Binder1

Vol. 5 No. 42

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2015

NEWS

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National Mirror Online

SPORT

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TOP STORY

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Ministerial screening: Battle of Brussels: Mothers of missing Nominees intensify Pinnick charges Eagles children cry to govt for help to beat Cameroon lobby

Boko Haram:

Army begs Britain for military help P. 7

MOTHERS IN AGONY

FG debunks Ebola outbreak rumour

Mothers of missing children on peaceful protest in Makurdi, Benue State yesterday. (Story and more pictures on Page 2)

...says Nigeria remains free

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Wike orders Amaechi, others to refund N97 billion ...or face trial It’s no issue —APC Sealxk T

e Waj P.24

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14 sexolutions (for ladies only)

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OCTOBER 10, 2015

Top Stories

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Babies for sale

Mothers of abducted children cry for help in Benue

Mothers of missing children protesting in Makurdi

Henry Iyorkase

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ases of child kidnapping and missing children have become rampant in recent times in Makurdi, the Benue State capital and its environs.

Saturday Mirror learnt that hardly a day passes without a case of child kidnap in one part of the city or the other, prompting serious worry and concern for residents.

The affected mothers protested yesterday at the NUJ House. They were led by Mrs. Wandoo Henkyaa along with three other mothers whose children were recently

abducted from their homes. According to Mrs. Henkyaa, her four-year old child, Saaondo Philip Henkyaa, got missing since the10th of September. The case was reported to the law enforcement agents, but since then, there has been no clue to the child’s whereabouts.

“As an aged mother, who was childless until recently when I was blessed with two children in my old age, to suddenly wake up to discover one of the children missing, frankly there is nothing that will ever console you if you are in my shoes. The agony I am facing is traumatic”.

Mrs. Ngodoo Paul Amiase, a trader, said her child Terdoo Paul Amiase, of the same age bracket got missing on 29th August at the Wurukum market where she sells her

...as child snatching syndicate meets waterloo

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he Benue State Police Command has busted an eight-member syndicate specialised in the abduction of children. Disclosing this while parading nine of the suspects (six women and three men) who abduct children under special arrangements at the Police headquarters yesterday (Friday), the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Austin Ezeani, said the command got wind of the syndicate when a young lady, Dooshima Adogo, reported that her two-monthold baby was snatched from her at Akwa Motor Park in Buruku Local Government Area of the state when she refused to hand over the child to members of the syndicate who were giving her some money for maintenance.

Ezeani further stated that the police was able to trace the young lady’s aunty, Mrs. Grace Aande, who disclosed details about the syndicate that took away Dooshoma’s two-month-old baby to a town in the east.

He said under the arrangement made by the syndicate, the sum of N220, 000 was paid for the child, and explained that the money was sent to the members through Mrs Aande’s husband, who admitted that he was a dismissed police officer married to five wives before one died.

According to Ezeani, Mr. Aande said he has a total

of 18 children, and that he is a driver. He also disclosed that the N220, 000 paid for the little girl was sent into his account from the East by one Mr. Aja, who has equally been arrested.

The PPRO said detectives from the command used the information given by Dooshoma, and arrested Mrs. Aande who assisted the Police to track down some of the members of the syndicate in Benue, and in one of the eastern states where the child was recovered.

According to the PPRO, all the members of the syndicate have been arrested, while the Police are in the east trailing those behind the syndicate. He explained that one Veronica Vanger who has six children, and had arranged for the abduction and trafficking of children was among those in police net.

He disclosed that three other suspects from Demekpe and Igbor areas of Makurdi and Gwer Local Government Areas, were being charged to court, and pointed out that one Mr. Timbir Shija and the two other persons were being charged to court.

Vanger told newsmen that she had arranged to sell a child for N150,000 and that she had equally arranged for a pregnant woman to go to Asaba and give birth to a baby who would later be sold. But the woman, Nguseer Anum, who was married, escaped.

wares. The child just followed other children to play in the market and never came back since then.

Also relaying her experience, Mrs. Charity Ortamale, who resides at Community Secondary School area, a settlement in the capital city, said her seven- year-old son, Sunday Ortamale, a school pupil, disappeared on the fateful day of 5th September from the house. The case has been reported since then and there is still no sign of the child. She appealed to the general public to come to her rescue.

Another mother, Mrs. Doosuur Aer, also disclosed that her son, Terhile Aer, also residing the same community and aged four- years has been missing since the October 2 in mysterious circumstances. She called on the state government to hasten action towards wiping away the tears of the mothers by finding their children, in order to ease their trauma and burden.

When contacted, the state command’s police public relations officer, Mr. Austin Ezeani, disclosed that there is a suspected syndicate which is in the new wave of crime plaguing the country. He said efforts were being intensified to curb the menace.

He, however, blamed the women for staging the protest, saying that the syndicate, sensing their actions, might device another tactics of making it difficult to recover the missing children. He assured, however, that all efforts are in motion to nip these nefarious acts in the bud and bring the perpetrators to book.

Ezeani warned the general public to keep an eye on their wards and ensure that they stay away from strangers who might lure them with gifts or food to intoxicate and abduct them.

Baby factory:

NSCDC rescues 17 babies, four pregnant teenagers in Imo Chris Njoku Owerri

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ore than 17 babies and four pregnant teenagers were rescued by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps officials in Imo State from an orphanage allegedly used to produce and sell babies.

Disclosing this to newsmen in Owerri on Friday, the State Commandant, Pedro Idiba, said that his men, acting on a tip off, stormed the orphanage known as Jihovah Jireh, which is located at Orlu, in Orlu Local Government Area of the state at about 9 30am.

The Commandant, who gave the names of the teenage girls as Onyedikachi Obialor, Oluchi Uzoma, Hope Ndukwu and Ogechi Njoku, also revealed that a two-week-old baby delivered by a girl identified simply as Kasarachi was among the babies rescued from the supposed orphanage.

Pedro also disclosed that his men, on searching the home, discovered a 2007 expired license of the orphanage, alleged to have been owned by a local government staff in Orlu, known as Cecelia Egemole. “That place was used as an orphanage in disguise. The license we saw there has expired since 2007.

“The place was used as both maternity and other illegal deals as confirmed by the girls we saw there. It was an unhealthy environment. The girls are teenagers, as the oldest among them is 19, “ Idiba said.

Also, a nanny who is an elder sister to the proprietress, Mrs. Felicia Egemole confessed that some of the girls came to the orphanage to deliver their babies and leave them behind.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

OCTOBER 10, 2015

Saturday Starter

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How can we secure our oil pipelines?

Since the last 16 years, the country has waged what appears to be a losing battle in its efforts to protect oil pipelines from vandals and oil thieves. For a country whose economic mainstay depends largely on its oil pipeline infrastructure running at optimal level, the sheer vulnerability of these facilities has impacted negatively on the economy. Oil and gas pipelines are routinely vandalised, leading to oil theft and needless spillage of the resources. Protecting the oil pipelines have also proved costly, with vandals becoming more daring, killing law enforcement agents in the process. In the face of these challenges, NICK UWERU writes on the options before federal government in taming this menace.

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ill date, neither the police, nor the Department of State Security, DSS, have been able to make headway in solving the brutal murder case of seven DSS operatives who were ambushed by suspected petroleum pipeline vandals at the Ishawo Ikorodu area, Lagos state, recently. The security operatives were deployed to the area to arrest the suspected vandals who

killed four policemen who were posted to watch over the pipelines in the area.

The operatives were ambushed and killed. The vandals, in what appears to be a bizarre trend, made away with the bodies of the operatives.

Maybe the operatives were a bit careless in their approach to the operation. This was because the impri-

maturs of the police killings for which they had come over to investigate should have put them on the alert that the culprits were utterly ruthless. As gathered, the killings of the police officers took place a month earlier after the policemen had flagged flagged down a tanker fully-loaded with what was believed to be stoCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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OCTOBER 10, 2015

Saturday Starter

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Oil workers, police, army have died protecting pipelines’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Oil pipeline... unprotected

len petroleum products siphoned from the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline at Oke-Oko, Ishawo Agric check point.

The tanker had pulled over as if in compliance with the officers’ order.

While the officers were asking questions, the vandals opened fire on the policemen killing four of them while the fifth one escaped. This circle of bloodletting in Lagos is by no means peculiar to the state. More less and since the last four months, remote locations where petroleum pipelines criss-crosses have been hot bed of killings on account of the activities of vandals who burst pipes to steal either oil in crude form or the refine products. In the last one year, the country has lost about 350 lives — NNPC staff, policemen, community members — as a result of attempts to breach these pipelines.

Emmanuel Kachikwu, Group Managing Director, NNPC believes that this trend is quite worrisome. Already, oil prices in the international market are on the slump leading to near asphyxiating cash squeeze in the economy.

Vandals further bleed the economy by

NNPC get calls from all parts of the world alleging that cargoes of

Nigerian crude are lying in those countries’ territories, most of them sold. According to the NNPC, the corporation is currently dealing with a case of over

14 cargoes in China, where

all the documentation appear to be from NNPC busting pipelines to siphon products to be sold in the black market. “Oil theft is a major issue for us. We lose on average of about 50,000 barrels of oil. We lose about $3-$4 billion of revenue and that is just in terms of crude oil itself.

When you get to pipelines, most of our pipelines are ruptured and attacked fairly frequently. Last year alone, between June 2014 and June 2015, we recorded between 3,400 to 4,000 attacks on the various pipelines in the country.

The effect is a shut-in of about 250,000 barrels a day and when you calculate that, you have a net loss of over $7 billion,” Kachikwu said recently at the one day seminar on Security in the Gulf of Guinea, organised by the Gusau Institute in Abuja. Oil theft has also given the country a bad name in the eyes of the world. According to Kachikwu, for instance, NNPC get calls from all parts of the world — China, America, alleging that cargoes of Nigerian crude are lying in those countries’ territories, most of them sold. According to the NNPC GND, the corporation is currently dealing with a case of over 14 cargoes in China, where all the documentation appears to be from the NNPC. “It might as well be that by the time we finish with the documentation of these cargoes, we will get to find out that they are cargoes probably out of Iran or Iraq who may be trying to sell their goods as a result of the embargo. But for whatever it is worth, Nigeria has become known, unfortunately as the country with the highest level of crude theft and sophisticated movement of funds,” said CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

OCTOBER 10, 2015

Saturday Starter

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‘Oil theft requires backing of rich people’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

Kachikwu.

The avenue afforded the public the opportunity to hear the fresh initiatives being put in place to protect and secure the oil infrastructure in the country and make security operatives less vulnerable. Kachikwu disclosed that oil theft would be eradicated in the next eight months as the corporation has put in place measures to check the menace and bring perpetrators to book.

Kachikwu sounded optimistic on the matter. But even so did previous governments on the matter. Sometime in September 2013, the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, organized a stakeholder’s forum on protecting the national infrastructure. It is perhaps the most comprehensive forum ever put together on infrastructure protection.

There representatives from the army, Navy, Air force, the police, Department of State Security, DSS, and the Nigerian Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC. While some of the sessions centred on protecting facilities like power installations and telecommunication masts, the bulk of the deliberation was on how best to protect pipelines that regularly convey crude oils from and to flow stations; premium motor spirit, PMS or petrol, gas and other petroleum products to critical locations around the country. The oil and gas flows sustain the economy. But across the several kilometers from the oil rich Niger Delta to other critical facilities in the south, the infrastructure traverses a large expanse of far flung and mostly uncharted territory.

Leading security experts said at the forum that infrastructure and national asset protection may rank as premium concern with the advent of terrorism.

In the country, this can be true in more ways than in the case of terror attacks.

Before now, pipeline vandalism by oil thieves, high tension electricity cables and power transmission machine components theft, general stealing of government property leading to huge economic losses have been a grave concern for the country.

According to former President Goodluck Jonathan, host of the sitting, Federal government has never been unmindful of these worries. According to him, the substantial investments the country has made in maintaining existing infrastructure and establishing new ones are under threat by the actions of terrorists, vandals and saboteurs. These groups and individuals deliberately and mindlessly target our

Oil thieves making away with their cargo.

infrastructure for their own economic, political, or sadistic gains, he said.

The forum among many other things charted a blue print on how to protect the country’s vital assets. The forum, for instance, recognised that NSCDC is

the principal body empowered by law to protect pipelines.

But with the new plans being marshalled, the pipeline protection appears to be a multi agency task.

First, Kachikwu said that the fight to

Oil theft is a major issue for us.

We lose, on average, about 50,000 barrels of oil. We lose about $3-$4 billion in revenue and that is just in terms of crude oil itself. When you

get to pipelines, most of our pipelines are ruptured and attacked fairly frequently

stop oil theft was not only for the NNPC but also all Nigerians, as the effect of crude oil theft was on all Nigerians.

According to the NNPC boss, some of these measures include the introduction of drones to monitor the pipelines as well as patrol the country’s coastal waters; equipping and increasing the capabilities of the security services to carry out their responsibilities and the engagement of communities to police pipelines in their areas. While promising to introduce transparency in running the NNPC, Dr Kachikwu revealed that the PPMC would be broken up into several companies with one solely in charge of pipelines while another would be in charge of products at the depots He said: “The job of keeping our country afloat and making sure that the revenues from oil are transparently received and spent is the main purpose of my work. When I was first asked by the President to come and take over this job, my first reaction was trepidation and CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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OCTOBER 10, 2015

Saturday Starter

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘We need to fight oil theft with superior technology’

Emmanuel Kachikwu, GMD, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, says that oil pipeline vandals must be fought with newer and more sophisticated technology.

Nigerian crude are lying in those countries’ territories, most of them sold. We are dealing with a case currently of over 14 cargoes in China, where all the documentation appears to be from the NNPC. It might as well be that by the time we finish with the documentation of these cargoes, we will get to find out that they are cargoes probably out of Iran or Iraq who may be trying to sell their goods as a result of the embargo. But for whatever it is worth, Nigeria has become known, unfortunately as the country with the highest level of crude theft and sophisticated movement of funds.

How bad has petroleum pipeline vandals affected our economy?

Nigeria is the eighth largest producer of oil in the world but you probably would not see that as you traverse our country because a large volume of oil produced lands in the pockets of very few people and many of us remain extremely poor. That is because over the years, we have been unable to transparently deal with our oil.

What are you doing to address these?

A lot is happening. More challenges are going to be there but we are going to be able to solve the problems.

We have given ourselves eight months within which we will hopefully completely eradicate the issue of oil theft in Nigeria. It is a focus that is very firm, very determined and in the process, you are going to find individuals who constitute some of the highest level of personnel in this economy. Oil theft is not just about the poor in the society. It is about the very rich and it takes a rich man to be able to get the market for the crude and enter into the carriage contract. It is the rich in the country that are actually the problem of NNPC and not the poor. We will address that very solidly, and we will achieve result for Nigeria.

What is the source of your confidence on this?

If we don’t do that we would have lost the essence of our appointment into this position. Working with security agencies, and using lots of technology we will ensure that oil theft stops. It is critical that the Nigerian face is not seen as a face of theft but a face of decency.

There are some who say that oil theft is one of the reasons why our refineries don’t work. Is that true?

The pipelines that traverse our country which are supposed to carry crude into our refineries are perpetually harassed and the net effect is that we resorted to using marines to carry cargoes into our refineries. What it meant is that no matter what you do with our refin-

eries today, unless that is solved, we cannot operate the refineries. Every month, I sit and try to decide whether I should move crude to the refineries or sell the crude and be able to fund the other accounts. The marine services are too expensive for me.

How costly has dealing oil theft been?

In the last one year, we have lost about 350 lives — NNPC staff, policemen, community members — as a result of attempts to breach these pipelines. Let me get to the export aspect of it. You get calls from all parts of the world — China, America, alleging that cargoes of

Can you talk more on the use of drones to secure pipelines?

We are focused on trying to find solutions. We have marshalled out an armada of approaches to this which include incorporating drones to check movement within our territorial waters towards the ship; we are looking at logistical ways of changing something at our crude oil loading bays; we are trying to equip the Navy sufficiently, in terms of skills and not in terms of arsenal. We are trying to take the bull by the horns to ensure that they patrol within the maritime zone. But more fundamentally, the pipelines that carry oil and crude will have to be policed. The present attempt at policing them has not worked, so we are thinking of changing the personnel, using more of the military but also getting into dealing with the community which ultimately is the best security in dealing with these pipelines, as we try to create more incentives for them to own the pipelines.

But all these people have been involved in the past. It only results in corrupting most of them. They all, police, army, NSCDC, all become oil thieves in the end.

It is one of many efforts that we have put in place. But most importantly, we are trying to improve on the psyche of the people who work in the NNPC. We are trying to make them understand that there is a difference between a corporation and a civil service because ultimately we begin to realize that we are here to run a business for Nigeria, we have no need being there.”

‘Nigeria ranks first in oil theft’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

fear, largely because over the last two decades, we have gone topsy-turvy with our oil industry. We, as a country, have lost so much both in terms of revenue and international perception. I carry a responsibility that is not just making sure that the oil industry generates so much revenue, but also a responsibility of bringing back high level of transparency in terms of perception. What is happening is that a few people do bad things but it rubs off on Nigeria.

Many Nigerians are doing the right thing.

“Nigeria is the eighth largest producer of oil in the world but you prob-

ably would not see that as you traverse our country because a large volume of oil produced lands in the pockets of very few people and many of us remain extremely poor. That is because over the years, we have been unable to transparently deal with our oil.

Part of the new measures is to use drones. These are automated (pilotless) micro aircraft used for security monitoring and surveillance purposes, often described as “eyes in the sky.” According to the Social Science Research Network, SSRN, drones are “less expensive and more efficient than conventional aircraft at tracking the movements of large numbers of people without their knowledge. The

capabilities of onboard instruments like high-resolution cameras, infrared devices, facial recognition systems, and other sensory enhancing technologies will make it virtually impossible to shield oneself from government watch.”

Speaking further on its operation, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas said that the Nigerian Navy will collaborate with other security agencies to ensure that any measure that will result to checkmating illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalization is nipped in the bud. Speaking against the background of disclosure by Dr. Kachikwu that drones will be deployed to ensure that oil theft is checkmated

in the country, Vice Admiral Ibas said: “First, we are deploying electronic surveillance equipment to ensure that this menace is brought to an end. “Secondly, the Navy has standby response teams ready to move at the quickest deployment because even if the drones are deployed as disclosed by the NNPC GMD, it is the Navy that will be required to implement the response aspect”.

“We are all working in collaboration with NNPC and other security agencies to end this menace which has impacted negatively on our nations’ economy and revenue base. I am assuring you that we will give all the support necessary to achieve the goal as enunciated by the NNPC GMD.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

OCTOBER 10, 2015

NATIONAL NEWS

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Wike orders Amaechi, others to refund N97 billion Dennis Naku, PORT HARCOURT

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ivers State Government yesterday ordered immediate past Governor, Rotim Amaechi, former military administrator of the State, retired Brigadier Anthony Ukpo and erstwhile political office holders to refund over N97 billion allegedly misappropriated in the sale of valued assets belonging to the State.

This is as it directed the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Chinwe

Aguma, SAN, to begin the process of prosecuting Amaechi and two others over the sale of the state’s four gas turbines without due process.

Meanwhile, Governor Nyesom Wike ordered the suspension of permanent secretaries and other top civil servants indicted by the report of the Justice George Omereji-led Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the sales of valued assets of the state during the immediate past administration.

Briefing newsmen at the end of the state executive council meeting

...or face trial

It ‘s a non-issue —APC

where the White Paper on the Commission’s report was issued, the commissioner for Housing, Barrister Emma Okah, said Amaechi will be prosecuted along with the former commissioner for Finance, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside and his counterpart in the Ministry of Power, Sir Augustine Nwokocha.

Okah stated that the state government also ordered the Attorney-Gener-

al and Commissioner for Justice, to commence the recovery of funds realized from the sale of the four gas turbines from the former governor and Nwokocha.

He said, “You will agree with me that the Omereji commission had several terms of references and will be taking them one after the other.

The the commission recommends that the former

governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, along with his former commissioners for Finance and Power, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside and Augustine Nwokocha, respectively, should be held to account for their roles in the sales of the power generation assets of First Independent Power Limited and the disbursement of the proceeds there from.”

But reacting to the development, the secretary, Media and Publicity Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Hon. Godstime Orlukwu described the decision of the state government to issue a White Paper of the Omereji report as a non-issue.

“Let them begin the prosecution; there is no problem, we will meet them in court,” he said.

Poly teacher puts electricity wastage at N65bn annually

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Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity Mr. Femi Adesina , welcoming Juju Beat King, Sunny Ade, to his office at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.

Boko Haram: Army begs military help from Britain

Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

T

he Nigerian military yesterday, beckoned on its ally, Britain, to come to the rescue of Nigeria to enable it defeat the Boko Haram insurgency and other security challenges that have bedevilled it.

Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Gabriel Olonisakin, who made the request through the British Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Houghton, who visited the Defence Headquarters, DHQ, received the British government’s assurances to reinforce the nation’s Armed Forces capa-

bility.

Olonisakin had requested for British assistance in military hardware, essential equipment, platforms and intelligence gathering, not only in the areas of operations in the North East but also in the protection of the nation’s maritime environment and the Gulf of Guinea.

The CDS expressed gratitud to the visiting British CDS and Britain for all the assistance Nigeria and its Armed Forces had enjoyed from the United Kingdom so far.

He called for more collaboration, especially at this crucial time when Nigeria is battling against all forms of

crimes and illegalities within the nation’s territory.

The British Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Houghton had noted that the long standing relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom and the recent visit of Nigeria’s President to Britain informed his visit to Nigeria to meet with the top military leadership on the urgent areas of collaboration against the threat of Boko Haram insurgency.

He said Britain was aware of the efforts Nigeria Armed Forces had put in to subdue insurgency in the North East and militancy in the Niger Delta, noting that

the time is ripe for Nigeria allies to render all necessary forms of assistance to reinforce the capability of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The British CDS pointed out that the successful conduct of the last Nigeria general election that produced Mohammadu Buhari as the President has further put Nigeria on a positive global searchlight in the comity of nations and the Britain is ever ready, more than before, to assist the country in human capacity building and technical aids.

He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for beating back the terrorists in the last couple of months.

polytechnic lecturer, Dr. Peter Enyong, says Nigeria is losing about N65 billion annually to electricity wastages due to lapses in distribution and consumers’ nonchalance.

Enyong, a lecturer at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in Auchi Polytechnic, put the annual energy losses in the country at 6,521, 892, 950kWh. He disclosed this on Friday in Auchi in an inaugural lecture on: ``Virtual Darkness in a Nation where Energy Resources Abound: The Lamentation of a Concerned In dweller.’’

Enyong listed unmaintained fluorescent lamps/fittings, odd hours of security lighting, poorly fabricated and unmaintained machines and incorrect wiring of buildings as some of the means through which the nation was losing energy.

Others, he said, were improper fusing of distribution feeder pillars, protracted overloading of distribution

transformers, absence of reactive power compensation facilities as necessary and overheated apparatus through under-voltage operation.

The lecturer, a former staff of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), put the current energy demand at 12, 800.

He said that maximum electricity demand in the country might hit 88,282Mw by the year 2020.

Enyong also said that 230 generating plants and close to 1000 substations would be required to take care of the projected 88, 282Mw generated output.

According to him, the U.S., with a land area of 9,147,420. Sq. Km, had more than 55,000 transmission substations, meaning one transmission substation for every 166 sq.

Km. “Going by this estimate with our land area of 923,768 sq. Km, we shall be talking of about one transmission substation for every 924 sq. Km.

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NATIONAL NEWS

OCTOBER 10, 2015

FG debunks Ebola outbreak rumour

RMAFC: Review of public officers’ ... says Nigeria remains free wages ready soon A T , —Official deola ABUJA

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he much awaited report on the review of salaries and allowances for political, public and judicial office holders is almost completed, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has said.

Its Public Relations Officer, Mr Ibrahim Mohammed, revealed this on Friday in Abuja. ``You will recall that in the second quarter of this year, the Chairman of the Commission, Elias Mbam, promised Nigerians that the review exercise would be completed before the end of September. ``The process has been on, I can say the whole exercise is about 95 per cent completed. ``There were some intervening variables that did not really allow us to complete it on schedule but I’m assuring Nigerians that within the next couple of days it will be ready.’’

He also said that the commission had engaged in stakeholder meetings across the country to seek the views of Nigerians because they had a stake in the project since they voted for the politicians. ``The politicians equally have a stake because they are the beneficiaries. ``So, we have been in touch with the wider cross section of Nigerians to get as many views as possible so that at the end of the day what will come out as the reviewed package will be acceptable to a large majority of Nigerians.’’

Mohammed said that the review was carried out not to satisfy Nigerians’ quest for it but because the commission had a constitutional mandate to do it, more so based on current realities.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ukuru

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ederal Government, yesterday, debunked ‎rumour of the spread of Ebola Virus Disease in Cross rivers state, Calabar‎, following the death of a 21 year old male student of the University of Calabar in the state.

It would be recalled that on October 7th, 2015, rumours of a suspected Ebola case of a 21 year old male student who developed symptoms of the virus ‎and later died at the Uni-

versity of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Linus Awute, during a media briefing yesterday in Abuja explained that the ailment has been investigated clinically and laboratory teats carried out.

Linus further said that the parent said the patient had never travelled outside Calabar and on the basis of the signs and symptoms a tentative diagnosis of viral hemorrhagic fever to rule out Lassa fever was made.

“Some of his family members, specially the brother and sister had a his-

tory of chicken pox in the last one week, prior to his falling ill” “The patient was treated with antipyretics and antibiotics during the course of illness and received intravenous fluids.

Sadly, at exactly 8:15am, 7 hours post-admission the patient passed on.

“The death created panic among the medical team that attended to him, 15 health workers and eight (8) patients who had direct or indirect contact with the diseased where quarantined. Other hospital workers were provided with

thermometers to monitor their temperature twice daily.

“The blood sample collected from the patient was taken to Irrua Lassa Fever Specialist Hospital Laboratory for confirmation of haemorrhagic fever disease that included Ebola Virus, Lassa fever, Dengue Fever and other viruses.

He further said tests on the blood sample were run throughout the night and at 8a.m.thismorning; results confirmed that the diseased was negative for both the Ebola Virus and Lassa Fever Virus.

Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema (left), presenting a gong to the Director-General, National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, during the closing gong ceremony at the exchange in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Buhari’s ministerial nominees not pushovers —Ngige

Rotimi Fadeyi

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ormer Anambra State Governor and one of the ministerial nominees of President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, said that those on the list already before the Senate are no pushovers.

Ngige who spoke with State House Correspondents at the Presidential Villa after meeting with Buhari noted that the ministerial nominees are people who have cognate experience in governance and who had been tested and trusted.

He said, “If you look at the list very critically, you will observe Mr. President wants to go his voyage with people who have cognate experience in governance.

When I mean cognate experience, we are talking of people who have been tested, tried and trusted by their people” “I don’t think Nigerians should expect anything less than what Mr. President is already doing from that team” “The team will help Mr. President to deliver on most of the promises he made to the Nigerian people much more quicker than is even

envisaged because I don’t think there is anybody on that list that you can call a pushover in terms of governance”, Ngige said.

The former governor said he was not bothered by the criteria set by the Senate for the confirmation of the ministerial nominees According to him the Senate is populated by elder statesmen and women, stressing that what they said they would do was in conformity to the laws of the land “What they said they would do is in conformity with the laws of the land.

That they would use con-

stitutional requirements, which I just mentioned to you now; and they would also use Senate rules and they also say they would use tradition, bow and go which is a tradition”, Ngige said.

On criticism that portfolios were not attached to the names of the nominees, Ngige said the constitution does not specify that portfolios must be attached.

“The Constitution just prescribed that those to be appointed as ministers must have qualifications that will enable them to be members of the House of Representatives.

NIPOST still doing business, says Official

T

he Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) on Friday said it was still in the business of delivery of goods and services in spite of availability of the Internet technology into the country.

Mr Simon Adoyi, the Area Postal Manager, Niger Territory, made this known at the 2015 World Post Day in Minna.

He said that the Internet era had enhanced its performance ``as NIPOST has remained a vehicle for the delivery of developmental ingredients to the world.’’

Adoyi said that in spite of stiff competition, globalisation, market liberalisation and rapid development of the Internet, NIPOST has been able to make its mark. ``Despite all odds, the post had been able to make its mark in the sands of time; from receiving of letters and parcels. ``It had been able to touch the lives of all categories of people all over the world.’’

The manager said that the strategy for identifying customer as reason for being in business had been paramount in the mind of postal authorities all over the world, hence the interconnection of networks and tighter grip of the market.

According to him, the postal sector will strengthen the provision of universal services in the next several years.

The NIPOST official said that the Nigerian postal service was developing a reform programme tailored toward repositioning the organisation for better service delivery.

He said ``the programme involves the gamut of restructuring how we used to do business, the type of business we do, customer relations, staff welfare and a host of other issues geared toward placing NIPOST in better position for the Nigerian project.’’

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

OCTOBER 10, 2015

Ministerial nomination: Tread cautiously, exCOS warns Wike Dennis Naku, PORT HARCOURT

G

overnor Nyesom Wike-led Government in Rivers State has been advised to tread cautiously over the nomination of former Governor of the state, Rotimi Amaechi.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and former Chief of Staff, Rivers State Government House, Chief Emeh Glory Emeh, gave the advice in a statement he issued in Port Harcourt.

Emeh described Amaechi as a gift from God to the people of the state who need to be appreciated, rather than being vilified and cautioned that those who touch the Lord’s anointed stand the risk of being visited with the wrath of God. Emeh, who is also a legal practitioner and former Commissioner for Transport in the state during the administration

of Governor Peter Odili wondered what the Wike Government will achieve in running down a fellow Rivers man and in fact Wike’s kinsman from Ikwerre extraction.

He said, “There should be an end to this primitive rat chasing”. Chief Emeh stressed.

He however commended the Senator Bukola Saraki-led Senate for the maturity with which they are handling the vituperation of the representatives of the state on the floor of the Senate.

Glory Emeh agreed with the Senators when they observed that the subject- matter of the spurious petition is already before a court of competent jurisdiction, wondering why any person will take delight in over-flogging a matter that has been diligently investigated by competent agencies of Government with authority and responsibility to do so.

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Ministerial screening: Nominees intensify lobby George Oji

A

head the commencement of screening of the ministerial nominees by the senate next week Tuesday, virtually all the candidates are intensifying their lobby of the senators to ensure that they have smooth sail and get confirmed at the end of the exercise.

The lobby of the senators became more imperative following the guidelines just made public by the senate on the procedure and criteria for the screening exercise.

