Saturday, november 14, 2015

Vol. 5 No. 47

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2015

NEWS

Season of fines

P.9

National Mirror Online

SPORT

@NationalMirror

N150

NEWS

P.46

P.9

Allow Dasuki Guinness protests Swaziland holds travel abroad, Eagles in Lobamba court orders DSS N1billion fine World Cup Qualifier:

Bomb scare in Lagos Experts comb school P. 7

...as Boko Haram attempts to retake Gworza P. 9

One of the scenes of the Paris bombings yesterday

Terrorists take over Paris

P. 55

Over 35 dead French President closes borders, declares state of emergency

Stop panic buying —NNPC

‘1.4billion litres of PMS available’ Orders Mega Stations to commence 24-hour service

Vi cto r P.2 ia 3 P.10

P.8

Pro-Biafra activists ground activities in Imo South East govs to meet over agitation P. 52

Sealxk T

Sexual problems you can easily fix

P. 32

PAGE

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Top Stories Police smash 29-man drug, cannabis syndicate in Kano 2

K

ano Police Command yesterday recorded a big haul, following the arrest of a 29-man drug and cannabis syndicate, among whom is a 70-year old woman, identified as Binta Al-Hassan, who provided the criminals with a ramshackle warehouse, located at Jamma Yamma, Sharada, Gwale Local Government Area of the state, where a total of 48 bags of marijuana were concealed. Also in the warehouse were assorted illicit drugs, including suck and die.

Briefing newsmen on the big catch, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Musa Katsina, hinted that the quarters had for some time continued to serve as a haven for traffickers in hard drugs, particularly, Indian hemp, from where the drugs are distributed to other parts of the city.

According to the Police boss, his crack squad also raided 24 Middle Road in Sabon Gari where drug traffickers were also arrested and their wares confiscated.

Muhammad Musa Katsina disclosed that the street value of the confiscated drugs is N60 million, adding that the Police recorded the breakthrough following a tip-off by the community vigilance group, who declined to compromise with the drug dealers even as they offered them money to conceal the crime.

The Commissioner disclosed that they not only confiscated, but recovered 48 bags of Indian Hemp, weighing 24, 000 kilo grammes, 230 wraps of Indian Hemp, 58 packets of rubber solution, two gallons of suck and die, 45 cartons of tramadol tablets, 49 cartons of codeine syrup, six penwin injections and 13 cartons of other assorted intoxicants.

The ring leader, Yusuf Ali (30), according to the Commissioner is a staff of Leads Star Academy, who pretend-

The recovered drugs

ed to be a firewood seller, while ferrying the hard drugs into the warehouse, is currently at large, but two of his brothers, Abba Mustapha, a staff of Corporate Security in Gabasawa, and Jamilu Abba, a tricyle operator, who always act as the supplier of the drugs to their various clients, across Kano and other neighbouring states, are presently in police custody.

In addition, Katsina said the Sabon Gari operation,

…as NDLEA uncovers drug trafficking cartel in Enugu Olusegun Koiki

T

he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it has uncovered a suspected drug trafficking cartel at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Enugu.

Two officers of the agency, Daniel Goska and Ndubuisi Ughor, who were indicted, and are currently at large, had been summarily dismissed and declared wanted.

Other members of the group include Eddie Ifeanyichukwu Dayson, a key member of the drug trafficking organisation, Emmanuel Lucky Okorie, operations manager with Ethiopian Airline, Amaechi Henry, a supervisor, Passenger Services Department of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc and Ezeugwu Jacob, who is a ticket and baggage staff at the airport.

The Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, while describing the mode of operation of the drug cartel as strange, promised to adhere to global best practice in drug control.

“No bad egg in the agency will escape justice. Notwithstanding the strange way the cartel operates, I am pleased that it was exposed and ultimately dislodged. The agency will continue to adopt superior drug control strategies in line with global best practice.

“This is one sweet victory over criminal groups. The NDLEA is committed to the eradication of narcotics from our country, and will continue to look both inwards and outwards for subversive elements,” Giade stated.

The NDLEA boss said that the two indicted officers of the agency, Daniel Goska and Ndubuisi Ughor, who are currently at large, had been summarily dismissed and that efforts are ongoing to arrest and prosecute them.

He added that although drug barons are desperate, NDLEA was committed to the dismantling of drug trafficking organisations in the country.

The spokesman of NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, stated that the activities of the group were exposed when narcotic officials aborted the exportation of 74.7kg of narcotic drug that tested positive for Ephedrine.

He explained that the drug was packed in three bags.

Two of the bags weighing 50.7kg were destined for Maputo, Mozambique while the third bag weighing 24kg was destined for Johannesburg, South Africa.

The 74.7kg of Ephedrine had been properly marked as exhibits and tendered as evidence before a Federal High Court sitting in Enugu.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the drug cartel had infiltrated some members of the airport community including two NDLEA staff, who are currently at large.

Those indicted include Eddie Ifeanyichukwu Dayson, a key member of the drug trafficking organization, Emmanuel Lucky Okorie, Operations manager with Ethiopian Airline, Amaechi Henry, a supervisor, passenger services department of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc and Ezeugwu Jacob who is a ticket and baggage staff at the airport.

Two staff of the NDLEA, Superintendent of Narcotics (SN) Daniel Goska and Chief Narcotic Agent (CNA) Ndubuisi Ughor have also been linked to the cartel. They absconded from duty as soon as the arrest was made.

It was gathered from investigation that whenever the cartel has a consignment of drug, the airline operations manager will identify passengers on the flight whose bags are weighing less and tag the luggage in their names.

Once this is done, they will contact their partners at the airport of final destination with the tag numbers to receive the consignments.

These findings were further corroborated by the statements of the innocent passengers whose names were used to tag the bags containing the 74.7kg of Ephedrine. When invited for questioning, it was discovered that they had no knowledge of the bags tagged in their names

where 20 suspected drug peddlers were arrested was made possible through the effort of a special squad, known as the Ambush Squad in a coordinated collaboration with the Special Strike Unit (Scorpion).

Furthermore, he disclosed that the suspects were ambushed and arrested, while consuming the drugs in their different hideouts in the area, which led to the arrest of 16 major suppliers of the illicit drugs.

He revealed that also, one Sani Ibrahim (43) of Augwar Uku quarters in the metropolis, who supplies Indian Hemp from Benin city in a J-5 vehicle, mixed with other vegetables to deceive security agents was arrested with three bags of Indian Hemp, adding that five suspects were also arrested for dealing in the sale of a dangerous drugs, known as suck-and-die and rubber solutions used by vulcanisers to patch tubes in different parts of the state.

He explained that the operation was as a result of a painstaking intelligence by the special ambush squad, with the support of local vigilance group, adding that it is an inter-woven community, in the sense that it serves as a tripartite between the suppliers and the consumers.

“Today, we have been able to cut off the source; we are also aware that this place serves as a rendezvous for criminal elements, who used to come here to consume most of these dangerous drugs and when they become high, they go back to the community to wreak havoc on the innocent residents.

“As far as Kano state is concerned, the on-going operation will be holistic. We will go and deal with any structure that serves as a motivation to others until they are all sealed, so that innocent citizens will be free.

“Intelligence at our disposal reveals that this Jaen Quarters accommodates notorious drug dealers and the Command is seriously warning those, who live within the neighbourhood of any drug dealer or where drugs are displayed, used or consumed, and fail to expose them to Police will be arrested and charged to court for abetment of an offender,” the Police boss asserted.

However, the Police boss, who expressed concern over the way and manner youths indulge in drug consumption, appealed to parents, traditional rulers, community leaders and religious leaders to brace up to this challenge, because the youth are leaders of tomorrow, “and we must stop this dangerous trend if we must guide our future.”

It was learnt that the suspects are graduates as one of them, Sunday Victor, a University graduate from Eket in Akwa Ibom State, who confessed to the crime, said he was lured into drug peddling due to lack of job opportunities.

“I plead for forgiveness, and I pledge not to go back to this illicit business if I regain my freedom,” he pleaded.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Saturday Starter

PAGE

3

Are separatists fighting a just cause?

Secessionist calls has long been part of the country’s chequered history. There was the Tiv riot; the Ijaw revolt led by Isaac Adaka Boro; and of course the big one- the Nigerian Civil War, which pitted the Igbos and other minority elements against the Nigerian State. Rather than abate with the deepening of democratic practice in the country since 1999, separatist agitations have continued to test the Nigerian Union. Ethnic nationalities in the country have consistently sought to balkanise Nigeria over perceived marginalisation. With the country still at war with Boko Haram, an insurgent group seeking a separate Islamic State, the South East in the last one week has raised security worries over the bogey of Biafra agitations. What could be the reasons for these dissenting agitations, asks NICK UWERU

P

ierre Pean, French writer, and Ali Bongo, President of Gabon, are not the best of friends at the moment. The writer, in his book, Nouvelle Affaires Africaine (New African Affairs), claims that Gabonese president, Ali Bongo, is not actually from Gabon.

Pean claims that Bongo is of Nigerian heritage. He says that Ali Bongo was adopted from the secessionist state of Biafra during the bloody Nigerian Civil War by Omar Bongo, the now deceased previous Gabonese president CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

PAGE

4

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Saturday Starter

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba have lots in common’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Kanu

and father of Ali Bongo.

Of course, the Gabonese president had to denounce the claim. Not doing so will mean that he was not qualified to contest the presidency of the country in the first place. Bongo is now suing the Pean.

But the claim by the French writer carries massive political ramification whether true or not for Nigeria. The message for many from the tiff between both men showed that the embers of civil strife that nearly tore Nigeria apart may not have been fully doused. The Biafran war may have been over more than forty years ago, its bogey may well continue to haunt the country its quest for national unity.

As much successive government have tried to wish away the issues surrounding Biafra, the Pean Bongo controversy shone a spotlight on a subject that not many were aware of-- that of the children airlifted out of Biafra, and Nigeria, some never to be reunited with their families. Now they are adults in many African countries and, no doubt, influential, too, like Bongo.

Many people, Nigerians included, are not aware of the transport of children out of Biafra to other African countries during the Nigerian Civil war. As part of the strategy taken against secessionist Biafra, federal government of Nigeria, under Yakubu Gowon, implemented a blockade that stopped food and medicine getting into Biafra at the time.

The Nigerian military government intended to starve Biafra into defeat. The

Dokubo

Uwazurike

Afenifere, Ohanaze Ndigbo, Ijaw National Conference, Middle Belt socio cultural pressure groups, even the far North social cultural pressure groups have a lot in common in their efforts to bring about justice, equity and more development across the nation blockade affected the most vulnerable.

These are the elderly and children. Thousands of children died from starvation and malnutrition. At one point, an estimated 1,000 children were dying daily. In fact, images of the war to the world outside of Biafra were images of heavily malnourished and distended bellies of kwashiorkor-stricken children. These images created the rallying humanitarian relief.

Also, too, western coverage of the Nigerian Civil War began a trend in reporting of famines and wars in Africa that the continent is yet to be rid of. These are pictures of anonymous half-naked individuals with no voice of their own, weak and emaciated with hollowed-out features, kids with extended stomachs and so on.

While it is widely known that these humanitarian missions occurred, what isn’t as widely known is that many orphans and

malnourished children were airlifted out of Biafra to relief camps in various African countries. Most of the children were airlifted to relief camps and feeding centers in Gabon, Ivory Coast, and Sao Tome.

Many Biafran children were nourished back to health in these camps.

After the war, sadly, federal government did not deem it fit to take steps to return these children back to their families. It’s like it never happened. Displacement of the Igbo people from the war in general is not discussed. It’s a hot button issue the Nigerian government refuses to acknowledge or address, even today.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees, 3,911 children were identified to have been airlifted out of Biafra. These once were returned to their parents, surviving relatives and foster families in the event that no blood relatives

remained. Despite the herculean efforts by the UNHCR, there are still scores of children unaccounted for. In addition, the identity and complete numbers of children who died in the relief camps, those who were abandoned in their host countries and those who were too young to identify themselves is not actually known. To date, many Igbo families don’t know what became of their children or if they even survived.

Though not confirmed, Nnamdi Kanu, fiery and incendiary separatist activist is believed to be one of the many airlifted Nigerians of Igbo extraction during the civil war. Currently in detention after being arrested by the Department of State Security, DSS, Kanu, formed originator of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, a group agitating again for the cession of Igbo, the South South and parts of North Central as Biafra.

Through the use of Radio Biafra, a satellite broadcast station, Kanu has been making some rather inciting comments, alleged by security agencies to be treasonous. In the last one week, much of the South East has been a hotbed of riots and demonstrations with no less than 10 people allegedly killed by security agency over protest that Kanu be freed.

For instance in Aba, the protest began like a whirlwind sweeping through the South East states and other states with significant Igbo population. In Aba, it was gathered that the protesters ensured that CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Saturday Starter

PAGE

5

‘Separatist agitation part of national history’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

National Conference delebates in Abuja

other markets in the city were shut. As early as 7.45am on Monday, members of the IPOB who formed themselves into several groups, each numbering over 5,000, stormed Ariaria International, Ohabiam Electronics, Ekeoha Ngwa Road and Cemetery Markets to ensure that they complied with the order. Though the protest was largely peaceful, there were isolated incidents where a group of protesters allegedly destroyed goods of traders who failed to comply with the order.

The Protest took place in Onitsha, Asaba, Portharcourt and Enugu, giving both security agencies and government cause for worries. From Port Harcourt Road to Osisioma Ngwa area and Ogbor Hill, there was panic in the city as shop owners were afraid to open for business, even when the protesters had marched past the areas.

Rivers State capital, Port Harcourt, during the week, was grounded when thousands of supporters of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), another separatist movement, staged a protest over the continued detention of Kanu. It was revealed that the protesters, who insisted that security agents release Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, came in from neighbouring states.

At the 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Bori Camp, Armed Personnel Carriers (APC) were rolled out, with armed soldiers positioned at strategic places. The protesters, who gathered around Eleme junction yes-

terday morning, resisted armed security men detailed to contain them. The protest caused traffic gridlock in the city and stalled economic activities.

Some of the Biafra agitators were mobilised from Abia State, but converged on Aba as early as 5:00am, from where they marched to Port Harcourt in protest of Kanu’s continuous detention. The situation grew tense when hundreds of military and police personnel, in a bid to stall the protest, barricaded the Aba Road at Eleme Junction in Port Harcourt, with tens patrol vans and an armoured car.

Despite the police shooting canisters to disperse protesters, the rioters were resolute, chanting, “No retreat no surrender, Freedom, freedom, Release Nnamdi Kanu to us.” In Mile One Market area of Port Harcourt, there were skirmishes, as sounds of gunshots were repeatedly heard.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, however, said the police shot no person. He added that police had been monitoring the situation. To forestall further breakdown of law and order, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, banned unauthorised protests, warning that defaulters of the order would be arrested and prosecuted. The governor, who noted that the protest was the second time in a month, made the order in a state broadcast, warning that his government would not fold hands and watch the state turned into a hotbed of crisis by any group.

Like Wike, state governors of eastern states have also washed their hands off

protests for kanu’s release stating that they will enforce stronger measures in future. But reacting to this incidents, former governor, Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, said that successive presidents have succeeded in pushing the South-East zone to contemplate seceding from Nigeria.

Ezeife observed that the current uprising in the South-East championed by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) was caused by President Mohammadu Buhari’s body language that appeared to neglect the Igbos from the scheme of things.

Guy Ikokwu, politician, believes that restructuring the country and implementing the 2014 National Conference report will go a long way in ending the protests because apart from Igbo leaders, the South-South, North-Central and SouthWest zones are in a favour of restructuring Nigeria. ‘’The founding fathers of our nation’s two protectorates of the North and the South preferred the chant of “unity in diversity.” They opted for a federal rather than a unitary structure politically.

They were such leaders as Engr. Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, Sir Tafawa Balewa, Mr. Herbert Endeley, Chief Dennis Osadebe, Dr. Michael Opara, Mallam Aminu Kano, Hon. J. S. Tarka, Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim and many other notable leaders. ‘’Most of the above leaders made innu-

merable sacrifices for Nigeria to remain united as one country, but events of the past 55 years had left Nigeria depleted of its vital economic potential, political will, aggravated poverty, malnourished populace, high level illiteracy and Almajirism, hypocritical leadership, abject colonial mentality and inferiority complex;, religious fanaticism, criminal tendencies, drug abuse, anti-social behaviours and the myopic anti-national and anti-development strategies.

He further went on, ‘’it was the result of the activities of the various pressure groups from the South and Middle Belt and in some parts of the upper North that led the last President, Goodluck Jonathan to convoke a National Conference in 2014 aimed at finding acceptable formula for our constitutional amendments and restructuring.

The report of the confab was endorsed by the Federal Executive Council, FEC, and handed over to President Buhari . ‘’Within the last three months, our South East and South South geo political zones have witnessed our youths strategizing their own ways for a restructured Nigeria,” Ikoku added. ‘’We will find that the Afenifere, Ohanaze Ndigbo, Ijaw National Conference, Middle Belt socio cultural pressure groups, even the far North social cultural pressure groups have a lot in common in their effort and to bring about justice, equity and more developmental strides across the nation”.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

NATIONAL NEWS

PAGE

6

Nestle launches new Activ-Go Milo Patience Ogbo

N Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffry Onyeama (3rd left); Minister of State, Khadija Bukar (3rd right); Permanent Secretary, Amb. Bulus Lolo (2nd right) and other directors of the ministry, during the assumption of the ministers in Abuja, yesterday.

Foreign Affairs Minister pledges to increase FDI

T

he Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffery Onyema, on Friday said that he would focus on attracting more foreign direct investments (FDI) into the country.

Onyema stated this at the formal hand over of the affairs of the ministry to him and the Minister of State, Mrs Khadija Ibrahim, by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Amb. Bulus Lolo, in Abuja.

He also pledged to promote Nigeria products abroad by facilitating access to world market.

The minister said operations of the ministry would be structured on the three pillars of security, economic development, and fight against corruption, adding that economic development was ``absolutely crucial”. ``We as a ministry should play an enormous role in promoting economic development in our country and it has to be more than just attending meetings. ``We have to engage with all the ministries and plan with them, identifying goals, concrete deliverables, timelines for delivering on those goals and the expected results from those goals with each ministry. ``And then we have to go out to the outside world and see and engage di-

rectly with all our development partners, making new development partners and identifying two key things. ``How to attract foreign direct investment into the country and market access, how we can promote Nigerian goods, access other markets. ``Mr President has made it very clear, we cannot just depend on oil; we have to diversify.”

Onyema urged staff of the ministry to be proactive and dynamic by engaging other ministries to access foreign markets. ``It cannot be just about expecting foreign countries to make us rich by investing in our country,” he said.

The minister added that efforts would be made to efficiently engage Nigerian foreign missions and turning them into economic hubs for the nation’s economic development programme. ``We have missions and embassies in so many countries around the world and we have to turn them into hubs for our economic development programme. ``They have to play an important and major role in promoting access to markets in countries where they are situated and also in helping to promote foreign direct investment into Nigeria.”

On security, Onyema

said that Nigeria had to ``quickly and efficiently” engage with foreign partners to address the security challenges in the country. ``We will never be at peace if there is no security. ``So, the ministry will have to leverage our contacts, our permanent engagement with the outside world to work coherently and together in tackling this scourge.”

He said that the ministry also had an important role to play in fighting corruption in Nigeria. ``It is about discipline, integrity and respecting the law. ``First of all, we have to start within our ministry here, imbibe a completely new culture and set of values that conform to the vision of Mr President. ``We have to block leakages within the ministry and also all of our diplomatic missions abroad. ``We also have to have a new mind set, not always about entitlements but also about making a sacrifice for the greater good of our country. ``We really have to put in place the rule of law and imbibe a culture of good governance, discipline and integrity and our country will be the better for it.”

In her remarks, Ibrahim urged the staff of

the ministry to contribute their quotas to the success of the ministry and that of the nation as a whole. ``We are all here to see that our country progresses. There a lot of things that need to be changed. ``We have, for too long, been exposed to a lot of negative things which we have to make positive in order to achieve the change that Mr President so desperately wants us to. ``We are all contributing our quota to see that this change is achieved,” she said.

(NAN)

estlé, Nigeria PLC makers of Milo malt drink has added another cap to it’s innovations. This follows the launch on Monday of its Activ -Go reformulated Milo beverage.

The launch which was marked with fanfare was also an opportunity for the company to urge Nigerians to take breakfast seriously.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Nestlé Nigeria PLC Mr. Dharnesh Gordhon said the new Milo with Activ- Go is the best meal for breakfast adding that Milo will continue to support sporting events in the country.

“Milo is the energy food drink of future champions, helping to nourish the aspirations of mother’s for their children, ensuring that they grow up and be successful in all works of life. Drinking Milo everyday as part of a healthy breakfast gives children the energy to get the best out of the day. Milo is also the proud supporter

of grass roots sports development. Milo had sponsored the Milo Basketball Championship for the past seventeen years’’.

Activ-Go reformulated Milo according to Mr. Olufemi Akintola, the Category Manager Beverages, is in line with the company’s commitment to deliver value to loyal customers.

Giving the health benefits of the newly introduced Milo, Mr. Akintola said. ,”Milo had been reformulated and it is now fortified with Activ- Go made from PROTOMALT, a unique malt extract and a specially designed combination of nine micronutients including six vitamins and three minerals. Activ-Go supports energy release ,muscle function and bone maintenance that are essential for physical activity in children. Engaging in physical activities such as exercise and sports is an important part of a healthy successful lifestyle. Children who are physically active in exercise and sports are less likely to be obese”

We won’t fail Buhari, says new State House Perm Sec Rotimi Fadeyi

T

he new Permanent Secretary of the State House Abuja, Mr. Jalal Arabi yesterday said that the management would fail to support President Muhammadu Buhari towards the change mantra of the government.

Speaking while officially taking over the affairs at the State House, Arabi said that he would ensure positive changes

in the administration of the the State House.

Arabi appealed to the staff to be more transparent than they have been and also play by the rules at all times.

“We have to strive to change things positively.

The stakes are high, the expectations are high, I believe it is not impossible to achieve.

“I believe the task before us is a collective responsibility. We are in it together. Let us be more transparent than we

have been. Let us play by the rule.”, he said.

The former Permanent Secretary, Nebolisa Emordi had on Wednesday handed over the affairs of the State House to the Director of ICT, Gabriel Afu. Afu, while handing over to the the new Permanent Secretary said that the staff believe that he would take the necessary steps to efficient and effective service delivery in the State House.

PAGE

7

Dambazau assumes duty as Interior minister Obiora Ifoh, ABUJA

N

ewly appointed minister, Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, yesterday, resumed duty, charging the staff of the ministry to be change agents.

The minister who was sworn in alongside other 35 other ministers by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, said he will hit the ground running to engender the change agenda.

In his speech while speaking on assumption of office, Dambazau stated emphatically that: “My leadership will have zero tolerance for corruption, indolence, sectarianism, cronyism, and most of all, impunity.”

While challenging all the Service Chiefs to safeguard people’s trust jealously, the minister stated that leadership at all levels will be held accountable for their actions.

He pledged to improve on all levels of welfare, logistics and general workplace safety of the staff of the ministry.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Bassey Ekpeyong, said the task ahead was enormous, calling for the cooperation of all Service Chiefs in achieving the objectives of the present administration.

Patience Ogbo

N

ews of a planned bomb attack in a college in Lagos state on Friday sent students and staff scampering for safety.

It was gathered that on 13th November, 2015, the Lagos State Police Command received infor-

NATIONAL NEWS

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Buhari visits, honours troops in Yola

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Yola, honoured three soldiers who sustained serious injuries in ongoing operations against Boko Haram with the Purple Heart medal for gallantry, during a morale-boosting visit to the Nigerian military in Adamawa State.

At the conferment ceremony, President Buhari said that the honour to the three wounded soldiers was in appreciation of their heroic contributions to the ongoing effort by the Nigerian Armed Forces to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

“These very deserved medals are in recognition of your sacrifices. I hope it will inspire you to give more to the nation and I urge you to maintain your determination to bring peace to our fatherland.

“With what I have seen today, I believe that the Boko Haram are very close to defeat and I urge

you to quickly clear the remnants of these criminals from wherever they may still be hiding.

“I also urge you to remain vigilant, alert and focused to prevent Boko Haram from sneaking into our communities to attack soft targets,’’ the President said.

Those decorated with the Purple Heart medal are Lance Corporal Kenneth Kulugh who was wounded in a battle with Boko Haram at Magar Bridge, near Madagali.

Others are Private Anthony Sunday was wounded in a battle with Boko Haram at Gubla in Adamawa State and Private Danga Umar who sustained multiple gunshot injuries to both thighs at Magar Bridge, near Madagali.

Accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, the President also presented Operation Lafiya Dole medals to other four sol-

diers.

The Operation Lafiya Dole medal is presented to men and officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces who have served gallantly in theatre of operations in the North east beyond six months.

Commending the armed forces for successes so far recorded in the ongoing fight against the insurgents, President Buhari urged them to remain focused on the objective of completely defeating Boko Haram before the end of the year.

The President assured them that the welfare of troops in the frontline states will continue to be improved by his administration.

President Buhari urged the army to continue to operate within its rules of engagement and with due regard for human rights and its responsibility to protect civilians in areas of con-

flict.

The President also visited the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Malkohio, Jimieta, Yola, where he assured the IDPs that the Federal Government was doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of all displaced Nigerians to their native communities.

President Buhari paid a courtesy visit to Lamido Adamawa, Dr Muhamamdu Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha and rounded-off his visit to Adamawa by attending the Wedding Fatiha of three daughters of Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, after attending the Jumat Prayer at the Airforce Mosque in Jibson Jalo Army Barracks, Jimeta, Yola.

He was accompanied on the trip to Adamawa State by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Senator Ahmed Lawan and Senator Kabir Garba Marafa.

Niger Deltans during the 20 years Anniversary/Lecture of Ken Saro-Wiwa by Ijaw Monitoring Group with theme, ‘Clean-up Ogoni, Clean –up Niger Delta now’ in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

NEMA to receive 10,000 more Nigerians from CAR, Cameroon

T

he Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Muhammad Sani-Sidi on Friday in Yola, said it would evacuate 10,000 more Nigerians from Central African and Cameroon Republics.

Sani-Sidi made this known during the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Malkohi Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Yola.

According to the director-general, the Nigerians were expelled from Cameroon and Central African Republic. ``So far, 15,754 Nigerians have been received and about 10,000 are being expected at the Sa’uda border in Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa’’, Sani-Sidi said.

He said a transit camp had been established in Mubi to receive the returnees for screening by security agencies.

He said the returnees would thereafter be relocated to the NEMA designated camps in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa.

He explained that most of the returnees were indigenes of Borno state.

On the IDPs, he said over 250,000 of them were camped at the peak period of the displacement in 2014 while 300,000 settled in host communities. ``So far, the management has recorded 315 births in the camps, while 68 deaths of mostly children and the aged were recorded. ``We have also recorded 40 marriages amongst IDPs across the camps. ``Presently, we have 195 nursing mothers, 80 pregnant women and 75 unaccompanied children in various camps in Adamawa”, Sani-Sidi said.

Bomb scare: Experts comb Lagos college mation that a letter was dropped inside the toilet of school Principal Metropolitan College Isolo to the effect that “CertaBoko-Haram elements” have planted bombs in the four corners of the college.

The Lagos state police spokes person DSP Joe Off

in a press statement, however, debunked the bomb claim.

He said “the Command dispatched the Anti-Bomb Disposal Unit to the School which carried out a thorough sweeping of the entire college premises and no such bomb was discov-

ered.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, visited the School in the company of Counter Terrorism Unit of the Force in a confidence building visit and also to reassure the College Community of their safety.

Pamphlets on security tips were shared to the teachers and students of the institution.

Meanwhile, the Command wishes to reiterate its earlier appeal to members of the public to be vigilant and conscious of their environment, and also the

need to report any suspicious objects to the Police.

Once again, the residents of Lagos are assured of adequate security of life and property and therefore advised go about their lawful businesses without any fear”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

NATIONAL NEWS

PAGE

8

Nigerians protest harsh electricity policies, task Fashola to scrap service charge

M

embers of the Electricity Consumer Protection Forum, a nongovernmental organization (NGO), on Thursday at Ikeja, Lagos, welcomed new power minister, Babatunde Fashola, with a protest walk against proposed hike in electricity tariff.

Mr. Fashola, the immediate governor of Lagos State, was on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, sworn in as the Minister of Power, Works and Housing

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Members of the NGO who walked from Ikeja roundabout to Lagos State House of Assembly and Government House, Alausa, carried placards with various inscriptions, demanding an end to what they termed obnoxious policies of the electricity distribution companies nationwide.

“We say no to any electricity tariff increase; Service charge is a calculated financial slavery; Distribute prepaid meters; and Stop estimated bills, among others, were some of the

inscriptions.

The peaceful protest, supervised by police, drew solidarity from most Nigerians standing throughout the long stretch of Obafemi Awolowo Road, Ikeja.

The NGO, in a letter to President Buhari, through Akinwumi Ambode, the Governor of Lagos State, said their protest walk was to draw the president and the new minister’s attention

to the pressing electricity needs of Nigerians.

The coordinator of the group, Adeola Samuel-IIori, identified Nigerians’ electricity challenges as astronomical charges through estimated bills, and the non-provision of prepaid meters to electricity consumers as agreed in the privatisation MOU. The group, in their letter, also demanded the abolition of the N750

monthly service charges and the reacquisition of the whole national electricity infrastructure.

Mr. Samuel-IIori said their demand for the Federal Government to takeover the power infrastructure stemmed from the fact that no visible improvements have been experienced in the sector managed by the private sector.

He also urged government to reappraise

the privatisation MOU, which according to him did not protect Nigerians.

Biodun Bamgboye, permanent secretary, governor’s office, who received the group on behalf of the governor, commended them for the peaceful protest.

He said the government understood the sacrifices of Nigerians and promised to forward their letter to the Federal Government.

F​ uel crisis: NNPC orders mega stations, others to commence 24-hour service

W

ith pockets of queues at filling stations heralding a gradual return of fuel crisis in the country, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on Friday announced a number of measures to ensure adequate supply of petroleum products to consumers.

The Executive Director (Commercial), Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Justine Ezeala, said in Abuja that the corporation has a projected stock of 1.4 billion litres of petrol, available for distribution nationwide for November.

“The current fuel queues in some major cities across the country have nothing to do with the lack of supply of petroleum products,” Mr. Ezeala said while providing update on the current fuel supply situation in the country.

“I can assure Nigerians that we have enough stock of petroleum products to satisfy the nation’s domestic consumption requirement,” he said.

Mr. Ezeala announced a number of extra measures adopted by the corporation to check the queues that have been developing at most filling stations in Abuja and environs.

He said the PPMC has

increased the volume of petroleum products being transported to fuel stations across major cities in the country.

To ensure that the products are available to consumers, the director said most of the 37 retail mega stations owned by NNPC across the country have been directed to commence 24-hour service.

“NNPC Retail has 513 retail outlets all over the country; and the strategy is that every one of these stations is designed to have products at all times.

But, in addition we have decided that most of the mega stations will adopt 24 hours operation model.

“Where for security reasons that arrangement cannot be met, we are going to have extended hours of operation in such locations starting from 5 a.m. till about 10 p.m. daily,” he said.

On NNPC Retail operations, Oladipo Fagbola, said that apart from the 24-hour service, the corporation has opened some hotlines to enable members of the public provide useful feedback and intelligence on the operations of mega and affiliate filling stations across the country.

The hotlines include: 08057008021, 08052195801 and 08100941174.

President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Jubrila Bindow of Adamawa State at an IDP camp, recently.

53 graduates make first class at University of Ibadan F ifty-three students graduated with first class degrees from the University of Ibadan (UI) out of 2,362 graduands in Ibadan on Friday.

The first class graduates emerged from the institution’s Faculties of Arts, Science, Clinical Science and Public Health.

Prof.

Emilolorun Ayelari, the Acting.

Vice-Chancellor of the university disclosed this at the 67th Foundation Day and Convocation 2015 held at the International Conference Centre in Ibadan.

Fourteen of the 53 first class graduates were of the Faculty of Arts, 32 from Faculty of Science, one

each from Clinical Science, Public Health, Distance Learning and four from affiliate institutions.

Mr. Ayelari said 494 had Second Class (Upper Division), 822 secured Second Class (Lower Division), 185 had Third Class, 40 in the Pass category, 177 from unclassified degrees and 48 diplomas.

He said the 53 first class graduates had become UI scholars, adding that the university would bear the cost of their studies up till their doctorate (PhD) degrees.

Mr. Ayelari urged the graduands to be good ambassadors of the institution wherever they find them-

selves.

Responding on behalf of the graduands, Ejemenare Daodu, from the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, said they had come a long way but thanked God that they had succeeded.

“It was not all rosy. We experienced many challenges.

