGHT: 3.5kg Have you just had a baby? Send a picture of your bundle of joy to mirrorbabies@gmail.com

Mum, 52, still breastfeeds her Update six-year-old daughter zz‘4-8 years is NORMAL age for self weaning’

Maha Al Musa, 52, breastfeeding her daughter, Aminah, 6

mother who proudly breastfeeds her sixyear-old child says she will feed her in the school playground if her daughter asks for it. Maha Al Musa, 52, regularly breastfeeds her daughter Aminah and hasn’t immunised her because she believes strongly in the power of her breastmilk. “Sometimes it tastes like candy. It tastes like a lot of different things,” six-yearold Aminah says of the treat. “It’s my favourite thing to do when I’m not at school. More kids should because

it’s good for you,” Aminah insists. While Aminah is normally breastfed before she goes to bed, her mother says she will feed her wherever and whenever her daughter wants as she is just responding to her natural desire. Ms Al Musa, who openly posts photos of her breastfeeding her six-yearold on Facebook, enjoys the bonding time with her daughter and says it keeps her ‘vital.’ Aminah says she enjoys ‘sleeping and sucking’ her mum’s breasts so much that

she would probably keep going until she’s eight. Her mother also insists that breastfeeding her school-aged daughter is normal. “Let child and mother choose what’s best for them, their circumstance and family. If we are all choosing, then we are all equal,” she wrote on Facebook alongside a photo of her feeding her six-yearold daughter. Ms Al Musa runs creative arts spiritual birth preparation classes and prenatal belly dance classes.

People

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 6, 2015

Oba Oyegbemi II:

Making Ijora a melting pot of peace, harmony

I never had such ambition. It occurred that after the demise of the late king in 1993, it was the turn of my family, the Oyegbe Royal Family, to produce the king. We were about six contestants then, and I was the youngest among them. But, among the contestants, Ifa oracle picked me as the preferred candidate. I thank God for the grace he granted me, among other contestants, to be crowned. When Ifa chose me - the youngest, I was not even prepared for it. I was however shockedwhen the person I was supporting took me to court. However, in1994, I was installed and the court ruled in my favour, supporting the decision of the oracle. Other contestants were all satisfied that I was the choice of Ifa. We have settled it all now.

His royal majesty, Fatai Aremu Aromire, Oyegbemi II, Ojora of Lagos is one of Lagos most influential firstclass traditional rulers. When chosen to rule in 1994 by Ifa, a divination oracle, among six other contestants it was clear that the gods had so much in store for him. The Ojora has since not disappointed 25 years after his ascending Wale Igbintade

une 5, marked the 25th anniversary of your ascension to the throne. What would you say are the highlights of your reign? One major highlight of my reign is being able to unite the entire Ojora family. There is peace in the community. Before I became the Ojora, there was much resentment among Ojora family members. Before now, many found it difficult to trust the other man. For instance, we have six of our sons as judges in Lagos, but they are afraid to come home because of the existing acrimony among the people. You couldn’t even have seen the Ojora yourself. You won’t even find the people relating to one another. But, since I became king, things have changed, all sons and daughters of Ojora are returning home. During my reign, we have progressed as a people and many of our sons have become commissioners, permanent secretary, directors, and chairmen of various organisations. Also, we used to have just one road, but now you can count up to six to seven roads which I did with my money. Today, with the help of God, I have sponsored over 20 of our children to the university; many of these are lawyers and doctors. If I didn’t do it, I would not be at peace. What gives you most joy? One of the things that makes me joyful, for which I will continue to be grateful to God, is being able to win for my

His royal majesty, Fatai Aremu Aromire, Oyegbemi II

people the protracted court case that restored our ownership of Iganmu. I met the case in1994 after becoming the Ojora and fought it to the Supreme Court. I won the case at the High Court, the plaintiffs appealed; I won again at the Appeal Court and even at the Supreme Court. Again, when the Landlord Association gathered together and took me to court, I still won the case. I have won several cases for my people. Secondly, I brought crown to the community. And that is why; I will continue to thank God for these accomplishments. What was your growing up like? My parents were not rich. I have learnt and experienced a lot in life, hence I cannot look down on anybody. I am not carried away by the paraphernalia of my office because God is the only true king over the people. You, that you’re calling yourself king, can you wake up the dead? Can you cure cancer or open the eyes of the blind like Jesus Christ? But, you call yourself king. So, we should have fear of God and not be hypocritical. If you’re double-faced and think people cannot see you, remember God can see you. Only fools will say, there is none like me, whereas there aremany people like him. If you have money that you cannot use to help others, when you die what becomes of the money? Look, everything is vanity and a striving after the wind. If you

One of the things that makes me joyful, for which I will continue to be grateful to God, is being able to win for my people the protracted court case that restored our ownership of Iganmu come to me for help and I have the means to help you but refuse, it will give me headache after you leave. This is because I know what it means to experience poverty. I have suffered before, I have carried excrements before and I know what it means to suffer. I have seen many things in life and that is why I stick to my old friends. Rich people will not tell me the truth; this has helped me to listen to my people. I care for orphans and hope to be able to build homes for them and the old people. I just want to always help the masses. Have you always desired to be king?

How would you like to be remembered? That would be in my ‘90s. I want people to remember my struggle for my people. During my reign, we have had commissioners, judges, permanent secretaries from Ijora. What advice do you have for your people? Let us be our brother’s keeper. Let us not allow politics tear us apart. Let us learn our lessons from what has happened to us in the past. What is happening right now is a bad omen and we don’t pray for such to happen again. I also want to appeal to Nigerians to behave well; strife is not the best. I don’t want Nigeria to divide because that won’t favour anyone. How do you maintain peace in your domain? Before my ascension to the throne, crises occurred in various parts of my domain, including inter-tribal clashes. If you look around, you will observe that it is only Ojora land that accommodates different tribes of people. What I did was to appoint heads of the different tribes to coordinate the affairs of these tribes. These heads hold meetings regularly on how to sustain harmonious co-existence. If there should be any suspected likelihood of disagreement among any of the tribes, the heads quickly wade in before it degenerates. And this method is working quite well for me. What advice do you have for your people? I urge them, irrespective of tribe, to be peaceful and tolerant. They should be their brother’s keepers and be security conscious by reporting suspicious persons to law enforcement agents. Nigerians, especially politicians should seek the good of this country, shun selfservice and promoted the interest of the masses.

June 6, 2015

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‘He has no time to make love to me’ • My love and affection for him died a long time ago. I just want a legal dissolution so I can marry someone else —Wife

housewife, Mrs. Chioma Onuorah has told the Lagos Island Customary Court that her husband, Mr. Emeka Onuorah does not have time to make love to her regularly saying he always come home drunk. Mrs Onuorah who is the petitioner in the case also complained that her husband does not cater for her adding that all the efforts made by her family and that of her husband were rebuffed by her husband. “Before now he has told his family and mine that he wasn’t interested in the union any more. Besides, my love and affection for

‘My wife brought her lover to live with us’ •

She flirts with different men presenting them as her Pastor or church members —Husband

Stories by: Muda Oyeniran

r Adisa Ogunbiyi has dragged his wife, Mrs Blessing Ogunbiyi before the OrileAgege Customary Court over allegation of adultery and threat to destroy properties. He has therefore urged the court to dissolve their marriage as well grant him the custody of the children The petitioner told the court how his wife brought her lover to live with them on the pretence that the man was her relative who just came from their vil-

lage. “Many months after, the truth came out and she ran way with the man to an unknown destination. Four months after, she sent her family members to beg me for forgiveness”, he said The petitioner added: “She did not stop flirting with different men presenting them as her Pastor or church members. Sometimes I met them in my house at odd hours of the day. Secondly, she is never satisfied with whatever I gave her. The petitioner concluded by saying the respondent did not thank him when he gave her sum of N100, 000

to start small business In her testimony in court, the respondent said the men that the petitioner was referring to as her lovers were her church members. She pleaded with the court not to grant the petitioner custody of the children saying if the request was granted, the petitioner would have to time to take good care of them and would therefore take them to his sister’s place. She added that she was sure that his sister would make the children to hawk sachet and bottled water instead of allowing them go to school.

him died a long time ago. I just want a legal dissolution in case I intend to marry someone else”, Mrs. Onuorah said The respondent, Mr. Onuorah who was represented in court by his counsel, Andy, said he was not contesting the petition as there were no children in the union While dissolving the five-year marriage, The Court President, Chief Awos Awosola said: “The marriage between Chioma Onuorah and Emeka Onuorah has been dissolved. The N10, 000 dowry should be returned to Emeka. Any of the parties who is not pleased with this judgment should appeal to the court”

‘I met a pregnant woman in his house’ A 31 year-old hairdresser, Mrs. Omolara Ishola has dragged her husband, Mr. Moruf Olayinka before the Alakuko Customary Court over his act of irresponsibility, saying he has been avoiding his responsibility as the father of their daughter. While narrating how she met Olayinka, Omolara told the court that he was her Arabic teacher saying when he wooed her she was not comfortable with it. “Then I stopped attending classes. He then sent a letter through one of his other students that his proposal should not stop me from coming to class. The day I later attend his class, I did not know what happened to me. When I got home, I discovered that he had deflowered me”, the petitioner told the court Following the incident, she said she had to relocate to Lagos because she was no longer comfortable among her peers. “I later discovered that I was pregnant. I heard that he was detained but later freed”, she added She said she was later delivered of a baby girl and she had to agree to marry him adding however that she met a pregnant woman in his house.

“Since then, I have been responsible for the upkeep of the child; he never gave a kobo and she is 10 years-old now. I once took her to his house thinking he would consider taking care of her, but instead, she was asked to sleep on the floor” She therefore appealed to the court to compel the respondent to be alive to his responsibility as the father of the child. “Our child will soon be in high school. I just need financial support from him”, she stated In his defence, the respondent said the petitioner’s claim that she was his student is false. “I met her in 2004 and she wasn’t my student. It was when we agreed to marry each other that I taught her Arabic. Her family members were aware of our relationship. It is true I deflowered her but it was on agreement; it wasn’t rape”. He added: “Four years ago, I still gave her N7000 to rent an apartment and that was the last time I saw our daughter. Since then, she refused to let me see her”. The Court President, Chief Awos Awolola, ordered the respondent to give Omolara a sum of N150,000 and to be detained till he pays the money

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DIVORCE COURT

June 6, 2015

Husband wants 30-year union dissolved over adultery

60-year-old husband, Mr.Abdullahi Saka has prayed a Customary Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, to dissolve his 30-year-old marriage to Mrs Iyadun Abdullahi, for allegedly committing adultery. Saka told the court that apart from committing adultery, his wife was frequently fighting him and some of their neighbours. He said that the 30-year-old marriage had produced two males and two females, who are now grown up. Counsel to the petitioner,

Mr Ajibade Abubakar, told the court that neither Mrs Iyadun Saka nor her counsel had appeared in court since their first appearance in 2011. Ajibade said that the estranged wife had since returned all her husband’s property in her possession, “which shows that she is no longer interested in the marriage’’. The Court’s President, Mr Joseph Ogunsemi, ruled that there was nothing the Court could do now since the defendant was absent or not present in the Court at the time of its sitting.. (NAN)

‘He almost squeezed our son to death’

• He came home that day in his usual drunken mood, carried the boy and squeezed his abdomen, which caused serious systemic problem for the child. Medical examinations at the Oyo State Hospital and UCH showed that the child would require nothing less than N85,000 for his treatment and Adeoye has done nothing about it —Wife • He must pay for the boy’s treatment —Court

One Taiwo Adeoye has been ordered to pay N85,000 for the treatment of his three-year old son he almost squeezed to death when he came home drunk.