The new guidelines,

among other conditions, stipulate that in line with the tradition and norms of the senate, if two senators from a state oppose the candidacy of any nominee from that state, such a nomination stands automatically disqualified.

This condition has made the senators highly sought after by the ministerial nominees, knowing that the fate of most of the candidates is dependent on the senators.

Special Adviser to the President and liaison to the senate, Senator Eta Inang also confirmed yesterday that the ministerial nominees are going after their senators knowing the crit-

ical roles the senators have to play in their eventual confirmation.

“There are intense consultations going on between the nominees and the senators representing their respective states. The nominees appreciate that their first line of defence are the senators from their respective states, senators from their zones and that irrespective of party lines and differences, they need to do much to create the relationship and that they will be using the time remaining to create that relationship,” Inang said yesterday while briefing newsmen.

Regarding the recent meeting by the President

and the leadership of the National Assembly, the Presidential aide described the parley as very fruitful, stating that, “I am sure that you can begin to feel the political temperature that has descended in the mind and psyche of Nigerians that there are relationship between the executive and the legislature which were thought to be on heat has been fully perfectly and effectively restored and the public is now aware.”

On the old practice of according special respect for some ministerial nominees by allowing them to bow and go, Melaye explained that the practice has been modified.

Governors meet to discuss crucial national issues

T

he Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) on Thursday said it would meet to discuss ‘’some pressing states and national issues’’.

A statement signed by Chairman of the Forum, Gov. Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara, and issued in Abuja, said that the meeting would hold on Tuesday.

He said that the forum would receive presentations from strategic

N

igeria`s Consul General in South Africa, Amb. Uche Ajulu-Okeke, has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to extend the Bank Verification Number (BVN) exercise for Nigerians in the Diaspora to Dec. 31.

Ajulu-Okeke made the plea when she visited a centre set up by Online Integrated Solution Services (OIS), a consultancy firm that processes visa applications and conducts BVN registration for Nigerians in Johannesburg, South Africa. `` We want to appeal to the Central Bank of Nigeria to extend the BVN exercise to Dec. 31 this year to enable Nigerians living in the Diaspora to be captured.

Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on some of the issues.

Yari also said that some development partners would make presentations regarding proposed reforms and support to states at the meeting. ``The meeting will also discuss major issues affecting states of the federation and the wellbeing of the people as well as the forums` peer review initiative.

Members of the Joint Action Front, during the organized Join Union Labour protest on the Decent Work Day in Lagos, yesterday.

Extend BVN exercise for Nigerians in Diaspora, envoy urges CBN `` The registration centre in Johannesburg is for the nine countries in the Southern African region. `` Some Nigerians have travelled 2,000 kilometres from countries in the region to be captured. `` What is happening here is to inform Nigerians in the SADEC Region that the exercise is on and they should come and be registered,`` she said.

Ajulu-Okeke, who said the countries in the region had high population of Nigerians, appealed to the apex bank to extend the ex-

ercise.

The consul general also commended the Nigeria Immigration Service for improved service delivery in passport renewal and visa processing.

The Centre Manager of OIS, Mr Jamil Shittu, said 158 Nigerians had been registered in the BVN exercise.

He said Nigerians in the Diaspora, especially from Burundi, had called to ascertain if they could come to South Africa for the registration exercise.

Shittu said the centre also processes visa applica-

tions and forwards them to the Nigerian Mission for visa issuance. `` We believe in providing first class service to everybody. We want the applicants to have good impression about Nigeria,`` he said.

The Secretary of Nigeria Union in South Africa, Mr Adetola Olubajo, said the OIS centre had made visa processing and passport renewal easy.

He pledged that the union would assist OIS in ensuring that it succeeded in its assignment. (NAN)

PUBLIC NOTICE MEZIE OWERRI LAGOS THE LIST OF THE NEW BOARD OF TRUSTEES. 1.

DR. OKEY EKEOCHA 2.

DR. COSMAS ANAMALECHI IHEKUNA 3.

OKORO OGECHI OJIAKU 4.

DR. SYLVA ASHIMOLE 5.

ENGR. NKWOPARA DOMINIC ENYERIBE 6.

CHRISTIAN ABBA ONYEWUCHIBEYA NJOKU

The above named organization recently conducted election of members into the new Board of Trustees as stated above.

Signed V.E. CHUKWUEKE ESQ Legal Adviser

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10

Reps urge FG to rehabilitate dilapidated Ondo roads

T

he House of Representatives on Thursday, urged the Federal Government to rehabilitate two dilapidated roads in Ondo State to curb incessant accidents and loss of lives.

This was sequel to a motion by Rep. Babatunde Kolawole (Ondo-APC), who said that Owo-IyereIpele-Ago, AlaoOwoani-Idoani-IfiraSosan-Isua road and Owo-Oba- AjegunleAkungba-Iwaro-OkeOka-Okhia-EpinmiIsua road were in deplorable states.

He said the roads were arterial and important to the socioeconomic development of the state and its environs.

Kolawale said that the roads also linked the western part of the country to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to him, the roads have deteriorated in the past 20 years as a result of abandonment, thus leading to accidents that have claimed several lives.

Adopting the motion unanimously, the house urged the Federal Ministry of Works to include a proposal for the construction of the roads in the 2016 budget estimates.

It also urged the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to, in the interim rehabilitate the Owo-Iyere-IpeleAgo, Alao-OwoaniIdoani-Ifira-SosanIsua road to facilitate easy movement.

(NAN)

NATIONAL NEWS

OCTOBER 10, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

70 percent of inmates in Nigerian prisons awaiting trial –NHRC

T

he National Human Rights Commission has said that 70 per cent of inmates in prisons across the country are awaiting trial.

Morphy Okwa, the Commission’s Assistant Director of Investigation and Coordination, revealed this while presenting a report at a stakeholders’ validation of the 2014 prison audit report and 2015 election report.

Okwa said though prisons in six states were visited in the last exercise, a compilation of reports from previous visits informed the commission of the current situation.

She said: “It was found that there were 240 prison institutions spread across Nigeria as follows: 138 main prisons, 85 satellites, 14 Farm Centres, and three borstal institutions “That the prisons have 268 vehicles serving various prisons that serve 5,022 courts in the 774 Local Government Areas.

“The total prison population in Nigeria is 56,718, comprising – 17,686 convicts (4,000 lifers; 1,612 condemned convicts) and 39,032 Awaiting Trial Persons.

“Meanwhile, the population of the prison personnel is put at 28,065.”

Okwa also noted that some of the inmates living in the same cells suffered from terminal diseases, mental illness, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Okwa described the facilities at the prisons as “deplorable and overstretched”, with most of the prisons overloaded.

Speaking with newsmen on the sideline of the presentation, Tony Ojukwu, the Commission’s Director of Monitoring, said the Administration of Criminal Justice Law needed to be complied with to address the inadequacies identified.

Ojukwu said: “The high number of awaiting trial inmates is a clear indication of the failure of the

criminal justice administration system because the prisons are meant for convicts, but you find out at the end of the day that more than 70 per cent of the people there are awaiting trial inmates.

“What kind of compensation will you give to him if at the end, considering the fact that our constitution says that you are innocent until proven guilty?

“What happens if a man or woman who has been kept in trial for five years is now proven innocent?

“That means he has stayed in detention for five years for nothing or for an offence he did not commit.

“So we think that the criminal justice administration should be improved.” NAN.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left) in a handshake with the Editor, Vangaurd, Mr. Mideno Bayagbon (right) while the General Manager, Silverbird Television, Mr. Bola Salako (middle) and Public Affairs Analyst, Dr. Nick Idoko, watches, during a media parley, at the Protea

Screening: Advocates urge caution on spurious petitions Nick Uweru

A

n advocacy body, the Law and Good Governance Group (LGGG) has urged the Senate and state houses of assemblies to be wary of spurious petitions against nominated persons currently being screened for federal and state cabinet positions.

In a release on Friday by its Executive Director, Dr. Festus Odunlami, the group said Section 192 of the 1999 Constitution of

Nigeria prescribes the requirement of a commissioner in a state viz: “No person shall be appointed a Commissioner of the Government of a State unless he is qualified for election as a member of House of Assembly of a State.”

They explained further that the relevant provisions dealing with qualification of a House of Assembly members can be found in sections 106-107 of the 1999 Constitution, adding that Section 107 (1) and (2) specifically deals with disqualification for election

as a member of the House of Assembly if: (i) “he is under a sentence of death imposed on him by a competent court of Law or tribunal in Nigeria or a sentence of imprisonment or fine for an offence involving dishonesty by fraud (by whatever name called) or any other offences imposed on him by such court or tribunal substituted by a competent authority for any other sentence imposed on him by such a court or tribunal; (ii) “within a period of less than 10 years before the date of an election to the House of Assembly,

he has been convicted and sentenced for an offence involving dishonesty or he has been found guilty of a contravention of the Code of Conduct,” or (iii) “he has been indicted for embezzlement of fraud by a judicial commission of inquiry or Administrative Panel of Inquiry or an or a tribunal set up under the tribunal of Inquirt Act, a tribunal of Inquiry law or any other law by the Federal and State Government which indictment has been accepted by the Federal or State Government, respectively.”

DHQ raises alarm over existence of cluster bombs in the NorthEast

D

efence Headquarters has raised alarm over the possible existence of explosive devices known as `cluster bombs’ in communities particularly in the North-East.

This is contained in a statement issued by Col. Rabe Abubakar, Defence spokesman and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

The statement said the devices could have been planted by Boko Haram terrorists in such communities.

It said that Army engineers serving in Adamawa had recovered some of the devices in some recaptured terrorists’ enclaves. ``The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) wishes to inform Nigerians living in the North-East and any other parts of the country to be on the lookout for cluster bombs sometimes called scatter bombs. ``Nigerian Army Engineers serving in Adamawa State have recovered some catches of these bombs in the contested areas in recent time. ``The military high command has discovered that the Boko Haram terrorists in the areas have used such lethal instruments over time to push their callous terrorist cause,’’ the statement said.

It described cluster bombs as bombs that house sub-munitions, (smaller explosives contained in individual cases).

It said that the bombs could be detonated in areas containing many targets, such as columns of vehicles, market places, places of worship or large concentration of troops. ``The public is also advised to report such objects/materials if seen to security agencies for prompt action,’’ the statement said, adding that the terrorists were desperate and frustrated and could use any cruel instrument to actualise their evil intention. (NAN)

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OCTOBER 10, 2015

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SOUTH WEST

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Osun East: Tribunal reserves ruling indefinitely Boladale Bamigbola Osogbo

T

he tribunal panel hearing matters emanating from the 2015 National Assembly polls in Osun state, yesterday reserved ruling indefinitely in the matter involving Osun East Senatorial District.

Prince Francis Fadahunshi of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is challenging the victory of Senator Babajide Omoworare of the All Progressive Congress, APC, who was returned elected

by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. While the hearing lasted, the petitioner called 30 witnesses and presented documentary evidences before Hon. Justice A. G.

Kwajaffa-led panel.

The 1st and 2nd respondents, Senator Babajide Omowoware and All Progressive Congress, APC, called 9 witnesses, while the 3rd respondent, INEC, did not call any.

Adopting his final address before the panel, counsel to the 1st respondent, Mr. Ipoola Binuyo, urged the panel to dismiss the petition because it was frivolous and unwarranted.

Counsel to the All Progressive Congress, APC, Mr. Ibrahim Lawal, also told the panel to dismiss the petition because the petitioners failed to prove their case.

INEC counsel, Olorunfemi Olalekan, aligned self with 1st and 2nd respondents’ counsel, saying the petition should be dismissed.

Lagos LG boss reverses retrenchment of council workers

T

he Executive Secretary, Apapa/Iganmu Local Council Development Area, Mrs Olufunmilayo Mohammed has reversed the decision to retrench some members of staff of the council saying there was no such directive from the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode to relieve the affected staff from duty as maliciously reported in some quarters.

According to the Executive Secretary, the decision of the Council to conduct an audit of the staff of the Council was informed by the discovery that out of the 500 temporary staff on the payroll of the Council, only about 125 were

available during an audit exercise which lasted for two weeks.

She said the audit was conducted to actually verify the number of staff and also to uncover ghost workers (if any) who are on the payroll of the Council.

“We have more than 500 temporary workers and I have not been seeing them at work and we gave them two weeks to do an auditing of the temporary staff.

We gave them two weeks to come. The first day, they did not come and we postponed it and the final day, it is only 75 percent of the people that responded and we gave the few people who did not respond letters, that they should bring proofs of their letters of employment which they could not bring,” she said.

Ogun workers confirm payment of deductions

T

he Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) of Ogun State workers, on Friday, confirmed the payment of cooperative deductions to its component unions by the State Government.

The JNC also slammed some media reports suggesting that the bailout fund meant for the payment of workers’ entitlements may have been fixed by the state government in a commercial bank for purposes of yielding interest.

“No. No. No, there is nothing like fixing. It is the

bank that caused the delay.

The Accountant-General even showed us documents that established when the government released the money...we in JNC never said government fixed any amount,” said Abiodun Olakanmi, JNC chairman.

In an interview on Friday, Olakanmi disclosed that reports reaching him from officials of the different unions indicate that their accounts have been credited with the deductions for the months of January to April as well as August and September, 2015.

L-R: Princess Olakunbi Olalekan; Chairman, Young Women’s Christian Association of Nigeria (YWCA), Deaconess Foalsade Oyeniyi; Erelu Olabisi Adeleye-Fayemi; Chairman, Conference Committee, Mrs. Olapeju Sofowora and Representative of former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Morenikeji Shobajo, during YWCA 2015 Conference the theme “Transforming Excellence” in Lagos, on Thursday.

Alaafin, Olugbo, Ogoga seek unity among monarchs Abiodun Nejo Ado Ekiti

P

rominent Yoruba traditional rulers have called for unity and cooperation among monarchs in the South West Region to ensure accelerated development of Yorubaland.

The monarchs including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; the Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Obateru Akinruntan; and the Ologotun of Ogotun Ekiti, Oba Oladapo Oyebade said cordial relationship among

monarchs would as well strengthen the institution of obaship.

They spoke at Ikere Ekiti during the coronation of the 27th Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu of the Agirilala Ogbenuote Ruling House.

The Alaafin of Oyo, who took time off to dwell on the history of Yoruba race and the need for unity, urged Yoruba monarchs to lead the crusade for the revival and strengthening of Yoruba culture in their domains, charging them to make their palaces centres where Yoruba culture and

tradition would be learnt.

The Alaafin said his association with the Ogoga was in view of Oba Adu’s potentials, expressing delight in the steps including museum, library and the new palace construction that the Ikere monarch had undertaken in the last two months that he ascended the throne.

The Olugbo of Ugboland, who said the Ogoga Stool had a vital place in the history of royalty in Yorubaland, urged Ikere Ekiti people to support the monarch to take the ancient town to loftier heights.

The Ologotun of Ogotun Ekiti and Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Obas, Oba Oyebade, appealed for unity among monarchs and the people of Ekiti State for growth.

In his address, Oba Adu, who restated his resolve to commit his life to the development of Ikere Ekiti, harped on the need to promote unity in the kingdom.

He said: “There is only one monarch in Ikere Ekiti.

If we do not unite, progress cannot be made. Aside Ogoga, there is no other monarch known to the history of Ikere Ekiti.”

Election tribunal: Court upholds Gbajabiamila’s victory Matthew Irinoye

T

he Lagos State National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal yesterday upheld the victory of the majority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila It would be recalled that Gbajabiamila was declared winner of the March 28, 2015 poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission after polling 21,715 votes.

But his victory in the

election, is being challenged by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Tony Ashikodi, who polled 14,550 votes.

Ashikodi, had alleged that the election was characterised by irregularities and a breach of the guidelines set out by INEC for the conduct of the election, seeking to nullify Gbajabiamila’s victory.

The petitioner had also prayed tribunal seeking an order for a fresh conduct of election, arguing that Gbajabiamila did not score the highest number

of valid votes as declared

by INEC. Ashikodi’s counsel, Kalu Onuah, said the tribunal was bound to declare null and void the declaration by INEC that Gbajabiamila won the election, in compliance with Section 53(2) of the Electoral Act, 2010 which mandated the nullification of any election where the number of votes cast exceeded the number of registered voters.

Onuah further argued that a situation where the result sheets were not signed and counter-signed by the agents

of the candidates at the polling units should lead to the nullification of the result.

Opposing him, counsel for Gbajabiamila and the APC, Omotayo Olatunbosun and T.N Olaitan, respectively, said the petitioner’s counsel misconceived the law and misrepresented the facts.

The respondents’ counsel argued that none of the exhibits tendered by the petitioner and his party alluded to any of their claims that the election was fraught with irregularities.

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Ugwuanyi donates centre to UNN students, preaches social justice Eric Elezuo

T

he Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has announced his government’s plan to donate a Students’ Union Centre (SUC) to his Alma Mater, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, as part of efforts to encourage viable student unionism in the country.

The governor announced the gesture at the Princess Alexandra Unity Hall and Theatre, the venue for the 55th Founders’ Day Lecture, making the jubilant students of the university, who had yearned for a befitting student union centre sing the governor’s praises.

On completion, the proposed centre would provide the Student Union Government (SUG) a venue where its members would comfortably deliberate on policies of student welfare, and also begin the process of learning leadership.

While delivering the 55th Founders Day Lecture entitled, “Legislation as an Instrument for Social Justice in a Growing Democracy”, Governor Ugwuanyi enlightened the university dons as well as other members of the audience as he demonstrated his legislative know-how/

prowess.

He stated that social justice remains the panacea for the society that has become theatre of conflicts of various dimension spawned by various reason such as lack of access to life-chances, discrimination, lack of inclusion, restrictive market, to mention but a few.

Quoting Chapter 11 (13 – 21) of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, he said that the constitution has provided equitable representation of all the component units of the Federation.

“The composition of the government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the Federal character of Nigeria, and the need to promote national unity and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few state or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that government or in any of its agencies” he said.

He also said that economic growth is an essential component of development, but without a deliberate policy focus on equity and social justice, there would be society-wide deprivations of the individuals.

OCTOBER 10, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Removal of Ekweremadu amounts to political genocide, says Ohanaeze Emmanuel Ezeh Enugu

T

he youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday warned that any attempt to remove the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, will amount to political genocide against the SouthEast.

The group, therefore, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to avoid using the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremmadu as the sacrificial lamb to settle his perceived scores with the embattled

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) was reacting to media reports that Buhari had in his recent meeting with Saraki, which was brokered by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogora, allegedly, insisted on Ekweremadu’s removal as condition for his reconciliation with Saraki.

OYC warned the President to thread with caution as “any attempt to unseat the Deputy Senate President is an affront to democracy,” saying that “removal of Ekweremadu amounts to political genocide against Ndigbo.”

OYC in a press statement issued yesterday by its

National President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Secretary, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, asked Buhari to place the peace and unity of Nigeria above his political views.

He wondered what the President “intends to achieve by excluding an entire geopolitical zone from the power equation of the country”.

The statement read in part: “Buhari should not over-display his penchant hatred for Ndigbo by insisting that the only position God gave us through the instrumentality of progressive minds at the senate is snatched away.

“Buhari has deliberately excluded the South-East

from all his political appointments so far, yet he is not satisfied, but wants to close the only window granted us by providence.

“He appointed all his service chiefs and other key public officers without considering anybody from South East. When we cried foul his apologists told us to wait for ministerial list.

“He has presented his long- awaited ministerial list with only two slots for a zone with five states. It is already obvious to us that Buhari-led administration is tribalistic and bent on punishing Ndigbo for our political decision in the last election, but he should beware of the grave consequences of his actions.”

Gunmen raid bank, airlines, cart away cash at Imo Airport Chris Njoku Owerri

S

uspected armed robbers early Friday morning, raided a Micro Finance Bank located in the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, as well as the offices of Arik and Air Peace Airlines, carting away an undisclosed sum money and other valuables.

According to an eye witness account, the fully armed men who arrived in two unmarked cars reportedly overpowered few security men attached to the bank, and forced themselves into the strong room.

The source disclosed that only snapping of doors and windows was heard as all the staff laid flat on the floor for fear of being harmed.

A staff of Arik, who pleaded anonymity, said that the gunmen broken

into all offices and made away with company and personal valuables.

“We are still in shock, how the robbers could have been able to operate freely without challenge with the number of security men at the Airport. It calls for serious concern because if the airport cannot be safe, where else can be,” he said.

However, when contacted, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, who confirmed the robbery incident, said that it was a case of burglary.

According to him, “we got the report that some hoodlums broke into a Micro Finance Bank at the airport, but we did not get any report that they removed cash, and no one was killed or wounded.

“Already investigation is ongoing and the two security men attached to the bank are currently being interrogated.”

L-R: Member of the Board of Advisers and Trustees of TREM (The Redeemed Evangelical Mission) and National Vice Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship (PFN) Western region, Bishop Dr. Reuben Oke; Bishop Dr. Peace Okonkwo; Presiding Bishop and Founder of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo; Rev. Rotimi Olukorede and wife Deaconess Ayodeji Olukorede and Bishop Walter Mbamara, during dedication of TREM Church Auditorium (Wealthy Place, recently.

... as tribunal upholds Ekweremadu’s election Emmanuel Ezeh Enugu

T

he National Assembly and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Enugu State, yesterday upheld the victory of Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Enugu West, Chief Philip Eze, had filed a petition challenging Ekweremadu’s victory.

Delivering judgment on the matter, Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Michael Edem, ruled that the petition lacked substantial evidence, and struck it out.

He awarded a cost of N60, 000 in favour of Ekweremadu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the last respondent.

Edem said the petitioner, Philip Eze, failed to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt, adding that the evidence adduced in the trial showed that the petitioner was included and not excluded in the senatorial election which held on

March 28, 2015.

“The petitioner remembered to forget or forgot to remember that in law, he who asserts must prove.

The petitioner first asserted and must prove. Pleading without evidence amounts to no issue,” he said.

The petition number EPT/ENU/NASS/ SEN/03/2015 had three respondents which included Sen. Ekweremadu, INEC and one other respondent.

Eze had petitioned the court over unlawful exclusion in the election.

Justice Edem also held that INEC was not guilty since the commission was

not served.

“I hold that INEC was not served. INEC can only know if it was served. Not being served, INEC is not guilty,” he ruled.

The judge stated that he cannot manufacture evidence to help the petitioner win his case, while adding that even the petitioner’s claim of collusion among the respondents lacked evidence and therefore could not be proved.

Though the counsel to Eze accepted the judgement, he held that the court refused to adhere to the major issues of the petition.

OCTOBER 10, 2015

POLITICS

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13 Issues arising from Buhari’s ministerial list Ogbeh

Lekan Adejuwon

Ngige

I

t has been four months of suspense, horse trading and forlorn hope from the political class and concerned Nigerians who are getting worried about the late take-off of President Muhammadu Buhari’s new administration as the government, since May 29, has been running without a fullfledged cabinet.

But the tension and anxiety occasioned by the long awaited cabinet list appeared to have been doused last Tuesday when the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, officially unveiled the 21 members list before the senate and the Nigerian public.

In what many have described as the longest search for ‘men of timber and calibre’ in the Nigerian political history, the disposition of the President to appoint people of ‘unblemished record’ across the length and breadth of the nation’s 36 states incurred the wrath of not a few analysts who accused the President of running the country as a one man show.

Buhari had in a rare show of unusual courage, expressed his reluctance to appoint ministers thereby, justifying the long delay.

The President reportedly told the foreign media last month that he was not in a hurry to appoint ministers whom he described as mere ‘noise makers’ preferring to work closely with the Permanent Secretaries who, he believed are the people doing the job.

Despite the perceived grandstanding, the President however, promised to announce his nominees for ministerial slots in September.

From the President body language, the opinions of many observers of political events especially since the berth of the new administration are tainted towards a president who is not likely to be at peace with cabinet ministers but who is constitutionally bound to appoint them.

But at last, the story was outright shock, disbelief and mixed reactions that greeted the ministerial nominees unveiled to Nigerians last Tuesday by Dr Bukola Saraki.

The senate President said President Buhari requested the senate to approve

Fashola

the nominees expeditiously.

According to the list announced

by Saraki; Abubakar Malami(SAN) Kebbi, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazzau (Kano) Senator Aisha Jumai Al-hassan (Taraba), Alhaji Lai Mohammed (Kwara), Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Kayode Fashola (Lagos), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Adebayo Shittu (Oyo), Solomon Dalong(Plateau), Senator Chris Ngige(Anambra), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Chief Audu Ogbeh (Benue), Amina Ibrahim (Kaduna), and Osagie Ehanire(Edo) Others are: Emmanuel Ibe Kachukwu( Delta), Kemi Adeosun (Ogun), Ogbonnaya Onu(Ebonyi), Ahmed Isa Ibeto(Niger), Senator Hadi Sirika(Katsina), Senator Udo Udoma(Akwa Ibom) and Sulaiman Adamu(Jigawa) For the critical members of the public, the 21 ministerial nominees as announced by senate President this week, was a far departure from the tradition which used to follow constitutional provision of equal representation of at least one minister from each of the nation’s 36 states.

The new development is believed to be Buhari’s resolve to cut down the cost of governance by running a lean government with a possible reduction in government ministries, department and agencies. However, whether he is able to have his way without a breach of the country’s constitution is a matter of

conjecture.

The development may have infuriated a rash of protest in the chamber on Tuesday by senators who raised concerns that their states were not represented.

Meantime, the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party PDP, in a reaction to the ministerial nominees has taken a swipe at Buhari’s list saying it was not excited by it.

According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh; “By mere looking at the list, one can tell that there is nothing to be excited about, especially considering the length of time it took to come up with it.

The PDP wondered why it took the President the whole of six months after it took power to assemble his ministers whom the party described as ‘regular team’ “Looking at the list, it is hard to put a finger on why it should take any serious minded and focussed government six months after its election to assemble such a regular team” Metuh said; “The list and the length of time it took have further confirmed the fact that the APC-led administration is driven by propaganda and deceit, a development that raises doubts on the sincerity of its anti-corruption crusade” Toeing similar path, the Labour Party LP, condemned in strong terms, Buhari’s ministerial nominees, saying the list failed to recognise the youth.

The party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdusalaam, said most of the names on the list were ‘analogue’ people who have nothing to contribute.

He queried Buhari for not fulfilling the promise he made to Nigerian youths during the electioneering campaign His words: “For us in the Labour Party, we do not see anything that resembles change as far as the ministerial team is concerned.

“Imagine bringing someone who served during in the government of the late Sardauna of Sokoto to serve as minister in 2015.

“All these are people are analogue persons who cannot bring about any change under the current dispensation” Speaking on the issue, former governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji BalarabeMusa said he was disappointed at PMB ministerial list because, according to him, there is nothing spectacular about the names.

He said; “Why did it take the President four months to come up with these names? I believe this is the question that many informed Nigerians should ask.

“These are the same old names.

Ordinary Nigerians who the President knows and he must have even met them several times. So, what is particular about them that he wasted so much time in appointing ministers” He remarked.

The Second Republic Politician however has his reservation for one of the nominees, Audu Ogbeh whom he described as distinguished among the lot.

“But there are about two or three who I can say are distinguished among them like Audu Ogbeh who I have known for a very long time. We were together during

the Second Republic. Audu Ogbeh has a public record that everybody knows” In a related development, elder statesman and Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo said the names unfortunately, does not signify the change the APC has been shouting.

For him, “One would have expected something more sparkling than what he released because these are the same set of people that have been moving along with him before, during and after the election.

“We know them, so, what is the reason for the delay in the first instance? It shows there is serious problem before he could arrive at those names and for that reason, I do not see anything changing” Adebanjo said; “What is expected of a man like Buhari who has held several public offices including that of the Head of State in the past and also contested four times before emerging as president is to have known what to do instead of the unnecessary delay which kept the entire nation in suspense and at the end of the day, look at what he is bringing out?, Worst still, the list of ministerial nominees is not complete yet” His view was corroborated with those of former Transport Minister and member of BoT of the PDP, Chief Ebenezer Babatope who remonstrated that, “It is indeed more questionable than what we used to have in the past.

According to the PDP chieftain ”It is baffling that President Buhari will come out with such list after six months, it shows there is a serious problem within their fold” Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) in a reaction, described the long wait that heralded the release of ministerial list as unwarranted.

The Coalition’s Executive Chairman, Debo Adeniran in a statement, expressed disappointment over most of the names making the list.

He said; ”By the way where lies the change Mr President and the APC have been promising Nigerians all this while if appointment into his cabinet is still the same old style of settling the boys regardless of whether or not such appointment enjoys any merit.

“Mr President had kept Nigerians on the edge for almost 4 months of waiting anxiously to welcome the super technocrats that would steer the ship of change in our polity, but what have we seen? The same old wine in a new bottle” But for Kayode Soyinka, the publisher of Africa Today, it is too early to judge whether he has chosen right or not until the second list is out According to him, “From the list that has now been made public, it is quite clear that Buhari is walking a very tight rope politically, trying to balance his personal wish and that of the ruling APC party and that is what he needs to do to convince us of the genuineness of his democratic credentials and in order to move the nation forward” The senate has since, fixed October 13 and 14 for the screening of the nominees when the firework of screening Buhari’s ministerial nominees is expected to attract a life of its own.

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POLITICS

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OCTOBER 10, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I’ve all it takes to be next Ekiti State governor –Femi Bamisile

Kayode Fayemi had indebted the state to some dwindling amount of money, by now, he should have been able to do something about the gentleman who did that.

Hon Femi Bamisile was the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, between- 2007-2009 under the Governor Segun Oni-led PDP administration. The former lawmaker, who recently declared his 2018 governorship ambition under APC, in this interview with LEKAN ADEJUWON, speaks on his defection to the opposition party and his ambition to be the next governor of Ekiti State

You recently declared your intention to run for 2018 governorship election, If eventually you win, what do you plan to do differently from your predecessors?

I don’t want to say I could be the best person in Ekiti State, but at this point in time, I have occupied specific positions within the state, I have served at the executive arm as the Special Adviser to the governor, I have served in the legislative arm as Speaker of the House of Assembly, the highest point, and I have served as member of the House of Assembly, the lowest point within the House, so, when it comes to understanding party politics, the rudiment of democracy within the state or where the , I think I have that clear understanding, and you are asking what will I do different from other governors that have served the state. One thing that I have learnt in the thirteen years straight here is that our people are totally financially impoverished, and that is why they take total advantage of the people of Ekiti State. We are called the most homogenous state in the federation.