There were times for laughter and times of despair.

“All the challenges we faced have shaped us into intellectuals that we are today,’’ she said.

Ms. Daodu, who secured the highest number of awards at the ceremony, urged the students of the institution to be fully prepared for the task.

She called on the man-

agement of the institution to embrace the digital world that is growing fast.

“I look forward to a day when Nigerian students will on admission know the date they would graduate.

“What I mean is an educational system devoid of incessant industrial strikes’’, she said.

Hazeem Gbolarumi, a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, who graduated from the Faculty of Law, said he was glad he succeeded, despite his responsibilities.

Mr. Ayelari presented the incoming Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, to the audience. PREMIUM TIMES.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Boko Haram attempts retake of Gworza

• Loses 7 men • Army recovers arms Inusa Ndahi, MAIDUGURI

I

nsurgents believed to be Boko Haram terrorists made daring but costly attempt to attack Nigerian Army’s blocking position early yesterday morning in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno state.

Gwoza is south of the beleaguered state and about 200 kilometres drive from Maiduguri, the state capital. It was once captured by Boko Haram sect until recently when it was liberated by troops.

The encounter which started at about 5.00am

lasted for almost two hours.

Briefing newsmen at the Pompomari Garrison along bye pass road, the Media Coordinator, Operation Lafiya Dole, Colonel Tukur Gusau said, even though details are still being collated, suffice to state that 7 terrorists were gunned down with recovery of arms and ammunitions.

The following weapons recovered according to Gusau include; 1 Toyota Hilux vehicle, 11 AK-47 rifles, 1 Shilka Gun, 1 Rocket Propelled Grenade Tube, 6 Hand Grenades. Others include several rounds of Shilka Gun and Machine

Gun ammunitions.

Presently, he added that troops are on hot pursuit of the attackers into Sambisa forest with a view to eliminate all of them while the Nigerian Air Force is bombarding their locations.

“It will be recalled that the Boko Haram terrorists’ ability as a coherent fighting force has been degraded over time by troops through relentless attacks, patrols and aerial bombardments.

“The desperate attack today was a failed attempt to project an image of strength. It is part of the last struggles of a dying evil”. He noted.

Similarly, Gusau said,

Troops of 7 Division Garrison and 112 Task Force Battalion yesterday while on fighting patrol recovered weapons in Busheshe village in Mafa axis.

“The weapons recovered include two hillux vans, two anti aircraft guns, three 81 millimetre bombs one hundred and one 60 millimetre bombs, twenty ammunition boxes, twenty one rocket propelling guns large quantity of 7.62 milimeter special ammunition.

And cache of different calibre of ammunitions.

“During the operations one of our soldiers was wounded but in a stable condition and currently in our hospital receiving medical care”. Gusau concluded.

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, (middle), Minister of State, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri (2nd left), Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Louis Edozien (2nd right), Director, Human Resources HRM, Mrs. Grace Papka (left) and other Directors when the Ministers visited the Ministry’s Headquarters and met with the management on assumption of duties shortly after their inauguration in Abuja on Wednesday, 11 November, 2015.

Franca Osakwe

E

mbattled brewers, Guinness Nigeria PLC, have spiritedly denied the alleged use of expired raw materials in making its product for Nigerian consumption while also insisting that other allegations against it by National Agency for Food and Drug Control (NAFDAC) were unfounded.

The media was recently suffused with details of the clamp down on the brewery

by NAFDAC over infractions.

But explaining the matter concerning the expired raw materials that were allegedly found at the company warehouse, Sesan Sobowale , corporate relations director for the company, said some of

the raw materials may have passed their Best Before (BB) date, but that they have been certified still good. “Yes, there were products that might have passed their BB date at the warehouse. But they have been tested by the manufacturers and certified okay and given new expiry dates,” Sobowale said.

He also added that the ones that are actually found to be expired are usually burnt and destroyed, in compliance with regulation, he added.

On the issue of rodent infestations at the warehouse, Sobowale denied the allegation. “What NAFDAC said in the letter, was that the state of the warehouse is such that rodent can go in, not that they saw rodents, and this is because the door was open when they came in. We had a pest control treatment carried out barely a week before

PAGE

NATIONAL NEWS

9

Allow Dasuki travel abroad, court orders DSS Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

T

he Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday ordered the Department of State Services (DSS), to allow former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.), to travel out of the country for medical treatment.

The embattled former NSA, had approached the court praying for the enforcement of its earlier order of November 3 that he could travel for three weeks to seek medical assistance for his ailment.

In his ruling on Friday, the trial judge Justice Adeniyi, insisted that Sambo must be allowed to travel to seek medical attention without delay stressing that it is only those alive that can face trial.

The court equally summoned the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Alhaji Abubakar Malami (SAN) to appear in court on Monday to explain the siege laid on the Abuja residence of the erstwhile NSA in the last two weeks.

Justice Ademola issued the summons following complaints by Dasuki’s lawyers, led by Mr. Joseph Daudu (SAN) that the order of the court had not been allowed to be implemented by operatives of the DSS among others, Dasuki’s lawyer protested to the court that nine days after the court ordered Dasuki to travel abroad for treatment,

the DSS operatives had since Nov 4 placed him under house arrest 24 hours after the court order was made.

Counsel to Federal Government, Mr Shuaibu Labaran who declined to confirm or deny the presence of the security operatives in the house of Dasuki, in breach of the court order, however admitted that the former NSA was being investigated in another money laundering matter.

However, Justice Ademola who was not comfortable with the violation of his order told the Federal Government counsel to inform his client to learn how to respect and obey a valid court order.

He said that even if the DSS had any cause to conduct any further investigation, the lawful thing was to have allowed Dasuki to go abroad for treatment of his ailment as ordered by his court rather than looking for excuses to justify disobedience to the order.

“I have made an order which has to be obeyed and the order is to the effect that the accused be allowed to go abroad as from November 4 to treat his ailment within three weeks and return to the court on November 26 for his trial in the charges brought against him.

“I stand by my order, nobody is saying that the man should not be investigated, but the order must be obeyed and I am not ready to bend on the

Guinness protests N1 billion fine ...denies using expired raw materials NAFDAC visited the site so there is no way rodent can be in the warehouse”, he said.

Sobowale said the letter imposing the fine of 1billion Naira on the company came as a shock to them, considering the fact that they had followed all the due processes laid down by NAFDAC. “It came as a surprise to us. Even the NAFDAC Assistant Director General expressed surprise by the letter and the fact that it was not

signed by NAFDAC Director General, but by the Director of Enforcement, NAFDAC. He said such letter should not have left NAFDAC without the DG who was not even in the country during the time”, he added.

On his part, Managing Director Guinness Nigeria, Peter Ndegwa, said their raw materials are stored according to best practices. “We have been in business for more than 65 years and our business can run at par with man-

ufacturing companies around the world. We recently spent about N52 billion to repackage our manufacturing plant, we produce in line with Food Safety System Association”, he said.

Happy Birthday Alhaja Mulikat Osanyintola

70th Birthday

celebrated with her husband Alhaji Imam Ganiyu Osanyintola at Low Cost Housing Estate, Oke-afa Isolo, Lagos on Saturday 7th of November, 2015.

PAGE

10

Smuggling is like treason—Ali James Danjuma, KATSINA

T

he Comptroller General of Customs, Col Hameed Ali has likened activities of smugglers in the county to acts of treason.

Ali, who was speaking yesterday while in Katsina state on official assignment, said those engaged in smuggling were committing crimes that were tantamount to betraying the country.

He warned those engaged in the act of smuggling to desist from doing same or face the full wrath of the law.

The CGC said Customs under his tenure would not relent in its efforts to bring the menace of smuggling to its knees, as anyone caught would have himself to blame.

“To be specific, if we find any Katsina state citizen in the act, he will be dealt with ruthlessly, as the customs will no longer be business as usual.”

He however called for support and cooperation from the state government towards educating communities along border areas against the menace of smuggling.

NATIONAL NEWS Sebastine Ebhuomhan BENIN

T

he Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, is set to launch a new social media platform for swift response to distress calls and complaints by citizens against police personnel in the country.

Information obtained by our correspondent in Benin City during the week showed the police force has already created a new website for the purpose: www. npf.gov.ng/complaint, where it was explained that the IGP will personally launch the Nigeria Police Force Complaint Response Unit (CRU), a 24/7 platform, this week.

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

IGP Arase to launch Compliance Response Unit ...Gives N78m insurance benefits to 65 beneficiaries As the portal’s message states, “Do you have any complaints about your contact with any of our officers? Our quick response will put a smile on your face.”

Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone ‘5’, Musa Daura on Tuesday presented cheques

totalling N78, 233, 644.00 to 65 beneficiaries of deceased police personnel under the Police Group Life Assurance Scheme and the Nigeria Police Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme on behalf of the IGP. A breakdown of the figure shows that 57 beneficiaries of the Police Group

Life Assurance Scheme shared N75, 833, 644.00 while eight benefiting next of kin of fallen officers received N2, 400,000.00.

Alhaji Daura while presenting the cheques in his office, explained that under the Police Group Life Assurance Scheme, the highest beneficiaries, Thai Amechi and Ihekanoye An-

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right), discussing with Founder, Graca Machel Trust & Inaugural Chancellor, African Leadership University, Mrs. Graca Machel Mandela (left) and Managing Partner, Aluko & Oyebode, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode (middle), during a courtesy visit to the Governor by Graca Machel Trust, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Friday, November 13, 2015.

1.4 billion litres of PMS available for November —NNPC …Urges motorists to stop panic buying Chidi Ugwu, ABUJA

I

rk by the emerging fuel queues across the country, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday urged members of the public to shun panic buying assuring that a total number of about 657 million litres of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) are currently available for supply.

Speaking during a press conference organized by the corporation, the Executive Director, Commercials Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), Justin Ezeala, said there is no reason for queues at the filling stations at the moment,

stressing that 657 litres translates to 16 days of sufficiency going by Nigeria’s 40 million litrs daily consumption.

Ezeala, said PPMC, which is set up as a subsidiary and strategic business unit of NNPC is working hard to synchronize all the government agencies to ensure seamless and faster delivery of fuel across the nook and crannies of the country.

He stated that in spite of the fact there is more than enough Premium Motor Spirit to go round, Nigeria would get about 1,4 billion litres of PMS in the month November alone which translates to 35 days sufficiency.

“The fuel is there. People should not go and queue up to buy fuel. At the Conoil opposite NNPC Towers there

are four trucks waiting to discharge fuel but there is queue there. We have sent almost 30 trucks to retail outlets this morning here in Abuja metropolis alone. The NNPC mega station at Katampe has 10 trucks waiting to discharge but there is queue there. So we are telling people don’t go and queue and waste your time. And a courtesy to other if you do not want to buy fuel do not go and queue because you see people going to buy fuel.

“As we speak to we currently within our depots 66 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). In our partner depots which is the private depots we have 118 million litres of PMS, and Marine stock the stock we have on the vessel which is anchored in Lagos, we have

428 million litres, and then, the major marketers have about 44 million litres. That will give us a total number of about 657 million litres as we speak.And based on our daily consumption rate of 40 million litres we have about sixteen and half days’ sufficiency.

“From PPMC alone we have about 380 million litres confirmed deliveries before the end of November. And from other major marketers we have another 376 million coming in so if you add that to what we currently have on ground, for November alone we are going to have 1.4 billion litres of PMS which gives us 35 days sufficiency” he said.

He however, admitted that that the organization has numerous challenges to content with including the pipelines which have been out for several months now, and the gridlock at Apapa which have made bridging

even more difficult.

“The pipelines are out, for the past couple of months pipelines have not been used to transport fuel, take them from the mother ships, take them to storage, and truck them. That is not a preferred way of supply but that is what we have done for the past 8 months. I am sure most Nigerians are not aware of this fact but that we have continued to do. We have continued to load more products than we have loaded in the past” He assured that the challenges are not insurmountable stressing that the organization have devised ways of ensuring that fuel gets to as many Nigerians as possible, adding ‘PPMC has set up a new organization, leaner and more efficient organization. We have also adopted a method of giving a list of all our deliveries, station by station and product by product’.

NNPC retail has 513 retail

drew, both from Edo State Command, received N1, 922, 400.00 each, while the least received N612, 846.00.

On the other hand, under the Nigeria Police Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme, the highest beneficiary, Desmond Babaji from Bayelsa command, received N500, 000.00 while the least received N100, 000.00.

Daura said, “The purposes of the two schemes are to enhance the welfare of the officers and men of the Force who died or suffered one injury or the other in the course of their selfless service to their fatherland and to ameliorate the suffering of their immediate family members, injured colleagues, their families and next of kin from untold hardship among others.”

Sympathizing with the beneficiaries for the loss of their bread winners, Daura advised them to make good use of the money. “As you receive these cheques, I enjoin you all to make judicious use of the money so as to serve the purpose for which it is meant, which is to ease your problems,” he concluded.

outlets all over the country and the strategy is that every one of that outlet will have product at every point in time. They our priority they are our stations so they should be our first point of contact with the people.

He urged Nigerians that challenge stations that hoard by demanding for their stock level as supplied by the NNPC. The managing Director Retail, NNPC Oladipo Fagbola urged Nigerians to report any suspicious act by any of the NNPC retail stations, stressing the emerging queues are man-made.

He furthered assured that NNPC is working round the clock to ensure that the nation is wet with fuel, and that mega stations have commenced 24 hours operations, and where for security reasons they cannot operate 24 hours we have what we call extended hours starting from about 5am to 10pm.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

New Oluwo tenure will be memorable —Adams Ayo Esan

T

he people of Iwo, Osun State have been described as “people after the heart of God” going by the precedent and history of their new Oba, Olawale Rasheed.

The new Oba, according to the release made available to newsmen yesterday by the National Coordinator, Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, and Convener, Oodua Progressive Union, OP, Otunba Gani Adams “is a consummate royal personality whose deeds and acts have been kingly, noble, regal and royal since his sojourn on earth commenced.

“His selection as the prince to sit on the stead of his forefathers was never a surprise to me

because he has been born with the aura of a wonderful king. The ascension of Oba Olawale Rasheed as the new Oluwo of Iwo will be watershed and opening of new vista in the history of existence of Iwo and the annals of history of the good people of Iwo.” He added that the Iwo people would soon realize that they have made a divine choice of an Oba as “Oba Olawale’s era will bring forth unprecedented development in the socio-economic sector which is waiting for improvement in the town.”

He called on the new Oba not “to forget or jettison the pristine traditional culture and ethics of the Obaship institution which are the fundamentals of reigning successfully.”

PAGE

SOUTH WEST

11

Opon Imo

Osun threatens students with N50,000 fine

T

he Osun State Government yesterday commenced another round of distribution of tablets of Knowledge, popularly called ‘Opon Imo’ to students in public high schools across the state.

Kicking off the distribution exercise, after which 29, 000 students would have been given the computer

tablets, at the Adventist High School, Ede, Osun state deputy governor, Mrs Titilaoye Tomori, said despite all odds, the government embarked on the exercise to fulfill its promise to improve education standard in the state.

Laoye-Tomori, who was represented by the permanent secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Lawrence Oyeniran, warned students

against mishandling the tablets, saying if a gadget gets spoilt, whoever involved would pay N50,000 fine.

She added that the previous gadgets given to students were recalled last year to upgrade them and repair those that were faulty.

She explained that teachers have been tutored how to operate the tablets, not-

ing that parents of the students that would be giving the gadgets may likely be invited and taught how to handle the gadgets.

In his remarks, the principal, Adventist High School, Ede, Mr Anthony Ojo, said distribution of the tablets had made teaching and learning easier and also improved students performance in their examinations.

Ekiti chief versus monarch: Appeal court orders fresh trial

Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

T

he Court of Appeal, Ado Ekiti Division has ordered fresh trial of a suit filed by the Edemo of Ado Ekiti, Chief Bamidele Aduloju, to restrain the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, from suspending or deposing him.

Justice Boloukuromo Moses Ugo, who delivered the lead judgment, set aside the judgment of an Ado Ekiti High Court which dismissed the suit, saying the lower court was wrong in its decisions on Aduloju’s statement of claim and statement of oath and consequent dismissal of the suit.

The Appeal Court panel, which also had Justices Adzira Msheila and Ayobode Lokulo-Sodipe, in the unanimous judgment, ordered: “The said suit is hereby restored to the Cause List of the Ekiti State High Court for trial on its merit by any other judge beside O.I.O Ogunyemi that the Chief Judge may deem fit to assign it.”

Justice Ogunyemi of an Ado Ekiti High Court had last year dismissed the suit, no HAD/226/2011, saying Aduloju’s statement of claim did not disclose a reasonable cause of action and that his witness statement on oath accompanying his originating processes was fundamentally defective.

Shittu pledges to set up ministerial constituency office Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

O

yo State-born Minister of Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, on Friday, said for the first time in the history of the state, he would set up a ministerial constituency office in Ibadan, the state capital.

He said the purpose of the innovation in government representation was to truly bring government nearer to the people and to give the people of the state sense of belonging.

Shittu made the disclosure while speaking with journalists at the Alakia, Ibadan Airport, on his

first visit to his state of origin after his inauguration in Abuja on Wednesday.

At the airport where he was received by large crowd of supporters, political associates and well-wishers, he said the new office would afford the people of the state to reach him and the seat of power, with a promise that he would ensure that the needs of the people are attended to with dispatch.

He re-echoed the same message during a visit to Governor Abiola Ajimobi, at his Office in Agodi, Ibadan, accompanied by his wife, Hajia Shittu, Yunus Akintunde, a former Commissioner in the state and some family friends.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle) with Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I (left) and Commissioner for Local Government & Community Affairs, Hon. Muslim Folami, during the Year 2015 Community Day Celebration with the theme - Community Development: Tool for Sustainable Development, at the Police College Parade Ground, G.R.A, Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, November 12, 2015.

Pastors accost journalist at colleague’s forgery trial Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

T

he trial of the former general secretary of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Pastor Gideon Okegwemeh, and former staff of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Hakeem Mohammed, for forgery, before a Federal

High Court in Ibadan, yesterday took a new twist, as not less than 10 men, suspected to be pastors of the general executive faction of the church, manhandled a photo journalist with the Vanguard newspaper, Dare Fasube.

Fasube was taking photographs of Okegwemeh and Mohammed, who were scheduled to be

arraigned, but were only docked without the criminal charge read to them for technical reasons, when he was accosted and shoved about by the clergy men.

The aggrieved pastors, some of who came from Lagos, and were visibly angry, accused Fasube of taking the photographs

of the accused outside the court premises, stating that he has no right to do so.

The altercations between the other journalists around and some of the pastors, led to the intervention of some court officials, who appealed to the pastors to allow Fasube do his job.

Apostolic church drags two before court Boladale Bamigbola, OSOGBO

T

he Apostolic Church, Temidire Assembly, Osogbo, has dragged Adeyemi Gbadebo and Adebayo Adenigba before an Osogbo Magistrate court over alleged land encroachment.

The church alleged

that the two accused persons conspired to commit felony to wit malicious damage of property on their land.

According to the substituted charge sheet, accused persons, were said to have, between May and June 2013 at Temidire Estate, Halleluya Area, Osogbo, unlawfully and forcibly entered the property of the Apostolic Church,

Temidire Assembly and thereby committed an offense.

The case has been in court since 2013 while Gbadebo has also dragged the church and one Moshood Adesina to court for selling his plot of land to the church.

He alleged that he bought the land at one million naira from one Barrister M. A Laogun

who received the money on behalf of a USA-based, Charles Oluokun, in 2010.

He alleged that Adesina collected another N900,000 from him when he claimed that he was the owner of the land.

However, the two accused persons pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge levelled against them.

PAGE

NORTH

12

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Benue election petition: Appeal court reserves judgement Henry Iyorkase MAKURDI.

T

he Court of Appeal sitting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital yesterday, reserved indefinitely judgment in the Notice of Appeal filed by the defeated Governorship candidate in the April 25th polls, Prince Terhemen Tarzoor seeking the disqualification of the election of All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) Samuel Ortom and incumbent governor of the state.

The Appellate court gave the ruling Friday, after parties in the appeal adopted their briefs, even as preliminary objections were made by counsel to Samuel Ortom, Chief Adeniyi Akintola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Tarzoor’s Counsel, Adebayo Adenipekun in moving his appeal, urged the court to hold that APC did not conduct governorship primary election for Benue State hence, the said nomination of Ortom was invalid by reason of non- compliance with Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

He submitted that Ortom in his reply to the petition at the lower tribunal admitted that his party neither conducted a direct nor indirect primary election but a consensus primary where he emerged, arguing that consensus has no place in law.

But Ortom and his party, APC in a cross appeal, questioned the competence of Tarzoor’s appeal having respectively adopted their briefs of argument in urging the court to allow their cross appeal and dismiss the appellants’ appeal.

According to Akintola, Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) is limited to members of a political party and in particular, aspirants who participated in an election that is questioned unlike Section 182 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which is open to every Nigeria.

He explained that Tarzoor cannot asked for an order declaring him winner of the April 11 Benue Governorship poll since he did not contest the number of votes cast at the poll and doing so would amount to standing the law on the head.

In his argument, Sabastine Hon SAN who appeared for the APC submitted that the Court of Appeal has no jurisdiction to declare any person governor because Section 179 (1)(a)(b) of the Constitution 1999 (as amended) has not been complied with.

He explained that Tarzoor did not lead evidence at the lower tribunal to satisfy Section 179 (b) of the Constitution in showing that he garnered the required votes of one-quarter

of two-third of votes cast in all the Local Government Areas of Benue State.

Hon further submitted that the argument of Tarzoor’s counsel which hinges on Section 87(6) of the Electoral Act is not contained in the grounds of his appeal neither were it canvassed at the lower tribunal nor arise from the judgment delivered by the Honourable Tribunal on 20th September, 2015.

Beside, he said the appellant has been caught

by the principle of Res Judicata and or Estoppel because his party, PDP lost a similar suit such as the one instituted by Tarzoor at a Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi and urged the court to allow his cross appeal and dismiss the appellant’s appeal.

Tony Ijohor SAN who appears for Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after adopting his briefs of arguments submitted that the PDP governorship candidate ought

PDP chieftain calls for calm over Taraba Tribunal verdict Justin Tyopuusu

to have called a voter to ask the court to invalidate votes due to Ortom and the APC. And since that was the case, Ijohor argued that the PDP man should not be allowed to asked to be declared.

Having heard all the parties, the presiding judge, Honourable Justice Muhammed Garba adjourned the appeals for judgment at a date reserved to be communicated to senior counsels for the parties.

JALINGO

A

lah to forgive their sins and grant them eternal rest and also give their respective families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss Yunusa added that the team also visited the two other critically injured. In Zaki LGA of the state and prayed for their quick recovery

chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Taraba State, Mr. Dennis Nev yesterday, called on PDP supporters and the people of the state to remain calm and law abiding despite the tribunal ruling which he described as a temporary setback.

Nev, a retired Permanent Secretary Government House administration in Taraba State gave the advice in Jalingo while speaking to journalists on the recent ruling of the Taraba governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja which removed Ishaku as governor.

He said violence does not do any society any good and urged the people of the state to remain calm and law abiding as the governor has expressed his readiness to appeal the judgment.

The PDP chieftain expressed hope that the court of appeal would give justice to the case on its merit, assuring the people of the state that the mandate they gave Ishaku at the polls would be restored at the Appeal Court.

“The tribunal ruling is laughable, but it’s now clear that Tarabans voted for Ishaku. The panel of justices did not find any ground to nullify his election and then delve into pre-election matter.

“This judgment can not stand, it’s just a temporary setback and governor Ishaku and PDP would get justice at the appeal and Supreme Court if the case drag up to,” he said.

He condemned the unfortunate crisis that broke out in Wukari few hours after the tribunal judgment, urging the people of the state to learn how to tolerate and live in peace with one another, in spite of their political, religious or other differences.

felony.

This, is even as he warned soldiers and officers under his command not to take side, should there be such agitation or conflict.

“Under my command, we shall not condone any form of security threat to lives and property.

“Whenever troops are deployed to crisis zone, they are duty bound to halt

breaking down of law and order.

“We are therefore warning that, any form of agitation in North-west and part of North-Central will be treated as treasonable felony.

“Also, any soldier or Officer found in any unprofessional conduct in the event of any agitation would be dealt with according to the military act.” He said.

L-R: Former Governor of Plateau State, Sen. Jonah Jang; his wife, Talatu; representative of the Senate President, Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha and Governor of Plateau State Simon lalong, during the funeral church service of PDP governorship candidate in Plateau, Sen. Pwajok, in Jos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Hajj stampede: Bauchi confirms eight dead, two injured Ezekiel Titus BAUCHI

B

auchi state Muslim Pilgrims Board has finally confirm that about eight intending pilgrims from the state died while two others are critically injured during the recent unfortunate stampede in the holy land.

The Executive Secretary of the Board made the statement through is deputy Alhaji. Ibrahim Shehu while leading a team of government on condolence visit to the deceased families This was contain in a press statement made available to National Mirror signed by the information officer Mohammed Sani Yunusa

The statement added that the effected LGA’s where the deceased come from are Ningi, Giade, Zaki, Gamawa and Darazo Among the deceased according to the statement are;

Alhaji Musa Muham med Giade, Hajia Amina Garba Bagam, Alhaji Sule Mai Inji including Alhaji Musa Kalla Ibrahim and Alhaji Ahmed Sambo among others The Board prayed Al-

Army warns Biafra agitators in the North

A za Msue KADUNA

F

ollowing the spread of Biafra protesters in some parts of South-east of Nigeria, the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade, yesterday,

warned that the Army will not condone any treasonable agitation in the North.

According to the GOC, any such agitation under in Area of Responsibility, which covers Northwest and some parts of North-Central zones of the country will be treated as treasonable

Alhaji Rilwanu Suleman Adamu

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

POLITICS

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PDP: What manner of rebranding?

Lekan Adejuwon

T

he opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the week, made a desperate move to warm itself back to the hearts of millions of Nigerians, whom in their wisdom, had given the party a free mandate spanning 16 years of the present democratic experience.

Apart from the fact that the defeat of the party during the last general elections shattered the perceived unfounded myth of PDP’s boisterous prediction of ruling the country for the next sixty years, the party in unusual political deft move, virtually went on its knees begging Nigerians for what it called ‘the mistakes of the past’ The occasion coincided with the desire of the party to organise a national rebranding conference where the PDP in unmistakable terms, asked Nigerians for forgiveness over its inability to meet their expectations in all the 16 years of being in the saddle.

It was a remorseful PDP speaking through its Chairman, National Planning Committee of the Conference, Chief Raymond Dokpesi at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

Dokpesi, whose media outfit played a pivotal role during the electioneering campaigns of the PDP, however begged Nigerians to forgive and forget what it called “the past errors of its leaders” His words: “We are aware that there were errors we made. We admit that we made mistakes and we have not met the expectations of Nigerians and we tender unreserved apologies for these mistakes” Speaking further the Chairman of DAAR Communications berated the party for many ills bedevilling the PDP in the run off to the 2015 general elections.

He said; “You must have seen the Ike Ekweremadu report on why we are apologising “There was no internal democracy, there was impunity within the party and there was no level playing ground for members of the party” Continuing, the Committee chairman said; “Zoning principles of the party were abandoned and a gamut of all other issues which will come out during the conference and for all these and the people who have been offended, for people whose toes were stepped upon, we also tender unreserved apology” In what promises to be an all inclusive new PDP, Dokpesi did not fail to invite all the estranged members of the party including the few remaining founding fathers of the acclaimed Africa’s largest political party.

“We want to assure every founding member of the party that we deviated from their visions and that is why we are going to have all our founding fathers like Adamu Ciroma, Dr Alex Ekwueme and other members of the G34 to come and talk to us at the conference” Dokpesi, in his attempt to convince Ni-

gerians of his apologetic posture however, went further by blaming the party’s decision to field former President Goodluck Jonathan as PDP ‘s flag bearer in the just concluded general election, describing it as a mistake.

“The party in 2010 and 2011 made the first round of mistake of not allowing the north to complete its term.

“That was when the party gave a special favour for the then President who came to complete the term of Yar’Adua to be allowed one term to finish “The same small leaders of the party came forward in 2015 to state again and refused to return the party to allow the north to field the party’s presidential candidate, they manipulated the party to do the same.

As would be expected, the newspapers on Wednesday were awash with Dokpesi’s statement that PDP made a mistake fielding Jonathan during the March 28 Presidential election.

It would be recalled that the ex-President has been a victim of incessant attacks from members of his party since he lost to the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, but not a few watchers of events in the polity were alarmed at the postulations of Dokpesi insinuating that the PDP had a wrong choice in Jonathan during the just concluded 2015 general elections.

Uncomfortable with Dokpesi’s position, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP Chief Olisa Metuh Wednesday, disowned the National Planning Committee chairman saying he is on his own.

The development may have sent a wrong signal to the watchers of political events that all is not well with the party.

Metuh said the apology credited to the party by Dokpesi remained vhis personal opinion.

He made the remark while speaking to journalists on Wednesday.

According to him, Dokpesi’s statement did not in any way represent the official position of the PDP, as he was not a member of the party’s National executive committee.

He maintained that Dokpeesi could only speak in his personal capacity adding that his opinion remains personal and did not represent of the party.

On PDP’s choice of Jonathan as candidate in 2015 elections, Metuh said the decision was approved by the party’s National Working Committee NWCas well as PDP National Executive Council NEC “In fact, Metuh said; “the Constitution of the party allows a sitting president to exercise his personal right to run for as second term, if he so desires”.

On whether the party regretted its action Metuh replied; “How can you regret a decision taken when everyone was there?. the NWC,NEC and the national caucus?

“What are we talking about? Everybody was conscious of the decision, nobody was coerced into supporting the position” He however remarked that it was not time for buck passing or blame game but time to

PAGE

13

Metul

Dokpesi

collectively reposition the party He said; “We are repositioning the party.

What we should do is to join hands to reposition PDP based on Sen Ike Ekweremadu’s report to reclaim the party.

Meanwhile indications emerged on Thursday that Dokpesi may not be speaking for PDP after all, even as it became clear that members were still speaking in discordant tunes.

In a related development and contrary to Dokpesi’s claim that PDP had disappointed Nigerians, the Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) Dr Bello Mohammed at the one-day PDP National Conference on Thursday, declared that PDP had contributed immensely to the development of the country during its 16 years rule and had nothing to apologise.

His words: “For one reason or the other, what has happened has happened but that does not mean all our policies are wrong.

“That is why when I heard that PDP is apologising for the period it was in government, I was surprised” According to him; “The PDP presidents, governors, ministers and all other functionaries have given their best.

“We have recorded very high achievements in this country and we have nothing to apologise for” A chieftain of the party and former chairman of PDP, Ogun State chapter Chief Joju Fadairo in an interview with Saturday Mirror during the week, pointed out that Jonathan did win the election but conceded defeat in order for peace to reign in Nigeria.

“Who told you Jonathan didn’t win the election? The man made himself the sacrificial lamb. If it were APC, they would have gone to court, but nobody knows what could have happened and I think it is God that touched Jonathan’s heart that he said, ok, let them carry on. It is not that he didn’t w” Justifying his claim Fadairo said; ”Where under age were voting, where people were thumb printing, where card readers were not working. The man just made himself sacrificial lamb. He wanted peace for Nige-

ria and he did just that. I believe strongly that he won that election”.

Earlier, Babangida had turned down PDP’s rebranding invitation insisting that he had quit active politics since 2011.

Babangida however, added that he would continue to fraternise with his friends and associates within some registered political parties particularly the two major parties, the PDP and APC. Meanwhile, what could have been a successful and all inclusive National Conference of the PDP was however marred by the conspicuous absence of key notable leaders of the party.

Founding fathers of the party such as former Vice President Dr Alex Ekwueme, former military President, Ibrahim Babangida, former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, immediate past Secretary to the Federal Government, Anyim Pius Anyim, Adamu Ciroma and David Mark were absent.

Former President Jonathan also boycotted the parley which has as its theme: “PDP and the Sustenance of Democratic Ideals in Nigeria” However, the PDP has used the occasion to x-ray the six months administration of the ruling APC saying the party has performed below expectations.

The party therefore, told Nigerians to hold the president and his party responsible should the nation’s economy go into full recession.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu in an address said; “It is worthy of note that despite the promised Eldorado, theAPC led administration has driven our economy to the point where they confess that the nation is broke “Inflation has nearly hit double digits high, rising to 9.4 per cent in October from 9.3 per cent in September”.

As the ministers were sworn in last Wednesday after the six months lull, it is expected that the PDP competence as Nigerian major opposition party would come to the fore even as the party is poised to rebrand and repackage itself ahead of 2019 elections.

PAGE

POLITICS

14

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jonathan made himself sacrificial lamb for Nigeria –Joju Fadairo Chief Joju Fadairo is a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Ogun State.

