Dnw sat 28 12 2013 e version

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Federal civil servants shun work after Pg.11 public holidays

Anyim

Shekau in new video, claims role in Army Pg.2 barrack attack

Ihejirika

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Saturday, 28, 2013 Saturday,December March 23, 2013

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Elders to mediate in OBJ/Jonathan feud Akin Orimolade, Editor, Northern Operation

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lder statesmen across the country have concluded plans to mediate in the seeming rift between President Goodluck Jonathan and his political godfather, former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Saturday Newswatch gathered that some of the ‘mediators’ plan to meet in Kaduna tomorrow, to prepare the ground for an enlarged meeting in Abuja, scheduled for next week. Among the leaders said to be involved in the mediation are former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari and head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan. Also this weekend, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), would be meeting to elect a new leader and take a critical look at the nation’s ern region. A former Inspector General of Police is tipped to emerge as its consensus candidate. President Jonathan on December 2, x-rayed the state of the nation and concluded that all was not well with the running of government, an action that elicited a reply full of bile and a dint of threat from the Presi>>Continued on Page 3

Female participants at the Calabar Carnival yesterday. INSET: Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke (2nd left), his wife, Obioma (2nd right), the new Carnival Queen, Miss Nancy Olive Aisagbeonhi (right) and a management staff member of Zenith Bank (left).

Health Minister, Chukwu

ment� if by next week their outstanding allowances are not fully paid. But the Chief Medical Director of UCH, Professor Temitope Alonge, insists that management of the hospital is doing all it could to meet the consultants’ demands. The consultants addressed a press conference at the hospital yesterday drawing attention to the non-payment

of their salaries for three months despite representations they claimed to have made to the management to Chairman of the hospital’s branch of the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association (MDCAN), Professor Juwon Arotiba, who spoke on behalf of the consultants, said members of the associa>>Continued on Page 3

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edical services at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, may be disrupted again from next week as Medical and Dental Consultants at the hospital have threatened “painful but inevitable steps that may disrupt existing industrial harmony between our association and hospital manage-

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Olaide Oyelude, Ibadan

G P lo In ull-O ss si u y

UCH medics serve strike notice over salary

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Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Cover Boko Haram: Time to change tactics, Yoruba tell Jonathan # $ Kaduna

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he leadership of Yoruba Community in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has charge the Federal Government to adopt a fresh approach to tackle the insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country, saying the use of force has proved

Leader of the community, Ambassador Mohammed Arigbabuwo stated this in Kaduna yesterday, insisting that the use of only force has proved abortive in solving the Boko Haram Ambassador Arigbabuwo, who addressed a select group of newsmen on the issue, said: “The government approach to end the insurgency has not fore, it will be in the interest of the country to try another approach, which is to dialogue with the insurgent this will bring about the desired peace and security required to bring about development in the region and

youth unemployment as a major contributory factor to insecurity, the community leader

urged the Federal Government to go back to the days of Awolowo and Sardauna, by creating farm settlements across the country, to encourage youths to go back to farm and be en He argued that the establishment of farm settlements will not only employ the youths, but reduce crime rate and bring an end to the security challenges confronting “Today, armed robbery, kidnapping and rape have become very rampant in our soci generation can help address the challenges and ensure a peaceful ! " He, however, urged President Jonathan to go back and check his promises to the Nige # them, especially the approved but yet-to-be # to the Yoruba commu Ambassador Arigbabuwo also called on the Sultan of Sokoto and President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pas ! $ work together towards ensuring unity among Muslims and Chris

Shekau in new video, claims role in Army barrack attack T

he leader of Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau, has claimed a daring December 20 raid on a military barracks in the Bama area of Borno State, in a video obtained yesterday by AFP. The insurgents stormed the barracks in the town of Bama in a convoy of trucks before

soldiers inside, then torched the compound. There were fears that the gunmen might have kidnapped soldiers as well as women and children. Bama barracks,� Shekau said, while seated on a mat and men. Shekau has released a se-

ries of videos since taking control of the rebel group more than three years ago. The latest recorded statement was delivered to AFP through the same channel as previous messages. “This is a victory from Allah,� said the wanted insurgent leader after claiming to have destroyed “21 armoured tanks� and killed “multitudes� in the raid. The military has not re

rescue agencies have largely been barred from working in the North-East since a state of emergency was declared in the area in May. According to the defence

ministry, more than 50 “terrorists� were killed when ground forces backed by

ing Islamists after the raid. AFP quoted residents as saying that an unknown number of civilians were killed and four villages destroyed during the military response. Shekau has been declared a global terrorist by the United States, which put a $7 million (5.1 million euros) bounty on his head. Nigeria has

! naira ($300,000) for information leading to his capture or death. In the video, Shekau appeared to mock the notion

that one of his loyalists would betray him in exchange for a reward. “What is 50 million naira? We do not worship money. As for those who are in our midst, Allah has taken care of them,� he said. " # %

military in the North-East this month and was seen as a reminder that more than seven months into a military & the insurgency, Boko Haram remains capable of striking ' The group’s four-year insurgency, which seeks to create an Islamic state in Nigeria, has killed thousands.

First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan (left), and Director-General, National Identity Management Commission, Mr. ! "

Cameroon joins onslaught on Boko Haram Kidnapped Lebanese regains freedom Ted Odogwu, Bureau Chief, was found by a team of Kano

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Lebanese, Hassan Zaid, who was kidnapped in Sharada Industrial Estate, Kano on Monday by unknown persons has regained his freedom unhurt, as he was abandoned by his abductors on & 6 A signed press statement by the Public Rela 2 > State Police Command, ASP Mgaji Majiya, disclosed that the Lebanese

crack detectives at the outskirts of Sharada Industrial Estate, where he was abandoned by his abduc ? @@O disclosed that Hassan has been re-united with his family, while the manhunt for the perpetrators It would be recalled that the Lebanese was on Monday kidnapped by unknown persons in Sharada Industrial Estate, >

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he authorities in YaoundĂŠ, the Cameroonian capital, have set up tighter border controls in the far North region to # jihadist Boko Haram # from neighbouring Nige

% gent attacks and a Nigerian

& safety across the border in ' ! military unit has also been deployed and beefed up in the northern region and some tourist hotels now *

registered all expatriates and established police posts

& There are security control posts along the border to re + / Iga Emmanuel, the head of police division at the gover-

0 2 However, the authorities admit that it is impossible to completely secure ' 0 There are also similar ethnic communities in Cameroon’s far North and North-eastern Nigeria who have family on either side of the border, speak the same language and share common culture, making undetected cross * safeguarding our borders so that we don’t import the + & 3 Albert Sidi, who is in charge of economic, social and cul 0 2 4 % movement of people and trade between Cameroon’s far North region and North 5 + & 3 -

0 Cameroon traders have been forced to seek markets in neighbouring Chad or other

# The abduction of French nationals in Cameroon in 2013 underscored the widening threat of gunmen linked + & 3 $ Security collaboration group in Nigeria, promptPresident Goodluck Jona- ing Cameroon to ramp up than had urged Cameroon & + & a French priest in November Haram militants, who have 2013 is thought to have benebeen driven out of the main # cities in North-eastern Nige

*+ since agreed to conduct sep- security controls cannot be arate but coordinated border 6 - tive, but it can reduce illegal lieve that the Islamist mili- < However, Cameroon is tants take detours through Cameroonian territory to not part of the Multinational move from one Nigerian Joint Task Force of troops from Chad, Nigeria and Ni Emmanuel said there had & 0 2 &- has been revised to include ing from Chad into northern counter-terrorism since Nigeria and “many people + & 3 have been arrested with lated from sectarian violence

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Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Cover Elders to mediate in OBJ/Jonathan feud Continued from Page 1 dent who on December 24, dragged the former president to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and the anti-graft agencies. Not done yet, the President, in his Christmas Church service message, again, took on his predecessor, warning that: “for us at this time, especially we the politicians, that we think we own this country, to begin to think about next election and doing what we ought not to do, making statements we ought not to make, writing %

The President, Living Faith Church Worldwide, Dr. David Oyedepo (R), speaking at the Annual General write...� It was gathered that the Meeting of Omu-Aran Development Association in Omu-Aran, Kwara State with the Chief Judge of Kwara PHOTO: NAN. conveners of the meetstate , Justice Ayinla Bamgbola (M) and retired Major General Yemi Abidoye‌yesterday. ing were worried that the altercation between the two leaders was capable of overheating the already charged political atmosphere. In addition, they were said to have reasoned that the exchanges from both Continued from Page 1 the Integrated Personnel out of the scheme for

sides have to do with ego @ 4 the time being, while the month of December with 6 [44@@46] - made to prevent a recurwith the hospital man- Teaching Hospitals in ments should continue due to festivities. This is rence of what happened agement, including Pro- ^'3

through the existing in addition to unpaid Oc- between Chief Obafemi fessor Alonge, appealing The implementation was channel i.e. the release tober and November al- Awolowo and Chief to them on the need to of personnel emolument lowances. Ladoke Akintola, which 2 ? _ “We are calling on the His words: “We have the magnitude that com- through Head of Institu- management and rel [\ ] pelled our association to tions to individual ac- evant government agen this morning to intimate reject the scheme until counts. *6

{ - such a time the governing and unprecedented ment can guarantee its commencement of this industrial dispute that is % agreement in August, standing allowances to about to erupt between % do so before the end of o fewer than “Furthermore, in view have been paid of the last this month, otherwise we our association - the seven persons Medical and Dental Con- of the peculiarities of the # & sultants Association of appointment of the Hon- painful but inevitable their lives in Guma and [^'3 ] ' month representing our Buruku local governallowance. the existing industrial and the management hospital with regards to September ment areas of Benue ^

' - * State following clashes lege Hospital, Ibadan, ? - association and the hosbetween farmers and over three months - and of Education through the ances have caused untold pital management.� Fulani herdsmen. Also, ` hardship and embarrassBut Professor Alonge counting - of unpaid al- ^

about 33 persons were lowances to our mem- Councils, it was resolved ment to our members as feared to have drowned

# - is being made to resolve bers. when a boat in which “You will recall that Nigeria Medical Associa- tions such as school fees the issue, pointing out the Federal Govern- tion and representatives for their children and that it would be sad if the { ment, through the Min- of relevant agencies of - River Buruku, bringing

_ government to keep the ing jeopardized. As we go on strike over the is # the implementation of 3 ' speak, our members have sue. to 40. The passengers - including men and women - were fun seekers, who were at Buruku Beach to & + " X River Buruku is a trib O

+ % hairman of the polling units in the areas. The 3 Division of the ment enjoined the elecRegarding the ethYobe State IndeThe chairman said ! torate to cooperate with nic clash, Saturday pendent Electoral four wheel drive vehi- Newswatch gathered that Commission, Alhaji Mo- cles have been provided its spokesman, Capt. Eli the incident in Guma had hammed Jauro Abdu, 2 Lazarus had announced of breaching the public resulted in one death in # 2 restriction of movement peace during and after Nzorov district of Guma readiness of the commis- terrain assuring that the of vehicles and persons the election. on the eve of Christmas, 0 exercise will be a success. during the election. The coalition of politibut on December 26, it local government elecHe stressed that the The restriction, accord- cal parties in Yobe State escalated and extended tions in the State. ing to the statement, is had few weeks back to Agasha where seven Mr Abdu in a Televi- a hitch-free election and between 8am to 3pm, #persons were killed. sion interview in Dama- called on people of the - dence on the YOSIEC According to a sourcturu, the Yobe State capi- state to come out en mass sential service will be al- ahead of the election as es, the boat mishap tal, said all the sensitive to vote for candidates of lowed in the discharge of @ 0 X in Buruku took place and non-sensitive mate- their choice and to coop- their duties. @ & 2 While wishing the peo- out of the election claim dispatched to all local ple of the state a peaceful ing that it is ill timed be government headquar- ensure a successful exer- election and a prosper- cause of the current secu

ters for distribution to cise. -

UCH medics serve strike notice over salary

led to the crisis in the * +%

public. Saturday Newswatch gathered that one of the elder statesmen, who is mutually respected by both Jonathan and Obasanjo, may have been contacted to speak to both men not to make further comments on ' It was also gathered that some powerful forces within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have given a ranking Senator from the Middle Belt the go ahead and ‘oil’ his political machinery in preparation for the 2015 general elections. The Senator’s posters were seen in some parts of Abuja and neighbouring states recently, although the federal lawmaker disclaimed it, saying he was not nursing any presidential ambition. The All Progressives Congress (APC), the leading opposition party in the country, had on Thursday in a statement issued in Lagos accused Jonathan

/ the President by allowing himself to be drawn into exchange of words with Obasanjo.

Benue: 40 killed in boat mishap, ethnic clash

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Yobe restricts movements for today’s council poll C

celebration. < than 40 persons forced engine boat that was to cross the river from one

0 overloading. It was learnt that as soon as the boat set sail,

{ " persons escaping. ? claimed that out of the 34 persons that fell into the river, one struggled to swim to the shore. An independent diver ~~ in the river, 15 were re evening. 3 had been inaugurated to search for more bodies, and solicited help. The Police Public Rela 2 [@@O ] ? X <{ # the killing of seven persons in Guma and disclosed that it took place On the incident in Buruku, Ezeala said investigation had started. He said the Divisional @ 2 [X@ ] would brief the com details would be made public through the press.

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Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

News

National

One killed, 10 injured as police, MASSOB clash in Onitsha

Nobody can distract me - Ekweremadu

Cyprian Ebele, Onisha

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in anger, barricaded the ever-busy Onitsha /Owerri road for two hours and made % used tyres, forcing / % &

the Obosi by-pass. The corpse of the dead MASSOB member was said to have been taken to the Awada police station. Contacted on the

incident, the Onitsha police area commander, Mr. Benjamin Wordu, but said trouble stated when MASSOB and a rival group had a

bloody clash. He said on hearing of the incident he dispatched a team of policemen to the troubled area adding that normalcy has been restored.

t least one person was reportedly killed and 10 others sustained various degrees of injury as police and members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) yesterday clashed in Onitsha. According to Saturday Newswatch, trouble started when % down along the Onitsha/Owerri road in Onitsha by a police team on surveillance and as he obeyed, an argument reportedly ensued between the motorist and the police. In the process, MASSOB members who have been / the yuletide started decided to come to the rescue of the man. As they intervened, there was a heated Children dancing at the Cadbury Multi Brand season’s greetings event on Boxing Day at the Silverbird Galleria, argument which Victoria Island, Lagos...yesterday. Photo: Padonu Segun resulted in assault between MASSOB and the police which prompted one of the policemen to shoot at a MASSOB member Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri continue to strategies for upsurge of oppositions in some politicians, saying who died instantly. that politicians should shun s the various the 2015 general elections, the state. Consequently, Chief Ihedioha, who is one character assassination, political parties the Deputy Speaker of the MASSOB members,

Ihedioha calls for assessment of public office seekers

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in

Public Notice

the

country

House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, has called for a critical and thorough assessment of the contenders for elective positions. Speaking during an interactive forum with newsmen at his country home, Mbutu, in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State, Chief Ihedioha said that although ambition is a very legitimate aspiration, it is imperative for those seeking to lead the masses to display their score cards before the electorate to enable them ascertain their credibility, @ /

occupy. The Deputy Speaker, who took time to clarify his rumoured 2015 governorship ambition, said he is neither bothered nor distracted by the wide speculations, given the

of the foundation members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and who has invested heavily in the party,

on him to throw his hat in the ring for the Imo State Government House, but added that he is currently immersed in consultations with political associates and party stakeholders. Enumerating some of his investments in Imo State chapter of the PDP, the including the funding of the party’s secretariat, the deputy speaker, who is now serving his third term in the nation’s lower legislative chamber recalled circumstances that catapulted him to his present admiration reposed in him by his colleagues in the law making house. He denounced politics

acrimony as exhibited by

backbiting, mudslinging, and learn to admit and acknowledge the giant strides recorded by people in positions of authority. He urged the media to be in the vanguard of rebuilding Imo State. Chief Ihedioha said he had for the 27 local government areas of the state, but also ensured the actualisation of an integrated waste disposal plant at Ilile, in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area, transferred the dredging of the Nworie River into a Federal Government project and 8 the Owerri/Ekele road. On the great race for the Imo State Government House, Chief Ihedioha said; “We should search for a candidate who has the capacity and pedigree to deal with the various challenges confronting the state�.

Kenneth Ofoma, Enugu

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he Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu has vowed to remain focused mandate, constituents & legislation to the nation. Ekweremadu said he will not be distracted by anybody from his well focused agenda of improving the lives of his constituents and Nigerians at large. He maintained that his aim in politics is to take his people to a higher level. Speaking when he & that paid him Christmas visit in his Mpu country home in Aninri council, Enugu State, Ekweremadu

to his main objective for joining politics and as such would not be distracted. He assured the Ugbo community and the entire people of Enugu West Senatorial district who he represents that he will continue to sustain the good relationship that exists between them, through developmental projects in 2014. He urged the people

8 monitor and secure all ongoing projects in their areas as that would encourage the to them. Ekweremadu who also spoke on security issues said though it is the responsibility of the government to protect the lives and properties of its 8 as well come together and involved in the various vigilante groups in their communities. “Though some people will argue that it is the duty of government to protect lives and property, the fact remains security should be the concern of everyone. You must help to secure your environment, the projects that have been cited in your areas and ensure that we don’t hear funny stories of how projects have been vandalised and all that, “ he said. The senator who also talked about ongoing projects in Enugu West Seantorial District, called on SETRACO, the company handling most of the road projects in the area to ensure they meet the deadline and maintain standards. Some of the roads include the Orji-Mmaku-Agwu9 +< 8 the Odume-Nnewe road, among others. In his response, the = > / of SETRACO, Paul Nsiembassey assured the people that the ongoing projects would be completed as scheduled.

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6

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

News NPA identifies capacity development, infrastructure as priority in 2014

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he Nigerian Ports Authority, Apapa Port, on Friday said it would give priority to human capacity development and equipp the agency in 2014. The Port Manager, Mr Nasir Mohammed, told newsmen in Lagos that other stakeholders should buy into its programme for sustainable growth in the national ports operations. “We intend to improve in 2014 from what it has been this year and there has to be a synergy among all stakeholders in the industry,� he said. Mohammed said that terminal operators would have to increase their capacity in terms of facilities and training of personnel to enhance their services. “Terminal operators will need to improve facilities for evacuation of containers in and out of their terminals and also expose their personnel through training to what obtains in the global industry. “They will also have to increase capacity in terms of yard space because a number of them are already global players who know how the ports operate in very advanced countries,� he said.

Fashola warns auto dealers, hawkers

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agos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has told auto dealers to stop using road sides as showrooms for their vehicles. Speaking while inaugurating the reconstructed Kodesho Road and Simbiat Abiola Way in Ikeja, Lagos, the governor who also warned other hawkers against selling on the road, said that this was / a lot of inconvenience to road users. Fashola added that there was a lot of serious health implications if motorists have to stay too long on the road. “We build roads to let us get to our businesses; our places of work quickly and to make movement easier. “But some residents covert the roads to places they trade and as long as we continue to trade on them, we defeat the purpose for which they were built. “As long as we turn our roads to shopping malls where everybody buys in / % because you all know that such causes stress and hypertension. .“Now, I see those who sell cars on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way and other areas have turned sections of the highways into showrooms.

South West

Ikuforiji counsels Speakers on role T

he Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, yesterday advised his counterparts in the South-West geo-political zone to carry out their legislative duties without fear. Ikuforiji gave the advice while speaking at the maiden edition of the Conference of SouthWest Speakers held at Protea Hotel, Maryland, Lagos. He said: “As progressives, the progress of our people should be paramount; this and only this will posterity ask of us. Our party leaders have set an economic agenda; it is for us as parliamentarians to play our essential roles. “As we set out to fashion a legislative agenda to re-invent the South-West socioeconomic and political space, just like our founding fathers before us, intimidation must be the least of our worries.� According to Ikuforiji, the people have high expectations from the legislature and should not be let down. He said that the people believed that if legislatures set the right agenda, the future of

their children would be

' The speaker noted that many landmark motions had passed through the parliament in Lagos and lives of the people. “For this essential reason, providence

has placed it upon the Lagos Assembly to host yet another landmark conference aimed at building cohesion amongst political likeminds,� he said. The Executive Secretary, Lagos State

Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Mr. Fola ArthurWorrey, in a paper entitled: “Perspective/ Overview of South-West Legislative Assemblies,� expressed dissatisfaction with the level of development in the zone.

He said that the existing laws across the states should be harmonised to address issues that % positively. Arthur-Worrey urged the lawmakers not to allow the conference turn to a mere rhetoric.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, (second right); Prelate, Methodist Church, Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Emeka Kanu Uche (second left); Bishop of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. Sunday Ogunlere (right) and Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Sunday Ajayi, during a courtesy call on the governor by the prelate at the State House, Marina, Lagos.

Expert urges government to focus on renewable energy

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n energy expert and project coordinator with Dubrai Contractors Ltd., Mr Abraham Williams, yesterday, urged the Federal Government to rededicate its commitment to renewable energy sources in the country. Williams, who made the call in an interview in Lagos, said that government

towards the reduction of fossil fuels, to stem the longterm impact on atmospheric temperature and ocean acid levels. According to him, we are in a critical decade where global and national decisions on fossil fuels will determine long-term temperature, sea level increases and bio-diversity losses. “To stabilise the climate at a manageable level, most of the world’s fossil fuel reserves must stay in the ground. ``What we are doing with the world’s oceans, in terms dioxide into them, amounts to systemic poisoning. ``As we heat our oceans, we encourage coral bleaching, and loss of species diversity. Williams also said that wind and sunshine are used in most countries

for economic growth and development. He said that renewable energy would help to supplement the basic needs of electricity and water supply, adding that there %

& of the energy source. The expert said that solar-powered electricity generation would help to tackle the problems of climatic change, and assist the government to achieve a

green economy. He said that the huge demand for generators to bridge the nation’s electricity supply was dangerous to the health of Nigerians and the environment. ``If we continue this way, in the next six or 10 years, we may not have a clean environment. ``Because of this, we need alternative energy and other sources like bio-fuel and bioethanol, which can be used

to generate electricity,� he said. Williams said that if stakeholders in the private and public sectors would invest in renewable energy sources, the problem of inadequate electricity supply in the country would be solved. ``In the last 35 years, power supply in the country has been epileptic, and in many areas across the nation, Nigerians have come to accept darkness as

a way of life,’’ he said. The expert said that inadequate power supply the economy as many industries had to rely on diesel- powered generators to stay in business. üWilliams said that while traditional energy providers had been slow to invest in renewable energy, wind and solar technology had reduced in cost, and gained greater acceptance as alternative energy sources.

Governing council seeks staff, students’ support for Adeyemi College Peter Dada, Akure

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he Governing Council of Adeyemi College of Education (ACE), Ondo, students of the institution management in its

& institution. Chairman of the Council Ambassador Musa John, gave the advice in a speech he delivered at the 2013 Christmas Carol held on the Christmas day on the campus of the college. Ambassador John, who is also Nigeria’s envoy to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, said no institution would succeed without the

itsstakeholders, calling on everyone in the institution to join hands to take it to greater heights. Speaking on the forthcoming 50th anniversary of the college slated for next year, the ACE Governing Council chairman urged all stakeholders to pray for the institution for a successful celebration. He also assured the Provost of the College, Prof Adeyemi Idowu, of the support and cooperation of members of the Council, stating that they are not in the institution to challenge him, but to give necessary support that would enable him take the

college to the next level. His words: “We are here to celebrate a living God. There is need for everyone here present to be grateful to God, because it takes the grace of God to provide qualitative education for the citizenry. “Ondo town is God’s own town. As we prepare for our Jubilee celebration next year, we need your prayers and support. We are happy with the excellent performance exhibited by the provost, we are not here to challenge him, but to give him support to take the college to the next level’’ he stated. In his remarks, the Provost, Prof. Adeyemi Idowu, expressed

gratitude to God, for the celebration of another Christmas carol, which marked the third edition since he assumed the leadership of the institution. He commended the

organising the celebration, and students for their cooperation and support. According to Prof. Idowu, the development in the institution is not that of the provost alone, but achieved through & students of the institution, appealing to stakeholders for continued support for his administration in its

to greater heights.

7

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

News

South East

Elechi dismisses national confab, says he won’t participate Kenneth Ofoma, Abakaliki

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nable to hide his personal feelings, Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Martin Elechi, yesterday shocked his audience by openly dismissing the proposed National conference initiated by President Goodluck Jonathan, describing it as a big joke and waste of time. Governor Elechi, a staunch supporter of Jonathan and his programmes took an

exception on the confab. He made his position known while addressing ° at his country home in Ikwo Local Government Area, when they paid him Christmas visit. Elechi maintained that the confab is a distraction to Jonathan as the general elections approach. The founding fathers said they wanted to know the modalities for selecting delegates from the state, and issues that should form

their collective stand. But to their greatest surprise, the governor stressed that he had a % % the exercise. Elechi had earlier lauded the initiative, and urged Nigerians to avail themselves the opportunity of contributing meaningfully to the conference so that any grievance would be addressed. But in what seemed like a dramatic turn around, he

said that he was sceptical of the conference as it would not achieve anything since the constitution has empowered the National Assembly to make laws for the country. The governor noted that the referendum cannot supersede the deliberations of the National Assembly, but advised advocates of the confab to revisit the @ President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005, as it had the participation of all

L-R: Unit Manager, Ministry of Works, Mr. Mohammed Isa; Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Corps Marshal, Mr. Osita Chidoka; representative of the Minister of Works, Mr. Abubakar Mohammed, and Deputy Corps Marshal, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, at the handover of heavy duty trucks and patrol vehicles by the Minister of Works to the FRSC, in Abuja.

segments of human life. He also noted that during @ decisions were taken, but the National Assembly over ruled them because of the third term ambition of Obasanjo. Though Elechi said he would consult his constituents to deliberate on whether or not to participate in the conference, he noted that if they eventually chose to participate, he would distance himself, and be an onlooker. He said, “The National conference to me is a big joke, waste of time and a distraction to Goodluck Jonathan. I’m sceptical about it. It will not achieve anything. “The constitution gives the National Assembly the power to make laws, and the referendum cannot over ride the deliberations of the National Assembly. “The best was the @ President Obasanjo in 2005. There, all segments of national life talked and took + ' % still consult my people, but if at the end, they decide to participate, I will not stop anybody, but I will distance myself and be an onlooker. “The National Assembly over ruled it due to the third term ambitions of Obasanjo. We should & @ and the recommendations reached�, the governor

Committee seeks quick dispensation of justice in Abia, as NJC suspends appointments Abia State, Justice Stella Nwakanma, while declaring

the interactive meeting open, comprising major noted with sadness that the stakeholders in the NJC gave its major reason for administration of justice not appointing new judges as has resolved to take steps to low performance, stressing enhance speedy dispensation that there was urgent need for stakeholders to evolve of justice in the state. This resolution, made after measures that would facilitate

speedy dispensation of justice. at the Judiciary Conference room of Umuahia High Court, is coming on the heels of the decision by the National Judicial Council (NJC) not Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri to appoint new judges for he Federal Abia on account of low Operations Unit, performance by courts in the Zone C’ Owerri state. of the Nigeria Customs To make the judges to sit

Service has intercepted that from next year, deputy a STEYRA truck of 1 x court registrars should be 25 feet container body laden with two thousand, performances of judges and % + magistrates, while complaints seven (2,257) cartons of of malpractices and assorted smuggled frozen corruption made against any poultry products (Turkey, @ Chicken and gizzards) and thoroughly investigated, worth over N21,611,200 and disciplinary actions taken as duty paid value / ' The destruction which The increasing problem took place at Custom of low performance by the House premises, Benin courts was traced to absence on the December 24, of a substantive Chief Judge 2013, was witnessed by for about six years, which members of National has made control of judicial Agency for Food and / / ' Acting Chief Judge of Drug Administration and

Boniface Okoro, Umuahia

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“This meeting has been called for us to examine how to deliver justice as fast as it is practically possible. There are many issues militating @ of justice, and members of

& in bringing about speedy dispensation of justice. The NJC refused to appoint new

judges for us. They told me that we should go and improve on our performance�, she told the meeting. Justice Nwakanma also pointed out that the image of the judiciary was at stake because of myriads of ' According to her, all

¸ judges, magistrates, lawyers & their fair share of blame over the slow dispensation of justice, and stressed the

+ by all stakeholders with a view to improving on their contributions to the dispensation of justice in Abia State

Customs intercepts, destroys truck-load of poultry products

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Control (NAFDAC), State

Security Services (SSS), Nigeria Security and Civil defense Corps, NSCDC, and the Police, among others. # during the supervision, the Area Controller of the FOU Zone ‘C’, Victor David Dimka, said / apprehended the truck with the driver, Mr. Friday Julius, who will soon be arraigned in the court. He noted that the STEYRA truck with registration number UBJ 41 XA was intercepted + Benin Express Way based on intelligence report. Dimka pointed out that the amazing thing about the seizure was the fact

that the smuggled poultry products were concealed in 15 empty cartons of medium size chest freezer, cleverly packed in three rows before the poultry products; which clearly showed their aim to delude the security operatives. The area controller +

& of the Customs not to rest on their oars until smuggling activities of unpatriotic citizens in the zone are brought to book. According to him, consumption of such prohibited foreign poultry which are preserved with dangerous chemicals may have contributed to kidney and other related sickness of human beings.

While lauding the + of Customs, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko Inde and his management team for their immeasurable

smuggling activities across the country, he appealed to Nigerians to resist the temptation of consuming most of these imported poultry products, especially as nobody can say if they were properly handled in transit to their destinations, and warned % + be smugglers to relocate from the zone or face the wrath of the law as the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to sustain momentum of curbing the menace of smugglers.

2015: Deputy Speaker moves to reposition PDP in Imo Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

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reposition the Peoples Democratic Party in Imo State, the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, has donated a brand new ³´ * + the party in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area. The Deputy Speaker made this donation when he doled out a number of poverty alleviation packages for the people of Imo State in support of their Christmas celebrations at his country home, Mbutu, in the Aboh Mbaise council area. He also announced the donation of motorcycles, buses, ladies’ machines for the PDP ward chairmen in <

8

Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise and Ngor Okpala local governments, saying that the party’s women leaders % of the ladies’ machines. The deputy Speaker, who, in addition, distributed bags of rice, cartons of tomatoes and other condiments for cooking to the people, pledged to provide motor cycles to all the youth leaders in Aboh Mbaise and Ngor Okpala. While handing over 90 tricycles (Keke NAPEP) to the 27 local government areas of the state, Chief Ihedioha pledged to sustain partnership with the church and other partner groups, including traditional rulers. In his comment, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Poverty Alleviation and National Coordinator of NAPEP, Alhaji Murktar Tafawa Balewa, represented by the Imo State Secretary of NAPEP, Mr. Martin E. Odoemenem, commended Chief Ihedioha for his continued exemplary leadership @ & representation of his constituency and beyond. Alhaji Balewa enjoined Imo electorates to reciprocate the gesture of Chief Ihedioha by standing solidly behind him to enable them to reap more democracy dividends. Speaking at the presentation, the Owerri zonal leader of the PDP, Major General Rowland Ogbonna (rtd), described the Poverty Alleviation Programme of the deputy Speaker as a clear evidence of democracy dividends in action which has brought succour to the citizenry.

8

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

News

North Central

PDP stalwart cries out over vandalisation of residence, demands N10m A

Governorship aspirant asks supporters to shun acrimony Godwin Akor, Makurdi

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member of the ruling Peoples democratic Party (PDP) eyeing the governorship seat in Benue State, Mr. Simon Anchaver, yesterday urged his supporters to play politics without

' Anchaver made the plea in Makurdi during a get-together he organised for the supporters. He advised them to campaign for him based on issues rather than sentiments. Anchaver, the former Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress in the state and National President, Agriculture and Allied Employees Union of Nigeria, said his supporters should make the people see reasons why they should support him.

He said canvassing for support was a collective

hands must be on deck to enable him win the governorship election in 2015. He called on all wellmeaning Benue people to support him to actualise his dream of governing

the state for the good of all. He promised to consolidate on the transformation agenda as well as achievements of Governor Gabriel Suswam, if given the mandate. Anchaver said that

the zoning arrangement in the state was in his favour, hence should be maintained. Mr Emmanuel Gwajime and Mr Terpase Ade spoke on behalf of the supporters. The duo said that they were optimistic that Anchaver would deliver the desired

Nasarawa to build three modern markets —Dep Gov

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he Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Mr Dameshi Luka, said on Friday that plans were under way to construct three modern markets across the state. The deputy governor said this while receiving members of market associations, who paid him a Christmas visit in Akwanga. Luka said that the construction of the markets would help in boosting the

socio-economic activities in the state. promises to the people, the state government plans to construct three modern markets, to be located in < % / local government areas of the state. “The construction of the three modern markets will not only boost the revenue base of the state, but will also reduce unemployment. “It will also boost the

general well-being of the people of the state as well as the development of the country�, he said. He added that the state government was determined to ensure even distribution of projects across the state. “As you can see, each local government has been selected from the three senatorial zones of the state for the projects. “I am calling on the people of the state to use

T

he House of Representatives

HIV and AIDS, Malaria Control, Tuberculosis and Leprosy, has said that the proposed HIV and AIDS Anti-Stigma law will assist Nigeria to achieve zero infection. "

š Chairman, Dr. Joseph % Friday in Abuja that it was important to ensure the passage of the antistigma bill to show our seriousness. He said the law would make people living with the virus declare their status; seek treatment without fear of stigmatisation. House for passing the bill into law, hoping that the Senate and the President would also do the same. ``When we reduce stigma and discrimination, we also cut the chain of transmission, so the essence of this bill actually is to get to achieve a zero level of infection of HIV/ AIDS in Nigeria. ``When you are positive, you hide because you are going to be stigmatised by family, friends and the society. ``As couple, the wife or the husband will not like to disclose his or her status because of fear of stigma, this has promoted the transmission of the virus. ``A breast feeding mother who may be HIV positive will not want to go for test because she fears she is going to be stigmatised, she will continue to breast feed her baby. ``Research has shown that stigma and discrimination of patients democracy dividends to living with HIV and AIDS the masses if given the propagates the disease, % š % mandate. They said that the prayer is that we achieve

a zero level and free HIV Anchaver stemmed šš ' from the fact that he had never failed in any many people living with HIV/AIDS had been responsibility given to him either within or stigmatised at their places of work, some denied outside the state. promotion, others sacked / denied admission because of their status. this period to forgive and He explained that the law forget the past, and unite would protect the rights and embrace peaceâ€?. of those living with HIV/ He said they should do AIDS, as many of them this “irrespective of ethnic, were being stigmatised all religious and political over the world. / & According to him, development of the state, having the virus does not and the country at large. “I am also calling on of the individual; it only the people of the state kills the immune system. and Nigerians to shun all The chairman said that acts capable of fomenting HIV and AIDS should not troubles in our state and the be seen as a death sentence, countryâ€?, Luka said. since there are medications for treatment.

> / Âş==> Âť return was given to his rival destruction of my property election is coming up in ASP Dominic Esin Januaryâ€?, he said. ' = ' in the community. stalwart of “My house was He maintained that “My house and the % = š

% property destroyed is over vandalised because some Democratic Party š N10 million, and until those people feel I was behind bring the culprits to book. % š Âş= =Âť š thugs went on rampage, % @ Local Government Area of destroying properties of are traced and arrested, % situation where anybody Plateau State, Mr. Anthony / our community will not to assuage their anger onâ€?, or group takes the law into their hands; we are ready Homsuk, yesterday cried stalwarts in the community be safe for the proposed he said. to deal with such person out for justice following including my residence,â€? local government polls in However, the Plateau % the vandalisation of his Homsuk, Police Command a retired January, 2014 highly placed. residence by unknown permanent secretary said. “What those political “Nobody will be allowed political thugs believed to “All I am requesting thugs did was criminal, saying that investigation to tamper with the relative have been sponsored. from the authority is an and should be nipped in ' peace being enjoyed in Homsuk told Journalists &

the bud to forestall future Plateau� he said. those responsible for the occurrence since council Deputy Police Public on his residence in his home community was the aftermath of the just concluded PDP primaries ahead of the January 30 local government election.

took place while he was away to Jos, and that he lost over N10 million following the destruction % % % the council area. Homsuk called for prompt intervention of the police to investigate the incident towards apprehending the culprits, and make them face the wrath of the law. According to him, the thugs staged a protest early on Saturday over the outcome of the @ ' % of the aspirants to the councillorship position of the party, last Friday. He said following % @ for alleged unruly behavior, Photo: Padonu Segun Children having fun at Silverbird Galleria as they celebrate the Boxing Day in Lagos...yesterday. Gyang Bere, Jos

‘HIV/AIDS antistigma law will achieve zero infection’

/ 6/

Q

++' ! , ¼ !%¼/!, ¼ ¼($ &¼ , ,¼ ¼!+¼&',¼( *,1¼,' A]¼ . ¼ &¼!&¼, ¼ ¼ & ¼'& ¼' ¼, ¼ '-& !& ¼ % % *¼ ' ¼ , ¼ ( *,1¼ !&¼ ¤ -& ¼ , , ¼] ¼]¼/ &,¼,'¼ %'. ¼ '*¼ $ . ¼ , ¼ ( *,1¼ ]¼ '&@,¼ & ¼ ( '($ ¼ $!# ¼ | & ¼ ,'¼ ¼ %1¼ .'! ¼ +¼ ]¼ &¼ $/ 1+¼ , $#¼ ,'¼ , ¼ '' ¼ ( '($ ¼ ' ¼ ¤ -& ¼

& ¼ , ¼ ( *,1¼ % % *+¼ '&¼ %1¼ & 0,¼ $!& ¼ ' ¼ ,!'& B¼ ¼+ ! -+- ¼ + *! ¼ , ¼ ,!'&¼ ' ¼ | & ¼ +¼ , ,¼ ' ¼ ('$!,! $¼ "' *¼ / '¼ !+¼ '&$1¼ ,*1!& ¼ ,'¼ , # ¼ . &, ¼' ¼, ¼(* + &,¼ +!,- ,!'&¼ !&¼ , ¼ ¼ ,'¼ + ,!+ 1¼ !+¼+ $ ¼+ ¼!&, * +, ¼ A] ¼ | & ¼ !+¼ ¼ ¼

!, -$¼ & ¼ ¼ &',! ¼ , * ¼ !+¼ *!+!+¼ '*¼ ,*'- $ ¼ !&¼ , ¼ ( *,1 ¼ ¼ + '-$ ¼ $$¼ ( '($ ¼ ,' , *¼ & ¼ * ++¼ , ¼ !++- ¼ %! $1¼ !&+, ¼ ' ¼ /*!,!& ¼ ¼ $ ¼ *¼ ,'¼ , ¼ ! ¼ * +! &,¼ , *'- ¼ , ¼% ! A]¼ %¼ &',¼ +-*(*!+ ¼ -+ ¼ ]¼ #&'/¼ , ¼

( *+'& $!,1¼ ' ¼ | & ¼ +¼ &¼ '(('*,-&!+,¼ -,¼ ,/ ',$"6/ " & $ ,¼ % ¼ ++-* ¼ , ¼ '' ¼ '$$'/!& ¼ , ¼ ( '($ ¼ ' ¼ ¤ -& ¼ , , ¼ ** +,¼ & ¼ , ,¼]¼ & ¼ $ "!¼ # * ¼¼ , &,!'&¼ ' ¼ * ¼ * % !&¼ ¼$'1 $!+,+¼ & ¼ $$¼'-*¼+-(('*, *+¼+ '-$ ¼ - %% ¼ 2 ¼ / , ¼'-,¼ '*¼( '($ ¼$!# ¼ ' ¼ , ¼ ¤' !¼ , , ¼ | & ¼ +¼/ ¼ ((*' ¼, ¼ &!. *+!,1 ¼ 1!& ¼ 5347¼ & * $¼ $ ,!'&+ B¼ '. *¼ &¼ $$ ,!'&¼ ' ¼ ¼/ *& !& ¼ , ¼ * *-!,% &,¼

'$$'/!& ¼ , ¼ * &,¼ ,!'&¼ ' ¼ '-,¼ 87¼ ! /! +¼ ' ¼ , ¼ *-$!& ¼ '($ ¼ %' * ,! ¼ *,1¼ = ½¼ ,'¼ , ¼ '(('+!,!'&¼ $$¼ *' * ++!. ¼ '& * ++¼ = ½¼ !&¼ ¤ -& ¼ , , ¼ '*% *¼ '%%!++!'& *¼ '*¼ ( ! $¼ -,! + ¼ $ "!¼ -+- ¼ # * ¼ ¼ +¼ &! ¼ , ,¼ '*% *¼ |'. *&'*¼ % ¼ ' %% ¼ # * ¼¼ & ¼ !%+ $ ¼ . ¼ , ¼,'¼ , ¼ ¼ !&+!+,!& ¼ , ,¼ , 1¼ * ¼+,!$$¼!&¼, ¼ ,!& ¼ ,'¼ &¼ '( &¼ $ ¼ *¼ /*! ¼ &¼ ,'¼ ! ¾ * +! &,¼ % !¼ % '¼ !&,!% ,!& ¼ !%¼ ' ¼ , !*¼ ,!'&¼ / * ¼ !+¼ & % ¼ & ¼ , ,¼ ' ¼ , ¼ '*% *¼ '. *&'*¼ / * ¼ $!+, ¼ %'& ¼ , ¼ %( + ¼ ¼ + *! ¼ , ¼ $ ¼ * ¼ -, '* ¼ 1¼ $ "!¼ % *¼ | & ¼ / '¼ / +¼ , ¼ '*% *¼ ¤ -& ¼ , , ¼ ''* !& ,'*¼ ' ¼ , ¼ |'' $- #C % '¼ %( ! &¼ * &!2 ,!'&¼ +¼ %!+ ! .'-+¼ & ¼ %!+$ !& '&+ )- &,$1 ¼ ¼ +¼ , * , & ¼,'¼, # ¼ ¼$ $¼ ,!'&¼ !&+,¼ | & ¼ '*¼ $+ ¼ !& $-+!'&¼ ' ¼ !+¼ & % ¼ %'& ¼ , ¼ $!+,¼ ' ¼ ¼ %( +¼ ,'¼ , ¼ ¼!&¼, ¼+, , ¼ '* !& ¼ ,'¼ !% ¼ , ¼ $ ¼ *¼ / ! ¼ / +¼ (- $!+ ¼ !&¼ ¼ ,!'& $¼ !$1¼'&¼56* ¼ % * ¼ / " -"/ - 6/ $,./ / /"/ / ,+/-,)/ $"+ 6/ -. / ,) .% !"/ "!&' / 2" /&1"/ " -"/ - 6/ ,(,/,/ / /"/ $"+ /#,-/ /,- "+"- )6/ /&,+ )/ $"+ /#,-//%"/ ,+/-,)/,#/ /= 6/ -,# / ,%+/ 5346¼ / +¼ ¼ ($ &¼ ,'¼ +, !&¼ /%"/ ,+/-,)/,#/ 6/ - / .&- / . / +!/ &-" !,(,6/ ///%"/ / / +!/./ /"/ / ,+/-,)/ $"+ &"./#,- */&+/ ' !+¼ ( *+'& $!,1¼ & ¼

,/ ',$"6

¼ ]& ( & &,¼ , * ' $ - %¼ * # , * +¼ + + ' ! , ! ' &¼ =] ½¼ & ¼ ,!'& $¼ ++' ! ,!'&¼ ' ¼ ' ¼ * &+('*,¼ /& *+¼ = ½¼ +¼ ¼*! -, ¼ , ¼ -** &,¼ !& * + ¼ !&¼ ( ,*'$ -%¼ (-%(¼ (*! ¼ !& ¼ 0( *! & ¼ ,¼ ¼$$!& ¼ +, ,!'&+¼ *'++¼, ¼ '-&,*1 ¼ +( ! $$1¼ !&¼ , ¼ &'*, *&¼ ( *, ¼ ,'¼ , ¼ ( 1¼ -,¼ *'%¼ 7 349 333¼ ,'¼ 6 399 333¼ 1¼ , ¼ ,*'$ -%¼ ¥)- $!+ ,!'&¼ & 1¼ ¼ ¼ '*, ¼ +,¼ '& $¼ ! ¼ !*% & ¼/ '¼!+¼ $+'¼ , ¼ ¤ !¼ , , ¼ !*% &¼ ' ¼ ] ¼ $ "!¼ ' %% -¼ ¦ ¼ % ¼ , !+¼#&'/&¼!&¼ !*&!&¼¤ !¼ / !$ ¼ ¼ $ !& ¼ )- +,!'&+¼ *'%¼& /+% & ¼ ¼ ] ¼ !*% &¼ 0($ !& ¼ , ,¼ , ¼ ,*'$ -%¼ ¥)- $!+ ,!'&¼ Q-& ¼ , ¼ & 1¼ * +('&+! $ ¼ '*¼ & $!& ¼ ( 1% &,¼ '*¼ ,* &+('*,!& ¼

