Saturday, july 11, 2015

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Mamman, Banire, 19 others bag SAN

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My ordeal in the hands of Boko Haram

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Nyako’s trial:

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Pipeline explosion kills 12 in Bayelsa

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‘Two witnesses die after giving evidence’ Bail to ex-Adamawa governor, others threat to witnesses —EFCC P. 7 ...as court grants Nyako, son, others N1.4bn bail

Crisis brews in Rivers as Police seal LGs

From left, former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, his two sons, Aminu and Mustapha and others at the Federal High Court in Kano on Thursday.

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*It’s period of intimidation —Wike ...PDP demands immediate unsealing

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Top Stories Two My ordeal in the hands of Boko Haram —Victim Muda Oyeniran

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hristian towns in Borno state recently came under heavy attacks by men believed to be Boko Haram insurgents.

Although death toll in the attacks is uncertain, dozens are believed to have been killed.

Sherif Ayorinde, a resident of Shani, one of the towns in Borno State attacked by Boko Haram said that that the insurgents arrived on motorcycles and started shooting at people. “Thousands of residents fled into the bush for safety as the attack unfolded last Saturday.

Ayorinde is a driver of a church pastor in Shani. He told Saturday Mirror that the group of insurgents invaded the town and their church in Shani at about 8 pm on Saturday. “They came while we were preparing for Sunday service the following day with other church workers and started shooting sporadically, targeting civilians, public buildings and recreational centres”

“They came on about 10 motorcycles from Gwaskara axis, well armed with AK 47 rifles and petrol bombs, wreaking havoc.

“There was no military presence anywhere, no police to assist the helpless civilians who were running for dear lives.

“I saw about four members of the group whom I know quite well that came after me. But I was just fortunate to escape. As I am talking to you, I left my people and everything I have worked for running towards Pakana village for safety.

“Only God knows what is happening with the sporadic shooting that engulfed the entire council area.”

This is the third time Shani has suffered fatal attacks by militants since 2011. Previous attacks were targeted at INEC office and divisional police headquarters.

Last Friday, about 100 people were killed when gunmen set off three bombs and opened fire on worshippers at a mosque in the northern Nigerian city of Kano.

Policeman’s daughter detained for defacing girl

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daughter of a policeman, Mary Atiake, who defaced her rival’s face with razor blade in Igando area of Lagos State in a fight over boyfriend, has been remanded in Kirikiri by an Ejigbo Chief Magistrates’ Court.

The 22-year-old had inflicted injuries on the face of her rival, Sarah Ogunyemi (pictured), who shared the

Sarah

same boyfriend with her, simply identified as Joe. The incident happened at Joe’s rented apartment at Olowo Close in Igando during a chance encounter when Atiake met Ogunyemi, and a fight ensued between them, resulting in her picking a razor blade and cutting Ogunyemi’s face.

It was gathered that Joe had been having a relationship with Atiake for over a year but along the line, he also started dating Ogunyemi.

Atiake decided to visit Joe early in the morning unannounced and met Ogunyemi inside Joe’s bedroom, wearing only a nightgown.

In anger, Atiake was said to have brought out the razor blade and used it to inflict injuries on Ogunyemi’s face.

The victim was said to have been taken to the Igando General Hospital with blood all over her while the matter was reported at the Igando Police Division, leading to the arrest of Atiake.

She will be in prison custody till July

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

July 11, 2015

Sherif

Pipeline explosion kills 12 in Bayelsa

Osahon Julius Yenagoa

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pipeline explosion, yesterday, claimed lives of 12 people along the Tebidaba-Azuzuama trunk line belonging to Nigerian Agip Oil Company in Azuzuama Community of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The deadly explosion occurred during a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) for the official clamping of a spillage site along the route of the Agip pipeline.

It was gathered that the victims of the explosion were burnt beyond recognition and could not be identified.

Though no one could confirm the identity of the victim, Saturday Mirror gathered that the JIV team is made up officials from the Ministry of Environment, the Department of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), the representative of the Azuzuama Community and NOSDRA. Unconfirmed report also has it that two soldiers attached to the team for security may be among those killed in the explosion.

A former Vice Chairman of the Azuzuama Community Development Committee, Comrade Dennis Dumde, confirmed the recovery of 12 dead bodies from the explosion site between Thursday night and Friday morning.

According to him, though the source of the fire is not known,”the identity of the

victim cannot be ascertained. They were burnt beyond recognition. “ The State Coordinator of Environmental Rights Action (ERA), Comrade Morris Alagoa who also confirmed the unfortunate incident, said a team of Environment Ministry officials has been deployed to the community by the State Commissioner, Inuro Wills.

It was further gathered that the incident which occurred at about 4pm on Thursday, threw the community into wailing.

Another source identified as Steve, said the explosion occurred while a swamp boogie, hired to clear the spillage site hit another part of the pipeline and ignited a fire that caught members of the JIV team unawares, “we heard a loud bang and saw a thick smoke coming from Brown Bush, the location of the rupture pipe.”

“Many of the villagers rushed to the site but the fire ball was huge and so could not rescue anyone. At About 8pm, a rescue team raised by the villagers searched the scene. Four bodies were recovered on Thursday night.”

“Another search on Friday morning, recovered six more burnt bodies. Two persons were rescued. We cannot identify them and be able to know the soldier from the officials. It is sad.”

The spokesman of the State Police Command, Astimin Butswat, confirmed the development and said he is expecting full brief from the Marine Component of the Police Command, “the Command will issue a full statement on the incident soon.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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July 11, 2015

Are you worried about the economy?

The signs are omnious, the events not less unsettling. The naira, Nigeria’s currency, has continued to take the hit in the money market while efforts of the Central Bank appears ineffective. The stock market appears to be in a tailspin with huge divestment shocking industry watchers. Worse still, certain policy reversals in the manufacturing sector have again raised angst in the real sector of the economy. All these setbacks have created too much disquiet for the common man on the streets, writes NICK UWERU.

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ven for many Nigerians not vast in the workings of the money and capital market, the signals from the two vital industries can only be interpreted as distressing for the economy.

At the close of business last week, the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, posted a shocking divestment of more than N257 billion. What this simply means is that CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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July 11, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Investors wary of putting money in economy’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

rather than the initial courteous optimism after the April general election in Nigeria, investors are fast losing confidence in the economy and hence taking their investments away from the economy. Coming at a time when Ethiopia just overtook Nigeria as primary investment destination in Africa, this development can only be distressing.

But the real worry, more or less, is the signals from the money market. Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, the country’s apex bank and monetary policy regulator has been battling to save the naira in what appears to be a losing battle. But more worrisome is the growing unease among policy experts as to CBN’s choice of measures.

The naira has been hit hard by a fall in the price of oil, Nigeria’s main export. The official exchange rate has slumped by almost 20 percent over the last one year to about N196 per dollar. The black market rate, a more accurate gauge, is close to N230.

Some economists, especially those leaning towards the dictates of World Bank, International Monetary Fund, IMF, and the World Trade Organisation, WTO, all western capitalism biased institutions, insist that CBN must allow the naira to further slide so as to stimulate export from Nigeria. Rather than listen, however, CBN is trying to defend the local currency by blocking imports. The apex bank took this measure by drawing up a list of disfavoured goods that would not draw foreign exchange from it to facilitate their import into the country.

According to Godwin Emefiele, the governor of CBN, the measure is meant to conserve foreign reserves which, according to him, have fallen by about a fifth over the past year and now cover only six months of imports. The CBN governor also stated that the measure is meant stimulate local production. “Nigeria cannot attain its true [potential] by simply importing everything,” he said on the matter.

But summarising the concerns of critics of this policy, The Economist, an influential news magazine in its editorial of 4th July titled ‘Toothpick alert’ chided Emefiele’s decision to institute a ban on imports through the back door.

The magazine found the policy baffling. According to it, “Central banks usually prop up their currencies if they are worried about inflation, or allow them to devalue to depress imports and stimulate exports. Nigeria, by contrast, appears to be set on achieving both an uncompetitive exchange rate and higher inflation.”

The policy critiquing magazine further went ahead to derisively portray the list of items that will not draw forex from CBN for its import. “The hit list appears to have been drawn up by someone wandering around a home and a building site and randomly pointing at items,” wrote The Economist.

Lift in ban of foreign textile materials will hurt Nigeria.

It further added, “[The list] includes Indian incense, toothpicks and wire rods as well as more obvious luxuries such as private jets (demand for which could be slashed by simply barring government officials from flying in them). It also includes basics such as rice and tinned fish. Nigeria does not produce enough of these things to feed itself, but no matter. The nation must be shielded from foreign sardines”.

At face value, the worries expressed by the magazine may appear genuine. But considering the magazine’s hostility to the Nigeria in recent past and its predilection towards favouring Western economic interest in Africa, the criticism appear self serving. For instance, the magazine’s partisanship as far as pro Palestinian agitation is well known. So when Nigeria abstained from a critical voting session at the UN that hobbled the Mid-East agitation for a sovereign Palestine, The Economist came down hard on the president at the time, Goodluck Jonathan. Even though an earlier expose by the magazine had thumbed up the country’s economic policy, the magazine unabashedly derided the then president calling Jonathan a ‘lousy president.’

Even more, economic conventions like the World Trade Organisation, WTO, have continually pressured developing economies to open up their borders for import without considering the impact it would have on vulnerable indigenous industries.

Nigeria has held out stoutly against this measure; a point Emefiele pointed out in response to The Economist’s editorial.

“The CBN believes that Nigeria cannot attain its full potentials by importing anything and everything. For far too long, this trend has significantly weakened the operating capacities of our industries, but now is a good opportunity to begin a reversal.

But the real worry, more or less, is the signals from the money market. Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, the country’s apex bank and monetary policy regulator has been battling to save the naira in what appears to be a losing battle Although the article hastily derides this idea as lacking in economic foundations, it is the same principles upon which many other countries do not allow importation of certain products”.

He added, “It appears condescending to suggest that the list of items seemed “to have been drawn up by someone wandering around a house and a building site”. On the contrary, items were only included after thorough and exhaustive discussions at the highest policymaking body of the Bank, with the strategic national interest of Nigeria.”

CBN governor also added that like other oil-exporting countries, Nigeria is grappling with its share of the aftermath of the oil price decline but that despite this, Nigeria’s economic fundamentals remain strong.

It noted that inflation still remained within the CBN’s single-digit band, the exchange rate had stabilised around N197 per US Dollar for the last five months, GDP expanded by 4 per cent in the first quarter of this year while 469,070 new jobs were created in the same quarter.

While the argument as to the import of this development in the money and capital market on the economy is ongoing, another concern is growing in the manufacturing sector after it emerged that government may have to review its policy on ban on im-

portation as a result of the new Common External Tariff, CET, regime. As a result, a recent directive from federal government came, lifting the ban on importation of textile materials and some category of furniture.

Confirming this, Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Abdullahi Dikko, said that Nigerians can now import textile materials subject to payment of right duty. Speaking at the official launching of the implementation of Economic Community of West Africa States, ECOWAS, Dikko said that the items were removed from the prohibition list in line with the laws guiding the CET regime.

“CET also comes with some adjustments for member countries. There are 97 chapters with the 5,899 tariff headings but every member country is entitled to 3 percent adjustment. “This 3 percent adjustment translates into 177 tariff headings to enable member countries to protect their local industries.”

But stake holders in the textile industry say that the adjustment not withstanding would do harm to the country especially at this particular time when the country is looking to diversify from oil. Already, manufacturers have expressed fears that the removal of the commodities from the proCONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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July 11, 2015

‘Buhari must name ministers now’

Alaba Olusemore, financial and public affairs analyst, says that the seeming spiralling of the economy may just be investors being cautious. He advises that Mr President should appoint ministers to instil confidence in the economy.

Last week, the stock market lost over N200 billion. One of the reasons posted for this crash is the uncertainty over the non-constitution of the federal executive council, FEC by the President. Dyou think this argument holds water?

Stock Market worldwide is a place where we gauge the pulse of any economy. Like other segments of the financial market, the Stock Exchange thrives on confidence of both external and domestic investors. Delay in the constitution of the Federal Cabinet and other key appointments can indeed create a lot of uncertainty in the minds of capital market operators.

You know that each minister or aide will bring his knowledge, skill and experience to bear on his ministry or agency in the interpretation and or implementation of the President’s vision. The President cannot do the job all alone; so each minister will come with his or her own ideas which he will sell to Mr. President. Government plans and programmes which the President enunciated before the elections may take a different shape, given the economic realities of the moment. So until we know who holds which portfolio, no one can tell the direction of Government policy. A team of reputable and technically competent cabinet is required to move the country from the woods urgently.

With the report that we may not see any ministerial appointment before September, how do you think this may affect the economy in the long run?

There is no doubt about it; everyone (I mean every economic actor) will adopt a wait-and-see attitude or at best have cautious optimism. This will only happen in the short-run, but in the long run, a lot depends on what happens before the end of the year. How Federal authorities resolve

the internal wrangling in the National Assembly and the ruling party will determine largely the economic results that we get in the medium to long term.

However, I would like to think that many Nigerians still believe that the President Buhari’s government will perform in the medium to long term. I share in that optimism. What is playing out is that our President is becoming over-cautious in taking decisions; in order to minimize the incidence of policy reversals or avoid the charge of militarism by the Opposition Party. But there must be a limit to this overcarefulness.

Again, the Customs announced that FG has lifted ban on the importation of textile and certain category of furniture. Argument for this decision is that the effort would provide needed money in the areas of tariff and business for traders. How do you think this would affect the naira?

Also, the previous administration put the ban on textile so as to grow the textile

industry indigenously. For instance, growers of cotton are beginning to spring up in areas like Taraba and Plateau like it used to be. Do you think the lift in ban will affect this growth?

For every economic policy, there are costs and benefits. The Government needs to constantly strike a delicate balance all the time and ensure that one policy does not crowd out the gains in other sectors.

I believe that the local industries, particularly, textiles should be given maximum protection by building tariff walls around them. The Federal government should have allowed the ban on imported textiles to stay and even provide package of incentives for that segment of the manufacturing industry in Nigeria. Do not forget that, the industry used to provide huge employment opportunities in the distant past.

Lifting of the ban is undoubtedly, not a good policy that will affect not the textile industry but the agricultural value chain.

The economy is believed to be in a great deal of lull. While some say it has to do with the crash in the oil market, some say that the squeeze in the euro zone, especially with ongoing crash of the Greece economy is the real problem. Which is your take on this?

The economy is in a lull because of the issues raised above. Unless and until the two arms of the Federal Government, i.e. the Legislature and Executive settle down to business, there cannot be any meaningful economic development in the short run.

We must admit that the economy had been grounded before and during the electioneering campaigns, affecting the three tiers of government – local, state and Federal Government. All the monies have been spent on electioneering; states are finding it difficult to pay salaries and so the state

and local government economies are in a comatose. I am not being unnecessarily pessimistic; but am of the view that the States and Federal governments may not be able to impact lives positively until the fourth quarter of the year. For some states, it will be until the first quarter of 2016. The expectations were high during the elections in the mistaken belief that there will be heaven on earth, as soon as the APC wins the, forgetting that there is need for planning before policy implementation. There is also always a gap between the time of policy conception, implementation and the when such policies start to impact lives of the citizenry positively.

What will you advise the FG particularly at this point in time?

Settle the squabbles in the APC, as they affect the National Assembly. Also, the President should not wait till September before sending the list of ministers to the National Assembly. The right time is now! Immediately appoint people to key positions, where the National Assembly approval, is not required. A regular reminder of Nigeria by the Federal Government on what they are doing or intend to do to alleviate the problems of: youth unemployment; power; local refining of our petroleum products and phase-out of refined fuel; security and agriculture as well as SME development. Our President should not be too afraid to take firm decisions in the interest of the Nigeria Nation.

He should not be surprised that no matter how cautious he is; some mistakes are bound to occur with the best of planning and intentions; only God is All-Knowing.

No-decision or slow decisions are costlier in an environment where people are looking for quick-fix solutions.

‘Policy reversal sending wrong signals’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

hibition list could result in a further drop in capacity utilization of local industrial plants from an all-time low of 30 per cent.

Also, there is the fear, too, that Federal Government stands the risk of not recovering at least N50 billion of its intervention fund from the sector, if undue exposure to imported commodities is not checked. The money is part of N70 billion intervention fund meant to revitalize the sector. N20 billion was meant to be given to cotton growers while the rest were meant as bail out for the ailing industry.

Currently, 44 projects are being financed by the Bank of Industry, BoI, under the Cotton, Textile and Garment (CTG) intervention fund, with a loan profile of N46.89 billion, while five projects under the wood and leather sector have accessed N1.93 billion funding.

At an all-time low of 30 per cent in capacity utilisation, compared to a textile

market presently saturated with over 85 per cent of imported printed fabrics, Nigerian textile and garment manufacturers have expressed fears of potential closure of their firms.

Many of the manufactures in the sector insist that ban on printed fabrics had been lifted since April 11, 2015, even though manufacturers have had to contend with the prevailing influx of imported sub-standard fabrics from Asian countries and neighbouring African countries since 2010 when a ban was placed on such goods.

Director General of Nigeria Textile, Garment and Tailoring Employers Association, NTGTEA, Jaiyeola Paul Olanrewaju, believes that the intervention fund might not be clearly visible to non industry operators, it helped to curtail the wind of liquidation that blew across the sector during the preintervention era.

According to Olanrewaju, many of the companies that benefited from the interven-

tion fund either used it as working capital or to refurbish their equipment. “Before the fund came into being, many companies were at the point of liquidation”.

He added: “We have been aware of the removal of ban on printed fabrics since April, this year, even though the industry has been unduly exposed to huge imports of banned fabrics since 2010.

“With a volume of at least 85 per cent of imported printed fabrics dominating the markets amidst an industry operating at less than 30 per cent of its capacity, we are at a price disadvantage. Consumers’ purchasing power is very low, production costs are high while smuggling has also continued unabated.

“With the directive by the Customs, are we sure that they will be efficient in implementing levies and duties on the commodities in order to discourage importation?

This is the key question that should be answered if local industries would be pro-

tected”.

Apart from the textile manufacturers, Pharmaceutical Manufacturer Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN) say that the policy would result in over one million Nigerians currently employed by the local drug manufacturing industry losing their job.

PMG raised the alarm at a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, last week. They said the policy if implemented would reverse the gains made towards the nation’s self-sufficiency in essential medicine and open all doors for total importation of finished medicines Speaking through its Chairman, Mr. Okey Akpa, the PMG-MAN said it was regrettable that the damaging consequences of the policy on the local pharmaceutical manufacturing sector were not considered despite the group’s desperate attempts to draw attention to it.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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July 11, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Political decisions affect the economy’

Adekoya Boladale, political scientist and scholar on good governance says that the economy is built on policies from government so the seeming slow pace of governance can lead to disquiet in the economy.

To what extent can you say politics dictates the economy of a country like Nigeria?

Quite much. An economy is built majorly around investment, and often investors take cognizance of government policies, regulations and the political stability of the country before investing. Like we witnessed between January and April when the nation experienced much tensed atmosphere due to election activities, during this period our buoyancy rate dropped drastically as investors couldn’t find enough confidence to take the risk of investing in our economy but after the election, we started picking up.

So for most countries not just limited to Nigeria, politics plays a great deal in deciding the fate of our economy.

Comparatively, is it so in other more developed countries?

Yes it is. Like I said, the part to be played by government in this, is creating a progrowth economic policy, rather than patching it up with intervention and bailout funds. Creating policies that will encourage start-ups, which includes making the environment business-friendly with basic social amenities like electricity and so on. The small and medium scale enterprises are the nucleus of every nation’s economy and as such a great deal of focus should be on that sector. Look around Asia, the system is prolocal. But in Greece where self-reliance and domestic economic growth are not encouraged, the economy crashes easily.

Mr Buhari’s decision not to appoint ministers yet is believed to be worrying key economic stakeholders. Would there be ripple effect on the economic front as well?

Of course there will be. The President seems to think a National Economic Council will perform the same task as

Minister for Finance or the Economic Adviser but looking at the constitution of the council you will realize it is made up of politicians, majorly governors who could not even handle the economy of their states. How do you expect such people to make informed financial decisions?

Investors won’t be motivated to invest in an economy without a driver. The President is the commander-in-chief but with all due respect to his office, he lacks the technical know-how on economic policies. Every minute he fails to appoint ministers to key economic positions, we lose billions of Naira from potential investors.

Again, the Customs announced that FG has lifted ban on the importation of textile and certain category of furniture. Argument for this decision isn’t that the effort would provide needed money in the areas of tariff and business for traders. How do you think this would affect the naira?

The major problem with our political class is that they always fail to realise that government is continuum. Lifting ban on importation of textile is cruel. The previous government made an informed decision which is encouraging domestic growth and production, and for a country of over 160million people it should bother us that we have to import textile, furniture, toothpick and all. How do we really expect our economy to grow when we live majorly on importation? Importation creates a high demand for foreign currencies and because you are exchanging naira for it, it weakens the naira. When we import less, we reduce the demand for dollar. For Nigeria that imports everything, even to the most mundane things, how would you expect our naira to have value? It won’t.

Also, the previous administration put the ban on textile so as to grow the textile industry indigenously. For instance, growers of cotton are beginning to spring up in areas like Taraba and Plateau like it used to be. Do you think the lift in ban will affect this growth?

Nigerians have a culture; they most times prefer import products to the locally sourced or grown ones, even if the local ones are of better quality. It is a slave mentality and one of the ways government can force them to patronise local goods is by placing bans on the importation of these products. This will help increase the demand for made in Nigeria products and as such go on to help local industries. When you lift ban on these products because you feel the need to generate revenue, you will make money but at the expense of your economy. Why eat your beans now when you can plant it and make more beans?

crash in the oil market, some say that the squeeze in the euro zone may be responsible. Which is your take on this?

I believe the crash in the oil market has something to do with it especially now that the world is embracing alternative fuel. But while we were experiencing oil booms, our politicians were spending lavishly, then there was no outcry. So, it is right to say that the major problems with our economy are waste and insincerity.

Nigeria is not the only country affected by the oil market crash but how come we didn’t save for these raining days?

Our Governors in their wisdom decided to share almost all the revenue from the boom. And it would have made sense if they had spent it in making their states self-sufficient but no, larger chunks of it are stashed in private accounts and choice properties. They shouldn’t even be talking about bailout to pay salaries. Sometimes I wonder how they sleep at night. The cost of doing business in Nigeria is high because business owners have to provide for almost everything they need. God help you, if you don’t have a generator, borehole water and security. These are the primary duties of the government.

The economy is believed to be in a spin.

While some say it has to do with the

What will you advise the FG to do particularly at this point in time?

The present administration should focus on developing the SMEs, making policies that will encourage local businesses and appealing to investors. The waste in government must be reduced too; we spend so much on duplicated duties and needless expenses. The principles of financial discipline should be imbibed across all tiers of government. And Mr. President should do us all a favour; get a cabinet.

by the unclear signal from the presidency.

In this instance, the bigger worry for many economic players is the unusual silence from federal government as a result of the absence of a Federal cabinet and silence from top officials of relevant ministries and agencies.

In the last one month, President Mohammadu Buhari has been unable to constitute his cabinet on account of the ongoing dog fight in the National Assembly over its choice leaders. While Buhari has chosen to remain aloof, other critical stakeholders say that the growing impasse may cripple his policy direction, especially in the growing economic realities so far. Expressing his view on what must be done on the matter, Olusemore says: “Buhari must settle the squabbles in the APC, as they affect the National Assembly. Also, the President should not wait till September before sending the list of ministers to the National As-

sembly. The right time is now!

“He must immediately appoint people to key positions where the National Assembly approval, is not required. A regular reminder to Nigerians by the Federal Government on what they are doing or intend to do to alleviate the problems of: youth unemployment, power, local refining of our petroleum products and phaseout of refined fuel, security and agriculture as well as SME development is also necessary.

“Our President should not be too afraid to take firm decisions in the interest of the Nigeria Nation. He should not be unduly worried that no matter how cautious he is, some mistakes are bound to occur even with the best of planning and intentions; No-decision or slow decisions are costlier in an environment where people are looking for quick-fix solutions.” Olusemore may well be right.

‘People are looking for quick fix solutions’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

“This policy undoubtedly spells doom for the local industry as imported medicines will become far cheaper than locally produced ones. This situation is inimical to the survival of the local pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, and there is a need for an urgent review”, he said Speaking on other consequences of CET, the PMG-MAN boss said the lack of demand for locally manufactured medicines as a result of cheap imports would lead to idle capacities and negatively impact previous investments in the sector worth over N300 billion “A weak local manufacturing sector will inevitably lead to an influx of cheap imported medicines of doubtful quality.

A weak or non-existent local manufacturing industry would lead to a dearth of skilled manpower and ultimately a massive brain drain from the industry”, he

added.

The body therefore called for the complete review of the policy saying this was essential for the growth of the local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. This sentiment appears in to be in sink with Alaba Olusemore, Financial and policy analyst. “I believe that the local industries, particularly, textiles should be given maximum protection by building tariff walls around them. The Federal government should have allowed the ban on imported textiles to stay and even provide package of incentives for that segment of the manufacturing industry in Nigeria. Do not forget that, the industry used to provide huge employment opportunities in the distant past. Lifting of the ban is undoubtedly, not a good policy that will affect not the textile industry but the agricultural value chain,” There are those who say that the seeming policy hiccups may well be accentuated

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NATIONAL NEWS

July 11, 2015

7

Nyako’s trial:

‘Two witnesses die after giving evidence’ Bail to Nyako, others threat to other witnesses —EFCC Court grants Nyako, son, others N1.4bn bail attend court so that trial rector of Legal and Pros-

Ise-Oluwa Ige

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Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday, admitted to bail a former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, his son, Abdulaziz and two others standing trial for alleged N40 billion money laundering charge.

That was about three hours after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, pleaded with the court against exercising its discretion in favour of the accused persons on six grounds, including that the freedom of the accused was a threat to its witnesses.

Private counsel to the EFCC, Mr Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, had told the court yesterday that two of EFCC’s key witnesses against the accused persons had died mysteriously after volunteering indicting statements against the accused persons.

He gave their identities as Ma’aji Mohammad Iro and Abdulmalik Dalhatu, adding that they were not involved in autocrash but just died mysteriously.

EFCC expressed fear that if Nyako and the three others were granted bail, they might use their positions to cow other witnesses from coming out and that it would have difficulty prosecuting the case.

Jacobs also argued yesterday that both the former governor and his son, a serving senator might jump bail if so granted, because the duo fled the country after they were admitted to administrative bail by the EFCC while the matter was still under investigation.

He said they did not get them back until they procured a warrant of arrest

from court and declared them wanted on the internet.

EFCC further argued yesterday that there was a prima facie evidence against the accused persons as investigation had shown that former Governor Nyako diverted public funds running into billions of naira into private accounts of companies belonging to them to develop an estate in Abuja.

Expressing fear that not only the grave offence committed by them but also the massive and incontrovertible evidence already piled up against them would tempt them to bolt away, Jacobs added that hiring 15 lawyers to defend the case was an evidence that the accused were ready to do anything to get off the hook anyway, anyhow.

EFCC suggested to the court to issue an order of accelerated hearing in the case and hear the matter day to day instead of releasing them to the free world and pose threat to its witnesses.

But the trial judge, Justice Elvis Chukwu, notwithstanding the litany of reasons given by EFCC yesterday admitted them to bail, albeit attached stringent conditions to the bail.

The accused persons were admitted to bail in the sum of N350 million each totalling N1.4 billion with two sureties in like sum each, one of which must be a serving director in the federal civil service.

They were also ordered to drop their international passports and other travel documents in their possession with the deputy registrar of the court if they must breathe air of freedom.

Justice Chukwu held that the stringent conditions were attached to ensure that they would

would not be delayed.

EFCC had, on Wednesday, arraigned Nyako, his senator son and two other individuals alongside four corporate persons on 37 count charge bothering on money laundering.

Others listed on the charge sheet filed by Yusuf Ali, acting deputy Di-

ecution Department of EFCC as co-accused are: Zulkifikk Abba; Abubakar Aliyu; Blue Opal Limited; Sebore Farms and Extension Limited; Pagoda Fortunes limited; Towers Assets Management Limited and Crust energy Limited.

The accused persons however, pleaded not

guilty to all the charges.

When the matter came up yesterday, defence counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, brought an application for bail for the accused, dated July 10 and filed on the same day.

Agabi predicated the application on Section 118 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Act and Section 35 of

the 1999 Constitution, arguing that what the prosecution emphasised in its opposition is that the accused will not come for trial if granted bail.

He said that contrary to EFCC’s fear, the accused persons were happy to stand trial because it afforded them a rare opportunity to clear themselves

L-R: Representative of the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Segun Olulade; Special Guest of Honour/former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Justice Babasola Ogunade and author of the book, Barr. Arinze Felix Echeta, during the launching of the book, Integrity in Governance: The Nigerian Experience,” in Lagos, on Thursday.

Renewed Boko Haram attacks: Desperate pangs of a dying monster —APC Olajide Omojolomoju

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ll Progressives Congress, APC, has said what the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, interpreted as the worsening cases of Boko Haram attacks under the Muhammadu Buhari administration are actually the desperate pangs of a dying monster.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, APC said if the distinguished senator had leveraged his high office to get the necessary information from those involved in the Boko Haram fight, especially the Nigerian military,

he would not have made the kind of partisan and incautious comments attributed to him - and which he has not denied.

Saying that the truth of the matter is that Boko Haram, having been uprooted from its hideouts and put on the run, has become very desperate, hence it is now using its last arsenal to inflict as much damage as it can before it is annihilated, which is just in a matter of time.

