Saturday, Sepember 29, 2012

Alleged $620,00 subsidy scam

Farouk Lawan may be arraigned next week Vol. 02 No. 42

Lateef Adegbite P. 8

dies at 79

P. 12

N150

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Currency smuggling

EFCC arrests man with N1.1bn cash

•I work for powerful Nigerians –Suspect

P. 8

THE QUEUES ARE BACK

Vehicles and containers on queue for fuel at Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTOS: OLUFEMI AJASA

Hajj: Over 500 intending pilgrims turned back at Lagos airport ...as commission still suspends airlifting

P. 7

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Living

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

September 29, 2012

INSIDE

My friend’s spirit haunts me

– Suspected murderer

CP, Balogun

P.36 Baby born with two faces turned to goddess P.26

Blame my destiny for my line of business –Grave robber P.39

Car dealer dies in Adamawa police cell P.54

Siege of the underworld…in underworld …in Edo SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN

U

nknown gunmen shot a member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Razaq Momoh, in Benin City on Thursday evening.

The incident that left the lawmaker, who represents Etsako West I Constituency of the state, seriously wounded occurred at about 9.30pm on Oba Akenzua Street, off Airport Road. According to reports, a gunman emerged from the shadows and ordered Momoh to lie face down, an order the lawmaker boldly resisted, and which resulted to a confrontation. The gunman pumped hot lead into the lawmaker before escaping with a waiting accomplice.

Narrating the incident to Saturday Mirror at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), where he is presently receiving doctors’ treatment, Momoh’s brother, Mallam Tijani Momoh, disclosed that the lawmaker was driving alone without his police orderly when he was confronted by the gunman.

According to Alhaji Momoh, “It happened around 9.30pm when he was driving alone. He just spoke to us this morning.

But he is still weak. The doctor said that the bullet didn’t penetrate deep and that is why they are not doing any major operation on him. For now you can see he is sleeping. What he told us this morning was that when he drove to Akenzua Street to see somebody, as he was about to park his car, a guy walked up to him, brought out a gun and asked him to lie face down. My brother then replied, who are you that is asking me to lie face down? In the process, according to my brother, the gunman shot him at the right side of his lower abdomen.”

The victim’s brother, who could not explain whether or not it was an assassination attempt further stated, “According to my brother’s narration, immediately the guy shot him, he ran away and my brother even with the gunshot wound pursued him until he noticed that the gunman was not alone.”

Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr.

Olayinka Balogun, who said he had been briefed on the case, however, asserted that it was a case of attempted robbery in which the gunman resorted to shooting when the lawmaker tried to resist him.

The attack on the lawmaker came on the heels of a daring kidnap on Monday of two school children. They were kidnapped after the driver of the vehicle conveying them to school was killed and dumped on the roadside. The two kidnapped children, Osarefe Iyamu, 11, and Esther Iyamu, 9, were thereafter driven to an unknown destination.

According to the father of the children, a Benin-based businessman and industrialist, Mr. Juande Iyamu, the driver was driving his children to school between 7.30 and 8.00am when he was accosted by the armed kidnappers near his house at Iguosa, behind the 7UP Bottling Company Limited plant in Ugbowo area of Benin City.

Residents of the area, who were said to have rushed out of their homes to see what was happening, had to rush back upon sighting the kidnappers’ smoking guns. However, they rushed back to the scene again after the kidnappers had spedoff with their targets, leaving the fatally wounded driver in a pool of his blood. Eye witnesses said the driver was apparently shot dead by the kidnappers when he tried to resist the kidnapping of the children. He was allegedly shot at close range and died before any help could reach him.

Lamenting the loss of his beloved aide, the father of the kidnapped children, Mr. Juande Iyamu, popularly known as Yahwe, the business name of his sachet (pure) water company, kept asking why they had to take the life of his driver and treat him so wickedly in spite of his contributions to the development of the state and national economy. He blamed the government and security agencies for the apparent helplessness of the citizenry in the face of the onslaught of kidnappers, robbers and assassins.

The same day the Iyamu children were kidnapped, the Principal of Demonstration Secondary School of the University of Benin, Mrs. Juliana Uboise was kidnapped by

unknown gunmen near her house after reportedly leaving home for her office. As if her case was not enough heartbreak for the distraught students and staff of the school, a student of the school was said to have been kidnapped the same day the principal was abducted.

The situation forced the students and teachers to go on strike since Monday even as they took to the streets during the week with various placards protesting and denouncing the abduction of their principal while calling on Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole to galvanize the security agents in the State into genuine action to prevent the worsening breakdown of law and order especially the rising cases of kidnap, abduction and robbery.

These incidents followed the kidnap and eventual release of Edo State Deputy Governor Dr. Pius Odubu’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kelly Odaro, whose abductors allegedly demanded N20m ransom before his release.

As at the time of filing this report, it is not known whether the kidnappers of the other victims have liaised with the different families of the kidnapped victims to make their ransom demands. The popular view is that many families of kidnapped victims do not actually report to the Nigeria Police Force nowadays owing to loss of confidence in the agency. Security experts, who crave anonymity, estimate that not less than five people are kidnapped daily in Edo State.

Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Olayinka Balogun was not available to comment on the worrisome events in the State. In a telephone conversation with our Correspondent, the police commissioner had insisted that he could only oblige Saturday Mirror with his comments in a face-to-face encounter. But when our correspondent visited his office at the Edo State Police Command on Thursday evening, he was not available to comment. Several calls made to his mobile phone were not answered. Neither did he respond to text messages until press time.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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September 29, 2012

Saturday Starter

F

rom the groundnut pyramids of the North through the rain forests of the South and the oil-rich creeks of the Niger Delta region to the coal rich South East and the cocoa plantations of the South West, drums of disenchantment against the Nigerian State keep reverberating. This has led political commentators, analysts and pundits to conclude that we are more divided today than we were when we started out in 1960.

Indeed, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, declares without batting an eyelid that “There is no country known as Nigeria.�

Though some of the ethnic militias are more subtle in

their approach, the issues have one and the same bottomline. The common denominator is their grievance against the Nigerian State as it is currently constituted and operated.

Save for the period of the unfortunate civil war and its preceding years, the embers of disunity and disintegration have not been fanned with as much determination and gusto as is presently going on in the country.

As Nigeria totters towards her 52nd Independence anniversary, which comes up on Monday, Saturday Mirror speaks with some of the arrow heads of these ethnic nationality groups, asking the questions: What is driving us apart and what can bring us together?

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September 29, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I predicted Boko Haram

–Alhaji Yerima Shetima Alhaji Yerima Shetima, is the President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum. He spoke with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE on the grouse of his group and Nigeria as it is currently constituted.

Excerpts:

At the moment the issue of disintegration seems to be posing a big challenge to Nigeria, what is your view on several agitations by different ethnic groups and ethnic nationalities leaders?

It is really bad in the sense that at 52, Nigerians should be able to see that we have come a long way and things must be put on ground that even a blind man could feel. But it is so unfortunate that at 52, Nigeria is still crawling and as a result of that people feel disappointed. They feel that this is not what they envisage for the country especially some of us who have been in the trenches for over one or two decades. To that extent people have lost hope and they have no confidence in the country any they don’t even trust their leaders again. As such because of certain injustice and so much corruption in the land, people feel that they have been marginalised and as a result of that you could see that the country is almost breaking. Despite how ugly the whole situation may be, I believe strongly that we would come out of it but it would require collective responsibility. The most important thing that we must do right now as one of the critical issues is for us to reflect on the past, look at the present and begin to channel a new course for a better Nigeria.

Does your group have any grievances against the Nigerian State?

Our organisation came as a child of necessity in the sense that we do not form the organisation to counter attack our Southern brothers. We are not like some groups that emerged as a result of certain injustice being melted on them; like the MASSOB, which feel they have been marginalised and the Niger Delta feel that they are producing over 90 per cent of the resources of the country and they are not benefitting from it. We are not like the OPC that feel that there was certain injustice melted on one of their illustrious sons in the person of MKO Abiola and they feel that the central government is not fair to them and they came out and agitate for the June 12, 1993 presidential election and to protect their people.

In our case, we came to protect our people but we do not intend to be very aggressive on the Nigerian State.

Our concept was to make sure that we build a bridge across our Southern brothers to relate with them so that there would be free flow of communication to protect our masses that are residing in Southern parts of the country and the country at large.

All the ethnic nationalities group have different backgrounds; we came as a child of necessity when there was a vacuum between the North and the South, so our organisation came to build the bridge and we have succeeded in building the bridge because there is a common understanding between all the ethnic nationalities. Our grievance is that we realise that there are certain injustices that have been meted on some sections of the country, even on our own part we feel that we have been marginalised. Despite the long term ruling by the Northern people, at the end of the day we realised that there is nothing to show for it. As a result of that people are being enslaved; 80-90 per cent of the people who beg on the streets of the South are from the northern part of the country. That is clear indication

It is believed that the high state of insecurity in the northern part of the country is as a result of injustice and corruption. What is your take?

In the northern part of the country where I came from we have a situation where after this long time that people from the North rule this country, we have a situation where they looted so much money and they only keep the money within themselves. The money has not circulated and they have not put in place any infrastructure to benefit the common man in the northern part of the country. As a result of that the rate of illiteracy is higher in the North. There is also high rate of poverty. What we are experiencing today is part of the result of bad leadership and lack of insensitivity by the previous leaders of the northern part of the country.

When the Niger Delta were doing their agitation I said that the day the Northern people would pick up armed struggle, it would be more disastrous than what we experienced during the Niger Delta struggle. Today, I have been vindicated of what I predicted about seven years ago. Corruption is the major issue that caused what we are experiencing today and the reaction is what we are seeing violently. I am not justifying any action because there is no agitation that is worth taking the life of an innocent Nigerian but what we are seeing today is a result of injustice. To some extent some people capitalised on Boko Haram to unleash terror on their opponents in the name of Boko Haram. Some go to bank to rob in the name of Boko Haram. People get involved in a lot of evil activities to distract attention of Nigeria while other people are agitating for certain injustice.

So those things are actually bond to happen because if measure is not taken, it would be worse than what we are experiencing now.

Shetima

CORRUPTION IS THE MAJOR ISSUE THAT CAUSED WHAT WE ARE EXPERIENCING TODAY AND THE REACTION TO CORRUPTION IS WHAT WE ARE SEEING IN THE SHAPE OF VIOLENCE

that a certain injustice has been meted on the low class people in the northern part of the country. So having said that, what we try to do is to first trace the root of all these problems and we discover it is corruption. If we don’t change our attitude and method of saying that our ‘own’ must be there; a Hausa man must be there or Igbo must be there or Yoruba man must be there because he is my brother, we would never get it right. All we ask in our quest is to have a Nigerian President and as that we are ready to work with other progressives to ensure that there is unity in the country. Also, the unity of this country must not be threatened by anybody. We believe that we have to work with other progressives who are likeminded and who are willing to move ahead and take Nigeria to the next level so that at the end of the day we may have the Nigeria of our dream.

Do you consider violence as better than discussion?

I have never considered violence as a means of resolving issues and there is nowhere in the world that violence becomes an answer to any struggle. At the end of the day after violence or even war, people will still sit down to discuss and embrace dialogue and they will have peace. I have never been part of any struggle that calls for violence. I have never supported it and I will never support it because I know what it takes to unleash terror on innocent people.

As the leader of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, why has it been difficult for you to curtail the activities of the Boko Haram who are majorly youths?

I have done a lot of things in the North through my various programmes. I am one of the strongest voices that are totally opposed to that action. It is one thing for you to say something and somebody that is carrying arms to listen to you. In a situation where the government that has everything at its disposal cannot control, how much me that do not have license to arms? How can I stop such kind of thing? But having said that I am one of the vocal Northern organisations that stood despite all threats to my life, I condemned the act and I will continue to condemn it because I believe what they are doing is wrong. What I am trying to do is to make sure that I sensitise those who are willing to listen to me that what is happening in the northern part of the country will further compound their problems. I appreciate the fact that we are suffering but I don’t think this means of violence is the answer to our Northern CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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September 29, 2012

There is no country known as Nigeria –Alhaji Asari Dokubo but the people that own Nigeria insisted that it will never happen; that the people would never be allowed to sit down together and discuss. So who is the person that wants violence? The state has all the weapons and instruments of violence in a disproportionate manner compared to all other people. The state has denied the people their sovereignty and bestowed it on itself.

Alhaji Asari Dokubo, is the Leader of Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force What is your view on several agitations by different ethnic groups and ethnic nationality leaders, especially those who are fanning the ember of disunity in the country?

You cannot get something from nothing. There is no country known as Nigeria and we have been deceiving ourselves. When you talk about unity, how can you get something out of unity?

If an American is seen on the streets of Lagos, he would be called an American and a Ghanaian would be called a Ghanaian. But if a Fulani or a Hausa man comes to Lagos they would call him a Gambari. If a Yoruba man goes to Kano, they would call him Berebe Bansa. If somebody like me, an Ijaw man goes to Kano, they will call me Alemari. These are the things that show clearly that we are not the same. It is only the bandits in Abuja, Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Yenagoa that see themselves as one because they sit down to share other people’s resources. And this is what is stirring up crises in the country. There is nothing like disunity because there has not been anything called Nigeria.

What have been the grievances of your group against Nigeria?

There is nothing like Nigeria and it doesn’t exist.

The creation of a nation goes through political engineering and the people decide if they want to come together to form a nation, they must confirm it. There was no such thing in the case of Nigeria. We were not created as Nigerians; we were created as Ijaw, Nupe, Hausa, Yoruba, and so on. We were created differently and some people even migrated to Nigeria, coming from different parts of the world to come and settle.

So we were not the same people; we were falsely conscripted by the British and made to become Nigerians.

So there is no such thing about grievances; it is Nigeria that owns grievances against me by stealing my

Do you still believe in the continuous existence of Nigeria?

Not at all. Every day, I pray for the death and destruction of Nigeria.

Why? I am an Ijaw man, why are you calling me a Nigerian? It is as simple as that. You can’t give me name that is not my name.

So you believe strongly in the disintegration of Nigeria?

There is nothing like disintegration. It does not even exist. It is violence that is keeping the so-called Nigerian State together.

Dokubo

identity and personalities as a Kalabari Ijaw man.

Why do people embark on violence to achieve their aim rather than allowing a round table discussion?

When peaceful change is not permitted and not allowed then violent change becomes inevitable. In every action there is opposite reaction. When the state employed the instruments of cohesion or instruments of force then people would be pushed to the wall and would resort to self help.

Are you saying that violence is better than dialogue?

Who has permitted discussion? At least we have been calling for people to sit down together and discuss; there should be a Sovereign National Conference

Many people believe that Nigeria may break up before the 2015 general elections, do you foresee such incident?

It is long overdue. I don’t see future but I would be the happiest person that in my lifetime that such a thing has happened. But I cannot categorically say that Nigeria will break today or tomorrow.

What do you think is the way forward?

The only way forward is the only peaceful minimum demand that we have been agitating for that we should be allowed to sit down and talk and those of us who don’t and those of us who don’t want to lose our identity should be allowed to do so. It has happened in Ethiopia and several other countries. We cannot be killing ourselves every time, let us go our separate ways.

We want to correct injustice against Igbo –Uchenna Madu Uchenna Madu, is the spokesperson of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). He spoke with CHARLES OKEKE on the objectives of the group and their grievances. Excerpts: MASSOB as a child of circumstances was born out of systematic marginalisation of Ndigbo and Easterners in general. The level of projections Biafrans found themselves in Nigeria since after the war which includes political, economical, academic, religious, cultural, psychological and mental slavery which brought lack at unity and cohesion among Ndigbo, the incessant killings of Biafrans in the northern/western Nigeria with no challenge or condemnation from Igbo self proclaimed leaders are some of the injustices that gave birth to MASSOB. Our primary aim is to actualise Biafra’s independence from Nigeria, we felt that Igbo lives and properties are no longer safe in Nigeria, we came to realise that the blood of Igbo is continuously shed on the altar of keeping Nigeria one and that the grand conspiracy against Ndigbo by Hausa – Fulani with their collaborators (Yoruba) and backed

by British Government is enshrined in Nigeria currency (Naira/Kobo) which expressly can be described as “Never Allow Igbo man Rule Again” = NAIRA while KOBO is “Kill Ojukwu Before Others” the change to this currency was hurriedly done immediately after the Nigerian-Biafran War. The currency was designed to be a continuous reminder to Nigerian up-coming generations.

With these trends and perpetual design against Biafrans in Nigeria, our leader, Chief Ralf Uwazuruike formed this group called MASSOB to agitate for Biafra actualisation through non-violent ways. The future of Biafrans can never be guaranteed in Nigeria.

The adoption of non-violent method

by MASSOB is convinced by the efficacy of its power as was seen in the struggle of Mahatma Ghandi of India, Martin Luther king Jnr of America. In non violence struggle, the oppressor is always jittery, restless, tired and confused, we choose non-violence because of industrial and versatile nature of Biafrans, nonviolence method will create a comfortable arena for the agitator and his people even in the midst of their enemies.

In terms of achievement, we have done a lot. MASSOB had succeeded in ac-

Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State for Biafra (MASSOB)

tualising the Biafra of the mind which is the most essential, because of MASSOB, some injustices and inequalities against Ndigbo such as non Igbo man in Nigeria’s top security council, non attaining to top rank of security post have been attended to. Internationally, MASSOB has re-awakened the consciousness of Biafranism among Ndigbo in the Diaspora.

Through our Biafra worldwide demonstration, civil disobedience, rallies, sit at

homes, civil protests and hoisting of Biafran flags have immensely attracted international consciousness and sympathy for Biafra. MASSOB is a factor to be reckoned with in Nigeria as it represents the genuine interest of Ndigbo. The foundation of MASSOB is laid on the consciousness of every Igbo man.

With the diverse ethnic, tribal and religious differences, the pathological hatred and negative sentiment, ethnic interest as a result of religious/ethnic backgrounds has eaten deep in the Nigerian nation. No unity can be achieved because there’s no unifying factor in Nigeria as no tribe or ethnic group has Nigeria’s interest but tribal interest.

Nigeria is structured by the British to favour the Northern oligarchy, with the political imbalance, Nigeria can never succeed. Numerous clamours for true federalism, agitations for self determination, Middle Belt struggle for political identity, Boko Haram’s demand for independent Islamic State, and O.P.C activities in South West and MASSOB in the East are signs of imminent danger that signals the total collapse of the Nigerian State. This nation called Nigeria is sitting on a time bomb that will explode any moment.

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I don’t believe in the break-up of Nigeria –Dr. Fredrick Fasehun Dr. Fredricks Fasehun, is the President and founder of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC). He spoke with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE. Excerpts: At present many ethnic groups and nationalities leaders are calling for the disintegration of Nigeria. Are you not worried about this trend?

Nigeria does not dispense social justice to all and that is the basis for agitations by many ethnic nationalities. Social justice is the basic requirement of any human being and if they don’t have it they would protest and demand for it.

Do the Yoruba have any grievances against the Nigerian State?

Our grievances are not more than the grievances of other ethnic nationalities, especially social injustice.

Do you think the Nigerian State is fair to the Yoruba?

No. Nigeria is very unfair to the Yoruba nation.

Why did you think so?

No Yoruba person is at the top position at the federal level. They are not in top positions in the Presidency, National Assembly and the judiciary.

How have you been expressing your thoughts against some of the perceived injustice against the Yoruba nation?

We have expressed our grievances in so many ways. We have written letters to the powers that be. We have advertised our grievances on the pages of the newspapers to call the attention of the powers that be to settle us but they don’t seem to want to do anything maybe because Yoruba people themselves have kept quiet and they are not flexing muscles. So, attention is now being given to those who are flexing muscles; that is why many ethnic nationalities are flexing muscles Talking about flexing of muscles, do you think violence is better than discussion?

SOCIAL JUSTICE MUST BE DISPENSED TO CITIZENS OF THIS COUNTRY,

OTHERWISE WE WILL NOT BE FREE FROM THIS POLITICAL TURBULENCE THAT WE ARE IN PRESENTLY Government has not encouraged discussion. We have been calling for Sovereign National Conference since 1993.

Don’t you think that time is long enough for a government to concede so that the life of the people may be better? So, it is the fault of the powers that be.

What is your take on the clamour for the disintegration and breaking up of Nigeria?

I don’t believe in that. I don’t think Nigeria should disintegrate or break. Nigeria is the pride of the Black people all over the world. Nigeria is a role model to many sub-Sahara countries. I don’t think Nigeria should break but we should reorder ourselves so that Nigeria may occupy the pride of place the Black people of the whole world expected us to be.

Do you still believe in the continuous existence of Nigeria?

Yes. But I believe there is still need for national dialogue to form a unity. Without such meeting and dialogue, Nigeria will never move toward its progress and unity.

With various violence and insecurity challenges across the country, do you still see Nigeria as a safe nation?

Nigeria has never claimed to be safe.

Nigeria is very unsafe and one of our problems is insecurity. The country is

Fasehun

not safe; you are not safe in your private abode, you are not safe on the road, you are not safe in the church, you are not safe in the mosque, you are not safe anywhere. So, there is no way we can describe Nigeria as a safe country; it is one of the most unsafe countries in the world.

What is the solution?

We should go for national dialogue to reorder, restructure, reform and redesign the country.

Anything that has a beginning must always have an end. The beginning of this evil in our country must have an end or else the country would be in trouble.

We love Nigeria and we don’t want Nigeria to break. Nigeria must do justice to her own citizens; social justice must be dispensed to citizens of this country, otherwise we would not be free from this political turbulence that we are in pres-

ently.

The best solution is to sit down at a round table and find solutions to all these problems. We know our problems and that is half of the solution. When a mad man realises that he is mad, he is half cured. Nigeria is aware of its problems; hunger, insecurity, poverty, superstition, illiteracy and so on and so forth.

We know our problems, so our madness is half cured. The other half solution is to go to a round table for a frank discussion and suggest solutions at a national conference. All ethnic nationalities in this country must be represented at that conference. The crises we have in Nigeria is because our colonial master put us together without discussing with us the terms of the togetherness and we have been going through problems fanning unity. I don’t want Nigeria to break up because there is beauty in togetherness.

And unity rather than disunity is a force

I predicted Boko Haram

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 struggle.

Do you still believe in continuous existence of Nigeria as it is presently constituted?

I believe in Nigeria but I do not believe in the present system of the country. I am one of those clamouring for Sovereign National Conference. I am one of those who believe that we need to sit down and talk. I believe that

a lot of things would be addressed at that conference.

With the conference, the issues of suspicion would be a thing of the past. Secondly, I believe that if we sit down, we would be able to come up with a document that has legitimacy than an imposed document called the 1999 Constitution. The 1999 Constitution was imposed on us by the military regime that lacked legitimacy. They might call it a legal document but it is not legitimate and we are asking for legitimacy of that document. So

it is one thing to make law and it is another thing to make Constitution. If the National Assembly is talking about amending the Constitution, we are not talking about the amendment, we are asking for total re-engineering of a new Constitution. All over the world, the National Assembly or the Parliament has never made the constitution for the people, people make constitution and give it to those they give their sovereignty to, to represent them in the chamber.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NATIONAL NEWS

September 29, 2012

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Police compensate Hajj: Over 500 pilgrims late DIG John Haruna’s turned back at Lagos airport family, others OLUSEGUN KOIKI

N

o fewer than 500 intending pilgrims to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, yesterday dispersed the Hajj and Cargo terminal of the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA), Lagos where they were supposed to assembly for take-off to the holy land.

The dispersal was due to the suspension of the exercise by the federal government.

The intending pilgrims had been keeping vigil at the camp, hoping to be

airlifted to Saudi Arabia for the exercise, but their hopes were dashed yesterday when they learnt that they would not be airlifted from the Lagos Airport by the carrier, Med-View.

Saturday Mirror observed that some of the intending pilgrims who had spent close to two days at the camp and hoped to be airborne by Friday night were disappointed when they learnt that they would not be airlifted any longer and were told to leave the camp to come back on Monday.

It was however learnt that the federal government, through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, may resume airlifting of pilgrims on Sunday following the decision to that effect by the government.

However, when our correspondent contacted the Director, Public Affairs, NAHCON, Alhaji Uba Manna, he declined comment.

He said he was still in a meeting with the federal government delegation.

Manna informed that the NHACON boss might

inform journalists of the outcome of the meeting.

It would be recalled that the Saudi Arabian authorities had earlier in the week been repatriating Nigerian pilgrims due to an alleged irregular documentation of the intending pilgrims.

So far, over 600 female pilgrims and a male had been deported from Saudi Arabia due to the issue.

As at the time of filing in this report, some pilgrims from Oyo and Osun states were still being expected at the Lagos Airport.

L-R: President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Dr. Theo Okonkwo; Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Martin Anikwe; and Director General, ECCIMA, Sir, Emeka Okereke, at the 3rd National Agricultural Exhibition and Symposium in PHOTO: NAN Enugu, yesterday.

Tag Boko Haram terrorists group, Christians tell US TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

T

he leadership of the Christian Association of Nigerian-American (CANAN) yesterday condemned the spate of bombings in Nigeria, especially last Sunday bombing of St. John’s Catholic Church, Bauchi in the Northern part of Nigeria.

In a joint statement made available to Saturday Mirror by the United States Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Rep. Peter T. King and Executive Director of the Christian Association of Nigerian-Americans (CANAN), Pastor Laolu Akande, they called on the government of the United State to label Boko Haram as a terrorists group.

The statement reads: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the latest atrocity waged by the Islamist terror group

Boko Haram in Nigeria.

Sunday’s bombing at Saint John’s Catholic Church in Bauchi is the latest in ongoing, coordinated attacks

by Boko Haram on Catholic and other Christian churches in Nigeria, including the 2011 Christmas Day and 2012 Easter Day bombings. Since January 2011, these terrorist attacks have killed over 1,500 Nigerian Christians.

“Boko Haram is closely tied to al-Qaeda’s regional affiliates in North and East Africa, and presents a potential threat to our Homeland and citizens. With a renewed sense of urgency, we once again call upon the U.S. Department of State to formally designate Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation.”

Twice this year, King and Rep. Patrick Meehan, Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counter terrorism and Intelligence, have requested

that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton designate Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).

Also, last year, under the leadership of subcommit-

tee chairman, Meehan, the committee released a bipartisan report entitled “Boko Haram – Emerging Threat to the U.S. Homeland” and convened a related hearing.

FG not in talks with terrorists yet OMEIZA AJAYI

A

lthough the federal government is not opposed to talks with the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, there were indications yesterday that the government is not currently engaged in any dialogue with members of the group.

The federal government had before now disclosed its readiness to dialogue with the sect with a view to seeking an end to its violent activities in some parts of the north, but Saturday Mirror gathered yesterday that since the recent breakdown

in talks between the government and the group, it has become increasingly difficult to meaningfully engage them.

A security source in Abuja told Saturday Mirror that the reported killing of the sect’s spokesman few days ago has made the sect to block all avenues of reaching out to it.

The military source added that “the killing of one of their leaders has boosted the morale of our men and we hope that with greater support from all the tiers of government and the local population, that victory is in sight”.

OMEIZA AJAYI

T

he Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar has paid the sum of N36.633 million as insurance benefits to four slain police officers including the late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Operations, DIG John Haruna, who died few months ago in a police helicopter crash in Jos, Plateau State.

Mr. Mohammed also offered compensation to four villagers whose property were destroyed in the incident.

Issuing the cheques to the relatives of four deceased policemen and the villagers

yesterday, Mr Mohammed commended the insurance companies, including NICON Insurance, for not defaulting in the payment of the insurance claims.

He described the ceremony as an indication of the fact that the death of Haruna and others in a helicopter crash was an accident rather than premeditated.

Curiously, the wife of Mr Haruna, Olayinka, was absent at the event.

She did not send any representative either.

However, Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba said Mrs Haruna was still airborne as at the time the event was going on.

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NATIONAL NEWS

September 29, 2012

Currency smuggling

EFCC arrests man with $7m cash •I work for powerful Nigerians –Suspect OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

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he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a suspected bulk currency courier, Abubakar Tijani Sheriff, for attempting to smuggle $7million out of the country.

Converted at the rate of N156 to a dollar, the money totals N1.1 billion.

The commission also said that the suspect had confessed to being a money courier for no fewer than twenty powerful individuals in the country.

The 24-year-old, according to a statement from the commission, was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos en route Dubai, United

Arab Emirates.

Sheriff is said to have been apprehended by EFCC operatives at the point of boarding a plane.

The statement further said the suspect was being detained at the commission’s holding facility in Lagos, pending his arraignment in court.

Upon his arrest, the suspect was said to have declared that he had a total sum of $4.5million on him but thorough screening and search showed that he was actually carrying $7,049,444.

He confessed that he was a courier for twenty individuals who hired him to courier the money for them to Dubai.

The statement reads in part: “Investigations by the EFCC showed that Sheriff is a regular traveller and one

of several couriers of illegal cash suspected to be proceeds of crime. His claims in respect of his accomplices are still being investigated by the commission.

“Travellers leaving the country are statutorily required to declare cash in excess of $10,000. However, it is not sufficient to declare excess cash, under the provisions of the Money Laundering Act, the onus is on the person making the declaration to explain the source of the excess cash and the reason for the export.

“Experience has shown that bulk cash smuggling, the world over, are usually associated with proceeds of crime as legitimately earned funds are usually processed through the banking system.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

France urges more Nigerian Navy presence in Gulf of Guinea SEGUN ADIO

“Our experience in the last few years indicates an emerging trend of bulk cash smuggling to Europe, Middle East and North America with the attendant consequence for capital flight.