- $¼ (*' - ,+¼ *'++¼ , ¼ '-&,*1 ¼ ! ¼,'¼* - ¼ ¼ -* ¼ /!, '-,¼ !.!& ¼ &1¼ $' ! $¼ 0($ & ,!'&¼ ,'¼ ] ¼ / ! ¼ '* !& ¼ ,'¼ !,¼ +¼ '* ¼ , !*¼ % % *+¼ ,'¼ $+'¼ !& * + ¼ , !*¼ * +¼!&¼', *¼,'¼% # ¼ -(¼ '*¼, ¼$'++ ¼ ¼ (( $ ¼ ,'¼ '& *& ¼ -, '*!,! +¼ +¼ ¼ % ¼ *¼ ' ¼ -* & 1¼ ,'¼

* ++¼ , ¼ !% $ & ¼ !&¼ ( 1% &,¼ +'¼ +¼ ,'¼ +, !$!+ ¼ , ¼ - $¼* , ¼ & ¼+ . ¼, ¼ '%%'&¼% &¼ *'%¼ !& ¼ * + !( ¼ *'%¼ / ,¼ ¼ + *! ¼ +¼ -&/ ** &, ¼ $'++ + ¼ $+'¼ !&¼ !+¼ * ,!'&¼ ,'¼ , ¼ !++- ¼ , ¼ * , *1¼ ' ¼ ¼ % *¼ ' %% ¼ |-$-% ¼ + ! ¼ , ¼ !+( *!,1¼ '*¼

!% $ & ¼ !&¼ ( 1% &,¼ *'%¼ , ¼ ,*'$ -%¼ ¥)- $!+ ,!'&¼ & 1 ¼ +¼ '* ¼ +'% ¼ ,* &+('*,¼ '/& *+¼ ,'¼ !, *¼ +-+( & ¼ '*¼ & '&¼ , ¼ -+!& ++¼ -+ ¼' ¼, ¼ - ¼ (¼!&¼ ( 1% &, ¼ A ¼ -& '*,-& , ¼ +!,- ,!'&¼ +¼ '* ¼ +'% ¼ ' ¼'-*¼% % *+¼,'¼ . ¼ ¼ * , !&#¼ '-,¼, ¼ -+!& ++¼

' ¼,* &+('*,!& ¼ - $¼ *'++¼ , ¼ '-&,*1¼ -+ ¼ / ¼ * ¼ *-&&!& ¼ ,¼ ¼ $'++¼ ! ¼ / ¼ '&,!&- ¼ ,'¼ * !. ¼ 6 399 333¼ !&+, ¼ ' ¼ , ¼ * ¼ 7 349 333 ¼ '¼ 1'-¼ &¼ + ¼ , ¼ !+( *!,1¼ ,/ &¼ / ,¼ / ¼ * ¼ +-(('+ ¼ ,'¼ '$$ ,¼ +¼ * ¼ ,/ &¼ -+ ¼ & ¼ / ,¼, 1¼ . ¼* +'*, ¼,'¼ ( 1¼-+¼&'/B ¼ ¼+ ! ¼¼¼¼¼¼

¼

¤ ,+!& ¼ , , ¼ ! ¼ '-*,¼ +! ¼!& ¼ !&¼ $-% + ! ¼ '&¼ Q*! 1 ¼+ &, & ¼ '& ¼ %!&-¼ ] * !%¼ ' ¼ ' '¼ ' $¼ |'. *&% &,¼ !&¼ ¤ &'¼ , , ¼,'¼ , ¼ 1¼ & !& ¼ '*¼ *% ¼*' *1 ('*,+¼ + ! ¼ , ¼ '&.! , ¼ '&¼ *!& ¼ , ¼ . * ! , ¼ !%% ! , $1¼ ¼ %(, ¼ ,'¼ '%%!,¼+-! ! ¼!&¼, ¼ '-*,@+¼ $$¼*''%¼-+!& ¼ &¼!*'&¼ * ¼ / + ¼ '/ . * ¼ '. *('/ * ¼ 1¼ (*!+'&¼ / * *+¼ / '¼ +,*- $ ¼

/!, ¼ !%¼ '*¼ %!&-, +¼ '* ¼ (!&&!& ¼ !%¼ '/&¼ & ¼ * !& ¼ !%¼ !&,'¼ ¼ / !,!& ¼ . ! $ ] * !%¼/ +¼ '&.! , ¼ & ¼ + &, & ¼ 1¼ ¦-+,! ¼ +¼ / $ ¼ '*¼ *% ¼ *' *1 ¼ &¼' ¼ & ¼ '&,* *1¼,'¼+ ,!'&¼ 4=5½¼ ¼ 44¼ ' ¼ ' *1¼ & ¼Q!* *%+¼ , ¼ /+¼' ¼, ¼ Q * $¼ (- $! ¼' ¼ ! *! ¼ * ¼ / +¼ ¼$ ¼ '&¼ ,' *¼ 46 ¼ 5344 ¼ / !$ ¼ , ¼ ' ¼ & ¼ / +¼ '%%! ¼ ¼ !&¼ (, % * ¼ 5344¼ '&¼ ¤ -*¾ $-% + !¼ *' ¼ / * ¼ .! ,!%+¼ / * ¼ *' ¼ ' ¼ , !*¼

. $- $ + ]&¼ !+¼ "- % &, ¼ / $ ¼ $ ¼, ,¼, ¼(*'+ -,!'&¼ ¼ +- ¼!&¼(*'.!& ¼!,+¼ + ¼ 1'& ¼* +'& $ ¼ '- , ¼ + ! ¼ , ¼ '-*,¼ / +¼ + ,!+ ¼ ¼ /!, ¼ , ¼ , +,!%'&! +¼ ' ¼ , ¼ ¼. ¼ /!,& ++ + ¼ !& $- !& ¼+'% ¼' ¼, ¼*' *1¼ .! ,!%+¼ & ¼ , ¼ !&. +,! ,!& ¼ ('$! ¼ '/ ¼¼ *+¼ (* + &, ¼ 1¼ , ¼ (*'+ -,!'&¼ '-&+ $ ¼ * ¼ %!&-¼| * | * ¼ ¼ $+'¼ , & * ¼ ¼. ¼ 0 ! !,+¼ !& $- !& ¼ ¼ $' $$1¼% ¼ -& ¼-+ ¼ ¼$$ ,+¼ & ¼ ¼ +,! #¼ ¾¼ $$¼ -+ ¼ -*!& ¼

, ¼ '%%!++!'&¼ ' ¼ , ¼ *!% ¼ & ¼/ ! ¼/ * ¼ %! ¼ ¼ 1¼ , ¼ '-*, ¼"- ¼+ ! ¼, ¼/!,& ++ +¼ ¼ +, $!+ ¼ '* ¼ , ¼ '-*,¼ , ,¼ ] * !%¼ / +¼ ** +, ¼ ,¼ , ¼ + & ¼ ' ¼ , ¼ *!% ¼ -*!& ¼/ ! ¼'& ¼' ¼ !+¼ '%($! +¼ / +¼ + ',¼ ¼ / !$ ¼', *+¼ + ( ¼ '-*, ¼ , * '* ¼ !+%!++ ¼ ¼'*,+¼ ,'¼ !+ '-&, & & ¼ , ¼ , +,!%'&! +¼ ' ¼ /!,& ++ +¼ 1¼ , ¼ & ¼ '-&+ $ ¼ * ¼ ] ¼ ¼ & ¼ + &, & ¼ , ¼ '&.! ,¼,'¼ , ¼ 1¼ & !&

Q

'/ ¼¼ *¼ '*¼ , ¼ ¼ + , ¼ $ . $$ ¼ !&+,¼ !%¼ 1¼ , ¼ , , ¼ -*!,1¼ *.! ¼ = ½ ¼, ¼'$ ¼+,- &,+¼ ' ¼ $¾ 1 &¼ ]+$ %! ¼ '& *1¼ ''$ ¼ ¦'+ ¼ !+¼ $% ¾ , ¼ +¼ (( $ ¼ ,'¼ , ¼ + -*!,1¼ & 1¼ ,'¼ ,* ,¼ !+¼ + ¼ /!, ¼ -,!'& ¼ +, , % &,¼ +! & ¼ 1¼ , ¼ ]&, *!%¼ ,!'& $¼ !*% &¼ ' ¼ , ¼ ++' ! ,!'& ¼ ** ¼ %!&-¼¤ !*¼ % #! ¼ & ¼% ¼ . !$ $ ¼,'¼ (* ++% &¼ 1 +, * 1¼ !&¼ !*&!&¼ ¤ ! ¼ -,!'& ¼ , ,¼ , ¼ '&,!&- ¼ , &,!'&¼ ' ¼ , ¼ $ ,-* *¼ '-$ ¼ . ¼ & ,!. ¼ !&, *(* , ,!'& ¼, * 1¼ * & *!& ¼ , ¼ ¼ !&. +,! ,!'&¼-+ $ ++ A ¼, ¼'$ ¼+,- &,+¼ ' ¼ $¾ 1 &¼ ]+$ %! ¼ '& *1¼ ''$ ¼ ¦'+ ¼/!+ ¼,'¼ $$¼'&¼, ¼ ¼ ,'¼ * -$$1¼ ,* ,¼ , ¼ + ¼' ¼ * ¼ 2 ¼ -&-+¼ /!, ¼ -,!'& B¼ , ¼* $ + ¼+, , ¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼ ¼ ++' ! ,!'&¼ -*, *¼ + ! ¼ , ,¼ , ¼ '&,!&-'-+¼ , &,!'&¼ ' ¼ * ¼ 2 ¼ + & +¼ ¼ & *'-+¼ % ++ ¼ ,'¼ / ' . *¼ * +¼ ,'¼ *!,! !2 ¼ '#'¼ * %¼ '( &$1 ¼ A],¼ !+¼ .! &,¼ !&¼ !+¼ + *! +¼ ' ¼ $ ,-* +¼ . &¼ !+¼ ¼ , +!+¼ +¼ ¼ + &!'*¼ $ ,-* *¼ !&¼ , ¼ -&!. *+!,1 ¼ & ¼ +!%!$ *$1¼ +¼ ¼ !* ,'*¼ ' ¼ ¼ + ''$¼ / ! ¼ * - , ¼ $ /1 *+ ¼ "'-*& $!+,+ ¼ $ ,-* *+¼ & ¼% &1¼%'* ¼ '/¼ '-$ ¼ ¼ -&!. *+!,1¼ + &!'*¼ $ ,-* *¼ . *¼ . ¼ ¼ $! ¼ , ,¼ / +, *&¼ - ,!'&¼ !+¼ ¼+!&<¼ A],¼ !+¼ '-*¼ $! ¼ , ,¼ /! +(* ¼ ('. *,1 ¼ '**-(,!'& ¼ !&+ -*!,1 ¼ & ¼ -+ ¼ ' ¼('/ *¼ * , ¼ *,!$ ¼ *'-& ¼ '*¼ .!'$ & ¼ & ¼ %!$!, & 1¼ !&¼ , ¼ '-&,*1B ¼ , ¼ +, , % &,¼*

!

'(¼ $ ¼ $.¼ ¼$, ¼ ' !.¼ . () ' .¼ (¼ ' $+ ' # ¼ ' ¼ ) ) ¼ |$+ '#$' ¼ # ¼ *#) ¼ ( ¼ ¼ ! + (¼ (¼ (* (($'¼ ,$*! ¼ $¼ ¼ '¼ #¼ $/ ¼¼ ¼ ) #¼ , )¼ ¼ (¼ #¼ ! ¼)$¼ $¼ $'¼) ¼ () ) ¼ # ¼% $%! ¼$ ¼ ' *#) ¼ , $¼ (%$ ¼ )¼ ) ¼ # ).¼ % ! ¼ |$+ '#" #)¼ $*( ¼ ¦ ! # $ ¼ *' # ¼ ¼ *' ¼ ( '+ ¼ )$¼ $"" "$' ) ¼ ' ()" ( ¼ !($¼ ( ¼ $'¼ $' + # ((¼ '$"¼ #.$# ¼ ¼ " )¼ + ¼ $ ¼ # ¼ ( . # ¼ )¼ $*! #A)¼ + ¼ #¼ ! ' ) (¼ ,$' (<¼ B $¼ ) ¼ $# (¼ ) )¼]¼ + ¼)$* ¼) '¼! + (¼ %$( ) + !. ¼ ]¼ ) # ¼ |$ ¼ $¼ ) $( ¼ ]¼ + ¼ #$)¼ #¼ ! ¼ )$¼ )$* ¼ ) '¼ ! + (¼ %$( ) + !. ¼ ]¼ "¼%! # ¼) )¼) .¼( $*! ¼ ¼ % ) #)¼ , ) ¼ " ¼ # ¼ ¼ ]¼ "¼#$)¼ ! ¼)$¼ "% )¼$#¼.$*'¼ ! ¼ ) '$* $*)¼ ".¼ ) #*' ( ¼ ".¼(* (($'¼,$*! B (¼ ¼ *" #¼ # ¼ ]¼ + ¼ ".¼ $,#¼ ! " ) ) $#( ¼ *)¼ ]¼ ! + ¼ ) )¼ |$ ¼ , !!¼ + ¼ *(¼ ¼ (* (($'¼ ) )¼ , !!¼ % ' $'"¼ ¼ '¼) #¼" B]¼ ##$)¼ $¼ "$' ¼ ) #¼ , )¼]¼ #¼ $ ¼ *( ¼) )¼ (¼ ) ¼()' # ) ¼ # ¼, ( $"¼|$ ¼ (¼ + #¼" C¼ ¼( ¼ $+ '#$'¼ ¼) )¼ ¼ ,$*! ¼' " #¼ $' + '¼ ' ) *!¼ $'¼) ¼" # ) ¼ + #¼ "¼)$¼ ( '+ ¼) ¼() ) ¼ (¼ $+ '#$' ¼( <¼B]¼, #)¼)$¼ %$!$ ( ¼ ¼ ]¼ + ¼ ,'$# ¼ #.$# ¼ $ ¼ .$* ¼])¼ (¼#$)¼".¼ #) #) $#¼)$¼ $ ¼ # ¼ #. $ . C ¼ !($¼ -%' (( ¼ ' ) )* ¼ )$¼ ) ¼ % $%! ¼ , $¼ ()$$ ¼ .¼ "¼ *' # ¼ , )¼ ¼ !! ¼ B)'. # ¼ ) " (C¼ # ¼ ( ¼ ) "¼ )$¼ $#) #* ¼ %' . # ¼ $'¼ "¼ + #¼ , #¼ ¼ ,$*! ¼ + ¼! )¼$/ ¼¼ ¼ (¼ $+ '#$' # )$'¼¥"" #* !¼ , ¼ ' %' ( #) # ¼ ' ¼ $*) ¼ # )$' !¼ ()' )¼ #¼ ) ¼ *%% '¼ ! (! ) + ¼ " ' ¼ ! ¼ $) '(¼ %' ( #)¼ )¼ ) ¼ *' ¼( '+ ¼, (¼"$+ ¼)$¼ ) '(¼ (¼) ¼ $+ '#$'¼(%$

*#) ¼ , $¼ , ( ¼ ) ¼ % $%! ¼ %%.¼ ' ()" (¼ ! ' ) $# ¼ ( ¼ ¼ (¼ , ' ¼ ) )¼ ($" ¼ % $%! ¼ , ' ¼ #$,¼ # ¼ % '( *) ¼ *( ¼ ) .¼ ' ¼ (*%%$') # ¼ " ¼ ¼ $, + ' ¼ ( ¼ ) "¼ )$¼ ' " #¼ % ) #)¼ *( ¼ ) .¼ ,$*! ¼($$#¼(" ! *#) ¼ (¼ *'' #)!.¼ !$ ¼ #¼ #¼ #) #( ¼ %$, '¼ ()'* ! ¼ , ) ¼ ) ¼ ) # ¼ $+ '#$'¼ $ ¼ ) ¼ () ) ¼ ! ¼ | ' ¼ " ' ¼ , $¼ ' *( ¼ )$¼ ' + ')¼ )$¼ (¼ $' # !¼ %$( ) $#¼ (¼ %*).¼ $+ '#$'¼, #¼ *#) ¼ ' )*'# ¼ '$"¼ ¼!$# ¼" !¼ ($ $*'#¼ '$ ¼ ) )¼ (% ## ¼ ¢¼ "$#) (¼ $!!$, # ¼ # *' (¼ ¼ (*() # ¼ , #¼ ¼ %! # ¼ ¼ ¼ ,¼ ' ( ¼ # '¼ $! ¼ #¼ )$ '¼! ()¼. ' ¼ $%! (¼ "$ ' ) ¼

').¼> ? ¼ $, + ' ¼,$' ¼ $*)¼ ¼ %$, '¼ ( ' # ¼ %! #¼ ), #¼ $) ¼ ! '(¼ ) )¼ #+$!+ ¼ " '¼ $#) #* # ¼ #¼ ) # ¼ % ).¼ *#) !¼ *#) ¼ *!!.¼ ' $+ '(¼ )$¼ ) ¼ $+ ' ¼ ¼ ' " #)¼ !($¼() %*! ) (¼ ) )¼) ¼ ) # ¼ $+ '#$'¼ ! '(¼ , ) ¼ |$+ '#$'¼ *#) ¼ $' ¼ ) # ¼ ( $#(¼ $#¼ " ¼ '(¼ $ ¼() ) Q$'" '¼ |$+ '#$'¼ ¦$!!.¼ . " ¼ , $¼ $#!.¼ ' #)!.¼ ' $# ! ¼ , ) ¼ *#) ¼ # ¼ , (¼ )¼) ¼ ' ()" (¼( '+ ¼ ! ' ¼ ) )¼ ) ¼ $+ '#$'¼ ,$*! ¼ $"%! ) ¼ (¼ )¼ . '(A¼ ) #*' ¼ # ¼ # $+ ' ¼ *( ¼ |$ ¼ ¼ #$)¼ () # ¼ #. $ .¼)$¼) ¼$+ '¼ (¼( ) . " ¼ , $¼ !$ ¼ £¨¼ . '(¼ $#¼ ' ()" (¼ . ¼ !($¼ )$$ ¼ # ' )¼ (¼ )¼) ¼ ) # ¼

$+ '#$' ¼ ( ' # ¼ "¼ (¼ ¼*(*'% '¼ # ¼%$, '¾ *# '.¼ %$! ) # B $,¼ #¼ .$*¼ #+ ) ¼ ($" $# ¼ )$¼ $" ¼ # ¼ )¼ #¼ .$*'¼ $*( =¼ *' # ¼ ) ¼ ## ' ¼ ($" ) # ¼ %% # ¼ # ¼ ) ¼ " #¼ % ¼ ) ¼ , $! ¼ $$ ¼ # ¼ (¼ !($¼)'. # ¼ )$¼ ' + ¼.$*¼$*)¼$ ¼) ¼ $*( C¼ . " ¼ ( ¼ ' )$' !!.¼ #¼ %% ' #)¼' ' # ¼)$¼ " ' ¼ $'" '¼ $+ '#$'¼ ( ¼ ¼ ¼ )$¼ ' $# ! ¼ , ) ¼ *#) ¼ *( ¼ ¼ , #)(¼ ) ¼ ' )¼ ) # ¼ )$¼ ¼ $# ¼ # ¼ )$¼ ¼ % ')¼ $ ¼ ) ¼ ()$' ¼ # $+ ' . " ¼ ( # ! ¾ # !.¼ #() !! ¼ *#) ¼ (¼ (¼ (* (($'¼ *#) !¼ ) ¼ % '¼ !!¼ % ')¼ (¼ ¼ ' (*!)¼ $ ¼ %$! ) !¼ ( " # ¼ $'¼ $#)'$!¼ $ ¼ () ) ¼

% ').¼()'* )*' ( . " ¼ ( ¼ *#) ¼ , (¼ ()'$# ¼ #$* ¼ )$¼ ' (*" ¼ $/ ¼¼ ¼ (¼ $+ '#$' ¼ # ¼) )¼ ¼> *#) ?¼ !! ¼ (¼> . " ?¼ ' # ($#¼ $ ¼ ( -¼ . '(¼ $! ¼ .¼ # " ¼ $#¼ * ( .¼ # )¼ *' # ¼) ¼ ' ()" (¼ '$! . " ¼ !($¼ %' . ¼ ) )¼ $'" '¼ ' ( #)¼ !*( *#¼ ( # $¼ # ¼ ' ( #)¼ |$$ !* ¼ ¦$# ) #¼ ,$*! ¼ ' $# ! ¼ ) '¼ ¼ ' # (¼ , ¼ + ¼ $" # ) ¼%* ! ¼ ( $*'( ¼ #¼' #)¼) " ( B )¼ (¼ %% # ¼ #¼ ' ¼ ) ) ¼ ), #¼ " ¼ # ¼ ".¼ (* (($'¼ > *#) ?¼ %% # ¼ )¼) ¼ ' !¼! + ! ¼ ), #¼ $'" '¼ ' ( #)¼ ( # $¼ # ¼ (¼ (* (($' ¼ ' ( #)¼¦$# ) #C ¼ ¼(

$ / & & / "( $!"$6/U ! / '!& /=% "! /$ & 6/ %/) / ') /#$ %%"$6/ ([/ " */ * 6/ ! / & & / U / $ !6/ $[/ &"$/_ 6/ &/ /7 $ %& %/% $( / / &/& / ! &*/7 # 6/ "( $! !&/ "'% 6/ ! "[

! # /_) !6/

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$ + ' # $ '¼ ] ' "¼ (( #¼ # , " $¼ $ ¼ |$" ¼ ) ) ¼ (¼ %' ( #) ¼ ¼ * )¼ () " ) ¼ $ ¼ ¢¬ ¼ ©£¡ £ª© ­£¢ ¢¢¼ $'¼ ) ¼ §¢ ©¼ ¼( !¼ . '¼ )$¼ ) ¼ () ) A(¼ $*( ¼ $ ¼ (( " !.¼ $'¼ %%'$+ ! ¼ ¼ $+ '#$'¼ ) ¼ ) (¼ . 'A(¼ * ) ¼ B * )¼ $ ¼ ()$' ) $#C ¼ -%! # # ¼ ) )¼ ) ¼ ( $#¼ , (¼ ¼ "$#()' ) $#¼ $ ¼ (¼ " # ()' ) $#A(¼ ) '" # ) $#¼ )$¼ ' ()$' ¼ ) ¼ $# ¼ # ¼ $ ¼ |$" ¼ % $%! ¼ #¼ $$ ¼ $+ '# # ¼ ' ()$' ¼) ¼!$()¼ !$'.¼$ ¼) ¼ () ) ¼ #¼ ) ¼ #) '# ) $# !¼ # ¼ # ) $# !¼ ' # ¼ (¼ , !!¼ (¼ ' ()$' ¼ ) ¼ ! ).¼ $ ¼ ) ¼ () ) ¼ )$¼ ')¼ ¼ $ #)¼ + !$%" #) $, + ' ¼ # , " $¼ ( ¼ ) ¼ "%! " #) ) $#¼ $ ¼ ) ¼§¢ ¡¼ * )¼, (¼" '' ¼ .¼ ' ! ) + !.¼ !$,¼ ¼$,¼ $ ¼

*# (¼ )$¼ ¼# # ¼ %'$ )( ¼ %'$ ' "" (¼ # ¼ (*() #¼ " # '.¼ $ ¼ $+ '#" #) ¼ ' ' ¼ # ¼ ) )¼ ) ¼ () ) ¼ ! ¼ " #.¼ $) '(¼ % # (¼ ! ' !.¼ $#¼ ) ¼ Q ' ) $#¼ $*#)¼ !!$ ) $#¼ , ¼ # (( ) ) ¼) ¼ $,#, ' ¼ ' + ,¼ $ ¼ ) ¼ * )¼ )$¼ ªª ©¢§ ¢§£ ¢¢¢ ¢¢ ¼ # ¼ ) ¼ % ) !¼ * )¼ )$¼ £§ ¢¢¬ £¢¢ ¢¢ ¢¢ ¼ $' # ¼ )$¼ " ¼ ) ¼ ' *'' #)¼ ' + #* ¼ , (¼ £¢ ©£ ©¢£ ª © ¢¢ ¼ *)¼ , (¼ ' + '( ¼ )$¼ £¢ ¼ ¬© ©¢£ ª © ¢¢¼ # ¼ .¼ )$ ' ¼ ) ¼ % ' $'" # ¼ $ ¼ ¡ª §©¬ ©§ ©¬ ¢¡ ¼ ' %' ( #) # ¼ ¬¨ §¬¼ % '¼ #)¼ % ' $'" # # , " $¼ %! ¼ (¼ " # ()' ) $#A(¼ ) '" # ) $#¼ )$¼ " #) #¼ ) ¼ ) "%$¼ $ ¼ "%! " #) # ¼ %'$ )(¼ # ¼ %'$ ' "" (¼ ) )¼ + ¼ "% )¼ $#¼ ) ¼ ! + (¼ $ ¼ ) ¼ % $%! ¼ (¼ + !$%" #) !¼ %! ## # ¼ )$$!(¼ # ¼ $ *" #)(¼ )$¼ * ¼

) ¼ ) ¼ "%! " #) ) $#¼ $ ¼ %'$ ' "" (¼ , ¼ # $"% (( (¼ ) ¼ §¢ ¼ )$¼ §¢ £¼ ) $#¼ %! #( ¼ + ( $#¼ §¢<§¢§¢¼ # ¼$) '¼%! #( ¼ #$) ¼ ) )¼ ) ¼ # ) ) $#¼ $ ¼ # ,¼ %'$ )(¼ # ¼ %'$ ' "" (¼ (¼ ' ) !¼ )$¼ ) ¼ + !$%" #) !¼ %'$ ((¼ $ ¼ ) ¼ () ) ¼ (¼ , !!¼ (¼ #¼ '# (( # ¼ )(¼ ) ¼ * ¼ ' *!)*' !¼%$) #) !(¼ $'¼ $$ ¼ ( *' ).¼ # ¼ "%!$." #)¼ # ' ) $# ¼ # ¼ ) )¼ ()' # ) # # ¼ %* ! ¾%' + ) ¼ % ')# '( %¼ # ¼ ' ) # ¼ # ! # ¼ #+ '$#" #)¼ $'¼ ¼' ) # ¼ + !$%" #)¼ % ')# '( ¼ $" () ¼ # ¼ $' #¼ #+ ()$'(¼ ' ¼ !($¼# (( '. ¼ ¼ ' $,#¼ $ ¼ ) ¼ * )¼ ( ,¼ ,$' (¼ # ¼ # ' ()'* )*' ¼ ) # ¼ ) ¼ ! $#¼ ( ' ¼ $ ¼ £ ¼ £ª¢ ¢¢¢ ¢¢¢ ¢¢¼ (¼ ¼ )$) !¼ $ ¼ ­¡£¼ !$" )' (¼$ ¼'$ (¼, (¼ , ' ¼ , ) ¼ ¬¢¼ % '¼ #)¼ $"%! ) $# ¼ ¼(*"¼$ ¼( -¼ !! $#¼# ' ¼, (¼ '" ' ¼ $'¼ * ) $#¼ # ¼ , ) '¼

( )$'( ¼ ¼ $+ '#$'¼ ( ¼ ) )¼ , #¼ ¼ ((*" ¼ $/ ¼¼ ¼ ) ¼ * ) $#¼ ( )$'¼ , (¼ ' ) ' / ¼ .¼ $+ ' '$, ¼ ! (('$$"( ¼ %$$'¼% ' $'" # ¼ #¼ ¥ ¼ # ¼ ¦ ¼ # ¼ # &* ) ¼ ) '(¼ , ¼ %'$"%) ¼ (¼ " # ()' ) $#¼)$¼ #+ ()¼ * !.¼ $#¼ ) ¼ ( )$'¼ #¼ $' '¼ )$¼ ' + '( ¼ ) ¼ * !.¼ )' # ¼ $*( # ¼ # ¼ ' #(%$') ) $#¼ $)¼) ¼(*"¼ $ ¼ § ª¡¬ ¢¢¢ ¢¢¢ ¢¢ ¼ )$,#¼ # ¼ $*#)'.¼%! ## # ¼( )$'¼ , (¼ !!$ ) ¼ ) ¼ (*"¼ $ ¼ ©¢ ¢¢¢ ¢¢¢ ¢¢ ¼ # ¼ ¼ (*"¼ $ ¼ § ­©£ ¢¢¢ ¢¢¢ ¢¢¼ , (¼ '" ' ¼ $'¼ ) ¼ !) ¼ ( )$' ¼ ( . # ¼ ) )¼ (¼ " # ()' ) $#¼ (¼%$ ( ¼ )$¼ ' %$( ) $#¼ ) ¼ ( )$'¼ $'¼ ¼ ) + ¼( '+ ¼ ! + '. ¼ ( ¼ ) )¼ ) ¼ (*"¼ $ ¼ ©¢ ¼ ¢¢¢ ¢¢¢ ¢¢¼ , (¼ !!$ ) ¼ )$¼ $*' ("¼ # ¼ *!)*' ¼ ( . # ¼ (¼ $ ) + ¼ (¼ )$¼ '# ((¼ ) ¼ ' ¼ *!)*' !¼ # ¼ )$*' ("¼

%$) #) !¼ $ ¼ ) ¼ () ) ¼ $'¼ ) ¼ # ¼)¼ $ ¼ ) ¼ % $%! ¼ (¼ ) ¼ " # ()' ) $#¼ (¼ *# ') # ¼) ¼ $"%! ) $#¼ $ ¼) ¼|$" ¼]#) '# ) $# !¼ $) ! ¼ $#()'* ) $#¼ $ ¼ ¼ "$ '#¼ *!)*' !¼ #)' ¼ ) )' ¼ "*( *"¼ # ¼ ')(¼ "% ¼ # ¼ %! #(¼ ' ¼ *# ', .¼ $'¼) ¼*% ' # ¼ $ ¼) ¼|$" ¼]#) '# ) $# !¼ '%$')¼ )$¼ ¼' )¼ )$*' ()(¼ # ¼ #+ ()$'(¼)$¼) ¼() ) # , " $¼ ( !$( ¼ ) )¼ ) ¼ (*"¼ $ ¼ ££§ ¼ ¢¢¢ ¢¢¢ ¢¢¼ , (¼ !!$ ) ¼ )$¼ ! ,¼ # ¼ *() =¼ !$ !¼ $+ '#" #)¼ # ¼ $""*# ).¼ + !$%" #)¼ $)¼ ©¡ ¼ ¢¢¢ ¢¢¢ ¢¢¼ # ¼ ¡ ¼ £¨¬ ª¢¢ ¢¢¢ ¢¢¼ , (¼ '" ' ¼ $'¼ # ' !¼ " # ()' ) $# ¼ $" #¼ + !$%" #)¼ $)¼ ) ¼ (*"¼ $ ¼ ©­ §¢¢ ¢¢¢ ¢¢¼ , ! ¼ #+ '$#" #)¼ $)¼ ªª¢ ¼ ¢¢¢ ¢¢¢ ¢¢¼ # ¼ ¬ª­ ¼ ¢¢¢ ¢¢¢ ¢¢¼ $ (¼ )$¼ $*) ¼ + !$%" #)¼ # ¼ $+ ').¼ !! + ) $#¼ "%! " #) ) $#

! ! ! ! # /_) !6/

¼ * ¼ ) ) ¼ $"" # ¼$ ¼) ¼ Q ' !¼ $ ¼ ).¼ $"" (( $#¼ >Q ?¼ (¼ ( !$( ¼ ) )¼ )¼ ' $' ¼ ª¬¼ ) (¼ $*)¼ $ ¼ §¨­¼ *)$¼ ' ( (¼ '$"¼ ) ¼ "$#) ¼ $ ¼ ¦ #* '.¼ )$¼ $+ " ' ¼§¢ ¡ ¼ )$'¼ $"" # ' ¼

'¼ *# .¼ #'.¼ ! )*# ¼ " ¼ ) (¼ #$,#¼ *' # ¼ ¼(% !¼ $% ' ) $#¼ ) ¼ B ¼ * ¼ ¼. C ¼ , ¼ $"" # ¼ '$"¼ " '¼ ª ¼ §¢ ¡¼ )$¼ ¦ #* '.¼ § ¼ §¢ © ¼ ! )*# ¼ ( ¼ B) ¼ (% !¼ $% ' ) $#¼ , (¼ #¼ # ) ) + ¼ $ ¼ ) ¼ $"" (( $#¼ )$¼ #(*' ¼ ( ).¼ $ ¼ ! + (¼ *' # ¼ ) ¼ () + ¼ ( ($#(¼ # ¼ '' ()¼ ' + '(¼, $¼ $"" )¼)' / ¼¼ ¼$ ¼ # (¼ (* ¼ (¼$+ '¾(% # ¼ $+ '!$ # ¼ *( ¼ $ ¼ "$ ! ¼ % $# (¼ , ! ¼ ' + # ¼ # ¼ #+ ! ¼ ' + # ¼ $ *" #)( ¼ ¼ $"" (( $#¼ " ' ¼ $#¼ (* ¼ (% !¼ $% ' ) $#(¼ ( + ' !¼) " (¼ #¼ ¼. '¼ )$¼ #() !¼ ) ¼ *!)*' ¼ $ ¼ ( ).¼ #¼ ' + '(¼ # ¼ % (( # '(C ¼ $' # ¼ )$¼ " ¼ B) ¼ $"" (( $#¼ ' $' ¼ §¨­¼ *)$¼ ' ( (¼ ¼ #¼ §¢ ¡ ¼ *)¼ $ ¼ ) ¼ ' ( ( ¼ ª¬¼ % '($#(¼ , ' ¼ !! ¼ , ! ¼ ¢¢­¼ , ' ¼ # *' C ¼ ¼ ( !$( ¼ ) )¼ ¡© ¢¢¢¼ $/ ¼¼ '(¼ , ' ¼ %!$. ¼ # ) $#, ¼ )$¼ " # " / ¼ ) ¼ ¼ ' ) ¼ $ ¼ ' ( (¼ *' # ¼ ) ¼ ( ($# ¼ ¼ *') '¼ ( ¼ ) )¼ ¡£¢¼ $/ ¼¼ '( ¼, ¼ # !* ¼ " '( !(¼ , ' ¼ &* !!.¼ %!$. ¼ )$¼ !!¼ Q ¼ $"" # (¼ #¼ ) ¼ §¢¼ !$ !¼ $+ '#" #)¼ ' (¼ $ ¼) ¼() ) ¼ Q ¼ $((¼ *) $# ¼ $"" ' !¼ ' + '(¼ , $¼ ' ¼ (% ' ) ¼ )$¼ " ¼ %'$ ¼)(¼ *' # ¼ ) ¼ () + ¼ ( ($#(¼ )$¼ $#( '¼ ) ¼ ( ).¼ $ ¼ ) '¼ % (( # '(¼ ¼'() ¼ %$ #) # ¼ ) )¼ ) ¼ Q ¼ , !!¼ #$)¼ ( ) ) ¼ #¼ '' () # ¼ # ¼ %'$( *) # ¼ $ ¼ # # ¼ ' + '(

11

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

News

National

Yuletide: Federal workers desert offices in Abuja Cyril Mbah and Nnah Douglas, Abuja

S

everal government ministries and agencies remained shut on Friday in Abuja, and did not open for normal business as Federal civil servants shun /

of the Yuletide holidays. It would be recalled that the Federal Government had declared Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December, 2013 as work free days to commemorate the annual Yuletide season celebrations. Workers were expected to resume for work the following day, Friday 27, and subsequently Monday and Tuesday of next week, except for Wednesday, the 1st of January 2014 which happens to be New Year day holiday. As at 12 noon, many /

% were locked up at the Area One Federal Secretariat, the Main Secretariat near the National Assembly and the Head of Service Complex where several people who visited to transact one business or another were turned back. Meanwhile, Investigation carried out by our correspondents revealed that civil servants, who have given themselves extra public holiday or are yet to journeys, are still basking in the euphoria of the yuletide.

% & of call to ascertain the & % Friday, December 27, was the Ministry of Aviation located at the Federal Secretariat,

/ who told Saturday 9 % % that none of the ministry’s

% he does not expect them to resume immediately, being that the Christmas celebration was still ongoing. " Ministry of Communication Technology was a shadow of

Âż / the Secretary to the Minister, Omobolaji Johnson, who was on hand to give reasons why the place was deserted. " / & of the Minister, spoke on conditions of anonymity asking, “Why would you ask that when we are still in the festive period, nobody will answer you on that‌â€?

week of January 2014 when it was hoped that everybody % / ' Only private security personnel, policemen and some Civil Defence / % visitors to searches and questioning, were at the gates of the secretariats near the National Assembly, and people were told to call those

before being allowed into the secretariats. It was gathered that

& / seized the opportunity of the holidays to travel to their villages to reunite with relatives. On the other hand, several & businessmen, who traded or transacted business near the secretariats were at their usual posts, but complained %

due to the absence of many workers. One of the food vendors who gave her name as Mrs. < % that she invested so much money to prepare food for the Federal secretariat workers without knowing that they would not turn up for work. “I spent about N10, 000 to prepare the types of food that my customers usually ask for today, but since morning, I have not recovered even N3, 000. My fear is that if people do not buy these items, I will be forced to throw them away, and it will be my loss because my family alone Ă lamented. Asked why she had to prepare so much food without considering the fact that work has not resumed fully, she reasoned

that many food vendors who sell at the secretariat travelled, and she expected that demand for food will be much adding, “I am praying hard that I should sell at least half of the food if not all to reduce my loss�. A contractor, Alhaji Usman Mohammed, who was at the gate of the Main Federal Secretariat, but was refused entry because / % see were not on seat, also lamented that some workers are never serious with government appointments. “The director [in one of the ministries at the Main Federal Secretariat] asked me to see him today and assured me that he would be around but up till now, he is not at / ' & that he will come next week, and his phone numbers are not going through because

he must have travelled�, the contractor complained to the security men who refused him entry into the secretariat. Also, at about 1:52pm, Saturday Newswatch paid an unscheduled visit to the < but was told by a female

/ & / % Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps on duty, that it to work, but assured that the ministry will come back to life on Monday of the subsequent week. At the far end of the Federal Secretariat was the Head of Service, and the story was still the same. At the Ministry of Youth Development, not even a

/ % to receive visitors. " /

% under lock; surprisingly, the

door leading to the Servicom / % inscription to report to the * & 9 / of quality service delivery by the ministry was sighted at the door post. The last selected ministry to be visited at about 2:25pm, was Science and Technology ministry where the Media / % himself as Mr. Ikem was on hand to receive our reporter. He said the reason the ministry was scanty of

% day, even when the public holidays were over was as a result of leave, “You should know that civil servants usually go on leave during Christmas period.�

Okorocha sets Orlu agog, commissions street lights Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

T

L-R: Eldest son of the deceased, Bro Femi Eweje, with his sisters, Mrs Dupe Banjoko, Mrs. Taiwo Alonge, Mrs. Kehinde Daramola, Mrs. Yemisi Eniayewu, and her brother, Mr. Muyiwa Eweje at the funeral of their father, Pa David Adeyemi Eweje at Iwaye, Ijebu-Ife, Ogun State.

PDP fighting lost battle, says Nuhu Ribadu Owolabi Adenusi, Yola

F

ormer boss of Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, and also chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party, Âş= =Âť % 9 ' Ribadu, who observed that the ruling PDP had cheated Nigerians in term of good governance said At the Area One Federal that “What is going on Secretariat where the today is a war between Ministries of Interior, Water Nigerians and PDP. People Resources, Trade and are leaving PDP because Investment, Commerce/ they want to be on the side Industries and an agency of Nigerians. of the Federal Ministry “Nigerians now of Culture/Tourism are understand that PDP is located, only few junior % <= workers were idling around symbolised the platform for or reading newspapers change, Ribadu said. /

He endorsed former closed before 1pm due to the President Obasanjo’s

/ ' Saturday Newswatch good development, saying reporters who visited the that Obasanjo deserves secretariats in the guise of commendation for coming customers were told to come out boldly to say what back during the second many people knew, but

were reluctant to say to the leadership of the country. > which generated a reply and public discourse would bring something positive to Nigeria in the long run. He re-iterated APC’s commitment to transform

9 urged those yet to decide to join the train of APC to do so, and be part of history. While observing that PDP regime has performed below expectation since inception of the present

democracy, Ribadu said APC clearly understood the failure, and how it’s = = & and would make sure it

% elected through popular votes in 2015.

Luxury bus owners thank God over robbery, deny fare hike Cyprian Ebele Onisha uxury bus owners under the aegis of Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria, ALBON, yesterday at Neni, Anambra State, joined the rest of the world to thank God for saving the life of Chief Vincent Obianodo, Âż & / of the Young Shall Grow Motors, for sparing his life % % gunmen in Festac,Lagos. Speaking to newsmen at the event, the new President of ALBON, Chief Daniel Okemuo recalled how Chief Obianodo escaped death

L

by the whiskers, hinting that on the fateful day his driver and police escort were killed by the gunmen. He described Chief Obianodo as the pillar of the association adding that God loves him to have spared his life. On the alleged increase in fare by the body he denied the allegation adding, “we did not increase the fare, what we did was normal. “You know we load full but on return journey, the bus becomes empty; we did the normal thing to argument the fare�, he said. The president, who said

that he has achieved peace in the association, disclosed further that he planned to build a secretariat and training centre for drivers,

' He appealed to the Federal Government to provide about 1000 buses with duty waiver to help the transport sector. According to him, “we cannot import buses now and pay heavy duty.� The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Anthony Enukaeme, who is also the owner of White Castle Hotel, venue of the event, thanked God for saving the life of Chief Obianodo.

he Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, in his resolved to make Imo a one-city state, has commissioned street lights in Orlu. Okorocha, who expressed his passion to transform the state, stated that soon, industries/ factories, improved healthcare services, 5-star hotels and many other projects that would enhance the standard of living would be put in place in Orlu as this would create job opportunities for the youths, and reduce Âż' He announced that security in the state had been improved to a great extent, thereby reducing kidnapping and other criminal activities to the barest minimum. The governor, who was in Orlu till 9pm, said he wanted to observe and appreciate the beauty of Orlu at night. He therefore, encouraged Imolites to come home for the Christmas celebrations. He warned those with criminal tendencies to turn over a new leaf or face the full weight of the law as security would be beefed up. The governor used the occasion to applaud the entire people of Orlu for the maximum cooperation his administration had enjoyed from them, and acknowledged

one way or another to ensure that Orlu city transformation is a reality. He then charged the Orlu Local Government Area Transition Chairman, Chief Eddy Olumba, and all stakeholders to maintain and build on the legacy already put in place.

