Saturday, October 27, 2012 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Awujale debunks death rumour P. 10

Vol. 02 No. 46

Plane crash

Boko Haram: SSS seeks Jonathan leave to quiz Modu-Sherrif

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N150

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Taraba governor on life support •He’s under close observation –Doctor •Jonathan visits hospital

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INSIDE

Celebrity I won’t sing lewd songs

–Ayobami Ayolola P. 18

MAGA A IINE Sex talk

22 sure ways WR IOLS KHU VH[ VZLWFK RQ

Fashion Bags of colour 5LJKW WRSV IRU curvy gals

Relationships C Can you accuse your spouse of rape?

Toke

Siren of the airwaves P. 17

L-R: Chief Femi Okunnu, Oba of Lagos, Riliwan Akiolu 1; Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola; his predecessor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Alhaji Usman Awelenje, during the Eid-El-Kabir Prayers in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

PHCN: NCP decides winners of Discos this week P. 6

Sallah day tragedy

20 die in Kwara road crashes

...3 killed by gunmen in Borno

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Andy Uba, Arthur Eze battle over Enugu property

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Page

Two P.33

Shagamu–Ore tragedy:

One funeral leads to many funerals

Top Stories

20 die in Kwara road crashes ILORIN

A My wife beats me up any time she wants –Husband

October 27, 2012

Sallah tragedies WOLE ADEDEJI

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

t least 20 people died from two separate road accidents that turned Sallah celebrations into mourning in many homes in Kwara state. The multiple accidents, involving about 10 vehicles in all, occurred within 72 hours and within a distance of two kilometres from the other along Ilorin-Bode Saadu-Jebba old Federal Highway. Sector Commandant of the

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Christopher Ademoluti confirmed the two incidents on Fridat to newsmen in Ilorin. Kwara State capital. He was still on ground at the scene of the accidents with officers and men of the sector and the Oloru Unit led by Mr. M. Osilaja whilling this reports yesterday. According to Ademoluti, the first accident occurred at Osin Village, on a portion of the Highway that has gone bad but which is still more motorable than the much celebrated

Ilorin-Olooru-Jebba axis of the major highway that links Kwara with Niger and other states of the north. He said a commercial bus carrying passengers from Niger state had slowed down upon approaching the bad spot only for a truck behind it to run into it forcing it to crash and all the 16 passengers inside were crushed. “The truck fell on the bus. We were able to get only one survivor from the bus. The driver of the truck also died”, he had said. Most of the deceased passengers, according to local sources,

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I am the oldest living Facebook user

-105-yr-old woman Remains of victims being taken to the morgue

were to Gbadamu-Ologi village, Ilorin East local government. They were supposed to have gone to market in preparation for the Sallah. The crash also led to three other trailers running into one another on the spot. The second accident, which occurred early yesterday, was less than two kilometres from the scene of the first one and involved a commercial taxi and another trailer. The trailer was also said to have run into the taxi on a slope and dragged it for several metres during which the taxi exploded in flames. All the three occupants in the taxi were burnt beyond recognition. Some sympathisers at the scene who claimed they were colleagues of the deceased taxi driver were seen making frantic calls to their union leaders over the incident. They claimed that the deceased, whom they identified as Bashiru, had told them he was going to buy ram for the Sallah before heading for his hometown of Offa, with his family. Ademoluti appealed to the federal government to take urgent steps in addressing the issue of the Ilorin-Jebba road which he noted has become a dead trap for commuters. Corpses of the deceased had been deposited at the mortuary at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH).

…Gunmen kill three in Borno •Snatch television crew van in Yobe INUSA NDAHI

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Man batters wife to death for infidelity

MAIDUGURI

esidents of Jajeri ward of Maiduguri metropolis of Borno State, were thrown into panic on Friday as some gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram sect members attacked two houses in the area, killing three youths. The youths were killed in the presence of their parents in the early hours of the day. The gunmen, according to an eyewitness and neighbour of the slain youths, walked on foot and started firing gunshots at the two houses in Jajeri ward. Fifteen people were killed in Baga market, Jajeri ward, in a

bomb explosion early in the year. The eye witness said, “when we started hearing the gunshots, all of us in the house were gripped with fear as we had no other place to flee and hide from the attackers. “I heared some people in the next house crying, wayo Allah, please help. They have come again to kill us this night, just hours before the Sallah celebration. I cannot tell you how many of our neighbours were killed last night, but I am sure that three boys living in the next house were killed by the gunmen. I cannot tell you whether they are Boko Haram or armed bandits.” Confirming the incident yesterday in Maiduguri, the Borno State Police Command spokes-

man, Gideon Jibrin, in a telephone interview, said that the police received a report from the area police commander of Ibrahim Taiwo Police Station, indicating that three people were killed Baga Road area. He said no arrests had been made as at the time of filing this report, but that the attackers were suspected to be members of Boko Haram. In a similar development, in Yobe State, gunmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram snatched a Yobe State Television (YTV) crew van at gunpoint. The incident occurred at Mamudu on the Damaturu-Potiskum Road. The crew was traveling to cover

an assignment at the Yobe Turkish College, Mamudo by 9.45am on Friday. Confirming the incident, the general manager of YTV, Alhaji Gambo Ibbi, said, “the gunmen snatched the crew van this morning (Friday), when the reporters were travelling to the Turkish College for an official assignment.” The military Joint Task Force (JTF) in quick response to the snatching of the vehicle, warned top government officials and other dignitaries in the state not to allow interviews by suspected TV reporters without any proper identifications. Commander of JTF, Col I. S, Ali said that the Boko Haram gunmen, could have snatched the YTV crew van to launch more attacks on civilian and military targets in the state.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 27, 2012

Saturday Starter

War onOkada Many parts of Lagos were thrown into pandemonium on Monday October 22. Commuters, mostly in BRT buses, were chased out of the mass transit buses. The drivers of the buses so stopped were stripped and heavily flogged. Some buses were vandalised while some were set ablaze. Commuters who tried to be stubborn or assert their rights also felt the anger of the rampaging mob who were said to be operators of commercial motorcycles. In the middle of the chaos, policemen accompanied by officials of sundry government agencies were busy chasing motorcycle riders and confiscating their motorcycles. In attempts by some of these riders, who were not all commercial operators, to evade the rampaging officials, some fell off their motorcycles while others suffered various forms of injury. All round the megacity there was general uneasiness. The Okada riders had begun their revolt. Their angst: that day marked the start of the state government’s implementation of the partial ban placed on the operation of commercial motorcycles in the megacity.

fter series of considerations, the Lagos state government eventually banned the operation of the commercial motorcycles also known as okada on its major roads and bridges. Prior to the ban, the governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola had earlier set up a 32 man committee led by former DIG Olusegun Kazeem with a three week mandate to come up with proper sanction and to determine the future of the operators in the state. Part of the recommendations of the committee formed the new Lagos Traffic Law 2012 enacted in 2 August, 2012, which dictates the new paradigm shift in the transportation sector of the state. The Lagos state government argued that the decision to regulate the operation of okada riders is premised on the security and safety of the Lagosians, saying it is not comfortable with the rising rate of accident involving motorcycles in the state. According to the state government, majority of the robberies recorded in the state were also carried out through the use of motorcycles while hundreds of people are lying in critical condition in various hospitals as following injuries they sustained during accident involving commercial motorcycle. Fashola while inaugurating the committee at Alausa Ikeja, last year, said the reports he received on accidents and robbery cases on okada in the last two months were alarming and unacceptable, urging the committee to look at the challenges further operations of okada poses on the economy of the state, safety and security of residents. The state government on Thursday released okada-

related accidents data, in a subtle move to push back on the mounting criticism over the recent ban. According to its figures, no fewer than 619 people were either killed or seriously injured in commercial motorcycle accidents across the state in the last two years. A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello, explained that the figure was from the state Traffic Management Authority’s record. He said that records from the Planning and Research Department of LASTMA showed that out of the number, 107 people died while 512 sustained serious injuries as a result of the accidents. “Details of the accidents between January 2011 and October 2012 further revealed that a total of 442 commercial motorcycles, popularly called okada, were involved in accidents across the state during the period out of which 271 occurred in 2011 while 171 occurred in 2012. “Also according to the records, in 2011 alone, 47 were killed and 98 others sustained serious injuries while from January 2012 to date 63 people have been killed while 59 others sustained serious injuries,” he added. The government added that police records showed that a total of 513 fatal accidents recorded in the state in the last two years were caused by okada operators. According to the record, out of this number 305 happened between January and December 2011 while 208 of the fatal accidents happened between January and June 2012. “The record also revealed that of the 30 armed robbery incidents recorded in the state between the months

of July and September this year, 22 of them involved the use of commercial motorcycles. Details, according to the record, show that of eight robberies that occurred in July, seven involved the use of okada while okada was also used in 10 out of 14 robberies in September and in five out of eight robberies in August,” the statement said. It added that the state government promulgated the Lagos Road Traffic Law to address some of the security challenges by restricting operators of commercial motorcycles to certain areas in the metropolis among other reasons. The statement said government only restricted okada operations to some areas to regulate traffic and reduce avoidable accidents and loss of life on roads.” While the commuters and the riders are calling the state government o review the law, especially the section II of the law that prohibits the operation of the motorcycles from 475 roads and bridges in the state, the governor has sworn to defend the law, saying “This is a law made by the State House of Assembly. A law that I swore on oath to defend and that is my duty. I make no apologies for doing it and I will continue to do it. If we continue like this, we are on the road to Bangkok in Thailand”. Reacting to the destruction of no fewer than 3,000 motorcycles by the state government last week, its Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye, while speaking with the Saturday Mirror said the state government was left with no option than to destroy the motorcycles in order to discourage the operators. He said the state government would not have destroyed the 3, 000 motorcycles if the owners had challenged the confiscation in the law court. Following the prohibition of the Okada on the major highways in Lagos state, many Lagosians are not finding it easy at all. They accused the Lagos state government of being insensitive to the plight of the electorate with the ban of the commercial motorcycles in the state. From Alausa to Ikeja, Agege to Mushin, Lagos Island to mainland, sea of stranded commuters dominated bus stops waiting for commercial motorcycles. They flayed the government for not ensuring effective transportation system before enforcing its Traffic Law.

October 27, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Saturday Starter

75% of my patients are Okada accident victims – Traditional bone setter KING ODODORU Chief Oladitan A. Simeon is the Medical Director of Oluro African Science Hospital

hat aspect of traditional medicine do you practice?

I specialise in bone setting. Seventy five per cent of the people I get here are Okada accident victims. Do you agree with the Lagos State Government ban on Okada riders from major high ways in the state? I think the riders should obey the laws made by the state government. It is for their own good. More over it is not an outright ban it is just from the highways. That is not the only law set by the

government that they don’t obey. They over speed, many don’t have the right documents to operate. I think we should learn to obey laws. However I sympathise with them because their source of livelihood will be affected. It is in this regard that I would encourage the government to create palliatives like good roads, electricity because most of them are artisans that left their various trades because of incessant power outage. There should be a more practical steps to cushion the effect it will have on them. Won’t your business be affected by this law? Okada victims are not the only people I treat. There are patients of other related causes of accident, like motor vehicle accident victims, people who strain the legs while climbing a stair case. Those who got

A bloody chronicle KING ODODORU AND OSEYIZA OOGBODO

he hullabaloo over the recent Lagos State Government ban of commercial motorcycle operations on some roads in Lagos is yet to die down. The ban has led to people both supporting and condemning the government action. All the arguments for and against have their own reasons for their stance. A visit to the National Orthopaedic hospital, Igbobi tells a gruesome side of the story. Admitted, all the patients are not all injured from commercial motorcycle mishaps, but they make up a good number of the patients. When Saturday Mirror approached NOHI’s management for the statistics of the commercial motorcycle accidents it is handling, they were not forthcoming with the information, citing government bureaucracy. However, Saturday Mirror was still able to move close to some of the victims to sample their feelings about the ongoing Lagos State okada ban imbroglio. “I regret taking okada,” said one of the patients whose leg is in a cast and can only move around with the aid of a wheel chair. “”I used to take okada to avoid the incessant holdups as I discovered that it was only

okadas that were always able to get me to my destinations at the time I wanted. “Even though I knew people were having accidents and I witnessed several accidents myself, I continued in the habit as I felt I had no choice then and an accident hadn’t happened to me. But now I know better.” “The ban is a welcome development. It will certainly reduce the number of unnecessary accidents. The okada riders take unnecessary risks and the government is right to subdue them,” he added. Another victim lamented that “since I’ve been here at Igbobi, I’ve gotten to know the value of freedom more. When I got here, I was confined to my bed and couldn’t move for a long time. Now I’m hearing that the government has banned them and they are destroying BRT buses in protest. That only shows you the sort of mentality they have. They operate without caution and are protesting to the government without caution so the government has done the right thing by banning them.” Another of them told Saturday Mirror that: “I’ve been here for over two months and within that period, there was a time doctors left us on our own for 10 days without any care. It was a very tough time and whenever I remember it, I curse the okada rider who put me in this condition.

injured in the bathroom, others are arthritis patients, rheumatism and many more cases. In fact when these okada accident victims are brought here, I always sympathise with and try to encourage them to avoid excessive speed because that is always the major cause of accidents. What do your patients think? Most of them say they will never go on a bike again but once they are discharged from here, the first think they look for is an okada to take them home. Apparently they have forgotten what led to their being admitted at first. How long will a typical case of fracture take to heal in your hospital? It varies depending on severity. But generally it should heal in minimum of 30 days. In some other cases it could be Simeon months.

Okada accident victims’ accounts

‘Okada riders are not robbers’

Mr. Uduak Udoh is an okada operator and accident victim ment’s decision at all. Okada How did you get here? has helped many people and I was riding one day as usual saved them from embarrasswhen a truck driver knocked me ment. Can you imagine when over. you are late for an appointment and there is serious traffic, is What do you think about it not okada that they will take the government ban on okada for them to meet up with the apriders from the high ways? pointment? Some places motor I do not agree with the governcannot access is it not okada

that take them there? I don’t agree with the government at all. It is said that okadas are used for robberies. What is your take? Okada riders are not robbers. The robbers have their own bikes. They are not operators.

‘Okada riders are a menace’ Mr. Ola Animashaun is a victim of okada accident.

ow did you get here? I was knocked down by an okada rider as I was changing my tyre along the road. What do you think about the Government ban on Okada Riders from the high ways? I so much love it. They should be chased out of all the major roads. They are a menace to the society. What are they com-

plaining over? After all it is not an outright ban. They should go to the interiors where buses don’t ply. They should just Animashaun leave. sensible ones not this Niger Republic boys who are everywhere What do say about the de- riding bikes without training. struction of the bikes by the Those ones should not be given government? back their bikes. The only thing I don’t support is the destruction of the Will you ride a bike when bikes. The riders should be you are finally discharged? made to pay a fine to claim back No, Never I never even loved it their bikes. This applies to the in the first place.

‘They should be completely banned’ Mr. Adewale Oke, a passenger and an okada accident victim.

W Oke

hat do you think about the government ban on okada riders from some routes in the state? I think they should be completely banned. They are a bunch of irresponsible people. They are rogues, they cause all sorts of trouble. We’ve had

enough of them. I whole heartedly support the governt of Lagos State.

Do you also support the destruction of the motorbikes? If they are given back the bikes, they would find their way back to where you are chasing them from.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 27, 2012

Saturday Starter

Okada face-off: The legal angle K AYODE KETEFE

he new Lagos State Road Traffic Law, 2012, has spawned a number of strictly legal controversies beyond the hype being generated by its more popular socio-economic and political aspects. The first issue from the legal perspective is the criticisms trailing the perceived lack of wide consultation before the law was made; such consultation is regarded as a sine qua non to modern processes of legislative lawmaking. A number of stakeholders, especially those to be directly affected - motorists and commercial motorcycle operators (okada) -alleged they were not carried along and could therefore not make input. After the law comes into existence, a serious legal disagreement arose. Does the Lagos State government have the competence to bar vehicles from the Federal roads? The law for example bans okada from plying a large number of routes which include both state and federal roads. Lawyers’ comments are not invited on this as this is one of the issues for determination pending in a suit filed by Okada riders under the auspices of “Incorporated Trustees of All Nigerian Autobike Commercial Owners and Workers Association” In the suit, the claimant is asking for a declaration, among others, that the new law is unconstitutional. The prayers of the okada riders and owners in the suit comprised eight declarations and two orders. Essentially the claimant wants the court to bar the Lagos government from enforcing the law against its members on the grounds that most of the roads from which they are banned are federal roads over which Lagos lawmakers should have no control. The claimant is also contesting the law on the grounds that it is discriminatory against its members as it purports to take away their means of livelihood. The two orders being sought are: “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants whether by themselves, agents, servants, officers, and or privies by whomsoever and howsoever from prohibiting the claimants and members of their associations from riding, driving and or propelling of a cart, wheel barrow, motorcycle or tricycle on the major highways in Lagos listed in items 1-11 and other parts of Schedule II thereto which major highways are Federal Trunk or Highway Roads within the meaning of the Federal Highways Act, cap F13, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and from molesting, harassing, arresting, seizing their motorcycles or vehicles and in any other way subjecting them to any treatment, disadvantage or disfavour not suffered by any other road users, and;

Ozekhome

Sagay

Shittu

“An order directing the Defendants to release forthwith all motorcycles belonging to the Claimants and their members seized by and in the custody of the Defendants and their agents and or officers.” This matter came up last Wednesday before Justice Opesanwo of an Ikeja High Court; the court ordered accelerated hearing of the case in the light of importance attached to it; however Justice Opesanwo dismissed an interlocutory application filed by the claimants which had prayed the court to restrain the government from implementing the new Lagos State Traffic Law. The court was also officially informed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, Mr. Ade Ipaye, that the members of the claimant had taken the law into their hands by going on destruction rampage during which some BRT buses were vandalised. The counsel to the Lagos government, Ipaye, however refrained from giving definite undertaking that the law enforcement agencies in the state would not stop enforcing the law. Ipaye said “The defendants in the suit are the Lagos State Government, the Lagos State House of Assembly and the Attorney-General of Lagos State. “The law enforcement agencies are not parties to this action and we cannot tell this honourable court that they will not

do their duty in enforcing the law” The matter has been adjourned till November 16, 2012. When the Lagos State government on October 9, 2012 destroyed 3000 okada in one fell swoop, another legal poser popped up; does the law permit the Lagos Government to physically destroy the seized motorcycles? It would appear from the provisions of the law that it empowers the authorities to impound vehicles in deserving cases but there are no express provisions that the seized vehicles should be crunched. Saturday Mirror also sought the views of lawyers generally about this development. The renowned professor of law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Itse Sagay, threw his weight behind RTL, 2012, although he added that the law should be implemented with human face. Sagay said: “On the controversies surrounding the Road Traffic Law, the truth is that our people are too indiscipline. At times, they need a hard hand to nudge them on we saw the other day that even a military man drove in the BRT lane. The people would go against order and create chaos and if you are not firm, the society would degenerate, there would be chaos, and there would

be anarchy. I don’t think these Lagos State laws are draconian. They are meant to encourage us to do what is right. “For me, driving against traffic is a terrible crime and we need very hard sanctions to discourage people from engaging in it. “But discretion has to be exercised in implementing it. It should not be an automatic type of application of the law as if the people are robots. There should be extenuating circumstances. For example, if your child is critically ill and you have to rush him to hospital, nobody should prosecute you for driving against the traffic. The same thing applies to a pregnant woman about to have a baby. The law should be applied with some level of discretion.” Another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Mike Ozekhome, agreed with Sagay. He said: “What do you expect when we have a lot of indiscipline in the land. Without a hard law, there would be a lot of anarchy. A lot of our people need iron hand. But I disagree with the issue of destruction of okada by the state government. “I think a punitive fine should suffice. If you seize motorcycles and destroy them, you have taken away the means of livelihood of some people. How do you then expect them to survive? They might turn into robbers and begin to terrorise the society.

We are not behind violence in Lagos –United Okada Stakeholders Forum

Comrade Tony Keruru, the chairman of United Okada Stakeholders Forum spoke with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

hat has been the effect of the ban on Okada on the okada riders and commuters? It is not a good initiative from the government. There is no way government can ban okada without providing alternative for the people. With the ban on okada, what did they want the people to do? Did they want the people to go into crime? Government should have made a provision first before talking of banning. The fine they place on traffic offenders is too much. Why should they ask somebody to pay N20, 000 that is higher than mini-

mum wage for traffic offence? Where do they want people to get the money? Government is just giving room to the law enforcement agents to extort money from the riders. Why did your group embark on violence on Monday to protest the partial ban? We did not embark on any violence. We only embarked on peaceful rally to Alausa on October 8. I cannot say it is my okada people who embarked on that violence. It could be the area boys that embarked on t

violence. They are not okada riders What is your appeal to the government? We are calling on Lagos State government to urgently review downwards the number of routes from which we have been banned by returning the bill to the Lagos State House of Assembly for a more inclusive, participatory parliamentary process at the end of which we would have a more acceptable law that will truly serve the best interests of the largely majority of Lagosians.

NATIONAL NEWS

October 27, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Plane crash: Taraba Gov on life support machine •He is still under close observation –Doctor ROTIMI FADEYI MARCUS FATUNMOLE AND OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

overnor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State who was critical injured following a plane crash on Thursday in at Ngulore Village near Yola Intewrnational Airport, Adamawa State has been placed on life support gadgets at the National Hospital. Suntai was flown to the National Hospital on Friday on the advice of President Goodluck Jonathan. The heavily injured governor arrived the hospital at about 2.08pm amidst tight security.

Suntai was driven into the hospital in a State House Medical Centre Ambulance with number plate SH 576 was bandaged from head to toe. The governor, whom hospital sources told our reporter might take days to recover from his injuries, was on life support gadgets with oxygen mask. He was brought into the hospital in a recycling stretcher. Heavy presence of State Security Service (SSS) officials and policemen witnessed his arrival at the hospital. The ambulance that was conveying him into the hospital made a retreat on sighting journalists who had

thronged the hospital. It moved back to the other end of the institution. Reporters were not allowed to get close to the private ward of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital where the governor was taken. However, after initial threats of gun-totting and physical harassments, the officials of State Security Service (SSS) became calm, but prevented reporters into the doors leading to the ICU. Beside the ambulance that brought the injured governor into the hospital, other seven vehicles were on his entourage. Just an hour after he was brought in, President Goodluck Jonathan moved

•Jonathan visits him in hospital

into the premises quietly. Donned in a cream flowing gown, and a white hat, the president headed to the ICU where the governor was being attended to. Five minutes later, he came out and spoke briefly with reporters. Expressing happiness that the governor was in a stable health, he said reports indicated that he could be treated in the country. “We are quite happy that he (Suntai) is very stable even though by virtue of his position and being an aircraft accident, arrangement is being made to get him out of the country to make sure everythig is okay but from the information that

I got this morning, he does not really need to get out of the country since he is okay, we thank God but we will contune to request for your prayers… “First and foremost, we have to thank God for what has happened. Plane crash is not something you can just wave off. We are quite happy that the governor is still stable and feeling well. The doctors are working very hard on him. I believe God’s willing; he will soon come out of it. But, he is still in the hospital; no doubt about that. And the professor, the CMD is here; he can just say one or two things. Being a governor, people are worried; they want to know his state of health.”

He then called on the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Prof. Bello Bala Shehu, to address journalists on the governor’s state of health. Giving assurance that the governor was in a good state, the CMD said he was still being observed. Said he: “Briefly, just like the president said, he is very stable. Obviously, in the first 24 hours of any injuries, there are worries. There are very few worries; there are very few. So, we will continue to observe him for the first 24 hours. There is no need to do any operation on him; he is very stable. Given what happened, we are actually satisfied with the situation at the moment.”

Amnesty International launches report on Boko Haram

Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; members of Committee on Finance, Gauteng Legislative, South Africa, Mr. Gawin Lewis; Hermene Kooits and Mbongeni Radebe, during a working visit to the governor, in Ado-Ekiti, recently.

PHCN: NCP decides winners of Discos this week TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

here are strong indications that the raging controversy over the selection of successful commercial bidders for the Power Holding Company of Nigeria’s (PHCN’s) Distribution Companies (Discos) may be laid to rest this week as the National Council on Privatisation is scheduled to meet and take final decisions on the short-listed bidders. An impeccable source close to the NCP told Saturday Mirror yesterday that the council would meet either on Wednesday or Thursday this week “to consider the recommendations of the Technical Committee and take final decisions on

the listed successful bidders for the distribution companies.” He explained further that though the NCP was not unaware of the allegations by some bidders who lost out in the selection exercises, the Council would take decisions without due considerations to emotions and sentiments that had been whipped up in the past few weeks after the opening of the commercial bids and selection of successful bidders. “I want to say without pre-empting any decision that may be taken at the meeting that the Council will treat the matter on its merit. If you know what it had taken the BPE and the Technical Committee to get the exercise thus far, including the involve-

ment of professionals and world-class consultants to make the process transparent, then you will know that the NCP will not just be swayed by mere rumours or allegations that are not proved beyond reasonable doubt. “Let us wait and see how the Council looks at the recommendations, but one thing I can assure you is that the decisions taken would be in the interest of the country”, the source added. When contacted on phone, BPE spokesperson, Chukwuma Nwokoh, would not confirm categorically the date of the NCP meeting, but stated that the final decision on the short-listed bidders would be taken. He added that “as we have made it clear, the

BPE is not responsible for the final decision on the selected bidders. It is the NCP that has that responsibility and I think the Council will meet soon over the matter.” It would be recalled that the opening of commercial bids for the PHCN’s successor Discos was conducted about a fortnight ago after which 10 consortia were selected by the Technical Committee for final consideration of the NCP. At the end of the opening of the companies/ consortia commercial bids in which Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection loss reduction proposal was used as a basis for core investor selection, Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Company Lim-

mnesty International will launch its new report on Boko Haram Violence in Nigeria on Thursday, November 1. The report which will be launched at a press conference in Abuja is an initiative of the Amnesty International to call on Nigerian government to ensure the protection of

people living under threat of attacks from the dreadful sect, Boko Haram. The report will be launched at the conclusion of a five-day high level mission to Nigeria led by the Secretary General of Amnesty International, Salil Shetty, involving meetings with senior members of the Nigerian government.

ited, appeared to have a sweeping stake as it emerged the highest bidder for at least four of the major Discos, namely Eko, Ikeja, Ibadan, and Yola Discos A further analysis of the performance of the bidding consortia for the Discos are Aura Energy Ltd with 16.22 per cent for Jos Disco, Sahelian Power SPV Ltd with 21.21 per cent for Kano Disco, 4Power Consortium with 19.55 per cent for Port Harcourt Disco, Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Ltd with 18.58 per cent for Yola Disco, Interstate Electrics Ltd 21.62 per cent for Abuja Discos, and Vigeo Power Consortium with 21.78 per cent for Benin Disco. Others are, Interstate Electrics that emerged the preferred bidder with 20.83 per cent for Enugu

Disco, Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Limited preferred bidder with 17.46 per cent for Ibadan Disco, Integrated Energy and Marketing Limited with 21.43 per cent for Eko Disco and Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Ltd with 22.51 per cent for Ikeja Disco. The bid for Kaduna Disco was not opened as none of the two bids received was technically qualified. The percentages are Loss deduction estimates which are supposed to be passed back to the consumers so that the person offering the highest percentage loss reduction will pass back the best package to consumers because he will automatically translate into the one that will pass the highest discount to consumers.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NATIONAL NEWS

October 27, 2012

EID-EL-KABIR

Eid-el-Kabir: Nigerians seek peace, unity OUR REPORTERS

uslims in Nigeria joined their counterparts across the world on Friday to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir. The festival marks the occasion of Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to God by offering to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Celebrated across the country, Muslims trooped out en-masse, gaily dressed, and returned home to perform the ritual of ram slaughtering. Recognised as an occasion for sober reflection, prominent Nigerians have used the occasion to call for peaceful co-existence among the people of the country. They called upon Nigeri-

ans to continue to work and pray for the peace, unity and progress of the country. In his message to the nation, the governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Friday admonished Islamic faithful to see Eid-El-Kabir beyond slaughtering of rams, but an occasion to reflect on attitudes that may cast aspersions on Islam as a religion. Speaking shortly after observing the eid prayer, at Osogbo, Aregbesola called for tolerance and piety among various religious groups in the state and the country at large. The governor said that Islam is a religion that preaches peace, tolerance, love, brotherliness and honesty, and that the faith abhors

violence, crisis and killings. “As we slaughter rams in remembrance of obedience of In his message, Niger State governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, called on Nigerians to devote the festive period to prayers for the peace, security and prosperity, rather than peddling rumours, wishful thinking and politicizing every issue to the detriment of the peaceful and harmonious co-existence of the nation. Aliyu, who is also the chairman of the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) in his Sallah message to the state, urged the people to avoid utterances and actions that were capable of creating unnecessary rancor and animosity among

Nigerians. “Let us all be law abiding and go about our legitimate activities without any fear of intimidation, as the security agents have been put on alert to ensure the safety and security of all citizens in the State,” he said. Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State, in his message, said that Muslims should exhibit the virtues of sacrifice and obedience as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim, who offered his son, Ismail in obedience to the will of Allah. The governor, in a message issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr James Mannok, said that any genuine service rendered to God would always be rewarded by God.

L-R: Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari; Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed; his predecessor, Sen. Bukola Saraki, and former Acting PHOTO: NAN National Chairman of People’s Democratic Party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, during the Eid-El-Kabir prayers in Ilorin, yesterday.