In this interview with LEKAN ADEJUWON, the politician supports the ongoing reform in the party, insisting that former President Goodluck Jonathan won the 2015 presidential election. He also speaks on other national issues:

T

he PDP is holding a very crucial meeting aimed at rebranding and repackaging the party after the defeat it suffered during the last general elections which terminated its 16 years in power. What is your take on the move?

Like they are saying now ‘change’ is the only thing that is permanent. We are only praying that Almighty God will guide the leaders in that direction. All the mistakes that had been made by our party, it is our belief that all our leaders meeting now to repackage and rebrand our party that God will give them wisdom that they would be able to do a job that will actually rebrand the party and bring the party back to limelight so that we would have governance back in 2019 because four years is not a small time and it means we have to actually sit down and plan properly so that our past mistakes would not repeat itself and thereby we would learn from our mistakes. But by and large I think it is a good thing that the party is trying to rebrand and put the party on the right path But there is a school of thought that states that for the repacking to be wholesome, there is need for generation shift in PDP because many have been clamouring for the youths to take over since the elders appeared to have tried their best. Do you agree?

Much as I believe in change, which I‘ve said earlier but you cannot say there is going to be complete generational shift. Yes the prayer we are praying is that the youths should take over from us the old ones but you cannot say you want the old ones to go and sit down. We must encourage the youths to take over and the bad ones among the elderly one, the youths themselves know them and all the youth can do is to see how they can come in during the time we will be doing congresses and the conventions. That is the only way they can take over. They must mobilize, they must talk to the elders and try and be in position of authority because, once they are not in position of authority, there is noth-

Joju Fadairo

ing they can do. So all they need to do is to collaborate with the good ones which they know among the elderly ones so that they can have the generational shift they are talking about. If they don’t do that it would be one and same. I believe there should be a change, I believe the next ex-co of our party should include the youths. We are getting old. We should leave the stage for them even though not completely but in advisory capacity. So if you look at it critically, it is here and there because some of the youths themselves are terrible people. Like the Yoruba people would say “Bi o ti wa ni abata lo wa ni gbanja’. The youths are terrible, those who are getting old are becoming senile, it’s terrible. But with patience and understanding and a bit of tolerance and endurance, they would get there.

At the local level, the PDP as a party has simply went underground since the last general election. What do you think is responsible for this pitiable situation and what efforts are being put in place to bring the party back to life?

I don’t know what you mean by pitiable situation. We are not in any pitiable situation. What you are saying is not correct.

Tell me apart from the fact that APC is in government, tell me where PDP is, tell me where SDP is, and tell me where UPN is.

All of them where are they?. You see, there are times for activities. All these meetings and so on. We won’t be calling you for our meetings. When we don’t have anything to tell the outside world. We won’t call press.

But we are holding our meetings. If you go to Kogi and Bayelsa states, you will see activities because elections are going to be held. And in the case of PDP you just told me that the executive are meeting thinking about rebranding the party. This goes to tell you that we are not underground in any way.

But many people will argue that since the exit of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the party seems to have lost its soul in this state. Isn’t it?

That is your personal opinion and those who said so. How can you say that after Uncle left, because I called him uncle, we did an election that Jonathan won so, if he had

carried the soul of the party away, would we have won the election? We wouldn’t have won because to think otherwise, is to assume that PDP is dead. PDP is not dead.

So I still repeat, that is your opinion. Uncle did not carry away the soul of PDP But Jonathan did not win the election as you claimed.

Which election?

2015 election.

Was that the only election we had?

But I am referring to the election after the exit of former President Obasanjo which was less than a year ago One year ago when I was the coordinator of the election which he won Do you mean 2011?

Yes. I am referring to the election held after Obasanjo publicly declared his exit from PDP and reportedly tore his membership card Don’t mix things up. You said Uncle left in 2007.

No, I did not say that.

You said Uncle left and carried away the soul of the party, you did not tell me the year. I was not aware of that.

But I am referring to the drama that led to the widely reported tearing of his membership card in the open?

Why are you lying against President Obasanjo?. He never tore any card. Somebody did. I won’t mention his name. He is somebody I know very well. The photo would not lie. Though, I wasn’t at the venue. I didn’t know what Uncle said but I know and I can bet my life on it that the person who tore it was not Obasanjo. I wasn’t there. I don’t know if he passed instruction or otherwise. If the soul of the PDP had been taken away, why are you talking to me?. Then the party could have died and died permanently. I disagree with you. The soul is still alive and kicking.

I want to ask your opinion on the state of affairs in the polity. How will you assess the first six months of APC in power?

You are asking me to assess. What I am I going to assess? Nothing to assess. Tomor-

row, he’s going to swear in the ministers. It is only when you give your child arithmetic or mathematics to do that you can assess him and see what he has done. What have they done now that you want me to assess?

You just tell me.

Even by saying they have done nothing is in a way assessing them or don’t you think so?

If you talk of electricity, it is what Jonathan did that is now yielding dividends.

If you want to talk of road, it is the roads he awarded before he left that they are still doing. If you go to airports, the transformation going on there are the work done by Jonathan. If you want to talk of refineries, it is Jonathan’s achievement. I don’t know what you want me to assess. All that is happening in the last six months is the result of what Jonathan has done that is coming out and when you plant a corn, it would germinate at a time, then the fruits will be coming out, so, it is the fruit of Jonathan has done that is coming out. So, if you want me to assess, then, you want me to assess Jonathan and I will say the fruit of his labour is now coming out. There is nothing to assess in the last six months of this administration, Nothing.

By your analysis, if Jonathan has done well.. (cuts in) He did well My question is if he has done so well, how come he lost the election to the opposition. Does that not sound contradictory?

Who told you Jonathan didn’t win election? The man made himself the sacrificial lamb. If it were APC, they would have gone to court, but nobody knows what could have happen and I thinkit is God that touched Jonathan’s heart that he said, ok, let them carry on. It is not that he didn’t win. Where under age were voting, where people were thumb printing, where card reader were not working. The man just made himself sacrificial lamb. he wanted peace for Nigeria and he did just that. I believe strongly that he won that election.

In other words, are you saying the 16 years of PDP in government are beneficial to Nigerians?

Very good for Nigeria. We have tried our best. Just catch your mind back and what I want you to do is benchmark. When Obasanjo was there in1999 the first six months, catch your mind back to what he did. When he came the second time, catch your mind back to what he did. When Yar’Adua came what was his achievement in the first six months? Ditto for Jonathan.

Then benchmark to what this government has done in the first six months. All they are doing in the last six months is you put Saraki there, he is not supposed to be there. Another person should be there. Same thing they are doing in the House of Reps. I think only yesterday, they were saying they gave juicy committees to PDP. What they are doing is that they believe that campaign has ended. Indeed, they don’t know what to do.

They have forgotten that they are in government now. it is difficult to manage success.

We managed it for16 years and I gave kudos to PDP. In just 6months, it is complaints galore. it is either they would deny what they have promised during election or trying to say they would do it at another time. They simply don’t know what to do.

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

TALKING POLITICS

PAGE

15

‘PDP has failed Nigerians’ ‘PDP has nothing to apologise for’ “W “F — Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Chairman PDP National Conference Planning Committee e are aware that there were errors we made.

We admit that we made mistakes and we have not met the expectations of Nigerians and we tender unreserved apologies for these mistakes.

“You must have seen the Ike Ekweremadu report on why we are apologising.

“There was no internal democracy, there was impunity within the party and there was no level-playing field for members of the party.

“Zoning principles of the party were abandoned and a gamut of all other issues which will come out during the conference and for all these and the people who have been offended, for people whose toes were stepped upon, we also tender unreserved apology.”

“These are the reasons why we are begging and apologising. We want to assure every founding member of the party, that we deviated from their visions, and that’s

­­— Dr Bello Mohammed, Chairman PDP Board of Trustees

why we are going to have all our founding fathers at the conference.

“For every and any mistake we have made, I, there- fore, say, we tender our unreserved apologies.”

or one reason or the other, what has happened has happened, but that does not mean all our policies were wrong.

“That is why when I heard that PDP is apologising for the period it was in government for 16 years, I was surprised.

“The PDP governors, presidents, ministers and other functionaries have given their best.

“We have recorded very high achievements in this country and we have everything to be proud of. We have nothing to apologise for.

“All what has been happening in the APC government is being built on PDP’s foundation, at state and national levels.

“We should not fall for the gimmick, trying to spoil the name of PDP, that we have destroyed the country.

“These are all propaganda. The actual truth is that the PDP handed over to Buhari a viable government.

“APC-led Federal Government should use the PDP as an excuse to run away from fulfilling its campaign promises to Nigerians”

‘APC not fulfilling its promises’ ‘PDP still suffering from hangover —Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu

“L

ooking at the way our country is being run by the APC-led federal government today, it is safe to say that

we are back in the trenches for democracy because credible and responsible opposition is an essential, indeed indispensable component of thriving democracy and good governance.

“They promised to scale up the exchange rate of our currency and bring it at par with the US dollar. Have they kept this promise? They promised to bring back the Chibok girls in three months. Have they brought back the Chibok girls? They promised to pay N5,000 to 25 million unemployed youths. Have they paid a kobo to any youth? They promised free meals to our children in the schools. Have they given any? They recently promised to end the Boko Haram insurgency in December 2015. We earnestly hope and pray that this particular promise is kept in the overall interest of our nation.”

‘Opposition cannot withdraw into lethargic indifference’ ­­— Chief Bode George, PDP Chieftain

“O

nce an election has been won and lost, once a new leadership enters the fray, the greater good of the nation must then be the driving force of all contending ideologies. Debates will never stop. The contest of ideas, the storm and tempest of ideological differences must now be articulated in a new patriotic frame and national balance.

“I do not say the opposition should roll over and die. I do not say the opposition should withdraw into lethargic indifference and accommodate the new order without contemplative engagement. No.

“What I am suggesting is that every nation is about renewal and change. Every nation is always a perpetual work in progress. It is never about a permanent arrival. It is always in constant fluidity as political actors perpetually contest for public space and dominance.”

of defeat’

—National Secretary of APC, Mai Bala Buni

“W

e implore Nigerians, including the increasingly impatient opposition parties, to give the cabinet a breathing space

and support it to deliver the dividends of democracy.

“The argument of the PDP that the portfolios inspired no change was warped and a product of defeat hangover.

“The APC is not a party which will assign portfolios to miscreants, thugs and mistresses as was rampant during the misrule period of the PDP. “PDP should face its rebranding pursuit instead of running down a performing government. The task of rebuilding Nigeria is the responsibility of every citizen, as such rather than sit on the fence to find fault, the PDP should join hands with the President to fix the nation”.

‘Nigeria in good hands with Buhari’s cabinet’ —Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos State

“I

am a proud father and grandfather. I believe that Nigeria is in good hands. This government will move Nigeria forward. With the President leading this team and we at the background telling them what we know about good governance, we have no doubt that we will succeed and Fashola will make us proud in his new assignment, just as he made us very proud in Lagos,” “Those labelling President Muhammadu Buhari as ‘Baba go slow’ know nothing about the hard work and strategic thinking that goes into governance”. “When I was in government, I was also labelled Baba go slow. But we were determined to lead a fundamental transformation of our state and break uncommon grounds

and today, we are seeing the result of the sound and solid foundation.”

“Buhari is taking his time to redesign governance and take us away from the ways of the plunderers,”

16

November 14, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

17

PAGE

17

Winners, losers in unemployment game TRUE!

Despite all the measures past administrations have put in place to reduce unemployment in Nigeria, the problem is still growing. But this problem seems to have triggered the ingenious potential of Nigerians and their problem-solving skills writes JULIET UMEH.

W

hen the management of the textile company where Francis Martins worked summoned him to a meeting, he thought it was an invitation to announce his promotion to the position of manager. Instead, they announced: “Sorry, due to the bad economy, we are no longer in need of your services.”

Martins could not believe his ears. “I have contributed more than 10 years to this organisation during which I put in my best.

Sadly he asked: Why this. Why me. What can I do now?”

Similar to Martin’s fate is Sarah Okonkwo’s. The management of her Asian plastic industry in Ogun State decided to lay her off because she got married and therefore became a potential mother. However the natural blessing of every fertile woman, which was vividly manifesting in her, necessitated the thought by her employers she would soon request a maternity leave; but as slave drivers, they were uninterested in female workers’ reproductive rights. Unlike Martins, who was honourably invited to receive the ‘good’ news, Okonkwo was handed her ‘love’ letter by the company’s gatekeepers on the second Monday after her happy wedding.

“I felt as if something was wrong. I read the letter which ended with ‘We appreciate your contribution to this organisation and

wish you good luck,’ a couple of times and thought my 12 years’ service was a wasted part of my life. “I began to feel worthless or like a failure,” she confessed.

What fate has determined for Martins and Okonkwo has been the lot of many millions Nigerians in the past three decades, yet many jobless persons’ reactions were between a long feeling loss and determination to change their ‘misfortune’ by crushing the emotional impact of unemployment.

Like Okonwo and Martins, life of Festus Ekeh, an accountant, recently came on the dark side consequent upon a sudden loss of job. Before now, he was on a fast lane, being employed by an oil company immediately after his compulsory national service and trained in five countries abroad. Before he became 30, he had built a duplex in an elitist estate in Lagos, married a pretty wife, who gave birth quickly to three healthy children. When Saturday Mirror met him recently, he looked thin and sickly. He told his story: “Being unemployed creates many problems for my family and me.

First of all, there are financial problems.

Now we have reduced the amount of food we eat. We now buy three loaves of bread per week instead of five. Everybody in my family now patronises second-hand goods market for the supply of our basic wears. I

have fallen behind in my children’s school fees payment and I don’t think there seems to be any way that I can send a complete payment to their school. Also, my blood pressure recently shot up and it has been confirmed I suffer Type B Diabetes. Now, I am a taxi driver, using one of my four cars for the business, but I thank God I go to my own house after a day’s hard job,” the father of three recounts.

But unlike Ekeh who grudgingly accepted his fate and still mourns the loss of his comfortable job, the realities of today’s unemployment situation has made some to come to grips with the truth that entrepreneurship is the solution to joblessness. Esther Okwuobi, a graduate of chemistry and now a restaurant operator in Akowonjo area of Lagos finished her university education some years ago, but while in the university she offered a course on small medium enterprise (SME).

“Experts lectured us on how to start private business. I took interest in restaurant management because food is an important need of man. Two years after leaving the university, I started this business after a period of internship in a relative’s shop.

At first, it was difficult because I operated singly, but when I became rich enough to employ few hands, I started enjoying it.

Although my profit daily is not so high, but I thank God I have a job,” she states laughing. She pinpointed that business opportunities exist in education, real estate, public transport, postal or courier service, health and hospitality services.

But a travel round Lagos has showed many women are taking interest in jobs that were previously the exclusive domains

of men. Common sights nowadays in the former capital of Nigeria are jeans, skirt, blouse or spaghetti-wearing women that are bus conductors, barbers, public transport and tricycle drivers, commercial motorcycle (okada) operators, car mechanics and masons, but not a few are still playing their known traditional roles in feminine work as seamstress, beauticians, clerical officers, nurses etc.

Though many think some women’s new interest in men’s jobs is a success of the gender equity campaign of politicians and human rights organisations, but a sociologist, Cyril Azuka, believes it is a good development, because it makes the society, especially the chauvinist, to realise that the difference between man and woman is biological, not in intellectual functioning.

Nothing could have accounted for few northern women’s movement down south of Nigeria to seek employment than the need to make ends meet or put food on their tables, but a large population of male unskilled labour in the North has moved to southern states where they become wood choppers, carriers, refuse cart pushers, itinerary water and yam sellers.

The practice described by economists as ‘mobility of labour,’ also explains the large population of naturally businessbiased easterners in Lagos, but unlike northern countrymen, they are engaged in more sophisticated and better organised businesses.

One of them, Ahmed Sani, who came to Lagos from Shafe, Zamfara State in 2010, is a yam seller. He pushes well-arranged tubers in a wheel barrow from Mile 12 CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

PAGE

18

Mirror

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Where are the jobs’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Market, where he buys, to Ogba, the point at which he sells. “On a good day, I make at least N15, 000, but occasionally when I have encounter with KAI (Kick Against Indiscipline) people, they rob me of my gains,” he said.

At Oshodi, another commercial centre of Lagos, are hundreds of Sani’s ‘cousins’ and ‘brothers,’ making a living by carrying loads of travellers or traders. Interesting to behold is their acute business sense and the dignity they feel is in their labour. They peep through before a vehicle halts to judge if its weight of the loads it is carrying would demand the service they offer. But Sule Gwandu, one of them, operates differently with a phone like an aristocrat. He said, “I have my customers who usually phone me to await their arrival at an agreed point.

If business is good, walahi, I return home at night happy with about N10,000 per day.

Walahi Lagos is good, because money dey here,” he says, but he confesses, “If I get money plentiful and plentiful, I will return to Kebbi State to start farming or cattle business because agriculture is wealth in this country. It provides also employment, but to enjoy it, one must have money.”

Many nonetheless do not hold Gwandu’s belief, thinking Nigerian economy can’t provide them jobs that will guarantee comfort and wealth, instead they travel to advanced countries of the world; but these developed economies, which used to be lands of opportunities and hope, have ceased to be so, but they make most immigrants job seekers ‘rich’ vacuum cleaners, mechanics, gasoline sellers, electricians, nannies, street cleaners, gardeners, cab drivers, mortuary attendants and so on.

Yet in an attempt to arrest the evil spirit making many strong and healthy youths without jobs or increasing the battalion of many creative but unemployed young men and women, some daring citizens have opted to make a living through violent crimes by becoming armed robbers, smugglers, con men, kidnappers, child and drug traffickers, terrorists, arsonist, fuel pipes vandals or have decided to get their daily bread by engaging in morally condemnable pastime such as prostitution.

A prostitute who spoke at Agege, a suburb of Lagos, gave this answer when asked why she is into prostitution. “No be say I no go school, na job I no get. Na problem of life o. When a friend carry me com Lagos, he no tel me say na this kind work I go com do, he just say make I dey manage am. If I get money from this business, I go travel U.S. to fetch beta money com Nigeria.”

Bottom of Form Having a pessimistic view about employment situation in this country may not be condemnable if the statistics before Saturday Mirror are considered. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, (NBS) unemployment in the second quarter of this year has risen to 8.2 percent from 7.5 per cent rate which was recorded in the preceding quarter. This brings to three the consecutive rise in unemployment rate in the country since the third quarter of 2014.

The Bureau explained that the economically active population or working age, comprising persons within the age range of 15 to 64, increased to 103.5 million in the second quarter (Q2), up from 102.8 million in the first quarter.

This was as it disclosed that the labour

force population, comprising those within the working age, who are willing, able and actively looking for work, increased to 74.0 million in Q2 from 73.4 million in Q1, indicating an increase in the labour force by 0.81 per cent. This indicates that 574,498 economically active persons within 15 to 64 joined the labour force during the quarter under review.

However, the agency attributed the decline in the number of full employment or those working less than 40 hours despite a rise in the labour force to job losses or previously fully employed persons

population decided not to work for various reasons in Q2, compared to 29.3 million in the preceding quarter of this year.

According to the NBS, “The number of underemployed in the labour force during the review quarter however, increased by 1,362,274 or 11.16 per cent resulting in an increase in the underemployment rate to 18.3 per cent (13.5mn) in Q2 2015, from 16.6 per cent (12.2mn) in Q1 2015.

Sadly, contrary to various measures the former administration of Goodluck Jonathan said it put in place to create jobs in the country, unemployment rate is still

We have reduced the amount of food we eat. We now buy three loaves of bread per week instead of five.

Everybody in my family now patronises second-hand goods market for the supply of our basic wears choosing or being forced to work part time or in underemployment.

It further clarified that with an economically active or working age population of 103.5 million and labour force population of 74.0 million, the rate indicated that 29.5 million persons within the economically active or working age

on the rise, but defending the government, former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said just before the end of the last administration that the Federal Government created 1.4 million jobs in the past three years. She said that the Youth Enterprise with Innovation in

Nigeria (YouWin) programme had also created about 22,000 jobs. She described it is an innovative business plan competition aimed at job creation by encouraging and supporting aspiring entrepreneurial youths in Nigeria to develop and execute business ideas. In addition, she said that the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE- P) also created jobs for youths.

Okonjo-Iweala added, “It is also worthy of note that the Graduate Internship Scheme of SURE-P has placed many Nigerian graduates on jobs while some of these graduates have been employed by their employers.”

Despite all these programmes, the question on the lips of many in Nigeria especially the unemployed is: Where are these jobs and who are the beneficiaries of these jobs provided by the past administration?

The spate of joblessness in the country is giving experts great concern. A senior lecturer in the Department of Economics, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Dr Babatunde Adeoye, said unemployment is global, but that of Nigeria is becoming alarming and very difficult to control because the affected population structure happens to be the youth, the energetic segment of the society. He described the situation as that of youth unemployment crisis.

“We find ourselves in the situation because of corruption. As long as corruption is with us, no problem will have solution.

“Corruption is at the base of all economic problems. Until corruption is curtailed, nothing will work. We have a lot of policy programmes, YouWin and so many others. They are very good, but are they implementing it the way they are supposed to implement it? No, because the issue of corruption is there. You can see that corruption is also in every realm of life; until when that is removed; until when the economic fundamentals are put in the right perspectives, there will be no solution to unemployment,” he said.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Mirror

PAGE

19

‘Why we engage in road side trading’

A commercial bus lost control a few days ago at the ever busy Iyana Iba bus stop, along the Badagry Expressway, and rammed into market men and women who were engaged in trading activities, not inside lock up shops, but right on the expressway! The accident left not a few seriously injured. It is surprising that people will throw caution to the wind and trade right on the expressway at the very expense of their lives. ERIC ELEZUO writes.

I

t is dangerous to engage in any kind of trading activity on the highway, but many Nigerians are into it, especially the women folk.

They are seen at every corner, and at whatever space they could lay their feet on, dragging the traffic further away from the

road, giving them sometimes, a space not wider than a lane. The remaining motor road is therefore, occupied by men and women hawking wares and merchandise such as clothes, shoes, household utensils, beverages, popcorn, snacks, fruits and many more. They conspicuously set their

tables at strategic corners of the major road, in a bid to catch the customers.

Much as these men know the dangers inherent in these actions, they have not ceased not desisted from the act, creating the impression that a legislation is urgently required to stem the tide.

In 2012, a heavy duty vehicle lost control at Agboju Bus stop, along the Badagry Expressway, and swept onto the roadside merchants, sending quite a handful of them to their early graves.

In different parts of Lagos, the story is the same. In Oshodi, even as former Governor Babatunde Fashola tried to evacuate the highway traders, thereby reducing traffic congestion, they seem to be returning in trickles. In Mushin, the trend is with impunity as it is even difficult to identify a motor road because traders have taken over the road to a reasonable extent.

A motorist, who could not hide his frustration at the slow speed of vehicular

movement because of the incursion of traders on the highway, spat venoms at everything and everyone around him.

The man, who refused to give his name, said that it is frustrating that there is no government in the country, wondering why traders could trade right on the path created for vehicular movement, in the full glare of everyone, including law enforcement agents and of course local authorities.

“We are living in a lawless society, or is there no one whose duty it is to restrict these traders to where they should be. I have been crawling in the traffic for God knows how long. And the frustrating part is a woman sternly warning me to steer clear of her wares which she placed right on the road. Can you imagine that? He fumed.

The location of this impunity is not restricted. Every bus stop along the Lagos major roads has one question or another CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

PAGE

20

Mirror

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘We are struggling to survive’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

to answer concerning the situation.

Along the Badagry Expressway, the popular Volks and Iyana Iba bus stops seem to be the greatest culprits as other areas such Agboju, Alakija, Abule Ado among others have received a level push back because of the ongoing road expansion which placed barricades and walk ways.

But irrespective of the dangers and threat to live facing the traders, they seem not to give a damn as they continue plying their dangerous money career.

Amaka Ibe, a trader at the Iyana Iba bus stop, who was reluctant to speak to National Mirror, claimed that she had to do what she had to do since her family must be taken care of. She aggressively told Saturday Mirror that a country and a government that have created so much misery for its citizens has no business deciding how people live their lives, adding that she is working legitimately, and not prostituting.

“What would you expect me to do? I am doing a legitimate job; not stealing or prostituting. We are living in a society that has messed up its resources due to leadership. They dare not tell me what to do because I won’t listen.”

It is therefore, unimaginable to think one would engage in such business knowing full well that the dangers inherent outweighs the gains because antbody can be knocked down anytime by careless motorist or even by vehicles that loses control, or ‘failed brake’ as it is often said.

Mrs. Ibe said: “there is death everywhere; wherever one meets it makes no difference. One cannot for fear of death remain at home.”

Musa Effeyotta, who claims he is from Edo State, fries local snacks like puff puff, egg rolls, meat and fish pie, buns,and so on, told our correspondent that he is very much aware of the dangers involved in the line of trade he has chosen, or rather in the location where he is, but added that the desire to make ends meet drove him to trade where he does. He stressed that he and his colleagues try to apply carefulness, and stay alert to avoid, or run whenever any form of mishap rears its ugly head.

“Ha, we know it s dangerous, and in fact, not good, but what can we do. The children must eat, and you know that the country is really hard. We try as much as possible to avoid, and run from danger whenever it comes, and God also helps us,” he said.

It is also worthy of note that behind these dare devil traders are collection of lock-up shops which are also owned or rented by other traders, most of whom, Saturday Mirror discovered, are part of the road side traders, having abandoned their shops. They claimed that they couldn’t afford to continue sitting in the shops while the regular road side traders intercept the buyers or customers before they get to them.

A cross section of them told Saturday

Mirror that the major reason for the road side trading is to intercept buyers at the expense of shop owners. Consequently, buyers need not bother about going deep into the market before they could get what they want.

A woman, who gave her name as simply Rafiat, and owns a shop at the Iyana Iba market, but conspicuously displays her wares by the road side claims that there is hardly sales at the inner shops because customers are not allowed to come inside the market by the road side occupiers.

As a result, according to her, she stays in the shop hours on end, day after day, making little or no sales, even as she is obligated to pay rent and other tenement requirements whenever they are due.

“I have to come out to the roadside because sitting in the shop is a waste of time. Customers hardly come here because they would have got what they want by the roadside. So, if I must pay my rent at the due time, I must make sales, and making sales requires coming here (roadside) to sell,” she said.

It is not like it is only the female folks that transact businesses at roadside, the male folks are also as guilty though some claim that they come out only in the nights to hawk their wares.

A man who said his name was Onyekwere Okporo, but later claimed that wasn’t his real name, said that roadside trading is the best way to make the customer to buy even if he has not made any plans for it. So, according to him,roadside selling is more of persuasive

Saturday Mirror that all he pays is stress involved in the wheeling about of the barrow, and the constant dodging from law enforcement agents. He said that because

Our prices are cheaper than those in shops because we do not have rent to pay. Though we constantly settle local government representatives and touts, we still manage to sell at a price that does not tear the pocket or working on the psyche of the would be buyer.

“It is not every time that the wouldbe buyer wants to buy. We stay there to make them buy through coercing and any other legitimate means. It is the best way to make sales if one actually desires it. So, we stay by the roadside to pre-empt customers’ moves,” he said.

Another means they employ to lure customers into parting with their hard earned money is through the cheap amount attached to their wares. This is because the traders pay little or next to nothing for the spaces where they operate.

Consequently, the buyers are sure of getting the best of prices from the traders.

Mr. Igiri Abuno, a roadside trader hawks his wares with a wheel barrow at the popular Apagbon, Lagos Island. He sells fancy shirts and other wears. He told

there is no rent to pay asides tips here and there to touts, and some people whose identities were given as local government workers, it is easier for him to sell to sell at a price far below those in rented shops, who even have workers to pay.

“Our prices are cheaper than those in shops because we do not have rent to pay. Though we constantly settle local government representatives and agberos , we still manage to sell at a price that does not tear the pocket,” he said.

Efforts made to speak with shop owners were rebuffed as most of them declined speaking, claiming that because the authorities benefit immensely from the roadside traders, that explains why they still operate uninterrupted.

When Saturday Mirror confronted a Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) at the Mile 2 Bus Stop, he said that the agency

does its best to dissuade the offenders from plying the trade on the main roads, saying that they conduct regular raids to that effect. He added that the passersby who are complaining, are actually not making it easy for the agency because they are the ones that give the traders prior information of their coming, and they traders escape before the law gets there.

Again, he claimed that even when they make seizures, the passers-by are always on hand to rain abuses, and in some cases, attack them and retrieve the seized wares, which they return to the traders.

“On our part, we are doing our best to dissuade the road side traders from their activities through constant raids.

However, the non-traders are not making it easy for us because when they sight us, they inform the traders, and aid their escape. Even when we seize their wares, the same people attack us, and recover the items,” the official, who he declined to give his name, said.

However, a passer-by, who confirmed the officials stand, said he is aware that such thing is done, but added that they do it because the KAI officials share the seizures among instead of taking it to the government. As a result, he said they were not comfortable with the action, and that prompts them into taking the action.

Be that as it may, many people believe that the government should introduce stringent measures to checkmate the act of trading by the road side, if not for anything, at least for the safeguarding and protection of lives. Most of them said that it is not only the traders who are casualties when mishaps occur, but also innocent bystanders.

Entervaganza

The Saturday Mirror Magazine

Relationships Do you believe in total love?

P.32

Sex talk

Sexual problems you can easily fix

P.32

Fashion

Get tinted

P.28

Kehinde

... model, singer, presenter

PAGE

22

c

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 14 , 2015

ELEBRITY

c

e

l

e

b

r

i

t

y

It wasn’t easy to get BEN TV licensed

—Alistair Soyode

Dr Alistair Soyode is one Nigerian who has made his impact felt both at home and abroad with his establishment of BEN TV which is based in England and projects Nigeria and Africa to the world in a positive light. He told OSEYIZA OOGBODO why he established it and his plans for it.

Why did you start BEN TV? BEN Television was set up to bridge the gap in the Black-oriented communities in the UK as well as to become a platform to promote Nigeria as a country with immense opportunities and natural resources as well as showcase Nigerians in a better way than done by other outfits and people.

So it’s not a profitable operation?

Not yet. Millions are needed and as we continue to promote our people, we also need them to join in supporting and making it possible to provide the needed service in Europe, Africa and beyond to sell the brand Nigeria in the proper way for the benefit of all of us.

How easy or difficult was it to get the license?

Back in those years, it was not as easy as it is now. The technological advancement now has contributed to lesser demands by the authorities compared to a decade ago. But they are still overly strict and demand programming that appeal to all viewers.

What has BEN TV achieved?

BEN Television over the years has been the bridge to our Black and diverse communities in Europe and by extension, through the internet, it is also available globally on our website. As we continue to sustain our business, we can only say we are still on track to achieve what we think we can do and that’s to be and maintain our status as the leading Black-oriented television and media outfit in the world. For the last decade, BEN TV has showcased Nigeria positively, opened opportunities to many to invest back here, provided the platform for reducing negative perceptions about Nigeria, etc. Many awards and certificates which are too many to list have been given to us. We recognise however that we still have a long way to go and welcome partners and media investors on board to realise some of the achievements we personally expect.

Can you take BEN TV to the heights of CNN, BBC, etc?

Absolutely. That’s the aim. To make it a major brand and bigger than it is right

ed without big capital funding in the bank. When we started too, the funds required were seriously massive and huge.

With the support of a few stakeholders and business services especially African Business Roundtable led by Dr. Bamanga Tukur, we continued to push on. The situation is very hard especially over the last five years when we expanded our content production and have to solely rely on ourselves the management to keep going. We are nevertheless very confident things would improve very soon. But it is very tough, bearing in mind as well that we are always enthusiastic and positive about the brand Nigeria.

How do you feel as the founder of a TV station that has impacted so much on Nigerians in the Diaspora?

Honestly, I really see much, much more to be done and really want to do them. So I just feel grateful and thankful to God for making it possible for me a rural farmer, sport person and uneducated in the industry to launch the first Black television in Europe and more so the first in the world by an immigrant in a new world. For every talent, there is a reason, that’s the way I see my role so we will continue to do our best to represent and present Nigeria positively to the world.

now. Of course this depends on finance hence our hope to find investors willing to support our aspirations and aims. We are very grateful though that viewers find us a very direct and straight content television that always has the viewers in mind, and that makes us know that we can deliver

what the CNN, BBC and co are.

The media industry is presently going through financial problems. Is it the same for BEN TV? It has always been so with us. We start-

You are the former chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe. How did you attain that enviable position?

I’m not sure if I will call it enviable. I got there at the time because of and my desire still to represent and sell Nigeria.

We want Nigeria to succeed, grow under good leadership and systematic corporate governance. Nigeria is all I have.

The challenges and opportunities are here as much as in other countries, each unique in its way. Leadership is about being equal with others in mind whilst yet guiding and directing those with you.