(Ä ' ) #Ä Ä# 'Ä ( *) $,#Ä " Ä #$) 'Ä '' Ä$ Ä()$'".Ä , ) '=Ä" !! $#(Ä$ Ä% $%! Ä . () ' .Ä)$$ Ä) Ä + #) Ä $ Ä) Ä()$'"Ä $(Ä)$Ä +$ Ä ) Ä$#!.Ä,$' # Ä .Ä ), #Ä ' ()" (Ä # Ä, # <Ä #Ä, )Ä (Ä) Ä)' ) $# !!.Ä ) Ä Ä'()Ä#$'" !Ä *( # ((Ä .Ä ) 'Ä ' ()" (=Ä,$' '(Ä, ' Ä $' Ä)$Ä) Ä + #) Ä$ Ä) Ä )$'' #) !Ä' #Ä # Ä *().Ä, # (Ä )$Ä -) # Ä) 'Ä () + Ä ' Ä #)$Ä) Ä, # <Ä Q " ! (Ä + Ä Ä # Ä $,#Ä) Ä ) (=Ä( # Ä ( !) 'Ä (ė¢ª"% Ä, # (Ä Ä 'Ä ) Ä $*#)'.=Ä! # (! (Ä # Ä ݀$$ # Ä *( Ä $(Ä #Ä" #.Ä % ')(Ä$ Ä) Ä $*#)'.< # ' '$*# Ä() ) $#(Ä #Ä $# $#Ä, ' Ä! )Ä ( ') =Ä )' #Ä() ) $#(Ä#$'" !!.Ä ' "" # Ä, ) Ä $""*) '(=Ä # Ä'$ (Ä*(* !!.Ä *!!Ä$ Ä &* * # Ä)' / ÄÄ Ä! .Ä "%).Ä (Ä ¨ "Ä )Ä # Ä) Ä'*( Ä $*'Ä $)Ä *# ', .< Ä * Ä$ Ä ' ) #Ä $#) #* (Ä )$Ä -% ' # Ä()'$# Ä, # (=Ä "$' Ä) #ė¢¢"% Ä #Ä($" Ä %! (=ÄÄ # Ä +.Ä' #=Ä *( # Ä $#) #* ěÄ$$ # Ä (Ä, !!Ä (Ä) Ä # !! ) $#Ä$ Ä )' #(Ä # Ä ! .(Ä$#Ä) Ä'$ (<Ä '!.Ä¡¢=¢¢¢Ã„ $*( $! (Ä ' " #Ä, ) $*)Ä%$, 'Ä ) 'Ä # ' .Ä $"% # (Ä ! Ä)$Ä ' ()$' Ä) 'Ä $## ) $#Ä)$Ä) Ä ! )' ).Ä(*%%!.Ä #Ä) Ä, Ä $ Ä% '( () #)Ä -)' " Ä, ) '<Ä Ä#$'" !Ä, .Ä " . "Ä + Ä, .Ä)$Ä "%).Ä * Ä '' (Ä # Ä)' #Ä %! ) $'"(=Ä' ( " ! # Ä( # (Ä '$"Ä) Ä '!.Ä $*'(Ä$ Ä) Ä "$'# # Ä' ) 'Ä) #Ä% Ä )' + !Ä) " < Ä Ä )' )Ä (Ä -% ) Ä)$Ä !Ä) Ä "% )=Ä (Ä *# ' (Ä$ Ä ) $*( # (Ä$ Ä ' #Ä *#) '(Ä $%)Ä)$Ä( ' Ä $'Ä) Ä ()Ä !(Ä $#! # Ä' ) 'Ä) #Ä ' + Ä) Ä ()$'"Ä$ Ä) Ä%$()E ' ()" (Ä ( ! (< ”# !.()(Ä%' )Ä;§<ª¬ !! $#Ä , !!Ä Ä(% #)Ä$#Ä) Ä Ä )' )Ä # Ä$#! # Ä)$ .<Ä )Ä Ä *' Ä,$*! Ä Ä Ä' $' Ä $'Ä ' ) !Ä(% # # Ä #Ä) Ä =Ä $' # Ä)$Ä) Ä ' ) ( Ä ) !Ä $#($') *"Ä # Ä) Ä #)' Ä $'Ä ) !Ä ( ' =Ä, Ä( $, Ä ;<§¨ !! $#Ä, (Ä" Ä$#Ä " 'Ä§Â—Ä # ħ¬Ã„! ()Ä. '< $'' #) !Ä $,#%$*'(Ä # Ä ! (Ä(, % # Ä #Ä '$"Ä) Ä

/ / / / /

”)! #) Ä + Ä,'$* )Ä +$ Ä $#Ä) Ä $*#)'.B(Ä' !Ä# ),$' Ä , ) Ä" #.Ä)' #Ä$% ' )$'(Ä # !! # Ä !!Ä( '+ (<Ä ”'$*# ė¢¢=¢¢¢Ã„ " ! (Ä , ' Ä. () ' .Ä() # Ä ) Ä( # (Ä # Ä( !+ # Ä ) 'Ä !$# # (Ä (Ä) Ä

) $'$!$ !Ä / ÄÄ Ä ((* Ä #$) 'Ä(, ) Ä$ Ä. !!$,Ä # Ä

" 'Ä, ) 'Ä, '# # (=Ä # ) # Ä) Ä%'$(% )Ä$ Ä ( + ' Ä$'Ä / ' $*(BÄ $# ) $#(Ä , ) Ä%$) #) !Ä)$Ä *( ÄA # 'Ä )$Ä! BÄ # Ä, (%' Ä ('*%) $#< Ä ' ( Ä # Ä$ Ä()$'".Ä , ) 'Ä (Ä # Ä ()Ä '$((Ä ) Ä =Ä, ) Ä#$') '#Ä¥# ! # Ä # Ä ! (Ä -% ) Ä)$Ä Ä

"$# Ä) Ä,$'()Ä )Ä ' (=Ä) Ä

) $'$!$ !Ä / ÄÄ Ä( < $*) () '#Ä ' #(=Ä, Ä $% ' ) (Ä) Ä# ),$' Ä #Ä #)=Ä , (Ä $' Ä)$Ä # !Ä !!Ä( '+ (Ä ) (Ä"$'# # <

$()Ä$) 'Ä$% ' )$'(Ä ' Ä, '# # Ä% (( # '(Ä)$Ä -% )Ä( + ' Ä ! .(Ä (Ä(% Ä ' ()' ) $#(Ä ' Ä "%$( <

) Ä$+ 'ė£Ã„% 'Ä #)Ä$ Ä ) Ä,$'! Ä%$%*! ) $#Ä (Ä )(Ä(* ( ' '(ÄÄÄ # Ä —<—ªÃ„ !! $#Ä*( '(Ä!$ # Ä$#Ä Ä "$#) =ÄQ $$ Ä (Ä Ä * Ä %$%*! ) $#Ä$ Ä*( '(Ä !$ !!.< Ä($ !Ä# ),$' Ä #$,(Ä #) " ) Ä ) !(Ä $*)Ä"$()Ä$ Ä) ( Ä % $%! Ä Ä )Ä, )Ä) .Ä )Ä $'Ä!*# Ä $'Ä, $Ä) .Ä(% # Ä"$()Ä$ Ä) 'Ä ) " Ä, ) <Ä ! Ä) Ä $# %)Ä (Ä*## '+ # =Ä ) Ä+ ()Ä&* #) ) (Ä$ Ä% '($# !Ä ) Ä #Ä !($Ä%'$+ Ä ( # ) # Ä #( )(Ä $*)Ä) Ä,$'! Ä, Ä! + Ä #Ä # Ä $,Ä )B(Ä # # <Ä Q $$ Ä ) Ä( #) ()(Ä' #)!.Ä

$"% ' Ä*( '(BÄ $" )$,#(Ä , ) Ä) 'Ä *'' #)Ä' ( # (Ä)$Ä *# $+ 'Ä) Ä)$%ė¢Ã„ ) (Ä) )Ä Ä A $$' # ) Ä" ' ) $#(BÄ$'Ä) Ä "$+ " #)Ä$ Ä! ' Ä#*" '(Ä$ Ä % $%! Ä '$"Ä$# Ä%! Ä)$Ä #$) '< Ä Ä ) Ä $*# Ä) )Ä $(Ä #Ä ' Ä ' ,ė¨<­Ã„% 'Ä #)Ä ), #Ä §¢¢¢Ã„ # ħ¢Â—§Ã„ (Ä Ä () # ) $#Ä ).<Ä () # *!Ä, (Ä) Ä( $# Ä"$()Ä %$%*! 'Ä ).<Ä Ӏ! ' Ä%'$%$') $#Ä$ Ä" ' #)(Ä " Ä '$"Ä$) 'Ä% ')(Ä$ Ä *' .=Ä , ) Ä) Ä' ()Ä$' # ) # Ä '$"Ä Â¥ () '#Ä¥*'$% <Ä A Ä ! + Ä) )Ä) ( Ä" ' ) $#(Ä + Ä *!)*' !Ä # Ä%$! ) !Ä"$) + (=Ä

(Ä, !!Ä (Ä$ Ä $#$" !Ä$# (=BÄ( Ä Q $$ <Ä AQ$'Ä #() # =Ä, Ä$ ( '+ Ä " ' ) $#Ä '$"Ä *! ' Ä?, ) Ä Ä $#( ' ! Ä *' ( Ä" #$' ).@Ä # Ä '$"Ä" $' ).E *(! "Ä $(# <B ” $' # Ä)$Ä) (Ä ) =Ä $*#)' (Ä (* Ä (Ä # =Ä ' =Ä # Ä *' .Ä ' Ä $" # Ä # ' ( # !.Ä*' #=Ä , ) Ä" #.Ä% $%! Ä"$+ # Ä '$"Ä '*' !Ä ' (Ä #)$Ä! ' Ä ) (Ä(* Ä (Ä . ' Ä # Ä ## Ä #Ä # Ä # Ä $(Ä #Ä ' <Ä Q$'Ä"$()Ä$ Ä) Ä ) (Ä$#Ä) Ä)$%Ä —¢Ã„! ()=Ä) Ä" ).Ä" ' ) $#(Ä ' Ä $" # Ä '$"Ä, ) #Ä) Ä( " Ä $*#)' (<Ä

#)B(Ä )' )=Ä$# Ä$ Ä ) Ä"$()Ä%$%*! 'Ä( $%% # Ä () # ) $#(Ä $'Ä% $%! Ä! + # Ä # Ä+ ( ) # Ä) Ä % ) !=Ä, (Ä % ') !!.Ä !$( Ä ) 'Ä Ä , # (Ä (!$ Ä ' ()" (Ä $' ) $#(Ä # # Ä Ä $+ Ä) Ä (Ä$ Ä) Ä%$()E ' ()" (Ä( ! (Ä ' #Ä *#) '(<

,$Ä" #Ä )Ä),$Ä( % ' ) Ä '%$')(=Ä , ' =Ä ,Ä '( .=Ä # Ä $ # -=Ä ”' /$# Ä #Ä # ) Ä ) ) (Ä$ Ĕ" ' Ä$#Ä ' ()" (Ä .Ä ' Ä% ' " ) '(=Ä' ( # Ä &* () $#(Ä $*)Ä( *' ).Ä" (*' (Ä # Ä , ) 'Ä"$' Ä# Ä)$Ä Ä $# Ä)$Ä%'$) )Ä) Ä # ) $#B(Ä)' #( )Ä * (< ! Ä) Ä ' Ä )Ä , ' Ä -%$( Ä Ä !*' Ä $ Ä Ä:—¢¢Ã„" !! $#Ä(.() "Ä ( # Ä)$Ä%'$) )Ä ,Ä $' Ä ).Ä ' Ä '%$')(=Ä) Ä $ # -Ä # Ä $%Ä, (Ä) Ä Ä ) Ä #Ä Ä Ä )Ä) )Ä '%$')= $ ')Ä¥ , ' Ä *"%=Ä©ª=Ä( ! Ä Ä'$* !.Ä ªE $$)=Ä ' Ä, ' Ä)$%% Ä # Ä )Ä $*)Ä£>¡¢Ã„ %<"<Ä )Ä $ # -Ä .Ä ' $'Ä #) '# ) $# !Ä ” '%$')Ä $' Ä'*## # Ä$*)Ä$#)$Ä) Ä) '" Ä # Ä

# # Ä$#Ä) Ä # # Ä$ Ä #Ä '' + # Ä $*) , ()Ä ” '! # (Ä%! # < Ä, (Ä '' () Ä Ä ,Ä" #*) (Ä! ) 'Ä ) 'Ä #$) 'Ä% !$)Ä(%$ Ä Ä "Ä # Ä ! ') Ä) Ä )$, '=Ä $ # -Ä%$! Ä(%$ (" #=Ä / ÄÄ 'Ä " (Ä $!" (Ä( < $Ä # *' (Ä, ' Ä' %$') =Ä # Ä) Ä%$! Ä( Ä % (( # '(Ä, ' Ä# + 'Ä #Ä # '< " ! '!.Ä #Ä ,Ä '( .=Ä Ä" #Ä, (Ä '' () Ä # ( .Ä ) 'Ä *) $' ) (Ä $*# Ä "Ä$#Ä) Ä ) '" Ä$ Ä , ' Ä ').Ĕ '%$')<Ä )B(Ä#$)Ä ! 'Ä $,Ä . Ä '. #)=ħ©=Ä$ Ä '( .Ä ).=Ä # Ä*%Ä$#Ä ) Ä) '" <ĔÄ% $# Ä#*" 'Ä $'Ä '. #)=Ä, $Ä, (Ä ' Ä $'Ä)' (% (( # =Ä $*! #B)Ä Ä!$ ) < #Ä $ # -=Ä *) $' ) (Ä "" ) !.Ä ! ') Ä) Ä

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15

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Politics Call for Jonathan’s impeachment misplaced —Dungs Col. John David Dungs (rtd) is the former Military Administrator of Delta State and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State. He contested the governorship race in 2007 but stepped down for Jonah Jang. Dungs spoke to GYANG BERE on some topical issues concerning the PDP and the nation, insisting that the crisis in the party started during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s time, when he removed Audu Ogbeh as National Chairman of the party. For Dungs, Obasanjo’s resignation as the party’s Board of Trustees’ chairman marked the begining of the crisis in the party. Excerpts:

O

pposition parties are mounting pressure on the National Assembly to impeach President Goodluck Jonathan. What is your take on the clamour? I believe they don’t really understand because most people in this country are only interested in power and not the people. I think the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are missing the point. Impeaching the President for what? President Jonathan has done so much for the country than the previous governments in terms of development and delivering dividends of democracy. That call was out of place; it was a misplaced called? What constitutional offence has he committed? There are lots he has done to uplift this country. I think the APC and PDM should constructively criticise Jonathan’s government; that is what they should do instead of looking for power at all cost, trying to run the President or the entire country down. Even the APC was created to destabilise the PDP; they have so many cards that they want to use to bring this administration down for them to be able to grab power. What ideologies do they have? They should rather be telling Nigerians about their ideologies; they should convince Nigerians to go with the APC in 2015; they should let the people be convinced. It is not by running down the present government, thinking that is the only way for them to get power. Nigerians are not fools; Nigerians are educated. We are more intelligent now than before, regarding this type of issue. Don’t you think the defection of the five aggrieved PDP governors to the APC will threaten the former in 2015? I think most of them are being misled. For goodness sake, whether you are a president or governor, you are a product of the party. It is the party that produced you, and you should allow the party’s supremacy to dictate the tune because the parties are the platforms that made Continued on Page 16

16

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Politics

Clamour for Jonathan’s ouster misplaced - Dungs Continued from Page 15

these people who they are today, seeing themselves as ‘demigods.’ But it is President Jonathan who has given the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji BamangaTukur his rightful respect by saying ‘you are the party’s chairman and the party made me.’ But the governors are rejecting him; they don’t want to relinquish that power which they had acquired. Some governors are even removing local government chairmen. What will happen if the local government chairmen say ‘Ok, we will also remove you as governor?’ It is another tier of government. What the governors don’t want done to them, they are doing to the local government chairmen. That is not the way to run democracy. If we want to practice a parliamentary system, you grow from the grassroots until you become the leader of your party and when your president wins, automatically you become the leader of the party; and if we want to practice the American presidential system, let us practice it the way it is. Let’s not mix the two systems. If you go through the Obasanjo regime, you will note that some governors did not even contest the PDP primaries but were picked and imposed on the people. I was shocked when I saw a letter from Obasanjo to President Jonathan. I think it is unfortunate because that letter was unnecessary. He had all the opportunity to discuss with the President as a former President instead of going public against him. Do you mean the present problem in the PDP started during Obasanjo’s government, when he removed Audu Ogbeh as the National Chairman of the party? To me, the problem started during Obasanjo’s regime; he started the problem of the PDP when he resigned as its Board of Trustees (BoT’s) chairman. I foresaw the problem; I foresaw him trying to engineer problems within the party which, to me, is to destabilise it and the government of the day. And by doing so, he is trying to create chaos.

How do you think the present crisis in the PDP can be resolved? This problem is all about 2015, because some segments of the country believe they must be in power and continue to rule this country at all cost. These elements are poised to ensure that they take over power and that is synonymous with the G7governors. The only odd person there is Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State. By the time you do your mathematics well, you will know where the problem is coming from; they want power to shift and they are looking for every avenue by employing and deploying every tactics to make sure that power shifts in 2015. I think at this time, we should be looking for the best person to rule. I don’t care where you come from, as long as you are going to do what is best for the people, not based on ethnic or religious consideration. We should be looking for the best to govern us at the national, state or local government levels. Internal democracy seems to be one of the greatest undoings of the PDP. How can it be encouraged in the party? It is across all political parties; not only in the PDP. Even the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) that has now joined others to form the APC has the same problem; so was the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). It has become one of our major political problems. There is no internal democracy in any of the parties in this country today. In the ACN, Bola Tinibu was calling the shot; it was whoever he appointed that became whatever. Literally, he was appointing everybody into positions. You will agree with me that there is no internal democracy in this country. In fact, Tukur is one person I see that has been trying to enshrine internal democracy into the PDP, and that is his offence. Party democracy is what Tukur is trying to introduce but the party is kicking against it. Tukur wants the party to be independent of all the executives. The truth

is that we are not yet practicing democracy in this country; all we are doing is scratching the surface of democracy because there is no party in this country that is practicing democracy. Tukur is the one taking the bull by the horn by attempting to reintroduce internal democracy, internal discipline in the PDP. If he is allowed to implement these in the party, I am sure that other parties will follow suit. The five-month-old strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been called off. What should be the expectations of Nigerians now that the Federal Government has released N200 billion to the universities? When the strike was going on, the teachers were able to make their points; but I think the strike lingered for too long which is not good and healthy for our nation because our students were kept at home for almost five months. I expected that ASUU would have considered Mr. President as a university lecturer and take him for his words. President Jonathan has shown more commitment to the upliftment of education in this country than any other President because he came from that background. The lecturers should have given him the benefit of the doubt and return to work while pressing for their demands. This government has

These elements are poised to ensure that they take over power and that is synonymous with the G7governors. The only odd person there is Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State. By the time you do your mathematics very well, you will know where the problem is coming from

Dungs

released so much (funds) to the education sector because it feels that the type of graduates we are producing cannot match those produced in the era when we had few universities. Our population has grown so rapid that we are now talking of about 160 million people. In those days, we had 40 million people and we had some of the best graduates. Even, the funds were enough during the period of few universities. But now, the education standard has gone really down. Most of our lecturers have gone to others countries in search of greener pasture. Education is not just the only thing we are going to spend every kobo on, because we have several other commitments that border on our dense population. We have not been controlling our population. This is greatly affecting our economic indices; we don’t have enough funds to go round. Also, we have not been sincere with ourselves as those in charge of resources in this country have diverted most of them to other countries. They are not even investing the stolen wealth in the economy of this country; they prefer to keep it in banks abroad. So they have succeeded in destabilising the system. The university lecturers should look at the totality of what is happening in the country; we are all to blame. This is the

more reason we need to expose corruption and the perpetrators by ensuring that we reduce it to the barest minimum. In fact, politicians and civil servants are all guilty of corruption. Corruption is in full scale in Nigeria; people are thinking of getting positions, not how to serve the populace, but to acquire wealth for themselves and their unborn generations. So, now that the Federal Government has released N200 billion, I hope the Needs Assessment Committee will make sure that these funds are used for projects in the universities and not for some university staff or vice-chancellors, because corruption is in every aspect of our lives today; the universities are not exonerated. We should all concern ourselves with what is happening with the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) that the universities are generating. Are they actually using those funds appropriately? In fact, I will suggest that in the future, each university should have its own union to make sure that the resources are properly utilised. So, the needs committee and the management of the universities should look inward rather than having only ASUU because I believe most teachers are just doing unionism and not teaching.

17

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Politics

Anambra: 15 years of undemocratic LG administration Alphonsus Eze, Awka

F

or the people of Anambra State, democracy at the grassroots or what is called local government election, has remained a mirage and they may not witness any improvement if the political parties and the electorate remain docile, waiting for when the power that be will willingly grant them their right to choose leaders at that level of government. Although there may have been other states in the country which do not have democratic local government administration on ground, none however can be as chronic as Anambra’s, which held & election in this democratic dispensation in 1999. Till date, no other governor has conducted local government

' % democratic culture is lacking in the state, both among the electorate and in the government of the day. The only local government election held in the state was during the administration of former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju. Then, in 2003, former Governor Chris Ngige took over the reign of power but could not conduct local government elections due to the crisis he encountered during his about 34 months stint. He rather

/ councils. But Governor Peter Obi has proven to be the worst culprit in this non-conduct of local government election in the state, having governed for almost eight years without organising one. Rather, he has been ‘dribbling’ the electorate, including the political parties and their aspirants with endless postponement of elections. 9 % conduct local government election in the state until he was removed / '

insecurity in the state, fueled by the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and his foot soldiers in the state, who virtually made the state ungovernable. Even then, Ngige said he had concluded arrangement for the conduct of local government elections when Obasanjo, then the President, called and told him that he should not go ahead with the plan because of the security situation in the state. When Obi came with his pretensions in 2006, many people were optimistic that he would break the jinx and organise the

local government election, but their

% he did was to sack the Chairman of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), Cornel Umeh, whose appointment, according the 1999 Constitution as amended, was statutory. That did not only shock the people but also sent danger signal that the man may not be a democrat after all, in spite of the fact that he regained his electoral mandate through democratic institutions like the courts and the media. Although, Umeh was recalled after he had gone to court, the initial sack was a clear signal that Obi was not ready for an election at the local government level even though many believed that what motivated the sack was his alleged relationship with Ngige, who had % Obi.

% righteousness as Umeh did not do any other thing in the commission until his tenure expired. In fact, he was made redundant so long as he remained there. When he left, Obi appointed a don, Prof. Titus Eze, again giving hope to many Anambrarians that he (Obi) was now serious with the conduct of the local government

% & promises during his second tenure campaign that he would organise the election within six months of his re-election. Indeed, the local government election was a serious campaign issue in that election that held in 2010. With such formidable candidates like Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Senator Andy % % = (LP) ticket, among others who promised to conduct the local government election within three months if elected, Obi followed suit but it did not come from the dept of his heart. Sources said when he came back for the second term and there was pressure on him from the entire Anambra State, including political parties, churches and the human rights community in the state to organise the local government election, Eze was said to have advised Obi on the need to listen to the voice of the people and conduct the election. The governor was said not be comfortable with Eze again as the chairman of ANSIEC as he could not further control him to do his bidding; hence his removal on trumped up charges of corruption through the state House of

Obi Obiano

Mbadinuju

Assembly. Many groups and individuals, including the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) chieftains and members have privately and publicly complained about the need for local government election in the state. At a time, the ANSIEC set out a time-table for the election and the parties did their primaries ready for the election. Aspirants in APGA,

The only local government election held in the state was during the administration of former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju

Obi’s party, were made to pay over N1 million as non-refundable fees to purchase the registration form, apart from the amount paid to the ANSIEC. Yet, the election was not held and the money not refunded either. Saturday Newswwatch gathered that part of the misunderstanding between Governor Obi and the national chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh, was because of Obi’s failure to hold the local government election in the state, which he would have used to empower members of the party. & using local government heads of service to run the local government councils but when the pressure was becoming unbearable, he resorted to appointing some members of the party as chairmen and members

appointment that was renewable after six months until the election holds. But since the election has remained a mirage for years, this system which of course is an aberration in a democratic environment, has been contrived by the governor with the active connivance of the state House of Assembly, to renew members

š

appointments every six months. And that has been in the practice for almost three years. Suddenly, as the November 16 governorship election was fast approaching, Obi sensing that his opponents might use the non-conduct of local government elections against him and his party,

<9* ¿ ÆÇ year as the election day, but later shifted it to August, then to October, and again moved it to November 21, 2013, then December 14 and later December 21 this year. But when the acting chairman of the state electoral body, Mr. Sylvester Okonkwo, met with newsmen a fortnight ago, he expressed doubt that the election would hold in December again on grounds that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not released the voters register that is supposed to be used for the election. But when told that the INEC had released it, Okonkwo, known for double-speak, said even if the register is available, he was not sure the election would take place '

on Tuesday when chairmen of

with the unending postponement expressing fear of the election still holding this year. However, the registered political parties in the state, with the exception of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), have kicked against another plan by the state Independent Electoral Commission to again shift the local government election scheduled to hold on December 21 to another date yet to be determined. After an emergency meeting of the parties under the auspices of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Anambra State chapter, at the Marble Arch Hotels in Awka on Tuesday, chairmen of 20 out of the 23 political parties registered to participate in the election sent a resolution to the ANSIEC, protesting another planned shift in the date of the council polls, going by what they called “incontrovertible information before them.� In the resolution read on behalf the 20 chairmen who trooped to the ANSIEC in Awka, chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, who is also the chairman of the state chapter of IPAC, Prince Ken Emekayi, said the parties were ready to participate in the December 21, 2013 council Continues on Page 81

18

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Politics

Furore over Bamidele’s defection to LP RAPHAEL ADEYANJU, Ado Ekiti

A

fter many months of keeping both friends and political foes guessing about his political abode, the House of Representatives member and former member of All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon # / cast his lots with the Labour Party (LP). In an elaborate ceremony Barr Dan Nwanyanwu, Bamidele and all members of his BIBIRE COALITION, a political platform which Bamidele has been using to pursue his governorship ambition % = Thursday. Nwanyanwu assured that no member of the party will be treated as a fresher, saying “In Labour Party today, we don’t have new and old members, and we don’t have faction All we have in LP is a family,� adding that everybody has equal right and can aspire for any position of choice in the party. # / Bamidele at a recent press conference, dumped APC for the LP in pursue of his Governorship ambition, which has elicited so & from some APC top-brass. Declaring his defection to the new party, Bamidele said that he @ ranks of political desperadoes to embrace a new political order that will take Ekiti to a new height. “Let it be known that as I am @ also giving them quit notice in government house, I am also giving quit notice to poverty and hunger in our land,� he said. He added, “We have decided to seek another and real progressive % than proceeding to register as new members of APC .While not <= as newly registered party with progressive inclination, we make bold to say that the leadership of APC in Ekiti has been hijacked by pseudo-democrats.“ Although his former political allies claimed that his exit from the party will have no impact on their party, they however condemned him for leaving the party which had done so much for him. The APC chairman in the state, Chief Jide Awe, described Bamidele’s exit as “good riddance to bad rubbish,� noting that the party would not feel his defection. Awe also saw the defection

Mimiko as an indication that Bamidele has no regard for the people of his constituency because he did not allegedly consult with the people of his constituency before decamping. " % however claimed he took the decision after due consultations with relevant stakeholders, whom he described as progressive political soul mates, who are desirous of change in governance in the State. Awe was not the only APC leader to carpet Bamidele over his defection as the former State governor and Interim National Vice Chairman (south west) of the party, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, described the defection as the biggest mistake in Bamidele’s political career. He said, “The biggest mistake he (Bamidele) made was leaving the party, his major grouse was that the ruling party has endorsed the current governor. If I am in his shoes, I would have stayed in the party because the party made him what he is today.� While assessing the strength of other political parties in the state, Adebayo described them as “very, very weak� to challenge APC in the 2014 polls adding that if elections are held today the APC will coast home with not less than 70 per cent of the vote. Bamidele, who was responding to the Adebayo’s view of his exit from APC, said his defection was a divine arrangement to further enhance his political relevance rather than being doomed as being terrestrially prophesied by Adebayo. Adebayo who at a forum refuted the claim made by the federal legislator that he introduced the Governor Kayode Fayemi to partisan politics and brought him from abroad to run for the state’s number one seat said Bamidele’s

Bamidele

The biggest mistake he (Bamidele) made was leaving the party, his major grouse was that the ruling party has endorsed the current governor. If I am in his shoes, I would have stayed in the party because the party made him what he is today defection to LP won’t have any

APC in the 2014 polls, adding that the exit of the federal lawmaker would make things easier for the ruling party in the state who has since adopted Fayemi as its candidate on the strength of his well-documented achievements in all sectors. In another statement by the APC state Director of Publicity and Media, Dipe, observed that & an upwardly mobile state like Ekiti and as such could not have realized his ambition within the party. He is therefore free to join any party where he can continue to nurture his mobster ambition as a vain labourer.� Bamidele, however maintained that no amount of names calling, innuendos and campaign of calumny would make him

determination to rid Ekiti of government of mediocrity. On his suitability for the plum job, Bamidele insisted that he is

Fayemi politically savvy and intellectually sophisticated enough to occupy the number seat in the State, aside garnering executive and legislative acumens and experiences that could make him lead Ekiti to a prosperous destination. Bamidele said, “Former Governor Adeniyi Adebayo is my brother, whom I so much respect. But prophesying even when he is not God that I am politically doomed by my defection to LP, was least expected of a man, who ought to pose like an arbiter in a situation like this. “It is apposite to point out that my brother, Otunba Adebayo had to go through primary election in 1999 with other contestants before he became the candidate of the then Alliance for Democracy and eventual winner of the Governorship election. Reacting further, Bamidele boasted that APC will become history in Ekiti after the 2014 Governorship election, saying the LP has what it takes to rout the party and consign it to the dustbin of history. He said, “When the former governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), some prophets of doom said the party would not win a councillorship election because of the fear of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo. But to their consternation, he went ahead and installed Chief Theodore Orji as his successor. “When the ever performing governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko defected to LP from the PDP, the same thing was said about him. But he went ahead and trounced the incumbent, the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu in a keenly contested election.

“The most recent was the incumbent APC Governor in Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha. He defected when felt disenchanted with the PDP to APGA and went ahead to defeat an incumbent, Barrister Ikedi Ohakim. “So, I am not really bothered by their vituperations and resort to abuse. But I want to say that my decision to contest for the guber race was borne out of the passion to liberate Ekiti people from the pangs of maladministration because Fayemi has lost focus and derailed, having been hijacked by some political marauders�, he concluded. The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko shared Bamidele’s sentiment as he hinged the backwardness of Ekiti State on inexperience of the past governors. Mimiko appealed to the people of Ekiti State not to allow a greenhorn to rule the State as Governor again. The Ondo State Governor, who was

* Dr Kola Ademujimi and three Commissioners at the occasion held at Basiri Area of Ado Ekiti, said “Experience they say, is the best teacher. Everything is working in Ondo State because of the experience I had over years. “I had served as Commissioner in the Old Ondo State. I served as Federal Minister before I was elected the Governor. So, Opeyemi Bamidele had served as commissioner for eight years in Lagos State and had acquired the experiences that would liberate Ekiti from the pangs of backwardness�, Mimiko said. Describing the LP as the right vehicle of change and development in Ekiti and beyond, Mimiko stated that Bamidele would replicate all the developmental agenda in Ondo State if elected Governor in 2014. The LP has accused the ruling APC government of displaying act of desperation because they are the defecting lawmaker. The LP State Chairman in Ekiti Hon. Akin Omole accused the government planning to destabilize the party by igniting internal crisis. Hon. Omole, at a press conference , dispelled the rumour party, saying the APC-led Government was allegedly making

the guise of aspiring for Governorship, to plunge the party into crisis Omole accused government of sponsoring some members of the old members of the LP to destabilise the party. Omole is reacting to a press statement by chairman of LP in Ado Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Anthony Adedayo Continued on page 79

19

Saturday Newswatch, December 28 , 2013

Opinion OUR VISION To support Nigeria’s quest for justice through intellectual approach

Saturday Newswatch www.mydailynewswatchng.com

-Tradition built on Truth

Published by Newswatch Newspapers Ltd.

OUR MISSION To fight for justice using intellectual approach, balanced, indepth reporting; providing a veritable platform for Africa’s growth, deploying our God-given talent and resources through enduring commitment and loyalty that will justify public confidence

BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, OFR - PUBLISHER MOSES JOLAYEMI DELE FASHOMI PATRICK ASONYE LANRE OYETADE MIKAIL MUMUNI AKIN ORIMOLADE SONI EHI ASUELIMEN IBILOLA ADEFOPE OLUKAYODE OGUNJOBI

MD/CEO ACTING EDITOR, DAILY EDITOR, SATURDAY ACTING EDITOR, SUNDAY EDITOR, NATION’S CAPITAL EDITOR, NORTHERN OPERATIONS EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR GENERAL COUNSEL HEAD, GRAPHICS

editorial@mydailynewswatchng.com and addressed to the editor, Saturday Newswatch Newspaper 159/161, Broad Street, Lagos Tel: 0709 850 4488, 0709 882 1624

Letters to the Editor Transforming the civil service

F

rom the days of missionary public servants who served Nigeria in words and deeds, before independence to about three decades after, the civil service has witnessed its high and low periods. The worst civil service era was that of the military years, when professionalism, integrity and accountability depleted to zero level. The military sowed the seed of

regulations, which created room for manipulation and wanton corruption that is commonplace in the civil service today. Top civil servants who have passed the retirement age sit tight in / & & persons from gaining employment.

service consequent upon the return of civil rule in 1999, have not recorded appreciable success due to entrenched perverted value system inherited from the military command structure and jackboot mentality. However, it is necessary to mention a government institution that has recorded huge success in its

& professionalism drive of government since the return to civil rule. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the revenue generation organ of the Federal Government, has improved tremendously in the discharge of its mandate of tax collection in the country. Also, at the level of ministries, departments and agencies, career / of current developments through local and international training in core competence, to function optimally in line with best global practices. This intervention, no doubt, has contributed in no small measure to the noticeable improvement in service delivery. So, President Goodluck Jonathan’s moves to transform the civil service into a functional engine that could drive growth and development can only be realised by ensuring round pegs are put in round holes and

& &

corruption. Olawale Olayemi

Let peace reign again between South South, North Olayemi O. Olukunle

T

he face-off between leaders of the South South and Northern Leaders Forum has confirmed the reality of an adage which says that “no condition is permanent� and established that only God’s ventures are sacrosanct. The essence of this article is not to drum support for any of the combatants, but to ensure that unity, peace, and progress of the entity called Nigeria supersede their agitations The southerners and northerners had been political allies since the inception of Nigeria and their mutual relationship brought them the juiciest of political offices in Nigeria. Space constraint will not permit me to dwell much on this aspect but I shall remind them of what they had achieved together. In 1979, Alhaji Shehu Shagari became Nigeria’s first executive president while Dr. Joseph Wayas became the Senate president. Their relationship further produced the two men manning Nigeria’s presidency at the moment. It is unfortunate that those who ought to be at forefront of ensuring ceasefire have taken side for personal aggrandisement, not minding the explosive effects on Nigeria. What is happening now is not caused by any nation in Nigeria but by our colonial masters who amalgamated us without allowing us to fashion out how we want to govern ourselves and to know whether or not the union is workable. The cry of marginalisation, nepotism and embezzlement would have been averted.

Rotational presidency became a convention in Nigeria’s politics after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election - an election which was widely believed to be the most free and fair election ever held in Nigeria, and was believed to have been won by the late Bashorun M.K.O Abiola The western part of the country was furious and felt cheated over that annulment.

As a result of that, a consensus was reached in the North to appease the West by supporting their son for the presidency from 1999 to 2007. My frank exhortation to the leadership of South South and the North, is to stop the press war and convene a meeting were sentiment will be played down, so that the next presidential election will be based on what candidates wants to offer and not on ethnic colouration.

20

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Opinion Defection: Misadventure of 37 Federal legislators John Ainofenokhai

P

ermit me to go straight to the point by calling on Nigerians, in the light of the recent defection of 37 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives to the All Progressive Congress (APC), to % * ĂŽ´ º³º Âť 1999 Constitution as amended which states: < *

Representatives shall vacate his seat in the House of which he is a member if - being a person whose election to the House was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected; provided that his membership of

division in the political party of which he was previously a member or of a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored.â€? Nigerians should also note that on Friday, ³´ Æ!ÂłĂ? <

& Justice Elvis Chukwu, had ruled that there was no division in the PDP and thus restrained the self-styled new PDP from using the colour and logo of the PDP under the chair of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. Recall that the court had also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to refrain from recognising, dealing and relating with the new PDP. It should be further noted that prior to the ruling, the Independent National Electoral

º 9  ³! Æ!³� ¿

% % = = the factionalisation plot being orchestrated by members of the group. "

% 9 Ă? Ă?= =Ă?³ÇĂ?³³³Ă?ÆÑ the acting secretary, Mr. U.F. Usman, addressed to the national secretary of the now defunct new PDP, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, had %

September 1 and 23, where he had requested for the commission’s recognition of the Alhaji Kawu Baraje-led NWC. "

¸ %

the national convention and special national & = = ÆÑ Æ!³Æ �³ < Æ!³� Square, Abuja, after notices to the commission. < 9

º9  was elected at the two conventions with Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as the national chairman. The commission will not withdraw recognition from the leadership of the PDP elected at the conventions duly monitored by the commission. Be guided accordingly.� Now that these 37 members of the House of >

&

&

of the Constitution and pronouncements by relevant bodies - the court and INEC - that there is no division in the PDP leadership, have left the party for the APC, I ask: where is the division in the PDP or in its leadership? Are they saying that the court and INEC were incapable of determining the presence of a division in the party? I concur with the court and INEC that there is no division in the party leadership. So, on what basis have they left the PDP and still keeping their seats in the House? To answer the question, it was on the basis of an interlocutory injunction purportedly granted <

³´ Æ!ÂłĂ? ' The injunction had purportedly restrained

the PDP, its chairman, Alhaji Tukur, INEC, Senate President and Speaker of House of Representatives from declaring vacant the seats of the defecting federal lawmakers to the APC. The leadership of the PDP had gone to court praying that the seats of its members who defected to the APC should be declared vacant, which was the right thing to do in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. Now, which ground is provided in the law: is it not the condition for defection, to wit: division, which is absent, in the PDP leadership? Or, is it the restraining injunction granted by the court, which can be vacated? What will happen tomorrow if the injunction is vacated? Without a division in the PDP, their defection % % ' that circumstance, they would be expected to do the needful: leave the House so that INEC can also do the needful: organise new elections

' " + contest the seats on the platform of their new found APC. Flowing from the above, I expect that men of integrity and honour within the APC, if any, should not be involved in political fraud by appropriating what is not rightfully theirs. What these legislators have done is immoral: taking the mandates given to them on the PDP platform to the APC. Understandably, the APC is happy to harness the fraudulently acquired mandates which it knows it did not get, directly, from the people. It is, indeed, in the light of the above that I call on well-meaning Nigerians to urge the INEC to do the needful within the ambits of the law and call for elections where necessary. If the electoral body needs the pronouncement of the court on the issue to enable it act accordingly, the court should discountenance technicalities and other political shenanigans to rein in and sanitise the political process and system by acting strictu sensus with the provisions of the extant laws. Ainofenokhai sent this piece via Jonny4deals@yahoo.com

If Abiola were Igbo! Dele Akinola

O

n June 12, 1993, the increasingly conscious people of the world’s most populous black nation, representing

&

& of the county and held a national conference. With an uncommon spirit, later to resurrect in some distant lands in the form of the Arab Spring, a big, unambiguous, decisive and sweeping resolution was made. In one accord, the message was signed, sealed and delivered by the Ijaw, Fulani, Tiv, Kanuri, Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba and other compatriots of all religious, political and socio-cultural persuasions. Its expression came in the form of the election, freely made, for a Nigerian citizen, Bashorun MKO Abiola, as the leader of their common choice. Tributary statements were also, by implication, made: the ordinary and good people of the Giant of Africa, left alone to their free will, would not be swayed by tribe, tongue or religion on national issues. The leadership of the country would not

+ + % believed in. The decision on who should get the mandate to preside over the nation, its constituent parts and institutions would be the people’s and not that of any group of self-appointed '

& should be obliged a further mandate or not would not be decided by any consultative forum, renewal group, regional š

+ & ' < national conference could hardly have been more sovereign and conclusive. What was neither sovereign nor inclusive was the criminal annulment of the sacred resolution of the people’s conference by those who were wont to gyrate, like palm wine drinkers, in the & + % ' The consequences of the grievous act, which former American ambassador to the country, Walter Carrington, berated in no ambiguous terms, was immediate, as ‘nations’ which just spoke as one people, started relocating along tribal and religious lines, fears of war looming large in the atmosphere. Else, a people who had already dialogued successfully must dialogue again! The agitation for a sovereign national conference became intense over the years, not because the teeming people had not

desperate political businessmen would always go mad again. Again and again, it has all been about power, absolute power and

nothing but power. The political blood suckers, tragically always % & &

quest for power, had succeeded in heating up the political environment such that a national anthem of intoxicating melody titled ‘Sovereign National Conference’ assumed the status of a socio-political sine qua non. For that purpose, how long would a meaningful and resultoriented national conference last? Would any patriotism-inspired resolution of the conference, for instance, allocate the presidency

‘marginalised’? In what garb would a people’s conference clad % / %

region forthwith? Do rampaging and ubiquitous power merchants disguised as leaders and elders speak for the people of their regions or for their power-greedy selves? In the words of the President, Arewa Youth Consultative º<  * & northern man is not where the president comes from‌ What they want is a government that will provide dividends of governance, give them free education, ensure that they have food on their '

š % Ă‹ % & % other than the North, we will mobilise and support the person.â€? That was the spirit and resolution of the national dialogue

What was neither sovereign nor inclusive was the criminal annulment of the sacred resolution of the people’s conference by those who were wont to gyrate, like palm wine drinkers, in unrepentant power terrorists

of June 12! Abiola did not win the 1993 presidential election

% Ă *

' %

% & š body, a must for Muslims. Kashimawo did not win because he otherwise would have made the country ungovernable. Olawale did not win because he would have deployed his wealth to cause his Yoruba nation to secede. The symbol of democracy was won because he was MKO – the man who millions who believed in him knew him to be. In that gracious spirit, it would be soul-lifting to learn that 9 & & & valuable and development-based leadership to the country by taking a shot at the presidency and will not look back on this mission.â€? That is the traditional Igbo ‘nzogbu, nzogbu Enyimba

š '

presidency that would give us a sense of belonging in the Nigerian political sphere as critical stakeholders in corporate Nigeria as well as provide the needed leadership that would & 'à " the country badly needs at the moment. # % + % we can ensure equity is to allow an Igbo man to be president.� Mba! The most desirable Igbo man for the Villa is not he who

' & % begin to elect the president on merit.� Mba! Mba! A people that have given the nation such brilliant minds and internationally

' 9 Azikiwe, Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, Alex Ekweme, late Prof. Chinua Achebe, Emeka Anyaoku, Prof. Charles Soludo, Prof. < ' 9 8 + % assumed to lack quality and merit. Indira Gandhi of India, Margaret Thatcher of Britain, Golda Meir of Israel, Isabel Martinez de Peron of Argentina, Sirimavo Bandaranaike and later, her * 8 Aquino and Gloria Arroyo of The Philippines, Violeta Chamorro of Nicaragua, Megawati Sukarnoputri of Indonesia, Angela >

# 8

+ * # % Ă? "

% who, at one time or the other, have held or are holding the destiny of their respective countries in their tender feminine hands. Akinola, wrote from Ikorodu, in Lagos (del.prof13@gmail.com)

21

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Business & Economy Experts knock 2014 federal budget Following last week’s presentation of the proposed 2014 budget of the Federal Government to National Assembly by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, experts in have reacted to the components of the budget, describing it as one that would work against the growth and developmental plans of the country; perhaps truncate the vision 20:2020 of the Federal Government. BIODUN AKOMOLAFE reports.

“B

y proposing to allocate 27 per cent of the 2014 Federal budget to capital expenditures, the Federal Government has indeed vision 20:2020 agenda. Moving at that rate, Nigeria would have met only about 20 percent of the projected development plan of its vision 20:2020 by year 2020 as against the proposed 100 percent. This is an abysmal failure from a country that prides itself as the second largest economy in Africa�. That was the reaction ¿

2014 Budget by the Federal Government recently presented to the National Assembly. Though many of the experts claim they are yet to study the proposal to understand its main ingredients to justify such a ratio in the allocation, they, nonetheless, agree that the country would

would consume everything it has if the budget is passed and implemented the way it has been proposed. They argue that a budget of such nature, which skewed more to overhead, would not give the country the developmental breakthrough it desperately needs. Some of the experts who spoke with Saturday Newswatch said with as much as over 72 percent of a budget allocated to run the government, the country has those things that have kept it down economically. They wondered why the government decided to spend most of its income on consumption, which would not yield as much returns as capital that the government allocated less than 30 percent. They argue that the allocation would only create more problems for the growth and development of the economy, adding that doing so is tantamount to compromising and endorsing the future of Nigerians to abject poverty, which they insist the country has no business with

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

if its resources are well harnessed and planned for. They also question the rationale behind the huge allocation to defense when the country is not at war. They further argue that if the resources allocated to defense

ploughed into agriculture and real sectors of the economy, the issue of insecurity perpetrated by insurgents in the country would have been brought under control % ' Prof. Ayo Teriba of the Economic Group, when contacted for his reaction, declined to make comments because he was still doing an evaluation of the proposed % during the week. “I would be writing an evaluation of the budget which would be ready in a couple of days, so I am not going to comment on the ratio until I come out with my evaluation,� Prof Teriba said. A lecturer at the Department of Economics, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akugba-Akoko, Ondo State, Dr. Fatukasi, who was also yet to do a thorough study of the budget, however, said that with the ratio of allocation provided for capital and recurrent expenditures in the proposed

‘Why we deny entrepreneurs credit line’ Pg. 74

budge, there are indications that the country is not ready to depart from those things that have stalled its growth and economic development. The Austria-trained economist, who noted that the consistent allocation of large chunk of the country’s budget to recurrent expenditures, while defense takes the lion’s share of the capital allocation, is anti development in a country that is not at war, and where a huge portion of its youth population is not gainfully employed. He suggested that if the country would pump more money into agriculture; revitalize the real sector through the provision of basic infrastructure like good roads and railway system, the issue of insecurity would be a thing of the past considering that the youths who are always available to be recruited into murderous groups would no longer be willing or available because they would be gainfully employed. A Chartered Accountant and development expert, Mr. Rotimi Ogunleye, described the proposed 2014 budget as a big disgrace that would not work for the country. Rotimi, who decried the consistent failure to depart from the path that led the

country to economic and development woes for long, noted that the proposed budget, if passed by the legislature, would further destroy the economy. “Our economy is largely dominated by activities. We are not there in the manufacturing sector and that is why our GDP is very low, thereby reducing the purchasing power of the citizens. We don’t create value here. I think the government should focus on how to create value; how to address the decay in infrastructure. Consider the issue of electricity, though unbundled, the fact remains that four days ago, the Minister of Power said that the companies do not have enough resources to bail our energy sector out of this quagmire. So the entire system has been % % if we don’t take cognizance of our infrastructure; if we don’t look at how our institutions could deliver good governance through infrastructure and institutional development. What we are saying, in essence, is that in the next one year, we would continue to serve all those things that have brought us this far. I don’t see how this budget would lead to the type of economic Eldorado we the citizens are Continues on Page 22

Rwanda: Business mostly controlled by women Pg. 75

22

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Business & Economy Yuletide: Edo traders lament low sales as Lagos witness huge patronage

W

hile their counterparts in Edo State complained of low sales, traders in Lagos said they witnessed a large turnout of customers during the Yuletide. Some of the traders who spoke to the journalists in Benin on before the low sales to non-payment of December salaries to workers in the Edo state. A rice seller, Mrs Osaremen Iyamu said that she did not record

& when the price did not change. ``We are begging customers to buy from us; they keep saying no money, that they have not been paid their December salary. ``We are appealing to the state government to pay workers so that we will enjoy sales,� Iyamu said. Paradoxically, butchers and meat sellers at the popular Odo-eran Market in Ojo, Lagos, on Christmas Day claimed they witnessed a large turnout of customers bargaining for 8

celebrations. Some of the traders who spoke with journalists in the market expressed satisfaction with the high level of patronage, adding that the yuletide

Âż

' A meat seller, Alhaji Biliaminu said that some customers preferred to buy cow meat instead of chicken or turkey because beef was more readily & ' ``We enjoy high patronage mainly because beef serves many purposes such as stew and soup preparation, baking meat pies, burger and even `suya’ (roast beef). Ă“Ă“" Lagos and this is a time when we % Âż šš said. Babatunde said that he had no Âż

customers according to their perceived status and the portion of meat required. & Âż my beefs. I charge my customers according to the portion needed and the type of customer buying. “The price per kilogramme is, % & 9Âł!!! Ă ' Another seller, Mr Lukman Adebiyi, said Christmas celebration gave him ample opportunity to make increased sales as he always enjoyed more patronage during the period. “It is always like this every yuletide season. We experience more people coming into the slaughter house to buy meat and it gives us the ' &

morning,� he said.

