ICT And Nigeria’s $10Billion E-Commerce Potential Ugochukwu Onyeocha It is no longer in doubt that the growing rate of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
utilisation, particularly the internet has influenced, at a faster rate, online interaction and communication among the generality of the populace. Globally today, the Internet has become a seri-
ous window of interaction, making so many things accessible, including the delivery of goods and services. Indeed, the e-commerce industry is gradually becoming another focal point for ICT growth in Ni-
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DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 10 - 16 2014
PVC Distribution Aimed At Rigging 2015 Polls -APC
ICT And Nigeria’s $10Billion E-Commerce Potential
Rashes On Beef Can Cause Tuberculosis, Expert Warns
Do The Crops!
VOL. 1, NO 16
Morocco Refuses To Host African Cup
1000 OBJ Loyalists Defect To APC P2
By Mu’Sodiq Adekunle
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he crisis between the national leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former President Olusegun
What does Fred Amata Want with Music?
2nd Day OF INEC PVC Distribution Card 2
Zambia Prepares For Presidential Poll After Leader’s P5 Death
Obasanjo has taken fresh dimension. As the crisis lingers, no fewer than 1000 supporters of Obasanjo led by his strong ally and a one-time national treasurer of the party, Bode Mustapha
The Rolls-Royce
Ghost Series 2
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PVC Distribution: INEC Replies Critics, Explains Missing 1.4m Lagos Voters Names P3
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NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014 DAILTY TIMES
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1000 Obasanjo Loyalists Defect To APC In Ogun By Mu’Sodiq Adekunle
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he crisis between the national leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former President Olusegun Obasanjo has taken fresh dimension. As the crisis lingers, no fewer than 1000 supporters of Obasanjo led by his strong ally and a one-time national treasurer of the party, Bode Mustapha defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ogun State. The defecting PDP members have, however, warned the Inspector General of Police, IGP
Suleiman Abba against plunging the country into war following his removal of the security details of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal. Mustapha, who served as a member of the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003 and had earlier submitted his form of intent for the Ogun Central Senatorial seat described APC as a better alternative to PDP. He led other prominent members of the PDP, including the former Chairman of Abeokuta North, Sunday Akintona to move over to the APC.
Berating the IGP for withdrawing Hon. Tambuwal’s security aides, Mustapha noted that the continued absence of the security aides attached to the speaker could expose him to sundry security risks particularly the Boko Haram sect members, who had at-
tacked prominent persons in the country. According to Mustapha, , “In Nigeria, we love sentiments a lot. Do we know what can happen to Nigeria if anything should happen to Speaker Tambuwal? Nobody knows! The IGP should not
put this country on fire. He should immediately restore Tambuwa’s security aides until a court of competent jurisdiction declares his seat vacant. “He was elected as the primus inter-pares in the House of Representatives. He was
Delta 2015: Female Aspirant Taunts Male Counterparts
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governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Ngozi Olejeme has taunted her male counterparts in the race, saying they are jittery of her foray into the race. The female governorship aspirant said this in Abuja after she submitted her expression of interest and nomination forms to the PDP National Organizing Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha. “In Delta State today, I am the number one governorship aspirant. In fact, the men are intimidated by me. They are jittery. They are so afraid of me. They are my brothers and I expect them to support me at the end of the day. I am the candidate to beat during the PDP primaries in Delta State. I am the best candidate to challenge anybody from the opposition parties in the state from among the aspirants bidding for the PDP ticket in Delta State,” Olejeme said. Reeling her aspirations if given the chance to govern her state, Olejeme assured the people of the state of her desire to take poverty out of the state. She continued, “I will create more jobs, ensure budget surplus, provide a transparent and interactive government, promote employment-friendly policies and also pay contractors” Olejeme said. Olejeme also said that she was running to be governor of Delta State so she could make state a place where businesses can innovate with less red tape, where there are good jobs and
economic growth for families and an excellent public education for children. “Deltans need affordable health care” she said. Olejeme who stormed the party’s national Secretariat with her loyalists to support her expression of interest and nomination forms to contest the Delta State governorship election promised to encourage potential businesses by reviewing the current regulatory environment and business taxes. She also identified service to the people as the driving force to her ambition to contest the Delta State governorship seat. “This is a divine mandate. I am not in the race for material things. I have traveled across the state and spoken to thousands of Deltans about the future of the state. I’m the best for Delta State. I have the capacity and intellect to deliver and to move Delta State to greater height- from the height we are presently and to build an El Dorado for our people”.
From left: former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida; Chairman, Chief tony Anenih and former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, after a meeting with PDP leaders in Abuja.
elected as leader by his members and it is only his members that can remove him as Speaker or a court of competent jurisdiction. Then and only then can his security aides be withdrawn. “When people were defecting to PDP, it was hosanna in Aso Rock to the extent that Governor Mimiko of Ondo State defected to the PDP. ‘’But whatever is good for the goose is equally good for the gander. When Tambuwal defected, you withdrew his security aides. Why didn’t you do same when Governor Mimiko defected to the PDP because he was elected on the platform of the Labour Party, LP?”, he queried. The APC Deputy Chairman in Ogun State, Alhaji Tajudeen Lemboye, in receiving Mustapha’s forms promised that the party would provide a level playing field for all aspirants in the state.
PVC Distribution Aimed At Rigging 2015 Polls -APC By Mu’Sodiq Adekunle
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he All Progressives Congress has raised the alarm over the three-day distribution of the Permanent Voter’s Cards in 12 states, which is rounding off on Sunday. The party says “the process was intentionally programmed to fail in order to disenfranchise voters in the states with the highest number of voters.” This was contained in a statement in Lagos on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. APC claimed that the fact that most of the 12 states in which the process had been held in the past three days had the highest number of voters and were under the control of
the APC, pointed to a clear collusion between the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Peoples Democratic Party. The party alleged that most registered voters were unable to collect their PVCs because INEC engaged in a “programmed incompetence to swing the elections in favour of the PDP,” claiming that the strategy was “a clear case of rigging at source.” It said, ”There is no doubt that this programmed incompetence has emanated from just one source, the ICT unit of INEC, with the intent to sabotaging the PVC distribution process in key states. We are calling on INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega to institute an internal inquiry into the botched
exercise with a view to fishing out the fifth columnists, who are behind the sabotage, meting out the necessary punishment to them. ”If INEC is to organise a free, credible and transparent elections next February, it must quickly return to the drawing board to fashion out how to ensure that all Nigerians, who are eligible to vote, are able to do so without hindrance, and also purge itself of the fifth columnists within its ranks, who are bent on sabotaging the elections.” The party said it is curious that most of the affected states (Kaduna, Kano, Edo, Plateau, Ogun, Imo, Borno, Rivers, Lagos, Nasarawa, Katsina, Niger) are either opposition strongholds or harbour the highest
huge number of voters. APC said, ”This is highly suspicious, against the background of available information that the PDP-led Federal Government is working to disenfranchise voters in opposition strongholds during the forthcoming polls. I added that the failed exercise turned out to be in the affected states raised some questions: The party said, “Why did INEC put those states together for the PVCs distribution exercise in the first instance? Why did INEC announce the dates for the distribution of PVCs in the states if the electoral body was not ready? And why was a process that has taken INEC four years to plan end up being so shoddy?”
MURIC Raises Alarm Over Pvcs Distribution By Mu’Sodiq Adekunle
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he ongoing Permanent Voter Cards registration and distribution by the Independent Electoral Commission is full of errors and mistakes, a group, Muslim Rights Campaign has said. The Director of the group, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, said this in a statement made available to
our correspondent on Sunday. H e urged INEC to correct the anomalies, saying no citizen should be de-enfranchised with the new method. The statement read, “The distribution of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) exercise began nationwide sometime ago. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been conducting the exercise with hiccups noticed here
and there. “While we commend INEC for taking giant strides in the conduct of elections in a country as complex as Nigeria, we hasten to warn that the electoral body must quickly correct errors in its calculations and submissions. In particular, INEC leadership must develop an eagle eye capable of detecting bad eggs who may be responsible for errors of commission.
“We know that even INEC can err since erring is human. But such mistakes must be limited to errors of omission. INEC must expose insiders who collaborate with election riggers no matter whose ox is gored. Adequate punishment capable of acting as deterrent must also be meted out to such black sheep. “In this regard, INEC must quickly correct the numerical in
exactitude noted in the number of registered voters in Lagos State. Whereas INEC declared 6,247 million voters for Lagos in 2011, the electoral body has declared 4.8 million only forte 2015 exercise. This leaves a huge shortfall of 1.4 million. In Ogun Statefor example, hundreds of names were reported missing, including that of Mr.Allen-Taylor, a lawmaker from the state.
DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014
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PVC Distribution: INEC Replies Critics, Explains Missing 1.4m Lagos Voters Names By Mu’Sodiq Adekunle
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he Independent National Electoral Commission has responded to criticisms of the ongoing third phase of the distribution of the permanent voter cards. It denied conspiring with any group and assured the public of its commitment towards ensuring that every properly registered voter get their permanent voter card for the 2015 general election. In a statement on Sunday by Mr. Kayode Idowu, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of INEC, Prof. At-
tahiru Jega, the commission said contrary to allegations in some quarters, no duly registered person has been delisted from the register of voters, neither will any be denied their PVC. The commission said it was making efforts to resolve the “temporary challenges” that have been experienced during the exercise in some of the nine states, where the exercise started on Friday. It said, “In particular, it is completely false that INEC has removed the records of 1.4 million persons from the Register of Voters compiled in 2011 in Lagos State. It is
true that at the end of the 2011 general registration exercise, the commission announced a figure of 6.1 million registrants in the state. But when that data was subjected to the Automated Fingerprints Identification System software, 82,892 multiple registrations were eliminated. “Also, there was the technical challenge of loss of data and incomplete data affecting about one million records – mostly in 1,792 polling units that were identified and made public before the present exercise. That was why and how the Post-Business Rule figure for Lagos State (on the basis
of which PVCs were printed) came down to about 4.6 million registrants.” “For avoidance of doubt, a pre-acknowledged data loss and incomplete data of some registrants is not a ‘conspiracy’ issue as has been alleged by some notable persons. It is a back-end technical challenge that is far from sealing the fate of affected persons, and for which INEC has already put in place measures to ensure redress.” The statement also said INEC has made provision for eligible persons for whom PVCs could not be printed due to data loss or defec-
tive data to come out from Wednesday, November 12 to Monday, November 17, 2014 for their data to be recaptured during the CVR.
Jega
Nigeria Won’t Break Up In 2015, Say Uduaghan, Oritsejafor By Mu’Sodiq Adekunle
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elta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor declared on Sunday that contrary to doomsday predictions, Nigeria will not break up in 2015. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Jubilee World Festival of Word of Life Bible Church, Warri which had “Arise 2015” as its theme, Governor Uduaghan said no matter the external influence, Nigeria will not break up in 2015. Said he, “There are predictions that Nigeria will break up in 2015 but Nigeria cannot break up in 2015,” the Governor said, observing, “2015 is going to be a challenging year, in 2015, a lot is going to happen but, we shall overcome.” Governor Uduaghan also noted that Nigerians have resolved to remain united as
members of a corporate entity, stressing, “we have decided in Nigeria that we shall be one, all the parties in Nigeria have agreed that Nigeria will not break up.” He commended the President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and the Word of Life Bible Church for organizing the Annual Jubilee Festival which attracts men of God from different parts of the world, stating that the annual festival has brought blessings to Warri, Delta State and Nigeria. “Papa is the father of all Christians in Nigeria and this fatherhood is one of the most stressful fatherhood, the stress of protecting Christianity in Nigeria, protecting Christians in Nigeria against those who do not wish us well is not an easy one. “There has never been a time in the history of this nation that we are where we are today, we should be on our knees and pray
fervently for Papa, he needs our prayers and for people who can go beyond prayers, please do what you can for him to succeed in what he is doing.” Pastor Oritsejafor also corroborated Governor Uduaghan saying “nothing can break up Nigeria, “ adding that anybody wishing the break up of the country would not have his desires fulfilled.
Pastor Oritsejafor said that the Jubilee Festival would be sustained annually by God’s grace to win souls for Christ and prepare Christians for the years ahead. Delivering a sermon at the occasion, Bishop Wayne Malcolm who came from London admonished Christians to always know that God keeps promises, stating that there
were three levels of spiritual maturity, little children, young men and fathers, signifying different levels of spiritual maturity. “As little children, we ask what can God do for me today, young men will ask, what can God do through me while fathers ask, what can God do, it is not about what God can do for me or what God can do through me, fathers are concerned about you,” he said. Those who accompanied the Delta State governor to the service include the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Steve Oru, member of House of Representatives, Hon. Nicholas Mutu; President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria and Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Chief Solomon Ogba; President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr Amaju Pinnick; traditional rulers; aspirants for different political offices; political appointees, among others.
Exhibitors Woo Visitors With Gifts, Price Slash At Lagos Trade Fair
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xhibitors at the ongoing 2014 Lagos International Trade Fair on Sunday employed the use of gifts as a marketing strategy to woo customers to their stands. The items include pressing iron, microwave, stabiliser, price slash and free hairdo. An exhibitor of household appliances, Mr Silas Okon says, “This is our way of appreciating their patronage, without which our exhibition at this fair will be fruitless. “We value our customers because they are very essential for the growth of our business,” he said. He, told reporters that the gift depended on the purchase a customer made. Also, an exhibitor of baby care and sanitary products, Mrs Adijatu Lawal, said that she had slashed the prices of her products by 50 per cent. Her words, “We are offering an unbeatable price slash so that our customers can buy more. We believe in the satisfaction of our customers,” she said. A Sales Representative at Expression Hair Products stand, Miss Folashade Oyekunle, said that a woman could enjoy free hairdo for buying any of the company’s products. “We are not merely advertising the quality of our products; we are proving it to our customers. “We are encouraging them to fix their weave-on and braid their hair for free because this is the only way they can be assured of the quality of our products,” she said.
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NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014 DAILTY TIMES
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Oshiomhole Recalls Sacked Perm-Sec, CMD Mu’Sodiq Adekunle
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eprieve may have come the way of the sacked Permanent Secretary in the Edo State Hospitals Management Board, Dr Ofure Eboreime and the Chief Medical Director of the Central Hospital, Benin City, Dr Edith Kayode-Iyasere. This followed the pleas to the governor by Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Uyi Igbe, on their behalf. The duo were relieved of their appointment, last week, by Governor Adams Oshiomhole for their role in engaging casual workers in the Central Hospital. Rt Hon Uyi Igbe who led the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Hon Philip Shaibu, Hon Elizabeth Ativie and Hon Folly Ogedengbe to the governor’s office to plead for the sacked
doctors begged the Governor to temper justice with mercy. Said he, “We are here, the leadership of EDHA, to see you concerning Dr. Ofure Eboreime, the Permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Board and Dr. Mrs. Edith Iyasere, Chief Medical Director, HMB. “The House Standing Committee on Health one time went to the Hospital and did oversight functions there and we found that Dr Eboreime is somebody who is very competent and capable. “We are here to appeal to you sir to on compassionate grounds to temper justice with mercy and recall these two persons, Dr. O. Eboreime and Dr. Mrs. Edith Iyasere. “We know that normally, you will not compromise on standards. We appreciate that because that is the reason Edo
State has move to the position it is today. Hon Folly Ogedegbe representing Owan East who also joined his voice in appealing to the Comrade Governor to temper justice with mercy and recall the duo said, “Even then as NLC President, we know your stand on casualisation, you fought against casualisation of workers and I can imagine how embarrassed you were when you got to know that there were casual workers in the state service where you have long given directives that it should not be. “So on behalf of my own constituency, Owan East and the good people there, I want to appeal to you to please temper justice with mercy and forgive Dr. Ofure Ebeoreime and his colleague, Dr. Mrs. Edith Iyasere, the Chief Medical Director and recall them to work.