“Some Nigerian citizens are routinely arrested at airports in Europe and North American for currency smuggling though no such arrests have been recorded in the Middle East. But in all cases, the money is lost as they are never repatriated back to the country.

“The Commission warns travellers who for any reason want to move bulk cash out of the country to do so through the banking system. Otherwise, they must be prepared to declare it and explain the source of the money.”

T

he Nigerian Navy has been commended for its anti-piracy programmes being carried out

by Vice Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim-led group.

Ibrahim is the Chief of Naval Staff.

Commander Loic Guyot, Commanding Officer of French warship, GOWIND, gave the commendation in Lagos when he paid a port call to the country.

Commander Guyot who encouraged the Nigerian Navy to do more, at a press conference, said the doggedness of the Nigerian Navy in its fight against sea miscre-

Publisher decries piracy of books TERH AGBEDEH

C

hairman of foremost publishing company in Nigeria, University Press Plc, Dr. Lekan Are, has decried the increasing rate of piracy in the book industry in Nigeria and lamented how unserious government was in tackling the menace.

Are said the sophistication with which book piracy was being done would

Jonathan

L – R (front row): Former World Court Judge, Prince Bola Ajibola; Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alhaji Liadi Orunsolu; and Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; at a Special Jumat Service in commemoration of the 52nd anniversary of the nation’s Independence, held at the Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta...yesterday.

Alleged $620,000 subsidy scam: Farouk Lawan may be arraigned next week EMMANUEL ONANI

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arring any change in plans, embattled House of Representatives member, Farouk Lawan, may be arraigned at a Federal High Court, Abuja, next week over his alleged complicity in the $620, 000 bribe-for-clearance, Saturday Mirror’s investigation revealed.

This disclosure was made by a highly-placed source, who craved anonymity “due to the sensitivity of the matter.”

According to the source,

“The federal government, through the office of the Attorney General is set to arraign Lawan next week in order to allay fears in some quarters that something fishy is going on.”

It would be recalled that Lawan’s “confessional statement” to the police to the effect that the controversial bribe sum was kept with the House Committee chairman on Narcotics and Financial Crimes, Hon. Adams Jagaba, has been punctured by Jagaba, who addressed a press conference

where he threatened to drag Lawan to court if the latter did not apologise over the “misleading” claim.

Jagaba said “Hon. Farouk Lawan alleged that he wrote a letter to me attaching $500,000. That is callously untrue and in fact, calculated to smear my hard-earned reputation, a reputation I painstakingly built since 1999. I never received any letter, or money, or any other exhibit from Farouk…”

Lawan is alleged to have collected $620, 000 bribe from the oil magnate and

chairman of Zenon Oil and Gas, Mr. Femi Otedola, to delete the names of his companies, Zenon Petroleum and Gas as well as Synopsis Enterprises Limited from the list of companies allegedly found guilty of defrauding the federal government of billions of naira, in what is termed “sting operation”, in security circles.

ants was commendable.

He said his nation was more than ever, ready to partner with Nigerian Navy to achieve total peace in the area.

His words: “The Gulf of Guinea is no doubt very key for us. We also have to cooperate with the most powerful Naval force in West African to achieve the needed peace in the area.”

Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Navy, Commodore Henry Babalola, Command Operations Officer of the Western Naval Command, reiterated that he was not in doubt that the Nigerian Navy must continue to lead in the fight to rid the sub-region of sea pirates and other maritime criminals.

soon run most publishers aground if nothing was done to check it.

He stated that publishers only made 30 per cent sales while pirates made a whopping 70 per cent sales of books in the country every year.

Are who made gave the condemnation in a statement at the Annual General Meeting of University Press Plc at Kakanfo Inn, Ibadan, on Thursday, said the development was regrettable.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

9

September 29, 2012

Nigeria’s unity cannot be compromised –Ofehe W

hat is your opinion about the threat of disintegration of Nigeria as it clocks

52 years?

Every Independence Day celebration should be one to unite the people of the country and celebrate the efforts of our founding fathers in securing our autonomous and sovereign rights by winning our capability for self-rule. Unfortunately, this has not been the case because bad and corrupt leadership has plunged our great country into poverty and further chaos. A country blessed with so much mineral and manpower resources cannot compete in economic advancement with countries like India, Brazil and Indonesia.

When a country lacks leadership qualities and there is mismanagement of public funds meant for social and infrastructural development, it breeds poverty. In a society where poverty strives, the people become very vulnerable and the political elite class takes advantage and uses them to achieve their greedy political agenda. It is a shame that after 52 years of gaining independence instead of consolidating on the gains of self rule, what we see is massive corruption, ethnic and religious intolerance and crime. It is clear that the country’s past leadership lost its focus and ability to steer the ship.

As we celebrate the 52nd independence of our great country, we must go into sober reflection and pray for those who have lost their lives in the Boko Haram attacks in the North, those who have died in both air and road accidents due to lack of proper air regulatory agencies and bad roads. Those fanning the embers of disunity in the country may have genuine reasons to do so, but we must not forget that those who fought for our independence did for the unity of the country. Nigeria can be better if we are united and harness our different culture, religion and ethnicity for the advancement of our democracy.

It may take time for us to find this balance and the solution will not only be confined to those in government. It must be our collective will and resolve as a patriotic people. We must not be discouraged with the sad events confronting us now but we must remember the history of even advanced countries today and the sacrifices their people made to make them what they are today.

Why do you think some ethnic nationalities groups want to break away from Nigeria?

Many ethnic nationalities feel neglected by the government and think when they exist on their own they can be better because they have natural

Comrade Sunny Ofehe, is the Founder/Executive Director of Hope for Niger Delta Campaign (HNDC). He speaks on the need to have a united Nigeria despite the challenges of insecurity threatening to tear it apart.

Ofehe

resources. I have carefully studied the various ethnic groups in Nigeria and you would agree with me that there is no ethnic group in Nigeria that does not have a given natural resources capable of generating revenue for social and infrastructural advancement. In a country where the government is focusing only on the revenue from oil extraction at the expense of all other sector, what do you expect? There is boom in oil and much revenue is being generated, but that should not stop the government from diversifying into other sector.

Norway, for example, is rich in oil and gas and majority of that revenue goes into an escrow accounts while they focus mainly on fishing and other forms of income generation. We used to export timber, rubber, cocoa and other agricultural produce, but today, lack of government investment and subsidy in those sectors has either made the farmers less competitive or cannot meet the technological advancement needed for modern day mechanised agriculture. Majority of Dutch farmers have moved to Ghana because it is currently considered the safest country within West Africa.

Will Ghana attract foreign investments

and international subsidy if agriculture wasn’t considered a great income generation for it? The overbearing reliance on crude oil as the sole source of our country’s revenue makes the ethnic groups of the concerned area to consider themselves the cow that milk the country but get nothing in return. The neglect of other ethnic regions’ mineral and agriculture potential dampens their hope for a united country and therefore leads to the option of a break-away.

Does your organisation have any grievances against the Nigerian state?

We have no grievance against the Nigeria state. My organisation follows the principles of non-violence and we believe strongly in the unity of Nigeria as a country. We will continue to monitor government policies and how it impacts on the people. This we will only do in the most constructive way and not by confrontation. We cannot leave the government to bear all responsibilities. As President John F. Kennedy once said, “Do not think of what your country can do for you but think of what you can do for your country,” we must all have a level playing field where the government

and the citizens are all stakeholders. We have been making recommendations to government and relevant stakeholders.

As a small organisation we cannot be fully involved in the issues that bother Nigeria and that is why we have focused our efforts on the Niger Delta region.

Many groups today are using violence to achieve their goals. Do you consider violence proper in this instance?

I have said it many times and even repeated it again here that violence does not achieve anything. It can be a temporary solution to political or social problems but the damage caused are usually permanent. Former President Bill Clinton once said, “The most expensive peace is still far cheaper than the cheapest war”. People usually tell me that dialogue doesn’t get the attention of government and institution but they are quick to respond to your call when you engage in violence. They even cite the past militancy in the Niger Delta as an example. They even ask me if peaceful and non-violent advocates like us where taken along during the government negotiation. Who benefited from the crisis in the Niger Delta? So, many questions like these I am confront with all the time. This has not dampened my morale and principle in non-violence. Great people have achieved a lot through non-violent campaigns. People like Gandhi of India, Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma, Dela Lama of Tibet… the list is long. We saw what violence led to in our neighbouring African countries like Liberia, Sierra-Leone, Congo and Rwanda. Today, they all returned to the negotiating table to talk peace. The peace today in those countries can never change the permanent damage that the wars had caused them.

With the various agitations by these ethnic groups for self determination, disintegration or threat to break away, do you see Nigeria as a safe nation?

If I am not positive that Nigeria can still be a safe country, I won’t be doing my campaigns. Nigeria, as you will agree with me, is a country with tremendous potential. The country is blessed with abundant resources and above all very intelligent people. We have all it takes to bring Nigeria back on the world map. We just need to find the right balance and the right people to be in government. There is nothing happening in Nigeria today that has not happened in the advance countries of the world.

Do you still believe in the continuous co-existence of Nigeria as it is currently structured?

I am an advocate of a united Nigeria.

We have co-existed and can still remain in the same structure. We need patriotic governance that will bring together the various economic competence of all regions for a better and united country.

The plausible solution will be a call for Sovereign National Conference by the government in which case all ethnic regions will be given the chance to bare the grievance and work a modality for co-existence. The unity of Nigeria as a country cannot be compromised. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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POLITICS

September 29, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

We are where we are because of wrong choices –Ezeife Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former governor of Anambra State and chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo spoke with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE. Excerpts:

N

igeria is now 52 years old, yet some people are clamouring for disintegration. What is your take?

Nigeria has missed the road. Instead of following the purpose of which God created us, we went with our short sighted behaviour emphasising politics of divisions, tribalism, religion and conflict. So, we are where we are because we made the wrong choice. We are black people and we are the largest black people on earth. So, God’s manifested destiny and purpose for us is to develop inter-

est in economic super power, so as to lead the respect and prestige of all black in this world. This is our manifest destiny.

If we choose it, we would generate the required energy for accomplishing the objectives. If we don’t want to choose it, we can go to a conference table and break up. After breaking up peaceful, we would discover the importance of each other to each other. But meanwhile, it is most important instead of sounding like a broken record every year, talking about our loss of time, wastage and our failure to do this or that, this is the time to face the truth. A person going in the wrong direction will never get to where he is going, therefore he will change direction.

My message to Nigeria and the message of Ezeife Leadership Foundation, which was launched on Thursady is that Nigeria should change direction, accept our manifest destiny, organise and mend whatever structures and system defect that we have and then generate momentum to grow economically. Our problem

Ezeife

is leadership and no leader of Nigeria, military or civilian has shown a cradle for economic and developmental growth of Nigeria and that is the bottom line. All they care for is how to steal money from the government, not to look at the welfare of our people their primary concern.

In the last few years some groups have been threatening to embark on self independence and movw away from Nigeria. Do you think they are doing the right thing?

What I believe is that a transformed Nigeria will be in the longer interest of every group in Nigeria. If the President has bought into the idea of the national

conference; that is the best we can do for Nigeria. That will be the best manifest of his (President Goodluck Jonathan) administration. Those who are talking about leaving should give us time. By the time we finish re-organising Nigeria, making the zones federating units, people would be happy to be part of Nigeria.

With the various agitations by ethnic nationalities and groups for disintegration or threat to break away, do you think Nigeria will not break up?

Nigeria is not about to break. It is not going to break no matter what anybody says.

see that it is they who will lose and therefore they would revert themselves and begin the process of reuniting Nigeria.

But they may do that after a long period of instability, civil war, etc. We may even reach the point where all the political forces in Nigeria would have been destroyed by violence and civil war.

With the rate of agitation, violence and state of insecurity in the country, do you see Nigeria as a safe nation?

Nigeria cannot disintegrate now, it will only happen after a long period of time; after everything in the country has been destroyed, particularly the political fortunes.

As an elder statesman, what do you think is the way forward for Nigeria to remain a united nation?

This socio-economic system controlling development in the country and the political leadership produced by it, which are both based on self interest first and then public interest second should be automatically changed in favour of a system based on public interest first and self interest second. If we do so within a period of five years or even less because of enormous resources in the country we can see unity of purpose in this country. For example, in spite of the region ethnic and religious differences all Nigerians elected MKO Abiola as President of Nigeria during the June 12, 1993 presidential election in a free, fair and transparent election. We have demonstrated that we can unite on principle, what we lack as opposed agency is the system based on public interest and political leadership, which is credible.

At the moment there is high level of corruption; stealing and waste of resources.

There is insecurity, unemployment and violence leading to loss of lives and properties. This can be solved by credible leadership.

Nigeria cannot disintegrate now –Balarabe Musa Alhaji Balarabe Musa, former governor of Kaduna State and chairman of Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) declares that the disintegration of the country is not the solution to the problems facing it.

W

hat do you think is the reason for the agitations by many ethnic groups to break away, especially at a time the country is 52 years old?

This is because there is no justice in the system and the leadership. People have legitimate grievances that are ignored. The leadership has been very low in terms of quality. There is nothing to inspire confidence.

Many ethnic groups are championing disintegration of Nigeria and many of the agitations are being carried out in violent ways. What is your opinion?

No, violence is not the solution and that alone will not bring about the disintegration of Nigeria because the wealth of Nigeria is owned by the rich and powerful who come from all parts of the

Musa

country irrespective of regions, ethnicity and religion. It is they who will lose more if Nigeria disintegrates because there is no way they can share the funds they own secretly. There is no way they can share the contract which may exist among them peacefully. There is no way they can even share the oil and agriculture wealth equally. They won’t speak against one another because of their greed. But when the disintegration of Nigeria becomes willing, then we will

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POLITICS

September 29, 2012

11

Nigeria is more divided today than in 1914 –Okei-Odumakin Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, President of Campaign for Democracy (CD) spoke with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE on the nation’s independence and the agitation by some groups in the country.

Excerpts:

W

hat is your take on the nation’s independence considering the fact some groups want out?

Fifty-two years of independence have brought dashed hopes and expectations because of the irresponsible way military and political leaders have run the country.

The level of deprivation as a result of looting has created a sense of division among Nigerians. The country is more divided today than it was in 1914. As the greedy elite have not been able to articulate a vision around which to mobilise the people, they have exploited primordial sentiments to shore their power bases.

It is all the above combined that has created a conducive atmosphere for those fanning the embers of disunity.

What is your view about the agitation by many groups to break away

from Nigeria?

The various break-up agitations are mere running from the problems. The problems confronting Nigeria were created by delinquent and thieving leaders who are from all the ethnic groups in the country. Division under such arrangement will only multiply the problem. It is far cheaper for all those at the receiving end to chase out the exploiters and rebuild Nigeria than fighting devastating wars that will ultimately divide the country into portions for the thieves in each nationality.

Why do you think some ethnic nationality groups are agitating to break away from Nigeria?

The agitation for break up by different groups in the country is a reaction to the fact that Nigeria is not working and the perception that things can work if they

Call for disintegration is selfish –Tsav

Tsav

Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, an elder statesman and former Lagos State Commissioner of Police

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hat is your view about the state of the nation considering that many people are fanning the embers of disunity in the country?

The issue is that we are in an independent country but we have not achieved anything meaningful. There is no justice and we have not been able to fight corruption. We also have the high rate of general insecurity in the country, which is gradually tearing us apart.

Why do you think some ethnic nationalities are agitating for self independence and disintegration of Nigeria?

The call for disintegration is a question of selfishness and greed. Some peo-

ple feel that they are satisfied with their minerals and natural resources and they feel they are comfortable with what they have and that is why they are asking for self independence.

Do you think some of the agitations are really worth their while?

We have come a long way together, so we are intermarried and we are all scattered all over the country. The National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) brought us together and gave us the opportunity to marry one another. The civil war also brought us together because soldiers went to the Eastern part of the country and got married there and so on and so forth.

Many groups today are using violence to press their demands. Is this right?

I am against violence because if you embark on violence, you don’t know what would be the outcome of the violence. Every Nigerian has a stake in one or two states in this country. There are some people whose properties have been burnt in the North and in the South and many of them have nothing to fall on again. So, bringing the issue of disintegration means that there would be going back. It will create more avenues for us to fight among ourselves.

What do you think is the way forward, especially as we celebrate the 52nd Independence anniversary?

The way forward is to have justice and the fear of God in this country. Let us do away with corruption. There is no justice and corruption is very high. There are people who are very godless; people are evil. People are more interested in wealth than in any other thing. We need to sanitise the system.

go back into their cocoons. It is a shame to the rulers of Nigeria that a country with a great potential has been run down to the point that people are giving up on Nigeria.

Is the agitation by many of the ethnic groups really worth it?

The question to ask is why a country that fought a 30 month-civil war with a million souls lost is again bracing up for an encore.

It is possible to say that some people are fanning the embers for their selfish ends; there is however no doubting the fact the objective conditions for separatist moves are present in Nigeria.

Do you think violence is a better means of agitation?

They are not the best responses but if you beat a child you cannot determine how the child should cry. You cannot have what Nigeria is today and be surprised by some of the things we are seeing at the moment. The challenge is to run a country that works for all to stem this tide.

Will some of the agitations not lead to more disunity in the country?

The country is already asunder literally and there is no point bemoaning that. What is needed is fixing it in a way to rebuild

Odumakin

faith in a united country that works for all the constituent units.

With the various agitations by these ethnic groups for self determination, disintegration or threat to break away, do you see Nigeria still as a safe nation?

Nigeria is not a safe nation given the many centrifugal forces at work. There is so much violence going on with fears of total disintegration.

Do you still believe in the continuous co-existence of Nigeria as it is currently structured?

I still believe in a united Nigeria but it must be restructured to address the fears and worries of its constituent parts.

In your refreshingly different Aviation: Industry in dire straits

Last week, Arik Air suspended operations before its contention was finally resolved. Not too long ago, Air Nigeria equally suspended its operation due to the unsavoury business environment. This thus brings us to the question: what is the problem with the aviation industry? We give you the answers in our comprehensive report tomorrow.

Solution to Bakassi problem,

by Akin Oyebode

The last has not been heard on the ceding of oil-rich Bakassi Peninsular to neighbouring Cameroun, which derived from the judgement of the International Court of Justice. While the Senate has asked President Goodluck Jonathan to appeal the ICJ verdict, the fate of Nigerians relocated from the area hangs in the balance, as they are like fish out of water. But in an exclusive chat with Sunday Mirror, renowned Professor of International Law, Akin Oyebode, gives fresh insights into how the Bakassi logjam can be resolved. It is a must read.

More rains, more Áoods

It was recently foretold by meteorologists that certain states across the country should brace up for life-threatening floods. And like modern Nostradamus, their warning came to pass as states like Kogi, Zamfara, Edo, and many more affected by persistent rainfall resulting in massive floods, have been counting their losses. Apart from deaths, many homes have been submerged, turning thousands to refugees in their own country. We give you the detail of the havoc wreaked nationwide by the persistent rains, tomorrow.

TThis his is is not not Nigeria Nigeria of of my my dream dream -Marioghae -M Marioghae

Veno Marioghae is the lady of songs that sang a popular hit in the 80s entitled ‘Nigeria Go Survive’. As Nigeria clocks 52 tomorrow, Marioghae, who is now Mrs. Mbanefo tells of what motivated her to do that song, her regrets about Nigeria of today, and what a woman should do to ensure that her marriage endures, among others.

These and many more available tomorrow in your

12

NATIONAL NEWS

September 29, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lateef Adegbite Electricity: Sambo orders speedy evacuation of power dies at 79 T V he Secretary General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Dr. Lateef Adegbite, is dead.

He was 79 years old at the time of death, having been born on March 20, 1933.

Although details about the cause of his death remain sketchy at the time of going to press, he was said to have been ill for some time.

He was said to have been flown abroad for medical attention in London and Canada at different times before his death

ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

Adegbite

in Lagos.

A devout Muslim, he was deeply involved in Islamic activities in the country and worked towards peaceful co-existence between Muslims and Christians.

ice President Namadi Sambo has directed the Federal Ministry of Power to ensure speedy evacuation of generated power to ensure constant power supply.

Sambo gave the directive yesterday at the board meeting of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) overseeing the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP), which held at the State House, Abuja.

The vice president, who

expressed delight with the current generation capacity of over 4,200 megawatts of electricity, however, lamented the lack of integrity and associated problems of the transmission and distribution lines to evacuate the generated power.

He noted that with the quantity being added to the national grid, Nigerians are beginning to experience improvement in power supply and therefore directed the Ministry of Power and the NDPHC to ensure speedy completion of the transmission lines, and the injection

substation for the delivery of constant and stable electricity. He also directed that a meeting be convened to tackle the problem of gas supply to the power plants, which according to him, was also militating against power supply.

Sambo in line with President Jonathan’s Performance Contract policy directed that the National Planning Commission should draw up a Performance Contract that would be signed between him and the Board of NDPHC. He also directed the

NDPHC to ensure that such Performance Contract trickles down and that all of its consultants sign a performance bond, which according to him, would enhance service delivery.

Earlier the Minister of State for Power, Darius Ishaku, disclosed that the country was currently generating more than 4,200 megawatts of electricity, saying that the transmission and distribution network had integrity issues, which is affecting the adequate evacuation of the generated power.

HIV/AIDS call centre receives NACA, Professor John IdoN4m boost ko, said the fund was a panaMARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

T

he effectiveness of national HIV/AIDS call centre recently commissioned by Nigerian First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, received a boost yesterday, with the tripartite signing agreement of N4,000,000.00 support fund among National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Hope Worldwide Nigeria and Society for Family Health (SFH).

The fund made available

by SFH for the Hope Worldwide-managed call centre is expected to cater for logistics and welfare of staff working at the centre for 15 months.

Signing the agreement in Abuja, Director General,

cea to myriads of challenges besetting the centre.

According to him, all the ten counsellors and other staff working at the centre since inception in April this year had not been paid.

The DG observed that the centre had been walking with one leg since it was commissioned as a result of lack of fund.

He however added that about 500 to 600 calls were received on the service daily, which according to him, had made government efforts on the centre worthwhile.

Idoko canvassed for public use of the 6222 call line as the best way for the populace to know the nearest HIV/AIDS care centre available to them among other issues relating to HIV/AIDS.

Wike hails conviction of forgers of NECO certificates SAM OLUWALANA

T

he prosecution and jailing of nine persons charged with the forging of National Examination Council, NECO, certificates have been described as a victory for the federal government in its fight against criminality in the education sector.

Minister of State for Education, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, made this declaration while addressing journalists at the weekend in Abuja.

He said that the successful prosecution of nine out of the ten suspects by the

federal government had sent a clear message that the government will deal decisively with those bent on compromising the integrity of public examinations.

Wike said: “We are happy that nine suspects have bagged four years imprisonment each. They admitted to the crime in court and have been duly jailed.

“The federal government will continue to collaborate with security agencies to ensure that perpetrators of crime against the education sector are tracked down and prosecuted.”

The minister stated

L-R: Managing Director, Society for Family Health, Sir Bright Ekweremadu; Director- General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Prof. John Idoko, and Chief Executive Officer, Hope Worldwide Nigeria, Mr. Olaoshebikan Clement, during the tripartite agreement between Society for Family Health, Hope Worldwide Nigeria and National Agency for the Control of AIDS on Support for the National Call Center in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO:ROTIMI OSASONA

Tax evasion: Lagos shuts 13 companies over N140m debt

zOPS demands Review Of Lagos Traffic Law MURITALA AYINLA

O

fficials of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) yesterday shut down 13 companies for defaulting to pay over N140 million company tax owed the state government.

The Head of LIRS enforcement unit, Folasade Coker-Afolayan, who led the officials to shut the companies, said the companies owe taxes ranging from one to six years.

She described continuous operation of the companies without tax payment as illegal and criminal offence, adding that only the government had the authority to unseal the companies after remitting their taxes.

She said: “It is only the

state government that is authorised to unseal these companies after remitting their taxes to government coffers” .

She advised companies to get approval of the government before operating and also remit their taxes promptly to avoid closure of their companies.

“It is better for companies to pay their taxes as at when due to avoid any sanction and by extension loss of productivity.”

Harping on the legality of the state government official to shut the companies, Coker-Afolayan said the actions of the agency followed an order from the State High Court and were in accordance with the Personal Income Tax Amendment Act of 2011.

She said the act provided that the LIRS could apply to the court for a warrant to close down companies defaulting in tax remittance..

Afolayan described the state-wide company tax enforcement drive as successful and advised taxpayers to cooperate with officials of LIRS. Meanwhile, members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) in Lagos yesterday appealed to the state government to review the state traffic law, just as the state governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, charged them to re-configure their business strategy in a way that will guarantee road safety for all roads users.

The stakeholders who made the appeal at the Private Sector Stakeholders`s

forum on the law, organised by the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry(LCCI) in Ikeja.

They argued that some provisions of the law were not favourable to their businesses, calling on the governor to review them in order to not to worsen the challenges confronting them.

They particularly sought waiver on the provisions of the law that restricts truck movement and motorcycles on the road, saying it would have negative effect on their businesses if the provisions of the law are enforced.

Mr John Aluya,representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria(MAN) said the restriction of the movement of articulated trucks to the hours of 9pm to 6am was a big threat to their operations.

Sport

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

September 29, 2012

13

Azerbaijan 2012

Chinwendu Ihezuo (left) of Nigeria in action with Suheyla Iltar of Azerbaijan (right) during the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Group A match between Azerbaijan and Nigeria.

Nigeria battle Colombia for quarter final ticket SAYO OGUNDEJI

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fter their 11-0 whitewash of Azerbaijan in the second game of Group A at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, Azerbaijan 2012, and Nigeria’s Flamingoes will today take on their Colombian counterparts with the aim of making it to the quarter final stage of the competition.

The victory by the Nigerians, is a revenge of sort for the African continent as the Gambians, who were making their debuts at a FIFA women’s competition, were brought down to earth when they lost by the same score line to Korea DPR last Saturday.

Despite wasting much of their scoring chances in their opening game against Canada, the Nigerians bounced back to life as they scored 11 wonderful goals to send the host country packing from the tournament.

The team, under the tutelage of Coach Peter Dedevbo, crashed out in the quarter

final stage of the competition in the last edition having cruised through the first round, beating the hosts, Trinidad and Tobago, reigning champions Korea DPR and Chile to top Group A with maximum points and scoring ten goals in the process.

They however crashed out of the tournament when they squared up against Korea Republic in the quarter-final in Marabella but the current crop of players will be all out to pick the needed point which will guarantee their qualification for the next stage of the tournament.

A draw against the Colombians, who have only three points in the group following their 3-0 win over Azerbaijan in the opening game, will be enough for Nigeria that has four points to progress alongside joint Group leader Canada who will square up against the host nation.

Two of the Nigerian players who were part of the team that crashed to the Korea Republic in Trinidad and Tobago, Sarah Nnodim and Oluchi Ofoegbu, have stated that the team would avoid the same mis-

Podolski unperturbed over EPL title dream P. 14

takes which cost them a semi-final ticket.

According to the Flamingoes duos, the team failed to make it beyond the quarter final stage due to their lack of experience but is of the opinion the current squad has enough quality to post a much better performance.

“We lost out in the last edition because of our lack of experience and concentration,” said the confident centre-back Nnodim who has been one of the outstanding performers in Azerbaijan “But we believe this time around we are able to pick up the trophy because we have the quality players that can change the course of any game and the experience garnered by our head coach will help us in a lot in making sure we stay focused.”

Ofoegbu admits to fond memories of their Caribbean adventure two years ago, but the defeat has however instilled a steely determination in the tenacious midfielder.

“It was amazing at Trinidad and Tobago 2010. We lost that game because of a lack of concentration, but this time around I believe that we will make it up to ourselves.

Ex-international tasks NFF over grassroots P. 16 programmes

“The game of football is all about experience, we believe we have learnt from our loss in 2010, so we have gained experience because of it and we will not let it happen again.”

With the likes of Chinwendu Ihezuo, who got five goals and set up three, on form and the experience of fellow Trinidad and Tobago veterans Halimatu Ayinde, Captain Victoria Aidelomon and defender Ebere Okoye, Nigeria look in good shape to challenge.

Nnodim particularly feels this just could be their time. “We are ready for this tournament and we believe we will lift the trophy because this time we are prepared for it.”

A win for Nigeria will see them face either the United States or Korea DPR who both sit atop their Group B table with four points.

Meanwhile, Ghana who is the third African country at the tournament, could follow Nigeria into the final eight provided they manage to beat Group leaders, China and hope Uruguay causes an upset in their match against Germany, who also has four points with the Asians.

Government should P. 42, 43 compel companies to sponsor sports, says Nigeria’s King of Golf

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SPORT

September 29, 2012

Keshi’s journey to Golgotha!

C Hard Tackle ome Saturday October 13, all roads would lead to the ancient city of Calabar, venue of the second leg of the last qualifying game for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Lone Stars of Liberia. The first leg had ended 2-2 apiece in Monrovia and the game in Calabar is a must-win for Nigeria to be guaranteed a place in the continental show piece scheduled for South Africa after missing out in the last edition in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

More still, the outcome of the match will determine the fate of Super Eagles sweat merchant, Stephen Keshi; no wonder many soccer fans and analysts see the encounter in Calabar as Keshi’s journey to the biblical Golgotha.

Golgotha is the biblical name for the place where Jesus Christ was crucified. It was a place of great torment and the name was derived from the Aramaic word gulgulta. Matthew 27:33 and Mark 15:22 give its meaning as “place of the skull.”

