Vol. 5 No. 46
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2015
NEWS
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National Mirror Online
SPORT
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@NationalMirror
N150
TOP STORY
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Gridlock: Lagos to U-17 World Cup: Pinnick Poisonous Ponmo charges Eaglets to hits Ogun markets shut erring tank go for trophy farms
Ministerial portfolios:
Buhari keeps appointees guessing P. 7
... No large convoys, retinue of aides, President warns
R-L; President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and SGF, Engr Babachir David Lawal on arrival for a two-day ministerial retreat at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Again, Saraki loses bid to halt CCT trial P. 9
a un M P.23
25 million Nigerians will benefit from N5,000 social security package —APC
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Sealxk T
Is bigger or longer always better?
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NOVEMBER 7, 2015
Top Stories
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Ugolor vs IGP update
Appeal Court dismisses police appeal on N5m award
Sebastine Ebhuomhan
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he Court of Appeal sitting in Benin City on Thursday dismissed an appeal filed by the Nigeria Police Force against the judgment of an Edo State High Court, which awarded N5 million compensation to a human rights activist, Reverend David Ugolor, for unlawful detention. In a unanimous ruling delivered on behalf of two other judges, Justice Jimmy Olukayode Bada dismissed the notice of appeal filed by the police to specifically stop the deposit or lodgement of the N5 million judgment sum that was awarded to Ugolor with the Court of Appeal Registry, pending the determination of the Police substantive appeal at the Supreme Court, after the police had earlier lost its appeal against the judgment at the same Court of Appeal. In his ruling, Justice Bada disagreed with the Nigeria Police Force that the Appeal Court should stay action since it has already filed two notices of appeal at the Supreme Court on the judgment. He said, “The notice of appeal is incompetent,” dismissed it and urged the police to go and put its house in order. Earlier, Ugolor’s counsel, Mr. Olayiwola Afolabi of Olayiwola Afolabi & Co, countered police defence when
Arase
he told the court that the police were merely wasting the time of His Lordships with their incompetent notice of appeal after police counsel, Mr. Igwe, pleaded that the court should exercise patient until the substantive appeal
Local beer kills 75 T
he Mozambican health authorities confirmed on Wednesday, November 4, that contamination caused the beer tragedy in Chitima, Tete province, in the northwest of the country. It was earlier speculated that the poisoning was inten-
tional; however, the ministry’s disclosure disproves all speculation. Xinhua news agency reports that the results of tested samples from the drink, locally known as “Pombe”, were made public on Wednesday in Maputo by the Ministry of
... as Ogun raises alarm over poisonous Ponmo
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large quantity of poisonous cattle hide, popularly known as ‘Ponmo’ has been discovered in some markets in Ogun State, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Ronke Sokefun, has said. Addressing ‘Ponmo’ dealers and other stakeholders on Thursday, the commissioner warned against consumption of the toxic delicacy. Sokefun said investigations showed that some unscrupulous businessmen were taking advantage of the gap in demand and supply of the dried cattle hides to make brisk
Ponmo
business with the adulterated ones. She said due to the rising demand, the businessmen started selling to unsuspecting buyers what she termed “industrial Ponmo”, which was processed with tanning chemicals. “Tanning chemicals like biocides and fungicides are added along the processing chain to preserve the hides against protein degradation, bacteria and mould growth that would have damaged the hides and skin. “The industrial hides are later processed into the local delicacy called “Ponmo” and bought by unsuspecting members of the public for consumption. “The government, being aware of the health implications of the consumption of this imported hides and skin, considers it important to enlighten the public on the danger inherent in the consumption, and prevent further sales of the product as food of animal origin in the state,” she said. The Commissioner pointed out that “the toxic ‘Ponmo’ is often brownish black, foul smelling, abnormally thick with layered sections and ridiculously cheap in price compared to the real certified Ponmo.” She further disclosed that the toxic Ponmo is from industrial hides that are meant for leather production in some African and European countries like Sudan, Italy and Japan. Sokefun said further, “The Ministry of Agriculture is collaborating with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which has commenced investigation, and placed a trail on the importer. “In addition, we are in strategic liaisons with the Public Health Department of the Ministry of Health and all environmental health departments of local government councils to confiscate such ‘Ponmo’ at our various markets.”
against the judgment was determined. When the case was called on Thursday afternoon, neither the Inspector-General of Police nor the Nigeria Police Force, two of the three initial respondents, was present in court like Ugolor, who took a bow before the court. However, with the dismissal of the police appeal, the road has now been cleared for the police to formally lodge or deposit the judgment sum of N5 million with the court, pending the determination of substantive police appeal at the Supreme Court. It would be recalled that an Edo State High Court, presided over by Justice Esther Edigin on Friday, September 14, 2012, awarded the sum of N5 million in favour of Ugolor, the Executive Director of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), for the violation of his fundamental human rights by the police: the IGP and the AGF, both of whom lost their appeal against the judgment in May, 2013 in a ruling by Justice Helen Morounkeji Ogunwumiju of the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal had specifically ordered the IGP and AGF to pay the judgment sum of N5 million to the Deputy Chief Registrar within 60 days of the judgment for the Deputy Chief Registrar to remit same into an interest yielding account pending the court judgment on the matter.
Health. The tests were done in the United States, after South Africa failed to determine the causes of the deaths. Ilesh Jani, the Director of the National Health Institute (INS), who presented the results at a news conference, told newsmen that the investigation into the samples started immediately after the deaths, as well as the treatment of those who exhibited signs of intoxication, such as vomiting, weakness, fever and nausea. He said: “The cases and deaths which took place at Chitima resulted from intoxication.” ‘Pombe’ is a local traditional beer made of maize flour, drunk in tradition ceremonies across Mozambique, including weddings, Lobola, birthdays, among others. According to the Chitima authorities in the Cahora Bassa district, 265 people had drunk the contaminated Pombe. The samples showed the existence of strong toxic acids in the locally brewed beer. Authorities said deteriorated flour containing bacteria called “burkholderia gladioli” was to blame for toxins found in the drink. The police had arrested a man suspected of poisoning the drink, but later released him due to lack of evidence. Local reports say that among the dead were the owner of the drink and her daughter. A similar case of deaths from local brews claimed the lives of over 60 people in Nigeria recently. The deceased were said to have consumed tainted local gin (Ogogoro).
divorce
court
‘ I caught my husband P. 39 fondling my daughter’s breast’
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
Saturday Starter
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Are Buhari’s foreign trips ‘de-marketing’ Nigeria?
His seeming choice of foreign media ahead of local media for making policy statements began the worries. His handlers dismissed this concern by explaining that President Mohammadu Buhari only needed to access global audience to sell Nigeria. Now, the consistent narrative of a country in distress told by Mr President, again and again to foreign audiences, is getting more people worried. President Buhari seems bent on telling the world what he believes is the truth about the state of things in Nigeria. His handlers say that this is consistent with the honesty for which the president is well known. But for those who are of slightly different opinion, truth can be very relative, depending on what perspective a person chooses to see it from. In an instance where Mr President is on globetrotting mission to woo investors into the country, honesty –President Buhari’s version of it perhaps — may not always be the best policy, say his critics, writes NICK UWERU
Nigeria is not that bad, Mr President. In spite of the betrayal, treachery of some and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful nation. Let us use what is good about our land to heal what is bad about us — Sola Ojewusi, columnist, National Mirror, 5 November 2015.
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part from a steady diet of presidency news releases covering ceremonial events in the Presidential Villa, Abuja put on facebook by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to President Mohammadu BuCONTINUED ON PAGE 4
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NOVEMBER 7, 2015
Saturday Starter
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‘Corruption not peculiar to Nigeria’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
hari on Media and Publicity, the local media and the Nigerian public rarely gets a firsthand feel of the inner workings of Aso Rock, Nigeria’s seat of power. But for first line foreign media, shapers of global economic and political trend, easy access to the thinking in the power circle of Nigeria is just like a walk in the park. Nigeria’s president made so, as it appears. Nigerian public, for instances, learnt of Buhari’s thinking on when to expect the ministerial list from syndicated news from Cameroon; his regret on his declining age was also first communicated from South Africa, again through the foreign media. More or less, policy decisions so far under Mr President’s watch normally come from abroad, a development that has raised no small worry amongst the local media industry. Adesina, Mr President’s spokesman, argue though robustly against any negative feelings about how Buhari communicates his policy direction to the country, there are still worries over what is now being perceived as deep seated distrust from the Presidency of the critical industry in the country. According to Adesina, President Buhari discusses major policy thrust of government and his policies with the international media rather than its local counterpart because the world is a global village, hence, according to him, where Buhari speaks should not really matter. The president’s aide, at the time of making the response was reacting to intense criticism of Buhari for breaking the news of his intention to be the Petroleum Minister to the foreign media first. The president had earlier published an op-ed article in the Washington Post. But clarifying what brought about the development, Adesina told a local radio in Abuja that when Buhari goes abroad “we always schedule the international media to have an engagement with him. That may not always be easy when he is at home because he has so many things to attend to,” his words. While the explanation wasn’t too satisfactory especially given the role of the same Nigerian media in his winning the presidential election, the public were willing to let it lie. But what has since followed Mr President’s foreign itinerary so far in search of the much vaunted foreign investment has gone beyond being disturbing to alarming, say some analysts. It is no longer news that President Buhari is never shy of speaking his mind. He has been doing so, assiduously with his anti-corruption campaign and other policy matters some stakeholders feel should be better opened up in the home
Muhammadu Buhari and Francois Hollande
front first before being taken abroad. In the last five months or so, the list of what is considered by some as faux pas on the part of President Buhari has continued to mount. For instance, earlier in June, on a visit to Pretoria, South Africa, to attend the African Union, AU, 25th summit, Mr President took time off to meet with the Nigerian community. This was where the president expressed regret over his age, stating that there is little he can do at 73. Back home in Nigeria, it provided ammunition for scoring points by the oppo-
The Nigerian public, learnt of when to expect the ministerial list from syndicated news from
Cameroon. His regret on his
declining age was also first communicated
South Africa, again through the foreign media. More or less, policy decisions so far under Mr President’s watch normally from
come from abroad
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
Diary of President Buhari’s foreign trips Pretoria, South Africa, 12/13, June, 2015 Mr President who was in the country to attend the African Union, AU, 25th summit took time out to meet with the Nigerian community. This was where the president expressed regret over his age, stating that there is little he can do at 73. Back home in Nigeria, it provided ammunition for scoring points by the opposition who during the election campaign raised issues on the propriety of APC, the president’s party fielding an aging candidate. Washington DC, US, 19, July 2015 Mr. President was in the US capital ostensibly to pay visit to President Barak Obama. Though the presidency told Nigerians that President Buhari was in the US to woo investors, opposition elements picked issues with the near complete absence of prominent members of Nige-
ria’s business community. The president has consistently continued to exclude top business men from his entourage abroad sparking speculations that Buhari may be having a frosty relationship with the business community. Now this was not the only surprise package from Washington DC. At a forum in the US, Mr President told a bewildered audience that constituencies that voted for him five percent shouldn’t honestly expect same patronage from him as those who voted 90 per cent. Yaounde, Cameroon, 29, July 2015 Amid speculations and anxiety in the country as to when the ministerial list would be ready, President Mohammadu Buhari, in Yaounde, while on working visit to the North Central country, let the cat out of the bag. Nigerians must have
to wait four full months to have peak at who would be ministers in his cabinet. The country’s media industry was a bit upset by this apparent snub. Paris, France, 14, September 2015 On three day working visit to France, Mr President was goaded into making a policy statement on why it was taking too long pick ministers. In response, President Buhari told a bewildered audience in France that minister actually do nothing but ‘make noise’. The president added that civil servants in the ministries do the actual work of governance. New Delhi, India, 29th October 2015 Mr President was in India for the India-African Summit where he admitted to investors that he is aware that his policies are ‘hurting businesses.’
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‘There is good, bad in Nigeria as elsewhere’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 been acting like the “proverbial father who, in the presence of potential suitors, often portrays his daughters as wayward and yet constantly complain of their inability to find husbands.” But reacting to this criticism Adesina, media aide to the president, said that Buhari would continue to speak the truth. “President Buhari will remain true to the virtues of honesty, integrity, sincerity, incorruptibility and plain-speaking which endeared him to Nigerians and made them prefer his leadership to that of a lying and deceptive PDP administration. The President will not, in the guise of “marketing” the country, refrain from telling Nigerians and the world, the emerging truths about the abject state in which years of plundering by a PDP leadership has left the Nigerian treasury and economy,” Adesina said. While commentators are not in doubt as to poor state of things in the country, they are however of the view that harping on just negatives, especially to foreign investors can only keep them away from Nigeria. There are also those who say, too, that all is not just about corruption, dwindling resources, indiscipline and so on. They feel that Buhari must also celebrate the good things about Nigeria while itemising how he hopes to tackle the problems. Sola Ojewusi, columnist (quoted at the outset), believes that Mr President could harp more on the good side of the country while admitting that the bad side is not peculiar to Nigeria. For instance, corruption, which has been President Buhari’s favourite topic on the international circuits, could be presented in a manner that could show that the country is working to kill the scourge. For instance, Transparency International, TI, a global corruption watchdog, say that the country has done quite well in the last five years. TI ranks countries by scoring them on Corruption Perception Index, CPI. By this, a country is rated from 1 to 100, showing their corruption scale. A rating of 1 is the worst and rating of 100 means a country is completely free of corruption. The pass mark is 50 and any country scoring below 50 is considered a corrupt country. According to its 2014 rating, Nigeria is actually much less corrupt today, and per¬ceived globally to be much less corrupt today, than it has been in the last 35 years. In the year 2000, Nigeria was ranked the most corrupt country in the world – and improved mar¬ginally in 2001 and 2003 when it was rated the second most corrupt nation in the world in the TI’s
Cor¬ruption Perception Index. Since 2012, Nigeria has made steady improvements in the CPI. Indeed in 2014, for the first time in decades, Nige¬ria is not in the list of 1-10 most corrupt countries in the world. In the 2014 Transparency In¬ternation-
al’s Corruption Percep¬tion Index, issued in December, Nigeria was ranked 136 out of 175 countries surveyed in the re¬port. This ranking placed Nigeria, alongside five other countries, as the 39th most corrupt country in the world. This is Nigeria’s best ranking in the last four years.
With this ranking, Nigeria leap¬frogged eight countries within a space of one year – from the 31st most corrupt nation in 2013 to the 39th in 2014. This may be regard¬ed as a small achieve¬ment; but it represents a big step in the right direction.
‘No harm in telling the truth’
Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Mohammadu Buhari, says that Buhari will always tell the truth to Nigerians and foreign nationals alike
What is the presidency’s view of opposition’s claim that President Buhari’s statement is hurting the nation? We restate for the umpteenth time to Mr. Metuh and his ilk that their attempts to distract President Buhari from the job he has been elected to do will fail. President Buhari will remain true to the virtues of honesty, integrity, sincerity, incorruptibility and plain-speaking which endeared him to Nigerians and made them prefer his leadership that of a lying and deceptive PDP administration. The President will not, in the guise of “marketing” the country, refrain from telling Nigerians and the world, the emerging truths about the abject state in which years of plundering by a PDP leadership has left the Nigerian treasury and economy. President Buhari will not in the name
and the world about the buoyancy and vibrancy of an economy they had bled dry for personal gain, when it was very obvious to the discerning, that the Nigerian economy was headed for serious trouble.
of “marketing” or “attracting” investors, follow in the footsteps of the ousted PDP Administration and its discredited officials who shamelessly lied to Nigerians
PDP claims that there are better ways of managing country’s image abroad? It is most unfortunate that instead of showing some remorsefulness for the harm done to the nation by his party, and giving genuine support for President Buhari’s efforts to salvage and revamp the national economy, Mr. Metuh persists in a vain attempt to remain relevant on the national stage by unjustly denigrating the President who continues to strive with all his might to alleviate and reverse the harm done to the nation by PDP misrule and corruption.
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Lagos trade fair: NACCIMA seeks relocation to old venue Abolaji Adebayo
P L-R: President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alhaji Remi Bello; Oba of Lagos Riliwan Akiolu; Vice President of Lcci, Dr Onikepo Akande, and others at the opening ceremony of the 2015 Lagos International Trade Fair, in Lagos, yesterday.
Ministerial portfolios: Buhari keeps appointees in the dark
• Anxiety mounts among designates
... No large convoys, retinue of aides, President warns Ayo Esan And Rotimi Fadeyi
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s the ministers designates rounded –up their two days retreat yesterday, their expectations that their portfolios would be announced were dashed as nothing of such was mentioned while the retreat lasted. Saturday Mirror exclusively gathered that President Muhammadu Buhari was silent on the allocation of portfolios to the minister throughout the programme put together by the Presidency to familiarize the minister designates with the template of governance under the new administration. It was gathered that President Buhari will not disclose the sharing of portfolios to the ministers-designate until day of their swearing which will be next week. Speaking with Saturday Mirror, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Mr. Femi Adesina said the president, despite
pressure from many quarters is keeping the ministers and their allocated portfolios to his chest and will not release it until the day of swearing-in. As gathered, too, the ministers-designates have been full of anxiety, lobbying to find out where they fit in the scheme of things. The designates are particularly jittery over the prospect of not having a portfolio assigned to them. President Mohammadu Buhari had earlier stated that not all of his ministers will have a portfolio, an indication that has created no small disquiet. But Adesina said the anxiety will last for more days as only the president knows who will occupy which ministries and also those that will be ministers without portfolios, saying this will not be made public until the day of their swearing-in next week. Adesina urged Nigerians to ignore reports purporting that portfolios have been assigned.
The minister- designates became apprehensive following the disclosure by President Buhari that not all the 36 ministers will get portfolios. Buhari made this disclosure when the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, handed over the final list of ministers who scaled through the confirmation process to him during the week. There have been expectations that President Buhari would assign portfolios to his ministers after the end of the two days retreat for the minister –designates. Meanwhile, in a related development, President Buhari has directed minister-designate not to use large convoys or engage retinue of aides. This was disclosed yesterday by a minister-designate, Chris Ngige, while briefing State House Correspondents, at the end of a two-day retreat held for ministers-designate at the Presidential Villa. Speaking on the rationale behind the decision, Ngige explained that the directive by the
President was in line with the nation’s economic reality. On what Buhari told them about the economy, Ngige said “We are going to block areas of leakages, retinue of aides, protocol staff, large convoys of cars are things that will not fly in this administration.” Commenting on the issue of portfolios for ministers, Ngige said “If you have portfolio, if you don’t have portfolio, it is one single Federal Executive Council. You bring whatever it is to the table. That is not a problem at all. We have a right to discuss things around the ministries because it is one single cabinet. “The important thing is that we want to move our people from where they are now, they are in abject poverty which concerns about 75 percent of the populace. “So, we need to actually restructure the political and social moment of the country and that is what we are going to do. That means poverty will reduce.”, he added.
resident of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, Mr. Bassey Edem, has urged the Lagos State Government to intervene and impress it on the Federal Government to release the Lagos International Trade Fair, LITF, to the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, for effective utilisation of the abandoned facility. Edem, who made this call at the opening of the 2015 Lagos International Trade fair, organised by LCCI, noted that the Chamber had to hold the trade fair in three different locations due to its inability to secure a single spacious center to accommodate myriad of exhibitors from about 18 countries. He added that Tafawa Belewa Square, which the Chamber has been using for such a big international trade fair in the past year, was not a permanent trade fair centre. The NACCIMA boss, who was represented by the association’s Vice President, Eng. Jani Ibrahim, pointed out that hosting this year fair at Tafawa Balewa square showed that the LCCI continued to demonstrate its resilience, sustained ability and know-how to beat the odds and conducts a successful fair. He said: “The Lagos international trade fair has grown over the years with pioneering initiatives being introduced into the fair yearly, attracting an average of 500,000 visitors from over 18 countries yearly with the Nigeria estimated population of 150 million confirming the fair as the hub of Nigeria’s economic and business activities.” Speaking the on economic diversification campaign by the
experts as a way of developing the nation’s economy, Edem said the theme of the 2015 Lagos International Trade Fair “Enhancing Value Addition in the Non-oil Economy was apt and would go a long way in realising the diversification. He said that not only agriculture should be targeted for the diversification, but other non-oil aspects of the economy such as tourism, creative industry, technology and others. Also, the President of LCCI, Mr. Remi Bello said that the theme “Enhancing Value Addition in the Non-oil Economy” was purposely chosen to underscore the strategic importance of the non-oil sectors in the Nigerian economy in the face of country’s over-dependence on the oil sector and the urgent need for economic diversification. He noted that in the face of dwindling international oil price and its attendant impact on the Nigerian economy, the non-oil sector remained the major driver of growth in Nigeria. The LCCI boss explained that the Chamber had broadened the horizon and venues of its trade fair and investment opportunities for its exhibitors and visitors at the fair to accommodate corporate exhibition, business-to-business meetings and the rapidly growing Nigeria’s creative industry. Bello disclosed that the Chamber deemed it fit to promote the Creative industry, noting its economic potential, which has been under-utilised over the years, hence, the need to showcase the industry during the 2015 event. “We will continue to offer advice, inputs and partnership on strategies and measures to facilitate the realisation of the economic development programmes of government,” he said.
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Ganduje vows to tackle cattle rustlers head on
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ano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has expressed dismay at discovering the culprits caught in the growing menace of cattle rustlings are Fulanis. He has, as result vowed to deal with anybody caught in the crime according to the laws of the land. The governor disclosed that to date, over 1,627 cows have been recovered from cattle rustlers, who invaded Falgore Forest out of which 245 have been returned to their identified owners. Ganduje, who made this known while taking delivery of over 441 cows and 81 sheep recovered from cattle rustlers at the forest, assured that the government, in collaboration with the Police and other security agencies are determined to flush out criminals from its domain. “Many residents have lost their lives and property, while some communities have relocated due to the activities of these criminals,” Ganduje lamented, assuring that with the renewed determination and vigour of the state government in partnership with the state’s Police Command, the crusade against cattle rustlers would succeed. “Falgore Forest to cattle rustlers is like Sambisa Forest to Boko Haram. But the government will not rest on its oars until these criminals are tracked down and prosecuted,” the governor asserted.
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he President of the Shippers’ Association Lagos State, Jonathan Nicol, said on Thursday that Nigeria was losing N800 million monthly to the restriction of importation of cars with the present auto policy. Nicol stated this in an interview in Lagos. He said government should withdraw the auto policy of 70 per cent tariffs on cars “until the nation is ripe enough to produce our own vehicles”. He said the Ports and Terminal Multi-Services Limited, renowned for vehicle imports, was not
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Buhari decries influx of foreign construction workers Rotimi Fadeyi
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resident Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, directed the Federal Ministries of Works and Lands, Housing and Urban Development to urgently prepare and present for approval and implementation, a plan of action for the speedy revitalisation and expansion of the nation’s vocational training centres. A statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu said Buhari gave the directive after he received briefing at a meeting with the Board of Directors of
a leading construction company in the country that because of a shortage of competent construction workers and artisans in the country, many construction companies were forced to bring in skilled workers from abroad. Observing that this practice was very detrimental to his administration’s commitment to boost employment opportunities for young Nigerians, Buhari pledged that his administration would move quickly to address the shortage of skilled construction workers in the country. The President who demanded a report on the current status of existing vocational training
centres established by the Federal Government, said that his administration would take all necessary action to rapidly reposition them as efficient producers of skilled workers for Nigeria’s building and construction industry. The President assured members of the Board of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc that his administration would act swiftly to ensure that the Building Craft Training School and Skill Improvement Centre in Lagos are fully revamped, staffed and equipped to produce more skilled electricians, brick and block layers, carpenters, painters, welders, fabricators, plumbers and
other artisans. Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the proper education and training of Nigerian youth for the current demands of the labour market, the President said that the Federal Government would act expeditiously to remove all impediments to the fulfilment of its promise of more jobs for unemployed Nigerians. He also assured the Julius Berger Directors led by Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu that in spite of present funding challenges, the Federal Government would continue to do everything possible to settle genuine outstanding payments due to contractors.
L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; Leader of Delegation, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu; Managing Director, Julius Berger Nigeria plc, Mr. Detlev Lubasch, and a director of the company, Mr. George Marks, after a meeting between President Buhari and board of directors of Julius Berger plc, at the presidential villa in Abuja, yesterday.
‘Nigeria loses N800 million monthly to car importation restriction’ receiving as many Roll On Roll Off vessels it used to receive before now. According to him, people are no longer bringing cars anymore as most now come through Cotonou port. “Our ports are almost empty; seventy per cent tariffs on cars is too expensive,” Nicol said. The shipper said the auto policy put in place by the last administration should be immediately re-
versed to attract many of the cars being lost to ports in neighbouring countries. He said: “We should think of protecting local car manufacturers and assembly plants but this should be gradual. “What we want is standards. “If Nigerians decided to be helping their families by bringing fairly-used cars why should the government not encourage the
families. “Government should look at other maritime laws, restrictions and prohibition and reverse them.” Nicol also suggested that government should establish the Ministry of Maritime, saying that what the incoming minister of transport would contend with would be too much. He said the incoming minister of transport would have quite a whole
lot of work on his table. He said: “The maritime industry has a barrage of problems awaiting the minister of transport. “There is the need to get the right people to head the maritime institutions. “There is the need to reduce the cost of doing business at the ports and getting the roads fixed for the truck owners to evacuate boxes at the ports. “Shippers, who make
NSE market improves by 0.50 percent
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he market indices of the Nigerian Stock Exchange on Friday appreciated by 0.50 per cent, reversing the four days downward trend. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the market capitalisation rose by N50 billion or 0.50 per cent to close at N10.029 trillion against N9.979 trillion recorded on Thursday. Similarly, the AllShare Index, which opened at 29,030.97, appreciated by 144.38 points or 0.50 per cent, to close at 29,175.35 due to price gains by some blue chip equities. Beta Glass topped the gainers’ chart with a gain of N2.31 to close at N48.51 per share. UACN garnered N1.32 to close at N27.73, while Nigerian Breweries increased by 96k to close at N36.02 per share. Cadbury gained 95k to close at N20.10 and Stanbic IBTC rose by 61k to close at N20.87 per share. Malam Garba Kurfi, the Managing Director of APT Securities and Funds Limited, attributed the development to low price of equities at the nation’s bourse. Kurfi said smart investors were taking the advantage to increase their stake in the market in order to make quick profit. On the other hand, Lafarge Africa led the laggards’ chart with a loss of N1 to close at N94 per share.
maritime industry tick should have a synergy with the minister of transport.” Nicol said with a maritime ministry, the minister would be able t take on-thespot decisions on the progress of all stakeholders. “Government should break the responsibilities of the ministry of transport into two ministries. The maritime industry will take more of the time of the incoming minister of transport,” the shipper told NAN. He said with the ministry of maritime, a lot of problems in the ministry would be nipped in the bud.
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
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‘Mr. President is de-marketing Nigeria’ Olisa Metuh, PDP National Publicity Secretary, says that Buhari’s policy statements abroad hurts rather than helps Nigeria’s precarious economic situation to the world that the nation, with its abundant human and natural resources, is broke and cannot pay cabinet ministers not only sends a discouraging signal to the domestic and international business community, but also exposes the ineptitude of the present administration to meaningfully and sincerely exert itself and work with industrious and innovative investors to create and manage wealth.