Responding, Governor Oshiomhole said, “As a parliament that is representative of the people, one that has its ears to the ground and one that is committed to the electorate. I know that when we take decisions, we do receive pressure but let me explain the reason why I took the decision. “I am very privileged to be here and I myself am an employee and all my life, what I have done for a living is to defend workers. “When we talk of workers, not just junior workers but we make a representation for the big and for the small and for the anonymous. I do not take any joy, in fact, it is always a sad moment for me when I take a decision to relieve anybody of his or her job. Comrade Oshiomhole said: “Someone drew my attention
Ahmed Promises To Upgrade Traditional Rulers In Kwara
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overnor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed, has said that more traditional rulers would be upgraded in the state as the exercise is a continuous one. The governor said this on Sunday, while speaking at the Omo Ibile Igbomina Day Celebration. He declared that the upgrading was devoid of politics. Governor Ahmed informed the traditional rulers at the occasion at Share, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area, that all qualified stools would benefit from the exercise. He said that his administra-
tion would not spare efforts in providing physical and social infrastructure in all communities to ensure accelerated development despite prevailing paucity of funds. Governor Ahmed highlighted various achievements of his administration in Igbomina land. He also promised to construct roads in Agunjin-AgbekuOwa, Kajola-Owode-Afaro, Idofian-Maloko-Igbo-OwuIgbaja, Oke-Onigbin-IsanluIsin, Anilelerin, Offa and several others for the benefit of the people. According to him, his administration has completed and commissioned the Oro-Ojomu
Oro and Ijara-Isanlu Isin road projects. The governor also said that several others were at various stages of completion under the shared prosperity programme of the government. Ahmed said that the state government had remodeled and modernised five general hospitals across the state. He said his administration had strengthened the health system in the area with the extension of the Community Health Insurance scheme to Ifelodun, Oyun, Ekiti, Oke-Ero and Isin Local Government Areas. Ahmed commended the Omo Ibile Igbomina for its partnership with the state gov-
to the fact that casual workers were protesting over non-payment of their salaries and that they have not been paid for several months. “This was shocking to me because, difficult as our finances are and in spite of the fact that many other state governments are in default in the payment of salaries, some three months, some four months, I insisted that in Edo State, the pay day is sacrosanct. Workers are entitled as a right to their wages. “So to hear that some workers are protesting for not been paid for up to six month is shocking.” Oshiomhole said he was concerned that despite series of directives to management of the Hospital Management Board to normalize all casuals, they still maintained the services of casual workers.
Oshiomhole
He however assured the leadership of Edo State House of Assembly that as a responsible parliament, he will not fail to heed to their plea and urged them to bring the affected persons to his office on Monday, the 10th of November, 2014 to explain the rationale behind their actions and properly apologize to the people of Edo State after which they may be recalled.
PDP Holds Presidential Primaries Dec 10
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ernment in the areas of community development and peacemaking. Earlier, National President, Omo Ibile Igbomina, Dr Samuel Atolagbe, had explained that the group was promoting and protecting the educational, economic, industrial and sociocultural advancements of Igbomina people.
he ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has shifted the party’s presidential primaries from December 6 to December 10. This was the position of the National Working Committee of the party in a statement by its National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha. The statement issued on Saturday, read in part,“In exercise of its powers under Section 29 (2) (a) and (b) of the 2012 constitution of our party as amended, the NWC has approved the review of time-table for the conduct of congresses and primaries,’’
the statement said. This, it said, was preparatory to the 2015 general elections, adding that the new time-table superseded the earlier one. According to the statement, return of presidential nomination and expression of interest forms will close on November 15, while screening and appeals would be on November 26 and the National Convention holds on December 10. Return of governorship forms by aspirants, according to the new time-table, will now end on November 14, while screening and appeals hold between November 22 and 25.
Pandemonium In Ebonyi As Thugs Hold PDP Officials Hostage
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here was pandemonium last Saturday in Ebonyi State as suspected thugs held hostage the Congress Ad-hoc committee sent by the factional leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the state. The committee members who came to the state party secretariat to conduct the delegate election were locked in an argument with the party leadership in the state over the authen ticity of the three-man delegates list given to the team
from Abuja. The team made attempt to leave the place without conducting the election but were blocked along the EnuguAbakaliki express way and were taken back to the entrance of the party office, where they were held for about an hour. The thugs, chanting soli darity songs in support of one of the governorship aspirants and Deputy Governor of the State, Engr. Dave Umahi, were led by a member of the South East zonal committee. The zonal officer also had
in his entourage scores of police officers allegedly imported into the state. The state chairman of the party, Chief Ben Akpa, said that the committee members arrived the state late and had decided to cancel the congresses due to disagreements with the state working committee on the list of returning officers to use for the election. In the words of Akpa, “The team from Abuja came into the state and were received by the governor and commissioner of police, and later came to
the party secretariat where we also received them. We also outlined what had to be done in keeping with the constitution and guidelines for conducting the congresses as approved by the national working committee”. “But to our dismay, we found out that the committee members were already issued with a list of returning officers signed by the Deputy Chairman of Ebonyi State PDP Chief Joseph Onwe without the knowledge of the chairman and the working committee of
the state chapter of the PDP” “They also came with a list of the three man delegates elected during last week’s state ward congress. They were informed that those elected last week were not supposed to vote. In fact the guidelines were read to them and they saw that those elected last week were not the ones to vote this Saturday”. “But they insisted that they wanted to use the list of return ing officers signed by the Depu ty Chairman instead of the one submitted by the state
working committee and the substantive chairman which is myself. So, we argued it up and down, and they insisted that unless they were allowed to use the Deputy Chairman’s list, the elections won’t hold”. “He also said he got a call that unless he uses the list from Abuja he was not to conduct the election. After saying that, he got up and left. He said he was going to see the Governor and Commissioner of Police and Director of SSS to notify them that election will not hold today”.
DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014
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africa news
Zambia Prepares For Presidential Poll After Leader’s Death
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he Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has begun preparations to organize a presidential election to replace the late President Michael Sata as required by the constitution, according to Chomba Chella, deputy director for elections. The constitution enables the ECZ to administer a new vote within 90 days after the death of
a sitting president. The election is now scheduled to be held in January to meet demands of the constitution. This is the second time the electoral body would be running a fresh presidential election following the death of President Levi Mwanawasa in 2008. Chomba Chella said the ECZ would be ready to administer a credible presidential vote. “So far we have done ev-
erything as we could… people should also bear with us that we have up to the 11th of November to mourn the president and then thereof, then we will obviously work within the 90 days. And the 90 days from the time the sitting president died falls on the 26th of January. So we have to hold elections before that,” said Chella. Some Zambians have expressed concern about funds that would be needed to organize the
presidential election. But, Chella said officials of the electoral commission are working closely with the treasury to ensure the ECZ is adequately funded to administer the vote. “We have done what we can within our mandate to prepare for it, but we also have to work with the treasury. Because we get financed through the treasury, which is the ministry of finance to give us the money,
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A One Dead In Kenya’s Mombasa Riots
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ne person was killed in the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa on Sunday after youths rioted to protest against the killing of an alleged Islamist militant. Unidentified gunmen shot and killed Hassan Guti on Saturday as he was driving in the city with his wife and niece. Riots broke out on Sunday after his burial. Police officially denied involvement in the killing, but sources within the force said Guti was slain by the elite Anti Terrorism Police Unit. Kenya’s coastal region, a
tourist hub where most of the country’s Muslims live, has suffered a series of bomb attacks in recent months blamed on Islamists tied to Somalia’s militant al-Shababgroup. Police said Guti was linked to the shooting of a senior police officer in Mombasa in August and he was also facing a murder charge for a separate incident. Following Guti’s burial youths started attacking people in the Majengo area but police officers managed to contain rioting there, said Robert Kitur, Mombasa’s police chief.
“They stabbed four people and one of them died. We have arrested 20 youth so far and will charge them in court tomorrow,” he said. The attacks against residents appeared to be indiscriminate. Police fired teargas to disperse the youths, who witnesses said attacked motorists with stones and robbed businesses. “They were throwing stones at police and vehicles, and looting from shops in Majengo. We had to close down our shops quickly,” Islam Juma, who runs a clothes shop in the area, told Reuters.
lthough the Ebola crisis may have abated somewhat, the fight to contain the epidemic and help its victims continues in West Africa. At a press conference in New York, Nicole Walden of the International Rescue Committee offered an update. The IRC helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by disaster to recover and gain control of their futures. In the U.S. government’s Foreign Press Center next to the United Nations, Nicole Walden told reporters about the IRC’s multi-pronged efforts to fight Ebola in Liberia. “It has ranged from investigating cases, to identifying contacts that may have interacted with infected individuals and tracing those individuals for the 21-day incubation period. We’ve supported the establishment of prevention and control mechanisms within the health facilities around the country.” Nicole Walden of the International Rescue Committee helps lead a consortium of NGOs fighting Ebola in Liberia. (VOA/Adam Phillips) Nicole Walden of the International Rescue Committee helps lead a consortium of NGOs fighting Ebola in Libe-
Neighbors Warn S’ Sudan To End Conflict Or Face Sanctions, Intervention
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egional leaders have warned South Sudan’s warring rivals to end their months of conflict or risk intervention by neighboring nations to restore peace. President Salva Kiir has been embroiled in a power struggle with his fired deputy, Riek Machar, whom he accused of trying to oust him through a
rience in administering a presidential vote following the death of a sitting head of state. “For us we have learnt our lessons from 2008 elections when the incumbent then Levi Mwanawasa died and I think from there we were able to draw our lesson from there and so far we are okay, and we are on course and very confident that we will do it properly,” said Chella.
Major NGO Helps In Liberia’s Ebola Fight
2 Soldiers Killed Guarding Sudan’s Presidential Palace
n attacker with a knife killed two soldiers guarding a gate at Sudan’s presidential palace before other troops shot him dead on Saturday, the president’s press secretary said. President Omar Hassan alBashir was not in Khartoum’s Republican Palace at the time, press secretary Emad Ahmed told Reuters. “A little while ago someone attacked soldiers who guarded one of the gates of the palace,” Ahmed said. “(He) did not respond to calls to stop and was shot dead. Two soldiers were killed during the attack by someone who seemed to be suffering from a mental illness,” he added. Army spokesman Colonel Al-Sawarmi Khalid later said the assailant, a man named Salah Haroun, stabbed one of the soldiers, took his gun, then shot a second soldier with that weapon. “We emphasize that the situation has been completely contained ... The situation at the presidential palace has returned to normal,” Khalid added. Bashir, 70, was at his official residence in another part of Khartoum at the time of the attack, the press secretary said.
and we have since engaged them and they are ready to support us. But so far we have done what we could in our own capacity to ensure that the election is well prepared [for],” said Chella. He denied media reports that the electoral body might have time constraint challenges that could hinder effective preparation to organize the presidential poll. Chella said the ECZ has expe-
coup last year. Since the attempted coup in December, militia loyal to both have battled each others’ forces. Violence has quickly spread, with reports of mass killings nationwide. Talks and repeated pleas for peace have yielded no results. IGAD, a regional African bloc that comprises neighboring nations, has given the two
sides 15 days to consult and come up with a resolution. Both sides must talk and produce a plan for an “unconditional, complete and immediate end” to all violence, it said. Any side that violates the resolution will face regionwide asset freezes, travel bans and an arms embargo, among other sanctions, the regional bloc said in a statement.
“The IGAD region shall, without further reference to the warring parties, take the necessary measures to directly intervene in South Sudan to protect life and restore peace and stability,” it said. The conflict has continued unabated for nearly a year, raising fears it may spill into neighboring nations already taking in refugees fleeing the violence.
More than 1.5 million people have been displaced, according to the United Nations, and thousands more killed. Some civilians have fled to U.N. bases in the country, making the facilities targets for armed militants. South Sudan seceded from Sudan in 2011 after decades of war, making it the world’s youngest nation.
ria. Walden explained that most of Liberia’s health facilities closed when the epidemic began to rage out of control earlier this year. “People were too afraid,” Walden said. “The health workers had no confidence in their ability to keep themselves safe. And so health facilities have basically ceased to exist in terms of malaria and ante-natal support (and) pneumonia until recently. A number of health facilities have reopened because of the support provided in training health care workers how to keep themselves safe...” Powerful clashes between traditional African culture and Western epidemiology have complicated fighting Ebola. In African culture, a corpse is handled by many loving hands before it is buried. But health workers know that direct contact with fluids from an infected body spreads the virus. “In the county where ((the Liberian capital of)) Monrovia sits, a couple of months ago, the situation was at such a critical level that it was decided to stop the burials and make mandatory cremation for all dead bodies,” said Walden. “This was extremely, extremely unpopular and disconcerting for families. It flies in the face of every cultural norm and tradition that people have. While some communities you could get them on board with the science of it, but couldn’t reconcile the emotion of it. We are exploring all options. How could we go back to burial practices? Where is a safe location? How can we make sure that safe burials can be possible again? I think that will be happening imminently.”
NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014 DAILTY TIMES
6
world news
Gorbachev Fears Another Cold War
F US Secretary of State, John Kerry (left) meets with Omani Foreign Minister, Yussef bin Alawi in Muscat, recently.
N’ Korea frees American detainees
T
wo Americans who spent months imprisoned in North Korea arrived back on U.S. soil late Saturday, after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered their release. They were freed following a rare visit to the secretive East Asian nation by a top U.S. official, who brought with him a letter from U.S. President Barack Obama. A plane carrying Kenneth Bae and Matthew Todd Miller, the last two American citizens
known to be held by North Korea, landed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. The two men got off the U.S. government plane -- Bae first, then Miller -- and walked into the welcoming arms of smiling relatives who were waiting on the tarmac. “I just want to say thank you all for supporting me and standing by me during this time,” Bae said in brief comments to the media at the base. He thanked Obama and the
State Department for securing his release -- and he also had words of gratitude for the country that held him prisoner for two years. “I’d like to thank the DPRK North Korean government, as well -- allowing me to come home and be united with our family,” he said, using an abbreviation for North Korea’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Asked about concerns about his health during his imprisonment, Bae, 46, said he was
“recovering.” He and Miller were released after James Clapper, U.S. director of national intelligence, went to Pyongyang as an envoy of Obama, a senior State Department official told CNN. Their release comes less than a month after North Korea freed Jeffrey Fowle, an Ohio man who spent five months in detention. North Korean authorities took Fowle into custody after he left a Bible at a club in the northern part of the country.
Germans Mark 25 Years Since Fall Of Berlin Wall
G
erman Chancellor Angela Merkel led several events Sunday, including the placing of a rose in one of the few remaining sections of the Wall to commemorate the 138 people killed in Berlin alone as they tried to flee the Soviet-allied state. In a speech at the main memorial site for the Wall, Merkel said that “the fall of the Wall has shown us that dreams can come true.” She called the Wall a “symbol of state abuse cast in concrete” that “took millions of people to the limits of what is tolerable.” But Merkel said the fall of the Berlin Wall also holds relevance in the war-torn countries of today, including Ukraine, Syria and Iraq. “It showed that we have the power to shape our destiny and make things better. That is the message of the fall of the Wall,” she said. “It is directed at us in Germany, but also at others in Europe and the world, espe-
cially to people in Ukraine, in Syria, Iraq and other regions where human rights are threatened or violated. “It was a victory of freedom over bondage and it’s a message of faith for today’s, and future, generations that can tear down the walls - the walls of dictators, violence and ideologies,” said Merkel, who is now 60 and has led united Germany since 2005. Merkel, a young scientist in Communist East Berlin when she got her first taste of freedom on Nov. 9, 1989, said in a speech that the Wall’s opening in response to mass popular pressure would be eternally remembered as a triumph of the human spirit. Merkel, in an unusually emotional speech, said the lesson of November 9, 1989 was that “we can change things for the better - that is the message of the fall of the Berlin Wall.” Merkel recalled that November 9 is also the anniversary of Nazi Germany’s 1938 anti-Jewish “Kristallnacht” po-
groms that marked the start of the Holocaust, “a day of shame and disgrace.” Merkel thanked those abroad who paved the way for the historic events, from the Czech and Polish pro-democracy movements to Moscow’s “glasnost” and “perestroika” reforms, saying that in 1989 “the Iron Curtain had already been torn.” “We Germans will never forget that the freedom and democracy movements in central and eastern Europe paved the way for the happiest moment in our recent history,” she said. Merkel was speaking at the Berlin Wall Memorial, which features a 220-meter (720-foot) section of what was once a 155-kilometer (100-mile) concrete cordon encircling West Berlin. “We have every reason to celebrate,” said Mayor Klaus Wowereit, whose city government has been rebuilding small segments of the Wall for posterity and tourists after almost all of the original concrete barrier
Merkel
was hastily torn down over two decades ago. time that it had fallen and (so it) was torn down,” Wowereit said. However, current and former world leaders warned of continued divisions among major powers that threaten a new Cold War. U.S. President Barack Obama issued a statement on Saturday saying Russia’s actions against Ukraine are a reminder that there is “more work to do” for Europe to be “whole, free and at peace.”
ormer Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has said that the world is on the brink of “ new Cold War” and that some say it has already begun. At an event commemorating the Berlin Wall anniversary, Gorbachev said, “Bloodshed in Europe and the Middle East against the backdrop of a breakdown in dialogue between major powers is of enormous concern.” The West and Russia have been mired in tensions over Ukraine for months. Built in 1961, the Berlin Wall divided the city for nearly three decades. It separated Soviet East Germany from West Germany, which was occupied by the Americans, French and British. It began as a brick wall and was then fortified as a heavily guarded 160-kilometer (100mile), double concrete screen that encircled West Berlin, slicing across streets, between families and through graveyards. Nearly 140 people are said to have died trying to cross the wall from communist East Berlin, but victims’ groups say the
Gorbachev
number is closer to 700. Merkel on Sunday praised the courageous citizens who peacefully brought down the Berlin Wall 25 years ago. It was November 9, 1989, when East Germany’s government ended its restrictions on travel into West Berlin after weeks of public protests that began in the eastern city of Leipzig and spread to East Berlin. Jubilant crowds immediately gathered at the wall, climbing it and crossing through the gates, hammering and chiseling away pieces of it and joining in celebration with West Berliners on the other side. Not one shot was fired.
