Daily Times e-Newspaper- Issue 5

Ebola Virus Disease: A Time To Shut Our Borders

By Ugochukwu Onyeocha

Patrick Sawyerr is certainly the most vilified African on the face of the earth today. Despite the fact that he is dead and most Africans were

taught not to speak ill of the dead, the LiberianAmerican would always be remembered for being the one who transported the deadly Ebola Virus Disease into Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria. Despite the condemnations that

have trailed his ill-fated entry into Nigeria amd inspite of his being aware of his state, the impact of that short and sudden visit has impacted Nigerians and Africa at large.

Today, the talk in Nigeria is no longer Boko

Haram as it has been relegated to an unusual second position. The talk on the lips of Nigerians, Africans and the world at large is Ebola.

It is deadlier and kills faster than HIV/AIDS, according WHO report. A disease that was first

DAILTY TIMES AUGUST 25-31 2014

INEC CVR: Ondo Residents Express Displeasure As Govt Calls For Extension of Exercise

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup:

NICOBPA woes investors to Niger state

Deadly Or Not, Protect Your Child From Virus

P10

VOL. 1, NO 5

…Let’s do jackets

Bolt Sets New 100m Indoors Best Time of 9.98sec

P3 Army Dismiss Shekau’s Caliphate Claims

Young Germans Claim P 15 Crown, Defeat Nigeria 1-0

Jonathan Is Surrounded

By Saboteurs –Gulak P7

Early fame and money made me a polygamist –Adebayo Salami P 21

Cerebral Palsy Children: Who Is Thinking Of Them?

P 13

2

AUGUST 25-31 2014 DAILTY TIMES

news

INEC CVR: Ondo Residents Express Displeasure As Govt Calls For Extension of Exercise By ‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

S

cores of residents in Ondo state have expressed displeasure towards the on-going Continuous Voters’ Registration, CRV, exercises being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nationwide.

The Continuous Voters’ Registration, CRV, exercise is to help newly eligible voters who has attained the age of eighteen or could not register during last elections to do so ahead of the 2015 general election in the country.

The residents complained that the Data Capturing Machines deployed for the exercise in the state were not enough to cater for the populated eligible voters in many of the wards visited.

They said apart from the inadequacy, dozens of the machines were malfunctioning due to its outmoded nature while the handlers, who are the ad hoc staff of the commission, lacks the operating process.

Many of them complained of longer stay on queues to register, owing to the slowness and malfunctioning state of the machines.

They bemoaned over the continue clustering of people, wanting to register in just a single ward instead of their respective polling units.

According to them, lack of experienced personnel and inadequate materials had since marred the exercise.

Meanwhile, the government of Ondo state has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to extend the on-going Continuous Voters’ Registration, CRV, and exercise in the state by three days.

Mr. Clement Faboyede, Chairman of the State Committee on INEC registration made the call at the weekend, in Akure, while addressing journalists over the on-going exercise.

Faboyede expressed regret that many of the data capturing machines being used across the ward levels of the state are faulty due to its archaic nature.

He said the fault had pave way for the slow movement of the exercise, thereby putting residents under unnecessary stress.

Faboyede who doubted the inadequate preparation of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ad hoc expressed worry over the level of performance thus far, stressing that if not corrected it might dis-

enfranchise many youths who have attained the voting age.

“There’s no how all the eligible voters can register as the effort put in place was not good enough for the stipulated time.

“INEC should increase the number of machines and administration points within wards”, he retorted.

While stating that the last distribution of the Permanent Voters Card, PVC, in the state could only achieved 55% efficiency, Faboyede hinted that many qualified electorates

could not find their names in the INEC register, during the just concluded distribution exercise.

Also, Kayode Akinmade, the state commissioner for information, appealed to the electoral body to accede to the demand, by extending the days of the exercise for the benefit of the people of the state.

But the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in the state, Akin Orebiyi told DailyTimes that huge turnout of electorates might be attributed to the issue double registration

on the part of the people.

“I have gone round and I realized that some places where you see a lot of people queuing up, want to re-register for the exercise, which they don’t have to do so.

“Even some people who left other state to come and relocate to Ondo state have been registering and have told them, they are not part of those who should register.

Orebiyi who also reacted to callings for the extension of the exercise, said only the head-

Ondo Senator ‘Kunlere’ Defects To PDP ‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

B

oluwaji Kunlere, a Senator representing Ondo State Southern Senatorial District at the upper chamber of the National has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

This is coming days after Governor Olusegun Mimiko was reportedly have given a marching order to his aides and political allays to start preparing to defect to the PDP. Kunlere said his defection was a personal decision based on ‘principle’ after meeting with his teeming supporters at the local government and ward levels.

Daily Times Correspodent gathered that his defection is

not attached to the earlier plans of the State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko to join the PDP folks.

It was gathered that his defection plan was perfected at his home ward II, in Igbotako in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state, on the 2nd of August 2014, and was widely celebrated in his constituency.

The Okitipupa born politician was also a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) under the regime of the late Governor Olusegun Agagu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He had contested the senate seat with late Olusegun Agagu of the Peoples Democratic Party under the platform of the Labour Party.

Kunlere said he was happy

to return back to his old party after years of sojourn and blackmail in the Labour Party.

“I was secretary PDP in Ondo state for six years and I represented the whole of south

west on the board of UBEC in the same party and my return to the fold of PDP is like a return to my political base”, he said.

While reeling out his nu-

merous achievements, Senator Kunlere said in the course of his stay in the upper chamber, he has paid his dues both to the state and local Government chapters of Labour Party.

He affirmed that he has executed so far over sixty constituency projects which only covered just two parliamentary years.

“As a senator representing the good people of Ondo south I have represented our people with the fear of God and respect for posterity.

“I want you to recall that the sixth Senate prepared the 2011 budget in 2012 and 2013.

In my humble contribution to the welfare of my people, I have built over 20 schools in the south senatorial district”, he said.

The Senator promised the

quarters of the commission has the lawful power to decide on such action.

“The issue of extension does not lay with any state offices of INEC, it lays with the headquarters and perhaps after consideration across eleven state and FCT, the commission would take a decision”, Orebiyi said.

The Exercise is to end tomorrow (Monday 25th of August 2014) with many eligible voters still waiting to be registered.

people of his Senatorial district that more people oriented project is in the offing for Ondo State Senatorial district in the remaining parliamentary years.

He expressed readiness to key into the ideological system of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP with avowed ommitment to work for the re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan come 2015 general election.

“I resolved over a month ago to support and work for our man from the South here, President Goodluck Jonathan and to ensure the continuity of democratic governance in Nigeria”, he said.

His defection was welcome

by PDP stakeholders in the state who embraced him with a warm greetings back to his old party.

DAILTY TIMES – AUGUST 25-31 2014

3

news

Ondo Police Arrest Armed Robbery Suspect, Promise to Re-Charge Arrested Fake Soldier to Court

By Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

T

he Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber, Stephen Thomas who is specialized in attacking businesswomen and disposing them of their personal belongings. State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, Wole Ogodo made the disclosure to Daily Times Correspondent while parading the suspect at the Command’s headquarters in Akure.

Ogodo said, the accused had attacked a bar owner, Mary Tanimonwo at Igbo junction, in Akure North Local Government Area of the state when he was reported at the station.

He revealed that immediately the incidence was reported, officers of the Anti-Robbery section of the Command swung into action and succeeded in arresting one ‘Felix Lucky’ who later fingered ‘Thomas’ in the operation.

According to the Police Spokesman, the suspect had initially used a pseudo name ‘Black’ in all his operation but confessed that his real name is Stephen Thomas after he was interrogated.

Items recovered from the suspect includes, one DVD machine, Slippers, cooking stoves, clothes and towels, handmade cutlass among others.

He said the suspect would still be put under custody and

would help in assisting police to track other fleeing members of the gang, pending when he will be charged to court.

Meanwhile, the Command has promised to charge, Angela Omieh, a fake female soldier who had been parading herself as Army Officer, to a magistrate court.

Omieh, was re-arrested in a military uniform by officers of the 323 Artillery of the Nigerian Army at Igbara-Oke military checkpoint and paraded last week before Newsmen.

Omieh had confessed to journalists that she bought the Military uniforms from Army depot in Zaria, Kaduna State, shortly after the death of her father Issac Eke, the State Commissioner of Police paraded the culprit before Newsmen at the Force headquarters in Akure, last week.

Army Dismiss Shekau’s Caliphate Claims

Ugochukwu Onyeocha

T

Islamic Boko

he military has dismissed the claims made by the leader of the terrorist group, Haram, Abubakar

Shekau that it had formed a Caliphate in a northeast town seized by the earlier this month.

In a statement on its website, the military said the claim was empty.

“The sovereignty and terri-

torial integrity of the Nigerian state is still intact.

“Any group of terrorists laying claim to any portion of the country will not be allowed to get away with the expression of delusion and crime,’’ it said.

It added that appropriate mil-

itary operations to secure that area from the activities of the bandits was still ongoing.

The group had claimed in a new video that Gwoza in Borno had been placed under an Islamic Caliphate.

NICOBPA woes investors to Niger state Pita Chikwem,Minna

T

he Niger state Coalition of Businesses and Professional Associations (NICOBPA) on Sunday adjudged the state to be among the most peaceful states in the country and urged both foreign and

local investors to invest in the state.

The Chairman of the association Alhaji Abdullahi Sadiq made this known during a press conference in Minna.

Sadiq said the association and the state government had already tackled the problem of multiple taxation thereby attracting investors to the state.

He decried multiple taxing of industries in the country, saying that it has resulted to relocation of many of them to other African nations such as Ghana.

Sadiq said that this necessitated the association to hold workshop on sustainable growth through security as well as security summit to avoid cross boarder crime and crisis with the neigbouring states.

He said that the state government has paid counter fund of N600 million to the Bank of Industry N600 million for investors in the state to access.

“It is unfortunate that up till now only few investors have indicated interest, he said.”

He advocated for policies that would encourage business and industrial revolution in the state.

AUGUST 25-31 2014 DAILTY TIMES

4

foreign

US Confirms Syria Frees American Journalist

A

n American held hostage in Syria by an al-Qaida-linked group has been released after about two years, the Obama administration

confirmed on Sunday.

The U.S. identified the freed American as Peter Theo Curtis of Massachusetts and said he now was safe and outside of Syria. The United Nations said it helped with the handover to U.N.

peacekeepers in a village in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights and that Curtis was released to American authorities after a medical checkup.

The administration provided no details about the circumstanc-

es of his abduction or his release.

It was not known what prompted Curtis’ release.

A cousin of Curtis’, Viva Hardigg, declined to provide details on the circumstances of his release, but said that he had been

held by the Nusra Front, which is al-Qaida’s affiliate in Syria.

“He seems to be in good health,” Hardigg told The Associated Press. “We are deeply relieved and grateful for his return and the many people who

have helped us secure his freedom. At the same time, we are thinking constantly of the other hostages who are still held and those working to help them be freed. We want to do everything we can to support their efforts.”

Israeli Airstrikes Kill 16 in Gaza

T

he recently renewed violence in the Mideast claimed more lives Sunday as Israeli strikes killed at least 16 people in Gaza and a Hamas attack on a border crossing wounded four Israeli civilians.

The 16 Palestinian victims included a mother and her three children in their home, said a spokesman for the Ministry of Health, Ashraf al-Qidra.

One of the targets was Mohamed Al-Oul, who supervised Hamas’ financial transactions, according to the Israel Defense Forces. The IDF said a “hit was confirmed.”

The four Israelis were hit at the border crossing near the town of Erez. THe IDF tweeted that several rockets and mortars struck the checkpoint. One civilian was moderately wounded and three were injured, the

IDF said, without elaborating on their conditions.

The civilians had come to the crossing to aid people needing humanitarian assistance, Israel’s Ministry of Defense said in a written statement. The crossing remains closed.

Hamas said it fired 23 mortar shells at the site. At least 117 rockets were fired at Israel on Sunday, the IDF said via its Twitter account.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated before his weekly Cabinet meeting that airstrikes will continue and that Israel targets militants.

“The Hamas is paying and will pay a heavy price for the crimes it is carrying out. I call on the citizens of Gaza to leave every place that the Hamas is carrying out terror activity.

Every place like this is a target for us. ... This is true on all fronts and for all countries,” he said.

Archaeologists Discover Ancient Cities

R

ecently, archaeologists in the jungle of southern Mexico found two ancient Mayan cities , and the lead researcher says he believes there are “dozens” more to be found in the region.

Ivan Sprajc, associate professor at the Research Center of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, said his team found the ancient cities of Lagunita and Tamchen on the Yucatan peninsula in April by examining aerial photographs of the region.

Sprajc said the two cities reached their heyday in the Late and Terminal Classic periods (600-1000 AD). At each site, researchers found palace-like buildings, pyramids and plazas. One of the pyramids is almost 20 meters (65 feet) high.

They also found a facade featuring a monster-mouth doorway, which probably marked one of the main entrances to the center of the

city. Photographs from the sites showed stone pyramids jutting out from beneath dense foliage.

“The entrance apparently symbolizes the entrance to a cave and to the underworld ... Someone entering through this doorway would have entered sacred precincts,” he told Reuters by telephone from Slovenia on Friday.

Sprajc said his team mapped 1012 hectares (25-30 acres) at each site, but the cities were probably larger. “We elaborated a map but only of the religious and administrative centers of the two sites,” he said, “that’s only like downtown.”

His team has not yet excavated the sites.

“There are dozens of sites that I already have seen on the aerial photographs,” he added, noting that additional discoveries depend on further funding.

Last summer, Sprajc discovered another ancient Mayan city, Chactun, 10 km (6 miles) north of Lagunita and 6 km (4 miles) northwest of Tamchen.

DAILTY TIMES – AUGUST 25-31 2014

5

africa

African Culture

T

he Senufo are a group of people living in northern Cote d’Ivoire and Mali. They are known as excellent farmers and are made up of a number of different groups who moved south to Mali and Cote d’Ivoire in the 15 and 16th centuries.

The Senefou follow a strict caste-like system, in which the farmer is at the top and the musicians are on the bottom ring of the society. Farming is a huge part of the Senefou culture even for those who do not belong to the farmer caste. There is almost always a group in each village which is made up of men ages 15-35 who work in fields

and with what they are given, they provide a huge festival during the dry season for the village. One of the great honors for a Senefou male is to become the sambali, or champion cultivator. The sambali is respected throughout the region and in his old age is given predominantly leadership roles. Another society for Senefou males is the poro. The poro is usually located in the forest and serves as a school for young men until they reach adulthood. Much sculptured work is made in the poro this is where much of the wood carvings, brass sculptures, and masks are made. Sometimes these are sold to local artisans.

The greatest achievement for a Senefou woman is the ability to

cook well. If a girl or woman cannot cook well it is a great shame to the family, especially the mother. The woman’s society, known as the sandogo is mainly responsible for divination.

Holiday Destination

T

he name Tanzania is a portmanteau of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

The two states united in 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, which later the same year was, renamed the United Republic of Tanzania.

Moreover, Tanzania is one of the least developed countries which has great potential and prospects for attaining higher growth and development levels. The country is richly endowed with natural resources, pursues sound economic policies and has attractive investment policies. Tanzania is a vibrant democracy and the government is seriously committed to good governance, rule of law and respect for human rights.

Tanzania is mountainous and

densely forested in the northeast, where Mount Kilimanjaro is situated.

Three of Africa’s Great Lakes are partly within Tanzania. To the north and west lie Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, and Lake Tanganyika, the continent’s deepest lake, known for its unique species of fish. To the southwest lies Lake Nyasa. Central Tanzania is a large plateau, with plains and arable land. The eastern shore is hot and humid, with the Zanzibar Archipelago just offshore The Zanzibar archipelago consists of the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba.

