Saturday, September 8, 2012

Air Nigeria to workers:

No work, no pay

P. 7

Vol. 02 No. 39

North to Jonathan

P. 6

No going back on revenue sharing debate

N150

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Fuel subsidy scam:

EFCC declares three marketers wanted P. 8

INSIDE

Facebook fraudsters using my identity

Cynthia!

–NAFDAC DG

P. 8

Celebrity Mr. Nigeria

Corpse absent at funeral

P. 18

MAGA A IINE

Agbor youths waiting for Cynthia’s body for burial in Agbor, Delta State ...yesterday. More pictures and stories on Page 2

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FG, oil marketers agree on supplies

P. 6

2

Living

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

September 8, 2012

INSIDE

Woman with world’s longest fingernails P.40

‘I saved my honour’ P.53 z Woman shoots and decapitates rapist who made her pregnant

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State consoles Cynthia’s parents

Cynthia’s

corpse absent at funeral AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

‘Being Mr. Nigeria has changed me’ P.18

How PHCN cable killed man, two P.38 daughters in Ogun

I

t was a solemn atmosphere of mourning yesterday at the country home of Major General Frank Osokogu (Rtd), as people from different walks of life converged there for the burial of his daughter, Cynthia Udoka, the 24-year-old postgraduate student, who was murdered by her facebook friends in Lagos.

Curiously though the body of the murdered business executive was absent throughout the burial rites conducted in the traditional way.

As early as 8:00am family members, friends and sympathisers including the governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, and his wife, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, civil commissioners, top government functionaries, traditional rulers and chiefs had trooped into the compound of the Osokogus to witness the burial of the late Cynthia at Boji Boji Owa, Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.

Commiserating with the Osokogu’s family, Governor Uduaghan enjoined them to put the death of their daughter behind them and never allow the painful circumstances to weigh them down.

“We are here because of the tragic situation in the sense that we have lost our daughter in circumstances strange to us. Cynthia died in the hands of deadly criminals. She was a promising young girl, intelligent and smart but

what happened to Cynthia is what anybody can be a victim of.”

He added that the socio media, expected to advance the world and the society, had been turned by some people to perpetrate criminality and evil.

Meanwhile the ceremony which was expected to be the burial of late Cynthia occurred without her corpse.

Her father, General Osokogu, explained that the family was shocked when the news came from the medical team and the police that her body would not be released for burial.

The reason given, according to her fa-

ther, was that some medical checks had not been carried out on the body and that it would be released for burial as soon as those were done.

Senator Okowa, HRM Obi Efezimor, Obi of Owa kingdom condemned the killing of Cynthia describing it as painful. They also heaped curses on her killers saying they (her killers) had murdered sleep and would never know progress and development in their entire lives.

According to the duo, the socio media before now used to be pen pals.

The duo, however, regretted that with the advent of the new thread in technology, things had changed with some people using it to commit crime and evil.

They added that the socio media had become too notorious for spreading false information and maligning personalities.

“The youths should be cautious of what they do on the socio media and should not trust everybody they meet there,” they enjoined.

In a sermon during the requiem mass of Late Cynthia at the St Dominics Catholic Church, Boji Boji Owa, Agbor, the officiating priest, Rev Fr. Leonard Biachi, blamed the society for the death of Cynthia adding that, “the kind of society we found ourselves is a horrible one. It is not okay with our society that a beautiful, intelligent and promising young girl would be drugged and murdered just like that.”

The priest, however, noted that facebook used to be a decent enterprise but it had been turned to where all kind of evils and crimes are being perpetrated by some.

He described the killers of Cynthia as cowards who could not woo any lady even the deceased face to face but hid under the guise of facebook to carry out their immorality.

The priest stressed that everyone has the responsibility to build the society and that the death of Cynthia should not stop the usage of Facebook but must not be used for evil and other social vices.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

GRANGE

September 8, 2012

InThe

Spotlight

3

Nigeria’s first female Health Minister, Prof. Adenike Grange, opens up for the first time ever on the celebrated ‘N300 million unspent fund’ that led to her resignation. She spoke to TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

‘The Nigerian system gets rid of anyone that wants to change it’ Y

our appointment on 26 July, 2007 as the first female Minister of Health was well celebrated, how did you feel when you became the Minister?

I felt challenged but I felt that I had enough experience, skills and support. I thought that I had enough support to be able to play the role that was expected of me to turn things around for the health system. I went into the ministry with a vision and to make a difference. We worked right from the beginning wanting to put logic into the system. I had a logical approach that the health system is for all the people and not just for a set of people. I believe there must be equity and with that in mind we went on and luckily for us an insurance scheme was already in place and many strategic plans were on ground for us to tap into and to bring all together as a comprehensive approach to reforming the health system.

You said you came in with a lot of determination to turn the health system around but you didn’t spend up to nine months in office before you quit. What do you think led to your exit from office?

Several things went wrong. First, I would say that

even the environment into which I was going was not conducive partly because nobody with my kind of background; a professional paediatrician had been there after Professor Olikoye Ransome -Kuti who had the full support of the Head of State. But I served in a democratic dispensation and a lot more preparation needed to be made. A lot more preparation in the sense that we needed to decide if we really all shared the same vision or not. I knew what my vision was and I tried as much as possible to illustrate and present it. In fact I had my conceptual framework in a power point and at every opportunity I had, I presented this framework. As a matter of fact I was so aggressive about it but the very person (my boss, the President) I should have presented to, never got to hear from me. I never had the opportunity to present it to him.

While I was trying to do what was expected of me, it seems that others had different ideas, goals and objectives. Unfortunately for me, that was the first time of working in a ministry and I did not get those signals that people had different objectives and they were not ready to move along with me. So that was the main problem. The second thing was that there were various camps and I didn’t understand the landscape at that time; people were doing different things and some had

thought that I was not with them in their camp. The way I was brought up is that if you are a leader you bring everybody together; you cannot afford to be in one camp or the other. And it was that kind of philosophy that I adopted for everybody in my relationship but obviously they were not used to that kind of approach, so they became suspicious of me.

Also, the way the job description had been divided between the Minister and Minister of State did not make me feel that I was actually in charge. There was a document which had been prepared prior to our assumption of office about who should be managing what in the ministry of health. We had no choice in this matter. Unknown to me, this led to a strained scenario. There again nobody wanted to accept that this tension had to be resolved. Nobody wanted to resolve it because it suited them to create confusion in the ministry.

Are you saying that power tussle between you and some top officials was the genesis of your exit from office?

I believe that it contributed to it. If I may speak frankly, I can now see that if we had all been able to CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

4

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

September 8, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Prof. Adenike Grange, a Professor of paediatrics and former consultant to the Federal Ministry of Health, World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children Funds (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is the first female Minister of Health in Nigeria.

She was President of the International Paediatric Association from 2004 to 2007. She is currently the Chairman, Board of the Otunba Tunwase National Paediatric Centre, Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State.

TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

W

hat has been the secret of your long marriage?

We love each other and we happen to have the same background.

We like the same types of things; we love music, going out together and doing things together. So with that, we are never bored. That is the secret of our marriage. And of course we are together in terms of what we want for our children; the goals we want for ourselves and our children. My husband has actually been very supportive of what I am trying to do in my career and I have also supported him.

How did you meet your husband?

I met him in 1965 shortly after I finished my House Job in England and we both attended the same interview here in Nigeria to get a job. After the interview, he talked to me and I talked to him and I didn’t know then that we were actually going to get married. We first became friends before things turned romantic.

How long did it take before he finally won your heart?

I think it took about a year, because in those days there was no hurry to do anything. We met in 1965 and finally got married in 1966. We were both looking for jobs and we had to make sure that we were established in our careers and also ensure that our parents had time to meet. So our relationship is based on the fact that not only do we love each other, our families also loves each other.

Were two of you eventually employed after the interview?

Yes we were employed but in different places. I was employed at the Island Maternity and he was employed at the General Hospital.

So you are married to a doctor?

Yes, he is a doctor. He is an orthopedic

I sacrificed career for home –Prof. Adenike Grange

surgeon.

How has it been for two doctors living under the same room, considering the tight schedules of doctors?

It’s been sometimes very good and sometimes very hectic. Sometimes our children don’t like it when we are both away working. But by and large, we adjusted and things turned out to be okay, because we have given our children good education and they are all working, married and settled with their spouses and children. And I think that is what everybody prays for.

How were you able to manage your role as a mother and wife considering the tight schedules of your profession?

I had to sacrifice some years in my career. For example, I didn’t obtain my post graduate diploma until about 10 years after my peers were done with theirs. I was busy running my practice, working and looking after my children. I had to give up some time to look after the home. In short, I delayed my post graduate diploma for 10 years to manage my home.

Apart from the issue of the ‘alleged’ N300million unspent fund, what other challenges did you have as a minister?

While serving as a Minister, I went through a lot of things in terms of housing. In fact, as Ministers, no accommodation was provided for us except a small package given to us which was less than N1million per person, for us to take care of our own accommodation. In order to find a way to manage my funds, I even had to squat with a protégée of mine who

I DIDN’T OBTAIN MY POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA UNTIL ABOUT

10 YEARS AFTER MY PEERS WERE DONE

WITH THEIRS.

I WAS

BUSY RUNNING MY

PRACTICE, WORKING AND LOOKING AFTER MY CHILDREN

I had mentored in the past. I squated in Sun City until another friend who has a house in Maitama asked me to come and live in her house without paying any rent.

As far as I am concerned, serving as a minister is not about money and that is why I decided to serve my country passionately and honestly and to the best of my ability especially in that position. In fact the salary they paid me as a Minister was not up to what I was earning as a Professor of many years standing. I was earning more as a Professor because of the allowances we got for research and some other essential allowances.

So serving as a Minister made you poorer in terms of your income.

Definitely yes, because in those months I served as a Minister and the subsequent months that I was in court, if I had been in a private business and

working as hard as I was doing in furtherance of my career, it is more likely that I would have been richer than I am today. However, serving as a Minister was not about money as I have told you. It is about rendering services to people. In fact I became even poorer after serving as a minister because I devoted all my hard-earned savings to paying legal fees for my defence. There was no money I could really point to as money earned during my service as a Minister. In fact all my income was totally drained off on the case. This is why I feel that the whole affair was totally unjust.

If given another opportunity to serve, are you ready to serve?

It depends on who is giving me the opportunity and it depends on under what circumstances and what kind of relationship the person wants to build with me. The person must be ready to give me the necessary support because it is that support that will help us to achieve our shared vision and goals.

Many people believe that the purpose of serving in public office is to make money but I believe that people don’t have to commit fraud in order to make money. When you are in an honourable and trusted position, you have to do your work well. When you do your work very well, you will get remuneration for it. My recent experience as the Provost and CEO of the Otunba Tunwase National Paediatric Center has illustrated that hard work pays. In this regard, my acknowledgement goes to Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun for giving me the opportunity to serve the people after my resignation as Minister of Health.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

September 8, 2012

5

‘I was a victim of the system’ check the accounts at stipulated intervals and at the end of the year we were given clearance that the accounts were in order. So, the issue of an alleged N300 million being spent came to me as a big shock. The reason I won my case was because all investigations did not reveal my involvement in such a thing which you will admit is a staggering figure which cannot be hidden anywhere. So the issue of alleged N300 million came to me as a big shock to me, my family and friends.

Everything I spent while I was a minister was from my salary and savings which were declared.

It really hurts that nobody was interested in finding out the truth before jettisoning two ministers of high integrity. It has never happened before. Having done that I was no longer able to even see the President, I was now tossed between the president’s aides and of course they had their own agenda. So because that case was in court, there was nothing I could say prior to the trial. The case had to be judged first of all. The media did their job but they could not get at the truth even if they had tried because some people had already made up their mind that they would get rid of me through this obnoxious pathway.

Grange

IT REALLY HURTS THAT NOBODY WAS INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT THE TRUTH BEFORE JETTISONING TWO MINISTERS OF HIGH

INTEGRITY. IT HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 work together closely and we had all appreciated our different strengths and had complemented one another, we would have been okay. But here you have a paper that does not even take the interest of the ministry and the people into consideration. The paper simply divided the roles along an arbitrary line whether one was capable of playing that role or not and that divided the ministry into at least two or more. I tried as much as possible to cope under that condition but the system did not give me the opportunity to achieve my goals and vision for the ministry and the health sector as a whole. I believe the scenario that led to my exit from office could have been mitigated internally if the ministry had not been fragmented. I called it a scenario because till now I don’t know the details about the alleged N300million unspent fund. All they were saying was that the ministry spent the money they should not have spent or whatever. I did not know anything about such a fund. I was made to believe that whatever money was left over in the ministry had been returned and there was a certificate of clearance to prove it. So having received that information at the end of the year, three months later it came as a big surprise to me that the ministry was alleged to have continued to spend money when it was not supposed to do so.

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the alleged N300million unspent fund that led to your exit from office?

The incident was so mischievous because we did not even had N300 million in the account at that time. I had nothing to do with internally generated contracts because internal contracts are usually managed by other authorised officials of the ministry and subsequent decisions are based on their recommendations.

There are also internal and external auditors who

Why do you think some people wanted to get rid of you?

I came as a stranger to the whole thing. I think they expected somebody who would play along with them.

Somebody that would dance to their tunes.

Are you saying that your refusal to play along with the powers that be led to your exit from office?

As far as I am concerned, I thought that I was playing along because I thought we had the same vision but I didn’t know that in actual fact they had other reasons why they thought I wasn’t playing along. I am not blaming anybody per se but the system. It is that system that does not allow anybody who wants to change the system to function. A system that does not allow anyone who wants to change it to make it function will obviously have to get rid of that person.

Is it right then to say that Nigeria is where we are today because people are not allowed to change the system?

Exactly; people are not allowed to change the system because many people want to maintain the status quo of corruption and other social vices. While coming to office I thought I could actually make changes and my reasons were that I did not ask for the job; I never lobbied for the job. I was called because they knew my profile and antecedents. I had worked extensively both in Nigeria and abroad, and somehow they thought that I would help to change things. What I believe is that the President honestly wanted something to change positively in line with his Vision 2020 but somehow there were people around him that did not want the change and unfortunately his health failed him. So, my own calculation was that when I was being asked to come on board, I thought they genuinely wanted me to come and do good work but along the line politics took over and I am not a politician. While coming to office as Minister many people saw me as a round peg in a round hole and that I would do well. I did not know that they had prepared the way that whoever was coming in would not be able to change things because what was the essence of splitting my role in a way that I could no longer have full authority of the health system.

What actually led to your resignation from office considering that in Nigeria it is rare for ministers to resign from office?

What led to my resignation was that it became impossible for me to lead the ministry after I had been charged to court. I could not be in court and be in the system at the same time. So I had to resign for the matter to be settled in court. Also certain things that were

Grange

THE SYSTEM DOES NOT ALLOW ANYBODY WHO WANTS TO

CHANGE IT TO FUNCTION.

A SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT ALLOW ANYONE WHO WANTS TO CHANGE IT TO FUNCTION WILL OBVIOUSLY HAVE TO GET RID OF THAT PERSON

happening at that time were not supposed to be happening. People were not speaking out because there was nothing like ‘Freedom of Information Bill” then, so people were not willing to speak the truth. Many people refused to speak the truth because they did not want to get into trouble with the gladiators behind the crisis.

How were you treated by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) during the crisis?

EFCC did their own investigation as expected of them. So I was treated like any other person that could have been in my position. So I did not have anything against them except that they were an instrument to perform whatever it was expected of them. What I have discovered is that if government made a mistake, they would not want to admit their mistake and certainly not at that point. I know that and that is why I also went to court to fight my cause. As far as I am concerned, I believe that that case was a total distraction.

You have blamed the system for some of the problems in the country, how do you think we can change the system?

I have come to believe in “evolution” and that is why I went back to the grassroots and I am running an NGO – Ade Grange Child Foundation. I believe there is a need to build critical masses who would share the vision of a better Nigeria. Another way is by “revolution” but revolutions always leave behind some level of destruction, which may take a long time and huge resources to rebuild. We must not forget that some countries which have developed through the process of revolution are still languishing in misery today. So a revolution to me is not an option. I still believe that there is need for the youth to see how they can influence one another to follow a path towards rebuilding this country and achieving the Nigeria of our dream

6

National News

September 8, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Petroleum: FG, major marketers agree on supplies TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

A

fter weeks of lingering face-off and frosty economic relationship between the federal government and major oil marketers, a truce appeared to have been forged yesterday with the marketers assuring Nigerians that full supplies of products would be guaranteed in the market as from Monday next week.

This assurance was given by the marketers in Abuja at the end of their

meeting with the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, and the Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukuede-led Presidential Committee on fuel subsidy claims.

While advising consumers against panic buying since there are enough products’ stock to meet demands, the marketers expressed confidence and support for the verification exercise undertaken by the federal government, emphasising that the exercise was imperative to

avoid the unpleasant circumstances in future.

Addressing journalists at the end of the meeting in Abuja, the Managing Director of Folawiyo Energy, Mr. Dipo Makanjuola, said the audit of subsidy claims was necessary and that the marketers were on the same page with the federal government team on the matter of verification.

He explained: “There is a verification exercise that is on-going by a firm of auditors and we expect that it will be concluded by

the end of next week. Subsequently, payments will be made. Basically the amounts that we have that are all outstanding, we have agreed. We are basically on the same page.

“So, we hope that subsequently, we can move from there and continue to support government in this regards. We would like to assure Nigerians that there is no need for panic buying. There is adequate products in the country,” Makanjuola said.

He regretted that the impression that the nation

R-L: President Goodluck Jonathan; President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Owunliri, at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, during Sirleaf’s visit in Abuja, yesterday.

was running short of petroleum products was due to inadequate information, which unscrupulous persons took advantage of to create panic, adding that “unfortunately, in situations like this, people tend to peddle with information, so to speak. But it is not real. And I am sure in the next few days the situation would be normal around the country.”

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc, Yomi Awobokun, confirmed that the auditors had finished work in his company and that the audit conducted by Presidency was necessary in the interests of all genuine marketers and Nigerian public.

“The auditors were in our company last week.

We were clear about their mandate.

Against the backdrop of what has transpired in the industry, we fully support the requirement to ensure that there is a thorough exercise and there is adequate understanding in clear

Boko Haram: JTF kills 7, arrests 13 suspects

Soldiers protect telecoms installations in Kano

PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

North to Jonathan: We’ll continue debate on revenue sharing formula • Begs Boko Haram to embrace dialogue A ZA MSUE KADUNA

T

he apex Northern socio cultural organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum(ACF), yesterday, declared that it would not stop the debate on the revenue sharing formular among other issues in the proposed constitutional amendment.

This, the group said, is in spite of the Presidency’s decision to stop such.

In a two page communiqué signed by the group’s national publicity secretary, Mr Anthony Sani, after its National Executive Council and Board of Trustees meetings held in Kaduna, it argued that the debate should continue in the interest of democracy.

The stand of the North came on the heels of the

position of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Godswill Akpabio, that if the issues surrounding the onshore/offshore dichotomy are revisited, it might lead to the break up of Nigeria.

ACF warned against declaration of self government as well as hoisting of flags and anthem by some groups.

The forum also called on the Islamic dreaded sect, Boko Haram, to lay down arms and embrace government’s dialogue initiative for peace and unity.

The communiqué reads in part: “The meetings went over the debates brought about by the efforts to review the Constitution, to amend some

Acts of the National Assembly and the revenue sharing formular.

“The meetings also noted the concern expressed by the presidency that further discussions of certain issues should stop. It was the considered view of the meetings that, given the fact that progress comes from change through robust debates, and the fact that democracy is a contest of ideas and reasons, the debates should continue provided it is conducted with decorum and sense of patriotism.”

ACF continued: “However, the meetings deplored the tendency of some Nigerians to call into question the settled issue of our co-existence as one united country.

The meetings considered

expressions of ethnic nationalism as manifested by recent declaration of autonomy and hoisting of flags and anthems by some groups as unhelpful.

This is because actions which promote cleavages along ethnic and religious lines are unlikely to inspire national solidarity that must go with our relative pluralism.”

The communiqué added: “Also appreciated were the efforts of Northern state governors in setting up the panel to help find lasting solution to the prevailing security challenges and enjoined the people to support the governments’ action. The meetings urged members of the Boko Haram to embrace the offer of dialogue by laying down their arms. Enough is enough.”

terms before subsidy payments are made.

“The process is ongoing. It is a necessary process that the industry needs and I am sure that Nigerians will be happy when that process is concluded. The minister has also given us the comfort that the government is not broke, like it has been written in a lot of papers but indeed to ensure that only companies that supplied fuel that money is given to and we appreciate that”, Awobokun said.

According to him, the marketers are prepared to ensure that the exercise is thorough and completed and are doing everything they could do to ensure that distribution continues.

Earlier in her remarks, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala said that the parties had agreed to work together for a transparent process in the subsidy administration and that the marketers gave assurance of their commitment to ensure adequate products supply across the country.

AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST AND INUSA NDAHI KANO, MAIDUGURI

N

o fewer than seven members of the terrorists group, Boko Haram, were killed by the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Maiduguri, Borno State on Wednesday.

13 suspected members of the group were also arrested.

The members of the group had engaged members of the JTF in a gun duel when some of them were killed and others arrested.

The number of the casualties was disclosed by the spokesman of the JTF, Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa in a press statement he issued.

The JTF Operation Restore order has conducted a cordon and search operation at Gwange junction, Gwange general area in Maiduguri metropolis, but in reaction to the operation, some suspected members of Boko Haram shot sporadically at the JTF troops which led to a duel that resulted in the killing of 7 terrorists and the arrest of 13 suspected members of the

group.

The incident according to the JTF statement occurred at about 1500 hours on Wednesday, claiming that no casualty was recorded on the side of the JTF. Meanwhile, following recent attacks on telecomunication installation in Kano, military men have been brought in to provide security around masts of service providers in the state..

Spokesman of 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Kano, Lt. ikedichi Iweha, said all efforts are being put in place by security personnel to provide adequate security for the organisarions.

“Our men have taken control of the situation and the police are also there to beef up security in line with the Inspector General’s directive.

We have intensified patrol in addition to stationing officers in the areas.

Four more telecommunication facilities in Kano were in the early hours of Thursday attacked with high calibre explosives by suspected terrorists of the Boko Haram Islamic sect.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National News

September 8, 2012

7

N5,000 note: Sanusi appears Air Nigeria to workers: No work, no pay before Reps …in two weeks time •Lawmakers probe cost of currency restructuring T TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

C

entral Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, is billed to appear before the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Justice and Banking and Currency in two weeks’ time.

The committee is expected to look into the alleged N40.3billion earmarked for the project and a possible breach of the CBN Act, in Sanusi’s proposal to produce a N5,000 note and restructure other currencies.

A principal officer of the House of Representatives who pleaded anonymity confirmed this to Saturday Mirror yesterday.

Committee on Banking and Currency had two weeks ago announced plans to invite Central

Bank of Nigeria(CBN) Governor, Mr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, to the Green Chamber to defend CBN’s proposal to introduce a N5,000 note and reintroduce coins in 2013.

The proposed plan which has been generating controversy in the country, would, reportedly, cost the tax payer, a whopping N40.3billion.

The Chairman of the Banking Committee, Hon. Jones Onyereri(PDP/ Imo) made the intention of inviting the CBN “authorities” on the matter known at a press conference last week.

He said besides fielding questions on the proposed currency plan of the apex bank, the CBN would also brief the committee on the progress of its cashless policy which was introduced in 2011.

“The House Committee will invite the Manage-

ment of the Central Bank in an effort for the Committee to know whether the Central Bank is still pursuing the cashless policy, and if they are, how does this higher currency note complement the cashless policy or if it contradicts the Cashless Policy what are the next steps. We believe that the Nigerian people deserve to know whether there is a short, mid-term and long-term strategy that will bring any benefits to the system as a result of this introduction”, he stated.

He however posited that: “We understand that the Cashless Policy encourages payment with a Credit Card, Debit Card or Mobile Money, which means a citizen will avoid the high risk of travelling with currency for large ticket transactions”, adding that, “This is the di-

rection the Central Bank has been following. The understanding is that carrying less cash is in everybody’s interest as it reduces the risk, it reduces the money spent on printing currency and it reduces the money spent on movement of currency as well as on security and safe guards for large consignments of currency”.

According to him, “The intervention of the House is to ensure that due process is followed and rule of law adhered to. We assure you that we will also be mindful of the effect of this or any other banking policy on the ordinary Nigerian”.

The committee stated that issues of cost of production of the proposed currency, inflation and a possible devaluation of the Naira must also be addressed by Sanusi at the briefing.

President, Guild of Tourism Journalists, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre (l); Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr. John Kennedy Opara, and the Federal Commissioner representing South West, Mrs. Adefemi Taire, at the Guild of Tourism Editors/Writers’ Seminar held at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, recently.

FG ready to explore oil in Lake Chad Basin –Sambo ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

V

ice President Namadi Sambo yesterday said that the federal government would take steps to explore oil in the Lake Chad Basin contrary to reports that the government was not serious in doing so.

He also noted that the Nigerian National Petro-

leum Company (NNPC) was making positive progress in making the exploration of hydro carbon at the Chad Basin a reality.

Speaking at a meeting yesterday with experts within the NNPC and other public sectors at the State House, Sambo was happy that surveys have indicated the presence of oil in the Chad Basin .

He noted that the budget

provision was based on activity assessment and that the efforts so far expended and the achievements recorded so far would lead to the realisation of the targeted goal.

Sambo directed that a meeting with NNPC should be convened as a step to engaging willing and ready investors that would facilitate speedy and timely exploration in the second phase of

the exercise.

He further directed that the recommendation in the aero magnetic data survey would be harnessed together with other works and services required in order to arrive at a target time.

The vice president also stressed the need to properly fund the project and engage other capable hands who are willing and ready investors.

he Management of Air Nigeria has reacted to the purported protest led by an exdirector currently facing criminal charges of stealing, Mr. John Nnorom.

The ariline explains that sequel to the the grounding order by Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority in June, the workers have not been coming to work, as no local and regional flight operated.

It said that as such, under the Labour law, payment

could not be made for job not done.

“Only staff on the international operations are entitled to salary payment as at when due.”

Air Nigeria as a company also denies keeping cooperative account of staff, saying cooperatives are run by staff themselves in accordance with global practice.

Air Nigeria will commence the recruitment of new staff very soon,” the Management stated.

EFCC arraigns bank manager, others over N59m scam TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

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he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, arraigned a Business Manager with the United Bank of Africa Plc, University of Ilorin Branch , Sirajudeen Abdullahi, alongside two others - Segun Adelodun and John Afolabi - before a Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin over N59 million scam.

According to EFCC Acting Head, Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, the three accused persons, who were arraigned on an eight count charge, allegedly conspired with others (now at large), to obtain the sum of N59,600,250 from the University of Ilorin Personnel Cost Account with the bank.

One of the charges reads: “That you Sirajudeen Abdullahi, Segun Adelodun, John Afolabi, Oloruntoba Akinyele (now at large), Badmus Kabir Omojasola (now at large), and John Balogun (now at large) on or about the 14th day of September, 2011, at Ilorin within the jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to defraud, conspired to obtain Fifty Nine Million, Six Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty Naira Only(N59,006,250) from the University of Ilorin Personnel Cost Account in possession of the United Bank of Africa Plc by false pretence contrary to Section 8(a) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act No 14 of 2006”.

During the arraignment, counsel to EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that the prosecution had filed an amended eight

count charge dated August 29, 2012, pursuant to Section 185(A) of the Criminal Procedure Act of the State and urged the court to invite the accused persons to take their plea.

The presiding judge, Justice Mahmood Gafar, obliged the application and the three accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Oyedepo then asked the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial and remand the accused persons in custody.

In his response, Bashir Oladipo, counsel to the first accused, Sirajudeen Abdullahi, said he was not against the speedy commencement of trial but prayed the court to admit his client to bail as the offence for which he was docked is bailable.

Counsel to the other accused persons, Y.A. Dikko and O. T. Olorunisola who appeared for Segun Adelodun and John Afolabi respectively, also aligned themselves with the position of Oladipo.

However, Oyedepo objected to the oral application for bail. He said there are facts available to the complainant which cannot be presented except under oath.

He urged the court to insist on a formal bail application from the respondents to enable the prosecution place facts against the granting of bail before the court.

After listening to the arguments of counsels, Justice Gafar ruled that the defendants file a proper bail application before the court and adjourned to September 11, 2012 for hearing of the bail application.

He also ordered that the accused persons be remanded in police custody.

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National News

September 8, 2012

Fuel subsidy scam: EFCC declares three marketers wanted OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

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he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has declared three oil marketers allegedly implicated in the multi- billion naira fuel subsidy scam wanted.

According to the commission, the trio of Abdul Afeez Olarenwaju Olabisi of Fargo Petroleum and Gas Limited; Managing Director, Nadabo Energy

Limited, Abubakar Peters Ali Jeldi and Ikechukwu Onuabuchi Nworgu of Star Inspection Services Nigeria Limited are wanted in connection with offences bordering on criminal conspiracy, forgery, obtaining money by false pretences and money laundering running into several billions of naira.

The suspect, a statement from the EFCC said, allegedly obtained billions of naira as subsidy pay-

ments from the Petroleum Support Fund under false pretence, and disappeared in the wake of the commission’s investigation of the subsidy regime.

The statement further reads: “Olabisi, 31, hails from Kwara State and speaks Yoruba, Hausa and English languages fluently.

His last known address is Fargo Petroleum and Gas Limited.

“Jeldi, 34, is of the Igala stock from Kogi State,

North Central Nigeria. He speaks his native Igala, Hausa and English languages fluently. His last known addresses are 4B Louis Solomon Close, Victoria Island, Lagos and 15 Ogbunike Street, Lekki, Lagos. “Nworgu, 46, hails from Abia State. He speaks Igbo and English fluently.