Any change needed or aspired for has to start with the person proposing it. If you can’t or will not do what you want others to do, there is no way you can achieve it.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PAGE

s w ne Why Victoria Kimani should be thankful to Saeon T

here’s definitely nothing like a good piece of criticism, or scolding for that matter, to get someone headed in the right direction. And with regards to Victoria Kimani, this is just nothing but the truth.

A Kenyan, she became an overnight celebrity in Nigeria when respected record label, Chocolate City, announced her as one of its artists. But despite the label’s backing, she failed to shine. Though nobody was willing to say it, it was obvious she wasn’t yet a ready product musically and that much work still had to be done on her.

But one person finally spoke the truth, and since then, Kimani has been on the up-

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

ward swing. That person is fellow female singer, Saeon, who shocked the whole industry a couple of years ago when she described Kimani’s EP as crap, rubbish.

Needless to say, everyone was shocked, basically because it’s just not accepted for colleagues, close or not, to criticise themselves in such a manner in the entertainment industry.

So they forced Saeon to apologise for her ‘rude but truthful’ comment.

Anyway, Saeon’s merciless condemnation of her EP made Kimani realise she just had to really develop herself or continue to face more severe criticism so she developed herself to the extent that she finally scored her first certified hit, Show,

Trey Songz to headline Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged 2015

F

Cecil Hammond of Flytime

lytime Promotions and Rhythm 93.7 FM have announced that Nigeria’s #1 concert, Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged 2015 will be headlined by multiple award-winning artist, Trey Songz.

This year, PRU is hosted by Basketmouth and Bovi and will feature high voltage performances

by Nigeria’s finest musicians and comedians.

The 11th edition of Nigeria’s biggest music event takes center stage again on December 18th, 2015 from 7pm at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

Doing what it does best, PRU is packed with surprises to delight exuberant fans.

To further thrill fans, Flytime Promotions will launch its Anything Can Happen campaign, a series of ‘off the stage’ activations targeted at surprising and delighting fans. This includes a best cover singing competition of Trey Songz’ music and an opportunity for the winner to meet him.

08036961187

23

kingseiza@gmail.com

with

Oseyiza Oogbodo

Kimani

Saeon

which was produced by Tekno.

And since Show’s success, she has continued to grow. She’s been performing both in and outside Nigeria and she’s even full of confidence in herself now while she’s on stage.

Now, she’s out with another song, Booty Bounce, and it’s already spreading fast.

Sadly, while Kimani is rising, Saeon really isn’t. Though she’s one of the best female singers in this country, she’s yet to attain the success that’s really her due.

And as Kimani keeps rising, it might just be pragmatic for her to reach out to Saeon and thank her for giving her the scolding that’s changed her life.

Is Banky W losing his singing voice?

N owadays, Banky W is rapping more than he’s singing. Initially, it seemed like he was displaying his vocal prowess by rapping to prove that he can rap as well.

But it seems that there’s more than meets the eye over his sudden love for rapping. Though he has been rapping all along in his career, he has never done so as much as he’s doing now.

And it seems he’s rapping more than usual now because his singing voice doesn’t seem to be as good as it once was.

Though it’s still good, it’s not like before. And while his singing voice might be having hitches, his rap one isn’t.

And if indeed he loses his singing voice, he won’t be the first, nor the last singer to lose his, her voice. International stars, Adele and Sam Smith included, have also lost their voices at one time or the other and only bounced back by having surgery on their vocal cords.

W

PAGE

24

news

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

CLASSICAL LYRICS

AFRIMA announces hosts T

he 2015 All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, would be anchored by the continent’s most outstanding hosts and hostesses. While DNG and Aurelle Eliam will host the main show, Denrele Edun, Maria Okanrende and Estelle Ahonda would hold forth on the red carpet on Sunday November 15, 2015 at Eko Hotel and suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

DNG, real name Davidson Ngibuini, is an Eastern African award-winning singer, model and an on-air personality. He is the host of Sakata Mashariki, Kenya’s biggest dance TV show.

Eliam, actress, model and on-air personality is a household name in Côte d’Ivoire, her home country, and Africa, particularly for her role in the highly successful television series, Dr. Boris.

Denrele Edun, multi-award-winning presenter, a marvel to behold on the red carpet, is a maverick Nigerian presenter whose dress sense has brought him international fame. Popularly referred to as Punk and Fun, Denrele has the enviable profile of interviewing such personalities like Beyoncé, Akon, Tyler Perry, Lil Kim, Snoop Dog now Snoop Lion, etc.

Maria Okanrende, aka Maria Beat FM, is a well groomed UK trained presenter with a vast experience working with BBC, MTV and DROPOUT UK. Her interview profiles read like the who-is-who in A-list entertainment. Alexander Burke, Mary J Blige, Wizkid, D’Banj, 2face, and Davido are a few of those she has walked the red carpet with.

Estelle AHONDA is a Cameroonian bilingual (English/French) communica-

Surulere Remix Artist: Dr SID featuring Don Jazzy, Wizkid and Phyno Intro Rehn rehn rehn rehn Oya e ma rerin lo eh…ahn ahn Eh ehn ehn ehn ehn Dr SID … ahn ahn Nitori olorun lorun Dr SID Ehn ehn ehn mavin no ni Don Baba J Verse 1 (Wizkid) Ah, Surulere … aro Masha Kilo … ara Akerele Shitta Small London dey feel am Anything I do them go talk My people steady hustle non-stop Me and Jazzy cruising round in a Porsche Dr SID got the girls on lock … eh eh Mommy mi, mommy mi o Father Lord abeg bless mommy mi

Aurelie

Denrele

o

tions and brand management expert. She comes with an over ten years of International experience in media and interpersonal communications.

AFRIMA is expected to be broadcast live to over 80 countries across the world with African superstars billed to light up the stage are but not limited to Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Davido, Diamond Platnumz, Olamide, Yemi Alade, Busiswa, AKA, Sakordie, Charlotte Dipanda, Ahmed

Soultan, Flavour, Dr. Jose Chameleon, Alikiba, Vanessa Mdee, Wiyaala, Cassper Nyovest, Dark Suburb, Bebe Cool, Darey, among others.

AFRIMA is an annual African Union initiative to celebrate, honour and reward the best of African music, arts and culture. It’s designed to be hosted in various African nations with Nigeria hosting for 3 years. 2face Idibia hosted the 2014 edition, also in Lagos.

And stop enemies to follow me o Baba loke lo shey oun to yi … ah eh

Yojus produces more painting stars

I

t was an unlocking of creativity and talent as sixty pupils from several schools in Lagos and Port Harcourt gathered to paint and battle for prizes in the Yojus Painting Star contest themed ‘Our Beautiful World.’

At the second edition of the Yojus Painting Star Contest, three pupils emerged winners in a process which was considered fair and transparent. Chiziteram Onyia, a primary five pupil from New Fountain School, Amuwo-Odofin emerged first. Iyoha Peculiar of Stee School, Festac came second, and Franc Uche Egbuchilam from Mbari Mbayo School, Jibowu emerged third.

Brand Manager, Yojus Fruit Drink, Foluke Makinde, drew attention to how Yojus as a brand refreshes and explores the colourful and fun loving nature of children and engages their imagination. She explained that one of the ways children love to express themselves is through painting and Ranona has used Yojus Painting Star Contest to help discover talents, get them noticed and rewarded.

Makinde added that “Yojus will continue to organize this contest and we hope to make it even bigger by extending it to other cities next year.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mommy mi mommy mi o Father Lord abeg bless mommy mi o And stop enemies to follow me o Baba loke lo shey eyi tan … ah eh Ah mo ni ehn ehn Ehn ehn ehn ehn ah ah Nitori Olorun lorun … ahn ahn Ehn ehn ehn ehn Ah oya e ma re rin lo eh Ehn ehn ehn ehn … o na na na na Nitori Olorun lorun eh … ahn ahn Ehn ehn ehn ehn Ah oya e ma re rin lo eh Chorus Baba loke lo se gbogbo nkan Oya won lenu O ya won lenu eh eh … ahn ahn Awon fa mi lete kin tuto Won o le ri mi Won o le ri mi lailai ... lai lai Awon aiye won ro pe opari Awon ko lo lorun mi … o na na na Awon ko lo lorun mi o o eh Suru Surulere … surulere

Peculiar, Makinde, Onyia and Egbuchelam

Suru laiye mi … suru laiye mi o

One of the judges of the contest, renowned artist and art educator, Ibrahim Ganiyu, commended Ranona for instituting the contest and encouraged its continuation.

He expressed his delight at being a part of the event, saying, “Events like this should be encouraged and repeated. The level of creativity it displayed is amazing.

The theme was well treated and the event well organized. I had a lot of fun seeing

Surulere … surulere

the wonderful things that children can do when empowered with the right tools. This is a contest that should be held at least twice a year to encourage our children become creative thinkers.”

The winning painting by Onyia depicted a beach at sunset, which the judges described as a beautiful work with good space management, fantastic colour combination, creativity, neat and with a proper interpretation of the theme.

Suru laiye mi … suru laiye mi o Surulere … surulere Suru laiye mi … suru laiye mi o Surulere … surulere Suru laiye mi

Continues next week

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

PAGE

news

25

The urge to make money is what drives me –Kehinde Bankole ehinde Bankole is one of Nollywood’s most recognized faces. She has starred in both soap operas and movies. But she isn’t just an actress. She’s also a model, singer, TV presenter and all-round entertainer.

The question one would then want to ask her is how she’s able to do all she does in entertainment.

Is it because she’s talented or because of some other reason?

And when the question was put to her, she was equal to answering it. “The urge to make money is what drives me to excel in everything I do,” she said. “In order to make money, you have to be excellent, and that’s why I strive to be excellent at all times.”

Explaining further, she said, “I’m an entrepreneur, but more into anything that has to do with the media, that’s what I do. I can present, I can anchor shows, anything that can bring money. I can sing, I can act, I can model and all that.

“And my multimedia career started with the need to make money. It wasn’t even a decision actually. It was just something that happened by itself. It all started with the need to make money, the need to sustain myself, to survive. So it

K

actually started with me singing to make money. No, no, it started from modelling. And what inspired the modelling was that I went for a beauty pageant.

“The first one I ever went for was Miss Commonwealth in 2003.

I made top ten, but didn’t win, and it made me realize, oh, even if I didn’t get the crown, or made top two, I could make money from modelling, and you know, I’ve always had the need to make money, so immediately we came out from the camp, I started going for auditions, I took my pictures around, and I got little here, little there, and all the while, I was still in the choir in the church, I used to sing, only for me to discover that you can even make money from singing, so I wrote proposals out to people.

I wrote to Jimi Odumosu, then Wale Adenuga, a few other people.

The responses I got, I followed up and did a few soundtracks, for Binta And Friends, Super Story, Papa Ajasco, and for Yoruba movies like Basiratu Baseje. So those two things began because of the need to make money. But when I stepped into them, I began discovering other things. I began to go for drama auditions. But later, I now felt more passionate about certain things

Bankole

among all of them. And what I’m really passionate about is acting.

But the greatest passion of them all is music.”

And on why she wanted to start making money, she said, “The need to make money came from discipline and the spirit of independence. You want to be able to do something for yourself. It’s not everything that your parents can do for you. You have to do certain things for yourself. And to get those certain things done, you’ll have to sit down and think, what can I do to make things work for me?

“Everything you get takes an amount of work. So I told myself, I need this, I need that, let me not bother my parents about this, let me be independent to be able to be able to provide that thing for myself, so that’s how the need to make money came about.

And on if she has made the money she so desired, she said, “I wanted to make money ... but I’ve made fame. I’ve encountered inspiration, attained knowledge, and my mind has been broadened. I started out wanting to make just money but I’ve learnt about the beauty of art. It’s priceless. Nobody can pay you for your art or what you can do.”

Tekno overshadows Iyanya I

t’s said that whatever goes up must come down. Nowhere is this adage truer than in the music industry where musicians rise and fall so rapidly that it’ll take your breath away.

Without mentioning names, it’s a well-known fact that there are many artists out there who were relevant three, four, five years ago but nobody wants to listen to them anymore.

Likewise, there are those who have been relevant for decades and are still relevant.

And if we bring the relevance issue to bear on Kukere singer, Iyanya, it’s as clear as day that he’s struggling to remain relevant. Back in time when Kukere was the hottest song in town, Iyanya was also the hottest artist and in very high demand.

But nowadays, he’s re-

Iyanya

Tekno

lying on hype to remain relevant. A music artist is supposed to let the success of his songs speak for him, not that he’s throwing lavish parties and flexing about town.

In a nutshell, Iyanya’s songs are not really catching on with people again to the extent that Tekno, one of the artists on Iyanya’s label, Made Men Music Group, is blowing bigger than his boss by the day because his latest song, Duro, is very hot right now.

And if Iyanya doesn’t get back on track fast, it’ll only be a matter of time before Tekno will overshadow him on his own label, the same way Wizkid became the main man on Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment and relegated Banky to the background.

Birthday boy Anjola Joshua Falodi, son of National Mirror’s Rotimi Falodi, while celebrating his first year birthday recently in Lagos.

PAGE

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

26

tale trails omanceAkindele, RFunke ji e k E a d in L r, e g g lo b ty ri b le e c h it w ff ti h s e fr in Toyin Aimakhu

“(The post has portrayed) Funke Akindele’s brand in bad light,” her management said. “It has promoted unhealthy rivalry where there is none.”

Reports has it that Ms. Akindele’s lawyer, said the post was “borne out of pure malice for our client who has carved an inch (sic) for herself in the entertainment industry whilst also inciting hatred between our client and Toyin Aimakhu on one hand and our client and her fans on the other hand,” in a seven paragraph letter made available to the media outfit.

Ms. Ikeji was subsequently advised to remove the post, offer a retraction and make available a link to Ms. Akindeke’s team.

As at the time this report got to us, Ms. Linda Ikeji is yet to say anything concerning the case.

C T

elebrity movie artiste, Funke Akindele, is rarely about oyin Aimakhu is oneupset actress who can’t just stop making the news. publications about her.

But with She makes it for both positive and negative reasons. Positive is Linda Ekeji, celebrated blogger, the when she got married. Negative is when her husband, Adeniyi movie maestro of ‘Jenifa’ fame is ready Johnson, was alleged to be having extramarital affairs. to make an exception.

Right now,known she’s making theAkindele news again for a reason that can be said to Popular as Jenifa, behas positive-negative. while some asked Ms. IkejiBecause to withdraw and might condemn her for allegedly being in a romantic outside apologize for a postrelationship on Ms. Ikeji’s blog her marriage with a man said to bepublished Seun Egbegbe, others might praise her for the alleged relationship, and on January 25, titled, Did justify by saying that her husband Funkeher Akindele shade Toyin Aimakhustarted it first. last night?, the gist making the rounds salaciously is that the problem in Anyway In the post, Ms. Ikeji suggested that to have been solved is still there Aimakhu’s marriage which was believed an Instagram picture on Ms. Akindele’s and is still festering. page was intended a slightand onher husband, According to the gist,as Aimakhu Johnson, no longer and Ms. Aimakhu had “shaded” Ms. fellow actress, Ms. Aimakhu, who was Akindele over the latter’s 2014 divorce. see eye-to-eye and are no longer staying together.

And that when they meet recently rumored to have separated Ms Akindele, through her at certain events that they both have to attend because they are in the same from her husband, Adeniyi Johnson. management, said thanks to Ms. Ikeji’s profession, theyto don’t to each According Ms.talk Ikeji, theother. two blog was exposed And to crown all, it’s alleged that Aimakhu haspost, nowshe embarked on a to “cynical actresses had itpreviously fallen out comments and hasty judgements”. relationship with a certain Seun Egbegbe and they have been going on romantic trips together and are not hiding their relationship as they want the whole world to know they are dating.

Aimakhu and hubby, Johnson Oh well, anything is possible when it comes to celebrities.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Armed robbery attack inspired my album’

Victor Udoh

A

s he prepares to release his album, I Am Not Afraid, aspiring gospel singer, Victor Uche, has told E-News that he was inspired to record the album because of his encounter with

Genevieve’s maiden movie Darlene Benson advices premieres at AFRIFF 2015 upcoming actresses

I

s Genevieve about to make a stunning Nollywood comeback?

For now, that seems to be the case as there’s been more buzz about her since it was confirmed that she’s producing her very first movie, Road To Yesterday, starring her, Majid Michel, Oris Erhuerho and other big names.

And as if in confirmation that big movie things are about to return her way, RTY was selected as this year’s Closing Night Film at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).

RTY is an epic love story which trails a couple desperate to mend a broken mar-

Genevieve and Erhuerho

riage on a road trip to a relative’s funeral.

However, the journey itself throws up secrets from a distant past, imperiling a lot more than just the marriage.

RTY was written and directed by Ishaya Bako, a London Film School Alumni, and creator of a series of highly acclaimed festival favourites, including the award-winning Braids On A Bald Head (Best Short Film at the 2012 AMAA Awards). RTY is his feature directorial debut.

RTY’s AFRIF screening also served as its worldwide premiere, and it will be in cinemas nationwide on November 27th.

I

t’s not easy to become a successful Nollywood actress. So when such an actress advices the upcoming ones who are hopeful of, and aspiring to attain success, it’s just best they listen.

The successful actress in question is Darlene Benson. And when E-News asked her what her advice to upcoming actresses would be, she said, “My advice to them is to be focused. If you know for sure that this is what you want to do and you have the talent for it, give every role you play your best, constantly try to outdo your last performance, and pray always.”

Admitting that she hasn’t achieved all her set goals in Nollywood, but is sure that she will, she said it was a very easy decision for her to become an actress because “I’ve always loved acting. As a child, I always pictured myself singing and acting, so I went ahead to study theatre arts and I obtained a diploma from the University of Calabar and my degree from the University of Lagos.

“But I actually started out as a singer before I got into acting. I had already done two demo tapes, various jingles and backup vocals in the studio in the 90s before I got my first acting job. So I’m into the two still.”

Benson

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Style & Glam

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

le StyGlam

PAGE

27

and

with Yemisi Adeniran

(08037801158) ydiran@yahoo.com

Time le ss e legance with

e to ckground and exposur ith a cosmopolitan ba inltures, Folakemi Folar people from diverse cu n of ber designs for wome Amber of Tiffanny Am , flowy cuts es and styles. Clean different tastes, shap dy types are bo d an rying shapes va of n me wo r tte fla that ing undone and she will leave noth ge ssa me nt ste nsi co her hen a woman y woman of style. ‘W an to s ros ac is th t to ge radiates but elegant wear, she le ab ort mf co in s ar appe mmitted to that is why we are co even from within and she said. s,’ rk gance in our wo quality and timeless ele

W

PAGE

28

Style & Glam

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fashion

Get tinted

Fashion

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

n frenzy

d

n frenzy

A

re you a tough or simple fashionista? Don’t bother with a quick response. Your hairstyles will sure give you out. Multi- colou red hairstyles, for instance, shows liberty, freedom of expression and confidenc e in one’s self. If you have the courage to play around with colours on your hair, then, you must be commended. It’s a sign of boldness and darety. However, if you are not so daring yet you feel like wearing a tinte d hairstyle, just pick a colour that matches your skin colour and wear it short or light . It’s a season of celebration, why not try something different?

Style & Glam

PAGE

29

PAGE

30

Fashion

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Guest G

‘Looking good is an everyday business’

What triggers your allergy?

Emmunella Viola is an upcoming videovising artist.

She spoke with YEMISI ADENIRAN on her career and style. Excerpts: Give us an insight into your background, where did you grow up and what was it like?

I am a half cast, my mum is from Edo state, Nigeria and my dad is from Italy. Most of my life I spent in Italy but I came back to Nigeria few years ago. Growing up in Italy was fun but I actually needed to visit my mum side which is why I came down to Nigeria.

Since when have you been into this career and what informed your choice?

I came into this game for a while now probably for a year and six months. My friend introduced me to it, they were like, come on girl, you are pretty and beautiful, you will make a pretty face on TV, you have got the facial look, the height, and the body for this for this, I got interested and went into it and actually it became part of me.

How benefiting has this job being to you?

It has really given me the chance to see different characters of people, like the way they relate with other people, what they eat and wear. The number one thing I have benefitted is the opportunity of meeting top celebrities and associating with them. I believe in due time I will become a celebrity too.

Was this what you have always wanted to be?

No it wasn’t what I actually wanted to be, I have always dreamt of wanting to be a doctor. I am still pursuing this anyway; I am just doing this by the side and in the mean time.

What is fashion to you?

Fashion is just everything to me because every day of one’s life as a person, you make up, you dress up for people to see and appreciate your look. I love to look good every day. Looking good is an everyday business. There are some who may as well want to look like you and bring out something different too, so, fashion is what we do every day.

Do you enjoy the support of your parents in this passion of yours?

At first, my parents were not in support, most especially my mum. She thought it would expose me unnecessarily to negative things which she did not want for me. But I pleaded with her and was able to convince her with some reason. She then gave me the go ahead.

What do you think has worked for you so far?

Well, God and my pretty face. My determination to become outstanding is also working for me.

What advice do you have for young girls like you?

They should find out what they can do to make them stand out and do it well. They should be hard working, be determined and not nurse any fear of falling or getting disappointed because every disappointment today will end up as a blessing tomorrow.

1. Your overactive immune system: Many things can trigger an allergic reaction. That’s when your body’s defenses attack a usually harmless substance, such as pollen, animal dander, or food. The reaction can range from mild and annoying to sudden and life-threatening. About one in five persons have allergies.

2. Pollen: Pollen from grass, trees and weeds can trigger hay fever or seasonal allergies. You might be sneezing and have a runny or stuffy nose and itchy, watery eyes. Treat these with over-thecounter products, prescription drugs, and allergy shots. To prevent symptoms, stay inside on windy days when pollen counts are high and close your windows.

3. Animal Dander: A reaction to proteins in an animal’s saliva or in oil glands in their skin might take two years or longer to become an allergy. If your pet is the trigger, you may still be able to live with him. Make your bedroom a pet-free zone, opt for bare floors and washable rugs instead of carpets, and bathe your pet regularly. Allergy shots may help, too.

4. Dust mites: Dust mites are tiny insects that live in bedding, mattresses, upholstery, carpets, and curtains. They feed on dead skin cells from people, as well as on pollen, bacteria, and fungi. They thrive in high humidity. To cut down on problems, wash sheets weekly in hot water. Keep the house free of dust-collecting items such as stuffed animals, curtains, and carpet.

5. Insect stings: A sting or bite could cause swelling and redness that may last a week or more. You might feel sick to your stomach and tired and have a low fever. In rare cases, insect bites trigger a reaction that can be life-threatening, called anaphylaxis. If you’re severely allergic, your doctor may recommend allergy shots

to prevent reactions.

6. Mold: Mold needs moisture to grow. It can be found in damp places such as basements or bathrooms, as well as in grass. Since breathing in or touching mold or mold spores can set off an allergic reaction, avoid activities that could trigger symptoms. Get air moving in moist areas of your home.

7. Food: Milk, seafood, eggs, and nuts are among the most common foods that cause allergies. Within minutes of eating the trigger food, you could have trouble breathing and get hives, vomiting, diarrhea, and swelling around your mouth. If your reaction is severe, you may need an allergy shot.

8. Latex: Latex in gloves, condoms, and some medical devices can trigger a reaction; ranging from itchy skin to trouble breathing. Symptoms can include a rash or hives, eye irritation, runny or itchy nose, sneezing, and wheezing.

9. Medication: Penicillin, chloroquine, aspirin, and other drugs can cause hives, itchy eyes, stuffiness, and swelling in your face, mouth, and throat. If you’re allergic to a drug, it’s best to not take it.

But if you do, your doctor could recommend treating mild symptoms with antihistamines or steroids. For severe symptoms, which can be life-threatening, you may need epinephrine.

10. Cockroaches: Not only are cockroaches creepy, but a protein in their droppings can be trigger allergic reactions. Roaches can be tough to get rid of, especially in a warm climate or if you live in an apartment building where they can pass back and forth between neighbours.

Treat them with bug killer, and keep a clean kitchen. Repair cracks and holes in floors, walls, and windows to keep them out of your home.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PAGE

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Male Essentials

31

08036961187

with Oseyiza Oogbodo kingseiza@gmail.com

How to get right fitting clothes

T

he difference between appearing socially awkward or sharp and confident is often reduced to the fit of your clothing. Some of this is identifying the right tailor, but a lot of it comes down to you and the fitting room mirror. Picking the right fit is not some innate, instinctual ability, but is learned from paying attention to detail.

This doesn’t really need saying, but clothes best flatter a body that is already in shape. If you want to look good, style will only take you so far. Eat and drink well. Exercise every once in a while. You don’t need a six-pack to look good, but if you’re in decent shape, wearing clothes become much easier.

This works both ways - if you’re lanky and sticklike, start working out.

It will help you fill out your clothes.

Have someone take all of your measurements multiple times for accuracy.

These are very useful numbers when shopping for clothing instore, and are absolutely crucial when shopping online.

This guide is a general guide for the novice. If you’re some style guru, you can look great in some crazy fits. If that’s the case, this guide is not for you.

Dress shirts The collar should just graze your neck without constricting it. If turning your head causes the collar to turn with it, the collar is too tight. You should be able to comfortably fit only two fingers inside of your buttoned collar without it tightening against your skin.

Your cuffs should meet the point where your palm begins (about 2cm up from your wrist bone). It should be tight enough that your thumb notch at your wrist will stop the cuff from moving up your hand.

It should be a bit looser than a properly fitting watch, and not go farther up your wrist than that watch.

The shoulder seam should be at your shoulder bone. This is the point on your shoulder that is the greatest distance away from your sternum.

Sleeves should not be so tight that you can see the details of your arm, but it should also not be so loose as to billow.

When you bend your arm, your cuff should not move more than an inch up your wrist.

When you fold your hands behind your head, the shirt should not come out of the pants. If it does, the armholes may not be high enough. Alternatively, armholes should not be tight around your shoulder or cutting into your armpit.

Shirt length should be such that you

can bend and make natural movements without it coming out of your pants.

Blazers and Suit Jackets Concerning length: a suit jacket is like a good lawyer; it should cover your ass.

Some say that it should reach your knuckles, but this assumes the length of your arms is normal.

The second button from the bottom should be just above your belly-button (never below).

With your arms at your sides, the sleeves should cover the wrist bone, and no more.

(Note that your dress shirt will have 1-2cm longer sleeves, which allows you to “show some cuff”).

While buttoned, the jacket should not pull across the chest (signified by the fabric making an “X” shape at your sternum).

Similarly, it should not pull across the shoulders when arms are folded.

The shoulder seam should lie on the edge of your shoulder. Avoid any bends, or divots between the shoulder and the sleeve.

This is signified by an indentation seen just below the shoulder seam or shoulder pad. There should be minimal buckling, the sleeve should be smooth at the shoulder. You can see what I’m referring to pictured here. If you look at the fellow in the center, his left shoulder is smooth, while his right shoulder is buckling. Now natural movement (lifting your arms) will certainly cause the shoulders to buckle, but

just accordingly.

Most rules are the same as suit jackets, in that shoulder seams should lie at your shoulders (given what you’re wearing underneath).

Sleeve should go about an inch up your hand from your wrist (an inch longer than a dress shirt sleeve), to ensure that you’re not showing any sleeve form something you’re wearing underneath.

The coat should not be roomy, but should lie close to your body and accentua t e you r

this is normal. You simply want to reduce the amount of buckling, and you want to make sure there are absolutely no wrinkles or divots while your arms are down at your sides.

About 2cm of shirt collar should be revealed by the jacket collar.

Holding your hand flat, you should easily be able to fit it inside the jacket under the lapels. However it should be slim to the chest - there shouldn’t be an air pocket there.

Similarly to shirts, armholes must be sufficiently high. The arms should move somewhat independently of the jacket during normal motions. If holding your arms out at 45 degrees causes the bottom of your suit to rise significantly, your armholes are likely too low. The sleeves should not significantly restrain your movement.

Note, however, that you’re not doing acrobatics in a suit jacket. Alternatively, the armholes should not be cutting into your armpit.

If a jacket doesn’t fit your shape properly, sometimes the bottoms will flare out, a product of the jacket being too slim in the waist, so your hips push the fabric out a bit.

Coats Keep in mind what you will be wearing under your coat, as the size will need to ad-

shape. It should be in no way taut, and should allow freedom of movement.

Like a jacket, if a coat doesn’t fit right sometimes, the bottoms will flare out like a bell. Beware of this. It makes the coat look skirt-like.

Trousers Trousers shouldn’t need a belt to stay on your hips.

The chino should not be tight to the leg, but also should not billow. It should be comfortably close to the leg without causing resistance.

You generally want one break in the leg (a break is a crease at the base of the pant leg created when the pant collapses onto the shoe). If you’re going sockless with slim chinos, then you probably want no breaks.

You want to aim for a smaller break, but you still want a break. Some people opt for a cuff that weighs down the pants and has no break.

Depending on the style of the jean and rigidity of the denim, you can get away with bunching farther up the leg. Since jeans are very versatile and can be fit with numerous styles, this varies quite a bit.

Length can vary if you plan to cuff the jean. Jean cuff can vary from 3-12cm depending on your style.

PAGE

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

32

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Angle

Male

Jide animashaun 08034710902 jidemashaun@yahoo.com

S

No way!

hould you believe in love hook, line and sinker? I’ll say it depends on a lot of variables. Most of us spiritually oriented people would say that we should. In fact, I often ask people what they consider to be the most important thing in the world to them and the answer I receive most often is to be LOVED. Some people who are religious will tell you if you ask them that they may have at some point in their lives had an experience of a kind of divine love, a spiritual love that was not merely a sentimental love for another person or an animal, but a recognition that love is woven into the very fabric of reality. A sense that God is love and in fact, that our own true nature is love. That who we most deeply are is love. And in that realization, we may have recognized that this love is actually a scarce commodity in this world where money and sex are worshipped and are synonymous with love and loving.

It’s not always freely given. The universe, though held up by a source of infinite unconditional love that’s always present in every moment, is most times a source of that same ambiguity of the belief in universal love.

The expectation of belief in love says there should never be a moment or a place where love does not fully penetrate and permeate. Yet we see people who profess love for each other jilting, divorcing, cheating and being cheated or even killed or killing people they profess to love.

It is becoming common these days to say that the idea of love is the stuff of fiction that had been made up by philosophers, poets and writers of yore to explain the madness of sexual desires and fine-tuned in a way that made it socially and religiously acceptable to the people without basically hurting anyone’s sensitivities. Tales of Cupid and his arrows or Romeo smitten after just one glance at Juliet and other stuffs of political and religious legends are tales romantized to make the idea of love become devoid of

Do you believe

sexuality and sex in itself. Also, you occasionally hear stories about glimpsing someone across a crowded room, feeling a surge of joy and then finding out that the person is your soul mate. To all these stories lies something sublime which is that, love is an artificial conception made up by people to hide what they truly feel about someone else in terms of sexual attraction.

I don’t remember much of my first conversation with my first love or what she was wearing. But I do remember the look in her eyes and her smile and the way she used to listen to what I said. I can also manage to remember someone’s arm coiled around my middle and with her head on my shoulder walking down the streets of the university on a dark moonlit night while whispering sweet sensual soft words filled with nothing in particular into each other’s ears and making wordless promises of a tomorrow shrouded in the bliss of eternity, while also inviting each other along on a weekend upstate to see sights of nature and being generally creating that ambience of a Hollywood idea of what romance is all about. I can also remember white thighs clothed in soft smooth satiny or silk materials clamped together in the throes of passion while murmury moans of passion escaped from her lips in total abandon while saying my name with wonderment at the deepness of the passions I could evoke from the innermost recesses of her being. I vaguely remember the university amphi-theater and some of the various films of romance which we pretended to be watching while doing various forms of things better left unsaid in the dark. But in all these things, love was almost the last thing on my mind. The average male at that time and even now mostly will be thinking with his libido at stake and not his heart as expectations of a quick sexual fix is all we want. Therefore should we believe in love hook, line and sinker? My answer is a “NO”.

SEX TALK

This column is x-rated

Sexual problems you can easily fix

T

here could be several reasons why sexual problems creep into a relationship. But if you catch the signs early or make up your mind to turn things around, you can rekindle the flickering flame of passion and make your relationship feel just as exciting as it felt during the stage of infatuation.

Mismatched sex drive. A man may experience the peak of arousal within ten minutes if he chooses to. But a woman generally takes a lot longer to experience a sexual orgasm. If the sexual drives of both partners don’t match or if one partner is always left unsatisfied by the experience, it’s only a matter of time before sex starts to feel like a rewardless burden.

Fix: Indulge in longer foreplay that excites both lovers, and communicate with each other.

Monotony. If you’re doing the same missionary in the same corner of the bed every single time, things can start to get pretty boring in a few years.

Fix: Experiment with each other, make sex feel exciting and refreshing by trying new things all the time.