The island of Zanzibar, also called Unguja, is a major holiday destination known for its beautiful beaches. This island has some of the best beaches in the world with varying surf depending on what side of the island you are on.

Visitors will find soft white sand and

A very animistic society, the Senefou believe that everything is a result of the ancestor spirits. If a ritual is not performed correctly then the spirit will cause draught, infertility, or prolonged illness.

clear shallow water, along with traditional boats. Stone Town is located in the heart of Zanzibar and features old Arabian townhouses, narrow alleyways and a busy port.

One of the most frequented attractions in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is home to Africa’s highest mountain peak. Many people come here to hike up the mountain, which can be done on a multi-day guided tour, or simply to appreciate it from the base.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a World Heritage Site. There are about 18 parks and reserves in Tanzania alone. Wow! Here is a list of some of the famous parks in Tanzania: Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Arusha National Park, Ruaha National Park, Katavi National Park, Gombe Stream National Park

Tanzania

Serengeti National Park is a vast treeless plain with thousands, even millions of animals searching for fresh grasslands. As the largest national park in Tanzania, the Serengeti attracts thousands of tourists each year. The best months for wildlife viewing are between December and June. The wet season is from March to May, with the coldest period from June to October.

The annual migration of millions of zebra and wildebeest takes place in May or early June. This migration is one of the most impressive natural events and the primary draw for many tourists.

Large herds of antelope as well as lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, bat eared fox, hunting dog and jackal are also found in Serengeti National Park.

Nearly 500 species of bird have been recorded on the Serengeti. Many of these are attracted to the swamp area.

‘Serengeti’ means an ‘extended place’ in the Maasai language.

Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater lake in Africa and is bordered

by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. This lake is the source of the White Nile and provides an income for millions of residents along its shores. The Tanzanian section of Lake Victoria is one of the least visited regions in the country; however the towns of Bukoba, Musoma and Mwanza have a number of attractions. Near Mwanza and Musoma are many islands, some have become wildlife sanctuaries. Bird watching and fishing trips are popular excursions, and boat trips or hikes can be arranged around Lake Victoria.

Rubondo Island National Park, which includes several other smaller islands, is on the southwest shores of Lake Victoria.

AUGUST 25-31 2014 DAILTY TIMES

6

world Libyan Airport Seized After Intense Fight

A

fter intense fights between rival Islamist groups, Control of Tripoli International Airport changed hands Saturday evening.

Fighting was intense and spread from around the airport to other parts of Tripoli.

Unknown fighter jets struck locations used by the alliance -- known as the Libya Dawn forces -- killing at least 12 Misrata militiamen, according to the Libyan state news agency,

LANA. Air traffic has been interrupted since the fighting began, with most international carriers suspending flights in and out of Libya.

The airport had previously been under the control of moderate militias from the western city of Zintan, who took control of it three years ago during the Libyan revolution, which toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

The takeover of the airport followed a more than a month-

Sierra Leone’s ‘Hero’ Doctor’s Death Shows Slow Response

W

hen two American aid workers recovered from Ebola after being treated with an experimental drug,it kept the grieving family of Sierra Leone’s most famous doctor wondering why he had been denied the same treatment before he died from the deadly virus.

Sheik Umar Khan was a hero in his small West African country for leading the fight against the worst ever outbreak of the highly contagious hemorrhagic fever, which has killed 1,427 people mostly in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

When Khan fell sick in late July, he was rushed to a treatment unit run by Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) where doctors debated whether to give him ZMapp, a drug tested on laboratory animals but never before used on humans.

Staff agonized over the ethics of favoring one individual over hundreds of others and the risk of a popular backlash if the untried treatment was perceived as killing a national hero.

In the end, they decided against using ZMapp. Khan died on July 29, plunging his country into mourning.

A few days later, the California-manufactured pharmaceutical was administered to U.S. aid workers Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol who contracted Ebola in Liberia and were flown home for treatment.

It is not clear what role ZMapp played in their recovery but the two left hospital in Atlanta last

week.

Khan is among nearly 100 African healthcare workers to have paid the ultimate price for fighting Ebola, as the region’s medical systems have been overwhelmed by an epidemic which many say could have been contained if the world had acted quicker.

In their village of Mahera, in northern Sierra Leone, Khan’s elderly parents and siblings asked why he did not get the treatment. Khan saved hundreds of lives during a decade battling Lassa fever - a disease similar to Ebola - at his clinic in Kenema and was Sierra Leone’s only expert on hemorrhagic fever.

“If it was good enough for Americans, it should have been good enough for my brother,” said C-Ray, his elder brother, as he sat on the porch of the family home. “It’s not logical that it wasn’t used. He had nothing to lose if it hadn’t worked.”

Doctors who knew Khan and who were involved in the difficult decision, however, said it was based on sound ethical reasoning.

“Dr. Khan knew the risks better than anybody ... but if you work for months in overcrowded facilities, 18 hours a day, anyone will make a mistake,” said Robert Garry, professor of microbiology and immunology at Tulane University in New Orleans, who worked with Khan for a decade.

“The whole international community needs to look back and say we dropped the ball.

We should’ve reacted faster to this.”

Source Reuters

long offensive dubbed “Libya Dawn,” the alliance said on social media.

Nearly three years after a revolution and NATO military intervention, Libya continues to be beset by instability -- politically, militarily and otherwise. That has included extensive violence,

much of it involving increasingly powerful militias that have outgunned the North African nation’s central government.

Late last month, the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli, the United Nations and other international organizations and businesses evacuated their staffs due to the

unrest.

The airport in Tripoli has long been a focal point of this fighting, as fighters tried to wrest control of it from the Zintan militia.

The head of Libya’s U.N. mission, Tarek Mitri, said in July that the stakes were high for all

sides.

“As the number of military actors mobilizing and consolidating their presence within the capital continues to grow, there is a mounting sense of a probable imminent and significant escalation in the conflict,” Mitri said.

China Executes ‘masterminds’ of the Tiananmen Attack

C

hina has executed eight people convicted of terrorism, including three for their roles in an attack in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in October, the state-run Xinhua news

agency reported, citing local authorities.

Authorities in Xinjiang, an ethnically divided province in China’s far west, said that three of those executed “masterminded” a terrorist attack on October 28 when a vehicle drove through

security barriers and into a crowd on the square in the capital.

It crashed into a pedestrian bridge and burst into flames, killing five, including three in the vehicle, and wounded 40 others.

The other five had been found guilty of crimes including mur-

der, setting up a terrorist organization and the illegal manufacturing of explosives.

China has cracked down on violence in Xinjiang involving Uyghurs, a Turkic-speaking, predominantly Muslim ethnic group.

Congo Records Ebola Casualties

A

ccording to the minister of health in Congo, two deaths have been recorded related to ebola although local officials believe the cases are unrelated to the outbreak in West Africa that has killed more than 1,400 people.

Eight samples were taken from Djera, located in the Boende region of Congo’s northwest Equateur province, and two of them came back positive, Felix Kabange Numbi said on state television Sunday.

Congolese officials believe Ebola has killed 13 people in the region, including five health workers, Kabange said.

He said 11 people were sick and in isolation and that 80 contacts were being traced.

“This epidemic has nothing to do with the one in West Africa,” Kabange said.

This is the seventh outbreak of Ebola in Congo. The disease was first discovered there in 1976.

“The experience acquired during the six previous epidemics of Ebola will contribute to the containing of this ill-

ness,” Kabange said.

Boende is the region where the World Health Organization said an outbreak of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis has killed 70 people in recent weeks.

The WHO said last week those deaths were not Ebolarelated, but WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl said by email Sunday that the information was the result of “miscommunication from the field.”

Hartl said on Twitter that samples tested at a national laboratory were positive for Ebola and that the results of confirmation tests from a labo-

ratory in Gabon would likely come back Monday.

He said it was possible the outbreak could be unrelated to the outbreak in West Africa, where a total of 2,615 infections and 1,427 deaths have been recorded in four countries -- Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Nigeria.

Djera, a collection of villages, is more than 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) from Congo’s capital, Kinshasa. It is more than 600 kilometers from the provincial capital, Mbandaka.

Kabange said Djera would be placed under quarantine.

DAILTY TIMES – AUGUST 25-31 2014

7

politics

Jonathan Is Surrounded

By Saboteurs –Gulak Ahmed Gulak is no stranger to controversy. He’s one who is ready to spit fire and fight any perceived political opponent.

During his stint as former political adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, he was known for his aggressive handling of real and perceived political opponents of the president. Recently in an interview with journalists, Gulak spoke on his race for Adamawa State House, zoning arrangement in the state and his stand with Jonathan after his removal from office.

By Ugochukwu Onyeocha

A

week ago you joined the line of aspirants for the governorship of Adamawa State. Why have you joined the race?

I would like to tell you that we have been in this game of politics for so long. I’m not just coming around the politics of Adamawa State.

After robust consultations with my people in the state who encouraged me to come out and contest the election, and if the majority of the people feel I will be the uniting factor in the state, then I should obey. That was what motivated me to throw my heart in the race so that within the PDP, I can offer myself since it is the wish of the people. Adamawa State has been brought to its knees by the past governor and we need an emancipator to bring it up and work extra hard to recover lost ground. Adamawa is one declining state where the issue of zoning resonates anytime there is election for the governorship.

Are you sure you are the favorite despite the clamour for zoning within the party?

The last governor was from the southern part of the state and I’m from the northern part of the state and I believe the people of Adamawa State are not particular about zoning. They are particular about somebody who can come to the state to give it accelerated development. That is what the people of Adamawa want.

It is not about zoning, they are looking for somebody who is sincere and committed. We in Adamawa were left far behind, underdeveloped

Gulak

It’s funny for them to say that President Jonathan should not offer himself for re-election. It is a different thing if you say you have the constitutional right to stand for re-election but I will not vote for you for 7 years where some states have achieved a lot in form of infrastructural development, human development. If you are talking about zoning, the last governor, Nyako, is from the southern zone and I’m not from the southern zone.

Recently, there was a rumour that the former presidential candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Nuhu Ribadu, is being persuaded by the leadership of the PDP and even the presidency to contest the First and foremost, I don’t believe that Nuhu Ribadu will jettison what he has been prophesying simply because he wants to be governor but if he is sure of his popularity, he can contest the election in whatever party. This is a man who contested presidential election in 2011 under defunct ACN, now in APC, as I speak to you today; Ribadu has not come out to say he wants to contest with PDP or APC. Everybody is watching

and as far as I’m concerned, he is welcome to PDP if he desires to depart from his party. Our doors are open, we are not just coming around as politicians. I don’t think there is anyone who has been in politics earlier than myself. Nuhu Ribadu just jumped into politics after his EFCC assignment.

Politics is something you grow within, it is not about you being in Abuja and you want to be governor. Yes, if you want to be governor, you have to test your popularity. We have been in this game since 1990s. As far as I’m concerned, Nuhu Ribadu like any other person, has constitutional right to contest the governorship of Adamawa State. If he wants to abandon his party, APC, he is welcome.

What we are saying is that the field is there, the people are there, it is the people who will decide who will govern them. The least you can give the

people of Adamawa State today is the right to make their own choices. Adamawa people of 2014 is different from the people of 2011 when the then federal government imposed Nyako on us and we have seen the result. He did not contest the primaries, the then leadership of the party for whatever reasons imposed Nyako on PDP. He never aspired to be governor of Adamawa State from PDP. What are the chances of the PDP in view of the rising profile of the APC in the NorthEast?

I don’t think the profile of the APC is rising. On the contrary, it is declining. Who are the APC people? When Nyako left PDP and joined APC, most of them in the APC like Engr Gundiri, Buba Marwa joined the PDP. Now, another political heavyweight in APC, Ali Modu Sheriff, is leaving for the PDP. I can’t see why you said that the APC profile is rising. Gradually, the space is closing up on them; people are leaving APC for PDP. As a former speaker of Adamawa House of Assembly, do you still have contacts and structure on ground to contest the state governorship?

From my own understanding, I’m not talking because I’m interested. I’m talking out of experience; out of practical interaction. I have not seen a candidate who can beat me in a free and fair contest either in the PDP or at the general election. We have been on ten assignments in the past one and half years and we are sure CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

AUGUST 25-31 2014 DAILTY TIMES

8

politics

Ribadu’s Defection:

Nuhu Eats His Words

By Ugochukwu Onyeocha

M

allam Nuhu Ribadu is surely not an ordinary Nigerian.

He remains the first and most visible Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and in all fairness and honesty to all, his regime as head of that body recorded so much success in the war against corruption. The mention of the name Ribadu meant a lot to politicians, businessmen and others who obtained wealth through corrupt means.

It is also on record that Ribadu at some point as head of the anti-graft agency collected a bribe of $15million from a certain James Onanefe Ibori, took the money to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and dumped it as evidence against the former Delta State governor.

That singular action many believe is the genesis of the myriad of problems that have plagued the former governor. Ibori would certainly not want to remember the day he chose to leave the shores of Nigeria in the bid to evade arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. That escape bid did not only cost him his freedom, it has turned him into a prisoner in far away United Kingdom.

The case that ultimately landed Ibori in jail was initiated by the then former Chairman of the EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. Ribadu also presided over the investigation of the case that made Lucky Igbinedion (another former governor) and many more an ex-convicts today.

Looking at the array of top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party whose Ribadu’s EFCC investigated and got convicted for corruption, he must have thought he would never take cover under the umbrella of the party that produced such men. This could be the reason why he decided to join the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria.

In December 2013, Ribadu, after seating down to reflect on the mass defection that rocked the ruling PDP was happy that he belonged to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a an interview with journalists in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, he said the reason Nigerians were defecting from the PDP to the APC was due to the public’s realisation that the ruling party was at war with them.

Ribadu had said, “Nigerians should not be deceived by the aspersions and mischief being promoted by the PDP leadership against the APC, calling it an old wine in a new bottle. What they are saying is not true, they are blinded by their desperation to cause confusion because of the wind of change currently blowing in the country.” He added that those who were defecting from the party were “leaving the failed party that has relegated their aspirations to the background to a party that will salvage them from the current lack-lustre gov-

rIBADU

ernment.”

However, as history has often taught us, words spoken hastily often end up haunting the speaker.

It has haunted a lot of prominent Nigerians including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Femi Fani-Kayode and most recently, Nuhu Ribadu.

Ribadu has united with the party he described as an unsuccessful political party. Were Ibori to be around, he (Ibori) would have probably joined the league of those that would welcome him to the party he once loathed.

In the party, the former presidential candidate is expected to rub shoulders with the likes of a former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who he also got convicted.

Today, the former governor who is one of the ‘godfathers’ of President Jonathan has received pardon from his former deputy who sits atop the affairs of the country.

If Ribadu wins the governorship election in his home state of Adamawa on the platform of the ruling party, he will join some of these men as members of the re-election campaign team of the President.

Those he also accused of corruption and are today occupying top positions either in the party or in elective positions are waiting for him. Fortunately, some of them are members of the National Executive Committee of the party, which is its highest decision-making organ.

One of such is the Governor-elect of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose. By virtue of the constitution of the party, Fayose is a member of the PDP NEC. He is currently undergoing trial for corruption, but his election has fuelled speculations that the anti-corruption agency would drop charges against him.

In his new party, Ribadu is also expected to rub minds with a former governor of Taraba State, Rev. Jolly Nyame, whom the Supreme Court said must face criminal trial over alleged stealing of N2.4bn while in office. The apex court, in making the order, dismissed an appeal brought by the former governor seeking to quash the 41-count of stealing and money laundering preferred against him by the EFCC. Nyame was a three-time governor in the state, starting from 1992 to1993 and 1999 to 2007.