I have looked clinically into how I would govern Ekiti State. It is the empowerment of our people, the youth, most importantly, providing employment for them which is very key, so we have put all these under what is considered human capital development. I want to make sure that an average Ekiti person could be looked upon to be in the league of state of any other state in Nigeria. For instance, we have seen commissioner turns governor in Lagos State, we have seen House Assembly member turn Senator in Lagos state, but I cannot point to one person who has left the House of Assembly in Ekiti State who has become a reps member or a senator. This is the first time a member of the house of Assembly going to be the governor of the state.

So far, about fifteen people are jostling for the governorship seat in APC ahead of 2018 election. What are your chances of winning the ticket?

I am just like that man who takes part in

Femi Bamisile

a race, I really don’t care who stand next to me. I see myself, I don’t see the people you are talking about, if there are fifteen of them, well let us see ourselves on the race, but the issue at hand is clear; everybody would have to get to work and satisfy the conscience of the basic electorate. It is electorate that would determine, but godfatherism is going out of fashion in Nigeria. The election that brought the president of this country was a very free and fair process, that’s why you could see the likes of Atiku Abubakar come out and support the President even when he lost the primary. This is what we have seen in kogi State recently when Abubakar Audu became the candidate of the party, nobody has come out to say that the primary was not free and fair, this is what we enjoin in democracy, what that does for the party is a process of building the party. I am calling on behalf of the party that a lot of interested contestants should come out and join the race. The more the merrier, the better for democracy It is even difficult to have one candidate emerge without a normal process, such candidate might not even really value what he has, but in a party of about fifteen or twenty aspirants, if a candidate emerges, he would value the position better. For me, I am not perturbed with the number of aspirants on the race, the chances would be determined by the people of Ekiti State for the people of Ekiti State The present administration in the state has accused the immediate past administration of invested on projects that do not add economic value to the state during the tenure. How will you react to that?

I don’t know what they mean by projects that do not add economic values to the state. The only project a lot of people talk about is the Government House. I make bold to say, yes, it could be said to be

expensive. I was in Plateau. State recently, I learnt that the immediate past governor (PDP Government) invested N17billion on the state Government House, and all I could see in the government house is four or five structures put there and they called that 17billion.

The present governor in Plateau State is APC. He took us round the entire government house where 17billion was invested. So it takes me by surprise when we come here and start complaining that the governor has invested N3 billion to build a government house. Yes, our scales of preference might be different, but again, government is a continuum, another governor would not come now and be talking about government house, since the governor had done that. For me, the issue of having all these gigantic projects does not mean they are bad projects.

What about the alleged debt profile?

We really can’t even ascertain. What the debt profile of Ekiti is now, because at a point in time, the present governor was telling us it was above 80billion. I keep wondering but there is still no concrete figures. People just come up with 87 billion. Today, tomorrow they tell you it Is N36billion, next day its 27billion, I keep wondering, give us the legitimate figure that Ekiti State owes. The reason for all these things I can tell you; the man who is at the helm of affairs has been governor before. We know his antics. We know the games that he plays so if he says its 86billion, he might just be preparing Ekiti for another debt profile so by the time he leaves, you will meet 80 something billion there, I make bold to tell you that from the hand over note that Fayemi said he prepared for the governor, the whole debt profile we have in Ekiti state is not up to 20 billion plus in which about 11billion have been paid even before he (Fayemi) left office. I make bold to say that the governor should bring this data for us. If it is a fact that Ayodele Fayose knows that

Does a governor have power to do anything in that case for the former governor who is found wanting in that aspect?

Why not, you can hear what is happening in Rivers State between Wike and Amechi, Wike says he found out that there are some bogus contracts that have been issued, that they have set up a committee to investigate the last administration. We are not saying he indict anybody, but you need to prove beyond reasonable doubt that someone had been indebted to the state to such amount of fund, so, we would know then that the administration was a bad administration.

You don’t just go out, condemning an administration, without giving adequate fact about what you are saying, you let us know as a governor of the state what you met in the coffers when you get there.

What has transpired, that’s why you have Accountant General, that’s why you have permanent secretaries of various ministries who could give you thorough record of what the statement of account of the state was , that is what is expected of any well meaning governor, the day of your inauguration, all these things should have been prepared for you, and let the people of Ekiti know, as soon as you assume office that this is the debt profile, this is what you have met in the coffers of government and this is what you are working with, but you don’t wait two, three months after you got to the office and start telling us, there are no money to pay salaries and all that, its mind boggling.

Let’s look at APC in Ekiti State, two factions seem to emerge, there is action group alliance comprising the likes of Ojudu and MOB on one hand, and Fayemi and others on the other hand.

What is your party doing to put the house in order so as to ensure victory in 2018 election?

There are no factions in APC, there are groupings, and for political reasons, it’s okay to have groupings, and we would continue to have groupings where there are interests. What you call a faction is exactly what is happening in the other political party, the PDP, whereby you have Chairman of a party in one group and you have another chairman in another group, but in APC, it is called grouping, which is very okay for politics. I will give you a simple analysis. A father in a family of about five who is the bread winner of the household dies, what do you expect of the mother and the children? They would be in total disarray. We in APC had lost an election in the state. The only thing that would happen almost immediately is for everybody to begin to struggle for what they can get, and that is exactly what is happening, so, everybody is trying to find their feet, but the moment we have a minister who is being appointed by the national body to represent Ekiti in Abuja, he becomes the leader of the party, I can tell you clearly from that day, that the party has become one, so it is not new for some of us in politics, when you see this scrambling for power.

OCTOBER 10, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

TALKING POLITICS

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15

“Jonathan is too weak ‘That’s an unfortunate statement’ to fight corruption’ —Chief Edwin Clark, elder statesman and former PDP chieftain

“J

onathan didn’t have the political will-power to fight corruption; he’s too much of a gentle-

­­ Elder statesman and — Afenifere Chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo

“I

t is an unfortunate statement to make, I won’t say more” “Nobody says Jonathan is perfect but it does not now mean that he (Clark) should be repeating what the critics of Jonathan have been saying” “I feel disappointed in him (Clark) for making such statement”

man” “Drivers of yesterday are living in palatial buildings now under his government.”

“In advanced countries, when you are living above your means, people query you. That is not so in Nigeria. Former governors in Nigeria are now asking for immunity” “Jonathan meant well for this country, but the will-power to fight corruption was not there.”

‘No asset forms, no screening ‘Senate has powers to set for ministerial nominees’ conditions’

—Dino Melaye, Senate ad hoc Committee on Media and Publicity

“T

he first criterion is using constitutional provisions as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as a fundamental procedure for the screening of ministerial nominees.

“Section 120 of the Standing Rules of the Senate states that the Senate shall not

consider the nomination of any person, who has held any public office as contained in Part 2 of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution prior to his nomination unless there is a written evidence that he has declared his assets and liabilities as required by Section 11(1) of Part 1 of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Such declaration shall be required for scrutiny by the senators. What this Section is saying is that every ministerial nominee must produce proof of compliance as required by the Constitution and the Rules of the Senate.

“You must declare your assets, and you must have a certificate of proof that you have declared your assets, and that you are given a certificate of proof by the Code of Conduct Bureau.

—Ita Enang, Special Assistant to President on National Assembly Matters

“T

he senate is the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and it is free to set its criteria for the screening of the nominees appearing before it “Our job is to make sure that we work with the respective senators and the nominees tomake sure that the senators are satisfied and agree with the nomination “We will not dispute with the senate what they want because it absolutely lies in the heart and mind of the respective and distinguished senators to determine what questions to ask.”

‘No pushover among Buhari’s ‘Return of herdsmen to Falae’s farm, attack on Yorubaland’ ministerial nominees’ — Dr Chris Ngige, former governor of Anambra State and one of the ministerial nominees

— Dr Kunle Olajide, spokesman of Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE)

“I

f you look at the list very critically, you will observe that Mr. President wants to go his voyage with people who have cognate experience in governance.

“When I say cognate experience, we are talking of people who have been tested, tried and trusted by their various people.

“So I don’t think Nigerians should expect anything less than what Mr. President is already doing from that team.

“The team will help Mr. President to deliver on most of the promises he made to Nigerian people, in fact much more quicker than is even envisaged because I

don’t think there is anybody on that list that you can call a pushover in terms of government business.”

“F

alae’s abduction was sequel to the running battles he has had with these Fulani herdsmen, who invaded his farmland and destroyed his produce.”

“The return of the herdsmen is a declaration of war on Yoruba “Falae’s abduction is a continuation of attacks which these herdsmen have unleashed on our people over the years “We cannot afford to leave our people at the mercy of violence of these herdsmen who came to destroy their economic rights and kill them “We demand immediate end to lawless cattle gazing in Yorubaland and ask all those who want to engage in cattle business to do animal husbandry, to establish ranches as our people are no longer prepared to allow further encroachment on their farmlands.”

16

October 10, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

OCTOBER 10, 2015

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Registry marriage: How secure is your ‘legal’ union?

Eric Elezuo

C

hiamaka was finally convinced that something was wrong with her marriage after what she heard and witnessed in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bamidele. That was the last straw that broke the carmel’s back. Her friends had joked about it in their various chit chats, and like how she feels, it was a joke she and her friends laughed over and moved ahead.

During one of those chit chats at her office in Victoria Island, one of her friends, simply known as Bose, had told everyone with a glean in her smiles that she is secured in her home, so secured that she can never be taken for granted.

When asked why she was so confident.

She replied that she wedded her husband at the registry, and has the marriage certificate in her hallowed custody.

Her friends attempt to claim the same security having been married both traditionally and religiously was rebuffed

by Bose, who tactically schooled them on the legitimacy and legality of court and registry marriage over and above every other so called system of marriage, especially in recognition.

Chiamaka was to make head out of tail of the whole situation when he barged into Mr. and Mrs. Bamidele, reveling in a heated argument. Mrs. Bamidele had threatened to leave the marriage if things continue the way they are, taking her alimony with her. Mr. Bamidele’s response chilled her to her marrows the same way it must have shocked Mrs. Bamidele, and reopened a lost chapter in her life.

“Which marriage? Where is the marriage and what stupid alimony? Did I ever take you to the registry or court?

Foolish woman! Any day you are ready

to leave, go ahead with the miserable ecolac box you came here with,” Bamidele spat.

Chiamaka, like many other women, was wedded in the church after her traditionally marriage in her village. There was no court or registry marriage follow-up. In her mind, she believed she was doomed, as she could lay no tangible claim to the relationship. In her dazed stance, she went home and engaged her husband in a long talk, pressurizing the man to agree to a court wedding, the fact that their marriage is already four years notwithstanding.

At the end of every marriage ceremony conducted in the courts or the registry, the marriage certificate is traditionally and symbolically handed over to the woman, who is sternly advised to take custody of it, and use it as she deems fit.

In other words, it is said that the paper determines how secured the future of

the relationship is, and the holder can take far reaching decisions.

The scenario technically places in the hands of the woman the power to terminate the marriage when she wishes, or possibly threatens its end either genuinely or to achieve a purpose. Not only that, she automatically gets the express privilege to lay claim to whatever the man owns in the event of divorce or death in the proportion wholly allocated to according to the laws of the land wherein the certificate is issued, which vary.

Many Nigerian women, and indeed world over, have come to the realization that the marriage contracted based on native customs and practices or religious, does not have enough muscle to sustain them in terms of tribulation, and so the find solace in the government most approved system of marriage which is the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

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OCTOBER 10, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Husband’s checkmate, wife’s security?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

court of registry marriage.

While the traditional marriage is the locally held ceremony where native rites are performed, and parents and families of intending couple pledge their support to the union, collect bride price (wealth) and give their blessings, the religious marriage church (white) or Nikkai (as it is called in the Islamic world), involves religious leaders, who invariably solemnized a developed union, giving it a spiritual touch thereby legalizing the couples’ participation in issues of marital importance in the church or the religious circle. They also issue certificates to authenticate the action, but how far the certificate can go when the situation gets tough remains the bone of contention.

When Saturday Mirror accosted Chiamaka, asking to know why she attached so much importance to court or registry marriage to the extent of creating a scene while pressurizing her husband to tow her line, even as the man has done the supposedly needful, both in the village and in the church, she responded with wholesome seriousness saying that those were not enough.“My brother, those are not enough to guarantee a woman’s security. I have seen women who have been treacherously dealt with even with marriage certificates granted by the church as well as traditional bond strictly in place. The courts and registry are the best if one actually seeks marital security,” she responded.

The case of Chiamaka is now predominant among women who are informed, especially the educated ones. They seem not to be satisfied with just bringing parents together to agree on a union or getting pastors or any other religious leader involved, but need something more legally binding or constitutionally relevant, capable of standing the test of time when the need arises. This is to allow them seek redress should there arise issues of legitimacy from any quarter, especially among family members of the husband.

Mrs. Ohioma Izunna lives in Enugu, lives in Eugu and had been married for three years. She told Saturday Mirror that the issue/registry marriage did not really mean anything to her until she witnessed how a family member whose husband just passed on was treated by the husband’s family.

“I was married in the church after my traditional marriage. My husband never mentioned registry or court marriage before or even after the marriage ceremonies, and I did not care until I was privileged to witness firsthand the treatment my sister-in-law went through in the hands of her husband’s relatives at the death of her husband of 14 years. It was horrible. No one gave her access to what her man owned. I made up my mind right

Anita and Paul Okoye of PSquare

Tinsel Star Iretiola Doyle’s daughter, Bimbo got married on Saturday July 12th at a court wedding that held at the Ikoyi Registry in Lagos.

away to give a legal backing to my marriage by cautiously dragging my husband to the registry; a feat I achieved just nine months ago,” she narrated She added that it is not every man that feels obligated or remembers to write a will either because of ‘egoistic value or the feeling of foreboding’ that it comes with.

If men are actually at the receiving end, why then do they succumb to pressure of solemnizing marriages in the courts or registry as the case may be?

Mrs. Loveth Elochukwu, a sociologist and proprietor of Tender Hearts Orphanage, explained that certain factors are responsible, and these range from extreme love for the woman, overbearing nature of the woman and of course threat. She

added that most men, in their true nature, and knowledgeable about what it means will not ordinarily subject themselves to court or registry marriage.

“Courts or registry marriage is a woman’s affair; it is her sole security over the man and for herself. Most men know while some ignorantly follow suit.

Though no one prays for a damaged or death interrupted marriage, it is imperative to note that court or registry marriage certificate places in the hands of the woman all she needs to either claim alimony in case of divorce or a chunk or all the man’s property in event of death of the male party. All in all, the woman has all to gain with court or registry issued certificate,” she said.

Mr. Samuel Agbarakwe, a building ma-

terials dealer at Odun Ade, Orile, said he understood the nitty gritty of the whole issue, but did it with his two eyes open, without pressure from anybody, citing the need to travel out of the country some ay as his reason for embarking on such adventure. He said he considered that in the event of travelling out of the country, such certificate will be weightier than any other in its category.

“Court or registry marriage certificate come in handy when one wishes to to travel abroad, especially with the family.

Apart from that, you won’t catch me dead in the registry for marriage,” he said.

A colleague of his, who contributed, but gave his name as simply Nonso, declared that any woman that tries to make him go to the registry or courts for marriage will receive his red card, saying that such woman has ulterior motive.

“It is either such a woman wants to kill you or has plans to cut the marriage in other to claim the man’s property. It is a case of reaping where one did not sow. Whether to go to the registry or not should be the man’s sole decision, and not the woman’s,” he said.

However, a Catholic Priest at the Holy Child Catholic Church, around church bus stop, Okokomaiko, who do not wish his name in print, debunked the claim that church marriage certificate is of little value when it matters most, saying that the Catholic church, for instance, is a world acclaim establishment, and whatever union they bring together is authentic. He said he can’t speak for other churches, especially those ‘mushroom churches’ springing up at random.

“Catholic church marriage certificate is strong and able, anytime, anywhere. It can be presented for whatever purposes, and it will be recognized. I don’t know of other Pentecostal churches, especially those mushroom ones at every corner of the metropolis,” he said.

At the Ojo Marriage Registry, PPL bus stop, along Badagry Expressway, Bolanle Thomas, described the hype for registry marriage as uncalled for, saying that as the name signifies, it is a medium of aggregating the number of known marriages in a particular location at a particular time. She noted that the essence is to make a well rounded plan for the locality, especially the home front.

“There is really nothing so extra-ordinary about registry marriage if not for the registration and authentication of marriages in a particular locality at a particular time, so that appropriate plans can be made for the people,” she said.

She however, added that since it is for the authentication of marriages, it is therefore, imperative and necessary for any serious minded couple or intending couple to get involved. But whether it is a woman’s sword of Damocles against the man, Thomas said it depends on the person’s frame of mind as the only reason for going into marriage is to love your partner, and live together till death do them part.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

OCTOBER 10, 2015

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Poliomyelitis: Have we really kicked out this monster?

Until now, Nigeria was one of only three countries in the world on the ignoble list of polio endemic countries. To be removed from the list, a country must have no polio for at least one year. And to be declared polio free, the World Health Organisation needs to certify that the country has had no new cases of the wild poliovirus reported for three successive years. But now that Nigeria has been removed from endemic countries, experts have said it is not yet time to celebrate, but they should just maintain the momentum, writes JULIET UMEH.

O

nly God understands the traumatic experience of parents of polio-infected children, but certainly, a mother’s spirit will sink low because of the added burden of managing polio children.

The feelings of parents of the 10-month-old baby boy, who hails from Sumaila Local Government, Kano, whose case was the last recorded July 2014, without doubt, may not be an exception, but theirs was unique because it marked the end of troublesome cases of polio in Nigeria till date.

Not only has Nigeria achieved one year without poliovirus record but has been declared free of transmission of polio by World Health Organisation, (WHO) leaving just two countries in the world where the virus is still regularly spreading: Pakistan and Afghanistan.

“The outstanding commitment and efforts that got Nigeria off the endemic list must continue, to keep Africa polio-free. We must now support the efforts in Pakistan and Afghanistan so they soon join the polio-free world,” said WHO director-general Dr. Margaret Chan.

On hearing the latest news of Nigerian current status, parents especially mothers

by Governor Nasiru El Rufia, and Lagos, administered by Governor Akinwumi Ambode, will have less headache about how to control the population of mostly the physically challenged on wheelchairs who seek for arms day and night.

Speaking further on the social implication of polio eradication in the country, Dr. Paul Dike, a medical practitioner at National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, said: “All these people you see that cannot

heaved a sigh of relief. In Idimu, a sub-urban Lagos, Amina Ahmed’s countenance radiated joy and inside her heart was seated gladness, if her unusual show friendliness to everybody is considered. This mother of two daughters, continually betray happiness while the conversation between her and Saturday Mirror lasted. The source of her joy was not far-fetched, Fatima, three years and Aisha one year, both, her children are healthy and growing unlike her co-wife back home in Kano, whose12year-old son suffered polio virus because of negligence on the part of his parents.

“I was meticulous about my children’s immunisation. My daughters were given the five vaccines and I’m glad they are doing fine and there are no issues,” Ahmed said giggling.

Not only Ahmed will be in high spirit because of the victory in health sector of the country, but some new governors of some states that frowned at the presence of an army of polio sufferers on major highways that beg for alms. However, the great news means that major streets and roads in Nigeria lined by beggars will drastically reduce and governors of states, where begging was recently banned, like Kaduna, ruled

walk have paralysis due to polio. Most of them you see around Ikeja use automated chairs; they are the people causing social hazards.

“The social implication is enormous. It means everybody is free to move around to pursue their own life ambition while beggars and dependants are reduced. If we have four or five people that are paralysed, the family is in trouble and you can’t be happy. In those days, they will think it is witchcraft, but these days, science has proved that it is not witchcraft, but polio is the cause. So the social implication is that Nigeria is free from the burden of these dependants and a lot of disabled people are now free to pursue their own ambition and live their independent lives,” Dr Dike said.

Polio, an infectious disease caused by a virus which invades the nervous system and causes irreversible paralysis can strike at any age, but it mainly affects children under five. Polio vaccine, given multiple of times, can protect a child for life and as long as a single child remains infected with polio, unvaccinated children in all countries are at risk.

In the past years, polio was a thorn in the flesh of Nigerians. From research, Nigeria is one of the most entrenched reservoirs of wild poliovirus in the world. It is the only country with ongoing transmission of all three serotypes: wild poliovirus Type 1, wild poliovirus Type 3, and circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus Type 2. States in the North of the country are the main source of polio infections than elsewhere in Nigeria.

In 2009, operational improvements in these northern states led to a 90 per cent decline in cases of wild poliovirus Type 1 and a 50 per cent decline in overall cases compared with 2008. Nigeria recorded tremendous achievements in 2013 with at least 58 per cent reduction in the number of WPV1 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

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OCTOBER 10, 2015

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Is it time to celebrate end of polio?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

cases compared to 2012. There was no case of WPV3 in 2013 with the last WPV3 case in November 2012. Overall, there has also been a 50 per cent reduction in the number of infected LGA in 2013 compared to 2012 with the geographical restriction of cases to four states (Borno, Yobe, Kano and Bauchi) accounting for 84 per cent of the total cases in 2013.

Nigeria reported six cases of polio in 2014. Commitment from all levels and a series of innovative strategies are dramatically increasing the number of children reached with vaccines. Between February 2013 and January 2014, the number of highest-risk districts meeting targets for vaccine coverage jumped from 51 per cent to more than 80 per cent.

Thank God, from July 2014 to date, no case of polio virus has been recorded from all parts of the country. But, it is not uhuru yet or time to celebrate, experts have warned. However, Nigeria will only be certified polio-free by the World Health Organisation, WHO, in 2017, provided it maintains its zero case status, strengthens its surveillance system, improves routine immunisation and maintains high quality campaigns.

Although achieving the removal from one of the polio endemic countries is good but it is however just one of the hurdles the country needs to surmount before being certified polio- free in 2017, because with the 122 cases of polio virus in 2012, Nigeria was reported the leader in the world for cases of polio and declared a global polio epicentre.

But Chairman Nigerian National Polio Plans Committee, Dr Tunji Funsho, has said that it is not yet time to celebrate, rather he called for will power to sustain the effort for at least two years to make sure that the country is totally free. Recollecting how the feat was achieved he said: “One of the ways we have surmounted the early challenges is by going flat out educating our communities through traditional and religious leaders and our Rotary members across the country to speak to people and educate them about the need and safety of polio vaccine. This is just the beginning, we have to ensure that we continue what we have been doing and expect that if we don’t have further challenges for two years, it is only then that WHO can use the criteria to certify us polio-free,” he said in an interview.

He continued: “If we sustain our routine immunisation activities and ensure that our surveillance system is robust, not only for Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP), a symptom you get in children who have polio, but also in ensuring that we have no live viruses in our environment. We have 40 areas now where samples are taken to ensure that there is no more polio virus in our environment,” he said.

But, with high expectation, the immediate past Minister of State for Health, Fidelis Nwankwo, said, “Our eyes are on the prize, but this is the most critical time in the programme. Because the stakes are so

high, we know that the eyes of the world are on us all to deliver and there is no room for complacency until we achieve eradication in 2017. We are far from there yet. We’re really excited by the historic progress that has been made here in Nigeria. However, we can’t get distracted by this progress.

We are now looking ahead to our next challenge, which is to sustain the momentum on an emergency footing until 2017, with strong government oversight and continued levels of funding, so that Nigeria can hit the three-year mark with no cases, and finally eradicate this crippling disease.”

In a press release by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Abuja, in collaboration with its partners, on one year without polio in Nigeria, it is stated that “all-out” effort toward eradication of polio was launched in Nigeria with focused attention, resources and activities on the remaining polio strongholds of the country, particularly the northern states. Special approaches were developed in the security compromised areas, including a focus on reaching the internally displaced populations.

“We recognise that it will only be through strong commitment, coordination under-pinned by accountability that Nigeria will be in a position to stop transmission and sustain the gains through to eradication in 2017.

“Today, we are looking forward to 2017.

We remain committed to finding concrete and sharp solutions to overcome the remaining bottlenecks until we achieve eradication in this country. We recognise the need to sustain and re-double our efforts to ensure every child is reached,” (NPHCDA), Dr. Ado J. G. Muhammad, Executive Director of National Primary Health Care Development Agency declared.

Also responding to the country’s feat on maintaining a clean slate for a virus that has caused constant nuisance in the country, Dr. Dike confirmed the efforts put in place by the Federal Government to control polio. “There has been free polio immunisation. It has been a programme which the Federal Government has been doing for a long time and they have external support like grants from Bill Gate. He has been supporting them heavily to make sure that the polio is controlled,” he said.

“The only problem we had were some areas in the North where there was some

resistance against immunisation. Some of them felt that when you are immunised, you are going to be sterile. Some of them were opposed to it. But I think there has been acceptance of immunisation generally. So that has contributed to the reduction in the incidence of polio in Nigeria and if polio has been controlled for more than one year, that means the chain of transmission has been broken,” Dr Dike said.

Lagos State University Teaching Hospital medical practitioner, Dr Yahaya Sadaat, also agreed with Dr Dike that for the country to have gone this far in the achievement, it means there is more awareness and general acceptance. “You find out that in those days like in Kano, they said it made them sterile and then they told their people not to go for immunisation and that was why people from their area started having polio.”

She however revealed another heartwarming reason for the feat. “The awareness was more and there’s an improvement in the storage procedure. Perhaps, our cold chain is improved because if you don’t store the vaccine well and if the temperature should go down that is the end of that vaccine. That means they must have done well with cold chain; the place where they keep the vaccines for transporting it from place to place, otherwise any child taking it will look like s/he is taking ordinary water.

“To sustain the feat, we should still continue the awareness whereby every child should be immunised at the right time, because most of them were not taking the vaccine. Then some people said it was against Islam so they should still continue the awareness because it is for their own good.

“People at the grassroots should be encouraged and educated on the advantages; they should make those things more affordable and accessible. They should have them in the health centre,” she advised.

As a mother, Dr Yahaya also advocated on behalf of working mothers, saying that they should be allowed to go for their children’s immunisation. “Things like that will encourage people to go for the vaccine,” she said.

Also speaking in the same vein, Dr Olu Funsho also advocated that very strong surveillance system is very important.

“If we can maintain this for another two years and no polio case is witnessed in the country, then we will simply say that as far as Nigeria is concerned, we are out of the worst and we can now wait for other countries to be certified polio-free before we can start relaxing, because as long as any child in the world succumbs to polio, then no child in the world is safe,” he added.

Professor Oyewale Tomori, president, Nigerian Academy of Science also added his voice. The pioneer Vice-Chancellor at the Redeemer’s University, Nigeria said Nigeria still has some distance to go to polio free status. It must be continuously stressed that the end of polio is only in sight and at the end of a two year tunnel.

“For the country to achieve a polio free status, it requires two things: a sustained political commitment to polio eradication and a massive operation with adequate funding and meticulous co-ordination. Nigeria’s progress against polio over the last few years has been a combination of this grand coordination and attention to smallscale detail. All levels of government need to implement routine immunisation. Insecurity in the northeast part of the country has left many settlements in the area inaccessible to health workers. Access to these areas will be critical,” he said.

“Nigeria cannot afford to be complacent,” Prof. Tomori said, adding that the current government must build on the achievement of the past government and sustain political commitment to eradicating not only polio and controlling other infectious diseases that still plague the country. Adequate funding must be provided to sustain and expand the operations of emergency operations centres to every state, with adequate funding and management by qualified staff.

The Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, has however, pledged that his administration will do everything to ensure that there are no new reported cases. He made this known to the public at an event held to celebrate the landmark. He however, called on state governors, traditional and religious leaders, the private sector and mothers and fathers to redouble their efforts to ensure that every child and every newborn is vaccinated with the polio vaccine and other life-saving routine vaccines.

For Nigeria to consolidate on the current achievement in the fight against the scourge, experts have maintained that it is important that all countries, in particular, those with frequent travel and contacts with polio-affected countries and areas, strengthen surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis cases in order to rapidly detect any new virus importation and to facilitate a rapid response. Maybe if this warning is heeded, Nigeria may be free, lay polio to final rest, say bye-bye and never again.

Entervaganza

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14 sexolutions (for ladies only) P.32

Relationships Are Nigerian men romantic?

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... rocking Nollywood

c My maiden PAGE

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

OCTOBER 10, 2015

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movie will shock Nollywood

—Judith Audu

Just like Genevieve is currently wrapping up the post production of Road To Yesterday, her maiden movie, her colleague, Judith Audu is also doing the same for her own maiden movie, Just Not Married, and she declared to OSEYIZA OOGBODO that JNM is going to set the standard for movie making in Nigeria.

What’s the latest about you?

I should be getting on a production next week. I’m also working on the post production of my movie, Just Not Married. It’s being edited by Oluseyi Asurf, and I’m working on a TV show by the side whenever I get a free time.

What’s the difference for you between producing a short movie and a full length film?

There is a lot of difference. The main one is the length of the film. Short films are 30 minutes or less. Some people say 45 minutes or less. Full length films are longer than 45 minutes. Some run into 3 hours even. They have more financial implications, cast, crew, logistics, etc. A full length film is more demanding and it is a totally different ball game from a producer’s perspective.

What’s different about Just Not Married that will stand it out?

Well, it’s a very simple story that developed in the direction that a lot of people will not see coming. It’s a different story, it’s original and it’s unique.

What are your plans for the release? Can it compete in the cinemas or its straight to DVD? I believe Just Not Married can compete in cinemas. We have a lot of plans for the movie, and we will communicate to you when we are done and ready to share that information.

Producers say they don’t make their money back on their movies. Will you?

That is my prayer at the end of the day.

What’s your plan to prevent pirates from feasting on it?

We would do our best to protect the movie and pray it keeps the pirates away.

You do so many things. How do you create time for them all?

I prioritise them, that way I can easily allocate time based on level of importance and then find a balance to be able to successfully do all I set aside to do, so far it has been working just fine.

Nollywood does not seem to be as popular as before because of Telemundo and Zee World. Do you agree?

Maybe soap operas, but movies are still popular and even the soap operas have their loyal fans just like Telemundo and Zee World.

Many of your actress colleagues are singing. Do you plan to do so too?

I can’t sing to save my life! That’s how bad my singing voice is. So it’s a no for me. But most of my colleagues are blessed with very lovely voice to sing so why not? But for me, I can’t simply

To be able to make back my money and make profit as well.

because I don’t have talent in that area.

What are your plans?

For the remaining part of the year, I’m still hoping to get casted in a very good feature film with a good production outfit. And hopefully my movie should be ready in November.