Why is PDP concerned about President Mohammadu Buhari’s policy statements abroad? “It is worrisome that in the last six months, the President, instead of making efforts to harness resources and grow the economy, has rather continued to apply himself, perhaps unwittingly, to demarketing the nation and scaring away investors through negative labelling of Nigerians and unwarranted unhealthy portrayal of the nation’s economy”. But the President is known for his frankness and honesty Our President has only succeeded in discouraging foreign investors with his continued misrepresentation of our country as a business unfriendly environment, where most of the citizens are basically corrupt, dishonest, and cannot be trusted. Whereas we have restated our total support for the war against corruption, we insist that Mr. President’s unceasing blanket negative labeling of citizens, in a country where millions of honest and hardworking individuals/ firms are genuinely contributing daily to the development effort, is indeed
a disservice and injurious to the nation and the people. Are there untruths in President Buhari’s claims on the state of the nation? Mr. President’s recent announcement
What is the implication of these statements? How can any reasonable investor still have the confidence to invest in a country where the President himself continues to alert that his country reeks of corrupt people and that the government is broke to the extent it cannot pay cabinet ministers? Is the President not directly advising investors against having confidence in Nigeria and the system, and that they risk not being paid for jobs awarded by government at any level? It is more worrisome that Mr. President most times, makes his damaging comments in international fora with potential investors in attendance to the extent that reminds one of the proverbial
father who, in the presence of potential suitors, often portrays his daughters as wayward and yet constantly complain of their inability to find husbands. What is the best way forward? Nigeria is a country blessed with abundant human and natural resources. What we need at the moment is a serious, innovative and practical approach with the capacity to harness the resources and create wealth for the benefit of all, instead of an apparently laidback scapegoat tactics with outworn excuses and unhelpful comments. May we remind Mr. President that even in the darkest period of our economic challenges, successive administrations made efforts in steadying the economy, while always reassuring our citizens and the international community of the strength and economic potentials of our great nation. Finally, we wish to remind the President and those around him that Nigerians, by the 2015 elections, have committed the fate of the country in his hands for the next four years and are not willing to accept excuses for any economic failures under his watch.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
‘Investors take president’s words seriously’ sition who during the election campaign raised issues on the propriety of All Progressives Congress, APC, the president’s party, fielding an aging candidate. Some analysts say that the slip, if indeed it was, could technically knock the president out of contention for 2019 election if he seeks re-election. Barely a month later in Washington DC, Mr. President was in the US capital ostensibly to pay visit to President Barak Obama. Though the presidency told Nigerians that President Buhari was also in the US to woo investors, opposition elements picked issues with the near complete absence of prominent members of Nigeria’s business community. The president has consistently continued to exclude top business men from his entourage abroad sparking speculations that Buhari may be having a frosty relationship with the business community. Now this was not the only surprise package from Washington DC. At a forum in the US, Mr President told a bewildered au-
dience that constituencies that voted for him five percent shouldn’t ‘honestly’ expect same patronage from him as those who voted for him 90 percent. From the US, the next port of call was to Yaounde, Cameroon, 29, July 2015. Amid speculations and anxiety in the country as to when the ministerial list
would be ready, President Mohammadu Buhari, in Yaounde, while on working visit to the North Central country, let the cat out of the bag. Nigerians must have to wait four full months to have peak at who would be ministers in his cabinet, Buhari disclosed, again through the foreign media and on foreign soil. The country’s
In Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index 2014, issued in December, Nigeria was ranked 136 out of 175 countries. This ranking placed Nigeria, alongside five other countries, as the 39th most corrupt country in the world. This is Nigeria’s best ranking in the last four years
media industry was a bit upset by this apparent snub. While on three day working visit to France, Mr President was goaded into making a policy statement on why it was taking too long to pick ministers. In response, Buhari told a bewildered audience in France that ministers in Nigeria actually do nothing but ‘make noise’. The president added that civil servants in the ministries do the actual work of governance. The list continues (see Diary of President Buhari’s foreign trips). Expectedly, there have been reactions, especially from the opposition party. For instance, Olisah Metuh, accused the president of ‘de-marketing’ Nigeria by opening up on policy issues to foreign audience more than at the home front. He also accused the president on highlighting more on the low point of Nigeria rather than at the good side of the country. In Metuh’s words President Buhari has CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
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NOVEMBER 7, 2015
NATIONAL NEWS
South South, North East top abortion rates – Report
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ncidences of induced abortions are more prevalent in the SouthSouth and the North-East regions of Nigeria, a new report says. The study, conducted by US-based Guttmacher Institute, and Ipas, a nongovernmental organisation that focuses on female reproductive rights, puts the South-South in the lead, and the South West at the bottom. The report shows that besides insurgency, the North East region of Nigeria is also plagued by a high rate of abortions – second only to the South-
South. “The proportion of abortions is lowest in South West, at 11 per cent, and highest in the SouthSouth at 17 per cent, and 16 per cent in the North East,” the report says. It adds that at least 1. 2 million induced abortions take place in various parts of Nigeria every year. Olutosin Owolude, a consultant lecturer are the department of gynaecology at the University of Ibadan, who presented the report Thursday in Abuja, said increased rates of abortions, done mostly through unsafe methods, have further
heightened maternal mortality in the country. “As we all know, Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, presently put at 560 per 1000 births,” he said. Mr. Owolude said the study, which was conducted in 2012, went through series of checks before its publication in 2015. “These involve scientific methods that you have to rigorously follow,” he said. “It takes a long time to do this kind of study and to make sure that we do our analyses in a way that we are very confident of the findings,” said Mr.
Owolude. “We typically do not want to reveal the results until we have the study peer reviewed and get expert opinion that we have done all we need to do to have a scientific finding,” he added. According to him, the number of induced abortions nationwide doubled from a previous report in 1996, which gave the number as 610, 000 nationwide. He associated the reason for the increase to poor economic conditions which he said has led to an increase in the desire for smaller families.
Members of the FRSC special marshals, Kuje branch, controlling traffic at tipper garage, during the ‘drive safely into 2016’ campaign at Kuje in Abuja, yesterday.
Again, Saraki loses bid to halt CCT trial Wale Igbintade
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fresh attempt by the Senate President, Senator Olubukola Saraki, to stop his on-going trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, in Abuja, suffered a set-back yesterday, as Lagos High Court struck out his application for lack of jurisdiction. The Senate President had in a suit marked FHC/L/ CS/1507/15, filed by his lawyer, Mr. Ajibola Oluyede, sued the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, Inspector-General of Police, IGP, and Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, as first
to fifth respondents. Others defendants are; the Code of Conduct Tribunal, (CCT) , its. Chairman, Justice Danladi Umar; Mr. Ataedze Agu A.; Mr. Sam Saba; Mr. Mohammed Diri and Mr. M. S. Hassan, as six to 11 respondents. Saraki has sought for a declaration that his on-going arraignment and trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, as constituted by seven and eight respondents fall short of the requirement of Article 3 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Section 36 of the Constitution. The Senate president also stated that his ongoing trial was a clear case of bias and intimidation against him,
and a pre-determined agenda for his humiliation and and conviction. He also wants a court order nullifying the charges brought against him by the first, second, nine, 10 and 11 respondents before the CCT, consisting relating to assist declaration which have nit been the subject of the procedure prescribed by the CCB Act LFN 2004, in breach of his fundamental rights to equality before the law and fair hearing as guaranteed by the Article 3 of the African Charter of human and people rights and Section 36 of the Constitution of federal republic of Nigeria. Saraki also sought for court order restraining the first to fifth respondents
from inviting, arresting, harassing, persecuting or prosecuting him on the basis of any allegation of wrongdoing arising before or from his tenure as governor of Kwara state between 20032011, in view of the breach of his fundamental rights to a speedy trial, fair hearing and his exoneration by the AGF and judgment of an Abuja Federal High Court, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/152/2014. At the hearing of the suit yesterday, lawyer to the respondents, Mr. Rotimi Jacob (SAN), urged the court to discountenance the reliefs sought by the applicant, owing to the fact that same suit was filed and dismissed by an Abuja Federal High Court.
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Gridlock: LASG to shut erring tank farms ... gives 90-day ultimatum
Francis Suberu
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agos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday, issued a 90- Day ultimatum to tank farm owners to build loading bays for their tank farms so as to decongest the roads or face the full wrath of the law. The governor who gave the directive while addressing journalists shortly after an emergency Security Council Meeting which he chaired also warned the commercial motorcycle operators popularly called Okada riders, commercial buses and street hawkers, against dis- obeying the state traffic laws. Ambode said the state government will no longer tolerate their nefarious activities on the streets and highways which has caused untold hardship for the people of the state in recent times. He said, “ All Tank Farms are hereby given a 90-day grace period to build loading bays for their tank farms. Any Tank Farm that fails to provide a Loading Bay after this grace period, would be shut down by the State government. “In addition, tank farms owners must desist from allocating pick-up papers to trucks beyond and above their daily capacity as is the
case presently.” Ambode said that it had become evident that traffic crimes and robbery are mostly as a result of the menace of Okada riders and street hawkers, while recalcitrant commercial buses have become lawless and reckless on the road. He said the Council made far reaching decisions at the meeting in line with the commitment of his administration to ensure security of lives and property as well as the enforcing of the Rule of Law. The Governor said that the government will not allow a few notorious elements to cause a breakdown in law and order and upset the peace that the state has enjoyed over the years. To this end, he said he has directed the full enforcement of the Lagos Road Traffic Laws, especially as it concerns the restriction of okada and tricycle operations. He reminded that Schedule II of the Lagos State Road Traffic Law 2012 restricts Okada, tricycle (Keke Marwa), carts and wheel barrows on some routes including Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Oworonshoki-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos-Ikorodu Expressway, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway and Third Mainland Bridge.
Vision 2020: Center for Technology Management calls for technology summit Femi Oyeweso, ABEOKUTA
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ith barely five years to the targeted period, the Executive Director of National Center for Technology Management, Emeritus Professor Adebayo Sanni yesterday raised the alarm that Nigeria may not be able to achieve her Vision 2020 objectives if the existing engineering curriculum in her tertiary institutions is not reformed. This is just as the university Don also called for a technology summit rather than the economic summit which he said will enable the country reposition herself among comity of nations in the 21st Century global village. Professor Sanni spoke while delivering his lecture
at the 10th anniversary cum 7th Convocation ceremony of the Bells University, Ota in the Ado - Odo/Ota local government of Ogun state. Sanni, who maintained that engineers are the ideal problem-solvers for any nation of the world, also urged Nigerian government to de-emphasise its priority on the “ritual” economic summit at the expense of technological development which the country requires presently. He emphasised that unless technology education is accorded a rightful place in the planning process of the Nigeria Vision 2020 (NV2020), technological development that will catapult the nation’s economy into ranking among one of the 20 largest and best economies in the world would be a mirage.
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NATIONAL NEWS
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
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Pwajok never donated kidney –Family ...Senator for burial November, 13
25 million vulnerable Nigerians to benefit from N5,000 social security package —APC
James Abraham,
Obiora Ifoh,
JOS
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he Gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, in Plateau state, Senator Gyang Pwajok who died recently in an Indian hospital will be laid to rest on November 13,2015. According a statement signed yesterday by Mr Samuel Dung Pwajok on behalf of the Lobard family,the body of the late Senator , will be laid to rest on Friday at his residence in Jos after a service of songs on Thursday 12th November at Waye Foundation, Duwei. The statement noted that while the family appreciates the solidarity and prayers since the demise of their son, they however, wishes to appeal that at this time of grief that the pains of this tragedy should not be compounded by certain actions and spreading of rumours that can only inflame the mood of the family and many of the late Senator’s associates and followers. “In this regard, the family wishes to reemphasise that our son died of Heapatocellular Carcinoma and has at no time donated any organ of his body to anyone as it’s being spread. As Christians, we believe it was the will of God and we will continue to believe and submit to His will. We therefore appeal to the general public and the media to please verify all information before believing and circulating them. We therefore appeal to these rumour mongers to respect our wonderful son and brother’s memory and feel compassion for the family at this agonizing time. We equally request all to let his soul rest in peace.
ABUJA
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he All Progressives Congress (APC) has assured Nigerians that it will not renege on its campaign promise to pay 5,000 Naira each monthly to 25 million most vulnerable Nigerians. In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said it has devised creative means not only to pay the money but also to fulfill its other campaign promises to Nigerians. It said the non-implementation of the payment
policy so far is due to the fact that it was not included in the 2015 budget, which was prepared by the PDP-led Jonathan Administration, and also because of the need to first block all financial leakages. ‘’Now, the Buhari administration has been busy putting into place measures that will make it possible to start the implementation of this project. Such measures include the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA). ‘’We are happy to inform Nigerians that as at the end of September 2015, over 1.4 trillion Naira -
which hitherto was lying unproductively in various commercial banks - has been recovered and paid into the TSA,’’ APC said. The party said that opposition has already rushed to judgement on the issue without bothering to hear from the APC, which made the promise in the first instance. ‘’Had the PDP not sacrificed the truth on the altar of political expediency, it would have realized that the APC never at any time indicated it has reneged on its promise to pay 5,000 Naira monthly to 25 million most vulnerable Nigerians. In our
press statement of Aug. 30th 2015, we still reiterated our plan to redeem our campaign promises, including the social security payment policy, despite the primitive looting of the treasury under the watch of the PDP. ‘’It is therefore astonishing that the same PDP, which is becoming more and more infamous for its penchant for peddling half truths and sensationalizing every issue, will rush to the press to celebrate the figment of its imagination that theAPC will not fulfill its campaign promise regarding the payment,’’ it said.
Federal Government Girls College Owerri Alumni, distributing items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS), during their global reunion outreach to idps camp at durumi in Abuja, yesterday.
PDP: Dokpesi leads 53-member rebranding committee
... Conference holds Thursday Obiora Ifoh, ABUJA
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he People Democratic Party has inaugurated a 53-member committee to organise a stakeholders conference to actualise its plan to rebrand and refocus the party. The party said that conference which was earlier put on hold to enable it receive the report of post-election review panel headed by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekwerenmadu would now take place on Thursday next week in Abuja.
Speaking during inauguration of the committee at the national headquarters of the party, the Acting National Chairman, Chief Uche Secondus said the move has become necessary as the events of the last six months of the APC administration indicate a palpable fear that the gains of democracy achieved by his party are seriously under threat. “This national conference is meant to fashion out strategy that would help PDP sustain democratic ideals while in opposition, hence the choice of the con-
ference theme, “PDP and the sustenance of democratic ideals in Nigeria”. Secondus who explained that the idea behind the national conference was driven from the constitution, noted that the objectives is to use it for reconciliation, mobilization and as a means of educating critical stakeholders of the party on the reform programmes being pursued by the national leadership. According to him, PDP is determined to put forward it’s best in an effort to ensure that the gains of democracy is sustained. “The conference can be used to re-engineer the
ideals, core- values and principles of the PDP as bequeathed to us by our founding fathers,” he said. The organizing committee led by Raymond Dokpesi also has as members, Senator Ken Nnamani, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, Senator Ahmed Markrafi, Murtari Shagari, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Senators Ben Obi, Joy Emordi and Musiliu Obanikoro. In his acceptance speech, Dokpesi said that members are irrevocably committed to ensuring that desire of the party sustain the noble ideals of democracy in the country was achieved through the conference.
Bailout Fund: Don’t be partisan, PDP Govs Warn CBN Obiora Ifoh, ABUJA
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he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been advised against becoming a tool in the hands of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the release of bailout funds to states that deserve them. The advice is coming on the heels of the failure of the apex bank in releasing the bailout fund for Kogi State, while other states mostly of the APC states have received theirs. In a press statement in Abuja on Friday, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, coordinator of the PDP Governors Forum, accused the CBN of having allowed itself to be dictated to by the ruling APC on which states get the bailout fund despite Kogi having fulfilled all the requirements. Osaro urged the CBN to insulate itself from politics and the control of the ruling party if it does not want to create political and financial crises in the country. “How come almost all APC states that applied for bailout have gotten theirs but states like Kogi that have fulfilled all the requirements have been denied theirs with no explanation from the CBN? “The CBN governor, Mr. Emefiele, has to insulate the apex bank from the shenanigans of politicians to avoid serious political and economic dislocation in the country. “It is important and urgent that the CBN releases the N50billion bailout due Kogi to ease the suffering of the common people in the state,” Osaro stated.
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
College workers kick against Provost over ASUP membership position Kemi Olaitan IBADAN
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orkers under the aegis of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) at the College of Agriculture, More Plantation, Ibadan, yesterday raised an alarm over the administrative style of the Provost of the college, Dr. Babajide Adelekan, denoucing the invasion of the college by men of the Department of State Security (DSS). The workers some of whom who were to write their promotional examinations, while addressing journalists, through their Chairman, Comrade Olufemi Jokanola, said their problem with the provost started when he kicked against their
membership of ASUP, the union which they claimed all Colleges of Agriculture in the country belonged to. According to Jokanola, because of the refusal of the workers to take to the dictation of the Provost, he has continued to intimidate them through various ways including issuing queries to the leadership of the union in the college, which has led to serious tension among workers. While maintaining that the workers will not bow to the intimidation and that ASUP has come to stay in the college, he disclosed that three queries were issued in a day to himself and the Secretary of the union, Comrade Eyitayo Oluade, for issuing a communique at the end of the congress of the union.
SOUTH WEST
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Ambode reads riot act to okada riders ... traffic offenders, street hawkers
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agos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Friday read the riot act to commercial motorcycle operators popularly called Okada riders, commercial buses and street hawkers, saying that the state government will no longer tolerate their nefarious activities on the streets and highways which has caused untold hardship
for the people of the state in recent times. Addressing Government House Correspondents shortly after an emergency Security Council Meeting which he chaired, Governor Ambode said that it had become evident that traffic crimes and robbery are mostly as a result of the menace of Okada riders and street hawkers, while
recalcitrant commercial buses have become lawless and reckless on the road. He said the Council made far reaching decisions at the meeting in line with the commitment of his administration to ensure security of lives and property as well as the enforcing of the Rule of Law. The Governor said that the government will not
allow a few notorious elements to cause a breakdown in law and order and upset the peace that the state has enjoyed over the years. To this end, he said he has directed the full enforcement of the Lagos Road Traffic Laws, especially as it concerns the restriction of okada and tricycle operations.
Rep decries state of Ondo federal roads Ojo Oyewamide AKURE
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member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Afe Olowookere, yesterday lamented the bad condition of federal roads in Ondo State. Olowookere, who represents Akure South/ North Federal Constituency, said all the roads that link Ondo with other neighbouring states are still the ones constructed during the colonial era. He spoke while declaring open his constituency offices at Oba-Ile and Iju-Itaogbolu in Akure North Local Government Area of the state. The lawmaker carpeted previous federal governments for failing to to pay attention to these roads,
wondering if Ondo state was part of the country. He said: “I had observed before I got to the National Assembly that Ondo state, which was created in 1976, remains the only state in the federation that is linked up with other neighbouring states with the colonial single-lane roads. All other state capitals in the federation are linked up with dua carriageways. “Look at the Akure-Ado-Ekiti road. The road is terrible. By the time you get to Ikere-Ekiti, it is dua carriage way. You go from Akure to Benin on a single colonial road. It is the same thing from Akure to Kogi State through Ishua and Ibilo. The dual carriage way coming from Kaduna terminates at Okene.”
Meat scarcity hits Ekiti as butchers protest tax Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI
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carcity of meat has hit Ekiti State as butchers in the state are protesting the imposition of N1,000 tax per head of cow. Buyers did not find it easy getting meat at the markets in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, yesterday as the butchers were in town protesting their inability to access the abattoir. The butchers, who vowed not to pay new tax, which, according to them, would see each butcher paying at least N26,000 in a month, lamented that it would drive them out of business.
According to them, apart from the new tax which moves their pay from N300 to N1,000 per cow, they are also paying veterinary tax, inspection rate and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) levy. Led by the Chairman of Butchers Association in Ado Ekiti Local Government, Alhaji Mustapha Kareem, the protesting butchers chanted war songs, saying they would resist the new tax. But the state government, insisting that the butchers must pay the new tax to use the facilities at the state abbatoirs, had shut the abbattoirs yesterday to compel the butchers to pay.
L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left), State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, Commander, Lagos State Control and Command Centre, ACP. Imokhimi Edgal and Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Mr. Tunji Disu, during the Governor’s security patrol across the metropolis, in the wee hours of Monday, November 02, 2015.
Dwindling revenue: Group rallies support for Aregbesola Boladale Bamigbola, OSOGBO
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n Osun-based group, Osogbo Stakeholders Forum, OSF, has declared support for Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, in his efforts to sustain the state, even in the face of meager resources accruing from federation account. The forum, in a state-
ment issued yesterday by the former Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Hon Ajibola Basiru, after its meeting attended by political elders, stakeholders and leaders of thoughts in Osogboland, said there was need for the people of Osun to support the governor in his bid to deliver on his promises, notwithstanding the economy challenges being witnessing across the country.
According to the statement: “Since Nigeria basically depends on proceeds from oil, it is a fact that there is no way states resources would not be affected. “For instance, in 2011, an average of N1.2trillion was shared monthly among the three tiers of government as allocation which accrued from sales of crude oil but in 2015, there was a drastic decline, particularly
...as DPR seals 20 filling stations in Osun Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO
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epartment of Petroleum Resources, DPR, has sealed 20 filling stations across Osun State for selling petroleum products above pump price. The Ibadan Zone Deputy controller of DPR, Sodiq Ibraheem, who disclosed that the affected filing sta-
tions were also discovered to be hoarding the product, while briefing newsmen in Osogbo during the operation, said some petrol attendants were also arrested during the operation. Speaking further, Ibraheem maintained that the DPR was concerned with monitoring sales of product that has been supplied and ensure it was dispensed at approved price, warning marketers against
underhand dealings. He expressed displeasure over how some filing stations attendants attacked staff of DPR and damaged their vehicles while performing their official functions. Mr Ibraheem said all parts of the states would be visited to ensure compliance, urging Nigerians to support DPR by reporting erring marketers to NSCDC for prompt action.
in October where just N391billion was shared. Now, how would a state such as Osun meet its basic obligations? “We don’t know why people are putting blame on the governor, even when President Muhammadu Buhari recently confirmed that Nigeria is broke. The way out of the present economy challenge is diversification from oil to other sectors.”
According to him, despite efforts of federal government to make life more comfortable for the citizens, some people were still in the habit of sabotaging government efforts. The state Commandant of the NSCDC, Tajudeen Balogun assured the DPR and Nigerians of the commitment of the corps, towards ensuring compliance with government’s directive.
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NOVEMBER 7, 2015
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Nigerian Breweries polluted water ravages Kaduna residents A za Msue KADUNA
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esidents of Makera Area in Kaduna South Local Government Area within the metropolis have accused the Nigerian Breweries Kakuri Branch, Kaduna of releasing polluted water and air through its gigantic pipes which caused serious health challenge to them. Speaking with journalists in the affected area, the Executive Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi Mohammed, who cried out for help from government and media stated that ‘’ Nigerian Breweries usually release condemned water through its pipes which flows directly into our streams and the odour contaminates our environment, even as we are speaking you can perceive the odour, it is so bad that at night people within this area especially those within Kanfage area of Makera cannot sleep any longer. Some of our residents even said it causes them breathing problem’’ ‘’Our wells are even affected because some of these wells in Kanfage are also affected, the water smells like the odor and so we can’t drink it, we have written severally to the company, our sister body Youth Forum have also written severally but to no avail, this is a copy of the recent letter we wrote to them ’’ Mohammed added. Confirming the incident, the sole administrator of Kaduna South Local Government, Alhaji Yahaya Shinko said, ‘’I wonder who gave the Kaduna South Secretariat the permit to build very close to this company, the first time I am experiencing this issue is now that we are doing verification I sat there yesterday and could not tolerate the odor so I demanded to see the Brewery Manager, which I just learnt is willing to see me next week Monday’’ ‘’From the information I got so far, the odour has been there for long and nothing is been done
about it, I have also instructed the laboratory to carry out a text to know how hazardous the odour is to human body’’ he added. Also speaking, another source from the House of the District Head of Makera who identified himself as,Audi Abdulraman, said the District Head has been working on the issue
but refused to grant journalists access to the District Head. Meanwhile, concerted efforts to speak with the District Head Makera Alhaji Yusuf Ibrahim Yusuf proved abortive. Also speaking, another official of the Youth Forum Association, Mallam Rabiu Abdullahi, accused the District Head of Ma-
kera Alhaji Yusuf Ibrahim Yusuf of conniving with Human Resources Department of Brewery to frustrate their effort. Efforts to speak with the Public Affairs Manager of Nigerian Brewery in Kaduna, Mr. John Danjuma Ekelle on the issue also failed. On Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, the Secretary to the District
Taraba appoints new Kpanti Zing
of Makera who gave his name as Abdulkarim applauded the Nigerian Brewery for renovating schools and building a medical laboratory for the Makera community, he however maintained that the office have not received any official letter of complaint from the youths.
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L-R: Magajin Garu Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamali; Etisalat board member, Alhaji Junaid Dikko; Fagachin Zazzau and representative of the Emir of Zazzau, Alhai Umar Mohammed and Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria, Ibrahim Dikko, during the formal handover of renovated classrooms of Nuhu Bamali Primary School to the community.
PTAD to verify 2,500 pensioners in Katsina James Danjuma KATSINA
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bout 2,500 pensioners are to be verified by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, PTAD, in the ongoing national verification exercise in Katsina State Speaking while monitoring the exercise, PTAD Director General, Nellie Mayshak, said the state exercise was part of verification for the North West Zone which ends November 14, 2015. Mayshak said, pensioners verification in other geo-political zones would commence after verification of the North West was completed, and that more than 12,000 pensioners are slated
for verification nationwide. She said the exercise entails capturing the biometrics and documents of retired federal and state government workers from 1960 and 2007. The DG said the verification exercise would in the long
run help create a permanent, credible and transparent database for pensioners in the country. She said the verification would also allow for a database that the federal government can always fall back which would be sustainable.
Mayshak said measures had been put in place to also capture sick pensioners under a mobile data capture arrangement. She said the exercise has been able to save the federal government about N100 million monthly in fraudulent pension payments.
tion and Publicity, INEC, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja on Friday. He said that the number included the 47, 389 voters newly registered during the continuous voter registration held in
September. Kure said that the distribution of permanent voter cards to the newly registered voters will commence on Nov. 9 and end on Nov. 20. The Director told NAN that old registrants, who are yet to collect their vot-
he Taraba State Government on Friday announced Suleiman Sambo as the Kpanti Zing-elect to succeed late Abass Sambo who died in the 2015 Hajj stampede in Mecca. The Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Yero, disclosed this at a news conference in Jalingo. Mr. Yero said the confirmation followed Mr. Sambo’s election by the 22 kingmakers of the Zing kingdom. He disclosed that Mr. Sambo polled 22 votes to defeat four other candidates who got no votes each. “Five persons; Alhaji Muhammed Tumba, Alhaji Abdu Kombranko, Malam Dahiru Kombranko, Alhaji Abubakar Kombranko and Alhaji Suleiman Sambo contested for the post. “Sambo polled the available 22 votes to defeat four other candidates who got zero votes each,” he said. The permanent secretary said the final pronouncement and coronation would soon be done by Governor Darius Ishaku after due consultation with the Taraba Traditional Council. He urged the people of Zing to remain law abiding and cooperate with the new chief to enhance development in the area. (NAN)
1.3m voters to participate in Kogi governorship poll
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he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that 1,397, 786 voters will participate in the governorship election holding in Kogi on Nov. 21. Mr Daniel Kure, the Director, Voter Educa-
er cards, should come out and collect them. He said that only voters with permanent voter card will be allowed to vote on the election day, adding that card reader machine will also be deployed for the election.
Alhaji Rilwanu Suleman Adamu
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
POLITICS
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Fasoranti and the travails of a leader Lekan Adejuwon
T
he news came like a time bomb over the weekend. Incredible though it seems, but it reverberated across the six states of the South west and beyond, that elder statesman and leader of the pan Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, announced his resignation from the foremost Yoruba organization. The novelty of Fasoranti’s resignation is such that never in the history of the organization had any of its leader resigned under such uncertain circumstance. Media reports say the Afenifere chieftain forwarded his resignation letter to the Secretary of the organization, Basorun Sehinde Arogbofa, citing old age as reason for stepping aside but in taking the decision, the octogenarian Yoruba leader, it was learnt, did not disclose his planned action to even his closest aides, a development which took the group unawares. The resignation of Fasoranti last week, is believed to be the climax of series of internal crisis rocking the over 60 year-old organization and may be a precursor to the final eclipse of the group unless urgent steps are taken to address the issue. Smacking from the shock of Fasoranti’s sudden ‘stepping aside’, the Afenifere last Wednesday, hurriedly held an emergency meeting in Akure, the Ondo State capital to discuss the resignation of its leader and the appointment of his possible successor. But not a few were confounded at the dramatic twist in the unfolding saga, as the group, rising from a marathon meeting in Akure later on Wednesday, announced that their leader has rescinded his decision from quitting the organization. It was not clear if the 89 year-old leader was ‘persuaded or actually coerced into making a U-turn. A totally embarrassed Afenifere at a meeting held at Fasoranti’s residence in Akure resorted to begging the old man to withdraw the purported letter of resignation. The truce meeting which lasted for six hours was attended by prominent members including Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State. Other notable leaders include; Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Sehinde Arogbofa, Chief Olaniwun Ajayi, Chief Olu Falae, amongst others. However it was gathered that that the Afenifere leadership had a hectic time convincing the embattled Yoruba leader to stay on. At last, Yinka Odumakin, National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere who, briefed journalists at the end of the marathon meeting, said the group rejected Fasoranti’s resignation letter after an exhaustive deliberation. He said members unanimously agreed that Fasoranti should continue as the leader of the organization which he accepted. His words: “We rejected the resignation of Baba and pleaded with him to continue. He agreed to continue as our leader at the end of the day and this is a good development for Afenifere and Yoruba nation” “Afenifere appreciates the good work Pa Fasoranti is doing for the Yoruba even at his age. He has promised to ensure the re-launch of Afenifere in Nigeria” Odumakin said. It is not clear whether Afenifere’s latest move at face saving the organization from imminent crisis of confidence achieved the expected result but the message was not lost on observers who perhaps may salute the ability of Yoruba leaders to allow reason to prevail. However, the resignation of Afenifere leader at the weekend has been perceived in several quarters as the outcome of deep down frustration by the old man over the seeming intractable crisis rocking the organization
and the inability of the leaders to put their house in order. In what suggests that the octogenarian politician may have been influenced by reasons, other than the age factor, Fasoranti, who became the leader of the group after the death of Late Senator Abraham Adesanya, noted in a letter copied to other notable Afenifere leaders that the group was formed to serve as an umbrella to be used to actualize the dream of a great nation and the Yoruba race. “As events have been unfolding in the past few years, the focus and goals of the founding- fathers of our great organization Afenifere were gradually eroded” He lamented that the erosion of the common focus and goals of the organization equally made it difficult for members to work in unity. According to him, “Several efforts were made to ensure the actualization of the Afenifere goals, but it appeared that we have not succeeded in achieving this” he lamented Uncomfortable with Fasoranti’s stand, another top Afenifere chieftain, Pa Ayo Adebanjo disputed the claim insisting that Afenifere leader stepped out on account of old age, a development which further confirmed the claim that all is not well with the organization. According to him, it was not true that the group was enmeshed in crisis adding that there was nothing unusual about the resignation. Adebanjo said; “He (Fasoranti) is old. He is 89. That is why he resigned. According to him, ”Papa Ajasin and Adesanya did not attain that ripe old age. Pa Fasoranti said the youths don’t listen to elders again and that you behave as you like. “When Ajasin was weak, he asked Adesanya to act. When Adesanya took ill, we appointed him (Fasoranti) as leader. There is nothing unusual about that, we have no crisis. “The man has been ill of late. He just left the hospital few days ago. The job is rigorous, we hold a lot of meetings. Go and read his statement” The elder statesman opined that the group would meet to appoint a new leader since nature abhors a vacuum. “We will meet and appoint a new leader. When we get to the meeting, we will attend to the vacancy“ Many recalled that the division in the Afenifere came to the fore during the just concluded general election when a faction of Afenifere leaders supported the immediate past administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan-led People Democratic Party (PDP) against the popular wish of an average Yoruba person. The eventual loss of the PDP at the poll in Yorubaland is believed to have had a disastrous consequence on the pan Yoruba organization especially on its claim to be working for the interest of Yoruba nation. Hitherto the resignation of Pa Fasoranti last weekend, the Afenifere has suffered series of internal crisis leading to polarization of the organization as splinter groups emerged from the once cohesive organization. Meanwhile, a splinter Afenifere group under the aegis of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) has on Tuesday, lashed out at the parent body insisting that Afenifere had lost focus and that ARG has never derailed from the original ideals of the organization despite being a splinter group According to its chairman, Dr Olawale Oshun, Fasoranti’s letter that the Afenifere he led had derailed, confirmed its worst fear of what it had known since the 2006 reconciliation summit held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Ibadan. “The failure of that summit provided the groundswell for the reluctant emergence of Afenifere Renewal Group. Afenifere has now clearly exhibited itself as an
Fasoranti
out-of-touch institution whose lack of rudder has led to a total derailment from the fundamental values upon which it was built. “Chief Fasoranti‘s exit as the leader of Afenifere is a clear indication that the organization has come home to roost” ARG said According to ARG, it saw the need for what it called ‘a renewal of Afenifere movement anchored on the ideals of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo as the legitimate voice of the Yoruba by providing the visionary, selfless and altruistic leadership deserving of Yorubaland. The group then called on Yoruba people to support its ‘pursuit of the lofty ideals enunciated by the founders of Afenifere at its inception in Owo in 1951’ Many faulted the modus operandi of Afenifere as an ultra conservative group which allows authority to flow vertically from the elderly members without regards to views from dissenting younger elements. But the younger elements led by Wale Oshun, a Third Republic House of Representatives member and others including Jimi Agbaje, Kunle Famoriyo,Kayode Fayemi, amongst others left the group. It would be recalled that the organization which rest on the ideals of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo became a rallying point for the Yoruba people since the early 50’s and remained so until the present democratic experiment when the group practically metamorphosed into Alliance for Democracy (AD) a party in control of the five south west states between 1999 and 2003. However, the perceived invincibility of Afenifere in the politics of Yorubaland suffered a terrible blow in 2003 when all, but one of the AD states in the region was lost to the opposition PDP and since then, the organization has been groveling in one crisis after the other even as many of its quality leaders and younger elements were leaving in droves to form splinter groups. Meanwhile, concerns have been raised on the emergence of fresh crisis within the Afenifere family coming at a time when the wife of one of the founding fathers of the socio-political group, Mrs HID Awolowo passed on and her remains are yet to be interred. Perhaps the surviving leaders of Afenifere may use the auspicious occasion of the demise of wife of their highly revered leader to put their house in order for the sake of posterity and Yoruba nation.