Experts knock 2014 federal budget Continued from Page 21

actually yearning for,â€? Ogunleye argued. Recalling the comment and advice by the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria Âş #9Âť the country in the past and the coming year, the chartered accountant said if the country had listened to the candid advice, there would not be need for a budget that allocates over 70 percent to recurrent expenditure. “I think the government should look for a way of bringing this down. If you recollect the CBN governor was talking about huge recurrent expenditure which is proposed yearly, and which has been like that for a very long time. I think one of the reasons the fuel subsidy removal was largely proposed and explained to Nigerians; and on the strength of their explanation, we all agreed to this subsidy removal, and it was carried out. By now, I was expecting that our railway system would have been functioning,â€? he added. Ogunleye, who expressed disappointment over the inability of the country to utilize its resources judiciously, said until Nigeria begins to take the issue % / to meets its development targets. He therefore, called on non-governmental organisations in the country not to relent & think in the right development direction. “The railways will reduce the money we spend on a monthly and quarterly basis for rehabilitation of roads; every load would therefore be transported through our rail lines. I am expecting something in that direction, and I am expecting a situation where we would have to pump money into agriculture, and at least have a company that produces agricultural products, and some of our daily needs. =

Ò do you know the number of people who consume the product in Nigeria on a daily basis? So if we are not thinking of how to add value to our economy through the budgeting process, it means we are not on the path of growth and development at all. And nobody is thinking in this direction. I want to use this opportunity to call on non-governmental and human rights organisations to continue to speak on this important aspect of our national life. Budgeting is so critical in every organisation, nation or every environment where money comes in, and same is expended for creating activities. Budgeting must be important. If we do not take cognizance of how we generate our money and spend it, it means we are not worthy of living even in a family. We & sustainable and implementable. If a family in the part of the year put a large chuck of its income (72 per cent on shoes and 27 per cent on capital projects) it means that as the children grow, the expenses would % % / a family to have savings to implement projects such as building a house and acquire something that would create or add value to their lives. It is as simple as that. If a country does not see it to have plan for infrastructural development, then it would be too bad. Look at our infrastructure, decaying on a daily basis; you don’t need any professional to tell you that it would not support the growth we are targeting,� he argued. On the feasibility of the country

Æ!¸Ă†!Æ! project with a budget that allocates 27 Âż ¸ “The problem with Nigeria is that we come up with many models and policies. " Æ!¸Ă†!Æ! and all of that, unfortunately we lack the implementation power. If we are talking & Æ!¸Ă†!Æ! Æ!³Ñ % & is a development budget of 27 per cent. It means that in 2020, we would have

done less than 20 per cent of what we are aiming to. If we are budgeting 27 percent for capital projects, out of which a lot of people would steal, while some would not be executed, it means that in 2020 we would achieve less than 20 per cent of the target we have set. How can a supposed Âż %

ministry; who knows whether we have money or not, be proposing a budget that makes provision for capital project of just 27 per cent to the National Assembly, and was bold enough to present it to our legislators? I don’t see any way it is going to work, and it would not work. Budgeting 27 percent for capital projects means that in the next six years, we would not have been close to our dream, when % % & % about 20 percent of our set target. That is Æ!¸ Æ!Æ! not feasible. It is not thinkable. This people have foreclosed it that they are no longer & Æ!¸Ă†!Æ!'Ă For a real sector player, and the acting Director-General of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Rasheed Adegbenro, who also claimed he has not given enough time to study the proposed budget, it is also a no comment situation on the budget, to avoid speaking from an uniformed position.

If we are budgeting 27 percent for capital projects, out of which a lot of people would steal, while some would not be executed, it means that in 2020 we would achieve less than 20 per cent of the target we have set

Nevertheless, he said the possible reason the country keeps allocating a large chunk of its resources to recurrent expenditure is because of the fact that it lacks maintenance culture. He, however, said until such idea is expunged from our national lives, the counrty would keep allocating huge portion of its funds to service those things that would not take it to the desired destination. “Part of the challenges we have over the years is lack of maintenance. Government has been investing in capital projects in Nigeria, but the maintenance is just not there. This is where the problems emanated from. Any road or infrastructure that has been in existence for ten years and above without maintenance will lose value. If you have a house you don’t maintain, it would depreciate. If you build roads for more than 20 years without maintenance, it would depreciate,â€? he said The acting Director General of MAN who would not want to make a categorical statement on the proposed budget because he does not have full details of the it. “I don’t have the full master list of the proposed budget to actually look at what the recurrent expenditures are. We have to open it up to know what the recurrent spending is. Is it travels, salaries or recruitment of additional labour? This, one cannot comment on, until one opens up the entire recurrent elements.â€? He added that the government needs to look into the Onasanye report on Civil Service reform to address the issue of using overhead cost in government circle. * ¸ Onasanye report merged some departments. If you do that, it means that natural shaving of labour would come. But three years down the line, nothing has been done; the political will to implement it is not there. It would be best to look at the recurrent over the last two years, not just one year, and see what informed our recurrent, whether it is travel or training, and whether they are maintaining the status quo; one cannot really tell,â€? he said.

¸ " % Obasanjo’s regime when he had to reduce local and international travels by some percentage. That is savings on recurrent. To make any informed position even on the recurrent expenditure, one has to be very sure of the status of the spending.â€?

23

Saturday Newswatch, December 28 2013

Business & Economy Flight Cashlite Policy: Stakeholders commend CBN’s Domestic Schedule efforts on financial crime, want improvement

Arik Air LOS - ABV: (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 07.15, 09.15, 10.20, 13.05, 15.20, 16.20, 16.50, 18.45 ABV- LOS: (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun): 07.15, 09.40, 10.20, 12.15, 15.15, 16.15, 17:10 (Sun) 12.15, 15.15, 16.15 LOS-PH: (Mon-Fri) 07.15, (Sun) 07.30, 11.40, 15:50 (Sat) 11.50, 3.50, 17:05 ABV-PH: 07.15, 11.20, 15.30 (Mon-Fri) 07.15, 16.00 (Sat) 13.10, 16.00 (Sun) PH-ABV: 08.45, 12.50, 17.00, (Mon-Fri) 08.45, 17.30 (Sat) 14.40, 17.30 (Sun) ABV-BENIN: (Mon-Fri/Sat) 08.00, 12.10 (Sun) 08.56, 12.10

Two years after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced the cashless policy meant to check the volume of physical cash at the disposal of an individual at a given time, JOHNMARK UKOKO examines the effectiveness of the policy which was fashioned out specifically to fight financial crimes.

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overnor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, in 2011 announced the introduction of cashless policy, with its pilot project commencing in Lagos State. The policy has also come into operation in other states such as Kano, Abuja, Rivers and Abia. The main objectives of the policy, according to the apex bank, are: To drive the development and the modernization of the payment system in line with vision 20:2020; & &

& economic growth, and to reduce cost of

&

& & / options, greater reach and reduce corruption in the country. The CBN encouraged Nigerians to embrace virtual money products such as cheques, Automated Teller Machine (ATM), debit and credit cards and various e-banking devices. To achieve the objectives, various Money Deposit Banks (MDBs) in the country have continued to roll out one form of e-payment product after another, to assist their customers have easy channels of payments without having to move about with huge cash. Investigations by Saturday Newswatch revealed that Nigerians are gradually beginning to embrace the policy. Findings further showed that the Point of Sales (POS) devices are deployed on Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) buses (in Lagos) to accept payment electronically from commuters. Major hotels, super markets, airlines, hospitals, auto-dealers and

& % transactions through the e-payment. However, despite the seeming ease the

tions, at least in most of the states where it is in operation, one of the major problems the cashless policy was designed to combat is the issue of corruption. Speaking with Saturday Newswatch recently on how far the policy has fared as a major tool to combat corruption in the sector, the CBN’s Director of Communications, Mr. Ugochuku Okorafor claimed the policy has reduced the menace of corruption. According to him, the major component

crimes in the system. The policy has gone a long way to reducing the menace, stressing that cashless policy has reduced the incidence of armed robberies. The CBN’s spokesman said that the policy has helped to control money laundering by making it very easy for the apex bank to trace movement of huge funds from one account to another. He said that the policy has made Nigeria & % world in line with vision 20:2020, adding that the policy has enabled Nigerians to buy

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi any item from anywhere in the world from the comfort of their homes. “Cashless policy has made Nigeria to & % % ' The policy has given Nigerians the opportunity to buy any items from anywhere from the comfort of their homes�, he said. Okorafor said that although the policy has not recorded 100 per cent success, the apex % % ' He however, charged both government and non governmental agencies such as ministries of Finance and Justice, Nigeria Police, Nigeria Road Safety Corps, religious groups and other institutions to support CBN in ensuring that the policy turns out a success, saying that these agencies that has critical roles to play in ensuring that the policy succeeds. “Central Bank of Nigeria alone cannot ensure that cashless policy succeeds; we are doing our part. Other bodies like the Ministry of Finance, the Police, religious bodies and other organisations have roles to play in contributing their quota to the success of the ' " going back�, Okoroafor said.

% & ' < % Sanyaolu, in an interview with Saturday Newswatch contended that although the policy was a welcome development, many Nigerians in the states that has embarked on the policy, has not keyed in into the policy. Sanyaolu said that some Nigerians still sell and buy with large cash. In his words, “Re % / ' landlord asked me to pay with the cheque or cash. The old man says he does not trust the POS. He based his fears on his unpleasant experiences with his ATM transactions. Appraising the policy, Managing Director of Crown Financial Services, Mr. Williams Ekong in a chat with Saturday Newswatch, argued that cashless policy has not stem corruption. He insisted that rich Nigerians and politicians still move about with large cash. He stated that corruption and armed robberies continue unabated, as some powerful and rich Nigerians have a way of circumventing the policy. Though he agreed that the policy is a good & %

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% policy to please their superrich customers. “I have seen some rich Nigerians withdrawing millions at the bank’s bulk rooms, without the formal documentation. Did you not see the show of cash at the recently

held Anambra state governorship election’s campaign? Huge cash were used to canvass for votes. Where did politicians get that huge volume of cash they used to prosecute the election? Did CBN put any measure in place to monitor the amount the various political parties spent in the Anambra election?� he queried. "

commended the CBN for implementing the policy, but were quick to point out that the policy has not met the expected aspirations yet. They claimed that some Nigerians who travel outside Nigeria with local credit cards were embarrassed abroad because many of them could not use the cards at the point % & tions. While the stakeholders said banks are still grappling with the challenges of the Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs), they said & & in their nefarious activities. The stakeholders say that rich Nigerians still go about with huge cash on them even as they claimed that banks’ bullion vans are still very visible in

% ' Stakeholders therefore, called on the apex use of electronics channels, and reduce the use of physical cash in the country. They say that proper implementation of the policy will reduce tax evasions, lead to 9 š ments apart from cash. They stressed that CBN have spent huge amount of funds to advertise the policy in the media, as such, the policy should be well implemented. They also stressed that the apex bank’s campaigns should be designed to reach the market men and women, bus operators, artisans, landlords and local traders generally in the country. The stakeholders also charged the apex bank to summon the political will to enforce its laws, and stop some individuals who believe they are above the laws by the ways % so. They also said the much promised deployment of mobile banks using handsets for bank transactions is much awaited. They charged the CBN to issue mobile the cashless policy acceptance among the people.

Aero LOS-ABV: (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun), 06. 50, 13.30, 16.30, 19.45, ABVLOS: 07.30; 13.00; 19.00 LOS- ABV (Sun) 12.30 16.45 (sat) ABV_LOS 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 18.30 Sat) LOS-BENIN: (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun), 07.45, 11.00, 15.30, 12.30 (Sun 15.30 (Sat) BENIN-LOS: (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun), 09.15, 12.30, 17.00 IRS LOS- AB: (Mon-Thur) 07.30, 8.30 7.45 8.45 09.30 10.30 11.30 12.30 13.30 14.30 15.30 16.30 17.30 LOS-KANO: 08.00 09.15 10.30 11.45 14.3015.40 18.15 19.30 LOS-MAID&YOLA: 09.30, 11.30 FRI-SUN 10.30 12.30 KANO-LAGOS 07.30 0.45 14.00 15.15 17.30 18.45 KANO- ABV 10.45, 11.30 ABV –LAGOS 09.00 10.30 11.00 12.00 13.00 MedView LOS –ABV (Mon -Fri) 07.00, 08.15, 08.50, 12.00, 14.00 ABV –LOS: (Mon –Fri) 09.00, 10.15, 15.00, 16.15, 18.30 19.4; ABV –YOLA: 13.00, 14.10 LOS –PH 17.00 18.00; PH-LOS 19.00, 21.00 Sats: LOS –ABV 08.00, 08.50, 09.15 ABV-LOS 10.00, 11.15, LOS –ABV 08.50, ABVYOL11.00, 12.10, YOL-ABV 13.00, 14.10, ABV-LOS 15.00. 1615: LOS-PH 12.30, 13.40, PHLOS 1420, 1530 SUNS: LOS-ABV 12.00, 13.15, 16.30, 17.45, ABV-YOL 13.55, 15.05, YOL-ABV 15.50, 17.00 ABV-LOS 17.30, 18.45, 1945 LOS-PH 11.30, 12.40, PH –LOS 13.30, 14.40

Saturday Newswatch, December 28 2013

24

Business & Economy Ministers approve investment guarantee agency for West Africa

Abeokuta Adire dealers count losses as shops are demolished

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While the government of Ogun State has been commended in many quarters for engaging in infrastructural development for economic growth, BOLU ESHO reports that the demolition of structures at Itoku, an area reputed for Adire business in Abeokuta, has led to inability by traders to break even in sales as the urban renewal projects continue.

<* < member states recently in Abidjan approved the establishment of a regional Investment Guarantee Agency with an authorised capital of 1 billion dollars. It is reported that the guarantee was to help mitigate political risks associated with investments in West Africa while the agency would provide political risk insurance, export trade guarantee services and re-insurance services to local insurance companies. The establishment of the Agency in partnership with the African Trade Insurance (ATI) was one of the decisions taken by the 71st session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, which ³Ç < The report said the decision was aimed at making the region more attractive as an investment destination. The Commission said the establishment of the agency, to be facilitated by member states and modelled after the <" % Investors from associated risks, thereby encouraging investments in large and complex high impact sectors. %

and reduce risk premium, and stimulate exports from the region as well as intra-community trade. The council also at their meeting endorsed a recommendation by the Ministers of Finance for an implementation

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of Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and the ECOWAS Commission.

Airline operators lament high cost of aviation fuel, want FG to intervene

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irline Operators in the country have once again raised their voices calling on the Federal Government to intervene on high cost of aviation fuel. + % < Alhaji Muneer Bankole who made the appeal in during an interactive session with aviation correspondents in Lagos, said the high cost of aviation fuel was a big challenge to domestic airlines. ``It is bad that airline operators pay $1.20 (about N174) for a litre of the aviation fuel, in a country that produces oil. This price translates to 40 per cent of our total operational costs,� Bankole said. He urged the government to arrange a meeting between the major oil marketers and airline operators on how best to reduce the costs. He called on the Federal Government to remove middlemen from the aviation fuel business and allow operators to buy it directly from the major marketers. " % double charges airlines pay to service providers in the industry as another challenge facing airline operators, however expressed appreciation to the government for granting waivers to domestic airline operators on the importation of commercial aircraft and spare parts, insisting that ``Many aircraft would have

% & 'Ă Bankole recalled that since November 2012, % + % had transported 400,000 passengers. He said that the Federal Government had

< + + +

routes.

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ince November 14, 2012, when some structures in Itoku area of Abeokuta was demolished owing to proposed expansion of the road as part of the urbanization programme of the state government, things have not remained the say for some Kampala fabric makers and

%

% the reconstruction exercise. The entrepreneurs, who claimed that they are losing their investments on daily basis to low patronage and health hazard called on the state government to expedite action on the completion of a two storey building the government proposed to relocate them. They also called on the government to ensure justice and equity while allocating the shops so that those traders whose stores are

the allocation. The traders, who claimed they have lost revenues because they were displaced, and have to relocate to respective homes told Saturday Newswatch that their rate of turnover and marginal revenue have dropped considerably. When Saturday Newswatch visited the Itoku market, a couple of the Kampala fabric sellers were seen displaying their wares on makeshift tables under an uncompleted over head bridge. When contacted, the Iyaloja of Kenta Adire (Kampala) Market, Itoku, Alhaja (Chief) Animotu Sadia Akamo, who said Amosunled administration in the state has

granting them soft loans through cooperative societies, however,

Âż % because some of their customers are unable to locate them. According to her, some of them now use their residences as shops even as many of them are now

recorded in sales and revenue, consequent upon the demolition exercise. Prior to the demolition, Alhaja Akamo noted that passers-by do stopover at the market and do their shopping while some window shoppers always return to buy from them.

Adire market complex under construction

“The demolition has actually our members, many of them are %

have nosedived, and they found it / & from which they could service the loans facilities obtained through government and other cooperative thrift societies,� the market leader lamented. * % spoke with our correspondent said that they are already neck-deep in debt, and fear they may no longer be able to meet up with the monthly debt servicing if the situation tarries. " & reprieve, the governor had assured that the building of a modern market for the women is necessary so that it could complement the urban renewal scheme of the government. He assured that at the completion of the new market, priority would be given to those displaced even as they would be given a moratorium equivalent to the period they were displaced. He also promised that the rent to be paid thereafter on the shops would be pocket-friendly. Optimistic that the governor would keep to his words, Alhaja Akamo implored the government to hasten the construction and completion of the new 2-storey market soon. Also, the Otun Iyaloja of Kenta Adire (Kampala) market, Itoku, Chief (Mrs.) Oluwakemi Odunlami, who commented on the situation of the Kampala traders, noted that the deployment of mobile phones

who depend on the facility to reach their customers everywhere. She % & occasions the facility fails them because of the epileptic service delivery many of service providers render. On why many of the traders decide to remain by the roadside which is dusty and on most occasions could pose danger to

their lives, Odunlami said that the members who refused to leave the roadside at the market are no doubt exposed to dangers, but argued that % & & ' Some of the traders who spoke with Saturday Newswatch queried % % +

they got from the government and cooperative societies if they leave the roadside where they could make their sales. On the health hazard, they said that since the construction company has been mandated by the state government to ensure the road is wet every day, to reduce the intensity of the dust, they felt there was nothing to fear concerning that. Speaking on the loans granted her members by the state government, the Otun Iyaloja explained that some groups got between N4million 9Ç size of their businesses. Corroborating the Iyaloja on the need to expedite action on the construction of the new market building, the Otun Iyaloja added that the government may need to expand the building to accommodate more traders who she claimed are over a thousand. The state’s Commissioner for Commerce, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru told Saturday Newswatch that

loans facilities granted by the state government has defaulted in servicing the loan since the stores were demolished. He commended the market women for keeping to the terms of the loans, saying it would allow

the revolving loans to boost their businesses. Ashiru explained that the new markets that are under construction < would be managed by his ministry, noting that Governor Amosun had assured the people that the construction would be completed in @ Âż '

Saturday Newswatch Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Leave Iheanacho alone

"#$

–Onigbinde

Izilein tips home Eagles to win CHAN

"#$

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Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Sports

Leave Iheanacho alone –Onigbinde Victor Enyinnaya

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IFA Technical Study group member, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde has urged those standing in the way of Golden Eaglets show boy, Kelechi Iheanacho to leave the player alone and allow him to move to a club of his choice in Europe. A lingering transfer saga has seen the controversial Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the last FIFA Under-17 World Cup in UAE pulling out of a proposed deal with Manchester City for a lucrative future contract with FC Porto of Portugal, thus acting against the wish of his father who prefers the glamorous English Premier League. Onigbinde said Iheanacho should be left alone to decide his own future, saying the player is no longer a kid. Speaking exclusively to Newswatch sports, the former Super Eagles coach said Iheanacho’s controversial transfer saga was purely a family issue but the lad has to be listened to, so that he will not make an avoidable career. “I don’t really know the kind of relationship between him and his father. If it is that of son, father relationship, the man should sit him down and let him(Iheanacho) explain why his wants to ply his trade with FC Porto instead of Manchester City. “I believe it is a family % be in full public glare as it is now. It is not good for the career of the young lad. Everything should be done to stem the tide forthwith,� he advised. Onigbinde insisted he wants to avoid a situation whereby he would be seen as holding brief for the player. “However, one must not forget Iheanacho is no longer a boy. He should be given that '

knows what he wants

and should be accorded that right too. This issue can be likened to his private life and anybody who claims to like him % advice. “Let me add that the issue is beyond football. It all depends on how his father manages his home. “I feel the man should embrace dialogue with his son to avoid this distraction which is overall best interest of the lad,’ he posited. The Modakeke High Chief further advanced his points with an adage that when a child is holding cake and sees honey, he drops the cake for the honey. Therefore, for Iheanacho to see all that is Man City and sticks to FC Porto meant that he saw more than what is being argued for on the surface. “The impression that has been created is that there’s a disconnection between him and his son. It may not really be the

case but some people seem hell bent on causing confusion in the boy’s career,� he said. It will be recalled that the player and his father

has being at daggers down over the choice of his football club until % dumped Man City for FC Porto of Portugal.

Ibrahimovic: Male footballers deserve more attention than women

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latan Ibrahimovic has never been a stranger to controversy. The Swedish star is now in hot water once again after his latest comments about gender equality. According to Reuters the issue began when Anders Svensson received a greater honor for breaking the nation’s record for international caps than female counterpart Therese Sjogran. Ibrahimovic came to the defense of his country’s FA in an interview with the Expressen newspaper (h/t O’Connor) by saying: “With all respect for what the ladies have done, and they’ve done it fantastically well, you can’t compare men’s and women’s football. Give it up, it’s not even funny. “When I come out in Europe they compare me to (Lionel) Messi and (Cristiano) Ronaldo. When I come home they compare me to a female player. With all respect for the ladies, they should be rewarded in relation to what they generate Âş Âť' “I was asked (by Swedish media) in the summer who was the Âş*% Âť Schelin. You’re joking with me, right? When I’ve broken all these records, this goal record, the goals in the national team, who shall I compare it to? Shall I compare it to whoever has the record, or the ladies? The 32-year-old veteran has proven to be among the best footballers in the world throughout his career. He currently leads Ligue 1 with 15 goals for Paris Saint-Germain in 18 matches. He has

also scored eight goals in Champions League play this season, which ranks second behind only Cristiano Ronaldo. Ibrahimovic has proven to be an elite scorer in many leagues around Europe, having success at PSG, AC Milan, Barcelona, Inter, Juventus and Ajax Amsterdam. Recently, The Guardian named him the third-best player in the world behind Lionel Messi and Ronaldo. However, his perceived slight against the women’s team might come from the

international level. The Swedish women’s in third place at the 2011 World Cup and should be a top contender for the 2015 event behind former U.S. coach Pia Sundhage. Meanwhile, the men’s team failed to qualify for the upcoming World Cup for the second cycle in a row. Obviously, there is a lot of depth in the men’s tournament, but the balance of success has made women’s football very popular in Sweden. Although Ibrahimovic might not agree with the way he is seen by his home fans, badmouthing compatriots could end up being damaging for his reputation and popularity going forward.

Izilein tips home Eagles to win CHAN Gbolahan Dada

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ormer Bendel Insurance coach, Godwin Izilein has predicted an outright win for Nigeria’s home based Super Eagles at the CHAN South Africa in a fortnight. Nigeria is participating at the biennial competition

editions but the one time Super Falcons handler insists the Home Eagles have the quality to shine beyond all expectation. He told Newswatch Sports that Stephen Keshi has been able to build a winning atmosphere in the national team camp

and as such the Eagles will be the team to beat at the tournament, now in its third edition. & Stephen Keshi’s ability to organize this team and build a winning combination for the competition, and that is % Nigeria will be the team to beat in South Africa. “I have followed the team’s build up programme so far and I must say our local players have come of age both mentally and physically, and are ready to take on any team in Africa. Though we seem to be in a tough group, I do not see Keshi’s team not going through to the semis. “In actual fact I think Nigeria is going to win the tournament,� he said with '

He supported the inclusion of a few Golden Eaglets players in the team despite his initial objection, describing the development as ‘worthwhile’ provided the boys can withstand the physical and tactical demands of senior team football. “It is not such a bad idea after all, but I still feel the boys should be allowed to grow, as they may be too young to withstand pressure at senior level. “However, if they make the squad, they should just sit on the bench to learn from the big boys rather than throw them in on the deep end,� he advised. The Home Eagles open their CHAN account in Group A with a tricky one against Mali in at the Cape Town Stadium on January

11, to be followed by matches with Mozambique and hosts South Africa at the same venue. last four could mean confrontation with any of the emerging teams from Group B comprising Zimbabwe, Uganda, Burkina Faso and Morocco.

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

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Sports

League Watch 0706-537-7853 0706

Ali close to Nasarawa move

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ano Pillars striker, Nasiru Ali could be on his way to Nasarawa United if feelers from a source close to the player is anything to go by. The striker is one of the key players for Pillars and he played vital roles as the the club won the Premier League title back-toback. The management of the club is reportedly keen on retaining the services of the Borno-born player but he has since been stalling on for a new deal. The source revealed that desire to turn down opportunity of playing champions League football that = % a stint in Nasarawa is the reason why the player is yet to take a from Pillars. “Ali has not signed for Pillars. They have % contract and they were surprised that he is about the only big player at the club yet to sign. I can tell you that the player wants to play in Nasarawa because of Pillars former coach, Muhammed Baba Ganaru who is not in Nasarawa. Ali is very close to Baba Ganaru, everybody in Pillars knows this and we would not be surprised if he eventually moves to Nasarawa,� the source said.

Kwara Utd sack 7, want officials to reapply

Kwambe insists on successful CHAN outing

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he management of Kwara United Football Club has vowed to lead the club back to the Premier League at the end of next season. The Afonja warriors were relegated last term and would ply their trade in the Nigerian National League next term And according to the General Manager of the club, Haruna

Maigidasanma the club would never spend more than one season in the lower division and the management of the club had started process that would guarantee that. He said they have decided to retain large chunk of their players that played last season revealing that only seven of them would need to seek future elsewhere. “Our target for the season is very clear and

that is to return to the Premier League. We don’t belong to the NNL and we have to make sure that we achieve our aims at the end of the season. This is why we are trying to carry out some restructuring in this club so that we can return to where we belong at the end of next season. Apart from the players we have also asked our & reapply for their jobs this

is to reposition the club,� he said. The administrator said Azeez Ikhana and Vincent Ogar top the list of the departing players. Others are Maiyegun Taiwo, Awwalu Aminu, Obiora Christopher, Ahmed Adebusuyi and Adekunle Murtala. He added that that / who went on break on December 20 would return by Janaury 3 next year.

Esieme set target for Enyimba

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nyimba Football Club defender, Bright Esieme has set a target for his club insisting that the Aba Elephants can be successful in all of the competitions they would be competing in next season. Enyimba would be competing for the Premier League title. They are also Nigeria’s representatives in the CAF Champions League and would be looking forward to retaining their Federations Cup title. And in an interview with LeagueWatch, Esieme who is also a member of CHANbound home-based Super Eagles said his club could win all of these competitions. He said Enyimba had what it takes to win of the competitions and

would strive to achieve the unprecedented feat. “We can win all the three competitions. There is nothing bad when you aspire to achieve something, though it / not wrong to try and

achieve something very important. We have won these competitions before but we have not won all three at the same time and I think we can do that now. We won the Champions League back-to-back, we have

won the league many times and we are the champions of Federation Cup. The management is trying to make sure that we are more successful next season and we are ready to do our best,� he said.

uper Eagles defender, Solomon Kwambe believes that home-baed team could shock everyo e when the Africa Nations Championship takes centre stage next January. Coach Stephen Keshi has cast a doubt on the team’s credential to win ther title in South Africa. " &

quality of players in camp and the time they have fpr preparation was noy enough to come up with a squad strong enough to claim the title ' But in an interview with Leaguewatch, Kwambe said even though his coach must % squad was ready to surprise everyone. He said they would not be demoralise by the position of the coach. He insisted that that may be a way by the coach to challenge them. “The truth is that the coach has never given us the impression that we cannot win the tournament. He has continued to tell us that we should go out there and do our best. We are not going to disappoint Nigerians, we are going to make Coach happy, and we are going to prove a point just like the main Eagles. You know that nobody gave the Super Eagles any chances and they went out there and won the Nations Cup. We can do the same thing; we can go out there in South Africa and do well. In fact our determination is to win the cup. By the grace of God we are going to win in South Africa,� he said.

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Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Sports/Euro League Strikers hunt hots up for Gunners

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rsene Wenger has set his sights on Standard Liege forward Michy Batshuayi and Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata, as the Gunners step striking reinforcements in January, according to the Daily Mirror. Batshuayi is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Belgian football, and is thought to be available for around £8million. The 20-year-old has already managed 12 league goals in Belgium this season, and Arsene Wenger has sent scouts to watch him action already. The Gunners boss is likely to do so again to get

' Another striker Arsenal have in their sights is Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata. North London rivals " & long standing interest in the player, who they tried to bring to White Hart Lane in the summer as a part of the world record transfer which

Arsenal, Chelsea join race for wantaway

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orino frontman Alessio Cerci has put Premier League sides on red alert by claiming that he is ready to play in the Champions League. The Italian ace has been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and " weeks after making a bright start to the Serie A season. 11 goals in the opening few months of the season from Cerci have helped the Turin side into seventh spot in their domestic league, and also put the ex-Roma man into contention for a spot in the Azzurri’s World Cup squad. Even though he is rumoured to be

" turbulent career, Cerci says that he would be open to a move in order

to play in the highest level of European competition: “I feel ready to play in the Champions League. I’m mature, I think the

time may be ripe to take a step up in quality,� he told the Daily Star. A number of Premier League sides are rumoured to have has

scouts assessing the 26-year-old in recent months, which has led to rumours of January swoops for his services.

Spaniards plotting shock move for Aspas

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eal Betis are considering a January loan move for Liverpool forward Iago Aspas, according to reports from Estadio Deportivo. The Spanish ace only

% < & the summer, but has struggled to force his way > š + ' The razor-sharp form of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge – before his

Moyes to cough up for Koke

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anchester United are

at least £30m to lure " from Atletico Madrid, according to reports from The Mirror. The Red Devils have been heavily linked with the playmaker in recent weeks after being impressed by his excellent start to the season at the Vicente Calderon stadium. Koke’s composed displays have been key in Atletico’s challenge on the Real Madrid/ Barcelona duopoly in Spanish football, which they have a chance of disrupting this season. David Moyes is believed to see the

21-year-old as an ideal solution to his side’s current lack of creativity in the middle of the pitch, which has led to rumours

of a January swoop. However the Spaniards are desperate to keep their man, and have slapped a massive

saw Gareth Bale move in the opposite direction. " % him by Real Madrid < who insisted Morata was needed at the Bernabeu for the present and the future. But the young Spaniard football hard to come by, < allowing him to leave on loan for the remainder of the season, although Arsenal have emerged as the favourites for his signature ahead of their great rivals.

ÂŁ50m price tag on him interest, which may see the Premier League š thwarted. United are believed to have a large budget at their disposal for next month’s transfer window, but it is unlikely that they will meet Atletico’s demands, especially with Moyes believed to be looking to draft in at least two top class signings. š have led to rumours of a spot in Spain’s World Cup squad, despite there being a number of skilled and experienced available to La Roja.

injury – has seen Aspas slip into the background on Merseyside, with his %

helping his cause. Betis have been alerted by this, and are ready to

' The Verdiblancos are Liga after a woeful start to the season, and are desperate to add to their squad to avoid relegation to the second tier. Aspas was key in helping his former side Celta Vigo ease clear of the drop last term, and Betis are hopeful that his experience in the situation could be useful for them. The 26-year-old

+ season for Liverpool, but struggled to make a serious impact during the opening few weeks of the campaign, in which he played regularly.

Premiership fixtures Saturday, December 28 West Ham vs West Brom A Villa vs Swansea Hull City vs Fulham Man City vs C Palace Norwich vs Man Utd Cardiff vs Sunderland Sunday, December 29 Everton vs Southampton Newcastle vs Arsenal Chelsea vs Liverpool Tottenham vs Stoke City

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Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Sports/CHAN Update

CHAN update: Keshi’s New Year task

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outh Africa has always been a fertile hunting ground for Nigeria, and come January, the Super

9 % to add to Nigeria’s laurels when they storm Mzansi to participate in the biennial ' Nigeria will be making her debut in the tournament and is grouped alongside Mozambique, Mali and hosts * < ' Stephen Keshi became a national hero when he lead the Super Eagles to claim Nigeria’s third continental crown with a hard fought 1-0 win over Burkina Faso at the FNB Stadium on February 10, this time he is taking a relatively unknown crop of players who he hopes can add more positive vibes to his % ' 9 @ 2014 Chan tournament by edging out Ivory Coast 4-3 on aggregate to book a place in the tournament for the & tournament gets underway, the ‘big boss’ has already warned Nigerians to manage Âż ' This cant be further than the truth because during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying game against Malawi, I put the question to him as regards if he has a team because the core of the home based squad had ' Keshi, in his usual soft and insisted he didn’t have a team, which translated to him, alongside the team are

' This isn’t far from the truth because players like reliable defender Godfrey Oboabona had left Sunshine Stars to join Caykur Rizespor in Turkey, while Juwon Oshinawa, Dele Olorundare, Henry Uche, Gomo Onduku, Chibuzor Okonkwo , Kalu Uche and a host of others aslo jumped

' Again, there are no guarantees that the likes of Sunday Mba, who i might

regard as the poster boy of the current home based side, Azubuike Egwuekwe and Solomon Kwambe might be around by January as foreign clubs are already snooping around to take them on as soon as the winter transfer % % ' This leaves Stephen Keshi in a quagmire, as he continues to build a team capable of holding their own in South

< ' " is an enormous one and one will hope he gets it right and enhance his reputation with a ' Thirty players were called into camp when camping

%

of December, and already Keshi has started to chop and change his squad as Mohammed Jiya, Reuben Ogbonnaya, Ezekiel Mba,

Danladi Isah and Chibuzor Madu have been shown the

Âż ' Relatively unknown Plateau United starlet Eric Kwame has been handed a shock call up after impressing

friendly with Plateau United as well as new Taraba United safe hands Ibrahim Pius as Keshi continues to

Âż '

Micho fears Morocco ahead of CHAN

C

ranes coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic believes Morocco % / hurdle in Group B at the Æ!³Ñ <9 ' Micho said although the other teams in their group like Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe are also strong enough, he thinks Morocco will be their toughest encounter especially after Raja second as hosts at the justended 2013 FIFA World ' “After their exposure in the just ended 2013 FIFA World Club Championship where about seven of their players were well exposed against good teams, they will be a strong side,â€? ' The Cranes will be making their second appearance in the CHAN competition after their poor showing in the 2011 event in Khartoum, Sudan where they made a Âż ' And Uganda resumed

Uganda’s Ssonko to officiate 2014 CHAN

M

ark Ssonko has been

/ at the South Africa Æ!³Ñ <9

³³ ³' The Ugandan referee, who was among the top performers at the recent refresher course in Cairo, Egypt, said he was glad to be

Eagles likely formation

S

tephen Keshi has been a proponent of the 4-33 system and I assume he will stick to this system as he prepares his team for Chan Championship as he played same against the Ivorians in Kaduna and in &

' Given any unforeseen circumstances Chigozie Agbim will play in goal and I suspect the defence

' Godfrey Oboabona’s exit, Azubuike Egwuekwe will be the main man in the ' The Warri Wolves defender has been an integral part of of Keshi’s team from the onset and his experience from the Africa Nations Cup and the Confederations Cup should ' Zango should partner

Egwuekwe in defence, while usual suspects Benjamin Francis and Solomon Kwambe should expectedly ' " % very interesting area as I presume Sunday Mba will

be the pivot and probably Ugonna Uzochukwu as ' > < also looks likely to start because he has started the last two matches for the ' 8 should provide width while

training last Friday but took a Christmas break ÆÖ' “We are working so hard so that we make it out of that group to be based in Cape Town,â€? ' Meanwhile, defender Dennis Iguma who is making a return to the Uganda Cranes team after a three month injury + "9 ' com that he is enjoying his ' “I am very happy to be back in action, but I realize I have to work really hard

few days,� added the SC & '

Oghenekaro Etebor might play just behind Gambo Âş 'Âť Christian Obiozor started the recent Jordan friendly and showed

he just might get the nod if Gambo’s injury worries ' 8 % who was like a terrier in the middle of the pack in the friendly has also come good in due time and for my money, is a sure bet to get on the plane to South < ' All of these postulations are based on recent games, but again Keshi is known for his dexterity and can

% % but what is certain though, is that he has a huge task ahead of him as he continues to tinker his team '

' “I know I will be handling the tournament % / ' to God for guidance and to enable me perform well,� said Ssonko who has also handled the World Club @ <

' The 35-year-old, who acquired his FIFA badge in 2010, said he is looking forward to representing Uganda well at the ' However, FUFA president Moses Magogo said he was disappointed that Uganda will only be sending one referee to <9' “The referees need to work hard to be able to

< and FIFA to handle big Ă '

30

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Sports/Style

C

ristiano Ronaldo unveiled his new museum in Madeira on Sunday and said he hopes to add La Decima and another Ballon d’Or to his collection in the near future. > % native Madeira on Saturday after Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw at Osasuna and was joined at the inauguration of the CR7 Museum by girlfriend Irina Shayk, teammate Pepe, Portugal coach Paulo Bento, Blancos’ director of international relations Emilio Butragueno and a host of

from Portuguese politics and sport. The 28-year-old gave journalists a tour of the

/ inauguration later on Sunday and said he was proud to give something back to the people of Madeira. “I’m a proud Portuguese and a proud Madeiran, so it means a lot to me to open this museum here,� he told reporters. “It’s a special day for me and a way of doing something for my people.�

Ronaldo opens museum in Madeira

Beckhams spend thousands on Christmas decorations

V

ictoria and David Beckham have spent ÂŁ50 000 (R850 000) on Christmas decorations. The couple reportedly called in prestigious department store Fortnum & Mason to deck out the mansion they are currently renting in west London and the lavish festive makeover took two days to complete. According to heat magazine, Victoria, 39, and David, 38, didn’t waste time untangling Christmas lights or picking their own tree, as the couple had a creative director who “visualised the conceptâ€? for their gold and white themed display. The elaborate decorations include three large Christmas trees, two smaller ones and a number of designer accessories that reportedly “look

like diamonds�. As well as the Fortnum’s makeover, Victoria, 39, also ordered her personal assistants to scour stores in fashion capitals such as New York and Paris in a bid to

tions such as specially commissioned Lalique baubles and Swarovski crystal stars which cost ÂŁ1 500 each. Victoria was determined to make the house

as Christmassy as possible for the couple’s kids Brooklyn,14, Romeo,11, Cruz, eight, and Harper, two, and decided money was no object when it came to this year’s holidays.

Lozada ‘engaged’ to Dodgers outfielder

R

eality television star, Evelyn Lozada announced her engagement to Dodgers’ % with a photo of her stunning ring on Instagram. 8 % married to former NFL player Chad Johnson, before the two split among allegations that

during an argument.

She was also previously engaged to former NBA player Antoine Walker. “I’m overjoyed and shock!� Lozada, 37, told People Magazine. “What it has been – I’m truly happy!� Lozada’s ring was designed by Jason Arasheben, who also designed Gabrielle Union’s ring.

A

dele has reportedly been asked to perform at a billionaire’s New Year’s Eve party. The award-winning singer has been keeping % birth of her son Angelo last year, but she may be tempted to return to the stage following the & ' >

businessman Roman Abramovich, owner of London soccer club Chelsea FC, is renowned for hosting lavish parties and is determined to land Adele for his December 31st bash. “Adele is one name on a list of targets for Roman. He always has a big star performing and this year will be Ă told British newspaper The Sun. “A mini-break somewhere exotic will always appeal. “Roman’s parties are legendary. He throws so much money at them that they never disappoint.â€? Roman’s girlfriend Dasha Zhukova is believed to be a huge fan of the Skyfall singer and personally requested her. Previous acts to perform at Roman’s parties include BeyoncĂŠ Knowles, Prince, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Gwen Stefani. Last year, the tycoon splashed out a staggering ÂŁ5 million on his

Adele ‘wooed for Abramovich bash’ New Year’s Eve party, % % a series of A-List stars including George Lucas and Harvey Weinstein. This year, James Bond star Daniel Craig and his wife Rachel Weisz are believed to be on the guest list, along with Skyfall director Sam Mendes. The bash will take place at Roman’s 70-acre Gouverneur Bay Estate in the Caribbean and will end with a spectacu % ' Adele is currently busy working on her new album, the follow up to the smash hit 21, which is slated for release next year.

31

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Sports/Wrestling JoJo’s WWE future on thin ice

T

here are backstage rumours that WWE Diva iva JoJo could be on thin ice with the he company. The fact that she was mostly ignored for the second half of the season of Totall Divas and has also not been on WWE programming in recent weeks iss said to be a bad sign n about her future re with the company. pany. She is, however, er, continuing to appear at NXT events. Meanwhile, Puerto Rican wrestler Sebastian Guerra, who is 21, stands Âż+ + & % 285 pounds, was at the same WWE tryout camp that included Davey Richards, Eddie Edwards,

Joey Ryan and others weeks ago. WWE wants Guerra to get more experience and learn the English language before they do anything with him. He will go to Ohio Valley Wrestling for more training and will live there to improve his English. Elsewhere, there are still plans for Roman Reigns to get a huge push in the 2014 WWE Royal Rumble Match. He will be booked to get several impressive eliminations, similar to Kane and Kevin Nash in the past.

Batista

to make WWE return

AJ Styles returning to TNA shortly

A

J Styles is reportedly expected to return to TNA at some point in the near future. His agent Bill Behrens is now reaching out to indie promoters to let them know they need to get their deposits in now to book Styles for events. TNA is said to have made *

%

and Styles has accepted the deal. His agent Bill Behrens is now reaching out to indie promoters to let them know they need to get their deposits in now to book Styles for events. TNA is said to have to later made *

% and Styles has accepted the deal.

Richards, Edwards set for WWE baptism

D

avey Richards and Eddie Edwards were originally brought into WWE NXT for a tryout, / % they saw from the duo. <

/ reportedly want them to

return to NXT to work events for the early months of 2014. If everything goes as planned for the two by that point, a deal could for them to stay with NXT.

T

he deal for Batista to return during WrestleMania XXX season is something he and Triple H have been working on for a few months. Batista is scheduled to work some television tapings, pay-per-views and even some of WWE’s nontelevised live events. The deal calls for Batista to stick around for at least some time after WrestleMania XXX in April. Before announcing his return on RAW on Monday night, the original plan called for Batista to return as an entrant in the Royal Rumble as we noted earlier. He would have appeared on the “go home� edition of RAW to announce this. WWE had copy of the promotional materials that were scheduled to be sent to local arenas and apparently those were sent out prematurely without notice that Batista’s inclusion in them was to be held

/ debuted at the Rumble or on RAW the week before. Apparently WWE came up with the idea of having Batista return on the January 20th edition of WWE RAW early last week. The idea try and spike the RAW rating for that night.

If true, apparently the advertising issues with local arena websites had no impact on WWE’s plans to have him return on RAW on January 20th. As a result of the information leaking

/ websites, among other places, WWE was quite upset. One source joked that it was a good thing

Vnice McMahon was overseas visiting the U.S. Troops when the news leaked, or he may have killed someone. One person who recently saw Batista this past weekend noted that he has put on a lot of size and muscle and appears to be more ripped than usual.

AJ escapes WWE hammer

A

ccording to The Wrestling Observer, AJ Lee will not be punished for the backstage incident with Michelle Beadle at WWE’s Tribute to the Troops taping, as WWE & / with both Punk and Lee following the incident. For those unaware, Punk was upset with % / handled the situation, as "%

š / to always try to do business the proper way with a company that

refuses to practice the same standards.� As reported shortly after the incident, Michelle Beadle posted

an explanation of what happened between her and Punk claiming she thought AJ Lee’s outburst towards her was a joke.

