Saturday, October 5, 2012 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Cynthia

P. 12

Court warns over delay in prosecution Vol. 02 No. 43

It takes more than talent to Paporrella be a star –Zdon Papor

P. 18

N150

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Bakassi: FG shops for lawyers to argue case •Banks on fresh facts for victory

P. 7

Alleged N78m fraud

Bayelsa Speaker, deputy, others under probe P. 12

Lagos to build ‘houses on water’ P. 8 Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, dancing with some of his Ndi Ichie at the 11th Ofala festival in Onitsha on Friday

Mubi killings

Oil subsidy fraud: EFCC

Northern schools tighten security arraigns 13 more marketers •Police deny arrest of suspects P. 7

N’Delta govs paid militants N150m monthly –Rivers D’Gov

P. 8

P. 49

Living

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October 6, 2012

INSIDE

Mubi massacre latest

P.38

Shit millionaires P.35

Submerged houses in Anambra State

The Great Flood goes East Anambra worst hit ––Presidential Presidential Team

A I will go to jail with my daughter –Drug courier

P.52

Federal Government delegation, led by the Minister of Environment, Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafa, who was accompanied by the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, the Minister of State for Works, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda and the chairman, National Emergency Management Agency, Mohammad Sani Sidi has declared that Anambra State is the worst hit by the flood currently ravaging 14 states of the country. The delegation made this declaration

after touring affected areas of the State. The Minister of Environment said the enormous destruction wrought by the flood in Anambra State is a natural result of the State being situated at the lowest point of the River Niger. The Minister of Aviation, whose house was among those submerged, said the situation was beyond human comprehension. Other notable Anambra indigenes whose properties were also submerged include Prince John Emeka, a former

Smarter than Einstein!

12-yr-old schoolgirl has an IQ of 162 P.26

Gov. Obi wades through the flood

…as 15 Imo communities go under CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

Man, 40, defiles, impregnates P.53 15-yr-old ward

Nigerian doctor commits suicide in England P.40

minister; the former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Prince Chinedu Emeka; the Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Princess Chinwe Nwebili and the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Oselloka Obaze. The Aviation Minister noted that while in other communities, houses and farmland were destroyed, in Anambra State, multi billion Naira industries, including the three industries the President commissioned only on August 30 when he visited the State as well as Orient Petroleum facility and office were currently under water. Conducting them round the flooded areas, some of which were only accessible by helicopter, Governor Obi said that four Local Government areas of Anambra West, Ayamelum, Anambra East and Ogbaru were completely submerged in water, while four others, Awka North, Ihiala and Onitsha North and Onitsha South suffered various degrees of destruction . President Goodluck Jonathan, while meeting governors of the affected states, discussed various measures to assist and reduce the suffering of the people. Speaking at the meeting, Governor Obi thanked the President for his care and concern and for setting up a Presidential team to look into the disaster.

o fewer than 15 communities in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo state have been sacked by ravaging flood caused by the overflowing Oguta Lake. At Ndegwu, one of the affected communities in Oguta, the devastating flood over ran the village completely even as Oguta Lake submerged the bridge linking Egbema and Uli in Anambra state, sacking several villages along the bank of the lake. The home of Senator Arthur Nzeribe was not spared. It was cut off from the rest of the community as the road leading to his country home was heavily flooded.

Some of the other villages affected by the ravaging flood which caused serious havoc along Aba and Onitsha roads, include Umuanam, Apatu, Umuakishi, Umoma. Also the road that leads from Oguta and Egbu has been overtaken by the flood. Trapped residents of these communities now rely on commercial boats which ferry them around for N100 per trip. In some of the villages the flood has continued in volume and intensity following yesterday morning’s downpour, which washed away buildings and farmlands. The displaced people who were yet to be resettled by government have taken refuge in available public places and homes of relatives. Governor Rochas Okorocha who vis-

ited the place to access the level of damage done by the flood expressed shock at the level of devastation, describing the situation as unusual in Imo State. He expressed regrets that most of the people affected by the flood are poor farmers and artisans who already have too much to worry about as they hardly make ends meet on a daily basis. He lamented that most of the affected communities are in the oil producing areas, which makes it difficult for oil workers to attend their daily functions. Meanwhile, a committee has been set up by the state government to access the level of devastation, make recommendations and send relief materials to the displaced persons.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 6, 2012

Saturday Starter

“While there is nothing wrong in taking loans for useful purposes, there is everything wrong in not willing to pay back.” And with this in mind, the Central Bank Of Nigeria (CBN) barred 113 companies and 419 directors/shareholders from getting further bank loans because they “failed to repay their loans valued at N5 million and above to banks.” There is outcry against these defaulters, who are seen as cornering the ‘common wealth’ for their own self-centred use. But of course even debtor-businesses will continue to require fund injections, and some of these defaulters are already being adversely affected beyond the ordinary ‘bad publicity’ effect. General Editor, Lanre Oyetade, takes an incisive look at the development.

Unmasking big-time loan defaulters

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in a September 17, 2012 circular barred the Deposit Money Banks from extending further credit to 113 companies not qualified for further credit facilities until they have settled their bad loans each amounting to N5 billion and above, to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) in a move purportedly aimed at strengthening financial stability and instilling discipline in the banking sector. To ensure compliance, the apex bank warned that any bank that flouts the guidelines would be made to make an immediate provision of 100 per cent of total principal and interest outstanding in the account of the customer and related parties, in addition to whatever regulatory penalties the CBN may decide to impose. The apex bank had said the debtors, amongst who

are Mr. Femi Otedola, Alhaji Syyu Dantata, Prof. Barth Nnaji, Mrs Elizabeth Ebi, and Dr. Wale Babalakin and their firms, among others, should no longer be allowed further credit by banks. The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has, however, noted that the publication of the list by newspapers was unauthorised as it was intended for the information and use of the banks only, and has equally advised the CBN to revise the list of debtors, arguing that some of the names on the list should not have been there. AMCON, in a statement, confirmed that it “provided the list of its debtors to CBN in the course of its compliance with due administrative regulation,” adding that as at date of transCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

October 6, 2012

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Saturday Starter

Naming big-time loan defaulters CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 mission to CBN, the list was accurate and that the list would continue to be updated whenever concrete settlements with AMCON are reached. The advice, AMCON said in the statement, followed what it referred to as objections by some debtors whose names should not have been on the list based on the fact that “there had been changes to the debt positions of few specific debtors to AMCON due to restructuring and/or repayments.” Soon after the publication, some of the debtors listed had published paid advertorials on the status of their debts. The fact remains, however, that the list of defaulting debtors is still very long and the amounts huge, even after such adjustments have been effected. In fact, even though the CBN, as regulator of the financial services sector, had published the names of only 113 companies and organisations as recalcitrant defaulters, industry sources have revealed that the list was actually much more than the number published, and could actually be in excess of 400. Meanwhile, shareholders of banks have said the decision of AMCON and the CBN to ‘persuade’ bad debtors to honour their obligations by way of ‘naming and shaming’ is a welcome development. The shareholders said the directive and publication of the names of the bad debtors showed the courage and commitments of the apex bank in addressing a major cause of banking failure in the past.

They noted that bad debtors had in the past catalysed the collapse of banks by using all means to frustrate loans recovery, leaving shareholders to bear the brunt. It is on record that more than two million shareholders lost their investments in failed banks due to bad debts and other issues. For instance, the President, Nigeria Shareholders Solidarity Association (NSSA), Chief Timothy Adesiyan, said, as owners of the banks, shareholders considered the latest move by the apex bank as a major antidote to banking failure and further step in the protection of their investments. According to him, the restriction on loans to bad debtors and release of their names could have some moral and psychological impacts on the debtors as they may be goaded to resume negotiations for settlement of their loans. Adesiyan drew attention to the fact that the funds trapped with the bad debtors are deposits of customers including the average Nigerian. He added that the funds used by the AMCON to purchase the bad loans and clean banks’ balance sheet are tax payers’ funds belonging to all Nigerians. He noted that periodic publication of names of bad debtors, after all means to make them to pay up had failed, would have some influence on the bad debtors as an average Nigerian does not want his name to be published in bad light. Another shareholders’ leader, Alhaji Gbadebo Olatokunbo, said investors would support any approach that would

Sanusi

bring back bad loans into the coffers of the banks or the public treasury. “There is no big deal in exposing them now, the banks and AMCON have used all means to implore them (debtors) to pay but they appeared determined to go away with the funds. Anyone that feels embarrassed should pay back. The mentality is that they think they will go away with the money, that’s how they run down banks and leave shareholders to bear the burden,” Olatokunbo said. General Secretary, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Mr. Adebayo Adeleke, said while there is

nothing wrong in taking loans for useful purposes, there is everything wrong in not willing to pay back. In a related development, many members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) have preferred to remain reticent on the loan ban, which has also affected many of their members. According to a reliable source within the group, who spoke to National Mirror on conditions on anonymity, various OPS advocacy groups may not be willing to express their opinion now, as the issue “has been causing division among them.” The source added that the commercial banks, which the CBN is purportedly shielding, are members of the OPS, just as are some of the real sector operators who were indicted in the debts development. He, however, berated the step taken by the apex bank in publishing the companies’ names, saying such a move was uncalled for, “as there are many ways they can recover the money without embarrassing such members,” while blaming the prevalent high rates of interest in the country as one of the major reasons some firms are not able to pay back their loans. However, on his part, a Lagos-based businessman, Johnson Oleka, referred to the move made by the apex bank as a right step in the right direction, insisting that the banking woe recorded in the country in 2009 was as a result of the huge debts owed by the same people that CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

The heat is on: Otedola forfeits properties over N141bn debt

ontroversial business mogul, Mr. Femi Otedola, reportedly signed off some of his choice properties and shares in African Petroleum, AP, to defray the N141 billion debt owed the Asset Management Company of Nigeria, AMCON. The properties include residential and commercial developments in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja as well as tank farms, jetties and petrol stations. The deal, announced by AMCON last week, came shortly after the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, technically barred banks from further granting loans to 113 companies and 419 company directors who owed banks amounts over N5bn, saying such banks would be made to make full provision for such loans in addition to other sanctions. The list included Otedola’s company, Zenon Petroleum and Gas; Arik Air, MRS Oil, Falcon Securities and Capital Oil and Gas. Under the terms of the AMCON deal, Otedola will hand over some of his properties and an unspecified amount of cash to the asset management company for full and final settlement of the debts. The original debt totalling N192.4bn

Otedola

was previously owed five banks – Access Bank Plc, UBA Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, FCMB Plc, and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc – which was bought by AMCON as part of efforts to stabilise the banking sector.

Otedola’s move became necessary to ensure free flow of credit to his businesses as he remains a key importer of petroleum products and a consortium, including Forte Oil, which he controls, had recently been named as a bid winner for one of the power generating stations. But the House of Representatives said it would probe the debt settlement deal on the grounds that it was allegedly done secretly and was, therefore, unacceptable. Although it was not immediately clear which particular set of properties Otedola released to AMCON, court papers filed earlier in respect of a lawsuit by the businessman challenging the level of indebtedness to the banks showed that he controls a sizable real estate portfolio, which had been pledged as collateral to the banks. The properties include his private home located at 23, Mekwen Road, Ikoyi, Lagos; 5, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos; Zenon Place, 13, Walter Carrington Crescent, V/I Lagos; Zenon Apartments located at 12, Temple Road, Ikoyi; Zenon Court, 3b, Agodogba Avenue, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi; Zenon Jetty, 13, Walter Carrington Crescent, V/I, La-

gos, and Zenon Gardens at 872, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, V/I, Lagos. Others are two Zenon Diesel Direct Stations located in Lagos; Zenon House, 2, Ajose Adeogun Street, V/I; Zenon Towers, 1, Cooper Road, Ikoyi; a building at 8a, Ogalade Close, V/I; Blue Waterfront Scheme, Lekki, Lagos; Plot 9, Block 80, Off Emma Abimbola Cole, Lekki Lagos; 18, Ladipo Oluwole Street, Apapa, Lagos; Zenon Loft, 175, Sani Abacha Way, GRA, Phase 11, Port Harcourt; Plot 100, Obudu Street, Off Aso Drive, Asokoro Abuja; and 1, Madiana Close, Wuse 11, Abuja. Otedola had also pledged the Zenon Petroleum Terminal 1 and 2 at Ibafon, Apapa, Lagos and Plot C21, Industrial Road, Amuwo Odofin in addition to large number of shares in AP, Zenith Bank Plc, MRS Oil and Mobil Oil. In rejecting the settlement with AMCON, the legislators said they would constitute a committee to investigate the amount and the assets transferred to AMCON. They said that it was “curious that AMCON, being a government establishment which is under the purview of the National Assembly, could do that without the knowledge of the House.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 6, 2012

Saturday Starter

‘Loan ban, bad omen for the economy’ M

credit, business will be affected, new investments will not be made, innovations and unemployment rates will go high up, and the social structure of the country will be affected.

r. Larry Segun-Lean, President of NigeriaMalaysia Business Council and Chairman, Industrial Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), spoke with STANLEY IHEDIGBO, on the issue of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) loan ban on some debtor-members of the Organised Private Sector, saying that it is a bad omen for the economy and that the banks made it difficult for the concerned debtors to repay the loans. What in your view is the legality, practicability and how acceptable is the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directive to banks to stop lending to some debtors? The CBN directive will certainly affect the economy of the nation, it will dislocate trust built over many years between the debtors and the banks, because they borrow, pay back and continue to service their loans. The companies that are black-listed will be affected as their customers will lose the significant confidence they have for the organizations. The internal value chain and operations of the concerned organisations will also be affected. At end, they will lay off their employees, and it will be a big challenge in the system. So it goes beyond just the pronouncement, we need to be very careful the way we do things in this country, I don’t support the system of publishing the debtors in the first place, after that instructed banks not to give loan to the firms. It is an undeveloped approach to managing our economy. What are the possible effects of the directive on the productive sector, on levels of production, employment, general commerce and the economy? The industrialists or companies who still find this country conducive for business should and must be encouraged by the Federal Government. Because even when multinational companies are relocating; some use our country for their warehousing or stores while there are people who believe in this country and are ready to put in their own money before the banks loans come in. Again it is only in this country that loans are seen to be criminal or bad. Go to better developed climes like South Africa, banks are willing to loan you any amount you want on a lower rate and that is why their economy is thriving. Do you know that some foreign companies in the country collected loans and support from their home country banks to do business in

Is the CBN not acting as a debt recovery agency in this regard? If yes, should this be so? Well, they have their oversight functions on the monetary policy. They are the supervisor of all the commercial banks so what they are doing is not wrong in that sense but the way it was carried out is the issue; they should not have made public such issues because it is embarrassing to some of these organization. Just imagine what the credit rating of such companies will be, even after they must have settled their obligation and debts. It will affect them because it’s an on-going thing and it wasn’t supposed to happen in the first place. Are there no better ways to deal with the issue at hand? Banking transaction is a confidential thing so to say, and then, there are ethics, however, when you have a customer that is not paying and is static in payment, I think there are other ways the banks can do debts recovery without publishing names of such customers. Again this will affect the confidence of the customer, because confidence and trust is the first rule of business.

Segun-Lean

AS LONG AS THE BANKS ARE LENDING AT SUCH HIGH INTEREST RATES

…AT WHAT

BUSINESS DO YOU WANT TO MAKE IT?

Nigeria? This cannot happen in Nigeria. Back to your question, the effects is much more than what we can comprehend, because where do you expect people to get money to do business. Even if you owe, you still need financing to continue on that business of yours till you are able to settle the loan. What is the possibility of some of the banks flouting this directive from the apex bank? It is a bad omen for the economy of this nation. I must say, now if the banks abide by such directive or advice, it will reduce the level of activities in all the sectors of the economy in the country because credit is critical to the growth of business and when there is scarcity of

What are some of the reasons why some firms are unable to repay their loans? They are many factors that go to production in this country; lack of infrastructure, no power supply, no other means of goods distribution apart from the roads, and the roads are in bad conditions. Those factors are the things that ordinary will always affect your button line; another thing is that interest rate on loans is so high, and are sometimes compounded. When you collect a certain amount of money before you turn around for a business or transaction, the interest rate must have gulped the principal and the expected profit or close to the amount of the money you took as a loan. Again you have found out that most of the banks have made it difficult for them to pay back the loan through their various hidden charges. We cannot continue like this; we are doing a great disservice to the economy. As long as the banks are lending at such high interest rates of around 20 to 30 per cent, I still ask at what business do you want to generate the money and then make it with such high interest rates?

It is normal - Rewane BY K AYODE FALADE Isn’t the CBN saying in essence that they shouldn’t loan money to those firms? It’s difficult … because it’s already bad credit. You see, the CBN, some years ago said that anybody who wants to lend money to a state government will have to make a 100 per cent provision because of the record of state governments. I didn’t see you come and complain about it that time. Let’s look at it this way. What is the possibility of the banks adhering to the directive? They will have to comply. If they don’t comply, the regulators will pick it up. Don’t you see them flouting it be-

cause..? If you do, CBN will just debit you. CBN will debit you with the amount. What’s the possible effect of the directive on the private sector, the productive sector? How do you see the directive affecting … I’ve told you now … You didn’t ask me when they asked state governments to do the same thing. State governments are not into … State governments issue bonds to provide the people and if at one point in time, CBN said they were not creditworthy or were high risk, they are asking the people to make the provision so I don’t see anything wrong in it because those people were already bad credit risk. They are bad credit risk so why should we throw money after bad credit

ANYBODY WHO MAKES A LOAN TO ANY OF THOSE PEOPLE WILL HAVE TO MAKE A

100 PER

CENT PROVISION

risks? So it’s not going to affect the economy in any way? No, I don’t think so, I don’t think so. Bismarck Rewane, CEO, Financial Derivatives Company Limited

Rewane

October 6, 2012

Saturday Starter We need a solid insolvency system - Idigbe K AYODE FALADE

hat in your view are the practicability, acceptability and legality of this directive? Do you think the commercial banks will comply? Under the CBN Act, I think the CBN is empowered to give directives to banks to officiate them. But that’s a different issue from the propriety of the legislation, which they make. But most of those regulations will have a policy objective. It depends on the policy objectives. I think in my own view some of the issues that CBN is trying to tackle through directives may be better tackled if we had a more robust insolvency regime and also a more robust security system so that banks can recover their loans without need for the kind of government intervention you found through AMCON or the excessive intervention of CBN in the management of the banks. But for banks to have the advantage of corporate structure that will encourage business restructuring and also discipline through a stringent insolvency regime. More work needs to be done on the macro level and on legal reforms. Do you see the banks complying with the directive? Well, whether the banks comply or not, it does not change my position that this is more like micro management and there are more macro issues that they need to deal with in terms of environment for banking business and also general corporate business and security environment in Nigeria that needs to be tackled if you ask the companies to do business

SOME OF THE ISSUES THAT CBN IS TRYING TO TACKLE THROUGH DIRECTIVES MAY BE BETTER TACKLED ROBUST INSOLVENCY REGIME AND ALSO A MORE ROBUST

with banks without resort to regulators. I think it’s that failure that is making CBN feel the need to dabble at the macro level and I think they need to tighten the general legal system. What possible effects do you see this directive having on the productive sector, on the level of employment, general commerce and even the economy in general? That brings us back to the issue I’m saying. I don’t necessarily think that the existence of productive sector means there will be bad credit. There should be an insolvency regime so that when the productive sector is consistently having bad credit, you understand what I mean; there should be a way whereby those who can run them better will be in place. So without that proper general framework, every other thing we are doing, we are micro-managing the situation. When you talk of other economies,

Idigbe

does this kind of thing operate there too? Let me tell you a story … when they have an insolvency regime that is effective. When the person had an issue over a company that had gone insolvent and the liquidator challenged his role in that company, being an insider with respect to its purchase, and the company having gone into receivership and the liquidator and an order which was charged against him, he was owing his bank 2,000 pounds, they now stopped his credit, he went to the bank to offer them 2,000 pounds cash and they said they couldn’t accept the money because he was already in insolvency proceedings and he had to pay all his creditors first before they would accept any money otherwise they would be liable. So in other systems where you have a solid insolvency system, a lot of these bad credits wouldn’t exist. That’s my view. Tony Idigbe (commercial lawyer)

Some of the bad debtors restricted from further bank loans

“A

of this circular, until full liquidation of agreed indebtedness to Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON),” The CBN circular titled ‘Prohibition of New Credit Facilities To Debtors of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), also stated that “In the initial instance, this restrictions shall apply to individuals, organisations, companies as well as principal shareholders and directors of companies where the outstanding value of loans purchased by AMCON amounted to N5 billion or above as at the day of purchase, without regard to the actual amount paid by AMCON.”

circular released by the Central Bank of Nigeria listed some prominent Nigerians and their companies as chronic debtors who had refused to pay up debts they owe to banks. The circular which listed 113 companies and 419 directors/shareholders directed banks not to extend further credit facilities to the defaulters. According to according to the circular signed by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s Director, Banking Supervision, Mrs. A. O. Martins, “Deposit Money Banks are prohibited from approving or disbursing any new credit facilities to all persons and organisations on this list with effect of the date

The breakdown of some of the bad debts •The $1.2 billion (N192 billion) is owed by Otedola’s Zenon Petroleum & Gas Ltd •MRS Holdings Limited, owned by Dantata (N119.98bn); • Seawolf Limited (N98.32bn); • Arik Air Limited, owned by ArumemiIkhide (N85.481bn); • NITEL Plc/M-Tel (N71.547bn); • Capital Oil and Gas Limited, owned by Ifeanyi Ubah (N48.014 billion). • Falcon Securities (N162.9bn); • Rockson Engineering Limited, also owned by Arumemi-Ikhide (N60.475bn); • BGL Securities (N6.44bn); Raha-

maniyya Oil & Gas Limited (N46.38bn); • Bi-Courtney Limited (N20.214bn); • Geometrics Engineering, owned by Bart Nnaji (N19.76bn);

Group (N64.728bn); • Gitto Constuzioni owned by the late Italian road builder(N11.838bn); • Dansa Foods (N14.880bn) whose

• Aero Contractors Company, belong-

directors are Sani and Abdul Dangote,

ing to the family of Olorogun Michael

brothers of billionaire business mag-

Ibru (N32.579bn);

nate, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

• Tinapa Business Resort (N18.509bn).

• Commercial banks were also prohib-

• Nestoil Limited, owned by Ernest

ited from granting further credit to Cross

Azudialu (N13.506bn); •

Dorman

Long

River State and Zamfara State owing to Engineering

the refusal of the Tinapa Business Re-

(N9.667bn); Ascott Offshore Nig. Ltd,

sort and the accountant general of the

owned by ex-banker,

Zamfara State Ministry of Finance to pay

• Henry Imasekha and the Berkley

Unmasking big-time loan defaulters CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

IF WE HAD A MORE

SECURITY SYSTEM

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

back their respective loans.

had huge bad debts with the banks. In his words, “those debtors should have given account of the money for long or their properties should have been seized, since because of them, many banks executives were sent packing from their offices and some sent to jail.” The view of many industry practitioners is that the authorities should re-energised and strengthen the country’s many credit bureaux through which a lender can ascertain a corporate or individual prospective borrower’s debt profile as a tool in deciding whether or not to advance them further loans. The reaction of most ordinary Nigerians to the development has been one of anger; they see the loan defaulters as people who parade themselves as billionaires but who are really no more than ‘empty barrels’ who merely exploit their contacts and connections in ‘high places’ to procure loans, which they really have no intention of repaying ab initio, thereby turning the system into some sort of plaything and the loans to no more than their ‘spoils of war’. According to Kayode Julius, “The fastest way to be a billionaire in Nigeria is to take billions of naira in loans from banks, maintain friends in government and never repay the loans; a formula several people have replicated. These guys need to be checkmated.” However, another respondent, who did not give his name, differed slightly in his opinion. In his words, “All or, at the least, most businesses owe money. The only reason banks even exist is because these businesses and businessmen are there to borrow money so that they can pay interest. The only time this arrangement becomes a problem is if the business or company is unable to or stops servicing the loan. Even the biggest companies in the world owe billions. That’s why these companies have assets that can be liquidated in case of a delinquency. A bank would rather borrow a company that is worth N10 billion, say N1 billion than to give N100,000 to an average guy that is worth N1 million because they expect to earn more from the business. That is the way it works; the only issue I have is when these companies default, and when the banks collect bribes rather than liquidating assets. Debts are not a new phenomenon. If you ever dream of becoming wealthy, you must borrow at some point, whether you like it or not.” . Additional reports by Stanley Ihedigbo

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NATIONAL NEWS

October 6, 2012

Bakassi: FG shops for senior advocates to argue case …at ICJ ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

ith its decision to explore the legal option of seeking a review of the ten-year old judgement ceding the oil rich Bakassi Peninsu-

lar to Cameroon, there are indications that the federal government is putting together a formidable legal team to present the nation’s case at the International Court of Justice before the deadline of October 10. Already the government

is shopping for lawyers in the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) that are well grounded in the area of International Law. The team will offer legal advice and argue the case of Nigeria before the court to secure a review of the de-

cision. Sources close to the Presidential Villa told Saturday Mirror that the government had already contacted some senior lawyers to handle the matter by filing the necessary papers which indicate the discovery of new facts

L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Pius Anyim; Senate President David Mark; Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal; Senate Leader, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, and Sen. Abdul Ningi, during a meeting of the president with PHOTO: STATE HOUSE members of the National Assembly and governors of states affected by flood in Abuja on Thursday.

Oil subsidy: EFCC arraigns 13 more marketers over fraud …N4.6 billion involved WALE IGBINTADE AND CAROLINE CHUKWUKA

dditional thirteen oil marketers indicted in the fuel subsidy scam probe were yesterday arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before a Lagos High Court sitting at Ikeja. The marketers were accused of obtaining by false pretence the sum of N4.6 billion They were arraigned before Justice Habeeb Abiru and Justice Lateefa Okunnnu respectively on different counts. Those arraigned are Anosyke Group of Companies Ltd; Ifeanyi Anosike; Dell Energy Ltd; Emeka Chukwu; Ngozi Ekeoma; Downstream Energy Sources Ltd; Alhaji Adamu Aliyu Maula; Rocky Energy Ltd; George Ogbonna and Emmanuel. Anosyke Group of Companies; Ifeanyi Anosike; Dell Energy Limited; Emeka Chukwu and Ngozi Ekeoma were arraigned on an eight-count charge. Specifically, six of the indicted marketers and four

of their companies were arraigned before Justice Habeeb Abiru on an eightcount charge. Basically, the charge bordered on conspiracy to obtain by false pretence, obtaining by false pretence, conspiracy to forge documents and uttering false documents. Information on the charge sheet revealed that the marketers and their companies conspired to and also obtain enormous sums of money from the federal government of Nigeria, purporting same to be payment for subsidy under the Petrol Support Fund for the alleged importation of Premium Motor Spirit from Europe to Nigeria. They were also accused of conspiracy to obtain by false pretence; forgery and uttering false documents to the tune of N1, 537,278,880.82 (One billion, five hundred and thirty seven million, two hundred and seventy eight thousand, eight hundred and eighty naira, eighty-two kobo), being payments fraudulently received from the Petroleum Support Fund for a purported supply of 15, 000

metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit. Also, Downstream Energy Sources Limited, Alhaji Adamu Aliyu Maula, Rocky Energy Limited, George Ogbonna and Emmanuel Morah were arraigned on an eight count charge bordering on conspiracy to obtain property by false pretence; conspiracy to forge documents, forgery and uttering false documents to the tune of N789,648,329.25 (Seven hundred and eighty nine million, six hundred and forty eight thousand, three hundred and twenty nine naira,twenty-five kobo), being payments fraudulently received from the Petroleum Support Fund for a purported supply of 14,273,0227 litres of Premium Motor Spirit. The anti-graft agency informed the court that all the defendants at various times forged different bill of laden for Premium Motor Spirit, not supplied, all in a bid to claim the federal government subsidy on fuel. When the charge was read to them, they all pleaded not guilty and their counsel applied for a date for hearing of bail appli-

cation with a request that they be remanded in EFCC custody. In his ruling, Justice Abiru adjourned the matter till October 19, 2012 for hearing of their bail applications and ordered that the defendants be remanded in EFCC custody. Meanwhile, in the sister suit before Justice Lateefa Okunnu, out of the expected eight people and companies, only three, namely; ASB Investment Limited, Aro Samuel Bamidele and Abiodun Kayode Bankole were arraigned. They are facing an 18-count charge bordering on altering, obtaining and falsifying documents among others. Among those that were absent is Abdulahi Alao, the son of Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Arisekola Alao. In the current charge, Abdullahi was alleged to have obtained under false pretence as well forged bill of laden and other relevant importation documents to perpetrate fraud. The matter has been adjourned till November 22, 2012.

on the issue of the ownership of the oil rich Bakassi Peninsula after judgement was given in favour of Cameroon on October 10, 2002. Although there are indications that the government would also file complaints to the court on abuse of human rights of Nigerians resident in the oil-rich peninsula, one of the sources said that it would also strongly press for a review of the judgment. The abuse of human rights is a violation of the provisions for the enforcement of the judgment by the two countries. President Goodluck Jonathan, in the early hours of Thursday, constituted a committee to look at the option of appeal of the judgment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The decision was reached at a long drawn meeting between the president, the leadership of the National Assembly and other stakeholders at the State House. Cross Rivers Governor, Liyel Imoke told State House correspondents after the closed door meeting that the committee would consider how to take care of the displaced people of Bakassi. Imoke said that the president had shown great leadership quality by con-

vening the meeting and standing firm on some of the decisions taken. The Senate President, David Mark, said that the executive and the lawmakers were now on the same page on the issue of Bakassi, adding that they would work together to achieve results. Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Judge of the World Court, Prince Bola Ajibola who was at the meeting said that the federal government had shown candid concern on Bakassi issue. He commended the move by the government to follow dialogue, the rule of law and diplomacy in ensuring that Nigeria got justice and the people were not wrongly dealt with. Ajibola expressed optimism that the committee set up would handle the matter accordingly and in record time. The Senate, last week, unanimously passed a resolution mandating the president to appeal the ICJ ruling on Bakassi because of the new facts that had emerged over the matter. The motion that gave rise to the resolution was sponsored by Senator Abdul Ningi who argued that it would be wrong for Nigeria not to appeal the judgment before the statutory period allowed for it.