Adeoye’s ex-wife, Memunat Busari, had told the court that he squeezed the child under the influence of alcohol and this made the child to develop kidney problem. ``He came home that day in his usual drunken mood, carried the boy and squeezed his abdomen, which caused serious systemic problem for the child. ``Medical examinations at the Oyo State Hospital and UCH showed that the child would require nothing less than N85,000 for his treatment and Adeoye has done nothing about it”, Busari stressed. Adeoye, however, did not deny the allegation but pleaded with the court to

give him more time to get the money. Mr Ademola Odunade, President of Mapo Customary Court, Ibadan, said what Adeoye did was a clear case of child abuse. ``The government has empowered the court to severely punish anybody found to be guilty of child abuse. ``Over 80 per cent of social vices among youths are due to bad parental upbringing such as what we are witnessing now. “I don’t know how a father could be so irresponsible to the level of getting drunk and causing such life threatening injury on his son. ``Adeoye shall pay N20,000 at once and shall pay the rest in installments of N5,000 to the ex-wife as cost of treating the child. The court only a month ago put an end to the relationship between Busari and Adeoye(NAN)

‘He has denied me sex for nine years’ • •

Since we had our last son, my husband has refused to perform his ‘duty’ —Wife Please help me beg my wife, I will make amends; I do not want her to leave me —Husband

n Ikorodu Customary Court has dissolved an 18-year-old marriage between Olive Omoletu and his wife, Toyin, who accused the husband of denying her sex for nine years. The sex-starved 38-year-old woman, who works as a “nurse” at a traditional hospital, approached the court on Feb. 26, seeking the dissolution of the union. The president of the court, T.K. Dabor, ruled that the couple should go their separate ways as the marriage had broken down irretrievably. He granted the custody of the children to Toyin pending the out-

come of the family court’s ruling. Mr. Dabor ordered the husband to pay a monthly upkeep allowance of N15, 000 for the three children of the marriage and that he should have free access to them. Earlier, the estranged wife had told the court that her former husband had not slept with her in the last nine years. She said her husband had always complained of tiredness to escape the woman’s overtures. “Since we had our last son, my husband has refused to perform his ‘duty’. “I would have left him since but he was always seeking my mother’s intervention.

“Not quite long I discovered that someone placed a thunderbolt (in local parlance – magun) on me, but I was helped by a traditionalist. “He also consumes too much of alcohol drinks and very hostile to me and my children. “I beg this court for instant dissolution of this marriage to enable me to move on with my life,’’ Toyin, who resides at Hassan Street, Majidun area of Ikorodu, said. The 46-year-old husband, who is a welder, had earlier sought a possible reconciliation. He said: “Please help me beg my wife, I will make amends; I do not want her to leave me”. (NAN)

‘My wife doesn’t take to correction’

husband, Kayode Fabusola, has urged an AdoEkiti Customary Court to dissolve his 15-year-old marriage to his wife, Roseline, for alleged threat to life and being adamant to corrections. Fabusola, 65, whose also alleged that his wife did not care for him, smokes and denies members of his family access to relate with the children. He told the court that his wife would not allow his family to come close to him to the extent that she fought with his younger brother’s wife.

The petitioner also told the court that his wife had not been cooking for him, saying, there was no personal relationship between them as husband and wife. Fabusola, a father of three, said the wife gave him no rest of mind and threatened kill him if he support his relations. He claimed that his wife would not take correction and urged the court to dissolve the marriage. Roseline, 40, denied not accommodating her husband’s family, instead she accused her husband’s family of not accepting her.

She said it was her husband’s younger brother’s wife that always frustrated her life and told her that she would pack out of the house. Roseline said she always cooks for her husband with the little money she earns from her petty trading, while denying threatening her husband. The respondent, therefore, urged the court not to dissolve the marriage because of their children. The President of the court, Mrs Olayinka Akomolede, adjourned the case for judgement. (NAN)

EVENT

June 6, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Man Of The Year finally arrives

The debut album of Shake Body singer, Skales, has been expected for long and it’s finally arrived and is titled Man Of The Year. And to announce its arrival to the world, Skales held a release concert for it last weekend at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island. Davido, Mr 2Kay, Oritsefemi, Victoria Kimani and Tosyn Bucknor were just some of his celebrity friends who supported him with their presence at the event.

Davido and Skales

Tosyn Bucknor

Mr. 2Kay

Oritsefemi

Victoria Kimani and Skales

Nikkah ny o m e r Ce

y a d h t r i B y p p a H

ILORI E K I N ADE

gos, on birthday in La lations. er h d te ra b le re Ilori Adenike cend, 2015 with friends and day. 2 e e th un of J s ay rn Tuesd any happy retu Wishing her m

HAMMED (GROOM) I call her my LOVE and my JOY because she fit into all the criteria of my kind of woman. We met through her friend who is a friend to my friend one faithfully evening at their house. Something tells me that “this is your wife” when I set my eyes on her. Then I choose to be my self to ascertain this thought. We started by being friends and I keep a very close relationship and I gave her time to take decision. We became so much in love and very close to each other. She is a kind of woman every man will want to have. I really thank almighty Allah for making Morufat Tolulope Ajoke Obasekore my wife.

MORUFAT (BRIDE) Adefila Hammed Babatunde Bolare my joy, my happiness, my LOVE, my life. A man of integrity, a man every woman will like to spend the rest of her life with. It started just like a joke yesterday as a friend and today it end up in good way. Glory be to Almighty Allah.

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June 6, 2015

Doctor Talabi has answers to your health questions

Any hope of Buharicare?

Write him today at prettyprevent@gmail.com or text 09099346165 (sms only pls)

n the 29th of May 2015, not a few Nigerians stayed glued to their television sets to watch the inauguration of retired general Muhammadu Buhari as the new president of the federal republic of Nigeria .You may call it the second coming of Buhari if you like, but it was a much awaited change. Nigerians wanted change like it was an end in itself. True, change is constant and will always occur whether we like it or not. It is the variety that is not constant as it may be good or bad. The desire then is always for a good change. Because of the precarious situation Nigeria’s economy is currently in; occasioned by a dwindling earning from falling crude prices, a weak currency, coupled with poor power supply and perennial fuel shortages. It is tempting to expect the new government to simultaneously fix the problems in every sector at once. People’s expectations are that high. Academics expect the educational sector to be fixed immediately, while the medics think the health sector cannot wait, ditto for the lawyers, sport administrators, business men, entertainment industry etc. Everyone expects the president to literarily stand on Aso Rock roof top and wave the proverbial magic wand, while issuing proclamations: Let there be light! Let there be fuel! Boko Haram be still! Corruption catch fire! Lol On a more serious note, It will be a big mistake for the government to dip its hands in all of Nigeria’s problems at once. Instead, they should focus on two or three things, resolution of which will affect all other sectors of the Nigerian society. I think there is a general agreement that security, corruption and power are areas that the new government cannot be wrong if given priority attention. Talking of the health sector for example, if the carnage by Boko Haram in the north- eastern part of Nigeria is taken care of, it reduces amongst other things the number of internally displaced persons (IDP) and by extension reduces health consequences such as the spread of infectious diseases and psychological trauma amongst these people. This otherwise could constitute a huge burden on the already scarce resources of government. In the same vein, nipping Corruption in the bud frees more money for use at the health sector and other sector for that matter. Constant power supply on the other hand reduces the burden on patients who wouldn’t have to pay exorbitantly for the cost of running healthcare facilities, not to talk of avoidable deaths of babies in incubators due to epileptic power supply.

However there are quick wins for the government in every sector .These are things that are already working; good things initiated by past governments, only requiring a final push, injection of a new initiative or just plain honesty to kill it. Such programs may not require major funding or policy shift but good hands and strict monitoring by the government. In the health sector, here are a few of such:

Buhari

resources into the health sector. If properly run, it reduces the damaging effect illnesses can have on the financial well being of families. Also, it makes healthcare services easily accessible to a larger number of people in addition to encouraging more people to utilize standardized healthcare facilities. The performance of the scheme in Nigeria from inception has been poor to say the least, with fewer than 10% Nigerians currently enrolled on the scheme. In health insurance, the more the merrier, and it is what works in better organized health system. For example the Obama presidency in the United States of America is almost entirely hinged on the affordable care act. Also known as obamacare, this policy seeks to ensure about 40 million Americans who hitherto had not been included in their health insurance were brought in , thereby also reducing healthcare spending. Therefore the new government should encourage the recent drive by the NHIS to recruit more Nigerians into the contributory health insurance scheme. The campaign which is being done in partnership with telecom companies has made it easier for Nigerians to come on board the scheme and pay their premium via their phones. In addition to this, government should keep educating people on the benefits of health insurance. They should strengthen community health insurance schemes to capture those outside the organized corporate sector and start a social health insurance scheme for those who by any means cannot afford to pay for healthcare Lastly, issue of funding should be addressed. Is it through taxation, deduction from source or daily contribution? Answers to these questions will give our health insurance the needed boost to gain a strong foothold.

Polio Eradication: The battle against polio is about being won. With the last known case in Nigeria occurring last year July in Kano, the country is set to be removed from the list of nations regarded as being polio endemic. This should happen in less than two months if no new case of polio is discovered. What’s more, if the progress is sustained for another three years ,Nigeria will join other nations already declared polio free, leaving behind Afghanistan and Pakistan to do their bit and rid the world completely of polio virus. The Buhari/Osinbajo government should reinforce the ongoing efforts under the Nigeria polio eradication initiative (PEI) to ensure current strides are not reversed. They should ensure Vaccines are available People in vaccine resistant areas are educated, AND Programs like, Household immunizationdirectly observed polio vaccination (DOPV) continue Leveraging on this, the message of preventive health should be spread as a better and cheaper alternative to curative health amongst the populace. Health promotion campaign bordering on diet and lifestyle modifications should be revitalized in collaboration with the media, community leaders, and religious leaders etc, to reduce the burden of preventable chronic diseases such as stroke, obesity, and Primary Health Care: heart failure. These are measures the new Primary healthcare in Nigeria suffered government can use to improve the health a huge blow with the departure of Prof of the populace without breaking a vault. Olikoye Ransome Kuti. The giant strides he took when he was minister of health Contributory Health Insurance: The National Health Insurance scheme between 1985 and 1993 have either been in Nigeria is designed to pull and pool more reversed or being reversed. It is generally

accepted that the fulcrum on which a good health system rests is primary healthcare. A weak primary healthcare system directly translates to a weak health system. This informed the late Prof ’s unparalleled desire while alive to institutionalize primary healthcare system not only in Nigeria but also in Africa. And truly, it is the way to go, when you consider that 70% of the people with 70% of disease burden are first seen or only seen at the primary healthcare level. From malaria to childhood infectious diseases, it is at the primary health care level it is determined if a cure will be achieved, if referral is needed and if complications can be avoided. Exclusive breastfeeding, childhood immunization, family planning etc are primary healthcare issues with profound effect on national health indices. Primary healthcare have been found to be relevant across different health systems with similar or differing challenges leading to better and more equitably distributed health of populations. Several studies have proven this. Barbara Starfield (2004), stating the results of her works on health equity, affirmed that the organization of health services, based on a strong primary care infrastructure, enhances equity in health more effectively and efficiently than other health sector approaches. She wasn’t alone, Kpamor ( 2012) in suggesting solutions to the Nigerian health problems also proposed inter-alia, that the country should improve delivery of the highest impact interventions, particularly at the primary healthcare(PHC) level. We need not say more. The Buhari/ Osinbajo government shouldn’t bother to reinvent the wheel. They should hit the ground running on this one .First by strengthening the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) using passionate professionals who are willing to make a change. They should then look into what Prof Kuti did differently in his own time to achieve so much result and if possible adopt his blueprint. As a reminder, his goal of a primary health center in each of the 774 local governments in Nigeria is yet to be realized. Conclusion: Well, for every of government’s goal to be achieved, the support of the people is needed. This support is given via patience, understanding, encouragement, cooperation and constructive criticism. To the people, therefore, I say ‘Rome was not built in a day’ AND To the government of president Muhammadu Buhari, I say, ‘Rome was built nevertheless’ So it is not out of place to expect a definitive policy on the part of this government regarding the health of Nigerians . We are ready to wait for it to happen, but we are sure not going to wait indefinitely. Let’s have Buharicare please! You can chat with a doctor FREE at www.prettyhealthcare.com.ng ,every Wednesdays and Fridays(4-8pm)