I may still get to shoot the TV show before the year runs out or it will be shot in January and my radio show, Meet the Actor with Judith Audu, on Igroove Radio will be a year in November, so I’m looking forward to a FUN show with my colleagues.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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08036961187 kingseiza@gmail.com

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Oseyiza Oogbodo

Ubi Franklin steals Iyanya’s thunder manager. And basically as Iyanya’s n ow kn me ca be n bi Frankli ys, he’s make of that. And nowada us ca be w no s ou fam he’s very t. re than his star clien ing the news even mo . And this week He slamming The adies for ws ne the in s wa he Last week, ing because people st below which is trend po ram tag Ins his for is in the news otional words. to him posting the em been are wondering what led post began. “God has ht into my books,” the aig str go ll even t wi r ou e yea “This made sure I cam ed this year and God en pp ha lot A . me to so kind better. the next stronger and much stronger and moved to s is that no matter how thi e to realise in all of com ve ha to say I nd ng sta thi ll ne sti “O world, he will line for anyone in this the on t on pu life d r foo you t the pu you I hustle hard for ow me, you know me. t kn tha you g If hin l. ryt evi n eve pla or bring to reality people and ask God to the table. I believe in jokers and jobis in my head. try is filled with a lot of us ind t en nm tai ter en le artists that buy “The Nigeria l fake dreams to gullib sel d an e iev bel o wh n. I respect everyless individuals born of another woma is t tha n ma no r fea I these dreams. will keep doing that. nk one I come across and where all who you thi than Death and that’s l rfu we po n’t Iyanya, Emma Nyra and Franklin re do mo so is h e “No on 1% of his wealt one will ever give you No ds. up en k th loo ear to on e you are being the on in this world to keep be ll wi e am I /sh t. he en t fer tha depend led and also be dif e that road less travel ween to. I have decided to tak s life. This distance bet thi in g you are and more hin n’t Do ryt r. eve eve for for e ing com ong men are gon very close. A lot of str is e ty liv ver to po w d ho an le on sty life ays advice you be here forever to alw na gon is e yon an nk thi your life. Be smart.”

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Mursty Adinoyi celebrates birthday

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SD Entertainment has revealed Olamide, Olu Maintain, Shaydee, Styl Plus, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Sound Sultan, Aramide, Tony Tetuila and others as the headliners for the debut edition of its Greatest of All Times (GOAT) concert. The concert is set to hold on November 14th, 2015 at the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre.

Aimed at celebrating musicians who have made the most impact in Nigeria’s urbane music culture from the 90s, the GOAT concert will feature nostalgic and dazzling performances from old and new school artistes.

With a fusion of old and new music experiences, the GOAT concert promises to be the mother of all concerts. The concert will feature classic hits that ruled the airwaves from the 90s to date.

OSD Entertainment is an Omoyeni Disu initiative.

Adinoyi

M

ursty Adinoyi, popular presenter and producer of acclaimed TV magazine programme, Hitlist N Cruzin, was a year older during the week and he celebrated the occasion with a superlative bash as befitting of his status as one of Nigeria’s prominent entertainment personalities.

The bash, which held at his recently opened lavish office and studios, was attended by his close friends, family, colleagues and staff.

Speaking with E-News, he said, “I give all the thanks to God for making me see another birthday. He has been faithful and He keeps being faithful and I can’t just thank Him enough.

I also thank my beautiful wife, Roseline, for her unwavering support. She also observed her own birthday a few days before mine, so this celebration of mine is like a double celebration.”

Concluding, he thanked his family, staff, business partners and fans for their support and declared that everyone should watch out for Hitlist N Cruzin in a bigger form when he stars unleashing his latest plans for the highly successful programme.

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OCTOBER 10, 2015

CLASSICAL LYRICS

Male and female artists challenge world leaders … on women’s empowerment and justice

Some of the artists on Strong Girl Remix

O

n the eve of new Global Goals that will set the development agenda for a generation, the cream of Africa’s musical stars are proud to announce the release of a brand new remix of Strong Girl, the contagious anthem for women’s empowerment that first got the world dancing in May this year.

The mix of 14 male and female stars, in partnership with ONE, recorded the new version to show that women’s empowerment is a song that everyone – men, boys, girls and women – must sing together to amplify Strong Girl’s powerful message that poverty is sexist.

The artists are calling on all governments to place women and girls at the centre of global and national development commitments in 2015. This year the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) come to an end, and from September 25th the new Global Goals for Sustainable Development will come into force. These new goals will set the agenda for development for a generation, and could see us be “the great generation to end extreme poverty” as Nelson Mandela once said.

There have already been some signs of progress, with the African Union (AU) Heads of State Declaration committing to address the fact that poverty is sexist earlier this year. Now this remix has the 14 stars singing in chorus to ask world leaders to do the same and pledge to tackle the poverty of sexism which affects the entire

planet.

Actress Omotola, who supported the original version, the remix and stars in the music video said: “This remix shows Strong Girl is a song to be played on repeat, because the message of lifting up girls and women cannot be played enough and is relevant across the globe. We know that in 18 nations men can legally stop wives working and in 46 there are no laws protecting women from domestic violence. To change this situation it is important to have men and women stand together to call for an end to the violations of women.”

Remixing Strong Girl with female and male artists not only amplifies the song’s powerful message that when you focus on women you help everyone, it shows that men and women must join forces to ensure that we have strong girls and women everywhere.

Strong Girl was originally written and recorded by Arielle T, Blessing, Gabriela, Judith Sephuma, Selmor Mtukudzi, Vanessa Mdee, Victoria Kimani, Waje and Yemi Alade in April, and released on May 13th.

The remix features D’Banj, Diamond, Banky W and was produced by Cobhams Asuquo, and keeps many elements of the original song. Bono, lead singer of U2 and co-founder of ONE, also appears on the track as a backing vocalist.

“Being a part of this new version was an honour,” said D’Banj. “It’s important

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

for me to use my music to help change the world, especially for those who need our voice the most. This remix is amazing.

I want every one of my fans to dance to this tune, and dance for women’s empowerment and call for gender justice too!”

This effort is part of ONE’s Poverty is Sexist campaign, which calls on world leaders to implement smart policies and targeted investments in the health, education and economic empowerment of women and girls can unleash their human, social, political and economic potential.

Women’s empowerment truly is an issue for the entire world, and is inextricably tied to the fight against extreme poverty. But when you empower girls and women, you give global growth and justice a turbo boost.

At the August press conference in Lagos announcing the remix, Bono, lead singer of U2 and co-founder of ONE, said, “The women who sing it are extraordinary. What’s going on is way bigger than the song or any individual on it. It’s just extremely humbling to know that whilst men are part of the problem, they can also be part of the solution.”

Nigeria is a key country for this to happen in, with strong influence on the continent and some good examples of progress, such as the Lagos Pact to bring more women into politics. However it also has some areas that drastically need improving.

Lorry

Artist: Chidinma featuring MI Continued from last week Woni won pe mo si win Woni won pe mo lano Woni won pe Sheri we pe mo need lati sa fesu Soou ojojomo Mo need lati gbowo wo le Awon temi kiya Won ma sarey wo le Emi gan Lolori omo jaiye jaiye Eni binu ko lo sorimole Ko de kon aiye Woni pe mo kere Gbo gbo tin ma sare Tin ba duro alatimi eh ma keh Buyaka buyaka o loke … gbos 21 salute loke … gbos … wait Hustle don pay Hustler l’omo on a rampage Ma money in a 9MI) Nowadays Dem dey pay us for content People wan dey hear me speak about concept To so many people I be God-sent Nothing nobody can do cos I’m wanted Might spend a weekend in Johannesburg Just ******** That is just how we roll in our parish How we eclipse dem all with no malice Used to be inside bus we would manage Just bought a brand new car for my manager Money in lorry Rest in the trailer The balance in container No more can I say ma … say ma MI Chorus My money in a My money in a My money in a lorry I dey give god the glory Dey still dey dey worry I no get time for story We be getting money all day We be getting money all day We be getting money all day We be getting money all day … money all day Money in a lorry … lorry, lorry, lorry My money in a lorry I dey give god the glory… glory, glory Dey still dey dey worry I no get time for story We getting money all day Miss Kedike Concluded

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

OCTOBER 10, 2015

news

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Sofowote lives on through GCF Iquo Diana Abasi reciting a tribute poem to the late Sofowote

Sofowote

W

ith the passing away of the founder/chief executive facilitator of Glowing Channels Foundation (GCF), Motunlayo Adefunke Sofowote, the organization could not stage its annual concert last year, the first time in its 17 years of existence.

But GCF appears to have woken up from its slumber, with its recent outing in memory of its departed founder.

The late music and arts impresario, Motunlayo Adefunke Sofowote, must have been pleased to see one of her last wishes being fulfilled.

One year after shepassed away in Spain, after battling with cervical cancer for almost three years, GCF has moved on, by staging a special concert on October 1st at the Main Auditorium, University of Lagos, in line with her wish that the show should go on after her demise.

As in previous years, an array of established and budding talents thrilled the patrons of the concert with music and dance performances, as well as poetry recitals.

Though the attendance was poor, compared to previous concerts, the audience was delighted by performances put up by composer, singer and soloist Yinka Davies; singer, composer and pianist Femi Ogunronbi; and Abuja-based mechanical engineer, mathematician and shipbuilder, Meche Ekechukwu, who entertained them with Italian classical and English contemporary music.

Others who performed are Johnpaul Ochei, Ibukun Kafaru, Seye Aluko, Roli Afinotan, Kelechi Sunday Nwuko, Fatima Anyekenam, Iquo Diana Abasi, Cella Fusi, Jojo, Notes and Tones, Footprints of David, and the Ibadi Dance Troupe.

The audience cheered, as artist after artist, and group after group appeared on stage to entertain them. It was, generally, an evening of classical, choral, hymnal, instrumental and highlife music, spiced

Notes & Tones’ performance

with poetry recitals.

In his brief remarks, the chairman of this year’s show, Olusegun Ajanlekoko, showered some praises on members of the foundation for not only continuing the legacy of the late Sofowote, but also for putting up a good show.

Ajanlekoko, who is also the Managing Partner of CEP Nigeria Ltd and immediate past president of Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), said the concert is not only an occasion to remember the noble deeds of the late Sofowote, but to swing in it.

The organizers however believe that their best is yet to come. A member of GCF’s Board of Trustees, Akin Orebiyi, said the number of groups and persons featuring on the show would be reduced in subsequent years, to cut down on time and provide more fun and entertainment.

He added: “We’re going to concentrate on the variety and quality of what we feature, not the number of artists we’re able to showcase. From next year, we’re going to flesh it up with one or two drama pieces and we will also make sure that

we concentrate on the type of music that would lift peoples’ spirits, so that they would be bubbling with joy as they are leaving the show.”

The late Sofowote inaugurated GCF late in 2009 to ensure that the yearly charity concert organized by her since 1999 under the aegis of Glowing Channels Ventures outlives her. This was at a time she had no idea she was going to take ill.

According to Orebiyi, she just felt that it was more proper to put a system in place that could continue even when is not around. But the foundation could not get its act together that year and she had to step in to rescue the show not only in 2009, but 2010, 2012 and 2013.

He said it was only after her death last year that it dawned on them that this is an assignment or a duty that has been bequeathed to them. Orebiyi said they also recognized that there is nothing loftier for any human being who has been bequeathed with a lofty legacy to continue in that tradition and even raise the bar in that respect.

“That’s why we came together this

year to see what we can do. She died on Thursday, September 18th, 2014 and was buried on October 2nd, 2014 in Lubeck, Germany. We could have had a concert last year, but because of the little time we had between October and December, it was not possible. So, this year, we felt we should do it in October to coincide with the first anniversary of her funeral.”

Orebiyi, who studied drama, with a specialization in play production and play directing, said the foundation is facing a number of challenges with regards to the organization of the concert. His words: “First of all, Mrs. Sofowote has developed the concert into a brand. A brand woven specifically around her personality and individuality. Therefore it was a challenge for us to be able to reach out to people in her absence. People doubted whether we can continue the show in her absence.

“In fact, people still find it difficult to come to terms with her departure and to picture a Glowing Channels concert without Funke Sofowote on stage. It still hasn’t jelled yet. So, we have that challenge when we try to reach out to people. We could still see some kind of reticence. This affected the attendance this year. In subsequent years, apart from those who have been attending the concert over the years, we hope to attract new faces to the show.”

This has also affected its charity projects for the year 2016. Glowing Channels’ charity projects are financed primarily from the gate-takings, as well as the proceeds from sale of raffle tickets.

But, there was no raffle draw during the last concert. As a result, Orebiyi said charity projects might not feature next year. But, he is optimistic that things will pick up in the second year of running the show under the aegis of the foundation.

Sofowote took ill towards the end of 2011, when she was preparing for the annual charity concert. She was initially treated at the EKO Hospital, Lagos, and she managed to continue with her show that year and the subsequent year. But, in May 2013, the cancer relapsed and she was taken to Germany and later Spain for further treatment.

Orebiyi said it is quite impossible to enumerate all the legacies left behind by the late Sofowote, but he added that the Glowing Channels Charity Concert embodies some of the qualities she actually possessed.

“To have run the show for 15 years, almost singlehandedly, is a remarkable achievement and it is an indication of the talents she possessed. I can’t find the words to capture all the legacies Mrs. Sofowote has left behind, because I’m very certain she touched people in many ways,” he said.

The late Sofowote was no doubt a woman of many parts. Among other things, she was a writer, singer, a dedicated amateur photographer, administrator, organizer, a trainer in corporate practice and etiquette, an impresario, motivational speaker and the founder/president of Glowing Channels’ Foundation. The foundation is a nonprofit organization that has been giving in various ways in the past 17 years, particularly by providing succour to the less privileged in society.

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Agony of celebrity couple Bolatito Ladoja Idakula, daughter of the billionaire ex-Governor of Oyo State, is married to popular singer, Bez Idakula. Taking a bold step, she disclosed to the world recently that her first child died just 24 hours after birth and she wrote about the pain of it to encourage others who might be in a similar situation.

I

t is so odd, writing about the loss of a child, you fear that the words can never fully express the pain and the gravity of the situation. But I don’t mean to just express my pain and loss. I mean to show God’s power and love even in the darkest days.

I come from a culture of silence, where speaking about certain issues is almost taboo. One of the most-kept secrets is when a woman loses a child, no one talks about it and it is almost like it never happened. People only speak about it when the woman has another child or they find out that you have lost a child. I fall in the category of the latter. I gave birth to my beautiful daughter on the 2nd of March 2015 and she passed away on the 3rd of March 2015 after 42 weeks pregnancy.

I remember my experience and every time, I marvel at the power of God to give unimaginable peace. I found out on the 22nd of January 2015 that my daughter had a condition called congenital diaphragmatic hernia; an extremely rare condition in which the diaphragm does not fully develop and has a hole. The diaphragm is the organ that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. When it has a hole, it leaves space for the organs in the abdomen including the stomach, liver and kidneys to go into the chest cavity. This means they take up space meant for the organs in the chest cavity and barely leave room for them to grow.

In my daughter’s case, her heart ended up being pushed to the right and her lungs barely developed. In fact she only had one lung and that was almost undeveloped. The summary of this, they told me, is that once she was born, she won’t be able to breathe on her own due to lack of lungs and the positioning of the heart. The ironic part is the fact that as they spoke I could feel her kicking and turning.

This made it very difficult for me to understand what they were saying and they emphasised to me that I was keeping her alive through my placenta. They emphasized that once she was brought into the world, she

Bolatito and Bez

had less than a 15% chance of survival only achievable with intense medical intervention. She was also a very small baby and so there was a limit to how much her body would be able to take even with intervention.

They literally told me she was going to die.

Now as a Christian, I only knew one thing. I had FAITH. My faith was that God would perform a miracle that’ll shock them. They only knew medicine but they didn’t know my God. Jesus woke Lazarus up from death after 3 days in the grave. Jesus Christ said that faith of a mustard seed could move mountains and I TRULY believe that. My faith was completely childlike and I prayed every day that God would perform a miracle for me. I asked God to shame the forces of evil that wanted to hurt my daughter and take her away. I called on my church, family and my husband and I told those closest to us to join us in prayer and I documented the process with videos so I could share my testimony with the world. And my baby girl was so active, she would kick and turn when I prayed and took communion. She strengthened my faith.

When my daughter was born, after 14 hours in labour, I saw her try hard to take breaths but she couldn’t. I saw how beautiful she was in a few quick seconds before they had to take her to NICU to try to save her life. She was so small but so incredibly beautiful with SO MUCH HAIR!!! For some reason I cannot forget her beautiful head of hair. I truly believed when they took her away, they will come back to me with an apology for doubting my faith and they will realise she was completely healthy. I kept waiting for

them to come and give me the update and they eventually did. But contrary to my expectations, they came to tell me just how serious the situation was and how bad it looked. They had tried everything but it all seemed to have no effect. They were just going to monitor her for the next few days and see if she improved.

I knew when they said this that she was definitely going to improve. I am a believer in the word of God that says where there is life there is hope, so my hope did not wane for a second.

Even when the doctor came to call me that her case had deteriorated and I should come and spend some time with her, I thought it was because God needed me to be present for the miracle (lol… like God needs anyone’s help). So I was very excited to go and be with my baby girl. I will never forget entering the NICU room and seeing all the babies in their incubators and then I saw my baby girl with all types of wires on her while the Doctors were pressing her chest because her heart had stopped. She was so small and they could only use a few fingers to administer CPR and even then I knew she was going to be just fine. God waited 3 days to bring Lazarus back to life so my baby was definitely going to be fine.

I asked if I could carry her and they said yes. I put her close to my chest, and put my breast on her mouth and tried to make her suck but she just couldn’t because she didn’t have the strength, so I just held her close and talked to her and sang to her. I told her how much I loved her and how much I wanted to be her mum and how much I wanted to take her home with me. I begged God to please save my baby’s life. I told her to shame the Doctors and Nurses that told me she won’t make it through the night. My husband took pictures of us and I still look at those sometimes. He also took pictures with her and held her close and

just enjoyed having his daughter in his arms and I took pictures of them. I saw him become a Dad in the way he carried her and instructed me on carrying her and that was beautiful and comforting because I knew he was a wonderful father. As we spent time with her, the doctor and nurses kept coming to check her pulse and every time it seemed it was harder to find a pulse but that didn’t deter my faith.

Then I got really tired all of a sudden and I could barely keep my eyes open.

My husband was holding our daughter and somehow I drifted to sleep. I have no idea how many minutes I had been asleep for but it felt quite long but also quite short. I can’t explain it but I knew it was God who put me to sleep to avoid seeing the actual moment she passed away. When I woke up, my husband was still holding her but I immediately knew that my baby girl had gone home to heaven to be with her ultimate father and creator. I asked my husband and he told me she was completely cold and stiff in his hands and I was okay with it.

I still cannot explain how I did not run mad and how my heart was so calm. I just accepted it or maybe it was because a part of me still knew God could turn the situation around. We eventually called the Doctor and told her our baby girl was gone and she took her from my husband’s arms. We quietly went back to our room in complete silence; there was just nothing to say.

The reason I am sharing this is not because I want a pity party but because I want to share God’s love even in the midst of pain. I want to share His love NOW. A lot of times when we go through difficult moments as Christians, we seem to forget all about God and we just wait until times get good again before sharing our testimonies. We almost forget that it is God that holds us up when we could have broken down. It is God that sustains us and gives us the ability to move forward. I love the quote that says ‘until the doors of blessings open, praise God in the hallway.” A lot of people have marvelled at my husband and I’s ability to move forward so fluidly and so strongly but we are always quick to give God the Praise. My best friends kept asking me the question ‘are you sleeping now’ a few days after and I always laughed because sleep was not a problem.

God told me he expects me to share this with the world and not wait until the next baby dedication. He wants you to know that He remains God even when you are hurting and He is the Balm of Gilead. I acknowledge that this was not just by my strength, God sent us so many helpers and they truly built me up during the times when I got so low that I didn’t even know how to pray or read my bible. God really would not give you a challenge you cannot handle. I have complete confidence and peace in my heart and know that greater things are coming, but right now I just want to let the world know that God is ALWAYS good even while you wait. Praise Him always!

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Style & Glam

OCTOBER 10, 2015

le StyGlam

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and

with Yemisi Adeniran

(08037801158) ydiran@yahoo.com

Simply ir re sis t ible from

F

ashion today has go ne beyond conserva tism. It is very darin revealing which only g, the bold and the yo ung at heart can as with. They are colou so ciate rful and more dema nding to put togeth designers who are les er for s articulate and crea tive. But with all th mind, a 14 year old ese in Nigerian Tumisola La dega , more daring contemporaries has than her launched into this ne ed and come up with for only the bold lik a collection e her.

Tagged ‘Simply irres istible,’ she combine d African culture wi modernity for a tw th European ist that now made a catchy styles that conscious lady can re no fashion sist. “ I love to de sign outstanding outfi of rare taste,” she ts for ladies said.

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Style & Glam

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Fashion

D

o you wonder why maxi dresses seem to have remained glued to the fashion scene? The answer is not far-fetched. They are long flowing gowns which are very comfortable to wear, suit all shapes and sizes. Beside these is the fact that they are friendly with any fabric chosen by their wearer.

Even designers are never tired of experimenting with them because they come beautifully in any style carved out on them. As if this is not enough, maxi wears, whether as mere skirts or dresses are good for both formal and informal outings. For your informal dates, especially the elaborate ones, you just need to make them bogus and combine them with heels and adorable jewelleries to create an elegant look.

Maxi outfits are a choice of pregnant women because they offer them real comfort since the fabrics used for them are light and airy so they feel free fresh wearing them. They also can be worn during the day or for any of your night out in town.

They can also be made from any kind of material.

One good thing about maxi outfit is that they suit women of varied age groups, young or old, they make shorter women appear tall and slimmer women look sexier. Isn’t it clear that this fashion item is a must-have for all ladies?

Trend

Fashion

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n frenzy

OCTOBER 10, 2015

Style & Glam

dy maxis

n frenzy

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Fashion

OCTOBER 10, 2015

Guest G

I‘ ’ m i n l o v e ’ f l e s y m h t i w

Although Ebere Laz’s childhood ambition was to become an accountant later in life, she ended up as a fashion designer. Liking it still, she advised young ladies to always come to terms with their situations. “Life is not always in the ways we expect, what we are supposed to do especially as young girls is to face the challenges and gladly take the best life is willing to give us at a [particular time,” she told YEMISI ADENIRAN in this interview.

What informs your choice of work or was this what you have always loved to be?

As a child, I dreamt of becoming an accountant and be in the corporate world.

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Unfortunately, fate had something contrary and today I am a fashion designer. I lost my parents very early in life and the families I lived with then, couldn’t afford a university education for me, so, I couldn’t have this dream fulfilled. Along the line, I decided to learn a vocation which now ended up to be a fashion designing. I just discovered that I had a passion for it and I just ventured into it. Since I have been into it, I must tell you that there has been no regret.

How has the journey been?

At the initial stage, it was rough but you know because it was what I love to do, I could endure all the stress. Like I said, it was not what I wanted but when what I desired was not available, I decided to settle for what was available. That’s one lesson I would like ladies in my shoes to learn. Life comes in different folds, there are times when we get what we desire and there are other times when we don’t.

What we should do is to have a positive disposition to life. That way, we will be able to live our lives and make the best out of the worst.

How do you view fashion as an individual?

It is what an individual call it. If you are naturally ugly and you refuse to accept the fact and live positively, you will be surprised that you will appear more beautiful than those that people naturally view as beautiful. It is in the sense you put it. I don’t see the negative aspect of life and I wish everyone will see it that way.

If you view yourself as being beautiful, you will see at least one special thing God has endowed you with, and if you will be sensible with what you choose to wear, your faulty side will not be seen by others. As for me, I am a choosy dresser, I don’t just wear anything. Really, I love to wear things that will stand me out of any crowd, no matter the number of the fashionable people present.

How well do you know your Kidneys?

W

hat’s the main job of your kidneys?

Your kidneys have a lot of work to do. They remove waste and extra fluids from your body. They also keep your levels of salt and potassium in check. And they make hormones that help with blood pressure and making red blood cells.

Where are your kidneys?

Your two kidneys are shaped like beans, and each is about the size of your fist. They’re located at the bottom of the rib cage on either side of your spine.

Your kidneys and your blood Your kidneys sift through enough blood to fill a large bathtub every day.

After the body takes what it needs, the kidneys turn the waste and extra water into urine -- usually about 2 quarts’ worth a day.

Can you live with one kidney?

Yes! Thousands of people donate kidneys each year and stay healthy afterward. In fact, it’s the most common organ donated in the world. You can give a kidney to a friend, family member, or even a stranger.

Some people are born with one kidney.

If one is missing, damaged, or removed, your other one can grow larger to become nearly the size of two kidneys. That helps it do the job of both.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones form when there’s too much of a certain substance (like calcium) in your urine. They can stay in your kidney or travel down the urinary tract, where you would pee it out.

Kidney stones are different shapes and sizes. As painful as they can be to pass, the stones can be as tiny as a grain of sand or as big as a pearl -- or rarely a golf ball. You may be more likely to get a kidney stone if other people in your family have had them.

Your kidneys and your health High blood pressure can hurt small blood vessels in the kidneys, making it harder for them to do their job. If you have diabetes, unused blood sugar can damage your kidneys. Taking some blood pressure drugs, specifically ACE inhibitors or ARBs, can help protect your kidneys from disease.

Is anything wrong with your kidneys?

Early on, people with kidney disease usually don’t have symptoms. But as things get worse, a change in bathroom habits -- having to go more or less -- can be a sign you have a problem. You may also feel tired, have muscle cramps, lose your appetite, and have swollen hands or feet and dry, itchy skin.

What if your kidneys stop working?

When your kidneys completely stop working, your body fills up with wastes, fluids, and toxins. You either need a new kidney, or need to go on dialysis -- that’s when a machine acts as an artificial kidney, cleaning your blood. You may need dialysis daily or a few times a week.

Are you dehydrated?

Not drinking enough water and other fluids can lead to dehydration. That can damage your kidneys and even cause kidney stones. Take a look when you go to the bathroom: Is your urine clear to light yellow? It should be if you’re drinking enough liquids. Dark yellow urine is not what you want!

Medication and your kidneys Because it’s your kidney’s job to filter your blood, too much of anything in your bloodstream can be bad. Certain pain medicine -- like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen -- can damage your kidneys, especially if you take too much, too often. Don’t take more than the recommended dose on the label.

Drink plenty of water. And talk to your doctor if you use the drugs more than once in a while.

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OCTOBER 10, 2015

Male Essentials

31

08036961187

with Oseyiza Oogbodo kingseiza@gmail.com

Switch careers at any age

Prevent yourself from reaching an occupational dead end In your 30s: Infiltrate for the best start Restarting the rat race in your 30s may seem like madness, but it can be done. You just need to be judicious about your jump zone. First, undertake reconnaissance of your landing site. Use the website guidance-research. org, a trove of skills advice, market trends and regional breakdowns of jobs.

As the recession lifts, look to retail, travel, construction, finance and marketing. These will be making Lazarusstyle comebacks as the country resumes spending, says Kirkpatrick, and will be looking for experienced 30-somethings to jump aboard. Watch videos of the dayto-day realities of different jobs at careersbox.com. Once you’ve highlighted a job or sector, infiltrate by ‘temping.’

“Filling in vacant roles gives employers a try-beforeyou-buy opportunity,” says Kirkpatrick. “In the last year, we’ve seen the number of temp-to-perm employees increase by a massive 200%.”

Alternatively, change career without even changing company. Cash in your good reputation at work for a sideways shuffle to another department, saving you a great deal of time, money and effort. Speak to your HR team about opportunities in growing departments, such as online. You won’t have the rigmarole of moving your company pension either.

The smartest move? Be proactive. “Ask to be shown new tasks,” Kirkpatrick says. “You’ll gain new skills faster, plus it shows an eagerness to fulfill your own and the company’s potential.” If you’re temping, stay in touch with your line manager. If a vacancy arises, you’ll be a shoe-in.

In your 40s: Cash in on your networks

In your 20s: Young, free, ready to train

I

f your career in information management is not the 9-5 party you thought it might be, don’t worry. Your greatest advantage is that time is on your side. “Your twenties is the time to get a second wave of qualifications and experience,” says Michael Moran, CEO of career consultancy fairplace.com.

For specialist work such as architecture or even personal training, you’ll need qualifications that are recognised by industry bodies, so do your research or register with a career advisory service.

Other industries have more of an open-door policy. “If you’re a marketing manager, for example, you’re qualified for a huge number of jobs,” says Stephen Kirkpatrick,

MD of recruitment experts Adecco.

Pinpoint skills for your dream job. This Compare your current skill set against what you’ll need for your next move. To save time and money, also look for courses you can do in your current job that will make you more employable in another. Go for transferable skills, such as management or IT. They might not have the social cachet of ‘Brazilian jujitsu’, but your CV will thank you for it.

The smartest move: “Ask the course administrator about work placements and industry connections,” says Cath Roan of careershifters.org. A great contacts book is worth any qualification.

At this age, a less dramatic leap may be safest. Look to your current suppliers, business partners or clients and ask yourself if you’d enjoy what they do. Change in your 40s is increasingly about who you know, claims Moran.

“The network you build in your 20s and 30s adds value – 80% of recruitment results from networking,” he says.

Exploit your contacts by using LinkedIn.com. You have to gain as many recommendations as you can. To a potential employer, this is an opportunity to read a reference in advance. The best way to get them is to give them.

If you’ve hit 40 and are responsibility light, escape the office and start working with your hands. A new survey from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) found that over a third of employers wanted to see more skilled workers in the jobs market.

The smartest move? Each time you work with a new client, add them as a ‘connection’ on LinkedIn. Not only will this push you up the site’s rankings but you’ll benefit from virtual word of mouth, as a growing web of people see what you can do.

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Angle

Male

Jide animashaun 08034710902 jidemashaun@yahoo.com

I

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Yes, we are

find it rather amusing to hear that Nigerian men are not romantic. The proponents of the belief that we are not romantic, most times are also the ones to give exceptions to their ill conceived or perceived beliefs. Some of them will come out to say that it is only their husbands and fathers that they do think to be romantic and that other men are not.

Hollywood has created an image in the minds of our women which is an erroneous impression that there is only one way of showing romance. To them, showing a man is romantic is based on finance and how much he can spend on a woman instead of those core values that makes romance what it is. If one is to take an opinion poll on the issue of romance and what being romantic is or what they think romance entails, most of those who say we are not romantic will not mention core values of romance like men having listening ears and showing commitment to the relationship. A commitment to the fulfillment of the desires of our sweethearts.

They forget the fact that we are also proud partners in progress in both the academic and professional goals of our loved ones.

We do not treat our women as sex objects, but as mutual help mates and playmates. I know a lot of women will disagree with this, but the truth is what it is.