Tight security in Kano AUGUSTINE MADU WEST KANO

id-el-Kabir was celebrated in Kano on Friday amidst tight security. The festival which was often celebrated amidst pomp and pageantry was devoid of its usual glamour. Many of the activities usually lined up for the day were dropped own to the state of insecurity. Our correspondent, reports that the Sallah celebration was hugely peaceful contrary to the fears earlier expressed in the city following alleged threats by militants of the Boko Haram sect to disrupt the celebra-

tion in parts of the North with bomb attacks. Apart from the huge presence of security personnel in the street of Kano yesterday, all the high profile mosques, particularly, the Jumat mosques were heavily fortified with combined team of anti-riots policemen and military men from the mechanized brigade of Nigerian Army and the Air Force Base. It would be recalled that in apparent response to alleged threat by Boko Haram militants to launch more attacks on Sallah Day, 3 Mechanized Brigade of Nigeria Army, Kano, responded with a warning to troublemakers and extremists to

keep-off the streets of Kano in their own interest. Bukavu Barracks followed up the warning with deployment of soldiers to man sensitive locations within and around the city. It was also discovered that apart from the increased presence of soldiers on vehicular patrol, armoured vehicles were also deployed as part of the measures to strengthen security on the occasion. Major roads especially those leading to the Kano State Government House, the Airforce Base, the 3 Mechanized Brigade Headquarters of Bukavu Barracks, the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and areas

He added that everyone should be eager to get a reward from God. The Archbishop of Bendel Province, (Anglican Communion), Most Revd. Friday Imaekhai, in his message urged Nigerian Muslims to use the Eid-El-Kabir celebration to reflect deeply on how to promote Nigeria’s peace and stability. Imaekhai, who is also the Bishop of Esan Diocese in Edo, called on Muslims to pray for the country’s development. He stressed that since peace was a precondition for national development, every Nigerian must strive to ensure that peace prevailed in the country. The Emir of Katsina and his Daura Emirate counterpart, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman and Alhaji Farouk Umar Farouk respectively, in separate messages, tasked Nigerians to work and pray for the peace, unity and progress of the country. The traditional rulers said the only way the country could enjoy meaningful development, where government at all levels could work at turning the life of its people around was for peace and unity to reign among Nigerians. They said it was the responsibility of Muslim faithful to pray for their country and leaders so that the desired atmosphere and

…Celebration without fear in Abuja MARCUS FATUNMOLE

accommodating high profile mosques, were fortified with military presence. According to JTF spokesman, Lt. Ikedichi Iweha, prior to Fridays Eid-el-Kabir celebration, military men involved in the exercise were taken for rehearsal and warm up exercises to perfect their strategies. “Our warning is to troublemakers and others who engage in unlawful activities.” In his sallah message, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, urged Nigerians to intensify their prayers, insisting that it was the permanent solution to the ongoing security challenges the country is facing.

objective would be realised across the country. Alhaji Usman called for more prayers so that the lingering insecurity situation in the North-Eastern part of the country and elsewhere would be thing of the past. On his part, Alhaji Farouk called on Muslim faithful to enroll their children to both Western and Islamic schools so that their future could be secured. In his own message, the Naib-l-Imam Alhaji Musa Animasahun, who represented the Chief Imam of Osogbo and President, League of Imams and Alfas in the South-West, Edo and Delta states appealed to those at the helms of affairs to fulfill promises between them and the people as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim. Alhaji Animashaun urged the Muslims at the Eid praying ground to fear God and His commandments, adding that the congregation and other Muslims in Nigeria should always pray for leaders and the people at the helms of affairs. Also speaking on the Eidel-Kabir celebration, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Lafia/ Obi Federal Constituency, Hon. Joseph Haruna Kigbu, enjoined Muslims to dedicate this year’s Eid-elKabir celebration to praying for peace, unity and economic well being of the nation.

ABUJA

xcited Muslim faithful thronged the streets of Abuja, yesterday, to celebrate the Eidel-Kabir, which marks the climax of Hajj to the holy land, Mecca. This year’s celebration in the city was a departure from what obtained last year when palpable fear of insecurity hovered over the nation’s capital, even as downpour further compounded the challenge. The Central Eid-Praying Ground, opposite the National Park headquarters was crowded with faithful in the early hours of yesterday, as combined military and paramilitary officers were mas-

sively deployed to the area to ensure a hitch-free prayers. The National Stadium area of the airport road was also cordoned off as motorists were diverted to use the Area One Road intersection until the end of the session. Speaking with reporters after presiding over the Eid prayer, Deputy Chief Imam, National Mosque, Sheikh Kabir Mohammed, called on the faithful and all Nigerians to embrace peace and be persistent in their prayers for continued unity of Nigeria. The cleric also charged faithful to demonstrate sacrifice and piety in all their engagements. His words: “The sermon of today centred on holding trust. Everybody needs to be just in whatever they are doing.”

NATIONAL NEWS

October 27, 2012

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EID-EL-KABIR Boko Haram: SSS seeks Jonathan’s Peace in Borno, Yobe leave to quiz Modu-Sherrif INUSA NDAHI

OUR REPORTER

he State Security Service (SSS) is seeking the leave of President Goodluck Jonathan to summon former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu-Sherrif to explain his link with the terrorists group, Boko Haram. The need for the invitation, according to a reliable source in the SSS, follows some incriminating statements said to have been made against him by Sena-

tor Mohammed Zannah. Zannah was said to be the owner of the property in which Shuaibu Muhammed Bama, described as a commander in Boko Haram, was arrested last week by the Joint Task Force in Borno State. Consequent upon the arrest of Bama, Zannah had been invited by the SSS where he was said to have made some useful statements against Modu-Sherrif. Zannah also reportedly confirmed that Bama is his nephew, he however

denied that he was arrested in his residence and accused the military of witch-hunt. But the former governor, who is also the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the All Nigeria People’s Party’s (ANPP), has denied any linkage with the sect, insisting that Zannah and the “Borno PDP is the engine room of Boko Haram.” Meanwhile, the need to invite Modu-Sherrif, it was gathered, may prevent the quick arraignment of Zannah.

“Foremost, we shall get the Certificate of Occupancy of that house where the JTF arrested Bama. We have to determine its actual owner especially as there has been a kind of transfer of ownership in the past. Remember we have our personnel in the JTF too, so, we are not doing this alone. “If you ask me as a person, I will tell you that the two senators have a case to answer. However, we are working based on directives”, said the top source.

MAIDUGURI

ontrary to wide speculations that there might be security challenges, following the threat by Boko Haram to attack on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir festival, the festivity in Borno and Yobe states were peaceful. Our correspondent who went round some of the praying grounds in Maiduguri and Damaturu cities observed that Muslims performed their prayers without any hitch. Immediately after the prayers most of the faithful rushed home to perform the rams slaughter rite. Also, there was a high turnout of people who later went to mosque for the normal Friday prayers which went on successfully and peacefully. The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Ibn Elkanemi, who paid a Sallah homage to Governor Kashim Shettima at the Government House thanked him

for his effort in uplifting the traditional and religion institutions, even as he prayed Allah to restore peace to the state. He enjoined all muslims to pray for peace and unity among the diverse ethnic groups in the state. Governor Kashim Shettima expressed gratitude to the Shehu and the good people of the state, promising that his administration, against all odds, especially the security challenges would carry everybody along. Also in Yobe, the Chief Imam of Yobe Mosque and Islamic Center Damaturu, Ustaz Hudu Muhammmad charged Muslim faithful to continue to pray for the restoration of peace and unity among the people of Damaturu, the Yobe state capital and the country at large. The prayer was attended by Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, his deputy, Engineer Abubakar Ali, and the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Muhammad Auwal Isa Bello, among other dignitaries.

Kaduna: Christians, Muslims slaughter one ram AZA MSUE KADUNA

Managing Director, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr. Martin Woolnough (middle), in a group photograph with participants at the train-the-trainers workshop on PHOTO: NAN Water Education for Teachers (WET) in Lagos, yesterday.

Jonathan, Amaechi, others support early childhood education

resident Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President of World Bank, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili; Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke; Chairman, Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI), Hon. Dakuku Adol Peterside, and wives of state governors, including well-meaning Nigerians have joined the founder of ESI, Dame Judith Amaechi, to champion the cause for proper legislation and implementation of investment in early childhood education in the country. Declaring open the 3rd National Conference on Kindergarten Education in Port Harcourt yesterday, President Goodluck Jonathan said sound education, application of knowledge and policy implementation

of early childhood education were key in promoting speedy development in the country. President Jonathan, represented by the Minister of Youth Development, Alhaji Inumo Abdul Kadir, said, “Education is not a privilege, but an inalienable right of every child, we must make appropriate investments in early childhood education to achieve our lofty goals.” In her lead paper presentation, Ezekwesili said the importance of education in any economy is the vehicle through which societal development could be achieved. Ezekwesili listed six core areas of development that can enhance the educational system in the country, namely, early

childhood education, basic education, secondary education, tertiary education, special education, as well as informal or adult education. She stressed that early childhood education would address the problems of inequality and societal dislocation, explaining that the review of National Policy on Education is on course. She urged public and private sectors, including non-governmental organisations, stakeholders and community leaders to take kindergarten education seriously. Ezekwesili also urged the federal and state governments to make early childhood education accessible as practiced in Finland which has the best early child education in the

world. Also speaking, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) and Member Representing Opobo/ Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Dakuku Adol Peterside, said the event would provide the forum to examine the role of early childhood education in the development cycle of a child. “If Nigeria is to fulfil its potential, we must unlock the potentials of our children and give them a great head start in life and limitless opportunities. This requires more than the conventional education and industry. It requires systematic planning and early preparation”, Dakuku said.

or peaceful co-existence among the people of Kaduna State the Christian-Muslim Peace, Unity and Development Initiative (CM-PIN) yesterday slaughtered a Sallah ram to mark Eid-elKabir in Kaduna State. The celebration had various religious leaders speaking their minds on the need for everyone to embrace each other as brothers and sisters regardless of their religious differences. They called on all religious faiths to eschew bitterness of heart on grounds of religious differ-

ences and imbibe peaceful co-existence. Earlier in their separate addresses, the co- chairmen of the CM-PIN, Diji Obadiah Haruna of Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN), and representative of Jama’atu Nasril Islam(JNI), Mallam Garba Muhammed, reiterated that only a peaceful society could meaningful develop . They particularly called on the youths to desist from allowing themselves to be used as tools for igniting crisis while calling on the government and individuals to create job opportunities that would gainfully engage the teaming unemployed youths.

NSCDC deploys 30,000 officers

r. Ade Abolurin, the CommandantGeneral, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), says 30,000 officers have been deployed nationwide to beef up security during Sallah celebration. He said that the officers were deployed to ensure peace and security of the people’s lives and properties during the festivity.

Abolurin said that the NSCDC was on the alert and ready to deal with any individual or group that might constitute a threat or nuisance to others during the celebration. ``We are always prepared to work for the stability and peaceful co-existence of Nigerians; our men have been deployed to even villages to ensure that people are safe,’’ he added.

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NATIONAL NEWS

October 27, 2012

Flood: Jonathan allays fear over predicted food crisis

•Admits govt’s lapses in deportation of female pilgrims ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday dismissed fears of food crisis in the country, declaring that there was enough food supply to avert such. Speaking yesterday when he hosted Muslim faithful in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) who paid homage on the occasion of Eld-El-Kabir celebration, Jonathan said people should not capitalise on the situation to inflict pains on Nigerians. “Let me use this unique opportunity to tell all Nigerians that people should not be afraid that there will be hunger in the land. I have been getting reports that some people who are so selfish are already hoarding grains, we have enough grains in our strategic reserves that will serve this country.

“Also, the percentage of the flooded areas, maybe flooding was massive in the areas that were prone to flooding, we have gotten the position, we will publish the figures later from satellite images. “The percentage of the farmlands that had been flooded is not that high that it will threaten food reserve as a nation. “Some of us have been affected, government will assist those who have been affected tremendously so that their pains will be cushioned, but Nigerians should not be afraid that the flooding that happened in some parts of the country will cause hunger. We have enough grains in the silos that will be released straight into the market, so, those who are hoarding, will be hoarding grains to their own disadvantage because by the time they will bring out their grains, the price would have collapsed.

“So, let me use this opportunity to plead with those people not to do things that are not in the best interest of the nation, we should be our brother’s keepers, we should not exploit calamities to our own advantage”, Jonathan said. Meanwhile, speaking on the deportation of some female pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, the president expressed his regret and said such an incident would not happen again. The women were sent back to Nigeria for not having male companions as required by the law. He admitted that there were some administrative lapses on the part of Nigeria. His words: “From the information and investigations, there were some administrative lapses on our own part but I have directed that such a thing must not be allowed to happen again so that we will not be

embarrassed. “We are happy that people that came back have all gone back to complete their religious obligation.” The president urged all religious leaders to pray for peace and stability of the country, saying that his administration was working hard to tackle the challenges currently facing the nation. Speaking earlier, Vice President Namadi Sambo who led the FCT Muslim faithful to pay homage to the president, expressed gratitude to Allah for the good health and wisdom granted the president to drive the transformation agenda of the present administration. He declared that the transformation agenda had been a huge success considering the achievements recorded so far in power supply, security and road construction among others.

2015: NCP chieftain tasks INEC over elections TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

ollowing the various logistics problem recorded by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during last Saturday governorship election in Ondo State, a National Conscience Party (NCP) chieftain, Ogbeni Lanre Banjo, has urged INEC to work on some of the lapses experienced during the election in other to make future elections in Nigeria hitch-free and acceptable to totality of Nigerians. The NCP chieftain, in a message, made available to Saturday Mirror also commended the electorate and security agents for the successful conduct of the Ondo governorship election. “I commend INEC, the gubernatorial candidates, the Nigerian Police Force, the Military and other security enforcement agencies over the peaceful conduct of last Saturday governorship election in Ondo State. “INEC is becoming more and more reliable in allowing the unfettered will of the people to choose their leader to be its goal. The credit here goes to President Goodluck Jona-

than, his team and Professor Attahiru Jega. I will continue to appeal that accreditation and voting process be improved to accommodate elites and many other Nigerians who just want to appear at the polling booth, get accredited, vote and leave. “The security enforcement agencies must be highly commended for maintaining peace and order, and most importantly for arresting those distributing cash for votes at the polling booth,” Banjo said. The NCP chieftain, while stressing the need for credible, free and fair elections in Nigeria in the nearest future called on the electorates not to allow financial inducements during election period. He said the electorate must ensure that they elect credible people into office through their votes. Speaking on the ongoing South-West integration being championed by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governors in all ACN states, Ogbeni Banjo commended the initiative, saying that South-West’s integration would pave way for rapid growth and development in South-West geopolitical zones.

Include Nutrition in school curriculum –Don

L-R: Minister of State for FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide (left), President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo, during a Sallah homage PHOTO: NAN paid by Muslims resident in Abuja to the president, yesterday.

Third Mainland Bridge reopens soon

elief may soon come the way of motorists plying the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos as all its sections will be open to traffic from Tuesday, November 6 this year as scheduled by the contractor, Borini Prono. The bridge, it was gathered, would have been

opened for use a week ago because work was ahead of schedule. However, the day had to be put forward to enable the contractor to conclude some aspects of the job, the Federal Ministry of Works said on Thursday. The bridge was partially closed to motorists

since July 1. This has resulted in gridlocks along the bridge and other alternate routes provided by Lagos State authorities. The Third Mainland Bridge is the longest of three bridges connecting Lagos Island to the mainland. The other two being the

Eko and Carter bridges. It is the longest bridge in Africa. The bridge starts from Oworonshoki, which is linked to the Apapa-Oshodi Express way and LagosIbadan Expressway, and ends at the Adeniji Adele Interchange on Lagos Island.

Professor of Human Nutrition, Prof. Joseph Olusoga Olusanya has called for an all encompassing relevant nutritional knowledge in the curriculum of all levels of education. The professor, according to a statement by the school’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Gbenga Omilola, made the call at the Inaugural Lecture of the Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State held recently. Prof. Olusanya, who is the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the university, spoke on the topic “From Womb to Tomb: The Role of Nutrition.” He also advocated for the introduction of Home Economics as a core and compulsory subject in secondary schools while he said nutrition course should be designed as one of the general study subjects that must be taken by all students. “The need for nutritionist

to write textbooks that will not only provide knowledge but also influence the dietary habits of the citizenry cannot be overemphasized”, he added. He opined that well planned school meal programmes at primary and secondary levels should be introduced nationwide. This, he noted, would assist in improving their cognitive ability and learning capacity. Government, he stressed, should therefore heavily subsidize, if it cannot totally provide mid-day meals at these levels of education. He however called for research in Agriculture, a move he noted, is problemsolving oriented and focused on increased productivity. “Furthermore, such research findings should be made accessible to those who really need them in addition to their publication in journals that are outside the reach of the farmers”.

REGIONAL NEWS

October 27, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SOUTH WEST

Ogun lawmaker empowers 350 constituents TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

s part of his commitment toward better representation and providing dividends of democracy to his constituents, a member of the House of Representative representing Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, has empowered about 350 with items worth millions of naira. Some of the items distributed aside cash donations include 22 sewing machines, 24 motorcycles, 22 grinding machines, 26 hair dressing dryers, 32 generating sets and other valuable items. Akinlade, House Committee Chairman on Science and Technology, carried this out while addressing the people of his constituency at Opo Hall in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State. The lawmaker while rendering accounts of his stewardship also assured the people of qualitative and responsive representation, saying that series of constituency projects have been completed during the period under review. While distributing the empowerment items to the beneficiaries, mostly women and petty traders drawn from all the wards

of the constituency, the lawmaker urged the people to see the gesture as a means of economic empowerment which should place them above the debris of poverty. In his words, “This cycle of empowerment programme is expected to rub on every member of this constituency directly or indirectly. It is a delight that quite a number of past beneficiaries are now economically viable with many of them sustaining their families from the proceeds of the empowerment,” he said Some of the beneficiaries who lauded the gesture of the lawmaker enjoined other politicians to take a cue from him and be responsive to the yearnings of the people, stressing that the empowerment will alleviate the suffering of the people. Speaking on the ongoing constitutional amendments embarked upon by the National Assembly, Akinlade said that the process will yield fruits especially with the provision for inputs of Nigerians in the amendments. While bemoaning the continuous marginalisation of the Yewa/Awori people in the state, he called for an extensive integration of Ogun West in the affairs of the Gateway State.

Awujale debunks death rumour

he Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, has said that those who rumoured his death while he was on medical trip abroad should ask God for forgiveness. Oba Adetona, who stated this during his Eid-el-Kabir message at Idobi praying ground in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun, said despite the rumour, God saved his life. It would be recalled that Adetona was flown abroad in June for medical treatment and returned on October 22 to Ijebu-Ode. During his sojourn abroad, there was rumour of his demise. The Awujale said he wondered why people were in hurry for him to die before his time.

Adetona, who explained that he was rushed abroad after he fell in his residence in Lagos, said the prayers of those who loved him saved his life. ``Many people spread the news of my death while I was abroad for medical treatment, but I thank God that I am alive. I wonder why people are in a hurry for me to die. Those who spread the news should go and ask God for forgiveness. It is only God that can determine when a man will die. Moreover, I don’t fear death because death is a debt that everybody must pay. I thank God that I am hale and healthy,`` he said. On the forthcoming Ojude-Ode festival, Awujale said it would be the best ever celebrated.

L-R: Ogun State Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Alh. Yusuph Olaniyonu, Abdul-Rahmon Amosun, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, at Lantoro Prayer Ground, Abeokuta... yesterday

Ondo election fallout: Youths, amnesty office disagree over payment of allowance HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

embers of the ex- militants in the third phase of amnesty programme of the Federa; Government, (Western Delta Wing), yesterday called on the amnesty office in the Presidency to fulfill its promises by paying their allowances for their involvement in the last governorship election in Ondo State. Spokesperson of the group, Appelle Oweikimi specifically called on the Special Adviser to the President on Niger-Delta and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme,

Kingsley Kuku, to ensure the payment of the balance of the N100 million promised for the poll. Oweikimi said members of the programme followed the instructions of the presidential aide to work for the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election, Chief Olusola Oke but said he has not fulfilled his side of the promise. The group, however, said the money promised before embarking on the venture was not paid saying “We wish to also recall that, even though we are not members of any political party, we attended all rallies of the PDP to give our

support and solidarity at all times, including providing unconventional security to PDP leaders. “On the part of the leaders, especially Kuku, the promise was to register a minimum of 200 persons under each of the ten newly crowned ‘Generals’ just before the election so as to enable them collect their entitlements before the 26th of October, 2012. “Apart from that, Kuku promised to pay each of the ten generals the sum of N10,000,000 if they could deliver most of their areas during the election. Truly,s ome of us did, while others could not do as agreed because of some circum-

stances beyond our control. We are using this medium to appeal to the Special Adviser to fulfill the remaining part of his promise because promise is a debt, agreement is agreement. Out of the promised sum, he has not paid a penny. But a top official of the amnesty programme debunked the allegation saying the third phase of the amnesty had not started. According to the source who spoke on condition of anonymity, he said the development was part of the politics of Ondo state but said the name of the amnesty office should not be dragged into the politics of the state.

Oyo NUTRW members beat PDP supporters over assault on Ajimobi KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

he Akobo, Ibadan residence of the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul-Azzez Arisekola Alao, was yesterday turned to a battle field as members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state descended heavily on supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Saturday Mirror learnt that trouble started inside the expansive residence of the Muslim leader when the PDP supporters who came in the company of the for-

mer Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin and former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Azeem Gbolarunmi, started smearing songs against Governor Abiola Ajimobi. It was gathered that as soon as the governor and his supporters arrived at Arisekola’s residence, the PDP supporters engaged in songs at a very loud voice and very close to where the governor was sitting and some of them even pointing to the governor. Several attempts made by Gbolarumi to caution the PDP supporters proved abortive as they kept on singing abusive songs

against Ajimobi, who was in Arisekola’s residence to pay him a sallah homage. It was further learnt that Arisekola, who was not happy with the trend also stood up and tried effortlessly to calm the people down, but the PDP supporters rebuffed all entreaties to keep quiet and honour the governor. Also, some of the governor’s aides who were obviously not satisfied with the situation tried to caution the PDP supporters but to no avail until the story changed to the disadvantage of the members of the party. Saturday Mirror gathered that it was at that point that the state caretaker

Chairman of the NURTW, Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde (a.k.a Fele), who was also at Arisekola’s residence tried to intervene by asking the PDP supporters to maintained peace. But his intervention was resisted by a PDP supporter, who rather than keep quiet challenged his authority, and as a result the NURTW members present at the place stood in the defence of their boss. In the ensuring fisticuffs, no fewer than twenty persons were injured with blood stains while all PDP supporters were beaten blue and black by the NURTW members.

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REGIONAL NEWS

October 27, 2012

SOUTH EAST

Andy Uba, Arthur Eze battle over N.2b Enugu property DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

enator Andy Uba, representing Anambra South Senatorial District, and a renowned businessman, Arthur Eze, are locked in legal battle in an Enugu State High Court, over ownership of two properties belonging to one Major Emmanuel Okwuosa. The two landed properties are located in plots M17 and O/19 Independence Layout, Enugu, which the court presided over by Enugu State Chief Judge, Justice Innocent Umezulike, ordered to be attached for sale in favour of Prince Eze on October 10, 2012. The court had previously ordered that the property should be sold to enable Arthur Eze recover the one million United States Dollars owed him by Okwuosa. The court had granted an ex-parte application brought by Obi Orakwue, counsel for Prince Eze pursuant to Section 44 of Sheriffs & Civil Process Act, 2004; Order IV Rules 1 (2) & 16 (1); Order VII Rule 7 Judgment Enforcement Rules and ordered the attachment and sale by

private contract of the immovable properties of Okwuosa, who was indebted to the applicant to tune of US$1 million. But following the issuance of the Writ of attachment and sale against the said properties by the court as directed by the Enugu State Chief Judge in suit number E/147/2012, Senator Uba filed an application as an interested party/appellant claiming that the

two properties in question were bought for him by Major Okwuosa from Chief R. O. Nkwocha family at the sum of N250 million. Uba while appealing against the decision/order of the court dated October 10, 2012 for attachment and sale of the immovable property of Okwuosa (the Judgment debtor) by Prince Eze in order to satisfy the judgment debt in his favour, urged the court

OWERRI

peaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Benjamin Uwajimogu, has said that he is still a member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite his decampment to All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) just as he denied nursing governorship ambition in 2015. Uwajimogu also dismissed claims of frosty relationship between the legislators and the state government. Hon Uwajimogu, who spoke during an interactive session with selected journalists in Owerri, at the weekend, faulted the claim that he decamped from PDP for APGA after winning the election to clinch the

ally made available N250 million for the purchase and registration of the property. According to Uba, he had confronted Okwuosa severally to submit the title document to the property but he informed him that they were still with the lawyers and later with officials of the Lands Registry Enugu, adding that he had a shock of his life when he learnt that

“fraudulently and without his consent, that the 2nd defendant/respondent (Okwuosa) had registered the property in his own name at the Lands Registry Enugu.” Uba contended that Okwuosa could not have registered “validly property that does not belong to him in his own name” and as such could not also confer on any person, title he never had on the property. But in a 26-paragraph counter affidavit opposing Uba’s motion dated October 19, 2012, Prince Eze’s counsel, Orakwue, told the court that Uba was not the owner of the two immovable properties but Okwuosa, who had his interest duly registered in the his names at the Lands Registry vide Irrevocable Power of Attorney and Deed of Assignment.

Obi pledges women empowerment

G L-R: Wife of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chairman, Enugu State chapter, Mrs. Oby Abba; wife of the State Governor, Mrs. Clara Chime; Representative of the Governor, Mr. Ugwu Egede and Mrs. Maureen Atuonwu, during the funeral for Chief Marcel Odenigbo, at Ukana Community, Udi Lga in Enugu State , yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

I’m still a card carrying member of PDP, says Imo Speaker CHRIS NJOKU

to make an order halting the sale of the property. In the seven grounds of appeal set out by Uba through his counsel, Chuma Oguejiofor, he told the court that Okwuosa had purchased the property for him and with money he had provided to the knowledge of the prior owners of the property, R.O. Nkwocha family of Enugu Ukwu, Anambra State, adding that he actu-

position of the Speaker, adding that he is still a card carrying member of PDP. His words, “I am still a member of PDP, I never resigned from the PDP, any person who says that I have resigned as a member should provide an evidence but I jettisoned politics to face governance and when we are done we will return. “Few of us from the PDP decided to work with the Governor Okorochaled administration to bring the dividends of democracy to the state; the issue was not party or politics but good governance. In the House we don’t believe in party affinity, we are there to serve the people of the state irrespective of political platforms”. He observed that the synergy between the Executive and the Legislative in the state was re-

sponsible for the success recorded in the areas of infrastructure, education and security in the last one year. “We are aware that the collaboration between the House and the Executive has attracted widespread criticisms but we decided to partner with the state government to rescue the state and this is evident in the number of projects that are ongoing in the state and the ones that have been delivered in the last 17 months”. According to him the House has no reason to fight the state governor on the pages of newspapers, adding that, “we are doing what we are supposed to do, if the Executive is doing well, there will be less conflict between it and the Legislative so the allegation of possible collusion is baseless”.

Gov. Obi jibe: Anambra Commissioner berates group over CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

nambra State Commissioner for Special Duties, Chief Vincent Ejikeme Ezenwajiaku has berated the National Association of Igbo Youths for insulting Governor Peter Obi in an advertorial published in a Lagos-based media recently. In the said advert, the Igbo Youths Association accused Obi of working to destroy the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). Chief Ezenwajiaku described the group as “a nonexistent and faceless one, rented by a key figure in the party to deceive the public and score cheap gains.” He said the entire facts and points which were outlined in the advertorial promoted by the group were ‘false, baseless and unwarranted.’ Speaking to Saturday Mirror on the issue, Chief Ezenwajiaku said

the group was hired to do a hatchet job and that everything they wrote in the advertorial were false and that their views represent that of a terribly biased group. The commissioner maintained that the position taken by the association on the crisis in APGA was laughable as Governor Obi has been supporting the party with full financial and logistics support. Ezenwajiaku advised the group to check theuir records to be able tio determine who really has the interest of the people of the state at heart. He said that the crisis in APGA began when those in charge of the party refused to render the account of money that were released to them by the governor for the administration of the party, adding that since then the party’s leader and his group have been fighting Obi for no just cause.

overnor Peter Obi of Anambra State has pledged that his administration would promote women empowerment, particularly in the rural communities. The governor gave the assurance in Awka when a delegation from the National Centre for Women Development visited him. Obi stressed that if women were adequately empowered and motivated, poverty would be considerably reduced in the society, while the quality of life in families would be enhanced. He said that the government’s efforts to develop the rural areas and provide infrastructure for them would particularly boost the wellbeing of the women, among other things. Obi noted that the state government had collaborated with donor agencies and development partners in efforts to attain specific targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Earlier, Mrs Fatima Bertora, the centre’s DirectorGeneral, said that they were in Anambra to inspect the centre’s skills’ acquisition projects in Idemili North, Ogbaru and Orumba South Local Government Areas.

REGIONAL NEWS

October 27, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SOUTH SOUTH

Delta communities ask Assembly to halt 13% derivation payment SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN CITY

ive oil and gas producing ethnic nationalities of Delta State have requested the state’s House of Assembly to suspend appropriation of the 13 per

cent Derivation Fund. The communities: Ijaw, Isoko, Itsekiri, Urhobo and Ndokwa, also requested same to be paid into an escrow account pending the resolution of all related issues. In a letter addressed to the Speaker and members

of the State House of Assembly and made available to journalists in Benin, the oil and gas producing ethnic nationalities drew the attention of the state and the Federal governments to the fact that in line with the Constitutional provi-

sion, Derivation Fund was not part of the consolidated revenue of the state. The letter to the Delta State House of Assembly was jointly signed by Pa J.O.S Ayomike, Sen. F. S. Okpozo; Chief (Dr) W. Okrika CON, Dr. K. O. Nwachukwu,

L-R: Deputy Governor of Rivers, Mr. Tele Ikuru; Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Emeka Nwogu and Commissioner for Health, Mr. Samson Parker, at a news conference on flood management in Port Harcourt, recently. PHOTO: NAN

800 transformers vandalized in A’Ibom communities TONY ANICHEBE UYO

o fewer than 800 transformers have been vandalized in communities in Akwa Ibom State in the last two years. As a result, communities such as Itu, Udua ekpa, Nung Oku, Ibiono Ibom in Itu and Ibesikpo Asutan local government areas of Akwa ibom state have been without electricity. To guard against a recurrence, residents within the Uyo Business District of the power holding company have vowed to protect their transformers and all other assets belonging to the PHCN in their areas. Some of the residents of Uyo, who spoke with Saturday Mirror expressed concern about the rate with which transformers were being vandalized and the inability of the police to comprehend the vandals. Former Transition chairman, Itu Local Governmentr Area, Idongesit Ituen, recalled that he had

to reward some vigilance groups with cash for arresting some of the vandals. Although the area had been without electricity for a while, he said vandals rather than PHCN should be blamed for plunging the area into darkness. A resident, Okon Uwah, said the residents were tired of the antics of the police in the area. He accused the police of not charging vandals apprehended by the vigilance groups to court. “Even when we handed

over these thieves, the police would not do them anything. The police would keep inviting us to their station to make statement we got tired of frequent statement and left the case,” Uwah said. It was learnt that in Urua ekpa, the vandals struck last week, causing power outage in the area. Some residents, who spoke with Saturday Mirror, said the danger inherent in releasing cable thieves and transformer vandals was that they might resort to jungle jus-

tice. Earlier, the Uyo Business District of the PHCN Mr. Uzoma Mbuko, had raised the alarm over incessant activities of the vandals in the areas. He warned that unless the trend was halted, the activities of the vandals would make it difficult to guarantee regular supply of power in the areas. Mbuko called on the police and other relevant security agencies to join hands with the communities and fight the “agents of darkness”.