Mohammed said: “Lone wolf suicide bombings and the choice of soft targets by retreating gunmen are now the order of the day, as against the terrorists’ previous coordinated actions of seizing and holding territories.”

He said contrary to what

Senator Ekweremadu said, the terrorists have been weakened by the more methodical and focused approach of the present administration to the antiterror fight, which includes the tightening of security at border locations that has made it difficult for the terrorists to manoeuvre. This approach is a far cry from the previous haphazard activities.

APC added that necessary structures for the effective coordination of the battle against the terrorists have been put in place both within and outside the country, thanks to the regional rallying efforts of the Buhari administration.

It said: “Now, due to the government’s broad consultations, vital international

input and support have become more real and are adding value to the counter-terrorism campaign. With the Nigeria-led Multi-National Joint Task Force due to be deployed by month end, it is a matter of time for Boko Haram to be defeated. This monster cannot and will not survive.

“Against this background of a more purposeful and coordinated approach to the Boko Haram battle, Nigerians are assured that the senseless killings and maiming that have characterised one of the most brutal terrorist campaigns ever will soon be over.

Nigerians, not least those who should know better, should therefore refrain from making comments that can only serve to create panic rather than alleviate the situation.”

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NATIONAL NEWS

July 11, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Crisis in Rivers as Police seal LGs

*It’s period of intimidation -Wike *APC, PDP clash in Emuoha ...PDP demands immediate unsealing Obiora Ifoh and Dennis Naku

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nother round of political crisis may be brewing in Rivers State, as the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, yesterday ordered armed policemen to seal off the 22 local governments secretariats in the state.

The order came barely 24 hours after the state governor, Barr Nyesom Wike swore-in caretaker committee chairmen for the 22 councils, precisely at 8:25pm, Thursday.

This was just as the national leadership of the PDP has demanded for the immediate unsealing of the local councils, describing the action as unconstitutional, reprehensible abuse

of power and brazen show of partisanship by the APCled Federal Governmentcontrolled police.

The order to prevent workers and members of the public from gaining entry into any of the 22 affected councils of the 23 councils in the state was said to have emanated from the office of the IGP at about 11.30pm, on Thursday night.

Wike gave hint of the IGP’s directive in his charge shortly after he inaugurated the chairmen and members of the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission, RSJSC and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, in Government House, Port Harcourt.

He said: “We were informed this morning that

armed policemen have taken over the local government councils. When I inquired, they said it was a directive from the Inspector General of Police.

“Yesterday (Thursday), we swore-in 22 caretaker committee chairmen after the Federal High Court nullified the so-called May 23, local government election.

“We did not dissolve the local government councils as been highly speculated.

We followed due process. We refused all pressures to dissolve the councils as some states had done. So, we are surprised to be informed this morning that the gates of the councils have been locked. And armed policemen who have taken over are insisting no one can go inside the councils.

“As you can see, this is

the change they are talking about. Is this the change we have been expecting in the country as we have seen this morning?

“I advise all Rivers people to remain patient and calm and not to take laws into their hands. This is the period of temptation and intimidation and we are going to overcome it.”

At about 11.20am, on Friday, no fewer than 10 police operational patrol vehicles with armed policemen were strategically position around the Port Harcourt Local Government headquarters, along Moscow Road.

The armed policemen, who were polite when accosted simply said they were on official duty and are not expected to disclose their mission to anyone

who is not directly connected to offering security services to Nigerians.

When contacted for comments, state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP. Ahmad Mohammad, simply responded through a terse text statement. He wrote: “It’s for protection of lives and property”.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement yesterday said the action of the police is an affront to the ruling of the Federal High Court, which on Thursday dissolved the 22 local government councils unlawfully imposed by the immediate past administration in the state, upon which caretaker committees were appointed by Governor Wike.

The party said: “It was curious that the police allowed the dissolution of local government councils and appointment of caretaker committees in APC-controlled Plateau and Kaduna states, even when they were without the orders of the court, but elected to clamp down on that of Rivers State, which came as a result of judicial pronouncement.”

Charging the Inspector General of Police to come out clean on the matter and assure the nation of its nonpartisanship by ordering

the immediate unsealing of the councils, the party said Nigerians and the international community should note of the development, which “is a yet another clear indication that the Nigerian police may have become a partisan and compromised instrument in the hands of the APC-led Federal Government to destabilise PDP controlled states, particularly Rivers State.”

Meanwhile, ‎earlier on Friday, supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, clashed at the front of Emuoha secretariat.

Supporters of the APC whose chairmen were sacked by the ruling of the Federal High Court insisted that they will not vacate the premises of the council for the newly sworn-in PDP caretaker committee chairman.

Sources said the hard stance of both groups resulted into very heated arguments and before long sporadic gunshots were heard which resulted in pandemonium with residents running for safety.

Some witnesses said the gunshots continued for about 45 minutes before armed policemen who were drafted to the scene restored order.

Govt urged to explore Lotto sector Odinaka Uruakpa

L-R: Acting Director, Department of States Security, Lawan Musa Daura; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu and Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Association solicits support, prayers for Buhari

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atsina State Indigenes Association, KSIA, in Sokoto State has solicited support and prayers to ensure the success of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and other elected leaders.

This call was contained in a statement signed by KSIA chairman, Alhaji Aliyu Dau-

ra, and made available to News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Sokoto yesterday.

The statement said: “The three tiers of government in the country direly need such sustained support and fervent prayers from Nigerians.

“Buhari is fully committed to salvaging the country in all spheres of life as already demonstrat-

ed by his actions so far.”

The association also appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the President as he had started delivering on his campaign promises.

It also noted that the reinvigorated tempo of the fight against corruption by the nation’s anticorruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,

EFCC, was recording huge successes.

The statement also quoted Daura as commending Buhari for bailing out the distressed states in the country, adding: “The recent development where the nation’s foreign reserves shored up to over $31 billion from about $25 billion was also commendable.”

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resident, National Union of Lottery Agents and Employees, NULAE, Comrade Justice Sai has appealed to the federal government to protect the interest of subagents in the lotto business as he urged the government and citizens to explore the sector which he believes is a good source of economic empowerment.

Sai who made this statement during an award given to him by the National Association of Polytechnic Students, NAPS, Kwara State Polytechnic chapter, recently in Lagos, while speaking on the challenges confronting the union, listed the paltry commission given to sub-agents as the major problem in the sector.

“Before our commission was 10 percent, now they have reduced it to 15 to 20

percent, so the sub-agents are suffering because when people play lotto with these agents who mostly carry out their business in garages and bus stops worth one thousand naira, they take ten percent commission which means that they eventually pays 900 for 1000 leaving the sub-agent with a mere 50 naira interest. If the agent is only able to make sales of ten thousand naira per day it means that he has made just 500 naira interest which definitely won’t meet his expenses for the day.

Also out of this paltry sum, the sub-agent would still need to give returns to the principal agent.”

The president appealed to the government to come to the union’s aid so that they in turn would be able to help and better the lots of subagents whom he claimed should be getting nothing less than 25 percent as commission on each stake.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NATIONAL NEWS

July 11, 2015

9

Ex-DG, Law School, Mamman, APC Legal Adviser, Banire, 19 others bag SAN ...Keyamo, 102 other applicants dropped Ise-Oluwa Ige

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egal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee, LPPC, headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, yesterday admitted the immediate past Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Dr. Tahir Mamman, All Progressives Congress, APC’s National Legal Adviser, Dr. Muiz Banire and 19 others into the inner bar.

They were announced yesterday as the new set of senior lawyers to be conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, after going through series of screening exercises.

Out the 21 succesful lawyers, three are from the academia, while 18 are into advocacy.

But 103 others, who applied for the rank, including a Lagos lawyer, Mr Festus Keyamo, were dropped.

The successful lawyers, who were found worthy in moral rectitude and practice excellence, would be formally admitted into the inner bar on September 21, at a special court session.

The event which traditionally kick-starts the commencement of a new legal year will be chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed.

To be decorated with the SAN rank alongside Dr Mamman and Dr Banire are: Edward Kunav Ashieka, Benson Sopulu Nwankwo, Joseph Sunday Bamigboye, Patrick Ocheja Okolo and Professor Maxwell Micheal Gidado.

Also on the list are: Dr. Akinpelu Theophilus Onigbinde, Independent National Electoral Commission legal adviser, Ibrahim Kanje Bawa, Samuel Otseilu Zibiri, Adeniyi Ayodele Adegbonmire, Aderibigbe Ade Adedeji, Emmanuel Chinwenwo, Emeka Ben-

Lamido: Treatment high handed, smacks of double standard —Umar Nick Uweru

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ormer governor of old Kaduna State, Col. Abubakar Dangiwa Umar, has decried the court ruling that remanded to prison, former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido and his sons earlier in the week, insisting that the procedure smacked of double standards.

Speaking via a press release, a copy of which was made available to Saturday Mirror, the former governor and convener, Movement for Unity and Progress, MUP, said that the offences for which Lamido and his sons were remanded were bailable offenses.

Umar said: “This is why it appears strange that not only were they refused bail, but also remanded in

prison custody for about three months.

“This means that both Lamido and his sons have started serving a prison sentence even before the commencement of their trial.

“It behoves on all men of good conscience to appeal to the trial judge to reconsider this high-handed decision. The principle of the accused being adjudged innocent until proven guilty must apply in this case.”

The former governor also stated that the decision of the judge smacked of double standards.

The retired Colonel added: “We are also aware that persons with similar cases had been granted and are being granted bail. We appeal to the trial judge to temper justice with mercy by granting Governor Lamido and his sons bail.”

son Etiaba and Abimbola Ibironke Akeredolu.

Others are Olumuyiwa Akinboro, Gordy Uche, Uchechukwu Valentine Obi, Kehinde Ko-

lawole Eleja, Prof Paul Oboarenegbe Idornigie and Dr. Oladapo Olumide Olanipekun, son of former President of the Nigerian Bar Association,

NBA, Chief Oluwole Olanipekun, SAN. Reading out the list to journalists in Abuja, Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secre-

tary of the LPPC, Ahmed Gambo Saleh, said that 124 lawyers applied for the post, including three women, out of which only one scaled the hurdles.

Victim of a multiple accident on Abuja-Kaduna expressway at Zuba junction, in Abuja, on Thursday

PHOTO: NAN

Lagos passengers want DMU fare slashed to N300

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ome train commuters yesterday in Lagos urged the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, to slash the N750 fare being charged on its newly acquired air-conditioned Diesel Multiple Units, DMUs, mass transit to N300.

The commuters noted that the one-way N750 fare on its shuttle services was too high, adding that the fare had discouraged many low income and middle level workers from patronising the train.

The DMUs, which were inaugurated on June 10, 2014, are designed for 40 percent seating, 60 percent standing under the corporation’s Mass Transit Train Services, MTTS, which runs from Ijoko in Ogun State to Ido and Apapa in Lagos.

The NRC has a two-year maintenance agreement with the manufacturer of the DMUs, China Southern Railways, CSR, Nanjing

Puzhen Company Limited and Kintech Nigeria Limited.

It would be recalled that one of the two air-conditioned trains was, however, vandalised on the day of inauguration by some people, leading to the closure of Itoki Station. Some suspected vandals were arrested and prosecuted.

A commuter, Mr John Odion, a banker, who shuttles between Agbado and Oshodi daily, said that he could not afford the daily fare of N1, 500 to ride in the DMUs. Odion said: For now, I take a ride in the locomotive train which costs me only N460 for return trips daily.

But if the N750 fare is slashed to N300 or N400, I will be able to use the airconditioned train.”

Another passenger, Kamaldeen Okpara, a Christian cleric, observed that the DMUs were virtu-

ally empty every morning while commuting passengers from Ijoko in Ogun to Lagos, adding: “I believe the fare has discouraged many people including me from using the DMUs. “We appeal to the NRC management and the Federal Ministry of Transport to consider a review of the fare from N750 to N300 per trip.

“After all it is the same quantity of diesel that it will consume to transport few passengers or transport full capacity.”

Mrs Abibat Ololajulo, an insurance broker, who patronises the DMUs, said many passengers on the Ijoko-Lagos route should be encouraged to join the DMUs. She said: “It is quite expensive considering the national monthly minimum wage of N18, 000 being paid government workers.

“Most times the DMUs are almost empty both in

the morning and evening; I think this is not good enough.

“In several advanced countries that I have visited the DMUs are usually underground trains with all basic facilities including toilet and restaurant provided at the underground stations.

“When it started, I used to join the DMUs at Agbado, and they were operating strictly according to time schedules.

“But today, both DMUs and the locomotives operate haphazardly, causing many of us to resume work late.”

Contacted, the corporation’s Lagos District Public Relations Officer, Mr Ademuyiwa Adekanbi, said that the partonage of the DMUs had improved, adding: “We now carry between 800 and 900 people daily unlike before when we carried only 400 passengers.’’

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NATIONAL NEWS

July 11, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

IGF to harness potentials for sustainable devt Adeola Tukuru ABUJA

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igeria Internet Governance Forum, NIGF 2015, is set to harness the potentials of Internet governance for sustainable development in country.

This was contained in a

statement released in Abuja yesterday by the chairperson of Nigeria Internet Governance Local MultiAdvisory Group, Mrs Mary Uduma.

Mrs Uduma said the objective of this year’s forum was to engage the potentials of Internet governance multi-stakeholder

process towards enabling sustainable development goals in the country.

This, according to her, requires among others, harnessing and promoting the potentials of the Internet for economic growth, human rights, security, social inclusion, and fiscal transparency.

She said the forum was expected to stimulate multi-stakeholders’ dialogue on Internet governance for sustainable development, while focusing on building consensus among stakeholders on the best practices approach to implement Internet-enabled

sustainable development framework in the country.

However, she maintained, that the forum will help proffer solutions to the nation’s most critical sustainable development issues within the context of Internet governance, crystallise the local multi-stakeholder positions, input and con-

tributions into the global Internet Governance Forum coming up in João Pessoa, Brazil this year.

The NIGF 2015 will also promote Internet governance for youth empowerment, while building on the existing opportunities to enhance the growth of young entrepreneurs within the Internet space.

B’Haram challenging Buhari to act, says Useni James Abraham JOS

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L-R: Permanent Secretary Home Affairs, Mrs. Ebunola Oladimeji; Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola; representative of former Governor Fashola, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo- Okusanya; Chairman, South West, CAN, Archbishop Magnus Atilade and All Progressive Congress chieftain, Wale Okunniyi, during the 2015 peaceful transition thanksgiving service organized by CAN in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Ezekwesili charges LBIS graduands to pray for Chibok Girls Joel Ajayi ABUJA

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ormer Minister Education and #BringBackOurGirls campaign coordinator, Dr. (Mrs) Obiageli Ezekwesili, has charged graduating students of the Lead British International School, Abuja, to pray for the return of the Chibok Girls who have been in captivity for the past 300 days.

Ezekwesili gave the charge at the 2015 graduation and prize-giving ceremony of Lead British International School 2015 yesterday in Abuja, noting that children

are the best gift to mankind, and regardless of religious leaning, the sacredness of children must be respected.

She said a disruption of the education process of a child, is an indirect disruption of the nation’s progression, charging parents that exposing their wards to education early guarantees a better nation.

She said: “The quality of the teachers also matters. The tool of global development today is education, quality education. If you have jokers in the classroom, you would have jokers as your leaders.

“Consistent training of the teaching staff is what guarantees quality education because the knowledge that they had yesterday is no longer relevant today. This boils down to leadership problem. A leadership that value education is a resinous one.

“During my time as Minister of Education, my reform packages were focused completely on changing the quality of teaching and teachers so that the quality of teaching would reflect international standard.”

Earlier, the Deputy Head of the school, Sir Clement Chukwudifu,

said that the essence of the ceremony was to reward hard work and achievement, saying that a child may not be doing well but is working very hard, as such he equally needs to be rewarded.

He said: “In our school system, every child is carried along. We have what we call Special Education System where students that require more attention are helped in tackling their learning difficulties in a psychological manner.

And we always take those students that other schools have rejected, by dint of commitment and hard work; these children are improving and growing.”

he senator representing Plateau South senatorial district, Jeremiah Useni, yesterday called on citizens across the country to be patient but alert in order to defeat Boko Haram insurgents.

Senator Useni, who paid a condolence visit to the National Chairman of Jama’atul Izalatil Bidi’a Wa Iqamatus Sunnah, JIBWIS, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir over last Sunday’s terrorist attack in Jos, said though security agents where doing their best to contend the situation, Nigerians must be vigilant and report every suspicious movement, adding that “it is just like the Biafran war, it reached a point where every grass that moved was a Biafran. We didn’t care whether it was breeze because if you leave it, you will hear gunshot from behind.

This is what we should be doing as citizens.”

He explained that “we still have this Boko Haram thing going on every now and then, I don’t know whether they are trying to challenge the President but the President I know is all out for them and we are praying that he succeeds in getting rid of these insurgents.”

He defended the President’s orders for the removal of military road blocks, saying it was left for the police to identify sensitive areas that will need the intervention of the military.

JIBWIS National Chairman, Sheikh Jingir thanked the General turned politician for the visit, saying that the death toll in the twin bomb blast would have been serious but for the sacrifice of one worshipper who exploded with the terrorist.

Sheikh Jingir said: “Thousands of people that converge in that mosque daily would have died if the bomber had gained entry, but God was merciful to us and one person who noticed that the bomber was making his way towards us rushed to embrace him and they died together.”

He added that “the aim of the terrorist was to divide Muslims and Christians on the Plateau, they want us to fight one another but we pray that they will never be successful.”

Senator Useni who also visited the two churches set ablaze by irate youths after the explosions urged leaders of the church not to give up, promising to support the rebuilding of the worship centres.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGIONAL NEWS

July 11, 2015

11

Expect more jobs from hospitality sector —Ambode South West

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agos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday said his administration will take advantage of the huge potentials available in the hospitality sector to create jobs for youths in the state.

The Governor, who

spoke at the official commissioning of The George, a hospitality centre in Ikoyi, Lagos, said the government will expand the frontiers of the hospitality industry in the state so as to attract investment.

He said the current economic realities in the

country have made it necessary for the state to develop a non-oil sector to ensure sustainable revenue source.

To this end, Governor Ambode said relevant policies and incentives will be put in place to create an enabling environment

for the development of the sector, which according to him is a key driver of his administration’s agenda.

“This is a happy occasion because it has reaffirmed the status of Lagos state as the first choice destination of investment. It also confirms the

untapped opportunities in tourism and hospitality sector in Lagos state”.

“Lagos state is known as the Centre of Excellence for a number of reasons. One of these is the accommodating nature of our people and the various tourism and recreation sites that

abound in the state.

“We are committed to putting in place relevant policies and incentives that would create an enabling environment for the development of the hospitality sector as a key driver of our administration’s development agenda”, he said.

Ataojas warn against sale of family land Boladale Bamigbola Osogbo.

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he Ataoja Royal Families of Osogbo, yesterday warned against falling victim of “fraudsters that were selling land belonging to them at some communities within the town.”

The families listed Ajenisua, Irepodun and Lasinmi communities at Oke-Osun and its environs as areas where suspected fraudsters are already selling parcel of land reserved for the development of the town.

In a press statement issued by the ruling houses including Matanmi, Sogbo, Olahanmi and Olajomo, after meeting at Gbaemu’s compound, the families unanimously agreed not to sell the land and warned against purchase of any portion of the Ataoja royal family land.

The statement signed

by Alhaji Nasiru Oyeniyi alleged some fraudulent individuals were making attempt to sell the land and cautioned the prospective buyers to be wary of such unscrupulous agents so as not to fall victim.

The statement read: “the land at Ajenisua, Irepodun, Lasinmi communities at Oke-Osun and its environs in Osogbo belong to the Ataoja royal families and it is reserved for development, not for sale.

So, we urge people to beware of 419 and keep off ”.

“Nobody has the au-

thority to sell the land at Oke-Osun except the Ataoja royal families and we have resolved that we are not going to sell the land. We reserved the land for development. Whoever that buys from the land has deliberately chosen to waste his or her money”.

“We are aware that some fraudulent people are trying to take the advantage of the current legal tussle over the Ataoja stool to sell from the land.

Whoever that buys from the Ataoja royal family land would forfeit it as soon as the court matter is over”.

L-R: NICON Insurance Limited’s General Manager, (Lagos Head Office Annex), Mr. Steve Ajudua; President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mr. Ayodapo Shoderu, in handshake with the Managing Director/CEO, NICON Insurance, Mr. Bayode Samuel, during a courtesy visit of NICON Executive Management’s Team to NCRIB Secretariat in Lagos.

Ekiti APC praises Buhari over bailout, anti-corruption Olajide Omojolomoju

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kiti State All Progressives Congress, APC, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari over bailout plan for states to settle backlog of workers’ salaries, saying that the measure would relieve Nigerian families from poverty and provide the energy needed for the challenge of returning the nation to the path of productivity for the general well-being of Nigerians.

The party also hailed the President for restoring confidence in the economy, saying the feats achieved within a month of his administration signposted the building of hope for Nigeria to rise again.

APC in a statement by its Publicity Secretary,

Taiwo Olatunbosun, said Buhari’s gesture in assisting the states should be hailed by all Nigerians, saying the measure confirmed the President’s declaration during campaign to make the welfare of Nigerians his watchword.

Advocating for more

support for the President to do more to grow the economy, Olatunbosun said: “Buhari has started on a good note to build hope in Nigeria by blocking loopholes through which Nigeria lost her revenues to unpatriotic Nigerians.

“Nigerians are lucky to have Buhari as the leader after they had completely lost hope of credible leader that will make development and transparency the cornerstone of the nation’s administration.

“Within one month, Buhari provided a com-

prehensive package to revamp local industries and closed secret accounts through which Nigeria lost billions of dollars to corrupt leaders and opened just one federation account for close monitoring of the cash coming to the nation’s purse.”

Impersonation: Court remands lawyer in prison Ojo Oyewamide Akure

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n Akure High Court has ordered a lawyer, Ganiyu Ashiru, to be remanded in prison custody for refusing to appear before the court in a case of impersonation brought against him by the Department of Public Prosecution, DPP, Ondo State Ministry of Justice.

Ashiru was accused of posing as Obaaja of Ijaja,

a quarter within ArigidiAkoko town.

It was gathered that Ijaja community under the rulership of Zaaki of Arigidi, Oba Yisa Abu Olanipekun.

The accused was said to have allowed himself to be illegally installed as a minor chief without the consent of the prescribed authority.

According to the prosecutor, the conduct was likely to cause breach of

the peace.

Ashiru, who had been in police custody since the court refused his bail application at the last sitting, was brought to the court on Friday, but the presiding judge, Justice A.O Akeredolu, adjourned all cases in the court till July 20, ordering Ashiru to be remanded in prison custody.

Loyalists to the accused person, who came in large number from Arigidi com-

munity, almost set the court on fire, vowing that the accused person would not be taken into prison.

It took the intervention of lawyers inside the court to prevent the angry crowd from taking law into their hands.

The accused person has, however, petitioned the National Judicial Commission, NJC, against the presiding judge, accusing him of perversion of Justice.

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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NORTH

Lawmaker donates 100 wheel-chairs to Nasarawa hospitals Igbawase Ukumba, Lafia

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House of Representatives member, representing Akwanga/Wamba/NasarawaEggon federal constituency in Nasarawa state, Hon David Ombugadu, yesterday, donated one hundred wheel-chairs to hospitals

across the three Local Government Areas of his constituency.

The lawmaker presented the materials to the beneficiaries at a ceremony in Akwanga, headquarters of Akwanga local government area, stating that the gesture was part of his contributions to the well-being of his constituents in line

with his campaign promises to the people of the constituency.

Ombugadu who was represented at the ceremony by his aide, Miss Agnes Aliyu, said the gesture was meant to be benefited by both public and private hospitals in his constituency, explaining that 40 out of the wheel chairs were for Akwanga,

In related development, the state executive council also approved the establishment of kogi State Television Station.

Hajia Zainab hinted that the bill allows the establishment of Kogi Television project, adding that the project is expected to be completed in nine months.

Governor Simon Lalong presenting fertilizer allocation paper to Mr. Daniel Chega, a representative of Tahu ward in Bassa Local Government area of Plateau, during the inauguration of Sale of Fertilizer to farmers for 2015 Cropping Season in Jos, yesterday.

Kogi approves death penalty for kidnappers, accomplices

Wale Ibrahim Lokoja

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ollowing the incessant kidnapping incidents in Kogi State, the state Executive Council has approved death penalty for kidnapping and other related criminal activities in the state.

This was contained in a proposed executive bill seeking to enact a law which was received during weekly meeting, criminalizing kidnapping and death sentence by hanging.

The State Commissioner of Information, Hajia Zainab Okino, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Lokoja, stated that the development was in response to the alarming rate of kidnapping in the state in recent times.

Okino explained that there was urgent need to enact a law that would make kidnapping and other matters connected with the offence punishable by death or hanging.

The Commissioner stated that the punishment will serve as a check and prevent kogi State from being a den of kidnappers and other related criminal activities.

The proposed bill if signed to law, is also seeking a life sentence without an option of fine for any person found guilty of aiding and abetting Kidnapping and adoption as well as 30 years imprisonment without option of fine for any person who attempts to commit act of kidnapping in Kogi State.

35 for Nasarawa-Eggon and theremaining 25 for Wamba Local Government Areas respectively.

Receiving the items on behalf of the beneficiaries, Chief Medical Director of Akwanga General Hospital, Dr. Gonji Thomas, applauded the lawmaker’s gesture and promised judicious use of the donated items to en-

ations, the nation would witness growth and development.

Also, Nasarawa North zonal chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Umaru Gwamna, and the Akwanga Local Govern ment PDP chairman, Alhaji Idris Jide, both expressed joy over the gesture, noting that the lawmaker had justified the confidence reposed on him, calling for his sustenance of the gesture.

hance health care delivery services to the people.

In a remark, President of the Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ, ERCC, Very Rev Jerry Modibo, thanked the donor for the gesture, noting that if all politicians will put the interest of the people’s needs above personal consider-

Medview begins commercial flights to Maiduguri

M

edview Airline on Friday commenced flight operations at the Maiduguri International Airport after it was reopened by military authorities in June.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the airport was shut in December 2013 by the military due to increased suspected Boko Haram insurgents’ attacks in Maiduguri.

The Friday flight, conveying 82 passengers including Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno arrived at the airport around 2 p.m.

Speaking on arrival, Shettima said the resumed commercial flight operations was a dream come true and commended the military for reopening the airport.

Also speaking, the Medview Managing Director, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, said that the airline would operate four flights per week.

the airline operations.

He said ``Allah is the owner of security. We

Bankole said; ``For now, we are operating on Fridays, Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. ``But it is going to be a daily flight later. We started with four flight to build capacity and to ensure that all our people are tuned to the airline, that is why we call it the airline of Nigeria because Nigerians deserve good things.’’

He said that the airline would expand its operations to cover Jeddah in Saudi Arabia in the near future. ``We are here to stay, because there are so many advantages in Borno. We are one of the pioneer Hajj carriers in Nigeria and Maiduguri is the shortest exit from any part of Nigeria to Saudi Arabia. ``We are going to operate from here to Jeddah and then we go to Dubai by the grace of God.’’ He expressed optimism that the Boko Haram insurgency would not affect

are all in His hands and we pray that those on the

other side know that peace is the solution.’’

Strike: CMD begs doctors to resume work Justin Tyopuusu Jalingo

C

hief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre Jalingo in Taraba State, Dr. Inusa Wiza yesterday, begged striking doctors in the state hospital to call-off their strike while their national officials continue negotiation with government over their demands.

Wiza who made the plea in Jalingo while briefing journalists on the strike embarked upon by Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, across the country urged the striking doctors to consider the hardship been faced by ordinary Nigerians seeking affordable medical services in public health institutions and call-off their strike.

The CMD, who further explained that the issue of “skipping” for doctors was the main issue the doctors were on strike, regretted that the 2015 national budget had no provision for skipping funds in the health sector.

He expressed worry over the frequent strikes by doctors especially in FMC Jalingo who, he said had gone on strike more than five times in 18 months far more than any other group in the health sector.

“Management of FMC Jalingo takes the welfare of staff very seriously. We are however, concerned that Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, FMC, Jalingo Branch are trying to localise the issue to look as if it Is our local problem.

“It is worrisome that they

have embarked on a campaign of misinformation to deceive the public that the problem is caused by the management here.

“Their salaries are being paid for no work done during the strike and they are beneficiaries of the strike because most of the private hospitals people run to during the strike are owned by them,” he said.

Wiza who said management will continue to seek dialogue with the ARD to see reason to call off the strike also called on members of the public to help appeal to the striking doctors to suspend their strike, while their National body continue negotiation with the government as many have lost their lives as a result of the strike.

Politics

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July 11, 2015

13

Ethnicising APC crisis Lekan Adejuwon

C

ontrary to assurances from many stakeholders to the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, the ongoing inter-party crisis rocking the party is far from over.

As a matter of fact, the crisis in the past week, has assumed a more frightening dimension, threatening to divide the party along ethnic lines.

The development however had unknown to many, been largely responsible for the smooth take–off, of the barely one month-old administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

As the ruling party is still battling with the unending bickering that trailed the emergence of National Assembly leaders of the 8th Assembly even as opposing camps had been throwing tantrums, one of the party’s notable leaders and the interim National Chairman of APC , Chief Bisi Akande penultimate week, stirred another controversy.

The former governor of Osun State had expressed his frustration in the seeming protracted crisis beleaguering the party when he attributed the cause to some leaders from the Northern part of the country to sideline the Yoruba of the south west.

He alleged that a large section of the south west sees the rebellion of APC members in the 8th Assembly as northern conspiracy against the Yoruba.