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POLITICS
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NOVEMBER 7, 2015
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APC change mantra not in horizon for now –Tayo Sowunmi Alhaji Tayo Sowunmi is the National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The politician in this interview with LEKAN ADEJUWON, says it is too early to judge the administration of President Buhari. He also comments on other burning national issues, excerpts:
H
ow will you assess the six months of the All Progressives Congress (APC) President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration? If I have my way, I would tell you that it will be too early to express any feeling about this administration. The administration would need time to assume proper duties but the acrimony that followed the election of the APC federal government, the misunderstanding between the executive and legislature during the election of senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, the outcry that followed the initial appointments made by the President all point to the fact that all is not well with the administration and to me, the APC as a party, is yet to understand that they are now in power. They have been behaving like the ousted PDP, hustling and bustling for positions. Recently, we hear of the House of Representatives members rejecting the positions allotted to them with regards to House Committees. We hear of some committees which some of them refer to as juicy committees and all of them want to be members of such committees. Also the outcry against the Speaker as recently as 48 hours ago that he did not consult the House leadership before allotting positions and also that the PDP is having more than it deserves in these appointments. All this are squabbles that cannot be said to be part of a serious government but like I said before, may be, it is too early to judge the administration. So we cannot expect any change now. The change mantra which the APC used to win the election is not in the horizon now. It may come eventually, but we will be deceiving ourselves if we think there is going to be any difference between formal government under Jonathan and the present one under Buhari because much as Buhari may want to execute the plans of APC there are too many contending issues and too many contesting powers in the APC that may hamper the progress of both the president and the federal government in the right direction. Does your stand of giving the President more time extended to the issue of ministerial nominees which a lot of people are saying are too late in com-
Sowunmi
ing covering the whole of six months after the administration was inaugurated? It may not apply to that entity. What I just said is that we should not expect too much at such little time of the administration but with regards to the time it took the President to nominate his ministers one would also say that we should grant him the indulgence of taking his time to ensure that the right persons are chosen for ministerial positions except that many of us are very disappointed when eventually after such a long lull, the names came out only to discover that we are going to have more of the same because some of us cannot understand how a man like Audu Ogbeh would effect any change in the Nigeria system. A person who has wined and dined with PDP for such a long time, not only wining and dining, he was at the helm of affairs as national chairman of the party. He left the place because he was kicked out practically by the then President Obasanjo. He was right there since the Second Republic in 1979. He was a minister under the Shehu Shagari’s administration. He was also the chairman of the PDP at a time when the PDP was unleashing a lot of corruption on Nigeria. So, that is just one person or are we talking about the other names. A lot of things went before the nomination. A lot of issues were raised against certain personalities like former governor Amaechi who was roundly opposed by his state on the allegation of financial misappropriation. The case is still in court, it has not been disposed off by the court. Yet, the President nominated him and in spite of the acrimony that followed his screening, the APC went ahead and confirm him only to point to the PDP that, that was what the PDP did for Obanikoro when he was being nominated. Does it mean that if the PDP went astray at that time, they should also go astray? So what is the difference between PDP and APC? So, with regards to the nominations, late as it was in coming, it was a very big disappointment when it finally came out Shortly before the election I remem-
ber you did say that your party, APGA is the third force in Nigeria after APC and PDP, but after the election, APGA simply went comatose leaving the work of opposition to the PDP. Why is this so? Let me first say that APGA just had a change of guard. A new set of officials were just elected and they were yet to settle down for party administration. Formally, it was Victor Umeh, who was the chairman and there is nobody in this country that would say Umeh did not play his part as a party leader in opposition. The present executive took over in June and before we can do anything, we still have a lot of issues in courts. We were so much shortchanged in the last election and we are trying to sort them out. We have just been robbed in Abia State. if you read the tribunal report that came out few hours ago. We are supposed to win that governorship election at the tribunal level but as you can see, the tribunal has ruled against us and we are heading for the Appeal Court even after that, if we are not satisfied, we are going to the Supreme Court ditto for our candidates in the senatorial election in Anambra State, in Imo State, in Abia State and elsewhere, so we are battling with too much legalities now. We cannot settle down with criticizing government and so on. Unless we do away with all these cases, we may not find time to face other issues. But I want to say that APGA is still the third leg in Nigeria’s democracy today after all, there is no other party that has a governor today aside the APC and PDP. APGA is still the only ruling party in one part of the country and we still won more as I am sure we won the Nasarawa election, we are sure we won Abia election. In fact we should be talking about three state governors by now and if APGA has 3 governors will you say APGA is not a force to reckon with? By the time we settle all these legal issues as you know that they have their normal gestation period. But after that, win or lose, we are still coming back as opposition party. PDP cannot do it alone, impossible. So APGA is very much in the saddle now. But we can-
not do anything until we see to the end, what happened in those places where we won elections. I want to take you on the election in Abia State. What is your particular interest in that state? Do you think APGA has done its homework so much to have defeated a sitting governor? I want to tell you that the incumbent governor did nothing for the Abians. All the Abian people voted massively for APGA during the last election. The judges that pronounced in favour of the PDP are a disgrace to the judiciary because in spite of all the evidence we tendered during the hearings, they refused to acknowledge any of them and it is the exact opposite of what happened in Rivers State. In Rivers State, the APC won whereas we lost here in Abia over the same issue even a clearer case than the one in Rivers State. The judiciary as far as we are concerned, is still under the gamut of PDP or the powers that be wherever they are seated. That is how we see it. it is a complete travesty of justice for want of better qualification. We saycancel election in these four local government areas where there were no elections at all. They went along and confirm it. We brought a lot of witnesses backed by volumes of documents from INEC table itself. The tribunal just turned a blind eye to all these. We are not satisfied. That is why we are going on appeal. So the judiciary with regards to the case in Abia State has not done any credit to the present federal government under Buhari, who is claiming to be a very holy man and who wants to eliminate corruption in Nigeria. The Abia case is a case in point that corruption is here to stay in Nigeria unless something drastic is done about it and I call on the President to look into that case and made the case a turning point in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. There is a trend in the present National Assembly which is worrisome where the senate is shut down as senators went in solidarity with senate President each time he appears before the Code of Conduct Tribunal trying him on the allegation for false declaration of assets. How do you see the development? I blame the APC for what is happening in the senate. The APC as you know started like they said they were progressives and I’ve said it before that there is nothing progressives about the APC. In fact APC is more of PDP now than APC. We have more PDP deserters calling the shot in the APC now. Saraki is a cardinal member of the PDP. Dogara too was a defector too. Both the House of Reps and the senate are now being run by the PDP which shows the ineffectiveness of APC as a party. They could not stand on their two legs. That is why they call on every Dick and Harry. You know they were poaching, took a lot of PDP to join them, took a lot of APGA to join them and now they form a very insignificant fraction of that party. They were not ready for power. That was why they were begging everybody including former President Obasanjo who they had roundly condemned as a political criminal. So they don’t have any clues for the ills of the society. So whatever is happening here in the National Assembly should be laid at the doorstep of the APC itself.
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
TALKING POLITICS ‘Nigeria is broke’ —President Muhammadu Buhari
“O
‘We didn’t prepare for defeat’ —Uche Secondus, PDP Acting National Chairman
“W
e were so used to winning in the past 16 years. We never prepared for defeat and so, when it came, we were surprised.”
‘Buhari is demarketing Nigeria’ “I n the last six months, our President has only succeeded in discouraging foreign investors with his continued misrepresentation of our country as a business unfriendly environment, where most of the citizens are basically corrupt, dishonest and cannot be trusted” “Whereas we have restated our total support for the war against corruption, we insist that that the President unceasing blanket negative labeling of citizens in a country where millions of honest and hardworking individuals/firms are genuinely contributing daily to the development effort, is indeed, a disservice to the nation and the people.”
‘Nigerians will not forget Jonathan’s misrule’ —Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo
“F
or 16 years, the PDP blamed the rot of military rule for its inability to perform while in power. It now wants Nigerians to forget its misrule in just five months. “The APC’s criticisms of the immediate past government only show the progress the country has made. “The APC is not giving an excuse for failure by reminding Nigerians of the dark days of the PDP. It is only indicating the progress we are making by comparative analysis.”
‘Senate not your supporters’ club’ —Oby Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education
“D
r Bukola Saraki, such selfish pocketization of a public institution that you are perpetrating is never suistainable Selfishness is converting the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria into a supporters’ club for your personal court case “Selfishness is a vice and not a virtue because it disregards the good of the greater number “Selfishness is being concerned sometimes excessively or exclusively, for oneself or one’s own advantage.”
‘Yoruba nation at cross road’ —Chief Segun Osoba, former governor of Ogun State
“T
‘APC rode to power on lies’ — Olisa Metuh, National Publicity Secretary of PDP
“I
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— Olisa Metuh, National Publicity Secretary of PDP
f course, the country is broke”. You must have known that the Federal Government has to help 27 out of 36 states to pay salaries. “Nigeria cannot pay salaries, the Federal Government itself has to summon the Governor of Central Bank on how it could pay salaries, not to talk of projects, agreements we signed with other countries on counterpart funding and so on.”
t is absolutely obvious to all that the APC came to power riding on monumental lies and deceit in making promises they had no intentions to keep “All they wanted was to get into power and they achieved this with their lying tongues” “Indeed the unanimity displayed by
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APC senators in rejecting the promised N5,000 monthly welfare package, especially coming from their party and the presidency, further stresses the duplicitous spirit of the APC and its reprehensible insensitivity to the feelings and aspirations of Nigerians “
he Yoruba nationality is at a dangerous crossroads with the new development. “I see greater danger ahead if we don’t take necessary steps in time” “On the problem of leadership and unity, this is not the time to apportion blame and not the time to point accusing fingers at one another. But it is a time we need to do a lot of retrospection on how to chart a way forward for the race”
‘Nigerians should rise up to safe the youths’ — Former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon
“W
e must rise up to deal with various issues of moral burdens in our educational institutions and labour to arrest the tide through massive prayer campaign and action
“If we do not arise and bring our youths into the path of rectitude, then their future will appear gloomy and therefore we cannot build a virile nation of trust, integrity and good governance”
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November 7, 2015
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NOVEMBER 7, 2015
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Robbers on the prowl With the recent resurge of dare-devil robberies that have claimed innocent lives, residents of Lagos have called on the state government and security agencies to step up their intelligence-gathering strategy and improve their operational efficiency to bust crimes and protect citizens, writes JULIET UMEH
I
t was a moment of tears for the household of Mr. Ndirika and sympathisers few weeks back when the lives of Jean Ebere, his 39-year-old wife and Mnesoma, his 14-month-old baby, were cut short through stray bullets from the sporadic shooting by the robbers. They were in their home at House 8 Flat 13, 4th Avenue, Festac Town of Lagos at the time of the sad incident. For Mr. Ndirika, who was turned a widower in a split of seconds, life may not be the same again, except God grants him the strong heart to bear the irreparable loss. The unfortunate incident took place on Tuesday, October 13 at about 8.25 a.m. and the house is located about 300 metres away from the crime scene. According to an eyewitness account, the robbers came into FESTAC Town through a canal in a speed boat, shooting sporadically to scare people in the vicinity before robbing the banks. The armed men, numbering up to 40 men were said to be dressed in military camouflage and armed with assault rifles of various calibres, robbed Access and Diamond Banks simultaneously, without fear and later escaped through the canal.
In June, when a similar robbery style was used, a lady, who reportedly tied charm and snake around her neck reportedly led robbery gang numbering 15, whose ages were alleged to be not more than 20 years, to attack banks in Ikorodu, Lagos. She was said to be outside the banks bragging while the operation lasted. Surprisingly throughout the period of the robbery operation, no police team came confront the robbers, no wonder they took their time to break the bank’s safes with dynamite while they ordered the banks’ employees and customers to lie on the floor face down. Their haul included bags of millions of naira. The young robbers later left for a recreational place not far from the scene
of the incident and escaped via the ferry service. But in a wild show of neurotic excitement for their undeserved victory, they reportedly sent on fire three of their vehicles in front of Origin Gardens. Three months before the Ikorodu incident, three policemen and a fish seller were killed by a gang of robbers who stormed the First City Monument Bank, Admiralty Way, Lekki, Lagos State. The 13 robbers, a report also had it, arrived the bank wearing military uniforms and armed Ak-47 guns which they shot sporadically for about 30 minutes. They gained entry into the banking hall after overpowering the security men. A witness claimed that before entering the bank, the gunmen shot at a police van stationed close to the bank. Unfortunately, in the exchange of fire between the policemen and the robbers, three policemen lost their lives. Also, a fish seller was killed by a stray bullet in the incident which happened around 5pm. Several other persons also sustained gunshot injuries.
Most of the hawkers on the highway are robbers disguising as traders with the ulterior motive of robbing unsuspecting motorists and their passengers. Sometimes, most of the hawkers act as informants to armed robbers
Bank robbers’ reign and use of novel strategy to achieve their condemnable act is not limited to Lagos State, as the people of Akure recently were almost made a victim, but for sheer luck and alertness of some residents eye that read intelligent meanings to the strategy of the men of the underworld. The people of Alagbaku area, located in Akure metropolis, Ondo State, would eternally count themselves lucky for decoding the tricks of the robbers who had perfected plans to blow up and rob one of the old generation banks in Ondo State by digging an underground tunnel into the premises. Their plot was swiftly foiled last week when crack detectives thwarted their devilish machination. The gang, it was gathered, had dug over 15 meters into the bank premises from the fence which is behind the bank at Alagbaka area. According to report, the tunnel was able to contain three persons at a time, while the place from where the hoodlums operated, is isolated from other buildings. It was gathered that the tunnel would have been dug into the banking hall if it had not been discovered by the detectives. Police source said the gang that planned the robbery would have operated at the weekend when the bank staff would not be at work. Sources said the bankers would have resumed to discover that the banks vault had been blown off and all the money carted away. Speaking in Akure, the Commissioner CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
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‘Government needs to do more to protect us’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
of Police, Mike Ogbodu, said: “It was the banks’ surveillance squad that discovered the long tunnel dug by the suspected armed robbers behind the Ado/Owo Road branch of the bank.’’ “The length of the tunnel dug from the perimeter fence of the bank into the bank premises was about 10 to 15 metres. “The tunnel was apparently prepared to serve as a passage to the bank premises to carry out their nefarious act without being noticed.’’ According to the Police chief who conducted newsmen round the scene, items recovered included shovel, diggers and other tools, biscuits, water sachets and soft drinks. “This is a new trend being employed by men of the underworld these days. Consequently, bank management are advised to be conscious of the happenings in their environment and also endeavour to always remove any barrier that could serve as cover for criminals,’’ the police commissioner warned. With the current level of globalisation and free access to information technology, it is guessed the Ondo robbers imitated some men who robbed a bank by digging a 125-foot (40-metre) tunnel straight into the vault late at night in northern India October last year. The robbers were said to have stolen cash, jewellery and other valuables worth hundreds of thousands of dollars from a branch of the Punjab National Bank in Haryana. The tunnel, according to police report, started in an empty house nearby. There were also insinuations that the thieves were inspired by popular Bollywood film Dhoom which depicts a similar robbery. Bank officials at the governmentowned bank in Gohana town were stupefied when they discovered the huge hole in the ground on Monday morning. Apart from the recent bank robberies, Lagos highways have remained unsafe in recent time. “Most of the hawkers on the highway are robbers disguising as traders on the highway, but with ulterior motive of robbing unsuspecting motorists and their passengers. Sometimes, most of the hawkers act as informants to notorious armed robbers on the highways,” Mr. Kunle Adedoyin, a civil servant. “They will approach your car pretending to be hawkers or beggars, while they survey your vehicles to see if you have valuables such as bags, phones, wrist watches, electronics and jewels. If they see any valuable article, they will go and inform robbers who will later attack you in traffic. Those are the criminals that walk up to your car when you are stuck in hold up and point a gun at you,” Adedoyin states. The men of underworld are applying ingenuity in their mode of oppression lately. It is either they come disguising in military dress, come in groups, use woman with snake on her waist, rob two banks simultaneously, escape through canal, or dig underground to carry out their evil acts. With the gallantry, the robbers have applied in the nefarious activity so far, Lagos residents are worried that criminals
are gradually creeping back into the mega city after they were sent packing by lawenforcement agencies a couple of years ago. Yemi Shonde, an Ikorodu resident expressed, “If the criminals are not robbing motorists in traffic jams, they are robbing banks or kidnapping people and demanding for ransom. It is difficult to fathom who could be responsible for the sudden upsurge in crime in the city,’’ the father of five said. Also, Mr. Paul Ogwo, a social analyst feels sad with the trend of robbery in the state where he has spent 25 years of his life. “It is unthinkable that in spite of the great efforts the state government led by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is making to combat crime through donation of patrol vehicles and other equipment to the police, criminals are causing residents of the state immense discomfort and fear. This could
from citizens under the siege of criminals is very worrisome. Though the police claimed they recovered N27 million from the hoodlums in the FESTAC robbery, we are concerned that in all three cases the police did not respond until so much damage was done and lives lost. Air police is almost moribund, nobody heard of air police. “Government must device other ways of fighting crimes. There is an urgent need to overhaul the entire police system with a view to ensuring a more efficient crime fighting capacity. The police must be properly upgraded to be able to contend with the modern-day sophistication of crime, especially in the urban areas. Armed robbers, kidnappers, pipeline vandals and other hoodlums have discovered the waterways as viable escape routes, which was not the case in the past. The Police
There’s need for government
at all
levels to address the high rate of unemployment in the country. The army of unemployed youth in the land undoubtedly provides a veritable recruiting ground for criminals negatively impact the desire of the state government to attract investment into the state. For Dr Nick Idoko, also an analyst, “these and other violent robberies around the country call for more effective and rapid response policing. The low capacity of the police to respond to distress signals
must, therefore, bolster its marine arm with the right equipment to tackle crime on the waterways, Dr Idoko suggests. “There’s need for government at all levels to address the high rate of unemployment in the country. The army of unemployed youth in the land undoubtedly provides a veritable recruiting ground
for criminals. And that said, President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) must begin to fulfil their electoral promise of massive job creation and payment of monthly stipends to the unemployed and the extremely needy sections of our society as part of strategies to reduce crime, Mr. Ogwo advised. However, apart from banks, robbers have in recent times been surprising people with their devilish operations at scenes or points that are almost insulated from robbers’ attack. Some years ago, cattle markets in some northern states of Katsina, Niger, Bauchi, Yobe, Borno etc were raided by robbers, who carted away millions of traders’ gains. Two years ago at Meiran, a community along LagosAbeoukuta Expressway, a gang of robbers, who presented themselves as buyers of Id-el-Kabir rams, dispossessed the poor traders of almost the total revenue made from ram sales during the religious festival. Or how can one describe robbers who masquerade as church worshippers, but successfully use their itchy hands to rob brethren of their money, bags and phones maybe before they return from the altar where they had gone for thanksgiving, give testimony or to receive special blessing. “Nowadays, churches, despite being hallowed houses of God, are attractive places to evil men to perpetrate their evil acts because worshippers give to God in form of offertory, tithes, vows, thanksgiving, seed etc. Also, annual activities such as harvest, Easter, Christmas carol, anniversaries of different groups, marriages and various events to raise funds take place and this involve huge sums of money,” Adediran Oyeyemi, a teacher in a Lagos school said. But to defeat any evildoer in the houses of God nowadays, most churches have a welltrained security department and enjoy police presence during services. “Crime at this period of the year is usually at its peak and as such security agencies have to step up their game and be ahead of the criminals at all times. We ask the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to prod his men into action to curb activities of criminals in the state. This is not the time for crime fighters to sleep or slumber as desperate criminals go to any length at this period of the year to carry. However, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, has vowed to stop at nothing in unravelling the perpetrators of the banks robbery at FESTAC Town, Lagos. The commissioner’s assurance is coming after the incident which claimed a mother and her child through stray bullets from the sporadic shooting by the robbers. Also worried by the waves of crimes, Lagos State government has promised to acquire three helicopters to battle crimes and gridlocks in the state to enable security agencies tackle activities. Governor Ambode, who made this disclosure as guest on a popular radio programme – Soni Irabor Live (SIL) on Inspiration FM, said he was deeply concerned about escalating cases of robberies in the state. He said that the government would also boost the operation of Marine Police and the Nigerian Navy on the waterways in the state, and that various equipments and platforms would soon be presented to them..
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NOVEMBER 7, 2015
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When natural blessing turns natural disaster
In 2012 when a devastating downpour resulted in a flood that wrecked havoc in Lagos homes and streets, the Lagos state government took a proactive step towards checking future flood disasters in the metropolis. They embarked on a massive project of dredging canals, gutters and any other water let out in the city. That was not all; the government also constructed additional blockades to keep water away from where it must not be. But how far have these measures gone to safeguard the residents of the metropolis from the buffeting effects of the rains that have started again in torrents? ERIC ELEZUO asks.
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f there is any worry any Nigerian resident has as regards incursion of natural disasters, it is the devastating effects of flood resulting from heavy torrents. Recently, a community in Lagos tested the bitter pill of the wonders of nature, and is still at the moment ruing their loss.
On Thursday, October 8, 2015, the heavens opened its mouth in apparent desire to pour out blessings upon mankind, and consequently prepare the soil for continuous heavy harvest. However, the good tidings intended backfired for the residents of Mebamu, along the Badagry Expressway, and caused them untold
hardship that lasted for days. According to Saturday Mirror’s investigation, every resident of the community was affected. Those who were lucky enough to keep the water off their homes were inadvertently made to wade through the flooded street before they access the main road. The rain, which started around 1:30am on the said day, poured till around 5am, and continued drizzling in no small measure till 7:30am, thereby trapping residents in their waterlogged homes, and deprived of reporting at their various duty posts as and when due. The over three and half hours deluge devastated homes, streets and rendered many people homeless for days, while many others lost property worth millions in the exchange. At Isa Ibrahim Street, the rain took advantage of the poorly constructed and
dredged canal to overshoot its bound and took refuge in people’s apartments, rooms, garages, compounds and anywhere it found its level. The situation was the same at Ajakaiye Street and the adjoining streets of the community, causing residents who would not help sitting at home, to wade through the waist high flood to access their various destinations. A couple, who identified themselves as Mr. and Mrs. Ikechukwu, was all tears as it dawned on them that they were practically floating when they woke up that fateful morning. The couple, who live in one room apartment on Isa Ibrahim Street, lamented the effects of the ‘harsh’ rain, saying that it has reduced them to homelessness and further impoverished them. “This rain is too harsh. It was CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
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‘We are afraid every time it rains’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19
practically soaked whatever property we have, and the possibility of retrieving them for use again is not known. The government has abandoned us to our fate. Nobody cares to know what happens to us,” Mrs. Ikechukwu said painfully. When Saturday Mirror visited their apartment, the couple was seen scooping water with their neighbours with whatever instrument they can lay their hands upon, from their rooms and wherever they had any form of valuable. With clear agony showing in their voices, they decried the situation, blaming the government for not playing their part in their misfortune. “My brother, this is what we face each time there is a downpour. We leave in perpetual fear of a deluge. While many people are expectant of the rains, people like us are apprehensive because the rains give us the greatest trouble of our lives. This morning, I had to be woken the drench I felt. The water was practically coming from underneath, in fact, from every available corner. I just pitied my children,” Mr. Ikechukwu said, struggling to put up a manly disposition. The couple, who had made arrangement to relocate their three children until the devastation caused by the rain is reduced, stressed that living in the environment they found themselves is as a result of their standard of living. They said given the opportunity, they will relocate. At another compound, a woman who sells petty cooking ingredients at the road side, and who gave her name as simply Seun, said that it was difficult for her to realized that she was still at her house when she woke that morning because her desire to ease herself get out, but her first touch to the floor landed on deep water. Her first impression was to scream before reality gradually dawned on her. Then she understood, according to her, that there was ‘fire on the mountain’. “You know that rainy nights are the best times to enjoy sleep, especially if you live in a secured environment. However, I forgot where I live and slept like no man’s business. It was the urge to ease myself that made get out of bed only to be somehow swallowed by water which was almost at my knee level. I shuddered at the feeling before realizing what had happened. Since morning, I have been scooping water. It’s terrible,” the woman said. As pedestrians wade through the dirty water logged streets with expressionless faces, they lamented the insensitivity of the government as well as the residents’ indiscrimate dumping of refuse along water ways and poor sanitation attitude, which block gutters and water outlets. “This is very sad. Just imagine what we are going through at the moment. The
government is insensitive to our plight, and the residents are not helping matters. They have turned the gutters and streets into dumping sites, and this is the results. It is also appalling that most houses do not have gutters in front of their buildings. As a result, there is no free outlet of water when it rains. I think why we wait for the government, we, as a people should do the needful. If not for anything, for our own
health,” the pedestrian who gave his name as Obike lamented. While the rain is a natural blessing needed for almost everything in human activity, the residents who believe it cannot be wished away also lamented the lukewarm attitude of the Community Development Association whose duty it is to ensure that the residents live, if not in comfort, but in near comfort. They
The people just have to change
their attitude to health and environmental matters. It is only by so doing that these issues of flooding and submerging of roads and homes could be checked. No one can eat his cake and have it
berated the CDA for collecting so much money from the residents only to come up with a shoddy short in the dredging of the canal. However, a member of the CDA, who crave anonymity, told Saturday Mirror that no member of the community was tasked for any dredging work, stating that the community was taxed for the building of a bridge across the canal, and that has been done, stressing that it is sitting conspicuously there, aiding vehicular and human movement. “The community was once faced with the need to build a bridge across the canal that cut across the community, and so the residents were required to contribute a token which was judiciously utilized in providing the succor. The project has come in handy, giving leverage to both vehicles and people,” the member said. The general consensus in the community remains the need for a suitable road network with gutters at strategic points to control the incursion of flood whenever it rains. They lamented loss of property running into millions of naira. However, an official of the Iba Local Government Area where the community is situated blamed the whole thing on the residents’ indiscrimate dumping of refuse wherever they see, saying that no one can eat his cake and have it. “The people just have to change their attitude to health and environmental matters. It is only by so doing that these issues of flooding and submerging of roads and homes could be checked. No one can eat his cake and have it, and until the people create a new attitude for themselves, this will continue,” the official who do not want his name in print said.