June 6,, 2015

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Take time off to visit Abuja parks

buja, capital city of Nigeria, is not all about politics, administration or road constructions alone. According to its master plan, the city is meant to be all these and more. Abuja’s identity is conspicuously defined by Aso Rock, a 400-metre tall monolith left by water-erosion. Some other interesting attractions in the city are the National Ecumenical Centre, the National Mosque, the Zuma Rock, the IBB Golf Course with wonderful shopping centres, restaurants and fun clubs around the city. The other areas of the city extend to the south of the rock. Abuja is known for being the best purpose-built city in Africa as well as being one of the wealthiest and most expensive. But there are some other special tourist hubs that make the federal capital tick. With a lot of activities happening in the capital city, these places are worth visiting if you enjoy nature and would love to escape the hullabaloo often associated with urban areas in the country. Millennium Park, Abuja It is the largest public park in Abuja and is within the Maitama District of the city. It is located close to the nucleus of the presidential and administrative buildings in the city. A river in its main rectilinear axis divides the park into two sides. One side of the park is dedicated to its uncontaminated nature. With a system of terraces at different levels are located Nigeria’s mountain vegetation, savanna, deciduous forest, rain

forest and brushwood as well as greenhouses for butterflies and tropical birds. On the other side, corresponding to the main entrance from the road, is dedicated to the scientific knowledge of the natural environment. This part of the park has a very traditional and rigid Italian style garden layout. A rectilinear path completely paved with Roman white travertine brings the public into its green areas. A series of fountains run alongside this white path refreshing the public during the hottest days. This

Children’s Park

park, conceived and designed by the Italian architect, Manfredi Nicoletti, has quickly become one of the main attractions of the city of Abuja bringing thousands of people together each day. National Children’s Park and Zoo The National Children’s Park and Zoo is located in Asokoro District behind the Presidential Villa. It sits under the shadow of nearby Aso Rock. For animal lovers, there is plenty of wildlife to admire here, with attractions including camels, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, monkeys, ostriches, tortoises, wild cats and zebras. Domestic animals are also housed in the zoo, making it a great attraction for younger children too. In fact, playgrounds and other fun activities for kids along ‘Toddler’s Lane’ make this an ideal place to while away an afternoon or enjoy a picnic. The Lake Cafe is also close by should you require a hot snack or a freshly made milkshake. It

is opened daily from 9 am to 6 pm. Admission to this park requires some fee. Abuja Arts and Craft Village Arts and Craft Village lies at the heart of the city, flanked on either sides by magnificent monuments – Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre on the right and Silverbird Entertainment Centre on the left. With the Sheraton Hotel as a backdrop for the Art and Craft Village, it presents you the opportunity to see and buy some of Nigeria’s art and craft works that represent the country’s culture. The shops are thatch-roofed huts with walls made from red earth (clay). From little sculpted ‘warrior and horse’ statuettes, beaded necklaces and bracelets, African traditional masks, traditional leather bags, tie and dye (Adire) clothes to mention a few, you’ll find this a safe shopping spot for local arts and crafts.

The arboretum was established to play significant roles in conservation of genetic resources

for research, educational,

medicinal and other scientific Millienium Park, Abuja

purposes.

Parks

If you are a fan of wooden and bronze sculptures and leather artifacts, you will love it. Food and drink stalls are also available. National Arboretum Abuja Adjoining the mini-park located at the National Park along the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Expressway, Abuja is the arboretum. The arboretum was established to play significant roles in conservation of genetic resources for research, educational, medicinal and other scientific purposes. Comfortable concrete seats have been provided within the arboretum for visitors’ relaxation, meditation and quiet study of the environment. The purpose of the Arboretum is to maintain the forest and other plant life within it in their original natural condition. Birdwatchers can check out different species of birds within the city.

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June 6, 2015

LEISURE

June 6, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

From the Civil Service NSCDC promotes 623 officers in Ondo

he Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State command, on Thursday, decorated 623 promoted officers with their new ranks. The decoration was conducted in Akure by the NSCDC Commandant in the state, Claudius Yakubu. Yakubu said the officers were elevated after their success in a joint promotion examination conducted in April across the country for officers drawn from NSCDC, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Prison Service. He urged the officers to put in their best to the service of the country and justify the purpose for their elevation. He added that ``today, we are decorating 623 officers and men of NSCDC Ondo State Command into various ranks after their successful promotion examination. ``Let me congratulate the newly promoted officers, as I enjoin them to work assiduously to justify their new ranks. ``Hard work and dedication to duties are crucial to maintaining your new

status.’’ The NSCDC boss admonished officers and men of the corps who were yet to be promoted not to be discouraged, but continue to discharge their duties diligently. Mr Kayode Balogun, the Command Public Relations Officer who was promoted and decorated with the rank of Deputy Superintendent, said the promotion would motivate him to do more. Balogun said he would double his efforts and be more diligent in the discharge of his duties. Also in Cross River State, about 367 officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) have been decorated by the command after being promoted with new ranks. The NSCDC Commandant, Dr Benito Eze,who decorated the officers with their new ranks at the state headquarters stated that the officers were promoted after undergoing a rigourous joint promotion examination conducted in April across the country adding that the decorated officers passed the examinations in flying colours.

Eze said that officers who got promotion were drawn from NSCDC, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Prisons Service. ``Today, we have come to decorate our 367 personnel who have gone through the process of promotional examinations and are successful in their different categories.

z367 z in Cross River ``They have been found worthy for this exercise as a result of their excellent performance. ``The task ahead will be enormous because of the added responsibility. To whom much is given, much is expected. ``Let me congratulate the newly promoted officers, as I enjoin them to

work assiduously to justify their promotion’’,Benito added. The Commandant charged the decorated officers not to betray the confidence reposed in them urging them to remain as good ambassadors of the country, the corps, and the public in their assigned duties.

The Command Public Relations Officer Mr Paul Odimba, who was promoted and decorated with the rank of Superintendent, said that the promotion was a call for hard work and service and promised to discharge his duty diligently in order to promote the image of the corps and to justify his new rank.

L-R: Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Metro News, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mrs. Nkechi Okoronkwo; Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Multi-Media Service, Malam Sani Adamu; retiring Deputy Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Francis Nwosu; Editor-in-Chief, Malam Lawal Ado and others, during Nwosu’s send-off at NAN headquarters in Abuja, on Thursday.

Promotion to directorate cadre in civil service subject to vacancy –FCSC Marcus Fatunmole (Abuja)

uccess in promotion examination to directorate cadre in the federal civil service does not guarantee instant promotion, but vacancy for such position, Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission, Deaconess Olatoyosi Ayo, has said. Ayo stated this in Abuja on Thursday in Abuja while addressing 61 newly-promoted staff

of the Federal Ministry of Health to directorate cadres. She said gone were the days when people paid to pass promotion examination in the Commission. “I am standing here confidently among all of you. And, I am thank God, in the Federal Civil Service Commission, we have stopped the corrupt practices whereby people pay to pass promotion exam,” she argued. While speaking on

the need for vacancy before elevation of staff, she said: “You wrote the promotion exam and you scored 60 percent. We didn’t say you scored 60 percent and automatically you are promoted. It there is no vacancy and there is no way we can do it, there is nothing we can do. This is what happens in many establishments the world over.” She added that world over, promotion is tied to vacancies, and that the Commission had delayed

this year promotion examination because of absence of vacancies in the public service. She appealed to the staff to be dedicated and be forthright in their service to fatherland. Speaking, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Linus Awute, advised the employees not to relent in their quest for more knowledge and selfdevelopment; and that they should shun selfrejection. Awute said, “You people should read more books

to develop themselves and subscribe for literature that would enhance their self-development.” Speaking on the test that led to the promotion of the workers, Awute said civil servants should not shun examination, adding that it enhances promotion, hard work and discipline. He further informed that experiences of the workers would prod them to work hard and also make others to emulate them. Meanwhile, Awute

tasked the staff on the need to promote harmony in the sector. He urged them promote productivity and not perennial faceoff between employees and government in the nation’s health sector. Earlier, in his welcome address, Director, Human Resource, Danjuma Karau, said reception for the promoted staff was an occasion to appreciate those who had worked tirelessly and to celebrate their success, adding that it would be an impetus to junior staff in the ministry.

Sport

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Ifeanyi Eduzor

wo of the world’s football power houses, FC Barcelona of Spain and FC Juventus of Italy will today clash at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, Germany in the final of this year’s Europe’s most prestigious club championship, the Champions League. To get to the finals of this year’s competition, Juventus who last won the title in 1996, proved book makers wrong by deposing holders Real Madrid with a 3-2 aggregate success in the last four. They are now looking to mark the 30th anniversary of their first European Cup triumph by reclaiming the trophy at the expense of another Spanish giant. Barcelona on the other hand, the 2011 winners of the competition booked a ticket in the finals by recording a 5-3 aggregate victory over Bayern Munich. Today’s game which has been dubbed as attacking football versus defensive game will see both teams parading some of the best players in the world and utilising all the tricks in their arsenal to outwit the other and be crowned European

Year Past Winners 2005 Liverpool 2006 Barcelona 2007 AC Milan 2008 Manchester United 2009 Barcelona 2010 Inter Milan 2011 Barcelona 2012 Chelsea 2013 Bayern Munich 2014 Real Madrid 2015 ???

•Lionel Messi (left) and Carlos Tevez getting set to lead their team’s attack in today’s final.

UCLFinal:

June 6, 2015

Barca, Old Ladies set Berlin on fire

champion of the year. Both teams are not new to UEFA Cup finals. While Juventus have played in four of such finals, winning three (1977, 1990, 1993) and losing one (1995) as well as the 1984 European Cup Winners’ Cup final, which they won, the Spanish giants on the other hand will be appearing in their eight finals, winning on four occasions in 1992, 2001, 2006 and 2011 respectively. Barca have returned to their brilliant best under Luis Enrique this season, with Lionel Messi leading the way, ably supported by Neymar and Luis Suarez and they will be up against a Juventus side looking to add to their domestic dominance with a first Champions League title since 1996. This could be the last chance for legends like Andre Pirlo, Gianluigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini to get their hands on the prestigious trophy. The Catalans have won two of their three European knockout ties against Juventus but the Italians triumphed the last time they met with Marcelo Zalayeta scoring the winner at the Camp Nou in the 2003 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals second leg.