His last known address is Star Inspection Services Nigeria Limited, 4A, Lander Close, Off Liverpool Road, Apapa - Lagos.”

L-R: Rear Admiral Ameen Ikioda, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command; Brazilian Defence Attache in Nigeria, Col. Marcelo Oliveira, and the Commanding Officer of Brazilian Ship, AMAZONS, Lt. Commander Giovani Correa, during a visit to Ikioda, recently.

Salami: Court strikes out suit

• Says referral processes incompetent EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

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he Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, yesterday, struck out a referral suit filed by the suspended President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Ayo Isa Salami, on the ground that the processes before the appellate court were incompetent.

In a unanimous ruling by the five-man panel of justices led by Justice Hussein Mukhtar, the court held that the processes transmitted to the appellate court by the Registrar of the Federal High Court in respect of suit N0: FHC/ABJ/CS/723/2011 were “incompetent”, having not complied with Order 5, Rules (1) and (2) of the Court of Appeal which requires mandatory compliance by the lower court in terms of transmission of records of proceedings.

Specifically, Justice Mukhtar noted that the Registrar of the Federal High Court only transmitted Justice Donatus Okorowo’s ruling of March 15, 2012, motion argued, affidavit in support as well as the enrolled order.

In a brief ruling, Justice Mukhtar held thus: “The provisions of Order 5, Rule 1 and 2 require mandatory compliance… and the letter by the Registrar of the Federal High Court has not satisfied this mandatory requirements… I hereby hold that the processes filed by the Registrar of the Federal High Court are therefore incompetent…”

The court refused the oral application moved by counsel to Salami, Olumide Olujimi, who stood in for Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN).

Olujimi had prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him “further liaise

with the lower court to ensure that the proper processes are filed, in compliance with Order 5, Rule 1 and 2 of the Court of Appeal.”

This prayer was opposed by counsel to all the defendants/respondents, including Godwin Iyinbor (1st defendant), David Adegbe (2nd and 8th defendant), Wale Odeleye (3rd respondent as well as for 4th and 9th respondents).

They predicated their arguments on the basis of the fact that there was no competent process before the court to warrant a request for adjournment.

They, therefore, urged the court to strike out the suit for lack of diligent prosecution.

The referral suit arose from the lower court where Justice Salami is challenging his suspension on August 18, 2011 by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

Joined in the suit before

Justice Donatus Okorowo are former Chief Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu, immediate past CJN ; Justice Dahiru Musdapher , NJC; Justice Umaru Abdullahi, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola; Justice Dominic Edozie; Justice Michael Akpiroroh and Mrs. Rakia Sarki Ibrahim.

Also joined are Hon. Justice Kate Abiri and Hon. Justice Peter Umeadi, all of whom are members of the Council’s factfinding committee.

Also sued is the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Ndahi Auta.

It would be recalled that Justice Salami had, through his counsel, Olujimi (SAN), prayed the lower court via a motion brought pursuant to Section 295(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, for stay of proceedings pending the determination of the referral suit by the Appeal court.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Facebook fraudsters using my identity –NAFDAC DG K AYODE KETEFE

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he Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhi, has cried out that some faceless Nigerians have created a fake facebook account in his name with which they are duping innocent Nigerians.

This disclosure was made yesterday by the DG through the Deputy Director of the Public Relations Unit of NAFDAC, Alhaji Abubakar Jimoh, at a media briefing held at the headquarters of the agency in Oshodi Lagos.

Jimoh, who said the DG mandated him to make the disclosure, said “I will like to bring to your attention to an unfortunate development so that you will make it known to all Nigerians.

“The DG of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhi, who is unavoidably absent today, told me to inform you that some fraudsters have created a false

facebook account with the particulars of the DG with which they are attempting to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

“Specifically, they are inviting the people to make a cash payment of N250,000 each as an application fee to win a multi-million naira contract from the agency.

“This, of course, is pure fraud and cheap attempt to dupe the gullible ones.

“Incidentally, the DG does not even have any facebook account. He told me he deliberately refused to open one to avoid this kind of things in spite of all the benefits that could be derived from such social networking.

“One could have dismissed this as a no issue but we need to publicise this because of the gullible ones.

The intelligent ones already know that there is no way NAFDAC would shun the procurement policy and begin to offer contracts on facebook.

“Let Nigerians beware of this kind of cheap fraud.”

Police promote 105 officers OMEIZA AJAYI

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he Police Service Commission has approved the promotion of 105 police officers from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police CSP to Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP. The decision was taken yesterday at the 29th plenary meeting of the commission in Abuja.

Chief Information Officer of the PSC, Ferdinand Ekpe, said in a statement yesterday that, “The Police Service Commission con-

sidered and approved the Inspector General of Police’s recommendations for the promotion of 105 Chief Superintendents of Police CSPs to Assistant Commissioners of Police ACPs who had undergone Staff College training and passed the relevant examinations.”

The statement added that some of the Chief Superintendents of Police elevated to the rank of Assistant Commissioners of Police include Christopher Adetokunbo Owolabi, Aliyu Adamu Alhaji, Magu Ibrahim, Arungwa Nwazue and Adeleke Adeyinka Bode.

Oyo press week kicks off

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gun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, will on Monday, deliver the 2012 Press Week lecture of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State.

A statement from the chapel chairman, Alhaji Tunde Sanni, indicated that the governor will speak on Military Involvement in Participatory Democracy, especially in the area of monitoring elections.

His Oyo State counterpart, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, will give a keynote address.

The week kicks off on Sunday with a Church service at the Stone Church in Mokola and will also involve another lecture to be delivered by Senator Babajide Omoworare of Osun East Senatorial District who shall be speaking on Democracy and Military: Any Synergy on Wednesday September 12, 2012.

Politics

Suswam

HENRY IYORKASE

W

hen the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Elder Forum of Benue East Senatorial zone, made up of nine local government areas, organised a party to celebrate the victory of Governor Gabriel Suswam at the Supreme Court over some political issues, not many people expected that a declaration would be made about his senatorial ambition.

Amidst the celebration, the party, as represented by the elders forum, declared that the 2015 senatorial ticket for the zone would only be available to just one person – Gabriel Suswam. As far as they were concerned, the deal and been signed and sealed, so to speak. The point the elders were making therefore was that whom amongst the members of the political party from that zone should forget nursing a similar ambition.

Atoza Hindan who spoke on behalf of the elders during the public endorsement which took place at the Akume Atongo Stadium in Katsina Ala, and supported by Jack Tilly Gyado, was very emphatic about their position. He said ahead of the completion of his tenure, they were inviting Suswam to contest for the senatorial seat of the area and would not want anybody to contest the position with him.

The calculation of the politicians is premised on the fact that Jechira where Senator Barnabas Gemade and Joseph Akaagerger come from would have completed their eight years term in the Senate. While Gemade is the current senator, Akaagerger occupied the seat between 2007 and 2011.

Many observers of the political de-

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

September 8, 2012

9

Gemade

2015: The battle ahead for Suswam, Gemade velopment in Benue state would recall that the recent public declaration had the same trappings of an earlier public endorsement of Governor Suswam sometime in 2010 by the then PDP stakeholders at Benue East Senatorial Zone made up of mainly the local government council chairmen, PDP elders and political appointees. They unanimously and publicly declared that no one from the zone should contest against Governor Suswam for the Governor’s seat in 2011.

At that gathering, the Tiv deity of Swem was evoked and a declaration was made that anyone who dared to contest against the governor from the zone would face the wrath of Swem.

That meant instant death. When, therefore, the then All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) candidate, Chief Jonathan Biam, died while pursuing his gover-

norship aspiration, the PDP elders were quick to gloat that the Tiv god supported their position.

However, all changed when the Action Congress Party of Nigeria (CAN) presented Professor Steven Torkuma Ugah as its governorship candidate despite coming from the same zone as the incumbent. Benue State and PDP were shaken to the foundation by an intriguing electioneering campaign that ended up in the courts amidst great suspicions of injustices before the law courts.

Both Professor Saror and Professor Ugbah who contested against Governor Suswam are still alive today hale and hearty.

The aftermath of the 2011 general elections in Benue State threw up salient issues the elders sadly failed to take into consideration. One of which is

the fact that the electorate who are in the majority have the final say on who wins an election and not the party elders who are in the minority. Some of the results of the 2011 elections proved just that.

Secondly, the culture of joining the bandwagon in the Tiv speaking parts of the state (the Benue East Senatorial Zone inclusive) is issue that the elders have failed to take into consideration.

The real voters from the zone are notorious for publicly rejecting candidates favoured by the establishment and by way of protest voting for the ‘opposition’ candidate. This worked for Senator Daniel Saror who moved from the PDP to the ANPP and still won the Senate seat in the 2003 general elections.

It was the case in some results of last year’s general elections.

Thirdly, contemporary political developments across the country show that winning election is no longer “business as usual”. In fact, the electoral system has shown that when it comes to actual voting the whole process can take a life of its own.

Coming three years ahead of the 2015 general election, the public declaration or endorsement by the PDP elders of Suswam is capable of bringing about crisis within the PDP camp.

The incumbent senator, Gemade, who is barely over a year into his first tenure was conspicuously missing at the event even though the programme brochure shows he was one of the special guests. He has, also, reacted expectedly, declaring that he would devour anyone who dare to stand in his way politically.

The import of his declaration is simply that he would not be ready to give up CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

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POLITICS

September 8, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria ruled with Decree 24, not Ogbeni Lanre Banjo is a chartered accountant and a three time National Conscience Party (NCP) governorship candidate in Ogun State. In this interview with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE, he stresses the need for the amendment of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, which he describes as Decree 24. He also speaks on the need for true federalism and establishment of State Police as the solutions to some of the basic problems facing the country. Excerpts:

W

hat is your view on the increasing call for the amendment of the 1999 Constitu-

tion?

Many operators of our democracy are either not proficient in the operations of democracy, lack the political will to fight for what is right or just strictly adhering to the table manner of not talking while eating. The 1999 Constitution is a creation of Decree 24. The members of the Provisions Ruling Council that promulgated the decree are not representatives of the people. Their powers are derived from guns not the people, and yet the constitution falsely begins with “We the People” instead of “We the power hijackers.” We say we are “Federal Republic.” We are in theory suggesting that each state is a federating unit. In practice, everything we do is unitary form of government – National Identity Card, Federal Road Safety Corps that illegally arrogates certain powers of the states to itself. Look, to have a valid constitution, each state or ethnic group needs to meet first in a representative assembly to discuss the arrangement. That should then be followed by elections into the Constitution Assembly where people from each state would have the mandate of their people. Behold, each time the military took over, the constitution was the first to be suspended. Why is it that the democratically elected government did not suspend all the decrees and its products and establish a Constitution Assembly to start afresh?

Given the result of the local government elections in several states, don’t you think the ruling party in every state will control who represents each state in the Constitution Assembly?

That trend is definitely worrisome. The fact that whether the elections took place in the Holy month of Ramadan or Easter is meaningless to those claiming to be religious, deepens my worry. You would even hear them thanking Allah and Jesus after snatching ballot boxes; this is a genuine concern. Fela, who said, they keep “doing bad bad things” in the name of Jesus Christ and Almighty Allah is right. However, pap emanates from black pots. Dino Melaye won an election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). As the adage says, he did his best before they realised one of the bastards in the House was old enough to cause unrest, and he was booted out. He is now using his experience to enlighten Nigerians. So, we may be lucky that a ruling party in the states could send visionaries to the Assembly and the visionaries could dump selfish

interest to fight for the interest of the people. Furthermore, something will spark the grim determination of the people to bail themselves out of the claws of deceit and lies. That is why I will continue to prescribe the right antidotes to our various sicknesses.

What is your view on the recent Constitutional Amendment Forum meeting held by members of the National Assembly in Asaba, Delta State?

Although Section 9 of the 1999 oligomilitary constitution accords the members of the National Assembly the power to amend the constitution, well-meaning Nigerians are demanding a brand new constitution that will be initiated and defended by them through referendum.

So, a body different from the National Assembly is needed to work on the Peoples Constitution. Not only that the National Assembly members were not elected to prepare a constitution for Nigeria, they cannot legally and reasonably establish the nature of government for Nigeria. It is not a government that gives a nation a constitution; it is a constitution that gives a nation a form of government. Nigerians could elect to have only one House because of the cost of running the National Assembly, namely the House of Representatives and Senate. They could decide that a political party could be established in the state just to fight in that state if such political party is not interested in national elective offices. That is why a constitution should express the will of the people.

If we leave our destiny in the hands of the beneficiary of a system that is not cost effective, would they want to change it?

Can the members of the Senate vote to extinguish the Senate to enable Nigerians save the cost? Therefore, the amendment discussion in Asaba cannot be seen to be the will of the people because the constitution that empowers them to amend did not come from the people. A constitution is the foundation of the law, once the foundation is wrong, everything built on it will continue to rock until it crumbles.

What should we do then?

We, as a people, must agree to the terms of our unity. Forced unity will never endure. It would only result in certain people seeing themselves as being born to rule, and if we challenge their mindset to continue to rule in perpetuity, Boko Haram will result to send a signal to the occupier of Aso Rock that if they are not in power, they will continue to take human lives. Also, the practice of South today and North tomorrow, is forcing fake unity.

If we are all entitled to Nigerian pass-

Banjo

ports, we must see ourselves as one and opt for the best among us, not rotational.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo from Yoruba became the president. Did that make the Yoruba nation better? We have been ruled by our brethrens from the North for almost 38 years. Go to the North and tell me if they are better off than their Southern counterpart. Yes, they dominated the Judiciary; yes, they control more states than the South, but do the masses of our people in the North enjoy the rule of their kinsmen? These are the persisting problems which cannot be cured through North and South or Muslim and Christian president.

I must also advise that there is no need to travel abroad because of constitution.

Nigerians abroad could be accommodated by the Nigerian government negotiating reduced airfare for them to come to Nigeria, if they wish to participate in the constitution process. They will contribute to Nigerian economy. It would cost Nigeria less money. I spend my money because I love my country and I have no other country. Other Nigerians abroad should be encouraged to do the same.

What areas of the constitution would you like to have amended?

The abridgment of the states’ rights on resource control; security and certain rights arrogated to the federal government in the exclusive list of the constitution. How could the constitution describe

a governor as the Chief Executive Officer of a state and under former Governor Olusegun Osoba of Ogun State and an ordinary DPO in Sagamu attempted to refuse an order from him claiming that his order should come from the Inspector General of Police instead. Osoba maintained his stand and his orders were carried out. Under former Governor Gbenga Daniel, an order from “the above” almost caused Mr. Odulanwa who was the Chief Security Officer in Ogun State an arrest.

He was carrying out the order of the governor to wade into the trailer drivers who arrogantly and illegally blocked Lagos – Ibadan Expressway at Ogere. The drivers who are from the North were ordered arrested, their vehicles towed, and someone from “the above” threatened to arrest him if those drivers were not released. It was political ingenuity of the governor that averted the crisis with order from the above complied with, and not that of the governor. This incapacitates a state government. This is one of the reasons for the State Police.

Do you support the creation of State Police?

Of course, yes! There is absolutely nothing that anyone could argue against the State Police that does not exist with the existence of the Nigeria Police Force.

They argue that the governors can use State Police against opposition members.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

POLITICS

September 8, 2012

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constitution –Lanre Banjo As we speak, the federal government used the State Security Service (SSS), and the Nigeria Police Force against the opposition. Instead of finding a solution to any problem we think the establishment of State Police could cause, we keep sweeping the problems under the carpet. The solution is very simple: create the State Police with the laws that each Chief of Police of any State, or local government that carries out illegal order shall be subject to criminal prosecution with compensation to the victim by the state or city it represents; create a Federal Police whose mission will not be limited to enforcing the federal laws but ensuring that if any citizen is falsely arrested under the order of any elected officials, such police will be arrested by the Federal Police, and any superior that authorises such arrest or harassment shall be criminally prosecuted. There must be a law that if a Federal Policeman illegally arrests a State Policeman or arrogantly uses federal might, the state shall have the right to prosecute him. These and other measures will serve as checks and balances.

During your gubernatorial campaign, you said that you would establish your own police if you become a governor. Would that not be unconstitutional?

No. First, the Ogun State indigenes would provide the legal framework for the governor. It only takes a governor who has the know-how and the political will

to do it. Secondly, Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution clearly states there shall be a Police Force for Nigeria and subject to the provisions of the section no other police force shall be established for the federation or any part thereof. Ogun State, under us, would have created Ogun State “Police Un-Force” to enforce the state law.

I would consult Professor Wole Soyinka to use Soyinka’s language to describe “Police Un-Force.” Why do we need to use force anyway? As it is today, majority of the Southern governors, if not all, fund the Nigeria Police Force and sometimes pay their salaries. Why should they fund Police that the Constitution clearly puts under the Command of the IGP? Remember, when former Governor Ahmed Sani of Zamfara created his Sharia Law he also created his own police to enforce the law.

His argument – the Nigeria Police Force is not trained to enforce Sharia Law. The then president said he was handcuffed because we are operating a Federal Republic and refused to interfere. So, is the South not part of that Federal Republic?

The Southern governors should have ceased that opportunity to act. Surprisingly, the same Ahmed Sani was not tried by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) under the Sharia Law. Perhaps his hands would have been shopped off by now, and he would not be able to touch a 13-year old girl. It is only my dear brothers and sisters in the North that are being tried under the Sharia Law

2015: The battle ahead for Suswam, Gemade CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 his seat in the Senate without a fight.

In his response to the endorsement for the Senate in 2015, Suswam did not show any sign of an outright rejection, prompting many political observers in the state to question the motive behind the gathering. It is believed that convening such a forum at the time his government is just about settling down after distracting litigations is improper.

If the rotational system is anything to go by in the calculations of those endorsing Suwswam, then the Sankera axis which he comes from cannot even produce the next senator. The reason is that both Sankera and Jechira parts of the zone have had their own share of the senatorial position with each haven enjoyed eight year tenure in the Fourth Republic.

Senator Daniel Saror occupied the seat from 199 to 2003 on the platform of the PDP and 2003 to 2007 on the platform of the ANPP for the Sankera area. Senator Joesph Akaagereger occupied the seat from 2007 to 2011 on the platform of the PDP while the incumbent, Senator Barnabas Gemade (PDP) won the seat in 2011. He will be there till 2015. Then, Jechira part would have completed their eight years as well and

that leaves Kwande/Ushongo area with a good case to demand for the seat come 2015.

But top supporters of the governor, such as Solomon Wombo, his bosom friend, and special Adviser on Local Governments and Chieftaincy Matters stressed that Suswam is a leader with quality credential and unblemished records in public service and so he has every right to vie for the senatorial seat.

Not many observers actually agree with the PDP elders of the zone. They believe that the forum is made up of individuals who are direct beneficiaries of the Suswam government, hence their position is predictable. The likes of Atoza Hindan whose son was recently made a Commissioner in the Suswam cabinet; Aker Gajir whose son was made the Ushongo local government caretaker chairman and Jack Gyado whose construction company enjoys contract from the Suswam’s government among the others speak volume of their motive.

From all indications the polity is heating up as the battle line has been drawn. It is just a matter of time before a possible dirty fight within the PDP for the Benue East Senatorial seat for 2015 goes public.

Banjo

for stealing cow or negligible amounts because they are unconnected, while the connected continue to steal billions and marry underage without bringing them to book under Sharia Law. Why do you think Northern governors are rejecting the suggestion of creating State Police?

They have every right to reject State Police, and we must respect that right. Former Head of State, General Aguiyi Ironsi, was murdered because the North claimed to have disliked unitary form of government. General Yakubu Gowon came and practised the same without any harassment. It is all about control and power!

If the Constitution allowed each state to have its own Police, would anyone have

the power to order the trailer drivers who were arrested by Ogun State government under former Governor Daniel released?

But, I will continue to blame the Southern governors. As soon the Northern governors made their position known, the Southern governors should have held a joint press conference to state that they opt for the State Police and give an effective date which will not be a lizard promise. They should have explained that when our Northern brethren declared the North a Sharia State, we the Southerners respect it; they should also respect our position. We should not give the impression that once the North rejects an idea, such idea is mute.

Since your loss in Ogun State governorship election you seem to have been quiet politically. Are you no longer interested in vying for the office?

That is far from the truth. I have been contesting since 2003, and I have resolved to take a rest until such time Nigerians are ready to be led in a patriotic manner; when they would vote for the truth instead of lies and deceit; when, if God wishes, they would take money and vote their conscience. I am always available to serve. But one thing that is clear is that I am like a gong, no one can stop me from talking. I have been doing it and before I decided to contest in 2003, and I will continue to do it. On the contest, I am on sabbatical.

In your refreshingly different How not to educate: Story of Nigeria’s private schools

As concerns over the fall in standard of education continue to unsettle the sector, it is also pertinent to beam the searchlight on areas where the country’s school system had missed it, especially at the primary and post-primary levels. In the search for clues, it has been discovered that the proliferation of privately owned schools has wrecked havoc in the sector. While some schools operate without licence, others employ misfits as teachers. Sunday Mirror, in this extensive investigation into Nigeria’s private schools, puts you on the edge, as it unearths surprises.

2015: The return of PDM

PDM, the political ‘family’ of the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua has moved to regroup. The question is, what do they want?

Can they make an impact in the build up towards the 2015 elections? Who are their major actors? What influence can they again wield? We answer the questions tomorrow.

The reign of brutes

As the rite of passage for Cynthia Osokogu, the 23-year-old post-graduate student who was murdered in cold blood by her supposed facebook friends held at the weekend, a nationwide survey by Sunday Mirror has shown that heinous crimes are on the increase, thus obliterating the age-long tradition of good neighbourliness in many Nigerian communities.

Murders, ritual killings and hired assassinations; tortures, kidnappings and rape have all assumed a disturbing dimension. We bring you instances of various crimes that Nigerians committed against their fellow citizens. They are gripping, and a must read.

‘I exercise exerciise no fear fear for for marriage’

Uduak Akrah, a Nollywood star who is doing well in the industry, is yet to tie the nuptial knots. But contrary to the belief that actresses’ marriages hardly endure the test of time, Uduak is optimistic that hers’, when consummated, would not crash.

She also speaks on actresses going nude, her experience in Nollywood, and lots more.

These and many more available tomorrow in your

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

September 8, 2012

People

Emmanuella Otiono:

In love with the Nigerian child OSEYIZA OOGBODO

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o say that Emmanuella Otiono is passionate about the proper education of the Nigerian child could be likened to an understatement.

Rather, she is radical about it and is even using radical methods to ensure that the best education is the lot of the Nigerian children who come her way through her nursery and primary school, Centro Escolar.

“I established Centro Escolar in February 2002 with the help of my good friend Mrs E C Uwajeh who passed away five years ago from cancer. The need to establish it became mandatory when I became fed up with the poor education my children were receiving in their schools and I kept withdrawing them, taking them to other schools and still not getting satisfactory results. Eventually, I decided to be teaching them myself at home and that was when Mrs Uwajeh suggested

that we should start a school instead.”

So Centro Escolar was founded and so named because of its objective: achievement of excellence.

“The meaning of Centro Escolar is centre of excellence and that is what we are about here. We train our pupils to be excellent. The acclaimed Loyola Jesuit College is the benchmark we use to rate ourselves as any graduate of Loyola Jesuit is indeed a finished product and any of Centro Escolar is also a finished product.”

Stating that Centro Escolar prefers to teach nursery and primary school age children because that is the foundation age when anything they are taught will shape them for the future.

“Our pupils here can hold their own in the midst of university graduates anywhere in the world. This is because we teach them to see education not as a chore or an imposition on them by their parents but as part of life. Thereby, we teach them to learn for life and not just to pass exams as is the case with most Nigerian schools.”

Otiono is truly using radical methods to make her pupils become exceptional.

“We do not really believe in cane discipline at Centro. There are many methods of disciplining that will achieve better results than the cane which will only make them aggressive.

“Also, we don’t believe that the teachers know it all. We encourage the pupils to question the teachers’ knowledge and also have sessions where the pupils become the teachers and test the teachers. This is a unique way of educating the children because when they know they want to test their teachers, they will read intensively to know if the teachers made a mistake in answering the questions they ask them and the end result of it is that they are learning more and actually retaining what they learn.”

Saying that her vision is to educate children for the future glory of Nigeria, she disclosed that it’s sad that government has not provided the enabling environment for every child to be educated.

Gabriel Oyelami: An insurance guru

TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

M

r. Gabriel Abidoye Oyelami is the immediate Managing Director of Crusader Insurance PL who defied all odds as a son of a commoner to become the helmsman of one of the reputable insurance firms in Nigeria through the help of God and hard work.

Oyelami’s growing up was very rough and challenging. He went through many difficult moments before he could become a successful insurance icon. To him, it was God and hard work that moved him from

grass to grass.

“My growing up was very challenging because I came from a poor family and things were very tough for us. I could remember when I was in secondary school, life was very difficult. At times I would have to go to farm with my younger brothers to pluck maize and it was after we had realised money from the sale of the maize that I would be able to go to school.

“There was nothing my mother did not trade in for me to go to school. I hawked a lot of goods to be able to raise my school fees. Because I could not afford university education immediately after I completed my secondary school education, I had to go

first of all go to a College of Education for NCE in Mathematics and Physics with Distinction before I could acquire university education,” Oyelami said.

Oyelami, who retired as MD of Crusader Insurance on September 30, 2011, believed that all his steps in life, especially his course of study in university and career had always been divine.

He said: “I entered insurance by accident. My first interest was to become an Engineer but I later ended up gaining admission to study Actuarial Science at University of Lagos in 1975 and graduated in 1978. When I was looking for admission into university, I got admission into about five universities at the same time. I was offered Applied Geo-physics at the then University of Ife; Statistics at University of Ibadan; Electrical Engineering at University of Benin and University of Nigeria, Nsukka. But I settled for UNILAG because Actuarial Science was a new area and we were the first set to be admitted for undergraduate programme.

“When I was leaving UNILAG, my department told me to go and do my Master’s programme abroad after my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme so that I would be able to lecture in UNILAG

after the programme. But while I was doing my national youth service in Imo State, one of my former lecturers, Mr. Dada, who has left UNILAG to Crusader Insurance, wrote to me and asked me to apply for a job in Crusader Insurance. I also had an offer from Shell Petroleum Development Company. But after my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) I decided to join Crusader Insurance in September 30, 1979 because of the course I read,” he added.

His journey to Crusader Insurance seemed to be but the event that followed was very challenging as he was faced with a lot of ups and down before he became MD in 2005.

“When I was working in Crusader Insurance it got to a stage that the job was no longer interesting. I suffered a lot and sometime I would trek from Oyingbo to Akoka. The work was not interesting and people were hostile to us because we were the first set of graduates to join Crusader Insurance then. One of those things that almost discouraged me in the job was that somebody who saw me as a threat sat on the company panel that was to promote me and thereby delayed my promotion when I was supposed to be promoted from Superintendent to Senior Superintendent.

Sport

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

September 8, 2012

13

Nations Cup qualifier

Super Eagles squad line up before a match.

Sofoluwe, Esin charge Eagles to stun Lone Stars SAYO OGUNDEJI

A

s the Super Eagles get ready to take on the Lone Stars of Liberia today in the final round of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Monrovia, two ex-internationals Yisa Sofoluwe and Etim Esin, have charged the players to settle for nothing but an outright victory.

Nigeria missed out of the last tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea but a victory for the Eagles will edge them closer to qualifying for the tournament holding next year in South Africa.

The Eagles defeated Liberia 2-0 in an international friendly match played in February with Warri Wolves forward Sunday Mbah scoring twice in the first half for the Eagles, made up of players from the Nigeria Premier League, in a game watched by Liberian president, El-

len Johnson Sirleaf.

The team under Coach Stephen Keshi has been impressive, having given the domestic players equal opportunity as their foreign-based counterparts, a move, many football analysts believe will help the course of the senior national team in the long run.

The team made up of entirely homebased players has been in camp for weeks and the arrival of the foreign-based players will certainly boost the morale of the team, which both Sofoluwe and Esin believe the Eagles have what it takes to repeat the victory achieved over Liberia earlier.

However, they cautioned the team not to underrate their opponent in today’s crucial qualifier, adding that the Nigerians must be prepared for a hostile reception by the host who they believe will do their best to rattle the Eagles.

“The match against Liberia must be

AYC qualifier: We are ready for Amajita – Gero P. 16

treated like a final of a competition because the two teams involved would want to qualify, though Nigeria stands a better chance of beating their hosts going by the calibre of players in the team.

“Nigeria missed the last tournament due to lack of discipline, but everything seems to have changed with the way Keshi has handled the team since assuming the position of the head coach and the only way to make Nigerians happy is to qualify the country for the tournament.

“The Liberians are known for their ways of trying to unsettle opponents which means the Eagles must not fall prey to their antics and I believe the arrival of the foreign-based players will give the team more firepower to beat the hosts,” Sofoluwe stated ahead of the much-important game.

While many believe the inclusion of two-key England-based players, John Obi Mikel and Osaze Odemwingie would have

Mourinho tips Modric to shine P. 41

given the team more solidity, Esin opined that the coach’s decision to omit the duo must be respected, adding that players available must rise up to the challenge.

According to him, the coach has a reason for omitting the duo, saying their exclusion from the team must not be seen in the negative, but an opportunity for other players to show how good they are.

“Leaving the duo of Mikel and Odemwingie out of this clash does not mean they are permanently excluded from the national team and the players available for this important game must do their job and get a good result for the country.

“Missing the last Nations Cup should serve as a motivation for the current squad to do their utmost best in ensuring they get a good result away to make the return leg a mere formality because we have the quality and talent to achieve the result,” Esin, Nigeria’s former attacking midfielder, concluded.