Hollywood and Nollywood have preconditioned our women into stereotyping us as nerds who have their heads in the clouds without knowing what is going on in the real world. But what we are is that we are very faithful and we practice conjugal fidelity. Yes I know that those who don’t like to hear or read the truth will scream ‘blue murder’ at what I have just written, but like I said before, the truth is what it is. What do we call those little kisses, those little pecks, those little strolling and holding hands, those little whispers of sweet nothings, those little chats and advice to each other, those phone calls asking how your day is going, those stealing of looks when both of you are across the

Are Nigerian m

room or hall from each other at family functions? The ‘I love you’s. Those times you took her to the market with the car and waited all day doing nothing apart from strolling into shops to window shop without the woman buying anything apart from a little scarf even when she had collected money from you for shopping?. Those horseplay’s when you are both alone, those text messages when you least expect them and so much more? The above mentioned are ways we use in showing how romantic we are and we can be.

To me, being romantic does not mean buying your girl expensive gifts alone or going out to fanciful restaurants to eat expensive dinners. You can be romantic even if you do not have much money. Being romantic is seen by the act itself and not measured by how many material things you can give your girl.

You can burn your girl a CD of her favorite songs, call her just to say you miss her, send her sweet text messages, cook her favorite food sometimes, walk in the park while holding each other’s hands, do wholesome activities like going to church together and if you are a muslim, being seen going together for Jumat prayers or doing other religious activities together and professing your love for her in front of the altar, the list are endless.

People tend to forget that romance means different things to different people at different times. We all cannot be outgoing. Some men are quiet and easy going. To them, being romantic will be on the ‘slow lane’ and not too obviously seen unlike that of the outgoing type.

So for those people who think and say that Nigerian men and romance are two terms that cannot and do not belong together, yes I know that we all cannot be all I have mentioned above, but I believe that majority of us do practice a lot of those things mentioned and for that, yes I believe we are romantic. So if your man is not romantic, I’ll ask you to please check yourself.

SEX TALK

This column is x-rated

14 sexolutions (for ladies only)

W

hy stick to boring resolutions when you can go with sexy sexolutions? Here’s how to make sure you’ll have hotter, better sex from now on!

1. Experiment with toys. If you’ve never tried a sex toy before, you owe it to yourself to try start experimenting immediately. There are tons of different toys out there for men and women that can be used for a shared experience or for solo fun.

Go to your local sex shop and get the attendant there to show you around. If you ask, they will usually take the toys out of their respective boxes, insert batteries when needed, and let you hold them for yourself to see how it works. For many women, sex toys will lead to some of the best orgasms they’ve ever had – so get shopping!

2. Kiss more. Have you gotten so into the routine of diving straight into sex that your lips have been forgotten? If that’s the case, your New Year definitely needs more kisses. Have kissing sessions with your lover as if you were both teenagers again. Practice long, passionate kisses.

3. More foreplay. If you’ve stopped kissing

before sex, then your foreplay has probably taken a nosedive, too. Work foreplay back into your sexual buffer and discover new ways to please your each other 4. Keep a sex diary. Nothing is more fascinating at the end of the year than doing a “YearIn” review of all the fabulous sex you’ve been having. Even if you’ve been with the same partner for years, start making diary entries of the standout love-making sessions in full detail, and then read them to your man like an erotic story at the end of the year.

5. Be protected – always. If you’ve been in the bad habit of skipping out on protection, here’s your year to start practicing safe sex.

Keep a personal, varied stash of condoms in your naughty bedside table, and get yourself a prescription for the birth control pill.

6. Accept your body. Sexual goals don’t always have to be about your vagina. If you have an on-off/love-hate relationship with your body, make it your goal to accept your sexy self by the end of the year. This could mean making personal mantras about why you should be loving all that boob and booty, or it could mean diet and exercise. Whatever your route for do-

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Female

men romantic?

E

This column is x-rated ing so, make it your mission to love your body by the end of the year.

7. Make your fantasies a reality. Ever thought about getting frisky in a cab, elevator, or restaurant bathroom? Ever wanted to make your own homemade video? Ever fantasized about getting it on with a stranger? Whatever means you have to get them done, make it your goal to fulfill at least one of your sexual fantasies this year.

8. Find your G-spot. Ever wondered what this elusive G-spot thrill zone is all about? Does it even exist? Do you believe in the G-spot myth? Find out this year!

9. Explore yourself. Think trying to find your G-spot was exploration enough?

Well, for some women, looking at their own vagina is simply a “no-no.” Many women worry that their V is unattractive, so they avoid checking it out for themselves. Using a handheld mirror, explore your V and get to know her a little better.

10. Have more sex. Have you been with your partner for some time now, and find your sex is dwindling? Are your busy schedules keeping you and your mate’s sex life at a stale mate? Up the ante this year by setting sex goals for having love sessions X many times a week. Remember to make your goals attainable. You can’t expect nightly love sessions when you both work different shifts!

11. Start doing Kegels. Kegel exercises

This column is x-rated are not only great for keeping your vagina tight and fabulous, but they also strengthen your control over your bladder and bowels.

12. Stop faking it. Make it your absolute goal to have real sex this year – no faking those orgasms! While you may not want to come out and tell your man you’ve been faking all this time, you may instead explain to him that you want to make it your goal to have more fulfilling orgasms.

Take time and let him explore your body.

Use toys. Have a ton of foreplay, and really experiment with what feels good.

13. Dirty talk. Forget about shame and embarrassment – dirty talk is fun. If you find yourself a little on the shy side when it comes to dirty talk, try coaxing yourself out with a glass of wine beforehand. Many women also find it beneficial to have her man blindfolded when she starts her dirty monologue. Once you get past the initial awkwardness, dirty talking can be extremely empowering, not to mention a huge turn-on.

14. Have slow, relaxing, lazy sex.

Not all sex has to be a marathon run. This year, try incorporating lazy, Sunday morning sex into your routine. Try this while spooning, as it offers the least amount of effort. You’ll find that it can be just as fulfilling as your usual rough play.

Angle

JACQUI IWU 08165049669 email: amiicaregroup@aol.com

No way!

very man wants to be termed ‘the ideal’ man, ‘every woman’s dream’, ‘husband material’ and the like. However, most men are not willing to pay the required price for such laudable titles. Women naturally desire romantic men and Nigerian women are no exception. The question is: do we have to go outside our fatherland to satisfy this desire? Are Nigerian men really romantic?

What does it mean to be romantic?

There are interesting dictionary meanings of the word, including: “characterized by strangeness or variety”; “suggestive of adventure”; “wild”; “imaginary”; “fictitious”; “fabulous”, “expressing love or strong affection”; “ etc. However, we all know what context to adopt when we speak about being romantic.

Simply put, being romantic means showing your man or woman that he/ she is special in ways that are not conventional. It means doing nice things for him/her without expecting anything in return. It’s about going the extra mile to please your man/woman and to make him/her feel like a king/queen. Being romantic involves sensitivity, creativity and spontaneity.

For whatever reason, most Nigerian men feel that their women’s idea of romance is childish, absurd, unreasonable or foreign. They feel that these expectations are ‘fairy-tale’ expectations which are not available in the real world.

On the other hand, some Nigerian men who believe in ‘fairy-tale’ romance have opined that the average Nigerian man’s romantic potential has been killed because Nigerian women don’t respond well to romantic gestures; they are too impatient. I vehemently disagree! How can we be accused of not responding well to what we naturally yearn for?

I believe that Nigerian men are just unromantic by default. If not, why do we express surprise or tremendous excitement when we hear that a Nigerian guy proposed marriage on bended knees in a lavish restaurant and with a real diamond ring? Or that another one took the pains to organize a surprise gathering of friends and loved ones in order to confess his undying love for a woman and to ask her to marry him? Why should it be a big deal if a man tells his wife to sit down with her feet up and a bottle of chilled wine so that he can cook dinner and serve her? Simple answer: these things don’t come naturally to Nigerian men.

This is why the few Nigerian men who do such romantic things are applauded like magicians or heroes. They are exceptions to the rule. The unfortunate thing is that their fellow men tend to call them weaklings and they taunt these romantic men to the point that some of them actually refrain from doing the

things that make them romantic. As it is, Nigerian romantic men are endangered species!!!! Those women who have them must cherish them and spur them on.

If you don’t agree, just answer truthfully, how many Nigerian men can boast of doing any of the following, even if just once: •Write a poem.

•Cook a romantic dinner •Send flowers on a random day •Leave little love notes everywhere •Touch her cheek warmly •Send a love email every now and then •Take a moonlit walk holding hands •Wink at her mischievously •Take a walk down memory lane — visit some of the special places from your early days of dating •Kiss without expecting sex •Slow dance to romantic music •Whisper sweet words into her ears •Make a list of everything you love about her •Write(not type) a love letter •Groom yourself just to look good for her •Look into her eyes and ask her about her day •Sing her favorite song to her •Hold hands lovingly •Say I love you; in a different way, every day •Declare your love, very publicly.

I can bet that the average Nigerian man would fail woefully if tested on the above-listed items. Sadly, instead of admitting that there is a need for improvement, he will allege that the list is descriptive of a man in a ‘mills and boons’ novel or Hollywood movie. Na wah!

But the truth is that being romantic is not rocket science; it is not an uphill task. All it takes is a little more of everything. A little more affection, a little more time, random gifts, warm hugs here and there, soft kisses, “I love you” now and then, etc.

The romance deficiency in Nigeria is so bad that Nigerian men don’t hug their women’ and if they must say anything loving, it must be at the end of a phone call and would definitely be the popular incomplete sentence – “love you!”.

If Nigerian men were ignorant of their women’s emotional needs, why do they do the romantic things when the chase is on? A lot of married women can testify that they received flowers, perfumes and all sorts of gifts during dating and courtship, but alas, no such gifts since they became “Mrs…”!!!! Quite sad.

So, are Nigerian men romantic? Hmmmmm……

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OCTOBER 10, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

WOMAN

‘Men should involve their wives in their endeavours’ – Abimbola Olawuyi

Several years after th e death of ace broadcaster, Chief Ako lawole Olawuyi, his wife, Mrs. Abimbola O lawuyi, has continued to build on his legacy . In this interview with YEMISI ADENIRAN, th e pretty woman spok e on the journey so far.

It appears your low-cut hair style has come to stay?

Yes. I guess everyone is now used to it.

How comfortable has it been with you?

I am very comfortable with the hair style. It is easier to keep and maintain. I have no time to engage in all the hair-do that I used to engage in before. Like I have said before, honestly, there are so much to do now than such time that I used to devote to my hair.

What is it like to combine the work of a man with yours as a woman?

Your guess honestly is as good as mine.

It is not a joke to combine the responsibilities of a man with our own as women which is why God created us as male and female. He gave each sex a defined expectation but when situations like this comes, there is just no option that is left for one.

This is an occurrence that one does not pray for . However, I nust say clearly that

God has been very good to us. Ever since my husband left us suddenly, coping has no doubt, been tough but God has remained faithful. He has continually made a way. The kids have not stopped going to school, the job has not lacked anything or get faced out of operations for any reason.

God has been there for us. He keeps leading and linking us up with possibilities and ways out of every tight issues. He has never abandoned us, He has never forsaken us, He has never allowed us to beg for food. I give all the glory to God. He has continually blessed me with the wisdom and strength to continue with the job and care for the kids and other things. He has been with my children in all ways. I am most and forever grateful to Him. What message were you trying to send to the world when you cut your hair?

I did not cut my hair only, I did other things. It was my own way of respecting

him as the crown of my head that death suddenly snatched away. It is my way of showing my feeling. It is a way of saying that I have lost an asset. It may sound funny and crazy but I tell you that was the way I felt. We were both young when he died and no one expected it. For instance, he died on the exact day we were supposed to travel to London. He had travelled to many other countries before but, he had not been to the United Kingdom. He even went to work that Friday proceeding the week that he died. So, no one thought he was going o die. Besides, he had been sick sometimes before that everyone thought, he was going to die but he did not die. This one just came like common malaria, complaints of general body weakness and we all just felt he needed some time off work since he was a workaholic and believed so much in his work. It didn’t look like anything serious but we did not take it with levity. We

both knew he needed rest and so we opted for the hospital. We were always together, he never hid anything from me when it comes to the job, he was passionate about it, it made him happy and he carried me along all of the time. I had followed him on several occasions on his investigative spree, just to tell you the level of our closeness. It went beyond husband and wife, father and mother; we were each other’s friends, companions and confidants. But death came and took him away. It was unbelievable. When he died, it appeared like a joke. I was sure he was going to wake up. I tried all I could, but God had His way and I cannot but give Him all the praise because He owns him and all of us. There is nothing we can do when He decides to take one away. It’s like what the Bible says about rapture, two will be going to the farm, one will be taken to heaven and the other will be left. A husband and wife will probably be lying on the bed together and one will suddenly disappear; a driver will be driving about 16 passengers and suddenly, rapture will take place and he will be taken away living his passengers to their fate. Honestly, that was how it was and so, taking all that in was one bitter pill to take but since it was a pill, it must be swallowed. So, I had to swallow it. Life is a theatre of war; we must all learn to fight our battles. One of the things I did then when I resumed at his office was to put his chair beside mine; talking to him at intervals and telling him to supervise the work so that it wouldn’t crumble. I had two chairs in front of the table; I believed his presence must be all around me for the success of the job.

And where is the chair now?

We had to carry it away for repairs when it started peeling off. You know, no one was using it, it just started peeling off.

Incidentally, that was what I am sitting on now. I feel sitting on his seat gives me the feeling of his presence.

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My husband never kept anything away from me and that was why his work could live even after his demise. That’s my advice for any man who wants a good legacy after his departure whenever.

But you have been able to run the office successfully. How have you been able to do this?

I owe that to God. You see when God commits one assignment to your hands, He makes available all the resources and the where withal to see you through. I have committed the job to His hands and He knew quite well that it wasn’t what I chose to do but since this is the plan of God for me right now, I am ready to gladly operate in it. The will of God most times is never palatable but doing it is always rewarding.

Jesus Christ almost prayed that God readjust His will concerning salvation when he went to pray in the garden of Gethsemane, He wished that the cup of his painful death on the cross of Calvary be reversed but He was quick to caution himself when He said ‘Father, but not my will but your will.’

God Almighty is the only all-knowing, He has all the answers to all our questions. He knows why we are passing through whatever we may be passing through and we cannot query Him. He is unquestionable.

But wonderfully, once we make ourselves available to His will, He will also make strength available to us. That was what He did for our lord Jesus Christ and salvation was made available for the whole world and that is what He is doing for me too.

So, what would you have loved to do if your husband were alive?

I could have gone into teenage and marriage counselling in a very big way. He knew I was given to it and a lot of people who are close to us also knew that I am endowed in it. They have encouraged me to delve into it and I would have, had it not been for his death. We were at the feasibility stage when he died. Apart from this, I would have loved to develop myself in the area of charity.

If you look around, you would agree with me that the nation is lacking so much in this area. There are lots of destitute, street children, homeless aged ones, jobless citizens who are not catered for that need to be attended to so as to have a society free of criminals. It is idleness, loneliness and lack of finance that made young people to go into all kinds of crimes like robbery, rape, prostitution, drug addiction and trafficking. There are many beggars on the streets, both the young and the old; even babies are today made to beg and they are being trained to beg. Old men now beg which generally wasn’t a common thing. Men, in this part of the world, attach so much pride to their sex and would not want to be seen begging, but they are the ones guilty of these offence. If you ask them they will really have one pathetic story or the other to tell. We are not saying there are no lazy people around them but the fact remains that the society is not doing enough. Government and other well-meaning people in the society should thrive to do more in this area. All our senators, ministers and com-

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OCTOBER 10, 2015 missioners should consider the type of footprints they wish to leave on the sand of time. They need to think about how much they are giving back to the society from the much they are gaining from the society. If they are not gaining or benefiting from the society, why have they refused to live and allow others in their office? A lot of young girls and women are into prostitution in one way or the other just to fend for themselves; money-making rituals are on the increase because of love for money. I don’t know what people are thinking but I guess the whole thing is really getting out of hand; everyone is now crazy and wild in their imaginations at acquiring wealth.

Terrorism is also destroying the nation.

What would you suggest about this?

I think Nigerians, Christians and Muslims alike should rise up to this challenge.

We need to take the nation’s case to God in prayers and I’m sure God will help us.

We can never do it by ourselves because our weapons of war are not canal; we need God to step into our case to break the stronghold of the devil.

What are the challenges you still face on this job?

Largely, it is finance. We don’t get as many help as he was getting while he was alive and this is quite painful and discouraging. Since his death, we have only been able to reach out to very limited number of widows with money. We have many more seeking for assistance even widowers and jobless parents who are unable to feed their children. This is a burden in my heart especially when I knew there are many well- meaning Nigerians who can conveniently settle this case. But their doors are usually closed to these people; they are not allowed to even get close to them. We are trying to keep the flag he left flying but really, we cannot be as smart and cover as much ground as he would have if he were around. There are students whose school fees we pay and all of that in our own little ways and to the glory of God. But we could do more should we be more buoyant financially. In all, God has been faithful; He is indeed the husband of widows.

So many women don’t have it easy your way with their husband’s properties after his death. What is the secret behind yours?

Nothing but the way God has helped him to handle his own matter. He had involved me in the job all along so; it wasn’t any big deal for me to step into his shoes, although they are quite bigger for me.

Also, it was not any strange thing for his workers to accept me as their new boss. I think that was the secret. He never kept anything away from me and that was why his work could live even after his demise.

That’s my advice for any man who wants a good legacy after his departure whenever.

Carry your wife along, teach and tutor her where necessary, it will help your family when you are gone.

What about his family?

They are Christians and are not the type that meddle in the affairs of their children and their families. They have been supportive and good to us. There was never a time that they gave me a problem.

And thank God, He is helping me run the business to the best of my ability and this, they appreciate.

Do you have any special plan for the future?

Presently, I am passionate about orphans. There are so many children whose future is bleak because of the loss of their parents or father. I have tried to come in somehow in my little way and it is my prayer to launch into it in a bigger way in the future.

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Keeping ABREAST

10 things men find unattractive

D

o men notice ladies’ mistakes? Does an average guy whose occupation has nothing to do with fashion really understand anything about women’s outfit, perfume, or makeup?

You’ll be surprised! Here are 10 things men find unattractive: 1. Bleached skin Whitish, greenish, sickly yellowish, blotched, splashed, pigmented and multi-coloured skin. That’s a definite no-no for most men. Add dark knuckles, brownish knees, dark chocolate elbows, greenish veins and variegated burns. Most men would actually flee!

2. Intricate hairstyles.

In all situations, apart from a carnival or a photo shoot, men prefer natural-looking hair. It’s far more pleasant to see and touch hair that is free of styling gels, sticky hair sprays and other hair products.

3. Heavy foundation Foundation is created to hide fine lines, blemishes and little flaws, and make your skin look healthy and smooth. If it’s visible, then you have not applied it right.

Foundation is supposed to be invisible to others and even you, not give you the mask effect.

4. Glitter and shimmer on your eyelids Avoid using glittery and shimmery eye shadow. Very few succeed in applying it right. Matte shadow is always better, because it does not cling to the eye crease.

5. Gummed up lashes This is what usually happens when you apply too much mascara.

It clumps and does not make your

eyes look sexy and tempting at all.

Mascara also should not smudge under your eyes.

6. Badly shaved body hair Men prefer smooth skin. Make sure your legs and armpits are perfectly clean and hairless. It says a lot about your hygiene. There’s no point in applying makeup if the rest of your body is not totally neat!

7. Dry skin It’s unpleasant to touch dry skin.

Scurfy elbows or heels look awful.

Use moisturizing and nourishing shower gels, creams and body lotions after shower.

8. Bad breath and yellowish teeth Yellowish teeth and bad breath will never attract the opposite sex.

Think of what causes the problem.

Are you a smoker? Or is it just your poor hygiene? Maybe you drink too much coffee, black tea, or red wine?

Whatever the case, do your best to solve the problem as soon as possible. Use whitening toothpaste or strips to make your smile brighter and carry breath fresheners in your handbag.

9. Too much fragrance Too much of a good thing is never right. A drop of your favorite aroma is enough to make a man pay attention to you. If the guy is sneezing all through the evening because you are reeking, it will definitely spoil the mood of the outing.

10. Public grooming Men do not want to know or see how you make yourself attractive.

This ruins their illusion. Let them think you are effortlessly beautiful.

All major makeup procedures should be performed at home, not in public.

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OCTOBER 10, 2015

36

Parenting

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Managing your temperamental child Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression

S

ome children seem to be born wilful. As infants they are difficult to comfort and push the spoon away while being fed. When they become toddlers they are disagreeable about everything, demand their own way, and refuse to cooperate. Tantrums may be a daily occurrence. As they move through their school age days, they seem to lose the ability to hear the simplest requests, arguments are frequent, and defiance is the norm.

There is no doubt these children are a challenge even for the most dedicated and understanding parents. But does that mean that there is something wrong with them? Not necessarily!

What should you know to better understand and help your wilful child? uChildren enter into the world with their own unique temperament. It is an inborn trait that cannot be changed.

However, parents can learn to understand it, guide it, and mould it into positive directions! uSometimes a parent’s temperament conflicts with that of their child. Naturally this is going to become a battleground if

your parenting style is not suited to this particular child. uMisbehaviour is more about reaction than attention. Children have built in energy detectors. If we consistently give louder and more intense reactions to misbehaviour than we do compliance, children will go for the “fireworks” every time. uAlthough sometimes it may seem like it, your child is not out to “get you” or make your life miserable! uChildren can be taught self-control and parents can learn how to starve misbehaviour by not feeding it with our energy.

What parenting techniques work best with strong-willed children? uLess talk-more action! Since children with intense temperaments thrive on energy and parents become more energized as the lectures, begging, and arguing escalates, the most productive way to stop this cycle is to keep instructions short and clear. uLet your child know what is expected and the consequence if she chooses not to comply. “Amy, you have to finish your chores before lunch or no swimming.” uFollow through with stated consequences each and every time! Children are natural scientists and they will continuously

test to see if consequences are consistent and predictable. uDon’t nag. If your child knows what is expected of her, a simple gesture can get the message across. uBe your child’s cheerleader!

Let him know that you believe in his capability to make good choices. Remember, negative messages are met with resistance and positive ones with compliance. uRecognize when you have been caught up in the “negative loop”. Negative behaviours lead to intense responses, intense responses feed negative energy and so forth. Pretty soon parent and child have become accustomed to this behaviour pattern and can’t see any other way to interact. uParents can break this cycle by: uRefusing to become involved in arguments and lengthy debates. uBelieving that things can get better. uSeeing your child’s intensity and energy as a gift and not a burden. Strong personalities are often accompanied by intelligence, creativity and talents. uRedirecting your energy towards recognizing and rewarding positive behaviours. Keep a daily log of positive behaviours and soon you will notice your child is not always misbehaving! uReducing the intensity of your reaction to misbehaviour.

Stay calm, frame your reprimand without ridicule or shame, and if need be, you can both take a “time out.” uFinding something to share with your child which can pull the two of you closer together. Concentrate on activities that promote feelings of

togetherness.

Learning a new way to interact and setting firm limits is not going to be easy on you or your child! However, the rewards will be beneficial for both of you as your child becomes more self-disciplined and successful!

Tiny Feet

NAME: Rukayat Olarongbe BORN TO: Mr. and Mrs. Subair Olarongbe AGE: 6 months BIRTH WEIGHT: 4.3 kg Have you just had a baby? Send a picture of your bundle of joy to mirrorbabies@gmail.com

Woman gives birth to ParentingUpdate giant baby

Giant baby beside overweight mother

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giant baby weighing 5,970kg was born in India, setting a new record for the heaviest baby ever born in the country.

A baby was so big and heavy

doctors had to deliver him via emergency caesarian section with utmost care. Now a new mother and a “miracle” baby are under medical supervision at a government hospital in Sri Gan-

Giant baby compared to normal baby

ganagar, Rajasthan, India.

Doctors believe that the impressive boy’s weight is the result of the mother’s health problems – she is diabetic and

weighs 100kg. Dr Anamika Aggarwal said: “I have never delivered any new-born this big. He was definitely a surprise for us.

He is not only the biggest

baby ever born at the hospital but in the whole country.

Both the mother and the child are in sound health.

Initially he had respiratory trouble but now he is doing absolutely fine and is healthy.

Though no congenital anomaly has been detected in the child, we are keeping both him and his mother under observation and would discharge them after a week.”

According to Guinness World Records, the heaviest baby ever born to a healthy mother was a boy weighing 10,2 kg in Italy in September 1955.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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OCTOBER 10, 2015

37

Dear Bukola

Having problems with your marriage, family, relationship, career or life generally?

Help is at hand with Bukola Oyetunji, Relationship Expert, Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, Author of Stranded With a Status and One Good Spouse Deserves Another. www.bukolaoyetunji.blogspot.com, Follow on twitter @bukolaoyetunji

My twin sister is a nightmare

Dear Bukola,

am a twenty seven year old twin who has a job in the capital city. Since my twin sister and I are unmarried, we share a flat. We are close and all that but there are aspects of our relationship that I find worrisome. Chief among them is the fact that she loves to control me and invariably that makes her criticize anybody I am in a romantic relationship with. She starts criticizing my relationships even before knowing anything about the person in question. She doesn’t seem to be doing any better in the romance department either but I dare not tell her as I would have to contend with her violent temper. She gets awfully mad for the flimsiest of reasons. Also, she makes me feel so guilty about the fact that I earn more than she does and as a result of that, I am always expected to pay the bills but that is still not good enough. At the moment, I am at my wits end. I feel sorry for her that she doesn’t have friends but I am planning to get my own place but I wonder how she will cope.

I

Dear Frustrated Twin, our relationship with your sister is similar to that of several other cases out there. In a situation where twins are different in that, one is an introvert while the other is an extrovert, this is unavoidable. Your sister is possessive of you because she is an introvert and doesn’t have many friends. She sees you as her only friend so anyone that becomes too close to you becomes a threat to her. She feels they have come to steal you away from her. What you should do is explain to her how important it is for you both to have other people in your lives; especially in the ‘Romance Department’.

You are both twenty-seven so you should have serious/steady relationships. Let her understand that even if you have a man in your life, she still means the world to you….. You should also be careful your relationship does not hurt her in anyway, so you have to carry her along.

Likewise, you should encourage her to have other friends too. You can do this by inviting her to events our outings, let her tag along. I am sure she would eventually find someone that would be interested in her too. About paying the bills because you earn more, that is not right except she is not earning at all. You both should have a particular percentage of the bill apportioned to each one of you to be paid, based on how much you earn individually. Getting your own place right now may not be advisable because she depends on you a lot. Try to manage the situation as much as you can because if you leave her right now, she may be devastated.

You would eventually live separately but please let it be for the right reasons….It’s just a matter of time. Cheers!

Y

I was sexually abused by my father Dear Bukola,

am a woman in my twenties. I thought I was leading a pretty decent life till an event occurred. You see, I was going through denial without being aware of it but days after my twenty-fifth birthday, I relived a past experience (that must have stayed dormant in my sub-conscious). As a child, my father sexually abused me. So from what seemed like nowhere (after years of forgetting completely about it) I started reliving that awful experience (it happened just once). I feel so unclean and I am so angry but I can’t even vent my anger on him because he (my father) died before my thirteenth birthday. My mum will be devastated if I tell her because up till now, all she has to say about him is that he was the nicest person that she has ever known (she never remarried). Also, I can’t help wondering if that experience is somehow responsible for my reluctance to be in a steady relationship. I am okay with guys alright but when it comes to getting serious I simply lose interest. I thought it was something I could handle but now with the latest development I am not sure. How do I handle this new development? Do I just try to suppress it?

Dear Abused, t is possible for you to totally forget about the abuse because it occurred while you were still very young (before you were 13 years old). This is your subconscious protecting you from the bad memory.

It disassociates your mind from your body and makes it seem like the abuse happened to someone else. This is why you were able to survive that abuse till your 25th birthday.

The somewhat unfortunate thing is that this memory, like it happened with you, resurfaces with an event that serves as a reminder. I

I

I

think it is better for your mum if she doesn’t know what your dad did to you because she may break down and that wouldn’t be good for her psyche…. After all, you dad is dead so she cannot challenge him for his wrongdoings towards you…. Let her hold on to the good memories she has of him. The reason why you are angry is because you kept this abuse to yourself, it’s great you spilled it out here because if you had not, it may have affected your relationship with the opposite sex longer than we can both imagine. You have been hurt, not because it was your fault, but because it just happened. Now to your question of how to handle this situation of not wanting to commit….The first thing you have to do is forgive your dad for what he did to you. Let it all go. That forgiveness will do more for you than it would do for your dad. The forgiveness will relieve you of the burden you’ve been carrying around for a while. Also you need to forgive yourself.

Secondly, you must understand that you are an adult survivor of child abuse. It is therefore crucial that you gradually work on rebuilding your self-esteem and self-worth.

This will help to boost your self-confidence.

It is important that you love yourself. If you do all these, it will help you to understand how important it is for you to sustain a relationship so as to settle down and create a lovely family.

Also, it is possible that you suffer from trust issues. You should learn to trust the opposite sex again. That your father abused you as a child does not mean all men are the same. Please open up your heart and love will find you. When it does, don’t let it slip away…..

I wish you all the strength you need!

bukola.oyetunji@gmail.com. +2347012974472

My boss vents his anger on me I

Dear Bukola,

am in a dreadful situation at work.

My boss can be described as erratic to say the least. Nothing I do seem to please him. The more I try the more insults I receive.

I am over-qualified for my position. I only have an undergraduate degree but I know I do a good job at the end of each day. My boss complains not specifically about my job but about basically everything else. I am either not friendly enough to him and colleagues or I am rude (for being a bit forgetful about people’s names though I try to make it up by using polite terms to address each person). Once in a while he realizes that he is unfair to me and tries to be nice. I deserve better because I am a hard-worker. Really, I am doing the best I can under the circumstances and I try not to be resentful or discontent (considering the fact that I am not exactly crazy about the job). My boss has this habit of taking out his anger (and frustrations) on me and it is becoming increasingly difficult for me not to answer back and walk out afterwards. Please help, cause I‘ve had it up to here with him.

Dear Over-qualified, our boss is a person you must know how to manage no matter what. In order to be able to do this, you have to study his person. Are you sure he is not frustrated with things from his personal life i.e., outside work? Do you know anything about his marriage or home? Your boss could be venting out his frustrations on you because he has issues with his wife, children, family or life generally. If this is the case, you need to talk to the HR person in your organization (That’s if he is not the owner of the company). Let him/her know what you are going through so that your boss can be called to order. If on the other hand, your boss is just an unpredictable person, difficult to satisfy, you should try to devise strategies that can help you cope with him. Some erratic bosses are unorganized but want everything to be in order. If that is the case with him, try to get a notepad that lists out all he needs to do and all he has assigned to you so that you can give him reminders when necessary. This will also help to ensure you do not forget to carry out any of the orders he gives you. You also need to be more patient with your boss then try as much as possible to avoid your boss when you are in a foul mood because his attitude may make you say what you wouldn’t want to say.