Sexual anxiety. Do you realise that you haven’t had sex for a long time? And does that thought actually make you feel more restless and anxious each time you think of it? For many cou-

ples, it’s easier to completely ignore sexual intimacy instead of dealing with the stress of confronting the issue.

Fix: Confronting the issue could make you want to squirm, but once both of you learn to deal with it, both of you will come out closer and more in love with each other.

Lethargy and laziness. Sex is not a chore!

Have you ever felt like it was easier to just pretend to be asleep instead of having sex with your partner?

Fix: You may have a tiring lifestyle, but if you’re looking for excuses to avoid sex, you’re only going to drift away from your partner instead of getting closer.

Physical attractiveness. Do you still find your partner sexually attractive? If both of you are slipping into bed naked every day, it’s easy to overlook the sexy stuff over time.

Fix: Innovate, dress up for each other, and go crazy with excitement. But most importantly, don’t let yourself go just because you’re in a stable relationship with someone who loves you.

Try to look good, dress up, and behave just like you would if you were still single or on the first few dates.

Withholding sex. Do you use sex as a tool to get even after an argument?

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PAGE

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

33

Female

Angle

JACQUI IWU 08165049669 email: amiicaregroup@aol.com

e in total love?

T

This column is x-rated Sex is not a chore!

Have you ever felt like it was easier to just pretend to be asleep instead of having sex with your partner?

Fix: Of course, you may not feel like making out after a fight but don’t use sex to force your partner to feel guilty and beg you for forgiveness. Your partner may apologize, but they’d hate you for withholding sex and using it to win an argument.

Stress and depression. Stress and depression reduces the level of testosterone in your body. Firstly, you don’t feel like having sex when that happens. And secondly, your body doesn’t want you to have sex! The more stressed or depressed you are, the more you’d want to avoid sex because you won’t enjoy it anyway.

Fix: Try to relax, have fun and make each day a memorable experience. Life can be painful at times, but as long as you view your glass as half full, you can still lead a happy and eventful life.

Distractions in bed. iPads, televisions and electronic gadgets encroach your together time all the time. And if you have a television in your bedroom or surround yourself

This column is x-rated with gadgets, it’ll inevitably creep into your together time and turn into a distraction, even if both of you don’t realize it. It gets worse when you keep yourself occupied when your partner is idle and bored in bed.

Fix: When you get into bed with each other, avoid bringing any gadgets to bed, and your relationship will improve in no time.

Lie down in bed together, fool around, tease each other or just talk about a few happy things. It’ll improve your relationship and the intimacy too!

Lack of selflessness. Don’t be selfish while making love to your partner. Your orgasm and sexual stimulation does matter, but never at the cost of ignoring your partner’s needs.

Fix: The more selfless you are while having sex and the more you focus on satisfying your partner, the better the sex will be. And if you’re not in the mood, don’t lay on your back like a starfish and behave like you hate what you’re doing. It’ll only hurt your partner. Whip up some excitement for goodness’ sake!

Difficult lifestyle. Long hours at work and an active social circle can take its toll on your sex life and cause problems in bed over time.

Fix: If you feel fatigued every day and are too tired to have sex with your partner, try to schedule a couple of days in a week just to cuddle up and spend time with each other. Even if you don’t feel like making love instantly, the bonding will help build the sexual intimacy over time.

Not really

his question decades back could be a positive response but in our own generation, i would not urge anyone to do so unless if you do not care if your heart is trampled upon .

It is good to be in love and also believe in love but for one to lay back and feel it is all good and dandy when dealing with love issues, is absurd. These days, it is even difficult to see people who love with genuine heart and honesty so allowing yourself to believe that your own love affair will sail without casualities is one being very naive and careless.

Those who have the courage to love blindly understand what they are doing and are ready to face the ugliness of not being prudent in love affairs. Love issues always have to do with individual prefrences , ideologies and understanding so if one decides to open his/her heart widely and alllow love issues to penetrate without being cautious of what he/she is doing, then the person will have to bear the consequences.

Now how could someone in this generation just leaves his or her heart gate open for others to toy with. Oh yea, that is how i see it... people just toy with each others heart in the name of love so it is like the battle of the titans...the winner takes it all game.

Why teenagers are warned not to get into love affairs at such early stage is because they are fragile to deal with the games being played in the course of love activities. Their mind is not fully developed to carry or bear all the rubbish that occur during a relationship and their entire life could be ruined just because of one man/woman. For adults, most understand what it means to be in love so if one decides to have a love relationship, one should also be ready to endure all that comes with it—good /bad.

Most adults on their own part also understand that it is not all rosy to be in love so they prepare their minds and body very well.

This group of people are also sen-

sible enough not to believe in love hook-line-sinker becasue they understand the game. So do i now mean that those who believe in lovehook-lin-sinker are those who do not understand the games of love?

Absolutely! If you take everything you are being told about in a love relationship and not guard your self, it means you are still a baby in the game of love. Why i am refering love activities as a game? You are wondering why? Ofcourse it is a game...how else do you describe what people who calim to be in love do these days? What do you call people just playing around and doing anything they feel like with their partners? No one cares how you feel this time around ..if the love pitch is not rosy for you, look somewhere else. This explains why you see people indulging in more than one partner because, they are restless about what they want and expect from each other. Everyone is looking for self gratification...it is all about you and you...others can take the high road if they do not understand your feelings.

During my youth service years back, i went to visit a family friend whom my dad sent me to. His pal and schoolmate who owns a big oil firm and suddenly one of his girlfriends came and he was informed by the receptionist. I watched and listend to the man shout at her to ask the lady to leave..after all he did not invite her to come today. He did it with so much anger and disdain that i wondered seretly how this man could be my Dad’s schoolmate.

I felt bad for that lady that came to see him. I understand how vital it is for people to inform others before visiting but on the contrary, you can still be nice and polite turning people down in such situations. This goes a long way to show how people treat others in relationships. Some people just do not give a hoot if you are hurt by their words and actions.

Its all about taking what you see and get or get the hell out of my life.

So if you are naive to believe in love totally without resoning and sieving , you are jinxed!!

PAGE

34

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

WOMAN e f i w g n i e b l a e d ‘No big ’ n a m o w r e e r a and c Mrs Carol Arhere is the Public Relations Officer of Daviva Nigeria.

She spoke with YEMISI ADENIRAN on life as the image maker of the world class clothing brand, the just sponsored African fashion week (AFW) tagged Immense Creativity, marriage and other exploits made so far.

What’s spectacular about this year’s AFW as compared to last year?

We had a fabulous collection this year when compared with that of last year. This is because we are expected to keep evolving and growing every day. Also, we have stepped up

our game when it comes to the designs. We have started going steps further in producing more designs and basically, we don’t repeat our designs. This year’s own is really more than we had last year in terms of quality.

This is the second time Daviva will be participating at the AFW. How has the experience been? Has it boosted your sales?

Yes! It has. Apart from selling at the stands and exhibition grounds, after the show, people still come vis-

iting us to buy. Some weeks ago, we got a client that I actually met in London who came to buy from us in Nigeria. Last year too, we got a lot of designers who visited our shops to buy our fabrics and that is the real essence of being part of this show.

Apart from the profit you are getting from the sales by displaying your materials, what other benefit do you gain from this show?

Recognition. The show gives us the recognition we have. There are people that don’t really know the original Daviva, from the show; however, they’ve got to know the original and where they can get it.

Not just buying from the market place or anywhere, but they know where to get the original Daviva now.

It is important to note that this year; you have brought in a new development, which is that the designers paraded at the show are mostly undergraduates from Yaba College of Technology. Why is this so?

We are actually trying to empower those creative young designers that have not gotten the platform.

When we saw them and noticed that these people are very creative but have not gotten the platform to showcase their collections, we decided to go to their schools and bring students so that they can start what they will do in the next two or three years right. The idea is to help them get used to the public and especially the runway long before the time they will be due for it.. Basically, the idea is to empower them and recognise them as well.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I see no big deal in being a wife, a mother and yet a successful career woman. This is why I tell our young girls whenever I am given the opportunity that it is possible for them to be a wife, a mother, run their homes and still be an achiever in their choiced Apart from this show, what other steps are been taken to encourage them?

We have been doing other small shows and whenever they have internal shows, we support them by giving them fabrics just to help them achieve their dreams because most of them are really creative but don’t have the money to begin. So, what we do is to either sponsor them or sponsor their projects.

This is two years down the line, how do you see yourself in the next five years using this platform?

In the next five years, by God’s grace, I see us growing very strong.

We have been with them since 2011 which was when African Fashion Week was established, we were in London in 2012 and since then, it has been an eye opener for us. That is why we keep following them and then, African Fashion Week for me, in Nigeria, is an iconic show to identify with. As you would have noticed, we have a lot of stylish celebrities and all that that we host during this show, so it’s not just any brand. It’s a brand that has to do with history. That is why we keep recognising with them and I know it’s going to be greater next year.

So many women can’t combine their jobs with their homes today. What do you have to say to this?

I see no big deal in being a wife, a mother and yet a successful career woman. This is why I tell our young girls whenever I am given the opportunity that it is possible for them to be a wife, a mother, run their homes and still be an achiever in their choiced career. Women are gifted by God to be a success in whatever they do no matter how many the ventures are. We are specially made to be a success. That’s why we are far from being tagged the weaker sex. The difference between a man and a woman is that a man concentrates on one thing to make it work; while a woman can juggle four things at the same time, Women are effective managers of time.

In all these, my number one priority is my family. As we are right now, if my member of my family calls me for any need, I will not hesitate to give the necessary attention to it. I will leave whatever I am doing at that moment and answer the urgent call and then get back to continue with whatever I am doing. So, I encourage our girls to work hard and not to feel intimidated.

Nigerian girls are good but they need to get stronger to be able to resist negative influences. The other day I was in a conference and people were saying our banks now send girls to go

PAGE

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

after deposit fund and in the process, a lot of unprintable stuffs happen to them. Why should a girl go to school to end up as a prostitute all in the name of a career? It is wrong and I think these girls should rise up against this and get to respect themselves more.

This is demeaning. They really don’t have to go through the stress of going to schools if they have to take up the job of a prostitute.

What do you think is responsible for unsuccessful marriages in Nigeria?

Marriages in Nigeria are going through a lot of tough times in the sense that there are all kinds of pressure arising from societal, financial, family problems among others. I also think that most of the couples getting married are too young and most of them have gotten into these marriages by pressures being put on them by their families. Some of them have no business at all in getting married because it is either they have been abused in one way or the other or they don’t really have the closeness and love that is fundamental to sustain their marriage. The beginning of a marriage is love and it is love that usually sustains marriage and makes couples to be used to each other many years after the day of their wedding.

Also some of the young ladies getting married today are not even mature to know how to handle challenges in marriage. This why they believe that the easiest way to do it is to go back.

What’s your advice on how best to sustain marriages?

I would advise young people that they must marry their soul mates and a friend. They must know that if they go into a marriage they must be ready to stick to the marriage vows. They should not just say the marriage vows for the sake of saying it but they should be ready to sing it throughout their marriage time-span. It is very important that they marry their friends. In fact, it is best to start a relationship from the level of mere friendship first before the love sets in. This way, you would have been intimated with a lot of details on his person. He would have known a lot about you so much that life together will then be nothing but fun.

Unfortunately, most couples don’t do this. They just get to settle with themselves just because there is the need to be married and it has to be done. No serious time is given to serious acquaintance.. If this will be considered henceforth, I am sure more marriages in Nigeria will last till death as the marriage vow says.

35

Keeping ABREAST

Why do women get morning sickness?

M

ore than half – perhaps even up to 90 per cent – of pregnant women experience nausea or vomiting to some degree, particularly in the morning.

Around one per cent of pregnant women experience more severe, prolonged morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum. This can result in dehydration and weight loss, and may require medical attention. But for most women, morning sickness goes away after 18 weeks.

The cause of morning sickness isn’t entirely clear. The most popular theory is that morning sickness is the body’s reaction to the increase in the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropic (hCG).

Studies have shown a temporal relationship between hCG and morning sickness, meaning that levels of hCG in the bloodstream and frequency of vomiting appear to peak at the same time.

The correlation is interesting, but it doesn’t explain why morning sickness happens. We do know that the first three months (the first trimester) is an important time in foetal development.

The central nervous system forms during this time, and this delicate process is easily disrupted by toxins circulating in the mother’s bloodstream. A more recent theory suggests that vomiting during early pregnancy serves a beneficial function by ridding the body of food that may unsettle this important developmental stage.

Vomiting is controlled by an area in the lower part of the brain called the area postrema. Importantly, the area postrema lacks a blood-brain barrier, which means it can detect toxins in the bloodstream and cerebrospinal fluid.

Research has shown that the area postrema has receptors for hCG, which may explain why it’s particularly sensitive during pregnancy. This ‘toxin theory’ is supported by several pieces of evidence.

These include: * The fact that morning sickness is more common in societies with ‘risky foods’ * That it only occurs in humans (we have very broad diets, after all) * And that more severe morning sickness is associated with lower rates of miscarriage.

Many women also naturally tend to be more ‘turned off ’ to eating meat, fish, and certain plants during this time.

Of course, these so-called toxins are really not toxic at all to healthy adult women, and the placenta does a superb job of filtering out waste and fighting infection.

Rather, morning sickness is likely more associated with foods prone to microorganisms in the times before refrigeration (like meats), or bitter vegetables, the taste of which signalled ‘poison’ to our early human ancestors.

It’s a sensitive system, and despite how crappy it makes pregnant women feel, morning sickness probably provides an evolutionary advantage for the baby’s development.

A heightened sense of smell, called hyperosmia, is also one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Although anecdotes of hyperosmia have existed for a century, scientific literature on the topic is sparse.

Subjectively, around two-thirds of women rate their sense of smell as stronger than usual while pregnant. Another study reported that, compared with women who aren’t pregnant, pregnant women are particularly sensitive to odours such as cooking foods, cigarette smoke, spoiled food, perfumes, and spices.

Early in pregnancy – much like the body rejects foods that may be toxic to the developing foetus – it appears that women have a greater ‘disgust sensitivity’ that motivates them to avoid other possible contaminants.

That may explain why things like cigarette smoke and spoiled food become particularly pungent.

PAGE

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

36

Parenting

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Caring for your circumcised baby Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression

W

hen boys are born, they have a piece of skin that covers the end of the penis, called the foreskin. Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin to expose the tip of the penis.

A newborn must be stable and healthy to be circumcised. If a parent decides to have her baby circumcised, the procedure is usually performed in the baby’s first few days of life (assuming the procedure will not be taking place during a religious ceremony). To perform the procedure, the doctor places the baby on a special table and cleans the baby’s penis and foreskin. A special clamp is attached to the penis, and the foreskin is removed. Finally, ointment and gauze or a plastic ring are placed over the cut to protect it from rubbing against the diaper.

The procedure is done quickly.

The baby may cry during the procedure and for a short while afterward. Local anesthesia can greatly reduce your baby’s discomfort. If you decide to have your son circumcised, talk with your child’s doctor about anesthesia options.

Although it is not required by law or by hospital policy, scientific studies show some medical benefits of circumcision, but these benefits are not sufficient enough for those whose beliefs and practices generally do not tally with it.

If you are going to have your baby circumcised, it is better to do

it early enough because circumcision could be riskier if done later in a boy’s life.

need to be surgically corrected.

Benefits and drawbacks

The most important part of caring for your newly circumcised baby is to make sure the wound and penis are kept as clean as possible.

Every time you change his diaper, thoroughly wipe away any stool or urine clinging to the penis. If there is stool in the diaper, it is recommended to gently wash the whole area with warm water and an unscented soap that has no harsh ingredients. (If there is just urine, simply change the diaper and gauze if you are using it). Thoroughness and gentleness are the winning pair; avoid any overenthusiastic rubbing and scrubbing.

After the circumcision, the tip of the penis may seem raw or yellowish for seven to ten days. Keep the area as clean as possible by washing your baby’s penis with soap and water every day. Change his diapers often so that urine and stool do not cause infection.

If doctors have dressed the penis in gauze, apply a new bandage each time you change his diaper; coat the gauze with petroleum jelly to keep it from sticking.

Some doctors apply a plastic ring instead of a bandage. This will drop off by itself within five to eight days.

Complications from a circumcision are rare. However, every surgery carries some risk. The most frequent complications are minor bleeding and local infection, both of which can be easily treated by your child’s doctor.

Boys who have been circumcised are at reduced risk for: •Foreskin infections •Urinary tract infections •Penile cancer •Sexually transmitted diseases •Phimosis, a condition in uncircumcised males that makes foreskin retraction impossible Here are some of the reasons parents may decide not to have their baby circumcised: •Surgical risks: As with any surgery, circumcision has some risks.

Complications are rare and usually minor. The most common complications are bleeding and infection.

•Penile damage: Very rarely, the foreskin may be cut too short or too long. Equally unlikely is improper healing from the circumcision.

These complications may require another circumcision or - in extreme cases - penile reconstruction.

•Alteration of penile sensitivity: Some people claim that circumcision may lessen the sensitivity of the tip of the penis, decreasing sexual pleasure later in life. However, this hasn’t been proven to be true.

•Fear of pain: Some parents choose not to circumcise their sons because they are worried about the pain the baby may feel.

•Protection of the tip of the penis: When the foreskin is removed, the tip of the penis may become irritated, causing the urinary opening to become too small. This could lead to urination problems that may

ParentingUpdate

R

esearch suggests that breast-fed babies who are exposed to one drink a day might have impaired motor development and that alcohol can cause changes in sleep patterns.

Also, while folklore says that drinking alcohol improves milk production, studies show that alcohol actually decreases milk production and that the presence of alcohol in breast milk causes babies to drink about 20 per cent less.

If you choose to drink, avoid breast-feeding until alcohol has completely cleared your breast

milk. This typically takes two to three hours for 12 ounces (355 milliliters) of 5 per cent beer, 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of 11 per cent wine or 1.5 ounces (44 milliliters) of 40 per cent liquor, depending on your body weight. If you plan to drink alcohol, consider having a drink just after breast-feeding so that the alcohol begins to clear your breast milk during the natural interval between breast-feeding sessions.

Pumping and dumping breast milk doesn’t speed

Caring for the circumcision wound

Normal symptoms:

–Tip of the penis is red, bruised, or slightly swollen during first few days –Small amounts of blood in diaper (drops should be quarter-sized or smaller) –Yellow oozing or scabbing (this means it’s healing!)

Call your paediatrician right away if:

•Your baby does not urinate normally within 6 to 8 hours after the

circumcision.

•There is persistent bleeding.

•There is redness around the tip of the penis that gets worse after 3 to 5 days •Fever •Crusty fluid-filled sores After the seven to 10 day healing process, your baby is healed.

His penis will no longer require any extra special attention, but of course you should continue to thoroughly clean all areas of his body with gentle care.

Tiny Feet

NAME: Nafiudeen Samiat Oluwatomisin BORN TO: Mr. and Mrs. Tawa Nafiudeen AGE: 3 months BIRTH WEIGHT: 3.1 kg Have you just had a baby? Send a picture of your bundle of joy to mirrorbabies@gmail.com

Alcoholic breast-feeding mothers expose babies to impaired motor development -Study

the elimination of alcohol from your body. However, if you’ll be missing a breast-feeding session, pumping and dumping will help you maintain your milk supply and avoid engorgement.

Breast-feeding is the optimal way to feed a newborn and is recommended until a baby is at least age 1. If you choose to drink, plan carefully to

avoid exposing your baby to alcohol. Breast-feeding and alcohol don’t mix well.

There’s no level of alcohol in breast milk that’s considered safe for a baby to drink.

When you drink alcohol, it passes into your breast milk at concentrations similar to those found in your bloodstream. Although a breast-fed baby is exposed to just a fraction of the alcohol his or her mother drinks, a newborn eliminates alcohol from his or her body at only half the rate of an adult.

Culled from www.webmd. com

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PAGE

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

37

Dear Bukola

Having problems with your marriage, family, relationship, career or life generally?

Help is at hand with Bukola Oyetunji, Relationship Expert, Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, Author of Stranded With a Status and One Good Spouse Deserves Another. www.bukolaoyetunji.blogspot.com, Follow on twitter @bukolaoyetunji

My job is not fulfilling my expectations Dear Bukola, have noticed a trend in the Non-Governmental organisation I work for. We are supposed to reach out to vulnerable people but the reverse is the case. Most of the funds we receive are used for bureaucratic and other undefined purposes.

It’s like we are more concerned about paying consultants and getting attractive pay packages than in reaching out to the people who really need help. Initially, I was excited when I got the job but I realized that everything here is clinical and far removed from the real realities out there. I want to see real change. I want to be out there at the field personally touching lives not staying at my desk all day. I want to comfort people who need to be comforted. I want to go to rural communities where there is no electricity or running water or perks for that matter. I want to change lives and make other people happy. Does that sound crazy to you?

I

Dear unfulfilled, can see you joined the NGO because you have a passion for helping and comforting people whether there are benefits for you or not. This is very impressive and NO, it does not sound crazy at all. Notwithstanding the fact that your passion is not being fulfilled, what you should do is see if there is any way you can be the advocate of change in that organization… that may be the actual reason why you happen to be there presently. You should be very careful so as not to allow your passion for changing lives be diluted by their ways in the organization you are presently. There is no crime in personally comforting the people you know are in dire need of it as long as it gives you the fulfillment you desire. Also, if you want to take it a notch higher, you could start something of your own. When people see the passion in you, they would give you funds or the help you require to impact lives. The most important thing is that you should keep doing what is right because there are a lot of vulnerable people out there in need of a special person like you. Good luck with it!

I

bukola.oyetunji@gmail.com. +2347012974472

I don’t know what to do about my weight Dear Bukola, am overweight not as a result of any physiological defect but as a result of my inability to control what comes into my mouth. I eat and I eat just about anything. I really cannot remember when exactly I got to my present size but I know that anytime I feel bad about something I just eat. And these days I have a reason to feel unhappy as I didn’t get admission into the university inspite of the fact that my grades were quite good. I missed the cut off mark with just one point and I could not get in even though several people with worse grades got admitted. All my friends are in school and nobody wants to hang out with me anymore. All I do is watch television and eat. I am getting really really fat.

I

I am in love with my Pastor Dear Bukola, am at a crossroad and I think I need deliverance. I am in love with my pastor and it is affecting me. I am a 33 year old single woman. I have been single since I joined my church that was 4 years ago. The issue is I fell in love with my pastor the moment I laid my eyes on him. His soft voice and good command of English language makes me want him badly. I’ve tried everything possible to get through to my pastor but he doesn’t even look at me (probably because he is married). I’ve considered giving other men a chance but the problem is that I use my pastor as a standard for any man I can marry but all the men coming to me don’t meet up. I have thought severally of going for deliverance but still I wonder; ‘Is it a crime to love my pastor?’ Please I need your advice.

I

Dear Single woman, understand this issue of women falling in love with their pastor has become all too common these days. I guess it is probably because pastors are now well educated, well-dressed and good-looking compared to those days when it was virtually a sin for a pastor to look that way (especially in this part of the world). You claim you are in love with your pastor but do you even know him? Do you know his real person apart from the one that mounts the pulpit with his ‘soft voice and good command of English language?’ I wonder how you can claim to love somebody you do not even know. If I ask you very personal questions about that pastor of yours, I bet it you do not have answers. The sad truth is that your case is that of infatuation and that is why you want him badly! As a Christian that goes to church why would you want

I

to break the home of your pastor by trying everything possible to get through to him?

You did not mention anything about him encouraging you to develop these wrong feelings so where is it coming from? You are a 33 year old single woman; a mature single, so I believe you are supposed to pour your feelings on a man that would reciprocate by giving you a meaningful future with him, why waste it on a situation that would take you nowhere? Now you are finding it difficult to commit because you are longing for a man that does not even know you have feelings for him… how worse can it get? You have set an unrealistic standard for yourself; you may not be able to find a man like your pastor several years to come because God created him different from others.

Even if you are lucky to find someone like him, they can never be exactly the same.

You have to bring these feelings you are having to bay because it will do you more harm than good. You are fearfully and wonderfully made so you deserve to meet someone that would love you and want to marry you like their life depends on it. I want you to know that you can’t do this unless you let go of all these feelings you have because they are definitely not from God. You need God’s help to do this so pray to Him to erase all the bad feelings/thoughts you have of how to nail your pastor from your mind.

Do not give these feelings room to stop you from settling down. If you pray properly and these feelings do not subside, I think it would be best for you to leave the church because it would help if you stop seeing your pastor often. This would give you better chances of meeting your own specially prepared man. If after doing all these you still cannot get over your pastor (God forbid), you may need to go for therapy or like you suggested; deliverance. I wish you all the grace you need!

Dear Overweight, o you know that everything you wrote here points to one major direction - Depression! You are eating too much because that is where you find comfort/solace from the state you are. Everything is not working out the way you expected therefore you are unhappy, you feel you are a failure because you did not get admission and to top it all, you have reached an assumption that nobody wants to hang out with you anymore.

Do you know that when people (family or friends) realize you are no longer the vibrantly happy person they used to know, they would withdraw from you? Nobody wants to hang out with an unhappy person that would invariably make them unhappy too... emotions are contagious. This goes to explain why the only thing you do now is eat and watch the television. You should also know that general depression symptoms include having an irritable or depressed mood for more than two weeks as is your case. All these things you do are part of the signs and symptoms of a depressed person and it is very unhealthy for you to go through this alone at your young age. I therefore think you should seek help by talking to a doctor or a mental health professional. Also, you did not mention if your parents are in the know or if they are taking any step in helping you get out of this phase you are in. If not, you need their support in sorting out your psychological issues and eating disorder (Bulimia). Before you do that though, you should try to discipline yourself on what goes through your mouth because obesity comes with a whole lot of disadvantages which may pose as threats to your health.

Lastly, know that you are a child of God therefore success is yours. You deserve the best because you are one of a kind; specially and wonderfully made. You are a treasure so be rest assured a bright future lies ahead of you.

D

PAGE

38

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

divorce court

‘She steals my money everyday’ • I have lived my life serving him. I loved and cared for him. I obeyed his orders. I was the only one taking care of him when he had stroke. Now, he does not want me again —Wife

A

n Orile Agege Customary Court in Lagos has dissolved a 26-year old marriage over stealing and being troublesome by the woman.

The Court President, Mr. Joseph Adewusi, held that the union of Alhaji Rasheed

‘He rapes me in our children’s presence’ • My husband, usually beats me before raping me in the presence of our children. Our children always advise me to cooperate with him, so that he will not kill me —Wife • She is blowing the issue out of proportion —Husband Stories by: Muda Oyeniran

A

mother of four, Taiwo Arum, has told an Igando Customary Court, Lagos, that her husband usually raped her in the presence of their children.

Taiwo, 41, is seeking the order of the court to dissolve her 11-year-old marriage to Jamiu.

The woman who was in

tears while narrating her ordeal in court, also said that Jamiu used to beat her “mercilessly” before raping her.

“My husband, Jamiu usually beat me before raping me in the presence of our children.

“After the attack, our children normally advised me to cooperate with him, so that he will not kill me.

“On each occasion, nobody could hear my crying because of the noise from some of our tenants’ generators”, she told

the court.

Taiwo, a building materials seller, said Jamiu usually gave her and their four children only N400 feeding allowance daily.

The woman, who claimed to be the fourth wife, said that the children lacked fatherly care and affection.

Jamiu, 45, a transporter, denied the allegations, claiming, “I did not hit her, she is blowing the issue out of proportion’’.

The husband stated that he still loved his wife and urged the court not to dissolve the marriage.

The President of the Court, Mr Adewale Eko, ordered the husband to start paying N5, 000 to his estranged wife as weekly allowance to cater for the children.

Eko advised them to go and meet the elders in both families for amicable resolution and adjourned the case

‘My husband is a regular customer at bars’

• He drinks himself to stupor and does not leave the beer parlour until they close for the day —Wife

A

civil servant, Funmilola Oshingbinle, has pleaded with an Igando Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve her 10-year-old marriage, alleging drunkenness and threat to her life.

Funmilola told the court that her husband, Paul, was a drunk that never cared for his family.

“My husband is a regular customer at the bars; he will drink and will not leave the place until the beer parlour is ready to close for the day,’’ she said.

The complainant also accused her husband of threatening her by always hitting her with dangerous weapons which always left scars on her body.

“My husband always attacked me with dangerous weapons whenever he wanted food or sex.

“If I tell him I am not in the mood or the food is not ready yet, he will pick a pestle, knife or other weapons and hit me,” she said.

Funmilola begged the court to dissolve the union saying she could no longer tolerate his

conduct.

“I am still a young woman, I do not want to die from his beating; my husband will kill me if I continue to live with him,” she said.

The respondent, Paul, who is also a civil servant, accepted some of the allegations, but denied the others.

He told the court that he never threatened to kill his wife, but admitted beating her only because she was not submissive and respectful.

“My wife does not regard me, she talks to me anyhow and I cannot take such. So I deal with her to make her come to her senses,’’ Paul told the court.

He said that for about a year, he and his wife had not been on good terms, and she had not allowed him to make love to her.

Paul, however, told the court that he was not ready for the divorce as he still loved his wife.

The court president, Mr R.I. Adeyeri adjourned the case for further hearing

Gbadamosi and his erstwhile wife, Bamidele, broke down as a result of lack of transparency on the part of the woman.

He referred custody of the only underage child produced by the union to the Family Court.

“In the interim, the child remains with her mother.

The father is ordered to be giving N5,000 monthly for the child’s upkeep, through this court.

“The other three children are to decide who they should live with,” Adewusi ordered.

He also ordered the man to compensate the wife with N50,000.

Rasheed, a resident of 6, Ayinla Akinsola Street, Iyana Ipaja, had told the court that Bamidele’s attitude had negatively affected his health.

“She has been a thorn in my flesh in the past 26 years.

She steals my money almost everyday,” he said.

The petitioner also told the court that Bamidele colluded with the children to dupe him in the guise of schooling.

“Two of our children lied that they got admission into the Lagos State University, Ojo. “They collected money from me for three years. I discovered later that I was duped and that their mother knew about it.

“I gave her N400,000 to secure an apartment for herself and move out of my house, but she did not leave,” the petitioner said.

Responding, Bamidele, 50, denied the allegations.

“I have lived my life serving him. I loved and cared for him. I obeyed his orders.

“I was the only one taking care of him when he had stroke.

“Now, he does not want me again. But, I support the dissolution,” she said.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

divorce court

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

‘She wanted to kill me’

PAGE

39

• My wife wanted to kill me by clutching and pulling my manhood —Husband

A

middle-aged man, Mr Emmanuel Olamurin, on Friday, pleaded with at an Akure Customary Court to dissolve his 21 year-old marriage, accusing his wife, one Modupe, of trying to kill him.

“My wife wanted to kill me by clutching and pulling my manhood,’’ Olamurin told the court.

The complainant, who is a retired civil servant, told the court that his wife was a “great threat’’ that he could no longer live with.

He also alleged that Modupe was fond of stealing his money, and cited some instances.

According to him, the respondent has sold some property belonging to the family, without his consent.

The retired civil servant said that the union had lost any affection needed in any good marriage and should therefore be dissolved..

In her response, the respondent denied the allegations

and insisted that the marriage contract must remain.

She accused him of promiscuity, saying that it was the main reason for his call for dissolution of the marriage.

According to her, she once caught him on bed with one of their neighbours, adding that instead of showing some remorse, declared that he was at liberty “to do anything”.

She stressed that elders had intervened to resolve the issues, but that her husband had always turned deaf ears.

Ruling on the case, Mrs. Modupe Alex-Adedipe, the president of the court, advised the complainant to desist from committing all the atrocities his wife was accusing him of.

She urged him to take proper care of his family, especially their only child, because family peace would ensure a bright future for the boy.

The president adjourned the case for further hearing.

—NAN

‘ He has refused to pay my bride price’

T

here was drama at Customary Court sitting in Ejigbo, Lagos State, western Nigeria, where a housewife, Mrs Funke Oludotu dragged her husband, Omodayo, seeking for the dissolution of their marriage because her husband refused to pay her bride price.

But in his response, her husband said her parents gave her out in marriage free of charge and there was no need to pay her bride price, saying she already had children for him.

The argument between the husband and wife caused laughter among those present at the court during the trial.

Funke told the court that she left her parents’ house to Omodayo’s house and they started living together as husband and wife which produced two kids.

She said instead of her husband to formalise the marriage by paying her dowry, he pleaded with her and deceived her to have another pregnancy.

She said she had to leave Omodayo’s home at Karimu Taiwo Street in Itire, Lagos.

She also instituted a suit seeking for the dissolution of their 8-year marriage on ground that she was not treat-

ed as his genuine wife.

Funke told the court that apart from that, he was cruel to her and her two kids and does not respect her parents.

The woman said despite the fact that her husband did not pay any bride price, he beats her regularly in the presence of her parents.