I support reorganisation of Nigerian sports – Mohammed P. 42,43

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SPORT

September 8, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NSC’s overhaul and the waiting game

I

t’s almost three weeks after the London 2012 Olympics ended with Nigeria posting her worst outing in 24 years at the global showpiece. As expected, the presidency has expressed its dismay over Team Nigeria’s poor show and vowed to overhaul the ailing sports industry.

To many stakeholders of Nigerian sports, it was a welcome development having seen how the administrators in the National Sports Commission wasted a whooping N2.3 billion on an event analysts have referred to as ‘London jamboree’. Yet the failed administrators instead of throwing in the towel by resigning their appointments to pave way for sound and articulate technocrats to take over, are busy grabbing what is left of the ‘London cake’.

HT gathered that some of them are currently consulting their prophets, prayers warriors, marabouts and some mundane mediums to see that Mr. President’s resolve to overhaul the sports industry does not see the light of day.

In his press briefing during the London 2012 Games, the Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, came out clearly and stated that Team Nigeria failed woefully and that he had learned many lessons from the disastrous outing. He also revealed that hard work, good preparations and not prayers, win medals.

Abdullahi said: “Olympic medals are all about hard cash,” and added that the country cannot achieve much if a lot of money is not injected into sports.

During the same press briefing,

HARD TACKLE with

Andrew Ekejiuba anelsports@yahoo.com many sports journalists covering the event made contributions and asked questions regarding sports development from the schools without much emphasis on tackling corruption that has continued to bedevil the development of sports in the country.

Simply put, no meaningful headway can be made in Nigeria’s sports industry without eliminating corruption among our sports administrators and a clique of politicians that have joined them in the destruction of an industry that plays a vital role in the unity of the nation.

Aside the fact that sports-loving Nigerians are anxiously waiting for the presidential axe to fall on these protagonists who has out of their selfish interest destroyed our nation’s sports, it is good at this point to expose the rot in our sports industry to justify the impending action from the presidency.

So, the purpose of this exposé is to reveal the way and manner a part of the N2.3billion reported to have been given to the sports ministry was wasted in London with the summation that had this

08023103605

Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.

money been received and put to better use at the appropriate time, the Nigeria 2012 experience would have been a different one.

The above summation is not rocket science; indeed all the stakeholders of sports are of the belief that nothing stops the government, the NSC and the NOC from doing the fit and proper thing.

The way and manner our ‘Olympic money’ was spent in London is not only heart rendering, but exposes the incapability of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to check the excesses of those appointed to administer sports in the country.

And it will not be out of place to say that all the beneficiaries of this money are culpable in our Olympic 2012 failure.

The custom of “Official Delegation” - the gold mine of competitions, that benefits civil servants in the sports ministry, members of the national assembly, spiritual/royal leaders, politicians etc. and their followers, continued at the London Olympics unabated.

Many of them fed fat from the N2.3billion windfall; some were flown to London, some to Jeddah via London, given free accommodation, food and full estacodes to the detriment of our sports development.

Many of them enjoyed the ‘national cake’ more than the real athletes, coaches and sports administrators representing Nigeria at the Games.

An inside source who was horrified at the amount of fifty pound notes packed into envelopes and given as estacodes to the “Official Delegation” asked rhetorically, ’... millions of Nigerians are hungry, there are no sports facilities and this amount of money is available to be shared here’?

HT gathered that certain flights were scheduled from Lagos-London-Jeddah for the so called “Official Delegation”, prompting true stakeholders of sports to ask what

Olympic event was scheduled for Jeddah.

Most of the “Official Delegation” (in their hundreds) did not go to watch a single Olympic event, yet a top member of the National Assembly chose to rent a Mercedes Benz at seventy five pounds an hour instead of making use of the 2012 BMW brand new car designated to him for the Olympics.

HT also gathered that the audacity of it all was seen when a delegate, who was neither an athlete nor a coach, but one of the beneficiaries who received envelopes filled with fifty pound notes harassed the NSC Director General, Chief Patrick Ekeji and demanded for more. We can now see why our sports cannot move forward with this calibre of wolves in sheep’s skin.

To say the least, all those who partook in the show of shame and sharing of the N2.3billion as noted above were implicitly saying to the government, it is alright; in fact it is preferable that you release funds a few months before the Olympics as we will find ways to spend them.

Therefore, it is based on the aforementioned premise that HT is urging Mr. President to live, to his good intention for sports and bring to book all those who mismanaged our ‘Olympic money’ and set an example for future managers of Nigerian sports to emulate.

A total and comprehensive reorganisation of the NSC is what Nigerians want now because they are tired of this waiting game!

SPORT NEWS

Eight teams test might in Bankers Games ANDREW EKEJIUBA

B

ankers in Lagos return to the football field today at the University of Lagos Sports Complex to resume the chase for honours in the football event of the 2012 Nigeria Bankers Games (NBG).

Only two matches were played on the opening day of the tournament as the ceremonies and the novelty match between the Insurance Games All-Stars and the Telecom Games All-Stars formed part of activities to herald the annual bankers’ tournament organised by MediaVision Limited.

“We are delighted by the increased enthusiasm of the banking industry in

the games and on our part, MediaVision will continue to seek ways to make the activities more exciting and accommodative of all stakeholders including the fans”, declared Fela Bank-Olemoh, the Chief Executive Officer of the company.

He said it is in line with this drive that the company recently introduced the Club Thesaurus to provide exciting rewards for registered members of the Corporate Nigeria Games.

First Bank and Keystone Bank will lead the day’s fixtures which also have four other engagements for a lively weekend of sports. It is a match Solomon Idowu of First Bank believes will provide the leverage for the Elephant Boys to lay a stake for the title.

Lagos FA, Nutricima back Community Games ANDREW EKEJIUBA

T

he Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), has affirmed its support and collaboration with Nutricima Limited for the success of the maiden Community Games featuring 10 communities in Lagos.

The Community Games kicks off on September 10 under the auspices of Olympic Milk, a brand on the stable of Nutricima Limited.

Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Mr Seyi Akinwunmi, asserted at a media parley to unveil the 2012 Community Games in Ilupeju, Lagos, that LSFA fully embraced the concept and ideals of the Community Games.

“This is what companies should be doing to support communities. I do not think that governments and the various sporting federations/associations can do enough to ensure that hidden talents are discovered early enough to prepare them to become world-beaters. I therefore ask that all should support this worthy cause,” the Lagos FA Chairman said.

Akinwunmi likened the Community Games to some of the grassroots initiatives of the Lagos FA in the bid to unearth budding football talents in rural communities. The Lagos FA Chairman further called on citizens, individuals and corporate bodies to support the Community Games powered by Olympic Milk.

Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju

Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju (second from left) and Lagos FA chairman Seyi Akinwunmi (second from right) flanked by Nutricima and PZ officials at the launch of Community Games in Lagos.

who also supported the Community Games urged Nutricima and Olympic Milk to ensure they extend the reach of the Community Games immediately after this maiden edition in Lagos. He suggested that the first port of call for such extension should be Ibadan where he currently serves as Club Manager of Shooting Stars Football Club of Ibadan.

Senior Brand Manager, Olympic Milk, Mrs. Chiaka Eluchie called for mass participation in the games. She revealed that participants and spectators would win many prizes.

The 10 communities listed for this year’s Community Games in Lagos are Bariga, Ketu, Obalende, Surulere, Ikorodu, Agege, Oshodi, Mushin, Ajegule, and Orile-Iganmu.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

September 8, 2012

15

16

SPORT

Atula set for comeback bout IFEANYI EDUZOR

F

ormer World Light Heavyweight wrestling champion, “Golden Warrior” Morris Atula says that he is preparing to stage a comeback to the ring in order to restore Nigeria’s dwindling fortune in the mats man game.

Atula told our correspondent from his base in the United Kingdom that his comeback fight, which is scheduled to take place in England before the end of the year, will prepare him for greater challenges ahead even as he noted that his ultimate ambition is to be crowned a world champion again after many years of leaving the stage.

“I want to tell Nigerians that the “Golden Warrior” is staging a comeback to the ring to enable Nigeria regain its leadership position in wrestling.

“My coming back is not for financial gains, but to ensure that Nigeria through me, produce a world champion the country will be proud of,” he said.

Atula who won the World Light Heavy weight wrestling title in 1986 by defeating Braidy Boom of USA at Portland Oregon United States and successfully defended it many times before finally knocking out British Pit- Bull Johnson in the final defense of the title at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos in 2004, stated that his long layoff will not affect his chances because he has been involved in the training of wrestlers since quitting the ring.

Atula

September 8, 2012

Japan 2012: Chiejine tips Falconets to fly over Japan SAYO OGUNDEJI

D

espite losing their semi final clash against the United States of America on Tuesday at the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan, former Super Falcons goalkeeper, Ann AgumanuChiejine, has backed Nigeria’s Falconets to beat their host in the third place match today.

The Falconets suffered a 2-0 defeat in the hands of the Americans despite enjoying much of the possession, thus ending their ambition of reaching the second consecutive final of the tournament, having lost the final of the previous edition to the host, Germany in 2010.

The ex-international who refused to criticise the players for losing the match which many believed they could have won,

T

is of the opinion that the players gave their best but were unlucky to concede the goals.

According to the former Super Falcons assistant coach, the Falconets have the players to beat the Japanese today, but however advised the team to take their chances.

“Everybody expected them to go all the way to the final going by their performance since the commencement of the competi-

tion but they were unfortunate to lose to the Americans and the only way they can redeem themselves is to do their best to beat the Japanese on Saturday.

“The girls have done the country proud despite their semi-final loss and playing the host in the losers’ final will be very challenging for them, but I strongly believe the team now has the experience to beat the Japanese,” Chiejine added.

Camp GTBank: Arsenal coach hails Principals Cup stars SAYO OGUNDEJI

A

rsenal and Fulham youth coach, Mark Ellis, has described the players selected for Camp GTBank currently going on at the Institute of International Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan as talented, adding that the players have the potentials to do the country proud in the nearest future.

Ellis, alongside ex-international and former Green Eagles defender, Yisa Sofoluwe, are currently working and coaching the 26 outstanding players selected from the last Lagos State-GTBank Principals and Heritage Cup in a one week residential camp pro-

gramme designed to develop and polish the next generation of Nigeria’s football talents.

The coach, who compared one of the players, Akangbe Muritala to Ryan Giggs of Manchester United of England in terms of talents, expressed his delight working with the youngsters, but however called on the sponsors to make the trend a continuous process which according to him will help facilitate the players’ rapid development.

“I am very impressed with what I have seen so far with the players in terms of talents and athleticism which if properly channeled, have the potential to do themselves and Nigeria proud in the nearest future but the programme must be a

Arsenal youth coach, Mark Ellis (standing left)and former international, Yisa Sofoluwe, (standing right) dishing out instructions to the players at their camp in Ibadan.

continuous thing to bring the very best out of them.

“All the players are talented but I am thrilled with the skills of Murital who plays exactly like Ryan Giggs and have the ability to be better than the United legend going by his athlectism, but they must be rightly guided so that the talent

will not be a waste,” Eliis opined.

The Corporate Social Responsibility officer of the bank, Buki Olukuewu, while reiterating her firm’s commitment towards the programme, stated that efforts are being made to ensure improve on the standard of competition next season.

Eko 2012: Anambra to camp 200 AYC qualifier: We are ready athletes for zonal elimination for Amajita –Gero

T

he Anambra government says it is beginning a oneweek camping of 200 athletes and 50 officials on Sept. 11 as the Enugu Zonal elimination for the 18th National Sports Festival draws near.

Dr Cyprian Amuzie, the state Director of Sports and Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Friday.

Amuzie said that preparations were in top gear with emphasis on team sports to ensure that the state team emerged top

in the elimination.

“The state Organising Committee is trying its best to ensure that we excel at the zonal competition, the coaches and administrators are also working hard.

“We are beginning the oneweek camping on Tuesday, Sept 11, with 200 athletes and 50 officials in preparation for the zonal elimination.

“Preparations are in top gear, the athletes are not leaving anything to chance,’’ he said.

Amuzie said the team was going to excel in the elimination which comprised Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu.

LSHA plans handball championship he Lagos State Handball Association (LSHA) says it will hold a Senior Club Handball Championships tournament between Sept. 10 and Sept.

14, at the Yaba College of Technology to prepare its players for the 18th National Sports Festival.

The association’s Chief Coach, Anthony Idolor, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos that the tournament would help to keep the players in form.

“We are set for our senior

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

club handball competition, to test our players who will represent the state at the National Sports Festival between Nov. 27 and Dec. 9.

“We want to make sure that we keep them in proper shape by competing with their counterparts from clubs and to also promote the standard of the game in the state.

“We have written to clubs in the state which have strong handball teams to participate in both the male and female cat-

egories of the tournament,’’ he said.

The coach said that of the clubs invited, only the Police, the Army and J.J. Boys’ teams have indicated interest in the competition.

Idolor also said that the association was ready to honour any invitation from any state for friendly competitions, in preparation for the festival and called on individuals and corporate bodies to invest in the sport by sponsoring competitions.

SAYO OGUNDEJI

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head of this month’s African Youth Championship qualifier against the Amajita of South Africa in Johannesburg, Flying Eagles striker, Alhaji Gero, says his side is ready to take on their host, adding that the players would do their best to get a desirable result.

The Flying Eagles defeated Tanzania 4-1 on aggregate to qualify for the final round of the qualifiers and Gero, who scored for the coach John Obuhled team over the two legs, expressed his readiness to help his team achieve its ambition.

The African champions defeated Nigeria Premier League side ABS 3-1 at the Kwara State Stadium in Ilorin on Tuesday in continuation of their preparation for the much-important encounter and are scheduled to play another NPL outfit, Kwara United, by the weekend also in Ilorin, where they have been training for the qualifier.

An excited Gero who was beaming with confidence said, “Our preparation has been going on fine and the friendly

Gero

matches we have been playing have given us the chance to understand ourselves better both on and off the pitch.

“Nigeria is the defending champions but we must beat the South Africans to qualify for the tournament and we are all aware of what is expected of us to make sure we have the opportunity of defending our title,” the Enugu Rangers striker stated.

The overall winners of the clash will qualify for the AYC to be hosted by Algeria in March next year.

MAGAZ INE Fashion •Polka dot glam •Flattering tops

Sex talk

•Signs that you may not be good enough in bed

Relationships •How much infidelity is too much?

Confidence

Exuding confidence

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September 8, 2012

Celebrity Deji Bakare is the current Mr Nigeria. He won the coveted title late last year. He spoke to OSEYIZA OOGBODO about his experience, plans and other matters. Excerpts:

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Being Mr. Nigeria has changed me’

H

ow does it feel to be Mr. Nigeria?

It feels great and highly fulfilling being the number one man in the world of modelling, fashion and entertainment. It’s a great honour and privilege indeed and I’m most grateful to God for making this possible. I’m excited.

What has changed about you since you became Mr. Nigeria last year?

Everything about me has changed.

My goals, drive, friends, enemies, projects, fashion taste, lifestyle, increased responsibilities and expectation from people.

But would you say Mr. Nigeria is as relevant as the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria?

No, it is not, it’s quite far from it.

It’s basically a new brand that the masses are embracing gradually unlike MBGN which has all the fame, attention, sponsors and recognition but it is coming up speedily. The first Mr. Nigeria had enough time to promote it, so people knew him. The second one didn’t but tried his best as he could and I, Deji Bakare on my own part, I’m making the most of my tenure in promoting the brand in every way possible and will encourage the next guy to keep the flag flying.

Why did you enter the contest?

I did because of my desire for a platform of relevance to my society, not for the money. The quest for change!

Coming from the ghetto where I saw so many untapped talents wasting away was my greatest motivation.

What were the things you did that made you win?

Before the contest, I went for a month’s training at the military camp thinking it was going to be very demanding. So when I got there, I found out that I was over-prepared. So I would simply say I was more determined than others and I had God on my side. I also won the Mr. Talented during the contest.

What is your relationship with the previous Mr. Nigeria winners?

My relationship with the first Mr. Nigeria is cool but with Kenneth, the second Mr. Nigeria, it’s brilliant and awesome. We are friends and I would describe him as a God-fearing, kind, loving and fun-to-be-with pal. The last dinner I was privileged to have with him was surely one of those moments

I will always cherish. So in all, we are all cool.

Are you richer now as Mr. Nigeria than before you won the title?

No I’m not. Rather, much is expected of me of which isn’t available to meet up with the demands.

Have you had any unforgettable as Mr. Nigeria?

None for now oh. I’m still Mr. Nigeria, it’s not yet over, so till then …

What is it about you that people don’t know?

There is time for everything, now is not the right time to let that out. It’s a secret. When the time comes, I will say it.

Have you ever experienced sexual harassment?

No I have not. I have not found myself in such situations maybe because of my busy schedule but I sincerely don’t pray for such.

How are you going to give back to

the society?

Every day, second, minute and hour of my life is all about giving back to the society. Immediately after my victory, two weeks to be precise, I swung into action by doing an inspiration song titled Dreams In Colours aimed at inspiring the youths that as God made my success possible, you can be who you want to be, only believe. I did the launch of my music video, Zero 2 Hero, to inspire the youths that dreams do come true, as well as to raise funds for the So Said Charity Home, Ago, Lagos. The video is on air right now and will be in the market thereafter. In all, it’s all about the youths, inspiring and exposing them to the possibilities of determination and consistency. I’m passionate about the youths, I want them to believe in themselves, look inside, believe in their dreams. If you are a shoemaker, barber, designer, teacher, trader, just hold on to it and before long, you will make it with God on your side. Right now, I’m planning a fashion show and model forum. The Model Forum is another of my initiatives of giving back to the society but with a special focus on models. The

forum will feature great speakers and entrepreneurs and modelling icons. Its highlights are online modelling/packaging, entrepreneurial modelling, modelling ethics, how to enter and win competitions, runway skills, music, comedy, games and interactive sessions with ex-beauty queens and kings. The first 30 models to register qualify automatically to participate on the runway in my upcoming fashion tour in October.

Tell us about your growing up days.

Just like every normal kid on the street, I wasn’t born with a silver spoon.

Life was difficult and challenging for me, an experience that made me who I am today.

Do you sometimes get tired of fame?

Not at all. I’m only tired of disappointments from friends and loved ones who are meant to support me but don’t.

Favours and support from the unexpected! Well I guess it is part of the package of being Mr. Nigeria.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

19

September 8, 2012

Entervaganza

With OSEYIZA OOGBODO

08023755142 kingseiza@gmail.com

Iyanya

spotted with another babe in London

E

ven as the echoes of his alleged romance with Yvonne Nelson are yet to die down considering that he has denied any romantic liaison with the sexy actress, the Kukere crooner Iyanya is already making the news again for alleged involvement with another woman.

This time around, he was spotted with a stunning white woman in London. The way he held her close to himself has got people speculating that they definitely must be in a relationship.

It is not surprising however the way women are flocking around the Love Truly singer now. Just like Tuface Idibia became a proper ladies’ man when his African Queen became a monster hit, Iyanya too always has women around him now because his Kukere is a certified smash hit.

Peter P-Square throws lavish bash for baby mama

P

eter Okoye of P-Square fame organised a surprise birthday bash for his baby mama, Lola Omotayo, last Sunday in Lagos.

It was attended by both their family members, including a few friends who gathered at the swimming pool side of the classy venue to wine and dine.

In attendance was Lola’s father, her cousins, close friends and few staff, while those who came from Peter included his two sisters Lillian and Mary, cousins and friends. The Managing Director of DANA Air, Jacky Hathiramani, also attended with his wife.

Lola was taken by surprise as she wasn’t aware Peter had made such preparation for her. The multiple award-winning singer told her only that both of them were going to West Fosters to have some good time. But on their arrival, she was surprised to see her father and other guests who stood up to sing happy birthday song to her.

Speaking about his party for Lola, who is currently believed to be pregnant again for Peter after already having a son, Cameron, for him, Peter said, “She is a wonderful woman who means a lot to me. Special people deserve special things like this.”

e c n e d i f n o C gen

u a H als dark secret

reve

G

hana celebrity, Confidence Haugen, who attained a very high profile with her representation of Ghana at Big Brother Amplified, has finally revealed a secret she has kept to herself for years: that she never went to secondary school.

It was almost as if fate had a hand in her revealing the secret which has been a load on her chest all this while. She appeared on e-TV Ghana’s Late Night Celebrity Show and a viewer asked her which secondary school she went.

Even as shock couldn’t make her answer on time, and the show’s host asked why she was smiling instead of answering, another viewer asked her to reveal

Peter and Lola

a secret about herself.

Bowing to fate, she smiled again and said, “OK, I never attended secondary school. That is my secret. It is not like I didn’t want to attend but I didn’t have the means so I started hustling.”

After her disclosure, she became overwrought with emotion and tears flowed from her eyes and the show had to go on a commercial to allow her pull herself together. She has however since acquired more education and recently graduated from the London Academy of Media, Film and Television where she studied Television Presenting, Acting and Media. She is also a businesswoman.

ENTERVAGANZA

20

September 8, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CLASSICAL RYHMES

AIRWAVES LINK

PFWA: Tears as two others get the boot

L

ast Saturday’s elimination show was a night of mixed emotions as two more contestants were evicted while a new one came into the show courtesy a wild card medium.

The show began on a beautiful note with the two wild card entries Henry and Ella who had the highest votes performing Michael Bolton’s How Am I Supposed To Live Without You and Beyonce’s I Was Here respectively. After their beautiful performances, it was time for the judges to pick the better of the two.

Although TY Mix was absent, Cobham was in as the guest judge and they unanimously chose Ella after thorough consideration. And so for first time in PFWA history, Ella became the first contestant to join the others in the Academy mid-stream.

It was then time for the elimination proper and Yeside Oredugba of Alexander Forbes was invited to bring forth the envelope containing the names of the five contestants with the least votes.

Chinyere, Joshua, Adetoun, Grace and Didi sadly landed on the probation block and had to repeat the songs they performed last weekend. After their performances, the judges saved Chinyere for bringing the extra factor

T

he Ghanaian invasion of Glo Presents The Big Friday Show continued in the 12th episode which had multi-talented actor and presenter Christopher Nii Attoh.

Popularly known as Chris Attoh, his guest appearance came after those of fellow Ghanaians R2bees and Efya after Nigerian celebrities took the centre stage in the first nine episodes.

Although he said acting was not on his agenda, he had steadily risen to become one of the finest promising actors Africa can boast of. He first starred in Life and Living It, Scorned and The Perfect Picture which broke Ghana’s box office records.

The Tinsel star spoke earnestly about his passion for entertainment and his ambition to “continuously strive to put Ghana’s name on the entertainment map worldwide.”

Episode 12 also featured Ebisan as

into her performance, the faculty saved Adetoun whom they felt had been on top of her game, and Didi escaped elimination with the votes of the contestants not on probation.

Who ever thought Christian would save Didi? What happened to his profession of love? For Chinyere, what will happen to the feelings she shared with Joshua with his elimination? Guess love is tough in a competition.

With Joshua and Grace left as the contestants not saved, they both performed for the last time on the PFWA stage. When asked how they felt about

their elimination, Grace with teary eyes showed appreciation for the faculty and everyone who voted for her. Joshua also did a similar thing for the judges and faculty and counted it as a honour to have even been on the stage.

The show then continued last Sunday with the contestants performing African classics by KSA, Angelique Kidjo, Omawumi, Duncan Mighty, Sir Shina Peters, Sir Rex Lawson, Salawa Abeni, Onyeka Onwenu and Adewale Ayuba.

Though they all gave a good account of themselves, those with the least votes would be up for elimination

Joshua and Grace

Ghana’s Chris Attoh on The Big Friday Show

Basketmouth and Attoh

the upcoming artiste for the week. The singer-songwriter talked about her debut single, Love Story, and sophomore single, Jowo.

There was also the regular Vlog segment presented by Vlogger Stephanie who updates viewers on world entertainment and also the Prank Yo Peoples segment where a lucky Glo subscriber, Hapi Ofulue, got to prank her friend, Michael Emmanuel, with the help of The Big Friday Show crew.

Dr Love aka the official pimp daddy of hearts was also there to give advice on all love and relationship issues. The other segments in this week’s show include the Ask/Reply where Glo subscribers text in questions to know more about the studio guest and the weekly Countdown.

Icewater, firm partner in goodies’ giveaway

A

partnership between MC Icewater, a toprated on-air personality, and nigeriafilms.com, a top-rated general news website, is now bringing goodies to the public since last Monday.

According to the partnership’s arrangements, nigeriafilms.com will give prizes like recharge cards, movie tickets, dinner vouchers, mobile phones and so on to its readers who listen to Icewater’s Joli-Joli Av-

enue show on Eko FM on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Such readers who wants to win the prizes will have to call in to the programme during its broadcast time of 2 – 5 pm.

MC Icewater

Lagbaja

Konko Below Artist: Lagbaja Pade mi ni’sale ele le le le Arigi di, arigi di Ah, thunder Atoto pato, atoto pato pato wo Ah thunder Ose bata E pade mi ni’sale e le le E pade mi ni’sale e e E pade mi ni sale E pade mi ni Konko below Ko below Konko below Ko below Ah, thunder Ah onibata yi o kare, eee Sebi Naija ni e o Sisi O se wa n gb’ese Bi oyinbo o O sa mo’ru e Sisi O se wa npajo lekun Bi oyinbo o, Owo gba’lesha Ese gba Port Har Ori wa nfi dugbe dugbe Bi agama, Konko below Ko below Ah, thunder Ibadi ni’jo wa E gbe jo Ibadi ni’jo wa E gbe, e gbe E gbe jo o, Bere mo’le E gbe jo Isaleele ele gangan gangan E gbe jo o, Konko below Ko below Ah Pade mi ni’sale People are you ready To do something freaky To get busy Better watch your waist now ‘Cos we’re going right down To the floor now Meet me right down, down, down Down down down Down down down Get into the groove, baby Let me see you move honey Let me see you dance See you move See you move Aaaaa Ijo ya o Ijo ya o, Lagbaja Konko Below Ko Below Konko Below Ko Below, Get on down Under Omoge Campus Je’n r’owo e loke Na’ka e s’oke, Owo kan pere E ko mo’le E ko mo’le Omoge campus Ah, Get on down Under Ijo ti ya, Konko below Pade mi ni’sale Aaa, pade mi ni’sale E pade mi ni konko below

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ENTERVAGANZA

September 8, 2012

BOX-OFFICE HITS

BRAIN BEHIND THE SCENE

Wole Oni... music producer

I

rewole Samuel Oni is not really a famous person despite his immense contribution to the entertainment industry. This is not surprising because he works behind the scene.

He is the producer of smash hits that include Ijoba Orun by Lara George, Igwe by Midnight Crew, Kosobabire (Folake Umosen), Olori Oko (Infinity) and Tosin Martins’ Olo Mi. While he is known more for his music productions, he has also crafted radio jingles and television commercials for blue chip brands that include MTN, GTB and Stanbic IBTC. He has proven his worth time and time over and over again and continued to do so.

Like most people behind the success of popular entertainers and entertainment projects, Oni, who is better known as Wole Oni, rose to success gradually. He began playing the bass guitar when he was just seven years old and

G

oing by its plot, The Words is yet another classic movie. Author Clay Hammond (Dennis Quaid) is giving a reading of his new book, The Words, which is about Rory Jansen (Bradley Cooper).

Rory is an aspiring writer but after five years and being unable to publish his novel, his life has slipped away and he’s stuck as a supervisor in a publishing firm. While digging through an old briefcase he got in Paris, he discovers a manuscript.

It is the best novel he’s ever read, but there’s no author listed.

Rory decides to claim the work as his own, which eventually leads him to fame and fortune.

He manages to live in blissful denial until he meets the Old Man (Jeremy

I

Oni

later added the piano which is the quintessential music instrument.

What actually stands him out in the park and has made him into a roaring success is the fact that he stands for quality and doesn’t compromise on it. He knows how real music should sound and that’s what he ensures he achieves with all his productions.

Being that he operates in an industry where most musicians don’t really know how to sing but rely on technology to make them sound good, Oni assesses potential clients before working with them. If he finds out that they don’t really have a good singing ability, he addresses that aspect first not only to make his own work better but to also make them better musicians.

His passion, commitment and dedication to good music have seen him also being chosen as a judge of talent hunts and many of his efforts have won awards for the artistes as well as for himself.

21

n this movie that is destined to be a box office success, two former college rivals team up to start a lucrative business while sharing a New York apartment in this comedy from director Jamie Travis.

Back in school, Lauren (Lauren Anne Miller) and Katie (Ari Graynor) had a love/hate relationship. Years later, Lauren is recovering from a messy break-up, and Katie is living in her late grandmother’s apartment when the rent control runs out.

Irons) who is the novel’s true author.

What then happens? Will the truth come out? Find out in the Words which will soon be in cinemas.

In order to avoid losing the apartment, Katie invites Lauren to move in and help out with the payments.

Fate intervenes however when Katie becomes fed up with Lauren’s boisterous bedroom antics and learns that her new roommate has a naughty side that could earn them both some quick cash.

With Lauren in charge of the business and Katie catering to the clients, the mismatched pair launch a phone-sex line that quickly proves a smashing success.

ENTERVAGANZA

22

September 8, 2012

SHOWBIZ SNOOPS

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Send your views and comments as SMS to 08023755142

CELEBRITY FAVOURITES D’Banj and Kanye

West: Still ticking J ust when people were beginning to think that the Kanye West, D’Banj association was a mirage, it’s now shimmering like reality.

Since his association with America’s hip-hop heavyweight West became public, people have been expecting substantial proof that they are indeed in a business association.