Niger Delta crusader wins foreign award TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

ollowing his struggle in the defence of the people of NigerDelta, the Founder/Executive Director of Hope for Niger Delta Campaign (HNDC), Comrade Sunny Ofehe has won the “Outstanding Personality in the Netherlands (Environmental Service) Award of

The Voice Magazine. Ofehe, according to a statement by the Editor-inChief of the magazine, Elvis Iruh, which was made available to Saturday Mirror, will be offered the award alongside other Niger Delta icons on Friday November 16 at De Koning Party & Event centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands. The statement reads in part; “Comrade Sunny

Ofehe, the founder of Hope for Niger Delta Campaign Organization with headquarters in Rotterdam, Netherlands is being recognised with “Oustanding Personality in The Netherlands (Environmental Service Award)” for his continued initiatives to address the problems of environmental concern of his people in the Niger Delta of Nigeria.

Chief P. E. Asagba and 20 others for and on behalf of the oil producing communities. They argued that the fund was created by the Federal Government to restitute for the loss and injurious impart of oil exploitation on the farmlands, streams and lakes of the oil producing communities, adding that “it is our fair view that one kobo of the aforesaid fund ought not to be spent outside the oil and gas producing communities.” The group stated, “We are not unmindful of the fact that the Delta State Government established the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission whose function include the infrastructural development of oil and gas producing communities. Our position however, is that the 50 percent of the 13 percent of the Derivation Fund allocated to DESOPADEC as well as the remaining 50 percent which the state government has appropriated for

its use amounts to an aberration and improper user.” Consequently, the five oil and gas ethnic nationalities demanded that “In the premise, the reconstitution of the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) should be put in abeyance and the entire 13 per cent Derivation Fund paid into an escrow account pending the resolution of the weighty issues in this petition.” It will be recalled that the Communities had earlier in a memorandum to the Senate Committee on the amendment of the 1999 Constitution, published by National Mirror last Monday, demanded for a direct payment of their Derivation Fund to a Derivation Board which they proposed should be composed by leaders of the oil producing communities based on their quantum of production, with two ex-officio members representing the Federal and State Governments.

Jonathan, Amaechi, Ezekwesili laud Rivers First Lady’s project

resident Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President of World Bank, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, and other prominent Nigerians have joined the Founder of ESI, Dame Judith Amaechi to champion the cause for proper legislation and implementation of investment in early childhood education in the country. Declaring open the 3rd National Conference on Kindergarten Education in Port Harcourt yesterday, President Goodluck Jonathan said sound education, application of knowledge and policy implementation of early childhood education were key in promoting speedy development in the country. President Jonathan represented by the Minister of Youth Development, Alhaji Inumo Abdul Kadir said, “Education is not a privilege, but an inalienable right of every child, we must make appropriate investments in early childhood education to achieve our lofty goals”, Jonathan said. In her lead paper presentation, former World

Bank Vice-President, Oby Ezekwesili said, the importance of education in any economy is the vehicle through which societal development can be achieved. Ezekwesili listed six core areas of development that can enhance the educational system in the country, namely early childhood education, basic education, secondary education, tertiary education, special education, as well as informal or adult education. She stressed that early childhood education would address the problems of inequality and societal dislocation, explaining that the review of National Policy on Education is on course. She urged Public and Private Sectors, including Non-Governmental Organisations, stakeholders and community leaders to take kindergarten education seriously. Ezekwesili also urged the federal and state governments to make early childhood education accessible as practiced in Finland which has the best early child education in the world.

Politics

Jega

TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

ast Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, going by the account of many, can be said to be free and fair. The election was applauded by the international and local observers because of the manner it was conducted. Even some political analysts believe strongly that the Ondo governorship election was an improvement on the last one in Edo, thus giving kudos to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). During the election, there was a heavy deployment of security agents and INEC staffs to Ondo State. About 18,000 security personnel and 9,000 INEC staff and ad-hoc staff took part in the election to ensure that it was hitch-free. However, despite the applause INEC has got over the election and the huge resources expended, there were still some problems bordering on logistics on the part of INEC and challenges on the part of security agents in the election. Based on the challenges faced during the election therefore, some people are of the view that adopting an electronic voting (e-voting) in future elections will strengthen election process and reduce the cost of conducting election in Nigeria. Speaking to journalists in Akure on Sunday on the outcome of the Ondo State governorship election, the national chairman of Labour Party, Dr Dan Nwanyanwu, made a proposal to that effect, saying that it would be in the interest of Nigeria as a nation. His words: “INEC did very well in the Ondo State governorship election and I think it is an improvement from what happened in Edo State governorship election. But we still need to adopt a system that

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 27, 2012

Mark

Wanted: Hassle-free polls with e-voting will make us not to mobilise the whole military force and police into one state for election. So, I am recommending electronic system of voting in Nigeria. India used it for over 600million voters and the system succeeded. “It can work also in Nigeria whereby by the time you press a button to vote automatically the result is transmitted. There would be no need for ballot papers, ballot boxes and cubicles. Thugs would have no job to do. It will allow people to go out and vote without any fear. The electronic voting is also less expensive. By the time we get there I can assure you that Nigeria will fly.” Nwanyanwu’s view also renewed the call for e-voting in Nigeria, especially ahead of the 2015 general elections. It would be recalled that since the Prof. Attahiru Jega-led INEC called on the National Assembly for the amendment of Section 52 (1) (b) of the Electoral Act 2010, which makes it an offence for INEC to use e-voting, many Nigerians have been expressing different views on the system. While some are commending the initiative of the INEC boss in seeking the introduction of the electronic voting system in future elections, some are of the view that Nigeria is not ripe for e-voting. Electronic voting is a term that describes the use of electronic cards and electronic voting machines in voting for a preferred candidate during an election.

It was invented to correct some anomalies and address some factors militating against credible elections. The introduction of the Direct Data Capturing Machine in Nigeria during the last voter registration exercise assisted a great deal in drastically reducing incident of multiple registrations which was usually the starting point in election rigging. Therefore, those in support of the e-voting believe that adopting the system will uphold the strength of the Nigeria electoral system and improve on its weaknesses. Electronic voting, without any iota of doubt, is a vital key to solving a reasonable portion of the problems associated with our elections. From issue of transparency to election induced violence orchestrated by thugs and highly prejudiced electoral umpires, electronic voting can help force these typical maladies into the dustbin of history. In the past general elections, Nigerians have experienced high degrees of rigging, ballot box snatching, under-age voters, election and post-election violence. Over the years, elections results in Nigeria have been taken with a pinch of salt. Therefore, many people believe that adopting the e-voting will make future elections in Nigeria to be more credible and violence free. According to some political analysts, some of the basic advantages of e-voting include; the need to record information

and to have the results available quickly; need to have a system that is accessible to all and easy to use (accessibility); need to ensure secrecy of what takes place ; need for voting to be undertaken seriously, after due deliberation . Others are the ability to ensure that each individual’s vote is recorded and counted accurately; need to guard against manipulation and interference with information once recorded; need to ensure that individuals cannot be impersonated and need to verify what has taken place through the use of traceable information trails. Many also believe that the use of evoting devices, if legalised ahead of the 2015 elections, will considerably reduce the cost of organising elections in view of the fewer number of manpower that will be required at each poling unit. The Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) which has greatly assisted India cope well with its over 700 million voters population contains devices which should make tabulation and computation of elections results faster and eliminate cases of figure alteration between poling units and collation centres. A public affairs analyst, Mr. Chima Nnaji , in a recent television interview programme said that the introduction of electronic voting system would help in combating electoral fraud in Nigeria. He said that the process of electronic voting CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

POLITICS

October 27, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National conference’ll either divide us or solve our problems –Lekan Balogun

Balogun

Senator Lekan Balogun, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), believes that revolution and national conference are the best solutions to the various crises militating against the progress of Nigeria. In this interview with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE, he says PDP will put its house in order before 2015 general election to enable it send the opposition parties parking from the South-West zone. He also speaks on 2015 presidency and corruption among other things. Excerpts:

hat is your view about the ongoing reconciliation exercise in the PDP as championed by the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led leadership? I think Bamanga Tukur is a civilised and decent man who is committed to real and effective reconciliation. He is committed to serious reconciliation and not one on the surface. He is determined to do it and do it very well. The reconciliation process may appear slow but very soon PDP will become one big family again. We need the reconciliation to succeed as a party; to recover all the lost grounds and face the challenges of the future. But many people believe that the return of some disgruntled members to the PDP may cause more havoc. This is because they would come back to vie for offices. What is your view? We have told everybody that people should forget personal aspirations and be committed to building the party to be stronger. Once the party succeeds; everybody will benefit from the party’s success. I think what is wrong with us in Nigeria is that everybody looks at the

party as the vehicle for fulfilling personal aspirations. Rather, a political party should be a vehicle for fulfilling global and societal aspirations. That is what we are trying to do in PDP. We are not building the party for any personal aspiration; we are building it for everybody to benefit from the party. I think with the ongoing reconciliation, PDP will be a different party from what it used to be. While PDP is strategising, building itself, opposition parties are also embarking on merger talks to unite and end the reign of PDP in Nigerian politics? How do you think this will affect the fortune of the PDP? The merger talks that I have read about are the coming together of strange bed fellows, it can’t work and it won’t work. What we are going to get is a fresh realignment across the political parties. Some of them will go and a lot of their followers will not go with them. Many people will come to PDP as well. So, it is not enough to just talk about merger and fresh coalitions and all that; it should be across board. ACN and CPC may come together and the bulk of their members may not go with them.

What gives you the assurance that the merger talks would not work considering that PDP seems not to be having a firm grip of the country? PDP is running the country and the party has the grip of the country. People who are disillusioned are those who lost out against PDP in the past. The coming together of people who have contested against PDP on different platforms and lost is the coming together of strange bed fellows. It is not a potentially good and powerful combination. The bulk of their followership will come back to PDP and they will still lose again. I think what PDP should do is to try and govern very well. That is what we are considering as the new watchword of PDP under Bamanga Tukur-led leadership. As long as we improve on our governance objectives and we would do it well, PDP will win. Talking about good governance, Nigeria is at present facing challenges of insecurity and corruption. Are you not seeing the various problems in the country as threats to PDP’s desire to rule for 50 years? Nigerians created the mess that we find ourselves in and the govern-

ing party has decided to do its best to change things for the better. Let us see how PDP fairs before 2015 because 2015 is still about three years to come. In politics, three years is still a long time. What is on ground is not the creation of PDP, it is the creation of Nigerians and PDP is trying as an institution that has been mandated to run the affairs of the country. So, let us see how the party governs the country in the next two years. I think we will do it well. Ahead 2015, there is a bone of contention over which zone should produce the Presidency. What is your opinion about this? The battle for 2015 has begun everywhere and it is not just at the Presidency alone. In some states, the battle has begun. So, if we now have inter-zonal battles, it will not surprise me, but things are under control. Many people have also been campaigning for re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan. Do you think Jonathan should run in 2015? I am not a constitutional lawyer; that is a matter for the constitution to determine and for all Nigerians to determine. Ahead of 2015, as events unfold we shall see what is best for the country. As a former member of the Senate, how do you see the agitation for the scrapping of the Senate? That is talking absolute nonsense. You cannot scrap a sub-system of a global system. If you are running American system of government, you cannot scrap the Senate. If you are looking at British Parliamentary system, which is a different system, then you can do without the Senate. We cannot be talking as if we don’t know the difference between the British and America model. Nigerians must sit down and think about which system is best for the country and that will take us back to the issue of national conference. We need a national conference to solve some of the problems in the country. And until that is done anybody talking about scrapping of any institutions is taking nonsense as far as I am concerned. But many people are against the convening of a national conference What we need is a national conference and not a sovereign national conference because we cannot have two sovereignties. National Assembly constitutes a sovereignty of a sort for Nigeria. National conference is a must. How can you, because of the likely violence reaction of the people abandon your religion? I am a Muslim and I did not believe in what Boko Haram is doing. Everybody should have the right to practise what he wants in a democracy. Honestly, I think we are overdue for national conference. Let us sit down and think how we want to be governed as a people. The issue of Boko Haram and insecurity will also be dealt with at the national conference. National conferCONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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POLITICS

October 27, 2012

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 ence is overdue and inevitable in Nigeria at the moment. One of the reasons some people are afraid of the national conference is the belief that the outcome may divide the country. Do you share this belief ? It can potentially divide the country; also potentially it can solve our problems. The basic problem we have is how to relate and live together as people and how we want to be governed. Others issues will also be resolved as well. We should not look at one side of the story because a coin always has two sides. It is a double-sided phenomenon, so, let us decide among ourselves what kind of country we want to run, what kind of government we want to have. I think the national conference is inevitable and it is capable of dividing us and it is also capable of solving our problems as a nation. Corruption is one of the basic problems in Nigeria. How can we reduce it to the barest minimum even if we cannot totally stop it? It is a systemic problem. In Nigeria more or less everybody indulges in corruption and I believe it has to be tackled for us to move forward as a nation.

National conference’ll either divide us or solve Nigeria problem To start with, if we have a government that is committed to fighting corruption and we have a national conference to decide whether we want to live together as people, our success as a nation will be promoted. We will demote corruption through those steps. We all know that corruption is a fundamental and systemic problem and we must solve it fundamentally. How can corruption be tackled fundamentally? A more committed fight against corruption on the part of the leadership of the country is needed. Everybody must stand up to fight corruption. People are just talking about corruption issues that were made known to the public. What about cases that are not known to the public. Nobody should be a sacred cow when it comes to the fight against corruption; it should be a national fight. Government should lead it and declare it so. Do you support the call for revolution in Nigeria?

When e-voting may come to the rescue CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 is to basically de-personalise the whole process of election and it is also a process that would decongest corruption. The pioneer coordinator of the Ondo State Information Technology Development Centre (SITDEC) and policy chairman of the National Development Initiative (NDi), Mr. Tunji Ariyomo, in a recent statement, posited that electronic is a vital key to solving a reasonable portion of the problems associated with Nigeria’s elections. He said electronic voting could help in forcing election induced violence orchestrated by thugs and highly prejudiced electoral umpires and other electoral frauds into the dustbin of history. “There is no doubt that electronic voting would bring a major change to the existing electoral system. It will also have the multiple benefits of reducing the need for too many voting stations, introducing permanent voting stations in secure locations and enabling INEC to drive political parties to utilise such voting stations for the conduct of their primaries,” Ariyomo noted. Those opposed to e-voting believed that the system cannot work in Nigeria now because of the dearth of infrastructure and level of illiteracy in the country. Some people are against the e-voting because they believe that the process may be manipulated by the power brokers, considering the rate of fraudulent activities in the country, especially various scams in public offices. The epileptic power supply in Nigeria, according to some political analysts, will also be a stumbling block to the e-voting, they said. Although the system could reduce electoral malpractices drastically, many people are of the view that federal government may be unwilling to provide the funding required to put the electronic

voting system into use. Speaking to Saturday Mirror, a National Conscience Party (NCP) chieftain, Ogbeni Lanre Banjo, said Nigeria is not mature for electronic voting system because of the level of corruption in the country. “I am not in support of electronic voting system because it can be programmed to perpetuate fraud. For example, they can programme it in a way that if someone votes for NCP, the vote will go to PDP. Some countries that adopted the system in the past have stopped using it because of manipulation. I don’t think Nigeria is mature for electronic voting considering the fact that many people are not well conversant with modern day technology devices,” he said. In a recent media interview, a member of the House of Representatives from Taraba State, Mr. Jerry Manwe, is of the view that funding may be an impediment to e-voting in Nigeria. Manwe, the Chairman, House Committee on Electoral Matters, expressed doubt that the government would adequately finance the voting system. His words: “There are basic things that INEC needs to put in place, but is the government ready to fund them? We need a data-base for voters, which is not available yet. Besides, e-voting requires an amendment to the Electoral Act; there is no proposal before the House yet on this. So, on the whole, e-voting is contingent on how much fund the government can provide for INEC. E-voting is good and can reduce electoral malpractices.” With the ongoing constitutional amendment being embarked upon by the National Assembly, and with the possible focus on the Electoral Act 2010, it is unlikely that e-voting will be considered. Whether the system will survive the debate that will follow is a different matter entirely.

Balogun

Fundamentally I support revolution. There is need for a departure from the way we are doing things; there is a need to start afresh as a nation; there is a need to re-access our values. Revolution is long overdue in Nigeria and I believe strongly in it. The revolution I believe in is not a one man fight, it is a fundamental fight. PDP in the South-West is working tirelessly to reclaim the zone come 2015. Do you think PDP can achieve

its dream? Why not? How much better is the opposition party in government doing? PDP should put its house in order and lead a worthwhile struggle against all the identifiable problems in the party. Are you confident that PDP will take over South-West come 2015? We did it in 2003 and we can still do it again. Hopefully, we have learnt our lessons and we are going to put our house in order. I think it can be done and ACN is helping that trend of event by the way they are performing. How would you assess the performance of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State? Ajimobi is my younger brother; he is my friend and I am still studying his performance. Many people believe that without the likes of you and other PDP chieftains, who threw your weight behind Ajimobi to become governor, he would not have won the election in 2011. Do you regret your support for him? I have no regret over whatever I did in Ajimobi’s case, but it is not a pointer to what I will do in the future. Circumstances that are available to us will determine what will happen in the future. The trend of event is changing and PDP will probably regain some of the SouthWest states in 2015.

In your refreshingly different PHCN: Still more controversies

These may not be the best of times for workers and top officials of the former Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). The privatisation exercise, which threw up 10 core investors as new owners of the Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs), may have brought about an uneasy calm in the business activities of the power company. From the day the idea to privatise the firms under PHCN was mooted, it had been one controversy or the other. The latest is on the planned acquisition of PHCN by a firm where former head of state, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, has interest. So what are the issues? Read more tomorrow.

Battle of the Orjis

Once, the two were not just boss and subordinate to each other but bosom friends. Orji Uzor Kalu and Theodore Orji, governor and chief of staff in Abia State as they then were, respectively, enjoyed chummy relationship. But things are no longer the same. The former friends have become foes. Over time, their cold war snowballed into sheer enmity and later to open confrontation. Now, the two ex-friends who are PDP members are at each other’s jugular. What is responsible for their long-drawn feud? We tell you tomorrow.

When armed robbers take over

Ogun State used to be a haven of peace, and to many people it still is.The hilly, serene environment of the capital and the peace of the surrounding towns and villages are becoming a thing of the past, no thanks to chilling, blood-curdling tales of armed robbery invasion, in this hitherto peaceful state. Tomorrow, we serve you some of these chilling tales and efforts of the state to curb the incidents.

Abiola: ConÀrmation of an open secret

Dateline

Recently, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ghanaian-born Kofi Annan, published his memoir in which he, among others, described the death of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election as suspicious. All along, suspicions have trailed the circumstances of Abiola’s death, an incident that was witnessed by highranking diplomats who had come to negotiate on his insistence on the June 12 mandate. Now, Sunday Mirror, Mirror, using the Annan whistle-blow is revisiting the Abiola death. We also talked about what family members have to say on this.

Applause: A ppllause: A word d off advice ad dviice

Though Mary Uranta, a Nollywood act is still single, she has some words for married women,on how they can keep their homes. This is coming amid crashes of most marriages in the Nollywood family. Uranta, who started acting 12 years ago, featured in a popular movie, Girls’ Hostel, and she shares more of her experiences, in this interview. These and many more available tomorrow in your

October 27, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAGAZ INE Sex talk

22 sure ways to flip her sex switch on

Fashion •Bags of colour •Right tops for curvy gals

Relationships Can you accuse your spouse of rape?

Toke

Siren of the airwaves

18 Ayobami Ayoola Ayolola found fame and fortune overnight when he won the fifth edition of Project Fame West Africa (PFWA) this year. He, however, tells OSEYIZA OOGBODO that his success is not overnight or sudden but a result of years of hard work.

October 27, 2012

Celebrity

have been anybody but it was me because God decided “Guy, this na your time oh. No be say I sabi sing pass everybody.” God just said this is my time and I’m enjoying it. Did you have a winning strategy that helped you during the show? I will say I took it one step at a time. I mean that’s the best winning strategy. Have the major goal at the back of your mind, which is to win, but then take it one step at a time. You know when you have mini goals to achieve until you get to the major goal. So I took it week after week. Every week, I would say, “God I don’t want to get evicted.” I would rehearse and perform and try not to be evicted. So when it got to the final week, I said, “Okay, now, God, help me win.” I had the winning at the back of my mind but I had the weekly sure goals there as well, so that’s it, one step at a time.

hat were you doing before you were chosen for PFWA? I was working in the music industry but I was in the background working on my career. I was also working as a back-up singer and personal assistant to Mike Aremu, the saxophonist, in addition to running around for my own personal things. I was acting as well. I was Lucky Osuji in Tinsel for a couple of weeks. I was singing and acting and also working in the administrative part of music.

Did your association with Mike Aremu help you anyway in PFWA? I’ll say I learnt a lot from that maestro and I am still learning. I don’t want to stop learning from him. He impacted in me the culture of humility and that helped me a lot in the show. The humility itself is the key. Even the Good Book said it that God will lift the humble. It helped me a lot and I learnt it from him. I learnt interpersonal relationships from him, and as to whether he supported me or not, I couldn’t know that because I was in the show, besides he was in London at the time, he’s still in London right now so I haven’t even seen him. But I’m sure he put in a good word for me, sending broadcasts on his BlackBerry, telling people to vote for me. I’m sure he did a lot of that and I’m really grateful.

Does that mean you were already singing professionally before PFWA? Oh yes. I was doing just little things then but as little as they were, they were big for me. I was performing in friends’ churches, friends’ shows, comedy shows, and I had songs I was working on as well. How long did you do these before PFWA? I started professionally in 2005. That was when I set out to do my album but it didn’t work out. I finished the album but it wasn’t what I expected.

The general assumption is that former winners have not done well. What’s the next step for you now? They are doing well now. Iyanya is doing well, Chidinma too, Monica is coming up also. It took Iyanya some time to get that big hit but that’s consistency, that’s how I see it. I pray to do well too because nobody prays to go five years after winning before having a hit but I give it to him (Iyanya) because he consistently tried to make it work and it finally did and for me too, the work has started. I’ll keep putting in my best, I’ve been working ever since and I’ll double the speed now.

Why didn’t the album work out? As far as I was concerned, that was the sound I wanted, but when I moved out, I got into the university, I found out that guys were doing a lot better. So I put the album in the background and started working on myself, how to sing well, how to sing better, how to emote well and all of that. Did you release any single before PFWA? I was in the works. I was in the process of doing that but something would always come up here and there so it didn’t work out for me. What made you put in for PFWA? We all know that no doubt it’s the best platform you can get here on this side of the world. Ultima brought the idea. I mean, what else can anyone ask for, to have thousands of people running around that they want to get into the show and I got it and I’m grateful to God and this is me now. Was this year’s your first time of auditioning? As far as Project Fame is concerned, this is my fifth time. I was here the first, second, third, fourth and this was my fifth time and God gave it to me.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘I won’t sing lewd songs’ Why do you think they chose you this fifth time? To be honest, I can’t put my hands on why I was rejected. But it’s obvious. I just

needed to work on my skills and work better. I thought I had it but then they made me realise I needed to work more. And I was picked by the favour of God. I keep saying that everywhere. It could

What sort of music do you play? Before PFWA, I was strictly R & B, Soul. But when I was in PFWA, it just dawned on me that I could do Afro. Thank God it came to me so right now I’m going to explore that genre and see what I can make of it too. You said you used to sing in churches. Are you a gospel artiste? First of all, I am an artiste. I sing. I don’t want to put myself in a box. I will not sing provocative songs. I will not preach bad messages. As far as I’m concerned, that’s the gospel. Gospel is what, good news, and that’s what I’m about. I will sing good news from now till the end of my life.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 27, 2012

Entervaganza

With OSEYIZA OOGBODO

Mikel Obi to sing soon

08023755142 kingseiza@gmail.com

Olamide’s turn to reign

hen the news broke out about a couple of weeks ago that John Mikel Obi, Nigeria’s highest paid footballer in England, had established a record label, Matured Money Minds, the question immediately on the lips of people was if the football prodigy was going to wax a record. Well, Mikel’s recent comments on why he established MMM can definitely satisfy the curious ones. According to him, he is a good songwriter and singer and wants to contribute his quota to the growth of the Nigerian music industry. His words: “Apart from football, music is another thing I had passion for while I was growing up in Jos. I have so much emotional attachment to music. It lifts my soul and makes me happy. The arrival of MMM Records has gone a long way to show the deep love I have for music. I want to contribute my little quota to the growth of the music industry in Nigeria. I’m a good songwriter and singer. If I wasn’t a footballer, I would have done well as a singer or DJ.” So if you are still wondering if Mikel will release a song or album, you can be sure that he will definitely do so sooner or later.

Michelle Bello

here is no doubt that Lagos-based rapper Olamide is very good. His hit songs, Eni Duro and Omotoshan, off his debut album, Rapsodi, only confirmed the abundant talent reposing in him. But even though the songs were crowd favourites and his album sold appreciably, his arrival on the scene was at a time when the Wizkid fire was blowing very hot so he had to take the backstage. As things stand now, though, he is now set to take the front burner as his song, Go Down Low, is receiving the most rotation presently in clubs, radio and parties. Go Down Low is the latest in the set of hit songs, specifically Unite and Ilefo Illuminati, that he has attained this year. Combined, they have created a demand for his sophomore album, YBNL (Yahoo Boy No Laptop), which will soon hit the market. And since the trend in the music industry is turn by turn, every indication points to the fact that it is now Olamide’s turn, so much so that there is even a tussle over him over which label he should pitch his tent with.

returns with Flower Girl I n the creative sector, you’re only as good as your last effort and can only remain relevant by consistently coming out with productions better than your last effort. Probably with this in mind, movie producer-director Michelle Bello has returned with another classic movie, Flower Girl. As talented as they come, Bello’s last movie, Small Boy, won two African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), thereby placing her in the spotlight and raising anticipation for her next work. That next work is Flower Girl and it promises to be another classic as it is a tale of love lost and won in arguably Africa’s most illustrious metropolis, Lagos. A romantic comedy, FG is about Kemi, a shy florist, who is desperate to tie the knot with her long-time boyfriend Umar. Contrary to her expectations, Umar suddenly breaks up with her, leaving her devastated. In a desperate bid to get him back, she teams up with a most unlikely

ally, Tunde Kulani, a famous playboy Nollywood star. FG is however not just a tale about starry-eyed blind love. It is actually a message to young women who want to get married in a hurry and think only about their prefect wedding day and not the long-term commitment required by both individuals to make it last. And as is necessary for movies, FG parades a star cast that includes former Tinsel golden girl Damilola Adegbite, Ghanaian Chris Attoh, Studio 53 anchor Eku Edewor, Patrick Doyle, and Teni Aofiyebi. The crew is also made up of the best hands around. Names like Michelle Dede of Big Brother Nigeria, award-winning art director Bola Bello, award-winning screenwriter Jigi Bello and seasoned director of photography James Costello so you can bet your last dollar that Flower Girl will definitely live up to the precedents of its predecessor, Small Boy.

Olamide

Vibesland Entertainment for unveiling

O Obi

ne entertainment outfit that is now making concrete moves to be reckoned with is Vibesland Entertainment. To this end, VE has concluded plans to hold an unveiling event to introduce its plans and its new artistes to the Nigerian market. Consequently, the unveiling event tagged A Night With

Vibesland would hold later in the year at celebrity hangout, The Place in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. Founded by UK-based Niyi Fatogun in 2006, VE, which is primarily a record label, is also into artiste management, promotions and digital marketing and has previously worked with artists that include Zee World and Master Flex.

ENTERVAGANZA

October 27, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CLASSICAL RYHMES

AIRWAVES LINK

Toke Makinwa blows hot

hese are definitely the best of times for Rhythm FM on-air personality Toke Makinwa. She is in the news for various reasons and it’s good for her career. Considering the intense competition to acquire and maintain a listenership base, Makinwa’s visibility can only help her retain and even add to the number of her listening audience. The visibility strategy

Faze

has worked for Yaw, Toolz, Matse, Labi, Olisa Adibua and many other male and female OAPs so it can only work further wonders for her brand. Funny enough, Makinwa is in the news prominently now for becoming a blogger. Before that however, she also hit the headlines with the takeoff of her TV show, 3 Live Chicks, which she cohosts with Top FM’s Tosyn Bucknor and Oreka Godis.