Russia, China Sign Energy Pact
C
hina and Russia have signed energy cooperation agreements on the sidelines of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Beijing. The deals, which include a second major supply route, were signed Sunday by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. The route will supply Russian natural gas to China along a western route. In May, the two sides signed a $400 billion deal for an eastern supply route. Both men praised the status of Russia-Sino relations after the signing ceremony, which have become increasingly important to Moscow and Beijing as both sides deal with strained relations with the West on a variety of issues. Earlier, President Xi has presided over the APEC opening ceremony, saying that China’s slower growth rate should not be a matter of concern. Xi on Chinese economy He told world business leaders in Beijing Sunday that China is committed to deepening
reforms and giving the market more influence in the economy. China’s economy slipped to a new low in the third quarter and is now at the lowest point since the 2008 and 2009 global financial crisis. The Chinese leader also called for more progress on a regional free trade agreement and highlighted Beijing’s plans to set up a $40 billion fund for infrastructure development in the region. However, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman said Sunday that Washington will pursue its own plans for a 12-nation “Trans-Pacific Partnership” that will exclude China. U.S. President Barack Obama left Washington early Sunday on a trip that will take him to China for the APEC summit before heading to Myanmar - also know as Burma - then on to Australia to attend a G20 summit. U.S. officials say the president will speak with Asia-Pacific leaders about Washington’s new focus in the region and other matters of mutual concern.
DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014
7
politics
2015: Amazons Set To Battle For PDP’s Senatorial Ticket In Anambra North Ugochukwu Onyeocha
F
ollowing the submission of nomination and expression of interest forms by political aspirants under the platform of the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), it is safe to suggest that the countdown to the 2015 general elections has commenced despite the official statement from the Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The submission of forms by the aspirants seeking the party’s nod to contest for the various seats available come 2015 has however opened up fresh challenges for the party as well as the politicians themselves. The issues of zoning, governors’ ambition among others seems to be tearing the party but it is presumed that these issues will be sorted out by the leadership of Africa’s largest party in the following weeks. As politicians ready to do battle in next year’s general elections, one fascinating occurrence is the level at which Anambra North Senatorial seat has virtually become an all- female affair in the PDP. At the time of this report, three prominent female politicians from the zone have purchased and submitted their forms at the party headquarters and by so doing, they are battle ready to outwit each other in order to pick the sole ticket at the party primaries to contest at the elections proper. Those in the race are the former senator representing the zone, Senator Joy Emodi, who also served as the presidential adviser on National Assembly Matters, former minister of aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah and Senator Margery Okadigbo, wife of the late former Senate President, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, who herself, is the incumbent senator representing the zone in the senate. The three ladies are the leading aspirants in a contest that also has a number of men who, however, have been seemingly dwarfed by the carriage of the three women. It is thus not surprising that the bookmakers choice of the line up of candidates favours one of the women against the candidates that would emerge from the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA and All Progressives Congress, APC, in the February, 2015 Senate election. Until few weeks ago, it was almost like a two woman contest with Oduah pitched in battle against Okadigbo, who has had a fairly but not totally eventful ride in the Senate. That was
Besides, before her disengagement she was known to be largely an Abuja based politician who did not as much flock with her people at home. Another issue that political operatives in the area are also taking against her is the fact that she is the only one of the three ladies married outside the zone, given her marital links to Edo State. During one of her recent outings, she said the zone would be restored to its pride of place where the people’s creativity and entrepreneurial skills would top her priority, if voted into power.
Margery Okadigbo
Joy Emodi
Stella Oduah
Margery Okadigbo
until some stakeholders within and outside the constituency mobilised to coerce Senator Emodi who occupied the seat between 2005 and 2010 into the race.
have brought pressure on Emodi to enter the race to retain the seat for the party. Stakeholders from the seven local government areas in the zone met a fortnight ago in Onitsha for the purpose of mounting pressure on her to join the race to represent Anambra North in the senate in 2015. The Onitsha meeting was attended by her former coordinators, some of her diehard supporters from other political parties and leaders of many Non Governmental Organizations, NGO, operating in the zone. At the meeting, the stakeholders passed a resolution urging her to join the race immediately because, according to them, the zone was missing her quality representation in the senate. Coordinator of Senator Joy Emodi Campaign Organization, Mr. Chuks Onyeizugbe said they had to urge Emodi to vie for senate because Anambra North has been feeling her absence for the past four years. Another stakeholder, Mr. Anthony Onyejekwe from Onitsha said Emodi touched many lives, adding that people of the zone would work hard to ensure that she returns to the senate in 2015. “This is one person who never discriminated. She could interact with anybody irrespective of her position in the society and the rural women who she touched their lives have vowed to vote massively for her if she secures the PDP ticket,” he said. One of the major selling points for Senator Emodi comes from her ef-
forts in lifting the status of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, rehabilitation and strengthening of Niger Bridge, revitalization of the Onitsha Port project and re-positioning of agricultural areas to align them with Anambra /Imo River Basin Development Authority for better yields. She also embarked on poverty alleviation programmes through which she gave micro credit grants to widows and youths, scholarship award to youths for secondary and tertiary education, as well as for ICT and other skill acquisition, provision of portable water and rehabilitation of rural roads.
Joy Emodi
Mrs. Emodi represented the zone between 2005 and 2010 and in that time won praise for her robust representation of the people both in the constituency and in the Senate. Many pair her time with that of the late Senator Chuba Okadigbo as the best periods that Anambra North had in the Senate. It was no surprise that in the runup to the PDP Senate primaries that some stakeholders started canvassing for her return, but she was understood to have initially flatly rejected the pleas mainly on account of the divisions in the party and the circumstances surrounding her exit as the presidential adviser on National Assembly Matters when she was forced out despite a global acknowledgement of her efforts in smoothening relations between the presidency and the National Assembly. However, some concerned PDP stakeholders were said to have urged it on the presidency that the PDP could lose the Senate contest, a development that it was claimed could negatively affect the party in the presidential election as both polls are taking place on the same day. It was partly on account of this that stakeholders in the zone were said to
Stella Oduah The former minister of aviation began mobilization for the contest soon after she was removed from the Federal Executive Council. Since then, she has been visible in public gatherings, including the churches where she donates large sums of money. The aspirant is considered to be very rich and as is the practise with professional politicians in the state, many of them have been flocking to her. Though the airport rehabilitation project gives her some mileage in the opinion of some, however, the circumstances surrounding her removal may count against her as her opponents are likely to bring the issue of the aviation bullet proof car scandal to tarnish her image.
Senator Okadigbo spent two years after the election on litigation and was only sworn in as a senator in July, 2012, a situation that maybe dulled her profile. Her recent empowerment programme at the Oyi local government headquarters at Nteje was her first major outing and she did it in a big way. Before then, some of the people of the senatorial zone were already becoming disenchanted with a pledge to punish her at the polls. However, many changed their minds after receiving the packages at the empowerment programme saying it was better late than never. The Senator said she was using the occasion to mark her two years as a senator and commended all those who stood by her during the protracted legal battle in her journey to the senate. Apart from the items distributed to the people, the senator has also facilitated employment of many people from the zone in various federal establishments and offered scholarship to deserving people in the area. Senate president, Chief David Mark who attended the ceremony described Senator Okadigbo as a good representative of the people, adding that she is toeing the footsteps of her late husband, Senator Chuba Okadigbo. He said: “Mrs. Okadigbo has only been in the senate for two years and look at what she has attracted to her senatorial zone. If she could do this in two years, one can imagine what she can achieve if she is given another opportunity to represent the zone. For the people of Anambra North Senatorial zone, the words of Geraldine Ferraro “Some leaders are born women” is surely playing out, all the people in the zone can do is hope that the best woman gets the party’s nod to represent them effectively.
NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014 DAILTY TIMES
8
politics
T
he recently conducted ward congresses by the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has indeed opened up fresh twists capable of rocking the boat of the ruling party just a few months to the 2015 general elections. Ugochukwu Onyeocha in this write up critically examines the issues of power tussle among major players in the party. In a self-effacing manner, the recently conducted ward congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the states was sure to create a storm in the ruling party. With the intense power play between governors and federal legislators who had to form alliances with other aggrieved party members allegedly sidelined for too long, it was a case of bidding their time to strike back. In the sequence of power tussle, governors, as leaders of the party at the state level, have never pretended about their aspiration ahead of 2015; which is to transcend politically to the Senate, a tradition that evolved in 2007, and to also ensure that their anointed aspirants succeed them in office. This has now become an entrenched transition system in Nigeria’s elective politics. For states that have opposition governors, the scheming for party control revolves around either serving ministers or immediate past ministers, as the case may be, and other stakeholders who believe they have held the party together and as such, deserve to be brought to the negotiating table. More so, the rising demand for zoning in its various variations as dictated by the states, heightened the nature of the contest. Ward congresses are always very crucial as they are designed to elect three ward delegates to join statutory delegates who are the primary constituency for the nomination of candidates for elective offices at the federal and state levels. However, as with previous ward congresses that generated uproars, the PDP sensing that this round of congresses might not be different, set up a national integration and reconciliation committee, for the six geo-political zones, with the aim of soothing frayed nerves and smoothening rough edges within the party. The committees, which also sought to win converts, however invited aggrieved members of the party as a measure of feeling the pulse of party faithful across the states with a view to administering solutions to their grievances. The outcome of the committees showing however gave an insight into what was to play out during the ward congresses. While those who lost faulted the process, those who won described the congresses as transparent and peaceful. By the end of the congress, reflections of the tussle began to emerge. In Abia State, the three incumbent senators in Abia, Senators Uche Chukwumerije, Nkechi Nwaogu and Eny-
2015: Ruling Party In
ininnya Abaribe, said there was no congress in the state. The former managing director of Diamond Bank , Dr. Alex Otti, who recently relinquished his position in the bank to contest the 2015 governorship elections under the platform of the ruling party also corroborated the statement from the senators. But the state governor Theodore Ahamefula Orji, countered the claim, stating instead that peaceful congresses held throughout the state. For Plateau State, the congress held in 15 of the 16 local government areas while that of Pankshin Local Government Area was upon alleged disagreement among PDP chieftains in the area. In Rivers State, 16 of the gubernatorial aspirants were said to have boycotted the ward congresses alleging that the state executive had slanted the process in favour of Nyesom Wike, for-
mer minister of state (education). Declaring that there was no congress in the state, Barr. Soalabo West, who spoke for the aspirants said about two thousand persons who bought the delegate forms from the Abuja office of the party could not submit them at the party’s state secretariat in Port Harcourt as the state leadership refused to accept them, saying they were not bought from the secretariat. But the state chapter chairman of the party, Mr. Felix Obuah, denied those claims, saying that the congresses were peacefully conducted in all 319 wards. He added that those who called for postponement of the exercise were agents of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). In Akwa Ibom State, reports emerged that three members of the party were feared killed during the congress. Reports have it that the uproar
started when some hoodlums from an opposing group attempted to hijack election materials which was rebuffed by another group and the police had to step in shooting sporadically into the air to maintain peace. He explained that in the milieu that ensued, many of the delegates, who had thronged the party secretariat scampered for their lives and some killed in the process. It was gathered that ward delegates from the former deputy governor’s camp Mr Nsima Ekere were mostly affected. One of the PDP members from Eastern Obolo, Eyo Okon, who spoke with our correspondent, said that there was serious fight between two factions of PDP who had problems over who would make the list of the delegates from the area. Allegations of parallel ward congresses emerged in Ondo State. However, the newly-appointed Caretaker
Chairman of the party, Dare Adeleke, dismissed the allegation. A representative of the National Secretariat Senator Lekan Mustapha, said the congress was peaceful, “this is the first time I will witness a congress that will be very peaceful without any rancour.” But the former state chairman of the party in the state Ebenezer Alabi claimed that a parallel congress across the state. Alabi said that “the only register that can be used for the Congress is the one in our custody and compiled more than 30 days ago.Already, there are reports that some aggrieved party leaders were mulling plots to dump the PDP in Ondo. In the run up to this congress, Enugu State, had grabbed the spotlights courtesy of the tussle between, the incumbent governor, Sullivan Chime and the deputy senate president, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu. As such, on the day of the congress, loyalists of Governor
DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014
9
politics
Tatters Over Ward Congress
Otti
Orji
Sullivan Chime, claimed that there were no congresses, alleging “hijack” of the materials. But the acting chairman of the party, Mr. David Aja, denied such claims, stating instead that the congress held. Aja, who is said to be loyal of Senator Ike Ekweremadu, was quoted as saying the congresses held throughout the state under his watch as approved by the national secretariat. However there are reports that a petition was in the making to be filed by Chime faction to the national secretariat over the congress. The scenario in Kwara State was relatively peaceful even though a group of stakeholders in the party under the aegis of Kwara Democratic Assembly described the exercise as fraud. The group in a statement entitled, ”Brazen Electoral Fraud During Kwara PDP ward Congress” issued by its president, Comrade Kazeem
Abiola” made available to journalists in Ilorin on Sunday. Another state that in the build up to the congress got most political eye brows raised was Ebonyi State. Interesting, reports indicate that the exercise was generally peaceful in most sections of the state, even though there were allegations that parallel congresses were conducted in some areas including Amiri Ekoli ward in Afikpo South West Constituency. The alleged parallel congresses was held by a group of members that insisted they are in charge of the leadership of the party in the state. The claim revolves around allegations that the guidelines of the party for the selection of a new Chairman was not met as the Acting Chairman that took over from Chief Ugorji Ama-Oti did not resign and was still in sound health. In Ogun State, the congresses re-
Abaribe
Nwaogu
Chukwumerije
portedly held on a shaky note as many of those who sought election as delegates could not submit their forms. It was learnt that though the congresses were largely peaceful, but much of the activities were at the party secretariat, where some delegates who could not submit their forms protested in the morning, a development that led to the deployment of a detachment of mobile policemen to the secretariat. However, the state PDP Chairman, Adebayo Dayo, raised the alarm over attempts by some returnees to the party to hijack the party primaries. He called for the review of the exercise across the 236 wards in the state. Dayo, who didn’t name the returnee PDP members, however alleged that they, got separate forms of delegates, separate from the ones legally obtained by the contestants at the party’s secretariat. The party chairman, alleged that the
members having failed to submit their forms before deadline subsequently brought the forms for submission in order to cause confusion within the party. In Ekiti State, there were complaints about the compilation of the list of the ad hoc delegates. A former member of the Senate, Senator Ayo Arise, alleged that Governor Ayodele Fayose, “did not allow any congress to hold here in EkitiNorth Senatorial district” alleging further that “He (Fayose) had already compiled the list of delegates in favour of my challenger, Duro Faseyi. As I am talking to you, the chairmen of all the wards and local governments have been summoned to Ado-Ekiti by the governor to sign the forged lists.” However, the Acting State Chairman, PDP, Mr. Taelolu Otitoju, countered the claim, noting that congress was successful.