West’s performance appearance at the defunct Mo’ Hits concert in London assuaged the doubting Thomases for some time. But it wasn’t long before they became doubtful again. And again they were appeased some-

Festus Keyamo

Styleh features Rolling Dollar in new song

F

Favourite Food ANYTHING AT ALL THAT IS WELL SPICED AND WELL COOKED Favourite Drink WATER Favourite Designer (Intl) NONE Favourite Restaurant/Bar NONE Favourite Day Of The Week MONDAY (WHEN WORK BEGINS) Favourite Perfume NONE Favourite Fashion Item LEATHER SLIPPERS Favourite Movie ANY REALLY HILARIOUS COMEDY Favourite Brand Of Telephone Handset NOKIA Favourite Quote IF YOU CANNOT DIE FOR SOMETHING, THEN YOU ARE NOT FIT TO LIVE FOR ANYTHING

what by West’s appearance in D’Banj’s Oliver Twist video.

Even D’Banj’s negligible cameo appearance in West’s Mercy video and appearance in Complex magazine alongside all of West’s G.O.O.D Music artistes were not enough to convince pundits that West has good plans for D’Banj.

No matter all the speculations, the D’Banj, West association is forging ahead in its own way with the latest news about them being that D’Banj has featured on a track, The Morning, alongside the American artists Raekwon, Pusha T, Common, 2 Chainz, CyHi Da Prynce and Kid Cudi.

Styleh

ast-rising hip hop artist, Styleh, has strategically featured veteran highlife musician, Fatai Rolling Dollar, in his new song, Iwo Ni, in order to earn it instant acceptance by the public.

Speaking to Entervaganza, Styleh however revealed that it wasn’t only for commercial reasons that he collaborated with the renowned elderly musician who is reputed to be Nigeria’s oldest practising musician.

“Baba is someone I’ve admired for a very long time. The story of his comeback into mainstream music after a long time out of it has always been an inspiration to me and has always made me want to work with him so this song we did together is a dream come true for me.”

Nigeria gets multiple Channel O nominations

T

hirteen Nigerian musicians have been nominated for this year’s Channel O Music Awards taking place in November.

The nominated artistes are those who have really been stirring up a storm on the Nigerian music scene and thereby across Africa and the world.

While old timers P-Square, Tuface, D’Banj, Flavour, Naeto C and Wande Coal were nominated, relatively new artistes were also nominated. This latter set of nominees is made up of Tiwa Savage, Davido, Wizkid, Brymo, Mo’ Cheddah, Orezi and Ice Prince.

Their nominations spread virtually across every category including the Most Gifted Video of the Year where D’Banj and Brymo represent the country.

Davido

Genevieve

Nollywood divas clash over award

T

he maiden edition of Eko International Film Festival’s Nollywood Divas Awards is set to pit Nollywood’s best female thespians against themselves.

With 20 of them nominated, it is certain that it will be battle royale.

Who will win the award when it comes up later in the year? Is it Omotola or Genevieve who have been seen as long-standing rivals? Is it Rita Dominic, Stella Damasus, Stephanie Okereke or Kate Henshaw who have long basked in the shadow of Omotola and Genevieve?

The other nominees are Funke Akindele, Monalisa Chinda, Omoni Oboli, Ngozi Ezeonu, Joke Silva-Jacobs, Ini Edo, Uche Jombo, Bimbo Akinbola, Tonto Dike, Mercy Johnson, Nse Ikpe Esim, Fathia Balogun, Lillian Bach and Clarion Chukwura.

If going by history, awards are a big deal in Nollywood so this won’t be any different.

There was a time that a popular actress was accused of rigging votes in order to win an award. And when Tonto Dike was nominated for this year’s Future Awards, she uploaded scathing remarks on Twitter and she eventually got to win it.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ENTERVAGANZA

September 8, 2012

23

SHOWBIZ SNOOPS

Meggy denies secret wedding

Mo’

Cheddah,

F

ast-rising female singer, Meggy, has confirmed to Entervaganza that she is indeed married now. Her confirmation comes on the heels of the reports that have been trailing her that she married secretly.

“I wouldn’t say I married secretly. I don’t think there any such thing as a secret marriage because one or two people must know you are wedding and so everyone will get to know too. I can only say my traditional wedding, which is what I’ve done, held in my hometown so you don’t expect much noise about something held outside Lagos.”

Adding that the white wedding will hold later in the year, she said, “I hope the speculations that I’m dating this and that will finally be laid to rest now I’m married.”

Meggy found fame when she released Chop Knuckle. She followed it up We Dey Go featuring Klever Jay and her latest single, Mi O Se Mo is fast gaining ground.

London returnee laments injustice

W

hen Vector Iheanacho aka 9etwork went to London in search of the proverbial Golden Fleece, he sincerely hoped to find it, and he seems to have done so.

While in London, he was able to observe on a firsthand basis the injustice meted out to Nigerians there and he was inspired to do a song which is now a listeners’ delight.

“In the UK where I live currently, Nigerians are encountering a lot of victimization, racism and so on. I have been on the receiving end of such prejudices myself and I can tell you that it’s not only frustrating but annoying. The good thing for me however is that I’ve captured all my sufferings into a song that will let the world know what is going on.”

The song is aptly titled Injustice, and 9etwork, who is currently in Nigeria to promote it, added that he released it along with two other singles, Naira and 9etwork Party.

May D in Coming For You

T t s e t a l l a o C e d n a W , y zz a J n o D , KSB Don Jazzy

KSB

Jealous of Don Jazzy, Wande Coal? Not me –KSB

S

equel to the negative comments it has received by at least one member of the public over its promotion of nudity, the fate of Wande Coal’s Go Low music video is currently uncertain.

While there are widespread reports that it has been banned from airplay, there are many other reports that it hasn’t been banned but that the broadcasting watchdog, NBC, has only asked that it should be re-edited.

Commenting on the purported ban, KSB, the gospel musician who has been the most vocal critic of the video, told Entervaganza that, “I don’t know anything about it being banned. And it’s not that I will be happy if it’s banned. But I raised the dust concerning the nudity in it because it will influence our youths in the continuous loss of values.”

And as to the allegations making the rounds that she is jealous of Don Jazzy and Wande Coal because they are more

successful than her, she was very emphatic in her response.

“That is a wrong notion. It’s just stupid fans that are angry that are saying that. When it comes to measuring success, I’ve been in the industry for 15 years while Wande Coal is just about six years. But will he still be here in 15 years?”

She added that, “I am an Ogungbe. We make superstars. We made Tuface and many others. So why should an Ogungbe be jealous of Don Jazzy and Wande Coal?”

Reiterating that her intention is not to get the video banned, she said, “Apart from the nude aspect, the video is fantastic. It’s not that I want it banned. I will just like them to re-edit it and then bring it back. Don Jazzy is up there and if he gets away with a nudity promotion video like this, younger artists will begin to emulate and that is why I attacked him.”

hey both had one thing in common: they are no longer with their record labels. And now they have another thing in common: they have recorded a song together.

Welcome to the world of Mo’ Cheddah and May D. While Mo’ Cheddah sought out of her own association with Knighthouse, May D was kicked out by Square Records for reasons that are still vague and might never see the light of day.

Now, probably due to the similarities between them as talented independent artists, Mo’ Cheddah has featured May D on her latest song, Coming For You. Already, the industry is abuzz about the collaboration between the two artists who are tipped to be the industry’s future leaders.

But ‘Coming For You’? Who are they coming for? Or is the song perhaps a message to their previous bosses?

Waje’s album approaches W

ith the release of her latest singles, Oko Mi and I Wish, it is now certain that it’s only a matter of time before Waje’s album inevita-

Waje

bly drops.

Even without an album to her name, she is one of the most successful urban musicians in the country, all thanks to her talent and the break she got from being featured by P-Square on their massive hit track, Do Me. Since Do Me, it has been all the way up for her, especially as her own singles Kolo, So Inspired and others have also done well. Her success has however led to demands for her album by her fans, a demand she is yet to meet.

So far, she has disclosed just that the album will be titled her name, WAJE, which stands for Words Aren’t Just Enough.

Mo’ Cheddah

24

September 8, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Woman

I married my boss

– Madam Saje Although her father detested her career choice, Fausat Balogun, popularly known as Madam Saje insisted on her choice. She is today one of the top actresses in the Yoruba movie industry. She spoke with YEMISI ADENIRAN on her journey through the rough roads, her marriage to her boss and the regret of losing her father.

Y

ou are one of the few actresses w whose marriage has remained intact for many years. Wh What’s the secret?

There is no serious secret about it. God is the only one who can keep a marriage or any home. We can only try as a human bea ing. I can only say that God has helped me and nothing more. Mind man others who have been you, I am not the only one, we have many an still have their homes married for decades in the industry and intact.

Madam Saje

What’s your view abo about the marriages of many of your colleagues, collea especially the younger ones, that crashed cra even before they were begun?

Like I said, those of us whose homes are intact have them kept by God and not by any power of our own. Those whose marriages got broken, honest honestly, may not have had it so because of their younger ages. It could definitely for man many other reasons. Mind you, this is not p peculiar to us in the industry, it has bec become a general thing or should I say, a co common thing these days.

We should just pray for our youth and children as they grow up.

Why did you say so?

There is noth nothing too big for God to handle and when issues begin to get worrisome, prayer sshould be the next thing to resort to. W What can anyone do? If we begin to shif shift blame on anyone now, it will definitely not solve the problem.

But when we pra pray and counsel when necessary and more regularly, we are bound to solve the probl problem(s).

What would b be your advice to those going into marri marriage?

As a human bein being and an elderly woman in marriage, I will advise them to be sure they are really rea ready for marriage before going into it. Thi This is very important. We all want to get ma married at some point in life. And for wom women, the society, in a way, has an age bracket within which you must

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

WOMAN

September 8, 2012

get married. As you are drawing nearer, the anxiety rises and as soon as you cross over that margin, you begin to consider yourself a failure. Many, because of this have allowed themselves to be pushed or forced into the arms of wrong spouses and that ruins their marriages. Again, others look at the lives of their friends and ended up choosing wrongly. It is not good to copy others. Couples should endeavour to be mature enough before getting married, they must be convinced that their spouses are just what they want and they must realise that marriage is not a bed of roses. Many married people today have their tales of woes but because they are enduring, they have lasted this far. They must be ready to overlook the faults of their partners knowing well that they are not perfect themselves. Good understanding of the peculiarities of a spouse’s job is another factor to be considered carefully. In short, marriage is an institution for adults and the mature.

How do you determine a mature person?

A mature person is he or she who can overlook the other person’s faults and get on with life. He is the one who can make excuses for another person’s mistake. It is not about age, stature or life achievements, it is about growing up more emotionally than any other.

How did you meet your husband and what attracted you to him?

I met him in the industry; he was my boss and remained my boss anyday. I am attracted to him for his diligence, honesty and straight forwardness. He is a very caring husband and father. His name is Rafiu Balogun, a script writer, director and actor.

How did you come by the name, Madam Saje, which everybody knows you by?

I got if from one of Baba Suwe’s flicks. It’s a name for a woman who acts as an Iron Lady.

How would you describe your journey so far in the movies’ world?

I would say so far, God has been good to me. I started with them at the time of stage play and now we are in the world of movies. In those days, we were doing it for the fun of it; we were doing it for the love and passion we have for it. There was no tangible money. We would run away from home to join a theatre group even when our parents were not in support. Today, I thank God that all have become well and better. It has become more rewarding, famous and fulfilling. I thank God that I am alive to share from the reward.

Are you saying your parents were not in support of your career choice?

No, they were not, especially my father. You know that until recently, parents believe acting was for unserious people. They didn’t expect their children to be involved in it when there are better professions like Medicine, Nursing, Teaching and several others available to be chosen from. They believed it was only wayward girls that were into acting and for me, my father didn’t find it funny at all. He did not take it easy with me. He beat me and even went to the extent of stripping me naked just to discourage me. I was not discouraged despite all. It only pained and embarrassed me. But I waxed stronger in my love for it and I thank God that I have made a big success of it. My only regret is that my father is not alive today to witness how well I’m doing on the job. I can’t blame him for his actions then,. He was only play the role of a good parent the way he could.

Keeping ABREAST

‘I saved my honour’ • Woman shoots and decapitates rapist who made her pregnant

What about your mother?

She is also late but she gave me her support. You know women; they have a way of understanding their children and seeing from their views. But there is little or nothing she could do to convince her husband otherwise she would be seen as indulging me. My father was a disciplinarian and he did not hide it.

Would you want your kids to step into your shoes?

I have two of them in the industry already. They are doing well and I am happy about that.

Was there a time you were oppressed or harassed by any of your superiors in the industry?

It is normal to have all manner of experiences but I have never been harassed by anyone. May be because of my husband’s status or because of my own carriage. People go out of their ways to do good to me, to honour me and I thank God for that.

How do you unwind?

Once I am not on location, I try to relax at home, stay with my husband, visit families and generally hang out with my husband.

What message do you have for women and upcoming artistes?

Women should love God and care for their homes. They should make their homes top of their priorities and pray all the time. They should avoid their husbands’ dislikes too.

For upcoming artistes, they should be focused on the job, be ready to pay their dues and wait for their turn to shine.

25

Revenge: Nevin Yildirim (left) shot and decapitated Nurettin Gider (right), who she claims had repeatedly raped her

N

evin Yildirim, 26, is now awaiting trial after murdering a man in her home in Yalvac, south-west Turkey.

The mother-of-two is five months pregnant with, she claims, her rapist’s child.

She is demanding authorities let her have an abortion even though she is four weeks beyond Turkey’s tenweek termination limit.

Yildirim said the man, Nurettin Gider, began assaulting her a few days after her husband left home in January to work a seasonal job in another town.

She claims he threatened her with a gun and said he would kill her children, aged two and six, if she did not keep silent.

The rapes continued over the next eight months until August 28, when Yildirim decided she had had enough.

On that day she shot Gider after he had climbed up the back wall of her house and then shot him again when he reached for his gun.

She says, “I chased him. He fell on the ground. He started swearing at me.

“I shot his sexual organ this time.

He became quiet. I knew he was dead.

I then cut his head off.”

In total, Yildirim shot him ten times, including several times in his groin region. He was also reportedly stabbed in the abdomen after he was shot.

She then carried his head, which was dripping blood, by the hair to the village square at Yalvac.

Speaking to shocked men sitting outside a coffee house, she said: “Don’t talk behind my back, don’t play with my honour. Here is the head of the man who played with my honour.”

The rapist was blackmailing Yildirim. She said he had taken nude photos of her while pregnant after sneaking into her bedroom at night. He threatened to send them to her parents unless she continued sleeping with him, she said.

“He kept saying that he would tell everyone about the rape. My daughter will start school this year. Everyone would have insulted my children. Now no one can. I saved my honour. They will now call children the kids of the woman who saved her honour.”

“I thought of reporting him to military police and to the district attorney, but this was going to mark me as a scorned woman.

“Since I was going to get a bad reputation, I decided to clean my honor and acted on killing him. I thought of suicide a lot but couldn’t do it.”

Womens’ groups in Turkey have praised Yildirim as a heroine.

Yildirim has even said she is prepared to die as long as she is allowed to have the abortion.

The rapist, father-of-two Nurettin Gider, 35, was married to an aunt of Yildirim’s husband.

Culled from www.mailonline.com

26

September 8, 2012

Parenting

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

Why you must massage your baby A

lthough baby massage is relatively new to this country, it is not to other cultures. Massage is supposed to be an important part of a baby’s daily routine and the family’s way of life. More than a pleasurable experience for the participants, evidence shows that loving, touching, nurturing contact between parents and babies has a positive impact on subsequent development.

Benefits for babies can include:  Develops their first language, which is mainly touch  Enhances their feeling of being loved, respected and secure  Helps to strengthen and regulate their digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems  Relieves symptoms of colic, gas and constipation  Calmed nervous system leads to more restful sleep  Teaches babies how to be aware of their body’s tension and how to release it, an invaluable gift as they grow into adulthood.

Benefits that parents identify:  Develops confidence when handling their baby  Enhances loving communication, helping parents to understand and respond to their baby’s non-verbal language  Provides ‘permission’ to relax together with their baby  Increases awareness of baby’s growth and development As a parent, you are able to ease your child’s transition to sleep by mere holding them or using the relaxed holding technique, Resting Hands.

Findings have also shown that some mothers found the Colic Relief Routine – a specific set of strokes to ease colic – the only thing that helped their babies ‘ colic. Particularly are the strokes that ease a sluggish digestion. One called I Love You is particularly effective. An upside down I, L and then U made in a clockwise direction around the abdomen eases constipation. Other strokes may help with teething and congestion.

Bonding Bonding is a loving emotional connection between parent and child, which is formed and strengthened over time. Research has shown that healthy physical and emotional development depends on successful early bonding. The establishment of this bond between parent and child is a complex process involving several elements. The IAIM infant massage programme incorporates all of these critical elements of bonding and attachment; namely skin contact (touching or holding), smell, making eye contact, facial expressions and vocalisation (talking, making soothing sounds, or singing) in a safe environment.

Oxytocin – the ‘cuddle hormone’ Parents instinctively know that holding and stroking calms children and scientists have now shown that very gentle touch, even something as simple as a hug releases the hormone oxytocin. Its effects are to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and pain and promote relaxation. What is more, the benefits are two-way: when you massage your child your own stress hormone levels improve and your blood pressure lowers.

Stimulation Massaging your baby can stimulate their major systems, for instance, massage stimulates their nervous system.

Each nerve has a protective covering around it, called the myelin sheath, which speeds the transmission of impulses from the brain to the rest of the body. The process of coating the nerves (myelination) continues even after birth and natural sensory stimulation, such as massage, speeds this process. In addition, the stimulation provided by your loving touch is a natural kind that is relevant to the baby’s world, more so than artificially created toys or videos.

Studies with premature babies have demonstrated that massage also strengthens and regulates the respiratory, circulatory and gastrointestinal systems. Stimulating the immune system through massage increases your baby’s resistance to disease. In addition, the increased intimacy with your baby that massage brings gives you the ability to recognise changes and potentially catch illnesses early on.

•Culled from www.babieslovemassage.com

Tiny Feet

NAME: Marvelous Iyanu Oyewola

BORN TO: Evangelist & Mrs Oyewola AGE: 8 days BIRTH WEIGHT: 3.5kg Have you just had a baby? Send a picture of your bundle of joy to mirrorbabies@gmail.com

ParentingUpdate

Overloaded school bags can deform kids – Experts

z They may cause injuries to the spine

O

verloaded backpacks carried by school children compromise their posture and may lead to future injuries of the spine, a study has revealed.

The study was meant to determine the prevalence of low back pain and describe its relationship with schoolbag use in pupils. It indicated that heavy backpacks can become a clini¬cal problem in school-going children, if the weight carried in the packs is not decreased.

The authors of the study said children should not carry anything weighing more than 10% of their body weight.

“Repeated carrying of heavy schoolbags leads to strain¬ing of both the muscles and ligaments of the back. Since children’s bodies grow rapidly, this repeated straining could lead to structural damage by affecting the growing bones,” explained the lead expert.

In their study, they found out that 88.2% of the pupils in their study reported having back pains, especially in the neck and shoulders and upper back.

The research showed that there is a relationship between lower back pain and school bag type, the way the bag is carried, long duration of walking and the time spent sitting.

Backpacks were the most common type of schoolbag and younger children carried proportionally heavier bags.

Other types of bags included shoulder bags, racksacks, plastic bags and 15.5% had no schoolbags.

Urban pupils carried signifi¬cantly heavier bags than the rural pupils.

Of those studied, 30.8% carried schoolbags which were more than the recommended 10% of their body weight. Only 19% had lockers at school.

Pupils reported the weights of their bags as being either medium (49.9%) or heavy (39.8%). The prevalence of lower back pain was 37.8%. The study involved 532 pupils from six primary schools. Though seen as a convenient method of carrying books and other scholastic materials, doctors say heavy schoolbags contribute to back and other musculo-skeletal problems in school-going children.

The study recommends that schools provide learners with lockers where they can keep their scholastic materials.

Parents and teachers were also asked to encourage chil¬dren not to carry heavy bags.

•Culled from www.thenewvision.com

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

27

September 8, 2012

le StyGlam and

with Yemisi Adeniran

P

olka dots are fun when worn right, but take it too far and you’ll look ridiculous. You will get it right these ways: 1. Limit yourself to one piece of polka at a time.

2. Pair your polka attire with solid shoes 3. Stick to styles that are classic and not cutesy.

4. If you choose to carry a polka dot handbag, wear with a solid dress.

5. Search out polka dot clothing with understated styles and avoid harsh colours.

So women, get your groove on this season and glam your look with a little bit of polka dot in your wardrobe. Follow these tips and you can do no wrong.

(08037801158) ydiran@yahoo.com

28

STYLE & GLAM

September 8, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fashion YEMISI ADENIRAN

W

hen it comes to choosing a T-shirt, blouse, sw or any kind of top, it’s the neckline that is lik make all the difference between a look that fl your figure and one that accentuates your less-than-p parts. You have to factor in your bust size, neck length, h and even face shape. Here is how to create this magic: • The collarbone and decollete region is one o most alluring parts of any woman. Wearing an open nec that shows it off is going to make most women appear l and leaner. Lower, open necklines like a sweetheart (wh shaped like the top of a heart), scoop, square or V-neck to look good on almost every body type and size. They attention to your face and elongate your upper body, esp ly if you’re petite or have a short neck. Just make sur don’t reveal too much.

• If you’re not well endowed, sweetheart and necklines are best at creating the illusion of curves • A true turtleneck that hits a couple of inch

BEAUTY

Q&A

Your candid response to all fashion questions Are corsets the same as bustiers? Please how can I pull off the look well?

back again. It can even be a stand-in for your bra and your top. This is how to wear it right:

A corset is equally appropriate for a bride as it is for a burlesque dancer. Corset will effortlessly shift from underwear to outerwear, and

Try wearing a corset laced up over a pretty blouse. When you wear a corset over a soft cotton top, it’ll feel comfortable against your skin

Wear it over a blouse

even whe

Pair

Jeans, corset. It When

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

September 8, 2012

n Frenzy

weater kely to latters perfect height

of the ckline longer hich is k tend bring pecialre you scoop

es be-

low the chin will whittle away your height, making it best for those who want to offset a long neck or face. A cowl-neck, which is a looser version of a turtleneck, naturally drapes at the chest, creating a vertical line that elongates the body. A mock neck hits slightly lower than a turtleneck and serves as a good midpoint if you can’t part with your more covered-up sweaters • Whatever size you are, a halter will flatter your figure. It gives support and lift to a big bust. If the halter has a built-in bra, it can create curves where there are none which is why you see a lot of halter-style bathing suits and wedding dresses. If your arms or shoulders are your trouble spot, top the halter with a fitted jacket.

• A strapless cut can make top-heavy women spill out, and tall, thin women look giraffe-like. The silhouette may, however, be a boon to petite women, helping them look taller.

• With any lower necklines, there’s the risk of going too low and looking inappropriately sexy. Whether your top goes too deep or a V-neck is not your best look, try it over a camisole or slim-fit collared shirt before you toss it. Layering can breathe new life into a too-revealing top.

STYLE & GLAM

29

Facelift

p o o H earrings

A

lthough some women are drawn toward smaller hoop earrings, specifically for work and other places where they need to abide by a more conservative look, large hoop earrings can be an optimal choice for a variety of events as well. From classic to cutting edge, hoop earrings are essential to every woman’s jewelry wardrobe.

Hoops flatter all faces, and they never go out of style. This is the jewelry piece that allows you to go bolder and make a statement.

en it’s tightly laced.

it with pants

or any other type of slim-fitting pant, will look great with a t’s an outfit you can wear anywhere, everyday. wearing a corset with pants, make sure it’s long enough. It

should overlap your pant’s waistline a little, it may look funny if it ends too high. (Unless you’re going for a sexier show-some-skin look).

But, typically a corset will extend beyond the waistline, to the hips (which is different from a bustier), so it will pair well with most types of pants -- even low-waisted jeans.

Wondering what size is best for your face?

Wider faces benefit from larger or thicker hoops, while those with narrower faces will look great in slimmer or more delicate styles.

Many opt for the classic medium size, which is anywhere from 1-2 inches, but some prefer a smaller hoop or huggie when diamonds are featured.

Larger hoop earrings are particularly trendy among younger women who enjoy visiting clubs, although they can be adorned by women of all ages. They can be wonderful for formal events when you want eyes on you. Of course, large hoop earrings come in many styles, some more elaborate and outgoing than others. The kind of large hoop earrings you are drawn to will be dependent upon your audaciousness.

If you’re in a casual mood especially, hoop earrings are a good accompaniment to almost any outfit. Trendy styles of fashion earrings can be found at inexpensive prices or you can find more ornate ones that are made of gold or silver and with precious stones that will cost a bit more. As fashion earrings, they are typically fun to wear but they can also help you feel more outgoing or lighthearted. Almost any outfit can be improved with a good pair of fashion earrings.

If you like, you can even get multiple pairs of hoop earrings to wear for different situations. Gold hoop earrings will always be a favourite, as gold jewelry has long been a status symbol, aside from being admired by almost everyone for its beauty. If you can’t afford a gold, you can settle for beads or any of the beautiful costume jewelleries. . Remember, you can’t have too many hoops, so, have fun and don’t be afraid to try something more substantial.

30

STYLE & GLAM

September 8, 2012

Model

‘I’m determined to make a mark’ As far as Agodi Elizabeth is concerned, no mountain is too high to climb.

‘Success comes easy with determination,’ she tells YEMISI ADENIRAN in this interview.

A

t what point did you decide on modelling as a career?

Well, I may not be able to say exactly because I have seen myself as a model since my childhood days; I mean since I was grown up enough to appreciate myself and compare myself, my features with others. As a child, I was always examining, appreciating and assessing myself anytime I stood in front of the mirror. There and then, I knew how to pose, how well to pose for pictures, how best to smile and comport myself generally in the midst of people to attract attention and admiration. And I think every lady does, consciously or unconsciously. We all, at one time or the other, even at old age stand in front of the mirror to evaluate our looks and appearances like models do. That makes everyone potential models.

It is every woman’s secret desire to be a model.

How do you mean?

Whenever we stand in front of the mirror, what do we secretly desire? To stand out, of course, and to be appreciated by all. So, what do models do? They pose to be the best of all contestants, of course. The fact that somebody is not doing this for money or as a profession does not erase the fact that she does not want to beat the people she meets at one event, office or any outing.

For how long have you been modelling and how has it been?

I have been modelling for a couple of years now, like some five years now and I tell you, it has not been so rosy but it has been quite exciting and rewarding. The thrills and all the attention are just enough to pay for all the pains. And as far as I know, there is no pain without gain. All those people up there will always tell you of the different prices they had paid before getting there.

So, I’m not going to see whatever hitch I

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Trendz

have experienced as a deterrent but as a stepping stone to the success I desire.

What does fashion mean to you?

It is a trend, a way of wearing what suits you at a point in time.

What’s your turn-on?

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

And your turn-off ?

Arrogant people; I hate them with a passion.

Trendy bib

necklaces YEMISI ADENIRAN

Elizabeth

B

ib necklaces are one of the very popular and trendy accessories. They are available in loads of different styles, colours and brand choices. Though good at making you more confident and helps to upgrade your style, the bib necklace trend is surely for the bold and daring. Fear not however because it is one style that can take you from day to evening, desk to dinner, pretty much anywhere except the gym.

Its short length is flattering to every body type, and the impact they make is so versatile. It can create a stylish outfit out of a simple white tee and your favourite jeans, or add sparkle and glamour to the basic LBD. Meanwhile the following guides will help you to wear it right anytime: 1. Create the perfect pairing.

When wearing a bib necklace and a

top, the necklace should sit right over the neckline of the shirt, almost like a collar. If you’re going to wear this style over a dress, the necklace should complement the neckline of the dress – for example, square and bateau necklines don’t work well with a bib necklace.

However, these necklaces are stunning with strapless, sweetheart, and scoop neck necklines.

2. Keep other accessories minimal. Because these necklaces are statement jewelleries, you must keep your other accessories minimal, and let the necklace do the talking.

3. Get personal. These pieces create a lot of visual impact, so think of them as a way to express your personality. Rock edgy studs for instant toughgirl chic, try colourful beading for a Bohemian air, or tie on a beribboned style for a touch of lady-like luxe.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

31

September 8, 2012

Male Essentials

08036961187

with Oseyiza Oogbodo kingseiza@yahoo.com w

D

’Banj is rightly regarded as one of Nigeria’s best dressed celebrities. He is so leb s fashionable that he doesn’t restrict himself to a particular par sstyle.

Nevertheless, most consistent apparel turns out to be the jacket. s, h his mo Mind you, jacket, no suit, so he wears his jackets on jeans, chinos and not su also wears suits wher whereby ere the jacket and the trouser are of the same material.

He loves jackets so m much that you can be sure five times out of ten, he will turn up in a jac jacket. As an international entrepreneur and entertainer, donning jack jackets is very good for his image as it bestows on him both a serious and look at the same time. ous an nd c carefree And li like he is, his jackets ike the e d dandy are just conventional style a ar e not n ju ust the alone many other styles alon ne butt a also that include tha at inclu ude e the casual sportcoat and button. an nd s single

Dapper D’Banj T

his method can be used on both formal and casual shirts, but in the case of casual shirts I think it is always worth considering whether you actually need to iron them – they may actually benefit from being left a little creased and worn.

Start by setting up your ironing board at around waist height; make sure you are near enough to a plug socket for it not to be a stretch, fill up your water reservoir and set the iron to the correct temperature. Too hot and you risk damaging the fabric, too cold and it won’t remove the creases.