32

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Sports/Golf

Stenson targets major title in 2014

GolfWatch MARK OGAGAN 08035177253 mark.ogagan@mydailynewswatchng.com

Pettersen on a blaze of glory

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Newswatch Showbiz Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Guys I admired lacked the nerve to toast me – Doris Simeon

Pg 40 Pg 404 40-57 0--5 0 57 7

34

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Newswatch Showbiz

How I prepared for, and Designer Award – Rodney

Twenty-six-year old Rodney Emeka, the Creative Director of McMeka, won the MTN Young Designer of the Year competition at the Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2013. He runs McMeka, a Lagos-based menswear design label which focuses on bespoke tailoring founded in September 2011. The young PortHarcourt bred designer came up against formidable names like Waneami, Diana aLa Vid (DLV), Ayo Van Elmar, Reni Smith, Ladunni Lambo, Sho by Adesola Obebe, Tumilla by Tumi Ladega, Kenneth Ize the MTN Young Designer of the Year. However, his hard work and resilience paid off and he was crowned winner. He spoke to BUKOLA BAKARE on the hard and arduous journey to achieving the feat.

Y

ou emerged the 2013 MTN Young Designer of the Year. How did you develop your talent? It is a long story. My name is Rodney Emeka Igwedinma and I am currently a student of the University of Lagos, studying Accounting. I am from Anambra East Local Government Area of

Anambra State. I come from a family of seven, and I happen to be the last. My parents are Ebenezer and Monica Igwedinma. My dad is a retired civil servant while my mom is a tailor and we are a happy lot. Growing up, I schooled in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. I attended Township Primary School, Oyibo for primary

education, and proceeded to Government Secondary, Oyibo, for secondary education. As for tertiary education, I started out at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso, where I was studying Biochemistry. But when I developed the talent of a fashion designer, I had to leave LAUTECH for University of Lagos, where I started seeing things happen to me career-wise. Although I spent many years at LAUTECH, I think it was a wise choice moving to UNILAG because it exposed me to a lot of things. I started my career in 2011 after leaving LAUTECH while studying a science based course and was forced to begin university education afresh in Lagos having gained admission to study Accounting. Interestingly as a kid, I had enjoyed art-based classes but due to family pressure, I went through school as a science student. My decision to transit to Accountancy was based on my belief that the course would provide the best platform to fulfil my vision as a fashion designer. It wasn’t hard to switch because I already had a combination of science and arts courses at O’Level. How was it competing against other designers who had trained abroad? I really don’t believe that someone’s background should be a limiting factor in how far one

can go. It’s all about what’s inside of you – so I think that was what paved the way for me. During the auditionings, I saw a lot of guys come in with swag, and I was challenged, amazed at some of the designs but I wasn’t intimidated. Yea, they came armed with fashion degrees from Paris, UK, Vienna but they didn’t move me. When I showed my brother what I was up against, we were just laughing. It was like a David and Goliath situation. Most of my friends just wished me all the best. When I made the top ten shortlist, my close friends told me they won’t shout or celebrate with me, that they only time they would rejoice is when I am crowned winner. This is the extent of belief and confidence which my close pals had in me. This kept me going. I had no fashion qualifications - local or international - but I believed in my work. How do you feel about winning? It’s everyone’s dream to be a winner. I was very elated when my name was announced as the winner. I have a certain fulfilment from winning the competition because I have put in a lot into this craft. Did you know that you were going to win? (Laughs) I so much prepared for it. At the last edition in 2012, I attended the closing finale where the winner was announced. I studied the process and workflow of how the models and designers presented their materials. That was on the 28th of October. From that point on, my preparation began for this year’s edition. What were the high points of your preparation? As part of my preparation regime, every month or at least once in two weeks, I tried to go through some of the collections from the last edition of the MTN Young Designer’s competition at the LFDW. I meticulously studied the collections from Josh, last year’s winner. I also studied the show generally, trying to gauge the perception of people about their fashion choices and needs. It was a journey that has taken about a year and has seen me crowned as this year’s winner. How do you plan to maximise the platform which your winning has brought? I worked very hard to get to this point in my career as a designer. However, this platform would help to popularise the McMeka brand within and outside of these shores. As a designer, you are expected to create look-books and participate in fashion shows; hence we intend to do all of these when the time is ripe whilst creating sites for people to be able to buy our collections online. When did you realize you wanted

35 5

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Newswatch Showbiz

won MTN Young Emeka to become a fashion designer? My mom is a tailor and she always put us through tailoring when we were young. Although back then, I was a bit stubborn and didn’t find the experience pleasurable but she insisted that we all learnt the art. It was as if she knew what was coming ahead in the future. When I got to LAUTECH, I became very serious about the craft when I saw some things that inspired me – there was a business case for it and I was hooked on it. I am into men’s clothing, so while at LAUTECH, I saw boys looking good, fresh and wearing made clothes that were tailored here in Nigeria. My plan on entry was to change motifs in terms of the way boys were dressed. So what steps did you take? I went to Yaba market and bought a piece of fabric. I designed something good from it and when my friends saw it on me, they all loved it. They were surprised to find out that I had made the shirt and called me a genius. That was all the motivation I needed to start making clothes and before I knew what was happening, the dresses were moving round and attracting a lot of compliments from other students in school. What was the first piece you designed? It was a chinos pant. I bought the fabric for seven hundred and fifty naira at the Yaba market. I made it while we were on vacation then. So when we got back to school, people loved the pants on me. It stood out because back then a lot of boys were making shirts and we didn’t have people who designed pants. So I began to make chinos pants and shirts at LAUTECH. Do you have favourite fabrics that you work with? I love to work with wool. It is very

As part of my preparation regime, every month or at least once in two weeks, I tried to go through some of the collections from the last edition of the MTN Young Designer’s competition at the LFDW. I meticulously studied the collections from Josh, last year’s winner

rich, expensive and good for men. Any man that loves wool knows what he wants in suit making. Even with the climatic conditioning of Nigeria, there are shades of wool that fit our weather patterns. It all depends on the personality and the purpose. What are your favourite patterns? I have my own signature. My suits are always straight. If you check out my shirts, I don’t have these slanting cuts. I keep the cuts straight

and this is the key differentiation for my brand. What has been your most surreal fashion experience to date? It has got to be winning the MTN Young Designer of the Y year award. ward. It was blissful and very exciting. ting. I couldn’t contain could myself as I was w filled with joy with h so many emotions running through my mind whilst hugging everyone hug backstage. backstage kstage. It was WOW!!! What Wh would have happened if happ if you didn’tt win? w It would have ve been a whole lot of shame for me because I so much believed in myself and prayed very hard for this show. I had the firm conviction that if I was going to do the he show, then it would pave the way for me and as as God would havee it, t t, my fasting and prayer yer er er wasn’t in vain. What would you do with wit ith h the four million naira from m MTN? Well the money is not for Rodney Emeka. It belongs to McMeka. It would be devoted to pushing the brand. What is the story behind your brand name, e, McMeka? Well my name is Rodney Ro Emeka, so it wass derived d from my native nativ ative name. Mc gives it thee British feel. feell Are you married? No. I am twenty six years old and happily single. Has your boyfriend or girlfriend played any role in all of this? Laughs. Girlfriend please. Well, she always encourages me to keep my dream alive and she is very understanding with my busy schedules. She is very patient and inspires me a lot. We are two different people who understand ourselves. We have been through so many things together and she knows what I’m capable of. What would you say about the MTN Young Designer of the Year Award? I think the initiative is a good one. I so much appreciate the fact that the organisers of the LFDW

are working so hard to bring out young talents in Nigeria’s fashion space. They are giving young talents a voice. Josh, who won last year, is doing well. McMeka will also do well. If we walk into your wardrobe, what are we likely to find more? Something that has the highest number in my wardrobe will be… Shirts! Shirts! Shirts! Are you a jewelry person, like blings, chain or even wristwatches? No. I love the minimalistic approach to my dress sense. Which car is your dream car? Mercedes Benz G wagon. What is your favourite food? I love pounded yam and nsala soup.

36

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Rendezvous

Nothing wrong if I decide to Mojisola Abike Olaiya is a well known actress in Nigerian ! No pains, No Gains "

#$ % &

' * + ' % & + Daily Newswatch ' - $ /1' 3# - '1 $ $ #4 5

Y

ou will agree with me that a lot of negative stories were written about you, prior to announcing the break-up of your marriage? I know that. But I am not disturbed a bit. That is the price one has to pay for being in the limelight. And moreover, it is not all about negative stories that were written about me, there are some that were positive also. But the negative ones seem to gain more grounds than the positives? That is what you think. You will also agree with me that negative stories sell more than the positives. I was even told that you journalists celebrate bad news than the good news. So I want to believe that many people love to read negative news than the positive news. There will be nothing to celebrate about if, let’s say today, I bought a car worth N20million. But if I am indebted to somebody to, say N30,000 the whole press will celebrate it, and everybody will get to read it. But meanwhile, when I bought a car for N20 million nobody mentioned it. It can still be mentioned How? People will like to know where Moji got N20

Olaiya

million to buy a car. But I am working. We all know how much you people are being paid now. So you believe that artistes depend on film money; that we don’t have any other business we are doing? But many people were surprised that after many denials about your marriage break-up, you finally own ed up in an interview you granted a newspaper sometime ago. Why did it take you that long to own up? I said it when I believed it was time for me to own up, as you rightly observed. I don’t think I owe anybody an apology for that. I just believed it was high time I told the world what had been happening in my marital life. There were lots of insinuations regarding why and what broke my marriage, so I needed to clarify some issues, especially with journalists, who were feeding the public, especially my fans, a lot of lies on my marriage stuff. So why did your marriage crash, because there’ve been lots of things people are saying contributed to it? I don’t want to know what people are saying. All I can say is that, it was not just meant to be. I tried all I could to make it work, but somehow it did not n just work. It was speculated that your marriage packed pack up because it failed faile to produce any baby. baby How true is this? this That Th is the problem with Nigerians; we attach too much atta importance to the imp issue of children issu in marriage. I am not saying having children ha in marriage is not good, but that go should not be sh the th basis of one’s love lo for a partner. If that is what people have been p thinking, it is not. t Thank God, I T have a daughter h before I got b married to him and he I mean my ex husband. I also had a child before we got married,

Olaiya

so we are both medically okay as far as that issue is concerned.So I don’t know why people are saying that. Like I said earlier on, our marriage was just not meant to last longer, so I don’t think there is any issue about that. And to think about it, it is not a big deal that my marriage did not last, there are many marriages that are not working, but people for the fear of not wanting to be seen as people whose marriages did not work, will continue to hang on, and suffer for it, which I am not ready to do. But why is it that the marriages of celebrities especially Nollywood acts don’t last? I don’t wants to believe that; we have many celebrities - actors and actresses - whose marriages are doing fine. I can’t start mentioning names, but there are many of them. Moreover, there are other people too whose marriages are crashing, so it is not peculiar to we celebrities or actresses. I believe it is because people get to read about us every now and then, that is why it is assumed we are having frequent marriage breakups. I have heard of a marriage that was solemnized in the morning, but before the evening, the couple went their different ways. So we should

not let ours be an issue. A weekly news magazine once quoted you as saying that you opted out of the marriage because your husband was idle and was depending on you financially, and ... (Cuts in) That is another reason I am reluctant to grant interviews. All I said was that, ‘let us forget this thing about my marriage. You know many things about it, so why are you still asking questions about my failed marriage? For me, it was destined to fail, so why should I force myself into a marriage that I know will not work? Or should I say because I want to get married, and I put myself into slavery? In fact, I am not saying anything on my broken marriage again. I think I have said enough. Are you saying you were in slavery during your marriage? I did not say that, I am just giving an example. You see, that is what I am talking about. Tomorrow now, newspapers will scream: “I was in slavery, that is why I opted out of my marriage - Moji Olaiya’. All I am saying is that, if you are not enjoying your marriage, it is not a must you die there or be a slave. There are many people out there who are not enjoying their marriages, but they are

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

37

Rendezvous

date movie actor – Moji Olaiya

Olaiya

enduring it, so that people will not say ‘haa, the marriage has crashed’. I know you just returned from Dubai Yes, I know you know now (general laughter) So how was the man you went to meet there? Which man? You are not serious o! I am serious, Moji. A report has it that you went there to finalise marriage plans with the new guy in your life. Now you know why I said you are not serious. Why? Because I can never do such a thing without you hearing it first. That is why I am asking you now. So let people hear it from you. The issue is not about me knowing... Okay o, I never went to Dubai to meet any man o. I only went there for business; and I went in company of my friends. If I’m to re-marry, people will get to know about it. And you will do that for me (smiles). Won’t you? It is also alleged that actresses are fond of dating these sets of people because they spend a lot of money on them. True or false? I don’t know what you mean by

that. But for me, I am not dating any of them. I can’t speak for any other person. And if you say we actresses, what gave you the impression that these people are dating any of us? See, let me tell you something, you journalists are the ones who always write fictitious stories. The moment you see an actress with a man, you start writing, and it’s often not correct. For the past weeks now, you and I have been going to events together, so will people be correct to assume that we are dating? Of course, you know that’s not correct. Ours is on a professional level. Hmmm! So does that stop anything? See, this thing is a personal determination. It’s not everybody you are seen with that you have a relationship with. But are you still planning to remarry? Of course, I will still re-marry, but not now. So is there any man in your life right now? Forget about that now. When it is time, I will let the people know. Have you ever dated anyone in the movie industry? Dating someone from your profession is not supposed to be a new thing. Even you as a journalist, can you tell me you have never dated your colleague before? Bankers and lawyers date themselves; so the question of dating a colleague of mine should not arise. In all sincerity, that should not be an issue. Be sincere, Ajibade, have you never dated your colleague either in your office or in another media company? So why all the fuss about actresses dating actors?

How is your relationship with your colleagues? I have a very cordial relationship with my colleagues. At least you are witness to it. We have gone to many events together and you see the way I interact with my colleagues. So I don’t have any issue with any of my colleagues. I have a very good relationship with them. Who is Moji Olaiya? Moji Olaiya is just like any other girl next door. I am an actress and a business woman. How did you join the industry? I actually joined the industry through Wale Adenuga Productions. I went for an auditioning and I was chosen to play the lead role. So, I can say it was through him that I joined the industry. What’s the title of the first film you featured in? The first film I acted in was through my performance in Wale Adenuga Production that the producer of Sunmibare, that is, Dimeji Ijaduade, came for me. I don’t even know how the deal was struck, because it was done by Wale Adenuga himself. It was him that bargained on my behalf; he just called to tell me that he had a job for me, and I went for it. Would you say that was the film that brought you into limelight? Yes, that was the film that brought me into limelight. Another film that also shot me into stardom was Agunbaniro; those two films brought me into limelight. How was the experience like? It was beautiful; it was the first time I would be doing the home video stuff. The one I did before that time

was soap, a weekly drama. So it was a wonderful experience mixing with who-is-who in the movie industry. Your father is a well known musician, in fact known worldwide. How does he influence your career? Yes, my father, that is Victor Olaiya, he is well known, but I must tell you that he doesn’t influence my career. My father is one person that will tell you, ‘you have to work hard for whatever you want to be in life’. Good, he has been of a positive impact in my life, but not to the point that you will just use his name to influence a role or position for yourself. No! If I could still remembe while we are growing up, he used to tell us that we should not depend on him for whatever we want to do in future, but that does not mean he will not help his children when it matters.

Bankers and lawyers date themselves; so the question of dating a colleague of mine should not arise. In all sincerity, that should not be an issue

38

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Newswatch Showbiz

D’Banj to celebrate 10 years in Entertainment industry come 2014

Dbanj

Tope Olukole 08082477041 (SMS only)

D

apo Oyebanjo aka D’banj, is gearing up to celebrate his 10th year in the Nigerian entertainment industry The world has watched D’banj grow in his career and it is no doubt that next year, the biggest celebrations and projects will feature in the celebration. In the past years, the musician, songwriter, actor and businessman received many accolades and accomplished a lot to shake the entire entertainment industry, open doors and give the industry a face. Here are some: Dbanj is known to have found and signed everybody that belonged to the one time popular record label ‘Mo Hits Records’ consisting of major artistes such as Wande Coal, Dr. Sid, Prince, K-Switch etc. In 2004, he won the KORA Awards “Most Promising < Ă % since the start of his career. In 2007 Dbanj was appointed as the United Nations Youth Ambassador for Peace. He led a strong rally in Port Harcourt to promote peace at a time in which there was unrest in Rivers State. After the Rally and meeting with then Governor of Rivers State, the curfew, which had been in place, was lifted. In this same year (2007),

Dbanj won ‘Africa Artist of the Year’ MTV Europe Music Awards. He also won this same award in 2011 and in-between that won Best Male Artist in 2008 and 2009 at the MTV Africa Awards. In 2008, D’banj became the <

signed to Globacom. He became the first Nigerian artist to do an International collaboration that was officially released, giving the Nigerian Entertainment Industry major recognition with international talent and brand (“Mr. Endowed,� featuring Snoop). In 2011, he went on to win the Best International Act BET Awards, a major accomplishment for D’banj. In 2012, Dbanj hit yet another milestone with the hit song “Oliver Twist� recorded and released in Nigeria with over 23 million views on VEVO. Oliver Twist topped the African Charts and was a top 10 hit in the UK singles chart in 2012 reaching number two on the UK R&B chart. The year 2013 has been a strong year for the Superstar. In May, he was appointed as a Creative ambassador for the Bank of Industry. He performed at the Mandela Charity Event in South Africa, Hit track “Top Of The World� became the theme song for the Africa Cup of Nation, which was eventually won by the Nigerian Super Eagles. Dbanj also performed at the Africa Cup of National

Finale in front of 92,000 people and six billion viewers worldwide. Bowing out of 2013 gracefully, Dbanj has released a track with Burna Boy and recorded the official Soundtrack of award winning novel “Half of a Yellow Sun�, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. With a lot to expect from Dbanj in 2014, Dbanj continues to remain a strong force in his industry, continually motivating and contributing to our evergrowing Music Industry. In January 2014, Dbanj % < Union Summit in Ethiopia where he will be signing a treaty that will encourage smallscale farmers. Dbanj will also unveil his project and partnership with the African Union and Musician and Activist ‘BONO’ through One Organization, to champion the Agriculture Industry in Africa for 2014.

Flavour

39

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Newswatch Showbiz

T

his year will remain in record as one of the busiest for the frontline Ibadan-based Nigerian Christian film production ministry – the Mount Zion Film Productions of The Mount Zion Faith Ministries Int’l, Nigeria. The Christian film production outfit embarked on massive production movies, with the clear vision of working with other Nigerian drama ministers to fulfill God’s mandate for the present distasteful and soulsoiling entertainment world. They all believe it is God’s mandate that the present world be presented with alternative % establish the righteous morality that so many other movies are trying desperately to erode from the heart of their viewers. " shooting was opened in January this year with Damilola Mike-Bamiloye’s “A Journey in Circleâ€?, after which a foreign movie shoot followed in the full snowy and wintery February in faraway Winnipeg City of Canada. The movie, titled: “Finest Wineâ€? was a joint production, again, with Immanuel Fellowship Church, Winnipeg, Canada. This was closely followed, in March, with Gloria Bamiloye’s ¸ “Spellâ€? and “Igbekunâ€?. And after these came series of film location works from other Mount Zion in-house producers/directors, like Yemi Adepoju, Isaac Femi-Akintunde, Matthew Bamidele, Moses Adebayo, Jerry Oluwagbemi, Bayo Abrahams and another in-house upcoming producer, Covenant Adebayo, who stormed various film location sets and came out with “Lost Identityâ€? (Jerry Oluwagbemi), “His Heritageâ€?(Isaac FemiAkintunde), “Turn Aroundâ€? (Matthew Bamidele), “Sudden Impactâ€? (Yemi Adepoju), “Josephineâ€? (Covenant Adebayo), “Isura Pupoâ€? (Isaac FemiAkintunde), “Never Again (Moses Adebayo)â€?, “Bosom Fireâ€? (Damilola Mike-Bamiloye) and others. In addition to these, four movies were shot outside

How Mount Zion made 20 movies in 2013 The Mount Zion Film Productions produced a total of 20 gospel movies within this year (2013), while some are tuned, some have been fully edited and waiting to be released into the market

of Nigeria within this year 2013: “Finest Wine� (Winnipeg, Canada), “The Gamble� (Hamilton, Canada), “Harvest of Crisis� and “Caught in the Wind� (Perth, West Australia), shot in November and which became the last major film location work of

the ministry for the year 2013. And altogether, the Mount Zion Film Productions produced a total of 20 gospel movies within this year (2013), while some are still been fine-tuned, some have been fully edited and waiting to be released

quarter of the new year. Some of the major highlights of this busy year for Mount Zion was addressing a group of some Christian drama ministers in New Delhi, Annual Christian Drama Fiesta of the Fellowship

of Christian Students, Ternopil Ukraine. With those visits, according to the President of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Nigeria, Evang. Mike Bamiloye, the ground has been prepared to go back and make gospel movies in the national languages of those countries.

% % * I have done a couple of English movies, although I do more of soaps and TV series. + %

* I actually started with Papa Ajasco and Co. I went for the auditioning. My purpose for going wasn’t to get auditioned. I went there to see if I could sight some stars and mingle with them. I never had in mind that I would get auditioned. But fortunately, I was given a script to audition and I did well. I met a director on that set; he was the one that brought me into the Yoruba movie industry. / Yes! The title of the movie was changed twice. But funnily enough, the movie wasn’t released early enough. Some other movies I featured in after it came out before it. When it was eventually released, I think the title was Ten Million Naira or something like that. ! This was in year 2000. The Papa Ajasco sitcom I featured in was in 1999. I have stayed some time

W

Grandee

40

Sincerely, it wasn’t my goal goal. g goa oa . I wanted to be behind d th tthee camera. When I was coming min m mi in i g up and I saw how fans fans almost mobbed my senior nior io orr colleagues, I had a rethink. nk. k I said I wouldn’t want to bee iin n their shoes. I would rather err wish that people knew thee name but not the face. Butt I was told it doesn’t work k that way. I also realised d that you make more money ey y being in front of the camera ra a than behind it. I decided to to go for it. I didn’t plan it this his i way, but I thank God all the th same. In everything, you hav have to thank God. % % % $ It is not about trying m my y luck luck being a producer. It is not ever every very y time your luck will shine. e. Itt is about what you have inside side de ,and also the passion you ou have. You would wantt to do something people would appreciate and learn from and not only

really. /

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

to get entertained. But it is not only actors that produce movies, directors also produce movies and even act in the movie. It is just what you have inside you and you don’t want it to die so you try and explore it. Money can come out of it, yes, but let the passion be the drive for becoming a producer. ' $

* % That is what most people will make you believe. But this industry Âż 8 ' & % ' It all depends on the way you carry yourself. If you want to ‘do for me and I do for you’, nobody will query you. If you want to do a job and collect your money, that ' " job that anybody will sack you or tell you he won’t pay you at the end of the month. If they pay them so fantastically well in the English movie industry, most of them wouldn’t have gone into producing movies as well. It is about choice.

/ 5 % No, I don’t. 6 % Hmm‌ let it be inside my pocket. But I am comfortable and I thank God for that. ! 7 % % At this point in my career, there are some scripts you would read and try to advice the producer especially if it has the potential of tarnishing the image of the actors. If you can’t go with my advice, I reject the script. I have been building my career for a long time. I wouldn’t want to do a movie that will tarnish the image I have been trying to build in a good way. So if the script to me is not what people would wish to see me in, I reject it. % 8

$ I don’t do that. I am myself. You have to accept me the way I am. I don’t do things to impress anybody, no policeman will arrest me. But I have some other businesses I am doing. Presently, I’m into TV presentation and some other stuff. I don’t bite more than I can chew and that is a fact. + It was fun. It was just the typical Nigerian child growing up. We were told not to watch TV but read our books. During my time, parents wanted their children to be doctors and lawyers and engineers. But fortunately, my parents were free-minded. I told them I wanted to be a

Edo State-born actress, Doris Simeon, talks about her life in an encounter with TOPE OLUKOLE recently in Port Harcourt

news caster or a radio presenter. I used to watch TV a lot. There was a day my mother beat me black and blue. She sent me on an errand but I went and got the wrong thing because I was watching Indian movie in my neighbour’s place. My parents gave me their blessings. They supported me. One woman was so angry with my mother and asked her how she could allow me to become an actress. She told my mother that actresses sleep around and all that. But it was that same woman that came back years later and was begging my mother, that her niece wanted to be an actress , that my mum should help her talk to me on behalf of the girl. ! I come from a polygamous home. We used to fight and settle and fight again and settle. It was so much fun. Now, I remember all we did and I laugh. My parents were wonderful, God rest their souls. " Yes. I am an orphan. I am actually looking for an orphanage where I can move to if they have a bed space for me (laughs). I miss them a lot, anyway. # $ I remember that I did ‘shakara’ a lot when I was growing up. up ‘Toasting’ then was just writing writin n ' # % % % % % up, the guys I liked never asked asked me m out. The ones I didn’t like like would woul % ' š š & &

boyfriend. It was w was actually when I started acting acti ting ng that that ha I started having havin boyfriends. boyfrien iends. d But afterwards, those thos ones es I liked lik d started s rted coming and sta an I told them t them it was was too late. There Ther was as this hiis guy, guy, in his mind, I was wa hiss girlfriend. g frie girl friend. d. He came to Lagos Lago for youth youth service. sservic vi e. He used to take tak me out out to to eateries. eateri eriees. So I would say sa % % % didn’t date. kiss. te. We didn’t didn’t even e kisss. ! He said he was very very patient patient and an he would wait for me till till I was wa ready. rread re rea eady. " % % He is in the UK. We dated for two years. I was grown up then and I realised that I couldn’t stand distant relationship. He liked being surprised. He would come around and wouldn’t tell me he was coming. He is still based in the UK. I thank God that I am not. I had parents that brought me up in a great manner. My mum was a very beautiful woman and sometimes, I asked her how she got married to my father. I would ask her why she didn’t marry somebody like Dangote. She would tell me that if & š have a good character, nobody will come after you. I don’t take life so hard. When you die, it will all be & ' and be yourself. Your lifestyle has to be decent. There is always time to be happy and time to be sad. There is time

‘Toasting’ then was just writing letters. But when I was growing up, the guys I liked never asked me out. The ones I didn’t like would 9 $ around me... It was 1 I started having boyfriends

!

I just thank God. I thank Him for everything. + % % You have to accept life the way it is. At least I am alive and people

Hmmm. I don’t know what to say. I am not taking life so hard. You don’t say some things when you are happy because you may regret it. I want to go the way life goes. Yes! I am in a relationship with God and my son. Is God not male? My son is also a man. He is my boyfriend now.

your life. You make mistakes to learn. You don’t make mistake and go back to it or dwell in it.

57

Grandee

talk about me. Some people are alive and they are not known. Even if I die today, people will talk about me. ! 5 % He is his son. It is not all the kids that you train that will remember you. You just do your own and leave the rest to God. ! I won’t say I want to be like God, but I want to touch lives. I want to make an impact so that people will never forget me. ! % %

% % I leave it to God. (sings) I am married to Jesus, Satan leave me alone‌ I am very happy. I can provide for myself. Why should I be sad? That is why I am not taking life so hard. You don’t know when you can slump and die.

Guys I admired lacked the nerve to toast me – Doris Simeon

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

58

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Behind the screen

Ravensbourne UK develops courses for

contributor to national GDP by addressing some of the challenges currently facing the industry. The Project Act Nollywood according to the brains behind the project have explained that it aims to improve and promote key components of the movie value chain through the provision of grants schemes designed to support existing or aspiring practitioners within the industry, including in the diaspora. The focus of the programme is to reduce the hurdle for private sector capital to participate by initially sharing some of the project risk that would take projects from “almost commercial� to fully commercially viable and thus accelerate the industry’s development onto a path of

Underground Music drops rap track, Go Bad

F Project Act Nollywood

Samod Biobaku Samod.biobaku@mydailynewswatchng.com

R

avensbourne, a leading centre in digital arts and media in the UK has launched a special programme of courses for Nigerian

creative professionals seeking capacity building training under the Project Act Nollywood grant scheme. " % intensive courses in Live Directing Ăœ Âż Ă? Ăœ " Scriptwriting, Science of HD, Directing for Continuing Drama, Developing & Shooting a Music Video, and

Pre-editing, will be made available to Nigerian creative professionals through the Project ACT Nollywood Capacity Building Grant. The objective of Project ACTNollywood is to encourage the sustained growth of Nigeria’s movie industry so that it realizes its full of employment and considerable

o % /

of tracks like Apprentice, =

" the Dope Unit Mixtape Volume 1, Underground Music has released a fresh rap song for fans anticipating the mix-tape release, which features the likes of Skales, Godwon, Phenom, Base 1, Paybac, * " * 8 * Jada Sparkle, Koboko, Buckwylla and others. What makes this more interesting is the fact for this track, Underground Music teams up with 17-year-old rapper, Sommy-D and other acts including Paragunn Blao, Mr Chido and Sean P. Go Bad was produced and mixed by Blyston..

Music, games and film-show excite children &

W

# = ´ Zenith Annual Parade, participating schools, homes, orphanages and parents had their

calbre of fun and parade to expect. But midway into the event, guests and participants had a completely delight on their faces simply gave them away. The long stretch of Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island in Lagos that would usually be laden with vehicular and human movement was replaced by a tasteful mix of music, assorted games, horse rides, train rides, dance and so much more. These were all features of the parade recently staged by Zenith Bank in the heart of Lagos and when Saturday Newswatch arrived at the venue, the children, parents and guardians as well as other guests %

thrilled and besides the fact that many had their eyes glued to the variety of activities being dished out by the organisers, other could not conceal their impression of the vibrant event.

“I like the presentation and everything about the parade. It is an event I would like to be a part of again,� said Mrs. Grace Akpan as she commended the organisers

participants and guests.

Zenith Annual parade

A parent, Mrs. Lucy and commended Zenith Bank; not just & Âż & of the parade including security, space and others. “I really enjoyed the parade. It was very orderly and fun to watch. I would really love to be at the

next edition. The music could have

Ă giggled. Another parent who shared her thoughts on the event said, “It was very interesting. There was no ' š & event again. I would urge other

59

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Behind the screen

Nigerian students & filmmakers full monetization/sustainability. Project ACT-Nollywood has a budget of N3 billion and is made of three components aimed at addressing inhibitors to further growth, which exist along the movie-making value chain.

These include technical Capacity Building, Film Production, and Distribution. Funds can be applied for by 9 Âş 9 the diaspora) and by Nigeria-based

production companies for projects to be executed in Nigeria. International co-productions are encouraged. Project ACT-Nollywood is managed by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in collaboration with other government

Song PlayLyrics: DJ Xclusive – Ibebe ft. Olamide

DJ Xclusive

Nollywood set

Nollywood set

Nollywood set

Bedebe badaba This is football‌.bedebe badaba Anything can happen‌.bedebe badaba Baddooo‌.bedebe badaba Xclusive

Nollywood set

Nollywood set

Chocolate City unveils Nosa’s Why You Love Me

F

ast rising Always Pray for You crooner, Nosa has released the music video to his second single, Why You Love Me after the release of his debut single. Steeped in elements of eastern Nigerian highlife, Why You Love Me, is an inspiring departure from what many would expect from

Nosa. The song breathes the gyrating, up tempo music that one could hear on the streets of Owerri, Enugu and other parts of eastern parts of Nigeria. The video is presently enjoying an impressive run on Youtube with & ĂŽ !Æ´ & % '

Nosa

guests at 8th Zenith Annual Parade organisations to emulate this because it was such a wonderful experience.â€? Two pupils of Western College also spoke on their experience and some exciting aspects of the parade. %' % the music 75 per cent. Zenith Bank did really well to organise this for ' š

Æ!³Ñ' I also made some new friends,� said Ezeani Nicole; a JSS 3 student. < *** Æ

/ % &

part of the show, adding that she thoroughly enjoyed it. The 5D was such a cool experience. With the theme, ‘Build the Child: Build the Nation,’ the parade came to a climax following the announcement of Methodist Boys High School as the % Æ!ÂłĂ? ' Some of the participating schools include Corona School, Grace High School, Ovie Brume Foundation, Wesley School I & II for the Healing, Queens College Yaba, National College Gbagada, Ojota Secondary

*

Saints Orphanage, Hope Bay College Ajegunle, Lead Forte Gate School Ogudu and Methodist Boys High School Victoria Island. Others are James Hope College, *

International School Akute, Slum to School Africa, Arrows of God Orphanage Home Ajah, Vigilante Heart Orphanage Igbo Efon lekki Expressway, Christ the Redeemer Secondary School Gbagada and Victoria Island Secondary School.

YQ launches record label, releases single

S

ensational singer, YQ launched his musical career with the rave

Ăš š % featured late rap act, Dagrin, and this was closely followed by him getting

Æ Entertainment. He carved a niche for himself as an indigenous melodious and sonorous

voice specializing in dishing out club-banging hits for himself and his countless collaborations; a quality, which eventually got him signed to Storm > Æ!³! releasing his debut album on the same imprint. He has since parted ways with Storm

Records and has been relatively silent since then. This however, isn’t to get off the scene but to plan and strategize for a better YQ. Hence the birth of his new label: H.O.P. Unit. Now moving on with his career, he

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progress) stamp and features Olamide.

Olamide

YQ

Chorus Ko ma gbon Ko ma gbon Ko ma gbon O tu ibebe si ‘le o O tu gele si ‘le o O tu kasa si ‘le o To ba ni eh Ah ibebe idi‌.bedebe badaba Ah ileke idi‌.bedebe badaba Ah ibebe idi‌.bedebe badaba Ko ma gbon Ko ma gbon Ko ma gbon Ibebe idi ah Ileke idi eh‌.bedebe badaba Ibebe idi‌.bedebe badaba Ko ma gbon Ko ma gbon Ko ma gbon Verse 1 – Olamide Girl you already know the koko Bere mo ‘le mo ‘le koko We get money: yes a l’owo Ma da anybody lohun o o Bere ko jo Ode tun wo bi ti sojo o Oya go low o " Ăš % Shoutout si awon ikunle abiyamo association Awon mommy brymo To n si lo club Lale Friday na na Chorus Ko ma gbon Ko ma gbon Ko ma gbon O tu ibebe si ‘le o O tu gele si ‘le o O tu kasa si ‘le o To ba ni eh Ah ibebe idi‌.bedebe badaba Ah ileke idi‌.bedebe badaba Ah ibebe idi‌.bedebe badaba Ko ma gbon Ko ma gbon Ko ma gbon Ibebe idi ah Ileke idi eh‌.bedebe badaba Ibebe idi‌.bedebe badaba Ko ma gbon Ko ma gbon

60

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Pot-Pourri

Things you didn’t know about Nollywood star Samod Biobaku Samod.biobaku@mydailynewswatchng.com <

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61

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Pot-Pourri Music Video Review

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62

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

e-foreign line

T-Pain surprises viewers in ‘She A s T-Pain’s strip club anthem ‘Up Down (Do This All Day)’ gets love from radio, the Auto" + & from a lady in his suggestive video for ‘She Said.’ In the black-and-white clip, which he directed himself, T-Pizzle sits in a chair and croons about a three-way sexcapade in the bedroom. Now the video appears to be racy

(or demeaning to women), but things aren’t always what they seem. At the end, T-Pain shows the big reveal and we are relieved that it’s not what it appears to be. T-Pain is currently working on his next projec, ‘Stoicville: The Phoenix,’ due next year. The Florida rapper just released a special T-Mix version of Future’s ‘S—’ to let haters know that he’s back in the game.

Movie Quote

Dirty Dancing

“I

’m scared of everything. I’m scared of what I saw. I’m scared of what I did, of who I am.... and most of all, I’m scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I’m with you.�

- ‘Baby’ in Dirty Dancing

T-Pain in She Said music video

How ‘Beyonce’ broke music

F

riday the 13th is an unlucky day, but not if your name is Beyonce. The global superstar earned a fortune since the surprise release exclusively on iTunes last week — with a $15.99 price tag. She skipped the traditional marketing route altogether, which became

+ % the minds of fans and industry insiders alike. In three days, her 14-track, 17-video super project surpassed gold, selling 617,000 copies in the U.S. – and 823,000 worldwide in that time span. Five days later, she reached one million downloads. ‘Beyonce’ also topped the iTunes charts in 104 countries and is the fastest-selling iTunes release in history. Besides nabbing the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart this week, she made history, becoming

& & Ă™ DMX and folk group Kingston Trio make up the other two. She has achieved the seemingly impossible despite uncertain climate of today’s recording industry. In the past decade, album sales have been on the decline as Internet leaks have become more common and online streaming services more prevalent. U.S. album sales were at an all-time low of 4.49 million in October, according to Nielsen Soundscan. This setback has spawned unorthodox album roll-outs from artists who don’t believe in the old ways of doing things. Nipsey Hussle sold 1,000 physical copies of his ‘Crenshaw’ mixtape at $100 each, theorizing that his super fans would support the project — and even Jay Z

Beyounce

did. Kanye West opted out of releasing singles from his ‘Yeezus’ album — he also did away with artwork — and instead held worldwide pop-up screenings of his ‘New Slaves’ video. And Hov convinced Samsung to buy one million copies of his ‘Magna Carter Holy Grail’ LP before it was even released to the public. He also surprised fans by announcing he’d put out a new album two weeks prior to the release. But with less stunts, Beyonce’s album roll-out was a

graceful whisper that became a resounding roar. There were 1.2 million tweets about the album in 12 hours. Her loyal fan base, dubbed the “BeyHive,� generated buzz; no need for a street team. Media outlets that publish news

info on ‘Yonce followed. Critics in the business, music, fashion and feminist realms generated lists and in-depth think pieces on the album almost instantly. The 32-yearold songstress knew this would happen and we all fell for it. “I felt like I don’t want anybody to give the message when my record is coming out. I just want this to come out when it’s ready, and from me to my fans,â€? she explains in Part 1 of her ‘Self-Titled’ documentary. “The most compelling part was the audio and the visuals all being released at once. Had it just been an audio album release, the impact wouldn’t have been the same,â€? Karlie Hustle, Music Director at New York radio station Hot 97, tells The Boombox. “Beyonce and her trends and consumer behavior. For example, I’d be willing to bet that they are seeing a 9 Âż

releasing entire seasons of new

% enjoy them at their leisure.� Since 2009, the amount of adults watching or downloading online

videos has jumped from 69 per cent to 78 per cent, according to research by Pew Internet & American Life Project. “I wanted people to hear the songs with the story that’s in my head,â€? the Houston native continued in her ‘Self-Titled’ doc. “’Cause it’s what makes it mine. That vision in my brain is what I wanted people to experience the 'Ă The album has features from her daughter Blue Ivy, Jay Z, Drake and Frank Ocean to name a few. Video directors include the veteran Hype Williams, Melina Matsoukas and Beyonce herself. Clover Hope, Deputy Editor of VIBE magazine, agrees that the common route would not have yielded the same results. “I’m almost certain she

Beyounce

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Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

e-foreign line

Said’ music video

Kat Dahlia goes ‘Crazy’ on new song

Kat Dahlia

W

e last saw Kat Dahlia in an upbeat mood for her ‘Happy and I Know It’ video, but that sentiment has pushed into more obsessive territory on her new song, ‘Crazy.’ The Cuban songstress sings about intense feelings for someone who’s just walked into her life. She sounds passionate about it, too. “Tell me what’s going on I need to know,� she delivers. �Cause I’m not trying to lose myself or lose control.� It’s a feeling that’s been articulated for decades, so performing over a throwback instrumental isn’t too left ' " strums call back the R&B sounds of decades prior, as the descending piano keys slip into the hook to add a sense of soul. The 23-year-old’s upcoming music may just follow the tone of ‘Crazy.’ Her debut album, ‘My Garden,’ will see a February 2014 release.

She Said

She Said

She Said

She Said

industry rules would’ve sold less. This album doubled the sales of her last album, ‘4,’ which sold Ă?Âł! !!!

%

' " & experience plus sudden release is what worked,� Hope tells The Boombox. Beyonce had to work extra hard to keep ‘Lily’ — the code name for the album before its release, according to Billboard – a surprise. The deadline for ‘Beyonce’ % 8 % its roll-out. The chanteuse did not begin % late October and was still laying down vocals as of Thanksgiving. Final meetings about the album’s distribution were held a week before its release. Only the very top executives at iTunes and Columbia Records knew that Beyonce planned to climb down our digital chimneys and deliver the record while we slept. But not everyone is happy about the iTunes exclusive. As physical copies of ‘Beyonce’ hit brick-and-mortar retailers this week, Target — a retailer that has exclusively sold the singer’s projects in the past – is refusing to sell the LP because it was not made available to all distributors at the same time. In a very indirect way, Beyonce has been telling the world that her album was coming this year. She has been building momentum since the top of 2013. It started with the scandal of her lip-synching the national anthem at the Presidential Inauguration, which led to her infamous “Any questions?� remark directed toward the naysayers during a Super Bowl press conference. Then came the electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance, her HBO ‘Life Is But A Dream’ documentary and the

most aggressive Bey we’ve seen yet on the controversial song ‘Bow Down’ (now known as ‘Flawless’ on the album). Let’s underline this with a $50 million Pepsi endorsement deal and being featured as the Ăœ š ' the glass was Beyonce’s Mrs. Carter Show World Tour, in which she earns an estimated $2 million a night. Following the release of her album, many wondered whether it was a big distribution — labels, radio and record stores. “It’s easy to call her model genius and it’s also easy to undermine it,â€? Hope believes. “Artists always talk about bucking

the traditional music industry model and wind up doing nothing about it because execution isn’t as simple as people think.� Hustle reminds us that the former Destiny’s Child frontwoman and other big artists still need a team of minds to make magic happen. “It’s easy to dismiss a lot of things when you’re a millionaire. But would you be a millionaire without that record label that you’re taking shots at in your song?� Hustle asks. “Maybe. Maybe not. She may need them less than ever before, but that’s based on the fame and power she’s already wielded in great part by using that structure over the past 15 years.�

Eminem’s hefty performance fee the game right now. These are stadiumrefused by NFL indrawing performers. What did they f you are looking to book Eminem

I

for your fancy shindig it’s going to cost you a lot of money. That’s what the NFL owners found out when they requested his presence for an event. According to TMZ, the owners were looking for a big-name act to perform at their special party during Super Bowl week in January 2014. Reps for the event talked to Eminem’s people who wanted a $2 million performance fee upfront. Apparently, the NFL owners thought the fee was excessively high and they declined. Fellow rapper Kanye West was also turned down after he requested a $1 million performance fee “plus a lot of other perks.� Honestly, we don’t think Slim Shady or Yeezy’s prices are too high considering that they are two of the biggest rappers

expect? In the end, the NFL owners hired R&B singer Janelle Monae to perform at their event for a paltry $150,000 — a steal in our book.

Eminem

Culled from THEBOOMBOX

Wyclef Jean welcomes holiday season with Crema

Wyclef

T

he holiday season brings plenty of reasons to celebrate for some more than others. An example is the people of Haitian descent who will be celebrating their country’s independence day, which happens to fall on New Year’s Day. Wyclef Jean, one of the country’s most well-known

% ' LargeUp caught up with Wyclef Jean in New York, as he was enjoying creme — the Haitian alcoholic version of eggnog. The popular rum cream drink is often consumed during the holiday season, and Jean explains in the above video about how his aunt and the older generation puts more care making into crema. Culled from THEBOOMBOX

64

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

e-last line Music Scope ...insight into old skool act Tope Olukole 08082477041 (SMS only)

Good Women Choir

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t is a group that has resonated from loud speakers across Nigeria for over three decades as people celebrate the end of the year, as they vowed to stick to their age long style of music despite the massive turnaround of the Nigerian music industry. The group of elderly women that sang the evergreen end of the year song, Odun Nlo Sopin’. Established ³ÇÖ

in 1977, the CAC Good Women Choir, can sure be regarded as the oldest musical group in Nigeria. The leader of the group, 80 years old, Mrs. Deborah Fasoyin, recalled how the group started with almost 200 female members of the (CAC), Ibadan and formed the Good Women Choir in 1975. Mrs. Fasoyin explained that the % % % Ă? members after the creation of states and now 12 members with some travelled abroad and some passed on to the great beyond. The gospel singers who decline to at churches, for free because their primary aim and objective is strictly to, spread the gospel. Refusing to partake in the current multi—million dollar frenzy of the Nigerian music, the Good Women Choir insisted that they will not change their style of music because “our music is spiritual. Music that changes life that touches life, we don’t want to fall in line with the present way of gospel music. We

% Ă / Fasoyin. The women also proudly claimed that the survival of the group is funded by their personal contributions. On what the future holds for the group, Mrs. Fasoyin stated that they are already recruiting young married women who must have the consent of their husbands to join the group and continue the tradition and style of the group.

Fasoyin

Inside Nollywood y Desmond Elliot, Rita Dominic and Patience Ozonkwo storm Ghana with Ajibade Alabi bi

N

ollywood stars Desmond Elliot, Rita Dominic and

Patience Ozonkwo will storm Accra International Conference Centre, Ghana on Monday, �! Æ!³� Movie Award. The trio will be there to keep the flag of Nigeria’s Nollywood as they have been nominated in different categories for

the annual movie award. Desmond Elliot and Yemi Black are on line

for the Best African CollaborationBest Actor. The former effort in “Finding Mercy� was enough to be nominated, while Yemi Black’s role in “Number one Fan� made him to be nominated. They will both slug it out with the like of Francis Odega, Bobby Obodo and Hlomla Dandala. On the other hand, Rita Dominic, Nse Ikpe Etim, and Patience Ozonkwo will also do battle with Omawunmi Megele and Ivie Okujaye for the Best Actress category. While Desmond Elliot could make it double if he wins the Best Actor of the year, as his film, “Finding Mercy� which he produced has also been nominated for the Best Picture.