Frankly speaking, the only time you can talk back at your boss and walk out on him is when you have received an appointment letter from another organization…. I still wouldn’t support that though. You wrote that you are not particularly crazy about the job…… most people out there are not but because they need to earn a living, they manage the job and their erratic boss as much as possible. Therefore, whenever you notice he is in a good mood, seize the opportunity to explain how much his attitude hurts you. A note of warning… make a backup plan and be prepared for the worst because like you wrote in your mail; he is unpredictable! Wish you all the best Dear.

Y

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38

OCTOBER 10, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

divorce court

‘My wife buried charms in my house’

• I caught my wife digging a hole in front of my house and burying many charms. She, on two occasions, took me to spiritualists for black powers, which I refused —Husband

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56-year-old civil servant, Adeolu Olatoye, has told an Igando Customary Court, Lagos, that his wife, Adebola was fetish and buried charms in front of his house.

Olatoye, who testified in a divorce proceedings, said that his 40 year- old wife was always advising him to seek black powers.

“I caught my wife digging a hole in front of my house and

‘She called my mother a harlot’

• His conduct embarrasses me —Wife

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53 year-old man, Mr Tajudeen Adenekan, has told the Igando Customary Court, Lagos, that his wife, Kuburat, called his mother a harlot, and therefore, sought the dissolution of their 12-yearold marriage.

Adenekan, who has five children by his wife, also alleged that Kuburat unduly accuses him of been infidelity.

Whenever she comes across

condoms in my car, she concludes that I am cheating on her.

For the past four years, I have been the one cooking and washing the children’s clothes, he said. The petitioner told the court that his mother-in-law was aware of her daughter uncaring attitude.

Since my mother cared for my wife after she had one of our babies, she had resorted

to calling my mother a harlot whenever we quarreled. She usually calls my father an imbecile and always threaten to deal with me, he said.

He said that Kuburat once locked his 10-year-old niece outside till 10.00 p.m. for no reason.

The respondent, Kuburat, 33, said that she was tired of the marriage as she denied calling her in-laws names.

She argued that her recent visit to her mother-in-law attested to the cordial relationship between them, adding that she also wanted the marriage to end.

Tajudeen drinks to stupor.

He gets drunk to the extent of urinating and excreting on his body. His conduct embarrasses me, and whenever I try to caution him, he feels offended.

Most times, strangers drive him home when he his drunk.

In all sincerity, I no longer love him, she said.

‘I caught my wife in bed with my neighbour’

• Whenever I try to make love to her, she would beat me or use a sharp object to attack me —Husband

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he 35-year-old marriage of Israel Sanusi and his wife, Airat, has been dissolved by an Igando Customary Court on the grounds of infidelity.

The Court President, R.I. Adeyeri said he was left with no choice than to dissolve the marriage seeing that the couple can no longer live together as husband and wife.

Mr. Sanusi, 75, had dragged

his 51-year-old wife to court for allegedly sleeping with his neighbor.

According to the plaintiff: “I caught my wife red-handed inside our bedroom making love with one of our neighbors and I immediately reported her to her father who advised me to ignore her and marry another wife.“ Whenever I try to make love to her, she would beat me

or use a sharp object to attack me. “She also used a broken bottle to stab me on such occasions. “It was frequent fights over sex in our former house that forced the landlord to give us a quit notice,” he told the court.

Airat, however, defended her action saying the man who her husband claimed to have slept with her was invited by her to repair “some-

thing” in her room.

Adeyeri, the court president said: “All efforts to reconcile the couple had proved futile as the petitioner insisted on divorce. The court has no choice than to dissolve the union despite the fact that the wife still claims she love her husband” Both parties are no longer husband and wife; they are free to go their separate ways.”

buried many charms.

“She had on two occasions unknown to me, took me to spiritualists for black powers, which I refused,’’ he said.

Olatoye said that his wife was always controlled by her mother and only listen to her mother’s instruction.

“My wife is being controlled by her mother on how to run my house. She used to tell me that her mother is her priority, that I am secondary in her life,’’ the petitioner said.

Olatoye further told the court his wife was ungrateful to him despite the fact that he established her by renting a shop and stocked it with electronics and computer gadgets.

He said that his wife did not open the shop until the rent expires two years after.

He said Adebola was always demanding money from him and whenever he gave her the money she would take it to her mother and asked him for more.

“My wife forcefully collected money from me by violence, take it to her mother and also transferred the food stuff I bought to her.

“There was a time she collected N50, 000 loan on my behalf without my consent for her mother. I paid N75, 000 back to the people she loan the money from. “ I paid the money I know nothing about.”

Olatoye pleaded with the court to dissolve his five-yearold marriage because he was tired and was no longer in love.

However, Adebola denied all the allegations that she did not burry anything in her husband’s compound neither did she take her husband to any spiritualist.

“I did not bury anything in front of my husband’s compound, I am not a fetish person,’’ Adebola said.

The mother of two said that she did not forcefully take any loan for her mother nor transfer any food stuff to her.

Adebola begged the court not to grant her husband’s wish because she was still in love with him.

The court adjourned the case for judgment.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

OCTOBER 10, 2015

‘He can’t satisfy me in bed’

divorce court

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39

• Since I got married to him, I have not enjoyed sex; he does not perform well in bed —Wife • She is never satisfied in bed; even if we go five rounds, she will still ask for more —Husband

A

n Agege Customary Court in Lagos has dissolved a seven-year marriage of an office assistant who said that her husband was unable to satisfy her in bed.

The Court President, Mr Emmanuel Sokunle, held that evidence before the court showed the marriage of Mr Maxwell Madu and Grace, had broken down irretrievably.

He noted that the petitioner, Grace insisted on divorce.

“Starting from today, you cease to be husband and wife; you shall go your separate ways and maintain the peace.

“The custody of the child is granted to the respondent, Mr Maxwell Madu,” he held.

Sokunle ordered that the child should spend part of his holidays with his mother.

The petitioner, who resides at No. 6, Church St., Bariga, Lagos, submitted that Maxwell, 40 had not been able to give her sexual satisfaction.

“Since I got married to him, I have not enjoyed sex; he does not perform well in bed,’’ she said.

She also said that Maxwell, a businessman, was unable to impregnate her after their only child.

“It was by God’s grace that we had the child,” she said.

Grace also accused Maxwell, of maltreating her.

“Anytime I return from work, he accuses me of lateness and calls me a prostitute.

“Since he became jobless, I have been responsible for providing clothes and food for the family as well as paying our child’s school fees.

“I want the court to dissolve the union and grant me the custody of the child,” she said.

Responding, Maxwell, said that since he lost his job, Grace had taken to adultery.

“She is never satisfied in bed; even if we go five rounds, she will still ask for more.

“My wife returns late at night, flirts around with different men and, at times, does not come home after work,’’ he said.

Maxwell, however, said that he was willing to live with Grace, if she would change her behaviour.

‘My husband beats me before having sex with me’ • I don’t beat her always, I only do whenever she curses me —Husband

H

e derives pleasure in beating me and then forces me to bed after”, says a housewife, Abosede Balogun. In her evidence in chief at an Orile Agege Grade ‘B’ Customary Court, Lagos where she pleaded for the dissolution of her 15-year marriage to Jamiu Balogun, she alleged desertion and frequent beating.

The 32- year- old woman, of 3, Owolewa Street, OrileAgege, said her husband behaves like animal, adding that he used to beat her severely whenever she asked for feeding allowance. ”He also abandoned my children and I, and came back after one year,”she said.

The mother of three told the court that Jamiu came back only to take the children and not to make peace. ”He promised to take the children away from me, because another woman he married could not give him children.”I can’t release my

children to a tout,a smoker and a womaniser. I don’t want them to take after their father. I plead with the court to grant me the custody of the children,” she said The 40 year old man, who lives at 3, Salimotu Street, Orile-Agege, denied the allegations. He said, “I have always loved and cared for my family, I am a responsible father though I might be troublesome.”I never deserted her. I only ran for her trouble for a while. I don’t beat her always, I only do whenever she curses me,”he said.

Balogun, a driver with Lagos State Emergency Agency, LASEMA, also told the court that he still loved his wife and did not support the dissolution because he did not want his children to suffer.

Meanwhile, the Court President, Mr Joseph Adewusi, told the couple to maintain the peace and adjourned the case for further hearing

‘She tore my underwear, squeezed my testicles in public’

• I spent several weeks in the hospital and when I returned, she warned me not to receive visitors if I cherished my life. She falsely accused me of having extra-marital affairs with my church secretary —Husband • He had married someone before me, and they are still seeing each other. He even invites her to our vigils. He asked me not to work and yet, he doesn’t take care of me —Wife

A

pastor, Matthew Olumide, has prayed a Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, to dissolve his marriage with his wife, Oluyemisi, over her alleged attempt to destroy his manhood.

Matthew told the court that his wife had overwhelmed his life with miseries.

“Oluyemisi exposed me to public ridicule when she tore my clothes, including my underwear and compressed my testicles.

“I spent several weeks in the hospital and when I returned,

she warned me not to receive visitors if I cherished my life.

“She falsely accused me of having extra-marital affair with my church secretary,’’ he said.

Olumide further told the court that his wife had destroyed his ministry following her domineering attitude. He stated that from more than 50 members, his congregation had dwindled to just a few.

“She doesn’t prepare food for me and the children anymore.

“Rather than rest after evangelizing, I now take up the responsibility of cooking and

looking after the welfare of the children,” he added.

In her defence, Oluyemisi told the court her husband and his people were always beating her.

“He had married someone before me, and they are still seeing each other.

“He even invites her to our vigils. He asked me not to work and yet, he doesn’t take care of me,’’ she said.

The court president, Mr Ezekiel Ogundipe, adjourned the case till June 9 and ordered that the couple bring along their relatives

‘He threatens to beat me to death’ • I sleep with a knife because I am afraid he may attack me at night. I was hinted by my co-tenants that he beat his ex-wife to coma —Wife • She enjoys listening to gossips —Husband

A

woman, Suliat Onakoya, has urged the Agege Customary Court to dissolve her marriage to Waheed Onakoya over threat to her life.

Suliat told the court saying: “This is the second year he left home and I have been responsible for our rent. Each time he comes home, he would always threaten to beat me to death if I don’t leave his house. He told the landlord to eject me, but he

couldn’t because I don’t owe him.

“I sleep with a knife because I am afraid he may attack me at night. I was hinted by my co-tenants that he beat his previous wife to a coma. He beats me over trivial issues. I don’t love him anymore; I want a dissolution,” she pleaded.

Mr. Onakoya, however denied his wife’s allegation saying: “I work in a neighboring state; I only come home at weekends.

Painfully, I once caught my wife

with another man in our room.

She enjoys listening to gossips.

However, I love her and still want to be part of her.”

The court president, Mr. Philip Williams, advised the parties to maintain peace and urged Suliat to stop sleeping with a knife.

He fixed a medication session for the couple and ordered each of them to bring two relations.

The case has been adjourned by the court president.

EVENTS

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40

OCTOBER 10, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tinsel draws the stars for charity

When the Inaugural Tinsel Charity Ball held, it was only appropriate that the stars should turn up for it, considering that Tinsel is one of the entertainment industry’s most successful productions. So, who were those stars at the ball? Some of them are in the pictures here.

Cobhams Asuquo

Helen Paul

IK

Isio Wanogho

Iyabo Ojo and Rukky Sanda

Makida Moka

Ono Bello

Ruth Kadiri

Timi Dakolo

Vixen

Daniella Okeke

DJ Sose

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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OCTOBER 10, 2015

41

Care of the elderly from diseases of muscles, malnutrition, and electrolyte imbalance. As a results it becomes difficult for them to climb stairs or any raised part of a building.

Falls: As a result of the previously discussed combination of factors, old people are prone to falls and other forms of domestic accident. Eighty-seven percent of falls occurring at home are said to be in those above 65yrs of age, more especially in females. Falls can results from high stairs, slippery floors and poor mobility.

When they fall they also tend to break their bones especially the femur, thereby complicating an already not so good a situation.

O

ne of the possible scenarios post February presidential elections is that we may have a septuagenarian as president.

By WHO standard, that is elderly. The World Health Organization defines elderly persons as people aged 64 and above. In Nigeria the cut off is even lower. As soon as you make it to 50 years of age, you are already regarded as old. In reality, chronological age doesn’t exactly correlate with physical age. Most of the time. 50 year old may carry on as a seventy year old, while an eighty year old may effectively function as someone a decade younger. Age then is principally a thing of the mind, all other things being equal.

However one looks at it, the common desire for everyone is to live long. Furthermore, majority of us have aged people as parents, uncles or in-laws. Knowing how to care for them therefore becomes important, so as to make their twilight pleasant or to make their stay at the departure lounge (apologies to Chief Clark) fulfilling. In doing this, we need to become familiar with challenges of old age and measures to be taken to mitigate these challenges.

Mobility: Old age is usually associated with weak bones and painful joints,which makes walking a challenge. Old age ill-

nesses such as arthritis, pathological fractures and sight problems combine to limit the abilities of the elderly to move around effortlessly. Others are weakness

Mental challenges: It has been said that up to a certain age, elderly people have the same intellectual acumen as their younger counterparts. But they tend to forget things easily, with impaired concentration and reduced attention span. They find it difficult to stick to their own end of the conversation most of the time.

Psychological challenges: Old people tend to be isolated and lonely. Everyone around them is busy while they are home and retired .Of course we have those who are active even in old age, either because they own their businesses or they are professional who can still practice till old age. What you find most times are two elderly couple trying to make ends meet or an elderly man or woman who has lost his or her longterm confidant to death. These lonely aged feel they are not being respected, their opinions no longer count, or that their children have deserted them. As a result ,they tend to be depressed and lose confidence in their ability.

Care: In caring for the aged you have to consider their physical and emotional frailties. We need to pay attention to their physical needs such as food, adequate clothing and proper housing. If you are not on ground to do it yourself, ensure whoever is in charge of their care is trust worthy, and not likely to abuse them. Even with an excellent caregiver, your presence from time to time is still paramount, as their joy is in seeing their kin to discuss with and relive old memories. Specifically, on the choice of housing for them, you may want to observe the following: •Stairs in their abode should be shallow and carpeted, with handrails made available.

• There should be no polished floor or other slippery floor coverings.

• They shouldn’t have to step over a step to get into a room.

•Lighting must be adequate enough for them to see easily • Bath tubs should be avoided if possible, if not, steps should be provided.

• Cupboards and shelves should be easily accessible and requiring no steps to reach them.

•Ensure drugs are properly labeled to avoid wrong dosing or put someone in charge.

•Attend to their health needs promptly to avoid quick degeneration.

Overall, attending to the reasonable wishes of the elderly, even when they are not in tandem with our. own views is the thing to do. For it might just be what they need to make their old age enjoyable I will conclude by advising the presidential handlers at Aso rock to be prepared for any eventualities. Either now or in the nearest future, a time will come when an old man might be the one Nigerians will put at the villa to govern them. When such time comes it would be good to take all precautions to ensure that the president doesn’t fall.

Dear Mirror Doctor Good day doctor. I was not enjoying sex with my partner, until he used his hand to help me out. Please Doctor is anything wrong with me or my husband and what is the problem?

08152...........098 Hello Anonymous, The good news is that you at least enjoy sex, contrary to the experience of some women who have never experienced orgasm or any form of sexual enjoyment. There is nothing wrong with your husband giving you pleasure in a certain way. It is in fact a good thing that he has

recognized your erotic zone. Because it takes longer for a woman to get into the mood ,my advice is to work it out with your husband such that you will engage more in foreplay .This delays his ejaculation long enough for you to catch up .As such both of you can the climax almost at the same time, and he wouldn’t need to use his hand all the time.

Good afternoon Doctor, Sequel to your interesting article on prostate cancer published in the Saturday Mirror, kindly text me name and addresses of laboratories you know that I can visit for a check

up. Thank you.

07084...........096

sperm sometimes during stooling.

Please sir, I need yur help. Thanks Nahshon from Kano state

Dear Anonymous, If what you mean is where you can get a PSA done, I can assure you that the test can be done in almost every standard laboratory in Nigeria with good accuracy. I am not sure of your location, but i know you probably have a personal doctor. It may be good to ask him to recommend a lab for you around your area

Dear Nahshon, I am not clear on what you mean by watery sperm. The only objective way to analyse the sperm quantitatively and qualitatively is via a seminal fluid analysis.If however you are referring to the sperm like fluid that comes out when you strain while stooling. It is just some secretion by the prostate gland that comes out at such time.It is a completely harmless discharge and it is common. But if your symptom is related to infertility, try and see your Doctor for proper diagnosis.

Dear Doctor, Good day sir. I do experience watery

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OCTOBER 10, 2015

TOURISM

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tarkwa Bay Beach: Nature in serene splendour OSEYIZA OOGBODO reports that the water of Tarkwa Bay Beach is calm and very safe for swimming. The environment is also crime-free and without the usual miscreants who are a fixture at most beaches in Nigeria. This beach is surely worth your visit.

O

ne thing you can be sure of at Tarkwa Bay Beach is safety of your life and limb, as well as whatever personal effects you take there.

Indigenes of Tarkwa Bay proudly claim that their beach is one of the best, if not the best in Nigeria.

Pointing at a group of foreigners making their way onto the beach, Tokunbo Abioro, an indigene and resident of Tarkwa Bay said, “You can see that no one is hassling those white people. If this was another beach, touts would be all over them. But that is not done here. If you leave your shirt across the back of your chair, you will meet it there, unlike at other beaches where miscreants would have stolen it.”

Abioro is very passionate about Tarkwa Bay Beach. He spends most of his free time there, lounging around and admiring it in all its splendour. “Ninety-five percent of the visitors who come to the beach are white people. They, and top corporate executives, prefer to come here because it’s peaceful and secluded.”

Surprisingly, the only way to get to Tarkwa Bay Beach is by boat. Yakubu Mohammed, another resident, says of this astonishing fact in this modern age: “There’s a road that leads to Badagry from here, but people don’t even think of it again. Even if anyone wants to use it now, it will be better to do so by Land

Rover. Coming here by boat is so much easier for people because it is just a 10 to 15 minute journey.”

While it would seem that the beach’s inaccessibility by road would have been a hindrance to its tourism potentials, Abioro says it’s not. “We get enough people here all the time. By 10am on weekends, the beach is already filled up with people and it stays that way until night.

“That people can come here by boat only is a blessing and not a loss to us,”

Abioro added. “If cars could come here at will, it will make the beach an all-comers’ affair. And after enjoying the peace and serenity, as we constantly do here, we wouldn’t like to experience the aftermath of a sudden invasion that would arise from having just anyone here.

“You see, the beach can be said to be exclusive right now. Anyone who wants to come here right now must be someone who is well-to-do and serious-minded.

For instance, if you are coming from Tarzan Jetty, you will charter a boat for N5, 000 to do so. And even if you come through Tarkwa Bay Jetty, which is more affordable, you can’t think of fomenting trouble here because if you do, leaving is very difficult as you can only leave by water so it is easy to apprehend trouble makers.”

While the residents say one of the beach’s selling points is that it has been in existence since the colonial days of Lord Lugard, it was just three years ago that the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Honourable Tokunbo Afikuyomi, saw fit to commission it as a tourism beach.

“It was a grand ceremony,” Mohammed recalls. “However, before the recognition, we used to have visitors and we still continue to have them.”

Passionately, Mohammed revealed another selling point of the beach. “The water is very calm. It’s just like a swimming pool, so it’s very good for those learning how to swim. Hardly do people drown in it.”

All the same, it has its own fair share of waves that surfers even surf on.

“There’s another beach, Lighthouse, close by here where surfers surf all the time. But they also do so here once in a while when there are waves they can surf on. Lest I forget, the way the waves lap on the shore is also one of the attractions that bring people here, as well as

the water itself. It is very clean.”

Tarkwa Bay Beach is so peaceful and serene that it hooks people and makes them keep coming back all the time, says Abioro. “The atmosphere is very nice and once you visit, it hooks you forevermore. I grew up here and I live here, yet I am not tired of it. You can see that the beach and water are very clean. This is because people who come here love it so much that they make sure they keep it clean. They do so voluntarily, cleaning up whatever dirt they see, and there’s even a white lady who gives people money to clear up water hyacinths so that they won’t disturb people’s fun.”

There isn’t a best time to visit the beach, Abioro discloses. “People come here at all hours and stay until they feel like. There are those who come here just to read a book and when they are through with their reading, they buy a bottle of beer and drink it before they go.

Others come for the normal beach stuff: to play and swim in the water, have a picnic, and all that. There are more visitors during the weekend, though.”

Already, for that time of the day, 9.30am on a Sunday morning, Saturday Mirror observed that two guys were playing Frisbee, a man was setting up the net for beach volleyball, some people were in the water, some were seated, and as the day wore on, more people kept arriving.

“People come here from all over the world,” Mohammed said proudly. “The beach is unique and in a class of its own, since there is no crime here. Visitors can ask someone to help them carry their things onto the beach and the person won’t disappear with them. If you tell someone to help you buy something, he won’t run away with your money. And nobody harasses you for money to enter the beach.”

Dr Kola Edun, one of the numerous people who visit the beach, says “The first time I came to Tarkwa Bay Beach was in 1975. The reason I came then was for adventure, just to discover a new place. But since then, I’ve been coming all along because of its cosmopolitan nature that attracts all sorts of people and also its calm water which makes it safe for swimmers.”

Another visitor, Tom Close, a Chinese businessman, says “I go to Tarkwa Bay Beach every weekend simply because I like it there and I can see the sky while there.”

And for those wondering how the name, Tarkwa Bay, came about, Mohammed says, “In the colonial days, there was a Tapa woman who was a trader here. When the colonials asked her about herself, she said she was from Tapa, and they used to call her Mama Tapa.

Over the years, that ‘Tapa’ evolved into ‘Tarkwa’”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

OCTOBER 10, 2015

LEISURE

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From the

OCTOBER 10, 2015

Civil Service

44

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CAC explains hitch in operations

C

orporate Affairs Commission (CAC) said on Thursday that the temporary disruption of services experienced by its customers in recently was due to ongoing implementation of new innovations and government policies.

The commission’s Director of Customer Service, Lady Azuka Azinge, stated this during its Customer Service Week celebration in Abuja.

Azinge said that the commission was currently undergoing changes in several operational areas, including migration to the Treasury Single Account (TSA), with their attendant challenges.

She, however, explained that the initial challenges had been significantly addressed, including sensitisation of the customers on how to make their payments into the

TSA. ``One of the reasons you have this problem is because we are going through changes in several operational areas. ``For instance we changed our main service portal, moved into something more efficient and more modern. So, naturally such things come with difficulties and problems. ``The new TSA which government has just introduced is also another one, because linking to our own portal and all that took a while but gradually things are taking shape. `` We have linked to the remittal, which is the main portal that government is using to drive this policy and it is working very efficiently now. ``Initially, it was difficult but we are already operating it. ``For those who are not

aware we also have our enquiries unit where they walk up to our staff who

put them through. ``We also pass circulars, did newspaper adverts and we also had a write-up we circulated, showing them the right steps to take to get into that portal.’’

The director said

that one of the teething challenges the commission had with the TSA was the delay experienced by customers in the process of verifying their payments at the its offices.

Azinge said that CAC was taking customer service to the next level, disclosing that it was the first time that the Customer Service Week was being marked by the commission. NAN

A cross section of physically challenged of Surulere Constituency 1 with Surulere Local Government Area (LGA) APC Chairman, Alhaji Shakirudeen Ajao; Member, Surulere Constituency 1, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Desmond Elliot; his wife, Victoria; Executive Secretary, Surulere LGA, Chief (Mrs.) Aduke Hussain, Surulere LGA Party Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Thomson Tunde, during the skill acquisition for Physically Challenged powered by Hon Elliott supported by CWAY and Cadbury in Lagos, on Thursday .

PENCOM to partner NSE to boost stock market activities

M

rs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, the Director-General, National Pension Commission (PENCOM), on Thursday promised to partner with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to deepen the nation’s capital market.

Anohu-Amazu made the promise during her visit to the NSE and bell ringing in Lagos.

She said that the commission would deepen its partnership with NSE to put necessary measures in place to give institutional investors the needed comfort to remain in the equities market on a long-term basis.

The director-general said that the commission required an enabling environment to participate effectively in the equities market in order to move the market forward.

Anohu-Amazu, who commended the ongoing reforms at the exchange, said that it would deepen market activities.

“The reform that has been on going in the NSE

is the kind of thing that PENCOM is looking for. ``Because, we are institutional investors and because of the nature of funds we hold which belongs to the retirement ser-

vice account holders,” she said.

Anohu-Amazu said that the primary mandate of the commission was to establish and ensure that liabilities and pension re-

tirement benefits were paid as and at when due.

“The relationship we are establishing with the NSE is such that will enable us to meet our initial mandate, while also playing an active

part in the local development of the NSE,” she said.

The director-general said that investment in equities for institutional investors should be for long-term.

“We are not portfolio in-

vestors, we are in for long term. ``I am happy that the management of the NSE is creating that platform to enable us to fulfil that mandate,” she said. (NAN)

Senator Baba-Ahmed leads NYSC Hope Alive

S

en.

Yusuf Baba-Ahmed has been appointed as Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Hope Alive Foundation.

Brig.-Gen. Johnson Olawumi, Director-General, NYSC, announced this in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by the NYSC Public Relations Unit.

It said the BOT, which comprised persons from different sectors of national life, would be inaugurated by the incoming Minister of Youth Development.

The statement explained that the foundation would be expected to drive the initiative of the scheme on post-ser-

vice economic survival of corps members who suffered permanent disability during service.

According to the statement, Olawumi praised Baba-Ahmed, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of Baze University, Abuja, for his contribution to the

development of education in the country. ``The director-general described the standard of facilities in the institution as congenial for effective teaching and learning,” the statement added.

The statement said the Senator, while respond-

ing to the appointment, accepted the opportunity given him to serve in that capacity, describing it as ``a great honour to him and the university”. ``Baba-Ahmed said he ventured into the education sector out of determination to contribute to-

wards fixing the system in order for Nigeria to realise its potentials and address various challenges. ``This challenges border largely on security and the country also has to make sufficient investment in education,” it

NIS strengthens security in Kano to check influx of illegal aliens

T

he Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kano State Command, said it would strengthen security in Kano city to check the influx of foreign nationals.

The new Comptroller of the service in the state, Alhaji Sadiq Baba, made this

known on Friday.

Baba said that the service had created six checkpoints at various entrances into the city to check the influx of illegal aliens.

He said that although Kano was a non-border state, security measures were needed in the area.

“With the support and cooperation of the government and the good people of Kano, the service will ensure legal entrance into the town.

“We have to continue securing our lives and property from the activities of people averse to peaceful coexistence in the state and the country,” he said.

The comptroller, howev-

er, solicited the support of other security agencies and the media in identifying and alerting the command of suspicious individuals and groups.

He said that the command would deploy more personnel to strategic locations in the state to ensure that only authorised aliens had access to the city.

NAN

Sport

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

OCTOBER 10, 2015

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Super Eagles players looking dejected after losing a match.

International Friendly

Eagles, Lions test might in Brussels Ifeanyi Eduzor

S

uper Eagles of Nigeria will tomorrow play high profile international friendly match against Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at the Edmond Machtens Stadium, Brussels, Belgium.

The Eagles played Niger Republic in the last free FIFA window but there have been calls that the three-time Africa Champions would be better off with games with stronger teams, hence the decision to play DR Congo, which defeated the senior national team on Thursday and Cameroon on Sunday.

Nigeria and Cameroon have a history of football rivalry dating back to 1962 at the then popular Nkrumah Cup which the Nigerian senior national team, then known as the Red

Devils won by 3-1. Since then, both countries have clashed a total of 19 times which Nigeria have won eight and drawn seven, while Cameroon were victorious on four occasions. And today’s encounter will be the first meeting between the sides since the Super Eagles beat the Indomitable Lions 2-1 at the 2004 Cup of Nations in Tunisia to qualify for the semi-finals of the tournament.

The game which is part of preparations for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers against either Djibouti or Swaziland will be a good test for the Super Eagles gaffer, Sunday Oliseh as he prepares to change the fortune of the team following their dismal performance against Tanzania in the AFCON 2017 qualifiers which was Oliseh’s first match in charge of the team.

Records show that out of

four Cup of Nations titles in Cameroun’s closet, three came from victories over Nigeria, including a painful penalties shoot-out conquest of the Eagles in Lagos in the Ghana/ Nigeria 2000 AFCON final.

Both teams are taking tomorrow’s game serious which accounted to why the Super Eagles gaffer invited all the important players in his squad such as Vincent Enyeama, who has since retired from international football, Efe Ambrose Elderson Echiejile, John Mikel Obi , Ogenyi Onazi, as well as forwards Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike amongst others for the cracker.

With the match played in Europe on Fifa official dates, it will enable Oliseh to test his team and blend them thoroughly ahead of major competitions.

Cameroonian Coach, Volker

Finke on the other hand invited a crack squad to be led by Trabzonspor midfielder, Stephane M’Bia to be assisted by Matip Joel, Njie Clinton, Salli Edga, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Onana Andre and Nyom Allan, Chedjou Aurelien, Nkoulou Nicolas and Bassong Sebastien for the match which both teams have predicted to win.

While the Super Eagles gaffer who is still lamenting the 0-2 loss to Leopards of Congo DR on Thursday, has assured Nigerians that his team is capable of inflicting pains on Cameroon, his Cameroonian counterpart, has declared that though the match is a friendly but his team will approach it with all seriousness it deserves.

“We quite understand that this is a friendly game but we are not going to allow the Nigerians inflict another defeat on us and that is why we are

taking the game serious.

“I believe that fans are going to watch a good match because both teams are among the best in the continent and whenever they are playing be it competitive game or friendly, people are always eager to watch the game and that is why we will not take chances in today’s cracker”, noted the Cameroonian handler after the team had their first training session ahead of tomorrow’s match Although Oliseh will be missing the services of West Ham United winger, Victor Moses who pulled out of the encounter because injury, it is hoped that his team is capable of getting victory from their Central African counterparts not minding Thursday’s announcement by team Captain, Vincent Enyeama, that he is quiting the national team.

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MIRROR SPORT

OCTOBER 10, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Blatter, Platini appeal FIFA ban

Aguero suffers hamstring injury

S

epp Blatter and Michel Platini have lodged appeals against their provisional 90-day bans imposed by FIFA’s ethics committee.