How to iron your shirts Make sure your shirts are fresh and clean, and ensure you let the water you spray onto your shirt soak in. It doesn’t have to be dripping wet, just moist. Now brace yourself for the most boring, tedious and uninspiring few minutes of your life: Step 1 Start with the sleeves first. Undo all the buttons and flatten out the cuff, you

can then move onto the sleeve. If you can get the whole sleeve completely flat then you only need to iron one side – this will make the whole process quicker whilst helping you avoid ironing in more small creases on the side you’ve just done.

Whilst ironing the sleeve, work from the seam up rather than from the top down, this will help you keep the sleeve straight and true. If you don’t want a

crease down the centre of your sleeve, stop just short of the top edge of the sleeve. Long, slow strokes are better than short, sharp ones. *Top tip – always press down on the heel of your iron, not the tip. Pressing down on the tip causes those annoying ripples and small creases that are so difficult to get out.* •Continues next week

32

September 8, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Relationships

How much infidelity Understanding matters

B

y nature we men love to appreciate the finer things in life and we tend to have a way of going out to show appreciation if not outright acquisition of those things. Men are visual animals while women are more into personality. What our women assume is flirting on our part is just mere appreciation.

Most men love to appreciate the finer things in life not because we want them or we really mean to acquire them but just to show that we are still alive and it can be very invigorating most times. What most women don’t understand is that just because we appreciate pawns do not mean that we are ready to discard the queen.

Why should I want any new woman when I already have the most amazing woman to call my own?

Let’s be realistic here, once a man stares at a woman beyond a passing glance or says openly that a woman who’s not his partner is well dressed and looking good, he’s unconsciously or consciously started flirting. Even if it sounds different to you, it is still flirting and there’s no other way or angle to see it from.

Tolerating your partner flirting is a personal thing and also a reflection of how comfortable you are in your relationship with your partner. A lot of people think it is showing lack of respect to one’s partner but I don’t think so at all. It’s when the flirting is done so blatantly and with abandon without regards to your emotional connectivity that a problem will arise. Flirting is not about physical connectivity at all.

Most people assume that it’s all about touching and maybe even kissing someone who’s not your partner. They believe that is flirting. For me, flirting adds a little bit of passion to an already sizzling relationship I already share with my partner.

Flirting is fun and it should be shrouded in trust.

People most times will tell you that flirting is immoral and a hard habit to break. They will tell you that it may even

with break your relationship w your partner. They’ll also tell you that it’s a form of emotional infidelity and you shouldn’t indulge in it. For me, while I’ll not really in support of all the assertions listed, I’ll only say that if not properly handled, flirting may lead one into situations one never intended to fall into and may create misunderstandings and misconceptions that can lead to infidelity.

Before it is assumed that I’ve shot myself in the foot with the above statement, we have to look at the act itself. A person who wants to stray outside the relationship does not need to be a flirt. The funny thing is that for most people, and this is a fact, infidelity comes when they are not satisfied with something in the relationship they have with their partners and not because they were flirting. A flirt is not naturally looking for something new or something missing in his own relationship. We must look beyond cultural assumptions that a flirt is only looking for sex outside the relationship. A relationship is not a prison and it should not be seen as such too.

For me, flirting is all about subtlety. It should not be to beat boredom or to pass away time.

It is more to help boost the image of the person that is being flirted with. It’s about making that particular person feel wanted without necessary being a person with ‘a wandering eye’. Women also flirt too in different ways but they won’t call it flirting.

Finally, I believe what matters is how you perceive what flirting is. If I talk, smile and laugh with a female, it’ll definitely be perceived as flirting by a third party. On the other hand, if I do the same with a male friend, it’ll be assumed as just being friendly. The bottom line is that most people just do not want their partner interacting with members of the opposite sex that they perceive as being more sexy or attractive than they are and this is more of a trust issue. My take is that I don’t mind because I do trust my partner explicitly.

SEX TALK

This column is x-rated

Signs that you may not be good enough

1

. The bedroom looks like your office Why it might mean you’re bad in bed: Nothing sends a guy’s libido plummeting like reminders of stressful work life.

So keep your daily grind and any symbols of real-world responsibilities (like computers and blackberries) out of the bedroom.

Be better in bed: Reserve your bed exclusively for sleep and sex. This means resisting the urge to curl up with the latest office memo. We are yet to read an office memo that’s a turn-on!

2. You’re not into oral action Why it might mean you’re bad in bed: Do we really have to tell you why? Most guys love getting (and giving) oral action. So if that’s not your bag, know that your guy is probably wishing it were -- and is pretty worried that it’s not.

Be better in bed: What’s the big deal?

Make oral action part of your bedroom repertoire. No big deal really!

3. You jump out of bed the second it’s over Why it might mean you’re bad in bed: We know you need to clean up when the party is over, but really, don’t run right to the loo the minute the deed is done. For one thing, it’s essentially sending your man the message that you think you two just did something sort of dirty. Besides, guys actually like that intimate cuddle time, so getting up immediately and running to the bathroom is a big spoiler. And don’t take offense if he drifts off to sleep -- that’s just a sign he’s super-satisfied.

Be better in bed: Take advantage of the quiet time and pay him a compliment. Giving him a gentle massage is also a great way

to prolong his excitement and your intimacy -- and it may just lead to more exciting things!

4. You hang around in your dirty wrapper Why it might mean you’re bad in bed: We’re not suggesting you clean the house in a red lace nightie, but men are visual creatures, and your honey will notice if you stop trying to look sexy for him.

Be better in bed: Pay attention to how you look, and don’t get too comfortable. They may not always verbalize it, but men appreciate a woman who tries to look sexy for them -- it shows she’s interested. Of course you should dress however you like -- but making more of an effort to show off the goods your guy loves can go a long way. So if he adores your tiny waist, wear more belts that show it off. If he loves your cleavage, wear a form-fitting V-neck. And yes, invest in some sexy lingerie.

5. You talk about how your ex was in bed Why it might mean you’re bad in bed: This is one of the worst things a woman can do in bed. Your guy doesn’t want to be compared to his predecessors. He doesn’t even want to think about his predecessors -- just like you don’t want to think of the women in his past!

Be better in bed: Flattery goes a long way with guys, so tell him he’s the best you’ve ever had or point out specific things he does exceptionally well.

6. Your pre-sex routine takes longer Than the Act Itself Why it might mean you’re bad in bed: Picture it: Your man is lying in bed, ready and waiting, and you’re in the bath-

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

RELATIONSHIPS

September 8, 2012

is too much?

33

CHINWE ANNIE AMAECHI 07028684481 chinweamaechi@gmail.com

It’s totally unacceptable

T

This column is x-rated room brushing your teeth and washing off your makeup. Guys hate this! Having sex with you is a major priority for them, and they want you to feel the same way. When your beauty routine comes before he does, well, it just kills the moment.

Be better in bed: Try to do part of your bedtime beauty routine when you get home from work, so later on things can just happen naturally with your guy. Or better yet, save it for after he falls asleep.

7. Your sex routine has become, well, routine Why it might mean you’re bad in bed: Most couples who’ve been together for a while slip into the mode of having comfortable -- almost lazy -- sex. That’s not a bad thing, as long as it’s not the only sex you have. It’s natural for men (and women, too) to get bored with the same old routine lovemaking, and you certainly don’t want him to think you’ve lost interest in the relationship -- or that he doesn’t turn you on anymore.

Be better in bed: Even if it’s just for a night, having hot out-of-your-house hotel sex can really step up your sex life. You don’t have to be wasteful or go far away.

Just being out of your element will add excitement to your normal routine. If a night-away isn’t an option for you, think up something creative and challenging.

Men love a challenge!

8. You never take the lead Why it might mean you’re bad in bed: It’s not fair to make your man do all the work!

Men often complain that their partners don’t initiate sex enough. In fact, more than 50 percent of women say their partners initiate sex most of the time. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s important for you to be the one who gets things going sometimes. Men want to be wanted too!

Be better in bed: Get his engine revving throughout the day by sending a steamy text

This column is x-rated message about what you can’t wait to do to him tonight!

9. You act like it’s a favour Why it might mean you’re bad in bed: We know you’re tired, but acting like you’re doing him a favour is not doing anyone any favours. Having a charity approach to sex is awful, especially if you find yourself saying something like ‘go ahead, just do it. No one likes to feel that his or her beloved is just grinning and bearing it. And when you don’t show any enthusiasm for the act, it’s a major blow to his ego.

Be better in bed: Be an active -- and we mean active! -- participant in your sex life, even if you’re exhausted. We all know what tired feels like, and chances are your guy understands. But instead of simply turning him down, tell him all the things you really want to do with him... tomorrow.

10. You’re riddled with insecurities about your body Why it might mean you’re bad in bed: Believe us, despite what you see in the mirror, he doesn’t notice those dimples on your thighs or that pimple on your chin. We all have insecurities, but you’ve got to get over them. Making love with a woman caught up in a hurricane of self-doubt is really trying.

On the other hand, confidence is sexy!

Be better in bed: First, ban the sentence “I’m so fat” from your bedroom lexicon. Second: Find lingerie that makes you feel like the sex queen you really are. If you’re a curvy girl, you’ll look and feel sexiest with your bosom supported and booty well-covered, so find a bra and panty set with these features.

If you’re an A-cup, create cleavage by choosing a good old-fashioned push up bra.

Trying to hide a belly? Opt for a pretty lace camisole or high-cut brief panties. You’ll feel more comfortable -- and let’s be honest, they won’t stay on long anyway.

here is no woman on planet earth who wants to share her man with other women, even if sharing just means sharing his attention and not his body.

There are men who are naturally playful especially around women.

They love the reaction they get when they tease women and give them undue attention. These flirtatious men are popularly called ladies’ men. They have the “sex appeal” and they just know how to make women blush. Our usual expectation is that once such a man singles out one woman as his one and only, he ought to tone down on his flirting and finally eliminate such tendencies. Unfortunately, this hardly happens. Are you to sit and watch while your flirtatious partner continues in his “escapades”?

Let us get a clearer picture of who the flirtatious partner is.

He is the boyfriend/fiancé/husband who takes to a party and abandons you once you get there just to move around and tease, chit-chat, and dance with fine ladies. He is the man who has more female friends than men; very close female friends with whom he sends valuable time with on the phone. He is quick to “make new friends” with damsels – the single ones especially. The funny part of his playful nature is that he does not pretend to be single most times. When you’re not with him, he will not disclose your existence unless he has to, but when you are around him, he proudly introduces you to the babes. This sort of calms you down and kills your right to complain about his attention towards the babes.

The excuse people usually make on behalf of flirtatious men is that they are just extroverts and their playful disposition towards other women should not be interpreted as cheating.

In fact, one school of thought opines that women with healthy self esteems usually don’t have problems with flirtatious men; they don’t see the other women as threats. Well, although there

is some wisdom to learn from the women with healthy self esteems, I believe that a flirtatious partner ought not to be tolerated for life.

If a man truly loves a woman and wants to show her some commitment, he should be able to place her on a pedestal that no other woman can match. A man’s value for his woman must compel him to love and cherish her romantically to the exclusion of all others. No one says a man should not relate with other women. The simple point is that he ought not to flirt with other women in the name of being friendly.

It is amazing how men expect their women to tolerate their crazy excesses, but will never ever tolerate the women’s excesses. A man will be quick to accuse his woman of cheating on him if she extends a warm smile, handshake or hug towards another man, or receives frequent calls and texts/ blackberry messages from him.

However, the “friendly” man is free to wink at, hug, peck and whisper into the ears of other women just as friendly gestures with no strings attached. To me, this is intolerable and a woman who knows her worth should not condone such.

A woman who tolerates a flirtatious partner and fails to compel him to cut his wings will pay the price in due course. This is because such playful men end up cheating on their partners, even if they had no intentions of doing so from the onset. Tolerating a flirtatious partner is equivalent to inviting heartbreak in to your life. The truth is that the seemingly hard women or women with “healthy” self esteems always end up having their fingers burned.

So, for those of you who think you can handle your flirtatious partner, think again! It is just a matter of time and you will realize that such tolerance only acts as fuel to a man’s natural tendency to cheat. If a man truly loves you, he had better kill all flirting games.

So should you tolerate a flirtatious brother? Absolutely not!!!!

34

September 8, 2012

Dear Igho

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

Having difficulties with relationships, family, work or any other aspectt off your life? lif Help is at hand with TOBORE IGHO OVUORIE

Married men are always after me!

Dear Igho, I am 21but don’t know what married men see in me that they keep asking me to be their girlfriend. I don’t know what to do.

Anonymous.

Dear Anonymous, What you should do is to make capital NO in bold font size your response to every such irresponsible man! Don’t be deceived, they’re only after your body and will zoom off when they’ve had their fill. If they can cheat on their wives, they certainly will do worse things with you!

Besides, watch how you relate with them. You may have been doing certain things which are an invitation to them.

How is your personal life with Christ or Allah (whichever of the two faiths you belong to)? If you’re still waxing stronger in the Lord and your words and way of life speak it, there’s no way people who share contrary values will align with you; so check yourself.

I’m not saying you should be rude to

He is of another religion Dear Igho, I am a 24-year-old old woman in love with a man. We both love each other so much; I can’t do without him likewise him. But he is a Christian and my parents don’t want me to marry him because I’m a Muslim. However, we cannot leave each other because we’ve gone beyond their expectation. Please, I need your help.

Habibat, Kwara State Dear Habibat, I understand your parents’ fears, you see, there are certain things which love often does not weather; religion is one of such. I’ve seen people who were so in love become sworn enemies because of their being from different faiths just as I know some of such couples who are still happy together till date.

Troubles start cropping up when couples of different faiths start having children. One major issue always encountered is: which faith will “my” kids practise; from this, other wars will

married men but be simply cordial and make it obvious that there’s no more attached to it. However, make sure you

emerge.

I’m not saying that you should jilt the young man nor disobey your parents.

I’ll advise you pray this prayer: “Lord if this union is not of you and will not bring forth a peaceful home in future, please, break it”. It’s a seemingly difficult prayer but very helpful. Pray it with all your heart and if it’s God’s will, He’ll even turn the hearts of your parents to be in support of the union.

Mind you, marrying the young man means you have to become a Christian because I’m yet to see any serious Christian who’ll head for church and his wife and possibly kids heading for the mosque. So is it vice versa. I’ll admonish you to take everything to God in prayers. He knows the end of the future even before it begins, so trust Him. Wishing you the best ahead!

Need a woman Dear Igho, I’m Sam, 38, cool and fine. I am the CEO of a creative company in Lagos. I need a lady who is well connected for a relationship and business.

Any interested lady could call 07041383743.

don’t go asking or collecting things for/ from men; some regard it as an invitation and could harm you when you turn them

Dear Igho, I am puffy but lost some pounds in my body while my hands have refused to lose some pounds. Please tell me what to do; I need your help please.

Chioma, Lagos.

Help! My body parts don’t align

Dear Chioma, I wonder why you’re paying undue attention to your size, now; see what you’ve done to yourself. What product did you use? Some of these products will only leave you with more troubles such as the one you’re now facing.

Please, for the love of your beautiful self, discontinue the use of that prod-

Dear Igho, My name is Chris.

Please, I’m interested in Stella the single mother. How can I reach her?

down, worse still, after collecting money or gifts from them. Be conscious of how you relate with these men. Good luck!

uct, do a lot of walkout, exercise everyday and eat healthy. You could see a nutritionist to help you out with foods in this wise. If you don’t know any nutritionist, feel free to contact me and I’ll direct you to reliable people.

Remember to participate actively in energy sapping activities that will enrich you and give back to the society; that way, you’ll unknowingly burn out the fats, calories, be healthy, bless people around you and think less of yourself. Best wishes ahead!

RE: I’m a single mum but want a God-fearing husband!

Dear Igho, I am Joe. I have good interest in Stella the single mother. How can I get her contact?

Dear Igho, Please, let me have the phone number of Stella as per your publication

on Saturday Mirror newspaper of 01. Sept 2012, page 34.

Let me have her address and her GSM line, this will enable me get in touch with her.

Ayobami, Lagos.

Dear Chris, Joe and Abayomi, You could respectively reach Stella through 08061313123.

Wishing you all the best in love

Living

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

September 8, 2012

35

Living with the perception of being rejected is something no one would ever want to imagine. “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” a quote from the Good Book, could be said to have described the situation of abandoned children who are lucky to find themselves in orphanages across the country. At least those of them who end up becoming successful.

YEMISI ADENIRAN writes about their growing up despite the pains of rejection.

S

ome years back, a woman visited a tenement building. With her were a baby and a toddler - both girls.

She asked after a person whom she said resided in one of the apartments in the building. She was informed that the person no longer lived there. Obviously devastated with the information, she told the residents to watch over her kids while she went to get a few things in a nearby store for the kids. Without suspecting any foul play, they obliged her and off she went.

When she did not show up that day, the residents accommodated the abandoned girls for the night with the hope that she would surely come back. They thought she perhaps had a misfortune on her way.

But, it was the last they saw of the woman.

She never came back and all attempts to find her proved abortive.

A report of the case was therefore made at a nearby police station from where the kids were taken to Ijamido Children’s Home, Ota, Ogun State where they have lived as orphans till date. The older child is Rebecca while the younger is Juliet.

If Rebecca and Juliet were lucky to have been abandoned in a safe home where proper vigilance was kept over them, Kayode, a day-old baby boy was not.

He was found abandoned by the expressway leading to the Republic of Benin one sunny afternoon during the August break.

Due to the harshness of the season, the day-old had been heavily infected and critically dehydrated. He was found barely alive, virtually motionless and too weak to cry. Rescued in the nick of time by some good Samaritans, he was given quality medical attention, named Kayode and handed over to a home for abandoned children.

Needless to say that majority of abandoned children suffer different types of pains before they are picked up by good Samaritans if they are lucky to survive before help comes. Upon rescue however, many of them, despite all the care they may get, still suffer some pains but this

Growing up as rejected stones time mostly it psychological – the pain of being abandoned by their biological parents. This pain lives with some of them, affecting their socio-economic and even political lives.

For Shola Willoughby from Ijamido Motherless Home, and a graduate of the Universal School of Aviation, Lagos, the song, ‘Life is a bed of roses’ is reserved exclusively for those whom fate has smiled upon from the cradle.

She said although she might be “growing up well” now, growing up as an orphan had been with some serious pain that could only be better imagined.

“The thought that one was picked up from a garbage pit, a road side or some God-forsaken place when he or she should have been in the loving arms of a mother is enough to shatter one’s heart.

Motherless babies’ home is the least of the homes any child would want to come from. There were days when we skipped meals, days when Big Mummy, our benefactor, had to sell her personal property to generally take care of us and stuffs like that,’ she said.

Shola , while speaking with Saturday Mirror, recollected the yawning gap that existed between the way she had been living as a result of the peculiarity of her situation and those of other kids who grew up under the care of their parents.

He words: “While very young, I did not have the best of times like other kids who grew up under the care of their parents. I

Princess

was conscious of my background and my story. I feel the prying eyes of others more often than not and this affected my social life. It was hard to mix up with others as they grew to identify one as an orphan.

Speaking boldly in the class and amidst mates was made tough, not by intention but by the feeling created by my mates.

Life generally was made tough and almost unbearable by the feeling of rejection.”

With time however, Shola soon overcame the feeling.

“Overtime, however, I began to gain boldness as I was encouraged to accept my fate. I began to see that the situation was not as terrible as I had thought. I saw the reason why God decided to rescue me

Shola

from death of a sin I knew nothing about.

I learnt to trust and appreciate God for all things and today I have overcome the challenges. I have made up my mind to live above my situation, prove to the whole world that God has not rejected me even when my biological parents did. I live my life to the fullest,” she said boldly.

Corroborating her was Princess Willouhby. A princess she is because she is adopted by the king of Ota, the location of Ijamido Children Home where she belongs. An undergraduate at the Lagos State Polytechnic, Princess also admitted that growing up in an orphanage is a bit tough.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

36

LIVING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35 She said: “When you are a part of a family of over 180 siblings and still counting, you cannot but miss a lot of luxury.

You don’t eat what you really wish to eat; you don’t get to wake up in a preferred environment; you don’t get to have your school fees and other essentials paid or bought as at when needed unless your adopter is specially blessed. But just when you think all hope is lost and that the end has come, miracles in the form of support, donations, gifts and food items come in from unexpected people and places and our tears are wiped out; our fears get allayed.’

One other painful thing she pointed is the fact that no matter how highly placed your adopter is, an orphan comes as a second fiddle in the financial plan of the adopter.

“Unlike other children who live with their biological parents, we orphans have to wait for our turns to get settled financially. It is that bad many times. If the person in question is not buoyant enough to settle your bills, you can’t question him or her since he is doing you a favour. I mean, you are not part of his or her primary agenda. All you can do is to cry if you feel so and pray if you are bold and strong enough,’ she said.

Talking about the stigma attached to orphans, Princess said the effects come very often. Her words: “Almost every

September 8, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

... Rejected stones

Obakoya

time, we face stigma from people around us and I think it is because of the society’s disposition to motherless kids. In school, in the neighbourhood and even in churches, we experience it. Some people just don’t want to associate with you just because you live in an orphanage, something that is not of your making. But, you

see, many of us are outgrowing this, knowing this is the kind of life fate has chosen for us and we are getting the better for it.”

Perhaps if some of them were adopted and made to live with their foster parents, the pains might not be as biting as it had been for some. However, not all the homes approve of releasing their children to individuals as would have expected. Ijamido Children Home is one of such.

Speaking on the position of her home on the issue, Mrs. Abosede Victoria Obakoya, the Executive Director of Ijamido Children ‘s Home, who also happens to be the first child of the Home, told Saturday Mirror that the disapproval of adoption policy has been on since inception.

“We have no history of adoption whatsoever and this is a necessary measure to protect the children against the uncertainties that shroud the future of adopted kids in a society that has no proper structure put in place to follow up the kids’ welfare and security,” she said.

She added that “Although there are guidelines and protocols which are designed to reduce the chances of things turning sour during the adoption process even on the legal side, our culture is not helping matters. In a culture where disproportionate emphases are attached to materialism and blood ties, many things may

not go down well with issues bordering on adoption so soon.”

Her counterpart, Mrs Bamidele George of Little Saints Orphanage, favours adoption for her own kids, but implored Nigerians to develop a more liberal heart towards the issue by making it more open than before.

According to her, adoption is kept secret in this part of the world in order to protect the child from discrimination and the adoptive parents from all scandals and prejudice.

“Anyone who is not able to reproduce naturally in this society is considered to have lived a promiscuous life and is looked down upon with contempt. And when a child grows to ask questions about his past or biological parents due to a finding he stumbled on, he ends up not only hurting himself but even his adopters who see him as ungrateful,” she said.

By and large, while most of orphans are weathering the storm of life the appeal from the managers remains that people should desist from bringing innocent children they cannot care for into the world.

“Not all abandoned children survive.

Many die miserably before help gets to them which is more painful than anything,” concludes Obakoya.

Firefighters uneasy over colleagues’ deaths OSEYIZA OOGBODO

W

ith the death of Principal Fire Inspector Juliana Imeoria from an accident on July 2nd, men of the fire fighting service have now come out to talk about the sad reason that made not only Imeoria die, but three others as well.

According to Chika Njoku, PRO, Federal Fire Service, Ajele, “Four of our members namely: Juliana Imeoria, Akpebe Stephen, Ifeozor Benjamin and Ajayi Adeniba have all died from a very shocking reason: neglect by the members of the same public that we serve.

“Take the case of Imeoria which is the most recent. She was involved in an accident at Dalemo Bus Stop along LagosAbeokuta Expressway at about 9pm on Monday, July 2. She was on her way home from the office when she was knocked down by a hit and run commercial bus driver.”

Njoku however claimed that was not the main reason she died. “A close observation of her remains indicated that if she had gotten help immediately from passersby, she would have been alive today. Rather, eyewitnesses said that she was abandoned to her fate simply because she was in uniform.”

Lamenting bitterly, he said, “That is such a shame and irony. While one would think that the essence of putting on uniform is to receive swift assistance at times like that, how wrong could this be? It is really a shame that a woman who had sacrificed all her life to save lives could not

Benjamim

Imeoria

be given help at the point of death. What a shameful and callous society.”

Still bitter, he added that, “her death is an unnecessary waste of a life and a monumental loss not only to the fire service but the nation as a whole as she had reached the position where she could be called upon at anytime, anywhere to tap from her wealth of knowledge and experience when the need arises.

“Her death from deliberate wickedness by the public has only reminded us of similar callousness which also befell our

other late colleagues that I mentioned earlier. They also died on different occasions without anybody coming to their rescue all because they were in uniform. Pray, is being in uniform a curse? Is it not even a symbol of the voluntary will to serve one’s country? So why should the uniform turn around to be a problem to those in it?

“Ifeozor Benjamin died on Saturday, 4 December, 2010 at Oshodi while Akpebe Stephen died on November 8th, 2006 at Agric Bus Stop, Badagry Expressway. Neglect by the public also led to their deaths

Akpebe

and that is what we are crying out against now. Why should the public abandon us in our time of need while we are always at their beck and call? Is it fair?

“This negative impression and relationship between men and women in uniform and the public has to be corrected once and for all. It is high time this unhealthy perception of the citizenry towards firemen and other uniformed men in general changed for the better as we are their friends and they should see us that way.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LIVING

September 8, 2012

In most Yoruba communities, ascension to the traditional stool is usually greeted with strife which frizzles out at or shortly after coronation of the new monarch. But that is not the case with Ilaje Bariga a community in Lagos State. Years after the emergence of a new monarch, the community is still torn with strife now threatening to consume it.

37

At Ilaje Bariga, uneasy lie the heads that want the crown

SEGUN ADIO

F

or the residents of Ilaje Bariga, in Bariga Local Government of Lagos State, the dust raised by the succession struggle to the throne of the traditional ruler is far from settling down even years after the vacant stool had been occupied by High Chief Kayode Aiyetiwa.

The controversy over the battle for the royal stool has continued to generate more twists and turns by the day.

To fill the then empty throne, it was reportedly a straight fight between the current occupier of the seat and one Segun Ogbere, popularly known as Shaggy. But the former won. Since then, there had been no love lost between the two personalities.

Since Aiyetiwa’s accession to the Baale’s seat, he had constituted his council of chiefs while Ogbere also has his own loyalists in the community who are rooting for him to ascend the throne.

Only recently, Aiyetiwa called a press conference where he alleged that he was attacked by suspected assassins.

A week later, a 60-year-old James Ariyomoye was shot dead at his Ifesowapo Street, Ebute Ilaje residence by unknown gunmen. Ariyomoye was said to be a friend and co-worker of one Mr. Ekuesan, an uncle to Ogbere. His had been variously described as a case of mistaken identity.

The Baale was reportedly accused of being behind the murder, a claim he washed his hands of. But in the wake of the latest development, men of the State Anti Robbery Squad, Ikeja invited the Baale for questioning over the incident. At the police station, he reportedly narrated how he was attacked by suspected hired assassins not long ago, but his case seemed not to hold water.

At the police station, the Baale had narrated how he was shot several times but for his ‘African protection’ he would have been long dead. The said Ogbere was also reportedly invited by the police and both were detained while investigations continued.

But on Tuesday, August 28, 2012, Aiyetiwa was reportedly brought in cuffs to the community he superintends over in company with law enforcement agents. Eyewitnesses said Aiyetiwa was brought into the community

Aiyetiwa

around noon. He was reportedly driven round the community by the law enforcement agents and taken to the home of the slain Ariyomoye’s on Ifesowapo Street.

There, hordes of street urchins, market women and children were reportedly chanting anti Aiyetiwa songs. The residents were however reportedly prevented from coming close to the vehicle that conveyed their traditional leader ostensibly for fear of attacking him.

Those sympathetic to Aiyetiwa’s cause also replied his critics saying that the man had done enough for the community and did not deserve the kind of treatment being meted out to him.

According to an eyewitness identified as Owolabi, scores of people ran behind the law enforcement agents that brought Aiyetiwa to the community but were prevented from coming near him.

He added that shots were fired into the air to disperse the crowd.

“The police did not allow him (the Baale) to come down from the vehicle.

The people were following the police

car that brought him yelling as he moved about. But they were prevented from getting near there. The police went inside to meet Baba The Moon, an uncle to Shaggy. The police fired shots into the air to scare away the crowd that gathered,” Owolabi said.

One of the children of Ariyomoye told Saturday Mirror that the Baale was brought to their house but he was not allowed in at the time.

The Spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, said that investigations were still ongoing on the matter and that there would be no further comment on it until full scale investigations had been concluded But in a swift defence of the embattled Baale, a woman identified as Sabitu, who lives close to the monarch at Ilaje claimed that he is innocent of what he is being persecuted.

According to the middle aged woman, “Baale does not deserve the way he is being treated at the moment. That man single-handedly brought sanity into this community when some bad boys want-

ed to overrun the community. Baale risked his life for us to live in peace here and he is today being persecuted for that. I am sure the truth will prevail one day.”

A sand dealer in the community, who claimed to be i a friend of the Baled, but want his identity concealed told Saturday Mirror that the Baale has been made to suffer from what he knew nothing about.

His words: “All I can say is that Baale is loved by some of us who believe in his vision for the community, but I think some powerful forces are surely behind his ordeal.”

But a highly placed police source at the Bariga Police Station told Saturday Mirror that the case of nemesis. “We thank God that we have seen the person behind the mask. He has a price to pay and he should pay it full, we cannot continue to have a situation where someone would perpetrate evil and kill a foul and sprinkle its blood all over his body and claim he was attacked,” a police source told Saturday Mirror.