Fathia and Saidi

AMAA unveils 10th years anniversary ‌ Launches over $200,000 reward for Africa bests, journalists

A

frican Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) last week Thursday, at the African Sun, Amber Residence Hotel, G.R.A, Ikeja unveiled for the 10th years anniversary of the widely accepted African best movie award with Ghanaian A-List Actress and one time African Movie Academy Awards winner of the Best Actress in a Leading Role, Lydia Forson as the 10th anniversary brand Ambassador. The unveiling event which had tens of journalists covering print, broadcast ,and online news media ' An extremely elated Lydia who spoke from the heart said her relationship with AMAA started about seven years ago when she % 9 % % nominated for the awards. ‘’I came to Nigeria and bought my ticket myself because I missed my AMAA arranged ' " š % I was amazed by the quality of filmmakers and professionals in the industry I met. I was like waoh this is how huge this platform is. I have formed lifelong relationships from AMAA because I have been coming every ' Kunle Afolayan at AMAA and he told me he liked my acting and he would like to work with me. Two years after he called me to work

= *% ' I have also met colleagues from other parts of the world through AMAA that I have built rewarding relationship with. ‘’The icing on the cake for me

was when I won AMAA as Best Actress with Jackie Appiah and the doors it opened for me. The calls for jobs were coming in from % when I asked why they were all calling me for some of the career % said but you are have just been crowned as the best actress in Africa. AMAA is ours and we must support it. There are challenges here and there which people have talked about but for me AMAA is bigger than any logistics problem &

huge. AMAA will continue to get & challenges. As practitioners in the industry we must be united and

% ' < << bigger and bigger every year. It

% 9 Ă? countries participating in the early years but it has grown big now with almost all countries in Africa participating. Peace and her team have done great job and we must commend them,’’ she said. As AMAA ambassador Lydia is expected to travel across Africa and around the world to engage with critical stakeholders in a year-long speaking engagement activities. In the same vein, the organisers of the prestigious awards announced a People’s Choice Awards system as part of the way of re-engaging with the past winners of AMAA and create a two-way communications between the past winners and the populace. ‘’We are giving the public across Africa to chooce their best from our past winners in all the categories. "

award which is Jury based. Our PCA is to bring back our past winners and allow the public to choose the best of the bests. For our PCA, winners in each of the categories will get cash reward of $10,000 each and the public will have chance to text and win. It is our tenth anniversary next year and Africans will have opportunity to win fabulous prizes ranging from phones, Ipad, and a car by texting who is their best among our bests of the past nine years,’’ said Peace Anyiam-Osigwe. Journalists are not left out of the reward system as journalists who have covered AMAA in the last nine years will be rewarded through a selection process by media professionals who will assess their past reports and reports they will write on AMAA till March 2014. ‘’This media award is open to all journalists in Africa and we will &

prizes and the biggest amount goes to the journalist with the best story. So if you think you don’t have any good story in the last 9 years, start writing now till March 2014,’’ he admonished.

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

65

Special Report

Abuja: Another Sodom and Gomorrah? Kola Olawoyin

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buja, the nation’s political capital has made many marriages as well as wrecked many marriages, no thanks to the extra marital activities of married men and women who reside in the city without their spouses. Most disturbing is the way rich men and women who are in position of authority engage in fornication and other immoral acts which are now turning Abuja into the proverbial ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, reputed for its high octane immorality. Top players in this game of infidelity are senior civil servants, politicians, senior military officers, government contractors and high class professionals who have lots of cash to throw around. It is only in Abuja that any smart, beautiful single lady can become a multimillionaire or a second wife of a respected rich politician or senior civil servant without any fuss. Expensive cars as birthday or Christmas gift is commonplace in Abuja, and for some extra lucky damsels, it could be a house in highbrow areas like Maitama, Asokoro or Gwarimpa. Investigations conducted by Saturday Newswatch also revealed that many good looking young men have also made millions of Naira through the patronages of their rich fun-seeking “Madam”, who are highly connected in the civil service or government circle. A source said, “This group of women are usually called ‘madam’, most times, they facilitate awards of contracts for their boy as long as he remains faithful, and gives the desired fun. Some of them prefer men who are of their age group while others who are more sexually active go for younger men or both. “These ‘madams’ may have their husbands in far away Lagos, Port Harcourt, Far East or somewhere outside the country. They are usually the bread winners of their families with ownership of whatever money can buy. All they want is sexual satisfaction or outright fun,” the source added. A woman in her late forties who was married to a former minister from Benue State

Bala Mohammed

The porous nature of these recreational gardens has also made efforts of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to stop sales and consumption of illicit drugs at these relaxation gardens ineffective.

before they recently divorced confided in our correspondent that she does not believe or trust any man again, “I helped a man to secure a contract worth over N200 million in this Abuja, all he did was to abandon me, and relocate to Lagos after making money. “I only need a man for the fun of it, I discards them when I am through with them, no more serious attachment, my children are grown up now, they are the only ones that can have my attention and love,” the fair complexion woman stressed. Most Abuja city dwellers who have their spouses outside the city don’t usually eat at home, so, it is very common to see working class men and women drive their expensive cars into recreational Parks and Gardens after office hours where they will eat, drink, smoke and socialize till late in the night. It is common occurrence therefore, for one to easily stumble on expended condoms at strategic corners of these recreational

gardens. Sex enhancing drugs like Vega 1000, Vira, Sex men and other local Hausa drugs are hot cakes in Abuja as both young and old men struggle to outplay each other, and there are young Hausa boys at their beck and call hawking these drugs at any time of the day. The porous nature of these recreational gardens has also made efforts of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to stop sales and consumption of illicit drugs at these relaxation gardens ineffective. There is hardly any garden in Abuja where drugs like marijuana, cocaine and heroin are not sold; hawkers of these drugs however have a way of evading arrest whenever law enforcement agents come after them. They know their customers, and have a unique way of transacting their business. Even on Abuja City highway, hawkers of sunglasses, mobile phones and other items still peddle drugs in broad day light. Recently, a mobile phone recharge card hawker known as “Smallie” was arrested by officers of the Department of the State Security service (SS) with a large quantity of powdery substance suspected to be cocaine, also recovered from “Smallie” were two pump action guns. What he was doing with the guns is yet to be unraveled by the security agents. Not long ago, a resident of Abuja, one Alhaji Nda drove into a filling station around 3pm at Utako area of Abuja to buy fuel. Unknown to him, the attendants of the filling station were being robbed, and the only black BMW car he met at the station belonged to the robbers. As he was looking around for someone to attend to him, a young man strolled to him, pointed a gun at him and collected N20, 000 on him, as well as two mobile phones and jumped into the BMW car where his gang members were already waiting and sped off. Nda said he stood for almost five minutes looking confused, morose and wondering why he ran into such a mess in broad day light while other motorists were driving past, oblivious of what had befallen him.

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

66

Special Report

Snake Island: Lagosians migrating to nurture new abode

Aerial view of Snake Island

Ayodele Olalere

T

o many people in Lagos and beyond, the name Igbologun village might not ring a bell. But at the mention of Snake Island, many people, especially followers of the Gulder Ultimate Search show, would Nigerian Breweries sponsored TV reality show was held on this Island. The Island came into the consciousness of many Nigerians when GUS 1 was staged there. With the theme ‘The Legend of Captain Kush’, the maiden show was won by Ezeugo Egwuagwu. Popularly called Igbologun village by the locals, Snake Island covers an area of 14 kilometres by 1.4 kilometres. Located opposite Tin Can Island Port, Apapa, the Island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, and can only be accessed by a boat ride, which takes ten minutes or less from the Coconut bus stop axis of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway. For those in the maritime business, Snake Island is a household name by virtue of the fact that Nigerdock, a major Ship building company owned by the Federal Government, is located there. Nigerdock occupies about 4 kilometres (250 hectares) of the 14 kilometres of the Island, and the area had been designated as Snake Island Integrated Free Zone (SIIFZ) by the Federal Government since 2005.

Apart from the Tin Can Island Port, Snake Island is also a neighbour to Olodi Apapa, one of the densely populated areas of Lagos, while Apapa, one of the upscale areas, is also a distance of about ten minutes boat ride. For a prospective visitor to the Island, the journey starts from Coconut bus stop, coming from Mile 2 axis. A boat ride costs N80 or N100, while it costs N150 from the Liverpool bus stop axis in Apapa. However, before embarking on the journey, it is imperative that one wears a shoe that fully covers his feet as every part of the Island is covered with sand, which makes walking

/ ' When Saturday Newswatch visited the Island, it was observed that the living condition of the residents was nothing to right home Ă… counterparts living in mansions and high fenced houses in Apapa. Boarding a boat to the Island comes with utmost precaution, as every passenger is requested to wear a life jacket. Each boat carries not more than 12 passengers to avoid overloading and mishap. At the point of disembarkment from the boat, Okada riders are readily available to execute the next leg of the journey - convey people to their various destinations in the village.

The charges range from N50 to N100 depending on the part of the Island one is going. For those going to an area with huge sand deposit on its way, the fare is N100 while those going to a more accessible part, the fare is between N50 and N70. Instructively, most residents of the Island hail from the river-rine communities of Ondo State, mostly Ilaje. Their major occupation is

&

the perfect ground. Checks by Saturday Newswatch revealed that some years back, while the Island was just evolving with few inhabitants, the rising cost of accommodation in neighbouring communities such as Olodi-Apapa, forced some people to relocate to the Island, where rents were more ' Then, while a 3-bedroom apartment in Olodi-Apapa went for N250, 000 per annum, a similar apartment on Snake Island did not cost more than N80, 000. Thus began the mass movement to the Island, regardless of the navigational dangers. Besides cheaper accommodation, % the constant supply of electricity. The electricity, which was said to have been generated and supplied to the community by Nigerdock, made & ' But after several years, rents on the Island have reportedly gone up following the population increase. Unlike in the past, a single bedroom apartment now goes for N135, 000 per annum, up from N50, 000 range of a few years ago. A single room apartment now costs N3, 000 per month. Apart from the presence of Nigerdock, no other company is situated on this Island. Today, electricity is more like a luxury. The 24-hours electricity supply is now a thing of the past. There is currently gnashing of teeth, as residents of the Island

Many of those living on the Island are from the river-rine communities of Ondo State, mostly the 1 & which they sell among other things in nearby communities across the sea. One of the new buildings in Snake Island Continues on page

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

67

Special Report

Government owned Junior and Senior Secondary School on Snake Island. Continued from page

have been in darkeness in the past one year. Some residents who spoke to Saturday Newswatch lamented that they have not seen electricity since the beginning of this year, while @

provided by the company. Mr Emeka Osas, a resident of the Island, told Saturday Newswatch that

%

& ship last year, the economy of the area

' “We have not had light (electricity)

%

% Nigerdock. I don’t know why the

' % the one whole year? I don’t know why they (Nigerdock) don’t want & ' into consideration that we are on an %

and we need electricity in other not to

% plights,� he said.

%

% Apapa and other developing and developed Islands like Banana Island and Victoria Island which can boast * Island does not have eye-popping ' becoming the toast of many people &

' Unlike Banana Island where a plot of land costs between N300 million and N800million, and Apapa where rent for a 3-bedroom apartment is as 9Ă? of land on Snake Island now goes for N400, 000 or N500, 000 depending on the location. “To even get a plot of land for N500, !!! % & &

&

9

While other islands in Lagos are connected by good road networks, Snake Island has no road link, and can only be accessed by boats. As a result, there are no cars on the island. Only motorcycles ply the Island. who work in Apapa and nearby ports like Tin-can. The reason is that

&

cost of accommodation and land has increased in recent times. Many like the serenity and breeze that blows from the sea. In the past, it wasn’t like this, as many people were not ready ' <

Ă > of the residents of the Island. While other Islands in Lagos are connected by good road networks, Snake Island has no road link, and can only be accessed by boat. As a

' Only motorcycles ply the few roads of this Island. *

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S-Class or any other exotic car. On

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owned schools in Olodi Apapa. "% + " + the only medical facilities on Snake ' " standard with some of the hospitals

two hospitals are what the people have access to.

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and separated from the rest of the

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of time before the place matches other expensive Islands in Lagos. “I have been living here for the Âż

& % ' that this island is developing. When There is also the absence of air I wanted to move in here, people

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dangers of crossing the sea. There ' 9

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Saturday deal, it is like entering a vehicle to Newswatch % % ' "

monitoring movements of the reporter. &

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we are not scared of the sea. We are = = comfortable in this place. Whatever % / 9 % % % * & % Âş# Âť % & ' the police post. At a glance, the children go to school at the other side, @

& and they are not scared of the sea.� the Island give the impression that Many of the people who were +

' % & Saturday approached to explain how the Island Newswatch any concrete explanation. Two of the

respondents were however of the indication that the Island is also & experiencing its own share of social derived its name from the presence vices. of snakes on the Island at the time it Unlike Apapa where there are many was discovered. According to them, high class secondary and primary &

* after the snakes. Others were simply Secondary School is the only school ' of the Island. To them, they are only of the children still cross the sea on concerned with having a place to lay & their heads, not name.

Entrance to Snake Island

68

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Tourism Night 9,999 carol singers thrilled the world in Uyo

Carol singers

Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital was a place to be with 9,999

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arriage of tourism and religion was witnessed in Uyo last Saturday when the Akwa Ibom state capital was besieged by an unprecedented large crowd 9 beyond. " / airport and the main motor park was evident that, indeed, the state was hosting the world. Same goes to the hotels which recorded a bountiful patronage between Friday and Sunday. The event was the annual xmas carol organised by the state government to usher in the birth of Jesus Christ. This edition, however, was specially packaged as a tourism product with the assemblage of 9,999 singers, thrilling the mammoth crowd to soul-lifting songs. * 9 % % nowhere else has such number of carol singers been assembled. It is also debatable that the Uyo township

saw medical tourism at its best. This is saying that we are moving towards it and surely we will get there. This event tonight is amazing and a boost to the economy of the state,� she said. Other important personalities such as past and serving governors like Anambra state governor, Mr Peter Obi, former governor of Abia * 8 9 Chairman of the All Progressive < º<= < Bishop David Oyedepo of Living

stadium ever witnessed such a large crowd. Christmas symbols adorned every & ' " % end of the event at 1 am made a

with the deafening shout of ‘merry xmas’ renting the air. The sight was simply unimaginable in an hitherto obscure South-south region. A good number of tourists had fun mixing freely with the locals within and outside the stadium and savouring the festive moment. " + 9 Tourism Development Commission Âş9" Âť * % elated by the large turnout at the event, describing it as unprecedented. She said tourism is not restricted to the cultural festivals and historical sites. She said religious tourism also needs to be promoted as being done by governor Godwill Akpabio. “Tourism is all encompassing. I was in Ondo State recently where I Congregation

Faith Church international, Primate Sunday Mbang, Commandant 9 * & º9*  < Abolurin, graced the occasion. Governor Godswill Akpabio, who has arguably gone into history book 9 & & achieved this 9,999 carol singers feat, asked for God’s blessing upon his

9 < % ' He charged people to go God whom Continued on page 69

69

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Tourism Continued from page 68

he described as the root and a solid foundation. “God is love and once you can show love to your neighbour there % < % &

< &

' Once we show genuine love to our %

< % Ă ' > % Âł & ³´+ ÆĂ? & < % < % & & on the progress of their organisations. <

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Gov Akpabio < & tourist attraction to the state and & % +

Âż and cultural groups in an evening of

% & ' " 9 % @ & & % % ideas and concepts on yearly basis. " he noted “has been enhanced by a rapidly growing international reputation and acceptance of the

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Ă = said. % & < has drawn the people closer to God as a result of the event. The first edition of the carol Æ!!´' 9

Sally Mbanefo hit oil companies Tunde Busari

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Night 9,999 carol singers thrilled the world in Uyo

Tourism is all encompassing. I was in Ondo State recently where I saw medical tourism at its best. This is saying that we are moving towards it and surely we will get there. This event tonight is amazing and a boost to the economy of the state

Santas claus

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Christian Church of G = < & '

+ 9 " & Âş9" Âť ' * % +

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# * ' Olibiri is the historical site where oil % 9 ' ' have refused to contribute to the devel 9

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site where tourists and historians will & & Ă ' *

don the source of their business. & Oloibiri with its weather beaten old %

preserved and conserved for this gen Ă she said. '

by enhancing the status of Oloibiri by & ' *

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the abyss of relegation.

Mbanefo

70

Cartoon

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

71

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

By Aunty Helen

* + / 4 6 #78989:7:78

Hello, Young Scholars! It’s another edition of your kiddies’ world, May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope; The spirit of Christmas which is peace; The heart of Christmas which is love. You are welcome!

THE LION’S WEDDING

O

nce upon a time, there was a young lion. He lived in the forests of Vrindavan. All the animals of

Vrindavan were afraid of the lion as he was a

% 9 Nobody dared go near the lion. “Never get in the way of that lion,� the monkeys would instruct their young ones. “Get inside the cave, children, it’s time for the lion to go for his evening stroll,� the bears would warn their % 9 % $ % $ reality he was very gentle. When the lion reached a marriageable age, he decided to look for a suitable match. Within a few days, he arranged his marriage to a beautiful lioness. After consulting the priests, an auspicious date was set. The lion wanted to invite all the animals of Vrindavan. “Maybe this way I can make them realize that I am not all that bad,� thought the lion. So, the lion went through the forest, inviting all the animals he met. “You must come to my wedding, dear elephant,� said the lion,� to blow the trumpet!� “Y... Ye... sassier! D....D.... => $ 9 Then lion said to the monkey,� You are good dancer, dear friend! You must come to my weeding to entertain the gathering!� The monkey nodded and leapt away. “Please collect some fresh honey for the rituals, dear bear!� said the lion. “Sure....� said the bear, avoiding the lion’s gaze. In this way, the lion invited the crow, the cat, the elephant, the fox, the jackal, the monkey, the bear, the camel [ 9 $ none of the guests arrived at the venue. The lion was very sad. Later one day, the bear asked the elephant,� Why didn’t you go to the lion’s wedding?� The elephant replied, “I am strong, but I still fear the lion.� Then he asked the bear, “Why didn’t you go there, friend?� “I couldn’t % % \% = ' been upset and may have even killed me,� replied the bear. The monkey said that,� I am so afraid of the lion that I may not have been able to dance.� “True it is, friends!� said the wise crow, “We can’t share our happiness with someone we are afraid of!� Thus, all because of the needless fear the animals felt, no one ] 9 ^ they knew- don’t judge a book by its cover.

Quotes The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. —Eleanor Roosevelt

...feeding the young minds

Poem Will it Snow? By: Tina Burton Tinsel sparkling on the tree, Decorations, pretty lights. Adults, with a knowing smile Say ‘Santa’s on his way’; Children tucked up in their beds, peace, ! Good luck, good health and happiness, Throughout the coming year.

Mindblogging " # $ $ the maze and home to the pond!

Jokes Word Search

There was a boy and he asked the teacher if he could go to the toilet. The teacher said if you say the alphabet then you can. So the boy said, “A B C DEFGHIJK LMNOQRS T U V W X Y Z.� The teacher said, “Well done, but where is the P?� The boy said, “I am sorry, but it’s running down my leg.�

72

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

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73

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Business News

Manufacturing sector in 2013: A retrospect As year 2013 winds down steadily, major developments in the country’s real sector during the year would remain indelible in the minds of the local manufacturers,

private sector (OPS) and followers of the country’s real sector. JOHNMARK UKOKO examines some of the major events.

T

he manufacturing sector is the second most important sector, next only to agriculture, to the economic development of any nation. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, in stressing the importance of the sector, said that he visited close to 40 countries of the world, to woo foreign investors within three years of his stewardship in the ministry. This was to motivate them towards coming to cite their manufacturing ' < “I have been to more than 40 countries to woo foreign manufacturers to invest in the country. I tell them that Nigeria is the seventh most populous nation in the world; that West Africa subregion has over 300 million people in population, which depend on the products manufactured in Nigeria, and that Nigeria is among the top 10 fastest economy. He added that Nigeria has one of the highest returns on investments in the world. The minister, however, bemoaned the fact that the country’s real

& percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). During the year under review, the country launched the Economic Community of West Africa States º <* " (CET). The Director General of National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. John Isemede, recently commended the country’s role on CET, while the minister has assured that the government is taking the lead in creating new custom zone for the ECOWAS subregion, to encourage local manufacturers. However, some manufacturers who spoke to Saturday Newswatch contended that CET as currently constituted, still have issues. The manufacturers said with the nature of Nigeria’s borders, the & + ¿ ' The NACCIMA boss also highlighted the unending power challenges the country has grapple with in the last two decades. He disclosed that manufacturers in particular and businesses in general have continued to spend fortune to buy diesel or gas. He said that the problem & of the country. He listed the likes of Cadbury, Unilever, Dunlop, and Michelin among others, who have to relocate their factories to Ghana, while their /

operate in Nigeria. Manufacturers, who spoke to our correspondent, lamented

Olusegun Aganga that the huge investments on the power sector by the government for the past 14 years has not translated to increase in power generation. Since government handed over Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN),to the private owners on November 5th, 2013, the power situation has not witnessed much improvement. According to a local manufacturer, Mr. Kanayo Okafor, “My factory and many < % Estate is supplied few hours of electricity whenever they want to distribute their bills. We have continued to spend millions of naira to buy trucks of diesel to power our big generating sets. In the course of the year under review, the minister announced that some of % from the country due to the harsh operating environment have started to return. The minister listed the ones that have returned as Dunlop, Michelin and

' However, a real sector expert, who spoke to this newspaper intoned, “They say Dunlop and Michelin have returned, where are they? Have you visited their

Ă Ă An analyst in the real sector Deji Goroye, said “Many businessmen and women promised the government that they were ready to return, but have failed to match words with action. Have the issues that forced them out of the country

Ă *

just keep their sales department until they see that the issues that forced them &

Ă '

of the country as, epileptic power supply, massive import of second hand tyres, low sales and other sundry issues. He disclosed that the issues are still with us today. Another development that took place in the sector during the year is the government announcement of revocation of the concession of Lagos Trade Fair complex given to Aulic Nigeria Limited. It would be recalled that the minister of the sector on November 5, 2013, at the opening ceremony of the last Lagos International Trade Fair, that due to the inability of Aulic to deliver on its

promises, the government has revoked the concession. This announcement was greeted with wild celebration by the members of Lagos chamber. Few weeks later, government has reversed itself. It would be recalled that Saturday Newswatch reported an interview % / chamber, who described the minister’s announcement “as a political statement, made to secure votes, from the chamber’s Ă ' * 9 % % from a source close to Aulic Nigeria Ltd, that the company is mounting serious pressure on the government not to carry out its planned revocation of the concession agreement, hence the reversal of government’s plan to revoke the concession agreement. Another development that was on the front burner during the year, under review is the quality of some locally manufactured products. The DirectorGeneral of Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr. Joseph Odumodu, at every event with the local manufacturers, has always raised the issue of quality of some locally produced products. Many Nigerians believe that some locally produced items were not up to the desired standard. This, Nigerians

& š / hardly consume local products in their homes. One Nigerian said, “Have you

& & / ' & from the table water to the tooth pick, just name it, is imported. All these buy made-in-Nigeria products are mere Ă ' " from the local government chairmen to the presidency, none patronizes locally manufactured products. They say that the body language of the government’s / % & ' " & š / &

any time they have mere headache. To this end, the Director-General of Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Joseph

9 still remains dumping ground for fake products. While addressing journalists at Continued on Page 74

Niger assures investors of favourable climate

N

iger Acting Governor Ahmed Ibeto has assured foreign investors of favourable climate for them to do business in the state. Ibeto gave the assurance in Minna when he received the Indonesian Ambassador, Mr Sudirman Haseng, and

/ % on a holiday in the state. He assured the envoy that the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the state and the support given to investors by the government had made the state an investor’s haven of the country. ``Because of the central location of Niger, it is cheaper for investors to invest in the state as it cost less to transport goods to other parts of the country and neighbouring countries. Ibeto urged Indonesian investors to partner with the government in the area of agriculture, especially in rice cultivation ``where the state has comparative advantage because the government has embarked on massive rice production’’. He said the state government had decided to revive the cultivation of

cultivation of the produce, now in very high demand across the world. Earlier, Amb. Sudirman Haseng had told the acting governor that there were 15 Indonesian companies operating in Lagos, and that with the peace in Niger, Indonesian investors would be encouraged to establish in the state. ``We want to transfer Indonesia’s best practices to Nigeria and Nigeria’s best practices to Indonesia,’’ he said. The envoy and his delegation also visited the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, who had as a military / %

'

78,000 farmers registered to produce selected crops in Kano State

A

bout 78,000 farmers in Kano State have been registered by the Federal Government for the production of four selected crops in this dry season farming. " * / Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Alhaji Ahmed Yamel, made this know in Kano during the week. He said the selected crops to be cultivated during this year’s dry season farming are groundnut, maize, rice and wheat. He said out of the registered farmers, 46,000 would produce rice, while the remaining would cultivate wheat, maize and groundnut during the season. According to him, the Federal Government has selected nine other states for massive production of the four crops as part of % the country. ‘’The four selected crops especially wheat and the newly developed groundnut variety (samnut 24) have high yield seeds. ‘’Last year the emphasis was on the production of rice, but this year we intend to give priority to cultivation of the three other crops,’’ he said. Yamel called on all farmers in the state to Growth Enhancement Support scheme.

% & &

% ed from the scheme not to use the free seeds given to them for domestic consumption, emphasising that the seeds were treated with some chemicals.

74

Saturday Newswatch, December 28 2013

Business News Manufacturing sector in 2013: A retrospect Continued from Page 73

Abuja, recently, he disclosed that SON has a target to reduced fake products in the country by 50 percent. He lamented that his agency has not been able to achieve government’s target. Odumodu

buildings in the country to the problem of sub-standard products. Recently, he told members of the Electrical Dealers Association of Nigeria (EDAN) to reduce the level of sub-standard electric bulbs in the country. Nigerians, who spoke to Saturday Newswatch were of the view that fake and sub-standard products in the country’s market was up to 70 percent. The sector, during the year still grappled with the issue of paucity of long term funds. The Executive Director of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Mr. Waheed Olagunju, recently announced that his bank and the commercial / manufacturers credit facility because many of them do not have collateral to cover their credit facilities. However, the sector witnessed a major development in its new automotive industry. Speaking with the media recently, the Director General of National Automotive Council, Engr. Aminu Jalal, stressed the importance of automotive industry to the economic development of a country. He disclosed that automotive industry contribute 7 per cent to the South Africa GDP, and 12 percent of the country’s export. In his words, “In South Africa, the auto industry alone contributes 7 percent of GDP and 12 per cent of export, and it’s the second largest employer of labour. He added that the sector also create lots of

Also the sector recorded a massive development in its cement and sugar production. The country which formerlly spends a huge part of its hard earned foreign currency in importation, now exports cement and sugar to many countries of Africa. President Jonathan employment opportunities for the people. The NAC boss disclosed that Nigeria and Bangladesh are the only countries in the world 10 top most populated nations without a developed automotive industry. Jalal disclosed that Nigeria spent a whooping N550 billion or $3.5 billion in 2012 to import vehicles into the country. During the year under review,

Nigeria announced an increase in the

hand vehicles, known in common parlance as “Tokunbo� vehicles which simply means second hand vehicles. Also the sector recorded a massive development in its cement and sugar production. The country which formerlly spends a huge part of its hard earned foreign currency in importation, now exports cement and sugar to many

countries of Africa. The government is commended for the incentives granted some manufacturers. The same applies to the wavers granted some manufacturers in the course of the year. Analyst commended the government for its modest achievements recorded so far in the sector. They however, said much work is still left to be done to grow the sector, to enable it contribute more to the country’s GDP, and create employments to the youths.

‘Why we deny entrepreneurs credit lines’ While it was established for the purpose of developing entrepreneurial initiatives of small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria through the provision of soft loans, indigenous entrepreneurs had complained about their inabilities to secure credit lines from the Bank of Industry (BoI). JOHNMARK UKOKO reports.

E

very bank, anywhere in the world is set up to collect deposit and grant credit lines to customers. But these two

& setbacks in Nigeria, leading to poor deposits and low level of credit which banks could grant its customers both on long and short terms basis. To address these problems which many experts claimed have been responsible for the nation’s economic development, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has began % targets improved bank deposits in the country. Similarly, to address the issue of availability of funds at very low interest rate to entrepreneurs in other to promote the nation’s industrial growth and development through Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurs (SMEs), the Federal and some state governments made available industrial development funds managed by the Bank of Industry to provide funds to potential entrepreneurs in the country.

But rather than making the funds available through granting of credit, many entrepreneurs have been crying fouls over their inability to secure loans from the industry bank. They alleged that the conditions that go with the lending process are too strigent and /

' Reacting to the allegations by the entrepreneurs, a director at the Bank of Industry, Alhaji Waheed Olagunju told journalists the reasons the banks has not be meeting the credit requests of the borrowers. Olagunju, who represented his Managing Director, Ms Evelyn Oputu, said the claim by the local businessmen that the banks were reluctant in granting credit lines was not true. He said BoI and other banks are willing

+ provided they could provide the collaterals that cover the amount of loan they applied for. In a paper titled, “Industrializing Nigeria & Ă % delivered at the occasion, Olagunju explained that money kept in the bank’s vaults were kept there on trust, as such a bank must be very convinced that the borrower has the capacity and willingness to pay back as and when due. “The bank must be convinced that you are able to pay back any amount you borrowed,

% to guarantee the safety of depositors’ funds. When people borrow money from the banks, and they fail to pay back, the bank would be out of business.�

are willing to pay their loans as and when Ă’ business promoters, who in most cases are not ready to repay their loans until they are forced or compelled to do so. He stated that his bank now has a record of about 82 percent performing loans, due to the support it enjoys from the government, and that the President and the Minister

of Industry, Trade and Investment have protected the bank from political interference. According to him, “At BoI, the funds at our disposals came from government intervention funds, money from the Central Bank of Nigeria, funds from Africa Development Bank (ADB), International Finance Corporation (IFC) and other development partners across the world, which we must not fail to pay back�. He disclosed that no political pressure is placed on the bank, hence the high performing rate it has recorded in the recent times. He stressed that the changing world @

' He said, “The world has changed, and would continue to change. Funds given to us by African Development Bank and other development partners were guaranteed by the government, that we will pay back, as such, we cannot fail to pay back, hence the strict

Ă He berated the manufacturers and other businessmen who have the penchant of going to the media to cry that banks refused to grant them credit lines, while failing to address their characters. He disclosed that development # š / Âż the characters of any loan seekers, before they are granted a loan. Olagunju gave a graphic picture of one of his bank’s former debtor, who after collecting credit lines, took a chieftaincy title and became an instant philantropists. He was unable to re-pay his loan. The bank took over his company and as

% % his death. Olagunju added that from experience, the bank does not grant cash to borrowers, it only grants credit lines for machineries and raw materials. He however, explained that his bank does not accept plant and machineries as collateral, because depreciation set in on machines immediately they are installed. The banker also added that many

/

&

Occupancy (C of O). According to him, many states governors have refused to sign C of O & / credit lines from the banks. He stressed that in order to assist the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the bank has encouraged states government to set up industrial parks to accommodate the SMEs in one location, explaining that this will enable

' " % thus prevent self provision of power, roads, water, security and other logistics before they could begin productions. He added that some state governors have refused to provide industrial parks for the SMEs in their states. He said that it is his bank’s desire that a lender pays back his loan, because once he does, the business becomes his for life. In his words, “Our bank is very happy when a credit line is performing. The bank works for the interest of all the parties, including the business promoters. The moment he completes his payments, the business becomes his for life�. He added, “The moment the promoters fails to pay back the loan, he loses his business, his workers will be sacked and the bank loses its funds; so everybody is the loser, when a credit facility fails, hence the strict / % credit line does not fail�.

Ms Evelyn Oputu

75

Saturday Newswatch, December 28 2013

International Business

Rwanda: Business mostly controlled by women Biodun Akomolafe

W

ith a genocide civil war that claimed thousands of lives before it ended on July 4, 1994; Rwanda with inadequate resources was not given much chance of post war speedy recovery, but today it is portrayed as one of the most promising emerging economies in the world. Singapore and Hong Kong might have topped the World Bank’s 2012 annual ranking of the best countries to run a business, Rwanda is the African country that made the most progress in improving her business climate in 2013. A World Bank report which covered the economies of 189 countries using 10 criteria, including ease of opening a new business, enforcing contracts, registering property and obtaining construction permits, credit and electricity, Rwanda was credited as having made the most progress since 2005, jumping 20 places to 32nd position in 2013. The data was based on surveys of 10,000 local experts, including lawyers, business consultants and government officials, and covered the period from June 1, 2012 to June 1, 2013. According to the World Bank report, “Economies are ranked on their ease of doing business, from 1 – 189. A high ranking on the ease of doing business index means the regulatory environment is more conducive to the starting and operation of a local firm. This index averages the country’s percentile rankings on 10 topics, made up of a variety of indicators, giving equal weight to each topic” The World Bank says the rankings should be considered in the broader context of how countries have improved their business regulations, and not as an indicator of every factor that impacts economic growth. Rwanda is a sovereign state in Southeast Africa. Located a few degrees south of the Equator, Rwanda is a landlocked country, bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and is oftentimes also considered as part of Central Africa. All of Rwanda is at high elevation, with a geography dominated by mountains in the west, savanna in the east, and numerous lakes throughout the country, situating it in the African Great Lakes region. The climate is temperate to subtropical, with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons every year. The population is young and predominantly rural, with a density

among the highest in Africa. Rwandans form three groups: the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Joseph Habeniza, once said that Nigeria and Rwanda are enjoying bilateral relations. “Right now in Nigeria, we are enjoying very good bilateral relations. Since 2011, Rwanda has opened her high commission in Abuja, and since last year, Nigeria also opened their high commission in Kigali. Explaining further, the ambassador stated that Nigeria-Rwanda relations started even before the signing of the relations in Kigali, as there has been training of Rwandan officers in Nigeria’s War College, while Nigerian volunteers in the health sector have been working in Rwanda. “On October 5, 2011, when President Jonathan visited Rwanda, we signed general agreements for cooperation, and immediately started the implementation, but actual implementation started before the signing, because I know we have been sending senior officers for courses in either Kaduna, Jaji or Abuja”, said the Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Joseph Habeniza while commenting on the Nigeria-Rwanda bilateral relations. He said Rwanda allowed Nigerian business men to operate their businesses in Rwanda, and the country will allow more of such developments, as it only takes a few hours for one to register his or her business in Rwanda. ‘We have business people who have opened their businesses in Rwanda, because registering a company in Rwanda takes only three hours, and many are already going there’ He mentioned the Rwanda national carrier which flies into Nigeria five times and berths in Lagos. Like Nigeria, Rwanda set a goal of becoming one of the 20 best economies in the world by the year 2020. It is code named: Vision 20/20. In Rwanda, the Vision 20/20 has assured that business organisations have a key role to play in the development of the country. The Code of Business Ethics and Excellence has been written as a guide for member institutions in the country’s private sector. This new standard is meant for companies of all types, sizes, and from any sector. Although company managers and board members are expected to read and voluntarily commit to the standard as described, it is meant to apply to all relevant stakeholders of the company. Thus, this standard is available to individuals and institutions making impact on the business, including owners, directors, employees, consultants, suppliers and other partners key to fulfilling the mission of the

President of Rwanda

company. The Code of Business Ethics & Excellence is intended to be a selfregulatory mechanism for PSF members. This initiative clearly conveys what PSF believes its members should stand for, and to the extent member business activity meets such a standard, there will be an increase in mutual trust and cooperation within the private sector. An Ethics Committee consisting of peer member institutions will hold accountable those that fail to meet this standard, and will recognise those members that led the effort to establish best practices. While men hold most of the positions in decision making and governance, the manufacturing sector in Rwanda is dominated by women; about 3,652 women own manufacturing businesses country

‘We have business people who have opened their businesses in Rwanda, because registering a company in Rwanda takes only three hours, and many are already going there’

wide while only 355 men run their own manufacturing businesses. A study conducted by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda in collaboration with the Gender Monitoring Office and UN Women, published in May 2013, showed that in agriculture and fisherie, females constitute the majority at 81.9 percent. In the area of decision making and governance, women make up 57.5 percent of female parliamentarians in the Chamber of Deputies and 38.5 per cent in the Senate. Women in Rwanda also make up more than half of civil servants in health centres, representing 58.6 percent, according to the findings. For instance, only 36.8 percent of ministers are female compared to 63.2 percent male. There are 50 percent female state ministers and permanent secretaries. The survey also indicates that male ambassadors constitute 76 percent compared to 23.8 percent women. Dos and don’ts in business: If one is doing business in Rwanda, there are areas where such the wrath of the local community as well as areas where it transactions could be smooth sailing. Here are a few of the dos and don’ts of doing business in Rwanda: Dos Do learn the local language, Kinyarwanda, It is fairly easy once you start to practice it. Do try and get linked in with as many people as you can. This will help you to broaden your friendships circle. Do expect to wait around a lot for almost everything. Do remember that the last Saturday morning of each month is Muganda. It is where all people are expected to help with community cleaning etc. Shops are closed on this morning, and it is forbidden to drive. If you want to fit in then get involved. Continued on Page 76

76

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

International Business

Kigali

Rwanda: Business mostly controlled by women Continued from Page 75

Do learn and research the Genocide. It is a massive part of the history of this country and the people. Dont’s Don’t automatically think that everyone who looks at you strangely is angry at you. Note that a smile or a Muraho (Hello) or Amakuru (How are you) or even a wave changes that look to a smile. Rwandans are very happy and sociable people. Don’t give in to the barrage of “give me money� or “Agachupa�(water bottle) which mainly comes from the kids. If you give to one then things are likely to happen; everyone else will want the same, and fight might break out. Don’t try starting a conversation with someone in French. Because of the French role in the genocide, the country has separated ties with the French. This is probably the biggest DON’T. Do not under any circumstances or at any time ask anyone if he or she is “Hutu� or “Tutsi�. Rwandans class themselves as Rwandans or Rwandese now, and will be deeply hurt if you ask them what tribe they come from. Rwanda’s main export partners are Brazil, Germany, Belgium, Pakistan, Spain, and Kenya. Most of Rwanda’s coffee and tea are shipped to Germany and other European countries. Rwanda’s main import partners are Kenya, Tanzania, the United States, the Benelux countries etc. Rwanda

Do not under any circumstances or at any time ask anyone if he or she is “Hutu� or “Tutsi�. Rwandans class themselves as Rwandans or Rwandese now, and will be deeply hurt if you ask them what tribe they come from.

imports motor vehicles, textiles, fuel and machinery. In 1998, Rwanda generated US$58 million in exports, but imports cost it more than US$240 million the same year. Tea and coffee continue to be the country’s most important exports. In 1999, they represented 70 percent of Rwanda’s exports. Lately, Rwandan businesses have been exploring other agriculture-based exports that would be equally suited to the country’s small farms, steep slopes, and cool climates. The feasibility of many of

these new proposals to expand the agriculture industry is limited by the country’s high transportation costs. Although Rwanda’s primary partners have been African and European countries, recently there have been significant purchase

imports from the United States. Northrop Grumman sold a US$16 million commercial radar system and Lucent Technologies made a sale of US$25 million for a wireless air loop telephone system. It remains to be seen whether Rwandan-U.S trade will continue.

MTN sells off all towers to IHS Holding in Rwanda

I

HS Holding has purchased all the MTN towers in Rwanda for an undisclosed fee. < "9 >% / the sale, which was completed recently, is & / management. The sale is a culmination of a long negotiation process with agreement dating back to December 2012. MTN-Rwanda Senior Manager, < = Mugemangango, said: “As per the agreement with IHS Holdings dated December 2012, we agreed to sell 524 towers, but we have since constructed more towers, all of which will be taken over by IHS Holdings.� Under the agreement, IHS Holdings will acquire, operate the towers and related passive infrastructure and will invest in a build-to-suit programme to support MTN’s future requirements in the country. “Key infrastructure such as satellites and radio remain with us, managing the towers is quite expensive because it requires generators, power, frequent ' #

the towers, we will concentrate more on serving our clients,� said Mugemangango. Meanwhile, a statement from IHS Holdings indicates that they have also acquired towers in Zambia, and the move

follows two previous deals with IHS in Cameroon and CĂ´tĂŠ d’Ivoire, for a total of 1,758 towers. “In addition to unlocking value in our passive infrastructure, we remain cognizant of the need to contain and

/

across the Group as our markets mature and become more competitiveâ€?, MTN Âż & * % said in the statement. The deals are expected to close 2014, subject to customary conditions. IHS Holdings Chief Executive, Issam Darwish said: “These latest deals are testament to our commitment to client

& /

& % clients.� He added: “Our strong and trusted relationship with MTN is important to us, % their focus on customer service excellence.� IHS’s tower portfolio is now pegged at 10,500 structures across Africa. IHS is Africa’s leading mobile infrastructure company, founded in 2001 by an experienced team of engineers and business stakeholders. IHS serves clients responsibly in the building and managing & infrastructure.

77

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Leisure Rise of Leisure Spring Hotel

Front view

Within seven years in hospitality business, Leisure Spring Hotel, has carved a distinct niche for itself as a destination of top personalities. TUNDE BUSARI writes

S

ign that Leisure Spring

% hospitality industry not only in Osogbo where it is located but in the entire Osun State, was evident on December 12,2006 when it was commissioned by the then executive governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola with the Ooni of Ife, His royal Majesty Oba Okunade Sijuwade giving his royal blessing. The two important personalities, who have

Bed room

traversed all continents and, thus, exposed to all classes of hotels, could have conveniently asked their aides to represent them at the occasion. However, the duo witnessed the occasion and went with full compliments of dignitaries as a mark of recognition of the new investment. Before 2006, the state could still boast of a handful of towns like the state capital, Ilesa and Ile-Ife. Those hotels

were doing well in their own

&

their customers. While complacence suddenly appeared in the horizon and stagnation seemed inevitable, apparently at the expense of the image of the reputed state of the living spring, Leisure Spring hotels sprung up on Kilometre 5, Iwo/Ibadan Express Way. “Given that reason, I needed enough for kings and Princes. Just like that, I called an architect and gave him the shape and scope of the hotel I had in mind. The architect % phase,â€? Adepoju Akinniyi, the Âż & / hotel, said. And since then, Akinniyi and his management team have never pretended on their mission to set a high standard with which its competitors today interestingly evaluate their relevance or otherwise in the business. As a result of this, the political and economic elite in the state, in particular have

turned their gaze towards Leisure Spring Hotels and made it their preferred haven to catch fun and enjoy their hard earned money. So, the hotel which started with 51 luxury rooms has expanded, owing to unprecedented patronage, to Ă–ĂŽ

' Also as a responsible organisation with a listening ear to customers’ respective demand, a multi-purpose hall designed to host social and corporate events has also been added to the list of its facilities. The hall conveniently accommodates 1,500 guests at a time with enough breathing space. Many high & &

As soon as the light is off, the generator resumes work without the guests knowing it

the hall leaving an enduring impression in the mind of their guests, who have since remained loyal partners. Each of the 71 rooms can compare favourably with what multinational hotels ' @ % + of the-art luxuries such as 88

& set, air conditioner, smoothrunning internet service among others, the rooms are indeed what is called as paradise on the earth to match the vision of the Proprietor of the hotel. The restaurant and bar, in the same taste, are two places where guests from

& a light mood and interact on

' Under a relaxed ambience spiced with cool music, these guests discuss business among other important issues ' In addition to these is a conference hall serving the purpose for which its name implies. One recreation activity, which Physical and Health Education experts, keep encouraging people to embrace is swimming. Swimming is said to be an health-enhancing activity with the magic to burn calories in the body while enjoying oneself inside cool water. Leisure Spring Hotels, thus, does not deny their guests this opportunity, hence the Olympic size swimming pool located where it is best appreciated within the hotel premises. Also, a gym, which @ % collection of aerobic machines, is in place, servicing guests also interested in giving their frame a right shape. Laundry and business services are available for the maximum satisfaction of guests. While credit cards are accepted in lieu of cash, on line booking has made it possible for customers to schedule their visit right inside their home. “Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, Leisure spring hotel lets you compare and book online at %

' huge range of room deals. The most important advantage of online hotel booking is convenience. That is, you can book your room by simply

%

through our rooms and rates,� Akinniyi further said. The workforce at the hotel, Continued on page 78

78

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Leisure

Rise of Leisure Spring Hotel Continued from page 77

no doubt, brought a relief to the state in the area of cushioning the pains of the rampaging unemployment in the country. The lucky ones in the employment of the hotel reciprocate this by

% utmost respect according to their training. Training and the operation of the hotel just as maintenance of the facilities is also paramount. % and commendations have

% near. Yet, the management is

% '

% have never rested on our oars % &

strive in giving our customers the best.� It is not all bed of roses, Leisure Spring Hotels like other ventures, is also faced %

% ' This dilemma means the hotel has to depend on alternative source to remain in operation and retain its leadership position. " % not oblivious of this social ' " % and, indeed, appreciate the % ' " % % % % & %

' “As soon as the light is

% %

% ' facilities is also a challenge ' =

š maintenance is discouraging, but I am happy to tell you that

Game room

Government needs to help hotel owners Tunde Busari

T

Gymnaseum

Swimming pool

% ' &

%

% &

& these challenges,� he stressed assertively. Security of guests is an assurance of continued patronage. This is the principle behind the uncompromising stand of the management in this regard, keeping an eagle eye on their guests throughout their stay. Aside that some ex

& %

there is also an appreciable % security agencies in the state, including the soldiers at the neighbouring Ede. Interestingly, the relationship has yielded fruit and is still producing a great result in the increasing number of guests turning up from far and near on daily basis. It is not surprising that = % & on the hotel from a close

range. “An executive aide of the governor of state of Osun once told me that security agents in the state told him that our hotel is more secured. Hearing this from such a person, I gave glory to God. money on security. If Nigeria as a country expends so much

%

%

and thank God all has been % Ă < '

he Chief Executive / Saggezza, a tourism consultancy company in Lagos, Alegbeleye Delos Reyes has urged the Federal Government to rise up and assist local hotel investors to break even. She said if the government & to hotel proprietors, the

% bountifully from it. The CEO said the body % 9 should be more proactive in articulating their challenges % & %

government. “They should deliberate %

&

% Âż % % & to come in. Through their

/ & % them serious and address their problem,� she said. * % & %

% mentality. She expressed disappointment in hotels’ standard. % % % ¿ % ' What does this say is poor maintenance of facilities. For any government or foreign

% & %

% be done. What I am saying is that they need to set up a certain standard that all hotels must meet,� she said.