“He claimed that I am his wife but he did not pay a dime as my dowry and still wanted me to obey him always,” she said.

Funke asked the court to dissolve the marriage so that she could move on with her life and Omodayo should take care of the children.

On his part, Omodayo admitted that he did not pay her bride price.

He said Funke’s parents accepted him as their in-law despite the fact that he did not pay any dowry.

He said the marriage was blessed with two children and he was taking care of his family before Funke left his house.

Omodayo told the court that since she said that she was no longer interested in the marriage, she should go away.

The President of the court, Mr A.K. Akano adjourned the matter for continuation of trial.

‘My husband impregnated my friend’

• My husband runs after anything in skirt. He flirts around with some of his female members, he also slept with my friend and got her pregnant —Wife

“M

y pastor husband is a womaniser, he impregnated my friend,” a 40-year-old trader, Iyabo Olusoji, told an Igando Customary Court on Thursday in Lagos.

Iyabo told the court while responding to a divorce suit filed by her husband, Taiwo, that her husband slept with her friend and impregnated her.

“My husband runs after anything in skirt. He flirts around with some of his female members, he also slept with my friend and got her pregnant,” she said.

She accused Taiwo of using charm to marry her, claiming that she initially went to Taiwo’s church for prayers when she was having marital problem that

Taiwo gave her soap to bath.

She added: “I went to Taiwo to seek help concerning my marriage that was collapsing.

“He gave me soap to bath with that my former husband will come back.

“After using the soap, instead of my husband and me to settle our differences, it became worst and I don’t know how I became one of Taiwo’s wives.”

According to her, her husband always beat her anytime she goes to his church to ask for money and he will not leave her until he sees blood on her.

Iyabo, mother of one, consented to dissolution of the union, saying that she was no longer in love and that Taiwo was only keeping her as a sex tool.

Taiwo, 53, begged the court

to dissolve the seven-year-old marriage, citing Iyabo’s constant embarrassment and defamation.

He said that Iyabo always came to his church to embarrass and defame his character in the presence of his members.

He added: “She will come to my church, lock me up in the presence of my members, calling me all sorts of names like thief, woman wrapper, cultist and other names.

“There was one day she came and naked herself in the presence of my congregation claiming that I abandoned her for two years.”

He pleaded with the court to dissolve the union, saying that that he was tired of his wife’s bad character and that he was no longer in love with her.

men.

The father of six said that his wife did not take care of him and always starved him of sex.

According to him, he fell sick sometime ago and his wife refused to take care of him.

He said that his wife always stole his money, adding that, there was a time he sent her out of his house, but that her family intervened and he took her back.

He, therefore, prayed the court to dissolve the marriage.

But the respondent, Felicia, 53, denied all the allegations

levelled against her.

Felicia said that they had been living together for many years and that she performed her responsibilities as wife at home, and also satisfies him in bed.

She said her husband had never sent her out of the house and could not have done so because they built the house together.

President of the court, Mr Joseph Ogunsemi, observed that the marriage had broken down irretrievably and consequently dissolved the marriage —NAN

‘I caught her with different men on three occasions’

A

n Ado-Ekiti customary court in Ekiti State during the week dissolved the 26-year marriage between Mr Kayode Oguntuase and his wife, Felicia.

Oguntuase had approached the court for the dissolution on the grounds of threats to life, being impervious to corrections, adultery, stubbornness, theft and lack of care for him.

The plaintiff, 75, and resident of No. 99, Igirigiri, Odo-Ado, Ado-Ekiti, told the court that he caught his wife on three different occasions with different

People

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

PAGE

40

Meet Nigerian doctor who changed American football

G

rowing up in Enugu-Ukwu, Bennet Omalu dreamt of becoming a pilot.

But his parents had other ambitions. They wanted him to be a doctor. So he reluctantly enrolled in medical school.

He settled on forensic pathology, turning the investigation of death into a higher calling. “I realised it was a very good platform for me to seek the truth,” he says.

As he told journalist, Jeanne Marie Laskas, in the biography titled Concussion, he became disillusioned with Nigeria after the presidential election presumed won by hero of democracy, Moshood Abiola, was annulled in 1993.

Apparently, Nigeria’s loss was America’s gain, as Omalu thereafter began to search for scholarship opportunities in the United States. He first went to Seattle in 1994 to complete an epidemiology fellowship at the University of Washington.

In 1995, he left Seattle for New York City, where he joined Columbia University’s Harlem Hospital Center for a residency training program in anatomic and clinical pathology. He continued to soldier on, acquiring a total of eight advanced degrees and board certifications.

The best platform to seek the truth, however, turned up in September 2002, when legendary American football player, Mike Webster, lay on Omalu’s postmortem table at the Allegheny County coroner’s office.

Something about the story of his death rang false. The official cause was a heart attack, but Omalu had heard about Webster’s erratic behaviour before his death - the violent outbursts and confused ramblings. Intuition led him to delve deep into Webster’s brain. There, he found clumps of Tau, a protein that often builds up in the brains of elderly people with Alzheimer’s.

But this protein had never before been seen in a 50-year-old football player.

“I searched and searched thousands of publications. I did not see any report on what I was observing. I just couldn’t believe it,” Omalu says.

He named the condition Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE. Together with colleagues in the Department of Pathology at the University of Pittsburgh, Omalu published his findings in the journal Neurosurgery in 2005 in a paper titled “Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in a National Football League Player.” In it, Omalu called for further study of the disease: “We herein report the first documented case of long-term neurodegenerative changes in a retired professional NFL player consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This case draws

Omalu’s

research has transformed the way A mericans look at -- and play -- football . H e has been named H ealth H ero 2015

attention to a disease that remains inadequately studied in the cohort of professional football players, with unknown true prevalence rates.”

If Omalu thought the National Football League would welcome his discovery, he was very wrong. Instead, the NFL launched an attack to discredit his work.

“It was a very lonely, painful experience,” he recalls.

The paper received little attention initially. Indeed, members of the NFL’s Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MBTI) Committee later called for its retraction in May 2006. Their letter requesting the retraction characterised Omalu’s description of CTE as “completely wrong” and called the paper “a failure.”

Omalu later partnered with Julian Bailes, a neurosurgeon and concussion researcher, and lawyer Robert P. Fitzsimmons, to found the Brain Injury Research Institute, establishing a brain and tissue

bank.

In November 2006, Omalu published a second Neurosurgery paper based on his findings in the brain of former NFL player Terry Long, who suffered from depression and committed suicide in 2005. Though Long died at 45, Omalu had found Tau protein concentrations more consistent with “a 90-year-old brain with advanced Alzheimer’s in his brain.”

As with Mike Webster, Omalu asserted that Terry Long’s NFL career had caused later brain damage and depression. Omalu also found evidence of CTE in the brains of retired NFL players Justin Strzelczyk (who died in 2004), Andre Waters (who died in 2006), and Tom McHale (who died in 2008).

In summer 2007, Bailes presented his and Omalu’s findings to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at a league-wide concussion summit. Bailes later said the research was “dismissed.” The NFL’s MBTI committee chair, Dr. Ira Casson, told the press: “In my

opinion, the only scientifically valid evidence of a chronic encephalopathy in athletes is in boxers.”

The NFL did not publicly acknowledge the link between concussions sustained in football and CTE until December 2009, seven years after Omalu’s discovery.

Omalu has also discovered CTE in the brains of veterans, publishing the first documented case in a November 2011 article. He found evidence of CTE in a 27-yearold Iraq war veteran who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and later committed suicide. Omalu’s paper links PTSD to the CTE spectrum of diseases and calls for further study.

In time, the lineup of players with CTE grew, and the NFL had to face the issue.

“The truth is like light,” Omalu says. “You can cover it up for a while, but you cannot conceal light.”

The league has put stricter rules in place to limit head injuries, though Omalu says that won’t solve the problem. “As long as your brain is exposed to repeated blows … you have a risk of brain damage,” he says.

“We have to educate people.”

He hopes Hollywood will help. This December, Will Smith will play Omalu in the film Concussion. “I think this movie will make a very big impact in spreading the word,” Omalu enthuses Omalu’s research has transformed the way Americans look at -- and play -- football. Still, he remains humble. “I don’t want to be glorified. I don’t want to be placed on any pedestal. I’m just a simple man who wanted to make other people happy.”

Born in Nnokwa, Nigeria in September 1968, Omalu is the sixth of seven siblings.

He was born during the Civil War, which had caused his family to flee from their home in Enugwu-Ukwu. They later returned, two years after his birth.

Omalu’s mother was a seamstress and his father a civil mining engineer and community leader in Enugwu-Ukwu. The family name, Omalu, is a shortened form of the surname, Onyemalukwubew, which translates to “if you know, come forth and speak.”

Bennet Omalu has certainly lived up to his family name!

He is currently chief medical examiner of San Joaquin County, California and is a professor in the UC Davis Department of Medical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.

Omalu is married to Prema Mutiso, with whom he has two children, Ashly and Mark. He is a practicing Catholic. He has been named Health Hero 2015.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PAGE

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

41

Artificial Fertilisation W

hen Louise Brown, the first test tube baby was born in 1978, it was into a world skeptical about the propriety or otherwise of intruding into a God given natural process.

It was difficult to believe at the time that a baby born outside the normal process of male and female copulation could be ‘normal’.

Religious organisations were disturbed, while people were happy and concerned at the same time. Even the medical world at the time was critical of Edwards and Steptoe, the two pioneers of the procedure.

Over times evidence has proven that the so called test tube babies are not evil after all and that artificial fertilisation, popularly known as invitro fertilisation, is a viable means for couples who would have remained childless to have their babies.

Louis herself, now 36yrs old has gone on to deliver babies of her own and recent statistics have shown that there are close to six million individuals worldwide who are products of invitro fertilization.

Definition: Artificial fertilization or invitro fertilization is a process of artificially fertilizing a woman’s egg with a sperm within or mostly outside the body. In most cases the fertilized egg{s} is implanted back into the uterus towards achieving a successful pregnancy.

Types: The procedures involved in artificially fertilizing an egg outside the female body vary and usually depend on the problems identified by the attending doctors. Some are used to correct male factor infertility while others are for female factor infertility. Also, the age of the couple and their financial strength will determine their being offered at least one of the following Artificial Insemination: In this method, the sperm is introduced directly into the uterus with a catheter, bypassing the cervix, in order to increase its chances of meeting the egg. Prior to the procedure, fertility drugs may be given to the woman to ensure eggs are readily available for fertilization Its use: This is the procedure of choice in men with low sperm count or with few normal sperm cells. Also for women whose cervical environment is hostile to their partner’s sperm or the mucus in the cervix is not efficient in transporting the sperm. It is a simple procedure and relatively cheap when compared to other methods.

Invitro fertilization: Here a more elaborate procedure takes place. The woman is prepared to mature a good number of eggs which are now removed.

About the same time, the husband’s sperm is collected. These two are then mixed in a petri dish outside the body and incubated for fertilization to occur.

One or two of these fertilized eggs are now put back into the uterus, where they are expected to grow. In most instances the remaining embryos are frozen and kept for future use, in the event that the procedure fails for that particular cycle.

Its use: It is used for women whose tubes are defective and would not allow the passage of the eggs from the ovary to meet with the sperm. It is also useful in men with defective sperm quality as it gives the sperm a better chance of fertilizing the egg.

Intacytoplasmic Sperm injection (ICSI): a modified form of invitro fertilization. Rather than introducing thousands of sperms and leaving one to fertilize the egg, a single healthy sperm is selected and injected directly into the core of the egg to aid fertilization. When fertilization occurs, the embryo is then implanted in the uterus.

Its use: It is the best procedure in men with very low sperm count; as long as there are sperm cells, it gives such men the chance of having their own babies without seeking a sperm donor.

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT) : rather than allow fertilization occur outside the body, this method only helps the sperm and egg to meet i.e in a petri dish before being transferred immediately without incubation to the fallopian tubes where actual fertilization occurs.

Its use: it is the preferred method when one of the two fallopian tubes in a woman is still functioning adequately.

Some couples also prefer it on religious ground as the final fertilization takes place inside the body.

Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT): a middle ground between IVF and GIFT. In ZIFT the actual fertilization occurs outside the body. The embryo is then transplanted into the fallopian tube as against the usual practice of implanting it in the uterus.

Its use: It is also good when at least a tube is functioning well and the problem is more with ovulation. In addition, it is considered when the sperm quality is poor.

Others: There are myriads other methods which are variations of the common procedures but are not as popular in our

society. They are also fraught with a lot of moral, religious and legal issues. They include Sperm donation: Another man apart from the male partner donates his sperm for fertilization with the eggs of the female partner. This is in a situation where the male partner has no sperm cell at all or where the cells are genetically defective and not desirable for reproduction.

Egg donation: a younger healthier {often anonymous} woman may donate her eggs which are then artificially fertilized by the sperm of the male partner before being transferred to the female partner for continuation of pregnancy. Women whose ovaries have failed prematurely or due to age and are no longer producing eggs may benefit from this. It is also used when the available eggs are genetically defective Surrogacy: in some cases, someone aside the female partner may be recruited to carry a pregnancy after the couples sperm/eggs have been used to achieve fertilization. This happens in cases where there is total absence of a womb or the womb is structurally and functionally defective as not to be amenable to correction. It may also be used in place of adoption when both couples are infertile but wants their own pregnancy. Sadly, it is also being used by gays just as donor sperm is used by lesbians to have babies.

Success rate: The success rate of artificial fertilization varies and ranges from 15-50 percent at the first try for the different procedures. It depends on a number of factors including: The age of the couples: the older a couple becomes the more difficult it is to achieve pregnancy even with artificial

fertilization. It best below 35yrs and becomes progressively more difficult above 40yrs.This is because less eggs and less healthy sperm cells are produced at advanced ages.

The number of fertilization cycles: couples are usually advised that artificial fertilization may not succeed the first time and repeat procedures increase the chances of success.

Availability of funds: lack of funds may reduce the number of cycles a couple can try and also determine when couples will start trying. As such, the success rate is affected. The huge cost involved, is one major reason why most couples in Nigeria who are interested in the procedure are finding it difficult to do.

The number of implanted embryo or eggs: it used to be the practice that several eggs or embryo are implanted to increases the chances of one surviving.

However, when new technologies make more eggs survive, the problems of multiple order pregnancy which has a lesser chance of growing to term surfaced. As such, ability to strike a balance between the two factors will also determine the success or otherwise of the procedure.

Conclusion: Couples who have identifiable causes of infertility that is correctable with artificial fertilization should not hesitate to do so early. On the other hand, couples whose cause of infertility is not known may also consider the option, as evidence has proven they also benefit from these procedures.

And when all else fails, adopting a baby is always an option.

You can chat with a doctor FREE at www.prettyhealthcare.com.ng.Wednesdays and Fridays (4-8pm)

PAGE

42

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

PAGE

43

Task before new Sports Minister Dilapidated Main Bowl of the National Stadium, Surulere Lagos: Inset. Dalong

Ifeanyi Eduzor

N

igerians who have been waiting for the past weeks to know the various portfolios the new ministers would be assigned to after their screening and confirmation by the Senate heave a sigh of relief Wednesday when President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated the ministers; assigning portfolios to them.

The President named Plateau State born Lawyer/ Politician, Solomon Dalong as the new Minister of Youths and Sports to succeed the former helmsman, Tamuno Danagogo.

Dalong who is a Lawyer by profession was born on September 28, 1964 in the town of Sabon Gida in Lantang South Local Government Area of Plateau State. He had his primary school at Local Government Authority Primary School, Sabon Gida from 1971-1977.

After his primary school education, he proceeded to Government College Keffi, in Nasarawa State for his secondary education

and later joined the Nigerian Prisons Service. He studied Law at the University of Jos, graduating in 1999 before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja and graduated in 2000 and was called to the bar in 2001.

His resume also shows that he was the Personnel assistant to the late PDP national chairman, Solomon Lar when he was Adviser Emeritus to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and became a lecturer in 2004 at his Alma matter, the Faculty of Law of the University of Jos. Dalong was also one time chairman of Langtang South Local Government Area in 2004 and as chairman of the Local Government; he served as the Plateau State Chairman of Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria.

Although, the new sports helmsman has been involved in politics since his graduation as a Lawyer but he has never held any high profile administrative position in sports but that does not mean he cannot have the magic wand to turn things around.

As the new Minister settles down to work, he must bear in

mind that sports is what bind Nigerians together and makes them forget momentarily their ethnic, religious, cultural and social background and as such he must not leave any stone unturned in repositioning the country’s sports in line with the change agenda of the present administration.

The first thing expected of the Minister is to be Minister of Sports and not football alone as has been the case with his predecessors. While there is no arguing the fact the football is the king of all sports but the Honourable Minister must ensure that attention are paid to lesser sports to enable the country win more medals at international competitions.

A critical look at the Ministry shows that there is enormous work facing the Minister. These includes poor state of the various stadiums, lack of modern facilities for sports men to excel, low staff morale and obsolete equipments that adorn all the stadiums across the country.

It is expected that the new Minister will have special interest in the National Stadium, Surulere,

Lagos which is in a state of dilapidation and has been abandoned by previous administrations since the seat of Government moved over to Abuja. In fixing the Lagos Stadium, one expects the Minister to also look at the Abuja National Stadium which is now a ghost of itself and other Federal Government stadiums which are all begging for renovation.

Dalong should also bear in mind that Rio 2016 Olympics is around the corner and he as the head of the Sports in the country must in conjunction with the Director General National Sports Commission come out with a programme that will make Nigeria not only go to Brazil to participate but win medals to justify the huge investment the country is spending in sports development.

Not only is the Minister expected to take preparations for the next Olympics serious, he should also realize that 2016 is a very busy sporting year for Nigeria especially with the qualifying matches for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and 2018 World Cup as well as qualifiers by the various national teams and as such he

must have a cordial working relationship with the country’s football house to ensure the country qualify for these Games.

It has been argued in many quarters and canvassed at various forums on the need to develop grassroots sports in the country which must involve developing school sports and it is expected that the new Minister must cue into this noble idea and take the issue of grassroots sports development serious.

While it is absolutely important that attention must be paid to the issue of upgrading facilities, training and re-training of coaches must also receive the attention of the Minister. He should also marshal out a plan that will ensure that those who win laurels for the country are adequately rewarded.

As Nigerians await the new Minister to fully assume duties early next week and start fixing the numerous problems confronting the country’s sports, it is expected that his youthfulness and forthrightness will enable him emerge as one of the best Sport Ministers the country has ever produced.

PAGE

44

MIRROR SPORT

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Koscielny calm over Costa spat

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny says he knew he had to stay calm when confronted by Diego Costa - despite admitting his friends said they would have hit the Chelsea forward.

The France international clashed with Costa during Chelsea’s 2-0 win over the Gunners at Stamford Bridge in September, a match which saw Gabriel shown a red card for an off-the-ball stamp on Costa.

The Football Association later rescinded the Brazilian’s dismissal, but took retrospective action on Costa for his slap on Koscielny which occurred earlier in the match and was not picked up by referee Mike Dean.

After being struck and bundled

Koscielny

Nakhid launches appeal against FIFA

David Nakhid has submitted an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against his disqualification from the FIFA presidential election.

Nakhid, a former Trinidad and Tobago midfielder, was not allowed to stand after FIFA said he did not receive the required backing of five football associations.

Tee & Tife boss greets Eaglets Afolabi Gambari

M

anaging Director of Tee & Tife Oil, Toyin Sodipo, has congratulated the Golden Eaglets for their record-breaking fifth win of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile on Sunday.

The Eaglets’ defeated fellow West Africans Mali 2-0 to achieve the feat that was first attained at the maiden edition of the cadet World Cup in Beijing, China in 1985.

“Right from when I watched the team play in the qualifying series, I knew they were world class,” Sodipo said in Lagos yesterday.

“I also knew that Nigerians did not expect them to do well having failed to win the African Championship in Niger earlier in the year.

But I never stopped believing in them and I am excited that they proved me right,” he added.

The oil businessman called on the Federal Government to honour the Eaglets and their coaches for what he described as momentous glory.

“President Buhari has also achieved the record of seeing the Eaglets win the World Cup twice in his military and civilian regimes,” Sodipo remarked, even as he also called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to retain Coach Emmanuel Amuneke to tinker future Golden Eaglets.

“Amuneke has demonstrated his ability to excel at this level and I think he deserves to be encouraged, especially as youth team coaches are very rare these days.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The 51-year-old believes he was backed by five football associations, but FIFA say one of them, the US Virgin Islands, backed two candidates and were therefore discounted.

On Thursday, FIFA turned down the candidature of Musa Bility for the presidential election following integrity checks into his conduct.

to the ground by Costa, Koscielny refused to react and he insists his experience proved invaluable in helping him to keep his emotions under wraps.

“At the time, when he gives me a slap on the face, I didn’t pay attention,” the 30-year-old told L’Equipe.

“We’re in a defensive situation and I continue to play. After he pushes me, I fell and got up because I’m not the type of player who drops down like that.

“It’s five years that I’ve been at Arsenal, I have over 200 matches with my team, some very important. I played a World Cup and the Euros. “All this experience helps my serenity and allows me not to be overwhelmed by the emotions of an encounter.”

Liberian Football Association president Musa Bility will not be allowed to run in the election FIFA’s electoral committee confirmed Bility, the president of the Liberian Football Association, had not passed an integrity check and would not be eligible to run in the election. The reasons for his exclusion were not made public.

Nakhid

Hodgson devastated by goalkeeper’s death

Fulop

England boss. Roy Hodgson said he was “really devastated” by the death of 32-year-old goalkeeper Marton Fulop, who he worked with at West Brom.

The former Hungary international, who had had a tumour removed from his arm in 2013, died on Thursday.

“When I was told, I was actually quite shocked,” Hodgson said. “All I can do is pass on my condolences and say it is a sad day for his family and football.”

Roy Keane, who signed Fulop twice, said he was “shocked and saddened”.

On Thursday, Hungary wore black armbands in their Euro 2016 play-off win over Norway to remember Fulop, who was cleared to continue his career after his initial cancer treatment but never played again.

The Hungary team wore black armbands in their Euro 2016 playoff win over Norway.

SPORT NEWS

Deaf Championship: Amuda seeks corporate support Ifeanyi Eduzor

W

ith few weeks to the commencement of the 5th edition of West African Deaf Football Championship, President of West African Deaf Sports Union (WADSU), Amuda Yusuf Ibrahim has appealed to government and corporate organizations to give financial support to the National Deaf Football team to enable it win the trophy a record fourth time.

He told Saturday Mirror that the championship slated for November 22nd – 30th in Lome, Togo will attract eight countries namely; Nigeria, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Burkina- Faso and Benin Republic but expressed regrets that apart from support they receive from ECOWAS, the team has not received any encouragement as they prepare for the subregional tournament.

According to him, out of the 18 players that will represent the country at the championship, National Sports Commission has accepted to sponsor only 14 of them while Nigeria Deaf Federation is expected to source for funds for the remaining four players, positing that such arrangement might prevent some of the best players from being part of the trip. “ I am appealing to corporate Nigeria to come to our aid and help the team not only partici-

Deaf national team in a group photograph

pate in the championship but be in good frame of mind to win the tournament.

“It must be noted that since we started participating in the tournament, the only little support we get is from ECOWAS who have been consistent in settling prize money and other expenses and that is why I am appealing to corporate organizations to give us

financial support”, note Amuda who explained that there are deaf football teams in all the 36 states of the Federation but regretted that many state governments are not interested in their activities.

Secretary General of Deaf Sports Federation of Nigeria, Abdul-Aziz Awli stated that while the team is ready to participate in the championship, paucity of funds

S

All Stars Family, Union FC set for showdown

occer fans in Yaba and its environs will be treated with an early morning friendly football match when the All Stars Family of Surulere, Lagos hosts Union Fc at the Psychiatric Hospital Playground Yaba at 8 am.

The two veteran teams have an array of ex- star footballers which is why it will be a fascinating clash with both teams holding an equally good chance of victory.

The All Family Fc starring Sunny Joe, Ekere Afra, Uduak Ev-

ans Udokpong, Sam Akpa, Dominic Umoh, Gabriel Edem, Ita Obuntok, Obot John and Uwem Umoh have been playing undefeated in the past two years.

They drew 3-3 with All Stars International Fc, drew 2-2 with Kirikiri All Stars, played a 3-3 draw with Peace Villa Estate All Stars and drew 2-2 with Rising Stars at Abalti Barracks, Surul-

could affect the country’s chances of performing well at the Games.

It would be recalled that Nigeria won the West African Deaf Championship in 2010, 2012 and 2013 but emerged runners- up last year, a position which the Federation attributed to lack of funds that prevented some of their players from being part of the tournament.

ere and defeated Isolo Coaches 3-2 at Psychiatric Hospital Play ground, Yaba.

However, not minding their intimidating record, Union Fc with players like Gold Iwuchukwu, Godson Oguehi, Ebuka Ebuka, Ejiofor Major, Udoka Onyebuchi, Chikodi Udeagha and George Onyia among others look set to dent the record.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MIRROR SPORT

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

MirrorGolf With Pius Anakali

Tel: 08023367071

47 45 FB Open tees off at Ikoyi he 54th First Bank Lagos Open Golf Championship took off yesterday at the Ikoyi Club 1938 Golf Section.

According to First Bank Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Folake Ani-Mumuney, the championship which will end on Sunday began with practice round and ended with an interactive session on golf simulation game.

“The championship began yesterday with practice round and ended with an interactive session on golf simulation game while today will host first round

of competition and professional coaching clinic/beat, as well as the pro challenge,” Ani-Mumuney said.

“Guest players will first take the center stage on the final day on Sunday to be followed by the final rounds of competition among title contenders while professional coaching clinic and interactive session on golf simulation game will be available all day,” she added, stressing, “A banquet dinner and award will hold later at the same venue.”

On the theme for this year’s event, Ani-Mumuney said: “We aim to involve strategic partners to enhance the value and content for increased innovative engagements for golfers and non-golfers alike.”

s the race to the 2015 Transatlantic Golf Team Challenge billed to hold on November 22nd at the highbrow IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja gathers momentum, two corporate organizations; Delta Air and IT giant, Lenovo has keyed in to the project.

While Delta Air is offering tickets for the winners of the competition and rebate on ticket for other participants, Lenovo is offering some of its latest gadgets including the world’s slimmest computers to be staked as a hole-in-one prize at the event.

The involvement of these outfits has further heightened interest of golfers in the competition as golfers from Port-Harcourt, Asaba in Delta state, Benin and others from Akwa-Ibom state

have sent in their request for a place in the competition.

The TGTC franchise holder in Nigeria; Remi Olukoya who confirmed the new development said, there has been a sudden increase and interest from golfers all over the country. From far flung in Kaduna and its environs down to the Southern part of the country. ‘It’s becoming very interesting as more and more golfers are showing interest in the competition. From Benin, Port Harcourt and even Lagos and its environs are all itching to be part of the competition.

What I can tell you is that the TGTC in Abuja is going to be fun, great outing for golfers. It’s going to be a competition where whether you win or not you will surely enjoy yourself ”, Olukoya assured.

Afolabi Gambari

T

Pairs Championship:

: Nigeria’s representatives to this year’s International Pairs finals, Remi Olukoya (l) and Teju Ogunwomoju

TGTC: Delta Air, Lenovo key in as field of golfers swells

Nigeria’s representatives A shine in Spain P

laying like a team infused with the winning bug, the duo of Remi Olukoya and Olateju Ogunwomoju, Nigeria’s representative at this year’s world final of International Pairs competition which held in far away Alicante in Spain, shone like the stars coming third out of the fourteen countries that participated at the world final.

Olukoya, had stood in for Mike Ikpoki, the Managing Director of MTN Nigeria who couldn’t make the trip and had to pair Ogunwomoju, and despite the new arrangement the team had a good day on the

course.

Buoyed by the result, the Chief Executive Officer of Falcon Golf Development Company, the franchise holder in Nigeria Olukoya described the performance as a good image laundering for the country.

“The International pairs were a very big boost for this country. We got there flew Nigerian flag proudly and showed the world that we Nigerians also play good golf. And we didn’t just participate, we came third among the fourteen countries that took part in the competition”, Olukoya said.

“If we can do well then our young boys and girls can do

even better, hence the need to make investment in them by joining Falcon Golf Development Company in its desire to build golf academies in parts of Lagos State”, he explained further.

Olukoya added that the result is what the country needs to build on when she return to the international stage for the 2016 edition of the competition; International Pairs 2016.

“We urge corporate Nigerians and individuals to continue to support golf because doing so will help project Nigeria’s image better”, he concluded.

BMW Masters: Garcia, three shots behind Bejerregaard Sergio Garcia is three shots behind new BMW Masters leader Lucas Bjerregaard from Denmark after carding a one-under-par 71 in the second round.

Lucas Bjerregaard has yet to win on the European Tour The Spaniard led overnight after an opening 64, but a threeputt bogey on the 12th and a

Garcia

double-bogey seven on 13 means he is tied second on nine under par with Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee.

Bjerregaard’s six-under-par 66 included seven birdies and one bogey. Ian Poulter and Paul Casey are tied fourth on eight under.

Poulter’s score came after a

second consecutive round of 68, finishing with four birdies in the last six holes after a mixed card until that point.

Casey dropped a shot on the 12th in an otherwise flawless 69, which included four birdies.

“It was a great round and obviously finished off with some good birdies coming in,” said Bjerregaard, who covered the back nine in 35 after starting from the 10th and birdied five of his last eight holes to come home in 31.

“Nothing much really happened on the first nine, I just played really solid. But I thought it was a good bit tougher than Thursday with the wind up. Some of the holes were playing really long.”

England’s Ross Fisher, who lost out in a three-man play-off last year, was in contention to join the leaders after five birdies and a bogey on his first 13 holes. But further dropped shots on 14, 15 and 18 meant he slipped to seven under, five

PAGE

Adams to pay $118,000 fine

PGA Tour veteran Blake Adams was ordered to pay Zaxby’s nearly $120,000 after some legal wrangling over the definition of a player’s “fully exempt”

Knox

status.

According to a report by the Oconee Enterprise, Adams agreed that if he earned fully exempt status under contract, or within four years of the contract being terminated, he would pay the company 20 percent of his earnings for a four-year period. Adams and Zaxby’s parted ways in 2008 at which time he was paid $117,999 but he later earned his card via the Web.com Tour in 2010 and made more than $3 million over the next three seasons despite nagging injuries.

Adams’ attorney testified that the 40-year-old never reached “fully exempt” status, however, because he still couldn’t play in every tournament on the Tour calendar.

Adams still logged 92 starts in that three-year period.

The judge agreed with Zaxby’s attorney, who argued that fully exempt status was the equivalent of earning a Tour card, and that appearances in majors and World Golf Championship events were performance-related. Adams played 13 events this season, but made only three cut.

PAGE

46

MIRROR SPORT

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ayo Babalola University agog for sports fiesta Ifeanyi Eduzor

A

ll is now is set for the finals of the 2015 edition of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, (JABU), Ikeji Arakeji old and new students annual sports fiesta scheduled to hold on November 17th, 2015 at the University’s Sports Complex just as football and tennis will round up the event.

The University’s Director of Sports, Oladipo Ojesanya told National Mirror that the sporting event tagged “Fresher’s versus Stallite Games 2015 is being organized by the institution’s sports council under the chairmanship of Professor Adetokunbo Adeola with the aim of discovering talents that would represent the school at the 6th Nigerian Private University Games billed for Afe Babalola University, Ado- Ekiti in December.

According to him, about two hundred students drawn from all faculties participated in the

week-long event, adding that Prof. Adeola will welcome to the event the Vice chancellor of the University, Professor Sola Fajana who is expected to lead a delegation of other top management staff of the institution including Professor Emmanuel Owolabi of the Faculty of Sports Science, University of Botswana to the finals.

Ojesanya further explained that the sport fiesta is part of the university’s policy to enhance sports across the citadel of learning and also discover new talents that would represent the school at various sporting events both at national and international level even as he stated that the school was able to compete in eight out of the ten events competed for at the Nigeria Private University Games.

It would be recalled that the University placed fifth at the last edition of the games hosted by the university in 2013 with seven gold, eleven silver and nine bronze medals.

Nestle highlights sports development Afolabi Gambari

T

he partnership between Nestle Nigeria Plc and Nigerian Schools Sports Federation has been described as the tonic for youth development in the country.

Category Manager Beverages, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr. Olufemio Akintola, who made this remarks at the re-launch of Milo with Activ-Go in Lagos, said the partnership also comprised ministries of education in Nigeria.

“More than two million school kids participate in various Milo sports development programme in which they are taught the importance of sports and are encouraged to participate and excel,” Akintola said.

“We have also for 20 years pio-

neered basketball development in schools and there is hardly any player in the national basketball teams that has not taken part in our competitions over the years as over 8, 000 schools have benefited,” he added, stressing, “This is in addition to the Milo U-13 Africa Football Championship that has produced players that are ready to explode in the near future.”