…Indigenes ask court to void FG’s GTA with Cameroon ISE-OLUWA IGE

ndigenes of Bakassi in Cross River State, yesterday, approached a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja requesting for an order voiding the Green Tree Agreement that Nigeria signed with Cameroon to cede Bakassi peninsular in 2006. The indigenes vide an originating motion are also pushing for a mandamus order compelling the federal government to, by any means available to it, repossess, occupy and take full legal and administrative control of the Bakassi Peninsula. The motion was filed pursuant to section 1 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights(Enforcement and Ratification Act Cap 10, Laws of the Federation of

Nigeria, 1990, as well as Order 34 Rules 1(a), 3(1) and (2) of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules, 2007. The suit was endorsed by nine executives of Free Bakassi Association, Prince Imoh Ukpa Imoh, Mr Godwin Ukpong, Mr Chritian A. Umoh, Mr Anthony Achibong Ukong, Mr Kingsley Edu, Mr Etim Ekpeyong Ndong, Mr Offiong Anying Ekpeyong, Bassey Okon Osua and Bassey Ikoedem Antiga. They commenced the legal battle with an application for mandatory leave of the court to go ahead with their request. Their counsel, Mr. Festus A. Ogwuche, moved the application for the leave of the court yesterday. President Goodluck Jonathan and the Attorney General of the Federation were all joined as respondents in the suit.

NATIONAL NEWS

October 6, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mubi killings: Northern schools Teachers’ Day: tighten security •Police deny arrest of suspects NUT berates FG T F AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE ollowing the circumstances that surrounded the killing of about 40 students of Federal Polytechnic, Mubi in Adamawa State, some schools in the North, especially tertiary institutions have tightened internal security to prevent any attacks on their students. According to a report monitored on Daily Post, an online publication, Benue State University, Nasarawa State University,

University of Jos and Ibrahim Badamosi Babangda University, Niger State, had improved on their security networks. The effots, it was reported, was to safeguard lives and properties of students living in hostels or residing outside the campuses. Worried by the Mubi student killings, the three tertiary institutions in Mubi, the Federal Polytechnic, Adamawa State University and the College of Health Technology, Mubi, have been closed indefinitely. There is also heavy presence of security operatives

with checkpoints in many areas of the town as stop and search operation continues. Meanwhile, Police authorities in Adamawa State, on Friday, debunked the claim that over hundred persons suspected to be involved in Monday’s massacre in Mubi have been nabbed. The October 1 incident claimed the lives of over 25 students of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, 4 students of the School of Health Technology and 11 others in Wuro Patuji suburb of Mubi while scores

sustained varying degrees of gunshot wounds. Reacting to the arrests saga, Police Public Relations Officer of the Adamawa State Command, Ibrahim Mohammed, DSP, told Saturday Mirror in a telephone interview that no arrests in respect of the Mubi killings have been made. The police spokesman insisted that security operatives were still investigating the matter, explaining that at that stage, the police would not want to do anything that would jeopardise its probe.

TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

eachers in public primary and secondary schools across the federation yesterday condemned the federal government’s decision to leave them at the mercy of governors over the 27.5 per cent salary scale structure being negotiated for. The teachers described the development as discriminating and unfair. They also expressed their displeasure against Plateau State government’s inability to resolve the ongoing six-month old industrial action of their members in the state public and post primary schools. They said the action of the government showed insensitivity to the plight of teachers.

The situation, they said, had reduced the level of the contribution of teachers and the profession to nation building. The position of the teachers was contained in the address of the President of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Michael Olukoya, to mark this year’s Teachers’ Day, with the theme, “ Take a stand for teachers.” Olukoya therefore called on President Goodluck Jonathan not only to accord teachers deserving welfare package but lift up the teaching profession and make it competitive to other professions. On his part, the chairman of Lagos wing, Comrade Samson Idowu Kayode , said it was disheartening that governments had also relegated teaching profession to the background.

Money laundering: EFCC arrests 10 suspects OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

L-R: Kwara State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed; Minister of Information and Communication, Mr. Labaran Maku; Transports Minister, Senator Idris Umar, and Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, during the Citizen’s Forum of the National Good Governance Tour in Ilorin, recently.

‘Houses on water’ coming –Lagos MURITALA AYINLA

he Lagos State government has said that it is planning to embark on ‘houses on water’ project to showcase how decent structures can be erected on water front in a way that would not constitute environmental nuisance. It also revealed that measures were in top gear to prevent Lagos from being ravaged by flood.

Speaking during the 2012 World Habitat Day, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Olutoyin Ayinde, who revealed this, said that the state government was leaving no stone unturned to combat and prevent flooding. Ayinde stressed that Lagos State, being a coastal state, had no excuse to flooding at all. He said the few cases of flood recorded in the state

were as a result of illegal structures erected on natural drainage channels. “Right now in my ministry, we are working on houses on water project. There is nothing wrong in building along the waterfront but it has to be done decently and sustainably because water itself is a recreational facility. People like to see it or swim in it or have it at the background of their residence. “So, what the govern-

ment is doing is to see how houses can be built decently. In doing that we are liaising with the state Ministry of Waterfront and Infrastructural Development” Earlier, the state governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire reassured the people of the state that his administration would not relent in its drive to provide sustainable housing policies.

FG releases 28 million vaccines for immunisation MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

bout 28 million under-five children are expected to be immunised during the September/October Supplemental Immunisation Exercise with oral polio vaccine with the release of 28 million vaccines by the federal government. The exercise which com-

mences today in eleven polio-high risk states in the North till 9 October, 2012 is designed specifically to immunise every under-five child, especially missed children in previous exercise. The eleven polio high risk states are Borno, Yobe, Katsina, Bauchi, Kaduna and Kebbi. Others are Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Jigawa, Kano and Niger states.

Speaking on the exercise, the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ado Muhammad disclosed that over 28 million oral polio vaccines (Opv) have been released for the success of the exercise in the campaign in the high risk states. Ado added that President Goodluck Jonathan, State governors, members of the National Assembly

and Federal Executive Council, traditional and religious leaders had demonstrated the much needed support and encouragement to Nigerian polio eradication initiative. He urged chairmen and other leaders of local government areas in the affected states to ensure that every under-five child in their locality is immunised against poliomyelitis.

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 10 officials of seven companies in Abuja. The arrest of the suspects, a statement signed by the spokesman of the commission, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, signalled the commencement of the enforcement of compliance with the provisions of the Money Laundering Act 2011 by Designated Non- Financial Institutions DNFIs. According to Uwujaren, the suspects were picked up by the operatives of EFCC in Abuja. Those arrested include Mr. Austin Olefa, Manager, Pent House Properties; Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed , Chief Executive Officer, Abmed Motors; Mathew Abang and Eguakum Ekenema, manager and general manager respectively, Jorany Hotels. Others include, Ndubisi Akabogu, accountant, Grand Product Company Limited (Grand Square); Juvita Akwari, and Obinna Ugoma, manager and accountant respectively, Lamonde Hotels; Wole Oladapo and Osayi Gavin,

accountant and marketer respectively, Febsons Hotels and Abiodun Adelasu of Nawa Properties. The statement reads in part: “Section 5 of the Money Laundering Act 2011, requires existing businesses to submit, within three months from the commencement of the Act, a declaration of their activities and all record of transactions. “They are equally required to file returns on transaction within seven days from the date of the transaction in chronological order, indicating each customers surname, forenames and address.” The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, a few weeks ago, also came up with circular, directing financial institutions to demand evidence of registration with SCUML as condition for doing business with DNFIs. Angel Nworgu, Head SCUML said the arrest of the company executives marks a turning point in the enforcement of the anti-money laundering laws, adding that the days of impunity and non-compliance by DNFIs were over. She promised that more arrests would be made as the exercise continues.

Politics

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 6, 2012

TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

n the last few months, the issue of Bakassi has been in the front burner. There have been several calls on the federal government to appeal the verdict of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which ceded oil-rich Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon. It would be recalled that Bakassi an area considered to belong to Nigeria was ceded to Cameroon 10 years ago under the administration of former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. The action brought to an end, a major dispute between the two countries. To break the impasse arising from the implementation of the judgement, the United Nations Secretary General further facilitated the Green Tree Agreement (GTA) between the two aggrieved countries, signed by both parties on June 12, 2006. The agreement authorised the two countries to implement the decision of the court and to recognise the land and maritime boundary between them as delineated by the court. Since the ICJ judgement, there have been agitations by some Nigerians for the federal government to review, renege or repudiate the ruling. Therefore with the recent decision by the federal government to appeal the ICJ verdict, many people are of the view that Nigeria is on the path of regaining the ceded oil-rich Bakassi. According to the clause in the judgement, Nigeria has till October 10, 2012 to appeal the ICJ judgement. If it fails to do so within the stipulated time, Nigeria will forfeit Bakassi permanently to Cameroon. Some people are of the view that Nigeria cannot forfeit the Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon since the National Assembly and people of Bakassi were not fully part of the process that led to the ceding of the area to Cameroon. Worried by the state of things and the possibility of Nigeria losing Bakassi if the federal government fails to appeal the ICJ ruling, the Senate, last week, passed a resolution urging the government to immediately file an appeal against the October 9, 2002 ICJ judgement which ceded the oil-rich Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon. The upper chamber of the National Assembly, while passing the resolution, which was sequel to a motion by the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Abdul Ningi, titled, “The judgement of the International Court of Justice, ICJ, on the international boundaries between Nigeria and Cameroon, including Bakassi: A call for appeal,” also advised the federal government to take advantage of the opportunity provided by Article 61 (5) of the ICJ statute to file the appeal ahead of the October 10, 2012 deadline when the Green Trade Agreement comes into final effect. The Senate, in a resolution read by the Senate President, David Mark, described the process that led to the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon in 2006 as illegal, unconstitutional and inchoate. The lawmakers explained that the condition precedent was not followed before the federal government signed the contentious GTA. They argued that by virtue of Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,

Jonathan

Ita-Giwa

Bakassi: Hope rising the purported GTA must be domesticated by the National Assembly before it could become a binding legal document. The lawmakers, therefore, insisted that the GTA was not and had never been brought before them, “hence in the eyes of the Senate, it does not exist.” The Senate President, while stressing the urgency and the need for Nigeria to appeal the judgement on time to meet the October 10 deadline, said: “It is better we appeal now and not win than not to appeal at all. Time is not on our hands; whatever response we have must not be out of time. Nigerians generally believe that we must not cede Bakassi. This Senate will protect all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, tongue and religion.” Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, at a recent public lecture in Lagos also urged the federal government to revisit and appeal the ICJ ruling. Soyinka averred that the deficit of views and wishes of the Bakassi indigenes before the decision by the Obasanjo-led administration to secede the area out raised questions about the rights of the minorities. He believes that Nigeria and Cameroun have no moral right to posses the land without the input of the inhabitants. His words: “Were the representatives of the indigent members of the community invited to Hague before the government accepted the ruling? The answer is no. The wishes of the people in Bakkasi were never considered and that put to the fore the issue about the rights of the minorities. The world no longer lives in a feudal fiefdom. The rights of minorities and indigenous peoples are encoded in the statutes of the United Nations. The human deficit inserted into the Bakassi

decision is now plagued with unpredictable scenarios. “The crucial question that the International Court does not appear to have considered remains this: What do the people of Bakassi want for themselves? To become Cameroonians? To become Nigerians? Or simply to remain Bakassians? Bakassi became a focus of interest and desire only because of her oil reserves and the greed of state corporations – presented as national interest. “The final date of appeal is still ahead. It is within legitimate rights that the Nigerian corporation should appeal the judgment. This time around however, let the suppressed voice of Bakassi’s humanity be heard. There is a certain procedure known as Plebiscite. Simple, straightforward, and full of precedents – a timetested reversal of the pattern of human deficit! Let us give voice to the people of Bakassi.” While many people are on the neck of the federal government to appeal the ICJ ruling, the political leader of Bakassi Peoples General Assembly and former Special Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo on National Assembly Matters, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, is of the view that the resettlement of her people to the unceded Bakassi area like the Kwa Island and Dayspring 1 and 2 should be considered first to ameliorate the suffering of her people. Ita-Giwa submitted that the current requests and remarks on Bakassi were what she and her people had been clamouring for since the verdict but were ignored by those in power. She added that they were ready to provide evidences that would support or facilitate the reclamation of the Bakassi , a privilege denied them before

the unfortunate judgement. Her words: “Recent resolution of the Senate to the President to appeal or seek to review the International Court of Justice verdict ceding Bakassi to Cameroon is welcome by us the long suffering indigenes of Bakassi. Let it never be said that we stood idly by while well-meaning groups of Nigerians cried out against the unfortunate ceding of our homeland. “All the arguments being raised now and positions being taken now have all been raised and taken by us in the past and were all roundly ignored by the powers that be at the time; that they are being re-echoed now, while we welcome them, are, in our opinion, belated and possess little chance of success. We are however not ruling out the possibility of a miracle. “However, we will not like the remote chance of a miracle to stand in the way of the urgent task of relocating and properly resettling our displaced people. We have been left to wander all over Cross River State like second class gypsy citizens since the signing of the Green Tree Agreement in 2006. Our stand is simple by all means, go ahead with your plans to appeal or review the unfortunate judgement; we are even prepared to participate in giving evidence and information that will be needed, which was not the case in the initial trial, but for heaven’s sake go ahead with the relocation and re settlement of our people at the Kwa Island and Dayspring 1 and 2 Islands at the same time. This, for us, is paramount.” Constitutional lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, believes that there are many facts in favour of Nigeria if it appeals the CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

POLITICS

ow would you assess the state of the nation, 52 years after Nigeria’s independence? Evidently there is nothing to cheer about. It depends on the divide to which one belongs. Those who are feeding fat; who are fairly benefitting from the system, will tell you that the fact that Nigeria is united and the fact that the corporate existence of Nigeria has not been challenged in any way means that we have recorded progress. But if you belong to the other divide; the people who are holding the wrong end of the stick, you will know that it has been a journey to nowhere and certainly we cannot continue like this. For me we must reinvent Nigeria. Countries that we started with at independence have left us. We are totally incapable of governing ourselves. There is a systemic collapse and as far as I am concerned all hope is not lost if we can think out of the box; if we can have a paradigm change, if we can look back and see where we have stumbled and then make necessary corrections. But if we continue to live in denial, then we will continue to grow in the dark. We will not stumble on progress and development. Countries which achieved progress and development after their independence were able to do so because they were guided by visionary leaders. The leaders of those countries have blue prints and they knew where they were taking their countries to. In the last few months many people are fanning the embers of disunity. How do you see the several threats against the continuous existence of Nigeria? I do not agree that people are calling for the disintegration of Nigeria. I believe that patriots who know that the process of nation building is a very delicate one and that you must work deliberately at it, are saying that the way we are going, centrifugal tendencies would take over and Nigeria stands the risk of disintegration. Clearly it is better for Nigeria to remain united but to say that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable is, to me, unacceptable. Unity is always a product of negotiation. As a matter of fact, those who are insisting that Nigeria should not be restructured; that the structural foundation of Nigeria should not be visited are the ones that should be looked at as the people who are championing the disintegration of Nigeria. Come to think of it, the so-call unity is in whose interest? A unity that is not based on fair play, justice and good conscience will collapse. We must take into cognisance the kind of country we have and then think out of the box to come up with acceptable formula that will ensure that there would be peace and development. But to think that we would stumble on that; to believe that without working on the frontline Nigeria would be united or to take the unity for granted is in my view a dangerous trend or path to follow. Taking about the need for restructuring of Nigeria, you are part of the delegates at the PRONACO national conference which proffered a lot of solutions to Nigeria’s problems through its drafted document. Do you think Nigeria would have been a better society if the recommendations of the PRONACO draft

October 6, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Our constitution is a

Adegbuyi

Bisi Adegbuyi, a chieftain of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) and former Action Congress (AC) Ogun East Senatorial candidate, believes that Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution is a useless document because Nigerian people were never involved in the process of drafting it. The politician who spoke with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE also expresses his doubt over the possibility of Nigeria remaining one entity if not restructured before the 2015 general elections. Excerpts: document had been implemented? When I made my presentation at the recent Yoruba Assembly meeting, I said that we can never reverse the past but we can learn from the past. Nigeria must revert to the structures at independence with minor modifications if ever we are going to make any progress. The PRONACO draft document is alive and well. It may interest you to know that virtually all the memoranda that have been submitted by all the ethnic groups and nationalities find accommodation in the PRONACO document. We believe that Nigeria should return to regional government and many people have also been canvassing for a return to regionalism. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, while addressing the Leadership Initiative recently in Abuja, openly canvassed for a return to regionalism. That is an adoption of PRONACO docu-

ment. So, I have this sense of fulfilment that against all odds; in spite of circumstances at that particular time, which did not favour anybody trying to rise against the government of the day, we succeeded in bringing people who are seen and perceived as enemies of Nigeria to Grandview Mall in Lagos, where we deliberated and brought many ethnic nationalities together. PRONACO document is not perfect and no constitution in the world is perfect, but it is always a stepping point; that is a template upon which you can build on. If you run a constitution for 10-15 years, and with experience, you notice that certain things need to be changed, you amend. But it is important that this elitists’ orientation to governance and constitutionalism must be stopped. Nigeria belongs to Nigerian people and Nigerian people must be directly involved

in any decision-taking process because ultimately sovereignty lies and rests in Nigerian people. Looking at the present position at the federal level, the Yoruba seem not to be holding any high ranking position. As a chieftain of the Afenifere Renewal Group, are you not worried that Yoruba are not well represented at the federal level? We should stop conflicting the interest of an individual with the interest of the Yoruba nation. During the last Yoruba Assembly meeting one of the PDP stalwarts brought out the argument or the contention that Yoruba nation is being marginalised because we don’t produce the Speaker of the House of Representatives or the Secretary to the Federal Government or that we don’t have any slot at the federal level. With due respect to them I disagree because those are their personal interest. The interest of the generality of the people of the Yoruba nation can only be served when you have a regional government of our own that can develop at its pace. The golden years of Yoruba race were the years of Obafemi Awolowo. Action Group was the platform and it achieved the greatest good to the greatest number. At that time, was a Yoruba man a Prime Minister? Was a Yoruba man the Minister of Finance? The way to go is to revert to a template or

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

POLITICS

October 6, 2012

worthless document –Adegbuyi a structure that we had in place when life was meaningful and more abundant for our people. Sometimes I wonder why we think the way we do in Nigeria. The Northerners will tell you that the golden years of the Northern people were the years of Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto. The Igbo will tell you that the golden year of the Igbo people were the years of Nnamdi Azikwe and Michael Okpara. So, why can’t we revert to the constitutional framework that we had at that material time when we were developing at the same pace with SouthAfrica, Malaysia, Singapore, Brazil and others, that have left us behind now. A Yoruba adage says that when a youngster stumbles he looks forward but when an elderly person stumbles, he looks back. We must look back and see where we have gotten it wrong and make necessary amends. I do not care who the President of Nigeria is if a government in Yoruba land can take care of electricity, can fix the roads, schools and provide every infrastructure. But that would be contrary to our constitution… That is why we are advocating that that constitution must be amended. Is a constitution made for the people or people made for the constitution? Clearly this constitution we are talking about is a useless paper because Nigerians were never involved in it. Those people that

brought the document to be served their own interest and it is the document that is causing so much trouble for this country. It is the document that has brought us to our knees and turned the society into a nasty one. Lives don’t mean anything in Nigeria. It is the same constitution that has brought all the woes. So, all our advocacies have been predicated on the need for us to jettison the constitution; have a Constituent Assembly of representatives of ethnic nationalities that would decide on the terms upon which we would continue to relate with ourselves. We have been advocating for conference of ethnic nationalities for a very long term but we are at a crossroads. I doubt if Nigeria would still remain an entity if we don’t restructure before we go for another general elections in 2015 because elections are incapable of solving the problems of Nigeria. We have become a country of perpetual voters. We would organise elections; if the elections are not disputed the first or second years, we are talking about the next elections. We don’t have time to plan and think out of the box or devise a means of ensuring that society becomes a good place for everyone of us. For us to fix Nigeria we must examine the structural foundation. What is your view about the call for state police? The issue of funding of state police

Bakassi: Hope rising CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 ICJ verdict. “I believe the presidency should appeal that judgement of the ICJ. To start with, the facts are overwhelmingly in favour of Nigeria. Even under the United Nations declaration, people have a right to determine their ethnic nationality; where they want to belong. The entire people of Bakassi are people from Cross River State, some of them from Akwa Ibom State. None of them has a single drop of Cameroonian blood in their veins. “I believe that this case is one of such cases that should be appealed against. And the time is expiring. They should quickly take the opportunity of the remaining period and appeal the judgement because we have a good ground of appeal. If for nothing else, the people should determine where they want to belong and these people are Nigerians. Bakassi is Nigerian soil and the issues arising are Nigerian-based and driven. I believe that the federal government has a duty to this country to bring back its citizens into Nigeria,” he said. With recent decision of President Goodluck Jonathan to appeal the ICJ ruling, many people are of the view that Nigeria is on the path of regaining Bakassi. Speaking to Saturday Mirror, the National Coordinator of Change Agent of Nigeria (CAN), Mr. Olukayode Kayode, was of the view that the decision of the federal government to appeal the verdict is commendable. He added that President Jonathan had

proved to be a listening president by appealing the ICJ judgement. His words: “President Jonathan has proven again that he is a listening president that has the love of Nigeria at heart. I believe that the people of Bakassi need to be help. Bakassi people believe that they are Nigerians and we should not allow them to continue to suffer in their own native land. I think the president should still insist on trying his best on how Nigeria can appeal that judgement to prove to the people of Bakassi that the federal government did its best to regain the peninsula. “Since the people of Bakassi believe that they are Nigerians, then Nigerian government should urgently look into their plight and see how the people are going to resettle on Nigerian land. They do not deserve to continue to live in a country where they don’t belong. Obviously Cameroon is not their natural place. So, if they want to remain in Nigeria, the federal government should urgently put the machinery in place to resettle them.” As October 10 deadline draws nearer many are watching with keen interest what will be the faith of Nigeria if they appeal the ICJ verdict. Will Nigeria return to the International Court of Justice to regain Bakassi? What will be the fate of the people of Bakassi and Nigeria in general if the ICJ ruling is appealed? What would be the next line of action by Cameroon government? Will Cameroon allow Bakassi to return to Nigeria? These are questions begging for answers.

Adegbuyi

should not arise at all. Some of us have done extensive work on some of the issues being raised about state police. If you wake me from my sleep I will tell you that funding can never be a problem because you cannot agitate for state police without also agitating for a review of the revenue allocation formulae. Once there is agitation for review of revenue allocation and more money are given to the state, then, state will have more resources to take care of the state police. Secondly, the state is spending more resources on the present federal police in every state than even the federal government. I am a member of the

Board of Trustees of the State Security Fund in Ogun State and I am aware of what the state government has spent on police funding. So, funding is not an issue. We call ourselves a federalist and our advocacy has always been restructure Nigeria; let’s entrench fiscal federalism. They all go together; you cannot advocate for state police without asking federal government to release the substantial part of what federal government is sitting and doing little with it. Talking about the fear of the likelihood of state governors misusing state police; those fears are not unfounded and they are genuine fears. Right from the time that I have been involved in the struggle and advocacy, the argument against state police is that governors are likely to abuse them. How many governors do we have in Nigeria? Are those governors so irresponsible to the extent that what would be for the general well being of Nigerians would be truncated or undermined by the fears that governors are likely to abuse them? Life is about give and take. Governors who want state police should be prepared to lose their immunity for criminal prosecution. That is the balancing act. If you (governor) want a state police then you must be prepared to lose your immunity from being prosecuted if you commit any crime. That is a safeguard and I believe it will work if we try it.

In your refreshingly different Bakassi: Cameroun’s trick to take possession The Bakassi issue is on the

front burner of national discourse. And it is understandable; the Federal Government must seek a review of the 2002 judgement of the World Court on or before October 10, 2012 or the oil-rich peninsula becomes Cameroun’s forever. The Federal Government is not unaware of this and has set up a committee to look into the possibility of a review of the judgement. But the Camerounians are also bent on taking possession of this ‘gift’ from the Nigerian government and have begun subtle intimidation to discourage Nigerians from the continued stay. So what are these subtle tricks and intimidation? An indigene of the peninsula captures it thus: “Mysterious fire outbreaks occur, burning people’s houses and they are not allowed to rebuild, by the Gendarmes.” For more, especially while the people are not happy with the new settlement, pick up a copy of the Sunday Mirror tomorrow.

Dickson’s many controversies

The governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, barely a year in office, has taken on the toga of a controversial governor. Being the Number One citizen in President Goodluck Jonathan’s state, the governor’s many policies have always generated controversies. Recall his controversial coat of arms and state flag for Bayelsa, and his appointment of the First Lady as a Permanent Secretary, among others. He is at it again. So what has he done this time? Wait till tomorrow to find out.

Flood: Obi’s offer of shelter

Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, last week demonstrated what some people applauded as leadership by example, when he waddled through highly flooded communities in some villages in the state, risking his life. As the rains in many states of the federation continue to wreak havoc through floods, the governor has set up seven relief camps, saying if need be, some of the victims could be brought to the Government House, to live with him. In this tour of the ‘Obi relief camps’, we serve you the moving stories of those sacked from their homes and how they are coping with their new life.

Fame F ame has has made made me me lonely-Barbara lonely-B Barbara Soky Soky

The screen diva of the 1980s, Barbara Soky, hit stardom at a very young age. She featured in two popular soaps, ‘Ripples’ and ‘Mirror in the Sun’. Today, she is in lament, as she reveals that stardom has only brought her loneliness with no one to confide in. She has words of advice for the young generation of actresses. Read about these and many others in this no holds barred interview with Babara Soky. These and many more available tomorrow in your

NATIONAL NEWS

October 6, 2012

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N78m alleged fraud: Bayelsa Speaker, d eputy, 18 others under probe SEGUN ADIO

he Special Fraud Unit has commenced investig ations against Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly,

Hon. Kombowei Benson, his deputy and 18 other members of the House over their alleged diversion of N78 million belonging to the state for personal use. In a release issued by ASP Ngozi Isintume, Public

Relations Officer of the unit on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, an Abujabased Transparency and Good Governance Coalition had alleged that Hon Benson and 18 other members of the Bayelsa House of As-

sembly fraudulently diverted the sum purportedly obtained from the governor of the state which they claimed was meant to pay their way to the 43rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the African Re-

gional Conference in South Africa from 29 June, 2012 to 8 July, 2012. It was alleged that the accused collected the money but did not attend the conference. The statement reads in part: “Police investigation so far revealed that the Speaker, leading other 18 members, including his deputy, with the exception of Hon. Omonibeke and three others departed Nigeria for South Africa allegedly for the conference on the 6th of July and arrived Johannesburg on 7th July, 2012, the day the conference ended. “It was also discovered that no attempt was made by the Speaker and his members to go to the venue of

the conference rather they relied on the information given to them by the Clerk and the Protocol officer that the conference had ended. “All the suspects blamed their departure/arrival for the conference on the late issuance of visa by the South African Embassy. “Further investigation revealed that only Hon. Omonibeke Emelayefa attended the conference and paid the conference fees of $3,500USD out of the N2.3m given to him having arrived two days earlier. Two other Honourable Members, Hon. Azibola and Hon. Angaye Fini Terah, decided that they were already late for the conference and aborted the journey and made refunds,” the release said.

33 arrested for hanging on moving train MURITALA AYINLA Hon. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, listening to explanations from Olutoyin Ayinde, Commissioner, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development (right), while Arc. Mrs. Ajayi Oluwatoyin, mni, Permannet Secretary (Mpp & UD) and Mr. Jimoh Ajao, Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing (left), looks on during the inspection tour of exhibition stand at the year 2012 World Habitat Day, held recently, in Lagos.