The Turin club’s squad features four players with UEFA Champions League final-winning experience: Pirlo (AC Milan 2003, 2007); Patrice Evra and Carlos Tévez (Manchester United FC 2008); Álvaro Morata (Real Madrid CF 2014) while the Spanish giants have eight survivors of their 2011 UEFA Champions League final team in their squad, namely, Daniel Alves, Gerard Piqué, Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Javier Mascherano, Sergio Busquets, Pedro Rodríguez and Messi. For both coaches, victory in Berlin would be a treble of an already impressive season; Massimiliano Allegri having led his Juve team to the Serie A title, with Luis Enrique who was a member of the victorious 1997 side against Paris SaintGermain achieving the same feat in Spain with Barcelona. While Barcelona will be looking up to Messi, Neymar and Suarez who have scored 120 goals between them in all competitions this season to do the damage in Germany, Juve who will be without their influential defender, Giorgio Chiellini who picked up a calf problem on Wednesday, will be looking up to Tevez, Alvaro Morata and Raphael Verane to do the damage.

It is expected that while Baca will stick to their attacking football which has drawn a lot of fans to their side, Juve will have to employ the massive defense and counter- attack tactics they used against Real Maldrid which is synonymous with Italian football to frustrate their opponent and probably lift the trophy. Meanwhile both coaches have expressed optimism that there players are capable of upstaging the other in today’s epic finals in Germany. While Enrique has agreed that the game will be difficult considering the good defensive network of the Italians, but he expressed optimism that his players are capable of disseminating that defense and score goals that will give them victory. On his own part Massimiliano Allegri noted that although they will be playing as the under dogs but they are not afraid of the attacking line of Barcelona. Although many soccer pundits are tipping Barca to win this year’s final but the “Old Ladies” as Juventus is known have shown of recent that they have rediscovered the form which made Italian football toast of football fans in the 80s and 90s which will make today’s cracker too close to call.

SPORT

June 6, 2015

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• Asisat Oshola, (F) displays a New Zealand palyer at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup

Canada agog as FIFA Women’s World Cup begins Ifeanyi Eduzor

emale football fans all over the world who have been watching the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand will shift attention to Canada as the 7th edition of the Women’s World Cup kicks-off today in Edmonton. The championship which begins today and ends on July 5, will start with a match between the host Canada and China and involves 24 teams from various continents of the world who will be campaigning to see who among them will be crowned women champion at the end of the month long competition. It is the first time the quadrennial international women’s football world championship will be taking place in Canada and the third time in North America. The championship which was originally played by 16 countries was expanded to 24 teams in this edition with the number of matches to be played increased from 32 to 52. This year’s championship like previous ones will witness the presence of familiar faces, who are among the 552 players selected by their various countries to vie for honours in the greatest women football tournament on earth. Players such as Japanese, Homare Sawa who at 36 is still playing will be among the old faces to entertain the

world in the competition. Other old war horses that will make the tournament tick are; Formiga of Brazil, 2013 winner and German goalkeeper, Nadine Angerer, Abby Wambach of USA, Wandie Renard of France, Swedish Therese Sjogran , Canadian and Nigeria’s duo of Asisat Oshoala and Perpertua Nkwocha among others. Africa is being represented at the tournament by champions Nigeria, Cameroun and Cote d’Ivoire. Among the three countries, Nigeria is the most successful in the world cup, having participated in every final since 1991. The reigning African champions’ best performance in their six previous appearances at the global tournament was achieved at the 1999 edition, when they reached the quarter-finals and it is hoped that they will surpass that record in this year’s competition. The Super Falcons last year kept their record of appearing at every World Cup by winning a ninth African Women’s Championship in Namibia. They have dominated the African scene but besides reaching the last eight of the World Cup in 1999, they have failed to go past the group stage of the competition. It is expected they will get past a tough first round group in Canada that includes two-time winners the United States, Sweden and Australia.

Already Nigerians are hoping that the team with a blend of young and exciting talent like Oshoala, Desire Oparanozie, Francisca Ordega alongside experienced campaigners such as Precious Dede, Nkwocha, Onome Ebi and Stella Mbachu will open their world cup campaign next Monday against Sweden on a good note to brighten their chances of qualifying from the group. The Falcon who have vowed not to go to the world cup to make up the numbers, are already beaming with confidence that they will surpass their record at the championship but that could only be possible considering their performance at the Group stage which will go a long way in determining their progress in the competition. Speaking on their chances at the tournament, goalkeeper Dede noted that the team would do well at the world cup with an appeal to Nigerians for adequate support throughout the duration of the competition. “I am confident that we will do well at the World Cup,” said goalkeeper Dede. “We have a collection of young players who are doing very well presently and with experience from some of us, I am sure we can surpass our previous outings by doing even better at this World Cup,” she concluded.

Group A China PR Canada New Zealand Netherlands Group B Germany Cote d’Ivoire Norway Thailand Group C Japan Switzerland Cameroon Ecuador Group D USA Australia Nigeria Sweden Group E Brazil Korea Rep Spain Costa Rica Group F France England Columbia Mexico

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SPORT

June 6, 2015

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Nicklaus back for McIlroy

ack Nicklaus has backed Rory McIlroy’s decision to miss this week’s Memorial Tournament and predicted the world number one will not do so too often in the future. With Nicklaus founding and hosting the event at Muirfield Village, most of the world’s top players usually make the trip to Ohio to effectively pay tribute to the 18time major winner. Masters champion Jordan Spieth, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are all in the field, while Players Championship winner Rickie Fowler is also competing on the back of last week’s appearance in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. McIlroy missed his second consecutive halfway cut at Royal County Down, despite saying he felt “refreshed” following a similarly early exit from the BMW PGA Championship, but Nicklaus has no issues with the 26-year-old sticking to his schedule after playing five weeks in succession. “Most of the guys who aren’t

Ronaldo holidays in Topez

eal Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was spotted pulling some questionable dance moves while enjoying his summer break aboard a yacht in St Tropez. The Portuguese escaped a disappointing season that left Real Madrid empty handed as arch rivals Barcelona close in on a treble, having won La Liga and the Copa del Rey ahead of the Champions League final today. Ronaldo was joined on the French Riviera by Chloe Green and her parents, Topshop billionaire Sir Philip and his wife Tina as well as several friends, including Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Jose Semodo who have been close since their youth team days. But, while Ronaldo’s athletic

physique will have impressed, his seemingly Y-M-C-A inspired dance moves did not! Despite missing out on the major end of season prizes, the 30-year-old scored 61 goals in 54 appearances for his club this term as well as picking up a third Ballon d’Or award and winning the UEFA Super Cup and a FIFA Club World Cup. Ronaldo spent last week as the guest of McLaren at the Monaco Grand Prix where he posed for pictures alongside drivers Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso - as well as British supermodel Cara Delevigne. However, it won’t be too long a break for the flying forward who will be involved in two international games next month as Por-

tugal, who currently sit top of Group I in Euro 2016 qualifying, travel to Armenia on June 13 before playing a friendly against Italy three days later. Meanwhile, Real Madrid vice president Eduardo Fernandez de Blas has confirmed that Benitez will be the new club coach. Benitez will leave Napoli at the end of the season and has been asked to take over from Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu. ‘Ancelotti is an absolute phenomenon and we give him all our appreciation,’ Fernandez de Blas told the Madrid members group.

Mcllroy

here this week have come to me and said ‘Jack I’ve got this problem,” Nicklaus told a pre-tournament press conference on Wednesday. “I said ‘Hey wait a minute, don’t worry about us, you’ve got to do what’s right for you’. I ended up having to make those choices at times, what was right for me. I respect what the guys have to do and how they are pulled from so many directions, and for the most part the guys have been here.”

Scott reunites with Williams

ormer Masters champion Adam Scott is to renew his partnership with caddie Steve Williams for the year’s remaining three majors. The 34-year-old has persuaded the New Zealander, who was on the bag when Scott won at Augusta in 2013, to come out of retirement. Williams will caddy for Scott in this month’s US Open, next month’s Open at St Andrews and the US PGA Championship, as well as the Bridgestone Invitational event held the previous week to

the final major of the year in August. “Steve was adamant that he was not going to caddy in 2015 so he took some convincing but I am very happy he’s agreed to help out”, said Scott, who split with caddie Mike Kerr last week. “We’ve had great success together so I’m looking forward to being on the links with Steve again.” The pair last worked together at the Fed-Ex Cup play-offs in September 2014.

Mixed memories for Fowler

n-form Peter Fowler admits returning to La Moye Golf Club for this week’s Acorn Jersey Open brings back bittersweet memories. The Australian, who is looking to build on his tied second place in last week’s SSE Enterprise Wales Senior Open, made his Senior Tour debut in Jersey in 2009, three days after turning 50, having also made his European Tour debut at the same venue 26 years previously, when he finished a respectable tied 24th. What should have been a sentimental first appearance on the Senior Tour quickly turned sour though, after he injured his back on the eve of the tournament. Although he battled through the tournament, finishing second last, the injury blighted his first season on the Senior Tour and

ultimately led to career-threatening surgery, followed by a longroad to recovery. But hard work has never been a problem for the likeable Fowler, and after undertaking a strict gym regime, he arguably came back even stronger and in 2011 he enjoyed the most successful year of his career to date, recording two victories, a further 11 top ten finishes and, most significantly of all, the John Jacobs Trophy as Senior Tour Number One. Having finished inside the top 12 on the Order of Merit in each of the subsequent three seasons, He returns to Jersey this week on the back of a final round of 66 at The Celtic Manor Resort last week, which secured a share of second place alongside Jerseyresident Ian Woosnam, behind winner Paul Wesselingh.

SPORT

June 6, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sharks appoints Dokunbo as interim coach

harks Fc of Port Harcourt has appointed Coach Daboere Dokubo as a replacement for Gbenga Ogunbote, who has joined fellow Nigeria premier league side Shooting Stars. According to a release by Sharks media officer, Peter Abaje, the General Manager of the club Okey Kpaluku announced that Daboere Dokubo, who worked with Ogunbote, will take charge as the interim head of the technical crew and will be assisted by Festus Allen. “I am very sure Dokubo and his crew will do a thorough job to ensure we remain in the elite league next season,” said Kpaluku. “And with that, there will be no need for management to go in search for another coach to head them. “Don’t forget that the success recorded by Ogunbote could be attributed to the fact that he had capable assistants who all worked towards his success in 2013 when the team escaped relegation, it was on that premise we have now handed the team temporarily to his right hand man on the bench Daboere Dokubo.”

Warri Wolves players celebrate after scoring a goal at the CAF Confederation Cup.