Originality Artist: Faze

Makinwa

DJ Gosporella, Shy Shy Shyllon blast Nigerian musicians

Gosporella

t a time when Nigerian music is thought to be on the rise with her musicians receiving international awards and collaborating with globally renowned musicians, two on-air personalities, DJ Gos-

porella and Shy Shy Shyllon have come out with a damning verdict of the Nigerian music industry. According to the duo who were guests of Bimbo Akintola on the AIT-aired programme, Amazons, Ni-

gerian music is wack While Gosporella was unabashed and very vocal in condemning the industry he operates in, Shyllon was more diplomatic in bashing the music industry. He however concurred with Gos-

Hot FM, Beat FM hold events tonight

buja will be on fire today when Hot FM Abuja holds the second edition of its Halloween costume party at the Sofa Lounge. Last year’s party was the talk of town for weeks because many celebrities attended in their hot costumes. Who are the celebrities that will attend the party tonight? If you are in Abuja, you can find out yourself by

popping in at the party. There is no gate fee but you must be in a suitable Halloween costume. While Hot FM Abuja is igniting Abuja tonight, Beat FM will also be shutting down Lagos with this year’s edition of its annual Beat of Lagos concert which is holding at the prestigious Oriental Hotel and is supported by brewing giant, Guinnness.

Guests at last year’s costume party

porella that Nigerian music is wack. The third guest on the programme, singer-songwriter-producer OJB Jezreel, however refused to support or oppose the duo’s view.

Intro Khaki no be leather Chorus Originality Na we own the society I get ability Na we be VIP Promoting peace and tranquility No be, no be lie Verse 1 I’m making all the cheddar People eye dey red eye Sister keep on to agbada People know me wella If you no know me brother I no like wahala I’m a cool headed I no like kasala If you wan know me better Go wake baba Fela I don dey since the time of Nelson Mandela Ask Sanjo, Stella, Fashola and Bola You go see say na true I dey tell you wella Repeat chorus Verse 2 This is Saro wiwa Muritala, Gowon, Dele Giwa, Soyinka MKO Abiola, Shagari, Awolowo, Oduduwa Mo ti wa tipe Just to tell you how far Tafa Balewa, Herbert Macauley, Ahmodu Bello, Jaja of Opobo Tai Solarin, Princess Moremi Una go hala my name one day o Repeat chorus Verse 3 Ras Kimono, Onyekwa Onwenu IK Dairo, Bongos Ikwue Sir Victor Uwaifo, Orlando Owoh Junior and Pretty, Blackky Christy Essien Igbokwe Chris Okotie, Mike Okri, Sunny Ade Alex O, Majek Fashek, Evi Edna Ogoli Charly Boy, Ebenezer Obey, Osadebe, Oliver de Coque Bright Chimezie, Baba Fela Sammy Okposo, Eddy Okonta, Lucky Dube, Felix Liberty Fred Abasi, respect to Bob Marley Refrain One day una go hala my name o Chanting Faze! Faze!

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ENTERVAGANZA

October 27, 2012

BOX-OFFICE HITS

BRAIN BEHIND THE SCENE

Rukky Sanda … writer-producer U

nknown to many, Rukky Sanda is also a brain behind the scene, because she is not only an actress, but also a writer and producer. And confirming it to Entervaganza, she said, “I have produced six movies. Three have been released in previous years while my recent projects, The Search and Lovelorn, will by God’s grace be released this October. Also, Miami Heat is still in post production.” One of the Nollywood actresses in high demand, she confessed to Entervaganza that acting in her productions is a tough call. “It is not easy at all to play roles and produce at the same time so I have not played a lead in all the movies I’ve produced. It’s basically been 3/6, and as much as I love to multi-task, I must tell you it really gets stressful at times, but God has blessed me with a few honest and reliable set of crew members that take my production as though it were theirs so that makes it a bit easier.” Speaking about the financial implications of producing movies, she said, “It costs millions to make a film. Being my own executive producer and an independent filmmaker is not easy at all because it is my duty apart from being the writer or producer to cater for every single person on my set.” But she says producing is easier for her nonetheless because she has her own equipment. “I’m blessed by the grace of God to have bought my own equipment and van and I have my own editing studio, and even though it’s a lot of investment, it pays off and will also pay off on

in the long term because owning the equipment reduces expenses. So basically now I only have to pay the cast and crew to work and then sort out basic logistics.” Despite all the stress associated with film production, she insisted to Entervaganza that she would keep on doing it because “I have actually really developed love for the art of filmmaking and there’s so much I want to learn. And it also gives me the opportunity to tell my own stories, and stories I can relate to, and also give my audience something different in telling it exactly how I want it to be told.” And in regards to if she makes profits from her movies as some producers complain that they don’t make their money back, she didn’t beat about the bush. “As a producer, the first thing on my mind is my money, so I’m 100 per cent a businesswoman, so I always try my best to get the right crew and cast. It’s very true that some producers don’t make their money back. I experienced that with the first movie I produced, Lethal Woman though I eventually got my production cost back, and made quite a little profit in the long term. “Basically, a producer just needs to have a network of reliable people to deal with and most importantly have a good product. And most of all, you have to be patient and be willing to wait and tie that money down. You also have to be a business minded person and be willing to be involved and put in work, if not, your money goes down the drain. Pirates are another issue, but if you go about it the right way, you will make your money back because film is forever.”

Cloud Atlas T

he plot of Cloud Atlas is what will make it into a box office success. The plot is about happenings in the past, the present and the future all intertwined together and such a plot is certain to draw audiences. Aboard a sailing ship in the South Pacific of 1850, a young American lawyer (Jim Sturgess) falls afoul of an evil doctor (Tom Hanks), only to be saved by a runaway slave (David Gyasi). In the mid-1930s, a famous composer (Jim Broadbent) takes on a young gay man (Ben Whishaw) as an amanuensis whose own work may eclipse that of the composer. Jump to the 1970s and we’re in San

Fun Size T

een comedy Fun Size has all the hallmarks that make movies successful at the box office: romance, comedy, suspense. Wren (Justice) is looking forward to the greatest night of her life: she’s just been invited to the school hunk’s Halloween party by the Corvette driving school hunk himself and it’s going to be, like, epic. However, mum Joy (Chelsea Handler) has a date that night and Wren has no choice but to lug her kid brother Albert (Nicoll), mute since their dad died last year, along. But Albert goes missing and Wren employs the help of two nerds to trek the streets in the search for him, all the while worrying if the school hunk is going to cop off with someone else.

Francisco where an investigative reporter (Halle Berry) uncovers a plot involving a nuclear power plant (run by Hugh Grant) with the help of two scientists (James D’Arcy and Hanks), only to find herself on the run. In modern-day London, a publisher (Broadbent) finds himself confined by his vengeful brother (Grant) to an old people’s home that no one ever leaves. In the futuristic (2144, give or take) city of Neo-Seoul, a female replicant (Doona Bae) revolts against the system that created her after she’s rescued by a rebel leader (Sturgess). And in the post-apocalyptic world of the far future, where the movie begins and ends, a goat herder (Hanks) meets a survivor of an advanced civilization (Berry).

October 27, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Relationships

Can you accuse your Not in our culture

n most cultures in Africa, especially here in Nigeria, the concept of marriage has two very strong bases namely; the legal and the moral/religious aspects. Marriage is an institution that has so many hidden ups and downs and the idea of a partner, most especially the man raping his wife is a very dicey issue. On one hand is the idea that marriage is for procreation, while another school of thought believes it’s to expand the frontiers of human knowledge through the interrelationship of different tribes or cultures meeting through cross cultural mingling by partners to come together to become a new social unit called family. Historically, many cultures have a concept of spouses’ conjugal rights to sexual intercourse with each other. This can be seen in Common law in force in the British Commonwealth, of which the Nigerian constitution is primarily based on, where the very concept of marital rape was formally treated as impossibility. This was illustrated most vividly by Sir Matthew Hale, in his 1736 legal treatise, Historia Placitorum Coronæ or History of the Pleas of the Crown, where he wrote that such a rape could not be recognised since the wife “hath given up herself in this kind unto her husband, which she cannot retract.” I am not a lawyer and I don’t even pretend to be one. Hale’s statement in History of the Pleas of the Crown was not supported by any judicial authority at the time but was believed to be a logical consequence of the laws of marriage and rape as understood at the time. Marriage gives conjugal rights to a spouse, and marriage cannot be revoked except by a divorce. It is therefore logical to say that a spouse cannot legally revoke consent to sexual intercourse if there is no divorce, and if consent is given through the institution of marriage, there cannot be anything in marriage called rape. The idea of rape in marriage comes from the feminist beliefs of women having authority and control over their bodily functions,

including sex. What is called marital rape or otherwise known as spousal rape is non-consensual sex in which the perpetrator is the victim’s spouse. As such, it is a form of domestic violence, and of sexual abuse. Once widely condoned or ignored by law, spousal rape is now repudiated by international conventions and increasingly criminalised. In many countries, what is called spousal rape remains ambivalent in people’s minds, and is widely tolerated and accepted as a husband’s prerogative. In December 1993, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights published the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This established marital rape as a human rights violation in most parts of the world. There are different reasons why a spouse will say he or she is not interested in giving consent to sex. These reasons can be physical, emotional, psychological or religious. The physical may have to do with tiredness while the emotional and psychological is due to the spouse’s state of mind. Most proponents who support that there is nothing like spousal rape apart from using Hale’s logic above, also use the bible passage of 1 Corinthians 7:2-5 if they are Christians, where it is stated that partners should have spousal consent for even exemptions to marital sex before they can fast. They go on to say that the importance of sex in marriage is even recognised in religion and that the Bible does not support one’s spouse to say no. This in itself is funny because the Bible expressly talked about ‘consent’ and the word rape connotes the usage of force through lack of consent to have sex, whether in marriage or not. Our culture also believes that a woman saying no to sex with her husband may be indirectly inviting another woman into her matrimonial home. While the law in theory may hold no distinction between a spouse and any other person, in practice when the case comes to court there will be difficulties in proving that rape in fact took place.

SEX TALK

This column is x-rated

22 sure ways to flip her S

ex isn’t a race: Take time to explore her. Focus on her thighs and lower belly. Don’t be obsessed with only her boobs and south-side. Give her plenty of time: If you want morning sex, set your alarm at least 20 minutes early. A woman won’t want sex if she’s hurried. She knows she probably needs about 20 minutes to reach orgasm. Grunts are better than nothing: She’ll be more enthusiastic about sex if you give her a verbal response. Even appreciative grunts are better than silence. Ignore other women: Remain calm when a decked-out woman strolls by and you’ll be sending the message that you’re all hers. Nothing turns a woman on more than that assurance. Use your tongue wisely: When kissing, don’t use your tongue like a dart (in and out, in and out). Instead, try varying motions and amounts of pressure. Tell her what she wants to hear. Words such as: “I want to make you feel good” go a long way. Write her a letter of gratitude: Seriously! It will make her more eager to please you if she knows you really appreciate what you do together. Write what you feel, but the rul-

ing sentiment should be one of gratitude and love. Need we say you should mail it to her? Don’t keep it under your pillow or in your ‘draft’ folder. Call her within the hour: You have just had the greatest sex of your life with your girlfriend. She leaves for her place or you drop her off. Call her within the hour to let her know how much she means to you. Don’t wait until your next erection to contact her. Ease into dirty talk: Want to know if she likes to talk dirty? Tell her: “You make me think dirty thoughts.” Ease in slowly. It’s best to test the waters a bit, rather than immediately go for your deepest, kinkiest dirty talk right out of the blues. Be generous with compliments: Compliment her at least five times a day. It’ll make her feel special, appreciated, and closer to you. And the more connected she feels, the more sexually inspired she’ll feel Excite her senses: If you don’t have a perfume that she likes, shop for one with her. It’s a form of foreplay. Hold her hand: Holding hands can work as an aphrodisiac. It shows her you’re devoted and proud to tell the world that she is ‘the one.’

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

RELATIONSHIPS

October 27, 2012

CHINWE ANNIE AMAECHI 07028684481 chinweamaechi@gmail.com

spouse of rape? It’s possible

This column is x-rated

sex switch on

Prolong your kisses: The next time you kiss her, make it long and nice. Men use kissing primarily as a means to an end—to advance sexual relations. On the other hand, women mainly use kissing as a way to monitor the status of the relationship, and especially a partner’s commitment level Keep the lights low. One of the biggest reasons women can’t relax during sex is body image. Keep the lights low. A candle? Perfect. Show her passion. “Passion” means being in the moment and not being distracted. Sex is a conversation, and she doesn’t want to feel like you wish you had your BlackBerry. Whisper fantasies in public. Yes, forget the people all around, and whisper fantasies to one another, sparing no detail. You’ll create sexual tension—but with safety, as there’s no possibility of sex then and there. It creates an exciting build-up for later. Don’t agree to disagree. When you and your girlfriend/wife disagree, never agree to disagree. Agreeing to disagree shuts down the communication process and resolves nothing. And the less comfortable she feels communicat-

ing, the less confident she’ll feel about the relationship. Ask her for a kissing lesson. Ask her to demonstrate what she considers a sexy kiss. Then let her do all the work. It’s educational . . . and fun. Mix things up in bed. Don’t be afraid to mix things up in bed. Sexual novelty re-creates those early-relationship, take-me-now hormones. Start sex in a new place: Try someplace outside the bedroom. The same old place leads to the same old patterns. So explore some new erogenous areas: The kitchen, the bathroom, the study… Your bodies will be in new places, making it unlikely that you’ll follow old routines. Feed her chocolate: It’ll load her up with phenylethylamine, a neurotransmitter that activates the brain’s pleasure center, and caffeine, which can jolt her sex drive. Earn your right to experiment: Sexual experimentation is earned, not inherited. It requires time, tact, and trust. Sixty-six percent of the women say they’re most willing to experiment later in a relationship. Happy experimentation!

hould a man seek his wife’s consent each time he wants sex or is consent deemed to have been perpetually granted in view of the vows exchanged at the marriage ceremony? Rape simply means the act (crime) of forcing someone to have sexual intercourse. The key factors for determining rape are the absence of consent and the use of force or threat of bodily harm. Once one person’s consent is absent and clearly so, the other person who forces the non-consenting person to have sexual intercourse is guilty of rape. People argue that there is nothing like rape or any form of sexual abuse in marriage. However, the term “marital rape”, also known as spousal rape, has now found its place in dictionaries and laws of certain countries. Marital rape is defined as “non-consensual sex in which the perpetrator is the victim’s spouse; a form of partner rape, of domestic violence, and of sexual abuse”. This supports the fact that there is nothing like eternal or perpetual consent for sex. The consent communicated at the point of exchanging marital vows is the general consent to be a partner for life. Yes, it implies the willingness and undertaking to accord your partner his conjugal rights, but it still does not mean that your consent is required each and every time your husband wants you to have sexual intercourse with him. No doubt, rape by a stranger is clearly rape and it would be easier for the victim to deal with the stigma when the perpetrator remains a stranger. But how can one handle rape and other forms of sexual abuse from her husband? Marital rape affects women, their children and the community. Victims of marital rape lose confidence and may suffer from physical and mental illnesses. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of women who are ashamed to talk about what is happening to them because the society generally views it as unconceivable for a husband to rape a wife. Whilst I do not support women who constantly deprive their husbands of

sex, I am of the opinion that nothing can justify a husband’s use of force to make his wife give him “what is due to him”. Sex is ideally meant to be between two consenting adults. It is as simple as that. I acknowledge the fact that a wife can grudgingly have sex with her husband without the use of force or threat of harm on his part. In such a situation, the woman cannot claim that she was raped. Consent is consent whether given grudgingly or not. If a woman tells her husband she is not in the mood, but finally yields to his advances, it would be unfair for her to accuse her husband of sexual abuse or rape. It is very important for married people to learn the art of communication to avoid having sexual problems. A man should know how to woo his woman all the time instead of making the woman feel like sex is a routine she must perform because she is a wife. If a man knows what to say and do, his wife will hardly reject his advances. On the other hand, a woman should understand that sex is a man’s number one need in marriage, so she should programme her mind to be willing to do the needful as often as he wants it. But a man ought to understand when the woman is very tired or is not in the mood. If he cannot put her in the mood, he should forget it. The truth is that most men who force their wives to have sex with them are sick in the head. Some people blame such acts on alcohol, but I actually believe that it is the sickness that existed before a man gets drunk that would make him resort to force. It is the same sickness that would make a man think that women actually enjoy being forced into sexual intercourse. If we agree that rape involves the use of force and the absence of mutual consent, then does it matter what relationship the perpetrator has with the victim? If murder simply means taking someone’s life on purpose, then can we say that a man cannot be guilty of murdering his wife because when she made marital vows to him, she gave him ownership of her life? So, is there such a thing as spousal rape? Definitely!

October 27, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Woman Mrs. Lovinah Kakpoilo Eyekit, President of Ataba Women Association in Andoni Council Area of Rivers State, used to be a full time housewife. But these days, she is on a mission to convince pregnant women to access services of conventional health centres for antenatal care and delivery instead of churches and backyard maternity centres. In this interview with CHINEDUM EMEANA, she speaks about the challenges of her campaign and declared that it would not bother her if she is hated for it. Excerpts:

We campaign for safe delivery of babies Lovinah Kakpoilo Eyekit

hat informed your choice of campaign against pregnant women seeking care and being delivered of babies in churches instead of conventional health centres? I see the development as a very serious and dangerous one. It is a very serious matter and it has infact become an epidemic. If you get the statistics of those who are delivered of their babies in churches instead of hospitals, you will be amazed. I can tell you that out of ten, seven women deliver in churches.

But what do you think is responsible for this. Is it as a result of inadequate health centres? We have a state-of-the-art health centre, you know. Before now when we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have, people were going to the make-do health centres, but now the story is different. I think the problem is that if you go to a church, from day one somebody tells you about a vision about you. They tell you the story of some people after your life; your mother in-law who wants to kill and all so

on. With this kind of vision, you are bound to pack into the church and live in there till you are delivered of your baby. And I must say, that is bad. People are intimidated; the churches instill fear in the mind of the woman such that the only option the woman has is to stay in the church, give birth in church. The unfortunate thing is that in most cases, mother and child die at the end of the day. You say this leads to casualties?

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

What is your group doing to arrest this situation? The community has empowered us and given us the right to prevent the situation. The community has imposed a fine on whomsoever goes to give birth in the church, and we have been mandated to collect the fine. That is what we have been doing. Unfortunately, when it comes to matters of religion, you know it is a personal matter. Somebody goes to deliver in the church and you go to the church to say this is what is on ground, and you are assaulted and chased away. In our last meeting we decided we were going to see the chiefs to get a fresh mandate, to use police to arrest the persons who give birth in churches and their pastors; that is what we are going to do next because we cannot sit back and watch our health centres being closed down because people do not go there to deliver their babies.

What is the role of husbands in all these? The husbands and their wives are together in this because if the husbands are not in agreement, the wives will not just pack their load and go to give birth in the church. The husbands and their wives are in this together. Has it always been like this, or it is a new development? It is a recent development. I think it increased in the last five or seven years. Like I said, it is religion coming into play; falsehood has increased. People go to churches and somebody sees vision for her, she will not go to antenatal, she is afraid that if she goes to the hospital to give birth witches and wizards will kill her. So, she must be surrounded by those who claim to know in the church to pray for her. But we are already talking with women, we are pleading with women, some have started going to hospitals for antenatal but it is the delivery aspect that we are still having problems with. They still go to churches to be delivered of the babies. On some occasions we also discovered that it was the hospital workers who made this thing possible; they will never be there. It is a rural area; they share duty, three people on duty, one person on duty and when there is labour in the night, you go there you won’t even find anybody to attend to you. So, those who try to reach the hospital go back to the church. It is a two-way thing, not just the women alonem, the hospital workers are also involved. Are political leaders in the area involved in these efforts?

keeping ABREAST

Yes! There have been deaths. Not one, not two, not three.

Has your group tried to engage church leaders? Yes, we have. The chiefs have met with the church leaders in my community; unfortunately it is only one that gave a reasonable assurance that he would advise and stop the women from going to churches for antenatal, and make use of hospitals. The rest wanted to prove that they knew God better than every other person.

WOMAN

October 27, 2012

Silver glitter wedges with black studs, 6.5in heel: Heavy, clumpy and blisterinducing

Curved 6in heel in stunning snake skin: Back pain, ankle damage

Political issues are very delicate issues. Those of us who are into politics, you come and say one thing before people and we clap hands, by the time you go away that is the end of the story. So, if you ask me, those we have elected into offices, I don’t see anybody that has shown enough interest. Has the situation been brought to their attention? Yes, of course. How best do you think the problem can be tackled? A law should be passed to that effect. For instance, when the issue of education came it was backed by a legislation that says children should not sell. Because of that legislation we had the right, we had the back up, we were able to ensure that children went to school, we even arrested some with Police. If there is a legislature, every woman that is worshipping God and is pregnant knows that the physical god on earth, government, says this is how I want you to deliver my child and if you don’t do it that way, you will have problem with me. There is no place in the bible that God says a woman that is pregnant should not go to the hospital for antenatal; there is no place in the bible that God says you should not go to the hospital to deliver. If you must carry people along, you can take your prayer warriors with you; they will be there praying for you and you are delivered of your baby. The irony of it is that when there are complications in the church, they rush to the hospitals. There are many who would hate you because of your campaign. What do you think? I am not disturbed if I become a public enemy for a just cause. The lives of the baby and the lives of the mothers are very important. The infrastructure we have are good and we should make the best use of the opportunity.

The high price of high fashion

Lace-up boots with 6.5in heel: If you miss a step, you are flat on your face

Studded 6½in heel beauties: Very hard to walk in

pair of 5-inch stilettos can add the finishing touch to any outfit. But strutters beware: The “mile-long legs” effect from high heels could cause long-term back, ankle, and knee damage, not to mention aching feet. Wearing heels (even ones less than an inch high) can cause muscle strain and possibly even permanent damage among frequent wearers. Muscles and tendons are malleable tissues that change in response to stress. Wearing high heels every day can shorten calf muscles by up to 13 percent, causing lower leg stiffness and limiting the ankle’s range of motion. Heels may give women a certain swish to their walk but that “je ne sais quoi” could cause some serious damage. Heels change a person’s walking motion, increasing the amount of bone-on-bone forces in the knee which can lead to osteoarthritis. High-heeled shoes may also damage muscles and tissue around the knee joint, which can potentially result in painful osteoarthritis -- ouch! Studies also suggest stilettos can cause back problems and exacerbate existing ones. Women who wear high heels on a daily basis are more likely to display poor posture, experience lower back pain, and suffer from prolonged muscle fatigue. Although it’s tempting to slip on those dizzying heels to make your fashion statement really loud, the achy pain experienced after the first few struts is a tell-tale sign something is wrong. Instead of heels, rheumatologists suggest wearing flat, flexible shoes with good arch support to ease stress on knee joints and lower body muscles. If heels are an absolute must, it’s best to wear them sparingly, since many of their biggest harms come via repetitive stress on the calves and knee joint. Are the ladies out there taking note of this good advice?

Heel-less monsters: Not made for walking

Hell-less gold studded pumps: Ankle and lower back pain!

Studded platforms, 6in high: Almost normal, except for the height

5 3/4in zig-zag heels: Oosteoarthritis -- ouch!

October 27, 2012

Parenting

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

. By knowing and showing the way: First of all, in order to show the way to our children we must know the way ourselves. If we don’t know the way, how can we show the way? How can we train our children to live right if we don’t know how to live right? How can we teach them to pray if we don’t know how to pray? How can we teach them God’s Word if we don’t know God’s Word? Our children can go only where we, their parents, take them. So what will happen if we don’t know the way? Jesus Christ said, “If the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.” So, our first job as parents is to study and know for ourselves the way that our children should go so that we can show them the way. And what is the way? It is the way of righteousness and godliness. In order for us to become righteous and godly parents, we must first reconcile ourselves to God.

. By training your children: As parents, we must train our children deliberately and purposefully, and this requires planning. Children need training because they are not born self sufficient or possessing the knowledge they need to live successfully. In other words, children cannot raise or train themselves. God gave that responsibility to parents to us and He holds us accountable for the way we bring up our children. So, parenting must be intentional. It must be deliberate because godly children do not turn out

How to raise righteous and godly children by accident; they are the product of the efforts of committed, godly parent. Training benefits both parent and child. Children benefit from training because it prepares them for life. Parents benefit because well-trained, well-raised children return to bless, honour, respect and obey them. Consequently, children benefit from obedience to their parents because it teaches them to respect authority. Learning to submit to and obey their earthly parents teaches children how to obey their invisible heavenly Parent. And not only to obey Him but also to love Him. Sometimes verbal instruction alone is not sufficient to motivate children to obey their parents. If that is the case, other forceful or coercive methods may be required.

. By applying discipline to your children properly and safely: Most of us believe that any kind of abuse of children, whether physical, mental, verbal, or sexual abuse, is absolutely wrong. It is a crime against the child and against society, and it is a sin before the God who created children and loves them dearly.

ParentingUpdate

Coercive training methods, when necessary, are not for beating a child to submission, but for correcting him or her in love. Coercive training measures should be applied carefully, appropriately and sparingly. Parents must understand the difference between administering correction and committing abuse when it comes to matters of discipline so they can apply the “rod of correction” safely and properly. Proverbs says, “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him”. The rod is an instrument that helps children change their minds from the wrong to the right. It drives foolishness away from your children and brings them to maturity. Your hand is not a rod. So, never use your hand to punish a child. Never spank with your hand because you don’t want your child to associate you or your hand with pain and punishment. Hands are for hugging, touching, and caressing, not inflicting physical blows. Instead of your hand, you may use a ping-pong paddle or some other instrument that will not bruise or break the skin or inflict any other kind of injury. You must apply your discipline to the well-padded

spot. God designed the buttocks of the human body as an appropriate spot and the only suitable place for the application of physical discipline. As a final point, hereunder is a quote to ponder: “There is no greater gift and no more power-

ful legacy parents can pass on to their children than to train them in the way of the Lord and to teach them to love Him with all their hearts.” •Culled from family.wikinut. com

Tiny Feet

NAME: Nancy Moyinoluwa Oshibanjo BORN TO: Mr. and Mrs Oshibanjo AGE: 5 months BIRTH WEIGHT: 2.7 kg

Have you just had a baby? Send a picture of your bundle of joy to mirrorbabies@gmail.com

Obese children eat more ‘because they have less sensitive taste buds’

z Obese children found it significantly more difficult to identify the different taste sensations compared to their normal-weight peers z This could explain why overweight children gorge on more food

bese children can’t taste as well as they should, so they eat larger portions to get the same taste hit, a study has found. Compared to normal weight children, those who are obese have less sensitive taste-buds which blunts the ability to distinguish all five tastes of bitter, sweet, salty, sour, and savoury. So to compensate for the lack of taste sensation, they gorge on more food to get the same pleasure. Obese children were less likely than normal weight children to identify taste sensations correctly, particularly salty, savoury and bitter Although obese and normal weight children had the same abil-

ity to taste sweetness, their ability to taste the other four types were lower. The study found that girls and older children were better at picking out the right tastes. Overall, it found that obese children were best able to differentiate between sweet and salty, but found it hardest to distinguish between salty and sour, and between salty and savoury. And obese children found it significantly more difficult to identify the different taste sensations, scoring an average of 12.6 compared with an average of just over 14 clocked up by children of normal weight. Obese children were significantly less likely to identify the

individual taste sensations correctly, particularly salty, savoury and bitter. And while both obese and normal weight children correctly identified all the differing levels of sweetness, obese kids rated three out of the four intensity levels lower than kids of normal weight. As normal weight children got older, their ability to differentiate between the taste sensations improved, but this did not happen with obese children. The researchers believe genes, hormones, acculturation and exposure to different tastes early in life all play a part. Their findings are published online in the Archives of Disease in Childhood.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 27, 2012

le StyGlam and

with Yemisi Adeniran

beautiful bag with a combination of coloured stripes and designs that will look stylish and just right about anywhere you go and anything you wear is just what you need this season. They are affordable, assessable and come in different shapes and sizes to meet your desire. They save you the pain of bothering to match with what you wear and add elegance to your steps any day. They appear more classic on plain outfits than ever. Carrying a colourful handbag will make you look more stylish and help keep you organised all day long, so, accessorise your look perfectly with one this season and you will be glad you did.

of colour

(08037801158) ydiran@yahoo.com

STYLE & GLAM

October 27, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Right tops for curvy gals

YEMISI ADENIRAN

urvy figures are often considered the picturesque feminine ideal. Women with curvy figures typically fall under the “hourglass” body type. They have equally predominant busts and hips with a narrow waist. If you have a curvy body type, you should choose pieces that naturally emphasize your waist and keep your top and bottom curves equally balanced out. Pay attention to the fit. Look for tops that emphasize your narrow waist and curvy bust, but avoid shirts that add too much volume to your top unless you plan on pairing them with volume-enhancing pieces on the bottom. Opt for form-fitting tops over loose tops. Consider a top with an empire waist. The empire waist nips in at the smallest part of your waist, naturally emphasizing your curves. 3Look for belted tops. Thick belts are another way to draw attention to your narrow waist, and some tops come with a belt included in the design. Add a belt to a non-belted top. Buy a basic top, such as a tube top, knit top, or long-sleeve blouse. Look for fitted cuts. Tie a thick belt or sash around the top at your natural waist. 5 Consider a wrap-style top. Wrap tops also nip in at the waist, showing off your curves.

BEAUTY

Q&A

Your candid response to all fashion questions My pimples seem not to be yielding to all the treatments I am adopting. What else can I do? (II) If you wear glasses or sunglasses, make sure you clean them frequently to keep oil from clogging the pores around your eyes and nose. If you get acne on your body, try not to wear tight clothes. They

don’t allow skin to breathe and may cause irritation. Scarves, headbands, and caps can collect dirt and oil, too. Remove your makeup before you go to sleep. When buying makeup, make sure you choose brands that say “noncomedogenic” or “nonacnegenic” on the label. Throw away old makeup that smells or looks different from when you first bought it.

Keep h oil from c Protec but it’s on Tanning a kles and i

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 27, 2012

Facelift

ashion Frenzy

hair clean and out of your face to prevent additional dirt and clogging your pores. ct your skin from the sun. It may seem like tan masks acne, nly temporary. A tan may worsen your acne, not improve it. also causes damage to skin that will eventually lead to wrinincrease your risk of skin cancer.