Historians claim Saint Jerome translated the aforementioned verses as he used the Latin word for skull, calvaria, which was later converted into the English word Calvary.

According to the Bible, Jesus was hurried to Calvary amid the shouts and jeers of the crowd just

with

Andrew Ekejiuba anelsports@yahoo.com as soccer fans across the country would be expected to throng U.J Esuene Stadium with high anticipation that the Eagles must crush the Lone Stars, not minding the quality of opposition the visitors would likely bring to the game.

As Jesus passed the gate of Pilate’s court, the heavy cross which had been prepared for Barabbas was laid upon His bruised and bleeding shoulders. Biblical accounts revealed that the load was too heavy for the Saviour in His weary, suffering condition and all these are comparable to the enormous tension and pressure Keshi would be facing from different quarters ahead of the make-orburst encounter. Simply put, the die is cast for Keshi, his coaching crew and the players.

Taking our minds back, prior to Stephen Keshi’s takeover of the national team’s top job, HT made it clear that his coming

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was ill-timed and that as such he would require a miracle to revive the ageing team that still has the likes of skipper Joseph Yobo and Vincent Enyeama, whose howler enabled the Lone Stars to level scores in the first leg in Monrovia.

Regrettably, Nigeria’s soccer pedigree has never been in doubt after winning the 1980 and 1994 editions of the Nations Cup, but the wait for silverware had heightened ahead of the 2013 edition in South Africa for which Keshi must qualify the country beginning with a-must win game against the visitors in Calabar.

According to soccer pundits, the qualification of Libya, Sudan, Niger, Botswana and Mali for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations was really surprising and an indication that there are no longer minnows in African football as against some heavyweights that crashed out during the qualifiers

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(including Nigeria).

Today, all the factors that made it impossible for Nigeria to qualify for the last edition of the Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon are still potent as was enunciated earlier in this column, titled, ”My fears for Keshi,” on January 7.

The match against the ambitious Liberians is reminiscent of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea, which consumed the then Samson Siasia-led coaching crew. Today, Keshi is on the same cross, hoping to qualify Nigeria.

Ever since he took up the Eagles top job, Keshi has been under intense pressure to deliver on his promises to take our football to the next level by qualifying the country for the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa in 2013 and 2014 World Cup in Brazil. And for each passing game, the journey has been tedious like the journey our Lord Jesus Christ made to Golgotha before his crucifixion.

Aside the aforementioned, the Eagles must make meaningful impact in the World and Nations Cup competitions as Keshi agreed in his contract with the NFF and failure to make all these come to fruition will mark his exit as Eagles sweat merchant.

As providence would have it, Keshi through the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has officially invited a long list of 38 players comprising of 15 foreign-based and 23 home-based players, who will prosecute the

game in Calabar. And among the foreign-based players invited are Super Eagles returnee defensive midfielder, Mikel Obi, who HT believes the coach may still have issues with regarding his attitude to national duty.

Interestingly, for some reasons Keshi had failed to invite the Chelsea midfielder in his past encounters, until the last game against Liberia in Monrovia where Mikel revealed his distaste in playing on a synthetic turf and as such opted out of the tie. Yet Keshi pocketed his ego and allowed the will of his godfathers in NFF to see the light of day by inviting Mikel for the cracker in Calabar.

Depicting the picture of a man on the cross, Keshi has chosen to coach the Eagles at a time he is torn between raising a rock-solid national team that Nigerians would be proud of and tackling squarely the challenges that come with the World and Nations Cup qualifiers.

It is possible that Keshi still believes that he has the magical wand that can turn the hand of the clock in his favour despite the glaring corruption and administrative overkill that is fast ruining our game.

The encounter in Calabar would truly determine how far Keshi would go with the Eagles that are hoping to make a comeback to the continental scene after Siasia’s failure to take the team to the finals of the last edition of the Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

EURO NEWS

Podolski unperturbed PSG turned down Tevez demands over EPL title dream M anchester City striker Carlos Tevez priced himself out of a move to Paris St Germain in the winter transfer window, according to PSG chairman Nasser al-Khelaifi.

The Argentina international was tipped for a move away from the Etihad Stadium in January after a much-publicised bust-up with Roberto Mancini which saw him

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rsenal new-boy Lukas Podolski is delighted by his side’s strong start but insists it is too early to be thinking about the Premier League title.

The Gunners have shown impressive form to stay unbeaten so far this season, sitting fifth in the early standings after taking nine points from their first five games, conceding just two goals.

Podolski, a summer arrival at Emirates Stadium from Cologne, has slotted straight into Arsene Wenger’s side, scoring twice in the league.

Early questions have been raised over whether the North Londoners could be genuine title contenders this season but the 27-year-old Germany international feels such speculation is premature.

“You have five, six teams to fight for the

go AWOL back in his homeland.

A switch to the wealthy Parc des Princes club was mooted but failed to materialise, with Al-Khelaifi keen to stress that they pulled the plug on the proposed deal, rather than the player.

“If the transfer was not sorted out, it was not because he didn’t want to come, but because we didn’t accept his wage demands.

“He wanted to come. We don’t pay too big wages to our players. Last winter Carlos Tevez asked too much and didn’t match the club’s philosophy. So we refused, “Al-Khelaifi said.

PSG have invested vast sums in the transfer window this summer since Khelaifi’s Qatar Sports Investments took control in the summer of 2011, which has drawn criticism from some quarters.

Silva charges City to intensify effort to retain trophy

Podolski

championship,” he said.

“We are one of the teams and the start was very good for us.

“We have nine points but it’s too early to speak about the championship.

We must wait to play 20 matches then we must see how it is and I ask whether we fight or we don’t fight for the championship.”

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avid Silva says Manchester City must step up their performances soon if they are to retain their English Premier League crown.

City crashed out of the League Cup on Tuesday after suffering a 4-2 extratime defeat at home to Aston Villa, and has struggled to produce their best football in the league so far.

Silva believes while they are still well in the title fight, the squad must

rediscover last season’s form to be in with the best chance of silverware.

“The truth is we didn’t play good football, we need to improve, like last year when we started very well. “We have to get back to that level and find that we have to work hard to do so as soon as possible.

“We haven’t started as everyone wanted, but we’re still in the fight for the title.

The league has just started, as has the Champions League,” Silva said.

Silva

Bayern’s Gomez stays sidelined

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n ankle injury is expected to sideline Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez for up to three more weeks, according to the club’s doctor.

Gomez sustained the injury early in August and Bayern were initially hopeful the prolific striker would be fully fit again within the first two weeks of October.

However, the 27-yearold only just resumed individual training action, and club doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt has stressed Bayern will not rush the centre-forward’s comeback.

“We have to be careful.

We are taking things one step at a time in his recovery process. We want him to be able to make a risk-free comeback without having to worry about anything,” Muller-Wohlfahrt said.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

September 29, 2012

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SPORT

September 29, 2012

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Ex-international tasks NFF over grassroots programmes

A Ajagun

AYC qualifier: Ajagun confident of victory over Amajita SAYO OGUNDEJI

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s the country’s national U-20 side gets ready to host the Amajita of South Africa in the final leg of their African Youth Championship (AYC) next weekend, Dolphins FC of Port Harcourt striker and Flying Eagles forward, Abduljelil Ajagun, says Nigeria will beat the visiting team to qualify for the competition.

The Flying Eagles drew 1-1 against the Amajita in their first leg of the final round qualifying match in Nelspruit last weekend and will now host the return leg at the Ilorin Township Stadium in Kwara State on October 7.

The Amajita, scored first in the first half before the Nigerians fought back keenly to even scores through Abduljelil Ajagun in the second half and the striker has stated his willingness to scorer when the return leg comes up.

“Picking the ticket is very paramount to all the players and we are ready to beat the Amajita irrespective of their game plan when they come here next weekend,” Ajagun enthused.

n ex-International, Felix Owolabi, has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to involve former national team players in its grassroots development programmes.

Owolabi made this call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

He stated that since most of the ex-internationals were products of grassroots football, they would be in a better position to prosecute the project.

The former defender stressed that the programme should be anchored on a cogent and comprehensive milestone, which would closely monitor the progress of the players.

“The state of the country’s

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x-international Mobi Oparaku has advised the Super Eagles not to underrate the Lone Stars of Liberia when they meet in the return leg of their final qualifying round of the 2013 Nations Cup slated for October 13, at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

The Lone Stars, on September 8, forced the Super Eagles to a 2–2 draw in their first leg tie

IFEANYI EDUZOR

C Owolabi

ing to see that the country football growth is sustained.

“By so doing the country would have a steady supply of budding talents from the grassroots, to eventually replace ageing talents,” Owolabi said.

Thorpe canvasses support for wheel chair tennis IFEANYI EDUZOR

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ecretary General of Nigeria Paralympics Committee, Dr. Frank Thorpe, says there is need for the country to procure modern wheel chairs for wheel chair tennis players to enable them compete effectively with their counterparts from other countries of the world.

Two athletes namely Wasiu Yusuf and Alex Adewale represented the country at the London 2012 Paralympics Games in wheel chair tennis.

While the former managed to win his first game before he was sent packing from the tournament, the later could not go beyond the first match.

He told our correspondent in an interview that the players would have performed better if they were provided with modern wheel chairs noting that the ones they are using are outdated and cannot withstand most modern ones used by athletes from other countries.

Oparaku cautions Eagles against Liberia IFEANYI EDUZOR

grassroots football development is worrisome, and we need to adopt a more radical approach to scout for emerging talents.

“This is where we have to call on the services of our numerous ex-internationals that are currently idle, and I feel that their wealth of experience would be needed in this critical area of football development,” he said.

Owolabi, a member of the victorious Green Eagles squad that won the 1980 edition of the AFCON in Lagos, implored the Technical Department of the NFF to be proactive.

“Even though we don’t have a Technical Director at the moment, members of the technical department must be up and do-

played at Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia.

He told our correspondent that there is need for the Coach Stephen Keshi-tutored side not to underrate their Liberian counterparts because doing so could jeopardize their chances of picking a Nations Cup ticket for the second consecutive time.

“My advice to the Super Eagles is that they must realize that there are no more minnows in African football,” Oparaku said.

Alex Adewale in action.

“I quite agree with our athletes that the obsolete wheel chairs they used in London affected their performance in wheel chair tennis.

“When you see the type of wheel chairs athletes from other countries used in London, you will

Navy sailing club set for independence race

appreciate that there is no way our players could match them.

“I want relevant authorities to take a serious look on the issue and ensure that they procure these facilities for our athletes before any major competition,” Thorpe beckoned.

hairman of the caretaker committee of Navy Sailing Club, Babatunde Ajayi, says the club will use this year’s Independence Race to develop water sport at the grassroots, even as he explained that the race would not be limited to Naval or Military personnel and their families, but will offer opportunity to Nigerians who are desirous of learning the basic skills involved in canoeing, kayaking (water racing), rowing and yachting.

“The independence race is an annual event organized by the club to put the country’s culture of water sports in its proper perspective.

“This year’s race will be different because we want to use it to sensitize the public about what we can do as well as develop the game at the grassroots to enable us produce athletes that will replace the ageing ones. In doing this, we are not limiting participation to only Military personnel and their families but to all Nigerians who are lovers of water sport.

“We also want to use the race to send a message to Nigerians that water sport can better be developed starting from the sailing club and also lay emphasis on the teenagers because when you have them brought up at that level, they would not be use to water phobia because they will develop their confidence to do a lot of things in water,” Ajayi said.

He also noted that it is an aberration that a country as big as Nigeria and surrounded by water with good swimmers cannot win a medal in water sports at the Olympics, positing that the Navy Sailing club is now more determined than ever to reposition water sport in the country, as he announced that life jackets, life guards and rescue boats has been made available for the race.

Ogun inaugurates Advisory Committee for Gateway FC ANDREW EKEJIUBA

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n 11-man Advisory Committee that will support Gateway Football Club management in implementing its policies as well as provide direction for the club has been inaugurated by the Ogun State Government.

Inaugurating the committee, the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Olugben-

ga Otenuga, said the committee would also determine the club structure, organogram and its operational structure.

The Committee which is to meet monthly initially and quarterly after team’s stability will be responsible to the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports.

Saturday Mirror gathered that the advisory committee is headed by Mr. Adeola Adelanwa while former Technical Di-

rector of the Nigeria Football Association, Dr Kashimawo Laloko is the Vice-Chairman.

Other members are Chief Segun Odegbami, Mr. Tunji Onatolu, Mr. Demola Makanjuola, Professor Seun Omotayo, Prince Niyi Oletidoye, Dr. Muyiwa Osuntolu, Mr. Yomi Opakunle and veteran sports journalist and the General Manager of the club, Mr. Gboyega Okegbenro who will serve as Secretary.

MAGAZ INE

Fashion

•Fringe benefits •Cut-out queens

Sex talk •10 extreme sex tips

Relationships •Should a woman retain her maiden name after marriage?

Nnena

In Independence mood

18 Durella, the award winning artiste, entrepreneur and entertainer, whose song credits include Shayo and Enu o Se, is the master of rhythmic street hop music.

Born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Oluwadamilare Okulaja (aka Durella) took his brand power further in 2009/2010 launching the 2gbaski footwear line which became an instant hit.

After a short hiatus, the artiste returns with a music video, Club Rock, which is defining his new music style as he tells ADENRELE NIYI in this interview.

September 29, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Celebrity

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ow did the stage name Durella happen?

My name is Oluwadamilare but the street changed it to Durella and even the music affected my stage name too because I started as an R&B artiste.

I never knew I was going to become a street hop singer; I thought I was going to be singing R&B like Joe and R. Kelly.

What inspired you to veer off R&B and into Zanga music?

What actually inspired me is my love for music. I make sure I sleep with music, I wake up with music; I just desire a lot for it. So being able to change wasn’t difficult because I could actually rap and sing.

How did you start music?

I’ve been a star all my life and in my early days, I was in the choir, the brigade and I got involved with music. I sang in the church, I sang in school, I sang on the street. I sang for my family, the sick, the oppressed etc.

Did you go professional after winning an MTV base award some time ago?

Yes in 2009, I won the MTV base/Zain with a $50,000 prize and the MTV base video.

I’ve always tried to do well singing and financial returns came in. This was when the competition came and the money too. It kind of geared me up; I’ve always loved challenges and I enjoy competition, it keeps you fit and on your toes.

You’ve been scarce on the music scene, where have you been?

I have to tell you the whole story from the beginning; Durella has been chilling and waiting patiently to land big.

I know a lot of Durella fans were waiting for me to drop an album because I normally drop an album every year. But the last two years now I’ve not dropped anything.

So why no other album after your last, Reconfiguration, in 2010?

I wanted to change my music because a lot of people spoilt my music, rhymes

My request to other artistes: Don’t abuse my music and lyrics.

They put it on a local le level l rics The el and I want to prove to people that Durella is not a local musician. I’m a ‘zangalist’ but I am not local. My knowledge of music is from a different perspective and people can see it. If you listen to my first album you would know that I’m not a local guy, despite the fact that local artistes are using my slangs. What I’m trying to do is rebrand myself and reconfigure my music.

As you can see, a new Durella video, Club Rock, is out under Iconic Music and it’s a whole new concept different from the former Zanga music.

concerts; are you ou abstaining from the music industry?

I recently did a collaboration with Wizkid called **Gaga** although I didn’t promote it but the song has been promoting itself. I did some collaborations way back with Terry G, Lord of Ajasa, Duncan Mighty and Timaya.

One of the reasons why you have not been seeing me in concerts is because I’ve not been around. I’ve been going places; I’ve been to Malaysia, South Africa and a Caribbean Island to relax because I like the beach side.

What about fans who love Durella and the original Zanga music?

I’m still the king of the Zanga, so they haven’t lost anything. I haven’t changed the whole music entirely; it’s still my voice and my style but Club Rock is done in a way that it has both the local and international flavours. My songs can cut across both the international market and Alaba market. My request to other artistes out there; don’t abuse my music because I see a lot people using my slangs, my ways and all that.

What is the island called and what’s it like?

That island is a secret just for me and my crew. Trust me; you don’t want to go there.

Why is that you don’t feature in

So tell us what happened to your sneakers-making business in Nigeria?

Durella is the only artiste in Nigeria with his own shoe brand and Durella’s sneaker is coming back. It is only sold internationally for now because we’ve been having issues with our overseas manufacturer and marketing in Nige-

ria. ria You stocked only male sneakers previously, are you going to have a female line now?

This time around we are going to have both male and female. Just watch out for the new improved Durella and my anticipated album coming out soon.

What is the title of your upcoming album?

‘No time to check time’.

Durella, are you sure that is what it’s going to be titled?

Yes, trust me.

A word to your fans My fans, I love you, God bless you all.

Please continue loving, believing and praying for the boy. I will also ask you not to forget yourselves in the wilderness because there are enough crocodiles and hyenas out there. Keep gbasking, keep gbasking.

What’s your philosophy for success?

Work hard and play hard.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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September 29, 2012

Entervaganza

With OSEYIZA OOGBODO

08023755142 kingseiza@gmail.com

Talent hunt honours late Olusola A n upcoming talent hunt, Hunting Expedition, was conceived to honour the late arts maestro, Ambassador Olusegun Olusola, so says HE’s main promoter, Bob Ruffey.

An afrobeat musician as well as an advocate, Ruffey disclosed to Entervaganza that “Hunting expedition is my own way of honouring Chief who had a very profound effect on my life. It was because of him I returned to music after many years out of it and until his death, he was also the Chairman of my NGO, Civic Enlightenment Association.

“His death is still very painful to me and the only idea I’ve been able to come up with to honour him is to organise this talent hunt to mark his posthumous birthday on a yearly basis as I know he will be very happy that it is a talent

hunt that helps talented people become known.”

Explaining that HE is a talent hunt with a difference as it seeks to discover not just artistically but also athletically talented Nigerians, he said, “Hunting Expedition is planned in line with the ideals and aspirations of the late sage who lived all his life to produce stars. Our intention is to discover talented people who have what it takes to be like him.”

He added that, “registration for interested talents has already commenced for the hunting which will commence in November. But intending participants should be warned however that it’s only really talented people we are after. They are the only ones whose talents will stand them out to benefit from the cash and scholarship prizes we have on ground.”

Project Famers seek relevance

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Dipp rocks Yemi Alade’s May D bounces back from P-Square disappointment body H

ensual singer, Dipp, truly lives up to the message in his new song, Rock Ur Body, as he truly rocks the body of fast-rising singer, Yemi Alade, his duet partner on the song, in the song’s video directed by Paul Gambit.

Prior to the video’s release, May D’s video of Soundtrack in which he rocked his video girl, Retta, was the most-talked-about for its suggestive scenes. But while the Soundtrack video was very, very suggestive, Rock Ur Body is diplomatically suggestive.

With the duo (Dipp and Alade) yet to fully break through into the upper echelon of music’s hierarchy, they put on a good show through the video in order to get the necessary attention they need to boost their fledg-ling careers.

Davido takes over Tetuila’s title

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KN lead artiste, Davido, has conveniently taken over the title which used to belong to Tony Tetuila. Back in the days when Tetuila

aybe Iyanya’s success with Kukere is serving as the springboard for them, but former Project Fame West Africa (PFWA) contestants are suddenly dropping singles left, right and centre and doing their utmost best to become very visible and relevant in the music industry.

The latest PFWA finalists to release singles and videos are Monica Ogah, winner of the Season 4 and Ijeoma who was in the maiden season with Iyanya.

While Ogah released the first video for her song, Body Hug, directed by Clarence Peters, Ijeoma released two singles, Bami Won Yo Si and Gen Gen. She also released the video of Bami Won Yo Si, a song on which she featured another Season One finalist, Praiz.

Even as the songs and videos are gradually circulating, a very bright future is already being predicted for Ijeoma as she is nominated in the Best Vocal Performance category at this year’s Headies coming up on October 20.

Last month, another of their folk, Isaac Geralds, held a listening party for his new songs and it was well-attended with celebrity guests including Joke Silva, Timi Dakolo and Ayo Adesanya in attendance.

was the rave, he was known as the Golden Boy of Africa. Now Davido is the rave and he is referring to himself as the Golden Child of Africa.

e became popular when P-Square announced that they had signed him on to their label, Square Records. He found more fame with his own single, Soundtrack. And he finally became a household name when the twins featured him on their monster hit, Chop My Money.

And then, just when things were supposed to get better still between him and his benefactors, the world was stunned when the people who lifted him up dashed him down with their announce-

ment that they had sacked him from their label.

And till date, no one, except themselves, know the real reason why they parted ways. Nevertheless that he is no longer with P-Square, May D is not sitting around moping. He has floated his own record label, Confam Entertainment, and there are reports that he is even going to sign on an artiste.

Efforts made to speak to him however yielded no result as he was said to be in the United States (US) as at press time.

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ENTERVAGANZA

September 29, 2012

CLASSICAL RYHMES

AIRWAVES LINK

PFWA: Who wins tomorrow?

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verything that has but only one of them will cash. a beginning must win. How ever, PFWA is So who will win? Is it have an ending, not like other contests Christian, Mu sulyn, Oyand so it is with Project whe re the winner takes inkans ade, Ayo, Adetoun, Fame West Africa Season it all. So there’s more at Marvell ous or Ella? And 5. It began 10 weeks ago stak e tomorrow as the who will be the runnerand ends tomorrow. But firs t two runner-ups will ups?

Who will be heartthen, who will win the also get to go home with broken from getting to coveted prize tomorrow? cash prizes and cars the final but going home Seven of the contes- while the third runner- empty han ded? tants are left standing up will go home with just Find out tomorrow.

Nnena & Friends celebrate kids at Independence

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he Nnena & Friends Independence Shows will, for the first time, be taking place at two different venues: Blue Roof Hall, LTV 8 Agidingbi, Ikeja and the National Theatre, Iganmu on Sunday, September 30 and Monday, October 1, 2012 respectively.

Performances will be by Jay-

won, DJ Zeez, Oshadipe Twins, Papa Ajasco & Company, Seyi Law, Uproarious Apkororo and the versatile MC Prince. The shows, being a celebration of children, will also feature performances by child stars including N-Stars, Kamsee, Whitney Wonder and Lolly Kid. The Nnena & Friends brand,

OMG seals broadcast partnership with CBS

O

ptima Media Group (OMG), who has brought to the continent premium television content such as Nigerian Idol and Nigeria’s Got Talent, to name a few, has announced a broadcast and marketing partnership

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with leading electronic media company, Continental Broadcasting Services for both radio and television content.

The agreement was signed this week and Mrs Ugochi Pedro, OMG’s Head of Legal and Director of

which is also known for its TV show and fan club, promised that children who attend the shows will go home with suitable gifts.

Nnena

Special Projects, said, “OMG has spent the past few years stealthily re-defining the media space in Nigeria and the continent. This has involved partnerships with content owners and production partners across continents.

“We are excited to be partnering with the influential Continental Broadcasting Services brands in extend-

ing this frontier and in delivering to the unique Nigerian viewership cutting edge and satisfying content.”

And for CBS, Richie Dayo Johnson, CBS’ Director of Radio Services, said, “We are very pleased to be working with OMG. They have continued to lead the way for media businesses across the continent and this is certain to be an excellent partnership.”

Darey

Not The Girl Artiste: Darey Chorus: You’re not the girl I used to know You’re a shadow of yourself I think I lost you long ago Like a book that’s left the shelf I hear the footsteps down the hall And I know someday that will be you Leaving me, for good Verse 1: I’ve been sitting here for two straights hours Watching you asleep Wishing I could talk to you There is no denying we both have Emotions running deep Oh if I could talk to you Cause I’m scared Cause when I try to take your hand You’re not there Even though I see the signs you Think I’m just scared Gimme one reason why I should hide my fears When it’s killing me inside Repeat chorus Verse 2: We have been together for so long You seem a part of me Just how did this go all wrong And you say you gave to me your best Just to make this work But just how did this all go wrong Cause I try See my eyes are empty from all the tears I cried Since this perfect love is hardly satisfy Gimme one reason why I should hide my tears When it’s killing me inside Repeat chorus Bridge And if I ever come across a girl like you again I don’t know if I would let my emotions show I’ll just look the other way I don’t care what you might say Cause I’m not so sure how much of this My poor heart can take Repeat chorus till fade

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ENTERVAGANZA

September 29, 2012

BOX-OFFICE HITS

BRAIN BEHIND THE SCENE

Chidi Chijioke …

Seasoned producer

C

hidi Chijioke is one movie producer whose vision for the movie industry, right from the onset, is as constant as the Northern star. A graduate of Enugu State University, Chijioke veered into the make-believe world in 1997 as an actor before joining the league of movie producers.

Between 1997 and now, he has become so passionate about the industry that he couldn’t but see the need to transform Nollywood into a highly respected movie industry.

His findings made clear the need to improve on the quality the scripts given to artistes to act, the way funds are raised, movies are directed and productions are managed. He has been working along this line and has been earning praises all along the way.

Having produced over a hundred movies, passion to do vies, and with a p more, re, Chijioke again proposes the urgency in the need to upgrade all movies in terms of allround und quality which hich he pointed o u t could uld only b e

Chijioke

achieved through a conduct of seminars and workshops where some notable Hollywood stars would feature as lecturers.

Some of the movies with Chijioke’s midas touch include The Generals, Marshals, One More Kiss, Comfort My Soul, The Maidens, Humble Hero, Before The Rain, Prince Of The Niger and many more.

Speaking in his support are Ilochi Olisaemeka, a Nollywood faithful, who says: “I’m not surprised at his present status as one of the most consistent movie producers, production managers and associate producers. I saw a tremendous talent in him and I know he’s got all it takes to make his dream a reality.”

Emeka Amakeze, who worked with Chijioke on the set of Holy City, also added that: “He is as one with tenacity of purpose and direction. His talk about change in Nollywood should be taken seriously..”

Funny enough, the highly rated Chijioke says he came into Nollywood by “accident.” He started as an actor but later switched to production in order to help empower more youths like him.

21

A

group of high-school teenagers are put on the front lines when their town is invaded by hostile forces in this remake of John Milius’ 1984 war adventure. Second unit director Dan Bradley (The Bourne Ultimatum, Spider-Man 3) B Bou makes his directorial debut with the m mak MGM film, scripted by Red Eye’s Carl M MG Ellsworth.

E Ells Under enemy occupation, the U town’s citizens are taken prisoners. to ow

A

teenager (Jennifer Lawrence) and her mother (Elisabeth Shue) move to a new town and make a gruesome discovery about the m house next door in this tale of terror h ffrom Hush director Mark Tonderai.

Shortly after learning that the neighbouring house was recently the scene of a horrific double homicide, the curious teen forges a tender friendship with the boy who cheated death (Max Thieriot) on that fateful night.

Escaping the crime-ridden streets of their Chicago neighbourhood,

The group of young people, calling themselves ‘The Wo l ve r i n e s ’ (after their high school mascot), band together in the surrounding woods.

There, they train and organise themselves into a group of guerrilla fighters in order to liberate their town.

T h e main character of the film is Matt Eckert, a white allAmerican football player played woodenly by a doleful Josh Peck. His older brother, Jed, is a second Gulf War veteran played by white Australian actor Chris Hemmsworth (now famous for his leading role in Marvel’s Thor). After seeing their father senselessly executed by General Lo (Will Yun Lee), the two brothers and their friends hide out in the woods, learn how to fight back in a montage sequence, and begin to take on the invaders head on.

where shootings are a daily occurrence, Elissa (Jennifer Lawrence) and her mother Sarah (Elisabeth Shue) head to an idyllic small town somewhere cool and forested. There, they move into a house entirely too large for a single-parent income, but they’ve gotten a nice deal on the rent due to a horrific event that occurred at the house at the end of the street.

Years before, a young girl named Carrie Anne went crazy and brutally murdered her parents. Hence, the rent for all the other houses in the neighbourhood is really cheap. The only resident in the murder house is Ryan (Max Thieriot), who happens to be a dreamy, damaged, brooding college boy that only the love of a high school girl can cure, or so Elissa hopes.

As if it wasn’t weird enough to move from the big city to an upscale suburb, move away from all your friends, and live next door to the murder house, there’s also the fact that creepy things keep happening. And it all seems to stem back to that murder so many years ago.

The local rumour mill says that Carrie Anne is still alive and living in the woods. As Elissa learns more about the horrors of the past, she gets closer and closer to uncovering the horrors of the present.

ENTERVAGANZA

22

September 29, 2012

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CELEBRITY FAVOURITES Obey, Aragbaye, Bola Are, SHOWBIZ SNOOPS

Send your views and comments as SMS to 08023755142

others for Kings’ Praise

A

ll roads lead to the city of Abeokuta on Thursday 11 October, 2012 for this year’s edition of Kings’ Day of Praise put together by Oba Karunwi III Evangelical Movement. The annual event is the gathering of monarchs across the country to praise the King of Kings through high praise According to Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, the visioner, Kings’ Day of Praise: “The occasion serves as a rallying point for all traditional rulers beyond their kingdoms and jurisdiction of authority but in absolute humility and in one accord coming together for a common purpose; praise and worship.”