Confed Cup: Wolves walk tight rope against AC Leopards Ifeanyi Eduzor

igeria’s only club still in contention in this year’s CAF club competitions, Warri Wolves FC, will today engage in a survival battle against visiting AC Leopards of Congo in the second leg of the CAF Confederation playoff Cup to be decided at the Warri Township Stadium. The seasiders who lost by 3-0 in the first leg played at Stade Denis Sassou Nguesso in Dolisie will be going into today’s encounter with the hope of cancelling the three goals to enable them have chance of qualifying for the money spin-

ning group stage of the continental second tier championship. While Wolves who are appearing in the competition for the third time namely; 2010 where they were eliminated in the first round of 16 as well as 2012 and 2014 where they could not go beyond the second round respectively, will be aiming to score as high as four un replied goals to enable them progress to the group stage, the visitors winners of 2012 edition of the competition will try to show that their first leg win was not a fluke. Although cancelling three goals in this type of tournament is not an easy task but Wolves Coach, Paul Aigbogun noted that he was

confident his wards will progress to the group stages of the competition. “It is true they have a three goal advantage but I am optimistic that we are going to cancel those goals and qualify for the next stage of the championship, “I am quite aware that AC Leopards are good side with some quality players but we will give them a run for the group stage ticket. “My players are in good shape and understands the enormity of the task ahead and will surely put in their best to record a comprehensive victory over the Congolese”, Aigbogun said.

I’m ready for title defence — Kingstone Ifeanyi Eduzor

frican light heavyweight wrestling champion, Kingstone says he is not afraid to defend his title against any wrestler in his weight category, promising that he is ready to put his belt on the line for any wrestler that is eager to fight him. Kingstone whose real names are Kingsley Chima told Saturday Mirror that he is surprised that some wrestlers are accusing him of avoiding the defense of his title, saying that he is ready to slug it out with any wrestler courageous enough to face him in the ring. According to the Army Officer who won the title March, 14 last year against USA Bean of Congo, ever since he won the title, he has been training in anticipation of a title defence but expressed regrets that no

wrestler has deemed it fit to challenge him. Kingstone while stating that his next target is the world title commended the Nigerian Army for giving him all the necessary support to excel in the game promising not to disappoint them. “I want to tell all wrestlers in my weight category that they are free to challenge me for a fight because I am prepared for any opposition. “They should realize that I have not hidden the belt with the Nigerian Army as many of them claim but it is there for them to challenge but I promise them that I am not in a hurry to relinquish the title because my target is the world title. “It is also important I commend my employers, the Nigerian Army for releasing me to focus on my training and I promise not to disappoint them”, he concluded.

Let’s Play Game ends in Edo State

Technical Director of NFF, Amodu Shuaibu teaching kids the rudiments of football at the programme

Premier league action

Ifeanyi Eduzor

bout 2000 children aged between the ages of six and thirteen, drawn from various primary schools in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State participated in the just concluded 3rd edition of the annual Let’s play game organized by leading cable television provider, SuperSport. The programme involved teaching kids the very basic football skills by a team of 30 coaches from the Edo State Sports Council led by the Technical Director of the NFF, Amodu Shuaibu assisted by Let’s Pay Ambassador, Victor Ikpeba. Speaking at the event, Chairman of Etsako Local Government Area, Emma Momoh noted that the programme which normally precedes the annual Okpekpe 10km Road Race has given the kids a lifetime experience even as he commended SuperSport for coming up with such a wonderful project. General Manager of SuperSport, Felix Awogu expressed his belief that “Let’s Play has begun to carve a niche for itself, expressing the hope that the children has benefitted immensely from it.

Sportlight receives NNL’s hammer

Kingstone

he management of Nigeria National League (NNL) has descended heavily on Spotlight FC for attacks on match officials. The Katsina-based side are to cough out Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000.00) to the coffers of the league body as well as have their captain and secretary suspended indefinitely. NNL Secretary, Lawrence Katken in strongly worded letter to the management of Spotlight quoted Article 6.0 (1) of Rules and Regulations of the competition which the club had breached by the deliberate attack on the match officials in its home match against Supreme Court FC in Katsina. The match report submitted to NNL stated that Spotlight captain, Abdulahi Juli and secretary, Musa Abubakar and three others at large were involved in inflicting bodily injuries on the officiating officials.

Crime Watch

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 6, 2015

Bandits lay siege on commercial motorcyclists

...Snatch 40 motorcycles

uspected bandits snatched no fewer than 40 commercial motorcycles from their owners in Dutse, the Jigawa capital, between January and May 2015, according to union chairman. Malam Rabiu Ali, the Chairman of the Commercial Motorcyclists Association, Dutse Local Government, disclosed this on Wednesday in Dutse. He said the motorcycles were snatched from different commercial motorcyclists by persons suspected to be bandits operating in the area. He added that the suspected bandits applied various tricks to snatch the motorcycles from their unsuspecting victims. Ali, who described the situation as “worrisome’’, said six motorcycles were snatched between May 11 and May 18. The chairman said that the major areas where the bandits operated include G9 Road, Yalwawa bye pass, MOPOL base quarters and Takur site quarters, among other areas. He added that the union had reported the matter to police and other security agencies operating in the area, saying security agencies were helping the union to curb the menace. According to him, the union, in collaboration with its units across the 27 local areas in the state, has been sensitising its members on how not to fall prey to the bandits. Ali, however, blamed some members of the union who came from other local government areas for not informing the union about the activities of the suspect-

Commercial motorcyclists. Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase (inset)

ed bandits. ``Most of the victims are strangers from other local government areas; they

don’t inform us about the presence and intention of the suspected bandits here in Dutse.

The chairman disclosed that the union had more than 10,000 registered members operating in the state capital.

23-year-old woman faces Kwara asks police to investigate death of NYSC member N400,000 theft charge A A n Ojo Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday in Lagos slammed a N400, 000 bail on a 23-year-old woman, Ugochi Ugbalu, who allegedly stole N400, 000. The Magistrate, Mr Teslimi Shomade, who gave the ruling, also granted the accused two sureties in the like sum after she had pleaded not guilty. He said the sureties must provide two years tax clearance as part of the bail conditions. Ugbalu, whose address is not given, is standing trial on a two-count charge

of conspiracy and theft. Earlier, the prosecutor, ASP Godwin Eze, told the court that the accused had on April 30 at 10.00 a.m. at Alaba International Market, Ojo, committed the offences. He said the accused allegedly stole N400,000 from her colleague, Kingsley Egwuasi. Eze said the offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The magistrate adjourned the case to June 26 for mention. (NAN)

larmed by the suspected killing of a female corps member serving in the state, the Kwara State Government has requested the Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Garba Salihu, to redouble investigative efforts to finish out and prosecute the perpetrators of the heinous act. The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Sola Isiaka Gold, who conveyed the directive in a letter signed on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary (General Services), Alhaji M. A Shehu, said the government is disturbed by the sad news of the death of the Corp member, Yetunde Idowu,

whose body was discovered on a street in GRA, Ilorin. Alhaji Gold said while every life requires protection from the security agencies, Corps members on national service in Kwara State deserve special care and attention because they are serving their fatherland away from their families. The State Government therefore called on the Commissioner of Police to accelerate the investigations to unravel the circumstances leading to the corp member’s death and bring to book any culprit (s) that may have been involved in the unfortunate incident.

Do you have a story for us? Contact 08138773277 or crimewatchmirror@yahoo.com

CRIME WATCH

June 6, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

AIG, CP’s driver arrested for sponsoring armed robbers

fter working with a Commissioner of Police and an Assistant Inspector General of Police, people expected great things from Oliver Chukwuemeka Dike. But rather than become a great man in his society and community, Dike became a man who sponsors gang of armed robbers to snatch exotic cars. Dike, otherwise called Mopol by suspected armed robbers, was arrested while he was in police uniform. He was arrested with a fake police identity card on him. The suspect, 35, now a guest at the office of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja, Lagos State, was arrested in an operation led by the Officer-in-Charge of SARS, SP Abba Kyari. A police source said: “Police started the search for Dike in April 2015 after two armed robbery suspects, Akinropo Ogunsina and Jimoh Akeem, mentioned his name during interrogation that he was the receiver of the cars they used to snatch. Ogunsina confessed that he and his gang members snatched two Honda Accord 230 model cars and Sienna Space Bus and sold to Dike. Unaware that Ogunsina had been arrested, Dike repeatedly kept calling Ogunsina’s phone asking if he had another snatched car for sale.” According to Ogunsina, Dike bought the two cars for N280,000 and was requesting for Toyota Highlander Jeep, Toyota Corolla 2014 model and Honda Accord before his arrest. The Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the arrest of these suspects. Nwosu said it was in the process of receiving the Toyota Highlander that Dike was arrested.

Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase

Superintendent of Police, Abba Kyar.

Police recovered N200,000 from him, which he wanted to use to pay for the stolen car. Nwosu said: “When the police came in contact with him, he identified himself as a police corporal. He had a police identity card with him. The police team went along with him to his house in Abuja for a search. They recovered a complete police uniform. The police also recovered one of the cars, a Honda Accord he bought from Ogunsina in his house.” The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, has ordered detec-

tives to ensure that members of the gang are brought to book. Dike, married with a child, said he was a motor spare parts dealer with a shop in Zuba Motor Park, Abuja before he took to crime. He said: “In 2004, I came to sell motor parts to a Deputy Commissioner of Police. He is now retired after being promoted to the rank of a Commissioner of Police. We became friends. I told him that I’d like to work for him as his driver and assist in doing some other domestic chores for him. He agreed. I left the motor parts business for

my younger brother and started following the DC. “I started living in his house. I used to drive him to work and other places. In 2005, he was sent to War College and later became a Commissioner of Police. He retired in 2012. After he retired, all his boys, including me, were transferred to the new CP that took over from him. The new CP was later appointed as an Assistant Inspector General of Police before he was retired. Since then, I stopped working with him.” Dike confessed that the police identity card found with him was that of the police orderly he simply identified as Udeka. Udeka was an orderly to the first CP who retired. Dike said: “Udeka asked me to assist him collect his identity card from Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State, where we last worked. He said that I should bring it to Abuja for him. But I’ve not given it to him. As for the police uniform, I evacuated it from the dry cleaner who does the dry cleaning of our boss’s uniform in Yenagoa. I brought it to Abuja and kept it in my house.” He said the police arrested him because he came to buy a Highlander Jeep from Danjuma, otherwise known as Ogunsina. He said: “I knew him as Danjuma not Ogunsina. I knew him in 2011 through one of my brothers called Izuchukwu. He informed me that he had a Sienna car for sale and I bought it for N200,000. As at that time, I didn’t know that the car was stolen. It was after I bought the second car, a Honda, that I knew that the vehicles were snatched. I bought the Honda for N400,000. Danjuma and his friends told me that they wanted to sell it for N480,000. I used to buy from them because they sell at a very cheap price. It CONTINUED ON PAGE 51

Lawyer docked over threat, blackmail charges A Lagos based lawyer, Luke Emejulu, 61, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate court over an allegation that he threatened the life of the Chief Medical Director of the General Hospital, IKorodu, Dr. Mobolaji Olukoya. Threat, allegedly, had to do with money to tune of N700,000 for services the lawyer claimed to have rendered for Dr. Olukoya. It was gathered that Emeluju had approached Dr. Olukoya that he had information that Olukoya’s son was arrested and charged to a court in the UK and he allegedly sent text messages to Dr. Olutoya blackmailing him to pay the said amount or risked the information of his son’s alleged arrest to be published in front pages of major newspapers in the country. It was gathered that despite alleged repeated threats and blackmail from Barrister Emejulu, Dr. Olukoya refused to part with the money. It was learnt from a reliable source that the police got involved when Bar. Emejulu wrote a petition to the Lagos State Police Commissioner Mr. Kayode Aderanti, allegeding that he (Emejulu) offered legal services to Dr. Olukoya’s son but Dr. Olu-

Lagos CP Aderanti

koya refused to pay his fees. Narrating the incident, the source who requested anonymity said, “CP Aderanti ordered the Human Rights Resource Centre at the state command to investigate Bar. Emejulu’s allegation and following detailed investigations, the police invited Dr. Olukoya and he shocked the officers when he printed threat and blackmail text messages he allegedly received from Bar. Emejulu.”