Entervaganza
The Saturday Mirror Magazine
Relationships What if your partner gets close to your ex? P.32
Sex talk
Is bigger/longer always better? P.32
Fashion
Today’s glamour P.28
Azeezat
... respected singer
c Prayer was what PAGE
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ELEBRITY
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helped me in Project Fame —Pearl
Pearl is the second place winner of this year’s Project Fame West Africa. She stood out during the show, not only because of her talent, but also because she and her twin sister were both in the competition. In this interview, she tells OSEYIZA OOGBODO her plans. How do you feel as the second place winner of this year’s Project Fame? It’s an amazing feeling. This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and first of all, I’m excited that I even got the opportunity at all because my entering Project Fame is a story. It was obvious to me from day one that it was something God wanted me to do. Things just somehow kept on turning in my favour, and I got there, and God kept me through, and I’m so grateful. So what’s your secret that made you successful in the competition, considering that many were evicted along the way? What’s your secret? Did you do something different? I can’t say I was better than anybody that was there with me. We all had different voice textures. Everybody was special in their own kind of voice. But I’ll say that from day one, I was prayerful, because right from the start, I felt that these people are amazing vocalists, amazing singers, what am I doing there? I just felt like the plain one. And I have to say that one thing that made me interested in Project Fame is the academy itself, the teachings, the classes, the lessons, that’s one reason I really wanted to be here, and they paid off. I mean Uncle Ben is amazing. Uncle Ben, Miss Ige, Mummy J, Miss Loveth, they all joined forces and made all of us into what we are now, and I kept praying. You kept praying. Are you a born again Christian? Yes. I am. When did you give your life to Christ? In 2010. Since you’re born again, and Project Fame is about secular music, how did you reconcile that? Well, it’s a matter of your understanding of what you’re doing. I came to PF because I wanted to become a better musician, become a better singer, explore my talents, which is something we’re supposed to do. People who read the Bible know the parable about the talents and how you’re not supposed to bury whatever talent that’s been given to you. You have to build on whatever God has given to you. You should do that. I had to do secular music in the academy, yes, but I don’t think it has affected me in any way. The songs we did were not vulgar. PF is a family
show. You won’t do an overly sexy song. They keep things in order, so I never had to do something that was out of my ability. What’s your plan now? Well, I’ve gotten the platform that I need, and that’s the most important thing. But there’s a thing about this platform. If you let it be for too long, people forget you. So, right now, we have the advantage of popularity and it’ll be best to use that now so I’m going to start work straight away on my songs. The kind of songs I want to do are gospel songs, and also love songs. I’m going to do songs that are real, things that we really go through in our everyday lives, heartbreak, pain, sorrow, they are things that every human being comes across. How close are you to your twin sister? Very close. As close as possible. You know, when you are born with someone, you live everyday of your life with the person, I think the highest time we’ve spent apart was when she got eliminated in the academy Since you are so close, are you sharing your N3m prize with her equally? Yes. When Uncle Ben asked me why I wanted to win, I said I wanted to for my sister. I wanted to come to Project Fame, but my sister desired, craved it. She really wanted to be in Project Fame. It was supposed to be her platform, her stage and all that. But when we went to the auditions, I just went with her for support. I didn’t register for the auditions, and we met some of the organizers and they said you are twins and you both sing so why aren’t you both auditioning, and I said no we don’t want to compete with each other, but they convinced me to audition, and you know the rest of the story. Are you sharing your prize money with her? Of course. You know the big dummy cheque they gave me? I’ve already cut it in two and given her own.
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Oseyiza Oogbodo
Yemi Alade launches jewellry line and mentorship programme S
aying that Johnny singer, Yemi Alade, is really flying high nowadays is not an understatement. Since the release of the aforementioned Johnny, her life has taken a real turn for the better with local and international shows coming her way, and awards too. Despite her considerable success, that many of her colleagues are still aspiring to, she’s not slowing down but is in fact stepping, or rather stepped up to the next level by launching a jewellry line in conjunction with Bland2Glam, an online retail jewellry store. According to Seyi Banigbe, B2G’s creative director, “Yemi Alade is the perfect superstar for us to work with on a jewellry collection fronted by a superstar. She’s been our ambassador for over a year and has proven herself a consummate professional and a hard worker who always keeps to her word. If she says she’s coming for a photo shoot, she does, even if she didn’t sleep the night before.” Speaking further, she said that it took B2G and Alade several meetings to come up with the appropriate jewelry designs
that make up the Yemi Alade Collection as they had to go for designs that actually reflect Alade’s personality. YAC’s launching took place at The Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos during the week in a two-in-one ceremony that also saw the launching of Get Mented, an initiative by B2G and Alade to get successful women to mentor less successful women. Speaking about GM, Banigbe said, “GM is an E-mentorship programme. The world is now a global village so you don’t have to be with someone physically to mentor them. So GM is a mentorship that takes place online over the course of six weeks and it’s about inspiring women through successful who will give average women six weeks of interaction and mentorship so as to motivate them to thereby acquire the impetus and drive to become successful themselves.” Concluding, she said, “Women, stop complaining! Get up and excel. When you excel, Nigeria will not ignore you.” Sound advice definitely.
Where is Muna? O
Muna
ne question that has to be asked is ‘Where is Muna?’ Muna, or Muna Abii, is not an entertainment personality who needs a lot of introduction. She shot to fame as a winner of Nigeria’s current most prestigious beauty pageant, Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, and then shocked everyone by becoming a rapper after her relinquishing her MBGN crown. Because of her MBGN fame, she made quick progress in music, getting featured by superstars like Waje, and dropping her own singles that became notable, so it was believed that it was only a matter of time before she would attain major music success. That’s not the case right now, though, and we’re not hearing much about her again musically. So where is Muna, musically? That’s the question oh.
Alade
We prefer real success, not fake —Bracket P opular music d u o , Bracket, have said that they prefer to be really successful, not fake, as is the case basically in the entertainment industry.
Speaking on how relevant or not they are in the industry,
Bracket
they said, “People say they don’t really feel our presence that much in Lagos, but we’re doing very well here in Lagos. One thing about the Lagos market, though, is that it’s more about fame than fortune, and we’ll rather stick to the fortune. “We know certain things we can do that some of the popular artists cannot do. Realistically, we would rather have little media hype and know where we be-
long, than make all the noise and fail to live up to the expectations. “We’ll rather be in the middle and make more money than be in front and make less. We are doing well in Lagos and we are still very big in other parts of Nigeria and abroad, show promoters testify to that. And we are glad to be where we are today because it is not easy to remain relevant for six years.”
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CLASSICAL LYRICS
My ultimate goal —Temi Dollface
Obimo Artist: Kayswitch
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alented singer, Temi Dollface, who’s out with a new singer, School Your face, has revealed what her ultimate goal is. According to her, it’s “to change the way music is experienced. To shatter pop stereotypes by proving that pop music can be alternative, experimental and exciting. Also, I want to give back what I get out of music. I realise that what I get to do is such a privilege because with music, we have the ability to touch other human beings who are reaching out looking for the same things most of us are.” And on what she has achieved, she said, “A whole lot. I’ve opened for Chris Brown, Keziah Jones, D’ Banj, Bez and many other notable artists. I had an MTV USA nomination for MTV Iggy Artist of the Week for which I came in second by a tiny fraction. I was in the running with artists from Germany, America, the United Kingdom and Ghana. “My Pata Pata music video has been played on heavy rotation on notable TV stations including MTV World, Channel O, SoundCity, 1 Music, TVC and Channels TV amongst others. It made number 2 on the SoundCity and TVC best video countdowns, and that was quite remarkable for a first video from a previously unknown independent female artist. “My music, imagery and style have earned me a fast growing social media followership and rave reviews on tastemaking blogs such as MTV Iggy, Okay Africa, Soul Bounce, Afro Punk. My radical interpretation of the well known song, Teenage Dirt Bag, of the American Pie movie fame by Wheatus has earned me great reviews and a personal invitation to New York from Wheatus themselves to collaborate on a song.” And on how music she started for her, she said, “It started when I was seven years old. Before then, I was always singing and always gravitated towards music. But at the age of 7, I wrote my first song with the keyboard given to me by my pastor at a time. And knowing what to do on the keyboard was just natural for me. I found my way around it without any piano lessons or anything like that. I just instinctively knew what I wanted to hear and created songs that I have a taste for and when I listened to such songs, I found it interesting that I could do them at that age and it went on from there.”
Dollface
Female artists now have a voice —Azeezat Azeezat
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espected female singer, Azeezat, has weighed in on the issue of why female music artists in Nigeria are not as many as they should be. Peaking candidly, she said, “Well, honestly, even in America and Europe, if you calculate the percentage of female artists compared to their male counterparts, you will know that males are also more there. I am a die-hard fan of Naija, and I don’t like it when people bring Naija down, comparing it to US, UK and saying one thing, one thing, nahhh. “As it happens here, it happens there. It is just that the scale could be higher. Number one, I wouldn’t say females don’t have a voice, compared to then. We have a voice now, strong voices that are heard. We are being heard. It could be better, because some girls allow us to be
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labelled as wack. I am not being judgemental, but such girls don’t do their homework well before coming out.” Touching on how she discovered her talent and rose to prominence, she said, “The journey between when I discovered my talent and Nigeria discovered me was a very long one. Then, I was in secondary school and I stared doing small, small literary and debating performances. “In higher institution, I joined a group, West Coast Family, and we did a lot of campus and club shows until we broke up after which there was a kind of a long break. During that long break, I did a lot of research and grooming for myself by rescoring international songs and trying to fit my voice into what I was hearing, and eventually it all paid off for me when I relocated to Lagos from my Abeokuta base.”
Intro Hey! I’m D’banj Say na Kayswtich Obodo oyinbo oh oh oh Chorus Kanyi na tana Toba turkey Oga bartender Where the Hennessy? Because today I want to jolly She dey make me feel like to spend my money Chukwu gozie mbasi furugi Ha … obimo Ine memo bi gim gim gim Ha … obimo From January to December sosogi Ha … obi mo After our wedding obodo oyinbo Ha ... straight ... obi mo Verse 1 Ha Baby come make we chill This loving is for real You and I Only you and I Ayigewewulu wewe kwegima Cause a man that findeth a wife Has found a very good thing Wa yoma So hold my hands Oya make we dance As we dey celebrate in advance I don turn your number one fan So hold my hands Oya make we dance As we dey celebrate in advance I don turn your number one fan Chorus Verse 2 My baby make you no dey wait No chere kambia Let us celebrate This love wey we dey share My darling dance anyhow you want to Today na your day Me i go dance very well Cuz you don make my day Ebi ebi ru le ebi ebi You will be my baby Ebi ebi ru le ebi ebi You will be my lady Ebi ebi ru le ebi ebi You will be my … Chorus Outro Chukwu gozie mbasi furugi Ha … obimo Ine memo bi gim gim gim Ha … obimo From January to December sosogi Ha … obimo After our wedding obodo oyinbo Ha … straight ... obimo
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Ali Baba pounces on Buhari
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li Baba is one man who frequently expresses himself on issues that touch his heart. He does so through open letters and messages he posts online. In one open letter, he wrote to God asking Him why Nigeria is the way it is. In another, he adviced couples. Now, in his latest, he pounces on the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, and did not spare him but rather challenged him and dared him to prove himself. And not forgetting his comic side, he ended his soft blast with a salient query. “Mr President,” he began, “I am a Nigerian comedian. I have done it for over 25 years. However, I am also a writer, a poet, father, a photographer, real estate investor, oil and gas player, motivational speaker, brand catalyst, social media junkie, ideas generator, and lover of printed materials. I also have been a social, economic, political and general observer of trends. “My opinion may not be backed up by a professional calling like that of the people who parade themselves around you. I do not want political appointment, I have said no to offers before. You may want to ask my father, OBJ. I say it as it is and if you ask him he will also tell you what the consequences of
not listening will be. Many now regret not listening. “Fight corruption like you are doing now and punish all who have enriched themselves by defrauding this country. Confiscate all their properties. Withdraw their national honours, if they got any. Blacklist companies, banks and financial institutions that were used as conduit for robbing the state of her funds. Jail the people who dipped their hands in our pensions fund, charge them for the deaths of people who died on the queue waiting for accreditation while someone was lounging on their hard earned sweat. “Prosecute whoever failed to carry out the ruling of all the justices who sat at the Supreme Court that directed that Justice Salami be reinstated but nothing was done. Strengthen the security agencies. Jail policemen who abuse their powers. Lock up military men who cross their boundaries. In short as you have started tackling corruption follow it to the end and our country will get back to reckoning in the comity of nations. “By the way, your line used during elections is not working again. You lost the phone?” Over to you, Mr President.
Baba
AFRIMA offers guests free shopping voucher
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The artwork
Seyi Shay unveils debut album artwork
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ust days after breaking the internet with her photos, The Corruption of Eve, international recording artist Seyi Shay has unveiled the official album art for her highly anticipated debut album, Seyi or Shay. The Right Now crooner who burst into the Nigerian music scene in 2012 has become one of the biggest names in the industry with an impressive lineup of hits that include Irawo, Ragga Ragga, Murda featuring Patoranking and Shaydee, Crazy featuring Wizkid, Jangilova and Right Now. Now, she is set to take the next step in her career as she announced that she would be releasing her first ever solo al-
bum, Seyi or Shay, next week. The album expresses Shay’s two sides. Seyi portraying a homely, traditional, good girl, and Shay portraying her eccentric, international and outrageous side. Judging by the two backgrounds she has socialized into and become a part of, one has to wonder who she is really? Seyi or Shay? Shay also revealed that Seyi or Shay will feature songs produced by Harmony Samuels, TY Mix, Legendury Beatz, Del B and other big names. The album will also feature Flavour Nabania and other superstars and she will hold an album launch party next week at Eko Hotel and Suites on the 13th
rganisers of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have announced that 5000 (five thousand) units of discount vouchers worth N3,000 (three thousand naira only) will be distributed by Supermart.ng, an online supermarket, to all guests/participants at this year’s AFRIMA which will hold on Sunday, November 15th at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. Unveiling the partnership deal, Director of Communication and Sponsorship, AFRIMA, Matlou Tsotsetsi, said “There is a global call to action today for collaboration. Businesses, great and small, are called upon to examine economic challenges and share ideas on how it can be eliminated in Africa. This is a good opportunity for us to air our views about the approaches being used to shop with convenience in Africa. Like it or not, enterprises are growing in Africa. With Supermart.ng, the cost of moving goods and personnel around, cost of maintenance of motor vehicles due to high wear and tear and with so much man-hours getting wasted due to road congestion, is reduced.” With an amazing 3-hour grocery delivery across Lagos, Nigeria, Supermart.ng is the largest online supermarket in Nigeria with a convenient platform for online grocery shopping without leaving the convenience of your home or office. Supermart.ng has the widest selection of grocery items online with over 60,000 items available. According to the Senior Associate, Communications and Partnerships, Supermart.ng, Oluwatayo Alofun, “Supermart. ng is proud to support AFRIMA 2015 as it’s in line with our business objective of meeting African needs by Africans. While we are meeting these needs in the area of food, technology and logistics, we proudly support other Africans that are meeting African needs in other areas especially in entertainment, tourism, arts and culture.” AFRIMA, in association with the African Union Commission, (AUC), is a music
Director, Brand Communication and Sponsorship, AFRIMA, Matlou Tsotetsi
and cultural initiative designed to celebrate, reward and showcase the rich musical heritage of the African race and seek to reward excellence in the continent’s music and media industry as well as maximally expose African tourism and culture to a worldwide audience about the greatness and values of the African culture and artistic legacy for the purpose of creating jobs and reducing poverty. AFRIMA is expected to be broadcast live to over 80 countries across the world with performances from African superstars that include Ladysmith Black Mombazo, Davido, Diamond Platnumz, Olamide, Yemi Alade, Busiswa, AKA, Sakordie, Charlotte Dipanda, Ahmed Soultan, Flavour, Alikiba, Vanessa Mdee, Wiyaala, Cassper Nyovest, Dark Suburb, and Bebe Cool.
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My dream is bigger Funke Akindele, bo Ojo r, Linda Ekeji Iya — than me logge ty b ri b le e c h it w ff ti h s e fr in P
opular Yoruba Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo, has said that she has a dream that is bigger than her with regards to her Nollywood career, and she hopes to achieve it in time. “I’ve not really achieved what I want to in Nollywood,” she said. “I elebrity movie Funke still have a dream that isartiste, bigger than me and I hope to achieve it in time. Akindele, is rarely upset aboutis not that good, piracy is really I’m very patient about it. Our market her. But with killing publications us. We spendabout a lot of money to produce movies that we don’t Lindamoney Ekeji,from celebrated the make becauseblogger, piracy doesn’t allow the marketers to buy movielike maestro of ‘Jenifa’ fame readyyou produce a movie with N2m, them they are supposed to.is When to make an exception. you’re supposed to make like double that money, but at the end of the Popular known Akindele day, you don’t makeas upJenifa, to one-third of it. So that’s the main problem I’m has asked Ms. Ikeji to withdraw and having.” apologize for a post on Ms. Ikeji’s blog And on the constant debate of English Nollywood is better than published on January 25, titled, Did Yoruba Nollywood, she said, “No. Never. The English sector is definitely Funke Akindele shade Toyin Aimakhu not better than the Yoruba. Yes, the English sector might be preferred last night? because we do Yoruba and they do English that cuts across every other In the post, Ms. Ikeji suggested that language, Hausa, Ibo,on Efik. an Instagram picture Ms. Akindele’s “But we are promoting own dialect. And I assure you it’s more page was intended as our a slight on and Ms. language Aimakhuthat hadyou “shaded” Ms. difficult to act in Yoruba because general fellow actress, Ms. Aimakhu, whoEnglish was is aAkindele over the latter’s 2014 divorce. can speakrumored easily while notseparated easy to speak Yoruba because it’s deep, recently to it’s have Ms Akindele, through her broad andhusband, wide. Adeniyi Johnson. from her management, said thanks to Ms. Ikeji’s “So I don’t believe are superior we’re also According to Ms.they Ikeji, the two to us because blog post, she was exposed to “cynical comfortable. Notpreviously everybody fallen is doingout well here but not everybody is actresses had comments and hasty judgements”. doing well over there too. Yoruba movies have stepped up. We shoot with a lot of glamour now. The only difference is the language. Different people, Ibo, Hausa, Calabar even tell me that they appreciate watching Ojo Yoruba movies because it’s our own thing.”
C
Why I love acting
—Kunle Da-Silva O ne of Yoruba Nollywood’s most successful actors, Kunle Da-Silva, has revealed why he loves
acting. “What I love most about acting is the knowledge we impart to the audience. We have a lot of problems in this country, social, economic, cultural, and you really need to pass messages to the
Da-Silva
people and one of the best ways of doing that is via movies. So the first thing that comes to my mind is the message I want to pass. “Then also the popularity, the clamouring of people to meet you, but it’s not easy. I’ve walked on the streets and my clothes were almost torn to shreds. People will want to greet you. Imagine a scenario where people you see on the road, expect you to know them, and if you don’t greet them, they will just start accusing you, we buy your films, we watch your films, you don’t want to greet us. “But how would I know who watches my films at home? So you have to be very cautious when you are out, you have to smile and greet everybody. “Atimes, they will walk up to you and say, I’ve bought your movie, I must collect money from you. But they don’t know it’s not like that, so I don’t blame them. It’s the situation in the country. “People will want to collect money from you all the time. They’ll watch a movie that I’ve acted in several years ago, that I’ve collected my money even before going on set, I’ve spent the money, you’ll now see me and say because you watched so-so movie, I must give you money, so I’ll say okay, take what I have. But we don’t give all the time. Only if you approach us sensibly, then we respond sensibly.”
“(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.
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
Studying in America has made me a better filmmaker —Eyaba
Eyaba
M
ovie director and producer, Emmanuel Eyaba, is one Nollywood personality who has been privileged to go and study filmmaking in America. Now, he says that “studying filmmaking in America changed my total orientation on how we made films. I am more detailed in my work now. A good script starts from the story, the script, and the cast, down to the
interpretation of the characters. So I try to infuse all of these elements into my work now.” Adding that he has created a platform where he shares the knowledge he got with the younger generation “so that the industry can improve,” he concluded that he also intends to set up a film school and TV station soonest so as to be able to “help Nollywood grow the way it really should.”
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Style & Glam
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
Fo r t h e yo ung at he art
le StyGlam
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and
with Yemisi Adeniran
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(08037801158) ydiran@yahoo.com
asuals, though the most used and common category of fashion, has transformed itself with this passing time. No longer is it what it used to way back in the early 80s. It has become more trendy and smart in this modern world. Casual wear is the dress code which emphasises comfort and personal expression over presentation and uniformity. While some interpret it as some T-shirts on jeans, others will rather have it in some skimpy or weird styles of desired fabric. The best update of this ‘fashion’ in any case, is always kept by the youth and the young at heart. For Sisiano, a Nigerian label, casuals are simply the beginning of fashion. “It has currently gone beyond the old western wear to the versatility of the Ankara and other fabrics of their choice,” she said. Just check the models out.
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Style & Glam
ooking glamorous depends strictly on your level of creativity. It goes with a good choice of fabric, a friendly colour of material on your skin colour plus a candid understanding of your figure frame and shape. With a creative mind, you ca combine two or more of these fabrics and make a style that will enhance your endowment and hide your figure flaws. Your choice of style may be body hugging, billowy or long and free flowing. Many people make the common mistake of thinking that wearing a long and flowing material will make them look less desirable, so, they stick to the skimpy wears. This is wrong. Choosing a flowing material that flows away from the body does not only allow increased air circulation into the body, it also adds to its wearer a rare elegance and sophistication that is found amidst queens and princesses. For a dramatic look, you may make the upper part of your dress strappy form with a closed-necked shape or halter-neck, spaghetti, sleeveless, empire, off shoulder, mono-strap or any kind of beautiful sleeve that you feel will stand you out of any crowd. A soft or sheer material will also give you that alluring and stylish appearance you desire. Cotton materials of Ankara, linen or brocade are also good choices any day. Remember to pair your outfit with heels can be a wedge, platform or a stiletto. Make it very colourful and you will be hot on the run.
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
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Fashion
Today’s
Fashion
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n frenzy
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
glamour
n frenzy
Style & Glam
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G Fashion Guest ‘Why I take my time to dress’ Ekunwe Eniola Stephanie Efe is a graduate of Accounting.She, however, loves to make greater exploits in the world of fashion. She tells YEMISI ADENIRAN all about this in this close-up. What’s your view about fashion and style?
Fashion is that dressing style, fashion accessory and mode of style that is hot on the fashion scene. But style, as far as I am concerned is that peculiar way of dressing of an individual. It is a person’s way of style, her signature if you like and her method of appearance and doing things generally. This can also be relevant in other things other than fashion.
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
More evidence based health and nutrition tips Continued from last week
17. Don’t fear saturated fat The “war” on saturated fat was a mistake. It is true that saturated fat raises cholesterol, but it also raises HDL (the “good”) cholesterol and changes the LDL from small to large, which is linked to a lower risk of heart disease. New studies that included hundreds of thousands of people have shown that there
benefits. You should make an effort to include as many different herbs and spices as you can. Many of them can have powerful beneficial effects on your health. 21. Take care of your relationships Social relationships are incredibly important, not only for your mental wellbeing, but your physical health as well. Studies show that people who are close with friends and family are healthier and live much longer than
So, what’s your style?
My style is elegant and outstanding. It is anything I wear that draws an applause from others. It is that which gives me another look from a reasonable person. I love to be cheered anywhere I go, so I take my time to dress well. Most ladies don’t know how to draw the line between an appealing look from a distasteful look from others. How do you think they can be helped?
I think ladies should begin to take their time to consider the kind of message that a look from someone else tries to say. They should not be in a hurry to conclude or defend their appearance. This will go a long way in helping them to evaluate their appearance and improve where necessary or intensify where needed. Who are your role models?
Watching Naomi Campbell while I was in secondary school greatly inspired me. Oluchi Orlandi is another role model I treasure so much. What part of your physical attributes do you cherish most?
My greatest assets are my legs. I love my legs, they stand me out wherever I go
is NO link between saturated fat consumption and heart disease. 18. Lift heavy things Lifting weights is one of the best things you can do to strengthen your body and improve your body composition. It also leads to massive improvements in metabolic health, including improved insulin sensitivity. The best approach is to go to a gym and lift weights, but doing body weight exercises can be just as effective. 19. Avoid artificial trans fats Artificial trans fats are harmful, man-made fats that are strongly linked to inflammation and heart disease. It is best to avoid them like the plague. 20. Use plenty of herbs and spices There are many incredibly healthy herbs and spices out there. For example, ginger and turmeric both have potent antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects, leading to various health
those who are not. 22. Get rid of excess body fat Not all body fat is equal. It is mostly the fat in your abdominal cavity, the belly fat, that causes problems. This fat builds up around the organs, and is strongly linked to metabolic disease. For this reason, your waist size may be a much stronger marker for your health than the number on the scale. Cutting carbs, eating more protein, and eating plenty of fiber are all excellent ways to get rid of belly fat. 23. ...but don’t go on a “diet” Diets are notoriously ineffective, and rarely work well in the long term. In fact, “dieting” is one of the strongest predictors for future weight gain. Instead of going on a diet, try adopting a healthier lifestyle. Focus on nourishing your body, instead of depriving it. Weight loss should follow as a natural side effect of better food choices and improved metabolic health.
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NOVEMBER 7, 2015
Male Essentials
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08036961187
with Oseyiza Oogbodo kingseiza@gmail.com
9 top ways to attract women
W
omen are attracted to men for a number of reasons. Tastes vary on an individual-by-individual basis, but research shows that women in general tend to prefer certain traits in men. The good news: Some of these traits are within your control. The bad news: Some of them are not. This is why there’s whiskey. 1. Piercings, tattoos, and scars: According to the evolutionary “handi-cap” theory, men who are physically healthy and have good genes can afford to take part in risky behaviour involving needles, ink and katana swords. Think of it as your body’s way of showing off for prospective mates. 2. Money, money, money ... money: A study by evolutionary psychologist David
Buss found that women from 37 cultures around the world value high earning potential and good financial prospects in a partner. Even Zambia ladies love a sugar daddy. 3 A deep voice: Women value physical symmetry because it’s a sign of good health and good genes for the screaming hordes of babies they plan to make with you. The deeper a man’s voice, the more likely he is to be symmetrical. Just the way it is. 4 Height: Tall men make more money and have more babies. Short men try to conquer Europe. 5 A V-shaped torso (hit the gym): If you look like you row, swim, or moonlight as a superhero, women dig your body. If you’re shaped like a Family Guy character, they do not. 6 Sense of humour: Dr. Cindy M. Meston says that women like men who make them laugh. Men, she says, prefer women who laugh at their jokes. 7 Her past (how you remind her of it): Women create a mental love map of their romantic life based on past experiences. It starts to form at age eight. This explains why you never had a chance with that little red-headed girl. 8 Smell: There is no single most-attractive scent, but studies show that women can smell symmetry, just like they can hear it. This is why you should not mask your natural scent with body spray, Mr. The Situation. 9 Confidence (have it): Few women are attracted to wimpy guys and most women are not attracted to arrogant jerks. Real confidence is the ability to switch between bravado and humility without worrying about appearing vulnerable.
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Angle
Male
Jide animashaun 08034710902 jidemashaun@yahoo.com
What if your partner g
Very dicey
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mmm…secrets and scandals right? You may be right about that. But then you may also be very wrong. But like it’s been said in several popular songs, if there are no secrets, there will be no scandals. Most times relationships end with acrimony and we mostly don’t even want to be reminded of that person. Relationships are tricky enough with just two people involved so imagine how delicate the balancing act becomes when your ex is still in the mix. An ex is the last person we want to have hovering around our new relationship. And whether it’s because of mutual friends, work, children or difficulty letting go, exes are a fact of life for many couples. The truth is that even if you try to forget differences and remain friends, it is really very dicey and almost impossible to allow your new partner be too close to an ex though being civil with an ex is good if you can cope with it. Of course, in an ideal world it’s nice to think of staying on good terms with those you’ve once had a relationship with and allowing them to become close friends with your current partner will not be a big deal. That’s got to be better than holding grudges and bearing malice while vowing revenge for a love gone sour. But if we really want to be realistic in this hobbesian world of ours where everything is solitary, poor, nasty and brutish, allowing your current partner becoming friends with your ex-partners is actually quite dangerous, perhaps because it is so difficult for an ex not to be sneaky in divulging a secret or revealing an opinion that may not be flattering to us. So can an ex, who knows so many intimate things about you, be ‘just a close friend’ to your current partner without you feeling a little insecured? Surely, no matter how understanding our current partner is, there can’t be many who wouldn’t feel extreme disquiet at the spectre of a previous partner lurking in our background. Any fledgling relationship trying to cope with be-
ing a threesome surely faces an uncertain future is my take on this no matter what anyone else says or believes. You just can’t change my mind on this. But of course in some instances you have no choice but to make the best you can of your relationship with your ex. If you’ve had children together, then your partner may need to work together with the ex to make sure your relationship benefits them, but that shouldn’t jeopardise your chances of future happiness with a new partner. I know it seems as if my reaction to the discussion may be a little drastic or an overreaction and that there may actually be a lot of good if my ex is close to my new partner, but my fear is basically hinged on the fact that “hell hath no fury than a woman scorned”. A lot of women have the urge to question the strength of a new relationship vis-à-vis what they may have experienced with you in the past and the unhealthy baggage being carried by your ex flame shouldn’t be dumped on your new beau. And if we really want to be truthful, we will know that it’s hard not to be worried sometimes. But we should also be careful not to be too paranoid about our insecurities or allowing them influencing our new relationship. Finally, how can a man keep perspective of the situation and not be unduly insecure about one’s partner getting too close to an ex or even getting unduly jealous of any relationship that may develop between the new partner and the ex when the ex is really supposed to be a faint shadow of a memory in one’s past? As I’ve already said on another article in this same column, every man indeed sees his ex as a hunting ground he can always go back to and if we’re to be truthful to ourselves, assuming the situation arises, he most likely will not hesitate to dip his hands back in the proverbial cookie jar because there’s really all that latent emotion and affection that was once shared, lurking below the horizon of new found civility that cannot be wished away with words of reassurance that there can never be anything again like a sexual liaison between them.