38

LIVING

September 8, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

How PHCN cable killed man, two daughters in Ogun z Family yet to be compensated two years after For the Njokus, it did not just rain in 2009. It poured! They lost their son, Jacob and his two daughters, Angelina and Grace, to a snapped cable of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). Three years on, the firm has not deemed it fit to give any form of compensation to the family.

ad girls One of the de

Entrance to Njoku’s shop where the cable fell on him and his daughters

SEGUN ADIO

A

lmost three years after their breadwinner died, the family and close associates of Jacob Njoku are seeking compensation from the firm which alleged negligence cut short his life.

Jacob reportedly met his untimely death when the electricity cable of the PHCN that ran across his shop fell on him.

Jacob, 40, was not the only casualty of the fallen cable. Two of his daughters, Angelina, 16, and Grace, 9, were also struck dead by the same cable. The sad event occurred on Saturday, December 11, 2009 at Igboro Junction, Old Garage area of Ilaro in the Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Jacob used to sell cooking items like stove, pots, plates and the likes at the above address. He was always assisted in the business by Angelina and Grace, his daughters.

On the said date, about 8:00pm, Jacob already ordered his daughters to begin removing the displayed wares to the in-

ner lockers within the shop in preparation for locking up and going home.

While the girls were carrying out their father’s instructions, two of his in-laws arrived on a visit to him to the town.

With the arrival of the two guests, Jacob called on his younger brother, Lawrence, whose own shop was nearby to join him. Within minutes, Lawrence was at his elder brother’s shop and the four men sat down to converse while the two girls continued with their chores.

While that was ongoing, Jacob called one of the daughters to get malt drinks for the visitors. These the girl brought for them in no time. While the two men sipped their drinks, Jacob reportedly got up to bring an item from inside his shop.

Almost immediately after Jacob entered into the shop, Lawrence’s GSM phone also rang and the latter also entered the shop to answer the call. Jacob soon left the shop to join his guests outside.

But Lawrence would never return to meet his brother alive. Just as Jacob got to the entrance of his shop, the electricity cable above his shop roof reportedly snapped and fell on him. A fire was reported to have lighted while the two

Jacob Njoku

other men reportedly jumped to safety.

Jacob’s two daughters were also unlucky.

The cable also reportedly fell on the two young girls and they both died instantly.

On his part, Jacob was rushed to one Queen’s Hospital were doctors allegedly proclaimed him dead. Jacob hailed from Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Speaking with Saturday Mirror, Lawrence, Jacob’s younger brother, who expressed the angst of the Njokus over the handling of the matter continued: “Two of us were inside the shop. I was inside to make a call while he came in to get something for the guests and later left to give them the thing. Suddenly, I just heard a sound outside. I thought people were throwing fireworks (banger) but I told myself that it was still early to do that. The sound came with a fire burning in front of the shop. What actually happened was that the cable from the electric pole cut and dropped on the top of the shop. The same cable also dropped on his two daughters and they died on the spot.

“Immediately I got outside, I saw him under a plank and the wire was right on top of the plank and one wire was also on

top of him. I was shocked. God saved me that I did not follow him immediately he went out. When I ran out of the shop and saw him I wanted to carry him up thinking that he was just weak to get up. But he did not shake his body at all. I moved close to him to carry him but something within me told me not to.”

Jacob was survived by an aged mother, his wife, Nnenna and a child.

The following day after the incident, some youths in Ilaro reportedly wanted to storm the electricity station to protest what they termed negligence of duty, but were prevented from carrying out the act by men of the Nigeria Police.

It was reported that the head of the PHCN office in Ilaro that time visited the Njokus a day after the incident to commiserate with them.

According to Lawrence, “The head of the PHCN office in Ilaro came to see the wife and the little boy he left behind, but once he was transferred out of the station, things changed”.

The electricity workers had reportedly promised the family that compensation would come their way. Lawrence claimed that nothing had been done for the aged mother, said to be currently emaciating and the wife and kid as at press time.

A family friend of the Njokus, who spoke with Saturday Mirror, also expressed frustration at the attitude of the electricity firm. The man, who craved anonymity, though said that the PHCN officials soon repaired the damaged cable wires, yet the promises to the dependants of the deceased were not met.

His words, “The PHCN people begged that they would talk with the family that everyone should calm down when they apparently realized that the youths of the town would not let the case died natural; death. They changed the wire from the transformer. But the family had been left unattended to. The friend claimed that the family had wanted to take legal action against the company but could not afford the legal fees of their lawyer.

Saturday Mirror got in touch with Olalekan Jiboku, the Service Manager of Ilaro Undertaking of the PHCN. According the Jiboku, he has just been transferred to the station but he is aware of the matter.

He claimed his predecessor in office would be in a better position to comment. When contacted, Jiboku’s predecessor, one Engineer Sanni, in a telephone interview said, “I am well aware of the case you raised and I can tell you that the corporate headquarters of the company is already taking steps. But you can contact Ibadan Exchange for further briefings.”

Saturday Mirror’s attempts to have Ibadan Exchange comment on the matter were futile as text messages and phone calls to the GSM number given were not responded to.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LIVING

September 8, 2012

39

T

he woman stood among the debris of what used to be a haven of buying and selling in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. The whole popular Labaowo market, Ogunpa, Ibadan had been devastated by the inferno which gutted it last Wednesday.

She wore sadness on her face like a mask. Once in a while she heaved a deep sigh and shook her head. She is Mrs. Elizabeth Ajiboye one of the traders at the market.

This is certainly not the best of time for her and her colleagues, no thanks to the fire that gutted the market last Wednesday.

The mother of three, who just stocked her shop, could not control her emotions while speaking with Saturday Mirror. She lamented that all she had as a trader had gone with the fire.

She said she went to Lagos on Tuesday to buy goods and was in the market till 7.00 pm that day, stating that she was expecting most of her customers to come that day as she had already told them that she would have most of the goods they requested for.

According to her, she lost goods worth over N500,000 to the fire incident, explaining that before travelling to Lagos to buy goods for the shop, apart from her own money, she took money from her husband while she also borrowed money from the Co-operative.

She said, “I don’t know where to start, the fire incident has finished me and it is only God in His own power that can give me succour. Apart from my own personal money and that of my husband, the loan that I got from the Co-operativesociety, how would I pay it back.”

On the part of Mr. Rasheed Salami, another trader also affected by the fire incident, speaking with the Saturday Mirror, bemoaned that he was not around when the fire gutted his shop as he was at the naming ceremony of nephew only to be called on phone to come to the market and met his shop on flame.

He disclosed that he did not know how he got to the market that day, stating that those who were with him at the naming ceremony rallied round him as he almost collapsed after receiving the bad news on phone.

His words: “This is a situation that one cannot wish an enemy not to talk of a friend. In my own case, I was not around when the fire started and when I got there meeting my shop in flame; it took the grace of God for me not to jump into the fire. What was going on in my mind at that particular time cannot be described.

“I can only appeal to our governments, the state and Ibadan South-West, as well as Nigerians with milk of human kindness to come to our aid, the loss is just too much for us to bear, it is the only shop that I have in this world and everything that was there was consumed by fire.”

The chairman of the traders in the market, Mr. Lukuman Alaka, while lamenting the incessant fire incidents in the market, said two years ago fire also gutted part of the market with most of the traders yet to get over the loss. He maintained that the traders in the market did not get any assistance from the government.

He then appealed to the government to make the traders shed tears of joy this time around.

“It is unfortunate that the market was gutted by fire again after that of 2010. This came at a time that those affected were yet

The fire scene

Only God can console me over my loss – Victim of Ibadan market fire Traders and sympathisers were beside themselves with grief as fire consumed goods worth millions of Naira at the popular Labaowo Market, Ogunpa, Ibadan, Oyo State last Wednesday. It was one fire disaster too many. KEMI OLAITAN captured the mood. to get over it. We, on our part, will do our best so that the situation will not repeat itself in the future. The leadership of the market has met and have that each of the shop in the market must have a fire extinguisher so as to douse any form of fire.”

But speaking with Saturday Mirror, the Special Adviser on Media to the Oyo State governor, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said the state government sympathised with the traders who lost their shops in the unfortunate government, assuring them that the current administration in the state under the leadership of Senator Abiola Ajimobi, will at all times ensure that traders in the state operate under a conducive atmosphere.

According to him, very soon the state government will embark on construction of modern markets that will ensure that the traders have all the facilities at their beck and call, adding that “the state government is more than ready to make our traders comfortable in the markets and very soon, this will be a reality not only in Ibadan, the state capital but also in the major cities in the state.”

Meanwhile Governor Abiola Ajimobi, yesterday, said that the Ogunpa Market,

would be pulled down to give way for an ultra-modern market.

The governor, said this when he visited the market to assess the extent of damage.

He added that the market would be equipped with infrastructural facilities while the road that passes through it would be reconstructed.

It would be recalled that the market was gutted by fire on Wednesday with three structures (a storey building and two bungalows) accommodating traders numbering 75 completely burnt while goods worth millions of Naira were destroyed. No life was, however, lost.

Ajimobi, who visited the market in company with the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu, state lawmakers and other top government officials, said that the rebuilding of the market would be done in conjunction with the Ibadan South-West Local Government and the market association.

While promising that the fire station which is a few metres away from the market would be well-equipped to be able to respond immediate to possible future occurrence, he enjoined shop owners to

equip their shops with fire extinguishers that would be on hand for emergency situations.

“We will re-design the market and re-allocate the shops to the original shop owners and not to outsiders. Nobody here will lose his or her shop.

“We promised them certain things while on election campaign, over a year ago. We have fulfilled majority of them.

We promised them water; we have given them boreholes. We promised them public toilets; we have provided them. We also promised them electricity; transformers have been erected.

“The road here is in a bad state. It was blocked by traders. We will clear the road, repair and rehabilitate it and ensure that nobody is allowed to block it again,’’ he said.

Ajimobi also promised to assist the traders affected by the inferno, adding that the traders’ cooperative society would also be provided with soft loans to alleviate the suffering of members.

He, however, enjoined them to cooperate with government by paying their tenement rates as at when due and to key into the environmental sanitation efforts of the state government to ensure clean environment and help in the aesthetics of the state capital.

The governor also addressed the displaced traders at the old toll gate at the Ibadan end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, assuring them that a new set of shops would be erected by government for onward allocation to them.

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LIVING

September 8, 2012

Walton can also drive with the fingernails

Walton can play the piano snag-free

Woman with world’s longest fingernails T

he woman with the world’s longest fingernails has not let her talons stop her from making good music. Singer Chris ‘The Duchess’ Walton who stopped cutting her nails 19 years ago is well known for her music in California and Nevada (USA). But she is arguably better known for her amazing dedication to her nails, which were officially recognised by the 2012 edition of the Guinness Record Book.

With five children at home, the Las Vegas woman said she cooks and cleans with her nails and can even play the piano and use the computer with the nails which have an incredible combined length of 20 feet averaging about two-foot long each.

The 45-year-old said: “It’s just like growing a long beard, or long hair.

“I didn’t grow my nails deliberately - I just stopped getting manicures and started taking care of my nails myself.”

She claims to have only lost a nail once, when fixing her car engine on the freeway, and otherwise has no trouble leading a normal life.

“Other people think I’m very fragile when they first meet me, but they soon see that I can do everything,” she said.

Walton strengthened the nails using acrylic on the outside and inside of her nails, and has grown used to them.

Walton said: “Instead of clipping them back, I’d fill them in as they grew.

I kept living and they kept growing.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

from their difference.”

The previous record holder for the longest nails was Lee Redmond of Salt Lake City, Utah (USA). Her nails measured a combined total 28 feet in 2008.

But she lost her nails in a car crash in 2009 in which she sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries.

She started growing her nails in 1979 and had to care for the nails daily, soaking them in olive oil and cleaning them with a toothbrush.

And when, in previous interviews, she was asked the inevitable question about how she uses the bathroom, she replied: “Very carefully.”

The record holder for the longest male fingernails is American Melvin Booth at 29ft 8in. He passed away in 2009.

Weird and wonderful bodies in the Guinness World Records

“I think they got this long because I don’t pay attention to them. I sometimes even forget they’re there.

“If people are mean to me, I think that although I can cut my nails off, there are people born different that can’t get away

 The shortest man is Chandra Bahadur Dangi from Nepal at 21.5in  The shortest woman is Jyoti Amge from India at 2ft0.7in  The tallest man is Sultan Kosen from Turkey measuring over 18ft  The largest breasts belong to Annie Hawkins-Turner from America, who has an around chestover-nipple measurement of 70in  The hairiest teenager is Supatra Sasuphan from Thailand  The longest nose on a living person belongs to Mehmet Ozyurek from Turkey, measuring 3.46in •Culled from www.mailonline. com

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SPORT

September 8, 2012

RVP regret Mourinho tips Modric to shine for Juve J

J

uventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta admits to being disappointed at missing out on Robin van Persie, with the striker proving too expensive.

The reigning Italian champions were among those looking to add the Holland international to their ranks over the summer once it became apparent that he wanted out of Arsenal.

The Gunners were keen to sell him to a foreign club, ruling out the possibility of him coming back to haunt them in the future.

Juve, though, could not justify the outlay required to bring Van Persie on board, with Arsenal demanding £24million for a player that had just 12 months left to run on his contract.

Their reluctance to meet that asking price opened the door for Manchester United to snap up the deadly Dutchman and keep him in England.

“I have regrets about Van Perise, but it would have been a bad choice for the club if we had paid 30 million euros for a player who would have seen his contract expire next year.

“We are happy with the business we were able to carry out.

“We hit our targets with the acquisition of good, young players with reasonable salaries (Kwadwo) Asamoah, (Mauricio) Isla and (Sebastian) Giovinco.

“There is another fact which must not be overlooked, the fact that we kept (Claudio) Marchisio and (Arturo) Vidal, who were wanted by Bayern Munich,” Marotta said.

Lokomotiv Moscow sign Ziegler

L

okomotiv Moscow have announced they have signed Reto Ziegler from Juventus on a one-year loan deal. Lokomotiv were keen to bring some fresh blood to their squad, and new head coach Slaven Bilic has now been able to add a new defender to their ranks on deadline day of the Russian transfer window.

Ziegler

ose Mourinho has tipped Luka Modric to become a firm favourite with the Real Madrid supporters and backed Kaka to take on the challenge of winning back his place in the side.

Los Merengues’ coach explained that Modric was the Spanish clubs one main target throughout the summer and he feels that the Croatian has the ability to become a local hero after joining from Tottenham Hotspur.

“He was the only signing that we focussed on and we finally signed him which pleased me greatly.

“I am sure that he will fit straight in to the squad and that the supporters here will take to him because he has talent and tactical discipline in equal measure.

“Modric is a team player, who plays for the common good, and looks for and finds his teammates.

“He also has a great touch, a

bit of magic, that they will love at the Bernabeu. We signed Modric for Madrid because we will enjoy having him and he will help us win,” Mourinho said.

While Mourinho signed a player he thinks will become a new star at Madrid, he reflected on the task facing Kaka after he was forced to stay at the club when no firm offers were made for his services during the summer.

“What has happened to Kaka has happened to many great players,” Mourinho continued.

“Great players that for one reason or another have not been able to continue moving forward at their new clubs and improving their game “He is training well and when we can use him then we will use him and try to bring out the best in him. It will not be easy, but we have a fairly small squad of only 20 players and Kaka will have his chance,” he concluded.

M

Rooney

“What I don’t want to happen is to come back too early when it is not quite healed and it opens up again first game. That would just set me back again another four weeks.”

He added: “Overall, I think at the most I will miss four games.”

Fabregas to remain in Barcelona

C

esc Fabregas says he wants to end his career at Barcelona despite previously announcing that he was ‘unhappy’ with his role at the club.

The former Arsenal captain rejoined his boyhood club last summer for £35million but remains second-choice at the heart of Barca’s midfield behind Nou Camp legends Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta.

Fabregas got a rare start in Barca’s narrow victory over Valencia on Sunday but was hauled off after only 63 minutes, which prompted him to say: “There’s no such thing as a

great substitute in the world of football.

“I always wish my teammates well and put a happy face on. If I have to take my unhappy face home then so be it, but I would never let my team-mates or manager see it.”

Fabregas’s unhappiness was revealed just days after Cristiano Ronaldo had revealed he too was feeling ‘sad’ for ‘professional reasons’ at Barca’s great rivals, Real Madrid.

But Fabregas, 25, has moved to defuse his own situation, insisting he has no desire to quit the Catalan giants.

EURO BRIEFS

Welbeck escapes drivingg ban

E

ngland and Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck has escaped ed a driving ban an Welbeck despite being caught speeding at 82mph in a 50mph zone. The 21-year-old, defended by lawyer Nick ‘Mr Loophole’ Freeman, was instead given three points on his driving license and was fined £65 plus £350 in costs and a £15 surcharge.

Wenger believes dtner in Bendtner

A

Modric

pledges Rooney targets early Mexes Milan loyalty return from injury P

anchester United striker Wayne Rooney hopes to return to action later this month.

The 26-year-old England international suffered a horrendous gash to his leg in a tackle after coming on as a substitute in a game against Fulham a fortnight ago.

He was ruled out of action for around a month and, although there were reports suggesting he could be out longer, he believes his recovery is on track.

Rooney said,”The injury is going well. It could have been a lot worse than what it was. It is up to the doctor. When he declares me fit I will be ready.

“It feels good at the minute.

The timescale put on it was four weeks. If that is the time they feel I need for the wound to heal properly then that is what I will do.

41

hilippe Mexes said he never wanted to leave AC Milan, and that he is keen to fight for his place in Massimiliano Allegri’s side.

The 30-year-old France international had been linked with a move away from San Siro, with Arsenal among a number of European sides reportedly vying for his signature.

However, the centre-back, who is closing in on a first-team comeback after being sidelined by injury, is delighted to have stayed at the club, despite the high-profile exits of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva.

“The important thing for me is to be here at Milan.

“It wasn’t the happiest of summers, even though the birth of my daughter brought some smiles to my face.

“It wasn’t easy being here training twice a day and hearing all the (transfer) market rumours.

I never asked to leave the club.

Now I’m back and I want to show the fans that I’m here to stay.

“I never thought about leaving Milan. My present and my future is here,” he told journalists on Thursday.

And after playing in a friendly against Verona as he steps up his rehabilitation, the defender is hopeful that he has finally put his injury problems behind him.

rsene Wengerr claims to have never lost faith in Nicklas Bendtner and says there could be a route back to the Bendtner Arsenal first-team for the Danish striker. The 24-year-old has never been short on self-belief, but has struggled to produce his best in limited outings for the Gunners.

Dempsey angered by Fulham m treatment

T

ottenham m midfielder Clint Dempsey said he does not like how he was represented d

by Fulham, as his Dempsey summer-long transfer saga played out. The American looked to be one of Liverpool’s top transfer targets in the window, and turned down the opportunity to join Aston Villa after a bid was accepted by Fulham.

Lloris dismisses concerns over Spurs future

F

rance capaptain Hugo go Lloris has pushed aside speculation about his prospects at hiss Lloris new club Totten Tottenham. Goalkeeper Lloris joined Spurs on a four-year contract for an initial £8million from Lyon, but he may struggle to claim a starting spot with manager Andre Villas-Boas vowing to keep faith with in-form veteran Brad Friedel.

Bender delighted at Bayern interest

V

Mexes

ersatile Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender is pleased by the reported interest shown in him

by Bayern Munich. The 23-year-old alerted several of Europe’s major clubs of his potential with a number of impressive performances for club and country throughout last season, including Jupp Heynckes’ side.

42

SPORT

September 8, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THOSE SPORTS ADMINISTRATORS IN NSC THAT HAVE FAILED THE NATION SHOULD BE SHOWN THE WAY OUT, WHILE PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE INTEREST OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE BROUGHT IN. hijacked by a few members and some of the remaining board members were not carried along in the day-to-day business for which the board was set up because of personal and selfish interest.

So, the intervention of the minister following the dissolution of the board of NASCOM is timely because it will put an end to the activities of those who hijacked the board and saw it as money-making venture for their selfish motive.

NSSF president, Mallam Ibrahim Mohammed

I support reorganisation of Nigerian sports – Mohammed The President of the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Mallam Ibrahim Mohammed, has identified corruption and improper planning by sports administrators in the National Sports Commission (NSC) as the major causes of Nigeria’s dismal outings in international sporting competitions. In this interview with ANDREW EKEJIUBA, he also expressed his delight at the recent dissolution of the Nigeria Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM) board by the Sports Minister and called on him to take necessary steps to reposition sports in the country. Excerpts:

W

hat’s your reaction to the recent dissolution of the Nigeria Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM) board, headed by former Green Eagles’ captain, Chief Segun Odegbami, by the Minister of Sports Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi?

It is a welcome development and an action many sports-loving Nigerians expected long ago because the objective of setting

up NASCOM was defeated through the numerous negative actions of the sacked board.

For example, the NASCOM board was set up by the former Sports Minister, Prof Taoheed Adedoja, to support the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) in the promotion of school sports and also encourage grassroots sports especially from educational institutions, but the board was

What are the fundamental errors you saw in the constitution of the sacked NASCOM board?

Serious-minded people who have the interest of sports development in the country from grassroots were omitted in the constitution of the NASCOM board because not all who claim to have good name or hold a national honour or was an ex-international truly had the interest of our sport development from schools at heart. This category of people came to the NASCOM board to line their pockets with money which is wrong and it facilitated the failure of the board.

What is the way forward as it concerns constituting a new board?

Just as I said before, not all people or persons that claim that their names ring bells live up to expectation when nominated onto the board, so the Minister should look at the record or performance of an individual at the grassroots sports development level before being appointed onto the board of NASCOM. He should also be careful while appointing persons from the NSC cabinet to the board of NASCOM to avoid appointing people who have bad or poor career record in sports development because it will amount to recycling of failed sports administrators.

Finally, the Minister should not appoint people based on sentiments, but genuine people who have the interest of school sports at heart.

What’s your take on the removal of school sports from the control of the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Youths and Sports?

It is a wrong decision because removing school sports away from the control of the Ministry of Education is like removing a suckling baby away from the breast of her mother since a baby needs to suck the breast of her mother in order to grow well.

Teachers are well trained to assist in the complete development of a talented child or student in such a manner that he or she would not be found wanting in academics or sports. Therefore, moving school sports to the Ministry of Youth and Sports is a dislocation because at the end, a child will possibly get to the peak of his or her sporting career to the detriment of his or her education and vice versa which is bad.

Education and sports should go hand-in-

hand as it is done abroad.

What’s your impression about Team Nigeria’s outing at the London 2012 Olympics?

We failed because we always believe in fire-brigade approach in preparing athletes for major sporting competitions. And we also had bad sports administrators who were after what will line their pockets.

It is true that in any facet of human endeavour, we have both good and the bad people, but in sports we have lots of bad administrators who do not believe in strategic planning in order to get results.

Prior to the London 2012 Olympics, I cried out to government informing them that our sports administrators have neglected school sports and nobody listened to me. Today we can see that we are busy recycling our old athletes instead of discovering and developing new ones.

Very soon, Rivers State will be hosting the National School Sports Festival, but nobody cares to know how we are going about it and how the athletes discovered should be nurtured to stardom by the NSC in conjunction with the NSSF. So, my candid appeal to the sports minister is that he should sponsor coaches to the event so that they can come and catch our future athletes’ young there. We know that NSSF does not have funds to cater for everybody at the event, but the NSC should take the pains to support us by sponsoring coaches to the event to get these athletes at their right ages.

What do you think the sports minister should do now to reposition sports after Team Nigeria’s dismal performance at the just concluded London 2012 Olympics?

He should urgently call all the relevant bodies involved in grassroots sports development together to discuss the way forward because we need to work together to discover athletes who will represent Team Nigeria at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil.

The Minister should see to it that grassroots athletes discovered are allowed to use all those NSC sporting facilities across the six-geopolitical zones of the country for training. And by so doing, the issue of lack of training facilities at the grassroots becomes a thing of the past.

Secondly, the NSC should endeavour to sponsor and train coaches for schools sports because the future of our sports development are entrusted in the hands of these coaches whose duty it is to discover and train athletes to stardom. And this can only happen if they are well trained in their tasks.

Remember that in the past, the likes of Falilat Ogunkoya, Mary Onyali, Kanu Nwankwo and Segun Odegbami were products of school sports, because government then laid emphasis on catching them young from schools and I believe this can CONTINUED ON PAGE 43

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Eko 2012: Gabonese handball coach to assist Team Oyo IFEANYI EDUZOR

W

ith few weeks to the Southwest zonal eliminations of some sporting events for the National Sports Festival slated for Ibadan, former Nigeria handball goalkeeper, Bolaji Ojuola, currently handling Gabonese national handball team has volunteered to help Team Oyo in the qualifiers.

Ojuola has been offering technical assistance to the Oyo handball team who had not qualified

for the event in the past three National Sports Festivals.

The ex-international who had been on vacation in Ibadan told our correspondent, he had early last month organised and financed a refresher course for the handball coaches in the state with the aim of updating their knowledge in the game.

The handball technocrat who left the shores of Nigeria in 1999 noted that he was moved to tears when he saw the deplorable state of the game of handball in the country.

Team Ogun insures athletes ahead of ‘Eko 2012’ ANDREW EKEJIUBA

A

s part of its determination to encourage its athletes to do well in their different sports at the forthcoming National Sports Festival in Lagos, the Ogun State government has insured her athletes for the next one year starting from this month.

In a release signed by the Press Officer of the Ministry

SPORT

September 8, 2012

of Youth and Sports, Mr. Rotimi Oduniyi, the insurance policy will take care of the athletes, not only when competing within Nigeria but outside the shores of the country.

The policy which covers death, permanent disabilities and injuries is aimed at boosting the morale of the athletes as they go for the Ball – Games elimination for ‘Eko 2012’ in Ibadan.

Meanwhile, Team Ogun has

43

Obajimi blames poor planning for Olympic woes IFEANYI EDUZOR

A

board member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Gloria Obajimi, has blamed the use of fire-brigade approach and poor planning in preparing athletes for international competitions as the reasons for Team Nigeria’s dismal outing at the just concluded Olympic Games in London.

She told our correspondent that unless the country takes the issue of athletes’ preparation serious it will continue to record woeful performance at subsequent major competitions and advised that preparations for the 2016 Olympics ought to

continued to intensify their training for the festival. Reports from their different camps have it that over 800 athletes and officials are in camp at the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, M.K.O. Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta and the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode ahead of the ‘Eko 2012’ National Sports Festival.

commence after the London Olympics.

“The only way to prevent a repeat performance of what happened in London is to start now and prepare for the 2016 Olympics.

“We should discard the idea of using fire brigade approach in preparation of athletes, but rather emulate developed countries of the world that starts preparations for another Olympics immediately after the former ends,” she said.

According to her, she was particularly disappointed with the performance of Blessing Okagbare in the long jump because of the performance she displayed prior to the Olympics and expressed regrets that she burned out before the Games.

“The most disappointing aspect of the Games was Blessing Okagbare who did very well in the long jump at the national trials in Calabar and African meet in Port Novo, Benin Republic but failed to shine in London,” Obajimi said with a tinge of regret.

Also the Registrar of the National Institute of Sports (NIS),

Obajimi

stated that the country started having problems in sports following the relegation of school sports to the background explaining that there is the need to re-introduce it for the discovery of talents that abound at the grassroots.

‘I support reorganisation of Nigerian sports’ CONTINUED FROM 42 also be done in the present dispensation.

Therefore, the Minister should integrate some grassroots-oriented bodies like NSSF, YSFON, NUGA, NACEGA, NIPOGA and others into the new board of NASCOM because they all have a role to play in the future development of sports in Nigeria.

What’s your reaction to calls by some technocrats that we should concentrate and develop those sports we have comparative advantage over other nations in major sporting competitions like the Olympics?

This is wrong and a reflection of bad planning from our failed sports administrators. If I may ask, which comparative advantage are they talking of ? Even the sports we pruned down to, did we win any medal from them at the Olympics after all the permutations? I believe that a country of 160 million people should have enough human potential and with proper planning, these potentials can be developed to become world beaters.

I don’t have to blame the Sports Minister for the woes in our sports because he is new in office and he has his good plans to reposition sports in Nigeria.

It was the failed administrators who were there before he came that I blame because they refused to plan.

I want to make it clear to those who are saying that we should concentrate on those sports we have comparative over other nations to retrace their steps because I believe Nigerians could be made to embrace

all sports and perform well if the proper things are done as it was in the past. The problem confronting sports development in Nigeria lies in corrupt administrators and bad planning.

There are many Nigerians in Diaspora performing well in sports for other countries of the world, so why can’t we develop our sports with good facilities in place to encourage our athletes to do what many pessimists believe are impossible? It is because we have deviated away from our former transparent sports culture and allowed tribalism, godfatherism and favouritism to be the order of the day which has affected our sports development.

It is my prayer that the present sports minister should correct this anomaly because a situation where an athlete has represented the country in more than three to four Olympics shows that we are not developing our athletes at the grassroots to take over from the ageing ones.

Finally, what’s your candid advice to the Sports Minister who has braced up to reorganise the country’s sports?

Honestly, I will continue to plead to Nigerians to support him in his quest in repositioning our sports. Like I said earlier, the minister never failed in London 2012; those who were there before he came failed, like the Director General of NSC, Chief Patrick Ekeji, because they failed to plan.

The Minister should work hard to lift our sport from its obscure state because President Goodluck Jonathan also trusts him, and believes he would do a good job at

The trio of NSSF Secretary General, Mrs. Olabisi Joseph (left), ex-international Peter Rufai (middle) and NSSF president, Mallam Ibrahim Mohammed, working together to lift Nigeria school sports

THE MINISTER SHOULD WORK HARD TO LIFT OUR SPORT FROM ITS OBSCURE STATE BECAUSE PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN ALSO TRUSTS HIM, AND BELIEVES HE WOULD DO A GOOD JOB AT THE END OF THE DAY. the end of the day.