Managing Director of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr. Dharnesh Gordhon, who also spoke on the launch event, said the company’s thrust on youth development would be sustained in the years ahead.

“We have seen the results of our past investment and are encouraged to invest even more,” Gordhon said.

Super Eagles players i

World Cup Qualifier

Swaziland holds Eagles in Lobamba

H

ome team Swaziland recorded a huge morale lift when they held three-time African champions Nigeria to a goalless draw in Lobambo on Friday night in a 2018 World Cup qualifier.

Swaziland, ranked 130th in the world, fought toe-to-toe against their more illustrious visitors and have every reason to be proud of this result.

It was a disappointing result for the Super Eagles, who were widely expected to win both home and away in this first-ever match-up between the two countries.

Manchester City starlet Kelechi Iheanacho made his long-awaited Eagles debut with Obafemi Martins also seeing

P

resident General of Nigeria Football and other sports supporters club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, says Nigeria’s continuous success in global sporting activities depends on a concerted effort to return spots to the grassroots; especially school sports.

Ladipo stated this while delivering a lecture as a guest speaker

Muslim Private School’s tourney ends in Lagos

Ojokoro, Lagos, the team recorded a 4-3 penalty victory over Isaa Williams Memorial High School he annual Muslim private to lift the giant trophy donated for the tournament. school’s football comPrior to the final match, Nojiu petition has ended in Kenku Memorial High School Lagos with Bakare Disu Oshodi Memorial High School emerging defeated Iponri Grammar School by 3-2 penalty to win the third winners of the tournament. place match.

In an entertaining finals Presenting the trophy to the decided at the Anwar-UI-Islam winning school, chairman of Girls High School, Ahmadiyah,

Ifeanyi Eduzor

T

kick inside the box was headed out on its way to goal.

Three minutes later, Swaziland goalkeeper Gwebu made a double save to keep out the Super Eagles.

The major threat to the Nigeria goal was skipper Tony Tsabedze and big striker Ndzinisa, who made two attempts at goal in the first half which were off the mark to the relief of the Nigerians.

On a day of several shock results across the continent, Nigeria failed to make their experience and class to count, but they will still be expected to get the job done on Tuesday in Port Harcourt in the reverse fixture to enable them to reach the league phase of Russia 2018.

Ladipo canvasses return to school sports Ifeanyi Eduzor

Representative of the Shepherd, Celestial Church of Christ Hephzibah Parish/ Coordinator 39th Adult Harvest Committee, Sup/Ldr. Omotayo Bolarinwa (R) presenting winner’s trophy to Covenant Aladeshade Parish, Ajah team after they defeated the host Hephzibah 1-0, during the Shepherds Cup Football competition final at Shogunle Lagos.

action in the second half after more than two years in the international wilderness.

In the 61st minute Nigeria goalkeeper Carl Ikeme pulled off his only big save of the night when his foot blocked a shot from inside the box.

Otherwise, the Eagles created the better chances with a free kick coming off the post after 57 minutes and both Ahmed Musa and Moses Simon threatened the Swaziland goal in the second half but resolute defending denied them.

From the first half the Super Eagles bossed the possession after they settled quickly into this contest, but it was not until the 25th minute that they created a clear-cut chance when Sylvester Igbonu’s acrobatic

the occasion, Alhaji Lawal Pedro (SAN), executive chairman A.M.N Interim Management Committee commended organizer of the tournament, Prince Adewale Atiba of Atico Global Concept Limited for his vision in organizing the championship which he said is capable of creating healthy competition among secondary school students.

at the “Discovery Sports Federation” seminar under the auspices of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria Oyo State Chapter.

According to him, developing grassroots sports was the only way to build on the success of the past particularly at a time the country is still celebrating another world cup win at the cadet level.

“The issue of grassroots sports development cannot be over emphasized because of the immense benefit accruing from it.

“We are all aware that the greatest sports men and women that we have all over the world today were discovered at very tendered age. Great sports men like Tiger Wood, Williams Sisters, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Usain Bolt and others were all discovered at tender age.

He noted that relevant stake holders like the government, corporate organizations, the media and parents have a role to play in ensuring that Nigeria takes her

Ladipo rightful place in the comity of the world’s biggest sporting nations.

Earlier in his speech, chairman of Oyo SWAN, Seun Ajayi Obe expressed gratitude to Ladipo for finding time out of his tight schedule to honour the invitation.

Highlight of the occasion was presentation of award to Ladipo and some deserving sports personalities in the state such as Chief Ndubuisi Pliers, Chairman Oyo State Cycling Federation and Omoniyi Oladimeji, an Immigration Officer.

From the

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

PAGE

Civil Service Buhari charges Perm Secs to provide needed leadership

H

enceforth, Permanent Secretaries would be held responsible and liable for failure to provide the required leadership, control and direction in their respective ministries.

President Muhammadu Buhari gave the warning while swearing in new Permanent Secretaries in Abuja on Thursday.

He said his administration would not condone any excesses, incompetence, indifference or corrupt practices in the civil service.

The president, therefore, advised them to always guard against frequent complaints of the intolerable levels of incompetence, indifference or even suspected sabotage by some of the top echelon of the civil service. ``Even where Permanent Secretaries, in some instances, are exempted from these accusations, they are still responsible and liable for failing to provide the required leadership, control and direction. ``This administration will not condone any excesses, indifference, incompetence, and corrupt practices in any form. ``Permanent secretaries are therefore advised to note these words of caution and disseminate them to all civil servants accordingly’’, he said.

Buhari said civil servants must first understand and accept the “change mantra” of this administration if Nigeria has to realize its full potentials for greatness.

He assured that his administration would continue to give all the necessary support, protection and encouragement to the civil service to do its work. ``I am sure the permanent secretaries and all other civil servants appreciate the fact that I have always considered the civil service as an indispensable reservoir of experience, expertise and loyalty. ``I, therefore, consider the service as a dependable ally in my quest to change this country for the better ``I have great faith in the ability and quality of the Nigerian civil service to provide stability and the desired change. ``This administration and the civil Service can

thus develop a constructive partnership in charting a course for the change that Nigerians are looking forward to’’, he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that 16 out of the 18 newly appointed permanent secretaries were sworn in by the president.

They are Mrs Ayotunde Adesugba, Mr Taiwo Abidogun, Dr Bukar Hassan, Mrs Nuratu Jimoh Batagarawa, Mr Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, Mr Bassey Apkanyung, Mr Louis Edozien and Dr Ugo Roy. Others are Mrs Wakama Belema Asifieka, Mr Jalal Arabi, Mr Sabiu Zakari, Mrs Obiageli Nwokedi, Mr Aminu Nabegu, Mr Alo Nwankwo, Dr Shehu

Ahmed Kalu

and

Ogbonnaya

Mr Bamgbose Oladele and Alhaji Mahmoud

Isa-Dutse, who are out of the country, would take

47

their oath of office at a later date. (NAN)

L-R. Deputy Chief Imam, National Mosque, Abuja, Alhaji Ibrahim Makarfi, Deputy Corps Marshal, Special Marshal and Partnership, FRSC, Ahmed Hassan Kogari and Head, Media Relations and Strategy, FRSC, Bisi Kazeem after prayers in Abuja National Mosque to commemorate the Accident Victims Remembrance Week

State House workers to get more capacity training —Perm Sec

T

he Permanent Secretary of the State House, Malam Jalal Arabi, on Thursday assured workers of training that would enhance their capacity to implement the change agenda of the Buhari administration.

He gave the assurance while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) shortly after he was sworn-in by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

According to him, lack of proper planning is the bane of the service as training should be built around what is available. ``Most of these things are built on what is available. ``What had been dragging us backward is lack of planning and of course when you plan to have a formidable and viable system people must learn, people must have the know-how, the expertise and you can’t just pick that on the street, you have to be trained. ``In the past, perhaps it was relegated or probably sidelined, but I believe with what had happened, with the experiences garnered as to how things didn’t work out well, for lack of expertise, for lack of proper manpower, I am sure we will try to get it

right this time around. ``It is not going to be easy but you will always start from something.’’

Arabi admitted that his task is not going to be easy

because of the previous happenings in the civil service.

According to him, part of the lessons he has learnt to make sure that he builds

on what will be the best for Nigeria.

Arabi said that President Muhammadu Buhari had imparted his words of wisdom to his colleagues, adding that their task was a heavy burden that could be carried out successful-

ly with prayers and God’s guidance.

The permanent secretary said it also required the commitment of the appointees to be able to justify the confidence reposed in them.

30 states benefit from CBN’s package to offset salary arrears –Buhari

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has said that the Central Bank of Nigeria had so far assisted more than 30 states of the federation with concessionary loans to offset salary arrears for their workers.

The president, who stated this in Abuja on Wednesday at the swearing in of ministers, said the bank also implemented country-specific and innovative policies that had helped to stabilise the exchange rate and conserve the nation’s reserves. ``The Central Bank of Nigeria has also assisted more than 30 states of the federation with concessionary loans to offset salary arrears for their workers. ``On the monetary side, the CBN has also implemented country-specific and innovative policies that have helped to stabilize the exchange rate and conserve our reserves.

``While recognising the challenges we face and the need to surmount them, let us not fail to note the progress we have made in the short life of this government, as an indication of how much better we can do as a people driven by patriotism and a common resolve to do things right.’’

Buhari expressed delight over the progress recorded by his administration so far, saying that ``this is an indication of how much better we can do as a people driven by patriotism and a common resolve to do things right’’.

According to the president, trust is slowly but steadily being re-established between the government and the people.

He said that government business was being conducted with transparency and ``cynicism is waning as a result’’. ``On the moral sphere, trust is slowly but steadily

being re-established between the government and the people. ``Now, when the government speaks, the people listen; and when the people’s expectations are not met, they appreciate that it is not for lack of commitment or trying on the part of government. ``In effect, government business is now being conducted with transparency and cynicism is waning as a result.’’

On the new ministers, the president, who reduced the number of ministries from 38 to 24, said they must proceed to work speedily and do their utmost to justify the confidence reposed in them not only by their conduct but also by their performance in their various positions.

Meanwhile, addressing State House correspondents after the maiden Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mu-

hammadu, said the council reviewed the report of the ministerial retreat held last week.

He said the president challenged the ministers to see their appointments as call to duty and urged them to redouble their efforts in meeting the expectations of Nigerians. ``Today was not a very heavy meeting in terms of attendance. The highlight of the meeting was, the president welcoming us to the executive council and we reviewed the report of the ministerial retreat that took place last week. ``During the meeting, the president, once again, reiterated his charge to all of us to see our appointments as a call to duty and for us to also understand the precarious nature and the situation of Nigeria, today. ``And we should all double our efforts to justify the confidence Nigerians have in us and (the confidence) he has in us.’’

PAGE

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Crime Watch

Woman caught selling week old baby T

48

Police arrest suspected robbers with explosive devices

...says she is victim of child traffickers

Patience Ogbo

N

kechi Obi, 25 - year - old lady arrested by the police for allegedly selling a one week old baby boy, says she was only 16 years old when she was given out to a man to produce babies for sale.

Nkechi who claimed she has given birth to four children, however, stated that she does not know the whereabouts of her children.

“My lover took the babies from me. I don’t know where my children are” she said. Policemen attached to the Lagos state police command arrested Nkechi after following her attempt to sell the baby in Lagos.

It was gathered that the police also arrested a nurse, one Patience Nwaogbo, and one Ogechi Njoku, a mother of two in connection with the baby trade syndicate.

The Lagos state commissioner of police, Mr. Fatia Owoseni, during a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday, stated that the suspect Nkechi belongs to a child trafficking ring that specialises in trafficking babies from the south eastern part of the country to Lagos state.

He stated that the suspects were exposed after a vigilant bus driver alerted the police that Nkechi was behaving in a suspicious manner.

The Lagos police boss said “the lady (Nkechi) came from lmo state to Lagos. However along the line, the driver of the vehicle she boarded discovered that she did not breast feed the baby. The driver drew the attention of the police Nkechi was arrested and taken to the Makinde police station where she confessed that she was taking the one week old baby boy to a woman. The police investigation led to the arrest of two

Obi women in Lagos in connection with the crime”.

Nkechi who hails from Omuma town in Imo State however stated that she was acting as a courier to deliver the baby to a nurse in Lagos.

She said “It was my aunty one Mrs. Ngozi that gave me the baby to bring to Lagos. She only gave me a phone number to call.

I don’t know how she got the child and she did not promise to give me money. I am an orphan. I live with my aunty and she gave me to a man when I was 16 years old. I gave birth to four children but I don’t know where my children are because the man I had the children for took them away from me’” Police sources stated that Nkechi gave birth in September but she had sold her baby.

The source said, “This lady is a member of the syndicate.

She can be a victim too but from what she told us, she gave

birth two months ago and she had called a woman to pay her N400,000 so she can deliver a baby girl for her. This is a big business in eastern Nigeria and they see it as a family business.

They don’t hide it and they don’t see it as a crime.”

Police sources stated that Ogechi a housewife allegedly paid N1 million to Patience who is a nurse in a clinic in Festac to help her get a baby boy It was gathered that the case was transferred to the State Intelligence Bureau(SIB) Lagos police command and the operatives arrested Ogechi and Patience however effort to get other suspects arrested was not successful.

Patience, in her confession to the police, stated that she allegedly got involved in the baby factory syndicate as she was moved by Ogechi’s plight to have a male child.

She said “Ogechi has been

looking for a male child. She came to the clinic and I assisted her to contact somebody in the east. She paid N1million for the baby boy because she is desperate to have a male child so that her husband will not send her packing from her home.”

Ogechi on her part told the police that marital pressure pushed her to buy a baby boy.

She said, “I have been married for 18 years and I have two girls. My husband and her family have been on my neck to give them a male child. My husband is living outside the country but has refused to come home or send money for the upkeep of the girls. I had a miscarriage and I wanted to please my husband so I paid the money for the baby boy so I can deceive my husband that we have a son and he can start caring for us.’’

It was gathered that the police granted Ogechi and Patience bail..

he Ogun State Police Command has arrested and paraded four suspected bank robbers with explosive devices meant for operation in Ijebu Ode area of the state.

Parading the suspects at the Police Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Celestine Okoye, said the suspected robbers were arrested in October with four explosive devices and connective wires.

Okoye said all the suspects were coming from Delta State to meet another leader of the syndicate simply identified as Wisdom, who was arranging the operation in Ijebu Ode. Three of the suspects – Gelebele Aitlabor, Moses Demene and Friday Saborom – are indigenes of Delta State, while the fourth, Mohammadu Kaidiri, was said to be from Edo State.

The Police boss explained that the suspects were still under investigation and would be charged to court at the appropriate time.

He said: “Information was received by Policemen on patrol at Ayepe town that some men were seen with bags and on the receipt of the information, they were intercepted by the team.

“On search on the bags, four explosive devices with three connective wires were recovered from them.

“The suspects confessed that they were coming from Delta State to meet their gang leader named Wisdom in Ogun State, now at large, to rob.”

While speaking with newsmen, Demene, who identified himself as the leader of the group, said he was aware of a robbery plan on a bank in Ijebu Ode and had to call Gelebele, who was in possession of the explosives.

He said that they were on their way to meet the leader of the group after alighting from a bus from Delta State when an Okada rider suspected them and invited the Police.

The Police also paraded a member of a trans-border robbery syndicate, Atevonou Sesco, who was arrested after successfully snatching a Toyota Sequoia Jeep with registration number: Lagos EPE 956 DP, in Ilase, Idiroko area of the state.

Okoye explained that efforts to get the owner of the Jeep has yielded no result, a situation which gives the impression that the owner might have been killed during the operation.

Nine other suspects were also paraded for various offences ranging from fraud, cultism, armed robbery and murder, while series of exhibits were also recovered.

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

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Crime Watch

PAGE

49

Lover, fake doctor, others in Police net over fatal abortion in Bauchi

T

he Bauchi State Police Command, yesterday, arrested three persons for hurriedly burying one Rose Luka in a compound in Bayan Gari area within the Bauchi metropolis.

It was gathered that Rose died of complication arising from abortion. The Police Public Relations Officer

(PPRO), DSP Mohammed Haruna, in a press statement said the Police have arrested one Hillary Joseph, Nasiru Haruka, Hamisu Yakasi all of Bayan Gari Area of Bauchi State.

According to the statement, “Suspects conspired and hurriedly buried one

Rose Luka, female, and 25 years of Adamawa State in a shallow grave at a compound in Bayan Gari.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim allegedly died as a result of complications from abortion.

“Scene of crime was

visited by forensic experts attached to Criminal Investigation Department, and corpse exhumed, photographed and taken to ATBU Teaching Hospital, Bauchi for Autopsy.”

Meanwhile, the quack patent medicine seller, one Mudashiru Bako of the

Man, 25, in court for allegedly stealing N20,000 from girl friend

A

n Ogudu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State on Friday granted bail to a musician, Promise Sunday, 25, charged with stealing N20, 000 from a female friend.

Sunday, who resides at No. 2, Holy Ghost St., Agric, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mrs O. Sule Amzat, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10, 000 with a reliable surety.

She said that the address of the surety, who should be gainfully employed, must be verified by a court official.

Amzat adjourned the case to Dec. 22 for mention.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Sgt Lucky Ihiehie had told the court that the defendant committed the offence at Sharp Corner Hotel, Mile 12.

He said that the complainant, Mrs David Princess,

reported the matter at Mile 12 Police Post. ``She said that on Nov 10, the defendant knowing her ATM PIN, took her First Bank ATM card and went to withdraw N20, 000 without her

consent. ``It was when she received an alert on her phone that she realised what the defendant had done. ``She confronted him and demanded for the money but

he refused to give her the money,’’ the prosecutor said.

The offence committed contravened Section 285 of The Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. (NAN)

same address, who administered and sold the abortion drugs to the victim was also arrested.

The statement said, “Exhibits recovered from suspects include,” two shovels, one sachet of Diclofene tablets, one sachet of menbendezalen with four tablets, Daltic, five tablets, Predimisolene, eight tablets and, Bunto Blood Tonic and bottled water mixed with substance suspected to be drugs.”

It said all the four suspects have been charged to the Chief Magistrate Court in Bauchi for prosecution.

Man who disguised himself as woman to get maid job busted T his photo of a man disguised as a woman in a household of young girls has gone viral ever since it was posted on social media.

According to the viral Facebook post, the man was employed as a maid by a Ugandan family in Soroti Municipal, Uganda. The young man man pretended to be a woman while rocking his braids, padded breasts, wearing female clothes and female undies was put in the midst of girls to take care of them. The facebook user posted it as a warning to those who employed unknown people as domestic staff.

Court remands student for alleged murder

A

n Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State on Friday remanded a 29 year-old student, Abiodun Adepoju in prison custody for allegedly killing Falilu Bankole,33.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Victoria Bob-Manuel, ordered the remand of the accused pending legal advice from the state Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Adepoju of no fixed address was arraigned on a one-count charge of murder.

The Prosecutor, ASP Isah Atanegbe, told the court that the accused stabbed Bankole with broken bottles at the

left hand over an argument.

According to him, the action of the accused resulted to the sudden death of the victim.

Atanegbe said the accused committed the offence on Oct. 31, 2015 at about 11:45 p.m. at the Beulah Primary School, Ore in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

He said the offence contravened Section 316 and of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol.1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

The case was adjourned till Dec. 14, for legal advice.

(NAN)

Man disguised as housegirl

Man, 26, bags jail term over possession of drugs

T

he Federal High Court, sitting in Jos, on Friday sentenced a 26-year-old man, Jelje Danladi, to three months imprisonment over the illegal possession of 199.9 grammes of cannabis.

Danladi was also found with 250 grams of Tramadol, a psycho-tropical substance.

He was first arraigned on July 10, but pleaded not guilty

to a two-count charge of illegal possession of the drugs.

Drug offences are punishable under Section 19 of the NDLEA Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The prosecuting counsel, Sarah Oketola, tendered the exhibits, certificate of test analysis, request for scientific Aid form and the accused person’s confessional statement.

The items were tendered

through her Witness, Ezekiel Yusuf, an exhibit keeper with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Jos command.

The Judge, Justice Lewis Allagoa, sentenced the accused to three months imprisonment on both counts.

He ordered that the sentences were to run concurrently, without an option of fine. (NAN)

PAGE

50

Crime Watch

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Mother arrested as police hunt woman over lesbianism T

he police have declared a suspected lesbian, Bukola Ologunja wanted after she jumped bail.

The suspect was arrested in February following tip-off from members of the public that she was allegedly involved in lesbianism. Mrs. Dorcas Ogunbanjo However, Bukola’s mother, Mrs. Dorcas Ogunbanjo, who stood bail for her was arrested last week, November 2, 2015 at Orelope street in Egbeda, Lagos as the police commenced process to bring a charge against Bukola.

According to police sources at Area M where Mrs. Ogunbanjo was quizzed, the 66 yearold grandmother admitted that her fleeing daughter was into lesbianism adding that she had pressured her to be straight.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Nigeria. The maximum punishment in the twelve northern states that have adopted Shari’a law is death by stoning while in the south under the secular criminal laws, the maximum punishment is 14 years’ imprisonment.

Ogunbanjo

Bukola

NDLEA intercepts truck loaded with 408kg of Indian hemp

T

he Plateau State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said on Thursday it intercepted a truck loaded with 408kg of Cannabis Sativa, popularly known as Indian hemp, in Jos. The Commander, Dr. Ngozi Madubuike, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Jos that the truck was intercepted along Yakubu Gowon Way.

Giade, NDLEA boss

Madubuike said the truck, which came from Lagos, was carrying chemicals for a Josbased company.

She noted that the truck was later found to have been loaded with cannabis in Ondo State and disclosed that the item was worth over N1 million.

She said: “We received a tipoff that the driver would stop over in Ondo to get the cannabis and conceal it with the chemicals he loaded from Lagos.

“During interrogation, the driver denied having knowledge of what he was carrying.

“He said that he was asked by someone to stop over in a forest in Akure where he picked the bags of cannabis, which he was asked to deliver in Jos.” According to Madubuike, the driver is in company of three other persons who claimed they do not have an

idea of what the driver has in the truck.

Madubuike said the suspects would be charged to court soonest.

She appealed to members of the public to cooperate with the agency by disclosing information relating to drug trafficking.

Court remands tiler for allegedly stealing 10 tubers of yam A Mararaba Grade 1 Area Court, Aso Pada in Nasarawa State, on Friday remanded a tiler, Danladi Joseph, 25, in prison custody for stealing 10 tubers of yam.

Joseph, who resides at Aso Pada, Mararaba was arraigned on a one-count charge of theft.

The accused pleaded guilty and begged for leniency. ``I pray the court to have

mercy on me. I will never steal again as I have learnt my lesson. ``Although I have a job that I am doing presently, but I have not been paid and I was very hungry, so I decided to steal the tubers of yam,’’ the accused told the court.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Adaji, told the court that one Luka Dogo, of Kabayi, Mararaba, lodged a complaint against the ac-

cused at the Aso Pada Police Station on Nov. 11.

Adaji said that at about 7p.m. while the complainant was coming back from a meeting, his friend Japhet Oroku informed him that he caught the accused stealing from his farm.

The prosecutor added that the accused was caught with 10 tubers of yam and was taken to the chief palace in Mararaba before he was

arrested.

Adaji noted that the offence The Presiding Judge, Mr Albert Maga, after listening to the prosecutor, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody to enable the police carry out more investigation on the case. ``You are to be remanded in Keffi Prison till Nov. 26, for ruling,’’ Maga ordered.

(NAN)

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sylva thrives on propaganda – Dickson’s campaign team alleges Osahon Julius YENAGOA

T

he Restoration Campaign Organisation of Governor Seriake Dickson, has accused the governorship candidate of the All progressives Congress, APC, Chief Timipre Sylva, of spreading falsehood and propaganda to score cheap political to get power at whatever means.

The organization said it was appalling for the former governor not to be able differentiate between the Federal and the State government formulated policies especially on the issue of taxes and taxation.

The Sylva campaign organization had in statement signed by its Publicity Director, Nathan Egba, had accused Dickson, of introducing policies that have crippled businesses of Bayelsans in private enterprises so as to ensure that there would be nobody financially strong enough to challenge him in the coming election.

It also accused the incumbent governor of formulating a draconian policy with the introduction of multiple taxes to short change civil servants and take part of their meager salaries through the back door to keep them in perpetual poverty.

But reacting to Sylva statement yesterday, the Director of Publicity, RCO, Hon. Jonathan Obuebite, said if Sylva could demonstrate his ignorance at this level, then he is not fit to lead the people.

Sylva, according to him, is only being mischievous as he ought to know as a former governor that the issue of PAYE is a Federal government tax policy and it is not applicable to Bayelsa state alone.

The statement reads, “Dickson did not introduce new taxes to Bayelsans. All he did was to get the people to pay PAYE which is a Federal tax law paid by all workers in Nigeria. How does this translate to operating a draconian policy?

“Bayelsans are wiser now, they cannot be deceived by the antics of somebody that was in power for five years and has nothing to show for it except violence.

“Lies and propaganda have become the trade mark of Sylva and his small group of supporters but unfortunately propaganda and lies don’t win election.

“Sylva should embark on issues based campaign not propaganda. He should emulate Governor Dickson by going round all the communities in the state and talking to the people, showcasing his achievements while in office.”

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

SOUTH SOUTH

PAGE

51

Bayelsa APC cautions INEC over election monitors Osahon Julius YENAGOA

A

head of the December 5th gubernatorial election in Bayelda state, the Sylva-Igiri Campaign organization of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to be weary of election monitors and observers for the election.

A statement signed by Nathan Egba, the campaign Director of Publicity advises the electoral umpire to follow the laid down rules in the accreditation of election monitors and observers for the December 5, governorship election in the state.

This is coming on the heels of the purported public endorsement of Governor Seriake Dickson of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), for another term by over 400 Non-Governmental Organisations in the state.

The statement also urged INEC to be weary of such NGOs that had become political and publicly identified with a particular candidate in the election, adding that the APC had obtained the comprehensive list of the NGOs and called on INEC not to make mistake in considering applications from any of their members to serve as either monitors or observers in the December 5th election.

He said, “While our campaign organisation is irrevocably committed to

ensuring peaceful and credible poll, the electoral body must also purge some of its staff and personnel who are believed to be showing

sympathy to the ruling party in the state.

We have been inundated with calls and reports about a particular senior

member of the commission in the state headquarters who is a PDP agent because of the role he played in the last Presidential, Na-

tional Assembly and State House of Assembly elections working closely with appointees of Governor Dickson.”

L-R: Deputy President, Ijaw Women Leadership Forum, Mrs. Patience Ogbogbo; Senior Lecturer, Lagos State University, Associate Prof. Didi Moro; Coordinator Ijaw Monitoring Group, Comrade Joseph Evah; Guest Speaker/President Ijaw Professionals, Pastor Efiye Bribena and President South South Women Organisation, Chief(Mrs.) Vicky Ozeuwuno, during the 20 years Anniversary/Lecture of Ken Saro-Wiwa by Ijaw Monitoring Group with theme, ‘Clean-up Ogoni, Clean –up Niger Delta now’ in Lagos, yesterday.

CRUTECH ASUU extols Late Prof. Iyayi at special congress in Calabar Richard Ndoma CALABAR

Academic Staff Union of University ASUU, Cross River University of Science Technology CRUTECH Branch at yesterday`s Congress described the Late Professor Festus Iyayi as ‘revolutionary fighter’ who was always on the side of the people.

The Late Prof. Iyayi, an activist and former national president of ASUU died in a ghastly motor accident during the national

strike embarked by the union two years ago.

To commemorate his death, the University lecturers held a special congress in honour of the late comrade.

In a brief interview with journalists shortly after the congress at the CRUTECH campus, Chairman of CRUTECH ASUU DR. Stephen Ochang stated that Late Prof. Iyayi was a visionary and dogged fighter who stood very firm for the truth and never compromise.

ASUU leadership maintained that late Prof.

‘Iyayi struggled hard to inspire a new Nigeria, a nation free from the vicious grip of both internal and external predators whose interest is to appropriate the nation and its resources to themselves.’

“We honour our beloved Comrade Iyayi today for what he represented; the power of his vision, his doggedness and steadfastness as a fighter against reaction-

ary and neo-colonialist forces.”

The don stressed that “in remembering this great fighter, ASUU charges all lecturers to emulate the virtues of this visionary leader who sacrificed all his time and made several effort to liberate ASUU members from the oppressive tendencies of those in government.”

The ASUU boss added described Iyayi as a courageous man of integrity, objectivity and hard working individual.

Akpabio condemns agitations for Biafra state Jackson Udom

S

enate Minority Leader and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio has condemned fresh agitation for the creation of the sovereign state of Biafra, just as he called on parents and community leaders in the South-East and South-South regions of the country to ensure that they caution and educate their wards on the negative implication of their actions.

Akpabio stated this while receiving members of the

Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly led by its Speaker, Hon Aniekan Uko, who paid him a courtesy visit in the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday.

According to Akpabio; “for those of us who witnessed the civil war, we should not be seen to be supporting this needless struggle because it is an ill wind that will blow no good, no matter your status or political affiliation.”

He noted that, “no matter the level of disaffection among different groups within the nation, there are better and lawful channels in which any aggrieved

group or individuals can explore to get a redress instead of engaging in outright lawlessness. Let us all rise in unison to condemn any group that is bent on destroying the oneness of this country because our strength as a country lies in our unity.”

Speaking further, Akpabio stressed the need for the entire country to be united so that the much expected development which Nigerians are yearning for would be delivered, saying “let us all shun all forms of divisiveness. President Mohammadu Buhari needs

peace for sustainable development and this can only be achieved if he is focused.”

Earlier in his speech, the Speaker, Hon Uko said the purpose of their visit to the Senate Minority Leader was to congratulate him on his “uncommon emergence as the senate minority leader despite the fact that you are not ranked just like myself.”

“We have come here today to tell you that you shouldn’t be bothered about what people are saying about you. We are the people to tell Nigerians

whether you did well or not. We are here to tell the whole world that you did a lot for the people of Akwa Ibom State as their governor,” he said.

Uko stated further that “whatever we are enjoying today in the state, you put them in place and that is why we have come to publicly declare today that you are our leader and you will remain so. Those who are not comfortable with what is happening in our state have been advised to resign from politics and they have started doing that,” he said.

PAGE

SOUTH EAST

52

Okorocha to meet South-East govs, others over pro-Biafra protests

I

mo State Governor and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum, Owelle Rochas Okorocha will meet with other governors in the South-East, the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo, and other stakeholders in the geo-political zone to talk and agree on how to check the activities of pro-Biafra groups in the area.

The meeting, which is expected to take place in Enugu, on November 17 2015, will have all the Governors of the South-East in attendance.

Already, the Imo State governor has began to establish all the necessary contacts to ensure that all those expected to be at the meeting, would be in attendance.

Okorocha had earlier, while taking exception to the pro-Biafra violent protests in some of the South-East states and

few other neighbouring states, disassociated the governors and leaders in the South-East states from the MASSOB protest, describing the whole exercise as embarrassing, disturbing, counter-productive and to a large extent, distracting.

According to Governor Okorocha, the pro-Biafra protests could not be in the interest of the south-east people, but were only sending wrong signals to the rest of Nigerians. He said that it has become increasingly necessary for the governors in the zone, Ohaneze leaders and other stakeholders in the area to meet, to call a spade, a spade.

It is also expected that at the end of the Enugu meeting, the governors and other leaders will take a common position, and will also invite the leaders of the pro-Biafra groups for a meeting,

Ugwuanyi flags off more road construction Eric Elezuo

I

n continuation of his mass road construction in Enugu State, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has flagged-off five additional road constructions in the state amidst jubilation from the benefitting people of Enugu North Senatorial zone.

The latest of the road construction are Opi-Nsukka dual carriage way, Obechara road junction, Umuakashi Mechanic Village, Ikenga Hotels Junction and the Post Office roundabout.

Others are Odenigbo round about, Ogurugu road, Ikenga Hotels junction and the Enugu road, Nsukka junction –

Umezebi – Nru junction – University gate all within the university town of Nsukka.

Others include Ohom Orba junction – Imilike Ani – Ezimo Uno – Ezimo Agu – Imilike Ogbodu Aba – Obollo Afor Roads, all designated as Udenu ring roads as they are located within Udenu council area and are linked one to the other.

In a speech before the flag-off in each area, Governor Ugwuanyi recalled his inauguration speech of 29th May 2015 which he said that the principal trust of his administration is the creation of more urban areas in the state, adding that the flag-off of the roads was in keeping with the promise.

Ijaw remember Ken Saro–Wiwa, seek FG’s assistance Samuel Adetimehin

N

iger Deltans on Friday, urged the Federal Government to take urgent step to clean the waterways of the region.

