aily Times NG Since 1926
www.dailytimes.com.ng JULY 28 - AUGUST 03, 2014
INSIDE: How I Know When to Run During Racing Competitions - Deaf Athlete Pg.17 | Don’t Cry For Nyako Pg. 8
Cover Interview
Men Fantasise About My Body A Lot Talking about who is controversial in Nollywood, Cossy Orjiakor falls among the number. Cossy is hot and she knows it! Flaunting her good and sizable boobs which has been a form of controversy over the years, is also her joy. In this chat, she speaks on growing up, career and controversies surrounding her person amongst other issues. Read on...
- Cossy Orjiakor
by Opeoluwa Akintayo a.opeoluwani@folioholdingsgroup.com
What have you been up to lately? Lately, I have been thankful to God for all the things he has done in my life. What did God do? Hmmmn, like giving us the opportunity to be alive, having good food on the table and those simple things we always forget to thank Him for. Did you ever enjoy your childhood? Yes sure, why not? My parents were okay and they took care of us very well. Growing up was fun and good. I am the eldest of my mother's children so, it meant I had siblings who are looking up to me as a role model. All I can say is that I have the best parents and good siblings too. If asked to describe yourself, what would you say? I can't really describe who I am Why? Because I am a deep person. What were your parents' reactions when you told them you were going into entertainment?
Boko Haram Cannot Succeed In Lagos - Leke Pitan Dr. Leke Pitan is no stranger to public service. A two time commissioner in Lagos state and currently aspiring for the office of the Governor of Lagos State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), spoke to Ugochukwu Onyeocha, on a couple of critical national issues and his aspirations for the people of Lagos state.
While growing up, my dad actually bought a grand piano for my mum, so we all played around with it. He has always encouraged me to be true to myself. But you are barely established in the movie industry, why jump into music? I have always loved music. My mum had a BSc. in music from the University of Nigeria when I was
What prompted your foray into public service? For me politics is something that I can say is in the blood. My father was a five time Councillor. Twice in Epe division, twice in Lagos Island and he also served as a ward chairman. Also as a child, my father
instilled in me that the essence of living is to serve humanity. He felt so strongly about it and that was one of the major reasons I went into medicine. I had wanted to be a Lawyer but he felt that doing medicine was better as it would make me serve the ordinary people better. Continued on Pg.8
Continued on Pg.2
A Home For The Homeless In The Slum
Man Hangs Self After Phone Theft Confession
When Ebola Virus Goes Viral
People Pg.12
Metro (Abuja) Pg.21
Health Pg.15
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cover story contd. in Maraba and a special plate number jeep, plus loads of other things. It's not like I'm boasting but, I work hard a lot. There was a time you lamented on twitter that your tenants refused to pay their rent. Have they paid now? Not yet. I need to go to court to enforce it but I'm grateful to God that I have a house and don't have to go through what they are
Men Fantasise About My Body A Lot- Cossy younger. She used to sing and dress up in cute attires and hand gloves and all. I kind of liked it. So she made me love music. You haven't been doing a lot of movies these days? I have been into lots of stuff that have nothing to do with movies. I've been very busy with music and other things. Okay but why do you ignore negative things people say about you. Don't you care? I do actually care about what people say about me, but I don't care about what biased people say about me. Do you think you are a l w a y s b e i n g misunderstood by the media? No, not really. I'm very down to earth, I don't pretend. I'm as real as they come. How do you feel when you read or hear false stories about you? I take them as one of those
things. Then if the person peddling the false story is worth it, I reply and clarify things. If the person is not worth it, I ignore it. Why do you think people, especially ladies lash at you a lot. Do you think they envy you? I don't know why I am the t a r g e t o f e v e r y b o d y. Before now, I used to think that some of the female folks might not like me or get envious of me because of my boobs, but over time I have come to believe that no one has any reason to dislike me because of my body part. Envious ladies don't need to hate me anymore because they can also get themselves large boobs or buy them as it is now being made easy. But why some men now decide to use the fact that my boobs are big and I act to tarnish my image is something I don't just understand. Maybe they say that because they think you're not a good actress so you use that as a
cover up I'm a complete entertainer unlike what many believe. I sing, act and also dance but people would continue to say that I'm not a good actress. All I tell them is that if I'm not a good actress, why are things going well for me? If I'm not as good like they claim, why are people talking and going nuts about something I did nine years ago? Why is it that everyone wants to write a b o u t m e ev e n w h e n some of these things are false? My music career would soon become another thing people would talk about because I'm working really hard on it. You must have laid your hands on a lot of money in the industry. I live in my house in Lekki with my family. I also have landed property in Abuja and Aba. I have landed property of over N20million, 1.2 hectares of land in Kuje, Abuja, a plot
going through. I'm even impressed that you could think of owning your own house when many entertainers lavish their money irresponsibly. Di you build those houses or you bought it? Yeah. Lots of artistes want to impress. They travel a lot and spend their money trying to please others. I'm not the type that travels a lot because the last time I went to South Africa, I stayed in a hotel for months. The expenses I incurred are enough to make life easy. I have this girlfriend. She's yet to complete her house and always cry out for money, yet she travels out of the country three times a year to go and look for money. I really don't know how to make money in Nigeria rather I spend. As per my house, I built it myself. But when I first started, the engineer I employed duped me because he didn't employ good construction companies and he collected the money from me. So I will advise any person who wants to build a house not to use engineers. They should rather make out time or
send someone they trust to make purchases. I learnt the hard way but God has been good. So you travelled to South Africa and stayed in a hotel for one month. That was a lot of money you spent there but I'm sure what you went for was worth it Hmmn. I went there to shoot a video but I didn't get to promote it though. I lost the hard copy of the video but it's okay. I will never travel out except for a job or an all expense trip from a good friend. What video was that you shot and why didn't you contact the producer to get another copy? It's a musical video. I shot it in South Africa and it was even aired on Good Morning Africa and Africa Awake. I also lost all the contacts so I couldn't retrieve the video. It was very painful and an experience I don't want to talk about. Yo u w e re re c e n t l y robbed. Tell us about your experience with the robbers It was a bad day. I was driving along Orile Coker on the 7th of April and I just saw these guys come near my car. They held guns but I don't know if they had bullets in them or were empty. They asked me to wind down but when I refused, they just broke my side glass. Before I knew what was happening, they grabbed my two phones and perfume and fled. I had minor cuts on my arms and legs which I had to go treat at the hospital but I'm fine now. Why did you go topless just to show solidarity More on pg.19
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news Again, Sultan Begs Bombers To Sheath Sword by Lara Adejoro l.adejoro@folioholdingsgroup.com
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, Sunday called on perpetrators of bomb blasts in the North to sheath their swords and desist from such obnoxious acts. The Sultan made the call in a message to Muslim ummah in his palace in Sokoto, adding that political leaders in the country should endeavour to govern with the fear of God and fairness to Nigerians. The monarch noted that the people of the North were in great difficulty as a result of the insurgency and pleaded with the insurgents to fear God and refrain from perpetrating such ungodly acts. He maintained that Islam abhors the killing of innocent citizens and as such it was high time for the insurgents to stop the wanton killings in the North.
Delta: Olejeme Is Unstoppable – Ika Elders
these insurgents to stop this violence or may He expose them if they continue with this ungodly acts," the monarch stated.
by Joy Ekeke j.ekeke@folioholdingsgroup.com
Ika Elders on Sunday 27th July urged the people to look at Dr. Ngozi Olejeme's governorship aspiration on its own merit. “Olejeme has our blessings and will lead Delta State t o w a r d s development” In a statement issued in Agbor by the leader of Ika Elders Forum, Pa Kingsley Nkenchor, the forum described Olejeme as “a sincere politician that can reposition Delta State. “Olejeme has soft spot for the poor. She has capacity to reshape the destiny of Delta State. She is brilliant, urbane and humble”. The forum insisted that Olejeme has what it takes to effectivel y govern the state. “As a politician, she excellently explains points and issues about the future of the state. Her use of language says much about her knowledge
Alhaji Abubakar III however called for a collective responsibility to assist security agencies with useful information to curb terrorism in the country. The monarch to this end, charged the Muslim ummah to imbibe the lessons learnt during the Ramadan fast and should endeavour to seek knowledge. "The Muslim ummah should live their lives in accordance with Islamic injunctions and should seek knowledge and use it for the benefit of mankind,"he advised. While congratulating Muslims on the Eid-il- Fitr festival, the Sultan urged them to pray fervently for God's intervention for peace to reign in the country.
"The North is in a precarious situation while the people are in great difficulty especially in Borno and some parts of the North-east. So, I am appealing to the perpetrators of this bomb blasts to fear God and desist forthwith. "May God touch the heart of
Daily Times
of development and the way forward for the state” the elders said. “There is also no god father or whatsoever breathing down her neck” the elders added. Similarly, Ukwuani Leaders on Sunday described Dr. Ngozi as a g re a t s o u rc e o f inspiration. “What is at stake in Delta State is to support the right person who will bring about overall development in the state. Dr. Ngozi Olejeme will develop Delta State on all fronts. She will ensure that the people get the benefits of development. She will p r e p a r e a comprehensive plan for various sections” Leader of Ukwuani Think Tank, Engineer George Ilome told journalists on Sunday. Rising from an emergency meeting in Ogume, the leaders commended Dr. Olejeme for her contribution to the
progress of the people. “At this time when a new direction is needed for the state, D r . O l e j e m e possesses the experience, vision, political wisdom, courage and humility needed for the important task”. The leaders commended Dr. Olejeme for her impartiality and benevolence to all, stressing her achievements in the public sector. They urged the people to support her. “Dr. Ngozi Olejeme is a team player and will build a strong bridge o f p ro s p e r i t y a n d dignity for Delta State. They appealed to PDP leaders in the various levels to work with Dr. Olejeme in view of ensuring victory for the party in 2015. “We believe that supporting Olejeme is in the best interest of Delta State and the people”
e-Newspaper Team
JULY 28 - AUGUST 03, 2014
Mr. Fidelis Anosike Publisher/Chairman Gabriella Osamor Tunji Makanjuola
Managing Editor Science & Tech
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World & Africa News
Assistant Editor
Ugochukwu Onyeocha Politics & Business
Opeoluwani Akintayo Leisure, Entertainment, People Iyanu Oni-Orisan
Group Managing Director
Joy Okeke
Sodiq Adekunle Sports Metro
Mr. Semiu Makanjuola
Managing Director
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Copy Editor
Lara Adejoro Metro & Health Adesola Akindele Arts & Culture
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news Bloodbath As Nigerians Celebrate Sallah …Many killed, Several Injured
by Lara Adejoro & Joy Ekeke l.adejoro@folioholdingsgroup.com
The bloodbath continued in some northern parts of Nigeria Sunday, July 27th even as Nigerians joined the rest of the world to celebrate the Eid-el- Fitri as unknown gunmen suspected to be the dreaded Boko Haram sect unleashed terror in Kano and Adamawa states. The police in Kano on Sunday morning, uncovered a massive bomb planted at Isyiaku Rabiu mosque where hundreds of worshippers
are billed to observe Eid prayers. According to security sources, the high calibre improvised explosive device was primed in a tinted vehicle and strategically parked within the premises of the mosque that also served as an Eid praying ground. Also, many were feared dead during a bomb explosion after a Sunday mass service at St Charles Catholic Church, No Man's Land in Kano. The police also confirming the report said five people were killed while eight
others were injured in the blast. Police spokesman, Frank Mba said that the bomb w a s “p ro b a b l y a n I E D ( i m p rov i s e d ex p l o s i v e device) thrown from across the street” at the Saint Charles Catholic Church in Kano's Sabon Gari district, which has suffered previous attacks by the Islamist group Boko Haram. Also speaking, the Kano Commissioner of police, Adelenre Shinaba told newsmen that, the blast killed a soldier, a toddler and 3 others. The Commissioner disclosed that 8 other worshippers sustained various degree of injury during the attack. The police boss also revealed that a 15 year old female suicide bomber blew up herself at a police nipping point leaving 5 personnel injured. Mr. Shinaba said that the incident occurred at Gidan Murtala by Kofar
Nassarawa overhead bridge around 1.00pm, adding that 4 of the affected officers have been treated and discharged. “A female suicide bomber was isolated as she was walking towards the gate of the university,” said police spokesman, Frank Mba, adding that she had hidden the bomb under her “long black hijab.” “Police on duty isolated her ” because she was behaving strangely, Mba said. They were about to ask a woman colleague to frisk the woman when she detonated the bomb, killing herself and injuring the five police officers, he said.