Though he had left the ruling party for the Labour Party, a former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Joshua Dariye, is also making efforts to return. He had sent a letter to the national leadership of the PDP, asking that he be allowed to use the party’s platform to return to the Senate where he and other 108 members are making laws for the country. Dariye was among those who the EFCC on the watch of Ribadu investigated and indicted for corruption. He is still facing a sixcount for corruption at an Abuja High Court for allegedly embezzling the sum of N700m state funds.

It is also not clear if Ribadu would be at ease being under the same umbrella with the former governor of Enugu State, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, whose case for alleged corruption and money laundering is still pending. The exgovernor was indicted by the EFCC for allegedly stealing close to N6bn from the treasury of Enugu State. He was alleged to have bought several houses and invested in several businesses with the money.

Whether the new-found ideology of Ribadu would also tally with that of a former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Saminu Turaki, who was once declared wanted by the anti-graft commission, remains unclear. Specifically, Turaki was declared wanted by the EFCC in connection with an alleged N36bn fraud in May 2013.

“You are hereby commanded to arrest the said Ibrahim Saminu Turaki and bring him before the Federal High Court, Dutse, Jigawa State without delay,” the commission said while declaring him wanted.

Ribadu, who was described as a man who does not take bribe by a former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, will also meet other notable politicians whose corruption cases have been inconclusive for years under the Jonathan administration.

They include four former governors Gbenga Daniel, Adebayo Alao-Akala, Aliyu Akwe Doma, and Muhammed Danjuma Goje, for allegedly misappropriating N58bn, N25bn, N18bn and N12.8bn respectively.

Another politician Ribadu would have to associate with is the former governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu who Ribadu haunted and eventually arrested for grounding Abia State during his 8 year rule in the state. Not to forget that Ribadu also arrested and prosecuted the current governor of the same Abia State, Chief T.A Orji during his stint as Chief of Staff to Kalu.

It would be recalled that Orji won the election to be governor of Abia from detention thanks to Ribadu.

May be as a result of the reports he gets from the field, Ribadu himself has said he is aware how thorny his decision to defect and intermingle with his new political associates could be. He writes on his Facebook page “My good friends, I know how difficult it may be for you to come to terms with my defection to another party.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

DAILTY TIMES – AUGUST 25-31 2014

9

politics

‘Jonathan Is Surrounded By Saboteurs’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 of our stand.

How do you react to your unceremonious removal from office by the president?

My removal from office was not based on any offence; nobody invited me to answer questions in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the police. My leaving office was predicated on the fact that I have been there for seven years. I worked with the president from when he was vice president and I’m not expected to be political adviser forever. I played my roles and I can beat my chest that I played it creditably well.

In 2010, I came out to set up Goodluck Support Group, the pioneer voluntary organisation that went round the country to mobilise people for the president to offer himself for election and as a political adviser, I have done the job the best way I understood it. My job was to defend every political move; every policy of the government and I have taken on anybody who thinks the man is not good enough to be president. I have taken on anybody who showed signs to indicate that Jonathan should not stand election.

It’s funny for them to say that President Jonathan should not offer himself for re-election. It is a different thing if you say you have the constitutional right to stand for re-election but I will not vote for you. On no grounds should anyone say that he should not stand for election. I believe that this country belongs to all of us, irrespective of where you come from, your religion or language.

We are equal partners; no one is inferior. If some past presidents were elected for second term, why would somebody say the president should not run for a second term? I will not allow anyone to stand the constitution on its head. I have said it several times that this is the first president that means what he says. Our railways are working

again after 35-40 years. No president in the past had deemed it fit. This is the first president who exhumed the light rail. I have said that there is no alternative to President Jonathan in 2015 and people have come to confront me asking why I had to make such statement. Some government officials, even in federal government also asked why I made the statement.

Are you saying there are saboteurs around the president?

I said we have moved round the country and have found out that there is no alternative to President Jonathan. If a government official walks up to me and asks, “Why did you make that statement?” To me, I will say he is a saboteur, he doesn’t like the man. If he is really selfless and sincere, he wouldn’t have confronted me. But that is by the way. I remain focused; always standing for continuity, unity of this country. There is no alternative to President Jonathan. The country should rally round him.

There are insinuations that should Nuhu Ribadu accede to calls from PDP stakeholders to dump his APC, he would be offered an automatic ticket. How true is this?

There is nothing like automatic ticket in our party. Some people are just having wishful thinking. The constitution is clear about it; nothing like automatic ticket in the PDP under President Goodluck Jonathan. You know they will say what they think; this is a man who believes in democracy. You think you are popular, go and test your popularity. President Jonathan is not giving automatic ticket to anybody. Even when he was a sitting president, he did not get automatic ticket, he slugged it out with Atiku that time. Quote me, the least you can give to Adamawa people today after Nyako is the constitutional right to make their own choice in the party and the general elections.

What will you do differently from Nyako should you become governor?

No, don’t compare me with Nyako. I object to it vehemently. Nyako is the highest mistake of democracy in Nigeria. Please, when we are talking, don’t compare me with Nyako. He is a disappointment to himself, his family and democracy. At his age, having attained the position he attained in Nigeria; he was chief of naval staff, deputy chief of defence staff, he was a governor in 1976, military governor though he was removed that time too. You people will not appreciate the anger in the minds of the people of Adamawa State until you visit the state.

For the past seven years, Adamawa State has been run around and you are asking what I will do differently. This is an insult. Nyako has run away, his son is on the run, his brothers are on the run, the people of Adamawa are after them.

The acting governor has just come and he met debt on the ground and there is nothing to show for the money.

Gulak

Anything short of that is gross injustice and God will not forgive whoever is involved.

There is insinuation that the PDP in your state does not want a Christian governor and this was why Nyako’s deputy was forced to resign The deputy governor was not forced to resign.

I have been following the turn of events. The chairman of the party is a Christian. You cannot divorce the government from the party. The chairman of the PDP in Adamawa today is Chief Joel Madaki, a Christian and he is our leader, we all respect him, we all support him. What I’m telling you is that irrespective of your religion, the party is for everyone. If you are popular within the party, test your popularity. That is the position of the constitution.

The acting governor has hired 50 aides.

Would you not say this is also on the high side?

If you compare the acting governor’s 50 aides with Nyako’s 6000, you will know that the former is being reasonable. Nyako was just a bull in a China shop but it took us extra work to get him out. Adamawa people are heaving a sigh of relief. As somebody from Adamawa State who has been on the political terrain since the 90s, I know our people; I know what they want. An average Adamawa man wants unity but as it is now, Nyako has created mutual suspicion; you don’t trust your neighbour. The immediate problem is bringing the people together; both the Muslims and the Christians, over 25 tribes. Bring them together, let them have a sense of belonging; let them run the government; let the state be their own. That had been what has been going for me.

Ribadu’s Defection: Nuhu Eats His Vomit CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 But I must assure you that it’s a carefully considered decision for which I do not wish to hurt anyone’s feeling. I’ll not embark on a needless animosity with my good friends, irrespective of political, religious, regional and ethnic affiliations.

Let me quickly make it known that I did not issue a statement disparaging APC and its members, including Governors Amaechi, Kwankwaso. These were clearly fabricated, expected backlash, by mischievous characters interested in misleading the public and drawing a picture of non-existent feuds between me and my good friends.

My defection shouldn’t be seen as an initiation of political antagonism with my good friends in another party. I still hold them in high esteem, and even where there are marked differences, I believe there are decorous and honorable ways of

resolving them. So, kindly disregard any statement said to be by me attacking the personality of any politician since my defection. I’ll never allow myself to be drawn into such disrespectful exchange.

As for my next step in this political struggle, this would be made known in due time. For now, I wish to assure you that my defection is in pursuit of a good cause, and never out of any selfish interests as portrayed by a section. Thanks for bearing with me on this decision, and for those who have been in solidarity with my struggles and still giving me the benefits of the doubt, I’m most grateful. I’ll never let you down on this new path. Thank you!”

The entry of Ribadu into the PDP has also generated lots of reactions among PDP faithful. While some persons welcome the move openly, others are wary of his position as regards their chances of getting the

ticket to represent the party in the forthcoming Adamawa State Governorship By-Election. However things play out with regards to who gets the ticket, Ribadu’s foray into the party will always be used as a point of reference from the ruling party and the opposition for a long time Not too long ago, a former Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Gulak while responding to rumours of a possible Ribadu defection to the PDP said, Ribadu is welcome to the ruling party since he has “decided to summersault and eat his vomits.”

For the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ribadu’s defection is another blow in its aspiration to sweep the entire nation come 2015.

The party could not hide its shock at the recent turn of events and has expressed its disappointment. The APC has been hit by series of un-

fortunate events and only bounced back a little with its victory in Osun.

In its farewell to the anti-corruption Czar, the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John OdigieOyegun told newsmen that Ribadu’s decision to join the ruling party was “a confirmation of the level to which our society has degenerated.”

He said, “For a man of that calibre to fall into that trap because of governorship position is disappointing.

There is no problem; we wish him luck.”

Ribadu has decided to join the PDP and that decision is his to make alone. While everyone is keen to see how his foray into the PDP would boost his career, it is instructive that other politicians learn how to make utterances in future as they could be forever haunted by their careless statements. For Ribadu, the truth remains that he has eaten his vomits.

rIBADU

AUGUST 25-31 2014 DAILTY TIMES

business

10

Ebola Virus Disease: A Time To Shut Our Borders

By Ugochukwu Onyeocha

P

atrick Sawyerr is certainly the most vilified African on the face of the earth today. Despite the fact that he is dead and most Africans were taught not to speak ill of the dead, the Liberian-American would always be remembered for being the one who transported the deadly Ebola Virus Disease into Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria. Despite the condemnations that have trailed his ill-fated entry into Nigeria amd inspite of his being aware of his state, the impact of that short and sudden visit has impacted Nigerians and Africa at large.

Today, the talk in Nigeria is no longer Boko Haram as it has been relegated to an unusual second position. The talk on the lips of Nigerians, Africans and the world at large is Ebola. It

is deadlier and kills faster than HIV/AIDS, according WHO report. A disease that was first observed in a remote village in Sudan and a river (called Ebola River) in the Democratic Republic of Congo around 1976, but was not given much attention but a little recognition, has now become the talk of the day and has been described as the fastest killer disease in the world today.

However, like Boko Haram and other forms of plagues that has come before it, the entry of the dreaded Ebola virus has had a sudden impact on the business and economic programme of Nigeria. Recently after a careful study of the possible impact of the Ebola virus on the Nigerian economy, many analysts have come up to state that the country may lose a whopping $2 billion or N324 billion in the first quarter of its entrance to Lagos by late Patrick Sawyer of LiberianAmerican origin.

Bismarck Rewane, chief executive officer of Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) Limited, “the sectors that will

be impacted the most in Nigeria are Aviation, Hospitality and Tourism, Trade, Medical and Agriculture. Analysing these sectors’ contribution to GDP shows that Nigeria may lose about $2 billion in the first quarter of the outbreak. The chance of the out-break going into a second quarter is very slim; which could extend the loss to $3.5 billion”.

Whilst a small part of the Nigerian economy is already benefiting from the Ebola scare such as shop owners selling sanitizers, a larger part is experiencing losses, he said.

Further findings have revealed that the Ebola virus has hit more sectors than most Nigerians can imagine. For instance, in the aviation industry, where air transport was 0.09 percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2014 and the second most used means of transportation after road, several airlines including Arik Air, Asky, British Air-ways and Emirates have suspended flight operations to and from any of the Ebola affected coun-

tries.

Saudi Arabia also suspended giving out visas to Muslim pilgrims from West African countries. Serious screening for Ebola has also begun at several international airports before passengers are allowed to board an airplane. We expect revenues in the aviation sector to plunge downwards, which would affect both the airlines and the support industry (handling companies, oil marketers, and catering, duty free shops,

among others).

In the Hospitality and Tourism industry, preliminary information shows that many hotel and airline bookings in Lagos have been cancelled by in-bound travellers due to Ebola scare. This is not surprising since India and Greece have openly advised their citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Nigeria and other Ebola-affected countries. It is estimated that restaurant visits in Lagos have already declined by 50 percent.

The Accommodation and Food Services sector was approximately one percent of total GDP in the first quarter of 2014.

This amount is not negligible considering the importance that restaurants play in the lives of many working-class Nigerians. In addition, a direct implication of the low turnout to social events is a decline in the events management business.

In Lagos Island for instance where majority of the workers

DAILTY TIMES – AUGUST 25-31 2014

11

business

Ebola Virus Disease: A Time To Shut Our Borders there turn up for work without having breakfast at home, investigations carried out by Daily Times Nigeria shows that many persons now prefer snacks in private eateries ahead of the local buka or canteens that was easily patronized.

When our correspondent spoke to a local food vendor close to the Headquarters of First Bank of Nigeria in Marina, she lamented a lull in business as many customers now fear to sit beside other customers when buying food. Some have adopted a more careful approach of coming with their food flasks while others have stayed away completely.

The virus is expected to hit trade even more adversely. In the first quarter of 2014, trade contributed 17.35 percent to Nigeria’s GDP. Trade and investment flows are critical to the external sector of this vibrant country and the West African region. The region enjoys almost a custom union with common external tariff and movement of visitors without visas. Since movement of people is restricted in and out of the affected regions, fewer goods will be equally transported. Air transportation is very critical to trade.

Road transportation between states have already begun to witness a lull in business as many intending travellers as well as drivers are being careful in travelling as anyone could be infected in the bus.

For a driver with Abia Line Transport Company in Festac Town, Mr. Lucky Raphael, Ebola has heightened so much tension in the country and has already started affecting local transportation.

He narrated that previously, he used to make four trips weekly before the deadly virus hit town but now he has to make do with two or three trips over the refusal of many passengers to travel since all passengers are not screened before they travel.

A recent visit to the popular Seme border in Lagos revealed that the fear of Ebola is indeed the beginning of wisdom for traders and officials who daily move in and out of the country.

When our correspondent paid a visit to the place, businessmen and other traders in the area were skeptical on transacting business in the area.

A motorcycle operator named Iroko lamented over the drop in business to the cor-

respondent. He said “I no dey carry people anyhow to cross border again and I no dey attempt to carry anybody wey no be Nigerian. Infact, sometimes sef, I no dey carry pass three people in a day as me sef no wan catch that wicked disease”. He said.

The same could be said to be the reaction of cab operators, hawkers and other business persons at the border. Even some other international businessmen who buy goods from other West African nations are now wary of making business trips outside the nation while some have suspended any further business deals for the mean time.

The scare of the disease has also affected air travel inside and outside the country hence a reduction in the number of international flights. This literally means a reduction in international trade flows. Domestic trade is also likely to be negatively affected significantly if the disease spreads.

Also, agriculture which contributed 19.65 percent to GDP in the first quarter of 2014 will be affected. There will be a decline in sales of several animals, even when they have not been linked to Ebola. Farmers or hunters living in areas where there is co-mingling of animals connected to Ebola will reduce their exploits. The hunter’s association in Nigeria has already complained about a slowdown in business due to experts’ directive that people should abstain from consuming bush meat. Other meat sellers may also witness a reduction in patronage if the disease spreads further. In addition, in a bid to prevent illegal movement of Ebola-linked corpses across states, there will be many stops at checkpoints.

This is expected to affect the time taken to deliver agricultural goods.