Akande in a letter made public penultimate Monday, alleged among other things that; “While other position seekers are waiting in the wings until Buhari’s ministers are announced, a large section of the south west see the rebellion as a conspiracy of the North against the Yoruba”.

He singled out some people whom he alleged were bent on fermenting crisis in the party. His words: “Most Northern elite, the Nigerian oil subsidy barons and other business cartels, who never liked President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption political stance, are quickly backing up the rebellion against APC with strong support” The former Interim National chairman of the mega party also expressed doubt that the party’s leadership was capable of handling the situation even as he urged President Buhari and the governors elected on the party’s platform to intervene in order to prevent the party from total collapse Going back memory lane, Akande said that he had it in good authority that some of those who defected to the APC from PDP were planning to resuscitate the former ruling party ahead of 2019 elections.

As would be expected, the ‘weighty allegations’ incurred the wrath of some leaders in the North who had come out strongly to condemn Akande’s insinuations.

The Northern umbrella organization under the aegis of Arewa Consultative Forum ACF, in a swift reaction, berated Akande for the grievous allegation.

Speaking through its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Muhammad Ibrahim, the forum dismissed the allegations as ‘disappointing reckless and unbecoming of an elder statesman’ ‘It is sad that an elder statesman in the person of Chief Bisi Akande, who worked tirelessly with other Nigerians to form the APC which subsequently won the 2015 general election at the federal level, to say that the crisis at the National Assembly is a conspiracy of the North against the Yoruba” He said that ACF was disturbed with the current squabbles in the ruling party just like other well meaning Nigerians desirous of stability and progress of the nation.

‘Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) considers such statement as uncharitable and a deviation from the main agenda of change which Nigerians voted for.

“The era of tribal and religious politics or inciting one tribe over the other has no place in our present political focus “ACF therefore appeals to our elders and all Nigerians

Akande

to show decorum and civility in their utterances as all hands should now be on deck to move the nation forward” Ibrahim maintained that the crisis at the National Assembly must be addressed through the governing party’s internal mechanism for resolving conflicts One of the fall-outs of the boiling issue was the sudden cancellation of the National caucus meeting of the APC scheduled to hold on the fateful day because of what many believed to be mutual suspicion within the party.

It was gathered that APC called off the meeting because of reported undisguised anger of some leaders of the party in the north at insinuation by Akande that they were behind the crisis in the party.

Alhaji Kawu Baraje a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, now an APC chieftain, reacted the following day describing as ‘unfortunate’ the statement by Akande.

The Kwara State-born politician in a statement in Abuja, said he was disappointed that Akande, who had led the party and served as a state governor could author a statement in which he was allegedly seeking to divide the nation by setting the north against the south west.

Baraje said; “Akande and co- believe that they have exclusive right to determine who occupies what position in today’s Nigeria and whoever challenge their position must be subjected to savage attack in the media. That tactic is definitely undemocratic” Continuing, he said; “I have known Chief Akande to be an honest man. I got the shock of my life when he alleged that that I had a meeting in my house with some old and new PDP members with a view to hijacking the National Assembly through the aspiration of Dr Bukola Saraki as the senate President

Against the president’s

passionate appeal to all the warring members, the visible message that the protracted infighting within the ruling party is sending to an average nigerian is that the apc has failed to manage its hard won victory

“I have been quiet as a leader so as not to be seen as taking sides because of my closeness to Dr Saraki, else people will read meaning to it” For Baraje, “Akande has been playing a role which I admire. He will recall that he met some actors, with a governor from the North-West and a leader of the party from the South West was cautioned to be reasonable in this crisis “He (Akande) supported the view of the governor from the North West that the particular leader from the South West should be admonished for his action. It is therefore surprising that Akande is now economical with the truth and painting a picture that exists only in his imagination” It is no longer news that since the emergence of Dr Bukola Saraki and Hon Yakubu Dogara as senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives respectively in circumstances perceived by the leadership of the party as betrayal and effrontery , the ruling party has not known peace.

Also, in a related development, both Saraki and Dogara had reacted to Akande‘s allegation at different for a.

Saraki in an interview posited that it was he who exposed frauds in in the oil sector.

“If not my efforts, the fraud in the oil sector wouldn’t have been exposed to the public’ he disclosed.

It is believed that if he together with some of his colleagues had not exposed the frauds in the oil sector, it is not likely that that the oil barons he exposed would sponsor him. Said he, ”Oil subsidy thieves never sponsored my senate presidency” Saraki hinted in a statement made available to newsmen last Monday.

“Again, the attention of the senate President Dr Bukola Saraki has been drawn to a malicious, false and totally reprehensible news report wherein it is insinuated that the election of Dr Bukola Saraki as the Senate President of the 8th Assembly was facilitated

by Nigerians associated with dubious claims in the infamous oil subsidy.

“The news report went further to give a negative and dirty impression that the emergence of the President of the 8th senate is aimed to sabotage the anti-corruption posture of President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government as well as sabotage the ‘Change agenda’ of the APC. He added that; “Senator Bukola Saraki was the Chairman of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee which exposed the fraud and mismanagement in the oil sector and until Saraki’s motion on the floor of the senate, no one was in the picture of the rot in the sector or took any action” Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives said he was committed to work with President Buhari to fight against corruption.

According to Dogara, the first investigative motion adopted by the House was the investigation of fraud in the oil- swap contract awarded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. However, in what appears a confirmation that the internal wrangling in the party is yet to be over, the conspicuous absence of Chief Akande and a national leader of the APC Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at the APC NEC meeting last week, has continued to generate concerns among many political watchers even with the attendance of the President at the crucial peace parley.

Buhari, who spoke passionately at the occasion, said the party may have won the battle but risk losing the war if the current squabbles were not urgently arrested.

The President then called on the key players in the crisis rocking the party to sheath their swords and put the nation above their parochial interest and work in tandem with one another to deliver the promised change to Nigerians.

Against the President’s passionate appeal to all the warring members, the visible message that the protracted infighting within the ruling party is sending to an average Nigerian is that the APC has failed to manage its hard won victory.

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NASS crisis, resistance to dictatorship –Bala Allah Na’ Senator Bala Ibn-Allah Na’ is the Deputy Senate Leader in the 8th Assembly. The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker in this media chat, says there is no cause for alarm in the crisis rocking the National Assembly, saying it is a resistance against dictatorship. LEKAN ADEJUWON reports.

N

igerians are getting worried that the APC-led government has failed to hit the ground running almost two months after it won the election dashing the hopes of many Nigerians who had expected the needed change. The fracas in the House of Reps last week was one problem too many in the past few weeks of this government.

What are your takes in all of this?

Speaking honestly as a politician, I have not seen any cause to be worried about what is happening now in the House of Representatives and to some extent, on the floor of the senate and I think the most diplomatic political expression of what is happening is to say a resistant to some traces of dictatorship that genuine honest party believe should be nipped on the bud for the purpose of not making the mistake of the PDP which had been rejected

by Nigerians. So, I don’t think there is anything to worry about and I would say that there is nothing wrong absolutely with our party, the APC. It is just how you interpret it. Don’t forget that there are political statements and they are really party policy statements.

The important thing is that APC as a party, started democratically to accept the fact that every elective office in this country must be submitted to the will of the people because the people are the ones that have the right to elect their leaders at all levels and that was why our president submitted himself to the political process that showed the man as the candidate of the party at a well organized convention in Lagos and the question to ask is, if the President would submit himself to democratic process, it is only fair that any member of the party would submit himself to the democratic process at all levels of elective offices.

Don’t forget, in the House of Reps, before the inauguration APC as a party wanted one candidate to represent for the purpose of becoming the Speaker of the House. In pursuance of this, the party organized a well elaborated mock pre- election in which the APC members were asked to exercise their right to elect their leader. If the party does not believe in democratic process, it would not have done so. The same thing happened in the senate between Lawan and Bukola who were called by the party to submit themselves to democratic process, asking the senators to come and elect whom they want to lead them. So I think this is a plus for the party.

You will remember that after the party had issued a statement saying they

do not recognize the senate presidency of Bukola, they made a U-turn to say, look, he had been elected through due process and therefore they have recognised his senate presidency and some of us who are loyal party members would say, o k, in pursuance of that, we are equally recognising the senate presidency of Bukola Saraki has said so.. If It is the intention of our democracy to admit anything extraneous to this, it would have been stated upon our inauguration to say we uphold the constitution, the law, the rule of the senate and possibly the constitution of the party or the direction of the party.

But that was not done. What I am telling you is that I believe in party supremacy but it is outside the four corners of democratic institutions and that is how it is exercised all over the world and if there is anybody with contrary information to this, I challenge him to say so.

Those of you in APC, a month after the new government, we have not seen something concrete from the president. Secondly, you had about 3 months from March to put your house in order and for a party that has been in opposition for a while forming a coalition for close to 2 years, yet you appeared not to have got your acts right. Why is this so?

The simplest approach to answer your question is to ask, ‘you inherited a house with broken doors, broken electricity, everything gone’... It is only natural for you to expect that it would take a longer time to fix that house before you enter.

There is no dispute whatsoever even from the conduct of the elections of 2015 that Nigerians were united on one fact that they were groaning under an inept and corrupt leadership of the PDP for the past 12 years and therefore, APC inherited, virtually a broken home and you expect us to magically fix everything in one month? I am happy that you said it is too early by yourself.

Are you saying it is too early for you to put up a system of government?

Listen to me. The statistics are crystal clear in this country and there is no dispute about them. Yesterday, on the floor of the house, a member attempted to put a motion for the repairs of road in his constituency. It was the unanimous decision of the senate including the PDP members. There is virtually no road in this part of the country that is motorable.

Was this under the government of APC? to fix the road that PDP had not been able to fix for 12 years in one month?

Ibn-Allah Na

What we are seeing in the National Assembly now, is it the colour of change that Nigerians expect?

I am telling you that what you are seeing on the floor of National Assembly is a continuation of the resistant to practice of dictatorship, to give power to the people and to allow people to choose their leader and hold them accountable I support that those elected to the National Assembly should be mature men and women, should be men and women of quality and calibre that will bring things to the table and know their constituencies better Let me put it that the colour of resistance cannot be dictated by anybody Are you exonerating your party, the APC to the fact that you won an election on March 28, but till now, Nigerians cannot see the policy thrust of the APC. I am looking forward to see that. Only yesterday, it was in the news that President Barak Obama is inviting President Muhammadu BuharI to the United States. I had thought that by that time, the cabinet list of the President would have been sorted, out but the National Assembly will be going on recess till July 21?

(Cuts in) it is only a recess, a suspension of plenary. The house is there, the senate is there But will your salaries be going on that time?

What? Have we not reported for office?

If I leave here now, I am going to the National Assembly for committee job. Don’t forget yesterday that senate inaugurated two committees; one on Finance and one on Legislative Duties.

So it is just a question of plenary. Let me tell you the reason why people cannot interpret what is happening correctly because they did not understand the level of decay we inherited. We inherited an empty treasury No. You cannot say they have left

nothing. 30 billion dollars was left in the treasury. That is about 5trillion naira. Now if you say nothing is left in the treasury ab initio. Muhammadu Buhari came in on May 29. Till now Nigerian has been generating revenue, yes or no?

Can I answer your question?

Yes I still stand by what you earlier said that it is too early to judge us But it is not too early for Nigeria to see traces of progress, because PDP will want to capitalize on this?

PDP under an ideal atmosphere should not be talking in this country for the next four years Gong by what Speaker Dogara said yesterday, are we seeing the National Assembly addressing the issues he raised and bringing them to the fore front especially with the jumbo pay and allowances which Bukola Saraki promised to cut after so much public outcry?

At least, I agree that it is good we have yielded to the cries of Nigerians.

This is an indication to you that the National Assembly is poised to pursuing the legislative duties assigned to it by Nigerian constitution. So, like I said earlier, I, in all honesty, does not see any cause for worry about what is happening on the floor of the National Assembly.

(Cuts in) Even when they were dramatizing and boxing themselves?

Look these things happen in most parliaments in the world. But what I am telling you is that the system does not have a colour in its pursuit. Once there is something that is wrong, it has to be resisted. I think Nigerians should even be happy that people are resisting this trace of dictatorship. May be, I am an insider, I am not seeing it from outside but as a politician, I think Nigerians should even be happy with what is happening on the floor of National Assembly.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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July 11, 2015

Talking Politics

‘We’ll rule Lagos for 35 more years’ — Joe Igbokwe, Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the APC

‘Agbaje’ll soon be declared Lagos governor’ —Gani Taofik, Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the PDP

“W

e saw the money that former President Goodluck Jonathan brought to Lagos when he relocated here briefly before the elections. He gave out dollars and pounds. So, these were the things they did to win Lagos.

“Politics goes beyond this. Lagos PDP thought Jonathan would win and after winning, they would use soldiers and the police to intimidate us and chase us out but when Jonathan lost, even my kinsmen, who were supporting the PDP before, started running to Bourdillon (Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s home).

“So, the PDP is not being truthful. If Jonathan had won that election, the OPC would have taken over. God, in his infinite mercies, helped us “Now, the PDP has lost Abuja and has

also lost Lagos and that is why they are throwing tantrums.

“We in the Lagos APC are even angry that the PDP came so close to defeating us in the last election but we will never allow this again. We will rule them for the next 30 to 35 years.”

‘Jonathan’s response to Chibok girls’ kidnap poor’

— President Muhammadu Buhari BringBackOurGirls campaigners “It is unfortunate that the security and Federal Government’s conflicting reports initially presented the government and its agencies in a very bad light both nationally and internationally.

“This is because the law enforcement

agencies and the government were conflicting each other sometimes within hours or within weeks. That is not very impressive.

“The delayed and late reaction by the former government and its agencies was very unfortunate as I said…

“I think you will agree with me that the present government takes the issue very seriously. Within a week of being sworn in, I visited Niger, Chad and would have visited Cameroon but for the invitation of the G-7 to go to Germany.

“I am very impressed with the fact that the leadership of this important group and the United Nations itself, are very concerned about the security in Nigeria which led to the abduction of the Chibok girls by the terrorist

“W

e see the ruling of the tribunal as a miscarriage of justice.

“It is at variance with the law because even the prayers of the peti-

tioner and the defendant were left out only for the panel to bring up an action saying that the PDP ought to have requested for a re-election which was not part of our prayers.

“Our prayer was that we should be declared the winner of the election because Ambode was not validly nominated by his party as the notice of the primary given to the Independent National Electoral Commission did not meet the deadline “So, it is our intention to challenge this at the Appeal Court and we are optimistic that the court will upturn the ruling and that is why we are telling the people of Lagos to be patient as their mandate will soon be returned to them”.

‘APC’s plot to remove Ekweremadu’ll fail’

— PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Abdulahi Jalo

“T

hose seeking to harass, intimidate or trying to remove Senator (Ike) Ekweremadu from the position of Deputy Senate President, are engaging in what we call an enterprise in futility because he was validly elected by his colleagues as stipulated in their rules.

“On the allegation that the rules were illegally amended, the question Nigerians should ask is, is it possible for one man to change the rules one hour to the inauguration? Where was the amendment printed?

“The little I know about the Senate is this: when every senator is sworn in, he is given a copy of the Senate Rule Book and the constitution, who prepares the document or how it is prepared is not the business of the senators.”

‘I’ve no hand in alteration of ‘Buhari to appoint Ministers at senate rules’ fullness of time’ —Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Senate President —Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to President on Media and Publicity

“T

he appointment of Ministers is constitutional because the constitution prescribes that there must be a Minister from at least one state of the federation and President Mohammdu Buhari will do what is constitutional. So, he will constitute a cabinet.

“But then when he does it is his prerogative. He is the one who will determine when he needs that cabinet. But for now,

he has said that he wants to lay a proper foundation for the administration and

that’s why he has been working with bureaucrats; the various Permanent Secretaries.

“For the past two week and still going forward, the Permanent Secretaries have been briefing him on the state of their ministries and then, I am sure at the fullness of time, the Ministers will be appointed.”

“L

et me just explain here that every National Assembly, that is every Senate or House has its Standing Rule/Order as every Standing Rule/Order normally has a life span of four years. So, if you go to the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly now, you are likely to find Standing Rules/Orders of 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 and the current 2015.

“From the point of the valedictory session of the 7th Senate on 4th June, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Distinguished Senator David Mark and the other members of the 7th Senate ceased to be senators until the 9th of June, when the 8th Senate was inaugurated; and as usually done, the new senators received new Standing Rule/ Order 2015”

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Living

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

July 11, 2015

17

Forgotten communities, abandoned citizens Otto-Ilogbo Extension Community

The skylines of some communities in Lagos offer a view that could at once be pleasing and depressing. Sky scrapers and other edifices that bespeak metropolitan sophistication and opulence shoot up proudly into the sky on one side. But in the immediate view is the starkest manifestation of poverty in communities where citizens grapple with broken or no infrastructure and no sign of government or indeed, governance, writes PATIENCE OGBO.

W

hen the former Lagos State governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola launched the Lagos Mega City Project, residents thought by the end of Mr. Fashola’s tenure, Lagos State would have become a Mecca of sorts.

Sadly, Mr. Fashola’s eight years in government have come and gone and Lagos is still not quite the megacity Lagosians dreams of.

One of the issues the project planned to achieve is rapid infrastructural development which involves building modern schools, hospitals and the construction of motor able roads, with light rails to aid commerce and free movement .

The project majorly will transform Lagos from a slum state to cities like Dubia, Hong Kong, Paris and the

residents would be the better for it.

As it stands , the Mega city project can be called a white elephant project as investigations by our correspondent to parts of the states show that some communities in the state have no sign of government presence talk much of benefitting from a Mega City plan .

These communities said to house over 3million people according to residents lack basic government owned infrastructures like model market, police station, pipe-borne water or motor-able roads, health centres , schools, amongst others .

The Ifesowapo Arojokun community along the Badagry Expressway is one of such communities where residents have resorted to self help projects to keep the community together and running .

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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LIVING

July 11, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Residents pay to have social amenities’

Ifesowapo-Arojuku

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 The residents informed our correspondent that they contribute money to the Community Development Association (CDA) purse to foot the bills for self help projects like fixing of deplorable roads due to government failure to provide basic amenities despite their repeated appeals to the necessary quarters .

Streets in Ifesowapo – Arojokun community badly affected by flooding and barely passable include Adebola Adegbehin , Bakare Adala and Raaki Sadudeen Street.

Residents said they have sand filled these streets repeatedly but their efforts has not yielded any results to ameliorates their plights The traditional ruler (Baale) of the community, Chief Matthew Saturday Adegbega who celebrated his one year coronation said he is a sad man because of the poor state of his community .

He said “The suffering and pain have become unbearable, as our roads are bad, we don’t have any government school or hospital in this community. We have the most deplorable roads in this state which we have been battling with by sand filling.

We have done a lot to address the bad road as residents contributed their widow’s mites to our community development association but there is an extent we can carry out some projects because they are too expensive for the residents to bear the cost. We have spent so much to sand fill the roads every year running to millions of naira; we brought electricity to the community from our purse. We need government infrastructures like health care centres, schools and motor able roads; I am using this medium to call on the President Muhammadu Buhari and the new Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode to come

The suffering and pain have become unbearable. Our roads are bad, we don’t have any government school or hospital in this community.

We have

the most

deplorable roads in this state, which we have been battling with by sand filling.

We have done a lot to address

the bad road as residents contributed their widow’s mites to our community development association to our rescue. We voted massively for the APC during the last elections because we want change in our community and now that they are in power, they should not abandon us . We want to experience the change they are preaching as these projects when carried out will not only ameliorate our suffering will also bring development to the community as well as create employment opportunities for our teeming youth”.

Other residents who spoke with our correspondent also narrated their plights and appeal to the government to urgently come their rescue .

Prince Ade Adetaramin, the proprietor of Adesola Creative School said the poor state of the community is hindering development .

He said “When I moved to this community, I discovered that there was no school , not even a government primary school is here and the children were roaming about. I decided to start a school for the children. The adults also need to go to school but there is no school for them . I have spent millions of naira to sand

fill the roads and assisted the community project but we need government to come to our aid. On my part, I single- handily brought electricity to the community and constructed a bridge linking our community with other communities. I am also the one who is providing security for the community as there is no police station and this has resulted to increased crime rate. Recently, we have growing incidences of rape, kidnapping in broad day light and the cultists and violent criminals are terrorising people as the police are far away. This is the right time the government should come to our aid.

As it is , the Transformer , we bought is not enough for the entire community and we need government to provide another one so that this community can develop ”.

A mother of three, Kafaya Jimoh said she almost lost her pregnancies due to the bad roads and lack of trained medical personnel in her community.

“I have been relying on traditional methods to give birth to my children as there are no government hospitals in the

community. I almost lost my pregnancy as I was stuck in the mud one fateful rainy day because the roads were flooded.

I am appealing to government to build hospitals for our community and give us maternity centres for our women to give birth safely. They should help us fix our bad roads because they have become impassable” The chairman of Ifesowapo Arojokun Community Development Association Elder Joseph Sunday Adeoye, said children from the community are trekking long distances to other communities to attend school and this is telling on their education.

“Our children are trekking long distance to Oko-Ofo and Ibiye communities to attend school, which is several kilometres from here. Imagine young children trekking such distance to school daily. The bad road has jerk cost of transportation . The transporters used to convey passengers from Check Point bus-stop to Baale street for N50 now it is between N150-N200 because of the bad roads. Many of the tricycle riders who usually ply the community have moved to other communities because of the bad roads”.

Just as residents in Ifesowapo _ Arojukun community are appealing to the government to come to their rescue, the Otto- Ilogbo Extention Community at Ebutte -Metta West in Lagos Mainland Local Government is also crying for help .

The community which has approximately 15,000 residents, has been in existence for about twenty years with no government school, health centres, among other amenities like water, and sanitary provisions.

In trying to function like a full fledge community and get the CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LIVING

July 11, 2015

19

‘Without law enforcement, criminals are in charge’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

presence of government like every other communities, the Otto /Ilogbo community registered with the Lagos state Ministry of Rural Development in 2008, hence, the community was named Ifesowapo Community Development Association .

The chairman of the CDA, Rashidi Lamidi while congratulating the APC led government for their victory at the polls, is also appealing to the government not to abandon the residents .

He said “ This community has come under several attacks from criminals and land grabbers . Sadly, despite our efforts to make this community a full fledged one, government has refused to reckon with us. While the community is striving, to rise on its own, arsonists are causing fire outbreak and because this community is constructed with woods, the fire has been very devastating leading to lost of property worth millions of naira . The residents have also suffered from the rampaging hoodlums, who brazenly manhandled anyone because there is no police presence .There is no school, drainage, potable water, health care centres , and good toilet facilities among other social infrastructure. We are appealing to government to come to our aid as we have been contributing our widows mites to provide the little amenities we have despite the fact that the people in this community are poor”.

A resident of the community, John Nwobodo said though he is from the eastern part of the country, Otto-Ilogbo community has become a home for he and other non –indigenes and would want government to give the residents the basic necessities of life. “ I have been living in this community with my family for more than ten years and the other residents are kind to us that are non- indigenes. They do not discriminate against us. Our problem is basic amenities, like schools, hospitals and others . We need government to come to the aid of this community urgently as this place is home to all Nigerians” The secretary of the CDA Agbodemu, Ishola Musbau who was the chairman of the community for many years said he founded the Otto-Ilogbo community to ameliorate the suffering the poor face in securing accommodation in Lagos .

Agbodimu who is also the Founder and Chairman of a non –governmental organization, Rural and Urban Development Initiative (RUDI) said he also came up with the YOUNG LEADERS ACADEMY for children in the community as there was no government school to educate more than three thousand children in the community .

“We are asking the government for development. Let them provide a mini-health centre, water and toilets.

We don’t want to lag behind. We want development, but the government must come in.On our part, I started the Young Leaders Academy because I noticed that

Otto-Ilogbo

children were roaming about as there is no government school. But now, with as little as N200, these children can go to school.

“I also pay the teachers from my purse so that education will not hinder our children in life. With this, we are catching them young from becoming criminals and gangsters. Government is complaining about the high rate of crime but when majority of the children cannot go to school, they will become illiterates and ready tools for criminal gangs. I do not want our community to be a breeding ground for these elements .I don’t want our children to feel inferior to the children of the rich . That is why I sacrifice to bring education and even computer knowledge to the people. This is what the government should do but they are not concerned about the poor” Dr. Adeolu Olusodo , a medical doctor with the Star Clinic at Ebute- Metta is also the Founder of The Society For Love and Social Justice, a non- profit organization.

His organization has been collaborating with the Otto-Ilogbo community to provide free medical

I have been relying on traditional methods to give birth to my children as there are no government hospitals in the community. I almost lost my pregnancy as I was stuck in the mud one fateful rainy day because the roads were flooded treatment for the people.

The Society was established on October 1st 2013 but I have been a frequent doctor at the Otto-Ilogbo Community to provide free health care especially for women and children . This is because I noticed that there is no government health centre to cater for the health need of the people .

This is my way of contributing to the betterment of the society like our motto said “ Healing the world” which is based on a Jewish concept called Tikun Olam, meaning correcting or repairing the

I pay the teachers from my purse so that education will not hinder our children in life. With this, we are catching them young from becoming criminals and gangsters

world. The concept is about love and social justice. Last year, 56 elderly persons were given free drugs and treatment for diabetics, hypertension, high blood pressure and other ailments while 128 elderly persons registered under the free medical scheme of the NGO. We provide ultra-poor family support programme, non-interest loan for small businesses, personalized support for the needy and oppressed , sponsoring of the young leaders academy at Otto/Ilogbo slum among other supports we give to people” He said Mrs. Ruth Umoren 60 year old women also appeal to the government for basic amenities.

“I am a diabetic patient but I have been receiving free medical treatments from this NGO any time they come to our community. I also enjoy their event where they bring elderly persons together to eat and have fun. Government cannot leave us to suffer. We are appealing for government facilities as private ones are expensive”

20

I

LIVING

t was supposed to be showers of blessing for large number of Christians who had gathered in their various churches last Sunday July 5, 2015, to worship the Giver of all things including the heavy downpour in Otun Ekiti, the headquarters of Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

Being a work free day, many families may have also seized the rare opportunity of the heavy rains reported to have lasted for three hours, to stay at home and enjoy quality time with members and relations while planning ahead for the hustle and bustle of the new week.

But not so for the family of a 50 year-old teacher and father of four, Obembe Jimoh Johnson, who will perhaps, live to remember the fateful day as one, in which the cruel hand of fate had dealt a deadly blow on them, losing their bread winner to the cold hands of death in the flood.

Obembe, a teacher with the Technical College, Otun Ekiti, until his death last Sunday, was swept away by the voracious flood with his motorcycle on his way home after fuelling his bike at a nearby Total Filling Station.

The tragedy which occurred along the major highway linking Ekiti to Kwara State has continued to marvel many residents of the community.

An eye witness, Kayode Julius, who works at His Mercy Hotel, very closed to the scene of the accident, told Saturday Mirror that the tragedy was unbelievable as the late Obembe’s body could not be found more than 12 hours after he was missing in the flood.

Recalling the picture of the sad event, Julius said; “It happened on Sunday afternoon when the heavy rain appeared to have subsided but the flood had overran the main road so it became difficult to see the deep of the running water which was going directly into the canal.

“The late Obembe was coming from the filling station about 50 meters to the big canal on his bike, but because of the high water level, he decided to raise his two legs as he attempted to cross the road to continue his journey. But unknown to him, a large portion of the road had been cut off by the flood and within a twinkle of an eye Obembe and the bike fell into the canal.

According to him; “After a rigorous search of the whole place by a combined search team comprising the local hunters and youths from the neighbourhood, we were only able to recover the deceased motorcycle few meters away from the place but all attempts to see the owner proved abortive till late in the evening of last Sunday.

He added that the search continued in the early hours of Monday as many residents and sympathizers combed the entire town until Obembe’s lifeless body was discovered around 11.00am inside a shallow pit with a big wound on his head.

Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Dr Olusola Kolapo, who arrived the scene in company with the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon Kola Oluwawole few minutes after the body was recovered, expressed shock at the sad event and later moved to commiserate with the family.

When Saturday Mirror visited No.4, Ilemo Street, Aaye Oja Ekiti residence of the Obembes last Tuesday, the sleepy community was still mourning the demise of the deceased teacher who was described

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Flood of sorrow July 11, 2015

For the family of 50 year-old teacher and father of four, Obembe Jimoh Johnson, it is a season of mourning. A recent flood drowned the breadwinner to the eternal sorrow of his family, writes LEKAN ADEJUWON.

Oba

Obembe

Mrs Obembe

as easy going and hard working.

His wife, Gbemisola was a psychological wreck fighting tears before she could respond to questions by our reporter.

At last she opened up amidst intermittent sobs: “I was at my duty post in Ayetoro Health Centre where I work on the fateful day So I didn’t see him but we spoke on phone in the morning when he told me that the food at home is finished and that I should get some rice from where we normally buy on credit to which I agreed.

“I then went to church. When I got home, I saw four missed calls on my phone. I then called Timothy, my first born to ask for what happened. He replied by saying that something had happened and that I should be coming home. I asked for what happened but he did not answer. At this point my landlord who was around became curious as he also asked me why the sudden invitation. I told him I didn’t know even.

“At last I boarded a cab to Otun. On getting to the town I could see many people trooping out in large numbers. I became uncomfortable even as all eyes were on me. I now asked what happened to any of my children because the last person I would expect is my husband who had earlier called me in the morning.

“When I got home they broke the news

to me that my husband had drown in the flood on his way from the filling station and died just like that” On life after her husband and how she hoped to survive the storm, the distraught Level Four officer was quick to interject, “You are asking me?