Adamawa: 30 Killed in Fresh Boko Haram Attack No fewer than 30 persons have been reportedly killed by unknown gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect in
some communities of Hong Local government Area in Adamawa state. An eyewitness account said that, the unknown gunmen attacked the communities on Sunday morning . Daily Times learnt that, as a result of the attacks, the village head of Zar community, a retired wing commander, Dauda Daniel, is still missing. Some relatives of Daniel said the community leader is yet to be found. There are concerns that he may have been abducted by the gunmen. The worst affected community is Mubeng, where it was gathered that 20 persons were reportedly killed by the gunmen. The figure of those killed in Lube was yet to be ascertained, according to one of the villagers who fled the community as a result of the attacks.
El-Zakzaky: Army Debunks Extra-Judicial Killings by Lara Adejoro l.adejoro@folioholdingsgroup.com
The Nigerian Army has debunked the claims by the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, otherwise known as Shiite, Sheikh Ibraheem ElZazzaky, that some members of his Sect,
including his three sons who died during the exchange of gunfire with soldiers last Friday were killed extra-judicially. T h e D i re c t o r o f A r m y Public Relations (DAPR), Brig-Gen. Olajide Laleye who made the clarification on Sunday in a text
message denied the claims that members of the El-Zarkzaky group were taken away alive to some locations where they were later executed. "It's wrong, it's false, it's not true. On the contrary, they are the ones that arrested two of my
soldiers, took them to their Camp and brutalised and later set them free. "All those things being reflected in the media is not true. The deaths recorded was the one that occurred during the exchange of fire in self defence".
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african news
UN Says S’ Sudan Will Experience Another Famine After so much war in S Sudan the people have been left devastated, in the midst of that the UN aid chiefs have begged donors to increase efforts amidst a looming famine in South Sudan, where a third of the population are in crisis after months of war. Nearly a million children aged under five might face acute malnutrition, the World Food Programme (WFP) and UN children's agency UNICEF said in a joint statement released late on Friday, after their top directors visited the nation. "They fear the world is
allowing a repeat of what occurred in Somalia and the Horn of Africa just three years ago; when early warnings of extreme hunger and escalating malnutrition went largely unheeded until official famine levels were announced," the statement read. Without swift action, 50,000 children could die from malnutrition this year, they added. "The world should not wait for a famine to be announced while children here are dying each and every day," UNICEF director Anthony Lake told
the AFP news agency. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said aid agencies in the northern town of Leer were treating more than 1,000 cases of child malnutrition every month. Before violence broke out in December it was about 40 per month. The UN Security Council said that the food crisis is now the worst in the world, as it called on countries who had pledged $618 million in aid to make good on their promises.
Doctor Dies Treating Ebola Patients Dr Samuel Brisbane, one of Liberia's doctors has died of Ebola, a government official said Sunday, as an American doctor was treated in the West African country after contracting the disease, highlighting the risks facing health workers trying to combat the spread of the deadly virus. Dr. Samuel Brisbane is the first Liberian doctor to die in an outbreak the W o r l d H e a l t h Organization says has killed 129 people in Liberia, and more than 6 7 0 i n s ev e ra l We s t African countries. A Ugandan doctor working in the country died earlier this month. The WHO says the outbreak, the largest ever recorded, has also killed 319 people in Guinea and 224 in Sierra Leone. As of July 23, the total number of cases in the three countries was 1,201, it said.
In Nigeria, officials announced on Friday that a Liberian official died of Ebola after flying from Monrovia to Lagos via Lome, Togo. The case underscored the difficulty of preventing Ebola victims from traveling given weak screening systems and the fact that the initial symptoms of the disease — including fever and sore throat — resemble many other illnesses. Health workers are at serious risk of contracting the disease, which spreads through contact with bodily fluids. Dr. Kent Brantly, an American helping respond to the outbreak in Liberia, is receiving intensive medical treatment there after he was infected with the deadly Ebola virus, a spokeswoman for aid o r g a n i z a t i o n Samaritan's Purse said.
Brantly was in stable condition, talking with his doctors and working on his computer while receiving care, she said. Earlier this year, Brantly was quoted in a posting about the dangers facing health workers trying to contain the disease. A m a n r e a d s a newspaper on a Lagos street with the headline Ebola Virus kills Liberian in Lagos, Sat … "In past Ebola outbreaks, many of the casualties have been health care workers who contracted the disease through their work caring for infected individuals," he said.
Clashes kill 38 in Benghazi
According to reports at least 38 people have been killed in clashes between troops loyal to the Libyan government and Islamist fighters in the city of Benghazi, officials say. The militants attacked troops in the centre of the city, in eastern Libya A week of fighting in the capital Tripoli, near the airport, has left 97 people dead and 404 injured. Militias controlling large parts of the country are behind Libya's worst violence since the 2011
uprising that toppled Col Muammar Gaddafi. On Sunday, France and Germany joined the US and UK in advising their nationals in Libya to leave immediately. O n S a t u rd a y, t h e U S evacuated its embassy in Tripoli, citing a "real risk" because of the fighting. Secretary of State John Kerry says violence in Libya presents a "very real risk" to US embassy staff Turkey has also withdrawn some 700 members of staff from Libya. Earlier this week, the UN also announced it was withdrawing all its staff from Libya. The distribution of armed groups across the country means the weapons are evenly spread out - and most battles achieve little beyond a trail of destruction.
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news
Taliban Kills Civilian And Policeman In a fight a Taliban was shot dead after he killed a civilian and a policeman during an attack on the home of a well-known provincial police chief in southern Afghanistan, according to officials. The six attackers, all of whom were wearing suicide vests, launched Sunday's attack from a school building near General Abdul Razeq's house in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province, but were shot before they could enter the residence, Zia Durani, provincial police spokesman, said. "General Abdul Razeq was in his house at the time of the attack" but was unharmed, Durani said.
Constructors Find Site of Mass Grave Construction workers in Bolivia unearthed a mass grave containing the remains of hundreds of people, likely indigenous miners who died during the Spanish colonial era, a researcher has said. T h e w o r ke r s f o u n d t h e remains this week as they started construction on a n ew b u i l d i n g i n t h e " E l Minero" district of Potosi, located high in the Andes. "We are talking about a common grave found at about 1.8 metres, and the human remains are scattered over an area of four by four metres," said Sergio Fidel, a researcher at a
Q a r i Yo u s e f A h m a d i , Ta l i b a n s p o k e s m a n , claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement sent to the media. The Taliban frequently carries out suicide bombings and other attacks against Afghan and NATO forces. Abdul Razeq is a wellknown police chief and prominent anti-Taliban figure in Kandahar province, and has survived several attacks. In the capital Kabul, meanwhile, hundreds of protesters took to the streets on Sunday in an a n t i - T a l i b a n demonstration organised by activists and civil society groups, with similar protests held in the
northern Balkh and western Herat provinces. The protesters chanted against the recent killing of civilians in Taliban attacks. On Friday Taliban fighters halted three minibuses in the western Ghor province and shot 14 passengers on t h e s i d e o f t h e ro a d , including three women, after identifying them as Hazara Shias. The Taliban, like other Sunni-led groups, view the country's minority Shia community as apostates, and have targeted Hazaras in the past with suicide bombings and other attacks. In another development on Friday, the Taliban's reclusive leader Mullah Mohammad Omar gave
museum belonging to Tomas Frias University on Saturday. In the Spanish colonial era, Potosi became famous for its massive silver and tin reserves, which started to be mined in the 16th century. Local indigenous people, mainly ethnic Aymara, were commonly put to work as both slaves and indentured servants, especially at the famed Cerro Rico (Rich Hill) mountain. The construction workers, who have had no specialised excavation training, said they found the remains of 400 to 500 people and that there might be many more. The university got involved when its staff learned the workers were piling the bones in a massive heap, fully exposed.
warning against signing the agreement in a message released in honour of the Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. "We believe the war in Afghanistan will come to an end when all foreign invaders pull out of Afghanistan and a holy Islamic and independent regime prevails here," the message said. It further said that the presence of even a limited number of foreign troops w o u l d m e a n a "continuation of occupation and the war". Toppled from power by the 2001 US-led invasion, the Taliban soon regrouped as an insurgency battling
NATO troops and Afghan security forces. The US has pressed Afghanistan to agree to a bilateral security pact that would allow thousands of American troops to remain past the end of the year to t ra i n A f g h a n s e c u r i t y forces and assist with counterterrorism operations. Afghan President Hamid Karzai has refused to sign the agreement. The two candidates in last month's disputed presidential run-off have said they will sign the pact, but the final results in the election have been delayed amid allegations of fraud.
Hamas-Israel Fighting Continues After Cease fire Announced After Hamas declared a 24-hour ceasefire, it appears to be stalling, with both Palestinian militants and Israel continuing their offensives. Hamas fired more rockets into Israel, accusing it of failing to abide by the ceasefire. I s ra e l re j e c t e d t h e truce, PM Benjamin Netanyahu saying: "Israel will do what it must do to defend its people". More than 1,030 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and 43 Israeli soldiers and two Israeli civilians have been killed. A Thai national in Israel
has also died. The Gaza health ministry on Sunday revised the number of dead down by 30 after some relatives found missing family members. T h e l a t e s t developments further undermined hopes that Saturday 's humanitarian truce observed by both sides could be extended. However, President Barack Obama phoned Mr Netanyahu on Saturday to urge "an i m m e d i a t e , unconditional humanitarian ceasefire that ends hostilities now". He added that a long-
term solution would have to allow "Palestinians in Gaza to lead normal lives" and "must ensure the disarmament of terrorist groups and the demilitarisation of Gaza". A 12-hour pause on Saturday enabled Gaza residents to gather supplies and retrieve bodies buried under the rubble.
DAILY TIMES NG JULY 2014
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politics power in Adamawa.
Imposed Candidature
Don't Cry for Murtala Nyako by Ugochukwu Onyeocha u.onyeocha@ folioholdingsgroup.com
When the soccer team of Argentina lost the final match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup to the eventual winners Germany on Sunday in Brazil, the song “Don't cry for me A rg e n t i n a” b e c a m e a n instant anthem on the lips of many. However, that song aptly describes the situation that led to the impeachment of Nyako of Adamawa State. The impeachment of Murtala Nyako as governor of Adamawa State is surely one incidence that took long in the coming. For the records, Vice-Admiral (rtd) Murtala Nyako used to be the Governor of Adamawa State and no doubt, his
credentials speak volumes, a former governor of Niger State, one time Chief of Naval Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and also a former Deputy Chief of Defence Staff. All these achievements suggest that Nyako is a man with enough pedigree to occupy the highest echelons of government in Nigeria. However, incidents l e a d i n g t o h i s impeachment last Tuesday showed that he had indeed lost touch with the current happenings in the political space and was not ideal to lead in these climes. Nyako had always been a time bomb waiting to explode and finally the bomb did explode but this time, it couldn't take any casualty to save him and his family from the corridors of
You may recall that during the build up to the 2007 general elections, nine men sought the governorship ticket under the platform of the ruling Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State. T h ey i n c l u d e t h e l a t e President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Pascal Bafyau; Senator Jonathan Zwingina, Alhaji Adamu Moddibo; Alhaji Awwal Tukur (Son of Bamanga Tukur, who was then in the House of Representatives); Mr Joel Madaki; Alhaji Dahiru Bobo; Alhaji Aliyu Kamal and Mr Saibu Kaigama. However due to the disposition of former president, Olusegun O b a s a n j o , w h o desperately needed someone to checkmate the then Vice President Atiku Abubakar at his home state, President Obasanjo brought out Nyako and handed the party's ticket to him and he went on to win the subsequent governorship election. So in essence, Nyako's foray into the A d a m a w a S t a t e Government House also had “K-leg” and if anyone was to be blamed for the impeachment of Nyako, it should be Obasanjo.