Cynthia: Court cautions prosecution over slow pace of trial WALE IGBINTADE AND CAROLINE CHUKWUKA

senior Magistrate’s Court sitting at Yaba yesterday lamented the slow-pace of the trial of suspected killers of Cynthia Osokogu and urged the prosecution to fast-track the proceedings. Miss Osokogu, a postgraduate student of the Nassarawa State University was allegedly killed after she was drugged and raped at a FESTAC Town hotel in Lagos on July 22, 2012. Magistrate Olalekan AkaBashorun made the observation just as the prosecution consolidated all the charges against the defendants. Magistrate, Aka-Bashorun further observed that there had been little or no progress since the suspected killers were arrested and arraigned saying ‘’let us make progress in this matter. By now I expected the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to be present in court’’. Earlier, counsel to the defendants, Jude Ngovilie,

John Aroh and Mr. I C Ofor and Mr. O Dada, had complained that the prosecution appeared be delaying the proceedings. Specifically, Mr. Dada, counsel to the 2nd defendant, argued that in line with Section 264 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, 2011, all the suspects were not supposed to spend more than 30 days in remand custody. He urged the court to compel the prosecution to show cause why the defendants should not be released on bail, adding that they have spent more than 30 days in custody. Dada further submitted that in the Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, the court has the power to summon the Director of Public Prosecution to tell the court why the suspects should still be in prison custody. He argued that in the spirit of fair hearing all the defendants are presumed innocent until contrary is proven. In his reply, the prosecution led by Superintendent Mr. Chukwu Agwu told the

court that the prosecution had done all it could to facilitate speedy hearing of the matter. Agwu stated that the case file had been transferred to the office of the DPP and that he was merely waiting for the DPP advice. Meanwhile, the prosecution has consolidated the three charges pending before the court. The new charge was read to the defendants but their pleas were not taken. Subsequently, Magistrate Aka-Bashorun ordered all the defendants to be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the matter till November 5, for mention. In the news charge , Okwumo Nwabufo, 33; Ezike Olisaeloka, 23; Orji Osita, 32; and Maduakor Chukwunonso, 25, and Gideon Okechukwu are facing a nine –count charge of felony, conspiracy, robbery and murder of Cynthia Osokogu. The charge sheet stated that the suspects killed the deceased by administering her with ‘Rohypnol Flunitrapezam’’, binding, torturing, and strangling her.

It also stated that the suspects, along with some others at large, raped and robbed the deceased of valuables that included an International passport, a mobile phone, shoes, bags, wristwatches and jewelries. They were alleged to be armed with offensive weapons and robbed Cynthia of her Blackberry handset, Bold 5 model, International Passport with No- AO1249397 dated July 3, 2009, National Driver’s license with No- GRE0002AA dated March 15, 2010, a pair of shoes, hand bag, artificial sex toy vibrator, jewelry pack containing 3 wrist watches, 4 rings, 3 pairs of earrings, 1 pendant, 1 necklace, hand chain and a single earring value of the property are yet to be ascertained. Besides, he was alleged to have joined others already charged and unlawfully had sexual intercourse with Cynthia without her consent and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 258(1) of the Criminal Code Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

o fewer than 33 people were arrested for hanging on couches of a moving train by the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit in collaboration with the Railway Police Command. The people aged between ages 18 and 52 were arrested at the Ikeja and Agege Terminus of the Nigeria Railway cooperation. Some of them were arrested for hanging and sitting atop moving trains operated by the Nigeria Railway Cooperation. Confirming the arrest, the chairman of the Task Force, SP Bayo Sulaiman, said that it was rather alarming and worrisome to see people sit atop moving trains. He added that various investigations had revealed that most people involved were actually touts and miscreants carrying

out nefarious activities. He reiterated that the state government would not fold its arms while the act continued. He said the arrest would be a frequent one until it is totally eradicated. On his own part, the District Manager of the Nigeria Railway Cooperation, Lagos, Mr. Paul Ndibe, also decried the dangerous misuse of the trains. He said: “We have already informed these boys that if there’s no space on the train, we can refund valid ticket holders their money or have their tickets endorsed for future use.” He further said he had no intention of witchhunting anyone, rather he hoped others would learn from this and desist from further sitting and hanging atop the trains as this would no longer be tolerated. “All the 33 persons will be arraigned before the special offences court today,” he added.

TASUED holds inaugural lecture

he first Inaugural Lecture of the Tai Solarin University of Education, Nigeria’s premier university of education, will hold on Wednesday, 10th of October, 2012, at the main campus at Ijagun,

via Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. The lecture, titled, “From womb to tomb: The role of nutrition”, will be delivered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, TASUED, Professor Joseph Olusoga Olusanya, a Professor of Human Nutrition.

Sport

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October 6, 2012

CCL: Sunshine Stars lay ambush for Al Ahly in Ijebu-Ode

Azuka Izu (left) of Sunshine Stars dribbles past a Recreativo De Loboro of Angola player during the first round of the CAF Champions League played earlier in the year.

SAYO OGUNDEJI

igeria’s sole representative in the lucrative CAF Champions League (CCL), Sunshine Stars of Akure, will today at the Dipo Dina Satdium in Ijebu-Ode take on six-time winners Al Ahly of Egypt in one of the first leg semi-final clashes across the continent. The Gbenga Ogunbote-tutored side goes into this weekend’s fixture as the only one of the four clubs not to have won the competition. While Sunshine and Al Ahly will be facing each other for the first time in the clubs’ histories, four-time champions TP Mazembe of DR Congo will meet Tunisia’s Esperance, who have won the title twice. The Nigerian side finished second behind group leaders Espérance Sportive de Tunis to land the semi final pairing after Etoile Du Sahel was disqualified by CAF’s

disciplinary committee for crowd trouble. Enyimba of Aba remains the only Nigerian club to have won the coveted continental trophy, but Sunshine Stars who were semi finalist in the 2011 CAF Confederation Cup will be gunning for a resounding victory against the experienced Tunisians. The management of Sunshine has averted what could have disrupted the team’s plans for the much-important fixture as the unpaid sign-on fees of their players were settled after they refusal to train a fortnight ago . Saturday Mirror gathered that the visitors will miss a number of their key players to injury, while Sunshine on the other hand will be banking on their star striker Izu Azuka to add to his five goals tally in the competition. Al Ahly will be without star striker Emad Moteab, who is suffering from kidney stones, and midfielder Walid Soliman has been ruled out because of a knee problem.

Flamingoes not jinxed –Okon P. 16

The Director of Ondo State Football Agency (OSFA), Mike Idoko, has debunked the claims, saying the injury news were part of the visitors’ ploy to deceive their hosts, adding that his side would be battle ready irrespective of the team presented by the defending champions. “They are selling dummy for us to relax, but we are battle ready for war. We have our agents monitoring them and from what they are feeding us, all their regular players are training with them and are part of the team coming to Ijebu Ode,” Idoko said during the week. Sunshine striker, Ajani Ibrahim, has promised to deliver the goals that will nail the Egyptian giants, adding that he and his colleagues were determined to emulate former champions, Enyimba, by picking the final ticket. “I’ve had my mind on the tie for a long time and I hope to deliver the surprise package for people on Saturday.

Xavi targets hat-trick against Real Madrid P. 41

“I’ve been training and I’m hopeful things will turn out positive for me and my teammates because we want to make our fans and Nigerians happy by picking the final ticket,” Ibrahim said. The striker, though praised the visitors for their achievement on the continent, he however added that his side was more determined to make success out of their current campaign in the continental competition. “Ahly are a big side, but football is not about names but commitment and determination which are our driving force. We hope to go all the way to become the second Nigerian team to lift this trophy,” Ibrahim concluded. Meanwhile, the second leg of the semifinal tie will be played in Tunis on October 20, and in Egypt one day later, while the final will also be played over two legs, on the weekends of 2-4 November and 16-18 November.

Awareness creation, funding, key to sports development P. 42, 43 in Anambra –Aroh

SPORT

October 6, 2012

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Caging ambitious Lone Stars in Eagles nest!

he much-anticipated last qualifying game for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Lone Stars of Liberia in Calabar is just a week away, with the echoes of the drums of soccer rivalry almost reaching a fever pitch. From the camp of the visitors, they are currently fine-tuning their strategies in Ghana with an aim of seeing that they outwit the Eagles in the make-or-mar encounter. As a kicker, how prepared is the Nigerian team to cage the ambitious visitors who are not hiding their intention to shock Nigerian soccer fans? Frankly, not much is being heard from the camp of the Stephen Keshitutored team as they have adopted the strategy of ‘wait and see’. Taking our minds back to 1994 when our soccer prowess was at its peak and the early 2000 when our winning streak in the continent was beginning to wane, the outcome of these two major soccer matches had shaped my mind to always remain cheerful on the outcome of games involving Nigeria. And I want to share them with the esteemed readers of this column. The 1994 incident occurred in Nigeria’s explosive second round match of the FIFA World Cup against Italy. And had the Super Eagles survived the cracker, the country would have qualified for the quarter-final stage of the competition, though just making her debut in the mundial. Interestingly, Nigeria spanked Bulgaria 3-0, lost 1-2 to Argentina and defeated Greece 2-0 to

Hard Tackle with

Andrew Ekejiuba anelsports@yahoo.com

08023103605

Super Eagles skipper, Joseph Yobo (right) exchanges hot words with Vincent Enyeama after the goalkeeper’s howler that gave Lone Stars the equalising goal in their first leg tie in Monrovia.

top Group D with 6 points in the aforementioned competition, before falling 1-2 to the fire-power of the hard-fighting Italians in the second round. We had a good assemblage of stars in the Eagles team then, but lost out when it mattered most, no thanks to Roberto Baggio’s brace in the 89th minute and during the extra time (102nd minute). As a young enthusiastic sports reporter with the Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), I was totally upset with the outcome of the game and for once I felt God was

not interested in mundane things like football where both teams often pray to Him requesting for His divine favour to achieve victory. That same night of July 5, 1994, from the city of Boston where the match was beamed to every corner of the universe where Nigerians reside, I felt the hearts of many soccer-loving fans shattered. I also saw fans weeping openly in the streets of Owerri as if they had lost a father, mother or a relation as a result of the outcome of that match. It was a sad night indeed! The second incident took place

in the year 2000 and during the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Lagos between Nigeria and old foe, Cameroon. The two finalists were evenly matched in terms of quality of stars on parade, as the main bowl of the National Stadium Lagos was ecstatic and filled to capacity. As a young reporter with the Radio Nigeria Lagos then, I learnt my lessons the hard way, as I was again humbled with the outcome of the game which Nigeria lost 4-3 via penalties after a pulsating 2-2 draw. I could remember vividly Cameroonian international, Patrick Mboma, once slipped the ball inbetween Ike Shorunmu’s legs to score one of the goals for the visitors before Austin Okocha equalised 2-2 with a rocket shot that stands out as one of the best goals ever scored at the venue. The most painful aspect of that game came during the penalties when Victor Ikpeba, fired a shot, which soccer pundits later adjudged a goal but reacted negatively by holding his head anxiously when his strike hit the upper bar and went into touch. Many fans at the venue believed his reaction may have aided the referee in reaching a decision that it was not a goal. When I drew myself to the closet after reviewing these two major incidents, I discovered that aside match strategy, team work and good planning, a team needs that element of luck to win crucial matches. And this luck can only come into play if the team works hard in converting its scoring chances during the game since

goals win matches. Therefore, the October 13 cracker in Calabar is one of Nigeria’s most important football clashes of the past two years with the NFF also believing that the Eagles have the capacity to take the game by the scruff and turn back the visitors with plenty of goals. But we also know that talk is cheap and gone are the days when we see countries like Liberia as minnows of African football. So, it is on that premise that I want to alert Keshi and his coaching crew of the plausible plans of the Liberians to stop Eagles from qualifying for the 2013 Nations Cup, just as Guinea did to Nigeria during the 2012 Nations Cup qualifiers. HT gathered that the Liberians are aware of the wobbly nature of the Eagles defence and are ready to capitalise on it to leave another unpalatable memory in the minds of Nigerian soccer fans. A close source to the Lone Stars camp revealed that their game plan is to score early goals and defend them with all their might in Calabar. Therefore, it is my candid suggestion that Keshi and his coaching crew should approach the game with all seriousness it deserves and work on some of the ageing defenders. It is the wish of HT that Keshi should begin now to look for replacements for captain, Joseph Yobo, and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama because age is fast setting into their game. Enyeama’s howler that enabled Liberia equalise 2-2 against the Eagles in Monrovia is an indication that the duo have passed their prime and relevance to the team.

SPORT NEWS

Bankers Games: UBN, Skye Bank jostle for top spots ANDREW EKEJIUBA

fter a two-week break, the Nigeria Bankers Games (NBG) resumes this Sunday at the University of Lagos Sports Complex with four fixtures in the football event. In Group A, it will be a straight fight for leadership between Union Bank, which enjoyed impressive outings in Match Day 3 and Skye Bank, the only side that has claimed maximum points in matches played so far. The Stallion Boys, as the Union Bank, are known, will square up another ambitious side, Fidelity Bank

with the Reginald Ihejiani Boys seeking their first full points of the tournament. Being one of the favoured teams as last year’s finalists, Fidelity Bank is in a race to maintain their reputation as one of the NBG top teams. A resurgent Stanbic IBTC squad will also seek to consolidate on the gains of their earlier results as they meet Sterling Bank. Having gone down against Union Bank in their last outing, Stanbic is in a must win situation to keep sight of reaching the knock-out stage. For UBA, the fixture against Ecobank presents their best opportunity to claim maximum points

after drawing their first two matches. It, however, promises to be a dicey encounter as Ecobank will seek to redeem their campaign following the 3-1 loss in their first match against Standard Chartered Bank. Skye Bank returns with an obvious bang against Enterprise Bank in a fixture that will determine their continued leadership or loss of it to Union Bank. With hundred percent success in the last two matches, Skye Bank is the team to beat and for their prolific forward, Abdulrasheed Kayode, it is another chance to extend his goals record for the season.

Uwua

Tornadoes shortlist coaches for interview

igeria Nationwide League (NNL) side, Niger Tornadoes, has shortlisted six coaches for interview to fill the vacant position of technical adviser. The Minna-based side

lost their privileged position in the elite league at the end of 2011/2012 season. Tornadoes declared their head coach position vacant a week ago after the suspension of incum-

bent, Justin Tenger. Supersport.com learnt that Tenger was given an opportunity to re-apply for the job but he declined. The coaches, whose credentials were screened on Thursday by the Abdullahi Abdul-Paiko led board ,and approved for interview are Godwin Uwua, Hassan Abubakar, Ganiyu Salami, Moji Mohammed, Hamza Abdulazeez and Abimbola Samuel. The unlucky ones include former Crown FC coach, Godfrey Esu, James Peters, Chukwuma Agbo, Domkat Effiwat, Abdulrauf Yusuf and Emmanuel Okonkwo Etteh. An official of the side, Suleiman Isah, said the shortlisted coaches would face an interview panel next week while the successful one will be known on the weekend of October 13 and 14.

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October 6, 2012

SPORT

October 6, 2012

Flamingoes not jinxed –Okon

alconets’ coach, Edwin Okon said Flamingoes are not jinxed following their quarterfinals exit at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan. Flamingoes were beaten 5-3 on penalties on Thursday in Baku by the French foes, Les Bleuettes after full time score stood at 0-0. The nation’s campaigners lost 5-6 on penalties to eventual champions, Korea Republic at the quarterfinals stage of the 2010 game in Trinadad and Tobago. Okon said the coach Peter Dedevbo side were simply unlucky not to have picked a win at the run of play. “I don’t believe they’re jinxed, I think they’re un-

lucky, they played better than France and should’ve wrapped up the game at regulation time. “I praised them to have picked courage after their captain, Victoria Aidelomon was sent off. Such incidence could’ve demoralised any team but they held on till the end. “Penalty shootout is game of luck, their opponents converted theirs and Sarah Nnodim missed her spot kick, I think luck was against them,” the Rivers Angels coach said. Okon further advised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that the good ones among the Flamingoes should be encouraged to graduate to the next cadre.

Okorocha rewards Paralympian CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

Flamingoes captain, Victoria Aidelomon, bagged a red card in their quarter final match against France.

Nkwocha’s testimonial match gets date IFEANYI EDUZOR

rrangements have been concluded by the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) of the Perpetua Nkwocha Foundation to organize a testimonial match in honour of the four-time CAF African Women Footballer of the Year, who will be retiring from international football after this year’s African Women Champion-

ship slated for Equatorial Guinea in November, 2012. Disclosing this to the media during an interactive session, the chairman of the committee, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, noted that the testimonial match slated for November 18, became necessary in order to celebrate the football living legend. He noted that a book chronicling her achievements titled, “African Football Living Legend,” would

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be launched on that day, while a foundation will also be established in her honour. “We are organizing the testimonial match to celebrate our heroine who for thirteen years represented the country three times in the world cup, five African Women Championships, two All Africa Games and scored 65 international goals with many Most Valuable Player and golden boots awards to her credit,” Ladipo said.

Ladipo who is also the President General of Nigeria Football Supporters Club noted that the former Pelican Stars player, who had her first international debut on September 14, 2000 in China, has dedicated her life to the upliftment of the Super Falcons just as he promised that some of her contemporaries from Europe America and Asia will be invited to be part of the testimonial match.

mo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has rewarded the Imo State-born London 2012 Paralympics gold medalist, Miss Lovelyn Obiji, with a piece of land and a new car. The governor who made the pronouncement at the government house, Owerri, when he received the athlete that participated at the just concluded London 2012 Paralympic Games, also extended the gesture to her coach, Luke Onwumeribe, with a piece of land. According to Okorocha, Imo State is endowed with talents and stars, especially in the area of football and other sporting activities and pleaded with sports administrators in the country to support Imo athletes in all sporting activities so as to bring more medals to the country in future games. He urged the Federal Government not to apply federal character in sports, but

to give preference to those with outstanding talents and ability, adding that owing to poverty of some people in the state, he decided to give free education from primary to university levels so that people also with disability would have the opportunity to be educated. He also assured sports men and women in the state who have excelled in various capacities of his government’s desire to honour them in no distance time to boost their morale. Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Okorocha on Special Citizens, Hon. Mrs. Kate Okoli, thanked Okorocha for his support and care for the disabled persons in the state and expressed satisfaction on the success of the athlete. In a vote of thanks by the gold medalist, Obiji, thanked the governor for the honour done to her and the coach and assured that they would bring more laurels for the state and the country in future sporting events.

Obiji

Jaji Open Golf tourney SPDC-Gov Cup: Onelga coach confident of victory set for tee-off IFEANYI EDUZOR

IFEANYI EDUZOR

total of 26 clubs drawn from the six geo-political zones of the country are expected to feature at the 30th edition of the Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc, Jaji Open Golf Tournament, which tees- off today at Jaji Golf Club, in Plateau State. Receiving members of the company in Jaji, the Deputy Commandant of Command and Staff College Jaji, Rear Admiral D.O Osuofa who represented the Commandant, Air vice Marshal A.T

Muazu commended Nigerian Brewery for its continuous sponsorship of the annual championship since its inception about 29 years ago. He noted that over the years, the command has produced good golfers who have won laurels not only for the Armed Forces but the country, promising that efforts will be intensified to encourage more members of the Armed Forces to embrace golf. “We are very grateful with Nigerian Breweries Plc for its continuous sponsorship of the championship in the last 29 years,” Osuofa said.

oach of Onelga Local Government Area of Rivers State, Sunday Oleh, has expressed confidence his wards will emerge champions of the on-going 2012 SPDC/Rivers State Governor’s Cup competition. Oleh- tutored side rounded up their group matches on Thursday with 3-2 win against hard-fighting Andoni at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt. The victory guaranteed them a quarter-final ticket which is billed to be played on October 15, 2012. Oleh noted that having come this far in the annual football fiesta, nothing will

Action recorded at the Rivers State Governor’s Cup.

stop his wards from clinching the coveted trophy come October 19, when the final match would be played. “Our eyes are focused on winning the trophy now that we’ve made it to the quarterfinals. We came very close to winning the title in the last

edition, but this time we have perfected strategies to win our remaining matches. In the other last group games of the competition, cup holders, Obio-Akpo LGA walked over Omuma before playing a goalless draw with Onelga.

Abua-Odual defeated Asari-Toru 2-0, while Ogu-bolo piped Andoni 1-0. Earlier, Opobo-Nkoro defeated hard-fighting Akuku-Toru 2-1, as Etche had an easy 3-0 win over Ahoada West in a one-sided encounter.

MAGAZ INE

Fashion •Maxi tricks •Girly girls

Sex talk •Nine tips for Cloud Nine jiggle

Relationships •Can your spouse have friends of the opposite sex?

Zeeza

AMBO queen

October 6, 2012

Zdon Paporrella is one of the music industry’s recognised faces. He is also a TV and radio presenter. He tells OSEYIZA OOGBODO how he is fairing in the industry.

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Celebrity

ow long have you been in music? I’ve been doing music professionally for about a decade. I’m also a sound engineer and music producer. Why did you go into music? Music is my passion, and that’s the only reason I’m still doing it.

Your popular song, Nonsense, was a critique of the music industry. Why did you sing such a song? I sang Nonsense not out of frustration but because naturally I’m an expressive person. I’m not one to sit and wait until I or anyone I know becomes a victim. Rather than whine and cry in private, I used the medium I have, music, to expose what was going on in our industry so when by God’s grace I’m retired from all this, I’ll be happy that my music career stood for something objective. Did Nonsense achieve the purpose for which you sang it? Nonsense got my message across and that’s what matters. Like I said, it has more to do with personal fulfilment than material gains, though it actually put some good money in my pocket I must confess. If a person sings a supposed nonsense but it becomes very popular, doesn’t that mean it’s not nonsense? I guess that’s a relative question that requires relative responses these days, but in my opinion, nonsense is nonsense, popular or not, but that’s my own opinion! Your journey in music: how has it been so far? My journey in music like every other journey in life has so far been filled with ups and downs. But I thank God for everything because all have helped in making me the man I am today. Also, I’m very fulfilled. There’s no smooth ride in any journey in life. What matters is the end result! How often do you perform? I perform as often as the shows come. Would you say you are where you should be as a musician? I’m not anywhere near where I want to be musically. I’m still learning and moving steadily at God’s destined pace. I have no regrets. Now you are a record label owner. Would you say you fared better when you were on other people’s labels? At every stage in business, there are new challenges. I’ve never been afraid of challenges. I have challenges as an entrepreneur but my business is

‘Talent not enough to be a star’ growing. GML and Culbeed played their part, I must do mine. And note also that I wasn’t just an artiste when I was with Culbeed. I did a lot of work while I was there. I worked my ass off; you’re free to make some enquiries. Life must go on because someone’s music future out there depends on the success of Paporrella Kingdom so I had to move on so they can move as well. No one should be ‘boy boy’ forever!

cian? I have gotten a couple of nominations and won some awards but most importantly, I’ve impacted positively on so many lives.

How easy has it been as an independent artiste? Being independent is challenging but if you’re cut out for it, success is sure. The situation our music industry is in now, most artistes are left with no other choice than to be independent. If music is your passion, you must make it work, whether you are on a label or not.

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

What are your plans? I like to keep my plans close to my chest and keep people guessing until they unfold. What have you achieved as a musi-

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

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

Is it possible to survive strictly as a musician? The answer is no! There are few musicians in the world today who have only music as their means of income. They mostly have other investments because music is not a pensionable business. Only a fool will choose to focus only on music as a means of income. Is success in music dependent on talent or management or connections? In some cases, just talent has been enough. In other cases, talent and good management matter. But in recent times, one needs the three collectively to be relevant. Talent is not enough anymore. Our industry stakeholders made certain of that! Who has been the most influential person in your life? The most influential person in my life has always been my mother. Titles and names have never been a thrill for me except mainly for business.

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October 6, 2012

Entervaganza

With OSEYIZA OOGBODO

08023755142 kingseiza@gmail.com

Kefee K

to release Best Of Both Worlds

okoro crooner, Kefee, has concluded plans to release her fourth album which will be a double CD titled Best Of Both Worlds. One of the CDs would be devoted to gospel music which she is known for while the other would be secular. The gospel CD is titled Chorus Leader and the secular Beautiful. The double album effort is already being keenly anticipated in the market as many songs off it are already popular. Such songs include Eguono featuring fastrising rapper Skales, Dan Maliya featuring one of Ghana’s best singers, Becca, and the two versions of Sapele Water individually produced by Tee-Y Mix and K-Solo. Other notable appearances on the album which is expected to shake the market are by Duncan Mighty, Gordons and Omotola.

Uti comes out against sexuality allegations

or some time now, the rumour mill has been awash with the sexual preference of Big Brother winner, model, actor and onair personality, Uti Nwachukwu. Fed up with all the allegations against him,which he considers negative to his image, he has finally responded to them and even threatened that anyone found to be peddling them, even if the person is his friend, will feel the full wrath of his anger.

JJC,

In Da Hood partnership deepens

Azizat Sadiq

takes music more seriously

mstel Malta Box Office maiden winner, Azizat Sadiq, is taking music more seriously than ever. Sadiq who found fame and fortune by winning AMBO which is an acting talent hunt, is leaving no stones unturned to ensure that she becomes musically successful. And just like musicians do, she also has a stage name, Zeeza, and she has dropped three singles already including a video for one of

them, Lau Lau. There is no doubt that she means business with her music career. Having already proved her worth as actress with her lead role in the blockbuster Sitanda and roles in many other productions including Edge of Paradise, she relocated to the UK to prepare for a career in music by studying music at an advanced level. Now, she is set to take not just the music industry by storm but also Nollywood.

ast Sunday was a major step forward in the relationship and partnership between Nigerian UK-based multi-talented artist-entrepreneur, JJC, and In Da Hood, a youth-based talent development community organisation based in Lagos Island. Previously in the JJC, In Da Hood relationship, JJC was a guest artiste at the monthly motivational session organised by IDH to inspire its members that comprise of musicians, dancers, actors and other creative people. And sequel to his lecture, JJC and IDH have deepened their partnership for the benefit of IDH’s numerous upcoming members by joining forces to shoot JJC’s latest video, African Skank. The shoot took place last Sunday at Joseph Street off Broad Street on Lagos Island and the cast was made up mainly of IDH members who will be exposed to the world through the video. Celebrity appearances in the video were by Ali Baba, Capital FEMI, Kate Henshaw, Denrele, Goldie, Gbenro Ajibade, DJ Sose, Kaffy, Seyi Law and many others.

ENTERVAGANZA

October 6, 2012

CLASSICAL RYHMES

AIRWAVES LINK

here is no smoke without fire, they say, and it is definitely true. So when two on-air personalities fight publicly over Wizkid and claim that they were only having fun and horsing around, then the aforementioned proverb comes into mind. Mind you, Wizkid is a ladies’ favourite. Entervaganza is constantly bombarded by calls from ladies asking to meet him. They say he is handsome, cute and adorable. So when two popular female presenters, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi and Toolz, fight over him, we leave you to be the judge of what it all means.

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Toolz, colleague fight over Wizkid

Fashek Gbemi (L) and Toolz struggle over Wiz

Send Down The Rain

Dream collabo takes over the airwaves

s currently brightest star d an ti ul the scene within he video of minating the do , em th an and beyond,” mate party e sub-region th y rt Pa e ow Muzik Let’s Get th Omorogbe, N fe E ra bo eam colla ed. Started, a dr j, CEO, stat as exTuface, D’Ban n ack, which w tr e tion betwee Th d ki iz ge and W ed on mobile MI, Tiwa Sava usively releas cl or aj m ring on and Spinlet, is out and ai radio on MTN me a fir m ions. stined to beco television stat de is n ia er Nig time. Assembled by ’ favourite in no its re- fans r rs’ hanfo te ar Pe St e Breweries’ The Clarenc as w the vibe record video captures launch, the ed dl re k, J. Slee stry that has a music indu produced by of er st Fo d bounds ixed by n in leaps an corded and m ow gr by s ed chestrat couple of year Zeeno and or over the last d an best rading the Now Muzik. Start- by pa y rt e galaxy Pa th e th in s et “Let’s G ightest star br lla co t an experie bigges ed” is by far th d delivering an . ia er ig ed in N y rousing and bo to be record ce that is trul en pa er club bang The red hot mind-blowing. easily the best is t rades wha

Artist: Majek Fashek

Omorogbe

PFWA: Winner wants more money

t is no longer news that Ayo won the fifth edition of Project Fame West Africa and that Marvellous, Adetoun and Ella were the runner-ups. They all got to go home with cash prizes and they told Entervaganza what they would do with them. Top prize winner of N2.5m, Ayo, says, “I want to multiply it. No doubt it’s a huge landmark for me, but I need to turn it into N25m, N25bn. My plan is to multiply it tremendously and focus on the main objective: music.”

Of his N1.5m cash prize, Marvellous says, “First things first, I need to go back to church where my father is a bishop, pay my tithe and save like Mummy J has been telling us. I need to invest but I think most importantly I’m going back to the studio to work. The journey has just begun.” Just like Ayo and Marvellous, Adetoun and Ella also said they plan to invest their money properly and also make something substantial and tangible of their music career.