Finally, those sports administrators in NSC that have failed the nation should be

shown the way out, while people who have the interest of sports development should be brought in.

44

LEISURE

September 8, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

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45

September 8, 2012

ow is tension headaches treated?

Tension headaches are painful and patients maybe upset that the diagnosis is ‘only’ a tension headache. Even though it is not life-threatening, a tension headache can affect the activities of daily life.

Mild analgesics are usually recommended. If these fail, other supportive treatments are available. Recurrent headaches should be a signal to seek medical help. Massage and stress management can all be used as adjuncts to help with control of tension headaches.

Headaches

How are cluster headaches treated?

Cluster headaches may be very difficult to treat and it may take trial and error to find the specific treatment regimen that will work for each patient. Since the headache recurs daily, there are two treatment needs. The pain of the first episode needs to be controlled and additional headache needs to be prevented. Its advisable to see the doctor for the appropriate drug treatment and management.

What causes migraine headaches?

A migraine headache is caused by vasodialatation (enlargement of blood vessels) that causes the release of chemicals from nerve fibres that coil around the large arteries of the brain.

The chemicals cause inflammation, pain and further enlargement of the artery. The increasing enlargement of the arteries magnifies the pain.

What are the symptoms of migraine headaches?

Migraine is a chronic condition with recurrent attacks. Most (but not all) migraine attacks are associated with headaches.  Migraine headaches usually are described as an intense throbbing or pounding pain that involves one temple. Sometimes the pain is located in the forehead around the eye, or at the back of the head.  The pain usually is on one side of the head (unilateral). Although about a third of the time the pain is on both sides of the head.  The unilateral headaches typically change sides from one attack to the next.  A migraine headache usually is aggravated by daily activities such as walking upstairs.  Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoeas, facial pallor, cold hands, cold feet and sensitivity to light and sound commonly accompany migraine headaches.  As a result of this sensitivity to light and sound, migraine sufferers usually prefer to lie in a quiet dark

aches tend to be restless. They often pace the floor, bang their heads against a wall and can be driven to desperate measures. Cluster headaches are much more common in men than women.

When should I seek medical care for a headache? room during an attack. A typical attack lasts between 4-72hours.

What should migraine sufferers do?

Individuals with mild and infrequent migraine headaches that do not cause disability may require only mild analgesics.

Individuals who experience several moderate or severe migraine headaches per month or whose headaches do not respond readily to medications should avoid triggers and consider modifications of their life styles which include the following:  Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day  Exercise regularly (daily if possible)  Do not skip meals and avoid prolonged fasting  Limit stress through regular exercise and relaxation techniques  Limit caffeine-consumption to less than 2 caffeine-containing beverages a day.  Avoid bright or flashing lights and wear sunglasses if sunlight is a trigger.  Identify and avoid foods that trigger headaches by keeping a headache food diary.

What are cluster headaches?

The cause is uncertain. It may be that

certain parts of the brain begin to malfunction for an unknown reason.

Cluster headaches also tend to run in families. It may be triggered by changes in sleep patterns and by some medications. If an individual is in a susceptible period for cluster headaches, cigarette smoking, alcohol and some foods also can be potential causes for headache.

What are the symptoms of cluster headaches?

Cluster headaches are headaches that come in groups (clusters), lasting weeks or months, separated by pain-free periods of months or years.

During the period in which the cluster headaches occur, pain typically occurs once or twice daily, but some patients may experience pain more than twice daily.  Each episode of pain lasts from 3090 minutes.  Attacks tend to occur at about the same time from a sound sleep.  The pain typically is excruciating and located around or behind one eye.  Some patients describe the pain as feeling like a hot poke in the eye. The affected eye may become red, inflamed and watery.  The nose on the affected side may become congested and runny.  Unlike patients with migraine headaches, patients with cluster head-

A patient should seek medical care if their headache is:  the worse headache of your life  different than your usual headache  starts suddenly or is aggravated by exertion, coughing, bending over, or sexual activity  associated with persistent nausea and vomiting  associated with recent head trauma or a fall  associated with changes in vision, speech or behaviour  associated with weakness or changes in sensation  not responding to treatment and is getting worse  requires more than the recommended dose of over- the- counter medications for pain.

CONCLUDED

LIFE SAVERS 

It is extremely important that patients with severe headaches seek medical care and give their health care practitioner an opportunity to assess their condition.



Warning signs for migraine headaches include sleepiness, irritability, fatigue, depression, yawning and craving for sweet or salty foods. Seek help!

LETTER

I bleed from the anus Dear Doctor, I am really worried about what I am experiencing presently. I have noticed that when I use the toilet to move my bowel, I see bright red blood in the tis-

sue and the water. Where is this blood coming from? I don’t want to die please help.

Audu---------------------------Kogi Mirror Doctor replies

Bleeding from the anus can be caused by a couple of things.

The first is haemorrhoids. Haemorrhoids are inflamed, irritated blood vessels in the rectum. Sometimes they can bleed when you have a bowel movement. This is not anything to worry about, unless the bleeding is severe, or does not stop.

Another reason blood could come

from the anus would be some sort of internal bleeding. Intestinal polyps or stomach ulcers can bleed into the intestines and be passed through the anus. This can be a potentially serious condition, since the body is slowly losing an unknown amount of blood.

If you are unsure of the origin of the bleeding, please see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

46

September 8, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Carving a niche is essential in cane furniture business’

FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON

THE LEVEL OF

W

PATRONAGE IS

hen the word ‘cane’ is mentioned, the picture that readily comes to mind is that instrument parents use in disciplining their children, particularly in Nigeria; the mention of the word leaves an impression of punishment in the minds of people. That is the much most people know of the usefulness of cane.

But unknown to many, cane serves not only as an instrument of correction but also as an potential instrument of economic empowerment.

The use of cane in making seats, tables, baskets, cots, handbags, hand fans etc, has been around for quite a long time and the use of these finished products was seen as crude some years back. But with the exorbitant cost of leather furniture and the quest to explore nature, cane furniture became prominent as they suddenly became the darling of even the wealthy people in the society.

Tony Okoro, a graduate of business administration from the University of Calabar, has taken the business of cane furniture to another level.

With a mindset to be different from the regular cane furniture maker like the ones we see in the popular Cane Village in the Mende area of Maryland, Okoro decided on a different and more sophisticated venue for expansion.

“Although I was at the Cane Village for a while and I am still a member of the cane furniture makers’ association, I decided to have a more posh and different venue to make a difference.

We all do not have to be in a place as long as you know what you are doing and you have your contacts in place,” explained Okoro.

According to Okoro, who has been into the cane business for about 10 years, cane is weaved into designs such as coconut chairs, box chairs and

HIGH BUT MOST OF OUR CUSTOMERS

ARE FOREIGNERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE FROM THE WESTERN WORLD spiro chairs, as well as sets of dining furniture of different shapes and sizes, depending on individual choices and taste.

The Ibo-born cane seat-weaving guru, who learnt the craft from his parents, said the price of the seats depends on the type, which is also dependent on the amount of labour and material input.

The coconut chair is expensive because it takes more time and materials.

To weave a set of coconut chairs, you will have to spend between three and four weeks,” he revealed.

Contrary to popular belief, cane seat could be very durable depending on individual usage. It can last for as long as six years without any dent if well handled, he added.

Okoro disclosed to Saturday Mirror that the business may be capital intensive depending on how small or large one wants to start.

“For instance one could start on a small scale level with about N70, 000, which could produce perhaps only a good set of furniture unless you want to start with baskets while you can start with N1 million naira if you are looking at a moderately big start,” stated Okoro.

He further noted that it is very important for one to be formally trained on the job because “it is an art that requires serious training before one could master it. For many of us in this business, I could say it is inherited and so no matter where you go or whatever you eventually become, the likelihood to al-

Okoro

ways want to return to what you have always known your parents do will always be there.”

The job is a very common one among the Niger Delta people, and Tony, although Ibo, was incidentally born in Warri, Delta State, where he also grew up and had his primary and secondary education before his parents relocated to Lagos.

On the best place to source for materials, Okoro disclosed; “We get our raw materials from the Niger Delta region, specifically from Delta and Bayelsa states. We also get our supplies from the Epe axis of Lagos State but in very small quantity.”

Not all types of cane species can be used to design these special home furnitures. Okoro explained that only two

species are used in the business i.e. the water and willow canes. The water cane is used in constructing or structuring the seats while the willow cane is used in designing.

Speaking on the viability of the business, Okoro noted that the business is a lucrative one but like every other business, it is not without its challenges.

Okoro said the major challenge is that most of us (blacks) do not appreciate what we have like the foreigners do. “The level of patronage is high but I tell you that most of our customers are foreigners, especially those from the western world.

“The design and the artistic work are what attract people, especially when you produce a good and clean work,” he said. Hoteliers are also very good patrons, he added.

“In the course of expansion, another challenge I had was funding, and because the banks are weary of giving loans, it was initially very tough but I am grateful to God for taking me this far. I have a show room in Abuja, which is even more patronized than that of my Anthony office.

Another challenge is electricity to power his spraying machine, Okoro was quick to point out. “We spend quite a lot on power generation because of the poor power supply and all these go into the cost of production making the price higher than it would have ordinarily been.”

Okoro also emphasized that carving a niche in the area of deigns is a great plus to the business because “it sets you apart from everyone else”.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

47

September 8, 2012

Investing in plastic manufacturing P

lastics products such as household plastic items, gift items, plastic cups, toys, seats, tables, bags etc are daily consumables. The demand is very high such that available producers in the country cannot satisfy the market.

Apart from local buyers, the entire ECOWAS sub region relies wholly on Nigerian firms for their plastic wares.

This is not surprising because all the raw materials for production of quality plastic products are locally available and at affordable prices.

In this investment profile, prospective investors are educated on how to invest successfully into this lucrative venture, putting all the necessary inputs into consideration such as technical, marketing, operational and financial requirements into consideration.

(A)

Plant & machinery

One of the economic efficiencies of measuring the mechanical productivity of plant and machinery of a firm, or a proposed venture, is not only a function of its life expectancy, rate of depreciation, energy consumption per unit of output, but also the adoption of a simple plant to produce different quality products.

The plant in mind is capable of producing four varieties of plastic products of desired sizes. What is needed involves fixing different molds into the injectionmolding plant.

(B)

Competition

Survey findings have revealed that most Nigerian industrialists and proj-

ect promoters are not fully aware of the economic efficiencies of injection-molding plants.

The few numbers of firms and industries utilizing injection-molding plants that can only produce single plastic product can justify this belief. It implies that the plant in mind would produce different products to meet seasonal demands. This means if there is any project to be considered for implementation in terms of production multiplicity of plant at all, plastic plates, cups, bowls and spoons production should be the one.

(C)

Raw material

The major raw materials required are thermo-plastics of high fluidity such as high-density polyethylene and others.

The beauty of this project is that both the injection-molding plant and raw materials are available locally, which signals the easiness of sourcing both the fixed and variable inputs.

(D)

Location

Theoretically, this project may be sited in any state in the federation without location constraint of raw material procurement. Project implementation involves acquisition of factory house, purchase and installation of plant and machinery, recruitment of appropriate personnel and other accessories.

(E) Projected cost of establishment

The initial cost of the project is estimated to be N25. 8 million only, as shown below. The project can be scaled down

depending on many factors that will be discussed with prospective investors.

(F)

Technical feasibility

The production technology of plastic products is simple, though mechanical. The materials suitable for injection molding are thermo-plastics of high fluidity.

The granules are introduced through a hopper, into the cylinder in which they are heated, above their softening point, by means of a heating jacket.

Moving piston plasticizers forces the material through a nozzle into the mould. Different kinds of molds are used to produce different plastic products. The extruded material is cooled and is taken off by means of suitable devices designed as to prevent any subsequent deformation.

The theoretical analysis of production technology of plastic products remains the same, but they differ only in terms of time consumption per output, weight and structure morphology.

The plant in mind has a production capacity of 4,000 to 4, 500 plastic cups per two shifts per day of 5,000 to 6,000 plastic plates per day. This may be packed in dozens for sales. Appointed distributors would be needed for products distributions and sales.

(G)

Implementation

There are two markets for plastic products; the domestic and foreign markets. Households in general, canteens, industries, hospitals, clinics and hotels form the domestic market, while the neighboring West African countries

constitute the foreign markets.

The market viability shows that plastic plates, cups, bowls and kegs are cheaper and durable when compared with sister glass products with high price disadvantage, and their fragility.

More so, the cross elasticity of demand for plastic products shows a perfect elasticity of substitution for glass products in all ramifications of their uses.

For profitability, 4, 000 plastic cups are assumed per day. Given 250 working days per annum, 83,333 dozens of plastic cups would be produced per year.

Assuming a conservative price of N100 per dozen, N5, 499,978 would be the annual gross revenue. In view of the above hypothetical facts and figures, this project is strongly recommended for investment.

(H)

Project estimates Items

Value (N)

Pre- investment Factory (rental) Plant chinery

house and

ma-

500,000 1,500,000 15,000,000

Utilities (including project vehicle)

3,000,000

Working for take- off

5,250,000

capital

Contingencies

550,000

Total

25,800,000

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

48

September 8, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGIONAL NEWS

September 8, 2012

49

Disquiet over ecological funds as erosion kills 23 persons in Edo SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN

Governors cancels NDDC meeting

A

meeting of governors of oil producing states, scheduled for yesterday in Asaba was called off because of a lack of quorum.

It was reported that the host of the meeting, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, announced its postponement when the governors who had came could not form the quorum required for the meeting to hold.

The governors, who constitute the membership of the Niger Delta Development Commission’s (NDDC) Advisory Council, were billed to commence deliberations at 12 noon.

However, only four of them, including Uduaghan were present as at 5 p.m. The others were Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Liyel Imoke Cross Rivers) states were present.

Ekiti trains firefighters, paramedics

T

he Ekiti State Government has begun a five-week training for the 153 fire officers and paramedics who were newly recruited into the service of the state Fire Services department and paramedics corps.

Flagging off the orientation and training course in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, the state governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said his administration was committed to the safety of lives and property of citizens hence the step of recruiting more hands and equipping of the Fire Services department.

Chief Press Secretary to Fayemi, Olayinka Oyebode, in a release, said the governor was represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka, at the occasion.

BENIN CITY

A

s severe floods and erosion continue to ravage rural communities in Edo State, it has been revealed that over 23 persons have recently been killed in some communities suffering the scourge while several houses and other properties have been destroyed.

The severity of the problem have also raised questions over what has become of the Federal Government’s Ecological Funds that are supposed to take care of the problem challenging erosionridden states and local governments in the country. As a result, community leaders in affected areas have called on President Goodluck Jonathan to uphold his electoral promise of putting an end to erosion problem in Edo State.

According to the Daudu of Oludide Village, Alhaji Gaz Momoh, the head of Ibori Community, Pa Asene Mike Iyere; as well as Ewu community

leader, Mallam MutaroIbramai, the over 23 persons died from the ravaging floods that precipitate gully erosion in the three communities. The community leaders appealed to the Federal Government to urgently come to their rescue in order to nip further deaths in the bud.

Saturday Mirror follow-up reliably revealed that the gully erosion

problem in Ibori-Uneah alone has so far claimed not less than eight lives.

It has also accounted for the total destruction of not less than eight houses in the community while severing the community’s socio-political and economic contacts with neighbouring Ugbalo and Uwessan owing to the total destruction of roads linking the communities.

Pa Mike Iyere, a teach-

er, lamented that over 10 houses are currently under threat of destruction with direct threat to the lives living in the houses should there be a very heavy rainfall at any time. “Two persons died four days ago from high blood pressure from the fear of their houses being washed away any moment. The old men had no means of building new houses. They were com-

mon farmers. We can’t move out of the village again because we have been cut off. We don’t know what will happen next,” Iyere said.

According to the Daudu of Oludide, a large community in Auchi, hundreds of houses have already been washed away by severe erosion even as 15 persons have also been confirmed dead by the community.

A’Ibom Assembly approves Ibom Airlines project TONY ANICHEBE UYO

M

embers of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, yesterday during her plenary consented to the planned establishment of “Ibom Air lines Ltd” by the Akwa Ibom State Government.

This was part of the deliberations of the House, which preceded the reading for a second time of a letter sent in by the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, requesting a supplementary budget estimate of N11,850,100,000 and N113,430,000 for recur-

rent and capital expenditure, respectively.

Projects captured in the supplementary budget include; additional funding for recurrent costs for payment of enhanced salaries and allowances to civil servants, as well as meeting other anticipated contractual obligations, the construction of Ring Road III, construction of an Olympic-sized stadium, dualization of Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road, completion of Ekom Iman-Abak Road and the construction of a befitting Governor’s Office (Technical Area).

Others include; empowerment of the people

through direct labour, development of Raffia City Handicraft Market and Tourist Plaza in Ikot Ekpene, construction of a befitting lodge for the Deputy Governor in Uyo, construction of ongoing 20th Anniversary Hospital in Uyo and the establishment and take-off of operations of Ibom Airlines Limited, which the members described as a step in the right direction.

They opined that, with the establishment of Ibom Air Lines, the state stands to benefit, especially in the area of revenue generation.

The state government

in the letter also disclosed that provision is to be made for the 25th anniversary celebration of the creation of Akwa Ibom State, and that the Uyo metropolis and other city centres will be decorated in the coming festive season.

In his remarks, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Samuel Ikon, described as “laudable” the project embarked upon by the present administration since inception, maintaining that the Legislative arm remains committed to partnering other arms of government to move the state ahead.

Ogun PDP warns Amosun against N100b bond FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

T

he Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned Governor Ibikunle Amosun to desist from an alleged orchestrated plan to mortgage the future of the state through the N100 billion bond his administration is planning to access.

The state chapter of the party also called on “wellmeaning citizens” of the state to rise up against the proposed plan, which it says would enslave unborn babies of the state.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abeokuta, the state capital by the publicity secretary of the party, Bidemi Osunbiyi, PDP called on the governor not to “sell the state” through the said bond issuance.

PDP’s call was, however, is coming amidst speculations that the state House of Assembly may any moment from now, pass the executive bill

sent to it, which will empower the state governor to access the bond market anytime he wishes.

However, the state government, through the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, had previously explained that the bill titled “A bill for a law to provide for raising of loans through issu-

ance of bonds, notes, and other securities and connected purposes” sent to the House was not to raise bond, but rather trying to repeal the existing bond law, which had been in existence since 1988.

The commissioner also stated that the state’s financial status as at present did not favour accessing the

bond market to finance any project in the state.

The PDP in the statement issued yesterday recalled that Governor Amosun was one of the prominent Nigerians who called for massive action against his predecessor in office for wanting to do the same.

The party further reit-

erated that the denial by Amosun’s political associates over the purported bond Issuance had been countered by the actions of the state House of Assembly, which recalled from recess to be able to debate and pass the enabling bill for the bond issuance before Monday 10th September, 2012.

Chairman, Lagos Mainland Local Government, Oladele Adekanye (l), decorating his vice, Mrs Omobola Essien (m) while Director of the Environmental Sanitation Corps of the council, Sikiru Adekunle ( r) assists in decorating Essien as pillar of the corps in Lagos, recently.

50

REGIONAL NEWS

September 8, 2012

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2015 presidency: I’ve not made up my mind –Gov Aliyu J Jang returns t from Germany to rousing welcome JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

P

lateau State governor, Jonah Jang yesterday returned to Jos, three weeks after he left the state for Germany. The governor, who arrived in a Dana aircraft marked 5 N Doy around 1:45pm yesterday, was received at the Heipang Airport by the state deputy governor, Ignatius Longjan, Speaker of the state assembly, Hon. John Clark Dabwan, Commissioners and other top government officials.

The governor told Journalist at the airport that his trip to Germany was successful. He said: ‘’we went to Germany on invitation by VIP that has been working with state governments in this country to assist us in our economic development.

We went to see how their economy works in Germany.

PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

N

iger State governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has said he was yet to make up his mind whether to run for the presidency in the 2015 presidential election, contrary to speculations making the rounds in the nation.

The state Commissioner for Information, Mallam Danladi Abdulhamid, who was reacting to a call made by the leaders of the Yoruba community in the state on a solidarity visit on him, stated that presently the governor was focused on delivering democratic dividends to people of the state.

He noted that though Aliyu’s focus was providing service to the people now, he would not hesitate to heed the call of the people to serve in any capacity, should he be called upon to participate in the 2015 elections.

Aliyu, alongside incumbent Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, Jigawa State governor, Alhaji Lamido Sanusi and

former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, are said to be among those eyeing the seat and would be contending for the Peoples Democratic Party 2015 presidential ticket.

The commissioner also commended the Yoruba community for

living in peace and harmony with other nationalities in the state and contributing their quota to the growth of the state in all spheres.

Earlier the leader of the group, Alhaji Amuda Isamotu, said all the ethnic nationali-

ties in the state would want Aliyu to join the 2015 presidential race as they are prepared to campaign for him in any part of the country.

“We will want him to come out for the presidential election because he is a promoter of

Benue floods: Lawmaker raps FG HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

M

inority Leader of Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange, representing Ushongo constituency, has called for urgent support from the Federal Ministry for Environment and other related environmental organizations to proffer immediate solutions to the flood disaster threatening people living in the riverine areas in the state.

Hon. Ikyange, who spoke at the weekend during a meeting with members of his constituency who paid him a courtesy visit at the assembly complex, reminded them that efforts were being intensified to get the officials of the ministry to know

that almost every year in his constituency heavy flooding is witnessed with turbulent storm where properties worth millions of naira are lost and, in some instances, human lives claimed.

He revealed that the terrain of his constituency is bordered on the North by River Katsina-Ala and on the West by another tributary of the same river, adding that it had therefore become imperative to create awareness so as to bring to notice those neglected areas, which would be immensely affected and not only the usually-mentioned areas of Buruku and KatsinaAla alone.

He added that “some other disaster-prone areas were not in the first instance mentioned in the

earlier predictions but the water level in those areas is already forcing out its inhabitants to relocate for safety as the river is beginning to overflow its banks.”

The minority leader

peace, a nationalist and a totally detribalized person.”

He then called on the governor to remain committed to his duty to the people and not to be diverted by the antics of those calling for his removal in the state. was of the opinion that something urgent must be done by the Federal Government in collaboration with the state aimed at finding a lasting solution that would stem the tide, noting that the problem of flood disasters is becoming endemic.

Gov. Suswam

Normalcy returns in Bauchi as filling stations open for business Dutse abattoir manager advocates re-introduction of meat inspection

T

he General-Manager, Dutse Abattoir in Jigawa, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim, has called for the reintroduction of meat inspection exercise to check circulation of unwholesome meat in the state.

Ibrahim made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse.

He said that most of the animals being slaughtered at the abattoir and other slabs in Dutse were not undergoing routine disease checks. The manager said the re-introduction of the exercise would ensure supply of healthy meat and encourage growth of trade in the animals.

F

uel supply situation has improved in Bauchi as many stations have resumed the sale of petroleum products with many of the stations now selling at government approved price of N97 per litre.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that most of the major marketers that closed shop have started selling the products.

Some independent marketers have also opened their gates and are selling at governmentapproved price, but a few of them are still selling a little above N107 per litre.

Most of the petrol stations along the Bauchi– Jos and Bauchi– Maiduguri roads were opened to customers and there were no queues.

A pump attendant at one of the independent marketers’ station along the Bauchi–Jos Road told NAN, on condition of anonymity, that supply of petrol to the area needed

L-R: Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda; Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Sen. Adamu Gumba and Deputy Chairman, Sen. Mudashiru Hussain, during the Committee on Sports’ courtesy visit to Yuguda in Bauchi, recently.

PHOTO: NAN

to be addressed. He said that lack of supplies caused the scarcity.

“Our boss has directed the manager not to charge more than the controlled price when our next supplies ar-

rive,” he said.

Some motorists, who spoke to NAN, praised the marketers selling petrol at N97 per litre.

Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, a civil servant, said he bought the product in

Ningi, a town close to Bauchi, for N107 per litre on Thursday.

He said he was surprised that a litre of the product could be sold at N97 per litre in the Bauchi.

“I was coming from Kano and had to refill at Ningi and was charged N107 per litre but to my surprise, most of the marketers are selling at N97 when I arrived in Bauchi today,” he said.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGIONAL NEWS

September 8, 2012

51

Kano: CAN seeks life sentence for rapists AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST

Kano to sponsor 100 students to study Pharmacy AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

K

ano State government plans to sponsor 100 youths from the state to obtain university degrees in Pharmacy, the state governor, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has revealed.

Governor Kwankwaso who stated this while receiving the Registrar, Pharmacy Registration Council of Nigeria, Mrs. Gloria Agumere, who visited him in his office, explained that he had already directed the state Commissioner for Health to work with relevant stakeholders to draft a proposal on the programme.

KANO

D

isturbed by the rampant cases of sexual assault in the commercial city of Kano involving minors; the state branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday canvassed stiffer punishment for offenders.

Chairman of the Christian body, Bishop Ransom

Bello, described the development as alarming in a chat with Saturday Mirror in Kano yesterday; pointing out that it was a major index of moral decadence in the society.

According to the CAN boss, government should prescribe at least a life sentence for rapists, which he said is a heinous crime in the society. The renowned cleric lamented that cases of rape, partic-

ularly the brutal attack on under aged girls by rapists, was assuming a dangerous dimension despite the preaching of morality by both Christian and Muslim clerics.

According to him, the development is a clear indication that parents and guardians are not leaving up to expectation in the handling of their children in terms of moral upbringing. The Bishop,

who is the general overseer of Kano-based Calvary Life Assembly, noted that most parents are also guilty, pointing out that there are clear cases of child abuse by parents and guardians who encourage their teenage girls to engage in street hawking of items, “which exposes them to this kind of danger.

“If there is a stiffer punishment such as life

sentence, I think it would served as a deterrent to people with such dirty minds. I also see it as part of the menace of drug addiction destroying our youths.”

Statistics released by the Kano State Police Command for the months of June and July showed a steady increase in rape case with no fewer than 20 of such cases recorded by the Command.

Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, flanked by new Sarkin Edo and Enijie Ii, Chief Fred Akhigbe (right), and President, Edo State Community Association in Kano, Chief Inusa Imonife (left), shortly after being turbaned as the new Enojie in Kano, recently.

PHOTO: NAN

Imo Assembly: PDP floors APGA, as court orders winner sworn-in GEORGE OPARA

2014 guber: Rights group urges Ezeemo to run NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

A

human rights group, the Human Rights Organization of Peace, HROP, has given a prominent son of Anambra State and a business mogul, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo a three-month deadline within which to declare his intention to contest the 2014 gubernatorial election in the state.

The group said the ultimatum would start running from the date of service of his endorsement for the governorship race, failing which a legal action would be instituted against him in the High Court of Justice, to compel him to do so in the interest of peace and harmony in the state.

ABIA

T

he Imo State High Court sitting in Orlu, has washed its hands off the application seeking to prevent the swearing-in of Chief Eugene Dibiagwu, the member-elect of the state’s House of Assembly from Oguta Constituency by the House Speaker.

Justice K.A. Orjiako ruled on the motion brought before him by Walter Uzonwanne, the defeated candidate of the ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the fresh election held on August11, 2012, in Oguta, seeking that Dibiagwu’s swearing-in be put on hold. The judge averred that his court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain such postelection matters, saying, “Section 285 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, and Section 133 of the 2010 Electoral Act as amended allow only Election Tribunals to handle post-election matters.”

After reviewing the arguments by counsels in the matter, Orjiako

maintained that issues canvassed in the application before him were matters that occurred after the conduct of the Oguta constituency election.

Dibiagwu, candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had after been declared winner of the fresh election, received Certificate of Returns from INEC and was

later refused to be swornin on two occasions by Ben Uwajimogu, the Speaker of Imo House of Assembly.

Justice Ngozi Opara, a vacation judge in Owerri, had earlier wanted to accept to order that Dibiagwu’s swearing-in be put on hold even when he was unable to entertain debates from parties a forth night ago, but later

referred the application to the Chief Judge of the state for re-assignment leading to the transfer of the matter to Orjiako in Orlu.

But when the matter came up for ruling on Thursday, Justice Orjiako told the parties that it was an aberration for a High Court to assume jurisdiction on post-election matters, noting that

his court lacked the powers to entertain the application restraining Imo Speaker from swearing in Dibiagwu.

He stated that all the cases cited by the plaintiff ’s counsel were off the track when placed side-by-side Section 285 of the 1999 Constitution as amended and Section 133 of the 2010 Electoral Law, as amended.

Jonathan tasked on murder of newspaper vendor CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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he Campaign for Democracy (CD) has urged the Presidency to intervene in the gruesome killing of one Chukwudi Onukaji, a newspaper vendor at Onitsha in Anambra State on July 20, 2012 by a trigger-happy naval officer.

The late Onukali had joined other colleagues to accompany a corpse of one of their kinsmen, Mr. Emmanuel Achoma, who died in Onitsha, to their village, Nnoyi IsiAlaNgwa South, Abia State.

But, Onukali became a corpse before he could get

home. On that fateful day Chukwudi was allegedly murdered in cold blood by a detachment of eastern naval officers who mounted a road-block at Owerri-Nta, in Isi-AlaNgwa South L.G.A, Abia State.

It was learnt that, when the members of the burial team reached Owerri Nta, they were faced with acute traffic, occasioned with illegal roadblocks mounted by the naval team, they diverted to another shorter route to make haste because they were determined to return to Onitsha immediately after the burial of late Achoma.

The diversion apparently angered the said

naval officers who pursued them until they were traced near the compound of the late Achoma, and ordered all the burial team to return back to Owerri-Nta where they were asked to lie flat down in mud water.