The Beginning of His Doom Nyako's many problems did not need to take long before manifesting, in fact, they began shortly after he took over power when he started running what was t h e n d u b b e d a
government of “family and friends." It has often been said that “He whom the gods want to kill, will first be made mad." Nyako might not be the only governor operating the government of family and friends but unfortunately, his case got out of control and he had to pay the price for it. Nyako has four wives who are well educated and accomplished in their respective careers. They are; Hajia Zainab, Dr. Halima, Justice Binta and Hajia Asmau. He could not decide on who should be the first lady and eventually decided that all of them would be given monthly allocations, each to the tune of N50 million. When it was time for him to appoint the state chief judge, Nyako was so power drunk to his own detriment. In 2012, he wanted his wife, Justice Binta to be Chief Judge but was turned down by the National Judicial Commission (NJC). At a time, there was no acting chief judge because he wanted his wife to occupy the position. The last substantive CJ was Justice Bemare Bansi who retired in 2011. At various times, he had different acting CJs: Justice Nathan Musa, Justice Bathimawus Popo Lawi (now late) and Justice Ishaku Banu. Justice Ambrose Mammadi, who set up the panel to i n v e s t i g a t e t h e impeachment allegations against Nyako, did so in acting capacity. In summary, Nyako's plot of making his wife the CJ did garnered him more enemies. As a friend, a CJ
would have helped delay the impeachment plot instead of constituting a committee. In his bid to make his beloved first son succeed him as governor, Nyako began to decimate all the power centers in the state: From former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to Professor Jubril Aminu to Alhaji Bamanga Tukur (who governed the old Gongola State comprising the current Adamawa and Taraba states) to BrigadierGeneral Buba Marwa (rtd) to Boss Mustapha to Boni Haruna to Zwingina and all. However, with the 2012 emergence of Tukur as PDP National chairman, the equation began to change in the state. Another factor that hastened the fall of Nyako from power was the memo which he wrote to Mr President.
Genocide When Nyako wrote his inglorious memo on April 16 to President Jonathan, there was no need to ask who Nyako was speaking for. Among the many ills in that inglorious memo was the fact that Nyako redefined the entity called Nigeria, creating a new country out of it which he referred to as “the North.” He was so passionate about his dear north but got a shocking rebuke from his fellow northern governors at the expanded security meeting with the president and worse still, his party men could not but distance themselves from such positions. Even at the thick of the impeachment drama, the
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politics north neglected all efforts to rescue him.
U n d e r - r a t e d Jonathan Nyako's major problem was the fact that he underrated President Jonathan. When he decided to take the President on publicly, writing a letter to northern governors to accuse Jonathan's government of carrying out a genocide against northerners in the war against terror. His error was that he was not politically strong enough to engage Jonathan in this fight. His various misdeeds had weakened and undermined him at home, and if Jonathan decided to go after him, he had no insurance cover to protect himself. Other governors who
have successfully taken on the president are those who have the backing of their lawmakers. Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State is fully in charge of the state house of assembly and does not h a v e t o f e a r impeachment. Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State has the backing of his lawmakers in his fight with Jonathan. Nyako could not make the same claim. But in Nyako's case, only a hand full of lawmakers followed him to APC and they soon returned to PDP. Even his deputy, Bala James Ngilari, remained in the PDP. For someone who wanted to confront the President, his backbone was quite weak.
Final Straw The proverbial straw that
broke the camel's back for Nyako was the recent APC Congresses in the state and the local government elections in which he imposed his men, sidelining all the other political gladiators, in the bid to put his son in a pole position to secure the p a r t y 's g u b e r n a t o r i a l ticket. Curiously, it did not occur to Nyako that he needed to have members of the State House of Assembly on his side. That is why all the theories being propounded by the APC leaders about the president begs the issue. That 18 of the 25 lawmakers in the State would be opposed to him says so much about the kind of government Nyako was running. Although many have continued to finger
President Jonathan as the architect behind Nyako's impeachment, the fact remains that Nyako lost his job because he ran A d a m a w a S t a t e Government like an extension of his business empire with his four wives as “executive directors” and his first son as the “chief operating officer”. Nyako had so built a community of enemies including the people he did govern to the point that there was no single case of unrest days after his impeachment and the implication of this remains that people had lost confidence in him and were glad to see him go despite what his party may feel. We are living witnesses to the Nasarawa debacle and have seen how the people have responded. That did
not occur in Adamawa. Adamawa has presented a political logjam for the nation with this i m p e a c h m e n t . A n ew gubernatorial election has to be conducted within 90 days in a state that has been battling with a serious security challenge aside the legal issues that have been thrown up and may end in court.
Boko Haram Cannot Succeed in Lagos - Leke Pitan continued from pg.1
I am not saying that the only way to serve humanity was by being a doctor; that was my father's idea. He felt so strongly about serving humanity so much so that he would always tell us that our sleeping and waking up is because God is preserving us alive so we could continue to be of good service to people. So for me service to humanity became a motto for me in life. This explains why during my service as a commissioner, all the programmes I initiated were populist mass
oriented programmes. I had the Blindness Prevention Programme, Free Eye Screening, Free Eye Glasses, Free Eye Surgery, Cataract Surgery and Free Corneal Transplant to the eyes a m o n g o t h e r programmes. The first and only place it was done in Nigeria, I championed it. There was also the Free Open heart surgery among others Considering your interest in the service of humanity and because you are also a medical doctor, how would you describe the ongoing
strike action by the Nigerian Medical Association, would you say that service to humanity is of any priority in this case? The strike action is not a new issue to the authorities. The issues have become a ding dong affair with the medical doctors on one side and the other health workers on the other. Anytime the request of the doctors are granted, the other health professionals would also come up with one demand or the other and threaten to go on strike too. This means that the
government needs to get creative in finding a lasting solution to the situation; otherwise it would continue to go on and on It is important for Government to get creative here. For instance, there is need for government to call for a health summit where
all parties will seat together and discuss and arrive at a logical and lasting solution. The issue must then be discussed between both parties to find out how both parties can be addressed simultaneously without any party going on strike when the needs of the other has been met. Maybe, the
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politics government should start thinking of pulling out the unions from the civil service. There is need to create a totally different environment for the health sector. It is also good to remember that both the private and public health sectors are all health sectors and should not be discriminated a g a i n s t . G ov e r n m e n t should start seeing the private health sector as people who are trying or attempting to help the government do its job where potentials and resources are maximised for the people. You will find out that if these steps are taken, these issues will disappear. If the government calls the private hospitals and tell them; look, my people would be coming from your hospitals, we need your charges to effect payment. You will discover that the flow will be steady as long as every treatment is thoroughly vetted and payment made. Also, this will help to erase the issue of who is frowning on who is being called a consultant and who is not. Recently, there was a suspected bomb explosion in Apapa and the Boko Haram Kingpin, Abubakar Shekau claimed responsibility for that, what is your reaction on this as it relates to the security of Lagos state, would you say we are safe? Lagos is easy to police. Yes, in comparison to other areas that has vast land mass. If you have a vast area and few people, it is most likely to always get
attacks from criminals because there are several routes to escape. But once it is a small but populated area, it is easy to know one another. The cameras would also aid in monitoring happenings. Once we can insist that ev e r y b o d y d o e s fi n g e r printing, it will be easy to track down anyone. Once this is operation in private or public primary schools, no one would be able to pick any child without his parents coming for the child. Even the street boys or area boys must also do finger printing. The traders a l w a y s d o t h e i r environmental on Thursdays; we will ensure that everyone does finger printing by force.
“Lagos is easy to police....If you have a vast area and few people, it is most likely to always get attacks from criminals.... The roads that lead in and to exit Lagos are known. I'm sure you can't count fifty roads that go in and out of Lagos state. For instance, we have Ikorodu, Badagry, Epe, and Agbara; these roads are known. Since these roads are known, you can man them with security personnel, place cameras in the nooks and crannies, and get helicopters to do surveillance. How long would it take helicopters to do scramble in Lagos? Four helicopters are enough to hover and
report in conjunction with the mounted cameras. Even in the undeveloped areas like Epe that still have a bit of land, people do not even go there to commit crime. It is a different matter when you are saying that you want to do surveillance for the entire southern part of Nigeria but Lagos is easier. You don't even have to buy them; there are helicopters in Lagos that are looking for jobs. It is just to call them and say instead of wasting on the grounds idle, two of you can criss- cross the town together today while another two would do tomorrow. A radio message is sent once there is any report of t ro u b l e a n y w h e re a n d within minutes the helicopter will get there. Once the cameras pick on any trouble and send send messages to the surveillance and patrol, the criminal knows that it is going to be uneasy for him to escape so he would not think of doing anything stupid.
recommendations, nine w o u l d n o t b e w ro n g . M a j o r i t y o f t h e recommendations would surely be in the positive direction if implemented and that for me is a good thing.
We can borrow to put these things in place and pay along the line because if Lagos is not secure, there's no way of escaping a failed state status in Nigeria. Lagos remains the commercial bedrock of this country and if it is not secure, it spells doom for the nation. Also, there must be honesty of purpose in ensuring its safety.
The only problem I have with the conference is the expenditure. The amount of money that is being spent in its preparation is too much. This is something I expected that everybody going there would see as an opportunity to serve and see it as service to our fatherland. I expected that the allowance would cover the cost of feeding and accommodation and nothing more.
What do you have to say about the National Conference? I believe that the conference would surely serve its purpose if the recommendations will be implemented. One thing I'm sure of is if there are 10
However, paying each delegate a minimum of four million naira monthly is a sheer waste of the nation's resources. The cost is really on the high side. We are complaining of the cost of running the national assembly and
now this. I welcome the conference but the cost of running it is too much. It is sending a wrong signal to the entire populace who would now see service as an opportunity to take their share of the national cake. Do you consider the PDP a threat to APC following the Ekiti elections? Yes, they are a threat. I'm not going to be naive because the threat is real but it is now for us in the APC to put our house in order to ensure that we prevent the Ekiti experience from replaying. The threat is real and we must ensure that we are ready to ward them off from encroaching on our territory. Whether we say that they rigged or won fairly, the important thing for us is to tighten our belt. To that extent, I won't subscribe that we overlook the threat but we must put our house in order and take it seriously.
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business Pains as Traders Groan Under Harsh Conditions in Popular
Suru-Alaba Market by Ugochukwu Onyeocha u.onyeocha@folioholdingsgroup.com
The late Fela Anikulapo Kuti must have seen deep into the future of Nigeria when he wrote and performed the monster hit song “Suffering and Smiling”. As a child many would have sang that song without pondering on the meaning of the song as it relates to the everyday experience of the average Nigerian. Indeed that song aptly captures the everyday lifestyle of the average Nigerian. A lot of people wake up to the realisation of the deteriorating situations in the country but people still carry on in pretence with a holy smirk on their faces saying “It is well”. The famous Suru-Alaba market located along the ever busy Lagos-Badagry holds a lot of fond memories to everyone who grew up to know the market. “I can vividly remember walking side by side with my mum to pick up items from the market every Saturday and despite my i n i t i a l p ro t e s t s i n n o t wanting to accompany her to the market because of
my impatience in the way she prices commodities, I always relished such trips because of the busy nature of the market and the happy disposition of the traders mostly our dearest customer popularly known as “Nwanyi Ngwa” recalls one of the old time patron of the market. Well, it seems that the ever happy disposition of the traders in Suru-Alaba may now be a thing of the past as a result of the demolition rumour being carried around. Most of the traders now live in perpetual fear over rumours that the market which helps most traders put food on their tables maybe demolished by the authorities. These rumours coupled with other factors like excess levying by market leaders and agents of the state and high handedness by market leaders is a source of concern for the traders. A recent visit to the market showed that all was not well as it seemed. Despite the recent changes observed at the entry point
of the market like the fencing project and the o n g o i n g s h o p s construction in the market, many traders seemed to have lost their smile and politeness in trading there. Daily Times’ investigations showed that all was not well in the once peaceful and thriving market despite the influx of passengers which seemed to suggest otherwise. For Ejike Okoro, a curtain seller in the market, business is no longer favourable due to the harsh conditions of trading there. He lamented on the constant levies imposed on the traders by the leaders of the market which makes it difficult for the traders to even see the benefits of their daily efforts in the market. “How can one be happy when one does not even make any profit on sales? We pay all kind of levy everyday and yet we cannot point to anything that these levy we pay go into. It is really a sorry situation for every one of us here,” he said. Another trader, a fish seller
popularly called Mama Oghale, at the Suru-Alaba bus stop, shared her own experience in a brief chat with our correspondent. She said “despite having no shop in the market, I pay different levies to the various groups from the market, local government and many others. At the end of the day, there is virtually no profit to take home and there are children at home to feed, fees to be paid and many other things to do. The most painful aspect of the whole situation is the fact that the government that is supposed to protect us as citizens are the ones directly and indirectly punishing us. To d a y i t i s L AW M A , tomorrow it is one form of task-force, next is market leaders, then KAI. The list is just endless and one begins to wonder who really empowered all these groups and if they really make submissions to the government or it ends in their private pockets.” Efforts to get the leaders of the market to address the complaints of the traders
were unsuccessful as no one was willing to speak on the issue with the correspondent. The leaders have on several occasions been reported to higher authorities including the state government as the traders can no longer continue to suffer and smile while some group of persons get fat on their sweat It would be recalled that some time ago, there was a peaceful demonstration and protest by the traders who stormed the Lagos State Secretariat in Alausa, to protest against what they described as continuous extortion including threat to close down the market for reconstruction. The traders made up mostly of women who came in their hundreds arrived at Alausa in six Coaster buses chanting solidarity songs and calling on the Lagos State government to rescue them from continuous extortion by their market leaders who are feeding fat
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business unthinkable price for the shops at the end of the construction so that we would eventually leave if we are not able to afford the price. That is what they are doing gradually. We have protested but our protest is not getting us anywhere because they are more powerful than we are,” he said. To further buttress his point, he stated that the demolition of some shops by the officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and the Lagos State Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offence (Enforcement) Unit in the market was targeted at traders of other tribes. on them through collection markets in the state by of one illegal levy or the refusing the union heads to be part of any meeting held. other. He accused the leaders of They claimed the market conducting meetings in leaders, otherwise known secret and refusing to brief as members of Suru-Alaba us or carry the traders Market Committee were a l o n g o n i m p o r t a n t not carrying the trade union decisions that affect them along in the course of and the market in general. attending meetings and Ironically, it was pointed out m a k i n g d e c i s i o n s a s that sixty percent of these s t i p u l a t e d i n t h e i r leaders are not traders. They just come to the constitution. market and sit under a The spokesman of the canopy throughout the day traders, Mr Albert Ezenwa, c o l l e c t i n g l e v i e s a n d while speaking to newsmen conducting themselves as of behalf of the protesting emperors. traders accused the market leaders otherwise known as H e s a i d l a s t y e a r , t h e members of Suru-Alaba leaders tasked the fifty-six Market Committee for not u n i o n s i n t h e m a r k e t adhering to the rules which N 1 0 , 0 0 0 e a c h w h i c h stipulates that all heads of a m o u n t t o a t o t a l o f union members of the N560,000 to be used to m a r k e t a r e a u t o m a t i c purchase New Year gift for members of Suru-Alaba government officials they Market Committee and did not know. He added s h o u l d b e p a r t o f a n y that their refusal to pay the money because it was on meeting process. the high side led to the He went on further to reveal leaders inviting officials of that the market leaders on Kick Against Indiscipline a s s u m p t i o n o f o ffi c e (KAI) to close the market for violated the rules governing a whole week on a framed
environment hazard. “Many of us, mostly those selling perishable goods lost thousands of Naira as our goods got spoilt in the process. “Besides the millions of Naira lost for forcing us to stay out of our business place for a whole week, they were insisting we pay N10, 000 illegal levies for New Year gift and later came up with another obnoxious demand that we should come and pay them N2.5m which they paid to KAI for re-opening the market”. However, these allegations of high handedness and excessive imposition of levies against the leadership of the market is not the only worry of many traders in Suru-Alaba market, further findings revealed that most traders are wary of plans to eject them from the market through the construction of new shops which would be sold at exorbitant prices which most of them would be unable to afford.