For the Chairman, Organising Committee of the event, Chief Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi, “this year’s event is unique in

Lil’ Jojo Favourite Food RICE Favourite Drink JUICE Favourite Designer (Local) RAFF CCOSTUM Favourite Designer (Intl) GUCCI Favourite Shoe: TIMBERLAND AND SNEAKERS Favourite Day Of The Week EVERYDAY

Fizzy Mayur releases new video

Obey

of other Governors across the country and it will take place at Bishop’s Court, Onikolobo Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Oxygen drops Wahala Be Sense

F

H

ammed Mayowa Fisayo fondly known as Fizzy Mayur is one of Nigeria’s fast rising rap artistes whose inspiration is drawn from the brutal realism of Fela AnikulapoKuti and surreal smoothness of Sade Adu. His fluid rap style contains street vocabulary laced with mind-boggling savvy that never cease to cause amazement. After dropping two singles in 2011; which ended up as mere underground hits while his skills did not go unnoticed, he went ahead to join forces with notable producers establishing cordial relationship as an ardent team player.

The result of the liaison happens to be the birth of two long-awaited singles which are now experiencing massive download on the internet. Precise decision was made by his record label, Eclipse records and management team, Photon Entertainment solutions

Fizzy Mayur

to take Fizzy Mayur’s game to the next level with a video shoot for his muchtalked about single titled Lahdehin.

The new video is directed by Akinsola Muse of 1705 productions, a graduate of Motion Picture Institute of Michigan, USA. It was shot in Lagos and will premiere officially on Thursday, September 12, 2012 on major media platform in Nigeria and the worldover.

As a visual masterpiece designed to spice up the music industry, Fizzy Mayur’s new video release for the song titled Lahdehin will raise the bar and change the face of rap music video in Nigeria.

rom every indications and going by things on the ground, this seems to be cheering news for lovers of entertainment in Lagos as one of Nigeria’s fact-oriented, soft sell magazines, High Society, will today in conjunction with Green & Bliss unveil for the public a debut comedy CD album humour merchant, Prince Kelechi Ulu Torti a.k.a Oxygen.

This like-never-before event fixed to take place at Mushin, Lagos, according the organisers spokesperson, Frank Chike, will see the official launching of Oxygen’s motivational audio comedy CD, Wahala Be Sense.

“Among the comedians that we have lined up for performances at the show are Koffi, Tee Gee, Dauda Melody, T. Laff, Crazy Leas, Aje Baba, Akpororo and others, while musicians that will thrill our guests are Goldie, Ollie Gee, Samklef, Aladin and others.”

Uzee B is back

Favourite Perfume

U

zee B is a Nigerian hip hop/R&B artiste whose style has a strong fuji influence. He released Bismillah, arguably one of the best Islamic songs out there during the Ramadan period. It got a huge rotation and became a street anthem.

Uzee B is back with a brand new club banger called Ararara Orororo, a phrase made popular by the great Afro-beat Legend Femi Kuti.

Uzee B is an undergraduate in the University of Ibadan and an Arabic university where he has been gaining strong followership already due to his energetic and mind blowing performances.

He is sure the next kid on the block.

COOL RIVERS Favourite Movie TOO MANY TO MENTION Favourite Brand Of Telephone Handset BLACKBERRY BOLD2 Favourite Quote WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

many ways because Kings’ Day of Praise is going international with the extension of invitation to other traditional rulers across Africa who have also shown interest in coming for it.”

What are new things expected this year? Obey said, apart from himself, Evangelists Funmi Aragbaye and Bola Are, Divine Twin Sisters, Hannah Sokunbi, Opelope Anointing, Shodipe, Ayan Jesu, Bukola Akinade popularly called Senwele Jesu among others will be on the band stand with heavenly praise.

“There will also be traditional gospel music display by Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and Niger Delta cultural groups,” he added.

The Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, is expected to be the chief host of the event with the support

Uzee B

Oxygen

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ENTERVAGANZA

September 29, 2012

23

SHOWBIZ SNOOPS

MI

Rick Ross

Ruggedman

TO HAVE SOME FOREIGNERS,

IT’S A SHAME THAT ANYBODY

I DON’T SEE HOW ONE

WHO KNOW NOTHING OF YOUR

WILL FEEL OFFENDED BY A

MUSIC VIDEO SHOT IN

HISTORY AND PAIN COME IN

FOREIGNER WHO CAME TO

THE

AND TELL YOUR STORY, IS THE HEIGHT OF DISRESPECT

NIGERIA TO SHOOT A VIDEO IN THE SLUMS THAT WE NIGERIANS HAVE FORGOTTEN ABOUT

–MI

NIGERIAN SLUMS

WILL TARNISH THE IMAGE OF

NIGERIA

–Ruggedman

–Adeda

Much ado about Rick Ross’ portrayal of Nigeria T he release of American rapper, Rick Ross’s Hold Me Back (Nigeria) music video, is now generating a lot of storm.

Top Nigerian rapper, MI, is so incensed by the video that he poured out his feelings online. According to him, the video is a wrong portrayal of Nigeria and he chastised it accordingly.

“Does it make you angry?” he boiled.

“Does it rile you to see your country portrayed as poor and suffering and full of struggle? It burns you, does it not? To have some foreigners, who know nothing of your history and pain, of the stories that flow within your blood, to have this foreigner come in and tell your story? Is it not the height of disrespect and insensitivity? Does it not chafe against the thick skin you have grown to cover your other wounds?

“Does it not make you angry? We should wax sanctimonious about national pride being slighted. We should vent our displeasure online. We should occupy something. Because God forbid the truth ever be told about what things really are.

“God forbid a stranger reminds us about those things we choose to ignore everyday. God forbid we ever face the truth about ourselves. God forbid we do not go on the internet and rail about how our country is being cast in bad light. God forbid we do not talk about how there is a small minority which lives better than portrayed. God forbid we do not ignore the truth one more

time. God forbid we don’t.”

Even as MI thinks the video is a negative reflection of the country, his views have led to so much debate that some other Nigerians have had to contribute their own opinion and they see nothing wrong with it.

A music critic, Tosin Adeda, was very lucid in stating that the video is not an attack on Nigeria. According to him, “Why did Ross shoot in the slums? That I don’t know, but I have my own opinion on why he did shoot the videos in the slum, and it goes thus: for a song that portrays struggle, hustle, poverty and how hard work can take anybody out of it, the best place for someone like Rick Ross to shoot the video is the slums. He was once like the people in the slums, he remembers the struggle, he remembers the hustle, and he remembers the people who he was once like.

“The song is a ghetto song, it’s a song about the streets, it’s about the common man, it’s only logical to shoot such a video in the ghetto, on the streets. I salute the director of the videos also, there is a difference between making a slum scene and actually using a real slum, and in this case a real slum was used, which I think it’s something that Nigerian video directors need to learn.

That’s what originality and creativity is about.

“For those who have a problem with the quality of the video, I challenge them to show me a better Nigerian ghetto video (directed by a Nigerian) that’s

as original, precise, and straight to the point as the Hold Me Back (Nigeria) video. To think that the video was short within a short time and came out good is a plus.

“How many of our own Nigerians artistes have done songs/video to show the plight of Nigerians who live in poverty? Majority of them portray Nigeria in their videos like all is fine and we all live the good life. Some don’t even shoot their videos in Nigeria, they go to other African countries to shoot videos, is that what you like? People who don’t believe in a country that made them rich and famous. Some make it worse by using White models in their videos, the height of inferiority complex. It’s a shame that anybody will feel offended by a foreigner who came over to Nigeria to shoot a video in the slums that we Nigerians have forgotten about.”

Just like Adeda, MI’s senior colleague, Ruggedman has also jumped to Ross’s defence. “I will start by saying that some people in the international community already have a bad image about Nigeria. This is due to the dubious actions of some bad Nigerians they have encountered, both government officials and normal Nigerians. So I don’t see how one music video shot in the Nigerian slums (which we know we have) will tarnish the image of Nigeria.

“When Nigerians go abroad, we snap pictures and make videos all over train stations, car parks, airports. We “choose” where we want to do this. This

is the same way Rick Ross decided to shoot his Naija version of his song Hold Me Back in Naija ghetto areas. If you check his other version shot in America u will see that it was also in the hood; not as grimy as ours but still the hood and I don’t hear any American saying he is portraying the slums and poverty in America to the international community.

“Rick Ross did not sneak into Nigeria.

He came in legally. If he showed anything in the video that some Nigerians find offensive, my question is ‘why was he allowed to shoot it in the first place?’

“Someone on the internet said, after this video, no one will like to visit Nigeria. I just laughed. Is this video as bad as the Ogoni 9 killing? Is this video as bad as people being killed in the Northern Nigeria crisis? But it hasn’t stopped foreigners coming to this country. During the Dana Air crash, local stations were going about their normal business but international news was already covering it. If we cared so much about our image to the international community what are we doing to clean it up?

“It’s Nigerians in foreign countries that should check how they act. Once outside Nigeria, you become a Nigerian ambassador and should act like one. If you steal, you are a thief and you paint a bad picture of your country. We really need to get our priorities right. We need to find a way to make our leaders stop embezzling the Nation’s money right under our noses, calling us fools and bullying us.”

24

September 29, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Woman ‘Women should rely on their brains, not bodies’ One outstanding thing about actress, Rose Odika, is not just her beauty but her fluency in Yoruba language. Except for her name, it may be difficult to separate her from the Yoruba lineage. In this interview with YEMISI ADENIRAN, the Yeye Oge of Lalupon area of Ibadan shares her exploits in the acting career, marriage and her range of beauty products among many other issues.

Y

ou amaze very many people with your command of Yoruba language despite the fact that you are not a Yoruba. How did you achieve this?

There is no secret anywhere other than that I was chanced to have grown up amidst the Yoruba people in Ibadan. I grew to learn not only their language but their culture, tradition and ways of life generally.

As a child, your location which can only be determined by your parents and guardians landed me with the Yoruba people and like they would say ’Ibi ti eeyan ba n gbe lo n se’.

Meaning that you belong to where you live. This will happen and of course has happened to a lot of others who also found themselves amidst people of other tribes. It is an opportunity. God only helped me to make use of it. My belief is that wherever one is, he or she should

be relevant.

Was that what informed your chieftaincy title of Yeye of Lalupon in Ibadan?

I have lived almost all my life in Lalupon but I would describe the title as an honour. If the title had gone to someone else, I wouldn’t have taken anyone up on it. It is not everyone that gets such an honour.

So, I appreciate it, treasure it and I am proud of it.

As a pretty actress, how do you handle men, especially in your kind of career?

Any woman who is pretty stands to be

Odika

pressurised by men, no matter the career she belongs to. It now depends on how one handles the situation. I don’t see myself as trading on my beauty or using my beauty or body to get anything I want. I rely on my brain and my strength. Afterall, that’s what men also do. I try as much as possible not to get carried away by men’s sweet talks; I handle them with maturity and generally take things easy.

Is it true that most actresses sleep their ways to get roles?

Like

they generally say of women who are found at top positions? There are women and there are women. There may be some who sleep their ways to whichever high positions they may hold but I must also stress here that there are more women who don’t. For crying out loud how many men will an actress sleep with to get lead roles, especially at this time when hundreds of films come out on a daily basis? Will she kill herself ? There may be some who are desperate for roles and so sleep with some men, like we have in other professions, but I t e l l you

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WOMAN

September 29, 2012

25

Keeping ABREAST such things cannot stand the test of time. Most actresses, as you will attest to, now have their own movies written and even produced by them.

They employ men to act in such films; that is to tell you that they also have what it takes to be in the industry. So, why would one choose the other way round?

They say some do it to get money to sponsor such films?

I still don’t see any reason to do that. Like I said earlier, who do men sleep with for such desires? Until some women begin to see themselves as equal in all ways to men, they won’t be appreciating themselves well. The only difference between a man and a woman is in their sexuality, not in capacity. Because men know that they cannot but rely on their efforts and trials to get what they want in life, they have continually made a headway. They will always find alternatives to a blockade. That is what women should also realise too. If you meet a blockade in a way, try others. Always try and try. If you try your hands on something and it is not working, try them on something else. Because men knew it is a must for them to survive and provide for some people, they will keep on trying. The more women a man tries to keep, the more avenues to spend money on, he creates for himself. One good thing about God is, if you will see yourself as always ready to take up challenges, He will always make a way for you. There are so many things to do to get money if one will engage his or her brain.

Are you stressing that what a man can do, a woman can do even better?

Definitely. Look around you and you will see that this is true. We are doing more than our men now. And that’s why I will never support the saying that women are the weaker sex. We are not. We combine the job of a man with that of a woman. It is only women who don’t believe in themselves that hide under the idea of using what they have to get what they want. What a woman should do is to look at what she can do by herself to stand on her own. The fact that a woman is blessed with beauty is not enough to capitalise on it the negative way. Women should rely on their brains more than their beauty. Or don’t we have men that are also handsome?

What about men who are gigolos?

Not all gigolos are handsome, they are just lazy and cheats and it is only

a spineless woman that will fall for them. How will you work and spend it on a man to just be sleeping with you?

Would you agree with what people say that your beauty is a great advantage for your success in the industry?

I won’t dispute this because it works for one as a screen figure, be it an actress, a broadcaster or singer. All I would say is, if I have not been up to my billing as an actress, my beauty may not have been enough to keep me as a star.

How would you describe your sojourn in the acting world so far?

So far, I would say God has been good to me. He has helped me and He is still helping me in all things.

The acting career, so far, has given me a face, opened doors that would not have ordinarily opened for me, connected me with a lot of meaningful people and has encouraged me in several ways. At the same time, this career has taken away all the privacy I used to enjoy before becoming a screen figure. For instance, I love to eat “ iresi elewe’’( cooked rice wrapped with leaves) with my bare hands. I ate it a lot in those days but I cannot do that again.

I would eat it wherever I bought it then and there wouldn’t be any cause for alarm but, that is no longer possible and I miss it so much. Besides, I can’t go out in public transports, eat at bukas and all of that, all because I’m an actress. The profession has robbed me of my freedom. Before, I used to be just anybody on the street, today I’m an actress that they have seen in one film or soap opera and people’s attention are drawn to me when I’m passing. But all is well and good. Nothing good comes easy, there is always a price to pay for any good thing. I thank God for everything.

What prompted Rose-JB, your skin care product and how is it faring in the market?

Time after time, I face questions from a lot of people asking me of the products I use for my skin. Many appreciate my skin and want me to get them what I use. It was in the bid to help satisfy this quest that I had to come up with Rose JB. What I do is to mix a variety of products best for the skin involved because it is not every cream that is good for a particular skin that is good for another. And so far, I would say, the product has been doing well in the market and with our customers.

Vitamin D in pregnancy critical for brain development, Study says

V

itamin D deficiency during pregnancy could hinder babies’ brain development, impeding their mental and motor skills, a new study suggests.

Researchers in Spain measured the level of vitamin D in the blood of almost 2,000 women in their first or second trimester of pregnancy and evaluated the mental and motor abilities of their babies at about 14 months of age.

The investigators found that children of vitamin D-deficient mothers scored lower than those whose mothers had adequate levels of the sunshine vitamin.

“These differences in the mental and psychomotor development scores do not likely make any difference at the individual level, but might have an important impact at the population level,” said the study lead author.

Overall, lower scores in these tests could lead to lower IQs among children, he added.

Previous research has linked insufficient levels of vitamin D during pregnancy with language impairment in

children at 5 and 10 years of age.

Despite these connections, experts still debate how much vitamin D pregnant women should receive.

Other studies have reported that low prenatal vitamin D levels could weaken a baby’s immune system and increase the risk of asthma and other respiratory conditions, and heart disease.

It is however, recommended that women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant get 4,000 units a day of vitamin D. In addition, women must take supplements or spend 10 or 15 minutes in the sun during the summer if they are fair-skinned to get this level of vitamin D. It would be difficult to get this many units even from foods rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish and fortified milk.

The study also cautions that although vitamin D is in both breast milk and infant formula, cholesterol and the amino acid taurine are only found in breast milk and also affect brain development after birth, she added.

Culled from www.healthymom.com

Tips for losing your post-baby belly 1. Give yourself a break It takes time. Even though it seems movie stars shed their post-pregnancy pounds in a week, in reality it doesn’t happen that fast or easily. Your body has been through massive changes over the past nine months; don’t expect it to be like your pre-baby self for a while.

2. Breastfeed If it’s possible for you and your baby, breastfeeding makes it easier to lose those pregnancy pounds (you can burn up to 500 extra calories a day).

3. Get moving Make sure to talk to your health care provider about when it’s safe to start exercising again following your pregnancy.

When it’s time to get moving, take small steps to get started—try a walk around the neighborhood or look for local classes like post-partum yoga or aerobics, or

even mom and me stroller strides. Try to get 30 minutes in at least three times a week.

4. Eat small, frequent meals If you wait until you’re starving to eat a meal, you’ll likely consume way too many calories. Avoid overeating and keep your metabolism on an even keel by having five to six small meals throughout the day.

5. Snack smart Replace sugary snacks with fruits to satisfy that sweet craving. Keep washed and cut fruit and veggies on hand for easy picking. Try frozen grapes or apples with peanut butter for a satisfying alternative. Stock your cabinets with high-fiber and low fat snacks and dump the chips and ice cream. If it’s not there, you won’t eat it.

Culled from www.healthymom.com

26

September 29, 2012

Parenting

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

How to protect your child from sexual assault

P

arents are surrounded by messages about child sexual abuse. Talk shows and TV news warn parents about dangers at school, in the home and on the Internet. Despite all the media coverage, parents don’t get much advice about how to talk to their children about sexual abuse and how to prevent it.

Talk to your children about sexuality and sexual abuse in age-appropriate terms Talking openly and directly about sexuality teaches children that it is okay to talk to you when they have questions.

Teach children the names of their body parts so that they have the language to ask questions and express concerns about those body parts.

Teach children that some parts of their body are private.

Let children know that other people should not be touching or looking at their private parts unless they need to touch them to provide care. If someone does need to touch them in those private areas, a parent of trusted caregiver should be there, too.

Tell children that if someone tries to touch those private areas or wants to look at them, OR if someone tries to show the child their own private parts, they should tell a trusted adult as soon as possible.

All children should be told that it’s okay to say “no” to touches that make them uncomfortable or if someone is touching them in

ways that make them uncomfortable and that they should tell a trusted adult as soon as possible.

This can lead to some slightly embarrassing situations, such as a child who then says they don’t want me to give a relative a hug or kiss! Work with your child to find ways to greet people that don’t involve uncomfortable kinds of touch.

Talking openly about sexuality and sexual abuse also teaches children that these things don’t need to be “secret.” Abusers will sometimes tell a child that the abuse is a secret. Let your children know that if someone is touching them or talking to them in ways that make them uncomfortable that it shouldn’t stay a secret.

Make sure to tell your child that that they will not get into trouble if they tell you this kind of secret.

Don’t try to put all this information into one big “talk” about sex.

Talking about sexuality and sexual abuse should be routine conversations.

Be involved in your child’s life.

Be interested in your child’s activities.

Ask your child about the people they go to school with or play with.

If your child is involved in sports, go to games and practices.

Get to know the other parents and coaches.

If your child is involved in afterschool activities or daycare, ask them what they did during

the day.

Talk about the media If your child watches a lot of television or plays video games, watch or play with them.

Many TV shows (for example, CSI or Law and Order) show sexual violence of different kinds.

Some video games (for example, Grand Theft Auto) allow the user to engage in sexual violence.

Use examples from TV or games that you have watched or played together to start up conversations about sexuality and sexual abuse.

Know the other adults that your child might talk to.

Children sometimes feel that they cannot talk to their parents.

Know the other trusted adults in your child’s life.

Be available Make time to spend with your child.

Let your child know that they can come to you if they have questions or if someone is talking to them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Be sure to follow up on this! If your child comes to you with concerns or questions, make time to talk to them.

When you empower your child to say “no” to unwanted touch and teach them that they can come to you with questions and concerns, you take critical steps to preventing child sexual abuse.

•Culled from online.rainn. org

5 cell phone rules for kids I CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEEK

f you decide your child is ready for a cell phone, follow these tips to coach your child on how to use it.  Buy them a basic phone: Yes, you can still get a phone that doesn’t include a camera, Internet access, games, and texting.

If you’re passing one of your phones down to your child, turn off all the extra features. And if your child complains, remind her that phones are tools, not toys.

Isist that phones are about safety, not social status or games.  Set limits: Designate times that the cell phone needs to be turned off: for instance, during family meals, after 10 p.m., and during school hours. If your teen is a driver, insist that they not

use the phone when driving. Some families don’t allow cell phones in children’s rooms at night, to keep kids from texting or making calls after bedtime. Insist that your child answer your calls and texts right away, and teach them not to answer or return calls and texts from people they don’t know.  Follow the same limits yourself: Let’s face it: You have to walk your talk. If you don’t want your child to use the phone during meals or while driving, follow those rules yourself. If you don’t want them to compulsively check their phone, don’t do so yourself.

You are your child’s No. 1 role model, whether they admit it or not.  Create some distance: For now, until the radiation risks are clearer, experts recommend using

ear phones instead of holding the phone up to the ear. Also, don’t let kids sleep with their phones under their pillows. They also advise against carrying cell phones in front trouser pockets, due to a potential radiation risk to the reproductive system.  Teach good behavior: Children aren’t born knowing the rules about how to use cell phones respectfully: including not using them to spread rumors, not taking (or sending) photos without people’s permission, not sending inappropriate photos or texts, not having personal conversations in public places -- and of course, never communicating with strangers, no matter how they present themselves.

•Culled from www.webmd.com

ParentingUpdate

Baby born with two faces turned to goddess z Eats from both mouths z She has brought fame to our village, says villagers

S

aini Sunpura, a baby with two faces was born in a northern Indian village, where she is doing well and is being worshipped as the reincarnation of a Hindu goddess.

The baby, Lali, apparently has an extremely rare condition known as craniofacial duplication, where a single head has two faces. All of Lali’s facial features are duplicated except for her ears that are two. Otherwise, she has two noses, two pairs of lips and two pairs of eyes.

“My daughter is fine like any other child,” said Vinod Singh, 23, her poor farm worker - father.

Lali has caused a sensation in the dusty village of Saini Sunpura, 25 miles east of New Delhi.

‘When she left the hospital, eight hours after a normal delivery, she was swarmed by villagers,’ said Sabir Ali, the director of Saifi Hospital where she was born.

“She drinks milk from her two mouths and opens and shuts all the four eyes at one time,” Ali said.

Rural India is deeply superstitious and the little girl is being hailed as a return of the Hindu goddess of valor, Durga, a fiery deity traditionally depicted with three eyes and many arms.

Up to 100 people have been visiting Lali at her home every day to touch her feet out of respect, offer money and receive blessings.

“She is the reincarnation of a goddess,” said Lakhi Chand, a 65-year-old farmer who came to see Lali from neighbouring Haryana state.

“Lali is God’s gift to us,” said Jaipal Singh, a member of the local village council. “She has brought fame to our village.”

Village chief Daulat Ram said he planned to build a temple to Durga in the village.

“I am writing to the state government to provide money to build the temple and help the parents look after their daughter,” Ram said.

Lali’s condition is often linked to serious health complications, but the doctor said she was doing well.

“She is leading a normal life with no breathing difficulties,” said Ali, adding that he saw no need for surgery.

Lali’s parents were married in February 2007. Lali is their first child.

Singh said he took his daughter to a hospital in New Delhi where doctors suggested a CT scan to determine whether her internal organs were normal, but Singh said he felt it was unnecessary.

“I don’t feel the need of that at this stage as my daughter is behaving like a normal child, posing no problems,” he said.

•Culled from www.mailonline.com

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

27

September 29, 2012

le StyGlam and

with Yemisi Adeniran

F

ringe dresses also known as flapper dresses were associated with ‘Flappers’. These were women who reflected the changing times of the 1920s. It was the time women won the right to vote and enjoy more social freedoms. The increasing freedom was also reflected in their fashion and no other outfit symbolised this increasing freedom more than the flapper dress. Its carefree, easy-to-make design made it popular, especially with today’s who tried to create a more modern look that would distinguish women wherever they may find themselves. The dresses are best made out of more durable fabrics to make them stand the test of time.

Apart from parties where they are common sights, this trend can now be found on the streets, and not just on dresses but on shoes, bags and accessories as well.

As with all trends, when incorporating the flapper trend in your look, moderation is the way to go. Remember the golden rule. One element at a time. Don’t wear a fringe blouse and shoes all in one look. That’ll be a recipe for disaster.

(08037801158) ydiran@yahoo.com

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STYLE & GLAM

September 29, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fashion

YEMISI ADENIRAN

C

ut-out dresses are fun, cheeky and supremely sexy. They are adaptable to any kind of fabric and can simply be explained as a redefined art of skin exposure.

Most times, the area that is exposed is the belly, the waist and the back making it a safe choice for ladies who are just trying to be bold. Revealing, but not too revealing at the same time, the cut-out dress is definitely for the bold and daring. Apart from well-shaped hips that you need to rock this dress, you must also have a high level of confidence. You may choose a plain colour or patterned type, cotton or chiffon materials to sew your own. Only be sure to engage an experienced designer to avoid a wishy-washy job.

BEAUTY

Q&A

Your candid response to all fashion questions What is the best way of removing bonding glue?

Bonding glue can be quite strong and can damage your hair if removed incorrectly. To avoid breakage and unnecessary pain, there are a few safe methods to remove bonding glue

Specialised glue remover • One of the simplest ways to remove bonding glue is to purchase a bond remover cream specifically designed to remove bonding glue from hair. These specialised glue removers also have an added bonus of conditioning and moisturising your hair, keeping it damage free.

When removing weave tracks, it is important to remove glue slowly,

without bond rem rectly to minute b weave slo damage t

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

September 29, 2012

n Frenzy

pulling at your natural hair. To use this method, apply the mover above and below your hair tracks. Avoid applying diyour scalp. Massage your hair gently and let it sit for one before removing your weave. It is important to remove your owly without pulling or tugging at your hair, since this causes to your roots.

STYLE & GLAM

29

Facelift False Lashes:

How to apply them

F

Hair oil and detangling shampoo • Using hair oil to remove extensions and bonding glue is a common method. Hair oil is naturally moisturising and can be easily found in beauty stores. With a combination of hair oil and gentle shampooing, caring for your weave is easy. To remove your extensions, coat your roots with oil. The slickness of the oil helps loosen the weave, as well as the glue holding the weave.

alse eyelashes have come a long way since the seventies when women wore huge, gaudy varieties that looked fake.

These days many women wear them to enhance their eyes, whether they’re celebs on the red carpet or women going about their everyday business. Here’s how to apply false eyelashes so they look as natural as possible: 1.

You have several options when it comes to false lashes: A full set of false lashes or small clusters of individual lashes. If you buy a full set you can cut them into individual lashes.

A full set will create lush, thick lashes, whereas individual lashes fill out your own sparse ones. No need to spend a lot of money on false lashes, you can get great ones in the drugstore beauty aisle and use them a couple times before throwing away.

2.

If the lashes you bought are too long, you can trim them by cutting them at an angle. Make sure to cut each individual lash at a different length so they look more natural. Always reserve the longest clusters for the outside corners of your eyes.

3.

Make sure your eyelid and lashes are clean of any makeup. Curl your real lashes with an eyelash curler. You can warm the curler under a blow dryer for about three seconds. Just make sure the metal isn’t too hot for your eye.

4.

Apply a liquid or pencil eyeliner to eyes to conceal the lash roots.

5.

If you are applying individual lashes, put a few drops of lash glue on a hard surface. Let it dry for a minute until it becomes tacky. Use a set of tweezers to pick up eyelashes and dip the root in the adhesive.

If you are using a full set, apply a thin strip of glue along the base of the lashes using a toothpick or a super fine makeup brush. Avoid applying the glue with your fingers because it gets messy fast. Wait a few seconds for the glue to dry a bit.

6.

If applying individual lashes, start at the outer corner of the eyes. Take the tweezers and wedge the glued lash into your natural lashes. Hold it in place for a few seconds so it dries in place. Stay as close to the root of your real lashes as possible.

30

STYLE & GLAM

September 29, 2012

Model

Trendz

When wearing your patterned shoes

‘I love to showcase se myself’ For Bimbo Ogundinmu, a teenager, modelling will remain a hobby until she bags her first degree. She told YEMISI ADENIRAN her reason in this interview.

W

hat attracted you to modelling?

I may not be able to say exactly now, all I can say is that I have always loved to showcase myself since I was a child. I remember my mum always shouting at me, criticising the long hours I used to spend in front of the mirror. I would leave the front of the mirror but I would always go back. I always wanted to decide the best way to smile, talk, pose and walk. I think that was how I got the idea of modelling, although I did not know what it was all about. But my mum and others knew.

They would laugh at me and say I did not like to do any strenuous work other than posing around. Later on, I started seeing models on television and I fell in love with the career.

Do you want to make a career out of modelling?

If it is the wish of God, why not? I see modelling as a hobby. Yes, a hobby

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

IRAN

YEMISI ADEN

ecklace or atement n ust as a st become clutch can designer an outfit, point of s the focal other item oes are an sh d ed n n a e er patt attitud r look with u o y sa se er fu to in more v his look is T . ty li e; a in n g perso itially ima ne may in tile than o om cute day ranging fr s n ig es s. d n h wit . patter to flirty p.m time prints

J

for now because I still must get my degree before any other thing.

How supportive are your parents of this choice of yours?

I am enjoying their support and I guess I will continue to, if I keep my side of the bargain, which is not to allow it intercept my education.

What does fashion mean to you?

It is a trend, a way of wearing what suits you at a point in time. For me, I wear anything beautiful but simple.

I’m a simple girl and I love to show that all the time.

What’s your turn-on?

Humble people and people that are good; what they do honestly without being fake.

What turns you off ?