SEX TALK
This column is x-rated
Is bigger/longer always better?
Z
amfara housewife, Aisha Dannupawa, has prayed a Shariah Court to dissolve her one-week marriage to husband, Ali Maizinari, because his penis is “too big.” She told the court, “We had sex but the experience was a nightmare.” It turns out bigger is not always better! The housewife and mother-of-three, asked for her marriage to husband Ali Maizinari to be dissolved due to his large manhood. Their divorce was granted after just one week of marriage in a Court in Zamfara State. She told the court how she married Maizinari after her first marriage failed. As part of the local tradition, before settling into her husband’s home the bride was invited to move into his parents’ house. But she claims trouble started when the couple first had sex. She says, “We had sex but the experience was a nightmare. Instead of enjoying the sex, it turned out to be something else, because his penis was too big,” she told the court. After their first unsuccessful attempt at making love, she took medication given to
her by her mother. “I told my mother the experience but she told me to endure and that with time, I will be able to cope. She then gave me some drugs.” The couple had sex again but it was ‘too much to bear’ and the couple concluded that no drug could help their sex life or their marriage. ‘Mr. Endowed’ did not deny the accusation and told the court he was willing to dissolve the union if his dowry and money spent during the courtship was paid back – approximately N60, 000! How long is long enough? The average length of an erect penis is 5.2 inches (13.12 cm), according to a report released this week. Experts plotted graphs showing the size distribution of the length of the average penis when flaccid, flaccid but stretched and erect. The graph showed that the average length of a flaccid penis is 3.6 inches (9.16 cm) and 5.2 inches (13.24 cm) when flaccid but stretched.
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Female
Angle
JACQUI IWU 08165049669 email: amiicaregroup@aol.com
gets close to your ex?
Don’t get too close
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This column is x-rated How big is big enough? And when it comes to girth, the average erect circumference, according to the graph, is 4.6 inches (11.66 cm) and 3.7 inches (9.31 cm) when flaccid. 8 little-known facts about penis size • The vast majority of men have more than enough bulk and length to do a damn good job! • Only 15 percent of men are over 7 inches, and only three percent are over 8 inches. • Girth, not length, matters for one-time partners. Larger girths tend to bring the clitoris closer to the vagina during sex, which is believed to help women achieve orgasms. Very important in one-time sex where there are no second chances! • A penis in proportion with the male body is much more desirable by women. A man’s confidence, enjoyable personality, and attraction are strong predictors for sexual satisfaction, and they weigh far higher than disproportionate penis size. • Penis anxiety doesn’t correlate with penis size. No matter how well-en-
This column is x-rated dowed men are, they are likely to experience penis anxiety when they have opportunities to compare body parts with other men. Penis anxiety is highest among older men, which insecurity could derive from fears about physical ability to perform. • Germany has the most penis enlargement procedures. Venezuela, Spain and Mexico follow Germany as the countries with the most penis enlargement operations. • Plain truth is there is no scientifically proven way to increase penis size. A big belly can touch the base of the penis and actually make it look smaller. Losing belly fat will help make your penis look bigger in size. • You cannot predict penis size without looking at the penis. Scientists have tried, to no avail, to connect the size of men’s penises to the size of their feet, noses, thumbs, earlobes, and index fingers. A 2006 study tested the belief that people of small physique and flat buttocks are likely to have long penile lengths but found that penile length has no relationship with physique.
here are people who after dating/courtship marry different people and still be friends. One thing people must understand is that not every relationship must end in marriage. If only a man and a woman who are attracted to each other can have a decent relationship of not involving sex, then people will not be feeling so bad and cheated when they seperate. People always get in tangled with sex even in a relationship that means nothing to them and by the time one partner gets tired and want out, the other person feels bad and cheated. For today’s topic, if it is in a situation where a man and a woman had a decent relationship that never involved them having sex, they split and marry someone else, you will discover that when ever they meet, they will always feel respect for each other and in this case, nothing stops them from relating with each other. You do not have to feel insecure but just be vigilant. Insecurity should not come in here because, if when these two people who are not married to different people were courting each other, they never messed up by having sex, they will even respect themselves more now that they are married. You will also discover that most times, men and women who are strictly friends benefit from each other very much. Yea, if you happen to have a man or woman as a friend and you are not the type that has no issues about dreaming of sleeping with him/ her, you tend to understand exactly what good friendship means. There is always this mutual understanding and respect and you tend to understand each other pretty much. When the other person is having problems, it is always easy to relate and get your problems solved by the other friend. If your partner is close to his/ her Ex, what you do first is to find out what kind of relationship they had before you met. Why did they split? Did they split amicably or quarrelled bitterly? Who dumped each other? Some answers to these questions will help you know if be-
ing close to his/her Ex. means anything serious this time around or they are just hello—hello friends. In a situation where the person you marry was forced and taken away from his/her Ex, i bet you there is need for you to now worry. Listen folks, this type of marriages where you mama, papa, culture and all those crap forces you to marry whom you do not love hardly last. If you pull a young lady away from the man she was in love with and force her marry another person just because you feel the one she love is not suitable for her, any day she runs into her Ex. the husband is in hot soup. Do you blame her? After all, she was forced to marry someone she did and still does not feel deep love for. Same is applicable to men. Infact, men fall to this easily. Once it is a woman they love so much and one family bullshit forced him to marry another person, once he runs into that old flame, he is bound to rekindle it secretly. Men are known to be allowed to have secret...this days it is even open extra marital affairs. Just try to stop them and you will be thrown out that house. So here now, if you are married to such a man and he suddenly starts getting close to an EX. he was forced to abandon who happens to be still single, it is only the hammer of God that can stop him from having an intimate relationship with her. Women most times can control themselves due to the societal shame of a woman being married and still dating other men but men hardly control or draw a line here. So it depends on the cricumstances of what happened with you and your EX. before you part ways. Let me also say here that it is better to avoid getting close in the first place with your Ex. because, most men hardly know when to draw a line here. Most men also can hardly differenciate between a friend and a lover when dealing with women so just do not get close at all!!!! The deed was already done...you parted ways...found new partners..so deal with your mistake and face the consequences!!!
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WOMAN ‘Selfishness is the enemy of successful marriage’ Mrs. Ngozi Ukpai was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. However, life became tough and unbearable for her when her father took a second wife. Now a retired Micro Biologist and a businesswoman of international repute, she is fulfilled because God has given her a home of her dreams. She told JULIET UMEH how she survived her tough childhood, the key to a successful home and the reasons for rampant divorce in our society. How would you describe your childhood? My childhood was not too eventful. Growing up was interesting actually with just my mum and dad. We had that real family until my father took a second wife and the family became polygamous. With the usual characteristics of most polygamous homes, the closeness in the family became history. We were forced to identify with our mother only while our father faced the new wife. From that moment onwards, it was no longer interesting to be at home because there were quarrels always. Going to school was a bit rough too. My father was quite wealthy but because of the situation at home, he didn’t care about us. My mother struggled to bring us up. Luckily for me, during my secondary school years, former governor of Lagos state gave us free education. So I was able to go through secondary education at Reagan Memorial Girls Baptist Secondary school at Sabo Yaba, Lagos. After secondary school, I attempted to get to the University but my father frustrated our plans for two years. I decided to do it without informing him, because each time we filled the form and gave it to him to send to JAMB office, he would collect it and put it in his drawer and made sure it didn’t go anywhere. When we discovered this, we put him aside, I applied and I got admitted. I read Micro Biology at the then Anambra State University Science and Technology. It wasn’t easy passing through that school
because it was a state school. It was quite expensive and I had no sponsor. My mother was very supportive. She did all she could, she sold her wrappers, sewing machine, and her gold jewelries to make sure I went to school. Even all that she sold was not enough. Sometimes, I had to borrow and some of the monies I borrowed I paid them back after my Youth Service year. Sometimes, help came from fellowship and friends. It was rough but the Lord helped me.
What were your childhood dreams and how much of them are you living today? Initially, I wanted to study Aeronautical engineering, but I gave up that plan, I thought I could also read medicine; I still had to give it up because every attempt to be admitted didn’t work. At the end, I ended up reading Micro Biology. Before I met Christ, I thought having a peaceful family was impossible. I even thought of avoiding marriage totally. All these however changed with Jesus Christ
in my life. One of the desires I had was to raise a happy home and I have achieved that by the grace of God. I have a loving husband and obedient children. So, I can boldly say that this particular dream of mine has been achieved. Another dream I had was to be a businesswoman. I wanted to make money and the Lord is helping me in this regard. Right now, I am a successful businesswoman. What kind of legacies would you say your parents left for you that are guiding you? I can’t pin point any legacy that my father left for me. As far as my growing up is concerned, I had no lessons to learn from him. But I learnt from my mother never to give up easily on life. She taught me to try all I can to save any bad situation. Even though her marriage wasn’t fun, she did not abandon it till date. She also taught me to be humorous; she is a very humorous person. How did you meet your husband and what was the attraction? I met my husband during my Youth Service in 1988. We were together in the same fellowship serving the Lord.. I loved his faith, his commitment to the Lord. But before that, I will say the Lord brought us together. This is because the Lord told me on the very first day I saw him that he would be my husband. I was already seated in the fellowship being one of the first people that came; he was still at the door trying to close the door. I just saw his back trying to close the door when the Lord told me that this is your husband. That was how it happened. I have prayed about marriage and I told the Lord certain things. I told the Lord that when the man would come, He should let me know because I have had disappointments before that time. I told the Lord I am tired of praying and I don’t want anybody to deceive me anymore. But I kept it to myself and three years later, we got married. How long have you been married and what is the secret of your successful home? We will be 25 years by March next year. And God is the secret of our successful marriage. Our trust in the Lord has helped us this far. Before we got married, as Christians, we studied marriages in the Bible to know how they handled their successes and failures financially, in child bearing and in raising children. We learnt quite a lot of lessons from them bearing in mind to apply the lessons and we did. What do you think are some of the reasons marriages break before they are made? One of the reasons is that not many made Christ the foundation of their marriages. That’s not to say that broken homes
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Civilization actually is not supposed to be breaking our marriages, but for the way people swallow everything they learn.
We are in the information age, but you don’t need to swallow all the information you get hook, line and sinker. do not happen among Christians. But when you look closely, the reason for those breakages, you will discover that people are not giving the Lord the central place in their home. People are still self-centered; when one is self- centered there would be problem because marriage is not just about you or what you want but about us. When you talk of us, you are talking about God, your husband and yourself. People are looking at what they would get from marriage not what they will give. Love is all about giving, that is how God love us. It is all about giving unconditionally. If you have unconditional sense of giving, your marriage will work. Even if you are married to the worst man on earth, there will still be a way around it. God has given marriage two keys to work, the key of love and submission. What role do you think civilization is playing in this? Civilization actually is not supposed to be breaking our marriages, but the way people swallow everything they learn. We are in information age but you don’t need to swallow all the information you get hook, line and sinker. In situation where women are meant to believe that they can rule over a man maybe because they have money, this can damage a home. God has given a woman her position likewise a man. So where that order is distorted, there could be problem. When you are comparing your home with other people’s home forgetting that you are two different people with different missions, there could be problem. What’s your advice to the youths, parents and society as a whole to make the situation better? Youths shouldn’t jump into marriage. Before you decide to get married, it is important that you first of all, ask yourself if you are prepared for the marriage. This is because many people always paint the picture of who they want to marry long before their spouses come. It is good to have those desires but are you prepared to be the kind of husband or wife to that kind of person you desire too? Then, to the parents, they should bring up their children to be responsible wives and husbands. Their children should be trained to know how to cook, run home chores and deal with other people. Some people have house helps in the home; they therefore disregard training their own children. They often fail to give thought to the kind of homes their daughters may end up with. It is possible that the husband may be unable to provide them with all the necessary support and conveniences they have been used to. It is important to prepare them for tomorrow. Most of our parents prepared us; unfortunately, parents of today are not preparing their children for tomorrow. Then the society is not helping matters. The society today is making people to feel that unless you have so much money you cannot marry. The flamboyance involved in weddings make people to feel that if they
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have little they cannot go into it. In our own days, with almost nothing we were able to wed. But the demand of the society is so much on the youths of today and this is making life very difficult for them. The same society makes them feel that marriage is not a lifelong thing, if you go and it’s not good for you, you jump out. That’s the picture painted for them today. This was not so in our own time those days, you are regarded as unworthy if you are thrown out of your home. It is however not a big deal today. A man can throw out his wife and pick up another woman and the woman coming in will not ask what made the other woman leave. As a woman leader in the church, how easy is it leading fellow women? It is not an easy thing to lead human beings because the human species is created to be intellectually high; they are not like animals that can be easily tamed. Besides, we have diverse personalities so it is not too easy to lead any set of human being. This is why we need leadership skills. It helps to reach out to fellow human beings, lead them and they will listen to you. How do you combine your leadership role in the church with your business and your home? Women are created to be able to do many things at the same time. I don’t see any difficulty in it especially now that my children are all out of the house, it is not a problem. I prepare all my foods at the weekend and keep them in the refrigerator because I travel a lot for business. Even when I have to travel, I make all the preparations to make sure my home does not suffer. And even when I’m out I keep contact with the home. For the church, I’m in contact with all the women and we speak a lot. The church where I belong, we have a lot of working class women and most of our programmes are fixed on weekends. What is style to you and what is that fashion item you cannot do without? I wouldn’t see myself as a very fashionable person. But my husband has eyes for good things and he makes sure I have them. One thing I do is that whatever I have I make sure I use them. There were days when I didn’t have them, so now that I have them I use them. As a Christian, I don’t go to clubs or parties, the only place I go often are businessmen fellowship and church, and to those places, I wear what I have. Talking about the fashion item that I cannot do without, there’s none that I cannot do without. If I have them I use them. When I was growing up or even in our early years of marriage we didn’t have much so, I learnt to do without many things. Like today, I hear women say if you don’t have new cloth you cannot dedicate a child that to me is rubbish. I dedicated three children with the same clothe because that was what I had. I can adapt to any situation because of the challenges I have passed through when I was growing up.
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Keeping ABREAST
Colourful costumes stun as Miss Venezuela is crowned Miss International
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rom fake eyelashes and feathers to bikinis and catsuits, the Miss International beauty pageant took place on Thursday, and it did not disappoint. In its 55th year, the contest was held at the Grand Prince Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, with representatives from 70 countries and regions taking part. Miss Venezuela Edymar Martinez was crowned Miss International 2015, despite stiff competition - particularly in the national costume section, with the women wearing everything from Miss India’s Taj Mahal-inspired outfit to the USA’s skin-tight astronaut catsuit. Wearing an elegant white dress glittering with sequins and pearls, Edymar smiled through happy tears and hugged herself as she was presented with her crowning glory. The
pearl-dotted, red velvet and fur trim crown and an embroidered white cloak were placed on Edymar by the 2014 winner, a smiling Valerie Hernandez Matias from Puerto Rico. Miss Venezuela was also elected Miss Perfect Body thanks to her slim, toned physique which she showed off in a navy blue bikini with diamante-studded straps and strappy PVC high heels. The South American beauty wore her long brown hair in soft curls, while her stylishly thick brows framed her smokey eyes and pink lip gloss highlighted her perfect teeth. A highlight of the pageant was the national costume stage, where the beauties were asked to wear an outfit inspired by their home country. It was Miss Venezuela, though, who was crowned Miss International 2015.
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Parenting
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How to win your daughter’s heart Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression
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ost mothers run into conflicts with their daughters as soon as they come of age. Meanwhile this is not supposed to be so as the two of them are supposed to be closely knit in love. Here are most causes for conflicts between the two and ways to sort them out:
Avoid critical remarks
Some girls often complain about their mothers’ making critical remarks about them. Although its a mother’s prerogative, if not her obligation, to make sure her daughter looks her best, she is expected to be mild in her comments on their appearances. One good way to go about your observation is to let them see the good part of your remarks and not only the critics. For instance, if a mother prefers that her daughter change a particular dress probably because it makes her look much of a whore, she should employ a permissible language otherwise, the girl might be put off or see her as wicked and an old school. You must try as much as possible not to be harsh and mean in your criticism, that way, she would appreciate you and your advice. Be careful not to despise the power of praise.
Listen and respect what she has to say Whenever there is an issue of
discussion between you and your daughter, learn to listen to whatever she has to say and her own side of the discussion. If it is on relationships, learn to consider her feelings before making your comments. If you are too hasty and edgy, your action might present your intention negatively to her. If you will choose to criticize her on her choice of career, friends and opinion without considering her feelings, you may end up pushing her off you. Let them have it their way too though not all the time. They would appreciate it if you consider their choices too. A good way is to find a good time to talk with them. They usually have things to say but might be put back if you are too busy to listen to them. Make them understand that you are accessible. You shouldn’t wear a look of disapproval when your daughter walks up and says “Mom, there’s something really important I want to talk to you about” Give them a consent, and don’t rebuff them even though you have too many things to think about as well.
Don’t choose her friends
Let her visit friends especially those that you know she really likes. Don’t choose friends for your daughters because these friends are those they share their intimate feelings with when they find them too confidential to share with you. Not only that, encourage her friends to keep coming and don’t always appear too harsh when her friends her
Parenting
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10-year old girl who was a victim of se.xual abuse has made a shocking confession, saying that she cannot do without having s.ex with men daily. She narrated how an old man, who was their neighbour at Mile 12, Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, lured her into sex at seven and since then she cannot resist having sex everyday. The primary two pupil said if she did not see any man to have sex with her in her area, she would go to a popular under bridge at Mile 12 Lagos and beg for sex from touts. She said she came from Enugu state to Lagos to live with her aunt after the death of her father. Her case has become so serious that she had to
around looking for her, it destroys their friendship eventually because they would end up talking about how unwelcoming you were when they visited your daughter. When you see a friend with a bad trait, don’t chase them yourself, talk to your daughter about him or her later instead of calling your daughter to the room when the friend is still around. Talk to her about the friend you don’t like and give reasons for your disapproval, you would be surprised that your daughter would come home one day and say “ Mom, I’m no longer friends with so so person, I found out that he pretends.” That’s because she has taken time to study him after your comment.
sit her down and explain things though not in a way that would speak ill of the father anyway. Most mothers seem to believe that their own childhood was normal, and so try to impose their childhood norms on their children. You can’t possibly
build her into a wonderful woman that way. It is good to ensure always that the communication gap between you and your daughter is filled. With that, you would have a long lasting relationship that you’ve always wished for.
Tiny Feet
Do not try to incite her against her father
A daughter may believe that her mother is a victim of a bad father, and sympathize with her mother. If a daughter supports her mother’s criticism of her father, they may feel more closely bonded which is wrong. As an adult, the daughter may unconsciously seek a partner, who is like her perception of her father, and treat him in much the same way as her mother treated her father and drag her own children into the fight. But going by the reverse, if your daughter supports her father in any of your conflicts with each other, do not try to paint her father black, if you do, you will be influencing orientation and this might make a distance between the two of you. Instead,
NAME: Rahma Olayiwola BORN TO: Mr. and Mrs. Olayiwola AGE: 8 days BIRTH WEIGHT: 3.5 kg Have you just had a baby? Send a picture of your bundle of joy to mirrorbabies@gmail.com
Confession of 10-year-old girl: Update ‘I cannot do without sex daily’
be referred to an NGO, Community Health Support and Empowerment Initiative, COHSAEI, which has taken up the challenge to rehabilitate her. The little girl said she was lured into sex by a man she called Baba who lived with her aunt in the same compound. She said the man (Baba) usually called her to his apartment whenever his wife and her aunt were not around and will put his finger inside her private part. “He will tell me to come back home immediately our school closes and when I reach home he will be waiting for me to finger my honeypot,” she narrated.
She said with time he started having real sex with her. She said when the man that initiated her into it moved out of their area, she resorted to meeting other men in the area without her aunt knowing. She said she has become addicted to sex and cannot do without it. “When I desire sex and I do not see anybody to do it in my area, I
will go under the bridge and beg the touts to do it for me,” he said. Her predicament came when she confessed to her teacher what she was going through after the teacher noticed some abnormal behaviour in her. The teacher contacted her aunt who contacted an NGO for assistance.
The programme coordinator of the NGO, Mrs. Priscilla Ingbia, noted that her case was very pathetic because of her age. She said her group took up the challenge to rehabilitate her because it was clear if nothing was done urgently her future was in danger. She said her organisation has started the process of rehabilitating her by carrying out series of tests on her to ascertain her health conditions. Ingbia stressed the urgent need to relocate her from her present environment and start a new life for her. She said her organisation has not been able to do so because of the financial cost of doing so. PMNews
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
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
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bukola.oyetunji@gmail.com. +2347012974472
My wife neglects me sexually Dear Bukola, hen I met my wife 15 years ago, we were so active sexually that we couldn’t get enough of each other. The first 3 years of our marriage was highly funfilled that I longed for her even when at work. 8 years into our marriage, our sex life became unimportant to her anymore, which was when she started managing to satisfy me because I could notice she was not totally enjoying it like she used to. Now in our 10th year of marriage (we are blessed with 3 children), she has finally stopped allowing me to touch her. She even went as far as moving to a separate room early this year. I think I have tried all my best to bring us back on the same page sexually but she is not cooperating. I still love her as always and can’t stop craving for her but the more I show this, the more she pushes me away. I feel so neglected because my sexual urge is still as strong as when we first met and I do not want to cheat on her…. Help me out before I do something bad! Dear sexually neglected, his issue you wrote about is one of the common complaints of couples that have stayed together for a long period. According to research, women lose interest
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Dear Bukola, am a 20 year old guy from a very wealthy family. I finished my secondary school 3 years ago. Since then I have tried gaining admission into the higher institution to no avail. It’s not like I am a dullard but it’s just not happening for me. My disciplinarian father wants me to go to school by all means but I think it is better for me to learn a trade or craft so that I can start up my own business. My dad has enough money to start me up but he insists I must go to school. I don’t want to go to school anymore (maybe later). What I want now is to
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in sex over time, while men rarely do.Differences in levels of hormones specifically testosterone, are believed to at least partially explain the decline in a woman’s sex drive. This is partly because for women,the brain is the biggest erogenous zone, and once they get married, the brain stimulation that theyhad before is no longer there because they’re with their husband all the time and there’s no mystery left (I call this the ‘See-Finish Syndrome’) i.e., the mental foreplay that they need is gone. The truth however is that a couple’s sexual problems are actually a reflection of problems in other areas, the reverse is also true. You need to know that women want to feel the romance before they can be interested in sex. Just like men they want their partner to think they are attractive or “HOT.” Your wife has to feel desirable and not just like a sex toy that you run to when you need to satisfy your sex urge. Please note that I am not saying it is your fault your wife stopped having sex with you but I need you to understand that if there are no health reasons, a woman may decide to stop having sex with her spouse because she has some reservations about the man. What you need to do is to make your wife want you. If you make it obvious you
want to have sex whenever you give her some attention, she may be put off. Make your sex life more adventurous. Try new things/sex positions. Take her out to fancy restaurants. Go watch some movies together. Be intimate with her without actually having sex. Little things like holding her hands in public, hugging her tightly, saying ‘I love you’ when she least expects, buying her gifts (not necessarily too expensive), cuddling her while watching the TV together may just put her in the right mood. In other words, give her more attention! Sometimes, fatigue (child-care, work, household chores, stress etc.) puts a woman off sex because it reduces her libido to the barest minimum so it is very important for you to learn how to put her in the mood… She needs to have time to feel relaxed, playful and sexy. This is why she deserves to have some time to take care of herself. The truth is, the problem may actually not be you – She may have a negative self-image that makes her feel less beautiful or desirable. What with the effects of childbirth, fatigue, stress, ageing etc.? Reassure her of how much you still want her by sending her lovely text messages, reminding her of how beautiful she is or how much you love her. Let her know you can’t
I don’t want to go to school make some money of my own. What do you suggest? Please help out. Dear Confused, irstly, I want you to know that education is very important. Your father wants you to go to school because he knows how much it will help you in the trade or craft you may learn. True, we have a lot of people out there that have a Univer-
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sity degree but ended up learning a trade afterwards so as to make ends meet. That still doesn’t mean the degree they have is useless. If you see a well-educated person doing a craft/trade as the case may be, it is usually evident that they went to school because it gives them an edge over those that did not. However, I would only support the idea of you learning a trade/craft if it is for the purpose of not being idle till you gain
have a better woman. That she was sexually active at the beginning of your marriage is a sign that you both need to start doing all the things you did back then, all over again. It’s true the children sometimes come in the way but devise ways through which you can both have time to spend with each other. It is dangerous to take sex out of marriage because when you do, grudges easily have a way to come in… Couples who have sex regularly stay together longer than couples who don’t because sex is adult’s play time so it shouldn’t be toyed with. She also has to move back to your matrimonial room by all means so if you have to beg her, please do. Living separately under the same roof is not healthy for your marriage. Finally, note that when couples have had sex with each other over the course of many, many years, creativity and openness is of utmost importance in keeping things fresh and exciting. You both need to make time out to be together and revive your sex life because it’s an important part of your relationship. Ensure you keep things fun and interesting no matter what. I assure you that if you can do all these things, you wouldn’t be doing anything bad (except with your wife) in a long time! All the best…
admission into the university. You wrote that you may later go for your degree; why not make up your mind to do that now? It is a psychological thing you know? If you want something with your entire mind it makes it easier for you to achieve it… Determination is key. About the admission not happening for you, try to study more. Use the internet to do more research. Go for tutorials and be very devoted to it. Remind yourself always that ‘successful people don’t quit’. Most importantly, listen to your father; he wants the best for you. Cheers!
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NOVEMBER 7, 2015
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divorce court
‘She had affair with my Pastor-friend’
• When my pastor-friend came to Lagos on my invitation for our church programme, I noticed how my wife was admiring him, which made me suspect foul play —Husband
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astor, John Ajayi, has pleaded with an Orile Agege Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve his marriage over his wife’s alleged adultery and desertion. Ajayi, 49, who lives at 22, Erinle Street, Iju Ishaga,
‘My wife is demonic, possessed’
• She behaves strangely sometimes and I wonder what is controlling her —Husband • He is just troublesome —Wife Stories by: Muda Oyeniran
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36-year-old businessman, Mr. OlajideOlanrewaju, has begged Igando Customary Court, Lagos, to dissolve his marriage with his 29 year old wife, Ifeyinwa, accusing her of being demonic and possessed by an unknown spirit. He told the court that he is convinced that his wife of two years is possessed because her recent behaviour did not dispute the accusation. “My wife is demonic, she behaves strange sometime and I wonder what is controlling her” he said. The petitioner also described his wife as a stubborn
woman who neither values nor obey orders and that she always wanted to be in control. According to him, they have done nothing but fight all the time since they married. “Fighting started when my wife puts her name first, on our wedding card, I wanted to cancel the wedding, but our family members intervened,’’ he said. He also alleged that his wife often returned home from work late and when he as ask her to resign, she refused. The petitioner further alleged that his wife moved their son out of his house to an unknown destination without his consent. He, therefore, begged the court to dissolve the union because he was no longer interested in the
union. Meanwhile, the respondent, Ifeyinwa, 29, told the court that Olarenwaju was ill-tempered and always beat her up at the slightest misunderstanding. “My husband turned me into a punching bag, he beats me at will,’’ Ifeyinwa told the court. The respondent also accused her husband of banning her from speaking her Igbo dialect in their home and that she should go and learn Yoruba language. “My husband knows that I am an Ibo lady, and that I do not understand Yoruba before he married me. But he is now fighting me that I should not speak my dialect in his house. “He is just troublesome, that was how he fought me over a trivial issue as
‘I have had no peace of mind since I married him’
• I beg the court to separate us so I can have peace of mind and to be able to take good care of my children —Wife
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n Ile-Ife Customary Court has dissolved the 15-yea marriage between Grace Oladejo and her husband,Moshood over constant beating and lack of care. The President of the court, Mr Ganiyu Awoyera, in his judgment, dissolved the marriage, and ordered that there would be no refund of dowry.
Awoyera awarded custody of the two children to the petitioner, and urged her to take them to government hospital whenever any of them fell sick. He also ordered that the husband should pay N3,000 every month per child for the upkeep of the children as well as take full responsibility for their education.