James Ortega, a trader who deals in male clothes and foot-wears in the market expressed his worries at recent happenings in the market. He stated that some of the recent happenings were geared towards stifling non indigenes in the market. He pointed out that tribalism played a major role in the trouble between the market leaders, government officials and the traders because a large number of the traders were non indigenes of the south west. He further stated that the recent construction going on in the market is a ploy by the market leaders and the leaders of the Amukoko Council Area to chase away most of the traders from the market. “The building of these new shops was not part of the initial plans. The market leaders are just looking for a stylish way of disposing of us from the market. Their plan is to come up with
He said that the traders affected were mainly widows from Delta, Rivers and the east and nothing has been done for them in terms of compensation or relocation by the state government. It is quite inhuman for one to work and another reap from the fruit of his labour. The ceaseless taxations upon the poor traders in Alaba and the fear of being evicted by the government have m a d e t h e t ra d e r s t o suffer and smile in a place where they are also citizens.
“How can one be happy when one does not even make any profit on sales? We pay all kind of levy everyday and yet we cannot point to anything that these levy we pay go into. It is really a sorry situation for every one of us here,” he said
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people
Men Fantasise About My Body A Lot- Cossy continued from pg.2
for the Super Eagles during the just concluded Brazil 2014 World Cup? Like you said, it was my way of showing support for my country, Nigeria and it's regardless whether they won or not. So how did you feel when they eventually lost out? I didn't feel any worse because it's just a game. Ebube Nwagbo lashed at you for going topless and you replied? Please, I don't want to talk about that because it's in the past now. So how would you describe your style? My mood or the event determines that. Also, the time of the event matters. During day time, I'm well dressed and decent. If it's a night party and I want to get naughty, I wear hot stuff. Do you have a favourite fashion accessory? I don't have a favourite accessory though, but I can't do without my perfumes. I'm sure you must have a lot of men running after you? I don't really notice. Maybe, maybe not. Has it occurred to you that a lot of men out there fantasize about your body? Yeah. They fantasize about
me because I have lovely body features. The type dreams are made of. Is that why you flaunt it a lot? Maybe You seem to be confident with your body, do you think it makes people judge you or think lowly of you? I don't know What's the craziest thing you ever heard about yourself? When they link me up with men I have never met before, like the coach or the footballer that was said to have bought me my SUV. Wish he could buy me a race car too (laughs). So how do you relax when you need to? I love massages What does Cossy want in a man? Somebody that respects me. So have you found one yet? I am not searching because I have a boyfriend. I am a pretty girl and keep pushing men away on a daily basis. Any plans to get married soon? I can't marry myself you know. So whenever I see a man that wants to marry me, I will let you know.
Slum In The Beauty That is Ajegunle
It was a rainy day so almost the whole expanse of land was water logged with just a few covered up walk ways escaping the heavenly tears. Were it not for the scavengers who get paid by residents to fill up the naturally water-logged streets with dirt gathered from within the shanty town and n e i g h b o u r i n g communities, this slum city which serves as an abode for thousands of Nigerians wouldn’t have been habitable. No one would have guessed that there exists a slum city right behind the well built structures of Olayinka Street in Ajegunle. But it’s there and it’s real. Ajegunle, a land under Badagry Division of Lagos State, with some 57,276.3 inhabitants per square kilometre, this makes it among, if not the world’s densest area. E n t e r i n g i n t o Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government Area through one of its major roads, Mile 2/Orile
Express Way, Alaba Suru to be precise, the first sight that would catch your eyes are traders selling their wears and buyers bargaining prices. M ov i n g t h ro u g h t h e market on its tarred but marred road, straight down to ECN Bus-stop, a lot of commercial, religious and not too savoury buildings compete for attention. There is the Christ The King Catholic Church situated right along the road. The building painted is in cream and coffee brown, it has the capacity to seat over t hre e hundre d worshipers in a single mass. A stone’s throw from it is the community's public hospital, Tolu Medical Center. This state-owned health care centre not only caters for residents of Ajeromi-Ifelodun, it also serves the health needs of patients who come from outside the local government. Exactly at the ECN Busstop is the Ojora Family Council building, this
body handles matters such as family disputes, land issues and other petty matters. The Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government building is a spectacular building to behold. Going by the size of this gigantic structure, it could as well pass for one of Nigeria's local governments with the most beautiful structure. Painted light and dark brown, the structure is a four-storey building with t h re e w i n g s . P e o p l e ceaselessly troop in and out of its numerous offices for one business or the other. Parked in the compound are luxury buses obviously belonging to the Local Government. And just across the Local Government is the Police Station, as well as the Postal Service. Then aside other primary and secondary schools the large community has, its major secondary schools are the ones located r i g h t i n s i d e To l u C o m p l e x . T h e To l u Complex contains about
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people four different schools. Students, teachers and workers of these schools transport themselves there e i t h e r t h ro u g h c a n o e s paddled on the water that flows through Tincan Island or through the normal tarred yet potholed roads. Away from the usual hustle and bustle life of the community, is the ‘real’ journey into what one could call the deformed picture of what most people, especially strangers to the community, imagine what Ajegunle really looks like. Walking through a narrow mud slatted path leading through Ezeagwu Lane which is just a stone’s throw f r o m o t h e r neighbourhoods with finely built structures, you h a p p e n u p o n c h i l d re n running everywhere, obviously having fun and giving their care worn parents a breather. Adults busying themselves with one activity or the other- some washing, some cooking, some women sitting and weaving each other’s hair, some talking and laughing away their care, with quite a few sitting in front of their wooden shops. Some more just sat and watched on. Since it was afternoon, most of the men resident in this slum city were out to their various places of work, with just a few of them hanging around winding up the women going about their chores. Despite the somewhat garbage and debris laden
foundations of this slum c i t y, i t s r e s i d e n t s a r e comfortable eating, drinking and doing business their like any other city. They are used to living in this stench pervasive city. It’s their life! It’s obvious they are also used to seeing people who have in the past, paraded themselves as media, yet served as spies who report on them and their activities to the authorities. No wonder they were reluctant in welcoming some new strange faces amidst them, not to even m e n t i o n re l a t i n g t h e i r experiences in the slum. However, despite their pitiable living conditions, they are still jolly good fellows living happily, some of whom were glad to welcome the reporter, offering assistance like offering an umbrella for a cover as it was raining heavily, and bringing some clean water to wash after a thorough combing of the area. Mrs. Haruna and Mrs. Alade whose husbands are landlords in the slum, narrated their experiences when they first moved into the place thirty years ago. According to them, the whole area was waterlogged and filled with thick bushes which they had to fill up with dirt bought from scavengers before it became habitable. According to them, through their little effort, they have, without the help of
government, dug suckaway, constructed wooden bridges, bathrooms and toilets, borehole water, electricity and other lowcost amenities for their comfort. Residents who were available complained of being left out things by the local government as there are so many abandoned projects in the area. They also complained of mosquito bites due to the never-dry land which leads to many, especially children falling ill most of the time. However, they expressed fear of getting kicked out some day after having invested their hard earned money in developing the place to the stage it is presently. According to them, local government officials have on different occasions, threatened to send them packing. “We are poor people who came into the place a long time ago when we didn’t have places to live. We came here when this place was swampy and filled with thick bushes. We toiled and suffered to fill up this place and regularly pay scavengers to bring their dirt here to fill up this place. You may say we live inside dirt, yes but we don’t have a choice because since they (government) have
refused to develop it for us, we had to do it our own way. We have also built low cost facilities for our comfort. But after we have toiled to bring this place to this level, some local government officials still come to collect rent from us here”, one of the residents told this reporter. “Yes, as bad as this place may look to you, we pay rent here. They have refused to build bridges for us to cross the water left after we built some ourselves. If you look over there, you’ll find an abandoned tractor which was brought here by the local government. They’ve abandoned us yet whenever election is coming, they come in here to ask us to vote for them”, another resident spoke up. Venting their bottled up anger further, a man simply identified as Tunji said “despite all our struggles to this point, we still need their help because as you can see, even the dirt can stop some amount of water from coming up, and that’s how we still live our lives. We sleep on cold floor especially during raining seasons like this. Yet, some government officials still come to threaten us after they ’ve refused to do anything for us”. Findings revealed that
replica of such slums also exist in some other places like Olayinka, Surulere Community which is directly at the back of Oyedeji Street, Banana Estate, Apanpa, Zumura and Olodan in the same Ajegunle. Reacting to the underdevelopment in these communities, the Local Government's P.R.O who spoke on behalf of the Chairman, Kamal Bayewu, says the Chairman is really trying his best to see that development gets to every part of the community. He however stresses that it could take time before such feat is achieved as the local government only operates within its allocations and other internally generated funds. The Baale of Apapa Alayabiagba Town, His Royal Highness, Baale Y.O.A. Adeshina Ojora also spoke about the slum. His highness explained that the reason for the slum at Ezeagwu, Olayinka and others is because the L.G.A is still a ‘baby’ compared to other local government areas. According to him, the community is still growing and that with time; development will surely get to all its parts. T a l k i n g a b o u t development getting into these communities, some good spirited Nigerians like Mrs. Concern Martins’ So-Said Charity Home for the vulnerable and their offspring, is located right in the slum. There, with the help of nurses, mentally challenged individuals and their children are being catered for. And according to findings, donations have been pouring in from well-meaning Nigerians for the care of their patients.
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technology Watching the iWatch
Based on what we know r i g h t n ow w e s t ro n g l y predict a September or October launch for the iWatch, with new iPads and iPhones, and updates to the Apple TV and MacBook lines.