Verse 1 The sky looks misty and cloudy Looks like rain’s gonna fall today This morning I have been soaked in mercy Waiting for the rain to drop the water Lord Oh Lord ... ye Chorus Some are hungry men And I don’t wanna be angry Send down the rain Water up my seed ye... Send down the rain Send down the rain Send down the rain Send down the rain Verse 2 Everything in Life has got its time and season So you don’t have to ask me why You don’t expect to sow cassava And reap up cocoyam You dont expect to sow rice And reap up cassava Whatever a man sows in this world They must surely reap Chorus 2 Some are living bad Got a lot of work to do Send down the rain Papa papa papayo, Send down the rain Mama mama mamayo, Yaga yaga yagayo, send down the rain Bridge Jah is my song and that makes me to be so strong Jah is my song and that make me feel so strong No matter what they say Even if they say I’m wrong I’m gonna feel strong Cos I know I’m gonna live long Oh Lord ... Repeat chorus 2

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ENTERVAGANZA

October 6, 2012

BOX-OFFICE HITS

BRAIN BEHIND THE SCENE

Edi Lawani … events manager

ven if you don’t know Edi Lawani but you saw him at an event, you would definitely want to know who he is. He is always easy to spot because he has a very luxurious beard and is always in shorts. He is a brain behind the scene and has been for many years now. He is currently an events manager reputed as the best around. While that might be a statistic that needs veritable proof, the fact is that Lawani has managed some of the most prestigious events in this country. Just two Sundays ago, he managed the Red Ball event of Senator Florence Ita-Giwa to critical acclaim as usual. But like most successful people, his rise to success wasn’t overnight and sudden. While in the university, he used to organise shows and he and his fellow students who invested in his projects made money from them. They kept ma making g money investing their school fees in the projects and they kept smiling to the bank but just like the story of life being up today and

down tomorrow, there was a particular show he organised, his friends invested as usual and for one reason or the other, they didn’t make their money back. His friends conveniently forgot the good times. They raised hell over the fact that their school fees had gone and he had to get it for them. The lesson Lawani learnt from that experience and which is helping him in his business now is that you have to have proper agreements in place when doing business. Like everyone destined to be successful, setbacks are just that, setbacks, so he shrugged off the residues of his friends’ unexpected reactions over their failed project and moved on. After university, he managed Daddy Showkey and Showkey became a roaring success. Showkey wasn’t the only artiste he managed and consulted for, though. A lot of artistes were on his roster and he was also a top shot shot in PMAN. Nowadays, he is more into events management and he has already stamped his authority on the sector.

Lawani

lmost three decades after the release of his film Frankenweenie, Tim Burton has resurrected the story. As a junior animator at Disney, Burton was fired, in part, for making the 1984 live-action short Frankenweenie, which was about a boy, Victtor, and his dead dog, Sparky. So, the director has redone it now in more ways than one and he joined forces with the Mouse House to present a black-and-white, stop-motion 3-D ver-

s its title suggests, Taken 2 is a sequel to its predecessor of the same title. Being that Taken itself was a box office success, there is much buzz around Taken 2 that is guaranteed to make it a success too.

sion of his fantasy which opens in theatres Oct. 5. It also expands on the original tale of a young student who brings his beloved dog Sparky back to life with a Frankenstein-like lightning bolt. The event leads to some unintended confrontations so Victor’s mom Susan Frankenstein (Catherine O’Hara) and dad Ben Frankenstein (Martin Short) try to help their son overcome some urgent difficulties with the same sort of quiet parental caring he remembers fondly. Nevertheless the hype it’s already enjoying, its plot is also very captivating too. Its lead character from the first part, Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) is the one directly in the firing line this time so it kicks off on a high note. On a security job in Istanbul, he invites ex-wife Lenore (Famke Janssen) and daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) to join him there after their own vacation was cancelled. But the families of the Albanian sex slave kidnappers (nice fellas) Bryan killed in the first film plan to ambush them and extract their revenge. The tables have turned ever so slightly, with Bryan caught on the back foot.

ENTERVAGANZA

October 6, 2012

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CELEBRITY Watch out for Ozzy Bosco FAVOURITES SHOWBIZ SNOOPS

ne artist that is worth watching out for to see how he fares in the highly competitive entertainment industry is Oziomachukwu Favour Mojekwu aka Ozzy Bosco. The main unique thing about Bosco now is his age. He is just five years old and is already performing at events that many of his seniors only dream of. He was born on January 7th, 2007 but he isn’t letting his minority age of five years old stand in the way of his fledgling music career. When he performed recently at

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the Nigerian Telecoms Awards, his performance was rated over that of more established artists who performed on the same stage. He had captivating stage presence, mesmerising voice and a meaningful song. The song, Superstar, says it all for him. He wants to be a superstar and he’s fast on the way to becoming one. Just watch out for him and don’t be surprised when you run across him or his music that this is one extremely talented five year old boy.

Bosco

Mikel Obi

veers into music

Rukky Sanda Favourite Food PRAWNS AND MASHED POTATOES Favourite Drink PATRON Favourite Designer SONIA RYKIEL SHOES. LOUIS VUITTON BAGS. SHERRI HILL CLOTHES. Favourite Restaurant/Bar I HOP, TRADER VIC’S Favourite Day Of The Week I LOVE MONDAYS Favourite Perfume CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE Favourite Fashion Item ACCESSORIES Favourite Movie THE SEARCH Favourite Brand Of Telephone Handset APPLE. IT’S AGELESS Favourite Quote NEVER TRY TO CHANGE WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN TO IMPRESS ANYONE. ALWAYS STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF 100%. THOSE THAT DON’T LIKE YOU FOR BEING YOU DON’T DESERVE TO BE IN YOUR LIFE

Obi

ne of Nigeria’s most prominent footballers, John Mikel Obi, has followed in the footsteps of some of his fellow footballers like Taribo West and Emmanuel Babayaro by going into the heady, unpredictable and stormy world of music. Though he hasn’t jumped on a record yet and spit some bars, he has nonetheless gone into the business side of music for now. He has set up his own record label, Matured Money Minds, and signed on four artistes namely Splash, Charass, Edgar and Kido. The question on everyone’s lips now is will Mikel too eventually release his own record or feature on a record by one of his artistes? In all probability, he may do so in the nearest future, going by the examples of other record label proprietors like him. America’s P Diddy and Nigeria’s Keke Ogungbe have done so and it is only natural for Mikel to follow suit.

d o o w y l l o H N ig n i s e eria’s Oyelowo shin

igeria’s own David Oyelowo is rising fast in Hollywood, the world’s best yet most difficult movie industry. Oyelowo’s rise is being aided by roles in the blockbusters Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, The Help and Red Tails and his latest, a major role in a Steven Spielberg-directed film, Lincoln. Spielberg is one of the world’s most respected directors with great movies that include Jaws, Jurassic Park and ET to his credit. And not only is Oyelowo in a movie by this movie titan, the movie also stars another eminent Nollywood personality, Daniel DayLewis, and Oyelowo positively gushes about acting alongside him. “It was an honour working with Day-Lewis and Spielberg. I would have made the tea on that set, because Daniel Day-Lewis is my favourite actor of all time, let alone get to work with Steven Spielberg on a film arguably about America’s most famous president.” Heaping further accolades on DayLewis, he said, “Literally, acting with him is like going in a time machine. I literally felt like now I’m in 1865 looking at Abraham Lincoln. That’s hard

to do. That’s a very rare quality for an actor to have, but he is definitely one of the few ones who can do that. “I learnt a lot from acting with him. He was playing Abraham Lincoln and then he was that guy the whole time. Even when we were in-between scenes, he would maintain Lincoln’s posture and voice, and that’s extraordinary and I like that, what that does, it makes for a very concentrated set. There wasn’t really the space or the time to mess about or anything like that. We were dealing with a serious subject matter, with a very serious actor, and a very serious director. So, you better serious up.” Lincoln is a movie about the late American President, Abraham Lincoln, who is regarded as arguably America’s most famous President because he contested the election four times before he became President. Already, there are more roles lined up for Oyelowo. He is already cast in The Butler, the true story of a black butler who served the White House for over three decades. After it, he’ll move on to Nina, a much-buzzedabout movie based on the life of singer Nina Simone.

Oyelowo

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ENTERVAGANZA

October 6, 2012

SHOWBIZ SNOOPS

Cossy Orjiakor

cries out over alleged threat to life

hen it comes to issues of mortality, Nigerians don’t joke with them, and the same is true of heavily endowed actress-singer-entrepreneur Cossy Orjiakor. During the week, she disclosed to the world that her life is in danger and just in case she truly loses it, a certain person whom she described as the brother of her tenant should be held responsible. According to her, the trouble between her and her accused stemmed from him stealing her laptop which she gave him to repair so she had him arrested and he retaliated by ganging up against her with some of his friends. Through the vastly popular internet social network site, Twitter, she tweeted the following about her predicament. “Mike augustine, a brother to my tenant stole my laptop while doing some electrical repairs. Got him arrested and his friends [have] been on my case.” “[I] am threatened, I have released him but [I] won’t close the case. But just in case something happens, the list of names is in my BlackBerry group.” “I feel better and a lot lighter. It’s not for press but like a back up. In case I come to harm way. In case am not available to tell the story.” “They say when you eat with the Devil, use a long spoon. But when the Devil lives in your house, pray and point fingers in case.” Orjiakor

Face of Ogun beauty pageant berths

he management of Face of Concepts Events and Oju Makeovers have concluded plans to stage the first edition of what is scheduled to be an yearly event, Face of Ogun beauty pageant. FO, according to the organisers, would be empowering youths, most especially indigenes of Ogun State nationwide, and giving a whole new meaning to beauty pageantry. They further disclosed that it is particularly designed to support community development as well as promote minority cultural heritage, culture awareness and community significance in the twenty local government areas of the state. In the words of Mrs. Oyindamola Hainsley, one of the creative brains behind the pageant, “Face of Ogun beauty pageant has been planned to be a global form of gathering for youths in different parts of Ogun State. We plan to launch the programme in five other states in Nigeria where they have the most youths. “Youths will be exposed to various events such as youth empowerment and intra-state vocational training, African artist performances (choreography), fashion showbiz and cooking competitions to mention a few.” She added that asides FO’s obvious benefits that include skills acquisition in different vocational studies like makeup artistry, beads making, skin care and general certification from Face2Face Beauty College in South Africa, a brand new car, cash prize as well as an all expense paid trip to Dubai awaits the eventual winner of the first edition.

Nominees announced for Afro Hollywood Awards 2012

Benjamin

he African Voice Newspaper UK has released the list of the nominees shortlisted for the 17th African Film Awards 2012 aka Afro Hollywood Awards. The winners in each award category, who will be attending the prestigious annual awards in London, will be announced at a special ceremony on Wednesday, October 10th in Akure, Ondo State.

Commenting on this year’s edition, Prince Mike Abiola, publisher of African Voice and chairman of the awards committee, said: “The awards ceremony will attract British African stars from film and television, British producers seeking collaboration with Nollywood practitioners and high net worth British Africans seeking to invest in Africa’s leading film industry. “Akure, Ondo State has been chosen to announce the finalists from Nollywood this year to promote peaceful electioneering in the state’s forthcoming governorship elections. It is hoped that the popularity of Nollywood and wide acceptance of the award brand will drive international media attention to the variety of tourist attractions in the state such as the historic Idanre Hills.” A distinguished and independent panel of film critics, respected for their expertise in the film industry, will decide the eventual winners of each award category. The awards, celebrating excellence in African film and tourism, will also be an opportunity to highlight the tourism development plans of African states, as the event coincides with the World Tourism Market, the leading global event for the tourism industry. The awards ceremony will hold on Saturday, November 3rd at the historic Stratford Town Hall, 29 Broadway, Stratford, London. The main award, African Actor of the Year, will be keenly contested by South Africa’s Jafta Mamabolo (famed for his role in Otelo Burning), Nigeria’s Joseph Benjamin (Tango With Me) and Ghana’s Van Vicker. Below are the other categories and

nominees. Best Actor (English language film) Nonso Diobi Femi Branch Yemi Blaq Best Actress (English language film) Chika Ike Tonto Dike Omoni Oboli Best Actress (Supporting role in an English language film) Kiki Omeili Nse Ikpe Etim Oge Okoye Best Actress (Yoruba film) Funke Adesiyan Ayo Adesanya Laide Bakare

language

Best Actress (Supporting role in a Yoruba language film) Mosun Filani Toyin Aimaku Toyosi Adesanya Best Actor (Yoruba language film) Odunlade Adekola Adefemi Salami Gabriel Afolayan Best Actor (Supporting role in a Yoruba language film) Muka Ray Femi Fadeyi Don Richards Best Actor (Hausa language film) Aminu Sherif Momoh

Ibrahim Maishunku Babelle Hayatu Best Actress (Hausa language film) Sadiya Mohammed Mayam Booth Jamila Umar Nagudu Veteran Actor Tafa Oloyede Kayode Olasehinde Gbolagade Akinpelu Veteran Actress Abeni Balogun Lanre Hassan (Iya Awero) Iyabo Ogunsola Best Director (English film) Mahmud Ali Balogun Bond Emeruwa Chidi Nwakobia Best Director (Yoruba film) Ayinde Sansaliu Yemi Amodu Bayo Tijani Best Marketer (Yoruba film) Alhaji Toyin Uthman (Toymax Film Holdings) Biodun Ibitola (Remdel Optimum) Ishola Saheed (Isolak Films) Best Marketer (English film) Andy Best Cosmos Ndulue Bayo Tijani Best Comedy Talent Bolaji Amusan (Mr. Latin) Hafiz Oyetoro (Saka) Helen Paul (Tatafo)

October 6, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Woman

‘Life is about impacting positively on others’ Blossom Chioma Gabriel is, no doubt, a woman of many parts. She is a gospel artiste, an award-winning fashion designer, and runs a Christian ministry committed to the plight of drug addicts in Lagos especially. The amazing mother of two spoke with YEMISI ADENIRAN on how she combines all with running her home. Excerpts:

our recently released album, “Never Let Go”, is still hot in the market. What message do you intend to pass to the public with it? The album is a seven tracks album sung in four familiar languages - Yoruba, Igbo, English and Pidgin English. The purpose is to reach out to as many people as possible. The message, as the title says, is to preach and encourage everyone to be determined and not give up on life. Life, we all know, is all about one challenge or the other and the ability to be determined to overcome whatever storm one may be facing is the only grace that one has to succeed. When you are determined not to be overcome by the situation you are passing through, no matter how tough, you will definitely see it to the end well. “Never Let Go” is a message for anyone; no matter the situation. It may be about a relationship where a spouse is saying “I don’t want you anymore” for whatever reason, or any other situation. Be determined and say no, I won’t let go. It is to make people get tougher on any tough situation, confessing that it will be well and meaning whatever we say. We should know that only the tough survives a tough situation. How well are you applying this to your own situation, especially with your arrival at the competitive world of music in Nigeria? There is no career or trade that is not competitive in Nigeria or abroad. Life itself is competitive and only the enduring one can reap

a profitable fruit out of it. The song is for everyone like I said and that, of course, includes me. I am convinced that with God on my side, I will definitely make a way with this ministry as I have been doing with other things that I am into. I have made up my mind not to be distracted by anything or anyone. We are all in the industry may be with different reasons. I am into gospel ministry to influence lives, to encourage and to preach hope in God Almighty to everyone. I will not stop doing that and I know God will help me achieve maximum success. Are you saying you are not bothered about the financial reward? Why not? I will be delighted to be financially rewarded but, of course, you know I need to sow before I reap. That is what I am doing currently. Of a fact is that no one works for God in vain. But you must work for God first. I will not push what I will gain before what I will do for God. I see my music career as a way of doing something for God and I am ready to go all the way. What is important to God is us staying with Him, putting our total trust in Him and resting in Him even when the storm of life comes. A lots of people thought you were going to abandon Kraftitude when you veered into music. How do you find time to run that organisation and still take music as a career? I am passionate about what I do at Kraftitude. It earned me an award some years back; I have some other

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WOMAN

October 6, 2012

Keeping ABREAST people learning and benefitting from its output in several ways. So, I can’t let go. Just like I have said and through that music, one should not let go; one should do what is right and beneficial to others no matter what. My life is about giving, I love giving because even the Bible says it is more rewarding to give than to receive. My life is about serving others; I am serving some people through Kraftitude; I cannot stop. It is just like the parable of the talents in the Bible. If one is faithful in doing one thing, God will increase his or her talents. It is in influencing others that one can be relevant to God and even to people. It is God that committed the two into my hands and He is the one that is helping me to manage all. How about your ministry on drug addicts? We thank God about that, It is also going on well. It will surprise you that most of the drug addicts we have in Lagos and in Nigeria generally are people from well todo families; they are children of the high and the mighty. They just got involved with different hard drugs for one careless reason or the other. The only help they need is God. There is no amount of other efforts to rid them of the habit that usually works, only God is the way. Habits, we all know die hard, except God touches their hearts, they are just attached. So, what I do is to spread the love of Christ to them through the Bibles that I distribute. I visit them regularly just to let them know that they are not alone. It is not easy but it is worth doing. I thank God that these set of lives are again being reached out unto. Many, after a while, look forward to our coming and little by little, they are getting touched; they are turning to God. But deeply engaging in these activities you have mentioned would certainly affect running your home as a woman... Again, I thank God for His help in this area. You know God doesn’t abandon His projects; I am one of His projects and He has been helping to take care of all that has to do with me. He gave me a God-fearing husband who gives his support to whatever I veer into both financially and otherwise. Even when I am down spiritually, he is always there to encourage me to go on. Whenever I am not at home, he takes charge of the home front, thank God the children are grown ups now. Even when they were younger, he was always ready to lend a helping hand. I thank God for him. The children also have been very supportive. We are all committed to every course I’m into which makes it easy for me.

Your attires in the Never Let Go video reminds one of the late Maria Makeba. Do you have any link with her? I have always loved the way she dressed and even her kind of songs. What now makes us to look alike in our craft is our belief in the African culture. I am passionate about my culture and this is what informed the make of the video and my general appearance. The African culture is naturally rich and very beautiful. It is respected in other worlds, it is just unfortunate that we the owner are not appreciating it enough. What is style to you? It is simply African. I love to be simple and elegant at the same time. I wear outfits that are not too expensive but well-crafted. I don’t wear something just because it is in vogue but because it suits me and it is comfortable. I love to stand out in the crowd beautifully. Which of the two careers gives you fulfilment? I simply enjoy both. Music and designing are about creativity and they come from the heart that is always merry. If you are not happy genuinely, you cannot create anything, meaning you can neither compose a good song nor create a good design. Life, to me, is about impacting positively on others. The two careers have impacts on people and because of that I am fulfilled. They are also both ways of expressing oneself and reaching out to people. So, with both, I am fulfilled. What advice do you have for young gospel artistes like you? I will advise that they hold unto God very strongly. They should realise that God who has called them will never leave nor abandon them. They should not lose focus neither should they be hasty about getting financial rewards or be famous. These two things are capable of pushing one out of the Christian faith. It can easily make one to dabble into shady deals that will lead to one’s shameful exit from God’s good record and even men’s good reckoning. We must learn to take one step at a time, take each day as they come and be very hopeful in God. We must also find a means of living outside the music career. This will help us curb whatever anxiety that may occur in the course of our rising. We should pray always for strength and should be focused on God and our objective of filling God’s kingdom with our gift. We must seek God first before other things we desire.

Sleep loss can cause infertility

esides the obvious, there’s one other thing you have to do in bed to make a baby: sleep, says a study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation. Sleep helps restore and rejuvenate the brain and organ systems - including the reproductive system. When sleep suffers over the long run, so does our relationship with our spouse, our mood, our immunity, and even our hormone balance. Sleep loss can also lead to fertility-disrupting lifestyle factors like caffeine overuse and weight gain. Lack of sleep may even lead to menstrual irregularity - a factor that can delay the time it takes to conceive. When researchers polled women in notoriously sleep-deprived professions - flight attendants and nurses working the late shift, half of the women reported irregular menstrual cycles (compared to about 20 per cent of the general population). Some stopped ovulating altogether.

Even the light we are exposed to on a day-to-day basis has an influence on ovulation and reproductive hormones one that has fascinated (and perplexed) researchers for years. “There is some evidence that before the age of artificial lighting, birth control pills, and working indoors, women all ovulated in sync with the phases of the moon,” says a fertility educator who is also the lead researcher. Similarly, researchers at the University of California, San Diego, Sleep Lab have successfully been able to alter the length of women’s menstrual cycles by exposing women to artificial light around the middle of their cycles, while they slept. It appears that the hormones that trigger ovulation, and even the sperm maturation process, are somehow tied into the body’s biological clock, explains the study. Culled from about.com

www.women’shealth.

Urine test may detect pre-eclampsia – Study

substance found in the urine of pregnant women can be measured to predict the later development of pre-eclampsia, according to research from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development of the National Institutes of Health. “We may have reached a turning point in the extensive federal research investigation of this frequent, life- threatening complication of pregnancy,” said the researchers. “This finding sets the stage for the development of a test to screen women for high risk of pre-eclampsia. Once these women are identified through such a test, we can target studies to find effective ways to prevent its progression or to keep the most dangerous complications

from occurring.” The researchers found women were highly likely to develop pre-eclampsia if they had low levels of a substance known as placental growth factor (PlGF) in their urine. PlGF works in combination with a substance called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Together, the two substances foster the growth of new blood vessels, and maintain the health of cells that line the inside of blood vessels, including those in the placenta that support the developing fetus. The researchers believe that the high blood pressure and other symptoms characteristic of pre-eclampsia result from low levels of PlGF and VEGF. Culled from www.patient.co.uk

October 6, 2012

Parenting

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

chool is where kids acquire the bulk of their learning, but it is hard to have success at school without a solid foundation of education in the home, starting at a very early age and continuing through the teen years. Most parents are aware of the things they can do to prepare their young children for the school years, but too many parents neglect to continue their early efforts, assuming that the teachers will take care of the rest. If you want your child to have the best chances of success later in life, it is important to continue your educational efforts. Here are just a few ways that you can help.

. Reading – Parents should make an effort to read to their children at least 30 minutes a day. Because very young children often do not have the patience for reading sessions this long, it may be advisable to break it up into several short reading periods throughout the day. This prepares the child to learn to read, and it strengthens the parent-child bond. Even after a child starts reading on his or her own, it is an essential activity.

. Talk about should – Many children are in the habit of putting school out of their minds as soon as they get home, but if you want your child to remain engaged and perform well in her homework, try to make sure she does not forget what she learned that day. At dinner and other convenient times,

7 ways to improve your child’s school performance ask about what types of things she learned in school that day, and be sure to ask follow-up questions and engage in real conversation. This will keep her thinking about what she learned, which will assist in internalising the new information.

. Fill your home with books – Studies have shown that children who grow up in houses that are full of books tend to fare better in school. Even if you do not have tons of books, just a few dozen high-quality and interesting books can make a huge difference. Having newspapers and magazines around can also help.

. Be involved with school – Parental engagement translates into child engagement, and it keeps you abreast of what is happening during those hours when your child is at school. As much as your schedule allows, try to be active in the parent-teacher community, and make sure that you establish strong relationships with all your child’s significant teachers. A positive side effect of this is that it will set a positive example of community involvement for your children to emulate.

ParentingUpdate

Olivia Manning

. Be open to questions – Children usually get the chance to ask questions at school, but in many cases there either is not enough time, or kids are simply too embarrassed to ask certain questions. Try to make yourself into a go-to educational resource that your children can use whenever school is inadequate. Inform them that no questions are too silly, and that you will help them track down the answers to any questions you are unsure of.

media consumption per day. This applies to television, video games, the internet, and mobile devices. When you add all these things together, two hours of media time may

seem draconian to the youth of today, but kids have a remarkable ability to get used to these things. •Culled from www.parenting-journals.com

Tiny Feet

. Offer continuous encouragement – Most parents try to find a balance between overpraising their kids and not giving them enough encouragement. While your particular approach will depend on your child’s personality and your own parenting style, it is always a good idea to make sure your child knows you notice the work he puts into learning, and that you are proud of his achievements. Kids get reinforcement at school, but parental encouragement is much more valuable.

. Place limits on media – The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that parents permit their children no more than two hours of

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BORN TO: Mr. and Mrs Oshibanjo AGE: 3 months BIRTH WEIGHT: 2.7kg

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Smarter than Einstein! 12-yr-old schoolgirl has an IQ of 162

12-year-old schoolgirl has been discovered to be brainier than both Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking. Olivia Manning, from Liverpool, managed to get a whopping score of 162 in an IQ test well above the 100 average. Her score is not only two points better than genius German physicist Einstein and Professor Stephen Hawking, but puts her in the top one per cent of intelligent people in the world. She has now been given the honour of being welcomed into Mensa - meaning she will join a network of brains from across the globe.

As a confirmed genius, Olivia is now getting celebrity status at her school - the North Liverpool Academy in Everton. She said: ‘A lot more people are coming up to me asking for help with their homework. I just like challenges and making my mind think.’ Olivia, admits to having a knack for quickly absorbing and remembering new information - but confessed to being ‘speechless’ when she discovered her score. But despite outdoing the likes of TV mathematician Carol Vorderman, who could only muster 154, Olivia is set to put the stage before sums. She has been cast in

a stage production of Macbeth. It helps that she barely needs a script – with the youngster revealing she learned her lines for the Macbeth production within 24 hours. But Olivia – a member of her school’s Mensa after-school problem-solving club - will have plenty of her own work to do. Teacher and club organiser Stacey Meighen joked: ‘We have given her extra work to do and will now want to know why she’s not getting As in everything.’ •Culled from www.mailonline.com

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October 6, 2012

le StyGlam and

with Yemisi Adeniran

to add to your wardrobe f there is one key item l-length dress. Versatile this season, it is the ful y to suit your shape. and trendy, it is one wa matde, skinny or short; no Whether willowy or wi les sty of ion th careful select ter what your frame, wi ifem l fee can every woman and fashion accessories, nCo ss. dre xi a versatile ma nine and glamorous in e: when stepping out in on ver we sider these tips ho off hes inc e can tak Overly long hemlines • to gth len ht rig e you get the your height so make sur flatter your figure. ll give you enough Choose heels which wi • s not k feminine and glamorou height to make you loo lumpy and large. bag, long, chunky Teem with an oversized • l celebd a headscarf for a rea jewelry, large shades an

rity look.

(08037801158) ydiran@yahoo.com

line if you are conConsider an empire • ch. scious about your stoma rt, invest in an elasticat sho y If you are ver • st che r you ho skirt and cover ed waist, super-long Bo . an with a cropped cardig a flowing maxi with a ess Don’t over acc orise • line of the dress belt as it will ruin the patter ns if you are Don’t wear small floral • ours or larger prints. curvy. Opt for block-col our if you want to Don’t choose a light col • guise mps. Darker colours dis hide your lumps and bu esom tyfor histicated for the flab and are more sop thing-aged women. worn by women of all The maxi dress can be • their ing it is in proportion to ages and shapes provid most the r style carefully for body shape. Choose you flattering effect.

STYLE & GLAM

October 6, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fashion

YEMISI ADENIRAN

irly statement is really hot this season. It is that appearance that makes you look sweet, nice and not trashy. To be a girly girl this season, apply these tips: Wear the right colours. This is a must. Girly girls are allowed all colours of the rainbow and some, just as long as they use colours and don’t end up fading away with blacks and browns. Choose flattering, cute bottoms. Jeans should be form-fitting. Go for light washes. Skirts should be flowy and bright. Always make sure your skirts aren’t too short. Never wear shirts that are too tight or loose. Some good styles are baby-doll, empire, t-shirts, halter, spaghetti straps, and tank tops. Wear shorts. Make sure the pockets aren’t hanging out or that they ride up on you. Alternatively, wear Capri pants, and long shorts that go to your thigh or your mid-calf.

BEAUTY

Q&A

Dresses are essential. All lengths are possible. Go for floral patterns, plain girly colours, stripes, or swirls. For shoes, choose flats, heels, flip-flops, or boots .If you need to wear sneakers, try finding converse in bright colours. Always pay attention to your image. Your image is very important. A “girly girl” is a girl who is very diligent with her looks and appearance. Keep up with the style outlined in the magazines. Try to glam up your clothes by adding jewelry, or fun belts, etc. Accessories are a really fun part of being a girly girl. Always be active. This means doing enough exercise, and eating right. Don’t try starving yourself; this leads to anorexia. Be as healthy as you can be, everybody has different body types, curvy or stickthin. Try wearing some lip gloss, or blush. Don’t wear too much, or it could look like you are wearing an ugly mask. Girly girls do not overdo the makeup. Keep it simple and natural, for a fresh look

Your candid response to all fashion questions What kind of wedding dress is right for a slim and petite bride-to-be? Every bride wants to look dramatic, memorable and beautiful on the day of her wedding. And contrary to what many think, petite women have lots of options for wedding dresses that will enhance their

small stature rather than make it a shortcoming. • For the slim woman who is also petite, consider the sheath. This dress is long, closely fitted and comes in a wide variety of styles, embellishment levels and fabrics. The slim cut makes the body appear long and lean by flattering a smaller frame. The trumpet shape is another good option for the petite woman. This gown style fits close to

the body a dramat the merm longer, m fect for th When co

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October 6, 2012

n Frenzy

y at the top and then flares out into a wide bottom, making tic but also flattering statement. Another style to consider is maid shape, which is similar to the trumpet style, but has a more dramatic train and often has lots of embellishment, perhe petite woman who still wants to make a dramatic entrance. onsidering necklines, nearly anything goes. Slim women will

STYLE & GLAM

Facelift Ways to a smoother face

still want to consider their foundation garment needs, and make sure they have the support needed for the wedding day. Playing up the collarbone, neck and shoulders with a strapless or sweetheart neckline is a beautiful look; a halter neck can flatter slim arms and shoulders; and a boat neck with short or elbow length sleeves is perfect for a fall or winter wedding.