Arrogant people; I hate them with a passion.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

31

September 29, 2012

Male Essentials

Impeccably D DAYO ayo Olomu is a man with a very high sense of fashion. shion. He is impecaable to a fault when n it comes to dressing up.

It’s almost as if he e is a fashion designer or fashion design tutor or because his dressing is an education to other her men.

Though he doesn’t n’t have a particular style, he is always immaculate culate whether he is casual, corporate, exercising cising or engaged in any activity whatsoever. er. His attires range from m the Western to the e traditional and encomenco compass every style under nder the sun.

You name it, Dayo Pinstripe yo has it. Pinstri tripe suits, tuxedos, ankara shirt, irt, agbada, sk skinny tie, fitted tunic,etc.

Take a cue from om Dayo’ss dress sense and you won’t ’t go wrong. wron ng.

08036961187

with Oseyiza Oogbodo kingseiza@yahoo.com w

Keep it simple, stupid! (1)

‘K

eep it simple, stupid’ was uttered by my college rugby coach more times than I care to remember during my teenage years. Often it was confused as a mere insult to a player who attempted the most complicated upand-under this side of Dan Carter. However, what the phrase was really trying to communicate was that the simplest of routes, plans and ideas are the most successful. And this acronym applies just as well to men’s style as it does to a drift defence or loop pass.

In the spectrum of men’s fashion, things can get a little messy. OK, very messy. We’ve got trends, patterns, rules, top 10s and essentials coming at us from all directions every day. We even have rules for trends or top ten patterns these days. Sometimes, with all of this noise going on, the simple pleasure of just wearing clothes gets lost in the mix.

In a recent documentary, designer-comedirector Tom Ford explains a scene from A Single Man where the main character George pulls himself reluctantly out of bed to get dressed. This scene wasn’t actually in the original book the film was inspired by, but Ford felt it was important to include because it was something he could relate to. Whenever he’s in a deep depression, one of the few things he enjoys is putting on a suit.

“It might be false but I feel like if I shine my shoes, put on a tie, and make myself look as good as I can possibly look, I feel better. That somehow it’s armour; it’s a ritual that I go through.”

And if we all took a moment to think about it, isn’t that really what’s at the heart of this menswear game? Aside from helping us get ahead in our careers and love life, clothes – or more specifically nice clothes – are enjoyable as end in themselves.

Similarly, in an interview with online US retailer Park & Bond, fashion director at Details magazine, Nick Sullivan talked on the same topic. When asked what we can expect next in men’s fashion, he replied with this: “There’s a sudden pendulum swing away from jazzy shoes, look-at-me jackets, lookat-me trousers, look at all of this together.

It’s toward something much cleaner. Shoes are a really good example. We’ve had wingtips, suede wingtips, multi-coloured wingtips, weird wingtips, bright pink wingtips, and now the only alternative to that would be a pair of black oxfords. So I think we’re going through a cleansing moment. It’s like everything is un-complicating itself.”

He makes an interesting point, and I think we had to go through all the options, loudness and peacocking in order to get to a stage where we can now concentrate on things like cut, quality and cloth. Perhaps guys can even start to develop their own sense of intuition too. By all means still pay attention to the books, blogs and magazines but rather than implementing the advice word for word, think about how what they’ve covered can be applied to your own sense of style and self.

•Culled from www.fashionbeans.com

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September 29, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Relationships

Should a woman retain her It does not matter

W

hat is in a name? William Shakespeare once asked that question through the historical romantic character Juliet when she asked Romeo the question, “what’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. Juliet was telling Romeo that a name is an artificial and meaningless convention. I believe in that maxim too. A name is a man made contraption used in personal and individual identification. A man called ‘Smart’ will not automatically be intelligent, just like a woman called ‘Joy’ will not automatically be a naturally happy person.

Most Africans believe that a name has an impact on how much a person behaves or what the person becomes in life. To most of us, a good name has a way of opening ‘doors’ of good luck and opportunity to its bearer. One of the common examples is the name Goodluck which has been attributed to be the reason why President Goodluck Jonathan has been successful in life and politics. Be that as it may, it is not surprising that people want to be identified with something or someone after marriage.

The funny thing is that even when a woman wants to be identified as someone’s wife, she also wants to have a personal identity outside of the man’s name. She wants to be seen and known as a person in her own rights who as an individual will not be an appendage of someone else. The African society through culture and religion on the other hand, believes that a woman must only be seen and not heard. Her voice is silent.

She has no opinion on issues.

A lot of men and some women too will crucify me for holding on to this opinion. I know I will be called names. Funny names and not so funny names, but the truth must be said. One question I ask

people especially men who insist that their wives should change surnames after marriage or who make an issue out of this topic is that does name change by married women affect or hinders the qualities they saw in these women before they became their wives?

How has my wife’s changing her surname to mine after marriage made her to become a different person or has it made her less a wife or someone else’s wife? So why the uproar over a woman’s name change?

A lot of people hide under culture and traditions to say that it’s what their ancestors have been doing; therefore it cannot and should not be changed. Some men will tell you that their religion even demands that the woman should not only lose her surname, she must submerge her identity to theirs.

If you ask me, I’ll tell you that the idea is becoming outdated and obsolete. When this topic came up, most of the people I discussed it with said they believed a woman need to change her name so as to have a marital identity connected to her husband. They went further to say that once a woman gets married; she should give up her identity and become part of the man’s.

What I ask them is, ‘what happens to the former identity that it took her some time to build?’ Is marriage supposed to be bondage of sorts? A prison from which one’s identity is forever lost?

Call me what you will. I may be called an apologist or a rabble rouser, or even an iconoclast maybe? I don’t mind. I believe that it should be a woman’s prerogative whether she wants to change her surname after marriage or not.

No one should use culture, traditions or religion to shackle her down. This is the 21st Century and we need to have an attitudinal change on a lot of issues, even if these changes may look radical in nature.

SEX TALK

This column is x-rated

10 extreme sex tips 1. Tantalising turn-around Face his legs instead of his face when you’re on top. (Hold on to his feet for balance.) He’ll get a great view of your backside — a surefire turn-on. And if his erection points out instead of up, this position will feel especially incredible to him.

—Paul Joannides

2. The kiss connection Share a passionate 10-second kiss every single day. A lot of couples keep having sex but stop really kissing. And that’s a shame, because it’s such a wonderful, intimate act. So just go up and lay one on him. Instantly, you’ll feel passionate instead of platonic. What a rush!

—Ellen Kreidman

3. Bare boogie You don’t have to have a modelperfect body to have maximum fun in the bedroom. Look at yourself naked in a full-length mirror for five minutes a day and focus on what you love about your body. If this feels awkward, turn on some music and dance naked with your mirror image. By getting used to your unique shape, you’ll gain confidence that will naturally spill over into your

sex life and make you twice as enticing to your guy.

—Barbara Keesling

4. Sultry slo-mo To surprise him and build anticipation, try doing the same things you always do in the bedroom, but slow down to one-fourth of your normal speed. You and your guy will have time to really bond, and since you’ll be feeling sensation over a longer period of time, both your orgasms will likely be out of this world.

—Barbara Keesling

5. Don’t wait to exhale You can actually use your breath to control your orgasm. With each exhalation, imagine that you’re pushing the satisfying sensations throughout your body — instead of just letting them build up below the waist. When you finally let go, you’ll feel the orgasm from head to toe.

—Nitya Lacroix

6. Finger-food foreplay Have a romantic dinner without utensils so you can feed each other. There’s something sensual about placing food in your partner’s mouth. It’s such fun — especially

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RELATIONSHIPS

September 29, 2012

CHINWE ANNIE AMAECHI 07028684481 chinweamaechi@gmail.com

maiden name after marriage?

It is a matter of choice

T

This column is x-rated

This column is x-rated

when you serve stuff that’s not supposed to be eaten with your hands, like salads or pasta. After a meal like this, serve yourself for dessert.

—Ellen Kreidman

ly for the illicit rush from doing something “bad.” Quickies allow you to experience all of the having-an-affair thrill with none of the cheating.

—Ellen Kreidman

7. Strut your stuff

9. Jeans jiggy

The next time you go out with your man, wear your sexiest outfit. Go ahead — flirt with strangers and turn some heads. Tease. It’s easy to forget you’re still attractive to other members of the opposite sex when you’re in a committed relationship. But sometimes you have to remind your guy that you’re a prize, not an appendage. It really turns most guys on to know they have someone other men want to be with. And it can be a tremendous ego boost for you, too. When you feel sexy, you are sexy. Once you return home from your diva-date, you won’t be able to keep your hands off each other.

—Susan Block

Encourage your man to touch you when you have your favorite tight jeans on (and don’t let him take them off). His hand can glide over your crotch more easily, and the material will transmit the sensations over a wider area.

—Paul Joannides

8. Grab and go If you’re turned on at an inopportune time, act on your feelings. Although it feels a little bit naughty, a quickie will help you stay faithful.

People often have affairs sole-

10. Pillow power Great sex is all about angles — the angle of his erection and your pelvis determine exactly what hot spots he’ll hit and how tightly he’ll feel gripped. That’s why pillows can be passion’s best friend.

Try one under his butt while you’re on top or supporting your tailbone in the missionary position. Or use a few to prop yourself up when lying on a counter. And don’t be afraid to experiment with odd-size cushions, too. You’ll be surprised how many new sensations you both experience just by adding a pillow.

—Paul Joannides

he last time I checked, no written law or religion required that a woman must change her name after marriage; in the same way, no law or religion prohibits such change of name. However, there are some norms that most of us were born into which we have not questioned or traced the histories thereof. The woman’s change of surname after marriage is one of such norms.

We grew up with the notion that the change of status from ‘spinster’ to ‘married woman’ and a change of title from ‘Miss’ to Mrs.’ necessarily culminates in a change from ‘daddy’s surname’ to ‘husband’s surname’. In fact, once you announce that you are getting married, the major question that your well-wishers ask is: so you are going to be “Mrs. Who?” Also, when you return to your place of work after your wedding, the Human Resources manager naturally directs you to begin the process of changing your name on all relevant documents.

The truth is this: there is a presumption that a grown woman who bears her father’s surname is either unmarried or divorced. It is worse where her title is Mrs. and her surname is her father’s name; she is automatically presumed to be divorced. Should this be the case, especially given the fact that no law or religion makes it mandatory for a woman to change her name after marriage?

From conversations and written resources, I have come to learn that in Islam, a woman need not change her maiden name after marriage. In Iran and other Arab countries, it was not the norm for women to change their maiden names upon marriage, until not so long ago when western influence changed the status quo.

Similarly, in Spain, women usually maintain their father’s name and their children take up a hyphenated combination of their parents’ surnames. Quite interesting!

Also, I am not aware of any Christian doctrine which proposes that a woman’s failure or refusal to change her maiden name after marriage is a sin. However, I have not heard of any Christian marriage ceremony at which the couple was not introduced as Mr. and Mrs. “man’s surname” after the officiating minister has declared them man and wife. Also, most Christians believe that a woman’s submission to a man in marriage includes forfeiting her father’s name and taking up her husband’s name. We can therefore say that Christianity encourages women to change their maiden names after marriage.

I once read about one Lucy Stone. She was a 19th-century suffragist who was the first American woman to revert to her birth name after marriage. I hear she chastised one woman thus: “A wife should no more take her husband’s name than he should hers.” At

a point, women who refused to change their names upon marriage were called ‘Stoners’.

What of celebrities who have built fame in their maiden names? Shouldn’t they be an exception to the general norm? In a popular American female writer’s opinion, no one would be willing to pay those high prices for products of the popular designer – Vera Wang – if she changed her name to Vera Becker after marriage; songs by Mariah Cannon, Jennifer Anthony or Barbra Brolin would not be popular even though they are songs by Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, and Barbra Streisand. This just shows the power of names, when the owners have converted them to renowned brands.

Well, I must admit that I am one of the propagandists of change of name after marriage. But I believe that women should not flow with the norm as if they have no choice in the matter. Instead, they should give up their father’s names as an exercise of their will in honour of and love for their husbands. I also believe she should do so for the children’s sake. You can imagine how absurd it would sound if a child has to state his/her parents’ full names using two different surnames? Definitely, knowing how nosy people can be, other questions will follow!

Clearly, changing a woman’s maiden name to her husband’s name after marriage is a social tradition that has eaten so deep into most cultures that it now seems like a compulsory post-wedding step.

Even where a woman is conscious that it is not mandatory and wishes not to drop her maiden name, her husband may not agree with her for various reasons. Some men feel that it could be an indication that the woman’s plan is to walk out on him at anytime she feels tired of the marriage, so maintaining her maiden name will save her the stress which a subsequent change of name would entail.

I think a woman should not make a fuss about her right to retain her maiden name, but be willing to take up her husband’s surname either by combining his with hers as a compound surname, or by totally forfeiting hers. If she falls under the category of those whose maiden names have built a brand, she should be able to convince her husband to let her keep her maiden name or merge it with hers. If he doesn’t like the idea, she should be able to publicise her change of name in a way that the ‘goodwill’ which she had built with her maiden name can be attached to her new name over a period of time. Celebrities all over the world have done this, so this debate should not ordinarily cause friction between a woman and her man.

So, should a woman adopt her husband’s surname as hers after marriage? I think there are many good reasons to.

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34

September 29, 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

I’m married but my boss is asking me out Dear Igho, I’m 33 years old, married with two kids. The owner of the firm where I work is my direct boss but he has been asking me out for over three months now. My husband’s salary can only provide the basic needs of the family so I had been tolerating my boss. When he seized my August salary, I had no choice but let my husband know what is going on. The man is yet to pay the money while my husband has asked me to resign and stay at home to care for the family until November or December when he would be financially buoyant to open a shop for me in which I will do any business I so desire.

Aunty Igho, I have a Master’s degree and feel that would be belittling. Do you think I should go my husband’s way or hold on to the job while praying God should touch the man’s heart to release my salary, the same time; I would be looking for another job?

Mercy (surname withheld), Maitama, Abuja.

Dear Mercy, I would advise you go your husband’s D e a r Igho, I read the story of the 32-yearold whose m u m wants to commit suicide simply because she’s single and I shook my head because I wished I were single; I wished I had never married. Had I known, I wouldn’t have gotten married two years ago, but I succumbed to my family’s pressure and now, I am the one bearing all the pains.

I was 30 when my family started breathing fire down my neck that I get married. I was away from the country for three years for my doctorate programme in New York and made the mistake of returning to Nigeria after. The torment about my status was too much and I foolishly tied the knot with the next guy who came my way. Igho, for the one and half years I was married, I suffered all manner of torment.

My ex husband turned me into a punching bag on a daily basis at the slightest provocation. He was queer tempered while my family begged me to remain in the marriage that that is how most marriages are at the beginning. All they cared about was showing to the society that their daughter is still married albeit at the detriment of my life.

way. What exactly are you looking for?

According to you, his salary can provide the basic needs of the family and he has been doing this well. If the man who has been caring for you and the kids hears such appalling story that another man wants to steal what solely belongs to him in all ramification, do you expect him to hand over tissue paper to the person who

The monster beat me blue black to the extent that I passed out simply because I accepted a lecturing job at the University of Lagos. When I finally made it successively out of the hospital after over a month of being in intensive care, I didn’t bother telling any member of my family before I filed for divorce. Everyone tried begging me to remain in that sham they called marriage on the ground that God hates divorce and the society will laugh at me for leaving the man who was supposed to be my husband but was my abuser. All that is history now. My lawyer was so professional and on top of his game; he got me the divorce.

Though now single and back to the states where I now lecture, I wish I were like Rachael; never married.

Please, tell Rachael to take her time because an experience like mine is unneeded.

Meanwhile, I will be going back to New York where I am now based, how do I get to read your page? I have been searching on-line for it but couldn’t get a trace of it.

Re: I am single at 32

Ofejiro Okome, Victoria Garden City, Lekki, Lagos.

wants to defecate in his premises? If you were in his shoes, would you fold your hands until such taboo is committed?

My dear, if the man of the house says sit at home until November or December this year, not next year or 10 years after, when he’ll comfortably open and stock a shop for you, what else do you want? He wants to make you the owner of your own

Dear Igho, I have very flat buttocks and no hips; these are bothering me.

Please, can you tell me what to do to enlarge them?

Blay, Lagos.

business where you’ll call the shots; so why not be still and support him with prayers while preparing yourself for entrepreneurship?

As regards feeling owning a shop when you have a Master’s degree is belittling, would you rather lose your dignity as a woman, a married woman at that because of a degree? Who says a Master’s degree owner can’t own a business as your husband wants to empower you? Who told you that some of these blue-chip firms didn’t start off small?

Sweet heart, be still, murmur not, forget the money the shameless man is holding unto but start working towards what you really want to do on your own. With a caring husband as yours, if you deploy the right attitude into the business, you will smile at last and your family will equally benefit from it.

Next time, do not wait until things get messy before you open up to your husband; tell him everything happening to you as he is supposed to be your best friend. Besides, in order to earn his trust should anything go wrong?

Please, do keep me updated on what business you finally settle for. Wishing you God’s speed ahead!

I want bigger buttocks

Dear Blay, Blay, you have buttocks and hips lest you’ll not be able to sit and do daily chores which you do. I don’t know your age, but sin-

cerely, I will advise you love yourself the way you are; God has His reasons for creating you the way you are.

Big buttocks and large hips don’t define you as beautiful nor mean you’ll not have a husband. God who created you the way you are has sorted out everything concern-

ing your present and future. But if you insist on enlarging them, contact a cosmetic surgeon but don’t you think it will be equivalent to telling God that He failed concerning your looks? Don’t you think enlarging these two vital areas come with severe consequences at the long run?

Ponder on these before you take a final decision. All the best ahead!

Re: Help! I need flat tummy

My dear Igho, I just read your column on the person that needs help to achieve flat tummy. I have done some research on how to leverage daily fresh water/fruit drinking to hydrate/burn abdominal fats to attain flat tummy which is now working for my wife’s tummy and skin. In fact, we’re now discussing with some brands to collaborate with us in hosting members of the Guild of Edi-

tors at a media forum to herald the maiden edition of health project.

Finally, you can give me her GSM, I will give her free information at zero cost for your sake.

Mr. Kowotan, Ilupeju, Lagos State.

Dear Kowotan, Thanks for your interest in the page and your kind hearted offer to help. In last week’s edition, I had indicated that the lady who sent in the piece should send me a

text through the same number she used as confirmation that she is the one. I am yet to read or hear from her. Be rest assured that when she does, I’ll arrange a meeting between you both so that you help her with her worries.

As regards other interests you indicated in your text, we would get to discuss when the meeting between you and the worried lady is finalised.

Once again, thanks for this great help you want to render on our behalf; we appreciate it.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ADENRELE NIYI

I

si Atagamen, owner and head designer of Isi Atagamen Fashion Label (IAFL) is riding on the wave of her growing success as a debutante fashion designer. Last Saturday, the emerging clothes maker celebrated her birthday during an exclusively tailored event at rave Lagos club/lounge, N-Tyce, situated in Victoria Island.

The evening of fine wine, great music and beautiful people was a delightful double ceremony. Isi’s birthday party featured a spotlight fashion show where IAFL showcased pieces in its fashion col-

Model in IAFL walks the Model in IAFL runway

Cross section of models

Guests at the event

EVENTS

September 29, 2012

35

Isi Atagamen celebrates birthday with high street fashion show lection –from elegantly embellished outfits to sharply tailored ensembles, IAFL models strutted in these designs to the admiration of guest.

According to the designer, the selected pieces perfectly define the IAFL style which is all about “mixing eclectic statement silhouettes with ladylike accessories and sleek separates while ensuring to set a tone for modern elegance”.

Model in IAFL

Sponsored by fine liquor brands Remy Martin and Laurent Perrier, celebrities at the party cum fashion show included renowned photographer and Publisher of StyleMania Magazine, Kelechi AmadiObi; top Lagos coiffeur, Ugo Igbokwe of Make-Me Beauty Place; top model Isioma Onyebo; music artistes, Bular; Azuwuike Amadi-Obi and Adebayo Oke-Lawal amongst others

Model in an IAFL piece

Isi Atagamen

From being a top U.S.-based model, Isi Atagamen has transformed to a designer who is dedicated to creating sharp and chic tailoring which possess a feminine edge. She graduated from LISOF Art and Design College, South Africa and her “Athena” collection for the chic, versatile, practical, sexy and glamorous woman, launched in August is enjoying critical acclaim.

Model in an Athena piece

Isi with her birthday cake

Kelechi Amadi-Obi (middle) flanked by Mr. and Mrs. Igbokwe

Another model at the event

36

Living

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

September 29, 2012

Maxwell Obinna and Elijah were friends, but they never took into cognisance Elijah’s girlfriend. She later became a bone of contention between them. By the time the dust settled down, one of the two jolly friends had killed the other. How?

WHILE IN THE CELL, I STARTED SEEING ELIJAH, WITH THE INCIDENT OF THAT DAY, REOCCURRING.

I THEN CONFIDED IN A PASTOR WHO USUALLY CAME TO PREACH TO US IN THE CELL.

I PROMISED HIM IF I WAS LET

SEGUN ADIO

M

axwell Obinna, had a dream which he was trying his all to realise: to become an international artiste. Not too long ago, Obinna had an auditioning with a recording company in Lagos where he got assurances that his debut album might be recorded in the first week of October. Unfortunately Obinna may have to wait far longer than envisaged. Reason: he now has an allegation of murder hanging on his neck.

Obinna, 21, lived in a room at Aloko compound, Orile-Iganmu area of the Lagos metropolis. Many times he was often joined by a bosom friend, Elijah, who stayed the nights. However, 23 year-old-Elijah who still lived with his parents not too far from Obinna’s residence had one passion. He loved coming to Obinna’s hole to pass the night with his girlfriend.

This, however, did not go down with the owner of the apartment, Obinna.

It was reported that Obinna and the young lady in question never got on well. Several times, Obinna had reportedly told his friend of his disapproval of Elijah’s girlfriend, but the latter would not want to hear of it.

About a month to the time Obinna would go for his final rehearsal, Elijah sourced for him a keyboards with which the former would do his music. Elijah also reportedly loaned Obinna N50, 000 to be repaid after the rehearsal.

Two weeks ago, Elijah appeared at Obinna’s apartment still with his girlfriend. That night when Obinna returned home and found his friend and the lady on his bed, he lost his cool.

Obinna reportedly invited his friend out of the room and asked that the latter take his girlfriend out of his room. But Elijah would not hear of it. An argument soon ensued and Elijah reportedly demanded his keyboards and N50, 000 he loaned to him.

At that moment, Obinna could not produce either the money or the keyboards. This led to a fight between the two friends. When the two friends started fighting, Elijah’s girlfriend

OFF THE HOOK THAT

I WOULD CONFESS OPENLY

Obinna

My friend’s spirit haunts me – Suspected murderer reportedly left for her house.

In the fight, Elijah was said to have suddenly slumped and died. Obinna, not knowing what to do, packed and tucked his dead friend into a big bag, apparently planning to throw the body away in the dead of the night.

Still unsure of what to do by the third day, Obinna put a call to the family of his dead friend pretending to be a kidnapper. During the phone conversation, he allegedly demanded 8, 000 US Dollars as ransom for the missing Elijah. Eventually, he was traced and arrested for kidnapping his friend.

Obinna would not stay long in police net over the kidnap case. He had told

law enforcement officers that he and his friend, Elijah, actually planned to kidnap the latter’s boss. He fooled everyone that Elijah could not turn up at home because he was afraid he would also be arrested like him. But days later, Obinna was re-arrested when the secret of the murder of Elijah got to the public knowledge.

“At a point, I became confused and looked for every possible way to cover up the death of Elijah. I called Elijah’s brother to inform him that he had been kidnapped and demanded for 8,000 dollars for his release. Somehow, I was arrested and detained for three weeks. But I told the police Elijah and

I planned to kidnap his boss. When they asked after him, I told them I did not know where he was, that he was supposed to come to my place that day,” he said.

Obinna later dumped the corpse inside a gully around Orile Iganmu area. He later confessed his deeds regarding the death and disappearance of Elijah to a Pastor of a new generation church.

“While in the cell, I started seeing Elijah, with the incident of that day, reoccurring. I then confided in a pastor who usually came to preach to us in the cell. I promised him if I was let off the hook that I would confess openly. Luckily, I was released.

“The first thing I did was to confide in my uncle because I was no longer at peace. My uncle’s wife took me to a church where I confessed openly.

I was told I needed to go through a deliverance session. One of my aunts who attend the church said after the deliverance that I should not return to the house. We then agreed to let it out.

“But on Monday while in the church, I received a call where the caller said I should come home that he was interested in the apartment I got there, only to discover he was a policeman. I really do not know how they got wind of the whole thing. I do not know whether anybody in the church told the police or not,” Obinna said.

A police source at the Lagos State Police Command claimed that the suspect was unrepentant when he was first brought to the station until he was assured of release before he started revealing his misdeeds on the matter to investigating officer.

The source said that Obinna would be charged to court soon after completion of investigations.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

For some time now, some parts of the country have been battling with flood.

However, as the days increase, the flood, instead of abating, is on the increase as more and more places are being affected. OSEYIZA OOGBODO takes a look.

N

LIVING

September 29, 2012

igeria is currently in the midst of what is described as its worst flooding in decades.

Yushua Shuaib, a National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) spokesperson, didn’t mince words about the situation which has been on since early July, describing it as the worst flooding the country has seen for more than 50 years.

From Taraba to Kogi, Edo to Benue, the flooding continues to spread to the extent that it has been given a name: Great Floods of Nigeria. And not only has it claimed many lives and properties, it has continued to do so without any signs of abating soon.

Sharing their experiences, victims of the floods said, “Over 10,000 people are displaced completely from their houses in my area and the numbers are increasing,” said NEMA’s coordinator for central Nigeria, Ishaya Chonoko. “In some parts, like Ibaji, the entire local government area is submerged by water. People are living on top of their roofs.”

Because of the flood, authorities had to release water from dams, leading to River Niger overflowing its banks and submerging homes, roads and farmlands. The dams’ water had to be released so that the dams themselves would not be destroyed.

Anthony Anuforo, Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, confirmed that “it became imperative to open the dams because of the high water level brought about by the high intensity

37

Nigeria under siege as Great Floods threaten rains.”

One of the roads the flood cut off is the extremely important expressway linking the north and south of the country. Consequently, another medium of transportation between the north and the south had to be swiftly improvised.

Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of the Environmental Rights Action (ERA), was very vocal while reacting to the whole flood saga.

“The flooding reveals the big cracks in our planning processes as well as in our emergency response mechanisms. What has happened cannot be reversed, but a repeat would add unacceptable dimensions to the present scandal.

“Water levels in our dams should not be allowed to rise to such levels that once released we are confronted with the grave floods we see now.

“The planning overhaul must be accompanied with provision of new preventive infrastructure including adequate drainage in cities and flood barriers in low-lying areas.”

There are a lot of innuendos thrown up by the flooding, one of which is Anuforo’s further disclosure that high intensity rains will probably continue in central and northern Nigeria through mid-October, and in the southern part through November, meaning that the end is not yet in sight for the Great Floods of Nigeria.

On August 12, the Federal Ministry of Environment listed 14 states as flood-prone.

The states include Kogi, one of those severely affected by the Great Floods right now. Vast portions of Kogi are currently submerged by the flood and people are staying on their rooftops.

In the midst of all this strife, Anyim Pius

Anyim, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, disclosed that three months ago, the people of Kogi affected by the flood were warned to relocate so as to avoid the current situation they are in.

According to him, the government is committed to protecting lives so the Kogi State Governor was informed of the impending disaster. He in turn went to inform the people in the flood prone areas but they refused to move and now they are in the terrible predicament.

It is not surprising that people failed to heed the government’s warning. That has always been the way of Nigerians, always optimistic that nothing bad can happen.

What is however condemnable is Anyim’s disclosure in a bland manner. A responsible government not only thinks but also acts for its people so the government should have relocated the people.

Chief Olu Falae, a former Minister of Finance and presidential candidate, holds the same opinion and he’s not keeping it to himself. He is angry with the government about the flood and its consequences on the people and he has made his mind known to the government.

“The manner in which the government is handling the floods is wrong. The government is performing below expectations by not responding adequately to the natural disaster that has claimed lives and rendered many homeless,” he said candidly during the second day of a presidential retreat organised for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Secretaries to State Governments at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“The government failed in its constitutional responsibility to provide alternative accommodation to the victims of the flood

in Kogi. We learnt now that the people of Kogi were asked to leave, but to where?

Governments should always have a Plan B when the Plan A is being threatened.”

All along, NEMA’s response to emergencies has always been in question and it is again. Senate President David Mark however believes that an emergency cannot be NEMA’s responsibility alone.

“NEMA is an agency that, in natural emergency situation like the one we find ourselves, will just be a coordinating agency. All hands must be on deck in this particular situation. Unfortunately, because somebody said that NEMA gave warning, well if NEMA gave warning and it is the first line of reaction and response, the warning is not just enough.

They should also be able to respond if they know well ahead.

“So, if they were aware of the magnitude and they didn’t do anything but just stop at warning people, then they failed completely. But I don’t think they were aware of the magnitude. They certainly could not have anticipated this level of damage.

“We don’t have a standard operating procedure in this country and again the rehearsal that they were going to do sometimes in Port Harcourt that became a disaster is just a typical example of how unprepared we are. What has happened now shows our level of unpreparedness for any natural disaster so all agencies and all hands must be on deck.”