The Food, Beverage and Tobacco (FBT) that contributed 4.85 percent to GDP in the first quarter of 2014 will be affected as well. Demand for these kinds of goods is increasing as people are stocking up in case a state of emergency is declared if the Ebola disease spreads further. This will lead to an immediate increase in revenues for sellers of these commodity items. However, over time, the market for consumer goods will decline as people boycott social events and ceremonies.

The breweries and distilleries

industry will be affected due to a decline in drinks, especially for spirits. This will result to a loss in revenues and de-cline in profits in the medium to long term.

Funeral parlours are not left out. The government has advised against burial ceremonies and visits to mortuaries since coming in contact with an infected dead body is the easiest way to contract the disease.

Hence, undertakers should see a slowdown in business.

For some undertakers, the ban on transporting corpses is taking its toll on them as some of them have already begun to experience a lull in business.

It is however expected that sectors like Petroleum, Telecommunications and Power will

not be affected by the outbreak of Ebola.

Despite the huge losses and the negative impact of the dreaded virus on businesses in the country, many Nigerians are still of the opinion that the government should close our borders to nations that have cases of the virus in order to checkmate the spread of the disease. Some have said that the first duty of the government is to guarantee the safety of its citizens at all costs and Nigerian government must ensure that its citizens are safe.

Nigeria has lots of borders with many of them in porous conditions and so it is necessary that the government closes them to checkmate the flow of things that are transported into

the country. For some proponents of the need to close the border, the closing of the border is needful considering the influx of smuggled goods and weapons into the country.

They have said that the government must borrow a leaf from Ghana and Ivory Coast which has closed its borders to affected countries despite the economic risks on them. The Nigerian government however has maintained that it would not close its borders but has tightened its position on what goods that would be permitted into the country.

A visit to the border by Daily Times Nigeria revealed that livestock animals were no longer permitted into the country and all forms of bush-meat were

destroyed upon location. Also, it was noticed that customs officials were working in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies towards the success of the various intervention strategies aimed at preventing the spread of the deadly disease.

Part of the strategies include the deployment of personnel to man and screen travellers at the country’s various entry points and the closure of all illegal entry points. Another critical strategy is the sensitisation of Nigerians about the disease and how to avoid its further spread as well as the ban placed on the sale and consumption of bats and bush meats by some state governments across the country.

AUGUST 25-31 2014 DAILTY TIMES

12

relationships

‘Help! My Spouse Might Be Looking Else Where’

By Ngozi Ndubisi

Hi My name is Rebecca and I am 32 years old.

I do not understand my husband any more.

Before we married, he ws all lovey-dovey but now, he can barely be civil to me. What has happened to us and I feel he has met some young girl. Please help me!

I

receive lots of mails, but when I get 4-5 mails from one person within a week, I see it as urgent. So we shall treat Rebecca’s question for help today.

Most times I hear women say “Until we pour sand and no other woman pours with me, then only will I know that am the only wife. Other than that, no matter how much he says it I do not believe him.” Then they will cite examples of good believable noble men that left a great mess after their deaths, because the wife was not told about the other lady.

When there is a case of a husband’s wondering eyes, the other lady is always ever to blame.

What about yourself, have you

taken a critical look at you and be exonerated form all wrong doings?

If you have and you are ok with yourself in your eyes, look at you again, through my eyes or through The most common mistakes we make as women and are paying for it one way or the other: That Men’s Needs Are Wholly Physical This is an overflag stereotype: Men have emotional needs that no amount of sex can fill. At that point what they desire and crave the most is to be connected with their wives.

Your wifely support becomes the tonic they need when worn down from the stresses of life.

Because wives and the society have made intimacy synony-

mous with sex, the husbands are left starved in areas where the wife is most needed.

Wives Erroneously Believe They Hold the Keys to their husband’s Behaviour “The frustrating thing is women think when they keep in shape, remain sexually available, and are well-groomed, their husband’s wondering lust will be over!” My husband busted out over diner. I’ve heard women advice younger ladies as this is how they can keep their husbands at their side. So rather than seeing to other aspects that might affect their marriage bliss, wives spend lots of time, energy, money etc on the wrong issues and not seeing why their husbands are still not hppy with them, despite all they (wives) have sacrificed.

Seeing Solutions In Other Wives I consider myself extremely fortunate to have men who I can turn to and know they will tell me home truths. Many women compare their marriages with their friends and take advices that are detrimental to their own happiness. A woman once told a group of young wives how she sleeps with her husband for money and advised they did same. What works for A, might not very well work for B. Not Recognizing Your Blind Spots Not recognizing your “blind spots”, that is not being able to judge a situation or yourself clearly. Actually, you do not even want to accept the fact that you might be doing something

wrong.

Be matured enough to recognize and handle the things we do that contribute to stiffs in your relationship with your husbands.

So, which are you not doing or doing to contribute to the problems you are facing in your marriage? Are you Staving your husband some emotional love, denying him your support, not caring enough or not seeing your wrongs or taking bad advices or fashioning your home on faulty foundation.

It’s Time You Tell Yourself Some ‘Home Truths’ and Set Your Marriage Free and Have the Bliss You Deserve!

Let’s know your take on “What Should Every Married Woman Have By Age 40” Email: ngozindubisi2013@ yahoo.com

DAILTY TIMES – AUGUST 25-31 2014

health

13

“What is in place to take care of children with cerebral palsy? If you have a nineyear-old child who doesn’t walk or talk, how do you take them out?

Where are the social structures in place for them?

Cerebral Palsy Children: Who Is Thinking Of Them?

By Lara Adejoro

A

ccording to a Consultant Paediatrician and Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences at the University of Lagos, Professor Afolabi Lesi it is estimated that 5- 10 children per 1, 000 children given birth to, suffer from Cerebral Palsy (CP), a condition marked by impaired muscle coordination leading to impairment in other areas of their lives like movement and speech delivery, typically caused by damage to the brain before, during or after birth.

That Nonyelum Nweke adopted Zimuzo who turned 8 recently when she was 6 days old is not only rare but how she took up the uphill task of managing and caring for her even when she was diagnosed of CP at 5 months is encouraging.

She takes care of Zimuzo and 19 other children at her office located at 37B Bode Thomas Street; Surulere; Lagos State, where she provides information, counseling, respite, early intervention services, special education, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and advanced bio-mechanical rehabilitation therapy (ABR) to help improve the overall strength - so that the children can develop their movements in normal spontaneous ways.

Unarguably, the likes of Nonyelum who is the

founder of the Cerebral Palsy Center (CPC) is rare.

When Daily Times visited her office during one of her therapeutic sessions with the children, Nonyelum said, “I’m not the first to have a child with CP but the question is what did you do for other children at that time you are taking your child all over the world for management.”

With 20 children coming daily to the centre by 9am for treatment and management, she said there was nothing driving her but she was brought up to know no one is an islander on earth. “If you have an issue or a challenge and in the process of going through that challenge, you are not able to take along other people, then you’ve not succeeded. I don’t call it drive; I just know that something must be done.”

The CPC is a non-governmental organisation which started in February, 2010 to cater for children with CP with the hope that the children can live happily with their families and get help in achieving their potentials to become productive adults.

She funds the centre with the help of family, friends and loved ones. “The fund is a different thing. Some people are not doing much but they get funds. I just get funding from family and friends so far for four years now.”

Nweke lamented poor support from the government for children with disability in the chil-

dren.

“What is in place to take care of children with cerebral palsy? If you have a nine-year-old child who doesn’t walk or talk, how do you take them out? Where are the social structures in place for them? Is there any transport system for them?

Where are the social amenities to cater for them.

All over the world, when you have a child like this, the government takes care of them. But here, there is no information, there is no place to go and get information. So, when you meet people who claim they are working with children with disability, the question you should ask is, what exactly are you doing?”

Taking into account family, friends, experts and others involved in supporting those with cerebral palsy, it becomes obvious how this condition affects many thousands of lives.

“My daughter is only 8. People have been having CP 50 years ago. A child with CP now will become an adult in the next couple of years and they become a problem. There is no structure in place to manage any child with disability in the country,” Nweke said.

According to a Consultant Paediatrician and Dean quoted earlier, he said a recent statistics indicate that 700, 000 children suffer from CP in Nigeria. He said, between five and 10 children per 1, 000 as against the between two and four children per 1, 000 in the United States are sufferers.

Though, CP is classified into three spectrums: mild, moderate and severe, Lesi said, about 60 to 80 per cent of the cases in Nigeria would have seizures, intellectual disabilities and others.

Looking at the number of people who make a family in Nigeria, he noted that five people are often affected when a relation has cerebral palsy.

“So if 700, 000 people are affected, about 3.5 million people are directly affected including 1.4 million parents.”

The exact causes of most cases of CP are unknown, but many are the result of problems during pregnancy in which the brain is either damaged or doesn’t develop normally. This can be due to infections, maternal health problems, a genetic disorder, or something else that interferes with normal brain development. Problems during labour and delivery can cause CP in some cases, but this is the exception.

Premature babies, particularly those who weigh less than 3.3 pounds (1,510 grams) have a higher risk of CP than babies that are carried full-term, as are other low birth weight babies and multiple births, such as twins and triplets.

Brain damage in infancy or early childhood can also lead to CP. A baby or toddler might suffer this damage because of lead poisoning, bacterial meningitis, malnutrition, being shaken as an infant or being in a car accident while not properly restrained.

14

health

AUGUST 25-31 2014 DAILTY TIMES

Sodium Intake Linked To 1 In 10 Global Cardiovascular Deaths Annually

C

onsumption of sodium above 2g per day accounts for almost 1 in 10 cardiovascular deaths globally every year stated a new study by Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University in Medford, MA, which was recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

According to the findings from the study, sodium is an element that occurs naturally in most foods, such as table salt, milk, beets and celery. It is also added in high amounts to processed foods, including bread and processed meats.

Too much dietary sodium can increase blood pressure, and high blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke.

“However,” says Dr. Mozaffarian, “the effects of excess sodium intake on cardiovascular diseases globally by age,

sex, and nation had not been well established.”

The team’s findings were applied to current global rates of cardiovascular diseases, and they used this information to estimate how many deaths are caused by sodium intake above 2 g per day.

Results of the study revealed that the average worldwide sodium intake in 2010 was 3.95 g per day - almost double the daily recommendation set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

All worldwide regions had sodium intakes above the WHO recommendation. These ranged from 2.18 g per day in sub-Saharan Africa to 5.51 g per day in Central Asia.

This excess sodium intake was attributable to 1.65 million cardiovascular-related deaths worldwide - the equivalent to 1 in 10 deaths from cardiovascular causes.

The researchers found that 4 out of 5 global deaths attributable to excess sodium intake occurred in low- and middleincome countries.

Deadly Or Not, Protect Your Child From Virus

T

hese days, Ebola virus disease is everywhere, parents are now concerned about protecting their children even as most attend the summer classes. However, all you need do is go back to the basics of personal and environment hygiene.

Mostly, children get exposed to flu, strep throat, pink eye, stomach infection and cold. Here are some simple tips every parent must teach their children to prevent any virus, deadly or not.

• Wash hands frequently; for at least 20 seconds (sing the “Happy Birthday” song) — especially before eating and after going to the bathroom.

• Don’t share foods or drink from the same straw.

• Try not to touch your eyes or mouth without washing your hands.

• Don’t put things into your mouth, such as pencils or pens.

• Cough or sneeze into your shoulder (to prevent spread of viruses to others).

Remind your kids of these tips regularly. Creating these habits will go a long way in keeping them safe and healthy, no matter what is happening around you.

Ebola Virus Alert: 10 Ebola Sources To Be Weary About

By Rosemary Azubuike • The barbers apron: That piece of cloth soaks and transfers sweat by the hour. The security of your clipper is not good enough.

• Buttons of ATM machines: The pace of usage would make body fluid transfer a must.

• Trying out cloths, watches, hats, glasses, shoes, slippers before buying is a no, no for now. If you don’t know your size, don’t buy.

• Make-up kit: Women who share blushes and powder should stop right now.

• Toll gate staff: tactfully collect your tickets and change with as little or no contact as possible before they give you much more.

• Passing cell phones: No more “hold on, he is here, speak to him”. Its better you activate speaker phone or forget the issue.

• Banking halls and pens: “Can I use your pen, please?” “No sorry.”

• Waiters: You can bet that no hotel makes inter-customer contact bridged by hand sanitizing. Seconds after attending to God knows who, she serves you a cold sweating beer.

sports

DAILTY TIMES – AUGUST 25-31 2014

15

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup:

Young Germans Claim Crown, Defeat Nigeria 1-0

By Mu’Sodiq Adekunle

F

or the third time, Germany girls have overpowered the Nigeria Falconets, defeating them by 1-0 during an extra time display.

....Nigerians Players Shine

F

or Coach Peter Dedevbo, the opportunity is another chance to create a first impression as world champions, and put smiles on the faces of millions of football-crazy compatriots back home always hungry for laurels.

Dedevbo expects the experience and unity in his team to brush aside Nigeria in Montreal.

Tournament top scorer with seven goals, Asisat Oshoala, Osarenoma Igbinovia and defender Ugo Njoku were part of the Falconets squad that reached the semifinals at the last edi-

tion of the competition in Japan two years ago.

Highly experienced Uchechi Sunday top-scored with 10 goals in qualifying and she has been dubbed the tournament’s super sub having come on thrice from the bench to hit target.

She was part of the squad that reached the final in 2010 before playing at the senior women’s World Cup a year later in Germany.

But the majority of the squad is made up of players from the 2012 Flamingoes side: Ebere Okoye, Chiwendu Ihezuo, Jiroro Idike, Halimatu Ayinde, Sarah Nnodim, Yetunde Adeboyejo and Victoria Aidelomon.

Striker Ihezuo, also played at this year’s U-17 Women’s World Cup alongside Uchenna Kanu.

Dedevbo will also rely on the quick feet of the US-based Courtney Dike, who is representing Nigeria for the first time in a major tournament. She scored the competition’s fastest goal ever, when she hit target in the 18th

President Goodluck Jonathan’s Heroic Welcoming

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan assured members of the National U-20 women football team, the Falconets,

...Nigeria’s Weak Defensive, Midfield Tactics

A

nalysts have insisted that Nige tighten up its defense. It would be recalled that the Falconnets have usually got a goal against them in every match.

According to football analysts, it is important for Dedevbo to fortify his defence line as a means of stopping

the highly disciplined Germans, Strikers Pauline Bremer and Sara Daebritz have five goals apiece and could wreak havoc if not properly tamed.

Rita Nwadike, the woman, who scored Nigeria’s first ever goal at a FIFA Women’s World Cup, advises Dedevbo to strengthen his midfield for the crucial final encounter.

second of the group game against Korea Republic in Moncton. She also began the rout of Korea DPR on Wednesday, blasting home in less than two minutes.

Aside her early goals, Dike has added aggression and physicality to the Nigerian side. More importantly, she is a highly intelligent striker.

While Nigeria Falconets, who performed beautifully emerged second in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, France Clinched Third after beating Korea DPR 3-2 at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium.

It was an impressive and deserved win for Les Bleuettes, who just edged their Asian rivals amid a rush of second-half goals.

Nigeria’s Super Falconets on Sunday battled their German counterparts in the final of the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium in Canada.

The final was played around the 12am Nigerian time. If the Falconets emerge victorious, they will become the first African side to win a FIFAorganised tournament for women.

The team left Moncton on Thursday for Montreal. The match, which seems to be a replay of the 2010 edition of the competition, when the Germans defeated Nigeria 2-0 on home soil.

Before the final, Asisat Oshoala netted four goals and made two at the Moncton Stadium last Wednesday, as the Falconets ran riot against Korea DPR, winning 6-2, in the highest scoring semi-final ever seen at the U-20 Women’s World Cup to reach their second final of the competition. Courtney Dike and substitute Uchechi Sunday were the other scorers.