What do you want me to say? I have four children, two boys and two girls. The loss is unimaginable. Two of my kids are now in higher institutions even as we were planning to borrow money to make sure that our first son, Timothy who recently finished his OND is able to further his education. He obtained his HND form only last month. The other one just finished his WASC and the third child is writing his semester exams at College of Education, Ikere.

Still reminiscing on the sad loss of her husband of over twenty years, the visibly devastated woman told Saturday Mirror that her late husband meant everything to her.

“My husband meant everything to me. How can I cope with his leaving me and our kids at this time? And how can a Grade Level 4 Officer take care of our four children?

“He struggled to become what he was before his death. He started as a security man. But the two of us suffered to go to Teachers College. After his Grade 2, he

proceeded to obtain NCE while working as a security man and when God eventually took control after ceaseless prayers, he was employed as a teacher in the same school and barely one year after his promotion, death has taken my everlasting joy. All our life’s struggles had become futile before my eyes. What a wicked world” she lamented.

The pain of the black Sunday was also felt by the community leader and Traditional Ruler of Aaye Oja Ekiti, Oba Samuel Ayanniyi Olatoye JP. Speaking with Saturday Mirror, the monarch expressed worry that one of his subjects could die in such a bizarre circumstance on the Federal Government highway linking Ekiti State to Kwara State.

“It is disheartening that a government road could be in such a terrible condition in Nigeria of 2015, where a major road is left in dilapidated state without proper channelization that flood can easily overrun and carry people away” He urged the concerned authorities to do the needful by rehabilitating roads in order to save lives of innocent Nigerians on a daily basis especially in this rainy season On the life and times of the late Obembe Oba Olatoye described him as a nice man who could hardly hurt a fly but lamented the irreparable loss to the family.

“His children are still young. The eldest who just had his OND is yet to get a job. If the government can offer to give him a job, it would be highly appreciated because I know the trauma the wife is going through right now.

“I am also using this medium to call on public spirited individuals to help the family” he said.

My husband meant everything to me. How can I cope with his leaving me and our kids at this time? And how can a Grade Level 4 Officer take care of our four children?

Entervaganza

The Saturday Mirror Magazine

Relationships Is being single a taboo?

P.32

Sex15talk secrets

of great sex P.32

Fashion Get the glam look

P.28

Toyin ... on the love train

22

ENTERVAGANZA

July 11 , 2015

Celebrity

I don’t feel bad when criticised —Audu Maikori

Audu Maikori is one of the biggest guns in the Nigerian entertainment industry. As founder of Chocolate City, he’s been behind the mainstream success of many artists, MI, Ice Prince, Nosa and BrymO included. OSEYIZA OOGBODO met him recently and Maikori didn’t hold back on the issues raised.

How difficult or easy is it to run a record label in Nigeria?

It’s very difficult, but very easy.

Can you explain properly?

It’s very difficult because it’s something you’re investing your time, your money, your resources, your every waking moment, because it’s almost like a 24-hour job because something’s always happening. It’s very difficult because you’re managing emotions, you’re managing all sort of things. But if you’re passionate about it, if it comes from your heart, then it’s easy.

Is it profitable or not?

Depends on what your model is.

Let’s say in our own case, it’s profitable. Now. But not immediately so.

It’s taken us four, five years to get to the point whereby we started making money. And then of course, depending on what your model is, do you want to reinvest, reinvest in the product, or do you just want to buy cars and suchlike? So your model will determine its profitability or otherwise.

So what would be your advice to prospective record label owners?

For us, it’s a bit more than a record label. We’re a 360 degree company.

There’s the recording label part, the management part, and also the marketing part. You cannot be strictly a record label and survive now. You have to ensure that your brand is able to be monetised. That’s what we tried

to do and it’s now a brand on its own. So that’s our model, and of course models differ.

Would you say you’ve been discouraged by BrymO, one of your artists who walked out of his contract after you had invested so much in him?

Why would I be? It’ll keep happening. It’s normal. I think it’s very obvious that there’s no business that doesn’t have its ups and downs. Even you as a staff of Saturday Mirror. There

will be times you disagree. But it doesn’t mean that National Mirror’s a bad newspaper or that you’re a bad employee. It just means that you are not on the same page anymore. The question is, how do you disengage? Do you do it as the contract said or do you do it as someone who doesn’t know there’s a contract involved? We have contracts, we need to keep them, we need to obey the law.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

You spoke about emotions. And the trend in the industry now is that artists just walk out of their contracts.

What sort of emotion makes them do that?

I don’t know if it’s an emotion, and I’m not an artist myself, so I wouldn’t know. What I’m saying is that at the end of the day, these are matters that have to deal with commercial breakdown or relationship breakdown or communication breakdown. It could be anything. And I wouldn’t venture as to what it is. There will always be disagreements in every relationship, but if you’re both aligned, you will stay together, but if you’re not aligned, then you go.

When your artists are criticised, how do you feel? Like Victoria Kimani, a fellow artist blasted her that she couldn’t sing and all that. How did you feel at that point in time, considering you had invested so much in her?

I don’t feel anything. Every artist I’ve ever brought out has not been overwhelmingly received. You see, we’re like prophets, so we see somebody who doesn’t look like anything and we bring them out, people will talk against them, but when they eventually blow, the same people will now be like oh, wow, so it’s a normal thing.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

23

July 11, 2015

Move over, Jimmy Jatt ...DJ Cuppy takes over F

Cuppy

or a long time now, the deejaying sector of the Nigerian entertainment industry has been dominated by DJ Jimmy Jatt.

That seems about to change however as one DJ is set to give Jatt a run for his money and take over the sector.

Surprisingly, the DJ in question is not even a man, but a woman, and she seems set to succeed where many other male DJs have failed.

This DJ is none other than DJ Cuppy, the worldwide famous daughter of the billionaire, Femi Otedola, who in a very short space of time has become Nigeria’s top female DJ and is now set to go the whole way and become not just Nigeria’s top DJ, but Africa’s.

Already, she has performed at occasions that many Nigerian and African DJs only dream of. She set a record with one of such performances when she was chosen as the first African DJ ever to perform at the 2015 edition of the Oil Barons Charity Gala in Dubai.

Right now, Cuppy, basking in the success of her recently released mixtape, House Of Cuppy II, which has superlatives mixes of music by Olamide, P-Square, Yemi Alade, among others, and the voice of Funke Akindele as well on it, has concluded plans to embark on a tour of Africa that’s aptly tagged Cuppy Takes Africa.

The tour will kick off next month in Lagos on August 1st, move to Dakar, Senegal on August 5th, Accra, Ghana on August 7th, and Nairobi, Kenya on August 10th.

From Nairobi, Cuppy will head to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania on August 15th, Kigali, Rwanda on August 21st, Kampala, Uganda on August 22nd and make its final stop at Johannesburg, South Africa on August 29th.

Expectedly, Cuppy is excited about the tour and she confirmed her excitement to E-News, gushing that “I’m really looking forward to my Cuppy Takes Africa Tour because it’s all about helping people and inspiring young people around Africa through music.”

Go, girl.

Jatt

Primate Ayodele warns entertainers

… ‘Pray against death’ P opular prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has warned Nigerian and Ghanaian entertainers to pray against death in their midst.

The Primate’s warning to the entertainers is part of the warnings in the latest edition of his annual book, Warnings To The Nations … A Collection Of Divine Signals, which he’s been authoring and publishing and since 1994, and which’s latest edition came out last weekend.

The book, which contains warnings to different nations and sectors, predictably has a section of warnings for entertainers.

And according to the book, Nollywood practitioners, both male and female, should pray not to lose any of them. He extended the same warning to their Ghana colleagues of Ghollywood, saying they should pray against division and also not to lose anyone among

them.

And to the performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), his vision for them went thus: “This association will want to do a lot for their members. They must pray not to have problem with government. They must also pray not to fail in their various plans and issues of court cases must be rebuked.”

Just like he warned Nollywood and Ghollywood against death, he did same for their music counterparts, “They should pray not to lose any of their members. And there will be a new faction in PMAN.” Ayodele is a celebrated prophet that has had many of his prophecies come true in the past. He however told E-News that he’s not happy when his prophecies which hinge on the negative come to pass because the purpose of prophecies is to prevent catastrophes, untimely deaths and other such negative things.

Ayodele

24

July 11, 2015

E-NEWS

BET director lashes Wizkid, Yemi Alade

... ‘You need to upgrade yourselves’

Alade

T

he brouhaha surrounding the Africa category of America’s BET has taken a new twist with the category’s director, Lillian Blankson, coming out to speak to clear the air over the main issue generated by the category, which is that its winners are presented their plaque backstage.

But without mincing words, Blankson defended the strategy, saying African music is not on American radio, and until it is, African artists won’t be respected in America.

Blasting, encouraging and advising African artists in a series of tweets, she got to shed light on the whole situation, and indicated lucidly that BET is not downgrading African artists and that African artists have to upgrade themselves.

“We need to work hard and get our music on the radio here in the US,” she tweeted. “How do people respect your

Wizkid

brand when you’re not on the radio? First of all, tell the truth and stop tweeting lies and mistruths. There has never been a backstage presentation of any award. Just pre-recorded.

“BET will always signify Black star power. Africa, if we want to be featured prominently, we need to know the facts and be very practical. Nothing has ever come easy to us Africans. But anything worth having will not be a cake walk.

Started from the bottom, now we’re here.

Also, let’s be a little humble. No one owes us anything. Like everything else, we have to work our way to the top so we can stay there.”

Addressing Alade who said BET might as well scrap the Africa category, she said, “Let’s try and keep our category and know the facts. It does nothing to the network to take it away … but it sends us back several steps.”

And obviously referring to Wizkid who did not do the press interviews associated with his nomination, she said, “If you choose to fly down and watch the show and not do press, who exactly do you think is affected or missing out? Think about it.”

Continuing, she added that “performances sell awards shows and make ratings, not the categories. Let’s step up our game and get our music so big they can no longer ignore it. Out of 19 categories, only 4 or 5 make air. This is standard in awards shows. If the US artists are not outraged and complaining, why are we?

“The artists who have been honoured … why haven’t you cleared the air and told the truth about what happened? Why the silence?

“BET domestic does not and has never aired African music so to have a category is a major deal. Let’s prove and show them our worth, not anger.”

Seyi Shay returns with Right Now

T

wo-time MTV Africa Music Awards nominee, Seyi Shay, has released her first single since signing her international recording deal with Island Records.

Titled Right Now, it was produced by award-winning producer and songwriter, Harmony Samuels, who has also produced records for many international stars; Ariana Grande, Chris Brown, Fantasia, and Kelly Rowland included.

The song, which follows a succession of Shay’s previously released successful hits, Murda, Crazy, Jangilova, talks about the sweet memories of love and attrac-

tion, takes a slow-dance reggae approach with a very catchy tune and showcases Shay’s voice in a never-heard-before way.

Without wasting time, Shay also released its video, directed by Meji Alabi, during the week.

With Right Now’s release, Shay continues to dominate as one of Africa’s top female artists, and it’s obvious her music is followed and appreciated all over Africa, hence her nominations in the best female and video of the year categories of MAMA scheduled to take place next weekend.

More grease to your elbow, girl.

Shay

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CLASSICAL LYRICS

Ijo Ayo

Artist: Skales featuring Olamide Chorus Jesu jo oh, Jesu jo oh, ma je n ko ri mi tan oh, ri mi tan oh Ki’ayemi ni ogbon oh … eh nana nana Jesu jo oh … Jesu jo ohhhh Jekin jo ijo ayo, eba mi jo ijo ayo Jekin jo ijo ayo, eba mi se ijo ayo Jekin jo ijo ayo, eba mi jo ijo ayo Oti se ijo ayo, e ba mi jo ijo ayo Verse 1 (Skales] Right now na me dey run town Bad belle people want make I run down They want make I shut down But tell them say I no go bow down I don become person of importance Everyday na blessing I dey see in abundance And me I know go take chance My enemies them don enter one chance Hook Moti ra motor … ra motor, wan fe ya photo Givenchy … mo wa gbe sori Versace … iyeh Moti ra motor … ra motor, wan fe ya photo Givenchy … mo wa gbe sori Versace … iyeh Chorus Jesu jo oh, Jesu jo oh, ma je n ko ri mi tan oh, ri mi tan oh K’ayemi ni ogbon oh … eh nana nana Jesu jo oh … Jesu jo ohhhh Jekin jo ijo ayo, eba mi jo ijo ayo Jekin jo ijo ayo, eba mi se ijo ayo Jekin jo ijo ayo, eba mi jo ijo ayo Oti se ijo ayo, e ba mi jo ijo ayo Verse 2 (Skales] Right now … everything brand new Na only fine girls dey tell me bonjour Anything I do nah in dey wan do Wetin God bless you cannot undo Mi o n se omo baba olowo But right now mo n na’wo Moti di olowo, omo Baseline to l’owo Hook Moti ra motor … ra motor, wan fe ya photo Givenchy … mo wa gbe sori Versace … iyeh Moti ra motor … ra motor, wan fe ya photo Givenchy … mo wa gbe sori Versace … iyeh Chorus Jesu jo oh, Jesu jo oh, ma je n ko ri mi tan oh, ri mi tan oh K’ayemi ni ogbon oh … eh nana nana Jesu jo oh … Jesu jo ohhhh Jekin jo ijo ayo, eba mi jo ijo ayo Jekin jo ijo ayo, eba mi se ijo ayo Jekin jo ijo ayo, eba mi jo ijo ayo Oti se ijo ayo, e ba mi jo ijo ayo Verse 3 (Olamide] Person papa no go hustle Person mama no go sweat Before they buy that muscle Before they buy that Benzyy oh Wan ni mo sa se moun sa se gan agan Gba ise moun gba se gan gan Pure water sachet gan gan Ni mo ma n mu lale gan gan I don’t care, mama mi gan don’t care Papa mi gan don’t care Na we dey run the area Everybody tele e wa So fun wan ko gbori wa Ahaa … ko gbori wa ehh Chorus Jesu jo oh, Jesu jo oh, ma je n ko ri mi tan oh, ri mi tan oh K’ayemi ni ogbon oh … eh nana nana Jesu jo oh … Jesu jo ohhhh Jekin jo ijo ayo, eba mi jo ijo ayo Jekin jo ijo ayo, eba mi se ijo ayo Jekin jo ijo ayo, eba mi jo ijo ayo Oti se ijo ayo, e ba mi jo ijo ayo Outro Mofe l’owo bi Adenuga, mofe l’owo bi Otedola Mofe l’owo bi Tinubu, Atiku, Raji Fashola Mofe l’owo bi Obasanjo, mofe l’owo bi Dangote Goodluck, follow me too do my own, dami loun

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

E-NEWS

July 11, 2015

25

Kemi Adetiba discloses unexpected secret

L

ife is truly a case of only the person wearing the shoe knows where it’s pinching him.

Apply this proverb to Kemi Adetiba and it is quite appropriate.

She’s one of the entertainment industry’s most respected hands, and is probably the only female music video director in the country. She’s known as a big girl living life to the fullest.

Many women not as successful as her are probably envious of her.

But no matter how envious they are, they won’t be envious of the secret she’s just disclosed.

And they might even pity her, for she has been going about with a very heavy burden for many years.

And finally speaking about it, because she’s now free of it, she said, “I battled with an extreme case of fibroid in secret for many years. When I say extreme, I mean EXTREME. From being rushed to the ER where the intense PAIN wouldn’t even allow me cry, to being dangerously close to death because of anaemia, to the physical changes, the mental and emotional roller coaster, it takes not only YOU, but your loved ones privy to the information.

“I alluded to my battle in a recent interview while speaking on something else, and since then I have had an avalanche of messages from every avenue possible.

Women going through the same thing needing more information. How I handled it. It’s amazing how many women live with this everyday yet have NO information on how to get better, or manage the symptoms pending surgery.

“Even with all the resources available to me, it was difficult making the right choices. I had one doctor in New York tell me that I would have to take out my ENTIRE womb, that my case was THAT bad. I was like I haven’t had kids yet. I got a nonchalant ‘sorry’ and a Kanye-shrug. Things I endured, ehn??? Thank God I found a doctor who thought that was rubbish … and he was a Nigerian… in Nigeria!!

Adetiba “It’s definitely something I would love to speak about, hoping that it helps someone out there. I won’t talk about anything other than MY experience. It’s been 6 months since I had the surgery. Even post-surgery is another wahala, but I’m fully healed now and it’s like I have a new lease on life!! As you can probably tell from my Instagram, I kept quiet about it initially as it was a very personal experience that forced me into an extremely

fragile mental and emotional space.

“I wasn’t ready for it to be public. Now that I am healed (by God’s Grace), I would love to share my story hoping that it would help someone. Maybe a blog, or a video … not sure yet, but I will do it for you guys.

Thanks for all the messages and questions. Keep them coming. I’ll try to answer all that I can, and know you are not alone.”

Toyin Aimakhu speaks further on marriage T he fact that her marriage to fellow actor, Niyi Johnson, has survived two years has made popular actress, Toyin Aimakhu, so emotional that she went online to express her innermost self.

“It has been two spectacular

years with my rib and I bless the Lord everyday for sending me such a good, patient, loving and good hearted man. Marriage is a lot of work and commitment, it isn’t easy but you do your best to continue to make it work and I pray that the good Lord give us

grace to celebrate many more years together.

“I love you my husband. God knew exactly what He was doing when He sent you to me and may God continue to give you all that makes a man a real man.”

Marital issues trail Emeka Ike

W

Johnson and Aimakhu

Ike

hile Toyin Aimakhu is thanking God that her marriage is going strong, Emeka Ike must be wondering where he got it wrong as his marriage is said to have hit the rocks to the extent that his wife has filed for divorce.

According to the news which is now the rave of the town, Emeka’s wife, Emma, said she’s tired of being his punching bag and all his accusations levelled at her, especially that she’s a witch, so she wants out of their twelveyear union.

26

July 11, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

London big girl, Yetunde Oduwole cries as she threatens, advices comedian-actor Baba Tee

… ‘You won’t progress in life’ … You need help, Yetunde —Observer

F

rom every indication, comedian and actor Baba Tee, definitely has to be very careful as his ex-lover, Yetunde Oduwole, the London-based big girl popularly known as Bustline, has released a video in which she threatened him, adviced him, and ended up crying as she reached out to Baba Tee. According to her, Tee is making her life miserable by constantly embarrassing her on social medial and his latest effort at humiliating her, in which he removed her pictures from his Facebook albums, but left those of her friends, has caused her much embarrassment as she got over twenty messages from concerned people asking if she and Tee were quarrelling again.

For some time now, they’ve been known to have issues, and her coming out sorrowfully strongly only proves that something

must have gone horribly wrong to make them still be at each other’s throat.

And according to the video, she asked Tee if it was a crime to have dated him.

She then told him that whoever dates her and treats her callously like tee’s doing will never progress in life because she has a covenant with God that effect.

She said Tee’s very, very wicked and that she’s warning him to desist from hurting her.

Unsurprisingly, the video has been generating reactions, and one of them on Linda Ikeji Blogspot is reproduced below.

“In your pains, Yetunde, don’t make yourself God. Rather look up to God in your situation and He will heal you of your broken heart and agony. I can see frustration around you and if not properly checked could lead to insanity. Yetunde needs help immediately and fast too.”

Oduwole and Baba Tee … when the going was good

NAFCA to honour ex-Governor Duke and wife

E

x-Governor of Calabar, Donald Duke and his wife, Onari, have been announced among honorary award winners at the Nollywood and Africa Films Critics Awards set to hold in California, USA on September 12th.

They will both be presented with NAFCA’s Honourary Image and Humanitarian Award for their political, business and philanthropy endeavours.

NAFCA also announced that American celebrity, Omarosa

Manigault, will host this year’s NAFCA which is the fifth edition.

Describing Omarosa, NAFCA said, “Born in Youngstown, Ohio, Omarosa Manigault or just Omarosa, earned valuable experience working in the office of then-Vice President Al Gore but earned fame as the breakout star of Donald Trump’s reality show, The Apprentice.

“There is much more to this ‘political insider’ than meets the eye. As one of The Donald’s first season Apprentice contestants,

Julius Agwu undergoes brain surgery

T

Agwu

he reason highly rated comedian, Julius Agwu, has been quiet for quite some time now has finally been revealed.

According to him, he had to undergo brain surgery in the United States recently because two lumps were discovered in his brain.

But he’s now okay.

We thank God for you, J.

Duke

Onari

Omarosa

she captivated America with her sassy no-holds-barred business savvy. She quickly emerged as pack leader while negotiating deals with such companies as Sotheby’s Auction House, The Deutsch Agency, QVC, Kodak, Planet Hollywood (NY), and Marquee Jets. Entertainment Weekly attributed her with making The Apprentice the number 1 show on TV. As a result of her continued popularity, Trump invited her back to the show for season 7, Celebrity Apprentice, making her the first and only contestant to ever compete twice on the show.

“Utilizing a strong background in entertainment and business to brand her TV persona, Omarosa successfully created a cottage industry around her dynamic television personality. She is a frequent guest on the talk show circuit and most notably has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, The Dr. Phil Show, The Early Show, Regis and Kelly, The Today Show, the Tonight Show, Conan, Hard Ball with Chris Mathews, Larry King Live, Dateline, and The View. She is a frequent business and political contributor on MSNBC, CNN, CNBC and Fox.

“She currently teaches in the Executive Education Programme and in the Executive MBA Programme at Howard University School of Business.

“Her greatest passion is her international missionary work.

Her most recent missionary assignment was in Haiti after the catastrophic earthquake that killed and misplaced millions.

She now serves as an international Goodwill Ambassador for the Haiti Support Project. In addition to Haiti, she has done volunteer work in Nigeria, Senegal and Gambia.”

’ n ‘ y l Fril l u f r u colo Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

A

lthough roses are red and violets are supposed to be blue, this collection from Nigerian designer violet is not all blue. For her, an elegant lady is that who should have the consciousness of all colours and not just the blue colour. With different colourful dresses fit for any occasion, the collection is filled with something for every type of girl.

The collection pieces are placed against a simple dark background and the dresses are frilly and flattering for the female form.

The pieces come in bright and soft colours like orange, light blue, red, lilac, peach, pink, yellow and silver. One good thing about this trend is the fact that it lifts one’s spirit up even in spite of oneself. One of such styles is the cut-out style. They come in different forms and pieces that reveal areas of the body that most women do not feel confident enough to flaunt thus making the wearer a subject of envy.

Meanwhile, they radiate sensuality, energy, modernism and real feminity. Just ensure to experiment with qualitative textures, good silhouettes and sculpted cuts; may be sheath fabrics culottes, fitted high-low dresses with “peak a boo” cut-outs.

“A violet conscious lady is she who is as bright as the blue colour but not just the blue colour alone,” she said.

27

July 11, 2015

StyGlleam and

with Yemisi Adeniran

from

(08037801158) ydiran@yahoo.com

28

STYLE & GLAM

July 11, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fashion

Get the

Fashion

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

STYLE & GLAM

July 11, 2015

n frenzy

e glam look

n frenzy

F

29

or many, a glamorous look is far away. But this is not so. It is simply all about getting adventurous with your dressing, this include your makeup, your accessories and the rest. It is about having the right touch here and there.

It is not about being absolutely expensive or breaking a bank, it is about displaying good fashion taste. The following tips will guide you right.

Wear the right colours. This is a must. Glamour girls allowed all colours of the rainbow and some, just as long as they use colours and don’t end up fading away with blacks and browns.

If you are feeling adventurous, try bright colours like hot pink, yellow, orange and so on. These denote “crazily lovable Choose girly shades such as pastels, pink, purple and bright colors. Avoid black and other harsh dark colors. You want your outfits to be bright and fun!

Choose flattering, cute bottoms. Jeans should be formfitting. Go for light washes.

Skirts should be flowy and bright. Always make sure your skirts aren’t too short.

Girly girls want to look like nice and sweet, not trashy Never wear shirts that are too tight or loose. Some good styles are baby-doll, empire, t-shirts, halter, spaghetti straps, and tank tops.

Wear shorts. Make sure the pockets aren’t hanging out or that they ride up on you.

Alternatively, wear Capri pants, and long shorts that go to your thigh or your midcalf For shoes, choose flats, heels, flip-flops, or boots. If you need to wear sneakers, try finding converse in bright colors.

Always pay attention to your image. Your image is very important. A glamorous girl is a girly girl who is very diligent with her looks and appearance. Keep up with the style outlined in the magazines Try to glam up your clothes by adding jewellery, or fun belts, etc. Accessories are a really fun part of becoming glamorous.

1. Try wearing some lip gloss or blush. Don’t wear too much, or it could look like your wearing an ugly mask. You want to look confident with your makeup. Try curling your lashes, and apply some mascara. If you have acne, use foundation to cover it up.

• Do not also overdo the makeup.

Keep it simple and natural, for a fresh look

Fashion Guest

30

STYLE & GLAM

July 11, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Today’s style Diets that work is creative and more personal’ Sheila K an actr wambox, e a musi ss and c Kenya ian from s with YE poke ADENI MISI R her exp AN on industr loits in the y and h style. er

What informed your love for the entertainment field?

It is my passion, my life. For instance, music has been in me for the more than fourteen years. It took me all those years to be able to come out and say yes I want to release an album.

I learnt I could sing at the age of twelve years old. Ever since, it was like I was not ready and all that but that was then. I have overcome that and I have really launched out. It’s the same way that acting had been for me,. You know you cannot just launch out if you are not comfortable with what you have What kind of music do you play?

I do a mix of pop afro and R & b music. I am very epileptic when it comes to music but whatever I listen to and I feel at that time I will write. I write and then make the sound, I don’t make the sound before writing. I write my own music.

Apart from writing music, do you script write?

I write short plays, music and I also have a blog where I write too. For me,

my emotions transcends into lyrics, into words and that determines the kind of music I write or do at that particular point in time. Again, it is not every song that I write that can be massed consumed, may be just me and my manager on such event.

What’s style to you?

It is anything that is beautiful and very outstanding. Really, today’s style is different from what it used to be. It is creative and more personal.

1. Tell you to take it slow Good diets promote weight loss of no more than one to two pounds a week.

If you lose more than two pounds per week after the second week of dieting, it’s likely that you’re actually losing muscle tissue.

2. Cut out sugar, not fat Many of the newer and better diets around advocate cutting down on sugar and starch rather than fat. Your body stores excess sugar – found in starchy carbohydrates like pasta and bread – as fat. But good fats help fill you up, and are essential for good health. A low fat diet, meanwhile, will leave you feeling tired, hungry and cranky, and won’t help you maintain weight loss.

3. Tell you to always eat breakfast A quality breakfast is vital for setting you up for the rest of the day. All good diets will suggest you start your day with quality protein, sufficient good fat and healthy carbohydrates.

4. Tell you to eat regularly All successful diets will promote regular, planned meals and snacks throughout the day. Some dieticians recommend five small meals a day. Eating small meals throughout the day keeps your metabolism running better.

That way, you are burning what you should be burning!

5. Suggest permanent lifestyle changes Effective weight loss plans need to be realistic and encourage permanent lifestyle changes, rather than relying on fads, unrealistic formulas, diet pills and powders, or upon special foods or devices. A useful lifestyle change is portion control. Keeping your portions small helps you to reduce total calorie intake.

6. Tell you to always have protein with carbohydrates The key to long-term weight loss is keeping your blood sugar low. If you eat protein with your carbohydrates, this will slow down the sugar. All good diets teach you to always add protein to carbohydrates for this reason.

7. Are nutritionally balanced In good diets, all food groups need to be represented. A balanced diet that includes a variety of foods is essential.

Promoting the consumption of one particular “magic” food, or advocating the avoidance of specific foods, will lead to an unbalanced diet.’

8. Don’t tell you to count calories Counting calories is a very outdated concept and has now been proven to be an ineffective way to lose weight.

Consuming a low fat, low calorie meal will ultimately make you pack on more pounds than having some scrambled eggs with bacon and a cup of tea.’

9. Tell you to get moving too Good diets will also advocate that you increase your physical activity to lose weight healthily. Weight gain is about balancing energy intake with energy output. If you are taking in more than you are chucking out, you definitely have a problem, which no magic pill, potion or fad can solve!

10. Tell you to avoid processed foods All good diets will tell you to avoid any food made in a factory. That means refined, processed food, which actually is not even food – just a cocktail of chemicals that never goes off. You should ask yourself whether you could make the product in your own kitchen. If you couldn’t make it in a regular kitchen, you shouldn’t be eating it!

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

31

July 11, 2015

Male Essentials

08036961187

with Oseyiza Oogbodo kingseiza@gmail.com

What you must know about wristwatches

F

or most of us, watches are a tool.

Specifically, watches are a tool that tell us when it’s five minutes to happy hour, when it’s five minutes to the end of happy hour and how long we’ve been in jail after violently insisting that happy hour continue. But for many men, watches are regarded as the No.1 male accessory because they encapsulate coveted masculine attributes: namely style, engineering and status.

And because this “thinkingman”’s accessory shows no sign of being supplanted by something less intricate - like sweatbands - a solid background in watches is a necessity for any chap looking to elevate his profile.

Thankfully, we’ve taken the time (pun unavoidable) to compose a primer of everything a men’s watch novice needs to know in order to stay afloat in the sometimes cutthroat world of watch aficionados.

So read on and make sure that you never get stuck trying to convince anyone that your calculator watch is a personal GPS. Brands worth brandishing Even though Helen Hunt is technically hot – rich and all that - you wouldn’t really respect any man that said that she was his dream woman. The same goes for watches.

There are many seemingly good brands to the untrained eye, but for watch fanatics there are certain models that are the Jessica Albas (the cream of the crop), others that are the Sienna Millers (promising and up-and-coming) and more still that are the Paris Hiltons (overrated). So take note of the brands below.