Speculated Features A super-hard curved glass screen or a flexible display to rival that of the Samsung Gear Fit Possibly 2 models - a larger for males and a smaller for females. Flexible AMOLED displays with Sapphire crystal glass to prevent scratching by Olatunji Makanjuola o.makanjuola@ folioholdingsgroup.com
Having been trailed with plenty rumors since late 2012, the Apple smart watch, tagged iWatch, is set to launch this year. Recent events show that Apple is working to expand its group of mobile devices to become wearable... on the wrist. PC Advisor, among others, share their investigations to bring predictions of the iWatch. Will there really be an iWatch? Word has it that Apple has hired many employees with expertise in sensors, medical, fitness and related technologies, with hirings on the rise in recent years. Many other speculations about this technology are all over but the usual pointers that trail a major new product release are there too. Reports say that Apple has sought 'iWatch' trade
marking in Japan. It is also reported that Apple also extended its "A p p l e " t ra d e m a r k t o cover jewelry and watches in countries like Ecuador, Mexico, Norway, and the United Kingdom. More evidence in the legal space points that Apple does own the rights to the iWatch name in many countries, plus there's 'an Apple patent that d e s c r i b e s a w e a ra b l e computer with a flexible display that can snap around the wrist to become a smart watch'. The first smart watch? Being the best at whatever they make is like a philosophy for Apple. This time, it is well known i n t h e w e a ra b l e t e c h market that Apple isn't the first company to launch a smart watch. This arena has already been flooded with new smart watches from the likes of Sony, Samsung, Pebble and more this year. Why iWatch?
There was a time when people had to take a watch out of their pockets to tell the time. Then came along wrist watches, changing things... but then again, smart-phones came along with so much functionality including telling the time that we began reaching into our pockets again to tell the time. Watching Out for the iWatch; Release Date Speculations point to a third quarter launch in 2014 for the iWatch. According to PC Advisor Apple Insider is reporting this timing as a fact based on a research note written by trusted analyst KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. "We believe the rumored iWatch will be Apple's most important product this year, carrying much more weight than iPhone 6," Kuo writes, adding, "as market feedback for the product should reveal whether Apple still have the ability to continue making game-changing products with Tim Cook at the helm."
There have been speculation of a circular design- no size specified yet I t 's t o r u n a " f u l l " version of iOS rather than a simpler operating system like that seen on the iPod nano. The device could include bio-sensors Integrating with the new 'Healthbook' iPhone app to communicate data from the iWatch's
sensors to iPhone, Voice command functionality, Apple Maps Siri Email & Browser, An unusually large 250mAh battery for long battery life Possible motion charging capability Capability to make and answer phone calls Text messaging Bluetooth and e x c e p t i o n a l connectivity with iPhone and iPad And lots more obviously
iWatch Price? There isn't any sure guess to what the price of the iWatch might be; the only parameter to make any speculations is the price of similar products in the market now. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy Gear came out at £299, give or take the iWatch could come around there. Courtesy www.pcadvisor.co.uk
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health When Ebola Virus Goes Viral a professor of Virology at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, (LUTH), Idi-Araba, said, "Ebola virus is in the neighbouring countries and we should expect that it can get to Nigeria because we don't restrict movement of Nigerians. Besides, it is easy for people to bring it into the country. Lagos State, I know is involved in various public health awareness and every state should get involved in public awareness too."
by Lara Adejoro l.adejoro@ folioholdingsgroup.com
The devastating impact of death on a close-knit community is always ignored. Death is now so common that unless it is painted in shattering terms, no one seems to be concerned. Now that Nigeria is hit by the dreaded disease affecting humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). Though, the Ebola virus that has claimed over 600 lives in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone since February this year, many are yet to know the basics about the disease. Ebola is introduced into the human population through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals. In Africa, infection has occurred through the handling of infected chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelope
and porcupines found ill or dead or in the rainforest. It is important to reduce contact with high-risk animals (i.e. fruit bats, monkeys or apes) including not picking up dead animals found lying in the forest or handling their raw meat. Once a person comes into contact with an animal that has Ebola, it can spread within the community from human to human. Infection occurs from direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with the blood, or other bodily fluids or secretions (stool, urine, saliva, semen) of infected people. Infection can also occur if broken s k i n o r m u c o u s membranes of a healthy person come into contact with environments that h a v e b e c o m e contaminated with an Ebola patient’s infectious fluids such as soiled clothing, bed linen, or used needles. Sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore
throat are typical signs and symptoms. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. Laboratory findings include low white blood cell and platelet counts, and elevated liver enzymes. The incubation period, or the time interval from infection to onset of symptoms, is from 2 to 21 days. The patient becomes contagious once they begin to show symptoms. They are not contagious during the incubation period. Ebola virus disease infections can only be confirmed through laboratory testing. Can Ebola be prevented? Yes. Several steps can be taken to help in preventing infection and limiting or stopping transmission. R e l i g i o u s a n d c u l t u ra l beliefs according to medical experts, is linked to high incidence of this disease, making it difficult to tame the outbreak.
The virus was suspected to have arrived here in April through a lady who died sometimes ago but the federal government debunked the news. However, the question is: If our health authorities claim the alleged case was a Dengue Haemorrhage Fever, what about Lassa fever? The Minister for Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu recently admitted that Nigeria is in danger with the rate at which the Ebola virus has been moving eastward. Professor Chukwu also stated that there is yet to be a viable vaccine for the disease. “There is no vaccine yet, so it is not a question of government has not produced vaccines for Ebola or Lassa fever. If the vaccine is available government will certainly buy a stock and keep; and there is no specific treatment yet.” While speaking in an interview with Daily Times, Professor Sunday Omilabu
Who Is At Risk? According to the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, those at the higher risk of the disease include health workers and families or friends of an infected person who could be infected in the course of feeding, holding and caring for them. Dr Idris stressed that, the virus should be suspected in persons who develop bleeding from the body openings like the mouth, nose, rectum and ear; a close contact with a person who is infected; or health worker who had treated either suspected or confirmed infected person. “Early symptoms of disease include fever, headache, chills, diarrhoea, nausea, v o m i t i n g , s o re t h ro a t , backache, and joint pains. Later symptoms include bleeding from the eyes, ears and nose, bleeding from the mouth and rectum, eye swelling, swelling of the genitals and rashes all over the body that often contain blood. It
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health could progress to coma, shock and death”, he said. Ebola is believed to occur after an Ebola virus is transmitted to a human index case via contact with an infected animal host. Human-to-human transmission occurs via direct contact with blood or bodily fluids from an infected person including embalming of an infected dead person or by contact with contaminated medical equipment such as needles. Once infection occurs, the disease may be spread from one person to another. Men who survive may be able to transmit the disease sexually for nearly
two months. To make the diagnosis, typically other diseases with similar symptoms such as malaria, cholera and other viral hemorrhagic fever are excluded. The blood may then be tested for either antibodies to the virus, the viral DNA, or the virus itself to confirm the diagnosis What Will You Do If Ebola Hits Town? Prevention involves decreasing the spread of the disease from infected monkeys and pigs to humans. This may be done by checking these animals for infection and properly disposing of the bodies if the disease is discovered.
Prenatal Exercise For Expectant Moms
The Commissioner for Health said it is imperative one remains hygienic at all times. “These measures which include washing of hands often with soap and water, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and ensuring that objects used b y t h e s i c k a r e decontaminated and properly disposed are n e c e s s a r y i n o rd e r t o reduce the risk of infection.” The Commissioner also advised health workers to be at alert; wear personal p ro t e c t i v e e q u i p m e n t , observe universal basic precautions when
Exercising during pregnancy does more than keeping you fit, it also boosts mood, improves sleep, and reduces p re g n a n c y a c h e s a n d makes it much easier to get back in shape after your baby's born. Obstetricians and G y n e c o l o g i s t s recommends pregnant women exercise at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week. Here are ways to exercise without harming yourself and your baby:
Eat Water Melon, Get A Healthy Skin
attending to suspected or confirmed cases, and report same to their Local Government Area or Ministry of Health immediately. Treatment There exists no specific treatment. Treatment is primarily supportive in nature and includes minimizing invasive p ro c e d u re s , b a l a n c i n g fluids and electrolytes to counter dehydration, administration of anticoagulants early in infection to prevent or control disseminated intravascular coagulation, administration of procoagulants late in
infection to control haemorrhaging, maintaining oxygen levels, pain management and adminitration of antibiotics or antimycotics to treat secondary infections.
Report any suspicious cases to Lagos State Ebola Emergency Centre: 08023169458, 08033086660, 08033065303, 08055281442, 08055329229
Keep Walking: This doesn't require any equipment beyond a good pair of shoes, and is safe throughout all the nine months of pregnancy.
flexible but you may have to augment a yoga regimen with walking or swimming several times a week to give your heart a workout.
Swimming: It is best and safest exercise for pregnant women according to fitness experts.
Stretching: Add stretching to your cardiovascular exercises to get a complete workout.
Dancing: You can do this in the comfort of your own living room but steer clear of routines that call for leaps or jumps.
Although some of them may not work for you during the last few months of your pregnancy. Make sure you consult your doctor on any exercise regimen.
Yo g a : T h i s ke e p s y o u
Fruit is ideal for your weight loss diet because most fruit is low in calories, rich in fiber and high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support your overall health. Water melon is believed to be made up of only water and sugar, but it considered a nutrient dense food, a food that
provides a high amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for a low amount of calories. Watermelon is also great for your skin because it contains vitamin A, a n u t r i e n t re q u i re d f o r sebum production that keeps hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair.
Adequate intake of vitamin C (one cup of watermelon provides 21 per cent of daily needs) is also needed for the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin and hair. Watermelon also contributes to overall hydration, which is vital for having healthy looking skin and hair.
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sports How challenging is it to compete with other athletes? Having known that I am the only deaf athlete, I keep a good relationship and try to work together with them. What level and course are you studying in school? I am in 100-level. I study Special Education /Social Studies (Hearing Handicapped).
How I Know When To Run During Racing Competitions – Deaf Athlete A deaf but brilliant athlete spoke in an interview with MU'SODIQ ADEKUNLE on his experiences at the recently concluded Nigerian University Games. He shares his experiences and challenges during the racing competitions. by Sodiq Adekunle s.adekunle@ folioholdingsgroup.com
Sympathy flowed from spectators when 23-yearold Isreal Emewa Enokela, a student of the University of Jos, who was the only hearing impaired athlete in the just concluded 2014 edition of the Nigerian Universities Games, came fourth in a racing
competition involving him newspaper this interview. and other hearing athletes. Which sport did you The 24th edition of the partake in? Nigerian University Games 4x100m and I emerged held from Wednesday, fourth. February 12, 2014, and ended on the 22nd at the H o w d o y o u f e e l O b a f e m i A w o l o w o partaking in the NUGA University, Ile-Ife, Osun games? State. During the 12 days of I feel good to have the competition, we caught up opportunity of challenging with Israel Enokela who other hearing athletes. granted Daily Times e-
Have you participated in any competition before this? Yes, I have done before. I took part in the 18th National Sports Festival and pre-NUGA games at UNIJOS. In NSF, I got third position in 100m heat and sixth position in semi final. Who is your Mentor? My mentor is Usain Bolt. Why do you like to participate in sport? I like it because it is very interesting for me. I love sporting activities so much.
Do you enjoy running for UNIJOS? Yes, they depend on me to some extent because it is obvious that I am a good sportsman. Do you see yourself representing Nigeria in any competition? Yes, I wish to represent Nigeria in the Deaf Olympic Games. Have you seen any other deaf athlete in this 2014 NUGA? I went to officials and observed other athletes; I am the only one here. Most of the people don't even know that there is a deaf person in this NUGA. You should believe that hearing impaired people can do anything except hearing. How do your team mates treat you? Yes, they treat me well so much. Even, they know I am a good sprinter. Does your being deaf affect how you run? Hmmm, I don't know but I know God made me.
How do you know when it is time to run? Just depend on time through God's time.
Brazil 2014: More Jacks Then Jaw For Nigeria MU'SODIQ ADEKUNLE flashes back to the performance of Nigeria in the recently completed World Cup Competitions. Having drawn in Group F with Malawi, Kenya and Namibia, the Nigerians were always massive favourites to reach the final play-off round of qualifying, and they did not
lose any matches in the group stage. They did draw three times, once against each opponent, with the most worrying result a 1-1 at home to Kenya when only a second half injury time goal by Nnamdi Oduamadi won the point. Once in the two-legged play-off, the Eagles drew the lowest-
ranked team in Ethiopia and despite the improvement of the east Africans, Nigeria were s e l d o m t h re a t e n e d i n winning away 2-1 and at home 2-0. After impressing on their way to the second round in each of their first two FIFA World Cup appearances, 1994 and 1998, Nigeria
have struggled since: going out at the group stage twice while taking just two points from their last six matches in the finals. A muddled South Africa 2010 campaign under Lars Lagerback did little to bolster Nigeria's reputation, but Brazil 2014 offers another chance for the reigning African champions to soar.