Dr. Olukoya denied employing the services of Bar. Emejulu and he accused Bar Emejulu of blackmailing and threatening his life. Saturday Mirror further learnt that the case was transferred to the XSquad Unit where Bar. Emejulu was subsequently arrested and detained for allegedly providing false information to the police and blackmailing Dr. Olukoya after sending him threat messages on his phone. Our correspondent learnt that Bar. Emejulu was granted bail after a fellow lawyer, Lious Mbanafo, on January 21st entered into a bond of Five Hundred thousand Naira (N500,000) to get Bar. Emejulu bail. Police sources however stated that Bar. Emejulu jumped bail and went into hiding but was re arrested by XSquad officers last month and charged to court. The police arraigned Bar. Emejulu in court on June 1st on a two count charge bothering on threat to life and blackmail. The charge sheet obtained from the court reads “That you, barrister Luke Emejulu on 30th day of December 2014 at about 3:43pm at number 50,Ajose street, Mende Maryland,Lagos in the Lagos Magistrate

District,did threatened the life of Dr. Olukoya and his family through text message from a cell phone number 08034259090 that if he fails to pay the sum of Seven Hundred Thousand Naira(N700,000)in your GTB account number 0008330337 within 24hrs he will make front news with his family and thereby committed an offense punishable under Section 56 of the Criminal Law of Law of Lagos State 2011” Count 2 read “That you Bar. Luke Emeluju on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District did unlawfully conducted yourself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by texting a threatening SMS from your cell phone number 08034259090 to Dr. Mobolaji Olukoya that if he refused to pay you the du of Seven Hundred Thousand Naira (700,000) you will make front news of him and his family and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 166(d) of the criminal law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011” The accused however pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail on self recognition. The case was adjourned to July 20th 2015.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 6, 2015

NDLEA arrests China-bound housewives with cocaine

he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said it apprehended two housewives for trafficking substance suspected to be cocaine. This was contained in a release issued by the agency and signed by its spokesperson, Mitchel Ofoyeju. According to the release, the two women, aged 45 and 47, were allegedly found in possession of 2.635kg of cocaine at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos. They were said to be attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight to China. The release further said the women packed the cocaine in their underwear and also inserted some in their private parts. The statement said: “The arrest in Nigeria has prevented the housewives from arrest and execution in China few weeks after the Indonesian Government executed some Nigerians for drug trafficking. “The women, in their statements, said that they were involved in smuggling cocaine because they were abandoned by their husbands.” Hamza Umar, the NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, was quoted in the statement as describing the suspects as “desperate traffickers”. Hamza said: “These women are curiously desperate for ingesting drugs, packing some on their bodies and inserting in their vagina. “The first suspect, Alaka Deburah, 47, was found with 1.180kg of cocaine. She inserted 260 grammes of cocaine in her private part and ingested 60 wraps weighing 920 grammes.

NDLEA boss, Giade

“The second suspect, Priscilla Chukwujekwu, 45, was caught with 1.455kg of cocaine. “She packed 59 wraps on her body, inserted one parcel in her vagina weighing 1.285kg and ingested 10 wraps weighing 170 grammes.” The statement also quoted the Chairman of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, as describing the action of the women as dis-

graceful. Giade said: “It is good that the drugs were detected here by our officials because China has capital punishment for drug trafficking. “This arrest has saved them from death and the country from embarassment. “Their action is utterly disgraceful because as mothers, they ought to show good example for their children to emulate.”

Crime Watch

Akure court remands man, 25, for alleged kidnap

n Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday remanded a 25-yearold man, Taiwo Ebenezer, in prison for allegedly kidnapping a 21-year-old, Olayemi Olatunji. The Chief Magistrate, Mr Sunday Adedapo, who handed down the verdict, said Ebenezer should be kept behind bars at Olokuta Prisons in Akure pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The court did not take the plea of the accused in spite of efforts by his counsel, Mr Ademola Abemkemo to secure bail for him. The accused, whose address is unknown, is facing two counts charge of conspiracy and kidnapping. The prosecutor, ASP Pelumi Adejuwon, had earlier told the court that the accused with others still at large, kidnapped Olatunji. Adejuwon said the accused and his accomplices were armed with a gun, cutlasses and some other dangerous weapons when they committed the offences. According to him, the accused committed the offences on May 7 between 8.00 a.m. and 6. 00 p.m. at Ayeyemi Street, Ondo. He said the kidnap was, however, foiled when the victim raised an alarm which attracted passersby who apprehended the accused. The offences, Adejuwon said, contravened Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ondo State, 2006. The offences also violated Section 3(1) of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and AntiAbduction Law of Ondo State, 2010. The case was adjourned till June 22 for mention. (NAN)

Don’t tell my wife, mum I’ve been arrested — Suspected thief

28-year-old man held for allegedly snatching tricycles from riders has begged policemen to ensure that his wife and mother do not know he had been arrested. The suspect, Emmanuel Godwin, said the news of his arrest might plunge his mum and wife to their death. Godwin also confessed that he was stealing the tricycles because he wanted to get rich quick and solve most of his financial problems. Godwin, a father of two, said: “Till date, my wife isn’t aware that I’d been arrested. “I don’t want her to know because she’s hypertensive. “Even my mother is hypertensive. “I also don’t want her to know. “I had earlier been arrested by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Zone II, Onikan, Lagos over the same offence. “What made me to go into tricycles snatching was because I lost two of my tri-

cycles to task force men from Alausa, Ikeja. “I was a barber before I joined a gang that used to snatch tricycles. “If I’m released, I’ll not steal tricycles again.” After his arrest by SARS Zone II, Godwin was charged to court. “He later found his way out. “He went to his old crime and now arrested again by SARS, Ikeja, Lagos State Police Command. A police source said: “The suspect used to pose as an innocent passenger to steal tricycles. “He would hire a tricycle and tell the rider where he was going. “The place would always be somewhere convenient for him. “Once the rider gets to the venue, Godwin would push him off and ride off with the tricycle. “He usually picks venue where nobody would hear a rider calling for help.

“He also looks for tricycles that are parked along the street or in front of a compound. “He also targets Tricycles Park near restaurants. “Once he sees any, he would go there to eat, after that, he would come and ride away with it.” Preliminary investigation by SARS showed that Godwin was first arrested by SARS operatives, Zone II on January 1, 2015 for stealing a tricycle. Godwin was arrested last week after he stole another tricycle and the owner decided to lodge a complaint with SARS. “In an operation led by the Officer-inCharge of SARS, Abba Kyari, Godwin was trailed to Ijora, Lagos State where he had sold a stolen tricycle. He was arrested after he was asked to come and collect money from a buyer who needed tricycle urgently and had cash to pay.

AIG, CP’s driver arrested for sponsoring armed robbers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 50 was because of the cheapness that I kept calling them for more cars even though I knew they were armed robbers.” Explaining why he is called Mopol, Dike said: “People call me Mopol because I drive police officers to office and back home. I also do their laundries. They pay

me N25,000 as a casual driver, while my travel allowance was N9,000. As I was working for the police officers, I was also buying and selling motor spare parts. It was Izuchukwu who called me that he had a Sienna car to sell. I came and bought it. He then introduced me to somebody I didn’t know. It was after I had bought the Sienna car that I knew that

the seller, Danjuma, was an armed robber.” The suspect said his wife did not know that he was into the shady business, adding that the only thing his wife knows was that he sells vehicle spare parts and drives police officers. He added: “It was the devil that pushed me to commit this crime.”

Godwin was not aware that the supposed buyer was a member of SARS operatives. Godwin said: “I’m a tricycle snatcher, not an armed robber. “I don’t use gun. “I steal from parks and when I ask tricycle rider for a test drive and he allows me, I run away with the tricycle. “I used to sell each tricycle I steal at the rate of N60,000. “I have stolen about five tricycles and sold them to a man known as Aye at Ijora. “I also sold two to one Rilwan. “The market price of a tricycle is N400,000. “Aye still owes me for two tricycles I sold to him while Rilwan owes me one tricycle.” According to Godwin, he used to operate with a gang before, but decided to go solo. He was initiated into the gang by his friend, a drug addict, Sodiq Babasunda, now late. He said: “I didn’t know that they were tricycle snatchers until they used me five times to go and deliver to a buyer at Ijora. “They used to give me N5,000 after each delivery. “When I felt that they were cheating me, I decided to go solo. “The first tricycle I sold, I got N60,000. “I gave N25,000 to my late colleague for helping me to get buyer.” The state Police Command spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the arrest of Godwin. www. Eagleonline.com.

June 6, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Investment Profiles with Godwin Uba ubagodwin@yahoo.com 08034494437

You can make millions from biscuit production T

he consumption of biscuits cuts across all ages and socio-economic classes. Biscuits are eaten in offices, parties, homes by children and the aged, in institutions and everywhere. The domestic production of biscuits always lags behind domestic supply partly because production has always tended to be on small scale. This also partly because, most of the raw material inputs have been import dependent. But with the harsh economic effects of austerity, the scarcity and high cost of foreign exchange and the forced need to look inwards for local raw material substitutes, there is hope in filling part of the demand and supply gap by engaging in biscuit production using local raw material substitutes and on such a medium scale that will make investment in the project worthwhile once the finance for its execution is available. On the other hand, however, it is also profitable to establish many small scale biscuit factories to achieve the same purpose using not only locally fabricated machinery and equipment but also local raw materials. There are many types of biscuits imported and locally produced which are available today in the Nigerian market. These include gem, malted, milk, coaster, digestive, sports, shortcake, Marie, crackers,

Powerful Oven Machine

petit- buerre, chocolate cabin, tea, cookies, coffee, trime, cone biscuits and so on. There is a company in Nigeria known to produce about fourteen different kinds of biscuits. However, my survey showed that the average Nigerian biscuits producer concentrates on a minimum of three types at a time. The number of types of biscuits some prospective investors want to produce depends on the amount of money he has to put in, the source and type of machinery and equipment, the number of moulds he has. The major raw materials needed for biscuits production include fat, glucose syrup, corn flour, sugar, salt, ammonium bicarbonate, wheat flour, water, lecithin, sodium metabisulphate, butter, essence, vanilla (flavours). Of course these could be varied. In a bid to substitute most of the above standard raw materials with local inputs, such materials as coconut grits, cassava flour, plantain flour, etc are being advocated and used. The packaging materials include cardboard, boxes, nylon wrappings, paper packets and glue. The machinery and equipment needed for production include different types of dough kneading and mixing machine, molding machines, salt/sugar sprinkler, heavy duty oven molder, stainless jacketed bowl for

Moulding Machine

water cooling, conveyors weighing scales, rack/ collection tables, quality control laboratory equipment etc. The machinery and equipment listed above have very long life span and can produce up to 80 percent of its rated capacity in the first year. They are all procurable lo-

cally. Producing different types of biscuits mentioned above can be done by changing moulds, accessories and formulae. However, some production processes are common to them all. Generally biscuits production involves processes like weighing and

Most of the raw materials are locally available. The relevant categories of labour required to run the factory are locally present and the market is assured and sustained both locally and in the