On its part, Germany overcame hard-fighting France 2-1 leaving the latter to battle for third place with Korea on Sunday.

The Falconets alongside Germany, USA and Brazil have attended every edition of the competition since inception 12 years ago but their best outing was in 2010, when they lost in the final to hosts Germany.

After failing to advance to the knockout stages at their first two attempts, they qualified for the quarterfinals in 2006 and 2008, but lost to Brazil and France respectively. After reaching the final four years ago, they made the semi-finals in 2012 but lost the third-place game to Japan 2-1 to finish fourth.

The ex-Falcons striker said, “Up front the Falconets are okay; the wingers and full-backs have been doing well, as well as the midfielders.

The coach can deploy two defensive midfielders to help fortify the defence.

“It’s not going to be an easy match for Nigeria because both sides are good but with determination our girls can conquer their opponents.”

that they would receive heroes’ welcome back home if they defeat Germany in the final of the FIFA Under-20 Women World Cup holding in Montreal, Canada.

According to a statement by the president’s Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, Jonathan, who is currently on a private visit to Germany, had a telephone chat with the Falconets at their base in Montreal at about 3.15 pm Nigerian time.

He spoke with the captain of the team, Patience Okaeme, top scorer, Asisat Oshoala, Assistant Captain, Deborah Okoye, Courtney Dike,

Uchechi Sunday, the delegation leader, Felix Anyansi Agwu, Head Coach, Peter Dedevbo and other members of his team.

He said, “You have done very well by getting to the final. I urge you to crown your efforts with ultimate victory tomorrow by playing with the greatest possible artistry, discipline, determination and patriotic zeal.

“I look forward to receiving you at the Presidential Villa with the winners’ trophy and you can be assured of the immense gratitude of the Federal Government and the very appreciative people of Nigeria,” President Jonathan told the girls and their handlers.

AUGUST 25-31 2014 DAILTY TIMES

16

sports

Perfect Start For Bayern Bayern Munich got the defence of their Bundesliga title off to a successful start with a 2-1 win over Wolfsburg in an entertaining encounter at the Allianz Arena on Friday night.

Thomas Muller put Bayern ahead before the interval with Arjen Robben adding a second just after the break.

Ivica Olic made things interesting shortly afterwards with a superb effort to reduce the deficit and Wolfsburg had chances to level.

However, they could not take advantage and Bayern, who also wasted opportunities to increase their lead, held on for the points.

Rooney, Toure Top Highest Paid EPL Players List

I

t is not doubtful that Barclays Premier League is one of the most widely watched league in the world. Using transfer records made available through Purely Football, MU’SODIQ ADEKUNLE writes about players with large figures rolling into their pockets.

The list in ascending order: 10) David Silva (Manchester City): Classy Manchester City playmaker David Silva earns £140k per week with his new five-year contract 9) Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal): New Arsenal winger Alexis Sanchez has also earns £140k a week.

8) Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea): formerly signed to Arsenal, then Barcelona and now Chelsea earns £150k per week at Stamford Bridge.

7) Diego Costa (Chelsea): Earning the same with fellow team mate Cesc Fabregas Diego also stands at £150k a week at Stamford Bridge.

6) Sergio Aguero (Manchester City): Clinical forward Sergio Aguero has penned a new five-year deal at Manchester City in the coming days, which is also worth £150k per week -making him the 6th highest earner.

5) Fernando Torres (Chelsea): It would be hard to argue that Chelsea have had good value out of their £175k a week investment in Fernando Torres, but the Spaniard ranks 5th regardless.

4) Eden Hazard (Chelsea): Chelsea had to beat off a host of other massive European clubs to secure the signing of Eden Hazard from Lille two years ago – so it should be no surprise that the Belgian ranks 4th on £185k per week.

3) Robin van Persie (Manchester United) Manchester United striker: Robin van Persie was lured to Old Trafford from divisional rivals Arsenal by the £200k per week wages on offer in Manchester.

2) Yaya Toure (Manchester City) Midfielder: Yaya Toure is still perhaps the biggest marquee signing to have been made byManchester City, with the Ivorian earning £200k a week at Eastlands and ranking 2nd on this list.

1) Wayne Rooney (Manchester United): Wayne Rooney has had a propensity for handing in transfer requests at Manchester United, but that hasn’t stopped his wage packet creeping up to an eye-watering £300k per week, making him comfortably the league’s highest paid player.

Bolt

Sets New 100m Indoors Best Time of 9.98sec

J

a m a i c a n sprint superstar Usain Bolt has set a new best time of 9.98sec for the rarely run 100m indoors at Warsaw’s national football stadium on Saturday.

The Olympic champion and world record holder (9.58s) eclipsed the previous best mark for the distance of 10.05 set by Namibian Frankie Fredericks in 1996.

The Warsaw stadium had its roof closed for the event.

Bolt, in action as preparation for Zurich’s Diamond League meeting next week, said: “Above all I wanted to get through this season without any injury as I’ve suffered enough over the past few years. !Over the next meetings starting with

Zurich I’m hoping to run ever quicker.”

Bolt received various gifts after his win over his compatriot Sheldon Mitchell and American Trell Kimmons, among them pictures of his 28th birthday celebrations in Warsaw on Thursday.

Bolt had only run his first 100m of the year in an exhibition race on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana beach on August 17 in a time of 10.6sec.

His last competitive individual appearance at the 100m came in Brussels last year while at last month’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow he was part of the victorious Jamaican 4x100m relay team.

Bolt will compete in his final Olympics in Rio in 2016 before calling time on his career in 2017 after the world championships.

Nanjing 2014: China Sweeps Table Tennis Gold Medals

C

hina completed a sweep of the table tennis gold medals by beating Japan 2-0 in the mixed international team event at Nanjing’s Wutaishan Sports Centre.

Women’s singles gold medallist Liu Gaoyang made light work of Miyu Kato (JPN) before men’s singles winner Fan Zhendong overcame Yuto Muramatsu (JPN) to render a third

match unnecessary.

“I’m not feeling well so I didn’t perform well in my singles match and lost it,” Kato said. “And [Liu’s] power, speed and reach gave her an advantage. We were putting our hope in the mixed doubles and hoping our teamwork could help.”

Liu beat her Japanese opponent 3-0 (11-3, 11-9, 11-9) but Fan then received a scare as he lost his first game against Muramatsu – whom he had already

beaten to take the men’s singles gold – and found himself 8-5 down in the second, prompting a timeout by China.

“Today the points lost were of my own doing,” Fan said. “I was relaxed at the start and everything went according to plan.

But losing the first game put me in a spot.”

On the timeout, he said: “We didn’t change much because the experience of the singles final had already taught us what

game plan to use. Maybe what it did more was calm me down and ready myself for a tiring match.”

He eventually triumphed 3-1 (10-12, 14-12, 11-5, 11-5). In the bronze medal match, Hong Kong, China beat surprise package Thailand 2-0.

Junior world number one Doo Hoi Kem (HKG) routed Tamolwan Khetkhuan (THA) 3-0 (11-4, 11-9, 11-5) before teammate Hung Ka Tak beat a tough Padasak Tanviriyavechakul (THA) 3-1 (8-11, 11-9, 11-9, 12-10).

It was Doo’s second medal of Nanjing 2014, following the silver she took in the women’s singles. “[This team medal] is more meaningful because we practised for a long time in Hong Kong,” she said. “The team event means more because there are two people and it also wasn’t easy for him [Hung]. He was under a lot of pressure.

“He played really well today. For him to survive the last game wasn’t easy,” added Doo.

DAILTY TIMES – AUGUST 25-31 2014

17

fashion spot Hey guys: Try the

short blazer combo!

By Aderonke Akinola

T

here is a myth that being a stylish man requires tremendous effort. The truth is, there are dozens of quicker and easier ways to look better, more stylish, all with a

minimum effort.

As you already know, the dapper look is becoming more fashionable these days. Lots of celebrities and actors wear dapper style looks.

Short blazer combo is one way to keep causal yet styl-

Get the anti-ebola glam

…Let’s do

jackets

By Judith Frank-Edet

T

You could wear jackets for casual, businesscasual and corporate looks.

he Anti-Ebola glam is simply covering

It works both in the office, with friends hang-

up to avoid skin contact. Having in

ing out or in the club. Whether it’s with a long

mind the don’ts to avoid contacting

gown, skirts or pants they all work perfectly

the disease like keeping away from

with jackets.

congested places, you will need to cover up

Think of hot and trendy styles like shrunken

your entire skin.

blazers, biker jackets, bolero jackets, Ankara

This is the time to use your long sleeves and

jackets and denim jackets for casual looks

jackets. Jackets are like a must have right

and suite jackets, tuxedo jackets ,classic

now. They are incredibly versatile and give

blazers for a corporate or semi corporate

you a chic and sophisticated personality.

look.

ish on that special date, gig, concert and family outings.

Although an unconventional style yet, capable of making heads turn in your direction.

AUGUST 25-31 2014 DAILTY TIMES

18

fashion spot

s e i r o s s e c c A ale

M

T

here is a myth that being a stylish man requires tremendous effort. The truth is, there are dozens of quicker and easier ways to look better, more stylish, all with a minimum effort.

As you already know, the dapper look is becoming more fashionable these days. Lots of celebrities and actors wear dapper style looks.

Short blazer combo is one way to keep causal yet stylish on that special date, gig, and concert and family outings.

Although an unconventional style yet, capable of making heads turn in your direction.

Here are some fashion tips for you. Dapper means to be a gentleman and looking smart and stylish. These tips are not expensive and are essential for every dapper looking man.

First of all, wear handkerchief folded in a pocket near the chest area, that’s a must have for every gentleman, then do not fasten all buttons of your suit (leave one unbuttoned at the bottom), pay attention to your ties length, as it should reach the belt; cuffs look best if they lean out of your suit jacket at about 5-6 mm.

Timepieces

A Man’s Watch: It has been argued that with all the electronic gadgets we surround ourselves with, the man’s watch as an accessory is becoming antiquated. If a man enjoys wearing a watch, he should have at least two in his wardrobe, one for sport and one for more formal occasions. The general rule is the simpler the watch, the more versatile and formal it is.

Digital watches with plastic bands are for sport while large timepieces with multiple moving hands, gauges and metal bands are for the office. The most formal watches are simple timepieces with a single set of hands and leather band.

Every guy should have a timepiece they can rely and fall back on when the situation arises. Whether you prefer a timeless and refined black/ brown leather strap or a durable and masculine stainless

steel bracelet, stick to a classic round face design and you won’t go far wrong. Consider buying an alternative warmweather strap at the same time.

Watches have been around for over 500 years, surviving wars and tech revolutions

Belts

This man’s style rule is easy to get right: If your pants have belt loops, wear a belt with them. You’ll want to have at least three men’s belts so you’ll have the right belts to wear with all of your clothing: a black leather belt to wear with black shoes; a brown leather belt to wear with brown shoes; and a casual belt either leather or cloth to wear with sporty shoes.

Choosing the size of your belt is easy; just choose one size larger than your pant size.

For example, if you wear size 36 pants, then choose a size 38 belt. If you are only going to start with one belt, get one that is versatile and will go with all your clothes. That means a simple leather strap, either black or dark brown, with a simple buckle. A belt will have a buckle with a silver stick one side that will have to fit through the holes on the other side of the belt once it goes all the way around you. A good belt fits in the middle hole. A new leather belt is generally pretty stiff and will feel uncomfortable for a day or so as it breaks in. Don’t give up on it - give it time to soften and conform to your waist.

Sunglasses

Cufflinks

If a man owns a French cuff shirt he needs cufflinks and/ or cuff knots. The number you need depends more on how flashy your cufflinks are instead of how many shirts actually need them (although a general guideline is two sets for every shirt that requires them). The logic here is that simple conservative cufflinks, such as plain silver or solid colored knots, draw little attention to themselves and create a positive but not deeply memorable impression. A set of Elvis cufflinks on the other hand are going to be remembered and are therefore limited in how often they can be worn.

It is advised you start your

the most stylish guys you know, there’s a strong chance they’re accessorizing this joint. But today a jeweled bracelet on a man is more of a fashion trend and not something recommended for the average guy. Here are four different types of bracelets that any man like you can rock from the beach to the office and everywhere in between.

Whatever your budget, whatever your style, we’ve got your wrists covered.

A deep, rich brown bit of leather on your wrist signals refined masculinity. Hints of leather are a great way to express your inner rebel without going overboard. If you’re considering wearing several bracelets on one arm for a stylishly accessorized look, a leather bracelet serves as a great anchor piece.

Wrapping some woven fabric around your wrist is a great way to bring some colour to the party.

The beaded bracelet is definitely having its moment. Once relegated to the arts and crafts activity area of summer camps, refined grown man versions of the beaded bracelet can be seen on the wrists of many even in suit.

collection with simple, timeless designs; once you have three or so sets of links and perhaps 6 inexpensive knots, then you can introduce a few fun cufflinks. Cufflinks, more than any other accessory a man can wear, stand out even when you try to hide them. A pair of cuff links can really tie your look together.

Men do not require cufflinks at work on day-to-day basis simple button-down shirts with buttoned cuffs are appropriate most of the time. Since cuff links are formal, it may contribute to an awkward work environment at the office, setting

some employees apart from others. In formal social settings, it is much more appropriate for men to wear cuff links without giving as much thought to event. During formal social events, like weddings, receptions, parties, men should feel at liberty to wear cuff links.

Bracelets

Generally speaking, bracelets are a tricky area for men. In many cultures around the world they once symbolized power and position. Think bracelets are for chicks? They are. But they’re for dudes too. In fact, if you take a look at the wrists of

Both metal and plastic eyeglass frames are durable and fashionable; just look for eyeglasses that complement your skin and eyes. If you have warm skin tone or brown eyes, gold metal frames and red or tortoiseshell plastic frames will suit you.

If you have cooler tones in your skin or blue eyes, silver metal frames and black or blue plastic eyeglass frames will be perfect for you. Choose eyeglass frames that fit correctly and are in scale with your face .The frames of your glasses should be as wide as your face.

As far as the shape goes, you’ll want to pick something that contrasts with the shape of your face. For example, if you have a square jaw and broad forehead, look for eyeglasses that have rounded edges.

Your sunglasses should be clean and compliment both your face and the situation you’ll be wearing them in. It is recommended that a man have at least two pairs of sunglasses in his wardrobe – a classic, quality pair for everyday use

that can be worn with either a suit or polo shirt and a cheaper, disposable pair that can be worn in situations where the likelihood of them never being seen again is high (boating on Lake Travis). If you are active in outdoor sports, you’ll at some point want to consider a pair of athletic wrap-around sunglasses. However, understand these sport sunglasses should not be worn with business attire.

Wallets and Money Clips Which wallet you choose depends on your needs. If you’re a frequent traveler, a billfold that is large enough for a passport, pen, and various other incidentals is handy.

A slim billfold that fits in the back pocket, however, is more suited for daily use. Just remember that if you have the space, you’ll fill it. Therefore the best way to avoid walking around with two inches of backside bulge is to own a wallet that doesn’t tolerate that type of expansion.

Consider what you need to carry regularly and choose a wallet that can hold it all: cash, a few credit cards, an identification card and maybe a few business cards. A thick wallet makes an asymmetrical bulge under your clothes. It looks like some sort of tumor, not stylish. A heavy wallet in one jacket pocket makes the whole thing sit slightly lopsided. Your shoulders will look uneven and a little hunched. You’ll use your wallet every day, so purchase leather men’s wallets, which are durable enough to stand up to that kind of wear. Using the same thick wallet day in and day out will eventually create faded creases in whatever pocket you use and in the shape of the wallet, shortening your clothes’ life spans. If leather wallets aren’t your style, a nylon wallet is a casual alternative.