The court urged both parties to maintain the peace and keep away from trouble henceforth. Grace had on Sept. 2 urged the court to dissolve the marriage for alleged uncooperative attitude and maltreatment. She told the court that they got married in 2000 and the union was blessed with two children namely – Segun, 11,
little as a wedding card carrying my name first. She said that her husband asked her to resign from her job when he was aware of the fact that his job is not stable and that even when she returned from work between 5pm and 6pm, he would still complain that she came home late. According to her, it is her husband’s frequent beatings and stringent laws that made her to relocate to another place with their son. The mother of one pleaded with the court not to dissolve the marriage because she still loved her husband. The President of the court, Mr. A. Hakeem, after hearing the arguments adjourned the case for further hearing. and MofunOluwa , one and half years. The petitioner said that her husband had never cared for her and the children from inception of their marriage, adding that she endured for the sake of her children. “I have no peace of mind since I married him that was the reason why I packed out of his house. “I beg the court to separate us so as to have peace of mind and to be able to take good care of my children,” she pleaded with the court.
near Lagos told the court that his wife, Christiana, left their matrimonial home since 2011. They had been married for 16 years. Ajayi, a father of three, aged between seven and 14 years, told the court that his wife had an affair with his pastor-friend whom he invited for a church programme. “When my pastor-friend came to Lagos on my invitation for our church programme, I noticed how my wife was admiring him which made me to suspect a foul play. “After the pastor had returned to his base in Ibadan, my wife was nowhere to be found in Lagos, so I traced her to Ibadan and met her with the pastor. Ajayi also alleged that Christiana was not taking care of her family. “Before she left finally in 2011, whenever she left the house in the morning, she would only return late in the night, she was not taking care of me and my family. “She would not welcome my family members anytime they come to our house, she did not take care of my mother when she was sick for four years until the woman died. “The worst of it is that she denied me sex before she left but I maintained my integrity not to commit adultery. “I reported her to her mother but instead for my wife to heed the counsel of her mother, she chose to fight me,” he said. Christiana has refused to show up in court for the fifth hearing. The President of the court, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, told the petitioner to maintain the peace, directing the court bailiff to serve the respondent the court order again.
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
‘My father said he saw my wife with another man in a hotel’
divorce court
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• I told my husband that I can no longer live in his parents’ house, because they are the cause of our problem, but my husband refused to listen to me —Wife
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31-year-old husband, Mr Femi Fajuyi, has approached an Ado-Ekiti Customary Court seeking dissolution of his 12-year marriage to his wife, Dupe, over alleged adultery. Femi, who resides at Ita-Eku, off Ado-Ekiti Local Government Secretariat, told the court that he warned his wife against any relationship with his brother’s wife, but she failed to heed his warnings. The plaintiff, also a father of three, alleged before the court that his brother’s wife was introducing his wife to different men. He said that his wife was in the habit of leaving the house and would not return there for days. According to him, there was a day my father told me that he saw my wife with another man coming out from an hotel. Femi said that after then, he told his wife to pack out of his house and she did. He prayed the court to dissolve the marriage and award him the custody of the three children. But the respondent, Dupe, 27, denied the allegations leveled against her, saying her husband wanted her to relocate to his family house, but she
refused. She said that her husband would abandon her and the children for several days without bothering about their welfare. Dupe said that she never patronised any hotel as alleged by her husband; adding that she had to relocate to her aunt’s house when she had a quarrel with her husband. She said that when she returned to her matrimonial home, her husband beat her, broke one of her legs and packed out her belongings. “I told my husband that I can no longer live in his parents’ house, because they are the cause of our problem, but my husband refused to listen to me, “she said. Dupe said that her husband got married to another woman barely a month after she left his house who took custody of her children. She, therefore, prayed the court to grant her the custody of the children namely: Favour, 10, Lekan, 8, and Precious, 3, years respectively. The President, Mrs. Foluke Oyeleye, after hearing from the parties adjourned the case for judgment. (NAN)
‘ I caught my husband fondling my daughter’s breast’
• He left me on the bed and went to meet my daughter on the mat to romance her. After I caught him, I asked my daughter why she did not tell me. She told me that my husband gave her money and told her not to tell anyone —Wife
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mother of four, Yemisi Daramola, has told an Ikorodu Customary Court in Lagos State that her husband was fond of fondling his step-daughter’s breasts whenever she was asleep. The 36- year- old fashion designer then prayed the court to dissolve her 15-year-old marriage to her husband, Babatunde, over the indecent act. The woman, who almost shed tears while narrating her ordeal in court, said that Babatunde used to `touch’ her 19-year-old daughter whom she bore for another man. “I caught my husband touching my daughter’s breasts while she was asleep; he left me on the bed and went to meet my daughter on the mat to romance her. “After I caught him, I asked my daughter why she did not tell me, and she told me that my husband gave her money and told her not to tell anyone. “She also said that was the third time he would be coming to touch her.’’
She also alleged her two sisters in-law used to come to her shop to assault her after she had packed out from her husband’s house because of the dirty act. Yemisi, however, urged the court to separate her from her husband, saying that she did not want her husband to ruin her daughter’s life. The 43-year-old respondent who resides at Oduyebo Street in Ikorodu, Lagos State, confessed to the court that he actually touched his step- daughter. He said that he had, however, begged his wife that such act would not repeat itself. He also begged the court to resolve the differences in their marriage. “Although my wife has left me to live in another man’s apartment, I still want her back’’, Daramola told the court. The President, Mrs Omolara Abiola, ruled that the case be adjourned for further hearing and asked the couple to wait for a chamber discussion. (NAN)
‘She orders my son to beat me up’
• Anytime my wife and I are fighting, she will call my son and order him to beat me up in her presence. There was a day my son threatened to kill me. He brought out a knife with which he attempted to stab me in the stomach —Husband
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66-year-old Pastor, Mr. Vincent Omojeya, has begged an Igando Customary Court in Lagos State to dissolve his 36-year-old marriage to his wife, Mary, 58, accusing her of encouraging his son to drink and smoke Indian hemp with reckless abandoned, and also turning him and other of his children against him. The pastor also said that he did not want to live with his wife again because he doesn’t trust her again, and that she might connive with his son who always drink alcohol and smoke Indian hemp to untimely terminate his life. He told the court that his wife, whom he married 36 years ago, was the one that destroyed his son’s life by not cautioning him anytime he erred. “My wife always ignores my son whenever he does wrong things. He does not sleep in the house anymore, he drinks a lot and smokes Indian hemp heavily in my house and anytime I try to scold him, my wife will not allow me to do that but rather screaming that I should leave her son for her,’’ he said. The Pastor said that Mary was also fond of instigating his children against him, especially his only son to disrespect him. “Anytime my wife and I are fighting, she will call my son and order him to beat me up in her presence. There was a day
my son threatened to kill me, he brought out a knife with which he attempted to stab me in the stomach. He grabbed my neck, but I had to prevent him from stabbing me and in the process the knife cut my hand. “We were taken to the police station where the officers advised me to pack out of the house for my dear life or else my family members will kill me. I have packed out of the house for two years now and rented a room, thus denying myself the comfort of the house I built with my money,’’ he told the court. Omojeya also alleged that his son broke the windscreen of a car he had just bought on hire-purchase while his wife was there watching him. However, the 58-year-old Mary Omojeya, in defence, alleged that her husband was always cursing his family members anytime they offended him using the Holy Bible. “My husband never prays for either of the children or myself, rather he cursed us using the bible and assaulted us over any slight provocation,’’ the mother of five told the court. “My husband has a wire which he always uses to flog me and the children; he always fights with his friends, tenants and church members also. These always lead us to the police station for settlement,’’
she said Mary said that Vincent was an ingrate who was quick to forget that her mother and uncle sponsored the education of their children up to the university level. Then, my husband was always complaining that he did not have money to sponsor our children’s education, she said. Mary said that her husband removed the roof on their flat and disconnected the wire that was supplying electricity to their flat thus throwing them into darkness. She also accused her husband of disconnecting the pipes that supplied potable water to their apartment. The development, she added, left the family with the only option of buying water for domestic purposes from unknown sources and also fetching rain water anytime it rain. She, however, denied the accusation that their son was always fighting his father on her prompting. Mary said that rather, their son was always protecting her from his father whenever my husband was beating me. The respondent, however, begged the court not to grant her husband’s wish for the dissolution of their marriage, saying that she was still in love with her husband. President of the Court, Mr. Hakeem Oyekan, adjourned the case for further hearing.
People
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
N
ot many civilians can say they’ve been to space. But Anousheh Ansari cherishes the memory of her flight as a space tourist to the International Space Station in 2006. The Iranian-American IT entrepreneur made history as the fourth self-funded space traveler, and the first female space tourist. This week, the International Space Station marked the 15-year anniversary of humans continually living on board. It’s been nearly a decade since Ansari’s 12-day voyage, but she clings to the memory of her time up there. “I’m so happy that space is cool now,” she says, of the recent spate of space travel movies like The Martian, Interstellar and Gravity. She’s usually first in line at the box office too, because she wants to keep the memory of her space voyage alive. “These movies take me back to my experience, and I get so absorbed. I watch them in IMAX, 3D, all that.” Ansari is so enraptured by space that together with her brother-in-law, Amir Ansari, she funded the Ansari X Prize for space exploration in 2004. That prize led to Richard Branson’s space tourism company, Virgin Galactic, which plans to use an updated version of SpaceShipOne — the space plane that won the X Prize — to bring paying customers to suborbital space and back. Ansari, her husband Hamid, and brother-in-law built a telecoms company that sold for $1.2 billionin 2000. She paid an estimated $20 million to go to space. Before liftoff, she spent some seven months training at Star City, a cosmonaut training center in Russia. “It was full-time, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and one of the coldest winters,” she says. Besides some basic Russian classes, she went through psychological tests, zero-gravity training and hours in pressure chambers. At the end of the training, candidates get put through a test with a random system failure, to see how they can handle emergencies, she says. “That’s why I think Matt Damon’s character in “The Martian” is quite realistic. Maybe he was a little too calm, but pro astronauts do switch from the initial panic mode to problem solving quickly,” she says. Watching the Earth rotate, she had a few favorite albums with her, some from U2, some classical, and most from Sting, she says. “It’s like a symphony, with the lights changing and watching the terminator (or twilight zone) move across the Earth as day changed to night.”
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Meet the first female space tourist
Watching
the E arth rotate , is like a symphony , with the lights changing and watching the terminator ( or twilight zone ) move across the E arth as day changed to night Those moments provided a calming meditation for her, she says. “It’s great to unplug and be totally disconnected. But I wish I had access to Google or Wikipedia when I was there though. I think we all compulsively look up Google for everything, and it would’ve been nice to have.” The luxury of having Google at your fingertips is one she hopes to help extend to rural parts of the world. These days, Ansari spends half her time visiting Rajasthan, where her company, Prodea — also founded with her husband and brother-in-law — is
installing Internet-connected boxes to turn TVs into devices that rural families can use to access the web. “We talk about last-mile access such as Facebook planes and Google balloons, but people in rural parts don’t have the devices to get online,” she says. “I get 4G connectivity in Rajasthan, but very few people have smartphones. Even though you read about smartphone adoption growing, it’s probably just the head of the family getting sole use of the phone, and the women and children don’t,” she says.
The project is about two months in, and she expects 10,000 homes in Rajasthan will have the Prodea devices by year end. And when she isn’t shuttling between her homes in Texas and India, she’s often seen at various charity events. This week, she was in Singapore for a charity ball organized by the Singapore Committee for UN Women (formerly UNIFEM). “My life? Chaos,” she smiles. “But it’s all worth it for a shot to make history again.”
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Infertility
CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK
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s we were saying last week, there are other causes of infertility such as over functioning or under functioning thyroids, excessive prolactin production etc. that may also lead to infertility As funny as this may sound, cases have been reported where, couples were unable to achieve pregnancy simply because the husband doesn’t know where to put ‘’it’’! Other couples simply don’t have regular enough intercourse. In this regard, some couples wait until ‘ovulation’ before having sex. This is wrong as the exact time for ovulation cannot always be predicted by the woman. It is also a fact that sperm cells can stay for at least 72 hours in the woman’s reproductive tract while the released egg will last an average of 24hrs.Therefore, it could be safely assumed that sexual intercourse on alternate days especially around ovulation (12-16 days after the start of the menstrual flow)
is regular enough for couples desiring pregnancy Symptoms: The general symptom of infertility is inability to achieve a pregnancy within twelve months of regular intercourse. However symptoms of the causes may also be evident. For example most women with anovulation may have irregular periods, excessive prolactin may cause the breast to discharge milk and varicocoele may be evident on proper examination of a man in the hospital. Proper diagnosis will help to pin point in majority of cases. Diagnosis: Though no one can promise a 100% success rate in diagnosis and management of infertility, identifying the cause is a first major step in treating it. Diagnosing the cause of infertility also requires a lot of commitment and cooperation between the medical team and the couple. Patience, perseverance, resources and time are required. A situation whereby the husband stays at home
while the wife seeks medical care for infertility is not just unacceptable but greatly reduces the chances of success. Amongst others, four important tests are carried out in diagnosing the cause of infertility. Knowledge of these and the fact that such tests may be done in stages, will perhaps help couples to cooperate fully with medical personnel without getting ‘tired’ of incessant tests and no result. The tests include Ultrasound scan to check the womb Hormonal profile /folliculometry to check for ovulation Hysterosalpingography(HSG) to check for patency of the tubes Semen analysis to check sperm quality and quantity Treatment: The success or otherwise of treatment depends as earlier discussed on the age of the woman, the state of health of both the husband and wife and even the attitude of the partners. Treatment usually is tailored towards the specific needs of individuals
For men, treatment modalities include amongst others: -Antibiotics for infection -Surgery to correct Varicocoele -Medications to correct erectile dysfunction or hormonal imbalance -Treatment of existing chronic diseases In women: -Fertility drugs may be used to stimulate the ovary and induce ovulation -Surgery may be used to correct uterine anomalies -Medications may be given to correct hormonal imbalance And -Chronic diseases may be controlled Artificial Fertilization: This in itself is a topic for another day and will be so treated. Suffice to say here that it is an option many couples are now embracing. In recent times it has also become relatively cheaper and more affordable for those interested in the procedures. This method is to assist couple finding it difficult to achieve pregnancy due to one or more indentified problems. Sperm could be collected for artificial transfer into the female. Eggs may also be collected and fertilized outside or inside the body etc. This method has helped many couples who otherwise would have remained childless to have their own babies. Prevention: to prevent infertility, some of the actions to be taken are: -Avoid or reduce alcohol intake -Quit smoking -Shed weight -Treat sexually transmitted infections timely and properly -Control chronic diseases Women should: -Avoid rigorous exercise that may disrupt the menstrual cycle -Avoid abortion by quacks or totally avoid it. And -Start family earlier than 35yrs if possible Conclusion: Overall, infertility is real and increasing all over the world. But there are proven measures that can be taken in preventing and treating it. If you don’t check you may not find out. As such, every couple finding it difficult to achieve pregnancy, long before bothering their Pastors
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NOVEMBER 7, 2015
TOURISM
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Olokun: Searching for the sea goddess All around Yoruba land, Olokun is celebrated and worshipped, but few people know why. Our correspondent went in search of the goddess. His report.
J
ust entering the cradle of Yoruba land, Ile-Ife in Osun State one comes across a big roundabout. It is in the heart of the University City which is also the source of the Yoruba race. At the centre of the roundabout is a huge golden bust sprouting from the earth. It is called Ori Olokun. Ori in the Yoruba language means head. For many, it is just a replica of one of the famous Ife bronze art celebrated all over the world as one of the legacies of ancient Yoruba art. To others, the figure is also used as a symbol of the Yoruba race especially Ile-Ife, the source. But Ori Olokun is the bust of Olokun, the Yoruba goddess of the sea or ocean and wealth. Why is the bust in Ile-Ife and not in Lagos or Badagry which is closer or nearer to the big water? The Walode of Ile-Ife Chief Kolawole Omotayo, is the Abore (Chief Priest) of Olokun of the Source and he responded: “Olokun is the goddess who gathered all the water of the earth together, at creation, and moved it to its current location – the sea. “At the beginning of life, the earth was formless and filled with water. Olodumare then sent Obatala, his chief orisa, to the world to commence the process of filling it with life. Thus Obatala, armed with igba iwa, descended from heaven through a chain to do the bid of his master. “On his way, however, he came across wine from Igi Olufon. The great orisa could not resist a swig. This he took and could not stop until he got drunk and fell into a deep slumber. Days after, Olodumare was expecting a feedback but Obatala was nowhere to be found to give his Lord the report of his assignment. “Olodumare knew what was happeneing, so He now sent Oduduwa. When Oduduwa got to Obatala, he never woke him up from his drunken stupor but proceeded to collect the igba iwa, Adie elese marun (five-toed
Ori Olokun
Chief Kolawole Omotayo, Walode of Ile-Ife hen) and sand from him. He then pro- earth from flood.” ceeded on the creation course. Hence, A myth. So it sounds. The Iwude did he did as he was bided by Olodumare: not agree. He explained: “The white poured the sand on the water and set men, you know, are very inquisitive. the Adie elese marun loose. It was They traced the path of the sea from Adie elese marun that now scattered Lagos up to Ile-Ife. They came to this the dust on the water. Hence where the Ilode looking for Olokun. Another sand is became land and where it did thing is that any time we hold the not cover became stream, pound, river olokun festival and we offer sacrifice; as the case and size may be. And so life all the articles and things used for the began in Ile-Ife.” sacrifices are always found at the Bar But where did Olokun come in? Beach, Lagos the following day. You The Walode continued: “It got can confirm this anytime the festival to a time when flood threatened to is held. We just held one about two overcome the earth. This was when months ago.” Olokun rose to the rescue of humanShedding more light on the goddess, ity. Right from Ilode, where we stand he continued: olokun is one of the now, the great goddess Olokun be- 201 orisa that descended from heaven gan of drawing all the water togeth- to earth. It is still alive and present er. After this she moved everything among us. It appears to people she through Ilare to a very remote part of wants to see especially members of the earth then which is now the sea of this family. today. That is why everywhere, wher“There are two kinds of water here ever they are, all water still links the on Isalu Aye (earth). The first is Okun sea. So, Olokun, it was who, saved the (Sea) while the other is Osa (River or
the lagoon found in Lagos). The two are here in Ile-Ife. Olokun is for the sea while Osara is for the other. Right now the Osara festival is going on. Olokun is the goddess of the sea while Osara is that of river or lagoon. Olokun gives wealth while Osara is in charge of fruits of the womb. They are both here in Ile-Ife. The reporter’s curiosity grew. Since Olokun could make herself visible to people, he would want to see her. Another of the hierarchy of the Iwude family responded: “It is possible. If it had been some years ago, it would have been almost immediate. The house (shrine) of Olokun was among us then. There she was domiciled always. However, as expansion continued, people started building near her and she kept on withdrawing. There was even a time in the past when some white men on her trail. This made her to further withdraw. When we were much younger, it was very possible especially during the festival. However, the custodians had to do some things for well keep” The Iwude then asked the reporter whether or not he was serious about seeing the goddess. If he were, then, he would have to undergo some rituals; Olokun would make herself visible. In which form? In her normal form of course,” the chief priest of the goddess of wealth assured the reporter. There is a caveat though; people with tribal marks or filthy ones cannot see her. Anyone who did not undergo the necessary rituals would also go blind on seeing her. To her worshippers and adherents, “she is a worthy orisa to be with. Any one worshipping her sincerely does not lack. She bestows on her own favour and wealth. She is called “Olokun seni ade” which means she is in charge of the crowns of kings. Crowns are made of expensive beads. She was in charge of the crown of Oduduwa. “However, her worshippers must not think evil of others. She is a clean goddess. She abhors any kind of filth be it physical or spiritual. No one should go near her just after the act of copulation. She is a female so she detests infidelity. The Olokun also abhors light. No torch should be taken to her shrine. She is worshipped in pitch darkness.” He, however, sympathised with those who worship Olokun in other places. To him, they are ignorant of the source of the goddess. “Sometime in the past, emissary was sent from Badagry to Ile-Ife to seek help in the worship of Olokun.
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NOVEMBER 7, 2015
LEISURE
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From the
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
Civil Service
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Nigeria not losing revenue under auto policy, says official
A
n official of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Luqman Mamudu, says the country is not losing revenue under the automotive policy contrary to speculations in some quarters. He told the newsmen in Abuja on Friday, that the speculations were the handiwork of those still opposed to the policy for their selfish interests. Mamudu, who is the council’s Director of Policy and Planning, said that the policy would boost government revenue, especially with the recent hike in vehicle import tariff. ``Before the NAIDP, the duty on vehicles below 3000 cc was 20 per cent and most vehicles imported into the country fall under this category. ``In the past, only cars above 2000 cc attracted 35 per cent. But with the policy, the duty on all cars is now 35 per cent. ``Commercial vehicles attracted 10 per cent before the policy, but now, all fully built commercial vehicles attract 35 per cent. ``The so called concessionary import granted assemblers is 20 per cent for commercial vehicles and 35 per cent for cars. So, where is the loss of revenue?’’ The director argued that even the duty on semiknocked-down (SKD) kits imported by assemblers for commercial vehicles were in some cases as high as 10 per cent. According to him, only completely-knocked-down (CKD) kits with very high employment potential along with equipment imported to build vehicles attract zero per cent. Mamudu said that the concessions granted to assemblers under the policy were carefully selected to make the industry fairly attractive to local and foreign investors. ``This is a point that the NADDC has tried to explain to other
stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service, especially some individuals in its past management. ``The concessions granted to assemblers were carefully selected to ensure that local and foreign investors find it fairly convenient to invest in a very capital intensive industry. ``This is without loss of revenue to government or excessive increase in prices of products coming out of the assembly plants.’’ He explained further that vehicle assembly at SKD level was a global provision to allow easy entry into the industry by investors.
As investors’ confidence grow in the market, according to him, they then graduate to the labour
intensive operations at CKD level. ``Basic as SKD operations seem, they
represent almost 18 per cent value added for cars and about 60 per cent for commercial vehicles,
especially when you have to build bodies locally,’’ he added. (NAN)
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (3rd right), addressing Government House Correspondents on the Security and Traffic Situation in the State, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Friday, November 06, 2015.
Nigerian airlines in destructive competition –Ex-NAMA boss
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apt. Roland Iyayi, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), on Friday said airlines operating in the country were in destructive competition. Iyayi made the assertion while speaking at a conference on ``90 Years of Aviation in Nigeria’’ in Lagos. The conference was part of activities to mark the first flight in Nigeria which flew from Cairo to Kano on Nov. 1, 1925. He said the airlines had not been able to maximise the huge potential of the aviation sector in generating employment and contributing to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Iyayi, who is the Managing Director of Topbrass Aviaton, said Nigeria currently boasts of 15 million travelling passengers out of a population of 170 million which accounts for only 10 per cent. According to him, out of the 26 airports in the country, 80.2 per cent of the total traffic passes through the Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt Airports. ``I scarcely see any major airline in the country today that will survive the
next three years except that there is a major injection of capital. ``The promoters of airlines don’t take time to study the market. So, they need to think outside the box and find new ways to make the industry to grow,’’ he said. Iyayi also advised the government to enact
policies that would support the growth of the sector, including the establishment of a strong national carrier like the defunct Nigerian Airways. The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Muhtar Usman, said the authority was strengthening its regional offices to effectively perform its oversight functions.
``I think in 90 years, Nigeria aviation has contributed immensely to the GDP but we can do better,’’ Usman said. The director-general who was represented by the NCAA’s Director of Administration, Mr Aba Ejembi, however, said Nigerians should be dissuaded from seeing air travelling as an elitist thing. On his part, Capt. Nogie
Meggison, President, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), urged the government to provide infrastructure and enabling environment for the aviation sector to grow. Meggison said the aviation sector was only contributing four per cent to the country’s GDP, while that of Ethiopia was contributing 26 per cent. (NAN)
Customs considers reopening Gamboru Ngala, Banki posts to fight arms influx
T
he Comptroller-General of Customs, retired Col. Hameed Ali, said the organisation would consider reopening the customs posts at Gamboru Ngala and Banki to fight arms influx and curtail insurgency. Ali said this at the sideline of his courtesy visit to defence formations, including the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and Nigerian Air Force and Nigeria Police on Thursday in Abuja. The comptroller-general said that for customs to achieve its target, it needed the support of the military, police and intelligent agencies. Ali said that smuggling of small arms and ammunition had to be prevented in view of the current insurgency in the country. He said that the essence of the visit was to further strengthen synergy between
the police, intelligent agencies, service chiefs and customs, to have a safer country and a viable economy. Ali said that customs would consider reopening the border posts due to the request by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai. ``Why not, we will consider the post. We are here to know what their (military) challenges are, what they want us to do as much as we want them to do certain things for us. ``If the post will provide the enabling environment for people to operate, we will consider that. ``Small arms importation or smuggling is endemic; it is a problem to all of us and the military. We are doing everything to make sure we stop this thing. ``Our biggest problem is insurgence and this thing has gone beyond small arms;
now people import big arms, machine guns, rocket propel grenade launchers through the ports and water side. ``So we have responsibility to stop this people from coming in; if we can reduce the number of arms that gets into the country, we can assure Nigerians that there will be safety by the security,’’ Ali said. The customs boss called for the cooperation of the service chiefs to curb the influx of small fire arms and explosives across the over 4,000 kilometres borders in the country. Ali requested for training of customs officers on aircraft surveillance piloting, security intelligence, maritime logistics and army cooperation from the service. Buratai had requested for the reopening of the border posts at Gamboru Ngala and Banki to clear the activities
of insurgence. Buratai urged Ali to return customs post to other places that had been cleared of insurgents in Borno, to boost soldiers’ morale and support the fight. “We will work together to ensure this smuggling is curbed and eliminated in the long run. “The customs is the gateway to the Nigerian economy and the gateway to Nigeria because their role around the border is crucial. ``Let me request for the return of our customs border posts around some of these areas which have been captured from insurgents, especially Gamboru-Ngala and Banki. “Though economic activities have not fully returned to those areas, our troops are there and we will appreciate it if the customs returns to those areas so that you will also support our fight against insurgency.
Sport
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NOVEMBER 7, 2015
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U-23 team in training session: Inset, Siasia and Pinnick
Senegal 2015
Erico charges NFF, Siasia to close ranks Ifeanyi Eduzor
W
ith a few weeks to the commencement of the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations slated for November 28- December 12th in Senegal, former assistant coach of the Super Eagles, Joe Erico has charged the Nigeria Football Federation and U-23 head coach, Samson Siasia to settle their differences and focus on how the country will come out tops in the competition. Siasia, a fortnight ago was queried by the NFF after he blasted the football house in the media accusing them of abandoning his team just a month before crucial 2016 Rio Olympics qualifiers in Senegal as well as unpaid salaries and allowances even as he declared that he should not be blamed should the country fail to qualify for next year’s Olympics. NFF officials described his comments in the media as “gross misconduct” and issued him
Pinnick
Siasia
a query. Although Siasia later apologized for the statement but the football house went ahead to reprimand him and slammed a N500, 000 fine on him. In an interview with Saturday Mirror, Erico while describing the situation as unfortunate, noted that there is the need for both parties not to allow the situation affect the morale of the team. “It is unfortunate that the football house is castigating
Siasia because he had the guts to tell Nigerians the true situation of things in the team. “I am equally surprised that the coach was given a query and later fined N500, 000 for telling Nigerians that he is being owned arrears of salaries. Is the NFF trying to tell Nigerians that they do not owe him or that they are morally right to owe him backlog of salaries? .He queried. Erico noted that since both
parties seems to have settled their differences; they should now work together towards ensuring that the U-23 team performs well in Senegal. According to him, the NFF is morally bound to provide the coaching crew with all financial and logistics support to enable the team prepare well ahead of the championship especially now that they are in camp in Abuja because it is the coaches that will be blamed if the team fails to impress in Dakar. “As the team is in camp in preparation for the championship, I advice both the football house and the coaching crew to avoid anything that will cause distraction in the team. What should be uppermost in their minds now is how to prepare the team adequately for the challenge ahead and not castigating the coach for demanding his rights. On Siasia’s invitation of 51 players to camp ahead of the championship, Coach Erico defended his decision, saying; that a coach has the right to invited as
many players as possible as it will enable him select the best team that will represent the country. “Siasia’s invitation of 51 players to camp is a welcome development because it will enable the players fight for shirts and give the coaching crew ample opportunity to select the best players that will do the country proud in Senegal. Erico while expressing hope that the team will do the country proud in Senegal, advised the technical crew to ensure they select the best for the Dakar trip as that is the only way they can post a good performance in the West African country. “I have no doubt that with adequate preparation; the U-23 team will do the country proud in Senegal. The coaching crew has invited some of the best players in the local league and some foreign based professionals to beef up the team. It’s now left for the coaching crew to select the best among the 51 man list who will eventually make the trip to Senegal”, he concluded.
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MIRROR SPORT
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
I’ ll not appeal stadium ban —Mourinho J
ose Mourinho has confirmed he will not appeal against the stadium ban for Chelsea’s today game against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium. The ban imposed after a halftime altercation with referee Jon Moss that saw him sent to the stands during a 2-1 defeat at West Ham last month means he will not be with his side as they bid to return to winning ways in the Premier League. Had he appealed, he would have been able to take his place on the bench on today, but speaking ahead of the game, he explained his reasons for accepting the punishment. “The match is tomorrow, I know the result of the appeal
Mourinho
Ronaldo backs Man Utd to win title
C
ristiano Ronaldo has backed former club Manchester United to win the Premier League under Louis van Gaal this season. The Real Madrid star, who spent six successful years at Old Trafford, believes United have improved this term and he remains a supporter of the club. But he said nothing of reports he could be set for a sensational move back to
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United; Ronaldo signed a new contract with Real Madrid in September 2013 and his agent, Jorge Mendes, believes he will finish his career at Real. “Manchester is good this year. They are better. They are at the top so it’s good and it’s a club I like, everyone knows that,” said Ronaldo. “What I expect is that Manchester can be champions in England. With Van Gaal, with all the players and staff, I wish
already, so I decide to give up,” he said. “I think it’s stupid to fight a fight you know you will already lose. “This stadium ban is connected to words, to complaints. I can imagine that in the future we are going to have lots of managers with stadium bans, because the stadium bans should be related to something really serious. “In this moment it’s open for in the future the stadium ban to happen much more times, unless we have our association or other associations around Europe that question in a very serious and legal way about the rights of the managers and having stadium bans.”
them all the best.” Ronaldo was speaking at the launch of a new movie about his career, Ronaldo -and he spoke at length about his duel with Lionel Messi to be the world’s best player. The 30-year-old holds all the records in Spain, with more club goals, more La Liga goals than the Barcelona forward, and more recently Ronaldo surpassed Messi with more goals in the Champions League. Ronaldo
Wenger plays down Coleman’s injury
A Wenger
rsene Wenger has played down the disagreement with Wales boss Chris Coleman over Aaron Ramsey’s injury. The Arsenal manager was accused of a “cheap shot” by Coleman earlier this week
after he said Ramsey should have been rested for Wales’ final European Qualifier against Andorra. Wales had already qualified and Ramsey subsequently picked up a hamstring problem that has ruled him
out of the last four games. Coleman suggested Wenger should have called him to discuss the situation but, whilst insisting he did not mean to blame Coleman personally, he cannot call every international manager about his players.