Despite criticisms, Coach Stephen Keshi earned a reputation as a nononsense boss who is not afraid to choose in-form domestic players at the expense of more wellknown stars, and that policy paid handsome dividends as Nigeria won the 2013 edition of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
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sports
Brazil 2014: More Jacks Then Jaw For Nigeria Keshi has kept a relatively stable spine of the team since then, with Chelsea's John Obi Mikel leaving his mixed past with the Eagles behind to become the lynchpin of the side. In goal, Vincent Enyeama is an important veteran, while Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike are key parts of a deep attack. According to FIFA, the best performances Nigeria has made in its competitions are: FIFA World Cup USA 1994, France 1998 (Round of 16), FIFA U-17 World Cup China 1985, Japan 1993, Korea Republic 2007 (Winners), Olympic F o o t b a l l To u r n a m e n t Atlanta 1996 (Winners), FIFA U-20 World Cup Saudi Arabia 1989, Netherlands 2005 (Runners-up), FIFA U17 World Cup UAE 2013 (Winners). Despite the achievements, Nigerians seems not to be satisfied with the performance of the team in the just concluded World Cup. Many fans believed that Nigeria could do better and defeat France. Among the things some of the fans claimed affected the Nigerian team are exclusion of some players and pressure from Nigeria Football Federation as regards late payment of players. Some of them also said that the Super Eagles played well but lacked the technical competence.
Nigeria's Most Memorable Records Before The 2014 World Cup Yekini Scores Nigeria's First World Cup Goal Nigeria scored her first ev e r Wo r l d C u p g o a l against Bulgaria through Rashidi Yekini in the 1994 tournament hosted by the United States. Playing against a European team for the first time at that level, the Eagles were not expected to score first. But Yekini defied the odds to score first in the 21st minute and had a joyous celebration afterwards.
Samson Siasia's Goal Against Argentina I n t h a t s a m e U S A' 9 4 tournament,after Nigeria had beaten Bulgaria 3-0 in the first game and watched Argentina defeat G re e c e i n t h e m a t c h before ours; Nigeria was not favoured against the South Americans. But the unexpected happened in the 8th minute as Samson Siasia took advantage of a loose ball and blasted a shot past Argentina's goalkeeper Luis Islas to record Nigeria's only goal in the match. Argentina eventually won 2-1 but no one would forget in a hurry that they almost lost to Nigeria. Topping group D in style at France'98 Winning one game and
losing another did not give assurance of qualifying for the knockout stages but beating Greece in the last game was a task that must be done. However, goals from Finidi George and Daniel Amokachi in the 45th and the 90th minutes placed Nigeria on top of the group and confirmed the team a place in the second round of the tournament.
quarterfinals. The effect b a c k h o m e w a s devastating for all Nigerians but then, it was a fair try. Second best entertaining team The Eagles did not advance beyond the round of 16 of the 1994 World Cup but their performance won them the second best entertaining team in the tournament.
Stylish Celebration Former Italian football player Marco Tardeli may have started solo celebration at the World Cup, but Finidi George and Daniel Amokachi took the act to another level after scoring against Greece in their third match at the 1994 World Cup. Finidi mimicked a urinating dog while Amokachi performed a disco dance step. Both acts had their places in the ranking of World Cup celebrations.
Best FIFA ranking Nigeria attained its best p o s i t i o n o n t h e F I FA rankings before the World Cup. The country was placed 5th in the world for the first time in April 1994.
Nigeria's loss to Italy Perhaps one of the most memorable matches for Nigeria at the USA '94 was the defeat she suffered in the hands of the Italian international team nicknamed “Azzurri”. The Azzurri almost went out as the Eagles led by a lone goal until the dying minutes when Roberto Baggio got an equalizer to send the game into extra time. A defensive blunder by Nigeria resulted in a penalty which Baggio converted into a goal and ended Nigeria's dream of r e a c h i n g t h e
Sunday Oliseh's heat shot against Spain F ra n c e ' 9 8 i s a n o t h e r World Cup tournament that Nigeria and Nigerians will always remember and be proud of. The Super Eagles did the almost impossible in their first match as they d e f e a t e d t h e tournament's favourite team Spain 3-2 in Nantes on June 13. Goals from Mutiu Adepoju and Garba Lawal had cancelled out Hierro's and Raul's goal but a heated shot from Sunday Oliseh sent the whole nation into wild
Eagles Jerseys J u s t l i ke ev e r y o t h e r country, the Nigerian team made their entrance into the World Cup in 1994 with their jerseys and the design was voted as the most beautiful in the tournament.
jubilation.
Enyeama's super save against England Nigeria did not do well generally at the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup perhaps because Coach A d e g b oy e O n i g b i n d e went with a bunch of i n ex p e r i e n c e d y o u n g players. After losing 1-0 to Argentina and 2-1 to Sweden, Nigeria was out of the race for the second round ticket as the Eagles confronted England. The match ended 0-0 and one big moment of the encounter was the brilliant save by keeper Vincent Enyeama in the tie. It was a fantastic shot by Manchester United midfielder, Paul Scholes, and Enyeama, who was making his first World Cup appearance, dived full length to push the ball out. It was rated as one of the most remarkable saves of the competition.
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leisure Holiday Destinations South Africa by Iyanu Oni-Orisan i.oniorisan@africantimesnetwork.com
Ever travelled to South Africa before? If you have, then you can tell that South Africa has some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa. There are more than 10 beaches in South Africa. Some of them are: Boulders Beach which is made up of inlets between granite boulders, from which the name originated. It is located in the Cape Peninsula, near Simon's Town towards Cape Point, near Cape Town in the Western Cape Province. Cape St. Francis that is now known as one of the best surfing locations.
Given its geological location, it is susceptible to swell year round from large low pressure systems that form between Antarctica and the southern tip of Africa. False Bay, a long sandy beach runs more or less uninterrupted for the complete width of False Bay from Gordon's Bay to Muizenberg, forming the coast of the Cape Flats. A l o n g t h e ro c k y C a p e Peninsula, there are frequent beautiful beaches in between the mountains of the peninsula. Atlantic Seaboard, the
Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula faces West and thus is popular for expensive homes facing the sunset views. There are many beautiful beaches below the mountains of the peninsula. North Beach (Durban) is one of the main beaches in Durban and is cared for by the Durban Surf Lifesaving Club. The clubhouse features prominently on the Marine Parade. The beach itself is flanked by two large piers and is accessible from the Marine P a ra d e t h a t s t re t c h e s
along the Golden Mile. Sandy Bay is a nudist beach situated along the road between Cape Town to Cape Point and adjacent to Llandudno, Cape Town. Umhlanga lagoon is a 26 hectare nature reserve on the shore of the Indian Ocean at Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa.[1] The reserve encloses the Ohlanga River's lagoon and mouth.[2] The forest forms a natural extension of the less accessible Hawaan Forest, of which the greater part lies inland
of the busy M4 road. The reserve trails start at a car park at the northern end of Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga. If you are not interested in going to the beach, you can visit game reserves too like the Kruger National Park which is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. You can also visit Stellenbosch, wine takes center stage in this city. More than 100 wine cellars open to public and tasting tours are operated daily.
Hanging Out This Weekend?Try Quilox Night Club! If you are looking for the hippest place to hangout with your loved ones this weekend, why not find your way to Quilox night club. The club situated at 873 Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos, is one of the best places you can ever be. Talk about its magnificent glassy
structure, the lights and comfy facilities, are all there to make your night out a memorable one. Owned by Shina Peller, Quilox is the in-thing when it comes to night life on the Island. Visit there for the treat of your life!
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metro (lagos) Lagosians Lament The Rains
by Joy Ekeke j.ekeke@folioholdingsgroup.com
On a rainy day the sky remains cloudy but sometimes low-pressure occurs and it results in h e a v y ra i n . T h e ra i n y season is vital to human existence for quite a number of reasons. The rain is also an escape
from the hot weather; it refreshes and brings calm to the atmosphere and everyone is able to enjoy his or her sleep with or without electricity. The rain also provides us with water to drink and do our washings. However, for residents of Orile Iganmu, Sari Iganmu, Badia, Amukoko and some
other parts of Lagos, the rainy season is something they dread because of its attendant challenges for them. “As much as we want to enjoy the effects of the rain, we cannot pray for the rains to come because instead of the rain being a blessing for us, the reverse seems to be the case in this part of Lagos. Each time it trains, we are faced with all kinds of discomfort because of the bad roads and the bad state of most o f t h e h o u s e s a ro u n d here,” lamented Aminat Idowu who resides in Orile. Idowu added; 'In fact this rain has been causing me great pain. Just last month, there was a heavy wind which away my roof, I spent
Adding that, I have been crying to God to provide for me and my family so we can move out from here because many disease breakouts from this kind of environment like malaria, diarrhea and cold are quit common here.
had learnt how to ride, they started lending her one to work with before she was able to get her own through the help of the garage chairman where she works. She further disclosed that on the job, humility is very vital as this will endear you to everyone. “As a mother of three girls, I mingle and interact well with my male counterparts and because of my humble and friendly disposition
towards them young and old alike, they have all grown to be fond of me and treat me like a sister and friend. They even take turns to buy me meals. Most of the time, I do not spend my money to buy food while at work,” she said. Ogunlana says of her new found job, “this work is not stressful for women. The work is fun, once I get to the park, other tricyclists come around me, even when I'm emotionally down, once I get to the park, I forget every depressing issue.” She disclosed that the b u s i n e s s i s re l a t i v e l y l u c ra t i v e . “ I m a ke a n average of N5, 000 out of which I pay N600 for ticket, buy fuel and save for my weekly payment of N15, 000 for the tricycle I collected for N70, 000 and I will still have at least N3, 000 to take home to my family every day.”
Woman Tricyclist: What A Man Can Do, A Woman Can Do Better Gone were the days when women were confined to a particular job type. Today, you find women doing all kinds of jobs just to earn a living. This brings to mind the popular adage 'what a man can do, a woman can do better'. Bose Ogunlana is a woman Tricyclist. She tells her story.
by Lara Adejoro l.adejoro@dailytimes.com.ng
Full of energy and passion for what she does, Bose Ogunlana in her late thirties chose to abandon her fashion designing career for a tricyling job to earn a living. While others may frown at her decision, Ogunlana has no regrets at all for making that decision. Ï just want to prove that it us not just a man's world. What a man can do, a woman can also do, in fact better, “she said. The Yoruba born disclosed
to Daily Times that unlike the belief of many that the job is a stressful one, she said it is quite fun and interesting. Ä lot of people would always think that tricyling is a stressful job for a lady but I am honestly having fun with this job. I ply Fagba, College road, Ogba and Agege routes and I am really catching my fun and at the same time earning a living, “she said. On why she chose tricyling over her fashion designing career, Ogunlana enthused: “My husband lost his job at the factory 3
years ago, and nobody was willing to assist us. One day, I saw a woman driving this keke, then I was prompted to challenge myself, I told myself I can do it. Then I looked for someone to teach me how to ride it. Fortunately for me, the man that taught me didn't collect anything from me even the fuel he used to train me was for free.” She recalled that when people discovered that she
goods in a hurry and sometimes I go home without any money. I don't like it when it rains because it means hunger for me.' She said. Olayinka Ahmmed stated that, “I'm not really happy about this raining season, last month there was a heavy wind which blew away my roof , I spent N20, 000 to repair the roof and the carpenter also collect extra charge from me.