Start a daily face-washing routine. Consistency is an important part of maintaining a healthy complexion, so, make sure you’re doing these things every morning and night: * Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. * Use a toner (optional). If your skin is dry, not combination or oily, you can skip this step. * Moisturise. If you tend to have oily skin, save the heavy moisturiser for night time and use a light or gel formula in the morning. * Remove your makeup every night. It can be hard to do this if you’re super tired. But even if you don’t do anything else, take off your makeup. Pick up makeup removal wipes at the drug store and rely on them when you’re too exhausted to do the whole routine. * If you have acne, see a dermatologist. * Try face masks every other week or so also use some pore cleaners that you can buy at a local drug store Only use fresh makeup and brushes. Makeup, like food, gathers bacteria and will eventually go bad. If you’ve been using the same powders, blush, eye shadow and mascara for over six months, it’s probably time to throw everything out and start over. Your skin will thank you for it! Drink plenty of water. Aim to put down six to eight full glasses of water a day, and you’ll notice a difference in your skin. The extra fluid makes it easier for you to flush out toxins and waste. Sleep smart. You might be getting dirt and oil on your face while you’re sleeping — without even realising it. Try these tricks to minimize your risk: * Change out your pillowcase at least once a week. If you’re really concerned, you could even switch it out every 4 or 5 days. * Pull your hair back. Braid back long hair, and keep bangs or fly-aways out of your face with a headband. * Get your beauty rest! Sleep deprivation and stress can manifest as bad skin; so, make sure you’re getting seven to eight hours of quality rest every night.

STYLE & GLAM

October 6, 2012

Model

‘I love to create my own world’ Above every other thing, Maureen Chinomso, an upcoming model, loves to influence her world via propagating the richness of the African culture. ‘I love to promote my culture, it’s my world and I’ll love people to appreciate it’, she stresses in this interview with YEMISI ADENIRAN.

ou look gorgeous in this traditional outfit. How much involved are you with the African culture? I love my culture, I love Africa and I love to promote my culture. You will see that anytime we appear in our traditional outfits, we always stand ers out. Even foreignenvy us; that’s why you see many of them wearing it. It is rare to find ladies of today beam with pride in African attire like you do. Why are you different? There are no two people that

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Trendz

look and think exactly the same way. I think that is the reason. Besides, I love to create my own world. I don’t do things just because everybody is doing it. It has to be with a reason. It must be something I can explain, it must be something that suits me. I love the international world and the civilisation that comes with it. That is why we are all educated now and we are able to stand shoulder to shoulder with them. In fact, we have an edge over them when it comes to fashion. Unfortunately, we still do not believe in ourselves and those assets that God has given us naturally. May be that is why many are crazy about foreign culture? Oh yes. I hate the way we all go crazy about foreign things. Nigeria is blessed in all things. Our cultural heritage is the best. Our skin is the best, we are blessed with the best of all things and this is what I intend to preach and promote with modelling. It is not only in Western dresses or outfits that one can be beautiful or be said to be civilised. Africa is beautiful, our outfits are outstanding and honourable. It is high time we promoted them. When you look around and see a lady appear in strictly African wears, you are unconsciously compelled to give her a commendable second look. Honestly, this is what I want the world to know and I guess, this has been working for me. I thought it will work against you, considering the attention given to c l e a v - ages revealing clothes. Like I have told several of my contemporaries, it is not until you display your sensitive parts that you are said to be beautiful. When you leave those things for people, especially men, to imagine, it paints you in a good picture and draws them more to you. In any case, I was not brought up to flaunt my private parts and I will not; not for anything. Africa is beautiful, we have the curves where they are right and covering them up makes them more admirable. I love to model my culture. It has stood me out and has brought jobs my way.

Chunky wedge

edges are definitely the way to go if you’re not a stilettogal but still want to benefit from the extra height and leg-elongating effects of high heels! They’re killer chic and foot-friendly. They’re also sexy in a casual, subtle way. Compared to trimmer heels, the chunky wedge heel looks better on slightly muscular calves which is why wearing wedge shoes are best for women with thicker ankle and calves - the shape and size of the heel look way better with the scale of their legs. Available in a plethora of colours and styles, you are free to choose any type that suits the fashion statement you want to make. Meanwhile, note that coloured footwears bring attention to your legs, so make sure your legs are shaved and toe-nails polished. If you can combine the wedges with something opposite from it such as casual boyfriend jeans with trendy wedge shoes - then you’ve nailed the chic style code

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 6, 2012

Male Essentials

08036961187

with Oseyiza Oogbodo kingseiza@yahoo.com w kingseiza@ @yahoo.com

Afrobeat, Afrocool

style I M E F F

emi A Anikkulapo-Kuti nikkulapo-Kuti is not one of those e people who go out of their way to fashionable. be fa ashionable. He’s a ssimple ple person who prefer prefers rs to o devote the th bulk of his time and energy career. a d ener an energ gy to his music car ar r. Yet he has been fashion h s be ha een able to set a fas n tre trend by wearing b his constant wear g of a traditional trraditional smock sshirt rt and trousers trousers made ffrom m the same mater material eria and elaborately emelaborate tely broidered. broide dered.

Keep it simple, stupid! (2) Start By Simplifying I often use the Da Vinci quote – “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” – and it’s a great place to start if you want to begin this ‘cleansing’ of your wardrobe. Forget the logos, crazy prints and super minute details and re-focus on great basics. And seriously, I mean basics. White and grey crew neck t-shirts. White oxford-cloths and blue dress shirts. Fitted grey wool suit trousers with black cap toe shoes. Khaki chinos. Grey suits and blue blazers. Raw selvedge denim with great classic boots. Focus predominately on neutral colours such as blue, grey, white and black so you can mix and match as much of your wardrobe as possible. And dress how you want to – it’s OK to be a jeans and t-shirt guy if you have great fit and quality clothing. By streamlining your wardrobe you create a

simple frame for what’s most important – yourself. Allsaints Ranger V-neck T-shirtCommodity Stock Grey Marl Basic One-pocket TeeReiss Ambrose Long Sleeve Oxford Shirt WhiteFarah Vintage Sky Blue Hudson ShirtPolo Ralph Lauren Jumper With V InsertAmerican Apparel Fine Jersey Short Sleeve Leisure ShirtReiss Linden B Textured Stripe Blazer NavyOur Legacy Grey Textured Wool 3 Button Rolling BlazerTopman Charcoal Novak Skinny SuitJ. crew Stanton Slim-fit Cotton-twill TrousersOur Legacy Slim-fit Wool Suit TrousersNudie Jeans Slim Jim Organic Dry Broken Twill Slim JeansReiss Toronto Double Sole Toe Cap Derby Shoes BlackBespoken Well Brogue BootsConverse jack Purcell Leather OxA Point of Difference Now that you are starting to dress sim-

pler, it’s always nice to add a point of difference to your look that can take it from the ordinary to the individual. An element of your dressing, more often than not an accessory, that lifts it from being neutral to distinctive. This can be anything from a colourful pair of socks to an interesting belt, all the way to a bracelet or distinctive watch strap. Because, as I said, dressing yourself is about expressing your inner self, so it’s always nice to show a little bit of creativity and flair. You can even pick out and highlight certain trends still, but opting for more subtle pieces such as ties and pocket squares. I often wear a camouflage pocket square with my most Cary Grant of looks – grey suit, white dress shirt and navy tie – to great effect. Camo brogue boots? Not so much. Final Word

Truth be told, this notion won’t be for everyone. There are plenty of people out there who still dress to get noticed, be they hipsters, popstars, fashion bloggers or art school kids that will not be happy with any indication of moving to a simpler form of dress. However, I firmly believe there are signs to suggest that’s where we’re heading after these last few years of flamboyance and peacocking. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved it. But change is a good thing and there really is something to be said for the James Bond approach of suit, shirt, tie, shoes, done. There’s also something to be said for the confidence that it takes to do that rather than burying yourself in Aztec patterns, purple desert boots and camouflage fatigue jackets. So why not start wearing a more simplified outfit for the simple pleasure of wearing clothes? you never know, you might start to enjoy yourself.

October 6, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Relationships

Can your spouse have friends It could be dangerous

he dynamics of friendship is very complicated between the same sexes not to talk of what one gets between people of the opposite sex. Same sex friendships come with their own problems if not properly managed, but talking about close friendships of the opposite sex is another thing entirely. With men and women these days working in close proximity with one another, it has become almost impossible for job related relationships not to spill over into friendship outside the work environment. Old borders created for friendship are being broken, same as old rules and regulations on the parameters of friendship. And more people are discovering common grounds and reasons for friendship with the opposite sex. On the other side of the divide are still some people who still hold on to the idea that nothing good can come out of being close friends with members of the opposite sex, most especially when one or both partners are committed in serious and steady relationships like marriage. This set of people will go on to tell you that the end result of any close friendship with a member of the opposite sex can only result in both of them having sex. It will therefore be assumed that infidelity and adultery will be the expected end product of such relationships. These people will tell you that a truly platonic relationship between both sexes is just not possible and they’ll give you examples of people who have strayed beyond the beaten paths of marriage to commit adultery because of a momentary weakness of one of the partners while having a friend of the opposite sex. Truly, a lot of adulteries started off as platonic friendships with one of the partners ready to take the simple cross gender friendship beyond the boundaries initially spelt out for it. But I can tell you that it wasn’t the closeness that brought up adultery. If at all it did happen, it only shows that there are cracks in the marriage

that should have been sealed and which weren’t. People commit adultery daily not because they have the opportunity but because the relationships they have with their spouses are not built on good and effective communication that will allow them discuss the deficiencies and inadequacies that they may be encountering in their marriages. Adultery becomes an option when the commitment they both have for each other becomes meaningless. Most times, the problems that may endanger cross gender friendships are based on assumptions and presumptions of the friends and other people around them. Yes truly, there will come a period in the relationship between friends where questions may arise whether the close friendship should go beyond that which is already on ground. It is always better to stylishly address this very early in the relationship if you think that your friend may get offended if you come out ‘shooting from the hips’ to say it. Another problem that cross gender friendship may bring to the fore is the insecurity caused by lack of trust by partners. It becomes even glaring when the cross gender friend is obviously very attractive. Be that as it may however, and given all the above explanations, I’ll still say that there is nothing wrong with your partner having close friends of the opposite sex. The partner only needs to maintain some certain rules in the cross gender friendship and no harm will be done. Also, if your partner can minimize sexual tension with the new friend by not being unusually touchy or putting themselves in compromising positions, even if they are naturally affectionate persons, will reduce giving people the impression that the friendship is more than what it’s claimed to be. Finally, if all these fail and your partner is allowing the new friendship to affect your relationship, both of you should sit down and iron out the grey areas quickly to forestall a breakdown in your relationship.

SEX TALK

This column is x-rated

Nine tips for Cloud Nine jiggle 1.

Temperature tease

Forget about just stroking your man with a simple pair of satin panties! For a real treat, pop those silky numbers in the freezer a day before you’re ready for action. Then loosely wrap the icy fabric around his package and gently slide it up and down. The coolness combined with the satiny smooth texture provides a surprising sensation. But act fast — the heat coming off your man’s below-the-belt region will melt the chill rapidly. So once the panties hit room temp, go the opposite route and really warm things up. Microwave a damp washcloth for about 15 seconds. Then use it to rub his member in an up-and-down motion, just as you did with the underthings. Not only is the warming sensation soothing, but it also brings the blood flow to his groin area, increasing his arousal.

2. Naked chef

Incorporating food into your passion play is a classic carnal activity. Turning your bodies into a sexy buffet is a fresh, tasty spin. Take a few of your favorite erotically appealing flavour combinations, like peanut butter and honey or whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Put a dollop of, say, peanut butter on an area where you’d like to be licked (avoiding your genitals). Then dot the honey on the same spot on the opposite side of your body.

Instruct your man to first lick off one flavor and then make his way over to the other, providing a pleasurable sensation for you and a flavorful sensation for him. Continue mixing up yummy treats in symmetric spots all over your body.

3. Pleasure map

Okay, now this is going to sound a little outthere, but trust us, guys say it feels un-freakin’-believable. Heat up some massage oil, put it in a tube and use it to draw shapes, spell out naughty words, or create trails on his body — from his neck, over his arms, then down his back, butt, and legs. The hot oil moving in specific lines will excite the skin more than a broad stroke of oil would. Once you’ve left your hot, slippery mark, knead your designs.

4. Double mint, double pleasure

You can create a pleasurable hot-and-cold double-whammy sensation with a few sips of warm mint tea. The tea makes your mouth hot as you use it to explore each other’s bodies. Meanwhile, the menthol in the mint will cool down the area when you pull your mouth away, creating a hot-and-cold tug-of-war.” Have him take a small sip of the tea before exploring you with his mouth. He should sip often to ensure you’re getting the full mint effect. He can alternate by blowing cool air on the warm, tea-soaked skin, making the tingly feeling more intense. After he’s or rather,

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RELATIONSHIPS

October 6, 2012

CHINWE ANNIE AMAECHI 07028684481 chinweamaechi@gmail.com

of the opposite sex? It depends

This column is x-rated you’re finished, put the minty moves on him.

5. The w

When moving down south, many women converge on their man’s genitals, inadvertently ignoring the surrounding areas. But his pelvic region has tons of sensitive spots aching for attention of their own. The invisible lines that make up this W shape are thin-skinned and full of nerve endings, making them especially sensitive.

6. Stuck on You

During intercourse, you’re all wrapped up in each other. So extend that carnal concept even further by literally tying yourselves together. Take a really long piece of sturdy plastic wrap (long enough to fit around your body about eight times). Then fold it in half, twist it into a long rope that fits snuggly around both of your bodies twice, and secure it with a knot at your waist so you’re locked together. Whatever position you then choose you won’t be able to move more than a few inches from each other. This not only increases the intimacy but also the fun factor, as you find inventive ways to move in sync.

7. Fast and furious

Jump into the shower with him for a quick, hot make-out session. Change out of your cotton panties into a lacy

This column is x-rated thong. You could also cuddle up behind him while he is preparing breakfast. Whisper in his ear a play-by-play of exactly what it is you plan to do to him tonight. Tell him about your hot dream.

8. Shy gal

Some women may be shy during sex and when you ask them what is it that they would like, they may get nervous and feel it is too demanding to state. What you can do is to try broaching the subject with your partner in a different setting, where you can express your desires in a more relaxed way. How about cuddling up to him while watching a sexy scene on TV and whispering if you could try that out! Your partner will love you for it, so don’t worry please.

9. Be a wild child

There’s something deliciously dangerous about doing it in a non-private area, which could be on the beach or a park. You may need to be careful with insects and itchy grass if you are in a park area, and sand is very abrasive so you may want to have a blanket handy if you are trying it on the beach. Be prepared for embarrassment if you do have an unwanted visitor. Also please note that there are laws against indecent exposure in public places, so if you care caught, have an explanation ready!

hen you make a commitment to an intimate relationship with someone of the opposite sex, on any level (dating, courtship or marriage), the general implication is that you have agreed to place him/her on a separate and distinct pedestal of the highest category, to the exclusion of all others, especially those of his/ her gender. By making the commitment, you are saying to him/her that you have chosen him/her as the most special friend in your life. The question is this: does this commitment also imply that no other person of your partner’s gender who does not have any blood ties with you can retain a close relationship with you? As a woman, are you precluded from having men as close friends? (Please give whatever definition you wish to the word “close”). As other issues in life, there are many schools of thought on this sensitive issue. Whilst some people don’t understand why it should be a point of discussion at all (because every mature person should know the difference between an intimate partner and a platonic friend), some acknowledge the fact that ‘friends’ of the opposite sex can cause major ‘wahala’ between partners. One extreme school of thought opines that a woman should be free to have close male friends, whether or not these close male friends eventually become her husband’s friends, while the other extreme school preaches the ‘nono’ approach. Some people feel that such close relations are not harmful where the other men have women of their own, while for others, this cannot guarantee platonic relationships because lots of people are into multiple partners anyway. When these close male friends are in the woman’s workplace, it could also be a bigger problem because she spends more time at work than at home. What this implies is that she spends more time with these close friends than her partner. Imagine how threatened some men could feel about this. I think the biggest of all the problems on this issue arises when the woman remains ‘close’ to an ex. In fact, for most men, this is a big ‘no-no’. As far as they are concerned, when a woman breaks up with a man and remains close to him, she probably doesn’t mind going back to him. This is debatable, but my question to such women is: why bother? How valuable can your past be in relation to your future? Ponder!

Thinking about it from several angles, there are many questions to ask from, each from two angles (of blame). A few of them are:  Why would a woman be expected to throw male friends away after marriage (or commitment to a relationship); is marriage/courtship a prison yard or death sentence? versus Why should a woman retain close male friends after marriage/commitment to a partner; cant she make sacrifices for her man?  Why would a man feel threatened by his partner’s relations with other men; doesn’t he trust her? versus why should a woman create avenues of mistrust by keeping close male friends; doesn’t she know that close male friends are potential partners for infidelity?  Is it really possible, in this technologically-driven and social network age, for a ‘committed’ woman to avoid having close male friends? versus is it possible, in this day and age, for people of the opposite sex to relate closely without one getting sexually attracted to the other?  Why should a man be so selfish as to expect total exclusivity from his partner? versus why should a committed woman devote part of the limited time she has to spend with her partner to other men? Not all males around you are sexually attracted to you, and quite a number of them can never really be seen as ‘risky business’. However, the problem is: what parameters do you use in determining who is a potential risk and who determines that? A woman, thinking as a woman, may see her close male friend as harmless because she feels emotionally detached from him. But, her partner, thinking like a man and putting himself in that other man’s shoes, would most likely feel that that other man would find his partner irresistible. Doesn’t this make some sense? In my opinion, despite the fact that men are jealous by default, a woman can determine whether her relations with other men (close or not) can be sources of conflict between her and her partner. Inappropriate hugs, late night calls, private meetings, long discussions, ‘private gist’, special profile messages/dedications on social networks (facebook, blackberry messenger, etc) will tick almost any man off, no matter how ‘secure’ he is. So, women, don’t push it. So should women maintain close relationships with men other than their partners? My answer (like a typical Nigerian): How close is close?

October 6, 2012

Dear Igho

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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

He wants to marry me but lives far away Dear Igho, I am 33 years old and really want to settle down. I hadn’t been proposed to in a long while and someone recently did but he lives and works in Biu in Maiduguri. He is a medical doctor. We have been friends for the past eight months but aren’t dating. Do you think I should accept him notwithstanding all these? Rebecca Olawuni, Palmgroove, Lagos.

Dear Rebecca, Not having anyone proposing to you in a long while shouldn’t be of so much bother to you. Be rest assured, you’ll still get a man who will accept and love you. So, fret not, notwithstanding your age. As regards the young man, can you really say you know him and would be glad in 20 years time to have settled

for him? Are you people really friends? How much do you know about him? Or do you simply want to say yes because of your age as well as the fact that most

Mum is the word over my pregnancy Dear Igho, I am 29 years old and met this guy a month ago. We’ve been dating since then but only made love once. Unfortunately, I got pregnant even though we used the withdrawal method. The problem is that I have asked him what we should do and he keeps telling me he doesn’t know because he didn’t expect pregnancy. Even when I asked if I should terminate it, he kept saying he doesn’t know. He is 34 years old and a barrister while I work with a bank. Please, what do you advise me to do? Motunrayo, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Dear Motunrayo, I really don’t envy you one beat and quite understand how you currently feel. In case of next time, withdrawal method is not safe all the way; abstinence is the safest method or use a condom- though it could also burst. I will not advise you to shove the pregnancy down his throat if he isn’t living up to the responsibility of what you both created. Should you, and worse

still, force him to marry you, misery would be the order of the day instead of a sweetened marriage. Though quite painful, get set to care for yourself and baby alone. Give him a break but after giving birth, do inform him; he has a right to know but leave the rest to him after that. He may change his mind on sighting his baby when he comes checking on the baby or wouldn’t. Sincerely, you guys barely know yourselves since you’ve known for just a month. This might sound strange but I’ll suggest you continue being friends with him, improve on yourself, be strong, still look good; when you have so much radiance around and emanating from you, he will certainly know he will be at the losing end should you slip away. Please, after this, never make this same mistake but don’t over criticize yourself; being a single mother is no joke but the pendulum of marriage and being happy doesn’t elude single parents, so stay positive. At the moment, prepare for the coming of the baby, but without him and do not push him away should he have a re-think. Wishing you the best ahead!

of your friends are married? I’ll advise you pause before you take this major step which could make or mar you. Location is no consideration when love

abounds but personally, I am not comfortable with idea of relocating to Maiduguri at the moment. Is the young man working in a government hospital? If so, if you really want to live the rest of your life with him, why not work out the modalities of him leaving that region. You definitely know why I have fears about your location. No doubt, I know some couples who didn’t really date and they are enjoying their marriage, but I will advise you really get to know yourselves more and at a closer range. From your name, I suppose you’re a Christian; what about discussing these with your Pastor so he could pray along with you. Spiritual guidance is needed in this situation, please, tread with care. Above all, hand everything about you and this issue over to God, He loves you so much to the extent of being too glad to show you the way; go to Him on your knees, you’ll get all the answers you need. Wishing you God’s leading. Cheers!

Need an HIV positive lady for serious relationship

Dear Igho, I’m 28, a graduate and working class living with HIV. In order not to spread the virus, I need a fellow HIV victim for a relationship. She must be devoted and working. 08101780613 Dear 08101780613, I commend your thoughtfulness and being very responsible because were it to be some other persons, they would have long commenced a revenge mission by sleeping with every

lady that comes their way. However, let me state that you are living with HIV which is a condition; a manageable one at that, hence, you’re not a victim. Please, stop seeing or referring to yourself as HIV victim. You’re just like every other person, in short, you’re better off because you know your status. It would have been worse had you not known, unfortunately, the latter is the situation among so

many Nigerians. Don’t worry; I will get across to you with contacts of several groups of people living positively notwithstanding the condition. But medically, you can date and marry someone who is HIV negative. Just continue to be thoughtful of the person whom you are, the Lord who considers the heart of men, not their actions, will abundantly bless you for your kind-hearted course.

Why do I look older than my age? Dear Igho, I am 17 years old but look 22. I’m puffy and have big boobs. My bra size is 41and I don’t have stretch marks on my boobs. Please, I want to know why I don’t look my age. Are my boobs big because I’m puffy or is there something to it? If I want to lose some pounds, will my boobs reduce too?

Anonymous. Dear Anonymous, There is nothing wrong with you looking older than your age, being plump, not having stretch marks or having big boobs. All that matters is how you package yourself. I’ll advise you love yourself and see and consider yourself as beautiful because that is

In need of a Christian lady Dear Igho, My name is Jesusore. I am 26 and in need of a Christian lady for a serious relationship. She must be good, attractive, romantic, and fair in complexion. She must be

between 21and 25 years old. She must also be God fearing and a working class lady. Any interested lady should call me on 08059771187. Dear Jesusore,

who you are. If you want to shed some pounds, that would be nice, but don’t concentrate much on that for your boobs may or may not reduce. Rather, eat nourishing meals, exercise often, look good by wearing clothes that suit your shape and put more effort in activities that will add values to your person and mankind. Wishing you the best ahead!

With your phone number published, I believe women with that statistics would contact you. But I hope you’re equally God fearing and a working class single who is not expecting a perfect lady because such does not exist. Wishing you the best in your search for love.

Living

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 6, 2012

Shit millionaires z The irony of our business is that you need millions to venture into it: say between N4m to N5m

it morised sh Gadaffi: Gla Late Otunba business

Sewage operators make truism of the saying:”One man’s waste is another man’s wealth. FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON tells their story.

f you live in a big city, you would have heard the colloquial expression: “Shit money doesn’t smell.” You probably took it as one of those meaningless nothings that add colour to urban register. How wrong you are. The lifestyles of players in the sewage clearing business show evidently that ‘shit money is good money.’ The late proprietor of DMT Mobile Toilets, Isaac Durojaiye better known as Otunba Gadaffi, readily comes to mind in this regard. Even though he was privileged to rub shoulders with the high and mighty on account of his position as one of the most visible aides of the late hero of democracy, Bashorun MKO Abiola, Durojaiye picked sewage clearing as his line of business and glamorised it. Continuing from where Durojaiye exited, Alhaji Yaya Saliu, chairman of the Alausa branch of the sewage clearers association makes it clear that shit business is indeed a very serious and lucrative business which is worth investing in. After forty years in the business, he certainly knows what he is talking about. Saliu traced the evolution of the shit business over the years. He says, “Over the years, through the intervention of the government and the advent of technology, the sewage clearing business has continued to improve steadily. “Before now, where and how the faeces were disposed did not matter. What mattered was that you disposed it off. All we were interested in was to just get rid of the faeces, not minding the health implication both for us and those who live in

Alausa sewage disposal station

Saliu

areas where we offload the waste. However, as time went by and through the advent of technology and the intervention of government, some structures are now in place for easy disposal, as well as preservation of health for those of us in the business and the populace. Now, we don’t dispose the faeces in its raw state anymore. Not only do we have specific stations scattered in various locations of Lagos where we dispose of the faeces,

Fatai

even before disposal, there are chemicals we use to reduce the smell of the faeces and the impact on the environment. “The business is no longer a business of the poor or one that educated people cannot venture into. Look at the late Otunba Gadaffi. He was educated and very connected and he made millions out of this business. Most of us in this business live good lives. I live in a house of my own and I am able to pay my bills and

use a good car. Yet I have no other means of livelihood. It is a good business that can be passed on to one’s children.” Fatai Olawale, another operator who has been into the sewage business for over fifteen years also attests that it is investment-worthy. He, however, insists that it requires some formal training and is quite capital intensive. He says, “To commence the business, you must have at least N4 million to N5million. That is the irony of the business. Here is a venture that people look down on, but which, ironically you need millions to get into it. Although a lot of people look down on us as nobodies, the irony of it all is that our business is actually meant for millionaires. It is not a business for poor people, because you must actually have some few millions to get into it. “We make a good living from the business but things are not always rosy. Sales vary and it depends on the period as well. During the rainy season, which is our peak season, we can make up to N100, 000 weekly. But during the dry season, we may make between N10, 000 and N15, 000 weekly and sometimes even less.” The challenges of the sewage business are, however, beyond poor returns during off seasons. According to Dr. Francis Onyemuchara, sewage clearing operators are exposed to a host of diseases such as Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Cholera and a host of others. “In such businesses, keeping a very high level of hygiene is very important and it is also vital for them to wear protective gear such as nose masks, gloves, protective shoes and also find ways of protecting their eyes when they are on duty to protect them from saeco-oral transmitted diseases. Regular medical check up is also very important to enable such individuals know their state of health at all times, so that illness will not come suddenly without notice,” Onyemuchara notes. Speaking in a similar vein, an environmentalist, Mr. Abdulrahim Moshood, explained that improper disposal of these waste could affect the atmosphere and in effect affect, human health. “Improper solid waste disposal can affect the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere negatively and as such create havoc for the good health of all,” he says. Olawale, like other ‘shit millionaires,’ however, insist, that life itself is one big risk. He says, “Everything in life has its own risks. Once we go for medical check up regularly, we can maintain good health in spite of the smell and other unpleasant things associated with our line of business. Besides, the chemicals we now use to treat the waste have also helped in reducing these health hazards.”

October 6, 2012

Flooded houses along Makurdi-Gboko road on Tuesday

We are underfed z Benue relief camp residents groan, as kids take to fishing Benue State is one of the states affected by the current flood ravaging some parts of the country. The state government had since relocated people displaced by the disaster to temporary relief camps. But shades of emotion and reaction pervade the camps as reported by HENRY IYORKASE.

t the different relief camps for the about 15,000 victims of the recent flood disaster in Benue State, things have not been what they ought to be, the residents have complained. The 15,000 displaced persons are taking refuge in Makurdi at four different camps provided at the instance of the state government. The centres include L.G.E.A. Primary School Wurukum beside Mainstreet Bank where there are over 5,000 people, NKST Church, Wadata which has about 5,000 displaced people, St. Catherine Primary School opposite Railway Station which houses about 2,000 and the Community Secondary School, Demekpe where no fewer than 3,000 of them now stay. Benue State and its neighbours have been ravaged by flood. About 3000 houses had been submerged in the water while household materials including farm produce like rice, beans, yams, fish farms as well as livestock estimated at over N3 billion had also been destroyed by the flood. To alleviate the suffering of the victims especially those displaced, the state government relocated them to the above mentioned temporary relief camps.

Children in Wurukum Camp

At their relocation many public spirited Nigerians particularly indigenes of the state made a lot of donations comprising of cash, food, clothing, household materials and others. According to some of the refugees who pleaded anonymity, N16 million came from the state government while the Senate President David Mark gave N4 million, Senate Minority Leader George Akume and NAFDAC boss Dr. Paul Orhii also gave N5 million worth of food and materials However, as at Thursday when Saturday Mirror visited the worst hit areas such as NAF base Makurdi, Mu Stream, Wurukum, New Garage as well as Agboughul and Rice Mill at Wadata the water was gradually receding as houses which were completely submerged are beginning to emerge once more. The condition of the refugees is fairly better as was observed in most rehabilitation camps One of the refugee at Wurukum camp who refused to reveal his identity told Saturday Mirror reveal that they are now being fed better though the

camp commandant as well as NEMA officials were not available for comments. An official of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in charge of Wurukum camp who also doubles as Zonal Coordinator, Mallam Abdulsallam Mohammed, described the influx as unprecedented noting that efforts are being intensified to improve the general well being of the people. He, however, declined to comment on the funds made available for the upkeep of the displaced persons. However, some of the displaced people spoken to complained of inadequate provision of food at the camp. As they put it: “The meal we are being fed by the camp officials is grossly insufficient. Though on a day we are being offered three square meals, the quantity of the meal is very small for a household.” They also accused the management of cashing in on their woes to divert money meant for the upkeep of the displaced people adding that most of the relief materials were donated by good spirited Nigerians.