Good: IWC and Franck Muller There are great watches that have made their way into mainstream culture, such as Patek Phillippe and Breitling. Then there are those brands that are unanimously respected solely within the watch community - for example, IWC and Franck Muller. IWC (the International Watch Company, not the International Whaling Commission) is the only watch company in Eastern Switzerland and is renowned for the elegance and engineering found in its Flieger, Portugieser and Aquatimer lines. Franck Muller on the other hand, is a watchmaker who is greatly admired for his intricately complex timepieces, including Revolution 2, Revolution 3, Crazy Hours and Colour Dreams.

Up-and-coming: Panerai and Oris Unlike the sometimes disturbingly young up-and-comers in Hollywood, watch companies that are on the rise can be well over 100 years old. For example, the Italian

luxury watch brand Panerai was founded in 1860, but is only now becoming a favorite with watch lovers on the strength of its Radiomir and Luminor series.

In contrast to the older Panerai, Oris is a young, nubile trendsetter that started in 1904. Most well known for attaining one of the highest quality ratings in the history of the COSC (we’ll tell you what that acronym denotes later), Oris recently gained recognition for becoming the official watch of the BMW Williams Formula 1 team.

Overrated: Tag Heuer and Movado If you spent enough money, you could

probably get plenty of people to think that clams were great watches. Many aficionados feel that that’s how Tag Heuer and Movado have powered their image as elite watchmakers. Chided by many watch lovers as grossly overrated, the recognition these companies reap is usually attributed to their marketing campaigns: Tag having paid massive sums to have the likes of Tiger Woods to sport their line, and Movado having glossed over the astronomical price tag of their quartz watches with glitzy ad campaigns.

Watch the lingo

Anyone who has seen Back To The Future knows that time keeping is a tricky process that requires a whole world of jargon to explain its inner workings. With this in mind, it is imperative that visitors to the realm of luxury watches arm themselves with the terms and lingo needed to communicate. Here is some crucial terminology you need to know.

Chronograph Even though this term is a combination of two small intimidating words - “chrono” and “graph” - don’t worry; all chronograph refers to is a type of watch that has both timekeeping and stopwatch functions.

What you will need to look out for are the different types of chronographs available, namely analog chronographs (the old style with separate hands) and digital chronographs (those watches with electronic displays that no aficionado would be caught dead wearing).

Perpetual calendar “Rolex is the best.”

We don’t want to give you the wrong impression: Rolexes are great watches. But what you need to understand is that Rolexes are revered among watch lovers in the same way that BMWs are revered among car enthusiasts: Great cars, but can still be outdone by Mercedes and Porsche.

Questions that show consideration Did you know that Alex Trebek doesn’t actually know all the answers on Jeopardy?

Because he’s the one asking the questions he seems informed on most topics. Well, the same dynamic works for watches; specifically, if you’re able to ask questions that get watch aficionados debating amongst themselves, you can simply stand back and be recognized as an individual well versed in the trade. Here are some questions that will turn the focus away from you and get you props at the same time.

1) What is your position on the current standards for the “Swiss made” label?

(At the moment, to be considered “Swiss made,” a watch needs to have 50% of its components from Switzerland, while the watch’s motor and casing needs to be assembled in the country.)

2) Vertical distribution (selling watches through retailers) has been all well and good, but how do you feel about these new boutique shops?

3) Are tourbillions (watches with a rotating mechanism that deters gravity from affecting timekeeping) really worth the price?

4) Which is a superior winding system (the self-powered engine that is installed in most watches), the unidirectional or the bidirectional?

It’s okay to watch Compared to women, men have very few options when it comes to accessories that exude personality (and no, glow sticks don’t count). After all, the fairer sex has shoes, purses, jewelry, and, in some cases, even small dogs to enhance the kind of image they aspire to project. Because of this limitation on males, watches have taken on new importance; they allow image-conscious men to convey an appreciation for engineering, style and status. So if elevating your appearance is a personal goal, internalize the watch primer outlined above and be sure to take advantage of one of the few ways to make an impatient glance at the time a fashionable one.

32

July 11, 2015

Angle

Male

Jide animashaun 08034710902 jidemashaun@yahoo.com

I

No way!

have always believed that as a 21st Century man a lot of cultural changes shouldn’t come as a surprise to me after having witnessed the advent of mobile telecommunications and numerous other advancements in different spheres of man’s life but the truth is that science and culture are as far apart as the North Pole is to the South Pole. The legalisation of same-sex marriages in different parts of the world as well as other cultural u-turns being witnessed today for me have created a hard shell or cocoon of nothing coming as a surprise again so the issue of anyone deciding to live as a single or in most cases a lady being single is not a taboo to me again, though it may still be worrisome to a lot of people especially other women who may be married.

Most women that I have spoken with on this topic even while being educated, have their belief system or ideology based on the religious and cultural angle of the opinion that every woman needs the tag of a “Mrs” to show that she ‘belongs´ to someone else.

The opinion is generally a widely held belief and most women have not made it easy on their counterparts who are not ready to toe the line of being called someone’s wife or partner. But some people especially the single women will tell you that they are just not cut out for being tied down to any man’s apron strings because they are financially and intellectually independent. Western education has done a lot of unbundling of age old customs and traditions.

Living single is in fact becoming fashionable now especially in the urban centres and a lot of these single ladies even flaunt their status of being single now without batting an eyelid when people look askance at them.

For me the truth is that being single shouldn’t even be seen as a taboo. It is the society that has not evolved beyond the myopic reasoning of a widely held perspective which to me is very wrong.

My take on this is that it is the world in which women live that we should seriously fault because it has not progressed very much indeed if we have to keep read-

ing stuffs or hearing about being single being bad. Even as we make some strides toward gender equality, there are many, many places in which we have not so progressed. A lot of men who are single at advanced ages aren’t really seen as anything but bachelors and though a few people may frown at the men, it is the women who are single that the society really has issues with as such.

I believe it is just a blanket assumption about women that they all want to get married or that they do want to have kids these days and these two things seem to inform all these assumptions. The fact is, many women do want those things and that’s great, but there are some who don’t think these are important issues they should bother themselves about. Why should they when for them life goes beyond marriage and childbearing. Some have even evolved in their mindset to think that adoption is a better option than going through the pains of child bearing. They also would rather be the captain of their own independence than allowing someone else taking charge of their life all in the name of marriage as is traditionally expected in this part of the world.

As the case is really, some people are rather not cut out for societal expectations pertaining to marriage or having a long relationship which may never be intellectually stimulating and emotionally stabilizing for them.

I personally believe that living single is really all about choices.

We make different choices every day and living single is just one of them and it may not be just about these women being career oriented as a lot of people may think. Other people have had to contend with abortions and birth control as part of society’s default expectations. We have accepted some of these choices as general day to day part of our understanding of modern day living and we will surely embrace this also if we have not even started accepting and it will one day become outmoded too. Therefore I’ll say it’s not a taboo but a choice.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Relatio

Is being sing

SEX TALK

This column is x-rated

15 secrets of great sex

M

en get sexually aroused extremely fast and can lose the erection really fast too. But a woman, she takes her time to get aroused, and when she does get aroused, she stays aroused for a long time. Use these 15 tips to satisfy a woman in bed and make her want more of you, even if you’ve been in the same relationship for a very long time.

Take time during foreplay. Most men hurry the foreplay bit without any consideration for the woman they’re with. Just because you’re up and ready doesn’t mean your woman is ready too. Take your time before penetration, and both of you will enjoy sex a lot more.

Remember her erogenous zones. The typical erogenous zones in a woman are several, going from the back of her neck, her ears, and all the way to her knees and her toes. But each woman has a few special sweet spots that switch the button on instantly. Kiss and nibble the entire length of her body and make sure you remember the zones that excite her more than the others. It’ll always come in handy the next time you want to arouse her faster.

Don’t roll over and sleep. Falling asleep immediately after sex is a good sign because it means you’re secure enough in the relationship to just enjoy the relaxing after-sex sensation without having to worry about awkward moments. But there’s a thin line between being secure and taking your woman for granted.

Cuddle up after sex or indulge in pillow talk for

a while. Or just fall asleep in each other’s arms.

Your hygiene matters. Looking good for your woman makes a huge difference in the experience she has in bed. After all, a better looking partner is more of a turn on, isn’t it? But you need to remember that looking good doesn’t just mean a six pack abs. Have a shower if you’re making love at the end of a long day, and keep all those hairy regions clean and trimmed. Smell great and feel great in bed, and your woman will definitely have a hard time keeping her hands off you!

Kiss and tell. Women have an active imagination and tend to rely on feelings more than visual appearances. If you want to turn your woman on and satisfy her in bed, arouse her mind by using the right words. Whisper sweet nothings in her ears or talk about her favorite fantasies. As long as you excite her mind with your seductive words, she’ll have an orgasm that’ll grip you hard down there.

Don’t be selfish. If you want to know how to satisfy a woman in bed, this is as simple as it gets. Put your woman’s needs in bed before yours. Understand her preferences in bed, be it about dim lighting or the right side of the bed.

Make sure she’s feeling comfortable enough to enjoy having sex without any insecurities or awkwardness.

Experiment all the time. The most boring of sexual relationships are the ones where the couples just do the missionary and don’t experi-

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

RELATIONSHIPS

July 11, 2015

onships

gle a taboo? “

This column is x-rated ment at all, be it about positions or about dirty conversations. If you want to do more than just satisfy your woman in bed, try new things all the time. If you feel like a particular sex fantasy or a particular position is starting to get monotonous, freshen things up by trying something new.

The right compliments. Women love appreciation in bed. It makes them shed their inhibitions more easily and gets them to experiment in bed sooner. When you’re naked in bed with your woman and find something fascinating about her, make sure you share the thought with her. She’ll feel better about herself and her new sexual confidence will definitely lead to better sex.

Trigger zones and fantasies. Do you have any fantasies that make you hard as soon as you think about it? Well, girls have their own trigger fantasies too. For some girls, it’s a sexual fantasy while for others, it may be an erogenous zone. Speak to your woman and find out what turns her on instantly. It’ll play a big part in turning her on, and at times, it can help her orgasm sooner when you can’t hold on for too long.

Play with her body. Just because you’re inside of her doesn’t mean you should stop focusing on the rest of her. Play with her body and move your hands all over her. Massage her, stroke her and grab her all over. It’ll turn your girl on a lot more than just focusing on the missionary.

Refresh sex all the time. The primary reason why sex starts to get boring is be-

This column is x-rated cause it can get rather repetitive after a while. The typical foreplay-followed-bymissionary-position sex may be the most comfortable of all positions and it may feel intimate too, but every now and then, try something new just to bring a change into your bedroom. Just when sex starts to get predictable, bring an interesting twist into it. By refreshing sex all the time, you can make each time you make love with your woman feel like a one night stand!

Bite, lick and suck. Kissing is sensual and romantic. But don’t stop there. Let her feel your passion when you bite her and tongue her body. And here’s something to remember, a good love bite in the strategic regions will still feel just as passionate to a woman even after several years of going out with each other.

Be outrageous. Sex gets sexier the more wild and outrageous it feels. If you want to satisfy your woman, learn to get risqué with your actions. Do something bold now and then, and sex will feel a lot more exciting. The wilder your thoughts and actions, the sexier the sex will be.

Her orgasm first. The last tip to satisfy your woman is only the most important one. The perfect orgasm is the high point of lovemaking. And if you orgasm before her, it’s almost certain that she’ll have to make do without an orgasm.

Control your erection better and learn to hold on for longer, so you can satisfy your woman completely before you orgasm.

Female

33

Angle

JACQUI IWU 08165049669 email: amiicaregroup@aol.com

Says who?

He is not married...he is divorced and single so we cannot give him a major post in the company/country’’. She is a single lady..a single mother so we cannot trust her to be a leader/ counselor/mentor in our church or company’’. CRAP!!! Complete bullshit ..if you ask me!!

Ofcourse you would only hear such silly statements from Africans yet there are people who are married but could perfectly qualified to be refered to as being ‘’single’’ even when living under the same roof with each other.... so who is fooling who here? Why do Africans tend to draw themselves backwards with irrelevant issues that does them no good?

What has one being married got to do with one’s career/Talent/skills abilities? If you are a moron and incompetent as a single person, simply marrying someone can not turn you into a genius over night huh? Can it? Some will come with the argument that ..eehhhhmmm being married will make him and her more responsible so he/she will not mess up ..bla..bla..blahhh. Have you not seen married executives still having useless romantic flings with their staff ?

Stealling company money...misusing company’s name /image etc? Infact if we scrutinize this issue very well, married executives tend to carry more ugly baggage that can destroy their job more than singles. Most married people are always distracted by one family/marital issues or the other rendering them ineffective in their jobs. Meanwhile you have great singles (male/females) who just focus on their career and how to make themselves and company proud and not always giving series of excuses of one family problem or the other.

Most men who are under stress today with their jobs are simply extending their stale marriage issues to their jobs and this has crippled lots of companies.

I have a steady paper on -EXECUTIVES &STRESS MANAGEMENT which i deliver regularly to companies organizing conferences/workshops for their Employees and each time i get to ‘’stale marriage’’ as a major cause of stress for executives, the entire participants will scrub all their ears and sharpen their senses and the responses i get from these men and women are always overwhelming...meaning that most of them are suffering from this particular marriage issue. So for one to come and give a lame excuse that a single lady/man cannot be assigned to a political posi-

tion or top position in an establishment because of no marriage is SILLY!.

It is even worse in churches where you see credible youngmen and women who would make fantastic spiritual leaders and who understand what the world is all about presently being put down and ridiculed just because they are single. What-the- heck? The hypocrisy in our Present churches is one area that boils my blood each time i see how those who claim to dine and party with GOD on a daily basis give their opinions/Discriminate. These same people in such churches will still be the same to load up all kinds of tapes and DVDs of foriegn single Evangelists and preachers and play them like they are drinking water. Then when it comes to your fellow citizens here in Africa, such singles are not qualified even when you see pure qualification written all over them. Your mind will simply focus on ‘’marriage’’ and not such singles achieving what you want them to achieve.

He/she cannot make a good marriage counselor because he/she is not married!!

Have you not seen married counselors who are always off point and make issues worse when they counsel people?

Why do Africans close their minds to things that can liberate people and make life comfortable and easy for them? Why? Obviously if you are gunning for your dream job or in a religious setup where people you deal with always feel because you are single, you are totally useless and can not make meaningful contribution, it means you are dealing with the wrong people/company. Get out of there as fast as you enetered or else by the time you even get married, you will lose your sanity and decent ways of living life. Anyone who uses marriage to measure another person’s capabilities and usefulness in life should be avoided by all means. Such person can never see any thing good in you no matter how hard, good you are and try to perform your duties...so why waste your time and energy trying to prove yourself ? You certainly do not have to prove anything as long as you know what you are capable of doing. What you rather do is to look for people who understand what life is all about ...those who would appreciate you and not judge you with being married or not. Singles should be happy because it is an opportunity to do great things!!

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July 11, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Woman Empowering women is my passion The informal sector is where you find many women mak ing a living in Nigeria. As a re sult of the harsh economic situat ion, many of them settle for loans from banks, especially, mic rofinance banks, to set up their bu sinesses.

But no many women fin d taking loans easy as they clai m that it is frustrating accessing the facility from the banks. Th is problem of sourcing loans for se tting up business has however inspired Mrs. Faliat kofoworola, a leader at Welfare Market, Ebute Ero, Lagos Island, to lend a helpin g hand.

In this interview with Pa tience Ogbo, she explains ho w she has been supporting wom en who train under her by giving them start-up capital. Excerp ts:

What kind of parents were your parents?

My parents are the best any child can wish for. They were very responsible and would spare no rod to have us spoilt. They never left us under any other person’s care; they took up the responsibility of training and tutoring us. They ensured that we lived well. They taught us so much to last us a lifetime. Some of my mother’s words that would never be off my memory are; be true to yourself, control your temper and live your life in such a way that you will achieve the purpose of your earthly existence. She taught me how to take charge of

my life, the best way to handle situations, the ways to listen to one’s inner heart and how to cope with life challenges. I want to believe that these training I got from them worked positively for me. It helped me to be focused, determined and not feel jittery when faced with life challenges.

What effect would you say all of these have had on your life style?

A lot I must confess. I am conscious of the essence of keeping a good name no matter what it costs. They taught me to always comport myself in a responsible way wherever I am. I don’t just wear anything just be-

cause of anything; I don’t just go anywhere, talk anyhow or associate myself with anybody just for the fun of it. I have a name o protect. As a matter of fact, I also want this legacy to keep flowing in my generation.

But most women are oblivious of this fact. What would you attribute this to?

The worst thing that can happen to any home is the existence of an irresponsible woman. Wherever there is one, there cannot be a responsible home; the children cannot also be responsible. The reason is whatever somebody does not have; he or she can never give. So, for someone who is

irresponsible, she is simply unaware of responsible things. She cannot raise a child that is responsible. That is why it is good for wives to be responsible. They are the bedrock of every home.

What‘s your advice on this?

My advice on this is that parents should do more to be self-disciplined. It is in this that they can have something tangible to offer their children who in turn will end up having good influence on the society at large. Parents should know that the job of raising responsible children is not an easy one and it rests largely on them. Charity,

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35

July 11, 2015

It is necessary for women to train under an experienced business owner before they start

their own. It is not wise to start without learning from people who have been in the business for long and this is why many women’s businesses collapse they say, begins at home. If we, parents will take time out to instill the right attitude and behavioural patterns in our children, they will grow up with a good conscience.

They will be able to divide between what is right and what is not. Whether we are there or not, they would have known the real reasons they must live right. Parents should devote more time to their wards, give more training and live a life of good example. We must strive to gain our children’s trust and respect.

For how long have you been in business and what do you trade in?

I sell fabrics, and I have been doing that for more than twenty years now. I love fabrics and as a young girl, I went after lovely fabrics. Selling fabrics gives me some satisfaction and to me, that is what I am cut out to do.

How easy was it starting your business and how has it been?

I started with the little money I saved and over the years, I have grown into a major dealer in all sorts of fabrics, which include lace, Ankara and other materials. I have three big shops. One of my daughters is running one of my shops. I love selling fabrics. Because of the ease with which I do it, I think I am just blessed to be in the trade. I have never regretted doing this business. I love my business so much that some other women admire me. And that is why they chose me as their leader, Iya Loja. I have a lot of customers. People buy my clothes in bulk for wedding, burial , and other celebrations while some other people buy and resell . I sell in wholesale and retail, depending on the purchasing power of my customers. I have also trained many people in the business and they are successful today.

How many women have you trained?

I cannot count the number of women I have trained because they are many. They are more than fifty. Some of them have gone out of Lagos; about twelve women selling fabrics here on the Island were trained by me . I taught them the skills and empowered them to start their shops. I still have ten women learning in my three shops.

Do women need to go through any major training before starting a business like this?

Of course, they do. It is necessary for women to train under an experienced business owner before they start their own. It is not wise to start without learning from people who have been in the business for long and this is why many women’s businesses collapse. Buying and selling fabrics take a lot of patience and intelligence. Business women need to learn how to talk to customers, learn what price to sell and un-

derstand the business before starting her own shop. There are some fabrics you feel your customers will buy but you find out that after arranging them in your shop, those fabrics are lying there for weeks .

A business woman who has training and experience will know what to do if such a situation arises . There are also times that you have to sell less than what you have bought. For someone who has not received training, such person will refuse to sell but a woman who knows what to do, understands that it is not all the time you make profit from a particular fabric. Rather, she can sell another fabric at a more expensive rate so that she can make up for her loss.

These are some of the intricacies in the business that women who work with me learn and they are using the skills they acquire to empower themselves.

What form does the training take?

The women usually come through a third party who is willing to stand as their guarantor. It is important that the women have interest in the business and I will not allow unserious persons to take advantage of me. The women learn the business by staying in the shop and watching how I talk with my customers. They learn how to bargain and make a profit. For instance, if a fabric is N600, I can tell her to sell for N750 and if she succeeds in selling at N750, then she gets the profits that accrue from those sales. But there are those women that come to work for me. I pay them salaries at the end of the month. Also those who have learnt from me also teach the trainees. They know how much I buy the fabrics and what they should sell. I have two sets of women. So, there are those who come to learn and I don’t pay them, but they can stay for like one to two years. If they have learnt what they came for, then we carry out a small celebration which we call “Freedom” . There will be drinks and food and her family members will be around to celebrate with her. Some of them will give me money and other gifts to show their appreciation and in turn I give them certificates and I bless them. If I discover that a particular woman is ready for the business, I empower her to start her own shop. I help her get a shop and equip the shop for her. These women are the ones providing for their families as they have become successful business women.

Is the empowerment facility only for women selling fabrics?

It is not only the women who sell fabrics that we empower. As their market leader, I and other members of the executive usually hold meeting with the women on Thursdays where we listen to their complaints and we tell them our plans for the market. Some women, who are having challenges about money to continue in their businesses speak to us during such meetings and we take their complaints to the leader of all the markets in Lagos State, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu Ojo. She is a kind woman willing to listen to any complaints we bring to her. She ensures that women get soft loans and those having issues with their shops are attended to.

What about those who may want to change the businesses?

Some who want to change their businesses also get support, financially and other wise. We help women who come to us that they need money to start their businesses. The woman can be from any part of the country. We do not discriminate against any woman based on tribe or religion. We only encourage them to register with us and they are assured of support anytime they need help.

Keeping ABREAST Between boots and heels

Police cadet, 18, makes it to final of Miss England competition been really supportive. I thought they might not take me seriously when they saw my more feminine side. But they’ve been great. So have all the officers at the station.

“It was a bit of a shock for them when they saw the pictures of me in my ball gown, because they were used to seeing me in my uniform with no makeup on.

But they were fine about it. I got into modelling earlier this year because I felt mature enough to handle the responsibility if I won Miss England.

There’s a perception that the modelling world is bitchy and competitive but that’s not been my experience at all.”

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trainee police officer has proved she ‘makes an arresting sight’ after reaching the finals of Miss England.

Olivia Green, 18, will swap her police uniform for high heels when she goes up against nine other women vying for the beauty title next month.

The Lincolnshire Police cadet wowed judges in the semi-final of the prestigious competition on Sunday after previously being crowned Miss Skegness.

The rookie cop, from Skegness, Lincolnshire, said she was confident she can juggle both a career in the police and as a model.

She added: “I definitely want to be a police detective. I’m determined to go into the force but I think I can do modelling as well.

“Being Miss England would give me a platform to work with the community. I think I could make it work, switching from my boots to my heels.

“All the male cadets I work with have

Olivia recently finished her A-Levels at Skegness Grammar school and has been offered a place at the University of Nottingham to study law this autumn.

Her ultimate goal is to follow in the footsteps of her late grandfather who was a chief inspector in the Lincolnshire force for more than a decade.

She plans to continue her cadet training while she studies for her degree and fulfils her role as a beauty queen.

Olivia raises money through her modelling, including the Miss England charity, Beauty with a Purpose, which donates to all UK children’s charities. She also supports the Ryan Smith Foundation, which seeks to raise awareness of the dangers of cycling without a helmet. Olivia went to school with Ryan, 18, who suffered severe brain injuries when he was cycling on July 22, 2013 and was involved in a collision with a van.

The Miss England final will be held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on August 13. It will feature a sportswear round, an interview where contestants are asked to reveal interesting facts about themselves, and a ball gown round. The winner of the competition will represent England at Miss World in America which has a top prize of £65,000.

Parenting

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July 11, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

12 safety devices to protect your children at home ies at least once a year or consider using 10-year batteries.

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illions of children are injured or killed by hazards in the home each year. The good news is that many of these incidents can be prevented by using simple child safety devices on the market today.

Any safety device you buy should be sturdy enough to prevent injury to your child, yet easy for you to use. It’s important to follow installation instructions carefully. In addition, if you have older children in the house, be sure they’re secure safety devices. Remember, too, that no device is completely childproof; determined youngsters have been known to disable them.

Here are some child safety devices that can help prevent many injuries to young children.

Use safety latches and locks: Use safety latches and locks for cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas to help prevent poisonings and other injuries. Safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers can help prevent children from gaining access to medicines and household cleaners, as well as knives and other sharp objects.

Look for safety latches and locks that adults can easily install and use, but are sturdy enough to withstand pulls and tugs from children. Safety latches are not

a guarantee of protection, but they can make it more difficult for children to reach dangerous substances. Even products with child-resistant packaging should be locked away, out of reach; this packaging is not childproof.

Use safety gates: Use safety gates to help prevent falls down stairs and to keep children away from dangerous areas. Safety gates can help keep children away from stairs or rooms that have hazards in them. Look for safety gates that children cannot dislodge easily, but that adults can open and close without difficulty. For the top of stairs, gates that screw to the wall are more secure than “pressure gates.” If you have an older safety gate, be sure it doesn’t have “V” shapes that are large enough for a child’s head and neck to fit into.

Use door knob covers and door locks: Use door knob covers and door locks to help prevent children from entering rooms and other areas with possible dangers. Door knob covers and door locks can help keep children away from places with hazards, including swimming pools. Be sure the door knob cover is sturdy enough not to break, but allows a door to be opened quickly by an adult in case of emergency. By restricting access to potentially haz-

ParentingUpdate A

predominantly processedfood diet at the age of three is associated with a lower IQ at the age of eight and a half. Diets high in fat, sugar and processed foods are lowering children’s IQ, a new study suggests.

The report says that eating habits among three year olds shapes brain performance as they get older.

A predominantly processedfood diet at the age of three is directly associated with a lower IQ at the age of eight and a half, according to a Bristol-based study of thousands of British children.

The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children is tracking the long-term health and wellbeing of around 14,000 children.

Food packed with vitamins and

nutrients notably helped boost mental performance as youngsters got older, the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health reports.

Researchers said toddlers’ diets could change IQ levels later in childhood, even if eating habits improve with age.

“This suggests that any cognitive/behavioural effects relating to eating habits in early childhood may well persist into later childhood, despite any subsequent changes to dietary intake,” the authors wrote.

During the study, parents completed questionnaires detailing the types and frequency of the food and drink their children consumed when they were three, four, seven and eight-and-a-half

ardous rooms in the home, door knob covers could help prevent many kinds of injuries. To prevent access to swimming pools, door locks should be placed high out of reach of young children.

Locks should be used in addition to fences and door alarms. Sliding glass doors, with locks that must be re-secured after each use, are often not an effective barrier to pools.

Use window guards and safety netting: Use window guards and safety netting to help prevent falls from windows, balconies, decks, and landings. Window guards and safety netting for balconies and decks can help prevent serious falls.

Check these safety devices

frequently to make sure they are secure and properly installed and maintained. There should be no more than four inches between the bars of the window guard. If you have window guards, be sure at least one window in each room can be easily used for escape in a fire. Window screens are not effective for preventing children from falling out of windows.

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

Tiny Feet

Use anti-scald devices: Use anti-scald devices for faucets and shower heads and set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent burns from hot water. Anti-scald devices for regulating water temperature can help prevent burns.

Consider using anti-scald devices for faucets and showerheads.

A plumber may need to install these. In addition, if you live in your own home, set water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent burns from hot water.

Use smoke detectors: Use smoke detectors on every level of your home and near bedrooms to alert you to fires. Smoke detectors are essential safety devices for protection against fire deaths and injuries. Check smoke detectors once a month to make sure they’re working. If detectors are battery-operated, change batter-

NAME: FIYINFOLUWA Tobalase BORN TO: Mr and Mrs Oladejo AGE: 8 days old BIRTH WEIGHT: 2.5 kg Have you just had a baby? Send a picture of your bundle of joy to mirrorbabies@gmail.com

Poor diets may lower children’s IQ years old.

Every one-point increase in the study’s dietary pattern score – a record of processed fat intake – was associated with a 1.67-point fall in IQ. The brain grows at its fastest rate during the first three years of life.

“It is possible that good nutrition during this period may encourage optimal brain growth,” the report added.

The School Food Trust’s director of research, Michael Nelson, said: “Given that around 23% of children start school either overweight or obese, it’s absolutely clear that healthy choices as part of their early development will stand children in good stead – not only for keeping a healthy weight

as they grow up, but as this evidence suggests, improving their ability to do well at school.

“These findings also demonstrate the importance of helping

everyone involved with children’s early development to get the information and advice they need on good nutrition.”

Culled from sciencedaily.com

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LIVING

July 11, 2015

37

Marriage collapse: Why things are falling apart MUDA OYENIRAN writes on why marriages are collapsing at

an alarming rate

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hen Bisi met Mr. Morakinyo Oyewole sometimes in 1997, it was love at first sight. The duo soon becomes heads over heels in love with each other; one could hardly do without the other and they were always seen together.

Expectedly, the relationship culminated in a traditional marriage two years later specifically on the 13th February 1999 followed by a church wedding on the following day.

They became Mr. and Mrs. Oyewole The marriage was blessed with two children and the marital bliss continued until sometimes in 2002 when the husband, Mr. Morakinyo Oyewole decided to quit his paid employment at Leventis Motor as Maintenance Engineer to answer the call of God upon his life.

Apart from quitting his job, he sowed most of the family properties as seeds to the church including the family car. Things went bad for him that he could no longer pay his children’s school fees. He had to send his children to his brother who owns a school in Ikare, Ondo state who took up the responsibility for the education of his children Also he had to rely on his wife and inlaws for sustenance. When the situation became unbearable for her, she opted for divorce and her request was granted For the Ibehs, it was the continuous absence of the husband, Mr. Joseph Bartholomew Ibeh from home and his alleged sexual weakness that led to his wife, Enen to having extramarital affairs. According to Enen, she could no longer bear the sexual deprivation and had to seek succor from outside. It got to a point that she brought one of the men home and introduced him as one her family members.