The Co-ordinator, Ijaw Monitoring Group, Comrade Joseph Evah, made the call yesterday, when the Ijaw people remembered fallen heros, who fought for the right of people of Ogoni and other parts of the region.

According to him, for 20 years since the death of Ken Saro-Wiwa, Government has not cleaned

up the region’s waterways. “This has made us to come out in numbers to tell the President, who directed the clean up that nothing has been done, and he should re-order and monitor the cleanup himself. Previous government has giving this same directives and where deceived to have done the job”.

In the same vein, the guest speaker and President Ijaw Professionals, Pastor Efiye Bribena, noted the level of damage done to the health and environment of Niger Deltan, thus called for immediate action of the President.

OCTOBER 14, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Shops close as pro-Biafra activists ground activities in Imo Chris Njok OWERRI

S

hops owners hurriedly locked up their shops yesterday as members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and a faction of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), including other pro-Biafra groups, penetrated Owerri, the Imo State capital, crippling economic activities and vehicular movements.

They protested the continued detention of the Radio Biafra Director, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

As early as 6am yesterday, IPOB members, who

reportedly trekked from Aba, neighbouring Abia State and Port Harcourt, apparently to beat security checks, converged at strategic positions in the state capital from where they linked up with their members on ground to begin the protest.

Although there was heavy security presence, including battle ready soldiers and heavily armed mobile policemen, who drove behind the protesters in their vehicles, there was obvious anxiety among the residents as shop owners hurriedly locked up their shops, while motorists parked off the road to make way for the long procession.

The protesters number-

ing over 10,000 marched through major streets in the state capital, displaying the Biafra flag and placards with various inscriptions such as, ‘FG free Nnamdi Kanu now’, ‘Kanu is Biafra and we are Kanu’, ‘we need Biafra now’ , among others while chanting war songs.

One of the protesters, Emmanuel Onyema, said that the protests will spread to other parts of the country, and would be sustained until the Federal Government unconditionally releases Mazi Kanu.

Speaking also, factional MASSOB Director of Information, Uchenna Madu, said that they were in solidarity with IPOB

because Kanu is a true BIafran.

He said that “the protest will continue as a platform to send the message across that we need Biafra; we are not secured in Nigeria; we are tired of being slaves in Nigeria.

What is happening now shows that Biafra is ready to go so let them give us Biafra, and release our leader immediately.”

However, he promised that the demonstrations would remain non violent.

“Today we are in Owerri and by the time we finish in the South Eastm, and Kanu is not released, we will match to Abuja so that we can all be detained because we are ready to die for what believe.”

L-R: Organiser, Naija Top Baker Conference and Exhibition, Michael Salako; 3rd runner-up of the baking competition, Adeniyi Olubukola; Managing Director, HoneySuckle Cakes, Chineze Ibuoka; winner, Olaitan Adekunbi Ojo and 2nd runner-up, Odibo Eseoghene Ufuoma, during the 2015 Naija Top Baker Conference and Exhibition, in Lagos yesterday.

Cross River, Ebonyi partner to combat security challenges Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

E

bonyi and Cross River state governments yesterday entered into partnership to combat the increasing security challenges facing the two states, especially the invasion of militants into Ebonyi through waterways.

Addressing journalists shortly after a joint security meeting held at the government house, Abakaliki,

the Cross River State security adviser, Mr. Jude Ngaji and his Ebonyi State counterpart, Mr. Obasi Odefa called for the assistance of the Federal Government to enable the two states fight against the killings of its innocent citizens by militants.

On his part, Mr. Jude Ngaji said that the essence of the two states coming together is to share intelligence on the way forward to end the incessant killings of the natives of both states at the boundaries by

militants.

He noted that the partnership was also to enable the two states checkmate drug trafficking, kidnapping among other crimes in the area.

Ngoji noted that Cross State have spent so much on security, adding that the partnership will be regular.

The two states called on the Police and Naval officers to strengthen their patrol along Cross River waterways to prevent further

criminal activities in both states’ borders.

They also called on the Chief of Army staff to establish Army base at the boundary between Ebonyi and Cross River states.

Also, Mr. Obasi urged Naval High command to form joint patrol along the boundaries of Cross River and Ebonyi just as he said there is need for local vigilantes to enhance community policing to checkmate movement of criminals in the boundaries of the both states.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net CHANGE OF NAME AJEKUKO: I, formerly known and addressed as AJEKUKO OLUBUNMI ADERONKE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEDAPO OLUBUNMI ADERONKE. All documents bearing the former name remain valid. General Public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME PEACE: I, formerly known and addressed as NKEM PEACE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as NKEMAKOLAM UDOCHUKWU JESSE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME BELLO: I, formerly known and addressed as BELLO LATIFAT, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ODUDU WEMIMO. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME BALOGUN: I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. BALOGUN ABOSEDE OLUWATOYIN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MISS. FATAI ABOSEDE OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly called Audu Imanche Joseph Now which to be known as Mr. Imanche Joseph. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

OYEKOREDE: I, formerly known and addressed as ARIBILOLA COMFORT OYEKOREDE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ARIBILOLA COMFORT BOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. General public and the Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ADAH: I, formerly known and addressed as MATHEW SUNDAY ADAH and MAJOR ADAH, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MAMUDA HAKIMI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME UGOCHUKWU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UGOCHUKWU CHINWENDU STEPHANIE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. ALIRIAGWU CHINWENDU STEPHANIE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME KAYODE: Formerly known and addressed as MISS ADENIKE QUEEN KAYODE Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADENIKE QUEEN AYENI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as name Mr Ogochukwu Happiness.now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Ogonna Ogbonna. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Abbas Daniel Ebele, now wish to be known and addressed as John Okpe Jerome. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Igbane Sarah Miracle, now wish to be known and addressed as Onyike Sarah Miracle. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Anjorin Grace Oluwaseun, now wish to be known and addressed as Okusaga Grace Oluwaseun.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Bashiru Adewunmi Iyabode, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Balogun Adewunmi Iyabode. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nneka Jennifer Nwaokolo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nneka Jennifer Oji. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adekoya Tejumade Blessing now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Shodunke Tejumade Blessing.

All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as TOLUHI ISAAC now wish to be known and address as OLUWAROTIMI TOLUHI All former documents remain valid.United Bank for Africa PLC Akure and general public should please take note CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is To Certify That NZEWI ARINZE NKEMDILIM AND NZEWI ARINZE NELSON Refer To One And Same Person But Now Wish To Be Known And Addressed As NZEWI ARINZE NKEMDILIM NELSON. All Former Documents Remain Valid.

General Public Take Note.

CHANGE OF NAME/DATE OF BIRTH.

PAGE

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Sosanya Oluwasolafunmi Adetutu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oyeneye Oluwafunmi Adetutu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME UKANACHO: I, formerly known and addressed as FRANCISCA NGOZI UKANACHO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as FRANCISCA NGOZI EKEANYAWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE I, MR JOHN OSADOLOR declare that I am the husband of STELLA OSADOLOR (Nee Noruwa). That the said marriage was contracted at Benin City in Edo State of Nigeria on the 12th of November, 1989 according to native law and custom. That the marriage received blessings and was conducted with the consent of both parties.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ETAREI: I, formerly known and addressed as ETAREI FAVOUR CHIKA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ACHILKA FAVOUR .E. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OLAOLUWA: Formerly known and addressed as OLAOLUWA SIMIAT OLUWAKEMI Now wish to be known and addressed as EKOSANMI SIMIAT OLUWAKEMI .All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Parmata Wanda, now wish to be known and addressed to Mrs. Parmata Apagu. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss ISIGUZO CHINYERE ROSECOLETTE, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. OKORO CHINYERE ROSECOLETTE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okemakinde Remilekun Abidemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Elegushi Remilekun Abidemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME .DAVID: Formerly known And Addressed As BLESSING DAVID Now Wish To Be Known And Addressed As BLESSING ALEX. All Former Documents Remain Valid. General Public Take Note

CHANGE OF NAME 1, formerly known and addressed as Arawole Joy, now wish to be known and addressed as Alashe Bimbo Joy. All former documents remain valid. The General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEKUNLE OLUWATOYIN CHRISTIANAH. now wish to be known and address as MRS OYETUNJI OLUWATOYIN CHRISTIANAH. All former documents remain valid.General public should please take note CHANGE OF NAME UCHEAGWU : I formerly known and addressed as UCHEAGWU ADEOBI MABEL now wish to be be known and addressed as OKWUAGWU HOPE AMARACHI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as CHUKS GODWIN MUOJEKWU now wish to be addressed as OLUCHUKWU GODWIN EZENNIAKA. All former documents remain valid. Also, my date of birth is 26th January, 1990 instead of 26th January, 1988. General public please take note.

OBIDI: I, formerly known and addressed as OBIDI TONIA JANE UJUNWA now wish to be known and addressed as IMOKE ANTHONIA UJU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EDEH: I, formerly known and addressed as EDEH EMEKA DANIEL now wish to be known and addressed as EDEHNWOBODO EMEKA DANIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ORAMU:I, formerly known and addressed as MR ORAMU JOHNPAUL KEDONOJO now wish to be known and addressed as MR. IBECHI JOHNPAUL CHUKWUBE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME TIJANI: I, formerly known and addressed as MOWUNMI AFUSAT TIJANI, now wish to be known and addressed as OMOWUNMI AFUSAT TIJANI. All documents/transactions relating to my former name remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that I, VINCENT ANYAKA is one and the same person as VINCENT NWOYE. That on some of my documents my name appears as VINCENT NWOYE, while on other documents it appears as VINCENT ANYAKA. All former documents bearing any of these names remain valid. General public and Authorities concerned to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OKENWA: I, formerly known and addressed as UZOMA ALOY OKENWA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as UZOMA ALOYSIUS IWUAGWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as UMEOKOWONNA EZUGO ERIC, now wish to be known and addressed as UMEOKOWONNA EZUGO CHUKWU. All documents bearing the former name remain valid.

General Public should please take note CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mohammed Mustapha, now wish to be known and addressed as Alli Mustapha Alli. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Oke Abdul Raman, now wish to be known and addressed as Oke Abdul Ramon Femi. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Victoria Enayoru, now wish to be known and addressed as Victoria Byrne. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OKWEMU: Formerly known And Addressed As OKWEMU STELLA ODICHE Now Wish To To known And Addressed As BAKARE STELLA ODICHE. All Former Documents Remain Valid.

General Public Take Not CHANGE OF NAME

1, formerly known and addressed as Mayowa Arawole, now wish to be known and addressed as Arawole Oluwatobi Josephine.

All former documents remain valid. The General Public take note.

1, formerly known and addressed as Oluwatobi Arawole, now wish to be known and addressed as Arawole Oluwatobi Josephine.

All former documents remain valid. The General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS FAYEHUN TEMITOPE OLUWASEUN now wish to be known and address as MRS AJIBOLA TEMITOPE OLUWASEUN. All former

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS OMOLADE ADEBOLA RITA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SHITTU ADEBOLA RITA. All former documents remain valid.State Universal Basic Education Board Ondo State and general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that NWOSU PHILIP CHIDIEBERE is one and same person as NWOSU PHILIP EMMANUEL, and now wish to be known and addressed as NWOSU PHILIP EMMANUEL CHIDIEBERE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ANIKE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS GLORIA OGECHI ANIKE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONYEDIKACHUKWU GLORIA OGECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. Enugu State Local Government Service Commission Nkanu West Local Government Council and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OKPALAOBI:I, formerly known as, OKPALAOBI CHIOMA CHINEZE, now wish to be known and addressed as TONY-OKPALAOBI CHIOMA DYMPHNA CHINEZE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

MADUKA : I formerly known as Miss Maduka Ifeoma Bibiana now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ejiamatu Ifeoma Bibiana. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AGU:I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AGU LAWRIETTA CHINYERE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS DIYOKE LAWRIETTA CHINYERE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OKPALAOBI: I, formerly known as OKPALAOBI OBINNA OLUEBUBE, now wish to be known and addressed as TONY-OKPALAOBI OBINNA HILARY OLUEBUBE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME JIMOH: I, formerly known and addressed as JIMOH IDIAT TEMITOPE ABEO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ABDUL WAHAB IDIAT TEMITOPE ABEO due to the change in my marital status. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME ADDITION OF NAME I, ADEWUYI AJIBADE AYOBAMI FRANCIS was formerly known and addressed as ADEWUYI AJIBADE, but now wish to add “AYOBAMI FRANCIS” to my former names and henceforth be fully known, called and addressed as ADEWUYI AJIBADE AYOBAMI FRANCIS. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AODU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AODU ELIZABETH OLUWASEYIFUNMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. OGUNSANWO ELIZABETH OLUWASEYIFUNMI. All former documents remain valid. TASCE Staff School and the general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

To confirm that I am one and same person bearing JELPE SAMUEL and KEFAS SAMUEL SHAMTU as obtainable in some of my documents. . General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Gabriel Stella Obiageli, now wish to be known and addressed as Stella Obiageli Adibe.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Etenung Joseph Okiri, now wish to be known and addressed as Etenung Peter Okiri. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Adams Omolabake Mariam now wish to be known and addressed as Raheem Omolabake Mariam.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Olubunmi Moses now wish to be known and addressed as Enock Elebi. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is To Certify That KINGSLEY CHIKA NWAONU And KINGSLEY CHIKA AUGUSTNE Refer To One And Same Person But Now Wish To Be Known And Addressed As KINGSLEY CHIKA AUGUSTNE All Former Documents Remain Valid. General Public Take Note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS AKINDOYO CHRISTIANAH OLUWASEUN. now wish to be known and address as MRS OJAOMO CHRISTIANAH OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid.General public CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MR. FALANA OLAJIDE ADENIYI, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. OLUWALANA OLAJIDE ADENIYI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as OGUNBUSOLA ODUNAYO TOLU, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNDANA ODUNAYO TOLU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AVOSEH GODONU, now wish to be known and addressed as PEYETON GODONU LEWIS. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

53

CHANGE OF NAME UDOH: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS GLORIA SYLVESTER UDOH, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. GLORIA OKPO ETIM EBITO. All former documents remain valid.

Authorities Concerned and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME LIGALI: I, formerly known and addressed as MR LIGALI SAFIRIYU ABAYOMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MR. OMOTAYO ABAYOMI FAVOUR. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AKINYERA: I, formerly known and addressed as AKINYERA DIRAN RIDWAN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AKINYERA AKINDIRAN OMOTOLANI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

To confirm that I am one and same person bearing MOGAJI MOJISOLA ABIBAT and MOGAJI TOLULOPE SINMIAT as obtainable in some of my documents. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akindele Adewumi Rahfiat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olugbode Adewumi Rahfiat.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ofutalu Chigbo Jonathan, now wish to be known and addressed as Chinedu Jonathan Ofutalu. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Balogun Rukayat Sunmisola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akomolafe Rukayat Sunmisola.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that KILANI WAIDI is the same person as KILANI WAHEED. That any documents bearing any of the names remains valid.General public should please take note CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to inform general public that I Ajala Abiola Abosede is same person as Ajala Abiola Ayoni. All former documents remain valid. First Bank PLC and general public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as AWONUBI OMOBOLANLE OLUWATOYIN now wish to be called and addressed as ABOLARINWA OMOBOLANLE OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as BAMIDELE MARGARET OLUSESAN, now wish to be known and addressed as OJO MARGARET OLUSESAN. All former documents remain valid. UNITED BANK OF AFRICA and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MORIAMO OMOLADE, now wish to be known and addressed as MORIAMO JIBO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ARCHIBONG ANNE SABINA, now wish to be known and addressed as CAMPBELL ANNE SABINA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

PAGE

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

54

M

inister of Communication, Mr Adebayo Shittu, on Friday said communication could become Nigeria’s cash-cow if properly explored.

He promised to do everything within his power and ability to actualise the dream.

Shittu stated this when he paid a courtesy call on Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state in Ibadan.

He assured people of the state that he would give his best in his assignment and make the state proud. ``I thank the people of the state for their support and more CHANGE OF NAME

TIJANI: Formerly known and addressed as TIJANI MURIKISU Now wish to be known and addressed as TIJANI MURIKISU BABATUNDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note CONFIRMATION OF NAME IRHEREN: IRHEREN CHRISTIANA ODUAKI is one and same person as OSONEYE CHRISTIANA ODUAKI henceforth wish to be known and addressed as IRHEREN CHRISTIANA ODUAKI. All former documents remain valid. First bank, Keystpne bank and the general public take note.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NEWS

Communication can be Nigeria’s cash-cow —Minister importantly, that of my brother and leader, the governor of the state. ``I pledge before him now that I would represent the people in the seat of power towards ensuring that our state gets its dues in everything,’’ Shittu added.

Shittu had earlier on arrival told newsmen that he would set up a ministerial constituency office in Ibadan, an inCHANGE OF NAME OBINNA: Formerly known and addressed as OBINNA SAMUEL IKE, now wish to be known and addressed as CHIKEZIE UWAZIE IFEANYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OLADAPO: Formerly known and addressed as OLADAPO OLUBUKOLA ARIYIKEI, now wish to be known and addressed as ALO OLUBUKOLA ARIYIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

novation he said would be ‎targeted at bringing government nearer to the people. ``The new office will afford the people of the state chance to reach me and the seat of power.

“I promise that the needs of the people will be attended to with dispatch,’’ he said.

In his remarks, Ajimobi ‎congratulated the minister and specifically CHANGE OF NAME

NWANGWA: Formerly known and addressed as GRACE CHICHI NWANGWA now wish to be known and addressed as GRACE CHICHI ALLISON. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OCHEME: Formerly known and addressed as OGBU STEPHEN OCHEME, now wish to be known and addressed as OGBU FRANCIS EDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

made reference to his performances at the Senate screening, describing it as impressive.

He commended him for his carriage after his nomination, saying that he displayed maturity in handling people who wanted to diminish his political stature. `` You are not OkeOgun minister but that of Oyo state. You are representing the state, CHANGE OF NAME

SULEIMAN: Formerly known and addressed as SULE SULEIMAN, now wish to be known and addressed as SULIEMAN GALADIMA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

JOSEPH: Formerly known and addressed as JOSEPH EMMANUEL now wish to be known and addressed as IYAJI MICHAEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

which comprises OkeOgun, Isale Ogun, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Ibadan, Ibarapa and all other areas. ``I commend your understanding and maturity by not allowing such people to derail you,’’ he CHANGE OF NAME NTOSON: Formerly known and addressed as NTOSON OKECHUKWU EMMANUEL, now wish to be known and addressed as TODOS PRINCE OKENNA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UMEH: Formerly known and addressed as UMEH CHINEDU SAVIOUR, now wish to be known and addressed as EGWUONU CHINEDU SAVIOUR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OKONKWO: Formerly known and addressed as OKONKWO BLESSING NKECHINYERE Now wish to be known and addressed as AGOMUO BLESSING NKECHINYERE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

said.

Ajimobi thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for giving the state substantive ministerial position, and pledged to support the minister.

(NAN) CHANGE OF NAME

POPOOLA: Formerly known and addressed as MISS POPOOLA ABIKE MARTHA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLAYINKA ABIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

JOSHUA: Formerly known and addressed as JOSHUA JOSEPH OCHE now wish to be known and addressed as OLOYA SUNDAY OCHE. All former documents remain valid.

General public, take note CHANGE OF NAME

AKANI: Formerly known and addressed as OLARINDE JOEL AKANI now wish to be known and addressed as ODELEYE JOEL OLARINDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NOVEMBER 14, 2015

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

PAGE

55

At least 35 dead, hostages held in spate of violence in Paris

A

t least 35 people were killed after explosions and shootings rocked Paris Friday night, prompting the French president to declare a state of emergency and seal the country’s borders.

Police in Paris told NBC News that several people

had been shot at a restaurant in the 10th arrondissement in Paris, and The Associated Press reported that there were fatalities at the nearby Bataclan theater, where about 100 hostages were being held.

A police union official told the AP that there were two suicide attacks and a

‘Jihadi John’ targeted by U.S. airstrike in ISIS stronghold

T

he notorious ISIS terrorist known as “Jihadi John” was targeted in a U.S. airstrike but the murderer’s fate remained unclear early Friday.

Mohammed Emwazi has participated in numerous propaganda videos showing the killings of Westerners, including American journalists Steven Sotloff and James Foley, American aid worker Abdul-Rahman Kassig, British aid workers David Haines and Alan Henning and Japanese journalist Kenji Goto, officials said.

A senior U.S. official told NBC News that the Kuwait-born British citizen was directly “targeted” by the strike in the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa, Syria, on Thursday night.

“There is no vengeance, but there is accountability,” said the official, who stressed that “we are still assessing and not confirming” whether Emwazi had been killed.

A senior U.S. counter-terrorism official also told NBC News early Friday that there was “no definitive proof yet that he was killed.”

British Prime Minister David Cameron described the U.S. strike as “an act of self-defense” and the “right thing to do.”

But Cameron admitted that “we cannot yet be certain” that the attack had been successful.

Describing Emwazi as a “barbaric murderer” and the militant group’s “lead executioner,” he added: “He posed an ongoing and serious threat to innocent civilians ... He was intent on murdering many more people.”

Cameron also thanked the U.S. carrying out the strike.Sotloff ’s mother, Shirley Sotloff, said she hadn’t been informed about

the airstrike.

“If they got him great,” she told NBC News. But “it doesn’t bring my son back.”

Sofloff added: “I don’t think there will ever be closure.”

Emwazi, who is in his mid-20s, was identified as the masked knife-wielding man in the gruesome execution videos in February. He was dubbed “Jihadi John” by hostages because he was one of four British terrorists whom their prisoners named “The Beatles.”

He is also thought to have used the nom de guerre “Abu Saleh.”

Emwazi — a computer science graduate who lived in a west London neighborhood which has produced several other terrorists before leaving for Syria in 2013 — had been known to security services and was detained several times dating to 2009. He was interrogated but was never arrested or charged.

Britain’s MI5 intelligence agency believes he was a member of a network of supporters of terrorism and had been in contact with one of the men convicted of attempting to bomb London’s transit system on July 21, 2005. The successful suicide attacks killed 52 commuters.

Charlie Winter, a London-based counter-terrorism analyst, described Jihadi John” as a “key symbol of ISIS menace.”

Winter added: “He has done all he can to keep as low a profile as possible and that he has been targeted in an attack is significant ... It points to a really sophisticated level of human intelligence from the U.S. and the coalition.”

In March, lawyers for Emwazi’s father insisted there was “no evidence” that his son was “Jihadi John.”

bombing near the Stade de France north of Paris.

France’s football team was playing Germany’s at the stadium Friday night.

“Terrorist attacks of an unprecedented magnitude are in play in Paris. It’s horror,” Hollande said. “We have mobilized all forces possible to neutralize the terrorist.”

“I’ve asked for military reinforcements to make sure that no other attack can happen,” Hollande said.

Police in Paris warned people in the city to stay inside.

Officers were being dispatched to sites around the 10th arrondissement, which is about four miles from the Stade de France, police told NBC News. It was unclear if the incidents were related.

Alexandre Bims, 18, was entering Stade de France when he heard an explo-

sion. “We thought it was a gas leak, but then we saw people on the floor that were not moving,” Bims told NBC News. “The police officers did not know what to do, they were choked and dizzy,” he said.

“There was a second explosion, we saw someone who lost an arm,” Bims said, adding that after the second blast, he started running.

“After five minutes, we heard a third explosion,” he said.

Rescuers evacuate people following an attack in the 10th arrondissement of the French capital Paris, on November 13, 2015.

“This is an attack not just on Paris; it’s an attack not just on the people of France.

But this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values that we share,” President Barack Obama said in

response to the violence.

“We’re going to do whatever it takes to work with the French people and with nations around the world to bring these terrorists to justice,” Obama said, adding that he did not want to speculate about who was responsible for the attacks.

“It appears there may still be live activity and dangers that appear as we speak,” Obama said at about 5:45 p.m. ET (11:45 p.m. ET in Paris).

British Prime Minister David Cameron said “I am shocked by the events in Paris tonight. Our thoughts and prayers are with the French people. We will do whatever we can to help.”

France has been on edge since Islamic extremists attacked the offices of the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo and a kosher grocery store early this year. Twen-

ty people, including three attackers, were left dead in the slaughter.

The Bataclan theater is in the same general neighborhood as the Charlie Hebdo offices, according to the AP. The American band Eagles of Death Metal were scheduled to play at Bataclan theater Friday night.

In August, a gunman armed with an AK-47 opened fire on an Amsterdam-to-Paris train in France before being subdued by passengers, including three Americans. Three people were injured.

Global security firm Flashpoint Intelligence said Friday that it had not seen any terror-related claims in the immediate aftermath of the string of violence. “We’re definitely not seeing any claim from any group, we’re not seeing any claim of response from any individuals,” and there is very little chatter online, Laith Alkhouri, director of research and analysis for Middle East and North Africa for Flashpoint, said on MSNBC.

The plane’s wreckage

Percentage of U.S. smokers plummets, CDC finds

D

elighted federal health officials said Thursday the number of smokers has plummeted by nearly 20 percent in the past 10 years and dropped a full percentage point in the last year alone.

They’re not sure of all the reasons why, but credit anti-smoking campaigns, better insurance coverage to help people kick the habit, and tougher laws that make it harder to smoke in

a growing number places.

But the researchers note that people covered by Medicaid — the government health insurance plan for low-income people, and those who don’t have any health insurance at all are far more likely to smoke than people with good health insurance.

“The percentage of U.S. adults who smoke cigarettes declined from 20.9 percent in 2005 to 16.8 per-

cent in 2014,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention team wrote in their report.

“Cigarette smoking was significantly lower in 2014 (16.8 percent) than in 2013 (17.8 percent).”

The CDC team used an annual survey of Americans for their findings.

One troubling finding: adults who are uninsured or on Medicaid smoke at rates more than double

those for adults with private health insurance or Medicare.

“Data from the 2014 National Health Interview Survey show that 27.9 percent of uninsured adults and 29.1 percent of Medicaid recipients currently smoke,” the researchers wrote. “By contrast, 12.9 percent of adults with private insurance and 12.5 percent of those on Medicare currently smoke.”

Quote of the day It is on record that Governor Dickson starved the entire civil service of funds for the day-to-day running of government business as well as denied civil servants of promotion on the excuse of lack of money to pay them on the next salary grade.

— Ex-Bayelsa State Governor, Timipreye Sylva, while commenting on the regime of the incumbent Governor, Seriake Dickson.

BACK PAGE

MTN’s one trillion naira dilemma!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2015. www.nationnationalmirroronline.net

T

he imposition of one trillion naira fine (over five billion dollars) on the Nigeria subsidiary of communication giant, MTN, has been a source of concern to the global community since the news broke. There have been arguments for and against, either justifying the need for such action or insisting that the fine was clearly a political issue and definitely not good for business.

There is no doubting the fact that either side of the argument is good for consideration and will remain a lesson to both regulators and operators. Now, what lessons can be learnt from this to prevent future occurrence?

Regrettably, business decisions and foreign direct investment will not wait for the resolution of the crisis. Some investors may have already made up their minds not to touch investments that have to do with Nigeria or continue to invest in Nigeria.

Some investors may have decided to withdraw recognition and respect for institutions that should protect their investments in Nigeria, especially local laws. They may have resolved to protect themselves henceforth by subjecting disputes arising from their investments to international arbitration. Unfortunately, investment is not a judicial matter!

The argument has always been made that international organisations should respect the laws and institutions in any country where they operate if they want to be profitable and sustainable. And no nation operates without laws.

The Nigerian government has spent a lot of resources in time past to make the business environment friendly and attractive to foreign companies. Such government efforts include amendment of local laws to give investors the opportunity to be on equal footing with local investors, or in some cases, allow foreign companies to have more competitive advantage than the local companies. Consider the Foreign Investment Protection Act. The CEO of a foreign company is more likely to see the president of Nigeria more easily and faster than the CEO of a local Nigerian company. In his days, President Jonathan would have readily seen the CEO of MTN before seeing a Minister or indeed the CEO of, for instance, Globacom. To some people in government, only foreign companies “know how to do business,” as they are the only ones who come bearing the almighty dollar. It’s nice to see that the dollar can also come with problems that can actually consume the naira, especially if security is at issue.

The matter at hand is very simple.

MTN violated the laws and regulations

CFR

MTN’s dilemma can be resolved, depending on the company’s strategy.

The options are quite straightforward.

MTN can either go the Google way in China or the GE HealthCare way in India! put in place by the Nigerian institution that is, by law, mandated to regulate the communication industry by not deleting the telephone numbers of subscribers that are not registered in their system.

The regulating agency directed that unregistered subscribers should not have access to the telephone network so as to be able to monitor and enhance the integrity of calls and callers, as well as ensure that there is no security breach. This type of regulation is normal in a developing country such as Nigeria, where security is an issue. And non-compliance may be interpreted to mean that the company does not want to comply with a regulation that is likely to cause depletion in its profitability.

Regrettably, no nation will compromise her security for any company’s profitability.

It was President Obama who first argued that Africa must encourage institutions and build them, rather than individuals!

He was heartily applauded when he said these famous words in Ghana. But what was Obama thinking? Did he conveniently forget that individuals build institutions?

In the United States today, many successful institutions are now in the hands of the fourth or fifth generations of their founders.

If individuals are not built, how will institutions be built?

Obama could never have argued in this manner when he was our teacher at the law faculty in Harvard. Did Obama consider the fact that institutions, by the level of their resources, can destroy a developing country such as Nigeria? How many women were killed in India when the government of that

country was promoting foreign investor, GE Health Care’s Ultrasound machine?

The Government of India was very excited to promote the ultrasound compact machine at the expense of indigenous health solutions when GE said they had developed a machine that will give relief to millions who suffer from painful or potentially life threatening diseases, such as breast cancer, uterine fibroids, cardiac diseases and gynecological disorders. But pregnant women in India used the machine to detect the sex of their fetuses. And once it was discovered that the foetus was female, the pregnancy was promptly aborted.

There is an inordinate preference for male children in India because of the huge dowry parents have to pay to the families of prospective grooms to get their female children married. The ordinarily wellintentioned ultrasound machine therefore became a means of avoiding the ‘misfortune’ of having a baby girl in India.

In 1998, the government of India responded to the allegation that GE’s ultrasound machines were being misused to facilitate female feticide in India by enacting the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNTD) Act, a law that prohibits any person or body from using equipments or techniques for the purpose of detecting the sex of an unborn child. What then happened to GE’s investment in India?

The Western argument of creating and assuring strong institutions for business development in developing countries is made to favour the imperative of such institutions to regulate business. If the

institutions that protect their investments are strong, it will communicate strong signals to foreign investors that they can do business in Nigeria. This requirement is necessary in ensuring the independence of such institutions as regulators, the judiciary and the parliament. Unfortunately, the West did not tell us when a country will be deemed mature enough to create and protect strong institutions.

The fallacy of the argument of strong regulations in developing countries is better explained by a recent development in China. China is set to recruit more judges in addition to her 200,000 judges, with the Supreme Court alone having 340 judges! No one will say that because judges are corrupt, we should sack all of them and start all over again. It takes time to build institutions and Nigeria cannot be holier than her capacity for holiness.

The government of China largely owns the enterprise and it is a case of regulating themselves ! China today boasts a very strong economy. Indeed, the Asian giant is about to take over the world, with an impressive reserve of over four trillion dollars in cash as at yesterday!

We gain nothing by regulating successful companies that we don’t have the capacity to develop out of business. The dilemma of the five billion dollar fine imposed on MTN can be resolved, depending on the strategy of MTN. A lesson to learn for companies similar to MTN is to take Corporate Social Responsibility seriously. This is probably why it appears that Nigerians are not supporting MTN against the fine. Nigerians ought to have enjoyed more Corporate Social Responsibility from MTN. That would probably have created an emotional and moral burden for the regulator in deciding what fine to impose and how to mitigate those fines. The need to invest in the eco system is urgent!

In 2006, American company, Google, entered into the Chinese market. After investing several billions of dollars in China, Google exited China in 2010 simply because the Chinese Government shut her gateway against Google! In India, GE Healthcare claimed they had found a new market to solve some challenging health problems. But after investing billions of dollars, the civil society of India raised the alarm that Indians were using the ultrasound machines to reduce their female population. GE embarked on serious Corporate Social Responsibility to prevent what would have become a serious integrity issue for the global company.

The options for MTN are quite straightforward. The communication giant can either go the Google way in China or take the GE Health Care option in India.

Wishing MTN the best of luck!

Printed and Published by Global Media Mirror Ltd: Head Office: Tel: 07027107407, Abuja Office: NICON Insurance House, Second Floor, Central Business District Area, Abuja Tel: 08070428249, Advert hotline: 01-8446073, Email: mail@nationalmirroronline.net. Editor: GBEMISOLA OLUJOBI. All correspondence to PMB 10001, Marina, Lagos.

Printed simultaneously in Lagos, Abuja and Ondo State. ISSN 0794-232X.