The 79-year-old Blatter was suspended from his duties as FIFA president on Thursday and has denied any wrongdoing, calling the investigation into his conduct as “outrageous”.

Blatter and Platini, who is no longer acting as UEFA president, have taken advantage of the two-day window to make a formal challenge after notification, but they will remain suspended at least until the appeal is heard.

Blatter and Platini were handed 90-day suspension after the Swiss Attorney General opened criminal proceedings against Blatter over a £1.35m payment to Platini.

The payment was made in February 2011 for work the Frenchman carried out as Blatter’s technical advisor more than nine years previously, between 1999 and 2002.

Issa Hayatou, president of Africa’s football confederation (CAF), is FIFA’s acting president, while Angel Villar Llona is in line to be acting UEFA president. The Spaniard also has an ethics committee investigation hanging over him relating to the inquiry into the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids.

Former FIFA vice-president Chung Mong-joon, given a six-year ban for breaking rules in the 2022 World Cup bid campaign, is also appealing, stating the ruling was a “shameful attempt to punish” his open criticism of FIFA.

Blatter

Barcelona backs Messi over tax case

B

arcelona have given their full backing to Lionel Messi in the superstar’s tax fraud case and vowed to fight “external decisions” they say are unfairly targeting the club.

On Thursday a Spanish court ordered Messi and his father Jorge, who are accused of defrauding the Spanish state of £3.1m from 2007 to 2009, to stand trial and the state attorney said Barca’s star player should serve a jail sentence of up to 22 months if found guilty.

Barca noted the state attorney’s stance

was “the complete opposite” to that of Spain’s public prosecutor, who has said Lionel Messi should not have to answer the charges as his father oversaw his finances.

“FC Barcelona has expressed its affection and solidarity to Leo Messi and his family in such a peculiar situation,” the statement said.

“The club shall continue to offer him and his family its full support and assistance in the legal, fiscal and administrative aspects of these proceedings.

Messi

Aguero

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anchester City striker, Sergio Aguero has suffered a hamstring injury during Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Ecuador.

The striker, who scored five times against Newcastle last weekend, pulled up holding his left leg after 24 minutes of his country’s 2-0 defeat in Buenos Aires.

City confirmed the injury in a statement on their website, saying Aguero “pulled up holding his left hamstring while chasing a long ball downfield.”

Aguero, who has suffered several hamstring injuries during his time in the Premier League, will now have a scan to determine the severity of his latest problem.

The 27-year-old was replaced as a precaution at the weekend shortly after completing the fastest five-goal haul in the Premier League era, and he later admitted he had felt his hamstring in City’s previous game against Borussia Monchengladbach.

SPORT NEWS

Wrestling: Power Lee assures on title defence Ifeanyi Eduzor

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ewly crowned Pro Wrestling Africa (PWA) heavyweight champion, Godspower Peace Ikpide , popularly known as “Power Lee” has declared his readiness to defend the title against his Cameroonian challenger, Michel Noudem “ Le Matraqueur” when they meet at the Asaba Township Stadium on November 1.

Power Lee despite all odds, defeated his opponent in their first fight on September 19 at the Palais De Sports Yaoundé, Cameroon to be crowned the champion but quickly accepted a rematch to enable his fans at home see what he can do in the ring.

The champion who boasted before he left for the central African nation that he will present the belt as a gift to the Governor of Delta State Ifeanyi Okowa in commemoration of the 24th anniversary of the creation of the state lived up to his promise as he defeated the Cameroonian champion despite being injured in the fight.

He told Saturday Mirror that the victory over the Cameroonian heavyweight wrestling champion was a revenge for Nigeria after the Lionesses

of Cameroun defeated the Super Falcons in the semi-final at the just concluded 11th Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville even as he noted that wrestlers will be coming from Egypt, Congo DR, Cameroon, Ghana, Benin Republic and international officials from the Underground Pro Wrestling, Glasgow, Scotland for the title defence.

“My promise to Nigerians is that I will not disappoint them because since I started wrestling, I have not lost any fight. I am appealing to the Delta State Government, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Isoko Development Union and other well meaning Nigerians to help me financially in the title defence.

Nigerian High Commissioner to Cameroon, Ambassador Hadiza Mustapha, congratulating Power Lee after his victory in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Baptist Church set for tennis tourney Ifeanyi Eduzor

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rrangements have been concluded by members of the Men Missionary Union (MMU),of First Baptist Church (Miracle Centre), AbuleEgba to organize a table tennis championship to mark the 2015 Royal Ambassadors’ Week of the church.

According to a statement by the body, the competition which holds from Saturday 10- 11 October will be in four categories namely; 10-14 years, 15-20, 20 - 40 years and 41and above will be competed for among members of the group, youths and adults of the church even as it stated that prizes will be given to the first, second and joint third winners in the tournament.

In giving his spiritual blessings towards the championship the Church Pastor Rev. Paul Kayode Abodunde described it as the first of its kind in the history of Baptist church in Nigeria.

Also speaking on the championship, President of the Men Missionary Union of the Church, Deacon Sesan Iroko expressed hope that the tourna-

ment will help in uplifting the spiritual growth of members.

Iroko while commending the founder of the Royal Ambassador Group of the Church late, Rev. Emmanuel Oyewumi for his vision in establishing the group noted that plans are on to extend it across other churches within the redeemer associations.

The tournament which will end on Sunday will witness March past and other activities already lined up by the Royal Ambassadors’ Army.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MIRROR SPORT

OCTOBER 10, 2015

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British Masters:

Poulter seeks first win in three years

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Layode, Tokunbo win Ikeja Independent day kitty

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he serene site of Ikeja golf club was agog with festivities last week as golfers drawn mainly from the club and other invited guests stormed the nine-hole course in celebration of Nigeria at 55.

The special Independent Kitty which featured over 100-golfers saw the duo of Olusegun Layode and Farinu Tokunbo emerging winners of the keenly contested competition.

To come top in the event, the duo shoots a combined score of 68-net to beat their closest rival, the pair of Akin Areola and

Charles Ojo by two-shoots Areola and Ojo carded a net score of 70. The team of Bidemi Babatunde Ojo and Greg Salako came third in the kitty while the pair of Felix Saibu and Jimi Soetan came fourth in the competition.

Also in hunt for the kitty’s top prize were the team of Muyideen Olaitan and Ojo Babatunde. Their effort placed them in the fifth position after shooting a net score of 72-over 18-holes.

Former club’s Competition Secretary, Esimaje Yomi-Eg-

be and Michael Laleye placed sixth after a net score of 72, leaving the pair of Jimoh Ogundare and Toyin Akinola in the Seventh position. C. Ocho and L. Lee ducked in the eighth position while Chris Obije and Deji Olajide came in the ninth position.

A.O Otenaike and Elems Obowu completed the top ten in the competition.

Happy at the turn out of golfers for the day, the club captain, Air Commodore Tokunbo Ajomale (rtd), while congratulating the winners for a job well

done, urged everyone present to continue to work for the unity of the country, saying the nation has so much to show for its 55-years of existence.

He added that event like the annual Independent kitty is the club’s own way of fostering unity among Nigerians and especially golfers.

‘I want to thank everyone present, especially the winners for their effort and our sponsors who make the celebration possible”, he said further.

The competition was sponsored by Spectranet.

Slattery sets early pace at Woburn L

ee Slattery continued his recent good form by leading the home charge as the British Masters supported by Sky Sports got under way for the first time in seven years at Woburn.

The tournament is back on the The European Tour International Schedule for the first time since 2008 and began in glorious conditions with Slattery setting the early pace.

The Englishman won the M2M Russian Open last month and followed that up by securing a tie for second place at the KLM Open the following week.

A top 30 finish followed at the Porsche European Open and while the 37 year old endured a disappointing week at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, he found his scoring touch again to turn in 31 on Thursday morning.

He began with three pars but picked up back-to-back shots on the fourth and fifth holes and another followed on the seventh before a further gain on the ninth moved him to the top of the pile.

Alexander Levy, who will be looking to defend his Portugal Masters title next week, got off

to a flying start with birdies on the 11th and 12th holes and an eagle on the 15th but a wild tee shot on the 18th found the trees and he dropped back into the group at three under.

Former World Number One Luke Donald was also at that mark after consecutive birdies at the first and second moved him to three under after 11 holes while fellow Englishman Andy Sullivan was also three under through 12 holes after four birdies and a bogey. Marc Warren completed the group a shot back after three birdies in his opening 10 holes.

Paraguay’s Fabrizio Zanotti was two under through 11 holes with David Horsey and Rikard Karlberg also two shots back of the lead just after the turn.

Sam Hutsby, Y E Yang, Julien Quesne and Mikael Lundberg were also two under with tournament host Ian Poulter a shot further back after a topsy-turvy opening.

Bogeys at the 14th and 15th had dropped him back to level par after early gains but a wonderful putt on the 17th got him back into red numbers much to the delight of the home crowd.

an Poulter hopes to win his first title in three years as the British Masters returns to the European Tour after a seven-year hiatus.

Poulter, the official ‘host’ at his home club of Woburn, will tee off along with the likes of Lee Westwood and Luke Donald.

Seve Ballesteros, Greg Norman and Nick Faldo are among past Masters winners.

“The names on the trophy are all of the great players that I’ve followed through the years,” said Poulter.

“You can name one after another after another. It’s good that we’ve got a good field and we can put another great name on that trophy.”

Poulter, 39, has had four top10 finishes this season but has not won a tournament since November 2012.

“It’s hurt a lot,” said the Englishman. “I’m not getting any younger and the guys are getting younger and better.

“It’s been difficult and that’s hard to take as someone that has pride in himself, in winning a lot of consecutive years in a row.

“But the only way of dealing with that properly is going out there and winning. I need to do that. I expect myself to do that and I would expect myself to do that pretty soon.”

Former world number one Westwood, who has returned to the European Tour after moving back to the UK from Florida for “personal reasons”, is also looking to recapture some form at Woburn.

The 42-year-old won the Indonesian Masters in April but has slipped to a world ranking of 44th and needs to remain in the top 50 to secure entry to majors next season.

Westwood is going through a divorce and wants to live closer to his two children, adding his game has suffered because “mentally a lot has been going on which has affected me in the head”.

He said: “Living in the States, my game didn’t really move in the direction I wanted it to, but obviously that’s not the reason I’m doing all this.

“I’ve always had priorities in life. I’ve always said that golf is not my main priority, but obviously the kids are.”

“There’s magic wand you can ever wave. I’m prepared to work hard. I’m in pretty good shape.”

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MIRROR SPORT

OCTOBER 10, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NBF sets up 7 sub- committees

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etermined to build on the success achieved at the just concluded 11th All Africa Games held in Congo Brazzaville, the Nigeria Boxing Federation rose from its recent meeting to set up seven different sub-committees to facilitate the affairs of the federation.

Vice President of the Federation, Suleiman Zango Ibrahim who disclosed this, said the sub-committees who are to start work with immediately will not only help in fast tracking the federation’s activities but will also assist in the smooth running of boxing in the country .

The sub-committees include marketing/sponsorship which has Osondu Ogbu popularly known as old school, who is representing the South-East on the board as chairman. Other members include the Vice President Suleiman Zango Ibrahim, Daniel Udoh, Azania Omo Agege, Mallam Yarma Farouk and Sec-

retary General of NBF, Olusola Luke.

Technical Sub-Committee has Daniel Udoh from the South - South as chairman while the vice president, Suleiman Zango Ibrahim, Brig. Gen. Joseph Ayeni and Osondu Ogbu are members. Finance and Budgeting Committee has Mallam Yarma Farouk as chairman while Ethics /Disciplinary Committee is headed by Mallam Ado Datti.

Other Sub-committees include the NPF youth and women committee that has Azania OmoAgege as chairman with Lukmon Lawal, Alhaji A.F. Masha, and vice president, Suleiman Zango Ibrahim as members. Reference/Judges sub-committee has Alhaaji. A. F Masha as chairman while doping control committee is headed by Dr. Ratimi Fasidi while Secretary General of NBF, Olusola Luke will serve as secretary of all the committees.

34 states for President’s Peace Cup Ifeanyi Eduzor

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agos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode would be the Special Guest of Honour when the 14th edition of the annual Nigeria President Peace Cup Kicks off Sunday, October 11, 2015 at the Agege Stadium Lagos.

Secretary General of Africa Youth Sports Federation; organizers of the tournament , Leader Wilson Whyte told Saturday Mirror that thirty four men and women football teams drawn

Ambode

from thirty four states of the Federation would feature in the U-20 championship aimed at promoting peace and unity among youths in the country as well as enhancing football development.

He noted that Governor Ambode approved the use of the venue for football carnival before screening was concluded at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on Thursday afternoon.

Leader Wilson Whyte who spoke on behalf of the President of the body, Dr.Ahmed Lawal explained that winners in both men and women categories of the President Unity Cup would cart home the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N300,000) besides a trip to Dubai, UAE for an international U- 20 youth tournament in December.

Whyte who has predicted an exciting carnival also revealed that both the first and second runners- up in the championship holding between October 11 and 14, 2015 would take home N200,000 and N100,000 respectively beside silver and bronze medals.

Eaglets beg Ayade for 2013 house gifts Afolabi Gambari

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ormer head coach of national U-17 side, Manu Garba (OON) has yet again appealed to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade to redeem the state’s gift to players and officials of the 2013 FIFA World Cup-winning squad.

Manu said it was about time Cross River State fulfill the pledge made to the players and officials by the immediate past Governor of the state, Senator Liyel Imoke after winning a historic fourth U-17 World Cup title for Nigeria in the UAE. “It is two years ago that we won the World Cup in the UAE but unfortunately, we are yet to get the house gifts promised to all the players and officials by Cross River State government,” said Garba.

“All the 21 players and 10 offi-

cials that won the FIFA U17 World Cup in U A E,2013 have been calling me frequently asking questions on when we are going to get our houses promised us by our amiable Senator Imoke especially after the Super Eagles have gotten their landed property in Calabar from the former Governor.

Garba said Nigerians and indeed the Golden Eaglets class of 2013 were very grateful to Senator Imoke and all the good people of Cross River for their unalloyed support towards the success of the team two years ago and therefore beg incumbent Governor Ayade to complete the task.

“I want to use this opportunity to beg current Governor; Prof.

Ben. Ayade to ensure that we get our houses because Senator Imoke who was instrumental to our victory in 2013 gave us the gift in good faith,” noted Garba: “We are hopeful and prayerful that Prof. Ayade would complete the good job started by Senator Imoke and give us our houses.”

Super Eagles players in a prayer session before a match

Battle of Brussels

Pinnick charges Eagles to beat Cameroon

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resident of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick has challenged the Super Eagles to approach their international friendly against Cameroon on Sunday with seriousness and attain victory in order to make Nigerians forget Thursday’s defeat by the Democratic Republic of Congo.

First half goals by Dieumerci Mbokani and Jordan Nkololo gave the Leopards a 2-0 win over the Super Eagles in Vise, Belgium on Thursday.

But Pinnick, who watched the game in company of NFF Vice Presidents Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko, told the play-

ers in the dressing room after the match to forget whatever issues had arisen in the camp over the past few days and attack the Indomitable Lions with passion.

“There is no time for us to dwell on the defeat by DR Congo. We were not at the last Africa Cup of Nation finals, but the Congolese were there and finished the tournament as the third best team..

“It is not an excuse to lose to them. But it is a fact. However, I have no doubt in your ability to turn things around when we play Cameroon on Sunday. That means you need to put this defeat behind you and focus hard

on tomorrow’s match.”

The NFF President assured that the Federation will always give all necessary support to Coach Sunday Oliseh’s moves to build s formidable team that will recreate the glory days of Nigeria football.

“A lot has happened in the past couple of days, but the important thing is that the NFF will always be there for the team. A football team is like a family, and the head coach is like the father. I enjoin each and every one of you to work with the coaches and abide by his instructions so that we can become better and stronger”, Pinnick concluded.

Senegal 2015: Siasia Invites 30 players

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ead Coach of the U-23 national team, Samson Siasia has invited 30 players to camp in preparation for next month’s Africa U-23 Cup of Nations championship in Senegal.

Players who were in the bronze medal winning squad at the 11th All-Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville formed the bulk of the invitees.

Notable among those called

by Coach Siasia are goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel, defender Chima Akas, midfielder Kingsley Sokari and strikers Christian Pyagbara and Oghenekaro Etebo.

Others are Yusuf Moham-

med, Erhun Obanor, Segun Oduduwa, Sincere Seth, Ndifreke Effiong, Usman Mohammed, Godspower Effiong and Daniel Etor Also invited to camp are; Tiongoli Tonbara, Wanbe Godwin, Austine Oladapo, Semiu Laidi, Iroha Ebuka, Qudus Suleiman, Yusuf Lawal, Adebayo Ajadi, Israel Emmanuel, Akinola Johnson and Tochukwu Nnorom.

The list also includes, Chukwudi Esoze, Stanley Dimgba, Lucky Jimoh, Philip Johnson Effiong, Ajabor Sunday and Charles Chukwudi.

All the invited players are to report to the Serob Legacy

Siasia

Hotel, Wuse, Abuja tomorrow with their international passports while training will commence on Monday 12th October 2015.

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

OCTOBER 10, 2015

Crime Watch

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How we steal cars, phones with Juju —Armed robbery suspects Patience O gbo

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uspected armed robbers who have been terrorising residents in Ajah area of Lagos State have been arrested by the police.

According to investigation, four of the arrested suspects who were paraded by the Lagos State commissioner of police on Tuesday allegedly belong to a gang who relocated from the northern part of the country to the Ajah area of Lagos state.

According to the police, the arrested suspects and members of their gang raided houses at the Ajah area of the state on July 19th -20th where they allegedly stole cash, laptops, handsets and also snatched a Toyota Sienna car at gunpoint from a naval officer.

Luck however ran out on the gang when the police from the Ajah police station acted on a distress call and engaged the armed robbers in a shoot out. One of the suspected armed robbers was gunned down and he died on the spot while others escaped with their loot.

Following complaints from the residents to the commissioner of police, CP Fatai Owoseni, the case was transferred to the Special Anti Robbery Squad Ikeja and four of the suspects were arrested along Oshodi road where they attempted to sell the Sienna car to unsuspecting buyer.

Jessy Garuba one of the suspects narrated how the gang allegedly robbed the residents. He said “I am an Okada rider but one of our friends told me to accompany him to Ajah. I had to follow him because he owed me money and I wanted to collect it. I waited outside the house and when the gang finished their operation, they ran out and I fled with them.

“Later, I heard that the police killed one of the men who went out with us. I was

The suspects with some of their loots

given the Sienna car to sell and three of us took the car to Oshodi to sell but we were arrested by the police”.

Another suspect, Tayo Abiola, 36, said, “It is my brother who is the armed robber. He came home that night after the robbery operation and he was sharing money with his gang. I left the house to avoid being arrested along with them but Jessy told me about the Sienna car that it was one of his friends that owns it. He told me to get a buyer because I am a car dealer. I joined the others to bring the car to the buyer at Oshodi but the police swooped on us and recovered the car. It was at that point I knew the car was a stolen property”.

On his part Shuibu Bala, another suspect, blames bad friends for allegedly deceiving him. He said “I ran away from Borno State because of the terrorism there. I came to live with my friend Jessy in Ajah. I don’t know he is a criminal. He told me he is a motorcycle rider and I told him to help me get a bike to ride. He came home with a Sienna and told me to accompany him to sell it but we were arrested and I found myself in this mess because of bad friends”.

Owoseni

The suspects with various handsets

The police said they recovered a Toyota Sienna car, assorted phones, charms and other deadly weapons from the gang.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni while reacting to the arrest said the suspects are among 40 suspects arrested last month.

Mr. Owoseni stated this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the police command Ikeja.

CP Owoseni added that the police arraigned 20 suspects in court as he added that the police recorded 31 cases of stolen vehicles and 17 murder cases in September.

He said “The police recorded 31 cases of motor vehicle removal from where they were parked. 15 cars snatched at gun point. 30 vehicles were recovered by the police out of the 46 removed. The command recorded 17 cases of murder. The command

is using this opportunity to advise members of the public to be concious of their environment especially now that we are approaching Chrismas and New Year. Members of the public should report all suspicious movements and persons to the police. We assure residents and visitors that the police will continue to provide adequate security but we need the cooperation of members of the public”.

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

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Crime Watch

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

OCTOBER 10, 2015

2 Nigerians, 4 Ghanaians charged for illegal petroleum sale

‘Why I stole baby’ A Patience O gbo

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22 year old lady, Jenifer Alezie, who was arrested by the police in Lagos State for allegedly abducting a nine months old baby boy, has confessed that she abducted the baby to deceive her boyfriend into marry her.

Jennifer was one of the suspects paraded by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Mr. Fatia Owoseni on Tuesday.

Jenifer who was answering questions from journalists stated that she abducted the baby boy from his parent’s house at the Ajegunle area of the state and fled with him to Okija in Anambra State out of desperation.

Luck however ran out on her when the police tracked her mobile number and subsequently arrested her with the baby at Okija.

Narrating how she allegedly carried out the crime Jenifer said pressure from her boyfriend pushed her into stealing the baby.

She said “I lost my parents when I was a little girl and my sister died while giving birth. I became desperate about getting a child because my boyfriend who is from Anambra state said he will not marry me until I give him a child. I later discovered I was three months pregnant last October but I had miscarriage.

“I was depressed but I told my boyfriend I was pregnant and I came to Lagos. I saw an opportunity when Mrs Aina became my regular customer at the filling station where I sold Kerosene. We became friends and she told me she has a nine months baby boy. She used to come to me to help her purchase kerosene. That was how I exchange numbers with her. She called me anytime she wanted kerosene and I assisted her.

However, sometimes last month, I went to visit her in her house. Her baby was crying and I picked him up and started comforting him. I told his mother that I want to take him to buy biscuit and “bobo” milk drink for the baby. That was how I ran away with him. I took him to my village in Okija and presented him to my boyfriend as our son. I only wanted to use the boy to get my boyfriend to marry me but he did not marry me. I named the baby Chukwudile and fed him with golden morn and drugs.

I know what I did is wrong but I was desperate. My boyfriend disowned me and nobody is coming to

Jennifer

bail me. I feel sorry for what I have done” Mrs. Aina Adetola the mother of the baby expressed gratitude to God

and the police for rescuing her baby.

She said, “I am beside myself with joy over the baby God returned to me. I am grateful to the police.

This is a big lesson to me never to trust anybody. I will never leave my baby for one minute. I will hold tight to my children. I used this medium to warn parents to be extra vigilant. I could not eat for four days.

I thought I was going to run mad.

I wanted to kill myself, but people continued to calm me down. My husband was so angry that he sent me out of his apartment, and I had to be sleeping in my friend’s house. He said if I did not bring the baby back, I should not return to his apartment.

I wept throughout that period.

Narrating how she met Jenifer, Mrs. Adetola said, “I met Jennifer at a filling station at Boundary Bus Stop, Ajegunle. She would always assist me when I wanted to buy petrol.

She had a shop in the area too. On that Saturday, she had come to my shop when my baby was crying. She carried him and said she was going to buy a drink for him.

“That was my mistake. After hours of waiting for them, I rushed to Akinbo Street at the house where I knew Jennifer stayed, only to be told that she had travelled. I was shocked. That was when I went to the police to make a report. I will never trust anybody in my life.”

Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday granted one million naira bail each for two Nigerians, one Beninese and four Ghanaians charged with dealing in petroleum products without licence.

The judge, Mohammed Idris, also granted the accused persons one surety each in like sum and ordered that they be remanded in prison custody till their bail conditions were perfected.

He thereafter adjourned the case to November 12 for trial.

The accused — Tola Kwami, Ameyon Sisieli, Jacob Apaloo, Setol Sunday, Senaya Edo, Michael Dansu and Moses David — are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and dealing in petroleum products without licence.

The prosecutor, Rita Ezeli, had told the court that the accused committed the offences at 10:00 p.m. on August 7, in Topo community of Badagry area of Lagos.

She said the accused conspired with some others still at large to deal in and distribute petroleum products (petrol) without any lawful authority or appropriate licence.

Ms. Ezeli said that the offences contravened Section 1 (17) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

“I urge the court to remand the accused in prison custody pending trial,” she said.

The counsel to the accused, McAnthony Aikharialea, urged the court to admit his clients to bail on liberal terms.

“The foreigners have lived in Nigeria for a long time. I promise the court that they will not jump bail if granted,” he said.

Imo police officers killed our unarmed undergraduate son —Family T he family of Ikechukwu Uwagbaokwu, an undergraduate of Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, have alleged in a petition to the Commissioner of Police, Joshak Habila, that their son was murdered by police officers from Ehimiri Housing Estate Police Station, Umuahia.

The petition was signed by the family lawyer, Godwin Chionye and made available to journalists in Umuahia.

The family urged the police boss to carry out thorough investigation into “the gruesome murder of our son.”

The family claimed that the gunmen, numbering at least 10, came to the deceased’s family house at Ohobe-Afara, Umuahia, in a Hilux van and Camry car at about10.50 p.m. on September 10 and shot the 23-yearold Uwagbaokwu dead.

“The armed policemen forced the wooden door leading to the deceased’s room open and on sighting him, one

of the policemen shot him and he died on the spot,” the petition stated.

The father of the deceased, Emmanuel Uwagbaokwu, said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Umuahia, that those that came from Ehimiri Police Station killed his son.

“I am not suspecting but confirming that those who killed my son came from Ehimiri Police Station, Umuahia,” he said.

He urged the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, to order full investigation into the incident in order to unravel the killers of his son.

He described his son, who was studying Marketing at the polytechnic before his death, as “a quiet and hard working boy struggling to further his education.”

Meanwhile, the Police in Abia says it has so far arrested four suspects in connection with the murder.

The Police Public Relations Officer

for the Police Command in the state, Ezekiel Onyeke, said this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Umuahia on Thursday.

Mr. Onyeke said the command had commenced investigations to fish out Uwagbaokwu’s killers.

He denied the allegation that the deceased was killed by police officers.

He said that three of the four suspects had been quizzed and released.

The police image maker added that the detained suspect, who allegedly identified the deceased’s house to the gunmen, was assisting the police with useful information.

“Initially, four suspects were arrested but three had been released while one is still in detention and he is helping the police in their investigation, to get to the root of the incident,” Mr. Onyeke said.

(NAN)

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

OCTOBER 10, 2015

N5.6b fraud: EFCC seeks forfeiture of ex-Oyo HOS’ property

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he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday asked an Oyo State High Court to order the forfeiture of the properties belonging to a former Head of Service of the state, Alhaja Kudirat Adeleke, and 11 others.

The defendants are facing a 213-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, fraud and forgery.

Adeleke and the 11 others were dragged before the Court for allegedly defrauding the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board of N5.6 billion.

Other accused persons are: Muili Aderemi, Iyabo Giwa, Adesina Ayoade, Oguntayo Banji, Adebiyi Musenbiq, Muili Adedamola, Adeduntan Johnson, Bosede Johnson, Kareem Rasheed, Olujimi Adebayo and Adewale Kehinde.

At the resumed hearing on

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Crime Watch Nigerian doctor in UK denies manslaughter charge

Wednesday, the case was however stalled when counsels to the defendants said they were not served with the counter affidavit by the EFCC. Richard Ogunwole (SAN), counsel to Adeleke; Ayoade Okunade, the counsel to Aderemi; and other counsels for the defendants, informed the court that they had not been served by the EFCC. In his reaction, Kayode Oni, the EFCC’s counsel, told the court that he just took over the case from the former counsel handling the matter.

Oni countered that based on the briefing he had, all the defendants’ counsels had been served with the counter affidavit.

He, however, prayed for an adjournment so as to serve the defendants since they were insisting that they were not served.

Justice Muktar Abimbola adjourned the case till November 4 for hearing.

NDLEA nabs Brazil-bound passenger for concealing 34,000 in underwear he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a passenger for attempting to smuggle out 23 wraps containing 34,000 dollars to Brazil.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, Head, Public Affairs, NDLEA, on Friday in Lagos.

The statement said the passenger, Ozoh Ikenna, was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, during screening of passengers on Etihad Airways flight to Abu Dhabi.

It said the money was packed in wraps and concealed in Ikenna’s boxer shorts.

According to the statement, the NDLEA airport commander, Mr Ahmadu Garba, said that the arrest was facilitated with the aid of a scanning machine.

“The wraps of dollars found on Ikenna were detected with the aid of scanning machine.

“We also conducted a follow-upoperation where one Ogbo Emmanuel who gave Ozoh the 34,000 dollars was arrested,” the commander is quoted as saying.

The statement said investigation activities conducted by the NDLEA’s Assets and Financial Investigation Directorate revealed that the suspects were involved in the laundering of

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substantial amount of illicit drug proceeds.

“We were able to trace over N226 million to one bank account belonging to the second suspect, Ogbo Emmanuel.

“The account name is Eternal God International Limited,” the head of the directorate, Mrs Victoria Egbase, is quoted as saying.

According to the statement, it was also discovered that suspected drug proceeds were regularly deposited in the said bank account by members of an international drug cell that smuggles cocaine from South America to West Africa.

The statement quoted NDLEA’s Chairman, Mr Ahmadu Giade as saying that the Agency is strategically targeting criminal wealth.

“Asset forfeiture is one of the effective ways of responding to organised crime threats; we are working assiduously to trace and confiscate criminal wealth of drug syndicates.

Strategic efforts are on-going to prevent the entry of drug proceeds into legitimate economy and criminal financing,” Giade said in the statement.

The NDLEA boss assured members of the public that in view of the overwhelming evidence linking the money to narcotics, the agency would diligently prosecute the suspects.

(NAN)

Hadiza

T

he Nigerian-born doctor, Hadiza Bawa-Garba, charged with manslaughter over the death of a patient, a 6-year-old boy in the UK, has denied killing the deceased.

Late Jack Adcock had Down’s syndrome. He died after suffering cardiac arrest and was undergoing resuscitation when Dr. Bawa Garba mistook him for another patient who had been discharged, and gave ‘do not resuscitate order’ to the nurses.

Another doctor spotted the mistake but Jack died after

Late Jack

efforts to revive him failed.

The Kaduna-born doctor was consequently charged with manslaughter through gross negligence alongside two nurses, Theresa Taylor and Isabel Amaro, who equally worked at the Leicester Royal Infirmary Hospital where the incident happened on 18 February 2011.

Dr. Bawa-Garba and the two nurses on Tuesday appeared before the court and denied the manslaughter charge.

However, the prosecutor Andrew Thomas told the jury that the boy’s death was

caused by serious neglect on the part of the doctor and two nurses.