While admitting to her misdemeanor, Enen said: “My husband is not around most of the time, and even whenever he is around, he was always complaining of being tired knowing full well that he would not be around in the next two weeks. What would I have done in such a situation?

Due to this act of infidelity and waywardness, Mr. Ibeh had to approach the Agege Customary court for divorce and the court was left with no other option than to grant his request.

In the case of Nafisat Lawal and Ahmed Osoba, it was a case of frequent beating by the latter that forced her to seek for a divorce. According to Nafisat, her hubby’s incessant beatings always result to injuries for her and sometimes with devastating consequences. She disclosed how she lost two pregnancies (the first at 5 months and the second at birth) owing to his incessant beatings.

Nafisat and her family members were so aggrieved that all efforts by concerned people and court mediation, they opted for

divorce and the court was left with no other option than to dissolve the union.

For the Oloruntobas who had been married for 30 years, trouble started in the marriage when Mrs. Modupe Oloruntoba, a mother of five grown up children, noticed that her husband, Mr. Isaac Oloruntoba was becoming fetish and diabolical in his ways.

According to her, it got a time in their relationship when Mr. Oloruntoba would sprinkle their room with his urine and water brought from unknown sources and thereafter make love to her. “When I confronted him about his strange behavior, he told me that he was doing it in the interest of the family, but I did not believe him because he did not carry me along. So I had to run away from the house for fear being used for ritual purposes” This situation is no different from that of Mr. Joseph Odusina who alleged that he found fetish object in his wife’s wardrobe. He also accused his wife, Mrs. Basirat Odusina of taking his photograph to their church for deliverance without his permission. He also disclosed that he was always afraid whenever he saw his wife.

Some marriages also collapse as a result of husband’s accusing their wives of being unappreciative of their contribution to the upliftment of the home. According to Mr. Ajibola Akanji, his wife, Olaide Akanji never appreciates his effort at making the marriage work. He disclosed he always do more than he was expected to do in term of his financial responsibility to the family. But inspite of this, his wife always insult him. “I pay up to N180, 000 per term as school fees for my first daughter and I never shirk in my other responsibilities as the head of the family. But in spite of all this my wife has never shown any appreciation. Rather, she always makes me feel inadequate as her husband. I am fed up with her” The scenarios above captured some of the reasons why couples seek divorce in many of the customary courts in the land. Investigations by Saturday Mirror revealed that infidelity, domestic violence

and financial problems were the major reasons why marriage are collapsing.

Commenting on the issue, the Court President at the Agege Customary Court, Mr. Adekunle Williams said the major reason why divorce requests by couples are granted was if the issue at hand was lifethreatening.

According to him, whenever any suit is brought to court, the court usually intervenes in the matter in order to salvage the situation. This is usually referred to as mediation where we bring both parties together including their family members and try to resolve their differences.

But if this failed, we proceed to the hearing stage where both the petitioner and the respondent state their sides of the story.

But even at this stage, we are very reluctant to dissolve the union and we usually counsel the couple on the need to tolerate each other no matter what the situation was. But if all efforts failed we would be left with no other option than to separate the couple since we cannot force two unwilling partners on each other.

It is just that couples are blinded by love and exuberance.

If they were observant enough during courtship, these problems would have been detected early. and if they could not be resolved, the two people would have gone their separate ways

Also speaking on the issue, the Court President at Iyana Ipaja Customary Court, Mrs. Salewa Banjoko said the major consideration of the court in any divorce suit is the children of the couples involved. “Our first consideration is the innocent children of the marriage who will certainly bear the brunt of the divorce. We always try to minimize the pains of the divorce on the children.

“This is why we always ensure that we give the custody of the younger ones to the mother who we believe would take care of them better while at the same order the men involved to pay monthly feeding and education allowance of the children directly to the court in order to ensure that the innocent children were not made to suffer the pains of the separation”, Banjoko explained She added: “If the husband is the petitioner, he must provide accommodation for his wife for a period of one year after the divorce as well pay a reasonable sum of money as compensation to the wife” However in his submission, a marriage counselor, Mr. Segun Idowu urged couples aspiring to get married to observe themselves thoroughly during their courtship saying most of what eventually became problems during the marriage proper had always been there. “It is just that the couples were blinded by love and exuberance.

If they were observant enough, these problems would have been detected early and if they cannot be resolved, the two people would have gone their separate ways. It is better they separate at that stage since a failed court ship is always better than a failed marriage” While giving recipe for a successful marriage, the counselor said: “For a marriage to succeed the couples involved must be physically, socially, academically compatible. If there is a huge gap between the couples in any of these areas, there may be problems. Besides, both the husband and the wife should be alive to their responsibilities. While the husband should provide for his family, the wife is duties bound to respect and honour her husband”

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July 11, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘My husband doesn’t believe in taking care of a woman’

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housewife, Mrs.Tawa Gazali has told the Iyana Ipaja Customary Court that her husband, Mr.Fatai Gazali do not provide for the family regularly saying that when he provided at all, he would give the children because does not believe in taking care of a woman as long as she is working.

She also accused her husband of boasting about everything he has done as if he was the only one

‘I can’t control my hatred towards my husband’ • Since I left him 17 years ago with the children, he failed to take care of them, leaving me to cater for the feeding and schooling of the children —Wife

Stories by: Muda Oyeniran

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house wife, Mrs. Kehinde Adika has told the Iyana Ipaja Customary Court that she could no longer control her hatred for her husband, Mr. Lamidi Adika because the latter has caused her so much pains.

She therefore prayed the court to dissolve the union which was contracted in 1990 under native law and custom. The marriage was blessed with two grown-up children namely Adijat Adika(24) and Quadri(22) According to Mrs. Adika who is the petitioner in the case, her husband who is the respondent has done many unpalatable and unforgettable things in the course of their marriage which has found difficult to erase from her memory till date “But instead of him to be remorseful, he brought me to court in 1997 for divorce and we were advised to settle the matter at home. However his family failed to rebuke him properly. It got to a point that I could no longer control my hatred towards him that I decided to pack out of my matrimonial home 1998 in order to prevent me from committing an offence”, the petitioner explained She added: “Since I left him 17 years ago with the children, he

failed to take care of them leaving me to cater for the feeding and schooling of the children. In 2012, I took the children to see him for the first time and he promised to take care of their education” However the petitioner said she was taken aback by the respondent’s reaction when their first child, Adijat got admission to the Polytechnic Ibadan in 2014 after two unsuccessful attempts to secure admission to the school of nursing for two years.

“Adijat called him and the respondent requested that the phone be put on speaker, he thereafter said unpleasant words to me and the two children because of Adijat’s school fees”, she stated The petitioner added: “He would always ask the children to come and celebrate Ileya festival but he would not provide transport fare which made it difficult for the children to visit him” She appealed to the court to compel the respondent to live up

to his responsibility on their two children. “He should be responsible for Adijat’s schooling and the purchase of equipment needed by Quadri so that he could perform his graduation for screen printing In her remarks, the Court President, Mrs. Salewa Banjoko said it was obvious that the relationship between the couple had broken down irretrievably.

She thereafter dissolved the marriage

‘My wife is pregnant for an okada man, pastor alleges’

• They came to my house at about 11p.m. There was a day I had to interrogate a man that she brought home. She introduced him to me as her pastor —Husband

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popular Lagos-based pastor has accused his wife of gross infidelity and getting pregnant for an Okada rider.

The 45-year old cleric, who heads Victory in Christ Gospel Ministry, Egbeda, Chris Onyekachi-Madu, made this shocking revelation at an Igando Customary court while pleading for the dissolution of their union.

The couple, who once lived

peacefully at No. 1, Bola Kadiri Street in Egbeda area of Lagos State, are currently caught in a divorce saga, as the pastor want his estranged wife, Augusta Madu, out of his life for getting pregnant for another man.

The man of God stated that he doesn’t love his wife anymore because she slept with a motorcyclist in his house, got pregnant for him and moved out of her matrimonial home to start living with him.

Recounting his horrible experience to the listening of the members of the court, Pastor Madu said his wife, with whom he had two children, started fighting him on a daily basis while also bringing strange men into their home.

“They come to my house at about 11p.m. There was a day I had to interrogate a man that she brought home. She introduced him to me as her pastor,” CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

providing for the family Mrs. Gazali who is the petitioner in the case also described her husband (the respondent) as a wife beater saying he beats her at the slightest provocation. She told the court that the respondent beats her on filmsy excuses to the extent that she got fed up with the situation and had to pack out of the house on April 22, 2015 According to the petitioner, the last straw that broke the camel’s back was when the respondent went to report her to her uncle, one Mr. Fatai Ibrahim and both of them had an argument “Subsequently because of the quarrel, the atmosphere at home became terrible and there was no peace. He threatened me with strong words. He also went to my shop to destroy my goods. This made me to be afraid that I had to run away from him.

In his testimony in court, the respondent acknowledged that he beats the petitioner occasionally According to him; the incident that led to her moving away from home was caused by the money found in her purse by her cousin during the Walimat Quran of their children which took place on April 17, 2015 “The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) had disconnected the electricity supply to our house due to unpaid bill. I requested her to release the money found in her purse to settle the bill which I promised to refund later. Instead of granting my request, she rained unpleasant words on me which led to exchange of words between us”, the respondent explained He added: “I later went to report her to her Uncle, Mr. Fatai Ibrahim who rather than settle the matter aggravated it. So when I got home, both us quarreled for four days. This made her to pack out of the house” On the allegation of lack of care of the family leveled against him, the respondent told the court that he took care of his family to the best of his ability.

He pleaded with the court not to dissolve the marriage because he was still in love with the petitioner.

However, the court president, Mrs. Salewa Banjoko in her remarks said it was glaring that the marriage between the couple had broken down irretrievably, she therefore dissolved the marriage.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

DIVORCE COURT

July 11, 2015

39

‘My husband is mentally sick’

• I have stayed with him for 20 years, thinking he would get well. He always exhibits his madness by destroying our household items and misbehaving. I discovered after I had my first baby but I decided to stay —Wife • My wife wants to quit our marriage just because of my state of health. I believe God will heal me one day —Husband

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n Igando Customary Court in Lagos has dissolved a 20-yearold marriage between Mrs Abosede Lawal and her husband Demola due to the husband’s insanity.

The petitioner, Abosede Lawal had filed an application seeking divorce from her husband over his mental sickness, threat to her life and irresponsible acts.

She said that her husband, Demola, whom she married 20 years ago, had mental sickness that she discovered after she had her first baby.

“My husband is mentally sick; I have stayed with him for 20 years, thinking he would get well, he always exhibits his madness by destroying our household items and misbehaving.

“I discovered after I had my first baby but I decided to stay praying to God to cure him of the illness,” Abosede, a dress designer said.

The petitioner also accused her husband of always threatening her life with acid and dangerous weapons.

“My husband brought acid home and he always threatens to pour it on me saying that he wanted to disfigure me so that I will look unattractive to people,” she added.

The mother of five described Demola as an irresponsible husband and father.

“My husband refused to take care of the family. I pay our bills because anytime I asked him for feeding money or the children’s school fees, he beats me up.

“He had sent me out of my matrimonial home on many occasions, sometime I will spend two years or more with my mother before returning home,” Abosede said.

The respondent, Mr Demola Lawal, a 47 year old mechanic, accepted the allegation of insanity.

He said that his wife wanted him to divorce her because of his sickness.

“My wife wanted to quit our marriage just because of my state of health, I believe God will heal me one day,” Demola said.

He confessed to beating up his wife because, according to him, she was dating their landlord.

Demola claimed that he was only using the acid to threaten her but that he never meant to harm her with it.

Delivering his judgment, the president of the court, Mr Hakeem Oyekan said that it appeared that the estranged couple was tired of the marriage and all efforts to reconcile both parties had failed.

“Since both parties consented to the dissolution of their marriage, this court has no choice than to dissolve the marriage.

“The couple can no longer stay together because the marriage has broken down totally, both parties are no longer husband and wife, they are free to go their separate ways.

“Both parties are to keep peace all the time, any violation of the order should be reported to the police for redress.” Oyekan ruled(QED)

‘My wife is pregnant for an okada man, pastor alleges’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38 he narrated.

He said further that his wife later brought an Okada man to his house, who she introduced to him as someone that would be taking their children to and from school. But after taking his children to school in the morning and bringing them back later in the day,

the motorcyclist would take his wife away, sometimes in his presence, adding that this happened on three consecutive occasions, after which she slept over the fourth time.

However, after listening to the evidence of the complainant, the President of the court, Rasack Isola-Adeyeri, adjourned the matter for further hearing.

‘My husband is always drunk’ • He is drunk most of the time, to the extent that he would come home with dirty clothes, not able to control his actions —Wife • Although I drink, I never misbehave —Husband

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rs.Sarah Ewahi has dragged her husband, Mr. Mike Ewahi before the Iyana Ipaja Customary Court over his shameful acts whenever he drank himself to stupor saying he once switch on the gas, poured out petrol from the generator to burn the house “If not for God, I would not be alive today. He is drunk most of the time, to the extent that he would come home with dirty clothes, not able to control his actions by sleeping overnight in the compound”, she added Mrs. Ewahi who is the petitioner in the case told the court that she and her husband (who is the respondent) quarreled regularly since the onset of the marriage which usually led to her been beaten by him.

“The last straw that broke the camel’s back was the Lekki incident which resulted in being beaten by the respondent on August 14, 2011 which made me to pack my belongings and left my matrimonial home in August 2011.

When we got married, he was taken care of the family but

after a year he stopped. It was his boss, who was assisting us whenever I got fed up and went to his office to report him to his boss”, the petitioner explained She added: “Since I packed out, nothing was received from him towards the upkeep/schooling of our son until the court gave an interim order of N5000” She described the respondent as an arrogant person saying whenever her parents tried to settle their quarrels; he would speak rudely to them Due to the aforementioned reasons, the petitioner said she was no longer interested in the marriage. She therefore prayed the court to dissolve the union as well as upholding the reliefs sought.

However in his testimony in court, the respondent denied all allegations leveled against him by the petitioner.

He denied ever beaten the petitioner even in the case of the Lekki incident which she mentioned.

He told the court that he could not have beaten her be-

cause he was driving the car saying it was the petitioner who tried to pull, beat and drag him in the car.

He also denied the allegation that he did not take care of his family adding that he took care of his son to the best of his ability He acknowledged that he drinks but he said he never misbehaved when they were together and claimed to be respectful to the petitioner’s parents.

The respondent said he would like the marriage to be sustained because he still loved the petitioner However in her judgement, the Court President, Mrs. Salewa Banjoko said it was glaring that the marriage between the couple had broken down completely due to the aforementioned reasons.

She therefore dissolved the union and awarded the custody of the only child of the union to the petitioner. She also ordered the respondent to be paying the sum of N5000 as monthly upkeep allowance for the child through the petitioner’s bank account.

People

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July 11, 2015

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Meet the bearded lady!

Harnaam Kaur breaks all barriers

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arnaam Kaur first started growing facial hair at the age of 11. She was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition that causes a hormone imbalance in women. From then on, her life was a constant battle; she suffered from bullying, which eventually led her to harm herself.

The hair quickly spread to her chest and arms, and the condition made her the victim of taunts at school and on the streets.

She even received death threats from strangers over the Internet. But at the age of 16, she decided enough was enough: She was going to embrace herself for exactly the person she is. Kaur stopped waxing and shaving her face to unleash the full glory of her beard upon the world.

“I decided to keep my beard and step forward against society’s expectations of what a woman should look like. Today I am not suicidal and I do not self harm. Today I am happy living as a young beautiful bearded woman. I have realized that this body is mine, I own it. I do not have any other body to live in, so I may as well love it unconditionally.

“I would never ever go back now and remove my facial hair because it’s the way God made me and I’m happy with the way I am. I feel more feminine, more sexy and I think I look it too. I’ve learned to love myself for who I am. Nothing can shake me now.”

During her early teens, Kaur was so ashamed of her beard that she waxed twice a week, and also tried bleaching and shaving. But the hair became thicker and spread. She felt so self-conscious that she refused to leave her house.

She even began harming herself and even considered suicide. She said, “I got bullied badly. At school, I was called a “beardo” and things like “shemale” and “sheman.”

“I can laugh about it now. But back then, it affected me so badly that I began to selfharm because it felt better than all the abuse I was getting.

“I’d talk to people with a hand over my face and I wore baggy, tomboy clothes to cover up the hair on my chest and arms. I didn’t want to go outside my house because I couldn’t take the stares from strangers so I’d lock myself in my room. It got so bad that I just didn’t want to live anymore.”

The decision to grow out her beard and stop agonizing about it proved controversial – especially with her family. Kaur said: “My mum and dad didn’t want me to do it – they didn’t think I’d be able to have a normal life if I had a beard.

“They worried that I wouldn’t be able to get married and that I’d never get a job.

But I wanted to make my own decisions and live for myself – not anyone else. I’d had enough of hiding. I’d had enough of

the bullying and the self-harming and the suicidal thoughts. I wanted to change my whole outlook on life and I thought it was time to stop locking myself away – I had to do something about it.”

Her parents have come to terms with her decision – and her brother Gurdeep Singh, 18, is her biggest supporter.

She said: “It was incredibly daunting going outside because people would stare more than ever.

“At first I was angry, but I realised that

they didn’t understand and were probably too afraid to ask me. So I just decided to smile back.”

But it hasn’t been all smooth and easy.

Kaur has struggled to get a job and even shaved off her beard at the age of 17 after pressure from members of her extended family.

She said: “I removed my beard once during a really low moment. But when I’d done it, all I could do was cry because I didn’t feel like myself without my beard.

I love my beard and all my other little quirks – my tattoos, my scars, stretch marks and blemishes. I want other women to find the strength that I have. If I had any message, it would be to live the way you want.

It’s your journey and it’s your life

“My brother was actually the one person who was completely shocked by what I had done. He hugged me and said I had looked so beautiful with my beard, and that he didn’t understand why I had done it. It was from that point that I thought I’m never going to remove it ever again.”

Since then, Kaur has been employed at a local Sikh primary school as a teaching assistant and her confidence has soared.

She said: “I still get shop assistants calling me “sir” and strange looks from people. They see my beard first and realise I’ve actually got breasts too. It must be confusing for a lot of people. The funniest reactions I get are from the children at my school. Some ask me what my beard is and I joke it’s a Halloween costume. Some even ask me where I buy it and I just say “Asda.”

“I can laugh about it now. Sometimes I say I’m a man and I put on a deep voice to scare other people because it’s quite funny to see their reaction.”

Despite often being mistaken for a man, Kaur says she feels more feminine than ever. She chooses girly tops over baggy, high-necked jumpers. Hear her, “I’m able to go out and shop in the women’s section without feeling I shouldn’t be there. I wear skirts, dresses and jewellery and I like to get my nails done like every other girl.”

Kaur hopes her story will help other women find self-confidence. She has decided to share her story on YouTube – and continues to upload videos despite receiving death threats.

Says Kaur, “I’ve had people telling me they’re going to burn me and throw a brick at me – all sorts of things like that.

But I’ve also had a lot of positive messages from women in the same situation as me.

I’ve also had loads of nice comments from men all over the world. One even asked me to marry him.

“I haven’t found a potential husband yet. I still get some grief from the men in my community and it does still seem to be a barrier to marriage.

“But I’m young and there’s still plenty of time for that. All that matters to me at the moment is that I love myself. I love my beard and all my other little quirks – my tattoos, my scars, stretch marks and blemishes.

“I want other women to find the strength that I have. If I had any message, it would be to live the way you want. It’s your journey and it’s your life.”

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July 11, 2015

Acute Otitis Media in children Doctor Talabi has answers to your health questions

Write him today at prettyprevent@gmail.com or text 09099346165 (sms only pls)

I

nfection of the middle ear (Otitis media) is one of the popular causes of fever in children.

It is quite common in children less than three years where it may prove a diagnostic dilemma, as these children cannot talk about their symptoms. The ear is an important organ used in hearing and balancing. It is made up of the pinna, which is the circular outer structure seen by everyone and referred to as the Ear. It is this outer ‘fan’ that traps sound waves and transmit through the ear canal into the middle ear. You may be tempted to think that those of us with big ears will have better hearing as more sound waves can be trapped. You are wrong! This is because other parts of the ear apparatus are no less important in ensuring that the trapped sound is carried from the middle ear to the inner ear and then to the brain where the sound waves are actually interpreted.

Problems with the middle ear then interrupt smooth transmission of this process and affect hearing and balancing. This is especially more so in children who are more prone due to a shorter ear canal. Evidence has shown that 75% of children will experience Acute Otitis Media between their 6th and 24th month of life.

Causes:

Bacteria are the culprit in most middle ear infections, especially the streptococcus pneumonia and the Hemophilus influenza group. But in about a quarter of cases, viral infections occur. Still there are factors that predispose some children more to Otitis media than their counterparts. Such factors include: –Frequent colds and catarrh: Children with cold, catarrh and other respiratory tract infections are more prone to otitis media, as these infections can easily spread from connecting tracts in the skull between the ear, nose and throat.

–Direct trauma or assault to

the ear drum: Mothers are notorious for this act, when they attempt to clean their babies’ ears with cotton bud. This action which really is unnecessary can introduce infection into the middle ear or traumatize the ear drum. The ear drum is the thin layer separating the outer ear from the middle and serves as a barrier preventing dirt and germs from getting into the inner ear. When it is damaged it makes infection easily occur.

–Exposure to secondary smokes especially from Parental smoking –Non exclusive breastfeeding –Inadequate immunization

Hearing impairment: This may be permanent when the ear drum is scarred

Symptoms:

To prevent otitis media in children; it starts from their day- care centers where efforts should be made to avoid easy spread of upper respiratory infection from child to child which can make them susceptible to otitis media. Then Up to date immunization: including pneumococcal vaccine which has some form of protection against ear infection.

–Pain in the ear –Malaise –Vomiting –Temporary hearing loss –Convulsions(when the fever is very high, which is usual) –Discharge from the ear (when the ear drum burst).

Exclusive breastfeeding: for at least six months has also been known to help prevent early episodes of otitis media.

A child with acute Otitis media may just be irritable and tugging at the infected ear .Usually when a child with fever is treated for malaria and the fever persists, it is imperative to check the orifices, especially the throat and the ear. This is more so if the child recently had upper respiratory infection. Other symptoms of otitis media are:

Treatment:

Mild to moderate cases of otitis media may not require elaborate treatment beyond analgesics. In cases requiring treatments,antibiotics -oral and as ear drops- may be recommended by the doctor. Ear drops should however not be applied into an ear already discharging.

Complications:

When otitis media is not promptly and properly treated complications may ensue. These include: Chronic otitis media: when Other factors are as follows : –Insertion by children of all sorts of acute infection becomes recurrent dirt in the ear while playing, includ- and persistent ing particles such as beads, beans or Meningitis: due to the nearness grain of rice. to the brain

Prevention:

Hand washing: to avoid easy spread of germs Avoidance of excessive cleaning of babies’ ears: which may injure the ear drum and lead to infection, if you must clean,wet a cloth with warm water and wipe the visible part of the ear only.

Conclusion:

Let me conclude by stressing two important points to mothers : Avoid excessive and improper use of cotton bud, if you must, on your children’s ears And Do not put ear drops in a discharging ear, it is not safe.

You can chat with a doctor FREE at www.prettyhealthcare.com.ng. every Wednesdays and Fridays(48pm)

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Owu-Aru-Alali, Buguma’s big festivity

Kalabari maidens

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or the Kalabari, culture is a way of life and forms part of their daily life. The Owu-Aru-Sun Alali is a series of masquerade display by the Kalabari people of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Oral Tradition has it that the festival is usually performed after the exhaustion of the various masquerades owned by both the community and the groups or which usually last for between 15 to 20 years.

Tracing the Genesis of Owu-AruSun, it was celebrated in Buguma City previously in 1908, 1927, 1973 and 1991 by the Ekine Sekiapu under the leadership of the Opu Edi. The Ekine (it’s proper name) and Sekiapu (dancers) are the custodian of the Kalabari customs and traditions right from the old shipping (Elem Ama) till date. The Ekine also formed the nucleus of the traditional Government of the Kalabari people which includes the maintenance of law and order, including matters of arbitration where punishment were meted out to offenders according to the laws of the land.

The Owu-Aru-Sun Alali is the festival of the highest cultural display that has ever been witnessed in the socio-cultural organisation of the Kalabari people.

The masked players in these dances said

to represent the water spirits, (Owu), to whom the Ekine ministered. The unique beautiful scenario of masked masquerades in colourful outfits and dancing in the special steps and styles and styles of their compounds is a sight to behold after which the Owu is said to be returned to the Ocean where they are said to reside.

While some of these masquerades are owned and performed by the

Owu-Aru-Sun Alali

entire community, some are owned by particular chiefs and compounds such as the Alagba by the Abbi group , the Peri-gbo by Georges Compund, Bekinaru Sibi by Wokoma Compound, Gbasa of the Onbo group. The major masquerades are always played during the dry season with about three plays annually over a long period which ranges between 15-20 years as said earlier.

After the last group of masquerades

have performed, the Ekine Sikiapu, through the town crier, intimates the people of the need for preparation for the next Owu-Aru-Sun Alali. The town crier (Kpo kpo gbo la bo) having done this, Head Chiefs of the various canoe houses and compounds who own masquerades harnesses with it’s people on how to put up it’s best performance and sometimes also involves services of experts in the assembling of headpieces and costumes.

Two days to this celebration, Sekiapu must host some special sacrifices made up of white male fowl, an egg, a split finger of plantain and a piece of white cloth at strategic points such as the waterside of the national deity of the people (Owameso), the entrance of the Ekine house, the entrance of Adum (head of the local water spirits) Oferema Etele (an ancient sacred path in the NorthWest part of the town) and Ebe Boko, (an inlet off the main River leading towards the Ocean). The essence of this sacrifice is to appease the deities and also plead with them to ensure total peace and to eradicate evil forces and disturbances from obstructing the going down of the water spirits.

On the eve of the Owu-Aru-Sun proper, headpieces of all masquerades are set up in the ancestral shrine of the various owners where the head chiefs and male members of the group performs the necessary purification and sacrifices.

This also gives an opportunity for smaller houses to come up with request of favours, protection and provisions from the spirits while the women folk sings praise songs of the masquerades in front of the ancestral memorial hall (Inkpu).

In the midst of all these, the Igba Alabo (purification pries) stands by the shrine of Obiana (Owame Akaso’s daughter) holding in his hands a glass of gin, and an egg in the other hand and libates to the seven founding fathers of the Kalabari (Amabiame, Endeme, Korome, Ituruame, Akialame, Igodome, Bukume). He invokes by inviting all the water spirits in Ekine to come out tomorrow and return to the Ocean after the Owu-Aru-Sun celebration after which the egg in his hands is placed on the Obiana shrine.

On the D-day of all celebrations, all the colourfully dressed masquerades of the various groups and compounds line up in front of their ancestral halls and are escorted to the town square amidst cheers. On reaching the square, each masquerade is greeted by the chief drummer (Akwa Alabo) and shows a little display of its distinctive dance step before taking a bow into the Ekine hall.

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July 11, 2015

LEISURE

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From the Civil Service Justice ministry to play role in stolen funds recovery – Perm Sec

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he Federal Ministry of Justice said on Thursday it was ready to play its part in the prosecution of all those alleged to have stolen public funds by an investigation report.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Alhaji Abdullahi Ahmed, made this known to State House correspondents after briefing President

Muhammadu Buhari on the activities of his ministry. ``If the ministry receives investigations concluded by the responsible agencies, we will play our part. ``We will play our part in the prosecution of whoever has been found wanting and the security agencies have concluded their investigation on

them. ``At the moment, the ministry is not in receipt of any report concerning anybody in that regard.`` Ahmed said that the ministry would continue to cooperate with the President to ensure that all the promises he made to Nigerians relating to the Rule of Law were kept.

He said: ``We have

briefed the President on how we conduct ourselves concerning the maintenance of the Rule of Law in the country. ``As you know, Rule of Law is one of the cardinal policies of this administration and we have given him a rundown of what we have been doing from 2011 till now. ``We also pledged

to him our continued cooperation to ensure that all the promises he has made to Nigerians - as far as they relate to the Rule of Law are achieved.`` Amb. Abdulkadir Musa, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, who also spoke with the correspondents, said that his meeting with Buhari

centred on job creation.

Musa said that the present administration was working assiduously to attract more investment to Nigeria and encourage business.

According to him, the President has given him the mandate to discuss with the relevant people that will assist in driving the agenda. (NAN)

Kwara blames delay in bursary disbursement on paucity of funds

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he Kwara State Scholarship Board said the delay in the payment of bursary to students was due to the financial crisis facing the state and the nation at large.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Fatahi Lamidi, made the explanation during interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Ilorin on Friday He, however, promised that the State Government would resolve the problem as soon as the state was financially buoyant. ``We will pay all outstanding arrears of bursaries and scholarships to students in the state’s tertiary institutions as soon as possible.

“The board is working towards it, we feel their pain and we are not happy not paying them their bursaries at the appropriate time.

“I appeal to the students to bear with the

government and remain calm because very soon we will put smiles on their faces’’, he said.

Lamidi added that while the state government was determined to alleviate the sufferings of the affected students in tertiary institutions, it was also mindful of payment of outstanding salaries of civil servants and pensioners.

L-R: Principal Consultant, Avantgarde Tours Ltd, Mr. Efetobo Awhana; former Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation, Mrs. Josephine Washima and Convener, CEO Roundtable Alpha Summit 2015, Ayoola Babington-Ashaye, at the 2015 Alpha Summit titled ‘Out of the Box’ in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

NUJ election: Candidate to establish radio station if elected M r.