Already, the Great Floods have led to issues with more dams being threatened so the government is preparing against them. So NEMA has come up with a manual, Lake Nyos Disaster Response ManuCONTINUED ON PAGE 40

38

LIVING

September 29, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

M

rs Olayinka Olatubosun is an indigene of Ekiti State. But she resides in Lagos anytime she is her home country from her sojourn in the United States (US).

But as the sun rays spiral through the cascading umbrella of tall trees which gigantic leafy branches fight over one another to hug the morning sky of Ikogosi, Ekiti State, she hoots in delight as she dips both hands in a pool and the tepid liquid slips through her fingers to her elbows.

“God is awesome,” she repeats her shouts almost oblivious of her children and wards clustering round her struggling to have a feel of the wonder which makes their mum this ecstatic.

It is the end product of both the warm and cold springs of Ikogosi, one of the wonders of the world and the only one of its kind in this part of the world. It is at the very midst of the confluence where both waters meet that Olatunbosun stands surrounded by her relations and other tourists.

On the right, the water is warm; almost hot. It snakes down and meets with its wife the cold, which coils down through a rocky path. Where they meet and cling in embrace, the water is tepid.

According to legend the Ikogosi Warm Spring was discovered by a local hunter, Ogunkugan, while hunting.

After being out for several days, Ogunkugan’s throat was parched with thirst, hence the need to find water. While doing this, he came across a water fountain he later found to be of a higher temperature than other similar ones he had seen before. The hunter quickly made back for the town to inform the monarch of this “fearful” discovery.

His story was too fantastic to the ears of the monarch, hence a fact finding expedition was launched. There and lo they found Ogunkugan’s tale to be true.

Myth also has it that the two streams are two wives of the same husband. The warm spring was the one with the fiery temper while the cool one was the mild wife. It was after a bitter quarrel that the two women turned into water.

The site has since been idolised.

Its control was taken over by the traditional ruler and the town.

The spring was further popularised and its site developed by a Baptist priest, the Reverend Mc Gee who built a medium sized swimming pool, a chapel and some chalets around it for tourists.

But if the horde of tourists that thronged the spring that cool July morning knew what the current administration had in the offing for the Ikogusi Warm Water Spring and Resort, they would thank their stars for being one of the few that would see the place in its current state and thus become witnesses in the history of the transformation of the site which Ikechi Uko and his team of the Naija 7 Wonders could not help but put in the top rung of their ladder of wonders.

All around were signs of renovation and construction. Workmen were sighted busy carrying out their duties. The swimming pool was being laid by tiles and the wind of excitement was in the air.

Hitherto, the Ikogosi Warm Spring and Resort had been a sorry tale of neglect and rot. Most of the structures on ground were in decrepit state. The few chalets which usually housed tourists were in-

Ikogosi Warm Spring: Bringing back the sparkle Ikogosi Warm Water Spring in Ekiti State is one of its kind. It is the place where two waters flow and meet: the warm and the cold. A tourists’ haven, at a time its fortune dwindled. Its spark has, however, been rekindled as KAYODE FALADE reports. habited by reptiles and the surroundings overgrown with weeds. The swimming pool was in a sorry state and it would only take rustic kids who knew not what a swimming pool was to take a dip.

But that was once upon a time. At the visit of the Guild of Tourism Journalists to the Fountain of Knowledge State a couple of weeks ago, the site was actually a sight to behold; despite the ongoing construction, reconstruction and renovation.

Mr. Sesan Ibidiran is a quantity surveyor and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor Kayode Fayemi on Tourism. He shed more light on the repositioning and reconstructing going on at the site.

He explained: “We started the work here precisely in July last year and what we are doing is to rehabilitate and re-fit this area. Some structures are existing so we only need to re-furbish. These areas are divided into four viz-a-viz the Villa which are the structures around the spring area.

We also have another one called the Western Chalet. Overlooking the swimming pool, you will see another two blocks.

“There are a lot of people who come here and don’t want to leave so soon but unfortunately, there is nowhere for them to sleep. This is why we are putting all these structures that were dilapidated back into shape. We are on ground to make sure that the workers meet with the timing. The first phase is expected to be commissioned in October. This project is in phases and we have two phases for development now”.

The rooms have been redesigned to meet international standards, 3 to 5 star to hostel accommodations (24 units for educational purposes such as excursion trips

from school). There will be internet availability, ample car parking space, shopping malls, amphi-theatre, good road network, security with CCTV, security gadgets and personnel, warehouses, laundry, restaurants and all other amenities that make up a world-class resort.

The resort would also key into business tourism. This is evident in its big amphitheatre and conference halls.

The first phase, which is the development of the Mc Gee Camp (named after the Baptist missionary that built the chapel) the 3-star area, JKF Chalets (32 rooms), the Warm Spring site, the Western Chalets and the Villa, which will be amongst those completed and opened to the public in October. It will be offering a total of 100-room accommodation for different categories of tourists.

Obidiran explained further: “At the Mc Gee Camp, we are expecting about 24 rooms with a bunk for 48 students. At the villa, we met four and we are adding eight to make 12, which is for the VIPs, while the western chalet is for the choice category.

“The McGee camp also has the conference centre which can sit 300 guests, the shopping mall, the business centre, restaurant, bar, music centre and a chapel for the religious tourists.

“At the back of the Mc Gee camp is the amphitheatre where people can hold various forms of events and social functions.

This is served by a big well paved motor– park.”

The swimming pool at the warm spring site has also given way. In its stead is a fountain, dressing rooms, toilets and restaurant.

To actualise the concept a natural reserve, the Dr. Kayode Fayemi-led administration had contracted the Mantis Group from South Africa.

Governor Fayemi told the Guild of Tourism Journalists that the decision was informed by the reputation and track record of the hospitality firm.

“We were looking for a partner that understands rural resort, that understands theme park, a partner that knows how to run a games reserve, a partner that can combine all with operating a hotel in the city. We made research and we found out that the Mantis squarely fits in better than others who are mainly good at operating chains of hotels in various cities of the world. Some of you know the profile of the Mantis Group in South Africa and I have visited three of their holdings and I found out that Ikogosi will benefit greatly from their experience and benefits,” the governor explained.

According to John Dixon, the general manager Mantis Collection, “I certainly think that what is key in tourism is location and Ikogosi springs resort is in a beautiful location. Our vision is to make it a first-class resort with adjourning nature reserve. We’ve seen the sincerity of purpose of Ekiti government. I’m impressed with the passion of every member of the government team. Part of our mandate is to train and manage members of the community in helping to run the resort, only the top executives will be South Africans, the remaining work force will be Nigerians. We know this is part of the multiplying effect of tourism and will work towards it,’ he said.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LIVING

September 29, 2012

39

Blame my destiny for my line of business –Arrested grave robber FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

T

he proverbial saying that everyday is for the thief, but a day is for the owner best described the process that led to the arrest of Jimoh Kazeem Olorunwa, a 30-year-old construction excavator who was caught by men of the Ogun State Police Command at Ago Iwoye for being in possession of human flesh.

His master and an accomplice in crime, simply identified as Abore, a native doctor in Odosinusi area of Ago Iwoye, in Ijebu North Local Government Area of the state has been on the run since the arrest of Olorunwa.

Until his arrest, Olorunwa is a construction excavator who specialises in sinking septic tanks, wells and pit toilets.

This might have explained why Abore targeted him as best partner and expert for exhuming dead bodies from their graves.

He claimed that Abore introduced him to the “new business” which he said could fetch him more money than excavating human faeces.

Olorunwa, in company of his principal, Abore who is now at large, went to the cemetery, opened one of the graves and disembowelled the unidentified corpse from the abdomen, traversing through the navel.

According to him, he had exhumed no fewer than five corpses and dismembered them and sold them to ready buyers.

Olorunwa

He also explained that the native doctors normally offered him amount ranging from N200, N750 to N800 depending

on the number and sensitivity of the part he was able to get.

Luck however ran against him one

fateful day as the Police had intensified patrol of the cemetery following complaints by chairman of the Christian Committee of Ago Iwoye, Otunba Adekoya who was in charge of the cemetery.

Adekoya had earlier reported his discovery to the police that during his routine checks some graves had been broken.

Worried by the development, the police intensified patrol of the area and laid siege at the particular cemetery for the ritualists.

Speaking with journalists, however, the suspect, who confessed to have broken into several graves and exhumed their inhabitants however, claimed that he also claimed that he was on another mission to appease the spirit of his dead mother with a sum of money as advised by a prophet he met on the road in order that his fortune could be changed.

Olorunwa, who said he had been living a wretched life, further explained that the fortune teller told him that the spirit of his dead mother would change the situation if he could open the grave of his dead mother and insert naira note in her mouth.

He said he was almost done with his mission at the grave before he was apprehended by the police.

After he was arrested, the police took him to his house where they discovered many other human parts he intended to sell.

Olorunwa, however, blamed his destiny for getting involved in the “business” and his eventual arrest.

350 Nigerians pine away in Libyan prisons SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN

(CHIEF CORRESPONDENT, EDO STATE)

N

o fewer than 350 Nigerians, including children, women and men, are currently wasting away in a prison facility in Libya.

They are being held for contravening the war-torn country’s immigration laws.

Saturday Mirror, however, exclusively learnt that this figure is just a fraction of Nigerians in different prisons in the North African country.

The 350 are those detained in Toasha Prison in Tripoli, the capital of Libya. Other Nigerians are are being detained in prison facilities and camps located in Benghazi and Sabha.

Three of the Nigerians, Mrs Joelyn Sunday (from Akwa Ibom State), Mrs. Blessing Moses and Mrs. Joy Okodede (both from Edo State) claimed that they were arrested after they were unable to produce legal visas to back their stay in the North African country.

They claimed that most of Nigerians in the prison lost their visas dur-

ing the process to escape the war that broke out in the country in the final days of the country’s late leader, Col. Muamar Gadaffi.

It was gathered that those in Toasha Prison included six babies, 180 men while the rest are women. The Libyan Government detained them in the prison like the thousands of other Nigerians in other prisons, when they were not evacuated by the Nigerian government from the country following the break out of hostilities.

It was also gathered that the detainees are often subjected to inhuman conditions with a view to ensuring their quick death, a situation that has ensured the miscarriage of pregnancies by not fewer than three of the female members.

Speaking with our correspondent on the telephone, one of the female detainees who said she came to Libya legally, Mrs. Sunday, said, “We are usually subjected to various forms of inhuman treatment here. Sometimes, we are beaten like animals. In the process, some of us have sustained serious injuries while not less than three

of the women that are pregnant have had miscarriages. We have been here now for over eight months. Our offence is that we have no visa, but we lost the visas during the war. We are using this medium to appeal to the Federal Government to help us by quickly coming to evacuate us from Libya.”

A Libyan returnee and Executive Director of Initiative for Youth Awareness on Migration, Immigration, Development and Re-integration, an Edo State-based NGO that discourages illegal migration, Mr. Solomon Okoduwa, said of the about 90, 000 registered Nigerians in the country, 14, 000 have been deported before, during and after the violence that engulfed the oil-rich country. He blamed the poor economic situation in Nigeria for the continuous migration of its youth abroad and urged government at all levels to not only rescue the detainees but also empower the youth with gainful employment and other development opportunities.

Okoduwa said: “What usually happens in those prisons is that Nigeri-

ans are cruelly treated. In Libyan courts and prisons, there is no fair trial, there is no medical treatment for the sick or injured, no outsiders are allowed to render humanitarian assistance to the detainees even as there is no consular service to Nigerians in the country right now. The Ambassador, the Head of Chancery and the Head of Consular Department are all in Nigeria as we are talking right now. In other words, the Nigerian Embassy in Libya is not functional, which exposes the citizens to mortal dangers.”

It was further gathered that the case of the Nigerian citizens in Libyan is worsened by the attitude of consular officials who usually relate with the citizens through a Nigerian middleman, Mr. Suleiman.

When Saturday Mirror called Suleiman from Libya through his mobile telephone, he said: “Please, if you want to ask me questions on immigration status of Nigerians, call me back in 30 minutes.” He did not pick the calls subsequently made to his telephone.

40

LIVING

September 29, 2012

Patience

Patricia: Missing

Woman cries foul over daughter’s death blocked. But Patience still spoke with her husband. However, anytime she demanded to speak with her children, she would be told that they were either sleeping or out of the house. The Youngbors lived at No 74c Apapa Street, Mobile Estate, Satellite Town, Lagos.

Another excuse her husband allegedly offered was that he had seized the handsets from the kids in order to make them face their studies.

But when she could not bear with the pain of being separated from her children anymore, Patience flew back into Nigeria.

On her arrival, she did not see her kids at their Apapa, Lagos home. On asking the father of their whereabouts, she was allegedly told bluntly that the kids were in the care of his aunt in their Amassoma community in Bayelsa State.

There and then, Patience asked that she visited her children in the village.

On arrival at the village, Patience was informed that her second child, Joy, was dead and that Patricia, her eldest, was missing.

“It was when we got to the village that some elders of the family woke me up as early as 7:00 a.m. demanding that I must buy them a bottle of local whisky and cola nut as their tradition demands. Still worried, but not wanting to attract the wrath of In-laws, I did as they requested,’ she added.

According to her it was a rude shock to her when one of her husband’s family members rose up to say that break the

people and 20,000 heads of cattle and other livestock will be affected and could perish. ``The manual is, therefore, apt, considering the various flood disasters affecting the country and the content could be applied in different flood scenarios. There is, therefore, the need for various Ministries, Departments and Agencies to develop their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in this regard. It is important also to note that the manual is a living document and is subject to periodic review as the situation arises,‘’ he added.

Emergency workers with boats are still rescuing people trapped on rooftops and trees in central Kogi State, NEMA said yesterday in an e-mailed statement. The agency said communities near the path of the Niger River should evacuate to higher ground to avoid the floods. The highway south from Abuja was overtaken by as much as two meters (seven feet) of water

near the city of Lokoja, according to the environment minister.

To reopen road access from Abuja to Lagos and other parts of the south, another route was constructed to bypass the flooded areas and cars and trucks could start using it, Works and Housing Minister Mike Onolememe said on state-owned Radio Nigeria.

Crop damage was mitigated because farmers harvested a lot of them, including rice, corn, millet and sorghum, before the floods, Salisu Na’inna, director of information at the Ministry of Agriculture, said in Abuja. Some livestock were washed away and fish ponds along the banks of rivers are at risk, he said.

Flooding across Nigeria including parts of the cocoa- producing south is causing “anxiety” among the farmers concerned their crop may be affected, Robo Adhuze, a spokesman for the Cocoa Association

z As another goes missing

Patience Youngbor has lost a daughter while the other is missing. But she is not taking the death lying low. She has accused her husband’s relatives of culpability.

SEGUN ADIO

P

atience Nmgbo Youngbor had lived in the United Kingdom (UK) for some years alone while her three kids (two girls and a boy) lived with their father in Lagos. Patience always had extensive telephone conversations with Patricia, Joy and Success, her children, almost on a daily basis.

However, sometime in February 2012 this ceased and Patience could no longer speak with her children again as all call access to their mobile telephones was

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

news of her daughter’s death and the missing of the other apologising as he did so.

“I was confused and shocked though I kept my cool. I even wanted to call my husband outside and ask him what was happening, but I was not allowed to do that because I couldnot walk out on the elders when such a talk was going. Another elder stood up again and told me that my daughter, Joy, she died of typhoid fever. I was also told that her sister, Patricia, ran away from home.”

In all these, Patience alleged, her husband did not come to her defence claiming that he had teamed up with his family to treat her that way. After this, she returned to Lagos.

On getting to Lagos a couple of months ago, she went to the Lagos State Police Public Relations recently, where she sought help to prevail on her husband’s relatives to answer for the death of Joy and the disappearance of the other one.

A police source, who would not want his name mentioned, claimed that the woman was advised to approach the Bayelsa State command where the crime was purportedly committed, while the command would be on the lookout for the missing Patricia.

In a telephone chat, Patience’s husband, Braye Youngbor, admitted taking the children to the village to meet his extended family which he had not been opportune to do since their birth.

“I took my kids to the village truly. But I don’t know why the woman is making an issue out of that. I was sad a couple of weeks later that my daughter fell ill and was diagnosed for typhoid. The ailment later claimed her life,” Braye said.

Asked whether he had anything to hide in the whole matter, Braye said: “How could I have anything to hide in the death of my daughter and the disappearance of another one. When their mother came back from overseas, I was the one who took her to the village where the whole thing started from. If I had anything to hide would I take her there?” he asked. Braye claimed that he is already in talks with the village elders to know the next line of action on the missing girl.

Great Floods threaten Nigeria CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37 al, that is the blueprint of what should be done just in case the Lake Nyos Dam in Cameroun collapses.

It is believed that its collapse will affect the people of Benue State and its collapse is indeed likely as a UNDP report in 2005 predicted that dam was at a point of potential collapse.

Alhaji Muhammed Sidi, NEMA DG, explained that Lake Nyos is close to Nigeria and that its collapse would result in the discharge of about 55 million cu. metres of water which would result in flooding downstream. ``It is estimated that between the Cameroun border and River Benue, 50 settlements, including Katsina-Ala, Kashimbilla, Waya, Manga, Gamovo, Andie, Terwegh and over 15,000 hectares of land will be flooded. Also, over one million

of Nigeria, which groups farmers, buyers and processors, said by phone in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Authorities didn’t take adequate steps to alert downstream communities that water would be released from the Jebba and Kainji dams, according to Bassey, of ERA. “The meteorological people have been giving some warnings, but those warnings hardly get down to people in villages,” Bassey said by phone today from Benin City, the capital of the southern Edo state.

The government needs to put in place “permanent infrastructure” and “align water channels” to avert a re-occurrence, he said.

Environment Minister Mailafia denied that the government neglected its responsibility. “What we have done in the past couple of months is consistently to educate people, calling the attention of government and individuals to the need to move away from flood plains,” she said.

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SPORT

September 29, 2012

41

Paralympians deserve more from government –Ulonnam IFEANYI EDUZOR

B

efore the introduction of disabled sports in the country, athletes with one form of disability or the other were at the mercy of their ablebodied counterparts in the society. While some engaged in such jobs as cobblers, cloth weaving and basket making, others resorted to begging for alms in order to make ends meet.

However, the introduction of special sports by the National Sports Commission (NSC) has not only made some of them self reliant, but it has enabled them get employment from various state governments across the country.

Aside the aforementioned, these men and women, despite their disabilities, have written the name of the country in gold through their exploits in international sporting competitions, especially where their able-bodied counterparts found it difficult to conquer.

Today, some of them have broken world records and became household names, not only in Nigeria, but all over the world thereby erasing the stigma that had in the past made them look like second-class citizens.

One of them who believes that disability is a blessing rather than a curse is Anthony Ulonnam, who recently won a silver medal in 56 kg powerlifting event at the just-concluded Paralympics Games in London.

The Abia State-born athlete, who described Paralympics as the turning point of his career, remembers with nostalgia his participation at the games, which he described as very tasking.

According to him, beginning from the qualifiers to the actual games in London, was a herculean task because you had to compete with the best athletes in the world and any miscalculation or loss of concentration automatically affected the chances of an athlete being at the medals table.

He noted that at a stage he became afraid because of the caliber of athletes in his weight category, but overcame the fear because of his trust in God and hard work which he says brought him honours in London.

“It was not easy picking a Paralympic medal in London. It took a lot of challenges to qualify and represent the country after which you had to face the best athletes from all over the world.

“At the Paralympics, you had to ensure you were at your best at all times and any loss of concentration or injury might af-

Silver medallist at the 2012 Paralympic Games, Anthony Ulonnam of Nigeria (left), with gold medalist Sherif Othman of Egypt (middle) and bronze medallist Jian Wang of China (right), pose during the medal ceremony of the men’s -56 kg powerlifting.

Anthony Ulonnam

fect your chances of picking a medal.

“I am happy with my achievement because at a stage, I became jittery because of the caliber of renowned athletes in my weight category, but I overcame that stage fright because of the international exposure I had, coupled with hard work, prayers and I am happy that at the end, I did my country proud,” he said.

Casting his mind back on how he became involved in powerlifting, Ulonnam who was not born disabled had a polio attack when he was seven months old which prompted his parents to take him to hospital where an injection administered to him caused his disability.

He explained to Saturday Mirror that his coming to the sport was by providence and further revealed that prior to that time, he was not really interested in

powerlifting, but one day when he went to buy recharge card for his phone, somebody met him and told him that he will be good at sports.

On further enquires the man invited him to the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos where he saw some disabled athletes training.

However, he could not train that day because the security man at the stadium told him that many disabled athletes had gone to Abuja for a competition and was advised to come back in two weeks time.

When he came back after two weeks, he was introduced to powerlifting coach, Jude Iroarulam, who after examining his physique and his two hands noted that all he needed was determination and constant training to be successful in the sport.

His words of advice encouraged him and in no distant time he was able to participate in the National Sports Festivals in 2006 in Abeokuta, Kaduna in 2010 and Rivers State in 2012 where he won silver medals respectively and since then, there has been no going back in his quest to write the country’s name in gold.

The Paralympic silver medalist also revealed that his parents, relatives and friends discouraged him from sports because of their belief that he will be only used and dumped. But he added that he is happy that they are now celebrating his success with him and he is even the talk of the town in his community since he started representing the country at both local and international competitions.

“When I came into sports, my parents, relatives and friends tried everything to discourage me.

“They described sport as a temporary job and that I was wasting my time going for training because the country will only use and dump me. They even cited examples of some Nigerian sportsmen who despite winning laurels for the country have nothing to show for it. But I am happy that since I started representing the country and winning medals, they are all rejoicing with me, praying and giving me words of encouragement for my success on daily basis.

Ulonnam while commending President Goodluck Jonathan for his cash rewards for the team, and award of national honors to gold medalists was sad with the poor reception they received when they arrived the country from London.

According to the 2010 New Delhi Commonwealth Games silver medalist, a situation where there was no top government official at the airport to welcome them is not only sad but discouraging.

He posited that for the fact that the team did what their able-bodied counterparts failed to do at the Olympics by winning six gold, five silver and two bronze medals, is enough reason for them to have been given elaborate reception like their South African counterparts.

He noted that although, the President compensated them adequately, but like Oliver Twist they are still asking for such things as decent accommodation, employment and other incentives which will motivate upcoming athletes to win more laurels for the country.

“We are happy with the monetary reward extended to us by Mr.President, but as Oliver Twist we are still asking for more.

“It will be nice if the Federal Government can solve our accommodation problems by giving us houses and employing those of us that are unemployed as that will enable us surpass our record at the 2016 Rio de Janerio Olympics,” he said.

The Olympian, while unfolding his plans for 2016 Olympics noted that he is tired of playing second fiddle and will start preparation in earnest to ensure he wins the gold medal in Brazil.

“I won silver at the New Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010 and silver at the Paralympics Games, so my assurance to all Nigerians is that I have already started training for 2016 Olympics where I hope to pick the gold because I am tired of playing the second fiddle,” Ulonnam said with a tinge of regret.

Looking at other disabled athletes, he was quick to advise them to always remember there is ability in disability, and charged them to embrace sports so as to become useful citizens of the country.

42

SPORT

September 29, 2012

Government should compel companies to sponsor sports, says Nigeria’s King of Golf Y

ou are called the King of golf in Nigeria; how did that name come about?

I’m called the King of golf because of the fact that there is none of my age mates that can play active golf better than I do at the age of 65 years.

I have travelled all over the world representing my dear country, Nigeria, and winning so many laurels, yet I am a marvel to my age mates because I play fantastic golf. And recently I represented Nigeria at the World Golf Championship in Thailand.

Also, I’m born and breed to play golf and you can see that where the Port Harcourt Golf Course is located today used to be my village in the fifties, but government has taken over the land.

Golf is often seen as an expensive sport and for the elites too, what do you make of this assertion?

No, I don’t agree with you because golf is not expensive. The time people use to take golf as a game for the elites has passed because it was commonly played among the colonial masters and that was why people saw it as an elitist game.

But today that assertion has changed and the equipment alone is cheaper than football. You can even borrow any of the club’s equipment to play pending when you buy yours. Members at times when they travel abroad, they buy all these golf equipment or sets of playing kits and dash people willing to embrace the sport. Even with 20 pounds you can buy golf equipment in the United Kingdom and dash to upcoming golfers with the bag which is just around N25, 000.

This belief of people that golf is an

elitist game is only targeted towards killing the desire or enthusiasm of people willing to play the game.

What then can government do to bring the youths closer to the sport?

The only thing government can do is to build practise range in each of the 36 states of the country and you will see that Nigerians and the youths in particular will come to have a firm grip with the sport.

In Abuja, I built the IBB Golf Course with the help of Julius Berger Construction Company and the assistance of Gen. John Shagaya between 1993 and 1995. I lifted cement from Port Harcourt to Abuja to see to the full construction of that Golf Course.

Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida is not a golfer, but he had the vision that the only sport that can bring all Ambassadors from different countries in Nigeria together is golf, so he directed that a golf course should be built in Abuja. This also made the ambassadors to relocate to Abuja.

Go to Johannesburg, Durban or Pretoria in South Africa, they have over 200 golf courses scattered all over the place, even some are owned by individuals. So golf is not an expensive sport.

How else can we popularise golf in Nigeria?

Government must encourage the development of golf by calling on those who know much about this sport to support them in the development of the game in the country.

Government should be ready to support golf clubs financially and release

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Nigeria’s King of Golf, Eddie Peters, has called on the Federal Government to compel companies doing business in the country to support the development of sports as it was done during the military era. Speaking in a no-holdsbarred interview with ANDREW EKEJIUBA at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, he enumerated the several factors that led to Team Nigeria’s flop at the London 2012 Olympics and the way forward before the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil. Excerpts:

lands to help stakeholders build more golf courses for our youths and upcoming golfers to play in.

World’s greatest golfer, Tiger Woods, was the son of a soldier and the father taught him how to play golf because he had access to golf courses, so the same can happen in Nigeria with the introduction of many golf courses.

Many kids we see on the streets of Nigeria could be the Tiger Woods of tomorrow, but they need assistance to bring their talents to fruition. We should have at least a range where people can play golf free of charge in our states or communities as is done in Europe, Australia and United States, where they have lots of golf courses and people are embracing the sport on daily basis. All these could be replicated in Nigeria.

When did you start playing golf and what have you achieved so far in the game in terms of laurels?

I started playing golf at the age of 5 and I have achieved a lot, by putting my country in the world’s map as a top golfplaying nation.

I remember during Gen. Buhari-Idiagbon regime when I represented the country in Norway, I refused to play until Nigeria’s flag was hoisted and the national anthem sang before I went ahead to show my might at the World Championship.

The organisers had to travel to Sweden to bring the Nigerian flag because there was no Nigerian Embassy in Norway then, so you can see that anywhere I went my country came first.

I have been to British Open Golf Championship many times and representing my country well. Today, I am well

known in the British Open, not only as a Nigerian but also as a British, so you can see the popularity and achievements I made in the sport.

Aside the aforementioned, I have trained many young golfers like Morgan Atako and Amadi whom I brought up as a caddy, carrying bags before he became a top golfer and many others I cannot enumerate now.

I took many of these golfers I trained to Europe and other parts of the world and today, they are professional golfers earning a living through playing golf.

All these are my little contribution to support the development of golf, but government has not come out to support the sport in a way that would encourage more participants in the game.

Looking back, are you satisfied with the development of golf in the country?

I am not satisfied with the development of golf in the country because the sport is still in the hands of private clubs.

Until government decides to build golf courses, then I will know that they are ready to support the development of the game in the country.

Government should be able to build golf courses to support the game and some of us are willing to give free lessons to these upcoming golfers to actualise their dream of playing active golf and winning more laurels for the country.

I’m not saying government should pay us money for training the kids, but let them take that step of building golf courses for our children to train.

Secondly, I don’t have money to buy CONTINUED ON PAGE 43

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SPORT

September 29, 2012

43

‘Government should compel companies to sponsor sports’ THE FUTURE OF NIGERIAN SPORTS LIES WITH THE UPCOMING YOUTHS, SO IF THE COUNTRY WANTS TO GET IT RIGHT AT THE 2016 OLYMPICS IN BRAZIL, THE ADMINISTRATORS SHOULD BEGIN NOW TO TRAIN THOSE ATHLETES WHO WILL REPRESENT THEM AND NOT RECYCLING THE OLDER ONES THAT HAVE FAILED CONSISTENTLY IN WINNING MEDALS FOR THE COUNTRY IN PAST OUTINGS. CONTINUED FROM 42 land, but government can assist in this quest by the provision of lands to play golf in the country, so that we can develop it to a golf course, after all I do construction of golf courses free of charge.

In this Port Harcourt Golf Course I designed this place and planted most of the trees free of charge and willing to do more for the development of the game in my country.

What’s your candid assessment of Nigeria’s performance at the London 2012 Olympics?

In the last Olympics in London, I was there, but I was shocked that Nigeria that has many swimmers from Rivers State could not produce a swimmer to represent the country at the Olympics.

The government is not looking at developing sports generally, but only interested in developing football.

Look at the Paralympians who represented the country in London; people who are physically challenged are winning medals for the country. Is the government paying attention to them? No, but they went to London and won 6 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze medals for the country.

Why is the Nigerian government paying attention to one sport? Go to America now, they have gone back to the drawing board and they have started training the young ones in all sports. Instead, at the Olympics, we went with just twenty people, thereby limiting our medal chances in other sports which our administrators have failed to develop.

America was at the London Olympics with more than 400 contingents, so also is China; therefore something definitely is wrong with Nigeria’s sports development policy. Even the rich people in the country are not helping issues because many of them are busy buying houses all over the place. Is that how a country can develop its people?