The medics failed to recognise that a six-year-old boy’s body was “shutting down” due to sepsis and close to death, he said. Mr Thomas claimed the three medical staff failed to recognise the sepsis, which is inflammation caused by infection, and failed to act on it.

He said the staff did not monitor Jack’s condition effectively, and failed to recognise high levels of blood gas.

The case is expected to last up to five weeks.

EFCC arraigns ex-NIHORT Director, others over N124m fraud

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he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday arraigned Dr. Ademola Idowo, former Executive Director of the National Horticultural Research Institutes, Ibadan, Oyo State over alleged theft of N123.5 million.

Also charged alongside Idowo at an Oyo State High Court is Isaiah Ajisafe, former Head of Finance and Account of the institute.

They are facing a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing.

EFCC’s Counsel, Kayode Oni, told the court that the defendants conspired and fraudulently obtained N158 million belonging to NIHORT from Enterprise Bank and Keystone Bank (formerly BankPHB) between May 2007 and January 2008.

Oni said the defendants abused their offices by splitting one con-

tract into three.

The defendants awarded the split contract to Onikirp Nigeria Limited in three tranches of N49,913,083, N19,860,509 and N48,554,271, totalling N123.5 million, which are above their approved limits.

The offences contravened Sections 390 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Counsel to the defendants, Gbonajo Badejo, (SAN), urged the court to grant them bail on liberal terms.

Badejo said the 1st defendant was ill and that he came to court from from the hospital.

He said: “The EFCC is aware of his ill-health.

“He should be granted bail on self-recognition.”

Badejo said the 2nd defendant

was also not healthy as he was on herbal medication.

He urged the court to also grant him bail on liberal terms.

In his response, Oni, who did not oppose the bail application, informed the court that he was aware of the health condition of only the 1st defendant.

He urged the court to make the doctor treating the 1st defendant the surety, while his passport should be submitted to the court.

In his ruling, Justice Muktar Abimbola, granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N10 million each, with one surety each in like terms.

Abimbola said his doctor should be the surety and should also swear to an affidavit and submit two passport photographs.

He adjourned the case till November 10 and 16 for hearing.

NAN.

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OCTOBER 10, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Investment Profiles with Godwin Uba ubagodwin@yahoo.com 08034494437

Investing in table wine S

trategies for national economic survival dictate drastic economic reforms. One of such reforms is to discourage mass importation of foreign products and look inwards towards producing those goods that can be easily produced internally.

This will reduce drastically the pressure mounted on demand for foreign exchange. We all know that a nation that relies wholly on other countries for its needs will never grow.

It is also a known fact that government cannot provide all the needed employment to school leavers and graduates if industries are not established, not by government but by individual investors.

The only role government can play is to protect the local industries by passing favorable laws to that effect, provide an enabling business environment and offering adequate international relations.

To ensure the survival of our great country, the President and his Economic team banned the importation of some items into this country. The government felt that there are some products that can be comfortably produced in the country.

Thus Nigerians have been consistently advised to embrace industrial production, local sourcing of raw materials, import substitution and export promotion. This is the only way this country can move forward. The president has not relented in his efforts to see that Nigeria economy wears a new look.

The whole nation must support him to achieve all his objectives.

I strongly believe that the benefits of his economic reforms will not be reaped in a short term, but in a very long term if vigorously pursued. From our detailed investment analysis carried out, there are still some products that can be produced easily in this country, yet they are massively imported. One of such products is table wine.

Table wine production should fall in line with the above economic goals all the required inputs for its production can be locally sourced.

Importance and Uses of Product Wine is a non- alcoholic beverage popular among the upper and the middle class. It is served at ceremonies and social gatherings such as weddings, outings, naming ceremonies, house-warming, parties and night clubs.

In recent times, table wine has gained wide acceptance owing to its low alcoholic content. It is also a known fact that some brands have medicinal properties.

Thus owing to changing lifestyles, drinking habits and health reasons, wine is now generally taken in preference to beer and other spirits.

As such, it is now widely consumed by many households. It is also served in hotels, restaurants, and aircraft among others.

From market survey carried out, there is an excellent local market, hence some

businessmen in Nigeria have continued to import wine from the U.S.A and other European countries to the detriment of our national economy.

POSSIBILITY OF RUNNING THIS PROJECT IN NIGERIA From all indications, wine can easily be produced in Nigeria since the raw materials, manpower and other required inputs can easily be sourced in the country.

The only thing lacking in Nigeria is the standard machines and part of the equipment required for production.

These machines can easily be imported from technologically advanced countries into this country.

Already there are some foreign manufacturers of these machines that are located in Nigeria that can supply these machines. Some of them will be given to prospective investors on contacting the writer.

This project can be established in any part of the country, both in the rural and urban settings.

Those that Can Invest Although anybody can go into this business, but people into water and fruit juice/ drinks bottling are mostly favored.

Some of those importers can easily travel to overseas countries, procure the machines and install them in this country.

State and local governments can also set up this project in their areas to generate employment.

Those that have investment funds, but do not know where to invest them can consult the writer for further clarifications.

Those that have fruit plantations but do not know how to process their products to more valuable and marketable products should contact the writer for further discussions. This project is for everybody.

Raw Material Requirements Raw materials for table wine produc-

tion include grains like maize or wheat and fruits such as sweet orange, citrus, grape, cashew, paw-paw, pineapple, mango and cocoa. Others include tubers such as carrot and potatoes and other additives.

All these are 100 per cent locally available. The choice of raw material depends on the envisaged brand of wine. Water is a common input which accounts for up to 70 per cent.

Plants, Machinery and Equipment Machinery and equipment include the crusher, juice extractor, liquor digester, fermentation tank, strainer, filler, corking machine and weighing scale. Auxiliary equipment includes knives, hydrometer and Plastic/glass containers and buckets. Again, all these are locally available. Most of these machines are manufactured by foreign companies based in Nigeria.

Production Process Production process involves raw materials sourcing, selection, cleaning, peeling crushing and extraction. Other steps include digestion, cooling, straining, fermentation, ageing, clarification, pasteurization and bottling.

Production may be diversified to include three brands, one each for local consumption, special export and sacrament.

Details will be shown in the project feasibility report.

Capacity The envisaged machinery has a capacity for 1,250 liters of wine per day.

Operating at 50% capacity level, a total of 156,250 litters will be produced in 250 working days per annum. The capacity can also be increased if the promoter wants.

A smaller version of the plant which produces 500 liters per shift may be fabricated for small-scale investors.

Marketing Strategies 60 per cent of which will be sold to the dealers while 10 per cent will be sold directly to religious organizations as sacrament wine for Holy Communion. The remaining 30 per cent can be exported to other African sub-regions.

Estimated Cost of Project and Funding An estimated sum of N21.1million (as shown below) will be enough to commence the project. From pre-investment analysis carried out, the returns on investment is about 72%.Total projected revenue will be N58.7Million in the first two years. This figure will increase to about N85.5Million in the 5th year of operation.

The project will yield a first year net profit of N25.3 million.

The payback period is about 2years with a very hard working and experience manpower. The project is very viable and highly profitable.

Some financial institutions to be recommended will provide the necessary funds if the proposal is supported with a bankable feasibility report Project Estimated Cost The actual cost of establishing the project will be determined after conducting comprehensive feasibility studies on the project. However, from our preliminary studies, the takeoff cost is as follows-

(N’000) Pre-investments

520

Space rent (variable)

1200

Plant and Machinery

8000

Fixtures and Fittings

250

Capital Utilities

2000

Project Vehicle

2500

Working Capital (start-up)

5000

Contingency margin

2000

Total Investment 21,470

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kogi Guber: APC vows to oust Gov. Wada Omeiza Ajayi KOGI

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head of next month’s gubernatorial election in Kogi State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has vowed to send the incumbent governor, Idris Wada packing from the Lord Lugard Government House in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

The APC accused him of under-performance describing its own candidate, Abubakar Audu as a well-packaged solution to the myriads of challenges facing the confluence state.

A chieftain of the party in the state, Hassan Namiji Aboh expressed the preparedness of his party to the state yesterday at the commissioning of a party office in Egume to bolster the strength of the party and boost the chances of its candidate.

According to him, the people of Egume and Dekina Local Government as a whole have resolved to make the candidacy of Prince Abubakar Audu, their only alternative as they believe he possesses the merit, competence, and capacity to bring smiles on the faces of Kogites.

He added that the party in the area has now embarked on a robust sensitization campaign to get the electorate buy into the vision of the APC. Namiji, who worked assiduously for the success of the party in Dekina Local Government during the Presidential, Senate, House of Representatives and the State House of Assembly elections, conducted earlier this year, has also initiated and currently facilitating a Prince Abubakar Audu door-to-door campaign in Egume community and other localities in Dekina Local Government with the ultimate aim of ensuring the return of Audu to Lugard House.

He urged leaders of APC in the state to always embark on brainstorming sessions and re-engineer their strategies before the November gubernatorial election to ensure a landslide victory for Prince Audu at the polls.

He added that all hands must be on deck to continue to showcase and sensitize the people of monumental landmarks of Audu which are still visible on Kogi’s landscape till date despite his exit from office for more than a decade.

OCTOBER 10, 2015

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‘Islamic scholar’ charged for N22m theft T

he Kano State Police Command has paraded a self acclaimed Islamic Scholar, who induced a domestic servant to steal the sum of $100,000 (N22million) from his master at the Command’s Bompai headquarters, Kano.

The fake Islamic Scholar, identified as Mallam Sayyadi Hassan Muhammad of Unguwa Uku quarters, Kano, lured the domestic servant, identified as 37-year old Munkaila Ibrahim of Nasarawa GRA, Kano to steal the said sum from his employer, promising he will pray for him to prevent detection of the crime.

Parading the culprit at the Police Command’s headquarters on behalf of the Police Commissioner, Mohammd Musa Katsina, the PPRO, ASP Musa Magaji Majiya, disclosed

that shortly after the deal was struck, the Mallam gave N6 million to Munkaila and converted the rest to himself.

According to the Police image maker, investigations further revealed that the Mallam used his lion share of the loot to procure a Civic Honda car, valued at N850,000, a tricycle, valued at N430, 000, a Mercedes Benz car, valued at N1.6 million, as well as textile materials, valued at N1.650 million, including a cash sum of N432,100.

Also recovered from the fake Islamic scholar were white clothes and papers, with Arabic inscriptions for rituals.

On the other hand, plot of land located in Hotoro, said to have built by the said domestic servant, Munkaila, valued at N2.165,200, was recovered as well as a Golf car, val-

ued at N550,000, Zongshen Motorcycle, valued at N135,000, a including a refrigerator and a television set, as well as a decoder and gas cooker.

Another suspect, according to Majiyam, who was identified as Habibu, was given the sum N90,000, adding that investigations into the matter is already in progress.

In other separate raids, according to the PPRO, men of the Kano State Special Force on Kwairanga road, Nassarawa GRA in respond to a distress call gunned down an armed robber, identified as Kelechi Sunday from Mbano LGA, Imo State, injuring him on the leg, but one of them made good his escape with the gang’s operational weapons.

Majiya said they disguised as palm oil merchants, who imported

palm oil from the Eastern part of the country to Kano State, but their robbery attempt was however, successfully foiled by the gallant Police operatives, one of whom suffered minor injury, but have since been treated and discharged.

Also, according to Majiya, the Police made other series of arrests, ranging from car snatchers to other various robberies.

On a final note, the Police Commissioner, Muhammad Musa Katsina warned would-be armed robbers that Kano State is a no go area, and should therefore keep away the state.

Lastly, he warned prominent Nigerian to avoid engaging the services of domestic servants, without first documenting their personal data

L-R: Secretary to Borno State Government, Alhaji Usman Shuwa; Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Barnabas Bantex and Chairman of Northern Governors Forum, Governor of Borno, Kashim Shetima, during the inauguration of the committee of Attorneys-General and Commissioners of Justice of Northern States on the review of the criminal justice system of northern Nigeria, in Kaduna, yesterday

NSCDC boss warns youths to eschew violence in Nigeria

A za Msue KADUNA

T

he Commandant– General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Mohammed has warned youths and sponsors to stay off violence saying enough of crisis in Nigeria.

Speaking through a NSCDC Zone B Commandant, Nathaniel Ubong, at a workshop on peace in Ka-

duna, organised by NSCDC and Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Gana appealed to Nigerians, particularly, the youths to take the path of peaceful conflicts resolution to achieve a better Nigeria.

NSCDC boss who spoke on the theme entitled: “The Culture of Peace and Non Violence for Nigeria Youth” said: “We have had enough violence in Nigeria, enough is enough, and the latest bomb blast in

Nyanya and Kuje areas of Abuja was uncalled for. Every segment of the society must ensure that there is peace because Nigeria is the giant of Africa.

“Let’s stand behind Mr. President and have a change of mind and a change of attitudes, and ensure that peace is realised in our society for the benefit of all of us.

On his part, Kaduna State Commandant of NSCDC, Modu Bunu, re-

called that history of violence in the country showed that Kaduna State was worst hit.

He listed Kafanchan crises of 1987, Zango Kataf crises of 1992, sharia crisis of 2000, Miss World crisis of 2002, post election violence of 2011, and the bombing and reprisal attacks of 2012 as those major bloody crises that shook the foundation of the State in those years.

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Northern group seeks inclusion of youths in Buhari’s cabinet James Abraham JOS

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Northern youth group, United Arewa youth organisation has faulted the list of Ministerial nominees submitted to the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a press statement signed by the organisations Acting Chairman.

Mr. Dindam Isaac Laven in Jos yesterday, said the youths were agitated and disappointed in the list because the youths have been sidelined and marginalized.

It said:” Most of the people who made the list are people who have told their children and grandchildren that they were the leaders of tomorrow.

A tomorrow they are clearly clinching onto.

The late Olusola Saraki screened Ogbeh as a ministerial nominee by Shagari in the early 80s.

Saraki’s son will again, screen the same Ogbeh for the same position in the 2000s. Where is the change?.” The people who led Nigeria into independence like Awolowo was just (37), Akintola(36), Ahmadu Bello(36), Okotie Eboh(27), and Enahoro(27) “Only Barrister Solomon Dalung and a few others are between their late 40s or early 50s. We voted PMB despite his age because we believed in his change mantra and a promise of an all inclusive youth development.

“The youths of Nigeria are in the midst of a revolution, it is not a revolution of tyranny or violence, but a revolution of thought and reason, we desire a change in our country where the youths would be carried along and given a voice.

“Nigeria is a fast growing technological country and we cannot have people who can hardly operate their smart mobile devices not to talk of laptops as ministers. As we expect the remaining list, we expect to see a difference”

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54

DSS arraigns eight persons for murder of BYHA deputy clerk Osahon Julius YENAGOA

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he Department of State Security (DSS), yesterday, began the prosecution of eight suspects over the murder of the Deputy Clerk of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Mr. Joephrey Nemina.

DSS led by its new state Director, Mr. Ade Olusesan, began the arraignment of Timmy Owokoro, Tony Wilson, Omoyo Agidi and Etete Wisdom, at the state High Court 2 for the murder of Nemina.

While Douglas Esegi, Peace Banjamin, Benike Tarila and Enyia Ben Karibo were arraigned in the same court on a threecount charge of illegal possession of firearms allegedly used in the gruesome murder of the victim.

The offences were said to be contrary to Section 147 of the Criminal Code Laws of Bayelsa State, 2006 and Section 3 of the Robbery and Firearms (special provision) Act, 2004.

Esegi, Benjamin, Tarila and Karibo were said to be illegally in possession of locally-made sixround revolver pistol and locally-made single barrel long gun.

Nemina was killed in April along Agudiama Road, Yenagoa, the state capital at about 7:30pm.

While some said he was caught up in a cross-fire between two rival cult groups, others said he was approached in front of his wife’s shop and shot in close range by gunmen.

The victim was said to be full of life when he was killed close to a supermarket owned by his wife.

When the charges were read to the suspects before the court presided over by Justice Margareth Akpomiemie, they pleaded not guilty.

SOUTH SOUTH

OCTOBER 10, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

UCTH sensitizes staff on Hemorrhagic Fever control Richard Ndoma CALABAR

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he University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, (UNICAL) yesterday, organized a sensitization seminar on haemorrhagic fever and several other contaminated disease.

The seminar was organized by the management of UCTH as a result of fear which gripped the hospital community after the death of a young man who died Tuesday in the hospital and whose death

has sparked off speculation on rumoured resurgence of ebola virus in Calabar.

Consequently, those who were quarantined as a result of their contact with the young man shortly before he gave up the ghost are still under incarceration as at the time of filling this report.

Equally, the corpse has also not been released to the family pending the release of the test result Speaking on the Theme of the workshop ‘’Sustain-

ing Zero Cases of Ebola in Nigeria, Prof. Adebola Olayinka, Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, stated that ‘’screening procedure for the blood sample is currently being done and we are hopeful that before the end of the day, we will get the result.

Prof Olayinka, who was the resource person at the seminar, reassured that the air ports, sea ports and all entrances into Nigeria are still

being properly manned to ensure detection of either ebola or any other threats into the country.

It would be recalled that shortly after the death of the young man, the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital had released a statement that the patient might have died of hemorrhagic fever.

Meanwhile, there is anxiety in Calabar as residents await the result of the laboratory test following a rumour making the rounds that the death of the young man was caused by ebola.

Residents of Imiringi, Emeyayel and Otuasagha communities sympathizing with a man allegedly killed, during an attack on Shell Petroleum Development company’s oil flow station at Kolo creek, Imiringi in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Transparency group charges Buhari to declare state of emergency on petroleum, defence sectors Amour Udemude ASABA

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ollowing what it called, present danger to the nation’s economy and national security as a result of years of systematic rot and lack of patriotism, a group, Vanguard for Transparent Leadership and Democracy (VATL) has called on President Mohammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency on the petroleum and defence sectors.

Making the call yesterday in a terse statement signed by the National President of the group, Comrade Emmanuel Odafe

Igbini and made available to the press in Asaba, the group called on the President to unconditionally and urgently invoke Section 305 of the 1999 Nigeria Constitution as amended, to declare a State of Emergency in both Sectors.

Igbini, admonished that in the period of the state of emergency, President Buhari should directly carry out his constitutional duty as the President of Nigeria to exercise the Executive Powers of the Federal Republic as stipulated by section 5 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended to take full and direct charge of overseeing the affairs of

these Sectors during this period until sanity is restored for the overriding interest of the nation and her over 170 million citizens.

“During this period, the statutes (laws) establishing and regulating the Ministries of Petroleum and Defence should be suspended.

There is no doubt in the mind of any Nigerian that indeed our nation is today at war (economic, social and terror).

“Innocent Nigerians are daily killed by terror groups in the North and communal clashes are daily claiming lives in Plateau, Kaduna, and other States in north and south of Nige-

ria allegedly as a result of disagreements between Herdsmen and Farmers.

“Critical economic link roads like Warri to Calabar urgently need attention to complete the ongoing dualisation to ease movement of heavy duty equipment construction equipment of the oil companies. We all know that Nigeria’s economy is for now dependent almost 98% on revenue from the Petroleum Sector which has sadly been bastardised by a select few privileged Nigerians appointed to manage this critical sector over the years.” Igbini stated.

NIPOST partners banks on rural banking in C’River Richard Ndoma CALABAR

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igerian Postal Services, NIPOST, in Cross River State territory, on Friday said it is partnering banks to bring banking services to the doorsteps of rural dwellers in the state.

According to NIPOST, if the arrangement becomes fully operational, it would afford rural dwellers an opportunity to access loans to boost agricultural production and small scale business enterprise.

The Area Territorial Manager of NIPOST, Mr Christopher Utuk,made the remark during the 2015 World Post Day celebration in Calabar, stressing that several millions of Nigerians resident living in rural areas have no access to banking facilities which accounts for the need to partner with banks to reach them since NIPOST has a wide branch network across rural areas of the state.

“This partnership is bringing the rural population majority of whom have no access to banking facilities into the mainstream of the Nigerian economy through our rich post office network” Utuk maintained that the idea of such partnership is for banks with few or no branches in rural areas to utilise NIPOST facilities in those areas and serve their customers in a secure and convenient environment.

“Here in Cross River we are partnering with a number of banks and consulting with some to key into the Central Bank of Nigeria initiative to extend their banking services to rural populace and this rich network will afford small and medium scale enterprises in the rural areas, the opportunity to access loans and boost their businesses” The NIPOST boss said.

According to him, NIPOST has 1500 departmental post offices across the country while in Cross River State, there are 18 departmental post offices, 6 counter extensions, 9 postal agencies and 11 post shops and therefore well equipped to offer customers best services.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

OCTOBER 10, 2015

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55

National Dialogue Quartet in Tunisia wins Nobel Peace Prize

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he National Dialogue Quartet in Tunisia was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize Friday for promoting democracy in the most successful shakeup of the 2011 Arab Spring.

The prize was awarded to the group “for its decisive contribution to the building of a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia” after the so-called Jasmine Revolution.

The Quartet was formed in 2013 and is formed of four elements: the Tunisian General Labor Union, its Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts, its Human Rights League and the and the Tunisian Order of Lawyers.

Tunisian protesters triggered uprisings across the Arab world in 2011, but it is the only country in the region to painstakingly build a democracy.

Announcing the prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said the Quartet “established an alternative, peaceful political process at a time when the country was on the brink of civil war,” and was “instrumental in enabling Tunisia, in the space of a few years, to establish a constitutional

system of government.”

Its formation guaranteed “fundamental rights for the entire population, irrespective of gender, political conviction or religious belief,” the committee said.

The prize was announced at a press conference in Oslo’s Norwegian

Nobel Institute.

Kaci Kullman Five, head of the committee, told reporters: “More than anything, the prize is intended as an encouragement to the Tunisian people, who despite major challenges have laid the groundwork for a national fraternity which the committee hopes

will serve as an example to be followed by other countries.”

Houcine Abassi, secretary general of the UGTT union, said he was “overwhelmed” by the award, telling The Associated Press: “It’s a prize that crowns more than two years of efforts deployed

ennifer Lawrence, the 25-year-old Hunger Games star, is the world’s highest paid actress, according to a ranking published by Forbes.

The actress took in an estimated $52 million in earnings over the last year, thanks to her role in the fantasy action triology as the heroic Katniss Everdeen.

Scarlett Johansson came in second, raking in a cool $35.5 million, followed by Bridesmaid star Melissa McCarthy with $23 million.

Only one non-American made the ranking -- Chinese actress Fan Bingbing, who broke into the top 20 for the first time, earning $21 million.

While $52 million is no chump change, it pales in comparison to what the highest paid men in Hollywood can command.

This year’s best paid actor, Robert Downey Jr., made a whopping $80 million.

Only four actresses on the list earned more than $20 million, while 21 of their male counterparts banked $20 million or

more.

The entertainment industry is known to be extremely unforgiving to women.

Young Hollywood actors and actresses make about the same in yearly earnings but that parity quickly evaporates as they age.

According to one study, actresses’ pay peaks at age 34 and sharply drops off.

Actors on the other hand reach their earnings peak at 51, and just as importantly, their pay does not drop after that nearly as severely as it does for actresses.

Saudi employer chopped off the right arm of an Indian domestic worker after she complained to police that the employer was mistreating her, the woman’s sister said Friday.

Kasthuri Munirathinam, 58, was employed by a Saudi household in Riyadh three months ago, her sister S. Vijayakumari told CNN on the phone from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Vijayakumari said the family was told about the attack on September 30.

According to Vijayakumari, Munirathinam’s employer cut off her arm after she told local police that she was being mistreated, not being paid and not given enough food.

The Indian government has complained to Saudi Arabia about the incident.

“We are aware of the

plight of Ms. Kasthuri Munirathinam, a domestic help who has suffered serious injuries allegedly inflicted by her Saudi Arabian sponsor,” Indian external affairs spokesman Vikas Swarup said in a statement Thursday night.

New Delhi demanded that Riyadh order an independent investigation of the incident.

Munirathinam is being treated at a Saudi hospital, the External Affairs Ministry statement said.

India also called for Saudi authorities to charge the employer with attempted murder.

“This is a very unfortunate and most condemnable incident. Our embassy in Riyadh has taken up the matter with the Saudi Foreign Office and asked for strict action in the matter and severe punishment for the sponsor,” Swarup

by the quartet when the country was in danger on all fronts.”

“I am happy,” he added.

While Tunisia has been much less violent than neighboring Libya or Syria, its transition to democracy has been marred by occasional violence, notably from Islamic extrem-

ists. An attack in June on a beach resort in Sousse left 38 dead, mostly British tourists.

Another in March killed 22 people at the country’s leading museum, the Bardo in Tunis — also primarily tourists.

Jennifer Lawrence is world’s highest paid actress J

Lawrence

Indian housemaid’s arm cut off by Saudi employer A said.

“We will continue to seek justice for the victim,” he added.

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called the alleged attack “brutal.”

CNN contacted the Saudi ambassador in New Delhi, Saud bin Mohammed AlSati, for comment on the case. He refused to discuss the matter over the phone and advised CNN to seek a formal appointment. CNN has requested an appointment.

Saudi Arabia has come under harsh criticism for the treatment of domestic workers in the kingdom, as frequent reports emerge about the abuse of maids working in vulnerable domestic environments.

And last month, a Saudi diplomat working in his country’s embassy in New Delhi left India after

being accused of sexually assaulting -- and facilitating gang rapes -- of two Nepali domestic helpers who worked for him.

Earlier this year, Indonesia banned its citizens from working as domestic help-

ers in 21 countries, including Saudi Arabia.

Two Indonesian maids were executed by beheading in Saudi Arabia earlier this year, after murder convictions that were questioned by rights groups.

Sri Lanka also placed limits on the number of women working in Saudi Arabia as maids after the beheading of a woman convicted of killing her employer’s infant son while only 17.

Deadly shooting at US university

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confrontation between students in a parking lot at Northern Arizona University turned deadly early Friday when, police say, a freshman pulled a gun and shot four male students, killing one.

What led the suspect, identified by university police as Steven Jones, 18, to open fire around 1:20 a.m.

Friday remained unclear.

University police Chief Gregory T. Fowler said Jones was cooperating with investigators.

The slain student has

been identified as Colin Brough, according to the university’s website. The three others are being treated at Flagstaff Medical Center.

They are Nicholas Prato, Kyle Zientek and Nicholas Piring, the school said.

Fowler said it appeared the victims had been shot multiple times.

The victims were all members of the Delta Chi fraternity, the organization said Friday. The suspected gunman was not, the fraternity said.

“We are deeply saddened

by this tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of the victims, as well as the entire community in Flagstaff,” the fraternity said in a statement. The organization said it was seeking the university’s help in providing counseling to its members.

University President Rita Cheng said the school had experienced “a terrible tragedy.”

“This is not going to be a normal day at NAU,” she told reporters. “Our hearts are heavy.”

Quote of the day “If we do not see any step in this direction within a reasonable time, the Yoruba may reconsider their place in a union that cannot protect them and would not allow them to protect themselves”.

— Yoruba leaders on why they may break away from Nigeria due to insecurity as evidenced by the recent kidnapping of prominent Yoruba leader, Olu Falae.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2015. www.nationnationalmirroronline.net

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Leaders and their praxis

I

n the next few weeks, Ministers will be resuming their portfolios and they will commence their charge of assisting the President to develop Nigeria in general terms. It is important to let the ministers know that many ministers have been occupying various positions in Nigeria since 1922. When they finished their assignments, other ministers were appointed. And there will continue to be ministers in the years to come, for as long as Nigeria exists.

What is perhaps important to Nigerians is the praxis of their behaviours, which is becoming a point of interest to the global community, especially with the trial of the former petroleum minister for money laundering by the British police after three years of investigation. It is not likely that the British police will lose their case and I do hope that Madam Minister is putting together her team of defence lawyers.

That the president delayed the appointment of ministers is simply a reflection of the cumulative behaviours and praxis of our past ministers. It is gradually becoming clear that the position or office of minister is fast losing its respect in public service. However, there is still every reason to congratulate the new ministers and wish them the very best in their charges of handling the affairs of our dear country Nigeria.

The individuals on the president’s list of ministers can be divided into four broad categories as follows: Drivers, Expressives, Analyticals and Amiables. Every human being belongs to at least one category of this division. It is important to know where you belong and who you are. This is key in respect of the new ministers, especially if the President wants

CFR

The President and Vice President are a perfect match for efficiency and effectiveness. The mistake to avoid is matching two Drivers.

Recall the much celebrated Obasanjo/Atiku crisis. These two men possess characteristics of Drivers! to have optimum value from their services.

It will be useful to start with the President himself, and of course, the Vice President. The question is: Who is Buhari? Which of these categories does he belong to? The President, by nature and according to the Psychometric Test, is a Driver. And who is a Driver? The best attributes one can use to describe a Driver are: Adventurous, Authoritative, Candid, Challenging, Competitive, Assertive, Powerful, Result Oriented, Self Reliant, and Strong-Willed. So a Driver wants control and results. When under pressure, the Driver’s demands may make them confront others.

Drivers focus on issues, they are demanding and assertive. The new ministers must know that this is

the type of person they are going to work with and they should be prepared.

Those who possess the same characteristics with the President must be ready to understand that they may be in conflict with him if their positions are not the same with his, particularly on issues where he has made up his mind, such as corruption.

Non-Drivers (people in the other categories) will work well with the President, as we shall see shortly.

The President will do well to reduce the number of people with his type of characteristics in the cabinet.

The President works well with the Vice President. And why is this so? The Vice President belongs to the category of Amiables.

People in this category possess

the following characteristics: Accommodating, Appreciative, Agreeable, Diplomatic, Generous, Supportive, Cooperative, Trusting, Understanding and Patient. The interesting thing here is that the Vice President’s characteristics are completely different from the President’s.

So what do Amiables do under pressure? They tend to acquiesce.

They will yield to other’s viewpoints and opinions, easily give in or withdraw support.

Amiables are active listeners.

They like to understand people and they have a participative style.

In similar circumstances, Drivers will be fast decision-takers, risktakers, competitive and bottomline in approach.

The President and Vice President are a perfect match for efficiency and effectiveness. The mistake to avoid is matching two Drivers.

Recall the much celebrated Obasanjo/Atiku crisis. These two men possess characteristics of Drivers!

The President must ensure that those who have been nominated as ministers are placed accordingly and that their characteristics match their portfolios.

A Driver may not be good for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as diplomatic issues are not likely to be resolved with an assertive approach. A Driver may be good for the ministries of petroleum and works, but a Driver may not have the desired impact at the ministries of health, commerce or labour.

Next week, we will discuss Analyticals and Expressives, so watch out for this column. *Jimoh Ibrahim writes from the MBA Class of the University of Cambridge

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