about N20, 000 to repair the roof. I have been crying to God to provide for me and my family so we can move out of here. Besides this, the environment is dirty and as such breakout of diseases like Malaria and diarrhoea are quite common here.' Chioma Ike, another resident of Sari Iganmu who spoke with Daily Times says since the beginning of the rains this year, she has not had any respite because of the pitiable state of the area each time it rains. “Since the rains began this year, I have not been happy because I'm a petty trader, I sell along Orile bus-Stop and when it starts raining, I have to rush and pack my
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metro (abuja) Man Hangs Self After Phone Theft Confession
by Augustine Aminu a.aminu@folioholdingsgroup.com
Sauka community along Airport road in the Federal C a p i t a l Te r r i t o r y w a s recently thrown into pandemonium when the lifeless body of 34 year old Aki Olanrewaju Timothy, a cab driver was found dangling beside a stream notoriously known for smoking Indian hemp and hard drug peddling. He might have hanged himself after he was alleged to have stolen a cell phone worth N15, 000 belonging to a lady in his compound, a source that pleaded anonymity said. It was gathered that the victim, identified as Aki, had lived in Abuja for over ten years, and had lived at Sauka suburb for about five years. He was said to have children and wife living in Lagos. The buildup to his death began Thursday when a certain Ms Loveth Chidoke reported that her cell phone was missing. It was alleged that she uncovered that her phone was missing when she went to fetch water in the stream. She was said to have hurriedly returned home where she was told that the
late Aki was the person who stole it. A few minutes later, the deceased was said to have returned and denied stealing the phone upon the enquiry. The woman who had earlier said she saw him steal the phone maintained her ground, but the deceased affirmed that he did not steal the phone. According to Ms Chidoke, “Aki was the only person who entered the compound when I left. Before I came back, he had left the house. I couldn't run after him because I was half-dressed and he was already gone out of the compound. I had always given him the phone which I bought not long ago for N15, 000.00 to charge.” Ms Chidoke first of all reported the matter to the military personnel operating at a checkpoint around the area. Because of the time and other factors, the military men had told her to hold on till the next day to commence investigations. However dissatisfied with the response of the military men, a heated argument ensued within the compound which led the parties to resort to consulting a diviner to
ascertain what happened. “The diviner lives at Gwagwa. It was Aki who even paid the N4, 000 transport fair to Gwagwa where consultations were made. The diviner was alleged to have asked the t h re e p e r s o n s o n t h e mission to put their necks in a mystic rope, and that whoever was lying would be noticed when the rope began to tighten the neck of the person. Ms Chidoke did but was not held by the rope. The other woman also did, but was freed. Then Aki did and the rope tightened his neck. He insisted that he was innocent, but each time he put his neck, the rope tightened him. At this moment the diviner said Aki stole the phone,” a young man living in the compound said in confidence. Ms Chidoke also corroborated the statement thus, “The village we went is around Gwagwa. He paid about N400.00 for the transport of each of us. We left home around 9am and we waited for the diviner till 2pm; he went to farm. The herbalist told me to swear if my phone got lost; I did. The herbalist tied something on my neck, pulled my two hands to the back and tied another rope on it. He made me kneel and swear, warning me of the consequences of lying. I did everything he asked me to do with complete obedience; the rope that he threatened would hold me if I lied did not hold me. The other woman too, who claimed she saw Aki when he stole the phone, did the
same. The rope did not tie her as warned by the diviner. But in Aki's turn, it tightened his neck. He tried it for three times, and on each occasion, the rope tightened his throat.” The herbalist was said to have pleaded with him that the thing would not kill him, and that he should just return the phone to the owner since it was already confirmed it was in his custody. At this juncture, it was said that Aki then agreed that he stole the phone and had even sold it for N5, 000. He also said that the SIMs had been thrown into a river, and promised that he would s e l l h i s e l e c t ro n i c s t o refund the money. It was on Friday morning that Aki's death was reported. He did not sleep in his room in the night, reports said. His dangling corpse was first seen by one of the friends who had gone to the stream to smoke Indian hemp. A lady who identified herself as Mary said, “The young man had gone as usual to smoke wee wee. It was the spot they used to smoke that he saw Aki's hanging and already dead. He had hanged himself. And seeing the lifeless body of his friend, he ran to the village to inform the community.” The death was later reported to the Nigerian
Security and Civil Defence Corps Academy located in the area. The officer in charge of the academy, Edwin Ugwuja, an assistant commandant, immediately mobilized his officers and men to the spot where the body was hanged. In his word, “When I came to the office this morning around 7am, I was notified that somebody hanged himself here in the village. I mobilized my men and came to the scene of the incident. As it is, investigation will be carried out. We took his corpse to the Nigerian Air Force Base hospital for confirmation.” One of the deceased's closest friends, Atolagbe Ojo, said, “The guy is my guy. I know him in the neighbourhood here. I have known him close to two years now. I am also a Yoruba guy. I am a tailor. He told me recently that he would give me two clothes to sew. I begged him to give me two weeks before he would come to collect them because of the workload on me. That was how we departed. He didn't tell me he would not go to work. I know he is married but I have never seen the wife and children he always told me he had. They live in Lagos, according to him. I am surprised to suddenly see him in this situation.”
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relationships In any relationship, there is a kennel of hope that this one might just be the one. If you have been able to find your Mr. Right then you've got to read this:
3 Reasons Your Wedding Budget is Running High (and How to Cut Costs)
Photo by Jide Alakija studios http://alakija.com/blog/
There are many ways to have a fabulous wedding that costs way less and yet doesn’t look cheap. In fact, I have seen many multimillion naira weddings where guests complained about nearly everything. They complained about the ‘onyibo’ food they didn’t like, about the cake that tasted too sugary, about the blingbling lighting in the hall that made their eyes feel sleepy, about the buffet service that made guests stand almost an hour in the queue as if they were in a refugee camp, and about many other things.
is always good to keep it simple and classic and you’ll wow your guests. They can h a rd l y re m e m b e r h ow many Swarovski crystals on your gown but they will never forget if your food was too onyibo-ish to taste great in their mouth. Everyone wants a talk-ofthe-town, ‘dream wedding’, but to achieve this, you really have to keep it real. Here are 3 mistakes you could be making that could make your wedding cost shoot up and what to do to save money.
Senior Girls’ Cake You want a really big cake What’s a good wedding if with 7 tiers, 8 flavours and your guests don’t feel ‘it’? It heavy icing?
The fact is many guests don’t like over-flavoured and over-iced cakes. Besides, the more extras you ask for, the more the cake baker would charge you. Cost-saving Tip The more complex a cake gets the more money it would cost. Cakes with lots of design and decoration extras cost more than plain cakes. Consider making two cakes: acute smaller cake to display at the reception and a big plain cake to serve your guests (keep this one in the kitchen, cut and serve at the right time). No one will know. You’ll save money and your guests will be happy!
Designer Wedding Gown Many want a high-end designer wedding gown, no matter what it costs. Your thought could be economize in other areas with whatever money is left, hear this: there was a bride who wanted a certain designer wedding gown by all means, and she ordered one from a Chinese online store which advertised her
“dream wedding gown” at one-fifth of the price. When it arrived, she discovered it was a Chinese knock-off version – different from the picture she saw, and not even her size (too small). She ended up buying a different gown at the last minute. Talk about penny wise, pound foolish.
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relationships Cost-saving Tip Most designers and reputable big stores make similar styles, and so you can find a designer gown look. You can try out a highend wedding gown, and then go find it's look-alike at an affordable store to buy a similar style. If you're a stylish bride on a small budget, look for a style that flatters your shape in an affordable label. By the way, did you know that some high end designer labels make, have separate lines specially made for big chain bridal stores like David's bridal, where they make smallmoney, affordable wedding gowns? For example, Vera Wang makes “ White by Vera Wang', which are ready-towear, low-cost and slightly toned-down versions of her gold-standard couture designs. In case you're wondering who Berta is, she is a top, Israeli wedding gown designer. Can you see how the above two wedding gowns look similar, but by different designers – and obviously one would cost more. Toke's dress was designed by the Nigerian label, April By Kumbi. Shopping Without a Budget After he puts a ring on your finger, the very first thing you did was rush straight to a popular bridal shop, and started trying every bling that caught your eyes; that latest aso-oke for your traditional wedding, those designer shoes and clutch bag and everything that the sales girl showed you. When it was time to start hiring wedding vendors
and venue, you discover there is not enough money. So, plan B is to manage the leftover money or borrow. If that just described you, you're not alone. Most newlyweds made the same mistakes, and a lot of brides-to-be are still making the same mistake. Cost-saving Tip: Before you buy any single wedding thing, even if it's a hair-pin, calculate how much you and your fiancé have available to spend on the entire wedding. Then, make a wedding shopping list that includes everything including venue, food and v e n d o r s ' f e e s . F i n a l l y, allocate specific amount to items in the list and promise to stay within your budget. Once you've done this, you can start shopping. Take Action So, you see, you can still achieve a fabulous wedding with an average or even small budget. Those are the three things you can do today to significantly cut down your wedding cost. And, if you're wondering what to do with the 'change' you saved from cutting costs here and there – use it to get a better honeymoon or to rent a finer house after the wedding.
About the Author Stella Anokam is the editor of NaijaGlamWedding.com blog where she gives away free wedding planning templates and writes articles on practical wedding planning tips that wow guests and won't break your bank but instead wow your guests. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Toke Makinwa (above) in her wedding gown (Image credit: 'Tokes blog) http://www.tokemakinwa.com/2014/01/my-wedding-pictures.html)
Above: Model showcasing Berta's 2014 winter wedding dress collection (source) http://www.confettidaydreams.com/berta-bridal-couture-2014-winter-wedding-dresscollection/).
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art & culture
TECHNOLOGY: Robbing Us of Our Culture? - A Case Study of Japan. by Adesola Akindele a.akindele@ folioholdingsgroup.com
Our connections with people should be personal, but are they? Many young people value the number of friends they have more than the quality of those friendships. People are leaving land'line phones and television. They use Internet-based services like YouTube and Skype. It is a generational shift with even older generations jumping on board. The growth of technology worldwide already affects how we use technology just because of the numbers of people involved. With more people and crowded conditions, new technologies will be necessary to support and sustain us. We need to allow for private spaces for confidential discussions
and provide guides for tentative and eager participants. It is our duty as grown adults to guide the younger generation and others, teach them to become cautious consumers, and learn how they can use these tools to reach their fullest potential. We need to support the arts and artists and value each other’s culture. It is commonplace to say that what made civilisation possible was the invention of agriculture; but even more fundamental than agriculture were ethics. For only through ethics is it possible for large groups of people to live together. Civilisation begins, therefore, not with the invention of agriculture about 10,000 years ago, but with the articulation almost 50,000 years ago of a valid ethical code which was incorporated into the religions of Cro-Magnon
and other Homo sapiens. The essential difference between civilised and uncivilised people is that among the latter there is no systematic group effort by its m em ber s to crea te machines for the benefit of the group as a whole. Technology, particularly simple technology, is much more easily transferred than ethical or religious information. This is the case because technology usually brings immediate benefits without hurting the ruling class. New ethical or religious ideas often disrupt the religious bureaucracy, which is typically integrated with the ruling class. Since religious ideas are rarely objectively valid, there is no logical reason for accepting one religion over another unless that religion is either (1) more emotionally satisfying or (2) imposed by force.
Te c h n o l o g i c a l advancement, with no doubt, is such a huge impact in shaping the world. As humans, unlike any other living creature, we have the ability to use our mind for reasoning. With this power, we are able to imagine things, and with our clever minds, we are also able to create these imaginations. Creators, inventors, ex p e r i m e n t e r , m a ke r , founder, innovator, pioneer – these are what we call the people behind every technology existing at present. Invention has made the world what it is today. T e c h n o l o g i c a l advancement is re s p o n s i b l e f o r m a n y changes as well in world population, life expectancy, education levels, material standards of living, and the nature of work, communication, healthcare, war, and the effects of human activities o n t h e n a t u r a l environment. Japanese culture is rich and diverse, dating back to 10,000BC when the Jomon people first settled in Japan. It is widely known for its traditional arts as well as its contemporary pop culture. Today in Japan it is still possible to see kimono-clad women shuffling down the street with umbrellas overhead, or oversized sumo wrestlers battling it out the ring. The culture of Japan has evolved greatly over the millennia, from the country 's prehistoric Jōmon period, to its contemporary hybrid culture, which combines i n fl u e n c e s f ro m A s i a ,
Europe, and North America. However, the culture and the traditional Japan still subsist and render vitality and creativity to Japanese people. Early works of Japanese literature were heavily influenced by cultural contact with China and Chinese literature, often written inClassical Chinese. Indian literature also had an influence through the diffusion of Buddhism in Japan. E v e n t u a l l y, J a p a n e s e literature developed into a separate style in its own right as Japanese writers began writing their own works about Japan. Since Japan reopened its ports to Western trading and diplomacy in the 19th c e n t u r y, We s t e r n a n d Eastern literature have strongly affected each other and continue to do so. Japanese popular culture not only reflects the attitudes and concerns of the present day, but also provides a link to the past. Popular films, television programs, manga, music, and video games all developed from older artistic and literary traditions, and many of their themes and styles of presentation can be traced to traditional art forms. Despite the western civilization, in today 's Japan, Japanese are a dynamic and vigorous people who may reverse their way by refusing to allow their society and the world to cast them into a specialised mold. The Japanese are highly creative outside of Japanese culture.