ECOWAS sub-

region

Dough Kneading and Mixing Machine

mixing the right quantities of the relevant ingredients, homogenizing these into dough, compaction into the right measure and thickness, printing of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s logo on the dough, cutting the dough into pieces, proofing, baking and colouring. Thereafter, the baked biscuits are arranged, cooled, packed, wrapped and packaged in cartons ready for delivery. About 40 people will initially be employed (depending on the number of shifts to be operated) and these include all the relevant production, administrative, sales and marketing staff. All these are locally available. From preliminary studies the cost estimate for establishment and running the project in the first year is N30.5Million (as shown below).This cost can be reduced according to promoterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s available funds. IMPLEMENTATION To implement the project, the investor needs a detailed and realistic feasibility report to enable him approach a bank for financial assistance. This is a very viable business. The machines are long lasting, need little maintenance, and are reasonably cheap compared to the income they generate and have readily available spare parts. Most of the raw materials are locally available, the relevant categories of labour required to run the factory are locally present and the market is assured and sustained both locally and in the ECOWAS sub-region. It is highly recommended for aggressive investors.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGIONAL NEWS

June 6, 2015

South eaST

Gov. Umahi reverses predecessor’s perm sec appointments ...As teachers warn against planned retrenchment in Ebonyi

overnor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State has reversed the appointment of 16 Permanent Secretaries made by former Governir Martin Elechi, barely a week after the end of his administration. Umahi made the rever-

sal on Thursday in Abakaliki during a meeting with the leadership of the organised labour in the state and the Christian Association of Nigeria. The governor said he took the decision because his administration inherit-

We are working to make UNIZIK best institution —VC

rof. Joseph Ahaneku, the ViceChancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, says the management of the institution was working hard to make the university the best in Nigeria. Ahaneku told newsmen in Awka on Friday that his first one year in office focused on uplifting structural development and addressing other teething problems of the university. ``We are upgrading the admission processes to a digital method that has proven to be very reliable, and used only by a few institutions in Nigeria; problems of impersonation and examination malpractices are also being addressed.’’ He said that over 440 candidates pencilled down for the last post-UTME exams abandoned it after seeing the thoroughness of the screening process. The vice-chancellor said that about 80 other impersonators who insisted on taking the exams were arrested and handed over to Police for prosecution. “Through biometric registration, we have the data of all our students. We are called upon to serve, to mentor the young ones, and that is what we are doing under my leadership. “Since I assumed leadership here, I can tell you that several lecturers have buckled up. We insisted on doing the right thing, and extortions by lecturers have been abolished. ``Today, students graduate in record time, and if

anything delays any student’s result script, the head of that department or the lecturer’s salary is stopped as we have recently sanctioned a lecturer in the university.’’ He said that due to the institution of research exhibition, several departments had undertaken researches with findings and products that could compete anywhere in the world. According to him, the institution’s engineering department has produced a fast car called ``Auto Zik’’, which was the cynosure of all eyes in a recent exhibition in Abuja. “That car, was produced with 60 per cent local content, and as I speak to you, other products are on the way, with over 80 per cent local content. ``That is the way we want to go. We want to teach the children how to be self-reliant, and that is where the future of Nigeria and Africa lies.’’

ed an empty treasury from its predecessor. Umahi said the appointment of additional permanent secretaries would therefore create more problems for the state government. He said: “The state government is finding it difficult to pay workers’ salaries as it grapples with the challenge of meeting other financial needs. “The appointment was also riddled with controversies and has witnessed several agitations against it by organised labour and other relevant stakeholders.” The governor has set up a committee headed by

the state Deputy Governor, Kelechi Igwe, to look into the accounts of the state government and make adequate representation to the government. Umahi said: “I call on workers to be ready to make some sacrifices and offer necessary cooperation to ensure that the state attains its developmental goals.” The governor also ordered the immediate sacking of the General Manager of the State Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Chukwuemeka Okeh. The sacking followed a complaint by one of the labour leaders on the filthy nature of the state, espe-

cially Abakaliki. “The contract of environmental contractors, which was earlier terminated, has been reversed immediately to ensure that the heaps of refuse littering the capital city are evacuated,” Umahi said. Ikechukwu Nwafor, the Nigeria Labour Congress Chairman in the state, urged the state government to block all leakages noticed in public expenditure. “I also urge the government to make funds available for the enhancement of workers’ welfare and other areas that would benefit the people,” Nwafor said. Joseph Nweke, the

Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in the state, called on the government to shelve plans to sack over 1,000 teachers in its employment. “We are ready to make the necessary sacrifices that would ensure that the government meets its developmental objectives and attains rapid growth,” Nweke said. Dr. Onyekachi Eni, one of the permanent secretaries whose appointments were reversed, declined to speak when contacted by the News Agency of Nigeria. Eni, however, promised to make comments at the appropriate time.

Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, flanked on the left by Deputy Governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, Speaker of the State House of Asembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Nwamba, Member-elect (Uzouwani/Igboetiti Fed. Const.), Hon. Princess Stella Ngwu and the State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, Senator-elect EEnugu North), Hon. Chuka Utazi, Member-elect, (Udenu/Igboeze North Fed. Const.), Engr. Ik Ugwuegede, right, as he speaks when the people of Enugu North senatorial zone paid a thank you visit to the former Governor, at his country home in Udi, recently.

APGA holds national convention today in Awka

s the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) holds its national convention on Saturday in Awka its stakeholders have predicted that the party will come out stronger. Some stakeholders told newsmen on Friday that the party would elect new national and state officers at the convention slated for the Women Development Centre, Awka. The Governor’s Special Adviser, Political Matters,

Mr Chinedu Obidigwe, said the convention would showcase to the world that APGA was a party that blazes the trail in internal democracy. Obidigwe said the state government was glad for the privilege to host the party’s national convention in Awka. He said plans were already in place for unfettered free and fair polls among members aspiring for the various positions in the party’s hierarchy.

The special adviser enjoined members to keep faith with the party as APGA was determined to provide good governance in every area of its influence. Chief Mike Kwentoh, who just stepped down as Anambra Chairman of the party, said he looked forward to the moment of transition at the convention. Kwentoh said he was sure that the convention committee would conduct the process according to the

provisions of the party’s constitution for credible leadership to emerge at the various levels. He told NAN that he was leaving the party leadership in Anambra stronger than when he assumed office, and expressed the optimism that the incoming leadership would surpass the performance of his team. Chief Nobert Obi, waiting to be formally inaugurated as Anambra Chairman of the party at the

convention, eulogised the party leadership both at the national and state levels. Obi expressed confidence that the convention would usher in a new era for the party. He said that APGA had a bright future which the new leadership would help to realise, adding that the convention would go smoothly. ``We are ready for that national convention here in Awka, it is our hope that it will be successful.

REGIONAL NEWS

June 6, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SOUTH SOUTH

Wike appoints SSG, COS, others Dennis Naku

Port Harcourt

he immediate past Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Chief Kenneth Kobani has been appointed Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG). Kobani served as a minister during the

administration of the immediate past President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Rivers State Governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike made the appointment in a statement issued on Friday and signed by Sir. Opunabo Inko-Tariah on behalf of the state government.

Also appointed are Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke as Chief of Staff, Rivers State Government House, while Sir Opunabo Inko-Tariah, is to serve as Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity. The statement also said Dr. A. J. Beredugo was appointed as Senior

Special Assistant on Research and Documentation. Two others were appointed as Senior Special Assistants, SSA in the office of the Deputy Governor, Dr (Mrs) Ipalibo BanigoHarry. The statement reads, “The Rivers State

Governor, Chief Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, has approved the appointment of Chief Kenneth Kobani as the Secretary to the State Government, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke as Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Opunabo C. Inko-Tariah, JP as Special Adviser to

the Governor on Media & Publicity and Dr. A. J. Beredugo, Senio Special Assistant on Research and Documentation. “Others are Gilbert Nria and Imeh Fubara, they are to serve as Senior Special Assistants, office of the Deputy Governor,” it said.

Former SSG bags chieftaincy title, preaches unity among Isokos Amour Udemude Asaba

raditional rulers of Isoko community, Delta State, have conferred the traditional title- Okiroro of Isoko nation’ meaning ‘Chief Adviser’ on the immediate past Secretary to Delta State Government, Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay. Speaking on behalf of other monarchs from Isoko south and North councils of Delta state yesterday, HRM Okpuzo Odion’Ologbo of Owhe kingdom, described Macaulay as a ‘tested and proven’ son of Isoko nation adding that the former SSG, remains the pillar, Isoko nation has ever produced in ‘politics, economics and human capital development’. The traditional rulers stated that the Isoko nation decided to use the occasion to welcome back home one of their illustrious sons and former SSG after a 12 years of sojourn in government. Conferring the title on Macaulay, the Ovie of Igbide, HRM Obukeni 1, said the chieftaincy title was in recognition of Macaulay’s contribution to the development of the Isoko nation and prayed God to elevate him to higher position where he could render more service to the his people, state and the country as a whole. Speaking shortly after the occasion, Comrade

Macaulay thanked the monarchs and Isoko people for the honour done to him even as he claimed that he had been invading chieftaincy titles over the years. Macaulay, however stated that whatever he may have done for his people while in government was his modest contribution to the socio-economic development of the Isoko nation, adding that the victory of the PDP in the area in the last election was as a result of prayers from the monarchs and clergies.

Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel congratulating Sir Etekamba Umoren on his appointment as the Secretary to State Government

UNEP report, Rivers community seeks discussion with Shell Dennis Naku

Port Harcourt

he people of Bolo in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, has decried the exclusion of the community in the report of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This is as the community claimed that its rivers and lands were impacted by the spills that affected Ogoniland between 2008 and 2009. The people therefore called on oil giant, Shell

Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to open up discussions with its chiefs and leaders on the effective clean up and remediation of the area. The Federal Government is yet to commence the implementation of the UNEP report presented to it four years ago. Barrister Mela Oforibika who is counsel to the community, stated this in a media briefing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital. Oforibika sought the full recognition

and conferment of all benefits accruable to Bolo community as host community of the company in the Bomu and Bolo west oil fields in oil mining lease (OML 11). He also demanded adequate compensation for the 2.1 hectares of land acquired from Bolo community in 1975 and renewed in 2003 without reference or consultation with the community. The demands which were contained in a seven point communique reads, “The payment of fair and full compensation for

the 2008/2009 oil spills from the 24 Inc Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP which devasted the lands, Rivers, Creeks, Fishing nets and accessories and caused loss of income to the people of Bolo community. “A clear and concise press statement repudiating the unfortunate attempt by SPDC to attribute the Bodo West oil field situated in Bolo territory to the Bodo (Ogoni) community as stated in page 53 of the United Nations’ Environmental

Assessment of Ogoni land report 2011 (UNEP).” Oforibika however urged the SPDC to ensure that it applies international best practices in their divestment policies, especially as it concerns Belema oil Producing Limited or any other company taking over the company’s assets in Bomu and Bodo west oil fields by including Bolo community in the negotiations for the takeover or management of these oil fields by any such third party.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