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Mr. John Liambee of the St. Catherine camp said: “Quite frankly no one is after being fed free but a lot of sharp practices are going on here especially by those entrusted with looking after our welfare. Most people are sleeping on bare floor as there is no provision for mattresses or mats. It is only in some few instances involving aged people and pregnant women that we have mattresses being offered.” It was further revealed that houses which are still submerged in the flood to their roof tops are being vandalized. Most of the houses, especially those with zinc roofs, are allegedly being vandalised during the night by fishermen. But, children in the camps especially, those forced to stay out of school because their schools are currently being used as temporary camps, are having a field day. They were observed in their numbers using hook and line as well as nets to set traps for fishes in the river. One of the teenagers, Master Aondohemba Jiryila, who spoke to Saturday Mirror at the gate of Christ Apostolic Church beside NAF base said: “For now the flood has forced us out of the school and in order not to remain idle we have engaged in fishing rather than roaming about.” Aondohemba further explained that the fishing apart from keeping them busy has brought money to help sustain and improve the condition of the family. He added that for instance, on a good day they catch not less than 20 fishes of different species which are eaten and also sold to passersby. Also, during the week, the first lady, Yemisi Suswam, held the 52nd Independence anniversary children’s party for the victims at the Wurukum camp. The occasion also witnessed the presentation of a baby boy whose parents Mr and Mrs Chiboza Uwem said was born in the camp the day Governor Suswam visited the camp and thereby honoured the Governor by naming the boy after him. The little Suswam was consequently presented to the governor’s wife by his mother. The governor’s wife presented an unannounced gift to the boy’s mother. While speaking Mrs Suswam enjoined the children not to be disillusioned by the temporary setback which had befallen their parents adding, “as a mother, I feel concerned and decided to shift this yearly Independence party to celebrate it with the children at the camp. “The reasons are not farfetched because I want the children to have a sense of belonging even as the unexpected disaster has enveloped their parents thereby causing untold destruction and hardship. We want to use this occasion to ease some of the problems by providing an atmosphere of happiness owing to the fact that all of you are future leaders” The occasion also witnessed the presentation of prizes by Mrs Suswam to the children who participated in a dancing competition in which a five-year-old girl stole the show. It would be recalled that the flood was first noticed on September 10 when the water in the Cameroonian dam was released. The water later flowed heavily down the stream affecting the inhabitants on its path cutting across four states in the north namely: Borno, Benue, Adamawa as well as Taraba and later escalated to an alarming proportion across the country.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 6, 2012

Flood:

LIVING

Delta communities count losses

The traditional ruler of Aika community in Abala Clan, HRH Akor (Obi) Emmanuel Obiechina, Obiechina II and his submerged palace.

That many parts of the country are being ravaged by flood cannot be news to many. Some communities in Delta State, as in other parts of the country, are still counting their losses. AMOUR UDEMUDE reports the Delta experience.

s floods continue to ravage various parts of the country, some communities in Delta State are still striving to swallow the bitter pill of the rampaging water. These communities which include some parts of Asaba the state capital, Ovrode, Ofagbe, Okpe- Isoko, Lagos Iyede, Igeh, Ikpide-Irri, Ivrogbo, Onogboko, Itebioge, Iyede-Ame, Azagba, Otoka-Ekegbresi, Egbeme, Okrama-Oyede, Warri-Irri, Iwrie-Ogbokor, Ekpe, Asafo, Umeh, Aviara, Uzere, Asaba-Ase, Aboh, Kwale, Ashaka among others in Isoko South and North and Ndokwa East councils have been practically submerged. The flood has not spared the Federal Government multi-billion naira Okpai Independent Power Plant (IPP) just as Aika community in Abala Clan in Ndokwa East local government area has been submerged. With the flood came the attending losses: human and material. The human losses include a traditional ruler and five other people among whom are two kids. Rescue operation and evacuation of displaced persons have, however, continued in the affected areas. It was learnt that the Okpai IPP was shut down during the week following the development as the road leading to Okpai, bereft of all indexes of life have been submerged since the flood hit severally communities in the coast. The flood which caused more havoc in Aboh community led to the death of a king, two children while three other persons re-

HRH Akor (Obi) Emmanuel Obiechina, Obiechina II

portedly lost their lives at the relief camp in Ivrogbo, Isoko South council area. This prompted the authorities to relocate the survivors to St Michaels College, Oleh. Farms, schools premises, courts, hospitals, health centres as well as markets and electricity installations and other social amenities were not spared by the flood as people now result to canoes as their only means of getting into these flooded communities. The traditional ruler of Aika community in Abala Clan in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, HRH Akor (Obi) Emmanuel Obiechina, Obiechina II who is taking refuge in one of the hotels in Asaba told Saturday Mirror in a pensive mood that his entire palace was submerged by the flood and his subjects scattered across

various communities in Delta and Anambra states. The monarch said that he refused to send his people to displaced peoples camp set up by the state government because the people of the condition of the place. He blamed the excessive flooding on what he called dereliction of duty by the government. “We have lived in that community for more than 500 years and we have not had this kind of disaster before. It’s the opening of the dams that have now brought this flooding on us. We are so devastated and everything that the Aika people have, land, crops, houses have been washed away,” he added. The displaced monarch noted that over the years government had failed to address issues of dams to store more water and dredging of the Rivers Niger and Benue saying that blaming the flood on Cameroon was sheer shifting of blame. “We have evacuated everybody in the land to anywhere we have found space but I have refused to put them in refugee camp because it’s dehumanizing and it’s not the culture of our people. They have taken everybody but the burden is heavy on us. Some of the children are finding it difficult to cope because about 17 to 20 people have to squat in one small apartment. Hence we are calling on the government to come to our aid to alleviate this suffering. It’s being hard for my people because everybody have been evacuated so no one is lift to farm and make produce for us”. Speaking in the same vein, the National

President of Ndokwa Youth Congress, Hessington Chimennma Okolo, a lawyer, said that the lives lost as a result of the flooding of Ndokwa East LGA are largely avoidable. “It is unfortunate, really unfortunate that the entire local government is submerged under water and government at all levels are running helter shelter without any coherent plan on ground to salvage the sad situation on ground. To underscore the extent of this tragedy the Agip run IPP had to be closed down this shows you what my people are going through,” he added. “The most unfortunate of it all is that this is not a natural disaster per se but a man made tragedy, of which there were warnings yet the relevant authorities as usual kept mute. This tragedy is mostly as a result of government negligence and irresponsibility. I hear there was a warning on radio and television but the question is-how many people in the villages along the River Niger really listen to radio and television. What government should have done was to dispatch their emergency staff to the coastal areas to sensitise the communities instead they stayed in Abuja doing jingles on television and radio”. While appealing to governments at all levels to come to the aid of his people in this hour of tragedy, the youth leader said provisions should be made for where the displaced should be housed and catered for and that government should take full responsibility for the rehabilitation of his people displaced by this unfortunate tragedy. Meanwhile, the fear of outbreak of epidemic has gripped the displaced residents because the only source of drinking water is from the flood. This is as motorists plying the UghelliAsaba Expressway have been diverted to other routes following the overflow of flood water around Ossissa even as transport fares by road and water hit the rooftop, in some cases as high as 500 percent. However, Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG), Ovuozourie Macaulay, along with other members of the Isoko political class, have mobilised over 36 speed and engine boats to help in the rescue of people still trapped in the coastal areas of the state. Clothes, foodstuff and other medicaments were also provided by the group. Explaining the situation to our Saturday Mirror while monitoring the effect of the flood, Commissioner for Land, Survey and Urban Development, Sir Patrick Ferife, said political office holders from Isoko, led by the SSG were deeply touched by the damage caused by the flood and pooled resources to provide palliatives to the victims. Former Chairman of the Delta State Post Primary Board, Chief Evelyn Aluta while addressing the survivors, urged them to remain calm as efforts by the Isoko political class and the state government would yield the desired results.

LIVING

October 6, 2012

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Mubi massacre: Who dunnit?

Police, students differ on identity of killers z They were killed by fellow students over election results – Police z No, we never killed our colleagues – Students

Some of the affected students at luxurious pack Jambutu Motor park heading toward East part of the nation

The country woke up on Tuesday to receive the shocking news of the massacre of about 40 people in Mubi, Adamawa State by yet to be identified armed men. They were mostly innocent students. Though no group has claimed responsibility, the police and students are now at loggerheads over the identity of the killers. OWOLABI ADENUSI YOLA

he massacres began suddenly and swiftly. An unspecified number of gunmen stormed different residences of students of the three tertiary institutions in Mubi, Adamawa State. It was around 10pm on Monday, the country’s 52 Independence anniversary. By the time the armed marauders

were through, no fewer than 40 undergraduates of these institutions had been slaughtered and many more lying critically wounded in places dark and hidden. They had obviously been inadvertently skipped by the blood thirsty gunmen. Those deliberately spared were a study in nerve attacks. The gurgling sounds of the dying were mixed with the deep painful groans of the wounded while survivors now turned sympathisers wailed uncontrollably. The ground was slippery with human blood and waste. The sites of the killings were so moving that even the lion-hearted would break at sighting. Days after, Mubi , the commercial nerve of Adamawa State is now a shadow of its old self. Although the authority of the institution said that the school remained closed till further notice, the town has remained in total darkness. Though no one or group has claimed responsibility for the massacre, it is now generating a controversy between the police and the student community. The Wuro-Fatiyi suburb of Mubi where the killings took place is mostly favoured by off-campus students of the three higher institutions of the town namely: Adamawa State University, Federal Polytechnic and School of Health Technology. All the institutions lost students in the massacre. While the majority of the student pop-

ulace is fingering the Boko Haram sect as the culprit, the Police authorities are alleging that the coordinated attacks were a fall-out of the Students Union Government (SUG) elections which took place in one of the institutions some days earlier. Some of the students who witnessed the massacre have, however, alleged that there is attempt to cover up the real perpetrators of the act by the security operatives in the state. The students have also distanced themselves from the act. Some of the students who spoke with Saturday Mirror urged the Federal Government to probe the killings as there was an earlier warning by the dreaded Islamic set to attack the institution. The spokesman of the police in the state DSP Ibrahim Muhhad, had said that the killings had a link with the outcome of the SUG election. He also insisted that only 25 persons were killed and that 19 were students of the Federal Polytechnic and three from School of Health. One security man and one ex-military man were also said to have been affected. He said that police did not rule out tendency of students’ connivance and involvement. According to him the nature of the killings was selective as houses were being pin-pointed and students selectively killed. He added that the police did not rule

out the possibility of students killing students due to the outcome of the recent Student Union election. “Investigation into Mubi killings is in progress as I told you earlier that 25 persons were killed by unknown gunmen on October 1 including one elderly man, one security and ex-military man. The state Commissioner of Police, Director of SSS and Army Commander were at the scene of the incident. The relatives of the killed students said that the assailants of their sons called them out by name in the midnight of Monday before they were killed. Honestly there is an insider link in this killing. Really we cannot rule out possibility that the attack is carried out by one of these groups: Boko Haram, cults and politicians but investigation will reveal the real perpetrators of the crimes. The majority of the victims were slaughtered like goats while others were killed by gun”. Ibrahim explained that among those killed were students who recently won an election making the police to think that the massacre might be connected with outcome of the election result. But some of the students who spoke with Saturday Mirror differed with the police authority as they alleged that the police are trying to be economic with the truth by saying that the alleged killers CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

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LIVING

October 6, 2012

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38 were not masked but unknown faces in the students communities. Michael Emmanuel a final year student of the Electrical Department told Saturday Mirror he said that the killings of students at federal polytechnic Mubi has nothing to do with student union election on the ground that the election was peaceful conducted and the winner and looser embrace themselves promised to work as a team for the betterment of the institution. “The security operatives in Adamawa State should not attribute the killings at the Federal Polytechnic Mubi as outcome of the recent concluded students’ union election. Our election was rancour free. Honestly the killings have no connection with the election. The election took place on Saturday night and the people that participated in the election congratulated one another after the polls and promised to work as one family. On Sunday after the election, the atmosphere in the school was conducive as we were preparing for our first semester examination. On Monday night some of our students resident off-campus came to school to read in preparation for the exams. But on their way back to their rooms they were ambushed and killed. Their killers were not students because those that escaped told us that they saw the faces of their attackers and would be able to recognise them if given the opportunity. For instance one of my friends who luckily escaped the killing but lost two of his roommates narrated his ordeal to some of us,” he said. According to him the killers asked those their victims if they are Christian or Muslim. “They asked if you are a Muslim or Christian. If you tell them that you are a Christian they would kill you instantly. But if you say you are a Muslim they would you to recite some portions of the Quran. But if you are unable, they would kill you,” he stated. He said that immediately the incident happened the rector of the institution informed them to vacate the school premises and that examination would no longer take place. “The rector told us to vacate the school premises and go back to our families because Mubi is no longer safe for us. He promised to transport us to Yola, so that we could take buses back to our various places,” Emmanuel said He, however, called on the Federal Government to beef up security in Mubi if they want the students to return to the town stressing that the massacre happened due to security failure. “Government should not take the massacre lightly. The government should come to our aid before they kill all the students schooling in Mubi. When there was 24 hours curfew nothing happened in the school community, immediately the government relaxed the curfew the Boko Haram militants came and killed us because they had earlier said that they are fighting westerner education. We expect the security men to take charge of all high institutions in the town. We think the government should expect Boko Haram to fight them back as they recently arrested some of its members and also

Michael

Edison

clamped down on their enclave in Mubi”, he stated Linus Michael is a 100 level student of Electrical Department. He can be regarded as the biblical Daniel “I cheated death I saw the terrorists burning churches but God spared my life, “he claimed He told Saturday Mirror that he was in church with a friend praying when they heard a gunshot. He said after the shot they peeped through the window but saw some churches nearby set ablaze. They never knew how they escaped though. “Actually on Monday night I was in church with a friend for prayer. Few minutes after 10 pm we heard a gunshot. The sound of the shot was light as if it was a pistol. Later we heard voices of people crying which made us to instantly stop praying. We then hid ourselves and

peeped through the window. What we saw was a flame of fire and heard a female voice. The people we suspected as Boko Haram members started moving from one house to another going for their target, “he claimed. Linus said in the morning he and his friend went out but saw security men who came to pick the corpses of those killed which he said filled up three Toyota Hilux buses. He said that the killings had nothing to do with election. “How is it possible that someone that won the election would go after the losers? Three aspirants were killed. The security people are just looking for a cheap way out of the mess. Also the police said the number of students killed is 20 but we counted over 40. The school authority should come out and publish the names of the affected students,” he added.

Mubi massacre: Who dunnit?

He explained that one of his female friends who lost her brother told him they asked her of her faith immediately she told them she is a Christian, her brother was gunned down. A female HND II of student of the Department of Business Administration at the Federal Polytechnic Mubi told Saturday Mirror under the condition of anonymity that the attackers that killed 40 students only robbed female students of their handsets and other valuable possession while their men counterparts who were unable to pass their test by reciting Quran verses were killed. “I don’t want my name to be printed because I live in the area where the Boko Haram killed some of my fellow students. I woke up on Monday midnight with the mission to go to class in preparation for my Tuesday examination. But I saw some students’ corpses. Some had bullet holes in their bodies while others had their necks cut off. Among the corpses was the lifeless body of our newly elected PRO, Mr. Lucky a native of Taraba State. I was unable to recognise him because he was brutally slaughtered,” she added. She said that she saw the Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG) building set on fire by the culprits. She also said that she thanked God for the life of her brother who escaped being killed due to rain that fell during the period the gunmen were on their killing spree. The rain had prevented from gaining entrance into their compound. “The next house to mine was raided and eight boys were killed there. As the killer group was trying to enter my compound it started raining and they left our area. If not, that they would have killed my brother because we are Christians, “she stated. She furthered explained that on Tuesday the students protested to the Emir of Mubi’s palace and tell the royal father that some of them from the East and West would not return back for their study because Mubi town is no longer a safe place.

... as crisis brews between Police, students

eanwhile another crisis is looming between the students of the State Polytechnic, Yola (SPY) and the Police community in the state capital over alleged maltreatment of the students by the security agents. The alarm was raised by the rector of the institution, Professor Umar Bobboi, while speaking with reporters yesterday at the state capital. According to Bobboi, attacks on students by the police community could lead to bloodshed if proactive measures were not immediately taken. Bobboi lamented the incessant attacks on students of the institution by persons from the police barracks, which shares common boundary with the school. According to the rector the latest attack on the polytechnic community which came on Tuesday afternoon left two students seriously injured while tension in the campus had heightened. “The attacks on our students by miscreants discovered to be some boys residing in the neighbouring police barracks have

been a recurring issue. They are capitalising on the porous nature of the school to enter and inflict injuries on our students” the rector stated. Bobboi hinted that management of the institution had officially written a complaint letter to the police authority in the state on the development. “We have officially written to draw the attention of police authority to this ugly behaviour and incessant attacks on the Adamawa State Polytechnic campus community by boys from the barracks. However, we are still expecting a response from the police,” he added. He therefore appealed to the Adamawa State government to recruit more security personnel for the school to ameliorate the security challenges it is facing. In addition, Bobboi called on the state government to raise the perimeter fence demarcating the two next door neighbours in order to restrict easy access into the campus. Meanwhile, the rector said surveillance has been mounted within the school, particularly the boundary between the institution and the police barracks.

Saturday Mirror’s findings revealed that miscreants from the police barracks find their way into the campus through fence-level heaps of refuse dumps which they use as thoroughfare and staircase in and out of the polytechnic premises. Some of the students who pleaded anonymity wondered why children from the police barracks would climb over to the campus and foment trouble. “We are battling with security challenges in the state, and now the police community that is even expected to provide cover for us is now the source of worry. The other day some boys from the barracks entered the campus, fought and wounded two students” a student said. When contacted on the issue, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Adamawa Command, Mohammed Ibrahim, in a telephone chat said the report has not reached the police. However, the police spokesman said that the Command would swing into action swiftly as soon as the report reaches them.

LIVING

October 6, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ojagbemi’s surgery, St Mary’s Medical Centre, in Strood, Kent

Nigerian-born doctor who led a double life with two women for seven years and promised to marry both of them one month apart hanged himself when his secret was exposed, an inquest has heard in England. Dr Festus Ojagbemi, 49, known as ‘Wally’, who had a surgery in Strood, Kent, lived with long-term partner Jackie Hammond in the week and lover Bamidele Ayeni on weekends - for seven years. He fathered a child with Miss Ayeni - a popular Nigerian singer known as Dele Achiever - and said he would wed them both, while racking up thousands of pounds worth of debt taking them on holidays. But when the secret was discovered by Miss Hammond he stabbed himself twice in the chest at his surgery, St Mary’s Medical Centre, the inquest was told. But he survived that attempt on his life. While recovering in hospital he told police and both women he was attacked by a stranger. But he eventually confessed the truth to officers - only to take his own life four days later. Miss Hammond later found him at the detached house they shared in Hempstead, Kent. A note signed with his nickname was on the TV cabinet near where he was found in the conservatory. The cost of leading the double life emerged after his death, the inquest in Maidstone, Kent, heard. Miss Hammond said a credit card firm phoned after he died, claiming he owed them £10,000. She said: “I started phoning and everyone told me how much he owed them. By the time we got to the 10th or 11th, the bill was huge. We just couldn’t get our heads around it.

Nigerian doctor commits suicide in England He arranged to marry two women just one month apart, but killed himself when his double life was exposed

z Dr Festus Ojagbemi, 49, known as ‘Wally’, had a surgery in Strood, Kent z He lived with long-term partner Jackie Hammond during the week and lover, Bamidele Ayeni at weekends z Bamidele Ayeni is a Juju singer known as Dele Achiever “I work, I get paid, so we don’t talk about finances. If we go on holiday he would be the one that pays.” The couple had planned their wedding for this May after almost 20 years together. Miss Hammond said he killed himself because he felt guilty after the double life was uncovered, adding: “He just wanted me to notice he was hurting because of what he had done to me.” Miss Ayeni did not appear at the inquest but the hearing was told of evidence she gave to police. She claimed Dr Ojagbemi proposed last October 2011 and that they were planning a wedding for April 2012. They had a child, he rented a flat for them, visited on weekends and they

would talk six or seven times a day, she said. Miss Ayeni, who sings Juju and pop

Bamidele Ayeni (Dele Achiever)

music, said she knew about the other partner, but he told her he ‘did not love her any more’. She told officers: ‘I would call him “baby” because he was my baby. I would also call him my “husband”. “He’s intelligent, loving, caring, he buys me lots of things. Why would he do this to himself ? Wally told me not to give anyone the news that we were getting married in April because everyone would go on about it,” Ayeni said. The court heard how the doctor, who also had two other children with two other women, had been off sick from work since December 2011, suffering from high blood pressure and vertigo. The inquest was also told he had called Miss Ayeni on the day he died to tell her he loved her - and even discussed a wedding photographer with Miss Hammond on the morning he killed himself. Recording a verdict of suicide, assistant deputy coroner Gail Elliman, said: “I am satisfied Dr Ojagbemi took his own life. I won’t go into any speculation about the reasons for doing so.” •Culled from www.mailonline.com

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SPORT

October 6, 2012

Xavi targets hat-trick against Real Madrid

arcelona midfielder Xavi has stated that netting a hat-trick in Sunday’s Primera Division match at home against arch-rivals Real Madrid would be a dream come true. The 32-year-old has won numerous trophies both at club and international level, but still awaits his first hat-trick, and he sees the Clasico as the perfect opportunity for yet another milestone. “Is there something I have left to do? Scoring a hat-trick... I would be delighted to score one against Madrid,” Xavi smiled at a press conference. “We’re not really thinking about whether a win would worsen the problems in Madrid’s squad. We are focused on winning, which would be good for our morale.” The influential playmaker

Xavi

then went on to discuss the situation of injured players such as Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol and Eric Abidal, who is continuing his recovery from a liver transplant earlier this year. “At this moment, there’s a 50 per cent chance that Pique will play against Madrid. “Puyol’s injury is a real shame. You can’t ask a player to hold back. He’s an example on and off the pitch and always gives his all. “Abidal? He is very motivated to get back.” Barcelona are currently in talk with Xavi’s agent over a new deal, and the Spain international believes that an agreement is only a matter of time. “I’m at the best club in the world; I’d like to retire here. My agent talks with the club about a renewal, there won’t be any problem,” Xavi said.

Ballack not forced to retire, says Popovic Hodgson defends W Shawcross call-up

ngland boss Roy Hodgson has defended his decision to name Ryan Shawcross in the England squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The England centre-back spot has come under the spotlight in recent weeks, with the retirement of former Three Lions captain John Terry, and subsequent revelations from Hodgson about Rio Ferdinand’s international future. And despite Shawcross’ reputation as a hard-hitting defender, Hodgson has backed the Stoke man to justify his decision by displaying a rage of qualities on the field in matches against San Marino and Poland. “He must have developed in the time since he was last in the squad, of course,” Hodgson said. “Furthermore, he’s captain of Stoke. When you captain a team, it shows you have certain qualities. Other managers running Premier League clubs are not stupid. He’s clearly got a lot of qualities. “My contact with him has been from the opposing bench, and he’s always had good games. He’s got centre-back qualities and, like all centre-backs, he’ll be accused from time to time of overstepping the mark. But that would be a harsh criticism. I’ve not seen that myself,” he said.

estern Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic has denied reports the club was responsible for ending Michael Ballack’s career. Germany captain Ballack was one of the names linked with Western Sydney after the 36-yearold finished his second stay at Bayer Leverkusen at the end of last season. But some reports have indicated that Wanderers’ decision to take on Japanese international Shinji Ono as their marquee player spelled the end of Ballack’s career, leading to his retirement.

But Popovic has explicitly denied this, saying there is much more to the story. “No player has been pushed upon me at any stage - Michael was no different. “He is a top class player, and when his name appears on your desk, you have to look into it. “Let me make one thing clear - we never decided against him. “I’m not going to go into the details of what happened, but there’s an awful lot that needs to happen to get a player like him over the line. “People think it’s only on our

The England international, who is out of contract at the end of the season, says his future at the club depends on which position he plays in. Asked whether he will consider Walcott as a striker, Wenger

Walcott

Redknapp urges Rio to forget England

arry Redknapp believes that Rio Ferdinand should forget about his involvement with England in order to prolong his Manchester United career. The news comes after current England coach Roy Hodgson revealed to commuters on a London tube train that Ferdinand was no longer part of his plans.

Rio Ferdinand

Lloris happy with Tottenham situation

ottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris insists he is relaxed about being second choice to Brad Friedel since his summer move from Lyon. The Frenchman made the move to Spurs in August for around 12.6 million euros, but has been in a rotation system so far, only being used in Europa League clashes by manager Andre Villas-Boas.

O’Neill hopeful on McFadden

underland manager Martin O’Neill believes James McFadden would be a useful addition to the squad if a deal can be concluded. O’Neill brought in the likes of Steven Fletcher, Adam Johnson, Louis Saha and Carlos Cuellar during the transfer window but remains concerned about the depth of his squad in certain areas.

Ballack

said: “I did it with Henry and Van Persie and I think I will do it with Walcott.” Walcott has started the season brightly, with three goals in all competitions so far for the Gunners.

Ancelotti delighted with El Shaarawy

aris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti has praised Stephan El Shaarawy, and has compared him to Brazil international Neymar. Rossoneri chief Adriano Galliani recently likened the 19-year-old to Anzhi Makhachkala’s Samuel Eto’o, but the PSG trainer feels the Italy international’s characteristics are quite similar to the Brazilian starlet’s instead. “Galliani comparing El Shaarawy to Eto’o? In terms of

EURO BRIEFS

side that it didn’t happen,” Popovic declared in an interview.

Wenger to give Walcott striking role

rsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that he plans to play Theo Walcott in a striking role. Walcott’s future at Arsenal has been speculated in recent weeks with talks of new contract being delayed, but Wenger hopes that this change in position will help persuade the player to stay at the club.

characteristics, El Shaarawy reminds me more of Neymar than Eto’o. “El Shaarawy has had a very good start to the season, and I’m curious to see him playing alongside Pato,” Ancelotti said. The attacker joined Milan from Genoa in 2011 and has since developed into an important first team member at the San Siro side. El Shaarawy has netted five goals in eight appearances for Milan this term.