Waheed Odusile, presidential candidate in the forthcoming delegates conference of Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ), has promised to establish NUJ Radio Station, if elected.

Odusile, Managing Editor of Nation Newspaper, made the prom-

ise during campaign at the Oyo State council of the union in Ibadan on Thursday.

He said the station would create jobs, generate revenue and serve as training ground for members and prospective journalists.

Odusile said he would bridge the gap between the NUJ and the Nigerian

Guild of Editors (NGE), adding that such would benefit the profession.

He stressed the need for the eradication of quackery in the pen profession, adding that he would ensure the union collaborated with security agencies to achieve this.

Odusile bemoaned the remuneration of jour-

nalists in the country and the treatment from some private owners too, assuring to give his best in actualising the much clamoured for media salary.

“Actualising the payment of a well- deserved salary on an enhanced media salary scale will be my priority.

“I will ensure that our members are not treated as civil servants. Journalists are professionals and should be like others.

“This, I promise will be achieved through sincere and genuine negotiation with government”, he said.

The presidential candidate promised to also ensure the convocation of annual conference of journalists in the country.

He said that the conference would avail members the opportunity to discuss their challenges, the union, the councils and the nation at large.

WBO vs Mayweather:

Sport

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No more unification fights?

Ifeanyi Eduzor

B

oxing fans all over the world were on Monday taken aback with the news that pound-for-pound fighter, Floyd Mayweather Jnr., has been stripped of his World Boxing Organisation (WBO) belt.

According to the Puerto Ricobased organisation, it took the decision following the failure of Mayweather to pay the $200,000 sanction fee required by the WBO for the belt he won on May 2 when he defeated Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, in the richest fight of all time, earning a reported $220 million in the process.

WBO rules require boxers to pay three percent of their purse to fight for a world title up to a maximum of $200,000.The rules also prohibit WBO champions to hold any belts in any other weight divisions.

Mayweather is currently the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA) champion at junior middleweight as well as at welterweight.

A statement on the Puerto Rico-based sanctioning body’s website confirmed that Mayweather, regarded as the best pound-forpound boxer in the world, was no longer the WBO champion.

The statement further stated that despite affording Mayweather Jnr. the courtesy of an extension of time till July 3 to state his position to the WBO and also vacate the two 154-pound world titles he holds, the WBO World Championship Committee received no response from him or his legal representatives on the matter leaving the body with no alternative than to cease to recognize him as the WBO Welterweight Champion of the World.

Apart from stripping him of the belt, the organisation elevated Timothy Bradley, who defeated Jessie Vargas on June 27 for the

interim championship, to full champion status.

Responding to the development, Manny Pacquiao was quoted as saying that he thought the WBO had been fair to his former opponent.

“Maybe he just didn’t want to pay the sanctioning fee. He was given enough time to fulfill his responsibilities as WBO champion and to decide whether he should relinquish his WBO crown and I think the WBO championship committee behaved fairly before taking away his crown,” the Filipino boxer said.

Although stripping boxers of their belt is not new especially when they fail to defend their title but what surprises fans is that while Pacquiao paid up his money, Mayweather refused to pay, yet the fight was allowed to go on.

Investigations revealed that his refusal is not because he cannot afford the money considering that he is worth millions of dollars but was due to the fact that he had earlier announced before the fight his intension to relinquish the belt if he won and allow younger boxers the opportunity to fight for it.

Mayweather, who also had a long history with the WBC, wasn’t sure he wanted the WBO title which led to his refusal to pay.

It is on record that in the past some of the best boxers in the world have had their titles withdrawn at one time or the other.

Former undisputed world champion and boxing legend, Mohammed Ali, was stripped of his heavyweight title for refusing to be conscripted into the Army to fight in Vietnam.

Other boxers who had their titles stripped were, Leon Spinks for refusing to fight Ken Norton, Bobby Chacon for turning down an offer to fight Hector Camacho, Javier Castillejo for not fighting Fernando Vargas, Riddick Bowe for refusing to fight Lennox Lewis while it was also the turn of Lennox Lewis when he refused to defend his title against either John

Floyd Mayweather Jnr. displaying his WBO belt. Inset: New WBO champion, Timothy Bradley

Ruiz for his WBA title or Chris Byrd for his IBF title but none of these raised much dust as the present one because of the money and publicity it generated.

This development coming few months after the mega fight, has made many boxing fans question why the fight was sanctioned in the first place when one of the parties refused to pay his fees. They also argue that apart from the situation eroding the confidence people have in the various boxing bodies, it is also capable of affecting further unification fights.

People had expected Mayweather to be a gentle man and honour the agreement he reached with the WBO prior to the fight or will it be right to say that he is bigger than the organisation?

By his refusal to pay the sanctioning fee, Mayweather is only trying to tell WBO that he does not

have much regard for the body because he cannot afford to do same to either the WBC or WBA, who he also holds their belt.

The lesson the WBO should learn from this development is the need for them to go back to the drawing board and ensure quality boxers hold their belts to make the body more attractive to world class boxers and not journey men who cannot make it in either of the big bodies.

The implication of the above scenario is that fans will begin to suspect that the boxing bodies bend the rules when it suits them and pretend to be firm when lesser mortals are involved which does not help in the development of the game. People had expected them to apply the rules to the later and not to have sanctioned the fight when they know that Mayweather might renege on his promise.

Boxing fans are now asking why WBO sanctioned the fight when Mayweather did not keep to the rules of the game. Could it be that the boxing bodies were only interested in what will accrue to them from such a mega fights without minding bending the rules or they did it because of the caliber of boxers involved?.

While the WBO must be commended for taking such a decisive decision which will serve as a deterrent to other boxers, it is good they guide against further occurrences as it is capable of eroding public confidence in the body and discourage people from taking them serious in unification fights.

SPORT

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Turan officially unveiled by Barca

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urkey captain Arda Turan has been officially unveiled by Barcelona following his £29m transfer from Atletico Madrid.

The midfielder arrived at the Nou Camp on Thursday afternoon from Istanbul to sign a five-year contract with the European champions.

“This is a great day for me. I am very happy.

It is very important for my career and for my country that I have signed for FC Barcelona,” Turan said after arriving at the club.

“I always said Leo Messi is the best. But my idol is Andres Iniesta. I can’t wait to play with him.

“No one can replace Xavi. I am here to give all that I have but I’m not here to equal Xavi. Xavi is a world football icon and will always be a symbol of Barca.”

The 28-year-old opted to move Gerrard to Barcelona despite late interTuran est from French champions Paris Saint-Germain. a coffee or do anything with the girls be- Beckham who have expeTuran will not be able to play for Barca until rienced the MLS and they said the level cause you get a lot of attention.

January when the club’s transfer ban is lifted. The em“That’s what you want when you was very good. Having trained for ten bargo on Barcelona was imposed over irregularities first become a footballer but it is nice at days I can say the level is good, players in signing young players. this stage of my career to have a bit of a are very fit and very professional.

o t t o l a I’ve , y x a l a G A L t a e prov d r a r r e G s say

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ormer Liverpool skipper, Steven Gerrard says that he has not joined LA Galaxy for an easy life, insisting he still has plenty to prove on the pitch.

In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News HQ, the former Liverpool and England captain admitted he is enjoying not being recognized in public as he settles into life in California.

“It is refreshing to be able to walk about and not be noticed. I didn’t make my decision on that but in England you are in the spotlight; you are in the Premier League playing for Liverpool and England. “It’s difficult to have a meal or

life off the pitch.

“Up until November/December last year when I made the announcement that I thought I needed a new challenge and when LA Galaxy came in they were very aggressive to get my signature and to get me to sign. I thought on and off the pitch they had ticked all the right boxes for me at this stage of my life.

“I spoke to Robbie Keane and David

“It is an unbelievable set-up here, the facilities are top class. I am expecting some good challenges and some good games.

“I am coming here to win, a lot of people will think I am coming here for my last pay check, sit back and enjoy life in LA. But the people that know me close and the people that have played with me will know that once the games start I am here to win and perform.”

Chelsea targets Begovic C S

Begovic

helsea is close to signing Bosnia international goalkeeper Asmir Begovic from Stoke.

Stoke will not allow the 28-year-old to leave until they have completed the signing of Shay Given from Aston Villa. Chelsea’s favourite goalkeeper, Petr Cech acted as deputy to first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois at Stamford Bridge last season but the experienced Czech international was sold to Arsenal last month.

And Begovic, who has a year left on his Stoke contract, now looks set to slot into Cech’s role in the squad, with Dutch midfielder Marko Van Ginkel moving to the Britannia Stadium on a year-long loan as part of the arrangement.

England U-21 international Jack Butland is poised to take over from Begovic as Stoke’s first-choice goalkeeper, with the 39-year-old Given also competing for the jersey if his move goes through as expected.

Palace seal record Cabaye deal

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rystal Palace has signed Yohan Cabaye from French champions Paris St-Germain for a clubrecord transfer fee of £10m.

The 29-year-old midfielder joins on a three-year deal, with the fee possibly rising to around £13m later.

Cabaye joined PSG from Newcastle for £19m in January 2014 but started just 13 matches as Laurent Blanc’s side won a domestic treble last season.

Palace’s previous transfer record was £7m, paid in 2014 to Wigan for 27-year-old Scottish midfielder James McArthur.

Palace manager Alan Pardew signed

Monk signs new Swansea contract

wansea manager Garry Monk has signed a new threeyear contract with the club.

Monk, who had two years left on his original deal, has signed a contract which will now see him remain in charge at the Swans until the summer of 2018.

The 36-year-old led Swansea to their highest finish of eighth in the Barclays Premier League last season setting a new club record of 56 points on the way.

Monk said he was delighted to sign the new deal and plans to build on last term’s success.

Cabaye

Cabaye from Lille in 2011 during his time as Newcastle boss, with the France international going on to score 18 goals in 93 appearances for the Magpies.

Monk

Man City to renew Sterling bid

M

anchester City is set to launch a fresh bid to sign Raheem Sterling from Liverpool.

City have already had two bids turned down for the England forward, with the last offer lodged in June thought to be worth around £40m.

Sterling But Manchester City are understood to be reAustralia and the Far East. newing their efforts to Sterling is also believed sign the 20-year-old, who to have told Liverpool he returned to training on no longer wants to play Friday after a two-day for Rodgers, a claim which absence, reportedly due has been categorically deto illness. nied by the club.

In a meeting with Sterling is under conLiverpool boss Brendan tract with the Reds until Rodgers on Tuesday, 2017 but his relationship Sterling is thought to with the club has detehave told manager Brenriorated since he turned dan Rodgers he did not down the opportunity to wish to be considered sign an improved deal in for the pre-season tour to January.

Blatter accuses England of envy

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IFA president Sepp Blatter has claimed he is the victim of harassment which he believes is down to English bitterness and “envy”.

The 79-year-old told a Swiss magazine that England has a grudge against FIFA which stems from the 1974 FIFA presidential elections when Sir Stanley Rous was replaced by Brazil’s Joao Havelange.

Blatter also hit out at critics who he jokingly claimed could even blame

Blatter

him for Laura Bassett’s last-minute own-goal that knocked England out of the Women’s World Cup.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SPORT

July 11, 2015

Sagna relaxes on Miami Beach

B

acary Sagna has been making the most of his US trip alongside his wife Ludivine as the Manchester City defender enjoys his final few days of off-season freedom in Florida.

The pair are enjoying the last few days of their holiday stateside and have been chilling out in Miami.

Sagna and his wife have spent the summer in a variety of different beach-side locations, first enjoying a break in Portugal before heading across the Atlantic.

They arrived in Miami at the start of the week, and have been spotted catching some rays on the famous beach, notorious for being a celebrity hot-spot.

Sagna is set to report for

City’s pre-season schedule on Monday as Manuel Pellegrini’s side gear up for their assault on the forthcoming Premier League season.

The France international only made nine Premier League appearances for Manuel Pellegrini’s side last term after joining from Arsenal on a free transfer.

The right back failed to dislodge Argentina international Pablo Zabaleta from the starting line-up but Sagna will have no excuse not to be fully rested ahead of the campaign.

City will spend 11 days at a Queensland training base on Australia’s Gold Coast to kick off their pre-season campaign.

Sagna and his team-mates will face Melbourne City on the Gold Coast before clashes with

Serie A and La Liga runners-up Roma and Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup. The real business begins in August when City open their Premier League account away to West Bromwich before they welcome reigning champions Chelsea to the Etihad a week later.

He began his career at Auxerre, before transferring to Arsenal for £7 million in 2007. In 2014, shortly after winning the FA Cup, his first trophy at the club, he declared he would not continue as an Arsenal player and subsequently moved to Manchester City when his contract expired.

A full international since 2007, he was selected by France for two World Cup tournaments.

47

MirrorGolf With Pius Anakali

Tel: 08023367071

Players defend McIlroy over injury

R

ory McIlroy isn’t the first golfer to injure himself doing something off the course, and he certainly won’t be the last.

However, the world No. 1 has taken flak for sustaining an ankle injury while playing soccer that will likely keep him from defending his British Open crown.

Several top players have come to McIlroy’s defense ahead of next week’s Open at St. Andrews, saying the Ulsterman has every right to have a life outside the ropes.

Phil Mickelson broke his femur while skiing in Arizona in March 1994, missing three months’ time, including his only Masters as a pro.

“I said then, and I feel the

McIlroy

same way now, you can’t live your life in fear,” Mickelson said at the Scottish Open. “You have to enjoy the moment. I didn’t feel like anything he was doing was an unnecessary risk. He was just playing around and accidents happen. People get hurt taking a shower and doing normal day-today things. You can’t stop living your life.”

Olesen shines at Gullane

T

horbjørn Olesen carded a flawless seven under par 63 to set an electric pace during the opening round of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Gullane.

The Dane posted seven birdies, the last of them coming from 30 feet on the penultimate hole, to hold a two shot clubhouse advantage over England’s Matthew Nixon, Spain’s Adrian Otaegui and American Jimmy Walker.

“It’s been a tough time but I keep working on the right things and hopefully it will come,” said Olesen, who lost a play-off for the Mauritius Open in May after three months on

the sidelines due to surgery on a hand injury. “I showed today I can still shoot low rounds.

“I hit almost every green; only missing the 18th and hit a lot of fairways and greens today, which was the key.”

This year’s hand injury is not the only problem Olesen has suffered since finishing sixth in the Masters in 2013, the 25 year old famously injuring his groin falling off a camel in Dubai.

“When I had to get down I pulled a muscle in my groin and it took a few weeks before I could walk properly again,” two-time European Tour winner Olesen added.

Stallings suspended for violating drug policy

S

cott Stallings has become the third player suspended by the PGA Tour for violating the circuit’s antidoping policy and he began serving a 90-day suspension on Tuesday.

The three-time Tour winner never failed a drug test, but after suffering from fatigue and being advised by his doctor to take DHEA, an anabolic agent that is the precursor to testosterone production and banned by the Tour, he realized he’d violated the policy and turned himself in which is tantamount to a positive test under the anti-doping program.

“Whether I intended to or not,

I took something that wasn’t allowed. I called a penalty on myself, that’s the best way to look at it,” Stallings said. “I did it immediately, so much so it took the Tour official by surprise.”

The Tour released a statement announcing only the violation, the length of the suspension and that he self-reported the infraction and released a joint statement, which is the circuit’s policy when it comes to violations involving performanceenhancing drugs.

DHEA can be purchased over the counter at most health food stores and can lead to elevated testosterone levels, a “red flag” used by testers to

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SPORT

July 11, 2015

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AAG: Bashir assures on cycling medals Ifeanyi Eduzor

T

Serena

Wimbledon Final:

Serena Williams targets 21 grand slam title W

orld number one, Serena Williams will be aiming to win her 21st Grand Slam title when she takes on Spain’s Garbine Muguruza in the women’s Wimbledon final today.

Should she clinch victory at the end of today’s encounter, Williams will secure her sixth Wimbledon title and complete a ‘Serena Slam’, by holding all four Grand titles, although the American continues to avoid questions about the prospective achievement.

Williams has adopted a policy during Wimbledon of not dis-

cussing the fact that she is close to holding all four major titles for the second time in her career.

The American, who last completed the feat in 2002-2003, said: “I don’t what the pressure of that, and I’m not thinking of that.

“When you talk about it every time, you can’t help but think about it. It’s been okay just to free my brain from that.”

Serena qualified for today’s final after defeating fourth seed Maria Sharapova. The American, 33, extended her winning run against Sharapova to 17 matches over 11 years with a 6-2 6-4 victory.

Muguruza, 21, on the other hand beat Agnieszka Radwanska 6-2 3-6 6-3 in the first semi-final.

The Venezuela-born 20th seed led by a set and a break only for 13th seed Radwanska to respond with six straight games and force a decider.

It’s a daunting prospect for any player to face Williams in the final of a Grand Slam, but No.20 seed Muguruza will go into her match with the American having at least beaten her before.

The 21-year-old defeated Williams in the second round of the 2014 French Open 6-2, 6-2 although the No.1 seed has tri-

Oliseh understands Nigerian football —Akinwumi

V

ice President of Nigeria Football Federation, Seyi Akinwumi says that Sunday Oliseh is the right man to steer the ship of the senior national team, the Super Eagles.

Oliseh is widely expected to be confirmed as Super Eagles trainer next week following the sacking of former coach Stephen Keshi.

According to him, it is important to maintain a sustainable football culture in the country, adding that Oliseh “fits the bill”.

“The plan is to win the next match we play all the time but it also goes beyond that, “The NFF intends to follow its set objective of maintaining a sustainable football culture in the country.

“Our thinking was getting a man like Oliseh who understands the football culture, who

Oliseh

could accomplish both plans simultaneously. “We decided on Oliseh because we know he fits the bill,” Akinwumi told SuperSport.com Confirming that talks with

Oliseh are ongoing, the NFF confirmed through its official website that the former Juventus midfielder would be expected to come up with a five-year developmental plan to fashion a unique playing and coaching philosophy for all the national teams and will for this purpose, interface regularly with coaches of those teams.

Akinwumi however explained that Oliseh would not be offered a five-year-contract by the NFF. “No he won’t be offered a fiveyear deal. Oliseh will present the five-year plan to us at the NFF and we will look at it. “It does not mean that the person who starts the plan will finish it.

“It does not also mean that he Oliseh will not finish the plan. That plan will have to go through the technical director of the NFF, Amodu Shuaib.

umphed in the pair’s other two meetings.

Williams beat the Spaniard in the second round of the 2013 Australian Open 6-2, 6-0 before making up for the loss at Roland Garros with a 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory in the fourth round of the Australian Open this year.

In terms of Grand Slam wins, Williams currently has 20 to her name while a win today will see Muguruza secure her first-ever Grand Slam title.

echnical Director, Nigeria Cycling Federation, Bashir Mohammed says that his athletes are prepared to go for medal haul at the forthcoming All Africa Games slated for Congo Brazzaville in September.

He told Saturday Mirror, that Team Nigeria Cyclists are presently concentrating their training in hilly terrains to ensure they compete favourably with their counterparts from other part of the continent when the Games begins in September.

“You know that Congo Brazzaville have hilly terrains and that is why we are concentrating our training in similar terrains in order to prepare our athletes adequately for the Games.”

He noted that part of their preparation is to keep the cyclists in good shape ahead of the biannual ECOWAS Cycling Tour schedule for November this year even as he stated that the target of the Federation is to win the 5-day event that has never been won by Nigeria.

Yakmut

All Stars family, Kirikiri All Stars to clash in Yaba IFEANYI EDUZOR

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occer fans in Yaba, Lagos and its environs will today be entertained to the best form of football when All Stars Family Football Club, Surulere, Lagos play host to KiriKiri All Stars at the All Stars Family Play ground, Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.

Both teams have similar things in common. While the All Stars Family players are having close eyes on the mentally derailed patients at the Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, the KiriKiri boys are always busy watching prisoners at the Maximum Security Prison, KiriKiri, Lagos and that is why it will be a fascinating clash with both teams having an equal opportunity of victory.

It is important to note that The

All stars Family have been undefeated for the past 20 months.

They drew 3-3 with the All Stars International Fc. Lagos, captained by the immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, drew 2-2 with Oshodi/Ejigbo/Isolo Fc, played a 3 – 3 draw with Peace Vills Estate Fc., Alasia-Bagore before being held to a 2-2 draw by Nolly Stars Fc. According to the technical adviser of the All Stars Family, Sunday Joe, the Yaba/Surulere based team will be led by the new President of All Stars Family, Uduak Evans Udoukpong. Others include Friday Ekpo, Ekere Afia, Gabriel Edem, Augustus Okenwa and Dominic Umoh. Also to feature for the team are Samuel Akpah, Ita Obontuk, Obot John Obot, Paulinus Umoh, Chidi Jeme and Amaechi Nwanze.

Crime Watch

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

49

July 11, 2015

Ikorodu robbery saga:

How we plan, execute our raids —Suspects

Patience Ogbo

M

ore facts have emerged from the robbery incidents at Ikorodu area of Lagos state where banks were raided and millions of naira carted away.

Four bank robberies have taken place at the Lekki and Ikorodu areas of the state in the last three months by dared devil armed robbers dressed in different garbs, including army fatigues.

The robbers usually leave sorrow, tears and blood behind them as they have killed policemen and civilians while others sustained gunshot wound in the process.

Though the general belief is that the suspected armed robbery gang has female members amongst them, the arrest of four members of the gang by operatives of the Lagos state police command Special Antirobbery Squad, however, shed light on the identities of the gang members.

The former Lagos state commissioner of police Mr. Kayode Aderanti while parading the suspects gave their names as Monday Omoboye (39) aka Alarm Blow, Agbojule Bright (25), Monday Ikuesan (37) and Promise Abiwa (20).

Bright, a graduate, stated that he took to armed robbery because he could not get a job after graduation.

He said, “I studied English and Christain Religious Knowledge at the College of Education, Ekiedolor, Edo State . After my graduation, I looked for job but could not get any. One of my friends named Million was the one that introduced me to armed robbery. Million used to braid his hair and looked like a woman. Million and I were the ones people thought are women in the gang because we braided our hair and disguised in women’s clothes. After the operation, I loosened my braide and cut my hair so that the police will not track the crime to me. My job was to hold a gun and stand by the entrance of the bank; we were 18 members that went for the robbery. We held our meeting at a creek at Ajegunle area of Ikorodu. It was after the meeting that we moved for the operation. We went in a boat. We went with eight rifles and two pump action guns. I don’t know how much we made in the operation, but I was given N3 million. I used part of my money to buy a Lexus ‘Jeep’; I gave my wife N30,000 to sit for the West Africa Examination Council

Four of the robbery suspects who raided Ikorodu recently

Vehicles recovered from Ikorodu robbers

(WAEC) examinations. I also gave part of the money to a friend for safekeeping. My wife did not know that I am an armed robber because I have a spare part business . I was arrested after one Akpan, a car dealer

I bought my Lexus Jeep from, called me to come and collect my receipt.”

Before the suspects raided the banks at the Ogolonto area of Ikorodu last month, they had attacked the FCMB bank at Le-

kki area of the state and they claimed they made away with 15 million naira. Four policemen were shot dead during the bank CONTINUED ON PAGE 50

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

50

CRIME WATCH

July 11, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Man injures wife, whips daughter with barbed wire ... over lotto game

Patience Ogbo

F

or trying to defend her mother from assault from the dad, a 12 year old girl, Kafayat Kareem, is in critical condition following beatings she allegedly received from her father.

Kafayat, a Junior Secondary School 1 student with the Canal Secondary School, Orile, Lagos, would have died from the wound she sustained after her father flogged her with barb wire but for the intervention of vigilante members who found her writhing in pain at the dead of the night at Oyingbo market at Ebute- Metta.

Kafayat was rushed to the Star Clinic at Ebutte -Metta where she is receiving treatment from the wound she sustained all over her body.

Narrating how she incurred the wrath of her father, Kafayat said, “I live with my parents at 4 Kuforiji Street, Orile. On July 7th, I ran away from home after receiving severe beating from my father. My offence was that I tried to stop him from beating my mother. My father accused my mother of using his hard earned money to play lotto game and he descended on her with anything he could lay his hands on. My father alleged that my mother loves patronizing lotto game and he beat her up mercilessly and broke her knees. Despite my mother’s cry for help, none of our neighbours came to her rescue because they are afraid of my father.

“I could not bear the beating anymore and I begged my father to stop beating my mother. He became furious and pounced on me.

“This is not the first time my father will beat my mother and I. I have lost count of his endless beatings. On one occasion, I begged my mother to relocate four of us her children to Ilorin so we can stay away from our father due to his constant beating.

I am the first child but my mother said my father will change but he has gotten worse by the day. My mother is presently on admission at the Charity Hospital at Orile following the beating my father gave her.

“I could not stand his beating anymore and I ran away from home to meet one of my mother’s friends at Oyingbo market but I did not meet her when I got to the market. I was in great pains and I decided to sleep in the market because I do not want to go back to my father’s house.

It was while I was sleeping at the market that some vigilante men came and rescued me. I told them my plight and they took me to the hospital where I am presently receiving treatment” Agbodemu Musbau, the secretary of the Vigilante group of Nigeria at Ebutte Metta stated that the vigilante men on

Kafayat

night patrol at Oyingbo market found the girl writing in pains and rescued her.

“On July 9th about 4am, I received a report from our members patrolling the Oyingbo market along the railway line that they found a girl laying in pains in one of the stalls. I told them to bring her to our office and when I saw her body, I asked her what happened and she told me that her fa-

ther beat her with barb wire. I quickly mobilized and took her to the Star Clinic at Ebute- Metta where she is receiving treatment the wound on her body had become sores and I wonder what type of a father will beat a child like that. I took her to the Iponri police station to report the battering but the policemen there turned me back that they do not handle such a case.

I took her to the Area C police Command at Surulere and the police there refused to attend to us. They told me to take her to the office of the Public defender. I have been running around with this girl since morning to get the necessary authority to look into this matter and arrest the father but they have refused to take the case,” the man said.

How we plan, execute our raids —Suspects CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49 robbery at FCMB. The gang claimed they also made away with N25 million after they raided the First bank at Ijede, Ikorodu.

Two of the suspects, Ikuesan and Omoboye claimed to be fishermen and pipeline vandals at the Ajegunle area of Ikorodu. They said greed led them to join the armed robbery gang.

Omoboye said: “It was one of my friends called Kakado that introduced me to this gang. Kakado was the one that bought the dynamite that we used to blow up the entrance to the banks. Million was the one that bought the guns. My job was to drive the boat we used for the operations. I went with them for the FCMB operation at Lekki. When they called me,

they never told me they were going for robbery. I was the one who handled the speedboat to Epe. We lodged at a hotel at Epe and around 2pm, we left for Lekki. We got to Lekki around 3:30pm. Fifteen members alighted from the boat at Lekki, while I and three others were left in the boat on standby. We escaped through the waterway after the operation; after the robbery, the other members returned to the creek at Ikorodu, which happened to be the place where they used to meet to plan operations and where they gather after operations. I participated in the three bank robbery operations I was given N400,000 for the FCMB operation and another N400,000 for the Ijede operation. I collected N2 million for the Ogolonto bank robberies. I have two wives and five children but my wives don’t know I’m into armed rob-

bery. I bought a Lexus ‘Jeep’ from the proceeds of the operation four days after the robbery. I bought it for N1.5 million. I was later arrested at Igbogbo junction at Ikorodu” Ikuesan said, “I am a fisherman from Ondo State and I am into oil bunkering.

I did not know that they are armed robbers. They were dressed in army camouflage and they said I should use my boat and ordered me to drive them to the creek.

The leader of the gang, ‘Million,’ gave me N400,000 for the Ogolonto robbery. I was also given N180,000 for the Ijede robbery. I used my money to buy jerry cans I wanted to use for my bunkering business” Items recovered from the suspects include two Lexus ‘Jeeps’ RX 300, marked KRD 29 DA, Eky 641 DB and Infinity ‘Jeep’ and charms.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Crime Watch

July 11, 2015

51

Child trafficking:

Police arraign Nollywood star for selling son ... He should rot in jail —girlfriend

Patience Ogbo

N

ollywood actor, Kanayo Awurum , 29, who allegedly sold his son has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court.

Awurum was arraigned on a two count charge bordering on human trafficking.

Special Anti-Robbery Squad detectives led by Inspector Ayebo Samuel arrested Awurum following a complaint by Awurum’s girlfriend, Kelechi, that Awurum sold their 2- year- old son Chukwunoyerem to a woman in the guise of giving the baby up for care.

The police arraigned Awurum and one Nkechi Obi the woman who bought the boy before Mrs. Ipaye Nwachukwu of the Ikeja Magistrate on June 29th 2015.

The count read, “That you Kanayo Awurum and Nkechi Obi and others now at large sometimes in February 2015 at about 1.30pm between Orlu Imo state and Lagos State within the Lagos Magisterial District,did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit: human trafficking and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 4O9 of the criminal law of Lagos State Nigeria 2011”.

Count 2 read “That you Kanayo Awurum and Nkechi Obi and others at large on thesame date,time and place in the aforementioned magisterial district did sell one Chukwunoyerem Samuel Awurum age two years old for the sum of Three thousand naira (N300,000) and therefore committed an offence punishable under section 274(1) of the criminal law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

The case was adjourned to August 31th 2015.

The mother of the boy is also pregnant with a second child for Awurun. She said in an earlier interview with our correspondent that she wants justice to be served.

“I don’t care if he goes to jail. He deserves it. What he did was bad. Though I am pregnant with his second child, I don’t want anything to do with him again. He should face justice. I know it will not be easy for me to train the children but I will go and learn how to bake cake so that I can become a caterer. I don’t know if I can trust any man again with what has happened but I will rely on my God to see me through. I thank the police for helping me rescue my son.