STYLE & GLAM

Best haircut for your face shape

If you’re concerned about acne, talk to a dermatologist. Dermatologists offer a range of treatments that help to prevent acne scars. A dermatologist can help you find the treatment method that’s best for you and can also give you lots of useful tips for dealing with acne and caring for your skin type. Some salons and spas have trained skin specialists, called estheticians, who can offer advice and skin care treatments.

Just as the same pair of pants can look super cute on your friend but not so flattering on your body, not all hairstyles can be good on you as well. A style that looks great on someone else might not work for you. The trick to finding your own best style is to find a cut that flatters and balances your features. Get the type that works best for your face shape via these tips: If you have a square face and a strong jaw, try to avoid severe, straight-across bangs that will make your face look even boxier. Short pixie cuts and chin-length bobs will also accentuate a square face. Instead, try wearing your hair shoulder length or longer (notice how these ladies all have long hair). Also, if you part it on the side, or wear an asymmetric, side-swept fringe, you’ll soften the angles of your face. If your face is round, wear your hair in layers around your face to create angles. Ask your stylist to cut the layers to accentuate your cheekbones. If you already have layers, try using a curling iron or blow-dryer to sweep the layers away from your face just above your cheekbones to make the cheekbones look sharper. Avoid a hair length above your shoulders, which will make your face look rounder. If you have bangs, wear them longer and wispier at the sides of your forehead to give the illusion of a narrower face. If you have a heart-shaped face, create volume around your chin by using a blow dryer to make layers fuller or to add waves in the lower half of your hair. Avoid having too many curls or too much volume in the upper part of your hair. If your face is long, avoid wearing your hair straight and past your shoulders, which can make your face look even longer. Keep your hair near or above your shoulders, and, to balance the length of your face, add soft waves for some body.

October 27, 2012

Male Essentials

Clothes that

ne simple mple bu but tested way you can make ake a fashion statement is to wear a T-shirt that has a captivating slogan. Many have done e and many continue ontinue to because it’s a confirmed method of making yourself the centre re of attraction. Recently, the superstar footootballer Mario o Balotelli unveiled his T-shirt that had the slogan n Why Always Me? And it has since nce become a worldd dwide sensation how ion because of h ow catchy and meaningful the sl slogan is. Another very ery popular sl slogan is Ama Kip Kip.. V Virtually i tual irtu ir allly every eve very Nigerian celebrity y hass an Ama a Kip Kip T-shirt because message use it’s a me essage to their fans that at they will keep p dodo ing what they y are doing. The good thing about abou ut slogans howeverr is that you don’t don on’t ’t have to wearr a slogan crea created eated by someone else. You can crecr ate your own n as Balotelli did d with Why Always ways Me? For instance, some smart guys came up with the My Money Grows Like Grass an and nd Don’t Tell My Mama slogan slogans ns and they are in high demand d by Nigerians presently. So what are e you waiting for? Create your own slogan and print it on yo your our T-shirt or get a T-shirt wit with th a captivating slogan and be become ecome the admiration of all.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

08036961187

with Oseyiza Oogbodo kingseiza@yahoo.com w

talk

Wedding suit basics

uys, let’s face it: When it comes to weddings, it’s all about her. From the rehearsal dinner to the reception to the exotic honeymoon locale, we’ve got little say. And then, of course, there’s the dress, perhaps the only thing anyone cares about. After all, even if the salmon is bland, the bridesmaids are drunk and the band plays “Sweet Caroline” a few too many times, everyone will look back and think about that dress. So what’s in it for us? In short, not much unless you select your suit wisely and squeeze it for all it’s worth. Lucky for you, we know just how to do that. Purchase one, don’t rent Most men go the rent-a-tux route. And we wouldn’t totally blame you for it either, considering that you probably plan on wearing the darn thing for just a few hours. But this isn’t your high school prom. So you can scrounge for your scrapbook or take our word for it: rented suits never fit properly and always look cheap. Not to mention the fact that someone else (in fact, many someone elses) wore it on their special day. Break the mold and buy. Quit the corporate culture You should look like you’re getting married, not giving a PowerPoint presentation. Suiting up in something new rather than a rental or boardroom leftover is a first step, but it’s far from the only thing that will keep you out of the office. Go black, three-piece, and shell out somewhat more than you may be used to. We guarantee it’ll pay off. Say som something omething with the fit You may m be tempted to break outt the t bells and whistles. This day, after all, a a is on once. only supposed to come around once ce. But B despite your best instincts, your enen nergy and hard earned money is betterr spent s ent on tailoring. An inexpensive butt sp impeccably cut suit will look like a milllion bucks. The same can’t be said for a pricey, ill-fitting one. Form follows fabric A tailor’s nip and tuck can only y go so far. Without a fine fabric to lay the tough t e foundation, it’s tou th ough to construct a winning ng wedding suit. slouchy, s it. A slouchy su chy, shapeless blend you lookb end will leave bl l ing, i g in g, well, slouchy and shapeless. A weighty wool, on the other hand, will do just the opposite.

People

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 27, 2012

Gbenga Peters: Aiming to

revolutionise juju music

OSEYIZA OOG OGBODO

he juju music industry is about to get very exciting with the return of Gbenga Peters from his America base. Before you start wonderAmer about the name Peters and the juju ing a music connection, don’t wonder hard mu or long. Gbenga Peters is indeed related to Sir Shina Peters and Yomi la Peters. He is also their sibling and P he h is unapologetic about why he has returned to Nigeria since 1986 that he left. “I have come back home to revolutionise the juju music inr dustry ,” he declared to Saturday d Mirror . “Juju is the most tangible M of o all music being played in Nigeria r so it cannot afford to take the back seat, and that is why I’ve b come back home. I want to make juju the dominant music genre in the country again.” And on how he intends to achieve his ambition, he didn’t beat about the bush. “I am go-

ing to release my album, Mister Cargo, in December. It is very hot and its success will make juju Nigeria’s prominent music genre again.” Considering how tough his mission is, Saturday Mirror asked him what he has achieved previously as a juju musician. “I can’t even begin to count all my achievements because I can’t even remember them all. I have travelled all over the world, I constantly meet and associate with very important people, and so many other things.” But Mister Cargo will be his first album. “I haven’t released any album before because I’ve been a backup singer all along. And I didn’t want to rush to release an album as I believe God’s time is the best and that time has come now so I am overly confident of Mister Cargo’s impending success.” He added that Mister Cargo is even coming into the market 15 years after he first thought of doing it. “It was 15 years ago that I first decided to do my own album. And it’s taken me that long to record it because I didn’t take it seriously. But a year ago, I met a White man who is a studio owner

Bola Agunbiade: Helping Nigerians with foreign education TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

rs. Bola Agunbiade is the Managing Director of Avail International Consults Ltd. (AICL), an education recruitment agency based in Lagos. AICL has offered free professional educational counseling to students and graduates in the country who intends to further their study abroad in the United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Canada or Europe. Agunbiade through AICL has given hope to hundreds of Nigerians youths to actualize their dream of studying in foreign universities of their choice. She has also empowered many youths through professional counseling to be relevant in their chosen career within and outside Nigeria. Agunbiade has also put smiles on the faces of many brilliant students, especially those from poor background through several scholarship opportunities. Many students through her good gesture have had the opportunity of becoming graduates through scholarship programmes within and outside the country.

The AICL boss who is happily married with two kids attended University of Lagos and graduated with a degree in Philosophy in 1999. She did her one year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kaduna and completed the scheme in 2000. On her return to Lagos, she worked in some reputable organisations before she established AICL. Speaking on what motivated her into establishing AICL, Agunbiade disclosed that: “The drive I have is to assist students because I know there are several agencies all over the place whose aim is to actually make money out of students and parents. But my aim is to help the students to achieve their dream of furthering their education in foreign tertiary institutions. “What we do basically in AICL is to assist students and parents who want to send their children or their wards to study abroad. We assist with United Kingdom, Canada and USA universities. We assist them with the application processing, getting the admission, information on choosing their courses. We have about40 schools in UK, 10 in Canada and about 30 in UK.” Speaking on what has distinguished her

agency from others, Agunbiade said that her desire to go on extra mile has made her agency to be more acceptable to people. She also believed that being faithful in dealing with her clients has also made her to stand tall among her contemporaries. Agunbiade’s desire is to see her agency become one of the top three in the country. All work and no play make Jack a dull boy. Despite her commitment to work, Agunbiade is woman that is passionate about things of God. She has also created a balance between business and family. “I love studying the words of God, going to church; I worship in apostolic faith church and listening to the word of God. I also love watching television, watching soap, relaxing with my husband and my children when I have the time. It is people who are honest with me, who let me know what they are thinking, and how they feel about me. People who would tell me the truth, I like honest people, straightforward people who will tell me truth either about my business or family, or even about themselves, people who don’t pretend.”

in America, he invited me to the studio, I liked what I saw and we commenced recording.” Being that he’s been away from Nigeria for very long and his album was recorded in the United States of America, not Nigeria, Saturday Mirror asked him if he really feels that the album has captured what the Nigerian market needs. “Of course it has,” he replied confidently. “I am not just blowing my own trumpet. People have been listening to it and they say the songs are very good. Already, people have been pointing out two tracks, Mister Cargo and Dokomi, as their current favourites and I’m sure that the two of them will open the way for the others as I believe all the songs on the album are hits.” Gbenga Peters maintains a live 12-piece band in these times when it is said that it’s not easy to keep a band together so hiphop artistes prefer to mime as it is more economical. “It’s not difficult to maintain a band,” he claimed. “In fact, it is very easy to do so.”

Dear Igho

October 27, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

TTel: e 08023924679 (SMS only) ighomit@gmail.com

Having diﬃculties with relationships, family, work or any other aspectt off your life? lif Help is at hand with TOBORE IGHO OVUORIE Dear Igho, So many guys come my way but I don’t know who my Mr. Right is. Please, can you help me out? Susan

want to meet and keep. It should begin with your values; what you should watch out for in any man and make sure you also possess the values you’re seeking.

Dear Susan, I really don’t believe there is a Mr. Right out there; rather, you’re to work on yourself to become the kind of lady a responsible man would

Please, don’t let many men asking you out get to your head, be focused, be flexible in a reasonable manner with your-musthave list and go to God in prayers.

How do I know Mr. Right?

I keep failing JAMB Dear Aunty Igho, Help me out. I have written JAMB many times but all in vain; even this year, I sat for it and failed. Out of frustration, I registered at National Open Anxious Girl. Dear Anxious Girl, I don’t know exactly how many years you have written JAMB, what you’re now studying and how old you are but I personally know some students and graduates of NOUN who are quite sound academically and in other areas of life. Attending a federal, state or private university on full-time or part-time basis is not the problem, but what you do with what you’re taught and yourself is key. I know countless full-time undergraduates and even graduates who except you are told are in federal, state or private

University and was accepted. I’m now confused because people are saying it isn’t good for me as a young girl. Please, what do I do? I’m in my second semester in 100level. universities, you’ll never imagine them to be. The graduates are not exempted from this. Rather, I’ll advise you should be grateful that you’re almost done with 100level because there’re several other persons out there praying for what you already have. My dear, attend your lectures with joy, seize every opportunities that come your way to better yourself and make adding value to yourself a major watchword. Don’t worry, employers of labour don’t reject NOUN certificates and you could even work towards becoming an employer of labour yourself. Wishing you the best ahead.

Partner for romantic relationship needed Dear Igho, I’m Royal, single, based in Lagos and need a woman friend between 45 to 55years for romantic relation-

ship. Anyone interested can call: 08102205476. SMS only please. Ernylyf Race, Lagos.

Movie assistance needed! Dear Igho, My name is Ali, and I’m Fulani. I’m tall, handsome, calm, gentle, 26 years old and speak impeccable English. Please I need your as-

sistance ma. I want to be an actor in any Nigerian movie production industry. Anyone who wants to help me can reach me on 08108670566 or 08172695576.

Hello Igho, I’ve the same problem as the one I read in your Saturday,20 October, 2012 edition. I’ve a strong passion for acting, but I don’t know

how to go about it. Please do help me; I think this is what I like. I’ll be grateful. My contact is @prosperabel on twitter. Thanks in advance. abeldura@ovi.com

Living

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 27, 2012

The ill-fated bus being pulled out of the river

Shagamu–Ore tragedy:

One funeral leads to many funerals F

or a long time come, the people of J4, Ogbere at the Ijebu stretch of the Shagamu – Ore expressway in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State will remember Friday 26th October, 2012 as a black one. Indeed it was a day better forgotten. It was the day no fewer than 18 people including three pregnant women made the Ogbere stream their watery grave. When the 21 people in the bus embarked on the journey, which later turned out to be that of no return, it was carnival-like. Clad in the same type of fabric, the occupants of the bus, mostly women had embarked on their journey probably with prayers as typical of most Nigerians. They had also sang beautiful songs until the efficacy of their prayers were tested. (Musical instruments like the tambourines (sekere) and others were found in the submerged vehicle when it was eventually dragged from the bottom of the river.) They were said to be going for the funeral of a relation and the venue was where they had their roots: Orhiowon Local Government Area of Edo State which has for many years played host to the orientation camp of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC). But on the Ogbere bridge, at the Ijebu

Eighteen people who were on the way to a funeral last Saturday lost their lives in an avoidable accident. The victims, who were mostly women and children, were clad in a colourful uniform (aso ebi) singing, clapping and making joyful noise with their tambourines until the unexpected happened. FEMI OYEWESO reports a disaster better imagined than seen. stretch of the Shagamu – Ore expressway in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State the 36-seater luxurious Hyundai bus with registration number (Abuja) BWR 428 XA with which they were travelling veered off the road for more than 250 to 300 meters before plunging headlong into the river. The women must have screamed, many would have called on their ancestors and Creator to save them, their earlier joyful noise must have become that of anguish as the bus skidded and skidded in a macabre dance before finally taking a plunge into the river below. Eighteen members of the funeral party died. The government and people of Ogun state, in whose neighbourhood the tragedy occurred may also find it difficult to forgive history because three suspected pregnant women were among the dead in

Sangofadeji

the unfortunate incident. While it was obvious that a pregnant

woman escaped, even unhurt, yet, other women perished at one fell swoop in an auto crash which error was said not to be theirs. The bus immediately got submerged and swept away from the point where it entered into the water, thereby killing 18 out of the 21 occupants. It took the collaborative efforts of the police, state Traffic Compliant Agency (TRACE), officials of the state Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Red Cross Society, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as well as that of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) before the initial 12 bodies could be recovered. The state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, personally ordered the Corp Commander and Chief Executive Officer of the state Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corp (TRACE), Ayo Sangofadeji, to ensure that bodies of the victims be recovered within the shortest period of time. Sangofadeji was not the only state official that was present at the scene of the accident, there were also the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Health, Dr. Tunde Olowonyo and Special Adviser to the state governor on Health, CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

LIVING

WHEN THE BUS WAS EVENTUALLY BROUGHT OUT OF THE RIVER,

October 27, 2012

End of a funeral party

ANOTHER ROUND

OF CRIES, HUES AND WAILING RENT THE

AIR.

THE BYSTANDERS

AND EVEN SOME OFFICIALS COULD NOT HOLD BACK THEIR EMOTIONS WHEN THEY BEHELD THE CONTENTS OF THE BUS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 Dr. Rotimi Ogungbe, as well as Senior Special Adviser on Transportation, Opesanwo. To avoid any bureaucratic bottleneck which might bring about a delay at getting fund to execute the evacuation, Amosun directed Sangofadeji, whose men (TRACE from the Zonal Command in Ijebu – Ode under one Commander Hamzat Tommy had arrived the scene of the accident as early as 6am, to ensure that his agency makes fund available. Speaking with Saturday Mirror, Sangofadeji said previous unsuccessful efforts had been made by the FRSC to get that particular vehicle out due to the technicalities involved in the rescue operation. “When we looked at it from the traces of what we saw, the driver must have engaged in excessive over-speeding so that he couldn’t control the vehicle because he veered off the road for more than 250 to 300 meters before plunging into the river. “And for us in TRACE, we had a marching order from the Executive Governor of the state, Ibikunle Amosun, to ensure that the rescue operation was completely done at whatever cost and that was exactly what we did,” Sangofadeji, who himself retired as a Senior officer from the FRSC, explained. He said further that the rescue operation required the use of crane vehicle, hence “I equally made contact with the manager of Omo Wood company, a timber company for them to release their crane vehicle which was previously used a day before to assist us in the rescue operation”. Omo Wood is a private company owned by a Chinese firm. “The Managing Director of the Company, Mr. Philips however, told me that the position of the vehicle and the people must be located first before he could release his crane. In an attempt to locate the vehicle, we needed to get the divers,” Sangofadeji added. TRACE on the order of the state Governor, Amosun had to engage the services of the local divers, some of who had worked the previous day Friday. More divers also joined them and they were seven in number in order to be able to locate the position of the bus in the river.

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FRSC vehicles conveying the bodies

The ill-fated bus being pulled out of the river

The bus after it had been pulled out of the river

Eventually, the vehicle was located. And it then behoved on the officials of the state government under the guide of the leadership of TRACE to get the vehicle out of the river. So, Sangofadeji had to call the Omo Wood Company as earlier agreed for the crane and it came. There were other agencies on ground as part of that rescue team. They included the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and the police. In the course of engaging the local divers, Sangofadeji said every agency present played very crucial roles that were complementary to one another in the

spirit of inter-agency cooperation at the scene of the accident. “Everybody offered all the technical and financial assistances and I want to say this for record purpose that the Ogun State government, through TRACE had to provide cash on the spot for the local divers to get into the river because they said they were not going to give us the location of the vehicle unless they were paid”. He said the local divers demanded for N.5million but the power of negotiation on the ground that it would still be a humanitarian work yielded positive result at bringing down the cost to N200, 000. “So, N200, 000: 00 (Two hundred thou-

sand naira) was paid to the local divers on the spot. They claimed experiences had shown them in the past that should they get the bus located and evacuated, they would not get paid again and so they wanted to avoid that. “Technically, the rescue team was able to guide the divers and the crane driver on how to get the bus out of the river,” he added. When the bus was eventually brought out of the river, another round of cries, hues and wailing rent the air. The bystanders, onlookers and even some officials could not hold their emotion when they beheld the content of the submerged bus just pulled out. Inside the bus were 12 bodies mainly women including the driver of the bus who was said to have used the seat-belt. The bodies were later moved to the Ijebu – Ode General Hospital. Sangofadeji pointed out that closer observation of the bodies that were evacuated revealed that some of them were dressed in “aso ebi”. “We also discovered that there were some local musical instruments like the mascara (sekere). Also, some of the family members of the deceased who were with us at the scene of the evacuation said they were going for a particular burial ceremony and that was why they were in a group”. “Also, our observation about the pregnant woman was that she was heavily pregnant even though that has to be confirmed by the doctor or the relatives of the survivor. Again from what we saw, there was another unusual heavily pregnant woman among those we rescued and that was also attested to by the relatives who were around because she was about the heaviest that we carried among the corpses”. Sangofadeji further explained that the local divers as well as the information gathered from the relatives of the deceased during the rescue operation was that the bus actually contained 21 persons who were on their way for a burial ceremony at Uronigbe in Orhiowon Local Government area of Edo state. Now having recovered 12, the team was left with the responsibility of fishing out six to complete the figure of 21 as against the 33 earlier reported in the media. “We were told that five corpse were sighted down the river side. And so, having recovered the 12, the divers said they in their own case; that particular group, could not go further to look for further corpses and we had to approach another group of divers to look for them and they were the ones who said they sighted those five corpses and that was on Sunday,” the TRACE boss added. He also stated that the officer in charge of NEMA, Ibrahim Farinloye, called to inform him that NEMA had recovered the remaining corpses “and that was how the operation ended”. Sangofadeji, who commended the first day efforts of the FRSC, stressed that the commission conveyed the three survivors to a hospital in Ore, Ondo State.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LIVING

October 27, 2012

Changing places

•My wife beats me up any time she wants –Husband •I just can’t have a man bullying me around –Wife Whenever domestic violence is mentioned, the woman is believed to be the victim. If that’s what you think, then you have not met or heard of the Oparas. In their household, Tochukwu, the husband, is the victim. FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON

he woman in the marriage is often regarded as being at the receiving end in a n abusive marriage more so when the abuse is physical. To help protect the vulnerability of the woman in such a union are many rights groups and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs). It may therefore not be an easy thing for Mr Tochukwu Opara who rather than be the aggressor in an abusive marriage is the victim. Consider this. A couple are engaged in the often taken-for-granted squabbles between two members of the opposite sex cohabiting. Suddenly, the wife raises her voice and orders the man to keep quiet of be given a beating he will not forget quickly. The male partner then makes the mistake of uttering another sound. Swiftly, the woman descends on him, hitting him with fists and kicks. Suddenly the man is on the floor and woman sitting astride him. The man cries out to neighbours to come to his rescue which they do after some minutes of watching another bout between unequally matched partners. Welcome to the home of the Oparas. The Oparas have been together for over six years and blessed with two kids, a three-year-old boy and his six-year-old sister. “My wife had two kids before I met her but because of the love I have for her I was ready to accept her and take care of the children like my own,” disclosed Tochukwu. When Tochukwu and Sandra met some years back, theirs was a case of love at first sight and they promised each other love till death do them part. And things went well for the couple until some months back when the economy of Tochukwu nosedived. Tochukwu was a successful business man who dealt in electrical and electronic appliances and with two big shops at the eastern part of the country where he had spent his entire life until his wife advised him to sell off his business and relocate to Lagos in search of greener pasture. “I was doing well in my business in the east where I lived all my life, I had two big shops where I sell electrical and elec-

Tochukwu, the man constantly battered

Sandra

tronic items and business was booming I was comfortable. When I met Sandra, life had new meaning for me. Undermining the fact that she already had two kids, she was looking ravishing and I instantly fell head over heels for her and just wanted to have her for the rest of my life. After some years, Sandra suggested that we relocate to Lagos for greener pastures,” he added. According to this Igbo man, he sold off his shops and with the money in hand; he came down to Lagos with the hope of getting a better life as well as moving away from the grip of family who have been kicking against their union. Tochukwu recalled: “Because she has had two kids before I met her, most of my friends and family members kicked against our union and they were really a pain in the neck. That was the reason I agreed with Sandra to sell off my business and move down to Lagos so we could have our peace and live as one happy family” Unfortunately, the case did not end up as Tochukwu had expected. “After about two years in Lagos, all the money I thought would be used in starting off another business went down the drain over petty expenses and my wife turned out to be something else when the money finished. She became completely changed and started becoming wayward. “I went really mad and each time I tried raising the topic, none of us would sleep and she would beat the daylight out of me at will. Sometimes I just wish I never met her. But it is so difficult to make up my mind to end the union because the truth is that I love this woman and living with-

out her will seem like hell to me” laments Tochukwu. Sandra on the other hand would rather opt out if she had a choice because according to her, Tochukwu is not the man she used to know. “When we started out, he was so caring and understanding but he suddenly changed and living with him is gradually becoming a hell. He sneaks around and suspects every move I make even when I am not doing anything bad, I am just pissed off with everything. But he wouldn’t let me leave with my kids. He always uses that as an excuse each time I want to leave and I can’t just watch a man bullying me around for no justifiable reason” Sandra said. What could make a man carry on in a marriage where he is being maltreated in such a way? Interestingly, there have been several NGOs doing a lot of awareness on the need to fight domestic violence and abuse on women. One of such is Project Alert. The question now is what will become of men like Tochukwu Opara? Are there organisations set up for the course of violence against men? Tessy Jacobs, of the Project Alert team, said: “the ratio of the number of women being battered to that of men is very wide and that could be the reason there is yet to be any organisation specifically in place for the men. May be the men could as well think up and come up with something for themselves too but Project Alert is specifically for women and children who are vulnerable or victims of violence”

Why then would a man want to continue with a woman who already had two kids before marrying him and batters him at will? Dr Abiodun Ogunkoya, a consultant psychologist at the Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba said a number of factors could actually be responsible for such a situation. “A lot of things could actually cause a man to want to remain in that kind of marriage. One of it could be because the man is no longer financially able, the woman may have become the bread winner in a way and because of his incapacitation as a man, he is unable to do anything about it. He may even be getting one financial assistance or the other from the woman and as such lose his right to being the man. “Secondly, the shame of being laughed at by his friends and family members who had initially warned him and kicked against his getting married to the woman in the first place could make him want to hang in there no matter what the situation hoping for things to get better. When a man is not financially able, he would be forced to take anything that comes his way especially so for a man who used to have much for himself ” Ogunkoya further noted that, there could also be some other reasons that may not be known to other people. “It could be that the woman knows how best to handle him sexually and for this reason, he couldn’t just let her go and so he prefers to bear anything just to keep having his dose of her sexually,” he noted.

October 27, 2012

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Challenge of world records

‘I am the oldest living Facebook user in the world, not Florence’ z Great-great-grandmother who just turned 105 claims unofficial title. She is competing against 101-year-old Forence Detlor, who was officially named Facebook’s oldest user by CEO Mark Zuckerberg

Maria Colunia Segura-Metzgar’s Facebook account

Maria Colunia Segura-Metzgar, 105 years-old

aria Colunia Seguar-Metzgar may very well be the oldest living person on Facebook. She was born in 1907 into an era without the internet, computers, television, and cell phones, but already has 85 friends on the social network. And now, her family claims that the 105-year-old matriarch is the oldest living Facebook user. Ms Seguar-Metzgar celebrated the landmark birthday last week in Albuquerque, surrounded by family members. One family member even wrote on her Facebook wall: “Happy birthday Grandma. I love you and hope that your 105th birthday is fantastic. “We are so lucky to have you in our life.”

Current title holder: Florence Deltor’s Facebook account

However, the social network has not recognized her as the oldest member, perhaps in part because Facebook does not allow her to enter her birth year of 1907. Her 60-year-old grandson, Anthony Segura says that he tried to sign his grandmother up on the site for months, but did not have the option of putting in her correct birth year. “I tried again and just put in 101 and it accepted it for the timeline, even though she was 104,” he explained. The grandmother is competing against 101-year-old Forence Detlor, who was officially named Facebook’s oldest user by CEO Mark Zuckerberg and COO Sheryl Sandberg over the summer. The 1932 College graduate was also given a guided tour of Facebook’s sprawling

campus in Palo Alto. Representatives of Facebook have not responded to the controversy of who is officially the oldest living Facebook user. Seguar-Metzegar’s grandson says while the official recognition would be appreciated, the real reason that his grandmother is on Facebook is to let other family members know “she’s still alive and kicking.” Ms Seguar-Metzgar has almost 40 grandchildren, and even two newly-born greatgreat-grandchildren. At her birthday party last week, she said: “I am very happy because all my family are here with me today. I am so happy.” She uses an iPad to log onto her page to read birthday wishes. When asked what she likes about Facebook, she responded: “I love it all!”

‘I am the oldest living dwarf in the world, not Lowell’ z 113-year-old woman claims she is world’s oldest dwarf. Current world record holder for oldest dwarf is 74 years-old

n Indian woman claims to be the world’s most elderly dwarf - at 113 years-old. Zeenat Bi, a resident of Bhopal, India, has government pension records stating she is 101 - but the feisty pensioner claims she is twelve years older. The current record holder, according to Guinness World Records, is Lowell Deforest Mason, who was 74 years-old as of February this year. Ms Bi, who stands just three feet tall, has revealed a wish list of things she wants to do before she dies - including meeting Bollywood star Salman Khan and taking part in the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. The tiny woman said she remembers life in India under British rule and when Nawab’s (Indian Princes) still held a major influence over daily life. If her age is correct, she would have been born during the reign of Queen Victoria, who held the title ‘Empress of India.’ She said: “I am so old that I have seen this city grow up with me. I remember during the British times, this entire city was almost a jungle. There were trees as

far as the eye could see. “I even remember when the British introduced English bread in the city for the first time. It was such a sensation, it was nothing like people had eaten before.” Ms Bi has survived all of her family and never married. Despite suffering from cataracts and a calcium deficiency, she manages to survive on her only source of income, a government pension of 275 rupees per month (£3.19). She said: “I have been living alone for almost 50 years now. I never married and never had kids. “All I have got is a small bed that was gifted to me by the former Chief Minister of the state, Uma Bharti. She used to send me 2500 rupees (£30) every month. But no one remembers me now.” Her guardian, Abrar Muhammad Khan, said: “No one in the Government even cares for her. All people use her for is exhibition purposes, but no one really cares for her.” Even though her hair is still black, Ms Bi has undergone a cataract operation for her eyes and suffers from severe calcium deficiency. “I only have three teeth left now in my

mouth. Once I used to have a beautiful set.” She has been living rentfree with Mr Khan and his family for 20 years. “She is like my mother and a part of my family,’ he said, ‘we don’t let her do any work around the house,” he says. Ms Bi says her one love in life is eating ‘paan’, a preparation of Betel leaf with Areca nut and tobacco. “I can live without food, but not without my paan,” she said. One of her ambitions is to meet Indian movie star and philanthropist, Salman Khan. She said: “I am [a] huge fan of his. I have seen all his films. “It would be nice if I can meet him because he is a nice [man] and helps people who are in need.” But her greatest wish is to take part in the Haj, the Big claim: Zeenat Bi - who is just three feet tall – is pictured annual Muslim pilgrimage here with average height adults to Mecca before she dies. costs too much money and I have no one She said: “I want to visit Mecca for who can accompany me and take care of [the] Haj, but it’s too expensive for me. It me.”