McFadden

PREMIERSHIP TABLE TEAM

PTS

1. Chelsea

2. Everton

3. Man Utd

4. Man City

5. Tottenham

6. West Brom

7. West Ham

8. Arsenal

9. Fulham

10. Newcastle

11. Swansea

12. Stoke

13. Sunderland

14. Liverpool

-3

15. Aston Villa

-4

16. Wigan

-6

17. Southampton

-8

18. Norwich

-9

19. Reading

-5

20. QPR

-9

SPORT

October 6, 2012

Awareness creation, funding, key to sports development in Anambra –Aroh The Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Anambra State, Hon. Edozie Aroh, has revealed that the state government is working hard to reposition the state in sports. In this interview with ANDREW EKEJIUBA and NWABUEZE OKONKWO in Awka, he speaks on the plans of the state government to rid the state of criminals using sports as a tool among other issues. Excerpts:

hat are the major challenges you have so far had and your experiences since coming into office? My experiences haven’t been a bad one except that in any new place one finds himself there are bound to be those initial challenges of adaptation, and coping with people in a new environment because I had never been in the civil service before and the challenges of having to introduce noble ideas which many people may initially find strange. Despite all the aforementioned challenges, we are moving ahead and people are now beginning to understand us. We are focussing on what the state government wants us to achieve because we have a clear mandate from His Excellency, the executive governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi (CON) that we must deliver on all the promises that he made to the people of the state. I can assure you that what we are going to do in the remaining period is going to be tripled, compared to what we have done in the past few years. We have laudable ideas at the back of our minds, which people coming to me do not know. So the government is bent on delivering all the dividends of democracy to the people of the state and we are carrying them along in every step we are taking towards achieving all these. What are the major achievements you have made since coming into office? The key things we are doing in Anambra State in terms of sports development is creation of awareness because it is primary while funding is secondary. Awareness is primary because over

the period, the issue of sports and youth development has not been given adequate attention by previous governments. And now we have serious attention being given to it by the governor. On that premise, I can comfortably say that we have the funding aspect being sorted out and the political will also there for us to tap into. So, we have nothing stopping us in taking the state higher in sports since we now have the backing of the state government. So, we are set to go. How are your athletes preparing for the 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos next month? Like I noted earlier, since I came into office we have tried to sentisitize our people by trying to get the best from our young ones and bringing the youths into activity through sports. And as I speak, the people are keying into our vision because they are fully aware that we have the backing of the state government in this regard. Recently our contingent was at the zonal elimination in Enugu for the sports festival. I was there with them to see things for myself and I saw they were doing well. How many events is Team Anambra going to compete in, and what are your targets in terms of medals at the sports festival in Lagos? By the time we finish with the zonal elimination in all the team events I can comfortably tell you which events we are going to compete in because as I speak we have qualified for the volleyball event. In athletics, I am certain that we are going to compete in all the areas including indoor and outdoor games. It is our aim to qualify for many events, so that we can enhance our medals prospects at the Na-

tional Sports Festival in Lagos. Coming to football, when is your state going to have its own club playing in the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) in the country? That is the reason why we are doing massive sensitization and grooming of youngsters in the game in the state. The state government is currently putting up massive sporting infrastructure tailored towards having a state team playing in the Nigeria Premier League. As I speak, the government has approved the contract for the building of Awka Stadium which is aimed at giving our future state club a home ground to play in. Also the issue of having a state team may not necessarily mean that the government must fund or administer it alone and that is why FIFA does not support the idea of government meddling with the administration of football in any part of the world. Because of the yearnings from our people, since they know that government is the biggest and sole financier of sports especially in third world countries, we hearkened to this clarion call. In Anambra State, the government is sensitising people on the need to get the basics right towards having a state team by going to the grassroots to discover talented footballers and inspiring sponsors to support the initiative of taking the state back to its pride of place in sports. You know how it used to be in the state in the 1970s and 80s where athletes and footballers of Anambra extraction reigned supreme. The situation has not changed because we have lots of our athletes representing other states at the past National Sports Festivals.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LIKE I NOTED EARLIER, SINCE I CAME INTO OFFICE WE HAVE TRIED TO SENTISITIZE OUR PEOPLE BY TRYING TO GET THE BEST FROM OUR YOUNG ONES AND BRINGING THE YOUTHS INTO ACTIVITY THROUGH SPORTS What effort is your ministry making to keep your athletes from being poached by other states ahead of the National Sports Festival in Lagos? What we realised that encourages poaching of athletes is lack of incentives from home-states of athletes. Currently we are having our in-built incentives to curb this and we are also sensitising our athletes to know that the state is interested in their future, especially in their chosen sporting career. By the time we are able to go round with our welfare packages they would be happy and ready to remain in the state. We also have plans to have some of them fully engaged as staff of the sports ministry, while some may be employed on contracts depending on the agreement we reach with the active athletes involved. So by the time we keep them comfortable, I don’t think they will have the need to go to other states or lend themselves to poaching. Ahead the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup, the Golden Eaglets were camped for more than two years at the Rojenny Tourist/Games Village, Oba. What is the plan of the state towards resuscitating that sporting edifice? Rojenny is one structure that is dear to the heart of the state government and that is what informed my recent visit to the place. We spoke with the proprietor and we had his comments on what would be needed to put the place into proper use. We are thinking that there is need to assist him to put the place in good shape as a way of encouraging sports development in the state. We are also aware that Rojenny Tourist/Games Village has been used in the past to develop many of our sports men and women and I believe government would do something to put that place in good use soon. Aside the aforementioned, the state government is trying to put more structures CONTINUED ON PAGE 43

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SPORT

October 6, 2012

Farah voted 2012 European Athlete of the Year

efending champion Andy Murray battled to a three-set victory against Stanislas Wawrinka to reach the semi-finals of the Japan Open. Murray, 25, beat his Swiss opponent 6-2 3-6 6-2 in two hours and one minute yesterday. He looked on course for an easy victory against the world number 16 after he effortlessly took the opener but he then lost his first set of the week, but fought back to secure a meeting

Murray reaches Japan Open semi-finals with Milos Raonic, who he beat on his way to the US Open title. Murray, playing in his first tournament since his triumph at Flushing Meadows, had beaten Wawrinka in seven of their previous 10 encounters and looked on course for another victory after he claimed a break of serve in the opening game of the match. The top-seed’s cruise to the last four was halted in the second set as his opponent’s inspired use of his forehand from

the baseline saw him square the contest. Murray was in no mood to bow out of the competition to the man he last defeated on his way to Olympic gold at London 2012, however, and did not face a single break point in the final set. He will now play big-serving Canadian Raonic in the lastfour after the sixth-seed’s 24 aces helped him edge a close contest against Serbia’s Janko Tipsarevic 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 7-6 (9-7).

Meilutyte eyes Olympic defence in 2016

lympic 100m breaststroke swimming champion Ruta Meilutyte is determined to defend her title at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. The 15-year-old, who won Lithuania’s first ever Olympic gold in London said: “There is definitely a big difference be-

tween before (the London Olympics) and now. “I think about Rio every day, it’s my biggest goal for the next four years.” She adds: “I had a chance to go back to Lithuania after the Olympics, before the closing ceremony, and spent about a month there,

seeing my family and friends that I really missed over the years, seeing the smiles on people’s faces made me really proud.” Meilutyte, who beat world record holder and six-time Olympic medallist Rebecca Soni to win the gold medal in a time of one minute 5.47 seconds

o Farah has been voted the 2012 winner of the men’s European Athlete of the Year Award. Farah becomes just the second athlete to be named as the European Athlete of the Year for a second consecutive year, following Swedish triple jumper Christian Olsson in 2003 and 2004; after his phenomenal double success over 5000m and 10,000m at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Farah, 29, defended his European 5000m title in Helsinki to become the first man to win consecutive gold medals over the distance at the European Athletics Championships. Six weeks later, he captivated the 80,000 capacity crowd in the Olympic Stadium with two wins executed in spectacular fashion

with blistering finishes over the last lap to become the first Briton to win Olympic titles in long distance running events. He became the seventh man, and fifth European, to do the distance double in the history of the Olympics but the first to achieve such a feat in front of a home audience. In the female category, Jessica Ennis was voted the 2012 winner of the women’s European Athlete of the Year Award. Five years ago Ennis picked up the inaugural European Athletics Rising Star Award and since then she has won European and World titles in the Heptathlon, but in 2012 she became an even bigger star in the sport by taking the Olympic title in her specialist event.

Farah

BRIEFS

Landis guilty of defaming UCI chiefs

Tendulkar considers retirement

isgraced Tour de France winner Floyd Landis has been found guilty in a Swiss court of defaming the International Cycling Union.

ndian cricket great Sachin Tendulkar has admitted for the first time that he is considering retirement.

‘Awareness creation, funding, key to sports development in Anambra’ CONTINUED FROM 42 in place to help facilitate the development of sports generally in Anambra.

all these ironed out, the state government will graciously approve it as a home for a sports academy.

How soon is your state government going to put Rojenny in good use? The time is what I cannot say because we have visited Rojenny Tourist/Games Village and we are waiting for the nod of the state government to know when we will go back there again to help the proprietor put that place in good shape.

The crime rate in Onitsha is very high as a result of youth restiveness and other factors. What is your ministry trying to do in curbing this, using sports as a tool? I must say that the crime rate in Onitsha and Anambra State in general is reducing drastically. For the past one month, we have had some kingpins of criminal activities being nabbed and their breeding grounds demolished. Today, these criminals are currently on the run and they know it that they can’t come to the state as before because government is eager to bring to an end this menace. So, we are working hard to rid the state of criminals. On the youth aspect, we are trying to engage the youths of the state in many ways through sports and that is why we

We learnt that there is a plan to start a sports academy there. Is government likely to approve of it? I am hearing this for the first time, but if it is a private arrangement all they need to do is to come to us and we will approve it. Ours is to state what equities that will be involved like the benefits it will be bring to the communities where it is located, the degree of government involvement in the academy and that of the proprietor. With

Hon. Edozie Aroh

are going back to the basics through catching them young sporting programmes in schools and also for those in the streets.

All these are aimed at getting them engaged in sports. Also we have programmes for empowering our youths with our skills acquisition centres built by the state government. Very soon it will be handed over to the Ministry of Youth and Sports to administer and when that is done, most of our youths would shun crime to become useful citizens to themselves by learning one trade or the other. I am also aware that the Federal Government has a similar programme aimed at getting the youths trained in any trade and it is being anchored by Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in collaboration with the Anambra State Government. I learnt they would train at least 1000 youths in metal fabrication and tiling as result of massive building and road constructions going on in the country. The training will go on for 3 months and I believe people will learn a lot from there and also support our resolve to curb crime in the state.

LEISURE

October 6, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 6, 2012

Sudden cardiac arrest I

nflammation of the heart muscle, known as myocarditis (myo=muscle + card=heart + itis= inflammation), can also cause rhythm disturbances. Some people are born with electrical conducting systems that are faulty, which place them at higher risk for rhythm disturbances. Pulmonary embolus, a blood clot to the lung, can also cause sudden death. Clots form in the leg or arm and may break off and flow to the lung where they decrease the lung’s ability to get oxygen from the air to the body. Risk factors for blood clots include surgery, prolonged immobilization (for example, hospitalization, long car rides or plane trips), trauma, or certain diseases like cancer. Blunt chest trauma, such is in a motor vehicle accident, may result in ventricular fibrillation.

What is the treatment for sudden cardiac arrest? The vast majority of people whose heart stops beating unexpectedly have ventricular fibrillation. The definitive treatment for this is defibrillation using electricity to shock the heart back into a regular rhythm. Unfortunately, because the brain is so sensitive to the lack of oxygen and blood flow, unless treatment occurs within four to six minutes, there is a high risk of some permanent brain damage. Should the patient survive to be transported to the hospital, the reason for collapse and sudden death will need to be diagnosed. Regardless, the ABCs of resuscitation will be re-evaluated. Airway, Breathing, and Circulation (heart beat and blood pressure) will be supported, and admission to an intensive care unit is most likely.

Can sudden cardiac arrest be prevented?

What are the symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest? In sudden cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating, and blood is not supplied to the body. The presentation is not subtle. Almost immediate loss of consciousness occurs, and the affected person will not be able to be aroused. The person will fall or slump over. No pulse will be able to be palpated, and there will be no signs of breathing.

What is the diagnosis for sudden cardiac arrest? Sudden cardiac arrest is an unexpected death in a person who had no known previous diagnosis of a fatal disease or condition. The person may or may not have heart disease.

Death is best treated by prevention. Most sudden death is associated with heart disease, so the at-risk population remains males older than 40 years of age who smoke, have high blood pressure, and diabetes (the risk factors for heart attack). Other risks include syncope (fainting or loss of consciousness) and known heart disease. Syncope, or loss of consciousness, is a significant risk factor for sudden death. While some reasons for passing out are benign, there is always a concern that the reason was an abnormal heart rhythm that subsequently spontaneously corrected. The fear is that the next episode will be a sudden cardiac arrest. Depending on the healthcare provider’s suspicion based on the

patient’s history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, the healthcare practitioner may recommend inpatient or outpatient heart monitoring to try to find a clue as to whether the passing out was due to a deadly heart rhythm. Unfortunately, the potentially suspect rhythm may not recur and depending on the situation, prolonged outpatient monitoring lasting weeks and months may be necessary. In people who present to their doctor with chest pain, aside from making the diagnosis, monitoring both the heart rate and rhythm are emphasized. The purpose of watching people with chest pain in a hospital setting is to prevent sudden cardiac arrest.

LETTERS

I bleed from the anus Dear Doctor, I am really worried about what I am experiencing presently. I have noticed that when I use the toilet to move my bowel, I see bright red blood in the tissue and the water. Where is this blood coming from? I don’t want to die please help. Audu---------------------------Kogi

Mirror Doctor replies Bleeding from the anus can be caused by a couple of things. The first is haemorrhoids. Haemorrhoids are inflamed, irritated blood vessels in the rectum. Sometimes they can bleed when you have a bowel movement. This is not anything to worry about, unless the

bleeding is severe, or does not stop. Another reason blood could come from the anus would be some sort of internal bleeding. Intestinal polyps or stomach ulcers can bleed into the intestines and be passed through the anus. This can be a potentially serious condition, since the body is slowly losing an unknown amount of blood. If you are unsure of the origin of the bleeding, please see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

LIFE SAVERS 

Exercise regularly



Reduce smoking



Monitor blood pressure



Monitor blood sugar



If public health initiatives work to decrease the risk factors for heart disease, the risk for sudden death should decrease as well.



In the adolescent population, increased awareness of heart diseases and appropriate screening may decrease the frequency of sudden death.

Thank you Dear Doctor, I wish to use this medium to thank you for the wonderful work you are doing in your writeups. It is indeed very educating. Please keep up the good work. +23480232--------------08 Mirror Doctor replies Thank you. I am glad you appreciate it’s very educating. Expect more this year as it promises to be more interesting with more tips on life savers and detailed health enlightenment topics.

October 6, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Catering business is seasonless’ FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON

vonne Daniel Salami, against all odds, is no doubt a caterer of repute. For this beautiful managing director of Service Royale, the art of catering is a calling and she is having fun all the way. As a child, Yvonne had her own fair share of the ups and downs of life. “The first six years of my life was fun even though I didn’t grow up to know my parents but my uncle with whom I lived gave me a swell time as a child. At some point I had to live with my grandmother. As time went by, things started getting tough and I had to engage in a few petty trades to keep life going,” she said. Born some three decades ago, Yvonne, as she is popularly called by friends and family, had always been passionate about cooking. “I have always loved to cook right from my childhood. Whenever our neighbors or any of my relatives were having a party, I always loved to cook for them. I enjoy doing it and I am not surprised to find myself earning a living from the catering business today,” added Yvonne. In order to make her dream real, despite the fact that she loved cooking and was already into the business of buying and selling, Yvonne had to undergo a year’s course in

the catering school to enable her accomplish her goal in the catering business. According to her, the catering business is a two-dimensional business depending on one’s interest. There is the cooking aspect of it and there is also the baking aspect, which is the confectionery. Under the baking, you also have to learn the decoration aspect, that is, floral decoration. This involves decorating and designing cakes. This is one aspect of catering that is very dynamic. It keeps evolving and you have to keep learning the various designs as they come so that you will continue to be relevant on the job. Yvonne told Saturday Mirror how tough it was initially to start off on her own especially given the fact that she had been saddled with the responsibility of taking care of herself from a very tender age because of the loss of her parents. “Although the first six years of my life were awesome but as time went by I had to face the realities of life that was starring me in the face. Initially, I grew up with my uncle but after a while, I had to move on to my grandmother’s place where I spent the most of my life before getting married. “After completing the programme, starting off on my own was another tussle but with sheer determination and God on my side, I was able to start something,” she stated. Yvonne continued: “I started going from one office to the other looking for a place where I could be supplying lunch

THE BUSINESS IS LUCRATIVE BUT CAN

BE TIME-CONSUMING AS WELL.

YOU

CAN START SMALL WITH ABOUT

N10,

000 WHILE ON A BIG SCALE, YOU

CAN START WITH

N1M AND N1.5M

BETWEEN

packs and I was favored to get one small company in Warri where I was residing at that time. I started with lunch packs and after a while, I started getting contracts to make wedding cakes and events decoration. After a few years, I registered Service Royale my company name with which I operate today. “Indeed life is not a bed of roses and after the sweat comes sweet things. I just can’t stop thanking God for giving me the courage to stand the test of time and for taking me this far” enthused Yvonne. Yvonne added that the beauty of the business lies in the fact that no matter how much you have, you can still start something. “You don’t have to start big, if the

Salami

capital is not so much there for your taking. You can start first by selling food maybe in offices and corporate environments, and with time you can be doing outdoor catering too from the savings you make from the initial small-scale food business. However, if the capital is readily at your disposal, you can as well start big by getting an office and a restaurant depending on the area of catering you want to concentrate on. The business is quite lucrative but it can be timeconsuming as well. You can start small with about N10, 000, while on a very big scale, you can start with between N1 million and N1.5 million depending on what exactly you have in mind. “Getting good staffs to work with who would attend well to customers is also another important part of the business. You must equally learn to carve a niche for yourself on the business,” she advised.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 6, 2012

Cashing in on polythene bags

ntroduction

Polyethylene bags or shopping bags are needed in all households, food centers, community trades, drycleaners, restaurants, bookshops, food processing centers, packaging firms, supermarkets, petty traders, bakeries to mention but a few. They serve also as a venue for corporate advertisement. Different sizes, shapes and colours are seen and used for different purposes.

Product demand The demand for this product is very extensive and occurs on a daily basis. It is therefore imperative that the supply should be sustained to satisfy the ever- increasing demand. Market survey reveals that there is a high demand by Nigerian businessmen, and that traders from the ECOWAS sub region also come to Nigeria to buy in very large quantities. This means that more investors into this line of enterprises will carve a niche for themselves readily.

Raw materials The raw material required for this project, which are abundant locally, include polythene sheets or basic petrochemical products such as Escorene, Luplen, Dow, and B.A.S.F etc. Polythene sheets may be obtained from extruders who produce low-density or high-density polythene materials. The petrochemical product mentioned above can be obtained and extruded at a token fee. They can be obtained from chemical dealers or the NNPC.

The required machinery and equipment for the project are nylon-cutting and sealing machine, hanger, scissors, transformers, punching blades and the punching machine. Locally fabricated machine & equipment are recommended for this project. These machines are very strong and compact enough and may be installed in a room measuring about 12ft x 12ft. This implies that the project can take off in just a room.

Production process The production process is very simple. The nylon-cutting and sealing machine are set to the required dimensions. This will depend on the size of nylon product the investor may want to have at a time e.g. bread wrappers, shopping bags, laundry packs etc. The polythene sheets are then fixed on the hangers and drawn into the

machine after which they are cut and sealed automatically when pressed with the foot or automatic cutting & sealing machines. For shopping bags, the produced materials are then packed into hundreds into the punching machine, which can punch up to 300 bags at a time, thereby opening up handles for the bags. The decoration printer is then used to make the desired inscriptions. The products are then packed into bigger polythene bags and sold on a wholesale basis.

Project location The project can be located in any part of the country. The basic factor to put into consideration when setting up the plant is firstly how to ensure that trained hands are employed. Secondly, the project is to be set up in strategic area, especially in highly populated

zones. Thirdly, ensure that there is regular supply of electricity, since this is a very small project, it can as well be combined with another cottage enterprise if there are sufficient funds. Financial benefits from the project are attractive. With a total investment of N15.1 million, a total of over N75 million turnover is envisaged within the first year of operation. The gross profit (projected) should be N8.7 million by the second year of operation. This figure would increase to about N58.24 million by the fifth year. The projected cash flows, return on investment and payback period, based on our analysis are very impressive.

Financial projections Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;000) Preliminary Expenses

500

Machinery & Equipment

7,500

Working (Variable)

5,550

Accommodation (Rented) (variable)

1,500

Total

15,050

Courtesy: Uba Godwin, 08034494437, email: ubagodwin@yahoo.com

People

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 6, 2012

Michellina Jonathan: Helping the needy FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON

orn about three decades ago Michellina Bolanle Jonathan found passion in online journalism and she had used the template of her career to reach out and assist people from different walks of life. Recently, this Epe-born Mass Communication graduate of the Institute o f

Management Technology (IMT) Enugu took up the campaign to raise fund for Debbie, the girl with cancer who is currently undergoing chemotherapy at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). She had also assisted many others in other areas. According to Michellina, who is also known as Gossip Girly, a blog she operates, her passion for journalism has been from childhood. “I have always loved to be a journalist from childhood. I love to end up in a career that would enable me reach out to the world and help give a voice where they are voiceless” she said. However, Michellina says she takes her time to investigate stories well before writing because these are ethics of the profession and she made a clarion call to journalists home and abroad, no matter their medium to always uphold the ethics of the profession so that at the end of the day, they would have good and credible reports. “Journalism is a noble profession and as such, upholding the ethics of

the profession strictly brings very good results both to the one doing the story and the people involved in the story” Michellina who grew up in Lagos also remarked on the need for the Freedom of Information Bill to be properly enacted in Nigeria adding that it is one of the vital tools to successful democracy. “I believe we still have a lot of room for improvement here in Nigeria on the issue of the freedom of information. Some few months ago, a journalist was battered for taking a photograph of an overloaded train in Ikeja, just about the same time; another journalist was beaten at the Ikeja General Hospital for wanting to snap a photograph of a corpse. I think it is more than just passing the Bill but we need to see these laws enforced so we can actually improve on our democracy and have a better Nigeria” she noted. In retrospect, Michellina recalled that as a growing child, she was a tom boy who liked to do tasking sports. “I liked walking and I enjoyed playing handball too” she added. On when the wedding bells will ring for her, Michellina simply stated that “the bell will ring when Good says it is time”

Dele Ashiru: Apostle of harmonious living OSEYIZA OOGBODO

ele Ashiru is a lecturer in the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos. By virtue of his profession, he knows a lot about Nigeria and he doesn’t keep his extensive knowledge to himself but is ever ready to share it at all times for the sake of the country. One of Nigeria’s purported problems is that it is a country of many ethnic groups, cultures and languages and that is why it is not moving forward. Ashiru however opposes that claim. “That’s not in any way a problem. I disagree vehemently with that. What’s the big deal about having a plural-ethnic society? There are many countries in the world that are plural societies and they are making progress. Switzerland is one of them. I mean, you can name several countries with diverse cultures, diverse groups, diverse religions, diverse ethnicities and yet they are making giant strides in human endeavours so to count the ethnic part is not only mischievous, it is totally unaccept-

able.” Speaking further on the issue, and especially on the claim that Nigerians don’t see themselves as one, he was once again very vocal. “Well, Nigeria has never been one and I don’t expect it to be one. What we need to do is understand and respect our differences and seek a way of living with and understanding those differences. That is the only way we can then sow the seed of patriotism. “Even in the United States of America, all of them are not Americans in the true sense of the word. There are Latinos, Mexicans, Asians, diverse ethnic groups but when there are issues of national concern, they put America first. That’s because they have a leadership, they have a history, they have this bonding that holds them together as a united, indivisible entity. All of such solidarity, all of such bonding, we have not got in Nigeria. “Most of our leaders see themselves first as products of their ethnic backgrounds than Nigeria. I mean, if somebody stole billions today and they are trying to try him, he would

say because the other man is an Ijaw man and because I’m a Yoruba man, but the fact is that you are a thief, and being a thief is acultural. A thief in Ijaw is a thief in Yoruba land, is a thief in Hausa land, so what is the deceit about?” Agreeing that the mentality and mindset of Nigerians have to change, he said, “It’s not something that can be changed overnight or in a jiffy. The first is to accept and recognise the fact that we are different people. And then find a harmonious way of bringing these different people together as one. One of such ways is to convoke a sovereign national conference of Nigerian people. “I am not saying of Nigerian representatives or politicians. I mean the real working people of Nigeria. Artisans, traders, mechanics, real representatives of the people to sit down together to renegotiate what some people have described as the mistake of 1914, that is the amalgamation of Nigeria, and it is through the dialogue that we can now begin to programme what sort of Nigeria we want in the future.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGIONAL NEWS

October 6, 2012

Niger Delta govs paid militants N150m monthly –Rivers Dep Gov CHINEDUM EMEANA PORT HARCOURT

A’Ibom IGR hits N12b TONY ANICHEBE UYO

he internally generated revenue for Akwa Ibom State has hit a total of N12 billion out of the targeted N16 billion in the last nine months. The acting chairman, Board of Internal Revenue for the state, Joseph Okon, disclosed this in an interaction with newsmen shortly after attending the opening ceremony of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria Uyo Mandatory Professional Training Programme held at Governor’s Office Annex, Uyo. Okon said taxation in Akwa Ibom is improving with the advent of Information and Communication Technology, where taxes are paid directly to designated banks.

ivers State deputy governor, Engineer Tele Ikuru, has revealed that at the height of militancy upheavals in the Niger Delta, some governors in the region were paying out between N100 million and N150 million to militants on a monthly basis, apparently because of fear, thereby allowing the militants to hold the people of the region to ransom and contributing to arresting the development of the area. He disclosed this while addressing participants at a two-day 1st AndoniOpobo-Nkoro Economic Zone Summit, which ended yesterday, and added that aside from these sums, some even gave the militants the opportunity to nominate commissioners into their cabinets, while other were giving the militants security contracts. However, the deputy governor said it took the bravery of Governor Chibuike Amaechi to stand

up for the people of the Niger Delta against the menace of the militants, by blatantly refusing to pay the usual monthly stipend to the militants while shouting it to the rooftops that they were all criminals and chasing them out of the state. Ikuru said Amae-

chi’s angst then was the unabated kidnapping of children and elders among others and obtaining ransoms, wondering what those kidnapping activities had to do with the militants’ claims of fighting for Niger Delta emancipation and resource control.

He therefore hailed the member representing the Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Dakuku Peterside, convener of the economic development summit for standing up and sticking out his neck for the people of his constituency

The deputy governor, who represented Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, who was the special guest of honour and keynote speaker at the summit, assured the people that his government would leave behind a vibrant economy in the state.

Chairman, Opobo-Nkoro LGA Maclean Oranta, Covener of the Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro economic summit, Dakuku Peterside; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives Emeka Ihedioha, and the Managing Director of NDDC, Christian Oboh, at the opening ceremony of the summit in Port Harcourt, Thursday night.

Ondo PDP debunks LP’s allegation PDP lauds tribunal over Obanikoro’s victory TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

member of the Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Central Working Committee (CWC) and Financial Secretary, Chief Taiwo Kuye, yesterday commended the Lagos State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal for having the courage to declare PDP’s candidate in the last October 22, 2011 Lagos State local government election, Mr. Babajide Obanikoro, as winner of the chairmanship election in Ikoyi/ Obalende Local Community Development Area (LCDA). Speaking to Saturday Mirror, Kuye said that the victory of Obanikoro at the election tribunal was a pointer to PDP’s determination to take over the state come 2015.

OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

he Olusola Oke Campaign Organization (OCO) yesterday denied the Labour Party’s allegation that it was planning to compromise adhoc officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State. In a statement by its Deputy Director of Publicity, Mr. Rotimi Ogunleye, the organization said it was not part of the plans of PDP to rig the forthcoming election since it was confident that the people of the state would vote for the party’scandidate. The Mimiko Campaign Organisation (MCO) on Friday alleged that the candidate of PDP, Chief Olusola Oke, had held meetings with federal civil servants in Ondo State who are to be used as Supervising Presiding Officers (SPO) by INEC with a view to rigging the

October election in favour of PDP. But OCO said it was not aware of such meetings, adding that Oke never held any meeting with anybody or federal civil servants. The statement

read: “The Labour Party is groaning under the excruciating pains of the growing popularity of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barrister Olusola Oke. That accounts for the lat-

est ranting of the party and the outgoing governor, Dr Rahman Mimiko. “The PDP has raised the alarm severally that the LP has engaged in voters card purchase across the state, setting the stage

for its rigging plots. It is also a known fact that the party has engaged in printing and cloning of voters’ cards in the Government House for the purpose of rigging the October 20 election.

Villagers protest against monarch in Ogun FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

he misfortune of the Olu of Itori, Oba Fatai Akorede Akamo, has been multiplied following the protest staged in Abeokuta, the state capital yesterday by indigenes of Onigbedu village in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, who called on the state government to correct the injustices perpetrated out on them by the monarch. The over 100 protesters, which included youths, aged men and women called on the state governor, Ibikunle Amosun, urging him to

correct all the injustices, which Oba Akamo had perpetrated in their area in recent times so that the situation might not degenerate into a communal clash. The protesters carried placards bearing different inscription like; “Olu of Itori, Akamo, the evil of a generation”; “Olowu has authority over our God-given Onigbedu”; “Akamo is only after money and not interested in our well-being”; “Egba traditional council has failed us”, among others. They also submitted a letter of protest written by their counsel, Bamidele Paul Ogundele, to Governor Ibikunle

Amosun where they stated their demands. Leading the protesters earlier in the day at the Onigbedu village, the village head, Sikiru Afolabi Jinadu, blamed the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, for the crisis for allegedly tactically supporting Akamo to perpetrate injustices in the area. According to the letter submitted to the Governor Amosun, Onigbedu indigenes accused Oba Akamo of imposing another Oba on the community upon the instruction of the Alake when an Oba was already in existence. They further

claimed that the historical antecedent of the community showed that past deceased baales and existing obas in Onigbedu were appointed by Olowu of Owu kingdom and not the Alake of Egbaland. Addressing a press conference at Onigbedu village, Secretary of the Baale-in-council, Saheed Akinmade, who spoke on behalf of the Owu Solidarity Forum explained that the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu, had already installed Oba Yinusa Akinmade as the Oba of Onigbedu before Akamo went ahead to install another oba.

REGIONAL NEWS

October 6, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kogi High Court donates relief materials to flood victims ADEMU IDAKWO

K i Kogi assures teachers of improved package ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

ogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada, has assured teachers in the state of better welfare packages. Wada, who stated this yesterday in Lokoja at the World Teachers Day, said despite the fact that the state is facing serious financial challenges he would ensure full implementation of the teachers minimum wage. “We shall not allow you to wait for your reward any more in heaven; we are going to ensure you start getting it here right away because you are the foundation of everything,” he stated.

LOKOJA

ogi State High Court of Justice has donated relief materials worth over N400,000 to flood victims in the state. Presenting the items at the St. Luke Primary School, Adankolo Camp in Lokoja yesterday, the state Chief Judge, Justice Nasiru Ajanah, said the gesture was part of the High Courts’ contribution to their welfare. The Chief Judge, who was represented by Justice Salisu Umar, said the donation was a token to show concern and sympathy for the victims, adding that though the items would not be adequate to go round them all, they would help. He, however, cautioned against diversion of the relief materials, saying that the items were strictly meant for the victims. Chief Registrar of the state high court, Mrs. Comfort Toluwase, prayed that the state would not witness such a calamity again and urged the victims to take it as an act of God.