If you prefer carrying cash, be sure to shop for men’s money clips. Some leather money clips include a card holder, too, which can be very helpful. Business card holders may come in materials to complement men’s money clips or wallets.

All these make you as a man look perfect any day anytime and create the confidence in you.

DAILTY TIMES – AUGUST 25-31 2014

19

metro (lagos)

By Lara Adejoro

S

hoe makers, popularly referred to as Aboki have become an essential part of Lagos, having existed for decades, offering immediate, convenient and home services to customers including the young, old, rich, poor, male or female.

Even in the most urban settings in Lagos, you are likely to come across the abokis making the rounds, carrying out their services which mostly involve polishing shoes, amending worn-out shoes, sewing torn parts of shoes or sewing same to fit customers and sewing the edges of sandals, slippers and shoes for durability.

The mobile shoe makers in Lagos begin the bustling for their daily bread as early as 6am trekking very long distances not minding the early morning cold or the scorching sun, some are even stationed at various bus-stops to render what they know how to do best. However, like in any other business, there are good and bad days.

Though some may see their trade as menial, have you ever stopped and wondered how much a shoe maker scraps off as earnings from this business?

Mohammed Abu, 26, is one of scores of mobile shoe makers you see at the nooks and crannies in Lagos state and other towns and cities across the country, making ends meet from this business, which many

Lagos mobile shoe makers and their lifestyle

may see as menial and tedious.

He treks with his box hitting it hard with a stick to attract customers who call out on him in the Ijaiye area of Ogba,

Lagos State where he says he makes not less than N30, 000 every week.

Abu, who hails from Sokoto state, said he came to Lagos in

search of greener pastures to earn a living and improve the lives of the loved ones he left behind in his home-town.

“It is believed that people

make it here in Lagos. I have seen people come back home to tell us the good things Lagos offers and how they make money than what we would make back home doing the same business,” Abu told Daily Times.

“Since I arrived here, I have been able to save some money, I also send money to my wife whenever I see anyone going home,” he added.

He said even though the business requires a lot of strength, he would continue to do it until he makes enough money to go into a less demanding and strenuous business that can bring him more money.

When asked how much he makes in a day from the business, he hesitated for some seconds, smiled and said in faint English: “I can make at least N1700 or more. Today, I have made N2000 and I eat with at most N800 in a day and the day is still bright. I will still have customers come to help to work for them, but I make up to N30,000 in a week, which I try to save so that I can invest in a bigger business and forget about the stress of walking around.”

“You know sometimes we

walk around in twos or threes but there is no problem because if Allah wishes, your customer will always be your customer.

“We have more customers in the early hours of the day because of people going to their offices, they will want to polish, sew or amend one thing or the other.”

Isa Ibrahim is another mobile shoe maker who was initially reluctant to share his experience but after much nudging, he said life for him would not have been easy if not for this business, “though it is strenuous but I have to work. When I started, I found it difficult trekking but with patience and encouragement from my brothers here, I continued and it is paying off now,” Ibrahim said.

He said, even though people despise the business, it is still a source of livelihood for him.

“At least, we see those who have shops who make shoes and collect big money. So, this is not the end, when I save plenty money, I can think of having my shop too.”

Shoe making is one of the many small businesses many Nigerians engage in, though strenuous, it is still a source of livelihood for them.

Life Under Lagos Bridges

By Joy Ekeke

L

agos is a dream city for millions of Nigerians, and its population soars as people from different states flocks the megacity in search of greener pasture sometimes real, sometimes mysterious.

Under the bridge is another place for business men and women, a commercial place for different kind of business activities, another exclusive intuition in discovering the basis of wealthcreation.

While speaking Timothy Ayo, he disclosed to Daily Times that, he makes his daily bread under the Oshodi bridge where he sells different kinds of female clothing.

“I make my daily bread under the bridge. I sell different kind of female cloths in the evening especially for those people coming back from work.

When I started the business, things

were hard because people around here are very difficult to deal with most especially the area boys known as touts.”

Another trader, John Udoka who sells rubber slipper along the Orile bridge said, business booms late at night especially for workers who are returning late.

“Some will stop by to buy clothes when returning from work and for those who close late; our service is favourable to them as most of the shop owners would have closed. I come here every day; I don’t have any other job but to put down my goods on the floor and starts shouting buy N200 Slippers 200 slippers going going….”

However, the bridges are not only serving as commercial places for the traders but for others, it is a place of aboard where they rest their heads after the day’s job despite the risks involved.

For such ones, there are several reasons for choosing to live in a place like that.

While speaking with a man who

simply preferred to be addressed as Taju, he said he has been living under the Ebute Ero Bridge for about eight months. He told Daily Times that he came to Lagos from his village in Kogi in search of greener pasture.

“I do not have anybody I could stay with in Lagos and I heard that Lagos is a place where you can make it if you are not lazy, that one will make it, that’s why I came. Although it has been very tough but, I am coping and with the wheel barrow pushing job I’m doing, I am able to feed myself and send some money to my family back in the village. I am also saving up so I will be able to get a place of my own,” he said.

However, some are not as fortunate.

Another person who declined anonymity told Daily Times his tale of woe; “I came to Lagos because people in my home town (Ondo state) said they are really making money in the megacity, so one day I decided to visit my aunty with the hope of looking for a

job but it was so unfortunate that since I came to Lagos I have not gotten a job.”

Explaining further he said, when things were not going on well with my aunty, I started working as a part time bus conductor at Ojuelgba, after some time my aunty had to move down to the village because she couldn’t cope with the difficulties of life. I couldn’t pay the house rent so I had to look for a place to stay and sleep because I don’t want to go back to my hometown so I chose to sleep under the bridge and since then it has become my home,” he said.

For Ahmed Yakubu, he came to Lagos to hustle but because things are very expensive and he cannot afford his house rent and cannot steal, he resorted to doing all kind of menial jobs from helping market women at Oyingbo to carry loads to their various shops which costs N50 per load to sweeping the market places just to earn a living.

“I came to Lagos to hustle but be-

cause things are very expensive and I can’t afford to pay house rent, I began doing any job that will fetch me some money since I can’t steal or beg. I have done all kinds of jobs, sometimes I help market women at Oyingbo to carry loads to their various shops and it cost N50 per load, I even sweep market places so I can earn a living.”

He added; “In spite of the stress, I still go back to Orile Bridge to sleep and think of the next day job. Living under the bridge has its problems too because, sometimes the area boys chase us out and sometimes they collect money from us to smoke cigarette or Marijuana. I eventually mingled with the areas boys and since then I started smoking marijuana, living my live the way it comes,” he said.

During the day, you find some touts and traders play different kinds of games like Ludo, gamble and their luck for LOTTO. Yow will also find some smoking cigarettes and even marijuana under these bridges.

AUGUST 25-31 2014 DAILTY TIMES

20

metro (abuja)

44 Joint: A Place Where Pleasure And Fisticuffs Meet

By Augustine Aminu

A

batcher is a m a k e s h i f t wooden and sinks structure which houses people or wares in slums in various parts of the country. They are common in the suburbs of Abuja and Nasarawa states. For instance, along Kabayi road, few metres off Sharp Corner junction in the heart of Mararaba Metropolis, in Nasarawa State, such structures exist. They house men and women, who apart from using the batchers as their living quarters also use the place to transact their businesses.

Popularly called ‘44 Joint’, the area is renowned for offering ‘pleasures’ from assorted local African drinks like jiko, a herbal root mixed with palm drink called kynkyn, which people believe to be alcoholic as well as medicinal. 44 Joint is also a place to savour assorted pepper soup made from dog, goat, bush meats as well as pork and fish.

The place covers a small area and derived its name from the initial 44 chains of independent drinking joints (made of wood and zinc materials), which kicked off the selling of local and international alcohol and non alcohol drinks including the eating of dog and pork meat barely two years ago in Nasarawa state, and has continued to record unprecedented increased patronage by people within and outside the FCT and Nasarawa state.

Apart from the patronage, the number of chains of shops in the place over the short period of its existence in the area has increased from the initial fortyfour to over fifty plus.

When Daily Times visited the place, many love seekers were seen in front of the various batchers (wooden beer palours) chatting with each other as they ate pepper soup and drank to keep the grove on.

Some sort of trading was also noticed in this place and money was changing hands from the selling of BKT (burukutu) (local beer), palm wine and also jiko, popular herbal roots mixed with

palm drink called kynkyn ( a brewed- like palm drink),which people believe is both alcoholic and medicinal.

While some of the traders there combined the business of selling drinks and pepper soup with other activities others involved in the sale of goat meat, dog meat, pork and bush meat as well as fish and other delicacies.

Like any other business, shops in 44 joint opens for business as early as 10 o’clock and close by 10pm in the evening every day except on Sundays, when shops open by 12 pm after

church service. But activities in the joint gets to the peak in the evening when workers closed from work. This is attributed to the fact that civil servants and casual workers constitute the greater percentage of the patronage.

Some of the shop owners told Daily Times that some of their counterparts who opened their shops to customers before the agreed time were often harassed by men of the Nigerian police who provide security in 44 joint.

Our reporters also gathered that for someone to open a joint or establish a new shop in 44, if

there was available space or if someone was leaving or wants to sell his or her shop to other people, the new owners must register with the authorities in the joint.

While a liter of BKT (local brew also called burukutu) goes for about N280 or N300; a bottle of stout sells for N220 to N250 whereas a bottle of Malt is sold at N120 respectively.

Like most joints, the problems of refusing to pay after consuming plates of pepper soup and gulping down drinks, leading to scuffles and other misdemeanors are common in

44 Joint.

Another problem of 44 Joint is the menace of women of easy virtue otherwise known as call girls or prostitutes, which has turned the place into a haven of sorts, where they ply their wares with careless abandon. It was understood that the commercial sex trade has also caused insecurity problems to residents who are overwhelmed with unwanted visitors to the area.

Incidents of theft have also been recorded as motor cycles, cars and personal belongings of people who visit the place are often stolen by miscreants who

aside from coming to drink in 44 Joint also indulge in criminal activities.

According to a shop owner simply called Daniel Istifanus, who is also a civil servant, most victims of the hoodlums in 44 Joint, are commercial motorcycle operators (okada riders), who visit the place mainly in the afternoon to cool off with a drink or two.

“Sometimes they (okada riders) come here with their bikes during the afternoon when most of their customers are at work and if they are not careful their motor bikes would be stolen by hoodlums, but we are working out a plan to provide them with security so that they will not stop coming”, he said.

He said when people drink and start fighting; the authorities in the place would invite the police to arrest the situation before it goes out of hand.

“There isn’t much harassment from the police because all the members of 44 Joint contribute N100 for police services, so there is regular patrol by the police but if they find you here in the early hours and you can’t identify yourself then they’ll pick you up until you are able to provide adequate explanation”, John B explained.

However, Daily Times gathered that to rent a shop in 44, on the average a double attached shop goes for N10, 000 while a single shop cost N5, 000 per annum.

A woman, identified as Mrs. Monica Samuel, who owns a club in the place said one way she handles the problem of some customers wanting to be served one thing or the other but unwilling to pay for the services sought for, is to refuse to attend to them.

“When people like that come in here, I will refuse to serve them but if it happens that I had served any person and there is refusal to pay, then we will call in the police who will pick them up; and it’s at the station that all will be settled”, she explained.

According to her, business at 44 Joint thrives more during the harmattan period than in the rainy season due to the bad road that becomes muddy when it rains making it difficult for customers to patronise them.

DAILTY TIMES – AUGUST 25-31 2014

21

people

Early fame and money made me a polygamist –Adebayo Salami

The journey to and from his house was plagued with un-tarred, waterlogged and dusty road. In this interview with Opeoluwani Akintayo, Adebayo Salami spoke like never before on his 50 years on stage celebration come December, his foray into acting, challenges, the challenges of the average actor with marketers and Africa Magic Yoruba, fractions and fights within the Yoruba movie industry and the role played by the government on the issues. Enjoy:

S

ir, this year, makes it your 50th year on stage, is it worth the while?

I ought to have celebrated it before now but it was shifted to December because we want all the logistics to be right.

Yes, it is worth my while because if you look back at the type of the training myself and colleagues in my age group received, you will agree with me that we have been in the game for long and we are still there except for those newcomers who don’t have the right training.

The problem of this country is that they want to start today and want to get there real fast, no, that’s not the way.

You have to start gradually. You can never compare those days to now because there are lots of improvement today. There is improvement in terms of wages, creativity and technology.

So would you say you made the right choice by going into theater?

If I hadn’t done theater, I would have become a lawyer. When I left school, I joined the Ministry of Federal Works And Housing. I was the Personal Assistant to the then Minister, Femi Okunu, he’s my god-father and wanted me to go further because he was a lawyer too.

I was 12 years old when I started acting so; I discovered that I had theater in my blood. So when I met myself in the industry, I discovered that its better I focused on something I had passion for and I was sure I would make something out of it in the future.

How did you get your parents to believe in you especially in those days when parents never wanted their children to go into acting?

It was tough because back in those days, parents didn’t reckon with people in theater. My parents subjected me to so many things, to the extent that they wanted to curse me with Quran. I ran out of the house and started sleeping around because I wanted to be an actor.

Especially where I come from which is Ilorin, you are expected to be either an Arabic scholar or a trader, and I was the eldest son. But thank God, today, nothing can be done in the house without Adebayo Salami.

What are the plans for your 50th

anniversary on stage celebration?

I want to go back to my foundation which is stage performance. We want to stage a play tilted, Oloko Oba. It’s one of the oldest films that made me popular in the 1970s. So I will be inviting some of those who have passed through me, to come together and stage it.

We are going to show a documentary on Adebayo Salami and the comment of the public, and I’m going to review my whole work in movie. It will be packaged and unveiled officially.

achieved it.

Have you reached out to corporate organizations for partnership and sponsorship?

Yes we have but no response yet.

But he doesn’t practice Law Initially, he practiced. I think the ethics of the profession doesn’t allow popular people to appear in court. So what he does is to practice in the bar, do the agreement and sends some of his colleagues to appear in court.

What kind of improvement would you like to see in the industry of today?

The only thing lacking in the industry today is discipline but it’s not peculiar to the industry alone, and it’s because of the kind of training parents give to their children these days.

Who was your role model when you started?

I would say baba Ogunde. He inspired me and was there for me. When I watched one of his programs in the 60s tilted, The Village Doctor, from there, my interest in acting developed.

So did you ever get to meet him?

Of course, we were very close before he died. There’s also Chief Ayinla.

You started acting early in life and so money and fame must have come so early for you; how were you able to handle women who came flocking around you?

That’s a very good question but unfortunately for me, I was unable to manage fame and money and that’s what led me into polygamy.

You have more than one wife, 15 graduates and two undergraduates.

It’s such a large family It’s by God’s grace that I’m able to go about the challenges of polygamy and a large family. It’s not usual in a polygamous setting to be peaceful as mine. One fact remains that I’ve had it in mind that, whatever it takes, all my children must be educated, and I’ve

Four of your children are in the movie industry, Femi for instance; wouldn’t you have preferred him to practice his profession as a Lawyer than taking after your profession?

I didn’t choose for them from the beginning. So when he finished and was called to bar in 2003, he called me and said he wanted to go into acting. So I asked if he wanted to drop his gown and wig totally, and he said no.

If you were asked to choose between being an actor, producer and a director, which do you enjoy the most?

I love everything but I love to interpret scripts more because an actor interprets his role better. So, I love to interpret both my role and my scripts.