At this point, an unidentified member of the group was said to have raised his hand and attempted to explain to the naval officers that they were carrying a corpse home for burial, but one of the naval officers shot at the man but the bullet hit the late Onukali and he was taken to the Naval base at Owerri-Nta and kept unattended before he was taken to Living World

Hospital Aba, where he was later confirmed clinically dead as a result of the gun shot.

According to family sources, the late Chukwudi, whose corpse is still being kept at the Naval mortuary, “is now being branded and labeled an armed robber by the Naval authorities.”

Reacting to the death of the newspaper vendor, CD urged the Presidency to intervene in the gruesome killing as it accused the naval authority of trying “to cover the truth and exonerate themselves from being prosecuted for gruesome murder of the newspaper vendor who was said to be the bread winner of the family.”

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September 8, 2012

Crime Watch

P. 54

Man, 49, dies in alleged brawl with Prophet

BRIEFS

Ex-bank worker arraigned for issuing dud cheque

A

retired banker, Michael Kelikume, 43, was yesterday arraigned before a Karu Chief Magistrates’ Court in the FCT for alleged criminal breach of trust and issuance of dud cheque.

Police prosecutor Abiola Eyewusi, told the court that the accused of FCDA Estate, Garki 2, Abuja, was also being arraigned for alleged criminal intimidation.

Eyewusi said that the complainant, one Otsenye Egyekivenye, reported the case sometime in January at the FCT Police Command.

He said that N5.2 million was entrusted to the accused to do business with on an agreement to refund the money to the complainant on an agreed date.

“The accused, however, issued a dud cheque to the complainant and when he went to complain to the accused in company with his two friends, the accused slapped one Nwafoso Onyebuchi and threatened to deal with him if he did not mind his business,” he said.

The crime according to Eyewusi, is punishable and contrary to sections 312, 320, 265, 296 of the Penal Code and section 1 of the Dud Cheque Act. The case was adjourned to Oct. 22, for hearing.

Man, 31, docked for stealing goat

T

Crime Watch

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

he police yesterday arraigned one Garzan Yusuf, 31, of Tudun Wada, Mararaba, near Abuja before a Karu Area Court in the FCT for stealing a goat.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr Inuwa Maigida, told the court that the incident was reported to the police by one Alex Nnamani of the same address at the Aso–Pada Police Station in Mararaba on Sept. 3.

Maigida said that Nnamani reported that he returned from work to discover that his goat was missing, adding that a search revealed that the goat was found tied to a stake in the compound of the accused.

Nnamani said that the accused claimed ownership of the goat.

Maigida said that the offence of theft contravened section 288 of the Penal Code.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Presiding Judge, Albert Maga, granted the accused bail in the sum of N150,000 with one surety in like sum.

Maga ordered that the surety must present a national identity card or an international passport and adjourned the case to Oct. 3, for further hearing.

Gunmen abduct Lebanese hotelier in Lagos Ahmed Mohammed is an expatriate. The 23-year-old works with his hotelier uncle. Now, no one knows his whereabouts as his abductors are said not to have made any demand.

SEGUN ADIO

A

hmed Mohammed is a Lebanese national resident in Lagos where he earns his livelihood. He is an employee of Tawoup King Restaurant at Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.

Ahmed, 23, has lived in Nigeria for five years and has been working at the restaurant ever since. He is said to be a nephew to the owner of the restaurant, Mohammed Wahab.

Within Ahmed’s short stay at the restaurant, he had reportedly deputised for his uncle when the latter was away. Ahmed is variously described as industrious and easy going.

On Monday, 3 September, 2012, Ahmed was once again called upon by his uncle to act in his stead as he had an appointment to keep in another part of the country. Before the uncle returned, the unexpected happened to his loyal nephew: six unknown gunmen kidnapped Ahmed. He had since been kept incommunicado.

It was reported that Ahmed’s kidnap was commando-styled. Six heavily-built men were reported to have laid in wait in an ash colour Toyota Hilux van right in front of the restaurant. On sighting their prey, four of the men alighted from the van and walked up to Ahmed asking that he come with them. When the Lebanese wanted to rebuff the assailants, they reportedly whisked him into the waiting van, while the other two gunmen stayed back in the vehicle.

Wahab was so disturbed with the situation that he told whoever cared to listen

Ahmed

that he would have preferred he was the one kidnapped instead of the young Ahmed.

“I was not in when the incident happened, but was told that Ahmed was forced into a waiting ash colour Toyota Hilux van by six unidentified gunmen,” Wahab said.

When Saturday Mirror spoke with him, Wahab claimed no ransom had been placed on the kidnapped Ahmed’s head.

A visibly agitated Wahab claimed that Ahmed’s abductors should not demand for monetary ransom, claiming that the restaurant he operates is indebted to several corporate firms and individuals.

“My overhead alone is drowning this restaurant. I owe millions on my rent and even some private people that loaned me money. I don’t even have a car anymore.

The car I use was loaned to me by my Nigerian manager. If the kidnap is targeted at my restaurant, they can have it for all I care

though I keep wishing am the one that was kidnapped,” Wahab said.

Wahab immediately reported the matter at Man Centre Police Station. The police station reportedly swung into action immediately dispatching some of their men to the restaurant.

One of the policemen who went to the restaurant for investigation told Saturday Mirror on condition of anonymity that said some of Ahmed’s co-workers had been questioned ostensibly to get clues to the incident. The law enforcement agent claimed that the matter was subsequently referred to Area ‘F’ Police Command for further investigation.

When contacted to speak on the level of police investigation of the alleged kidnap, Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, did not respond to her calls.

Police rescue mother, 5 kids from kidnappers in A’Ibom TONY ANICHEBE UYO

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he Akwa Ibom State Police Command has smashed a child trafficking and kidnapping syndicate and rescued a woman and five children.

This is as it recovered ammunition; cars and weeds from arrested suspected criminals.

This was declared yesterday by the Command while enumerating its achievements in the last few months.

According to a statement by the Com-

mand’s PPRO, Etim Dickson, the state antikidnapping squad detectives arrested one Mfon Effiong Etuk for trafficking on babies while two babies were recovered from her home.

Also on August 7, 2012 according the PPRO, “another child trafficker Mfon Etuk, led a police team to Port Harcourt, Rivers State where two babies were recovered from buyers. The four babies are now in the custody of the government at a motherless babies home in Uyo” The command also arrested suspected armed robbers namely, Iboro Anietie Akpan, Ubong Benjamin Moses who robbed

one Umoh James Ino of 18 Science School Road Onna with one AK47 rifle with five magazines and 60 rounds of ammunition.

Dickson in the statement further stated that the SARS team arrested Efiok Essien Etim and Joshua Joseph Umoh in connection with the kidnapping of Mr. Sunday Akpan and his son Inemesit Sunday Akpan at Ikot Ekpene recently.

According to him, “while the kidnappers had earlier collected a ransom of N1 million and released Sunday Akpan, they shot and killed his son Inemesit when their demand was not met. The suspects confessed to the offense”

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

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CRIME WATCH

September 8, 2012

53

Inter union politics turn bloody in Anambra NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

F

resh facts are beginning to emerge on why the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Motorcycle Transport Union of Nigeria (MTUN)/Autobike Owners Association of Nigeria (AOWAN), Chief Jimmy Okonkwo, was allegedly attacked and robbed by gunmen.

Gunmen suspected to be members of a rival group had allegedly attacked Okonkwo on Monday, August 6 with arms and other dangerous weapons, a stone throw from one of the new generation banks at Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

It was shortly after he withdrew N3 million from the bank.

Although he did not die as a result of the alleged attack by the gunmen, his situation was helped by the timely arrival of a police team from Aguata Divisional Police headquarters Ekwulobia.

Sources said that his health condition was so critical that two nearby hospitals at Ekwulobia refused to admit him for treatment before the police team rushed him to All Saints’ Hospital and Maternity, Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area where he was reluctantly admitted.

He however regained consciousness two days later and briefly told reporters on his hospital bed that his attackers were the same armed bandits who allegedly attacked him and some other motorists about a month ago at Oba Junction, Idemili South Local Government Area of the State during a robbery along the Onitsha/Owerri dual carriage way.

Few days after his attack, one of the suspected attackers who identified himself as Onyeka Ilozo, a commercial bus driver, voluntarily walked into the hospital and apologised to the victim in the presence of reporters and an Investigating Police Officer, (IPO) from Aguata Divisional Police Headquarters, Ekwulobia.

The man said that he was forced by some gunmen who hijacked his Mitsubishi bus to join in the act.

He disclosed that he took his vehicle into the Ekwulobia Central Motor Park on that fateful day to take passengers.

While awaiting his turn, he said, some officials of the park management committee approached him and ordered him to surrender the vehicle to them for a special assignment which they did not disclose to him despite the fact that eight passengers were already seated in the vehicle.

He added that he only knew what was happening when he saw Okonkwo being hit with weapons all over his body while lying on the ground before the arrival of the police.

The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Nnamdi Eneh, told reporters at the weekend that when Okonkwo was brought into the hospital in a state of coma, he nearly refused to admit him because he looked like a Brought-In-Dead (BID) waiting to be confirmed dead as blood was gushing out of his nose, ear and mouth.

Eneh noted that in the course of medi-

z Why my attackers wanted me dead - shot union boss When a union chieftain in Anambra State, Jimmy Okonkwo, was attacked the second time in a few months by gunmen, law enforcement agents were forced to act. The principal victim also raised the alarm on the danger trailing him

Okonkwo

cal examinations, it was discovered that his left shoulder was fractured and dislocated, while his head was battered to the extent that his brain was seriously affected.

The medical practitioner noted that Okonkwo’s discharge from the hospital did not show that he had been given a clean bill of health because he would still be subjected to continuous medical examinations for some time.

But addressing newsmen at the weekend at the hospital premises, shortly after he was discharged, Okonkwo alleged that his attackers wanted him dead at all cost so as to take over the union leadership from him.

Okonkwo also alleged that the gunmen who attacked him were the same group who shot and killed one Chukwunonso Nwankwo on 16 February, 2012, at Ekwulobia motor park.

He alleged that sensing that he had vowed to expose them to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.

He expressed disappointment at the police investigators from the state Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Awka over what he termed as turning himself into an accused in his own attack and turning his attackers into the complainants because of perceived pecuniary interest.

He regretted that up till date, the state police command has refused to arrest Nwizu who was fingered in the murder of Nwankwo on February 16, even as the state DPP has officially written to the Inspector-General of Police and the state Commissioner of Police to arrest and arraign him in court for trial.

He emphasized that the investigators at the state CID are not only trying to deceive

their superior officers and in particular the Assistant Commissioner of Police incharge of the state CID who is just barely two months old in the state by conspiring with his attackers to now charge him (victim) to court for armed robbery.

He then called on the investigating team from Abuja to discard what he termed as shoddy and compromising jobs done by the investigators at the state CID, take over the case, arrest his attackers and charge the appropriate persons to court for robbery and attempt to assassinate him on August 6.

But the Assistant Commissioner of Police (A/C) in charge of the state CID, Awka, Mr. David Afolayan, told reporters in his office that although investigations were still in progress, preliminary inquiry showed that the entire exercise was a case of union matter.

The leader of the investigating team from the force headquarters, Abuja, also told journalists in a telephone chat that they were in the state to carry out thorough investigations into the matter, adding that in the course of their job, if any one was wrongly charged, he would reverse the trend.

Meanwhile, an Ekwulobia Chief Magistrates’ Court in Aguata Magisterial District, Anambra State, on Thursday refused to entertain a criminal charge preferred against four persons accused of attacking Okonkwo because of the absence of the accused.

In her ruling when the case was about to be called up, the g Chief Magistrate, Mrs. P.A.T. Otti also refused to grant an oral application made by a police prosecutor that the case be transferred to a High Court and the witnesses bounded over.

The police prosecutor, who appeared

briefly for the Officer-in- of the Legal Department (O/C) Legal at the Anambra State Criminal Investigations Department (CID), had requested the Chief Magistrate to call up the matter, read the charges and order the transfer of the case file to the High Court.

But Mrs. Otti who adjourned the matter to Thursday, September 13, insisted that the accused persons must be present at the court before the matter could be called up, adding that the police should serve the accused persons hearing notice to enable them come to court on the next adjournment date.

The four accused persons, Gilbert Obinwa (48), Hon. Samuel Nwuba (57), Onyeka Ileozor (30) and Raphael Nwaso (65), are being charged for conspiracy, assault occasioning harm, beating, malicious, wilful and unlawful damage and possession of magnum pump action gun.

According to the charge, the accused persons and others at large had on Monday, August 6, at about 10.20 hours at Ekwulobia Motor Park, conspired among themselves to commit felony to wit: assault occasioning harm, unlawfully assaulted one Ugochukwu Onyawa by beating him with the butt of a pump action gun, which caused him bodily harm. The accused are also charged for wilfully and unlawfully damaging the wind screen of a Mitsubishi L-300 bus with Reg. No. AE 728 KEK valued at N75,000, property of Jolet Investment Limited.

The offences, according to the charge were contrary to Sections 495 (a), 496 (a), 258 and 415 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 36, Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991, as well as Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act of the Federation, 2004.

54

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

September 8, 2012

Crime Extra Policeman kills tricycle operators chairman in Lagos

SEGUN ADIO

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t may take a self-proclaimed prophet who is currently in police net a hard time to clear his name in the death of a one Suleiman Age, a father of seven.

Prophet Jagun, as he is called by those who know him, is being considered the principal suspect in the death of 49-yearold Age whose demise is still a shock not only to his family, but his many friends and co-workers. He had two wives.

Age was an employee of the Distance Learning Institute of the University of Lagos until he met his untimely death.

On Thursday, August 23, 2012, Age had reportedly telephoned one of his wives to prepare pounded yam with Egusi soup for dinner. He was also said to have sent the woman N5, 000 to that effect. The wife was supposed to prepare the food at her shop. But Age did not live to eat the meal after all.

Around 6:00pm on thae fateful day, Age rode his motorcycle to his wife’s shop to collect the keys to their apartment, but he was informed that she had sent the children home to wait for him. It was at the wife’s shop that Age remembered that he had an appointment with his spiritual consultant, the Prophet Jagun, and he reportedly told his wife that he needed to see the man of God. Off he rode to Prophet Jagun’s house, promising to return home soon to eat the meal he had ordered for.

But five hours later, he had not returned nor got in touch. The situation brought uneasiness to the woman.

Again, the food he ordered for and which she had cooked was getting cold.

Apparently with these reasons, Silifat and one of her children, set out to trace their breadwinner to the prophet’s house.

Silifat, said that she went in search of her husband with one of their daughters.

“At about 6pm that day, my husband rode his motorcycle to my shop from work for the keys to the house. I told him the children were at home. Then, he told me that he would delay his dinner, that he needed to see Woli Jagun,” Silifat Age said.

She also recalled that a friend of her husband, one Uncle Bola, had introduced her late husband to the self-proclaimed man of God to help the former cleanse his shop said to be witnessing some spiritual attacks.

She continued: “One of his friends, Uncle Bola, who rented one of the shops owned by my late husband had complained of bad sales, attributing it to the heaps of sacrifices usually seen in front of the shops. It was this same Uncle Bola that advised my husband to go to the prophet popularly called Woli Jagun, in order for him to carry out some spiritual cleansings in the shops. So when he came back from work that evening, he informed me he was going to see the Woli and we never saw him again,” Silifat said in tears.

She claimed that when it was getting late and her husband did not return home, she started calling his mobile telephone numbers but there was no response. It was at that stage that she and her daughter headed for the said Uncle

SEGUN ADIO

A

IGP, Abubakar

Man, 49, dies in alleged brawl with Prophet Suleiman Age that fateful Thursday wanted pounded yam and egusi for his dinner. Before doing justice to the food, he must see his spiritual adviser, Prophet Jagun. About four hours later the 49-year-old was lying by the road side, dead.

Bola’s house, who later directed the duo to Prophet Jagun’s house.

“From there he (Uncle Bola) gave me the prophet’s address. Just two buildings to the house, my daughter called my attention to a body lying on the road. It was covered with nylon and torn cartoon.

I gazed at it and kept a straight face because all that was on my mind then was getting to the prophet’s house and dragging my husband out of there.

“Almost immediately, my daughter shouted, ah! Mummy, it is daddy! I rushed there, raised the nylon and discovered that it was my husband! My world went blank at that moment because I could not figure out how a man who left me barely four hours ago could be dead”, she said.

Silifat reported the matter at the Bariga Police Station the next morning and Prophet Jagun was promptly arrested.

However, a woman, who did not want her name in prints, alleged that the deceased could have died from the injury

he sustained in a fight with Jagun. The woman, who is a neighbour of the prophet, claimed she heard an exchange of fisticuffs between the deceased and the suspect in the latter’s apartment, shortly before the former came out.

The police said they had commenced investigation into the death of the late Suleiman. Currently, the prophet is being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID),Yaba. A family member of the deceased alleged that the law enforcement agents were demanding money from them to carry out autopsy on the body, a claimed the police had denied.

A police source at SCID, who preferred anonymity, described as untrue the allegation that money was being demanded from the family saying that such demand was tantamount to bribery which the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar and the state Commissioner of Police, Musa Manko, frown at.

major public unrest was averted on Thursday night when scores of commercial tricycle (popularly known as Marwa) operators stormed the premises of Meiran Divisional Police Station, Meiran, in Lagos State threatening to burn it down.

The move was in protest of the slaying of the head of the Ile-Iwe-Ile-Epo unit of the group.

The deceased, identified as Dele alias Coach, was allegedly shot dead by a policeman over an argument.

Investigations revealed that the crisis leading to the death of Dele started on Wednesday when a policemen and a soldier reportedly clashed in the area.

Eyewitnesses said that on Wednesday, a Marwa operator picked a soldier in mufti as one his passengers and when they got to Ile-Iwe Junction, the policeman on duty flagged the tricycle down and allegedly demanded for N50.

The soldier told the policeman that he would not be given a dime. The policeman, apparently not knowing that the man talking to him inside the Marwa was a solder, allegedly slapped the soldier. The soldier immediately called for reinforcement from his barracks close by at Command Area of the metropolis.

When the soldiers came, eyewitnesses said the policeman was dragged out among his colleagues and tortured.

While this lasted, the policemen reportedly took the number plate of the Marwa involved. It was said that it took the intervention of some senior police officers and the dead Dele as unit chairman to douse the tension.

Before the soldiers left, they reportedly gave Dele their numbers saying he should alert them should any policeman try to harass them on account of the feud.

The following day, Dele reportedly went to buy food for his livestock and was riding in another person’s Marwa.

When he got to the point where the policemen were, the policemen spotted him as the head of the Marwa unit that caused the problem the previous day. The policemen reportedly ordered the Marwa he was travelling in to stop and that the rider should come down for flouting traffic rules.

Dele reportedly told the policemen that the man did not do any wrong. He reportedly asked the tricycle rider to move on. At that point, the policeman threatened that should he move, he would shoot.

But the tricycle operator dared the policeman and moved. The policemen allegedly shot the tyre of the Marwa. Eyewitnesses said that it was at that point that Dele came down and reportedly wanted to engage the policeman in fierce argument for shooting the tyre.

Eyewitnesses said that the policeman reportedly told him that should he come closer he would shoot. The latter dared the law enforcement agent and the policeman allegedly shot him dead point blank.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

September 8, 2012

55

‘Our problems can be solved’ Obama pleads for more time as he accepts Democratic nomination z Addresses crowd of 20,000 at convention in Charlotte, North Carolina z Compares economic crisis to Depression faced by Roosevelt z Launches sarcastic attacks on Republican platform z President Barack Obama Thursday night laid out his case for being re-elected to a second term by comparing himself to Franklin D. Roosevelt, who won an unprecedented four presidential elections and led America to recovery after the Great Depression.

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he speech came as Obama and Romney were deadlocked in the national opinion polls in a race that has been too close to call for many months. It was the last opportunity for either man to use a defined ‘moment’ to change the trajectory of the race before the three presidential debates in October.

But commentators stretching from the left to the right agreed that the speech fell short of the passion he stirred in 2004, and they lambasted the president for failing to give specifics in an address they deemed ‘dull and pedestrian’.

After a nostalgic detour into his early career and why he ran for president in 2008, Obama grandly invoked Franklin Roosevelt.

‘And the truth is, it will take more than a few years

for us to solve challenges that have built up over decades. It will require common effort, shared responsibility, and the kind of bold, persistent experimentation that Franklin Roosevelt pursued during the only crisis worse than this one.’

Early in the speech, he lit into his opponents, saying all the Republicans have ‘to offer is the same prescription they’ve had for the last 30 years: “Have a surplus? Try a tax cut.

Deficit too high? Try another. Feel a cold coming on? Take two tax cuts, roll back some regulations, and call us in the morning!”’

Judging by the reaction of the crowd, Obama’s speech paled into insignificance compared to the rollicking address by former President Bill Clinton on Wednesday night and

the emotional, affecting speech by his wife Michelle on Tuesday. It was also not as rousing as Vice President Joe Biden’s speech just beforehand.

‘On every issue, the choice you face won’t be just between two candidates or two parties,’ he said. ‘It will be a choice between two different paths for America. A choice between two fundamentally different visions for the future.’

Recalling his speech at the 2004 convention, he said: ‘Eight years later, that hope has been tested by the cost of war; by one of the worst economic crises in history; and by political gridlock that’s left us wondering whether it’s still possible to tackle the challenges of our time.’

He needed more time, he insisted, to fix things.

‘I won’t pretend the path

I’m offering is quick or easy. I never have. You didn’t elect me to tell you what you wanted to hear,’ the president said. ‘You elected me to tell you the truth. And the truth is, it will take more than a few years for us to solve challenges that have built up over decades.’

Although his demeanour hardly showed it, Obama tried to strike an optimistic note by saying: ‘But know this, America: Our problems can be solved. Our challenges can be met. The path we offer may be harder, but it leads to a better place. I’m asking you to chose that future.’

In an earnest request for four more years, he said: ‘But know this, America: Our problems can be solved. Our challenges can be met. The path we offer may be harder, but it leads to a better place.

Madonna backs Obama with tattoo

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he’s never been shy of mixing politics with showbusiness.

And Madonna was at it again Friday night as she unveiled a huge Obama temporary tattoo on her back.

The singer made the unmissable statement during her MDNA Tour at New York’s Yankee Stadium.

Clad only in a backbaring bra and trousers she turned her muscly back on the audience, all the better to show off the writing.

Despite turning 54 last month there was no rest for Madonna during her high-kicking concert.

At one point she was joined on the stage by her bare-chested younger boyfriend Brahim Zaibat.

She and the 24-year-old have been dating for two years.

Madonna has made her left-wing leanings increasingly clear in recent months, with her endorsement of President Obama the latest in

a long line of political statements.

The mother-of-four was branded a ‘moralising slut’ by Russia’s deputy prime minister after scrawling Pussy Riot on her back at her concert last month.

Madonna was making a statement about the jailing of the Russian punk band for an anti-Putin protest in a Moscow cathedral.

She then angered the Russians further by making a stand for gay rights at her St Petersburg concert.

On that occasion she stomped on an Orthodox cross and asked fans to raise their hands to show pink armbands which had been distributed in support of gays and lesbians.

And in July the pop star was forced to make a public apology to France’s far-right nationalist leader Marine Le Pen after depicting the politician with a swastika across her forehead.

after claiming Jesus appeared to him while he was praying as teenager Mourners wept quietly as solemn music played in the background.

Many offered roses and lilies, Moon’s favourite flowers, and bowed before

the portrait ringed with roses.

“I feel even sadder than when my own parents died. I’d never thought the true father would leave us so soon,” said Park Malrye, a follower for the past 20 years.

‘Messiah’ on show for mourning ‘Moonies’

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housands of mourners gathered yesterday at the start of a 10-day wake for their self-proclaimed “messiah”, Sun Myung Moon.

The leader of the controversial Moonie cult, who died on Monday at 92,

lay in a glass-covered coffin at the headquarters of his Unification Church in South Korea.

Only senior church members and specially invited mourners were allowed to view the body. But that didn’t stop the general

public turning up in droves to pay their respects.

Buses began arriving yesterday morning at the compound in Gapyeong, about 40 miles from Seoul.

Most of the mourners, the men in black and the women in white, paid

tribute at an altar set up around a portrait of Moon.

More than 150,000 mourners from around the world – including as many as 32,000 from Japan – are expected to attend the wake.

Moon started the church

Quote

of

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day

The judiciary is my constituency, so it has been difficult for me to make adverse remarks about it over time. I am however constrained of late to have some fears as to whether we are getting the right calibre of judicial officers on the bench.

Former ICPC chairman, Justice Mustapha Akanbi (Rtd) speaking in Ilorin, Kwara State last Thursday.

Saturday, September 8, 2012. www.nationalmirroronline.net

Prime Minister Ato Meles Zenawi: A brother and friend

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he vanity of life and its concomitant emptiness often remind us every day that we are but passengers in the train of life and, one day, we must get off the ride when we have reached our destination upon the expiration of our time. All those who believe in the existence of the supreme divine being whom we Christians call God and Moslems call Allah, subscribe to, by way of our faith that getting off the ride is not by our choice but that of the Almighty. I say this because given the gluttonous nature of man and her insatiability to desirable things, if the time, when and how we will demise were left for us to decide, most of us will like the ride to be longer.

For Meles Zenawi though, our affection and affinity for him have provoked in us, especially me, a feeling that the ride has been however shorter than expected. Here again, I run into an intellectual cul de sac with Long Fellow, one of the greatest philosophers of our time, who eloquently admonished us to make our lives sublime, so that when we depart, we leave behind an indelible mark on the sand of time, because it’s not how long we live but how well.

On August 20, 2012, a short but subdued broadcast on state television, told Ethiopians, all Africans and indeed the world that this visionary leader of the past 21 years has died. Zenawi passed on in a hospital in Brussels at the age of 57.

with President Olusegun Obasanjo hexcellency2011@yahoo.com When the end comes, we will be remembered for our deeds and actions while on earth. After we depart from this world, it will be what contributions, what impact we have made, and what legacies we are leaving behind. For me, Zenawi was a towering figure in the political scene of Africa.

Family members, friends, well-wishers, both in his country and beyond, have shown great outpouring of grief and sadness on the passing to glory of this great African leader.

We remember him for many things that he stood for and represented both at home and within the continent of Africa. He distinguished himself amongst his peers as he tried to make his country better than he met it. This is also true of few other African leaders who feel chal-

lenged and highly committed to doing well for their countries.

My writing is for the purpose of reflection on the life and selfless service of a brother, colleague and a friend and to celebrate success, achievement, performance and great leadership at a time that Africa is suffering from leadership deficit. My writing is for others and indeed all of us to learn the right lessons and face squarely the challenges which stare us in the face. Meles did not live for his death to be mourned; he lived for his life to be celebrated. We celebrate him for his committed services and outstanding leadership to his family, his community, his country, his region, his continent and indeed his world. He impacted on every facet as a family man, a freedom fighter, a consummate visionary leader,

a pan-Africanist, a great thinker and an acclaimed world leader in his own right.

He was thorough in everything he undertook, clear-minded and far-sighted, remaining focused, open and ready to dialogue on any issue. Zenawi had a gift of analytical and emotional intelligence. A rarity in leadership qualities as combined gift. At home, he passionately believed in unity of his country based on democracy, even development, justice, equity and human security. He anchored his socioeconomic programme on agriculture and rural development, education and youth employment, power and infrastructure.

For almost a decade, his leadership led to an economic growth rate of double digit annually and thereby turned a country mired in poverty, despair and unrest to a nation politically united in fulfillment and full of hope. Ethiopia became one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Although he was from one of the minority groups north of the country, by his even-handed and fair-minded political and socio-economic policies and programmes, he endeared himself to all tribes. That was sagacity and creativity in leadership style and one that is imperative in the 21st century Africa – satisfactory management of diversity for common interest and development.

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers SPORT EXTRA Today’s Matches Dollar rain for Nigerian Paralympians, Scotland v Serbia 16:00 as duo reach shotput final

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igeria’s medalists at the ongoing Paralympic Games in London were rewarded with cash prizes on Friday when they were hosted by the country’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Dalhatu Tafida.

The powerlifters were rewarded by the National Sports Commission (NSC) for their heroic displays in London where they won 12 medals.

The gold medalists were rewarded with the sum of 7,500 US dollars and they include Yakubu Adesokan, Esther Onyema, Ivory Nwokorie, Loveline Obiji, Grace Anozie, and Joy Onaolapo.

The silver medalists who included Lucy Ejike, Folasade Oluwafemiayo, Ifeanyi Nnajiofor, Anthony Ulonnam and Obichukwu Ikechukwu were rewarded with 5,000 US dollars each.

Bronze medalist, Victoria Nneji was given 2,500 dollars also for her effort at the games.

While commending their efforts, the High Commissioner expressed gratitude to the athletes for their patriotism and zeal to perform where the Nigerian Olympians failed.

Aside winning medals, four of the athletes set new world and Paralympic records and also topped the powerlifting events in London.

Meanwhile, Eucharia Iyiazi will be presented with her last opportunity to win a medal this evening when she takes part in the F 57/58 women’s shotput final at the ongoing Paralympic Games in London.

The 38-year-old was a double champion in Beijing four years ago where she won both shotput and discus events. She failed to make it to the podium in the javelin throw in London where she placed seventh with a Personal Best of 24.04m and 801 points. Nwaozuzu will also take part in the shotput event final.

Denmark v Czech Rep. 20:15

International Club Friendlies Today’s Matches Energie Cottbus v Z. Lubin 14:00 Niki Volou v Veria FC 17:00 Razgrad v S.Bucuresti 17:00 Saloniki v Panserraikos 18:00

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