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LIVING

October 27, 2012

A classroom

Another classroom

Learning in tears:

The Igbo Owu Junior Secondary School experience TUNDE OSOWE

f standard of facilities, conducive environment and learning resources available in schools are determinants of quality education, then, students and teachers at the Igbo Owu Junior Secondary School, Mushin, Lagos, have every reason to worry. Established since 1967 during the regime of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, former governor of Lagos State, at Olu Aina Street, in Mushin Local Government Area of the state, the school is in a parlous state. Lack of facilities, filthy learning environment, falling roofs, dust-ridden floors, dilapidated structures due apparently to long years of neglect are some of the visible attributes of the school. Dearth of instructional materials, classrooms without walls, blown off roofs, lack of laboratory and library, absence of befitting staff room and office accommodation, low morale of students and teachers due to agelong abandonment are some of the challenges confronting the school in the delivery of qualitative education. With about 1000 students, the story of Igbo Owu Junior Secondary School is that of neglect, worries and distress. During rainy periods, the school reminds one of the sad tales painted by John Pepper Clark in one of his famous poems - ‘Night Rain’. The school, which ironically shares boundary with the Education District VI Zone II Inspectorate Division; the Local Government Education Authority in charge of primary school; and other schools including the Community Secondary Schools, Works yard and Euba Secondary School,

A falling roof

all located in the same complex, is an eyesore. In spite of this, the school, as gathered, boasts of 40 teaching and non-teaching members of staff. Faced with these myriad of challenges, the school authority, Saturday Mirror gathered, had to secure an apartment in the neighbourhood to accommodate the Principal’s office, while a small room, which hitherto had served as the school library, has been converted to the VicePrincipal’s (Academic) office. Piqued by the plight and hardship the teachers and students go through due to lack of facilities, a resident of the area was said to have donated a small space where first aid materials are kept for use of the students and teachers. Also, owing to the neglect of the school, the 20 computers distributed

to the school by the Lagos State Ministry of Science and Technology, to enhance computer education as one of the cardinal policies of the state government, have been out of use the non-conducive classroom environment. While expressing his feelings about the state of the school, one of the teachers, who craved anonymity, noted that whenever it rains, the students are cramped together in few classrooms since almost all the classrooms are leaking. “Can you imagine how the teachers and students are coping under this condition? How on earth do you expect students to listen and pay attention to lessons, or read and be able to prepare well enough for examinations in open classrooms? You can as well come to

terms with the challenges we face on daily basis, especially when it rains and the students are already in school. How do you think we cope with the resulting cold due to the rain? Mind you, these are children numbering about 1,000. The situation here is really pathetic.” Another teacher lamented: “Teaching is a noble profession and should be treated as such. Why must we be subjected to this ridiculous condition? Is it a crime to be a teacher? One wonders if ideally any government should expect effective learning in this type of academic environment, which in any case, does not look like one. Our students are going through a tough situation to acquire education. Other people may have talked about our experience during rainy season, but what about the experience during hot weather? Here are classrooms without ceilings. The situation is terrible and precarious. It is worrisome that this is happening in Lagos, the nation’s commercial hub.” Some of the students, who spoke with Saturday Mirror describe the condition as deplorable, unbearable and appalling. A student in JSS II could not understand why the school was neglected for so long. On whether the school authority has made any attempt to get the attention of the government, a source said the management has made several presentations to the government. Several government officials have also visited the school to make on-the-spot assessment, but that nothing concrete has come out of the several visits. A source in the state’s Ministry of Education, however, said that the school had already been earmarked for rehabilitation. The source pointed out that the rehabilitation work on the school had to be suspended by the government due to the rain, since no tangible construction work of any kind could be carried out during rainy season. “Frankly, government has penciled down the school for rehabilitation and this will begin as soon as the rain subsided,” the source assured.

TOURISM

October 27, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tarkwa Bay Beach: Nature’s serene splendour

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

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. 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.” The residents say one of the beach’s selling points is that it has been in existence since the colonial days of Lord Lugard. 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 forever-

Sulaimon

more. 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 27, 2012

typical pneumonia, also known as “walking pneumonia”, is a pneumonia not caused by one of the more traditional pathogens and with a clinical presentation that contrasts to the “typical” pneumonia. It can be caused by a variety of microorganisms. Pneumonia is a condition in which there is an infection of the lung.

ATYPICAL PNEUMONIA

Outlook (Prognosis) Most patients with pneumonia due to mycoplasma or chlamydophila do well with the right antibiotic therapy. P.Legionella can be severe, leading to problems such as kidney failure, diabetes, a weak immune system, and death.

Causes: Mycoplasma pneumonia is a type of atypical pneumonia. It is caused by the bacteria M. pneumoniae. It typically affects people younger than age 40. Pneumonia due to chlamydia-related bacteria occurs year round. It is usually mild. Pneumonia due to Legionella is seen more often in middle-aged and older adults, smokers, and those with chronic illnesses or a weak immune system. Symptoms: Usually the atypical causes also involve atypical symptoms. The most common symptoms of pneumonia are: • Chills • Cough (with Legionella pneumonia, you may cough up bloody mucus) • Fever, which may be mild or high • Shortness of breath (may only occur when you climb stairs) Other symptoms include: • Chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough • Confusion, especially in older people or those with Legionella pneumonia • Headache • Loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue • Muscle aches and joint stiffness • Sweating and clammy skin Less common symptoms include: • Diarrhea • Ear pain • Eye pain or soreness • Neck lump • Rash Sore throat

• If you have severe atypical pneumonia, you will likely be admitted to a hospital, where you will be given antibiotics through a vein (intravenously), as well as oxygen. • Antibiotics are used for 2 weeks or more

Possible Complications • Brain and nervous system infections, such as meningitis, myelitis, and encephalitis • Hemolytic anemia, a condition in which there are not enough red blood cells in the blood because the body is destroying them • Severe lung damage Prevention Wash your hands often and have other people around you do the same. If your immune system is weak, stay away from crowds. Ask your doctor if you need a pneumonia vaccine.

LIFE SAVERS

Exams and Tests Persons with suspected pneumonia should have a complete medical evaluation. It may be hard for your health care provider to tell whether you have pneumonia or bronchitis, so you may need a chest x-ray amongst other tests.

Treatment Take these steps at home: • Control your fever with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. • Do not take cough medicines with-

out first talking to your doctor. Cough medicines may make it harder for your body to cough up the extra sputum. • Drink plenty of fluids to help loosen secretions and bring up phlegm. • Get a lot of rest. Have someone else do household chores. Antibiotics prescribed by a medical practitioner are used to treat atypical pneumonia. • You may be able to take antibiotics by mouth at home.

• Children and babies who develop pneumonia often do not have specific signs of a chest infection, but develop fever, appear ill, and can become lethargic. • Elderly may also have few symptoms with pneumonia. • An increased number of neutrophils, one type of White blood cells are seen in bacterial infection. • An increase in lymphocytes another type of White blood cells is seen in viral infection, fungal infection, and some bacterial infections like tuberculosis.

LETTER Dear Mirror Doctor, Please I need a male child and people said there is a way you can do it in a medical way. +23480……767 Mirror Doctor replies Trying to choose the sex of your baby, boy or girl is a very old practice. Old customs were centred around the woman because it was not understood that the determination really lay with the man. This is how sex selection works. Each parent contributes half of a baby’s genetic makeup. The female or mother is genetically XX so, she is only able to contribute an X to the future baby. The father of the baby is XY and can contribute either an X or a Y. this means that sperm is the deciding factor in how your baby’s sex is determined. Several options are available for choosing the sex of your child, but none are guaranteed. The methods range from the natural to the high-tech (such as sorting sperm). Using the natural in choosing the sex of your child

I want a male child is arguably the most known. This method known as Shettles method involves timing intercourse to a woman’s cycle and assuming certain sexual positions. It explains that the male (Y) sperm is smaller, faster and more short lived than the female (X) sperm. Because of this, it is better for boy-desiring couples to have intercourse closest to the time when a woman’s egg is released (ovulation). This way, the speedy sperm could get to the egg sooner than the female one. In addition, the odds of choosing the sex of your child may be better with the help of technology. This method involves separating the male sperm from the female. This is the current gold standard. It is believed that it is probably most effective when it is used in combination with in-vitro fertilization. I must advice that this method is very expensive and not totally guaranteed. You may visit a gynaecologist for further evaluation.

Rashes on my face Dear Mirror Doctor, Please I have rashes all over my face and they are peeling. What do you suggest I do? You can recommend a cream or drugs to dry them up. Please I need your urgent answer. Lisbeth Mirror doctor replies Dear Lisbeth, there are different treatment options for different types of rashes. Unfortunately, you did not give a detailed description of the rashes on your face. A rash is a change of the skin which affects its colour, appearance or texture. A rash may be localized in one part of the body, or affect all the skin. Rashes may cause the skin to change colour, itch, become warm, bumpy, dry, cracked, or blistered, swell and may be painful. The cause and therefore the treatment for rashes,

vary widely. You seemed more worried about the peeling and how to solve it. Regarding that, its’ good to inform you that while the skin goes through a natural peeling process all the day, excessive peeling is not normal. Visible peeling skin is generally due to sunburn, a skin condition or severely dry skin. With some diligent treatment, you can effectively stop your face from peeling. First you need to restore moisture to your facial skin since peeling skin is often due to severe dryness. Opt for deeply hydrating creams and lotion that are designed for dry skin. Hydrocortisone cream soothes irritated skin, including dry, peeling skin. Application of cool compress on your face is useful if the peeling is due to sunburn. Other common causes of rash include food allergy, anxiety, skin contact with an irritant, bacterial, fungal or viral infection. Skin diseases such as eczema or acne are also contributing factors. You may see a dermatologist if you are unsure of the cause of your face peeling.

LEISURE

October 27, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 27, 2012

SAYO OGUNDEJI

igeria’s national U-17 team, otherwise known as the Golden Eaglets, are beaming with confidence after their first leg 3-0 victory in Calabar against Guinea, a fortnight ago, and have promised to go all out for the maximum points when they take on their hosts, Guinea in the return leg for their qualifier for the 2013 African U-17 Championship in Conakry. The Manu Garba-led team has been outstanding during the qualifiers and has confirmed its intention to conquer Africa after their first leg win against the Junior Syli Stars of Guinea at the U. J Esuene Sports Stadium in Calabar. Two first half goals from Isaac Success and Ihenacho Kelechi and a second half goal from Alhassan Ibrahim were all they needed to seal the victory in Calabar and the coaches will be looking up to the players to deliver the goals in Conakry tomorrow. The Eaglets had progressed to the second round after a home and away drubbing of Niger Republic; 4-1 in Mena, Niger and 6-0 in Calabar. A draw against the Guineans will be enough to ease the Eaglets into the final round of the qualification series, but Garba, who is obviously excited about his team’s performance so far, is full of confidence the players will come out of the West African country victorious. “Our training and preparations have been going well and we are happy with the condition of the players,” Manu said shortly before his team’s departure for Conakry on Friday. “The players have coped very well despite the tough schedule and going by our performances since the qualifiers commenced, I believe the players will not only win the encounter, but will score as many goals as possible,” Manu added. The Eaglets missed the last two African U-17 Championships, but an impressive goal scoring record, has marked the present team out as a squad to watch. Speaking on the development, Eaglets assistant coach, Nduka Ugbade, described the team as a bunch of warriors. The Eaglets have scored a total of 13 goals in three qualifying matches, but conceded a goal which was a spurious penalty in their 4-1 win against Niger in Niamey. Altogether, the Nigerian youngsters have banged in 76 goals in 17 matches and Ugbade said he was confident that the team would make things difficult for the Guineans. “We are hopeful and our confidence is based on the fact that we can create chances and the more this is done the better for us,” he noted.”I’m sure we

Morocco 2013 Golden Eaglets’ Kelechi Iheanacho (right) shaking off a Guinean defender in their first leg tie in Calabar.

Eaglets set to confirm supremacy over Junior Syli Stars should be able to score in Guinea and that would compound their problems based on the away goals rule.” Meanwhile, there are no injury worries for the Golden Eaglets according to

Moroccan refs for Eaglets, Syli Stars cracker P. 43

the team’s doctor, Dr. Ayodeji Olarinoye, who also assured that all the players jostling to be part of the contingent to Conakry are in good health. The Guinean Federation has con-

Boxing gives me fulfilment, says Aliu P. 44 Lateef

firmed that the second leg match will take place at the September 28 Stadium in Conakry on Sunday, starting from 4.30pm Guinea time (5.30pm Nigeria time).

Hiddink plays down Anzhi interest in Rooney P. 45

SPORT

October 27, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Corruption in sports and Amaechi’s outburst

he recent altercation between the Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over his comments that Nigeria’s football ruling body is riddled with corrupt practises has again brought to the fore the need for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to demand for the auditing of the finances of the NFF and by extension that of the National Sports Commission (NSC). Although the governor later clarified that he was referring to the immediate past board of the NFF, led by Alh. Sani Lulu, many analysts still believe that the governor spoke the minds of die-hard Nigerian sports fans who are also seeking an end to the cankerworm bedevilling the country’s sporting industry. For example, under the immediate past board of the NFF, the sum of $230,000 got missing in their secretariat and till date the money has not been recovered. Aside that, HT believes that if all the sports federations under the National Sports Commission (NSC) are subjected to yearly audit, the level of corruption in the industry would have been gone down. As a kicker, it beats the imagination of many stakeholders of football in the country following the recent outburst of Chief Emeka Inyama who advertently came up with the defence that the present board of the NFF is corruption-free. But, has anyone asked

Hard Tackle with

Andrew Ekejiuba anelsports@yahoo.com for the monies the immediate past President, Sani Abdullahi Lulu, claimed to have left? What happened to the FIFA development fund? What about the $8million from the 2010 World Cup? Therefore, if the present NFF board is sure of its claims, they should allow an external auditor commence an immediate auditing of their accounts just as was done by the Nigeria Premier League (NPL). And it was because of the aforementioned reason that I see last week’s condemnation of NPL by the NFF over the auditor’s report as a distraction, and like the action of a kettle calling pot black. Frankly, the NFF doesn’t have any moral right to poke its nose into what is happening in the NPL, instead they should purge themselves of all the corrupt allegations trailing the Aminu Maigari-led board. HT strongly believes that by the time they leave office, our football would have become desolate and without technocrats.

08023103605

Governor Amaechi

Going back to the subject matter, last Monday, the NSC in conjunction with the presidency organised the Presidential Retreat on Sports, and as expected, they invited those who they felt would not raise eyebrows on the activities in the ailing sports industry and gave tough conditions to those who might probably expose them. I remember the case of highly respected Nigerian ex-international, Adokie Amiesimaka, who confirmed to me that he got the

invitation, but was told to foot his transport, feeding and accommodation bills from Rivers to Abuja. What an insult? I think Amiesimaka deserved a better treatment and that might have necessitated the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Rivers State to reject the invitation. HT gathered that Mitchel Obi also declined the invitation after reviewing his worth and distanced himself from this bunch of failures. HT also noted that everything about the ailing sports industry is fast becoming a jamboree, especially with the coming of the present sports minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi. At the Presidential Retreat, analysts noted that too many Nigerians sitting on the boards of world sports bodies were not there, thus giving an impression that the event was another ceremony to listen to rhetoric as we saw the sports minister do at a press conference in London following the country’s failure to win a single medal at the Olympics. Sports development will continue to suffer in the country because every move made by true stakeholders and technocrats of sports in Nigeria has always been rebuffed by those who believe the industry belongs to them alone and their children. Aside that, the introduction of politicians into the main stream of our sports industry is a big

mistake, which will continue to hunt the fortunes of our sports development. And for those who made the journey to Abuja for the retreat, I bet you that nothing will come out of the jamboree. If anything will happen, was it not the same PDP ruling government that had set up the General Sam Ogbemudia, commodore Captain Emeka Omeruah and General Ishola Williams’ committees? What has happened to their reports? From the foregoing, the Federal Government must come out in clear terms to fight corruption in the NSC and NFF or forget about making progress in this industry that has helped in unifying the nation. It is sad that we are increasingly building a society where many believe it is right and normal to make wealth without work. Even our sports administrators are always eager to buy private houses and ride the most exotic cars without sweat. Some of them would abuse public trust without fear of being sanctioned; no wonder that the world looks at Nigeria as the global headquarters of 419. This is why the Sports Minister must rise now and purge NSC of controversial corrupt officials. We shall surely gather again in 2016 after the next failure at the Rio Olympics for another retreat in the presidential villa, if government fails to sincerely fight this cankerworm called corruption.

FEATURE

Good news for Tiger Woods!

...Sex addiction is a legitimate mental disorder, psychologists say

ex addiction is a legitimate mental disorder that can ruin careers, destroy relationships and cause health problems, say US psychologists. Out of control sexual behaviour can ruin people’s lives, researchers say, but psychiatrists have been reluctant to accept it as a genuine disorder. Now a team from the University of California, Los Angeles has devised a set of criteria to define ‘hypersexual disorder’ as a new mental health condition. Symptoms include a recurring pattern of sexual fantasies, urges and behaviours lasting a period of six months or longer that are not caused by other issues, such as substance abuse or another medical condition. Also, individuals who might be diagnosed with this disorder must show a pattern of sexual activity in response to unpleasant mood states, such as feeling depressed, or a pattern of repeatedly using sex as a way of coping with stress. The results of the study, reported in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, will influence whether hypersexual disorder

should be included in the forthcoming revised edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, considered the ‘bible’ of psychiatry. Professor Rory Reid said: ‘The criteria for hypersexual disorder that have been proposed, and now tested, will allow researchers and clinicians to study, treat and develop prevention strategies for individuals at risk for developing hypersexual behaviour. Professor Reid led a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and marriage and family therapists to make his recommendations. They conducted psychological testing and interviews with 207 patients in several mental health clinics around the country. All of the patients were seeking help for out-of-control sexual behaviour, a substance-abuse disorder or another psychiatric condition, such as depression or anxiety. The team found that the proposed criteria for hypersexual disorder accurately classified 88 per cent of hypersexual

Addicted Golfer Tiger Woods tendered a formal apology in 2010 for his infidelity, and the shamed golfer underwent a six-week intensive programme to treat his sex addiction.

patients as having the disorder. The criteria were also accurate in identifying negative results 93 per cent of the time. Of the 207 patients they examined, 17

per cent had lost a job at least once, 39 per cent had a relationship end, 28 per cent contracted a sexually transmitted infection and 78 per cent had interference with healthy sex. Prof Reid said: ‘So an individual meeting the criteria for hypersexual disorder can experience significant challenges and consequences in their life. ‘Our study showed increased hypersexual behaviour was related to greater emotional disturbance, impulsivity and an inability to manage stress.’ He said that hypersexual patients reported excessive masturbation, use of pornography, cyber sex, sex with prostitutes, affairs and multiple anonymous partners. They averaged 15 partners in the previous 12 months. ‘It’s not that a lot of people don’t take sexual risks from time to time or use sex on occasion to cope with stress or just escape, but for these patients, it’s a constant pattern that escalates until their desire for sex is controlling every aspect of their lives and they feel powerless in their efforts to change,’ he added.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SPORT

October 27, 2012

Nations Cup draw excites Chukwu

Eko 2012: Elechi assures Ebonyi athletes

IFEANYI EDUZOR

ormer Super Eagles handler, Christian Chukwu, has described Nigeria’s group in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by South Africa as a good one, even as he cautioned the Super Eagles not to underrate any of the teams in their group. Nigeria was on Wednesday drawn against current champions, Zambia, Burkina Faso and Ethiopia in Group C of the competition. In an interview with our correspondent shortly after the draws, chukwu noted that, although the Super Eagles were in a good group, they should avoid complacency in order to qualify from their group. “I am happy that we are in a good group, but the Super Eagles should be careful with teams like Burkina Faso and Ethiopia who are like Cape Verde that stopped Cameroon from qualifying for the competition. “Although many people would conclude that Chipolopolo of Zambia will give the Super Eagles the biggest challenge in the group but they should also understand that other teams are not minnows in Africa football,” the one time Super Eagles captain said. The former Harambee Stars of Kenya coach noted that if the Stephen Keshi-tutored side take all the matches serious they will qualify from the group and probably stand a better chance of lifting the trophy for the third time.

Golden Eaglets looking optimistic against Guinea, as they endorse the 1 Game initiative that is aimed at ending football violence.

Moroccan refs for Eaglets, Syli Stars cracker

he Confederation of African Football has selected Moroccan referees as officials for Nigeria Golden Eaglets and Junior Syli Stars match billed for Conakry, Guinea, on Sunday. Mounir Errahmani, 36, an International referee since 2011 would be at the centre, assisted by Mouhib Abdallah Filali and Mohamed Lahmidi. This was confirmed in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Thursday by Morakinyo Abodunrin, the Eaglets Media Officer. According to the statement, the fourth referee is Hicham Tiazi while Leonal Vangente from Sao Tome & Principe is to serve as match commissioner. Meanwhile, the Golden Eaglets coach,

Manu Garba, had revealed that his team would approach the match against Guinea “like a World Cup final match”. Garba said the national Under-17 team is battle-hardened for this particular encounter. “The team is in good form to preserve its streak of 16 successive wins in both friendly and competitive matches. I am sure we can beat Guinea in Conakry. “Except the first practice match we drew when we were just one week in camp, we have won all other matches and Guinea is not going to be an exemption. “In fact, we are going to play against Guinea on Sunday as if we’re playing a World Cup final match and by the special grace of Almighty Allah, we are going to come back victorious,” he said.

overnor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi has assured that Ebonyi athletes would be adequately motivated for the forthcoming 18th National Sports Festival. The festival, dubbed, “Eko 2012” holds from November 27 to December 9 in Lagos. Elechi gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving the festival’s torch from officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC) at the Government House, Abakaliki. The governor noted that the athletes would be adequately motivated and given the best form of training, to enable them to excel at the competition “We will inculcate into them, the spirit of discipline to compete according to the rules guiding the competition. “Discipline as a virtue, is also needed in other spheres of life such as politics, commerce among others; for us to attain a better society,” he said. He noted that the government would promote sports at the grassroots for the discovery of raw talents who would be groomed to represent the state at various national sporting competitions. Stanley Okebugwu, the South East Zonal Coordinator of the NSC, thanked the governor for personally participating in the occasion, urging him to ensure that sports was developed in the state. “Ebonyi is blessed with abundant talents and with proper funding and administration, the talents would be groomed into world beaters,” he said. Ebonyi was placed 34th at the last festival held in Port Harcourt, Rivers in 2011–with three silver medals.

Emir of Dutse calls for regular golf tourney Osagie, Adeyemi win Lawyers Table Tennis Open Championship

IFEANYI EDUZOR

ANDREW EKEJIUBA

mir of Dutse, in Jigawa State, Alhaji Nuhu Sanusi (CON), says that there is need for corporate organizations to sponsor golf tournaments regularly in order to produce good golfers that can represent the country at international championships. Speaking at the just concluded Emir of Dutse Open Golf Tournament, sponsored by Nigerian Breweries PLC (NB PLC), the royal father noted that organizing such tournaments regularly does not only help in the improvement of the game and players’ skills, but also help people develop passion for the sport. He further stated that the event which took place in his domain helps to promote the socio-economic activity of the town, as well as cement cordial relationship among

Emir of Dutse, His Royal Highness Alhaji Nuhu Sanusi (left) presenting a trophy to the winner of the 2012 Nigerian Breweries Plc, Dutse Open Golf Tournament, Bala Abdullahi of Zaria Golf Club.

people from various states of the country. Meanwhile, Bala Abdullahi of Zaria Golf Club played 145 gross over two days to emerge the winner of the 2012 of the tournament decided at the Dutse Royal Golf Course. Runnerup gross prize went to Ahmed

Jibrin also of Zaria Golf Club, after scoring 146 gross. In the Ladies category, Amina Wilfred finished with 159 gross to emerge overall best while in the special prize category, the Emir received award as the most improved player at the tournament.

itilayo Osagie and Adeyinka Adeyemi have emerged respective winners of the female and male categories of the 4th edition of the annual Lawyers Table Tennis Open Championship, otherwise known as the Mfon Usoro Cup. Osagie defeated Omolade Moshood to successfully defend her female singles title she won in last edition, while Adeyemi outclassed Tunji Abdulhammed to take the crown won last year by Olawale Oduwale. Oduwale, although lost the crown, but he did not go down without a fight as he place third having fought till the semi-finals before he was edged out from the tournament. Anthony Atata, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Championship lauded lawyers for massively embracing and partici-

pating in the completion. He expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Chapter, Airtel Nigeria and other individuals and corporate bodies for throwing their weight behind the annual competition. Mfon Usoro, a major sponsor of the competition said she is motivated to invest her time and other resources into the annual event as her “little way of encouraging professional colleagues forge warmer friendships, relax and exercise with a view to building healthier minds and bodies that would support the intellectual labour that the profession demands.” On his part, Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos Chapter made it clear that the NBA has no choice but to support the competition because exercise of any form allows for sound mind and fitness which are the two attributes that lawyers need to stay ahead of their profession.

SPORT

October 27, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Boxing gives me fulfilment, says Aliu Lateef Aliu Lateef is a promising amateur boxer, who fights in the flyweight division. The pugilist who won a silver medal for River State at the last National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt, is eyeing gold in the forthcoming festival to be hosted by Lagos State. In this interview with IFEANYI EDUZOR, he speaks on his love for the game and his plans to take other boxers to the cleaners when Eko 2012 kicks off next month. Excerpts:

hat made you choose boxing ahead of other sports? My love for boxing manifested very early in life. As a small child, I was fascinated by the way boxers knock out their opponents in the ring, as well as receive punches without showing any sign of pain. So, when I was growing up, I often told my parents at any slightest opportunity that I wanted to be a great boxer. It was this love for the game that made me to always sneak out from the house and visit the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos to watch boxers train. During one of those escapades, I ran into the proprietor of World Class Boxing Academy, popularly known in boxing circles as coach T&T in 2002, who introduced me to the game and taught me the rudiments of boxing. It will interest you to know that I started boxing at the age of 14 and since then, I have not looked back. You won silver at the last National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt, do you think you can still achieve that feat at Eko 2012? It is true that I won silver in the flyweight division at the last sports festival, but I want to tell you that I was not satisfied with my performance because I believe a gold medal would have been better. That was why I did not celebrate much during the medals presentation. Having said this, I want to assure my fans that nothing less than a gold medal will satisfy me this time around. I have already started working towards realizing the dream because immediately after the last festival, I have been engaged in serious training with my coaching crew to ensure I come out tops in the flyweight category. This time around, there will be no more mistakes. During the last sports festival, you represented Rivers State and now you want to switch your allegiance to Delta State. Why the sudden change? The reason for the change of mind is not farfetched. I am saying this because if Rivers State had fulfilled all the

promises made to us before the festival, I do not think any athlete would like to dump the state for any other state. This situation is not peculiar to Rivers State alone because virtually all the states are culprits. They promise athletes a lot of goodies and at the end of the day; they will not keep to their own side of the bargain. I am switching over to Delta State because they have good welfare packages for their athletes. However, my coach must be involved in any discussion with them because he was the one that trained me from the early stage to this time. Are you in support of arguments in some quarters that poaching of athletes should be banned by the National Sports Commission? Like I said earlier, if states do what they are supposed to do and fulfill all the promises made to the athletes before the commencement of any championship, no athlete in his right mind will jump from one state to another. The issue of poaching will be very difficult to control because most athletes are jobless and hungry and are always ready to represent the highest bidder. Having said this, I want to tell you that if states can employ athletes that can win medals for them, embark on proper grassroots development programme where talents could be discovered and nurtured, the incidence of poaching will die a gradual death. But so, long as these things are not done, poaching will be very difficult to control. Taking a critical look at Nigerian boxing, what do you think the country should do to reposition the sport? It is very unfortunate that Nigeria which used to be a force to be reckoned with in boxing globally is now behaving like a toddler in the game. It beats my imagination that a country that produced great boxers in the past, both in the paid ranks and the amateur cadre is now being relegated to the background, while smaller countries like Ghana, Cote dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ivoire, Benin Republic, Togo and even Niger Republic are now dictating the pace in the West

Lateef

African sub- region. There is the need for the government to go back to the grassroots and develop the game. Government should also make it a policy for all the Local Government Areas in the country to have a boxing coach attached to them, while all the six geo-political zones will have a chief coach whose duty is to organize boxing championships quarterly in all the zones, so that boxers that qualify will be invited to a national championship. Through this system, good boxers will be discovered and nurtured to become future champions. What is your take on calls in some quarters that boxing should be banned because of the inherent risks? Boxing is a good game that instills discipline in people and I want to tell you that it has really given me fulfillment. Those calling for the ban of the sport do not understand boxing. There have been instances where athletes collapsed and died while taking part in other sports, yet nobody has called for its ban. Those making such calls should also consider the millions of boxing fans all

over the world who are fulfilled being in the ringside or glued to their television sets watching great fights that give them joy. So, any person calling for the ban of the sport should have his head re- examined. Do you have the intention of joining the paid ranks in future? The dream of any boxer is to hit the limelight through the professional ranks and I have already started preparations towards that. Right from time, my ambition has always been to be a professional boxer to enable me win a world title for the country and I believe that by the time I have won all there is to win in the amateur cadre, I will definitely turn professional. What advice do you have for upcoming boxers? My advice is that they should remain focused and take their training religiously as that is the only way they can succeed in the profession. Government on the other hand should encourage boxers by investing in the sport because they can use it to fight crime and youth restiveness in the country.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SPORT

October 27, 2012

Hiddink plays down Anzhi interest in Rooney A

nzhi Makhachkala coach Guus Hiddink has denied the club will move for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney. The Russian club, who are owned by billionaire Suleyman Kerimov, are aiming to build a squad capable of beating the best in Europe and have made steady inroads and are topping their domestic league. And, after Roberto Carlos said on Thursday that Anzhi are considering a move for Rooney, Hiddink insists the former left-back was just expressing his desire rather than actual intent.

Speaking to reporters after his team’s 1-0 loss to Liverpool in the Europa League, Hiddink said: “He is vice-president, Roberto, and he can express his ideas, and he does that well. “He hasn’t said it to me so far, but it’s nice sometimes to talk out of the blue without any reality.” Anzhi have already spent large amounts on transfer fees and wages for players such as Samuel Eto’o, Yuri Zhirkov and Chris Samba, but Hiddink is now focusing on promoting young local talent to the first team.

EURO BRIEFS

Selection headache for Mourinho

eal Madrid coach Jose Mourinho faces further selection dilemmas ahead of Sunday’s La Liga trip to Real Mallorca, with Sami Khedira, Alvaro Arbeloa, Fabio Coentrao and Marcelo all ruled out. Reports in the Spanish media on Thursday evening claimed that Khedira would miss two to three weeks after aggravating a hamstring problem during Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League defeat at Borussia Dortmund.