The federal government should stop supporting or giving money to thieves, instead they should look inwards and develop the human resources that are on their disposal. Government should bring in veterans in sports administration and well qualified technocrats to administer sports in Nigeria.

The administrators in our sports ministry are only after what will line their pockets and not the development of sports in the country because every day we keep abusing our athletes that they

are not doing well when there is no money in their pockets to feed or train.

Can’t you see during the Olympics, that the American government were there with their athletes, like you saw the First Lady, Mrs Obama in London? But our sports officials were nowhere to be found because they were only after visiting shops in London and buying wares, so government should do something urgently to resuscitate the dwindling fortune of our ailing sports industry.

Golf is one of the demonstration sports for the forthcoming National School Sports Festival taking place in Rivers State next month. What’s your reaction to this development?

I am happy for the organisers of the event, the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), for having that initiative of including golf as a demonstration sport at the school sports festival holding here.

It is a good initiative and I’m prepared to assist in coaching the young lads who will be willing to be part of the event. I can assure you many of them will embrace the sport at the end of the day.

My two kids are playing golf in their various universities and with the experiences I have garnered over the years, if am invited by NSSF to coach the kids coming for the festival, I will do my best to see that they learn all the needed rudiments of playing active golf.

What’s the way forward for Nigerian sports generally?

The future of Nigerian sports lies with the upcoming youths, so if the country wants to get it right at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, the administrators should begin now to train those athletes who will represent them and not recycling the older ones that has failed consistently in winning medals for the country in past outings. So I support what NSSF has done in embracing golf starting with the kids.

On the way forward, the National Sports Commission should commence preparation for the 2016 Olympics now.

They should spread their tentacles by picking up all these talented kids in various sports and train them to stardom.

Many of these local swimmers that can swim in oceans can be turned to world beaters if they are discovered early before age sets in. The same tactics could be applied to our boxers, judokas, handballers, wrestling, basketballers,

Eddie Peters

taekwondoists and tennis players to mention but a few.

Look at what our basketballers did at the London Olympics, they showed that they can do it by qualifying the nation for the global event, and though they did not win, they have proved a point that great basketballers abound in the country if properly harnessed. Talent hunt begins with the youths at home, not those outside the country.

How best can the sports industry encourage sponsors to bankroll their programmes or events since this is one problem bedevilling our sports development?

The way forward begins from the sincerity of government to turn sports around. During the military era we had many sponsors supporting sports because government compelled companies doing business in Nigeria to plough-back some of its profits into the sponsorship of sports. That is why we had so many sponsors willing to sponsor as many as possible sports in the past, but today, the story is different.

The Nigeria Premier League (NPL), for example has no sponsor till date, yet we have NNPC, Texaco, Elf, Mobil Oil Producing Company and many telecommunication companies declaring huge profits in the land without any plan to support sports. This is sad!

Go to Europe and United States, sponsors are falling over each other to sponsor sports, so why can’t such happen in Nigeria? Government has the onerous task to readdress this issue and failure to do so, we should expect another disastrous outing at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil.

Secondly, is it not a shame that a competition like the FA Cup, now Confederation Cup is shadow of itself where we now had to beg people to come into the stadium to watch the final game? In the

past people use to struggle to come and watch with the stadium filled to capacity, but the reverse is the case as a result of lack of sponsorship and encouragement from government.

In the past, many companies like Shell, NNPC, Coca Cola and other companies would have their flags flying in the stadium during FA Cup finals, but today they have all pulled out leaving our sports to die a cold death.

I’m a worried man as far as sport development is concerned in Nigeria because this is an industry that unites the diverse people that make up our dear country. I’m worried because I am a patriotic Nigerian who wants a new dawn in our sports development policies. I’m not a politician and I don’t pray to be, but what I want is for Nigeria to rise again in sports through massive sponsorship and greater transparency in the activities of our sports administrators.

How long are we going to live and what legacy are we going to leave for children and future generation? Is it an empty Nigeria where we allow our future generation to struggle the way we are struggling? No way!

I have been in the Port Harcourt Golf Club since 1955 and many companies doing business in Port Harcourt were sponsoring golf tournaments massively, so where are they today? Like I noted earlier sponsorship of sports should be made to be criteria for the registration of companies at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as it was done during the military era, so the present government should replicate this because if sport is properly developed in Nigeria, the issue of Boko Haram will not happen and our youths would be kept busy.

Finally, my take is that government should take sports development serious because it is the only avenue that can help stop all these youth restiveness and anomalies confronting our society today.

44

LEISURE

September 29, 2012

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45

September 29, 2012

Tuberculosis

T

uberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that most often affect the lungs. Tuberculosis is curable and preventable.

TB is spread from person to person through the air. When people with lung

TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air. A person needs to inhale only a few of these germs to become infected.

About one-third of the world’s population has latent TB, which means people have been infected by TB bacteria

but are not n (yet) ill with disease and cannot transmit the disease.

People infected with TB bacteria have a lifetime risk of falling ill with TB of 10%. However persons with compromised immune systems, such as people living with HIV, malnutrition or diabetes, or people who use tobacco, have a much higher risk of falling ill.

When a person develops active TB (disease), the symptoms (cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss etc.) may be mild for many months. This can lead to delays in seeking care, and results in transmission of the bacteria to others.

People ill with TB can infect up to 10-15 other people through close contact over the course of a year. Without proper treatment up to two thirds of people ill with TB will die.

Who is most at risk? Tuberculosis mostly affects young adults, in their most productive years. However, all age groups are at risk. Over 95 per cent of cases and deaths are in developing countries.

People who are co-infected with HIV and TB are 21 to 34 times more likely to become sick with TB. Risk of active TB is also greater in persons suffering from other conditions that impair the immune system.

Tobacco use greatly increases the risk of TB disease and death. More than 20 per cent of TB cases worldwide are attributable to smoking.

Symptoms and diagnosis: Common symptoms of active lung TB are cough with sputum and blood at times, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats.

Many countries still rely on a long-

used method called sputum smear microscopy to diagnose TB. Trained laboratory technicians look at sputum samples under a microscope to see if TB bacteria are present. With three such tests, diagnosis can be made within a day, but this test does not detect numerous cases of less infectious forms of TB. Diagnosing MDR-TB (Multidrug-resistant TB) and HIV-associated TB can be more complex. A new two-hour test that has proven highly effective in diagnosing TB and the presence of drug resistance is now being rolled-out in many countries.

Tuberculosis is particularly difficult to diagnose in children.

Treatment: TB is a treatable and curable disease. Active, drug-sensitive TB disease is treated with a standard sixmonth course of four antimicrobial drugs that are provided with information, supervision and support to the patient by a health worker or trained volunteer. Without such supervision and support, treatment adherence can be difficult and the disease can spread. The vast majority of TB cases can be cured when medicines are provided and taken properly.

TB and HIV: At least one-third of the 34 million people living with HIV worldwide are infected with TB bacteria, although not yet ill with active TB. People living with HIV and infected with TB are 21 to 34 times more likely to develop active TB disease than people without HIV. HIV and TB form a lethal combination, each speeding the other’s progress.

Someone who is infected with HIV and TB is much more likely to become sick with active TB.

LETTER

How do I cure staphylococcus?

Dear Mirror Doctor, Well done Ma, for the good work you are doing. It is only God that can reward you. Please Ma, what drug can I use to cure staphylococcus?

Junior

08077-----------75

Mirror Doctor replies Dear Junior, It is better you know little about staphylococcus. That way, you are better equipped to managing it. Staph infections are caused by staphylococcus bacteria, a type of germ commonly found on the skin or in the nose of even healthy individuals. Most of the time, these bacteria cause no problems or result in relatively minor skin infections.

But staph infections can turn deadly if the bacteria invade deeper into your body, entering your bloodstream, joints, bones, lungs or heart.

In the past, a lethal staph infection might have occurred in a person who was hospitalized or had a chronic illness or

weakened immune system. Now, a growing number of otherwise healthy people are developing life-threatening staph infections. And many staph infections no longer respond to common antibiotics.

Many people carry staph bacteria and never develop staph infections. If you have a staph infection, there’s a good chance that it stemmed from bacteria you’ve been carrying around for some time. These bacteria can also be transmitted from person to person. Because staph bacteria are so hardy, they can live on inanimate objects such as pillowcases or towels long enough to transfer to the next person who touches them.

A variety of factors — ranging from the status of your immune system to the types of sports you play — can increase your risk of developing staph infections.

To diagnose a staph infection, your doctor will perform a physical exam.

During the exam, your doctor will closely examine any skin lesions you may have.

Collect a sample for testing. Most often, doctors diagnose staph infections by

bacteria is behind your infection, to help choose the antibiotic that will work best.

Device removal is another important method. If your infection involves a device or prosthetic, prompt removal of the device is needed. For some devices, removal might require surgery.You may need to visit your doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.

checking a tissue sample or nasal secretions for signs of the bacteria.

Treatment of a staph infection may include antibiotics. Your doctor may perform tests to identify what type of staph

LIFE SAVERS These common-sense precautions can help lower your risk of developing staph infections: 

Wash your hands. Careful hand-washing is your best defense against germs. Wash your hands briskly for at least 15 to 30 seconds, then dry them with a disposable towel and use another towel to turn off the faucet. If your hands aren’t visibly dirty, you can use a hand sanitizer containing at least 62 percent alcohol.



Keep wounds covered. Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal. The pus from infected sores often contains staph bacteria, and keeping wounds covered will help keep the bacteria from spreading.



Reduce tampon risks. You can reduce your chances of getting toxic shock syndrome by changing your tampon frequently, at least every four to eight hours.

Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can, and try to alternate using tampons and sanitary napkins whenever possible.



Keep personal items personal. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, sheets, razors, clothing and athletic equipment. Staph infections can spread on objects, as well as from person to person. If you have a cut or sore, wash your towels and linens using detergent and hot water with bleach, and dry them in a hot dryer.

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September 29, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Carving a niche is important in security door business’ FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON

D

oors in homes signify the consciousness for security, and security cannot be over looked at this time that the security of the nation is under threat. It is therefore worthwhile going into the security door business.

For investors with an interest in security doors and locks, it is a time to go into the business as the peak period for sales and patronage in this area of business is here again.

While speaking with Saturday Mirror, Emmanuel Edet, an HND holder in Business Administration from the Yaba College of Technology and managing director of Edoors and Security Limited, located in the Ajah area of Lagos, disclosed that the business of security doors and locks is quite a lucrative one.

“The business is a good one that is very lucrative and could build into a business empire if properly done,” he stated.

Edet further noted that the last quarter of the year is usually a big time for those in the business because patronage is higher at that period of the year. “This is because a lot of people would want to round off their housing projects against the festive period while others may simply want to renovate their homes. This usually translates into higher patronage for us in his business,” the businessman quipped.

“However, for us in this business, we are not without challenges. The major challenge is in the area of clearing goods because most of these doors are imported from China, Korea or UK. We also have some locally-made ones but we sell more of the imported ones,” stated Edet.

According to him, location is another challenge that could affect the level of patronage. “For instance most of these high grade security doors are used by very rich people while others are used for offices and corporate organisations like banks, insurance companies and all what have you. That makes it important for one to get a

THE BUSINESS REQUIRES QUITE A HUGE CAPITAL BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO IMPORT …

RENT SHOPS FOR SHOWROOMS AND HAVE AT LEAST A BUS OR PICK-UP VAN TO CONVEY GOODS IF DELIVERY IS REQUIRED

Edet

decent office at a strategic location that could easily be accessible for these prospective clients. Rents for such places where you can locate your showrooms can be so high. That is another challenge,” explained Edet.

“No doubt there are some areas in Lagos where these doors are sold but it is usually good to carve a niche for yourself because that will set you apart by moving away from the norm. These can as well be possible if you have enough

contacts on ground for patronage. The job is also highly dependent on referrals as this would enable the investor to get more patronage with trust and confidence,” remarked Edet.

However, Edet noted that would-be investors into this business must be solid in terms of finance, as the business could be money gulping at the initial stage. “The business requires quite a huge capital because you have to import, pay dues and duties, rent shops for showrooms and you also need to have at least a bus or pick-up van on ground to convey goods from one point to the other if delivery is required. It is very capital intensive but at the long run, you will get reward for your labour.”

He further noted that you need patience and perseverance for the business to get settled before you can then start talking of profit.

Although there are peak periods for these products, Edet noted that the

sales of anything related to building are never really out of season since people are always building, but that the last quarter of the year is usually the high patronage period.

Again Edet noted that there are different types of doors and the capital you need depends on the area you want to focus on. “You have the Turkish doors, Chinese doors and the also the locally-made doors that come in different types ranging from mahogany and marsonia.

“The imported three-foot Turkey doors with frames are also in the market and you have these doors both in wood and in metal. The ones made of iron are more expensive and they are mostly used in banks and other corporate institutions,” Edet added.

Whichever is your choice, the security door business is a business worthy of investment consideration despite the challenges involved in it, submitted the entrepreneur.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

47

September 29, 2012

Wanted: Locally produced matches

I

ntroduction

It is disturbing that Nigeria imports all the matches being used in the country at present, when all the facilities required for smooth production are locally available. Nigerian investors can exploit the opportunity of investing on this project.

The writer in this article discusses how to go about setting up a formidable, functional matches production plant in the country.

Market for matches The demand for matches is inelastic.

Every home needs matches. The need for matches cuts across every restaurant, industries, homes to mention but few. Welding shops also need matches.

It is a product that is needed in every kitchen of every Nigerian, both rich and poor.

The demand for matches increases every day since both rural and urban dwellers need matches for both domestic and industrial purposes. It has a very large turnover and every investor into the project will always be sure of patronage.

Product plant Matches production project is a small project that can easily be set up and can be embarked upon on a small, medium or large scale. Government should have included this project into the list of import-banned products since Nigeria can easily produce the product. Nigerians can go into wax match project instead of timber matches and timber boxes product. However investors can start with any of these product ranges. To set up the project (particularly the wax

matches), the following machines will be required. (i) Paper slitting rewinder machine (ii) Wire drawing machine (iii) Bobbins (MS spools) (iv) Frame filling machine (v) Frame with laths (vi) Trolleys (vii) Head composition grinding machine (viii) Homogenizer (ix) Drier (x) Master card board slitting machine (xi) 7ups group cutting machine (xii) Friction composition ball mill (xiii) Card board size painting machine (xiv) Outer box skillets cutting machine (xv) Card board outer box making machine (xvi) Inner box skillets cutting machine (xvii) Card board inner box making machine (xviii) Glue melting bath The plant has the capacity of producing 1,500 bundles per shift (10,000 gross boxes).

It can work on a double shift per day basis, which would be sufficient for average population of 10 million. The machines will be obtained from India or China. Details will be given to prospective investors.

Raw materials All the raw materials required for the project are locally available. The wood

material and all the required chemical compounds can be procured from some identified dealers in Nigeria. The major raw materials are splint paper, paraffin wax (Grade II), cardboard boxes complete, chemicals, packaging materials, etc.

Employment opportunities This project is a good employmentgeneration one. The project would be able to employ about 300 persons per shift and requires power input of 100KWH.

Production process The production process includes making the outer board paper, followed by making the inner board and the splint paper rolls. Details will be given to prospective investors since the space will not be enough for full demonstration.

Moreover the production processes involved depends on whether the investor wants to go into wax matches or the conventional timber matches/timber boxes.

Proposed project location This project can be located in any part of Nigeria. The technical partner to be recommended to the promoters will offer complete turnkey project plan, supply the plant and erect machinery, and commission the plant. They will also train the local entrepreneur and their technicians in all aspects of production, maintenance and quality control.

Accommodation requirement The proposed project will require three acres of land. The measurement of the building is 20,000SFT. This will

cover the space for the installations of the machines, for storage of the raw materials, packaging of manufactured products and the administrative block.

Financial estimates Land (variable)

N1, 000,000

Buildings

N1, 500,000

Plants & Machinery

N12, 000,000

Preliminary expenses (including feasibility studies)

N550,000

Working capital margin (variable)

N10, 000,000

Contingency gin

N3, 000,000

mar-

Total project take off

N28, 050,000

The project cost can be scaled down depending on the facilities available to the promoters.

Investment analysis From the investment analysis, average turnover of N40, 000 is attainable per day.

This implies that in a year a turnover of N11, 520,000 are to be realized.

The payback period of about three (3) years is anticipated.

The return on investment is about 60% within the first five years of operation.

Other investment analysis indices are very encouraging and positive, indicating that the project is profitable and commercially feasible.

The promoter can also increase the capacity level for more profits.

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

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

48

September 29, 2012

People

Oyekanmi Olatoye:

Broadcaster and author SEGUN ADIO AND OSEYIZA OOGBODO

N

ow, Oyekanmi Olatoye is a broadcaster. But he had been many things in the past. “After I completed my Master’s degree at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in 1993, I came to Lagos and in order to survive, I had to work as a carpenter, dry cleaner and rope maker before finally settling into journalism which I have been practising for 15 years now.

“I started with MKO Abiola’s Concord newspapers in 1998 as a senior proof reader. Six months after joining Concord, Segun Babatope, Chairman of the Editorial Board called for interested staffers who considered themselves qualified to be on the editorial board to apply and I did and was called into the board.”

But even as his life seemed to be on the upswing, it nosedived again, albeit

a temporarily. “When Abiola was in crisis and it got to a peak, Concord was affected and in 2001, I joined Minaj Broadcast International.

I grew there from programmes to news and I left there in 2010 after nine years. That was the year I joined Silver-

bird Television.”

His innate talent as a writer is what

helped him become a journalist and he exploited it further so he is also an author with a published book to his credit.

“My first book was when I was in Class One. It was a 24page book. I actually used one of my exercise books given to me by my mother for my school assignment s to

write it.

“I titled it Esem And The Young

Man. I fashioned it out against a famous cigarette then called SM. I was actually trying to play on words in the book. My mother, a teacher, read it and got fascinated and advised that instead of the title I gave it, I should make it Illiteracy Is A Disease instead,” he added.

And as his life progressed, he didn’t lose sight of his book dreams. “The book I recently launched is called The Denkyira Chest. It is the full length novel that I wrote and that is published. I have some other works that have not been published, though.”

And like a true artistic person he is, it reflects on his family. “I am married to Afolakemi Olatoye since 12 years ago. We are blessed with three boys who I call the Three Wise Men. My wife is a trained engineer but she had to sacrifice her career for the home and I am greatly indebted to her for that.

“My family had had to bear with me all these while. For instance when I am writing, you don’t come near me, no matter who you are. I don’t listen to anything else. Having written two books and the two written when we were married, there is no doubt that she had sacrificed a lot. She had suffered some denials along the line. She has been very helpful in that regard.”

Nonye Okorafor: Marketer by fate FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON

W

hen Nonye Okorafor set out in life, it was to be a teacher but by a twist of fate she is now a

marketer.

“As a child, I have always wanted to be a teacher so that I can use that as a template to reach out to the less privileged children because I have a special fondness for children. But God has a way of doing his things and who can question God,” she explains.

This love for teaching did not just go overnight. Even after studying Marketing at the Federal Polytechnic Nekede in Owerri, Imo State Nonye still worked her way through to the University of Calabar to do a post graduate diploma in Education.

“After my programme in Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, I enrolled at the University of Calabar for a diploma course in Education but I could not complete the programme because my husband called me to join him in Lagos and manage his business for him. I had to abandon the programme and that was how I found myself in this business” explained Nonye who is in the telecom business.

This Igbo business woman shared

with Saturday Mirror her life in the business world.

“Thinking back in retrospect, I must say that my studying Marketing in school is a great advantage for me in this business because it has helped me in dealing with people from different walks of life with varied personality traits. Some customers are educated while others are not and they all have their peculiarities. I find the market place as a practising field for all the theories we have been taught in school,” she said.

On how she retains the loyalty of her customers, Nonye emphasized that most of her customers find it difficult to patronise other people because of the special way she deals with them all.

“There seldom are any of my customers who take my patronage elsewhere except I do not have what they want at that point in time. They always stay by me because I treat each and every one of them especially, not giving one person precedence over the other. I attend to every of my customer as if he or she is my only customer by giving them all the attention whenever they are around.”

Nonye also disclosed to Saturday Mirror that though lucrative, the telecom business is capital intensive.

“This business is a good and lucrative

one but it is capital intensive. You know most of these phones are imported; we get some from Hong Kong, some from the US and some from the UK depending on the type.”

Another major challenge in the phone business according to Nonye is the unstable exchange rate of the dollar and other

major currencies to the naira.

“The price of phones these days is so unpredictable because of the way the dollar has been fluctuating. The foreign exchange is what determines the price of these phones. Today, you may sell a particular phone for N10, 000 and tomorrow, that same phone may be sold for N12, 000 depending on how much the dollar is. It is a serious situation these days because it is also affecting sales too.” added Nonye.

Commenting on the type of phones being churned out in the market these days, Mrs. Okorafor stated that technology is dynamic and things keep evolving and the phone producing industries are not left behind in this regard as various types of phones with improved technology keep coming up every day.

“Gone are those days when you have to go through a lot of protocols to get your phone configured for internet facilities.

These days most of the models of phones are android which gives room for easy internet facility and operations. Most of these applications come with the phone.

You just get one, slot in your sim card and your configuration settings will automatically be sent to you instantly and you are online. It is as easy as that with these new brands available in the market today,” explains Nonye.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGIONAL NEWS

September 29, 2012

49

Road accident claims 3 bankers in P’ Harcourt CHINEDUM EMEANA

A’Ibom Assembly to enact law on widows TONY ANICHEBE UYO

T

he Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly is to pass a bill prohibiting unwholesome practices against widows in the state, the Speaker, Samuel Ikon, has said.

Ikon said in Uyo when he received officials of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) and Akwa Ibom Indigenes in the Diaspora, that the Assembly was responding to the agitations by organisations, other human rights groups and the general public within and outside the state.

He explained that the law would stop the practice of forcing widows to forfeit the property of their dead husbands to their in-laws, and would protect children of the deceased who often suffer from such act.

PORT HARCOURT

T

hree bankers were burnt beyond recognition in the wee-hours of Friday morning when the Hillux van they were travelling in rammed into a stationary tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and immediately exploded into flames

by First Bank Bus stop along the Port HarcourtAba Expressway.

The incident, which occurred around 1.15 am, according to the Police, burnt the van completely while the back end of the truck was also burnt.

The truck had broken down at the spot since Wednesday and was not removed. Even after it had claimed three lives, it was still there as at Friday afternoon, while the van, which rammed into it has been dragged out and shifted to the side of the road.

Dr. Kayode Olagunju of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), who confirmed the incident to Saturday Mirror,

acknowledged that the victims had been identified to be bankers, but he refused to disclose either their names or the particular bank that they worked for until their death.

However, he said investigation into the incident was still ongoing, adding that the FRSC

would continue to do its best to ensure that traffic flow is normalized, despite the incident, which happened in the middle of the heavily trafficked Aba road.

Also the Rivers State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Ben Ugwuebulam, confirmed the accident and

the fact that three persons, including a middleaged woman were killed.

“The police is aware of the fire accident that occurred this morning at about 1.15am, three persons inside a Toyota vehicle including a lady were burnt beyond recognition after their car rammed into a station-

ary truck,” he said.

Meanwhile, public outcry has risen against officials of the Rivers State Traffic Management Authority otherwise called TIMARIV and the FRSC in Port Harcourt for not making any effort to remove the broken down tanker until it resulted in the accident.

L-R: Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama; Hon. Justice Z.L. Smith; Chief Judge of Delta State; Justice S.O. Uwaifo; retired judge of Supreme Court and retired Chief Judge of Edo State,Justice Constance Momoh at the burial ceremony of Late Hon. Victor Ovie-Whiskey at Agbarho, Ughelli North Area of Delta State, yesterday.

Ondo guber: Mimiko’s ex-commissioner dumps LP Ogun NUJ election: Wole Sokunbi emerges winner FEMI OYWESO ABEOKUA

C

omrade Wole Sokunbi yesterday emerged as the new chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Ogun State Council in an election that was conducted in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Sokunbi pulled total votes of 144 to defeat his opponent, Lanre Ogunyinka, who pulled a total of 72 votes in the chairmanship election that was the only contested one, as candidates for all other positions emerged unopposed.

The election was dully supervised by the union’s national officials that included the NUJ National Vice President (South West).

OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

F

ormer Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs under the Governor Olusegun Mimikio government, Mr. Diran Iyantan, has dumped the Labour Party (LP).

Equally, three special assistants to Governor Mimiko early this week resigned their appointments. Iyantan said he resigned his membership of LP because of the insensitivity of the Mimiko government to the plight of the people of the state.

Speaking at a rally after his official defection to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) at Ode-Aye in the Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state, the former commissioner berated the governor for failing to fulfill his promises to the people of the state.

Iyantan, who is the immediate younger

brother of Late Afolabi Iyantan, the former deputy governor of the state, said: “The Bible says it is better for a man not to make a promise than to make a promise he knows he would never fulfill. This is a great sin. I am a Christian and a practicing politician.

“I believe so much in the Word of God. I expected the governor

to stick to the philosophy of one governor, one term which he originated. I expected him to move to ACN, the moment he became governor. But it is unfortunate that the same Mimiko that promised to go to ACN also romances with PDP in Abuja because of his zeal to remain relevant in national politics.

“To me, this is a betrayal of trust. The governor is fond of paying evil for good, particularly those that brought him up politically. The stories of what transpired between him and Dr Olusegun Agagu , Chief Adebayo Adefarati, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, even Chief Olusegun Obasanjo that appointed him as a fed-

Germany, Osun to partner on economy

T

he Consulate-General of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria, Mr. Walter Von Der Driesch, on Friday said Germany is ready to collaborate with Osun State in a bid to take the state to greater height.

Der Driesch made this disclosure when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, in company of some management staff of the Ladoke Akintola University’s College of Medical Sciences, at the office of the governor in Osogbo.

Der Driesch told Aregbesola that Germany is doing a lot in the area of vocational training, adding that his Consulate and Germany will in every way collaborate with the Aregbesola-led government in achieving an area of it’s six cardinal point agenda.

According to Der Driesch, “Germany is a strong country that is doing a lot in the area of vocational study, and having promised that the country would collaborate with four states in Nigeria, I will do everything in my

capacity to include Osun in the collaboration with states in Nigeria in the area of vocational study.”

The German Consulate-General noted that he was impressed by the level of infrastructure at the Ladoke Akintola University (Lautech) College of Medical Science and that his country was set to strengthen its medical student and improve the health care delivery in Osun.

Governor Aregbesola, while responding, said vocational skill is the major way of independence

eral minister, are proven evidence of his political anomalies.

“The man has dug a pit for his predecessor.

Mimiko has done badly in the administration of the state and that is why I am reminding our people that one bad turn deserves rejection.

The pit he has dug will naturally consume him as well.” for any man, adding that Osun would support Germany’s initiative in the area of vocational training.

In the words of Aregbesola, “your visit coincides with a momentous happening in our state in the sense that, for the very first time in the history of the state, permanent secretaries were all replaced at once.

This will be the first of its kind by any administration and those that are going to be sworn in were selected through the best method of evaluation and assessment because no emotion was involved.”

50

REGIONAL NEWS

September 29, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Adamawa floods: Govt orders victims out of occupied schools OWOLABI ADENUSI

Kogi orders LGs to pay September salary ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

K

ogi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Ndamodu Ali, has directed the liaison officers of the 21 local governments in the state to, without delay, pay full September salary to the already distressed workers of the councils.

Ali who stated this yesterday in the face of nine months salaries arrears owed the workers in the local councils warned of the grave consequences of the action of the interim management of the local councils in the state.

Earlier, a delegation of Medical and Health Workers Union, who were in the commissioner in his office,alleged that the interim Chairmen are making a plan to cut down the salaries of the health workers.

YOLA

F

lood victims in Adamawa State currently settling in public schools in parts of the state have been urged to vacate their temporary abodes to allow for the new academic session to commence in the state. The state government said it would soon provide the victims alternative camp sites.

The state Commissioner for Special Duties, Hayatu Zumo, said the state government had to take this step for the good of the stranded pupils, who are unable to commence the new academic session because of the stay of the flood victims in the schools.

Only recently, Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Kobbis Aris, had warned the victims not to go back to their respective homes, saying that the Cameroon government would open the Lagdo Dam in the months of September and October.

As a temporary mea-

sure following the floods that ravaged the state recently, the state government had evacuated and camped victims in nearby public schools across the state where they have been receiving attention and relief from agencies, individuals and corporate

bodies.

Zumo gave the latest evacuation order at the flag-off of the relocation of the victims to temporary camps in Yola, the state capital. Making presentation of relief materials to the evacuees, she urged the displaced per-

sons to be patient adding that the state government was poised to cushion the hardship they were passing through due to the disaster.

Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Shadrack Daniel, also

told newsmen that some of the displaced persons had vacated their camps to live with their relatives or elsewhere.

However, he posited that SEMA would still reach out to the IDPs with relief items to ease their suffering.

LG aspirant promises to rebuild Zaki Biam market HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

A

n aspirant chairmanship candidate under the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming 24th November, 2012, local council polls for Ukum Local Government Council of Benue State, Barrister Teryima Nguher Levi, has pledged to resuscitate the famous Zaki Biam yam market if given the mandate.

The yam market in Zaki Biam was allegedly destroyed by the military during the invasion of the community in 2001.

Barrister Nguher, who spoke with Saturday Mirror yesterday shortly after submission of his form of

intent at the premises of Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), assured that all things being equal, if the electorate throws their weight behind him at the forthcoming elections, “I shall bring back the lost glory of what Zaki Biam was known for,” adding that, as son of the soil, he knew exactly what was required to resurrect the once-booming yam center and other attractions.