Martinez tips Hammers for top-five finish
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verton manager Roberto Martinez has tipped West Ham to maintain their fine early-season form and contend for a top-five finish. The Hammers head into their home clash with the Toffees in sixth position in the Premier League table, but they have a dismal record against Everton, failing to win any of the past 14 league encounters. However, Martinez believes Slaven Bilic’s arrival has helped change the club’s mindset, citing away victories over Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City and fully expects them to be in the mix for European qualification come May. “The biggest strength of this West Ham side is that they play with an incredible belief and confidence,” Martinez said. “The results they have had, especially this season is very impressive. They started on the psychological aspect of having
the belief that they can beat those sides. To get those results, away from home, it’s very impressive. “You have new players, a new manager coming in having them playing a very different way; it’s going to be a terrific challenge. You look at the amount of points they have already, clearly they are
a team that are going to be challenging to finish in the top five. It’s how impressive they’ve been. “We’re going to make sure that we are ready to face them. In my eyes, with Leicester, they’ve been the most impressive side this season.”
Kane, who will be visiting the Emirates for the first time in his career, said: “They took a bit of a hiding in midweek and they are
R
eal Madrid has given their backing to striker Karim Benzema after he was placed under formal investigation in France. Benzema was questioned at a police station near Paris on Wednesday in connection with an inquiry into an alleged attempt to blackmail fellow France international Mathieu Valbuena over a sex video. A statement from the Versailles prosecutor said the alleged crimes for which Benzema is being investigated; complicity in attempted blackmail and participation in a criminal conspiracy could carry a prison sentence of at least five years. However, Benzema’s lawyer insisted his client was innocent and had offered Valbuena a bit of friendly “judicious advice” and what was said had nothing to do with blackmail. The 27-year-old was freed on Thursday pending further investigations and he subsequently returned to Spain before taking part in an evening training session.
“I didn’t blame anybody, I just said it would have made common sense not to use Gareth Bale and Ramsey after they’ve already qualified,” Wenger said. “They could have just brought them on at the end to greet the fans. It would have helped the clubs. “I cannot call all the managers. He has done what he has done. I haven’t blamed him especially. It’s just an opinion. I don’t believe there is anything spectacular with a desire to blame anybody.
Today’s Matches Martinez
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Benzema
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Kane looking forward to face Arsenal
ottenham striker Harry Kane is expecting an Arsenal backlash when Tottenham travel to the Emirates on Super Sunday. Although Kane and Spurs are in good form with two wins in four days, beating Aston Villa and Anderlecht this week, the England striker is expecting the Gunners to come out all guns blazing following their 5-1 mauling at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League in midweek.
Benzema gets Madrid support
going to want to put that right. “It was not a good night for them. A lot has been said about that result and, as fellow players, you know they will come out firing to try and put things right. So we know what to expect.” Despite their defeat in Germany, Arsene Wenger’s side has won their last five matches in the Premier League, scoring 16 goals. It is going to be a great battle and everyone is looking forward to it. We want to go there, set a high tempo and play well.
Bournemouth v Newcastle
12:45
Leicester v Watford
15:00
Man Utd v West Brom
15:00
Norwich v Swansea
15:00
Sunderland v Southp’ton
15:00
West Ham v Everton
15:00
Stoke v Chelsea
17:30
Sun 8 Nov 2015 Aston Villa v Man City
13:30
Arsenal v Tottenh
16:00
Liverpool v Crystal P.
16:00
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
MIRROR SPORT
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
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Mickelson part ways with Harmon
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hil Mickelson has split from his swing coach Butch Harmon after eight
years. Mickelson won two of his five majors with 72-year-old Harmon as part of his team, but he is winless in the last two seasons. “I’ve learned a great deal from him in our eight years together,” said the 45-year-old, whose last win was at the 2013 Open. “It’s just that at the moment I need to hear new ideas from a different perspective.” Mickelson also won the 2010 Masters with Harmon as well as
12 of his 42 PGA Tour victories. But he has dropped down to 25 in the world after recording just five top-10 finishes since his 2013 Open success. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Phil and we’ve had great success together,” said Harmon, who also works with Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler. “Helping him win the Open Championship in 2013 was one of the pinnacles of my career. “I see nothing wrong with him seeking advice from another source. We’re great friends and always will be.”
Woods
Woods reveals follow-up surgery T
iger Woods has revealed he had a follow-up procedure this week to relieve discomfort which resulted from his back surgery in September. The statement on his website added that there was “no timetable” for the return of the 39-year-old American, who has won 14 majors. “It’s one of those things that had to be done,” said Woods, who has dropped from world
number one to 351. “I have an outstanding team of doctors, and I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He is currently on bed rest and missed a planned 5 November visit to the Bluejack National; a course he has designed near Houston. “I’m extremely disappointed not going to Bluejack, but I’m very excited about our grand opening in the spring,” he said. “It’s a fantastic course and we’re very proud of our first US
design.” Woods, who had a small disc fragment pinching his nerve removed last month, missed the cut at three of the four majors this year. The American has not won a major since the 2008 US Open and has struggled with form and injury in recent years. He missed three months of last season after surgery on a pinched nerve in his back in March 2014.
Solheim Cup: Matthew eyes Gleneagles captaincy
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Matthew
atriona Matthew would like to captain Europe when the Solheim Cup is held at Gleneagles in 2019. The 46-year-old Scot has played eight times in the biennial match play event against the United States. “I’ll put my hat in the ring and see what happens,” she said. “Obviously, it would be a great honour. “It would be a dream to be a captain and if you are lucky enough to do it in your own country then I imagine that’s just a great feeling.” Matthew made her Solheim Cup debut in 1998 but did not feature at Loch Lomond in 2000, the last time the competition was staged in Scotland. Gleneagles hosted Europe’s successful defence of the Ryder Cup last year and, in 1998, was the scene of one of Matthew’s six Ladies European Tour victories. “I was lucky enough to win the WPGA Championship at Gleneagles, so I have great memories from being there,” she added. Matthew played in this year’s tournament, held in Germany in September, which was won 14½13½ by the American team.
•Thomas
Thomas wins maiden PGA Tour title
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merican Justin Thomas won his first PGA Tour title with a one-shot victory over Australia’s Adam Scott in the CIMB Classic at Kuala Lumpur Golf Club. Former world number one Scott was the clubhouse leader after a nine-under 63.
But Thomas, 22, who posted a course-record 61, birdied the 15th, 16th, and 17th then par on the 18th to card a 66 and finish on 26 under. Scotland’s Russell Knox was tied for 21st on 14 under with England’s Paul Casey a shot back in 24th place.
Knox shines in Shanghai Open
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cotland’s Russell Knox moved into second place at the WGC-HSBC Champions event in Shanghai as Rory McIlroy’s struggles continued. Knox shot a second round seven-under 65 to move to 12 under and two off leader Kevin Kisner, who carded a 66. Northern Ireland’s McIlroy, who is playing despite struggling this week with food poisoning, fell 10 behind the lead after shooting a 72. World ranked number two Jordan’s Spieth had a mixed
Knox
round of four birdies and four bogeys as the American finished with a 72 as he tumbled down the leaderboard. Knox, however, is making the most of being a late entrant into the event, having only found out he would be making his WGC debut while playing in the CIMB Classic in Malaysia last Friday. “We got a stand bag from the pro here and chucked the clubs in and played the quickest practice round ever and she complained heavily for the last nine holes.”
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MIRROR SPORT
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Futsal Africa roles out plans for corporate championship Ifeanyi Eduzor
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orporate organizations in the country desirous to have their staff compete favourably with their counterparts from other countries in the continent will have the opportunity to do so when the Futsal Africa Corporate fiveaside Football challenge kicks off in four Africa countries. Disclosing this during an interactive session with the media, franchise manager, Futsal Nigeria, Moses Nwanze noted that the championship which has the endorsement of Nigeria Football Federation will kick off with preliminary matches in December this year in Ghana, Senegal in January 2016, Nigeria in March 2016 followed by South Africa in May with winners in each of these countries representing their various countries in the finals slated for Swartklip Indoor Centre, Cape Town, South Africa in October next year. Nwanze noted that the Nigerian champion apart from repre-
senting the country in the finals will also embark on a three day visit to Obudu Mountain resort courtesy of the resort’s management. According to him, Futsa Africa which was given the franchise by FIFA to organize 5-aside championship in the continent, stated that plans are in the pipe line to organize series of annual events such as corporate Games, school events and open championships just as he explained that the organizers will use the game as a catalyst for the development of social network, team spirit and develop sportsmanship among participants. While appealing for corporate support for a successful championship, Nwanze noted that the competition is open to all corporate organizations in Nigeria. Futsal, a five- aside indoor Game was first played in Nigeria last year among four teams namely; Airtel, Etisalat, Lagos Swan and 36 Lions Fc with the later emerging champions of the exhibition game.
Private secondary school tourney enters semi-final stage Ifeanyi Eduzor
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he on-going Lagos State Private Secondary School football tournament tagged “Private Cup Season 2 has entered the semi final stage. In an entertaining quarter-final encounter decided at the Vicsum School Field, Omole, Phase 2, Ikeja, Dansol High School defeated hard fighting St Joseph Secondary School 1-0 to book a semi- final ticket while Caleb International College beat St Antony School by 4-2 penalty to qualify for the final four. The other quarter- finals matches between Ifako International School and Ronik School as well as that between Vicsum College and Prismoni School will be decided on Monday at the same venue. In the female category, Landmark College will be up against Unique High School in the first semi- final match on Wednesday, November 11 while Caleb International College will test their might against St Joseph Secondary School in the second
semi- final match of the female category. Organiser of the championship, Prince Adewale Atiba of Atico Global Concept told Saturday Mirror that the championship has lived up to expectation even as he promised that his organization will not relent in its efforts in discovering talented footballers from schools and colleges.
I resisted sacking Amuneke —Pinnick Golden Eaglets celebrate after scoring a goal at the on-going FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile
…charges Eaglets to go for trophy T he atmosphere in the Golden Eaglets’ locker room soon after they beat Mexico 4-2 on Thursday at the Estadio Municipal Ester Roa was ecstatic and on hand to share the momentous occasion was NFF President Amaju Pinnick, who sang and danced but was quick to refocus the history chasing Coach Emmanuel Amuneke-led side. “Today, you convinced Nigerians you are the best and I want to thank you on behalf of Nigerians especially, President Muhammadu Buhari, for playing your hearts out and truly demonstrating the never-say-die Nigerian spirit,” he said amidst intermit-
our country can be to winners and heroes. Sunday is the day to write your names in the history books,” Pinnick noted. Meanwhile, the NFF President has charged the Golden Eaglets to go for the trophy when they confront Mali tomorrow in the finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup. He noted that the team having defeated hard fighting Mexico in the semi- finals decided Thursday in Asuncion, the team should go all out and beat the African champions and win the trophy for the fifth time even as he assured them that all Nigerians are behind them in their effort to make history.
CCSF competition to be considered as Grade 1 event
Ifeanyi Eduzor
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he annual Chika Chukwumerije International Taekwondo Opens may become a World Taekwondo Federation Grade 1 event in 2016. With this status, the tournament would become a point hauling event for athletes across the globe as taekwondists are expected to use the tournament to up their world ranking. Being the first tournament in Africa to use the electronic head gear, the championship
Action recorded at the just concluded Chika Chukwumerije International Taekwondo championship in Abuja. has continued to attract the best fighters in the continent with countries like Cote d’Ivoire,
Blatter undergoes stress-related checks
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Blatter
tent thunderous ovation. “I’m extremely happy for Emmanuel Amuneke because he, along with other officials, has demonstrated that they are good fathers to you all and I’m glad that I was able to withstand the pressure to sack him when the team failed to win the African Championship trophy in Niger Republic. “Here in Chile, Emmanuel has shamed all the doubting Thomases but I don’t want you to forget that the most important match is against Mali on Sunday. This is a life -time opportunity for you to write your names in gold and you know how appreciative
uspended Fifa President Sepp Blatter is undergoing stress-related health checks but is not in hospital, his spokesman said on Friday. “He is under medical evaluation, the doctors took him out for a few days, the doctors expects him to be back around Thursday or Friday next week,” Blatter spokesman Klaus Stoehlker told
Reuters. “He is under tremendous pressure from so many sides and perhaps this is a little bit difficult for a man of his age.” Blatter, 79, led soccer’s governing body for 18 years and was provisionally suspended for 90 days in October amid the worst corruption scandal in Fifa’s history.
Mali, Niger Republic, Togo, Cameroun and Senegal taking part in this year’s tournament. Saturday Mirror leant that efforts are on by the organizers of the championship to apply for the status from the world taekwondo ruling body. For the best athlete of this year’s tournament, Mali’s Karamoko Soumare (+80kg), attending the tournament has really exposed him to world class equipment which would aid him in subsequent tournaments. “Having attended series of tournament across Africa, I
realized that CCSF tournament stands out in terms of organization and quality of equipment. The atmosphere was also superb. Being my first time of taking part in the competition, I think the knowledge I acquired would be helpful to me in other international tournaments and I look forward to taking part in more CCSF tourneys,” the Malian star said. Soumare who won gold in the men’s heavyweight category believes the quality of athletes in Nigeria is enormous while blaming their under-achievement on lack of exposure of most of their athletes. “I respect Nigerian athletes particularly with the pedigree of their athletes, but they have not been able to use this to their advantage at international tournaments. We attend a lot of international tournaments but I hardly see Nigerians competing and this has really affected their rating globally. But attending international competition is vital for any nation to improve its athletes,” he added.
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Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
Crime Watch
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Lagos robbers terrorise women ...smash windscreens, steal handbags
Patience Ogbo
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olicemen attached to the Raider Squad, State Criminal Investigation Department, CID, Panti, Yaba Lagos, have arrested five men over cult clashes at the Oshodi area of the State. The suspects were arrested during a cult fight between two rival gangs at the Adeyemi Street near Oshodi area of the state last week . According to police sources, the suspects attacked residents with dangerous weapons during the fight that lasted from 7pm to 11pm. It was learnt that the cult war caused panic in the area as residents and other passers-by scampered for safety. The source added that the suspected cultists also smashed the windscreens and windows of over thirty commercial buses parked in a filling station. The suspects, however, denied the allegation. Monsuru Adegbesin wept as he stated how he was arrested. “I am a meat seller at Ogo-lokun market. I have been selling meat in that market for more than ten years and residents call me landlord. I am not married and I do not have children because I have been struggling to get out of poverty. I have tried to purchase three motorcycles so that I can give them out but each time, I completed the payment, something evil will happen and I will have to start my journey from poverty from the scratch. The first motorcycle I bought was seized by the police and the two others were stolen. I decided to sleep outside the house. I slept in my shop that fateful day of the cult clash because I wanted to secure my motorcycle. I was very tired and was sleeping as a log of wood. I did not
A victim’s vehicle hear noise. However all of a sudden, I heard a blow to my chest that woke me from the sleep. The next thing I heard was the sound of gunshot and someone told me that they are police and they started beating me up. I pleaded with them that I am a cripple and a meat seller but they dragged me into the van with my motorcycle. They brought me to the police station and the officers called me a cultist. I do not belong to any cult group. I am innocent and I appeal to the police to free me. I just completed the payment of my motorcycle and the police have seized it. I am innocent” Another suspect Uzoma Wampanoag said “I am a
bricklayer. I was sleeping in our shop at Abayomi Street because I was very ill and could not go home. I took medicine and could not go home that night. All of a sudden, I heard a kick on the door and the police stormed where I was sleeping. They hit me with the butt of their gun and took me outside. They started beating me up and they dragged into a van. I am not a cultist. I don’t belong to any gang,” he said. Another suspect, Rasheed Oseni said, “ I am an artist and designer. I have two children but I don’t have money to cater for them so my sister took my children away to stay with her in her house. I don’t have anywhere to sleep and I slept
outside that night. I started hearing gunshots and heavy fighting last night and I hid myself in a corner. I later fled into a church to avoid being arrested but an old man sleeping in the church raised alarm and the police came and arrested me. I do not know anything about the cult clash and I do not belong to any gang” Another suspect, Tope Adeyemi, said, “I am a bus conductor. I live at ijokondo and I work as a bus conductor in Oshodi. I was sleeping in a bus when I heard gun shots. I tried to escape but the police held me down and started beating me. I don’t know anything about cultism. I have a wife who has just given birth and I am strug-
gling to provide for them.” The last suspect who simply identified himself as Tolu had machete cuts on his hands and leg. He said “I was sleeping outside my house when I heard noise. I am an okada rider and many of us were sleeping that night when the police came and rounded us up. I had fled and hid myself in a canal but when I heard that the police were about to take my motorcycle away, I ran out of the canal and surrendered myself because I don’t want the police to seize my motorcycle.” The police said they recovered cutlass, knife, charms and other dangerous weapon from the suspects during the raid.
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Crime Watch
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
Kenya-based Nigerian ‘pastor’ in breast-sucking saga A
Nigerian claiming to be a pastor, Chijoke, who allegedly sucks women’s breasts to deliver them from what he terms as spirit of rejection has been exposed during a live radio programme. Pastor Chijioke is said to be the founder of Breasts and Honey New International Church that claims to heal women from, according to him, spirit of rejection. Chijioke does so by...sucking their breasts. The pastor has succeeded in deceiving and sucking so many breasts and has become famous for the act. Luck however ran out on the alleged breast sucking pastor and he was exposed last week when a female radio journalist identified as Kate Vobic called him using a fake name to ask for spiritual guidance. In the phone call, the broadcaster who works at Hero Radio Nakuru, Kenya, told the Pastor that she is facing rejection from men and every time she has a man, when things get serious between them, the man runs away. According to the conversation, the
pastor then told her that she has the spirit of rejection and he has to suck it out from her breasts in order for her to get deliverance. The pastor was quoted as saying, “The spirit lies in the breast of a lady... the more you suck the breast, the more you get the fulfilling of the Lord.” The man’s congregation only has women and they are told not to wear bras to make sucking their breasts much easier. The DJ then asked the pastor if he can tell her where the Bible it says that a pastor must suck a woman’s breasts to heal her. The pastor refuses to answer and says, “don’t bring up the Bible, you just come, we do this thing and then we finish.” Later in the conversation, the broadcaster reveals her identity and tells him her real name and that he is live on air. The defensive pastor then got angry. He denied being Chijioke, stating that he should be referred to as man of God instead. He was then asked why he is deceiving people. The pastor replied by cursing the broadcaster, calling her stupid.
Chijoke
NDLEA impounds ‘bullion vans’ used for transporting marijuana
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he Ogun State Command of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, on Wednesday seized two purposely-built bullion vans and a Ford bus loaded with bags and parcels of Cannabis popularly known as Indian hemp. The state commander of NDLEA, Bala Fagge told journalists in Abeokuta that the two vans, Nissan and Mitsubishi brands, with number plates FKJ 731 XQ and LSR 837 XR respectively, were impounded at Ijebu Igbo area of the state. He said occupants of the vehicles abandoned them after realizing that NDLEA operatives were closing in on them. He said parcels of the illicit drug were cleverly concealed inside false compartments built by the suspects inside the vans. “One could have waved on such bullion vans if one had seen them on the road. No one would have thought that bags of Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp) could be hidden inside the vans,” Mr. Fagge said. He said the owner of the Ford bus, with number plate SMK 707 XF, was arrested at
Ilara, a border town located in Imeko Afon Local Government area of the state. Mr. Fagge said the suspect was arrested with a brand of Indian hemp called skunk, which is considered more dangerous than the known marijuana.
He said drug dealers and traffickers were becoming more daring, innovative and were moving across borders. He said the suspect, Ismail Adeoyo, who was arrested in the Ford bus, confessed that he brought the consignment from the neighbouring Republic of
Benin. The NDLEA boss said the 38-year-old suspect, who claimed to be from Ibadan, said he had made three trips in recent times. He said Mr. Adeoyo would be charged to court accordingly. He also gave breakdown
of the command’s activities between January and October 2015, stating that it had arrested 173 suspects (made up of 161 males and 12 females); seized 3,435.168 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp), as well as 41.933 kilograms of psychotropic substance.
Court remands 25-year-old herdsman for murder Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA
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Magistrate Court sitting in Lokoja has yesterday remanded a 25-year-old Cattle herder, Riku Mohammed in prison custody for allegedly A killing his friend, Bature Saliu, also 25. The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Levi Animoku who gave the order in his ruling on arraignment of the accused, said the offence of culpable homicide with which Mohammed was charged was not ordinarily bailable. The Prosecuting Police Officer, Ochepo Amanyi who read the police First Information Report (FIR) before the court,
said the matter was reported at the Bassa Divisional Police Headquarters, Oguma by father of the deceased, Alhaji Dere Saliu. The suspect was charged with Culpable Homicide contrary to section 221 of the Penal Code law, Mohammed of Fulani Camp, Adanakpa village in Basssa Local Government of Kogi was said to have committed the offence at about 1:00 am on October 8. Father of the deceased who said the sound of a gunshot woke him from his sleep, said he immediately ran out to see what had happened only to meet his son (Bature) in a pool of blood with bullet wound on his chest. He explained further that
when he asked the deceased what happened, his son told him it was Biku Mohammed, of same address, who came to him with a gun and shot at him and fled into the dark night. The bereaved father said that Bature died on the way to the hospital. Amanyi told the court that police investigation led to the recovery of a locally made single barrel gun and two pellets from the accused. He said that investigation into the matter was still on and applied for another date for mention even as he opposed granting of bail to the accused who was not represented by any counsel. The prosecutor said the
offence under Section 221 of the Penal Code carried death penalty upon conviction just as under Section 341(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) the accused was not entitled to bail. The Chief Magistrate, Animoku upheld the submission of the prosecution saying that Section 341 (1) of CPC spoke volume on the issue and consequently ordered that the accused be remanded at Federal Prisons, Dekina. He however transferred the case to Dekina Chief Magistrate Court for the court to take cognizance of the offence for convenience and adjourned to November 18, for mention of the case at Dekina.
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NOVEMBER 7, 2015
Crime Watch
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Cultists in police net Patience Ogbo
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he spate of armed robbery attack during gridlock in Lagos state is giving residents especially motorists steepness nights . It was gathered following investigation that at least three traffic armed robbery incidences which affected female drivers have been recorded in the state in the last one week. It was learnt that suspected traffic robbers on Monday morning attacked a woman at the TBS Lagos Island and made away with her handbag after smashing her windows. The woman whose identity is not revealed due to security reasons was driving a Toyota Corrolla car to her work early in the morning when about five armed youth stormed her car and smashed her windows. A friend of the victim who narrated the incident said the woman is traumatised over the incident. The source who requested anonymity said “My friend was driving in her Toyota Corrolla Car very close to the Muson Centre on the island but despite the fact that she left home early, she encountered gridlock . While she was waiting for the traffic to ease off, she heard a sharp noise on her car. About five armed youth smashed her windows and threatened yo kill her. Before she could say jack, they had reached into the car and made way with her handbag containing Her phones, and other valuables. The armed robbers attacked two other female car drivers and stole valuables before they escaped In a related development,
Suspects
it was learnt that suspected traffic armed robbers attacked a woman during gridlock on the Eko Bridge last Friday evening as she was heading back home. The woman was seen crying and calling for help after the gang numbering about four cornered her in her car and smashed her windscreen and mirror. Eyewitnesses said the armed robbers stole the woman’ s phones and other valuables before they fled. Also suspected traffic armed robbers were said to be on the rampage last week as they smashed cars on the Third Mainland bridge close to the
Occultists show man red ...for refusing to be fitish priest
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or Omondiale Clement, home can only be sweet if there is assurance that his life will be spared. Clement who hails from Ogogia, Rivers State, has been on the run, fleeing his home town and the country at some point after the lot fell on him to assume his ancestral role as the priest of Ogbunaabali, fearsome deity of the night. “I declined to do this in line with my faith as a Christian. But the elders of our clan and the village would take no for an answer,” he said. Clement claimed that there were attempt on his life after his refusal. He cites instances of attempt at poisoning him. There was also an attempt to abduct him and send forcefully to the sacred grove of the deity. He narrated his ordeal
thus: “I am the first born of my father who happens to be the chief priest of Ogbunaabali, in my village. After my father died in January 24 2005, I was summoned 30 days after mourning and was told that I should be prepared to step into my father’s shoes. “I declined this offer, telling them that I have since become a devoted Christian.” Since that refusal, things have since awry for clement. He recalls an incident where a close friend of his had died of water poisoning after he drank from a jar he was supposed to have drunk from. There was also an attempt to kidnap him by the elders. He claimed that a villager sympathetic to his ordeal had revealed the matter to him for which he had to take flight.
Iyana woro bus stop and made away with valuables. A friend of the victim while commenting on the traffic incidences in the state calls on the government to check the rising cases of traffic robberies in Lagos state adding that if the menace continues, residents would be forced to armed themselves .”Beyond rhetoric, here’s an appeal from a concerned Lagosian to the Government to really act now and restore our confidence in their ability to secure us, because from where I stand, it may make a lot of sense to get armed (I mean with a Gun, not a knife please!) so that if ever you get robbed in traffic and the guy is walking away, you probably take out your piece from your glove compartment or under your seat and plant a few pellets into his fleeing backside to serve as a deterrent to others with similar tendencies.”
“My worry about her (and other victims, particularly the ladies) is not the loss of valuables or damage to their vehicles, but the damage to them psychologically, where they now drive to work with so much fear and trepidation whenever they have to slow down either at a traffic light or to make way for another vehicle to pass. And you know what, they’ll live with that fear for a long time because they need to be at work early, and the Employer isn’t going to understand that they had to wait for daylight before setting out to work. I imagine my young friend driving to work tomorrow morning (on her way from the mainland), and having to pass by her regular route; she’d probably freak out whenever she sees any male walk by or towards her regardless of his intentions. This menace is causing damage that will require time to heal, and I say its
totally unnecessary. If we know the dark spots and have been reporting on same, then why cant the authorities ensure that such areas are properly manned during peak traffic hours? I just don’t get it” The police however they have arrested eight traffic armed robbers over the attacks. It was kearnt that tge policemen attached to the Ebute -Ero police station launched arrested the suspects following the complaints by tge residents. A police source added that they have been patrolling the bridges to prevent armed robbery incidences . The source said “We have been patrolling the area on foot and arresting these suspects. The police arrested eight suspects and gave transferred them to the Special Anti Robbery squad Ikeja for further investigation.”
Court remands farmer in prison for killing wife’s lover Wole Adedeji ILORIN
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n Ilorin Magistrate Counrt on Friday ordered that a 30-yearold farmer, Waheed Suleiman be remanded in prison custody for allegedly killing his wife’s lover, Ismaila Hassan. Waheewd was reported to have earlier caught the deceased in the act; making love to his wife right on their matrimonial bede. The Prosecutor, Cpl. Salahudeen Ahmed told the court that the accused person (Waheed) conspired with two others now at large and macheted the deceased with cutlasses on the head.
He added that the accused and his accomplices later tied the deceased with his Bajaj motorcycle and throw him and the bike inside Asa River on Oct. 20. The prosecutor added that the perpetrated the heinous act as a pay back because he caught the deceased having sexual intercourse with his wife, Musili sometimes in April this year. According to him, both the deceased and Musili after being caught ran away from Suta Village in Asa Local Government area of Kwara where they both reside because Waheed threatened to kill both of them. The Prosecutor said the elders of the village later begged him
to forgive the duo to come back to the village, a request that he obliged. He further told the court that the accused person was arraigned in court on a one countcharge of culpable homicide Contrary to section 221 of the Penal Code Law. He objected to the bail of the accused and urged the court to remand him in prison pending the completion of police investigations. Magistrate Funke Olokoyo while giving a ruling, ordered the remand of the accused in Okekura Prison Federal Prisons, Ilorin and adjourned the case to Dec. 12 for further mention.