Though I do not have money, I will never sell my son no matter how desperate I need money. What his father did is unthinkable.”

Awurum who claimed to be a Nollywood actor said he sold his son because he had

The baby and his mother, Kelechi

pressing financial problems.

“I have acted in about nine movies alongside popular actors like Chiwelata Agwu, Osofia and others. Movies I have played roles include; Feast of Vengeance, Destiny Child, Miracle, Rough Chase among others.

I met my girlfriend kelechi while we were in secondary school in our village in Ikeduru Imo State.

“I made up my mind to sell the boy for N500,000 because I had pressing financial

Awurum

challenges. My girlfriend is pregnant with a second child and she wanted me to take her along to my house and I do not have the money to cater for her and the children. I was in a dilemma and I did not know what to do.

“I told Kelechi that my sister will look after our son but it was a lie. My friend Emmanuel brought three women to the house and they paid me N350,000 for the boy . I signed a document and gave him up. I lied to

my girlfriend that my sister was one of the women and will take good care of the boy in her house in Port Harcourt. Unknown to me , Emmanuel my friend who gave me the idea to sell my son had collected N650,000 from the woman. I used the money I got to rent a self contain apartment in Lagos and relocated my pregnant girlfriend to Lagos”.

Kelechi however said she got wind of Awurum’s sinister motive after all efforts to get her son proved abortive.

Deliverance session goes awry, as man collapses and dies T ragedy struck yesterday on Okwanga Street around Uselu Quarters in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State following the death of a 45-yearold man, Osayande Ekhator, during a deliverance session in a church in the area.

The deceased who was suffering from an undisclosed illness was said to have been taken to the church, Hope Ministry, also known as Holy Ghost Deliverance Centre, by his family members on Monday.

Some residents who stay around the church – heard a loud cry from the church and rushed there only to discover the deceased lying lifeless in the church.

Out of anger, some irate youths in the area invaded the church and vandalized some valuable property in the process.

According to a resident of the area, the

deceased may have hit his head against a hard object, as there was blood stains on his head.

“I think he must have hit his head somewhere. I saw blood on his head when his body was placed in a vehicle,” the resident said.

Commenting on the tragedy, the father of the deceased, Pa Ekhator, noted that he suspected that the deliverance session had gone contrary to expectation when his son was thrown to the ground, with his hands and legs bound.

“They forced him and tied him as usual and threw him down. From there, they carried a bucket full of water and poured it on his body.

“The mother asked why. They said that is what they usually do; that after strug-

gling, they wanted him to have rest and cool down. After about five minutes, she came crying that Osayande was dead,” Pa Ekhator said.

However, sister to the deceased who was of a contrary view, claimed that the 45-yearold man in the course of the deliverance was beaten to death.

The Resident Pastor, Mrs. Isoken Ekundaye, however debunked the claims.

Ekundaye stressed, “We don’t kill here.

We don’t beat here. If they bring insane people, we heal.”

Confirming the death, the State police spokesperson, Stephen Onwochei, stated that the pastor had been arrested, adding that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for investigation.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

July 11, 2015

52

Big bucks in shoe polish W

• Mixing and compounding stainless steel vessels • Scrappers Filling machines • weighing scales, buckets, mugs e.t.c All the above equipment and accessories can be sourced locally and therefore procurement does not involve foreign exchange. The plant in mind can produce 1, 000 metric tons of polish per annum working a single shift of 8 hours per day and for 250 days in a year.

hen thinking of any investment to make in the area of small and medium scale industries, it is advisable to consider those projects that have local raw materials. Production of shoe polish falls into the category of projects that have all the required raw materials locally.

Introduction Shoes are worn not only for the protection of the feet but also as an expression of fashion. Shoe polish is an essential consumable product usually applied for the purpose of retaining and improving on the good looks of shoes, as well as protecting them from harsh weather. This practice enhances their longevity.

This does not only apply to shoes but it also does to leather. These items need constant application of polish and this comes in different colors.

In the not too distant past, leather polish was locally made from a mixture of carton black (from kerosene lanterns), vegetable oil and kerosene.

This mixture has been tremendously improved upon by adding silicon to improve spread and permeability. And in spite of the fact that some local manufacturing or marketing companies exist in the country, the bulk of the leather polish used locally is imported from U.K, Italy, China, Poland, Hong-Kong and so on.

Being a vital consumable with daily universal, domestic and industrial uses, the demand for polish has increased recently due to increase in population, urbanization and social awareness of the health needs for shoes.

The harsh economic situation whereby prices of commodities have risen to the point where the ability to buy new commodities (shoes and other leather materials inclusive) has been whittled down considerably, hence the need to maintain, rejuvenate and prolong the old ones by constantly polishing them.

Most popular colors in polish consumption are black, brown and oxblood. Neutral (petroleum jelly) polish which caters for suede and other multi-cultured leather materials is also in high demand. The polish available in the market is still very expensive and the ban on its importation has also helped to push up the prices. The positive effect of this ban, however, is the challenge to Nigerian manufacturers to seize the opportunity to get into its production.

The Market Potentials The market potentials for shoe and other leather polished is very encouraging. A recent survey showed that about 40 percent of Nigeria’s estimated 160 million people wear shoes, sandals, etc, regularly and each averagely consumes 200ml per annum.

This translates to a total national demand of 8, 000 metric tons. This is quite a sizeable market and could be bigger. This is demonstrated by the array of leather and shoe polish consumers such as the uniformed

Production Technology Production could be manual or mechanical and this flows from the level of sophistication, production capacity anticipated and financial ability of the promoters.

Whatever the size, the process involves the following: 1.

Weighing out the required quantities of raw materials 2.

Grinding properly the weighed out inputs; 3.

Blending the mixture to ensure homogeneity and good quality 4.

Filling and scraping 5.

Packaging and storage for sale The right quantity of luster and drying agents must be added. The former determines the shine while the latter determine the time the applied polish on any surface will stay before it dries.

corps (Army, Police, Navy, Air force, Immigration, Civil defence, Fire Service, Security companies, Traffic Wardens etc), School children and students from elementary schools to higher institutions of learning, private establishments, individuals, civil servants and Sellers of second hand leather materials and roadside cobblers.

Leather polish consumption is therefore not limited by age, culture or religious considerations.

The supply-demand gap created can be reduced so as to also reduce the current high price of polish by establishing production outfits. And to penetrate the market smoothly the prospective promoter has to produce good quality polish which he can distribute through wholesalers in large urban market throughout the country and ECOWAS sub-regional market, departmental stores, convenient stores within growing localities, promoters own staff and small-time hawkers and retailers. It is expected that regular publicity will create awareness and increase sales, profitability and market share.

Raw Materials All the raw materials needed for leather polish production can be obtained locally.

High quality paraffin wax which forms 25 percent of the base production ingredients is not produced in Nigeria. The paraffin wax produced by KRPC Ltd, Kaduna needs further refining to convert it to the

required high quality. Carbon black for the production of black polish comes from the petrol-chemicals plant at Warri. One can alternatively produce carbon black himself.

All the other remaining inputs are obtainable from companies selling chemicals around. These inputs include bodying agents, luster agents for shining property, solvents, colorants and other additives.

Packing materials can be tin or plastic containers while packaging cartons will be made of cardboard paper.

Machinery And Equipment Needed equipment, machinery and accessories for the production of leather materials polish include the following:• Grinding machine, • Melting equipment (wax melting pans)

Labour Requirement The staff required will be made up of 11 workers on a cottage or small scale. The number and caliber of staff should be consistent with the level of operation.

Location The location of the factory should depend on accessibility to raw materials and labor, proximity to large urban market, availability of the basic infrastructural facilities (water, electricity, good access roads etc) and other non-economic considerations. A three-bedroom accommodation or its equivalent is enough for a start.

Estimated Project Cost The total estimated cost of establishing a leather materials polish will depend on the scale of operation and type of equipment to be employed but will generally include the following on a small scale.

Financial Projections (N’000) Equipment & Machinery 1,450 Space (variable)

250

Working capital 2,000 Utilities 500 Pre-investments Contingencies

100 200

Total 4, 500

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGIONAL NEWS

July 11, 2015

South EAST

Hausa leader calls for peaceful co-existence in Anambra

T

he Head of Hausa community in Awka, Alhaji Garba Haruna, has called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of peaceful co-existence irrespective of tribe and religion.

Haruna told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Awka on Friday that it was necessary for religious leaders to preach peace both in churches and mosques

for the nation to attain development.

“It is important that peace is preached in our places of worship among fellow Nigerians so that the country harnesses its full potentials.

“How come it is only in sports like football that you will see the true Nigerian spirit in display and other matters of national impor-

tance are being treated with ethnic and religious sentiments?”

Haruna stated that as head of Hausa community in Awka, he would not in any way condone the nefarious activities of Boko Haram sect nor harbour any of them.

“I will never allow the negative preachings of the Boko Haram sect in my do-

main. All I want to assure all is that we are not in support of them, and I will do all in my power to expose them’’, he said.

The leader thanked the government of Anambra State for accommodating all and sundry.

He expressed belief that Nigeria will come out of its economic and other challenges stronger. (NAN)

The 12 Additional Winners of N250,000 each in the ongoing life Continental Beer’s Progress Booster Radio Show at the presentation in Ama, Enugu State, yesterday.

IGP orders seal-off of 22 council polls Dennis Naku

Port Harcourt

A

nother round of political crisis may be brewing in Rivers State, as the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase on Friday ordered armed policemen to seal off 22 local governments secretariats in the state.

The order to seal off the councils is coming barely 24 hours after the state governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike swore-in caretaker committee chairmen for the 22 councils, precisely at 8:25pm, Thursday.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that the State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, was directed to carry out the order of the IGP. The order to prevent workers and members of the public from gaining entry into any of the 22 affected councils of the 23 councils in the state was said to have emanated from the office of the IGP at about 11.30pm, on Thursday night.

Wike gave the hint of the IGP’s directive in his charge shortly after he inaugurated the Chairmen and members of the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission, (RSJSC) and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, (RSIEC) in government House, Port Harcourt.

NCC reinstates commitment to value added telecom service Dennis Agbo Enugu

T

he Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has reaffirmed her commitment towards eradicating all manner of unfair practices which telecommunication consumers suffer in the hands of service providers.

The commission expressed regret that despite all her efforts to sanitize the operations of Global Satellite for Mobile Communication, GSM, providers, as a regulatory body, the commission has continued to receive overwhelming complaints from consumers.

Addressing 75th edition of Consumer Outreach Programme in which consumers and service providers were brought face to face, at Nondon International Hotels Enugu on Thursday, the Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau of the Commission, Mrs. Maryam Bayi, warned that henceforth more drastic measures would be employed to address the problems.

Mrs. Bayi who was represented by the Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Dr. Joseph Atoyebi, listed some of the recurrent complaints to include; unsolicited text/messages/telemarketing, inaccessibility

to Customer Care Help Lines, poor spread of Customer Care Centres, unlawful deductions of credit for value added services not subscribed to, and poor data services and disruption without compensation.

“Over the years the NCC has made remarkable strides in its bid to protect the interest of telecom consumers not just as a fulfilment of its mandate but also as commitment to ensure that telecom consumers get value for money, timely and fair redress of complaints and protection from infringement on their rights by some service providers.

“It may interest you to know that we have three levels of Outreach programmes, the first is the Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP); while others are the Consumer Outreach Programme (COP) like the one we are having now; and the Consumer Town Hall Meeting (CTM) which targets rural telecom Consumers,” he said.

The Consumer Affairs Bureau Director noted that telecom Consumers can also call a toll-free contact centre number 622 or submit a written complaint via the Commission’s website, www. ncc.gov.ng/consumer.

The Director of Public

53

Affairs of NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo noted that Nigeria has the largest telecom market in Africa and 10th in the world noting that the entire system is still a work in progress.

Representatives of major telecom service providers including; MTN, Etisalat, Globacom and Aitel while answering questions from consumers acknowledged some challenges in the nation’s operational environment, Including epileptic power supply, vandalism and high energy cost, but assured that they were focused towards improving on their services in line with world class standard.

The governor said, “We were informed this morning that armed policemen have taken over the local government councils.

When I inquired, they said it was a directive from the Inspector General of Police.

“Yesterday (Thursday), we swore-in 22:caretaker committee chairman after the federal high court nullified the so-called May 23, local government election.

“We did not dissolve the local government councils as been highly speculated.

We followed due process.

We refused all pressures to dissolve the councils as some states had done. So, we are surprised to be informed this morning that the gates of the councils have been locked. And armed policemen who have taken over are insisting no one can go inside the councils.

“As you can see, this is the change they are talking about. Is this the we have been expecting in the country as we have seen this morning.

“We woke up only to be informed that armed policemen have taken over the councils on the orders of the Inspector-General of Police and that no one should be allowed to enter the secretariat. I expect the police to obey court orders.

“I advise all Rivers people to remain patient and calm and not to take laws into their hands. This is the period of temptation and intimidation and we are going to overcome it,” the governor said.

At about 11. 20am, on Friday, no fewer than 10 police operational patrol vehicles with armed policemen were strategically position around the Port Harcourt Local Government Headquarters, along Moscow Road.

“No one was seen inside the complex, as the gates were firmly locked, while two patrol vehicles were stationed directly in front of the two entry points of the secretariat.

When contacted for comments on the presence of armed policemen at the local council secretariat, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP. Ahmad Mohammad simply responded through a terse text statement. He wrote: “It’s for protection of lives and property”.

54

REGIONAL NEWS

July 11, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SOUTH SOUTH

Wike charges council chairmen on kidnapping, cultism, others Dennis Naku

Port Harcourt

R

ivers State Governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike has charged newly appointed Local Government chairmen to tackle the rising incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery and cultism in their domains.

Wike gave the charge

during the swearingin ceremony of 22 local government caretaker committee chairmen in Government House, Port Harcourt, urging them to cooperate with security agencies in order to achieve results.

He said he will not hesitate to sack any council chairman who either foments trouble or

fails to rally the support of residents of his area to the enthronement of peace and social order in their respective local governments.

The governor said, “You should be the ones to brief me about the security situations in your local governments. If I hear about kidnappings, armed robbery or

cultism in your local governments from the security agencies, then, you are not doing what you are supposed to do.

“In that case, I will not hesitate to relieve you of your appointment,” he said.

Wike specifically asked the caretaker committee chairmen of Khana, Gokana, Port Harcourt

and Abua/Odua to do their utmost in putting an end to such crimes in their areas.

He warned them against raising a regiment of loyal boys to use them in fomenting trouble to intimidate their perceived political rivals.

The governor declared that the four cosmopolitan local governments of

Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt and Eleme, should endeavour to keep their local governments clean.

He pointed out that their local governments represent a signpost in the state essentially when people enter the state from the airport, or going towards the refinery to transact business.

Akwa Ibom begins retreat for cabinet members A s part of efforts to fulfill his c a m p a i g n promises, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, yesterday, declared open a retreat for the newly appointed members of his cabinet which is aimed at intimating them with the vision of the new leadership in the state.

According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, the retreat, which is focused on industrialization, would appraise ways to build on the legacies of the former Governor of the State, Godswill Akpabio and keep the state’s sound footing for economic development.

The statement added that the governor has declared his commitment to leverage on the economic potentials of the state to move it to the next level.

Mr. Udoh said the retreat would also focus on how to harness the various resources in

the state to achieve total industrialization for the benefit of all citizens, adding that it would map out strategies on how all the ministries can work together for the realization of the economic policies of the Udom-led administration.

To achieve this, Mr. Udoh said the new governor had set up a technical committee on Agriculture and Food Sufficiency, Technical Committee on Ibom Deep Seaport, and that on Monday, July 13, a Technical committee on Foreign Direct Investment will be inaugurated while a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a plant to assemble luxury cars, ambulances and fire trucks in Itu will also hold same day.

While setting up the technical committee for the realization of the deep seaport project recently, Emmanuel had stated; “Ibom Deep Seaport is an audacious attempt to re-

Outgoing Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Dan Bature (right), handing-over to his successor, CP Chris Ezike, at the Police Headquarters in Port Harcourt. PHOTO: NAN

write the maritime story of Akwa Ibom State. It holds the promise of an industrial revolution of our state, creation of over 100,000 jobs as well as the promise

of a self-sustaining commercial city with oil and gas support services. In addition, it holds the promise of our finally tapping into our awesome and largely

untapped maritime potential.”

He added that the ease of doing business in Akwa Ibom is evident in the fact that the government has

developed an industrial data bank on raw materials and natural resources that are available in the state, to assist investors make informed choices.

Rivers State to Okpoama community in Bayelsa State when the pirates opened fire on them.

The incident, which occurred at about 7pm on Thursday, led to the death of one of the passengers identified as Godspower Amuna while the Boat Manager, Emma Alabo and Wodu Udoka were abducted by the pirates.

Sources also confirmed that other passengers sustained various degrees of injuries and bullet wounds.

Confirming the inci-

dent, the Second Boat Manager, Ebitimi Tekenah, said the pirates, numbering seven had come in two speed boats, “They started shooting at us. This led to the death of one passenger. Some others including Ikonigha Joseph, Numonyo Amade sustained bullet wounds.”

One other passenger confirmed to newsmen that Numonyo Amade has been operated upon at the Okpoama Medical centre and bullets extracted from his abdomen while another female passenger

had bullet removed from her leg.”

Ebityimi, who offer prayers to God for surviving the attack, said “I was sleeping when I heard the shooting. I immediately went to the front to find out. Some gunmen descended on me with bottle and shattered my head.

They forced me into one of the speed boats.”

“It was when I told them that I was the boat engineer, that they dropped me.

They told me to start the boat and take the wounded home for treatment.”

Suspected Sea pirates kill one, abduct two in Bayelsa Osahon Julius Yenagoa

D

are devil sea pirates yesterday, continued their onslaught against passengers and other sea travellers in Bayelsa waterways as they attacked a passenger boat along Kula waterways of Brass Local government area of Bayelsa State, killing one and abducting two others.

The passenger boat, christened MV Tari,was conveying passengers from Port Harcourt in

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

July 11, 2015

55

Omar Sharif: Lawrence Of Turkey arrests Arabia star dies aged 83 21 ISIS

A

ctor Omar Sharif, best known for his roles in classic films Lawrence Of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago, has died aged 83.

Egypt-born Sharif won two Golden Globe awards and an Oscar nomination for his role as Sherif Ali in David Lean’s 1962 epic Lawrence of Arabia.

He won a further Golden Globe three years later for Doctor Zhivago.

Earlier this year, his agent confirmed he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

His agent Steve Kenis said: “He suffered a heart attack this afternoon in a hospital in Cairo.”

Spanish actor Antonio Banderas, who appeared with Sharif in 1999 film The 13th Warrior, remembered him on Twitter as “one of the best.”

Born Michel Shalhoub in Alexandria in April 1932, Sharif started out in his family’s lumber business before going to London to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada).

He made his screen debut in the 1954 Egyptian film Siraa Fil-Wadi (The Blazing Sun) and rapidly became a star in his own country.

His big break came when David Lean cast him

in Lawrence Of Arabia, introducing the actor with a now-legendary shot of him riding a camel out of a shimmering heat haze towards the camera.

Peter O’Toole, who played TE Lawrence in the 1962 multiple Oscar-winner, considered Sharif’s name ridiculous and insisted on calling him ‘Fred.’ The pair soon became fast friends.

In later life Sharif claimed to be baffled by the film’s success, saying it had merely been shots of people on camels walking from one side of the screen to the other.

David Lean went on to cast Sharif in the title role of his next epic Doctor Zhivago, in which he played a physician caught up in the Russian Revolution.

The actor went through a daily routine of hairstraightening and skinwaxing in order to disguise his Egyptian looks and would later admit the film had left him close to a nervous breakdown.

Other notable roles came opposite Barbra Streisand in her first film Funny Girl and as Julie Andrews’ lover in spy thriller The Tamarind Seed.

He also got to play a series of real-life figures, among them Genghis Khan and the

Sharif when younger

Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara.

After his initial stint in the spotlight, Sharif would come to be seen more frequently at the gaming tables than the Hollywood soundstage.

He became particularly successful at bridge and was ranked among the world’s best players.

His film roles became increasingly sporadic, and those he did accept were in films he would later dismiss as ‘rubbish’.

In the late 1990s Sharif began declining film offers, claiming he had lost his ‘self-respect and dignity’.

One film he did accept was 2003 French drama, Monsieur Ibraham, in which he appeared as a Muslim shopkeeper in Paris who adopts a Jewish boy.

The film won him the Cesar, the French equivalent of the Oscar, as well as some of his best reviews in decades.

Sharif suffered a public embarrassment in 2007 after punching a parking valet who refused to accept his European currency.

The actor pleaded no contest to misdemeanour battery and was ordered to take an anger management course.

Sharif spent much of his later years in Cairo and at the Royal Moncean Hotel in Paris, though he occasionally travelled to Hull to support his favourite football team, Hull City.

The actor, who was introduced to the Tigers by his Doctor Zhivago co-star Sir Tom Courtenay, was given an honorary degree by the University of Hull in 2010 as a reward for his loyalty.

Earlier this year his agent confirmed he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease after his son Tarek gave an interview in which he discussed his father’s deteriorating condition.

“He still knows he’s a famous actor,” Tarek El-Sharif told Spain’s El Mundo newspapaer. “He remembers, for example, [he was in] Doctor Zhivago but he’s forgotten when it was filmed.”

Following the announcement of Sharif’s death, his grandson Omar Sharif Jr posted a picture of him on Facebook with the simple caption: “I love you.”

He later offered thanks “for the global outpouring of prayers and support” his family had received, adding: “I will miss my grandfather dearly.”

...and older

20 die in free clothes stampede A rush to receive donated clothes resulted in a stampede in central Bangladesh that killed at least 20 people Friday, police said.

The stampede, which took place in Mymensingh district, injured dozens

more, District Police Chief Moinul Haque told reporters.

Authorities fear the death toll may rise.

According to local reports, more than 1,500 gathered outside the gates of the tobacco factory before dawn

after receiving word the owners would be handing out free clothes. The stampede occurred when many tried to force their way in, the reoprts said.

As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan draws to an end, the faithful perform

‘Zakat,’ or an act of charity.

Often, it comes in the form of providing clothing or money to the needy.

In the past, such wellmeaning acts have also sometimes resulted in stampedes.

suspects T

urkish authorities have arrested 21 people -- including three foreigners -- suspected of belonging to ISIS, Turkey’s semiofficial Anadolu news agency reported Friday.

Anti-terror police carried out simultaneous raids in four areas, including Istanbul, the news agency said. The other arrests were in northwestern Kocaeli province and the southern provinces of Sanliurfa, which borders Syria, and Mersin.

Those arrested are accused of being members of ISIS who helped recruit people to join the extremist group, Anadolu said.

The three foreigners were preparing to cross

the border into Syria, it added.

Turkey has become a popular transit route for people seeking to reach Syria, where ISIS and other opposition groups have been battling the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking at a dinner for foreign ambassadors Thursday, said Turkey had deported more than 1,300 Syria-bound foreigners suspected of links to ISIS, according to an Anadolu report.

“Over 14,000 others have been banned from entering into Turkey on suspicion of terror-linked acts,” Erdogan added.

ussia currently poses the greatest global threat to the United States, according to the man slated to be President Barack Obama’s top military advisor.

“Russia presents the greatest threat to our national security,” Gen. Joseph Dunford told the Senate Armed Services committee during his confirmation hearing to be the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

With its large nuclear arsenal, destabilizing role in Ukraine and threat to NATO nations on its borders, Russia presents a significant challenge to the U.S., even as it faces threats like that of ISIS. “If you want to talk about a nation that could pose an existential threat to the United States, I would have to point to Russia,” Dunford said. “And if you look at their behavior, it’s nothing short of alarming.”

Dunford told committee Chairman John McCain, an Arizona Republican, that it would be “reasonable” for the United States to provide sophisticated anti-tank and

artillery assistance to the Ukrainian government in response to the situation in eastern Ukraine.

“Frankly, without that kind of support, they’re not going to be able to protect themselves against Russian aggression,” he said.

Other top U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, have also voiced their support for supplying such weapons to Ukraine, but the Obama administration has declined to do so at this point.

When asked about other top challenges, Dunford said China falls right behind Russia because of their capabilities and their behavior throughout the Asia Pacific.

China has been increasingly assertive in the South China and East China Seas, building up artificial islands for possible military use and asserting territorial rights disputed by their neighbors, most of whom are American allies.

While he said China does not currently pose a direct threat to U.S. national security, their activities bear watching.

US General: Russia our greatest threat R

Quote

of

the

day

“You mean I am now a prisoner”?

— Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, while being led to prison to stay there pending the determination of the financial misappropriation allegations levelled against him.

Saturday, July 11, 2015. www.nationnationalmirroronline.net

How God destroyed the king of Jerusalem M any times, one feels so sad when one hears some statements from Their Excellencies, using the language of war in peace time. They hardly understand what war is all about. They simply think they are above war. They do not have to go far to see war in action. If what the newspapers report about war is the truth, everyone should be afraid of war. When you listen to people who come from countries that are at war, or those who have experienced war, you will beg them not to talk about war.

I didn’t realise the magnitude of the Sierra Leone war until my Special Assistant on Special Projects (a citizen of Sierra Leone) shared her experience with me. She told me how people were asked to bring out their hands and decide how they wanted them to look after cutting them with a small machine – short sleeve or long sleeve. God forbid!

Volumes of human body parts were deposited in the waters of Sierra Leone, so much so that the Government of the United Kingdom banned the importation of fish from Sierra Leone to Britain, in the belief that the fishes in the contaminated waters of Sierra Leone were feeding on human body parts for such a long time.

One of the very painful events of that time was a little disagreement between two warlords as to what was in the stomach of a pregnant woman that was approaching them. One of them said the woman was pregnant.

The other one said she was not. They both agreed to capture her and immediately opened her up to know the correct answer. The woman and her baby died immediately. Their bodies were deposited in the river.

The soldiers who were there on peace-keeping operations committed terrible physical and sexual abuse of ladies, many of whom were virgins.

It was so terrible that some ladies opted to kill themselves once they were captured, rather than allowing the soldiers to have their way with them.

Those who use the language of war

CFR

We

pray that any king that rises

up against

N igeria

at this time

shall be killed like the king of

J erusalem

in peace time should not forget that they are inviting war. If only they will remember the experience of Somalia. There, the killings went up to as many as 500,000 people a day, until the State of Somalia descended into anarchy and began to operate without a Government!

War is not new. So it was in the beginning. At a time when God wanted to expand the City of Israel, he directed Moses, the leader, who was of age, to hand over to Joshua, the son of Nun. Joshua’s charge was very clear – to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land. Joshua, in his address to the people of Israel, had promised to continue where Moses stopped and maintain the laws of Israel.

The most important assignment to Joshua was the expansion of the territory of Israel. This began with the fall of Jericho. And once that was done, no one could build it again. For those who would attempt to rebuild the wall of Jericho, they should be ready to do so by laying the foundation with their firstborn. They should also be ready to use their younger son to set the gate. (Joshua 6:26) “And Joshua pronounced this solemn oath; cursed before the

Lord is the man who undertakes to rebuild this city Jericho; at the cost of his firstborn son will he lay the foundations; at the cost of his youngest will he set up his gates.”

The success recorded after the fall of the wall of Jericho was great.

Joshua visited Ai and destroyed the city by setting it on fire. He killed all the people in the forest. The flame of fire came from Heaven and 12,000 men and women fell that day. The proud king of Ai was killed with his body hanged on a tree. (Joshua 8:2) “So Joshua and the Israelites destroyed them completely- almost to a man-but the few who were left reached their fortified cities.”

Joshua visited Gibeon, a city the Bible reported to be full of royal people, a great city and greater than Ai. All the men there were mighty.

Gibeon quickly made peace with Joshua and the people of Israel.

The King of Jerusalem, Adoni-Zedek, who knew that his city may be taken over by Joshua and the people of Israel, called other kings around him. The five of them were King of Amorites, King of Helbon, King of Jarnuth, King of Lachish and King of Eglon. They rose against Gibeon; they planned war against the anoint-

ed Joshua and the people of Israel.

They wanted to bring the government of Joshua down and if possible destroy Israel.

When most of our ‘kings’ speak today in Nigeria, they think that they own the entire universe. To them, they are above all the laws of the land. They command constituted authorities, and nothing you can do pleases them. If they know how greater kings ended, they will fear the King of Glory and the One that has appointed them.

To Adoni –Zedek (the king of Jerusalem), what could be greater than being the king of Jerusalem! He can do and undo, he can put the nation into trouble if he does not have his way. He has no respect for the president of the nation. But, so sad is how he fled when war came and how he ended up being simply killed like a goat. The Lord fought for the Israelites. That same God will fight for Nigeria at this time.

The five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah. Joshua 10:16: “Now the five kings had fled and hidden in the cave at Makkedah.”

And Joshua, according to the Bible, opened up the cave, and brought forth those five kings out of the cave.

Joshua 10:22-23: “And Joshua said, open the mouth of the cave and bring these five kings out to me…”

Joshua encouraged the captain of the war to stamp his feet on the neck of the king of Jerusalem and other kings, he smote them and slew them and hanged them on five trees: and Joshua commanded, and they took them off the tree, and cast them into the cave wherein they had been hid, and laid a great stone in the cave’s mouth, which remained until this day We pray that any king that rises up against Nigeria at this time shall be killed like the king of Jerusalem.

Those who use the language of war in peace time must not run away like the people of Ai when war comes. If they do, we shall capture them in the forest like the people of Ai and fire shall fall from Heaven upon them.

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