He added that the committee sent by the PDP National Secretariat led by Abubakar Mukhtar, monitored the process across the state. The governor however denied allegations that he manipulated the list of ad hoc delegates that emerged from the congress. However as these claims and counter claims continue to fly around, one thing is clear, the PDP will be required to act fast in resolving these issues. As the committees sent from the national begin to submit their reports, the conflict resolution mechanisms within the PDP is poised to get to work. Still, the opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC) is waiting in the wings to cash in on the seeming impasse in the PDP across the states. However, a source in the PDP who pleaded not to be named said hinted that the party will overcome this phase as such controversies are meant to arise from such keenly contested process. The source said “yes we are aware of some of these complaints. There is no way we will have such congresses that we won’t have such disagreements. As a political family, we will have these complaints but one thing is sure we will resolve them as a family and rectify the issues before we go into the next phase of the political activity. “We will study the situation, analyse the issues and find a solution to all the matters arising. Don’t forget that PDP has over the years resolved even much more serious crisis than this in the past. This one will not be any different. We are more than capable of resolving this challenge and we will.” How the ruling party intends to solve the crisis on the ground is yet to be seen but with the opposition APC breathing down on its neck and the prospects of facing defeat next year, it is hoped that the party and its gladiators would find a solution to the impasse before the elections kick off proper.
NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014 DAILTY TIMES
10
business
ICT And Nigeria’s $10Billion E-Commerce Potential
Ugochukwu Onyeocha
do not play big in the sector. Apart from partnership with e-payment and card based companies, they are not strategic investors to ecommerce business. That is why, for instance, the online retail businesses which are not assetbased like the brick and mortar genre, thrive mainly on equity. Going to the banks means they may not have collateral, and as a result, the bank may not buy into it. But even in the equity system, getting a sizeable equity that can help, means getting it from abroad. You can only get seed money from the local equity. These are some of the challenges that have bogged down business in this sector” he lamented. He however argued that the state of Nigerian e-commerce can only get better if practitioners learn how to turn around their challenges to positions of strength. “For us at Gloo.ng, we set out from the onset to face our challenges and transform them to ladder of success. From a humble beginning with seven staff, we have managed to increase our staff strength to 20. As at this time last year we covered about 25 percent of Lagos but now we cover 50 percent and by this time next year we plan to cover the whole of Lagos. Our target currently is to hit a $1million revenue base and we are sure to meet the target by December, latest.”
I
t is no longer in doubt that the growing rate of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) utilisation, particularly the internet has influenced, at a faster rate, online interaction and communication among the generality of the populace. Globally today, the Internet has become a serious window of interaction, making so many things accessible, including the delivery of goods and services. Indeed, the e-commerce industry is gradually becoming another focal point for ICT growth in Nigeria In the last 15 years, Nigeria’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector has witnessed tremendous growth. It has created tremendous opportunities for the very smart and hardworking populace. The huge potentials of the industry in Nigeria is still much untapped considering the huge population and human resources available in the country. Statistics available in the country showed that the ICT sector now contributes about 19 per cent to the service industry from about 0.04 per cent some 12 years back. While much impact has been felt through the telecommunications and the computer hardware sub-sectors, the contributions from the software industry is still nothing to write home about. In fact, the Minister of Communications Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson recently in Lagos, lamented that about $360 million was being lost through software capital flights in the country, almost on a yearly basis. Despite this challenge, the liberalisation of the Nigeria’s telecommunications sector about 13 years ago has truly made the country Africa’s destination of ICT investments. Today, Nigeria can boast of over $32 billion investments in the telecommunications industry, grew its telephone subscriptions from the meagre of 400, 000 lines that now moribund Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) struggled to manage about 13 years ago to an active mobile subscription of over 130 million lines. Besides, Nigeria currently has over 92 per cent teledensity rate, with over 64 per cent mobile coverage of the country as explained by the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) including MTN Nigeria; Globacom; Airtel; Etisalat; Visafone and some others. For record purpose, it also worth mentioning that Nigeria is home to Africa’s largest ICT market—the Computer Village, located at Ikeja, a
suburb of Lagos. The industry has equally created employment opportunities for Nigerians and also helped to facilitate growth of other sectors of the economy. About 100, 000 jobs have been created directly, while over 1.1 million were created indirectly within the last decade. The contributions of indigenous ICT firms including Zinox; Omatek; Chams Plc; CWG; Anchor Telecoms; Upperlink; New Horizons; Veda Computers; Signal Alliance among others have been very significant. Many companies providing what has become known as value added services have also emerged in the landscape and helped to deepen service offerings to Nigerians and people beyond the shores of the country. However, a major area that telecommunications sector has helped develop is electronic commerce. Al-
though the e-commerce market in Nigeria is relatively new, it is however growing in fast pace to attract interests of different sectors of the economy. With an estimated growth rate of 25 per cent yearly, the sector, which when examined in 2012 was worth $35 million, currently is worth $550 million and projected to have a $10 billion potential if well harnessed. Johnson informed that about two years ago, the orders per day was 1000, “but now, 2014, the order per day has increased to 15, 000 and going by the potential value of $10 billion, the order per day should be about 300,000.” As such, e-commerce offers a level playing ground for large businesses, as well as small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to operate in the global marketplace and for regional businesses and communities to participate in social, economic and cultural
networks seamlessly across international boundaries. State of e-commerce in Nigeria For the Chief Executive Officer of Gloo.ng, which clocked two on October 6, Dr. Olumide Olusanya, the sector can boost major employment generation for the country, which could run into hundred thousands of jobs. According to Olusanya, e-commerce in Nigeria is very lucrative and no investor would regret investing in it, but Nigerian banks and local equity investors hardly take advantage of the ubiquity of the sector. Backing up his facts, he said, “Market value of supermarket sales both online and brick & mortar, in 2014 alone is 44 billion dollars. Yet it grows at 5 per cent annual rate. So you can see that investing here does not hurt for those who understand the business. However, Nigerian banks still
What propels e-commerce in Nigeria? In Nigeria, analysts are of the opinion that the recent growth in e-commerce is responsible for the continued expansion of the retail sector. According to them, there are about 300 e-commerce sites running in Nigeria. Besides, experts have projected about 10 per cent increase in the number of players in the sub-sector. This, according to them will continued to be fuel by new developments including investments in telecommunications industry such as the undersea cables bringing excess bandwidth are driving cheaper data prices and increased Internet penetration. Though, Nigeria’s broadband penetration is said to have grown from about 6.4 per cent late 2013 to about 8.4 per cent now, the Federal Government through the National Broadband Plan is targeting a 30 per cent penetration by 2018. This is expected to formally put Nigeria on the global map and make players including Jumia; Konga; OLX; DealDey; Cheki.com; wakanow; Gidimall.com, among others compete favourably with the likes of Ali Baba; Ebay among others.
DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014
11
business
ICT And Nigeria’s $10Billion E-Commerce Potential Nigeria’s massive mobile phone penetration with significant growth in the acquisition of smartphones has also been seen as another driving force. Today, Nigeria is home to over 170 million connected lines, of which 130 million are active. Reports have it that the country’s smartphone market, estimated to worth close to N500 billion, will be another driving force by 2017. E-Commerce Potential While the minister confirmed that Nigeria’s e-commerce potential, if well harnessed is worth $10 billion, experts have added that the sub-sector can contribute 20 per cent to the country’s GDP. According to the Co-CEO, Jumia Nigeria, Nicola Martin, e-commerce would soon be contributing up to 20 per cent to the country’s GDP in terms of growth level. Martin, who was discussing ecommerce as next driver of Nigeria’s economic growth in a TV programme recently, expressed strong confidence in the sector’s potentials further facilitated by Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) cashless policy, which seeks to reduce the use of physical cash and increase the adoption of various electronic portals for financial transactions. He said e-commerce had grown tremendously, with companies such as Jumia seeing growth rates of 10 times every year, adding that the growing number of online players
Indeed, recent report informed that the sector grew from N49.9 billion to N62.4 billion between 2010 and 2011, and to N78 billion between 2011 and 2012, representing a 25-percent increase in each period. Today, the sector is worth over $550 million. The minister informed that about $200 million has been invested in the sector lately. In fact, an unconfirmed sources disclosed that the sector is has attracted significant foreign investments as two of the leading players in the industry received $50 million (N8.25 billion) investments in the last 18 months. was good for the e-commerce industry because it would help the industry to grow as well as assist in educating Nigerians about the convenience of online shopping. In fact, online researchers, emarketer. com stated that while e-commerce across the rest of the world is growing at 16.8 per cent, Africa’s eCommerce space is growing at a rate of 25.8 per cent – making it the fastest growing in the world. This growth has also been seen as fuelling a massive consumer behavioural change in favour of electronic commerce. Online stores in Nigeria, according to a recent survey, record over $2 million worth of transactions per week, approximately N1.3 billion per month. Besides, the sub- sector can also take the teeming of unemployed Nigerian youths out of the labour mar-
ket.
In a recent interview, the Chief Executive Officer, Konga.com, Sim Shagaya the long-term vision of any e-commerce firm in the country was to reach all Nigerians across economic strata. Shagaya said that despite huge challenges in Nigeria, online shopping firms could experience geometrical growth. Investments so far Online shopping has indeed gained much traction in Nigeria. Today, apart from services some players are offering like easytaxi; wakanow; checki. com; carmudi among others, there is hardly any products a customer wanted that won’t be available online. From fast food (Hellofood) to groceries to clothings to electronics to mobile and lately real estate.
Challenges The sector however is not devoid its fair share of challenges. There is the challenge of proper logistics, the chaotic infrastructure in Nigeria which includes bad roads, traffic congestions, among others. Another one is payment system. The process of online or electronic payment is hard for a Nigerian customer who needs to make up to twenty clicks before final payment rather than in America for instance where it requires just one click to make payment. Again there is the issue of cost of acquiring customers. This is where funding comes in. You need huge funds to acquire as much customers. Some of our competitors spend up to $400 to acquire one customer but since we have realized that funding is a problem in Nigeria, we turned the
challenge to strength. “We deal on household consumables which have almost zero rate of returns, do same day delivery and create shopping list service on our site which recognises our customers weekly or monthly needs and gets across to them without stress. So in essence we spend less than $14 dollar to acquire a customer,” said Sim Shagaya. Sim Shagaya believes firmly that the ubiquitous Internet facility in Nigeria will be a boost to the sector and country estimated to have over 170 million people. “But think of it, we are an Internet company. We distribute our catalogue on mobile devices and personal computers. These mobile devices must be in the hands of people along with the Internet connection to enable them shop on Konga, in addition to payment channels among others. To some degree, our capacity to serve the lower income Nigerian depends on the affordability and availability of mobile devices and Internet connectivity.” A former Director at the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Sylvanus Ehikioya wants improved power generation to boost the sector and most especially, improved online security. Ehikioya noted that most Nigerians shied away from online business for fear of identity theft. “The cyberspace is not secured and people are afraid of losing money to hackers. The situation is even worst due to ineffective delivery system”, he stated.
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fashion
Do The Crops! By Aderonke Akinola
C
rop Tops will always find their way back into fashion styles and for the time being, it looks like they’re here to stay. Crop tops are like false eyelashes, great in theory, but very difficult to incorporate into your everyday life. Most people won’t feel comfortable showing off their belly button, unless you have very nice belly button to flaunt to the world. Crop tops definitely looks nice for clubbing, birthday parties, shows, any event but not for the corporate world. Mind you, there are different kinds of crop tops to wear and different ways to rock them too. So many ways to style a crop tops that won’t be showing too much of your skin, all we need see is only a hint of your skin. Cropped styles create more attention. For the look not to be that glaring you have to keep it simple you don’t need to have solid colours, however, you can go crazy with patterns. Play with Proportions: Like so many other styles, wearing a crop top is all about balancing the colours and making sure that they fit well. To balance your tinier top, wear a high-waisted skirt or high-rise trousers on the
bottom. Wearing a maxi long skirt and crop top combination is also a fun spring look. Stripped crop tops will look good on everyone and will help create a nautical look. A crop top matched with a pencil skirt is a powerful and sophisticated way to style your outfit. Another key to pulling off the crop top is pairing it with a more conservative bottom. Let’s put it in this way party on business, the upper part is party like wear, and the bottom part is more corporate wears. Matching same pattern on top and on the bottom, a floral top with the same floral bottom would be boring if the top wasn’t cropped. The cut off top breaks up the pattern so you don’t look like a masquerade. We all know fashion is playful, a mixture of different colours or similar colour, it’s just clothing, you can be weird about it, that’s no crime. It’s all about creating your own style and fashion trends. Crop tops don’t have to be too sexy; you can wear them to keep cool in hot weather. What I love so much about crop tops is that all body types can rock it, you don’t need to be skinny or fat, pear shape, big bust, small bust, athletic, broad shoulders, everyone can rock crop tops.
NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014 DAILTY TIMES
DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014
13
leisure
Finally: Don Jazzy Explains Meaning of ‘Dorobucci’ By Opeoluwani Akintayo
F
inally that moment we’ve all been waiting for is here, it’s Don Jazzy again! Since the debut of Mavin family song, ‘Dorobucci’ which has become more like a national anthem, the crew has kept us in suspense as to the true meaning of the word, ‘Dorobucci’. And because the crew kept mum all along, various meanings were thrown up, including that the word ‘Dorobucci’ is a song in praise of a mysterious god of entertainment. But now, we don’t have to look further because the true meaning of the word is finally out. In fact, it came straight
from the horse’s mouth, Don Jazzy himself. The crew was in Akwa Ibom on Friday, Nov.7 where they performed at the grand opening of the world class stadium newly built by the recent governor, Godswill Akpabio. During the opening ceremony, the anchor called out Don Jazzy who was draped in all white attire, and asked him right in public view and glare what ‘Dorobucci’ means. And of course, since there was no way he could dodge the question, he had to spill the beans! “Dorobucci is the boss that is higher than the normal boss”, he said. There you go! Now we can rest.
Wow: Asa Dumps Dreadlocks For Afro?! By Opeoluwani Akintayo
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id we ever dream of seeing the day internationally acclaimed singer, Asa would dump her signature dreadlocks for an Afro? No, we didn’t see this coming! But yes, that moment is now. Or maybe it hasn’t really come yet, we know she’s got
it on her mind. The singer is presently preparing for the launch of her new album and she got loads of illustrations for the art cover already streaming in. One of those illustrations was from @TheLastArtxtect on Twitter where it had the singer not wearing her usual ‘locks but a ‘fro. The art work is so beautiful that it caught Asa’s attention
and she’s eyeing the haircut already! “Got sent this illustration by @TheLastArtxtect on Twitter... loving the new hair cut”, she tweeted. So, we guess she might be on her way to getting rid of her dreads for this beautiful Afro! We think she’d look stunning rocking the ‘fro just like in this illustration.
Nike Akande’s Greatest Fear By Isaac Oguntoye
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f you call her ever-radiant socialite, you are not far from the truth as the former Minister, Chief Mrs. Onikepo Akande commands respect with her soft and glowing look anytime she steps out.
The Ekerin Iyalode of Ibadanland who turned 70 penultimate week, opened up on her greatest fear. When asked what it felt like clocking 70, the beautiful septuagenarian said she was afraid she might not
S
hould we say Taribo West got carried away with the warmth reception he got from the people of Akwa Ibom during the opening ceremony of the new state-of-the-art football stadium built by the serving governor, Gov. Godswill
T
hough what transpired between KCee and Presh of the defunct group, KC Presh is still sketchy but the duo seem to be enjoying their solo life more than when they were together. And in every interview each had granted, the duo have not ceased to express how happy they are showcasing their God-giving talented without depending on the . Just last week, Presh granted an interview
where he said going solo has enabled him explore so many things in terms of using his real voice. “There are so many things I couldn’t do as a group. You know the way Nigerian system is; you have to come down for your partner especially when your voice is above the one of your partner. I’m a singer, music director and I do a lot of voice training. At the moment, I don’t want to have anything to do with my partner. I’m just concentrating on my myself. It is sweet being solo you know”.
By Isaac Oguntoye
‘F
If God Permits, I will Run For Governor-Taribo West Akpabio when he revealed that he might run for the seat of the governorship of his state if God permits him? Being an ex-international footballer is no doubt an advantage to get people’s attention and this has been working for some retired legs in the Nigeria football circle. Immediately the former Super Eagle defender
By Isaac Oguntoye
Lagos Tax Chief, Tunde Fowler Transforms LIRS
clock the golden age. “I feel great, very very happy and I am grateful to God almighty for sparing my life to be 70 because my mother died early at 49 and my uncle Olu Aboderin who was very close to my mother, also died at 49. When he first came back from England, he first of all stayed with my mom. So, they were very close, and then the two of them dieing that young scared me. So when I turned 50, I said thank God. I had broken that jinx. And then I became 60 and now 70 and by the grace of God 80.”