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Investment Profiles with Godwin Uba ubagodwin@yahoo.com 08034494437
Investing in industrial ethanol I
t is disheartened that Nigerians at this level of technological development worldwide are still importing alcohol from oversea countries, when we can boast of more than enough cassava and other useful raw materials in this country. The technology and manpower are also available to produce enough industrial alcohol for use within the country and reserves for exports. Ethanol (industrial alcohol) has wide industrial applications. It is used in pharmaceutical companies, distilleries, laboratories, hospitals, soap and detergents (cosmetics) and beverage industries to mention but few. The importance and demand for this product have necessitated the massive importation from oversea countries. Yet the supply cannot match the ever-increasing demand, hence, the need for more investors into this aspect. It is imperative that producing this product within this country will forestall further importation, which in turn will increase the supply base, add to the achievement of the nation’s macro-economic objectives in the areas of employment generation for the unemployed, and add to foreign reserves, which will maintain a favorable balance of payment positions. It is also worthy to note that Nigerians stands at a better position to produce most concentrated and more internationally acceptable ethanol than any part of the world. This is because the raw materials needed for this project are all available in large quantities in this country, unlike Ghana that has been aspiring to increase their production base and export of the product. Apart from cassava, other raw materials needed for this project are palm-wine, maize, potato, molasses, sawdust, and yam to mention but few. All these are equally abundant in Nigeria. The machineries required for this project can be produced locally. Durable, functional and sophisticated machines are available for prospective investors. The machines required are filtration unit (distillation columns), Hammer mill, Mixer, Fermentation tanks, Stirrers, Plastic pumps, Laboratory quality control units, Pasteurizer, Filling and corking machines. The application of some of these machines depends wholly on the type of raw material needed. The production process is simple but technical and depends also on the type of raw materials applied. For application of cassava tubers, relevant details include washing, peeling, cutting and drying, to produce tapioca/chips with about 90%
starch content. This is transferred to the feed line weighed through conveyors. The raw materials are moved to the milling and liquefaction section. The hammer mill will grind the cassava into fine powder. The powder is mixed with water and transferred to the slummy tank and then heated. At this point, the superfine cooker where it is heated up to 140c, using steam injected hydro-heating mechanism. This breaks down the starch and makes it more soluble and gelatinous. Liquefying enzymes is added which breaks starch into molecular chain called dextrin. A saccharifying enzyme is added which converts the dextrin into dextrose or sugar. They yeast contained in the pre-fermentation is added for conversion of sugar to alcohol. One tone of cassava tubers yields between 400-600 liters of alcohol, while palm-wine yields between 128-140 liters of ethanol. Details will be worked out in a bankable and comprehensive feasibility studies available for prospective investors.
Market Potentials: In spite of huge consumption by various chemical industries in Nigeria and the West African sub-region, there are a few ethanol plants in the country with very low production capacity. At the last count there were only four. In effect, about 90% of local consumption is still imported at exorbitant prices. An investment in ethanol production will certainly be good especially when viewed from industries that need the product such as: (a)Alcoholic/ Beverages Industries: The many products of various gin, brandy, whisky, wine, etc make use of ethanol in large quantities. (b)Surface Coating Industries: Paint makers consume a lot of ethanol during the production of certain paints and thinners. Certain adhesives incorporate ethanol as an important solvent. (c)Cosmetics Production: The cosmetic industries find ethanol useful in the production of perfumes, dyes, after-shave lotions, etc. (d)Drugs Making: Ethanol is used in making over the counter (OTC) drugs such as dermatological creams, mentholated spirit, some syrups and mixtures. (e)As Preservatives: Biological specimens are preserved in laboratories using ethanol. (f)Fuel: Ethanol is used as fuel for spirit lamps and stoves and for flaming in hotels and foundry works where soot is not required. Ethanol has been used and is still being used as substitute to petrol as fuel in
countries like Brazil, etc. (g)Other uses: In laundry and dry cleaning ethanol is used to some extent. It is good antifreeze for automatic radiations. It is also raw material for making resins, acetic acid, chloroform, etc. Aside from these, the by-products are also very useful, as it will be seen later. The international demand for this product is so high. The product is demanded by reputable industries in USA, Germany, South Korea, Poland et cetera at a very competitive prices. The international market prices required exportable standards. This project can be located in any part of the country. Due consideration will be given to accessibility, raw material availability, electricity and good roads. It should be noted that there is no legal constraint on establishment of this project in Nigeria. There is a sustained and intensive campaign by the government for industrial development, backward integration and self-reliance. This investment is in line with the nation’s industrial policy and objectives. The project can conveniently be set up in between one to two plots of land. The financial requirement for setting up of this project is from N15.55 million for small capacity, using locally made machines. An investor can go for bigger or very small level The writer can assist prospective investors to source the required funds for this project on request. Analysis carried out had shown that profit after tax in the first two years is 33.9 million and fifth year 101.6 million. Net cash flow in the first year is N150, 694 million and fifth year of operation 434.799 million. The payback period is under one year of operation. The return on investment is 94 per cent. The total projected turnover of N635 million is expected in first year. This project is foreign exchange free since no importation is required. The raw materials and human requirement of 12 persons in the first year of operation are all locally available. Professional evaluation of this project
indicates that both profitability and viability analysis are all positive and highly impressive. The writer is of the opinion that this project will contribute to the nations GDP, earn foreign exchange to the proposed investor, increase the nations export based and generate more employment for some of the nation’s teeming unemployed. Cassava and palm-wine the major raw materials are locally available. There is also high demand for this product on both local and international level. This project is socially desirable, economically worthwhile, technically feasible, commercially viable and highly profitable. Hence do recommend this project to the numerous commercial cassava farmers, local government areas, Federal Government and other numerous investors in the country and other parts of the world. Funding The Federal Government just released through CBN over N500Billion for injection into small and medium scale industries development in Nigeria. Anybody with good business plan will benefit from the funds. There are also financial institutions and Special Project Funding Organizations that would be recommended to prospective investors on contacting the writer. Implementation To handle the implementation of this project professionally, prospective investors should embark upon a detailed and bankable feasibility studies. The writer is readily available for the feasibility studies and packaging of a bankable feasibility studies reports/ business plans. After which the construction of the factory will take place followed by procurement and installations of all the required machinery and other basic assets. The writer will guide prospective investors professionally to ensure that good packaging, quality products and efficient/ effective management is installed for profits. The writer will also assist in the sourcing of the required funds (where necessary) and obtaining NAFDAC approval.
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
Police warn Biafran group against planned protest
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he Nigeria Police Force has warned a separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, against carrying out its planned protest across some South Eastern states. This is contained in a statement issued by the force spokesperson, Olabisi Kolawole, on Friday in Abuja. “Information available to the Nigeria police indicates plans by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to embark on ill-advised protest using dangerous weapons across some South Eastern states,” she said. Ms. Kolawole, an acting
Assistant Commissioner of Police, said the law prohibiting the unlawful possession of firearms was still in force. She said any attempt by the group to unleash mayhem on innocent and law abiding Nigerians would be met with stiff resistance. The police further warned that those found culpable would be brought to justice in line with extant laws. The police assured citizens of states in the SouthEast of adequate police protection as appropriate deployment had been put in place to deal with the culprits.
33 die in 39 road crashes in Anambra, says FRSC
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o fewer than 33 deaths have been recorded in 39 road accidents in Anambra in the last two months. Mr. Sunday Ajayi, Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in the state, said this at a sensitisation campaign in Umunze, Orumba South Council Area on Friday. Ajayi said 15 of the crashes were fatal, and that 11 persons lost their lives in one of them. He said the record was disturbing and unacceptable as the FRSC was targeting 20 per cent and 30 per cent reduction in crashes and fatality, respectively. He told the audience which was made up mainly of tipper drivers, commercial vehicle drivers as well as tricycle and motorcycle operators that safety was a culture that must be imbibed.
“The FRSC is ready to work with you, more sensitization will come; please we do not want people to continue to die on our roads. “Ensure your vehicles are in order, overloading kills, use your seat belt, do not allow underage drivers, let us drive safely and alive to 2016,” he said. Mr. Ikechukwu Okoli, Liaison Officer to Governor Willie Obiano in the council, said Umunze was a busy area which had witnessed traffic challenges. Okoli called on commercial bus drivers and tipper drivers to exercise more caution and reduce carnage on the roads, while lauding the FRSC for bringing the awareness campaign to the area. The event also featured mini road show where motorists were sensitised and safety tips flyers distributed.
NCC warns phone subscribers against kidnappers
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igerian Communications Commission (NCC), yesterday, warned phone subscribers in Anambra State to be mindful of who they allow the use of their phones as some criminals have used such to connect kidnappers which later landed the real owners in trouble. The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, gave the warning yesterday in Nnewi during the 18th Edition of Consumer Town Hall Meeting organised by the commission. Represented by the Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs, Dr. Femi Atoyebi, the NCC boss noted that the forum was organised to enlighten, educate and inform the people so that
they can have a voice and also know their rights as well as protect them from unwholesome practices by some service providers. He informed the audience that their various phone SIM cards is an invaluable asset that can make or mar, depending on how it is used and cautioned phone subscribers to desist from using such for any criminal activity. The town hall meeting with the theme: “Enlightening Rural Telecom Consumers on their Rights and Privileges” featured representatives from major GSM service providers while participants had the opportunity of asking questions and getting answers on issues bordering on poor quality service from the network providers.
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Police arrest 100 suspected MASSOB members in Bayelsa Osahon Julius YENAGOA
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here was palpable tension at a popular motor park in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, as Police authorities in the state yesterday arrested over 100 suspected members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign States of Biafra (MASSOB), who invaded the park. Saturday Mirror gathered that some youths started gathering yesterday at the popular Ekeki Motor Park, Yenagoa, at about 11am with the intention of embarking and extending the peaceful protest to Bayelsa State. According to eye witness account, it was re-
vealed that the motor park was suddenly taken over by unknown faces which made the park operators and other traders around the motor park to become apprehensive, and began asking questions and alert the police authorities which eventually led to the arrest of the intruders. According to the eyewitness account, “We were here this morning as usual, looking for passengers when suddenly some group of youths in threes, fours and fives started trooping in to the park, but a look at the way they were dressed showed us that all is not well, especially with their movements. Initially, we thought they were Boko Haram boys due to
their shabby dressing, but when we interacted with them, we realized they were Ibos, though they did not disclose their mission to us.” However, it was learnt that some of the park boys quickly alerted the police, leading to the arrest of the boys, who did not resist. When contacted for comments, the Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Bayelsa State, Chief Okwudilichukwu Oko, said he would not want to comment on the matter, but if the arrested suspected MASSOB supporters calls on him, he would definitely have a word to tell them. Confirming the arrest, the Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Butswat Asimi-
ni, said some persons who were suspected to be supporters of MASSOB were arrested on entry into Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State. He said they were 78 males and 5 females, and were wearing clothes with MASSOB inscriptions written on them which made the police to suspect they were MASSOB members entering the state capital from other states. It would be recalled that many states in the South, especially the South East had declared their intention to have a peaceful demonstration to register their grievances over the continued arrest and detention of the host of the Biafra Radio, Nnamdi Kalu.
L-R: Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Peter Ndegwa; Marketing Manager, Malta & Apnad, Mr. Uche Onwudiwe and Ice Prince, during the internal launch of Malta Guinness ‘You Vs’ Campaign in Lagos,recently.
Soldiers block Niger Bridge as IPOB embarks on protest I n a bid to avoid loss of life and property sequel to the protest embarked upon by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), traders in Anambra State at about noon yesterday shut their markets even as soldiers barricaded the River Niger Bridge to help curtail the protest. The soldiers reportedly mounted Armored Personnel Vehicle (APV) at the Asaba end of the bridge head approach after the passage of over 1000 IPOB members to Delta State. Also, soldiers were sighted at the Onitsha end of the Bridge thoroughly search-
ing vehicles and other road users, thereby causing heavy gridlock on the Onitsha/Asaba Expressway It was gathered that as early as 7:30am, the traders were in their shops where they did brisk business transactions and left to avoid the wrath of the IPOB members who had earlier the previous day warned them not to open their markets in Onitsha. It was gathered that over 1000 members of IPOB converged at Nkpor Park in the early morning from where they matched through the major roads, and on getting to the River Niger Bridge,
crossed over to Asaba, the Delta State Capital to meet their colleagues in that state. Speaking on the protest which was peaceful, a Chieftain of IPOB, Emma Powerful, said “those in Anambra would meet with those in Delta State while those in Aba, Abia State will meet those in Bayelsa, and so it is arranged with other states to ensure complete compliance with the protest. “The security men are disturbing us from carrying out the protest, but that will not hinder us from carrying out the protest”.
On why they carried out the protest, he said “the Igbo have been marginalized for over four decades now, which prompted us to agitate for a sovereign state of Biafra.” Speaking on the protest the chairman of Fundamental Rights League International, FRLI, Comrade Mike Umezulike, said that there was nothing wrong with the protest as it was peaceful. He added that their agitation for a sovereign state of Biafra is no crime, but rather they are asking for independence as other nations did.
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NOVEMBER 7, 2015
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Akwa Ibom guber: Umana appeals Tribunal judgement
•••says it’s miscarriage of Justice Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA
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he All Progressive Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate in the April 11, 2015 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State Chief Umana Okon Umana has filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja challenging the judgment of the State Governorship Election Petition tribunal that nullified elections in 18 local government in the state. It will be recalled that the tribunal headed by Justice Sadiq Umar had in its judgment delivered on October 21 nullified elections in 18 out of the 31 local government areas of the state and ordered a re-run to be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The APC and Umana in their notice of appeal faulted the judgement of the tribunal describing it as a miscarriage of Justice. The two appellants asked the court of appeal to set aside the judgment of the tribunal in relation to the validation of election results in 13 local government areas of the state. They also asked the appeal court to nullify the entire Governorship Election conducted in the state on April 11, 2015 due to non compliance with the Election Act 2010 and voter guidelines of INEC. Appellants specifically asked that the first respondent in the appeal case, Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel be removed from office and that a fresh Governorship election be conducted throughout the state. The appeal filed by Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN was premised on 26 grounds and has Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner, Akwa Ibom State and the Nigeria Police Force as Respondents. Among the grounds, the appellants claimed that the tribunal misdirected itself in law by holding that non-compliance resulting in the nullification of the election in the said 18 Local Government Areas was not substantial to invalidate the entire election, thus leading to its ordering a re-run election in the said 18 Local Government.
They claimed that by nullifying elections in 18 out of 31 local government areas, section 179(2)(b) of the 1999 constitutions which deemed
a candidate to the office of the governor to be duly elected if he has not less than one quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at
least two-thirds of the government areas has breached. Appellants claimed two-thirds of the 31
local been that local
government areas in Akwa Ibom was 21 and that the tribunal failed to apply the mandatory provision of the constitution by its failure to nullify the election of Governor Udom.
Dwindling oil price: NSCE condemns illegal oil refineries in N’ Delta Elo Ogwara WARRI
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L-R: Vice Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Mr. Mohammed Lawal Bello; Chairman, NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi and Akwa Ibom State Governor Emmanuel Udom, during the presentation of certificate of additional generation capacity of electricity by Ibom Power plant to Akwa Ibom State Government in Abuja, on Thursday.
Shun sea piracy, illegal oil bunkering –Ex-militants tell colleagues Osahon Julius YENAGOA
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s the rampant cases of sea piracy and kidnapping become worrisome, Bayelsa State waterways and communities, ex-militant leaders, have urged those behind the criminal activities in the region to shun the act and embrace peace for development to thrive in the region. The ex-militants, who are under the Third Phase Amnesty Programme, also asked their aggrieved colleagues to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s reform programmes for the region. In a communiqué issued after their emergency meeting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, on Friday, the former militants expressed confidence in the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to resolve some knotty issues surrounding the amnesty programme. The communiqué, which was made available to our correspondent after the meeting, was signed by the National Chairman, Third Phase, Ebi John; Vice-Chairman, Ogundere Olarotimi; and Secretary,
Gomeromo Henry. They commended the Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig.-Gen Paul Boro (retd.), for sanitizing the rot left behind by former Coordinator of the programme under Goodluck Jonathan administration.
The ex-militants claimed that the former Coordinator failed to carry some ex-agitators along, noting that the development resulted in some of them going back to the creeks to carry out criminalities. They said, “We urge ev-
ery ex-agitator to key into the development plan of the Federal Government towards the Niger Delta cause. They should shun any form of criminality and inciting others to unleash mayhem on the region.
Dennis Naku
after Governor dissociated himself from a statement credited to him in defense of his principal (Wike). While reacting to the recent judgement of the Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal which nullified Wike’s election, Inko-Tariah had describe it as a judicial gang-up against the former. But addressing stakeholders in Port Harcourt within the week, Wike said he neither made such a statement not authorize anyone to say so. Meanwhile, the State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC has lauded Inko-Tariah over what it termed his ‘courage to dump Wike’. APC spokesman in the State, Chris Fynebone in
a statement said the APC “welcomes the uncommon courage displayed by Mr. Opunabo Inko-Tariah in resigning as the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the embattled governor of Rivers State this morning. “As a party, the APC knew that it was only a matter of time before all well-meaning proud sons and daughters of Rivers State who find themselves in Wike’s sinking ship jumped to safety. “This is not only because his governorship will soon become history, but because the malevolently unique style of Wike whose hallmark behaviour hinges on divide-andrule exasperates decent minds,” it said.
Wike’s media aide, Inko-Tariah, resigns PORT HARCOURT
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pecial Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Media and Publicity, Sir Opunabo Inko-Tariah has resigned his appointment. Inko-Tariah, in a statement yesterday (Friday) said one of the reasons for his resignation was because his office was starved of funds. He also said that several pieces of advise he gave to the governor was not heeded, adding that Wike ‘does not want to manage the media. “I believe my services are no longer needed,” the statement explained. Inko-Tariah’s resignation was coming few days
he Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSCE), has condemned the operations of illegal crude oil refineries in the Niger Delta. Commencing its 45th annual conference with the theme “Optimization of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Resources in Lean Times”, at Best Western Plus Wetland Hotel in Udu Council Area of Delta State, late Thursday, the body called on the federal, state and local governments to do all within their powers to discourage illegal refiners and provide for them, alternative means of livelihood. Describing the unlawful trade as suicidal, the NSCE, a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), noted that the theme was bearing on all Nigerians now, with the dwindling crude oil price. Noting the impact of pipeline vandalism and the emergence of other petroleum resources on the Nigerian economy, Professor Emenike Wami, National President of the NSChE, said the conference will examine proactive measures such as “development of private refineries, restoration of NNPC refineries, oil and gas, downstream reforms, as well as, funding joint venture exploration and production operations”. “Now that crude has fallen, we find that we need to find an alternative. The crude oil is a basket of lucrative products. We should not rely on the quick money we make from selling this product. Let us look inwards, it will encourage entrepreneurship,” he advised. Also speaking, past president of the association, Engr. Alex Ogedegbe stressed that processing crude oil outside legal grounds has no merit. Disputing the rationale behind illegal refineries, he said, “They have no technology, they are opportunists; people who will steal your crude oil and sell it at high prices on the way side, there is risk in such productions.” Recalling the Ogoni mishap and the level of environmental degradation in the South- South region of the country, another fellow of the society, Engr. Onochie Anyaoku, former NNPC GED, Refining & Petrochemicals, urged government at all levels to create ventures that will attract youths from such activities.
Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
Putin suspends flights to Egypt
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•••Over crash of Metrojet Flight 9268
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ussian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to suspend Russian air traffic with Egypt until the cause of the crash of Metrojet Flight 9268 can be determined, the Kremlin said Friday. “Putin has accepted the recommendations of the National Anti-Terrorist Committee to suspend flights with Egypt. ... The President has also instructed to provide assistance to Russian citizens to return from Egypt. In addition, the President has instructed to engage with the Egyptian side to ensure the safety of air traffic,” the Kremlin said in a statement. Russia had previously resisted the theory that a bomb brought down the airliner, possibly because any terrorist bombing of a Russian plane could be seen as retaliation for Putin’s decision to support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and launch airstrikes against the terrorist group ISIS and other Assad opponents. The airliner, carrying mostly Russian families returning from Red Sea vacations, was 23 minutes into its flight Saturday from Sharm el-Sheikh to St. Petersburg, Russia, when it disappeared from radar over Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. A U.S. satellite detected a heat flash over Sinai. The plane broke apart and fell to 30,000 feet earth. All aboard died. Russia’s about-face buttressed a theory about the cause of the crash. As investigators pick through the rubble of the Russian airliner, and as Western officials sift through their own intelligence reports, some suspect that Flight 9268 was brought down by a bomb planted in its hold. And that the bomb may have been smuggled on board in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where the flight departed. The bombing theory emerged late Wednesday, when Britain suspended flights from Sharm elSheikh to the UK because of fears of what those planes might be carrying. It became more pronounced when it was articulated by British Prime Minister David Cameron and U.S. President Barack Obama, though neither expressed it as a certainly. Cameron said it was “more likely than not” that the cause of the crash was an on-board bomb. Obama said it was “certainly possible.” And on Friday, the BBC quoted UK intelligence of-
ficials as saying the plane may have been brought down by a bomb smuggled
on board by someone working at the airport in Sharm el-Sheikh. The BBC said the intelligence came from “intercepted communica-
tion between militants in the Sinai Peninsula.” Egyptian officials publicly continue to push back against the likelihood of
a bombing -- perhaps concerned about the country’s crucial tourism sector -but a high-level Egyptian official who declined to be
named due to the sensitivity of the matter said Friday that the possibility of a bomb is “a theory we are not discarding.”
Why refugees in Europe should be worried I t was billed as the moment when Europe finally took responsibility for the influx of desperate refugees arriving on her shores. In late September, European leaders agreed on a plan to relocate 160,000 migrants from the countries they’re flooding into -- mainly Greece and Italy. Six weeks later, the scheme has only just gotten off the ground, according to new statistics released by the European Commission. EU ministers plan to transfer 160,000 asylum-seekers from Greece and Italy to other EU member states over the course of two years. But progress has been slow, and the numbers don’t add up yet. Only 1,418 places (out of the needed 160,000) have been made available in EU states for these people to be transferred to -- and just 116 have been moved as of November 4, according to the European Commission. Tove Ernst, a migration spokeswoman for the European Commission, says it took time to put the mechanisms in place on the ground to facilitate relocation. “The system is now up and running -- the first flight from Greece [has left] and there were already several flights from Italy -- and we’re hoping that progress on the ground and progress with member states will be made swiftly,” Ernst told CNN. More migrants fled to Europe in October than in all of last year, exacerbating an already dire situation for both refugees and host countries. More than 218,000 migrants fled across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe in October, the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) said. That’s more than the 216,000 who crossed into Europe in 2014. More than 750,000 migrants have arrived in Europe by sea in 2015, ac-
cording to the UNHCR. Of that 750,000 figure, more than half -- 52% --
are Syrian, and another quarter are from Afghanistan and Iraq.
More than two-thirds are men, and 20% are children. Nearly 3,500
have died or gone missing during the journey this year.
A refugee crying tears of joy as he and his children arrive in Greece
Tanzania’s new president takes oath of office
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anzania’s fifth leader, President John Magufuli, was inaugurated on Thursday at the packed Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Mr. Magufuli, at the inauguration, made a brief statement on the peaceful succession between himself and his predecessor, Jakaya Kikwete. In spite of the early morning shower, which drenched the city and neighbouring regions, thousands of people flocked to the stadium to see the man popularly nicknamed “Hapa Kazi tu” – Kiswahili for “Here work only” – take his oath of office. Mr. Magufuli coined the slogan for his presidential election campaign to indicate he is a man who means business in order to bring about change in the people’s life and development in general. In Tanzania, where folklore has countless examples of weather related superstition, Thursday’s downpour, according to
President John Magufuli
many people, was a sign of good luck accompanying the new administration.
They said the shower, coming especially after a spell of drought forced the country’s hydroelectric power dams to shut down, was a sign of good luck. As a result of the drought, disruptive power outages had become a common feature on the national grid posing one of the biggest challenges to the new administration. This was besides corruption in the public service, youth unemployment, inadequate health services and low standard infrastructure.
Several heads of state and government from neighbouring countries attended Mr. Magufuli’s inauguration. They included Presidents Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Jacob Zuma of South Africa. Others were Joseph Kabila of DR Congo, Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique and Edgar Lungu of Zambia as well as Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia.
Seven dead, 10 missing in mudslide in southern Brazil
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breach in a levee at the Samarco iron ore mine in southern Brazil has left seven people dead and 10 others missing, a report has said. Levee failure unleashed a mudslide that flooded part of Bento Rodriguez, a village about 250 kilome-
tres north of Rio de Janeiro. The report said that the incident saw more than 50 residents injured. It said that the damage from the levee destroyed a large portion of the village, with a population of 500. It, however, added that
the city prosecutor’s office had opened an investigation into the cause of the breach. Samarco, which lists itself as the 10th largest export company in Brazil, belongs in equal parts to the Brazilian firm, Vale, and the Australian firm, BHP Billiton.
Quote of the day Good neighbourliness is essential for the security and economic development of African countries. — Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, while Buhari received the Special Envoy of President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea..
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2015. www.nationnationalmirroronline.net
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The wicked problem of ministers without portfolio
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f you ask President Muhammadu Buhari what his experience has been since he took office about six months ago, he will probably say soko soko...! if he could speak Japanese. In English, that simply means, not bad and not good, but there is hope. The reason for that answer would not be far from the wicked problems that Mr. President has had to contend with since he resumed office. The regrettable part is that what ordinarily would have been small problems have become wicked problems. For instance, how do you explain ministers appointed without portfolio! Interestingly, appointing ministers without portfolio is not Buhari’s creation. It has happened a number of times in this country that ministers were appointed without portfolio. In the Jonathan administration, for instance, there were three ministers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. That was when oil was selling at $120 per barrel! Now Buhari has to appoint his own ministers when the selling price of oil is $47 per barrel, while the cost of producing that same barrel is $48, which translates to gross income at negative of one dollar per barrel! This probably explains the concept of ministers without portfolio. Every country faces different wicked problems. Nigeria’s problem at this time is lack of resources to fund the economy. This may be a small problem compared to some of the wicked problems confronting better economies in the world. For instance, Japan, which has the enviable record of the most prominent investment country in the world, with her investment in US Treasury Bills of 1.3 trillion dollars, far and above China’s record investment in US Treasury Bills of 1.2 trillion, is today confronted with the problem of aging population. By the year 2030, 50% of Japan’s population will be above the age of 70 years, while a mere 30% of the population will be below the age of 30. A wicked problem! The government of Japan will be spending a lot on welfare benefits for old people. That being so, who will do the jobs? Again, 20% of the population in the productive age bracket is largely working outside Japan, as most Japanese products are produced outside Japan. Compounding this interesting problem is the fact that about 100 Japanese companies that are operating in Japan currently invested over 100 billion dollars in Japan bonds rather than spending the money on expansion of their companies. It is not easy for Japan to import labour from overseas and Japan is not friendly to
CFR
In the Jonathan administration, there were three ministers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. That was when oil was selling at $120 per barrel. Now Buhari has to appoint his own ministers when the selling price of oil is
$47 per barrel,
while the cost of producing that same barrel is immigrants. As one scholar said, it may be easier to learn the mathematical logic behind electronic production than learning Japanese language. China is about the largest economy in the world, controlling about 12 trillion dollars of the world’s 70 trillion balance sheet, with over 1.2 trillion in cash investment in US bonds. Despite all these, all is not well with China. And if there is anything to be learnt from current happenings in China, it is largely that the Chinese economy is under great watch, as the current depletion on the economy may create a new recession for the entire world economy. And if China is to withdraw massively from her treasury bond investment in the US economy, then we may as well prepare for a new financial crisis, as such singular effort will lead to increase in interest rates, which will further push inflation and unemployment up as the cost of money goes up! This is definitely a more wicked problem than Nigeria’s. Professor Peter Williamson, despite the rolling data on China, has expressed optimism on the continuous growth of China. The respected scholar warns breakthrough innovators to be serious in their response
$48!
to cost innovation in China. Williamson maintains that doing nothing is not an option, as the dragon companies continue their visit from China. Muhammadou Kah (Former Vice Chancellor, The University of Gambia) has dropped his earlier views on China in favour of Williamson’s! The general argument is that the US is the highest debtor and the richest country in the world today. The fact remains that countries invest their money in US bonds out of trust and belief in stability of that economy. For instance, both China and Japan invested about 2.5 trillion dollars in US bonds. It does appear that buying US bonds effortlessly by various countries is leading to giving free money to the US, thereby increasing her debt to nations. Is that a wicked problem? Nigeria has no money to spend on capital projects. For instance, total amount allocated to capital projects in the 2015 budget is about $300 million, for a population of over 167 million! While President Jonathan did not commission any capital project in his last one year in office, President Buhari has been able to flag off one road project in the South since he became president. The Nigerian constitution puts a burden
on the president in the appointment of ministers, notwithstanding the resources of the nation. This is understandable, given the concept of equality of states, a condition for our federalism. The president has discharged that responsibility. And interestingly, the Constitution does not say in express terms that those appointed ministers should be given portfolios. The critical problem here is that if we borrow to fund recurrent expenditure, do we increase that problem by appointing more ministers, assigning them portfolios and borrowing to fund their offices, including their feeding and accommodation? On the other hand, if ministers are appointed without portfolios, are they parttime members of the cabinet who will make suggestions at cabinet meetings and go home thereafter, while government will make use of their advice where necessary. Otherwise, how do we solve this wicked problem of lack of resources? Maybe “a wicked problem should have a wicked solution,” according to Bimbo Busari. The world will be converging on Turkey early next week for the G20 meeting. Regrettably, some of us cannot make the invitation due to academic commitments. God willing, we shall be making the next World Bank meeting. The agenda of the G20 meeting is to discuss the wicked problems which are clearly stated in ten categories in the agenda of the meeting as follows: Investment, Employment, Trade, Financial Regulations, Architecture, International Tax, Anti Corruption Development, Sustainable Energy and Chain Change Finance. While wishing my colleagues who are attending from the University of Cambridge successful deliberations, it is my hope that the Buhari Administration will benefit from the discussions. The problem of insecurity and threat to the economic and political peace of the world, such as Boko Haram, is not slated for discussion. I do hope the world is not leaving Boko Haram to Nigeria as her domestic problem. There is empirical evidence to justify the fact that not much can be achieved in economic terms if world peace is in issue. In any case, what can two days discussions achieve in a ten point agenda? A wicked problem of agenda, perhaps, is scarcity of time! *Jimoh Ibrahim writes from the MBA class of the University of Cambridge
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