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early beginnings Daily Times of Nigeria, Early Beginnings
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pictures from archives The first 2,000 copies of the Nigerian Daily Times were on sale on the streets of Lagos on June 1, 1926, but the incorporation of the Company took place a year earlier on 6thJune 1925. There have been varied accounts of the early beginnings of the Nigerian Daily Times written by various people and writers. Some said the paper took over from where Earnest Ikoli's African Messenger stopped, while others have given different versions. The story can now be told from the authentic records of the founding fathers in the Archives of the Company. Early in June 1925, four gentlemen met in Lagos and resolved to launch a daily newspaper to be known as the “Nigerian Daily Times”. That meeting was attended by Mr V. R. Osborne, Mr Adeyemo Alakija, Mr L. A. Archer and Mr R. Barrow and the meeting took the following resolutions: · That Mr Earnest Ikoli be appointed as editor of the Nigerian Daily Times. (At that time he was the founder-editor of the weekly African Messenger founded in 1921). · That the registered office of the company (The Nigerian Printing and Publishing Company) incorporated on June 6, 1925, be at 16 Labinjoh Lane, Lagos. · That the Printing House of the company be at 172 Broad Street, Lagos. The building was described in the records as the
property of Mr Shitta to be leased by the company for five years with an option to renew for another 10 years and at an annual renewal of N300. · That the Nigerian Daily Times be a four-page daily morning newspaper of “demy size”. · That Mr Osborne, in whose house the meeting was held be the chairman of the Board of Directors. (The Board met very frequently and rotated the Chairmanship for some time.) The meeting also authorised Mr Townley to purchase printing plant “sufficient to set up a printing house capable of publishing the Nigerian Daily Times and the African Messenger and local job work... ...” It is clear from that Board Resolution that there was no question to Mr Ikoli's African Messenger being bought over to become the Nigerian Daily Times, as some writers have claimed. The founding of the Daily times was a completely new venture prompted by the decision of the Colonial Government at the time to stop publishing its official news bulletin of Reuters news which it had initiated as a service to the business community in Lagos during the World war 1 years. The Government news bulletin continued after the war, and when the decision to stop it was announced, some European and African members of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce came up with the idea of
taking over the Reuters News Service and launching a daily newspaper therefrom. That was how the idea of the Nigerian Daily Times was born.
was growing steadily. In 1922, he said, a scheme was mooted for a private company to be floated with a capital of N10,000 for the purpose of running the African Messenger.
Having however resolved to appoint Mr Ikoli as Editor of the Nigerian Daily Times, and knowing fully well that Mr Ikoli was publisher and editor of his own weekly, the African Messenger, the Directors decided right from the beginning that the African Messenger should be taken over by the company so that Mr Ikoli's attention would not be divided. Accordingly, negotiations for the take-over were begun at a meeting of the Board on 24th July, 1925, to which Mr Ikoli was invited. Mr Ikoli agreed with the Directors that it would be unfair to the Company if he, as paid editor to the Daily Times, were also to have outside newspaper interests in the form of the African Messenger. It was therefore in the interest of both the Company and himself that the two papers should come under one roof so that he might devote his entire efforts to making the proposed daily newspaper a success.
In 1923, Mr Ikoli went on, he was offered N2,400 for the copyright of the paper and since then he was convinced that the paper had made progress. Then there was the problem of absorbing his sub-editor and manager, Mr Omololu, who was reluctant to support the proposed change of proprietorship. Mr Ikoli then gave the directors his terms for the sale of the paper. He put the goodwill at N5,000. Of this amount, he asked for N1,000 to be paid to him when the Company was ready to take over the paper and a further N1,000 out of the profits if and when made by the African Messenger. The balance was to be paid in such instalments as the directors might determine.
The African Messenger, in any case, had not been a success because of the exorbitant cost of printing and production. In his opinion, with reasonable rates for printing chargeable against the p ro fi t s o f t h e A f r i c a n Messenger, the paper would show a good net profit. Mr Ikoli said the African Messenger had built a valuable goodwill which
At later meetings of the Board, the African Messenger was discussed and it was agreed finally on 28th August 1925, that the African Messenger be taken over by the Company on, among the following terms: 1. That the first N1, 000 demanded by Mr. Ikoli be paid to him within one year. Earlier, on 19th August, the company had a p p rov e d p a y m e n t o f N800 in respect of Mr. Ikoli's mortgaged property. 2. That N1, 000 be paid to Mr. Ikoli within three years
from profits of the African messenger.
3. That the African Messenger be taken over with effect from January 1, 1926. 4. That for five years after taking over the African messenger, Mr. Ikoli would not establish another paper to compete with the company's publications. In February, 1926, after the company had taken over the Africa Messenger, the format of the Nigeria daily Time was discussed. The paper, it was decided, would be a 4-column p a p e r w i t h advertisements divided up over the pages. No one page was to be solely d e d i c a t e d t o advertisements. On May 6, 1926, a trial run of the paper was undertaken, and on June 1, 1926, the first issue of the paper was on sale. The excitement of the history that was being made by the publication of the long planned Nigeria dairy was so much that this must have been responsible for the omission of the year of publication from the masthead. The front page was crowded with as many as 13 news stories, the four main ones taking pride of place at the top of each of the four columns left to right. Though there was the report of a continuing coal cries, a more sensational story was the news that an aeroplane flew over Lagos
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pictures from archives on the previous Sunday, it was a phenomenon in those days. The plane had left Elizabethville in the Congo on its way to Cotonou- some 500 miles, as the crow flies, but had been forced down at Nora Beach, Opobo, when it ran out of fuel. After it had been refuelled by local merchants the plane resumed its journey, flew over Warri and arrived Lagos about noon. In Lagos, it made another forced landing due to bad weather and crowds r u s h e d f ro m t h e ra c e c o u r s e ( n o w Ta f a w a Balewa Square) to see it on Marina. T h e p a p e r s a i d triumphantly: This is the first occasion in which an aero plane has been seen
in Lagos and it is remarkable that the first appearance of a flying machine in Lagos should almost synchronies with the first issue of the Nigerian Daily Times. The policy of the paper w h i c h h a s b e e n scrupulously maintained in its 50 years of existence was clearly set out in the p a p e r 's fi r s t e d i t o r i a l comment contained in the maiden issue of June 1, 1926. It said: It is the usual thing when a newspaper is published to state its policy and to offer some sort of apology for its appearance. As far as the Nigerian daily time is concerned, there is no necessity to cast about for reasons to justify its entry into the already very
swollen ranks of local journalism. It is generally agreed that, considering the importance of Nigeria both commercially and in other re s p e c t , a d a i l y s h e e t however meager, embodying the main features of a daily newspaper had for some time been felt as a real need in the country.
country: and representing as it does informed option, it will be a landmark in the history of Nigeria. Nobody is more conscious than ourselves of the immense difficulties that lie before us; difficulties rendered keener by the limitations imposed by local conditions.
This is fully justified by the enthusiasm with which the public has greeted the announcement of the birth of the Times.
Starting, however, as a modest four – page sheet, we hope with progress of time, to grow into a paper that will compare without a blush with any publication of its kind in other parts of the empire.
With the daily Times we are b re a k i n g e n t i re l y n ew ground in local journalism. The paper will be conducted on lines that have never been attempted before in this
L i k e o u r g r e a t contemporary, the London Times _ the Nigerian daily times is a national newspaper and will be attached to no particular creed or party.
Whatever makes for the healthy progress and advancement of Nigeria, will have our hearty support and one of our chief aims will be to develop in all Nigerians white or black, a strong sense of sane nationalism and a desire to work with hearty co-operation and singleness of purpose to bring this young promising country to its proper place i n t h e i m p e r i a l brotherhood. Except, occasionally, and in particular, grave matters, we shall perhaps for several years to come maintain a detached attitude towards local politics which have never up to now risen above petty personal squabbles.
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opinions Let's Think & Talk
We need inter-faith and bi-partisan support to stop Boko Haram - By Alex O. Atawa Akpodiete*
The disputed famous quote sometime attributed to Irish philosopher E d m u n d B u r ke ( 1 7 2 9 1797) states that “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” This past week witnessed more wanton killings by terrorists. There were more bombings in the three northern states of Kano, Borno and Kaduna. While I was practising law in America, I represented many Muslims. In fact, some of my major cases involved non-Christians. I found that my Muslim clients were not concerned with my religious predilections. The only time I believe I may have lost a client was when the son of a former African Head of State was on trial for murder/genocide and the Islamic group that was going to pay the bill, felt “more comfortable” with another lawyer. I thought my Trinidad connection could have got me the case, s i n c e t h e d e f e n d a n t 's mother was Trinidadian like the mother of three of my three sons. During one particular case that involved Algerians and
Moroccans, I was hosted royally in Casablanca and Dubai by my Muslim clients. They were very accepting and were not perturbed in any way that I was a lawyer and Pastor. Several friends of mine are Muslims and it has never been a problem between us because I understood them just like they knew who I really was. Of course, I have heard the argument by Christians that “you should not be unequally yoked” with unbelievers, based on Paul's command to the church in Corinth (2 C o r . 6 : 1 4 ) . T h e hermeneutics of that passage is the subject of another day. Nonetheless, when I received an invitation last month to visit Kaduna to c h e c k o u t a n NGO/Community Center, I did not hesitate. A mutual Muslim Professor Colleague and friend made the connection. Interestingly, the friend that made the connection was also a client once upon a time and a family friend for over two decades. There were people from the south that had concerns about my visiting “the turbulent north.” I n t e re s t i n g l y, w h e n I arrived, I asked my taxi driver about the recent violence in Kaduna and he dismissed my concerns by saying that it is only in faraway villages. The next day started uneventful. I lectured in the first and second class with mostly Muslim students, including women in hijab. It was only about the time of the fourth class that the
ex p l o s i o n s t h a t k i l l e d several people happened. The Center I was visiting was in-between the two bomb blasts. After I was driven back to my room and during the ensuing 24hour curfew, I had some pensive moments. My host, Hon. Muhammad Ali, whose constituency was damaged by the second bomb blast that targeted the former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), had engaged me in a conversation about people learning about one another's culture/religion as a panacea to s t e re o t y p e s a n d h a t e crimes. I told him that is one of the intended benefits of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC). He lamented that it was no longer the case as many people now “lobby” to be posted or re-posted to locations of their choice. I recall with fond memory my own belated youth service, which was as a mature adult after my sojourn in America. Before my flight back to Delta, I decided it was a good idea to pay a condolence visit to Gen. Buhari. I was taken aback by the man's humility. The statuesque figure I saw in the only simple living room in the house, was impressive even in his s i m p l i c i t y. I w a s a l s o surprised that there was no ostentatious display of opulence or luxury cars. He later entered a simple old Red Range Rover and was followed by one of my favorite cars – an old Peugeot 504. My brief i n t e ra c t i o n w i t h G e n . Buhari left me with the impression that the man is
very misunderstood, partly because he is media shy and does not know the effect of the fourth tier of the realm. When Hon. Muhammad Ali and I were talking, I realised that to really solve this insurgency problems, we need inter-faith initiatives. Christians and Muslims are being killed on a weekly basis. A pastor friend of mine, who pastors a church in Kaduna, also escaped being killed that same day. We sometimes need to be reminded that death is no respecter of religion or party alliance. That is why I was happy that the PDP leadership, including President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, condemned the attempted assassination of the Gen. Buhari, an APC stalwart. On a flight back from Abuja to Warri, I was privileged to be on the plane with the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor. When we disembarked and finished discussing the importance of Christians being involved in politics, I commended him for his statement that was published in Vanguard newspaper that very day. The great Man of God had said, “The attack, coming almost at the climax of the holy month of Ramadan is a clear indication of the perpetrators' inclination to evil and disregard for the true God and all that are linked to him.” The fact that not only Gen. Buhari, but also an Islamic cleric Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi buttresses the point of Papa Ayo. Another
sobering quote by Burke's in his 1770 publication, Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents, is appropriate here. "When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.” If we take a cue from other climes, we will understand that security is everyone's business, no matter the party or religious affiliation. Probably at the beginning, some may have naively thought they were immune or that the hideous monster could be tamed politically. We are wiser now and know that these terrorists have some sophisticated weaponry, coupled with international support. So any true Nigerian will rise up so that we can collectively kill Boko Haram before they kill us ll. I will close with another variant of Burke's quote. It is the 1867 address at the University of St. Andrew by John Stuart Mill that aptly cautions us that “Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.” Let both Christians and Muslims act together, instead of folding our hands and blaming one another. Think about it.
Rev. Akpodiete, a public affairs analyst writes from Asaba. He is also an aspirant for Udu/Ughelli Federal Constituency in Delta State. Contact him on 08138391661 or Profatawa@gmail.com