By Isaac Oguntoye
“It’s Sweet Without Kcee”-Presh boasts
cum Pastor stepped on the field to grant an interview, the crowd cheered him up, the reception was massive. Upon seeing how the crowd responded to him, the presenter asked if he also has an ambition to run for the governor’s seat. The Rivers State born pastor said “If God permits me, who knows? I might come out to contest” he concluded.
owler is working, Lagos is moving” is the new slogan on the lips of many Lagosians as the former banker turned government worker is leaving no stone unturned in transforming the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service. According to information, Fowler’s tax reforms has made Lagos state the only state in the Federal Republic of Nigeria that is financially independent. While other top politicians are busy moving from one social gathering to the other, the ever-busy Executive Chairman, Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue who also doubles as the CEO of Lagos State Internal
Revenue Service we learnt, is busy calculating how to ensure Lagosians understand the need to pay their taxes. It will interest you to know that despite his achievement, William Babatunde Fowler has never for once bragged about his achievement in office instead, he gives credit to Governor Fashola who has used the revenue to the satisfaction and joy of the people of Lagos State.
health
NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014 DAILTY TIMES
14
Experts Identify Chronic Illnesses As Rising Threat To The Elderly
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major new Series on health and ageing, published in “The Lancet”, warns that unless health systems find effective strategies to address the problems faced by an ageing world population, the growing burden of chronic disease will greatly affect the quality of life of older people. As people across the world live longer, soaring levels of chronic illness and diminished wellbeing are poised to become a major global public health challenge. Worldwide, life expectancy of older people continues to rise. By 2020, for the first time in history, the number of people aged 60 years and older will outnumber children younger than 5 years. By 2050, the world’s population aged 60 years and older is expected to total 2 billion, up from 841 million today. Eighty per cent of these older people will be living in lowincome and middle-income countries. The increase in longevity, especially in high-income countries (HICs), has been
largely due to the decline in deaths from cardiovascular disease (stroke and ischaemic heart disease), mainly because of simple, cost-effective strategies to reduce tobacco use and high blood pressure, and improved coverage and effectiveness of health interventions. However, although people are living longer, they are not necessarily healthier than before – nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of the overall global burden of death and illness is in people aged over 60, and much of this burden is attributable to long-term illness caused by diseases such as cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, heart disease, musculoskeletal diseases (such as arthritis and osteoporosis), and mental and neurological disorders. This long-term burden of illness and diminished wellbeing affects patients, their families, health systems, and economies, and is forecast to accelerate. For example, latest estimates indicate that the number of people with dementia is expected to rise from 44 million now, to 135
million by 2050. “Deep and fundamental reforms of health and social care systems will be required,” says Dr John Beard, Director of the Department of Ageing and Life Course at the WHO, and co-leader of the Series with Dr Ties Boerma and Dr Somnath Chatterji, also from WHO. “But we must be care-
ful that these reforms do not reinforce the inequities that drive much of the poor health and functional limitation we see in older age.” “While some interventions will be universally applicable, it will be important that countries monitor the health and functioning of their ageing populations to understand
WHO Rules Out Health Risks From Mobile Phones
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he World Health Organisation (WHO) reassured billions of mobile phone subscribers globally that no adverse effect has been found till date on an individual’s health by its use. “A large number of studies have been performed over the last two decades to assess whether mobile phones pose a potential health risk,” the premier body on health in the United Nations system has said in its latest fact sheet. “To date, no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use,” the organisation said, seeking to allay fears in several countries over the ill effects of mobile phone usage on health, including the triggering of cancer. The fact sheet speaks of both short-term and long-term impact of mobile phone use. As per latest data, there are some
6.9 billion mobile phone subscriptions the world over. In the short-term assessment, it says, even as tissue heating is the primary concern of exposure to the human body, the frequencies of mobile are so low that they result in negligible temperature rise in the brain or other organs. It also said a number of studies that used volunteers to probe the effects of radio waves on a brain’s electrical activity, function, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure did not find any consistent evidence of adverse health effects. “Further, research has not been able to provide support for causal relationship between exposure to electromagnetic fields and self-reported symptoms, or electromagnetic hypersensitivity.” As regards long-term effects, the global body said epidemiological research has mostly looked for a link be-
tween brain tumours and mobile phone. It also said such cancers take many years to detect, and that mobile phones were not in use widely before 1990s. “However, results of animal studies consistently show no increased cancer risk for longterm exposure to radio frequency fields.” According to WHO, several large multinational epidemiological studies have been completed or are ongoing, including case-control studies and prospective cohort studies examining a number of health endpoints in adults. The largest retrospective case-control study to date, led by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), was designed to determine whether there are links between use of mobile phones and head and neck cancers in adults. It said while the analysis
of data from 13 participating countries found no increased risk of glioma or meningioma with mobile phone use of more than 10 years, some indications came from the highest 10 percent cumulative hours of mobile phone use. “The researchers concluded that biases and errors limit the strength of these conclusions,” it added. Speaking about its own response to the issue as expressed by the public and governments, WHO said it had established the International Electromagnetic Fields Project in 1996 to assess the matter scientifically. “WHO will conduct a formal risk assessment of all studied health outcomes from radio frequency fields exposure by 2016,” it said, adding it will also promote research and exchanges among its agencies, scientists, governments, industry and the public, Zee News reports.
health trends and design programmes that meet the specific needs identified”, adds Dr Ties Boerma, Director of the Department of Health Statistics and Informatics at WHO. “Cross-national surveys such as the WHO Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE), the Gallup World Poll, and other longitudinal
cohorts studies of ageing in Brazil, China, India, and South Korea, are beginning to redress the balance and provide the evidence for policy, but much more remains to be done.” However, the responsibility for improving quality of life for the world’s older people goes far beyond the health sector, say the Series authors. Strategies are needed that better prevent and manage chronic conditions by extending affordable health care to all older adults and take into consideration the physical and social environment. Examples include changing policies to encourage older adults to remain part of the workforce for longer (e.g., removing tax disincentives to work past retirement age), emphasising low-cost disease prevention and early detection rather than treatment (eg, reducing salt intake and increasing uptake of vaccines), making better use of technology (eg, mobile clinics for rural populations), and training health-care staff in the management of multiple chronic conditions.
DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014
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health
Rashes On Beef Can Cause Tuberculosis, Expert Warns
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veterinary doctor in Akwa Ibom, Udo Obot, has warned against the consumption of cattle with nodules on their skins, saying it was dangerous to human health. Obot, the Director of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture in the state, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo on Sunday. He said that cattle with rashes contained bacteria that could cause tuberculosis and should not be slaughtered for consumption. He advised veterinary doctors and other officers in charge of abattoirs in the state to be very vigilant and ensure that such cattle were detected and isolated. He said: ``People should be very careful. Once you see rashes on the meat you want buy, call the attention of the veterinary officer. ``Cattle with tuberculosis nodules are not good for human consumption;
it is very difficult to kill the bacteria by boiling. Such meat needs to be discarded. ``So, I would advise that people should buy plain meat without rashes. They should consider the colour of the meet and ensure it is jelly-red and not dark-red. Obot observed that some people ignorantly bought live cattle that they would not slaughter in abattoir for ceremonies. He appealed to the people to always submit such cattle for inspection before slaughtering them for consumption to avoid diseases. The director, nonetheless, expressed concern about inadequate number of veterinary doctors in the state, appealing to the state government to employ more. He also advised candidates seeking admission into universities to enroll for veterinary medicine, because of its importance to society and its viability as a profession.
tourism
Jonathan Applauds Honour Of Nigerian Artist By U.S. Museum
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resident Goodluck Jonathan has applauded the honour conferred on Bruce Onobrakpeya, one of Nigeria’s most renowned artists, by the Smithsonian National Museum of African Arts in Washington DC on Friday. Jonathan, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, on Sunday in Abuja, said this in a congratulatory letter to the artist. The 82-year-old sculptor, painter and print-maker was named the Artist Honouree on the occasion of the Museum’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations, the statement said. It added that Onobrakpeya also received the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Living Human Treasure Award in 2006. The statement quoted Jonathan as saying Onobrakpeya’s “outstanding and remarkable works over several decades made him worthy of the recognition by one of the most distinguished art institutions in the world.” “You are indeed a living treasure of Nigeria. “As a member of the Zaria Art Society when you and your colleagues fused colonial art practice with tradi-
tional art-forms and philosophy, you have been the consummate artist. “Indeed, there is hardly any individual more deserving of recognition at the Smithsonian’s celebration of 50 years of African Art and Culture. “You have been a catalyst as well as a mentor and inspiration to generations of artists. “I note that the Washington programme at which you were honoured included an event tagged, ‘Conversations: African and African American Artworks in Dialogue “This too is apt, for you continue to be at the forefront of dialogue between artistic traditions in Nigeria and around the world. “Closer to home, your works in the State House Art Collection have given me many moments of meaningful reflection. “I am sure they have done same for many visitors to the Presidential Villa,” the president was quoted as saying in the letter. According to the statement, Jonathan declared that the celebrated artist’s works have been a high point of beauty and dignity in the lives of Nigerians. He prayed that Onobrakpeya would continue to “ennoble the country’s cultural space for many more years.”
Airlines Repositions As Chinese Demand For Discount Travel Reaches Dizzying Heights
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eventy-year-old Wang Zhenghua, founder and chairman of Spring Airlines, China’s largest low-cost carrier, has a simple but effective way to keep prices down: Every day after work he asks his
employees to turn off the lights before commuting back home. This could easily pass for a regular, international practice - if only his subordinates weren’t also required to clean their offices themselves and use the caf-
eteria’s second-hand microwaves during lunch breaks instead of eating out. No matter how strict, this cost-cutting strategy has proven beneficial to Spring Airlines, China’s first low-cost carrier (LCC). Founded in 2005 by the
old-style Shanghai entrepreneur, the company carried a record 11 million passengers in 2013, as travelling on the cheap becomes the next big trend in China’s booming tourism industry. “It doesn’t matter how many guide-
lines you give to your employees,” Wang says in a meeting room in the company’s headquarters, which is located in a grim, nondescript former 1980s hotel next to Shanghai’s Hongqiao airport.
sports
NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014 DAILTY TIMES
16
Eagles
Opens New Uyo Stadium With Win, Stampede Dampen Celebration
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igeria’s home-based Eagles defeated Ghana U23 1-0 in an international friendly played to commission the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo.; while foreigners and guests extolled the standard of the newly built stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, some Nigerians were stampeded. Mu’Sodiq Adekunle, X-rays extraordinary activities that marked the opening of the stadium. Having successfully done the nation proud by the lifting the Transformation Cup, members of the Eagles’ squad were then handed the cup by President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Godswill Akpabio. What was supposed to be a thing of joy became a source of sorrow for some indigenes of Akwa-Ibom on Friday when a newly built stateof-the-art stadium was launched. The highly-awaited opening of the Akwa Ibom International Stadium reportedly turned into tragedy, with two people feared dead and about 20 others sustaining various degrees of injuries. Eyewitnesses told Daily Times that the incident was as a result of the star match fixed for the day. The festive occasion was billed to open with a friendly match between the Nigerian and the Ghanaian teams. Five hours before the event, cheering fans has begun thronging the new stadium. it was learnt that the presence of three presidents of different countries at the venue also triggered the convergence of such
a large crowd all rushing to secure a vantage viewing position. Many dignitaries visited the edifice opening ceremony, including Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan, Ghana’s President John Mahama, Brazilian football legend Pele and several governors from across Nigeria. President Jonathan, while declaring the stadium officially open, alongside his Ghanaian and Ivorian counterparts, described the stadium as a source of joy for the nation. According to him, the stadium will aid sports development in the nation. He said: “Today is a happy day for me. “To witness the formal commissioning of the Akwa Ibom Stadium, here in Uyo, is a very happy moment for me. I laid the foundation stone for this stadium and I am very proud to be the one commissioning it.” It was also learnt that some security personnel who were deployed to maintain order at the stadium got overzealous and resorted to using horse whips and teargas to control the crowd. The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emem Bassey, also confirmed the incident but not the feared death toll, saying, “I was told that two persons have been taken to the hospital; these are perhaps people who were fighting at the gate in their bid to enter the stadium.” He added that health workers were fully prepared to render any service required: “It should be expected; this
is the first time this is happening, everybody is excited, everybody wants to enter the stadium. We have 150 medical personnel in this place and eight ambulances. All our medical
teams are up and doing and all the clinics are manned.” The 30,000 – capacity venue, with a bullet –proof State Box that has 70 seats, has been described by
the Vice President of Ghana Football Association, Mr. Fred Crentsil (who was sent by CAF to inspect the venue) as being “among the best you can find anywhere in the world.”
DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014
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sports
Swansea Recover Late To Stun Arsenal
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Morocco Refuses To Host African Cup
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FCON faces uncertain future after Morocco’s withdrawal due to the spread of the Ebola virus in the region. Morocco has refused to host January’s African Nations Cup amid fears over the spread of the Ebola virus, throwing the 2015 tournament into jeopardy. The country, which had already said it wanted the 16-team event postponed, rejected an ultimatum set by the Confederation of African Football to confirm the hosting of the continental championship due to take place January 17-February 8. A statement from Morocco’s sports ministry said: “The decision is dic-
tated by health reasons because of the serious threat of Ebola and the risk of its spreading.” A decision on the tournament will now be made next week when CAF has an executive committee meeting in Cairo but Morocco will almost certainly be stripped as hosts. CAF said earlier on Saturday it would make no statement until after Tuesday’s meeting. In addition to medical risks, the Moroccan government statement said the decision was “also motivated by humanitarian reasons since it is our responsibility to welcome all our guests and supporters in the best conditions in accordance with the culture and hospitality Moroccan traditions”.
Morocco is concerned that supporters from west Africa converging on the country for the tournament could bring with them the deadly virus and put at risk their important tourist industry. They asked CAF to postpone the event to June, or even January 2016, but this was rejected last week by African football’s governing body, who set Morocco a deadline of Saturday to confirm it would host the three-week tournament. CAF can now either move the event to another country - although it has had no public expression of interest from nations it approached to be on standby as possible emergency hosts or cancel it at great financial cost.
Tennis
Murray Humbled By Nishikori In Opener
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ei Nishikori The first Asian player at the season-ending Tour Finals started his maiden campaign at the ATP Finals with a 6-4, 6-4 win over home favourite and former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray. The fourth-seeded Japanese - the first Asian player to qualify for the year-end championship - was in complete control and secured important points in a tough Group B that also includes Roger Federer and
Milos Raonic. After the round-robin stage, the top two finishers in each group advance to the semifinals of the indoor tournament at the O2. Murray only sealed his spot at the season finale last week in Paris following an impressive run that saw him win 20 of his previous 23 matches. But he appeared tired and never looked capable of turning the match around despite support from the crowd.
wansea scored twice in less than three minutes to rally to a 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the Premier League, with substitute Bafetimbi Gomis grabbing the winner with one of his first touches. A listless game played in driving rain in south Wales was illuminated by Alexis Sanchez’s close-range finish in the 63rd minute, the Chile forward scoring for the fourth straight league game.
Gylfi Sigurdsson curled home a stunning free kick to equalise for Swansea in the 75th and Gomis completed the hosts’ recovery by rising high to head home a pinpoint cross from Jefferson Montero, barely 90 seconds after his introduction. The defeat ends a miserable week for Arsenal after it surrendered a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 against Anderlecht in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Nicega Games 2014: Niger State College Of Education Emerges Overall Winner
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iger State College of Education, Minna, on Saturday emerged overall winner of the 18th Nigeria Colleges of Education Games Association (NICEGA) with 15 gold, four silver and five bronze medals. The Federal College of Education (FCE) Zaria followed closely in second place, clinching eight gold, eight silver and 10 bronze medals, while FCE Kano finished third with seven gold, one silver and three bronze medals. The games were hosted by the Niger State College of Education, Minna. Meanwhile, the football final be-
tween COE Minna and FCE Gombe ended 9-8 on penalties in favour of the host after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in regulation time. At the closing ceremony, Gov. Babangida Aliyu reiterated the significance of the NICEGA games, saying it was a key element for the promotion of national unity and integration. Aliyu, who was represented by Abubakar Mohammed, the Commissioner overseeing the state’s sports ministry, urged governments at all levels to support colleges of education across the country. He also commended the participants for their comportment, maturity good conduct and sportsmanship throughout the event.
Moses Michael wins AVM Atawodi Invitational Championship
M
oses Michael, on Saturday in Abuja, defeated Thomas Otu in the final of the AVM Saliu Atawodi Invitational Championship to win the cup title. The championship, which is in its first edition, was sponsored by Air Vice Marshal Salihu Atawodi. The final match, played at the IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja, saw Michael making tremendous effort to come from a set down to beat Otu 2-1
at the end of a pulsating encounter. It will be recalled that Michael had, on Friday, defeated John Otu in two straight sets, while his younger brother, Thomas Otu edged out number one seed, Henry Atseye 2-1 in the semi-finals. Otu was in total control of the first game as he dominated and outplayed Michael, beating him 6-2 to set the target early. However, Michael made a comeback to take the second set 6-4.