Was there an instance when you thought you’d made the wrong choice by going into acting?

No, there wasn’t an occasion when I felt I’d made the wrong choice of profession. But there was a time I wanted to get out of it

GSM so we communicated through telegram. But I don’t want to think about those challenges anymore because God has blessed me and helped me overcome those challenges.

What made me want to quit was in 1983 when Mama Mero died. It was Ojo Ladipo who first died, after which I took up the leadership of the group. So when his wife died seven years later, I decided to quit. I called my family to contribute money for me to start trading. When Baba Ogunde heard what I wanted to do, he sent for me and told me that he’d seen that I had a future in the profession and that I shouldn’t give up. That was how I went back into it.

Because you weren’t making enough money?

No, not because I wasn’t making enough money. Initially, I didn’t think about the money. I wanted people to appreciate my work first. Any time we showed our movies at the theater, I didn’t think about how much the box office is making out of it. What I do is to put people in the audience to listen to comments because that’s what I wanted.

I had spiritual challenges, disappointment from people you least expected, and when we were doing traveling theater, our vehicles would break down on the road and we would sleep inside the bushes because we go as far So how much are you worth now as Maiduguri, Sokoto, Yola, Onitsha, in terms of featuring in a movie?

Warri and everywhere yet, I still created Whoever wants to invite me now, time for my family. Then, there was no

especially the young ones, I don’t really charge them because I want them to grow. But for those who have been in the game, I charge them and they know my worth too. But one thing is that, I don’t say no to a good production because it adds to my worth, no matter how much they offer me.

What will you say about the nonchalant attitude of some to Yoruba movie practitioners?

They look at us like illiterates because some of us don’t have university education. But whenever the theater students of the university want to do their IT, universities refer them to us for the practical aspect! In the whole world, your certificate isn’t required to give you a movie role but your talent and creativity is.

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

AUGUST 25-31 2014 DAILTY TIMES

22

people

Jos, Nigeria’s Pride

By Frama Panyi

N

igeria is a vast geographical stretch that is richly blessed with scores of natural resources, such as crude oil, lina, tin, columbite, coal, limestone, natural gas, ore, niobium and many more.

These resources are found abundantly at little or no cost all across the 36 states of the federation and Abuja.

Some of them could even be found on the surface of the soil.

Plateau state is one of the 36 states.

It is located in North Central Nigeria.

Popularly known as “The home of Peace and Tourism”, the state stands out to be a priceless possession to the country, ostensibly because of its richness in Tourism, food production and a very clement weather; a weather almost similar to temperate climate experienced in Europe and America. The state’s tourist sites attract both national and international attention.

Plateau State was created out of the then Benue state on February 3, 1976 by the regime of the late Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed.

The state’s name was derived from a mountainous area in the northern part of the state with captivating rock for-

mations. Plateau State comprises of 17 local government areas which was further divided into chiefdoms and emirates. The State is inhabited by over forty ethno-linguistic groups.

Jos, the capital of Plateau State has lots of tourist attractions, in addition to almost a year –round temperate climate. As a matter of fact, Jos’ weather seems to be the most conducive weather in Nigeria. It reads between 20 to 27 degrees centigrade almost the year round.

For the tourists from other countries of the world where the weather is cool, it is a favorable one.

Jos has eleven tourist sites which is a combination of waterfalls, zoos, and wild Life Parks, and museum, Game Reserve combined with natural resources such as cassiterite, barites, kaolin, columbite, tin, gemstone, galena quartz, and feldspar. The area also can boast of the largest agricultural produce of potatoes in the whole Nigeria. All these make Jos the envy of other states; because no other state possesses all these natural beauty and rich attractions.

Some of the tourist sites include the Riyom rock formation located along Jos-Akwanga road. This rock is one of nature’s most spectacular rock formations. Nature has already created its

boundary using the rock even before the state was created.

Shere Hills is one of Plateau’s highest peak and rugged, which offers unrivalled opportunities to the mountain climbers and lovers of adventures. It is about 10 kilometres out of Jos vicinity.

Jos serves as a citizenship and leadership training centre. It is on record that Shere Hills had in the past served as a training field for the Nigerian Military.

The Assop falls is also one of the major attractions. It sits on a green vegetation, top of a mid – attitude tidge on the slope of the Jos – Kagoro road, about 70km away from Jos. The vegetation comprises of gallery forest surrounded by grassland. The Assop fall is the most notable of Nigeria’s many waterfalls. It is a popular spot for picnicking, swimming and even serves as a scene for people shooting soap operas and movies.

Wase Rock is a notable topographic feature of 800 foot and 250 – metre high hill, which rises above the savannah. It is a rock climber’s haven. It is a striking dome-shaped inselberg which juts out of the ground. It is one of the only five breeding places for the white pelican in Africa. It is located about 216 kilometres south west of Wase town.

The museum of Nigeria Traditional Architecture (MOTNA) is a museum where traditional architecture is collected. One can find life-size replicas of variety of buildings, from the walls of kano and mosque of zaria to a tiv village. Also articles of interest from colonial times relating to the rail way, tin mining can be found on display.

The Kurra falls is another lovely site which resulted from the tin mining in the area. It’s an area of high magnificent scenery some 77 kilometers south west of Jos. Its location is the state’s first hydro-electric power station. It is a beautiful area of rock hills, lakes ideal for boatry, camping and rock climbing with available tourist accommodation.

The Kerang highlands are located 88 kilometres from Jos. These beautiful volcanic mountains hills are the source of natural mountain spring water which supplies Nigeria with its first bottled water, the popular spring water company (SWAN).

Jos Museum is Nigeria’s first museum and it’s situated at the foot of a tree covered by Granite Mountains named ‘Coronation Hill’. It has accumulation of Terra Cotta sculptures of the famous NOK culture as its most distinguished attribute. It was founded in 1952 and recognized as one of the best in the country.

Jos zoo is located, beside the museum. It has good stock of animals, ornamental birds and reptiles and was established in 1957. Apart from the Jos zoo, there is also the Wild Life Park.

The Wild Life Park is unique for its rare exotic collections. The park is hosted on the hill, 1, 345 meters above sea level being the highest point east of Jos. Panyam fish farm is located in Mangu local government area about 60 kilometers south –east Jos. The farm is ideal for sport fishing. It is manmade and its products are sold at cheap prices. .

Pandam Game Reserve is a wild life sanctuary. It has crocodiles and snakes of all types. Local park rangers track local game on foot and guide people to the best viewing areas. It offers sport fishing facilities and tourist accommodation is available.

For some years now, Jos has come under bouts of religious and terrorist attacks, a sad development that has attempted to dent the image of its safety status. Yet this has no way stopped people from visiting the state. With security stepped up in the capital and its environs by the Nigerian Military, Jos can be said to be very safe for tourists.

DAILTY TIMES – AUGUST 25-31 2014

23

arts & culture

ORO: When Kings die…

By Desola Akindele

L

ately, two (2) kings died in the south western part of Nigeria; Lagos to be précised. The kings of Ikeja and Ikorodu simultaneously answered the clarion call of their forefathers.

Now they are part of the gods. A sad period in the time, the Iroko has fallen.

Like the Yoruba’s would say ‘Oba waja’. The successiveness of these deaths had left a sour taste. The panic that spread around at the news of the deaths of these prominent kings still leaves frightening marks. On social media there was the broadcast of doom, warning people of no movement around certain times or in this vicinity due to the activities that would surround the burial of these kings.

Due to fear economic activities were suspended, school children didn’t go to school, those that went to work closed earlier than the stipulated time. A female resident at Itamaga in Ikorodu, said though she does not believe the festivity requires human sacrifice, she is of the opinion that civilization has caught up with the barbarism of keeping people indoors unnecessarily. “You can imagine a festival that compels everyone to remain indoors even during the working days of the week,” she added.

What’s the fuss? Some ridiculous messages talked about the number of human heads that is required for the burial of the demised kings. Those were some of the information flying around during this mourning period. The questions that tingle in curious minds were, what does the dead or spirits have to do with human

heads, why the sudden curfew, why the awry feeling that suddenly ravaged the city on the announcement? This is Africa!

When someone dies in Africa, there are different rites that must be performed. It is believed in some quarters that if these rites are not performed it could spell doom for such families or environment. It is also believed that it could mean the person would not be allowed a passage to meet his or her forefathers. But when a king dies, it is a different ball game entirely. We would explore the myths behind this some other day.

In the south-west of Nigeria, when a king dies, it is time to bring out the ORO. For instance, in the case of Ikeja and Ikorodu district. The Oro festival was conducted one of the final rites for the kings. Although in Ikorodu the festival is celebrated twice a year; the first time in the month of April and the other in the month of May. With the death of a prominent person like the king, there is always an exception. The word Oro means fierceness, tempest, or provocation, and Oro himself appears to be personified executive power. Oro festival, an ageless traditional festivity done annually in many Yoruba community is observed to ward off evils and sickness in the society.

According to old folklores, Oro is supposed to haunt the forest in the neighborhood of towns, and he makes his approach known by a strange, whirring, roaring noise. As soon as this is heard, all women must shut themselves up in their houses, and refrain from looking out on pain of death. The voice of Oro is produced by whirling round and round a thin strip of wood, some

21/2 inches broad, 12 inches long, and tapering at both ends, which is fastened to a stick by a long string. It is, in fact, the instrument known to English boys as the “bull-roarer”. No women may see the “bullroarer” and live, and all women are obliged, under pain of death, to say that they believe Oro to be a powerful “Orisa”, and to act up to that belief.

The Oro is manipulated by the Ogboni Society. Criminals condemned to death are sometimes given to Oro, in which case they are ordinarily never seen again, but their clothes are shown entangled in the branches of a lofty tree, where Oro is said to have left them when flying through the air. In such a case Oro is said to have devoured the bodies. Sometimes, however, the headless corpse of the criminal is discovered in the forest on the outskirts of the town, but nobody is allowed to bury it.

Unlike Egungun, Oro only appears on his feast-days, or, to

use the native expression, when a town has an Oro-day. The voice of Oro heard from morning to night and all women are closely confined to their houses, while Oro himself, in a long robe hung with shells, and a wooden mask painted white, with the lips smeared with blood, parades the town with a numerous following.

In Ondo, there is an annual festival for Oro, called “Oro Doko”.

It lasts for three lunar months, and every ninth day women are obliged to remain within their houses from daybreak till noon, while the men parade the streets, whirling the bull-roarer, dancing, singing and beating drums and killing all stray dogs and fowls, on which they afterwards feast.

Just as Egungun is now used for social purposes, and to preserve order in private life, so is Oro used for political purposes, to preserve order in the community at large. For example if there has been a high case of robbery in an area, the Oro can be brought out

to prevent further occurrences in the area. Yet, from the analogy of other peoples, and from the fact that it is death for a woman to see the instrument which produces the voice of Oro, there can be no doubt that originally Oro was the spirit that presided at the celebration of male mysteries, such as are found among the Kurnai of Australia, and he has perhaps been diverted from his proper purpose by the influence of the Ogboni.

Little wonder residents in Lagos State have voiced their discontents to the frequent outings of the Oro. It is like there is no control over this so called “spirit”. Their discontent was based on the insinuations that human sacrifice is involved in the celebration and the injunction that female members of the community have to remain indoors whenever the festival is observed. In some people’s opinion, it is high time traditionalists put things in proper perspective by recognizing that

Lagos State has strategic importance to socio-economic development of the country.

However, a traditionalist, who resides in Ikorodu, Lagos State said anyone advocating for the stoppage of Oro festival is ignorant of the importance of the festival to the survival of the people living in the town, adding that Oro is an age-old custom that is observed to ward off evil presence in the community. He said: “there is no possibility of stopping it because the evil it will bring cannot be justified by any reason”.

The people however are advocating for modernisation such that the festival is only observed at night. Of what use is a festival that people cannot attend and that bring total fear of death. We must just give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, who are we to question the gods.

If you don’t believe this sacred tradition, come out to see the next ORO, when a King dies.

technology

AUGUST 25-31 2014 DAILTY TIMES

24

The Craze For

By Yakubu Salisu

Smart Phones Top Nine Signs To Know You’re a Smart Phone Addict

W

hen the administration of the then president, Olusegun Obasanjo introduced GSM service in Nigeria, the crave for the new technology became a craze. At a point, the GSM acronym became General Street Madness. As more Nigerians began to have access to the mobile technology, the crave began to dwindle. However, when the smart phone was introduced to the Nigerian market, there came a new addiction to this gadget. Daily Times reports on the current trend on smart phones and some of its negative effects on man.

“I have become an addict. I don’t think I would survive a day without my smart phone.”

Those were the words of Uche when asked about her addiction to smart phone.

She continues, “Imagine a day without your smart phone?

Some of us would wish a day like that never comes.”

Like Uche, the smart phone has become a status symbol gadget in Nigeria as it has been turned into an indicator for measuring class status. Apart from its widespread use among business executives, political office holders and a number of celebrities in the country, some young Nigerian ladies have become so addicted to the use of the device that a minute parting with the gadget seems like dis-

According to an online blog, laptopmag the following signs are indication that you are a smart phone addict

bile phone is to make or receive

membering them.

Thought to have million subscribers around the world, there is an ongoing craze about smart phone users around the world.

Nigerians are not left out of these craze.

Experts say Facebook and twitter fuel addiction to smart phone.

Most people in Nigeria dream to have a smart phone.

It means different thing to different people; while some is for show off, others connect to social network sites such as facebook, twitter, Badoo for professional reasons while for a larger proportion of people, it is to create a class for themselves To an average man, a mo-

calls.

Undoubtedly, the features of the smart phone cannot but attract anyone who has come across it. The major purpose is to be in constant communications with friends, be up to date in music, fashions, movies etc and to socialize.

Smart phones allows one to stay in touch with all that is important to you while you are on the move. Some smart phones actually consist of sophisticated software that gives wide range of services such as phones, organizers, maps, internet, games, media player, camera and other applications.

Uche says jokingly, “If you come across most Nigerian girls the first time the first she will ask is can you afford me an android phone? If the girl already has one she will ask you do you have a smart phone. If yes, here is my Pin we talk later.”

Indeed, chatting and flirting on smart phones has become common trend to smart phone users in Nigeria.

Spotting someone operating a smart phone and smiling, laughing, giggling or having their eyes glued to their phones irrespective of what they are doing

is common sight in major towns and cities in Nigeria. You see them in commercial motorcycles pinging, while driving or walking along the road. The resultant disadvantage is always fatal; road accidents, distraction at work; domestic accidents as well as being an attraction to robbers.

Investigation shows that smart phone has begun to intrude on private moments of most users, with most teenagers admitting to using their device in the toilet.

Majority of adult users also confessed to the same habit.

Despite the expensive nature of the phones and its services, the smart phones seem to be everywhere. “Personally, I cannot buy any other phone because the smart phone has all the features I need for communicating with people from around the world and my home. It is just awesome,” Michael Idoko said.

Quoting from a study, carried out by New Jersey’s Rutgers University School, Daily mail online Says smart phone is fuelling a rise in email and internet addiction, with sufferers being able to survive only a few minutes without checking for new mail.

1. After a cross-country flight you wait for all your new messages to download before you alert loved ones you’re still alive.

2. You try to use smart phone keyboard shortcuts in Outlook. (No, you can’t hit the space bar to type “@”) 3. You think the iPhone would be much better if it only had a physical keyboard– and a trackball smackdab in the middle of the touch screen.

4. Your smart phone keeps you regular.

Go to the bathroom without it and you’d have to “push” on your own.

5. You joined Facebook just so you could try smart phone app. (No friends? The “I have a smart phone, I’m out of your league” group has 4,409 members.)