June 6, 2015

Top Saddam aide, Tariq Aziz, dies

ariq Aziz, the imprisoned former Saddam Hussein deputy who served as a public face of the Iraqi dictator’s government until the regime was toppled in 2003, died Friday of a heart attack at a hospital, two officials in the Mideast nation said. He was 79. Aziz, who’d been sentenced to death four years ago in one of several postHussein trials against him, died at a hospital in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriya, said Hussein al-Askay, the head of a Nasiriya prison, and Saad al-Majid, the director of the province’s health department. Aziz had been taken to the hospital after his medical condition deteriorated at the prison, the officials said. Aziz often defended the Hussein regime on the international stage, serving as deputy prime minister from 1981 to 2003 and as foreign minister for part

of that time. A fluent English speaker, he was the face of the regime to the outside world. When a U.S.-led coalition invaded Iraq to oust Hussein in 2003, he was the eight of spades on the deck of cards handed out to U.S. troops, representing the U.S. military’s list of 55 most wanted Iraqis. He appeared frail when he testified at Hussein’s 2006 trial on war crimes charges, for which the ousted dictator was hanged later that year. At a subsequent trial in 2010, Aziz was convicted and sentenced to death for his alleged role in persecuting and murdering members of religious parties in the 1980s. Aziz, a member of Iraq’s tiny Christian minority, was born Michael Yuhanna in 1936 in Mosul and later changed his name. His association with Hussein stretched back to the 1950s, when both were

activists in the Baath Party, which was then banned. Aziz rose with Hussein after the latter became president in 1979, eventually taking the office of deputy prime minister. His religion made him a rarity in Hussein’s Sunni Muslim-dominated hierarchy. Aziz became well known to Westerners during the first Gulf War, when he served as Iraq’s foreign minister. In the run-up to the 2003 invasion, Aziz again represented his country abroad, traveling to Rome to meet with Pope John Paul II, who opposed military action. He also made some public appearances, including one to squelch rumors that he had defected or been shot. Before the start of the war, he said he would rather die than be taken into U.S. custody. But more than a month after it started, he left a relative’s Baghdad home and turned himself in to U.S. troops. Aziz testified, but was not among the eight defendants, at Hussein’s trial, in which an Iraqi tribunal

charged the former President with a variety of crimes, including Iraq’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait and the gassing of Kurds in the 1980s. But Aziz was charged in a number of other cases, including the 1992 executions of 42 merchants. In that case, the merchants, who worked in Baghdad’s wholesale food market, were arrested, convicted of profiteering and executed after being accused of driving up food prices. Aziz was among several former officials convicted in that case in 2009, and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. A year later, he was convicted and sentenced to death for the Sunni-dominated regime’s persecution of religious parties, including the Shiite Dawa party. His lawyer, Badi Arif, told CNN in 2011 that the death sentence was politically motivated. “Mr. Aziz used to always tell me, ‘They’ll find a way to kill me, and there is no way for me to escape this,’ “ Arif said.

Royal baby, Princess Charlotte, to be christened in July P rincess Charlotte, daughter of Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, will be christened on July 5, Kensington Palace said Friday. The christening will take place at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who is head of the Church of England. Charlotte’s greatgrandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, has her country retreat in Sandringham, about 180 kilometers (110 miles) north of London’s Buckingham Palace, and the royal family has a long connection with the country church. Prince William and Catherine also have a nearby country house, Anmer Hall, which affords them more privacy than their official resi-

dence at Kensington Palace in London, which is constantly monitored by photographers. The baby girl, whose full name is given on her birth certificate as Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana

Princess Charlotte

of Cambridge, was born May 2 in London. The christening of her brother, Prince George, who is third in line to the throne, was in the Chapel Royal at St. James’s Palace in October 2013. He was dressed for the occasion in an elaborate lace and satin christening gown that’s a replica of

one made in 1841 for the christening of Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter. The replica was brought in to use in 2008 to help preserve the 170-yearold original, used until then for every royal christening, including those of Prince William and his father, Charles.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

150 die in Ghana explosion

n explosion that sent flames raging in Ghana’s capital, killing 150 people, hit a gas station crowded with residents seeking shelter from heavy rains. The death toll from the Wednesday night blast in Accra is expected to go up, President John Mahama said Friday. The explosion occurred as hundreds huddled under the cover of the gas station and nearby shops to stay dry. A leak at the station sparked the explosion, which spread to a pharmacy and other nearby businesses, Mahama said in a statement. Victims included drivers of public transportation and their passengers, who were waiting out the rain away from open bus terminals, authorities said. Others were motorists who had stopped to refuel, said Ebenezer Ampaabeng from Ghana Broadcasting Corp. Some residents survived the fire, only to be swept away by the gushing waters.

“The loss of life is catastrophic, almost unprecedented,” Mahama said. Hours after the explosion, charred cars lay scattered across the gas station, some buried under collapsed roofs. Some local communities lost power as authorities urged residents to stay on higher ground to avoid more casualties. Floodwater also affected some roads, making it hard for emergency vehicles to reach those seeking help, authorities said. Mahama declared three days of mourning starting Monday. Flags will fly at half-staff during that period. Heavy rains have pounded Ghana for the past several days. “Ground saturation caused by the heavy downpour of the last three days, together with human activity such as unbridled littering and building in waterways, has resulted in impeding the flow of these rivers and streams into the sea,” the President said. There’s “unprecedented flooding” in several parts of Accra, he said.

Brazilian man sings, plays his guitar during brain surgery

Brazilian man crooned and strummed his guitar while undergoing brain surgery in his home country. Anthony Kullkamp Dias, 33, sang six songs while the doctors performed surgery to remove his brain tumor, according to the Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceicao. Dias played “Yesterday” by the Beatles, a few Brazilian songs and an original number called “Emanuel,” which he dedicated to his son. He was awake and talking during the surgery to monitor and map the brain for possible injuries to areas that control motor function and speech, which might be affected by the removal of the tumor, doctors said.

In an interview with CNN affiliate TV Globo, Dias said he found out about his brain tumor a few days before his son was born. The idea to play the guitar and sing during the surgery came the day before he was wheeled into the operating room. The banker has played the guitar for 20 years, and also plays the accordion, keyboards, trumpet and the flute. Dr. Jean Abreu Machado, the anesthesiologist and clinical director at the hospital, said the brain tissue does not have sensors to pain. However, the skin and other surrounding tissue do, causing an interesting challenge to doctors on how to “keep the patient awake and pain-free.” Dias said he felt no pain and they removed 90% of his tumor.

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Your decision to move the military command of Nigeria to the North East has further strengthened our conviction that the war against terrorism will soon come to an end. — President, Issoufou Mahamadou, during President Muhammadu Buhari visit on Wednesday in Niamey, Niger Republic.

Saturday, June 6, 2015. www.nationnationalmirroronline.net

Geroski on New Markets (IX)

he author, with due respect, is not in clear mind as to the future evolution of the next markets. If Geroski knows the evolution and movement on the trajectory platform, he must at least give a clear understanding of the future. This again explains the logical argument that only the study of the pattern of nature can determine the future of the new market. The inability of man to predict the future also shows the limit of man and Geroski may not be any exception. The work appears inconclusive at the conclusion. Perhaps the author wants us to wait for the evolution of another trajectory chapter. 2) The impact of the society and the eco system on the new and future markets: Scholars like Roscoe Pound will take no argument more that the fact that all that is settled around the market is determined by the society and not by technology. This raises the stake of traditional economics arguments about demand and supply. If all is determined by the society, then the eco system will play a major role. However, technology without the eco system is of no use. But one cannot see how the eco system plays a significant role in the technology platform discussed in the book. The author simply plays technology without consideration for the eco system in his discussions. Even though Geroski was so clear about evolution from invention to the development of the technology platform, he simply left us to draw the conclusion. 3) Change and the challenges of technology: Considering the current permanent feature of the society which is ‘change’, and the rate at which technology often changes, there will be so many technology patterns to be studied in the next ten years. For those architects that want to design dominant products to gain industry leadership, the proliferation in the trajectory platform propelled by changing technology may make the whole argument (from invention to evolution and the new markets) less attractive, as the supplier may have to look elsewhere beyond technology platform. 4) Clear evidence that science and technology are unreliable: The author relied much on the work of science and the pattern of science in the development of technology, although in some few cases, Geroski agreed that there may be some

CFR

Book Review

Book Title: The Evolution of New Markets Author: Paul Geroski Publisher: University of Oxford Press Reviewer: Jimoh Ibrahim. CFR. Post graduate student of Strategy and Innovation, Said Business School, University of Oxford. accidental development. Even at that, he is of the view that people at the event of the accident have to give account of how the accidental technology developed. The regret here is that science is not as reliable as the author posited. Most works of scientists that succeed are always by accident and there are lots of events that provide evidence of the fact that no one invents anything. Science merely engages in restatement of events, not that anyone in science or technology actually invented anything after the creation of the universe. There are many events that appear to be above science even after the ‘first three minutes.’ Such events make science pure guess work! Why has science not reacted to the event that occurred in Siberia on the morning of June 30, 1980? And to what extent are water products invented by anyone, such that the performance of its supply is studied along the technology trajectory platform. The Siberia event was reported by Jean Audouze and Guy Israel in the Cambridge Atlas of Astronomy (Cambridge University Press) as follows:

In the morning of 30th June 1908, a fantastic explosion occurred in Central Siberia (northern Russia).....Witnesses described an enormous meteoric boride visible in the sky for a few seconds. Other witnesses from a distance of 60 kilometres (36 miles) from the point of impact were knocked over....Seismic shocks were registered over the whole world...(T)his event was due to the collusion with the earth of a block of ice weighting 30,000 tons which.... released energy equivalent to that of a thermonuclear bomb of 12 megatons. The Siberian explosion was caused by a fragment of Encke’s Comet that broke away during its passage though the solar system. If science has no response to the event of Siberia, which was the collision with the earth of a block of ice weighing 30,000 tons, which released energy equivalent to that of a thermonuclear bomb of 12 megatons, then the whole argument of the technological development of electricity and its subsequent development along the trajectory platform is unsustainable, for the Siberian event provided a fresh development and investigation to the source of electricity and casts doubt about who the

inventor is. If the event presented a new source of invention, then it logically keeps in silence the role of technology in its development at evolution. This again confirmed that there is no certainty of reliance on the invention and the subsequent technology platform as a source of influence to market development. The little fragment came with Oort Cloud in a vast region that is estimated to hold as many as one trillion large cements composed of ice and rock, with each comet calculated to contain as much as one trillion tons of ice. This occurrence is a mystery to science and an impossibility to explain! This new development is also a matter of concern for the water industry, for if ice as much as over a trillion can be supplied at no cost to the buyer, one can only wonder what is left to study in the trajectory movement and how an industry leader will play out in the dominant design There are more areas in which science of technology itself remains doubtful. For instance, Isaac Newton, one of the early scientists, had predicted that is was mathematically impossible for any object to fly in the sky whose weight is more than the balloon! Not a true prediction apparently! Otherwise, how do you explain planes in air space and to what trajectory was Isaac Newton reacting? What platform of invention? The inventor is God, the owner of the universe. Isaac Newton justified his ignorance of the supernatural power of the creator by proposing the law of motion. According to him, an object will fall when its centre- of – mass lies beyond its base of support. To him, the applied force F on the object equals the rate of change in momentum P with time. Mathematically this he expressed as follows: F=DP =D (MV Since the law applies only to system of constant mass, M can be brought out of the derivative operator by substitution, using the definition of acceleration. The equation can be written in the form of F=MA. Isaac Newton’s law represented a break with the physics of Aristotle. The entire prediction of Isaac Newton has collapsed, otherwise how does the law of Newton apply to the movement of aeroplanes carrying millions of people on daily basis from one country to another? What explains the force that accounts for their movement?

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