Knee injury sidelines Kagawa Rooney

Rodgers delighted with Downing Casillas, Xavi receive Spain’s award

eal Madrid captain Iker Casillas and Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez have jointly received Spain’s prestigious Principe de Asturias Award on Friday, in recognition of their contribution in bringing harmony and success to Spain’s national football team. The prize, presented by the heir to Spain’s throne, honours achievement in sporting, cultural, scientific and other realms, and is chosen by an appointed jury, headed this year by former tennis player Arantxa Sanchez Vicario. Casillas, 31, says he is delighted to receive the award alongside Xavi, whom he has played alongside at international level since the Under-20 World Cup in Nigeria in 1999. “I think that Xavi and I received this award as a reflection of our maturity and careers in which we have achieved great things both personally and as team-mates,” he said. “It is a little bit of everything coming together. I am grateful that in this case an agreement was reached on two important players in the past decade of Spanish football, who represent two great clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid, and the Spanish national team.”

M’Vila, Mavinga may be ostracised

ennes manager Frederic Antonetti has intimated that Yann M’Vila and Chris Mavinga may not play for the club again this season following their behaviour while on international duty with France Under-21s. M’Vila and Mavinga, along with Antoine Griezmann, Mbaye Niang and Wissam Ben Yedder, went nightclubbing in Paris before the second leg of France’s Under-21 2013 European Championship qualifier against Norway. “We can talk about betrayal,” Antonetti said. “I talked so much with them, but it was useless. I’m the first to suffer in this situation. ”I don’t know yet when they will return, but it couldn’t be until May 31. I won’t have confidence in them as men anymore and I can’t make the difference between the man and the player. That’s why I’m affected –more than I show,” he said.

Downing

iverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says Stewart Downing can take heart from his match-winning display against Anzhi Makhachkala. Having become something of a forgotten

man at Anfield, Downing cracked home a superb 53rd minute effort to hand Liverpool a welcome UEFA Europa League victory on Thursday. It has been a testing time for the England winger, but Rodgers has called on him to savour his moment in the spotlight and build on a positive showing. He said: “It has been difficult for Stewart since he has been here, and it was just something to help his confidence. “I think the Kop recognised that it was a wonderful goal at the end and if you can get a round of applause from them that would mean a lot to anyone - a player, manager, coach, whatever. “You saw how they reacted accordingly. They gave him a great round of applause and that will hopefully do him good going forward. “His commitment tonight was excellent. He had to play in a different position in the second half, but he has got the quality to do that.” Victory over Anzhi saw Liverpool take top spot in Group A and Rodgers believes his side deserve immense credit for the professional performance they put in against an ambitious outfit.

Mancini defends City tactics

anchester City boss Roberto Mancini has hit back at questions raised over his tactical decisions. The Italian drew criticism after the English champions plummeted to the foot of their Champions’ League group with a 3-1 defeat to Ajax on Wednesday. City defender Micah Richards claimed in the aftermath that the players were confused having been asked to switch to a back three during the game, stating it was “not something that we’ve worked on a lot” and that “the players prefer a 4-4-2.” But Mancini said: “If you are a top player, it’s not important which system you use. If you don’t understand, you can’t play for a top team. “I don’t want to speak about Micah because I don’t think he said this. He answered questions. It’s not important. I understand you should write about this, but for me it’s not important what Micah said after the game. “The players know the system. When you are on the bench and 2-1 away, the man-

Mancini

ager should do something from the bench. We wanted to play more offensively and we conceded a third because of a mistake.” City must now win their final three games to stand any realistic chance of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League, and Mancini has described that as being a ‘miracle’ scenario.

anchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa has been ruled out for three to four weeks by a knee injury. The Japan star, 23, twisted awkwardly during Tuesday’s thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Braga in the Champions League and subsequent scans have confirmed damage to the ligaments.

Wenger has no Wilshere doubts

rsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Jack Wilshere will not be held back by fear on his return to action and is young enough to make a full recovery. Wilshere is closing in on a first-team comeback after more than a year out with ankle and knee problems and, after appearing for the club’s Under 21 side on Monday, he could be involved against Queens Park Rangers today.

Schalke to welcome Afellay stay

chalke director of football Horst Heldt would be willing to prolong Ibrahim Afellay’s stay at the Bundesliga club. Afellay, 26, joined Schalke from Barcelona on a season-long loan in the summer and he has made an impression at Veltins-Arena. The Netherlands international has two league goals to his name, the second of which came in Schalke’s 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund last weekend.

PREMIERSHIP TABLE Teams

PTS

1. Chelsea

2. Man United

3. Man City

4. Everton

5. Tottenham

6. West Ham

7. West Brom

8. Fulham

9. Arsenal

10. Swansea

11. Newcastle

-3

12. Liverpool

-2

13. Stoke City

-1

14. Sunderland

-2

15. Norwich City

-11

16. Wigan Athletic

-7

17. Aston Villa

-7

18. Southampton

-11

19. Reading

-6

20. QPR

-10

October 27, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘No product is substandard’ the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intervention fund scheme was at seven percent in 2011. Would you say the low rate has contributed to the growth of industries compared to the rate at which commercial banks give loan to customers? Are commercial banks actually in business? Some of them always come to our office here and they are only interested in what they will take from our members. People are looking for money to do business and the banks are not ready to give them money. And there is nowhere in the world you don’t borrow money from banks to do business. The worst situation is the Small Medium Entrepreneurs that have suddenly become endangered species to the financial institutions when it has to do with loans. Can you compare the seven and nine percent interest rate you are talking about, with what obtains in the developed countries where loan interest rate is lower than one percent? Another thing is that there are many ways to measure economic development in this country. These include people being fully employed. But what we are seeing today are youths that are supposed to be in one place and the other in the industries working now riding motorcycles just because there are no jobs for them to do.

What has been the implication of the lingering power shortage on the manufacturing sector? The implication is that over 40 percent of our cost is based on power generation. The two major issues we have in Nigeria is power and distribution network. If we have a stable power supply and a good distribution network like the railway, Nigeria will be the best place to do business in the world. If they can address the issue of power first, others will fall in later.

NACCIMA has been in forefront in the intervention fund and recently your office organised a workshop where the CBN, BOI, public and private sectors came to discuss the problems and challenges facing the funds. What is the outcome? First and foremost the intervention fund from Federal Government is a good move in the right direction because the real sector needs support to be able to sustain the national economic development in this country. But what is happening is that some parts of this country are not aware of the existence of the intervention funds support and what we are doing as an association is to support real sector in the country through making information available to the people. Our members need access to funds to build their capacity. Again these intervention funds are with the banks and the people don’t know how to get the money. Creating awareness is our main target among the OPS in all the part of the country. Also, we invited the financial institution to come and tell us about the challenges that are being faced by some people that are aware of the intervention funds but unable to access them.

The interest rate benefited from

For several years, the Organised

Isemede

Dr. John Isemede is the Director General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) the umbrella organisation for the Organised Private Sector (OPS). In this interview with STANLEY IHEDIGBO, he speaks on the challenges facing the manufacturing sector and other related matters. Excerpts:

hat is your assessment of the ongoing privatisation of the power sector by the Federal Government? For now we are watching what is happening between the Federal Government and the workers of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) on the privatisation issue. The power reform is not the first in this country, there have been various reforms. If the Federal Government has unbounded PHCN and wants to sell the industries, the most important thing, is that it will serve the general public’s purpose. What we all need is let there be regular electricity supply; because it will really change things in the country for good. Another important thing is that the process of selling the companies should

have a human face. There should be a level playing ground and fair competition for everybody that wants to participate and has the capacity.

Private Sector (OPS) has been complaining of multiple taxation by various arms of government. Has the government heeded the cries of the OPS? I will say that there has been an improvement. Of recent, the Minister of Finance and economic coordinator went to ports and sacked some of the agencies at the ports. That is a very good development. Go to the borders work is going on because all these put together increase cost of doing business in Nigeria . Also we are educating people too on what to pay tax for and what not to pay. What steps do you think can reverse the inability of local manufacturers to compete with offshore entities? What is happening is that the cost of production in the country is being contributed to by many factors. These include how much you pay for interest rate of loan; where an interest rate is 20 to 30 percent while some countries are taking one percent, variable they have 30 percent advantage over Nigeria. Again you cannot move freely from one point to another in this country. So put everything together, this is what is putting the local manufacturers down. The manufacturers are producing what the purchase power of the Nigeria consumers can pay, the country where minimum wage is N18, 000, with such amount can you buy a new motor tyre? Those are some of the issues. It is not that local manufacturers don’t know what to manufacture or how to compete with outside world. You need to look at the disposable income and the market you have at hand. Again, mind you that there is nothing like substandard products anywhere in world. When we say things like that they are mere terminologies. What is substandard in Saudi Arabia may be the best in other parts of the world because of the standard of living. Some of your members are lamenting that Nigerian commercial banks prefer to give loans to foreigners to do the same businesses. What is your view about it? The question is why do the banks prefer foreigners? Is it that the foreigners have more money than Nigerians? That is in line with what I am saying. Who are the foreigners the Nigeria banks are dealing with? Are they Chinese, Indians, Americans or Britons? The same people have support at their home country and the money they are collecting from the banks is not money from their pockets but the support their home country has given to them.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 27, 2012

Introduction

anitary pads and towels are daily consumables in every home. The patronage of these products is fast gaining currency especially among the urban elite. However, despite the increasing demand for the product, the supply is not encouraging. There are very few producers in Nigeria and more producers are required to produce either in small; medium or large scale.

Market analysis Sanitary pads/towels as stated above have wide applications in the homes, offices, travelers, fast food centers, restaurants to mention but few. Ladies and women use the product, sanitary pad, extensively. There is large market for the consumption of sanitary pads. From preliminary studies carried out; there are only two major brands in the market at the moment. This is not enough for a large populated nation like Nigeria with a population figure of about 150 million people. There are 36 states with the federal capital territory, Abuja. Therefore with very good marketing plans and strategies there is no doubt that any new comer will always create a favorable marketing niche for their products. Apart from selling within the country, producers have the opportunity of selling across the borders of the country to other African countries.

Raw materials application The major raw material is cotton lint. This is a raw material processed and obtained from cotton. The raw material usually comes in looms, usually light in weight and whitish in colour. The raw materials are locally available and can be purchased from few textile companies or some identified dealers on the material across the country. From our study, raw material is not going to impose any serious problem to prospective investors.

Plant and machinery The machines required for this project

Producing sanitary pads/hand towels are simple. In the small-scale level, the machines comprise of automatic stitching machine, automatic cutting and binding machine, automatic sealing and packaging machine, measurement rules and inscription machine. The machines can be obtained from some identified companies from Korea, Russia, China and Poland. The production capacity of the plant is an average of 3,500 pieces of sanitary pads/towels per shift of eight hours. Larger capacity machines can be arranged for in the case of medium or large scale of production.

Production process The production process is mechanized as briefly described as follows:The cotton lint is purchased from recommended textile companies within and outside Nigeria. The rolls are fixed in the automatic cutting machine. The cutting is neatly done according to dimensions, which could be determined whether small, medium or large size is to be produced. Then the cut rolls are sealed and stitched by the automatic stitching machines. The stitched whitish sanitary pads/ towels are then sealed with in-scripted polyethylene bags and sealed finally for sale.

Packaging The sanitary pads/ towels are packed in 6 to 12 pieces per packet depending on the size of envisaged products. The product should be packed with quality and attractive nylon or polyethylene material. The products should be covered to avoid water from easily penetrating into the contents.

For the sanitary towels, a pack of 12 pieces measuring between 3ft x 4ft and 4ft-5ft can be packed in dozens per roll for sale.

Financial implication Detailed financial implication of going into this project will actually be established after a comprehensive feasibility studies must have been concluded and all variables and cost elements considered. This will depend on the location of the proposed project the type of machines required by the proposed investor and scale

of operation (whether small, medium or large scale) proposed by the investor. However from preliminary review carried out, the projected cost of the project is about N22.0million (breakdown shown below) on a medium scale. The cost may rise if it is going to be on a large scale and be lower if it is meant to be on a small scale. From investment analysis, the profit margin is very high; return on investment is over 50 per cent.

Implementation

Cost estimates Preliminary Expenses Accommodation

500,000 2,000,000

Plants & Machinery

7,000,000

Utilities

3,500,000

Project Vehicle

3,000,000

Working Capital (starting)

5,000,000

Packaging cost Total

1,000,000 N22, 000,000

Uba Godwin, 08034494437, e-mail: ubagodwin@yahoo.com

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 27, 2012

Akeju

YOU CAN START WITH AS LOW AS N10, 000 WHILE YOU CAN ALSO START THE BUSINESS WITH AS MUCH AS

MILLION DEPENDING

Jewellery business is for intelligent and creative minds FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON

o doubt, jewellery business is one with a long history and any day any time, it is very relevant. Like every other business, it is very dynamic and if one is able to get updates, it is equally a very lucrative business. According to Yemisi Akeju, a business administration graduate of the University of Lagos Akoka who is currently the managing director of Signature jewelleries located in the heart of Ogba, the business is quite a very lucrative one and one for very creative minds. “You must love the business if you must excel in it because it requires a lot of time and creativity. It is a trade for intelligent and devoted people who have the ability to persevere and have eyes for beautiful things” For Akeju, jewellery business is a childhood passion and it was not surprising she is ending up in it. “As a child I was gentle but I love to create things and that spirit in me usually prompts me to dismantle things especially when it has to do with fashion. I would pick on my mother’s stuffs and dismantle them and put them back together again. My mom would always shout at me back then but today, all that have paid off for me because it has helped this far on my chosen path of business in life” reminisced Yemisi. While speaking with Ondo born Ye-

misi, she told Saturday Mirror that for her the attraction to this business is the fulfillment she derives after creating a design and the fact that when people see what she has done, they commend her good sense of creativity. “It is very interesting and self fulfilling when people see your handwork and they are able to say, wao, this is beautiful. It gives you that inner sense of fulfillment that you have been able to do something worthwhile. Moreso, these collections are all handmade and not machine made, it is really very interesting.” Akeju further disclosed that the initial capital required is dependent on one’s financial capacity and how big or small the person would love to start. “The business is one that is flexible depending on how much you can afford and how big you want to start. You can start with as low as N10, 000 while you can also commence the business with as much as N1 million depending on your taste and how big you want it” explained Akeju. On what are the basic requirements for the business, Akeju noted that it requires a formal training of at least three months at a reputable institute where you will be taught all the nitty gritty of the business. “The business requires a lot of attention and high level creativity to be able to beat the competition out there. You also need to carve a niche for yourself in whatever you do” enthused Akeju. Never the less, Akeju remarked that wired jewellery is one aspect of the busi-

ness that is fast booming these days. This she said requires extra training as it is not usually done with other aspect of jewellery training. You can learn that alone and you can also combine it with bead making which if you are very creative and smart, you can have your own unique designs thus creating your own market amidst the high level competition” When asked what are the things that inspire her kind of designs and what one could do to make the difference in the business, Akeju responded thus. “I get inspiration from nature. It could be the clouds; it could be flower arrangements or even the sky. Natural things that are beautiful inspire my designs. I also go the extra mile to go online to learn more on how to place those designs and arrange them well so to come out unique and catchy.” On what have kept her going when the going gets tough on the business, Yemisi stated that passion is an essential ingredient in the jewelry business because it doesn’t come all rosy but with the presence of passion, you will sail through any situation that may come up in course of the business. “You know life is not always rosy and so is any business. There are ups and downs period in the business and so it is the passion one has for the job that will sustain one at those trying and challenging period. Passion is one thing you cannot take out of the job if you really want to succeed on it. You must also be diligent and persevering too. And again you have to be creative.

ON YOUR TASTE AND HOW BIG YOU WANT IT.

Once you have the passion and your creative sense is high, the sky is your starting point for you on the business.” Akeju further enthused that the major challenge of the business is getting the right contacts who would in turn give you referral which she describes as very key to the business adding that going for exhibition is also of great importance for the products to become visible. “It is one thing to have a collection of beautiful and unique designs and it is another thing entirely for them to be visible. That is why it is very important for anyone who wants to go places in this nature of business to engage in as many exhibition and fashion shows as possible because it is what people see that they will appreciate or patronize. I have been to various shows and exhibitions both in churches and secularly and it has helped my business a long way. Again because most of the materials we use are imported from abroad, it makes it difficult to have a stable price for the products because the price is usually determined by the dollar currency. If the dollar appreciates, the materials will be more expensive and if it drops, they will come cheaper for us. That is one major challenge for us. Sometimes people fail to understand that hand made products are not the same as machine made and as such do not come as cheap as the machine made. Every handmade product is a masterpiece on its own and a lot of time and effort usually go into it. Again, getting the right contact f people is also very vital as these would give you referrals which in turn will boost your business at the long run if they are satisfied with your works”

Crime Watch Crime Watch

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 27, 2012

P. 51

‘I’ll rather be a grave robber than bricklayer’

BRIEFS

Trans border robbers arrested in Imo CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

he Imo State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to reduce rising crime wave in the state when a team from the Command arrested a gang of armed bandits who specializes in Trans border and bank robberies. The police made the breakthrough when one Chigozie Oguzie, an expert who specialises in monitoring people who go to banks to withdraw money was arrested near an old generation bank along Mbari Street, Owerri Municipal Council during the week while he was hovering around with unregistered motorcycle around the bank. Chigozie’s modus operadi was to move round with his master keys looking for anybody that would cash money from the bank and put in the car. As soon as he noticed his victim he and his gang would trail the person to where he would park the car. But luck ran against when he was arrested by the police through the assistance of the security guards. The suspect on sighting the police patrol team, zoomed off towards Ama JK area. But he was pursued and arrested along Douglas Road. On interrogation, he named one Chidi from Amurie Amanze in Owerri North Local Government Area and Nwaaba from Orodo in Mbaitoli Local Government Area as accomplices. Who equally involved in trans border crimes. According to Chigozie who was paraded by the police at the Command Headquarters along with others, the master key they came with was with NwaAba in his Toyota Sienna car while the motorcycle he was caught belonged to Chidi. Another suspect, Kingsley Ikechukwu Alamiezie was arrested following the confessional statement of Chidi who mentioned him as his confederate in crime. Both of them claimed that they operate within and outside Nigeria, Cameroun, Dubai and other African countries and that the money they realized in the business was what they used in buying all the properties that the police discovered. The properties seized from Chigozie include Q-Link Motorcycle, Mercedes Benz convertible car model SK 30, without registration number, Toyota Corolla car without registration, Toyota Camry with registration no. AY 412 WER, HI-GI Audio Power Amplifier with its speakers, small size L.G.Fridge, small Q-Link standing fan.

Robbers kill money changer, cart away N4.5m Tijani Musa was a money changer at the famous Alade Market in Lagos. He was unceremoniously cut down by suspected armed robbers on the streets last Tuesday. How could they have known he was carrying such an amount? SEGUN ADIO

ast Monday, Tijani Musa reportedly sent his wife and three kids to his native town of Funtua, Katsina State apparently to go prepare for the Eid-el-Kabir festival held yesterday. He was also said to have told some of his colleagues at Alade Market, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos State that he would be leaving uniting with his family for the Sallah celebrations two days after the departure of his wife and kids. By his calculations, he should be leaving for home on Wednesday, 24 October, 2012. But on Tuesday October 23, Musa, a money changer at the famous market, had hoped to honour an appointment with one of his leading customers who had reportedly called him that he would be changing some large sums of money. Musa, 41, was reported to have waited until late in the afternoon for the customer who did not show up eventually. But it was reported that the day’s business for Musa was not a bad one after all as he was said to have made some money. When he waited until close of work and the customer did not show up, he chose to dash to his banker to deposit the cash he had on him. The amount was said to be in excess of N4. 5 million. Since the bank is said to be a stone throw to Musa’s shop, the father of three chose to trek the distance with the money neatly wrapped in a bag. While trekking towards the bank, a power bike, with two men on it, reportedly slid to a halt beside him. The two

men were reported to be armed with shotguns. Once the suspected robbers pulled up beside him on their motorcycle, one of them reportedly demanded that Musa hand over the bag in his hand to him. Musa would not be taken by the threat from unknown assailants. He instead reportedly threatened to engage them in a fight. In the ensuing argument between the suspected robbers and Musa, one of the robbers reportedly drew his shotgun from his jacket and shot Musa at close range. Next for the robbers was to escape from the scene of the incident which they did not find easy at all. The sound of the gunshot immediately drew the attention of passersby and they immediately gathered yelling at the top of their voices. Apparently sensing that the gathering crowd would prevent their easy escape, the robbers reportedly fired into the air. In the process, a bystander was reportedly hit in the stomach, while another woman was said to have been hit in her arm. This soon made the gathering crowd to run for cover. With Musa flat on his face on the ground, the robbers reportedly grabbed the bag from him and fled through Oregun Road on their power bike machine. When Saturday Mirror visited the scene of the incident on Wednesday, Musa’s business colleagues were seen discussing the gory incident and refused to open shop for the most part of the day. A colleague of Musa, identified as Ismail Dogo, described the deceased as an upright personality who was respected by

all his colleagues at the market. “It was as if Musa had a premonition of his death. A day before the incident, he had told some of us that he would not travel home for Sallah with his family together. Musa told us that he was not in the mood to travel but he had to go to join his extended family back in the village,” Ismail said. Ismail, who claimed to have worked with Musa for seven years, said that the robbers must have noticed when Musa goes to bank to deposit the day’s proceeds. “How the robbers knew Musa was carrying such an amount of money remains a source of concern to some of us. He was supposed to deposit the money in the bank at the time the robbers struck, which gives the impression that there is something wrong,” Ismail said. It was reported that the robbers fled as some policemen attached to the Opebi Junction were racing down to the scene of the incident. One of the policemen at the Allen Junction identified as Sunday, told Saturday Mirror that the bureau de changer operators give themselves away in the way and manner they carry their money about. The corporal said that the money changers had been advised on many occasions that there is need for police escort for them when taking their money out of their market but they would not cooperate with the law enforcement agents on it. Saturday Mirror called Ngozi Braide, Lagos State Police Command spokesperson on the mater but all lines to her route were said to be busy.

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

CRIME WATCH

October 27, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Allegation of infidelity has been known to be the commonest home breaker from time immemorial. But rather than break the home of the Omolades, the beast has claimed the life of one of the partners. How did mere allegation of infidelity degenerate to suspected murder?

SEGUN ADIO

t started sometime in July 2011. One Friday in that fateful month, Paul Omolade, 41, reportedly woke his wife, Omolere, in the middle of the night and confronted her with the allegation that she was having an affair with his friend. The couple live at No 14, Ifesowa Street, Ikorodu area of Lagos State and they are blessed with two girls and a boy. But Omolere reportedly denied the charge and challenged her husband to name the source of the information and the place where she met with her said lover. Paul, who was unmoved by his wife’s defence, reportedly stopped eating her food. He was also said to have abandoned their matrimonial bed. While this disagreement lasted, Omolere pleaded, albeit unsuccessfully with her husband. Paul reportedly insisted that his wife should pack her luggage and leave his house with their kids. Earlier this year, when the matter became unbearable for Omolere, the Sagamu-born woman reported the matter to her in-laws for them to intervene. It was said that Paul’s relatives met on several occasions, in Ikorodu and Shagamu, but Paul declined their olive branch but stood his ground that his wife of 11 years should move out of his house. A typical African woman that Omolere was, she insisted that she would not leave her matrimonial home and abandon her children. With this stance, Paul was reported to seldom come home and when he did, he would keep a distance from his wife and children. That had been the situation since the last time Paul’s family visited the couple at their Ikorodu home in May this year. However, on Monday, 22 October, 2012, something happened in the oneroom apartment home of the Omolades. It was around 10:00 am when all occupants of the compound had left for their various places of work. Before this day, Paul was reported to have been away from home for two weeks. Eyewitnesses said that Paul returned home early that fateful morning drunk and looking fierce. Omolere, a trader, was reported to be

Man batters wife to death for infidelity getting ready to go to her shop having ensured that the kids were taken care of and sent to school. Once Paul entered the apartment, he reportedly engaged his wife in series of provocative questioning and asking her why she still remained in his house. A heated argument then ensued between the feuding couple. Paul was reported to have traded a lot of heavy punches unto the entire body of the woman. Omolere’s cry for help did not yield any result as the entire compound was deserted at the time. When the punches would not cease, Omolere reportedly slumped. It was at this stage that her husband reportedly left her off the hook. Apparently satisfied with his action, Paul changed his clothes, hoping that before he was done with that, Omolere would have got up from the floor and be ready to move her luggage out of the house. But that was

not to be. Just as Paul was reportedly wondering why his wife was still laying on the floor, a neighbour friend of Omolere, who had been hearing the noise from the room, rushed in to offer help. The woman reportedly met a cold Omolere on the floor. The woman reportedly attempted to rush her friend to the hospital but before a vehicle could be arranged, the mother of three was dead. Apparently sensing trouble, Paul reportedly told the woman that he was going to get a doctor friend from a near-by hospital. Off he went and has not been seen until now. Musikilu Adeotan sells engine oil on the same street the Omolades lived. He claimed that the fight between Paul and his wife was well known to everyone in the neighbourhood and that were the co-tenants of the Omolades were to be at home, they might have prevented

Paul from entering the house he rented with his money because of the treatment he had subjected the woman to in recent times. In the words of Adeotan, “The late woman just suffered herself for nothing. For months now, she had been having running battle with her husband over an alleged infidelity charge. On many occasions, people had called the man to counsel him on how best to treat such a case rather than beating his wife and starving her and their children. No one knew this would be how the whole thing would end,” Adeotan said. An elderly neighbour of the Omolades, who craved anonymity, told Saturday Mirror that the matter was reported at the Ikorodu Police Station but before law enforcement agents could arrive at the scene, Paul had taken to his heels. “I don’t’ know what went wrong with the man. On many occasions, some of us elders in the area had called the two of them for reconciliation but the man would not want to listen to anyone. He insisted that his wife should leave his hose, but I never knew that this would be the end of the whole matter. On many occasions, the family of the woman had intervenient but the man was adamant until he eventually killed her,” he said. Ngozi Braide, spokesperson of the Lagos Police Command confirmed the incident and maintained that the suspect was at large. Braide claimed that law enforcement agents have launched a manhunt for the fleeing Paul and expressed optimism that he would be apprehended before long.

Crime Extra ‘I’ll rather be a grave robber than bricklayer’

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 27, 2012

z I’ll rather exhume human parts than rob with a gun – Suspect Matthew Akiode is a bricklayer. He also does menial jobs. But what could have made Akiode and a man of the robe, Pastor Michael, to be in police net allegedly in possession of a human skull? SEGUN ADIO

hree years after Monsurat Bakare, a mother of three, had died and had been buried, mortals are yet to allow her body rest. Reason: her skull is now in police custody waiting to be used as evidence in the prosecution of some suspected ritualists. Mosurat reportedly died during a brief illness on 23 October, 2009. Once she passed on, Wasiu, her husband asked that she be buried on the building site he was developing around Sabo Area of the Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. It was discovered that Wasiu Bakare acquired the landed property some years back now but had no money to commence full building construction. But not wanting weeds to take over the vast land, especially that his late wife was buried on the land, Wasiu resorted to weeding the land quarterly. Being a busy man himself, Wasiu used to contract the weeding of his site to a bricklayer, Matthew Akiode. Akiode is reported to get such menial jobs from people in the area once his bricklaying job is not forth-coming. Wasiu and Akiode were also said to have established a strong link long before the former’s wife’s death. So, when this year’s rains intensified, specifically, on 28 August, 2012, Wasiu reportedly asked that Akiode clear the land once again particularly to weed the grave of his late wife. Both men bargained for N2, 000 for the job and Akiode wasted no time in going to work. But midway into Akiode’s work on the site, the unexpected happened: rather than move fast to complete the weeding of the compound, he dashed towards the grave of the dead woman and started to dig into it. It was discovered that Akiode did not make use of the hoe and cutlass with which he was weeding the site to dig the grave. He reportedly produced a long shovel and digging implements for the odd job. In less than half an hour, Akiode

Monsurat’s desecrated grave

Akiode with a human head

Pastor Michael

exhumed Monsurat’s skull and neatly wrapped it inside a cellophane bag. Akiode must have thought he was all alone when he was carrying out his act. But on the balcony of an uncompleted building, some metres away, was a man, later identified as Olalekan Asis, who was trimming palm fronds watching in awe what Akiode was doing. A stunned Olalekan hurried down from where he was working but could not go into the compound where Akiode was working, apparently for fear of being hurt having been in the know of the latter’s shady deals. While con-

templating on what to do, a group of young men strode into the vicinity and Olalekan hurriedly met with them and explained what he just observed to the men. The five of them reportedly forcefully gained entry into the compound and subjected Akiode to intense search. Akiode reportedly put up a bold face at the initial stage, but when the men threatened him, he confessed to his crime and produced Monsurat’s skull from where he hid it. Akiode was later taken to the Ilupeju Divisional Police Headquarters where he revealed that a pastor actually sent

him to carry out the crime. Akiode, claimed the pastor, identified as Michael, promised to give him N6, 000 if he got a human skull for him. “I had been working for Mr. Wasiu for some time now and he could bear me out that I have never been found wanting before. But when things were very difficult for me, and I needed to cater for my family, I had to give in to Pastor’s promptings to get him a human skull,” Akiode said. Relaying how Pastor Michael contracted him for the deal, Akiode continued, “Pastor Michael used to give me jobs to do like other people. One day as I was doing a job for him and he asked for how long would I do the menial job to make good money. He said if I could get him a human skull I would make something better than was I was earning from the menial job I was doing. I was scared because I did not expect such a thing from the man who has a church. I did not give him an answer on that day. I just laughed and continued with my work. So, when the thought came to me again on the day I was broke I said to myself that I would do it if I see any grave in an inconspicuous area. I said doing this is better than taking gun to kill,” Akiode said. Wasiu, 45, late Monsurat’s husband, also bared his mind on the exhuming of his late wife’s skull. His words: “The whole scenario is still like a dream to me I must confess. This is because I never thought that such a thing could happen to anybody I know, let alone me. All I want is for justice to take its full course.” Pastor Michael initially denied involvement in the saga claiming that Akiode used to have record of mental illness. But police investigations revealed some conversations between Akiode and the self-acclaimed man of God. In Pastor Michael’s defence, “I would not know why this man is making this allegation against me. I am a man of God in the service of God. I am satisfied with what God has done for me so far. Then why should I involve myself in this type of dirty thing? I know my God is there watching all over what is hidden to man.” The two men were later whisked to the Homicide Section of the Ogun State CID, Elewe Eran, Abeokuta. Confirming the arrest of the two suspects, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said investigations are still ongoing on the issue.