6. You’ve learned to drive with your knees.

7. Five or more consecutive vibrating alerts are on par with an orgasm.

8. You swap service outage stories with other “victims.”

9. You’re reading this on your smart phone

EFFECT

D

r. Joe Moskowitz the director of the Center for Family and Community Health in the School of Public Health at the University of California at Berkeley in a research paper presentation warns that “Children, adolescents, young adults and especially pregnant women should take precaution and avoid keeping the cell phone close to their reproductive organs, in addition to their heads. These are the parts of the body that are highly sensitive to radiation. This is a wakeup call for those who tend to leave cell phones in their front pocket.”

Disrupt sleep: With 24-hour internet service,

the smart phone device will vibrate or ring any time, when there is incoming e-mail and short messages. All the time smart phone users will be playing it, including when it was already in bed, it vibrate and ring. Quite often too, users sensitive with smart phone vibrating easily rouse from sleep to open an incoming message. The habit of bringing smart phone to bed eventually disrupt quality sleep and this subsequently have a negative impact on the person’s physical and mental health.

A study revealed that smart phone users who have a habit of playing it before bed are susceptible to insomnia, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Research conducted Uppsala University in Sweden, added that mobile phone radiation can interfere with sleep activity.

Trigger anxiety: Having such a smart mobile phone is fun for some people. With the smart phone, the activity of exchanging emails, chatting, surfing the internet are conducted simultaneously, anytime anywhere. Many others rely on it for business. Studies carried out at the MIT’s Sloan School of Management in 2007 revealed that the users of smart phones establish a culture of stress in the workplace. 24-hour internet facility in reliable smart cell phones disrupt workers’ leisure time. Duties and matters pertaining to employment can be presented at any time, including when on vacation.

Debilitating brain: Behind the convenience provided, smart phone users are at risk of weakening the power of concentration. Character who can make the user perform a number of

things at the same time (multitasking) tend to make a person difficult to absorb the information because its focus is easy to switch from one thing to another.

“As a multitasker, their brains are flooded with too much information, as a result they are no longer selective for sorting out important information quickly,” said Dr. David W. Goodman, director of Psychological Disorder Center in Maryland, Baltimore.

For that, he advised users not to activate the smart phone’s internet network for 24 hours.

“Create a schedule to open the email, for example once every hour, or two hours,” Goodman said. “Do not make yourself a slave of smart phone vibrating or ringing.”

DAILTY TIMES – AUGUST 25-31 2014

25

early beginings

I remembered the Daily Times in Broad Street

By Tunji Makanjuola

I

had met one of the Nigerian Directors, Sir Adeyemo Alakija, who told me that newspapers in Nigeria had their problems and difficulties to say the least.

“I know also that the Daily Times was controlled from Liverpool, but that one of the directors, Alfred E. Weston, lived in Brighton. I thought we had better met.

“However, there were other matters in which I was involved. “I was working on a ‘dummy’ for

a seven-column Daily Mirror.

“Negotiations were in hand for the purchase of “Reveille”, acquired on Friday, July 14th, 1947.

On Sunday, July 6th “Bart” told me I was to run the new paper and have a seat on the Board.

“I mentioned all this merely to show that there were unavoidable delays in my contacting Freddie Weston, and it was not until Thursday, August 4th, that we at last met.

“It was, as events have since proved, a memorable meeting for many hundreds of people. It was of great benefit to the “Mirror” organization and I like to think to the Daily Times of Nigeria

and, indeed, Nigeria itself.

“We met in the lower bar at Simsons in the Strand, a very the bush and I have no finesse.

Would your people sell the Daily Times?

“Weston was equally forthright, ‘I think so,’ he said. ‘It will depend on the price.

“There is a note in my diary’. “lunch with Weston of W. A. £30 to £35,000”. I cannot now recall what was eventually paid, but no doubt, the figures are in ledgers somewhere.

“Negotiations followed. There is a brief mention in my diary for Tuesday October 14th– ‘Lunch with R.B. Paul and Weston’. Weston and

I lunched at Ciro’s on October 22nd.

“On Thursday, December 18th, Harry Guy Bartholomew was in Liverpool to finalize the negotiations, and my diary records laconically, ‘West African Newspapers Ltd. Bought – made a director.

“A consideration of the sale – one which turned out to be of great advantage to the Daily Mirror – was that A. E. Weston should remain a director of the company.

“Freddie Weston has received too little credit CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

26

early beginings

AUGUST 25-31 2014 DAILTY TIMES

I remembered the Daily Times in Broad Street

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 for the part he played. I had the good fortune to work closely with him in the early formative days, and I know what a splendid job he did.

“He appreciated every difficulty. He never lost his temper.

He sympathized, condoled, cajoled.

“He was firm with the unruly, patient with the bureaucrats of the Government, helpful to all, wise, understanding, and strong.

“The Company – and certainly in those first months, I personally – owe him a great debt. I was very much a “new boy”. Impatient, accustomed to the slick operation of the “Mirror”. Lacking understanding of the many, many problems that beset one and all as the real fight began-the fight to make the “Daily Times” the most important and influential paper, not only in Nigeria, but in all West Africa.

“That fight has been won, handsomely and commandingly.

“The paper will eventually be the most important in all Africa. “There was, in those early days, much to be done.

“The premises in Broad Street were pathetically inadequate.

“Let me say this. The men who worked there, African and European alike, but chiefly the Africans, performed miracles (there is no other word) everyday in bringing out the paper.

“They were wonderful.

“There were two ancient Linotype machines, an aged flat-bed printing press. The “brasses” were strips of cardboard. The forms were wedged firm, not screwed. The forms, when complete, had to be lifted, carried three or four feet down two steps, four or five more feet, dropped onto the flat-bed.

“Then the printing started. A slow, slow process that lasted for hours before the last copy of the 7.000 circulation was printed.

“To a journalist used to the

modern offices of the ‘Mirror” and earlier the “Mail”, “Express” and “Herald”, as I had been, it was nightly and experience of great apprehension, excitement, and wonder.

“I had nothing but the utmost admiration for the skill and improvisation of the men who produced the paper in such conditions.

“We needed land, a rotary press, more linos, a process department, etc. “The priority was LAND. “Living in orange house, Tinubu Square, Lagos was the family of the late Mr. John Augustus Otunba Payne. The house was set in a large garden, with stables and out-houses. We learned that some of the land might be available for renting, and approached the family.

“A. E. Weston and Duncan Campbell were most courteously received by Mrs. Otunba Payne, by her daughter Dorothy and two of her sons, Bruce and George. The third, Harry, were in England. “Yes, they were not unwilling to rent some of the land.

“Mr. Otunba Payne had died intestate. He had been murdered in his home many years earlier and, no doubt expecting to live for many years, had not made a will.

“Therefore, all the family had to sign any documents dealing with the property. “there were many meetings on the upper verandah of Orange house. Freddie Weston, through hours of talks ranging over a wide variety of subjects, gradually came to an agreement with Mrs. Otunba Payne, Dorothy and Bruce. Weston met harry in London and obtained his consent.

“George was the stumbling block. He wanted different terms from the others, but would not make clear what those terms were.

“Weston’s patience never flagged, his good humour never failed.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

DAILTY TIMES – AUGUST 25-31 2014

early beginings

I remembered the Daily Times in Broad Street “I joined him in his visits.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

We drank (no hardship) many glasses of champagne, for the hospitality at Orange House was at all times generous and friendly, and we talked and talked. “George held out. It transpired that he wanted 10 years rent in advance. The family wanted a yearly income. It was stalemate.

“Weston and I had almost given up hope. One final last effort was to be made.

“It was Saturday, May 1st, 1948. We met again about 8o’clock in the evening in our usual seats on the verandah we had come to know so well.

“There had been a compromise we were told. Four of the family wanted the yearly payments, George wanted his share of ten years rent in advance.

“So what was the compromise, we asked? “If we agreed, they said, could there be a payment of five years in advance?

“There certainly could. After all the months of negotiations, the hours and hours of talks, success for all was achieved. A great moment.

“The lease was signed George still mumbling “ten years like a sad refrain. “For Weston, it was a richly deserved victory a triumph of good humor, patient kindness and diplomacy.

“Mrs. Otunba Payne said we must drink to our friendship ad a new bond between us we toasted each other and the lease in champagne.

“Then happen a rear moment that was touching and rather wonderful. The Otunba Payne are a devout Christian family with a firm belief afterlife.

“With her glass in her hand, Dorothy move to an open window and locked out in to the black darkness of garden heavy with the scene of flower after a savage shower.

“ In a voice warm with gratitude she say tank you, father for helping us she could not go on for tears ; slowly she tipped her glass and pour out the rest of her drink in he garden – a libration – a thank offering to the spirit of her father.

“Now Mrs. Otunba Payne move forwarded and took her place beside her daughter “She to look in to the night.

Silent, she called to her husband. Then she spoke also that the leaving might hear. Thank you Mrs. Otunba Payne for all you have don for us. You are always a good husband to me when you were alive. And since you died you have never failed and counsel and comfort me”. “She tipped her glass the wine ran out- token of gratitude. “Weston immediately moved to her side.

“May we” he said, “have honor to join you in this ceremony?

“The eyes of Mrs. Otunba Payne and Dorothy lit up. They were clearly touch by, and happy on the suggestion.

“Weston went up right to the window and said thank you Mr. Otunba Payne” and poured out the drink and rest of us followed suite.

“Shortly afterward Weston and I went as we walk down the garden path to our car, we were both silent, feeling, I imagine that there was still a presence in the garden, some body watching us somebody content.

“There followed the shipping out from England of the first rotary printing press to the west coast; an entire new department; more linos and other necessary machinery.

“The Daily Times circulation begins to climb. “I forecast, at the time, that with the steadily increasing population and the equally steady growth of illiteracy, there would be a circulation of 4,000,000 in the future. England and Nigeria have similar populations and the Daily Mirror” sells nearly

5,000,000 copies a day what can be done in England, can be don in Nigeria.

“To my regret my close association in Nigeria will soon end. “I have reviled” which was climbing to it 5,000,000 sales and a little later the Scottish daily record” in Glasgow.

These and other Daily Mirror and I.P.C activities took up al my time and my visit to Lagos almost ceased.

“I like to think I left a growing, healthy newspaper infant behind, an infant which has grown in to a vigorous adult helping to guild Nigeria’s destiny.

“Cecile king now took charge from the London end, and of our Nigeria enterprise, and the followed development in Ghana (then the gold coast) and sierra lone “Details of the event after Mr. Suffern’s visit and the eventual acquisition of the time by the Daily Mirror cannot all be told in this book. It is enough to say that by 1950, the style of management of the Daily Mirror was already in evidence in Nigeria. The Daily Times already looking like the Daily Mirror in style and circulation was leaping by the thousands.

27

AUGUST 25-31 2014 DAILTY TIMES

28

opinion

We need inter-faith and bi-partisan support to stop Boko Haram

T

he disputed famous quote sometime attributed to Irish philosopher Edmund Burke (1729-1797) states that “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”

This past week witnessed more wanton killings by terrorists. There were more bombings in the three northern states of Kano, Borno and Kaduna.

While I was practising law in America, I represented many Muslims. In fact, some of my major cases involved non-Christians. I found that my Muslim clients were not concerned with my religious predilections. The only time I believe I may have lost a client was when the son of a former African Head of State was on trial for murder/genocide and the Islamic group that was going to pay the bill, felt “more comfortable” with another lawyer. I thought my Trinidad connection could have got me the case, since the defendant’s mother was Trinidadian like the mother of three of my three sons.

During one particular case that involved Algerians and Moroccans, I was hosted royally in Casablanca and Dubai by my Muslim clients. They were very accepting and were not perturbed in any way that I was a lawyer and Pastor. Several friends of mine are Muslims and it has never been a problem between us because I understood them just like they knew who I really was.

Of course, I have heard the argument by Christians that “you should not be unequally yoked” with unbelievers, based on Paul’s command to the church in Corinth (2 Cor. 6:14). The hermeneutics of that passage is the subject of another day.

Nonetheless, when I received an invitation last month to visit Kaduna to check out an NGO/Community Center, I did not hesitate. A mutual Muslim Professor Colleague and friend made the connection. Interestingly, the friend that made the connection was also a client once upon a time and a family friend for over

two decades.

There were people from the south that had concerns about my visiting “the turbulent north.” Interestingly, when I arrived, I asked my taxi driver about the recent violence in Kaduna and he dismissed my concerns by saying that it is only in far-away villages.

The next day started uneventful. I lectured in the first and second class with mostly Muslim students, including women in hijab. It was only about the time of the fourth class that the explosions that killed several people happened. The Center I was visiting was in-between the two bomb blasts. After I was driven back to my room and during the ensuing 24-hour curfew, I had some pensive moments. My host, Hon. Muhammad Ali, whose constituency was damaged by the second bomb blast that targeted the former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), had engaged me in a conversation about people learning about one another’s culture/religion as a panacea to stereotypes and hate crimes. I told him that is one of the intended benefits of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC). He lamented that it was no longer the case as many people now “lobby” to be posted or re-posted to locations

Let’s Think & Talk

By Alex O. Atawa Akpodiete

of their choice. I recall with fond memory my own belated youth service, which was as a

mature adult after my sojourn in America.

Before my flight back to

Delta, I decided it was a good idea to pay a condolence visit to Gen. Buhari. I was taken aback by the man’s humility. The statuesque figure I saw in the only living room in the house, was impressive even in his simplicity. I was also surprised that there was no ostentatious display of opulence or luxury cars. He later entered a simple old Red Range Rover and was followed by one of my favorite cars – an old Peugeot 504. My brief interaction with Gen. Buhari left me with the impression that the man is very misunderstood, partly because he is media shy and does not know the effect of the fourth tier of the realm.

When Hon. Muhammad Ali and I were talking, I realised that to really solve this insurgency problems, we need interfaith initiatives. Christians and Muslims are being killed on a weekly basis. A pastor friend of mine, who pastors a church in Kaduna, also escaped being killed that same day. We sometimes need to be reminded that death is no respecter of religion or party alliance. That is why I was happy that the PDP leadership, including President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, condemned the attempted assassination of Gen. Buhari, an APC stalwart.

Rev. (Prof.0 Alex Atawa Akpodiete with Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.) when he paid a condolence visit to the former Head of State

On a flight back from Abuja to Warri, I was privileged to be on the plane with the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor. When we disembarked and finished discussing the importance of Christians being involved in politics, I commended him for his statement that was published in Vanguard newspaper that very day. The great Man of God had said, “The attack, coming almost at the climax of the holy month of Ramadan is a clear indication of the perpetrators’ inclination to evil and disregard for the true God and all that are linked to him.” The fact that not only Gen. Buhari, but also an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was involved buttresses the point of Papa Ayo. Another sobering quote by Burke’s in his 1770 publication, Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents, is appropriate here.

“When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.”

If we take a cue from other climes, we will understand that security is everyone’s business, no matter the party or religious affiliation. Probably at the beginning, some may have naively thought they were immune or that the hideous monster could be tamed politically. We are wiser now and know that these terrorists have some sophisticated weaponry, coupled with international support. So any true Nigerian will rise up so that we can collectively kill Boko Haram before they kill us all.

I will close with another variant of Burke’s quote. It is the 1867 address at the University of St. Andrew by John Stuart Mill that aptly cautions us that “Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.” Let both Christians and Muslims act together, instead of folding our hands and blaming one another.

Reverend Akpodiete is a public affairs analyst and an aspirant for Udu/Ughelli Federal Constituency in Delta State.

Contact Telephone: 08138391661 Email: Profatawa@gmail. com,