79

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Politics

2015: Adamawa APC’s unresolved challenges Owolabi Adenusi, Yola

T

he recent defection of 21 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) council chairmen and 37 State Development Area administrators to the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not come as a surprise to those familiar with the state’s politics. The PDP crisis nationwide began with the political events that started with the party’s primaries that brought the defected local council bosses / ' "

% allegedly embroiled in controversy between the national secretariat of the PDP and the State Working

Âş* Âť led by Alhaji Mijjinyawa Kugama %

Âż between the national chairman of = = < # " and Governor Murtala Nyako. Following the outcome of the = = &

Tukur’s NWC suspended the North East Zonal chairman of * % for allowing Kugama’s SWC to conduct primaries without the NWC’s approval. Saturday Newswatch investigation revealed that the ¿ % &

Tukur had indicated interest in some council areas and requested from the party leaders to allow his

& 21 council areas. The demand was said to have been rudely rejected

' It was for this that Tukur swore to deal with Nyako by replacing him with Chief Joel Madaki % 9 Âż &

(NEC) of the party. 9

&

% " cleverly lobbied the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) ahead " ' 9 resolve the Adamawa PDP crisis is now history as the same crisis claimed the seat of eminent members of former Tukur-led NWC equally polarisd the NGF. 9 " š dissolution of Adamawa State EXCO gave rise to the subsequent rebellion against his leadership by G7 governors.

% & %

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& 9 Âş< 9Âť < % * < * % the decision of the 21 council chairmen to defect to the APC said their loyalty to the governor

Nyako Ă decision was taken with the 226 councilors mandated to lead grassroots mobilisation for the APC in the state. < < 9 boss who spoke on behalf of

grassroots in the state asked them to leave the PDP before the house ' * & ' * 8 Ă?Ă– development area councils who

Âż

members to join the governor in <=

& membership drive would be embarked upon for the APC in the state. Innazo who applauded Nyako’s doggedness said: “We are happy that the struggle has come to an end as well as the bold steps you have taken to get us to this point.

Some political observers reasoned that sharing the party structures between Atiku and Nyako in the state may have unwholesome effects on the APC family

You remained resilient in this course even when some of your colleagues choose to opt out of the journey. Nyako however appreciated the local government chairmen for

the party’s automatic leadership in their domains. “I commend you people for leaving the cancerous PDP which has becĂĽome the house of horror and joining progressive minds. % % the leaders of the party in your respective local government areas as I am the leader of the party in Ă ' Nyako cautioned that those in the All Nigeria Peoples Party Âş<9==Âť <

Nigeria (ACN) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) should not claim ownership of the <=

parties had already died and buried. He welcomed the defectors separately as well as lauded them them to disregard the purported

= =

& crisis. 9 Âż PDP is not a party to be trusted and therefore forewarned the local council bosses and the development area administrators not to fall for its gambit and leave <= to join the APC is the best. He chided former military & # % co-travellers for still dwelling in Âş = Âť laid leadership claim to no longer

Âż ' 9 = 9 Âş9=9Âť %

also are all the legacy parties which <= % Âż Ă the leader of the party in the state and that anybody grandstanding

should test such popularity during any of the party primaries to chose its candidates for elective positions. It would be recalled that % candidate of the defunct CPC in the last gubernatorial election < % * < 9 Chief Marcus Gundiri were against the handing over of the APC leadership to Nyako. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting called by the duo

hand-over the party leadership to Nyako who recently defected from the PDP to the APC would be resisted by them. # % & % that Nyako’ s defection to the APC even though it is a welcome & + adherence to proper democratic protocol requiring Nyako to give regards to those in the party before him. Now that most of Nyako’s foot soldiers have already been deployed to the APC and made political realignment with members of defunct All Nigeria People Party (ANPP) for the š indications that the governor may 8 % control of the party structure since democracy is based on numerical strength. " Âż % = = members to the APC has been sort of worrisome to Tukur’s 9 %

that the popularity of the PDP in Adamawa State is drastically dwindling as the APC has become the new bride the masses are embracing. The frantic move by the APC leadership to goad former Vice President (VP) Atiku Abubakar into the APC which should also lead to the collapse of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) into the fold with his supporters % change the political landscape

Adamawa State. Some political observers reasoned that sharing the party structures between Atiku and Nyako in the state may have %

APC family and the aspirants in Âż as both were considered as political antagonists in a cosmetic relationship whose political realignment during the new PDP

' Supporters of Atiku are yet to recover from the political PDP primaries where Atiku was denied home base support as Nyako was alleged to have played the spoiler role by giving the state delegates’ votes to President Jonathan.

Furore over Bamidele’s defection Continued from page 18

% % % + Âż & ' < # š / = had warned that ‘mainstream = %

& # machinery from his members . In a statement made available to % < + said that the group is aware of the # supporters over old members of the party.

= % people to claim that the party was

Âż % & % hijack the party machinery from us. Omole however dismissed as a paid agent of the government. He

=

and the new members have been % and that whoever is claiming to be leaders in the party aside the constitutionally composed

Âż & ' “We want to believe that some bent on undermining our party. We are the main opposition party in the State and we are the target of the APC-led Government and that %

Ă ' & citizen and member of the party

% % tolerate anybody from being used as agents of destabilization in our party. The National Chairman of =

# the candidate of the party since the party has not held its primary election.

% not stay in Abuja like they used to do in other parties and impose anybody as governor. We are going to conduct the primaries in line with the Electoral guidelines ³ÇÇÇ Ă Nwanyanwu assured. % <= = * = + & politically savvy to run a political party. The APC spokesman said “It is laughable pretention for them to allege that we are the one running their party for them. How can we

= % Ă % they are not politically savvy and Continued on Page 80

80

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Politics

Politics of Dickson’s ‘thank you’ tour of Bayelsa LGs Uchenna Nwafor, Yenagoa

L

ast week, Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Ăš š & & & & ' " % 9 & Æ % & & &

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Furore over Bamidele’s defection Continued from Page 79

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81

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Politics

LG chairmen: Wave of sack blows across Niger Justina Asishana, Minna

S

ome Niger State local government chairmen are currently facing hard time as their councilors have decided not to tolerate their excesses and misconduct any longer. Two are currently at the verge of being relieved of their seats over alleged financial misconduct. The people initially treated the development as a joke when the Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly who represents Borgu constituency, Hon. Abdulrahman Gambo, on the floor of the House presented a petition from the legislative arm from the Borgu Council, calling for the removal of its chairman, Alhaji Saidu Pisa, and his vice, Umar Muhammad, for alleged misconduct and fraud. However, several days after, the so called “joke� was treated with the priority it deserved as another local government chairman was removed by his legislators over the same allegations of fraud and misconduct. But for a new law in the state that mandates councilors to go through the state Assembly before commencing impeachment processes, the lawmakers would have impeached their chairmen after adopting resolutions to suspend them. As these incidents unfold, most council chairmen in the state have been humbled and have started carrying their legislators along as well as taking them seriously. The fear of the councilors has thus become the beginning of wisdom for them. The wave of council chairmen’s sack blowing across the state started with the Borgu Local Government Council whose chairman, Pissa, who was suspended by his legislators through a petition to the state Assembly for his removal. Allegations leveled against Pissa included running the council like a personal edifice, acting without due consultation with the legislative arm and due process, refusal to hold normal and general purpose committee meetings and misleading the legislative council into believing that funds are recklessly deducted from the Borgu council account by the supervisory ministry. In the petition to the state Assembly informing it of the suspension and asking for the removal of the Borgu council boss, nine out of the

Deputy Speaker, Abdulrahman Gambo, Governor Babangida Aliu and Alhaji Muhammed Tsowa

10 councilors who appended their signatures, said as representatives of the people, it is their responsibility to protect the council from total disintegration occasioned by irresponsible leadership, vowing never to fold their hands and watch things turn worse. “The allegations mentioned are among other reasons too numerous to mention that threatens the existence of Borgu Local Government. We, as representatives of our people owe it a duty to protect our good names and reputations. Since leadership is a collective responsibility, we need to protect our council from total disintegration due to irresponsible leadership. “Our chairman misinterprets our civility for weakness. We shall not fold our hands and allow our precious reputations to be dragged into the mud.

wave of council chairmen’s sack blowing across the state started with the Borgu Local Government Council whose chairman, Pissa, who was suspended by his legislators through a petition to the state Assembly for his removal

To this end, we implore our honourable members in the state Assembly to effect a change,� the petition reads. It seems that it is not only the councilors that were eager for the removal of the chairman as the executive members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the area also sent a letter to the state Assembly calling for his removal because he has allegedly turned an embarrassment to the party and the council due to maladministration. The accusations by the PDP executive were almost the same as those of the councilors as top of their grievances were the diversion of relief materials for flood victims, embezzlement of the 10 years tenement rates of N44 million paid by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and embezzlement of another N14 million Hajj fare. According to the Borgu PDP executive, none of the investigations and findings of panels set up to investigate Pissa was made public or implemented - all in a bid to prevent the PDP chairman from taking advantage of the situation to unduly run Pissa down. After the petitions were presented on the floor of the House, the committee on Public Petitions, Ethics and Privileges and Finance started hearing and investigation, inviting Pissa and his vice to appear before it along with their principal officers to thrash out the allegations against them. Unfortunately at the hearing, some of the principal officers expected to defend their bosses sold out, denying knowledge of any payment or deduction or better still, how some monies were spent by the chairman. The chairman who too

could not explain how he spent the N14 million Hajj fare, argued that the amount was N7 million and not N14 million; but he couldn’t explain the whereabouts of the PHCN tenement rates paid the council. The committee has since concluded its sitting but is yet to brief the House. Before the dust raised by the suspension of the Borgu council chairman could settled, the same wave of sack blew to the Rafi Local Government Council where the chairman, Peter Pangun, was considered for sack by the legislative arm. Petition for the removal of the chairman was countersigned by all the legislators who slammed 11-count offenses that included refusal to account for the revenue generated in the past two years in the council, six PHCN transformers taken for repairs in Kano but not returned, alleging that they have been sold against his instruction. Other accusations were that he and his vice awarded contracts without the approval of the lawmakers, and collection of bribe for contracts awarded for the electrification of four villages in the area. The councilors stated that their resolutions were further based on the fact that the chairman recruited special assistants without the approval of the legislative arm and that he handled the SURE-P fund meant for the local government council without due consultation with them. So far, two local government chairmen have been removed by their legislators. Everyone is now waiting to know where next the wave of sack of council bosses would hit in Niger State.

undemocratic LG administration Continued from Page 17

the state, who is also the chairman of the state chapter of IPAC, Prince Ken Emekayi, said the parties were ready to participate in the December 21, 2013 council polls, having & electoral laws governing the conduct of local government elections and the guidelines issued by the ANSIEC. The idea to suspend or postpone the polls again for whatever reason, Emeakayi said, is totally unacceptable to the political parties which he also said viewed the scheduled screening of the chairmanship and councillorship candidates for the election by the ANSIEC as diversionary, since the commission lacks the power to embark on such an exercise. ANSIEC, the chairman said, has no power under the 1999 Constitution or the relevant electoral laws to reject or disqualify candidates

by the political parties, insisting that ANSIEC should as a Âż registered political parties on its preparedness to conduct a free, fair and transparent local government election this year where every participating party would be given equal opportunity to participate. He also said they resolved <9* that in the likely event that this year, election is suspended or postponed, the parties shall be demanding from it the refund of expenses incurred by each political party in preparing for the local government election as well as collateral damages and compensations. “Where it fails, the political parties in Anambra State shall deploy all possible legal means

to deny Anambra people the opportunity of local government administration by their elected representatives as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution,� said Emeakayi. But Okonkwo, in response, ruled out the possibility of holding the election this year, because the register of voters to be used for the election had not been produced by the INEC. He however pledged to liaise with the parties after consultations with the state government on a new date which he said would be inviolate.

9 and ANSIEC are working on the voters register that would be used for the local government

% Âż '

82

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Politics

PDP must follow due process –Uduaghan’s aide Barrister Fred Majemite is the political adviser to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State. He discusses with BENSON EDJEWHOVBO the general political trend in the country, with emphasis on the rising level of corruption and insecurity; his take on the national dialogue, assessment of the governor’s three-point agenda as well as President Goodluck Jonathan’s governance so far. EXCERPTS: How do you see the general political trend in the country today? As at the moment, our democracy is evolving. And as we develop its institutions, it will begin to sustain itself. Once due process is followed in the concept of the rule of law, Nigerians can heave a sigh of relief. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the ruling party, must endeavour to follow due process based on the rule of law as was seen in the last congress which was conducted in a transparent manner. The PDP should look closely at criticisms being levelled against it by the other parties; it shouldn’t wave them aside but look at them closely and use them for selfexamination.

be made to face the full wrath of the law. Besides, there is need to open & have an enabling environment to excel. By the time that is done, the issue of corruption would be a thing of the past. People just come and enrich themselves because they are not sure of tomorrow. With the vigour with which the Federal Government is pursuing corruption and the way the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related

Âş = Âť are going about their duties, I am quite sure that corruption is going to be reduced. It is clear that every year, the corruption level has been dropping when considered from 1999 when we came on board.

What are the major factors that led to the rising level of corruption, insecurity and uncertainty in the country?

But the President had said that he is not coming back for another term after this one. But, would you advise him to go for a second if he so desires? That decision should be strictly his. But again, he has been doing very well and I am sure that if he continues the way he is going now, there might be pressure on him to run for a second term because anything that is good will always call for a repeat.

Corruption in Nigeria is trite. Unless we begin to take concrete steps to correct this draconian leviathan, Nigeria will be doomed. And how do we solve the problem? First, strengthen the institutions

' police force. Pay them like you pay bank workers; respect them. Then, you will see a change. Engage the Army in other areas of human endeavour and let nobody sit in the barracks doing nothing. Bring men of character to manage the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other institutions you will see the changes. Set omnibus of the people to look at projects undertaken by various governments and publish quarterly results; and most importantly, engage the youths. What do you think will be the ultimate result of the rising spate of corruption and insecurity in the country? Here, we must re-orient ourselves; we must know that we are servants and must bring ourselves to serve. The moment we see ourselves as servants, it becomes easy to love our neighbours as ourselves. This whole idea of corruption is something President Goodluck Jonathan must take seriously. We must abolish it. Corruption must not be seen to be celebrated. We must stop that. Anyone found to be guilty of corruption should

What is your take on the call for a national dialogue, regionalism or increased revenue allocation to some states? Well, we are in a democracy; so, people are entitled to their opinions. But, there is need for us to actually meet to agree on how we can move forward as a nation. It is only in Nigeria that our own independence was not negotiated. If it was negotiated, I am sure some regions would have either opted to go out or agreed to be in Nigeria on certain grounds. So, that is why some of us are pressing toward this

(PDP) as the ruling party, must endeavour to follow due process based on the rule of law as was seen in the last congress which was conducted in a transparent manner

dialogue. What is left is for us to agree on how to go about it. As for the agitation for increased revenue allocation, some are saying that it should be increased and those of us in the South are saying the 13 per cent given to us is too small. Only recently, some Northerners were saying that it is unfair and that, it is making the country not to develop evenly. But that is not true. If one looks at the level of degradation, exploration that those of us in the South South & % it is a whole lot compared with those of them in the North. So, while we are saying that the percentage is too small, some people from other regions are saying it should be removed. That is the more reason we should actually meet on how we can stay together as a country. Moreover, there is real need for us to meet as a people to dialogue. But some people are saying that we already have the National Assembly in place. If that is in place, what about its constitution, membership? Is it fairly constituted? For instance, every state is entitled to three senators. How many states do we have in the South South, and the South East etc? And how many do we have in the North? These are some of the things we must consider so that there would be even representation. Can you really say that President Jonathan means well for Nigeria? The President means well. This can be seen from some of the policies he has formulated as regards his development agenda. In the power sector, one can equally say he means well. Once we get that right, it would engender the growth of all other sectors. Mr. President is a listening president. That is easily seen in the way he handled the fuel subsidy removal and it depicts the picture of a president that cares. If it were some other presidents, he wouldn’t have listened again. In spite of the provocation, he was able to maintain his cool and this shows that he is a good leader. That apart, one can see the massive infrastructural developments that have been going on at our airports. All the airports in Nigeria are being renovated. These are the gateways to the country. The only challenge we have is that of security which everyone must be involved in tackling. It is not meant for government agencies only. Mr. President must also do everything possible to ensure that his dreams and plans for Nigeria come true. Are the issues of power and unemployment not still having a toll on the nation? Once we get the issue of power right, that would of

unemployment. Most businesses and industries are going aground because the cost of running business and producing goods and services is excessively high. And that is why the government

Majemite is doing everything possible to ensure that the power issue is put behind us. It is very clear that everything is hinged on power. Even recently, when we were talking about the price disparity of the airlines operating in Nigeria vis-a-vis other countries, the airline operators said the cost of running their businesses in Nigeria is higher because of lack of power. So, government is doing everything possible to ensure that the power problem is solved. That is why there is much concentration on it. Even in some states like Delta, the government of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is doing everything possible to ensure that the Independent Power Project (IPP) programme is commissioned. It has reached an advanced stage and once it is commissioned, the power situation in the state would improve. I am sure other states are also doing same. So, the power thing is a challenge for everyone now and we must support government in every %

in this respect. Some Delta State indigenes are saying that they haven’t really got dividends of democracy from the administration of Governor Uduaghan? There is no way anybody can satisfy everybody. But if you look at what is happening in Delta State, you will see that democracy is at work there. The government of Dr. Uduaghan is very focused. When he came

+ agenda: Peace and Security, Infrastructural Development and Human Capital Development which he is pursuing vigorously with his team. One can see that he did everything possible so that there is peace in the state. In Delta State, since he came on board, apart from the incidence of May 2009 when we had militants’ aggression, nothing bad has happened again. Once there is no peace, there can’t be any meaningful

development. And for that, I give him kudos. However, there are still pockets of crises here and there especially kidnapping and robbery incidents that came up recently. Nevertheless, the government is tackling these energetically to ensure they are nipped in the bud. Talking about infrastructural development, these things are there for anybody to behold. There is a maxim in law which

¸ Ăš>

'š " things speak for themselves. When the government said it was going to build an airport, people thought it was a mirage, but today, the airport is there; it is functional and two airlines ply that root now. Most of the roads the government is constructing are there for everyone to see. The Ughelli-Asaba dualisation project is on course. It has reached an advanced stage. The KokoIgbenu road is equally reaching an advanced stage. Most of the bridges he commenced have been completed. In the area of human capital development, the government is equally doing a lot of things. The government is giving scholarship to virtually every level of the education sector - from primary to tertiary. It is equally building new schools everywhere. The same is happening in the health sector. These are some of the things people don’t see but the government is spending so much on. There is also free maternal health care system which is performing miracles in Delta State. More so, the government is encouraging more people to go into agriculture by providing an enabling environment so as to break the yoke of heavy dependence on oil. Also, the government has a programme known as ‘YETA’ meaning, Youths Empowerments Through Agriculture. It’s one programme that absolve most of our unemployed youths from the streets.

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

83

Special Report

Abeokuta’s air-conditioned pedestrian bridge of controversy

Inset : Gov. Ibikunle Amosun Bolu-Olu Esho, Abeokuta

F

rom the inception of Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s government in 2011, Ogun State capital, Abeokuta, has been experiencing massive infrastructural revolution. Among the first set of facilities put in place by the administration was a unique pedestrian bridge at OkeSokori, Abeokuta. The bridge is enclosed, padded and equipped with airconditioners to keep it cool all day and to tempt pedestrians into making use of the bridge on the 6-lane road as well as to prevent motorists from running people over. It could be argued that the perceived light pressure on the road may not call for the multimillion naira project. However, government officials argue that Amosun’s government had anticipated future population explosion in the state. Saturday Newswatch learnt that the current traffic flow on the roads is already affecting the bridge, which is unique in terms of the facilities provided by the government. Some indigenes however criticise the construction, saying it is too high and inconveniencing to use. Consequently, most supposed-

users ignore it to quickly dash across the road when there are no vehicles coming. A first-timer in the state capital will cherish the edifice and will want to know how it feels to use such bridge as well as enjoy the airconditioner. Saturday Newswatch gathered that the facility is well kept, but the split air-conditioners are not functioning due to unstable electricity supply. But there have been speculations that the bridge was shut down by the government shortly after it was opened for use in February 2012, because some undesirable elements converted it to other uses that were not ultrustic. According to findings by Saturday Newswatch, the government moved into action when used condoms were found littering the bridge in the morning. It was later reopened for use but with new measures as security was beefed up around the place, and the benefit scheduled between 7:00am and 9:00pm with officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on guard to monitor movement of persons. The security officer, on the

ground of anonymity, however debunked insinuations that the bridge was sometime converted to sex spot, saying: “Since I joined the team of security men in this place, nothing of that nature has happened.” He explained that the NSCDC sends on a daily basis, six officers to the place to monitor the movement of people using the bridge, to prevent people from commiting social vices. According to him, there are three of them on duty at the same time and by 2:00pm another three officers would come and take over and close by 9:00 pm or there about. He revealed that truly, lovers come to the bridge to pose for photographs, but f they attempt to stay beyond what the security men consider ‘reasonable’ time, the officers politely ask them to leave. He also noted that at the peak periods, students and pupils use the bridge and some officers of the state Environmental Corps are stationed at the either side of the road to ensure that pedestrians don’t cross the highway. They direct school children to use the bridge rather than dash across the road, a measure which

the NSCDC officer described as encouraging. Our source noted that their duty includes to ensure that miscreants and criminals don’t molest or dispossess people of their personal effects while in the enclosed bridge. The bridge is no doubt the most expensive ever constructed in the state since creation in 1976; it gulped over N265million. Another source who spoke to Saturday Newswatch on condition of anonymity condemned the government’s decision to construct the bridge at that location, querying the sense of judgement of the administration. He observed that since there is just only one school (African Church Grammar School) in the area, “it would have been better if it was built where there is a cluster of schools or heavy traffic.” According to him, “I don’t see the sense in what they have done. Where is the traffic here (Oke Sokori); where are the schools or offices or human traffic that warranted the construction of the bridge that gulped over N265million? This is a gross misplacement of priorities. “If it were to be in Sapon area where there is thick human and vehicular traffic, it would have been understandable, but here in Abeokuta, we don’t need all this now. The money should have been channelled to something more crucial and important to yearnings of the people. The governor has only succeeded in wasting the tax payers’ money. “The air-conditioner is unnecessary since any user of the bridge will spend less than one minute in it. It’s a sheer waste of tax payers’ resources. They were complaining that some hoodlums turned the place to makeshift brothel; they were tempted to do that because the place was designed as if people were going to be sleeping there,’ he condemned. But the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Lekan Adegbite, disagreed that the bridge was shut at a point due to the invasion of hoodlums. He said:”Since the bridge was commissioned and opened for use, it has never been shut. The only thing we put in place is to ensure that two security guards from NSCDC are on duty to ensure that nothing untoward happens there.

84

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Brides&Grooms Relationship BOSE OLA-SAMUEL with

0809-921-3326

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Mastering the woman’s G-spot However it is important to note that

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Understanding your spouse’s sexual need

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s far as Bola is concerned, Uche could have gone for a perfect husband except for his insatiable demand for sex. He is loving, caring, dependable and everything a woman desires in a man but when it comes to sex, she just can’t understand why her husband whom she knows to always be in charge, suddenly becomes such a weakling. According to her, “All Uche ever thinks of is sex, sex, sex�. A census carried out reveals that it is not only Bola that carries this funny opinion of her husband, several women do. And many wonder why this is so. Men’s demand for sex is usually greater than that of their wives, and this is not because they are sex maniacs but because of the way their body is made. Their gonads are continually producing sperm, which are stored in the seminal vesicles %

' & these seminal vesicles are full, they have to release and this they seek to do in sexual intercourse. An established truth is the fact that men and women see and

¿ % ' And this is a factor that cannot be & sexual relationship in marriage. It is therefore important that the two people involved have a good understanding of what sex means to their spouse, in other to be able to lay a good foundation for success in their marriage The reason is that a good sexual relationship plays a major role in the success of every marriage. In satisfying your spouse’s sexual demand, knowing what sex means to him/her will go a long way in preparing you to pay whatever price @

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% what good sex does for your man/ woman will propel you to do all in your power to ensure that you give it to him/her even though it may not be convenient. What sex is to a man * Âż š ¸ < sex life does magic to a man’s ego. Men are created to be the protectors, & + '

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' 9 how poor your man’s self-image is, you can build it up by giving him good sex. To Tobe becontinued continuednext nextweek week

Amina Brai Omoike

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he last week of the year is probably the best time to start planning what resolutions you are going making to make your ' Most people make resolutions, only to break them all before the second week in February. However, this New

suggested resolutions would help your marriage and ultimately, your life in more ways than one.

1. Be open and honest. The more open and honest you are with your spouse, the stronger your relationship will be. It can be easy to let things go unmentioned, but this year, resolve to talk often and to ' " @ and honestly to each other about your frustrations, about sex, anger and disappointment, about your appreciation of each other, about everything,â€? says Tina B. Tessina, a psychotherapist and author of ‘Money, * Âż ¸ * < the Three Things That Can Ruin Your š' 9 + limits.â€? any issues that arise can also help 8 ' ' Fighting is childish, and you want a grown-up relationship,â€? the psychotherapist explains. 2. Lighten up. Taking yourself or your partner too seriously can have a [ % 9

Small arguments become bigger and resentment can build. This year, resolve to lighten up, says Tessina. “Have a sense of humour, give the other,� she says. “Store up plenty of good times in your relationship reservoir to draw on in the hard times.� These good times will also help you work toward becoming more of a team and bring you closer together. 3. Get a show to watch together. One of the main complaints from couples is that they don’t spend a lot of time together. To be honest, most

@ / to spend any time together – hassles of home keeping raising children, making money for the home and all its associated challenges. So what’s one of the easiest ways to start spending time together? Find at least one good television show (if not more) and make that your ‘in-house date night’. Not only will you get to watch a good show with your other half but it will give you all a chance to start spending more time around each other. 4. Read the Bible together. The Bible has a lot of great instructions for marriage that we all can learn from. The good thing is that what the Bible says about marriage will only help your marriage, not hurt it. If you want to have a great marriage, you and your spouse should be spending at least one night a week doing a Bible study together. Whether that’s doing a couples devotion or actually reading the Bible together and discussing anything that stands out to you, this is the most important thing you could be doing to invest in your marriage.

5. Have a monthly date night. In most marriages, you have got partners working, kids, homework, sports, club meetings and so on. So there’s a shortage of time for those real date nights. In this case, time is a major factor so a weekly date night @

need to get at least one ‘out of the house’ date nights in every month. 6. Work as a team. One of the most important marriage resolutions you can make is to work as a team. “Strive to work together to solve any problems that come up,� says Tessina. “Don’t get stuck on who is right or wrong. Focus instead on what will solve the problem.� When you build a successful working partnership, each of you will feel supported and respected by the other; and when each person feels that the other has their best interests at heart, problems are solved in a way that leaves both parties happy with the solution. “The mutuality of this type of partnership creates an environment of love where deep trust grows,� says Tessina. “When trust, respect, responsibility and love feel mutual, that’s when we feel secure in being loved.�

ROMANCE TIPS Hold her hand, stare into her eyes, kiss her hand and then put it over your heart. Unless you can feel their heart beating, you aren’t close enough. Dance together.

85

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Brides&Grooms

better and stronger in 2014

Intimacy with

JULIANA FRANCIS

0704-373-4283

juliana.francis@mydailynewswatchng.com

Pastors against HIV test before marriage?

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86

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Brides&Grooms

Amina Brai Omoike amina.omoike@mydailynewswatchng.com Tel: 0708-737-6877

Is domestic violence normal? Violence in marriage is not a new thing – especially in a society like ours. Many women have to cope with domestic violence from their own husbands. This has led to the spring up of various human and women’ rights groups. We recall the story of Mrs. Titilayo Omozoje, a member of staff of Skye Bank who was allegedly murdered by her husband, Akolade Arowolo in 2011. Close relatives admitted that the accused husband was very abusive. Unconsciously, many people accept domestic violence as one of things that comes with marriage, but is it really so? AMINA BRAI OMOIKE Respect begets respect

Respect begets respect. A woman can never respect a man that consistently abuses her. In fact, he will suppress the best in her and bring out the worst in her – Kulyie

Women have a way of bringing out that animalistic nature in anyone with their tongue

I really do not think a man would walk up to his quiet wife who was minding her business and start pouncing on her because she was quiet. Women have a way of bringing out that animalistic nature in anyone with their tongue. We need to control that. People that say people should “think before they talk�, are not crazy, they have seen it work. Let peace work in marriages. We will be surprised how happy one will be in the end. 2014 is around the corner, I expect married couples to include ‘marital peace� in their New year’s resolutions and steps to make it happen. And it does not %

' the women start to respect their husbands and see if the man will not love and cherish them in return – Toyin

A real man should have self control

One of the most important qualities of a real man is to have self control. In other words, be able to make rational decisions under pressure. On that ground, the man is wrong to beat up his wife. It is a known fact that when most women are upset, their mouths run faster than their brains but as the man, you must be able to handle this in other ways apart from violence – Ewuro

You’d be jailed for even thinking about violence

Couples should be having intensive psycheevaluation before marriage

In my present country of residence, you’d be jailed for only thinking about violence, do you know that? Let alone laying your paws on anything female – Jide

There’s violence everywhere you look. It’s very prevalent in marriages too. I suggest couples should be having intensive psycheevaluation before tying the knot – Emeka

Violence has always attached itself to almost every marriage

Don’t argue when you know you can’t drive a decent word in

Why would a reasonable man raise his hand to beat a woman, or why would a man use a ‘turning’ stick on a woman, it is just 8 Ă? & Âş Âť % itself to almost every marriage, why? – Xavier

A very clear understanding from the intending couples and those who are already in it can make it stop. Just simply don’t argue when you know you can’t drive a decent word in. We all have our moments, there is time for everything. I also think the women,

should work more on this. You are not as

% at all? You can talk politely and assertively without causing any problem. Know what you want and seek it. There is violence, because unknown to the couples, that is what has been unconsciously sought after. Not that there won’t be arguments and disagreements, but it would be a healthy one for the growth of all, + + +

+ – Kibati

This matter is quite baffling

* @ Å ' witnessed one where a so-called husband threatened / wanted to separate his wife’s head from her body with a nice cutlass, if not for interventions, he would have carried out his threat. Just crazy! – Immaculate

Bridal tips: How to save money on your wedding

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eddings are very expensive; there is no doubt about that. Here are 25 clever ways to cut costs.

The Timeline Shorten the wedding-planning timeline. Don’t wait a year to get married and it will be easier to simplify the wedding. “A recent trend I’ve seen is that couples are saving money by planning a more last-minute wedding, rather than the traditional 11-month run-up,� says Alan Fields, coauthor of ‘Bridal Bargains: Secrets to Throwing a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget’. “The shorter time horizon will force you to streamline and keep you,

vortex of elaborate weddings.â€? Or give yourself even more time. That way, you can take advantage of seasonal sales. “For example, you may be able to stock up on silver decorations at 75 percent % š sale at Easter,â€? says Sharon Naylor, author of ‘1001 Ways to Save Money . . . and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding’. The Date * % +

' When there is less competition for dates, you can have more negotiating power. & Æ! �! of a wedding by planning it for November å ¿ Valentine’s Day,� says Fields.

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pasta and let the chef shine by creating great sauces. Avoid the traditional sit-down dinner ' cocktail reception with cake and punch or cake and cocktails. Or have a potluck reception, which makes for a less formal, more intimate wedding with a nice feeling of community.

“That’s the most popular day to marry,� says Anna Post, author of ‘Do I Have to Wear White? Emily Post Answers America’s Top Wedding Questions’. Ask about rates for Friday and Sunday night weddings. They are becoming more common, so you won’t have to deal with quite as many guest grumbles. The Venue venue. “Where you have the wedding often drives the cost,� says Fields. Rather than a dedicated wedding reception hall or country club, check out less expensive facilities, from city-run spaces like zoos and civic gardens

â have some meaning for you, from a beach to your parents’ yard. One caveat: If the space is not equipped to cater for a party, calculate extra costs for bringing in tables, toilets, or even a kitchen. The Wedding Dress Shop for designer or sample sales. Find out the dates of well-known annual sales at places where you might snag a $2,000 dress for $249, or the sample sales at some top designers. “You can save up to 70 percent on gowns, headpieces, veils, and shoes at a sample sale,â€? says Naylor. “Look for the touring list on your favourite designers’ websites, or get on the mailing list at bridal gown salons.â€? You may even get to shop

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are it’s only been worn once! Oftentimes, if the bride changes her mind about her dress or has to postpone the wedding, you might be able to score a deal on a never-been-worn gown.

The Liquor Serve signature cocktails. “Alcohol is one of the biggest expenses of a wedding and can burn a hole in your budget fast,� says Fields. Since most reception sites charge & & % '

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of signature cocktails) that use one type of @ ' " %

based on the wedding party’s preferences º ' ' ' < option is to serve just beer, wine, and enough champagne for toasts.

The Food Make it a daytime reception. “It’s always cheaper to serve lunch or brunch than dinner,â€? says Fields. Try a combination plate. Eliminate a choice of appetizer to save on your food bill. Serve a plate with a bit of fried rice, jollof rice, moinmoin / coleslaw and chicken,â€? Naylor says. This cuts down on the cost, since the chef doesn’t need to buy enough of all the entrĂŠes to allow for people to change their minds. Or serve an inexpensive dish like chicken and

The Wedding Cake <

' " of a wedding cake is all about the labour,�

9 + % or matching the lace from your gown in fondant.� Instead, try using real lace or satin ribbon wrapped around each layer. It costs almost nothing; just pin it on and it looks & '

% % ' < % ¸ " ĂĄ it takes more labour to build a taller cake.â€?

87

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Soulmate

With Amina Brai Omoike amina.omoike@mydailynewswatchng.com Tel: 0708-737-6877

She’s a single mum but I like her

Can I ever find love again?

I

I

met a lady recently and asked her to marry me. She is a single mother of one child, but I like her. What can I do to win her heart? Mekesh, Onitsha Mekesh, Nothing really. Just act natural. For any woman with a child within or outside wedlock, the most important thing to her would be the future of that child. So, if you really like this woman, you would have to like the child as well – even more. But I don’t think it is enough to just ‘like’ this woman. She needs more than likeness, she needs love and that love would have to extend to her child. The truth is that ) ' * ) ) woman who has a child that is not yours. There is always that human instinct throwing the truth in your face, but all that can only be conquered by the power of love. Are you willing to give this woman your whole heart and her child as well? If so, then she would like fall in love with you without even trying. Just keep been nice to her and show her that you care.

ĂŁ accident in London two years ago. Ever since, I have been unable to

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& found true love. What can I do? ; < = ; < = I sympathize with you. For someone you love, no time is really enough to mourn but you would have to move on with your

life. The question is ‘are you ready to move ' someone else?’. If you are, then open up your heart. You would have to get your groove back; that is, go out, network, meet people, take part in activities like sports, arts, reading, and join a club. What is your interest? Let people know you are single and searching. You could even be matchmade with a wonderful woman. Good luck!

I am PA Chichi; a self-employed man. % * + Eastern lady without children aged between 45 and 55 years for a serious relationship (divorcee or widow). Call: 08059482364

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I am Oye from Akure, a 38-year-old civil servant. I need a working-class lady between ages 27 and 35 years. Call: 08169598723 I am Lanrry from Ondo State, aged 25 years, living in Lagos. I am average height seriously in need of a girl for a strong relationship that can lead to marriage. She must be between 18 and 24 years of age, must be good looking and not too fat – from any part of the country. Call: 07030847537 or 08105358512

Hephzibah , I think you have found a really honourable man. I mean, he wants to marry you and has even decided not to take advantage of you sexually. If I were you, I wouldn’t bother about my small breasts because he has obviously ‘outgrown’ that lust. So, I would say that you don’t need anything to make your breast bigger. You are wonderfully made by God – just the ' ' + ) & / you down and making you feel horrible about yourself, then he doesn’t love you. If you loved you, he’d want to make you feel like the queen you are. Badmouthing you about the size of your breast could start taking a toll on your mental health so don’t please don’t let it go any further. Instead, 0 ' 1 ' deserve to be treated. But, for now, just be happy and enjoy your man.

My name is Kunle, aged 40 from Kwara State. I am based in Osun State. I need a God-fearing, faithful, honest, caring lady for a serious relationship; preferably a nurse. Age could be between 38 and 43years. Call: 07060467330

I want to have a baby girl

= Although I am not a medical practitioner, I know that there are various methods you can choose from for sex selection. There are the MicroSort process sorts sperm by male and female by a process that measures > " & @

Omobolaji is based in Ibadan She has a HND in Marketing but is a businesswoman now She needs a responsible, nice and God-fearing man who is based in Ibadan - a banker or engineer, very hard-working. Call: 08023045607

Ng, 24, fat, average height wants a sweet daddy who can take good care of her. Call: 08175156828

am engaged to a wonderful man but I feel insecure. When we just started dating, he mentioned that he liked ladies with big boobs. Unfortunately, I have small breasts and now I am so conscious of them. We have decided to leave sex till we get married since we are both good Christians but what if he is disappointed when we start Ă make my breast bigger besides breast enhancements? Hephzibah, Enugu

am a lovely mum of three boys (ages six, four and three). I probably have what most people want but God knows I really desire to have a daughter. My husband is scared about us having another child considering the economic situation. However, after much pressurizing, he has agreed that we can have one more child. I heard some people actually choose their babies’ sex. What do you know about it? = >+ t

Sir Kay, 34, tall, fair graduate engineer who works with Nigerian Breweries needs a serious, romantic, beautiful, fair and God-fearing graduate working-class lady for a lasting relationship. Call: 08051588575

Peter is from Edo State, 27, resident in Lekki-Ajah, Lagos He needs a mature lady between 24 and 26 years for a relationship that can lead to marriage Call: 08173918732

I feel insecure about my body

I

Dating Calls

Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) which uses in ) 4 # 5 which is almost natural and one that doesn’t need medical intervention. Remember that each parent contributes half of a baby’s genetic makeup and your husband’s sperm is the deciding factor in how your baby’s sex is determined. Dr. 6 # 1 book on how to use low tech ways to conceive a baby of a particular sex, but particularly baby girls. The theory behind having a baby # 7 8 sperm (which forms a male child) are faster but die more quickly. Therefore the goal is to have more X bearing sperm near the ovum at the time of conception. Following : < # 8' the time the egg is released you have mostly

the X bearing sperm left to impregnate the ovum. To start with, you must know your ovulation day and stop having sex three days before then and try to limit lovemaking to even days of the month. Have sex in the afternoon, rather than at night. Also, medics advise that you choose sexual positions that place the sperm close to the entrance to the vagina, making the sperm have to swim further. An example would be the missionary position. Women should also avoid orgasm during sex during conception = ) ) environment from being more alkaline, which supposedly is not favourable to baby girls. Your diet isn’t left out as nutritionists & ) 8 & 0 and sweets in general should be consumed. Good luck!!!

Do you have a relationship or an emotional issue to share or seek advice on? Contact the number above (SMS only).

Sony based in Enugu, an international businessman needs a sexy, busty woman for marriage. She must have dimples. Call: 08074600653, 07087699800 Olawale, 28, working-class student based in Lagos needs a matured, Godfearing lady between ages 18 and 30 for a very serious relationship. Call: 08062961506 Sb Konkol from Adamawa State, aged 43, God-fearing Muslim, employed needs a mature woman for a relationship. Call: 08180538152 Femi, 34, from Lagos, single needs working class, God-fearing lady for a serious relationship that’s ready for marriage; should be 25-35. Call: 08057384263

88

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Way of Life Allure of power bikes Power bikes fare better on highways than in intra-city = open the door and + ! $ $

@ & home at 5.30 am to get to work just before 9. I am over a distance of less than four kilometers! The By Amina Brai Omoike frustration was enervating and the here is no doubt that many stress debilitating. One evening young men love toys – and for while struggling in one of the

% / those toys are power bikes. roared past me and I had a Eureka Compared to the regular ' Ăš motorbikes (popularly called I used to ride on campus and have Âť %

& ridden once or twice since then? It’s engines that are about 10 times as been 30 years since I rode regularly big! While the regular bikes travel but it is a skill you don’t forget. It’ll at a top speed of between 80kph to save me all this stress’. 100kph; the power bikes run at a “And with that thought to salve speed of between 297kph (that is for % the Suzuki GSX 1300 R Hayabusa and buy the machine I had faltered 186 mph) and 320kph (Ducati &

& Desmosedici RR 200mph). years. I almost bought a Yamaha A lot of people ride power bikes YZF R1 but knew that I was not for the fun of it. One of such ready for a top speed of 177mph 9 & and 0 - 60mph in less than three Darey Art-Alade. “I love riding seconds. I broke the news gently motorbikes a great deal and for a to my wife. I initially told her that % % % I had borrowed the bike until she power bikes�. %

& < < # enough for me to tell her I actually engineer and 35 year-veteran of bike bought it!� riding belongs to this category. “I < & love riding power bike because it’s during the Yuletide on his power exciting. It represents freedom and bike is something he looks forward

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89

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Way of Life

I get mixed reactions from people. Some are impressed while others hate it. In my bank, I have people who like it because it’s not common

Allure of power bikes possible to do 200km/hr, 250km/ hr even 300km/hr if the roads are good�, he says. Although, there are young bikers’ clubs in Nigeria like Easy Riders

Abuja 09 Club, more and more executives young and middle-aged are turning to biking as a means of transportation, sport and entertainment. They are able to / % daring top speeds and their really loud revving. The essence of the many biker clubs is to mainly educate themselves and others on safety on bikes. > % bike riders are being viewed by the public as people with criminal intent due to the rise in kidnappings, terrorism and crime in general and the way Hollywood depicts bikers as bad guys has not helped. Contrary to the negative way people view us, we are not bad guys. And at our clubs, what we do mainly is to educate others and ourselves on safety on the bikeâ€?, Huntas says. In 2012, the FCT administration banned the use of power bikes and motorcycles on major roads in < ' " " š / signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the minister, Mr. Mohammed * % the use of power bikes and motor racing in the FCT. The FCT said the ban was necessary to ensure optimal security as well as protect lives and property of residents in the territory, noting that security and law enforcement agents had been directed to arrest and prosecute

those who failed to comply. In October 2013, a band of robbers were said to have dislodged a bullion van conveying a huge amount of money from its escort vehicle in Ijora Badia, Lagos. They arrived

Marine Bridge on several power bikes. No doubt, any form of transportation comes with its own danger. Power biking is no ' 8 ¸ depends on the community and where you are actually riding to. Every mode of transportation has its own dangers. Like two weeks ago, a car just passed the toll gate going through inward Lekki, within few minutes, the car just somersaulted at absolutely no speed. If it was a % they would say okay because it’s a motor cycle, but it was a car. So, if we actually can, all of us, nobody

Âż /

regulations, I’m sure it will be safer for motorcycles. If you are going to measure risk among Keke Marwa (tricycle), okada, cars, buses, trailers, I think motor cycles have a higher risk.� In early 2011, Managing Partner/ COO, QED Technologies Ltd, Lagos, Fred Omame died after a one + % a power bike accident. In Easter of 2010, he was involved in a ghastly power bike accident on Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos. He reportedly had a chest infection whilst at St. Nicholas hospital in Lagos where he was rushed to after the accident which became a

'

% % * Africa and an operation was carried out on him. In January of that same year, Lagos big boy, Tonye Claude ¿ + = Brokers Ltd also died from power bike accident. He was travelling from Lagos to Port-Harcourt to % his friend. He had had a smooth ride till he got to Patani, just about an hour to Port-Harcourt. Along the Uvwreni junction, he was said to have collided with a vehicle and died instantly. The truth is that power bikes @ ' * of the exotic, big bikes can go for as high as N5m, including cost of insurance,� said Banjo. Depending on the make, a brand new power bike costs about $1,000 per cc’s. The average bike could cost between N2 and N6m. however, for

a fairly used bike, you might have to part with between N350, 000 and N900, 000. 8 ¸ so that’s the way it is. If I want to & work, I will. If you want to buy a

& & million, it is what you want, so it has nothing to do with being elitist or that it is for the rich only. It is like saying the car is for the rich. There are cars of N200, 000, likewise bikes of 200,000. It is for everybody, so it is relative.â€? Matilda Otulana, a bank executive is one of the hundreds of power bike riders in the country and being a % ' Âż reactions from people. Some are impressed while others hate it. In my bank, I have people who like it because it’s not common.â€? 8 President of Easy Riders Motorcycle Club, power biker riding started six years ago due to his ‘passion’ for ' * ¸ %

' < % you look for the opportunity and time to do what you enjoy doing. %

% ' could sit outside for about two hours without seeing them, so when one passes once in a month, you are like ‘wow, did it just pass?’ I get excited whenever I see them and I told myself that when I grow up I want to do that. And when I got older, I started riding.� Motor bike riding can be quite safe if one is well trained and follows

' "

governing power bike riding,â€? Banjo ¸ = be well trained before riding. They

% themselves in case of accidents. They should always ride in full biker gear of helmet, jacket, boots, and elbow and knee pads.�

90

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Healthy Living CONHESS 10: Ignore NMA demands, pharmacists tell govt Chioma Umeha, Health Editor

P

harmacists under the aegis of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) have condemned incessant strike by Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), insisting that the demands of doctors in the current impasse to compel government in 9 ** Âł! for pharmacists and other cadres of health workers is against principle of relativity and rule of law. 9 < =

=*9 < statement during the week said that it is unethical and illegal for the former, doctors to see their role in the health sector as more superior to other actors. * wrong for doctors to mischievously label pharmacists and other health professionals who have advocated for the status of consultants in their professions paramedics. A consultant pharmacist is a specialized pharmacist. The main principle of consultant pharmacy is pharmaceutical care term developed

* ³ÇÇ!' In the US, a consultant pharmacist focuses on reviewing and managing the medication regimens of patients, particularly those in institutional

' According to him, consultant pharmacists ensure their patients’ medications are appropriate,

&

correctly; and identify, resolve, and prevent medication-related problems that may interfere with the goals of therapy. š 9 * pharmacist refers to a pharmacist who has advanced roles in patient care, research and education in a

Âż area of practice, the PSN President said.