The third set was a ding-dong affair as both players tried to out-do the other, but it was Michael who, against all odds, sustained the momentum to win the decisive set 6-4. Michael told newsmen after the match that he was happy to emerge champion of the tourney, adding that it was not an easy feat. ``I want to thank God for making it possible for me to win this trophy. ``It was indeed a tight game but I was determined to win this, so, I had
to go the extra mile to ensure my victory. ``This victory means a lot to me because victory over any of these guys is like beating one of the best male tennis players on the continent,’’ he said. Akani Agabi, the Vice Captain of the IBB Tennis Club, told NAN after the tournament that the championship aims to provide regular competition for tennis players in the country. He said ``this tournament is to encourage the game of tennis and basi-
cally to bring the best players in the country to the IBB Golf and Country Club. ``Also, it is one way of providing regular competition for tennis players in the country.’’ NAN reports that the winner took home the championship cup, as well as N1million prize money. The five-day tournament, which featured the top 16 tennis professionals in the country, served off on Nov. 4 and came to an end on Saturday.
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arts & culture
NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014 DAILTY TIMES
Osun Oshogbo Festival: Cele
T
he early history of the Oshogbo people is founded on mythical and spiritual beliefs, along the lines of the traditions of the Yoruba people. The Osun River goddess is credited with the founding and establishment of Oshogbo town. Some accounts describe her as Oso-Igbo, the queen and original founder of Oshogbo town. Thus, the Osun Oshogbo festival, which has been celebrated for about six centuries, was built around a relationship between the river goddess, Osun, and the first monarch of Oshogbo kingdom, Oba Gbadewolu Larooye. Many centuries ago, hunters from a nearby village (Ipole Omu), named Larooye and Olatimehin and their subjects migrated in search of water. They finally settled at a place very near the Osun River in present day Osogbo. Later, Larooye became the first Ataoja (King) of Osogbo, as one of the initial builders of the settlement. These men and their subjects knew nothing about the administration of the goddess of the Osun River.
As time passed by, members of the established community were engaged in preparation of grounds for a planting season when a tree fell into the river and a mysterious voice was heard from the Osun River saying: “Larooye, Olatimehin, gbogbo Ikoko Aro mi leti fo tan”, meaning, you have destroyed all my dinning pots. Having heard this mysterious voice, they were afraid for they never knew how the goddess of the river knew their names. After Oba Larooye and other lesser spirits within the community pacified the goddess of the river by saying, “Oso-Igbo pele o, Oso igbo roar”, the ancient city was said to have derived her name from the mysterious voice from the lesser spirit made to pacify the goddess of Osun River, thus Oso-Igbo pele o; Oso-igbo rora, was abbreviated to Osogbo. Same goes for the royal title, Ataoja which was derived from the function which the goddess of Osun River advised the first Oba (King) to perform during the last day of the then festival, Atewogbeja, which is abbreviated to Ataoja.
The dense forest of the Osun Sacred Grove on the outskirts of the city of Osogbo is one of the last remnants of primary high forest in southern Nigeria. Regarded as the abode of the goddess of fertility, Osun, one of the pantheons of Yoruba gods, the landscape of the grove and its meandering river is dotted with sanctuaries and shrines, sculptures and art works in honour of Osun and other deities. The sacred grove, which is now seen as a symbol of identity for all Yoruba people, is probably the last in Yoruba culture. It testifies to the once widespread practice of establishing sacred groves outside all settlements. Statement of Significance Criterion (i): The development of the movement of New Sacred Artists and the absorption of late Suzanne Wenger, an Austrian artist, into the Yoruba community have proved to be a fertile exchange of ideas that revived the sacred Osun Grove ; Criterion (ii): The Osun Sacred Grove is the largest and perhaps the
only remaining example of a once widespread phenomenon that used to characterise every Yoruba settlement. It now represents Yoruba sacred groves and their reflection of Yoruba cosmology. Criterion (iii): The Osun Grove is a tangible expression of Yoruba divinatory and cosmological systems; its annual festival is a living thriving and evolving response to Yoruba beliefs in the bond between people, their ruler and the Osun goddess. The influences that can affect the history of a people are said to be of two kinds, which can be called internal or external, the former resulting from the character and pursuits of the people, the latter from the historical contacts and the political or religious movements and fashions that have come from outside. The early history of Osogbo is essentially the legendary account of the spirit-world; it is the history of the early people whom we call the spirits and fairies. This is in line with Yoruba traditions, which use mythical stories
to explain the origins of the ruling families of an early Yoruba state. Research into our traditions which is becoming increasingly known in scholarly circles reveals that Osogbo had been founded as early as Oduduwa period. Oso-igbo, the goddess of Osun River, was the Queen and original founder of Osogbo. She was credited with many important achievements, which helped to establish the State. She lived in a beautiful surrounding and possessed magical powers, which inspired her people and frightened their enemies. Traditions acclaim her the goddess of fertility, protection and blessings. She possessed the ability to give children (through birth) to barren women and power to heal the sick and the afflicted by means of her medicinal water from the river. The ATUPA OLOJUMERINDINLOGUN is a pointer to the beautiful surrounding. It was a sixteen-point lamp which was allegedly kept burning from dusk to dawn to maintain the glory of the place at night. This can be likened to the modern day electri-
DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014
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arts & culture
ebration Of A River Goddess
fication of a community area. Other characters that assisted Oso-igbo in her administration include: LAKOKAN: This was second in rank in the organization and the first character to be seen and appeased before the Osun goddess could be approached. IYAMAPO: The Queen (Oso-igbo) and the people were convinced that the grove was their soul and the source of their strength and, as such, guarded it at all costs. The Iyamapo was the sentry spirit charged with the duty of guarding the entrance to the grove. OSANYIN: Was the spirit or character with the duty of protecting the grove from outside attack. AJE: Was generally in charge of the indigenous industry (dyeing) and finance. OMENIYANMERIN was mainly in charge of internal security and was a character
believed to possess the power to literally swallow enemies. Hence the name, MI ENIYAN, MI ERIN (he who swallows, even men and elephants). AJIGUN was the giver of children to barren women through the use of medicinal waters from the river. IGBO AWOWO was the abyss where condemned criminals were thrown alive to meet their waterloo. It was a system of justice. A visit to the town and an encounter with the Osun priestess or Iya Osun and the Arugba, who are icons of the festival shows that preparations are usually made ahead of the grand finale which is the cultural procession to the river. The votary maid or Arugba, leads the procession during the grand finale of the festival and she is required to be a virgin, as high premium is placed on purity. This role has been played
by Agbolade for the past six years. At such time, Osogbo is usually the major attention of the world, as the people of Osun State celebrates the annual feast (Osun Osogbo) that is said to represent a point of convergence for the people of the region. For years now, multi-national companies are reawakening the age long tradition of the Osun people and Nigeria, at large. The people of Oshogbo and Yoruba’s have been known for their communal identity, which reflects in the strong bond which existed among the founding fathers. And this was subsequently passed on to their descendants as a way of life, which is tied to cultural values as a kind of heritage. However, one major threat to African culture has been modernization. With the advent of western education, Africans were quick to
accept the western way of life, from language, to food, and even dressing. A quick look into history reveals that most of the age-long cultural heritage of the founding fathers of Africans has gone into extinction with the coming of modern norms and civilization. While attempt will not be made to question the benefit of the encroaching way of life, it must be said that effort must be made to remind Africans of their root, for the sake of posterity, for which the multinational companies involved must be given credence. Despite the gradual fading away of celebrated African cultural traditions, one that has not only stood the test of time, but a reference point, even till today, is the Osun Osogbo Festival. Since 1370, the people of this part of the world, southwest Nigeria, have been able to hold on to what was bestowed
on them by their fore fathers. As a mark of the bond that was established over six centuries ago, Osogbo people gather annually to celebrate what they observe as their founders’ day, a unique cultural practice built around the relationship that existed between a river goddess and Oba Gbadewolu Larooye, the first monarch of the Osogbo Kingdom. Inside the Osun grove lies the origin of the Osogbo ascendancy and kingship institution. Records show that the Osun grove is a highly sacred sanctuary where different shrines, sculptures and artworks have been erected to honour, celebrate and remember all the Yoruba deities in the grove. Because it is generally believed by the people, the sacred River Osun is a goddess and some mythical and metaphorical significance are attached to it. The Osun is acclaimed as the goddess of fertility, prosperity and healing. Despite the proximity of the forest to human habitation, the grove was traditionally maintained and protected by the indigenous people using myths and belief system. These prevent any forms of encroachment regarded as sacrilegious and offensive to the gods and goddess. Osun grove was recognized by UNESCO in 2005 as a world heritage site, and this has been linked to the consistence that the festival has enjoyed over the years and the protection of the values of the grove by the people. The reason why UNESCO recognized this site, the Osun Osogbo sacred grove, inclusive of the festival, is because of the authenticity that is involved. It is the only festival that, since 1370 AD, has remained what it was originally despite modernity. There has not been any adulteration, everything has been in its original state, and all the structures that were put in place that form the foundation of Osun Osogbo kingdom are still in existence in the grove. Those are the attributes that you call the authenticity and integrity of a site states a representative of UNESCO. In modern times, Osun Osogbo Festival has a two-week programme of events starting with the traditional cleansing of the town called Iwopopo,
followed by the lighting of the 500 years old 16 points lamp three days later, called Olojumerindinlogun. This is followed by Iboriade some four days later, which is the assemblage of all the crowns of the past rulers (Ataojas), for blessings. The festival’s grand finale showcases the cultural procession of the people to the Osun Groove. As a mark of respect to the Osun deity, the people visit the grove to pay homage to what is now known as the living spring. And this is being led by the Ataoja, who is the traditional ruler and the votary maid (Arugba), propelled by Yeye Osun, and her committee of priestesses. The Arugba bore the people age long prayers to the grove, in her calabash of effigy which can only be carried by a virgin, which signifies purity. The procession begins at the palace of the monarch, when the Ataoja is paid obeisance by the Arugba. From there, she commences the procession to the grove. As usual, the people come with all their demands, as they visit the river within the grove which has been preserved for the annual convergence. It is the general belief of the people that through the covenant between the goddess and their founding fathers, Osogbo has remained a peaceful, progressive and benevolent city without any ravage of war or pestilence. The Osun-Osogbo festival with its international status has become a major tourist attraction worldwide. Observation over the years has shown that the period of the festival is about the best time to see the city as people parade the streets in their colours. The people look forward to it with great expectations, and for the period that it lasts, procession, dance, Art exhibition and colorful carnivals are major attractions of the Osun Osogbo Cultural Festival. And the event, over the years, has given residents and tourists the opportunity to recreate socially and culturally, as they re-enact one of their renowned age-long spiritual and communal feasts. Corporate organizations have helped to give it the needed awareness to maintain its international status.
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news people
NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014 DAILTY TIMES
The A-Z Of Dan Foster By Opeoluwani Akintayo
D
aniel ‘Dan’ Foster popularly known as The Big Dawg and Top Dawg is a Nigerian-based American radio presenter. He’s the first of four other siblings by his parents, brought up in Washington by their father because they lost their mother when he was ten. Partly raised in Baltimore by his grandmother, as a teenager, he was a rebellious young man as he got into all manner of bad habits like keeping bad friends, smoking marijuana and later on, he got a girl pregnant. This made him fall out with his man, but soon joined the Marines where he served in North Carolina, California, Florida, and Japan as a float. When he was in the Marine Corp they had some radio equipment which he used to develop himself. Along the line, he bought so much stereo equipment which got him into trouble during locker inspection. Then he got mock commercials where he read adverts on magazines and put some music behind it. After realising his enormous talent for the radio, he opted out of the Marines and went to Morgan State University where he studied Broadcasting and Drama. Foster worked with numerous radio stations including Cathy Hughes Radio One, Mix 106.5 both in America, and Virgin Island based WTBN before moving to Nigeria in 2000 where he joined Cool FM Lagos, quickly becoming popular with Nigerian listeners, although he was constantly criticised for his constant use of the word “Ikebe” . A year later, he received an award for Best Radio Presenter of the year. He also won the 2003, 2004, and 2005 Nigeria Media Merit Awards for ‘Best Radio Personality’, other wards followed in subsequent years. His number of years on Nigerian radio totals 14 years- nine years with Cool FM, four and half with Inspiration FM, now with City FM. In September 2009, Foster left Cool FM for a new radio station Inspiration FM. After working with them for four and half years, he left there amidst controversy. Explaining the reason why he left, Foster said it was time to move on to bigger things as he felt stagnated. While he was with Inspiration FM, he earned a whooping N1.6 million every month because he was doing some other duties like programming, marketing, business development; he was in charge of the events aside being an On Air
Personality. Back in America, he had a wife who had a son, Joshua now 14 years old. In search of a greener pasture, he first came to Nigeria and was later joined by his wife and son. However, his wife didn’t like Nigeria. She soon left with their son back to America. She soon remarried. After his wife left him for another man, he had flings with the likes of popular blogger, Linda Ikeji. Their affair blossomed but didn’t make it into marriage. He met his current wife, Lovina in the theatre, at the Silverbird Galleria, about six years ago (2008) at about 11.00am. They soon became close and got married a year after. The union has since produced three children. Foster was selected as a judge on West African Idol in 2007 with Dele and Abrewa Nana which produced super talents like Timi Dakolo, J’odie, Omawumi and others. Later, he moved to Nigeria’s Got Talent as a judge alongside the likes of Kate Henshaw and Yibo Koko. The show is now in its third season. He’s presently working on a new one-hour show, ‘Let’s go Naija’ to air on seven to eight radio stations through Nigeria. Foster plans on relocating to the US in the future while his businesses will still be in Nigeria.
DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014
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people
What does Fred Amata Want with Music? By Judith Frank-Edet
“T
ake a bow when the ovation is loudest” is one maxim that Nigerian entertainers have failed to adhere to. And we must say that legendary filmmaker; Fred Amata is also guilty of this offence. On the 1st of October, 2014, if Fred Amata had announced that he was vying for a political position like most of his counterparts are doing; lots of people would have easily digested the news knowing that it’s only meaningful to venture into politics after landmark achievements in Nollywood. But when he announced that he just released a single, lots of fans were shocked and what came to the minds of many was; what does Fred Amata want with music? At 51 and with over 150 films recognised both nationally and internationally, one would expect that Delta State born movie star; Fredrick Amata, would stick to the trade that made him famous or at least aspire into something more befitting like politics and all. Delving into a genre where his is completely unpopular and has to compete with the younger generations in an already crowded music industry was the last thing fans expected. There is a popular perception that when film stars aren’t selling anymore, they delve into music and when music cannot satisfy their financial need; they venture into politics or open a church. What could be Fred Amata’s purpose for going into music? Yes! There was a phase in Nollywood when its stars ventured into music. It was the phase that saw Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade Ekehinde, Stella Damasus, Patience Ozokwor, Desmond Elliot, Nkem Owoh, Mr Ibru and lots more, show us their singing skills. Some of them went into it because they were at that time banned by the AGN, while others claimed that they had a natural passion for music, but the bulk of them did it because of the money; movies weren’t selling at that time. Some Nollywood stars managed to pull some hit songs like Omotola’s ‘Naija lowa ‘and Nkem Owoh’s ‘I go chop your dollar’. But most of their tracks were a catastrophe and below expectations. Nollywood has since passed that phase and has now moved to politics. Most entertainers in the industry are now vying for one political positions or the other or seeking for political appointment. One wouldn’t say Fred Amata is broke because he is currently doing well as the current director of the
Abuja International Film Festival. So our question to Fred Amata is, why music at this time and at his age? The filmmaker dropped a single on Independence Day titled, “You Are a Nigerian Man”. The song was released when issues of national concern were at climax in Nigeria and we must commend that it came very timely. For Fred Amata, he sees his venture into music as a divine call to sing a song that will inspire Nigerian despite the tumultuous state of the country. According to him, due to his patriotism, he is an ardent believer that Nigeria will come out better so, he decided to sing a song that will reinvigorate the spirit of nationalism among Nigerians. Meanwhile, the song was shockingly impressive. Lots of people thought it was going to be a tasteless song that will just make waves solely for money. But to our surprise, the song can boast of good lyrics, sound vocals and quality production. For someone that is venturing into the music scene for the first time, it was quite spectacular. There have been a good number of positive reviews on the song. The song features a female voice; Paula and was recorded in the UK and mixed in the United States of America. It was produced under his record company, Fred Amata Inc. The filmmaker turned singer later wrote that he was shocked himself on how well the song turned out to be. He said; “I was shocked myself... I have always believed in the potential for humans to do absolutely anything they set out to. I have never had a singing voice, not even for Karaoke. But something about Nigeria, something about our current crises, the brewing hate, the looming threat of disintegration the dwindling value for life, the eroding culture of brotherhood, worried me, inspired me. Invigorated me and I sang.” “You are a Nigerian Man... I recollect the Nigeria I grew up in...The brotherhood of neighbours our bounteous unity in diversity... Nigerian Man was inspired to re invigorate patriotic fervour in Nigerians. It is my social responsibility call to All Nigerians.... This is our Identity. It is light hearted and danceable... Help spread it... Sing it.... Dance to it” he said. However the song has been criticised for its poor promotion. The song can only be found on itunes, limiting access to it and making the song Unpopular. Fans will have to pay £0.79 to listen to it and must possess an apple product to download it. This sounds weird as Nigerians are particularly used to free things. Speaking with some fans and music
critic, most of them say they have no reason to buy Fred Amata’s song as their favourite artiste are online for free; Again, no matter how good the quality of the song is and no matter how prophetic his call from God was to sing this song, most people just see his venture into music as a fall short in his career. Most Nigerian actors and actresses that have delved into music have mostly been mocked and hugely criticised. They see it as an attempt to test the waters to see if something good can come out of it or not. Fans are casting doubt on his financial strength and think he could be going broke since most movie stars that venture into music do it to push their pocket status. On the whole, fans just prefer him releasing a new movie rather than releasing a single. Before his venture into music, Fred Amata was and still remains a prolific actor and filmmaker. He has been in the Nigerian film and entertainment industry even before the advent of Nollywood. Amata made his debut as an actor in the Award-winning TV series, Legacy in 1986. In a career spanning almost three decades, Amata has earned directorial, acting and performance credits in over 150 productions From Stage to TV, to producing and writing for TV, directing and acting, Reality Shows and cinema. He is one of the earliest and renowned faces in Nollywood and wields a huge influence in the movie industry. He is popularly known for his movies; Letters to a Stranger (2007), My Love (2002) and Anni (2005). He was announced the Festival Director of the 11th Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF) in June, taking over its leadership from Fidelis Duker, who happened to be the founder of the film festival Fredrick Amata, has indeed left on indelible landmarks on the sands of the Nigerian Entertainment sector. Just like every star, Fred Amata has got his own scars. His controversial spilt from ex-wife and TV mogul; Agatha Amata and romance with now AGN president, Ibinabor Fiberesima, has always kept him on the radar of the media. Agatha and Fred met while still in the university back in the eighties and their romance led to marriage. Their career paths made them top celebrities, they seemed to be one of the sweetest celebrity couple at that time. They exuded lots of affection for each other at public events but no one knew what was happening behind closed doors. After a while, reports of infidelity started flying around and Agatha accused her husband of sleep-
ing with a star actress. Rumors also emerged that Agatha had in retaliation slept with the studio owner whose wife is a foremost musician living then in Ireland who also walked out of their marriage when she heard the accusations. Their marriage produced two beautiful children a boy and a girl who are now all grown up. But the two don’t seem to be getting along as Agatha wasn’t spotted at Fred’s 50th birthday last year likewise Fred was not found at the launch of Agatha’s TV channel; Rave TV August this year. Fred had been in a highly criticised relationship with AGN president; Ibinabo Fiberesima, a relationship which facilitated his split with his wife and produced a daughter. But the relationship didn’t work out due to irreconcilable differences. Ibinabo has since moved on and would be getting married to her undisclosed lover this December. Fred later found love again in the
hands of a single mother of two, Mor Okonwo. Mor is a soul/jazz artiste and once contested in a singing reality show - X Factor UK, a few years back. She is also a management consultant. Lots of people thought that the relationship was going to be the final bus stop for Fred but the relationship didn’t work out. The actor has had it difficult sustaining a relationship after his divorce from his first wife; Agatha. On the whole, it’s not that Fred Amata’s fans don’t want him to sing or that his voice is a disaster, it’s just that they see him as a seasoned filmmaker and an icon in acting and movie making. They prefer to maintain that image of him as a veteran producer and director rather than that of an up and coming solo artiste who’s struggling to make sales. If he didn’t do it when he was much younger, why do it now at 51? We prefer to see him mentoring young aspiring filmmaker and actors, rather than compete with the likes of Tonto Dike in music.
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metro (south)
NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014 DAILTY TIMES
World Bank Engages 160 Refuse Disposal Contractors In Delta
M
r Benson Ojoko, the Coordinator of the World Bank’s State Employment and Expenditure for Result (SEEFOR) project in Delta, said it engaged 160 refuse disposal contractors in the state. Ojoko said in Asaba on Sunday that the project had also employed 350 supervisors to ensure that the contractors did the job effectively. He, nonetheless, said that the project was executed in conjunction with the Delta Government. He said that the contractors would work in six cities in the state - Asaba, Udu, Uvwie, Warri, Sapele and Ughelli. The coordinator said that the interventionist programme was geared towards creating employment in the state. Ojokio said that the contractors and supervisors would be engaged for 12 months.
Lagos And the Menace of Double Parking
T
he dearth of parking spaces in Lagos remains a complex environmental issue, which has often left most streets clogged with motor vehicles, parked at the roadside, or on the walkways, while others have had to make do with double parking, blocking on-coming vehicles and causing traffic jams especially at the peak hours. This indiscriminate parking of vehicles in the state has led to loss of lives in some cases when drivers run into parked vehicles particularly stationery articulated vehicles. According to reports, with an estimated 1.2 million registered vehicles, about 224 vehicles per kilometre of road space and a population of over 20 million, the state surely needed a sustainable state wide parking policy to complement the renewed urban development plan.
The new parking policy which has been designed to encourage public transportation, maximise available common land space use and also align with all relevant legislations of the state, is further expected to lead to the development of on-street and offstreet, multi floor parking lot. Backed by the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, URPD (2010), the policy is in keeping with the wholesome development plan of the metropolis. Despite the new policy, some motorists still park and abandon vehicles on the streets, and the worst culprits are small logistics vans that constitute the most nuisance in their business of getting goods supplied to retailers. Parking violations and Offences In the one street parking scheme, the following constitutes parking offences to which the state shall
impose fines – Parking of vehicles on side-walks, parking on road median- whether paved or grass, parking of vehicles within three metres of a fire hydrant, parking against the directional flow of traffic, parking of commercial vehicles on streets not regulated, blocking an entrance or exit and walkway. Parking on slots marked for public transport, fire service, ambulances, taxis, and people with special needs by any other person not so authorized shall constitute an offence. No person shall park or store any motor vehicle upon any street, alley or public parking space that is not licensed and fully operational. Additionally, making repairs or modifications of any motor vehicle while parked upon any street, alley or public parking space shall be strictly prohibited and is an offence. A resident at Sari-Igammu road
Orile said, “Most vehicles parked on the streets are abandoned vehicles, the owners of these vehicles will leave them till God knows when. At times in the night commercial bus drivers and private car owners double parked on the roads which even cause traffic coupled with roadside marketers.” According to a respondent, Femi Olumide, most commercial bus (danfo) drivers with their careless driving may just hit abandon vehicles and cause accidents on the road which has been made more restrictive by the illegal use of roadside spaces for petty trading. Similarly, another resident who does not support street parking said, “I think the government should sanction houses without parking spaces because most house owners in Lagos prefer to build houses and use the parking space left to build stores.”
Providing adequate parking spaces, especially for all commercial buildings may henceforth be one of the conditions for a building approval. The policy is seen as a continuation of the transformation of the state’s public sector transportation management system and would among others; include parking management, parking design standard, parking control, traffic management for land-use and land development as well as enforcement of edict and bylaws by statutory agencies. Salami Segun who is a resident of Apapa said,” I think cars which are for sale should not be displayed along roadsides, but no matter how the government of Lagos State try, Lagosians will still disobey the rules so it better they should look for a better solution in the form of stiffer penalties for offenders.
DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014
metro (north) Tales Of Prostitution From Italy
E
very year tens of thousands of West Africans migrate to Europe in search of a better life. But for some of them, this leads to tragedy as they fall victim to competing mafia gangs that prey on the hopes of the desperate. However, others like Linda Uwaezuoke may not go out of desperation but are just victims of circumstance. She tells her story to FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON. Young and pretty with a good job going for her as a manager of a thriving travel agency located in the heart of Lagos, Linda Uwaezuoke was doing fine in her chosen career and living comfortable. With the help of the job, she sponsored her younger ones through university and was able to cater for their needs being the eldest of them. Life was good until an old friend of hers who was also from the same village with her but lived abroad came back one day and asked her out. “A few months later, Chibuzor came to ask my hand in marriage with the promise of taking me with him to Italy where he lives” recalled Linda. “It sounded good and I felt it would be an opportunity to get to a greener pasture and struggle all the way with my husband who was already living in the land legally. Little did I know that it would be the beginning of horror for me” she said. She said that if she had known that things would eventually turn out the way they did, she would have declined the proposal in the first place. “After our traditional and court marriage, we left the country for Italy in June 2008 with the intention of starting a new life with better opportunities, I did know that I was heading for doom. The first three months was honeymoon for me as I was home, enjoying and savouring the moments of each day as it came. The money was still there for the spending. The third month, I started getting bored and redundant even psychologically, and it was becoming a living hell for me by the day. I remember asking my husband when we met before he proposed about what he did for a living and he told me that he was in the employment of a company in Italy and that they dealt in computers and machines. He even showed me his identity card. “However, when we got there, the story changed as I later discovered that he had stopped working for long in the said company and that like most of the Nigerian men there, he was into gigolo and drug business” Linda further disclosed that she expected that her husband would resume work after some time but this was not the case. “I kept asking him why he had not
resumed and all he kept telling me was that he was on leave and I kept thinking what kind of job would give an employee such a long leave. When it seemed my trouble was too much he started quarrelling with me. Our relationship started becoming severed. He did not like the fact that I was always asking questions about his job and what he was doing to get money and there is no way you can be spending money on me without my knowing the source of your money. I became sceptical and suspicious of him. “After sometime, I eventually discovered that my own husband was into the business of drug and gigolo; he slept with rich older women for money! I was mad when I found out and became scared at the same time. I was in a country far away from home, married to a man that was into an illegal business
and worse still, I had nobody else but him. I had no papers yet to allow me work. Survival without him was like a living hell and back there at home, they felt all was well and working as expected. It was a harrowing experience for me” recalled Linda. Asked if she did not have any idea of the way prostitution was thriving in Italy among Nigerian girls, Linda explained that it was true that she had heard quite a lot of such stories but when she met her husband, he explained to him that the fact that some Nigerians go to Italy with such intentions does not mean that there are no good people who are Nigerians and live in Italy doing legal jobs. “I have heard people say that there are lot of Nigerian girls who go to Italy to prostitute but I didn’t even know that men too also go there for such purposes. Besides,
my thinking was that for him to have come home, proposed to me and married me and taken me there with him, he must have good intentions and be doing something legal. I never knew things would end up like this” she said painfully. According to Linda, the situation got so bad that the relationship became much tensed with her man and they started having constant quarrels. But luckily for her, she attended church regularly and was able to make a few friends who were genuine Christians. After a big quarrel broke up between her and her husband and she had to leave his house, it was at the church she took solace and refuge. After her experience with her husband of almost two years, she found another man and after sometime, they got married but the story was about the same. “After I left my husband, I stayed
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in the church premises where I got very involved with things of God. Even before that time, I joined the choir and started developing myself musically. I also belonged to a few organisations within the church and we even did an album at a point. I got married again but it just seems I am not lucky with men. In the middle of all the pains, I managed to get a resident permit that allows me to work but things were really tough because the racial discrimination was really much and surviving without a legal business was extremely tough and I am not just made for and can never condescend so low to sleeping around for money. “Apart from principles, there had been lots of Nigerian girls that had been wasted in Italy because of the sex trade they do. Some die of diseases like HIV/ AIDS, some die of other sexually transmitted diseases while some are victims of irate Italians who use and dump them. Some even have sex with animals and contact disease that are incurable. Some are abused anally and can even be gang raped. A lot of terrible things happen around. Even the girls that are into the business are not there ordinarily. Majority of them do all kinds of diabolical things that you cannot even imagine. Back in their home towns in Nigeria, they have mothers and people who do all kinds of voodoo for them so that they would make big money off men. They use their brassieres, makeup and all kind of things used by ladies to do voodoo for them so that there would be influx of men coming with big money for them. That is why you will see some girls who will tell you that their mothers sent them some under wears and make up all the way from Nigeria to Italy as if those things are not available to buy in Italy. It was such a terrible life out there. After about four years spent in that country, I had to make up my mind to return home, come what may. For me, it was like a sheer waste of time and resources. If I had stayed back in my home country, I would have been better off” lamented Linda. However, unlike Linda, some got into the situation because of their desperation to move to greener pastures and by the time they get there, they are trapped to do the bidding of whosoever took them there. According to the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), Italy is now the main destination for more than 10,000 Nigerian prostitutes trafficked from Benin City to European cities and criminal hubs.
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relationship
NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014 DAILTY TIMES
Journey to Curbing Masturbation By Ngozi Ndubisi
M
any experts have written concerning this addiction and some reason that it’s a natural response to their Godgiven sexuality. Understand this, its one thing to acknowledge your God-given sexuality. It’s something else to stir up or aggravate sexual craving deliberately or lustfully. As a victim, you are aware that masturbation’s powerful hormonal and psychological workings are extremely addictive. This has become very serious now that it’s affecting your married life and has become an obstacle to any healthy marital intimacy.
Furthermore, masturbation frequently involves indulging in sexual fantasy; and fantasy, if we are to believe the Good Book (Holy Bible,) represents a very real breach of a person’s mental and spiritual purity and is inconsistent with the larger meaning and purpose of human sexuality. The thing is ‘What now can you do to break this pattern of behaviour?’ you can take control of your unwanted addiction and progress down the path of the life and relationships you want most. Since you now know that sexual outlets and behaviours create a chemical dependency in the brain. Change is Possible if:
1. You Understand And Admit What You Have Done. Your first line of action is to admit to yourself that it’s wrong and you need help; it will feel like weight has been taken off you. But, if you constantly dwell on the disapproval that some may feel about masturbating, then you’re still thinking about it. Don’t just trade in your masturbation addiction for another one — they’re so closely related that you won’t resolve anything. Instead, acknowledge that this has been a problem for you, but persevere to stop the impulse. 2. You Can Talk with Someone About It — a pastor, a professional counselor a
trusted friend and in the worst case scenario tell the wife. The more deeply concealed you keep your secret, the stronger and more powerful the struggle becomes. Most times transparency is vital and confession is always the first step towards healing and positive change. 3. Guard Your Heart. Destroy all pornographic materials in your possession—magazines, books, videos, and computer files, also block Internet pornography sites. There are many good filters to choose from, that is a single profile, with no password overrides. There will be no guessed or cracked passwords, resulting in maxi-
mum protection for children and adults 4. Limit Your Solitude. If you masturbate frequently because you feel lonely, find ways to be as socially engaged as possible. Another thing you can do is to limit the times when you are likely to be home alone. Even if all of your friends are busy, you can still limit your impulse to masturbate by going out in public. 5. Be Persistent and Patient. Stopping a habit or an addiction is not an overnight thing rather; it’s a process that requires commitment. Mistakes or relapse on occasions may occur, don’t take it
as a sign of failure. The real effort is your perseverance. Take a grand stand now that you won’t let little mistakes stand in your way of success and victory over your addiction. This does not only help the men, it does help the ladies too. Don’t just fold your hands and wait for a miracle to cure you of this, get up and ‘do’, after all the Good Book says faith must come with works. In other words, don’t just think it; take a bold step with our suggestions. As always give us a feed back if it works for you or what difficulties you are experiencing.
DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014
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technology
T
here’s been a lot of talk about the new Rolls-Royce Ghost - Series 2, Rolls-Royce is one of the most exotic motoring brands, the rights to which was acquired by BMW in 1998. The Rolls-Royce Ghost model was first introduced five years ago at the Frankfurt Motor Show and is one of major players in the Rolls-Royce success story. The Engine & Performance The 2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series 2 comes with the same 6.6-litre V12 engine as its predecessor. It produces 570 hp and 780 Nm of torque available from as low as 1500 rpm. The regular Ghost Series 2 weighs 2,490 kilograms, the Extended Wheel Base, which is 17 cm longer, weighs 80 kilograms more and puts 2,570 kg on the scales. Despite the sheer weight of the Ghost Series 2, the SWB sprints from 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The EWB takes a split second longer and clocks 5.1 seconds in the 0-100 km/h sprint. The top speed for both the short and the long Ghost is limited to 250 km/h. Gearbox The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series 2 comes with the well known ZF 8 speed gearbox. Rolls-Royce does not have any paddles or manual mode for the driver to choose a gear of its choice. Instead, the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series 2, like the Wraith, features a satellite aided transmission that chooses the right gear based on the road ahead. It will also hold on to gears longer to allow swift acceleration out of corners for example. Another typical Rolls-Royce feature that takes a centre stage in the Ghost Series 2 is the power metre that replaces the typical rev counter. Instead of the engine revs, Rolls-Royce shows the
predecessors. Both the front and rear seats are adjustable in multiple ways. In the front the thigh support can also be adjusted electronically. Interesting fact: A massage function is not available for Ghost Series 2 but Rolls-Royce is considering it for future models. This leather takes four hours longer to process and has a significantly softer feel than the leather used previously. In total no less than 9 bull hides and over 45 square meters of leather is used for each Rolls-Royce Ghost Series 2.
The Rolls-Royce
Ghost Series 2
amount of remaining power from 100 per cent down to 0 per cent.
Suspension If there is one thing that Rolls-Royce is famous for it is the waftability; the extremely smooth ride. With Ghost Series 2 the engineers at Rolls-Royce received a new challenge for development; the ride should become more engaging and dynamic without losing this famous waftability. The engineers came up with redesigned front and rear struts, adjusted dampers and a new steering gear. With the optional Dynamic Driving Package, that also features a thicker steering wheel, this results in a much sportier and involved steering and handling feel compared to Ghost Series I. Additionally, new hydraulic rear axle bearings enhance ride quality and rear stability reducing vibrations and cabin intrusions. Design The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series 2 features a subtle redesign of the original Ghost. Like the second Series Phantom, current Rolls-Royce customers indicated interest in a subtle redesign over a more radical redesign of the car. So the goal for the Rolls-Royce design team was to design a new modern front that builds on the existing strengths of the Ghost Series I. The main eye catcher in the com-
pletely new Rolls-Royce Ghost front, are the LED headlights with beautiful day time running lights. The front of the car is slightly raised and various visual tricks are applied to make the front look wider than the Series I. This includes the design of the indicators and larger front air intakes. The redesigned front brings the Rolls-Royce Ghost a bit closer to the Phantom when it comes to visual presence on the street. The Spirit of Ecstasy at the top of the grille is tilted slightly forward and behind it a tapered wake channel runs from the wings of the Spirit of Ecstasy all the way through the bonnet towards the windshield like the vapor trail of a jet. It is a stunning bit of design that has visual impact both from outside the car as from the inside drawing your eye to the Spirit of Ecstasy. Further design elements that define the Ghost Series II are a new waft line along the side of the car that leans fur-
ther forward and expresses a stronger dynamic when viewed from the side. The shoulder line that runs the full length of the car and the rear remains unchanged. Rolls-Royce also offers a new set of 21 inch five spoke wheels for Ghost Series 2. Interior On first impressions, the changes in the interior are as subtle as the changes to the exterior. If you look further you will find out the changes under the skin are vital to keeping the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series 2 desirable for many years to come. The key changes here include completely new seats and an updated infotainment system with the Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller. The new seats went through countless small redesigns to find the most comfortable setup possible. The seats are not just soft and comfortable, but also offer more side support than their
Infotainment & Assistance One of the strengths, or blessings, for Rolls-Royce when it comes to the infotainment and assistance systems is that they can rely on the incredible R&D and systems available within the BMW Group. Rolls-Royce uses these tested and proven BMW systems and adapts them to make them Rolls-Royce worthy. One example on the Rolls-Royce Series 2 is the Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller that allows both the driver and rear passengers to control the front infotainment and the rear entertainment screens. The controller is based on BMW’s iDrive system and finished with a miniature Spirit of Ecstasy hidden below the crystal glass touch pad of the controller. The Bespoke Tradition More than 80 per cent of recent Ghost deliveries had bespoke elements to them. The Rolls-Royce Bespoke department is responsible for all of the personalization options offered by Rolls-Royce. This ranges from custom colours and pin stripes to embroidery and special wood used in the interior. More extravagant bespoke projects include the creation of full gold or diamond encrusted versions of the Spirit of Ecstasy. The success of Bespoke shows what most buyers are looking for in a RollsRoyce: individual perfection. And it is the combination of prestige, craftsmanship and ability to fulfill (nearly) every client’s wishes that makes the Ghost Series 2 such a desirable car to own and to drive. Conclusion The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series I was one of our favourite travel companions of the last four years and with Series 2, Rolls-Royce has managed to modernise it and prepare it to appeal to a broader range of customers for many years to come. The changes to the ride and the looks are very subtle at first but have a high impact when you look a bit further. Despite the changes the Ghost 2 hasn’t lost any of the strengths or appeal of the Ghost Series 1. The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series 2 is available as both a short- and a longwheel base version and dealers worldwide are accepting your orders now. First customer deliveries are expected in the Fourth Quarter of 201
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dtn early beginnings
NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014 DAILTY TIMES
CASE STUDY No. 2 PRESS LAW 1964
P
REVENTIVE DETENTION ACT
On Tuesday, July 23, 1963, the Daily Times carried a front page banner headline: “East premier Says — ALL-PARTY TALKS MAY DIS-CUSS DETENTION LAW”. The former Eastern Premier, who was in Lagos to attend an all-party conference to discuss possible changes in the Nigerian Constitution, disclosed that the conference would discuss, among other things, proposals to introduce a detention law in Nigeria. The premier argued that it was necessary to have such a law so as to “prevent an overthrow of the government by force. “His counterpart, the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, on arrival in Lagos was reported in the Daily Times of 24th July, as supporting the introduction of such a bill. “For my part,” the premier said, “if there was need for such a law tomorrow, it would be enacted and implemented. “The same issue of the Daily Times reported that in a communiqué issued after a three-hour meeting of the national Executive Committee of the NCNC, a top party source close to the Committee told the Daily Times reporter that the committee was very critical of the detention law and that we should be very cautious over it. “This revelation shows clearly that there was a split between the views expressed by the national Executive Committee, and that of Dr. M. I. Okpara, the national president of the party and Premier of the East. Two days after the appearance of this issue in the Daily Times, the paper wrote an editorial on the subject titled “Two-edged Sword. The paper stated that “it may well be proved that there are subversive elements in Nigeria as there are in all other countries.” The question, it continued, “We must honestly ask, try to answers whether a Detention Act is the only weapon own we can employ to crush subversion. Our own answer is a categorical No.” ‘The paper cited the ex-
ample of Ghana which introduced the Detention Act. At that time, said the paper, “both the Nigerian press and well-meaning politicians cried havoc. And the way this law has been operated ever since in that state has not allayed our genuine fears. “In saying this much,” the paper continued, “we wish to be understood that we are not only opposed to, but will use all our energy and resources to fight, relentlessly, any attempt to overthrow a democratically elected government in Nigeria. “It concluded: “These are some of the points which must weigh heavily on the conscience of delegates to the all-party conference if they consider this proposal. Nigeria has won a universal reputation for her liberal and parliamentary democracy and the rule of law. Let us not tarnish this reputation because of a few subversive elements. “The impact of this strongly worded-editorial against the proposed Detention Act on the dele-gates of the all-party conference cannot be gain-said. As delegates of the allparty Conference assembled at the conference hall, opposition to the Detention proposal mounted. The Action Group Federal Executive said that such a law “would not only destroy personal freedom and liberty but would also stifle the growth of the country politically, culturally and economically. “The Nigerian Bar Association joined the struggle to nip the Detention Bill in the bud. It appealed “solemnly to the Prime Minister, the Regional Premiers, their colleagues in the various cabinets and all the political leaders in the country to agree that they should first publish their proposals in a White Paper for the consideration of the public before taking any final and irrevocable decision.” The Bar Association added: “We feel very strongly that once this country takes the fatal decision to introduce wrong measures on these fundamental matters, it will be very difficult, if not impossible for us to retrace our
DAILTY TIMES NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014
dtn early beginnings
CASE STUDY No. 2 PRESS LAW 1964 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26
steps along the right path.” All these opposition views to the proposed Detention Act were splashed on the front page of the Daily Times. The paper also devoted half a page of page 13 to the discussion of the issue. On Friday July 26, the Daily Times published a second editorial on the subject of the proposed detention plan. “Away with it,” cried the Daily Times. It went on: It is not without justification that Nigeria is acclaimed as the citadel of democracy in Africa. Whatever minor slips we might have made since independence a teething troubles which no young country can escape, our first real controversy was the Anglo-Defence Pact. Opposition to it was overwhelming and our Federal Government bowed to public opinion and abrogated it. “Similarly, the paper would like the government to shelve this anti-democratic proposal. “The Daily Times,” the editorial concluded, “therefore appeals to the Prime Minister and the Regional Premiers, and indeed all those patriots who had fought to win our freedom for us, to help in getting rid of any proposal in our republican constitution which tends to deprive the citizen of his liberty. We believe the present plan aim, at that and therefore should be dropped today, THIS MORNING.” And so, by the end of that afternoon, the detention plan, popularly referred to as the preventive Detention Act was shelved. In the communiqué, the conference, “agreed to defer consideration of the proposal to amend section 20 of the constitution to empower parliament, if and when it deems fit, to enact a law curtailing personal liberty in certain well defined circumstances.” And there the matter rested. Public opinion as expressed through the press carried the day.
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NOVEMBER 10 – 16, 2014 DAILTY TIMES
28
opinion
2015 Governorship Elections And 35% Women Participation
S
ince the Garden of Eden, there have always been issues about the role of women both at home and in society, particularly in Africa. The First lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, is renowned globally for championing the cause of women. At the First lady’s capacity building workshop for female governorship aspirants, held in Abuja on Wednesday, October 15, 2014, the issue of electing female governors in 2015 was addressed. Present were three frontrunners for governorship in their respective states. They were Senator Chris Anyanwu (Imo) Senator Nkechi Nwogu (Abia), and Dr. Mrs. Esther Uduehi (Delta). These women echoed the concerns of the first lady about under-representation of women in politics. Dr. Uduehi was quick to add that “in this century, we should not be talking about man or woman, but rather whether the person is qualified.” This also was a theme at the recently concluded Women Leadership Summit in Asaba. The amiable outgoing Governor of Delta State was quoted as saying that “Women must come together to win in a man’s world.” Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON, who was the host of the Maiden edition of The Sun Women Leadership Summit on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 in Asaba, added that “they should
refuse to be used to pull down or limit their fellow women in whatever field of endeavor. The women must agree to work together, they will win in elections by refusing to be manipulated by men and not be used against their fellow women.” Which State will show that it is progressive by electing the first female governor? The first lady has been in the forefront of ensuring that women are no longer marginalized with her global Women for Change and Development Initiative (W4CDI), which apparently is “a socio-cultural organization that seeks to better the lot of the Nigerian woman economically, socially and politically.” W4CDI is similar to African Women leadership organisation (AWLO), which recently held its annual conference in Atlanta, USA with the theme African Women: Harnessing Our Strengths, Growing in All Spheres. AWLO mission is “to bring together female executives, professionals and leaders to further advance the leadership status of women in the continent and fulfil the objectives of the organisation.” Two specific objectives of AWLO are: “To challenge African women to aspire to take up leadership positions in their respective countries;” and “To support and initiate strategies that improve access to legal, political, economic, educational, health services to advance the status of women in the region.” Clearly, ensuring that women have a level playing field
Let’s Think
&
Talk
By Alex O. Atawa Akpodiete that ensures the election of a female governor is within the ambit of AWLO, which is also an extrapolated aim of W4CDI, which states on their website that “Women for Change and Development Initiative is committed to the creation of a movement that will engender the mass awareness of women at all levels to their human rights and obligations as citizens of Nigeria.” To achieve 35 per cent, it means at least 13 states should have female governors. In Delta State, Dr. Uduehi, who is partly Ukwuani (Delta North)
and partly Urhobo (Delta Central), appears poised to achieve the feat of being the first female elected governor in Nigeria, based on her intimidating qualifications. She has also achieved a lot of firsts in her life including first female Sole Administrator of a Local Government Area, first female CEO of state owned companies as Permanent Secretary in Commerce and Industry, first female Special Adviser to the President, first female head of a State media house (Bendel Broadcasting Service) and first female Deputy Trea-
An Introduction To Africapitalism
I
t is a deceptively simple notion, but a powerful one that has the potential to remake a continent, and put Africa on an equal economic footing with the rest of the world. Africa is capitalism’s final frontier, and as such it offers boundless economic opportunity — not just for investors and entrepreneurs to build successful businesses, but also for economic growth to solve many of the continent’s most pressing social challeng-
es. That is the heart of Africapitalism can be that long-term investment that creates economic prosperity (a commercial objective), as well as social wealth — a private sector approach to solving some of Africa’s most intractable development problems. Private Sector Development Leads to both Commercial and Social Success Let me be clear. I do not suggest that entrepreneurs should build companies in Af-
rica or that capitalists should invest in Africa out of goodwill, in essence because they are the economic equivalent of Father Christmas. I suggest that Africa offers compelling economic and business opportunities that can, at the same time, meet a range of social objectives. In fact, over the past decade we have seen that, in many respects, private sector development has much greater potential to improve selfsufficiency and prosperity in
both the economic and social spaces of Africa than charity and development assistance ever have, or ever could. Unfortunately, the story heard about Africa is more often about the charity than the prosperity, something we hope to dispel through our words and our actions. As Banarjee and Duflo argue in their award-winning book Poor Economics, ultimately it is the presence of a formal long-term anchor employer in rural areas that create a sus-
surer of a political party. Part of Dr. Uduehi’s pedigree includes the fact that her junior sister is a Professor and her elder sister was the first female SSG in Delta State, a fact acknowledged by the acting President-General of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Chef Joe Omene, at a recent consultation visit Chief Omene even said concerning Uduehi that “He said “who is saying a woman is not competent to rule Delta State? In fact if a woman rules this state I think it will be better for all. More so a woman who have been the first female Sole Administrator of a Local Government Area, first female CEO of state owned companies as Permanent Secretary in Commerce and Industry, first female Special Adviser to the President, first female head of a State media house and first female Deputy Treasurer of a political party. A woman, who has risen to this level and has achieved those feats without any question - why can’t she rule the state, it is not easy to achieve what she has achieved. Very few men can achieve that. First this, first that and now she is aspiring to add first elected female governor in Nigeria to her achievements.” A State like Delta, considered a microcosm of Nigeria, is delicate and requires delicate but experienced hands. Part of the complexity of Delta is the marginalisation-induced clamouring of Delta Central that Urhobo must produce the
next governor and the equitybased counter-argument by Delta North, Dr. Uduehi is uniquely position to pacify both sides based on her dual background of Delta Central and Delta North, combined with being a very qualified aspirant that has been tried and tested and is trustworthy. Dr. Uduehi is currently Chairman of the governing board of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non Formal Education. I believe the ruling PDP understands the danger inherent in picking a candidate that cannot assuage the feelings of both Delta Central and Delta North. Furthermore, a female candidate of the caliber of Dr. Mrs. Uduehi would galvanize the women and ensure that the President gets the needed votes for his re-election, especially with the first-lady’s interest in making sure women get their fair share of elected positions. Dr. Uduehi is also from the Ndokwa area of the state that has never produced a governor or deputy governor. Apparently, some people from the Urhobo dominated Delta Central Senatorial zone, are more likely to accept an Ukwuani governor. While the rest of the world has been very progressive with women, including electing female presidents, female Prime Ministers, Nigeria is still lagging behind and the world is waiting to see if 2015 will be a watershed year that ushers in a new Nigeria.
tainable road out of extreme poverty. No amount of well-intentioned charitable assistance in healthcare, education, agriculture, and other sectors is able to accomplish the same. Africa’s burgeoning private sector and its growing domestic industries have already delivered significant returns to investors and entrepreneurs, while also addressing many of Africa’s persistent structural challenges. Consider, for example, my own experi-
ence building what is now one of the largest banks in Africa — with 7 million customers, 20,000 employees, and operations in 20 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. Tony O. Elumelu, CON, is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, a proprietary investment company operating a portfolio of businesses across the African continent.