October 27, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lagosians react to Okada ban

Lagosians received news of the recent ban of commercial motorcyclists by the Lagos State government from its major highways, with mixed feelings. ANDREW EKEJIUBA went to town to sample opinions on the controvercial ban.

Govt is not fair to Okada riders Mr. Tunde Raphael (Security personnel) I am not happy over the ban of the activities of commercial motorcyclists in Lagos State because they help in the fast movement of people and goods across one part of the state to the other. My reason for taking this stand is hinged on the fact that the state government failed to understand that the operators of commercial motorcycles have families and relations to cater for. What do they want them to do now to feed their wards? On the contrary, the only annoying thing about okada riders is that they have allowed foreigners

Raphael

from neighbouring countries to infiltrate them and they are the ones causing these problems of robberies and accidents on roads, necessitating the state government to tell them to stay away from the highways.

It will affect social activities Mr. Anusa Victor (Civil servant) I don’t support the ban because it will adversely affect the social activities of Lagosians. Ideally, in other states where the activities of okada riders were banned, they were given an ultimatum of a year to help those involved to prepare for the leave. But in Lagos, the ban was done abruptly and you can see that both the commuters and the operators of okada business are affected negatively. If you look at the scenario economically, the owners of these motor-

Victor

cycles, the riders and the sellers are at a heavy loss as a result of the ban. You can also imagine the number of people rendered jobless.

Govt acted well Mrs Apolonia Okeke (House wife) The ban is good because if you walk on the road you will see the great hazard okada riders pose on the roads. Even when I walk on the roads I’m scared of these okada riders because they don’t ride with caution. The issue of accidents and robberies are so common on our roads and would be reduced following the ban of the activities of these commercial motorcyclists. I thank God for the ban because accidents caused by okada riders would be

Okeke

reduced and it is better we face only the motorists alone in this quest.

It will make many jobless Mr. Akeem Amusa (Driver) The ban is not good because so many families depend on the proceeds from their okada riding to feed. With the ban, people would be rendered jobless and this will increase the number of pick-pockets and robbers at our bus stops. I remember that before okada was banned in Cross River State, the state government provid-

Mr. Pius Omang (Businessman)

Amusa

ed tricycles (Keke Marwa) for these okada riders to buy on hire purchase.

It’s a welcome development Mr. Omada John (Engineer)

Actually the ban of okada riders on the highway is a welcome development in Lagos State because they cause great havoc on the roads. In some states and some cities like Abuja, Port Harcourt and Uyo where these okada riders were banned, nothing happened, so why should we spare Lagos commercial motorcyclists? Why are the okada riders agitating riotously? They went as far as burning people’s vehicles which is bad. Does it mean that they can’t find something else to do? I don’t support them ply-

I don’t support the ban of the activities of commercial motorcyclists on Lagos roads because Lagosians will find it hard to move from one place to the other especially those parts of Lagos that are not motorable. I am bitter over the ban because the state government refused to give these okada riders an alternative means of livelihood before they were banned. For instance, in Cross River State, before they were banned, the state govern-

Omang

ment brought in so many taxis and issued them to the okada riders on hire purchase thereby providing alternative means of livelihood for them. I bet you, with what Lagos State government has done, more people would be out of job and crime rate will increase.

If in Abuja, why not Lagos Alh. Sodiq Martins (Journalist)

John

ing the highways because of the danger they pose on the roads via so many accidents and robberies.

Commuters will suffer

Mr. Jacob Bassey (Physiotherapist)

The okada ban in Lagos is not good because those who patronise them will suffer a lot because of the heavy traffic on Lagos roads. Aside that, those who patronise them as a result of meeting up their special appointments are also going to suffer. Actually, what led to this ban is because of the negative activities of some foreign invaders from Niger and other surrounding countries in the business since they use okada to rob and cause accidents on the highways. I feel what the Lagos State government was supposed to have done was to refine the manner which these commercial motorcyclists operate through trainings and fishing out the foreigners among them and deport-

Govt should have provided an alternative

Bassey

ing them. The ban would make movements by Lagosians tough and the most annoying thing is that the police are capitalising on the ban to impound every motorcycle seen anywhere in the state, even those operating far away from the highways are not sparred. This is very bad!

The ban as far as I’m concerned is good, and it is coming late because if Abuja could curb the activities of okada riders I don’t know why it took Lagos State so long to ban these people. The demerits of okada usage outweigh the merits in the society because most of the armed robberies, killings, kidnappings and other vices committed in Lagos State are by them. The okada people don’t have any regulation and they ride as if they are in another society of their own. For example, when one okada man commits an offence, his colleagues will gather and mob the other party, not minding who is at fault. People say okada provides jobs, are we providing jobs for ourselves or foreigners? Most of the people who ride okada in Lagos are mostly foreigners, so what are we saying? Aside that, most or our skilled people like carpenters and welders have abandoned their businesses and are now riding okada and today people are crying over the shortage of skilled men or artisans. And the worst case scenario is that okada riders do not care about their

Martins

health status; some are underage while some are so old that they cannot see well. Mr. Richard Dawodu (Administrative Secretary) I don’t like the idea of banning the okada riders because if you look at Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola’s government, it has tried in terms of policy making in the state, but in this case it failed to give an alternative means of livelihood to the okada riders. It failed to formulate a policy that would capture and take care of the plight of the victims of okada ban.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGIONAL NEWS

October 27, 2012

NORTH

Benue monarch blames FG for sectarian killings HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

second class chief in Benue State and the Ter Tyoshin, Chief Daniel Abomtse, has blamed the federal government for the sectarian killings of the Tiv people by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the state. The paramount ruler who spoke to Saturday Mirror at the weekend in Makurdi observed that the

incessant attacks resulting in the killings and destruction of properties of the Tiv farmers dates back to 1986 at Keana in Nassarawa State where the attack initially began. Chief Abomtse claimed that attempts were made to eliminate Tor Tiv Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula. Chief Abomtse who said he was then the press secretary to the Tor Tiv and also accompanied him to the ceremony, relived the ugly

experience thus “If you observe the problem of the Tiv nation, it is such that the hatred by other ethnic groups to the Tivs who are mostly neighbours especially the Agatu and Alagos of Nassarawa State” Abomtse maintained that the hatred stemmed from the fact that the Tivs are the majority and had occupied vast land. He claimed that that warring ethinc groups then pledged to do everything

within their powers to weaken the Tivs. The second class chief also disclosed that over 76 persons lost their lives in the incessant Fulani attacks this year alone. The monarch thenlamented that no meaningful efforts on the part of the federal government was made to call the perpetrators of this heinous acts to order.. He also revealed that the Sultan of Sokoto His Eminence Sai’d Abubakar

was at various times been briefed on the sectarian killings of the Tiv farmers of Benue state by the incessant attacks which the Tor Tiv Dr. Alfred Torkula had at various times met with the Sultan in view to find truce to the lingering crisis. According to him “what you are seeing is not just a matter of mere killings alone but also we pose a threat to other ethnicities just because of

our numerical strength the Tiv race having come 5th among other major ethnic nationalities in the country.” He further explained that, “part of the genocide is also calculated by the other minority tribes who are also our neigbours because we do not belong to the Kwararafa kingdom which to them see us as a threat thus imploring any means to ensure that we do not undo them”.

Taraba seeks Cuba’s partnership in agric, medicine

L-R: Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Sagir Saleh (left), and the State’s Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Ladan, at the Eid-El-Kabir Prayers in Bauchi, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Wamakko did not beat PHCN officials – Aide

alam Sani Umar, the Special Assistant on Media to Gov. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State, has described as false report that some PHCN officials were assaulted by the governor. Umar , according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) denied the report in Sokoto on Thursday. He described the report as ``an attempt to discredit Wamakko’s administration. ``The issue of the alleged beating is mischievous and an attempt to bring the government into public disrepute.” Umar was reacting to a statement credited to the Sokoto/Zamfara State Council of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), alleging that the governor personally assaulted some PHCN officials who came to his house in Wamakko to inspect a faulty transformer.

The statement, jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the union, Abubakar Sani and Yusuf Abdulkarim, respectively, alleged that Wamakko assaulted four PHCN officials who came to inspect the faulty 2.5 MVA transformer. Consequently, the union said that its members felt that they were no longer safe in the state, while its executive council resolved to withdraw its members from all PHCN formations. They also resolved to ensure a total blackout in the state till further notice. As a result, the PHCN had since disconnected electricity supply to some public institutions in the state. The institutions that are affected by the disconnection include the Government House, Sokoto; the state Water Board; the state Specialist Hospital and Shehu Shagari Col-

lege of Education, Sokoto. However, Umar said that ``the PHCN is only looking for public sympathy. ``They collected N17 million from the state government and they failed to repair the transformer after removing it five times. ``The PHCN is on an economic sabotage mission in the state. The matter is being handled by the security agencies and the state Commissioner for Justice.’’ Addressing a press conference in Sokoto on Thursday, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and some concerned youths condemned the PHCN action as ``inhuman’’. Malam Kasimu Nakura, the Secretary-General of NANS (Zone A), said that the action of the PHCN had threatened the lives of the people of the state. He called on President Goodluck Jonathan and the

National Assembly to intervene in the matter and ensure the immediate restoration of electricity supply to the affected places.

araba State governor, Danbaba Suntai has solicited Cuba’s collaboration in efforts to develop the agricultural sector of the state’s economy. The governor made the request in Jalingo when Amb. Hugu Ramos, the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, visited him before he was involved in a plane crash. Suntai particularly expressed his desire to replicate Cuba’s Labio Farms in Taraba, as part of efforts to boost the state’s economy. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Suntai recently visited Cuba to explore potential areas of bilateral relationship between Taraba and the country. ``What I saw in Labio Farms overwhelmed me; I will like it to be replicated here in Taraba. Labio Farms produce fertiliser,

human and animal medicines, among other amazing products,” he said. The governor also called for an agreement that would enable English-speaking Cuban medical doctors to come and work in Taraba, as part his government’s efforts to improve health care delivery. Ramos told Suntai that he was in the state to discuss potential areas of collaboration that would be of mutual benefit to his country and Taraba. He noted that more than 50 per cent of Cuba’s population were of African descent, adding that they shared similar culture with Nigerians. Ramos assured the governor that Cuban doctors would come to assist the state, adding that the embassy would also send the details of the cost of replicating Labio Farms in Taraba to him.

Emir warns citizens on immunisation

he Emir of Gwandu of Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammad Bashar, has warned parents in his domain against preventing their children from being immunised against polio and measles. The monarch gave the warning in Birnin Kebbi, yesterday, as part of his address to the people to mark the Eid-El-Kabir. He said that allowing children to participate in immunisation is part of the efforts to reduce child mortality and prevent permanent deformity. The royal father said two cases of measles outbreak were recorded in the state and called for cautionary measures to prevent fur-

ther spread of the disease especially considering the change in weather. “The change in weather calls for proper environmental sanitation and personal hygiene.” Bashar used the occasion to also call on victims of flood disaster “to take heart as it was an act of God”. He however, commended the state authorities, individuals and groups for assisting the victims. Bashar advised the farmers to engage in vigorous dry season farming. He commended security agencies in the state on the low level of crime and advised people to always assist the agencies with information on criminal ac-

tivities. He prayed for continued peace and unity of the nation and safe return of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia. In his sermon during the Eid-El-Kabir prayers, the Chief Imam of the state, Alhaji Liman Mukhtar, enjoined Muslims to embrace the teachings of Islam, considering the fact that the religion preaches peace. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) the state acting governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, and the secretary to the state government, Alhaji Nurudeen Kangiwa, Sen. Atiku Bagudu and members of state executive councils attended the Eid -Fitr prayer.

REGIONAL NEWS

October 27, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NORTH

HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

eneral Manager of Benue State Water & Sanitation Agency, (BERWASSA) Dr. James Aper, has said that water borne diseases like Cholwera, Huinea Worm and Epidemic, hitherto rampant in the area are now declining fast in the areas. Dr. Aper who spoke to Saturday Mirror yesterday in Makurdi disclosed that he could now beat his chest that the diseases are now a thing of the past follow-

Epidemic in Benue on the decline - Agency ing the intervention of his agency in those communities. Aper explained that the agency had, prior to provision of potable water, embarked on awareness campaign programmes among the people of the communities. Aper then advised the people of the affected areas to desist from defecating in bushes or open areas, and ensure proper disposal of human waste

by using underground or in toilets. He also encouraged them to wash their hands properly before and after food. He expressed satisfac-

tion that after embarking on the vigorous exercise the people had yielded to the instructions and also erected toiletries facilities within their compound.

According to him, the introduction of toilet facilities coupled with motorized bore holes as well as digging of wells for potable water have eased the prob-

lems in the areas. Aper revealed that plans are on underway to ensure that anyone who violates sanitation laws will not be spared in the communities.

Group protest Kogi Speaker, other’s impeachment ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

group, known as Kogi Democratic Youth Forum, has staged a solidarity protest against the recent impeachment of the Speaker and other principal officers of the house by the members of state’s House of Assembly. Leaders of the association, Isiaka Suleiman and Abdullahi Adamu, in a statement issued in Lokoja and made available to the journalists condemned the impeachment and described it illegal and constitutional. The group alleged that the state has economically been retarded for the past years due to protacted political crisis among the

elite in the state. The group said the peaceful protest became necessary in view of the flagrant disregard by a faction of the lawmakers to go and for sitting after the directive from the members of the Ad-hoc committee from the House of Representatives to the entire house to stop legislative proceedings pending the outcome of their investigation. The group therefore called on the Ad-hoc Committee to ensure that justice is done without fear or favour in order to avert further crisis. It would be recalled that Kogi State House of Assembly has broken into two factions following the impeachment of the Speaker, Abdullahi Bello and the principal officers of the house.

Benue flood victims get 500 mattresses ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

lood disasters victims inKogi State have continued to receive donations from well meaning individuals and groups as about 500 mattresses were donated to them by Mouka Foams Limited The managing director of the organisation, Peju Adebanjo, who presented the items to the state government in Lokoja said this is the company’s little way of responding to the distressed situation. Adebanjo stated that similar donations have been made to the affected persons

in Edo and Delta states, stressing that the company has equally visited many camps as well as given a helping hand to the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA. Receiving the items on behalf the state government, the Special Adviser to the governor on Special Duties, Air Commodore Onuekutu (rtd) commended the company for responding to the plight of the victims of the natural disaster. Onuekutu promised that the state government will ensure adequate utilization of the delivered items.

Chief Imam of Police College Mosque, Alhaji Muhammed Waziri (right), reading from the Holy Qur’an during the Eid-El-Kabir prayers in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Kaduna Rotary club donates N7m ambulance to community AZA MSUE KADUNA

he Rotary Club of Barnawa, Kaduna has commissioned a N7 million ambulance it donated to the Saint Gerald Catholic hospital, Kaduna. The project was carried out in conjunction with Rotary International. About 26 Indian surgeons are expected to work on the project. Speaking at the occasion, The Rotary Club District 9125 Governor, Mr Felix Obada said that the organization would offer free surgery to 500 polio victims

nationwide. According to Mr Obada “We have assembled a medical team that will operate 500 polio victims all over the country free of charge. 26 surgeons are coming from India to perfom the operation in Abuja,” he said. Earlier, the president of Rotary Club of Barnawa,Kaduna,Mr Emmanuel Nosiri said recently the organization donated a refrigerator blood bank with power generator to the same hospital . Nosiri, called on other nongovernmental organizations to emulate the gesture appealed

for the expansion of Saint Gerald Catholic Hospital accident emergency unit to lease patients congestion. In the words of Nosiri, “Among other projects, Rotary has reached the lives of so many communities by providing pump bore holes for water, equipping schools with laboratory equipments, providing text books, school desks and food distribution in terms of crises. In all these, the polio eradication is not left out,” Nosiri said. In his remarks, the Archbishop, Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna, Most

Revered Mathew Man’oso Ndagoso commended Rotary club for embarking on selfless service to mankind, saying the hospital would continue to offer quality health care to the people irrespective of tribe and religious affiliations. Archbishop Ndagoso said as a religious hospital, saving lives would remain its top priority. His words, “We are ready to safe lives without following due process.As a religious organization we can’t wait for police report before treating any accident victims,” he said.

Sultan urges three tiers of govt to bolster security, development efforts

he Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged the three tiers of government to bolster their efforts aimed at ensuring security and other developmental strides. The Sultan said this on Friday in Sokoto in his Sallah message to the Muslim

Ummah in the country. Abubakar, who was represented by the Magajin Rafin Sokoto, Alhaji Rilwanu Bello, however, stressed that the issues of ensuring peace, unity and security should not be left to the three tiers of government alone. The Sultan commended the Federal Govern-

ment for its ongoing programmes aimed at ensuring even development across the country. He appealed to Nigerians not to waste their abundant farm produce harvested this year, even as he advised the farmers against selling them to middle men.

“We should pay Zakat appropriately and duly. Farmers should also intensify efforts on massive dry season farming. “As the harmattan season is also approaching, we should exercise caution in the usage of fire and protect ourselves and our children,” Abubakar cautioned.

Bayero calls for sustenance of peace through prayer

mir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, has called for constant prayers for the sustenance of peace and stability in the state. The Emir made the call while addressing thou-

sands of Muslims after the Eid-el-Kabir prayer at the Central Mosques in Kano on Friday. Bayero also called on the people of the state to always live by the dictates of Islam and avoid com-

mitting sins that could earn them the wrath of Allah. The emir also prayed for the successful return of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia after the completion of this

year’s Hajj. Those who attended the prayer session were members of the emirate council, Kano State Deputy Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, and other top government officials.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

October 27, 2012

Malala: Father upbeat about future

Malala, 14-year-old Pakistani activist shot by Taliban sees her family for the first time after attack

Barack Obama casts vote early in Chicago

S President Barack Obama has cast his vote in his hometown of Chicago as his campaign seeks to boost early ballots in a neck-and-neck election race. Obama, who is on a twoday campaign marathon across eight states, is the first president to vote early. His Republican challenger, Mitt Romney, is in Ohio, a swing state which could hold the key to the White House. Thirteen days from the election, a new national poll says Mr Romney has 50%47% support among likely voters. The survey, produced for ABC News by Langer Research Associates, finds that when asked about which candidate they would

trust more to handle the economy, 52% backed Romney versus 43% for Obama, the first time a candidate has held a clear lead on the issue. The president’s ballot casting on Thursday was part of his campaign’s wider effort to encourage early voting, with many states holding open in-person polls this week. First Lady Michelle Obama voted by absentee ballot on 15 October. It is estimated that 7.2 million people have already cast early ballots, and that about 35% of the electorate will have already voted by polling day. Because the US election is a state-by-state contest, a presidential candidate must win key battlegrounds like

Ohio, Virginia and Florida, which do not reliably vote for either party. No Republican has ever won the White House without taking Ohio. The Obama campaign recently won a court ruling to keep Ohio’s early voting open through the weekend before the election. Former Massachusetts Governor Romney made three stops across the MidWestern state on Thursday, while his running mate Paul Ryan spent the day in Virginia. But they have been distracted by the fall-out from a fellow Republican candidate’s remarks on Tuesday night that pregnancy from rape was part of God’s plan. The Romney campaign has said it disagreed with the comments by anti-abor-

tion Indiana Senate hopeful Richard Mourdock, although it did not withdraw support from him. “We disagree on the policy regarding exceptions for rape and incest, but still support him,” a campaign spokeswoman said. Republicans running in tight contests elsewhere have repudiated Mourdock’s remarks. Obama also criticized Mourdock on a US latenight talk show on Wednesday. “I don’t know how these guys come up with these ideas... rape is rape. It is a crime,” Obama told host Jay Leno, adding that politicians had no business making decisions for women about their bodies and health choices.

Silvio Berlusconi sentenced for tax fraud

ormer Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been handed a jail sentence and barred from office after being found guilty of tax fraud. The Milan court sentenced him to four years but later cut it to one year because of an amnesty law. He and others were accused of buying US film rights at inflated prices via two offshore companies under his control. Mr Berlusconi, who has faced a number of trials, will remain free pending an appeal against the verdict. He has in the past either been cleared, or cases have

run beyond the judicial time limit. In the case for which he was sentenced on Friday, prosecutors argued that part of the money declared for the purchase of film rights was skimmed off to create illegal slush funds, reducing tax liabilities for Mr Berlusconi’s Mediaset group. The court handed Mr Berlusconi a longer sentence than the three years and eight months requested by prosecutors. However, it later announced that the sentence would be cut to one year due to a 2006 amnesty law aimed at reducing prison overcrowding. It ordered him and his

co-defendants to pay 10m euros (£8m) in damages and banned him from holding public office for three years. Both the jail term and the ban would only take effect if the sentence is upheld by a higher court, Italian news agency Ansa reported. In all, 11 people were on trial. Three were acquitted including Mediaset chairman Fedele Confalonieri, a close associate of Mr Berlusconi, and four were cleared because the statute of limitations had run out. The three others convicted alongside the former prime minister included Hollywood producer Frank

Agrama, who received a three-year sentence. The trial began six years ago and has been subject to repeated delays, in part because of an immunity law that protected Mr Berlusconi while he was prime minister. The BBC’s David Willey in Rome says Mr Berlusconi is unlikely ever to serve his sentence as the conviction first has to be confirmed by two successive courts of appeal. The appeals could take years, he adds. However, it is the first time that Mr Berlusconi has been convicted of any crime concerned with his business activities.

he father of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl activist shot by the Taliban, has said his daughter is recovering well in the UK. Ziauddin Yousafzai said his daughter would “rise again” to pursue her dreams. He said he had cried when he saw for the first time Malala standing at the hospital in Birmingham, that it was “a miracle” she had survived a bullet grazing her brain as he had considered making preparations for her funeral. But when he saw her clean her own mouth with her shawl on a helicopter flight, he thought maybe her condition was not too serious. Malala Yusafzai was first admitted to a hospital in the Swat valley, then flown by helicopter to Peshawar after gunmen shot her on her school bus in the main town of Mingora. The Pakistan Taliban has claimed the attack, saying it shot her for “promoting secularism.” Malala had campaigned for the rights of girls to have an education and

had written a diary for the BBC Urdu service when the Pakistan Taliban controlled Swat in 2009. Surgeons in Pakistan worked for days to save her life, operating on her to remove a bullet which had lodged in her neck. She was moved to Britain because of the need for a safe environment for her recovery. Mr Yousafzai said the Pakistani president had taken the decision to move her. But he said his daughter had received “the right treatment at the right place at the right time”. “The person who attacked her, they wanted to kill her,” Mr Yousafzai said. “But I will simply say that she fell temporarily. “She will rise again. She will stand again and she can stand now. But when she fell, Pakistan stood.” He said he hoped the incident would be a turning point. Mr Yousufzai has said his daughter will return to Pakistan once she has recovered and that she was determined to continue her schooling.

Afghanistan mosque suicide bomb attack kills at least 41

suicide bomber targeted worshippers who had gathered at a mosque in north Afghanistan for prayers to mark Eid al-Adha, killing at least 41 people. More than 50 people were wounded in the attack, which happened as people were leaving the Eid Gah mosque in Maymana, capital of Faryab province. Senior provincial government and police officials attended the prayers, but appeared to escape serious injury. The victims were mainly police officers and civilians. Officials said that 14 civilians and six children were among the dead. “We had just finished Eid al-Adha prayers and we were congratulating and hugging each other,” deputy provincial governor Abdul Satar Barez told the AFP news agency. “Suddenly a big explosion took place and the area was full of dust and smoke and body parts of police and civilians were all over the place. It

was a very powerful explosion.” One survivor told the BBC that the attacker had used potent explosives and ball bearings inside his suicide jacket to cause maximum casualties. Mr Barez said senior police and government officials had been the target, but were inside the mosque at the time so escaped the force of the blast. Shafi Bekoghlu, a BBC Uzbek reporter based in Maymana, said he had been due to go to the mosque but was running late so went to a different mosque for Eid prayers. “Just as I got home, I heard a very loud explosion. I rushed to the hospital and saw lots of cars, police cars and ambulances - carrying bodies in,” he said, adding that police fired warning shots into the air to prevent people entering the hospital. “I went back to the hospital a couple of hours later and saw the bodies of policemen lined up.”

Quote Saturday, October 27, 2012. www.nationalmirroronline.net

the

day

Whatever happened to me was God’s design for my life. I thank Him for keeping me alive and I also thank my family and Nigerians for praying for me. Dame Patience Jonathan, First Lady of Nigeria, during her 55th birthday thanksgiving ceremony during the week.

Africa: The new frontier (II)

he Africa Progress Panel chaired by Kofi Annan and of which I am a member has much to say in its 2012 Policy Paper. The scale of Africa’s human development challenges does not obscure enormous progress in pushing back poverty, improving health and getting more children into school. This transformation is taking place against the background of a profound demographic shift. Africa’s population is growing faster than in any other region. Over the next few decades, there will be a surge in the number of young people. With fertility rates beginning to decline, Africa could be on the brink of the type of demographic revolution that Asia experienced three decades ago. As the ratio of people of working age to dependants rises, economic growth could get a further boost – a demographic dividend. What Africa must do is to ensure that its population is educated, provided with skills to be able to make necessary contribution with sustained development. At the same time, steadily increasing stability is reducing the risks that have long deterred investors. Multiparty democracy is now firmly established across Africa, where more elections were held in 2011 than in any previous year. One explanation for the Arab Spring not yet resulting in a more telling revolt south of the Sahara is probably that democracy,

with President Olusegun Obasanjo hexcellency2011@yahoo.com multiparty elections and political freedom are getting more deeply embedded in sub-Saharan Africa than in the Middle East and North Africa. But Africa still needs to avoid the danger of unemployment revolution. Recent economic growth suggests that parts of Africa may be pulling out of the conflict trap – the vicious circle in which conflict hampers growth and low growth breeds conflict – as governments and development partners tackle one of the greatest challenges facing the region: capitalizing on the opportunity created by rising income. The level of armed violence is diminishing with Africa’s share of the world’s violent conflicts falling from 55 per cent in 2002 to 24 per cent in 2011. All of these factors have contributed to a steadily improving business environ-

ment, helped by a range of global and regional initiatives aimed at improving transparency and stemming corruption. These have benefitted the natural resource sector, in particular, just as a wave of oil and gas discoveries confronts a new group of countries with the need to manage resource contracts and revenues wisely. At the same time, striking growth rates in countries that lack such resources, such as Ethiopia, are pointing the way to a more stable, more prosperous future in which growth is built on a more diversified economic and participatory base. African countries need investment partners to help them confront and exploit the particular mix of challenges and opportunities they face. We examine some of those here, including the trans-

SPORT EXTRA

fore boarding another Ceiba International Airlines flight to Bata. They finally touched down at the Bata International Airport at 11.55 pm where the LOC officials and Ibrahim Umar, the Consular-General, Nigeria Consulate in Bata, met the team and proceeded to escort them to their Villa Celotti lodge, where they spent the night. Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Director of Competitions, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi lamented the treatment meted out to the Nigerian delegation. “The treatment given to us was unprofessional and negates the spirit of sportsmanship. Our accommodation is not befitting of competitions prac-

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES

Falcons begin AWC title defence igeria’s Super Falcons have arrived Equatorial Guinea ahead of the 2012 African Women’s Championship (AWC). The Falcons, who are the defending champions, left Accra, Ghana on a 5pm flight on Wednesday and arrived at the Malabo International Airport at 8.30pm local time. The Nigerian Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea, Ambassador Benjamin Sunday Bassey alongside other officials from the embassy were on ground to receive the delegation of 21 players and 13 technical and administrative staff, at the airport. The team waited for three hours at the Malabo International Airport be-

formative force of technology, the untapped potential of agriculture, and the key role of skills in empowering young Africans to claim the 21st century as their own. Africa is a New Pole of Attention for Global Investors We are currently witnessing a paradigm shift in the world’s economy that favours Africa. Global foreign direct investment inflows into African countries have risen over the last decade to $60bn in 2011. Emerging powers such as China, Russia, India and Brazil are increasing their investment in Africa while South Africa has seen a five-fold increase since 1994 in its trade across the continent. Private capital and access to international capital is spawning a new financial and investment landscape in Africa. Africa provides investors with unparalleled opportunities to create new and improve existing businesses, underpinned by improving macro-economic fundamentals, and abundant natural resources. Investors can have real impact on the communities in which they invest. While historically investment has been geared towards commodities and infrastructure, the rise of the African middle class and consumerism has created more opportunities. This is a world where there is tremendous opportunity for private equity.

tices. “We will make an official complaint to CAF today. We are here for serious business and will not allow anything to distract us and deter our progress,” Sanusi said. Nigeria are in Group B of the 2012 AWC. The Super Falcons begin their campaign against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses at the Nkoantama Stadium, Bata on October 29 before facing Ethiopia at the same venue, on November 1. The AWC champions will then round off their preliminary campaign at the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo, Malabo, against the Ivory Coast on November 4.

Today’s Matches Aston Villa v Norwich 12:45 Arsenal v QPR 15:00 Reading v Fulham 15:00 Stoke City v Sunderland 15:00 Wigan v West Ham 15:00 Man City v Swansea 17:30

Sunday, October 28, 2012 Everton v Liverpool 13:30 Newcastle v West Brom 15:00 Southampton v Tottenham 15:00 Chelsea v Manchester Utd 16:00

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