The items included 15 bags of rice and 10 cartons each of sugar, powdered milk and Ovaltine (beverage). Receiving the items, the Acting Executive Secretary of to the State

Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alice Ogendengbe, thanked the High Court for the donation. She said that the High Court had proved again that the judiciary was

the last hope of the common man and pledged that the items would not be diverted but would be distributed accordingly. A similar donation was made at Idah to take care of victims from Idah and

Ibaji local governments affected by the flood presently camped in Idah. The items were donated on behalf of the Chief Judge by Justice Josiah Majebi of Idah High Court.

Corruption: Al-Makura tasks Nasarawa officials

overnor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State on Friday reiterated his administration’s commitment to zero tolerance for corruption. Al-Makura said this when he swore in members of the State Independent Electoral Commission and the administrators of Ekye and Loko development area councils at the Government House, Lafia. He assured that his administration would accord priority to account-

ability, transparency and good governance. The governor, however, called on the new members of the state electoral commission to provide a level playing field for all political parties to ensure credible local government elections. “We call on the state electoral body to conduct free, fair and credible local government elections in the state, for other states of the federation to emulate,” he said. Al-Makura noted that the CPC-led administra-

tion in the state was determined to entrench democratic culture and facilitate good governance. He urged the new administrators to be prudent in spending public funds, and enhance the quality of life of the people at the grassroots level. “The state government will not relent in its effort in providing dividends of democracy to the electorate,” he said. He also urged them to see their assignment as a divine calling, adding that everyone would account

for his/her deeds before God on the Day of Reckoning. Responding, the chairman of the commission, Dr Abdullahi Modibbo, assured the governor that members would be responsive in the discharge of their duties, adding, “we will not disappoint the government and the people of the state. “We are going to add value to the democratic dispensation,” he said, and assured that every vote in the state would count.

Benue entrepreneurs can now access N1b facility –Suswam

overnor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has said that businessmen and women in the state can now access the NI billion loan facility made available by the state

government in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI). The governor said this yesterday during the Benue Special Day at the 7th Abuja International

Trade Fair. Suswam was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Dr David Salifu, In the words of the governor, ``The government, in its bid to encourage

entrepreneurship in the state, entered into agreement with the BOI to provide counterpart funding of one billion naira loan facilities for deserving business men and women in the state.

Borno commissioner urges more empowerment projects for women INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

New deputy governor sworn-in in Taraba

businessman and politician, Alhaji Garba Umar, has been sworn-in as the new Deputy Governor of Taraba State. Presiding over the ceremony at the Dome of the Jallingo Motel on Friday, Gov. Danbaba Suntai, urged the new deputy governor to live up to the dictates of the oath of office he swore to. He said that it was the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Taraba State and urged all to rally round the government to ensure that the interest of the state was put first. Suntai said that as the number two officer in the state, Garba was expected to carry the people along in harmony with the PDP, the ruling party in the state.

orno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Inna Galadima, has called on the Federal Government to consider including women without formal education in the Youth Entrepreneurs with Innovation (YOUWIN) so as to enable them to benefit from the programme. Hajiya Galadima made this appeal over the weekend while speaking at a two-day workshop organized by the ministry in collaboration with Aquarian Consult, under the auspices of the Borno State’s First Lady, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, which took place the International Conference Centre, Maiduguri. The commissioner, who was represented by the ministerial secretary, Alhaji Sani Maiduguri, stated that the aim of the workshop was to give young women the oppor-

tunity to be self- reliant entrepreneurs for the socio- economic development of the state. He, however, said it would be out of place to see women without formal education who are willing to do business or

become entrepreneurs being denied the opportunity by government, stressing that, in the nearest future, such initiatives would involve every woman in the society. Maiduguri said the programme, which is estab-

lished and financially taken care of by the Federal Government would go a long way in enhancing the fortunes of the women in the society, particularly the poor ones who are ready to do business, pointing out that present-

ly, beneficiaries cutting across young women who are university, HND, OND and NCE graduates will collect the sum of N1 to N10 million each to start their businesses and later became employers of labour.

Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State (right) and his deputy, Engr. Abubakar D. Ali, during the inauguration of the state’s Amirul Hajj Committee for the 2012 Hajj at the Conference Hall, Government House Media Center, Damaturu, yesterday.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGIONAL NEWS

October 6, 2012

Workers shut down Enterprise Bank in Kaduna Detectives invade Kano License Office AUGUSTINE MADU WEST KANO

etectives at the Bompai Headquarters of the Kano State Police Command have begun investigations over alleged sharp practices at the state’s license office. Men of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) it was gathered visited the Post Office rRad office of the state internal revenue board, housing the license office at the weekend to investigate the alleged registration of stolen vehicle by the vehicle license office. This followed an embarrassing discovery by the Police that a stolen vehicle was found carrying a plate number allocated to special services office of the government house.

A ZA MSUE KADUNA

bout 40 staffers of the Kaduna branch of Enterprise Bank, yesterday shot down the bank in protest over nonpayment of their entitlements followinga transfer of their services to another organisation. Addressing journalists at the premises of the bank, formerly known as Spring Bank Plc, and situated along Ahmadu Bello, Kaduna, the leader of the protesting junior workers, Musa Ozulibe, said an agreement was reached in May this year between the bank andthe workers that on transfer of service, the staffers would be paid their entitlements. Ozulibe pointed out that the bank was not ready to pay the entitlements, stressing that the workers on their part were not prepared to go on transfer of service without being paid the number of years put in

the service of the bank. Reacting to the development, the branch manager of the bank, Mrs. Esther Gaiya, simply said, “I am not in a position to tell you anything; you may wish to direct your enquiryto our head office in Lagos, specifically at no. 143 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victo-

ria Island, Lagos.” Saturday Mirror observed that skeletal services were going on in the banking hall, just as the bank security men as well as the police were seen in all the strategic points around the bank building to ensure the safetyof the area.

The protesting workers said the protest was not limited to the Kaduna office as it was a nationwide action on same issue, adding that they would notgo back to work until they were paid their entitlements. Ozulibe added: “The problem is that we have

been working for many years; for me I started this work since August 18, 1990, and this is 2012, yet the management is now transferring our services to a different company without our consent, and they said they would not pay us our entitlements.”

L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Kaduna State Chapter, Comrade Audu Amba; Commissioner for Education, Dr. Usman Mohammad, and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abila Dogo, at the World Teachers Day celebration in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Obi decries politicisation of Anambra flood disasters CHARLES OKEKE

Group wants Anambra monarch dethroned NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

ome indigenes of Obosi Community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, who are opposing the ascendancy of Igwe Chidubem Iweka to the throne of the community, as its traditional ruler, have called on the state government to revoke the Certificate of Recognition issued to him in the interest of peace and harmony. They contended that the emergence of Igwe Iweka, runs foul of the extant laws of the community, adding that peace had eluded the Obosi Community “since his imposition on the community last year, by some powerful individuals in connivance with government officials.”

AWKA

nambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has warned those “playing politics” with human tragedy arising from the current flood disaster in the state to desist from their actions. Obi described the habit of playing politics with the peoples sufferings, as one of the worst forms of cynicism. The governor spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Valentine Obienyem, who was reacting to the statement by the Campaign for Democracy alleging that the governor was merely making a showmanship of the disaster without doing much to resolve it. Obienyem said that the governor had to cancel his scheduled trip to Mexico, as well as other engagements outside Abuja because of the disaster. The Senior Special Assistant contended that the only trip Obi had undertaken since the disaster started was to honour the meeting Mr. President called among the governors of the states

affected by the flood in Abuja yesterday. According to Obienyem, “It is unfortunate the way and manner some people inflict unreasonableness on the rest of us. How can somebody simply open his mouth and say the governor was not doing enough, without telling us what he had failed to do. As I speak, he

visits flooded areas and the displaced on a daily basis to see things for himself. “He has gone to the affected areas in helicopter, by canoe, in his car as well as by wading through the flood just to identify with the people. When his SSG, who updates him on minute-by-by minute basis, raised the possibil-

ity of shortage of camps to house the displaced, he promptly directed him to use his lodge at Onitsha for the purpose, if necessary”’ Obienyem wondered what else the governor should do that he was not doing. On the issue of relief materials, Obienyem said that the state government had been

feeding the displaced, bought essential things such as mattresses, drugs, blankets for them, adding that three days ago, the governor visited Ogbaru, Onitsha, Igbariam, Umeueze- Anam, Agulueri, Umueri, among other communities and personally oversaw the distribution of relief materials.

CHRIS NJOKU

Nzeribe, was cut off from the rest of the community as the road leading to his country home was flooded. Some of the other villages affected by the ravaging flood, which caused serious havoc along Aba and Onitsha roads, include Umuanam, Apatu, Umuakishi, Umoma among other villages. Also the road that leads from Oguta and Egbu has been overtaken by the flood as commercial boats ferry trapped residents for N100. In some of the villages the flood had continued in volume and intensity following yesterday’s early morning down pours, which washed away buildings and farmlands.

The displaced people, who were yet to be resettled by government, have taken refuge in available public places and homes of relatives. While the state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who visited the place earlier to access to the level of damage done by the flood, expressed shock at the level of devastation done by the flood, he described the situation as unusual in Imo state and regretted that most people affected by the flood are poor farmers and artisans who hardly make ends meet on a daily basis.

areas thus making it difficult for oil workers to attend their daily functions. He appealed to the Federal Government to quickly intervene in the ugly situation.

Flood sacks Imo communities OWERRI

o fewer than 15 communities in the Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State have been sacked by ravaging flood caused by the overflowing Oguta Lake. A visit to Ndegwu, one of the affected communities in Oguta, showed that the devastating flood had overrun the village as the Oguta Lake had submerged the bridge linking Egbema and Uli in Anambra State, thereby sacking several villages living along the bank of the lake. Even the home of maverick politician and former Senator, Arthur

He lamented that most of the affected communities are the oil-producing

Gov. Okorocha

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 6, 2012

Crime Watch

P. 54

Would-be kidnapper beaten to stupor

BRIEFS

Farmer,19, in court for alleged armed robbery

19-year-old farmer, Aondona Ayem, was on Friday arraigned before a Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged conspiracy and armed robbery. Prosecutor Terzungwe Kajo told the court that a police patrol team led by Matthew Zato, received information on the incident. Kajo said that the police had information that one of the suspects, who allegedly robbed people at Abakwa village in Buruku, was hiding at Akaajime Area of Gboko. He said when the team got the report, it swung into action and arrested the accused person and recovered a locallymade pistol with five rounds of live ammunition from him. The prosecutor further told the court that the accused person made a confessional statement to the police in which he indicted eight other suspects. Kajo pointed out that the other eight suspects were still at-large but that the accused person had confessed that they robbed their victim, Terwase Gbihi, of N8, 000 at gun-point. He said that the offences contravened Sections 6(b) and 1(2) of the Robbery and Fire Arms Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Banks shut in Imo over robbery scare CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

anks in Owerri, the Imo State capital hurriedly shut down yesterday sending their customers away over a purported security alert of bank robbery in one of the first generation banks in the city. But in a swift reaction, the Police doused the fear which had earlier forced banking and other commercial activities to a halt, as stern looking policemen took strategic positions around the banks and other busy places in the city. The incident, which took place at about 12 noon, came through a telephone alert which was sent to the Police Command informing them of a purported robbery incident that was taking place at a first generation bank along Mbari Street in Owerri Municipal Council Area. It was gathered that the banks had to close down for fear of possible attack as customers were seen rushing out of the banks in panic following the report that turned out to be a false alarm.

Nwabueze

Egbuchelam

Joel

I will go to jail with my daughter –Drug courier

Twenty eight years old Udoka Peace Egbuchelam has one thing she cherishes most in life: her five-year-old daughter. She does not want to be separated from her for any reason, hence her plea to the NDLEA: “allow me go to jail with my daughter.” SEGUN ADIO

doka Peace Egbuchelam is a 28-year-old single mother. Since her separation from her husband a couple of years back, Udoka had taken custody of her five-year-old daughter the product of the marriage. One thing Udoka lacked as a child and which she was determined to give her daughter is qualitative education. Udoka was ready to do anything to achieve this aim. The marriage to her husband and father of the young girl had ended on a sour note and as the man could not take custody of the girl, it looked increasingly clear that Udoka’s dream of giving her daughter a sound educational footing was heading for the rocks. This Udoka would not allow happening. In a bid to achieve her aim, the Mbaitolu Local Government Area of Imo Stateborn trader decided to take her destiny in her own hands: she soon took to drug couriering. Recently, Udoka was billed to fly Ethiopian Airline from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to Malaysia. She was reportedly laden with 1.1kg of banned methamphetamine drug.

Udoka, who attended Nza Central School and Girls Secondary School, both in Uzobulu, Anambra State, though did not deny her culpability of the charge, however demanded that in the event that she would end up in jail, she would love to be there with her only hope; her daughter. Speaking with anti-narcotics operatives after her arrest, Udoka claimed that she was lured into the illicit trade by the promised reward of $2, 700. “I wanted to pay the school fees of my daughter. Since my arrest, I have been worried because I do not know how she is coping without me,” she said adding that if the authorities would agree, she would prefer to be with her daughter in detention. Same time as Udoka was being arrested, another courier, Ezechi Chinedu Nwabueze, was nabbed with 95 wraps of a banned substance suspected to be cocaine. The substance is reported to weigh 2kg. Nwabueze, 45, was billed to deliver his consignment to a drug cartel in Istanbul, Turkey. Nwabueze used to sell building materials in Lagos before his shop was razed. That was three years ago. But in a bid to get back to the days of old, Nwabueze chose to tread the hard way. In his confessional statement, Nwabueze

claimed that he only wanted to raise some money to go back into his old business with his Turkey trip. “I am the only child of my parents. My problem began when my shop got burnt and there was nobody to help me. It is not in me to do a thing like this but condition had made me go against my wish. When I begged for money to set up again and no one was willing to help, I had to seek alternative means because I did not want to steal. But a friend introduced me to this thing and I am now regretting it. I was to deliver the drugs in Istanbul, Turkey,” he said. Uzoukwu Uzomba Joel, on his part, left Brazil with 85 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.5kg, heading to Abuja, Nigeria. Uzoukwu’s reasons for smuggling cocaine are frustration and sickness. He left Sao Paulo, Brazil, to Doha, Cairo and Abuja. Uzoukwu claimed he was a first timer in the illicit trade. NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, said that the single mother would have been killed if she was caught in Malaysia because the punishment for drugs in Malaysia is death. He urged members of the public to avoid drug trafficking. “We are happy to prevent the death of Udoka Peace Egbuchelam” Giade said

Robbers storm Kogi NUJ, steal N.3m ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

are-devil robbers yesterday invaded the premises of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council carting away N300, 000 and other valuables. The men of the underworld who were

suspected to have trailed the secretary of the union, Alhaji Adeiza Momoh Jimoh, from a new generation bank where he went to make cash withdrawal at about 10am yesterday broke into his vehicle and took the money away. Narrating how the incident happened, Jimoh explained that: “I went to the bank, withdrew the sum and kept it

in the pigeon hole, but when I left to purchase recharge card, they had entered the secretariat, broken into my car and taken away the cash”. He described the incident as “saddening”, urging the law enforcement agencies in the state to step up action to check mate the growing spate of criminality.

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

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CRIME WATCH

October 6, 2012

I became a kidnapper after losing my fiancé to communal clash –Suspect SEGUN ADIO

hough the crises which tore Aguleri and Umuleri communities of Anambra State asunder for some years are over now, the ripple effect is still on. Such is the case of Ngozi Onuonwu a 36-year-old Lagos resident. Just before the last crisis that claimed several lives in the two towns sparked off, Onuonwu was due to be taken to the altar by the man who had proposed to her. Unfortunately, Onuonwu’s fiancé was reportedly killed in the clash. That was some four years ago. After a while, Onuonwu went in search of another suitor. She waited four years but no one came her way. While she waited for another suitor to come, many of her friends had reportedly settled down with their husbands and having their babies. She relocated to Lagos State where she started living with her younger brother, identified as Chibuzor. Unfortunately, rather than seek for a man of her choice upon her arrival in Lagos, Onuonwu was told her survival should be paramount in her mind. And so she gave up the idea of marriage. Since she did not learn any trade from the village than farming, Onuonwu was convinced by her younger brother to join him in his work: kidnapping. Within months after she joined her younger brother in the illegitimate trade, her life changed as she began to wear expensive clothes, shoes and jewellery. But recently, Onuonwu was paraded by the Lagos State Police Command,

Onuonwu

Ngozi Onuonwu is a self confessed kidnapper. She has a reason though, she was drawn to the job out of frustration. along with six men, over kidnapping related cases. She later owned up to the crime she was paraded for, but insisted that frustration of not getting someone to marry rather than any other thing led her into the trade. It was discovered that about N20 million had been realised by Onuonwu and her group as paid ransom in the last three months. Speaking with reporters while being

paraded alongside her partners-in-crime, Onuonwu lamented that she was lured into the kidnapping business by her own younger brother. “It is unfortunate how my life has turned out. I did not voluntarily choose to become a kidnapper. It was Chibuzor (her brother) that introduced me to the group. I actually left our village to join him in Lagos when life became unbearable for me after I lost my fiancé just weeks before

our marriage to a communal clash that ravaged our village then. “When I could not find anyone else to marry in the village I had to relocate to Lagos with Chibuzor. He fed me for some weeks and later told me that I had to gear up and search for my own survival. He later suggested that I could team up with him in his business, but I did not know initially that he was into kidnapping. By the time I followed them out two times, I realised the money that I had never dreamed of in my life. That was how I joined them fully, but my role there is very minimal,” Onuonwu said. Leader of the gang, Kelvin Emenike, 30, confessed to their crime. He also confirmed that the gang raked in over N20 million in the last two months it started its operations in the Centre of Excellence. Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, while parading the suspects, reiterated the command’s resolve to rid the state of criminals. According to Manko, Onuonwu and her group used an uncompleted building in Okota, as their hideout where they launched their offensive against their targets. He explained that the group is in the habit of trailing their victims, abduct them, blindfold them and drive them to their said hideout. While commending officers and men of the state command over the arrest of the suspects, Manko sauid, “Those who are in the habit of criticizing the police can now see that we are not sleeping. We are not saying don’t criticise, but it should be objective. It is my determination that we will never rest on our oars until peace returns to the state,” he said

Man, 40, defiles, impregnates Man stabs cousin to death over phone T A 15-yr-old ward

15-year-old girl, Miss Udoh Comfort, yesterday, narrated before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, how her guardian, one Mr Francis Ekong, 40, forcefully had carnal knowledge of her three times thereby leading to and got her pregnant. Comfort who came to court with her 6-month-old baby, told the court that the man perpetrated the illegal act when his wife was not at home, adding that Ekong threatened to send her back to the village and day he saw her with any boy. The girl, who mounted the witness box yesterday, told the court that she confronted Ekong upon discovering that she was pregnant, only for the man to deny responsibility, alleging that she must have slept with one of the boys in their neighbourhood. She said it was at that juncture that somebody took her to the National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Person and Other Related Matters, (NAPTIP) a move that culminated to the arrest and subse-

ONY UYO

quent trial of her guardian and his wife. In a two count charge that was filed before the High Court, NAPTIP, alleged that Ekong who resides at Mpape Ajugula Street, FCT, Abuja, “on or about May 2010, caused the unlawful carnal knowledge of Miss Udoh Comfort (F) 15 years old of Akasoko, while she was under your custody and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 13(1) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act, 2003 as amended.” Count-2 of the charge entered against both the man and his wife, reads: “That you Mr Francis Ekong (M) 40 years old and Mrs Margaret Ekong (F) 30 years old of Mpape Ajugula Street, FCT, Abuja, sometime in 2008, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, employed Miss Udoh Comfort (f) 15 years old of Akasoko as a domestic help and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 22 (1) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act,

NICHEBE

part of Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State was thrown into pandemonium yesterday as Itohowo Offiong Asuquo a student of Uyo City Polytechnic, Uyo was allegedly stabbed to death by his cousin, identified as Uwana, after being accused of stealing a cell phone. Narrating the incident, the mother of the deceased, Madam Offiong Asuquo, who spoke amidst tears said: “I was not there but I know how it all happened. It was on Thursday morning after my son boiled indomie and ate with his cousin and other friends that stay in the same compound with him. “After they finished eating that morning around 9:00am Uwana told my son to return his phone. But my son asked him to go and search for it in the room. Uwana went inside the room and found the phone. “After he discovered the phone, my son got angry and told him never to repeat such act again. The argument led to a fight but they were separated by other tenants in the compound. My son went inside his

room, on coming out, the cousin (Uwana) stabbed him beneath his rib and he fell to the ground, as nobody was there to rescue him”. “He was later rushed to Life Care Clinic at Uyo where he died after he was refused medical attention”. She said The police was invited by one of the students living in the compound and the murderer was arrested and taken to their station, A Division at Barracks Road, Uyo. The deceased’s mother lamented that ever since the husband died many years back, she had been the only person suffering under rain and sun to train the dead boy and his siblings. She expressed shock at the manner of his death in the hands of someone he gave accommodated and fed from his own pocket money. “The parents or family members of the man that killed my son in cold blood have not shown any sign of pity over the incident”. She lamented. When Saturday Mirror visited the A Division Police Station, a Police Sergeant who pleaded anonymity said investigation is ongoing on the murder case and declined to give further details.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 6, 2012

Crime Extra

Eze and wife INSET: His wife and children

SEGUN ADIO

herifat Hassan is currently assisting men of the Nigeria Police, Oyo State Command in Iyaganku, Ibadan to establish her connection to the charge that she was at the centre of child kidnapping attempt. Hassan was on Thursday, 13 September, 2012, arrested by law enforcement agents. That fateful day two kids, Khalid and Tolani, were playing at an open field behind their house at Iyana Church area of the city. It was around 10:00am, a time, most adults in the area had gone to their respective places of work. Hassan, it was said, had at this time walked past the area and engaged the two kids in conversation. She reportedly brought out two sachets of biscuits from her hand bang and handed them to the kids. While encouraging the kids to eat the biscuits, Hassan reportedly rushed to purchase two sachets water which she asked them also to drink after eating the biscuits. Khalid and Tolani innocently obeyed the stranger. Within minutes, the two kids reportedly started obeying the woman’s orders. They were said to have started answering all questions asked by Hassan. But unknown to Hassan, a housewife was watching all that was going on from her window some metres away. At a stage, Hassan reportedly told the two kids to follow her and they complied without resistance. It was at that stage that the woman ran out of her house and raised the alarm. In no time, some members of

Kidnapper beaten to stupor For Sherifat Hassan, Thursday 13 September, 2012 would be ever remembered. It was the day she was alleged to have attempted to abduct two kids. She was given the beating of her life. the neighbourhood gathered and reportedly gave the suspected kidnapper the beating of her life. But for the timely intervention of some policemen attached to Alabebe Police Station in the area, Hassan would have been lynched. The woman who raised the alarm, who would not want her name in prints told reporters that she had seen Hassan around the neighbourhood early that morning wandering about and that apparently caught her attention when she noticed her in the compound again. “I think if the woman is handled well, she would confess her sins. Early that morning, I had seen her when I went to buy bread and egg for my kid to take to school. I then saw her again with the two kids while they were playing and since she is not a known face in the area, I decided to watch what she came there to do. I actually thought she was one of the people that always come to pack our baggage but her dressing did not say that,” the woman said.

With the intervention of the law enforcement agents, Hassan was rescued and taken to police custody for further questioning. Hassan, however, denied the allegation against her. She instead gave two contradictory statements of her mission in the area. While she was being accused at the scene of the incident, Hassan had allegedly told her accusers that she was returning from where she went to meet her husband-to-be and was tired when she decided to take a nap in the compound. But speaking to men of the Nigeria Police, Hassan claimed that she was returning from a vigil at a church nearby but was tired and decided to relax in the compound before she was apprehended by members of the community. “I heard over the radio about the vigil at the CAC church around Iyana Church and decided to attend. I did attend it and was returning home that day already tired. I was already dozing

off when I heard the noise of the people that surrounded me saying I was there to steal their kids. I am a lover of kids. I can never in my life imagine myself doing such a thing,” Hassan said. The young woman’s family however is adding another dimension to the whole matter. In their claim, the family said that Hassan had been suffering from mental retardation for some time now, a reason they adduced could have caused her to act the way she acted. Mrs. Kikelomo, said to be Tolani’s aunt told reporters that their family was ready to follow the matter to its logical conclusion. A police source at the SCID, Iyaganku, Ibadan, who spoke on condition of anonymity claimed that the case of Sherifat Hassan is being looked into, but said that the woman might have attempted to use the biscuit she gave the kids to sedate them for the purpose of kidnapping them. “We are still investigating the matter but such cases abound when a suspected kidnapper would use something to sedate innocent children to do their bidding. That seem to be the case here but having said that, we are on top of the situation and we shall get to the root of it,” the police source said.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

October 6, 2012

Quote

the

day

The Ondo State Commissioner of Police has shown bias in favour of the Labour Party in the state instead of being neutral. The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, should urgently redeploy him to forestall looming chaos in the state. Action Congress of Nigeria Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, and ACN Ondo governorship candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu, during a rally held in Ore, Ondo State during the week.

Saturday, October 6, 2012. www.nationalmirroronline.net

Job and wealth creation in Africa (IV)

or Africa to realise its full potentials and take advantage of its human and natural resource base for its development, we must continue to invest massively in education at all levels but particularly in tertiary education to produce men and women who will lead and direct our development programme and progress. They must form the think-tank and the do-tank for our development. Our hope and aspiration as a continent for our development must be in tandem with the content, quality, value and adequacy of our education. In the same vein, our education must also be designed to drive entrepreneurial development and instill entrepreneurial spirit, desire and aspiration. Our educational system should produce job creators and not just job seekers. A situation where graduates cannot begin to see our challenges as opportunities that should be grabbed and utilized for wealth generation and job creation leaves much to be desired. Ours is a continent of opportunities with unequalled growth potentials for businesses in various sectors of the economy. Agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism, hospitality and en-

with President Olusegun Obasanjo hexcellency2011@yahoo.com tertainment, education, health, energy, ICT and creative arts, all hold limitless investment returns for entrepreneurs. With increasing investments in infrastructure and the improvement in business regulations and conducive environment for business across African countries, our focus should be geared towards ensuring that our young people are primary recipients and beneficiaries of the dividends of the opportunities that our continent offers. One other related area is in the encouragement of science and technology development in Africa. More African young people should be encouraged to

take up professions that can provide the scientific discoveries and technological innovations required to drive massive exploration of our potentials in agriculture, mining and manufacturing. Those in the informal sector must, alongside their counterparts in the formal sector, be equipped with the education, the skills, technical & managerial know-how required to service the expanding and ever-busy construction industry in Africa. Here, I am talking of roadside furniture makers and household utensils makers, welders, vehicle mechanics and fabricators that are dotted all over our cities in Africa.

SPORT EXTRA

Omeruo, Mohammed make F’Eagles final list against South Africa

he Europe-based duo of Kenneth Omeruo and Aliyu Mohammed, have been named in the Flying Eagles’ final 18-man squad for Sunday’s game against South Africa’s Amajita in Ilorin. The team’s Media Officer, Samm Audu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, that Omeruo was, however, still being expected to join the team in Ilorin. NAN reports that the Nigerian Under-20 men football team are up against their South African counterparts in a crucial encounter. The game is the second leg game of their final qualifying round fixture for the 2013 African Youth Championship (AYC) scheduled for Algeria in March, 2013. “Omeruo of Dutch club ADO Den Haag

is still being expected to join the team, even though the coaching crew has named him in the final squad. “But Ukraine-based Mohammed is already in Ilorin, preparing for the game,” Audu said. NAN reports that both players did not feature in the first leg qualifier at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelpsruit on Sept. 21. Speaking on the 18-man list, Audu said that the team’s Head Coach, John Obuh, and his colleagues had stuck with the core of the team from the first leg match. “Apart from the two foreign-based footballers, it is only Sunshine Stars’ striker, Harrison Egbune, that did not travel to South Africa last month for the 1-1 draw,” he said. Omeruo

We must also take advantage of the various information technological incubation hubs springing up across African cities. These incubation hubs are meant to serve as nurseries for technology-based entrepreneurs or technoprenuers as they are sometimes referred to, who are in their early stages of their business idea development. The technology business incubator and similar initiatives are the latest in the evolutionary line to provide advisory training and information services, management and marketing support, linkages to research faculty and facilities, access to capital, thereby greatly enhancing the chances of success of the early stage technopreneur. Let me emphasise that entrepreneurship must go with availability of funds to turn ideas into reality. In essence, holistic approaches would have to be taken to harness the power of Science and Technology (S&T) across Africa in ways that will boost the development of various sectors of the economy, important for engaging the critical mass of unemployed Africa youth in productive enterprises.

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES Today’s Matches Man.City v Sunderland 12:45 Chelsea v Norwich City 15:00 Swansea v Reading 15:00 West Brom v QPR 15:00 Wigan v Everton 15:00 West Ham v Arsenal 17:30 FIFA U-17 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS

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