% & =*9

doctors have continuously derided the pharmacy profession.

incumbent leadership of NMA has embarked on unprecedented assault on the pharmacy profession in the country. Describing the actions of doctors as display of ‘hatred in antiquity,’ the National President of PSN reasoned that pharmacists has been numbered as part of the elite group of professionals who were on scale A in the Public Service of Nigeria since ³Ç !'

unscrupulous Medical Salary Scale Âş **Âť the nineties became the foundation of industrial disharmony in the health sector. = that pharmacists and doctors joined

& !´ compulsory one-year internship and

L-R: Lekan Asani, CEO GlaxoSmithkline West Africa, Chairman, Conference Planning Committee; Pharm (Sir) Anthony Akhimien, FPSN President, African Pharmaceutical Forum; Olumide Akintayo, National President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN); Pharm Azubike Okwor, FPSN, FFIP immediate past president, PSN and Pharm Victor Okwuosa, MAN National Secretary, PSN, during a conference recently

!Ç service as registered professionals.

by Medical Salary Scale which

& Æ!! per cent above their contemporaries at all levels further encouraged grandstanding and undue arrogance on the part of some doctors who continue to plot for other health workers to be reduced to ‘house-boy status’ relative to them. Following the distortion, doctors now saw themselves joining the public service on the equivalent of Âł! Âş houseman-ship) and proceeding to GL ³Æ

& % & & !´ after youth service.

% ¸ " leadership of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has embarked on unprecedented assault on the profession of pharmacy in this country. A lot of the time what is on display is hatred in antiquity. For the records in relation to issues of relativity, good students of history will recall

numbered as part of the elite group of professionals who were on scale A in the public service of Nigeria. ¸ = unscrupulous Medical Salary Scale º ** the nineties, which is the foundation of industrial disharmony in Nigeria. Pharmacists and doctors entered

& !´ compulsory one-year internship, and

!Ç service as registered professionals.

" by Medical Salary Scale which

& Æ!! per cent above their contemporarieas at all levels has encouraged grandstanding and undue arrogance on the part of some doctors who continue to promote machinations that other health workers must be reduced to house boy status relative to them, the PSN boss said.

¸

The issue of skipping of grades has been tested in the law courts and today there is a substantive order of the Nigeria Industrial Court (NIC) that pharmacists and other health workers be legitimately allowed to skip CONHESS 10

it must be said are the biggest

they enter the public service on the

@ & Âł! Âş

Âť

³Æ

& when the average University !´ youth service.â€? According to him, it is appalling and unlawful for doctors to use the denial of pharmacists and others 9 ** Âł! condition to suspend strike. " and others must not be allowed to

9 ** ³! % % major demand before doctors’ return % à ' Doctors are supposed to be knowledgeable people who should know a thing or two about the rule of law, the PSN President Ò

of skipping of grades has been tested in the law courts and today there is a substantive order of the 9 Âş9 Âť pharmacists and other health workers be legitimately allowed to skip 9 ** Âł!'Ă In a related development, the Joint

* º *  & & ³ + which ended today to implement the agreement reached between & * < ÆÎ ÆÖ Æ!³� Labour and Productivity, in Abuja. & %

that pharmacists do not support Continued on page 91

91

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Healthy Living Stay Healthy WITH CHIOMA UMEHA, HEALTH EDITOR

(E-mail: cumeha@yahoo.com, Tel: 08104210759 )

What type of milk is best for you?

W

L-R: Assistant Director, Family Health and Nutrition, Lagos State Ministry of Health (LSMOH), Dr Mosunrat ˜ 5 ™ + ' " 7 š - 6 $

8 3 $ 6 0 " ' + 60 + 0 " " " 7 0 " 3 › ˜ ' * $

™ health commodity security Survey held in Lagos, recently.

New diabetes-related genetic risk factor discovered Chioma Umeha, Health Editor

A

previously undetected genetic risk factor could help explain why there is an elevated Æ

Mexican and other Latin American populations, according to a new

in the journal Nature. In the study, an international team

% * < º* & <  " Æ

Consortium performed the largest genetic study to date in people of Mexican and Mexican-American descent. They discovered that people who had the higher-risk version * ³Î<³³ Æ &

than those lacking said gene. Furthermore, individuals who

! &

' " + &

people with recent Native American ancestry (including Latin Americans) % Æ! < and elevated frequency of SLC16A11 in Latin American could account for + š

&

authors explained. “To date, genetic studies have largely used samples from people of <

%

frequencies in other populations,� said co-corresponding author JosÊ Florez, an assistant physician in the

' # Âż search to include samples from Mexico and Latin America, we’ve found one of the strongest genetic risk factors discovered to date, which could illuminate new pathways to target with drugs and a deeper understanding of the disease.â€? “In addition to validating the relevance to Mexico of already known genetic risk factors, we discovered a major new risk factor that is much more common in Latin American populations than

in other populations around the world,� added Teresa Tusie-Luna, principal investigator at the National University of Mexico’s Biomedical Research Institute. “We are already using this information to design new studies that aim to understand how &

and disease, with the hope of eventually developing improved risk

'Ă According to an on-line news agency, the SLC16A11 sequence & * < was found in a recently sequenced ‘Neanderthal’ genome originating Ăš & š & * ' " would suggest, he explained, that & &

%+ Âż species of early human. " * ³Î<³³ %

of genes that code for proteins that

disease. As such, the researchers said % & & ' " study authors report that SLC16A11 is expressed in the endoplasmic reticulum, a cellular structure located within the liver. * < investigators went on to demonstrate that altering levels of the protein could change the amount of a type &

' That discovery led the team to hypothesize that SLC16A11 could & & % Ù % & resulting in an increased risk of type Æ

'

‘Pharmacists are qualified consultants, should enjoy skipping of CONHESS 10’ Continued from page 90

strike actions as a means for achieving professional privileges. Professionalism is the

with society which demands placing the interest of patients &

=*9

'

& profession as a whole needs to serve patients interest in %

expectations In many other countries

&

& and relationships that has on professionals, Olumide noted.

% & pharmacists have threatened that if government compromises the spirit of its agreement with in August Æ!³� % & =*9 with no other choice than 8 &

sector to join forces with

* % & Æ´ Æ!ÂłĂ? to government to enforce the & agreement earlier reached with representatives of government at its meetings in August last year. < that NMA has degenerated into a self-serving trade association, interested only in the welfare '

¸

leadership medical practice

& an impersonal utility with no regards to ethics and morals.� Doctors are never on strike what they do is to lock the doors channel the hapless patient to their private clinics, the PSN President said. While urging government to challenge the legality of strike 9 < 9 Medical Association is not a registered trade union and cannot under our laws call '

hole milk or fat free? Lactose-free milk? Almond, soy, or Ă

%

of milk for you and your family to drink. Today, there are many & % Ă›% Âş Âť + % + +

Ù 8 and even lactose-free milk. There are also a variety of alternatives to cow’s milk with almond, soy, and rice milk as some of the leading choices. Other newer types of milks are oat and hemp milk. There are many reasons why someone would choose one type of milk over another. Two key reasons are the nutritional content of '

&

& dietary reasons why you might choose one type of milk instead of another. / [ * Âż

¸ % % milk, skim cow milk, lactose-free milk, almond milk, soy milk and ' "

&

Âż

' / Whole milk is cow’s milk with none of the fat removed, so it is

' š

% Ă?' ´' + ´´ % ' source of protein, calcium, several vitamins and minerals. Skim or fat free milk is cow’s milk with the fat removed, reducing

& ³ ! % Ç!

'

% - a good source of protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals - without the saturated fat and calories. Skim milk is the preferred milk source ' Lactose-free milk is processed so the lactose, the natural sugar found in milk down. Lactosefree milk is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals. The fat and cholesterol Cow milk contents vary depending on whether the lactosefree milk is two per cent fat, one per cent fat or fatfree. Lactose-free milk allows those who are lactose-intolerant to still drink dairy products. Almond milk is made from ground almonds. It is free of Chocolate milk cholesterol, saturated fat and naturally lactose-free. & good source of protein, almond milk is not. Almond milk is also not a g o o d source of calcium. Almond milk is lower in calories than other milks. * '

' * milk are a good source of protein, calcium and potassium. Soy milk contains a similar amount of protein as cow’s milk. It is lower in calories than whole milk. Rice milk is made from rice. It is free of cholesterol and saturated

+

& % ' > & ' > % milk allergies, soy and nut allergies, and lactose intolerance. Continued next week

92

Saturday Newswatch, November 28, 2013

Healthy Living Mobile medic DR OCHI IGBOKO

0807-851-8998

Erection problems (Erectile dysfunction)

W

hat are erection problems? A man has erection problems if he cannot get or keep an erection that &

Âż' problems are also called erectile dysfunction or impotence. Most men have erection problems every now and then. This is normal. These problems can occur at any age. But they are more common in older men, who often have other health problems. Treatment can help both older and younger men.

L – R: Banse Kennedy, representative of AASU President, Moukammed Saffah watches Professor Innocent Achanya Otoba Ujah, Director General (DG) of Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in a hand shake with Foukoue Hare Emmanuel during the award ceremony. PHOTO: CHIOMA

NIMR DG bags another award Chioma Umeha, Health Editor

D

irector-General (DG) of Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Professor Innocent Achanya Otoba Ujah has received another award in recognition of his valuable contributions to improve medical research and services from the AllAfrican Students Union (AASU). Ujah, was last weekend, conferred with “AASU/Melson Mandella Distinguished leadership-Merit Award of Excellence as African Patriotic Statesman� in recognition of his outstanding strides in Nigeria’s and Africa’s quest for qualitative healthcare via medical research and practice, youth/student’s empowerment, sports development, immense contributions to Africa’s development, true democracy,

&

& & remarkable Pan-Africanist patriotism. All-African Students Union (AASU) is the Pan-African Students Unions in Africa. Representatives of AASU, including Banse Kennedy, representative of AASU President, Moukammed * Ă’ Akoto Banfo, Chioma Vincent and Sule Abel Okwu, who visited from < 9 decorated the DG of NIMR in the š / Lagos in the presence of Alhaji 88 8 < of Administration (NIMR) and Sola Olagundoye, Director of Accounts of the institute among other dignataries. This is the second award being received by Professor Ujah, in the last three months. In September, Prof. Ujah was among the four persons who were honoured APBN during the association’s 29th Annual General Assembly (AGA) awards held at Golden Gate Restaurant, Ikoyi. Born on November 6, 1954 at Aidogodo-Okpoga in Okpokwu ,

Local Government Area (LGA) Benue State, Professor Ujah graduated from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria in June 1978 with an MBBS

'

% College of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Âş Âť 9 Postgraduate Medical College of 9 Âż % International College of Surgeons Âş *Âť > * Âş >* Âť' Professor Innocent Ujah is a specialist gynaecologist, endocrinologist and endocrine '

in International maternal health care from University of Uppsala, Sweden. Professor Ujah has published over 70 scholarly articles in reputable national and international peerreviewed journals, in addition to over 100 conference papers, abstracts and has delivered many lectures.

and international conferences and presented a number of quality

' The AASU representatives while lauding the achievements of Ujah said that the erudite Professor in medicine noted that he prominently participated in building an enviable medical research and development system in Nigeria and by extension other parts of Africa via the Nigeria’s National Institute for Research in Medicine through his management team of prominent personalities of Africa. They also said that Ujah received the award following allied feats through qualitative and visionary leadership requisite for Africa development in the health sector

the entire Africa in the areas of contemporary competent local capacity in research breakthrough, tertiary health services, qualitative infrastructural development, such as the e-Library complex in Lagos and % / < " ' Other areas of Ujah’s accomplishment which they

mentioned are sustainable healthcare development programme, peaceful co-existence in line with vision Africa 2063 in the healthcare sector, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

exceptional contributions in practice of medicine as a gynaecologist/ obstetrician at various levels, both in the academia and public service before divine providence brought him into the service of his country as Director-General, Kennedy said. “Many years after, his indelible legacies especially in the area of medical research progress, heavy infrastructure development, procurement of state-of-theart medical research and practice equipments in the institute development still introduces him loudly,� he added.

Ujah received the award following allied feats through qualitative and visionary leadership requisite for Africa development in the health sector thereby setting a good pace for the entire Africa in the areas of contemporary competent local capacity in research breakthrough, tertiary health services, qualitative infrastructural development

What causes erection problems? Erection problems can have many causes. These include: Ăž Physical problems, such as injury to nerves or loss of blood supply to the penis. Ăž Other health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression. Ăž *

' Ăž Stress. Ăž Drinking too much alcohol or smoking. Ăž Surgery, such as for prostate cancer. What are the symptoms? The only symptom of an erection problem is being unable to get and keep an erection that &

Âż' # & % erection problem, a man may still have sexual desire and be able to have an orgasm and to ejaculate. How are erection problems diagnosed? & erection problem by asking questions about Âż ' doctor will want to know how often the problem happens. The exam, lab tests, and sometimes

the problem. How are they treated? Doctors usually start with lifestyle changes and medicines. They usually don’t advice surgery or

š help. Treatment can include: Ăž Avoiding tobacco and drugs and limiting alcohol. Ăž Talking about the issue with your partner,

Âż

counselling. Ăž

may be causing the problem. In some cases doesn’t cause erection problems. Þ Taking prescription medicine that can help you get erections. These include pills such º ¿  º ¿  & (for example, Levitra). Check with your doctor to see if it is safe for you to take one of these medicines with your other medicines. These pills can be dangerous if you have heart disease that requires you to take nitroglycerin or other medicines that contain nitrates. Þ "

for depression or anxiety. Ăž & &

medicine into the penis. Þ & penis. Can you prevent erection problems? Þ Erection problems are most often caused by a physical problem. So it’s important to eat healthy foods and get enough exercise to help you stay in good health. Þ To reduce your risk of having an erection problem, don’t smoke, drink too much alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Þ & related to anxiety and stress by talking with your partner about your concerns. This may help you relax

93

Saturday Newswatch, December 28, 2013

Surveillance

Okada man rapes passenger in Ibadan

Matthew Stories by Tunde Busari

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}-V } ~[¼ V,~*¼ ^¼ }^ [)V,*¼})[}*¼. [)[¼*[+¾ ` [z[¼*`[z }~ *+*¼z}^¼ V¼ )[}+¼ })Z ¼]^¼ )}1 ~ ¼ /¾ ^+[)^}+ V^}~ ¼ [ ¼ ~,*[ ,^¼ [ }Z ¼ V.[-[) ¼+ [¼¥} ~[*¼z}^¼ [+¼}.}0¼. + ¼}¼ )}.¼ ¼ + [0¼`~}0¼z},+ V,*~0¼}^ ¼V) }^ 1[¼+ [ )¼ [ [^*[¼ > ?¼ }*¼`)[ z+[ ¼+V, ¼V,+ ^ ¼ V)¼ ,`[)¼¥} ~[*¼ ^¼+ [¼Q]Q ¼ V)~ ¼ ,`¼ )V,`¼ .[~~ B [) }¼ }-[¼^[-[)¼`~}0[ ¼ V+ ¼ V*^ }¼}^ ¼ Q¼} } ^*+¼ V)Z[)¼ V)~ ¼z }Z` V^* ¼ ) [^+ ^} ¼ ])}^¼}+¼+ *¼~[-[~¼V ¼ VV+ }~~ ¼ [0¼. ~~¼ ¼^ ¼ V*^ }¼ V*^ }¼}^ ¼])}^ -[)0¼ }) ¼+V¼ }^ ~[ ¼ [0¼})[¼+ [¼zV,^+)0¼+ }+¼ zzV) ^ ¼+V¼+ [¼ V)Z[)¼|)[[^¼¥} ~[*¼ ,*[ ¼+V¼ [¼ , V*~}- } ¼ }ZV,*¼ V)¼+ [ )¼+[z ^ z}~¼ * ``[) ¼ [) }¼Z}0¼ }z[¼+ [¼ [*+¼ ,) ~[*¼ }^ ¼+}z+ z}~¼¼ V ¼*,)- - ^ ¼+ [¼ )V,` ¼*`[z ¼z}~~0¼} } ^*+¼ } ~ +0¼}^ ¼ *z `~ ^[ ¼ }+A*¼. }+¼ [) }¼ [~~¼ ) [^+ ^}¼}^ ¼ V*^ } B ^¼`}`[)¼ [) }¼zV,~ ¼^V+¼ }-[¼}* [ ¼ V)¼}¼ +V¼ ^¼3ªª¨¼. [^¼+ [0¼Z[+¼ [^Z}) ¼ ^¼Q)}^z[ ¼ }¼+[}Z¼+ }+¼`~}0*¼. + ¼ )[}+¼ *z `~ ^[¼}^ ¼ [ ¼[)¼}^ ¼`V** ~0 ¼}^¼[}* [)¼ )V,` ) [^+ ^}¼ V) }^ 1}+ V^ ¼] ¼ [) }¼.V,~ ¼~V*[¼}¼Z}+z ¼+ [¼ })[¼`)V } ~0¼V^[¼V ¼+ [¼ V ¼[*+¼+[}Z*¼ V ^ ¼+V¼ + [¼z }Z` V^* `¼. + ¼+ [¼*+)V^ ¼`V** ~ +0¼V ¼ V^[¼} } ^*+¼ V*^ }¼.V,~ ¼ [¼ + ¼ ,+¼+ [0¼z}^¼ zVZ`[^*}+[¼ V)¼+ [ )¼+}z+ z}~¼ [ ¼z +¼. + ¼` 0* z}~¼ . ^^ ^ ¼ + ¼ [0¼. ~~¼ [¼.[})0¼V ¼+ [¼ [) }^¼ *+)[^ + ¼`V.[)¼}^ ¼*`[[ ¼ ^¼. z ¼z}*[¼+ [0¼ +[}Z¼[-[^¼+ V, ¼+ [0¼ }-[¼}¼ VV ¼)[zV) ¼ z}^¼` 0* z}~~0¼V-[)`V.[)¼ V*^ }¼}^ ¼[Z[) [¼ } } ^*+¼+ [Z¼}+¼+ *¼~[-[~ ¼ [0¼})[¼-[)0¼}.})[¼ )VZ¼+ [¼ )V,` V ¼. }+¼}¼ [) }^¼+[}Z¼+ }+¼ ¼^ *¼ +*¼)}^ [¼V^¼ B])}^¼ }-[¼+VV¼~ ¼~[¼[/`[) [^z[¼+V¼zV`[¼. + ¼ }¼ VV ¼^ +¼z}^¼ V¼+V¼}^0¼+[}Z¼ ^¼+ [¼.V)~ ¼ + [¼ZV ~ +0¼V ¼+ [¼ [) }^¼+[}Z ¼ + V,+¼ ) [^+ ^}¼ }-[¼+}*+[ ¼+ *¼`V *V^¼V^z[¼ [ V)[¼ ,^ [))}+ ^ ¼+ [Z¼+ [0¼*+}^ ¼~ ¼~[¼z }^z[¼V ¼ }+¼+ [¼ ~0Z` z*¼V ¼3ªª7¼. [^¼+ [¼ [) }^*¼ V ^ ¼ [0V^ ¼+ *¼ )V,`¼*+} [ [ [}+[ ¼+ [Z¼+V¼. ^¼+ [¼|V~ ¼Z[ }~ C B + [). *[ ¼+ [0¼ }-[¼}~.}0*¼ V,^ ¼+ [¼¥} ~[*¼ [ }Z ¼ V.[-[)¼zV^ ¼ [^+¼+ }+¼¥} ~[*¼ .V,~ ¼*z}~[¼+ )V, ¼+ [¼ )V,`¼}+¼+ [¼[^ ¼V ¼+ [¼ }¼ / ¼¼z,~+¼+[}Z¼+V¼ [ [}+¼ ^¼V`[^¼`~}0 ¼ . z[ ¼ ¼)*+¼)V,^ ¼Z}+z [* ^¼3ªª6¼}^ ¼4224 ¼+ [0¼)[~ [ ¼V^¼*[+¾` [z[*¼+ }+¼ BQ ^}~~0 ¼+ [¼¥} ~[*¼. ~~¼ })[¼.[~~¼} } ^*+¼ [) -[ ¼ )VZ¼-[)0¼}-V } ~[¼`VV)¼+}z ~[*¼ 0¼ ) [^+ ^}¼}^ ¼`V** ~0¼z)[}+[¼}^¼,`*[+¼ 0¼ [ ¼ ^ ¼ + [¼ ^[/`[) [^z[ ¼ [) }^¼ [ [^z[¼+V¼. ^ ¼ }¼ )}.¼V)¼[-[^¼. ^^ ^ ¼ [0¼. ~~¼[Z[) [¼ )VZ¼ [0¼^V.¼ ^V.¼+ }+¼ ¼}~~¼[~*[¼ } ~*¼+ [0¼.V,~ ¼ [/`~V +¼ [) }A*¼ )[}+[*+¼.[} ^[**¼¾¼zV^z[ ^ ¼ + [¼ )V,`¼^V¼Z} ¼[)¼. }+¼ }``[^* C [¼*} /

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[) }¼ [} ¼ zV}z ¼ +[` [^¼ ¤[* ¼ }*¼ zV^ ¼)Z[ ¼¼+ }+¼ ¤[^^[+ ¼ Z[),V ¼. ~~¼ ~[}-[¼ [~*[}¼V^¼~V}^ ¤[* ¼[/`~} ^[ ¼+ }+¼ +¼ *¼ Z`[)}+ -[¼ V)¼+ [¼ z[^+)[¾ }z ¼+V¼~[}-[¼ +}Z V) ¼ ) [¼+V¼ +}Z V) ¼ ) [¼+V *[z,)[¼)[ ,~})¼ `~}0 ^ ¼+ Z[¼+V¼ `~}0 ^ ¼+ Z[¼+V ` 0 VV*+¼ *¼ V)~ ¼ VV*+¼ *¼ V)~ ,`¼z }^z[¼. + ¼ [) } B]¼ ^V. B]¼ ^V.¼ [¼. ~~¼~[}-[¼ [~*[}¼*VV^¼ [~*[}¼*VV^ }^ ¼ +¼. ~~¼ [¼ }^ + . ~~¼ [¼ V^¼~V}^ ¼ *¼ *¼ V^¼~V}^ ¼ *¼ * }¼ V)~ ¼ ,`¼ }¼ V)~ ¼ ,` ` 0[})¼}^ ¼]A-[¼ 0[})¼}^ ¼]A-[ 0 +V~ ¼ Z¼+ }+¼ +V~ ¼ Z¼+ }+ [¼^[[ *¼+V¼ [¼`~}0 ^ ¼ ` 0 )[ ,~})~0¼ 0 +V¼ }-[¼}¼ z }^z[¼ V ¼ [ ^ ¼ `})+¼ ` + [¼+[}Z¼+V¼ + [¼ V)~ ¼ ,` C¼ V)~ ¼ ,` C ` *} ¼ + [¼ [) }^¼ Z}^} [)¼+V¼ Z}^} [)¼+V *,`[)*`V)+ ` ` zVZ¼ )VZ¼ V)+¼ V)+ })zV,)+¼V^¼ })zV,)+ V^¼ Q) }0 0 [¼ [ 42¾0[})¾V~ ¼ 42¾0[})¾V~ 0 ¼ [ [^ [)¼ ~}*+¼ *[}*V^¼ **`[^+¼ `[^+ 3¨¼ZV^+ *¼ V^¼ 3¨¼ZV^+ * V ^¼ ~V}^¼}+¼ z~, ¼ ,+z ¼

¼ [^¼ }} ¼}^ ¼¤[* ¼ [~ [-[*¼+ }+¼+ [¼*`[~~¼ [~`[ ¼+ [¼0V,^ ¼z[^+)[¼ }~ A*¼ [-[~V`Z[^+ B¤[^^[+ ¼ *¼}^¼ Z`V)+}^+¼`~}0[)¼ V)¼,*¼ }^ ¼ [¼* V.[ ¼+ }+¼+ *¼ 0[})¼ ,) ^ ¼+ [¼> ) z}?¼ ,`¼V ¼ }+ V^* ¼]+¼.}*¼ VV ¼}+¼+ [¼+ Z[¼+ }+¼ [¼ VV ¼}+¼+ [¼+ Z[¼+ }+¼ *`[^+¼ *¼+ Z[¼V^¼~V}^¼ *`[^+¼ *¼+ Z[¼V^¼~V}^ ` ^¼ [¼ [+ [)~}^ *¼ ^ ¼ [¼ [+ [)~}^ *¼ >>. + ¼ ¼ [^¼ }} ¼ >. + ¼ ¼ [^¼ }} } +[)¼* ^ ^ ¼ V)¼ } +[)¼* ^ ^ ¼ V [~*[}?¼}^ ¼ [~*[}?¼}^ + }+¼ [~`[ ¼ + }+¼ [~`[ ` *¼z})[[)¼ *¼z})[ .[~~ . ~~ .[ B]¼ [~ [-[¼ [~ [¼. ~~¼ [¼. ~~[}-[¼ [} [~*[}¼ [ *VV^¼>V^¼~V}^?¼ *VV^¼>V^¼~V} ++V¼ }-[¼`~}0 ^ ¼ +V ¼ }-[¼`~}0 ` 0 ++ Z[¼* ^z[¼+ *¼ Z[¼* ^z[¼+ *¼}¼ V)~ ¼ ,`¼ * *¼}¼ V)~ ¼ 0[ 0[}) 0 0[}) C¼*} ¼+ [¼ [} C¼*} ¼ V V)Z V)Z[)¼ }~ ¼ V)Z ) [)¼ } }}^ ¼ V V¼ ^ ¼ V Z}^} [) Z }^} [ Z[),V¼ Z[ Z} [¼ *¼ Z } [¼ [ ,+¼ V)¼ [ ,+¼ [) }¼ ^¼ [) } }}¼ V}~~[**¼ ¼ V}~~ )}.¼. + ¼ ) )}. . }`[¼ }` `[¼ [) [¼ ^¼ [) [ ) [^ ~0¼ }¼ ) [^ Z}+z ¼ [[})~ [)¼ [} )~ [ 0[})¼}^ ¼ + *¼ 0[ 0 [}) [0¼)V~[¼ `~}0[ ¼}¼ ` 0 [0¼ ,`[)¼ ^¼+ [¼ ,` ¥} ~[*A¼ )),^¼,`¼ ), ,^ + [¼ +V¼. ^^ ^ ¼ + + 4235¼ ) z}¼ ,`¼ V V ¼ }+ V^* }+ V^*¼ ^¼ V,+ ¼ ) z}

}) ¼¼Z}^} [) ¼ }~ 0¼ }z }0¼ }*¼ [[^¼*}z [ ¼ [¼ zV+¼ )[~ [-[ ¼V ¼ *¼ ,+ [*¼ + [¼ }0¼} +[)¼+ [¼ )[Z [)¼ [} ,[¼* [¼.[)[¼ [ [}+[ ¼5¾2¼ }+¼ VZ[¼ 0¼ V,+ }Z`+V^ }z }0A*¼}z) ZV^ V,*¼ [`})+,)[¼zVZ[*¼ [*` +[¼ + [¼z~, ¼ )}^+ ^ ¼ Z¼}¼ )[`) [-[¼~}*+¼.[[ [^ ¼} +[)¼ zV^+)V-[)* }~¼ }~}0* }^¼ V.^[)¼ ^z[^+¼ }^A*¼[¾Z} ~¼ [Z}^ ^ ¼ [¼[ + [)¼)[* ^¼V)¼ [¼*}z [ }+¼,~+ Z}+,Z¼.}*¼ ) [ ¼0¼ ~ +[ ¼. [^¼z } )Z}^¼ [ Z[+¼ }~Z}^¼*+}+[ ¼ }z }0¼ .V,~ ¼ [¼ ^¼z }) [¼ V)¼+ [¼ B V)*[[} ~[¼ ,+,)[C ¼ ,+¼+ [¼ 5¾2¼ V/ ^ ¼ }0¼ [ [}+¼} } ^*+¼ V,+ }Z`+V^¼`)V-[ ¼+V¼ [¼+ [¼ [/¾ }+ V) ¼ V**A¼~}*+¼ ^¼z }) [ ¼*+}+[Z[^+¼V^¼+ [¼ }) ¼¼ .[ * +[¼)[} <¼B [¼ V}) ¼ V ¼ )[z+V)*¼}+¼ }) ¼¼ +0¼ QVV+ }~~¼ ~, ¼ }-[¼+V }0¼ )[~ [-[ ¼ }~ 0¼ }z }0¼V ¼ *¼ ,+ [* B ¼^[.¼ ¼)*+¼+[}Z¼Z}^} [)¼ . ~~¼ [¼}``V ^+[ ¼}^ ¼ }^^V,^z[ ¼ ^¼ ,[¼zV,)*[ C }^A*¼[Z} ~¼ } ¼ ^z~, [ ¼ }¼~ *+¼V ¼ ) [-}^z[*¼. + ¼+ [¼ V)Z[)¼ }+ V) ¼Z}^} [) ¼}^ ¼ }z }0¼*} ¼ [¼ } ¼ [[^¼~[ +¼ B [[`~0¼,`*[+C¼ 0¼ +*¼zV^+[^+ [)[¼ }*¼ [[^¼ ~~¾ [[~ ^ ¼ [+.[[^¼+ [¼+.V¼* ^z[¼ }^A*¼ )[ZV-}~¼V ¼]} ^¼ VV 0¼}*¼ *¼ [} ¼V ¼)[z), +Z[^+¼ ^¼ z+V [) ¼}^ ¼+ [¼V.^[)¼.}*¼ *} ¼+V¼ [¼ ,) V,*¼}+¼ }z }0A*¼ V`[*¼V ¼} ^ ¼+V¼ *¼*(,} ¼ ^¼¦}^,})0 ¼. z ¼)[*,~+[ ¼ ^¼ ~}*+¼.[[ A*¼ ^z[^ })0¼[Z} ~ }z }0¼ } ¼+. z[¼)[(,[*+[ ¼ }¼Z[[+ ^ ¼. + ¼ }^¼}^ ¼

}~Z}^¼+ *¼.[[ ¼ ^¼V) [)¼+V¼ *z,**¼+ [ )¼ ¼[)[^z[* ¼ ,+¼ + [¼ zV+¼)[-[}~[ ¼+ [¼ }~}0* }^¼ } ¼+,)^[ ¼+ [Z¼ V.^ [¼)[ ,*[ ¼+V¼*+[`¼ V.^¼ V.[-[)¼ ,+¼ +¼~VV [ ¼~ [¼ + [¼}/[¼.V,~ ¼ }~~¼} +[)¼~}*+¼ }+,) }0A*¼5¾3¼ [ [}+¼+V¼ -[)`VV~¼}+¼ ^ ¼[~ ¼,^+ ~¼+ [¼ )[`) [-[¼. z ¼.}*¼+V¼`)V-[¼ * V)+~ -[ }z }0 ¼. V¼ }*¼ [[^¼ ~ ^ [ ¼. + ¼+ [¼-}z}^z0¼}+¼ [*+¼ )VZ ¼ } ¼~},^z [ ¼}¼*+},^z ¼ [ [^z[¼V ¼ *¼`[) V)Z}^z[¼}*¼ Z}^} [) ¼. z ¼ }^¼z) + z *[ ¼ ^¼ *¼[Z} ~¼,~+ Z}+,Z ,)* }0A*¼~V**¼~[ +¼+ [¼ ~,[ ) * ¼. V¼,^ [)¼64¾0[})¾ V~ ¼ }z }0¼.V^¼`)VZV+ V^¼+V¼ + [¼+V`¼ ¼ +¼~}*+¼*[}*V^ ¼ ,*+¼ }¼`V ^+¼} V-[¼+ [¼)[~[ }+ V^¼ 1V^[ -[)`VV~¼Z}^} [)¼ )[^ }^¼ V [)*¼*+,z ¼,`¼ V)¼ *¼ ) [^ ¼

}^ ¼[/`)[**[ ¼zV^ ¼ [^z[¼+ }+¼ [¼.V,~ ¼ V,^z[¼ }z ¼ )VZ¼ + *¼)[-[)*[ B [¼ ,0¼ }*¼ -[^¼+ }+¼ z~, ¼*V¼Z,z ¼ [A~~¼ V¼ V.^¼ ^¼ *+V)0¼}*¼+ [¼Z}^} [)¼ +V¼+} [¼+ [Z¼+V¼+ [¼ )[Z [)¼ [} ,[ C¼ V [)*¼+V~ ¼}¼`)[**¼ zV^ [)[^z[ [¼} [ <¼B [A~~¼)[zV-[)¼}^ ¼ zVZ[¼ }z ¼ ¼ + ^ ¼}^ ¼* V.¼ . }+¼}¼ )[}+¼Z}^} [)¼ [¼ * C ZV^ ¼+ V*[¼ ^¼+ [¼ )}Z[¼ +V¼)[`~}z[¼ }z }0¼})[¼ V)Z[)¼ }^z [*+[)¼ ^ +[ ¼*+) [)¼}^ ¼ V~ [¼Z}^} [)¼ ~[¼|,^^})¼ V~ * }[) ¼ -[^¾|V)}^¼¥) **V^¼ }^ ¼ ,) * ¼ V,)^[0Z}^¼ ~Z}1¼ ,)}~ ¥})~ [)¼Q) }0 ¼ ,)}~A*¼} [^+¼ ,11 ¼ 1z}^¼ } ¼+.[[+[ <¼ B [¼*+V)0¼ *¼zVZ ^ ¼+V¼}¼¥^ ¼ ^¼ }~[*¼}^ ¼}¼^[.¼*+V)0¼. ~~¼ [¼ V)^¼ ¼ [¼^[/+¼6¨¼ V,)*¼ . ~~¼ [¼[/`~V* -[=C [^¼^[.*¼V ¼ }z }0A*¼

*}z ^ ¼ )V [ ¼ [¼} [ <¼B [.¼ `} [¼ }*¼ [[^¼+,)^[ ¼V-[)¼}*¼]¼ *} ¼ ¼ * ¼+ [¼ [*+¼ V)¼ C }) ¼¼ }^*¼ }-[¼ [[^¼ }z ^ ¼+ [ )¼^V.¼ V)Z[)¼ Z}^} [)¼. + ¼z }^+*¼V ¼B V^A+¼ *}z ¼ }~ 0¼ }z }0C¼ [}) ¼ }ZV^ ¼+ [¼ VZ[¼*,``V)+¼V^¼ ,)* }0 }z }0¼ *¼+ [¼* /+ ¼ )[Z [)¼ [} ,[¼Z}^} [)¼+V¼~[}-[¼ *¼ V ¼+ *¼*[}*V^ ¼ *¼ *Z **}~¼ V~~V. ^ ¼+ V*[¼V ¼ ^ )[¼ ~~}*¾ V}*¼> V ¼[^ }Z? ¼ +[-[¼ ~}) [¼> [*+¼ )VZ? ¼ })+ ^¼ ¦V~¼>Q,~ }Z? ¼]}^¼ V~~V.}0¼ > )0*+}~¼ }~}z[? ¼}^ ¼ }V~V¼ ¼ }^ V¼> ,^ [)~}^ ? }z }0¼~[}-[*¼ *¼`V*+¼ }- ^ ¼ , [ ¼ }) ¼¼+V¼+ [¼ [} ,[¼ ,`¼ ¼^}~¼ ^¼4234¼}^ ¼ + [¼ }Z` V^* `¼+ +~[¼ ^¼4235 [0¼~ [¼37+ ¼ ^¼+ [¼ )[Z [)¼ [} ,[ ¼V^[¼`V ^+¼} V-[¼+ [¼ )[~[ }+ V^¼1V^[

Saturday Newswatch www.mydailynewswatchng.com

-Tradition built on Truth

Vol. 01, No. 50

Saturday, December 28, 2013

N200

Nigeria and year 2013 I

n a matter of days, we shall be saying bye-bye to year 2013. Some will be glad to see 2013 pass by, while others may be reluctant to let the year come to an end. For example, those that have not exhausted their budgets in the MDAs may be working day and night to see that all the votes for 2013 are completely exhausted. In fact, they may be wishing that somehow, the only Saturday and Sunday left in this year be converted to working days. But today is already the last Saturday and so this year must come to an end next Tuesday, 31st December, whatever may be our wishes. That is the painful or joyful reality. For us as a nation, I am not sure on which side of the pendulum we would want to swing should we be given the choice. That is, has 2013 been a good year or a bad one? Knowing Nigeria and Nigerians the little I do, I can bet my last buck that we can never come to a unanimous decision on this. But perhaps to help us make up our minds - that is if we needed any hard evidence to persuade us one way or the other - I will wish to review what I call ‘Positive’ and ‘Negative’ developments in our country in 2013. NOTABLE POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS 1. Privatisation of the Power Sector For nearly 12 years we heard of the unbundling of NEPA; we talked of and argued on the merits of privatising the power sector; we heard unending stories of building one power station after the other, but in 2013, that story came to a ! # The generating plants (old and new) and the distribution companies have all been successfully privatised. And I have been hearing stories that things are already changing. Indeed, I am experiencing the change even in my remote town in Arochukwu, Abia State, as I spend my Christmas holidays with my folks. The lights are still going out but they return sooner than in the past, signifying that somebody must be concerned about revenue loss. I am con# 2. The Trains are running again The resumption of train services again on the Western line from Lagos to Kano is a cheering news for 2013. They are still slow and untidy but the trains are running, & we await the resumption of the Eastern line, I will like to think that the rehabilitation of the rail ways is one good business done in 2013.

was in the air that a-10 or is it 12-lane road, was going to be constructed out of the old % / nies but real work never begun, perhaps due to some reasons, which we may never know. But thank God Julius Berger has mobilised to site and those of us who use that road often can see a ray of hope. I pray that appropriate settlement is reached with the former concessionaire to show up our country as law-abiding. 5. Our soccer is back on track 2013 must go down in history as one of our best years in soccer. Nigeria has not had it so good in a long time. We won the Cup of Nations to become African Champions; then our Golden Eaglets won the Under 17 World Cup and then § # ' # in Brazil. We should salute our football administrators that they have done Nigeria proud. Stephen Keshi and the tribe of local coaches have proven that we are indeed a soccer nation. 6. The Mega Party becomes a reality For so long, every attempt to build another national political party that will rival the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had failed, mostly due to the inability of the initiators to subordinate their personal ambitions. But in 2013, the impossible happened. Now Nigerians have two fairly broad-based, national parties that will give the citizens fair choices and that will hopefully stimulate better governance. 7. And Ikemba Nnewi buried as national hero The way Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the Commander-in-Chief of the defunct Biafran Armed Forces was honoured at death by the Federal and State governments gave a clear indication of the full # the Nigerian civil war to a permanent _ # tion of total forgiveness and restitution, and that took the unity of Nigeria to a higher notch. NOTABLE NEGATIVE DEVELOPMENTS 1. Boko Haram still harassing Nigerians When the emergency rule was instituted in the states of the North East of

3. Finally, work has started on the Second Niger Bridge The story of a Second Niger Bridge has begun to sound like the fables concerning Tortoise, king of the animal kingdom. Some blamed it on politics; others blamed it on economics. Whatever may have been the case, it is refreshing to see that action has started. A concessionaire - Julius Berger - has been appointed and it has started preliminary works, I am told. 4. Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Though I had some sympathy for Bicourtney - and I am still not certain that the concessioning contract was terminated in a clean manner - I am nevertheless delighted to see work begin on that vital national artery. For many years, the story

The reactivated train service

WORDS ON MARBLE There is nothing worse for mortals than a wandering life.– Homer, 9th Century BC Greek Poet

Entrepreneurial Paradigm Sam

Ohuabunwa

(OFR)

samohuabunwa@gmail.com the country earlier in 2013, we had hopes that we were soon to see the end of this cohesion. But many Nigerians became disillusioned when, in spite of the massive military deployment and expenditure, the attacks and harassment continued. What is more disturbing is that these guys became more ambitious and are able to strike such ‘highly defended and protected’ targets like the Maiduguri International Airport and military barracks. Though we seem to have halted their advance and incursion towards the South, they are still unleashing mayhem in Borno and Yobe states. Can we try something stronger than emergency rule? 2. And the Oil Thieves are prospering The lamentation about the increasing oil theft seems to have increased in 2013. Indeed, the damage to our national economy

#

Minister of Finance and the Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy blamed the shortfall in our revenue projections for 2013 to oil theft. Nigerians are openly wondering what our Navy and other forces are up to. If they cannot dislodge ‘mere’ oil thieves, what is our hope when there is a military invasion of Nigeria?

Minister of Finance and the Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy blamed the shortfall in our revenue projections for 2013 on oil theft. Nigerians are openly wondering what our Navy and other forces are up to. If they cannot dislodge ‘mere’ oil thieves, what is our hope when there is a military invasion of Nigeria? 3. The apparent lack of action on the PIB is reducing investment in oil and gas in a frightening manner. After all the hopes that were raised by all the numerous committees set up by the Petroleum Resources Minister, we are ending 2013 with no one actually sure if the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) is alive or dead. The International Oil Compa [4 ' ] or cutting back on new investments and new developments, and it seems to me that neither the ministry nor the National Assembly is perturbed. But why I am so perturbed myself that I have constantly raised this frightening development in many of my recent commentaries, is that I can no longer understand. 4. The political rofo-rofo in the Governors’ Forum The Nigeria Governors’ Forum did more harm to Nigeria’s image than many 419s in 2013. That 36 governors could not agree on who won the election to become the chairman of the forum left me bewildered. The self confession by some of outright deceit and duplicity during the voting made me weep. Where has honour gone in our 2 ers? What are they teaching the younger generation and lowly in the society? If gold can easily rust, what will happen to iron? 5. The (un) Presidential letters from godfather to god-son While some of my friends feel that these % thing, mostly because the situation is entertaining, I think otherwise. For me, it portends bad omen. This is not the way to do things. What is bad is bad and anything that will threaten national unity must not be encouraged. Things are tough in our nation, but so are they tough in other nations including the bastion of democracy - America. They have attempted to fall shut down their government for weeks, yet there is no internal threat to national security. Every action must be weighed by our leaders (past, present and future) before they are taken. We do not want any interruptions to our orderly political development. After all, even after 19 years of unbroken military rule, we still had so much to complain about, that is, if we were # & The government in power must be encouraged to do better; and we do not have any guarantee that any future government will perform miracles, not if they are constituted of Nigerian politicians, most of whom can change their skin’s pigmentation like chameleons. < # nesses but for me, 2013 was a good year. But I am looking forward to a better 2014. Happy New Year in advance, Nigerians. God bless!

Printed and Published by NEWSWATCH NEWSPAPERS LTD., 159/161, Broad Street, Lagos. 0709-850-4488 (Newsroom) NICON HOUSE, 1st & 3rd Floors, Central Business District, Abuja. 0709-882-1624. !" #$!! % PATRICK ASONYE

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