He declared that, with the massive support received from the political stakeholders in the area, he was optimistic that the sky was the limit pointing out that come rain or sunshine he was the most accepted choice of the electorates.

Barrister Nguher fur-

ther expressed the hope that political climate in Ukum, where he is vying to lead the council and its entire populace, had the likes of the first republic speaker Hon. Benjamin Chaha, as well as Prof.

Mvendaga Jibo both of whom come from there, and was optimistic that he would always count on their blessings and that of the generality of the people.

In another related development, the only female contender for chairmanship election in the November 24th council’s polls for Kwande Local Government in Benue State, Hon. Mrs. Helen Ikpambese, who is contesting under the banner of the Action Congress of Nigeria, stated that her

enthronement as council chairman was a foregone conclusion as all the political juggernauts there had thrown their weight behind her candidature.

She dismissed with a wave of hand allegations of imposition of candidates on the electorates pointing out that those making such frivolous claims were economical with the truth and stressing that Kwande is too large for a negligible number of persons to infuse someone if the person is not accepted.

“Let me reiterate further that you know the old Kwande first produced the first civilian governor in the person of Late Mr. Aper Aku and he was at one time the chairman of this council.”

Borno to build more classrooms in Govt College, others INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

Gombe floats N20bn bond for capital projects

T

he Gomber State Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Muhammad Hassan, on Friday said that the state government had issued a N20 billion bond to finance capital projects in the state.

Hassan disclosed to newsmen in Gombe that the bond issuer, being the Gombe State Government, would be able to repay the debt investment loan in seven years.

He said that the government would complete formalities on the processing of the bond loan in Abuja on Friday.

Hassan said that the seven year-maturity for the long-term investment bond was convenient for the state to repay it.

G

overnor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has directed the Commissioner of Education, Alhaji Inuwa Kubo and that of poverty alleviation, who is in charge of the ongoing molding of red bricks, Dr. Zainab Gimba, to construct additional 10 classroom blocks in the Government College Maiduguri so as to decongest about 150 students per class to 40 students.

Shettima said it was improper and against the educational system for about 150 secondary school students to receive lessons in one classroom considering the high temperature experienced in the state.

He said no student would learn in an environment that is not conducive, and that his administration would do everything to provide necessary facilities to its

L-R: Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sagir Saleh; People’s Democratic Party(PDP), North-East Zonal Chairman, Sen. Mohammed Girgir and Bauchi State Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Yaro-Yaro, at the inauguration of the party’s secretariat in Bauchi State, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

public schools across the state.

It will be recalled that the state government had earlier this year awarded contracts worth N3.7 billion for construction and reconstruction of addi-

tional classrooms among others, in which Government College Maiduguri was one of the beneficiaries.

Conducting the governor round the ongoing work in the school yester-

day, Kubo said that with the award of the contract at the school, additional 10 news classrooms had been constructed making the school to have about 46 classrooms, which will reduce the students’ pop-

ulation in a classroom from 150 to 60, but the governor, being dissatisfied with the congested number of students in each classroom directed the immediate construction of new ones.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGIONAL NEWS

September 29, 2012

51

Kaduna approves N474m for state varsity hospital Kebbi farmers laud IFAD agric programme

R

ural farmers and political leaders in Kebbi State have called on the federal and state governments to support the continuation of the IFAD-assisted Community Based Agricultural and Rural Development programme (IFAD-CBARDP).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that farmers, who benefited from the programme, spoke when the IFAD Country Programme Manager, Ms Atsuko Toda, led the Supervision Mission Team on an assessment of the programme.

The mission was aimed at assessing the extent of implementation and impact of the programme as well as its sustainability.

T

he Kaduna State government has approved the release of N474 million to upgrade the Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital to serve as teaching hospital for medical students of the Kaduna State University.

The Commissioner for Health, Mr. Turaki Kalik, made this known while addressing newsmen after the state Executive Council meeting on Friday in Kaduna.

“The aim is to provide conducive environment for the medical students soon to be ushered into their clinical studies,” he said, adding that 70 medical students were due for their clinical studies.

The commissioner said that the state government had directed commissioners, permanent secretaries and directors to be fully involved in the polio immunization sensitisation campaign in their localities.

He said that the next round of polio immunisation would hold from Oct.

6 to Oct. 9 in all the 23 local government areas of the state.

According to him, the exercise requires the support of the council chairmen, legislators, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

Kalik recalled that 12

new cases of polio were recently recorded in Igabi, Birnin Gwari, Kubau, Makarfi, Zaria and Ikara Local Government Areas and said the campaign was to ensure total immunisation of targeted children.

He reiterated the commitment of the state

government toward improving the health sector, saying it was part of the transformation agenda of the administration.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Muhammad Usman, said the government would spend N135.3 mil-

lion to procure computers, science and technical facilities for its secondary schools.

Usman said the science and technical equipment would be deployed to 10 schools while 34 other schools would receive the computers.

Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa of Kaduna State speaking with journalists after a meeting with the State Executive Council in Kaduna, recently.

Controversy trails new Onitsha grain seed market NWABUEZE OKONKWO

NIGERIA at 52: MASSOB doubts operation of true federalism CHARLES OKEKE,

AWKA,

A

s Nigeria celebrates its 52nd Independence Anniversary on Monday, the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), yesterday expressed doubt over the future of Nigeria, even as it claimed there are no signals that true federalism would be entrench in the country.

Spokesman for the group, Comrade Uchenna Madu, in a release made available to Saturday Mirror, claimed that at 52, Nigerian leaders were yet to fashion out a better way to move the country forward as an indivisible entity.

The statement also claimed that the group had, over the years, been able to instill in the minds of the Igbo man that there is no going back on its demands from the Nigerian state.

ONITSHA

B

loodbath now looms at the newly completed Grain Seed Market, Onitsha, Anambra State, following an alleged attempt by the executive members of the Grain Seed Dealers Association, Ose Ekwodu Market Branch, to forcefully take over the market from the registered trustees, stakeholders and building committee of the newly completed market .

The registered trustees, stakeholders and building committee members of the market had sometime in July, 2012, completed the market structures, allocated the shops to themselves and commenced trading activities in earnest, only for the executive members of the Ose Ekwodu Grain Seed dealers to allegedly connive with the police at Awada Division to push them out of the market in order to take over its ownership.

In a petition to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), dated September 21, the registered trustees, through their legal

counsel, Barrister Emeka Anyanechi, from K. C. Ezeanyika Law Chambers, Onitsha, alleged that sometime in July, while the traders were in the market doing their normal trading activities, a group of armed thugs, in connivance with the police from Awada Police Station, came into the market, chased out their clients and the traders

in the market and locked up the market for no just cause.

In the petition, entitled: “Conduct likely to cause breach of peace, breaking and entry, stealing and malicious damage to property against Mr. Godwin Okonkwo, Luke Okpala, Charles Ikegwuonu, Venatus Okoli, Emmanuel Ndubuisi, Celestine Eze and

Everistus Ogbodo, in conjunction and in active connivance with Mr. Emeka Ugwu (D.P.O.), Awada Police Station, Obosi”, the trustees further alleged that when contacted, Ugwu admitted that he was the person that sent the police officers to chase them out of the market.

The petitioners further stated that when

they complained about the chasing out to the state commissioner of police, the police commissioner directed them to the state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, claiming that the Ose Ekwodu Grain Seed dealers executive could not in any way lay claim to the ownership of the market, since they are two different markets.

APGA crisis: Okorocha denies dumping Umeh, APGA CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

I

mo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has said that the cordial relationship between him and the national chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, remains intact contrary to the insinuations in some quarters that he has dumped him.

It was reported that Governor Okorocha had been in a secret meeting with a northern governor with a view to quitting after allegedly directing his commissioners and political associates to keep away from the national

chairman.

But in a statement yesterday, the governor’s Special Assistant on Media (Print), Ebere Uzoukwa, maintained that Governor Okorocha had no plans whatsoever to quit APGA, but had demonstrated enough commitment as a leader to resolve the crisis orchestrated by some detractors who were already jittery over the growth of the party in the South East and beyond.

The governor’s aide, who described the purported report as the handiwork of political detractors and mischiefmakers, said their agenda was to destroy APGA and

cause disaffection between Okorocha and the national chairman.

The statement added that, “Governor Rochas Okorocha remains loyal to APGA and its leadership at all levels including the Chief Victor Umeh -led National Working Committee (NWC).”

He said that the governor had demonstrated high regard for APGA above personal interest and would ever remain committed in making the party a formidable platform in the quest to provide good governance to Imo people and Nigerians through well-articulated people-oriented programmes, which he

said was the hallmark of APGA. “It is however noteworthy to mention that Governor Okorocha neither discussed APGA and Umeh with any northern governor nor directed his commissioners and political associates to keep away from the national chairman.”

Gov Okorocha

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

September 29, 2012

Crime Watch

P. 54

Car dealer dies in Adamawa police cell

BRIEFS

Robbers storm federal secretariat in Katsina JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

A

rmed robbers in the early hours of yesterday stormed the federal secretariat in Katsina State where they overpowered and tied six security men on duty.

The robbers, numbering about 20, were said to have carted away important documents from the immigration office and also ransacked neighbouring offices before leaving.

Immigration sources and some workers at the secretariat said they got to the office and found find their offices broken into with the security men tied.

One of the security, Ibrahim Muntari, 59, said the robbers came at about 2am, rough-handled them and demanded for directions to the immigration office.

He said the robbers then tied them before carrying out their operation and that he suspected they must have carted away some important documents from the immigration office.

Speaking to Saturday Mirror on the issue, the state Commissioner of Police, Magaji Abdullahi said it was an inside job and those arrested would be interrogated to get to the root of the matter.

Court remands 4 for alleged robbery

A

n Osogbo Senior Magistrates’ Court on Friday ordered the remand of four persons in prison over alleged armed robbery.

The accused persons are Akinnuga Damilola, 18, Adewami Adesoji, 22, Makajuola Kabiru, 23 and Saheed Ibrahim, 23.

The police prosecutor, Mr Elisha Olusegun, told the court that the accused persons, on August 28, laid siege along Osogbo/Gbogan Road at about 12 pm and allegedly robbed motorists and commuters.

He alleged that the accused persons who were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons such as knives, charms and axes robbed one Opejin Saheed of his Bajaj motorcycle valued at N103, 000.

He added that “the accused robbed a police constable, Saliu Opeyemi, of his Honda saloon car valued at N900,000 and his Nokia cell phone valued at N17,000.”

Senior Magistrate Olusola Aluko did not take the plea of the accused persons on the ground that the court lacks jurisdiction to try robbery cases.

He ordered that the suspects be remanded in prison till November 20 for mention.

Crime Watch

‘We are working for the high and mighty’ z ‘We are sponsored by high calibre people’ In what appeared to be a military operation, some sea robbers were arrested by a joint task force. The revelations made by the suspected leader of the gang have, however, left the security operatives in shock.

MV. EJENAVI allegedly used to siphon fuel by the robbers

SEGUN ADIO

M

en of the anti-piracy task force operating in Igbokoda, Ondo State, recorded a major breakthrough in their operations recently when they apprehended some pirates cum sea hijackers in the coastal community.

The task force team was comprised of men of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Security Agency (NIMASA), and other paramilitary outfits.

The suspected criminals did not give in easily to the anti-piracy team, though.

Their arrest came after heavy gun duel, which reportedly lasted for about 35 minutes. At the end of the fierce gun duel, the sea robbers yielded to the superior fire power of the security operatives which led to the arrest of the suspects.

The acclaimed leader of the syndicate, identified simply as Wazobia, was first arrested while his gang members fled the gun duel.

Wazobia, however, later led the security operatives to the training camp used by his gang. Even at the training camp, the security operatives, who apparently had thought the arrest of the sea robbers would be home and dry, were given a fight.

At the end of the day, about 13 other members of the syndicate were apprehended and taken to custody by the security operatives.

Apart from members of the gang that were apprehended, 16 sophisticated rifles, several explosive devices, long range high calibre weapons, and 10,000 ammunition of various types and charms were also re-

covered at the camp site.

Investigations also revealed that by the time the security operatives swooped on the gang’s training camp, they were concluding plans to launch an attack on another vessel on the high sea with the discovery of an operational map displayed on their table.

It was also discovered that the gang had, before their arrest, successfully launched attacks on no less than 20 fuel laden vessels in the last 10 months.

Even at the detention of the security operatives, the alleged kingpin of the gang, Wazobia, made frantic efforts to escape but was quickly curtailed by a more alert security team. While speaking with the task force, the kingpin allegedly made some revealing confessions about the activities of the gang.

Wazobia, it was reported, mentioned some oil cabals and three paramount rulers as sponsors of their heinous crimes.

“Now that this has happened it is essential that people know that we are just being used by some people in the society. It is now that we have served these people that they have chosen to abandon us. We shall not allow that to happen. They all must come to the open to say who actually we are working for,” Wazobia said.

More shocking is the confession that one of the traditional rulers from the South –West who is believed to own a big storage facility, is not only a sponsor but he (the monarch) and his son, provided them arms and also directly engaged in the sales of the stolen oil from hijacked vessels.

Wazobia also allegedly gave the names of about three other storage facilities where stolen oil was being deposited for

The robbery kingpin

onward distribution.

A member of the task force, who spoke with reporters on a condition of anonymity, claimed that the team got a wind of the activities of the pirates from a member of the community where their camp is located.

The task force member also claimed that the confessions of the kingpin had been forwarded to higher authorities for appropriate actions.

The source however maintained that Wazobia might be looking for ways to drag some people into the crime with his confessional statements.

“It had been a long time we had been on the trail of this gang but finally we were able to trap them after information got to us that they would be launching an attack yet on another vessel and their locations also revealed.

“It is true that the leader made some startling revelations, but sometimes such revelations may be tainted with misgivings but whatever the case is they are being looked into now at the high level,” he said.

In a swift reaction by the task force to Wazobia’s confessions and revelations, one of the facilities, located in Apapa, Lagos State, has already been sealed up, and its top management staff arrested and being questioned.

Also in his revelations, Wazobia confessed that the group was at the verge of raising another team to attack another vessel before security men swooped on them.

He also narrated how the gang recruited members from neighbouring countries like Ghana, Benin, Togo, Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso, and how the recruits are trained in some parts of the country.

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

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CRIME WATCH

September 29, 2012

53

I never knew I was in Lagos for robbery –Undergraduate suspect John Emeka Nnagbo is an undergraduate on vacation in Lagos. What could have led this young man into police custody even when he claimed he had come to Lagos for a visit and holiday job?

SEGUN ADIO

J

ohn Emeka Nnagbo is a 100 level student of Educational Foundation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) in Awka, Anambra State.

Nnagbo, 23, and his classmates finished their second semester examinations on Wednesday, August 8, 2012.

A day after his last papers for the semester, Nnagbo headed for Lagos to join a bosom friend of his, identified as Ejike, who later turned out to be the head of an armed robbery gang. Upon his arrival in Lagos, Nnagbo reportedly lodged at a hotel around Maza-Maza area of Lagos State where he spent seven days with Ejike.

Today, Nnagbo is being held at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State Police Command at Adekunle Fajuyi Way, GRA, Ikeja. He is being accused of armed robbery and being in possession of dangerous weapons.

Nnagbo and Ejike, said to be a secondhand refrigerator seller at Lawanson area of Lagos, stayed in the Maza-Maza hotel for a week before they went for the operation that landed him in the warm embrace of the law.

“When I raised an eyebrow and asked why he wanted to lodge me at the hotel, not his house, he gave an excuse that he liked spending his weekends in hotels, having worked throughout the week he needed to enjoy himself. I was convinced and moved into the hotel with him. We spent a week in the hotel,” Nnagbo told Saturday Mirror.

Towards late afternoon of Saturday, 18 August, 2012, Nnagbo, Ejike and eight other members of their gang allegedly swooped on two high class hotels in different locations in Ogun and Lagos states before they were rounded up by security operatives. The 10 of them reportedly cramped themselves in two separate cars laden with assorted rifles and ammunition. It was around 8:00pm. They took time off to drive around town drinking at beer joints as they moved round until midnight when they headed for their real destinations.

The two cars containing the robbers headed for Akute area of Ogun State boundary with Lagos State. There, the gang forcefully gained entry into a hotel where they allegedly shot sporadically into the air and overpowered the night guard on duty and tied his hands to his back. At gunpoint, Nnagbo and his group moved from one room to the other raiding lodgers as they went round.

From the Akute hotel, the gang reportedly moved to Mafoluku, in Lagos State where they also raided two other hotels.

Speaking with reporters, Nnagbo, confessed to be part of the group, but claimed he was not in the know of the operations until he found himself breaking hotel doors, albeit after some of the gang members, threatened him. “On the day we went for the raids, we tied the night guards and held the only male receptionist hostage.

We first shot into the air to register our presence in the hotel but nobody was injured. We used the guard to forcibly open the doors of the hotel rooms where lodgers were. We made away with a number of mobile phones, computer laptops, wrist watches, trinkets and cash from the lodgers,” Nnagbo said.

He also narrated how they took with then a brand new Prado Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) purportedly belonging to a Federal Government Agency.

“The victim parked the SUV inside the parking lot of the hotel. We were almost taking our leave when we sighted it and we went to the receptionist to lead us to where the bearer was lodging. We seized the man, collected the vehicle key and kept him behind the boot. He was later released by the roadside. It was when we were leaving that they were all discussing and arguing among themselves that they were going to sell the vehicle,” he added.

Nnagbo said he later became panicky during the operation and that some members of the gang almost killed him because of his resistance to their actions but was saved by Ejike, his friend.

Nnagbo

“One of them (gang members) even wanted to shoot me when I was shivering but it was Ejike who prevailed on the man to stop his intent,” he said.

After the operation, Ekije and Nnagbo relocated to a hotel in Ejigbo area of Lagos where they intended to lodge and share the loot.

By that time, the eight other members of the gang had taken their share and left.

While Nnagbo was negotiating the price of the room they wanted to check into, plain clothes policemen swooped on him at the hotel lobby while Ekije, who was reportedly making some phone calls to his

girlfriend outside the hotel at the time the law enforcement agents came in, took to his heels.

In the bag that Nnagbo bore on his neck were two lap tops, 17 mobile phones and 80 live round of ammunition and the N6, 000 he claimed was meant to pay the hotel bill. He was immediately arrested and taken to custody while a manhunt has been launched for his partners-in-crime.

Lagos Police Command spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the incident and maintained that detectives in the command are on the trail of the fleeing members of the gang.

How Ogun police arrested fake DCP FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

A

dekunle Olatunji Banjo’s possession of a fake police identity card has landed him in police net at the Eleweran headquarters of the Ogun State police.

A native of Ijebu Ode in Ijebu – Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Banjo told Saturday Mirror that he was a police officer of the rank of constable until he was dismissed in 2009. To make ends meet, he thereafter took to crossing Tokunbo vehicles to every part of the country, depending on the market’s situation, a job he has been engaged in for the past five years.

But to enhance easy crossing of vehicles and escape all security odds, he got the Police Service identity card bearing the rank of deputy commissioner of issued to him on compassionate grounds by one of his bosses identified as Joseph Olaniyan who is now retired.

The intention was to enable him use the ID card to free himself whenever he was on the journey from the incessant harass-

Banjo

ments of custom officials who had in the past seized two Tokunbo vehicles from him.

The ID card, according to him, was backdated to the year 2007.

Explaining how he was caught by security operatives attached to the governor’s office last Monday, he told Saturday Mirror that he had gone to see Governor Ibikunle Amosun in company of one of his relations

called Joseph Banjo who is one of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) party leaders in Ijebu Ode with the intension of assisting him to get a job.

On his way to the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) who was to facilitate the process that will lead to his being absorbed into the state’s civil service, luck however ran against him when officials of the State Security Service (SSS) at the SSG’s office accosted him and demanded for his mission at the corridor of the governor’s office.

Banjo said he identified himself as a Tokunbo driver who was on his way to see the SSG. Not satisfied, the SSS official decided to conduct a search on him. It was in the process of searching him that the SSS official discovered that he was in possession of the DCP ID card.

He was thereafter handed over to the Chief Security Officer (CSO) at the governor’s office who himself is a police officer, Supol Shola Akindele, who placed him under arrest and he is currently undergoing interrogation at the state Criminal and Investigation Department (CID), Eleweran.

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

September 29, 2012

Crime Extra

OWOLABI ADENUSI YOLA

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ccusations and counter accusations have continued to trail the mysterious death of a car dealer, Christian Eze, while in police custody on Friday, September 13 in Adamawa State.

While 50-year-old Eze’s family are alleging that their breadwinner was killed by the police, the law enforcement agents have denied having a hand in his death.

A day before his death, a certain Mr. Agbaleke had reportedly gone to Eze’s shop on Target Junction Road along Jimeta-Yola expressway to request for his phone number from his manager, one Alhaji Adamu.

Agbaleke had told Adamu that he needed Eze’s telephone number because he wanted to negotiate the purchase of a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) from him. On hearing that the man wanted an SUV from their shop, the manager reportedly gave him Eze’s phone number without hesitation.

The said Agbaleke reportedly later called Eze on his mobile phone and both later met to discuss the terms of purchase and payment of the SUV. It was said that Agbaleke and Eze had known each other for some years but lost contact for a while until their reunion for the purpose of buying the SUV. During their discussion, Agbaleke had reportedly told Eze that he was retired from the police force which the latter had known him to be working with.

Investigations, however, later revealed that the said Agbaleke is still in service at the Kwara State Command. He is said to be a Superintendent of Police.

But before the two men rounded off their discussion on the proposed SUV purchase, Agbaleke reportedly begged Eze to stand guarantor for his brother being detained by the police at the Adamawa State Police Command. Agbaleke’s brother was reportedly arrested in connection with an impounded communication armoured cable worth over N100 million. To this request, Eze agreed and they both headed for the police station.

The two men were reportedly arrested for allegedly trying to induce policemen to release the detained man to the tune of N400, 000.

But in a statement by one Evarestus Eze, a cousin to the deceased and made available to Saturday Mirror, Eze’s family claimed that the father of six died in police detention.

According to Evaratus, Agbaleke told late Christian Eze that he had made necessary arrangements with the police as regards what he [Agbaleke] would pay the police and the late Eze should not worry.

Based on these assurances from Agbaleke and being someone who he, the late Christian Eze, had known before they both lost contact, the late Eze decided to assist him, particularly since he said the person involved was his (Agbaleke) brother and that he, as a retired police man could not sign a bail bond for any suspect including his own brother.

“It was during the process of signing the bail bond at the Police State Headquarters, Yola, that both Agbaleke and the late Christian Eze were arrested. While the police were about taking them into the cell

Eze and wife INSET: His wife and children

Car dealer dies in Adamawa police cell

•Police killed him -Family, wife •No, he died while trying to answer the call of nature -Police Christian Eze was 50 years old and a notable car dealer in Adamawa State. But for allegedly wanting to help an acquaintance secure bail for his younger brother in police custody, he too found himself in police net where he later died. How did he die, who or what killed him and when did he die? after their arrest Agbaleke told the police that he could not enter the cell because he is a serving policeman. Subsequently, Agbaleke was asked to stay behind the counter while the late Christian Eze was thrown into the cell,” Evaratus said.

A petition on the matter has also been sent to the Inspector General of Police by the family of the deceased.

Evarastus explained that when late Eze’s wife got wind of the information of the arrest of her husband, she went to the police command to secure his release but was told to go and bring someone to bail him because their primary investigation indicated that the man was innocent.

Evaratus said that after the wife was assured that the husband would be released, she quickly went to the manager of late Eze and both of them went to the police station to bail the deceased.

He claimed Mrs Eze and the Adamu were actually fooled as the car dealer was not released to them that day. Evarastus claimed that the news of the death of their breadwinner filtered to the town the following day to the consternation of the wife.

The remains of Eze had since been deposited at the Adamawa State Specialist Hospital Mortuary in the state capital.

The wife of the deceased, still in shock, however, faulted the circumstances surrounding the death of her husband of 14 years.

The Anambra State-born woman claimed the police authority in the state was alerted on the danger ahead when her husband was detained but declined to take to advice and deliberately wasted his life.

According to her, she visited her husband in the police station but saw the bad condition and terrible agony he was passing through and raised the alarm which the police failed to heed.

Her words: “He was not a trouble maker.

He never had any criminal record but he was invited by a policeman to assist him and was detained by the police authority before they killed him and later labelled him as a criminal who they arrested and who died in custody. Where did they arrest him? They should tell the whole world nothing but the truth. Why are they trying to cover up the evil act they perpetrated by killing an innocent man? Is it because we are poor and there is nobody to fight for us that the police decided to cut off my husband’s life?” she asked.

But the Adamawa State Police Command spokesman, Ibrahim Muhhamed,

faulted Eze’s family’s claim on the reasons adduced for his death.

Muhammed told journalists that the late Eze and one Superintendent of Police made an attempt to bribe a police officer with the sum of N400,000 to facilitate the release of a man arrested over a truck load of armoured cables.

“Actually one suspect was arrested in connection with the impounded cable, but the deceased and the alleged police SP who is lying critical ill in hospital were detained while attempting to bribe a police officer with N400,000 to facilitate the release of the suspect. The money was marked and would be tendered as an exhibit,” he said.

Muhammed, claimed the late Eze who actually led the morning devotion in the cell suddenly slumped and died while he was going to answer the call of nature.

“After the morning devotion Eze shouted that he wanted to ease himself. When he was being led out, he collapsed and was rushed to the hospital where the doctor confirmed him dead,” the PPRO said.

On what might have caused the death of the man while in police custody, the PPR0, said nobody tortured him but he suspected the man might be nursing an undisclosed ailment.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

September 29, 2012

55

Quote

of

the

day

The sentence of the court upon you is that you are to be hung on the neck until you are dead. And may God have mercy on your soul.

Justice Olabisi Akinlade, while sentencing a former police corporal, Okechukwu Nwabueze, to death for killing a three year old girl, Kafusara Muritala.

Saturday, September 29, 2012. www.nationalmirroronline.net

Job and wealth creation in Africa (III)

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frica’s demographic bulge, as it exists, is a time bomb if adequate and right investments are not made in education, skill acquisition and job creation for them. Young people’s vibrant and energetic abilities must be capacitated, maximized and channeled into positive and productive activities. Our inability to provide for this demography is like waiting for a disaster to happen.

This portends great danger for the sociopolitical cohesion with attendant human security risk for African countries. In fact, it is capable of reversing the successes recorded in the areas of entrenching democracy in Africa. But Africa’s instability with insecurity has implications for the rest of the world as well.

We need to take closer look at the synergies between our micro- and macroeconomic policies so as to translate the robust economic growth into strong, sustained, and shared growth that will lead to substantial improvement in the living conditions and standard of our African brothers and sisters.

As I noted in my address last year, there is a need to mobilize and attract private investments within Africa and beyond on a sustainable basis and this cannot be achieved by the public sector

with President Olusegun Obasanjo hexcellency2011@yahoo.com efforts alone. Engaging the “responsible” private sector in development solutions and investment in Africa can have a fundamental, long term impact on wealth creation and social development and also on increasing national competitiveness. The achievements we have made in terms of economic growth have been largely due to the increasing partnership with the private sector to achieve sustained efficiency in management and to minimize fiscal financing requirements for various developmental projects which the States cannot afford.

It is pertinent to mention here that the growth of recent times in Africa relied,

in no small measure, on commodity requirements of the thriving economies of emerging nations.

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, there is a need to employ various strategies in addressing Africa’s challenge of wealth generation and job creation. I believe the next two days should provide us an ample opportunity to do serious introspection to find out what exactly we are doing wrong and what we are doing right and how best we can make progress that will lead to quantum jump to the next higher level.

However, I believe the starting point is for us to cast a positive spin on the chal-

SPORT EXTRA

Rangers’ management clarifies invitation by House of Assembly T he management of Rangers FC of Enugu has said that it is not being probed by the state House of Assembly.

It said in a statement in Enugu on Friday that its recent invitation by the assembly was the assembly’s constitutional oversight function and did not amount to a probe.

The statement, signed by Rangers Media Officer, Foster Chime, said the assembly was just carrying out its routine oversight function on all government ministries, department and agencies.

He said the management of Rangers was bound by law to honour the invitation from the assembly committee on sports.

“Rangers International is not the only department involved; other agencies, ministries and department are also involved in the routine exercise,” he said.

“It is ridiculous for arm chair critics and evil men to say otherwise. That is why we want to put our records right,” Chime said.

lenges. Optimistically, let us see the glass as half full as we focus on the issue of wealth generation and employment creation. We have had more universities in Africa. For instance, in my own country, Nigeria, we have moved from one university at independence in 1960 to 124 Universities today.

But the relevance of the fields of study, the curricula, and the effectiveness of pedagogy for the development needs of African countries as well as the general quality of programmes and graduates, remains a big challenge. The issue of unemployable educated as brought out clearly by Dr. Kaberuka is a very serious one which must not be ignored.

For 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.

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Fixtures Today’s Matches Gambia v France 17:00 USA v Korea DPR 17:00 Canada v Azerbaijan 20:00 Colombia v Nigeria 20:00

PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES Today’s Matches Arsenal v Chelsea 12:45 Everton v Southampton 15:00 Fulham v Manchester City 15:00 Norwich City v Liverpool15:00 Readingv Newcastle Utd 15:00 Rangers coach, Okey Emordi

Stoke City v Swansea 15:00

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